East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was elected Chair of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board of Directors.

RCCA is a national organization with members in 35 states, led by a board of community college presidents and other leaders in the field. It is the only organization devoted to rural-serving community colleges. Additionally, RCCA lobbies in state legislatures and Washington, D.C., as a voice for institutions often neglected in higher education.

Bauer was elected by the full RCCA Board during the 2024 RCCA annual conference, held Sept. 18-20 at SUNY-Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the RCCA Board of Directors. Rural community colleges are essential to the success and growth of our regions, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to champion the unique needs and opportunities in rural education,” he said. “Together, we can continue to expand access, promote innovation, and strengthen the impact of community colleges across the country.”

The Board Chair serves a two-year term. Seth Carter, president of Colby Community College in Kansas, is the outgoing Chair.

The RCCA assists member institutions that serve the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Bauer has served on the national board since September 2020.

The Alliance promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, and leveraging resources. The RCCA also serves as a “clearinghouse for innovative practice, policy, and research.”

The RCCA strives for increased state support and federal impact aid for community and tribal colleges and helps member institutions find new funding sources. ECC will serve as the host for next year’s conference, taking place Sept. 17-19, 2025.

Missouri is home to more than 900 black bears and their numbers are growing. Many Missourians find these furbearers fascinating and have many questions about them. Are all black bears black? Do bears really hibernate? Where do bears spend the winter? What can bear scat show about diet and other things? What’s the biggest bear recorded in Missouri? Why is a fed bear a dead bear? How can people and communities Be Bear Aware? Why is fall a prime time for people and bears to encounter each other out in the woods or on the roads?

Get answers to these and other questions through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) upcoming Wild Webcast on Black Bears in Missouri and How to Be Bear Aware on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from noon to 1 p.m.

MDC Black Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock will share interesting information and fascinating facts about black bears in Missouri along with plenty of pictures. He will also answer viewers’ questions as time permits.

Register in advance for the MDC Wild Webcast on Black Bears in Missouri and How to Be Bear Aware at mdc.webex.com/weblink/register/raf61ad9ebff8e853b7a515c258d2791c and then join the webcast live at noon on Oct. 30.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with Owensville Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) to host a Hunter Education Skills Session on Wednesday, October 23 from 5:30pm-9:30pm at Memorial Park - Pavilion #1, located at 804 McCan Drive. Registration is required and space is limited!

IMPORTANT: All participants MUST complete the Knowledge Portion prior to coming to the Skills Session. The manual for The Knowledge Portion can be picked-up at the City Hall lobby, located at 107 W Sears Drive, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. In the Skills Session, participants will complete hands-on practice and the examination. For more information or to register, please visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203547.

Join MDC in welcoming local St. Louis author Paige Hulsey for a reading of her children’s book, A Bad Day Fishing.

Powder Valley Nature Center will present a special book reading on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m.  The program will be an enjoyable mix of entertainment and education suitable for families with children up to seven years of age.

A Bad Day Fishing is the tale of an adventurous young boy and his pup.  The pair set off for a day of fishing but are met with an afternoon of trouble, including broken equipment, dangerous weather, and their own bad luck. Still, the boy perseveres and, in the end, learns even a bad day can be good when it’s spent fishing. Follow along as the duo experience the anticipation, frustration, and eventual triumph of a big day outdoors.

The program will begin in the nature center’s auditorium with a book reading by the author, followed by an audience discussion. Following the book reading, families are encouraged to take a short hike on Tanglevine Trail to also read the book in the Trail Tales format and engage with interactive suggestions to go with each page. There will also be other activities in the lobby and Hulsey will be on hand to sell and sign copies of her book.

The program is free and open to the public. However, space is limited, and advanced online registration is required for each adult and child attending at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rf.

Hulsey is a storyteller based in St. Louis. Her family grew up fishing in rivers, lakes, and ponds around their Midwest farm. Now, she enjoys working with her husband and their two sons to expand their berry patches. Hulsey is also a storyteller on TV, reporting for a local news station and highlighting activities for kids on its lifestyle show.

The nature center will present a special concert by the WildHeart Band, featuring Jan Syrigos, on Friday, Oct. 4, along with an evening of scout and family activities. 

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with the scouting activities, and WildHeart will perform at 7 p.m.  The evening will be an enjoyable mix of entertainment and education suitable for the whole family.

WildHeart is the Emmy Award® Winning singer/songwriter and naturalist Jan Syrigos.  She has “edutained” families at Silver Dollar City, the Missouri State Capitol, the Gateway Arch, and state parks and nature centers throughout the Midwest.  

WildHeart’s music encourages kids and families to get outside and discover nature.  Syrigos performs upbeat, “groovable” tunes about wild animals, their habitats, and behaviors.

