Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows turkey hunters checked 43,380 birds during Missouri’s 2024 regular spring turkey season, April 15 through May 5. Top harvest counties for the regular season were Franklin with 940 birds harvested, Callaway with 822, and Texas with 780.

Young turkey hunters also harvested 3,739 turkeys over the youth weekend, April 6 and 7, bringing the overall 2024 spring turkey harvest to 47,119. According to MDC, that is a 6-percent increase in total harvest from 2023 and a 20-percent increase in total harvest compared to the previous five-year average

“2024 was the third year in a row in which harvest increased,” said MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “The ability to hunt all day on private land may have had a role in this increase. Successively better hatches starting in 2021 meant there were also likely more turkeys on the landscape as well. We are still looking at the data to see how much of the increase in harvest can be attributed to the new regulation, as well as how many new hunters the regulation change helped to get into the field. A 6-percent increase in harvest is in line with what we would have expected knowing that many factors play into harvest totals.”

Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,566 turkeys over the spring youth season and hunters harvested 41,977 during the regular spring season for a 2023 spring season total harvest of 44,543.

Get more information on this year’s spring turkey harvest numbers by county at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/

See more information on turkey harvest numbers for past seasons online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-reports/turkey-harvest-summaries

If you enjoy mushrooms, look beyond spring morels to summer when various other edible mushrooms appear. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual Foraging Summertime Mushrooms program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

Mike Snyder, a certified mushroom identification expert, will talk about mushrooms that appear in summer. Snyder will talk about how to find edible mushrooms and how to avoid the toxic ones. There will be a 30-minute question and answer session after his presentation.

This online class is open to all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46m.

The value changes for 2024 will be new construction or corrections of data.

The Assessor office has sent out impact notices.  An “Impact notice” notifies property owners whose property has increased in value.

If the value on a property remains the same or decreases, there is no requirement that the Assessor notify the owner.

A property owner who believes the Assessor’s value does not reflect market value may call to discuss the assessment with the appraisal staff within ten days of receiving their impact notice. Any changes or corrections must be completed prior to closing our books at the end of June.

If the property owner is not satisfied after speaking with Assessor’s office, they can appeal to the Board of Equalization.  The forms are available in the Assessor’s office or on the Assessor website under documents.  Deadline to appeal is July 8, 2024.  The Board meets during the month of July at Franklin County Government Center 400 E. Locust in Union.

When preparing to appeal to the Board of Equalization, the owner should be prepared to present substantial information indicating a value lower than the Assessor’s value.

Daisy Fearn solidified her status as the "Queen Bee" at this year's East Central College Regional Spelling Bee, showcasing her exceptional spelling skills once more.

Daisy, a sixth grader at Pacific Intermediate School, sat atop the winner’s stand, alone, on Saturday, April 27, for the 2024 spelling competition. Last year, she was named co-champion alongside then St. Francis Borgia Middle School eighth grader, Scott Harriman.

Daisy's performance earned her a first-place trophy, a $100 cash prize, and the esteemed title of sole Spelling Bee champion for the year.

Held at the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center at ECC, the event was made possible by the ECC Foundation, and it was graciously sponsored by hth Companies, Inc., Union.

Accompanying Daisy in the winner's circle were Lydia Christiansen, an eighth grader from St. Francis Borgia Grade School, who secured the second-place trophy and a $50 cash prize, and Elijah Rock, an eighth grader from Union Middle School, who clinched third place along with a third-place trophy and $25.

Stage decorations for this year’s Spelling Bee were provided by Andy’s Produce.

Spelling Bee Participants

In total, 23 participants showcased their spelling expertise at this year's Bee. Among them, the top 10 finalists were honored with medals, representing various elementary and middle schools in the region:

Isabella Eudy, Immaculate Conception School; Cecilia Reed, Central Elementary; Gunnar Swebilius, Meramec Valley School District; Avery Jones, Our Lady of Lourdes; Mason Raney, Labadie Elementary; Lillie Barker, New Haven Middle School; and Landon Reagan, Washington Middle School.

Other participants in the Bee included Brant Copeland, Blain Dooley, Beau Miller, Bentley Sullentrup, Avery Eichmeyer, Jackson Evans, Abby Kallmbah, Leo Koti, L.J. Lapiz, Aiden Lehr, Jervin Mark, Rai Leigh Roberts, and Kendall von Wolfseck.

Participants in the Spelling Bee are determined at area elementary and middle schools, which send their school spelling bee champion to compete in the ECC Bee. Schools hold independent bees throughout the winter to select the top speller to represent them in the region.

Bee competitors are students in grades four through eighth. They do not advance to competition following the ECC Spelling Bee, but the regional bee gives students a chance to compete after the school-level competitions.

Organizers & Bee Officials

Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College President, once again served as the pronouncer of the Bee.

