Photos & Video

Hillview first graders participated in 120 days of school. Many schools do the 100 days. As a first grade standard Hillview students to count to 120 and teachers decided to celebrate.

The Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff hosted its annual Futures Banquet on March 5. While there, five awards were given out recognizing students and adults who aid in the Club. “This event is a celebration to celebrate those who support our mission! Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens,” Development Director Terri L. McCormick said. The awards are as follows: Diamond Weaver — Youth of the Year Tatyana Little Whiteman — Jr. Youth of the Year Steve McNeal with Spire — Dedication towards our success Robbie Frish — Sharing our mission with the community Brian Asberry — Ongoing Commitment & Dedicated Service

Autism Accepted hosted a free ice cream social and dance Saturday at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. The "inclusion event" was for children and adults with autism and their families.

The Succeeding in School students put on the Black History Program United We Stand at the Wheatley School on Saturday afternoon. Along with the program put on by students, pieces of art by students as well as local black artists were on display.

The 29th Annual Jazz Festival is being held this week, featuring jazz bands from schools across Southeast Missouri, hosted by the music department at Three Rivers College. Bands performed Thursday and will perform again at 7 p.m. today at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. The Saturday, Feb. 15, performance features the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band, which consists of the best high school jazz musicians in Missouri Music Educators Association District 10, according to a press release. People wanting more information on the 29th Annual Jazz Festival, or those interested in participating in next year’s performance, can call the Three Rivers College Music Department at 573-840-9639.

Eleven area veterans were honored Thursday morning during a ceremony at the Missouri Army National Guard Armory. The event was held by John J. Pershing VAMC and the Wake Foundation, with proclamations presented on behalf of Gov. Mike Parson and state Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff), as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week.

Students at Hillview Elementary school celebrated Valentine's Day early Wednesday with themed parties. The students decorated boxes at home and brought them in to class and exchanged valentines.

The Carden International Circus rolled into Poplar Bluff last night with its first performance of a two-day stay. Prior to the show, visitors have the chance to ride elephants, camels, ponies and a bounce house. Performers during the show include animal trainers, aerialists, acrobats, clowns and jugglers. There will be another show tonight at 6:30 in the Black River Coliseum.

City firefighters responded shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday to a house fire at 914 Park St. Capt. Roy Lane said the fire started in the rear of the vacant house. No electricity or gas were hooked up at the time of the fire. It is being investigated by the state fire marshal.

Three Rivers College hosted its annual pancake breakfast as part of the Alumni Reunion over the weekend.

The Margaret Harwell Art Museum partnered with Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church to host a special show during the month of February in honor of Black History Month. Receptions were held Saturday and Sunday for artist Terry Lynn, who has developing a unique painting style with his twin brother, Jerry Lynn. He uses figurative painting that includes the use of “spirited gestures and textural layers of imagery to narrate his family’s history in the south,” according to organizers.

Neelyville High School hosted homecoming on Jan. 10 with the theme of The Greatest Show. Emily Dollins was named queen with first alternate Hailey Stewart and second alternate Bailey McGruder. Payton Cates and Lane Crosswhite served as announcers for the evening.

Students at Fisk Elementary celebrated the 100th day of school Monday with special crafts, snacks and other activities.

Naylor Elementary School’s kindergarten and first-grade classes recently conducted a 100th Day of school celebration. They participated by creating shirts, making posters, sharing 100 items, working at classroom 100-day math centers and learning activities.

The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce held its 82nd Annual Chamber Banquet on Saturday at the Black River Coliseum. Representatives from the community and businesses joined together to have a night of celebration and fellowship.

A snow storm on Jan. 27, 2009, was deemed the "worst ever" as over 67,000 spent time without power. The storm took place over several days. About 40 people took shelter at the Black River Coliseum while others went to other shelters. The area saw over 10 inches of snow, causing a temporary gas crisis, and hotels and restaurants to fill.