To A Degree

the tank keep the scum and sludge from leaving the tank which should be periodically pumped from the tank.

Water exits the septic tank and enters the absorption or leach field. The absorption field consists of a series of underground, perforated pipes laid in gravel lined trenches. The effluent exits the holes in the pipes and trickles through the gravel where it is stored until absorbed by the soil. The soil acts as a natural buffer to filter out many of the harmful bacteria, viruses, and excessive nutrients. The absorption field treats the wastewater through physical, chemical, and biological processes as it passes through the soil before it reaches the groundwater.

Inspection of a septic system can be a tricky event and should be left to someone who knows what they are doing. A thorough inspection of a septic system can often catch problems in their early stages when they are easier (and less expensive) to correct. An experienced professional can identify structural problems with tanks and other components and can inspect the entire system. If a system is difficult to locate, they will have the knowledge and equipment to locate and properly inspect the system. They also should provide a written report of the inspection detailing the results, the location of the system and any maintenance that needs to be performed. Professional system inspectors are also aware of the proper safety practices and specialized equipment that enables them to perform the inspection more safely and cost-effectively than most homeowners. Therefore, we recommend septic system inspections should be left to professionals.

That said, there is no reason that a homeowner cannot properly monitor, maintain, and even troubleshoot their septic system. When treated properly, a septic system will give you many years of trouble-free operation. However, like everything else, a regular checkup of your system will help prevent problems. These checks are usually easy to perform yourself or you can hire a professional to carry them out.

A regular inspection should be carried out every 1-2 years. During an inspection, the inspection port on the tank should be opened and the baffles inspected to ensure they are in good condition. At this time, the depth of the sludge layer should be checked to see if it is time to pump out the tank. Many people are under the mistaken impression that the only time a septic tank needs pumped out is when there is a problem elsewhere in the system. In truth, as the solids accumulate in the tank, they reduce the amount of room left for water. This reduction in water holding capacity also reduces the amount of time water stays in the tank and the amount of treatment that it can undergo. Regular inspection and pumping of a septic tank is required. The time between pumping depends on the amount of solids added to the system.

This is also a good time to inspect your absorption field. Look for any ponding of water or soggy soil over the field that could indicate improper drainage, a clogged system or excessive water use. The presence of odors also can indicate a leak in the system.

Generally, an absorption field does not require any maintenance. However, to prolong the life and effectiveness of the field follow a few simple rules. Plant only grass near the septic system as tree and shrub roots can clog the pipes. Do not drive or park on any part of the field as this can compact the soil and/or crush your system. Keep excess water from roof drains, sump pumps and other rainwater from entering and possibly overloading the system.

To maintain the overall health of your septic system, avoid using caustic drain openers that can kill the bacteria that treat the wastes. Use boiling water instead. Do not use septic tank additives as they are not necessary and can actually harm your system. Conserve water and use low flow fixtures so as not to overload the system. Most importantly, your septic system is not a trashcan. Do not put diapers, cigarettes, plastic, or other solids into the system, as they will quickly fill the tank with solids.

This is just a brief introduction to septic systems. For more information contact your local county extension office and ask for Guide Sheet EQ 401 Septic Tank/Absorption Field Systems.

A Major Gifts Campaign is a planned and coordinated set of activities that shares specific messages, increases awareness, and shares successes for a particular cause or organization. The NCMC Foundation’s upcoming Transforming Lives, Empowering People Major Gifts Campaign is all of the above. It will also help North Central Missouri College celebrate its 100th Birthday in 2025.

North Central Missouri College Transforms Lives by providing access to high-quality education at an affordable price and Empowering People to know that a college degree or certificate is achievable.

NCMC has three main sources of revenue: (1) tuition and fees, (2) state appropriations, and (3) local tax revenue. It is important to note NCMC is tax-assisted, NOT taxsupported. Therefore, an additional purpose of the campaign is to attract a fourth revenue source: private investment from businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The NCMC Foundation and specific committees have been working for several months to plan and prepare for the Transforming Lives, Empowering People Major Gifts Campaign. This effort focuses on three main initiatives: (1) The completion of Phase II of the additional NCMC campus in Savannah, MO, (2) A new Student Center on the Main Campus in Trenton, and (3) Scholarships focusing on First Generation Students, Mid-Career Students and Allied Health and Nursing students.

Work is underway to plan and design a student-focused building that brings together a dining hall, bookstore, and student commons area. There will also be a meeting space for possible community gatherings in the new facility. The additional campus in Savannah is bringing together career tech education courses along with relocating nursing programs from Maryville (August 2023) and Bethany (January 2024). In addition, NCMC is expanding allied health programs, including radiologic technology, surgical technology, and diagnostic sonography.

NCMC students pay 42% less to attend than other public in-state institutions. However, 92% of NCMC students also receive some form of financial aid, including student loans, therefore, emphasizing the need for additional support through scholarships.

The Transforming Lives, Empowering People to campaign public kick-off celebration will take place in Trenton on May 10th and in Savannah on May 18th. More details will be shared soon, and the community is invited to attend.

Do you have questions or interest in involvement? Do you need a program speaker for an upcoming meeting? Would you like to visit campus to learn more about what NCMC has to offer? Have you considered establishing a scholarship to leave a legacy or honor a loved one? Are you an alumna or alumnus who might wish to reconnect with other alumni or the campus? If you answered yes or maybe to any of those questions, then please give me a call, reach out by email, or stop by campus.

Information on how to be involved in the Transforming Lives, Empower People Campaign can be found on the NCMC website at www.ncmissouri.edu/foundation/transforming-lives/.

Submitted Photo to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values, and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth, and love others as they love themselves. The Forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism.

Members of Dockery Chapel Church spent Saturday, March 25 cleaning up 12 miles of roadside trash. Approximately 30 participated and showed efforts to keep our community clean.