The Spelling Bee judges were Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for ECC’s Center for Workforce Development; Sue Henderson, director of assessment and accreditation at Maryville University and former associate professor of English at ECC; and Linda Barro, ECC associate professor of English.

The Spelling Bee 2024 Steering Committee members are Jennifer Baker, Jennifer Hawkins, Bridgette Kelch, Patty Kellmann, Cassidy Desmond, Terri Ogle, and Cynthia Cubas.

Past Champions of The Bee

2023 – Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School; and Scott Harriman, St. Francis Borgia Middle School
2019 – Matthew Blomberg, Our Lady of Lourdes
2018 – Gabbie Helm, Our Lady of Lourdes
2017 – Max Grimes, Washington Middle School
2016 – Kelci Moore, Riverbend School
2015 – Samantha Doepker, Clearview Elementary School
2014 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School
2013 – Emily Braun, Union Middle School
2012 – McKenzie White, Meramec Valley Middle School
2011 – Ashley Roberts, St. Francis Borgia Grade School.

Future ECC Regional Spelling Bees are scheduled for the last Saturday in April each year. For more information, please contact the Foundation at Foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6506.

Cutlines:

Top Three

Daisy Fearn, center, Pacific Intermediate School, stands triumphant as the year's East Central College Regional Spelling Bee champion, with Lydia Christiansen, right, St. Francis Borgia Grade School, securing second place, and Elijah Rock, left, Union Middle School, clinching third. The Bee was held Saturday April 27 and it was sponsored by hth Companies, Inc., Union.

Top 10

Pictured are the Top 10 of the year's East Central College Regional Spelling Bee held Saturday, April 27, at the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center. Daisy Fearn returned to capture the top spot in the Bee. She shared the first-place podium last year in 2023. The Spelling Bee was made possible by the ECC Foundation, and it was graciously sponsored by hth Companies, Inc., Union.

All Participants

There were 23 participants in the East Central College Regional Spelling Bee held Saturday, April 27, in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center at the College’s Union campus. Daisy Fearn took first place in the annual competition, followed by Lydia Christiansen, first runner-up, and Elijah Rock, second runner-up. The Spelling Bee was made possible by the ECC Foundation, and it was graciously sponsored by hth Companies, Inc., Union.

The Winner

Daisy Fearn, Pacific Intermediate School, was once again the winner of the East Central College Regional Spelling Bee. The 2024 Bee was Saturday, April 27. Last year, she was named co-champion alongside then St. Francis Borgia Middle School eighth grader, Scott Harriman. Daisy's performance earned her a first-place trophy, a $100 cash prize, and the esteemed title of sole Spelling Bee champion for the year.

The Missouri House of Representatives has approved HB 1750, a legislative measure aimed at safeguarding property rights in the context of renewable energy development. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Mike Haffner, prohibits any corporations from using eminent domain for constructing wind or solar energy facilities on private land.

HB 1750 addresses concerns raised by supporters regarding the misuse of eminent domain powers by corporations, particularly in the pursuit of wind and solar energy projects. Representative Haffner emphasized the importance of protecting individual landowners from overreach by powerful entities and ensuring that eminent domain is reserved for legitimate public purposes.

"In recent years, we've seen a troubling trend of companies attempting to leverage eminent domain to advance their private interests in renewable energy projects," stated Rep. Haffner. "Once a solar or wind energy project is built, it gains condemnation authority, potentially expanding to neighboring or adjacent properties. We believe that solar and wind turbine companies should negotiate with landowners rather than resorting to eminent domain to acquire property. This bill restores balance by limiting eminent domain to essential public utilities and infrastructure, safeguarding the property rights of Missouri citizens."

House Speaker Dean Plocher echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for responsible use of eminent domain and the preservation of property rights for all Missourians. "Today's passage of HB 1750 reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights of landowners against government overreach," said Speaker Plocher. "Property ownership is the cornerstone of the American dream, and the most powerful tools of the government should not be at the disposal of private interests to seize Missourians’ property.  From reforming property taxes to reinforcing protections against eminent domain abuse, the House Majority is committed to protecting Missouri homeowners."

The passage of HB 1750 reflects a broader dialogue surrounding the regulation of renewable energy development and property rights in Missouri, and establishes necessary checks and balances to prevent abuse of eminent domain while supporting responsible energy initiatives.

The bill will now proceed to the Missouri Senate for further consideration. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders will continue to engage in discussions about the future of renewable energy policy and property rights in the state.

Part of the fun of catching fish is eating what you’ve caught. However, before any fish are put in a fryer or on a grill, anglers need to know how to properly clean what they’ve caught.

People who would like to learn more about how to clean fish should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Pond to Plate: Fish Cleaning 101.” This free online event will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on May 9. It is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin.

