New University budget firms up;
tuition surcharge on course

WINONA, Minn., April 3, 2005 -- A tentative budget for New University curricular reforms this fall, including a tuition increase, has been developed, Winona State University's academic vice president, Steve Richardson, confirmed. Although he wouldn't divulge details, sources said the budget includes a $250 tuition surcharge -- consistent with a plan announced 13 months ago by university President Darrell Krueger for a new $250 surcharge evcery year until students are paying an extra $1,000 annjually in 2008 for the New University. In an interview, Rcihardson said only that New University projects for next year are dependent on both the tuition increase already approved by state college trustees for all MnSCU schools, roughly 4 percent on average, plus the Winoan State-unique surcharge for the New University. MORE The budget was put together in closed sessions by university administrators and New University coordinators. This Wednesday university comptroller Scott Ellinghuysen is presenting a status report to the Student Senate on the base tuition increase approved by the trustees. Then on April 13 Richardson himself will lay out the New University budget and tuition surcharge details to the Student Senate. After his presentation the plan will be open for senator suggestions, said Richardson. These suggestions are important even if they aren't what administrators want to hear, he said. MORE Krueger, who has had difficulty restarining his displeasure at student reaction to his New U plan, is not expected to appear before the Student Senate. Krueger has made what observers say are inopportune and gratuitous slaps at student opposition, including a bald statement at a student forum in February that students don't run the university.In March at a mandated meeting with Student Senate leadership, Krueger charged that students, including those with early roles in New University planning, didn't know their stuff. MORE The Student Senate has been unanimous against the New U plan, and in February students voted by a 5-1 margin in a referendum against the project. In the current student elections, candidates, including presidential hopefuls Tim Donahue and Ryan Flynn, have been stridently vocal against any New U tuition increase. Flynn has accused adminsitrators of excluding students from key discussions and planning. There were no students involved in the budget discussions that culminated last week. MORE Richardson acknowledged in an interview Thursday that most students don't know the process that administrators go through to raise tuition. The process, he said, will be explained to students senators over the next two weeks. A New University tuition surcharge will be folded into the university's overall budget and presented as a one-page summary to the state trustees in May. The summary projects revenue from state sources and tuition, as well as how money would be spent in broad categories. It is not believed that the New University will be broken out as an identifiable line element in the budget. MORE The trustees will make a decision on the budget in June. Between the trustees' May and June meetings, two public hearings will be held for further input, one in the northern half of the state and the second in the southern. Richardson that the university can fine-tune its proposal after the public hearings. By the end of June the final decision on the New University's future will be in, said Richardson. MORE To the issue of whether students have been excluded from the New University process, administrators point to a continuing series of broad-based visioning conferences. There also have been widely advertised weekly brown-bag discussion sessions, although they have been poorly attended. MORE Richardson defended university President Darrell Krueger in working hard for student involvement. Rcihardson noted thay in 1989-90 Krueger made it a requirement that administrators consult with students and faculty on tuition changes, said Richardson. Now all schools in the Minnesota university system do the same consulting, said Richardson. Faculty and student suggestions are listened to by administration, said Richardson, but he noted that in the end it is administators who make the dscisions.

NEW UNIVERSITY Project logo Krueger firm on $250 tuition surcharge incre- ment for fall en route to $1,000 MORE IN STUDENT SENATE DOCKET: SCOTT ELLINGHYSEN Comptroller, on Wednesday, April 6 STEVE RICHARDSON Academic vice president, on Wednesday, April 13 MORE THE LATER PROCESS May Tuition increase proposal to state trustees Public hearings June Trustees' final decision

Bill targets "campus liberalism"

