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Shooting that injured one under investigation in Sikeston (10/22/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Police are investigating a shooting that injured one Monday, Oct. 21 in Sikeston. During the late evening hours on Monday, Sikeston Department of Public Safety was alerted to a report of several gun shots in the 800 block of West Gladys Street, according to Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for DPS...
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Electrician course provides a pathway to the work force (10/22/24)By Jill Bock~Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Those statistics don’t come as a surprise to students in Steve Clark’s Electricians Pathways class at the New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center. ...
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Pancakes for a cause (10/22/24)New Madrid County Rotary L-RAG members, from left, Lydia Fowler, Nick White, Bridget Masterson and Aaron Griffin prepare plates for the club’s first ever Pancake Breakfast on Oct. 17. The club served 150 people during the event, which raised funds for the Eagle Closet, which assists New Madrid County R-1 students...
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Sikeston OAKS will host trivia night fundraiser to offset food costs (10/21/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — These days, times are tough for 501(c) (3) organizations. And the inflation spikes the past few years have impeded certain operational standards and abilities. Unfortunately, the Sikeston OAKS Nutrition Center has felt this drastic shift, so a trivia fundraiser night is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with registration commencing at 5:30 p.m. at 305 Cresap...
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SPS Foundation’s individual donations fundraiser underway (10/21/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — The Sikeston Public Schools Foundation is seeking support from individuals in the community as they hold the “SPS Foundation Individual Donations Fundraiser.” Running through Sunday, Oct. 27, this initiative aims to raise funds to enhance educational experiences and support SPS teachers. This fundraiser will replace what used to be catalog fundraisers held by the SPS Foundation...
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Poplar Bluff native, the voice of Scooby-Doo, will host local events (10/21/24)By JOE McGRAW~Daily American RepublicPOPLAR BLUFF, Mo. —The character of Scooby-Doo turned 55 years old this past September, but did you know the voice of the memorable character is from Poplar Bluff? Scott Innes, a 1987 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, took over the role from Don Messick in 1997. He later took on the voice of Scrappy-Doo and Shaggy as well...
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STUNNING SUPERMOON (10/21/24)SIKESTON — The supermoon is seen Friday night, Oct. 18 in Sikeston. The moon was 222,055 miles away Wednesday night, Oct. 17, making it seem even bigger and brighter than the August and September supermoons. It reached its full lunar phase on Thursday, Oct. 17, but it remained very visible Friday night. The fourth and final supermoon of the year will rise on Nov. 15...
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Nov. 8 proclaimed as the 19th Annual Multi-County Women’s Health Conference (10/21/24)Standard DemocratMINER, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host the 19th Annual Multi-County Women’s Health Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Miner Baptist Church located on 416 State Highway H. The conference is free of charge with breakfast and lunch, and door prizes provided...
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Identity of Sikeston author’s pen name revealed at event (10/21/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — A book swap and unveiling of a Sikeston author who used a pseudonym to write her book took place recently at Carson’s Restaurant in Historic Downtown Sikeston. During the Sept. 24 event, guests were served wine, cheese, crackers and fruit as well as a cake depicting the cover of the book, “Mother’s Little Alibi” by the author using the pen name, Lydia Constantine...
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Amendment No. 6 would use court fees to fund retirement for state sheriffs and prosecutors (10/21/24)By MARY SANCHEZ~Missouri independentMissouri voters will decide Nov. 5 if retirement funds for sheriffs and prosecutors should be supported with fees collected on court cases. A fee used to fund sheriffs’ pensions was put in place by state law in 1983. The Missouri General Assembly placed Amendment 6 on the ballot to reverse a 2021 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that found the fees unconstitutional...
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Sikeston shines: Chamber banquet sees record attendance; McPheeters receives Lifetime Achievement Award and McHaffie named Citizen of Year (10/18/24)By Leonna Heuring~Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Sikeston Chamber/Economic Development/Tourism honored the people, the organizations and the businesses who have enriched the community through their leadership and commitment over the past year. A record 470-plus people attended the 2024 Annual Awards Banquet Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Sikeston Memorial Airport to watch as the honors were presented...
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Five area counties receive Next Generation 911 Grant from state (10/18/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Five area counties have been awarded a $2.349 million grant from the Missouri 911 Service Board. Beginning next year the counties will be on the same network for all 911 calls from cell phones. Scott, New Madrid, Dunklin, Stoddard and Pemiscot counties now will be included in text communications to 911 operators...
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Todt takes over as executive director of the Scott County Transit System (10/18/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Oran, Missouri, native Macy Todt has been appointed as the new executive director of the Scott County Transit System. “The new executive director is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the transit team and to boost the awareness and ridership of the transit,” said Michelle Worth, chair of the Scott County Transit System...
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Groundbreakings for two Bootheel Head Start Centers set for Oct. 30 (10/18/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp. or DAEOC, has announced groundbreakings later this month for the construction of two new Head Start facilities in Southeast Missouri. The City of Steele and the County of New Madrid each applied through the Missouri Department of Economic Development for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on behalf of Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) for the construction of a facility for DAEOC’s Head Start program in the City of Steele and in New Madrid County at Portageville.. ...
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AAA: Move over or slow down – It’s the law (10/18/24)On Saturday, Oct. 19, which is National Move Over Awareness Day, AAA is reminding drivers about Missouri’s Move Over Law. The state’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes, if safe to do so, when approaching Missouri Department of Transportation vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and any other emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, with lights flashing. ...
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Arkansas State University names summer graduates (10/17/24)JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State University has announced the list of students who completed degree requirements to graduate at Summer Commencement Aug. 10 at First National Bank Arena. The list includes graduates from 41 states and D.C., and 18 other countries...
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September sixth graders of the month (10/17/24)Sikeston Middle School has named its sixth grade students of the month for September. The character word of the month was respect. Pictured are front row, from left: Ben Barnes, Aiden Garcia-Hernandez, Kinsley Brown and Emily Burton; and back row: Daelyn McIntyre, Rilynn Sawnson, Darrius Williams, Brody King, Rosalyn Lunderman and Makenzy Thompson. Not pictured is Ella Drake...
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September fifth graders of the month (10/17/24)Sikeston Middle School has named its fifth grade students of the month for September. The character word of the month was respect. Pictured are front row, from left: Cerae Crenshaw, Quinn Parks, Alexandra Lawerence, Paisley Sullivan and Natalie Gulledge; and back row: Olivia Towe, Jackson Tilmon, Keira Ruedrich, Caroline Sautter, Brian Blissett and Addilynn Towe...
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Fluffy clouds and cotton (10/16/24)A field full of cotton blooms under fluffy, cloudy skies is seen Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, south of Pharris Ridge Drive in rural Sikeston, Missouri, toward Matthews, Missouri. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending Oct. ...
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One in four (10/16/24)SIKESTON — A pregnancy and infant loss awareness event took place Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 on the front lawn of Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston in recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which is in October. One in four pregnancies end in loss (early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or infant loss). ...
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Kewanee man faces child pornography charges (10/16/24)Standard DemocratNEW MADRID, Mo. — A New Madrid County man is in custody on charges of child pornography. Arraignment for David J. Smith, 46, of Kewanee, Missouri, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 on five counts of possession of child pornography, first offense...
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Missouri Safe Sleep Month: A call to prevent infant sleep-related deaths (10/16/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Every year, the Missouri acknowledges October as Safe Sleep Month. The goal of Safe Sleep Month is to bring awareness to the infant lives that are lost each year due to unsafe sleeping environments. DSS strives to educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices. With the ever-evolving research and data around Sudden Infant Death Syndrome we now know that infant sleep-related deaths are largely due to suffocation and are often preventable...
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Missourians will vote on paid sick leave, minimum wage hike on Nov. 5 ballot (10/16/24)By Clara Bates~Missouri IndependentA measure that would guarantee paid sick leave for more than 700,000 Missouri workers who currently lack it, as well as gradually raise the minimum wage to $15, will appear on voters’ ballots next month. The ballot initiative, called Proposition A, has been backed by various unions and workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, over 500 state business owners and others...
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Kindergarten pups-September (10/16/24)Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center has named the Kindergarten Pups of the Month for September. Pictured are front row, from left: Naudia Johann, Bentley Ruedrich, LillyAnne Ryan, Sebastian Suzumu, Hailey Barnes, Tiana Colemen, Mason Goliday, Zacariuos Williams, Alayah Townsend, Tucker Miller and Brylee Kolwyck; and back row: Khalia Koen, Lincoln Smith, Khalia Joliff, Athena Meese, Bobby Newcomer, Maggie Rowe, Alayna Morrison, KJ Masegian, Kyson Mallory, Colt Miller, Chloe Crader, Kamryn Turk, Armond Williams, Muhlek Grant and Luna Taylor. . ...
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Preschool Pups-September (10/16/24)Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center has named its preschool pups of the month for September. Pictured are, from left: Carter Tilmon, Miracle McClinton, Henry Deere, Rhea May, Londyn Dixon, Gatlin Freeman, Emmy Blakely, Cindy Johnson, Adrian Velasco, Aaliyah Davis, Jaxson Lambert and Anayah Patel...
