Selma Edna Holtgrewe, 96, of New Haven, MO, passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 at New Haven Care Center.
Selma was born in Senate Grove, Missouri on October 3, 1922, a daughter of the late H.F.L. (Louis) &  Edna C. (Rohlfing) Von Behren.  
She was the widow of Melvin E. Holtgrewe.   They were united in marriage on November 3, 1946, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Haven.  Melvin preceded her in death on September 16, 2014.
Selma was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Haven, Missouri.
Selma is survived by two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Von Behren, of New Haven, and Jeanelle Von Behren, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and by many nieces & nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, by her two brothers, Harvey & Louis Von Behren, and two sisters, Lorene & Mildred Brandt.  
Visitation will be held Friday, September 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Haven, with Rev. Mark Goucher officiating. 
Burial will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.  C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

​With hunting season underway, East Central College Chef Mike Palazzola is lending his expertise to the community on unique and delicious ways to prepare venison.
 
The “Venison: Freezer to Fork” class will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the East Central Training Center located at 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union.
 
“I will demonstrate the basics of market butchery and preparing venison for the dinner table,” said Palazzola. “We will use nearly 100 percent of a deer donated by MDC to make something everyone can enjoy.”
 
Seating is limited to 15 for this free event, and registration is required. To register, please call East Central College Community Education at 636-584-6529.
 

There were many activities on campus during the 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 15, but one particular activity gave community members the chance to leave a lasting impression on the college.
 
“We are constructing a series of ‘rose’ windows on campus,” said Adam Watkins, Assistant Art Professor. “It’s called the East Central College Mosaic Project.”
 
Throughout the project, several students and staff members have decorated different pieces to be included in the art installation, including hexagons.
 
“The hexagon is found in nature and creates a sense of natural harmony,” said Watkins. “Overall the design is split into six wedges or regions that represent the six board members and the regions they represented of the college’s service area.”
 
Other shapes has also been a part of the project, including a house shape, circle shape and a plus sign. At the 50th Anniversary Celebration, more than 100 people stopped by to check out the project. Some 60 people actually took part in creating mosaic pieces.
 
“It was a very fun and active day!” said Jennifer Higerd, Assistant Art Professor. She has been planning, researching and preparing the project with Watkins. “We are intending for this to eventually be installed in The Learning Center for the next 50 years. We feel this spot is the hub of what we do at East Central College.”
 
PHOTO: Jen Higerd and Adam Watkins
​

Each year, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations recognizes newcomers who have demonstrated special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations and show evidence of a promising future in the field. The “Rising Star” award is given annually in each of NCMPR’s seven districts, and district winners automatically qualify for consideration for the national award.
 
In 2019, East Central College’s Director of Public Relations, Jay Scherder, was named a District 5 “Rising Star!”


“Jay has a positive energy that radiates in his work,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “He is open to new ideas, eager to innovate and willing to work with anyone. His passion for education drives him to be the best.”
 
During his three-year tenure, the public relations department has received several national and regional awards for social media, photography, writing and video. He has also been actively involved in NCMPR and the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA).
 
“Over the last three years, Jay has been a trusted resource for MCCA concerning our marketing and public relations strategy,” said Brian Millner, MCCA President. “We value his knowledge and experience and appreciate his desire to help Missouri’s twelve community colleges come together to share ideas and advance common goals.”
 
The “Rising Star” national award winner will be announced at the NCMPR National Conference in Orlando, Florida in March.


The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence.

​On September 12, 2019 at approximately 3:00 P.M. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an assault. The victim arrived at a business on Old 66 in Gray Summit, MO and told employees at the business he had escaped from a nearby residence in which he was held against his will.  The victim had obvious injuries and restraints in the form of a “zip tie” around his wrists.  Deputies responded to the area and a canvass was conducted to locate the residence.  While the deputies were trying to locate the residence, the victim was transported to the hospital for medical care. 
Investigators were able to obtain additional information and the residence was located in the 1600 block of Missouri Ave. Gray Summit, MO.  The victim stated he was held against his will and repeatedly struck with an extension cord and the suspect’s fists.  After being struck, he was placed inside a dog cage and held there for an extended amount of time.  The victim stated he was able to escape from the dog cage when the suspect was not in the room.  The victim kicked a window out from the basement and was able to crawl out from the basement.  The subject stated he was able to flee from the residence and run to the business for help.
Investigators made contact with the residence owner, an 18 year old female and her boyfriend, a 26 year old male.  A search warrant was obtained for the residence and evidence from the assault was located inside the residence.  Evidence was also located indicating the suspect had tried to destroy evidence at the residence, trying to conceal the assault.  The male suspect was taken into custody and admitted to the assault and placing the victim in the dog cage. It should be noted that the victim and suspect are known to each other.
Charges were obtained against Cejay Young, a 26 year old  male from St. Louis Mo. for Assault 2nd degree, Kidnapping, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Armed Criminal Action, bond was set at $50,000 cash only.
 
