NEXT WSU PREZ JUDITH RAMALEY Tantamount to approval by MnSCU trustees

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS WARRINGTON MORE

Chancellor's choice to succeed Krueger

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 11, 2005 -- After an almost seven-month search, Judith Ramaley is the state college system chancellor 's choice for the next president of Winona State University. Ramaley would become the 14th president in Winona State history, if the MnSCU state college system trustees approve next week, as expected. Chancellor Jim McCormick announced his choice of Ramaley after a final round of interviews of the three finalists Thursday in St. Paul. Several trustees participated in the interviews with Steve Kopp of Ohio University and John Wanat of the Univerity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. MORE Kopp, Ramaley and Wanat had been recommended by a 16-member search committee after three days of interviewing each at Winona State. The committee did not rank the three. It did, however, eliminate finalists Ginny Coombs of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Paul Keys of Governors State from the pool. MORE This is the biographical thumbnail prepared by the Winona State search committee on Judith Ramaley: Dr. Ramaley received her Bachelor’s degree (Zoology) from Swarthmore College. She received her Ph.D. (Anatomy) from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Ramaley did her postdoctoral work in Neurophysiology and Immunochemistry at Indiana University from 1967-1969. MORE Dr. Ramaley’s experience includes Assistant Director of Education and Human Resources, the National Science Foundation, August 2001-Present; Presidential Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Fellow, Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy, University of Maine at Orono (on leave to NSF), August 2001-present; Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Department of Educational Leadership, George Washington University, Spring 2002 to current; President and Professor of Biology, The University of Vermont, 1997-July 2001; President and Professor of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, 1990-1997; Executive Vice Chancellor and Professor of Biological Sciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 1987-1990; Vice President for Academic Affairs, 1982-1985; Acting President Fall 1984, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, 1985-1987, and Professor of Biological Sciences 1982-1987, The University at Albany, State University of New York; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 1980-1982; Professor of Physiology and Biophysics 1978-1982; Associate Professor from 1974-1978 and Assistant Professor from 1972-1974, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Indiana University, 1971-1972; Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences (part-time), Indiana University, 1969-1971; Research Associate and Lecturer, Biomedical Sciences Program (Neuroanatomy), Indiana University, 1967-1968; and Lecturer (part-time), Department of Zoology, Indiana University, summer 1967. MORE She also served as American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow in Academic Administration, Chancellor’s Office, at the University of Nebraska Medical School Omaha, Nebraska from 1978-1979.

DARRELL KRUEGER June 16 his last day JIM MCCORMICK Chancellor made his pick 2ND, 3RD CHOICES Steve Kopp John Wanat RUNNERSUP Ginny Coombs Paul Keys

Reporter:

UPCOMING EVENTS
ST. MARY'S	SOUTHEAST TECH	WINONA STATE

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House OKs $2 million for underpass

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2005 -- The U.S. House approved $2 million to help fund an underpass at the Huff Street railroad crossing at Winona State University. Senate action is pending, The funds are part of a six-year $284 billion federal transportation package. Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., said there has been a handshake agreement between House and Senate committees that bespeaks full Congressional approval can be expected soon. The underpass, for both vehicles and pedestrians, would be a city project. Engineers have pegged the cost at $8 million. Funding would partially be from Winona State, according to one scenario. A proposed one-half cent city sales tax increase could be used too. MORE The univerity wants better pedestrian access between the main campus and its growth program south of the Canadian Pacific tracks. The university has built parking lots across the tracks and has plans for the recently acquired Lincoln site at Huff and Sarnia and future growth toward Lake Park.