At this program, MDC Education Administrative Specialist Tim Smith will discuss the equipment needed to clean fish and will demonstrate some of the common methods to clean fish people can catch in Missouri. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/199889

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the Shoal Creek Center and other MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shoal Creek Center can call 417-629-3434.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The City of New Haven have dissolved its police department in February of 2024.  As a result, the City of New Haven contracted with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.  An audit of the police department equipment and a review of evidence were part of those law enforcement services.

The sheriff’s office was advised of 3 issues of concern: 1. A missing handgun from an evidence box; 2. Two (2) missing handguns from the evidence room; and 3. A missing folder from a desk drawer.

The missing handgun from the evidence box had been returned to the owner.  Proper documentation was in the archived case file as to when this firearm was returned.  The chief deputy, Major Wild spoke with the owner and verified that she in fact possesses it.

The missing handguns from the evidence room were never “evidence”.  They were city owned property placed in the evidence room at the time because the evidence room was the most secure place for old service weapons.  In 2019, Chief C. Hammann asked the city council to surplus these weapons and they did.  Upon further investigation, no proof of payment could be located for these handguns, and this was communicated to the citizens who possessed them.  Since that time, both handguns have been returned.

After several interviews no one could advise what kind of documentation was in the folder that came missing from the desk drawer.  With the information that was provided, Major Wild was unable to locate the missing folder or determine what it contained.

All the issues have been addressed to the extent in relation to the information provided to the Sheriff’s Office.

The last item to be address in this announcement is the evidence we reviewed from the evidence room of the New Haven Police Department.  In the early stages of this event, an itemized catalogue of the evidence room and its contents was provided to us.  Evidence seized from the room harmonized with this catalogue and we have not discovered any specific irregularity explicitly eliminating a piece of evidence from consideration in a prosecution in a court of law.

All notable equipment/property has been returned to the city and the City of New Haven is satisfied with the results of this audit and review.  We have concluded our investigation and will be present to answer any public questions at the regular city council meeting dated May 13, 2024.

On May 1st, 2024 at 11:30am, Franklin County 911 was contacted regarding a stolen vehicle which had just occurred in the area of 1000 block of Picklesford Road.  A Franklin County deputy made phone contact with the reporting party to obtain information so that it could be quickly dispatched out to surrounding agencies. The victim reported he was working on a house at the address when he heard his van start up. When he went outside, he observed it driving away. The victim reported there was a handgun in the vehicle when it was stolen. Deputies were dispatched to the area to locate the stolen van while the reporting deputy remained en route to the incident location to obtain a statement from the victim.

Upon the reporting deputy arriving in the 1100 block of Pickleford Road, he located a gray passenger car wrecked in a ditch.  This location was a short distance away from where the original victim was reporting his van stolen. The deputy made contact with the registered owner of the passenger car whom reported it had been stolen from a residence located in the 200 block of Arcadia Drive in St. Clair.

While awaiting a tow service, the deputy contacted a witness at an address near where the gray passenger car was found.  The witness reported a shirtless white male had walked up to her front door from the car. The suspect attempted to cover the surveillance camera with a shirt, knocking on the door before running away from the scene into the direction of the residence the van was stolen from. The deputy was able to obtain video surveillance of the suspect which were forwarded to responding deputies. 

While canvassing the area, information was provided by St. Clair Police that the stolen van was last seen on Mill Hill Road exiting St. Clair city limits, and it had fled from their officers.  A Franklin County Detective was assisting in the search observed an abandoned barn with its doors open in the 1000 block of Mill Hill Road. The van was ultimately located inside the barn.  As detectives were clearing the vehicle of any suspect(s) they heard someone running through the woods next to the barn.

The suspect direction of travel was provided by the detectives to deputies and St. Clair Police Officers who were assisting in the search. A Franklin County Deputy was able to locate the suspect who was on foot in the area of Benton Street. The suspect began running on foot from the area before losing sight of him.

While canvassing the area, citizens flagged down deputies advising they had seen the suspect and pointed to a residence in the 600 block of Benton Street. The suspect was found occupying a Dodge Ram truck parked at a residence.  The deputy attempted to pull in and block the vehicle from leaving. The suspect proceeded to accelerate and back into the deputy's occupied patrol unit in an apparent attempt to push the patrol unit out of the way. The suspect did not succeed in moving the deputy's patrol vehicle so it began driving forward through the victims yard driving behind the residence where he struck a parked camper trailer.  The suspect was able to navigate back to Benton Street before being faced with patrol units on the roadway. The suspect travelled south through a wood line with deputies in pursuit. Deep in the woods south of Benton Street the truck became disabled. The suspect fled the vehicle on foot. After pursuing the suspect on foot for approximately 200 yards he was taken into custody by a deputy. The handgun from the first initial stolen vehicle was located on the person of the suspect. A patrol unit suffered body damage due to the pursuit through the wooded area.

Deputies responded to and spoke with the resident where the Dodge Ram was stolen from. It was learned the doors to the residence should have been locked and the suspect would have had to force entry into the residence to obtain ignition keys to steal the truck. Evidence at the scene confirmed this.

