Stories from Wednesday, July 17, 2013

CHARLESTON -- A Charleston shooting suspect who fled to North Carolina is fighting extradition back to Missouri. During an extradition hearing Monday in Cumberland County, N.C., Mark Mowery, who is a suspect in the July 4 shooting of a 39-year-old Charleston man and his 10-year-old son, declined to waive extradition and return to the state of Missouri, according to a news release from Robert E. Hearnes, director of Charleston Department of Public Safety...

sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- After putting together one of the more dominant regular seasons in recent memory the Charleston Fighting Squirrels' entire summer all comes down to their performance this weekends at Hillhouse Park. That's when the Squirrels will serve as host and defending champions at this year's Senior Babe Ruth Missouri State Tournament...

The issue inside the courtroom of the George Zimmerman trial was Florida's "stand your ground" law and the question of self defense. The issue outside the courtroom was race. Is this the "post racial" promise that was sold to this country on the campaign trail?...

CHARLESTON -- Two Mississippi County residents were arrested on drug-related charges Monday following an investigation by the sheriff's department. Ira Lee Mosier Jr., 31, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and Keria Love Tripp, 22, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia...

CHARLESTON -- Two Bertrand residents were arrested for the theft and resale of dozens of items stolen in Mississippi County. According to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore, the investigation began in late June, when a deputy was notified that a local business had unwittingly bought dozens of items stolen from a Bertrand residence...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. HOUSE SET TO VOTE ON OBAMACARE LIMITS Emboldened by Obama's delay of a key requirement of his signature policy, votes are set today to delay the law's individual and employer mandates. HOUSE-HEALTH CARE...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Due to a fire on the roof of Robert A. Dempster Hall at Southeast Missouri State University on Monday the building will be closed for the remainder of the week. A final assessment by the insurance company and engineers will be completed in the next few days, and the timing on reopening portions of the building will be shared at that time, said Kathy Mangels, vice president for finance and administration...

PORTAGEVILLE - Ricky Durbin, 61, died July 17, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

HOWARDVILLE -- Wavis Gates, 61, died July 6, 2013, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ANNA, Ill. -- Norma J. Showmaker, 61, died July 16, 2013, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MATTHEWS -- Leland Edward "Butch" Harper, 68, died July 16, 2013, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MATTHEWS -- Chester Brewer, 50, died July 4, 2013, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

BENTON -- Mildred Louise Graham, 86, died July 16, 2013, at Monticello House in Jackson. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Starting Wednesday, eight 12U softball teams will vie for their chance to become a regional champion as the 2013 Midwest Plains Regional 12U Tournament gets underway at the Sikeston Sports Complex. A group of eight teams from Missouri, Kansas and Colorado will begin play following the opening ceremonies which are scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ...

news@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- Scott County commissioners will wait to hear the engineer's recommendation before making their pick for the latest bridge-building contract. Bids for the construction of a bridge on County Road 468 located just northwest of the Missouri Department of Transportation's Southeast District offices were opened during the Commission's regular meeting Tuesday...

POPLAR BLUFF -- A new chairman will lead the Three Rivers Endowment Trust over the next year. At its annual meeting in June, H. Riley Bock of New Madrid was named the chairman for the next year. "I'm happy to step up and lead this board during such an exciting time," said Bock. In coming months, the College and Endowment Trust plan to break ground on its Eastern Campus and a new classroom building in Poplar Bluff...

leonnah@standard-democrat.com KELSO -- Grilling enthusiasts will have the chance to show off their barbecue skills and compete for prizes and bragging rights during the Second Annual Knights of Columbus BBQ Cook-off. Set for Aug. 2-3, the event is open to all teams with at least one Knights of Columbus member in good standing. The barbecue competition will take place on the grounds of KC Council 6420's hall, which is located just off Highway 61 in the Scott City limits...

Over in Charleston, I see so many well-manicured yards with so much effort to see that they stay that way. Each month there are first, second and third residential and one business that gets recognition. Last month was a joke. Two of the four yards were pitiful. ...

Like many I watched the George Zimmerman trial with interest. And when it was all said and done, I was left shaking my head. Not for the verdict. In the times we live in no verdict surprises me. Honestly when it comes to trials it is a game and the best lawyers win...