Stories from Thursday, February 27, 2014

sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- Despite coming into the Class 2, District 1 semifinals a heavy underdog, fifth-seeded Portageville gave top-seed and reigning champion Bernie a run for its money Wednesday night. Plagued by troubles at the foul line, however, the Bulldogs saw a fourth quarter rally come up short, falling 55-48 as the Mules booked their ticket back to the title game...

sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- One shot started the rally South Pemiscot needed to escape Hayti early in the fourth quarter. Three seconds had ticked away following a timeout by Hayti when a corner 3-pointer from South Pemiscot's Glen Jackson sparked an insurmountable run and a 55-46 win that kept the Bulldogs alive in the Class 2, District 1 tournament on Wednesday at Bloomfield High School...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- He wasn't sure if he was even going to play baseball before his junior season. As it would turn out, he made the right choice. Sikeston senior Doug Still signed his letter of intent to play baseball for Jefferson College Tuesday at the Sikeston Field House...

SIKESTON -- As the Sikeston Regional Chamber prepares for its 64th annual awards banquet, the organization is turning to the public to help with the most important part of the evening -- nominations for the awards to be given. "Every year, we ask community members -- even those who do not belong to the Chamber -- to nominate individuals they feel are deserving of the awards given," said Susan Glasgow Lawrence, executive director for the Chamber...

SIKESTON -- With the cost of prom this year projected to hit levels never seen before, Southeast Missouri girls will have the chance this weekend to save big on their dream dress. The Bootheel Project Runway Fashion Show will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Sikeston Field House. General admission is $2...

SIKESTON -- As tragic as last week's abduction and murder of a 10-year-old Springfield girl is, local parents are encouraged take a moment to teach their children to use caution with strangers. "It's a bad situation," New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens sighed. "I would tell your children to be alert and aware of your surroundings."...

BENTON -- Richard Cannon, 67, died Feb. 26, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

POPLAR BLUFF -- Epiphany Nevaeh Umfress, 9-day-old daughter of Matt Umfress and Whitney Danielle Gooch of Poplar Bluff, died Feb. 22, 2014, at Children's Hospital in St. Louis. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition...

LULING, La. -- Philip Joseph Ponder, 67, died Feb. 1, 2014, in Luling. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

These little old gals and these little old boys live together for 10 or 15 years and they're engaged and they have 3 or 4 kids, then when the old gal walks down the aisle she wears everything white. I don't think if you have 2 or 3 kids following in behind you, you don't need to be wearing white and all the stuff. Go to the justice of the peace and get married and forget about it. That's ridiculous...

SIKESTON -- A 5K run will coincide with this year's St. Patrick's Day festivities in Historic Downtown Sikeston while also benefitting Special Olympics Missouri. Set for March 15, the first St. Patty's 5K Run for Special Olympics is being organized by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety...

scottw@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Mississippi County officials will seek funding assistance to preserve county records. LaWanda Douglas of East Prairie asked county commissioners during their regular weekly meeting Thursday to find a new location for probate court records...

SIKESTON -- When you enter The Flower Patch in Sikeston you will notice a much different look. In the month of January the inside of the business was completely remodeled and it has been a hit with both customers and employees. "Everyone has loved it," said store manager Loretta Buttry. "There is more lighting, more space and better floors."...