Partying a factor in WSU attractions

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 29, 2004 -- Football recruiting at Winona State University, which includes bringing promising high school athletes to campus, uses "positive recruiting tactics," as Coach Tom Sawyer tells it, to build a nationally competitive team. Perhaps in reaction to scandals elsewhere about booze and sex as recruiting lures, most visibly at the University of Colorado, Sawyer went out of his way in a recent statement to the news media to use the phrase "positive recruiting tactics" to describe the Warrior program. MORE Even so, partying, with alcohol available, figures into how Winona State goes about recruiting. In an interview, recruit Curtis Underwood III, who bunked for the weekend with wide receiver Scott Peters, attended a Mardi Gras frat party after a campus tours and a banquet with the coaches. "It was great," said Underwood, a high school senior flown in from Delray Beach, Fla. Noting that alcohol isn't part of his academic or athletic game plan, Underwood said he refrained from drinking. "It's just not going to make sense." Not all recruits abstain, but the extent of weekend boozing is difficult to measure. MORE Sawyer's assistant for finding and signing promising high school athletes, Byan Hiller, sees the recruiting for next fall as a success. "Our goal is to be of Division I caliber," Hiller said, pointing to the first group of recruits to commit to attending Winona State. "With the group we've got, it's possible." The Warriors have been incredibly successful. They snatched a record of 11-2 this past season and controlling five of the last eight Northern Sun conference titles. "I want to be a part of a team that can compete for a national title," said Kyle Shermock, who is currently unsigned but a major Warrior prospect. "Winona State would be a fit for me." MORE Before any papers are signed, high school prospects are invited to either a day or weekend of tours, luncheons and meetings with coaches and other campus officials. Not listed on the itinerary is the option of staying at the Quality Inn or bunking with current players. Some do both. Some who visit with their parents leave mom and dad at the hotel and spend the night with the Big Boys. Craig Martindale, a standout player from the Ottumwa, Iowa, high school, stayed with a current football player overnight and met other varsity players. "I like the guys a lot," said Martindale. "It was probably the most fun I have ever had." MORE Marcus Hughes, a Plymouth, Minn., high school senior, had fun too. "Coaches assign recruits to a player and tell them to show us a good time," he said. "We go out and have fun on Saturday night, and Sunday is when we do the tours, and talk with coaches." Hughes, who has signed a letter to intent to play at Winona State, said, however that it was academics, not partying, that led him to choose Winona State over other colleges: "Winona had the biggest strengths in business and education, and that's kind of what I’m looking for." MORE Several recruits said the off-hours activities don't all involve alcohol. Dan Zielski of New Berlin, Wis., who chose to stay with a varsity player, not the hotel, said: "We went bowling, ate, hung out." Reporter: Carmell Loosbrock Background: First 2004 recruits Background: Hiller objects to story

SAWYER Warrior coach HILLER Assistant coach for recruiting

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

Smoking stove-top sets off Lourdes alarm

Four charged in Sanborn fracus

Cops bust party, issue three tickets

Humidity suspected in SMU alarm

Warriors to host first-round playoffs

MEN'S BASKET- BALL

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2004 -- The Winona State University, led by John Hopf's 24 points, defeated MSU-Moorhead 76-67, which gives the Warriors a first-round home game in the Northern Sun conference tournament. In the tournament, which startts Wednesday, Winona State is seeded third. Background: WSU seeks berth

Warning: Steer clear of Spyware

Warriors seek playoff berth

MEN'S BASKETBALL

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2004 -- The Winona State University men's basketball team is against MSU-Moorhead on Friday in a crucial home game that could decide whether the Warriors make the Northern Sun playoffs. Winona State carries a 15-10 overall record and a 9-5 conference record into the game. The team is third in the conference.

30 WSU students attend Matt rally

Janitor never had seen so much blood

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2004 -- By the time that janitor Diane Ristau arrived at work at Winona State University's Morey dorm last Saturday at 6 a.m., 4-1/2 hours after a take-down, drag-out fight, there were still "splatters and spots of blood all over." Ristau, at Winona State a year, said she's never seen such a mess. Blood trailed from inside Room 340 down the hallway to a bathroom. "Some areas had a lot of blood, some had a little," she said. There was no "pool" of blood, but one blood-stained area was three by three feet, Ristau said. MORE Actually, one of the tenants, Kort Sonnentag, said he and a second roommate and the roommate's girlfriend had already cleaned a lot of the blood before Ristau arrived. Sonnetag estimated it took them about an hour. The rest was finished by the cleaning staff, he said. The blood that was left was "not a lot, since the kids in the room had cleaned the walls and blinds," Ristau said. She had to move furniture to get to all the blood splatters. She used carpet cleaner and a new hydrogen peroxide product to remove the stains. They came up easily, she said. Ristau said she has never encountered so much blood over such a wide of an area. One security guard, at the scene after the fight was broken up, was quoted that the room looked like "a blood bath" on the carpet and walls. MORE Several hours later there was blood in the bathroom down the hall, where, by some accounts, John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald had crawled after the incident. Whether the blood was from the fight isn't clear. Tom Burkhardt, who lives down the hall, said he found two shower stalls "engulfed with blood" at noon when he went for a shower: "There was blood all over the walls of the shower and on the floor." Reporter: Sarah Knopp, Joanna Chinquist and Emily Finley Background: WSU evicts Capuzzi

THE FITZY BEATING At the hospital John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald received five or six stitches on the top-center area of his forehead. His head split open after, he believes, being rammed into a wall. He had scrapes on his forehead. The side of his face that looked like he had been dragged. His lips were cut and swollen.

