Stories from Thursday, February 18, 2016

Missouri gubernatorial candidate John Brunner vowed Saturday, if elected, to fight federal regulations he said are burdensome to businesses and farmers. The Republican candidate visited with GOP faithful, speaking in the Impact Center at the Agape Worship Center. Agape Worship Center is located on the west outer road between the Wardell and Hayti exits, south of Portageville...

When David Steward and Yvonne Sparks resigned from the University of Missouri Board of Curators, many observers noted the lack of ethnic diversity that remained because they were the only two black board members. A bill that will be heard last Tuesday morning, Feb. ...

Some have wondered over the last several weeks whether re-instating the MoDOT cost-share program or creating some other form of cost-share might offer a solution to the current funding crisis. A cost-share program can be an effective tool for certain targeted projects but it is important to understand how it works, the appropriate uses for it and its limitations...

The First Southern Baptist Church of Tallapoosa will be hosting its annual Men's Conference of the Bootheel on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the First Southern Baptist Church Mission Center. The theme for this year will be "But6 if not..." (Dan. 3:18). A lunch will be provided at Noon, by the ladies of the church. Rev. Steve Bradford, Youth Pastor at Portageville FBC, will speak in Session 1...

I was saddened this week to hear of the death of Antonin Scalia, perhaps the most conservative Supreme Court justice serving on our nation's highest court. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Scalia family and friends during this time of heartache and grieving. He was truly a great American...

The 2016 state wrestling tournament begins today with first round action. Here are updated results so far. (Will be updated throughout the day)

"It's a really huge accomplishment. It's something that I'm proud to say I took part in."

BENTON -- The city of Miner's former city clerk was ordered to pay nearly $15,000 in restitution and place on five years probation for stealing city court funds. Stephanie Turner, 40, of Portageville pleaded guilty Dec. 22 to the class C felony of stealing $500 or more but less than $25,000...

Dexter is Goltra's third head coaching position since 2012. He has a career coaching record of 10-21 after short stints with Kenwood and Obion County high school's in Tennessee.

SIKESTON -- The chili served at the Sikeston Rotary Club's annual Chili Day is so well received, its recipe has been kept under wraps for over 50 years. The nonprofit organization even assigns one member to guard the chili recipe each year. "People want to eat this chili," said Darlene Leonard-Reed, president of Sikeston Rotary Club. "It's well-seasoned."...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- The Charleston Bluejays had no trouble earning a road win at Portageville Friday night. Charleston (16-8) led 40-21 at the half and were never challenged in the second half. Dontarius Sharp scored a game-high 23 points while Mardareyon Clark finished with 17 and Jeremy Tucker 10...

With districts for small schools beginning in less than two weeks, seeds have been released for district tournaments in Class 3 District 1.

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. OBAMA PLANS HISTORIC TRIP TO CUBA President Barack Obama's planned visit to Cuba in the coming weeks will make him the first U.S. president to set foot on the island in nearly seven decades...

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at DeWitt Equipment in Miner Tuesday night. The fire broke out just after 10 p.m. and firefighters from Miner and Sikeston helped put out the blaze. No further information was available at press time.

Children in the Sikeston R-6 School District are taking part in the annual free screening which checks vision, dental, hearing, speech and developmental areas. Jayvaion Harris keeps a watchful eye as Veronica Hampton checks his height during Wednesday's screening at the Kindergarten Center. The screenings will continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. To make an appointment parents should call 471-0653.

I'm calling about "Nothing's free." I've got news for that little big mouth. He'll be needing God one of these days, and God won't be there. If they will just look up to the good Lord, they don't have to ask for nothing. It's all free for the asking...

SIKESTON -- Edna Jacobson, 97, died Feb. 17, 2016, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


SIKESTON -- Southeast Missouri human resource officials learned about workforce development opportunities this month in Sikeston at a time when many residents are facing unemployment. Karen Bailey, past president of the Society for Human Resource Management of Southeast Missouri, said the recent meeting with the Workforce Development Board of Southeast Missouri was very timely and useful to the local human resource officials...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The short answer to the question, "What does code enforcement do?" is: about as much as possible with what they've got. "Code Enforcement 101" was the subject for the Sikeston City Council's monthly community study session Thursday held at the Sikeston Public Library's new lower level meeting room...