Stories from Friday, May 24, 2013

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- After dropping five of their last six regular season games, few expected the New Madrid County Central Eagles to be relevant in their district, much less the Class 2 championship tournament. Somehow finding a new hero each day, however, the Eagles came into Thursday's quarterfinal matchup with St. Pius X just one win away from advancing to their first final four appearance in school history...

sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- Finishing with a state championship in one event last year, the Sikeston boys track team would like nothing more than to repeat that performance. Unless of course it meant finishing with a team championship...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. WHAT COLLAPSE OF INTERSTATE BRIDGE IN WASHINGTON STATE MEANS FOR COMMUTERS Washington state officials ask drivers to avoid Interstate 5 near the area where a bridge collapsed over the Skagit River...

POPLAR BLUFF -- The first summer holiday weekend is here, and Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity for Missourians to enjoy the many recreational possibilities. Whether visiting family, going to one of Missouri's lakes or enjoying other travel destinations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to think about safety when making plans for the upcoming holiday weekend...

MARSTON -- David Wayne Prince, 60, died May 23, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Frances Scales, 72, died at the St. Frances Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

NEW MADRID -- Dalmer Hammett, 91, died May 22, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in New Madrid. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Peggy A. Downing, 79, died May 22, 2013, at Benchmark Healthcare in Portageville. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Clara Helen Lane, 68, died May 22, 2013, at Pemiscot Memorial Health System in Hayti. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MORLEY -- Dempsey R. Graham, 93, died May 22, 2013, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

New Madrid County Central defeated St. Pius X 3-0 in a Class 3 quarterfinal game on Thursday to advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history. See the full story in today's SPORTS section!