The East Central College Learning Center has once again earned international recognition for excellence in tutor training, reaffirming its commitment to helping students succeed academically.

The Learning Center has been recertified as a Level III Master Tutor program through the College Reading & Learning Association's (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC).

The certification recognizes tutoring programs that meet rigorous international standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation. The designation is the highest level of certification awarded through the internationally recognized program.

East Central College's Level III Master Tutor certification is valid through June 30, 2030. The certification follows a peer review of The Learning Center, affirming the College's ongoing investment in high-quality academic support and student success.

"It is an honor to maintain CRLA Level III Master Tutor International Tutor Training Program certification," said Erin Anglin, Executive Director of The Learning Center and Academic Support. "I am proud of the work we do and the work my Learning Center staff does to maintain the highest level of tutoring standards."

The impact of those efforts is reflected in student outcomes. Students who receive tutoring three or more times during a semester are 65% more likely to earn an A, B or C in a course than students who use tutoring little or not at all. Over the past five years, The Learning Center has also increased its tutoring effectiveness by 10%.

The Learning Center serves as a comprehensive academic support hub, offering free tutoring in writing, math, science and many other subjects through in-person, online and mobile tutoring options. Students also have access to testing services, an Adaptive Technology Lab, Success Coach resources, Supplemental Instruction, study resources, computer access and 24/7 online tutoring through NetTutor.

Students can schedule tutoring appointments online, stop in for walk-in assistance or learn more about The Learning Center by visiting eastcentral.edu.

What’s like fishing and huntingat the same time?  Bowfishing.  By using archery equipment and methods, bowfishing merges aspects of both fishing and hunting into one activity.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to give newcomers  a chance to discover the fun of this unique pursuit during an upcoming program in the St. Louis area. 

MDC  will offer a free, two-part Introduction to Bowfishing workshop that includes an introductory class followed by a mentored field experience.  The classroom portion will be held Monday, July 13 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance.  The class will cover topics that include safety, proper gear, where to bowfish, fish ID, regulations, and ethics. 

The classroom portion will be followed by a mentored bowfishing outing on Saturday, July 18 from 8 a.m. to noon.  Participants  will practice techniques learned in the classroom during an  outdoor bowfishing opportunity.  The fishing location will be determined by water levels and accessibility and sent to participants ahead of time. 

“Bowfishing can be a challenging sport.  But combining hunting and fishing techniques using a bow and arrow is a really unique and rewarding experience,” said MDC Outdoor Education Center Manager, Bryant Hertel.

This introductory program is designed for beginners ages 11 and  older who want to learn the basics of  this exciting sport.  MDC will supply all equipment needed.

Participants are required to attend the July 13 classroom portion to participate in the July 18 bowfishing  portion.  A valid fishing or hunting permit is also required to attend this program.  Attendees age  15  or younger and those  65 or older are exempt.  For safety reasons, participants must be able to fully draw and hold a compound bow with a 15-pound draw weight at full draw.

The program is free but advanced registration is required  at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/opZ. 

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. 

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Today, FEMA announced more than $11.2 million to help Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska strengthen community resilience, restore critical infrastructure and invest in mitigation measures to reduce future disaster damage. 

This funding is part of the $584 million approved nationwide through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities,?Public Assistance?and?Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. These programs help states, local communities,?tribes?and territories to rebuild safer communities and protect infrastructure from future events. The funding supports President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to improving federal disaster assistance and investing in projects that protect Americans.?

Today’s funding includes?more than $9.9 million?under FEMA’s?Public Assistance?program?across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Examples of Public Assistance projects include:? 

• More than $640,000 to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in Missouri for building repair or replacement.
• More than $586,000 to the City of St. Louis, Missouri for debris removal operations.
• More than $533,000 to the Garfield County Frontier Fair Association in Nebraska for repair of the barns on the rodeo grounds.
• More than $138,000 to the Rock Rapids Municipal Utility in Iowa for repair or replacement of meters and regulators.
• More than $118,000 to the City of Spencer, Iowa for repair or replacement to the citywide sewer system.

FEMA is?also?awarding more than $1.3 million?for projects in Iowa?through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to   prevent or reduce future disaster damage.

Examples of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects include:??

• More than $997,000 to the City of Hawarden, Iowa for property acquisitions.
• More than $330,000 to Marion County, Iowa for warning and alert systems.

FEMA coordinates directly with the state?on all recovery and hazard mitigation projects, ensuring recovery is state-led and federally supported. 

These projects are part of FEMA’s ongoing support for state and local communities rebuilding from disasters. FEMA remains committed to helping communities recover from severe storms,?tornadoes?and wildfires and to building resilience for the future.???

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East Central College is proud to announce it has once again been asked to participate in the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI).

