The Milan Standard

Sullivan County is set to see more than $3.1 million in highway work move toward construction under Missouri’s newly approved 2027- 2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, with an additional multi-county bridge rehabilitation project also including Sullivan County. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the five-year STIP on July 1. The plan lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.

Gary Keith Sylvester, 86, of Milan, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan. Gary was born on June 26, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He then joined the United States Army Reserves. On May 25, 1984, he married Maxine Ellis. He worked for a time at Trenton Foods and for the State Highway Department.

Submitted by Tennille Banner An excited crowd was on hand for the 2026 Sullivan County Fair Queen & Junior Miss Pageant on Monday, July 6, 2026. There were 6 young ladies vying for the Junior Miss title, and 4 ladies vying for the Fair Queen title. Selected as the queen was Miss Jara Sanchez, daughter of Aleshai and Jairo Sanchez Pacheco of Milan. First Runner-Up was Delanie Wyant, daughter of Bob and Brooke Wyant of Milan.

Ronald Dean “Ron” Sears, 76, of Mendon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Brookfield Health Care in Brookfield, Missouri. Ron was born on October 5, 1949, in Milan, Missouri, to Vernon Dean Sears and Helen Marie (Ross) Sears. He grew up in Milan and graduated from Milan C-2 High School with the Class of 1967. On July 26, 1969, Ron married Connie Sue Foster. Together they built a life centered around family.

Green City Press Release Jackie Morris is the new City Clerk in Green City. Morris brings years of experience working with the public, including customer service, record keeping, budgeting, and human resources. She gained this experience while serving in local county government for more than 20 years as well as positions that offered a strong foundation in human resources. Jackie’s goal for Green City is to continue providing the professional and dependable services our citizens deserve.

With profound sadness, our family announces the passing of John “Ike” Morehead on Monday, June 22, 2026. Ike was born in Kirksville, Missouri, October 26, 1945. He was a 1963 graduate of Milan High School and earned an associate degree in agriculture from Muscatine College. He later graduated from auctioneering school in Kansas City. After college, Ike was employed for a few years in Kansas City but returned to Milan to join his brother in a local business.

Larry Wayne White, 81, of Milan, Missouri, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Brookfield Life Care Center in Brookfield, Missouri. Larry was born November 2, 1944 in Milan, to Donald and Opal (Brinkley) White. On September 27, 1964, he married the love of his life, Glenda (Adams) White, they were married for almost 62 years.

The Green City Chamber of Commerce is excited to recognize Roberta Santee as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 July 4 Celebration. Known to most simply as “Bert”, Roberta has retired from multiple jobs but she just keeps showing up for her family, her friends and her community. Bert grew up on the Thompson family farm northeast of Pennville, but the family moved to Kirksville once her older sister Margie was ready to start school.

Royalty to be Crowned Next Week Submitted by Tennille Banner Monday, July 6, 2026 will be an exciting evening as several young ladies compete for the title of Sullivan County Fair Queen and Junior Miss. The event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Milan Community Center. Admission is $2 and everyone is invited to attend. Fair Queen Candidates There are 4 young women competing for the title of Sullivan County Fair Queen. Brooklyn Holt is the daughter of Rachel Deacon and Shaun Holt.

Barbara “Bobbi” Louise Riddle, age 96, passed away peacefully June 25, 2026, at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. Barbara was born November 16, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bradshaw. She enjoyed her childhood living in Milan with her mother, Thelma Chloe (Lee), and siblings, Billie Mae, Johnny, Jimmy, and Jackie. All of whom preceded her in death.