BB attacks on Huff Street: Arrests made

Faculty Union: Go slow on Rochester U

Quite a crowd, quite a party

Critics try to tag Flynn a micromanager

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- A proposal endorsed by Ryan Flynn in the Winona State University Student Senate last fall has flared into accusations that Flynn, now a presidential candidate, might be a detail-oriented, meddlesome administrator. In an interview Flynn denied being an instinctive micromanager. The issue can be traced to a motion by business Sen. Mick Reis to require chairs of Senate committes to to seek their committee's approval on expenses excxeeding $25. The limit had been $99. Flynn signed on. The proposal was an attempt to set firm guidelines and "increase chair-committee communication, as well as fiscal accountability," said Reis. The change failed, with its opponents arguing that there had been no abuses of the $99 limit and objecting to what they coined as "micromanaging." MORE Flynn still defends his position: "Sadly, some people felt that the chairs should be able to run a committee without any regulations." Flynn said that his detractors, who raised the issue in anonynmous messages to news reporters, will find that their campaign tactic backfires. "It proves to students that I am a leader who believes in accountability and in fiscal responsibility," Flynn said. MORE Reis agrees that the micromanagement label will not hurt Flynn with voters. "I honestly don't believe this will hurt his presidency odds," Reis said. "It really just lies within people's own perceptions of the situation." Reis said, also, that the micromanager characterization is tangential to realities. "It is my firm belief that this motion failed because of personal egos and because the Senate, like many other groups, has a tendency to correct oversights only after it becomes a problem," Reis said. Reporter: Amanda Knowles

RYAN FLYNN Micromanager?

Pasteur to be updated, plus Memorial

WSU's Pasteur project passes hurdle

Investigation continues in traffic death

WABASHA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- The investigation into a fatal two-car accident involving three Winona State University students will include an inquiry into where Amy Jo Green, the Winona State sophomore who was killed, was headed when her vehicle was struck broadside at 7:14 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Lt. Randy Slinger of the Minnesota State Patrol said the driver and passenger of the other vehicle involved, both freshmen at Winona State, were traveling back to Winona State, while Green , was attempting to turn north from Highway 42 at Kellogg -- opposite the route back to Winona for Monday morning classes. Slinger said the results of the Patrol investigation cannot be released until the investigation has been deemed "inactive" by the Wabasha County attorney, a process he said could take anywhere from a month to years. MORE Slinger said that fatal accident investigations usually include contacting the victim's family, accident reconstruction, and interviewing of witnesses. Slinger said there were no witnesses of the crash outside of Amanda Kay Teigen and Kelly Sahlin, the driver and passenger of the other vehicle. Whenever there is a death of unnatural causes, the deceased is immediately taken to county coroner for a possible autopsy and an investigation into the cause of death. Slinger said that the Wabasha County coroner was called to the accident, indicating Green was dead on the scene. Slinger said Teigan and Sahlin were taken to St. Elizabeth hospital in Wabasha where they were treated for minor injuries and released.

