Stories from Wednesday, May 8, 2013

1. SUSPECT IN WOMEN'S DISAPPEARANCE HELPED LOOK FOR THEM Neighbors say Ariel Castro handed out fliers with Gina Dejesus' picture on it years ago. The woman was found in his home and police say Castro kidnapped her years ago. 2. REPUBLICANS PUSH FOR MORE ANSWERS ON BENGHAZI...

ROME (AP) -- Rescue workers in diving gear found seven bodies Wednesday in the wreckage after a cargo ship slammed into the dock at Genoa, toppling the busy Italian port's control tower into the harbor. Four people were hospitalized and two others remained unaccounted for, Luca Cari, spokesman for the fire rescue teams at the scene, told The Associated Press...

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israeli police say they have released the top Muslim cleric in the holy land after several hours of questioning over disturbances at a disputed Jerusalem holy site. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says the mufti of Jerusalem, Mohammed Hussein, was released on Wednesday afternoon...

BRUSSELS (AP) -- Authorities claimed a major breakthrough on Wednesday in their investigation of a spectacular $50 million diamond heist, detaining at least 31 people in a three-nation sweep some three months after robbers pulled off the theft with clockwork precision at Brussels Airport...

CHAFFEE -- The Chaffee Red Devils had 10 hits and a strong performance from pitcher Cody Johnson Tuesday downing East Prairie 9-2 in Chaffee. Johnson pitched six innings and gave up both runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks. He also struck out eight while throwing 94 pitches...

SIKESTON -- On a night where the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs honored their departing seniors before the game, it was freshman Torrie Helmes who provided the offense. With the Lady Bulldogs hosting district and conference rival Cape Central, Helmes stepped up to net the game's lone goal, guiding her team to a 1-0 senior night win...

SIKESTON -- With the game on the line, the Sikeston Bulldogs had the right guy up in the right situation. With the score tied 1-1 and the bases loaded with one out, Sikeston senior Patrick Smith delivered the game-winning hit with a line drive single into centerfield to defeat East Carter 2-1 on Senior Night Tuesday at VFW Stadium...

MURRAY, Ky. -- Sikeston native Libby Menz was chosen as a Murray State Racer cheerleader for the 2013-14 cheer squad on Sunday at Murray State University. Forty-seven applicants competed for spots on the team which will cheer at all MSU football, men's and women's basketball games and represent Racer Athletics at a number of special events during the year. The squad will also be involved in campus activities and promoting attendance and participation at all Racer home athletic events...

BENTON -- With the funding for many federal programs turning uncertain, local officials believe it is better to use federal bridge money than lose it. Scott County commissioners discussed two county bridge projects which are putting Off-System Bridge Replacement Program funds to work during their regular meeting Tuesday...

BENTON -- Nearly 130 Scott County fifth graders spent Tuesday learning about living organisms and their habitats through the annual Ecology Day at General Watkins Park's conservation area near Benton. "Fifth grade science classes usually do a section on ecology and habitats so this day is a way to fit in with what they've already discussed or learned," said Warren Cork of Scott County's Soil and Water Conservation District. "It sparks their interests and gets them out of the classroom."...

CHARLESTON -- Samuel L. Riggens Sr., 80, died May 5, 2013, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DEXTER -- Robert Wayne Sanders, 87, died May 7, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Dexter. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


CLARKDALE, Ariz. -- Richard S. Farrington, 88, died April 26, 2013, in Clarkdale. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


COLUMBIA -- Robert Jackson Jr., 58, died died May 2, 2013, at his home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


CANALOU -- Mary May Johnson, 59, died May 6, 2013, at her home in Canalou. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


ANNISTON -- Elizabeth Mary Jordan, 85, died at 9 p.m. May 5, 2013, at her home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


CHAFFEE -- Mary Rose Pobst, 81, died May 6, 2013, at her home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


EAST PRAIRIE -- Tony Anthony Haddock, 52, died at 1:30 a.m. May 7, 2013, at his home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


CHAFFEE -- Andrew Joseph Schlosser, 55, died May 7, 2013, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DEXTER -- Peggy L. Rangel, 72, died May 4, 2013, at her home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday at Shelby Funeral Home for Debra M. Wilson Linley, 55, who died on May 4, 2013. Steve Johnson will officiate.

As the world knows by now, Jason Collins is a much-traveled, mediocre professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards - his sixth team. Until last week, Collins was far from a household name to put it mildly. But Collins - with much fanfare - announced he was a gay athlete which marked a "first" in men's professional sports for an active player...