Mourners remember student leaderWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- More than 200 weepy students, faculty and friends packed into the Art Tye Lounge in at Winona State University on Friday to pay tribute to student President Jared Stene, who died Thursday due to liver, kidney and heart failure. To mourners, some with candles, university President Judith Ramaley called Stene 'an extraordinary young man full of hope, energy and the belief in the good of everyone." Housemates Terri Burke, Kyle Krueger and Rotney O'Shea, clad in some of Stene's XXL sweatshirts, shared the task of reading a letter written to the student body by Stene's sister Caitlin Stene, who also is a Winona State student. She expressed extreme gratitude for the outpouring of support from the campus in her brother's final hours.
Caitlin recalled that Stene immediately identified Winona as his home when planning for college a a high school senior. He didn't apply elsewhere, she said. "He was his happiest at Winona," she said. She said that nearly 50 students gathered at the hospital at one point during his stay.
O'Shea, Krueger and Burke couldn't contain tears as they took turns reading a letter on how much Stene meant to them and to the campus. Tea candles and a few candlesticks illuminated the faces of students present as Stene's friends shared anecdotes about him onstage.
The audience broke out into reluctant laughter after jokes referring to Stene's love for coffee and reminders of his sense of humor. Student union Director Joe Reed recalled a time when Jared showed up to Student Senate meetings on Halloween dressed as a package labeled, "God's gift to women." Those present mingled around for another half hour after the vigil ended at 1:30 p.m., hugging, reassuring and remembering the good times had with Stene. "Jared was larger than life," masscom instructor Ellen Severson said.
Prior to the vigil, 20 or more students visited Winona coffeehouse Mugby Junction and ordered The Jared' a medium mocha with an extra shot of espresso. Mugby's management is exploring adding it as a permanent menu item.
One of Stene's housemates, education Sen. Terri Burke, said she would his devotion to Winona State and its students. Burke said that she hoped Jared was "up there drinking mochas and being president of something." Winona State president Judith Ramaley, who often worked with Stene, said that he had a "strong sense of community."
A poster board of pictures was displayed, and people were encouraged to sign banners proclaiming "In Memory of Jared, A Great President."
Candles were lit for a moment of silence.
After the vigil, people gathered in small groups to share stories and memories of Stene. Emily Feehan, now interim Student Senate president, said, "Jared was always smiling, and I think he would want us to celebrate, not mourn." Vicki Englich, the university's community liaison, recalled that Stene was always late to meetings for Englich's Adopt-a-Block committee and that she would bribe him jokingly with coffee to ensure he would arrive on time. "If he was on time, I owed him coffee, but if he was late, he owed me coffee," she explained.
Joe Reed, former adviser to Student Senate, said, "Jared was like a big kid, he had a great sense of humor, but he was very mature when he needed to be. "Reporters: Sarah Burgen and Rebecca Erdmann Background: WSU student leader succumbs
Ramirez jury: Guilty of murderLA CROSSE, Wis., Nov. 30, 2007 -- A restaurant server from suburban Onalaska, Irvin Ramirez, 25, was found guilty of first-degree homicide and attempted second-degree sexual assault in the January slaying of Danielle Gorectke. Ramirez had testified that he found the battered body of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student on a dark downtown street after a night of drinking and tried to help her, then panicked and fled. He explained his panic because he is an illegal alien.
The jury didn't buy the explanation. Gorectke's body was found several miles away the next morning in a church parking lot. The verdict means that Ramirez will go to prison sentence perhaps life, although release is possible after 20 years. The jurors, six men and six women, deliberated 2-1/2 hours. Background: Ramirez: I didn't kill her
SMU golf coach dies at arenaWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- The St. Mary's University men's head golf coach, Tom Farren, a long-time varsity athletics coach and facilities manager at the university, died suddenly while working in the campus ice arena Friday night. Nearby students and staff attempted to revive Farren until an ambulance arrived. He was later pronounced dead at the Winona hospital. Farren was born May 7, 1949, in Mason City, Iowa. He joined St. Mary's in in 1981 and served as assistant men's hockey coach, head coach of men's soccer, men's and women's head tennis coach, physical education instructor, and dorm director. Farren was 58.Reporter: Jack Chandler
Fond remembrances of student leaderWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- People who knew Winona State University student President Jared Stene shared their memories in many forums after his death Thursday. Among them:Connie Gores, student life vice president: "I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Jared. He was a talented, capable and very special young man. I admired him for his leadership and his character, not to mention his sense of humor."
Caitlin Stene, Jared's sister: "God has plans that we all sometimes don't understand right way. God must have a great one for JJ."
Good vibes on Gildemeister fix-upsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- The chair of the education department at Winona State University, Melanie Reap, says the roof hasn't caved on her career after a September lecture in which she accused top university administrators of neglecting maintenance at Gildemeister Hall, where the the College of Education is housed. Asked about the aftermath of her speech, Reap said she has had the full support of new education Dean Sally Standiford. Also, the speech got what Reap sees as a constructive reaction from university President Judith Ramaley. Said Stanfiford: "I got official permission from Ramaley to nag who we need to, to get the renovations done." Reap said she will be a "thorn in their side," until changes are made.
On broader issues of neglect of the College of Education, while money has been lavished in the sciences in recent years, Standiford said: "I absolutely support the efforts of Dr. Reap and any other faculty who want to talk about their ideas, whether I agree with them or not."
On the maintenance issues, university Vice President Scott Ellinghuysen, who is responsible for facilities, said a committee will be formed to advise the university president of what is needed. According to Standiford, Ramaley has been shown pictures Gildemeister problems and promised something will be done.
Gildemeister has not only aesthetic issues but also serious safety, Standiford said. The heating and ventilation system is "out of whack," she said. To Standiford, the building seems to have more than one climate, hot air will go through the north side of the building, while cold air goes through the south side. This could be expensive to fix, she said.
Reap called Gildemeister "substandard and not adequate for preparing teachers for the 21st century." Neither she nor Standiford, however, expect that a replacement building is in the cards. They do expect dramatic renovations.
Reap is a tenured professor who has taught at Winona State for nine years. She has been chair of the department for three months. Standiford has been dean of the college since July. Reporter: Claudia Cappiello Background: Education prof accuses WSU of neglect
Dialogue set on racial stereotypingWINONA, MInn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- Racial stereotyping will be the first subject in a series of discussions sponsored by the Black Cultural Awareness club at Winona State University. The series is sponsored also by the Inter-Cultural Awareness Association at St. Mary's University. Ben Brako president of the Winona State club, said, the goal to create an environment in which participants can feel free to share their experiences and how these experiences have affected the way in which they view others.Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
A call for mandatory vaccinationsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- Getting vaccinated against life-threatening illnesses should be a public health issue, not a decision made by individuals, said Winona State University health services Director Diane Palm. Many fatal diseases, such as tetanus of hepatitis B, are spread by a small cluster of individuals who refuse to allow themselves or their children to be vaccinated. Palm's position came in an interview about a Maryland case in which a judge forced parents to have their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and polio or go to jail.
The Maryland case did not surprise Palm. Many universities have mandated vaccinations for diseases such as meningitis, she noted. Palm said that Winona State has a registration hold on students who have not received the necessary vaccinations such as tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. In fact, she noted, Minnesota prohibits parents from enrolling children in public elementary schools without certain vaccinations.
Palm acknowledged that there parents concerned that too many infant vaccinations can lead to autism. Even so, she said, these vaccinations are crucial. She noted that measles and polio have been eliminated in the United States, saving many lives. Reporter: Alex Gillett
Mystery package shuts down museumTORONTO, Ont., Nov. 30, 2007 -- The Ontario College of Art and Design suspended a student and two profs after an art project, mistakenly assumed to be a bomb, forced the evacuation of the Royal Ontario Museum. A sculpture, a class project by Thorarinn Jonsson, arrived at the museum with a sign saying that it was not a bomb. Manwhile, a two-inute-minute video, "The Fake Bombing at the ROM," showed up on YouTube with a depictio of an explosion. The museum event that was canceled was a black-tie fund raiser for AIDS research. Downtown traffic four hours while a bomb-disposal squad dealt with the package.
Jonsson later turned himself in to police. He was charged with common nuisance and mischief. The university said the faculty members, whom it did not identify, would be suspended pending an investigation.
Stene memory vigil at 1 p.m.WINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- A campus vigil has been scheduled to mark the death Thursday night of Jared Stene, student president at Winona State University. Karen Johnson, dean of students, said the vigil would begin at 1 p.m., Friday, at the Student Senate offices in Kryzsko Commons.Background: WSU student leader succumbs
WSU keeps lid on Stene newsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- The university put a lid on information regarding the death of Winona State student President Jared Stene until a news release could be issued. A news reporter inquiring whether university President Judith Ramaley would order campus flags to half-staff was turned away at the office of public information Director Andrea Mikklesen. Through a student assistant, Mikkelsen said that she would not comment on any questions concerning Stene. No explanation was offered. The assistant said a news release was planned around noon.
At Student Senate offices, the university administration's Senate adviser, Kelly Clark, established herself as a gatekeeper on information and instructed senators not to discuss the death with reporters. Many senators ignored Clark's embargo attempt. Clark herself declined interviews. No explanation for the gag attempt was offered. Meanwhile, hundreds of students, who learned word of mouth and from news sources that Stene had died, skipped classes to comfort each other around campus Friday morning.
Some students learned that Stene had died from an in-house e-nail message issued by President Ramaley early Friday with condolences. Distribution of the message was limited to students but soon was passed on to news media. Background: Verbatim: Ramaley message to students
Suspended Regent student sues collegeVIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Nov. 30, 2007 -- A law student at Regent University has sued the university for suspending him after he posted an unflattering photo of the university founder, televangelist Pat Robertson, online. Adam Key, claims his First Amendment right to free expression had been violated. Key posted the photo, in which Robertson appears to be making an obscene gesture, on his Facebook.com Web page and later on an e-mail discussion group. Key was pressed to apologize and refused. He then was suspended pending, his choice, a mental-health evaluation or a persuasive legal brief defending his posting.
Warriors rebound with winBISMARCK, N. D., Nov. 30, 2007 -- No. 7-ranked Winona State University held the University of Mary to 28 points in the first half and went on to post a 93-71 victory in Northern Sun conference men's basketball season-opener for both teams. The Warriors put up 49 points in the opening 20 minutes. They outscored Mary 44-43 in the second half.
David Johnson scored 14 of his 17 points in that first half, while John Smith netted 10 points in the opening period and went on to score a game-high 24 points. Winona State finished with four players in double figures. Besides Johnson and Smith, Jonte Flowers tossed in 19 and Curtrel Robinson came off the bench to score 11.
