 | WINONA COLISEUM? |  |
MEGA-ARENA PLANNING FUNDS
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The Legislature has approved transferring a $250,000 grant originally for pre-design of a Shakespearean festival theater in Winona to pre-design for a multi-purpose mega-arena that also could accommodate Winona State varsity basketball games. Redirection of the planning money was approved last week in St. Paul, according to City Manager Eric Sorensen. Sorensen said he was encouraged that the change made it through both the Legislature and the governor in a year with lean state revenue predictions. "The governor didn't even line item veto this request -- and he vetoed a lot of other requests that came to him," said Sorensen. "It is a very positive thing to have both the governor and the Legislature on board with this project."
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Sorensen said there was one change in the request that the city had not asked for -- that Winona State must be folded into planning. "In the approval papers, it says that Winona State University has to be a partner," said Sorensen. "Although unexpected, this is definitely not a problem. We knew that Winona State had to be involved somehow."
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Sorensen said he already had spoken to Winona State President Judith Ramaley, who he said was pleased with the decision. Ramaley, however, has not issued a statement on the issue. The campus and larger arts community have been disgruntled at how their Shakespeare plans had been subsumed into the larger coliseum project that was developed without their knowledge by university executives and deep-pocket civic boosters.
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The next step in the process is picking a consultant from a state architectural group list, Sorensen said. "We hope to have construction underway in 2010," Sorensen said. "I'm just really happy this grant got approved. This multipurpose facility could do so much for Winona." Early discussion has had the coliseum, which could consume 30 square blocks, between downtown and the main Winona State campus. Also discussed has been the ld residential neighborhood between the main campus and the old College of St. Teresa.
Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: Coliseum intimate enough for theater?
Background: City manager sees Oregon fest as model
Background: Prof doubts questions coliseum "plotters"
Background: WSU fund-raiser sees long road ahead
Background: Mega-arena plans announced
O'Shea home to England, then Stateside
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The student president at Winona State University, Rotney O'Shea, who will be graduated with a degree in Spanish and political science Friday, said he plans trip back to England to visit family and friends. Then, O'Shea said he plans to return to the United States for a year to look for work. He sees himself as a community organizer. e "would like to work in a poor neighborhood," he said.
This was a tumultuous year for O'Shea, who began in the fall as a senior senator but became Senate vice president in November with the death of President Jared Stene. In March, when new President Emily Feehan resigned under pressure, O'Shea moved up to president. Said O'Shea: "I am glad that I am done with Senate and I am not going to miss this year's Senate." Reporter: Rebecca Erdmann |  ROTNEY O'SHEA Sees community organizer role ahead |
SHOEMAKER SEEKS $600 JOB
FROM NEW STUDENT PRESIDENT
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- A recently elected sophomore student senator at Winona State University, Alexandra Shoemaker, who is the girlfriend of student President-elect David Obray, has applied for a $600 position as a Student Senate committee chair. It is Obray who appoints committee chairs. Senate confirmation is required but historically granted routinely. The appointment, said one observer, would compound the Senate's image problem as a clubby group that's out of touch with students overall and focuses instead on taking care of it own. This being final exam week at Winona State, neither Obray nor Shoemaker were maintaining Senate office hours to take reporter questions.
Several sources confirmed, however, that Shoemaker wants to chair the Diversity Awareness Committee, which pays $600. As a committee chair Shoemaker would be be part of the Obray's eight-member cabinet. Shoemaker was elected to the Senate in February. Shoemaker then served on the Student Services committee, which carried no compensation. As a newby, she didn't establish a record of accomplishment. In March she was re-elected to the Senate. Although she wants to chair the Diversity Awareness Committee, Shoemaker has had no involvement with the committee's events or projects.
Shoemaker acquired an early reputation for cronyism. In one spring semester election she ran for both a freshman and a College of Business seat and won both. She chose the business seat and was frank that she did so in order to allow a runner-up for the freshman seat, her chum Chris Brignull, to become a senator.
Shoemaker's political base is largely among Senate insiders, who, including associate members, comprise a large voting bloc. On her Facebook site she has emphasized her connections in good-timing party social circles, another voting bloc.
Obray had intended to jumpstart his year as student president with an April 21 deadline for applications for committee chairships. He said he wanted to present his choices at the final Senate meeting of the spring on April 23 so the Senate could function over the summer, but he did not do so. Unclear is whether a factor in Obray's delay was the Shoemaker application and the eyebrows it raised. Obray said esrlier that he was serious about committee appointments and had created an more detailed application form than had been used in the past.
Obray has six appointments to make to Senate committee chairships. Liberal Arts Sen. Ian Galchutt has confirmed he applied for the Public Relations Committee, and sophomore Nathan Lynne for the Technology Committee and senior Sen. Josh Martin for either the Student Affairs and the Academic Affairs committees. Obray has not listed who else has applied. All the chairs carry a $600 stipend funded by mandatory student activity fees assessed on all students. Galchutt, Lynne and Martin are among few seasoned senators retyurning thie coming year, which has left Obray with slim pickings in putting together an exeorience cabinet. The Cabinet is comprised of the six appointed committee chairs and the Senate vice president and treasurer |
CAMPUS ITEM Alexandra Shoemaker David Obray Shoemaker puts Obray on the spot in applying for committee chair job that carries compensation  CAMPAIGNING ON FACEBOOK Shoemaker and, no, that's not Diet Pepsi she's clutching |
Background: Switcheroo leads to cronyism charge
Background: Three senators confirm chair applications
New rector for SMU seminary named
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- An alum of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary's University, Andrew Breeman, will be the new rector, Bishop Bernard Harrington announced. The seminary trains parish priests for the Winona Catholic Diocese. father Breeman succeeds James Steffes, who has been appointed to a post with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Breeman, ordained in 1996. has served parishes in Rochester, Luverne and Ellsworth. Most recently he has been academic dean of the Immaculate Heart seminary.Background: SMU priest to U.S. Bishops post
Prof: Fuss over Wright overblown
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The controversy surrounding Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama's connection with Rev. Jeremiah Wright has been made into a bigger spectacle than it warrants, a Winona State University political science professor said. The fuss probably will blow over, Yogesh Grover said in an interview. The flamboyantly offensive and widely denounced remarks of Rev. Wright do not deserve the focus that they have been getting, Grover said. "This whole issue is in my mind, blown out of proportion," he said. "The campaign is about Obama and not about Rev. Wright."| MORE |
Grover doesn't think that Rev. Wright's remarks, even his infamous "God damn America" speech, warrant such a strong backlash. "I do not find those remarks that offensive," said Grover. "His remarks such as, 'God Damn America,' are expressions of anger, and lots of people are angry with the American government."
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Grover believes that Obama has taken the necessary precautions to distance himself from Rev. Wright. the next step for Obama, he said, should be simply to move on. "He should concentrate on his campaign, concentrate on the issues that matter," Grover said. "His former pastor is not running the campaign, so he should not be an issue."
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Grover hopes that the American public will also shift its focus from Rev. Wright's loose cannon remarks to Obama's stand on issues that matter. The American public's focus on people like Rev. Wright is damaging not only to Obama but also to all politicians and even the political campaign process because it creates unfair evaluation of candidates. "I hope the people will evaluate them not on the basis of what their pastors say but instead on the basis of what they say," Grover said.
Reporter: David Schneider
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Stuedeman, Ewing pace WSU victory
LA CROSSE, Wis., April 30, 2008 -- Winona State University swept a nonconference softball doubleheader with an 8-0 victory over University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 8-0 in five innings and then a nightcap 5-3 victory. Annie Stuedemann and Chelsey Ewing paced the Warriors in the opener. Stuedemann went three-for-three with a run scored and three runs driven in. Ewing tossed a two-hit complete game with two strikeouts. One of Stuedemann's hit was a solo home run in the Warriors' five-run third inning and another was a two-run double in the fifth. Chelsea Rosenow added two hits and two runs scored to the win.| MORE |
In the second game Winona State came up with two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings for a 5-2 lead. Rosenow, Jenny Wilmes and Callie Givens all had two hits and two RBIs apiece. Kristen Fossell came on in relief in the second inning with the Warriors trailing 2-1. She notched the game with five hits and five strikeouts.
Stats: Game One
Stats: Game Two
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Hellenbrand, WSU split with Concordia
ST. PAUL., April 30, 2008 -- Ross Hellenbrand pitched and hit Winona State University to a 3-1 baseball victory over Concordia University St. Paul in the first game of a Northern Sun conference doubleheader before the Warriors lost the nightcap 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh inning. In the first game Hellenbrand retired the first 14 batters he faced. he went on to toss a four-hit complete game with eight strikeouts. Hellenbrand also came up with three of the Warriors' eight hits to go with a run scored and a run driven in. Teammates gave Hellenbrand all the support he would need with three runs in the fourth inning. Consecutive hits by Hellenbrand, Joe Kley, Brent Maxwell and Jamie Soyk did the damage.| MORE |
In the second game Hellenbrand came up with two more hits, but a walk-off home run gave the game to Concordia. Winona Sate had come back to take a 7-6 lead with two runs in the fourth and two runs in the fifth only to have the Golden Bears tie the game at 7-7 with a run in the sixth and then win the game in seventh with one out. Mike Brabender, Jared Anderson, Soyk and Sam Henriksen all had two hits apiece, while Brabender and Maxwell scored twice and Anderson drove in two runs.
Stats: Game One
Stats: Game Two
Ceremonies to be streamed, televised
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The Winona State spring commencement, with more than 900 grads, will be streamed live on the Web, the university announced. The morning ceremony begins at 9:30, Friday, for business and liberal arts. grades and the afternoon ceremony begins at 2 for education, nursing and science grads. The university said that the ceremonies also will be broadcast live over Hiawatha Broadband channel 20 in Winona and in markets served by HBC. In the Rochester area, Charter channel 20 will carry the ceremonies live. Hiawatha channel 25 will rebroadcast the morning ceremony Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and afternoon ceremony at 7:30 p.m.Background: Duellman, Kurkiewicz to carry banners
WSU frosh arrested in shoplifting
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- A Winona State University freshman was arrested Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Wal-Mart after a shoplifting complaint. Police said two curtains valued at $33.99 had been taken.Reporter: Sawyer Derry
McCain blames 35W collapse on earmarks
ALLENTOWN, Pa., Aporil 30, 2008 -- The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge that killed 13 motorists and injured 143 last summer was the result of pork-barrel politics that diverted money to less essential projects than infrastructure maintenance, Republican presidential hopeful John McCain said. "The bridge in Minneapolis didn't collapse because there wasn't enough money," McCain told reporters. "The bridge in Minneapolis collapsed because so much money was spent on wasteful, unnecessary pork-barrel projects." The comments came as a blow to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is co-chair of McCain's election campaign. Pawlenty had been considered a leading candidate for the vice presidency.| MORE |
McCain, an Arizona senator, has promised to eliminate earmarks that allow members of Congress to fund less than necessary projects in their home districts. Earmarks ran $18 billion last year. Said McCain: "I think there is a long, long list of earmarks which went to unnecessary and unwanted projects that I think should have gone to the bridge in Minnesota."
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
Former dean back heading WSU liberal arts
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- A former liberal arts dean at Winona State, history prof Peter Henderson, has been appointed to the job again, this time on an interim basis, by university President Judith Ramaley. Henderson, who earned good marks as dean from 1996 to 2001, had been asked to serve again. No one else applied. Ramaley said he had "graciously accepted." A search is scheduled to begin in the fall for a long-term successor to Troy Paino, who is leaving for a $150,000 position as chief academic officer at Truman State in Missouri.
Before serving as dean the first time, Henderson directed the Winona State paralegal program, from 1991 to 1995 and again in 2004 and 2005. He directed the university's honors program in 2002. Henderson holds a doctorate from the University of Nebraska and a law degree from Vanderbilt. Last year he wrote a history of Winona State, "Her Star Shall Not Dim," for Winona State's sesquicentennial.
An announcing Henderson's appointment, Ramaley repeated her appreciation to Paino. Ramaley said that she was proud of his accomplishments and that he would be missed. |  PETER HENDERSON Veteran history prof |
Background: History prof up for deanship
Background: Two finalists for associate deanship
Agencies deny "Smiley Face Murders"
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- A claim by two retired New York police detectives that links the drownings of at least 40 men in 25 cities, including one in La Crosse and another in Minneapolis, is not supported by evidence, according to statements from the FBI and the Minneapolis police. The only common denominator in most of the drownings is that they were alcohol related, the statements said. The New York theory, dubbed the "Smiley Face Murders," has picked up national attention.Econ prof: Gas prices have bright side
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- Rising gas prices may have positive effects on the economy as well as the environment, according to a Winona State University economics prof. William Yu said in an interview that revenue generated from higher gas prices will help the economy, while any reductions in gas purchases and increased use of alternative transportation will help the environment. Yu believes that gas prices will continue to rise over the summer, which he sees as speeding up the economy's recovery, not slowing it down. "Demand for gas is high right now," said Yu, "and when demand is high, prices go up."| MORE |
A Winona gas station employee said that he hasn't noticed a decline in gas purchases because of the increase in price. "We have the same amount of customers, just more unhappy ones," said Oliver Sternberg, shift manager at the Kwik Trip on West Sixth Street.
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Yu said also that high gas prices can help fight global warming. People will be looking for other means of transportation this summer, Wu said. He expects an increase in public transportation, bike riding and other environmentally friendly alternatives to driving.
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Asked what shape the economy is in now, Yu said: "Not so good." He added, though, that the slowdown is short term. "The economy is resilient," he said. "It will bounce back." People who can afford to go on trips will, said Yu: "Those who can't will have to wait."
Reporter: Jenna Cameron
Tuition hikes outpace instructional budgets
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2008 -- College students are paying more tuition than ever even though college spending on instruction has slowed since 1998, according to a report. The Delta Project on Postsecondary Education Costs, Productivity, and Accountability reported that tuition at public four-year institutions in 2005 was up from 37 percent in 1998. Colleges, however, are using a smaller share of tuition revenue for direct instructional purposes. Instead, the report said, the college have shifted a large share of tuition revenue to financial aid.Workshop to address educational access
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The superintendent of Rochester, Minn., schools, Romain Dallemand, will be among speakers at a workshop on cultural diversity at Winona State University. Organizers said the session is to promote a discussion on education access and opportunity.Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Place:Purple Rooms, Kryzsko Commons
Cost: Free; reservations required; lunch included
Contact: Diversity Dialogue
Flooding closes Maine campus
FORT KENT, Maine, April 30, 2008 -- Students were evacuated from dorms at the University of Maine at Fort Kent as the Fish and St. John rivers overflowed their banks. About 150 students were relocated to the University of Maine at Presque Isle and at Northern Maine Community College. Flood waters, loosened by torrential rains that melted a heavy snowpack, damaged the municipal sewer plant, disabling dorm showers and toilets. Classes were canceled for a week.SMU priest to U.S. Bishops post
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- The sacramental minister at St. Mary's University since 1996. James Steffes, has been named executive director of the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. Since 2002 Father Steffes also has been rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at the campus. In his new position Steefes will be in Washington.Inquiry lays blame on jinxed Ghana study tour
SEATTLE, Wash, April 30, 2008 -- A study-abroad trip that went bad under the direction of a University of Washington counselor who was in over her head, an investigation concluded. The five-week trip, to a remote rural village, was a "major undertaking" beyond the ability of the director, Linda L. Iltis, who failed to "appropriately handle" the challenges, the report said. The trip was cut short after the medical evacuation of eight of 17 participants from the equatorial west Africa nation. Meanwhile, the university already has refunded $2,500 to each student.| MORE |
The university commissioned the review, which was conducted a lawyer in personnel matters. The report found a "significant breakdown" in communications between Iltis and students as well as with a nongovernmental organization in Ghana that was a local partner for the program and also university administrators back in Seattle. The report, drawn from interviews with participants, quoted students that they had been minimally fed, neglected by Iltis, and given poor instruction by local college professors.
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Iltis is quoted in the report that her group was "hijacked" by the nongovernmental organization. She said the organization mishandled funds and isolated her from her students. Iltis herself fell ill on the trip.
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Tanning: More risk vs. benefits sparring
WINONA, Minn., April 30, 2008 -- College students and anybody else who chooses to tan indoors must understand the risks and benefits, says the director of student health at Winona State University. Diane Palm calls indoor tanning an avoidable health risk. Palm, who has been at Winona State 10 years, said that she sees the effects of tanning in her patients on a daily basis, from redness, swelling and pain to serious signs of skin cancer.| MORE |
Not everyone agrees. A Winona tanning salon owner, Peter Freese denies any risks, just benefits. Freese, who has owned GQ and Electric Beach, said: "Indoor tanning makes people feel good, especially in Minnesota. It provides the Vitamin D our bodies need and doctors now are even prescribing it for acne and psoriasis," said Freese. He claims upward of 300 tanning customers a day, more than a third of whom he said are college students.
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Palm said no dermatologist she knows would prescribe tanning, an irreversible skin ager, for a temporary problem like acne. About melanoma, Freese acknowledged that it is a serious skin cancer but that it comes with deep burning and blistering and rapid skin aging, which he said in most cases is hereditary. "I have been tanning myself for over 30 years, and I don't think that I look any older then my age," Freese said.
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But Palm cautioned that many young people don't see the consequences: "They don't realize that they aren't going to look 20 the rest of their lives." The Skin Cancer Foundation is on Palm's side. Indoor tanning has been found to increase the chance of melanoma by 15 percent, according to the society. Even so, it's estimated that 2.3 million U.S. teenagers visit tanning salons a year.
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Freese said that he has never enforced a time limit on customers who tan and has never felt the need to confront those whom he calls "tanaholics."
Reporter: Amie Hylton
Stress-busting tips for students
WINONA, Minn., April 29, 2008 -- One technique isn't enough for stress management, a counselor said at a workshop ahead of final exams at Winona State University. Wayne Theye suggested a range of activities, including to-do lists and re-labeling perceptions. More challenging activities, Theye said, are pushing oneself to work out everyday. Theye said that many student find a useful stress-buster in the "be here now" method. This method was first presented by David Ellis, author "Becoming A Master Student," calls for concentrating on certain tasks, say reading or listening to lecture, and putting aside other thoughts. In other words, concentrate solely on the task at hand. Theye suggested self-empowerment: Students can tell themselves "I choose," rather than "I should."Reporter: Shannon Burgess
Two finalists for new WSU associate deanship
WINONA, Minn., April 29, 2008 -- Two finalists for a new No. 2 position in WInona State University's liberal arts college include an internal candidate, communications prof Ted Reilly, and an external candidate, Nancy Holland of Hamline University. The position, associate dean, would report to the liberal arts dean, also an open position but for which former interim Dean Peter Henderson is the only candidate.| MORE |
The associate dean search committee issued mini-profiles and announced these interview times for campus people:
Nancy Holland: Since 1981 on the Hamline University faculty. Involved at Hamline on the Faculty Council and numerous committees. Former member of the Advisory Board of the Minnesota Center for Women in Government. Holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of California at Berkeley and a master's and a bachelor's, also in philosophy, from Stanford. Open forum: 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, Dining Room G Kryzsko Commons.Background: History prof up for deanship
Ted Reilly: Since 1997, on the communications faculty at WInona State. Has served on numerous Winona State committees, including space and finance. On the presidential search committee in 2005. Holds a doctorate in speech communication from Louisiana State and a master's from the University of Maine and a bachelor's from Northern Illinois, both also in speech communication. Open forum: 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 5, Purple Room 104. Kryzsko Commons.
SMU plans $20 million science renovations
WINONA, Minn., April 29, 2008 -- To update its science facilities St. Mary's University has launched a $20 million fundraising campaign. The project includes 520yearold Hoffman al and 22-year-old Charles Hall. A 40,000-square foot addition is planned for the Adducci science building. To reporter Nolan Rosenkrans of the Winona Daily News, academic Vice President Thomas Mans said that the facilities are at the end of their useful life cycle. Groundbreaking is expected in the fall. | VIGIL FOR SLAIN TEENAGER At Winona State the death of Lawrence King is remembered in a vigil as a day of Silence sponsored by campus gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. Photographer: Sawyer Derry |
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OF BEING GAY
VIGIL MARKS
DAY OF SILENCE AT WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- A candle light vigil in memory of an eighth grade boy named Lawrence King who was shot for being homosexual marked the Day of Silence at Winona State University. The vigil, presided over by Pastor John Carrier, followed a forum sponsored by Winona State's Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transsexual Alliance, about the hardship of members' sexuality. It's hard being open, said panelist Adnan Nazeer, a senior in mass communication: "You don't know what people are thinking." Fourteen people participated, not as many as organizer Mary Mellesmoen would have liked, but she said that 30 other vigils were also going on throughout the nation.
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This vigil was one of the campus events for National Day of Silence Week, which began Monday. Most of the panelists said that although they worry about how open they are about their sexuality, most said that they feel safe at Winona State, Mellesmoen said that she chose Winona State because the GLBTA is out and visible. Even so, panelists agreed that they hear a lot of derogatory remarks about homosexuals such as, "That's so gay." Senior Jason Staskus, a mass communication student, said he knows of harassments situations on campus over sexual orientation.
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The panel also discussed when and how they told others that they were gay. Freshman Nathan Stone, a nursing major, said" Coming out is one hard because you don't know who will support you. "It's never easy because you don't know how they will react and however they react is just how it will be," he said. Some panelists said they don't have a problem telling others that they are gay depending on the situation. Some prefer not to mention it at work. Freshman Alyssa Stuart, a mass communication major, said a girl she used to lunch with told her she couldn't join her anymore for lunch after learning that she out Stuart was lesbian.
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Panelists also said that parents can be a problem. Nazeer said he knew he was gay by the time he was in middle school but that father still talks about him having a wife and kids. Currently, he said, his mother is looking for a good wife for him. Nazeer said that he has always dreamed about getting married and is crushed that he can't legally do that now. Mellesmoen said it's not fair that homosexuals can't have the same rights as straight people.
Reporter: Sawyer Derry
WAS BROKEN
WSU FOOTBALL FRESHMAN
FACES ASSAULT CHARGE
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- A Winona State University varsity football player, Chad Cheek, has been charged with assault for an October incident in which a second person was punched in the face. The guy's nose was broken. Cheek, 19, is a 6-foot-3 190-pound centerback who enrolled at Winona State last fall as a freshman. He was recruited from East Ridge High in Clermont, Fla. As of Thursday, the day he was charged, Cheek was still listed on the Winona State football roster. The charge, assault causing substantial bodily harm, is a felony with penalties of as much as five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Cheek has been ordered to appear before a judge May 15.
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Police said they were called to the Winona hospital emergency room at 1:45 a.m., Oct. 20, the Saturday of the home against Bemidji State. The criminal complaints, based on a lengthy police investigation, alleges this sequence of events as put together from two guys who had been tossing a football around when one made a bad pass, which, they say, provoked a derogatory remark from the other guy. Apparently thinking the remark was aimed at him, Cheek approached and got in the guy's face. The friend said he tried to pull them apart but Cheek hit the guy in the face three times and then ran away.
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Cheek's account, also in the criminal complaint, is different. Cheek says he asked one of the guys to throw him the ball. Instead, the guy called him something derogatory and directed some explicit comments at him. Cheek confronted the guy who, Cheek said, spit in his face. The blows followed.
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In high school Cheek played quarterback Back then he was listed at 6-2 and 195 pound and noted for his speed. He was courted not only by Winona State. At one point he signed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and was on short lists at Georgetown and Columbia,
Judge upholds prof's right to negative views
LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 28, 2008 -- A prof who used the words "fraud," "guilty" and "plagiarism" in criticizing an article in a scholarly medical journal was within his First Amendment rights, a judge ruled. The prof, Bruce Flamm, who teaches obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California at Irvine, called the decision a victory for academic freedom. One of the authors of the article sued Flamm for libel. Judge James Dunn, of Superior Court, originally allowed the suit to continue but now has granted Flamm's motion to disallow the case.| MORE |
The case involved a 2001 study in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, which purported that prayer by anonymous people in North America and Australia had doubled the success rate for South Korean women undergoing fertilization procedures even if the women were unaware of the prayers. Flamm found the study absurd. "This may be the first time in history that all three authors of a randomized, controlled study have been found guilty of fraud, deception, and/or plagiarism," he wrote.
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One author, Rogerio Lobo at Columbia University, later withdrew his name from the study. A second author, Daniel Wirth, a lawyer who studies the paranormal, has since pleaded guilty to mail fraud and bank fraud in an unrelated case. The third author, Kwang Cha, a prominent fertility specialist in South Korea and California, continued to defend the artice and filed the libel action.
Thrill Kill? No, says WSU expert
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- The motivation for a pair of Detroit, Mich, teens convicted in a brutal murder and mutilation case has been incorrectly identified by police as a "thrill kill," a Winona State University professor of criminal justice said. Helen Dachelet said in an interview that thrill is an impossible motive. "I don't think that there is such a thing as a 'thrill killing,' Dachelet said. "Why would one person kill another person, especially stab them a dozen times? That means that there was a lot of anger."| MORE |
On Nov. 26, Alexander Letkemann, 17, and Jean Pierre Orlewicz, 18, lured Daniel Sorenson, a 26-year-old acquaintance, into a garage and stabbed him 12 times, slit his throat and sawed off his head before burning his hands and feet with a blowtorch and dumping the body.
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"It would be unreal for someone to kill someone else without some kind of problems," she said. Dachelet, who spent decades as a felony probation officer and has a doctorate in psychology, says that violence of this caliber comes from childhood abuse. "Anybody who can kill in a brutal fashion or be a mass murderer was probably abused," she said. "Nobody can do that unless they were somehow in their childhood abused by someone who purports to love them."
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Dachelet said that the Letkemann and Orlewicz must have felt tormented by Sorenson and viewed killing him as their last remaining option for dealing with him. "They get pushed too far," she said. "They had lots of rage and hate and anger against him. At some point they probably said, 'This is enough. If we don't kill him we'll always be tormented by him and be at the bottom rung.'"
Reporter: David Schneider
Bye-bye to East Lake's armory parking
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- Students living at Winona State's East Lake dorm apartments will lose parking availability when the next-door armory is remodeled into a veterans' clubhouse, said the university's dorms chief. East Lake tenants have been parking in front of the armory, which has been abandoned for years. Paula Scheevel, who manages WInona State dorms, said she dies expect the American Legion to negotiated a new contract for student parking.| MORE |
Construction of a new Legion post, including a bar, is planned for summer. Exterior construction probably will be completed by the time students return in August and disruption for students should be minimal, Scheevel said.
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Scheevel acknowledged that the Legion bar, adjacent to the dorm, may be a problem. Veterans bars are normally open to the public, she said, adding that she hopes that bartenders will follow constraints and will be responsible in checking identifications and serving drinks. The university cannot control who its neighbors are but hopes that students will be responsible.
Reporter: Chelsey Swanson
Scandal-stricken West Virginia dean quits
MORGANTOWN, W.Va, April 28, 2008 -- The business dean at West Virginia University, Steve Sears, has joined the provost in resigning for the retroactive awarding of an advanced degree to the daughter of the governor without a record of her completing her coursework. Earlier, long-time provost Gerald Lang resigned amid demands that heads roll in the transcript doctoring scandal. Faculty have called for university President Mike Garrison also to step aside or be removed.| MORE |
Insiders said that Garrison appears have support from the university's governing board to remain. Lang and Sears were mentioned prominently in a report by independent panel last week. Even though Garrison was not so prominent targeted, some faculty are proposing a no o no confidence. Said one proponent of forcing Garrison out, physics prof Boyd Edwards: "He is not going to be a credible leader here in the future because of the perception that he has been involved in this scandal."
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The investigative panel's report called for Garrison to make various administrative changes to prevent another transcript scadal. The panel, howeverm did not call for any firings.
