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BENTON, Mo. — Leon Lamb, the former boyfriend of Mischelle Lawless, has been charged with first-degree murder relating to her death, according to a news release issued by Allen Moss, the special prosecutor put in charge of the case. A Scott County grand jury determined that sufficient evidence existed to file the indictment...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The following students have been named to the fall 2024 President’s List at Southeast Missouri State University.

SIKESTON — Mia Thornsbrough and Elaina Winchester were named Sikeston High School Students of the Month for December. Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, which sponsors the monthly program, names two seniors each month for the honor during the 2024-2025 school year. Students also receive a certificate and gift card from the Foundation...

SIKESTON — Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are annual holidays that can be especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one. Memories serve as constant reminders of loss, making it difficult to watch others celebrate over the holidays.  Kacie Sandlin, clinical therapist at Bootheel Behavioral Health in Sikeston, offered some advice to those who are grieving this Christmas season...

BENTON, Mo. — Each year the Koepp family transforms their small cabin for the holidays into a Christmas wonderland known as “Beckam’s Christmas display.” Visitors from the area will come by many nights to see the Christmas display near their home just outside of Benton on Scott County Road 250, and Andrea Koepp said she and her family have been doing it since 2022...

Editor’s note: For nearly 40 years we have shared the following story with readers every Christmas. The words of Francis P. Church will ring true today as they did more than 100 years ago when first written. In 1897, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon became worried when her friends told her there was no Santa Claus. Her father advised her to write to the New York Sun to find out the truth, and the reply by Francis P. Church became a classic:...

SIKESTON — Filing for candidacy for local school board positions for the April 8, 2025, election is in full swing as some races are beginning to form. Current Sikeston R-6 Board of Education members whose three-year terms will expire in April are Matt Drake and Allison Cox. ...

BENTON, Mo. — An investigation by a Scott County special prosecutor has resulted in the federal indictment of a former Sikeston resident for the murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless. Lawless, 19, was murdered around 1 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 1992, in the vicinity of the 80-mile marker, northbound exit ramp of Interstate 55 and Missouri Highway 77 in Benton/Scott County...

Throughout December, students and staff at The Christian Academy in Sikeston collected 311 pairs of socks for the nursing homes. Pictured are TCA students with those socks.

SIKESTON — The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to replace three bridges in New Madrid, Mississippi and Stoddard Counties. The bridges to be replaced include: — The Route E bridge over Little River Drainage Ditch 251, located between County Road 628 and Route HH in New Madrid County...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2025-2026 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its Dec. 13 open meeting at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office in St. Charles...

The Southeast Missourian has been chosen as a host newsroom for a nationwide program aimed at strengthening local journalism. Report for America announced its newest hosts Tuesday, Dec. 17. The not-for-profit media organization has placed about 250 journalists in newsrooms across the country to highlight under-covered issues and communities...

SIKESTON — Maritza “Mia” Flores, a junior at Sikeston High School, spent her Thanksgiving in New York City, marching with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band during the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Flores, the daughter of Guadalupe and Mario Flores,  was part of this year’s Macy’s Great American Marching Band, which included selected students from all over the country...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — An off-duty New Madrid County deputy and three children were killed in a head-on collision Tuesday, Dec. 17 in New Madrid County. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 4:35 p.m. on Route U, half a mile west of New Madrid as the 41-year-old male driver of Lilbourn, Missouri, lost control of his westbound vehicle, crossed the center line and struck the eastbound vehicle driven by a 17-year-old female of Lilbourn...

New Madrid's annual Christmas parade was delayed a day by rain but on Sunday, Dec. 15, the temperatures warmed providing a perfect evening to take in the event. This year's theme was a tropical Christmas. For more photos see the Standard Democrat's photo gallery.

SIKESTON, Mo. - The youngsters’ smiles were wide as they headed down the aisles to shop for Christmas. The only smiles that were bigger were the law enforcement personnel paired with the 15 students from the New Madrid County R-1 School District. For the eighth year, the New Madrid City Police Department hosted “Shop with a Cop.” The annual event provided five children from each of the District’s elementary school with a memorable day on Monday, Dec. 10...

NEW MADRID, Mo. - At the museum we really love the time of year between Thanksgiving and the New Year, mostly for the food (!) and for Santa, but really it’s the sense of community and family that we love so much. The holidays also bring back fond memories of friends and family, some of whom are no longer with us, and that is why the New Madrid Historical Museum started the Christmas Memory Tree many years ago. ...

