After-work disc golf in Bend | Explore Central Oregon
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Disc Golf Tournament donates $10K to the Soup Opera in Fairmont | Local News
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FAIRMONT — The nonprofit Soup Opera got a $10,000 boost from the Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club Monday evening at Morris Park.
Most of the money was raised over the year, but part of it was raised at the 18th Annual Ice Bowl disc golf tournament, which was held on February 26 at Morris Park. There were over 40 tournament participants, according to Phillip Burton, co–founder of the memorial disc golf club. Using the motto “No whimps, no whiners,” the tournament is held each year regardless of the weather conditions.
The Ice Bowl is a national disc golf tournament typically held in winter months. Their goal is to raise local awareness of disc golf and funds for local of regional charities based on helping end food insecurity.
Burton and his wife and cofounder Rebecca Burton and club members presented the funds to Soup Opera staff on Monday.
The Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club selected the Soup Opera the year of their first tournament and it stuck. Since then, they have raised an estimated $60,000 to $70,000 for the Soup Opera, Burton said.
“We just have a special place in our heart for the Soup Opera. They’re so grassroots and truly know the people,” Co–founder Rebecca Burton said.
Soup Opera Kitchen Coordinator Misty Tennant said the donation will be used to purchase food to be served and for items in the grocery bags that are sent on the fourth Friday of the month.
Pre COVID–19, the Soup Opera served between 100 and 120 people a day, Tennant said. They re–opened this week and have an average of 45 patrons, but Tennant expects numbers to increase.
“I think it’s awesome that the community steps up. If it wasn’t for the community, the Soup Opera would not be where it’s at today. They support us every year. In February, when this happens, our donations are down because everyone is recuperating from the holidays and what not,” Tennant said.
Heather Bonecutter, board member and disc golf club member, has been playing disc golf for around four years. She said it’s a great way to get exercise and have fun.
“It’s fun to come out, goof off with our friends and throw some plastic for a good cause…Disc golf for me is like free therapy. You just get out there and throw some stuff and then you feel better,” Bonecutter said.
Rebecca Burton agreed and added that getting to interact with people is the best part.
“What’s really fun is that you meet people that you would never meet. I mean, you meet people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s really a nice melting pot,” Burton said.
The Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club has leagues of varying ages and genders, which meet weekly to practice at Morris Park. Anyone interested in participating can visit their Facebook here or just come out to a practice. Bonecutter said they rent out discs to those interested in pursuing the sport.
Donations for the Soup Opera are always welcome, Tennant said. You can donate food, hygiene products and clothing or your time. The Soup Opera is located at 425 Quincy St. It is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.
Disc Golf Tournament donates $10K to the Soup Opera in Fairmont | Tuesday News
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FAIRMONT — The nonprofit Soup Opera got a $10,000 boost from the Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club Monday evening at Morris Park.
Most of the money was raised over the year, but part of it was raised at the 18th Annual Ice Bowl disc golf tournament, which was held on February 26 at Morris Park. There were over 40 tournament participants, according to Phillip Burton, co–founder of the memorial disc golf club. Using the motto “No whimps, no whiners,” the tournament is held each year regardless of the weather conditions.
The Ice Bowl is a national disc golf tournament typically held in winter months. Their goal is to raise local awareness of disc golf and funds for local of regional charities based on helping end food insecurity.
Burton and his wife and cofounder Rebecca Burton and club members presented the funds to Soup Opera staff on Monday.
The Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club selected the Soup Opera the year of their first tournament and it stuck. Since then, they have raised an estimated $60,000 to $70,000 for the Soup Opera, Burton said.
“We just have a special place in our heart for the Soup Opera. They’re so grassroots and truly know the people,” Co–founder Rebecca Burton said.
Soup Opera Kitchen Coordinator Misty Tennant said the donation will be used to purchase food to be served and for items in the grocery bags that are sent on the fourth Friday of the month.