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Hunters take 5,741 deer during firearms early antlerless portion (10/16/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 5,741 deer during the state’s firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, Oct. 11-13. The top-three harvest counties were Franklin with 156 deer harvested, Howell with 140, and Bollinger with 135. Last year’s early antlerless portion harvest total was 16,553...
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Sikeston Kiwanis Fish Fry feeds nearly 1,000 (10/16/24)Members of Sikeston Kiwanis Club and its Key Club volunteered to provide the annual Kiwanis Fish Fry Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Elks Lodge in Sikeston. Nearly 1,000 people were served during the fundraiser which benefits Kiwanis projects...
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Joseph C. Blanton Jr. admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers (10/15/24)SIKESTON — Joseph C. Blanton Jr. became a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America, at the Annual Meeting of the College in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 28. Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar. ...
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Sikeston DPS restructures, takes control of PAWS (10/15/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is committed to the local community in a variety of ways. One of those ways now includes some departmental restructuring within animal control as DPS now will manage Pet and Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)...
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Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way seeks donations as fundraising campaign kicks off (10/15/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~Contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — This year, the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way is celebrating 61 years. During that time, a lot of donations and changes have occurred. Now, the 501(c)(3) is asking for the public’s assistance during its 2024 fundraising campaign, which runs from Oct. 1-Dec. 31, as corporate donations have receded over the years...
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Sikeston grandparents’ group tackles cyber bullying (10/15/24)SIKESTON — With October being Bullying Prevention Month, members of the Catholic Grandparents Association and Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School staff members and students gathered in the Technology Lab for a picture to recognize the new posters hung addressing cyber bullying...
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NMCC Eagles soar at homecoming (10/15/24)NEW MADRID, Mo. - The New Madrid County Central High School 2024 homecoming theme was “Ride the Wave to an Eagle Victory!” This year the NMCC Eagles football team certainly did with a commanding 62-14 victory over the Malden Green Wave. Prior to the game, was the introduction of the 2024 football royalty and the crowning of Destiny Hughes as this year’s queen...
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Richland teacher educates MSHP on crash photography (10/15/24)By TYLER F. THOMPSON ~Contributing Writer/Dexter StatesmanESSEX, Mo. — Kyle Carter has lived the life many journalists and photojournalists can only dream of. His work has been on the cover of People, he has covered presidents and even the World Series. But, after leaving journalism for a career as a financial advisor, there still was something missing from his professional portfolio...
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Stoddard County sheriff fined $6K over withheld video of dog killing (10/15/24)By JONATHON DAWE~Daily American RepublicBLOOMFIELD, Mo.— In a strongly worded ruling, Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner has been found guilty of knowingly violating Missouri’s open records law in failing to release body camera footage in the 2003 killing of a dog by a deputy. Judge Wade Pierce found that Hefner’s defense — whether or not the matter of safety/security something was something that took precedence over a records request — was an attempt to hide what happened. Hefner has been fined more than $6,000...
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Community mourns loss of leader, former State Rep. Steve Hodges Sr. (10/11/24)Staff Reports~Standard DemocratEAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — A Mississippi County community is heartbroken following the death of one of its longest and strongest supporters. Former State Rep. James Stephen “Steve” Hodges Sr., 75, died Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri...
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Kehoe announces Buy Missouri Week, Oct. 12-19 (10/11/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe announced the annual statewide Buy Missouri Week will be held Oct. 12-19. As designated by the Missouri Legislature, Buy Missouri Week encourages citizens to purchase Missouri-made products in support of Missouri businesses and manufacturers...
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Veteran town hall scheduled for Oct. 21 in Sikeston (10/11/24)SIKESTON — The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host a town hall event Oct. 21 at the Sikeston VFW Post 3174, located at 709 Smith St. An informational program with speakers detailing several aspects of VA health care will begin at 5 p.m.; however, program booths and outreach opportunities with key staff members will kick off at 4 p.m...
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Hawley holds rally in Poplar Bluff with KC Chiefs kicker (10/11/24)By Joe McGraw~Daily American RepublicPOPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The 2024 election came to Poplar Bluff this week as Republican Josh Hawley made a stop at the high school with Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker Thursday evening, and Democrat State Rep. Crystal Quade has a planned visit Saturday on her campaign for governor of Missouri. Hawley’s rally included an appearance on Fox News’ Laura Ingraham show filmed live on location...
