A new podcast by East Central College, “ECC Insiders”, will take a deeper look at the opportunities and trends at East Central College, community colleges and higher education in general. The podcast is co-hosted by Leigh Kolb, Associate Professor of English and Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations.

Many of the topics will apply to listeners outside the region, to provide a better and deeper understanding about the positive impact and challenges facing community colleges and higher education.

"ECC Insiders aims to provide our community and beyond with information and conversations surrounding East Central College, its role in the community, and higher education's role in our society," said Kolb. 

Episodes will feature interviews with college employees, students, alumni, business and community leaders.

“There is no time limit for an episode, which gives us the opportunity to conduct in depth interviews that provide a deeper and better understanding of the topic being discussed,” Doepker added.

A new episode will be available every month. It is available on multiple podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify and is also featured at www.eastcentral.edu/podcast/.

Listener comments and topic suggestions can be sent to ECCInsiders@eastcentral.edu.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer 400 permits for the taking of a maximum of 40 black bears during the 2024 Missouri black-bear hunting season this fall, Oct 21-30.

MDC will also offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners that own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits for qualifying Missouri residents. MDC has designated the elk archery portion to run Oct. 19-27 and the elk firearms portion to run Dec. 14-22. The five permits will be for bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length and will be valid for both archery and firearms portions.

Only Missouri residents who will be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying are eligible to apply for bear and elk permits during the application period of May 1-31. All permits will be assigned through a random drawing.

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the bear and elk season recommendations from MDC during its April 5 open meeting in Rolla.

BLACK BEAR HUNTING

MDC has established three Bear Management Zones (BMZ) in southern Missouri and will issue annual permit numbers and harvest quotas for each of the three BMZs. Each permit will be for a specific BMZ and may be used on public or private property within the BMZ. Once the specific harvest quotas are filled for each BMZ, the season for that BMZ will be closed.

There is a fee of $10 per applicant. Applicants must select one of three BMZs. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a BMZ-specific permit at a cost of $25.

Permit and harvest quotas for the Oct. 21-30 bear season will be:

• BMZ 1: Permit quota of 200 issued with a harvest quota of 20 bears.
• BMZ 2: Permit quota of 150 issued with a harvest quota of 15 bears.
• BMZ 3: Permit quota of 50 issued with a harvest quota of 5 bears.

Hunting hours will be a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Hunters must call MDC prior to hunting each day to determine the closure status of the BMZ for which they are permitted. Hunters will be allowed to use both archery and firearms methods with allowable methods being the same as those for deer and elk, except the use of an atlatl. Baiting and the use of dogs will not be allowed.

The harvest limit will be one bear per permit. Only lone black bears may be taken. Hunters may not take bears that are known to be in the presence of others bears, including female black bears with cubs. Bears may not be disturbed, pushed, harassed, or taken from a den.

Learn more about black bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/bearhunting.

Apply for the bear-permit random drawing May 1 - 31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC's free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the bear-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1.

Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the 2023 bear-hunting season.

ELK HUNTING

MDC will require a $10 application fee for elk-permit applicants. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a permit at a cost of $50. All elk-hunting permits, including those allocated to qualifying area landowners, can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

The archery portion will run Oct. 19-27 and the firearms portion will run Dec. 14-22. The allowed hunting methods for each elk season portion will be the same as for deer hunting. The permits will allow for the harvest of one bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length. For more information on elk and elk hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/elkhunting.

Apply for the elk-permit random drawing May 1-31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC's free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the elk-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1.

Missouri hunters harvested one bull elk during the 2023 archery portion and two during the 2023 firearms portion.

Attention scouts of all stripes.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to MDC’s Annual St. Louis Regional Spring Scouting Event and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.  This is an event for all nature lovers too.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and American Heritage Girls are all welcome.  But the event is also open to any families interested in discovering and learning more about nature and the outdoors.  Affiliation with a scouting program is not required to attend.

