Stories from Wednesday, December 7, 2016

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston junior Fred Thatch thought his team, across the board, simply played better Tuesday night. An aggressive tempo and rebounding were the highlights in his mind, topping what the Bulldogs have done during their first two games of the season so far...

Over the last 8 years, the United States has lost credibility with its allies, failed to deter her enemies and seen the security of American families suffer in an increasingly dangerous world. More often than not the cause were actions or inactions taken by the Obama administration through their inability to stand with our friends or take a stand against regimes that want to inflict harm against the United States. ...

Having won their first game of the season last Monday, gave the Portageville Lady Dawgs the confidence needed to defeat Twin Rivers Lady Royals Tuesday night, 57-48. Deondra Johnson led with 19 points and Adrienne Duncan trailed with 16 points. Kylee Lewis and Catey Hester led Twin Rivers with 14 and 13 points, respectively...

Last Friday, the Portageville Casey's General store held a Grand Re-opening of their store's expansion and new Deli and Sub sandwich line. In addition to their tasty pizzas, you can now get sub sandwiches and deli trays made to order just in time for your holiday parties. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- After watching their hopes of a second SEMO Conference Tournament title get gashed by the top seed, New Madrid County Central went to work on the consolation prize. The ninth-seeded Eagles pulled off their second upset of the tournament with a 65-58 win over No. 5 Cape Central Wednesday during a consolation semifinal at the Sikeston Field House...

RISCO, Mo. -- Four players scored in double figures as the Oran Eagles took down Risco on the road 74-62 Tuesday. Max Priggel poured in a game-high 21 points for the Eagles. Jacob Shoemaker added 19 points, Cole Priggel scored 16 and Layne Johnson had 12 for Oran (2-2)...

SIKESTON -- While on the road, a smooth driving experience is good. A smooth drive without stormwater flooding is even better which is the focal point of Sikeston's capital improvement plan for the fiscal year 2018. Development of the capital improvement plans help city leaders look beyond the upcoming budget year, giving time to mull community needs several years into the future. ...

SIKESTON -- World War II veteran Bill Scarbrough knows exactly what he was doing 75 years ago today when he learned of the attack at the American naval base at Pearl Harbor base near Honolulu. "It was on a Sunday afternoon and I was driving, coming down to Sikeston to pick up my wife now -- Wanda Lee Nelson -- but she was my girlfriend then," the Sikeston man recalled. "She lived in Sikeston and I lived in Blodgett, and I heard it on my car radio."...

Smoke billows around firemen as they work to put out a blaze. The Department of Public Safety responded to the fire in the 900 block of Crescent just after 11 a.m. Wednesday. Fire personnel contained the blaze to several out buildings in the home's back yard. No further details were available as of press time...

SIKESTON -- World War II veteran Bill Scarbrough knows exactly what he was doing 75 years ago today when he learned of the attack at the American naval base at Pearl Harbor base near Honolulu. "It was on a Sunday afternoon and I was driving, coming down to Sikeston to pick up my wife now -- Wanda Lee Nelson -- but she was my girlfriend then," the Sikeston man recalled. "She lived in Sikeston and I lived in Blodgett, and I heard it on my car radio."...

I was honored this past week to participate in a panel discussion of sorts designed to explore ways to improve a community in all aspects from jobs to health care delivery to education and crime. Among the takeaways from that lively give-and-take was the universal agreement that a solid educational foundation was the key element to a community's success...

WYATT, Mo. - Marion D. Oakley, 89, died Dec. 7, 2016, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- Kyle Benjamin Sanders, 28, died Dec. 2, 2016. Born April 27, 1988, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Joy Manning of Dyersburg and Donny Sanders of Jackson, Mo., he was a 2006 graduate of Dyer County High School. In addition to his parents, survivors include: stepmother, Melanie Sanders of Jackson; stepfather, Tom Manning of Dyersburg; sister, Melissa Sanders of St. ...

WYATT, Mo. -- Marion Devodry Oakley, 89, died Dec. 7, 2016, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Feb. 4, 1927, in Steele, to the late Walter and Allie Lessie Lee Ingould Oakley, he had lived in Imperial, Calif., where he was employed with JC Penney Co. for several years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and owned and operated Oakley Grocery in Wyatt. He was a member of the Mississippi County Bowlers, the SEMO Bowling League and a pitcher for area fast-pitch softball teams...

SIKESTON -- Mark Earl Williams, 47, died Nov. 25, 2016, at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter. He was born April 12, 1969, in Sikeston, to the late Claudia Williamson Williams and Lester Williams of Sikeston. He is survived by two sons, Markell McGuire of Conway, Ark., and Garyion Johnson of Charleston; six brothers, Lester Williams, Chester Williams, Jimmy Williams, Dionte Booker and Davion Wingo all of Sikeston, and Joshua Booker of Rockford, Ill.; sisters, Teresa Williams and Nadine Chamberlain of Winston-Salem, N.C., Vanessa Foots of Los Angeles, Deborah Foots of Mareno Valley, Calif., Pachia Wingo and Tionne Wingo of Sikeston; and two granddaughters.. ...

SIKESTON -- Elizbeth Winfield, 83, died Dec. 5, 2016, at her home. Born July 18, 1933, in Lexington, Miss., to the late Roy and Cora Meeks Meekie, she attended Life Church in Sikeston. She was married to James Winfield. She is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, Larry Winfield, James and Jane Winfield Jr., and Chris Winfield all of Sikeston and Billy and Stephanie Winfield of St. ...

Charleston High School Marksmanship Team recently competed against Ripley, Tenn., and Farmington High Schools. Against Farmington, (pictured) Bryce Robertson placed first in prone, first in standing and third overall on the A Team. On the B Team, Hezekah Christian placed first in prone, and third overall, Vernon Chandler placed second in standing and third in kneeling, Sam Naile placed third in standing, second in kneeling and second overall. ...

Students of the Sikeston Fifth and Sixth Grade Center met with first responders from New Madrid County Ambulance District, South Scott Ambulance District, and Sikeston Department of Public Safety's Police and Fire Divisions and gave them some treats to show their appreciation. Gloria Houston, health occupations instructor at Sikeston Career and Technology Center, organized the event...