Stories from Saturday, May 23, 2015

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Memorial Day weekend brings an extra-special celebration for squirrel hunters and bass anglers in Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Saturday of this fourth weekend in May -- May 23 this year -- is when squirrel season opens and when anglers can keep legal-sized bass in most southern Missouri streams...

Southeast Lakes Clearwater Lake
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported: 
Crappie: Slow 
Largemouth Bass: Slow 
White Bass: Slow 
Channel Catfish: Fair 
catfish fair on stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/13/15)...

(COLUMBIA, Mo.) -- USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds farmers and ranchers seeking federal crop insurance that they must have a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, commonly called form AD-1026, on file with their local USDA service center by June 1...

After back-to-back final four appearances highlighted by come-from-behind wins, New Madrid County Central saw its season come to a close in the Class 3, District 1 championship game Friday against Malden.

SIKESTON -- There will be no Standard Democrat published Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. Publication will resume with Wednesday's paper.

Bases loaded with the winning run on base might seem like a once in a lifetime moment for most hitters. That scenario must feel like a recurring dream for Bell City's Bobby Wright who gave the Cubs a 4-3 win over Oran.

The two-time state championship coach has accepted a position as the junior high principal within the Sikeston school district. He took over SCC in 2013.

SIKESTON -- Modern Woodmen of America Chapter 12077 recently honored Sikeston resident John Cray as a Hometown Hero for his service to our country. Cray entered the Army in 1949 serving in Korea, Japan and Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1955. Cray was a medic, helping the wounded in the field...

Officials with MRV Banks and Vast Broadband broke ground at 912 South Main in Sikeston on Thursday surrounded by Sikeston Regional Chamber members and other members of the community. The site will house a new 15,000 square-foot building that officials hope to have completed in late fall or early winter. ...

SIKESTON -- For almost 15 years, Mike Rentals Inc., has supplied the area with equipment and tools and their selection continues to grow with the addition of Grasshopper mowers. "Grasshopper is one of the oldest lawnmower companies out there," said Mike McReynolds, who owns Mike Rentals with his wife Cindie. "They are built in Kansas and we like the fact that they are American made."...

SIKESTON -- Critter Stuff in Sikeston is sponsoring efforts to create a dog park in Sikeston. Deborah Collins, owner of Critter Stuff, said she and other residents are preparing a presentation for the city and getting a funding plan together to create the Gene Collins Memorial Dog Park in Sikeston city limits...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The idea to host an annual event celebrating the last day of school each year was a gift from God, according to Rita Savage of Sikeston. "A lot of people do a 'Back to School' thing," Savage said Friday morning as she prepared her front yard for the hundreds of children set to arrive in just a few hours...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- A Sikeston business owner and her pet products will be featured in an upcoming episode of an internationally syndicated television show. Deborah Collins, owner of Critter Stuff in Sikeston, is slated to appear in an upcoming episode of "Modern Living with Kathy Ireland," an informative magazine-style program that features trends and breakthroughs to educate and motivate viewers. ...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Those who served in Korea following the cease fire should soon have a license plate option honoring their service thanks to a local veteran. Assuming Gov. Jay Nixon signs the bill to make it official, veterans who served in Korea after July 27, 1953, will have an appropriate license plate choice...

I took some beautiful flowers out to my mother's grave on Mother's Day to the Garden of Memories. I was ashamed of what I saw out there. The west side of the cemetery look like it might have been mowed, but the east side had weeds and grass that looked like they may have been a foot tall. I hope the people who bought that can do better than what was done today. Could you people not doing any better than that? I am so ashamed of you...

CHARLESTON - An East Prairie was convicted by a jury of sexual abuse. According to Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Darren Cann, Jewell Dean Woods, 45, was convicted of sexual abuse after a jury trial at the Mississippi County Courthouse in Charleston on May 7. Judge Scott Horman presided...

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers for services conducted Friday for Ray Eugene Lucy, 88, who died on May 20, 2015, were: Brice Box, Perry Yount, Brad Yount, Dennis Grissom, Shawn Maclin, Jason Williams and Randy Box. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition...

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Henry Ulys Smith, 82, formerly of Morley, Mo., died May 11, 2015, in Tucson. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

BLOOMFIELD -- Wanda Pullum, 83, died May 22, 2015, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Wesley Keene, 72, died May 21, 2015, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

Sikeston Junior Legion fell to Cape Junior Legion 6-2 before defeating Farmington 7-4 at the Jackson Memorial Tournament. Sikeston will continue play Sunday against DeSoto at 12:30 p.m.