The final difference in the game came on shooting from the field, where Winona State had 12 more shots and netted 10 more baskets. The Warriors also dominated on the boards 34-25. Background: Statistics
Ramaley: Stene death "great loss"WINONA, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- This is a statement issued by President Judith Ramaley to students after the death of student President Jared Stene:
Background: Death claims Jared Stene
Minnesota war toll at 66HAYFIELD, Minn., Nov. 30, 2007 -- A Kennedy High School grad from Bloomington, Minn., Sgt 1st Class John Tobiason of Hayfield, has died of injuries in Baghdad. Tobiason was 42. He had been due home in January after volunteering for an extended tour. The Defense Department offered no explanation of what caused Tobiason's death, but family members said they understood from other sources that he had stepped outside of a tent and that shots were fired. So far in the iraq and Afghan wars, 66 soldiers with strong Minnesota ties have died.
SMU student drunk, not breathingWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- A St. Mary's University freshman who breathing had stopped was breathing again when police arrived at ST. Edward's Hall at 2:09 a.m. The woman was taken to the hospital and cited for underage boozing.
Ramirez: I didn't kill herLA CROSSE, WiS., Nov. 29, 2007 -- The man accused of rape and murder in the death of a college student in January, Irvin Ramirez, 25, of suburban Onalaska, told jurors that he found a beaten woman on the ground and tried to help her. Ramirez said he fled in panic after being unable to lift the woman into his car. As Ramirez told it, he had stopped his car to urinate after a night of drinking and saw movement on the ground and felt something touch his leg. He says it was the woman, whose face was already blood-covered. He denied killing the woman. The victim was 23-year-old Danielle Gorectke, who visiting La Crosse from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.Background: Trial ordered in La Crosse student death
R.I.P.: Sanford Shaler TylerWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- A 1956 Winona State College grad, Sanford Tyler, 90, who had a career teaching high-school math and science, died at a nursing home. He also coached football, basketball, track and hockey in Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Winona. In 1952 his Winona High hockey team was the only one in the school's history to make it into a state tournament. Tyler served as president of the Winona Federation of Teachers and later of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. He loved to fly. He was a ground school and flight instructor with Winona Flying Service. He also dusted crops. Another passion was photography, a subject he taught at Luther College. His Winona State degree was a master's in teaching, He held a degree from Luther.
WSU student leader succumbs
WSU clubs donate to social agencyWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- A check for $2,000, raised at benefits at two Winona bars, has been presented by two Winona State University clubs to the Semcac social services agency to help rebuild its facilities in flood-ravaged Rushford, Minn., and continue its work. The club Fighting for Our Rights organized a Rock 4 Choice concert Oct. 19 at Steiny's Bar. Nursing Students for Choice organized A Sound Choice concert Nov. 17 at Ed's No-name Bar.
Holiday concert for needy plannedWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- The Winona State University Chamber Orchestra, under prof Paul Vance, and the university's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under prof Donald Lovejoy, are rehearsing holiday music for an annual concert to help local families in need. The 35-member orchestra will perform music by Handel, Still and Gossec. The symphonic ensemble, comprising 120 students, will perform "A Christmas Celebration." The concert end will end with an audience sing-along.Date: Sunday, Dec. 9
Nurse: Jaundice a signal of liver issuesWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- The jaundice that became of visible sign of a serious medical condition for Winona State University student President Jared Stene is a symptom of a liver disease, nursing prof Jo Stejskal said in an interview. "Jaundice is not a disease," Stejskal said. "It is a symptom of liver dysfunction." Stejskal said she had no knowledge of Stene's particular case, but, she said, a yellowing of the skin, is caused when the liver allows abnormal increases in the body's level of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance found in bile. At elevated levels, bilirubin cannot be excreted through the kidneys, so the body retains it.
How doctors proceed with jaundice treatment depends on the cause of the jaundice, Stejskal said. Once doctors have identified the cause they can proceed with treatment, Stejskal said. A liver transplant, which has been discussed, may mean that Stene will be in recovery indefinitely, Stejskal said: "The first two months after this type of surgery is often the most critical." With organ transplants, she said, there is often a need for anti-rejection medicines which are often potent and may impact other parts of the body. The organs all work interdependently and so his recovery will depend on his body's reaction to the new organ, Stejskal said. The liver is less susceptible to the body's rejection after a transplant than the kidney after a kidney transplant, she said. Reporter: Rachel Smith Background: Aunt: Liver transplant planned
Stene aunt: Liver transplant planned
Attention, kids: Santa dueWINONA, Minn., Nov. 29, 2007 -- Santa will drop in at Winona State University net week to share punch and cookies with children and for a photo op, organizers said. The event is sponsored by the university communication, advancement and security offices.Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Stene condition upgraded to stable
Reporter: Stephanie Trask Background: WSU student leader in liver failure
ANONYNOUS TIP LINE READIED TO CATCH THIEVES WINONA, Minn., Nov. 28, 2007 -- To help police find leads to who has been stealing all those Winona State University laptops, a tip line has been created. Senior class Sen. AJ Schuler worked with city police officer Kevin Kearney to design a system that encourages students to provide tips even if they aren't comfortable with going to law enforcement. "A lot of students are intimidated by law enforcement, so Tip Line is designed for students to call in about a possible lead so they don't have to go to the police first," said Schuler. In recent months more than 60 laptops, leased by students from the university, have been stolen, mostly from car and campus-area apartments.
The tip line is a telephone program that allows students to call in possible leads for a crime with a relay then to police. "Police need all the help the can get," said Schuler. "They have to have evidence to build a case, and tip line is a way in which they can." The program received unanimous Student Senate support two weeks ago. Schuler said that he and Kearney expect the plan to go into effect soon. Reporter: Justin Magill Background: Reward to be posted for laptop thief Background: Student finds laptop thief red-handed
EMERGENCY TRANSPLANT A POSSIBILITY WSU STUDENT LEADER HOSPITALIZED
WSU dean a finalist for Missouri job
Mankato State aims to deter bingeing
WSU library buys anti-porn filter
Reporter: Rachel Smith Background: WSU eyes computer porn-block
WSU showcases flood good deedsWINONA, Minn, Nov. 28, 2007 -- Journalists have been invited to a Winona State presentation on university flood relief initiatives after the southeast Minnesota disasters in August. The session, "WSU Students Gettin' Down and Dirty," will be Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Friday from 12:30- to 2 p.m. in the Tye Lounge in Kryzsko Commons. Highlights:• Sociology prof Todd Paddock taught three courses that engaged in flood relief. Forty-three students each volunteered 20 hours, many on large group projects. Others organized smaller efforts on their own. Students each kept journal to relate their experiences and observations with course materials. Students in one course studied the impact of the floods on schools, including how schools provided support ranging from shelter to supplies and volunteer hours. Student in a medical sociology course examined mental health in relations to the flood. A course on Upper Mississippi sociological issues studied the effect on agriculture and the land.
Symphony to blend classical, modernWINONA, Minn., Nov. 28, 2007 -- The Winona Symphony, under the direction of Winona State University prof Paul Vance, will perform Franz Danzi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Victor Hely-Hutchinson in a blend of classical and 20th-century pieces, Vance said. Soloists will include profs Suzanne Draayer, Zoe Shepherd and James Hoch.Date: Saturday, Dec. 8
Teen held in Chicago campus-area slayingCHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 28, 2007 -- A 16-year-old has been charged in the shooting death of Amadou Cisse, a graduate student at the University of Chicago, just off campus. Prosecutors identified the youth as Eric Walker, who was charged as an adult. Charges included first-degree murder and armed robbery. Police said that Cisse was involved in two other attacks on Chicago students and a staff member the same night. Since the attacks, the university has created a police substation on campus, has increased police patrols, and has extended the hours of shuttle rides for students and employees. The action followed criticism that university officials waited until the morning after the crimes to issue an alert to campus people.
WSU gifts buy flood-relief freezers, foodWINONA, Minn., Nov. 28, 2007 -- A Winona State project to help flood-struck Rushford, Minn., families raised $1,200, said organizer Jacqueline Hatlevig of the university's nursing faculty. The project included selling cookies door to door. Donations went to buy freezers for displaced families and for food to fill the freezers. Some funds also will go for Christmas presents an Christmas trees, Hatlevig said.
New basketball rank: Warriors slipWINONA, Minn., Nov. 28, 2007 -- For the first time since the last regular season poll, the Winona State Men's basketball team is not ranked No. 1 in the country. After a shocking 83-82 loss to St. Thomas on Saturday, the team has fallen all the way to seven in the National Basketball Coaches Association Division 2 poll. Bentley of Massachusetts has jumped into No. 1, followed by Grand Valley State of Michigan, Northwest Missouri State, Findlay of Ohio, Augusta State, Georgia, and South Dakota. Winona State is the only one-loss team ranked in the top 15. The Warriors opens their conference season this weekend with a road trip to the University of Mary and Northern State.Background: St. Thomas 83, WSU 82
SMU comes up short against St. ThomasWINONA, Minn., Nov. 28, 2007 -- Despite playing its best game of the season, the St. Mary's University men's basketball squad couldn't muster a victory, falling 72-65 to visiting St. Thomas. Fresh off an upset victory over Division II Winona State on Saturday, the Tommies used a balanced scoring attack to best the Cardinals> Four St. Mary's players scored in double digits. Will Wright led all scorers with 21 points, going 7-11 from the field in 24 minutes of play. Senior Dan Cormier added a season-high 16 points in the losing the effort.Background: Statistics
Prof: Lest feel-good Xmas ads fool youWINONA, Minn., Nov. 27, 2007 -- Advertising was key in consumers' mad dash to stores to catch bargains the day after Thanksgiving, said Winona State University advertising prof Becky McConnell. "It's a race," said McConnell, "to see whose cutesy holiday commercial can capture the biggest audience." Pre-Christmas advertising focuses on warmth, love and children's sense of wonder, McConnell said. But make no mistake, she added: "It's all about the cash."
McConnell said that the so-called Black Friday, the manic shopping day after Thanksgiving when most retailers realize their profits of the year, has snowballed into a highly anticipated shopping day with huge discounts. Companies want consumers to save and spend earlier, said McConnell. With the economy down, she said, companies push consumers to get out and spend. "Do you ever see a sign in a store that says 'thank you for shopping and not buying anything'? No. They expect you to buy and buy lots," said McConnell. Reporter: Alex Gillett
WSU prof in Barbados art projectWINONA, Minn., Nov. 27, 2007 -- A Winona State University prof, Dan Eastman, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct research at a community college in Barbados. Eastman has label his lectures "Reimagining Sculpture in Barbados." The focus, he said, will be theoretical aspects of sculpture. Eastman is among 800 U.S. faculty and professionals going abroad this year through the Fulbright Scholar program.
