Stories from Wednesday, April 24, 2002

After reading the April 17 paper, I sure hope they don't cut back on our police officers. We need every officer we have and more. If some of you would get involved and see what's going on in town, you would stand behind our officers and help clean up this mess. ...

SIKESTON - Contributions to the Missouri Delta Community hospital fund Thursday reached $69,000 in the climb toward attainment of the goal of $75,000. SIKESTON - This is the year of the Diamond for the Bank of Sikeston and in observance of the 75th anniversary of the bank, its officials are emphasizing their invitation to the public to come in, get acquainted and visit the beautiful banking quarters in downtown Sikeston...

EAST PRAIRIE - Shirley Brack, 65, died at 7:11 p.m. April 23, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

GIDEON - Eula Lee Parker, 82, died April 23, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 22, 1919, in Parma, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Lillie Mae Soullenger Humphrey. She is survived by one sister, Helen Henson of Gideon; and several nieces and nephews...

MOREHOUSE - James Harrison Cornell, 92, died April 16, 2002, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. A retired time-study analyst at Himmelberger-Harrison, he was active in New Madrid County politics and was a former mayor of Morehouse. Also he was a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows and Eastern Star...

LILBOURN - William Johnson, 69, died April 21, 2002, at his home. Born Jan. 12, 1933, in Baltimore, Md., son of Goldie Harvey Davis of Baltimore and the late William C. Johnson, he was of the Baptist belief and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a foreman for American Smelter for 20 years and a supervisor for Mayflower Moving and Storage for 15 years...

I suspect were it not for the media, primarily television, public protest groups would dry up and blow away. The idea of gathering like-minded folk to protest against one thing or another seems symbolic and silly at the same time. I appreciate a good rally as much as the next guy but many of these protesters are almost professional in their strong beliefs for or against a host of issues. Many too, I suspect, have not a clue about their cause...

MOREHOUSE - Not everyone is familiar with the red brick building at the corner of Beech and Carrol streets or what goes on inside. And according to those at Morehouse kindergarten, they have no idea what they're missing. "I like the teachers," said Madalyn Chidester about the kindergarten. ...

Kiwanis Club members Kenny Yates, George Parker and Don Pratt prepare bacon for the club's annual Pancake Day Tuesday at the Sikeston Elks Lodge. Over 1,000 people attended the pancake day with all of the proceeds going to support local youth projects...

CHARLESTON - The Southeast Correctional Center's first inmate death appears to have been a natural one. According to a news advisory from the state prison, Samuel Crump, 54, died at 7:55 a.m. Friday at Missouri Delta Medical Center, apparently of natural causes following a lengthy illness...

BENTON - Scott County commissioners will research prices to make sure the sole bid is reasonable before making their decision on the contract to renovate the courthouse's heating, venting and air conditioning system. Scott County officials were surprised during Tuesday's county commission when Bridger Plumbing and Heating Company's bid of $22,557 turned out to be the only one returned of the five bid packets picked up by vendors. ...

KENNETT -- Sikeston's tennis team ran its record to 6-1 on Tuesday, sweeping Kennett 9-0. In varsity singles, top 'Dog Stephen Pobst blanked Kennett's Carter Carter 8-0. In the No. 2 slot, Adam Hahs defeated Kennett's Zach LaRock 8-1. Ryne Vickery got a Victory against Kennett's Kyle Rogers, winning 8-2. At No. 4, Peter Jones handled Kennett's Brandon Burcham 8-2. Freshman Marc Le...

KENNETT - The Sikeston boys and girls 8th grade track and field teams competed in the Kennett Invitational on Monday. The boys team finished with 115 points to finish in second place while the girls team captured first place with 125 points. Poplar Bluff's boys team took first with 134 points. Others were Malden (3rd, 70 points), Kennett (4th, 41 points), New Madrid County Central (5th, 20 points), Dexter (6th, 14 points) and Charleston (7th, 8 points)...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Dexter Bearcats baseball team picked up another huge SEMO Conference win with a 5-2, extra innings victory against Cape Central on Tuesday. The Bearcats scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning to pull out the win. Eric Bowling provided the game-winning hit, driving in Cody Boyer with a single to go ahead 3-2...

CHAFFEE -- The 2002 Red Devils Baseball Classic and Lady Devils Softball Classic have been rescheduled for this weekend at Chaffee. The two tournaments were to be played last weekend, but were postponed due to rain. Along with the new dates also comes a new look for both tournaments. In the baseball tournament, New Madrid County Central and Senath-Hornersville were replaced with Woodland and Notre Dame...

NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County Central's softball team added two more wins to its undefeated record on Tuesday, sweeping Caruthersville in a doubleheader. "It was a beautiful day to play ball," said NMCC coach Steve Rogers. "We got everybody in and got both of our pitchers some work. It was good to get two wins under our belt."...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Sikeston Bulldogs baseball team posted its most impressive victory of the year with a dominating 12-0 win against Notre Dame on Tuesday. The Bulldogs pounded out 17 hits and limited Notre Dame to just four base runners total. "I think this is the best game we've played all year," said Sikeston head coach Kevin Self. "We had up and down the lineup hitting, good defense, good pitching -- plus we did it on the road against a quality opponent."...