Region briefs 9/30/08

Veterans' trip being organized for Nov. 10

Rob Callahan is organizing a trip for World War II veterans to Branson, Mo., for Veterans Day. Cost is $197 and includes transportation, one night at a Radisson hotel, two lunches and breakfast. Entertainment includes an Andy Williams Christmas show, the 74th annual Veterans Day Parade and a Tony Orlando Veterans Day concert. Call 785-8461 for reservations. The trip departs at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 10 from First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

SEMO marks 20th year of University Studies

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its University Studies program this year. The first event will be a speech by Dr. John Gardner at 7:30 pm. today in the University Center Ballroom. Gardner gave the inaugural address 20 years ago. He is executive director of the Policy Center on the First Year of College.

Setback in search for Three Rivers president

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The search for a president at Three Rivers Community College has proved fruitless after both out-of-state candidates unexpectedly dropped out of the running and the trustees voted against hiring the third finalist, who is already an administrator at the college. After the announcement at Thursday night's meeting, the trustees said they intend to start over and will organize another search. In the meantime, Joe Rozman accepted the president's position until June 30.

MoDOT adding second ramp to Center Junction

A Missouri Department of Transportation crew is working on the southbound off ramp of Interstate 55 at Center Junction (exit 99). The work will add a second lane for traffic to exit the freeway. The extra lane is a response to increased traffic. Since exit 102 opened last year at Jackson's East Main Street, Compas said the number of cars using the freeway during peak hours has nearly doubled. The new lane at exit 99 is expected to be ready for drivers by early next week.

— From staff reports