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Judge: Intelligent Design case logic awryHARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 20, 3005 -- Proponents of an alternative to Darwin's theory of evolution took scathing blows from federal Judge John Jones. The alternative view, often called Intelligent Design, is nothing more than creationism in disguise, Jones said in ruling that it is unconstitutional to teach the view in a public school science classes. In a 139-page opinion, Jones said Intelligent Design proponents had attempted to "change the ground rules of science to make room for religion, specifically, beliefs consonant with a particular version of Christianity" in Dover, Pa., schools. About Dover School Board members who had insisted that Intelligent Design was a legitimate alternative to principles of biological evolution identified by Charles Darwin in 1859, Jones said there was "breathtaking inanity" anf "striking ignorance" by the Board. The Board majority had voted to require Intelligent Design in Dover sciecne classes. Those Board member been since voted out of office.
Intelligent Design has been a centerpiece of the Religious Right to exert Biblical interpretations into science curricuclums, including some attempts at the college level. Judge Jones said what happened in Dover was a transparent attenmpt to make public schools a religious forum:
"The citizens of the Dover area were poorly served by the members of the board who voted for the ID policy. It is ironic that several of these individuals, who so staunchly and proudly touted their religious convictions in public, would time and again lie to cover their tracks and disguise the real purpose behind the ID policy."
Intelligent Design, said the judge, is "premised upon a false dichotomy, namely, that to the extent evolutionary theory is discredited, ID is confirmed." He declared that Intelligent Design is not science.
Judge Jones was appointed to the federal bench for President Bush, who himself favors the teaching of Intelligent Design in science courses.
32 students back from Biloxi reliefWINONA, Minn., Dec. 20, 2005 -- Winona State University student Nam Young Kim, who spent Thanksgiving break helping reconstruction efforts in Mississippi, said the sight of the Hurricane Katrina devastation was overwhelming. Kim was one of 32 Winona State students who spent their break in Biloxi, Miss., helping with reconstruction efforts after Katrina hit the region late August. Although in the United States less than a year, Kim, a South Korean, said she heard a call for help after seeing the media coverage of Katrina. The venture was organized by Pleasant Valley ChurchÕs college ministry H2O with Pastor Keith Carpenter leading the group of 32 students. The group spent five days in Biloxi, stripping down damaged houses and removing walls, wood and nails, preparing houses for reconstruction.
Kim said the group got into work on arrival in Biloxi. The group didn't even take lunch breaks but ate while working. Kim described some houses as covered with mold. Drawers still filled with water, she said. Roads were littered with tree branches, furniture and other debris and the city almost deserted, with only some house owners living among aid workers, said Kim.
Many survivors Kim met in Biloxi were thankful to be alive. Many, she said, were distressed at their immense losses. Kim said the experience left her thankful for her blessings. Most of the problems she faces are nothing in comparison to the suffering she witnessed in Biloxi, she said. The H20 group stayed in a Federal Emergency Management Agency tent, where food as well as shelter was provided.
Kim admitted that the group's work had only scratched the surface. FEMA officials expressed a need for more help and asked Kim and the group to come again. She wants to.
Reporter: Shanthal Perera
Background: WSU students thanked for effort
WSU frosh lands $45,000 Army scholarshipLA CROSSE, Wis., Dec. 20, 2005 -- In a brief ceremony Winona State University freshman Karla Schultz accepted a four-year Army nursing scholarship worth more than $45,000 for tuition. The scholarship is the first in nursing to a Winona State student in more than five years, said Lt. Col. Stewart Fearon, chief of the military science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Schultz is carrying on two family traditions, Fearon said. Her mother is a respiratory therapist nurse, her grandfather, Albert Hafstad, an aArmy veteran with post-Korean War service.