Porn charges dismissed for WSU studentWABASHA, WIs., Nov. 26, 2007 -- The case against former Winona State University student Sen. Jon Jacob, who had been accused of child pornography on his computer, were dropped by Judge Jeff Thompson. Jacob's attorney, Robert Rochford, had requested dismissal arguing there was a lack of probable cause. Jacob, a senior at Winona State, said he plans to retrieve his laptop from the evidence room in the Wabasha COunty courthouse in time for final exams.Reporter: Kristin Johnson Background: Prosecutor granted delay
Warriors roll to 6th straight winLA CROSSE, Wis., Nov. 25, 2007 -- Winona State University held Finlandia of Michigan to fewer than 20 points in each half and rolled to a 92-37 nonconference women's basketball victory. The Warriors were just too much for the undersized Lions. The Warriors dominated the boards 42-33 and forced Finlandia into 33 turnovers. Winona State also got off 77 shots in the game and held the Lions to only 44 shots from the field. Winona State finished with five players in double figures, led by 20 points from Nikki Fleck. Starters Natalie Gigler 16 points and Jamie Majerowicz s 12. Bonnie Bjorke came off with 13 points, and Paisley Larson with 11. Jenny Steffen finished with nine points and added nine assists, one blocked shot and seven steals.Background: Statistics
Prof looks at 42 Below's standardsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 25, 2007 -- A Winona Stat University communications prof, Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest, write an article titled "The 42 Below Story: A Company That Breaks the Rules of Corporate Social Responsibility And Just Doesn't Care," in the International Journal of Communication. The company 42 below is vodka and gin distiller.
Cardinals give up early leadLINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 24, 2007 -- The St. Mary's Universty men's basketball team dropped its second game in as many days, losing to Nebraska Wesleyan 75-54. The Cardinals shot their way to a quick 12-5 lead after hitting four 3-pointers to start the game, but Wesleyan rallied to take a 39-28 lead at halftime. Wesleyan guard Marcus Minzel led all scorers with 15 points. St. Mary's junior Nick Carr led the Cardinals with 10 points. St. Mary's opens conference play Wednesday against St. Thomas.Background: Statistics
WSU lays spring concert plansWINONA, Minn., Nov. 24, 2007 -- The search for the Winona State University spring concert headliner is picking up steam. "We've began the process of getting in contact with artist agents and representatives," said Joe Reed, the university's student activities director. "Right now we're figuring out what acts will be touring colleges in the spring and which ones still have dates to fill." Musical acts Ben Folds, Common, Ben Kweller, Jimmy Eat World, and Jack's Mannequin will be making the college rounds in the spring and are being considered, Reed said. Past headliners at Winona State have include Cake, O.A.R., Counting Crows and Nelly.
The process of signing an act will begin sometime in early winter. Normally the University Programming Activities Committee, which Reed honchoes, will bid for acts based on campus interest. The committee's budget for the concert historically has ranged from $40,000 to $60,000. Reed said a survey will be sent conducted in the coming weeks for students to voice their input "We're taking a new approach to the surveys," he said. "When we would send them out in the past, they'd come back with over 200 acts that students had expressed interest in," said Reed. "Getting touring information earlier this year will allow for a leaner survey. Hopefully students will show us what they want." Reporter: Jack Chandler
Warriors rally late for winLA CROSSE, Wis., Nov. 24, 2007 -- Winona State University went on a 14-0 run to come back from a 10-deficit late in the second half and went on to post a 68-65 women's basketball victory over the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The Warriors trailed 65-51 with 5:11 left to play when they went on a run of 14 unanswered points and held the Eagles scoreless for three minutes and 52 seconds. Jenny Steffen led the charge for the Warriors. She scored all of her 12 points in the second half, 10 coming during the run. Steffen began the run with a jump shot that found the bottom of the net at 4:47. She then gave the Warriors a 62-61 lead with 1:48 left to play with another jump shot. Steffen wrapped up the run, and eight straight Winona State points by her, with a conventional three-point play for a 65-61 Winona State lead with 1:19 left in regulation play. Winona Stat had trailed 37-25 at the halftime but managed to hold UW-La Crosse to just 28 points in the final 20 minutes of play.
Winona State held a slim 33-31 edge on the boards and made the difference in the game by going 9-of-18 from three-point field goal range. Amanda Reimer led the Warriors with a game-high 16 points.Anna Wurtz finished with 14 points. Molly Anderson was the top rebounder for the Warriors with 10. Background: Statistics
Warriors' fall in overtimeWINONA, Minn., Nov. 24, 2007 -- The University of St. Thomas scored with nine seconds left in overtime play and No. 1-ranked Winona State University failed to get off a shot at the end as the Tommies defeated the Warriors 83-82 in nonconference men's basketball game. The Tommies came back from a 10-point deficit in the second half and sent the game into overtime with a pair of free throws with only :00.5 of a second left in regulation play. Two free throws by Winona State's Jonte Flowers started the scoring in the extra five minutes, but St. Thomas scored the next four points for a 79-77 lead with 2:56 left. John Smith converted a layup at 2:34 to tie the game at 79. Flowers' free throws with 1:48 left gave the Warriors an 80-79 lead. But again St. Thomas came back with a go-ahead layup for an 81-80 lead with 30 seconds left. Flowers countered with a layup for an 82-81 Winona State led with 17 seconds, but on the ensuing series the Tommies got the game's final field goal. Winona State did have one final sot, but a scramble on a loose ball under the Winona State basket ended with the final buzzer going off and the Warriors' 36-game home winning streak came to an end.
Flowers had a game-high 24 points. Smith ended with 18 points, five blocked shots and two steals. Quincy Henderson chipped in 11 points for the Warriors. Winona State was outrebounded 41-35, and the Tommies forced the Warriors into 14 turnovers. Winona State made St. Thomas turn over the ball 17 times. Background: Statistics
Auto accident claims WSU sophomoreSPARTA, WIs., Nov. 22, 2007 -- A Winona State University sophomore, Lee Allyn Wells, 20, was killed Thanksgiving Day in an automobile accident. Wells died at a La Crosse, Wis., hospital. At Winona State he was an accounting major.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home in Sparta. Burial will be in the nearby Leon Cemetery Leon. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., , and at noon ahead the funeral Tuesday at Lanham-Miller.
He was born Sept. 11, 1987, in La Crosse to Allyn and Annette (Cox) Wells. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Leon and attended the Leon School. Lee was a 2006 grad of Sparta High School in 2006. He played varsity football and basketball. His family said that he enjoyed hunting deer with both bow and gun, small game hunting, four-wheeling and riding dirt bikes.
Shortage of scientists called a mythWASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2007 -- The widely held view that the United States is short of scientists and engineers is a myth, a Congressional committee was told in recent testimony. Mike Teitelbaum, vice president of the Alfred Sloan Foundation, said corporate lobbyists have claimed, falsely, that their job outsourcing is because of a shortage of U.S. expertise. "No one who has studied this matter with an open mind has been able to find any objective data of such general shortages,"Teitelbaum said. The result of the lobbyists' efforts has been increased federal support for research and subsidizing more grad students and postdoctoral fellows. He called it all "a disconnect between demand and supply." Teitelbaum said the nation has substantially more science graduate students and postdocs than can find attractive real job openings and future careers in these fields.
School principal training faultedATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 21, 2007 -- Many master's degree programs in school administration have become selective because universities are trying to boost enrollment at the expense to quality, according to a report from the Southern Regional Educational consortium. Many grads are so skill-deficient tat they are unable to go on to jobs as school principals, the agency said in a report. The consortium, which works on education policies in 16 Southern states, calked on state governments, universities and local school districts to improve training programs for school principals. More well-designed, supervised internship programs are needed, the report said.
The board, which has been tracking school principal training since 2002, reported that only one state, Louisiana, had made progress in each of Louisiana has increased admissions selectivity, the report said. Alabama, Maryland and Virginia were progress listed as making "modest" progress.
Donor had privileges in dean searchIRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2007 -- The donor of $20 million to the University of California at Irvine was promised a role in choosing a law dean, the Los Angeles Time reported. Documents obtained by the newspaper said that real-estate billionaire Donald Bren was told he would be consulted "periodically and confidentially" during the search. The documents also say that Bren's name on the law school building would be at least twice the size of the name of the building. Responding to the news stories, the university and Bren both insisted that he did not torpedo the initial appointment of noted legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky as dean.
The Chemerinsky appointment drew criticism when university Chancellor Michael Drake hired, then fired and then rehired Chemerinsky. About eh flip-flop Chemerinsky said the chancellor had told him his decision was prompted by outside political pressure over the professor's liberal views. Drake has denied that.
New evidence in UCLA favoritismLOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 19, 2007 -- THE University of California at Los Angeles orthodontics residency program HAS GVE preferential admission to relatives of major donors, the student newspaper the Daily Bruin reported. The newspaper quoted from hundreds of e-mail messages and internal documents showing that, over a period of at least five years, the orthodontics program automatically advanced applicants related to major donors over more-qualified students. In one case, an applicant was told by an admissions-board member that a $60,000 gift to the School of Dentistry would greatly improve his chances of getting in, the paper reported. The Daily Bruin also talked to several faculty members, some anonymously, who claimed to have some knowledge of the admissions preferences.
The Daily Bruin's report followed an audit into the issue that concluded in January that there had been no wrongdoing. After that audit, however, the dentistry school changed some admissions policies to improve oversight and transparency. Responding to the new Daily Bruin report, dentistry Dean No-Hee Park criticized the newspaper report as ignoring that "all of our students have worked hard throughout their academic careers and have credentials worthy of admission."
Stress high with Canadian profsOTTAWA, Ont., Nov. 19, 2007 -- More than 20 percent of Canadian profs are stressed out from their jobs, with about 2 percent calling themselves clinically distressed to the point of qualifying for long-term disability, according to a survey by the Canadian Association of University Teachers. Why the stress? Profs listed workload, scheduling, role conflicts, and problems with senior administrators. The most stressed category in the study was women on the tenure track who have family. The survey checked 1,470 profs at 56 campuses.
WSU looks to book Tau conferencesWINONA, Minn., Nov. 19, 2007 -- To drum up business for its Tau conference center, Winona State University has scheduled open houses next week. The Tau staff will hors d'oeuvres from campus caterer Chartwells, which offers food for conferences. Winona State acquired the Tau building in 2002 from the Franciscan Sisters, a religious order that one operated the adjacent College of St. Teresa. The Franciscans had tried to operate Tau as a conference and retreat center but couldn't make ends meet. Winona State converted part of the building to a 110-bed dorm but reserved many rooms, some of them large, for rental for conferences. Rental revenue goes to scholarships.
Besides an open house for community leaders and planners, n additional open house has beens scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for faculty, staff and administrators. Date: Wednesday, Nov. 28
Soccer coach in court over firingRENO, Nev., Nov. 18, 2007 -- The former women's soccer coach at the University of Nevada at Reno has accused the university of firing her because she went public with claims of discrimination against her players. In the lawsuit Terri Patraw claims university officials violated NCAA regulations. After making her allegations, Patraw said, she was dismissed without explanation.
In Patraw's third season last year, her team scored its most successful record ever. Nevada won the Western Athletic Conference title and made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament before losing to Stanford in the first round.
British campuses incubate terrorism?LONDON, Nov. 18, 2007 -- British universities need to address their openness that lends them to being receptive, probably unwittingly, to terrorist recruiting and training, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said. A counter-terrorism plan will proposed in Parliament to help universities to deal with extremism on campus, Brown said. His ministers for labor and higher-ed will sponsor a forum on maintaining academic freedom while also ensuring that extremists "can never stifle debate or impose their views," Brown said. In a wide-ranging speech in the House of Commons, the prime minister also called for a European Center of Excellence for Islamic Studies.
False alarm at SMU dormWINONA, Minn., Nov. 17, 2007 -- Someone, apparently a tenant at St. Yon's dorm at St. Mary's University, discharged a dry fire extinguisher for no reason about 3 a.m. Firefighters responded to the false alarm.
Warriors again stifled by SiouxGRAND FORKS, N. D., Nov. 17, 2007 -- Winona State University's offense could not push across a touchdown and the Warriors defense could not keep he University of North Dakota out of the end zone. The Warriors lost 44-2 in opening round NCAA Division II football playoffs. The game closed out the season for the No. 19 Warriors at 10-2. The No. 7 Sioux improved to 10-1 and will next meet two-time defending NCAA Division II national champion Grand Valley State of Michigan.
North Dakota scored all the points it need on its first drive of the series, which was capped on an 8-yard run with 9:31 left in the opening period. North Dakota added a field goal in the opening period and followed that up with another touchdown run and one more field goal in the second quarter. Winona State got its only points in second quarter when North Dakota was called for intentional grounding in its end zone and Winona received a safety as the first half went on to end with North Dakota leading 20-2. The second half was pretty much the same with North Dakota adding seven points in the third stanza and then closing out the scoring with 17 points in the final 15 minutes of play.
On the game, Winona State came up with 238 yards in total offense on 44 rushing yards and 194 yards though the air. North Dakota ran up 527 yards in total offense with a balanced 235 rushing and 294 passing. Alex Wise closed out his collegiate career for Winona State with 32 yards in 14 carries. Senior Winona State quarterback Drew Aber connected on 18 of 40 pass attempts for 194 yards. Background: Statistics
Ballard gets 300th win in styleWINONA, Minn., Nov. 17, 2007 -- Winona State University coach Scott Ballard saw his women's basketball team really turn up the defensive screws in the first half as the Warriors rolled to an 80-45 victory over the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. It was coach Ballard's 300th collegiate career victory. Ballard is in his 18th season at three different collegiate programs. He now has compiled an overall record of 300-187.
The historic victory was set up in the first half when the Warriors held the Falcons to just 16 points and took a 35-16 halftime lead. From there Winona State held UW-River Falls to just 29 points in the second half, while adding another 45 points. Natalie Gigler led the Warriors with 19 points, one assist and two blocked shots. All 12 Winona State players to get into the game scored. Jenny Steffen added 13 points for the Warriors. Molly Anderson came up with a different kind of double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. WSU controlled the boards 48-34. Background: Statistics
Indian: Old, new medicine neededWINONA, Minn., Nov. 17, 2007 -- Health care is a major issue for Native Americans today, said a Washington state wellness expert who sees traditional methods and modern healthcare coming together to solve the problem. Speaking at Winona State University recently. Polly Olsen, community relations director of the University of Washington's Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, explained how her organization works to solve Indian health care issues, including heavy incidence of diabetes and mental health problems.
Olsen said that "lots of mistrust" exists among Indians in dealing with doctors and the government because "the impact of history." Olsen cited Indians' collective memory from government-run boarding schools and also the reservation system. Even today, the government grants tribal governments about $1000 per person a year for health care, she said. To supplement this government aid, some bands, including Olsen's own Yakima tribe, are using economic development such as the income of casinos to invest in current health care systems. Olsen said that 45 percent of the income from her band's southern Washington casino goes toward health care.
There are 526 tribes in the United States today, made up of several bands. Olsen's Indigenous Wellness Research Center works with bands in Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. Reporter: Rebecca Erdmann Background: Speaker to discuss Indian life today
2008 contests in early startWINONA, Minn., Nov. 17, 2007 -- Important dates leading up to the November 2008 elections:Feb 5: Minnesota Democratic precinct caucusesRaces that Winona campus people are watching: U.S. PRESIDENCY Joe Biden (Democrat): Delaware senator Hillary Clinton (Democrat): New York senator Chris Dodd (Democrat): Connecticut senator John Edwards (Democrat): Former North Carolina senator Mike Gravel (Democrat): Former Alaska senator Dennis Kucinch (Democrat): Ohio member of House Barack Obama (Democrat): The Illinois senator Bill Richardson (Democrat): New Mexico governor
Sam Brownback (Republican): Kansas senator Jim Gilmore (Republican): Former Virginia governor Rudy Giuliani (Republican): Former New York mayor Duncan Hunter (Republican): California member of House John McCain (Republican): Arizona senator Mike Huckabee (Republican): Arkansas governor Ron Paul (Republican): Texas member of House Mitt Romney (Republican): Massachusetts governor Tom Tancredo (Republican): Colorado member of House Fred Thompson (Republican): Former U.S. senator
U.S. SENATE Minnesota Norm Coleman (Republican): Seeking second term Mike Ciresi (Democrat): Tobacco Settlement attorney Al Franken (Democrat): Former Air America host U.S. HOUSE District 1 Dick Day (Republican): State senator from Owatonna Brian Davis (Republican): Mayo Clinic physician Randy Demmer (Republican): State representative from Hayfield Mark Meyer(Republican): Crystal Lake Wellcome School Board member Tim Walz (Democrat): Expected to seek second term
MINNESOTA HOUSE Distict 28-B Steve Drazkowski (Republican): Announced candiday Linda Pfilsticker (Democrat): Announced candidacy MINNESOTA HOUSE Distict 31-A Gene Pelowski (Democrat): Expected to seek 12th term
MAYOR Jerry Miller (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election Todd Ouellette Former City Council candidate has expressed interest CITY COUNCIL 1st Ward (Far West End) Al Thurley (incumbent): Expected to seek e-election CITY COUNCIL 3rd Ward (Central city, including WSU) Deb Salyards (incumbent): Expected to seek second term CITY COUNCIL At-large Debbie White (incumbent): Expected to seek second term
COUNTY COMMISSION 2nd District Dwayne Voegeli (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election Wayne Valentine: Retirednewscaster has considered running COUNTY COMMISSION 3rd District Jerry Heim (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election COUNTY COMMISSION 4th District Dave Stoltman (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
SCHOOL BOARD Vicki Englich (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election Kelly Herold (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election Fred Peterson (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
Warriors win battle for The RockWINONA, Minn., Nov. 17, 2007 -- For the second game in a row No. 1-ranked Winona State University scored 100 or more points, defeating crosstown rival St. Mary's University 118-53. Of nine Warriors who got into the basketball game, six scored in double figures, while holding St. Mary's to just 3 of 11 from three-point field goal range and 20 of 70 (28.6 percent) from the field overall. Winona state led 64-33 at the halftime break and then held the Cardinals to just 20 points in the second 20 minutes of play while adding another 54 points.
Josh Korth led Warrior scoring with 28 points. Quincy Henderson came up with a double-double on 16 points and 10 rebounds. Henderson also had five blocked shots and two assists. Adding to Warrior offensive were John Smith with 17 points.Jonte Flower had 16 points, seven assists, one blocked shot and four steals. Brent Riese and Matt Smith rounded out the double-figure for the Warriors with 11 and 10 points respectively.
Winona was 18-for-33 from the three-point arch and 42-of-69 (60.9 percent) from the field. The Warriors also dominated the boards 50-32. Background: Statistics
Jena Six news seen as racismWINONA, Minn., Nov. 16, 2007 -- The Winona State University cultural diversity director, Alexander Hines, called the charges against six black teenagers who beat a white teenager in Jena, La., "an instance of inequality in our judicial system." The case became national news, which Hines said didn't surprise him. "I still think racism is going on," said Hines, "Its just more covert now." Although Hines disagrees with the charges against the black teenagers, which initially was second-degree attempted murder, he does believe they should be punished.
On Sept. 20, between 10,000 and 20,000 protesters in support of the Jena six marched in Jena. Related protests were mounted in other cities the same day. Said Hines: "I haven't seen anything to follow up the marches." He said he would like to see more done by the black community.
About lingering racism in the United States, Hines noted that at same time the Jena protests took place, in West Virginia a black woman was rescued by police from a mobile home where six whites tortured her for a week. Why didn't the Williams' story didn't receive as much media coverage? Hines has a theory: "Any instance that shows people of color in a negative light gets more attention than those that show them being victims." He noted too that prominent black leaders, including Al Sharpton, took action in the Jena Six case. Reporter: Gena Batchelor
Colby drops loans for Maine studentsWATERVILLE, Maine, Nov. 15, 2007 -- FInancial aid at Colby College will be grants only, no loans, for freshmen who are Maine residents beginning this fall. By replacing loans with grants, Colby to take thus route to ease student debt load. President, William Adams said the new policy will cost an additional $300,000 a year, coming in part from the college's $599 million endowment. The average financial-aid package at Colby is $31,000. Even so, in-state grads average $12,000 in debt.
Pfeilsticker seeks 28B House seat againWABASHA, Minn., Nov. 14, 2007 -- School teacher Linda Pfeilsticker announced a second bid for Minnesota House District 28B, which extends south and east into Winona County. In a special election over the summer Pgeilsticker, a Democrat, lost to Steve Drazkowski of Wabasha for the seat that had been vacated by Steve Sviggum, who is now state commissioner of labor and industry. Drazkowski took 53 percent of the votes in a light turnout. Pfeilsticker, 35, lives in Wabasha and teaches social studies at Winona. Pfeilsticker said her main issues would be healthcare, transportation and education.Background: Races that campus people are watching
WSU politicos: Opinions need backupWINONA, Minn., Nov. 14, 2007 -- The president of campus Republicans at Winona State University, Bryon Pavelka, said that the large headline in the Colorado State University student in September, coupling President Bush and the F word, showed a bias against the balance that should be a college newspaper goal. The editor abused his position to impose his opinion, Pavelka said, Also, he said, the language used was inappropriate. The editor has been reprimanded but remains in office. The headline was atop an editorial. Said Pavelka:: "An editorial at a college is supposed to be facilitating an intellectual debate. I'm not saying you have to agree with President Bush, but tell us why you don't agree with Bush."
