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From sales rep to Santa: How a Sikeston man became the heart of holiday cheer (10/29/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Standard Democrat/Ageless LivingSIKESTON — For Rod Anderson, completing his metamorphosis from Standard Democrat sales representative to Santa Claus is as assured as increasing property taxes. While the latter may spark a dark, deeper, inflated connotation, dressing up as Santa Claus and spreading holiday cheer the past five years is simply innate for Anderson...
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From art teacher to band performer: How Tom Wills stays vibrant at 73 (10/29/24)By Jill Bock~Standard Democrat/Ageless LivingNEW MADRID, Mo. — “If I didn’t do something and stay active, I would probably go crazy,” Tom Wills says with a laugh. “I’m just an ordinary guy and I like to stay busy.” At 73, Wills has kept busy in many careers. A graduate of Murray State University, Wills originally moved to New Madrid to be an art teacher at New Madrid High School. After seven years of teaching, Wills opted for a higher-paying job with Noranda, where he worked 28 years, retiring in 2008...
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Cox and Shimon named Sikeston High School/SPS Foundation Students of Month for October (10/29/24)SIKESTON — Aden Cox and Philip “Clay” Shimon were named Sikeston High School Students of the Month for October. Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, which sponsors the monthly program, names two seniors each month for the academic honor during the 2024-2025 school year. Students also receive a certificate and gift card from the Foundation...
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Sikeston City Council approves street repairs (10/29/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston City Council approved street repairs at several areas across Sikeston during its Monday, Oct. 28 meeting at City Hall. The bid was awarded to Mike Light Cement Finishing from Perryville, Missouri, for $211,347.50, and includes the reconstruction of the Rose Parkway entrance at the North Industrial Park...
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New Madrid County Health Department continues WIC contract for fiscal year 2025 (10/29/24)NEW MADRID, Mo. – The New Madrid County Health Department announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2025 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. ...
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Legion Auxiliary recognizes Sikeston fire departments (10/29/24)Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary President Karen Huey delivered cakes to officers at Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s Fire Stations during Fire Prevention Week, which was Oct. 6–11. This year’s theme was “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign aimed to educate people on installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms properly to reduce home fire deaths...
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Richland Elementary releases first quarter honor roll (10/29/24)ESSEX, Mo. — Richland Elementary in Essex has named its first quarter honor roll students for the 2024-2025 school year. First Grade-Bryer Billingsley, Van Bolt, Hazel Cain, Tanner Collier, Hollis Gregory, Benjamin Grooms, Gabriella Grooms, Liam Johnson, Karson Kimbrel, Lucas Lawson, Nolan Robeson, Hudson Schultz, Greyson Smith, Rhett Vaughn, Eli Waller, Nathaniel Williamson...
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MoDOT and safety partners promote Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Wednesday (10/29/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – For the eighth year, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state, are encouraging better driving behaviors as part of the annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day on October 30. The day challenges all drivers to do the two most important steps while driving to reduce your risk of a fatal crash. ...
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Asphalt work completed in New Madrid (10/29/24)Employees with Asa Asphalt of Cape Girardeau worked in the early morning chill to pave Bloomfield Road from Highway 61 to New Madrid’s water plant recently. Nearly $450,000 was spent on street improvements projects this fall.
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NMCC graduation for class of 2025 set for Friday, May 16 (10/29/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — The Class of 2025 will graduate on a Friday night rather than a Tuesday. At their October meeting, the New Madrid County R-1 School Board set graduation for 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. The seniors’ last day will be May 9. Superintendent Bridget Masterson explained the change allows families to spend more time with the graduates and enables out-of-town guests to attend. ...
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NMCC Senior Night (10/29/24)Seniors were honored at the New Madrid County Central High School football game on Oct. 24.
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Local voters opting to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day (10/28/24)By Leonna Heuring~Standard DemocratBENTON, Mo. — Many of the area’s registered voters are taking advantage of early voting in advance of the Tuesday, Nov. 5 General Election. Early voting, or “no-excuse absentee voting” as it’s called in Missouri, is offered through Monday, Nov. 4. “It is very busy,” Scott County Clerk Allen Seabaugh said Thursday, Oct. 24. “We had 120 voters on Tuesday (Oct. 22) and 132 on Wednesday (Oct. 23), and I expect to get busier each day.”...
