Stories from Thursday, August 25, 2011

BENTON -- The mother and stepfather of a Morehouse man arrested for armed criminal action and assault on his girlfriend have been charged for interfering in their son's arrest. Angela N. Graham, 47, is charged with hindering prosecution, concealing an offense and tampering with evidence, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. Tommy D. Graham, 50, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, concealing an offense and hindering prosecution...

NEW MADRID -- New Madrid city residents are being asked to increase their local sales tax. In return, city officials are offering to eliminate the city's property tax. The New Madrid City Council unanimously approved an ordinance calling for a Nov. 8 election on two dedicated sales tax proposals raising the city's sales tax rate an additional 1 percent. ...

BENTON -- A Morehouse man was arrested Wednesday after reportedly firing shots toward his girlfriend. Steven J. Webb, 28, is charged with armed criminal action, second degree assault, first degree property damage and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release from Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter...

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs tennis team dropped their first season opener to Carbondale 8-1 on Tuesday afternoon. "Carbondale is always a good measuring stick for us because they always have a strong team and have a couple of matches under their belts when we face them," said Sikeston coach Russ Dial. ...

SCOTT CITY -- Looking to avenge a 12-4 season-ending loss to St. Pius X in last year's Class 2, District 2 tournament, the Scott City Lady Rams spent most of their offseason counting down the days until Wednesday's season-opening rematch with the Lady Lancers...

SIKESTON -- Last year, the Sikeston Bulldogs football team began their season with a tough, out of state team. Although this year they're sticking within state, the caliber of opponent hasn't changed. In truly a Week 1 matchup to see, Sikeston will host the Gateway Tech Jaguars on Friday to open the 2011 high school football season...

Coach: Jason Dulick, first year. 2010: The Jaguars went 7-5 overall and 4-1 in the Public High League. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense. Players to watch: QB/DB Paul Rice (sr., 5-10, 180), WR/DB Kalen Petty (sr., 6-2, 220), WR/DB Andre Sims (sr., 5-9, 180), RB/DB Michael Ball (jr., 6-0, 190), OL/DL Dajuan Johnson (sr., 5-9, 270), OL/DL Dominique Henderson (sr., 6-3, 280), OL/DL Bryant Williams (jr., 5-11, 250), RB/LB Kenneth West (sr., 5-7, 180), WR/DL Terrance Davidson (sr., 6-1, 190)...

SIKESTON -- Tracy Allan Ward, 44, died Aug. 21, 2011, 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 -- Susan J. Beardsley, 63, died Aug. 24, 2011. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

ALLENVILLE -- Gary Gene Mansker, 67, died Aug. 22, 2011, at his home. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

LILBOURN -- Patricia "Pat" Schaffer, 82, died Aug. 23, 2011, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

DEXTER -- Edna L. Aslin, 83, died Aug. 24, 2011, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.