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Local public school admins urge Parson to veto omnibus education bill due to funding concerns (4/26/24)By J.C. Reeves~Southeast MissourianA 150-plus page education bill that has passed through the state House of Representatives and Senate has local public school administrators urging Gov. Mike Parson to veto it. Concerns surrounding Senate Bill 727 — which evolved from a 12-page bill into the multifaceted legislation it is — include a $25 million expansion of private school tax credits, establishment of a charter school in Boone County that some administrators fear will lead to charter school expansion around the state and increased teacher salaries with no apparent mandate to increase funding for schools to cover the added costs.
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Families unaware as MoDOT discontinues ‘Adopt-A-Highway’ program (4/26/24)By Gina Williams~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Missouri Department of Transformation’s Adopt-A-Highway program is in the process of being discontinued and will be replaced by a new program. According to Taylor Brune, assistant communications director at MoDOT’s Central Office in Jefferson City, Missouri, the decision to make the transition was made public during the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting on April 3. ...
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Jackson man accused of stealing from area youth football fund (4/26/24)Southeast MissourianThe former president and treasurer of the Jackson Area Youth Football foundation faces charges claiming he stole more than $25,000 from the organization over a two-year period. Police said Timothy E. Smith admitted to giving a loan from JAYF to a woman who had lost her job and got behind on her bills...
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City field trip (4/26/24)Gina Williams/Standard DemocratThe Christian Academy students in kindergarten, first and second grades took a field trip on Friday, April 26 to tour Sikeston City Hall and view up close and personal the city’s fire truck and equipment.
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Registration for Sikeston summer day camps begins (4/26/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratSIKESTON — As summer approaches and the school year ends, Sikeston will offer a variety of summer day camps for children. Sikeston Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation’s, or DAEOC, new center, Malone Park Center for the Arts, will host a summer day camp in June. ...
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SEMO Christian students’ lesson on butterfly’s life cycle comes full circle (4/25/24)By Leonna Heuring~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Preschool students at SEMO Christian Academy in Sikeston spent the month learning about the butterfly’s life cycle — from a tiny egg to a winged wonder. On Wednesday, April 24 the students’ lesson came full circle as they released their nine Painted Lady butterflies into nature from the playground of their school...
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Sikeston civic clubs committed to serving the community (4/25/24)By Gina Williams~Standard Democrat/Ageless LivingSIKESTON — Sikeston civic clubs, especially members ages 50 and older within them, are committed to community involvement and service and have been for many years. Boyd Green, current president and 20-year member of the Sikeston Lions Club, said the organization has accomplished much over the years, and he has thoroughly loved it. ...
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THROUGH THE EYES OF A ‘BYRD’: Well-known local photographer Daniel Byrd shares how his hobby originated (4/25/24)By Gina Williams~Standard Democrat/Ageless LivingSIKESTON — Daniel Byrd, a well-known photographer in the Sikeston community, has spent the last few years serving the community through the lens of his camera, capturing their most special moments. For the past few years, Byrd has become a familiar face at Sikeston Public Schools events, volunteering to photograph sports at Sikeston High School and other community events. ...
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Missing dog found in Sikeston — over 200 miles from home; Owner's other dog is still missing (4/25/24)SIKESTON — After being apart for three months, Bree Keeran was reunited with her dog, Roxy, in Sikeston on April 13. But that is only part of the story. On Jan. 15, near Springfield, Missouri, Keeran took Roxy and her other dog, Dante, for a walk. Both are purebred Catahoula Leopards, and each wore e-collars to keep them close to the home. However, during the walk, the dogs were let off the e-collars and Keeran said they did not get them back on and both Roxy and Dante were missing...
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Zellars recognized for service to Charleston R-1 district (4/25/24)Charleston R-1 Schools/FacebookOutgoing Charleston R-1 Board of Education member Portia Zellars was recognized during the school board’s regular meeting April 16 at Central Office for her six-plus years of service to the Charleston R-1 school board, added to her decades-long tenure as a teacher, substitute teacher, tutor and mentor. ...
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National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, but drug disposal is ‘year-round need’ (4/25/24)By J.C. Reeves Southeast MissourianWhile the United States Drug Enforcement Agency’s annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 27, medicine disposal is considered a “year-round need.” According to a news release from the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group (PPSWG), approximately one-third of Americans neglect cleaning out their medicine cabinets each year and one-fifth haven’t cleaned them out in three years despite there being more than 300 drug disposal locations in Missouri. ...
