Bright Futures Poplar Bluff celebrated its one-year anniversary with a breakfast symposium attended by an estimated 125 supporters on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Gamma HealthCare Conference Center. Speakers included original program affiliates from across Missouri as well as members of the national board. Bright Futures Poplar Bluff is a non-profit organization run by school social workers that, through partnerships, helps to meet the basic physical needs of students so they can focus on academics. Symposium speaker Kim Vann, Bright Futures USA executive director, cited that the national organization currently has 39 affiliate communities in seven states serving 170,000 children. Poplar Bluff R-I is the first district in Southeast Missouri to implement the program model, which originated in Joplin

Last Friday, Sikeston local officials joined together with Cotton Ridge Development and their honored guests to officially break ground on the Malco Theatre – an 8-Cinema Movie Theatre that will bring jobs, entertainment, visitors and growth to Sikeston. “Today, in breaking ground on the Malco Theatre, we are opening a new chapter of progress,” Mike Bohannon of Cotton Ridge said. “We are coming together to create jobs and revitalize our economy, and we are the laying the foundation for new opportunities for businesses to grow in the Bootheel. The Malco theatre is the first of many businesses to locate in Cotton Ridge. We look forward to announcing others over the coming months.” Cotton Ridge is a land development area in Sikeston

A trio of Poplar Bluff High School students won $50 apiece on Wednesday, Aug. 19, through the Get Schooled “spread cheer” campaign under the national Graduate for Mas program, sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. Participants were asked what they would do with $50 to spread cheer throughout their school or community. (From right) Sophomore Katie Sliger said she would donate her winnings to the Mules Booster Club; junior Gene Greer III stated he would buy his schoolmates donuts; and sophomore Garret Hudson vowed to purchase books for the library. In addition, math teacher Hope Conover (far left) won a $50 gift card in the “Tip Your Teacher” contest through the same program. Conover was nominated by a

Earlier this month the Ozark Federal Credit Union purchased 150 Neverland-themed T-shirts for the Poplar Bluff High School Sho-Me Band to be worn this season. Sho-Me Band Booster Club President Shelly Batton initially reached out to credit union officials, who said they were more than happy to oblige. Wearing their new gray shirts, for the most part, the Sho-Me Band take a moment during practice Friday, Aug. 21, to formally thank Ozark Federal Credit Union staff members (standing, front left): Chad Wolfram, vice president of lending; Davine Conover, business development specialist; Kirk Mondy, president; and Katrina Hopson, operations manager.

Students, grades K-6, put on a series of skits for the community on Friday, July 31, showcasing all they learned this summer in Super Kids Camp at Wheatley School. Keynote speaker Dr. Kevin Harris, Lincoln University chief information officer, advised students to “ask, listen and think.” A tradition of five years, Super Kids is a summer school enrichment program run by volunteers, offered to Butler County elementary students. A total of 31 signed up this year, with 24 reportedly maintaining perfect attendance.

Poplar Bluff R-I hosted a special luncheon for 65 custodians and maintenance workers on Friday, Aug. 7, as a small token of appreciation for their flexibility with construction taking place at the district’s three largest schools this summer. Chartwells served the food, which was purchased at The Deep-Freeze.