Stories from Monday, September 14, 2015

Lights from the Queen of the Mississippi can be seen at sunset as the boat is docked Sunday evening at Riverside Park in New Madrid. The boat docked in New Madrid Sunday as passengers took part in local attractions including a hayride tour of the town. (Bob Greenlee, Staff)...

POPLAR BLUFF -- Five Republican gubernatorial candidates gathered in Poplar Bluff on Saturday night to discuss their strategies to take back the governor's mansion. It was the first time so far in the 2016 gubernatorial race that all five Republican candidates shared the same stage, and each had their respective cadres of supporters in the crowd of about 300 people...

The Sikeston volleyball team finished in second place as part of the Silver Bracket during the Dig for Life tournament at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau Saturday. Sikeston lost to Poplar Bluff in two sets, 25-20, 25-10, during the championship game. They defeated Gideon, 25-27, 25-19 and 23-25, in the semifinals to reach the title game...

BLOOMFIELD -- Courtroom security at the Stoddard County Justice Center was a topic before the County Commission earlier this week as Associate Circuit Judge Joe Satterfield addressed the commission. Satterfield came before the commission at the request of Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The manufacture of methamphetamine is down sharply in certain Midwestern states that have had the most trouble with the drug over the years, but it remains as popular as ever with users because of an influx of cheap Mexican imports, according to experts...

WYATT -- Sarah L. Brumley Pullen, 85, died Sept. 12, 2015, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. For the complete obituary, see the Monday edition of the Standard Democrat.

SIKESTON -- Ruth Baker, 74, died Sept. 14, 2015, at her home. For this obituary and more, see the Monday edition of the Standard Democrat.

SIKESTON -- Jolene Reed, 79, passed away peacefully, Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. For the complete obituary, see the Monday edition of the Standard Democrat.

When I was growing up I was taught that if I needed help and saw a policeman, to go to them for help. You looked up to them as protectors, as someone who stood up for right against wrong. When did that thinking change and why? I'm not saying that every law enforcement person is perfect, but nobody else is either. ...