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Sun protection and skin cancer screening event set in Sikeston (4/25/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratSIKESTON — The YMCA of Southeast Missouri and Missouri Delta Medical Center are teaming up to provide an informational event about skin cancer and sun protection just in time before the summer tanning season begins. The skin cancer screening event is free and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at the YMCA, 511 Taylor St., in Sikeston...
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Legion cook-off, poker run set for this weekend (4/25/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston American Legion Post 114 and Auxiliary are preparing for their 11th annual poker run and cook-off competition. Vickie Wilson, who helps plan the event, said the fundraiser, which is Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at the Legion in Sikeston, is important because all proceeds from both days will benefit the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield...
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Bertrand man in custody after Tuesday morning shooting in Cape Girardeau (4/24/24)By Christopher Borro/Southeast MissourianCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A Bertrand, Missouri, man was charged with first-degree assault Tuesday, April 23 after a shooting at a residence in the 1000 block of North Spanish Street in Cape Girardeau. Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, emergency services were called to the residence in report of a man shot in the leg...
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VFW Post 7183 recognizes New Madrid County wrestling programs (4/24/24)New Madrid County Memorial Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7183 hosted its sixth banquet for the team members and coaches of the New Madrid County wrestling community. Pictured from left are Mary Seyer, president of the VFW Post 7183 Auxiliary; New Madrid County Central High School wrestling coach Rhiley Smith; Connor Henderson, who was named most valuable wrestler for the 2023-24 NMCC wrestling team; Dr. ...
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Rooting for the Raiders: New Madrid County Central students sign with Three Rivers College (4/24/24)By Jill Bock/Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — There was lots to cheer about as two members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2024 signed their letters of intent with Three Rivers College on April 16. Shawna Robinson will join the TRC Raiders cheer squad and Makayla Birdwell will become part of the college’s mascot program...
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New Madrid County Central grapplers head to college mats (4/24/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — As their high school wrestling careers come to an end, two New Madrid County Central High School seniors will move to the collegiate level. On April 23, Gavyn Colbert signed a letter of intent to wrestle at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, while Christian Williams signed on to wrestle for the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas...
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Gov. Mike Parson visits Sikeston for commemorative book tour (4/23/24)SIKESTON — Gov. Michael L. Parson visited Sikeston as part of his commemorative book tour Tuesday, April 23 at 1515 E. Malone Ave., next to the Sikeston License Bureau, in Sikeston.
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Narcotics investigation leads to the arrest of three in Mississippi County (4/23/24)Standard DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — A narcotics investigation in Mississippi County resulted in the arrest of two Bertrand, Missouri, residents and a Sikeston, Missouri, man. According to Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell, on Saturday, April 20, Detective Sgt. John Blakely, Deputy Austin Naeger and Chief Leonard Harrison responded to 413 W. Cedar St. in Bertrand reference to the execution of a search warrant...
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Benton man faces murder, armed criminal action charges following deadly stabbing in Scott County (4/23/24)Standard DemocratBENTON, Mo. — A Benton man was arrested on murder and armed criminal action charges following a deadly stabbing early Monday, April 22 in Scott County. Brian Thomas Morrell, 39, of Benton is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action, according to Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury. At about 7 a.m. Monday, Scott County deputies responded to 407 Lake Road in rural Benton in reference to an assault in progress, according to Drury...
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Sikeston gears up for second Hot Air Balloon Festival (4/23/24)By Gina Williams~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — This summer, Sikeston’s second annual Hot Air Balloon Festival will return with some improvements and provide the same fun as its inaugural year. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 21 and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. ...
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Groundbreaking held, construction begins for Grace Community Center (4/23/24)By Gina Williams~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston will soon have a new, safe place for use by residents of all ages. It’s called Grace Community Center located at 330 Petty St. next to Lincoln Park. Kenny King, pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship and one of the board members of Grace Community Center, said when his and fellow board member and pastor William Marshall’s churches merged, the center officially began construction...
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SJHS volleyball team recognized for undefeated season (4/23/24)Photo providedThe Sikeston Junior High girls volleyball team was recognized for their undefeated season during the Sikeston R-6 Board of Education meeting April 9 at Central Office. “These ladies went 14-0 this year including a 5-0 streak to win the Bernie Junior High Tournament,” said Natalie Bohannon, marketing and communications director for Sikeston Public Schools. ...
