Rodgers group nearing goal for roof repair grant

Members of Rodgers Theatre Inc., hope to celebrate the historic building’s 70th anniversary this summer by closing a gap in matching money needed secure a grant for roof repairs.

The nonprofit has raised about $29,000 of the approximately $45,000 needed for the project. In August 2018, a grant of $336,900 was awarded for the project by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, on the condition that the matching money be secured.

“We have been told … we need to have the funds by late spring early summer,” said Wally Duncan, president of RTI. “We need to make one big push to try to raise the rest of it. We do have some upcoming things. We’re confident we’re going to meet the goal.”

Upcoming events include the June 1 celebration of the theatre’s 70th anniversary. The weekend will include a showing of “Red Canyon,” the first movie played at the North Broadway building, and a concert by local music legend Narvel Felts.

Fundraising events are also planned for April and May, said Duncan. The Golden Sounds of the Platters will be held April 6 and a Bluegrass Bash is planned for May 4, with the Gipson Family, Buzzard Run and other local bands.

Preliminary engineering work has started on the roof project, Duncan said, and the grant is expected to cover the costs.

“Community support has been tremendous. If anyone out there has not made a donation and wants to help, we certainly encourage them to do so,” he said. “Once we get the structure dry, we can start doing some of the work inside.”

Fundraising and restoration work on the marquee are also ongoing, Duncan said.

Donations can be mailed to Rodgers Theatre Inc., P.O. Box 1656, Poplar Bluff, MO, 63902 or made online at www.rodgerstheatre.org. Duncan can be reached at 573-785-0699