Stories from Tuesday, December 17, 2013

sports@standard-democrat.com EAST PRAIRIE -- For the second time in just three days the East Prairie Lady Eagles had Kelly's number. After suffering a 17-points loss to East Prairie on Saturday in the Lady Devil Invitational Tournament, the Lady Hawks hung tight entering the fourth quarter on Monday before ultimately falling 47-37...

sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER (SMNS) -- The Dexter Bearcats varsity boys basketball team suffered a 53-25 loss in its home opener against the Twin Rivers Royals Monday night. The Royals (3-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead. The two teams traded the final 12 points of the first quarter before Dexter trimmed the deficit to 12-8 in the opening minute of the second period. The Royals followed with a 13-0 run to increase its lead to 25-8 with 3:08 left in the first half and led 29-10 at halftime...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles like to get at least a finger on the ball at all times when on defense. Deflections, tips and steals was the blueprint against the Oran Lady Eagles as NMCC's pressure defense caused fits in their 68-57 win Monday...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Tuesday: 1.'LITTLE EVIDENCE' NSA PROGRAM PREVENTED TERRORISM A judge rules the agency's bulk collection of phone records is likely unconstitutional; an appeal is expected...

BENTON - Four children were removed from the custody of a Haywood City woman, who faces charges following an investigation into an abuse allegation. Cassandra L. Gipson, 27, is charged with four counts of the Class C felony of first degree endangering the welfare of a child...

SIKESTON -- When it comes to decorating trees for Christmas, red and green continue to be the most popular color combination for homes and businesses, according to local designers. "We've noticed a lot of the new apple green -- as opposed to the traditional Christmas green -- this year and last year, too," said Helen York, owner of Helen's Florist in Sikeston...

ORAN -- Willard Linder Crader, 94, died Dec. 16, 2013, at the Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

MORLEY -- Pallbearers for services conducted Saturday at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Lucy "Marie" Burton, 92, who died on Dec. 11, 2013, were: Cody Caudle, Sam Hensley, Julian Seagraves, Clayton Morrow, Caty Storms and Caleb Dannenmueller. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition...

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. -- Logan Blair Smith, 24, died Dec. 15, 2013, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

BLODGETT -- Carol Diane Reeves Kindred, 65, died Dec. 16, 2013, at her home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

Surely your readers aren't expected to believe everything the Director of Public Works said. Using manholes as an excuse is one of the lamest things I have ever heard. I suspect if you dug a little I think you may find the real problem lies in lack of experience and maybe judgment. It seems to me a bit of a disgrace to have the roads in Sikeston in such poor condition for so long. Luckily for us we don't usually have much of a winter...

scottw@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- Ending the year a bit better than expected is always nice. Scott County commissioners said during the regular County Commission meeting Tuesday that they are pleased with the year's sales tax figures. "We had an increase of about 1 percent in sales tax over what we received last year," said Dennis Ziegenhorn, county commissioner. "I always like to see an increase in sales tax because to me it indicates things are being purchased in Scott County."...