Background: Provost quits in transcript scandal
Historian equates Iraq, Vietnam wars
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- The war in Iraq and U.S. conflicts over the latter 20th century represent attempts to address political, economic and historical problems with military solutions that mounting evidence suggests don't work, a Winona State University historian said. Prof Steve Tilson, who teaches U.S. History through 1865, draws parallels between the Iraq and Vietnam wars. "In the Vietnam conflict, the war dragged on with no seeming end or resolution in sight causing public opinion and support to erode similar to what has been happening more recently," Tilson said. The conflict in Iraq, he noted, is now the longest conflict the United States his been in since Vietnam. Just like previous wars, he said, the Iraq conflict was supposed to be limited in scope or duration.| MORE |
Because there is still no clear answer as to when the troops will be coming home, Tilson believes the number of people supporting the war has shifted to over the past few years. "Americans are starting to think the war was ill-advised to begin with and will not have any kind of positive outcome, whatever we do," said Tilson.
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As for differences between the present day conflict and wars that have occurred in the past, Tilson said he thinks there is less publicized moral outrage today. "I think people now are more careful to voice their support for troops, publicly at least, than was the case in past wars. This might be a result of the emotional environment created by September 11th," said Tilson.
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Tilson said he often uses the United States current situation with Iraq to make connections with his students so they better understand the similarities and differences of how society deals with war.
Reporter: Taylor Laitsch
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LORI WOODWARD, Women's Resource Center TARA HOHIFF, WSU Environmental Club JULIE SCHWEMER, Women's Resource Center COURTNEY AULT, WSU FORGE club ERIKA STAUB, Nursing Students For Choice STAN BREITLOW, Women's Resource Center BECKY EK, Nursing Students For Choice |
Anti-violence concert raises $2,000
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- A check for $2,000, raised at the Rock Against Violence concert two weeks ago, was presented to the Women's Resource Center. Organizer Courtney Ault, representing three Winona State clubs, including two feminist groups, proclaimed the event a success.Report: Accreditors ignore part-timer issue
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 -- College accrediting agencies ignore their own advice on the growing number of part-time faculty, who are hired cheap, and ignore their swelling ranks in higher education. The American Association of University Professors, which titled the report "Looking the Other Way? Accreditation Standards and Part-Time Faculty," said that accreditors are have been "largely silent" about adjunct faculty, who teach assigned courses but have none of the other traditional responsibilities of faculty, including curriculum development and academic governance.Wisconsin-Madison breaks confidentiality
BUFFALO, N.Y., April 28, 2008 -- The cat is out of the bag that the research vice president at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jorge Jose, is job-hunting. By mistake the University of Wisconsin-Madison released Jose's name as among 55 applicants for chancellor. Generally universities announce names only when the pool of candidates is down to three or four, sometimes five, unless a candidate says confidentiality is not an issue. But the university released the names of nine of the 55 candidates who, it said, had not requested confidentiality. Wrong. Jose had. The university has apologized, So has Academic Search Inc., the head-hunting firm that is handling the search.Provost quits in transcript scandal
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., April 28, 2008 -- Te provost of West Virginia University, Gerald Lang, resigned amid growing criticism for cover-up of the fact that the daughter of the governor had not earned the degree she claimed. Lang acknowledged that he had ratified a dean's decision to adjust the transcript of the governor;s daughter. In his letter of resignation Lang said: "Given my history with West Virginia University, I am very sorry that my one action in ratifying a dean's decision in a single situation has had a negative impact." He noted that a panel the panel that investigated Bresch case did not find any willful misconduct, but, he added that he hoped that his resignation would begin a healing process for the institution.| MORE |
The panel had concluded that administrators had violated procedures and displayed poor judgment in awarding an executive M.B.A. to Heather Bresch. She had not completed her course work when she got the degree.
Background: Probe: Governor's daughter has no M.B.A.
Judge to Ouellette: Wait in jail
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- Gadfly Todd Ouellette, who has said he may run next for mayor, said he would begin a hunger strike after being ordered if jailed during a pre-sentence investigation on a misdemeanor assault conviction. Judge Mary Leahy order Ouellette behind bars any way. Leahy noted that Ouellette had refused t o cooperate with the pre-sentence investigation but, the case being only at the misdemeanor level, should be complete quickly. Ouellette, 40, was convicted of attacking State House of Representatives candidate Nick Ridge, a Winona State University student, on a downtown street. Ouellette was ordered to replace Ridge's $80 watch. He also faces 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
To the judge, Ouellette said the fine and restitution for the watch isn't possible. He called himself a bankrupt alcoholic and said had to hitchhike to Winona for his court appearance. He explained he hadn't cooperated with a pre-sentence investigation because the results were a foregone conclusion -- the maximum sentence. Among issues in the pre-sentence investigation is chemical dependency and mental problems.
Ouellette ran or City council in 2006, losing to incumbent Gerry Krage. he was gigged by the state Ejection Commission for campaign shenanigans. Also, prosecution is pending for a claim that he lived in Ward 2, a requirement for the candidacy. He claimed his address was his car. A less mobile address was never confirmed. |  TODD OUELL- ETTE Vows to refuse food, water |  NICK RIDGE Timepiece still smashed |
Background: Ouellette guilty for punches over flags
Bail granted in pulltab case
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- A Winona man arrested for the theft of $1,400 in gambling pulltab money from the Draught Haus bar, where he worked, has been released on bail. Michael Wittig, 24, was ordered to stay in Winona and away from the Draught Haus until a hearing on a felony count of felony theft.| MORE |
Wittig was arrested April 2 in Wisconsin after Draught Haus owner Kiel Jenkin arrived about 6:10 p.m. and realized that the bar had been left open and Wittig was no where to be found. "The first place I looked was in the till and then the pulltab box," Jenkin said in an interview. About Wittig, Jenkin said: "I thought he was a pretty down-to-earth kid." Wittig had been an employee at the Draught Haus for several months and frequently opened the bar in the afternoons.
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As police have pieced together what happened, Wittig paid a friend $145 the afternoon of April 2 to drive him to Madison, Wis. When the driver realized that money had been stolen cash, the driver dropped Wittig off at a gas station near Sparta, Wis. From the station, Wittig hitchhiked to Ho Chunk Casino in Baraboo, Wis., where he was later arrested.
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Wisconsin police said that Wittig had only $12 at the time of his arrest at the casino.
Reporter: Ingrid Alm
Background: Arrest in Daught Haus pulltab theft
Driver stopped; cops find booze breath
WINONA, Minn., April 28, 2008 -- A Winona State University student was arrested after police pulled her over at 2:50 a.m. after, they said, she swerved and missed a red light, and then failed a sobriety test. The driver, 21, blew a 0.08 percent in a blood-alcohol, police said. She was stopped after missing the at Sixth and Franklin streets.Start-up firm offers free textbooks
NEW YORK, April 27, 2008 -- A new digital-textbook publisher, Flat World Knowledge, announced a list of free online, peer-reviewed, interactive, user-editable textbooks for the Spring 2009 semester. Co-founder Eric Frank said the first titles will be business, economics and advertising textbooks. Texts in other disciplines will come later. Frank and partner Jeff Shelstad, both veterans in the textbook industry, most recently at Pearson Prentice Hall, plan to make money by selling supplementary t study guides and print-on-demand hard copies. The company will also sell user-created study materials sold through the Flat World site.The books will include images, audio and video. and Students can chat and share notes with one another while reading. Faculty adopters will be able to edit the texts any way they want to fir their courses.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 27, 2008 A student reported at 11:42 p.m that somebody was damaging vehicles in the Maria dorm parking lot. Individuals fled when security guards arrived but t were apprehended. The individuals had been placing erasable chalk on the vehicles. No permanent damage was done. |
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Two underage boozing charges
WINONA, Minn., April 27, 2008 -- Two Winona State University students old enough to know better but too young to do it were caught drinking, one Saturday night and one early Sunday, police briefing officer Scott Bestul reported. One student, age 20, was caught at 365 West 10th St. at 11:19 p.m. and charged with minor consumption. Later, at 1:34 a.m., another student, also 20, was pulled over by police for drunken driving. His blood alcohol level was = 0.09 percent, Bestul said. The man was arrested dor driving under the influence.Reporter: Jenna Cameron
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Student dies after coma at prof's home
PHOENIX, Ariz., April 27, 2008 -- A psychology prof at Paradise Valley Community College, Michael Todd, was placed on paid administrative leave after one of his students fell into a coma at his home and died. Police said the death of Andria Ziegler, 19, is considered a homicide. The cause of death has not been determined, police said. Toxicology tests are pending.| MORE |
An emergency medical team responded to a call about an unconscious woman early Sunday, April 20. On Monday afternoon Ziegler's parents reported her missing, and police linked the woman's body, which had not been identified, with the family's description. At the college, a spokesperson confirmed that Todd called in sick on Monday and Tuesday. He was placed on leave after college officials learned of Ziegler's death. Meanwhile, a private detective says that Ziegler's best friend reported that Todd had tried to date Ziegler but that she had declined.
What's a night of boozing without a sub?
WINONA, Minn., April 27, 2008 -- When the downtown bars scoot customers out the doors at the legally mandated 1 a.m. closing time, the rush begins at Erbert & Gi;bert's and at Jimmy John's sandwich shops. "Crazy," said Shannon Weaver, who works at Jimmy John's, in describin the bar crowd in an article by Andrew Link in Bravura. A lot of revelers are screaming at each other as they pack the place, Weaver said: "It is hard to hear the customers." Thursdays through Saturdays means bulking up the sandwich shop staffs. At Erbert & Gilbert's it's as many as 11, compared to seven or eight on other nights. To judge how big the crowd will be be, managers send scouts into the bars before closing time to gauge what's ahead. Do the shops ever sell out? At Winona State's homecoming weekend, Weaver remembers running out of bread three times on night.RELIEF AFTER A YEAR:
SON NOW BACK FROM IRAQ
WINONA, Minn., April 27, 2008 -- That his son might be emotionally damaged or wounded was a Winona State University prof's biggest fear when his son shipped off for Iraq a year ago. "The first two weeks were terrible," said Tom Grier. "My son Jeff didn't know how to work the communication system yet, so if four days went by and I still hadn't heard from him I got worried." It was relief for Grier, who teaches masscom, when Jeff, 23, returned home two weeks ago. "Jeff is adjusting well," his father said in an interview. "He can sleep without the sound of bombs in the background blowing up every time he falls asleep.
Jeff was able to come home once during his year in Iraq. He choose the days of Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wis. Now he's back long term. "We are glad to have him home safe," said his father.
Grier has three months of downtime before deciding to re-enlist in the Army Reserve or perhaps the regular the Army. If he stays with the Army he can expect will eventually go back to Iraq. As a reservist, he could also be activated for regular duty but could be limited just to drills one weekend a month.
Jeff Grier enlisted in the Reserve when he was 17 and completed three years at Winona state, majoring in masscom, before he learned he was Iraq-bound. He then three months of training in 2007 at Fort Dix, N.J. before shipping out to Baghdad, Iraq. Last year he was promoted to sergeant by Gen Da.vid Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq.
"Jeff enlisted because of his sense of patriotism and as a career move," said Tom. "There is so much help with paying for school when you join." |
ARMY SGT. JEFF GRIER MASSCOM PROF TOM GRIER So long a year |
Reporter: Briana Jandrt
WSU cigarette butts on exhibit
WINONA, Minn., April 27, 2008 -- A student grounds worker whose job is yo vacuum up cigarette butts and other debris at Winona State University, Bryce Fogelson, decided in late March to collect the butts. Fogelson put them on display last week to make a point about litter. In an interview published in the Winona Daily News, Fogelson said he's tired of picking up other people's garbage. Noting he's on the state payroll as a litter collector, he said: "The school shouldn't have to pay me to do it." His display has more than 150 butts and 13 wads of gym.| NEWS
AND COMMENT WINONA MEDIA WATCH |
MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 26, 2008 -- The manager of Winona Radio operations, Pat Papenfuss, was awarded the Marquette University professional communications achievement award. Papenfuss is a Marquette journalism grad. She and husband Jerry Papenfuss own 14 Minnesota radio stations, including five in Winona.
Malaysian student opts out on U.S. food
WINONA, Minn., April 26, 2008 -- American food seemed wonderful at first but soon came to all taste the same, says Sue Lynn Lee, a Malaysian who's transplanted herself to Winona for college. "A lot of dishes here have cheeses, creams and grease, which at times tastes so similar," Lee said in an interview with Travis Rush in Brvura. Like many foreign students at Winona State, Lee came to cook more and more at home. she opts for lots of vegetables. "Unique and spicy," she calls her preferences. Buying in bulk and saving leftovers, Lee can feed herself for a $35 a month. Her favorite: Curried pork.| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING APRIL 26, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Jordan M. Babach, 18, New Ulm, Minn., $177. Matthew J. Bezdicek, 18, Cottage Grove, Minn., $177. Cody J. Brommerich, 2, Whitehall, Wis., 15 days and $277. Jonathan L. Stensgard, 18, Elgin, Minn., 15 days and $277.
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Gunfire closes Grambling State
GRAMBLING, La., April 26, 2008 -- Grambling State University went into lock-down after shots were fired on the campus following a series of fights. Five men were arrested. The arrests, outside a women's dorm, followed a brawl the night before at a college bar. The university issued a statement that shots had been fired into the air and that no one had been hurt. Classes were called off until after the weekend.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 26, 2008 A false fire alarm sounded at 10:13 a.m. in the Pasteur science building. |
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Recording industry duns for illegal downloads
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2008 -- Students at several Wisconsin state universities are among 568 students targeted nationwide in a demand by the record ing companies for payment for unauthorized music downloads, In all, the Recording Industry Association of America mailed 569 letters in April, so-called "pre-litigation settlement letters," in a stepped-up crackdown on downloading, Students are told they an an option of paying several thousand dollars to avoid going to court.They are told where to mail their checks.| MORE |
Here at the colleges at which students were sent the latest RIAA letters:
California-Davis
California-Merced
California-Santa Barbara
Central Michigan
Columbia
Cornell
Drexel
Duke
Florida State
Georgia
Iowa State
Nebraska-Lincoln
New Mexico
Pennsylvania
Tennessee-Knoxville
Texas-Austin
Washington
Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Wisconsin-Parkside
Wisconsin-River Falls
Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Wisconsin-Stout
Yale20
8
18
31
26
21
19
14
18
26
32
22
15
18
74
75
36
12
6
35
1
1
1
9
5
26
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WSU buys Wabasha Hall for $3 million
WINONA, Minn., April 26, 2008 -- Winona State University confirms it has concluded a lease-t-buy option and purchased the former Cotter Junior High and John Nett Recreation Center three blocks east of the main campus. The university made no announcement of the $3 million deal, but media liaison Andrea Mikkelson, when asked, said the deal was sealed Tuesday. The university has been renting the old buildings from the Cotter schools, which relocated two years ago to the old College of St. Teresa campus.| MORE |
Mikkelson said the Cotter buildings for the university's interim space needs. Some offices had been moved to the Cotter buildings during renovations at the old Maxwell library on the main campus are moving back in May, but at Memorial Hall. Also, she said, the construction of the $18 million workout gym and intramurals facility will create further needs for "swing space." The gym isn't expected to be completed until 2010.
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What uses the Cotter facilities will have for Winona State beyond 2010 haven't been articulcyted. The facilities were redubbed Wabasha Hall when the university assumed tenant.
NEXT WSU COMMON BOOK
TO STIR TALK ON OUR WATER
WINONA, Minn., April 25, 2008 -- A 2007 book full of narratives on how drinking water gets to your faucet, "The Blue Death" by environmental epidemiologist Robert Morris, will be not only recommended reading in the fall for Winona State University students but required for many. The committee running the university's Common Book Project announced the selection. English prof J Paul Johnson said the book will create a touchstone for community dialogue. Johnson noted Morris' subtitle in explaining the significance of the choice: "The Intriguing Past and Present Danger of the Water You Drink."
In October and again in March, Morris is scheduled to visit campus to propel discussion on issues raised in "Blue Death," Johnson said.
Morris calls for widespread action to preserve water as the most precious of natural resources. Morris is a leading researcher on drinking water and health. He has taught at Tufts University medical school, the Harvard University School of Public Health, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. He has served as an advisor to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Center for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, and the President's Cancer Panel. Said Johnson: "With compelling narratives both historical and recent, Morris examines the infrastructure of our drinking water supply and calls for widespread action to preserve this most precious of natural resources."
Johnson said that "Blue Death" lends itself to many Winona State disciplines, including nursing, biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, education, history, and first-year composition.
Winona State will be participating in a year-long community project, Our Drinking Fountains, Our Water, in connection with the selection of "Bluer Death," Johnson said. The project involves St. Mary's University, Southeast Tech, the city of Winona, the Southeast Minnesota Water Resource Board, and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater of Minneapolis. The year will culminate, he said, with the decoration of a public drinking fountain and a community-wide celebration on Earth Day.
A supporter of the selection, computers prof Joan Francioni, said that "Blue Death" provides science in the form of a fast-moving narrative by giving a fascinating history of water-borne diseases and mankind's quest for safe drinking water." The stories include accounts of early cholera epidemics, how scientists solved the mystery of the microbes in water, and the economic and political forces at play both then and now in controlling our water," Francioni said. |  DESTINED NOW TO BE WINONA BEST-SELLER Message: What you drink may kill you  ROBERT MORRIS Environmental epidemiologist |
Cotter buys Vila complex at CST
WINONA, Minn., April 25, 3008 -- St. Mary's University is cutting back its presence at the old College of St. Teresa campus. The 360 Vila Street complex, including the Bischel gym, the former library building, and the tennis center have been sold to Cotter Schools, which operate a junior and high school in nearby buildings. Terms were not announced. The president of Cotter, Craig Junker, said that after 16 years Cotter now is debt-free and owns all of the facilities that its uses.| MORE |
Junker also said that the purchase opens the way for a possible merger of the shrinking Catholic grade school system that operates independently from Cotter.
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Winona State also owns several St. Teresa buildings, including the landmark centerpiece Lourdes Hall, the Maria dorm and the Tau Center.
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 25, 2008 A trouble alarm went off at the Tau dorm at 3:06 a.m. An engineer was notified. A brother asked for help at 4:15 a.m. to locate a sister who hadn't checked in for a while. The student was found to be OK. Police were called at 3 p.m. to assist with a matter that took place off campus. A trouble alarm went off in Maria dorm at 6:35 p.m. An engineer was notified. Several students were stuck in an elevator in the Quad dorm at 12:35 a.m. Firefighters freed the students. Police cited a student at 11:55 p.m. as a minor consuming near 10th and Main streets. A student reported at 9:05 p.m. that an iPod had been stolen from her room in the Sheehan dorm on April 11 A trouble alarm went off in Kryzsko Commons at 2:55 a.m. An engineer was notified. |
House burgled on East Fourth
WINONA, Minn., April 25, 2008 -- A 60-inch television, a Sony video player, and $720 in cash were stolen from 264 East Fourth St. on Thursday, police said. The homeowner, Sylvia Ada Overbach, said the thief entered through an unlocked door sometime between 2:30 and 7:50 p.m.Reporter: Brian Jandrt
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RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY POSTED APRIL 25, 2008 MUD SLIDE. A hillside gave way Friday, dropping mud onto the Highway 61 artery along the west bank of the Mississippi RIver downstream from Winona near the KOA campground. Mud in places covered the pavement a foot deep. Traffic was stopped more than an hour, The slide occurred at 4:40 p.m.
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City OKs Warrior Waddle run
WINONA Minn., April 24, 2008 -- The City Council has voted unanimously to support the Warrior Waddle, a five-kilometer run, during Winona State University's homecoming weekend. The city agreed to provide the Lake Lodge, Jaycee pavilion, East Lake bike path, large cones, emergency medical technicians and police for traffic control at corner Main and Huff streets free at city expense. Said Tom Slaggie, one of the organizers: "The City Council has always been a big supporter of events that get the community and university members involved together." The event, Sept. 20, will start at 8 a.m. the morning of the homecoming football game as a prelude to the annual parade.| MORE |
Slaggie and co-organizer Kathy Hovell, runners themselves, have directed previous events like this. To incorporate the community and the university, administrative details will be handled by Carl Miller of the university's alumni association Carl Miller. The race itself will be organized by Hovell and Slaggie.
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Slaggie and Hovell plan radio and newspaper advertisements. "We are hoping for 200 runners, but it's the first race so who knows," Hovell said. The event will cost $15 in advance and $18 on race day. The cost includes a Warrior Waddle long sleeve solar shield t-shirt, refreshments and breakfast snacks. The course will begin at the Lake Park lodge and run counterclockwise around East Lake Winona and finish at the Jaycee Pavilion. Proceeds from the event will go to the Winona State track and field and cross country scholarship fund.
Reporter: Amie Hylton
Background: Homecoming set for Sept. 18 weekend
WSU plans new Kryzsko entrance
WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- As soon as the Winona State University campus clears of students after final exams, construction will begin on a new entrance to the Kryzsko student student food court and bookstore. Joe Reed, building director, said he still needs to finish budget details. "We have estimates," Reed said, "but no figures to give out because we are going to have bids coming in starting next week." Bids from contractors will be due 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Energy efficiency, Reed said, is the main reason for the new entrance. "Within the next 10 years this project will eventually pay for itself," Reed said. Saving money on heat energy in the freezing months of Minnesota winter and air conditioning in the hot and humid summers is the key factor for the new entrance.
Currently the entrance has only one set of doors and rubber flooring. After construction, the entrance will have two sets of doors, making it vestibule or a passage between the outer door and the interior of the building. The rubber floors will be replaced with tiles to prevent slips and spills during the wet seasons.
Reed said he's wanted to get the project under way for six to eight years and is "This is one of the least intrusive projects we've had," Reed said, noting that plans are to be finished before classes resume in the fall. Reporter: Joe Ellestad |  EXTENDED PORTAL Up to ballroom, Baldwin and Purple rooms, and Kane cafeteria. Down and left to bookstore and right to Smaug.   |
$250,000 prize to campus speech codes foe
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., April 24, 3008 -- A University of Pennsylvania historian who has crusaded against political correctness and restrictive campus speech codes, Alan Kors, has been awarded a $250,000 prize by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation. The citation recognizes Kors as both a scholar of European intellectual history and a defender of free speech. Kors is known mostly as co-author of "The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America's Campuses," which was published in 1998 as no-holds-barred attack "campus Stalinists" bent on enforcing left-wing views. Kors and co-author Harvey Silverglate later founded the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education to protect what they described as victims of political correctness. The group, called FIRE, has been outspoken against campus speech codes and as an advocate for people accused of violating the codes.Wednesday ritual: Wings 'n' beer
| WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- Deep-fried chicken wings, at a dime apiece, have made Wednesday nights as busy as weekends at Brothers in the competitive Winona downtown bar district. "We lose money, a lot," manager Jason Miller said in an interview with Cassie Busse in an interview in Bravura. "We do it because it gives people a place to come." On a typical Wednesday, Brothers serves 2,000 wings, starting at 8 p.m., with four sauces, your choice. Said Winona State University junior Caryn Maloney. "It's cheap. For $5 I can get 10 wings and four beers." Not unusual are orders of 20 o 30 at a time. |  BROTHERS' LOSS LEADER 179 W. Third |
SMU's Zimmerman promoted to head coach
WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- An assistant women's soccer coach at St. Mary's University, Eric Zimmerman, has appointed head coach. Zimmerman replaces the now-resigned h Chris Dembiec. Dembiec left after one year to focus on his responsibilities as the men's soccer coach. Before St. Mary's, Zimmerman was as an assistant for the Viterbo men's soccer program for five years. He also briefly was interim head coach for the V-Hawks in 2004| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 24, 2008 A student was found passed out in Somsen Hall at 5 a.m. An ambulance took the student to the hospital for a medical problem. A student was cited for alcohol at East Lake dorm at 9:42 p.m. |
WSU blood drive falls short
WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- Winona State University people donated 957 units of blood in an April drive, short of the 1,000-unit goal. Student Sen. Caitlin Stene, the blood drive organizer, had no explanation for the shortfall other than that drive ran only two days compared to three days in the past. The drive, sponsored by the public relations committee of the Student Senate, which is chaired by Stene, was not widely publicized. Stene noted, however, that donations were 48 units ahead of a year earlier. Stene also said that the drive went better than one in February, when flu prevented many campus people from giving blood.Reporter: Rachel Becher-Cortez
College bans concert, panel; suspends club
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 23, 2008 -- Evergreen State College has suspended the campus chapter of Students for a Democratic Society after the group planned an antiwar folk-music performance. At Evergreen State, concerts have been forbidden since February when a riot followed a show by the hip-hop duo Dead Prez. Students for a Democratic Society had planned two events: a panel discussion on what it called "police and government repression" after the Dead Prez performance and the folk concert. In banning both, college administrators said they were inextricably tied together.| MORE |
After imposing the ban in February, Evergreen State said it was a temporary measure intended to provide time to review campus security procedures. Students for a Democratic Society that free expression rights were being trampled. The suspension means that the club will lose its office, budget, and campus space the rest of the semester and be on probation until January.
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During the riot in february, police arrested a student whom they suspected of assault, which promoted other students to confront the officers. Police cars were damaged in the violence.
How much lead in synthetic turf?
EWING, N.J., April 24, 2008 -- Health regulators closed an athletics field at the College of New Jersey after samples of synthetic turf were found with high levels of lead. The action following growing alarm at scattered sites around on lead in turf products commonly used for college sports. Legislation in Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York calls for bans on new turf until health studies are completed on the ground-up tires that go into many turf products. There also is legislation pending in California and Connecticut on the environmental effects of synthetic turf. In New York City a proposal is being considered ti rip out all artificial fields. Meanwhile, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced its own studies of lead levels released from artificial grass.BREAK THE PROGRAMMING
PERSONAL FINANCE AUTHOR
CHARTS WAY FOR "MONEY GAME"
WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- It's not how much money you make but how much of that money you can manage to keep, a personal finance author told a few hundred students at Winona State University recently. "Eight percent of all bankruptcies this year will be college students," said Adam Carroll of National Financial Educators. The national financial educators is an organization founded to educate high school and college students on issues of making, saving and spending money. Carroll,who also is a certified hypnotist, explained to students that people, especially college students, are hypnotized by money. Break the programming, he said.
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To his audience of a few hundred students, Carroll said: "So what you came here to do, and that's graduate." Joking, Carroll said it's only a person who does not have to pay tuition who parties the crucial college years.
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Then he talked about his signature line, "The Money Game": "We all play a game with money and at any given point in our lives we are either winning the game or losing the game." Carroll explaining that in college students earn far less than they spend, largely because if credit cards. Credit card companies send out 8 billion credit card applications a year and most of those are to college students, Carroll said. Credit cards and spending habits, he said, create a perpetual downward spiral in college, causing a lot of debt after college.
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After college he himself, like most others, was in a lot of debt with $21,000 in loans and $65,000 in credit card debt, he said. He paid it all off in three years. How? By not letting his debt grow anymore, he said.
Reporter: Annah Benson
 | LOW-LEVEL DAREDEVIL Sophomore Micki Ricchetti finds his rhythm on a line stretched between trees outside the Phelps classroom building. The sports is a nearer-earth variant of highlining. Photographer: Emilie Kastner |
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SLACKERS ORGANIZE AT WSU,
SEEK RECOGNITION
WINONA, Minn., April 24, 2008 -- Slackers at Winona State University are looking to organize. A slackers club, they call it. They want official recognition for their sport, a kind of tightrope walking, and are searching for an adviser. That's a step to becoming a recognized school club eligible for funding from student fees. Sophomore Mitch Host said that he and friends Brad Schneider and Micki Ricchetti, both sophomores, and Matt "Treater" Ellison, a freshman, already have a Facebook group, Winona State Slackers, to heighten their viisibility.
Host, founder of the group, said that slacking is like tightrope walking only the rope is more buoyant, like a trampoline. The rope, called webbing, is tied tightly between two trees and secured with carabiners, which are commonly used in rock climbing. Said Host: "Slacking requires focus, confidence and balance." He called slacking good exercise that requires leg muscle. It can be compared to yoga, he said, and noted that sports teams use slacking to learn balance.
Slacking is a great study break yet requires concentration, said Schneider. The trick is to look straight ahead, not down, and to walk with bare feet to feel the rope more easily, he said.
The total cost of the equipment is about $60 and can be found at any large sports outfitter store, said Host.
Because of the pressure from the rope, the Winona State slackers put up cardboard to protect the trees. Some groundskeepers had expressed concern for the trees, Host said. he acknowledged that slacking has been banned on campuses in Colorado and Florida. Slacking is not dangerous, said Ellison, adding, however, that the rope has potential to cut your feet or to fly up and whack you, said Ellison.
Another form of slacking is called highline, which is done at greater altitudes and between cliffs. Said Schneider: "Wear a harness or fall to your death." Another variant, trickline, incorporates stunts such as back flips and front flips.
The Winona State group has been willing to teach anyone interested, including a few daring professors. Students have offered a variety of reactions. "Hippies come out of the bushes and just stand there watching," said Schneider. Some students like Kevin Kallas enjoy teasing the slackers. "Get a job," said Kallas to the group. "You can't go from desk to desk like that." Reporter: Emilie Kastner |  CONCENTRATION THE KEY A good inner ear also helps for balance. Sophomore Brad Schneider must have good ears as y as a fellow slacking enthusiast, freshman Matt Ellison, urges him on. |
Creationists suffer Texas setback
AUSTIN, Texas, April 23, 2008 -- A proposal from the Institute for Creation Research for an online master's degrees in science education to be recognized by the the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has been turned down by a committee of the board. The Institute for Creation Research has threateed legal action, arguing that the rejectiin is an affront to free expressio. The institute lists its mission as providing "evidence of the Bible's accuracy and authority through scientific research, educational programs, and media presentations, all conducted within a thoroughly biblical framework."| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 23, 2008 A trouble alarm went off at the Tau dorm at 6 p.m. An engineer was notified. |
INVESTIGATION INTO CAMPAIGN
NOT BEING PURSUED
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- The Student Conduct Committee dropped its investigation of Winona State University Student Senate treasurer Travis Carlson, who had been accused of using his club contacts as treasurer to campaign for re-election. Carlson praised the committee for fairness. Some members of the Student Conduct Committee, he said, had decided not to vote on the issue because of conflicts of interest. That, he said was an indication of a fair investigation process. The decision to call off the investigation was a setback for at-large Sen. Kevin Hoffman, who lost 619-563 to Carlson in the treasurer race in March. Hoffman had accused Carlson of abusing is connections as treasurer. Carlson responded that Hoffman was short on facts and "too politically motivated."
Asked about his appeal dead-ending, Hoffman said that he maintains his own opinions but trusts the committee's decision.
Hoffman had based his challenge to Carlson's victory on an email on Tuesday, March 25, that Carlson sent to 182 people in his personal address book. The message encouraged them to vote. Among those 182 names were 20 or so club leaders whom Carlson knows through his work as Senate treasurer. Carlson said that he keeps club contacts for treasury business in a separate database but that some e-mail addresses he uses frequently may have moved from one list to the other.
According to Hoffman, the e-mail violated Article 4, Section 2, Subsection A of Student Senate by-laws. The subsection states: "Student life fee money, or supplies purchased with student life fee money, shall not be used for campaign purposes." Carlson $2,500 salary as treasure is is paid from Student Life funds.
Hoffman issued an oral complaint to the Senate Election Committee on April 12. The matter had been referred to the Student Conduct Committee, an all-university committee with representatives from faculty, administration and the Student Senate. |
TRAVIS CARLSON KEVIN HOFFMAN Can old hatchets be buried? |
Reporter: Rebecca Erdmann
Background: Treasurer accused of election misdeed
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18-ranked Wildcats sweep double-header
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- The Winona State University baseball team lost a pair of Northern Sun conference games to Wayne State College, falling to the Wildcats 9-3 and 11-5.| MORE |
Wayne State centerfielder Sean Soderberg led the No. 18-ranked Wildcats at the plate, going 3-for-4 with and RBI in the leadoff slot. Second baseman Nick Bidroski drove in a team high two RBIs while going 2-for-3 from the plate. Bidroski also came around to score twice. Winona State leftfielder Brent Maxwell was the only Warrior to have a multi-hit game. Maxwell went 2-for-3 at the plate, but Winona State was able to muster only six hits off Wayne State ace Nick Schumacher. Schumacher pitched a complete game for the Wildcats and moved to 9-1 on the season. The Warriors Ross Hellenbrand was slapped. Hellenbrand gave up six earned runs on 12 hits in 4.1 innings. The loss was Hellenbrand's fourth of the year.
| MORE |
In the second game Wayne State broke open a 3-3 tie with a four-run fifth inning. The Wildcats had their outfield to thank. Centerfielder Sean Soderberg had another big game at the dish for Wayne State. Soderberg, a junior, went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wildcats to the series sweep. Rightfielder Josh Nielson contributed a game-high three RBIs while connecting on his third homerun of the year. Leftfielder Joe Wendte went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored. Junior hurler Chad Moreland earned his third victory of the year in relief for Wayne starter Jared Hegdahl. Both pitchers combined to allow three earned runs and nine hits in six innings. The juniors each struck out four Winona State batters apiece. Catcher Kyle Collins was the lone bright spot for Winona State, the sophomore catcher going 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Pitcher Evan Buhr was tagged for his first loss of the season. Buhr allowed five earned runs over four innings, while relief pitcher Andrew DeSousa gave up four earned runs while throwing just 1.2 innings.
| MORE |
The Warriors, who currently sit in fourth place in the Northern Sun with a 14-10 record, will play four with Upper Iowa this weekend. The Peacocks' 19-7 mark is currently good for second.
Stats: Game 1
Stats: Game 2
HERE WE COME
STUDENT SERVICES "HUB"
MOVE-IN FOUR WEEKS AWAY
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- About 155 Winona State University employees will be moving the week of May 19 into the newly renovated Maxwell Hall. Connie Gores, a university vice president, said that the 28 affected departments, mostly in her student life and development bailiwick, should experience little downtime. The days the employees pack boxes and the day they unpack should be the only lost time, she said.
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The process begins, Gores said with employees receiving boxes and tags and then using a coding system for the packed boxes. She added that before the offices are packed up, they will be cleaned out. Whatever can be recycled will be, she said. Once the boxes are packed, a moving or packing company will be hired to move furniture and the boxes. After the boxes are moved, Gores said the employees will be responsible for unpacking.
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The first floor of Maxwell, the former university library, will include admissions on the west end and E-learning, institutional research, assessment, and grants on the east end. The west section of the second floor is being called the Warrior Hub, with student-frequented offices for financial aid, registrars, student accounts, and parking. At the center -- hub, get it? -- will be a counter where students can go for directions. Someone at the hub, Gores said will point students where to go.
| MORE |
On the east end of the second floor will be the National Child Protection and Training Center. The west section of the third floor will be advising and retention, career services, and the disability resource center. The east end will house the health education rehabilitation science department.
| MORE |
Buildings and departments that are affected by the relocations include Gildemeister, Memorial, Phelps and Somsen halls and the Krueger Library. By centralizing now scattered student support functions, such as career services, admissions and registrar's offices, students will need less time to complete their work, Gores said.
Reporter: Chelsey Swanson
Lib-arts dean search session set
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- A forum with Winona State history prof Peter Henderson, a candidate for interim dean of liberal arts at the university, has been scheduled. The search committee invited faculty and students.Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 3 p.m.
Place: Dining Room B, Kryzsko Commons
SMU names men's basketball coach
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- The youth and scholastic basketball coordinator for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Todd Landrum, has been hired as St. Mary's University's head men's basketball coach . Landrum, who will replace recently resigned Cardinals head coach Mike Trewick, has previous coaching experience at the Division I level. he was an assistant for the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State. Landrum's last head coaching job was with Division III University of Wisconsin-Platteville. At UW-Platteville he took over for Bo Ryan, ho now is the University of Wisconsin coach.Background: Coaching couple step down at SMU
Probe: Governor's daughter has no M.B.A.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., April 23, 2008 -- West Virginia University administrators messed up in retroactively awarding a degree to the daughter of the state's governor, a panel of five campus investigators concluded. The report, although not made public because the daughter, Heather Bresch, invoked a federal privacy law, concludes that the daughter did not earn the M.B.A. that she was awarded, sources said. The embarrassment began when Bresch, now an executive at the pharmaceutical company Mylan, was listed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last year as having an M.B.A. from West Virginia University. When a news reporter checked to confirm the claim, record-keepers initially responded that the governor's daughter was several credits short of the degree. Administrators then intervened and said she had obtained the degree.| MORE |
This all raised suspicions of favoritism. The university's president, Michael Garrison, once when was a lobbyist for Mylan and worked directly with Heather Bresch. Also, the owner of Mylan is a major university benefactor. Further checking by a news reporter found that Garrison and Heather Bresch had been classmates at the university. Heather Beach meanwhile, has suggested a misunderstanding, She has insisted that she had earned the degree through academic credit for her workplace experience.
| MORE |
The investigators's report is harsh. University administrators are accused of violating procedures and displaying poor judgment. The report calls their response to the news reporter's inquiry about Bresch's transript "seriously flawed." The fact, the investigaors said, is that university officials moved quickly and retroactively to grant a degree she had not earned. "The rush to judgment in Ms. Bresch's case was driven primarily and inappropriately by concerns about public relations and by Ms. Bresch's high profile," the panel said. "She was, in fact, treated in an unusual and unique manner."
Jazz ensembles in two-campus hop-a-concert
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- The Winona State an St. Mary's universities' jazz ensembles will perform a "hop-a-concert" first at Terrace Heights, then at Winona State. Buses will ferry jazz enthusiasts from St. Mary's to the follow-up session at Winona Sate. Afterward, a party and jam session is planned at the Acoustic Cafe, 77 Lafayette St.Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 7 p.m. at SMU, 8:30 at WSU
Place: Page Theater, SMU; Performing Arts Center, WSU
Cost: $6 to $10
Contact: 507-457-5250
Kryzsko open for studying all-nighters
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- The Kryzsko Commons student building at Winona State University is open 24 hours a day through Thursday next week for students studying for final exams, building Director Joe Reed said. Kafe Kryzsko and Freshens will offer meals around the clock Sunday and Monday, including and moonlight specials, he said. Also, a moonlight breakfast is scheduled for 9 to 11 p.m., Tuesday, in the Lourdes and Kane cafeterias, he said.Flashing lights signal shhh
| METHUEN, Mass., April 22, 2008 -- To cut yakking in libraries, some colleges are installing a warning system that looks like a traffic signal. Called the Deluxe Yacker Tracker, the device, offered by the company Learning Advantage, flashes a yellow light to indicate when the noise exceeds a certain level. At 5 decibels, a red light shows. Also, a siren can go off. Ahh, so much for quiet. |  YACKER TRACKER Starting about $60 |
History prof up for WSU deanship
WINONA, Minn., April 23, 2008 -- History prof Peter Henderson, who served as interim liberal arts dean at Winona State in the past, has been cleared by a new search committee as a finalist, sources said. The position has been opened on an interim basis with the departure of Troy Paino for a Missouri university. Henderson served as dean from 1996 to 2001. Henderson has been at Winona State since 1989. Earlier he taught at Nasson College in Maine and at the University of Nebraska. Henderson holds a law degree from Vanderbilt and a doctorate from Nebraska. This fall he published a new history of Winona State to mark the university's 150th anniversary.
In a 2001 interview after stepping down as dean, Henderson said that interacting with students was one of the best parts of being in a university setting. About being dean, he called it "a hard job." Even so, he said, he would miss aspects of the position: "I worked with a wonderful team of people." Henderson is a published scholar whose research interests are Latin America. |  PETER HENDERSON Veteran history prof |
Background: Comment: Liberal arts needs strong voice
Background: WSU dean Missouri-bound
Clinton claims 10 percent Pennsylvania margin
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., April 22, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Pennsylvania Democratic primary for president easily, ending a tough and bruising campaign in a critical state over Sen. Barack Obama. Clinton's margin was 10 percentage points. The Clinton victory followed her others in in big states such as Ohio, New York and California. Recognizing that she trails in the count of delegates for the national conviction, Clinton told supporters in a victory speech: "The tide is turning."| MORE |
Obama drew more than 90 percent of the vote among Pennsylvania's black voters, mostly in the Philadelphia area. Clinton, however, had a 60:40 margin Pittsburgh and western counties.
| MORE |
Still to come are intra-party contests in North Carolina and Indiana. Neither candidate is expected to win the 2,025 delegates needed to clinch the nomination by the date of the last priamry.
Background: Leading college newspapers split
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
WSU cross-country captains chosen
WINONA, Minn., April 22, 2008 -- The Winona State University women's cross-country team will have co-captains, sophomores Allie Glasbrenner and Steph Smith, next season, coach Neal Mundahl announced. The team finished third in the Northern Sun championships last season. Junior Ryan Ledian and sophomore Ryan Slack were named co-captains for the men's team. The men placed fifth in last season's Northern Sun championships.Yale bans student's abortion art
NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 22, 2008 -- An undergrad art exhibit at Yale University opened without senior Aliza Shvarts' controversial images purporting to show her inducing her own abortions. Shvarts' project had been scheduled for a campus, but a dean, Peter Salovey, said that Shvarts first would be required to acknowledge in a "clear and unambiguous written statement" that the abortions were "fiction." The project drew fierce criticism after Schvarts was quoted in a student newspaper that she inseminated herself and induced miscarriages in her bathroom. Later she backed off, telling administrators that the project was "performance art." It was not clear what that meant.| MORE |
Shvarts had said her display would include a large cube hanging from the ceiling. The cube, she said, would be wrapped in sheets containing blood from the abortions. The display, she said, would include video images of the abortions projected on the cube.
Background: Student changes abortion art tale
Mom held in stabbing of daughter's roommate
FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 23, 2008 -- The mother of a student at the Fort Wayne campus of Indiana University-Purdue University has been charged with stabbing her daughter's roommate to death. Police documents say that the mother, Tina Loraine Morris, confessed to confronting her daughter's roommate about something that went on the night before and grabbed a knife off a desk. The two fought until Morris, it is alleged, got hold of the knife. At one point, according to the documents, Morris hit the roommate, 22-year-old Liette Martinez, in the face with a pan she took off the kitchen table. After the stabbing, Morris changed her clothes and took off in Martinez' car, the documents said.| MORE |
The mother had been staying in the students' campus apartment for two weeks. It was not clear why.
Air Force vet to WSU vice presidency
WINONA, Minn., April 22, 2008 -- The recently retired commander of the 435th Air Base Wing at the massive U.S. air base Ramstein, Germany, Kurtis Lohide, has been appointed to a Winona State University vice presidency. Lohide will be in charge of finance, budget, administrative services, and facilities. In making the announcement, university President Judith Ramaley expressed confidence at Kurt Lohide's expertise to develop the campus environment "to reflect the practices of a 21st century
institution."
At Ramstead, where Lohide was a wing commander from 2005 to 2007, he was responsible for all aspects of the budget, finance, base operations, communications, security, human resources and other personnel services. The 435th is the largest support wing in the Air Force. During Lohide's command, the base was recognized as No. 1 among 166 bases for its role in setting the standard for installation management, quality of life initiatives and process innovation. He retired from the Air Force last year.
Lohide holds a 1979 undergraduate degree in journalism and English from Indiana University in 1979. In the Air Force he earned three master's degrees, two in general studies at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1993 and 1994, and another master's in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University in 1999.
Before his retirement from military service, Col. Lohide served as staff director for the Air Force Smart Operations-21, where he has directed business transformation practices throughout the United States for the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. In that role, he has championed alternative energy programs and overseen process improvements in personnel, supply and maintenance to improve service and better utilize resources.
Three finalists, including interim Vice President Scott Ellinghuysen, underwent on-campus interviews. In announcing her choice of Lohide, university President Ramaley went out of her way to thank Ellinghuysen for serving "ably." Ramaley said that Ellinghuysen has accepted the position of associate vice president under Lohide for finance and strategic budgeting. Ramaley said that she was delighted that Ellinghuysen will continue helping the university continue its excellence in fiscal management. |  KURTIS LOHIDE Will change to mufti for campus duties |
Background: Three finance vice president hopefuls at WSU
Leading Pennsylvania college newspapers split
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., April 22, 2008 -- As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off for Democratic support for their presidential bids in the Pennsylvania primary, the largest campus newspapers were divided.University of Pennsylvania editors backed Clinton. At the University of Pittsburgh, editors backed Obama. The Daily Pennsylvanian cited Clinton's public service, political experience, and tenacity. Those characteristics, the newspaper said, "tell us not only 'Yes we can' but also 'How we can'" address national problems. The University Times at the University of Pittsburgh called Obama "an exceptionally gifted politician and leader" who can unite the country and whose "outside perspective, extensive knowledge of domestic and foreign policy and willingness to make a break from the same-old Washington politics will help to propel our country forward into a new political era."Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
WSU library candidate: Service is key
WINONA, Minn., April 22, 2008 -- A library dean candidate at Winona State University library, Denise Shorey, said her idea of the job is not about sitting behind a desk but about service to students and staff. In order to get student feedback, Shorey said that she would develop an environment in which students feel able to communicate with library staff and in which they can respond to the service they are receiving. Picking up on visual clues is also important, she said. If all of the students are in one area of the library or using certain tables, she asks herself why.| MORE |
Shorey, head of reference at the Northwestern University main library, is among four finalists. The others are Thomas Bremer of North Dakota State, Jim Kapoun of Waldorf College and Ruth Zeitlow of Metro State in St. Paul, Minn.
| MORE |
She said at an open form as part of the interview process that the Winona State library has an opportunity to collaborate and support institutional research with new technology as well as using its space as a melting pot of different learning styles and backgrounds of people.
| MORE |
What about shrinking resources? "Instead of fighting for more, we need to redistribute them," said Shorey. She said that she wants to teach students how to better use resources even though she would never tell someone not to use Google. "The library's goals may not be directly overlapping with the institution, but they should be going in the same direction," she said.
| MORE |
To a question about the reference desk, Shorey said, "The future of the reference desk is dark but the future of reference service is shining." She said that the library needs to be more open to being abstract and open to new technology and new learning styles.
| MORE |
Shorey holds a bachelor's degree in language and linguistic studies from the University of West Indies. She also holds a graduate diploma in International Relations from the same institution. Her master's in library science is from Rutgers.
Reporter: Emilie Kastner
Background: Four library dean finalists at WSU
City OKs King Street closing
WINONA, Minn., April 21, 2008 -- The City Council approved a Winona State University request to close a King Street next to Maxwell Hall for construction of the $18.5 million campus workout gym and intramural sports building. Construction will begin as soon as possible, but the street will not be closed before graduation ceremonies the first weekend in May.Reporter: Jenna Cameron
Background: Funds in tact for WSU wellness gym
Student changes abortion art tale
NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 21, 2008 -- A Yale University art student who claimed she had induced miscarriages to create art pieces has backed off the claim. A Yale spokesperson said the student, Aliza Shvarts, now has told university officials that she had not impregnated herself and had not induced any miscarriages. The spokesperson said that Shvarts has the right to express herself through art. The spokesperson's statement, posted on a university site, added: "Had these acts been real, they would have violated basic ethical standards and raised serious mental and physical health concerns."| MORE |
Shvarts made her original claim in a campus newspaper. Shvarts was quoted that her project was an exploration of the relationship between art and the human body. "I hope it inspires some sort of discourse," she said. The project was to culminate in an exhibit of video recordings of the miscarriages and plastic-wrapped blood from them, she told a Yale Daily News interviewer. She offered great detail. She said that she did not pay the sperm donors for artificial insemination but insisted that they be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. She also said that she had induced the miscarriages with herbal products that are available legally.
Campus clock has new Warrior faces
WINONA, Minn., April 21, 2008 -- Winona State University unveiled the newly renovated stained glass clock at the central campus as part of its ongoing 150th birthday celebration. "Excuse me, does anyone have the time?" joked Vice President Jim Schmidt to the crowd gathered for the unveiling. The clock was then undraped, showing a new face with two sides having the Winona state logo and the other two carry the Warrior symbol.
The clock, between Gildemeister classroom building and the main theater, was donated to Winona State by the First Northwest bank in 2001 after the bank was acquired by Wells Fargo. The clock bore First Northwest emblems. The idea to renovate the clock to better represent Winona State came from Vicki Decker, campus director of career service, and her husband Dennis. Said Decker at the ceremony, her pun intended: "What better time than now, on the birthday of WSU?"
The four-sided clock weighs three tons of solid steel. Originally it was outside of old Morgan's Jewelry, now the site of Plaza Square on Third Street. University President Judith Ramaley, referring to Winona's reputation for stained-glass artisans, said: "If we weren't a stained glass capital, we wouldn't have a clock with such beauty." Admissions Director Carl Stange said the clock will continue to help campus tour guides keep organized while giving campus tours. Reporter: Emilie Kastner |  WSU CENTERPIECE TIMEPIECE Former First Northwest Bank faces |
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New day, same results: Warriors pummel Eagles
WINONA, Minn., April 21, 2008 -- A day after scoring a combined 32 runs in their double-header sweep over the University of Minnesota-Crookston, the Winona State baseball team picked up right where it was left off, besting the Golden Eagles 14-4 and 19-0.| MORE |
In the first game UM-Crookston scored more runs than the team did combined in Sunday]s double-header. Centerfielder Jake Poehler was 2-for-4 from the plate. Leftfielder Brett Wright went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. The game took on a doubles theme for Winona State. The Warriors cracked nine two-baggers on their way to the victory. Third baseman Joe Kley contributed a third of that total, Kley going 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Designated hitter Andrew Kes also helped the Winona State cause with a 2-for-3 day at the plate. Kes drove in three runs and came around to score three times. Justin Kunferman moved to 2-1 for Winona State, earning the victory after giving up two earned runs over four innings and striking out six Crookston batters. Paul Krebs dropped his fourth decision of the year after allowing eight runs on nine hits and four walks. The junior struck out five in 3.2 innings on the mound.
| MORE |
In the second game Warriors first baseman Andrew Kes continued his monster day from the plate. The sophomore went deep twice while going 3-for-3 and collecting five RBIs on the game. Leftfielder Sam Henriksen was the only other Winona State player to produce a multi-RBI game. Henriksen went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in. The offensive struggles continued for UM-Crookston in the nightcap. Winona State pitching surrendered only eight scattered hits over seven innings. Freshman Andrew DeSousa earned his second victory of the year, pitching a one-hitter over three innings and striking out two. Jordan Triestram was hit with his third loss of the year for Crookston after being pulled after one inning. Triestram gave up two earned runs on one WSU hit. The Warriors slapped a grand total of 17 hits en route to producing 19 runs against the Golden Eagles.
| MORE |
The sweep moved Winona State to 14-8 in the Northern Sun and 19-12 overall.
Stats: Game 1
Stats: Game 2
Duellman, Kurkiewicz to carry banners
WINONA, Minn., April 21, 2008 -- The university banner at Winona State's spring commencement will be carried by honors students Samantha Duellman in the morning ceremony and Dason Kurkiewicz in the afternoon, the university announced. Duellman, an accounting and business administration major, and Kurkiewicz, a math and stats major, are the university's academically highest rated juniors. Other honor students, also juniors, will carry banners for each college: Kayla Harvey, business; Rachel Smith, liberal arts banner; Kelly Covers, education; Tiffany Koch, nursing; and Nathan Verschaetse, science. Students introducing the degree candidates will be speech majors Melodie Bard and Rebeccah Pierson.Background: Ex-Indiana president to address grads
POPE PRAISES EDUCATORS,
SIDESTEPS DIVISIVE HIGHER-ED ISSUES
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2008 -- Educators were praised for "selfless contributions" by Pope Benedict XVI when he addressed 200 Roman Catholic college presidents and other college faculty at Catholic University of America during his historic visit to the United States. Pope Benedict expressed "profound gratitude" for teaching that serves "both your country and the church." Pope Benedict, himself a scholar, built an intellectual case for academic freedom that draws on Roman Catholic doctrines. The great value of academic freedom, he said, is "to search for the truth wherever careful analysis of evidence leads you." But he added quickly that "it is also the case that any appeal to the principle of academic freedom in order to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission."
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His address, in soft heavily accented English, was interrupted by applause twice -- once after expressing gratitude to Catholic educators and again when he called upon those in religious orders to continue choosing education as a focus in their ministry, especially in poorer parts of the country.
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Many observers were relieved that Pope Benedict did not use the forum to lay out a crackdown on professors and administrators in Catholic colleges, where theologians have been engaged in ongoing assessments on doctrine and the role of Catholic colleges on church teachings and identity. Pope Benedict said that Catholic identity cannot be equated simply with orthodoxy of course content. "It demands and inspires much more: namely that each and every aspect of your learning communities reverberates with the ecclesial life of faith," he said.
Shocks expected from Cuomo credit card probe
ALBANY, N.Y., April 21, 2008 -- An aide to New York's attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, said people will be shocked at findings from an investigation into banks that co-brand credit cards with colleges. Benjamin M. Lawsky, deputy counsel to New York's attorney general, said the deals have generated millions of dollars for colleges, Lawsky said. "I think people will be shocked at some of these arrangements." The report is expected to be complete in late May or early June.
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WSU sweeps weekend Crookston series
WINONA, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- The Winona State University baseball team destroyed the Golden Eagles of the University of Minnesota-Crookston in a Northern Sun conference double-header, taking the first game 17-1 and the second game 15-2.| MORE |
The Warriors had four players drive in three or more runs in the first game. Centerfielder Mike Wedland, designated hitter Jared Anderson and outfielder John Magee each had three RBIs for the Winona State. First baseman Ross Hellenbrand drove in four runs and connected on his second home run of the season. Warriors hurler Brian Ruff notched his fourth victory of the season. Ruff pitched three innings while allowing two hits and striking out four Crookston batters. Winona State pitchers struck out a total of 10 Golden Eagle batters. Crookston's Nick Wright dropped his fifth game of the season. Wright gave up nine earned runs on eight hits before he was pulled midway through the second inning.
| MORE |
The offensive onslaught continued for Winona State in the nightcap. The Warriors came up with 14 hits on their way to scoring 15 runs. Winona State catcher Kyle Collins knocked two doubles and went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in at the dish. Backup infielders Andrew Kes, Hans Heggernes and Joe Kley also contributed to the Warrior blowout. Kley went deep in the sixth for his second home run of the year. Kes and Heggernes added a pair of RBIs each in relief of the Warriors normal personnel. Senior pitcher Don Erdall tossed three innings of one-hit baseball while striking out six to earn his fourth victory of the season.
| MORE |
The sweep moved Winona State to 12-8 in conference play and 17-12 overall. The losses dropped cellar dweller Crookston to 1-17 in the conference and 3-22 overall.
Stats: Game 1
Stats: Game 2
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WSU women's fourth straight tennis title
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- The Winona State University women's tennis team ended with four bracket champions en route to claiming a fourth Northern Sun conference title in as many years The Warriors totaled 58 team points in the tightly contested conference tournament. A pair of freshman paced the Warriors in singles play. Heather Pierce and Amanda Asche claimed conference titles at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. Winona State also earned a pair of doubles titles. Holly Peltier and Ericka Richae won at No. 2 and Kaycee Moore and Courtney Zinter at No. 3. Sophomore Mary Hesterman also claimed runner-up honors at No. 2 singles.Results
Fight-minded UW-L students nabbed
WINONA, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- Two college students were charged with minor consumption of alcohol early Sunday, one at the Morey dorm at Winona State University at 1:22 a.m. after police were called on a complaint about a hostile student. Police found a 19-year-old University of Wisconsin LaCrosse student fighting with campus security guards. After the man was calmed down, police administered a breathalyzer and found a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 percent, twice the legal limit. Besides being charged of underage consumption, the man was charged with using an altered license that claimed he was 21.| MORE |
In a separate incident, a 20-year-old student, also from UW-LaCrosse, was charged with underage boozing after police called to 63 West 10th St. around 1:45 a.m. with complaints of a fight. After spotting an open container of booze on the ground and noting that the man reeked of alcohol, police administered a breathalyzer and found he had a blood alcohol content of 0.139 percent.
Reporter: Jenna Cameron
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 20, 2008 Security guards removed several non-students from East Lake dorm at 11:45 p.m. for alcohol. Several students were warned about loud noise in the Quad dorm at 12:50 a.m. Security guards responded to the Quad dorm at 12:58 a.m. regarding a noise complaint and cited several students for alcohol. One student became disruptive and attempted to flee the area. The police were notified and made an arrest. |
Chem prof researches polymerization
WINONA, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- A Winona State University chemistry prof, Tom Nalli, offered a presentation, "Trialkyl Phosphites and Onium Salts as Co-iInitiators in an Efficient System for Visible-Light-Induced Cationic Polymerization," at the American Chemical Society national meeting.
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Blazers take two from Cardinals
ST. JOSEPH, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- The St. Mary's University softball team dropped both games of a conference double-header against St. Benedict. The Cardinals lost 5-1 in the first game and 10-5 in the nightcap.| MORE |
The first game opened with St. Mary's scoring in the first inning, as catcher Jenny Giannini singled home the Cardinals lone run of the game. St. Benedict responded with three runs in the second and two in the third, as the Blazers got to St. Mary's senior pitcher Sarah Fitzgerald early and often. Fitzgerald moved to 8-10 on the year after dropping the Game One decision. She four runs on four hits in only two innings on the hump. Junior Andrea Fahey earned her seventh victory of the year. Fahey threw a complete game while giving up one run and scattering nine hits for the Blazers.
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In the second game St. Mary's held a 5-2 advantage after three innings thanks to Danielle Geske's team-leading seventh home run of the season. That was all the scoring St. Mary's came up with. The Blazers powered their way back to a 10-5 victory. Elle Borba pitched a complete game for St. Benedict, giving up three earned runs on eight hits while walking none. The Cardinals Mallory Betzold dropped her second decision of the season after giving up five earned runs in 4.2 innings of work.
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The sixth and seventh spots in the St. Benedict batting order yielded some welcomed productivity, as senior Shannon Eveland and freshman Borba combined for four RBIs and a 5-for-8 day at the plate. Geske's three-run shot was the Cardinals only earned runs in the game.
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The sweep moved St. Mary's to 10-4 in conference play and 12-16 overall.
Stats: Game 1
Stats: Game 2
STEPPING UP
FOR COMMITTEE JOBS
WINONA, Minn., April 19, 2008 -- Three veteran Winona State University student senators now chairing Student Senate committees confirmed that they have submitted applications to head committees again next year. Liberal Arts Sen. Ian Galchutt, now vice chair of the Public Relations Committee, has put in an application to be chair of that committee. Galchutt chaired the committee last fall but was removed in a flap with now-departed student President Emily Feehan. Sophomore Nathan Lynne, who represents education students, said he submitted an application to student President-elect David Obray to chair of the Technology Committee again. Sen. Josh Martin, who will represent seniors next year, said he has submitted applications for both the Student Affairs and the Academic Affairs committees. He has chaired both committees in the past. Martin said he would prefer Legislative Affairs because next year is a presidential election year. "It would be interesting," he said.
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As Senate vice president, Caitlin Stene will be in charge of the Elections and the Working Documents committees. As Student Senate treasurer, Travis Carlson will chair the Student Activity Fund and the Student Fee Management committees if he survives a challenge to his reelection by rival candidate Kevin Hoffman.
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The chair positions carry a $600 stipend, except for the vice president and treasurer who each are paid $2,500.
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Obray has called for senators to submit applications by noon on Monday. He will announce his choices, subject to Senate approval, at the Senate's final meeting of the academic year Wednesday. As of last Wednesday, Obray said he had received applications. "But," he added, "I haven't looked at any yet." In an interview, Obray next year's Senate is full of new people and he is hoping for new blood in the committees. Even so, he said, "I wouldn't discourage returning chairs from applying."
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What is Obray looking for in chairs? Among qualifications he said, will to maintain communication with himself and the Senate vice president and treasurer over the summer. The new Senate is empaneled effective the week of final exams.
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There are 10 Senate committees:
• Academic Affairs, chaired by junior Sen. Josh Martin, who will become a senior class senator.Reporter: Rebecca Erdmann
• Diversity Awareness, chaired by education Sen. Terri Burke, who did not seek re-election because she will be student teaching.
• Elections Committee, chaired by President Rotney O'Shea, a graduating senior.
• Legislative Affairs, chaired by junior Sen. Charlie Moburg, who did not seek re-election.
• Public Relations, chaired by business Sen. Caitlin Stene, who will become Senate vice president.
• Student Actvity Fund, chaired by Senate Treasurer Travis Carlson, who re-election but who faces a still-unsettled accusation that he broke campaign rules from the runner-up candidate, Kevin Hoffman.
• Student Fee Management, chaired by Carlson as treasurer.
• Student Services, chaired by graduating senior Sen. AJ Schuler.
• Technology, chaired by education Sen. Nathan Lynne, who won reelection.
• Working Documents, chaired by O'Shea as Senate president.
Background: New president seeks key committee chairs
| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING APRIL 19, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Kyle M. Frey, 21, Zumbtota, Minn., $177. Matthw A. Gruettner, 19, 1019 W. Broadway, 30 days and $177. Tonya A. Marcsisak, 18, Waconia, Minn., $177. Jacob E. Shirley, 19, Zumbrota, Minn., $177. Kody S. Simon, 18, 256 W. King, $177. Ryan T. Stahman, Mazeppa, Minn., 90 days and $202.
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Football scrimmage raises Warrior hopes
WINONA, Minn., April 19, 2008 -- About 200 fans showed up on a slightly chilly afternoon to watch Winona State University's spring football scrimmage with purple-jerseyed Ryan Jirgl making key interceptions in the third and fourth quarters leading to two touchdowns and a 17-7 Purples over Whites victory. The first touchdown had come from Purple teammate Alex Minnaert with just five seconds left in the first quarter. The purple jerseys went into half time leading 7-0 over the Whites. The Purples scored another touchdown with 9:26 left in the third quarter and followed up with a field goal in the same quarter. Tyrre Burks of the Whites responded with a touchdown in the fourth quarter with 2:54 left.| MORE |
Next fall's frosh recruits were introduced at halftime. New Winona State alumni teammates members were pointed out early in the second quarter as they stood and watched their former team scrimmage.
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Senior linebacker Zak Voigt said that the game went well. The teams, Voigt said, were "pretty equal" when it came to talent and skill. "Defense dominated and is good," he said. "The offense is going to have to step it up during summer training."
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Ryan Jirgl's mother, who never misses a game, said she sees potential for the Warriors to make it to conference a second year in a row. "Absolutely," she said, underscoring her point. The brother of injured player Ryan Rothwell agreed. "We have a lot of supporting receivers who stand out," said Robert Rothwell. Noting that Winona State is the reigning Division II national basketball champion, Rothwell added: "We should be known as a football school too." Between the supporting receivers and the multi-talented defense, the Warriors will be able to take the conference championship this fall, he said.
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Rothwell noted that strong players to watch for in the upcoming season include running backs Randy Spring, Carey Rottman and Curtis Dewberry on offense. On defense, he said, watch for tight end Todd Burkoth and long back Brent Yule.
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The scrimmage lasted as long as a real game would, the only difference being that players could not tackle, to prevent injuries.
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Kickers Zack Loken and Alex Minnaert scored field goals. Both are prospective players for kicker in August.
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Summer training begins in mid-July. The first game will be Aug. 30 against Michigan Tech. Final positions will be revealed then, said coach Tom Sawyer. The Northern Sun conference season Sept. 6 against Northern State.
Reporters: Jenna Cameron and Allison Schuebel
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Foot-patrol cops ticket five
WINONA, Minn., April 19, 2008 -- Five Winona State University students were caught by police officers on foot patrol Friday night and ticketed for underage drinking. Three students, two 20 and one 19, were caught around 1 a.m. at 452 Center St. Two others, both 19, were charged for the same offense at 12:05 a.m. at Eighth and Wilson.Reporter: Jenna Cameron
Anything for free beer -- anything
WINONA, Minn., April 20, 2008 -- A junior studying business at Winona State University, Wes King, dropped his trousers for a tattoo of the Mulligan's Irish Pub logo on his butt. Weird? Not to King, who took up an offer by Mulligan's owner Dan English for free beer for life for getting the tattoo. In an interview with the Winona Daily News, English expressed second thoughts: "I've watched Wes drink beer before, and this may have been a bad business decision on my part." A buddy estimated that King downs $1,300 of tap beer a year. Another friend called it "guerrilla marketing." For the tattoo ceremony, eight friends served as witnesses, as well as a newspaper photographer, at Red Wing Tattoo Parlor. But who will see the Mulligan's logo? Or, put another way, where, exactly. Is the tattoo? Ask King to see his right cheek.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 19, 2008 Security guards noticed a pre-alarm signal in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 2:28 a.m. Someone had been cooking in a kitchen. Police responded to the bookstore at 3:37 a.m. regarding an active burglar alarm. It was a false alarm. At 9:42 p.m. ecurity guards conducted a welfare check on a student in the Lourdes dorm. The student was found to be okay. |
WSU women golfers sponsor outing
WINONA, Minn., April 19, 2008 -- The Winona State University women's golf team is using four-person scramble flights for a fundraiser at Cedar Valley golf course. Coach Bob Newberry said that $2,000 in prizes will be offered, The entry fee includes 18 holes, a cart, prime rib buffet and a Harry Vardon golf shirt.Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 1 p.m. shotgun start
Place: Cedar Valley Golf Course
Cost: $100; reservations by Friday, April 25
Contact: Bob Newberry at 507-457-5621
New Tau windows cost $148,000
WINONA, Minn., April 19, 2008 -- To replace windows at the Tau dorm and conference center, Winona State University filed for a city building permit. The project was listed at $148,000. The contractor: Hall Co.
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WSU nursing dean to national post
WINONA, Minn., April 18, 2007 -- The nursing dean at Winona State University, Tim Gaspar, has been elected to the governing baord of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Earlier Gaspar served on the association's nominating committee, the finance committee, and a task force on educational mobility. Gaspar will hold a two-year term as a member-at-large. Gaspar has been at Winona State since 1995. Eralierhe was at South Dakota State.Winona Idol: Smooth-voiced Jared Smiley
WINONA, Minn., April 18, 2008 -- Winona State football player Jared Smiley covered songs made popular by the bands Hootie and the Blowfish and Red Hot Chili Peppers to win the Winona Idol title at a campus show. Smiley said he chose his first song, Hootie's "Let Her Cry," which Reed said was a song from one of his favorite bands for the emotion. "It's a great song, and the words speak for themselves," he said. Judges said Smiley's second song, "Under the Bridge," demonstrated a great stage presence. Judge Theresa Marchant-Shapiro, a political science prof, said, "I liked your smooth voice. You have great stage presence."| MORE |
Smiley engaged the audience and by suggesting they join in, which Shapiro said she enjoyed. The audience was made up of more than 50 Winona State students and contestant supporters.
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The four dismissed contestants were Noel Green from St. Mary's University, Danette Gunther from Winona State, Matt Ellison from Winona State, Brendon Winnicke from Winona State. The contestants each sang one song of their choice and then received feedback from each of the judges. besides Marchant-Shapiro, judges were Winona State student activities Director Joe Reed and business prof Daniel Sauers.
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After each contestant performed and a brief intermission, the judges narrowed the seven contestants down to the top three -- Dan Glenn, Winona State's 2007 title holder; Spencer King; and Smiley. Although Reed deemed Glenn as the contestant to beat, Smiley's fan base supported his performance. Fans had no say in the vote, however, aside from the level applauding.
Reporter: Shannon Burgess
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| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 18, 2008 At 7:40 p.m. smoke was reported coming from the controls in Somsen Auditorium that controls the curtain. An engineer was notified. Threatening and inappropriate writings were reported in the Quad dorm at 4:36 p.m. A trouble alarm went off in Kryzsko Commons at 2:55 a.m. An engineer was notified. |
THE INDEE IS YOUR NEWS SOURCE OF RECORD |
SCHULER'S NYET
FUELS KAZEE CALL FOR RESIGNATION
WINONA, Minn., April 18, 2008 -- These are em-mal messages that led to the call from senior Ezra Kazee, parliamentarian for senior student Sen. AJ Schuler to resign. The messages, exchanged over a period of four hours and 20 minutes, are in sequence here.
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Background: Schuler: Resign? Me? No way
Background: Schuler, Travis in shouting match
Background: Schuler faulted over 8 a.m. meetings
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AS WSU ISSUE
EMPTY HOLSTERS TO SHOUT
SILENT MESSAGE
WINONA, Minn., April 18, 2008 -- Winona State University members of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, which promotes carrying of guns as a citizen right, will be protesting bans against weapons with a quiet but visible Empty Holster protest. Samuel Keane-Rudolph, spokesperson for the organization at Winona State, said members will attending classes and walking around campus strapped with empty holsters in a symbolic gesture. Keane-Rudolph noted that the demonstration, set for next week, coincides with the the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre.
Like most universities Winona State bars guns on campus. The view of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is that campuses safer in the event that a shooting would occur of students had weapons. At Winona State, security guards aren't armed either. Even if guards had guns, they can arrive too late do much good, Keane-Rudolph said. "If a shooter were to open fire, it would only be a matter of minutes before the damage would be done, which is too short a time for security and police to arrive," he said.
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus stirred attention at Winona State with posters in February. Some reaction as negative. Posters were torn down, and the Student Senate, said Keane-Rudolph, "lectured" club leaders how not to offend people. "They thought they were doing their job, but it's not necessarily their job to be telling students what they can and cannot protest," Keane-Rudolph said. The posters, he said, were intended to start discussion, whether negative or positive.
This year, at least eight students will participate in the Empty Holster demonstration for the week beginning Monday, Keane-Rudolph said. "By wearing empty holsters, we are saying that we feel there needs to be the allowance of guns on campus, and also that we are expressing our need for the eradication of school shootings," Keane-Rudolph said.
Keane-Rudolph said that many people who oppose guns on campus are unaware of data that support the safety of concealed weapons would bring to campus. "I wish people would look more into the issue before they make snap judgments," he said. "I don't have a problem with the opposition expressing their views, but I do have a problem with them limiting us in expressing our views." |
Deriving lessons from Virginia Tech Week-long demonstration expected to be small |
Reporter: Alli Bodden
Background: Student Senate urges compromise on posters
Background: Armed WSU campus cops seen likely
Background: Comment: Pro-gun, no-gun posters should hang
Cops conficate traveling party trophy
WINONA, Minn., April 18, 2008 -- Four college students carrying a green glass globe lawn ornament were stopped by police and questioned early Friday at Eighth and Laird St. Deputy Police Chief Tom Wiliiams said the students explained that the globe was a party trophy that travels from party to party. The students claimed no idea who it belongs to or whose party it had beenat. The globe was taken into police custody until claimed.Reporter: Brian Jandrt
R.I.P.: Sandra Kay (Jacobs) Schultz
WINONA, Minn., April 17, 2008 -- A Southeast Tech alum, Sandra Schultz, 47, died at a Rochester, Minn., hospital. She was a medical secretary at Mayo Clinic. She loved animals and asked that memorials go to the Winona Humane Society.
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Four library dean finalists at WSU
WINONA, Minn, April 17, 2008 -- Four candidates to be the library dean a Winona State University are being interview beginning Monday on campus. The candidates and the time, date and place of open interview sessions. The position has been held on an interim basis by Larry Hardesty.Thomas Bremer. Currently director of public services for the North Dakota State library. Earlier at Montana State, University of North Dakota-Vermillion. Has worked with North Dakota Library Coordinating Council and the Fargo Public Library Board of Trustees. Thomas Bremer holds a master;s in library science and a bachelor's bachelor in psychology. both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Open forum: 10:15 a.m., Friday, April 25, Library 102.
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Jim Kapoun. Currently library director at Waldorf College. Earlier at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Southwest Minnesota State, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Penn State-Erie, ad the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Holds a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a second master's in divinity from Luther Theological Seminary, and a bachelor's in religion from Gustavus Adolphus. Open forum: 1:45 p.m., Thursday, April 24, Library 102.
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Denise Shorey. Currently head reference librarian at Northwestern University. Earlier at Whitman College and at the University of Southern California. Prior to becoming a librarian, a Foreign Service officer for Barbados. Holds a master's degree in library science from Rutgers and a bachelor's in linguistics from the University of West Indies. Open forum: 1:15 p.m., Monday, April 21, Library 102.
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Ruth Zietlow. Currently a tenured librarian at Metro State in St. Paul, Minn. In a second term on a university budget subcommittee. Has been vice president of the faculty union and a state union board member. Earlier at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the St. Paul Public Library, and the University of St. Thomas. Holds a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a second master's in business from Metro State, and a bachelor's in English from Nebraska-Lincoln. Open forum: 9:15 a.m., Friday, April 18, Library 102.
Student researcher assesses WSU diversity
WINONA, Minn., April 17, 2008 -- Winona State projects to promote cultural diversity, no matter how well intended, are making modest changes at best, according to a study by Guncha Kabayeva. In a presentation as part of an exposition on student research projects, Kabayeva reported on the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Although enrollment of domestic minorities has increased over the last five years, she concluded that the impact on the students overall has been slight. In an interview with the Winona Daily News, Kabayeva expressed disappointment: "I think a more diverse student body helps students be better prepared for the real world.| MORE |
Kabayeva, who is from from Turkmenistan, said her research isn't finished. Her conclusion at this point is that the university's efforts to make the campus more culturally diverse may work in theory but not necessarily in practice. She said that creating a more diverse campus in a region as homogenous as the Winona area is difficult, perhaps futile. But she also is hopeful: "Some people might think the community may not be ready, but I think it is.
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Chase quits student loans at some colleges
NEW YORK, April 17, 2008 -- The nation's seventh-largest originator of federal student loans, Chase Education Finance, will no longer make federal loans to students who attend certain high-risk colleges. The company, division of JP Morgan Chase & Co., said its decision was based on the payment history of alumni and other factors affecting "our profitability standards." The company did not name colleges but said that affected colleges have been notified. It is thought that mist targeted institutions are two-year colleges and vocational schools.| MORE |
Chase is the latest of more than 50 lenders that have left the federally guaranteed loan program because of financing difficulties. Factor ha e been the national credit crunch, the declining profitability of student loans, of recent government subsidy cuts, and turmoil in the credit markets.
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Even with its drawback from some colleges, Chase is expanding at college "where it made sense," a spokesperson said. A few months ago Chase hired half of the staff laid off by Nelnet, another guarantee lender, to expand its loan business. The company has cut loan rates and eliminates origination fees on all federally guaranteed student loans.
APRIL FOOLERY About complaints about broken workout equipment leading to two-hour lines at the Wabasha gym, Winona State President Judith Ramaley said: "The community makes side-walks for a reason." The Student Senate parliamentarian at Winona State, Ezra Kazee, offered a peace gesture to senior Sen. AJ Schuler as a graduation present: An alarm clock. Not to be outdone, Senste Treasurer Travis Carlson gave Schuler his own special gift: A mouth gag. Akon was unable to perform at Winona State due to conflicts with a European tour. Geography not exactly his strong suit, Akon opened in Hoboken. Masscom majors were unable to register for fall classes because prof John Weis, their adviser, hasn't figured out e-mail.
Why is such a late-night rush on Dominos by St. Mary's University students? Not the communion wine. Responding to Winona State's ranking as 18th fattest college in the nation, campus cafeteria operator Chartwells has trimmed meal options. Now it's one per day. Winona State's technical support center had no student visitors today, due to perfect wireless internet connections. After a record number of complaints of back problems from heavy laptops, Winona State students are no longer allowed to wear backpacks. The fine for wearing a backpack: $500. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. The Winona State Student Senate's academics committee chair, AJ Schuler, announced nothing today. Talk about golden silence. Profits from the $75-a-a plate Winona State Sesquicentennial Gala's are going towards scholarships. Awards will increase to a whopping $37, up from $35.59. To enforce the Winona State smoking ban, Kwik Trip agreed not to sell cigarettes to students. This year's smoke-a-thon scheduled for Earth Day has been postponed.
To enforce the pending Winona State smoking ban, students who do not comply will be forced to listen to a slightly scratched Indigo Girls CD. A recent study by Winona State prof Bruno Borsari concluded that the continental drift of Europe is inversely proportional to the population of koalas on the Australian Eastern seaboard during the breeding season of the tiger tail seahorse. At a recent open forum, Winona State students urged administrators to change the school's tagline to "a community of drinkers improving our tolerance." Said student President Rotney O'Shea: "We need to capture the essence of the place." Winona State is putting a spin on the problem-plagued new Windows Vista operating system. "Think of it as a deterrent against laptop thieves," said technology chief Dave Gresham. After the annual the Relay for Life fundraiser at Winona State one exhausted participant: "Why do I have to sweat for cancer? Next time I'll write a check." The Little Caesars pizza joint offered a free pizza for signing up for a credit card. Said one enthusiastic pizza-chomper: "Free pizza! Free pizza! Who cares what my credit score is." A poll of workers at Chartwells, which runs Winona State kitchens, determined that 95 percent of employees decline to eat the food they cook.
To ease tensions with townspeople, Winona State will purchase the entire town and ship out anybody who doesn't like it. Learning that his manager had cancelled a Winona State concert, rapper Akon fired the guy for ever booking such a venue in the first place. The chair of student services for the Winona State Student Senate, AJ Schuler, has come up with what he called the Anarchy Solution to campus parking problems. Park where you need to, regardless of curbs or grass. Pull onto campus and get to class. The Winona Mall has decided to actually bring in some business and fill the empty stores. Winona State baseball coach Kyle Pooch was excited: "Build it, and they will come." The garden-conscious City Council voted to install urinals at every street corner. At 18th in the current ranking of fattest U.S. colleges, Winona State has ordered cafeteria operator Chartwells to increase grease by 50 percent. The new university marketing mantra "Fat is beautiful." To follow up on the Winona Sate national basketball championship, student President Rotney O'Shea proposed a a charity game against the Los Angeles Lakers with proceeds going to tuition relief. Said university President Judith Ramaley: "Tuition relief? Right."
Winona State identified 3,000 overweight students who, to reduce bulging enrollment, will be required to swim across the Mississippi River. Those who don't make it have their registration deleted. Them too. Winona State President Judith Ramaley used the word "tragedy" in telling police that her purple cowboy hat had been stolen. Sen. Dave Obray, the only candidate on the Winona State student ballot for president, is the prime suspect in an investigation into missing candidates. Bob Conover, who handles public relations at St. Mary's University, said the chicks that disappeared from a biology lab brought their fate on themselves. They had devised an escape plan that didn't work, he said. To live up to its reputation as the 18th most obese college in the nation, Winona State announced a pie-eating contest. Sign up for free free pies now. It's all-you-can-eat. The Minnesota Vikings will train at Winona State's Wabasha gym because of the high-end facilities. To address student complaints about laptops fees, Winona State will drop varsity basketball and divert he budget to big-screen machines.
Winona State admissions chief Carl Stange proposed a solution to underage boozing: Don't admit students under 21. Smokers are fighting the pending smoke-free Winona State policy with plans for a "smoke-off." They will be chain-smoke in the mid-campus gazebo until their constitutional right to die young is recognized. President Judith Ramaley planned a campus-wide beer pong tournament to celebrate the men's national basketball championship. "This is a novel approach to building campus spirit," she said. Due to the declining percent of male students, Winona State recognized the inevitable and will fast-forward fall semester into a women's college. To keep on budget, Winona State cafeteria operator Chartwells will offer only bread and water for all meals. The decision was made after consultation with Sheriff Dave Brand for his wisdom from operating the county jail. Said Brand: "A rose is a rose is a rose, and an institution is an institution is an institution." The student president-elect at Winona State, David Obray, a pop culture kind of guy, said he will promote interest in the Student Senate with a tribal-like council in which the weakest link is voted off each week. Said Obray: "Fewer senators will bring peace within the Senate." No, said Senior Sen. AJ Schuler: "Peace will come if Travis Carlson is graduated a year ahead of time." No, said Carlson. "Peace will come when AJ leaves."
Due to student gripes about the purchase agreement, Winona State President Judith Ramaley said the alternative is to go back to the good ol' days of chalk boards and notebook paper. With college students stocking their larders in anticipation of yet more tuition hikes, Wal-Mart has run out of Ramen noodles. Performer Akon explained why he cancelled his Winona State concert: "Those damn campus feminists scare the hell out of me." To encourage students to overeat and move Winona State up the ranks of the fattest U.S. colleges, cafeteria operator Chartwells will delay all billing until after the semester is over. At $75 a plate, the Winona State Sesquicentennial Gala fund-rising dinner-dance was too pricey for students. Budget-conscious student Sen. AJ Schuler proposed an alternative: Have Erbs and Gerbs cater and set up a tippy cup tourney. After a feminist speaker at Winona State called the legend of Princess We-no-nah nonsense, University President Judith Ramaley said: "Balderdash. I am Princess We-no-nah." To alleviate crowded campus parking, permits will be issued only to seniors.
President Judith Ramaley announced that all graduating seniors are invited to her portable keg stand for a contest to celebrate the university's 150th birthday. To increase bookings for the Winona State river launch River Explorer, project chief Mike Delong proposed booze cruises. The newly elected Student Senate President David Obray has begun an environmentally conscious initiative with actions to conserve water The leader of the group that stole baby chickens from a St. Mary's biology lab has an alibi: "I told the guys to get chicks, but this isn't what I meant." Rapper Akon and comic Tracy Morgan backed out of appearances at Winona State because they said winter was supposed to be over by now. The newly created Draught House will be handing out wet naps all week to assure customers that it is cleaner than Rascals was. To make campus safer, Winona State will install 30-foot walls to keep smokers out. To enforce a smoking ban, Winona State security guards will receive KGB training to hunt down smokers and euthanize them -- Project Snuffer Snuff.
To meet student demand for fake IDs, St. Mary;s University will start a forgery class. To bring needed dignity to the Winona State Student Senate, university Vice President Connie Gores proposed that senators wear powdered wigs. To create a healthier campus, Winona State gym director Jeff Reinardy proposed installing stairs that lead nowhere. The City Council offered support of Winona State's new wellness complex after university Vice President Jim Schmidt said that the building will eliminate 500 parking spaces, worsen neighborhood parking, and give the city an opportunity to build its revenue stream from parking tickets. Rapper Akon and Comedian Tracy Morgan backed out of performances at Winona State in fear of being public urinated on. Winona State workout gym employees' job description includes breaking the fitness equipment to ensure that the university remains the 18th fattest college in the nation. Winona State student senators will build their own clubhouse in a tree on campus. President Judith Ramaley agreed to cancel all class at Winona State for any day that it snows in April.
The Winona State bookstore has stocked replicas of President Ramaley's purple hat. Guess what's on eBay? A purple hat. Winona State plans to fill in Lake Winona and build a coliseum for basketball and Shakespeare. Winona State filed a lawsuit against liquor stores for influencing students to urinate in public. Starbucks was also sued. To improve communication and consultation with students, Winona State President Ramaley has added house parties to her weekly agenda. "Nothing is more important than learning what students really think," she said.
Student President-elect David Obray proposed a finger painting class be added to the Winona State art curriculum. Smoking advocates at Winona State said too many people overrate risk. To make their point, the smokers proposed a ban on Frisbee because of the risk of head injury to bystanders. Nathan Shotzy, owner of McCune's Irish bar, proposed a second St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday. Student President-elect David Obray has appointed to head of design of the new Winona State campus irrigation system. Spring housing-cleaning, Winona State student senators removed the following from their office: one pair of tin can telephone, one slingshot, one bag of jacks, and a deck of playing cards. St. Mary's University installed poultry-proof locks on lab doors.
Students are all so happy to be paying higher fees to build a the new wellness center that won't be completed until after they have been graduated. Masscom lab supervisor Ellen Severson at Winona State finally has had enough. When the tabloid printer didn't obey, she slammed the door. it was never seen again. David Obray, student president-elect, who favors a strong military presence at Winona State , proposed that the Guantanamo internment facility be relocated "What more patriotic use could there be for Lake Park?" he said. 'Tis the season for silliness. Please send your items to this continuing series: Indee. First prize is an all-expenses one-way trip to Homer.Earlier Foolery April Foolery contest rules |
New presidents for MSU-Moorhead, Metro
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 17, 2008 -- The chief academic officer at the University of Maine, Edna Szymanski, has been appointed president of Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Szymanski succeeds Roland Barden, who is retiring. The appointmeet was made by the state college system governing board. The board also named Sue Hammersmith of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as president of Metro State. Hammersmith replaces William Lowe, who's been interim president since October when Wilson Bradshaw resigned to become president of Florida Gulf Coast UniversityWSU prof discusses pop as teaching tool
WINONA, Minn., April 17, 2008 -- A Winona State University communications prof, Rita Rahoi-Gilchrest, offered a presentation "Less Pop, More Culture: Using Popular Culture Theories, Methods, and Artifacts in Teaching Communication Studies Courses," at the Central States Communication Association in Madison, Wis.1917-2008
LEUKEMIA CLAIMS
RETIRED WSU BIOLOGY PROF
WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- A powerhouse as a Winona State University faculty member and as a municipal leader, Joe Emanuel, died at age 91, two months after being diagnosed with leukemia. Emanuel joined the faculty in 1949. During 33 years he served five as president of the Faculty Senate, chaired the Biology Department, and organized the university's nursing program. He retired in 1982. Emanuel helped create the city's council-manager form of government, a culminating of 15 years including some as chair of the city Charter Commission. Also, he served two terms of the city Board of Adjustment.
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Emanuel held a graduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota after World War II service in Europe. His undergrad work a=was at Duluth State Teachers College. There, he and his brother Tony were co-captains of the football team. Later, in Winona, he was commander of an Army Reserve civil affairs for 11 years. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
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His family asked that memorials go to the Joe and Gladys Emanuel biology scholarship fund at Winona State. The widow Gladys survives.
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Among Emanuel's passions was wildflowers. His students recalled field trips and lectures and slide shows on Winona County flora. His expertise on spring flowers as widely recognized.
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Emanuel was among eight brothers and one sister born in Keewatin, Minn. After high school he enrolled at Hibbing Junior College. He transferred to Duluth, then taught hugh school until drafted into the Army in 1941. He as with the 102nd Infantry Division in France, Holland and Germany and earned a Bronze Star. He was discharged a major after the war. He taught twi years at Northern Montana College in Havre, Mont., then moved to Winona.
CITES HIS RECORD OF FOUR YEARS
SCHULER: NO ILL FEELINGS AT KAZEE;
ABOUT CARLSON: SILENCE
WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- Responding to a call for him to resign, senior student Sen. AJ Schuler said he has nothing to be ashamed of in his performance as a Winona State University student senator. "Student Senate is not something you participate in if you don't love what you're doing," Schuler said in an interview. "I find it a personal offense when people call out my dedication to Senate the past two years." Schuler said his background speaks for itself." Schuler was a member of dorm council his freshman year and the Food Committee his sophomore year. He was elected the Student Senate his junior year. The call for his resignation came from Ezra Kazee, who serves on the university's Student Fee Management Committee with Schuler. Kazee complained charged that Schuler had missed 8 a.m. committee meetings. Sschuker responded Kazee was making ore of the issue than the facts warrant: "I've missed two SFMC meetings and one weekly senate meeting this year, not many."
Student Treasurer Travis Carlson, who chairs the committee, said he agrees with Kazee's criticism of Schuler.
In an interview Schuler said that wishes that Carlson and Kazee had handled their objections differently. "I don't blame Ezra for calling me out," he said. "It's fine. It keeps you honest. But I feel the way he did it through an e-mail was wrong." Schuler sad he was blind-sided by Kazee's call for his resignation: "Kazee's comments came out of nowhere. We've had our differences, but we have been on the same side for a lot of issues."
Schuler had no conciliatory words for Carlson.
In saying he would not resign from the Student Fees Management Committee, Schuler noted that neither Carlson nor Kazee have the power to vote him off the committee. There is no next step from here, he said.
Kazee said in a separate interview that he had become frustrated at Schuler missing important meetings. "He knew what he was getting into," Kazee said about Schuler accepting appointment to the committee. Everyone is expected to be there unless there are extenuating circumstances that come up."
Kazee expressed mixed feeling about Schuler. He praised Schuler for his knowledge and experience with the Senate but said too the Schuler sometimes claims more then he should. "I think AJ has always attempted to portray an image of helping and working with students, but I wonder if it is a facade being put on to portray and image of being a caring individual," said Kazee. "I would like to believe Schuler is true and honest in what he does. But, he betrayed my trust professionally in having him be a member of the Senate."
An underlying issue appeared to low-level grumbling among senators about colleagues who haven't carried their weight this year. Said Kazee: "I have had a concern about many people on Senate this year because they don't seem to want to uphold commitments, and it is a frustration so I felt that I had an obligation to voice my concerns," said Kazee. "Sometimes in the interest of politics people choose not to vocalize frustrations and I felt that I had to."
In one sense, observers said Schuler, known as a fun-loving guy with late-night habits, had set himself up for criticism. In an interview Schuler acknowledged that he's laid back: "Casual is the way I like to do business." If you're not having fun with something, then why do it, he said, "Being loose and serious, but not serious, helps engage the audience," Schuler said. Reporters: Jenna Cameron, Brian Jandrt, Amie Hylton, Jessica Reinhart and Allison Schuebel Background: Schuler, Travis in shouting match Background: Schuler faulted over 8 a.m. meetings |  AJ SCHULER Senior senator  TRAVIS CARlSON Student Senate treasurer  EZRA KAZEE Calls for resignation |
OBRAY: TOO MUCH
STARBUCKS THAT NIGHT
WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- Alcohol had nothing to do with his being ticketed for public urination over the weekend, the student president-elect at Winona State University, David Obray, said. "It actually was a caramel latte from Starbucks that led to my ticketing," Obray said. "I love my coffee." In an interview, Obray said that he was in his backyard when three undercover cops wearing sweaters were came through between the houses off 415 Harriet St., two blocks from campus. Obray said the officers misrepresented themselves: "They were dressed in street clothes, and they came up to my backyard. Their badges were pretty well hidden."
As the cops were taking him down, Obray said that another student approached, and, not realizing who he was taking to, asked the undercover cops where the bathroom was. One officer, Obray said, replied "RIght here." The student began to urinate and was ticketed too.
Obray expressed minimal concern for his city citation, which he said he understood would not go on his record. even so, Obray said he is meeting with a lawyer about the misrepresentation of the officers in their set-up of the other student.
"My greatest weakness is my bladder, and this won't be the last time I piss outside," said Obray.
Ten tickets were wrote by police on foot patrol who carried out their spring crackdown by looking for parties around campus Saturday night. |  DAVID OBRAY Bladder his biggest weakness |
Reporter: Chris Larson
Background: Boozing crackdown nets student senators
SCHULER FUMES AT LEAKS,
VOWS NOT TO RESIGN
WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- A yelling match erupted between senior student Sen. AJ Schuler and student Treasurer Travis Carlson in full public view over leaked e-mail messages in which Schuler had been asked to resign for missing committee meetings. The shouting match, outside the Senate office in Kryzsko Commons, came shortly after a news reporter showed Schuler three e-mail messages from the previous day. In one message, Carlson announced a meeting of the Student Fee Management Committee, which he chairs and of which Schuler is a member, for 8 a.m., Wednesday. Responding to Carlson in a message with at least 12 people copied in, Schuler objected to the agenda and the 8 o'clock time. In a third message, senior Ezra Kazee, who has long been involved in the Senate, accused Schuler of betraying his responsibilities to his constituents by refusing to attend the committee meeting. Kazee called on Schuler to resign.
Confronted with copies of the correspondence the next morning, Schuler plainly was shocked that a news reporter had copies of the messages. To the reporter, Schuler called the e-mails private, apparently unmindful at the moment that the messages involved issues on the Senate agenda and the performance on an elected senator. Schuler wanted to know where the e-mail copies came from. Then Carlson stumbled into the interview and the bad blood between them, legendary in Senate circles, blew up.
Schuler asked if Carlson had sent the emails to reporters. Carlson told Schuler to "figure it out for yourself." The yelling match escalated. Schuler shouted that Carlson had earlier said he "did not care" that he was absent from an earlier 8 a.m committee meeting.
Will Schuler resign? No, he said. Noting he is being graduated in May, Schuler said: "I am not going to resign with two weeks left. I have too much work to do, and I do my job well."
At that point, student Vice President Terri Burke had joined the scene. Burke chimed in that Schuler "does a damn good job, and you can quote me on that."
Schuler went on to say that he had emailed Carlson last week to inform him that he would be absent from an 8 a.m, April 9, meeting of the Student Fee Management Committee. He said that Carlson had failed to pass on the message to other committee members.
About Kazee's demand that he resign, Schuler said: "I have no idea why Ezra would be upset with me. Probably because Travis did not pass my message along last week." Reporters: Ingrid Alm and others Background: Schuler faulted over 8 a.m. meetings | AJ SCHULER Senior senator |  TRAVIS CARLSON WSU student treasurer |
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 16, 2008 A trouble alarm went off at the Tau dorm at 4 p.m., a false alarm. A trouble alarm went off at the Tau dorm at 6:15 p.m., a false alarm. Firefighters resonded to a fire alarm at 4:50 p.m. in the Lourdes dorm. Smoke in a kitchen had activated the alarm. Firefighters resonded to a fire alarm at 5:55 a.m. in the Lourdes dorm. It was a false alarm. |
WSU taps Southern Utah for science dean
WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- The sciences dean at Southern Utah University, Harold Ornes, has been named dean of science and engineering at Winona State University. Ornes has been at Southern Utah, in Cedar City, eight years. Earlier he spent 20 years at the University of South Carolina, Aiken. He also has been at the University of Florida. For a brief time, he taught seventh graders in St. Louis, Mo,. Ornes holds a doctorate from Iowa State University in aquatic plant biology. His master's and bachelor's degrees are from Truman State in Missouri.
In announcing the appointment, Winona State President Judith Ramaley said that Ornes will help expand the university's relationships with the K-12 schools and technology-based industry. Noting the university's commitment to Upper Mississippi River studies, Ramaley said that Ornes plans to pursue his research interests in water quality studies.
The appointment is effective in June. For two years mathematician Jeff Anderson has served as interim dean. He was among four finalists. In announcing the appointment of Ornes, Ramaley went out of her way to cite several initiatives during Anderson's stewardship. Among them, she said, have been projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at the K-12 and undergrad levels. |  HAROLD ORNES Eight years at Southern Utah |
Background: Interviews ahead for four finalists
Duke loses bid to shut student blog
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 16, 2008 -- A Duke University scheme to shut down a Web site run by student lacrosse players who are suing the institution was rejected by a federal judge. Duke had claimed that the Web site had a prejudicial effect against the university's defense against a suit by 38 students filed over the university's response to rape accusations against the students two years ago. Judge James Beatty cautioned lawyers to avoid public statements that might prejudice potential jurors but refused to shut down the site. The site DukeLawsuit.com carries updates on the status of the case. Included are briefs filed by both sides, including those regarding the motion to shut down the site.APRIL FOOLERY 'Tis the season for silliness. Please send your items to this continuing series: Indee. |
Earlier Foolery
SMU senior's price right for new Jeep
| WINONA, Minn., April 16, 2008 -- Jenny Giannini can keep a secret. The St. Mary's University senior won a new Jeep on the CBS game show "The Price is Right." That was a month ago, but she was sworn to secrecy until the taped show aired Tuesday. In an interview with Kari Knutson of the Winona Daily News Giavinni said she will retire her five-year-old Mustang. |  |  JENNY GIANNINI Bid closest without going over |
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| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 15, 2008 An emergency medical team was called at 6:01 p.m. for an individual having a seizure outside of the Sheehan dorm. The indiviudal, who was not a student, was taken to the hospital. |
SENATOR FAULTED:
BOYCOTTING 8 A.M. MEETINGS?
WINONA, Minn., Aril 15, 2008 -- A veteran in Winona State University student government, senior Ezra Kazee, accused senior Sen. AJ Schuler of betraying the students' trust and demanded that he resign. Kazee made the demand after Schuler, a late-riser, proclaimed he would not attend an 8 a.m. meeting of an important all-university committee that deliberates on student fee increases. Kazee, who is the Senate parliamentarian, said he was acting as a student, not as parliamentarian, in demanding Schuler's resignation.
In a Tuesday night e-mail message to Schuler, Kazee took broad swipes: "You have chosen not to live up to your commitment when you originally applied to this committee, and I am curious as to whether or not you would take this same attitude into consideration in other aspects of your life such as your future employment and other relationships."
The Student Fee Management Committee considers proposals from administrators on student fees, which have grown to almost equal tuition. Senate Treasurer Travis Carlson, committee chair, had called the 8 a.m. meeting to take up club funding and the committee's structure.
Carlson has called 8 a.m. meetings of the Student Fee Management Committee meetings before to fit the schedule of committee members. The committee includes several administrators. Schuler also skipped one of the previous 8 o'clock meetings.
Kazee called Schuler's refusal to attend the 8 a.m., Wednesday, meeting a betrayal of trust: "As one of your constituent members, I feel disheartened that this is the action that has been perpetrated by my representative and feel you have betrayed my trust in your position as my elected representative." Kazee said he wants Schuler, a long-time senator, now representing the senior class and two weeks from graduation, not only to resign from the Student Fee Management Committee but from the Senate. Kazee did not use the word "impeachment," but, as Senate parliamentarian, he is knowledgeable about impeachment procedures. All it takes for impeachment under the Senate constitution is a complaint from one student. The complain triggers a multi-step review process.
The Kazee-Schuler confrontation boiled from long-simmering Senate divisions, many involving the Senate treasurer, Travis Carlson. Persistent accounts from Senate insiders are that Carlson advised former student President Emily Feehan to fire the majority of her cabinet in February. The firings backfired into Feehan's impeachment. Despite public attempts to make nice, the Senate ended up factionalized into a confusing morass involving personalities more than issues. Feehan has since resigned.
Schuler's own outspokenness has made him a lightning rod for critics. Kazee, in demanding Schuler's resignation, criticized a recent student speak-out organized by Schuler. The forum was publicized by Schuler as an initiative to demonstrate that student senators cared what students thought and invited students to come speak their minds. Kazee, however, saw the speak-out as cheap grandstanding. In a message to Schuler, Kazee said: "Your facade of being a caring representative of the student you represent is appalling, and I feel that your 'forum' was only a further part of the facade that you continue to propagate. It has been written that 'all the worlds a stage,' and your recent actions have become apparent that you treat your position of the actor upon this stage as exactly that, an act."
Schuler's explanation for not attending the 8 a.m., Wednesday, meeting was that he disagreed with the agenda. In a Tuesday night e-message to fellow committee members, Schuler said: "i personally feel that this business can be conducted at another time, other then 8am tomorrow morning. personally, i think this should be handled over the summer with students and staff that will be here next year. this is an important discussion indeed, but one that should have occurred last semester or one that is better suited for the summer and following year, not rushed in an hour meeting with people that will not be here over the summer/next year/"
Schuler's message ended up in wide distribution on campus, triggering Kazee's outrage. Kazee sent his demand for Schuler's resignation to student President Rotney O'Shea, who will preside Wednesday afternoon a Senate meeting at which Kazee, taking off his hat as parliamentarian, could pursue his demand for Schuler's resignation with a call from the student gallery for impeachment.
Kazee has been a frequent candidate on Winona State student ballots over the years. He ran for the student presidency two years ago but withdrew his candidacy to accept a role on the board of the St. Paul-based Minnesota State University Student Association. He has been Senate parliamentarian this year. |  AJ SCHULER Senior senator: Derelict? Late-rising lifestyle an issue? Simmering personal feuds involved? | EZRA KAZEE Officer in state student association sees betrayal of student trust |
Students tap masscom prof as WSU's best
WINONA, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- When masscom prof Tom Grier learned he was among nominees for the student-selected Winona State University prof of the year, he conceded in a private moment that he thought about asking his students to vote for him. But, no, his moral compass told him, he wanted to see if he would win without saying anything. "I didn't tell anyone I was nominated," he said. I didn't even tell my wife." Finally Grier got the word from student President Rotney O'Shea that he was the choice.
"I really didn't think I would actually win, but I was anxious to see," said Grier in an interview. He will be at a Student Senate meeting Wednesday to say a few words and share some comments. "I will probably want to say more than a few," he said, joking.
Grier was named the students' e-prof of the year two years ago for his publication design class. The e-prof award has more to do with the integrating technology into teaching and how well classes work with the technology. Grier was teaching only one course when he was named e-prof of the year. This semester he is teaching five classes. "I believe I am doing something important," Grier said.
Grier finds pleasure in knowing the students think he is a good professor. "In the classroom I can get immediate feedback so I know I am making a bigger difference. I get to watch them improve," said Grier. Grier has been at Winona State since 1988, 20 years in all. He has been a full-time prof since fall 2006.
The selection process starts with nominations on the the mid-winter student elections ballot. The Student Senate academics committee puts the leading nominees on the general spring election. Reporter: Chelsey Wilson |  TOM GRIER First e-prof of year, now prof of year
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Big second game gives Cardinals split with Bethel
WINONA, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- A 15-run outburst in the second game of a St. Mary's University baseball conference doubleheader against Bethel secured a 15-5 victory and a series split. In the first game, Bethel rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh to edge St. Mary's 7-5.| MORE |
Knights second baseman Zach Miller led off the top of the seventh with a solo shot in the first game, bringing Carleton within one. The bases were then loaded by way of a walk, double and intentional walk to bring Jacob Anderson to the dish. The shortstop crushed a bases-clearing triple and scored on a St. Mary's fielding error to give Carleton the lead for good. Leftfielder David Krieger led St. Mary's at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a run batted in. Ethan Guevin earned his third win of the season for the Knights, striking out 11 St. Mary's batters over six innings of work. Guevin allowed four earned runs.
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With both teams square at four runs after three innings, the Cardinals unloaded some offensive firepower. They scored 11 runs over the next three innings on their way to a 15-5 nightcap victory. St. Mary's got solid games at the dish from second baseman Kyle Ryan and catcher Andrew Warren. Both went 4-for-5. Brady Knudson was responsible for four of the Cardinals' 15 runs. The centerfielder went 2-for-4 on the game and also came around to score three times. Cardinals relief pitcher David Olson earned the victory, Olson, a freshman, scattered five hits over five innings while giving up only one earned run.
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The split moved SMU to 3-5 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 6-11 overall.
Game 1 stats
Game 2 stats
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 14, 2008 An individual who had been barred from campus was reported at 7:05 p.m. at the West Campus. The individual was gone when security guards arrived. Police were notified. |
 | RAGAMUFFIN BAND Don't be fooled, these high school students and teachers from different parts of Minnesota are tomorrow's entrepreneurs. They attended a three-day Entrepreneurship Camp at Winona State University to promote awareness in regional economic development. The hugh-schoolers toured Blooming Grounds Coffee House, ,and Pendleton's, Wenonah Canoe, Winona Pattern and Mold, and Wincraft. |
APRIL FOOLERY The real reason Akon didn't come to Winona: He couldn't find where it was.
To cut security expenses, men will no longer be permitted inside the Sheehan dorm at Winona State.
Students will be fined $500 for walking on campus grass at Winona State to prevent dead spots "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. To avoid mud tracks, shoes must now be removed before walking into any building at Winona State or a $500 fine will be imposed. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. To enforce the smoking ban, students caught smoking within 25 feet of Winona State buildings will be shot with a paint ball gun. Due to an abundance of wild animals on campus, squirrels mostly, food will no longer be permitted on campus property. The fine will be $500. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. Because of rising electricity costs, Winona State has issued candles for dorm students. Using lights will mean a $500 fine. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley.
No guns are allowed at Winona State but because of recent attacks, students are now required to carry a baseball bats. Students without bats face a $500 fine, "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. Mass suicides by the Woodbury, Minn., high school faculty followed publication of grad Caitlin Stene's campaign platform statement on the Winona State Student Senate election site. "The fractured prose fractured our hearts," said one farewell note. The men's basketball coach at Winona State, Mike Leaf, has officially put in his application for the 2008 presidential elections. Winona State has officially changed its motto to "We are not dedicated anymore." Winona State is newly environmentally conscious. Intracampus shuttle buses are being replaced them with horse-drawn carriages. Due to the increase of skin cancer, Winona State students are now required to wear sombreros at all times while outside. The fine for being without sombrero: $500. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley.
Because of a backlog of public urination complaints that clogging local courts, Winona State students are now required to carry a "pocket potty" or be fined $500. "Fines and fees are for the students' welfare," said university President Judith Ramaley. The academic vice president at Winona State, Sally Johnstone, issued taser-guns to profs who teach 100-plus enrollment classes to jolt dozing students to attentiveness. Police Chief Frank Pomeroy said investigators have identified animal-rights extremists who liberated 107 chicks from a St. Mary's University biology lab before they were scheduled to be snuffed after experiments. Charges will be filed Tuesday, he said. Police posted sentries at Phelps and Pasteur halls at Winona State to guard against liberation of white lab mice by underground animal-rights activists who freed chicks at St. Mary's. To protect the Winona State Psychology an Biology departments' mice, sentries are armed with semi-automatic rifles and cat poison.
The Winona State Student Senate's academics committee chair, AJ Schuler, announced a sequel to the Prof of the Year project -- a faculty look-alike project. Nominations were invited for George Bush, Jesse Ventura, Judith Ramaley, Jack Nicholson and Alfred E. Neuman look-alikes. The Winona State Faculty Senate responded with a Student Senate look-alike contest for Mick Jaegger, Shrek, Tracy Turnblad, Roger Clemons and Ichabod Crane. 'Tis the season for silliness. Please send your items to this continuing series: Indee. First prize is an all-expenses one-way trip to Homer.Earlier Foolery April Foolery contest rules |
New president seeks key committee chairs
WINONA, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- The student president-elect at Winona State University, David Obray, said he will appoint chairs for Senate committees before the end of the semester to assure a strong transition into the new school year. Of the chairs of six current key committees, only education Sen. Nathan Lynne and junior Sen. Josh Martin are returning as senators in the fall. "We have a relatively young Senate," Obray said, "I am a firm believer that experience gains its worth from the person who has it." Early appointments, he said, will mean the new Senate can hit the ground running. It is important too, he said, to maintain communication over the summer.
Committee chair are appointed by the Senate president, which usually is tantamount to Senate ratification.
Here is the status of current leadership on key Senate committees: • Academics. Chaired by Martin, who been re-elected to the Senate, this time as a senior class representative.Two committees on student fees are chaired by the Senate treasurer, as specified in the Constitution.
Obray, who sees a rebuilding year ahead for the Senate, put an April 21 deadline on applications for chairmanships. He said he plans to forward his selections to the Senate for consideration April 23. Obray expressed confidence that the committee system will work well next year: "I believe we have a wide variety of talent and an even greater pool for chair applicants."
Obray said he takes committee appointments seriously and has devised a more detailed application form than in the past. Among requirements is a letter of recommendation from a university administrator or faculty or staff member, but he said if time is too tight to get a letter then he will contact references. | DAVID OBRAY Student president- optimistic about Senate committee leadership prospects |
League honors Warriors Hellenbrand
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- Winona State University hurler Ross Hellenbrand has been named the Northern Sun conference pitcher of the week. Hellenbrand tossed a complete game one-hitter against the University of Mary, striking out 14 batters and giving up only three walks.Profs' contract finishes legislative journey
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- The bill to ratify a state university faculty contract through June 2009, as well as nine other state employee contracts, was approved 62-2 by the Minnesota Senate. The House now has re-passed the bill 123-8 to match the Senate version. The bill now goes to the Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has three business days to either sign or veto the bill or let it become effective without his signature. There has been no indication that Pawlenty will not sign the bill. The bill provides $5.9 billion of compensation to nearly 50,000 state employees.GRIPES INCLUDE GRADING,
MEAL TIMES, GYM HOURS, TEXTBOOKS
WINONA, Minn., April 14, 2008 -- Students grumbled about bad profs, too many, and cafeteria and workout gym schedules, not enough, at a recent open forum organized by student senators at Winona State University. To complaints that some professors treat students unfairly and have inconsistent grading standards, student President-elect David Obray encouraged students to bring up their concerns to academic department chairs or to college deans. Obray pledged to fight for the students to get what they want.
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Students also complained about bookstore prices. Sen. A.J. Schuler, chair of the Senate Student Services Committee, who organized the speak-out, explained that prices have always been an issue because of inflation. Because the bookstore offers convenience it can charge more and students still will continue to shop there, he said. There was defensiveness from some senators. Two-term education Sen. Terri Burke called textbooks a "huge burden," then said: "We fight for you guys everyday."
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Sophomore David Schneider said the meal times should be extended. "I miss meals every day," he said. Schuler responded that if enough people complain and make it known that they want longer hours. the Senate will work on expanding hours.
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Students complained that the Wabasha gym's hours do not accommodate their schedules. Instead of using campus facilities, which are free as part of mandatory fees, some students reported buying memberships to off-campus gyms that offer longer and more convenient hours. Students also complained about the quality of the equipment in the gyms. Many machines are broken, they said, It was also reported that equipment in the Lourdes dorm is unsafe and even dangerous.
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Noting that the Wabasha gym is open only Mondays through Thursdays, senior Mike Majerowicz said more gym hours would cut down on student boozing. "Students are up later and looking for something to do," he said. "On the weekend it would keep kids from getting underages or DUIs."
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About 30 students attended the forum, which had been widely publicized. Student senators in listening roles were interim Vice President Terri Burke, education Sen. Nathan Lynne junior Sen. Josh Martin, senior Sen. David Obray, student President Rotney O'Shea, senior Sen. AJ Schuler, freshman Sen. Alexandra Shoemaker and nursing Sen. Erica Turner.
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Students said it should be easier to choose among different Chartwells-operated meal outlets on campus. Also, an additional checkout station was suggested to keep lines short and make things smoother. Said Schuler, suggesting Senate inability to deal with the issue: "We'll look into it, but I've been told before that it wouldn't be an ideal setup," Schuler said.
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About perennial parking congestion in the campus neighborhood, Schuler promised that the Student Senate would be looking for changes and hopefully fixes before next fall. "Parking here is an absolute joke," Schuler said. "The city doesn't like to listen to the university." About on-campus parking, one student suggested painted lines in non-metered lots.
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One student called the campus wireless system "so crappy." Lynne, chair of the Senate technology committee, responded that a new system was tested over winter break. "It was working well, but when all the students came back the system basically flopped because two systems weren't agreeing with each other," he said. Currently, Lynne said, the system is working fairly well but noted that things are still being tested. "It's an ongoing process," he said.
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Incoming student President David Obray said he wished that the forum had been earlier in the school year. "Too bad it's April, and this is the first open forum," said Obray, "Let's do it again in two weeks."
Reporters: Shannon Burgess, Jenna Cameron, Joe Ellestad, Briana Jandrt and Jessica Reinhart
Background: To students: Come, speak your mind
R.I.P.: Raymond M. Ruppert
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- Former City Council member Ray Ruppert, who once worked at Winona State College, died at age 98 at a nursing home after a brief illness. He was on the City Council from 1973 to 1975.Chinese student threatened over Tibet issue
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The targeted student said that she has learned that she now is on a Chinese-government blacklist and is afraid to return home: "If I go back, I might end up in jail forever."
