Stories from Friday, December 23, 2016

The gospel of Luke ends with a supremely jarring statement: "Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God" (24:50-53).

BROSELEY, Mo. -- Dexter's streak of dominance at the Lady Royals Christmas Classic continued Thursday night, only this time it didn't come easy. Neelyville went toe-to-toe with the tournament's giant and had every chance to knock it down. But in a game that came down to free throws, the Lady Bearcats reigned supreme...

SIKESTON -- With the end of the year quickly approaching, it also means property taxes are due. However, local county collectors say there's still time to meet the Dec. 31 deadline. "The key to remember this year Dec. 31 is a Saturday," said Scott County Collector Mark Hensley...

SIKESTON - With the help of a local business, the Kenny Rogers Children's Center received a $5,000 donation. For the third year, Bo's Jewelry and Pawn of Sikeston presented a $5,000 check from Jewelers for Children to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center as part of a local grant program...

SIKESTON -- Children locally and around the world will await the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night -- a tradition that's been going on for thousands of years. According to the Official NORAD Santa Tracker, Santa's sleigh took its first flight on Dec. 24, 343 A.D...

SIKESTON -- Children locally and around the world will await the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night -- a tradition that's been going on for thousands of years. According to the Official NORAD Santa Tracker, Santa's sleigh took its first flight on Dec. 24, 343 A.D...

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- William "Bill" French, 81, passed away Dec. 21, 2016, at the Golden Living Center in New Madrid. He was born Nov. 16, 1935, in Charleston, to the late Willis French and Viola Stallings French. He was in the National Guard, he was a 33rd degree Mason, elder of the First Presbyterian Church in New Madrid, past president of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, New Madrid Man of the Year in 2006, member of the Kiwanis club, a member of the VFW, member of the New Madrid County Club, member and past commander of the American Legion Post 595 and a board member of the New Madrid Historical Museum. ...

The September character winners for The Christian Academy were announced recently. The characteristic honored was courtesy, defined as polite and well-mannered behavior toward other people; saying and doing things with other people's feelings in mind. Honorees were, front row: Halyn Munday, Levi Forbey, Cole Lawrence, Colton Arnold, Abby Tanksley, Lydia Hester; and back row: Spencer Slaten, Khia Gillespie and Brody Gardner...