(KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Transportation's Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering grant funding to local schools that host student lock-in events for Project Prom or graduation.

Ten qualifying schools will receive $200 to assist with expenses for location rental, food, entertainment and door prizes.

"Supervised events, such as lock-ins, provide a safe environment for students to celebrate," said SE Regional Coalition Coordinator Craig Compas. "We want students to have good memories of these nights-unmarred by a drinking and driving accident." 

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The 38th Annual Regional High School Student Art Show will be Tuesday, January 8 at the Sikeston Depot Museum.

Twelve high schools are expected to participate in the art show.

January also brings two opportunities to participate in a very special silent auction for wonderful art pieces created for the "Band of Artists" exhibit held last Spring. These special wooden cutouts of musical instruments were turned into beautiful and fascinating works of art by students and teachers from Sikeston, Dexter, Notre Dame,  East Prairie, Poplar Bluff, New Madrid County Central and Charleston high schools. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the Depot and the high school art department which created the piece.

Bids will be taken during the Friday, Jan. 11, Downtown Gallery Walk (5-7:30 p.m.), and the Sunday, Jan. 20, awards reception (2-4 p.m.) for the Regional High School Student Art Show.    

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - Three Rivers College was declared one of the fastest growing community colleges in America this week by "Community College Week."

The periodical ranked Three Rivers as the seventh fastest growing institution among colleges with 2,500 to 4,999 students during the period from Fall 2010 to Fall 2011. During that time, enrollment at Three Rivers rose by 504 students, the second-highest gross increase in its category, with an overall 13.5 percent jump in enrollment.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Three Rivers College, attributes the rapid growth in part to the college’s willingness to expand to meet needs in the community.

“Three Rivers continues to set records for enrollment by meeting the needs of area residents and employers,” said Stephenson. “We have had great success by taking higher education to our students rather than requiring students to come to us.”