City of Sikeston - March, 2013 News

We invite you to stay informed on municipal meetings, programs and events by subscribing to the City's monthly newsletter, The Sikeston Scanner. For more information about your community and municipal operations visit www.sikeston.org and www.visitsikeston.com.

Sincerely,

Management and Staff

City of Sikeston

General Municipal Election to be held April 2

Residents to fill three City Council positions

On April 2 Sikeston residents will elect representatives for the At-Large, Ward 1 and Ward 4 City Council positions. Candidates include: At-Large position - Steven Burch and Gary Silverthorn; Ward 1 - Jon Gilmore; and Ward 4 - Incumbent, Dr. Maude Harris.

Polls are open from 7 AM to 6 PM at the following locations:

Ward 1: Trinity Gospel Church, 901 Davis Blvd.

Ward 2: 1st Christian Church, 1006 N. Main

Ward 3: 1st Assembly of God Church, 306 S. Kingshighway

Ward 4: Scott County - Fire Station 1, 301 Northwest Street; New Madrid County - Sikeston Motors Body Shop, 1030 S. Main Street.

Unsure about your ward or voting location? visit the City's website, www.sikeston.org, or call 471-2512.

The City Council will reorganize during a special noon meeting on Thursday, April 4. In addition to selecting the mayor pro tem, Council members will make committee, and boards and commissions assignments.

Vision for Tommorrow Public Forum Planned for April 9

Strategic Plan Implementation Commission reports

On April 9 the VISION for Tomorrow Strategic Plan Implementation Commission will conduct a public forum at Susie's Bake Shoppe and Restaurant, 112 E. Center Street. The meeting will convene at 7:30 AM, with the Commission providing an update on their activities and seeking public input on these and other local issues.

The Commission, created in 2009, is charged with supporting programs focused on improving the quality of life for local citizens, supporting local economic development endeavors, promoting safe and affordable housing for all residents, and providing educational opportunities to improve this area's work force and provide opportunities for life-long learning.

Mary White-Ross Retires from Sikeston Municipal Court

City hosts reception for out-going Court Clerk

For the past twenty-two years, Mary White-Ross has served the residents of Sikeston as the Municipal Court Clerk. On Wednesday afternoon, March 20 members of the legal community, City Council and City Staff honored Ross with a retirement reception. Ross officially retired on Friday, March 22.

Former Deputy Court Clerk Pat Cox has been promoted to the Court Clerk's position. She is assisted by Deputy Court Clerk Cindy Sturgeon and Input Specialist Sherry Smith.

Gosnell Honored as DPW Employee of the Quarter

Code Enforcement Officer Amy Gosnell was recently recognized as the Public Works Employee of the Quarter. Gosnell, who has an extensive knowledge of Public Works operations, volunteered to assist support staff during the extended absence of the Department's administrative assistant. Gosnell assumed Planning & Zoning and Board of Adjustment responsibilities during this period.

Adam Eftink Named DPS Employee of the Quarter

During their March 25 Meeting, the Sikeston City Council honored PSO Adam Eftink as the Public Safety Employee of the Quarter. Assigned to Fire Station 3, Eftink has done an outstanding job of maintaining the station, equipment and apparatus. Officer Eftink also serves as a member of the Special Operations Group participating in both training and call-outs.

Scott County/Sikeston Organizations Recognized

Best of Rural Missouri

Out of 20 possible categories, 7 Scott County/Sikeston organizations received recognition in the 12th Annual Best of Rural Missouri Contest conducted by Rural Missouri Magazine. Honorees were: Best Restaurant - Lambert's Cafe (runner-up); Best Barbecue - Dexter Bar-B-Que (runner-up); Best Bakery - Susie's Bake Shoppe & Restaurant (1st Place); Best Steak - Ray's of Kelso (1st Place); Best Farmer's Market - Downtown Sikeston Farmers Market (Editors' Choice); Best Antique Shop/Flea Market - Antique Centre Mall (1st Place) and Best Rodeo - Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo (1st Place). To view a digital version of the April edition, go to www.ruralmissouri.coop.

Update: Trailblazers Walking Clubs

Junior Trailblazers Celebrate March Madness

March Madness was the the theme of the March Junior Trailblazers' meeting. With the weather uncooperative for outdoor activity, members of the Scott County Central High School boys and girls basketball teams led dribbling and passing drills.

The next meeting of Jr. Trailblazers Walking Club is April 2, at 6 PM at Clinton Community Building, 501 Campanella. Membership is free to children ages 6-12.

The Trailblazers Adult Walking Club will meet Tuesday, April 9 at 6 PM at the Clinton Community Building. Membership is free and open to the public. For more information contact Brenda Freed at 471-4044 or Jiggs Moore at 475-3725.

Funding for the Trailblazers program is provided by the Missouri Foundation for Health.

St. John's Bayou Clean-out Project

Stormwater Management Efforts Continue

St Johns Bayou Cleanout Project In ongoing efforts to control stormwater runoff, the Scott County Consolidated #2 Drainage District has contracted for the clearing of brush and trees from the St. John's Bayou waterway. Estimated to cost $100,000, this project begins at Sikeston's northern city limits, continuing north to the Mini Farms area.

