Stories from Thursday, September 18, 2014

There is no greater time of year for us outdoor-folk than fall. The deer are moving about, the squirrels are cutting, the ducks are preparing for their migration down the Mississippi Fly Way, and the fish are gorging themselves! I've seen plenty of posts from people on Facebook about fall bringing hoodies, campfires, and football, and while I'm a proponent of all three, my thoughts are drawn more towards big bucks, mallard ducks, and plucking crappie from Reelfoot stumps! (The rhymes are free, you're welcome.). ...

Celebrate with MDC Sept. 20 and 27. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to celebrate the Show-Me-State's rich hunting heritage and fishing traditions through its National Hunting and Fishing Day events being held around the state in late September...

Each spring, Missouri elementary and middle school children take Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) exams. Statewide, scores were down this year. Despite an overall decline in average scores, more than 300 districts and charter schools in Missouri saw gains in either math or English Language Arts...

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit and the Spirit sets its desire against the flesh. For these are in opposition to one another so that you may not do the things you please" (NASB). All Christians eventually become fully aware of the conflict going on within them. There is an opposition between walking in the Spirit and fulfilling the lust of the flesh...

The Lady Bulldogs are 15-1 as of Wednesday, Sept. 17, and are ranked 19th in the state.

EAST PRAIRIE -- Two East Prairie residents have been arrested after a burglary of a residence was reported Sunday. According to East Prairie Police Chief Danny Lafferty, officer Joleda Douglas responded to a report of a residential burglary at 213 Cranford St. ...

SIKESTON - If it were a book title it might be called "The Building Blocks to Better Reading." Construction is officially underway at the Sikeston Public Library to renovate space for children's activities and other programming events. "And so it begins," said Libby Caskey, as she watched workers scramble up and down ladders Wednesday...

Saturday was a day Taylor Tiffany will remember forever as Tiffany threw a no-hitter in Portageville Lady Dawgs 's 5-0 victory over Neelyville. She helped lead the Lady Dawgs to a First Place win in the Lady Devils Classic in Chaffee. No Neelyville batter was able to locate Tiffany's pitches during the game. She threw a no-hitter, striking out 17 batters and walking one while recording her momentous feat...

The Portageville Bulldogs took their 2-1 record into Northeast Arkansas Friday night, visiting the Piggott Mohawks for a non-conference game. Coming off the lopsided loss to Malden, the Bulldogs were looking to rebound, and the Portageville squad had a strong first half. But, the Mohawks had a big second half and battled back from a 21-8 deficit in the third quarter to post a 30-21 win...

sports@standard-democrat.com EAST PRAIRIE -- Senior Maggie Shepherd went 3 for 3 with a home run helping Sikeston to a 16-1 victory over East Prairie in three innings. Kylie Noe added two hits including a triple. Hanna Placek and Ashton Drake each had two hits as well. Drake chipped in a double...

Our prep football glance gives vital information for our local teams entering their weekly matchups. Learn your team's opponent, go-to players, conference standings and the series history between the two throughout the season.

sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- The season started with promise. A pair of lopsided victories over Charleston and New Madrid County Central gave the Sikeston Bulldogs reason to be excited. But a loss to powerful Cape Central and a crushing last-minute defeat last week to Dexter has the season in a state of flux...

CAPE GIRARDEAU- Families of Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) students are invited to spend time with their student and enjoy the campus experience during a variety of activities on Family Weekend, Sept. 19-2, on the Cape Girardeau campus. While families are welcome to enjoy the weekend at their own pace, activities also will be available or those interested in fitness and wellness, academics, arts and entertainment, and community exploration. ...

MARSTON- An investigation by Illinois detectives led to the arrest of two murder suspects in Marston on Wednesday. According to a new release from the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, Kevin Malone is in custody on charges of possession of a controlled substance in New Madrid County and first degree murder in a warrant issued by Cook County, Ill., authorities...

WARRENSBURG, MO- Derrick Joseph Priggel participated in the American Legion Boys State of Missouri June 14 through 21, 2014 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Priggel was selected based on his leadership, citizenship, academics and character during his junior year at Portageville High School...

The Portageville Jaycees challenge local businesses to Spread the Blue during school sports seasons. Celebrate, enjoy and spread the school spirit by decorating your business windows, doors and sidewalks in blue and white. Use balloons, chalk, paint, ribbons, etc... be creative!...

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of stories in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. As Marshall Pullen climbs the stairs, determined to make it to the slide, his mother, Stephanie, can't help but be proud. He slides to the floor with a little help from his physical therapist and is quickly on his feet heading to the next slide. While this seems like a typical activity for most 5-year-olds, to Marshall's mother it's a moment deserving of multiple photographs and videos...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Socks and shirts might not seem like a big deal to some people but to someone without a home it can make a big difference. The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3174 have gathered donations of these basic clothing items many might take for granted and are working to arrange a time to bring them to those that need them...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Thursday: 1. US CONGRESS OKS PLAN TO ARM, TRAIN SYRIAN REBELS The 273-156 vote crosses party lines to an unusual degree in a Congress marked by near ceaseless partisanship...

CHARLESTON -- Van Noisworthy, 92, died Sept. 17, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

CARLISLE, Ark. -- Charles Ray Towe, 51, died Sept. 16, 2014. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MARSTON -- Jerry Dale Silman, 76, formerly of Texas, died Sept. 13, 2014, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

BENTON -- Harvey Eldon Washer, 74, died Sept. 18, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

AUBURN, Ill. -- Thomas Cecil "Tommy" Burns, 60, died Sept. 14, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

DEXTER -- Opal Irene LaRue Coffey, 96, died Sept. 16, 2014, at the Cypress Point Nursing Home in Dexter. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

DEXTER -- Opal M. Edwards, 89, died Sept. 15, 2014, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MINER -- Ronald E. Sturgeon, 74, died Sept. 12, 2014, at the Miner Nursing Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

COMMERCE -- Joy Jean Johnson Sander Simmons, 87, dieed Sept. 16, 2014, at her home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

I was wondering who won the prize money in the Jaycee parade? They said there would be a $200-$300 prize. I haven't seen it in the paper and I just wanted to know who won the prize money. The Sikeston Area Humane Society was awarded $300 for first place and Life Church received $200 for second place...