Births (published 8/19)

SIKESTON -- Leopoldo and Brenda Cortez are the parents of their first child, a son, born at 7:38 a.m. July 12, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Sikeston. Leopoldo Garcia Cortez II weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Paul and Frances Henson of Sikeston.

Paternal grandparents are Candalaria Cortez DeLuna of Guadalupe, Mexico and the late Jesus Garcia.

SIKESTON -- Whitney Hill and Johnny Bland are the parents of their first child, a son, born at 7:21 p.m. July 12, 2007, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Johnny Ray Bland Jr. weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20.75 inches long.

Maternal grandparent is Sandra Hill.

Paternal grandparents are Carmela and Calvin Grayson.