Stories from Tuesday, April 7, 2015

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Sikeston senior Gabe Wheeler claimed medalist honors during a home quad against Poplar Bluff, Farmington and Park Hills Central Monday at Fox Haven Country Club. Wheeler shot a 65 beating out Poplar Bluff's Nick Woolard by four strokes...

sports@standard-democrat.com MALDEN -- The last time Garrison Keene stepped in a batter's box for New Madrid County Central he was greeted with a pitch to the forehead that led to an immediate departure from the game and a trip to hospital. Back in the lineup just a week later, the sophomore made up for a slow start against Malden with two memorable hits in the final two innings...

Today will be cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers mainly before 1 p.m. then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 79 and a south southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. ...

DEXTER -- Dexter Fire Chief Don Seymore has been with the fire department for 35 years; and, in that time he said there have been five deaths as a result of someone getting trapped inside a grain bin. "Five deaths is far too many," Seymore commented. "That's why I'm glad we're going to have this training."...

STEELE - A man was injured when struck by a shovel during an assault. The Steele Police reported Monday the arrest of a 39-year-old man on charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action. According to the Police report on March 25, officers responded to a residence on North First Street in reference to an assault. Upon arrival officers made contact with a 42-year-old Steele resident who had sustained head injury from being struck with a shovel...

POPLAR BLUFF -- Family members and friends were among those conducting dragging operations Saturday in a drainage ditch near the Highway 53 bridge over the Black River. Jamie Ferrill's truck was found stuck in the mud along the ditch about 200 yards from the highway, said Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs...

PORTAGEVILLE -- Imogene Head, 98, died April 6, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in New Madrid. Arrangements are incomplete with DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Ozzie Smith, Baseball Hall of Famer and a former St. Louis Cardinal, will close the 2014-2015 Speaker Series at Southeast Missouri State University at 7:30 p.m. April 20 in the Show Me Center, 1333 N. Sprigg St. Smith, 60, known as "The Wizard" and the best defensive shortstop of all time, will give a presentation titled "An Evening with Ozzie Smith."...

BENTON -- Bill George Crosson, 80, died April 5, 2015, at his home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. For the complete obituary, see the Wednesday edition of the Standard Democrat...

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. WHO'S MAKING CASE FOR DEAL WITH TEHRAN Obama defends an emerging agreement by noting Iran would be kept a year away from obtaining a nuclear weapon for more than a decade...

SIKESTON -- Samuel Isaac Thomas Jr., 87, died April 5, 2015, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Services will be held at a later date. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. For the complete obituary, see the Wednesday edition of the Standard Democrat...

POPLAR BLUFF -- Barbara Lou Mayhall, 61, died April 6, 2015, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. Friday at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter with the Rev. Steve Tippen of Bloomfield officiating...