Stories from Wednesday, January 29, 2014

By DAVID JENKINS davidj@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- For those who have busy schedules and are limited on time, taking a fitness class at the YMCA can sometimes be difficult. But the YMCA of Southeast Missouri is hoping to remedy that with their new Fitness on Demand system...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles rode a hot first half to a 60-55 win over South Pemiscot on Tuesday. NMCC outpaced South Pemiscot 19-15 in the first quarter before going ahead 32-22 at halftime. South Pemiscot rallied in the third quarter, 18-13, but couldn't complete the comeback...

sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- What looked to be improbable comeback win turned into a somber walk off the court Tuesday night for the Chaffee Red Devils against visiting Leopold. Just seconds after watching Jimmy Golden hit a potential game-winner to cap a late 14-point comeback, the Red Devils saw Wildcat senior Cameron Davis rim in a fade-away jumper right before the buzzer to steal a 65-64 win...

sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Bluejays didn't shy away from Caruthersville's physical play. As a matter of fact, they met it head on. The Bluejays continuously attacked the basket, created foul trouble and splintered the Tigers' lineup in the process on their way to an 84-65 win Tuesday at Charleston High School...

sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- When the Sikeston Bulldogs win, they usually win by big. But when they lose, they do it in excruciating, white-knuckle fashion. At Jackson on Tuesday, the Bulldogs experienced it again, losing to the Indians 75-72 in overtime in front of a huge crowd in a playoff-type atmosphere...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. UKRAINE PARLIAMENT TO VOTE ON AMNESTY FOR ARRESTED PROTESTERS A yes vote is unlikely to appease demonstrators, though, because they want President Yanukovych to resign and early elections declared...

HAYTI - Anita Faye Henson, 62, died Jan. 28, 2014, at the Pemiscot Memorial Hospital. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

CHARLESTON -- J. Elgin McMikle, 88, died at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 26, 2014, at the Charleston Manor. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Jimmy Ray Woods, 72, died at 2:45 p.m. Jan. 28, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- William Darrell "Bill" Alcorn, 76, died Jan. 28, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ESSEX -- Wilma A. "Pinkie" McGuire, 64, died Jan. 27, 2014, at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

INVERNESS, Fla. -- Judith A. Onder, 71, formerly of New Madrid, Mo., died Jan. 26, 2014, after a long and valiant fight against cancer. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

POPLAR BLUFF - Aloyce M. Barnhill, 81, formerly of Mississippi County, died Jan. 29, 2014. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Billy J. Brandon, 70, died Jan. 27, 2014, at St. Louis University in St. Louis. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

CHARLESTON -- Fleater B. Smith Williams, 82, died Jan. 22, 2014, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

It's a foregone conclusion that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2016. The sole obstacle in her path would be a health issue because, rest assured, any potential missteps on her part would never make their way into the mainstream media...

I was just watching the news where they are changing the vending machines at the schools to become healthy for the children, fruits and vegetables, no sodas, candy bars and sugary snacks. If children are supposed to be getting healthy by only eating healthy food, why is it that EBT card or food stamp cards, they can go buy sodas and Twinkies and Ding Dongs and potato chips, candy bars? Those should only be used for meat, vegetables, dairy, fruits, or the basic food groups, the healthy foods, not for pizzas or at fast-food places. ...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Finding out why some places in Sikeston have sidewalks while other places don't just takes a stroll down memory lane. "In 1985, the city passed an ordinance to require sidewalks in all newly developed subdivisions," said Jay Lancaster, director of Public Work for the city. ...