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The campus rally was staged to object to Chinese involvement in putting down protests in Tibet. The demonstration had begun peacefully on the anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. Many Chinese nationals regard the Tibet issue as an internal Chinese matter and have objected at international criticism, which has spilled over into the upcoming Beijing Olympics.
Background: University screens questions to Dalai lama
 | GROUND- BREAKING Expect first shovelful to be turned this summer |
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INTRAURALS AND WORKOUT GYM
TRIPARTITE FUNDING
SEEN AS KEY TO GO-AHEAD
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- Jim Schmidt admits he was nervous that Winona State University's proposed $18.5 million intramurals and workout gym was in jeopardy. Now, Schmidt, vice president for fundraising, is all smiles. The project survived Gov. Tim Pawlenty's deep cuts in state construction spending last week. That puts $8.4 million in state funds into the project, so Schmidt can proceed to round up $3 million in pledges from donors. Also, state funding triggers a new $7.1 million in student fees for the project.
How did the Winona State project make it through the labyrinth of state funding mechanisms when so many did not? Fifty-five projects alone were vetoed by Pawlenty. The way the building is being funded, with most of funding coming from elsewhere, helped generated the Legislature's support, Schmidt said. It would have been no way to get the Legislature funds had there not been the three-way funding partnership, Schmidt said.
Now that everything is go, the next steps are finalizing construction documents, coordinating finances and breaking ground, Schmidt said.
Schmidt sees the facilities, called a "wellness center," will help shape how the university will function in the future. The university, he said, is not just building a wellness center for students but giving the university true integrated wellness. The new facility, which is hoped to be completed in the fall semester of 2009, will be curved around McCown Gym, will include a state-of-the-art fitness area, classrooms, and health and counseling services.
When students come as freshmen, facilities will be available for those who want to work on their physical and emotional well-being, Schmidt said. "College sets many people's habits throughout their entire life," Schmidt said. "If the students receive a good college experience it helps to set up a more successful life." Schmidt also said that studies showed that giving students better wellness opportunities gives them better well being and that is one thing Winona State strives for.
The facility will also give students hands-on training with people in need of physical rehab. Schmidt was careful to note that fitness rooms will not be open to the public because the university does not want to compete with the YMCA and local gyms. Southeast Tech students will be able to access facilities if they pay the same fee that WSU students must pay. "Allowing the Tech college students to access the Wellness Center's facilities after paying the fee can help to lighten the load for WSU students," Schmidt said.
The idea for he facility first came around when students expressed a desire for a better workout facility, Schmidt said. The work with donors has been going in since 1999, he said. "The community of Winona and WSU alums selflessly stepped forward to help get this project approved to better our University," Schmidt said. |  JIM SCHMIDT WSU vice president for fundraising |
Reporter: Matt Bohling
Background: Ramaley exuberant at gym funds
Background: Verbatim: Open letter from WSU president
Background: Funds in tact for WSU wellness gym
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UNIVERSITY DISALLOWS
TIBETAN POLITICAL QUESTIONS
SEATTLE, Wash., April 13, 2008 -- The University of Washington will screen questions from students for a campus question-answer period with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Objections have been directed to university spokesperson Norman Arkans, who bristled at a suggestion of censorship. The screening of questions, Arkans said, is intended to ensure "an orderly and dignified dialogue" at a full-regalia ceremony at which the Dalai Lama will be bestowed an honorary degree. Questions will be limited to topics that the Dalai Lama wishes to discuss, Arkans said. Dialogue with the Dalai Lama will not include questions relating to Tibetan autonomy or China's crackdown on unrest in the country, Arkans said. In denying that this constitutes censorship, Arkans said also: "if the Dalai Lama wants to talk about China and Tibet, he is going to talk about China and Tibet."
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The university position, as articulated by Arkans, seemed to straddle whether the screening constitutes censorship of the Dalai Lama or of students. Also, the university position seems inconsistent with the Dalai Lama outspoken criticism in recent weeks about Chinese crackdowns in Tibet.
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There has been pressure to bar the Dalai Lama from using the campus visit as a political forum. The Chinese consul general in San Francisco asked the university not to host a Dalai Lama visit. Also, the campus Chinese club formally expressed "serious concern" that the Dalai Lama's visit suggests an endorsement of violent anti-Chinese protests in Tibet and would not "show respect" of China's "own domestic issues." In a letter to university administrators, the club said: "While Dalai Lama has claimed that he does not approve such violence, he failed to condemn any crimes carried out by Tibetan separatists."
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The Dalai Lama campus visit is part of a five-day trip to Seattle organized by the nonprofit organization Seeds of Compassion. The main event, at which the honorary degree will be presented, is expected to be 40 minutes before an expected a 7,000 people. The student questions, culled from those submitted by writing in advance, will follow the structured part of the ceremony.
APRIL FOOLERY The Winona State Earth Day committee posted promotional signs on every telephone pole in Winona but forgot to use recycled paper. Two Winona State sophomores were ticketed for minor consumption in a police ambush. The officer jumped out of a closet at a party house. A Winona State student was fined $10 for parking in a 10-minute zone for being there 601 seconds. A Winona State University student robbed the downtown Wells Fargo bank. "Why?" asked the campus disciplinary officer. Answer: "To pay for textbooks."
Sick and tired of the student fuss over fees for the laptop program, Winona State President Judith Ramaley scrapped the program all together. Students can do as she did in college: Write in the dirt with a stick. Student President-elect Dave Obray at Winona State told police that he was "conducting research" when caught urinating on the side of the building. "The paint stuck," he said. College students against Earth Day plan a parade. They will throw trash instead of candy. The student president-to-be at Winona State, David Obray, revealed a previously unseen love of gardening when he was found watering the roses at 3 a.m. with "my own special brew, officer." April is here, and spring is in the air. No wait, this is Winona. That's snow. Never mind. Winona State has introduced a mandatory course for the girlfriends of the men's basketball players: Domestic Self Defense 101.
The Winona State Student Senate has scheduled regular student briefings in an effort to show just how much nothing they accomplish. Several Winona State student senators were admitted to the hospital for advanced carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor's prescription: Quit patting each other on the back so much. Winona State President Judith Ramaley was emailed a bomb threat. No wanting to deal with it, Ramaley passed it on to communications chief Christeen Custer. Responding to being named the 18th fattest university in the nation, Winona State revealed plans for lighter laptops that require less energy to tote. Said fitness chief Kelli McClintick: "Our goal is to be No. 1." Asked if he really dislikes college students, masscom mega-section prof John Weis said he just wishes they paid more heed to Matt Drudge, didn't watch television so much, and worked at enlarging their vo-cab-u-lar-y. Yes, he got all five syllables right.
The Earth Day committee proposed more trees at Winona State, but campus security chief Don Walski said it would be hopeless with so much public urination going on weekends. The Winona State Student Senate voters to make its weekly meetings BYOB. Winona State's Cotton Eye Joe has been recruited by the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. At a recent Winona State open forum, students called for port-a-potties on every street corner. The Winona State Student Senate has changed its motto from "Have another drink, Rotney," to "Have another drink, Dave." Bow down to the Warrior basketball or be assaulted. Applications for Winona State Student Senate president are now being accepted. The key criterion: Avoiding getting on the front page when you have to take a leak.
Winona State President Judith Ramaley gleefully organized a meeting of her cabinet at Piggy's restaurant in La Crosse, Wis. "I hear the place has unparalleled service," she said. Akon was a no-show at Winona because Hannah Montana needed a dance partner. After all the break-ins at Bluff City rental houses, the security deposit has been hiked $50 to cover security guards. Employees at the Winona State bookstore are being trained to tackle student who forget to take off backpacks before entering. Winona State basketball player Quincy Henderson encouraged fellow students to make sure their furniture is placed in safe locations in their homes. Sometimes, Henderson said, people can trip over couches and get black eyes. 'Tis the season for silliness. Please send your items to this continuing series: Indee. First prize is an all-expenses one-way trip to Homer.Earlier Foolery April Foolery contest rules |
Boozing crackdown nets WSU student senators
WINONA, Minn, April 13, 2008 -- Two Winona State student senators, including President-elect David Obray, were caught Saturday night in a police crackdown on boozing in the university neighborhood. Outside of 415 Harriet St., two blocks from campus, the recently elected student president, David Obray, 22, was ticketed for pissing in public. About the same time at the same place, recently re-elected education Sen. Nathan Lynne, 20, was cited for minor consumption. Fines typically are $177.
In all, police on foot patrol around the campus and downtown bar area wrote 10 tickets related to alcohol between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. It was an annual spring crackdown with undercover officers trolling for party sites and checking back alleys and backyards, as well as more public places.
A 19-year-old Winona State student was cited for minor consumption at 12:06 a.m. at 8th and Harriet walking around with an open car of beer. Another student, 20, was cited for public consumption at 10:06 outside 417 Harriet. Another student, also 19, was cited at 10:39 p.m. for minor consumption after officers found him leaving a party at 417 Harriet with an open beer can. Another student, 21 was cited for public urination at 1:10 a.m. in the alley behind Brothers Bar. Yet another student, 22, was cited for public urination at 1:24 a.m. in the parking lot of the Historical Society at 160 Johnson St.
Foot-patrol officers also issued three other alcohol-related citations to young people not enrolled at the university. |
Student president-elect NATHAN LYNNE Senate technology chair Pinched outside Harriet Street finger-painting party |
IN HANDS OF UNVERSITY LEADERS |
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NONSTEREOTYPE CONTEXT
SOUGHT FOR "END OF TRAIL" SCULPTURE
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- A campus sculpture that offends Native Americans, a dejected, defeated warrior on horseback, remains prominent at the entrance to the main theater at Winona State University, more than a year after prof Cindy Killion laid out a $60,000 proposal to refocus the theme. Killion blames administrative inaction. In 2007 Killion and other faculty asked university asked President Judith Ramaley to change and enhance the art on campus, including $60,000 for "The End of the Trail" sculpture at the Performing Arts Center. The proposal has yet to be addressed by Ramaley, Killion said in an interview.
At issue is the six-foot bronze sculpture by James Earle Fraser, a native of Winona. The Indian is hunched over on his boney horse. Killion, herself of Indian lineage, calls the sculpture stereotypical of Indians being savages and doesn't accurately represent her people. Killion wants to add large stones into the garden between the Performing Arts Center and Gildemeister, with each stone representing four or more local tribes. There would also be a special spear in the garden that would represent Native American spirits blowing in the wind, represented with feathers, said Killion. Spiritual images and stories would be etched into glass, she said. These images and stories, Killion said, would contribute to an understanding of people who inhabited the surrounding area.
Where to find the $60,000? Killion looks to the university's chief fundraiser, Vice President Jim Schmidt. She said that Schmidt once asked her if she had found any funding for project. Killion said she responded by saying that it wasn't her job to find funding. |  CINDY KILLON Her heritage is Cherokee, an Eastern Woodlands tribe originally in Northern Georgia and Tennessee |
Reporter: Alicia Werdel
Background: WSU faculty endorse Indian garden
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 13, 2008 A student who reported the theft of information from his computer in March never followed up on the complaint. The matter was dropped. Police requested assistance at 5:20 a.m. to locate an individual on campus who was calling their department. The individual, a non-student, was located and warned about making calls to law enforcement. A student reported at 10:45 p.m. that she heard two vehicles strike each other near Eighh and Winona streets. No damage was found. |
Study: WSU area a vandalism "hot spot"
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- A St. Mary's University grad student, Brayton Grinnell, who has mapped vandalism patterns in Winona, says the most incidents are near downtown and at the extreme east and west ends of town. In a report in the Winona Daily News, Grinnell identified the Winona State University neighborhood, adjacent to downtown, as a "hot spot." The boundaries are Huff and Franklin streets from downtown south to campus. Grinnell also reported that 38.7 percent of incidents are within two blocks of bars. Grinnell is studying information resourcesNew Mexico State official regrets porn e-mail
LAS CRUCES, N.M., April 13, 2008 -- An associate dean at New Mexico State University, Larry Olsen,apologized for sending pornographic e-mail to a professor. Olsen described what he did as "a bad attempt at humor." The issue has complexities because the recipients, husband-wife profs John Moraros and Yelena Bird, both were denied tenure shortly after complaining. Also ensnared in a university investigation is James Robinson, head of the department in which Moraros and Bird teach. Robinson rejected their tenure bids despite a unanimous favorable vote by the faculty.
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WSU Songest draws 500 youngsters
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- Winona State Unuversity students studying how to teach music had first-hand experiecne Friday at the 30th annual Songfest on campus. Almost 500 grade-school children from western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota schools took vocal lessons en masse with Winoan State studets pitching in. Songfest clincian Sue Leithold-Bowcock, from the Leithold music store in La Crosse, Wis., said in an interview with the Winona Dailu News: "Every child is a musician. There's not a child who can't sing. My job is to teach them."City eyes talks for booze alternatives
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- Municipal authorities are willing to help develop more nonalcoholic activities for college students, but, says Mayor Jerry Miller, the city cannot do it all. Miller said in an interview: "We can help as much as the students need us, but it ultimately has to come from the students." Miller said he sees promise in an emerging plan for student clubs clubs, with help from the three Winona colleges, to set up off-campus activities. The city would front the bill for renting off-campus locations for, according to one idea, clubs could put on different theme parties, which was one of the ideas, Miller said. The plan is for students come up with the ideas and get the support from peers, with the city ing with expenses and other business aspects.
The project is in its infancy, Miller said: "We have to walk before we run." The mayor Miller said he hopes to have at least one activity before the end of the semester, which will remind students binge drinking is still a major concern. Will it work? "We get all fired up, and then as time passes we tend to forget," he said. "Maybe this time we can prevent a next time," said Miller.
So far, Miller has only once met with the St. Mary's University Student Senate president. The mayor said he's open to ideas. Reporter: Chris Dillmann |  JERRY MILLER Winona mayor |
SMU ready to start soccer, track complex
WINONA, Minn., April 13, 2008 -- With city approval, construction of the first phase of a new soccer and track complex at St. Mary's University could be completed by fall semester, athletics Director Nikki Fennern said. The facility, on Gilmore Valley Road, will be the first for outdoor track at the campus. In an interview with Mark Sommerhauser of the Winona Daily News, Fennern said the university has planned the facility to be a good neighbor. The effect of night-time lighting will be minimal, she said. Also, she said, the facility will be open to the public through the St. Mary's community walking program.Background: Planning Commission OKs track
Fake ID trace leads to quick confession
WINONA, Minn., April 12, 2008 -- A 20-year-old college student was arrested after police were called into Brothers Bar at 12:43 a.m. because a savvy bouncer suspected the guy was using a fake ID. The ID said he was 27. It all got more complicated when police figured out that the ID's actual owner had a warrant out for his arrest. Confronted, the 20-year-old readily admitted his real name and was arrested for gross misdemeanor and minor consumption.Reporter: Jenna Cameron
| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING APRIL 12, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Nicole C. Hegge, 19, 105 Laird St., $177. Jesse D. Schultz, 19, Oakdale, Minn., 90 days and $277. LOUD PARTYING Nicole C. Hegge, 19, 105 Laird St., $177.
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Southern California closes German Department
LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 12, 2008 -- The University of Southern California is dropping its German language major and minor and shutting down the department. The letters, arts and sciences dean, Howard Gillman, blamed declining enrollment. The department has eight majors. For 17 years the college has had a freeze on hiring German faculty, which, through attribution, has whittled the faculty to two full-time profs. The remaining profs will move to other departments, said Gillman. Part-time faculty will handle the courses until current students have completed their programs, he said.| MORE |
The remaining languages programs at Southern California are Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Explaining the deletion of German Gillman told the Chronicle of Higher Education: "I understand the central importance of German languages and cultures for the humanities and for the world. I also understand the importance of Arab languages and cultures, and Hindu languages and cultures, and Japanese and Chinese. As a college, we are trying to think about what the proper balance or organizational structure is for all of these." He said there had been a "broad conversation" on the issue within the college.
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The German Department chair, Clausing, differed. Clausing said that the decision came without warning. Clausing blamed the administration for allowing the department to shrink by denying a series of requests for replacement faculty. "We're trying valiantly to do what we can with however few we still have," he said. Students expressed shock. In an interview with the Chronicle, junior Jennifer Appleby, a German major, said: "I'm just appalled that a university of this size and caliber would even think of eliminating the department."
WSU anti-cancer event raises $40,000
WINONA, Minn., March 12, 2008 -- The annual Relay for Life fundraiser at Winona State University drew more than 300 participants who generated more than the $40,000 goal for projects against cancer, organizers said. Because of yucky weather, the all-night event, now in its fifth year, was moved inside to McCown gym.Students accused in SMU credit-card theft
WINONA, Minn., April 12, 2008 -- Two St. Mary's University students have been charged with fraud for using a fellow student's credit card and racking up more than $200 in purchases at Wal-Mart and Pizza Hut. Police said the card belonged to Sarah Anne Pflughoefs, 18, who reported the card stolen March 29. Police used security cameras at Wal-Mart and Pizza Hut to make the arrests.Reporter: Jenna Cameron
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 12, 2008 A student was cited in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 1:27 a.m. for alcohol. A student asked security guards at 2:30 a.m. to check on the welfare of a friend on campus. Student located and found to be OK. Police and security guards responded at 12 p.m. to an alarm at the bookstore. Nothing found. |
Attorney, teacher speak at Sesquicentennial Gala
WINONA, Minn., April 12, 2008 -- A leading Minnesota attorney, 1978 Winona State grad Marty Lueck, will the keynote speaker at the university's Sesquicentennial Gala dinner-dance celebration. Lueck is chair of the executive board of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, whose specialties include patent, antitrust and competition law. In 2007, Lueck was named a "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota Law & Politics.
Lueck was recognized in 2005 as a distinguished Winona STTE. In 2005 and 2007 he participated in the Alumni in the Classroom project, speaking to students about how liberal prepared him for a career in law. Lueck is also a member of the WSU President's Advisory Group.
In 2006 Lueck helped secure a $500,000 donation to the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State. The donation, on behalf of the Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Foundation for Children, is the largest private donation ever received by the center. |
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Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 5:45 to 12 a.m.
Place: McCown gym
Cost: $75; reservations by April 11
Contact: BHalleck@Winona.edu or call at 507-457-2444
WSU health adviser: Ban tobacco
WINONA, Minn., April 11, 2008 -- Moving toward a smoke-free campus is positive for Winona State, the university's health educator says. The final decision, Kelli McClintick noted in an interview, is up to the university president. About the student referendum supporting a ban, McClintick said: "I hope that President Judith Ramaley listens to the students." She noted only the 2:1 margin in favor of a ban in the March student elections but also polls in the fall and spring semesters. Other colleges have gone smoke-free, she said.| MORE |
McClintick has worked with an all-university wellness committee on the issue "to produce a positive way to market the smoking ban that the campus would respond to in an optimistic manner," she said. Because of the health effects of second-hand smoke, there is no alternative, she said. The two committees have recommended to all campus constituencies to deliberate and vote on what they think is the best for students.
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So far, only the student constituency has taken a position The Student Senate, ironically had shot down the proposed ban but reconsidered after a petition generated 846 signatures favoring a ban. Last fall there had been a survey in which 74 percent of student supported the ban.
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Minnesota State-Moorhead and the University of Minnesota-Duluth don't allow smoking anymore, McClintick said. Other campuses have a smoke-free environment on their agendas, she said.
Reporter: Rachel Becher-Cortez
Background: Smoking ban wins students' OK
Study: Three anti-mumps shots better than two
BOSTON, Mass., April 11, 2008 -- A major outbreak of mumps that affected college campuses in the Midwest in 2006 could have been eased with three vaccinations, not the usual two, according to federal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Two vaccinations are not enough, according to the study. In eight Midwestern states where the 2006 outbreak was worst, 84 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds with a known vaccination status had received two doses of the mumps vaccine.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 11, 2008 Firefighters responded at 9 p.m. to the Lourdes dorm on a fire alarm. Someone cooking in the thirdrd floor kitchen had set the alarm off. |
Congress ponders requiring campus alerts
WASHINTON, April 11, 2008 -- A law to require colleges warn their campuses of emergencies within 30 minutes has been proposed in Congress. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., drafted the proposal for House consideration. In the Senate a similar bill does not specific a time limit except that alerts should be "reasonable and timely." McCarthy's new bill would the 30-minute clock ticking when campus-security authorities confirm the existence of an emergency. The bills are in response to massacres at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois in recent months.R.I.P.: Elaine Alvera (Foss) Nelson
WINONA, Minn., April 11, 2008 -- A veteran school teacher who earned her master's degree at Winona State University, Elaine Alvera, 87, died at a nursing home. Most of her teaching career was in exurban Lewiston. Her bachelor's degree was from Moorhead State College.An NCAA Division IV? Not for now
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, April 11, 2008 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association has dropped a proposal to subdivide Division III and create a Division IV. The decision came after a survey found that 82 percent of Division III colleges strongly favor the current setup for smaller schools with modest resources and budgets for varsity sports. A Division IV had been floated as a possibility to address rapid growth expected in Division III programs. There are 442 Division III schools."Mapmakers" author speaks at WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 11, 2008 -- The author of the 2006 story collection "Lives of Mapmakers," Alicia Conroy, will speak at Winona State University. Conroy has won awards for her fiction. She also writes feature articles and reviews.Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: North Lounge, Lourdes Hall
Cost: Free
Contact: Debra Cumberland at 507-457-5444
Bush commencements at Air Academy, Furman
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2008 -- As is the custom, President Bush will deliver two college commencement speeches this spring, rotating among the military academics this year to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado and at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. Furman is a private non-sectarian school of 3,000 students. The White House said that Bush will also speak at a high-school ceremony in Greensburg, Kan., a community devastated by a tornado last year.McCune's goal: Class on Third Street strip
WINONA, Minn., April 10, 2008 -- A new establishment has moved into the old Stingers place on the Third Street bar strip. McCune's Public House opened March 28. Bought by the owners of Schyde's Drink's and Whatnot, the new bar, at 107 W. Third St., is aimed as a more up-scale choice from other downtown bars. "It gives people a nice change from the usual bar scene normally experienced downtown," co-owner Matt Kiefer said.| MORE |
With an extensive beer and fine liquor selection, McCune's tries to give an authentic Irish pub feel, Kiefer said. A series of previous bars, Bulls-Eye, then Stingers, have moved in and out of the location, but the new owners hope by setting up a place with a more relaxed environment, the bar will attract those who appreciate a classier feel. "We offer a selection of alcohol that represents the type of bar this is," said Kiefer. "It is not the typical bar in Winona and that is what we are going for." With limited pricing specials; the McCune's owners do not anticipate the rowdy crowd.
Reporter: Chris Dillmann
Campuses in Walz requests
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2008 -- Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., reminding voters of his campaign pledge for transparency, reported he made 55 funding requests for home-district projects in his first term. Among the Walz earmark requests:• $3 million for the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University.
• $2 million for the Teachers Teaching Teachers program at St. Mary's University.
• $1 million to expand Winona State utility tunnels.
• $1 million to expand the former armory, next to the East Lake dorm, as a vets' gathering place.
• $656,600 for neww southeast Minnesota floodplain maps.
• $495,000 for flood control up Garvin Brook from suburban Minnesota City.
THE INDEE IS YOUR NEWS SOURCE OF RECORD |
RAMALEY: WELLNESS CENTER
A KEY IN DEFINING WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 10, 2008 -- This is a statement issued by Winona State President Judith Ramaley after state approval of funding toward construction of a campus intramural and workout sports facility:
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Background: Ramaley exuberant at gym funds
Background: Funds in tact for WSU wellness gym
WSU clubs host anti-violence concert
WINONA, Minn., April 10, 2008 -- Twenty-one Winona State University clubs led by the feminist club Fighting for Our Rights and Gender Equality, is sponsoring a Rock Against Violence show at the Draught House tavern. Featured are the Winona bands Best Friends Forever, Black Magic Johnson, Maudlin and Uptown 5. Proceeds are for the Women's Resource Center.Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 7:45 p.m. to 12:45
Place: Draught House, 151 East Third St.
Cost: $5 to $7; restricted to persons 21 and older
Contact: April Herndon
Case against Henderson to be dropped
WINONA, Minn., April 10, 2008 -- In an agreement with the city attorney, Winona State University basketball player Quincy Henderson will have charges of domestic abuses dropped if he stays of out of trouble the next two months. Henderson, 23, a senior, was arrested in January after his woman-friend at the time called police that he had beaten her after a night of partying following a varsity game. The womanfriend's apartment was damaged and she was bruised, but it was a he said-she said case. The woman, Jamie Richter, 22, also a Winona State student agreed that the charges be dropped.
Chris Nelson, city attorney, said the 60-day trial period before the charges are dropped is technically known as a continuance for dismissal. The procedure is at the discretion of a prosecutor. Its use is mostly for misdemeanors. |  QUINCY HENDER- SON Warrior forward |
Background: Henderson free without bail
Comedian Tracy Morgan now a WSU no-go
WINONA, Minn., April 10, 2008 -- Comedian Tracy Morgan, an 11th-hour back-up after rapper Akon backed out of the Winona State University annual spring concert, will not be making an appearance, student activities director Joe Reed said. "Tracy really wanted to come," said Reed. "But he is filming a movie in Los Angeles. and he can't guarantee that he won't be shooting when we want him here."
Morgan had been given until the end of the day on Tuesday to commit formally, but in the end he just couldn't commit, said Reed.
Lamenting problems about the spring concert, which have included the February resignation of his entertainment planning assistant, Kelly Clark, Reed said in an interview: "It has been a rough year," said Reed.
The spring concert has been the centerpiece of Winona State's student entertainment calendar with big-name and mid-last performers for more than 10 years. Said Reed: "We're hoping to kick off next year right."
Asked about the possibility of two concerts next year to replace the lack of one this year, Reed said he wouldn't rule it out. "I would love to have two concerts or acts. Ideally, that would be great." said Reed. "But it is hard to get venues in the fall."
Reed said that they would get a list of acts available over the summer so the program committee can start planning as soon as possible.
Although it has been a rough year, Reed said he doesn't take for granted all the acts Winona State has brought in the past. " I'm just fortunate that Winona State has been able to bring big names here in the past," said Reed. "This is definitely more work than people think." |  TRACY MORGAN Hollywood takes precedence  JOE REED WSU student activities chief: "A rough year" |
Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: Deal close for Tracy Morgan
Background: Akon touring Africa, Mideast
Background: Clark's departure described as surprise
Background: Reed: Don't like Akon, don't come
Background: Clark: Resignation laid to "bad fit"
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 9, 2008 Several students were cited for alcohol in the Maria dorm at 10:30 p.m. |
WITH RIVAL CANDIDATE KEVIN HOFFMAN
STUDENT TREASURER ACCUSED
OF ELECTION MISDEED
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- The student treasurer at Winona State University, Travis Carlson, re-elected to a second term last month, is being investigated for whether he violated election rules. At-large Sen. Kevin Hoffman, who lost to Carlson for treasurer, has accused Carlson of abusing his privileges as treasurer to encourage people to vote for him. At issue is a March 25 e-mail message that Carlson sent to 182 people in his personal address book to encourage them to vote. Among those 182 recipients were 20 or so club leaders whom Carlson knows through his work as treasurer.
Carlson won 619 to 563 in an election with a turnout of 20.3 percent of Winona State students, the largest in history.
According to Hoffman, the e-mail violated Article 4, Section 2, Subsection A of the Senate by-laws, which state: "Student life fee money, or supplies purchased with student life fee money, shall not be used for campaign purposes." The link, as Hoffman describes is, is that Carlson's $2,500 stipend as treasurer salary is paid from the Student Life funds and that he had access as incumbent treasurer to the club list.