Capuzzi evicted after dorm fight

CUMBERLAND, Wis., Feb. 26, 2004 -- Freshman football player Phil Capuzzi has been thrown out of the Winona State University dorm where he lived for a fight over the weekend, a relative in his hometown confirmed. The eviction is effective on March 5, the day before spring break begins, the relative said: "We have less than three weeks to find somewhere for Phil to live." It is common for the university to give a student a few days to pack after canceling a housing contract for disciplinary reasons. Capuzzi is a 2003 grad of Cumberland High School, where he was a championship wrestler and football captain. At Winona State he was redshirted his freshman year. The relative did not know whether the university planned to evict the other main party in the fight, John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, who lives in adjacent Richards Hall, said in an interview on Wednesday that he did not know if there were plans to cancel his dorm contract. Dorm director Nicci Port declined to confirm any details on disciplinary actions or even acknowledge the incident. Reporters: Kate Stater and Ty Gangelhoff Background: Coach: Don't talk Background: Verbatim: Dorm options

CAPUZZI Dorm contract cancelled

Student affairs expert due at WSU

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2004 -- The vice chancellor for student development at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, Greg Blimling, will be brought in as a consultant next week as part of the New University project at Winona State. For nine years Blimling has edited the Journal of College Student Development. He is co-author of "Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs."

BLIMLING Author, editor

Rottman: Teammates "really supportive"

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2004 -- A Winona State football player charged with three felony counts after a bruising house-party encounter with the cops four weeks ago, Carey Ian Rottman, said he is growing and learning from all that's happened: "The whole thing is just making me stronger." In only his second news interview since being arrested, Rottman insisted that he not be asked specifics about the arrest or the legal issues, but he agreed to discuss related issues. About the football team, he said: "They treat me the same. We are all pretty good friends, and they have been awesome and really supportive." Will he leave the university? No. Rottman, a freshman, said that he loves Winona State, that he loves his friends and the people here, and that he loves the football program and everyone involved. "I have just been trying to carry on as normal," he said. "I go to my classes. I do my work. Sometimes it is hard to concentrate, but the whole thing has made me a better person." Rottman added that his parents have been amazing. "It would be even harder if I didn't have them behind me," he said: "Both my parents are really strong people and that has rubbed off on me. They understand I'm still a good kid. I mean, everyone makes mistakes." Rottman said he hopes people won't judge him based on one event. Reporter: Sarah Lang Background: Athletic director: Case handled "appropriately"

ROTTMAN WSU redshirt running back Rottmann, 18, son of a dentist, was recruited from Homestead High School in Mequon, a north suburb of Milwaukee. At WSU he is in the pre-dental program. Coach Tom Sawyer redshirted Rottman last season to extend his playing eligibility through a fifth year of college. Insiders say Sawyer sees him as having strong potential for the starting lineup.

College visa delays called needless

R.I.P.: Margery M. (LaLonde) Merrill

Football coach to Capuzzi: Don't talk

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2004 -- A Winona State University football player who is a target in multiple investigations in a dorm beating last weekend, Phil Capuzzi, declined to be interviewed about what happened. Capuzzi said head football Coach Tom Sawyer told him not to talk to reporters. Sawyer has granted only brief interviews himself in recent months, and declined many requests for interviews, as one case after another has surfaced involving his players and police encounters. Twenty-seven players on the 2003 roster have been to court, mostly for underage boozing and party-related offenses. Several players have been to court repeatedly, one four times. Reporter: Joanna Chinquist Background: Football player placed at assault scene Background: Football arrest tally

CAPUZZI Linebacker

SAWYER Coach

KIEV GATE Mohr performs Mussorgsky

Watercolor piano recital at WSU

R.I.P.: Todd M. Waldera

Matt t-shirts stir chatter

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2004 -- All week Winona State University students involved in a campus-wide Christian campaign are wearing their faith with neon orange t-shirts and color-coordinated fliers on, it seems, every wall. The campaign, planned since October, was launched last week when senior Matt Bennett wrote a testimony of faith in the Winonan student newspaper. The shirts are emblazoned in block letters: "I agree with Matt." An involved Winona State student, Erin DeLaForest, said the bright orange shirts are for the purpose of "initiating conversations, standing out and bringing attention to our beliefs." The shirts were sold for $5. Winona State student Heather Cline said, "I am wearing this shirt because I found the One who fills the void in my heart. I want everyone to experience this love and joy and to know that there is something amazing beyond this Earth that is worth living for today." Curiosity about the shirts sparked classroom dialogue that put off some. Said one Winona State student, who asked to be unnamed in this article: "It is their right to express their beliefs, but when talk about Jesus occurs in every other class because of these blinding orange shirts I get pissed off." Reporter: Sarah Goberville Background: Chalk as God's tool

BENNETT Has his disciples

Tight advising window concerns profs

WSU prof plans juice study

Football player placed at assault scene

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2004 -- A Winona State University football player, Phil Capuzzi, has been interviewed by investigators who are trying to reconstruct what happened in a brutal assault on another student, John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, over the weekend. Friends and fellow football players, who also were interviewed, told investigators that Capuzzi was in the third-floor Morey dorm room where the assault occurred. Capuzzi suffered a hand injury, according to several sources. Some accounts say several men were in the room. Capuzzi lives on the floor. There had been heavy drinking, investigators said. No criminal charges have been filed. Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams said that officers expected to finish their report on Wednesday. Capuzzi, age 19, a 6-foot, 220-pound redshirt linebacker for the Winona State football team, was recruited from the Cumberland, Wis., high school. In high school he twice finished third in the state wrestling tournament. He was captain of the football team and all-district and all-conference choice. At Winona State he has not declared an academic major. Background: Police investigate assault Verbatim: Dorm rules, regulations

