East Central College is celebrating a major milestone this summer—posting its highest number of summer credit hours in the past five years. The Summer 2025 term saw a 19.7% increase in student headcount and a 22.4% jump in credit hours compared to last year.

There were 655 students enrolled in summer classes this year, up from 547 in 2024. While headcount is just below the Summer 2021 total of 663 students, credit hour enrollment this summer reached 3,301.5—the highest total since at least 2020.

Headcount reflects the number of individual students enrolled, while credit hour enrollment measures how many classes those students are taking. In other words, credit hours give a clearer picture of the academic load and overall engagement across the student body.

“This is a strong signal that more students are taking advantage of summer learning opportunities to stay on track—or even get ahead—on their academic goals,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President. “These numbers reflect a growing commitment to year-round progress, and we’re proud to be meeting students where they are with flexible, accessible options.”

Although summer is not traditionally ECC’s busiest enrollment period, it plays a valuable role for a variety of students. Many use the term to catch up or spread out their coursework. Others—especially those attending four-year colleges or universities—enroll as visiting students to complete general education classes at a lower cost and closer to home.

This year’s growth may also be linked to recent changes in federal Pell Grant guidelines. Previously, Pell aid was awarded based on broad tiers, such as full-time or half-time status. Now, students receive funding based on the exact number of credit hours they take, offering more flexibility and incentive for part-time enrollment. Additionally, year-round Pell now allows students to qualify for aid in the summer, even if they received a full award during the fall and spring.

“These changes give students more options and make it easier for them to take classes when it fits their schedule—and their finances,” Bauer added.

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,700 jobs in May 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 3,600 jobs and government employment increased by 100 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 10,900 jobs from May 2024 to May 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by three-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.7 percent in May 2024 to 4 percent in May 2025.

EMPLOYMENT     

Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,002,300 in May 2025, up by 3,700 from the revised April 2025 figure. The April 2025 total was revised upward by 4,000 jobs from the preliminary estimate.

Goods-producing industries increased by 3,200 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 2,200 jobs and manufacturing gaining 1,000 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 400 jobs between April 2025 and May 2025. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in trade, transportation, and utilities (2,000 jobs); leisure and hospitality (1,300 jobs); private education and health services (1,000 jobs); and financial activities (200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-2,600 jobs); information (-1,100 jobs); and other services (-400 jobs). Total government employment increased by 100 jobs over the month, with an increase in local government (2,000 jobs) and decreases in state (-1,300 jobs) and federal government (-600 jobs).

Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 10,900 jobs from May 2024 to May 2025. The largest gains were in private education and health services (17,600 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (2,900 jobs;) and other services (1,200 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-4,800 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-4,300 jobs); information (-3,200 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-3,000 jobs); manufacturing (-600 jobs); and financial activities (-100 jobs). Government employment increased by 5,200 jobs over the year, with increases in local (4,600 jobs) and state government (2,200 jobs) and a decrease in federal government (-1,600 jobs).

UNEMPLOYMENT    

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in May 2025, rising to 4 percent from the revised April 2025 rate of 3.9 percent. The May 2025 rate was three-tenths of a percentage point higher than the May 2024 rate of 3.7 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 125,042 in May 2025, up by 944 from the revised April total of 124,098.

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in May 2025 by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9 percent from the April 2025 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.8 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.7 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for May 2025 was 4 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.4 percent in May 2025, one point higher than the national rate of 62.4 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.9 percent in May 2025, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national rate of 59.7 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 4 percent in May 2025, two-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.2 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than 10 years.

If you were affected by either of two recent federally declared disasters in Missouri – March 14-15 or May 16 – you may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

How to Apply

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call toll-free 800-621-3362, or download the FEMA App.

What to Expect After Applying

A FEMA inspector may contact you to schedule a home inspection. To be prepared for the visit, please have the following documents:

• Identity: Social Security number, state driver's license, state ID, or voter registration card.
• Proof of ownership and occupancy.
• Receipts of any items purchased prior to inspection.
• Pictures of any damage that may now be repaired or cleared off the property.
   

During the appointment, FEMA inspectors will:

• Present their official FEMA ID badges.
• Confirm your FEMA case number.
• Review structural and personal property damage.
   

FEMA inspectors will not:

• Determine eligibility
• Take any money or ask for credit card information.
• Take the place of an insurance inspection.