Pre COVID–19, the Soup Opera served between 100 and 120 people a day, Tennant said. They re–opened this week and have an average of 45 patrons, but Tennant expects numbers to increase.
“I think it’s awesome that the community steps up. If it wasn’t for the community, the Soup Opera would not be where it’s at today. They support us every year. In February, when this happens, our donations are down because everyone is recuperating from the holidays and what not,” Tennant said.
Heather Bonecutter, board member and disc golf club member, has been playing disc golf for around four years. She said it’s a great way to get exercise and have fun.
“It’s fun to come out, goof off with our friends and throw some plastic for a good cause…Disc golf for me is like free therapy. You just get out there and throw some stuff and then you feel better,” Bonecutter said.
Rebecca Burton agreed and added that getting to interact with people is the best part.
“What’s really fun is that you meet people that you would never meet. I mean, you meet people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s really a nice melting pot,” Burton said.
The Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Club has leagues of varying ages and genders, which meet weekly to practice at Morris Park. Anyone interested in participating can visit their Facebook here or just come out to a practice. Bonecutter said they rent out discs to those interested in pursuing the sport.
Donations for the Soup Opera are always welcome, Tennant said. You can donate food, hygiene products and clothing or your time. The Soup Opera is located at 425 Quincy St. It is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.
2022 Camp Guide: Sports camps | Local News
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WHO: prekindergarten through fifth grade
WHAT: Activities include basketball, spiderball, mat ball, defend the pins and four square.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon July 11-15
WHERE: The Oakwood School, 4000 MacGregor Downs Road
AQUAVENTURE SUMMER SWIM CAMP
WHAT: Activities include swim instruction, aquatic learning activities and fitness games.
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13-17 or June 20-24
WHERE: Aquaventure Aquatic Campus, 214-A Beacon Drive, Winterville
BACK 2 BASICS BASKETBALL CAMP
WHO: rising fourth through eighth grade
WHERE: Wintergreen Intermediate Gym
REGISTRATION: at Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation office, 4561 County Home Road
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon July 25-28
WHERE: Farmville Central High School, 3308 E. Wilson St., Farmville
REGISTRATION: Deadline is July 25. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHO: ages 9-12 (as of July 31)
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 11-14
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHEN: July 11-14, 9 a.m.-noon (ages 6-9) and 1-4 p.m. (ages 10-13)
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden.
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others
WHO: ages 9-12 (as of July 31)
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 11-14
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHAT: Campers will learn basic basketball skills, including dribbling, passing and shooting.
WHEN: July 11-14, 9 a.m.-noon (ages 6-9) and 1-4 p.m. (ages 10-13)
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others.
WHO: ages 6-8 (as of Aug. 31,)
WHEN: 9-10:30 a.m. June 27-30
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHO: ages 8-12 (as of Aug. 31, 2022)
WHEN: 9-11:30 a.m. June 20-23
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHO: ages 9-11 (as of Aug. 31)
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 25-28
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHO: ages 12-15 (as of Aug. 31)
WHEN: 9-11:30 a.m. June 13-16
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon June 20-23
WHERE: Farmville Central High School, 3308 E. Wilson St., Farmville
REGISTRATION: Deadline is June 19. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. June 20-23
WHERE: Farmville Boys and Girls Club
REGISTRATION: Deadline is May 31. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHO: rising first-fifth grades
WHERE: Wintergreen Intermediate gym
REGISTRATION: at Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation office, 4561 County Home Road.
CLIFF GODWIN YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP
WHEN: June 27-July 1, July 18-22 or July 25-29
WHERE: East Carolina University, Clark-LeClair Stadium
COST: $320 ($200 for half-day)
COLLEGE PROSPECT VOLLEYBALL CAMP
WHO: rising ninth through 12th-grade girls
WHEN: July 8-9 or July 15-16
WHERE: East Carolina University
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon June 27-30
WHERE: Farmville Disc Golf Course
REGISTRATION: Deadline is June 25. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHAT: The camp will offer safety education, bike maintenance, general skate park etiquette and skills/tricks using different ramps.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon June 13-17, June 20-24, Aug. 15-19, or Aug. 22-26
WHERE: Location to be announced
FAME ALL STARS SUMMER CAMP
WHAT: Campers will participate in indoor and outdoor activities at this cheerleading gym as well as arts and crafts and field trips.