CAPUZZI Morey tenant FITZ- GERALD Bruised, swollen with stitches

Wisconsin bars: Pricking the legend

WSU baseball field to be lighted

WSU ponders legal file-sharing option

WSU coach objects to news portrayal

New off-street parking rule considered

WSU faculty issues flag statement

Police investigating campus beating

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 24, 2004 -- Police are interviewing witnesses to piece together what happened the night that Winona State University sophomore John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald was beaten up, his head kicked like a soccer ball, in a dorm room at Morey Hall. Deputy Chief Tom Williams said he couldn't comment beyond giving bare details of the call. He said the police radio dispatch log shows a call from campus security guards at 1:17 a.m. There have been no criminal charges. Williams said he could not give a date that the police investigation would be complete. Reporter: Emily Finley Background: Sequence all on campus

THE FITZY BEATING

Public urination tickets infrequent

Roommate: Taunts, attack all on campus

WINONA, Minn., 24, 2004 -- Contrary to widespread accounts, the violent assault on student John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald in Winona State University's Morey dorm early Saturday did not begin in downtown bars, his roommate, Tim Sullivan, said. Sullivan also said that everything happened on campus. To widespread campus accounts that the disputants were at the Erbert's and Gerbert's sandwich shop after the bars closed was incorrect too, Sullivan said. He thought that story may have started because a sandwich delivery had been ordered from the shop. Reporter: Emily Finley Background: Life in the Morey dorm

THE FITZY BEATING

Teachers union called "terrorists"

What kind of place is Morey Hall?

WINONA, Minn., 24, 2004 -- Students at Morey call the place a "zoo," not uncommon for Winona State dorms, especially on weekend nights when drunk tenants stagger back from off-campus parties and downtown bars. It was on the third floor that John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, who doesn't live in Morey but in an adjoining dorm, was beaten and kicked in the head and severely injured early Saturday. Alcohol was involved, but apparently the drinking occurred in a downtown bar or a house party. Even so, although against the rules, drinking in the dorm rooms is common. It's tolerated. Everybody knows it. Campus security guards and dorm supervisors have issued only eight alcohol violations in Morey this year. As at others dorms, student security guards are stationed at the entrance at night, but their instructions are to intercept only contrabrand booze and marijuana -- not to stop inebriates from going to their rooms. About one student, known as a pothead, one Morey security guard said: "I get a secondary high every time he walks in." MORE Morey Hall, one of the oldest remaining buildings at Winona State, has been cobbled to other dorms, together known as the Quad. Morey and Shepard halls share an entrance. The other Quad dorms are Conway and Richards. Together the four units house 586 students, mostly freshmen, some sophomores -- about two out of every five students living on the main campus. Old, cheaply built, deteriorating and inelegant, three Quad units -- Conway, Richards and Shepard -- are scheduled for demolition. Morey, however, may be kept for historic reasons and restored for non-dormitory uses. MORE The univerity hires supervisors, mostly seniors whose rent is waived, to maintain order. Generally each floor in a dorm has a supervisor. These supervisors are called "resident assistants." RAs report to a dorm director, who reports to Mike Porritt, the university's director of residence life. Porritt reports to Cal Winbush, vice pesident for student affairs, who reports to university President Darrell Krueger. Students themselves are responsible for second-tier policy issues through an elected body called the Inter-Hall Residence Council. Background: Snack shop sees unruly drunks Dorm boozing: How they do it

