Sikeston city manager resigns

SIKESTON -- Mayors and council members change every couple of years in Sikeston but the sudden change in the city manager office after well over a decade came as a surprise to many.

City Manager Doug Friend submitted his resignation Tuesday effective at the end of that work day after almost 30 years as a city employee.

"We were all shocked," said Mayor Jerry Pullen. "He's been here for 28 years with the city -- he first walked in here as a young man at age 25."

"There comes a time when there may be other opportunities out there in the field," Friend said. "My kids are out of college so it may be just the time to look for a new opportunity. I certainly loved working for the city of Sikeston. I think this community is a wonderful place to live and raise a family."

Born in Sikeston, Friend's career with the city started soon after achieving his education goals.

"When I got my master's degree in public administration from Mississippi State I was fortunate enough to get an internship with the city of Sikeston and went to work as an intern in May 1985," Friend said.

He was hired as a full-time employee of the city in November of that year and became planning coordinator Dec. 30, 1985. On Nov. 28, 1987, he was promoted to public works director and on July 2, 2000, to city manager.

"He's done a terrific job in all the positions he was in," Pullen said.

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