PR prof faults White HouseWINONA, Minn., Oct. 31, 1998 -- How the White House has handled the Clinton scandal is unacceptable public relations, said Winona State University PR-prof John Weis. Public relations, Weis said, is being up-front, ethical and truthful. Political spin, rather, is about survival and looking good, he said. Weis said he embraces a statement by Dilen Schneider, of the Wall Street Journal: "Spin is to PR what porno is to art."
New pay for profs delayedST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 31, 1998 -- It will be a full 1-1/2 years that Winona State University profs will wait for retroactive pay, said dumbfounded state faculty union leader Dave Abel. The retroactive pay won't be in profs' checks until Dec. 31, Abel said he was told. Why not earlier, considering that the new rates were agreed to in the summer and that the rates being paid now are from a long-expired July 1997 contract? Abel said the chancellor's staff found "the calculation o of the retroactive payment is especially complicated."
Booze vendor: We know customersWINONA, Minn., Oct. 31, 1998 -- Third Street Liquor owner Ken Siebenaler said an 18-year-old woman arrested after buying beer had once, perhaps more often, presented a Wisconsin identification that she was 21. There comes a point, Siebenaler said, when clerks recognize their customers and don't ask or ID any more. Siebenaler: "We do everything we can to eforce the law in here."
WSU library work moving fastWINONA, Minn., Oct. 31, 1998 -- Despite some weather setbacks, the library construction project at Winona State University is on schedule, said chief librarian Rich Bazillion. One delay involved brick on the north end of the $21 million structure. The temperature dallied at less than the 70 degrees needed for the mortar to stick right. Bazillion said the roof will be completed soon, so crews can begin installing dry wall.
Prof worries at sheik's arrestWINONA, Minn., Oct. 31, 1998 --The latest Middle East crisis, the house arrest of Hamas spiritual leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin, made for an intriguing case study in Winona State University prof Ahmed El-Afandi's polysci courses. El-Afandi is worried. "The arrest could leave open the possibility of direct clashes between Palestinian police and the armed wing of Hamas," El-Afandi said. The arrest was ordered by Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat after a suicide bomber rammed into an Israeli military convoy escorting a school bus.
LaSalle alarm sounds but no fireWINONA, Minn., Oct. 30, 1998 -- Somebody pulled a fire alarm at LaSalle Hall at Saint Mary's University even though there was no fire. A city fire crew spent 15 minutes ion campus, reset the alarm, and left with no idea who did the deed.
Bravura community issue hits racksWINONA, Minn., Oct. 29, 1998 -- The first fall issue of Bravura, the Winona State University masscom lab magazine, arrived on campus at 32 pages. The lead article, by senior Michelle Wolf, explores the psychology of community. For her essay, Wolf interviewed campus experts, including psych profs Peter Miene and Kristi Lane and polysci prof Darrell Downs.
Deputy chief: Don't blame college kidsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 29, 1998 -- Cops had a quiet summer aside from raiding three crack houses, said Deputy Chief Don Walski. Many people think it's because most college kids students weren't in town, he said: "But the students don't cause many serious problems, just minor incidents like disorderly conduct downtown."
Cops hear ring, take drug orderWINONA, Minn., Oct. 28, 1998 -- The cops didn't have to look far for a witness in a drug investigation. She drove right up. While police were searching a house at 612 E. Howard, the cell phone rang and a woman said she wanted "one." Moments later, a woman drove up. The cops explained they had taken the call and what did she know. The woman said she had bought crack 20 or 21 times from Brian Grover, 18, who lived at the house, police said. Grover and his girlfriend, Melissa Jo Gordon, were detained. The woman who made the phone deal? No charges.
Bratt: Congressman under-rates artsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 28, 1998 -- A Winona State University theater technician faulted southeast Minnesota's congressman, Republican Gil Gutknecht, for voting against money for the arts. Susan Bratt said she would vote for Democratic challenger Tracy Beckman. Gutknecht, she said, doesn't comprehend that the arts affect "virtually everything we see and hear and touch." Music prof creates WSU pep bandWINONA, Minn., Oct. 28, 1998 -- A new music prof at Winona State University, Ed Higgins, started a pep band and even has students on computers to create marching formations. Whether this will lead to a stronger campus musical presence at sporting events remains to be seen. For years, varsity coaches have asked for a pep band. Meanwhile, the symphonic wind ensemble, which Higgins conducts, has grown from 47 to 73 student musicians.
