Student Senate president named Northwest’s new Student Regent

Student Senate Executive President Elizabeth Motazedi was named student regent, a nonvoting member on the Northwest Board of Regents, by Gov. Mike Parson April 19.

Motazedi, a social studies - history education major, interviewed for the position with members of the University over a year ago and was called in February to move along in the process.

“To be able to represent the state and also to serve on the Board of Regents, I think it’s just really important going forward especially with all the changes happening in this University,” Motazedi said. “I really want to make sure I have that student input and not be afraid to use my voice.”

Motazedi said she feels ready for this position as she worked closely with members of the Board of Regents during the search to fnd Northwest’s 11th president,

Lance Tatum. She said having that experience will help her be more comfortable sharing her thoughts and ideas.

“I’m really looking forward to attending the board meetings, and being able to sit at that table and really feel like I have that spot there and feel like I am making an impact at this University,” Motazedi said.

She went to Jefferson City, Missouri, April 26 to be sworn in and will be represented with Sen. Jill Carter from District 32.

Headliner to Northwest’s Student Activity Council’s annual concert, Eli Young Band’s lead singer, Mike Eli, sings its 2014 release, “Dust.” The country-themed concert was held in Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse April 21, bringing in people from all over the Maryville community. SAC sold a total of 2,093 tickets, which were $10 for students and $25 for any attendees without a student ID.

Local business holds annual open house, provides food to shoppers

The Plant House celebrated its annual spring open house April 22. A first come, first served, free meal consisting of pulled pork sandwiches and refreshments was provided, and the sales continued through April 23.

The Plant House is located north of Maryville at 24579 Business Highway 71 and is owned by Tim Janousek and Kelsey Bowlin. It has a selection of annuals, bulk and garden seeds, brambles, crowns, pota- toes, bulbs, perennials, herbs, vegetables and succulents. Its seasonal hours on weekdays are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Plants, eggs and pottery selections are also available.

The annual spring open house has held a few different names in the past years such as “Customer Appreciation” and “Open House Sprinkler.”

Janousek spoke about the planning of the spring open house and said the annual spring open house and Mother’s Day are the biggest sale days of the year.

“The planning happens the year before,” Janousek said. “We look at the calendar and the dates that we’d like to have it.”

Owners of The Plant House plan to make some changes this summer as well as planning some events with the Backyard Wine and Vine. Janousek said he would like to work on capital improvement plans and general maintenance tasks during the warmer months.

Annita Ecker is a manager at The Plant House and said the first task she does in the morning is checking plants’ moisture levels. Plants that are sitting in plug trays that are not yet for sale must be watered two to three times per day.

“You kind of judge your day and what our projects are for the week,” Ecker said. “‘What is go- ing to be done? Such as getting ready for open house.”

The preparation for the spring open house consisted of trimming and weeding plants, making sure all items were priced and filling any hole where someone had taken a plant.

“A lot of cleaning up on the floors and the counters and try- ing to make everything look presentable,” Ecker said.

Terra Feick and her family attended the spring open house, saying they come every year.

“We get so excited to come out here and let them go through and pick out their favorite plants,” Feick said. “And, my kids love it so much.”