Fearon said that the Army, short of nurses, has almost unlimited scholarship money for qualified applicants. Besides tuition, Schultz will receive $900 a year for books, and a $300 a month stipend as a freshman, $350 as a sophomore, $450 as a junior and $500 as a senior, he said. Once she is graduated, he said, Schultz will begin at more than $37,000 a year as an Army officer and more $64,000 in her fourth year. |
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SWEARING IN
You're in the Army now
Lt. Col. Stewart Fearon
Cadet Karla Schultz |
WSU theater bus to Fondakowski playWINONA, Minn., Dec. 20, 2005 -- A theater outing to the Guthrie in Minneapolis for Leigh Fondakowski's "The People's Temple," about the roots, rise and tragic demise of the Rev. Jim Jones' Guyana settlement known as Jonestown, is plnned by Winona State University theater prof Dave Bratt. Fondakowski is directing.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 4
Time: 10 a.m. bus departure
Place: Rear of Performing Arts Center
Cost: $20 to 30
Contact: Dave Bratt |
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UW-Parkside 82, WSU 79 |
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Warriors clipped by RangersSOMERS, Wis., Dec. 19, 2005 -- Winona State University fell victum to free throws in falling 82-79 to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in men's basjketball. Parkside made all four of its free throws in the final 18 seconds and was 20 of 23 for the game. Winona State saw the free throw line only seven times and made three. The Wariiors led 42-40 at halftime and was outscored 42-37 in the second half. John Smith came up with a huge game by recording a double-double on 15 points and 10 rebounds, while adding four blocked shots, two assists and one steal. Zach Malvik paced the Warriors with 22 points. David Zellmann came in with 12. Jonte Flowers finished with 10.
Statistics
WSU students win business contestWINONA, Minn., Dec. 20, 2005 -- Two Winona State University business students, Joe Morgan and Kia Kheng Kho, placed first for their business simulation in a contest with entries from 10 countries. The competition involved data analysis and decision-making.
Morgan and Kho's project grew out of a capstone class taught by Dan Sauers.
New WSU tai chi course offeredWINONA, Minn., Dec. 19, 2005 -- A new course, Tai Chi for Holistic Health, is being offered this spring semester at Winona State University by retired speech prof Brice Wilkinson. The course, which meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m., in Lourdes Hall, can be used to phys-ed requirements in the university studies program, as well as a general elective.
Prof examines New Federalism and ed lawMEMHPIS, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2005 -- A Winona State University education prof, Mary Jane Guy, presented a paper and chaired a discussion session on "Trends and Issues in New Federalism Impacting Public Education" at the annual Education Law Conference. Her paper discussed aspects of new federalism in three issues impacting education and policy:Ê sovereign immunity of the states, No Child Left Behind legislation, and Establishment Clause jurisprudence.
COMMENT
THIS PRESIDENT MUST GO
Despite growing pressure in Congress to change the hysteria-born Patriot Act of 2001, President Bush has defended provisions of the law that allow federal agents to spy on Americans by going into library and bookstore records secrectly. It's an affront to civil dignity, not to mention an invasion of privacy. What you and I read is our business, not Big Brother's. Under the Patriot Act, government agents don't even need a judge's sgnature on a warrant to get into somebody's reading habits. Incredibly, the law prohibits library and bookstore people from discussing with anyone that the government is monitoring them.
Now, the Presiudent has acknowleged that he secretly signed an executive order to eavesdrop on international phone and e-mail messages of people within the country, yes, including citizens, without even a judge reviewing the reasons and signing a warrant. His acknowlewdgement comes in the wake of revelations about secret torture prisons abroad, to which the Bush administration sends detainees rather than directly violate U.S. law by torturing them in homeland prisons. Are these horrible allegations true? The refusal of President Bush and Secretary of State Condolessa Rice to answer the question directly speaks volumes. This is an administration that cares far too little about constitutional, legal and human rights.
