Stories from Tuesday, July 22, 2014

JEFFERSON CITY- Missourians who have hit the road this summer have likely felt the pinch at the gas pump. But some spend a lot less fueling up than others.
New research from the Consumer Federation of America found that the average fuel economy of new cars has improved by 20 percent in four years.
Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the federation, said drivers of 2008 model vehicles typically spend about $2,300 a year on fuel, but drivers of a typical 2014 model spend about $300 less.
He believes such savings will increase as manufacturers improve fuel efficiency.
"By 2020, you'll be spending just under $1,800," Gillis predicted. ...

JEFFERSON CITY- A constitutional amendment giving Congress and states control of political campaign spending is moving toward a vote on the U.S. Senate floor, after winning approval Thursday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The goal of Senate Joint Resolution 19, said Jonah Minkoff-Zern, campaign co-director for the group Public Citizen, is to help reverse the effect that big money has had on elections following U.S. ...

On August 5, Missouri voters decide on Constitutional Amendment 7, a three-quarters cent sales tax that is earmarked for transportation projects. The list of projects funded by the tax, and compiled by the Missouri Department of Transportation, includes the long hoped-for widening of U.S. Highway 412, from Kennett to the Arkansas state line. It is estimated to cost from $55 million to more than $60 million...

SIKESTON - Route 51 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance. This section of roadway is located between Greason Street and Stoddard County line. Weather permitting, work will performed from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Thursday...

Mostly clear tonight with a low around 71. Wednesday will be partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m. with a high near 90 then becoming mostly cloudy Wednesday night with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. ...

BLOOMFIELD - A routine traffic stop by County law enforcement abruptly turned into a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies and ended with a flaming vehicle in Dexter Friday, July 18. According to the warrant affidavit filed with the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Cody Wilson pulled over Andrew Lee Bell, 40, of Cape Girardeau at State Highway 25 and County Road 672 for operating a vehicle without a functioning license plate light...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - A suspect in the May 20 robbery of the First Commercial Bank in Morley, Missouri, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court. Alexander T. Trotter, 31, of St. Louis pleaded guilty to a federal bank robbery charge at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. United States Courthouse in Cape Girardeau...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. ISRAELI DEFENSE SOURCE: ONE SOLDIER MISSING IN GAZA The official says the IDF combatant went missing after a deadly battle over the weekend. Gaza was heavily bombarded through night and morning with several mosques also targeted...

CHARLESTON -- Alfred Herbert Martin, 94, died July 21, 2014, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Ted Wimberley, pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church near Charleston, will officiate...

NEW MADRID - Needa F. Gist, 72, died July 21, 2014, at the Golden Living Center in New Madrid. Arrangements are incomplete with Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

CHAFFEE -- William T. Ryan, 88, died July 20, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete with Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. - Gaylon Drake Couch died July 12, 2014. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. July 26, 2014, at Parkway Christian Center in Grants Pass. For the complete obituary, see the Wednesday edition of the Standard Democrat.

SIKESTON - Ellnora "Lucille" Sullivan, 92, died July 21, 2014, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Visitation is from noon until time of service at 2 p.m. Thursday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Len Meyers, pastor of Trinity Gospel Church, will officiate...

BENTON - An Oran area man in custody for crimes against a 5-year-old child. Jesse John Branson, 37, is charged with the Class D felony of sexual misconduct involving a child, and the unclassified felony of first degree statutory sodomy. On Monday, Detective Jessica Martin responded to a complaint that a 5-year-old child was sexually assaulted. ...

MATTHEWS -- Ernest "Randy" Pointer, 57, died July 20, 2014, at his home. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Revs. Larry Griffin, John Stepp and Mike Cartwright will officiate...