MASTER PLAN Campus expansion

Smith family teary at murder hearing

WINONA, Minn., March 10, 2005 -- An unemotional Paul Allen Gordon entered Judge Jeff Thompson's courtroom at 9:04 to hear the charges brought against him in the deaths of former Winona State University student Stacey Smith, her 10 year-old daughter Taylor Sawnson, and Smith's unborn baby. The courtroom was filled with the sniffles of 13 members of Smith's family as Thompson recited the charges: Murder in the first degree (causing death of Tayor Swanson while committing or attempting criminal sexual contact with force or violence). Murder in the first degree (premediated intentional murder of Stacy Smith). Murder in the first degree (premediated intentional murder of Taylor Swanson). Murder of an unborn child in the first degree (premediatted intentional murder of Stacy Smith's fetus). MORE Murder in the second degree (intentional murder of Stacy Smith). Murder in the second degree (intentional murder of Taylor Swanson). Murder of an unborn child in the second degree (intentional murder of Stacy Smith's fetus). Murder of an unborn child in the second degree (felony murder of Stacy Smith's fetus). Criminal sexual contact in the first degree. Arson in the first degree. MORE The charges of premeditated murder each carry a sentence of life in prison, second-degree murder 40 years in prison. MORE Because of the high-profile of the case, metal detectors and extra security were added outside the courtroom. Those attending the hearing walked through a metal detector. Personal belongings were searched. Members of Smith's family were kept in a private room at the end of a hallway until seating for the hearing began. They were allowed to enter the courtroom first. Three sheriff's deputies escorted Gordon through the underground tunnel from his Law Enforcement Center cell to the courthouse and into the coutroom. MORE Julie Maxwell, one of two public defenders assigned to Gordon's case, said after the hearing that Gordon is scared and soft-spoken. Questioned about Gordon's trip to Mexico after the murders, which the prosecution says was an attempt to flee prosecution, Maxwell declined to comment. The Mexico question was germane because Maxwell had been asked at the hearing if she wanted to challenge the unusually high bail of $20 million set for Gordon. Maxwell told the judge she would postpone filing a motion for a lower bail. MORE Maxwell said she had met Gordon for the first time just ahead of the hearing. Her public-defender partner, Karin Duncan, however, had met with him previously. MORE Procedurally the next step will be a grand jury examination of the charges to determine whether they are justified. The grand jury is scheduled to convene March 21. The grand jury, meeting in closed session, will hear county prosecutor Chuck MacLean's best case to support his charges. The grand jury's role is not to assess guilt or innocence but to determine whether there should be an indictment. Gordon will not appear before the grand jury nor will his attorneys. When the grand jury completes its examination, it will file either a "no bill," meaning it found no cause for the case to be pursued, or one or more "indictments," Indictments are equivalent to criminal charges. MORE Grand juries are citizen panels, drawn from the usual jury pool, but unlike a regular jury they have investigatory power. A grand jury, headed by a foreman that it elects, can visit crime scenes and call its own witnesses for sworn testimony. Although unusual, grand juries in some jurisdictions can ignore the prosecutor, venture into new territory in considering a case, and even examine community issues that it deems worthy of review but that don't necessarily have any connection to the case at hand. Such "runaway juries," as they are called sometimes look at jail conditions, municipal corruption or anything else the grand jurors, as empaneled citizens, choose to do. Runaway grand juries are rare. MORE For Gordon the next court appearance is scheduled for April 6. It will be an omnibus hearing to go over the evidence that MacLean, the prosecutor, has presented, as well as whatever comes from the grand jury. Julie Maxwell and Karin Duncan, the public defenders for Gordon, will have an opportunity to challenge evidence. At such evidentiary hearings, defense attorneys almost routinely ask judges to disallow evidence and often present legal arguments against police search, seizure and interrogation.

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Accused in strangulation murders CHUCK MACLEAN Gordon had strangled before

Packers scout checks out WSU's Wrobel

WINONA, Minn., March 10, 2005 -- Former Winona State quarterback Brian Wrobel, who is now graduated, worked out for a pro scout in McCown Gym. Green Bay Packers first-year scout John Sullivan tested Wrobel's speed, skills and agility for nearly two hours. Wrobel was timed at a 4.57 for the 40-yard-dash. Sawyer said because of the slow surface of the McCown floor, four-hundredths of a second could be knocked off the time, putting Wrobel at 4.53. Wrobel's former teammate, wide receiver Chris Samp, caught passes from Wrobel while Sullivan took notes. Winona State head coach Tom Sawyer, athletic director Larry Holstad, several former teammates, and Wrobel's parents were all at the event. MORE Wrobel's mother Sue said she has never been so happy to see Chris Samp, who has been in training at the University of Wisconsin in recent weeks. When Wrobel overthrew Samp on a pass, his mom said, "Oh well, Brett Favre does that too." MORE McCown Gym posed more problems than just a slow floor during Wrobel's workout. The rafters and nets got in the way on several longer passes to Samp. Sawyer said Wrobel threw the ball really well, but it is hard to judge when indoors. Sullivan plans on returning to Winona March 25, he hopes, to watch Wrobel throw outside. MORE Sawyer said he is trying to get scouts from the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos to Winona to see Wrobel throw. Wrobel's father Larry said his son getting into an NFL team's camp is a more realistic goal than being drafted this April. Sullivan told Wrobel he needs to gain a lot of weight if he wants to make it in the next level. Wrobel will be working out with Samp for the next month in Winona. Reporter: Brian Olson Background: Samp at 4.57 for 40