If you suspect that someone is not a legitimate FEMA inspector, do not provide your personal information, and contact local law enforcement about your concerns.

Your Determination Letter
After the inspector’s visit, you will be sent a determination letter from FEMA either by mail or email. FEMA will explain in the letter whether you are eligible for assistance, how much, and how the assistance must be used.

If your letter says your application cannot be approved, it does not mean you’re denied. The letter explains how to appeal the decision if you do not agree with it. For an overview of the appeal process, visit How Do I Appeal FEMA’s Decision?

Disbursement
When filling out your application, you can select how you want to receive your assistance funds: physical check in the mail, direct deposit into your bank account, or a form of digital payment.

Designated Counties for FEMA Individual Assistance
Homeowners and renters affected by the March 14-15 disaster in Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties may be eligible for FEMA assistance that includes rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair and other needs.

Homeowners and renters affected by the May 16 disaster in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Scott County may also be eligible for FEMA assistance that includes rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair and other needs.

Get outside and discover nature this summer during frogging season! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that frogging season begins June 30 at sunset and runs through Oct. 31. Anyone with a fishing permit or small game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs.

The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined and the possession limit is 16 frogs of both species combined. Only the daily limit may be possessed on waters and the bank of waters where frogging.

MDC notes that daily limits end at midnight. Froggers who catch their daily limits before midnight and want to return for more frogging after midnight must remove the daily limit of previously caught frogs from the waters or banks before returning.

Anyone may go frogging with a fishing or small game hunting permit, however, children 15 and younger and Missouri residents 65-years and older are not required to have a permit.

Those using a fishing permit may harvest frogs by hand, handnet, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole-and-line.

With a small game hunting permit, frogs may be taken using a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, atlatl, bow, crossbow, or by hand or hand net. The use of artificial light is permitted when frogging.

After frogging, be sure to browse recipes for your quarry by visiting MDC online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxz.

On June 12, 2025, Richard F. Aholt, 64, of Washington, Missouri, was arrested and charged with Rape or Attempted Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree. The arrest follows an investigation into a sexual assault reported on August 28, 2023.

A 68-year-old female from Washington reported she was sexually assaulted by a male who gave her a ride home from a local event around 10:00 PM on August 16, 2023. The victim provided details of the incident, including the name of the individual who drove her home and the clothing she was wearing that night. She also stated she believed something may have been placed in her drink while she was watching bands play.

During the investigation, detectives interviewed several potential witnesses and the suspect. The suspect admitted to driving the victim home but denied entering her house or any sexual contact beyond a hug when he left.

The victim's clothing was submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Laboratory for analysis. On June 11, 2025, the department received the lab report, which indicated that a DNA profile matching the suspect was obtained from the clothing.

Aholt was arrested at his home in Washington and transported to the Washington Police Department for processing. He was subsequently transported to the Franklin County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $50,000.

Twelve students from East Central College embarked on an unforgettable adventure in March as part of the Arts and Humanities Spring Break experience in London, England.

Led by ECC Associate Professor of English Leigh Kolb, Instructor of English Katie Holtmeyer, and Enrollment Counselor Haley Walter, the group explored some of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks and artistic treasures.

The students who participated in the trip were: Taylor Greife, Tessa Schweich, Taylor Rowald, Kathryn Boehner, Taylor James, Chase Godfrey, Elijah Long, Shayne Harrington, Dalton Pealer, Audrey Thompson, Dana Briggs, and Chae Keeney.

During their time abroad, the group visited renowned sites including Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries, the British Library, the Natural History Museum, and the historic Tower of London.

They also experienced a live performance of Cabaret in London’s celebrated West End theatre district.

In addition to their time in the city, the group took a day trip to hike along the White Cliffs of Dover and attend an Evensong service at Canterbury Cathedral.

The London Spring Break experience has a rich history at ECC: it was originally initiated by former ECC Art Professor Adam Watkins in 2008. Since then, the program has expanded to include a broader range of disciplines. Kolb began serving as co-advisor in 2016, opening the experience to English and Media Studies students alongside Art students.

Today, the tradition continues with participants from the Arts and Humanities Pathway, Art Club, Student Publications, and others with an interest in these fields making the annual journey.

On June 9th, 2025, at approximately 8:30pm, Franklin County Deputies responded to an address in the 4500 block of Thompson Lane in regard to a Domestic Assault in Progress. Upon deputies arriving on the scene, it was learned the suspect had fled the scene. Contact was made with a witness who observed the victim and suspect physically fighting outside the residence and upon the suspect fleeing the scene, the suspect struck the victim with a vehicle. 

