Three Rivers cancels this week's classes

POPLAR BLUFF, MO — Administrators at Three Rivers Community College have announced that the college will be closed Monday through Friday in response to massive power outages throughout Southeast Missouri due to the recent ice and snow storm.

College President Joe Rozman made the announcement in a written statement issued Sunday afternoon. The closure affects the main TRCC campus in Poplar Bluff and all sites, including the Centers at Campbell, Kennett, Malden, Portageville and Sikeston. Three Rivers' service area encompasses 15 Southeast Missouri counties, 7 career and technical centers and 52 public school districts, all which have been impacted by the severe winter storm and its aftermath.

Three Rivers Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Larry Kimbrow met with other college officials on Sunday and recommended the week-long college closure.

"We must think about our entire student body - including students living in outlying areas that are still without power and services, the many high school students who are enrolled in dual credit courses with the college, and the students at the many Three Rivers centers and sites throughout Southeast Missouri," Kimbrow said.

He encouraged students, if possible, to continue with assignments. Those with access to the Internet are encouraged to e-mail their instructors using the new TRCC student e-mail system and to check the TRCC Blackboard regularly. In addition, Kimbrow announced the Rutland Library at Three Rivers will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Internet access for TRCC students will be available at the library during those hours.

"We empathize with all those coping with the aftermath of this horrific storm. Our first thoughts are always for our students, faculty and staff and the well-being of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those continuing to deal with the storm's aftermath and with the public service and utility workers on the front line during this time," Rozman said.