AMY JO GREEN 1984-2005

Northern Sun expansion looks like a go

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- The necessary support of six Northern Sun schools to expand the college athletic league to 10 colleges seem secure, a poll of current member schools found. Presidents of Northern Sun colleges, including Winona State, will vote this mon th on whether to admit the University of Mary of Bismarck, N.D., and Upper Iowa University of Fayette, Iowa to the conference. Officials at these schools indicated they favor the expansion: Bemidji State Concordia Northern State UM-Crookston Wayne State Winona State MORE Two athletic directors, Howard Gauthier of Southwest State and Alfonso Scandrett Jr. of Minnesota State-Moorhead, declined comment. The university presidents of Southwest State and Minnesota State-Moorhead, who cast the schools' votes, were not available for comment. MORE Butch Raymond, the commissioner of the Northern Sun, said, "All of the discussion at this time has been about adding both schools." It's not a question of one or the other, he said. Raymond said the Northern Sun board of directors has looked at each school individually and in a package deal. "My goal is to have this situation finalized by the first part of April," he said. Six of the eight schools in the conference need to vote yes for the league to expand. Even if the expansion is approved, neither the University of Mary nor Upper Iowa would be on the Northern Sun athletic schedule until the 2006-2007 season. MORE Last fall, Northern Iowa lost a bid to become the ninth Northern Sun member. Although the meeting at which university presidents made their decision was closed, it is thought there has opposition to having an odd number of teams, which creates scheduling issues. Since then, the University Mary made overtures about joining. Bob Olson, athletic director at Northern State, and Tom Rubbelke, athletic director at Concordia, both believe the vote will go through this time around because there would an even number of teams. MORE Stephanie Helgeson, athletic director at UM-Crookston, said, "Crookston was and is for the expansion of the conference." Athletic directors at Eric Schoh of Wayne State and Rick Goeb of Bemidji State said the expansion is good for the league. "A 10-team conference brings strength in numbers," said Schoh. Schoh said 10 teams on the schedule works out much better for scheduling than nine. Goeb said he is an advocate of the expansion and believes that a 10-team conference is great for scheduling purposes. "Ten is a great number," he said. Olson said, "I am for not going to an odd number." MORE Although Rubbelke is "completely for the expansion," he did say travel for some teams is an issue. A trip from Bismarck to Fayette is just an example of one of the longer trips that the league would see. Rubbelke also quoted Larry Holstad, Winona State's athletic director. "I remember him saying last spring at a conference meeting that the Northern Sun is one school away from taking a big step backwards." Holstad was referring to losing a team, putting the conference at seven teams. "The final decision, however, rests in the hands of the university presidents," said Goeb. "Just because the athletic directors think the expansion is a good thing, doesn't mean the vote will necessarily go through," he said. MORE Gil Cloud, athletic director of Upper Iowa, said, "The Northern Sun institutions are good schools, which are administered by talented presidents and chancellors." "We are hopeful that all will turn out in a positive way for all the institutions involved," he said. Raymond said the results could be released before the Northern Sun Conference meeting, held in the third week of April

NORTHERN SUN INTER- COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE NORTHERN SUN ROSTER Bemidji State Concordia St. Paul MSU- Moorhead Northern State Iowabr /> UM- Crookston Southwest Minnesota State Wayne State Nebraska Winona State EXPANSION POSSIBILITIES University of Mary North Dakota Upper Iowa

Donahue sees advantage in debate

WINONA, Minn., April 3, 2005 -- Student president candidates Tim Donahue predicted a debate with fellow candiates, scheduled for 5 p.m., Monday, will be to his advantage. Students will see who has the knowledge of the process of governance, Donahue said. In an interview, he said too that he feels a sense of duty for the presidency after three years with the Student Senate. The experience, he said, means that he knows how the Senate works. Donahue cited a network of professional relationships he has built with many people and he said he can use that experience to advocate for students. Also, he said, he feels he is the best person to connect the Winona State and the Winona communities. He said he believes that the arrival of a new univerity president will be "an awesome opportunity" to change the way students are looked at and give them a louder voice. MORE About whether he is overcommitted with coursework for a triple major in political science, geoscience and public administration, Donahue said he has always been busy. "I won't shy away from something just because it has a heavy work load to it," he said.