We know the President did badly in his constitutional law course in college, which perhaps is why he has permitted himself be surrounded in Washington by a gang of thugs who see any means to an end. Their view: Saving the republic from terrorism, no matter how remote the possibility, is sufficient reason for the government to engage in terrorism against anybody and everybody, including you and me in the library or on the Internet. This is not the America envisioned by the nation's founders. |
WSU verse-meister publishes four poemsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 19, 2005 -- Winona State University's chief grants finder, Nancy Kay Peterson, wrote four poems on the online Jerseyworks magazine. The poems include "The Old Man on the City Park Bench Speaks," viewable at Jerseyworks.
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COLLEGESPORTS REPORT.COM |
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All-America honors to WSU wide receiverCHICAGO, Dec. 18, 2005 -- A senior wide reciever at Winona State University, Brian Hynes, has garnered all-America honors from CollegeSports Report.com. Hynes was named to the third team. It was the second All-America squad Hynes has been named to in the 2005 postseason.
Tri-Sig membership terms acceptedWINONA, Minn., Dec. 18, 2005 -- A Winona State University sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, won approval of its constitution from the Student Senate after delays because the membership qualifications had been seen as possibly discriminatory. Tri Sig President Jessica Stevens explained that requirement for "social, moral, and intellectual worth" could not be used for blackballing pledges because Minnesota law on accepting people regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation would be followed. Stevens said the wording is required by the Tri-Sig national organization.
At-large Sen. DJ Danielson, the only nay-sayer on the constitution, said that the language allows for discrimination. He added, though that he was confident that the sorority's leaders would not misuse the wording. Danielson suggested that the clause should perhaps be included in the club purpose rather than the membership requirements.
Still pending before the Senate is the constitution of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which requires members to be monotheists. At issue in Senate consideration of club constitution's is funding from Senate-controlled student activity fee revenue.
Reporter: Coral Brevig
Background: Morals, God are issues in club constitutions
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St. Joseph's of Indiana 81, WSU 76 |
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Warriors fall to No. 6 St. Joseph'sRENSSELAER, Ind., Dec. 17, 2005 -- No. 9 Winona State University fell victum to the free throw in losing 81-76 in nonconference play to No. 6 St. Joseph's College. The Warriors outshot the Puma from the field and from three-point range and battled even on the boards at 41. The difference came from the free throw line. Winona State converted on two of just seven attempts to the 25 of 36 effort for St. Joseph's. The Puma led 49-40 at halftime. Winona State came back to eventually lead at 52-51 in the first four minutes of the second half. From there the game would be tied six times in the final 20 minutes, with the last coming at 76 with 1:40 left. The Puma then connected on five of six free throw attempts. TGhe Warriors failed to score, missing two jump shots and a two free throws. John Smith led the Warriors with 16 points. Quincy Henderson followed with 14. David Zellmann totaled 10.
Statistics
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING DEC. 17, 2005
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Martin Dale Huber, 20. Racine, Minn., $277.
Michael J. Pax, 20, Glenwood City, Wis., $177.
Andrew Richard Schliffler, 19, La Crosse, Wis., $177.
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Winona judge retires after 24 yearsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 16, 2005 -- Except when needed to pinch hit, Judge Lawrence Collins has hung up his robe and retired his gavel. Collins, 66, who in 24 years on the bench has presided over hundreds of Winona County District Court cases, entered retirement on Friday. Ironically, the date was the first anniversary of the biggest Winona crime of the 21st century and over which he had been scheduled to preside. The triple-murder case against Paul Allen Gordon, for the arson-punctuated slayings in December 2004, had begun under Collins but was transferred to Judge Jeff Thompson in September when Collins announced his retirement.
The three-judge Winona court will be running one short until Gov. Tim Pawlenty asppoints a successor. The first step in the process is a Jan. 12 deadline for applications, which go to the state Commision of Judicial Selection. The commission typically forwards three candidates to the governor. One question is whether Winona County prosecutor Chuck MacLean will apply. Last summer he was a finalist for a judgeship in Waseca, but Pawlenty chose a Waseca lawyer. The selection process timelimes could put the appointment at a critical point in the Gordon murder case, which is expected to go to trial over the summer.