BRIAN WROBEL WSU quarterback On WSU roster in fall as 6-foot-2, 195 pounds

Big prosecution issue: Gordon's phone

WINONA, Minn., March 10, 2005 -- The man accused in the Sugar Loaf murders, Paul Allen Gordon, was surpisingly open with Winona detectives who flew to California to interview him, at least at times, after he was arrested at the Mexican border on Jan. 4, according to a document filed in the case. Gordon, however, did not admit to strangling his pregnant womanfriend, Stacy Smith, a Winona State University student, or her 10-year-old daughter or setting their apartment on fire. On some key issues, the documents show, he was inconsistent. Detectives used the word "lied." MORE Asked about his Nokia non-flip style cell phone, Gordon told the Winonan detectives that he had lost the phone days before the murders. Later he admitted he received calls and text messages from Stacy Smith in the hours before the murders, including at 1:30 the morning of the murders. Gordon did not realize that police had found the phone, 507-313-3125, in the smoldering ruins of the bedroom of Smith's 10-year-old daughter, who had been raped and strangled. MORE When the detectives told Gordon that they had found his missing cell phone on the floor next to the girl's bed. he dropped his head into his hands for an extended period, rubbed the top of his head, sighed and terminated the interview. MORE Amid information that the criminal complaint says Gordon gave detectives is an acknowledgement that he was in fact visiting at a friend's place the night of Dec. 15. According to the complaint, he told police that he had left the friend's place alone in the early hours of Dec. 16 after talking on the phone with someone who was visiting at Smith's apartment. He acknowledged taking beer with him, the complaint says. At the time, he said, he saw "no way out" and was "angry with everything going on in my life," the document said. Police peg the murders between 2:30 to 3:25 a.m. on the 16th. MORE The document also says that Gordon police that he was a crack cocaine dealer in Winona and that Smith had threatened to bring him down by cooperating with the county attorney in prosecuting Gordon if he did not give her money to abort their unborn baby, the document said. He also denied throughout the interview that he had head-butted Smith a week before her death, but then admitted to doing it, the complaint says he divulged information that he was a trained boxer and he had trained on how to disable a person by choking them into unconsciousness, the document said. After autopsies of the bodies of Smith and her daughter took place, both were found to be strangled.

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Accused in strangulation murders CHUCK MACLEAN Gordon had strangled before

