Town crier chosen for city's bicentennial

Darryl Morgan is Cape Girardeau's new town crier. If he is commissioned by the Cape Girardeau City Council, Morgan will be the goodwill ambassador for the city.

As the goodwill ambassador, Morgan will be present for opening ceremonies, greeting VIPs and announcing upcoming community events.

Morgan moved to Cape Girardeau this past February from Searcy, Ark.

He said he is a natural for the position of a town crier since he has a loud, booming voice.

In the past employees have asked him why he is yelling at them, he said, to which he responds that is just how he talks.

Morgan competed again Clarence Warfield of Perryville and James Baughn of Cape Girardeau on the front porch of the Red House Interpretive Center.

There were five times as many audience members as there were contestants.

Brenda Schloss, planning technician for the city, said she is pleased with the turnout.

"I am very happy that three of our citizens have decided to take part in their community," she said.

Schloss said the low turnout was due to unclear expectations of what the town crier's role would be and because it was so new.

"Once people experience and witness what a town crier does they will be more comfortable with it," she said.

The total expense for the competition was $470, which paid for Redmond O'Colonies' travel expenses. Advertising was free and done by Red Letter Communications.

Look for the new crier during the centennial festivities today.

ameyer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127