“Kids will love singing along and learning.  Join us on a musical journey with the Emmy Award® winning WildHeart Band,” said MDC Assistant Nature Center Manager, Robyn Parker.

Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, and American Heritage Girls are all welcome for the scouting activities prior to the concert.  Scouts of all stripes will have opportunities work toward multiple conservation-related merit badges.

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. Participants will also have the chance for all to explore the exhibits in the nature center.

WildHeart will perform outdoors if weather permits. Visitors should bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on during the concert.  The performance will be moved into the nature center’s auditorium in the event of inclement weather.

The concert and scouting activities are free and open to the public.  However, space is limited, and advanced registration is required at: http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Dk

Duck hunting is a dynamic and challenging sport.   It’s also a way to get out to a beautiful wetland just as the sun breaks out over the horizon.  For a young person, it could be an experience that creates a lifetime impression.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help young hunters discover the allure of duck hunting.  MDC is holding a free youth duck hunting clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  Participants who attend the clinic will then have the chance for a first-hand field experience at one of two youth duck hunts on Oct. 26 or 27.  As the clinic and hunts are both part of a two-part program, attendees must be signed up for one of these hunts to attend the clinic.

This program is for youths, age 11-15, who have not duck hunted before and want a safe gateway into the sport.  It will cover all the basics of duck hunting.  These will include safety measures, duck habitats and migration, proper cover, clothing, firearms and ammunition, and tips on using duck hunting blinds and decoy placement.  The class will also look at duck hunting regulations, limits, and identification.  Attendance at the clinic is required before participating in the hunts.

“Duck hunting is a challenging sport that even on slow days is rewarding. You never know what you will see in the wetlands,” said MDC Outdoor education Center Manager, Bryant Hertel.  “This program will get you prepared for your first hunt.”

Youth duck hunters can select one of two options for participating in a hunt using the following signup links: 

• Saturday, Oct. 26; http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Dq
• Sunday, Oct. 27; http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Dc

Interested participants should register online for the hunt of their choice.  Registering for one of the hunts will also enroll them in the clinic.  They must also be hunter education-certified by the date of the hunt and be comfortable handling a shotgun.  MDC will provide all equipment, firearms, and ammunition needed for the hunts.  Participants may also bring their own equipment if they have it.  Both hunts will take place on the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles.

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

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.

Fall has arrived, which means deer and other wild animals are on the move as temperatures cool and nights become longer. Most deer strikes with vehicles occur during October and November and between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways throughout the fall months.

“Deer increase their movements during the breeding season, which begins in October and peaks in mid-November,” said Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Deer Biologist Jason Isabelle. “Because of this, motorists should be especially cautious when driving this time of year.”

            According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri has consistently ranked 10^th to 15^th in the country for collisions involving deer each year. In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer. One deer strike occurred approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were four fatalities and 420 people were injured.

Rural areas are not the only places where vehicle strikes occur. Deer are often in groups, even in populated areas.

Here are some tips for staying alert:

·         Stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer, as there are likely more.

·         To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway.

·         Watch for the reflection of deer eyes from vehicle headlights and slow down so you can more easily react to their presence.

·         Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death.

According to Missouri Law, an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by an MDC agent. The Wildlife Disposition Form is free, but MDC must be contacted to obtain the permit.

“No one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal in a high-traffic area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636),” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Darin Hamelink. “Crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel.”

If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews are not called out after hours to remove an item unless it is a road safety hazard in a driving lane. MoDOT does not employ any specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from roadways or contract out any roadkill removal. If a deer is struck along a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

Learning about the variety of native sparrow species that can be found in this region during all or part of the year is a great way to learn about a sector of the birding world that sometimes gets overlooked.

People who want to learn more about native sparrows found in this region should register for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Birds: Little Brown Birds, Sparrow ID Virtual Program” on Oct. 15. This online program, which will be from 2-3 p.m. and is open to all ages, is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. People can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203360

At the Oct. 15 program, MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos will discuss the variety of species found in the bird family Emberizidae, a group that includes North America’s native sparrows. To the casual observer, these native sparrows may seem like nothing more than a group of brown birds. However, Raos will explain that the various habitats and migratory patterns associated with these birds make them an interesting group of birds to learn more about.

It should be noted that a frequently seen bird known as the house sparrow (also called the English sparrow) is a non-native species that’s in a different bird family (Passeridae) from sparrows that are native to North America.

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

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

East Central College’s first-ever Season Kickoff Music Festival attracted a crowd of over 350 attendees and featured three outstanding live performances.

The free outdoor concert, held on Aug. 23, also neared its fundraising goal to support scholarships through ECC’s Metallica Scholars Initiative.