Deputies transported the suspect identified as Zachary Strube a 28 year old male from the St. Clair area to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility.

On May 2nd, Franklin County Deputies/Detectives applied for and received in custody warrants for the charges of:

Stealing Motor Vehicle             Class D Felony

Stealing Motor Vehicle             Class D Felony

Stealing Motor Vehicle             Class D Felony

Burglary 2nd Degree                Class D Felony

Stealing Firearm                     Class D Felony      

Unlawful Poss. of Firearm        Class D Felony

Resisting Arrest                       Class E Felony

Property Damage 1st               Class E Felony

Property Damage 1st               Class E Felony

Assault 4th special victim         Class A Misdemeanor

Bond Amount $200,000 cash only.

Strube has an extensive criminal history involving multiple felony convictions for crimes related to Tampering with Motor Vehicle 1st degree, Felony Resisting Arrest, Receiving Stolen Property, Domestic Assault 2nd degree, Assault 3rd degree and stealing. 

Strube was also found to be on current active parole through the Missouri Department of Corrections for Domestic Assault 2nd Degree and Assault 3rd degree.  

I would like to thank the St. Clair Police Department and the citizens of the St. Clair area for their assistance in the apprehension of the suspect. 

The eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is Missouri’s most common venomous snake.  Yet this reclusive species still holds many mysteries.  To gain more insight into these often-misunderstood creatures, researchers are conducting an ongoing study of copperheads at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.  They’re multi-year research continues to uncover new and interesting facts.

The public can learn about the latest findings directly from the person heading up the study, Dr. Ben Jellen, at a special Copperheads at Powder Valley Study Update virtual presentation, Friday, May 10, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Dr. Jellen will discuss the newest discoveries made during six years of copperhead research on the grounds of Powder Valley and adjoining properties. Using transmitters, Dr. Jellen has been able to track movements of snakes during their active months, as well as when, where, and how long they hibernated. Listeners will discover the trials and tribulations that these snakes face in their everyday lives.

Dr. Jellen will explain how the snakes were outfitted with their transmitters and the surprises the data reveals about their movements. He’ll also provide some natural history, behavior, and fun facts about these elusive and misunderstood creatures.

The Copperheads at Powder Valley Study Update virtual program is free, however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46b. The presentation is open to all ages.

This program will take place on the virtual meeting platform Webex. The link for the program will be sent out to registered participants one week before the program, as well as one day before the program.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

As of 3pm  on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Franklin County Highway Department has reopened the following roads:

• Boeuf Lutheran Road (New Haven):   REOPENED
• St. John’s Creek Road (Washington): REOPENED
• Hoeman Road (Gerald/New Haven):  REOPENED
• Detmold Road (New Haven): REOPENED
• Chapel Hill Road (Sullivan): REOPENED

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just like snapping photos on your smartphone, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to head on out to one of the largest conservation areas in the region this summer.  Put the camera of your preference to the test and submit your best photos for the Busch Wildlife Photo Contest.

The contest is open from May 1 – August 31 and participants can enter images taken on the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, or at the adjoining Weldon Spring Conservation Area.  There is no limit to the number of submissions an individual may enter.

With nearly 7,000 acres of land and a wide variety of habitats, Busch and Weldon Spring Conservation Areas are host to hundreds of species of wildlife. From cormorants on the lake, turkeys in the fields, deer throughout the forests, and beavers in creeks, the possibilities of spotting some of incredible Missouri wildlife are endless.

Photos must be submitted via email to Sabrina.Hansen@mdc.mo.gov and will be printed and displayed in the entrance of MDC’s St. Louis Regional Office located on the Busch Conservation Area.  They will be on view for visitors who will be able to vote for their favorite photo of the week.   Photographers can also post their submitted photos on Facebook or Instagram using #BuschWildlifeoftheWeek. Fan favorite photos will be displayed in the hallway of the MDC St. Louis Regional Office throughout the summer season.

Photos submitted must be taken at Busch or Weldon Spring Conservation Areas and include a description of the location on the area where they were taken in the email submission.  Photo subjects should be limited to native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants. Photographers should follow area regulations, be considerate of their plant and animal subjects, and remain at a safe distance from any wildlife.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos:

• Photograph during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light.
• Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging that subjects seen from a distance.
• Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators.
• Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, about two miles west of Highway 94.  The Weldon Spring Conservation Area consists of 7,356-acres and runs along Route 94 starting approximately one mile south of I-64.  

The draft FY 2025-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today, kicking off a 30-day public review and comment period. 

The draft STIP makes available $13.8 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13.8 billion, the draft STIP details $9.9 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2 billion per year. It also contains programming details for the remaining $2.4 billion of General Revenue for the Improve I-70 program, which in full includes $2.8 billion for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of the corridor.  In the past 10 years, MoDOT and its construction partners have completed 4,206 projects with a program value of $11.1 billion, but it was delivered $536 million below budget and 93% on time.

