Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge hosted the NJCAA DI, DII, and DIII Cross Country Championships, welcoming more than 1,300 runners from 200 colleges across the country. For the second consecutive year, Northeastern Technical College (NETC) sophomore Enrique Morales Rojas earned the honor of representing NETC at the NJCAA National Cross Country Championships. This year’s event took place on November 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in a true winter wonderland where runners braved the cold in shorts and tank tops.

Coached by Benny Morgan, Enrique secured his spot at nationals by placing 8th overall at the Region 10 Championship on October 25, finishing the 8K course with a time of 29:58.1. His performance qualified him for the NJCAA Division II National Championship, where athletes from across the country compete at the highest level of junior college cross country.

Despite brutally cold temperatures and snow on race day, Enrique completed the 8K race with a time of 32:40.1, placing 272nd out of 343 runners. His dedication and perseverance exemplify the determination of NETC student-athletes.

Students interested in joining the NETC cross country team while earning a two-year degree are encouraged to fill out the team questionnaire available on the college’s website.

Coach Benny Morgan and student-athlete Enrique Morales Rojas represent Northeastern Technical College at the NJCAA National Cross Country Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

As the season of thankfulness is upon us, Northeastern Technical College is taking time to recognize the hardworking custodians, security officers, and maintenance staff who quietly make a big difference every day. These individuals are the steady hands and caring hearts behind the scenes, ensuring each campus remains safe, clean, and welcoming for students, faculty, and visitors.

At the Cheraw Campus, Safety and Security Manager Melvin Warren leads with dedication, ensuring that every student, staff member, and visitor feels secure on campus. Under his leadership, security officers Robert McLain and La'Kendrik McLain stand as the first line of safety, greeting everyone with professionalism and care. Their consistent presence provides reassurance and protection for the entire campus community.

Cheraw’s custodial team also plays an important role in maintaining a positive atmosphere. Shikwana Brown and Laura Lowery, both from Olsten, along with Alfred Kevin Butler of NETC, go above and beyond to keep classrooms, offices, and common spaces spotless and ready for use.

In Dillon, Johnathan Lampley continues to shine as the campus custodian, ensuring every student and staff member can take pride in their surroundings.

At the Marlboro Campus, security officers Harvey Patterson and Jackson Creech are known for their dedication and reliability.

Their efforts help create a sense of security and support that allows students and staff to focus on learning and teaching. The Marlboro custodial team, including Tomeko Campbell of Olsten and Kyle Dupree of the Marlboro County School District, also deserves special recognition for keeping the campus in top shape every day.

Pageland’s custodian Linda Gaddy from Olsten, along with the maintenance team of Lorne Brooks, Wesley Davis, and Randy Skipper, work with pride to ensure facilities are clean, functional, and well-maintained.

This season reminds us to pause and give thanks for those who make a difference through quiet dedication and consistent care. NETC extends heartfelt gratitude to each of these team members for their commitment and hard work that keep our campuses running smoothly all year long.

This holiday season, Northeastern Technical College is inviting students, faculty, and staff to come together to make a difference through the “One Can Make a Difference” Food Drive, happening now through November 25 at 4 p.m.

The drive encourages everyone to donate non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and soup to help support local families in need during the holidays.

Donation boxes are conveniently located on each campus:

• Cheraw Campus: 1201 Chesterfield Hwy, Cheraw, SC 29520
• Marlboro Campus: 1120 Oakwood Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512
• Pageland Campus: 815 South Pearl St, Pageland, SC 29728
• Dillon Campus: 2204 US-301, Dillon, SC 29536

This initiative is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Whether it is one can or one box, every donation helps feed a family and brings hope to our community.

Ingredients 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced 
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef 
• 2 ½ tablespoons chili powder 
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin 
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt 
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 
• 1 ½ cups beef broth 
• 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes 
• 1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 

Instructions 

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. 
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned. 
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne until well combined. 
5. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well. 
6. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving

At Northeastern Technical College, our Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program ensures students are fully prepared to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for log keeping. Students are introduced to electronic logging systems (ELS) through a video demonstration to understand how they operate. While the program does not offer hands-on experience with ELS since each company uses a unique system, students gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience through manual logbook training.

Because the DMV mandates knowledge of manual log keeping, every CDL student is issued a logbook and taught how to accurately complete it. Students learn to record all required information, including location, time of day, duty performed, and duration of each task. Logs must be legible, up to date, and reflect changes in duty status as they occur.

Instruction also covers the laws governing driving time, on-duty periods, rest periods, and allowable exceptions. These rules can vary slightly between employers, and students are taught to understand these nuances.

Our CDL program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate both electronic and manual log requirements, preparing them for success in the trucking industry.

Students from Northeastern Technical College’s Culinary Arts program recently had the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity at the annual Taste of Marlboro, hosted by the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 6.

Culinary students Joseph Nance and Dealie Hudley, along with instructor Sha’Kira Gattison, prepared smoked salmon and cream cheese crostini and strawberry shortcake for guests to enjoy. The event gave students a chance to experience hands-on learning outside the classroom by working in a professional, fast-paced environment.

Through events like Taste of Marlboro, students learn how to apply their culinary training to real-world situations. They practice techniques in presentation, flavor pairing, and food safety while interacting with the community and representing the college. Experiences like these help students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential in the culinary field.

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