Carlson responded that he keeps club contacts for his treasurer's work in a separate database, but some e-mail addresses that he uses frequently may have moved from one list to the other.
The Senate election committee, chaired by student President Rotney O'Shea, forwarded the matter to Student Conduct Committee, formerly known as the Judicial Board, to investigate. The Student Conduct Committee is an all-university committee, consisting of representatives from faculty, administration, and Student Senate. Among the senators on the conduct committee are O'Shea, senior Terri Burke, junior Josh Martin, sophomore Nathan Lynne, junior Charlie Moburg and freshman Erica Turner
Sen. Martin's presence on the Student Conduct Committee raises interesting questions. During the spring general elections, Martin himself was criticized for violating election rules, when he agreed to a videotaped interview in the Senate office in Kryzsko. Martin apologized. The matter was dropped. The question: Why was Martin let off with just a slap on the wrist, while Carlson is under investigation?
Carlson attributes the Hoffman complaint, and the Election Committee's decision not to drop it, to the politics, and to alliances formed among the student senators. Liberal arts Sen. Ian Galchutt has admitted, for example, that he too sent out a mass e-mail. Other candidates also created Facebook groups or events and encouraged their friends to vote. None of these actions are being punished, however.
Meanwhile, the Senate has declined to ratify the treasurer election until the Student Conduct Committee decides whether to pursue the issue. The committee will meet Friday. If a hearing is ordered, It probably would be early next week. At a hearing Hoffman would be asked to restate his complaint, and Carlson would be given the opportunity to defend his actions.
In an interview Carlson said that the issuer is whether he intended to use the database for his gain and indeed whether it even affected the election. Of 182 names on his database as treasurer, 118 were for student club leaders. Only a small percentage of those names could have made it onto his personal contacts list, he said. "If I have access to all these names, why would I only use a small percentage of them?" Carlson asked.
Carlson also said if he had used the treasurer database, people would have gotten multiple copies of the email because of how the database is set up.
Carlson said that his 619-563 margin was larger than the number if names on his treasurer database that didn't duplicate names on his personal list.
Finding him in violation would set a bad precedent for these kinds of issues, setting up an impossible enforcement expectation that emails can be tracked and measured as to their effectiveness, Carlson said. |  KEVIN HOFFMAN Disadvan- taged by Carlson's club list? | TRAVIS CARLSON Won re-election by 56-vote margin |
Reporters: Sawyer Derry and Rebecca Erdmann
Background: Election results
Background: Wrist-slap to Martin for TV interview
Facebook party page eyed for riot links
LANSING, Mich., April 9, 2008 -- The creators of a Facebook page to organize a street party near Michigan State University may be legally liable for the weekend riot in which 52 people were arrested. The campus newspaper, State News, reported that authorities are looking into prosecuting "those who made pro-riot posts." The riot was broken up with tear gas,. Meanwhile, a Facebook group, "I Got Gassed at Cedarfest 2008!," has warned participants not to admit involvement online because police are monitoring the site for clues.Background: 52 arrests in Michigan State riot
Shankur-trained sitar composer at WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Sitar composer Shubhendra Rao, who learned from the master of the instrument, Pandit Ravi Shakur, will perform at Winona State University.Date: Thursday, April 17 |  SHUB- HENDRA RAO At Tau rotunda |
NOT THAT GRESHAM KNOWS OF
WSU COMPUTER CHIEF
PRAISES STUDENT LAPTOP INPUT
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- The chief technology officer at Winona State, David Gresham, says he has no reason to believe that former student President Emily Feehan didn't herself draft the later-discredited letter that she signed supporting that university's laptop program. "I have no knowledge that it would be anybody but Emily," Gresham said in an interview. "I don't believe there was any form of ghostwriting involved." The letter was included in Gresham's proposal to the state college system's board of trustees for approval of a $28.4 million lease deal for new student laptops. The letter was later rebuked, some say clarified, in a second Feehan-signed letter in which other senators had a heavy hand in drafting.
The conflicted letters became an embarrassment. When the university presentation was made before the state board's Finance, Facilities and Technology Committee, a spokesperson for the Minnesota State University Student Association intervened to denounced the first Feehan letter as unrepresentative of Winona State student feeling about the university laptop program. Then the second Feehan letter was presented. Within four days she resigned her $2,700-a-year job as student president.
Key passages from the Feehan-signed letters: First letter: "Student Senate fully supports their decision with the Laptop RFP process."
Gresham said in the interview that he doesn't know if Feehan's resignation had anything to do the laptop program but that he does know that he will miss having her around. About instability in the Student Senate, Gresham speculated that the death of President Jared Stene in November has made it difficult for everyone to deal with things, which, he said, may have factored into Feehan's resignation. "I don't know all the internal affairs of the Senate," said Gresham. "But I do know that I was sad to see Emily go. She was a very integral part of the process."
Gresham said that the university proposal for a new three-year lease on laptops, funded by students through a $1,000 annual fee plus a technology surcharge, was put together with student input. Gresham singled out student Sens. Nathan Lynne and Phil Bergstrom, who served on a campus-wide committee to explore lease possibilities. "Nathan and Phil have been phenomenal in this process," he said. "We have spent hours discussing the topic."
After the embarrassing St Paul blow-up before the MnSCU trustees with the contradictory Feehan letters, university President Judith Ramaley laid out a detailed plan for administrators to solicit broad student input on the 10-year-old laptop program. Gresham said the evidence is that students like their laptops. Responses to the university's Assessment Day survey are that students are very satisfied, he said. Even so, he said: "Students and faculty need to both be involved in this process. The more opinions we have, the better."
Gresham acknowledged students' concern about the bill they foot for the program. Sometimes, he said, students just see the laptop, a machine that retails for $1,200, and not other factors, like software and technical support, that their $1,000-a-year fee covers, including a new machine every two years. About student comments that the price of computer hardware has come down in the 10 years that the Winona State laptop program has been in place but that fees have not, Gresham said that the cost of hardware has not gone down for Winona State. "The exact same fee is going to get you a better machine every two years," said Gresham. "That is a good deal." |  DAVE GRESHAM WSU chief technology officer
PHIL BERGSTROM Liberal arts student senator NATE LYNN Education student senator, Student Senate techology chair
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Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: Ramaley: Widen laptop dialog
Background: Verbatim: Ramaley orders laptop review
Background: Ex-student helped draft one Feehan letter
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Warriors take nightcap to split with Golden Bears
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- The Winona State University softball team needed a tight 6-4 victory in the nightcap of a Northern Sun double-header to earn a series split with Concordia of St. Paul. The Golden Bears took the opening game 6-0.| MORE |
The Warriors scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning in the second game to wipe out a one-run deficit and take the lead for good at 6-3. Centerfielder Chelsea Rosenow paced Winona State at the dish, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Designated Hitter Abby Brundidge had a solid day at the plate for Concordia. The sophomore smacked two doubles while going 2-for-4. Brundidge also dove in three of the Golden Bears four runs on the game. Pitcher Stacey Struzynski notched her seventh win of the year for Winona State, giving up seven hits over seven innings and striking out eight.
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In the first game Winona State couldn't manage any runs against Concordia's Stephanie Schmikla. The Warriors scattered five hits throughout the game. Kristen Fossell was handed the loss for Winona State after giving up six hits and four runs over three innings of work. Cleanup batter Tiffani Rodd brought in four runs for Concordia. Rodd was 2-for-4 on the game.
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The split moved Winona State to 8-1 in the Northern Sun conference and 22-9 overall. The Warriors' eight conference victories are currently good enough for a second-place standing behind undefeated Southwest Minnesota State.
First game stats
Second game stats
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WSU men third in quadrangular
ONALASKA, Wis., April 9, 2008 -- The Winona State Universty men's team had six golfers in the top 10 and finished in third place with a team total of 314 in a quadrangular at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Warriors Ryan Peavey, John Anderson and Max Borgardt all tied for sixth after shooting seven-over par 78s. Wiona State also had a log jam in the ninth slot. Ross Wilhelm, Brady Strangstalien and John Kirk shot 79s.
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Warriors club their way to 2nd
ONALASKA, Wis., April 9, 2008 -- The Winona State University women's golf team placed four golfers in the top 10 and went on to secure a second-place finish in the Winona State Triangular. The Warriors finished with a team total of 348. Junior Megan Placko tied for second place in the individual standings after shooting 83. Rounding out top 10 for Winona State were junior Courtney Sovereign at seventh, Hilary Booton at eighth and Tara Christensen and Katie Schuller, who tied for 10th at 90. The three-team event was held at Cedar Creek Golf Course.Student: Textbook bias leans right
BOSTON, mass., April 9, 2008 -- Textbook publisher Houghton Mifflin is reviewing a widely used college textbook, "American Government: Institutions and Policies," after a high school senior reported finding political bias. Houghton spokesperson Richard Blake said the company is "working with the authors to evaluate in detail the criticisms." The criticisms originated with Matthew LaClair, a senior at Kearny High School in New Jersey. The textbook states that global warming may not be scientifically valid, LaClair said. Also, he took issue with an assertion that the U.S. Supreme Court has outlawed all school prayer. The fact, he said, is that prayer is allowed privately in school and in groups before lunch.| MORE |
At Houghton, Blake said some disputed passages had been dropped from a forthcoming update. The authors, James Q. Wilson and John J. Dilulio Jr., are well-known conservatives. Wilson is a professor of public policy at Pepperdine University. Dilulio, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. Earlier, Dilulio worked in the Bush Administration as director of faith-based initiatives.
 | JAMES HOCH ZOE SHEPHERD 16 years at WSU |
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WSU colleagues offer musical tribute
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- A chamber recital, in tribute to Winona State music profs James Hoch and Zoe Shepherd, will feature works composed by Hoch. Performers are Zoe Shepherd, flute; Frank Bures, clarinet; Patricia Lundeen, organ; Paul Vance, cello; and Deanne Mohr, piano. Hoch and Shepherd, at Winona State since 1992, are founding members of the Wind River Trio.Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 4:30 p.m
Place: Central Lutheran Church, 259 W. Wabasha St.
Cost: Free
Contact: 507-457-5024
MacLean nomnated for state colleges board
| ST. PAUL, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Winona County prosecutor Chuck MacLean has been recommended along with seven others for two upcoming at-large vacancies on the governing board of the state college system, includes Winona State and Southeast Tech. The recommendations went from an advisory panel to Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Since 1996 MacLean has been Winona County attorney. He has taught at Winona State and St. Mary's. At Winona State he has been attorney-adviser to the student Mock Trial Club since 2000. |  CHUCK MACLEAN County attorney |
Lintin leads WSU Faculty Senate vote
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Communication prof Dan Lintin led candidates for seats on the Winona State University Faculty Senate with 83 votes. Also elected were Susan Ballard, nursing, 71 votes; Pat Ferden, counseling, 69; Rill Reuter, chemistry, 69; Colette Hyman, history, 64; Gretchen Michlitsch, English, 60; Mark Engen, chemistry, 58; Dan Kauffman, economics, 43; Kurt Hohenstein, history. 34; Wayne Ripley, English, 33; and John Johanson, psychology, 27. Econ prof Matt Hyle was elected to the state contract negotiations team from Winona State. Chemistry prof Bill Ng was elected to the state board of directors. For state president of the profs' union, the Inter Faculty Organization, Rod Henry of Bemidji State won 103 of 119 Winona State votes.
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Deserted chicks traced to SMU
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Biology profs at St. Mary's University are scratching their heads at how 100-plus 10-day-old chicks disappeared from a lab and were abandoned across Highway 14 on a freezing night over the weekend. The chicks, some with frozen legs and combs, were rescued 10:15 p.m. Sunday from a grassy ditch and rushed the to the Winona Humane Society to recover. Reporter Amber Dulek of the Winona Daily News engendered community-wide sympathy for the helpless chicks in a front-page story Tuesday. At the time, nobody knew where the chicks had come from. Now, St. Mary's has come forward with information that the chicks were stolen from an unlocked lab an hour or two before they were found. By whom or why isn't clear. University spokesperson Bob Conover is quoted in a follow-up story Wednesday in the Daily News: "If it was somebody with good intentions, they went about it the wrong way."| MORE |
For 30 years St. Mary's has bought male chicks for experiments in which students inject a testosterone growth hormone and track growth. After the experiments, the chicks are euthanized. Typically the carcasses are sent to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn., for eagle food.
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The lab, as usual, was unlocked Sunday so students check on the chicks, a St. Mary's spokesperson said.
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The university has offered to compensate the Humane Society for taking care of the chicks. Meanwhile, Deborah Stowe at Humane Society said the chicks are available for adoption.
Student spared expulsio for Facebook group
TORONTO, Ont., April 9, 2008 -- A faculty committee at Ryerson University has decided against expulsion for a studeny who maintaining a Facebook study group. The student, Chris Avenir, a freshman, faced 147 charges of academic misconduct after a professors found a Facebook group in which Avenir offered fellow engineering students homework help. Actually, Avenir had offered to "discuss/post solutions." The prof, irate, had insisted that students work independently.| MORE |
Students rallied to Avenir's defense, saying that the Facebook group was merely a digital firm of an in-person study group -- a medium for collaboration. Other students argued that Facebook Avenir should be punished for breaking the rules by establishing a place where students could get homework solutions.
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The faculty committee, although deciding against expulsion, ruled that Avenir be issued zero for one assignment. Also, a disciplinary note will go in his file.
WSU student composers in recital
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Student composers at Winona State University will offer a recital of their works with faculty members Eric Brisson, Rich MacDonald and Deanne Mohr. The s udent composers: Karl Bruggeman, Blake Carr, Jenny Josselyn, Ian Lorenz, Jeremy Marquis, Corey Meier, Amy Olson, Matthew Peterson, Jake Runestad, Chris Sevold, Justin Smith and Bo Ties.Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 7 p.m
Place: entral United Methodist Church, 114 W. Broadway
Cost: Free
Contact: 507-457-5250
Finalists named for Winona judgeship
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- An assistant county attorney in Winona, Nancy Bostrack, is among three attorneys recommended by the the Commission on Judicial Selection for a Winona County judgeship that will be vacant when Judge Margaret Johnson retires in May. Also recommended were Rochester attorneys Daniel Heuel and Lisa Swenson. The appointment will be made by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Bostrack has an assistant county attorney since 1992. She has taught part-time at Winona State University. Bostrack holds a law degree degree from Hamline and a bachelor's in business from the University of Wisconsin.| MORE |
Heuel has been with the O'Brien & Wolf law practice in Rochester since 2001. Heuel holds a law degree from the University of Minnesota. His bachelor's degree is from St. Mary's.
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Swenson has been an associate attorney with George F. Restovich & Associates in Rochester since March. Earlier she was a senior assistant Olmsted County attorney and an assistant Winona County attorney. She has taught parttime at Winona State.
Prof: Newspapers slipping but not news
WINONA, Minn., April 9, 2008 -- Although some experts say that newspapers are in a stopless decline, a Winona State University mass communication prof is not all that gloomy. Tom Grier expects that newspapers as media companies will "reorganize and look towards the future." Grier sees "an explosion" as newspapers shift more to offering stories and advertising online. An advantage of online news in a society that is much more technologically inclined, according to Grier, is that, "you can get news anytime." With a 24-hour news cycle, he said news no longer is contained into whatever can fit within a 36-page edition but rather going with unlimited Web space.| MORE |
The demand for journalists and copy editors will increase because of constant news cycles and a never-ending need for reporting, as well as the need to edit and proof articles, Grier said. "The demographics of cities has a lot to do with whether newspapers may stay in print media or transfer to online," said Grier. He contrasted cities with older demographics, which will be comfortable longer with print news, and technology-inclined youthful cities, whose people spend more time on the Internet.
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Grier noted that local newspapers that may not be able to afford printing press and newsprint will switch online to continue to stay in business. The cost-effectiveness of online news is undeniable, he said. Newspapers may survive longer in larger cities, he said, because shrinking but still relatively large large readerships will continue to bring in revenue.
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Either way, Grier said, college journalism students shouldn't be swayed by decline in newspaper jobs at the moment. Grier said he doesn't believe "it's a bad field."
Reporter: Allison Schuebel
ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
RECAPPING THE CHAMPIONSHIP:
FROM BOYS TO LEGENDS
WINONA, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- In a few words the athletics director at Winona State summed up how the university's basketball team grew into Division II national champions. At a victory rally on campus, Larry Holstad put it this way: "They came to us as boys, became men, became champions, and now they are legends." Fans went wild again and again at a McCown gyn rally at which speakers said the ritually expected, including Holstad: "The quality of this team is so great." Holstad said that he has received numerous messages and e-mails from fans all over abouthow proud of the team they were. Holstad called the coaching staff the best that there is. He couldn't ask for more, he said.
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University President Judith Ramaley said that the whole community has been supporting them with absolute belief that they could achieve another national championship. The championship was the second in three years for the Warriors.
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A student fan, Bill Cienian, who calls himself "Bill the Thrill, got up and said how incredible it is that they have such an amazing team that Division I schools shy away from exhibition games with the Division II Winona State basketball team. Cienian said that here in Winona people have something special called "Mike Leaf basketball."
Reporter: Jessica Reinhart
Struzynski garners Northern Sun nod
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- Winona State University softball pitcher Stacey Struzynski has been named Northern Sun conference pitcher of the week after going 2-0 over the weekend and hurling the first no-hitter of her college career. Struzynski, a freshman, struck out 10 Wolves batters in the Warriors' 4-0 victory over Northern State, which capped a 3-0 day for Winona State. In her two starts this season Struzynski is 2-0 with 20 strikeouts and only three hits allowed. Opponents are hitting a staggering .065 against her through two starts.Health leadership institute at WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- Certificates from Developmental Dimensions International to create a healthcare leadership institute at Winona State University have been issued to Jamie Groth, Barb Larsen, Ann MacDonald, Maggie McDermott, Josh Petersen and Jana Schrenkler. The first leadership institute is planned for May.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 8, 2008 An alarm went off in Kryzsko Commons at 3:01 a.m. An engineer as notified. A suspicious person was reported in the library at 9:03 a.m. Library staff contacted Security regarding. Security guards made contact with the individual. An individual was reported acting strange in Kryzsko Commons at 7:38 p.m. The individual was gone when security guards arrived. |
Lewinsky question rattles Chelsea Clinton
WACO, Texas, April 8, 2008 -- Off-guard and irked, former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton rebuked a Baylor University student who asked her at a campus visit about the Monica Lewinsky scandal that led to her father Bill Clinton's impeachment when he was president. Said Chelsea: "Wow, you're the first person actually that's ever asked me that question in the, I don't know, maybe, 70 college campuses I've now been to, and I do not think that is any of your business." Chelsea is touring campuses in support of her mother Hillary's bid for the presidency.| MORE |
The student who asked the question, Evan Strange, a Clinton supporter, said he was taken back by the answer. Strange later said in an interview that he wanted to give Chelsea Clinton a chance to show how strong her mother is. "It was an opportunity for Chelsea to show all the doubters how strong Hillary is." He said he finds himself frequently fielding questions from friends about the Lewinsky scandal."
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
R.I.P.: Virginia P. Capron
WINONA, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- A charter member of the old Winona State University Faculty Wives club, Virginia Capron, died in a hospice at age 88. The club had its beginnings n 1948. Her husband was industrial-ed prof Hugh Capron, who died in 2004.
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Cardinals take two from Pipers
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- The St. Mary's University baseball team notched its first conference victories this season, topping Hamline 2-1 and 5-4 The pair of comeback wins moves the Cardinals to 5-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play.| MORE |
In the first game St. Mary's found itself in a pitchers duel. Gary Seifert and Willy Shetka combined to give up only one run on seven hits in nine innings of total work. Hamline counterpart Josh Roiger struck out 12 and gave up only three hits in nine innings pitched. The Cardinals scored the game-winning run in the top of the 10th inning when Chris Bogie came in from second base to score on a David Krieger RBI single. Junior pitcher Shetka earned his second victory of the season for St. Mary's, striking out six batters in six innings of relief work. Hamline starter Brian Martin dropped his third game of the year for the Pipers. Martin, a senior, was tagged with an L for giving up the eventual game-winning run in extra innings.
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In the nightcap St. Mary's catcher Brian Warren provided the offensive spark, knocking in two RBIs while going 2-for-3 from the plate. Shortstop Brandon Haugh came around to score two of the Cardinals' five runs. Haugh also provided a 1-for-2 effort at the dish. David Timmons earned his first victory of the season, throwing three-hit ball over 3.2 innings in relief of St. Mary's starter Joe Krause. Krause was roughed up early, giving up four earned runs on five hits in two innings. The Pipers offense was led by centerfielder Ben Smith's 2-for-3, two RBI day at the plate. Third baseman Skip Fuller and shortstop Tony Rogers also recorded two-hit games for Hamline.
Students favor more credit card regs
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2008 -- Most college students favor limits on credit card marketing, according to a study by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Of 1,500 students surveyed, 80 percent supported stricter regulations. Of those respondents, 67 percent said colleges should not provide student addresses and telephone numbers to credit-card companies. Seventy-four percent agreed that only cards with "fair" terms and conditions should be marketed on campuses.Bookbinder to speak at WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- Bookbinder and artist Karen Hanmer will discuss traditional leather books bindings, forms of printmaking and mark making and how sculptural works and performance can be included in books in a presentation, "Book Arts Road Trip: A Survey of Contemporary Book Arts," at Winona State University. Hanmer is exhibitions chair for the Guild of Book Workers and serves on the editorial board of the Bonefolder book arts journal.Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 7 p.m
Place: Stark auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: James Armstrong
Alumni to play with wind ensemble
WINONA, Minn., April 8, 2008 -- The Winona Symphonic Wind Ensemble, supplemented by 20 alumni, will include "Fanfare, Chorale & Flourish" by Winona State University music prof James Hoch, in an April concert. Also on the program: "Procession to the End of Time" by Vaclav Nelhybel, "Catalyst" by Jake Runestad, "Lux Aeterna" by Yo Goto, "Three Chorale Preludes" by William Latham, "Grand Serenade for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion" by P.D.Q. Bach and "Festive Overture" by Dmitri Shostakovich.Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 2 p.m
Place: Main Stage, Performing Arts Center
Cost: $3 to $5
Contact: 507-457-5024
Diploma mill operators plead guilty
SPOKANE, Wash., April 8, 2008 -- Three people who ran a notorious string of diploma mills, the most prominent in the name of St. Regis University, have pleaded guilty to fraud. Dixie Randock and Steven Randock and their daughter, Heidi Kae Lorhan, face as much as three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Randocks ran dozens of "colleges," many claiming they were accredited in the African country of Liberia. The operation, actually was out of a rural house near Spokane, took in more than $5 million from 8,200 clients worldwide, federal prosecutors claim.Democrat leader: GOP not for young people
MADISON, Wis., April 8, 2008 -- The chair of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean, riled Republicans at the University of Wisconsin when he characterized the GOP as a deadend for young people. In a speech to Democrats, Dean, himself a former presidential candidate, said that the Republican party lacks diversity, which he said has alienated young voters. "Who in their right mind, if they were African-American or Hispanic or Asian-American, if they were gay or lesbian, would join the Republican party?" he asked rhetorically. When young people look at the Republican voters, he added, they see "1950s television." The chair of the University of Wisconsin College Republicans, Sara Mikolajczak, called Dean's remarks "complete and total BS." Her club, Mikolajczak, said has members from a broad range of multicultural backgrounds.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
Planning Commission OKs SMU track
WINONA, Minn., A[ril 7, 2008 -- The city Planning Commission approved a St. Mary's University proposal for p a new track and field complex at the Terrace Heights campus. Some campus neighbors presented a petition objecting that already-existing parking problems will worsen, but the project received approval anyway. The athletic complex will include a track around a soccer field. At the perimeter other field activities would be added, as well as with an additional soccer field.R.I.P.: Walliam B. Eberhard
ESCONDIDO, Calif., April 7, 2008 -- A 1959 Winona State University grad, WIlliam Eberhard, 73, died of cancer. He a a retired bank examiner. At Winona State he played coronet in prof Fred Heyer's jazz band. He was part of a trumpet trio that won the Cedric Adams talent contest in Minneapolis.UM-R inauguration: Hail to the chief
| ROCHESTER, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The new chancellor at the University of Minnesota-Rochester, Stephen Lehmkuhle, was inaugurated in a classy ceremony. In his address, Lehmkuhle said his focus is on building the operation, which now offers classes in an abandoned section of a downtown shopping mall. Classes began last fall with 400 students, mostly in medical and technical grad programs. Background: UM-Rochester chief chosen |  STEPHEN LEHM- KUHLE Say LEHM-kool |
| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 7, 2008 An emergency medical team was called to Kryzsko Commons at 9:45 a.m. an employee with a medical problem. The individual was taken to the hospital. Firefighters responded at 10:45 a.m. to an alarm in Kryzsko Commons . A small amount of smoke from someone cooking caused the alarm to activate. An emergency medical team responded at 8:55 p.m. to the library, where a student reported that she was feeling faint. |
Ramaley exuberant at gym funds
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The president of Winona State University, Judith Ramaley, left nobody out in expressing appreciation for $8.4 million in state funding for an addition to Memorial Hall for a workout gym, indoor track and related wellness facilities. At a City Council meeting Ramaley said: "It depended upon the support of the community -- the county, students, and citizens of Winona." The project, which with donor pledges and new student fees is projected at $18.5 million, had been high drama in a budget shown between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature, but the facility was spared a gubernatorial veto Monday.
Ramaley credited a tradition of creativity and imagination in the community for the wellness center, a tradition, she said, that dates to the creation Winona State 150 years ago as Minnesota's first teachers' school. "It continues to be that same vital energy," she said. Ramaley was at the Council meeting to accept a certificate on congratulations from Mayor Jerry Miller on the university's school on its 150th anniversary. With the wellness center in the making, Ramaley said, "We intend to earn your continued commitment over the next 150 years."
Ramaley said that construction probably would begin this summer. Mayor Miller called the wellness center something that the whole community can enjoy. |  JUDITH RAMALEY WSU president |
Reporter: Jenna Cameron
Background: Funds in tact for WSU wellness gym
Student loan guarantor into bankruptcy
BOSTON, Mass., April 7, 2008 -- The largest nonprofit guarantor of private college student loans in the country, the Education Resources Institute, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The institute, known as TERI, blamed a rise in defaults and delinquencies. The bankruptcy is the latest sign of trouble in the student loan industry. TERI President Willis Hulings said that bankruptcy would give "time and opportunity to determine how best to provide our programs and services for the long-term in this challenging economy."Background: Education secretary urges calm
To WSU students: Come, speak your mind
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- A no-holds-barred forum on campus issues has been scheduled by the Student Services Committee of the Winona State University Student Senate. Senior Sen. AJ Schuler, committee chair, told students that anything they say will be taken seriously. The project is part of a program to address criticism of the Senate as disconnected from students in general. "Everything you say will be looked into, and you will be personally contacted regarding the status of your concern as quickly as possible," Schuler said. "Our hope is to establish a pattern in comments to find out if the issues that may arise are isolated or a campus wide problem." Regardless of the issue it will be addressed quickly, he said: "You have my word on that."Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 3 p.m
Place: Smaug stage
Cost: Free
Contact: AJ Schuler
Senate OKs profs' contract, pay package
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aoril. 7, 2008 -- On a voice vote the Minnesota Senate passed the contract ratification bill that includes an 11 percent salary increase over two years for faculty at state college system universities. There were no audible dissenters. There was no debate. The bill contained 15 union contracts and compensation plans. The Senate bill will go back to the House for concurrence with a Senate amendment that doesn't relate to university profs.Background: State board OKs profs' deal>
Guilty verdict in dorm murder
YPSILANTI, Mich., April 7, 2008 -- A jury found an Eastern Michigan University student guilty of murdering Laura Dickinson in her dorm room in 2006. Sentencing was set for May. The sentence could be life in prison for Orange Amir Taylor III with no chance for parole. Jurors deliberated 4-1/2 hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts -- first-degree murder, assault with intent to commit rape, home invasion, and larceny.| MORE |
The case drew attention not only for horrendous detail on what happened but because the university covered up that there had been a crime and even shredded documents. The university president and two aides resigned. The federal government fined the university for violating campus crime-reporting laws. The university has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement with the Dickinson family.
