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Sikeston, Miner merger to be studied
SIKESTON - Residents of Sikeston and Miner will be asked to look at the pros and cons of the communities merging.
Sikeston Mayor Mike Marshall called for a committee to be formed to look into the possibility during Thursday's Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. Marshall and Miner Mayor Mitch Thompson were the guest speakers for the luncheon.
"Sikeston has got a lot of good things going for it. Miner has a lot of good things going. Right now they are going in the same direction but on parallel paths," said Marshall. "If we could consolidate it could be good for both communities."
After the meeting, Marshall noted several Sikeston residents have expressed interest in being part of the committee. No timetable is set, the Sikeston Mayor added.
Miner's Mayor emphasized the proposal will need to be studied. "Then we will leave it up to the citizens of Sikeston and Miner on what direction they want to take."
Prior to making the proposal on the merger, both mayors provided updates on their communities.
Thompson spoke of Miner's recent growth in commercial and private properties. The community has added two new restaurants in the past year and the expansion by Lambert's will also bring more business to the town. He noted several new businesses are being added at the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores and businesses already in the community are expanding.
Also a new subdivision has already brought 15 new families to Miner, Thompson said.
"But with growth comes some growing pains," he continued. According to Thompson the city will need to look at expansion of its storm drainage system as well as sewer and water facilities to meet continued growth.
"With our low tax rate and easy access to the interstate we are hoping the improving economy will trickle down to Miner and to Sikeston," he concluded.
Sikeston's mayor pointed to recent efforts in the community to solve problems. In the community's clean-up efforts during the last year there were 91 derelict vehicles removed from private property and 200 citations issued to those with junk, overgrown grass or weeds on their property.
As part of the community's improvements, the passage of the sales tax will fund additional Department of Public Safety personnel, Marshall said. Also it will help bring an expansion of the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, he noted.
Ticking through the city's budget list, Marshall pointed out several areas of funding to enhance the community including work on streets, drainage and parks. City employees recently received a raise and there will be improvements to Sikeston's computer system, he added.
Noting out the city's changing landscape with the recent demolition of buildings, Marshall said this will pave the way for new construction. Also, he continued, it has prompted work by private citizens to improve their properties.
"We are seeing people take pride in our town and that is what we wanted to see," said Marshall. "I think we are reaching a point ... where we are turning things around and I would like to keep that going."
During the meeting Missy Marshall, executive director of the Chamber, listed upcoming activities. These include:
* An art display, "Creations from the Cat Ranch," by Tom Reynolds is at the Sikeston Depot through the month of July.
* July 12-18 will be the NGA/Hooters Health Facilities Rehab Center Classic at the Bootheel Golf Club.
* On July 12 Cape Girardeau resident Morley Swingle will lecture on his book, "The Gold of Cape Girardeau," at the Depot. The event begins at 7 p.m.
* The next Chamber Membership Luncheon is July 22 at the Clinton Building in the Sikeston Sports Complex. Local candidates will be the guest speakers.