Stories from Sunday, October 31, 2010

Join me in saying "amen" to the end of the political commercials that have captured far too much of our time. Join me in saying "amen" to the ugly political process that seems virtually endless. Come Tuesday - election day - the current chaos will slip slowly into the shadows, though we all know it's but a temporary break...

MAPLEWOOD -- Anna Marie Helms, 49, formerly of New Madrid, died Oct. 28, 2010, at her home. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -- Misti Marie Watkins Lowe, 32, died Oct. 28, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

BENTON, Ky. -- Norma Jean Landers, 91, died at 7:05 p.m. Oct. 28, 2010, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Elizabeth M. Walker, 87, passed away Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, at her home. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

Seventh graders Dominique Dyes (left) and Jaylen Mallory (right) practice with a game of 3-on-3 during the last day of seventh and eighth grade basketball practice at the Sikeston Junior High. Cuts were made on Friday for both teams as the season nears...

NEW MADRID -- It was a fitting way for New Madrid County Central senior G'Darius Stevenson to go out. A do-it-all player for the Eagles, Stevenson ended his high school career in record-breaking fashion in NMCC's 63-40 win over the Kennett Indians on Thursday night at New Madrid...

Sikeston's Sydney Davied and Sarah Hopson couldn't be missed on the softball field. Whether it be in the pitching circle, at the plate or just with their outgoing personalities, Davied and Hopson left an impression with opposing teams and fans. However, it was off the field that the seniors may have left their biggest impression, helping transform the Lady Bulldogs into a tight knit unit that became one of the top teams in school history and earning the tandem Standard Democrat Co-Player of the Year honors.. ...

Coach of the Year: Melanie Heuring, Kelly -------------------------------- Top Seniors: Sydney Davied, Sarah Hopson, Sikeston -------------------------------- Top Junior: Emily Grojean, Kelly -------------------------------- Top Sophomore: Alexis Spriggs, Scott City...

SIKESTON -- After over a week since filing opened, Sikeston has only a single candidate for the one position up on the City Council. Bob Depro filed for the at-large seat currently held by Sue Rogers on the first day to file, Oct. 19, according to Sikeston City Clerk Carroll Couch...

SIKESTON -- Health experts say it's OK for consumers to eat Halloween treats over the next several days -- they just need to keep their teeth and waistlines in mind when doing so. The week after Halloween is typically one of the busiest times of the year for orthodontists...

SIKESTON -- Historic Downtown Sikeston is hoping for a consistent look but won't be forcing it on anyone. "We have a booklet of the design standards," said Brandon Kuehn, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston. "It has everything in it from painting to building a new building to landscaping."...

CHARLESTON -- The big race in Mississippi County is the three-way contest for presiding county commissioner. Appearing on the Nov. 2 ballot are: Jack Feezor, Democrat; Carlin Bennett, Republican; and Danny Norman, Independent. The incumbent, Jim Blumenberg, did not seek re-election...