Sikeston Missouri MO Warrant Search

Sikeston, Missouri Sikeston (pronounced /ˈsaɪkstən/ sīks'tən) is a city located mostly in southern Scott County but also extends into parts of northern New Madrid County in Southeast Missouri in the United States. It is situated just above the Bootheel although many locals consider it to be an actual part of the region. By way of Interstate 55, Sikeston is close to the halfway point between St. Louis and Memphis. The city is named after John Sikes who founded it in 1860. It is the principal city of the Sikeston Micropolitan Stastistical Area, which consists of all of Scott County and has a total population of 41,143.As of the 2000 census, the city population was 16,992, making it the second most populous city in Missouri's 8th Congressional district (map) behind Cape Girardeau (population 35,349). Geography Sikeston is located at 36°52′46″N 89°35′7″W / 36.87944°N 89.58528°W / 36.87944; -89.58528 (36.879570, -89.585172).According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.1 square miles (46.9 km²), of which, 17.9 square miles (46.4 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²) of it (0.94%) is water. The city is situated upon the Sikeston Ridge which runs north and south from 10 miles (16 km) north of Sikeston through New Madrid, Missouri. Prior to 1927, the New Madrid-Sikeston Ridge Levee was constructed to protect the area from flooding from the Mississippi River. In the 1920s, the Little River Drainage District was formed to drain the low land area west of the Sikeston Ridge. By 1931, the levee construction had created the New Madrid floodway. Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 16,992 people, 6,779 households, and 4,602 families residing in the city. The population density was 947.4 people per square mile (365.9/km²). There were 7,428 housing units at an average density of 414.2/sq mi (160.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 75.52% White, 22.36% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.49% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.The major reported ancestries in Sikeston are 17.1% American, 11.8% German, 11.5% Irish, 6.8% English, 2.9% French, and 1.5% Scotch-Irish.There were 6,779 households out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.98.In the city the population was spread out with 27.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.The median income for a household in the city was $32,872, and the median income for a family was $36,420. Males had a median income of $31,846 versus $19,623 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,509. About 16.2% of families and 21.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over. History When the first explorers and settlers came to this region, they discovered a wild landscape of cypress swamps and forested prairies. Later at the beginning of the 20th Century, the Little River Drainage District was formed to reclaim this land. This engineering feat became the largest drainage district in the country and made the area of the nation’s most diverse agricultural regions.In 1541, the famous Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto may have stood upon the Sikeston Ridge, although some historical references dispute this, believing that he traveled further south than Sikeston. In 1789, by order of the King of Spain, an overland route was laid out to connect the cities of St. Louis and New Orleans. This frontier road was known as the El Camino Real or King's Highway. From December 16, 1811 to February 4, 1812, the area was struck by a series of more than 2,000 earthquakes, known as the New Madrid Earthquake, a series of shock waves believed by some to have been the greatest in North American history.The land for the city of Sikeston was first owned by a Frenchman named Francis Paquette. In 1829, the city site was acquired by the Stallcup family. In 1859, city founder John Sikes who had married into the Stallcup family gained control of the land. In April 1860, the city was platted in anticipation of the completion of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad which would intersect with the Spanish King's Highway. In the city of New Madrid, the street was known as Big Prairie Road and as Sikeston Road after the city of Sikeston was established. Today Kingshighway, also known as Business U.S. Highway 61 serves Sikeston as a primary north-south street and is lined with businesses and older historic homes. Sikeston’s