As deputies contacted the victim, they observed she had numerous injuries. The victim alleged, she had been in a vehicle with the suspect and there was a verbal disagreement over the location in which the suspect wished to travel to.  The altercation turned physical, with the suspect assaulting the victim as the vehicle was in motion. As they pulled into the residence, the victim attempted to remove her belongings from the vehicle and the suspect again assaulted her.  After obtaining statements, deputies attempted to locate the suspect to no avail. 

On the night of June 10th, 2025, deputies received information of a possible location for the suspect in the Robertsville area.  Deputies converged on the residence and were able to apprehend him without incident. 

The suspect, identified as Matthew Cowsert, a 33-year-old male from the Robertsville area, was transported to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility.  Deputies applied for and were granted in custody warrants through the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charging Cowsert with;

Domestic Assault 2nd degree   Class D Felony

Domestic Assault 3rd degree    Class E Felony

with a bond amount of $25,000 cash only. 

On June 10th, 2025, at approximately 9:30am, Franklin County 911 was notified by St. Clair Police Officers that they were out at the Police Department with a victim of an assault who had extensive facial injuries. The victim was obviously in need of immediate medical attention, so she was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment via St. Clair Ambulance.  Franklin County Deputies responded to the hospital to interview the victim regarding the alleged assault.  Upon deputies speaking with the victim, it was learned the assault also included a weapon being fired at the victim. The victim explained, the suspect would not allow her to leave the residence and made threats of violence against her if she tried.

Deputies responded to the residence,  during a search of the residence the firearm alleged to have been used in the incident was located. Upon further investigation it was learned the male suspect is a convicted felon not allowed to be in possession of a firearm. While processing the scene evidence of the victim's statements were able to be confirmed and the suspect was arrested.

Charges were forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and a $200,000 cash only in-custody warrant was issued for the suspect identified Marvin L. Fischer a 44-year-old male from the St. Clair area for the following charges:

Domestic Assault 1st degree (Class B Felony)

Kidnapping 1st degree (Class B Felony)

Unlawful possession of a firearm (Class C Felony)

Armed Criminal Action (Unclassified Felony)   

I would like to thank Franklin Couty Communications, St. Clair Police and St. Clair Ambulance for their quick action getting medical attention to the victim, our Road Division and Detective Bureau for conducting a thorough investigation, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Judges at the 20th Circuit Division for their quick action in protecting victims of domestic violence.

All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. 

Recent severe weather incidents in the St. Louis area have caused significant tree damage that homeowners and other land stewards must now assess and mitigate.  Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) foresters offer the following guidance for evaluating and addressing storm impacts on trees.

The very first consideration should be safety.  Homeowners must exercise extreme caution if electrical lines are involved.  Should limbs have fallen on electrical lines or trees are leaning on them, never try to remove them yourself.  Assume all downed lines are live and alert your electric service provider immediately.

“Watch for hanging limbs that are broken and still in the canopy too,” said MDC Community Forester, Evan Parker.  “They might fall and cause damage or injury.” 

Use caution regarding the use of chainsaws to address tree damage.  “Chainsaws can be very dangerous,” Parker cautioned.  “If you do decide to use one, always employ appropriate personal protective equipment and practices.  These include wearing chainsaw chaps or pants, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and hard hat.  And do not go beyond your experience.  If in doubt, hire a professional.”

Assessing the extent of damage is the next step.  Parker recommends looking for indicators that a tree may need to be removed, like:

• Large splits down the trunk
• 50% or more of the crown is gone (focusing on branches, not leaves)
• A larger tree that has recently begun to lean
• The tree was already in poor condition, diseased, etc.

If a tree does not display any of the above conditions, recovery may be possible with care. 

“Looks can be deceiving, and sometimes even a bad looking tree can recover just fine,” Parker said.  “If unsure, though, it’s a good idea to hire an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to help give recommendations.  They will consider information like the tree’s species and age.”