SIKESTON — For parents seeking an engaging activity for their children during the Christmas break, the Sikeston Public Library has the perfect solution. Throughout the holiday season, the library will once again offer its exciting STEAM playroom, designed for children from prekindergarten to elementary school. ...

ORAN, Mo. — In recent weeks, the Oran R-3 School District has seen a surge in popularity for its new choir club. Amanda Flanigan, band and music instructor at Oran High School, said the school hasn’t had a choir in at least 30 years. Flanigan, the Oran band and music instructor and an Oran alum, said it had always been her dream for Oran to have a choir, but it was not available when she was in school. ...

The Fifth Annual Benton Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade took place Sunday, Dec. 15 through the streets of Benton. Fireworks, pictures with Santa Claus and a candy cane hunt followed at the Benton Ballpark. Parade float winners were: Snoopy and Peanuts in memory of Eric Urhahn and Dominic Hooper (top photo), first place; Grinch in swinging cage by Twin City (right), second place; and Kelly High School FFA, third place. ...

SIKESTON — Sikeston Middle School Teacher Torrie Helms was celebrated for being selected as a 2024 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator. Hilburn-Vaini McDonald’s Area Supervisor Tony Seabaugh visited the school to present Helms with the award. Local McDonald’s restaurants started this award program five years ago to celebrate area teachers and honor them for exhibiting the ultimate dedication to their students and going the extra mile to contribute to the improvement of education. ...

Submitted Photo November kindergarten pups Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center has named its kindergarten pups of the month for November. Pictured are front row, from left: Ava Covington, Titus Vaughan, Kymiah Banks, Kaisley Johnson, Lincoln Russell, Dezire Gunn and Kaiden Hiller; second row: Jahari Phiffer, Kinsley Ledbetter, Jaylon Lewis, Jorden Stevens Smith, Decklyan McDowell, Rhett Foust, Jaxen Coleman, Greta Sides and Danylah Willis; and back row: Gracyn Greenley, Lincoln Teague, Jaimeson McQuerter, Londyn Lynch, Millie Jones, King Sheron, Trenton Robinson, Molly Ramsey and Eliza Cochran.. ...

Lydia Pobst, daughter of Justin and Merideth Pobst of Jackson, Missouri, and Layne Collier, son of David and Dawn Collier of Benton, Missouri, were recently named the 2024 Man and Woman of the Year at Southeast Missouri State University. The ceremony was Oct. 26 at SEMO’s homecoming...

Wreaths Across America was held Saturday, Dec. 14. The national program honors veterans by placing wreaths on graves in community cemeteries. Wreaths were laid following a ceremony at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

NEW MADRID, Mo. — A federal grand jury has indicted a New Madrid County resident on drug charges. On Dec. 3, a federal grand jury found probable cause to indict David L Wilburn of Matthews, Missouri, on possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, both violations of U.S. federal codes. Wilburn has turned himself into the federal authorities...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — An East Prairie, Missouri, man was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, for allegedly attempting to meet a child for sex on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Paul Blanchard Bixler, 55, was arrested by the SEMO Department of Public Safety and booked into the Cape Girardeau County jail at 6:09 p.m. Wednesday...

SIKESTON — Repairs to the Sikeston Little Theatre are officially underway after the building was damaged from a tornado over the summer. An EF3 tornado struck Sikeston over Memorial Day weekend in May. Winds in Sikeston ranged from 115 to 140 mph and caused damage...

SIKESTON — Light Up Sikeston with the Hope of Jesus is back again this year, and the return of the drive-thru light display is the biggest year yet, according to organizers. The annual event officially opened back up for the season at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at 1221 North Ingram in Sikeston. Five years ago the light-up display was started by the Sikeston First Assembly of God, and it has grown every year since...

SIKESTON — Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 to discuss the Route 60 conceptual study in New Madrid and Scott Counties. The meeting will be held at MoDOT’s Southeast District Office, located at 2675 North Main Street in Sikestoni...

Sikeston High School senior Aden Cox was selected by the Sikeston R-6 Board of Education as the school district’s Missouri School Board Association FutureBuilders Belcher Scholarship nominee during the board’s regular monthly meeting Dec. 10 at Central Office. ...

SIKESTON — A Sikeston Public Schools counselor has been honored for her dedication to students and education. Sikeston High School senior counselor Kim Thornbrough received the Missouri Community College Association, or MCCA, Pathfinder of the Year Award at MCCA’s annual conference last month in Branson, Missouri. Every November, MCCA’s faculty and staff gather for an annual conference to honor those who have made a significant impact on students and institutions...