“The investments made in this year’s STIP fund another 1,400 projects providing transportation improvements to communities across the state,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “The General Assembly and the Governor’s continued support with General Revenue addresses previously unfunded needs that provide safety and economic benefits to all Missourians.”

The draft FY 2025-2029 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2025-2029 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2029) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state.

The proposed program is available for public review. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT's website: modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends May 30, 2024.

Whether purely for recreation, competitive sport, or preparation for gamebird hunting, trap shooting can be an ideal way to improve your shotgun skills.

The Missouri Department’s August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center invites shotgun shooters to Introduction to Trap Shooting, a free program on Tuesday, May 7.  The class will be held on the Busch Range’s trap and skeet field from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  It is open to ages 11 years and up.

This program is for those who are already familiar with shotguns and want to learn the sport of American Trap. In trap shooting, clay targets are launched into the air away from the shooter using a single mechanical target thrower, or "house".  Learning proper leading, timing, and follow through is essential to hit the moving clays.

“Shooting trap opens up an opportunity that can be competitive, practice for hunting, and even bringing the family together on the trap field,” said MDC Outdoor Education Center Manager Bryant Hertel.

The program starts in the classroom where participants will learn about safety considerations, trap shooting rules, firearm selection, shot size, marksmanship techniques, etiquette, and more. This will be followed by a live shooting session on the trap field where shooters can put their new skills into practice.

Attendees should bring their own firearms and ammunition, but MDC will have some available if needed.

Introduction to Trap Shooting is a free program, however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46h.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. 

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

Three East Central College employees are being recognized for their dedication to students, the College and their coworkers with 2024 NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development) Excellence Awards.

The ECC award recipients are Dr. Parvadha Acosta, Associate Professor, Biology; Chad Baldwin, Director of Online Learning & Educational Technology; and Megan Elbert, Executive Administrative Assistant, VP of Student Development.

NISOD is a professional development provider that offers programs and resources for community and technical colleges. Member colleges can recognize employees through the Excellence Awards, which are presented to faculty and staff who are doing extraordinary work on their campuses.

Award recipients receive a unique silver medallion engraved with The University of Texas and NISOD insignias and adorned with a burnt orange ribbon. NISOD is based out of the University of Texas in Austin.

Each recipient was nominated for this award by a colleague and selected by the administrative team after the nominations were reviewed. 

“On behalf of the entire institution, I offer my heartfelt thanks to each of these individuals for the service they provide daily to ECC students and to their colleagues,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Job well done and recognition well deserved.”

Below are comments about each recipient from their nominations.

Dr. Parvadha Acosta

“Dr. Acosta has grown in her role as faculty, becoming one of ECC’s strongest student advocates,” her nomination reads.

“She is an active supporter of faculty professional development and took on a leadership role in ECC’s faculty professional development’s first ever Chew On This watch party and discussion. Her commitment to the community shows in her leadership of ECC’s Earth Day and United Way.”

Chad Baldwin

“Chad is the backbone of our online learning world,” his nominator wrote. “He's the wizard who makes sure online classes run like a well-oiled machine.

“Chad is not just a tech genius; he's a game-changer for ECC and the man who keeps us on track and makes our online learning experience top-notch!”

Megan Elbert

“Megan does the big things and little things to make people feel supported and welcomed.  She many times is a go to person for support as she is extremely good at making individuals feel heard and seen,” Megan’s nomination states.

“Staff turn to her when they need advice or guidance. She has served on many key college committees and roles such as the insurance committee, the compensation committee, multiple board policy review teams, and served as a strategic planning tri-chair just to name a few. Megan provides service for our students both behind the scenes and on the front lines.”

The rifle and pistol range at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, May 1-2 for annual lead removal.  During this time, all other Busch Range facilities, including trap and skeet fields, shotgun patterning, and archery range, will remain available for use.  The rifle/pistol range will reopen Friday, May 3.

During these two days, an outside contractor will perform yearly routine projectile removal from the rifle/pistol range’s bullet trap in order to recycle the lead.  The bullet trap is designed to capture, slow down, and contain all projectiles, where they are stored for regular removal and recycling.

Busch Shooting Range offers shooting lanes for rifle and pistols up to 100 yards.  Use fees are $5 per hour and include paper targets and eye and ear protection if shooters don’t have their own. 

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. 

East Central College is gearing up for its Summer Learning Academy (SLA), an enriching program offered to children and teens through the College’s Community Education program.

SLA promises a dynamic and engaging experience for local youth, with classes held both on the Union campus and in Rolla.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including several gold sponsors, there’s no cost to attend these classes. However, spots must be secured by registering online at www.eastcentral.edu/community/SLA.

The diverse class offerings cater to a range of interests and ages, spanning from five to 18 years old. Whether it is a single-session exploration or a multi-day immersion, there's something for everyone.

