Locals hope for good showing

Carrie Thomas of Sikeston practices barrel racing at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds last week. Thomas finished second in the barrel racing event at Sikeston in 2000 and will be competing on Thursday night. David Jenkins, Staff

SIKESTON-- The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo has always attracted world class competition, but it may come as a surprise to some that a few of those professional cowboys and cowgirls make their home here in Sikeston.

This year's rodeo will include Sikeston natives Carrie Thomas, Ty Ferrell and Shelly Martini. Thomas and Martini will vie for the barrel racing title, while Ferrell and his partner, Jeremy Hemmann, will make their go in the team roping.

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