SIKESTON — Seasonal illnesses and viruses are on the rise once again this year and as winter sets in, the Sikeston area is also dealing with an increase in flu, COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses.

Students at New Madrid Elementary School presented their first-ever Christmas play on Dec. 17. Here are some photos from the dress rehearsal. Respond to this story ...

During the Portageville Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s annual Christmas party Tommy Halstead was honored as the Firefighter of the Year. Pictured from left are Bobby Carter, assistant chief, Halstead and ...

SIKESTON — The offices of the Standard Democrat will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. The ...