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays from June 6 to Aug. 12
WHERE: Fame All Stars, 5162 Corey Road, Winterville
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon July 25-29
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others
FUTURE PIRATES LACROSSE CAMP
WHERE: East Carolina University, Johnson Stadium
COST: $225 for half-day option, $400 for full day
WHERE: Ironwood Golf and Country Club, 200 Golf Club Wynd
COST: $300 (includes lunch)
JUNIOR PIRATE (FOOTBALL) CAMP
WHERE: East Carolina University
WHEN: 8:40 a.m.-4 p.m. May 21 and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 22
WHERE: Ironwood Golf and Country Club, 200 Golf Club Wynd
COST: $400 (includes parent and child)
WHO: ages 5-10 (must have completed kindergarten)
WHAT: Campers will participate in sports and camp games, field trips and other activities, based on different weekly themes.
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays from June 13-Aug. 5 (no camp June 20 or July 4)
COST: $100 for city residents and $150 for others. There is a discount for the weeks of June 20 and July 4.
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
ROSE’S GYMNASTICS SUMMER DAY CAMP
WHO: ages 3-11 (campers must be 4 or older for full-day camp)
WHAT: Campers will participate in gymnastics classes, arts and crafts, swimming and games.
WHEN: 8:45 a.m.-noon (half day) 8:45a.m.-6 p.m. (full day) Mondays-Fridays beginning June 13 and continuing through Aug. 12. (There is no camp the week of July 4.) Extended care available for additional fee.
WHERE: Rose’s Gymnastics Training Center, 1802 Old Fire Tower Road
COST: $115 per week for half day; $215 for full day (discounts for multiple weeks.)
WHO: ages 5-14 (as of July 31, 2022)
WHEN: 5:30-7 p.m. July 18-21 (ages 5-8); 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 25-28 (ages 9-14)
COST: $45 for city residents, $60 for others
REGISTRATION: Register at a staffed recreation and parks facility or online at www.greenvillenc.gov. A $25 nonrefundable deposit, applied to the registration fee, is required.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon June 20-24
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden.
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others
WHEN: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 8-11
WHERE: Farmville Athletic Complex
REGISTRATION: Deadline is Aug. 1. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 1-4
WHERE: Farmville Central High School
REGISTRATION: Deadline is July 26. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHEN: 5-7 p.m. July 11-14
WHERE: Farmville Athletic Complex
REGISTRATION: Deadline is July 6. Register from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays or 8 a.m.-noon Fridays at Farmville Town Hall, 3672 N. Main St.
WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 20-23
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden.
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others.
WHO: prekindergarten-sixth grade
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. July 11-15; 9 a.m.-noon June 20-24 or Aug. 1-5
WHERE: The Oakwood School, 4000 MacGregor Downs Road
WHERE: J.H. Rose High School track
REGISTRATION: at Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation office, 4561 County Home Road.
WHAT: Campers will try their hand at different sports such as kickball, relays, and other well-known activities. There will be an emphasis on a different sport/activity each day of this camp.
WHERE: Wintergreen Intermediate School
REGISTRATION: at Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation office, 4561 County Home Road.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-noon June 27-30
WHERE: Ayden Arts and Recreation Community Center, 4354 S. Lee St., Ayden.
COST: $25 for Ayden residents and $35 for others.
WHO: rising fourth through eighth-graders
WHERE: Wintergreen Intermediate School gym
REGISTRATION: at Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation office, 4561 County Home Road
Maine Youth Disc Golf prepares to tee off – Sports
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BANGOR – Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports out there these days, and the state of Maine is a particular hotbed. Now, one area group is seeking to introduce younger players to the game.