THE FITZY BEATING MOREY- SHEPARD Entrance DORM OCCU- PANCY Main campus 1,513 East campus 515 East Lake 375 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Shop sees unruly drunks, seldom violence WINONA, Minn., 24, 2004 -- The violent assault on student John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald in a Winona State University dorm culminated a series of ugly exchanges that, according to reports, began at the Erbert's & Gerbert's sandwich shop in the downtown bar district. What kind of place is this? After the bars close at 1 a.m., the booze crowd swarms into Erbert's & Gerbert's, next to Bull's-Eye Beer Hall. Open until 2 on Friday and Saturday nights, the shop is the nearest place to go. It's a place to grab a bite, to wait for a cab. Not surprisingly, some of these late night customers are drunk, some disorderly, even obnoxious. Sometimes customers are asked to leave or are escorted out by an employee. Never have police been called, said Manager Allison Nead, but there have been close calls. "Most of the nights we don't have any problems," Nead said. "Occasionally people get a little out of control. Usually it is things like reaching over the counter or being too loud. We rarely have arguing or dispute in the store." Much of late business is home delivery, she said, especially heavy starting about 1:15. "We do roughly 65 percent of our business by delivery," she said. Erbert's & Gerbert's have had steady business since it opened in July 2002 at 105 West 3rd St., Nead said. Reporter: Rob Venz Background: Dorm assault THE FITZY BEATING TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU Christians post, chalk messages WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- People arrived at Winona State University to find, as the sun rose, Jesus messages on sidewalks everywhere. Christian activists had a Sunday night chalk raid, scrawling thematic messages: "Jesus loves you," "Got Jesus?" and "Will you be dancing with Jesus in heaven?" Hundreds of orange fliers were taped on walls, even in bathroom stalls. One women's stall in Kryzsko Commons had six of the 8-inch by 11-1/2-inch posters. Joe Reed, student activities director, said a lot of clubs choose fliers and chalk to promote events. In general, in the university's commitment to free expression, there is no problem, he said. Reed added, however, that his staff has been tearing down a lot of posters because they were put up in spots not allowed. Windows, doors and bathrooms are off-limits, he said. The messages promote a question and answer session in Kryzsko Commons about senior Matt Bennett, whose testimonial in the Winonan student newspaper last week kicked off the crusade sponsored by several campus fundamentalist Winona churches and campus Christian clubs. A Praise and Worship session for personal testimonies is planned. Reporter: Sarah Goberville Sponsors Commun- ity Bible Church Pleasant Valley Church Fellow- ship of Christian Athletes Inter- varsity Christian Fellow- ship Young Life Living Light Church Chi Alpha TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS FLAGS WSU faculty delays flag action WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- The Winona State Faculty Senate delayed its discussion of the Campus Republican flag project until March 22, almost a month away. Faculty Vice President Bruce Svingen suggested discussion on the project be postponed until the Senate was able to know exactly what it would be voting for or against. Student Senate voted to support university President Darrell Krueger's task force recommendation on Feb. 18. The Faculty Senate received the same task force recommendation at a meeting between Faculty Senate and university administrators Feb. 16. Svingen said the Faculty Senate would wait for Student Senate's flag project proposal in a written resolution from Student Senate President Micheal Hofland. Svingen said that Hofland and Republican leader Parker Hjelmberg would present the resolution to Faculty Senate on March 22. Reporter: B.J. Puttbrese Background: Krueger excuses GOP misstep TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE QUICK SPORTS FEB. 23, 2004 BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S): MIAA Playoffs: Concordia of Moorhead 73, SMU 65 (eliminated). TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE THE FITZY BEATING Student pummeled in dorm assault WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- A Winona State sophomore, John "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, was pummeled so badly in an assault in a third-floor Morey dorm room early Saturday that he was rushed to the hospital. Don Walski, campus security director, confirmed the incident in a skeletal report to university President Darrell Krueger. Walski's report offered scant detail. Underage varsity football players and alcohol were involved, several witnesses said. According to reports, Fitzgerald was pulled into the dorm room about 1:30 a.m. and beaten up by three other students and kicked repeatedly in the head. Police were called but made no arrests nor issued any citations. According to knowledgeable sources, the assault culminated an exchange of insults after the downtown bars closed at 1 a.m., apparently first at a sandwich shop and then continuing onto campus. Carpeting in the dorm room where the asault occurred was blood-soaked, witnesses said. A janitorial crew had to bring in special cleaning equipment to make the room habitable again, witnesses said. Reporter: Emily Finley Background: Security guards' account FITZGERALD Assault victim Three days after the incident,. no criminal charges had been filed. The campus was abuzz with speculation about a coverup with complicity by police, the WSU athletic department, and campus security. Numerous investigations are underway, including one by campus security officials and one by dorm officials. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU prepares to buy 5,000 laptops WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Winona State University will order 5,000 new laptops for fall, 500 more than last year, said technology Vice President Joe Whetstone. The make and model will not be determined until March 9. "I don't want to comment on which models are being favored because I haven't heard from all the manufacturers yet on cost," Whetstone said. Also, he said, he wants to assess comments from students. Two weeks ago students reviewed many laptop models and submitted their opinions on features and software. Whetstone said he expected the laptop fee will remain $1,000, same as the last five years. Reporter: Nathan Bortz TO EARLIER NEWS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU posts book return deadline WINONA, Minn,, Feb. 23, 2004 -- The Winona State University bookstore issued a last call for students to return unneeded spring semester textbooks. Deb Pelowski, customer service rep, said the store's process of returning used textbook to publishers will be completed Wednesday. TO EARLIER NEWS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU FOOTBALL RECRUITING NCAA examines sports recruiting rules NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2004 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which sets the rules, established a task force to re-examine recruiting practices. The impetus was the University of Colorado scandal, where sex and alcohol, including prostitutes, sex parties and visits to strip