Stories from Saturday, February 8, 2014

sports@standard-democrat.com SCOTT CITY -- Picking up their second win in as many days, the East Prairie Eagles rode a hot third quarter Friday night to a 76-54 decision over Scott City. "We started a little sluggish," East Prairie head coach Casey Knight said. ...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- One thing about Sikeston's pressure defense is that it comes at you relentlessly. It's a never-ending wave of constant pressure and trapping. It's the opponents' job to remain poised and calm in the chaotic atmosphere that Sikeston creates...

sports@standard-democrat.com BELL CITY -- Jumping out to a 21-point lead after the first quarter, the Oran Eagles cruised to an easy 90-60 road win over Bell City on Friday. Thomas Trankler led the way with 21 points while shooting 10 of 20 form the field and grabbing five rebounds and six assists...

The calendar says there's something like 38 days until spring and for all of us, it can't come soon enough. Old-timers - I have to be careful with that term - always speak of past winters that were much more severe than what we experience. But I strongly suspect that some day far into the future, old-timers will point to this winter as a benchmark for cold and ice and snow...

The best part of Monday's paper is missing, the cartoon section. What happened? Maybe someone got to your paper before you did? It was printed and published. Proverbs 11:14 tells us a lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is long to many advisors. ...

DEXTER -- Marjorie McCarver, 94, died Feb. 7, 2014, at Cypress Point Nursing Center in Dexter. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DELAND, Ill. -- Nathan Hale, 49, formerly of Benton, Mo., died Feb. 6, 2014. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


DEXTER -- Perry Paul Morgan, 72, died Feb. 6, 2014, at his home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


BENTON -- James Arlie Nall Sr., 70,died Feb. 7, 2014, at his home. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.


Board President Mitch Jackson sings "Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters" with "Minnie Pearly Gates" (Michelle Terrell) as part of the program during The Christian Academy's Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday night at the First United Methodist Church...

Sikeston senior Harper Bryant gets a hug from Alexis Odom after being crowned Homecoming Queen on Friday night at the Sikeston Field House. Looking on is Bryant's escort, Gavin O'Brien.

SIKESTON -- For those who ordered Girl Scout cookies last month, their boxes have arrived. However, even those who didn't place a cookie order are in luck as cookie sales will continue through March 1. "We'll be setting up cookie booths at various locations throughout the area from now until March 1," said Gabbie Hodgkiss of Morehouse, Girl Scouts service unit leader for the Sikeston area...

SIKESTON -- Congress began this week examining data security breaches and what to do about them, but there are also steps individuals can take to decrease their chances of becoming victims. Many American consumers are alarmed about the safety of their personal information since the Target breach. ...

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) -- A southeast Missouri lawmaker apologized Friday for being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated but said he will remain in office while likely seeking counseling. Democratic Rep. Steve Hodges acknowledged in an interview with The Associated Press that he had been drinking alcohol Wednesday evening and had been driving his vehicle. But he said he didn't believe he was drunk when he was picked up by police early Thursday morning...