WSU biologist: Mild winter helping fish

Photographer: Mike Martin WINTER DAMAGE? The fish are OK

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 17, 2002 -- The unusual winter might be good news for anglers, a Winona State University biology professor said. According to Michael Delong, the odd winter has created an abnormally long Mississippi River growing season. This will make for larger fish next fishing season, said Delong. Even with drastic fluxes in recent weeks -- from highs in the 50s down to the 20s -- will not cause damage, he said. The backwaters are still frozen and won't melt until spring, said Delong. Fish and invertebrates are safely hibernating in deep-water pockets, he said. With their growing season extended into mid-December, said Delong, the fish are more durable and capable of protecting themselves. Reporter: Alison Turner

UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS AND SCHEDULES
SAINT MARY'S	SOUTHEAST TECH	WINONA STATE

Reed: No crowd-surfing at Sugar Ray concert

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 17, 2002 -- When 3,500 rock fans cram McCown Gym, there will be unanticipated problems, sure, said Joe Reed, who is the Winona State University point man for the upcoming Sugar Ray concert. Last year a pregnant student collapsed at the Nelly concert, for example. Reed said that he's always worried about crowd-surfing and kids getting hurt but added that few serious incidents have ocurred in the past. Anyone who crowd surfs will be warned and then forced to leave, he said. Reporter: Shane Hawley Background: Sugar Ray not yet on dotted line

Green dye in Lake Winona thought harmless

Celtic fiddlers due at SMU

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Veena concert coming to WSU

Prof: Advanced students better on attendance

SKIPPING CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY SURVEY A CYBERINDEE SERIES HOLLY SHI WSU LINGUISTICS

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 17, 2002 -- A Winona State University linguistics prof, Holly Shi, takes attendance every class, but she has two attendance policies depending upon the year of the students. For juniors and seniors, Shi lists class participation as a requirement but doesn't feel she needs a firm policy. Upper-division students are taking courses primarily for their major and are responsible learners, Shi said: "Juniors and seniors should take care of their attendance themselves. These students don't really miss classes." For her freshmen and sophomores, Shi allows three absences with no excuses. After three unexcused absences, a student's final letter grade is dropped one entire grade. To have an excused absence, students need to contact Shi to explain their absence. Special circumstances such as a death, doctor's appointment or an emergency is excusable, she said. Shi said she has experienced no unusual situations with either of her upper-level or lower-level policies. Reporter: Molly Ward Other installments: Jane Carducci, WSU English Dan Eastman, WSU global studies Ahmed El-Afandi, WSU polysci Goldie Johnson, WSU English Bruce Klemz, WSU marketing Sheldon Lee, WSU math Dave Robinson, WSU English John Vivian, WSU masscom