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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday, Sept. 12 awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to 28 first responders for heroic and life-saving actions during 2023. Among those recognized were a Matthews, Missouri, citizen; an off-duty firefighter from Kelso, Missouri; and three officers from Sikeston Department of Public Safety...

SIKESTON — Three Sikeston Department of Public Safety officers were honored Thursday, Sept. 12 at the state level for their heroic actions. Sgt. Jacob Kubelka-Peck, Officer Shaun Goodwin and Officer Dakota Harrington were awarded the Medal of Valor by Gov. ...

SIKESTON — Three Sikeston residents were recognized as the newest Parks and Recreation Honors Board inductees during a ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Honors Board located near the tennis courts at the Sikeston Sports Complex. This year’s recipients were Dan Sutton, Waymon Sims Jr. and Jay Lancaster who were the 51st, 52nd and 53rd individuals added to the Honors Board...

SIKESTON — Several school districts in Southeast Missouri have become the target of threats circulating social media platforms, forcing many to increase security on their campuses and, in some cases, cancel their classes and events. Sikeston Public Schools was made aware of several school threats circulating social media platforms, the district announced Thursday, Sept. 12...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The Immaculate Conception Parish hosted its annual Riverfest on Sept. 7 to benefit the I.C. School in New Madrid.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Everyone loves seeing social media posts of smiling farm kids with their animals at local fairs. But no one enjoys seeing these photos more than criminals who could put your family’s safety and property at risk, says Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in livestock...

SIKESTON — Sikeston Public Schools has been made aware of several school threats circulating social media platforms, the district said Thursday, Sept. 12. “We are currently working with Sikeston Department of Public Safety and keeping them informed of the post circulating social media,” district officials said via the district’s official Facebook page Thursday afternoon. ...

SIKESTON — The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is approaching, and here’s what local residents need to know. According to Barb Sturner, FEMA external affairs specialist, FEMA is providing disaster assistance to individuals and households in 10 Missouri counties as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding May 19-27. ...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A jury found a Charleston man guilty of a felony resisting arrest charge following a one-day trial in Mississippi County. On Friday, Sept. 6, Sterling La’Marr McCain was convicted by a jury of his peers of felony resisting arrest, according to a news release from Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. Poley.

SIKESTON — Former FBI agent Marty Williams of Sikeston climbed the stairs at Montgomery Bank in Sikeston Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as a way to honor first responders and all who lost their lives...

SIKESTON — Southeast Missouri Food Bank hosted a Hunger Action resource fair and mobile food pantry Monday, Sept. 9 at its headquarters in Sikeston as part of its Hunger Action Month activities. “We want to bring all of these services together for a one-day event to make them more accessible,” said Camille Peters, chief impact officer of the food bank. ...

Sikeston Jaycee Clay Driskill who served as the 2024 Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo General Chairman, gives a presentation about the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in St. ...

Mercy’s hospital organization announced Monday, Sept. 9 it will end its Missouri contracts with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2025 if terms are not reached soon. Mercy stated it provided written notice to Anthem to end its contract. The news was delivered publicly after the hospital organization announced that “months of negotiation” have proven fruitless...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet for the first time face-to-face Tuesday night for perhaps their only debate, a high-pressure opportunity to showcase their starkly different visions for the country after a tumultuous campaign summer...

NEW MADRID, Mo. —When 16-year-old Makenzie Muse sits behind the wheel of a car, it is with confidence. Yes, Muse is aware of the statistics. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens ages 15-18 years old in the United States, according to the CDC...

Kycelin Farr runs the ball down the field for the third and fourth grade War Eagles in the opening game of the New Madrid’s Little League football season on Sept. 7. The team would go on to defeat Jackson, 8-0 in their game. The second game of the day was a match-up of fifth and sixth grade players from New Madrid and Jackson. The teams will meet again on Sept. 14 in Jackson. The War Eagles will also play Dexter, Poplar Bluff, Caruthersville and Sikeston this season...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of regulation changes for the upcoming deer and turkey hunting seasons. The changes include a new fall turkey permit, new counties in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone, removal of the antler-point restriction (APR) in some counties, allowing drones for tracking wounded deer and turkeys, and more. ...

MORLEY, Mo. — A multi-acre field fire damaged three structures and forced road closures along U.S. Highway 61 in Scott County Friday, Sept. 6, and fire crews continued to battle vegetation fires over the weekend and into Monday, Sept. 8 despite burn advisories and bans being in place...