clubs, were used to recruit high school seniors. Revelations about booze parties as a recruiting tactic, a practice at Winona State University in Minnesota, would be among those under review. Also in Minnesota, St. John's University has suspended five basketball players for breaking curfew to visit a strip club. The University of Minnesota is examining allegations that football recruits visited bars and strip clubs. Background: Party host pays $265 fine Background: WSU's recruiting weekenders TO EARLIER NEWS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS READER What in-the-know Winona college people are reading Eyle Henley. "Sordid Culture in College Sports," Christian Science Monitor (Feb. 20, 2004), Page 3. In this wrapup of dubious varsity recruiting practices in college sports nationwide, Henley poses the question: "Where should victory of athletics rank in a list of university priorities?" Background: Earlier recommendations TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Lobbyist sees no higher-ed cuts ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- The state professors; union lobbyist, Russ Stanton, expects higher-ed to be safe from further budget cuts -- even if the state budget shortfall worsens. The big cuts were last year, Stanton said. "In general, legislators, especially Democrats, seem willing to spend a lot more than the governor on bonding projects for higher education," he said. Stanton acknowledged concern among legislative leaders that the budget forecast, due Thursday, will predict a larger revenue shortfall. "But," he said, "it seems like higher education will be spared if there are further budget cuts this year." Background: Rumors see sour projection TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Gutknecht sees cheaper student loans WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2004 -- Key amendments to the 1988 Higher Education Act, including revised student loan provisions, will help low-income students attend college and make it more affordable for middle-income families to send their children to college, said Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn. The amendments will establish a new student loan interest rate formula that makes student loans more affordable, Gutknecht said. Also, there will be a performance-based organization to administer federal student aid programs and more work-study funds. "A healthy, working American democracy demands a well-educated citizenry," he said. Gutknecht, a Rochester Republican, is up for election to a sixth term in November. No Democrats have announced. Reporter: Lindsay Bauer GUT- KNECHT Seeking ixth term Colleges in Gutknecht's district include Bethany Luthera, Gustavus Adolphus, Martin Luther, Southeast Tech, MSU-Mankato, Minnesota West Community and Tech, Riverland Community, Rochester Community and Tech, South Central Tech, St. Mary's, Winona State. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Rumors: State shortfall worsening ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Everybody at the Capitol is waiting for Thursday, when the state Department of Finance will release its semi-annual state budget forecast. The forecast is key in determining the fate of projects and programs the Legislature is considering. The last forecast, in November, projected a $185 million revenue shortfall -- about one-half of 1 percent of the biennial budget. Rumors have it that the shortfall has worsened and that the new projection will be in the $400 million to $500 million range. The state has $631 million reserve. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Judge opens private college records MACON, Ga., Feb. 23, 3004 -- A Georgia judge ruled that Mercer University must make public its campus police-blotter. Mercer had claimed as a private college that it was not subject to state open-records requirements. Judge L.A. McConnell ruled that Mercer must open the records because it serves "public functions" by employing sworn police officers who carry guns and have the power to make arrests just like city police. The issue arose when a woman claims she was raped asked for campus police incident reports, radio dispatch logs, contact-person reports, and other information about sexual assaults. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE COMMENT: DEPARTING DEAN THE NOT-SO-TWEEDY GOW Joe Gow isn't big on tweed jackets with leather elbow patches. In every other way he has been a tremendous dean for liberal arts these past three years at Winona State. At a time when higher administrators have squeezed profs to teach more and bigger classes, Gow has argued for quality. With student grievances, he has been able to separate whining from legitimate complaints. To pressures to stifle journalistic inquiry, he has been an articulate buffer for student reporters. Oh, yes, and he plays a sweet guitar. No one has ever doubted Joe Gow's commitment to creating an environment for learning to flourish. He is a professor's dean, a student's dean. Come fall, Nebraska Wesleyan will be fortunate to have him as provost and dean. JOE GOW 2001-2004 at WSU Background: Lib-arts dean moving on YOUR COMMENTARY TOO IS INVITED TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU tells needy story to alums WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- The story of Winona State University is back from a 10-day road trip to Arizona and California. President Darrell Krueger and Vice President Jim Schmidt gave Power Point presentations to alumni, with a major thrust being the diminishing state financial support. Schmidt, whose job is fundraising, said: "The goal is not to twist their arms into giving. It's about where our interests meet." Krueger and Schmidt didn't have pockets bulging with cash when they returned Feb.10. Most people don't just write out checks, Schmidt said. The goal, he said, is maintaining long-term alumni relationships. "Some people still think that we are state supported, and we have to remind them that we are state assisted," Schmidt said. With state support already slipping, a national phenomenon for state colleges, Schmidt said: "We have to focus on private donations." Most alumni gifts, about 85 percent, go to scholarships, he said. Some gifts are going to the New University planning project, he said. Reporter: Amy Baumgart SCHMIDT Advancement vice president TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE COMMENT: WITCHES EVERYWHERE WSU AS EVIL STEPMOTHER If you find yourself locked out of your room at Winona State University's Quad dorm complex, punishment-oriented floor supervisors are ready to inflict pain. It’s now five bucks to be let in. This is new evidence that the university's preferred term for floor supervisors, "resident assistants," is puffery. Or, to be blunt, an outright lie. Sure, they'll assist but only at an usurious fee that goes into their party fund. Surely there must be a better way. Punitive nickel-and-diming is common throughout the university. A replacement ID card takes $5. A replacement key costs $10. Is this how an institution that values members of its community would treat them. Maybe the term "campus community" is empty rhetoric too. Background: Access $5 at Quad dorms YOUR COMMENTARY TOO IS INVITED TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS ALMANAC POSTED FEB. 23, 2004 The number of years that Winona State faculty have been at the university: Total faculty Years at WSU Average