Welcome to the City of Sikeston

AARON EISENHAUER ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com Sikeston's downtown. [Click to enlarge]

The History

When settlers first came to the Sikeston area, in southern Scott County, they were met with a wild landscape of rivers, swamps, marshes, bayous, forests and prairies. By order of the king of Spain, an overland route was laid out in 1789 to connect the cities of St. Louis and New Orleans. It was along this early frontier route, known as El Camino Real (King's Highway), that the city of Sikeston was founded in 1860 by John Sikes. Now known as U.S. Highway 61, the Spanish King's Highway serves as Sikeston's Main Street. It is a major roadway in the area, lined with antique shops, historic homes and an El Camino Real Historic Marker identifying the city's bond to Spain.

Today, Sikeston and nearby Miner is a micropolitan hub of retail, manufacturing and supportive services surrounded by an agricultural region of corn, cotton, wheat, rice, soybeans, milo, peaches, potatoes and more. The heart of Sikeston is its historic downtown. Along the cobblestone streets, visitors can enjoy the shade and ambience of American Legion Park and tour Sikeston's Historic Depot, which houses a museum, art gallery and cultural center.

10 Things You Love About Your City

Jerry Pullen
Hometown: Charleston, Mo.
Years in Sikeston: 14

1. Our residents. Sikeston's residents are friendly, caring and generous, and are ready to assist their neighbor whenever the need arises. As a businessman, I know Sikeston has a good workforce with a great work ethic.

2. Our location. Sikeston is a small Midwest community where family and friends are important. We are centrally located, providing access to anywhere in the country.

3. Local educational opportunities. Sikeston residents have unlimited educational/vocational opportunities through the community's fully accredited public school system, four private elementary schools, adult technical/vocational school, the Sikeston Campus of Southeast Missouri State University and a satellite campus of Three Rivers Community College.

4. Lambert's Cafe. Sikeston is the home of the original Lambert's Café and many other specialty restaurants.

5. JC Bootheel Rodeo. For 57 years, the Sikeston JC Bootheel Rodeo has brought nationally recognized rodeo competitors and outstanding country music entertainment to Sikeston. The proceeds from this event are given back to the community in the form of donations to not-for-profit organizations such as the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, Missouri Delta Medical Center and the YMCA of Southeast Missouri.

6. Downtown Sikeston. Our downtown merchants offer a variety of unique, quality merchandise with exceptional customer service. Visitors to downtown will enjoy the new attractive streetscape and a safe shopping experience.

7. Public safety. Sikeston's Department of Public Safety cross-trains its officers for both law enforcement and firefighting duties, resulting in a highly trained and versatile group of professionals protecting our community.

8. Kenny Rogers Children's Center. The Center provides, at no cost to their families, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy to over 300 special needs children.

9. Low electrical rates. By owning and operating an electric generating plant, Sikeston has some of the lowest utility rates in the state.

10. Recreational and fitness opportunities. Sikeston has more than 270 acres of parks providing residents with fishing lakes, walking trails, playground areas, baseball and soccer fields, and tennis and basketball courts. The YMCA of Southeast Missouri's recently completed facility provides a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, gymnasium, indoor walking track and indoor aquatic center.

THINGS TO KNOW:

1. Utilities
New residents wanting electric, water and sewer hookups should contact the Board of Municipal Utilities, 138 N. Prairie St., or call 573-471-3328. For natural gas, contact Atmos Energy at 1-888-286-6700.

2. Utilities
Telephone service is available from AT&T at 1-800-203-7070 or Big River Telephone Company at 800-455-1608.

3. Cable TV
Cable television is provided by Charter Communications at 919 E. Malone or 888-871-4485.

4. Library
The library is located at 21 E. North St., and the phone number is 573-471-4140. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (during the school year only). Visit sikeston.lib.mo.us for more information.

5. City Hall
City Hall is at 105 E. Center St., and the phone number is 573-471-2512.

CITY OFFICIALS
Jerry Pullen, mayor
Doug Friend, city manager
Carroll Couch, city clerk
Karen Bailey, treasurer
Vicky Lewis, collector
City council
Sue Rogers, council member at-large
Mike Bohannon, council member at-large, mayor pro tem
Mike Conway, Ward 1
Tom Hedrick, Ward 2
Kathy Teachout, Ward 3
Michael Harris, Ward 4