downtown area includes Malone Park, the city’s oldest park, and the historic First Methodist Church columns, six majestic pillars that remain as a reminder of the 1879 church which was destroyed by fire in 1968.Although Sikeston was only a small village during the Civil War, its position at the railroad and highway intersection gave it some importance. At one point, Confederate General Jeff Thompson robbed a bank in nearby Charleston to pay men and buy arms and supplies. Legend has it that he hid part of his money under one of the oak trees at the corner of New Madrid Street and Kingshighway.By 1900, Sikeston had a population of 1,100, and two drainage ditches had been completed. By this time, the city had two banks, two newspapers, and three hotels. One of the hotels built between 1895 and 1898 was a three-story brick hotel that was later known as the Mashall-Dunn Hotel which was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prominent individuals who stayed at this hotel included Harry S. Truman, Alben W. Barkley, Tom Pendergast.Following World War II, the now adjacent city of Miner was founded. The city was originally known as Minner in honor of one of the original residing landowners. However, the name was altered when the railroad inadvertently left off an “n” off the switching station, renaming it Miner Switch. In 1951, this city became incorporated due to modern day pioneer William Howard McGill. Military History During theCivil War, Sikeston's location held some importance due to its railroad and road location. In the fall of 1861, ConfederateBrigadier GeneralGideon Pillowpushed a column of troops fromNew Madridtowards Sikeston andCape Girardeau. On October 4, 1861, ConfederateBrigadier GeneralM. Jeff Thompsonreached Sikeston, planning to strikeCape Girardeau; however, his manpower was limited, and he decided to retreat into the swamps off to the west. On November 3, 1861, fromCairo, Illinois,Brigadier GeneralUlysses S. Grantwrote a letter to ColonelRichard Oglesby, commander of the Union Headquarters District Southeast Missouri atBird’s Point, ordering his troops to 'strike for Sikeston' from theMississippi Rivertown ofCommerce.Brigadier GeneralBenjamin PrentissandColonelW. H. L. Wallacewere also converged in the Sikeston area in preparation of Grant's attack at theBattle of Belmont. In 1862, Sikeston was used as a transportation connection as Union Brigadier GeneralPopesent his artillery across the river toCommerceto be sent by rail to Sikeston for cart transportation toNew Madridin preparation for theBattle of Island Number Ten. On February 28, 1862,PopeleftCommercewith his army of 12,000, arriving in Sikeston on March 2, 1862. ColonelWilliam Pitt Kellogg, futuregovernor of Louisiana, commanding the 7th Illinois cavalry, was the first to encounter the rebel sabotage of recently burned bridges and other obstructions. The federals were attacked just south of Sikeston by a small group of rebels led by Confederate GeneralM. Jeff Thompsoncalled the Swamp Fox, a nickname previously belonging toRevolutionary WarBrigadier GeneralFrancis Marion. Thompson commanded a detachment of 85 horsemen and four to six experimental cannons that had been manufactured inMemphis. Colonel James Morgan Illinois's troops were reinforced by Brigadier General Schuyler Hamilton's 2nd Division, henceThompsonquickly fled. Entering the area fromBird's Point, Brigadier General Eleazor Arthur Paine, commander of the 4th Division ofArmy of the Mississippi, repaired the railroad andtelegraphlines and used troops fromIllinoisto form a garrison for Sikeston,Bertrand, andCharleston. War records indicate that on March 31, 1862, there were six Union officers and 143 Union soldiers present in Sikeston. On September 22, 1864, duringPrice's Raid, a Confederate force of 1,500 men near Sikeston under the command of Colonel William Lafayette Jeffers attacked Captain Lewis Sells' company of Union soldiers who were moving from Cape Girardeau to reinforce two companies of soldiers inBloomfield. DuringWorld War I, an infantry company was organized in Sikeston on August 25, 1917 until the spring of 1919. Company K became part of the 140th Infantry, 70th Brigade,U.S. 35th Infantry Divisionand fought in theMeuse-Argonne Offensiveand served as part of the occupation force of Europe. Between the two world wars, Company K was reorganized. It helped secure rail centers during the railroad workers' strike of 1922, helped out with the aftermath of thePoplar Blufftornado of 