seniority 350 profs 4,484.4 years 12.8 years Compilers: Megan Akre, Lindsay Bauer, Amy Baumgart, Nathan Bortz, Seamus Boyle, Joanna Chinquist, Kellie Demeter, Allison Ethen, Ty Gangelhoff, Kate Goyette, Carrie Guler, Colleen Harer, Kelly Joyner, Anne Jungen, Sarah Knopp, Sarah Lang, Katie Lokker, Brendan McVoy, Katie Pillsbury, B.J. Puttbrese, Michael Rytilahti, Erin Sather, Mae Schultz, Aubrey Shermock, Nathan Simonson, Ian Stauffer, Teresa Woodall, Dana Zuhlke EARLIER ALMANAC ENTRY TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Locked out? Access $5 at Quad dorms WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Tenants who lock themselves out of their rooms in the Richards, Conway and Morey-Shepard dorm complex at Winona State University now must cough up $5 for a supervisor to let them in. The charge had been $1. There is some question whether the increase is legal. Dorm Director Nicci Port acknowledged that Residence Hall Policies and Procedures lists $1 but said floor supervisors have the authority to adjust the fee. Why the change? Port said that with six dorm burglaries since November, she wanted to encourage tenants to carry their keys and to lock their rooms. "We just want doors closed so things aren't stolen," said Port. Also, she said, supervisors don't like being wakened at 3 a.m. to let someone in. Port said supervisors earned $300 last semester at the $1 price, which financed a dorm staff retreat. A floor supervisor, Scott Taylor, said he's heard no objections. Meanwhile, another approach has been taken at the Lourdes dorm. Tenants are loaned a spare key from the front desk for 10 minutes, said dorm director Sarah Olcott. Reporter: Aubrey Shermock TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE NEW PRESS BOX The latest architect's renderings to upgrade Maxwell Field at Winona State Univerity. WSU plans luxo-skyboxes at Maxwell WINONA, Minn., Feb. 18, 2004 -- If you build it, they will come. That's the field-of-dreams hope of Winona State University officials who are proceeding toward construction of a press box at Maxwell Field, complete with luxury skyboxes, before the money is in hand. The goal, according to campus facilities manager Dick Lande, is completion possibly by the fall football season. The $775,000 press box will be built over the summer, providing enough donors can be lined up. Although the university is only in the early stages, Lande said university officials are optimistic for fall completion. No state funds will be used, Lande said. The press box will include seven livingroom-like skyboxes for corporate sponsors and VIP guests. The new structure will be situated between Belleview and Sarnia streets. Reporter: Kate Stater TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE NCAA suspends St. Bonaventure ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2004 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association placed St. Bonaventure University on probation for three years for men's basketball rules violations. The NCAA said an investigation concluded that a former university president, Robert Wickenheiser, had knowingly allowed a student to play despite concerns that his certificate in welding might not meet the NCAA requirement for athletes transferring from a community college. Also, the NCAA that Wickenheiser had intervened to have a grading policy changed for the benefit of the student. Wickenheiser resigned as president in 2003. Coach Jan van Breda Kolff was fired. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS ALMANAC POSTED FEB. 23, 2004 Drinking violations reported in campus security reports at Winona State University so far this academic year: Quad Prentiss-Lucas Lourdes Sheehan East Lake OCCU- PANTS 586 471 515 456 375 VIOLA- TIONS 8 10 15 9 19 PER STUDENT 1.4% 2.1% 2.9% 1.9% 5.1% Compiler: Sarah Lang EARLIER ALMANAC ENTRY TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE SMU plans $95,000 CST upgrade WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- St. Mary's University plans to spend $95,000 in improvements at a College of St. Teresa building it acquired last year. Planned is an open office, lunchroom and conference room at 360 Vila St., according to legally required documents filed with the city. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE COMMENT: STATE AID A STUDENT VOICE Earning a college degree today takes five years for many students. Testifying before a legislative committee, Winona State super-senior Brad Krasaway said the average is 4.8 years. He was arguing for state financial aid for fifth-year students. We need more Krasaways, informed and articulate, to represent student interests. About aid for fifth-year students, however, Krasaway tells only part of the story. A degree in four years remains possible. Some students finish in less than four. Many students who linger longer are less than serious. They drop courses in mid-semester, flunk a course here or there, cavalierly change majors. This lack of serious intent does not deserve a taxpayer subsidy. Krasaway is right about students who fall behind because they must hold down two, even three part-time jobs to raise the money for tuition. These students, a growing number, deserve financial support. BRAD KRAS- AWAY Informed, articulate Background: Legislators asked for fifth-year aid YOUR COMMENTARY TOO IS INVITED TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CBS delays WSU child-abuse interview WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Squeezed out by other news, the CBS interview of Victor Vieth, director of the Winona State University-based National Child Protection Training Center, has been delayed until Monday. The interview, scheduled for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, is about interviewing child victims of abuse. Date: Friday, Feb. 26 Place: CBS affiliates, including WCCO, WKBT Time: 5:30 p.m. Background: CBS interviews WSU expert TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE DON HINRICHS HOLLY HOLLETT LISA PARSONS MARK LORISH ALI KEIMEL MIKE FISCHER TOMORROW'S GREATEST BYLINES TODAY TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Organizer sees growing march interest WINONA, Minn., Feb. 20, 2004 -- Almost 100 Winona State Univerity students have shown interest in the pro-choice March for Women’s Lives in Washington on April 25, said campus organizer Mary Fanning. She hopes at least 50 people will make the trip. "We're hoping that so many people will want to march that we'll fill the bus," said Mary Fanning. She said the march will be peaceful and non-confrontational, said Fanning. A bus may be shared with a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse contingent, she said. Reporter: Laura Gossman Background: WSU group plans for march TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE GATEWAY PARKING Winona State University's proposed Gateway dorm has a three-level parking ramp at its core. Autos would enter and leave from a Main Street portal. BETWEEN MEMORIAL GYM AND THE TRACKS Bounded by Main, Mark, Johnson and Howard TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE SMU to build $200,000 lobby add-on WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- St. Mary's University plans to spend $200,000 on a lobby addition at its main Winona campus, documents show. Contractor Schwab Construction has been hired. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS ALMANAC POSTED FEB. 23, 2004 Winona State University sociology faculty members listed by years of service, with the year they were hired: Ron Stevens Jim Reynolds Erv Bublitz Steve Schwartz Brian Aldrich Helen Dachelet Mark Norman James Kobolt Glen Just Paul Munson 1968 1968 1970 1973 1976 1996 1996 2000 1995 1992 EARLIER ALMANAC ENTRY TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Study finds frosh smoke, booze less LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2004 -- This year's frosh nationwide are less into boozing and puffing, according to the latest annual survey by survey by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles. Only 44.8 percent said they partook frequently or occasionally, compared with 46.5 percent last year. Never has the survey, conducted now for 10 years, found such a low percentage. Only 6.3 percent of freshmen said they smoked cigarettes frequently. The number of hours spent partying was also down, with 24.1 percent partying six or more hours a week, compared with 25.1 last year. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE GIANT CHINESE DAM 350-mile lake displaced at least 1.2 million people Sabbatical detour to Three Gorges Dam WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Taking a slight detour from his original plan, Winona State University prof Darrell Downs spent his sabbatical doing research in China. Downs spent this fall collecting information about the electricity-producing Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world, on the Yangtze River 600 miles inland from Shanghai. Downs, a political scientist, spent 25 days in the region studying the effect that the dam had on the surrounding area. "The hydro-electric project displaced 1.2 million to 2 million people, and not all willingly," he said. "I visited some regions that are demolished." His trip to China is not what Downs originally presented in his sabbatical proposal. He said, "I took and opportunity to do something that was more relevant at the time." Originally Downs had not planned on going to China because of the SARS epidemic. As theillness subsided, the trip became more of a possibility, he said. Downs said that his trip made a good contribution to his teaching: "It fits directly into teaching my environmental politics class and public policy in general. It provides me with better background and gives students a better sense of perspective on issues we face here." He also talked about how his sabbatical trip provided him with tools that will help him teach. "It is nice to have a context that isn't just from books, such as slides and pictures," said Downs, who endorses the sabbatical concept of time off every few years to enrich research and teaching. In general, "It's important that faculty have an opportunity to shift focus to something other than day-to-day teaching. It is hard to explore topics when you have a heavy teaching load." Downs said he will write an article on the dam that he will submit to a natural resources management journal. It was his first sabbatical Reporter: Mae Schultz Almanac: WSU sabbaticals DOWNS Environment and politics SABBAT- ICAL PROFILE Darrel Downs, polysci prof At WSU since 1992 Fall semester sabbatical Salary during leave: $24,896 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY POSTED FEB. 23, 2004 FOR KEEPING UP-TO- SPEED Winona Daily News Winona Radio Winona Post EARLIER NEWS SMALLER LOAF. Tons of limestone, loosened by feezing and thawing over the decades, broke off the north face of the Sugar Loaf landmark. No one was hurt, although a few boulders crashed into a backyard at the base of the 500-foot bluff on which the rocky 85-foot spire stands. MORE DREDGE SITE. The owner of the partially dismantled rairoad bridge off Latsch Island, Bob Harris, proposed that the Army Corps dredge William A. Thompson be moored at the bridge after it's decommissioned in 2005. Harris envisions the bridge becoming a picnicking and reception platform with the dredge available for excursions. Harris' plan is an alternative to another proposed site atop Levee Park. At the levee the 298-foot, four-story vessel would be embedded in a concrete platform. Earlier story MORE LEAD DUST. The discovery of lead dust in the police station basement halted construction of a jail expansion. The area had been used for years as a gun target range. A one-month delay is expected. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Education prof offers tips on conflict WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Another installment in the Winona State University and Central Neighborhood School Association program for parents is scheduled at Central Elementary School. The chair of the Education Department at Winona State, Jean Leicester, will speak on "Learning from Conflict Resolution at Home and at Play." Date: Wednesday, March 3 Place: Central Elementary School Time: 7 p.m. Contact: (507) 454-9550 for child care TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE CAMPUS FLAGS Krueger excuses GOP on flag flap WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- The Winona State student Republicans did nothing wrong in the how they went about their controversial flag project, according to university President Darrell Krueger. In an interview Krueger said a "miscommunication" occurred at a December meeting at which he endorsed the general idea of placing more U.S. flags on campus and then left for another meeting. Apparently both student affairs Vice President Cal Winbush and student Republican leaders, who continued talking in Krueger's absence, thought that he had endorsed the specific GOP plan to install flags in all 120 campus classrooms. About that time, in December, Krueger had promised to seek faculty input on the Republican proposal, which had attracted some opposition. In January, Ridge met with Winbush and announced the classroom proposal was "a go." When Krueger returned from a trip, he was surprised that the project had taken definite direction. He stopped the project so normal campus consultative processes could begin. Krueger has apologized to the Faculty Senate for the project moving forward without the consultation he had promised. A campus-wide task force is working on the issue. Reporter: B.J. Puttbrese Background: Republicans ready for compromise TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE St. Mary's Press rep to national board WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2004 -- A sales repat St. Mary's Press since 1989, Deb Schoener, was elected to the board of directors of the Catholic Book Publishers Association. Schoen's term is three years. TO EARLIER NEWS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE VERBATIM THE CYBERINDEE IS YOUR NEWS SOURCE OF RECORD WSU dorm rules on booze, violence These are provisions, extracted from Winona State University dorm regulations, might be applicable in the Feb. 21 Fitzgerald assault case in Morey Hall: RESIDENCE LIFE JUDICIAL PROCESS Residence life code violations: Possession and/or consumption of alcohol or possession of alcohol containers on state owned or controlled property, except as expressly permitted by law and Minnesota State College and University guidelines. MORE Obscene or abusive language and aiding, abetting, or procuring another to breach the peace on University controlled property or at university sponsored or supervised functions. MORE Disruption of a residence hall, through excessive noise, practical jokes, and/or the