The president of Winona State campus Democrats, Estelle Denbrook, agreed in a separate interview that criticism should be supported with reasoning, but she disagreed with Pavelka, about provocative language. Sometimes, she said, shrill language is needed to get readers' attention: "Sometimes you can't get your message across without doing something that radical." Denbrook said that she was not offended by the headline, and that she personally wouldn't be even if in the form of an anti-Democrat message because she believes college is the place where free speech and different opinions should thrive. "We need the difference. I may not agree with it, but I'll accept it," she said.
Pavelka said that if the message was anti-Democrat, he would still be offended because there a level of respect for a person, even if you do not respect their policies. Pavelka said that he was sure the College Republicans at Winona State would react in the same as those at Colorado State, gathering all available resources to send out messages to inform and possibly sway readers. The best way to react to unfavorable messages is to respond with more information, Pavelka said.
Both Pavelka and Denbrook cited the abortion rights debates that erupted at Winona State in September, both agreeing that the way a statement is made is just as powerful as the content itself. Both presidents said that they were offended by the anti-abortion demonstration.
About the Colorado State headline, Denbrook said that attacking someone on a personal level without knowing the facts is an example of disrespect. She added that criticizing someone on a person level should be distinguished from criticizing public figures or institutions because there is more information to back up your criticism of public figures.
About the anti-abortion demonstration taht stirred passions at Winona State, Denbrook was offended by how, she said, the messages attacked some women. The messages were disrespectful, she said. Pavelka also was upset at how the anti-abortion message was presented, referring to the large posters of aborted fetuses. "Content can't be the reason you become upset; it's the format you put it in," he said. Reporter: Rachel Smith Background: Colorado State editor keeps job
Fire closes NCAA headquartersINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 14, 2007 -- A fire the NCAA Hall of Champions museum send smoke throughout the association's headquarters. There were injuries, but 400 employees were sent home for the day. The fire broke out, apparently, near a video display that plays clips of memorable NCAA tournament finishes.
UW-Whitewater, ex-dean end suitsWHITEWATER, WIs., Nov, 15, 2007 -- A former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater dean and the university have reached a settlement in their lawsuits against each other. Lee Jones agreed to drop claims that he was discriminated against because he is black. The university agreed to stop seeking restitution of $10,000 spent on products and travel for himself. Jones, who had been dean of graduate studies and continuing education, was demoted in 2005 after an audit accused him of misspending. he resigned from the university last year.Background: Ex-dean accuses UW campus of racism
Gunmen fire on Venezuela studentsZULIA, Venezuela, Nov. 14, 2007 -- A student protester at the University of Zulia was shot to death amid escalating tensions between President Hugo Chavez and opponents to his proposed constitutional reforms. The student was in a march on the office of the university rector when gunmen opened fire from a pair of passing cars. In all, 10 other persons were wounded. Classes were suspended.
Across Venezuela, students have been leading protests against Chavez's plan to eliminate presidential term limits, institute press controls, and change university admission policies. Opponents say the changes are aimed at consolidating Chavez in power. Several student protest marches have ended in violence. In Caracas, Chavez charged that protesters are rich people "disguised as students." In recent months Chavez has imposed a socialist curriculum on elementary and secondary schools. He also and has discontinued entrance examinations at public universities to, he says, increase access to poor students.
Bush vetoes Pell grant increaseWASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2007 -- President Bush followed through on a promise to veto a bill to finance aid fro college students. The bill would have increased a maximum Pell Grant award to $4,925. President Bush's veto made another confrontation with the Democratic majority in Congress a certainty. The Democrats began mounting attempt to override the veto. A champion of the Pell program, Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., said: "By vetoing the bill, the president is turning his back on the priorities of America's families -- their hopes, their dreams, their opportunities."
Nightcrawler Rapist told: No way
Background: Rapist's wife: Cure will take long time
Majority holds against tuition boost
Reporter: Stephanie Trask Background: Senate heated over tuition hike
Ramaley: Smoking ban won't be easyWINONA, Minn., Nov. 13, 2007 -- If passed, a new university-wide smoking ban would push smokers not just away from building but off campus, said Winona State President Judith Ramaley. Asked about the proposed policy in a public forum, Ramaley agreed that it "wouldn't be easy." Some hard questions, such as how the ban might affect campus neighborhoods, are hard to answer at this point, she said. "Questions like, does it mean your whole campus will be ringed by a big pile of cigarette butts? Will people go to the edge of campus to smoke? Will that litter the neighborhood?" Ramaley said. "We'll have to work through those questions the same as anyone else has."
The new ban would greatly enlarge the university's current no-smoking perimeter from 25 feet away from buildings to prohibiting smoking anywhere on campus.
Despite questions, Ramaley said the ban would provide some answers. In particular, Ramaley said a campus-wide ban would increase worker productivity. "Turns out, we do have a nonsmoking policy and there is some evidence that workers, admin and staff are more productive because they spend less time, and work through the urge to smoke," Ramaley said.
Ramaley said she would review answers to similar questions raised by nonsmoking policies elsewhere, such as the ban adopted at Minnesota State University at Moorhead. Moorhead's campus-wide smoking ban, which starts Jan. 1, has sparked debate at many universities within the state college system. "We want to talk through the pros and cons to decide if we want to pursue this path," said Ramaley. "We want to make sure that it's a smart decision for Winona."
Ramaley said she is acting on a recent Winona State survey that showed 74 percent of respondents favored a university-wide smoking ban. More than 3,000 campus people -- mostly students -- responded to the survey. Reporter: Spencer King Background: WSU nurse hopeful for ban
"Prairie Home" discount to WSU studentsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 13, 2007 -- Discount tickets to a live broadcast performance of"A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor" in February will be available to Winona State University students beginning at 3 p.m., Thursday. A limited number of student tickets will $10, organizers said. Regular tickets are $20 to $45. Student tickets will be available at at the Student Union Front Desk in Kryzsko Commons.Background: WSU hosts "Prairie Home" show
Cardinals' Manley recognizedST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- St. Mary's University midfielder Joey Manley was named to the all-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's soccer team. The senior from Racine, Wis., garnered the honorable-mention nod after leading the Cardinals with six goals, four assists and 14 points during his final season as a Cardinal. Manley will graduate this spring as an art major. St. Mary's freshman forward Adam Lindsay, a Fremont, Wis., native, was named by coaches and teammates to the all-conference Sportsmanship Team.
Prof talks up Indian-campus link-upsWINONA, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- A Winona State University photography prof, Tom Grier, presented a session,"Documentary Journalism Partnerships: Native and Non-Natives Exploring Culture, Sharing Knowledge" at the 17th Annual Navajo Studies Conference at Tsaile, Ariz.
Iowa pays for Friday enrollmentWINONA, Minn., Nov. 13, 2007 -- To curb Thursday boozing the University of Iowa is experimenting with paying academic departments to schedule more classes on Fridays, Departments that move at least two classes to Friday will get $20 for each student who enrolls. The goal of the experiment is to cut down on the number of students who load up on classes earlier in the week so they can start weekend partying on Thursday night.
League honors Weise twiceST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- Winona State University's Alex Wiese and Ryan Abbott received football player of the week honors from the Northern Sun conference. Wiese, a senior running back, was tabbed the offensive player of the week after he set a Winona state single-game rushing record with 313 yards in 30 carriers in a 59-34 victory against Wayne State. Wiese added three receptions for 15 yards and 328 total yards. Wiese also became the first Winona State running back to rush for 300 yards in a game. Abbott was named special teams player of the Week after he converted all eight of his extra-point kicks and his lone field goal attempt for 11 points. Both efforts helped the Warriors secure an outright league championship.
Weise was also selected to the all-conference first team along with offensive tackle Nick Urban, center Seth Haun, wide receiver Scott Peters, tight end Todd Burkoth, and cornerback Shawn Cunnigham. Named to the second team were guard Jason Enos, quarterback Drew Aber, defensive tackle Ryan Rothwell and linebacker Marcus Labadie. Honorable mentions went to Winona State wide receiver Tyree Burks, defensive end Kevin Michaelis, safety Craig Martindale, safety Tyler Perkette, and punt returner Anthony Buckner. Background: WSU 59, Wayne State 34
Prof offers WSU geoscience historyWINONA, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- A Winona State University geoscience prof, Toby Dogwiler will present a lecture, "Written in Stone: 40 Years of Geoscience at WSU." Dogwiler's presentation is part of a semester-long series in honor of Winona State's 150th anniversary.Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
League honors SMU soccer womenST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- St. Mary's University forwards Bridgette Baggio and Amy Sibbik were named to the women's all-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference soccer team. Baggio, a senior from Glenview, Ill., earned a first-team selection after leading the Cardinals with six goals in 11 conference games this season. Sibbik, from Onalaska, Wis., earned an honorable mention after finishing second on the team with 10 points during her freshman campaign.
Sophomore goaltender Mariana Sanchez was named St. Mary's representative to the all-conference Sportsmanship Team. Members of the team are selected by their coaches and teammates as individuals who demonstrate ideals of positive sportsmanship on and off the field.
Antifreeze? Oh, guess you got meWINONA, Minn., Nov. 12, 2007 -- The cops had no problem tracking a 21-year-old man to the Winona State University neighborhood after a hit-and-run smash-up. There was trail of antifreeze from Fourth and Olmstead, where the accident occurred, to the 550 block of West Sanborn Street, where the the guy's truck, its front-end heavily damaged, was parked. Nearby, lying in a pile of leaves, was the driver. The guy had keys to the Dodge Ram truck anyway. Also, said, police, he was very drunk. His blood-alcohol level tested at 0.23 percent -- almost triple the legal limit.
The accident, a little after 2 a.m., was reported by a witness. The guy, police said, remembered hitting a garage container somewhere around Second and Olmstead. Police will recommend charges of drunken driving and leaving the scene of a property damage.