TIM DONAHUE Three years of Senate experience will show

Media tracking Gordon case in detail

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- News reporters are poised for the moment when either a grand jury indictment comes down against Paul Allen Gordon in the Sugar Loaf murders or the grand jury decides against indicting Gordon. Stories have been few in the two weeks that the grand jury has been in session. In the meantime, Winona newsroom calendars all list Gordon's court appearance this coming Wednesday on charges unrelated to the murders. K.C. O'Day of Winona Radio said people are following every detail as the prosecution of Gordon unfolds. Homicide in Winona is uncommon, he noted, and in this case there were three victims -- Winona State junior Stacy Smith, 29; her unborn child; and her 10-year-old daughter Taylor. Also making the story compelling, O'Day, said, is the arson fire at Sugar Loaf Apartments, where the bodies were found on Dec. 16. The fire threatened perhaps 80, maybe more tenants, he said. MORE Emily Finley, co-news editor of the Winonan student newspaper at Winona State, said the murders and fire "scared a majority of the city." Finley and co-editor Anne Jungen plan either to attend the hearing Wednesday themselves or send a student reporter. MORE Fran Edstrom, editor of the Winona Post, said her publication would cover next Wednesday's hearing, even though it involves only drug and terroistic threat charges from an October incident -- not the murders. The whole Gordon case interests the public partly because the deaths were so gruesome, Edstrom said. Both Smith and her 10-year-old daughter were strangled, the girl raped. "The guy's accused of cold-bloodedly raping and killing," she said. Edstrom also said the murder of Stacy Smith, who was pregnant, makes the case additionally important to the media and public. She said the Winona Post intends to "cover to the end." MORE Darrel Ehrlick, editor of the Winona Daily News, agreed that Winonans want to know about progress in the case. People have a right to know what is happening and the information they hear and read should be accurate, he said. Ehrlick said the Sugar Loaf murders are a "snapshot of history" and must be covered because the public is shocked by them. The murders, he said, "caught a lot of people's attention." MORE A media source. who asked not to be named for competitive reasons, said Jeff Dankert, crime reporter for the Daily News, has excelled in his stories, especially on early investigation details and federal court documents. MORE O'Day, of Winona Radio, said people are tracking the case for whatever insights it generates into the Winona drug culture. Police have said Gordon, who arrived in Winona in late summer, admitted dealing drugs. Police also quoted informants that he was grossing $15,000 a month selling cociane. "A lot of people are really concerned with the growing epidemic of drugs in the community," O'Day said. MORE Ehrlick, of the Daily News, said pubic awareness and concern are reflected in increased newspaper sales. The paper sells more news-stand copies whenever Paul Allen Gordon, Stacy Smith, Taylor Swanson or the Sugar Loaf murders are mentioned, he said. Hits on the Daily News website also increase, Ehrlick said. MORE County Attorney Chuck MacLean, who is prosecuting the case, said reporters have done a "wonderful job." He said he thought the CyberIndee, a news site that focuses on Winona campus news, has had the most in-depth coverage. "Usually the media jumps from one iceberg to another," he said. Student reporters for the CyberIndee, however, "have given more color to the hearings" he said. MORE MacLean said he is concerned that saturation news coverage might make it harder to find an impartial jury if the case goes to trial. He said that Winona people are increasingly aware of the case due to media coverage and that potential jurors may have have decided if Gordon is guilty or innocent before they even step into the courtroom. The defense would likely ask that a trial be relocated to different region, he said. MacLean said a change of venue would be unfortunate for Winona residents because they might be deprived of information on the case's progress. MORE Gordon's appearance on Wednesday will be an evidentiary hearing. His attorneys, public defenders Julie Maxwell and Karen Duncan, will have the opportunity to challenge the legality of evidence that MacLean has amassed. Maxwell and Duncan may claim the evidence was gathered against their client's constitutional rights, MacLean said. The hearing Wedneday will be at 9:45 a.m. with Judge Lawrence T. Collins.

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Accused in Winona strangulation murders

Biology prof examines river lamprey

Faculty fret over Pasteur, Howell plans

Stelpflug favors NewU but voted against

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- Freshmen Lindsay Stelpflug, running for re-election to the Winona State University Student Senate, said she is best qualified for a sophomore seat on next year because of her experience and knowledge of the issues. Stelpflug, who served on the Senate Technology Committee this year, and said in an interview that if re-elected she would volunteer for either the technology or the public relations committee. Stelpflug said she is in the minority of students in favor of the New University Plan, citing the importance of experiential learning and field exercises. She noted, however, that she has consistently voted against the New University in Senate votes to represent the prevailing sentiment of her constituents. MORE Stelpflug said that the biggest issues facing next year's Senate are the New University and the proposed tuition freeze. Though in favor of the New University, Stelpflug said she understands student concern over the $1,000 tuition pricetag and will work to ensure that student concerns are addressed. Stelpflug said that major stumbling blocks for the New University are misinformation and lack of information. Stelpflug said a collaborative effort by university administrators, the Student Senate, and campus news organizations is essential in informing students about the New University. She said she has done her part to acquaint students, citing her door-to-door information campaign to every room in the Sheehan dorm before the recent New University spring referendum vote. Students rejected the New U by 5-1 margin in the largest student ballot turnout in univeristy history. MORE On the proposed tuition freeze, Stelpflug said she wholeheartedly favors using government funding to cap Winona State tuition for two years and will do all she can to ensure its implementation. If elected, Stelpflug indicated she would apply for an executive appointment as a committee chair. Stelpflug said she has no campaign plans beyond flyers and direct contact with voters.

LINDSAY STELPFLUG Sophomore senate candidate

CANDIDATE STATEMENT DJ DANIELSON If elected to represent the liberal arts students, I plan to meet regularly with college dean Troy Paino and faculty from all of the departments to communicate the dynamic opinions and ideas of my student constituents. The past two years, I have hosted the Mr. WSU competition, which has helped me gain valuable experience with senatecommittees. MORE With Judith Ramaley taking office as president soon, now is the best time to improve relations between students and administration. As a student reporter, I have seen how the senate has been pushed around recently by higher-ups. This animosity is not a recipe for continued advancement for Winona State. MORE Like many students, I have become upset at the recent tuition and fee increases, in addition to the proposed $1,000 New University surcharge. While we must continue to advance as a university, with the tough financial times the students and the state are going through, now is not the correct time to implement such a vague, expensive proposal. MORE As a floor president in the Quad hall last year, I saw that a campus organization can be fiscally responsible. In addition to continual lobbying of the administration and state government for lower tuition and fees, I feel Student Senate can do more from within to help alleviate the financial burden on students by following the same model of fiscal responsibility. MORE As a member of a family with history in organized labor, I grew up under the premise "United we stand, divided we beg." There are many issues facing us such as tuition, parking, safety, diversity, and administration relations, just to name a few. I will work to improve student solidarity to fight for all of these issues.

DJ DANIELSON Liberal arts Senate candidate CANDI- DATE FORUM A series of invited candidate statements presented unedited

Winter stresses her club experience

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- Winona State University sophomore Kari Winter, a Student Senate member this year, would like to make the leap into the executive position. She is running for the Senate vice presidency, a $2,100-a-year position. "I have experience with clubs and can help the clubs at WSU out if I am elected," Winter said in an interview. The Senate constitution assigns the vice president to head the Alliance of Student Organziations, which coordinates club relations with the Student Senate on funding and other issues. Winter is secretary of the American Sign Language Club and a member of the Snowboarding Club. She was a reporter for the Winonan student newspaper her freshmen year. She has been active in the Minnesota State University Student Association. MORE Asked about her only opponent for vice president so far, Erin Feger, Winter said that they have worked together in the Senate. Winter feels she could be more qualified on club issues. Winter did not know of any clubs in which Feger has been active and wondered if Faber could do as good of a job with the clubs.

KARI WINTER Vice president candidate

First night out, cops nail five revelers

Donahue answers election-record critics

WINONA, Minn., April 1, 2005 -- Student president candidate Tim Donahue has toned down his campaign claim that student election reform and February's record turn-out are feathers in his cap. Responding to critics, Donahue repeated the fact that he is responsible as the current Senate vice president for running elections but called the elections "a team effort." In an interview Donahue said "It wasn't my victory, it was a Senate victory." If elected president, Donahue said "that’s the kind of culture I would create -- everyone working towards one goal." MORE Meanwhile, critics have suggested that recent elections, including a record 14.5 percent turnout in February, were successful in spite of Donahue. The critics also have challenged Donahue’s leadership skills. Buisness Sen. Mick Reis called it "ludicrous" to suggest that the success belongs to one person. "The election was a success because of the intense grassroots effort made by the entire senate," Reis said. Nursing Sen. Laura Berens, a member of the election committee, said Donahue could have done more in organizing recent elections. Berens said, "In this particular election, the election committee was very ineffective. Only one meeting was called." Said Reis: "Effective leaders call committees to meet." MORE Donahue responded in an interview that the criticism is unfair. The election committee’s membership wasn’t even finalized until one week before the elections, he said, adding that getting people to participate in the committee was difficult. "Coordinating people’s schedules is always hard," Donahue said. Donahue said senators "hesitated" to participate also because it was the middle of the semester and many were busy. MORE Reis said Donahue was not present when advertisements were being made for the elections. Reis said the election started on Monday and advertisements had not yet been made on Sunday night. Reis and other senators then went ahead on their own to create the advertisements. Reis said in order to hit the Senate’s 10 percent election turnout goal, the advertising was “crucial” for getting the word out. "It hadn’t been done," Reis said. MORE Donahue admitted he could have done more, but, he said, people can always do more. Donahue said he coordinating other types of promotion like staffing tables, door-knocking and alerting the news media about the elections. "There is only so much more person can do," Donahue said. Donahue said the high voter turnout was a collective effort by the entire Student Senate being committed to “getting the vote out." MORE Despite the criticism Donahue said he would like to assure students he is the most qualified person in the three-way race for student president. "I have a stronger platform," Donahue said. "I have the ability to lead." Reporter: Will Maravelas