A representative with Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery, right, pours a sample of sangria for an attendee of this year’s 14th annual Historic Downtown Wine Festival Saturday, Sept. 7 in Sikeston.

The Sikeston American Legion Auxiliary Unit 114 presented on Aug. 28 veteran Michael Harris, pastor of Open-Door Fellowship Ministry in Sikeston, with a donation of $500. Harris and a two-person crew make a brown bag meals for 25-30 students daily after school at the church. ...

SIKESTON — Several posts by local women circulating on social media in recent weeks have claimed a man was following them in the Sikeston Walmart. A few individuals have shared and posted stories to warn people about the man and even informed Walmart managers about him...

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Professional Fire Fighting Association will hold its eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Walk on Saturday, Sept. 14. Many first responders from southeast Missouri will take part in this year’s walk which ill begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fire Station No. 2, 506 North Main St., in Sikeston and will continue south to the Lowe’s store on South Main Street. ...

MORLEY, Mo. — A large field fire near near Morley forced crews to shut down parts of U.S. Highway 61 and surrounding roads Friday afternoon in Scott County. Fire crews shut down Highway 61 between Highway U and Scott County Road 432 for a large field/structure fire that started just before 2 p.m. in the 22500 block of Highway 61. A portion of Highway 91 is also shut down while multiple crews on scene fight the blaze...

MATTHEWS, Mo. — Two persons are facing charges after an investigation into the theft of a dirt bike uncovered much more. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office received information that a stolen dirt bike was in the process of being sold at a residence on County Road 803. ...

BENTON, Mo. — Scott County R-4 “Kelly” School District recently completed its bond issue construction.  In April 2022, taxpayers in the Kelly district approved a $6.5M bond issue for capital projects. The district completed all of the improvements as promised at the end of April, according to Superintendent Dr. Bradley Kolwyck...

Noah Curtis, left, and Kenny Curtis with R & K Curtis Inc. smooth concrete early Thursday, Sept 5. as part of the construction of Chamber Homes’ new subdivision, Magazine Trace, located off Baker Street in Sikeston.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff will host a special ceremony for all veterans, their families and caregivers, along with members of the community to Sept. 16 to unveil a new, permanent POW/MIA honor chair and plaque display...

SIKESTON — For the first time, Sikeston AgriPark will host a Field Day on Monday, Sept. 9 when tenants from AgriPark, AgLaunch and University of Missouri Extension will share their research with all local farmers and producers. The AgriPark Field Day will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Highway 61 North in Sikeston. Breakfast and coffee are served at 7:30 a.m. The event is free...

SIKESTON — Sikeston may undergo new changes in the future. On Wednesday evening, Sept. 4, the Sikeston Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, Commission met to discuss and approve amendments to the Sikeston 60 West Redevelopment Plan.  The meeting was held in the council chambers at Sikeston City Hall and focused on the redevelopment area, which is described in the Redevelopment Plan as approximately 175 acres generally bounded on the east by School Street, which includes the lots on the west side of Lawrence Street and the existing Wal-Mart Supercenter, on the south by Highway 60, and on the west by the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. . ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Seven people died in traffic crashes, two people died in a boating crash and one person drowned during over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2...

SIKESTON — On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the Sikeston City Council authorized the execution of a municipal agreement, deed and donation letter with the Missouri Department of Transportation at their regular council meeting. “This bill covers a few different things,” said Jay Lancaster, city of Sikeston public works director. “MoDOT is preparing to advertise for bids for a project to improve the intersection of HH and North Ingram.”...

Employees with the City of Sikeston used the sunny weather to pressure wash the exterior of Sikeston City Hall along Center Street Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The 100 block of East Center Street will also be the site for this weekend’s 14th Annual Wine Fest sponsored by Historic Downtown Sikeston and Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event is set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7...

SIKESTON – Southeast Missouri Food Bank will host a Hunger Action resource fair and mobile food pantry Monday, Sept. 9 at its headquarters in Sikeston as part of its Hunger Action Month activities. “We know many of the neighbors who turn to us for food assistance are in need of other resources,” said Camille Peters, chief impact officer of the food bank. ...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Three Lilbourn residents are facing federal charges. Michael Ryan Bush, 41, is charged with a federal warrant for felon in possession of a firearm, Thomas Phillips Jr., 54, is charged with methamphetamine distribution and drug user in possession of a firearm, and Bryan Nelson, 36 is charge with felon in possession of a firearm. All three are currently being held at the Mississippi County Jail pending transfer to a federal holding facility...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Organizers are already planning on how to make Music on the Mississippi bigger and better. An estimated 3,000 people filled Main Street Saturday afternoon for the food truck rally then crossed the Mississippi River levee to listen to performances by local entertainers, Ol’ Rivertown and Double Take, and headliner, The Marshall Tucker Band...

SIKESTON — Individuals are encouraged to honor a local veteran by applying for a Sikeston Honors Veterans Banner as applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 lottery drawing. The veterans’ banners are displayed on light posts at Sikeston Veterans Park for approximately one year from Veterans’ Day. ...

SIKESTON — Madeline McCord, daughter of Keith and Ginger McCord, is the Standard Democrat’s Calendar Girl for September. McCord, 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 advertising and public relations. She also plays the alto saxophone in the Southeast Missouri State University Marching Band...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean’s list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least six credit hours during the summer semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale)...

Pictured are Post 114 Legion Riders officers front row, from left: Frankie Adams, Cliff Hinde and Donnie Ward; and back row: Steven Pigg and Brad Freeland.

Pictured are Post 114 Sons of the American Legion officers front row, from left: Frankie Adams, Finance; Davie Grubbs, Commander; Brodie Pigg, Sergeant at Arms; and back row: Tom Staggs, Judge Advocate; Steven Pigg, First Vice; Brad Freeland, Second Vice; and Brandon Penrod, Chaplain...

During its August meeting, Sikeston American Legion Post 114 installed new officers for American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and Legion Riders. Pictured are Post 114 officers front row, from left: Tom Staggs, 1st Vice; Frankie Adams, Commander; Tony Hurt, 2nd Vice; Jerome Henson, Judge Advocate; and back row: Sharma Henson, Historian; Jim Walton, Finance Officer; Ed Carr, Adjutant; Clifton Burns, Sergeant at Arms; Cliff Hinde, Chaplain; and Blair Moran, Service Officer...

Sikeston Kiwanis member Rhonda Bonds, right, presents a donation check from the Sikeston Kiwanis Club to Brandy Johnson with the YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston.

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The tax rate for those living in the New Madrid County R-1 School District will remain the same. During a special meeting Aug. 26, the R-1 School Board set the tax rate at $3.84 per $100 valuation. The tax will provide approximately $11.7 million to fund the operation of the District, according to Heather Schuerenberg, director of business and finance...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — SEMO Health Network is the recipient of the Gold Health Center Quality Leader designation by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The award is part of HRSA’s Community Health Quality Recognition program, which highlights health centers that have achieved outstanding performance in areas such as access, quality, health equity and health information technology for the 2023 Uniform Data System reporting period...

SIKESTON — The Sept. 20 deadline for entries to the 80th Annual Sikeston American Legion Cotton Carnival pageants is quickly approaching. Kelly Williams, pageant committee member, said while the pageant is still in its early stages, applications and information sheets will be available on the American Legion website sometime this week...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — In the fight against hunger, the Shining Light Outreach Center serves as a beacon of hope for families across the region. Now, thanks to a gift from the estate of the late James L. Byrd III, the Center will be better able to meet those needs...

SIKESTON — Beginning with the Tuesday, Sept. 10 edition, the Standard Democrat will publish Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Currently, the Standard Democrat is published Wednesdays, Fridays and the weekend (dated Saturday/Sunday). Standard Democrat General Manager DeAnna Nelson said the change in days of publication — while remaining with three issues per week — is being done for a few reasons...

SIKESTON — The offices of the Standard Democrat will be closed Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

NEW MADRID, Mo. - A man wanted for first degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin was arrested by New Madrid police officers. Daishon Brown, 22, is being held on an arrest warrant from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for first degree intentional homicide and first degree recklessly endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon...

A hot air balloon festival, a rodeo history museum and a solar eclipse. If you’ve been to Sikeston in the past 30 years, you’ve likely attended an event planned by Kathy Medley, the executive vice president of the Sikeston Regional Chamber. Through leadership and direction, Medley guides the growing tourism industry in the City of Sikeston...