WSU v. North Dakota in football playoffsINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 11, 2007 -- Winona State University will face North Dakota in the Northwest Region opening round Nov. 17, the NCAA Division II Football Committee announced. The Warriors, with a 10-1 record, received the No. 2 Seed. North Dakota, at 9-1, were tabbed the third seed. The contest will be played in Grand Forks, N.D. The winner will advance on to the second round and will play No. 2 Seed and two-time defending national champion Grand Valley State of Michigan, 10-0, on Nov. 24. In the lower half of the Northwest Region bracket, Central Washington, 8-2, was given the No. 4 Seed and will host No. 5-seeded Ashland, 8-1. That winner will advance to the second round and face No. 1-seed University of Nebraska-Omaha,10-0, at Omaha.Background: WSU 59, Wayne State 34
Warriors sweep Disney Tip-OffLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 11, 2007 -- Winona State University made it a sweep of a three-game series at the Disney II Tip-Off Classic by defeating Assumption College s 93-74. The Warriors trailed 12-11 at 12:35 of the first half before going on to lead by nine points, 24-15, at 8:07. The Warriors finished the first 20 minutes of play leading 37-29. In the second half the Warriors put on a 21-10 run for a 19-point, 58-39, lead in less than six minutes of the second half. The Warriors led by 19 points twice more before eventually building 21-point lead fur times, with the final coming at 93-72.
John Smith, who was named the tournament's most outstanding player, paced the Warriors with 26 points. Smith added nine rebounds, three assists, four blocked shots and one steal. Jonte Flowers, who was named with Smith to the all-tournament team, added 19 points, three rebounds, seven assists and one steal to the winning effort. Background: Statistics
Judge: UW-Madison dirtying the airMADISON, Wis., Nov. 11, 2007 -- The University of Wisconsin at Madison has violated the federal Clean Air Act by not upgrading pollution controls on a 48-year-old coal-fueled campus power plant, Federal Judge John Shabaz ruled. The judge said the university has missed numerous opportunities during construction projects at the plant to fix the problems. The environment-conscious Sierra Club had filed the suit.
Judge: Campus civility policy has limitsSAN FRANCISCO, Calif, Nov. 11, 2007 -- campus its civility requirements cannot be used by California State University to investigate or discipline students, a federal magistrate ruled. The ruling got College Republicans at San Francisco State University off the hook for stomping on flags representing Hamas and Hezbollah during an anti-terrorism rally in last year. The case had been brought in federal court after a student claimed that the Republican students had committed "actions of incivility" that violated San Francisco State's policy manual.
The university investigated but let the issue drop. But the Republicans sued, claiming they wanted to ensure that the university could not use the civility code to discipline students in the future. Federal magistrate Wayne Brazil responded with a preliminary injunction barring the university from invoking the policy in a disciplinary hearing.
Warriors rally to beat PhiladelphiaLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2007 -- No. 1-ranked Winona State University rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit and staged a late rally to defeat Philadelphia University 66-62 in the Disney Division II basketball Tip-Off. Quincy Henderson and John Smith rallied the Warriors in the final five-plus minutes. With the game tied at 58 with 5:11 left, Henderson connected on a three-point field goal, Smith tipped in a shot, Henderson rolled in a layup and Smith hit one of two free throw attempts for a 65-60 Winona State lead with 57 seconds to go.
Winona State trailed by as much as 11 points with 14:15 left in the second half, but the Warriors went on a 19-7 run to take a one-point, 58-57 lead with 6:31 left to play. In the first half WSU grabbed a five-point, 13-8, lead in the first 5:10 of the game. From there Philadelphia ran off seven unanswered points to lead 15-13 at the 12:26 mark. PU continued its roll for a ten-point, 31-21, lead with 4:43 remaining in the opening period, but WSU managed to close the gap to seven points to trail 37-30 by the intermission. Smith led the Warriors with 19 points and chipped in nine rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots. Jonte Flowers also hit double figures with 17 points. Flowers also added five assists, one blocked shot and two steals. Background: Statistics
Student finds laptop thief red-handedWINONA, Minn., Nov. 10, 2007 -- A Wisconsin man was nabbed by police Friday evening after dropping a stolen laptop computer and video-game station and fleeing from an apartment where he had been caught in the act. The man was jailed for first-degree burglary. The episode began about 5:45 p.m. when a Winona State University student, Tyrel Brey, returned to his upstairs apartment on West Sanborn Street after dinner and found a man in his room holding the laptop and an X-box console. Surprised, the man dropped the gear and raced out the front.
Brey and a friend gave chase but backed off when it occurred to them that the guy might be armed. The guy, meanwhile, stumbled while climbing into his Ford Explorer. Brey's friend called police on a cell phone with a description. A cop stopped the truck at Ninth and Wilson. As the officer was making a radio check on the truck's license, Brey and his friend arrived and pulled the man from the vehicle and held him to the ground. There was flat-screen television in the back seat, which Brey identified as his.
Whether the burglary was related to a string of other laptop thefts in the Winona State neighborhood is uncertain. At the moment, said police, there is no evidence linking the thefts. In the past year more than 60 laptops, leased by students from Winona State, have been reported stolen. In some cases, other electronic gear was also taken. A Crime Stoppers reward has been posted for information leading to a conviction of whoever has been responsible for the laptop thefts.
Brey said that he normally locks his apartment when he leaves but didn't Friday. He was gone about 15 minutes for a bite to eat. Many of the laptop thefts in recent months have been from unlocked student housing in the campus neighborhood.
After the arrest, the man, age 31, from Cochrane, Wis., was tested for blood alcohol, which police said was 0.13 percent -- more than 1/1-2 times the legal limit. Charges being recommended by police against the man, besides burglary, include drunken driving, possessing drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license. Police said the man has a rap sheet for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine. Reporter: Mari Arriola Background: Reward to be posted for laptop thief
Warriors run to outright conference titleMINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Nov. 10, 2007 -- Running back Alex Weise rushed for a Winona State University record 313 yards en route to a 59-34 football victory over Wayne State. The victory gave the Warriors outright possession of the Northern Sun conference championship. The two touchdowns scored by Wiese added 12 points to his career and made him the third all-time leading Winona State scorer. His two touchdowns moved him into the No. 2 slot for career touchdowns by a Warrior.
Quarterback Drew Aber added to his single-season completion record with 18 completions on 26 attempts, which gives him 200 completions for the season. Aber also passed for 255 yards and five touchdowns. The five touchdown passes equals the second best single-game Winona State record and his 274 yards in total offense now ranks him No. 2 in total offense Warrior history. Wide receiver Scott Peters was on a number of Aber's completions, hauling seven passes for 134 yards and two scores, including one from 62 yards out. Place kicker Ryan Abbott had a solid contest, converting all eight of his extra-point attempts and hit from a career-high 42 yards out for field goal. The Warriors also set a single-game team record with 652 yards in total offense.
Defensively Brent Yule came up with 11 solo tackles, two tackles for losses of 14 yards, one 13-yard sack and one fumble recovery returned for 41 yards. Background: Statistics
UW-Stevens Point rallies past SMUWINONA, Minn., Nov. 10, 2007 -- The St. Mary's University men's hockey team gave up three unanswered goals in route to a 3-1 loss to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The Cardinals held a 1-0 lead early in the first period thanks to Anthony Bohn's first goal of the season. But the Pointers responded, netting a goal in each period of the game to complete the comeback. Josh Calleja's three assists, coupled with goals from Tim Manthey, Brett Beckfeld and Pat Lee, paced UW-Stevens Point. St. Mary's goaltender Dan Smith made 22 saves. The loss moved the Cardinals to 0-3-1 on the season and extended the teams losing streak to 11 games, dating back to a 5-4 win against Hamline on Jan. 26 last season.Background: Statistics
Partying frosh flees, gets caughtWINONA, Minn., Nov. 10, 2007 -- Police ticketed a Winona State University freshman who fled when they raided a party in the 300 block of Main Street. The woman, 18, was cited for underage boozing. Police had been called at 12:15 a.m. to deal with the noise.Reporter: Mari Arriola
Cardinals blanked in season openerEAU CLAIRE, Wis., Nov. 10, 2007 -- The St. Mary's women's hockey team dropped its season opener 4-0 to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The Blugolds got the only score they would need in the first period when Amanda Alioto notched her first goal of the season. UW-Eau Claire blew the game open in the third period, taking advantage of a few St. Mary's penalties to score three power-play goals. Cardinals goalie Jessie Smith made 29 saves in the loss.Background: Statistics
House presses for tuition curbsWASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2007 -- Legislation to hold colleges accountable for tuition increases is included in a massive 747-page higher-ed bill introduced in the U.S. House. The bill, like a measure already passed by the Senate, would create a federal higher-education price index. Colleges whose tuition and fees exceed the index would go on a watch list. Those colleges would be required to submit a report explaining their tuition increases. They also would be required to lay out a plan to stem future tuition growth. Colleges within the index would be rewarded with additional Pell grants for students. The bill also would penalize states that cut higher-ed spending by withholding federal funds.
It's the law: No open boozeWINONA, Minn., Nov. 10, 2007 -- A Winona State University freshman was ticketed at 12:26 a.m. after police spotted him ay Sixth and Main streets with an open can of beer. The man, 18, was cited for underage drinking.Reporter: Mari Arriola
Protesters close some French collegesPARIS, France, Nov. 9, 2007 -- Hundreds of French university students took to the streets against a government higher-ed plan called the New University Law. Students engaged in sit-ins at more than 30 universities, interrupting operations. At some campuses, student protests forced classes to be cancelled.
The New University law was passed in August when schools were out of session, Student leaders now have mobilized against the law and coupled their protests with growing opposition from public employees to new French president Nicolas Sarkozy's attempts to cut back public-sector pension rights. The public-employee'; union has called on students to join strikes Nov. 20.
Warriors keep on winningLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 9, 2007 -- Winona State University built a 14-point first-half lead and went on to hand North Alabama an 88-82 setback in Disney Division II football Tip-Off. The No. 1-ranked Warriors took a quick 8-3 lead only to see the Lions knot the score 10-all with 16:11 left in the opening half. From there the Warriors outscored Northern Alabama 29-15 for a 39-25 lead with 4:06 left in the half. Northern Alabama did manage to counter with a 12-4 run to close out the first period trailing the Warriors 43-37.
In the second half Winona State pushed its lead back up to 12 points, 62-50, with 13:02 left. North Alabama once again rallied to within four points, 64-60, with 10:17 to play, but the Warriors pretty much put the game under control by building its lead back up to 76-66 with 6:12 left.
