Completion of the Libla Family Sports Complex has been postponed again, this time until April 25 from a previously extended February target date. Three Rivers College President Dr. Wesley Payne said the repeated delays by Huffman Construction are the result of the company, which claims to be "running behind."
"We will discuss that more in depth at a later time," Payne said during January's monthly TRC Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday.
A Thursday morning phone call to Huffman Construction by the Daily American Republic seeking further information was unsuccessful.
The start of the spring semester has been delayed due to inclement weather. Scheduled to begin Tuesday, classes are not yet in session because of road conditions across the area. Weather is also to be blamed for slightly lower than anticipated enrollment numbers for Spring 2018, which are down by 4.4 percent, according to college officials.
Payne said the extensive sidewalk updates throughout the Poplar Bluff campus are "100 percent complete" and the parking lots are down to a punch list and error correction on the part of the contractors. Payne said the parking lots will be finished when weather improves.
Payne also noted new speed barricades placed sporadically along the main thoroughfare and other roadways on campus. He said at this time, the speed bumps require drivers to slow to between 5-7 miles per hour, but seeing as the speed limit is 15 miles per hour on campus, the barriers will soon be exchanged for the correct size. Until then, Payne recommends driving with caution when visiting the college.
Raider Reunion will be held at 5 p.m., Feb. 3 at the Bess Activity Center. The annual event will honor former long-time TRC trustee Bill Hollida, who died in August.
Payne said the Patrons of the Arts performances featuring the acapella group SIX and An Evening with Mark Twain were both successful. He said December's performance by SIX "more than sold out" and that the college is considering bringing the group back again next year.
Ten students from TRC will visit the state capitol from Feb. 5-7 to see the inner workings of the legislature. Payne said the college will use the opportunity to focus on state appropriation, which he cited as a primary concern.
The next Three Rivers College Board of Trustees meeting will be held at noon Feb. 21 in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center meeting room.