Stories from Wednesday, November 4, 2015

SIKESTON -- Voters in favor of Sikeston's proposed half-cent capital improvement sales tax accounted for most of those showing up to vote in Tuesday's municipal election. A total of 1,168 yes votes in Scott County combined with 135 in New Madrid County accounted for the 1,303 in favor...

Portageville had three players named to the 2015 Class 2 All-State softball team Tuesday. Pitcher Taylor Tiffany headlined the group being named to the first team. Tiffany, who finished her senior season with a 24-5 pitching record, ended her Portageville career with a senior season total of 404 strikeouts. She's the only pitcher in Missouri history to top 400 strikeouts for a season...

From time to time, we like to take a look back at some of the athletes who made headlines in high school sports who are now making strides at the next level. And beyond.

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. TAIWAN, CHINA'S PRESIDENTS TO MEET FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1949 This is a highly symbolic move that reflects quickly improving relations between the formerly bitter Cold War foes...

Tuesday morning's fog enveloped much of Southeast Missouri making roadways hazardous due to the limited visibility. Forecasters are calling for a chance of rain on Thursday with the sun returning for the weekend.

EAST PRAIRIE - Witnesses of an accident assisted East Prairie police in determining a driver was guilty of more than just traffic offenses. Lisa D. Fithen, 48, of Charleston is charged with driving while intoxicated - persistent offender, driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia - methamphetamine. ...

The perfect way to stay slim and trim, eat at some of the local fast food restaurants. The flies will eat half of your food. The owners are saying they're losing money and business. That's the reason. No one wants to be surrounded by flies when eating. I want my burger with fries, not flies...

Long before it captured the national attention, I voiced strong reservation over the influx of millions of illegal immigrants into our country. Back when the focus was on the disaster of Obamacare and the growth of ISIS, the daily avalanche of illegals was garnering much less attention except in the border states where the impact was immediate...

HOWARDVILLE -- Anthony Quinn "Tho" Lofton, 50, died Oct. 14, 2015, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Ga. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.

DEXTER -- John Earl Dowdy, 71, died Oct. 31, 2015, at Southeast Health of Stoddard County. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


SIKESTON -- Aurelia Mae "Cheryl" Summers, 70, died Oct. 31, 2015, at the Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Sherrel Denise James, 60, died Oct. 27, 2015, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DEXTER -- Carla June McClard, 61, died Oct. 16, 2015, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DEXTER -- Rodney "Rod" Brillhart, 55, died Nov. 1, 2015, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The city of Sikeston will have a lower health insurance premium next year by upping deductible and copay amounts and adding a special copay. The Sikeston City Council authorized during their regular monthly meeting Monday the staff-recommended renewal of the city employee health insurance plan with HealthScope which includes some changes from last year's plan...