TIM DONAHUE Election success a team effort

House OKs anti-gay marriage ballot

CAMPUS EXPAN- SION Winona State University has bought 118 W. Sarnia St. house

ILLUSTRATOR: NATE GREEN

WSU buys house, plans more parking

Speaker undeterred by pie-in-face

Faculty Union: Go slow on Rochester U

GUSTER April 22

Guster concert goal: 3,000 tickets

Indee invites WSU candidate statements

WINONA, Minn., March 31, 2005 -- Candidates in Winona State University student election have been invited to submit 250-word statements on their candidacies for verbatim publication on the CyberIndee. Submitted so far: President Tim Donahue Ryan Flynn Vice President Erin Feger Kari Winter Background: Candidate filings

Statements should be addressed to: CyberIndee A campaign photo as a .jpeg attachment is invited.

Percussion weekend at WSU

WILL ALBERT- SEN SARAH HOVEY JESSICA LARSON LAUREN ELI- ZONDO JENNY BUTLER CARRIE GULER TOMORROW'S GREATEST BYLINES TODAY

As portrayed in Winona State University promotional materials

WINONA CAMPUS LIFE

Kazee favors inflation-index tuition max

WINONA, Minn., March 31, 2005 -- A candidate for a junior senator seat at Winona State University, Ezra Kazee is calling for a moratorium on tuition and fees. Kazee, 27, a political science major originally from Faribault, Minn., said tuition and fees should be withheld within the inflation rate. Winona State tuition, at near-14 percent increases each of the past two years, is set to gp up 4 percent in the fall plus possibly an additional $250 in the first of four increments for the so-called New University. "The New University plan is a good idea content-wise, but the increase in fees is a horrible idea at the wrong time," Kazee said in an interview. "The programs will be expanded eventually, the New University seemingly is just another excuse to raise tuition again." MORE Kazee is one four candidates so far for three junior-class seats on the Student Senate. Kazee served as a freshman senator two years ago but was "fired" by student President Michael Hofland over philosophical differences. Kazee said his preference for the Senate presidency now is Ryan Flynn: "He is a better communicator and leader and can be more effective in the position, especially with the new administration in place next year." The university's president-designate, Judith Ramaley, concerns Kazee. “She has had a negative impact on unions and bargaining in the past, but overall this is an exciting time for the university and for students who can now forge a new and better path with the new administration,” Kazee said. MORE Kazee sees a need for better communication between the Student Senate and students. How? Through town hall meetings, for example, he said. Kazee also wants to improve awareness of international students and to improve student services as a whole. Kazee is currently the Minnesota State Student Association student services coordinator and a member of the Inter-Residence Hall Council. Kazee also currently serves as the dorm council's student representative to the Student Senate. MORE Kazee is running his campaign independently with all funding and resources coming out of his own pocket and through his own hard work. "I am my own campaign staff," he said. Reporter: Steve Kuzenski

EZRA KAZEE NewU neat but too costly

Burke discussion at WSU