Pepin ice still a barrier to shipping

Attorney: Gordon is young, scared

WINONA, March 10, 2005 -- A public defender appointed for Paul Allen Gordon, who is charged with killing Winona State University student Stacy Smith and her 10-year old daughter, said her client is scared. Julie Maxwell said after a hearing Thursday morning that Gordon, 22, is a "young man" and "soft spoken" and "scared." Other than that she declined to say much about the case. "We are very much at the beginning of the whole process," Maxwell said. "It is too early in the case to determine any outcomes. " At the hearing, technical questions were hashed out before Judge Jeff Thompson. MORE Maxwell said that Gordon has not told her whether he wishes to speak to the Smith family. During the hearing several members of the family, in the back row of the courtroom, broke out into audible sobs, sniffling and dabbing their eyes. One member clutched a thick wad of tissue, gasping loudly as she cried. The family grew more emotional when the judge read the charges for the murder of Smith and the rape and murder of her 10-year-old daughter Taylor Swanson. The courtroom was full, some people standing along the back wall. MORE Gordon was brought in wearing orange jail fatigues with three police officers as escorts. When Judge Thompson asked him questions, Gordon replied in a confident tone and made eye contact. When Thompson listed his charges, Gordon lowered his head and stared at the tabletop in front of him. His eyes also strayed off to the side. MORE Gordon's next appearance will be at 9:45 a.m., April 6. Meanwhile a grand jury will convene March 21. MORE Karin Duncan, Gordon's lead public defender attorney, was not present because of a family emergency. Maxwell said Duncan would attend Gordon's future court appearances. At the hearing, prosecutor Chuck MacLean appeared relaxed as he leaned back in his chair. Before Judge Thompson entered the courtroom and before Gordon was escorted in, MacLean chatted with Maxwell. MORE After the hearing, Maxwell was the only attorney who remained to answer questions from news reporters. She was courteous and friendly, smiling and shaking hands. She also cracked jokes about the snowy weather and the horrible driving conditions. Maxwell declined to comment on Gordon as a flight risk. Prosecutor Chuck MacLean had argued for the high bail two weeks ago, saying that Gordon had fled Winona for Mexico within hours of the murders. Maxwell also declined to discuss a February rape conviction in Arkansas and a pending Arkansas rape charge. MORE At Gordon's next court appearance, called an omnibus hearing, the defense and prosecution will cover different elements of the case and determine if Gordon must enter a plea. MORE The hearing Thursday, at 9 a.m. in the Winona County Courthouse, started five minutes late and lasted 15 minutes. All individuals in the courtroom passed through metal detectors and had their coats and bags inspected by guards. Three police officers stood outside the courtroom door to check belongings. Stacy Smith's family passed through the doors, one member stopping to have her full box of Kleenex tissue inspected. They seemed tense but joked about the metal detectors. Several family members chuckled "beep beep" as they passed through. Security officers responded with smiles.

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Charged with strangulation, sexual assault on minor, arson

Samp at 4.57 for 40-yard dash

MADISON, Wis., March 9, 2005 -- Former Winona State receiver Chris Samp worked out at pro day at the University of Wisconsin with a scout from nearly every NFL team taking notes. Seven general managers were at Madison too to check out the pro-hopefuls. So was head coach Dom Capers of the Houston Texans. Samp worked out with 13 University of Wisconsin players. Though Samp just got over the flu days earlier, he said the adrenaline took over and thinks his performance went well. MORE Samp said earlier this year that his chances in the NFL draft depend a lot on his 40-yard dash. Samp ran between a 4.51 and a 4.57 on Wednesday. "All the scouts time your 40, and they all get different times," said Samp, who was pleased at his time. Last year an NFL scout timed Samp at 4.65 seconds, but Samp said he hadn't had time to prepare. Earlier this year Samp said if he ran a 4.55 in the 40 it would help him tremendously come draft time. MORE Samp's vertical at Pro Day was 37 inches. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 27 times. Samp believes his workout put him in a good position to be drafted. Tom Sawyer, Winona State's head coach, who was at Pro Day, said, "Chris performed very well." If Samp doesn't get drafted he has the possibility to sign on with a team through free-agency and join the training camp. Several scouts have told Samp to prepare to contribute on special teams. MORE "Only an average of 34 receivers are drafted a year," said Samp. "Not many players go straight from Division II football and play in the NFL," he said. "You have to work your way up." Some scouts have told Samp that he would make a better pass-catching tight end in the NFL rather than a wide receiver. Other scouts have told him they could see him as a wide receiver. MORE John Sullivan, a Green Bay Packers scout, told Samp he would like to see him weigh 235 to 240 pounds. Samp currently weighs around 220. "I don't care what position I play at the next level," said Samp. "If I make an NFL team it would be a dream come true," he said. "All I can do from here on is lay it all out on the line and see what happens." MORE After Pro Day, Samp left for Winona to work out with former Winona State quarterback Brian Wrobel for the next month. Reporter: Brian Olson Background: Samp focusing on 40 dash

CHRIS SAMP Pleased with Pro Day showing

Kopp expects decision by tonight

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 9, 2005 -- One of the three finalists in the last leg of the presidential search at Winona State University, Steve Kopp, said in an airport interview en route to St. Paul, Minn., that will have "a very full schedule of interviews" Thursday morning at the Minnesota state college system headquarters. Kopp said he will be interviewing with state Chancellor James McCormick and members of his cabinet. Kopp said he plans to head back to Ohio mid-day Friday. The chancellor is expected to publicly announce his recommendation by Friday afternoon, but Kopp said he expects he may have "some idea about who has been chosen by Thursday evening." MORE Office aides for the other two finalists, Judith Ramaley and John Wanat, said they were away until Friday. They too were scheduled for interviews in St. Paul on Thursday. Reporter: Lauren Elizondo Background: The final interviews

DARRELL KRUEGER WSU president: 98 days to retirement STEVE KOPP Airport interview

DARRELL KRUEGER WSU president

Donahue seeks WSU student presidency

WINONA, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- The student vice president at Winona State, Tim Donahue, a strident opponent of a tuition increase to support the New University reforms, announced his candidacy for president. The election is in April for all Student Senate offices for fall except frosh and at-large senators. Donahue is the first candidate to announce for the position now held by senior Dusty Finke. Donahue was elected last April in a three-way race for over fellow Student Sens. Rotney O'Shea and Ryan Predmore, both of whom have remained on the Senate. This year, as vice president, Donahue has supervised campuswide student ballots, including two referendums on the New University. He also has been the academic affairs coordinator for the Minnesota State University Student Association. MORE In announcing his candidacy, Donahue promised "a fair campaign in respect to other candidates." The focus, he said, would be the good of the student body. Campaign expenditures will be from his personal finances, he said: "Absolutely no university money or supplies will be used."

TIM DONAHUE Now vice president

FINAL INTER- VIEWS THURS- DAY Chancellor announces his choice Friday Then trustees decide Wednesday

STEVE KOPP Ohio University JUDITH RAMALEY National Science Foundation JOHN WANAT University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Candidates en route to interview finale

WINONA, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- The three finalists for Winona State University's presidency were flying into Minneapolis Wednesday to be interviewed by state Chancellor Jim McCormick and a group of state college systyem trustees on Thursday. McCormick is expected to announce his recommendation by mid-day Friday, a spokesperson said. Next Wednesday the trustees' Human Resources Committee will meet at 9 a.m. to develop its own recommendation, which will be acted on by the whole board of trustees in the afternoon.

DARRELL KRUEGER Retires in June

Warriors face tough bunch in regionals

BASKET- BALL MEN'S WSU vs. Denver Metro State

DENVER, Colo., March 9, 2005 -- Going into the NCAA Division II regional tournament in Denver, Winona State is against tough competitors with strong season records. MORE Here are the quarterfinal matches for Saturday: 1 p.m. Metro State (No. 1 seeded) (26-3) vs. Northern State (No.8) (21-9). 3:30 p.m. South Dakota (No. 3 seeded) (25-5) vs. Nebraska-Kearney (No. 2) (25-6). 3:30 p.m. Winona State (No. 7) (23-9) vs. Nebraska-Omaha (No. 3) (23-5). 7 p.m. Metro State (No. 1) (26-3) vs. Northern State (No. 8) (21-9). 9:30 p.m. MSU-Mankato (No. 4) (23-7) vs. Fort Lewis (No. 5) (22-5). The semifinals are Sunday, the championship Tuesday.

Ramaley, Keys lose New Jersey bids

RAMAPO, N.J., March 9, 2005 -- Two candidates for the presidency of Winona State University, Judith Rameley and Paul Keys, were interviewed in February for president of Ramapo College, a 5,600-student liberal arts school, and passed over. Chosen for the $240,000 position was Peter Philip Mercer, a University of Western Ontario administrator.There were more than 90 candidates. Judith Ramaley, former president of Portland State University in Oregon and the University of Vermont, remains among three finalists at Winona State. Paul Keys, provost at Governors State University in Illinois, was among five Winona State finalists but was not recommended by a campus search committee.

