Stories from Thursday, August 8, 2013

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Even a mud-caked arena floor couldn't stop contestants from putting up some impressive numbers on Wednesday as fans celebrated opening night of the 61st annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. In the bareback riding event, Jared Smith posted a score of 89 to win the night and likely stay near the top of the leaderboard through the weekend. Ryan Gray was close behind as his ride of 86 was good for second place and Tyler Price scored an 84 to take third...

CHARLESTON - At 3:52 p.m. Aug. 6, Ira McClain, an inmate at the Southeast Correctional Center was pronounced dead of apparent natural causes in the infirmary at the Southeast Correctional Center. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log in to our electronic edition...

IDALIA -- Clyde E. Laird Jr., 59, died Aug. 6, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MOREHOUSE -- Rodney Leon Shell, 60, of Morehouse, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

DEXTER -- Dexter voters approved a use tax in Tuesday's election. "It was close," city administrator Mark Stidham said. "One good thing about it is that the state gave the people until 2014 to get this passed. It's great that the people have gone ahead and put this behind us."...

SIKESTON -- School bells will soon ring for students across Southeast Missouri. Sikeston R-6 begins with a full day of class on Aug. 15, but it is already back to the books for fifth through 12th grade students, who have already collected their books and for the high school students their new iPads...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Rain clouds loomed over the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds, but a bright spot remained on horse trainer Jerry Wayne Olson of Auburn, Neb., and his golden palomino, "Justin Boots." "Let's go. Come on. Come on. Whoa," Olson said softly as Justin Boots followed his every command...

BENTON -- A Benton woman is in custody following a narcotic investigation. Sharon Daniels, 53, of Benton has been charged with the class B felony of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and the class A misdemeanor of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia...

I'm calling about a town south of Sikeston. They had a meeting about the drainage system and stuff. They said they wanted the citizens to attend. It don't do any good to attend any meetings. They don't let you ask any questions. If you don't agree with them, they tell you to be quiet. If you can't speak up, why go? And I'm not the only one that feels that way...