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

By: Bernabe Ribera

This school year is a special year for us seniors. Why, you may ask-- it is because after 4 years of tests, and countless hours of studying, this year will be our last. A Google form was sent out to all the seniors asking how they feel about almost being done with school. 

When asked how they feel about being seniors, Addison Tolar replied with, “It's weird. It doesn't feel like anything has changed, but at the same time, it feels like so much has changed since my freshman year when I think back.”

Lydia Otten stated, “I have enjoyed it for the most part. The essays from Ms. McCroskey though are making me go crazy. Also the constant question of what career did you decide or where do you want to go to college is almost making me go crazy.”

“It's a great feeling but at the same time it's scary, because after we graduate, our lives actually begin,” responded Destinee Deener.

Lauren Hoerstkamp said, “I feel pretty excited about what all has to come with senior year.”

Starting this school year off, the seniors shared what classes are their favorite so far.

Addison Tolar responded by saying, “I really like Desktop Publishing and Journalism of course.”

Johnna Bloch replied with, “Community Service because I get to leave school and go play with animals at the vet clinic.”

“My favorite class is TV Studio because I get to take pictures of things around the school and community,” stated Alexis Sidwell.

Lydia Otten commented by saying, “Community Service! I get to go to Light Academy preschool at Memorial Baptist Church, and it has been so much fun. There are so many little kids I get to play with and help. They also are all super cute and funny.”

“Health Occupations because I enjoy learning more about health and the body. My future job will be in the healthcare field,” explained Destinee Deener.

“My favorite class is Keyboarding because I like to learn how to type. It is important to learn how to type,” said Jamie Liggett.

With this being our last school year, some seniors shared what their plans will be after school is over. 

“I'm not super sure yet. I have three options I'm debating between. I might decide to pursue being a lawyer, in which case I'm taking a political science college class this year. I got a job at the vet clinic in New Haven to see if a career in the animal field is for me. Lastly, I'm thinking about being a pediatrician, to see if that would be for me. I have a community service class at the ABC 123 daycare in town,” replied Addison Tolar.

Lydia Otten has stated, “I plan on pursuing Elementary Education. My community service is definitely helping. Also I am taking college psychology and I plan on taking college sociology because I know that I will have to take multiple courses over that in college.”

The last school year is always the hardest because we try our best to finish the school year off with accomplishing our goals. Here are some goals the seniors hope to accomplish this school year.

Addison Tolar said, “I want to obviously get accepted into a college, have 100% or close to 100% attendance, and I want to bring my GPA up a bit.”

“I want to get accepted to college and have a better understanding of what I want to be,” responded Alexis Sidwell.

Lydia Otten commented by saying, “I hope to move up in class rank and increase my GPA.”

Everyone is scared and happy about being a senior. We are happy because that means no more going home with piles of homework. On the other hand, the life of stressful responsibilities awaits us in the end. Good luck to all the seniors and we hope to have an amazing school year.

​

​On June 30, 2019 The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a rape victim at the emergency room at Mercy Hospital in Washington Mo. The victim stated she went to the friend’s house in Gray Summit Mo. where she spent the night. 
The victim stated in the earlier morning hours the suspect, who was her friend’s father, came into the room she was staying in and began to make sexual comments towards her.  The victim became uncomfortable with the comments and told the suspect to leave but he refused.  The suspect then proceeded to make sexual advances towards the victim in which she refused and was restrained in the bed.  The victim was then sexually assaulted before he left the bedroom.  After the suspect left the room, the victim was able to contact her mother to pick her up and take her to the hospital.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence in Gray Summit where evidence was located inside the residence and contact was made with the suspect.  On September 9, 2019 an arrest warrant for rape and sodomy was issued for 44 year old James Michael Reed of Villa Ridge, Mo. bond was set at $100,000 cash only.  Reed was taken into custody on September 11, 2019 at his place of employment.  Mr. Reed is currently registering with the Sheriff’s Office as a Sex Offender for an incident in 2005 involving a 5 year old victim.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

