Around Southeast Missouri 3/8/07

Sikeston mayor wants crack down on litterbugs

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston's mayor called on residents and law enforcement to join in the fight against litterbugs. Mayor Mike Marshall said during the regular city council meeting Monday that he has received comments from residents about litter in the city. Marshall encouraged residents to lend a hand and asked Department of Public Safety director Drew Juden to vigorously enforce the city's littering ordinance. "Be conscious of littering," he said. "Let's clean our town up. Let's not litter. This is our town, and let's be proud of it." Marshall suggested churches, Boy Scout troops and school classes could lend a hand by picking up litter along roadsides. The Rev. Ron Tate, senior pastor of the First Assembly of God Church and president of the Sikeston Area Ministerial Alliance, said the Ministerial Alliance would participate in the fight against litter.

-- Sikeston Standard Democrat

Water, sewer rates to go up in May for Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. -- City residents will pay more for water and sewer services beginning in May. Sikeston city council members approved the rate increases during their regular monthly meeting Monday. Ed Throop, Board of Municipal Utilities' executive director, presented council members with information on BMU's recommended rate increase at the Feb. 5 council meeting. During that presentation, Throop said rate increases are needed to cover increased costs for supplying water and sewer services. Lester Wright, BMU's business manager, said the combined effect of both the water and sewer rate increases will amount to about $7.49 per month for the average user. The last rate increase was in February 1998, according to Wright. The higher rates will be seen by users for the first time on utility bills they receive on or around May 1, Throop said during the previous meeting.

-- Sikeston Standard Democrat