“Our Summer Learning Academy remains dedicated to fostering curiosity and creativity within a supportive environment,” said Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for ECC’s Center for Workforce Development. “Through engaging classes and enriching experiences, students can cultivate valuable skills, form meaningful connections, and discover their passions.

In Union, classes with several openings include:

• Escape Rooms
• Get to Know Franklin County
• Zine
• How it is Made

In Rolla, there still are many classes for all age groups including:

• Nursing
• Teen Deputy
• Poetry
• Dance
• Radiological Tech
• Juggling
• Short Story Writing
• Improv

Remaining spots are filling up fast, so parents are encouraged sign up their child or teen soon so they can embark on a journey of discovery and enrichment. For inquiries, contact Kaiser at Pam.Kaiser@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.

The hardest part of taking on something new can often be taking the first step.  If that “something new” has anything to do with hunting, fishing, or shooting sports, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to extend a helping hand throughout 2024.

MDC is offering off A Year of New Beginnings in Hunting, Angling and Shooting, a special series of free programs during 2024 designed to help newcomers get an easy, fun, and safe start in outdoor recreation.  Each class is taught by MDC experts and tailored to the needs of beginners.  Every month, MDC will announce a new set of programs geared specifically to the season at hand.

Featured programs during the month of May include:

• Hunting
• Hunter Education Skills Session: May 6, from 5 – 8 p.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range
• Hunter Education Skills Session: May 15, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Powder Valley Nature Center
• Angling
• Learn to Fish: Introduction to Fly Tying: May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
• Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling: May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery
• Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook: May 18, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Suson Park - Rearing Pond
• Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures: May 30, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery
• Shooting
• Shotgun: Introduction to Trap Shooting: May 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range
• Atlatl: Learn Atlatl: May 13, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
• Handgun: Beginning Handgun: May 20, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range

MDC will supply needed equipment for all classes.  Each program is free; however, online preregistration is required using the links provided. 

“Our St. Louis Education team is excited to highlight programs each month for 2024 on hunting, shooting, and angling,” said Jake Hindman, MDC Education District Supervisor.  “While these programs are designed for beginners and will be introductory in nature, anyone is welcome to attend.”

For the latest on MDC programs and events in the St. Louis region, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4sg.

The invasion is happening! Once in more than a decade, millions of red-eyed, buzzing bugs are or will soon be just about everywhere in much of Missouri! Mass emergences of millions of periodical cicadas, which happen every 13 or 17 years, are happening this spring.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites everyone to join its free, online Wild Webcast on the Cicadapocalypse on Thursday, May 23, from noon to 1 p.m. 

The Wild Webcast will feature MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank who will share her expertise and excitement on the happening or pending mass emergences of periodical cicadas. Periodical cicadas are different from the familiar annual cicadas, which emerge from the ground every year and make their droning noise during the heat of late summer.

The Wild Webcast will answer many questions on the mass emergences of periodical cicadas. What are annual and periodical cicadas and how are they different? What will be happening, when, and where? Why is it happening and how do they know? When did this last happen and when will it happen next? Do they bite? What do they eat? What eats them? Do they hurt trees and plants? What is the life cycle? What do you do with the masses of shells and carcasses?

Register in advance at mdc.webex.com/weblink/register/rd6d7e500bd1293a82eebd4db2f9038a5. You will then receive an email confirmation before the event that includes information on how to join the Wild Webcast live on May 23 at noon.

Landowners and property managers will be able to take the mystery out of managing their stands of forests and woodlands, thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).  Healthy forests and woodlands benefit everything from trees and songbirds to streams and wildlife. 

MDC is sponsoring a Forest and Woodland Workshop in Warren County that will take place Friday, May 24 from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on private land south of Warrenton in Warren County.  The workshop includes an onsite tour.

This workshop will highlight different management options available to maximize the wildlife potential in forest and woodland habitats on private land. Stops on the site tour will highlight restoration activities that have occurred on the property.  Multiple management practices will also be discussed. The workshop will take a deep dive into use of prescribed fire, woodland restoration, timber stand improvement, developing wildlife habitat, and more.

Participants should note that part of this workshop will include hikes through steep and rugged hills to view various timber management projects, so attendees should plan accordingly, wear appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and bring water.  Bringing a folding chair will also be required.

The Forest and Woodland Workshop is free and includes lunch.  Participants must register online in advance at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46n.  Deadline for registration is May 15, and attendance is limited to 30.  Directions to the field site will be emailed after registration.

Their flowers, their often colorful fruits (depending on species), and their wildlife habitat and landscaping values have endeared hawthorns to Missourians and is the primary reason why the downy hawthorn is Missouri’s state flower.

