Stories from Friday, July 14, 2023

SIKESTON — Two Sikeston men were charged for their alleged involvement in a vehicle and foot pursuit with local law enforcement that ended with their arrest in a corn field. Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 12 Sikeston Department of Public Safety officers were notified of a vehicle in town occupied by two males who both had outstanding felony criminal arrest warrants, according to Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for DPS. The vehicle was driven by Gary Allen Looney, 52, of Sikeston, and his passenger was James Albert Swann, 46, of Sikeston.

I just read an article posted on the BBC News website about Ubuntu. I first learned about Ubuntu while in seminary, and this philosophy from South Africa really shapes how I view my existence in the world. Key phrases from Ubuntu are: “I am because you are. You are because we are.” Ubuntu stresses the importance of community and coexistence. It is basically the opposite of the individualistic “me” culture we tend to embrace in our country...

Gov. (Mike) Parson thanked the retiring Sen. Blunt for voting to provide $1.7 billion to Missouri to provide better internet service. Of course, Blunt is now free to vote his conscience and for the best interest of his constituents. Parson did not mention that every Republican Congressman and senator from Missouri including our own here in Southeast Missouri voted against us for this project. Not one word of thanks for the Democratic President Biden and the labor of the Democratic Party to provide this money for the common good. You can bet the Republicans will take all the credit they can with a friendly press and an under informed public.

CHARLESTON, Mo. — The inaugural Watermelon and Gospel Music Festival in Charleston will take place at the end of this month. Set for July 28-29, at 303 S. Sixth St., commonly known as the Knights of Columbus property, on East Marshall, between Fifth and Sixth streets, the festivities begin with a parade at 6 p.m. Friday, July 28. The parade has a theme of “watermelons,” and youngsters are urged to dress up in summer-like costumes, ideally in watermelon color combinations...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — The Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office along with other agencies in Mississippi County and surrounding areas and states are taking action to address the growing concern of vehicle thefts and break-ins within the community. “As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents, we are launching a public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness about the issue and encourage proactive measures,” Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell said Thursday, July 13.. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Though it’s been a drier start to summer than usual, seasonal growth along Missouri’s roadways still needs to be mowed. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near the shoulders of interstates and other busy roadways...

NORFOLK, Neb. — Eileen Hann, 67, passed away June 10, 2023, in Norfolk. She was born Sept. 13, 1955, in Dexter, Missouri, daughter of the late Bernard Hann, and Esther Michl Hann. She had five brothers and five sisters. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sikeston, Missouri...

SIKESTON — “God’s children are not for sale,” is a quote from the new film “Sound Of Freedom, which has been playing at the Malco Sikeston Cinema Grill, and the community has taken a keen interest in it. Karen Melton, Malco vice president and director of marketing, said the film has been highly successful at the Sikeston Cinema Grill. ...

SIKESTON — For Cynthia Dean, service is a way of life. With nearly 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit world, Dean has made a lasting impact on underserved communities who have a need for education and resources. As the current director of the Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, a not-for-profit organization that provides training, education, events and personalized services for families in the Bootheel, Dean works hard to provide the community with care that impacts lives for generations. . ...

SIKESTON — Voice for Children of Southeast Missouri has been in existence for many years and is searching for volunteers in the Bootheel area. The biggest challenge Voice for Children of Southeast Missouri has is the need for additional volunteers who are ready to advocate for a child, act as their voice and get a demanding and gratifying chance to assist a child in having a more promising future, according to Kawonda Moore, volunteer coordinator for Voice for Children in Southeast Missouri...

Contractors with Missouri Department of Transportation flatten the ground Friday, July 14, 2023, before pouring concrete for the new crosswalk at the junction of Main and Malone streets in front of Montgomery Bank in Sikeston. Depending on weather and unexpected delays, the contractor said he hopes to finish the intersection enhancement project within the next three weeks...