This Scouting event is free and will offer Scouts and their families the opportunities to test their outdoor skills, work toward several conservation-related merit badges and explore the diversity of career opportunities with MDC.  Found throughout the grounds at the nature center, activity stations will help Scouts and their families appreciate nature and acquire valuable skills they can use in the future.

Activities will include: 

• Fire building
• Outdoor cooking
• Knot tying
• Compass and orienteering
• Crafts
• And more

Activity stations will be both indoors and outdoors. Participants should bring a refillable water bottle, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes.

Scout leaders should note that MDC will offer activities that may be applied towards merit badges, but the department is not authorized to sign off on badges. It’s recommended that participants working toward badges bring their own counselors to certify them. 

Scouts and outdoors lovers can learn vital outdoor skills, connect with nature, and flex creative muscles at this fun event.  Powder Valley Nature Center is an educational nature oasis in the middle of Kirkwood. It is nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest in a quiet corner of a busy urban world. The area has three trails, all of them paved, and one that offers interpretive signage and is disabled accessible.

St. Louis Spring Regional Scouting Event and Family Fun Day is a free event, but registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46c.  Please individually register everyone who will be attending.

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

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.

The Missouri Conservation Commission has selected Jason Sumners as the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), effective June 1, 2024. Sumners currently serves as the deputy director of resource management for MDC and will succeed Sara Parker Pauley, who will retire this spring after 30 years of public service, as director.

“The Commission did a national search for the director position because we knew we had tough shoes to fill with Sara leaving,” said Missouri Conservation Commission Chair Steven Harrison. “Jason is uniquely poised for this director role with his background, experience, and national connections in conservation. We are looking forward to a smooth transition with Jason at the helm with high expectations with him as the next director.”

“I am excited and humbled by this opportunity the Commission has entrusted me with and the conservation team I get to work with across the state and country,” Sumners said. “The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life, so getting to serve in this capacity and continue to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in conservation is an exciting endeavor.”

MDC protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state, and provides opportunities for citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Sumners will become the tenth director in the Conservation Department’s 87-year history.

"We congratulate Jason on being named the new MDC Director and thank the Conservation Commission for its thoughtful and thorough search to replace Director Pauley," said Governor Mike Parson. "While we'll miss Sara's leadership, we look forward to Jason using his unique qualifications to build upon Missouri's rich history of fish, forest, and wildlife preservation. MDC is one of the best departments in the nation, and we thank Jason for his commitment to continuing that legacy as a member of our cabinet."

“Jason brings a wealth of leadership experience in conservation, both at the state and national level, as well as a diverse background in wildlife management,” said Pauley. “I’m confident he will continue that exceptional leadership he has exemplified during his career at MDC as he becomes your next director, including working collaboratively with partners and the public to carry out the conservation mission.”

As deputy director of resource management, Sumners had responsibility and oversight for the resource management efforts of the agency, including statewide resource management, regional resource management, and protection. He also led the regulations committee. Prior to his deputy director role, Sumners served as Science Branch chief, leading a team of more than 80 scientists that specialize in fish, forest, and wildlife research and management. He began his career at MDC in 2008 as a private lands deer biologist and later became the head of the state’s deer management program.

During Sumners’ tenure at MDC, he has been instrumental in developing the agency’s strategic and operational direction, served as chief of the Wildlife Division, led the state’s white-tailed deer management program, took part in Missouri’s elk reintroduction efforts, developed a private lands deer management program, and led the Department’s effort to develop and implement a chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and surveillance strategy. Jason also worked at the national level on the Relevancy Roadmap for state fish and wildlife agencies to enhance conservation efforts through broader engagement.

Jason received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University. He is a National Conservation Leadership Institute fellow, professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club, active with many non-government organization partners, represents MDC on numerous regional and national committees, and has been recognized by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for his leadership in science-based approaches to wildlife conservation. He has published popular and scientific articles on wildlife, natural resources management, and conservation relevancy.

