Stories from Friday, February 13, 2015

I enjoy an early February warm front as much as the next guy, but the 20 mph south wind that accompanies it I could do without. But alas, that is the nature of early spring, which regardless of what that Pennsylvanian varmint sees or doesn't see, starts for us outdoorsmen the day after duck season ends...

The New Madrid County Commission met Monday, Feb. 1, for the annual budget hearing for the 2015. The meeting was held in the office of County Clerk and Budget Officer Clement Cravens. He presented the docket and records of this Commission, information and estimates for the year 2015 as required by County Budget Law (Sections 50.525 to 50.745, RSMo.) The budget Report is as follows:...

"Dear friend, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) This week is the celebration of Valentine's Day. The day in which we celebrate and give our sweetheart some symbol of our love for them, if we are teenager or above. ...

sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- After another strong regular season the Sikeston Bulldogs start a potential road to the Missouri state meet. The Class 3, District 1 wrestling tournament begins today at Farmington and the Bulldogs will look to build on last season's success where they sent five wrestlers on to the state tournament...

sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- Shanterra Waters scored a game-high 26 points but it wasn't enough to lift New Madrid County Central past Kelly on Thursday. Kelly (16-5) won 61-44 behind Kaylee Scherer's double-double of 11 points and 15 rebounds. Stephanie Worth added 11 points and Logan Ivie scored 10. The Hawks have won three-straight...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston girls basketball team didn't disappoint its biggest fan base to date as it cruised to a 63-22 win over Charleston on Thursday. A campaign to "Fill the Field House" prior to Thursday night's contest urged community members, fans, student organizations and anyone in between to attend Sikeston's game against it's rival...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Southeast Missouri State sophomore guard Antonius Cleveland's answer to whether he and his teammates had finally played their best game of the season Thursday night was succinct. "Of course," Cleveland said as broad grins stretched across his and his teammates' faces...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. U.S. WARILY EYES UKRAINE PEACE PACT Despite a multination brokered peace agreement for Ukraine, the U.S. is still considering whether to give arms to Kiev and slap fresh sanctions on Russia...

SIKESTON -- Sylvia Ann Love, 78, died Feb. 6, 2015, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Iva L. Shannon, 73, died Feb. 10, 2015, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Shirley Irene Shirkey, 75, died Feb. 11, 2015, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

I just heard on the weather that the weatherman was calling for snow on the 5th of February and that he liked snow and he hoped it was coming. Well, if he likes snow so much, let him go around and pick people up and take them to work. I'm not a snow lover. I slip and slide and have nearly slid into people. If he likes snow, then let him drive a bus and come pick people up and take them to work. Snow can be dangerous and can cause accidents and death...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- At a time many people are thinking about filing their income taxes, another tax-related deadline is creeping up. "Personal property assessment lists are due March 2 since March 1 is on a Sunday. If they don't send it in by then, we start penalties on them. That is state law," said Teresa Houchin, Scott County assessor. "People just don't realize it -- it comes up so fast. You would be amazed how many people wait until that last week to send it in."...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- A Scott County mother is on a mission to ensure every child's teacher is equipped with the lifesaving skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Rhonda Robert of Benton said it wasn't until after her teenage son's tragic death in June did she realize the importance of more people knowing how to administer CPR...