Stories from Saturday, October 1, 2016

Missourians encouraged to 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' during statewide drill

COLUMBIA, MO, -- USDA is offering grants and loan guarantees to help rural businesses and agricultural producers reduce their energy costs and consumption. The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Loans and grants are available to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements...

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) -- When Governor Nixon cut the state budget in response to overridden vetoes, he undid the legislature's work to pay Missouri's debts for renewable fuels work he has lauded. "In his haste to respond to decisions made by our legislature, Governor Nixon has fallen into the trap of robbing Peter to pay Paul," said Gary Wheeler, executive director of the Missouri Soybean Association. ...

"It's a big rivalry. It's always a hard-fought game that comes down to the very end. We know we have to play hard all 48 minutes. In this case, we had to go over."

BENTON, Mo. -- There was plenty of firsts in Kelly's home game Friday night against New Madrid County Central. It took seven games but the Hawks not only scored their first touchdown of the season, but took their first lead in the process. Ultimately it was the Eagles taking home the biggest first: a 54-7 win that gives head coach Tyler Fullhart his first win at the helm of the NMCC program...

SIKESTON -- With a little more than 10 minutes left, Sikeston clung to a 30-28 lead over Poplar Bluff when a portion of the stadium lights went out leaving a quarter of the playing field in the dark. It seemed to be a metaphor for Sikeston the rest of the game as the lights truly went out on the Bulldogs as Poplar Bluff ripped off 20 points after that juncture to defeat Sikeston 48-30 on Friday night at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The Malden Green Wave claimed their third straight conference title with a 54-22 road win over Charleston Friday night. Malden jumped out to a 40-6 first half lead, helped by three first quarter touchdown passes from quarterback Mason Brown. The junior signal caller connected with Cordell Kilgore for 34-yard and 16-yard touchdown passes and hit Case McCormick with a 32-yard strike...

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- The Hayti Indians rebounded from their first loss last week by getting past Scott City for a 48-28 road win Friday night. Hayti, who lost to state-ranked Malden 28-25 last week, scored 22 points in the second quarter to take a 28-13 halftime lead and added 14 more in the third to hand the Rams their second-straight loss...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The Chaffee Red Devils used a strong second half to dispatch visiting Principia 50-15 Friday night in Chaffee. Chaffee held a slim 14-8 lead at halftime, but exploded for 21 third quarter points and 15 in the fourth quarter to improve to 3-4 on the season...

SIKESTON -- City officials are seeking feedback from residents regarding the "rail-to-trail" master plan proposals. An open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Sikeston City Hall located at 105 E. Center Street. The rail-trail will act as a multi-purpose public path, converting the abandoned Union Pacific rail corridor along Malone Avenue into a biking and walking trail...

BRANSON, Mo. - Eight Missouri Press Association awards were presented Saturday to Standard-Democrat publisher Michael Jensen during MPA's annual convention. A story written by Jill Bock, "Can-do attitude: New Madrid Elementary custody rewards students," earned second place in the best feature category...

SIKESTON -- City officials are seeking feedback from residents regarding the "rail-to-trail" master plan proposals. An open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Sikeston City Hall located at 105 E. Center Street. The rail-trail will act as a multi-purpose public path, converting the abandoned Union Pacific rail corridor along Malone Avenue into a biking and walking trail...

SIKESTON -- John Campbell, 69, died Sept. 30, 2016, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete with Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Brent Shonta Johnson, 30, died Sept. 28, 2016. He was born Dec. 24, 1985, in Cape Girardeau, to Renee Davis of Clarksville, Tenn., and the late Lonnie Lee Johnson. In addition to his mother, survivors include: his stepfather, Tim Davis of Clarksville; two sons, Karter Johnson and Sho'Tez Bell-Jackson of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Dymond Williams of Charleston and Brilyn Sides of Avondale, Ariz.; two brothers, Deandra McCellon and Devon Johnson of Cape Girardeau; one sister, Chelsea Johnson of Cape Girardeau; and his grandparents, Magdalene and Henry Newman of Sikeston.. ...