Stories from Monday, April 27, 2015

NEW MADRID -- Everyone has a mule story, says Duane Dailey, the photographer behind the exhibit, Missouri Mules and Men. According to Dailey, when the show was unveiled at the McDougall Center Gallery at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism last fall, it drew people from across the region. Many wanted to retell a story told by their grandfather or other ancestor about mules...

Although most of the day was sunny with blue skies, members of team "Party Pack" endured damp conditions early on to compete in the 30th Annual Kow Pasture Klassic on Saturday in New Hamburg. Proceeds of the "wacky golf" fundraiser benefit Kenny Rogers Children's Center in Sikeston and the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. Here, Amy Shelton tees off while (from left) Lisa Essner, Michelle Payne and Erica Dirnberger look on...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It's not often that when a team steps on the field for the first time in an afternoon they already have eight runs on the board. That's exactly the spot the Sikeston Bulldogs found themselves in, however, when they picked up a previously delayed game against visiting Dexter on Monday...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. WHY DEATH TOLL IS EXPECTED TO RISE IN NEPAL The condition of vulnerable mountain villages that rescue workers are still struggling to reach two days after the earthquake could raise the casualty count of 3,700...

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) -- Updates with quotes from lawmakers and political scientists and additional details about budget negotiations As the clock winds down for Missouri lawmakers to compromise on some of the most contentious bills of the legislative session, questions are being raised about closed-doors negotiations that allow a few key players to shape state policy out of the public's sight...

SIKESTON - The annual Kids' Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Division, will be from 8-11 a.m. May 16 at the Recreation Complex Lake. This event is open to all youngsters age 15 and under. There is a $1 per child fee, with a limit of one fishing pole per child. Each child must provide his or her own fishing pole and bait. Small children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Southeast Missouri State University sophomore Rylyn Small of East Prairie was named a 2015-2016 National Teach Ag Ambassador and will participate in the 2015 National Future Farmers of America Convention Oct. 28-30 in Louisville, Ky...

BENTON -- A Sikeston area man was arrested on drug possession charges over the weekend in Scott County. Jeremy B. Pearson, 35, is charged with the class D felony of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and the class B misdemeanor of property damage. Scott County Sheriff Rick Sheriff Walter said on Friday deputies responded to 140 Stone Drive in Sikeston for a delayed disturbance report. ...

SIKESTON -- Carleen L. Johnson, 89, died April 26, 2015, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

PORTAGEVILLE -- George T. Ward, 79, died April 26, 2015, at the Portageville Nursing Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

POPLAR BLUFF -- Lloyd Wilson, 87, died April 25, 2015, at Westwood Hills Health and Rehab Center in Poplar Bluff. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ORAN --Norman L. Morrill, 80, died April 25, 2015 at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

PERKINS -- Gregory "Gregg" Jones, 54, died April 24, 2015, at the family home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Willie E."Gene" Baker, 88, died April 25, 2015, at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

CHAFFEE -- Betty Lea Dooley Mirly, 75, died April 25, 2015, at her son's home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

Is there anything that the Sikeston Humane Society can do about all these stray cats running around? They have the area stinking so bad from their urine. I want to call in about this nice elderly lady that lives on Matthews Street. When we go to church every Sunday morning, she's out on her porch no matter if it's hot or cold. She always greets us when we are going to church and when we come home. She is always out there on Wednesday night too. I would just like to give her a commendation...

VANDUSER -- Shiela Ann Watkins, 63, died Apri 27, 2015, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. No public services are planned. Ponder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For the complete obituary, see the Wednesday edition of the Standard Democrat...

CHARLESTON -- Cleo "Kathy" Rogers, 70, died April 21, 2015, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Neb. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Terra Nova Church of Sikeston with Charles Hickman officiating. Visitation and dinner will follow at 4 p.m. at the IOOF Hall in Charleston...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Reviewing a first draft is where the Council begins the process of approving a budget for Sikeston's next fiscal year. Council members were presented with a budget summary and advised of the schedule for the budget approval process by City Manager Jon Douglass during their regular monthly briefing session Monday...