Category: Local Politics
-
Sikeston Protestors Back Ricardo Montes
Folks gathered in Sikeston on August 16 to protest ICE operations in our area. Ricardo Montes was arrested by ICE at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo on August 8th. He is now being held at a detention facility in St. Genevieve, Missouri. The family of Ricardo Montes also held signs for Lloyd Gilmore, who died…
-
ICE and the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo
Editorial by Gwyneth Pearson A man named Ricardo Montes was arrested by ICE August 8 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. At least 3 other people are reported to have been arrested by ICE at the event. Last night’s headlining performer was That Mexican OT. Montes’ wife told me last night that he was held…
-
Missouri’s 2026 Primary Election Shows a Breakage of the Partisan Lens
Editorial by Gwyneth Pearson The 2026 Missouri Primary Election shows that when voters make decisions on policy instead of party – unity can be found. Missourians cast their votes on four ballot measures August 4, 2026. Graphic – New York Times Amendments 4 and 5 were the most controversial and contested measures. Amendment 4 looked…
-
Stormwater Drainage Project Public Hearing
July 27, 2026 There was a public hearing at the Sikeston City Council Meeting July 27 over the current stormwater drainage project funded by the Missouri Department of Development — discussing progress, accomplishments, or problems residents have dealt with. Fronabarger Concreters is the contractor working on new drainage infrastructure and their work is almost complete.…
-
Packed City Council Meeting after Death of Lloyd Gilmore
The second Sikeston City Council Meeting since the in-custody death of Lloyd Gilmore happened yesterday — and at one point, the room was nearly packed. The meeting lasted just short of 2 hours. This is a huge difference from last week, which saw a low turnout. The official business was quite similar to the week…
-
Empty City Council Meeting Following the Death of Lloyd Gilmore
June 29, 2026 Today was the first regular Sikeston City Council Meeting since the death of Lloyd Gilmore in police custody on June 10th. I counted 14 heads in attendance (excluding council members). Sikeston is a town of approximately 16,000 people. This means less than 0.000875% of the population attended the meeting. This is less…