The festival marked the start of ECC’s 2024-25 Music Department Concert Series and was made possible by the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, ECC’s Music Department, and ECC Patrons of the Arts.

The eclectic lineup of bands opened with the Washington-based Woodshine, followed by the high-energy Pamwe Marimba Band, and concluded with the vibrant Funky Butt Brass Band, a fan favorite from the St. Louis area. Notably, the concert was the first stop on Pamwe Marimba Band’s Midwest tour.

Thanks to the generous contributions of local manufacturers, the event raised nearly $23,000, with $21,500 coming from major sponsors. All proceeds will benefit the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which provides scholarships to students in ECC’s advanced manufacturing programs.

Huskey Corporation, based in Pacific, along with Weg Transformers USA in Washington, and Johnson Controls in Chesterfield, were top sponsors of the event. After the concert, Huskey Corporation more than doubled its initial contribution, bringing ECC even closer to its fundraising goal.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering support, especially Huskey Corporation, whose generosity brought us within reach of our target,” said Joel Doepker, ECC Vice President of External Relations. “This event truly showcased the strength of our community and its dedication to helping our students succeed.”

Additional sponsors included Performance Engineering and Manufacturing, LLC; Taco Bell and W&M Restaurants; Ideaman, Inc.; John and Jeannine Moroney; Cohen Architectural Woodworking; United Bank of Union; AZZ Precoat Metals; Computech; GH Tool & Mold; Innovative Machine & Tool, Inc.; Silgan Plastics; Bank of Washington; Buddeez; Linmark Machine Products; and Gateway Extrusions.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Season Kickoff Music Festival.

For more information about the Metallica Scholars Initiative, visit www.eastcentral.edu/metallica-scholars-initiative, and to learn more about ECC’s Music Department, visit www.eastcentral.edu/music.

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 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 October include:

• Hunting
• Deer Hunting: Deer Hunting 101: Oct. 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rt
• Deer Hunting: Deer Rifle Sight-In: Oct. 23, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rj
• Migratory Bird Hunting: Youth Duck Hunt: Oct. 26, from 5 am – 11 a.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4RF
• Angling
• Family Fishing: Fishing & Nature Day for People with Disabilities: Oct. 5, from 9 – noon at Bellefontaine Conservation Area. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ry
• Family Fishing: Cane Pole Fishing: Oct. 13, from noon – 2 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4RC
• Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures: Oct. 18, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4R9
• Shooting
• Deer Hunting: Deer Rifle Sight-In: Oct. 23, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rj

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.

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons.  

“Safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter,” said MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire. “Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound.”

McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. He and MDC offer these safety tips for non-hunters:

• Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack.
• Place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed.
• Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown.
• Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.
• Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas.
• Whenever venturing into the outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return.
• Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know you are in the area.
• Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid conflict.
• Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping.
• Find conservation areas that allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

September marks the beginning of fall hunting seasons for Show-Me-State hunters.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters to familiarize themselves before going afield with a few changes in turkey and deer hunting regulations for the 2024-2025 seasons. 

“The time for cooler weather and chasing that elusive deer you’ve been targeting has finally come,” said Washington County Conservation Agent John Lowe.  “Whether you’re a bow, rifle, or an alternative methods hunter, there is ample opportunity for a chance to harvest during the fall and winter.  But hunters also need to be up on the latest regulations,” Lowe said.

Lowe said the biggest change for 2024 is the new fall hunting permit for turkey. The archery deer and turkey permits are now separate; archers must use the fall turkey hunting permit to take turkeys. The new fall turkey hunting permit still allows for two turkeys to be harvested of either sex by either archery or firearm methods. Archery season for turkey runs from Sept. 15 – Nov. 15, and after a pause for November Firearms Deer Season, resumes from Nov. 27 – Jan. 15. From Oct. 1 – 31 turkeys may be harvested with firearm methods. For more information about fall turkey hunting regulations and permits visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Ztu.

“The fall 2024 deer season will be the second year to have the additional early firearm antlerless portion as well as the extended Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) firearms portion for the regular firearms season,” said Lowe. 

The early firearms antlerless season runs from Oct. 11 – 13 this year. The additional CWD firearms portion will run from Nov. 27 – Dec. 1.  “These additional seasons allow hunters more opportunity to get some meat to help stock the freezer or extra time during firearms season to target that big buck,” Lowe explained. 

Hunters should note that the CWD firearms portion is only open in certain counties. For applicable counties and information on CWD regulations, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4RP.

Hunters may also consult the 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations booklet for full details on fall hunting seasons and changes, available at MDC offices and permit retailers statewide.

“Getting acquainted with these regulation changes should help ensure that hunters will have an enjoyable and safe hunting experience this year.  Participating in the expanded deer hunting opportunities will also help MDC with its CWD management goals,” Lowe said.