Stories from Sunday, April 7, 2013

By Scott Welton scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- A scratchy throat, sinus problems; it's going around. But is "it" a spring cold? A sinus infection? Allergies? It could be any of the above -- maybe with one leading to another, according to local physicians...

By Leonna Heuring leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- In 2007, a 16-year-old Jon Ginder told the Standard Democrat: "Music is a language, and most can only hear and appreciate it, but I can speak it." The composer -- who turns 22 on Wednesday -- laughed recalling the comment...

By Brent Shipman sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- After surrendering a leadoff double to visiting Oak Ridge on Friday, Oran starting pitcher Kody Moore was nearly untouchable. Through his six innings of service, the senior gave up only one more hit while striking out 11 to pick up his first win of the season in a 5-0 shutout...

By Chris Pobst sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Charleston boys track team won their own meet Friday in dominating fashion. The Bluejays scored 129 1/2 points as a team during the Charleston Invitational at Charleston High School. The event featured 15 different high schools from across the tri-state area...

Staff Reports sports@standard-democrat.com MEMPHIS, TN -- With Risco playing Cooter Friday at Auto Zone Park in Memphis, Tenn., Tiger senior Caleb McCord pitched a game he likely won't soon forget. Going the distance in a 2-0 Risco win, McCord collected a no-hitter while coming only a few batters away from perfection...

DEXTER - Ada Eunice Allstun, 98, died April 4, 2013, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ESSEX - Russell Parker, 77, died April 6, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Dexter. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

We just had a municipal elections in Sikeston and other communities in Scott County. I remind readers of that fact because 88 percent of the registered voters decided to sit out this April election. That's right - voter turnout this past Tuesday was a dismal 12 percent with some precincts slipping to around 4 percent turnout...