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East Prairie man sentenced to prison on rape, sodomy charges (10/11/24)Standard DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — An East Prairie, Missouri, man was sentenced to life in prison on rape and sodomy charges in Mississippi County. James Leon Guthrie of East Prairie was sentenced Oct. 2 by Judge R. Zac Horack of the 33rd Judicial Circuit, according to Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. ...
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Four file for candidacy of Sikeston City Council in opening days of filing period (10/11/24)Standard DemocratSIKESTON — Four candidates have filed for the three open Sikeston City Council positions during the first days of the filing period which began Tuesday, Oct. 8. Tom Robison filed for re-election in Ward 1 while Matt Drake filed for the at-large position currently held by John Leible. Onethia Williams in Ward 4 is serving her second term and is ineligible to run. Filing for Ward 4 was Lorenzo Ware and Tearle “Cowboy” Johnson...
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Tree removal at country club (10/11/24)SIKESTON — Trees are removed along the ditch Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. According to Kevin Collins with Fox Haven, the drainage district has the easement on the banks of the ditch and is going to dredge out the ditch after the trees are removed. ...
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UPDATE: Missouri National Guard, Department of Public Safety resources for Hurricane Milton response no longer required (10/11/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The State of Missouri was notified on Thursday, Oct. 10 by the State of Florida that both Missouri National Guard (MONG) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) resources previously offered for Hurricane Milton response efforts are no longer required...
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Parson orders Missouri National Guard, Department of Public Safety resources to Florida to aid Hurricane Milton response efforts (10/10/24)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the State of Florida, Gov. Mike Parson has ordered 100 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members, 21 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers and civilian support staff, and five Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) members to Florida to aid Hurricane Milton response efforts. ...
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Fundraiser for Sikeston P.A.W.S. (10/10/24)SIKESTON — Sikeston Eagles 3319 Ladies Auxiliary organized a benefit for Sikeston P.A.W.S. (Pet and Animal Welfare Services) Sept. 14 at the Eagles Lodge in Sikeston. A total of $3,866.30 was raised during the event, and a check was presented on Sept. 24 to P.A.W.S. Pictured are, from left: Makinzie O’Guinn; Becky Case of Sikeston Eagles Ladies Auxiliary; and Shelly Marlin; and back row: Michael Layton; Paula Brown, president of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary; and P.A.W.S. Manager Jamie Williams...
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Sikeston DPS officers make the rounds during National Fire Prevention Week (10/9/24)By Tyler F. Thompson~contributing writer/Standard DemocratSIKESTON — With the barometer dipping to fall-like conditions, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety is recognizing National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, and urging residents to check their furnace filters and smoke detector batteries. “The theme this year is smoke alarms; we try to tell everybody as daylight saving time changes, check your smoke alarm batteries and make sure they work,” said Sgt. ...
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Sikeston to take over Scott County Sheriff 911 services (10/9/24)SIKESTON — Sikeston will soon handle most of the 911 calls in Scott County after an agreement was approved by the Sikeston City Council during its Monday, Oct. 7 meeting. The five-year agreement will see all Scott County 911 calls except those coming from Scott City handled by communications officers at Sikeston Department of Public Safety. The number of communications officers will increase from nine to 16 with a minimum of three operators working at all times...
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History, rather than haunting, purpose of Oct. 12 cemetery tour (10/9/24)By DEBRA TUNE~The Prospect-NewsDONIPHAN, Mo. — Ashley Thompson acknowledges that an evening visit to a cemetery can be an eerie experience for some people. However, her reason for coordinating a cemetery walk Oct. 12 has nothing to do with haunting, but everything to do with history...
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Two bodies found after explosion rocks Poplar Bluff (10/9/24)By JONATHON DAWE~Daily American RepublicPOPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — A massive explosion that obliterated a residence in Butler County claimed the lives of two residents within the home. Danny Batchelor, 67, and Diana Baker, 77, both died in the private residence that was destroyed Friday, Oct. 4. According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, both individuals lived together and Batchelor was there to assist Baker...
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Sikeston City Council takes more action at Monday meeting (10/9/24)SIKESTON — In addition to Sikeston City Council accepting and entering into a five-year contract to provide 911 emergency dispatch to Scott County, with the exception of the Scott City area, several other actions were taken by Council during the Monday, Oct. 7 meeting...
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DeJournett promoted to sergeant (10/9/24)POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Capt. Jason J. Cluver, commanding officer of Troop E, in Poplar Bluff recently announced the promotion of Corporal Dylan L. DeJournett. DeJournett was promoted to sergeant, effective Sept. 1, and designated the zone supervisor of Zone 8, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties...