The Three Rivers College board discussed community involvement and improvement projects during their March 20 meeting.
During the president’s report, Dr. Wes Payne praised the school’s firefighting and emergency services programs for their generosity towards the Eminence Volunteer Fire Department.
“The Eminence Volunteer Fire Department actually, ironically, suffered a catastrophic fire at their station that took away all of their firefighting equipment,” he explained. “Our firefighting and emergency services programs got together, and were able to deliver to them some supplies and equipment that they can use to serve their communities.
“We’re proud to be a partner in our communities that we serve and help in every way that we can.”
On the subject of community, Payne outlined TRC’s April 8 eclipse viewing plans. The college will host science lectures from former astronaut and Poplar Bluff native Tom Akers, PhD candidate Isaac Laseter and TRC physics instructor Dr. Paul Larson. After a morning of learning visitors can watch the 1:56 p.m. eclipse from the campus.
“Tell everyone not to look directly into the sun,” Payne noted.
CFO Charlotte Eubank and Payne updated the board on the large-scale drainage project at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
“I actually talked to the contractor this morning, and they had every intention of finishing this week. So they are way ahead of schedule and have done a really good job,” Payne noted.
Other projects around campus were also finished in the last month, according to Eubank. “We did complete the roof repairs on both ARC and Westover.”
Eubank said the school is seeing a slight upward trend in property tax revenues is finding more investment options compared to the previous year. The college recently renewed a certificate of deposit with People’s Community Bank at an interest rate of 5.65%.
“It’s a pretty decent rate of return, considering the last several years we’ve gotten 2% at best, so we’re trying to take advantage of that while we can,” she said.
During its closed session the board approved updates to the library services policy, which were written by the library advisory council. The updated subsection, 6200, pertained to curriculum services and support, and the behavior of library patrons.
The board also accepted two employments: Caleb Booker, facilitator at the Sikeston campus; and Jeana Sanders, financial aid advisor. It also accepted two resignations: Christopher Spivey, part-time facilitator at the Sikeston campus; and Deborah Ward, administrative assistant physical plant.