Sumners grew up in the small town of Lincoln, Mo., where his love for the outdoors began. His interests include hunting, fishing, and camping. He and his family live in Hartsburg, Mo.

Eric Eoloff, President of Mercy Washington, will deliver the commencement address at East Central College's graduation ceremony on May 11. Since 2016, Eoloff has served in his role at Mercy Washington, the largest employer in Franklin County, overseeing the operations of Mercy's clinics and hospital in the Four Rivers area.

ECC’s Commencement ceremony will be inside the College gym in the Donald D. Shook Student Center on the Union campus, starting at noon. Attendees are urged to be in the gym by noon. There will be no entry once the processional begins.

In anticipation of the ceremony, Eoloff expressed his appreciation for ECC and its role in nurturing professionals across various career paths.

He emphasized the college's focus on practical training and partnerships with local facilities, which not only prepare students for success but also contribute to the overall health consciousness of the community.

"I greatly appreciate East Central College in our community for its commitment to nurturing talent," Eoloff said. "The college's emphasis on practical training and partnerships ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals and fosters a sense of community health consciousness that aligns seamlessly with our hospital's mission."

Furthermore, Eoloff highlighted Mercy's longstanding partnership with ECC, facilitating the delivery of healthcare services in Franklin County and neighboring areas. He expressed eagerness to recruit ECC graduates, citing their readiness and often, prior experience in clinical settings.

"Mercy enjoys our longstanding partnership with ECC. It allows more services to be delivered locally here in greater Franklin County and neighboring counties. We are eager to hire ECC graduates because they come to us well-prepared and, quite often, already experienced in our settings."

Background on Eoloff

Before assuming his current position, Eoloff held various leadership positions within Mercy, including Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Hospital St. Louis and President of Mercy Laboratories. His extensive tenure at Mercy, a healthcare system spanning 45 acute care hospitals and over 1,000 physician practices across multiple states, reflects his commitment to advancing excellence.

He holds a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. Eoloff is dedicated to fostering talent in the field and serves as a distinguished leader.

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Eric and his wife, Gina, have six children and three grandchildren.

For more information about the commencement ceremony and East Central College, visit www.eastcentral.edu.

On April 16th, 2024, at approximately 9:50pm, Franklin County Deputies responded to a residence in the 800 block of Sparrow Lane for a report of an assault in progress.  Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who stated the suspect identified as Leslie Rector a 29 year of age male from the Villa Ridge area had assaulted him. The victim told deputies he was on his front porch and was approached by Rector. He advised, Rector began asking about the location of his girlfriend and after being told his girlfriend was not in the home, Rector began assaulting him. After the assault, Rector walked away from the residence.

Upon deputies arriving in the area and speaking with the victim they observed Rector walking in the roadway.  Upon attempting to speak with Rector it was clear he was in an intoxicated state.   Deputies attempted to detain Rector and he began physically resisting arrest. He was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Detention Facility for outstanding warrants of Felony Driving While Intoxicated. 

On April 17th, at approximately 1:30am, Pacific Police Department contacted Franklin County 911 regarding a female they were out with at the Pilot gas station. The female victim had extensive and serious injuries to her face and head, and it was obvious she had been the victim of a brutal assault. Upon deputies arriving, they were able to establish a rapport with the victim and learned the suspect in this incident was Leslie Rector and the victim was his significant other. She was transported to a Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of her injuries.  The victim provided information to deputies that she was assaulted by Rector and left the vehicle, ultimately walking to the gas station where she was located by law enforcement. 

Deputies responded to a residence in the 400 block of Northridge which is shared by Rector and the victim. Upon arriving at the residence, they located a blue/gray van in the driveway. While looking into the van via an open window, deputies observed numerous areas with blood splatter.  The victims’ dog was located on the passenger side floorboard of the van deceased from a gunshot.   A handgun magazine was located on the ground outside the driver’s side door as well as a pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. Bullet holes were also observed in the interior of the vehicle.  The van was seized as evidence and a search warrant was obtained for a thorough search of the vehicle. 

