SCOTT CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GROUP MEETS MONDAY

SCOTT CITY -- Plans for a new Heritage Center for Scott City will be presented Monday evening when Scott City Historic Preservation holds its monthly meeting.

The center, which will house historical artifacts, literature and maps of the city, as well as current information about the town, will be run entirely by volunteers and will provide visitors with a place to become aware of the history of Scott City.

Many of the items that will be in the center have been donated. Other items will be lent to the center by area residents.

Organizers have found a building to house the center across from the town's caboose. But a public hearing on the location of the center must be held. If there are no objections to project, the Scott City Historic Preservation plans to proceed, said Carol Keppler, secretary of the organization. Organizers hope to be in the building by the first of September, Keppler said.

Throughout the remainder of the year and next year, the organization will host a series of historical programs offered free of charge to the public. The first program is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Scott City Library. Subsequent programs may be held at the Heritage Center.

The first in the series will focus on the history of the Cherokee nation and their settling in Missouri and will be presented by representatives of the Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory.

Plans are also underway for the second annual "Railroad Day Celebration," to be held Sept. 12. Proceeds from the day will help support the Heritage Center.