1927, and worked on theMississippi Riverlevees during the floods of 1927 and 1937. In 1941, Company K was sent to Camp James T. Robinson, nearLittle Rock, where they drilled for eight months. In 1920, American Legion Post 114 was chartered for the community of Sikeston and named after Henry Meldrun, a Sikeston native who was killed in Europe during World War I. DuringWorld War IIuntil 1944, theSikeston Memorial Municipal Airportwhich was previously dedicated on July 3–4, 1934, was known as Harvey Parks Airport and included long, barrack-style buildings as a site of the Missouri Institute of Aeronautics, which was established after GeneralHap Arnoldasked flight training operations to triple their enrollments.World War IIflying aceRobert S. Johnsontrained at this location. The original gated entrance to Harvey Parks Airport now serves as the entrance to the city's Veterans Park. Also duringWorld War II, the local National Guard unit Company K was assigned to the Western Defense Command inCalifornia, the local school students helped raise money to have aB-25 bombernamed theSpirit of Sikeston, and the local International Shoe factory started work on an army shoe order. Sikeston is also home to the MissouriNational Guardunit Company C 1140th EngineerBattalionwhich took part inOperation Iraqi Freedomfrom February 2004 until February 2005. Company C has been restructured from an engineering unit to a detachment of the 1221st Transportation Company, headquartered inDexter, Missouri. Located near the airport, Veterans' Park includes a display of aM60battle tank, anF-4 Phantom IIjet fighter, and a 105 mmHowitzercannon. In 2000, the remains of Mason Yarbrough, a Sikeston native and World War II marine, were found onMakin Islandand returned for a military funeral. The recently-builtGeorge E. DayParkway is named for Colonel George E. 'Bud' Day, aF-100 Super Sabrepilot who is the only known AmericanPOWto escape intoSouth Vietnam, although he was later recaptured and sent to theHanoi Hilton. Earlier in 1955, while serving in England, Colonel Day was noted for surviving the first 'no chute' bailout from a burning jet fighter. On March 6, 1976, PresidentGerald Fordpresented him andJames Stockdalewith theMedal of Honor. On April 26, 2006, the national commander of the American Legion Thomas L. Bock visited Sikeston to speak to American Legion Post 114. Historical Trivia The Hunter Memorial Cemetery, located on the grounds of the local Presbyterian Church, was established around 1812 after theNew Madrid earthquakeby Joseph Hunter II who served underGeorge Rogers Clarkduring theRevolutionary Warand on the Territorial Council forPresident Madison. In 1814, the village of Winchester was laid out about one-half a mile south of the future site of Sikeston and even became the seat of justice forNew Madrid County, but the village essentially disappeared after 1822 when the county seat was moved toNew Madrid. The first house in Sikeston is believed to have been located at 318 Baker Lane. The 'Baker House' was probably built in 1855, about five years before the town was founded. One of the early inhabitants of this house was Lee Hunter for whom one of the elementary schools is named. In fact, the house once had a large barn that was located where Lee Hunter school is now situated. The Baker family moved into the house in 1888 and purchased it from the Hunter family in the early 1950s. One of the first rail lines west of theMississippi Riverran to Sikeston, and it was the terminus of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad until 1872. From the early 1900s until at least around 1950, the city had more millionaires per capita than any other U.S. city of a similar population and the largest milling company in the Midwest, selling products to 23 states and seven foreign countries. In 1916, landowner Leonard McMullin built a home of Colonial Revival architecture at 214 North Scott Street. Billed as the 'Flying Farmer,' he was the first commercial pilot in the state of Missouri, flying numerous exhibitions at state fairs. In 1931, J. Otto Hahs (1891–1969) invented and patented the coin-operated horse in Sikeston. In January 1937, a devastating flood and flu outbreak occurred in Sikeston. In 1942, the last lynching in Missouri took place in Sikeston. Information of this event is contained within the bookThe Lynching of Cleo Wrightby Dominic J. Capeci, Jr. The book tells the story of a 'mob' taking justice into its own hands in 1942. It marked the first