Stories from Friday, February 25, 2022

SIKESTON — Early Saturday morning, 16 people were shot, killing two at a party in Charleston. The shooting has been linked to gang violence, a problem that is increasing in the area, leaving law enforcement like Sikeston Department of Public Safety scrambling to get it under control...

There have been several instances of gang violence reported in Sikeston since October of 2020. Here are some of the instances: • Oct. 2, 2020: Gang member shoots rival member during a large disturbance at the Cotton Carnival, paralyzing the victim. Almost all those involved in the disturbance, including witnesses, were Sikeston High School students...

SIKESTON — A community meeting to address the increasing violence in Sikeston has been planned for Tuesday night. Sikeston Department of Public Safety Director James McMillen sent a letter or Sikeston residents inviting them to the meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lincoln University, 214 Lincoln University, in Sikeston...

SIKESTON — One reason attributed for the increase in gang violence in not just Sikeston, but the area, is the low staffing levels of law enforcement. Currently Sikeston DPS is short 10 officers, which is down from their peak when they were short 17 officers. The detective division at DPS is short two detectives and a supervisor which also causes a problem...

WHITE HALL, Ark. — James Foster Davis, age 81, of White Hall went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. He was born Dec. 31, 1940 in Dexter, Missouri, to the late Robert and Ruby Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Irving, his step father, Theodore Dockins and his great-grandchildren, Chloe Tess and Logan Parker. ...

BENTON, Mo. — All Riverside Regional Library branches will host a “Dr. Seuss’ 118th Birthday Celebration” Feb. 28 through March 5. Locally, branches in Benton and Oran will host events for families where children can receive make-n-take craft kits, coloring sheets and book marks. Patrons should check with branches for specific times as they were closed Thursday and Friday due to the inclement weather...

SIKESTON — Ernest Richard “Dick” Inman, age 93, passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, at his home in Sikeston. He was born on Oct. 7, 1928, in Sikeston, to the late Ernest Nople and Dimple Brown Inman. On July 10, 1949, Dick married Jo Ann Botter in Sikeston. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2000. They were members of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years...

NEW MADRID, Mo. - After last week’s bone-chilling temperatures, sleet and ice, New Madrid County residents should enjoy a taste of spring this week. On Feb. 23, a winter storm began making its way across Southeast Missouri. By Thursday morning, the area was covered by ice...