KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffStaff to move back into Blanchard Elem. Thursday

Staff to move back into Blanchard Elem. Thursday

Posted: Updated:
By Crystal Britt - bio | email

  • Heartland News

  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 12:30 AM EDT2012-05-23 04:30:43 GMT
    By Arnold Wyrick - bio | email CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - Recently Carbondale was listed as one of the top one hundred cities for crime in America. It's not a title that city leaders are proud of. And it's
    CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - Recently Carbondale was listed as one of the top one hundred cities for crime in America.

    It's not a title that city leaders are proud of. And it's one that they're working on getting rid of.

  • LATE BREAKING

    Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:45 PM EDT2012-05-23 03:45:25 GMT
    One person ended up in the hospital after a shooting in Carbondale Tuesday night. According to police the shooting happened at a apartment in the 600 block of Robert A Stalls Avenue. Right now it's not
    According to police the shooting happened at a apartment in the 600 block of Robert A Stalls Avenue.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:29 PM EDT2012-05-23 03:29:18 GMT
    What if we told you a convicted murderer lives on your street? How would you feel? Now an Illinois registry tells you where convicted killers are living and we found almost a dozen in the Heartland. Holly
    What if we told you a convicted murderer lives on your street? How would you feel? Now an Illinois registry tells you where convicted killers are living and we found almost a dozen in the Heartland.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 9:14 PM EDT2012-05-23 01:14:43 GMT
    Gayle Kaler and Robert Coleman won the Paducah mayor race in the Kentucky primary.
    Gayle Kaler and Robert Coleman won the Paducah mayor race in the Kentucky primary.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 8:35 PM EDT2012-05-23 00:35:51 GMT
    Mitt Romney is looking to pad his lead in the race for convention delegates in Republican presidential primaries Tuesday in Arkansas and Kentucky, moving ever closer to the nomination he's all but certain to win.
    Mitt Romney has won the Kentucky Republican presidential primary, inching closer to the GOP nomination for president.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 8:34 PM EDT2012-05-23 00:34:41 GMT
    Hundreds of veterans and their families are on a cross-country journey.  It's called the "Run for the Wall" and it came roaring into Mt. Vernon on Tuesday.
    Hundreds of veterans and their families are on a cross-country journey.  It's called the "Run for the Wall" and it came roaring into Mt. Vernon on Tuesday.

  • Two people were killed in a four-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on the Interstate 24 bridge over the Ohio River.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 7:28 PM EDT2012-05-22 23:28:33 GMT
    Special Rangers trained in both law enforcement and the cattle industry join the growing list of authorities searching for missing Florida cattle buyer Ron Shepard. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers
    Texas authorities trained in the cattle industry join the search for missing Florida cattle buyer Ron Shepard and offer a reward for information leading to his arrest.  The announcement comes on the heels of a three-count indictment handed down Monday accusing Shepard of buying cattle from an East Texas sale barn and then not paying for them.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 7:25 PM EDT2012-05-22 23:25:09 GMT
    It's an argument within an argument, is weed safer than alcohol, and if so, should states legalize the drug?
    It's an argument within an argument, is weed safer than alcohol, and if so, should states legalize the drug? A Denver advocacy group is spending thousands of dollars to persuade people to talk about legalizing marijuana.

  • Tuesday, May 22 2012 7:13 PM EDT2012-05-22 23:13:44 GMT
    Funeral arrangements have been set for three children killed in a crash on Interstate 55 near Hayti. Teresa Gaines says the funeral for her three children, Brandaeja Cason, 13, Javon Cason, baby, and
    Funeral arrangements have been set for three children killed in a crash on Interstate 55 near Hayti. Teresa Gaines says the funeral for her three children, Brandaeja Cason, 13, Javon Cason, baby, and
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) -

Nearly two months after a fire at the Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau, students and staff are more than ready to move back.

In early December, fire damaged part of the school. We're told crews have worked non-stop to get things cleaned up. 

Starting Thursday staff will start moving back into Blanchard.

"We would be going to school until July if Lynwood hadn't opened their doors," said 1st Grade Teacher Scarlet Winans. 

When the school caught on fire, administrators knew they had to act fast to find a temporary solution. Lynwood Baptist Church stepped up with the space to hold nearly 400 students and staff.

"The school has been great to work with, they've been the perfect guest to our home," said Pastor Mark Anderson.

They just got comfortable at Lynwood, and now it's time to pack it up. Boxes are ready to go as Blanchard is almost open for business again. 

"I'm very excited to go back," said 3rd Grader Cameren Walley.

"I just really want to get back to Blanchard," said 3rd Grader Jillian Moore.

Inside the school it's still a work in progress. It's not complete, but administrators say it's close.

Students and staff say volunteers at Lynwood worked hard to make things nearly seamless.

"They've been really generous," said Winans. 

On Wednesday Lynwood put together a goodbye party for the Blanchard students and staff. They celebrated with 90 feet of banana splits.

"We've enjoyed having them here, but I know they're excited to get back to their own school," said Pastor Anderson. 

It has been an experience both sides will likely always remember.

"What an adventure and story to tell for years to come," said Pastor Anderson. 

"This is a year I will never ever forget in my life," said Cameren Walley.

Classes at Blanchard are expected to resume on Monday.

Copyright KFVS 2012. All rights reserved.