time the federal government had gotten involved in a civil rights case and how in the end a grand jury in the town allowed 'mob justice' to rule. On May 17, 1946,William Jefferson Blythe, Jr., father of formerUnited StatespresidentBill Clinton, died outside Sikeston onU.S. Route 60after being thrown from his car and drowning in a drainage ditch. This occurred three months before Bill Clinton's birth. In the 1950s, the 'Gay 90's Village Museum,' a music machines, owned by Paul Eakins was established. The museum was closed in the mid 1970s, when Eakins sold the bulk of his collection to Walt Disney World. On January 21, 1955, a mostly unknown 20-year-oldElvis Presleyperformed at the Sikeston Armory. The 1962 filmThe Intruder, starringWilliam Shatnerand directed byRoger Corman, features scenes shot on location in downtown Sikeston and at the old courthouse inCharleston. Around 1965, Sikeston was the location where Dr. Dewey Urban performed the first successful tooth transplant between two unrelated persons. On April 1, 1965,Ronald Reaganwas the guest speaker for the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet and was presented an “Honorary Cotton Picker of Southeast Missouri” plaque, perhaps as part of anApril Fool's Dayjoke. In 1968, Sikeston became the location for the first or secondWal-Martstore built outside ofArkansas.Sam Waltonwas known for visiting the Sikeston store several times a month by flying his airplane into theSikeston Municipal Airport. In 1973, the firstDrury Innwas built in Sikeston. Former SenatorLloyd Bentsenvisited the rodeo grounds in attempt to gain support for a 1976 presidential run. On May 15, 1986, atornadohit the city of Sikeston and destroyed about 100 homes, prompting formerGovernorJohn Ashcroftto visit and call on theNational Guardfor assistance. On the same day, the nearby community ofVanduserwas also hit by a tornado while storms precipitated flooding to the north inCape Girardeau. A horse named Sikeston, owned byLuciano Gaucci, won theGran Criteriumin 1988, thePremio Parioliin 1989, thePremio Ribotin 1990, theQueen Anne StakesandPremio Romain 1991, and thePremio Presidente della Repubblicain 1991 and 1992. On May 27, 2004,Naomi Betts, a criminal who robbed a bank inIndianapolis, was arrested in Sikeston, following an airing of an episode ofAmerica's Most Wanted. On January 26–27, 2009, the city of Sikeston and the surrounding area were hit with a devastatingice storm, theJanuary 2009 Central Plains and Midwest ice storm. This storm knocked out electrical service to large parts of the city for several days and damaged a large percentage of the trees, making this event the worst natural disaster to hit the city since at least the 1986 tornado. Restoration of city electrical power was delayed as a circuit breaker at the Coleman Substation had exploded on January 21 just before the ice storm hit.GovernorJay Nixonsurveyed the fog-covered damage by helicopter and visited the Sikeston Field House which was being used as a shelter. Attractions Lambert's Cafe- One of Southeast Missouri's most popular stops,Lambert's Cafeis the only home of the famous throwed rolls. It offers a comfortable, entertaining atmosphere with generous portions of down-home entrees and 'pass-arounds' of fried potatoes, okra, macaroni and tomatoes, and black-eyed peas just to name a few, not to mention the hot, wonderfully tasty rolls flying through the air. The restaurant was named the number one place to 'pig out' by the Travel Channel. The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo- Held around the first of August for over 50 years, the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo provides top qualify family entertainment at an affordable price. In the past 50 years, entertainment such asMatt Dillon, Festus,Dennis WeaverandMiss Kittyfrom the popular Western series on television in the 1950s and 1960s have appeared at the rodeo as have some of today's top country music stars including Alabama, Lonestar, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Sammy Kershaw, Doug Stone, Lorrie Morgan, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, and many more. Sikeston Bulls- A minor league baseball team and part of the collegiate wood batKIT League, which consists of teams from Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. Although inactive in 2008, the team returned to Sikeston in 2009. The Bulls play their home games in the VFW Memorial Stadium in Sikeston. The Sikeston Factory Outlet Mallis a 22-store outlet shopping center and is the only outlet center between St. Louis and Memphis that serves the five-state region. Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores is located at Exit 67 off I-55, only one mile north of the I-55 / I-57 interchange. The Sikeston Depot, atrain depotbuilt in 1916 and on theNational Register of Historical Places, is now used as a cultural center and museum. The Sikeston Depot is home to one of Southeast Missouri's finest art and history exhibits. The Depot's Art Gallery features ever-changing displays by different artists and a variety of mediums. The Depot Museum exhibits the intriguing history of Sikeston and Southeast Missouri through permanent and rotating displays. Southeast Missouri Agricultural Museum- The state's largest collection of antique farm machinery is just a short drive from Miner. At the Southeast Missouri Agricultural Museum, there are more than 6,000 pieces of machinery all capable of performing their original tasks. Many items date back to the 1800s and include tractors, combines, wagons, etc. Granny's Antiques- Located next to the Southeast Missouri Agricultural Museum just outside of Miner as are two authentic log cabins, a reconstructed service station, post office, 191-room schoolhouse, old country church, newspaper office, bank and the railroad station. Begg's Pumpkin Patch- A working family farm located just six miles (10 km) north of Sikeston-Miner, visitors can travel through a real corn maze, pick a pumpkin, feed the goats, see more farm animals, climb the giant tire maze, enjoy a snack or homemade fudge, find their way through the giant MaizeQuest, and the Saturday night flashlight night. Veterans' Park- A 4.8-acre (19,000 m2) park dedicated to the hundreds of men and women from Sikeston and other communities in Southeast Missouri who have valiantly served their country in times of war, the park features a large, lighted granite monument and American flag display. The park was constructed and is maintained by volunteers without city funding. Names of Sikeston area veterans are inscribed in the brick walk leading from the parking lot to the memorial. Park visitors enjoy the static displays which currently feature an M-60 battle tank, 105mm Howitzer cannon and an F4 Phantom jet. The Bootheel Golf ClubandSikeston Country Club & Golf Course. SEMO RacewayandSikeston Race Park. The remodeledYMCAbuilding was originally built in 1925. It was previously used as a gymnasium for the middle school and as a gymnasium for the high school before that. Sikeston's YMCA has recently broken ground on an $8 million renovation campaign, which includes an indoor pool. Malco Trio Cinema, the city's only movie theater. Entertainment & Recreation Sikeston's Park system includes 14 parks, perfect for large family gatherings or quiet picnics. The largest park, the Sikeston Recreation Complex, features a fishing lake, picnic shelters and playground equipment. With tennis courts and several soccer fields, baseball diamonds and a little league football field, the Recreation Complex is home to a number of sporting events, including state and regional tournaments.Some of Sikeston's parks include Armory Park, Central Park, Clayton Park, Dudley Park, American Legion Park, Malone Park, Mary Lou Montgomery Park, R.S. Matthews Park, Roberta Rowe West End Park, Rotary Park, Sikeston Recreation Complex, and Veterans Park.VFW Stadium—largest local baseball field The Sikeston Depot—city museum Blodgett’s Paintball Planet—a recreational area located north of Sikeston Sikeston's American Legion-sponsored Cotton Carnival and Parade began in 1944 as a homecoming to some World War II veterans. The parade, one of the largest in Missouri, featured floats, area marching bands, and state and national politicians. In addition, the Sikeston Missouri Arts Council and the Sikeston Art League offer a number of community concerts, cultural performances and art shows throughout the year. The Sikeston Little Theater is the oldest performing arts group between St. Louis and Memphis. Their performances are not to be missed, nor are the annual performances of the Arts Council's Missoula Children's Theater. The new Albritton Mayer Center for the arts provides a home for a host of multimedia cultural presentations.Sikeston has long been associated with country music. Some previous performers at the local Jaycee rodeo have included Kenny Rogers in 1977 and Loretta Lynn in 1983 with Charlie Daniels and