Stories from Thursday, May 14, 2015

I was back on the "Foot" this past week, where the weather was hot and the fishing was slow, at least for my target species, the majestic crappie! Now every other type of fish in the lake was jumping in the boat, and a less stubborn man would have altered his tactics and target to attain success, but while I may not be very patient, I am bull-headed!...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a Youth Basic Rifle Marksmanship course for ages 11 to 15 June 8 and 9. "This is a hands-on opportunity for these young hunters to expand their learning from the Hunter Education classroom to the range and the field," said DeeDee Dockins, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist...

Surely we have all encountered people in life who appear successful at any endeavor. Seemingly, everything these people participate in turns into a success. We often hear that these people have the "Midas Touch" as everything they complete turns to gold. ...

JEFFERSON CITY -- As summer heats up, so does safety belt enforcement. Law enforcement officers are cracking down on unbelted drivers May 18-31 for an aggressive national "Click It or Ticket" campaign. Even with all the advancements in automobile safety and education on the importance of seat belt use, Missouri's seat belt use remains relatively unchanged at 79 percent, and consistently below the national average of 87 percent...

There were 53 Seniors that made the Processional March at Vic Reaves Athletic Field last Thursday night, May 7th. After the Seniors came to their respective places, Ethan Cooper led with the Invocation. Class President Delanie Thacker welcomed all to the night's program. "First off, I would like to welcome everyone to the commencement ceremony...

New school board members Ronnie Adams Jr. and Ronnie Adams Sr. were sworn in on April 14th at the Portageville School District Board of Education meeting. They will serve three years on the board.

The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22-23, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Jeremiah wrote these words during a very dark time in Israel's history. The armies of Babylon had invaded and destroyed Judah and Jerusalem. Because God's people had continued in their idolatry and other sins and had ignored the Lord's warnings through His prophets God finally brought judgment upon His people...

SIKESTON -- Libraries are more than a place to check books in and out of the shelves. That's the message librarians statewide are hoping the governor and legislators will hear when finalizing the state budget for 2016. Last month Gov. Jay Nixon released about $6 million in fiscal year 2015 state aid that had previously been withheld since June. ...

sports@standard-democrat.com BONNE TERRE -- Jumping out on top early the Sikeston Bulldogs rolled to a 12-4 win over North County on Wednesday in their final game of the regular season. After back-to-back one run innings the Bulldogs broke out for four run in the third to go up 6-0...

sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- One slip, one blink or one missed play would be the demise of one team by the way Sikeston and Perryville played out its defensive battle. The first and only blunder came from the Perryville side as Sikeston slipped away with a 1-0 win Wednesday at the Sikeston Sports Complex...

sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- In their final tuneup before the postseason Dexter played spoiler Wednesday afternoon during New Madrid County Central's senior night. Guided by six innings from starting pitcher Jacob Pedigo the Bearcats overcome an early two-run deficit for a 5-2 win...

Applewhite attacked, used taser on three corrections officers

With sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s it was a perfect day for enjoying the outdoors. Kennedy Keefer is all smiles as she travels down one of the slides at the Sikeston Sports Complex Wednesday afternoon as Jayce Graham begins his descent. Rain will be back in the weather forecast through the weekend...

scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It may not be the too-good-to-be-true deals offered to entice victims in scams, but there is money to be made by investing in Sikeston housing, according to Australian Property Investments. Stone was born in El Paso, Texas, but you wouldn't know it by the sound of his voice: he has lived nearly his entire life in Australia...

WHITE OAK -- Randy Estes, 56, died May 14, 2015, in White Oak. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

PORTAGEVILLE -- Kakie Ann Cobb, 38, died May 13, 2015, in Portageville. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

ARLINGTON, Ky. -- Albert "Dick" Mainord, 87, died at 10:08 p.m. May 11, 2015, at his home. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

SIKESTON -- David Cooper Lape, 30, of Sikeston, died May 12, 2015. For the complete Standard Democrat obituary log in to our electronic edition.

I would like to speakout about the sports complex in Sikeston, the fishing pond. It is so full of moss that you can't even fish there. I don't understand. Older retired people love to go out there and fish, but you can you just throw your line out there and you are gonna lose your hook. ...