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P.E.O. Chapter HB celebrates 80th anniversary (4/23/24)Submitted PhotoChapter HB of P.E.O. Sisterhood celebrated its 80th anniversary with a dinner at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. The chapter, which first formed on April 1, 1944, honored their “Golden Girls”: Jane Ella Potashnick, 60-year member; and Christy Montgomery, Erica Hunter and Myrna Johnson, 50-year members. ...
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Paint for a cause (4/23/24)Submitted PhotoAaron Horrell and Barb Bailey from Missouri Paint for a Cause recently visited art teacher Sandra Ruff at Scott County Central High School and donated an easel for SCC’s contribution to the Missouri Bicentennial Mural. Students surround a replica of the mural, which is being sold through Missouri Paint for a Cause...
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SHS/SPS Foundation Students of the Month for April named (4/23/24)StaffSIKESTON — Abigail DeShaney and Michael Walton were named Sikeston High School Students of the Month for April. Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, which sponsors the monthly program, names two seniors each month for the honor during the 2023-2024 school year. Students also receive a certificate and gift card from the Foundation...
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56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival wraps up (4/23/24)Daphne Thomas/Standard DemocratA youngster enjoys the petting zoo during the 56th Annual Dogwood-Azlaea Festival, which was April 18-21, in Charleston. To view more photos from the event, visit www.standard-democrat.com and go to “Photo Galleries.”
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Death investigation underway in Scott County; 1 person in custody (4/22/24)Standard DemocratBENTON, Mo. — A death investigation is underway in Scott County. At about 7 a.m. Monday, Scott County deputies responded to 407 Lake Road in rural Benton in reference to an assault in progress, according to Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury. Upon their arrival, deputies located the suspect near the residence, who was taken into custody.
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Sikeston Department of Public Safety's dispatch center launches ‘Prepared Live’ (4/19/24)By Gina Williams~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Earlier this month Sikeston Department of Public Safety launched a new tool called “Prepared Live” to assist its dispatchers. Built by the company, Prepared, the software enables the 9-1-1 dispatch center to livestream, receive multimedia and receive location from mobile callers in real time. ...
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Teeters bound over on murder charge of his mother (4/19/24)Standard DemocratBLOOMFIELD, Mo. — An Essex, Missouri, man was bound over in court on Thursday, April 18 on murder, abuse and assault charges of his mother in Stoddard County. Jerry Wayne Teeters, who is charged with elder abuse, first-degree domestic assault and committing the felony murder of his mother in November in Essex Teeters, appeared Thursday in a preliminary hearing conducted in Division II Court. ...
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BOWLING ALLEY FACELIFT (4/19/24)SIKESTON — After new owners Teresa Taylor and Paula Farmer purchased the Sikeston Bowling Center LLC, 1601 E. Malone Ave. in July, renovations began April 8 and are expected to take three weeks, according to bowling alley management. New lanes, new gutters and new restrooms are part of the project...
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American Pickers to film in Missouri (4/19/24)Standard DemocratThe American Pickers will to return to Missouri in June when they plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the area. “American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques...
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Sikeston LCRA’s 10-year plan approved (4/19/24)By Gina Williams~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Over 20 years after it first formed, Sikeston’s Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, or LCRA, continues to improve the community by identifying areas of blight and repurposing them. The Sikeston City Council approved during its April 12 meeting the 10-year redevelopment plan for the LCRA, which was established for the City of Sikeston more than 20 years ago...
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School choice bill sent to governor for his signature (4/18/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives on Thursday, April 18 truly agreed and finally passed Senate Bill 727 and HB 2287, pieces of legislation that will expand school choice options for families across the state. Sponsored by Rep. ...
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Missouri Legislature passes HB2153 to safeguard state’s water resources (4/18/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives has given approval to a legislative measure that seeks to protect one of the state’s most vital resources: water. Led by State Rep. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, who represents Scott and Mississippi Counties the House, passed HB 2153, legislation aimed at preserving Missouri’s invaluable water resources. ...
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Wednesday wreck (4/18/24)Rod Anderson/Standard DemocratIndividuals react immediately following a wreck around 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the corner of Mitchell Street and East Malone Avenue. Further information was unavailable at press time.
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Child predator sentenced to 50 years in prison (4/18/24)Daily American RepublicDaily American Republic KENNETT — A Kennett man described by a judge as a “child predator” has been sentenced to 50 years in prison. Matthew Prewett, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of first degree statutory rape and eight counts of invasion of privacy, according to a press release Wednesday from Dunklin County Prosecutor Nicholas Jain...
