Stories from Friday, November 29, 2013

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- With last year's leading scorer, Larandis Banks, opening the season in street clothes the Scott County Central Braves saw a hot start turn cold on opening day of the Riverbend Classic. Playing the Covington Chargers on Friday, the Braves fought from behind most of the second half before falling 61-56...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The Charleston Bluejays were stacked with veteran players a season ago who knew how to handle certain situations. Charleston head coach Danny Farmer is having to throw most of his team in the fire this year as he breaks in a new team that lacks experience, which proved costly in their season opener Friday...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- Any fear the New Madrid County Central Eagles had about inexperience or lack of size was quickly alleviated Friday against the Cape Central Tigers. Opening up the 19th annual Riverbend Classic the Eagles grabbed a 1-point halftime lead against the Tigers before holding on for a 63-55 win...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston junior varsity team advanced to the championship game of the Notre Dame Junior Varsity Tournament with Friday's 55-47 win over Poplar Bluff. The Bulldogs were scheduled to play Jackson in the championship game on Saturday. Results from that game will be in Monday's edition...

Work continues at the intersection of Kingshighway and Malone Avenue in Sikeston.

Cans were donated to the Shining Light Mission in Charleston.

By Leonna Heuring leonnah@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- For 14 years, the annual Winter Wonderland of Treasures sale has offered a variety of handmade crafts. Event organizer Judy Scherer estimated 90 percent of the crafts offered through the fundraiser by St. Denis School in Benton are handmade...

STEELE - A Steele resident is recovering after being beaten with a gun and a hammer and his alleged assailant is in custody. Arraignment is scheduled for Monday for William Erwin, 31, of Blytheville, Ark., before Associate Judge Byron D. Luber on charges of first degree assault -- serious physical injury and armed criminal action...

CROWDER -- William Irvin Johnson, 71, died Nov. 28, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON - Tomie Murdock, 71, died Nov. 27, 2013, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON - Anne Fabing, 52, died Nov. 27, 2013, at her home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON - Johnna Chadd, 48, died Nov. 28, 2013, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. -- Herschel Dale Stokes, 65, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died at noon Nov. 26, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SHOOK -- Ronald G. Razer, 73, died Nov. 25, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

DUDLEY -- Lawrence E. Chapin, 98, died Nov. 11, 2013, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

I am calling about the comment on Wednesday about someone looking for single little people or skinny people. There are plenty out here, you just have to get out and look for them. This government is really getting pitiful that they let one person have two of these free phones, one for himself and one for his girlfriend and him set up and laugh about it. ...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Clauses will be making a special appearance for some special folks. A Special Needs Christmas Party will be held from 2-5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Cape Girardeau Eagles No. 3775. "Anyone that has a special need person, child or adult, is welcome to come," said Linda Harris of Sikeston. "I'm a charter member of the Sikeston Eagles and dual member with the Cape Girardeau Eagles -- I've been with the Eagles almost 40 years."...