Stories from Wednesday, February 21, 2024

SIKESTON — The Kenny Rogers Children’s Center is preparing for its annual telethon, which will take place March 15-16 at the Sikeston Field House. KRCC Executive Director Michelle Fayette said event organizers are thrilled to return to the the Field House this year. The two-day event will include a variety of activities...

SIKESTON — Preschool students Sophie Jacobo and David Bailey complete a matching activity at the Sikeston Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center. Sikeston’ R-6 School District’s screenings for children ages birth through age 4 years will be from 1 p.m. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – A Jackson, Missouri, man on Wednesday, Feb. 21 admitted selling fentanyl to a Sikeston, Missouri, man who later suffered a fatal overdose. Dylan C. McMikle, 22, of Jackson pleaded guilty to one felony count of distribution of fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri in Cape Girardeau...

From 2017-2021, Trump was President, inflation was low, unemployment low, gas prices low. We were an energy exporter instead of begging for our oil. The border was secure and being made more secure. Enter Biden, and everything goes to hell in a hand basket. All this hullabaloo about Trump and Republicans defeating the immigration bill is bull and baloney. Laws are on the books. Biden refuses to enforce the law and should be impeached.

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The addition of a school-based medical clinic will make access to health care easier for students in the New Madrid County R-1 School District. During the R-1 School Board’s February meeting, Bridgett Masterson, director of special services, presented information regarding a SEMO Health Network clinic at New Madrid County Central High School. Currently, SEMO Health Network operates a clinic in the Sikeston R-6 District...

NEW MADRID, Mo. —Charges are expected to be filed against two persons suspected in a series of thefts from vehicles. Friday night and throughout Saturday, New Madrid Police Department officers received reports of thefts from vehicles. During the course of their investigation, a lead was developed that led them to a residence in Charleston. After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched the residence, where several items of evidence were seized and a stolen vehicle recovered...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The most recent security additions across the New Madrid County R-1 School Districts may not be noticeable, but Anthony Roberts, director of school safety and security, says they are still important. According to Roberts, security has long been a focus of the District. Through the “Safe and Secure Bond Issue” passed by voters in 2021, numerous improvements were made at all school buildings...

BELL CITY, Mo. — Around Bell City, there is one thing, farmland. So, because of this, it might seem natural the local school district would have had a long history with an FFA chapter. However, this is not the case. Bell City was the only school in Stoddard County to not have FFA club until this year, said FFA advisor Sara Green. She said the last time the school had this club was in the school year of 1969-70...

MATTHEWS, Mo. — A 9 year old from Matthews who is passionate about assisting children with heart problems is raising money for the American Heart Association. Lyla Pyles is participating in the American Heart Association’s “Kids Heart Challenge,” according to her mother, Amelia Pyles...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — James Charles Riffert, 69, died Feb. 20, 2024, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center in Sikeston, Missouri. Private services will be held. McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

ORAN, Mo. — James "Jim" Ramsey born on Feb. 2, 1942, and passed away on Feb. 19, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Services will be on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston. A public visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and a funeral will follow...