The City of Sikeston will be researching when the portions of St. John's Bayou running through the City will be eligible for clearing. Records indicate this was last done in 2002.

With St. Johns Bayou being one of the major outfalls for the City of Sikeston, ditch clearing will improve the flow of stormwater away from populated areas, decrease the amount of pollutants that may collect along the banks, and provide for greater ease of inspection. Sikeston Public Works crews perform regular ditch inspections as part of the City's Stormwater Management Program.

Sikeston Depot Museum & Gallery

April Events

Sikeston Depot Museum The Depot is featuring unique works in its current display, "Three Dimensional and Sculptural Art". Several pieces are from SEMO University students under the direction of Chris Wubbena. "Crosses" a display of more than 100 crosses created by Lynn Akins are also on display through the end of April.

Family Night is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 from 5-7 PM. The theme is "I've been working on the Railroad". Participants will enjoy a ride on Me & Ma's PR Express Train. The program includes informational videos, telegraph demonstrations, and giveaways. Admission is free.

The Depot Museum and Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM-4 PM. For more information contact them at 573-481-9967, visit their website at www.sikestondepotmuseum.com or email them at depotmuseum@sbcglobal.org.

Sikeston Little Theatre presents "Aladdin Jr"

Youth auditions for vocal and dance performers open April 4-6

The Sikeston Little Theatre will be conducting auditions for individuals in Grades 7-12 seeking vocal and/or dance roles in their next production, "Disney's Aladdin Jr.", a condensed stage adaptation of the Disney hit film. Auditions will be held April 4th & 5th from 5 to 7 PM, and on April 6 from 1-3:30 PM at the Sikeston Little Theatre, 506 South Kingshighway. Auditions are closed to public viewing and will consist of a "cold read" of random parts. Vocalists will be asked to sing one of the songs from the show and to run vocal scales. Dance ensemble auditions will be held separate from the general auditions. Individuals should come dressed comfortably with dance appropriate footwear. Previous dance experience is not required. For additional information regarding auditions or the production contact Amber Dawn Taylor, 618-521-5941.

Performance will be held at 7 PM, June 6-8 and at 2 PM, June 9. Sikeston Little Theatre is located at 506 S. Kingshighway . For ticket information call 573-471-4599 or visit www.sikestonlittletheatre.com.

Sikeston Public Library

April News and Events

Family Night for Preschoolers (ages 2-5) will be a joint project with Parents as Teachers. Held at 6:30 PM, Monday, April 8, the group will be reading The Little Train, a story about a small train with cars of various colors "rockin'on down the track". Activities include stories, songs, crafts and refreshments. Reservations are required; please call the library, 471-4140, to reserve your spot.

Family Night for kindergarten through third grade will be held Monday, April 15, at 6:30 PM. The group will be reading Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Ancient Egypt. Participants will learn about pyramids, mummification, flooding of the Nile River and other aspects of life in ancient Egypt. In addition to the stories, youth will be writing their names in hieroglyphics and play "build a pyramid". Reservations are required and can be made by calling 471-4140.

The Book Discussion Group will meet Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 PM to discuss If I Stay by Gail Forman. Participation is free with the books provided to participating library patrons.

The Library's annual book sale begins at 5 PM, April 4 and concludes April 7. Both books and audio-visual materials will be on sale.

National Library Week begins April 14. Patrons are invited to participate in any of the planned events: Monday, April 15, 6:30 PM: Family Night for grades kindergarten-3rd grade; Tuesday, April 16, 2 PM: E-reader training for Kindle Nook, iPad and Android tablets; Wednesday, April 17, 10 AM - Preschool Storytime; and Thursday, April 18, 4-6 PM - Teen community service project and activities.

Information about library programs and services is available on the web at www.sikeston.lib.mo.us. or join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SikestonPublicLibrary.

Jaycees host Crawfish Boil and Music Festival

Sikeston Rodeo Grounds, April 27, 2 PM-Midnight

Sikeston Crawfish Boil & Music Festival The Sikeston Jaycees and Health Facilities Rehab will be hosting the 4th Annual Crawfish Boil and Music Festival, Saturday, April 27 at the Sikeston Rodeo Grounds, 1308 N. Ingram. Entertainment will be provided by John D. Hale Band, Powder Mill, Winfield's Locket, and Past Time. Tickets: Presale - $5; at the gate $8.

Historic Downtown Sikeston hosts Sikeston-in-Bloom

Downtown Sikeston, April 27, 10 AM-3 PM

Celebrate the appearance of Spring with a day of fun, carriage rides, crafts, concessions and more. Enjoy displays by local nurseries. Held in American Legion Park, Front Street in Downtown Sikeston. For more information contact Lynn at 573-380-3801.

Should you have questions regarding the information found in this edition of the Sikeston Scanner, please contact the City Manager's Office at 471-2512 or via email at cityhall@sikeston.org.

Sincerely,

City of Sikeston
105 E. Center St.
Sikeston, MO 63801
(573) 471-2512