Supported by a generous $15,000 grant aimed at enhancing student success and career readiness within the College's advanced manufacturing programs, ECC is participating in its fifth year of the nationally recognized workforce education initiative.

As a returning MSI participant, ECC has now received $200,000 in support of its scholarship program for students enrolled in Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Precision Machining, and Industrial Maintenance programs.

“East Central College is honored to continue its partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “This investment expands opportunities for students pursuing rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing fields while helping employers meet critical workforce needs throughout our region.”

All Within My Hands (AWMH), the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, proudly announces the eighth year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date: over $3.3 million. Eighteen new U.S. schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.

Metallica's James Hetfield said, "This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We're so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It's humbling to know we've been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world."

AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI's core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers, and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow. The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting, and agricultural pathways.

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO, AACC, said, "The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what's possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission. Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica's foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond."

The initiative's eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH's partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation's newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation's Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH's mission and driving its success.

Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, "Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition."

Newly Added Metallica Scholar Colleges:

• Barton Community College - Great Bend, KS
• Berkshire Community College - Pittsfield, MA
• Central Maine Community College - Auburn, ME
• Delaware County Community College - Media, PA
• Dutchess Community College - Fairview, NY
• Fletcher Technical Community College - Terrebonne Parish, LA
• Lake Region State College - Devils Lake, ND
• Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City, MO
• Monroe Community College - Rochester, NY
• Moraine Valley Community College - Palos Hills, IL
• North Central State College - Mansfield, OH
• Northeast State Community College - Blountville, TN
• Northwest Mississippi Community College - Senatobia, MS
• Raritan Valley Community College - Branchburg Township, NJ
• Riverside City College - Riverside, CA
• South Texas College - McAllen, TX
• Trident Technical College - North Charleston, SC
• William Rainey Harper College - Palatine, IL

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

About East Central College

East Central College serves students and communities throughout East Central Missouri by providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education and workforce training. The College offers university transfer programs, career and technical education, workforce development, adult education, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.

About All Within My Hands

Established in 2017, All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Metallica covers all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go directly to the organizations supported by the Foundation. To date, All Within My Hands has provided grants of $19M to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8M to combat food insecurity, and $6.2M to disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Visit AllWithinMyHands.org to learn more, and follow AWMH on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About the American Association of Community Colleges

As the voice of the nation's community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC's member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. Visit www.aacc.nche.edu/.

Missouri Farm Bureau will host its 2026 Agritourism Conference July 12-14 in Hermann, bringing together farmers, agribusiness leaders, tourism professionals and local economic development partners to explore opportunities in Missouri’s growing agritourism sector.

The conference will highlight how farms, wineries, orchards, farm stays, value-added agriculture businesses and rural destinations are helping connect consumers with Missouri agriculture while creating new revenue opportunities for farm families and rural communities.

Media are invited to cover portions of the conference, including remarks from Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins, a Monday agritourism bus tour and Tuesday educational sessions focused on marketing, risk management, USDA Rural Development resources and related topics.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 12 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026

WHERE:
The Inn at Hermannhof
237 E. 1st Street
Hermann, MO 65041

Additional events will take place at Hermann Farm Stone Barn, Hermannhof Winery Court and area agritourism stops.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:

Sunday, July 12
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration
6:00 p.m. | Welcome, remarks by Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins, dinner and program at Hermann Farm Stone Barn

Monday, July 13
Morning | Agritourism bus tour, with stops including Thierbach Orchard, Heritage Valley Tree Farm, White Mule Winery & BNB, Cool Cow Cheese and others
Evening | Farm-to-table and wine-pairing dinner with the Missouri Wine & Grape Board at Hermannhof Winery Court

Tuesday, July 14
Educational workshops and vendor networking at Hermannhof Festhalle. Workshop topics include marketing, risk management, USDA Rural Development resources for agricultural businesses and more.

WHY IT MATTERS:
Agritourism is creating new opportunities for Missouri farm families to diversify income, educate consumers and strengthen rural economies. The conference will offer media a chance to hear directly from farmers, agritourism operators and agricultural leaders about how farms are adapting to changing consumer interests while preserving Missouri’s agricultural heritage.

Sunflower lovers will have the opportunity once again to view and photograph amazing sunflower displays this summer at Columbia Bottom and Weldon Spring Conservation Areas (CA). 

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) work crews have planted extra sunflower stands in addition to the traditional dove management fields on Columbia Bottom again this year.  These viewing fields are close to and easily spotted from the road and intended to provide convenient access for taking photos. 