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56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival underway in Charleston (4/18/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. – Charleston’s dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom as the the 56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival kicked off Thursday, April 18 with residents eager to welcome visitors to their town’s annual event. “Hometown Heroes” is the theme for this year’s festival, which runs through Sunday, April 21. ...
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Week promotes safe driving in road work zones (4/18/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratSIKESTON — As National Work Zone Awareness Week comes to a close, Missouri Department of Transportation says it’s critical to increase awareness for motorists. The designated week, which is April 15-19, is an annual spring campaign held at the start of the construction season to promote safe driving in highway work zones...
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Former New Madrid resident pens her biography (4/17/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — In many ways Mary Sue Anton’s new book is a story of resilience. Her tale begins with growing up in a family of 10 children, living on the banks of the Mississippi River. She recalls watching the river rise in 1937, forcing her family to take refuge in the New Madrid County Courthouse...
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City of New Madrid officials are sworn in (4/17/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — The city’s new mayor and two new and two re-elected council members officially took office at the April 8 meeting. Following the certification of the April 2 municipal election results City Clerk Paige Keene swore in incumbents Tommy Chism from Ward 1 and Ryan Riley from Ward 3 and newcomer Derek Lawfield from Ward 2 along with Nick White, former Ward 2 councilman who was elected mayor...
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Vehicle donation made to SCTC program (4/17/24)SIKESTON — Jennifer Baker of Sikeston MediCenter Pharmacy donated her 2015 Chevy Sonic to the Sikeston Career and Technology Center during the March 12 regular Sikeston R-6 Board of Education meeting at Central Office. The vehicle will be used as the new “suspect vehicle” for the Criminal Justice Program...
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Isabelle McGill honored as Who’s Who at the University of Mississippi (4/17/24)UNIVERSITY, Miss. — Isabelle McGill of Sikeston, Missouri, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in political science, was recognized in the 2023-24 class of Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi. McGill was among 201 Ole Miss students who were honored with the distinction during a ceremony on April 5 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts...
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Sikeston Junior High releases its third quarter honor roll (4/17/24)SIKESTON — Sikeston Junior High School has announced its third quarter honor roll for the 2023-2024 school year. Seventh grade McKenzie Adams Allyssa Armstrong Bryce Atkins Jazmin Atkinson Carson Austin Max Barborek Jace Beaird Janyla Blackmon Zaden Blackmon...
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Voice for Cheryl: Community marks 45 years since Cheryl Anne Scherer’s disappearance (4/16/24)By Leonna Heuring~Standard DemocratBENTON, Mo. — Family, friends and community members gathered Sunday, April 14 to remember Cheryl Anne Scherer 45 years after she disappeared in broad daylight while working at a gas station in Scott City, Missouri. “Another five years has passed since our last gathering,” said Cheryl’s sister, Diane Scherer-Morris during the event at the St. ...
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Commission proclaims Cheryl Anne Scherer and Scott County Missing Persons Week (4/16/24)Standard DemocratBENTON, Mo. — The Scott County Commission on Tuesday, April 16 signed a proclamation recognizing the week of April 17 each year as Cheryl Anne Scherer and Scott County Missing Persons Week in conjunction with the anniversary of Cheryl’s disappearance...
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Sikeston City Council reorganizes, awards general liability insurance bid (4/16/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston City Council reorganized during its regular meeting Friday, April 12 at City Hall. Mayor Greg Turnbow, Ward 2 Council representative Vest Baker, Ward 3 Council representative David Teachout and Mayor Pro-Tem Onethia Williams were sworn into office for their new terms...
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Charleston man charged with April 1 murder (4/16/24)Standard DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — A Charleston man faces felony murder charges for his alleged involvement with a death investigation in Mississippi County. Bryan Austin Campbell, 25, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and abandonment of a corpse on April 1, according to online court records...
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Home tours offered during Dogwood-Azalea Festival (4/16/24)By Gina Williams Standard DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — The 56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival is coming up in Charleston, which means it’s time for the annual home tours put on by the Mississippi County Historical Society. The Moore residence, situated at 403 N. Main St., will be available for tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 through Saturday, April 20. ...
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Two in custody after three injured in weekend shooting incident in Sikeston (4/15/24)SIKESTON — Two suspects are in custody after three people were injured in a shooting incident late Saturday, April 13 in Sikeston. About 11 p.m. Saturday, Sikeston DPS Officers observed a large crowd in the area of Branum and Lora in Sikeston, according to Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for DPS...