JUDITH RAMELY Ramapo finalist PAUL KEYS Ramapo finalist

WSU candidate in Oregon running too

WINONA, Mnn., March 9, 2005 -- A candidate for president of Winona State University, John Wanat, also is a finalist for provost at Portland State University in Oregon. Wanat was of five candidates invited for on-campus interviews at Portland State, enrollment 18,000, in mid-February. The Portland State position, equivalent to academic vice president at Winona State, has been vacant since June. Wanat had been provost at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee until January, when he stgepped down and returned to the political science department, where he held a tenured faculty position.

JOHN WANAT President at WSU? Provost at PSU?

Ceramic artists display work at WSU

WINONA, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- Ceramic artists Chuck Aydlett and Mary Roetgger, are exhibiting their work through April 6 at the Watkins Gallery at Winona State University. Aydlett says his vessel forms suggest narratives about the human relationship with nature. His slab-built pots often incorporate the shape of the human head. Roettger says her spiraling ceramic sculptures express movement and energy with bold colors and textures.

"SPIROID" By Mary Roettger

WHOM WILL IT BE? Steve Kopp Judith Ramaley John Wanat

Welcome set for next WSU chief

WINONA, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- Once the formality of the state board of trustees' approval of the next president of Winona State University is completed next Wednesday, Chancellor Jim McCormick will whisk the new president to Rochester and Winona for introductory receptions. The Rochester campus reception begins at 4:40 p.m. in the Atrium with a brief statement by the new president at 5. McCormick then will drive the president-designate to Winona fror a reception that begins at 6 p.m. at Maxwell Hall with the new president arriving probably about 6:15. The same brief statement is expected, followed by question-anwser period. The public is invited. MORE Meanwhile, McCormick is interviewing the three finalists and preparing a recommendation to the trustees, who meet Tuesday and Wednesday. The finalists recommended by a Winona State search committee are Steve Kopp of Ohio University, Judith Ramaley of the National Science Foundation, and John Wanat of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

DARRELL KRUEGER Retires in June

WSU eyes Pawlenty excellence funds

Editorial: Time's up, Gil

WINONA, Minn., March 9, 2005 -- The Daily News faulted Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., for breaking his promise not to serve more than 12 years in Congress when he announced plans to seek a seventh term. An editorial noted that Gutknecht was on the Newt Gingrich term-limit bandwagon in his initial campaign: "He signed the Contract with America in 1994, pledging that he would fight for term limits. The former auctioneer railed against 'career politicians.'" MORE Seeking re-election is beaking a promise, the editorial said: "In word and deed, Gutknecht promised 12 years. He seems to be trying to break those words, which might be illustrative of the kind of representative we have working for us. ... Keeping your word is good policy. We call on Gutknecht to keep his word and not seek re-election next year. In other words, trade the fast smooth talk of Washington for that of the southern Minnesota auction circuit."

GIL GUTKNECHT A change of mind

CHRIS WARRING- TON SARAH HOVEY JESSICA LARSON LAUREN ELI- ZONDO JENNY BUTLER CARRIE GULER TOMORROW'S GREATEST BYLINES TODAY

This chronology, drawn from Maclean's documents and police interviews and reports, begins the afternoon before. MORE 4:27 p.m. Gordon reserved by phone a train ticket to Detroit the next morning. MORE 5 p.m. Gordon arrived at the home of a pregnant womanfriend and her two roommates. He was carrying two or three duffel bags. MORE

PAUL ALLEN GORDON

5:36 p.m. A text message from Gordon to Smith: Actual text message:"whats the dill wit da money?" Translation: "What's the deal with the money?" Apparently this was a reference to Smith's demand for $3,000 for an abortion.

