Ron Creed Memorial Youth In Government Day

In February every year, the Sikeston Optimist Club, in cooperation with Sikeston Public Schools and the City of Sikeston conducts their annual Youth in Government Day.  In addition to a tour of City and BMU operations, several Sikeston Senior High School Students assume the role of elected officials and staff members. During a mock City Council meeting, students will discuss and vote on a selected topic of legislation. 

The goal of Youth in Government Day is to expose Sikeston's future leaders to issues faced by today's community leaders.

This year's participants recently addressed a topic that will come before the Sikeston City Council in the very near future – Should the City enact legislation requiring a prescription to acquire drugs containing pseudoephedrine – a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Detective Sgt. Jason Grellner of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department detailed how pseudoephedrine is used in the manufacture of meth, and provided statistical evidence detailing the various methods being used in surrounding states to curb the manufacture of meth and their success. He also presented material detailing the hazards of the manufacture and use of meth in the home, particularly its effects on children exposed to the drug and its addicts.

During the mock city council meeting that followed, the measure requiring a physician’s prescription to acquire drugs containing pseudoephedrine was adopted.

Participating in Youth in Government Day were Ben Priday (Mayor), Ryan Fox (Mayor pro tem & At-Large Councilman), Marissa Renfroe (At-Large Councilman), Taylor Barnett (Ward 1), Sydney Davied (Ward 2), Abigail Enax (Ward 3), and David Neal (Ward 4).  City staff members included Zac Neal (City Manager), Hannah Uthoff (City Counselor), Ashley Miller (DGS Director), Leslie Harris (DED Director), Dylan Stephens (City Clerk), Lauren Kennard (City Treasurer), Ashley Herring (City Collector), Mary Eifert (Community Redevelopment Coordinator), Richard Justice (Street Superintendent), Jessica Hutchcraft (Parks Director), Will Holifield (DPS Director), Kenneth Moy (DPS Captain), Noah Moyers (DPS Captain), Evan Underwood (DPS Captain) and Katherine Hines (DPS Captain).  BMU staff included Chelsea Gayden (Chief Accountant) and Meghan Mothershead (Business Office Manager).  Members of the public were Parker Williams, Vance Fisher, Audrey Regenold and Hannah McClellan. 

Youth in Government Day is sponsored by the City of Sikeston, Sikeston Public Schools and the Sikeston Optimist Club.  Financial sponsors were the Standard Democrat and Dr. & Mrs. David Morris.