Stories from Thursday, August 2, 2018

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Evelyn Lois Roberts Gonzales, 52, died July 31, 2018, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Elvis Lee Gaskins, 53, died Aug. 1, 2018, at his home in Charleston. Born Oct. 18, 1964, at Hayti, son of the late John Lee Gaskins and Lavonna Jean Jones Gaskins, he had lived most of his life in Charleston where he owned and operated Gaskins Fuel Injection and then became employed with the Charleston R-1 School District as a mechanic in the transportation department...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Guy Alonzo Byassee Jr., 55, formerly of East Prairie, died July 31, 2018, at his residence.  Born Feb. 21, 1963, in Sikeston, son of Guy Franklin and Faye Dean Day Byassee Sr. of East Prairie, he was employed by Faith Global Truck Repair in Charleston. He was a member of Elm Street Baptist Church and a volunteer bus driver for those attending Wednesday church services...

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Cole Jackson Hutcheson, son of Cory Austin Hutcheson and Brittney Danielle Jackson Hutcheson of East Prairie, died at birth July 30, 2018, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. In addition to his parents, survivors include: one sister, Sophia Hutcheson of the home; paternal grandparents, Mike and Sandy Hutcheson of East Prairie; maternal grandparents, Johnny and Marcia Jackson of East Prairie; paternal great-grandparents, Charles and Arvella Brown and Doug Hutcheson of East Prairie; maternal great-grandfather, J.D. ...

LA CENTER, Ky. – Mississippi County has hired Paducah, Ky., based consulting and destination branding company, 20/20 Xtreme. A press conference will take place at 3:30 p.m. today at the Mississippi County Courthouse courtroom A to address a plan of action for strategic planning and a digital marketing incentive from 20/20 Xtreme. Details on the marketing project will be released at the press conference...

Shad Tyler eats a hot dog during the “Dress Like a Rodeo Clown” contest for 2-7 year olds Wednesday at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston. Over 100 people attended the event to get a glimpse of the young clowns.

BLOOMFIELD -- A judge suspended a trustee for the Castor Township who is charged with stealing nearly $17,000 in township funds while serving as its treasurer. Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver filed a petition for quo warranto Wednesday seeking the ouster and removal of Jacqulin Renea Bradshaw as the elected trustee, ex-officio treasurer, of the Castor Township...

BENTON, Mo. — Voters will have their choice of which political party ballot they favor, but everyone will be able to vote on Proposition A, which will decide whether or not to make Missouri a right-to-work state, during the Aug. 7 Primary Election in Scott County...

SIKESTON — The National Retail Federation estimates families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend an average of $634.78 this year to outfit their child for school. For many families in Southeast Missouri, that is an expense way beyond their means. Fortunately, this year local churches, businesses and organizations are again partnering to ease that financial burden with Schoolfest 2018...

Megan Parker, general manager at Men of Falkoff’s and Ladies, stacks jeans in preparation of this weekend’s tax free weekend that began today and will run through Sunday. Back-to-school items such as clothing, school supplies, computers and other items defined by the Missouri statute are exempt from state and county taxes. The City of Sikeston has also elected to join efforts and not require city taxes as well for qualifying purchases...

Title Local student wins scholarship from Great Clips Sikeston, Mo. July 20, 2018- The General Manager and Design Team Presenter of the area Great Clips salons, recently awarded a scholarship to Sydney Davis, a student at J. Larae' Academy. Sydney Davis of Gosnell, Arkansas and thousands of other cosmetology students across North America applied for the 2018 Great Scholarship. ...