Before 10 p.m. Gordon and another man left for a liquor store and soon returned with a bottle of Southern Comfort for the women and bottles of Bud Light beer. They watched movies throughout the evening. Gordon placed and received calls during the movies on his Nokia non-flip cellular phone. He seemed agitated and angry. MORE

2:30 a.m.-3:25 a.m. Smith was strangled to death in her bedroom at Unit 14-F, a two-bedroom apartment, at Sugar Loaf Apartments. Her 10-week-old fetus died with her. Her 10-year-old daughter, Taylor Swanson, was raped, then strangled to death. Their apartment was set on fire. MORE

TAYLOR SWANSON

3:25 a.m. Firefighters were called to Sugar Loaf Apartments and found Smith and her daughter's bodies in Smith's bedroom. They assumed both had suffered smoke inhalation. Attempts to revive them failed. MORE 3:30-4 a.m Gordon returned to his womanfriend's place, wearing the same clothes he had when he left. He no longer had the Bud Lights. MORE 4:43 a.m. Gordon realized his cellular phone was missing and placed a call to it, hoping to hear it ring. It did not. MORE 4:53 a.m. Gordon placed a second call from his womanfriend's place. Again, his lost cell phone did not ring. MORE 5 a.m. Gordon and his womanfriend went into separate rooms and closed the doors. MORE Daylight. Police found Gordon's non-flip cell phone by Swanson's bed. A Bud Light bottles was in the kitchen sink. MORE 9:45 a.m. Gordon arrived at the Winona Amtrak station just hours, paying cash for the ticket he had reserved the afternoon before. MORE 9:51 a.m. Gordon boarded the Empire Builder for Chicago and then the Twilight Limited for Detroit.

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS WARRINGTON Rescue workers inside an ambulance at Sugar Loaf Apartments try to revive Stacy Smith, not knowing she had been murdered before the arson-set fire. MORE An officer looks into an ambulance where rescuers desperately work to bring 10-year-old Taylor Swanson back to life. She too had been dead before the fire.

Reporter: Brittney Richmond
Background: Claim: $15,000 a month selling crack
Background: MacLean: Case has been draining

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As portrayed in Winona State University promotional materials

WINONA CAMPUS LIFE

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NEW UNIVERSITY

News reporter ends PR duties

WINONA, Minn., March 8, 2005 -- A member of the New University public relations committee at Winona State University, Katie Carlson, resigned to avoid any appearance of split loyalties because of her role also as a news reporter who covers the New U. New University opponents had objected that Carlson, whose news coverage has appeared since January on the CyberIndee, had accepted additional responsibilities on behalf of the New U package of massive curricular and other reforms. MORE John Vivian, faculty publisher of the CyberIndee, said that readers have a reasonable expectation that news reporters are not advocates for the subjects they write about. "In a newsroom, a reporter would be fired," Vivian said. "In this case, with Katie Carlson's work coming out of an advanced journalism class, which is a learning environment, and because her CyberIndee work has had every mark of being detached and neutral, it seems a reasonable resolution that, lesson learned, Katie Carlson has quit the New University project." Carlson will continue to cover the New University as a journalism student and her work will continue to be considered on its merits for the CyberIndee, Vivian said. MORE Carlson was honored with an Ace Award in February for her early CyberIndee coverage of New University developments. Carol Anderson, faculty coordinator of the New University project, was impressed too and solicited Carlson to translate New University documents from the academic-ese of working documents into language that students would easily make sense of. Carlson said none of her PR duties involved advocacy. MORE As a journalist, Carlson asked tough questions both of New University advocates and opponents: "Carol Anderson was mad at me for some stories." Carlson said she slipped into more and more service for the New University because of her interest in public relations, which is her academic major. Vivian said this is a not uncommon risk for student journalists on a campus where many university leaders and faculty aren't much acquainted with standard journalistic practices or the primacy of audience service. "Vivian Fusillo in theater, bless her, regularly solicits reporters covering the performing arts to be publicity agents for her productions," Vivian said. "She's my poster child for lectures. Vivian Fusillo has no idea she's asking reporters to co-opt themselves. She just sees talent and wants to utilize it. This, of course, is a professional risk for journalists" MORE He added that Fusillo is hardly alone in inviting reporters to do publicity. "I now have a new poster child in Carol Anderson for my lectures," Vivian said.

NEW UNIVERSITY Project logo KATIE CARLSON Divided loyalties? No question any more CAROL ANDERSON Sensed Carlson's talent as a mass communicator JOHN VIVIAN Let there be no ambiguity of perception henceforth

Background: Wellness chief: We need to communicate

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VERBATIM THE CYBERINDEE IS YOUR NEWS SOURCE OF RECORD

News release on Ramaley appointment

Police interview with Paul Allen Gordon