MDC crews stagger the timing of the plantings throughout the 4,300-acre area to spread their blooming periods out over a longer period.  Sunflowers usually take about 60 days from planting to flowering.  At the peak of their 10-day blooming period, each planting decorates the area with vibrant bursts of gold.  This strategy ensures sunflowers will be blooming successively somewhere on the area through at least mid-August.  Signs posted along area roads will direct visitors to the current fields in bloom.

Columbia Bottom CA is located at 801 Strodtman Road.  The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.  Columbia Bottom is open every day from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour past sunset. 

Those in St. Charles County might want to see the sunflower plantings on Weldon Spring Conservation Area off Highway 94.  MDC staff have planted sunflowers for dove management along the road to the Missouri River boat ramp.  These sunflowers will bloom by mid-July.

MDC reminds visitors not to pick the sunflowers.  Vehicles should park in designated parking lots or on the shoulders and avoid blocking roadways or gates.  MDC also reminds visitors to pack out any items they bring with them for the consideration of others.

Showy sunflower fields have been an annual tradition at both conservation areas.  MDC staff have been planting sunflowers for years as part of their management for mourning doves.  The areas are popular for dove hunting each September.  The large flowers supply seeds that entice the birds, and their lofty stalks create cover for the hunters who pursue them.  Sunflowers also benefit a wide variety of other birds and pollinators.  They lure plenty of photographers, too.

The common sunflower (Helianthus annulus) is an extremely large and showy member from the same plant family as daisies.  The impressive height and brilliant yellow rays of a single sunflower are a striking sight.  Uniform rows of hundreds can be positively mesmerizing.  Sunflower fields are always a popular draw for sightseers, nature buffs, and photographers.

A new report from Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick gives the Office of Governor a "fair" rating while making several recommendations for the office to improve in areas such as record retention and travel policies. The audit, which is the 57th report released by the State Auditor's Office in the 2026 calendar year, focuses on a period of time when Mike Parson served as governor.

The audit found the governor's office did not always maintain documentation indicating the purpose of state-paid trips, and paid travel costs for the governor for non-business purposes that did not appear necessary to office operations or a reasonable use of state funds. The report documents 174 trips on state aircraft during the audit period that were paid by the governor's office, with costs totaling $375,160. For these flights, records did not specify the purpose of the flight and indicated only a general purpose, such as "Flight for Governor Parson." Audit staff reviewed media advisories and releases and compared them to flight records and could not identify a specific purpose for state business for 58 of the 174 trips. The report also documents 16 flights to various destinations in the state for purposes that included book signing events for the governor's commemorative biography. The audit report notes for all but one of the trips the governor participated in various other activities in addition to the book signing events. The report also found a December 2023 flight to the Cotton Bowl football game violated state travel policy by including spouses of governor's office employees.

The report also identifies payments to top level employees for compensatory time in violation of state policy. Specifically, the office made compensatory time payments to 4 top level employees on two occasions totaling $28,058. The report notes proper authorization and explanation of the unusual circumstances justifying compensatory time payments to top level employees is needed to demonstrate the payments are not bonuses in violation of the Missouri Constitution. The office also provided tuition reimbursements to employees for coursework and fees that were not allowed by office policy and/or state policy, and/or not approved in accordance with office and state policies. During the audit period, 3 employees received 12 total payments for tuition reimbursements totaling $30,449.

Another finding in the report focuses on the failure of the governor's office to completely archive records with the State Archives for the former governor's tenure as required by state law. Personnel from the former and current administration of the governor's office and personnel from the Office of Administration could not locate and provide copies of those records for the audit. Records not provided included the former governor's calendar, some office policies and an employee manual, Sunshine Law request logs, and an internal control plan.

Other findings in the report include inappropriately used appropriations intended for governor's office operations to subsidize the expenditures of other agencies totaling approximately $472,000 in fiscal year 2024, a lack of adequate measures to minimize staff travel costs and comply with the State Travel Policy, and inconsistent documentation to support the business purpose and costs of food served at events hosted by the Governor, as required by state policy.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers and boaters to make smart choices and celebrate safely during the Independence Day holiday.

Due to ongoing road construction across the state, the Patrol encourages travelers to use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map when planning their trips. The map provides up-to-date information on road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternate routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device or access it here. Motorists and boaters are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws, be courteous, buckle up when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.

During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated. During the same period, there were 11 boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities. Troopers also made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No drownings were reported during the holiday weekend.

The 2026 July Fourth holiday counting period will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, and continue through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026.

All available troopers will patrol Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws and to offer assistance as needed. The Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over the holiday weekend. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators.

Missouri’s boaters are encouraged to remain alert for other boats and swimmers and to exercise courtesy and good judgment on the water. Never operate a vessel if you have consumed alcohol. Boaters should also remember that Missouri Law prohibits the discharge of fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on the shore. Boaters are reminded to watch their wake, share the waterways responsibly, and help ensure the safety of everyone enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.

If your Independence Day celebration includes alcohol or other impairing substances, designate a sober operator for your vehicle or vessel. A simple decision can save a life.

Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Facebook, Instagram and X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today approved the FY 2027-2031 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031. The five-year program is one of the largest to date and includes additional funding from General Revenue, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Funding is allocated for improvements to interstates 70 and 44 as well as improvments to airports and roadways.

The STIP makes available $13 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13 billion, the STIP details $9.3 billion in contractor awards for road and bridge construction – averaging approximately $1.8 billion per year.

“When we talk about successfully delivering the program, this is a big part of what we’re talking about,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Director Ed Hassinger. “We work closely with planning partners from all over the state to put together the STIP, outlining the work and where we plan to do it for the next five years. It’s an important process and one that needs to be done right for the citizens of Missouri.”

The STIP details improvements to Missouri’s 33,814 miles of highway and 10,427 bridges and culverts. The draft version of the STIP was released in May for public review, with MoDOT receiving 65 comments.

Detailed project information for non-highway modes of transportation and a section detailing planned operations and maintenance activities for the next three years are also included in the final STIP. This information allows Missourians to easily view the investments being made with transportation funding. The final STIP can be viewed online at: Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) | Missouri Department of Transportation.

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 Zoom webinar on R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) deer hunting programs and venison donation.

The Hunting for Venison webinar will be held Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. It will begin with a presentation from an NDA Outreach Specialist followed by MDC and NDA staff answering participants’ questions.  

Save this link for the free Zoom webinar on Hunting for Venison and click on it on July 28 at 6 p.m.: //us06web.zoom.us/j/89381654747.

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 2026 Missouri deer management webinar series via Zoom. The final webinar in the 2026 series will be on Wildlife Food Plots in Missouri and is scheduled for Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. Previous webinar recordings are available at short.mdc.mo.gov/ocY.

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

The 2026 dove hunting season is just around two months away, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will accept applications for managed dove hunts on one of its most popular dove hunting areas in the St. Louis region.

The managed dove hunt application period for Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake opens on July 1 and runs through July 31.  All applications for the 2026 season will be accepted online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/459.  The web form will not be available until July 1.  No paper applications will be accepted.  Applicants may request the first available day, weekend only, or a specific date.  Only one application per person will be permitted. 

At least 50 applicants will be selected by a random drawing for each of the first seven days of the dove hunting season, Sept. 1 - 7.  Successful applicants will be notified by email on or before Aug. 15.  They will receive a daily hunting permit as an email attachment prior to Aug. 25.  Hunters will need to print a copy of their daily hunting permit and bring it with them on the day of the hunt. 

During managed dove hunts, hunting will only be permitted from 1 p.m. to sunset daily.  Each hunter may bring one hunting partner with them on the day of the hunt.  All hunters will be required to use non-toxic shot when hunting doves at Columbia Bottom.

Hunters with disabilities may call 636-441-4554 to reserve the ADA field after being successfully drawn for the hunt.  Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at 801 Strodtman Road in north St. Louis County, at the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.  The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.

With Independence Day coming up in July and other semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the U.S.) celebrations, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

• Red Royal Catchfly Flowers
• Male Summer Tanagers
• White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves
• White Great Egrets
• Blue False Indigos
• Male Indigo Buntings

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

Need suggestions for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1–31 for a shot at more than 140 managed deer hunts throughout the state.

There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas.

Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing.

Draw results will be available online starting Aug. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email or mail.

Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.

Details about managed deer hunts can also be found in MDC’s 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The East Central College Board of Trustees approved a balanced $25.8 million operating budget and a new staffing plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year during its June 22 meeting.

The spending plan supports the College's continued growth while maintaining its commitment to students, employees and the communities it serves. The 2026-27 fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2027.

"The College continues to experience strong enrollment growth, and this budget allows us to support our students and employees while maintaining the financial stability that has long been important to East Central College," ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said. "It positions us well for the year ahead."

The budget projects $25.8 million in revenues and expenditures, representing a 10.5% increase over the previous year's adopted budget. Tuition and fees, local property taxes and state appropriations continue to account for the majority of the College's operating revenue.

The budget addresses rising healthcare costs while continuing to support student services and other institutional priorities. Trustees also approved a new staffing plan designed to support the College's continued growth and operational needs.

The budget was developed amid continued uncertainty surrounding state funding for higher education, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a balanced financial plan and long-term financial stability.

Enrollment also continues to trend upward. As of the June Board meeting, fall enrollment was up 9.1%, with credit hours increasing 9.4% compared with the same time last year. Summer enrollment also remains ahead of last year's pace.