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Many local events offered for children this Halloween (10/28/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — In addition to the traditional, door-to-door trick-or-treating, local children have several options to fill their buckets with candy this Halloween. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Sikeston VFW Post 3174 will host its first trunk-or-treat from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the VFW Hall, 709 Smith Ave., in Sikeston. Prizes will be awarded. It’s free to register a business, group or individual...
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Local forester says fall color to peak this week in Southeast Missouri (10/28/24)CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – With temperatures taking a cooler seasonal swing, Missouri Department of Conservation, or MDC, Community Forester Jennifer Behnken says fall colors are making their arrival this week. “Sycamore and Eastern cottonwood trees are maneuvering their sunshine yellows to the brighter side of life,” she said. “Hackberry and Mulberry trees are also adding to the golden glows.”...
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Missouri voters to decide on key issues on Nov. 5 ballot (10/28/24)By J.C. Reeves~Southeast MissourianMissouri voters will decide the fate of six ballot initiatives during the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election. These initiatives include restoring abortion rights, legalizing sports betting and increasing the minimum wage. Here’s what voters should know about each initiative on the ballot...
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From cattle to the classroom: Local couple bring farming to SEMO Christian Academy (10/27/24)SIKESTON — Southeast Missouri Christian Academy in Sikeston had some special visitors Friday, Oct. 18. Drs. Ross and Allison Sindle are the owners of SEMO Cattle Company in Sikeston, and their daughter, Reese, attends the school. The couple talked to students about about calves, how they grow and what they eat. ...
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PROJECT CONNECT (10/25/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — The first Project Connect Friday, Oct. 25 at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston offered free haircuts, lunch and resources as well as information on many community entities such as transit, nutrition center, medical services, screenings and more...
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Values stay the same as Kelly High School graduate steers the ship as Cape Police Department's interim chief (10/25/24)By Nathan Gladden~Southeast MissourianCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Career Cape Girardeau Police Department officer Adam Glueck continues to steer “the ship” of the interim chief as officers await an appointment of a chief. Glueck, who is a 1997 graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School in rural Benton, Missouri, started his career in Cape Girardeau law enforcement as a part-time administrative clerk in 1999 and has remained with the department since. He received a degree in criminal justice at Southeast Missouri State University...
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Sikeston man faces charges in Monday shooting (10/25/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — A Sikeston man faces felony charges for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one late Monday. Demarlon M. Richardson, 30, of Sikeston is charged with the Class A felony of unlawful use of weapon and Class C felony of unlawful possession of a firearm, according to Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for Sikeston Department of Public Safety...
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Secretary of State advises voters to use trusted sources (10/25/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — With no-excuse in-person absentee voting underway across the state, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is encouraging Missouri voters to use trusted sources for election related information — such as county clerks, local election boards, and the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, instead of third-party groups...
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New, modernized driver license system to begin being rolled out (10/25/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle and Driver License, or MVDL, division is preparing to deploy its modernized driver license and processing system at all license offices, with a launch date of Tues., Nov. 12. Installation of new equipment and the system conversion process for this vital upgrade will necessitate short license office closures. Customers with an expiring November driver license received an additional postcard notifying them of this transition...
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‘Skelebrate’ good times, come on! (10/24/24)Sikeston Parks and Recreation hosted its third annual “Skelebration” Oct. 19 at the Clinton Building in Sikeston. There were hayrides, pumpkin painting, bounce house, costume contest, cornhole boards, food, a trunk-or-treat around Complex Lake and a movie in the park after dark...
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Soybean harvest underway (10/23/24)Two bald eagles sit in a field as a combine cuts soybeans Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Scott County. There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Oct. 20, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Crop Progress and Condition Report released Wednesday, Oct. ...
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Project Connect to benefit families in need Friday in Sikeston (10/23/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Mark your calendars for a new event that is hitting Sikeston. Project Connect will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Sikeston First United Methodist Church, located at 1307 N. Main St. Project Connect unites families in need to a variety of community resources...
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Area Scouts log hours underwater and earn their scuba certifications (10/23/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — On Oct. 11-13, eight members of the local Boy Scouts of America Troops 4041 and 4025 earned their Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, Open-Water Scuba certifications. The troops have been busy of late — as the past two months have included training with Cape Dive and Travel personnel — and completing their confined water dives at Southeast Missouri State University and open-water dives at Mermet Springs in Belknap, Illinois...