Background: New judge assigned in triple deaths
Background: Waseca lawyer to judgeship over MacLean
WSU students thanked for hurricane effortWINONA, Minn., Dec. 16, 2005 -- A Winona State Univerity prof whose family was stricken by Hurricane Katrina and who then headed campus relief efforts extended her thanks to students who volunteered and contributed. Joan Francioni, a computer science prof, noted that the hurricane hit Louisiana and Mississippi on the first day of the fall semester.
Francioni said:
"During the semester the students at Winona State collected money in their classes and clubs for the hurricane victims. They designed and sold hurricane-relief t-shirts. They collected and then sorted over 100 boxes of clothes, shoes, and blankets that were brought down to New Orleans. They organized a Halloween costume party and a Midwest Mardi Gras party and raised over $1,200 for the universityÕs hurricane relief initiative. And they went down to Biloxi over Thanksgiving break and helped directly with clean-up efforts there. Like so many other in our Winona community, our students responded quickly and with generous hearts to this national tragedy.
As a professor, she said she was proud. As a native of New Orleans and on behalf of her family there, she said she was grateful and humbled by the generosity of "this community up the river." |
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JOAN
FRANCIONI
Grateful, humbled
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Gordon pleads innocent to other chargesWINONA, Minn., Dec., 15, 2005 -- The man accused of triple murder at the Sugar Loaf apartments a year ago, Paul Allen Gordon, proclaimed innoncence to a batch of other charges from his whirlwind five-month Winona drug-dealing adventure. Earlier Gordon pleaded not guilty to the murders, which left a woman, her grade-school daughter and unborn child dead, and, according to police, forced him to leave town pronto. The other charges, nine in all, stem from a Halloween cocaine bust in a downtown alley and from an incident in which police say a man was beaten with a loaded handgun for being late with drug money.
Gordon's public defender on some charges, Sam Jandt, asked Judge Jeff Thompson to move the trial elsewhere on grounds that the Winona jury pool has been contaminated by "inflammatory statements." Thompson gave Jandt until Dec. 30 to file briefs supporting his assertion that a fair trial in impossible in Winona. Meanwhile, Gordon's public defenders in the murder cases also are seeking a change of venue.
To a charge that Gordon forged his name on an apartment lease, Jandt asked for a hearing at which he can challenge the evidence. Thompson set that hearing for Jan. 6. In the forgery case, the prosecution allege that Gordon used an alias, Gordon Jones, on an apartment lease and an application to Xcel for utlities. The prosecution said he used a false name, James Jones, to register a cell phone.
The murders occurred a year ago, the night of Dec. 16. On-again, off-again Winona State University student Stacy Smith, who had broken off an affair with Gordon, was strangled in her apartment, as was her daughter Taylor. The girl was sexually assaulted in a particualrly gruesome way, according to the autopsy. Smith was carrying Gordon's unborn child, which also died. Firefighters discovered the bodies in the apartment. Arson was blamed. |
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PAUL
ALLEN
GORDON
Accused in Winona strangulation murders
PRIMARY PLAYERS
DEFENDANT
Paul Allen Gordon
JUDGE
Jeff Thompson
PROSECUTION
Chuck MacLean
County attorney
Tom Gort
Kevin O'Laughlin
Ass't county attorneys
DEFENSE
ON MURDER CHARGES
Julie Maxwell
Richard Smith
Public defenders
DEFENSE
ON COCAINE, ASSAULT CHARGES
Rich McCluer
Private attorney
DEFENSE
ON FORGERY CHARGES
Sam Jandt
Public defender
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Background: Attorneys: Fair trial impossible here
Background: The night they died
Background: Police: So many aliases
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ASSOCIATED PRESS LITTLE ALL-AMERICA TEAM |
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Two Warriors in post-season tribute NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2005 -- Associated Press sports writers chose two Winona State University football players, wide receiver Brian Hynes and linebacker John Tackmman, for the AP Little All-America third team. NEW YORK -- Brian Hynes and John Tackmann have each been selected to the The Associated Press Little All-America Team. The team is made up of players from Division II, Division III and the NAIA. Hynes led Division II in receiving yards per game. Tackmann was one of Division II's leading tacklers.