The Warriors had five players finish in double figures. Jonte Flowers led the charge with 21 points. Quincy Henderson followed with 16 points, John Smith tallied 13, Ben Fischer 12, and David Johnson 10. Smith had 14 rebounds. Smith overall performance was enhanced with five assists, five blocked shots and two steals. Northern Alabama hold the edge in rebounding 43-39. Winona State had 18 turnovers, the Warriors 14. Background: Statistics
WSU chooses HealthForce chief
Beer gardens remain in gray zone>WINONA, Minn., Nov. 5, 2007 -- The CIty Council divided on whether to consider legalizing beer gardens. WIthout consensus, Mayor Jerry Miller decided not to put the proposal on the Council's agenda. In the meantime, Miller said, bars with outdoor patios may continue.
Senate heated over tuition hikeWINONA, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- The Winona State University Student Senate voted 12-9 against any tuition increase for fall, possibly, warned some senators, setting up a hardball confrontation with university President Judith Ramaley. The state college system wants a 4 percent increase. The vote was tentative, and the issue will be revisited next week. Senators were vocal on both sides. Liberal arts Sen. Ian Galchutt, who championed what was called "the zero percent increase," said: "As senators it's our responsibility to support WSU students and their ability to finance their education. As a body we need to be committed to keeping college affordable here at WSU."
Other senators weren't so sure. Senior class Sen. A.J. Schuler retorted: "We're not going to be taken seriously unless we go to administration with some realistic numbers." Schuler cited last year when the Senate pushed for heading a tuition hike.
The 4 percent increase would raise tuition $224 a semester. Incoming freshman would pay even more A room and board increase of $245 would be tacked onto the semester bill.
Junior Sen Charlie Moburg, legislative affairs committee chair, supported Galchutt. "It is only right that we support a zero percent tuition increase, whether it is feasible or not," Moburg said. At one point the chair of the student services committee, junior Sen. Josh Martin, called for a five-minute caucus, at the end of which he announced that he questioned the "reasonableness" of the zero percent position. Martin said that while last year, the Student Senate had the luxury of battling any increases, there was nowhere to find the money to do so this year.
Education Sen. Terri Burke, diversity awareness chair, likened the situation to purchasing a house: You start out with the lowest price possible, and then work your way up to what you can afford. "We've been paying more and more, and students don't have any more," she said. Reporters: Sarah Burgen and Jack Chandler
Profs' negotiators: Offer falls shortST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- Profs at the state college system's universities have been offered a 1 percent pay increase this year and 5 percent next year, a union leader said. John Palmer, action chair for the Inter Faculty Organization, said the offer falls "far short" of significant progress toward improving competitiveness with similar colleges nationally. Palmer also said the offer hardy makes up for past wage freezes and health coverage cuts. He acknowledged, however, that the offer would move all current profs up one step on a salary scale in addition to the 1 percent and 5 percent salary hikes.
Faculty at the universities, including Winona State, have been working since July under an old contract. Negotiators for the faculty and for the state chancellor have been meeting weekly. The parties, Palmer said, remain "far apart" on both pay and language issues.
Palmer encouraged faculty to wear buttons and display posters with the negotiations motto "2+2+5." The union seeks two two pay-step increases in each year of a two-year contract and a 5 percent across-the board salary increases, which Palmer said would be in line with increases for part-time and community faculty. "Negotiations are heating up now," he said. "It is time to start stepping up the pressure."
The chancellor has pressed for onerous contract language on non-salary issues, Palmer said. Administrators want to pack committees with hand-picked appointees and eliminate benefits that allow faculty and their families to use their tuition waiver to take masters and doctoral-level courses at MnSCU universities," he said. Palmer called the proposals "extreme."
On salary issues, Palmer said the chancellor's negotiators have claimed they don't have the money. Palmer called the claim "total and utter baloney." MnSCU received a $12 million base adjustment from the Legislature last biennium to provide for competitive salaries, he said: "That money is still in the MnSCU base and can be used to improve faculty compensation."
Also, he said, the 200 Legislature gave the MnSCU system a $151 million budget increase, a 12.7 percent hike over previous biennium. Further, the system raised tuition 4 percent this fiscal year and plans another 4 percent next year, which will raise an additional $73 million. What is MnSCU doing with the new revenue? "Instead of improving faculty salaries and academic programs," Palmer said, "MnSCU is proposing to spend far more than the Legislature ever intended on centrally controlled technology initiatives, creating 55 new system-level positions." If MnSCU took just half of the money the Legislature provided for competitive salary increases, and just half of the increase it proposes for central office technology, it would provide an extra $37 million that the union's 2+2+5 goal for faculty pay, he said. Background: Negotiations move into financial issues Background: Tech priorities draw lightning
WSU prof to Fulbright committeeWINONA, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- A global studies prof at Winona State University, Linda d'Amico, joined a a panel reviewing institutional Fulbright-Hays projects for the western hemisphere.
Performance profs eye radio spaceWINONA, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- The Faculty Senate at Winona State University has established a task force to develop a recommendation space in the performing arts building now occupied by radio station KQAL, Vernon Leighton, the Senate committee organizer, has called for three volunteers from each of three departments that are KQAL's fellow Performing Arts Center tenants -- dance, music and theater. The university has not stated its plans for the station, which has fallen on rough times with declining student participation and a management turnover. Pending an administration decision, plans are proceeding tentatively to relocate the station with other masscom department operations in the Phelps classroom building.
KQAL was built in the Performing Arts Center in 1975 as part of the old Speech Department. The station was assigned to the new masscom department in 1981 and incrementally expanded into space that had been used for music, speech and theater, leaving those departments squeezed for space. Background: Plan: Radio in TV Phelps linkup
Foreign enrollment up at grad schoolsWASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2007 -- The number of foreign students at U.S. grad schools grew 7 percent this year, for the second year in a row after major post 9/11 declines, according to the Council of Graduate Schools. The increase, however, was much less than the 12 percent of 2006. The Council surveyed 172 universities. First-time enrollment of students from China was up 19 percent; India, 8 percent; and South Korea, 5 percent.
ROOM AT WSU'S TABLE FOR SECOND SUPPER
Reporter: Stephanie Trask Background: Student Senate OKs UW-La Crosse paper
CENTRALIZED PRIORITIES DRAW LIGHTNING ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- The decision of the state college system to use 41 percent of its budget increase from the Legislature on technology -- not tuition relief or faculty salaries -- has become a lightning rod. The Minnesota State University Student Association has focused in on the headquarters' decision. So has the statewide faculty union. And so have key legislators including state Sen. Sandy Pappas, D-St. Paul; and state Reps. Tim Mahoney, D-St. Paul; Gene Pelowski, D-Winona; and Tom Rukavina, D-Virginia.
Darrell Downs, of the faculty union's government relations committee at Winona State, said the MnSCU internal budget shows that only $10 million of the $62.8 appropriated by the 2007 Legislature is earmarked by the college system to go directly to the campuses. The remaining $53 million is allocated under a line item in MnSCU's internal budget called "enterprise technology," Downs said. The Legislature had expected a far greater share of the MnSCU budget increase would go directly to the campuses, he said. Faculty, students, legislators, and taxpayers in general should take notice.
Downs criticized system administrators for diverting the money to centralized technology without consulting the primary stakeholders, including faculty: "MnSCU Central's operating budget has been developed with questionable consultation." Downs demanded better accountability from the system's central office. "If faculty doesn't ask questions of MnSCU Central, we're not likely to get answers, and there's a good chance that campus based funding will continue to suffer," Downs said.
Downs, and his government relations co-chair at Winona State, Kurt Hohenstein, listed questions that he said the system office must be pressed to answer: • How did MnSCU Central determine that we needed (without asking us) $62.8 in technology spending?
Downs said the faculty union learned of the decision to put the new state appropriation into system-level technology only after examining budget documents after the decisions had been made. Background: Charge: St. Paul mishandled tech funds
Plan: WSU radio moving in TV linkupWINONA, Minn., Nov. 7, 2007 -- The old grade-school gym at the Phelps Lab School at Winona State will become the new home of the university's masscom department teaching television studio, said Steve Ronkowski, project manager. Also, Ronkowski said, campus radio station will be relocated from the performing arts building to Phelps Hall in a consolidation of masscom facilities. Construction will begin over the summer, and Ronkowski hopes the facility, being called the Broadcast Center, will be completely at home in Phelps Hall by fall.
The plan seems to confirm that KQAL will remain in operation. Over the past year, university President Judith Ramaley and academic Vice President Sally Johnstone have raised questions about whether further investments in the station were warranted. John Weis, chair of the masscom department, declined an interview request about the sensitive issue of KQAL's status or the new Broadcast Center. The station has been under scrutiny, and long-time General Manager Ajit Daniel was on paid suspension in September during a state-level investigation into operations.
According to Scott Ellinghuysen, the university's vice president of finance and administrative services, the masscom television and radio moves were necessitated by a $400,000 appropriation from the state to tear down Howell Hall, which is adjacent to Phelps. The masscom television studio has been in another grade-school gym, in Howell, since the television curriculum was created in the 1970s.
Ronkowski said the new Broadcast Center, in the Phelps gym, will have a mew structural steel floor. There will be two levels, one for television and one for the radio, he said. An architect has been hired to draw up plans based on needs laid out by television prof Robin O'Callaghan. A budget for the project will be created after the architect is further along in the project, Ronkowski said. Once the opinion of cost has been determined, Ronkowski explained, there would be final review with the university's upper management, which would include Ramaley, Johnstone and Ellinghuysen.
Contractors have yet to chosen. Ronkowski said he needs to have funding of this project in place before inviting bids.
The current Phelps gymnasium is 3,686 square feet. Dance courses now taught in the gym will be moved to the Performing Arts Center, he said. About tenants and activities that will be displaced by the Howell demolition, Ronkowski said that other quarters will be arranged. Besides the television studio, Howell is home to some Students Services offices and a couple classrooms. Reporter: Claudia Cappiello Background: WSU's Howell Hall to be razed in fall Background: Masscom's maxima mea culpa Background: Verbatim: The Johnstone Report Background: Prof's suspension clears way for probe Background: KQAL chief on "investigative suspension" Background: Ramaley: Solve radio issues by Oct. 15
Environmentalist: End fragmentation
Reporter: Alicia Werdel Background: Georgia naturalist speaks at WSU
Antioch doors to remain openYELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2007 -- Alumni of financially beleaguered Antioch College have rallied with their checkbooks to keep the college open. Arthur Zucker, chairman of the college's governing board, aid that alumni have pledged $18 million. This, Zucker said, means that the college won't close in June. Plans remain in place, however, to downscale. The faculty will be trimmed, some buildings will be razed, and some student services will be outsourced.Background: Antioch president resigns early
Verona Grove pop-rockers due at WSUWINONA, Minn., Nov. 6, 2007 -- The pop-rock band Verona Grove will perform at Winona State University with the Shock Stars, with the lead singer from Lucky Boys Confusion. Verona Grove, established in 1999, with roots in Fond du Lac, Wis., released its first full-length album in June 2003.Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7
Wesleyan replaces loans with grantsMIDDLETON, Conn., Nov. 6, 2007 -- To reduce student debt burdens, Wesleyan University has eliminated loans for low-income students. Most students whose annual family income is $40,000 or less will graduate debt-free, the university said. For other financial-aid recipients, individual loan indebtedness will be reduced by an average of 35 percent. Those students will also have their loans packaged in the form of a single federally subsidized Stafford Loan.Background: No more loans, only grants, at Williams
WSU offers healthcare workshopWINONA, Minn., Nov. 6, 2007 -- A workshop for healthcare professionals on inventory processes has been scheduled in Rochester by Winona State University and HealthForce Minnesota. The agenda includes techniques for improving staff morale, controlling inventory costs, and p safety.Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Arizona State may raze frat housesPHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 6, 2007 -- Arizona State University has released a preliminary plan to tear down frat houses have fallen into disrepair and replace them with dorms. The plan would take down eight fraternities on valuable land near Sun Devil Stadium to build a hotel, a convention center, retail stores, restaurants, and regular student housing -- and as well as student housing to replace the frat houses.