No WSU day classes April 15WINONA, Minn., Oct. 28, 1998 -- So Winona State University people can get in touch with what they're doing, classes have been canceled Thursday, April 15, said Susan Hatfield, who runs the institutional assessment program. Profs will meet to assess their programs. So will selected students. Cancellation exceptions: Classes that meet Thursdays only and classes after 4 p.m. Cocaine case figure to Red Wing jailRED WING, Minn., Oct. 28, 1998 -- A Winona man arrested for drugs in his house, Brian Grover, 18, arrived at the state juvenile jail. Brian Grover, 18, was not charged for the drugs but was held for failing to report a new address to his probation officer. Also, he had been arrested earlier for underage boozing. Will there be drug charges? Prosecutor Lisa Swenson said federal charges are possible because so much crack was involved -- and also two guns.
Engineering students do well on examWINONA, Minn., Oct. 27, 1998 -- All but one of 25 Winona State University engineering students passed a national exam that's a prerequisite for certification, the university announced. The national passage rate is only 75 percent. Over the past four years, Winona State students have consistently exceeded 90 percent. Bye, bye: Jerry TobinWINONA, Minn., Oct. 27, 1998 -- A survivor from the Popovich Massacre, prof Jerry Tobin, is retiring from Winona State University after fall classes.Tobin was on the industrial arts faculty in 1982 when university President Helen Popovich decided to shut the department down and fire the faculty. The faculty union prevailed in running Popovich out of town and reinstating the profs. Tobin joined the physics department in 1986. Tobin taught at Winona State 32-1/2 years. Tipster: Crack rock as big as baseballWINONA, Minn., Oct. 27, 1998 -- A social worker, Teri Mann, tipped police that crack could be found at 612 E. Howard St., prompting a search and two arrests -- and the confiscation of 82 grams. Mann said she had heard there was a rock the size of a baseball. Police, meanwhile, said the woman who was arrested, Melissa Jo Gordon, explained that another occupant of the house was, she thought, selling crack.
Dean likes Buswell for county seatWINONA, Minn., Oct. 27, 1998 -- The new science dean at Winona State University, Nancy Jannik, weighed in for Kathy Buswell for the Winona County Board. Jannik, a geologist, called Buswell a team worker with strong experience in fiscal management and budgeting. The election is Nov. 3.
Kids caught at booze storeWINONA, Minn., Oct. 26, 1998 -- Cops watching the Third Street Liquor Store nabbed an 18-year-old woman coming out with two 12-packs of beer. One thing led to another, and the cops arrested three friends waiting in a car outside. A 17-year-old woman on the car was charged with minor consumption and possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Arrested: Sarah Wickbolt, 18, 625-1/2 W. Howard St.; Craig Waters, 18, 797 W. Howard St.; and two 17-year-olds. Woman named in drug caseWINONA, Minn., Oct. 26, 1998 -- A 19-year-old woman was charged with numerous drug violations after police found 82 grams of unusually pure crack cocaine hidden in her house. Melissa Jo Gordon, 612 E. Howard St., had agreed to let police search the house, which they did after returning with a drug-sniffing dog that found the cache, said Deputy Chief Andrea Foss. Meanwhile, Brian Grover, 18, who also lives at the house, was held for a parole violation. Gordon's bond: $10,000.
Candidate: WSU overpaid for Stark HallWINONA, Minn., Oct. 26, 1998 -- Legislative hopeful Mike Donlin said the Stark engineering building at Winona State University cost 50 percent more to build than it should have. Donlin, a Republican challenging incumbent State Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona, blamed state mandates that required unnecessary work and frills. Among Donlin's targets: The state Prevailing Wage Law that required contractors to pay state-mandated wages. Donlin, a Cotter High teacher, said the labor unions and Democrats have been too cozy too long. WSU foreign enrollment falls to 338WINONA, Minn., Oct. 26, 1998 -- Again this year about one in 20 Winona State University students is from abroad. In all 338 foreign students enrolled, said program director Terri Marcos. This is down from 1997's record 362. Marcos, however, found another record: 109 foreign students are new to Winona State, mostly from Asia. Last year 76 were new. Why so many with Asian economies in shambles? "Quality educational value for reasonable money," said Markos.
Marijuana bags found on streetWINONA, Minn., Oct. 26, 1998 -- Somebody turned in two plastic bags containing marijuana, explaining they were found on the street at 222 E. 2nd St. The cops said they would use the stuff to continue training Jake, their new drug-sniffing golden retriever.
SMU offers early start on HalloweenWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- Hobgoblins and just regular goblins too will take over the Watters dorm at Saint Mary's University dorm on Thursday, Oct. 29. Trick-and-treating begins at 6 p.m.
SMU student faints, fallsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- A Saint Mary's University freshman fainted and fell on campus. Emergency workers stabilized her condition and took her to the hospital. WSU Democrat: Beckman for CongressWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- A Winona State University economist who herself toyed with going for Congress this election, Democrat Mary Rieder, came out for Tracy Beckman. Rieder said incumbent Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., is a knee-jerk puppet whose values are out of synch with southeast Minnesota. In Congress, Rieder said, Gutknecht is "Newt's clone" -- an unflattering reference to Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Rieder said Gutknecht is duplicitous, having voted for the 1996 Clean Air Act and then violating it. She blamed Gutknecht for delaying Minnesota federal flood aid.
Free candy at WSU dormsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- All five Winona State University dorms, home to 1,300 students, will be open to trick-or-treaters on Saturday, Oct. 31 -- Halloween. Said dorm council Vice President Steve McGlennen: "This is an opportunity for the children of the Winona community to participate in a warm and creative Halloween by touring decorative halls and experience the hospitality of Winona State students." Hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Cop: Finding house parties is a snapWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- As always, house parties were a police problem when Winona State University fall classes started. "The upperclassmen take advantage of freshmen and make their killing," said Don Walski, deputy police chief. Finding the pay-for-cup parties isn't hard. Walksi said he roams the campus looking for posters with addressee. Then he decides which ones to raid, usually with an undercover agent going in. Whoever takes the money goes to jail, he said.
Prof credits Pelowski for WSU libraryWINONA, Minn., Oct. 25, 1998 -- There's not much doubt that Winona State University prof Tim Hatfield will vote to re-elect State Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona. Hatfield called Pelowski "one of the most significant human resources in the state." Hatfield, who teaches counselor ed, said Pelowski has supported higher education: "Take a walk on the Winona State University campus soon -- the beautiful, state-of-the-art library under construction is just the most recent example of Gene Pelowski's support." Students raise $12,000 for re-creationWINONA, Minn., Oct. 24, 1998 -- More than 100 human relations students, in classes taught by Winona State University profs Bob Clay and Deb Patte, had a real-life exercise in sponsoring the annual Rendezvous history event on Prairie Island. Working together, the students staged and ran the event. "A great learning experience," said Amy Szotkowski, an education student. The students raised almost $12,000 to pay for the historical re-creation.
Lost any crack lately?WINONA, Minn., Oct. 24, 1998 -- The cops are holding a plastic bag with 10 rocks of crack cocaine in the lost-and-found department. A little kid found the bag on the sidewalk at 620 W. Howard St. and told his dad, who told the cops. Each rock was wrapped individually, although not with gift paper and ribbons.
Police dog sniffs record coke haulWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- The new police K-9 golden retriever, Jake, sniffed out 82 grams of cocaine under a basement staircase in an East End house, the biggest cache anybody can remember in Winona, police said. The cops said the cocaine was unusually well refined. Two people in the house, at 612 E. Howard, were arrested. Also confiscated: Two guns, one loaded, and $1,300 cash, in a closet and in a kitchen drawer.
What's that bang? Trucks smashingWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- The bang that interrupted students studying for mid-term exams southwest of the Winona State University campus about 4:45 p.m. was a truck collision. A giant grain truck, its semi-trailer full, was heading down Main Street to unload at the barges, when the driver rear-ended a truck in front of him. No serious injuries, police said. The grain truck was immobilized, its radiator smashed. A fire crew flushed anti-freeze away. Bye, bye: Erich DornbuschWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- A veteran in the Winona State University business office, Erich Dornbusch, is retiring after 28 years. Dornbush, a notary public, was always available with his stamp for campus people. Long-distance service out at WSUWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- Winona State University lost telephone communication with the rest of the world Friday afternoon. Joanne Roscyk, campus telephone chief, said she didn't know what the problem was but blamed USWest. Blood drive bit short on donorsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- The Student Senate blood drive at Winona State University missed its goal of 155 donors a day but not by much. Sara Moechnig, coordinator, said 144 donors showed up Wednesday, the best day. Moechnig said maybe a spring drive will hit 155.
