The Southeast Missourian (http://bit.ly/1MBbrmZ) reports that the council on Monday agreed to a partnership between the city and several hotel owners to support construction of the Drury Southwest Inc. conference center and hotel. The eight-story hotel will replace the existing Drury Lodge.

Including Drury, six hotels are part of the agreement, and others could join at a later date.

Mayor Harry Rediger says the community will benefit from additional tourism that the conference center will help attract.

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Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com.