Maine Youth Disc Golf is the brainchild of Sam Betts, a local disc golfer who saw an opportunity to grow the game by reaching out to area high schools. Over the coming months, Betts – along with a bevy of volunteers from various courses (including the owner/operators of those courses) – will be operating weekly events in an effort to bring the game to as many new players as possible.
Beginning in April and running through May, every Sunday will feature a disc golf skills clinic at Orrington’s D.R. Disc Golf. In addition, numerous area courses will offer Friday afternoon rounds for program attendees. The list includes the two courses at D.R. in Orrington and their Orono course, along with Circle Two in Bradford, Hidden Acres in Old Town and Legacy Farms in Winterport. For details and more information, visit www.maineyouthdiscgolf.com or check out Maine Youth Disc Golf on Facebook.
I spoke to Betts about what prompted him to try and get this program off the ground, as well as why he chose high schoolers as his initial focus.
“Long story short, I want to help disc golf grow!” he said. “I’ve noticed in the Bangor area that there are not many young adults, high schoolers and kids playing disc golf! Personally, I did not know what disc golf was until I was in my twenties! I want to help change that. Being the first attempt, I wanted to target high schoolers.”
When asked about his plans for MYDG, Betts had a simple response.
“My vision for the program is just to introduce the sport to as many people as I can, make it as fun as possible and hope they continue to partake in the sport.”
Betts has made overtures to numerous local high schools regarding the program, reaching out to 10 different school administrators; the initial results have been a bit mixed – he’s heard back from five of the 10 schools so far – but he’s optimistic going forward.
“Early interest has been tough,” he said. “I personally do not know many high schoolers. I’ve reached out to as many parents as I know, and I’ve gotten word from 6 or 8 kids that they are willing to come out. I’m hoping I can get each youth to bring one friend to help double the numbers.”
While those early numbers might not be as high as Betts had hoped, there’s still time. And one thing is for certain – he’s got the area disc golf community behind him in his efforts, including the folks who own and run courses in the region.
“Local course owners have been amazing! Everyone is on board to help however they can,” said Betts. “Every disc golfer I’ve brought my idea to has been extremely supportive. It’s getting the word out to the youth that is the toughest part.”
Betts suggests that anyone interested in the program reach out – or have a parent reach out – and contact him through the MYDG website.
Participants in these early sessions can expect to learn the basics: different types of throws and grips and an understanding of the different types of discs – including the at-times-inscrutable-seeming numbers attached to them – and a breakdown of the fundamental rules of the game.
And of course, the most important part – having fun! Betts wants to make it clear that disc golf is a game with an extremely low barrier for entry, inexpensive and accessible for people of any age and skill level.
“It’s an activity for all,” he said. “It is a great way to be outside with peers, friends, and family; a nice way to get some laughs in at hitting trees all missing easy shots. It’s a good way to get some simple exercise in our beautiful Maine woods.”
For what it’s worth, I can vouch for that last bit. I started playing disc golf over 20 years ago, first learning the game at Trenton’s Hapana course and playing all over the state. While I have been and out of the scene in the years since – playing avidly for a few years, checking out for a few, picking the sport back up, lather, rinse repeat – I can state without hesitation that the area scene is as robust as it has ever been. And with dedicated disc golfers continuing to open new courses and refine existing ones, there’s no question that there has never been a better time to be a Maine disc golfer.
(Oh, and I’ve played on a card or two with Sam over the past couple of years – dude can play, just so you know.)
There’s real passion for the sport among its current adherents; what Sam Betts is trying to do is pass that passion on to the next generation of players. If you are a high school student with an interest in learning more about disc golf – or the parent of one – you should strongly consider taking advantage of this opportunity.
(Maine Youth Disc Golf’s initial offerings are scheduled to tee off the first weekend in April and run each weekend through the month of May. For updates or other information, you can visit the MYDG website at www.maineyouthdiscgolf.com or check out their Facebook page.)