​August 19, 2019 the Franklin County sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen vehicle from Ken’s Tire and Auto in Beaufort Mo.  The victim had purchased a 1995 Ford Escort for his daughter and was having some mechanical work done.  Deputies were able to obtain surveillance footage from the business which showed two male subjects approaching the vehicle.  Investigators were able to identify the suspects from the video and began looking for them. 
The following day on August 20, another vehicle was stolen from NU2U Auto Sales in Sullivan Mo.  The owner stated he was contacted by Sullivan Police Department after they arrested a subject for an unrelated investigation.  This subject provided information he had seen the truck stolen from the business earlier in the evening.  The owner checked the car lot and discovered a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup missing from the lot.  Deputies checked the surveillance footage and seen a vehicle matching the description of the one stolen from Beaufort driving onto the car lot.
On August 27, 2019 deputies located and arrested 31 year old Paul M. Morrison from St. Clair for stealing a motor vehicle.  The following day a warrant was issued for Stealing Motor Vehicle with a bond of $2,500.  Mr. Morrison is currently being supervised by Probation and Parole for Interfering with Arrest of a Felon.  Investigators are currently  looking into additional thefts in the area to see if there are any connections.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

By: Brande Kubiak
​
On Tuesday, September 3, the New Haven softball team lost 11-1 to the New Bloomfield Wildcats. 

The starters were Madison Langenberg, Meagan Holtmeyer, Mackenzie Wilson, Brande Kubiak, Lexi Sidwell, Emilee Hinten, Ryan Stutzman, Brenna Langenberg, and Jessica Underwood. The alternates were Kate Dittberner and Lindsey Steinbeck.

As they stepped onto solid ground after the hour and 20 minute bus ride, the girls were excited and nervous about their first game.

In response to whether she was ready or not, Emilee Hinten said, “Not mentally, because I think a lot of us thought we were going to lose so we weren't in the right mindset.”

According to spectators, the girls started off a little rough in the first inning but were able to score a point in the second. Mackenzie Wilson hit a triple to the outfield. Up next was Brande Kubiak who hit a fly ball right between the pitcher and second base which gave Mackenzie a chance to score home.

Ryan Stutzman pitched a total of 151 pitches during the game.

A few members of the team replied on how they could improve in the future. Lindsey responded with, “We could have the team on the same page during practice and games.” 

Emilee Hinten commented, “We need to focus more during practice.”

And Brenna Langenberg’s favorite part of the game was, “...for sure the ending when I could go home, eat, [and] rest [after a hard game].”

Good luck in the future, Lady Shamrocks!

East Central College is excited to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with the community. On September 15 from 12 - 4 p.m., we'll have food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music and games on the Union campus, 1964 Prairie Dell Road. The free event will also feature a live petting zoo, a 1960s to 1970s vehicle display and inflatables for the kids.
 
Activities will take place in all campus buildings, including the East Central College Training Center and Business and Industry Center. Shuttles will be available during the event. Academic departments will host several interactive displays and presentations at the celebration.
 
50th Anniversary Celebration Schedule of Events:
 
12 - 4 p.m.                               Vehicle Display, Buescher Hall Parking Lot
 
                                                   Food Trucks, Donald Shook Student Center Quad
 
                                                   Petting Zoo, Hansen Hall Lawn
 
                                                   Children's Games and Inflatables, Buescher Hall Plaza
 
                                                   Commemorative Photo Booth, Health and Sciences Lobby
 
                                                   Faculty Demonstrations and Displays, All Campus Buildings

Orders are being taken now through April 2020. Supplies are limited so order early.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property.
MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, beautyberry, buttonbush, deciduous holly, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others.
Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 22 – 90 cents per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $8 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15-percent discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number.
“Flooding and other weather issues have taken their toll on the seedlings we have available this year,” said MDC Nursery Supervisor Mike Fiaoni. “Some species are very limited, so I would encourage people not to wait when placing their orders.”
Learn more and place orders through MDC’s “2019-2020 Seedling Order Form.” Find it in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov.
Place orders now through April 15, 2020. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May.

​On 08/30/19 the Franklin County Sheriff's Office investigated an incident of threats to harm others via a video from a social media posting. The video showed a subject displaying a firearm and threatening to kill several specific persons in the Franklin County area. A suspect was developed after searching through various other social media resources but an address could not be located.  The suspect was located after he had been involved in a single vehicle motor vehicle accident on Hwy O near Hwy NN in Catawissa This subject was detained by MSHP Troopers who were aware of the investigation due to an officer safety notification for the area. The suspect was positively identified and taken into custody.  Charges are being applied for a Felon in possession of a firearm, Harassment in the 1st Degree, and possession of a controlled substance. This subject is also currently on Federal Probation for being a Felon in possession of a firearm and received a Probation Violation Warrant as a result of this incident. He is currently being held on the Probation Violation Warrant. The firearm displayed in the video was located and recovered near the motor vehicle accident with a witness indicating they saw the suspect toss the weapon nearby when law enforcement arrived. The suspect is identified as Alex J. Wheelis, a 28 year old male from Hazelwood Missouri.
 
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff