Stories from Saturday, February 14, 2015

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston man faces multiple child pornography charges after his cell phone and other photo memory devices were turned into local law enforcement early this week. Edward Lee Freeland Jr., 34, of Sikeston was formally charged Wednesday by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd with 10 felony counts of possession of child pornography...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents an Effective Wingshooting workshop March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area. This course is designed for upland bird, waterfowl and turkey hunters and is an advanced shotgunning education program designed to evaluate wingshooters and identify problem areas...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The last time New Madrid County Central faced a conference opponent, things got ugly. With the league's top team entering their home court on Friday, NMCC needed a win to stay afloat in the conference race and erase the bad taste of Poplar Bluff's 34-point win 10 days before...

sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Any hope Portageville had of playing spoiler Friday night at Charleston's homecoming went out the window just four short minutes into the game. Opening the game on a blistering 23-2 run, the Bluejays built a 29-point lead by halftime and cruised a 74-39 turbo-clocked win...

By Derek James sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- A lot was on the line for the Sikeston Bulldogs in Friday night's critical SEMO Conference matchup with Cape Central. Sikeston came into the game riding a six-game winning streak, were still in the running for a SEMO Conference regular season title, as well as most likely the top seed in the upcoming Class 4, District 1 Tournament...

SIKESTON -- The Standard Democrat will not publish a paper Monday in observance of Presidents' Day, and the offices will be closed. Offices will reopen at the normal time of 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, and regular publication will resume with the Wednesday edition...

POPLAR BLUFF -- The name of the game for the Raiders this season is versatility. Three Rivers coach Stacy Burkey has three left-handed pitchers projected as starters. As many as seven different Raiders can bat left-handed. There are six guys he could use as the designated hitter...

sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- After the first day of the Class 3, District 1 Tournament in Farmington, all 12 Sikeston Bulldog wrestlers are standing tall with their chance to advance to state still in sight. Sikeston advanced six Bulldogs into the semifinals while the other six remain alive in wrestle backs...

CHAFFEE -- Eileen Varble, 93, died Feb. 12, 2015, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Culan Jasper Crocker, 81, died Feb. 12, 2015, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. -- Marietta Twitty Whitworth, 95, died Dec. 19, 2014, surrounded by family and friends, in Olive Branch. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

news@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- A high school junior is facing drug charges after being busted at school. According to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety report, the 17-year old male was arrested Thursday morning at Sikeston High School...

SIKESTON -- Girl Scout Cookie delivery has begun. Those who didn't connect with a Girl Scout to place an order, or just want more, need not worry. From now until March 15, area Girl Scouts will continue to sell Girl Scout Cookies through direct sales, including door-to-door and at cookie booths outside area merchants...

BERNIE -- Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday was joined by Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce and regional agriculture industry leaders at the Martin Rice Warehouse in Stoddard County for a roundtable discussion on the economic benefits of increased trade to Cuba, especially for Missouri rice and cotton farmers...

SIKESTON -- A memorial service honoring former Marine David Berry will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church on North Main Street. Berry, who has strong local ties to Southeast Missouri, was killed by ISIS terrorists on Jan. 27 at the Corintha Hotel in Tripoli, Libya...

New Madrid County Central senior Nyna Finocchi poses for pictures after being named the 2015 basketball homecoming queen between games against visiting Jackson Friday at New Madrid County Central High School. Her escort is T.J. Clark.

SIKESTON -- A storm system is still forecast to move across the area Sunday, likely bringing accumulating snow to most of the area. According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., snow is likely from late Sunday through early Monday morning...

I'm writing in response to these caregivers stealing from their clients and for not doing the work they're supposed to be doing in their homes. And what's even worse is when they take advantage of the elderly and handicapped. These care companies shouldn't never allow a worker to be in a home no more than two years at the most. And these clients shouldn't treat these workers like they're a part of the family. They sure won't do anything then...