Your news: Announcements from WGU, MU Extension and more | Local News
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Pittsburg Ice Bowl Benefit Tournament set for Feb. 26
The Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department and Pittsburg Disc Golf Club are teaming up to host the Ice Bowl Benefit Tournament on Feb. 26 starting at 11 a.m. at the Schlanger Park Disc Golf Course.
Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event and the entry fee for the tournament is five nonperishable food items or a $10 cash donation, with all proceeds being donated to the Wesley House in Pittsburg.
For additional information regarding the Ice Bowl Tournament, contact the Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department at 620-231-8310.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the third site in Missouri to be included on the trail, which highlights individuals, events, and locations in 15 states and the District of Columbia that have been vital to the advancement of civil rights in the United States.
“The fight for racial equality in our country has taken on many forms, including marches, conflicts and court cases. The inclusion of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum adds yet another layer to the history that is preserved by the U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said Stephen Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
MDT nominated the museum for inclusion on the trail, which was created through a collaboration of participating states in 2018.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum opened in Kansas City in 1991. It tells the story of why the leagues were formed and how they ultimately contributed to social advancement in the United States. The Negro Leagues produced some of baseball’s greatest players including Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and James “Cool Papa” Bell.
The Negro National League — one of seven leagues nationwide — was established in Kansas City in 1920 and included the Kansas City Monarchs.
Robinson, a member of the Monarchs, was the first player to break baseball’s color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Buck O’Neil, a 2022 inductee in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, was the first Black coach in Major League Baseball and was instrumental in establishing the museum.
“We are deeply honored to be part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “The Negro Leagues played a tremendous role in the social advancement of America. Our inclusion to the trail will undoubtedly help more people understand that the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a Civil Rights and Social Justice institution that documents a powerful story of triumph over adversity as seen through the lens of baseball.”
Missouri’s other two sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail are the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, where the Dred Scott trial was heard, and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence. Truman is recognized for his executive order to desegregate the military — a decision that helped pave the way for desegregation throughout society.
Learn more about Missouri’s sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and other civil rights history in the state at visitmo.com/in-the-spotlight/missouris- civil-rights-stories. For more information about the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, visit civilrightstrail.com.
WGU Missouri launches new scholarship
In celebration of WGU Missouri’s ninth anniversary, the nonprofit, fully accredited, online university has announced it is awarding $450,000 in scholarships to new students who are interested in furthering their education. Since its establishment in February 2013, WGU Missouri has been committed to providing high-quality, convenient and career-boosting college education to residents across the state, including working adults who have some college experience but no degree. The WGU Missouri ninth anniversary scholarships, valued at up to $9,000 each, underscore WGU’s mission of helping make higher education even more attainable for adults across Missouri, especially those looking to strengthen their skill sets as the ongoing pandemic continues to impact the local workforce.
While many universities have experienced a decline in enrollment since the onset of the pandemic, WGU Missouri’s enrollment continues to hold steady and actually managed to grow over the past 12 months. The university, which was created through a partnership with the national Western Governors University and Gov. Jay Nixon, currently has 3,340 enrolled students, an increase of 2.8% over last year, and has conferred degrees to 6,011 graduates, a fifth of whom graduated in the past 12 months. In fact, WGU Missouri has shown consistent growth since its establishment nearly a decade ago. Across the state, WGU Missouri employs 191 staff members, has awarded more than $3.4 million in scholarships and has built partnerships with more than 85 businesses, institutions and organizations in an effort to create new opportunities for their employees to pursue higher education at an even lower cost and advance their careers.
WGU Missouri has been credited with helping individuals earn their college degrees who otherwise couldn’t easily complete or afford a traditional college program. The average student age is 35, with more than 65% of attendees coming from underprivileged populations or being first-generation college students. Additionally, 72% of students work full time while pursuing their degrees. These grads are quickly seeing a difference in their lives as more career opportunities become available. As a result, students earn an average of $21,800 more within four years of graduation, which is significantly higher than the national average of $11,500.