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MSHP investigates shooting death after high-speed pursuit (10/23/24)By JONATHON DAWE~Daily American RepublicPOPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — A suspect who reportedly opened fire on officers during a high-speed pursuit was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon near Poplar Bluff. The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Highway 67 near the intersection of PP Highway, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Clark Parrott. The suspect, whose name has not been released, was involved in a police chase that ended in a crash...
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Kehoe announces 2024 Class of Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame (10/23/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — On Friday, Oct. 25 the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame will induct the 2024 Class of the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is open to the public and will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Missouri State Capitol...
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Shooting that injured one under investigation in Sikeston (10/22/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Police are investigating a shooting that injured one Monday, Oct. 21 in Sikeston. During the late evening hours on Monday, Sikeston Department of Public Safety was alerted to a report of several gun shots in the 800 block of West Gladys Street, according to Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for DPS...
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Electrician course provides a pathway to the work force (10/22/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Those statistics don’t come as a surprise to students in Steve Clark’s Electricians Pathways class at the New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center. ...
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Pancakes for a cause (10/22/24)New Madrid County Rotary L-RAG members, from left, Lydia Fowler, Nick White, Bridget Masterson and Aaron Griffin prepare plates for the club’s first ever Pancake Breakfast on Oct. 17. The club served 150 people during the event, which raised funds for the Eagle Closet, which assists New Madrid County R-1 students...
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Sikeston OAKS will host trivia night fundraiser to offset food costs (10/21/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — These days, times are tough for 501(c) (3) organizations. And the inflation spikes the past few years have impeded certain operational standards and abilities. Unfortunately, the Sikeston OAKS Nutrition Center has felt this drastic shift, so a trivia fundraiser night is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with registration commencing at 5:30 p.m. at 305 Cresap...
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SPS Foundation’s individual donations fundraiser underway (10/21/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — The Sikeston Public Schools Foundation is seeking support from individuals in the community as they hold the “SPS Foundation Individual Donations Fundraiser.” Running through Sunday, Oct. 27, this initiative aims to raise funds to enhance educational experiences and support SPS teachers. This fundraiser will replace what used to be catalog fundraisers held by the SPS Foundation...
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Poplar Bluff native, the voice of Scooby-Doo, will host local events (10/21/24)By JOE McGRAW~Daily American RepublicPOPLAR BLUFF, Mo. —The character of Scooby-Doo turned 55 years old this past September, but did you know the voice of the memorable character is from Poplar Bluff? Scott Innes, a 1987 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, took over the role from Don Messick in 1997. He later took on the voice of Scrappy-Doo and Shaggy as well...
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STUNNING SUPERMOON (10/21/24)SIKESTON — The supermoon is seen Friday night, Oct. 18 in Sikeston. The moon was 222,055 miles away Wednesday night, Oct. 17, making it seem even bigger and brighter than the August and September supermoons. It reached its full lunar phase on Thursday, Oct. 17, but it remained very visible Friday night. The fourth and final supermoon of the year will rise on Nov. 15...
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Nov. 8 proclaimed as the 19th Annual Multi-County Women’s Health Conference (10/21/24)Standard DemocratMINER, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host the 19th Annual Multi-County Women’s Health Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Miner Baptist Church located on 416 State Highway H. The conference is free of charge with breakfast and lunch, and door prizes provided...
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Identity of Sikeston author’s pen name revealed at event (10/21/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — A book swap and unveiling of a Sikeston author who used a pseudonym to write her book took place recently at Carson’s Restaurant in Historic Downtown Sikeston. During the Sept. 24 event, guests were served wine, cheese, crackers and fruit as well as a cake depicting the cover of the book, “Mother’s Little Alibi” by the author using the pen name, Lydia Constantine...
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Amendment No. 6 would use court fees to fund retirement for state sheriffs and prosecutors (10/21/24)By MARY SANCHEZ~Missouri independentMissouri voters will decide Nov. 5 if retirement funds for sheriffs and prosecutors should be supported with fees collected on court cases. A fee used to fund sheriffs’ pensions was put in place by state law in 1983. The Missouri General Assembly placed Amendment 6 on the ballot to reverse a 2021 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that found the fees unconstitutional...
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Sikeston shines: Chamber banquet sees record attendance; McPheeters receives Lifetime Achievement Award and McHaffie named Citizen of Year (10/18/24)By Leonna Heuring~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston Chamber/Economic Development/Tourism honored the people, the organizations and the businesses who have enriched the community through their leadership and commitment over the past year. A record 470-plus people attended the 2024 Annual Awards Banquet Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Sikeston Memorial Airport to watch as the honors were presented...
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Five area counties receive Next Generation 911 Grant from state (10/18/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Five area counties have been awarded a $2.349 million grant from the Missouri 911 Service Board. Beginning next year the counties will be on the same network for all 911 calls from cell phones. Scott, New Madrid, Dunklin, Stoddard and Pemiscot counties now will be included in text communications to 911 operators...
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Todt takes over as executive director of the Scott County Transit System (10/18/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Oran, Missouri, native Macy Todt has been appointed as the new executive director of the Scott County Transit System. “The new executive director is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the transit team and to boost the awareness and ridership of the transit,” said Michelle Worth, chair of the Scott County Transit System...
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Groundbreakings for two Bootheel Head Start Centers set for Oct. 30 (10/18/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp. or DAEOC, has announced groundbreakings later this month for the construction of two new Head Start facilities in Southeast Missouri. The City of Steele and the County of New Madrid each applied through the Missouri Department of Economic Development for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on behalf of Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) for the construction of a facility for DAEOC’s Head Start program in the City of Steele and in New Madrid County at Portageville.. ...
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AAA: Move over or slow down – It’s the law (10/18/24)On Saturday, Oct. 19, which is National Move Over Awareness Day, AAA is reminding drivers about Missouri’s Move Over Law. The state’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching Missouri Department of Transportation vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and any other emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, with lights flashing. ...
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Arkansas State University names summer graduates (10/17/24)JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State University has announced the list of students who completed degree requirements to graduate at Summer Commencement Aug. 10 at First National Bank Arena. The list includes graduates from 41 states and D.C., and 18 other countries...
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September sixth graders of the month (10/17/24)Sikeston Middle School has named its sixth grade students of the month for September. The character word of the month was respect. Pictured are front row, from left: Ben Barnes, Aiden Garcia-Hernandez, Kinsley Brown and Emily Burton; and back row: Daelyn McIntyre, Rilynn Sawnson, Darrius Williams, Brody King, Rosalyn Lunderman and Makenzy Thompson. Not pictured is Ella Drake...
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September fifth graders of the month (10/17/24)Sikeston Middle School has named its fifth grade students of the month for September. The character word of the month was respect. Pictured are front row, from left: Cerae Crenshaw, Quinn Parks, Alexandra Lawerence, Paisley Sullivan and Natalie Gulledge; and back row: Olivia Towe, Jackson Tilmon, Keira Ruedrich, Caroline Sautter, Brian Blissett and Addilynn Towe...
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Fluffy clouds and cotton (10/16/24)A field full of cotton blooms under fluffy, cloudy skies is seen Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, south of Pharris Ridge Drive in rural Sikeston, Missouri, toward Matthews, Missouri. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending Oct. ...
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One in four (10/16/24)SIKESTON — A pregnancy and infant loss awareness event took place Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 on the front lawn of Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which is in October. One in four pregnancies end in loss (early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or infant loss). ...
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Kewanee man faces child pornography charges (10/16/24)Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — A New Madrid County man is in custody on charges of child pornography. Arraignment for David J. Smith, 46, of Kewanee, Missouri, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 on five counts of possession of child pornography, first offense...
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Missouri Safe Sleep Month: A call to prevent infant sleep-related deaths (10/16/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Every year, the Missouri acknowledges October as Safe Sleep Month. The goal of Safe Sleep Month is to bring awareness to the infant lives that are lost each year due to unsafe sleeping environments. DSS strives to educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices. With the ever-evolving research and data around Sudden Infant Death Syndrome we now know that infant sleep-related deaths are largely due to suffocation and are often preventable...
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Missourians will vote on paid sick leave, minimum wage hike on Nov. 5 ballot (10/16/24)By Clara Bates~Missouri IndependentA measure that would guarantee paid sick leave for more than 700,000 Missouri workers who currently lack it, as well as gradually raise the minimum wage to $15, will appear on voters’ ballots next month. The ballot initiative, called Proposition A, has been backed by various unions and workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, over 500 state business owners and others...