Students of the Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th Grade Center made a $70 donation to the Poplar Bluff Historic Depot Restoration Corporation on Wednesday, March 25, to aid in the efforts in restoring the grand staircase. The community service project was coordinated by teacher Terena Whitworth. The classes of Keri Jameson and Robyn Dickerson were the top fundraisers, earning an ice cream party and an extra recess for their efforts. Wendy Nepean’s class placed in third, Jennifer Edwards - fourth, and Juliane Gambill’s students came in fifth place.

Its tournament time for bass fisherman in the area.  The Wappapello Bass Circuit will have their first tournament March 28, fishing from Redman Creek launch ramp.  Take off will be at 6am with weigh in at 3. The remainder of their schedule is April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25 and August 29.  All tournaments will be at Redman Creek.  Also their Classic will be October 10 and 11 at Redman Creek. For tournament information on these two events, you can contact Dennis Outdoors in Poplar Bluff or call Julie Stuever at (573) 686-1744 daytime or (573) 718-5373 in the evening. Other tournament dates will be listed as I receive information from the sponsors of the events. UKC competition

It is no secret that America has the finest fighting force this world has ever seen. When those brave military men and women return from service, it is our duty to provide them with the benefits they have earned and deserve. From long wait times to subpar care, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not provided the exceptional care that we expect for our heroes.  This is especially apparent for veterans in rural areas.  As an advocate for rural America, it has been my mission to improve the care of these veterans, and all veterans across this great nation. There have been multiple improvements to the VA recently, including the Veterans Choice program established in the Veterans Access, Choice, and

First State Bank & Trust in Sikeston has made a donation to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. It will fund the purchase of a microphone/sound equipment to be used in the Sikeston Room, which is the FEMA storm shelter that doubles as an exhibit hall/auditorium at the new Three Rivers-Sikeston located at 1400 S. Main. Zach Fayette, vice president at the bank, presented the check to Michelle Reynolds, development officer at the College. For more information regarding donation opportunities to the College, contact Reynolds at 472-6650 ext. 5415.

“Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans,” an event to recognize the veterans of the Vietnam War, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, in the Bess Activity Center at Three Rivers College. The event is an early celebration of Vietnam Veterans Day, which is March 29. It sponsored by Chapter 1056 of Vietnam Veterans of America, an organization with the goals of campaigning on issues important to Vietnam veterans, creating a new identity for this generation of veterans, and improving public perception of Vietnam veterans. This is an opportunity for our community to come together for the long overdue welcome home the Vietnam veterans deserve for their service to our country. Friday’s event will include speaker Bill Kiefer, membership chair

Members of Three Rivers College’s Student-Missouri State Teachers Association (S-MSTA) chapter helped raise $1,251 for the Kenny Rogers Telethon during an event held Saturday. S-MSTA is a student organization that helps prepare students for careers as teachers.