SIKESTON —  It’s that time of year when children are anxious for Christmas to get here. The Standard Democrat is ready to help. We invite children (up to fourth grade) to write to Santa Claus. Letters may be emailed to news@standard-democrat.com or sent to Santa in care of the Standard Democrat, 205 S. New Madrid St., Sikeston, MO 63801. Letters can also be placed in the Standard Democrat's after hours drop box at the office...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – A former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier on Tuesday, Dec. 10 admitted stealing gift cards from the mail. Joseph S. Wilkins, 56, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. Wilkins admitted stealing approximately 10 to 12 gift cards from customers’ mail between December 2023 and April 2024. Wilkins made personal purchases with the cards, which had a total value of approximately $500...

SIKESTON — For Sikeston native and author Ronnie D. Senciboy, having the “it factor” is as innate as breathing. The 73-year-old real-estate-agent-turned-author has thrived with the written word since his secondary education days at Sikeston and Chaffee, Missouri...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Scott County R-4 “Kelly” and Portageville school districts are partnering with Southeast Missouri State University, or SEMO, through the innovative SEMO Educators Advantage program. This collaboration opens new doors for Scott County R-4 and Portageville faculty and staff by providing access to academic growth and professional development opportunities while reaffirming SEMO’s dedication to strengthening educational opportunities across Southeast Missouri and supporting local school districts.. ...

SIKESTON — Filing for candidacy for local school board positions for the April 8, 2025, election begins Tuesday, Dec. 10 and ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 31. Current Sikeston R-6 Board of Education members whose three-year terms will expire in April are Matt Drake and Allison Cox...

SIKESTON — The 2025-2026 school year for the Sikeston R-6 School District will include a week-long Thanksgiving and spring break for students, an extensive Christmas vacation and a mid-May dismissal. The Sikeston R-6 Board of Education approved the calendar for next school year during its regular monthly meeting Nov. 12 at Central Office...

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The New Madrid Police Department will soon be able to utilize the latest in technology in fighting crime. Recently the New Madrid City Council authorized the payment of $11,650 for the purchase of three Flock Safety cameras. According to New Madrid Director of Public Safety Joey Higgerson, the purchase is part of an effort led by the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department to bring the crime-fighting technology to the New Madrid County. ...

SIKESTON — Truman Curry and Colin Scott were named Sikeston High School Students of the Month for November. Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, which sponsors the monthly program, names two seniors each month for the honor during the 2024-2025 school year. Students also receive a certificate and gift card from the Foundation...

A float featuring “Buddy the Elf” spits snow as it makes its way down East North Street Friday, Dec. 6 in Historic Downtown Sikeston, which hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Dashing Through Downtown-Parade of Lights. Visit www.standard-democrat.com to view the three photo galleries from the festivities...

SIKESTON — Chloe Clinton, daughter of Shawn and Bethley Clinton, is the Standard Democrat’s Calendar Girl for December. Clinton, who was a top 12 finalist in the 2023 Miss Sikeston Contest, is a 2024 graduate of Sikeston High School. She attends Southeast Missouri State University where she is majoring in nursing and obtaining a Bachelor of Science in nursing to be a registered nurse...

MINER, Mo. — Police are investigating a death following a domestic incident late Sunday, Dec. 8 in Miner. At 8:43 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Miner Communications received a 911 transfer in reference to a domestic assault in progress at a local residence, according to a news release from the Miner Police Department. The caller advised the communications officer a male was armed with a firearm and was threatening to harm himself after an altercation with his spouse...

SIKESTON – Sikeston Junior High School has named its honor roll students for the first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year.

Southeast Elementary in Sikeston has named its character education students for the month of November. The word of the month was fairness. Pictured are front row, from left: Alan Benitez Caballero, Cambree Denning, Kameron Childers, Amir Oliver, Rebekah Brown and Lailan Johnson; and back row: Noah Clay, Rita Tewasiliyang, Any’Yae Smoot, Adley Darter, D’Nyla Thompson, Darcie Glassmeyer and Eileen Walker...

BENTON, Mo. — For over 10 years, the City of Benton has not had a park board, but now it has returned, and board members have big plans for the future. Benton City Clerk Kyla Evans said the park board has been back for two months, and one of the main reasons is to revamp the current ballfields...

SIKESTON — Sikeston City Council approved a bill calling for an election to extend a one-half cent capital improvement sales tax on the April 8, 2025. According to David Jenkins, City of Sikeston’s communication manager, on Nov. 25 at the city council meeting, the Council approved the call to renew the Capital Improvement Sales Tax. ...