In this episode of Community Connection with Rusty, Rusty Hendricks talks with Kaitlyn Venta, Strategy Director of Access and Affordability at the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN), about how Missouri families can make college more affordable. With the FAFSA now open, Kaitlyn explains why applying early matters, how families can find grants and scholarships, and how to determine the true cost of attending college beyond the published tuition price. She also discusses Missouri-specific resources like My Scholarship Central, tips for avoiding unnecessary student loan debt, and MOCAN's free Planning and Paying for College toolkit. It's a helpful conversation for high school seniors and parents preparing for the next step in higher education.

On this episode of the Community Connection with Rusty. Rusty sits down with Kathy Kraemer (President) and Nancy Huckstep (Secretary) of Street Level Organization. Street Level's mission is to aid and advocate for those surviving homelessness, providing food, toiletries, survival items, clothing, and other basic necessities. November is Homelessness Awareness Month. We discuss what Street Level is doing with boots on the ground. Events coming up. Challenges they have. And....success stories. How can you help? Donate, volunteer, smile, wave, and pray. Go to streetlevelcape.org. 

On this episode of Community Connection with Rusty, Rusty Hendricks talks with investigative journalist and author Kevin J. Mooney about his new book, Climate Porn. Mooney shares his perspective on climate change messaging, environmental regulations, energy costs, and the legal battles shaping climate policy in America. The conversation explores his concerns about media narratives, government overreach, and the balance between environmental protection, economic freedom, and individual liberty.
Learn more about Kevin Mooney and his work at kevinmooney.info.
Purchase of his book can be done at major book stores or Amazon. 
Link to "Climate Porn" Book on Amazon
Listen to Community Connection with Rusty on KZIM — Our Nation, Your Station.

On this episode of Community Connection with Rusty, we talk with Cape West Rotary about the 61st Annual Rotary Radio Auction, happening Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on KZIM. Learn how the auction supports Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship and local community service projects, what items you can bid on, and how to participate online or during the live broadcast. Tune in and discover how you can make a difference in our community!

George Kunkel and Rodger Brown of VFW Post 3838 stop by the Community Connection with Rusty Podcast. What is the VFW? What are their beginnings? What are they all about? And what options are available now? All of those questions and more are answered in this podcast. They also discuss past events and future events coming up. Plus amenities available to he public. This Episode is powered by Frank Leta Buick GMC.

Alix Gasser the Executive Director of Old Town Cape stops by to chat about their upcoming event "Revivify: Farm to Table". Will be on Sunday October 11 from 3 to 7 pm. On Spanish Street. Tickets are $100 and need to be purchased by October 9. What is the event about? An outdoor four-course dinner prepared by 6 local chefs using ingredients sourced largely from farmers market vendors. Evening will feature live music, drinks, silent auction, and a wine pull. Catch all the details. What to bring, what to wear, where to go....All of it in this podcast!

Rusty Hendricks sits down with Sheryl Winschel to talk about the River Heritage Quilt Guild’s 2026 Quilt Show & Craft Extravaganza, themed “Oh My Stars!” Featuring more than 100 handmade and traditional quilts, plus vendors, food, appraisals, bed turnings, and scissor sharpening. The show is October 10 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and October 11 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with $5 admission. Get all the details in this edition of the Community Connection with Rusty podcast!

Rusty sits down with Madeline Erwin, Walk Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association in Southeast Missouri, and Al Bisher, Contributor and MC, to discuss the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Learn more about the event, where the funds go, how to get involved, and what makes this community event so special. The walk takes place Saturday, October 3, at 9 a.m. at Capaha Park.

Alix Gasser of Old Town Cape joins Rusty to talk about “Downtown Vacancy to Vibrancy,” a special event happening September 24 from 4-7pm at 12 downtown locations. Hear what the event is all about and how you can get involved in this interview!

What can our community do to help fight hunger? Heather Collier of the SEMO Food Bank joins Rusty to talk about Hunger Action Month and ways you can get involved in this sit down interview.