Stories from Saturday, September 8, 2012

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Thunderstorms washed away any hopes of starting or completing several high school football games Friday night. Four local games kicked off but failed to see the second half. Dexter v. Sikeston -- Sikeston got off to a fast start against the visiting Bearcats quickly taking a 21-7 lead in the first quarter until the game was postponed. They will resume Saturday at 3 p.m...

NEW MADRID - Members of the United Steelworkers at the Noranda Aluminum smelter in New Madrid ratified a new five-year contract Friday. "This agreement is the product of many weeks of hard work by both the Noranda and USW negotiating teams," said Frank Davis, Noranda Aluminum plant manager...

SIKESTON -- A 23-year-old Sikeston man is facing a first degree murder charge for the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend. Melvin Lawrence Harris was charged Friday evening with first degree murder and armed criminal action by New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney Lewis Recker. Harris was arrested in connection with the death of Danielle Keown, 28...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs could not have asked for a better start to Friday's game against Dexter at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium. Then Mother Nature took over. After racing out to a 21-7 lead less than seven minutes in, the game was postponed due to inclement weather. The game was scheduled to resume on Saturday, picking up with 5:03 left in the first quarter with Sikeston kicking off to the Bearcats...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- A total of 48 teams are competing in the SEMO Digs 4 Life Tournament this weekend at both Notre Dame High School and the Show Me Center. Play started Friday and will wrap up Saturday. Friday's results are as follows: Kennett defeated Oak Ridge 25-21, 25-20...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Residents who think it's too early to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu may want to reconsider. "It's here," said Kay Griffin, nurse practitioner at the Scott County Health Department, referring to the 2012-2013 flu vaccine. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends when your vaccine arrives in your area, it's time to start getting vaccinated."...

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston man has been arrested on drug-related charges. According to Missouri Case.net, Robert Michael Chambers was arrested by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety early Saturday morning. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to our electronic edition...

CHARLESTON -- A father and son will be in court Wednesday for charges related to a stolen firearm. Derrick Wilkerson, 48, of Charleston and Jacob Wilkerson, 24, of Bertrand are scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. on charges of receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm...

I listened to a report this week about hunger in America. The report indicated that literally millions of people - the emphasis being on children - go to bed hungry in this country every day. Now I have no way of disputing this report. But as with many "reports," I hesitate to take it as gospel...