Stories from Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Political commentators on the liberal side of the dial are having a heyday with the debt ceiling debate. Labeling the GOP as childish and "spoiled kids who want their way," the left hopes to push public sentiment toward the administration's plan to tax now and perhaps cut later...

LILBOURN -- Walter Moore, 90, died July 18, 2011 at his niece's home in Sikeston. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Jacob Harris, 8, died July 18, 2011, in Portageville. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers for services conducted Tuesday for Jimmy Joel Casey, 75, who died on July 14, 2011, were: Jerry Hicks, Terry Gordon, Greg Wren, Chris Goss, Glenn Hess and Jon McWherter.

KOKOMO, Ind. -- Melvin E. Moyers, 82, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at his home. For the complete obituary and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

There are very few people that have helped shape an entire community. An individual that is known by most everyone, watched by countless fans and is respected as one of their town's most treasured commodities is something that a small town like East Prairie hangs their hat on...

scottw@standard-democrat.com MINER -- Miner's city officials will ask voters to approve a quarter-cent sales tax for the fire department. The Miner Board of Aldermen approved during their regular meeting Tuesday placing a one-fourth of one cent sales tax on retail sales on the Nov. 1 ballot...

scottw@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- Inmate meals at the Scott County Jail are going up in cost but it could have been worse. Glenn Klander Jr., general manager of correctional services for Aramark, and Chris Brooks, the front line manager, met with Scott County Commissioners during their regular Tuesday meeting to discuss the price increase...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- As heat indices topped 100 degrees Tuesday afternoon across Southeast Missouri and surrounding states, many residents were working to keep cool. An excessive heat warning remains in effect through at least 7 p.m. Saturday for Southeast Missouri including the cities of Sikeston, Charleston, New Madrid and Bloomfield, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky...