WSU student charged in Nelly concert disturbance
WINONA, Minn., May 8, 2001 -- Contrary to initial reports, it was a Winona State dorm student, not a high schooler, who was arrested at the Nelly concert on campus April 22. Kari Lynn Kraft, 19, was cited for disorderly conduct and minor consumption, said police records clerk Linda Anderson. Joe Reed, concert coordinator, said the incident began when a woman "had a problem with one of our guards and started kicking him" and then begun to "claw" at the face of a second guard. With the help of a police officer, the woman was restrained, officers forcing her face against the gym floor. She was handcuffed, Reed said. The concert-goer was so persistent in resisting arrest that even her ankles had to be handcuffed, he said. "She started kicking and going nuts," he said. She was removed from the concert by two police officers. Reporter: Sanjeev MisraBackground: Rapfest a good time despite arrest, incidents
Profs' leader: Lagging salaries need fixing
ST. PAUL, Minn., May 8, 2001 -- The president of the state profs' union, Jim Pehler, said salaries are a key in negotiations for a new faculty contract. Pehler said the state universities, including Winona State, had 70 faculty searches go belly-up last year. That's one out of five that didn't attract suitable candidates. Pehler said the system needs to "improve our competitive edge." Fifteen years ago the universities were at the 80th percentile nationally for salaries, he said: "We currently are hovering slightly above the average."Background: Contract update: Profs lay out salary proposal
WSU football recuiting total: 25 newcomers
WINONA, Minn., May 8, 2001 -- Twenty freshmen and five transfer students will join the Winona State University football team when practice begin Aug. 8, Coach Tom Sawyer said. "Twenty freshmen is a big group of new players and I'm very excited about it," said Sawyer. "It is amazing that Winona State is now getting known for the football program." Among the most sought-after recruits is 6-foot-8 tight end Jeremy Scott from Rochester Community Technical College. Also from Rochester Community is 6-foot-7 defensive tackle Dustin Looman. About his Mineral Water Bowl-winning team last season, Sawyer said: "This is a great group of individuals who play well as a team. We would like to continue that next year, and I think the new additions to the team will help us achieve our goals."Reporter: Joe PfeilstickerBackground: Coach: No summer off
Legislative split seen on "hold harmless:" plan
ST. PAUL, Minn., May 8, 2001 -- Higher-ed lobbyists are pressing members of a joint House-Senate on whether to protect colleges that are vulnerable to budget losses under a state college system funding formula. To protect vulnerable colleges, including Winona State, the committee is considering a "hold harmless" provision that guarantees no college receives less state funding next year. The key decision-makers are the 10 committee members. Observers say it will be tight. These committee members have special constituent interest in the "hold harmless" provision succeeding:Rep. George Casse, R-Alexandria, whose district includes Alexandria Technical College.Sen. Bob Kierlin, R-Winona, whose district includes Winona State.Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, whose district includes Southwest State.
These members have special constituent interest in "hold harmless failing:Sen. Cal Larson, R-Fergus Falls, whose district includes both a community and a technical college.Sen. Linda Scheid, D-Brooklyn Park, whose district includes North Hennepin Community College.
Background: House funding plan won't undermine WSU
Dorm boozers face WSU clampdown
WINONA, Minn. May 8, 2001 -- Students caught boozing in Winona State University dorms face new corrective sanctions besides the usual 10 to 15 hours of raking leaves or other community service. Mike Porritt, dorm chief, is requiring offenders to watch a video on alcohol and to write a paper on what they learned. Also, offenders go on probation for at least four months. Porritt created the new policy in the wake of growing incidents. Of 104 security calls from the dorms this year, 39 involved alcohol, Porritt, said.Reporter: Megan Diamond
