Sikeston Standard Democrat: News

Michael Jensen

Michael Jensen
Cap-and-trade bill will only boost our utility rates
If you liked your utility bill this month just wait until the feds approve new cap and trade legislation. You ain't seen nothing yet! Utility customers throughout the region are shaking their collective heads this week with the arrival of January electric bills. A combination of higher rates and a prolonged cold spell is forcing many consumers to dig deep just to pay their utility bill...

Area's ranking improves (02/08/10)
leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Most Southeast Missouri counties showed progress in the overall rankings of children's health, according to the latest Kids Count report. Scott County increased in overall state rankings from 76th worst to 70th; New Madrid went from 105th to 100th. However, Mississippi County decreased in overall rankings from 88th to 105th and Stoddard County from 93rd to 108th. Cape Girardeau County's rank dropped from 48th in to 56th...

Sweet dreams (02/08/10)
scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sleep Institute at Missouri Delta Medical Center is celebrating a decade of helping people wake up feeling rested. Polysomnography, or a sleep study, is used to figure out if a patient is suffering from sleep disorders and, if so, diagnose them...

City seeks bids for Skate Park equipment (02/08/10)
SIKESTON - Skateboarders could have their own park by this summer. The Sikeston City Council has approved the purchase of the equipment for the skatepark, which will be located in the Sikeston Sports Complex. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

Resident finds dream job leading safaris (02/07/10)
SIKESTON -- On the surface, Nathan Askew had it made in the early 2000s. He lived in Houston, Texas, where he had a stable, well-paying job. " "I only needed a house, lawnmower and 2.5 kids to have the American dream," said the 1996 Sikeston High School graduate...

Africa's big game offers a challenge for local hunters (02/07/10)
SIKESTON -- Nathan Askew said most people who complete an African safari with him summarize it as "the best hunting vacation they've ever been on." And two Sikeston residents who have explored the wilderness in Africa with Askew, a Sikeston native, couldn't agree more...

Five face drug charges (02/07/10)
BENTON -- Undercover investigations by the Scott County Sheriff's Department led to the arrest of five Scott County residents. In the first incident, Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said officers learned of a residence in Sikeston where illegal drug activity may be occurring during an undercover investigation...

Some seeds may be in short supply for spring planting (02/07/10)
SIKESTON -- Experts say those planning to plant a garden this spring should be able to plant the vegetables they want, but if they want a specific variety, they may want to purchase those seeds now. A poor growing season and increased orders from Europe could make it difficult for home gardeners to get seeds for the most popular cucumber variety and some vegetables this spring...

Discounts nixed (02/05/10)
scottw@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- MoDOT has nixed a ferry discount for fishermen and special treatment for farmers. Mississippi County commissioners had approved a fare increase for the Dorena-Hickman Ferry from $12 to $14 per space during their Feb. 28 meeting...

Sikeston man to set mixed martial arts age record (02/05/10)
scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Most people think mixed martial arts competition is a young man's game. A Sikeston man may prove them wrong. Don "the Rock" Davis Sr. will compete in his first mixed martial arts fight Saturday at Scooters II in Poplar Bluff. Once the opening bell rings, Davis will set a world record by becoming the oldest mixed martial arts fighter...

Game on! (02/05/10)
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Gov. Nixon announces state ice storm reimbursement (02/05/10)
JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri will reimburse communities in Scott County and across southern Missouri more than $4 million for expenses incurred as a result of last year's ice storm. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

Man is injured in meth lab explosion (02/05/10)
NEW MADRID - A man was seriously burned following a meth lab explosion early today. At 4:25 a.m. today, the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department and the SEMO Drug Task Force responded to a report of an explosion on County Road 820. Upon arrival they found a victim with serious chemical burns...

Hunt is planned to eradicate beavers (02/05/10)
scottw@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Mississippi County's road and bridge department chief has the green light for a beaver hunt. "We've got a beaver problem," Presiding Commissioner Jim Blumenberg said during the regular County Commission meeting Thursday...

Arrest solves crimes (02/05/10)
SIKESTON - Authorities believe they have solved several recent burglaries following the arrest of a Sikeston man. Howard Hudson, 41, is charged with five counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary in Scott County Associate Court. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

Man in custody after standoff (02/04/10)
PORTAGEVILLE -- A Portageville man is in custody on warrants connected to a domestic assault. At around 9 a.m. Wednesday, the Portageville Police Department received a report from a 17-year-old female who said she was assaulted by her father earlier in the morning...

Rehearsing for a romantic evening (02/04/10)
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Computer fantasy game cultivates local fans (02/04/10)
michellef@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- About two years ago, Mike Quillman was diagnosed with cancer. To treat the disease, he had to give up his career in construction and focus on becoming healthy again. But FarmVille, an online fantasy game he began playing earlier this year has given him the opportunity to once again build things...

E.P. fire destroys house (02/04/10)
EAST PRAIRIE -- A fire destroyed a home Wednesday night in East Prairie. Barry Blumenberg, assistant fire chief, said fire fighters responded to a house on Pine Street around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and were on the scene until 1 a.m. today. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

February Calendar Girl (02/03/10)
Taylor DeWitt, daughter of Brad and Laurie DeWitt, is the Standard Democrat's Calendar Girl for February. DeWitt, second runner-up in the 2009 Miss Sikeston Contest, is planning to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall and major in nursing...

Food Bank goes mobile (02/03/10)
SIKESTON -- In response to numbers released in a research study, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank has launched a new food distribution program to help feed those in need in the region. Mobile food distributions will take place throughout the month in different counties, in an effort to get food to all those in need. ...

Local sailor lends a hand to help earthquake victims (02/03/10)
SIKESTON -- A Sikeston native's work on the front lines of the Navy's relief mission in Haiti has not only helped the locals, but it's also given him a new perspective on life. Navy Fireman Apprentice Jeffery Mitchem is deployed aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan to support Operation Unified Response, a joint military relief effort...

Grant funds boat for DPS (02/02/10)
scottw@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Sikeston's Department of Public Safety will soon have an inflatable boat. Following through on a grant opportunity to purchase the boat was approved during the regular Sikeston City Council meeting Monday. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

Taking a gamble: State adds new big bucks game (02/02/10)
leonnah@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Missouri Lottery players now have a second game to try to win a multimillion-dollar jackpot. On Sunday, Missouri along with 12 other states, began selling Mega Millions in addition to Powerball tickets. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

County faces budget crunch (02/02/10)
CHARLESTON -- With less money expected to come in and rising costs, 2010 will be a challenging year for Mississippi County, according to its budget officer. County Commissioners approved this year's operating budget during a special meeting Monday. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition...

Man arrested following chase (02/02/10)
SIKESTON -- A man is in custody following a foot pursuit and warrant arrest early this morning. For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.