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An earlier trial resulted in a deadlocked jury. An appeal of the new verdict is expected.
Background: College fined for concealing murder
Background: Mistrial in dorm murder
R.I.P.: Donald P. "Don" Sattler
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- A 1992 Winona State University grad, Don Sattler, died at a hospital at age 64. He mentored at the Winona Occupational Rehabilitation Center and had been a program assistant at Home and Community Options.Funds in tact for WSU wellness gym
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- State funding toward a giant workout gym and indoor track at Winona State University has survived the veto pen of Gov. Tim Pawlenty. This means that $8.4 million, which both the Senate and House had approved, will be available for the project. This means, also, that $3 million in donor pledges will be available, as well as $7.1 million from new student fees endorsed by the Winona State Student Senate. The facility, to be built like a crescent around McCown Gym, will include a fitness area, classroom space, counseling and student health services.| MORE |
The Winona State facility had been No. 20 on a state college system construction priority list, but it was in doubt when Pawlenty and the Legislature went into a confrontation over how to much to borrow for projects. The governor had considered vetoing the Legislature's whole construction package but instead exercised his authority to veto individual projects. Of $925 million proposed by the Legislature, Pawlenty cut $208 million. To the Legislature, he said: "They need to live within their means."
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Among cuts: $8.8 million for property acquisition at Bemidji State and $5 million for a classroom building at Metro State University, Overall, however, higher-ed project fared well. Campus projects will receive $335 million. The sum includes $233 million for four biomedical research labs at the University of Minnesota
City nixes freight-house dorm plan
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The City Council voted 5-1 against rezoning on Mark street that would allow a real-estate investment company to build a dorm at the site of the old railroad freight house. Council member Deb Salyards, elected from the downtown and campus neighborhood, led the opposition: "It's not my job to furnish dorms for Winona State University."
A partner in the project, Nick Edstrom, said the 17-unit complex would would generate at least $13,000 in property taxes. He said options included a single building or four four-plexes. To questions about parking congestion, Edstrom said 32 off-street parking stalls were part of the plan for the Mark and Center streets site.
Salyards argued that the city has been trying to reduce population density around the campus. Salyards, who lives in Main Street, roughly two block from the freight house, said neighbors opposed the Edstrom plan for fear that more student population density would erode property values. |
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Background: Plans for student apartments progresses">
WSU baseball steroid-free in ongoing tests
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The Winona State University baseball coach, Kyle Poock, has never had one of his athletes on steroids, but's he's pleased that the National Collegiate Athletic Association is testing them. Athletes need to know about the repercussions of what can happen if caught with performance-enhancing drugs. "The NCAA does a really good job at informing our athletes about how severe steroids can be," said Poock. "I know it's out there. Winona State baseball and also football players have undergone three years of random testing, Poock said.
The process of testing for steroids is simple and fast. "The NCAA hires people, who come in with nurses to take random urine samples," he said. "If the baseball team goes to regionals then they test the whole team," Poock said.
Punishments can be severe for testing positive. "Our policy for steroids is you simply can't use them, and if our athletes test positive, then they get suspended and if they get caught by the NCAA, they lose one year of eligibility," Poock said. He mentioned that Division I has a lot more athletes testing positive for steroids than Division II teams like Winona State.
"It's really about their dream and wanting to play professional baseball,' Poock said. "A lot of times athletes will use steroids when they get injured so they can heal faster, and it is sad because the professional baseball players are using them, and it's interesting because I look at professional players such as Roger Clemens and say that they must be using, it's just hard to believe that he's not using something," Poock said. Reporter: Courtney Rappa |  KYLE POOCK WSU policy is simple: No steroids |
GOP donor's son get med-school nod
GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 7, 2008 -- The medical college dean at the University of Florida College of Medicine authorized the admission of the son of a Republican fund raiser even though the admissions committee had rejected him. His father, Alan Mendelsohn, is a Hollywood ophthalmologist who helped organize the 2006 campaign of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist had written letter recommending the son, Ben Mendelsohn, for admission. Dean Bruce Kone denied politics was involved. Kone said that he never saw Gov. Crist's letter.| MORE |
The dean called young Mendelsohn's credentials exceptional but didn't name him and explained that he couldn't offer details because of privacy limitations. The University of Florida university received 2,800 applications for 135 seats in its seven-year program that combines bachelor's and medical degrees.
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The Mendelsohn family gave more than $33,000 to political candidates in 2006, including $500 for Crist.
Econ Summit features optimistic economist
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- A senior economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis, Barry Asmus, will open the annual southeast Minnesota Economic Summit at Winona State University. Asmus's view is that the current economic situation should be viewed from a long-term perspective. Asmus said he will explain "Six Unstoppable Trends," the title of his keynote addreess, that are affecting U.S. business and the economy. He has written widely that powerful long-term trends include a strong stock market, relative low unemployment, low inflation, high labor productivity, record economic growth, and consumer net worth at all-time highs. Asmus said he will offer strategies for companies and communities to positioned to position themselves to capitalize on these trends. He said he also will identify the benefits and drawbacks to globalization.| MORE |
Another speaker, Mike Wenz, will discuss monitoring business sentiment. A business panel will be moderated by university President Judith Ramaley.
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 8 .a.m. to 12 p.m
Place: Tau Center, 511 Hilbert St.
Cost: $50 (Registration by Wednesday, April 16
Contact: Kendall Larson at 507-457-5000
One-fifth of college students uninsured
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2008 -- One in five college students lack health insurance, according to a government report ordered by Congress. The data are from 2006 for students 18 to 23. Students are less likely to be insured if they are from low-income families, attend college part-time, or are members of minority groups. Over all, about 1.7 million students do not have insurance, the report said. The report noted that many students have lost coverage through their parents' employers because employers are shrinking benefits.Ex-Indiana president to address WSU grads
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- A senior scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Thomas Ehrlich, will be commencement speaker for the Winona State spring commencement, the university announced. Ehrlich has a long pedigree in higher education, including a term president of Indiana University, provost of the University of Pennsylvania, and dean of Stanford Law School. Ehrlich, a Harvard law grad, has written, co-authored or edited 11 books. During the Carter Administration he was director of the International Development Cooperation Agency.
The ceremony will be May 2 in McCown Gym. More than 900 degrees will be bestowed. A morning ceremony will graduate students in business and liberal arts. An afternoon ceremony is for education, nursing and health sciences, and science and engineering.
The morning student speaker will Chris Obray, from Fairmont, Minn., who is being graduated in history and English. The afternoon student speaker will be Pallavi Sharma, from Jharkhand, India, who is being graduated in computer science. |  THOMAS EHRLICH Now with Carnegie teaching foundation |
Poet to explain books in his life
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- Winona's Poet Laureate Jim Armstrong will speaks at a campus presentation about the meaning of the book in his life. Armstrong reaches English at the university, His comments will follow the announcement of winners of a day-in-the-life student essay contest.Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Second floor, Krueger Library
Cost: Free
Contact: Kendall Larson at 507-457-5367
Empty bowls fund-raiser flounders
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The fourth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at Winona State University, which helps provides food, clothing, shelter and emergency assistance for the needy, had a disappointing turnout last week. The Winona State art gallery director, Anne Scott Plummer, blamed herself. "The low turnout is probably due to my lack of organization," Plummer said. "I didn't get flyers out on campus until Tuesday," said Plummer. The event, on Thursday, raised nearly $300, far short of last year's $2,700.| MORE |
"I raised the price a bit this year, and not everyone walks around with cash in their pockets," said Plummer. Nearly 70 students from Plummer's classes participated in making 168 bowls to serve soup donated by Chartwells food service, Signatures restaurant, Beno's Deli and Good Harvest Cafe to raise money.
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The project is a major Art Department event. Sharee McGregor, an art senior, made two bowls as part of one of Plummer's classes and decorated them for a grade ad then and attended the event to serve soup. Plummer booked three local potters to teach students different techniques of throwing and glazing bowls. The fundraiser was accompanied by the paintings of Jason Smith, a senior, who hung his large paintings in the Watkins gallery for the event.
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As a fundraising project, Empty Bowls was started in 1990 by a high school art teacher in Michigan.
Reporter: Amie Hylton
Judge: Copyright not lone download issue
BOSTON, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- A federal judge has barred record companies from forcing Boston University from turning over the names of students who pirate music with their computers through a university server. Judge Nancy Gertner wants more time to consider arguments by four students that their privacy and First Amendment rights be violated. The decision was a setback for record companies that are desperate to stop unauthorized music downloading. The industry usually sends threatening letters to students once a university turns over names and demands payment, sometimes thousands of dollars, for downloaded music.| MORE |
In a 52-page decision, Judge Gertner said that students are entitled at least to "some First Amendment protection of their anonymity." Also, she said, students may have a reasonable expectations of privacy regard their identity. The judge, however, didn't dismiss the charges against the students. But never before has a court seriously considered issues other than copyright infringement in download cases.
Symphony plays to its roots
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- The Winona Symphony Orchestra, will perform music from it inaugural program in 1908 in a Winona State University concert. The repertoire includes includes "The Damnation of Faust" by Charles Gounod and "A Day in Venice" by Ethelbert Nevin. Also, "Angels" by Carl Ruggles, who founded the orchestra, will be performed. The program also marks the premier of "Ancient Places" by Libby Larsen that was commissioned by the university.Date: Friday, April 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Main Stage, Performing Arts Center
Cost: $5 to $14
Governor decrees WSU Basketball Day
WINONA, Minn., April 7, 2008 -- Gov, Tim Pawlenty has declared "Winona State University Men's Basketball Team Day" to coincide with a campus victory rally celebrating the NCAA Division II national championship. In his declaration Pawlenty said: "The success of the Winona State Men's Basketball Team has brought national recognition and prominence to Winona State University, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the State of Minnesota."Background: Rally to honor WSU basketball
Displeased, governor cuts off newspaper
LINCOLN, Neb., April 7, 2008 -- The office of Gov. Dave Heineman, a Republican, has removed the student newspaper at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln from its e-mail distribution list for news releases in retribution for an article that it didn't like. The governor's news secretary, Jen Rae Hein, said that a reporter for the Daily Nebraskan had said she was planned to write about the governor's mansion as a historic structure but instead profiled a convicted murderer who gives tours of the mansion through a through a prison work-release program. The reporter was deceptive, Hein said. She said the governor's office first had considered banning Daily Nebraskan reporters from all news conferences.| MORE |
The Daily Nebraskan responded by accusing the governor's office of unconstitutionally targeting a particular publication on the basis content. Generally government is barred by the First Amendment from any anti-press initiatives that are not content-neutral. Later, the governor's office reserved itself and suspended the e-mail ban.
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The issue had swelled quickly into constitutional proportions Thursday when the Daily Nebraskan led with a story on the mansion tour guide. Through a Corrections Department program, Timothy Haverkamp, who was involved in the brutal torture and murder of a fellow cult member more than 20 years ago, has been allowed to work at the mansion since 2001.
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In an editorial, the Daily Nebraskan called it absurd for the governor's office to claim there have been a breach of journalism ethics: "When reporters work on stories, they sometimes come across leads for different stories. They then pursue those leads. This is how journalism works."
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At the peak of the crisis, the Daily Nebraskan was told by the governor's office that guards would remove student reporters if they showed up at the governor's office for news conferences. The office backed off a few hours later saying it would not invite Daily Nebraskan reporters to news conferences but it would also not force them to leave.
Spring arrives: Six WSU booze arrests
WINONA, Minn., April 6, 2008 -- Two Winona State University students who tried fleeing the cops didn't get far. The men, both freshmen, were ticketed for underage consumption, said officer Chris Nelson at the morning police briefing. One man, age 18, was stopped at 1 a.m. at Eighth and Wilson streets with an open container of beer. He attempted to flee on foot but his 24 pack of Keystone Light slowed him down, Nelson said. His blood-alcohol was .026 percent. The law allows 0.08. A second man, 19, also attempted to flee. The officer told him to stop running three times, then he fell anyway, Nelson said. The second man admitted to carrying an open Busch Light can and was cited also for public consumption, Nelson said his blood-alcohol tested at .093.| MORE |
In another alcohol-related incident two Winona State University revelers received underage drinking tickets Saturday night. A 19-year-old woman was cited around midnight at 359 W. Ninth St., because she smelled of alcohol. At the same address a second student also was issued a minor consumption ticket.
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A 21-year-old Winona State student was issued a loud party ticket at 53 W. Ninth St., Apartment 3, at 2:40 a.m. after being warned twice to quiet down, Nelson said. Several neighbors had complained and officers could hear the racket heard two blocks away, Nelson said.
Reporter: Emilie Kastner
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Tense moments for cops at Grand Street party
WINONA, Minn., April 6, 2008 -- A scuffle between revelers and police outside a noisy party near King and Grand streets a little after midnight ended with the arrest of a Winona State University freshmen. Police gave this account: Partiers were disbanding after spotting the officers. When officers ordered a 19-year-old man ordered to halt, he didn't. Officers grabbed haim by a shoulder. As 30 parters circled the officers, a woman, also a Winona State student, attacked them from the crowd. The man was arrested for obstructing justice and underage boozing, the woman for underage boozing.
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| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 6, 2008 Several students were cited for alcohol at the East Lake dorm at 11:45 p.m. Several students were cited for alcohol at the Lourdes dorm at 11:22 p.m. |
52 arrests in Michigan State riot
EAST LANSING, Mich., April 6, 2008 -- Police lobbed tear gas into a beer-guzzling crowd at a large block party near Michigan State University early Sunday to break up fights. About 80 officers were called out. Most of them reported pelted with bottles and cans. In the end, police made 52 people arrests and issued 48 tickets against others. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people had gathered on a spring evening at the Cedar Fest student housing area.| MORE |
Police Chief Tom Wibert said the crowd became increasingly unruly after 1 a.m., Wibert said that police first used only loud, smoking munitions, not tear gas, to disperse the crowd but only about half left. Tear gas was fired about 2 a.m., he said.
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Of the 52 persons arrested, 28 were university students. More charges are expected after police review videotape.
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Warriors split with Beavers
BEMIDJI, Minn., April 5, 2008 -- The Winona State University baseball team split a conference double-header with Bemidji State, taking the first game 9-2 and dropping the second 5-3. The split pushed Winona State's Northern Sun conference mark to 7-5.| MORE |
Backup first baseman Andrew Kes provided a spark for the Warriors in the opener. Kes smacked in five RBIs while going 3 for 4 in relief of regular Ross Hellenbrand, who was on the hump. Kes tagged a three-run homer in the third for the Warriors. Later he added two doubles. Third baseman Dru Mickelson also helped Winona State at the plate. Mickelson went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Hellenbrand earned his second victory of the year for Winona State, giving up three hits and two earned runs over six innings. The sophomore also struck out five of the 23 Bemidji State batters. Ryan Bohannan dropped his first start of the year for the Beavers, giving up six earned runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings.
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In the nightcap centerfielder Justin Huether drove in three runs for the Beavers while going 3 for 4 from the plate. Hurler Casey Allar went the distance in earning his first victory of the year for Bemidji State. Allar gave up two earned runs on seven hits. The junior also fanned five while allowing only one walk. Winona State's Justin Kunferman dropped his first decision of the year. Kunferman gave up four runs on six hits while throwing four innings. Matt Ruben gave up the other Beaver's run in relief. After an offensive explosion in the first game one, the Warriors were held in check for much of the game. Centerfielder Mike Brabender's third double of the season was Winona State's lone extra-base hit.
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The Warriors are scheduled to play two against Minnesota-Duluth on Tuesday at Loughrey Field. The series is a makeup for a weekend rainout.
Game 1 stats
Game 2 stats
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American Legion begins Sarnia clubhouse
WINONA, Minn., April 5, 2008 -- The Winona American Legion post will break ground Tuesday for a 10,000-square foot clubhouse, banquet hall and bar adjacent to Winona State University's East Lake dorms on East Sarnia Street. Jeff Brokaw, post commander, said completion is due in November -- on Veteran's Day. So far, $800,000 has been raised toward the $1,2 million facility. Last week, Ashley Furniture chair Ron Wanek gave $100,000.Prof to jail for admission bribes
HANOVER, Germany, April 5, 2008 -- A law prof at Leibniz University has been sentenced to three years in jail for taking bribes from students seeking admission to a doctoral program. The prof admitted to taking $250,000 for admitting students with marginal qualifications. The professor explained that his $7,800 salary was not enough to cover his debts. Of the students accepted by the professor, only 10 were awarded a doctorate. A consultant who referred students to the prof is being tried separately.
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Smoky house fire claims three students
MENOMONIE, Wis., April 5, 2008 -- Three University of Wisconsin-Stout students died, apparently of smoke inhalation, in a house fire near campus. Police said the students slept through alarms that were loud enough for neighbors to hear. The bodies were found in separate upstairs bedrooms. Firefighters responded to an alarm at 3:30 a.m. Dead were Scott A. Hams, 23, of Hayward, Wis.; April C. Englund, 21, of St. Paul, Minn.; and Amanda Jean Rief, 20, of Chaska, Minn.WSU grad Barrone to coaching duties
| MIDLAND, Texas, April 5, 2008 -- A former Winona State University catcher, Ben Barrone, who had aspired to a playing career with the major-league baseball, now is a bullpen assistant coach for catchers with the Oakland Athletics' farm team in Midland, Texas. Reporter Joel Badzinki of the Winona Daily News quoted Barrone that he was disappointed to be cut from the player roster. The As had found themselves full up with under-20 catchers. Barrone was drafted by the As in the 44th round last year, after his graduation from Winona State. He also played with the La Crosse, Wis., Loggers. |  BEN BARRONE Long-term, his goal is coaching |
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Aboriginal college regains recognition
REGINA, Saskatchewan, April 5, 2008 -- First Nations University has been reinstated by an accrediting agency that had doubts whether the college was operating independent of political dictates from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada reported that it now is satisfied that the university has made sufficient progress toward institutional autonomy. Questions about autonomy surfaced in 2005 when the vice chief of the federation, who also chaired the college's governing board, took actions that led to the departure of 40-some faculty members, some of whom were fired.| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
Hydrologist: So much water so fast
WINONA, Minn., April 4, 2008 -- The floods that devastated southeast Minnesota in August dropped as much as five times more water in a few hours than typically falls in all of August, a state hydrologist told a day-long Winona State University workshop. Greg Kruse, of the state Department of Natural Resources, said that Garvin Brook, a 15-mile stream that empties into the Mississippi at the west suburb of Minnesota City, carried 18,000 cubic feet of water per second, perhaps 20,000. in a Winona Daily News article on presentations at the meeting, another speaker, Winona State geologist Toby Dogwiler, compared the flood to a Category 5 hurricane. At one monitor one Interstate 90 near Ridgeway, 23.1 inches was recorded in 24 hours, by 21.04 inches in the next 12 hours, climatologist Greg Spoden was quoted as saying in the Winona Post.Prof sues firm selling lecture notes
GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 4, 2008 -- A University of Florida professor has sued a company that sells lecture notes to students. Michael Moultin, who teaches ecology, had coyrighted his notes. In the suit, filed in federal court, Moultin claims that notes sold online as "study kits" by a company under the name Class Notes were "copied slavishly or derived from the original." A 1996 Florida lawsuit against another note-selling company was rejected by the courts, but Moulton's is different in that he copyrighted his lectures.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 4, 2008 An emergency medical team was called to a Chartwells cafeteria where an employee fell. The victim did not want to be transported by ambulance. Several students were cited for alcohol at East Lake dorm at 8:40 p.m. At 5:55 p.m. a non-student reported that someone was throwing objects at him from a window in the Maria dorm. Police were notified. |
Drama students lauded for "Giant Peach" work
WINONA, Minn., April 4, 2008 -- A Winona State University theater student, Eileen Moeller, was awarded a certificate of commendation from the American College Theater Festival for her work as stage manager for the campus production "James and the Giant Peach" last spring. Erin Dostal of Rochester, Minn., was cited for her work as costume designer for "James and the Giant Peach" and for costumes in a parade at the American College Theater Festival in Omaha, Neb.Christian schools lose admissions fight
LOS ANGELES, Calif,, April 4, 2008 -- A demand from the Association of Christian Schools International that the University of California honor high-school courses offered from Christian high schools in evaluating students for admission has been denied by a federal judge. Judge James Otero ruled that the university has a legitimate interest in setting admissions requirements. Specifically, Otero said, the University of California high-school course-evaluation policies were reasonable. Several students from Calvary Chapel Christian School claimed that their rights to free speech and religious freedom had been violated because the university didn't accept by credit for all of their high school courses.| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING APRIL 5, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Mitchell J. Dorn, 19, Arcadia, Wis,, $177. Katherine J.E. Mueller, 19, Whitehall, Wis., $177. Ashley S. Nachatilo, 19, St. Charles, Minn., $177. Megann K. Olson, 20, Hokah, Minn,, $227. Andrew W. Spitzer, 20, ST. Charles, Minn., 90 days and $602. Chase T. Schmalenberg, 19, 651 E. Fifth, $177. Dustin A. Zeller, 2, 25287 County Road 7, 180 days and $527.
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Students walk out in demand for diversity
AMHERST, Mass., April 4, 2008 -- Students at Hampshire College walked out of class recently to demand that administrators step up their commitment to fighting racism and promoting diversity. The students called for more faculty and staff in multicultural affairs, mandatory anti-oppression training for all employees, and dorms reserved for students of color and for what they called "queer-identified" students. The walkout was part of Action Awareness Week. The college president, Ralph Hexter, who is gay, said he would meet with students again to discuss issues.
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WSU men smash past St. Mary's
WINONA, Minn., April 4, 2008 -- The Winona State University men's tennis team defeated cross-town rival St. Mary's 8-1, snapping the Warriors seven match losing streak. Winona State got singles victories from Gage Davidson at No. 1, Aaron Lentz at No. 2, Stuart Booth at No. 4, Taylor Rens at No. 5, and Tanner Bishop at No. 6. Winona State also swept all three doubles contests against the Cardinals.Statistics
Oregon colleges try gender-neutral dorm mates
PORTAND, Ore., April 4, 2008 -- Experiments with gender-neutral roommate policies in college dorms, already in place elsewhere, notably at Wesleyan and Haverford, are being tried in Oregon. Lewis and Clark University, Oregon State and Portland State are allowing opposite-sex roommates. Willamette University and Reed College will try out the arrangement this fall.DEAL CLOSE
FOR TRACY MORGAN AT WSU
WINONA, Minn., April 3, 2006 -- Actor-comedian Tracy Morgan is a strong possibility to replace rap artist Akon as a mainline act at Winona State, probably in late April, said the university's student activities director. Joe Reed acknowledged that Morgan, known mostly for stand-up comedy, doesn't have the name recognition of Akon, who backed out of a Winona State engagement. "It's too late find a big-name act," Reed said.
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Morgan has been on the cast of "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live." Morgan also is in the comedy "Superhero Movie," now making the movie-house circuit. Reed said he is hopeful of signing Morgan for Thursday, April 24, and also an opening act. The performance would be scaled back from 3,500-capacity McCown Gym, site of past spring concerts, to 700-seat Somsen auditorium. How confident is he the deal will come through? "It's looking good, and I feel pretty confident, but, you know, you never want to assume anything."
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In a report to the Student Senate, Reed said that he had pursued Emmy-nominated Demetri Martin to fill the Akon void but that Martin turned down an initial offer. "I thought he was a little greedy if you ask me," said Reed.
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This Monday, comedian Chad Daniels, originally from Fergus Falls, Minn., will perform at Winona State, Reed said. Daniels was a finalist in the 2003 Comedy Central Laugh Riots competition. Daniels' Winona State show:
Date: Monday, April 7
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Somsen Auditorium
Cost: Free for Winona State students
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Asked how much had been offered Martin and Morgan, Reed deferred. "Being in the middle of negotiation, I can't tell you." In the past, when he has released offers for concert performers, other colleges have heard the information and outbid Winona State, he said. Now, Reed said, he releases numbers only when a contract is signed. Earlier Reed had obtained a $60,000 guarantee from the Student Senate for the Akon concert, reimbursable from ticket revenue.
Reporter: Joe Ellestad
Background: Akon touring Africa, Mideast
Study finds high campus intolerance
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 -- The Campus Tolerance Foundation announced plans to survey students at 200 colleges for tolerance and respect. The foundation, formerly known as the Campus Truth Foundation, made the announcement in releasing a prototype study of data from 1,000 students at three universities who clicked on a Facebook request for participants. The foundation acknowledged that the initial sampling process was flawed but said that nearly two-thirds of students at Michigan State and almost half at Columbia and California-Berkeley had witnessed harassment or bias. Most respondents said they don't speak up in class because they fear professors and classmates would disagree with them. In its initial report, the foundation asked: "Are these campuses fundamentally dangerous places where being different means living in fear?"WSU looks internally for lib-arts dean
WINONA, Minn., April 3, 2008 -- Winona State will look at its own staff for an interim liberal arts dean to replace Tony Paino, who is moving to a Missouri college. A notice was posted Thursday, opening an 11-day window for applications. Paino leaves June 30 for Truman State University as chief academic officer. Winona State listed the vacancy as a one-year appointment with a possible extension. A nationwide search for a permanent successor is expected to begin in the fall. The liberal arts dean supervises 140 faculty members in 18 departments.
Qualifications were listed as a terminal degree, which usually is a doctorate; at least five years college administration and teaching experience; and a research, publication or creative record. |  TROY PAINO WSU liberal arts dean since 2004 |
Background: WSU dean Missouri-bound
Rude Internet habits? Blame mom, dad
LONDON, April 3, 2008 -- Children don't learn in their format ive years that there are boundaries, which explains bad online behavior of college students, a British psychologist reported in a government-commissioned study. Tanya Byron pointed to the pirating of music files, posting of drunken photos on Facebook, and passing along malicious gossip about other students on sites like Juicy Campus. The study was commissioned as a step in a government review of how parents and children are affected by new technology. Byron said that in an increasingly risk-averse world, in which children are not even allowed to play outside without supervision, they are naturally drawn to the Internet as a place for exploration, to test their skills and their limits.| WSU SECURITY REPORT APRIL 3, 2008 A suspicious person was reported hanging brochures at the Lourdes dorm at 1:31 p.m. The individual was told to leave. |
Arrest in Daught Haus pulltab theft
WINONA, Minn., April 3, 2008 -- An employee of the Draught Haus college bar on Third Street was apprehended near Sparta, Wis., after $1,400 in pulltab receipts was reported stolen. Deputy Police Chief Paul Bostrack said that the theft was reported about 6:40 p.m., Wednesday, and that the man was thought to be headed east on Interstate 90 to Wisconsin. State troopers stopped the car near Sparta and one occupant surrendered $145, Bostrack said. No other money was found, he said. The second man in the car may face rendition back to Minnesota, said Bostrack.Sullivan's co-owner to jail
WHITEHALL, Wis., April 2, 2008 -- A former co-owner of Ed Sullivan's supper club in Trempeleau, Wis., Scott Jensen 34, has been sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay back more than $51,000 to his former partner. Judge Michael Mulroy issued tbe sentence. Jensen's partner, Chris Columbo, discovered something amiss in the books last year. An audit then uncovered that computer sales records had been altered to steal money between Aug. 19, 2006, through Sept. 15, 2007. Meanwile, Columbo has accepted a buyout agreement with Jensen that includes the money that was stolen.Background: Sullivan partner pleads innocent
FORCE ATTENTION TO ISSUE
RAMALEY LAYS OUT PLAN
TO WIDEN LAPTOP DIALOGUE