“As we commemorate the ninth anniversary of WGU’s establishment in the state of Missouri, we want to recognize our students, many of whom have previously faced challenges in completing their degrees through traditional means,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, chancellor of WGU Missouri. “We are proud to provide the 900,000 Missourians who have some college but no degree with an alternative, affordable pathway to earning their bachelor’s and master’s degrees — and, ultimately, advancing their careers and transforming their lives. We look forward to continuing to empower many more adults to go back to school and earn their degrees in the years to come.”
WGU Missouri offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education and health professions, including nursing. Unlike a traditional college program, WGU caters to adults with previous or current work experience who are looking to further their careers through education. WGU Missouri’s competency-based education model allows adult students to take advantage of prior learning and experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn.
To be considered for WGU Missouri’s 9th Anniversary Scholarship, new and prospective students must be Missouri residents, be admitted to WGU Missouri, and submit a scholarship application by June 30, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, and other considerations. The scholarship will be applied at the rate of $2,250 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms toward WGU’s already-low tuition of approximately $3,800 per six-month term for most programs. For more information about this scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu/9th.
Thank a Farmer week wraps up March 7
Farm Bureau’s presidents Lana Couch and Ben Fizette from Barry & Lawrence, join forces to co-sponsor a free-of-cost Market Outlook and State of Industry meeting featuring Kelly Smith and Sam Polly for farmers and future farmers in our area.
Following the chili dinner and dessert, we will begin the evening with Sam Polly, Missouri’s new state director of pesticide safety education with MU Extension.
“The greatest threat to modern agriculture is a negative public perception leading to over regulation. The ensuing runaway costs of regulatory compliance, lawsuits, and enforcement actions is stripping both our agricultural economy and heritage.” said Polly.
Sam will discuss the roots of this problem and what we can do about it while there is still time.
Then Missouri Farm Bureau’s senior director of marketing and commodities, Kelly Smith, will take the stage to provide an expansive summary of agriculture market outlook.
“Kelly will cover a wide range of topics that impacts our ag market including the pendulous cattle market, input costs, supply chain hiccups all the way to the impact of Russia stand-off’s on your feed grain flows,” said Ben Fizette, Lawrence County Farm Bureau president.
We hope you’ll join us for the opportunity to learn from these knowledgeable speakers on the final day of “Thank a Farmer Week” — Monday, March 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. beginning with chili dinner at the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center, 14548 Hwy H, Mount Vernon, MO 65712. Please kindly RSVP by Friday, March 4, by calling Tosha at 417-466-7679.
UScellular announces $70.3 million network investment in Missouri in 2021
UScellular announced that it made a $70.3 million investment in its Missouri network in 2021. This includes $11.3 million in general network upgrades, $24 million in 5G modernizations, and $35 million in 5G spectrum that will bring additional benefits in the coming years while advancing the company’s multiyear 5G network strategy.
Additionally, in 2021 UScellular provided $38,405 in funding to nonprofit organizations, teachers and youth organizations across Missouri, including $30,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia, $4,094 to teachers through donations to DonorsChoose.org and $4,311 through its Community Connections program. Three Boys & Girls Clubs in Missouri also received $316,525 worth of hot spots and service to help their members connect to the internet at the clubs or at home as part of the company’s After School Access Project.
“Connectivity is more important than ever right now, and at UScellular we are committed to keeping our customers connected to the people and places that matter most to them,” said Joe Cabrera, director of sales for UScellular in Missouri and Kansas. “We will continue to invest in creating a great wireless experience for customers, while also ensuring we provide critical resources for youth in our local communities.”
To help ensure customers have a great shopping experience, UScellular also invested $1.15 million in its Missouri retail store environments in 2021. This includes 12 new, relocated, redesigned or upgraded stores that better showcase the variety of products and services the company provides, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
For more news and information about UScellular, please go to newsroom.uscellular.com.