Lee Greenwood performing multiple times. Upon his visit, Kenny Rogers donated an Arabian stallion to be auctioned off to bring money to the local cerebral palsy center which in appreciation changed its name to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center. Religion Sikeston is home to several houses of worship . Some of the early Sikeston churches and those with their founding dates include the following:First UnitedMethodistChurch (1867); the 'Dome Church' was erected at New Madrid and Harris Streets in 1912. FirstBaptistChurch (1868); erected at South Kingshighway in 1915. Sikeston First United Pentecostal Church Hunter Memorial FirstPresbyterianChurch (1870; 1894 re-established) St. Francis XavierCatholicChurch (1885 first mass; 1905 parish established); the present church was erected in 1938 WesleyUnited Methodist Church (1905) FirstChristianChurch (organized 1906) ConcordiaLutheranChurch (1919) West End Missionary Baptist Church (1922) Smith Chapel United Methodist Church (1923; 1938 Sikeston location) FirstChurch of the Nazarene(1924) Seventh-day Adventist Church(1937) Tanner StreetChurch of God(1938) FirstAssembly of God(1939 or 1940) Fellowship Baptist Church (1949) St. Paul'sEpiscopalChurch (1952) Murray Lane Baptist Church (1960) Trinity Baptist Church (1966; organized in 1965) Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints Health care Missouri Delta Medical Center was founded in Sikeston in 1948. The hospital typically employs over 600 healthcare providers and has close to 200 beds. Public schools Of all residents in Sikeston who are 25 years of age and older, 73.3% hold a high school diploma or higher as their highest educational attainment; 14.2% possess a bachelor's degree or higher; 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree; and 26.7% have less than a high school diploma.Area high schoolsSikeston Senior High School.Sikeston High School's mascot is theBulldogand the school colors are red and black. The Bulldogs of Sikeston were the first high school football team inMissourito record 400 all-time victories. Sikeston also has a rich tradition in other sports. Inbaseballand boysbasketball, the Bulldogs rank among the state's leaders in all-time playoff appearances. In boystrack and field, they captured the 2009 Class 3 state championship and consistently place among the top 10 teams at the track and field state championships. In the Fall of 2009, the Sikeston Bulldog football team shattered records during a 13-1 season. Points scored, offensive yardage, and wins in a season were among the records broken. Sikeston ended its season, losing in the state semifinals to Jefferson City Helias, one step short of the Class 4 State Championship game. Scott County Central Junior-Senior High School.The Scott County Central School Districtis also located five miles (8 km) north of Sikeston onU.S. Route 61. According to theMissouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, there is one elementary school and one consolidated junior-senior high school in the district. During the 2008–2009 school year, there was a total of 348 students and 49 certified staff members enrolled in the Scott County Central School District. The school colors are orange and black and its mascot is the Braves. The high school won 12boys state basketball championshipsbetween 1976 and 1991—the most such championships of any school in the state. Private schools Sikeston is also home to three private schools that serve both the educational and religious needs of students and their families.St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Solid Rock Christian Academy Southeast Missouri Christian Academy In 1892, a local high school known as the 'Methodist College' was established by the Sikeston Methodist Episcopal Church. The school was disbanded after the public high school was established. Higher Education & Technical Schools Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston, a satellite campus ofSoutheast Missouri State Universitylocated inCape Girardeau. The Sikeston Career & Technology Center Three Rivers Community CollegeCenter located at 103 Kathleen Street, Sikeston. Media The Sikeston Standard Democratis Sikeston's daily newspaper that derives its name from two of the city's previous newspapers—The Democrat AdvertiserandThe Daily Standardwhich was founded in 1911 and became a daily newspaper in 1950. In 1939,The Daily Standardeditor Charles 'Pole Cat' Blanton was featured inTime Magazine; he had purchased the newspaper in 1913, publishing the first issue on March 1, 1913. Previous Sikeston newspapers have includedThe Sikeston Starwhich was founded in 1884;The Sikeston Herald, a left-leaning Republican newspaper founded in 1903 or perhaps 1900;The Scott County DemocratandThe Enterprisewhich was founded in 1883 and eventually became known asThe Dexter Statesman; andDelta Metro, a weekly news magazine, which was published from 1975 until 1977. The Sikeston High School newspaper is known asThe Bulldog Barkerwhile the high school yearbook is known asThe Growler. Transportation In 1789,El Camino Real, also known as 'The King's Highway,' was marked out by orders from the King of Spain. In 1915, the MissouriDaughters of the American Revolutionerected a monument near Woodlawn Street in Sikeston to mark this event.In 1929, the Sikeston portion of the street was paved. Today this road is known asU.S. Route 61. Sikeston is located at the intersection ofI-55andI-57, making it the only city in Missouri other than Kansas City and St. Louis to be located on at least two interstate highways. Other Sikeston highways includeU.S. Route 60,U.S. Route 61,U.S. Route 62, andRoute 114. Sikeston's location at the intersection of U.S. Highways 60, 61, and 62 makes the city one of the few towns located at the intersection of three consecutively numbered highways. The city is served by theUnion Pacific Railroadand theBNSF Railway. The city has a few cobble-stoned streets in its older commercial downtown area. Economy As measured in 2008, the cost of living index in Sikeston is low (80.4) compared to the U.S. average of 100. The unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in Sikeston.The major city employers includeUnilever, Missouri Delta Medical Center, the Sikeston Public Schools system, andWal-Mart. In 1904, the Little River Drainage District was formed, establishing Sikeston as one of the richest farm areas in the entire state. Agriculture products of the area includecotton,soybeans,corn,rice,watermelons,wheat, milo,potatoes, andpoultrywith native trees that includeoakandcypress. Historically, the city was previously known for its two large flour mills. Sikeston is the headquarters for Montgomery Bank which is the largest privately owned, family operated bank in Missouri. In 1931, the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities was established to provide electrical service to the city. The current Sikeston Power Plant is a 235 megawattcoal-fired steam generating facility with excess capacity sold to other communities. This power plant began serving the city in 1981 after seven years of initial planning. The city's first coal-fired electric plant, the 6-megawatt E.P. Coleman plant, was built in 1958. The Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities also operates the city's water and sewer services and a 33-mile (53 km) fiber optic communications network. BesidesLambert's Cafe, other Sikeston restaurants includeArby's,Applebee's,Buffalo Wild Wings,Burger King,Dairy Queen,Domino's Pizza,Hardee's, Jay's Chicken, Kirby's Sandwich Shop,KFC,Long John Silver's/A&W, Mexican Villa (open since 1977),McDonald's,Papa Murphy's,Pizza Inn,Pizza Hut,Sonic Drive-In,Subway,Ruby TuesdayinMiner,Taco John's,Taco Bell, andWendy's. Sikeston is also home to the first Grecian Steakhouse, a local area chain, and has numerous Mexican and Chinese restaurants. Other Sikeston businesses includeAgMart Sales,Clayton Fabrication and Metal Works,Collins Music,Construction Trailer Specialists,Days Inn,DeWitt Company,Duckett Truck Center,Ferguson Medical Group,First Midwest Bank,Focus Bank,Garage Door Company of Sikeston,JCPenney,J-J-N Enterprises,Lowe's,Meyers Supply Company,Mitchell Insurance,NewWave Communications,Pyramid Roofing Company,Retco Trailer Manufacturing,Steward Steel, TheUPSStore, andWalgreenswith multiple locations forDollar General,Raymond James,State Farm Insurance, andU.S. Bancorp. In July 2008, it was announced thatMemphis-based company Orgill Inc., the world's largest independent distributor of home improvement products, would build a 795,000-square-foot (73,900 m2) facility in Sikeston estimated to employ between 150 to 350 employees. The company plans to open the facility in August 2009. Sister cities Sikeston's sister cities are Yeosu, South Korea and Buffalo, New York. Politicians & Attorneys Kenny C. Hulshof, former Republican 2008Missouri gubernatorial candidateand congressman who represented theMissouri's 9th C