If the damage is minor, cleaning up the fallen limbs and some pruning for shape may be all that’s needed.  To further help your tree recover, Parker suggests the following steps:

• If there are tears or breaks, make a clean cut just outside of the branch collar below the wound to help the tree seal itself off from decay
• Do not apply a paint or sealant to tree wounds
• Avoid nicking or wounding the tree at all during clean up
• Do not pile debris or move heavy equipment over the tree roots
• Mulch the tree to a depth of 3 inches away, pulling it away from the trunk
• Water the tree during dry periods (especially in hot summer)

Parker urged homeowners to resist the temptation to “top” a tree.  This practice is not healthy and only leads to problems down the road.  No reputable tree service should ever recommend this practice.

If replacing a tree is necessary, Parker said fall is the best time to consider replanting. 

“Wait until other cleanup is done before thinking about replanting a tree,” said Parker.  “Repairing home damage is the first priority and it’s better to give the new tree a good start at life without construction or other risky activity around it.”

To get detailed information on dealing with tree damage after storms, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4yK.   For assistance in finding an ISA-certified arborist in your area, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZvE.

A dog is one of our best friends.  So, it’s worth taking a few precautions to help make sure both our canine friends and wildlife are safe during outdoor excursions.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) advises dog owners to be extra watchful this season.  “We see an uptick in calls related to wildlife vs. dog incidents this time of year,” said MDC Wildlife Damage Biologist, Patrice Pyatt.  “This is mainly due to increased outdoor activities during times when protective wildlife mothers are defending their young.”

Spring and early summer are when many wildlife species such as whitetail deer are giving birth and rearing young in Missouri.   “I receive numerous reports of dogs getting too close and being bitten or stomped by all different kinds of wildlife,” Pyatt said.

Taking extra care when letting dogs out into the yard or bringing them along on a hike will help ensure the safety of dogs and wildlife.

“A dog who approaches a deer fawn, even just out of curiosity, can be seriously injured or killed by a protective doe,”  warned Pyatt. 

Unleashed dogs can pose a substantial threat to the young deer and other wildlife as well, by harassing or attempting to chase them—even if the dog sees it merely as playing. 

Pyatt said other incidents that have been reported include dogs being bitten by groundhogs at den sites or by otters around lakes, and encounters with bears. 

There are several things dog owners can do to prevent unfortunate incidents. 

“If you have a backyard, even one that is fenced, step out and complete a scan of the yard before releasing your dog,” Pyatt recommended.  “Taking an extra few seconds for a preventative check can keep conflicts from occurring.”

Pyatt also advises dog owners to keep their pets on a leash when venturing away from home.  In fact, MDC conservation area and Missouri State Park regulations generally require that dogs be on leash at all times while on trails. 

It’s also a good idea to make sure your pet is current on all its vaccinations and has proper flea and tick protection before venturing outdoors.

What if you and your dog do encounter a fawn along a hiking trail or when in the field? 

“Small fawns will naturally drop to the ground and remain still when they sense danger,” said Pyatt.  “This does not mean the fawn is injured or unhealthy. If you see a fawn doing this, back off, remove your dog, and give it plenty of space to move along when it feels safe to do so.”

Fortunately, fawns are only in this newborn stage for a short period of time.

“The main takeaway is that it’s always a good idea when camping, hiking, or even letting your dog out in the yard, to keep your beloved pet contained or on a leash so they do not get into trouble with resident wildlife,”  said Pyatt.

“Responsible pet stewardship can go a long way to preventing wildlife/dog conflicts.” 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) invite landowners and others interested in managing deer on their properties to join them online for a free webinar on forest and woodland management and how hunters and landowners can incorporate this into their deer management efforts.

This live Zoom webinar on “Forests, Woodlands, and Whitetails” will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. It will begin with a presentation from an NDA Deer Outreach Specialist followed by MDC and NDA staff answering participants’ questions.  

Save this link for the free Zoom webinar on “Forests, Woodlands, and Whitetails” and click on it on June 24 at 6 p.m.: short.mdc.mo.gov/4ya.  (Alternative link: us06web.zoom.us/j/84193892494?pwd=E2p2x89PkHGBGmDT0zmm9xThGH1UZr.1#success.)

For those who have not previously used Zoom on their selected device, click the link ahead of time and follow the prompts to install the free Zoom software.

This webinar is the second of MDC’s and NDA’s free 2025 Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series via Zoom. Upcoming webinars are Wildflowers and Whitetails on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.; and Utilizing Prescribed Fire for Deer Management on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

Watch the previous webinar on Quality Deer Management at youtu.be/ckhMEytvync

Learn more about deer management at mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/deer-management