Competing vendors know WSU coffee priority |
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RAMALEY
Leans to Torrefazione and dark brews |
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| WINONA, Minn., Dec. 15, 2005 -- As competion enters its final leg for a state college system caterer, all four companies in the running know that a coffee cafe at Winona State is a must. At the behest of coffee-loving university President Judith Ramaley, a coffee cafe was written into the specs for the next 10-year campus food serice contract. Known for sure at this point, said Joe Reed, the project's point man, is that the cafe will be just down the hall from the admissions office on the first floor of Somsen Hall. "We want it to be like an Internet cafe -- sandwiches, soup, salads, desserts and snacks," Reed said. "We have planned for an awning, where customers can walk up to a service window outside of the cafe." The site is a bare-bones, sterile vending room with vending machines and tables. "It's a high traffic area that has potential," said Reed.
A coffee cafe became a priority when Ramaley took over as president and complained sort of good-naturedly about the tepid brew she was served during her on-campus interviews for the job. The new cafe would be less than a minute walk from her second floor Somsen office. Ramaley, who likes coffee "that knows itself well," said wants to provide students with a good cup by providing a place on campus for them to go. |
John Ferden, the university liaison for food services, said that Chartwells has a miniature cyber-cafe in its contract proposal. Who will pay for the remodeling to make the cafe is up in the air, Ferden said, noting that Chartwells may not fund the project -- just do the pouring once the university builds a facility.
A coffee cafe was included in Winona State's request in specs for the next food service contract, which would go into effect next school year when the current Chartwells seven-year statewide college contract expires. The competing vendors were on campus last week, promoting and giving samples of their products and presenting their proposals for a 10-year contract.
The type of coffee shop will depend on the vendor chosen, Reed said, noting that vendors have different brands as partners. "It could be Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Java Time, or even Ritazza," Reed said. "It all depends on which of the four vendors we choose." Chartwells has tried to find out what students want. Chartwells campus boss Joanne Bradley conducted an Internet survey in November to put together its contract proposal.
In January the campus Food Service Committee will learn which vendor has been chosen for the statewide campus contract. Then, said Reed, the committee will review the financial options. Eight students are on the Food Service Committee, including several student senators. All the vendors know, Reed said, that President Ramaley wants a coffee shop when the new contract clicks in on July 1. If Ramaley has her way, Torrefazione and dark roasts will be the fare.
Reporter: Shelli Daniels
Background: WSU future hinging on cup of coffee?
WSU library takes a breakWINONA, Minn., Dec. 15, 2005 -- With final exams over, the Winona State University library will be closed Saturday and Sunday. There had been extended hours, to 2 a.m., during exams.
On-leave WSU business dean won't returnWINONA, Minn., Dec. 14, 2005 -- The acting academic vice president at Winona State, Ken Gorman, who is on leave as business dean, will not return to the deanship, university Presdient Judith Ramaley announced. Gorman has been serving as academic vice president since September. Ramaley said the decision was Gorman's. "When I asked Ken in September to become acting vice president for academic affairs for this academic year, he discussed with me the possibility that he might not to return to the College of Business as dean," Ramaley said. "Since this was a major decision for him, he requested time to reflect before making a final decision." She said he told her of his decision on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the university is gearing up a search for academic vice president. Whether Gorman will be a candidate is unclear. Ramaley said that Gorman, at Winona State since 1980, will remain acting academic vice president "until we identify his successor." Then, she said, Gorman will go on to another assignment. "We have not yet decided what role he will play in the future," she said.
