Stories from Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Notre Dame advanced to the semifinals with a 57-50 win the Bearcats after taking an 18-point lead into halftime while Charleston moved on the consolation semifinals.

MATTHEWS -- Jock Van Kelso, 46, died Dec. 6, 2010, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Elizabeth Elsie Thies Johnson, 92, died Dec. 3, 2010, at her home in Cape Girardeau. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

BERNIE -- Dennis Ray Craft, 53, died Dec. 7, 2010, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

DEXTER -- Estel Eaton, 92, died Dec. 7, 2010, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Venester Lynette "Net" Kent, 47, died Dec. 7, 2010, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

IRONTON -- Terry J. Mattingly, 63, formerly of Oran, died Dec. 6, 2010, at Parkland Health Center in Farmington. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

CHICAGO -- James Robert Smith, 75, died Dec. 4, 2010, at the home of his daughter in Dolton. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition

SIKESTON -- Albert "Charlie" Applewhite Jr., 63, died Dec. 6, 2010, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

SIKESTON - A fire caused extensive damage to a Sikeston residence Tuesday. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a report of a structure fire on Linn Street at about 12:54 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arriving, firefighters and officers found a single-story frame house with heavy smoke showing from the attic area...

BENTON -- Two key positions in Scott County will become open as the new year begins. Joel Evans turned in his resignation as county developer and emergency management director to county commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

BENTON -- If things continue to go well for Scott County's newest rural water district, its first residential customers should have water by Christmas. Tim McIntyre, water district manager, updated Scott County commissioners on the Public Water Supply District No. 4 of Scott County Missouri's progress during their regular meeting Tuesday...

SIKESTON -- Christmas is typically thought of as the season of giving, but for some, it's also the season of taking. The holiday shopping season is a peak time for crimes such as home burglaries and thefts, but Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for Sikeston Department of Public Safety, offered tips for keeping the holidays crime free this year...

Ron Eifert, assistant director at Sikeston Public Library, sorts through items donated as part of the library's Fine Free Weeks, which will end Saturday. For every overdue library item returned in usable condition, patrons can bring in a new toy or nonperishable food item, and the fine will be forgiven. The toys and food items collected will stay locally and be used for families in need this Christmas...

When no one gets their way, does anyone win? That's the position Congress finds itself in this week as a compromise is announced that will extend the current tax rate while also extending unemployment benefits. The GOP does not get the unemployment benefits paid for with previously-approved stimulus funds while the Dems don't get their way on the tax rate extensions to every working American...

New Madrid County Central senior softball pitcher Kelly Robey signed a letter of intent to play softball for Union University in Jackson, Tenn.

Led by Alex Crowe's 25 points, the Chaffee Red Devils took down the East Prairie Eagles 65-46 Tuesday night.

The Oran boys basketball team defeated host Risco 80-66.