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau was contacted to assist in the investigation.  After processing the vehicle for evidence and conducting further interviews with both the victim and Rector the detectives presented in custody charges to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

In the afternoon of April 17th, the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a NO BOND warrant on charges of Domestic Assault 1st degree (Serious Physical Injuries), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Animal Abuse 1st degree against Rector. 

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in March 2024 at 3.3 percent. The March 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the March 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,681 in March 2024, up by 718 from the revised February total of 102,963. In addition, the estimated number of employed Missourians also increased in March, growing by 2,639 to reach a total of 3,000,264.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in March 2024 by three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7 percent from the February 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for March 2024 was 3.9 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in March 2024, four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in March 2024, seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.3 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in March 2024, half of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.8 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years.

Frying isn’t the only method people can use to get caught fish onto the dinner table.

People who would like to learn more about various ways to prepare fish they’ve caught at area lakes and streams should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Pond to Plate, Fish Cooking: Other Methods,” a free virtual event from 2:30-3 p.m. on April 25. This online program is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. MDC Education Administrative Specialist Tim Smith will discuss smoking, canning, pickling, salting and other ways to prepare the sportfish that can be caught in Missouri. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/197914

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.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education 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 Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) has awarded a grant of $15,000 to Scenic Regional Library in support of the project, "Missouri Book Festival 2024." The MHC is the only state wide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

The Missouri Book Festival sparks passion for reading while inspiring future generations of Missourians to become lifelong learners. In a singular celebration of literature, the Missouri Book Festival brings our region's most exciting and emblematic stories to life. The festival's event programs highlight regional history, food, music, sports, art, and more, emphasizing performance and interactivity. These programs are designed to engage and entertain attendees, who discover reading as both the connection to endless subjects and the ultimate catalyst of our imagination. The Missouri Book Festival is being planned in collaboration with Reedy Press and Washington Public Library.

Grant funds will be used to help pay for essential supplies and rentals for producing the festival, promoting the event, author and performer fees, and more.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri Humanities Council, call 314-781-9660, or 800-357-0909 or write to the MHC, 415 S 18th Street, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63103-2269.

Adjunct Mathematics Adjunct Connie Lutz was recognized for her exceptional contributions to East Central College with the inaugural Adjunct of the Year award.

The award was presented at the first Adjunct Appreciation Dinner on April 9. Lutz was honored alongside other adjuncts honored with special recognitions and for years of service. Lutz’ award was presented by Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Tonight, we honor an exceptional educator, one whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the field of mathematics education has positively impacted our college and the countless lives of students she has touched,” Walter said.

She added that Lutz, “Embodies the epitome of meeting students where they are – offering genuine care and support of her students, engaging in the classroom, and literally transforming the way students learn math.”

Lutz, who also was recognized for 35 years of service as an adjunct faculty member, recently developed a vibrant math course for the Fine and Performing Arts to meet a broader set of students – again meeting them where they are. In 2018, Lutz was awarded the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty from the Missouri Community College Association.

More Outstanding Adjuncts

There were eight other adjuncts who received Outstanding Adjunct Awards in each department: Meg Vogel, Education; Shawna Flanigan, English & Humanities; Jeffrey Jaquess, Science and Engineering; Ted Coburn, Criminal Justice; Gary Powers, Art & Design; Michael Askins, Computer Information Systems; Elisha Chaney, Nursing; and Ben Martin, dual credit science instructor at St. Clair High School.

Below are comments about each departmental Outstanding Adjunct Award recipients. They were presented awards by the dean or director of their division.

Meg Vogel: “(She) is always student-focused and has always been willing to attempt teaching modalities beyond what she is accustomed to. Mrs. Vogel defines her class with real-world examples and inclusivity. She strives to make sure students connect the content in her classes to their future classrooms.”

Shawna Flanigan: “(She) brings students comfort because of her focus on building connections and her positive, humble, and curious attitude. Shawna’s detailed explanations for why content, assignments, and activities are covered, along with her willingness to encourage or check in outside of class, helps students to stay motivated, as her evaluations reflect.”

