Stories from Friday, June 19, 2015

EAST PRAIRIE -- An East Prairie man was killed in an ATV accident that occurred around noon Thursday just south of East Prairie. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Billy R. Hatton, 48, was traveling south on County Road 527 when his ATV ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The vehicle overturned and Hatton was ejected...

EAST PRAIRIE -- An East Prairie man is in custody awaiting arraignment after his arrest Thursday in Mississippi County. Barry Furgerson, 25, was arrested by the East Prairie Police Department on felony charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated Phase I floodfighting Friday morning due to high river stages on the Upper Mississippi River. The area of current or possible flooding is located in the northern portion of the Memphis District in the Charleston, Mo., and Cairo, Ill. ...

CHARLESTON -- A Mississippi County man was arrested Tuesday evening after an investigation by the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department led to the seizure of several marijuana plants and illegally possessed firearms. According to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore, the investigation began on Monday when his department received information that a Bertrand man was growing marijuana in his mother's garden...

As a coach, I often hear parents utter the phrase: 'I want my son/daughter to get a college athletic scholarship.' Since I was able to earn a swimming scholarship, I have some thoughts on the entire process. Regardless of sport, there are some considerations and truths that will be explored in this article. ...

Fisheries biologists will teach safety and basics of trotlining on the Mighty Mississippi.

"Return faithless Israel, declares the Lord, I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful, declares the Lord, I will not be angry forever." Jeremiah 3:12 There are not many times and places in this world that when we mess up, that people want us to return. Just the opposite is true more often than not. If we mess up or make a mistake it can make people angry and feelings get hurt and people either do not want us to return or we might even be asked not to return...

There is a lot to be said about living in a small town. Because we live in a face paced society, we really do not see the blessings that are right in front of our face. All too often, there are many people that have several good ideas, and when asked to head up that project, they freak out and decline, then nothing happens. You have a whole city of resourceful people who are just waiting to be asked. Please tell a Jaycee member that you are thankful for what they accomplished...

More than $874 million in Unclaimed Property waiting to be returned, statewide effort starts June 16

When Alisha Wills was hired as the assistant basketball coach and head JV coach at Sikeston two years ago, one of the first things she did was bring in her basketball resume.

Cal Lane, who won five individual state championships at Sikeston, will look to propel his track and field career when he competes in the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore.

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Heavy rain and flooding across the state have prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to declare a state of emergency in Missouri. "As significant flooding continues to impact large portions of the state, I have directed state emergency management personnel and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to take action to assist local communities and protect the public," Nixon said in a news release. ...

BENTON -- Three men face charges in connection with the theft of irrigation wire in Scott County. Marcus A. Bowers, 26, of Jonesboro, Ill., Joseph M. Reddick, 52, of Emporia, Kan., and Marvin L. Burton Jr., 44, of Scott City are charged by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd with felony stealing and property damage. B...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Billy R. Hatton, 48, died June 18, 2015, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ATHENS, Ga. -- Ted Proffer, 80, died June 17, 2015. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- Al Stotts Burnett Jr., 50, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died June 17, 2015, in Nashville. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Jerry Don Fulkerson, 80, formerly of Grayridge, passed away at 11:40 p.m. June 16, 2015, after an extended illness. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

Farmers markets offer fresh produce, other items CHARLESTON -- Buying -- or selling -- produce fresh from the field is as easy as an early-morning trip to the park. "We would love to have more vendors -- we certainly have ample space to accommodate more," said Karen Teeters, executive director of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the weekly farmers market in Charleston. ...

CHARLESTON -- Outsourcing food service at the Mississippi County Detention Center will save taxpayers money while not cutting any jobs, according to county officials. "We finally got a contract for ABL food services," Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore announced during Thursday's County Commission meeting...

This is a warning to people that takes their dogs to get shaved down. I took my little dog over to a place and he was there for 6 hours in a kennel. As far as I can tell, he never got any water while he was there. He looked like he had the mange when he came out. ...