Stories from Thursday, August 28, 2014

CHESTERFIELD -- History was going to be made, one way or the other. Barat Academy's story began by simply walking on the field and playing it's first-ever varsity football game. Though a win would have sweetened the team's debut, Portageville became its worst nightmare...

The Fisher Delta Research Center (FDRC) in Portageville, Mo., will host its 53rd Annual Field Day on Tuesday, welcoming farmers, producers and landowners to learn more about the latest in regional agriculture from experts and specialists. Registration and breakfast will start at 7 a.m. ...

Sandra Beasley was officially sworn in as the Postmaster of the Portageville Post Office. The installation ceremony took place last Thursday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m., in the lobby of the Post Office. Manager of Post Office Operations, Mark T. Montgomery, conducted the ceremony. Beasley's daughter, Jacorri, at right held the Bible...

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path" Psalm 119:105 This should not come as a shock to anyone, but we have a problem in this country with people not believing that the Bible is the Word of God. How do we know, by the fruit that people are producing in their life? The Bible is clear that we are not to judge, but I believe that we are to be fruit inspectors. ...

Albert Einstein's genius was so unique that his name has become synonymous with intelligence par excellence. The story is told, whether true or not, that on one occasion Einstein was on a lecture tour from university to university where he discussed his theory of relativity. ...

SIKESTON -- Two children were reportedly injured after a truck ran into a Sikeston R-6 school bus early Wednesday. About 7:30 a.m. the department received a call that a pickup truck crashed into a Sikeston R-6 School District bus at the intersection of Greer and Maple Streets in Sikeston, according to Capt. Jim McMillen, public information officer with Sikeston DPS...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The Sikeston Bulldogs entered the 2014 season with plenty of question marks. Despite a 66-20 drubbing over rival Charleston in the season opener last Friday, head coach Kent Gibbs still isn't sure what kind of team he has...

Our prep football glance gives vital information for our local teams entering their weekly matchups. Learn your team's opponent, go-to players and the series history between the two throughout the season.

When given a life expectancy of 19 years, every day after 19 is a reason to celebrate. But on September 2nd, J.J. Morrison of Portageville will have an extra reason to celebrate- his 40th birthday! J.J. was born September 2, 1974 to Brenda and James Morrison of Portageville. As a baby, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and only given a life span of 19 years...

During their American History class, the St. Eustachius 7th and 8th grade students read about the rights and responsibilities of being a good citizen, as well as various forms of local government. In order for the students to learn more about the form of local government governing Portageville, Mayor Denis McCrate visited and addressed the class last Friday, August 22nd. ...

JEFFERSON CITY- Election officials across Missouri will conduct a recount of the narrow passage of a constitutional amendment creating a right to farm, as opponents of the measure seek to reverse the results. The recount on Constitutional Amendment 1 is expected to begin in the coming days. The secretary of state on Monday was officially certifying the results of Missouri's Aug. 5 primary elections...

BENTON -- Carnival rides, a parade, mud races and simple togetherness are among the driving forces that have made the annual Benton Neighbor Days a community success for nearly 90 years. Sponsored by the Benton Chamber of Commerce, several activities are planned for the two-day festival. The midway opens at 5 p.m. Friday. Amusement rides and carnival games are offered both nights...

DEXTER -- James Franklin "Jim" Jarrell, 74, died Aug. 26, 2014, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

DEXTER -- Ella Mae Christian, 96, died Aug. 27, 2014, at her home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Jerry Wayne Alexander, 69, died Aug. 27, 2014, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- Jerry Dean "Dino" Blackmon, 57, died Aug. 23, 2014, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

I just read in SpeakOut the article on putdown of Editor Mike Jensen concerning the death penalty. I assume your compassion goes to the murderers rather than the innocent victims. I don't know if Mr. Jensen would want to participate in an execution, but I want to tell you that I would be more than willing to as you stated, "push the button, pull the switch" or let me add my own - pull the trigger. ...

scottw@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Mississippi County officials have finally found the bottom in the hole where County Road 310 used to be before being washed away during the 2011 activation of the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway. "We are above the water line on 310," Presiding Commissioner Carlin Bennett said during the the regular County Commission meeting Thursday...

scottw@standard-democrat.com MINER -- The mayor pro tem's choice for the Miner Fire Department's assistant fire chief will remain in place -- for the time being. Mayor Darren Chapman's call during a special Miner Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday for the Board to repeal the appointment of Ralph Birk as assistant fire chief failed to get a motion...