Jeffrey Jaquess: “He is one of our most reliable faculty members, who goes above and beyond to serve our students well. Jeff is known to teach labs with his materials when he deems them more appropriate for instruction. He consistently provides his students with valuable supplemental education by planning and executing field trips for them every year.”

Ted Coburn: “(He) has a passion for teaching students here at ECC. He is consistently student-focused and strives to help students learn and understand course material. He works to build relationships with his students. He is often asked for recommendations from current and former students. Even after students graduate, they often stay in touch with Mr. Coburn.”

Gary Powers: “(He) has helped jury several end-of-year student art exhibitions, participated in every Faculty Art show, and even gave of his time for our High School Art Day event. Even as a two-day-a-week adjunct, he never misses an opportunity to study, critique, and compliment the student works in the hall and the instructors whose class it is.”

Michael Askins: “His incorporation of real-world insights, case studies, and personal guidance enriches the learning experience... He will even call his students offering support when the normal channels of retention seem ineffective.”

Elisha Chaney: “She holds the students to high standards as a full-time faculty member does but is also willing to sit down and spend time with the student if they don't understand paperwork or how to handle patient stations... Elisha goes above and beyond for students. She is an amazing clinical and classroom educator. She challenges the students while also supporting them as they grow.”

Ben Martin: “He gets to know his students on a personal level, and he actually seeks out books based on that information to give to them to encourage them to read more. Ben's students are highly engaged in the classroom, especially in the area of eye-rolling after one of his famous daily dad jokes.”

Years of Service Recognitions:

Listed below are adjuncts who reached milestones and were recognized for years of service:

5 Years: Kelly Adkins, Melissa Albright, Janet Berry, Taylor Bodenschatz, Tim Bruckerhoff, Steven Campbell, Elisha Chaney, Sarah Dierker, Brooke Durbin, Madison Emerick, Karen Fixsal, Shawna Flanigan, Patrick Fogarty, Jeffrey Frankenberg, Dan Jacobson, Christopher Karr, Daniel Kemper, Amber Moore, Mark Palmier, Michael Pelster, Heather Sluis, Marietta Stiebler, Daniel Strohmeyer, Margaret Vogel, and Timothy Willard.

10 Years: Tiffanie Atherton, Molly Bene, Melissa Mauchenheimer, Raymond Mowery, Margret Noud, Danika Novak, Robert Schulze, and Kenneth Williardson.

15 Years: Curtis Beers, Lisa Blackmore, Shana Collier, Gary Powers, Robert Robinson, and Matthew Sokeland.

20 Years: Tim Buchheit.

25 Years: Robert Prichard.

East Central College has joined Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national leading higher education reform network of more than 300 community colleges across the country.

As one of eight institutions joining the organization as part of its 2024 cohort, ECC will enter ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program. College leaders will collaborate with ATD’s expert coaches to develop essential capacities for student success. These capacities will focus on equity, data analysis, teaching and learning, leadership, community partnerships, student support, and more.

“Joining the Achieving the Dream marks a pivotal moment for ECC's commitment to student success. We aim to provide students with strengthened individualized attention they deserve,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President.

“Additionally, ECC's partnership with Achieving the Dream will empower us to address the unique challenges faced by our low-income and rural student populations; ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

ECC, along with fellow cohort colleges and six other institutions new to the ATD Network, will convene at ATD’s Kickoff Institute, an annual event to welcome incoming Network colleges, which will be held this year from June 12-14 in New Orleans.

During the Kickoff Institute, colleges will establish partnerships with ATD and become acquainted with the organization’s Institutional Capacity Framework. This framework offers a comprehensive assessment designed to cultivate a student-centered culture and enhance student success.

ECC secured the funding to join ATD through a federal Title III grant, awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

ATD is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more.

ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable, antiracist, and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream website: www.achievingthedream.org.