You can still color Krueger greenWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- The president at Winona State University, Darrell Krueger, has new ammunition in his campaign to turn the campus green. Outside consultants have recommended all streets be closed with parking only on the campus perimeter. The creation of broad green malls from Minne to Stark and Stark to Maxwell may not be accomplished quickly, Krueger said. But once he has state approval, Krueger said, "We aim to begin moving in that direction as quickly as possible." The campus master plan also recommends a bigger athletic field.
Talbot offices still on drawing boardWINONA, Minn., Oct. 23, 1998 -- Architects have completed drawings to build three faculty offices in the lobby of Winona State University's Talbot gym. The job was supposed to done by the end of fall classes, said Randy Miller, chair of the health and human resources department. Miller's not holding his breath: "As you can see the fall semester is almost over." Meanwhile, profs from Miller's department and others from phy-ed are doubled up, even tripled-up.
Library remains ahead of timetableWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Students who take summer classes at Winona State University will be the first to use the new $21 million library on the campus southside. Completion, now expected May 24, will mark the beginning of the move out of the old Maxwell building. Connie Braun, the library's electronic resource director, expects confusion. "I will be the one in the red hat during the two-week gap between graduation and the beginning of summer session,"she said.
Dorm chief: No regrets over gardenWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Dorm director Ryan Yunkers defended a $19,000 expenditure to pave a bike path and sink the lawn outside Winona State University's quad dorm. The decision was made last spring by a housing committee that created a priority list of dorm needs, said Yunkers, a member of the committee. "Renovating the quad become a Numero Uno priority," he said. "The red brick which repaved the bike path and the newly planted sumac trees coincide nicely with the autumn environment."
WSU issues new media guideWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- A media guide listing Winona State University profs by their fields of expertise was issued to newspapers and broadcasters. Tom Grier, university publicist, said the new edition will help newspeople tap into university resources. Remaining copies of the 34-page guide, prepared by student writer Erin Rude, will go to civic groups looking for speakers, Grier said. WSU student support system failsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Yet more problems were reported with the new Winona State University database, designed to integrate into a statewide system. Alex Gallegos, whose job is help retain minority students, said his early-warning system to identify students needing special help won't work. So how is Gallegos doing his job? The old-fashioned way. He asked profs to mail notes on how minority students are doing. Not all students enraptured over gardenWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Some Winona State University students question whether their fees should have been spent on a sunken garden outside the quad dorms. Assistant dorm director Tim Bougie said the garden is "more appealing," but acknowledged some students would rather the $19,000 have gone into improvements inside. The decision was made by the Housing and Residence Life Committee.
Off-campus students see their breathWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- With overnight lows in the 30s, Winona State University students are coming to a cold reality about certain campus-area landlords. Chad Fellow said his place had no heat until Oct. 15. "The worst was when I got out of the shower," he said. In one case, a landlord left town for a month and left no emergency numbers. The furnace room was locked, and the students were hesitant to call a locksmith for fear of losing their damage deposit.
Prez: Name change in committee handsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Although sensing state pressure to change Winona State University's name, President Darrell Krueger said it is a matter for the university's long-range planning committee. "This is an important consideration that requires understanding of -- and attention to -- the heritage and distinctiveness of our institution," Krueger said. He said the committee will discuss the proposed change to Minnesota State University, Winona, with campus groups and "bring forward the best plan."
Writers agree: Tough skin neededWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- The best-known writer at Winona State University, novelist Marge Dorner, told students that rejection is part of writing. "You must be able to put your ego on the back burner," Dorner told communication club members. She recommended taking time to make sure your work is something you can be proud of. Another panelist, J-prof Drake Hokanson, said ideas are the key to good writing. Hokanson cited an editor who drilled into him: "It's the idea, stupid." Panelists all agreed with Dorner: Get ready for rejection.
Sunken garden built at WSU dormWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- The corner of Ninth and Winona, outside Winona State University's quad dorm, no longer is an errant bike path that left ruts in the lawn. Crews finished a one-week project digging a sunken area, installing a retaining wall, laying an irrigation system, and planting sumacs and shrubbery. The project cost $19,000, said Quad dorm chief Ryan Yunkers.
History prof leading way to Silk RoadWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- History prof Alex Yard is putting together a western China tour over Winona State University's spring break. The tour, costing $2,250, includes the city of Urumqi, which bills itself as "the most inland city in the world," and remnants of the ancient Silk Road that linked China and the Roman Empire. Four Chinese professors have been arranged for lectures, Yard said.
WSU roof project uses tar, not rubberWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- Crews will complete re-roofing the leaky Pasteur science building at Winona State University by Nov. 10, said Interstate Roofing head Charlie Kasten. The original roof, put on 25 years ago when a rooftop air-conditioning unit was installed, eventually sprang leaks. The new roof, said Rich Flickers of Floyd Larson Construction, is tar,rather than the former rubber and gravel. Experts say tar roofs last 45 years. How bad were the leaks? Chemistry prof Fred Foss said: "The school had to do something."
Chemistry: Thumbs up on laptopsWINONA, Minn., Oct. 22, 1998 -- In the Winona State University chemistry department, which requires students to have laptop computers, students are learning more efficiently, said department Chair Bill Ng. In physical chemistry, he said, students see changes in molecular structures in three dimensions. This, Ng said, is something textbooks cannot do. Prof Mark Engen said the laptops cut the time students spend in labs while also improving accuracy in experiments.
Top cop: Drug traffic peaking againWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- An increase in drug arrests in recent months has two explanations, one being a police crackdown, said Police Chief Frank Pomeroy. The other reason, he said, was cyclical surge in trafficking. When trafficking peaks in the Twin Cities, Winona follows with its own peak about four years later. "Now it's like our turn," he said.
Need employment? Try Job FairWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- The fall Job Fair at Winona State University's McCown gym drew recruiters from 124 businesses and grad schools, said campus placement chief Vicki Decker. The fair opened at 10 a.m. About 25 employers will return Thursday for internship and full-time interviews, Decker said. Polysci prof: Vote for PelowskiWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- A second faculty leader at Winona State University, polysci prof Darrell Downs, endorsed State Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona, for re-election. Downs, on the faculty's government relations committee, joined Alex Yard, Faculty Senate president, in backing Pelowski. Downs called Pelowski's work on behalf of Winona State University and Winona Tech "without parallel and widely recognized." He cited Pelowski's work to keep high-ed financially accessible to young people.
New KLSE equipment en route to WSUWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- New equipment for the Minnesota Public Radio signal for Winona, atop the Sheehan dorm at Winona State University, will arrive in mid-November, said Roger Gomall, KLSE's chief engineer. The Winona signal for the Rochester, Minn., station faded to next to nothing in early October. Mike Martin, engineer at campus station KQAL, fixed the equipment temporarily. Gomall is crossing his fingers.
Learn from a guy who made his own CDWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- Music department Chair Harry Mechell expects that prof Jim Hoch's new CD, "Jubilation," will inspire Winona State University students to press their own music. The CD, which Hoch manufactured on his own, is "very encouraging," Mechell said. "Incoming students as well as upperclassmen will be motivated to try this with their music," he said. Hoch, a clarinetist and saxophonist, as well as theorist and composer, said sales are going well.
Cops: Age not issue in rapeWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- The Winona State University who reported being raped over homecoming weekend was in Fitzgerald's bar downtown illegally because she was underage, but Deputy Police Chief Andrea Foss said age wouild be only a secondary a factor in the investigation. The minimum Minnesota drinking age is 21. The woman, 19, said she met the man at Fitzgerald's and they went to her place after closing time.
WSU eyes spring rock concertWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998, 1998 -- The Winona State University student entertainment committee, U-PAC, has advertised for bids for at least one spring concert, said adviser Joe Reed. After the univeristy was spurned by MTV Village in the fall, MTV is not being considered as a source, Reed said. MTV Village's Third Blind Eye had been expected this fall but wanted more money than U-PAC had budgeted. The concert was scuttled even after gym time was reserved and other arrangements were progressing, Reed said.
Ed prof: New standards need follow-upWINONA, Minn., Oct. 21, 1998 -- The Education Department chair at Winona State University, Bob Clay, agrees with the National Education Association's president that state-mandated K-12 quality standards don't work by themselves. Follow-through is needed, Clay said. Students need "time, training and the resources" to meet the standards, he said. Agreeing with Chase, who spoke on campus Oct. 13, Clay said state committees that set standards are naive to think students will meet the standards on their own just because they exist.
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