People can learn more about hawthorns and paint a picture of Missouri’s state flower at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Nature Art: Missouri State Symbols Painting Series.” This online program, which will be from 5:30-7 p.m. on May 3, is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center in Branson. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/200223

At this program, MDC volunteer Gala Keller will provide step-by-step painting instructions on how to paint the flowers of this beautiful shrub. While the painting is taking place, Keller and other MDC staff will have interesting facts about hawthorns, which can be found across the Show-Me State. Small canvases and simple techniques will be used; no painting experience is necessary. The May 3 program is the latest in a series of programs put on by the Shepherd of the Hills staff in which people will get a chance to paint and learn about Missouri’s state symbols.

Though this program is free, registration is required. Use the link above to participate. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. For this program, only one registration will be needed per screen for multiple participants at the same location.

The Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center is part of MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and is located at 483 Hatchery Road on the west end of Lake Taneycomo near Branson. The conservation center is currently under construction, but staff are still conducting programs People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shepherd of the Hills or who want information about upcoming events can call 417-334-4865, ext. 0.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 43^rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (Memorial Weekend) on May 4-5, 2024 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters who died in previous years. The honorees will include the following Misouri firefighters:

On 6/252023, Firefighter Lloyd Ruediger, age 84, of the New Haven-Berger Fire Protection District, responded to the scene of a residential fire. At approximately 10:30 p.m., he returned home. The next morning, 6/26/2023, he was found deceased at his residence from an apparent heart attack.

Captain Raymond Wynn, age 62, of the Kansas City Fire Department, died on 3/27/21, due to complications of metastatic lung cancer, deemed by the State of Missouri to be a line-of-duty death.

Detailed information about each of the 226 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2024 Roll of Honor.

• Glaser Road will be closed Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 8am to 3pm to crosspipe installation. The closure will be 2.1 miles east of State Highway 185 (.9 mile west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

• Glaser Road will be closed Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 8am to 3pm for crosspipe installation. The closure will be 2.2 miles east of State Highway 185 (.8 mile west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

• Glaser Road will be closed Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 8am to 3pm for crosspipe installation. The closure will be 3.1 miles east of State Highway 185 (100 feet west of State South Service Road). The road will be closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles.

If you have any questions, please call the Franklin County Highway Department at 636-583-6361.

Fishing can become a lasting passion and enable a person to develop a lifelong connection to nature.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help families and kids learn how to fish through its Discover Nature Fishing (DNF) program.  DNF consists of four progressive lessons that move newcomers through all the basics of the sport and gives them the knowledge and confidence to go fishing on their own. 

MDC will offer the first lesson of the DNF sequence Saturday, May 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Shaw Nature Reserve. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46x. 

Lesson 1 covers equipment, casting, and proper fish handling.  Participants will learn how to cast a spincast reel and rod properly and safely, the key parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All DNF lessons combine instruction with hands-on fishing practice to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills.  The main focus of the program is kids 8-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement and encourages parents, guardians, and youths, 16 and over, to participate as well. 

All children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Adults new to fishing have the opportunity to learn the basics right alongside their children.  However, DNF is not intended as an adult-only program. 

The class is free, and all fishing equipment is provided.  Participants 16 to 64 years of age do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

MDC’s DNF classes 2-4 will be offered at various times.  Those lesson topics include:

• How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
• Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

Each person who completes all four classes in the same DNF season will receive a free rod and reel combo, tackle box, landing net, or tackle box kit.

Shaw Nature Reserve is located in Gray Summit at 307 Pinetum Loop Road, on the south side of I-44 off exit #253.

To find out more about the program and links to register for other DNF classes online, visit  http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zty.     

Brood XIX, which is a group of cicadas that emerge once every 13 years, is in the headlines across Missouri and throughout the Midwest now. In addition to these periodic cicadas, there are annual cicadas that emerge every summer.

People can learn more about these fascinating insects and their unique lifestyles at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Insects: Year of the Cicada.” This online program will be from 3-4 p.m. on May 3 and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program will not be recorded. People can register at

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/200123

At this program, MDC naturalist Morgan Wyatt and Jordanya Raos will discuss the different species of cicadas found in Missouri and will have information about emergence of Brood XIX, the 13-year periodical cicadas that will be emerging across parts of Missouri in May. Annual cicadas are the buzzing insects that appear annually in late summer. There are differences between these two types of cicadas, but these insects also share a number of similar traits. This program is for all ages.

Though this program is free, registration is required. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the nature center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Springfield Nature Center can call 417-888-4237.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering Hunter Education (HED) Skills Sessions in the St. Louis Region, which will give new hunters the chance to get HED certified before the fall rush.   

The HED Skills Sessions will be held at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood and the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  These will enable students who have finished the online or self-study guide knowledge portion of the program to complete their certification for fall hunting seasons.

Hunter Education (HED) certification is required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, and who are 16 years of age or older.  There is an 11-year-old age minimum requirement to take the Missouri HED Class.  The HED program can serve as a refresher for seasoned hunters as well. 