At the College of Business, econ prof Gabe Manrique has been serving as acting dean in Gorman's absence. Ramaley said that as soon as possible in January a national search will be launched for the deanship. Manrique has agreed to remain in place while the search is conducted, Ramaley said.
The chain of interim appointments -- Gorman to a vice presidency and Manrique to a deanship -- was triggered by Ramaley's decision in September, less than two months after taking over as president, to remove Steve Richardson as academic vice president. Richardson, who had sought the presiency last year but lost to Ramaley, is spending his remaining months at the university on special projects and polishing his resume presumably for a presidency elsewhere.
Meanwhile, also as a result of Ramaley's administrative shakeup, the university's technology vice presidency is being filled temporarily by Dave Gresham. Ramaley fired Joe Whetstone as technology vice president in September and told him to clear out of his office immediately. Whetstone said he was given no explanation. Ramaley said a national search also would be launched for Whetstone's position. |
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RAMALEY
MERRY-GO-
ROUND
KEN
GORMAN
Who knows what's next?
GABE
MANRIQUE
Business
dean du jour
STEVE
RICHARDSON
Updating
his curriculum vita |
Finance student leads WSU processionalWINONA, Minn., Dec. 14, 2005 -- A Winona State finance and statistics major, Emily Hagel, a finance and statistics major, will lead the commencement processional with the university banner. Hagel was chosen as the highest-ranking junior academically. Juniors with leading grade points in their college are carrying college banners -- Katie Breer, accounting, College of Business banner; Meredith Merrill, recreation and tourism, College of Education banner; Phillip Snyder, psychology and pre-med, College of Liberal Arts banner; Amanda Peterson, nursing, College of Nursing and Health Sciences banner; and Christopher Popp, computer science, College of Science and Engineering. The banner bearers will lead nearly 450 fall degree candidates in the processional on Friday.
Background: Commencement speaker: Margaret Peska
Background: Student speaker: Sachin Padhye
Kansas college guilty in massive fraudGREAT BEND, Kan., Dec. 14, 2005 -- A former Barton County Community College basketball coach, Ryan Wolf, pleaded guilty to falsifying the transcript of a former player and stealing $89,600 in Pell Grants and other student-aid funds. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped 34 other charges. Over four years, Wolf said, he embezzled or fraudulently obtained $71,900 in work-study payments, some of which went to players for work they did not perform. Also, Wolf admitted stealing $17,600 in Pell Grants. Wolf also said he paid another person to take a high-school equivalency exam for a former player. The player, once admitted to Barton, obtained $6,800 in Pell Grant money and federally subsidized loans he should not have been eligible to receive. Later, Wolf said, he created a fraudulent diplopma and transcript and mailed it to San Jose State University to help the player transfer. Wolf faces as nuch as 45 years in prison.
RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY
POSTED DEC. 13, 2005
TREAT THYSELF WELL. County commissioners voted 3-2 for the least restrictive option in a state-mandated out-of-state travel reform. The state Legislature set the mandate, called the Winona Bill, after three Winona county commissioners attended a national convention of county officials at Waikiki at county expense. The option that the commissioners chose allows them to decide independently when to travel regardless of distance or cost. Other options given to county officials statewide required board approval for travel.
The vote:
For minimal restrictions: Duane Bell, Jerry Heim, Dave Stoltman, all of whom made the Hawaii trip. Expenses for Bell and Stoltman were $5,600. Under pressure after the Daily News made the trip became a public issue, Heim paid his own expenses.
Opposed: Dwayne Voegeli, Marcia Ward. |
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OF THE DAY
Irked that the state would pressure county commissioners to be more accountable for their travel expenses, Winona County commissioner Dave Stoltman said:
"If the Legislature doesn't like what we do, they should move down here and run for office." |
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WSU placement officer offers job fair tipsBROOKLYN PARK, Minn., Dec. 14, 2005 -- The Winona State Univeristy job placement director, Vicki Decker, presented a session, "Best Practices for Job Fairs," at the winter meeting of the Minnesota Association of Colleges and Employers.
