Stories from Wednesday, February 22, 2012

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It took nearly three and a half quarters, but the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs woke up just in time to save their season on Tuesday night. Trailing the entire game, third-seeded Sikeston put together a furious rally in the final four minutes to defeat sixth-seeded Fredericktown 47-46 in heart-pounding Class 4, District 1 action at the Sikeston Field House...

sports@standard-democrat.com DONIPHAN -- The Charleston Bluejays won a battle of state-ranked teams with a 83-73 road win over Doniphan on Tuesday. Playing without the services of all-state guard Greg Tucker and fellow senior starter Jamaul Gray, Charleston got 33 points from junior Aaron Cassell while junior Ryan Parham added 20, downing the Dons...

SIKESTON -- Frances Williams, 81, died Feb. 21, 2012, at her home in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

CHARLESTON -- Bernita Parker, 52, died Feb. 20, 2012, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 27, 1960, in Charleston, to the late John and Willie Mae Treadwell Parker, she was a graduate of Charleston High School and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. She was formerly employed as the center director of the Charleston Head Start Program. She was a member of Opportunity Church of God in Christ in Charleston where she was a missionary...

BELL CITY -- Pallbearers at services conducted today at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for William Thomas "Tom" Holyfield, 74, who died Feb. 18, 2012, were: Steven Miller, Anthony Miller, Matt Horton, Michael Bollinger, Tony Miller and Johnny Ross. Honorary pallbearer was Roger Miller...

PORTAGEVILLE -- The Rev. Rea Moore, 85, died Feb. 20, 2012, at his home. Born Aug. 5, 1926, in Chicot, Ark., he was the son of the late Rufus and Louise Jordan Moore. On Aug. 16, 1947, he married Roberta Morrow, who preceded him in death on May 6, 1993. He later married Henrietta Evans who survives of Chicago...

BELL CITY -- Ada Byrd-Pullen, 91, died Feb. 15, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 14, 1920, in Brookhaven, Miss., to the late Sol and Addie Vaughn Culver, she was a member Christ Sanctuary Church of God in Christ in Bell City where she served on the Mother's Board...

sports@standard-democrat.com SCOTT CITY -- As determined as he usually is, Zach Cotner took his intent to another level on Tuesday night. The senior walked off his home court for the last time scoring 33 points against Portageville as Cotner and the Scott City Rams won their final regular season game 60-56...

sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- Though Kelly was able to fight back from a slow start on Tuesday to trail by only a point at the half, the Hawks couldn't deny Bloomfield a win on Senior Night. After hanging within a shot into the final minute of play, Kelly watched the Wildcats finish out the game going 7 of 9 from the free throw line to seal a 58-51 win...

SIKESTON -- Student leaders from Sikeston Senior High School will once again assume the roles of mayor, city council members and city staff Friday for the Sikeston Optimist Club's annual Youth in Government Day. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

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scottw@standard-democrat.com MINER -- The city of Miner will get its new sewer lagoon and save money on its water treatment plant in the process. Following the recommendation of Norman Lambert, city engineer, the Miner Board of Alderman awarded the contract for improvements to the city's wastewater system to G & C Contracting of Perryville during their regular monthly meeting Tuesday...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- In addition to waking some Southeast Missouri residents from their sleep, Tuesday's early morning earthquake also served as a wake-up call to prepare for a major event. A 4.0 earthquake was reported early Tuesday five miles north northwest of East Prairie, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor occurred at 3:58 a.m...

I'm not one to generally say "I told you so" but in this case, well, I told you so! Two weeks ago I said to start paying attention to the explosion in disability claims because for far too many, this lucrative federal program has become the new cash cow to supplement or replace other taxpayer-funded programs...