flagrant violation of other rules and regulations set by the Department of Housing and Residence Life. MORE Failure to comply with directions of University officials and/or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties, or willful refusal to accurately identify oneself when requested to do so. University officials include resident assistants, assistant hall directors, residence hall directors, campus security officers, student food service employees, and all other personnel delegated supervisory responsibility by a University official. MORE Conduct which endangers the health and safety of any person. MORE Any unwanted, deliberate, or repeated unsolicited comments, gestures, graphic material, physical contact, sexual misconduct, or solicitation of favors towards residents or their guests. MORE First offenses resulting in the termination of contract: MORE Alcohol -- Hosting a large party, possession of large quantities of alcohol, or sale or distribution of alcohol within in the residence halls. MORE Harassment -- Willful harassment of residents, guests, or University staff either face-to-face, over the phone, or in any other manner. MORE Health / Safety -- Conduct or behavior threatening the safety or well-being of others. MORE Other -- Violations or attempts to commit violations that include, but are not limited to: sexual assault, physical violence, arson, terroristic threats, stalking, or the use of a weapon of any type. TO EARLIER NEWS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WISCONSIN NIGHT LIFE AFTER-HOURS ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis., Feb. 23, 2004 -- Taverns in this Mississippi River burg don't exactly burst with college students despite being only seven miles upstream from the college town of Winona and despite a later closing time, 2 a.m., than Minnesota bars. On a recent Saturday, the Golden Frog had three college-age customers between 11:15 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. A Winona State University public relations student, Pam Volk, 21, was making her only her second trip to a Wisconsin bar. Volk, along with friend Angie Hoppe, a 22-year-old advertising student, had come to meet with friends. Except for forays to La Crosse, Hoppe said, this was her first trip to Wisconsin bars. On whether Winona college students go to Wisconsin bars for the later last call very often, Hoppe wasn't quite sure: "A fair amount but not a lot." After 1 a.m. Winona last calls, most of her friends go to after-parties, home, or Hardee's, she said. MORE EXPANDED COVERAGE REPORTER TY GANGELHOFF There are Wisconsin bars closer than Fountain City to only bridge for 30 miles that connects the two states. These include Gibbon's Club Midway, commonly called the Midway; the Gin Mill, operated by a biker club; the Refuge Bar, in Bluff Siding; the Four Mile, a bar and strip club; and, almost at the causeway that leads to the bridge, George's. MORE At Pudge's Place, a supper club and bar in Fountain City, server Heather Gendron, said that she doesn't see many college students. "We usually get a lot of usuals," said Gendron, who added that a group of around eight students was there a couple of weeks ago, probably while bar hopping, and ended up staying awhile because they liked the place. Pudge's doesn't have many problems with students when they do drop in, according to Gendron: "It's pretty rare. They're under control pretty well." MORE Golden Frog bartenders Natalie, Todd and Sylvia, none of whom would give their last names for this article, said that their bar doesn't see many students either. "It's mostly people from town," said Natalie, herself a Winona State student. Natalie said that about 10 students will be there on any given Friday or Saturday night. "We get them but not a huge amount," said Todd about college customers. There's more at George's and the Midway, but that's it," said Todd. Sylvia, a Winona State alum, agreed but said that a small crowd of collegians regularly comes to the Golden Frog, but they're from Fountain City. "They'll be by here around 1:30 a.m.," said Sylvia. Natalie has encountered some problems with students: "Sometimes they cause fights or won't leave at bar time." When students don't leave, Natalie goes upstairs where her boss lives and the boss then gets the students to leave. MORE George's is one of the more popular bars that students travel to because of its proximity to Winona. Volk stated that she thought the Gin Mill, George's, Midway, and the 4 Mile are the most popular Wisconsin bars after Winona's 1 a.m. last call. MORE On that recent Saturday, the Midway had no college-age customers between 12:45 and 1:20 a.m. A band was playing and a $3 cover charge was in effect. MORE George's, however, was packed. About 60 college-age people were crowded at the bar at 1:30 a.m. and about 80 at 1:50 a.m. Asked whether college students hop the border to Wisconsin, Winona State student Joe, 23, who requested that his last name not be used, said "Definitely, without a doubt." Asked if it was for the 2 a.m. bar call, Joe replied: "That's the main reason, for the extra hour. I know people that have gone to La Crosse just for that reason, for the extra bar hours." La Crosse is 30 miles away, the better part of an hour. Joe said that he doesn't like to go to Wisconsin bars. The atmosphere is different, he said, especially the late-night crowdedness when so many people come across the bridge from Winona. Also, he said, doesn't like the drunken fighting late at night. MORE In December at least 40 people were in a brawl after closing time at George's. One man was airlifted by a medical helicopter to Rochester, Minn., with head injuries from being beaten and kicked MORE A public relations student at Winona State, Steve Mack, 21, said has been to George's twice and doesn't have a favorable impression. It's "crowded, many biker guys, kind of ghetto," he said. "I didn't really like the atmosphere," Even so, Mack said he likes later bar calls: "It's a plus for people who like to go out later. It’s good for the bars, more business that way." MORE Some students would rather stay in Winona after local bars close at 1 a.m. "It'd be nice if the bars here were open until 2, but by the time you get out of bars it's 1:30 and by the time you get over there it's almost a waste of time," said public relations major Kristin Maloney, 21, who has been at George's about five times. "I know people that go there and like to go there but it's just not that appealing to me. I'd rather go to my friend's house or go home," said Maloney. On one of her last times at George's, Maloney said: "It was kind of fun. There were college age kids there, but we had to wait half an hour 45 minutes for a cab, which I don't like." MORE Some students, however, are fans of Wisconsin bars. Southeast Tech retail management major Joy Yealey, 22, enjoys George's. Yealey said she likes the atmosphere and people "and you can drink 'til 2." Yealey, who goes to George's about once a week with a group of about 10 friends, says that while fights do occur at some Wisconsin bars, they don't keep people away. "It actually kind of makes a little excitement in the night," said Yealey. Asked if Wisconsin bars such as George's have a bad rap, Yealey said: "I think they do. Sometimes there are fights over there and some people stay away because of that, but I don't think it's a big deal." 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