(KFVS) - For the 12th consecutive year, the readers of "Rural Missouri" magazine have selected their statewide favorites in the publication's annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers' Choice Contest.

Last year, readers overwhelmingly approved the return of a statewide format for the contest that asks them to name their favorite eateries, destinations and activities. For this year's edition of the contest, the format remained the same. "Rural Missouri's" editors had the task of tabulating entries from readers who offered their picks in 20 categories, ranging from "Best Restaurant" and "Best Burger" to "Best Small-town Museum" and "Best Theater." A winner, runner-up and editor's choice were named in each category.

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS)- Poplar Bluff Public Schools released a statement Monday, March 25 regarding their one time athletic director, Jim Brown.

Brown was currently serving as a physical education teacher when he was put on leave last October after allegations of misconduct. He was terminated in January of this year.

Heartland News spoke to friends in touch with Brown. He says he's not ready to speak out yet but feels the Department of Social Services took a wrong, and made it right. Now he says that's what the school board needs to do.

Monday, a spokesperson for poplar bluff public schools told Heartland News they are aware a DSS investigation looked into allegations of abuse and misconduct against Brown and did not find enough evidence to substantiate further action.

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Transportation has initiated a statewide engagement effort called "On the Move" to update Missouri's long-range transportation plan.

MoDOT is seeking direction from Missourians regarding transportation priorities across the state through a series of listening sessions, a mobile tour and virtual forums over the next several months.

As part of the effort, Tiffany Jenkins, director of marketing and public relations at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, will host a listening session from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21. The session will be held at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (Classroom 3), located at 3100 Oak Grove Road in Poplar Bluff.

Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 5 p.m.

The event is open to the public.

For more information, please visit http://www.missourionthemove.org/.