Hunter Education Skills Sessions with openings still available are listed by county below, including links to pre-register:

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Wednesday, May 15 from 6-9 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46Y

Wednesday, June 12 from 6 – 9 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46M

August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center

Monday, May 6 from 5 – 8 p.m.: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46f

Missouri’s HED offers two components.  The knowledge portion can be completed by taking an online/mobile course, using a self-study guide available at MDC offices, or in a traditional in-person classroom setting.  The hands-on skills session enables students to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts taught in the knowledge portion.

Those age 11-15 must complete either the self-study guide, online, or classroom portion, and attend a skills session.  Anyone 16 and older may complete the book or classroom portion and attend the free skills session or complete the class exclusively online for a fee which is paid to the online vendor. 

Participants should bring their skills session qualifier certificate or a student manual with the review questions completed. Students 15 and under must also bring a copy of their birth certificate or other proof of age. The final exam will be administered at the end of the skills session.  Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the beginning of the class to complete registration; late arrivals will not be admitted.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.  The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. 

Hunter education has reduced hunting accidents and deaths by more than 70 percent since it became mandatory in 1987.

Prescribed fire is a valuable tool that can help land managers achieve their goals and benefit native plants and wildlife at the same time. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering prescribed burn certification training Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.  This training is for those interested in learning how to properly utilize prescribed fire.  It is also open for anyone who may want to learn more about prescribed fire in general.

Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information about how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for grassland and forestland management.  Participants will learn about burn equipment, burn line prep, safe weather parameters, ignition operations, and other techniques to safely conduct a prescribed fire.  There will not be a live burn demonstration at the event, however. 

The Missouri Prescribed Burn Certification training consists of two parts:  The first is an online training which can be taken at the participant’s own pace but must be completed before attending the in-person training at Powder Valley on May 10^th if seeking certification.  Participants can access the online training at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46p.  There is a $25 charge to a third-party host for the online portion and it usually takes between 2-4 hours to complete

To sign up for the in-person portion at the nature center, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46G.

This course meets the new requirements for Missouri House Bill 369 which went into effect in 2021. The class is not required for those utilizing contractors to conduct prescribed fires, but it is required for those who plan to get cost share in the future and carry out the burn themselves.

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

To learn more about prescribed fire, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.

In a unanimous 150-0 decision, the Missouri House has passed HB 2797, a bill that underscores the state's commitment to honoring its local heroes by designating various highways and bridges after them. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, received overwhelming bipartisan support and aims to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions and sacrifices made by individuals who have served their communities and country with valor and distinction.

HB 2797, aptly titled the "Memorial Highways and Bridges Act," encompasses a wide array of designations across the state, recognizing the selflessness and dedication of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and other community leaders.

Representative Buchheit-Courtway filed the legislation to honor fallen Police Officer Lane Burns, who was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance at a motel. Despite being wounded, Officer Burns and his partner returned fire, killing the assailant. Officer Burns, survived by his children and fiancée, served with the Bonne Terre Police Department for five years.

Notably, the bill designates highways and bridges in memory of esteemed individuals such as Dr. Dan Brown, Police Chief Mason Griffith, Sheriff John Harlow, Sheriff Roy Patterson, and many others, spanning various counties including Phelps, Gasconade, Barton, Jasper, and more.

Among the highlights of HB 2797 are:

• Designation of the "Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway" in Phelps County
• Designation of the "Police Chief Mason Griffith Memorial Highway" in Gasconade County
• Designation of the "Sheriff John Harlow Memorial Highway" in Barton County
• Designation of the "Constable W Earl Gowdy Memorial Highway" in the city of Liberal in Barton County
• Designation of the "Sheriff Charles LaRew Memorial Highway" in Cedar County
• Designation of the "Patrolman E.O. Bray Memorial Bridge" in the City of Carthage in Jasper County
• Designation of the "POW/MIA SSG Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway" in Osage County
• And many more deserving recognitions (full list available in the bill).

Furthermore, HB 2797 not only acknowledges the sacrifices of public servants and military personnel but also celebrates the legacies of families and individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities. This includes the designation of the "Dillard Family Highway" in Dent County and the "Cotton Fitzsimmons Memorial Highway" in Pike County, among others.

The Department of Transportation will oversee the installation and maintenance of appropriate signage for these designated highways and bridges. While the costs for signage on some memorials will be covered by the Department of Transportation, others will be funded through private donations, exemplifying the community's involvement and support for these meaningful tributes.

“In passing this legislation, we are showing our enduring gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the betterment of their communities and the nation,” Buchheit-Courtway, R-Festus, said. “By immortalizing their names on the roads and bridges they once traversed, we ensure that their memories and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.”

“So many Missourians have dedicated their lives to serving others, and in passing HB 2797, we pay homage to the bravery and contributions of Missourians past and present." House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said.

With its passage in the Missouri House, HB 2797 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.