Iowa regents admit meeting flawsDES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 6, 2007 -- The Iowa Board of Regents has admitted violating state open-meetings laws requirements in its messed-up a search for a new University of Iowa president for a tactic called "rolling meetings" to bypass a legal requirement of announcing the days and times of its meetings publicly. The board was trying to extend a meeting without adjourning and reconvening at a later date without announcing an agenda. In a settlement, the regents agreement to pay the newspaper $45,000 in legal fees and abandon rolling meetings.
Speakers see Hollywood, Cold War linkWINONA, Minn., Nov. 6, 2007 -- A Winona State University history prof, Greg Schmidt, and library technician Brian Ohm will discuss the influence of McCarthyism and the political ideology of the Cold War on Western movies,.Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Iona College loses age-bias caseNEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2007 -- Iona College illegally fired a 54-year-old assistant in a dean's office to replaced her with a person nearly 30 years younger, the New York State human-rights commissioner has ruled. The commissioner ordered the college to pay $250,000 to Maryann Rossi in her age-discrimination complaint. Rossi, 59, started as an assistant dean for a in 1999 but was dismissed when the office of the dean of arts and sciences was restructured.
WSU prof to critical-thinking postWINONA, Minn., Nov. 6, 2007 -- A Winona State philosophy prof, Kevin Possin, has accepted a three-year term as program director for the Central Division conferences of the Association for Informal Logic and Critical Thinking.
Students accused cookie-burning tortureEDWARDSVILLE, Ill., Nov. 6, 2007 -- A teen-age man was tortured, including have freshly baked cookies pressed into his neck and shoulders, after a drug deal that went bad, police said. Two students at Southern Illinois University have been arrested and ordered held on $150, 000 bond, Police gave this account: Three men went to the teenager's house to buy marijuana. The victim was beaten with a wooden paddle and burned with cookies taken hot from the oven. Some of his hair was shaved off, and urine was poured over him from a soda bottle. Police said it "sheer torture," The victim managed to escape and called police.
What's with Georgia's yellow water?ATHENS, Ga., Nov. 6, 2007 -- To save water in drought-ravaged Georgia, the University of Georgia posted attendants in football stadium restrooms over the weekend to stop people from flushing. Posters were everywhere: "Every Drop Counts" with the message: Don't flush if it's yellow.
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Date: Saturday Nov. 17
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: Ed's No Name Bar, 252 E. Third St.
Cost: $5 with nonperishable food item, otherwise $7
Contact: Becky Ek at 507-273-3315
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Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Place: Tandeski Center
Registration: $20 to $55
Contact: 7 Rivers Alliance 2007
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WINONA, Minn., Nov. 5, 2007 -- A web site called Silent Witness has been proposed by Winona State senior Brandon Nagel for university students and anyone else to report offensive incidents anonymously. Nagel, a former student senator, said the anonymity would remove the social stigma of being a victim. The site would be "a link on the security homepage that students can click on," said Nagel. Students would fill out a description of the incident electronically.
"Selected members of faculty, such as the Winona State director of security, would be able to see the incident report but there is no way for them to trace it back to the person," Nagel said in an interview. Incidents reports would be reviewed case by case, with an investigation if enough information is available.
Nagel acknowledges a possibility of pranks, "But how much harm is it really for security and others looking into the incident to make sure that it isn't?" he said.
Nagel said his previous college, St. Norbert in Green Bay, Wis. had a Silent Witness program. So do some universities and smaller universities, he said. These included MSU-Mankato State and Southwest State in the MNSCU system of which Winona State is part.
Nagel said his goal is "to start the dialogue of this program between students and faculty and ultimately see it implemented here." Two steps are necessary -- Student Senate support and administrative approval. On Wednesday Nagel laid out is proposed to the Student Senate. With administration approves, the web details would need to be designed. A university web designer could put the web form together, Nagel said, It would be a simple form that would, he estimated, take three hours.
Nagel's timeline? "I would like to see it implemented by mid next semester." Reporter: Gena Batchelor |  BRIAN NAGEL Anonymity to stave off a stigma  MCGRUFF Remember taking a bite out of crime? Nagel plan goes further: Anything that offends you |
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| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
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Date: Wednesday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 2
Time: Not announced
Place: Main Stage, Performing Arts Center
Cost: $5 to $7
Contact: 507-457-5235
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WSU SECURITY REPORT NOV. 5, 2007 Security guards and an ambulance crew responded to the Minne classroom building at 12:20 p.m. for a student who had passed out. |
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• The Wabasha County search warrant.
• A report from Blackhawk County Sheriff's Department in Iowa, where Jacob's brother had been arrested a short while before in a sting for a rendezvous with a police decoy posing online as an underage woman.
• An incident report from Wabasha County, Minn., investigators.
• A DVD from Blackhawk County.
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WSU SECURITY REPORT NOV. 4, 2007 Security guards assisted a dorm supervisor with a drug violation in the Maria dorm at 8:20 p.m. At 11:30 p.m.a parent called unable to locate a daughter. Security guards located the student. |
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WINONA, Minn., Nov. 3, 2007 -- The role of a satirist is to look at a situation, cut through the hypocrisy and inconsistency, and get to the truth, said Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken in a campaign stop at Winona State University. Those qualities for satire would make him a good U.S. senator, said Franken, who spent 15 seasons on "Saturday Night Live." His focus at Winona State was on issues. He called for universal health care." About the Iraq war, Franken favors withdrawing troops and letting the United Nations take over. He called for innovative solutions to global warming, comparing the the issue to the 1957 Russian launching of Sputnik, as a time when America was faced with a challenge.
Franken promised to follow in the footsteps of fellow Democrats Rep. Tim Walz, who represents southern Minnesota in Congress, and State Rep. Gene Pelowski, who represents Winona in the Minnesota House. His platform, he said, is health care, education and transportation. Much of Franken's speech was spent comparing his goals to the achievements of Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., whom Franken hopes to replace.
Franken arrived late to his 4 o'clock campus speaking engagement because he had spent the morning touring rural communities affected by the August flash floods with with State Sen. Sharon Ropes, D-Winona. About his tour of Stockton, Rushford and Minnesota City, Franken lamented at how the Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently run. He called the agency ineffectual compared to FEMA during the Clinton administration. |  AL FRANKEN Favors universal health care, Iraq troop withdrawal, curbs on global warming |
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WSU SECURITY REPORT NOV. 3, 2007 A student asked security guards at 4:05 a.m.for assistance as a result of falling earlier. Medics were called and checked the student. The student did not want to be transported to the hospital. Several students were cited for alcohol at the East Lake dorm at 9 p.m. Several Students were cited for alcohol in the East Lake Apartments parking lot 10:30 p.m. Security guards and an ambulance crew responded to the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 8:49 p.m. for a student who passed out. Student was apparently suffering from from a pre-existing condition. She was taken to the hospital. |
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COURT CONVICTIONS WEEK ENDING NOV. 3, 2007 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Brian J. Fah, 18, Becker, Minn., $177. Adam R. Hovell, 20, Minnesota City, Minn., $$177. LOUD PARTYIG Christopher J. Reid, 19, 407 W. Sanborn, $177. Jordan S. Yankowiak, 21, Claremont, Minn., $177.
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WINONA, Minn., Nov. 2, 2007 -- The Winona State University football coach, Tom Sawyer, skidded his motorcycle down its side to avoid a T-bone collision with a car downtown on Main Street at 3:47 p.m. Sawyer, 48, escaped wit only bruises,. Police Sgt. Chris Nelson said that a Winona State student, Brandon Gifford, age 20, pulled out of the McDonald's drive-thru and and into Sawyer's at. Gifford was issued a citation for failing to yield, Nelson said. Sawyer's machine, a 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyne Wide-Glide, was scratched up.
Sawyer was in an accident in December 2005, when a drunk high school student struck his car near campus. In that accident, Sawyer suffered rib injuries, contusions in his lung, intestine and hip, and a ruptured spleen. Sawyer's companion volleyball coach Connie Mettille, suffered brain injuries. |  TOM SAWYER X-rays find nothing broken |
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RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY POSTED NOV. 2, 2007 BOATHOUSE FIRES. Four boathouses were damaged, two beyond repair, in a fire early Tuesday at the East End boat harbor. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Multhaup blamed arson. Crime Stoppers will offer an award for information leading to a conviction, Multhaup said.
CHANGING HANDS. A strip mall near Highways 61 and 14, home to China King Buffet, has been required by an Eden Prairie, Minn., real-estate company that sold it five years ago. Another company, owned by Russell Willits of Bloomington, Minn., operated the mall but decide to to consolidate its operations. The transaction: $855,000. Tenants besides China King include Family Dollar, Gotta Dance and a State Farm insurance agency.
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WSU SECURITY REPORT NOV. 2, 2007 Several students were cited for alcohol 8:41 p.m. in the Lourdes dorm. At 10:30 p.m. security guards responded to the Minne parking lot where a student had fallen. Student would not supply much information and returned to her dorm. Several students were cited for alcohol in the Lourdes dorm at 8:41 p.m. |
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Date: Saturday, Nov. 3
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Place: Kay Fredericks Room, Klas Center
Cost: $30 to $50
Contact: Naomi Hupton
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WSU SECURITY REPORT NOV. 1, 2007 At 4 p.m. a staff member reported the theft of money from her purse in Somsen Hall. A fire alarm was activated in the Minne classroom building at 4 p.m. Firefighters blamed an alarm malfunction. |
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Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Second floor, Krueger Library
Cost: Free
Contact: Kendall Larson at 507-457-5367
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