Stories from Thursday, August 6, 2015

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- While the rain may have held off during opening night of the 63rd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, most competitors in Wednesday's main event found themselves wet and muddy by the end of their ride. That's because of the 11 bull riders Wednesday night only two went the full eight seconds with the rest meeting an arena floor that had been muddied by thunderstorms earlier in the day...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. MIXED MESSAGES ON DEBRIS FROM FLIGHT 370 Confusion and anxiety for victims' families after Malaysia says a piece of a wing is from the missing jetliner , yet authorities in France, the U.S. and Australia stop short of full confirmation; other debris still to be tested also found...

Here's a daylight look at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds from opening night. Photo property of the Standard Democrat

SIKESTON -- Veda Mae Foster, 90, died Aug. 5, 2015, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Norma Faye McConnell, 79, died Aug. 5, 2015, at Miner Nursing Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

EAST PRAIRIE -- William Howard "Billy" Thomure, 58, died Aug. 4, 2015. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

WEST PADUCAH, Ky. -- Gloria Joyce Kelley, 65, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died at 10:14 p.m. Aug. 3, 2015, at Baptist Health in Paducah. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

STEELE -- An investigation into fire led to the arrest of two people on arson charges. Melissa Wade, 32, and Terry Partain, 49, are charged with two counts of second degree arson in connection with a house fire at 8:40 p.m. Tuesday on Liberty Street in Steele...

CHARLESTON -- An East Prairie man jailed for domestic assault faces additional charges after allegedly contacting his victim by phone. According to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore, the investigation began last month when Jail Administrator Cory Hutcheson learned inmate Brian Keith Merryman, 38, of East Prairie contacted a victim in one of his pending criminal cases...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Two of the busiest weekends for Sikeston retailers will culminate into one this weekend. The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo officially began Wednesday, and the sales tax holiday weekend begins Friday. "Rodeo traffic is an excellent week," said Lorie Fisher, manager at Orscheln Farm and Home in Sikeston. "It's just a week you get those new customers in the stores, and it's all about customer service."...

Cole Swindell performs Wednesday night at the 63rd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. Joe Diffie will perform tonight.

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Featured among tonight's rodeo talent is a local bullfighter. "They called me earlier this year and asked if I wanted to be a part of it," said Zac Stinnett, 18. "There's was no way I could turn it down - it's been a dream forever."...

The American Socialist Party, also known as Democrats, don't even realize there hasn't been a Democrat since Harry Truman. The votes have gone to the welfare system, turning their backs on the unions. We, the American working folks, are not playing on a level field...

Here is a night time view of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds from Wednesday. Property of the Standard Democrat