Missouri College, were two of 80 collegiate students nominated to attend the 38th Annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values held February 17-19, 2023, in Jefferson City.

Founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing, and education to atrisk and homeless children. Students ended the day at the Capitol, touring the House Lounge and hearing from Bob Priddy, retired news director of Missourinet, visiting the Governor’s office for a meet and greet and message from Governor Mike Parson, and finally visiting the House Floor, led by Missouri State Senator Travis Fitzwater, and hearing from Rod Jetton, former Speaker of the House. Miss Williamson said, “It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and I learned lots about being a servant leader. I also met a lot of great people and made some good friends!”

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example, including Morgan Steward, Business Manager and former Mizzou D1 athlete; Wongani Mtika, consultant and mentor; Bryan Cizek, E3 Ranch Foundation; and Justin Campbell, Regional Director of Young Life.

On March 31, author and 1969 graduate of Spickard R-II, Mike Perry, spoke with Spickard Elementary students and community members about his book, "An Interview with George Alexander Spickard, A Traveler on the California Trail". George Spickard was the founder of the town of Spickard.

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Marty the Magician entertained Preschool and Parents as Teachers families during a presentation held March 2 at the THS Performing Arts Center. He performed magic tricks to brighten up everyone’s day with his funny, mixed up magic that included audience participation and surprises. His focus was on how reading can help you learn magic. Children also learned as they practiced counting, naming colors and identifying shapes during the show. This program was sponsored by Grundy County United Way. Pictured with Marty the Magician are preschoolers Emmy Coe (left) and Marjorie Wilson (right).

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North Central Missouri College students enrolled in the Teacher Education program and members of the Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) conducted their annual service project. Warming Hands with Loving Hearts, formerly known as Merry Mittens, is a project where hats, gloves, and coats are collected for children to distribute to area school districts. Gilman City R-4, Brookfield R-3 and Grundy County R-5 were the recipients of this year’s donations.

The event started in 1986 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

First Annual Machinery Consignment Auction:

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On March 31, Grundy County Ambulance and the Trenton Fire Department had the honor of presenting several individuals with awards recognizing their lifesaving efforts when a patron at NCMC’s Ketcham Community Center suffered a cardiac arrest. Those receiving the awards are, from left, Nate Swann, Cole Henderson, Shanna Griffin and Jenni Croy, accepting the award on behalf of Lathan Croy.

Saturday, March 11 @ 11 am

“I’m always shocked when we pick up the collection boxes here on campus. I’m so appreciative of the support we continue to see each year,” said Cassie Corday, NCMC Education Instructor. “Instead of collecting items in November/December, we decided to push this project back to February/March. We are pleased with the outcome, and the school districts have been thrilled to take our donations.”

Feeder Sale: Monday, March 13 @ 11 am

Pictured are, from left, front row, Sarah Killen of Leonard, Olivia Edwards of Hamilton, Kaylor Farris of Trenton and Haylee Burns of Queen City; back row, Kaylynn Bagley of Brookfield, Alexia Bowyer of Meadville, Lillian Pontious of Chillicothe, Rebecca Urich of Laredo and Kylie Gannon of Mercer.

Sheep, Goat & Hog Sale: Saturday, March 18 @ 10 am

When the patron collapsed, these individuals took immediate action; calling 911, starting CPR immediately and quickly applying an AED (Automated Electronic Defibrillator). When Fire and EMS arrived, they took over CPR and quickly moved the patient to the stretcher. As they did so, they saw he was breathing, and determined he had a pulse as well. The patient was rapidly transported to the local emergency room, and from there was flown to a cardiac hospital where he received the definitive care needed to eventually make a full recovery and return home.

Month award for March 2023, recognized for demonstrating the character trait of “Fairness”. Those receiving the honor include, from left, front row, fifth grader Alexandria Ely, daughter of Angela Brill-Ely & Bob Ely; sixth grader Israel Prescott, daughter of Shiane Eason & Russell Prescott; seventh grader Lynnzi McCullough, daughter of Lisa and Shaun McCullough; and eighth grader Emilee Zessi, daughter of Amanda and Michel Zessi; back row, fifth grader Chance Golden, son of Jessica and Jason Golden; seventh grader Riley Lebsack, son of Chase and Larissa Lebsack; and eighth grader Jacob White, son of Tracey and Brian White. Not pictured is sixth grader Dru Vandevender, son of Amanda and Paul Vandevender.

821 Industrial Dr. Trenton, MO 64683

660-359-6210

Feeder Sale:

Monday, March 20 @ 11 am

Special Cow Sale: Friday, March 24 @ 6 pm

CPR saves lives, especially when it is brought to bear on the patient immediately. Because 90% of cardiac arrests occur outside of a healthcare facility, it falls to the everyday citizen to make a difference. Recent statistics have shown that the earlier CPR is performed, the higher the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Nearly 45% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered.

If you would like more information or to sign up for a class, contact CPR instructor Derek Hert at the Trenton Fire Department (660) 359-5552.

Feeder Sale:

Monday, March 27 @ 11 am

Cattle Sales: Mondays @ 11 am

Sheep, Goat & Hog Sales: 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month @ 10 am

Special Cow Sales: 4th Friday of the month @ 6 pm

Open all day on Sundays to receive livestock! Barn: 660-622-4214

Casey Flinn, Owner: 816-769-7532

Field Reps: Dwayne Penny: 816-506-2776

Utah Stulz: 660-334-0400

Bobby Morrison: 816-345-0518

Ben Peterson: 660-247-2759

Travis Gibson: 660-646-8337

Rick Tate: 660-734-1307

Sheep/Goats/Hog: Clark Allen: 660-973-6826

Find us on Facebook at Tina Livestock Market Check