Stories from Monday, August 6, 2018

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — It’s not uncommon to get a craving for a snack when stopping at the gas station to fill up. One East Prairie man took it one step further on July 25 and also purchased a Missouri Lottery “5X Bingo” Scratchers ticket with the extra change in his pocket...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Patricia Ann Cole, age 78, a resident of Charleston, passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at Bertrand Nursing and Rehab Center.  Born Sept. 14, 1939, in Wendyville, to the late Thomas Rye and Eloise Jones McMinn, she was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church near Charleston.  She was employed by Brown Shoe Company in Charleston for many years, retiring at the time of its closing. Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren, and she had recently become a great grandmother.  ...

Along with choosing who will represent their parties in the November election, Matthews and Portageville voters will have special proposals on their ballots during Tuesday’s primary. PORTAGEVILLE Proposition 1 asks Portageville residents to decide whether to prohibit the open burning of trash, lumber, leaves, straw or any other combustible material...

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Museum of Dog Founder, David Allen York, has announced plans for a satellite rural arts project in Southeast Missouri. Projects, such as this, have revitalized communities in many rural areas and provided economic stimulation. “Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, Minnesota is one of the best examples of such projects I’ve seen in the country,” said York. (www.franconia.org) Like other projects in rural areas, these rural projects are attracting over 100,000 visitors per year.  York thinks the rich farmland, earthquake history and the importance of the section of the Mississippi River enhances the opportunities for the project’s success.. ...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Stoddard County citizens will be presented with two propositions relating to the sheriff’s department when stepping into the voting booth next week. Proposition 1 is estimated to generate $1.4 million per year for the sheriff’s office to maintain general operational expenses, equipment, vehicles and salaries...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Four individuals are vying for the Stoddard County presiding commissioner’s office in Tuesday’s election following the announcement that long time officer holder Greg Mathis would not be seeking re-election. They are, listed in ballot order, Danny Talkington, Brock Williams, Sam Huey Jr. and Jeff Riddle...

Workers with Lappe Cement Finishing work to improve the sidewalk at the corner of S. Kingshighway and E. Kathleen Thursday morning. Work began on S. Kingshighway to add two new layers of ashphalt to give the street a new surface while at the same time adding ADA compliant sidewalk ramps...

Monday marks the first day of fall sports practice for Missouri high schools with many teams taking to the field early in the morning to beat the high summer temperatures expected today.

The flag cowgirls lead the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo parade down Kingshighway Saturday morning. The parade, traditionally, held the Saturday of the Rodeo, was moved up to the Saturday before the Rodeo this year. (Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat)

Local churches, businesses and organizations again partnered together to ease the financial burden of purchasing school supplies with Schoolfest 2018. The event, held Saturday morning at Malone Park, allowed children from kindergarten to 12th grade to get school supplies while there were was also refreshments, free activities, haircuts and a blue jean giveaway...

The annual Cowboy Up! Festival was held Saturday morning in Historic Downtown Sikeston.

ORAN, Mo. – Congressman Jason Smith held a farm hall meeting with local Scott County farmers last week, taking questions and providing a legislative update on a variety of federal agriculture issues. This month Congressman Smith is meeting with farmers and ranchers all across southern Missouri to discuss the different challenges within the agriculture industry...

SIKESTON — Freddie Donald "Don" Hagy, 74, died Aug. 2, 2018, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born June 20, 1944, in Crowder, son of the late George Washington and Geneva (Preston) Hagy Jr, Don was a member of Tanner Street Church of God, where he was very active on the Board and the Stephens Ministry. He was a distinguished member and multiple award recipient of the Santa Ana, Calif., chapter of Jaycees and was an an operations manager for Chicago Title Company before retiring.

SIKESTON — Don Ledbetter, 79, passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at his home in Sikeston. Born Sept. 25, 1938, in Wyatt, son of the late Luke and Annie Forrest Ledbetter, he was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and owned and operated Ledco Sales for many years in the Sikeston area...