Student project: Your landlord sucks? Tell usWINONA, Minn., Dec. 13, 2005 -- A new tool to encourage Winona State University students to respond to an online Rate Your Landlord questionnaire, which already has more than 400 responses, is being worn around the Student Senate office. Bold blue t-shirts proclaim "Your Landlord Sucks" on the front and "WSU Rate Your Landlord" on the back. The shirts are the work of the Senate Student Services Committee. Chair Jared Stene, who represents sophomores, said the outlandish front, "Your Landlord Sucks," is strictly to get attention. "If a student sees the claim on the front of the shirt and responds in agreement or disagreement we will invite them to look at the back and fill out a survey," Stene said.
In an interview Kent Grover, co-chair of the landlord group the Winona Housing Association, chuckled at the slogan but added ominously that some landlords may see the slogan as slander. "For a person like me, who doesn't own many properties, it is not as big of an issue because there isn't that much business at stake for me to lose," Grover said. "If someone owns a lot of property and stands to lose a lot more money from a statement like 'Your Landlord Sucks,' I could see it becoming a bigger issue, and I think the students will be looking into the legality of those shirts soon."
Sophomore Sen. Lindsay Stelpflug said she came up with the attention-grabbing slogan. After initial hesitation from other committee members, the group agreed the slogan would encourage participation in the survey. The committee paid $8 a shirt and distributed them to senators to wear in class. The shirts also will be the uniform de rigueur at a campus booth the committee plans to set up after winter break, according to junior Sen. Elizabeth Jones. Stene said reaction to the shirts has been overwhelmingly positive. The Committee may order more, Stene said.
"I want to make it clear that these shirts are for promotional purposes only," Stene said in an interview. "We are selling them at cost, and our only intended result is to increase the amount of surveys filled out."
Stelpflug said she was wearing the shirt Thursday morning when employees of her landlord were over doing maintenance. The employees said, "Nice shirt," and had a chuckle, Stelpflug said. She said they were already aware of the Rate Your Landlord project.
Stene said 300 survey responses were posted within 24 hours of the site going on line. Most ratings have been positive, with only a few common complaints about the timeliness of maintenance and landlords showing up unannounced, according to Stene. The results of the surveys are not yet available because the Student Services Committee is undecided how to publish the results until legal implications are resolved. "We are not sure if there are any legal issues that need to be addressed before the publication of the results, but we are looking into it with a lawyer," Stene said. "It should be clear that these surveys are in no way the opinion of the Student Senate. It is only an information base of student opinion of area landlords being gathered by the Student Senate," Stene said.
Reporter: Zack Stogenson
Background: Response fast, large to WSU landlord survey
SMU to host Martin Luther King events WINONA, Minn., Dec. 13, 2005 - The second annual citywide Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is will be at the St. Mary's campus, the university announced. Events include a workshop on white privilege by Winona State University political science prof Fred Lee. Saturday night movies include "Crash," "Ruby Bridges" and "Eyes on the Prize."
Date: Saturday through Jan. 14-16
Time: All day
Place: Most at Toner Center
Cost: Some events free, others $5 to $15
Contact: Cecil Adams at (507) 864-3880 |
Frozen River Film Fest to debutWINONA, Minn., Dec. 13, 2005 -- The first Frozen River Film Festival, sponsored by Winona State University and the Theatre du Mississippi, will offer three nights of movies from the Mountain Film Festival of Telluride, Colo. The series starts "The River Rat," a film based on the experiences of Kenny Salway who lives on the Mississippi River near Alma, Wis. Work of local filmmakers is included in the series, which winds up with a Saturday concert at the Masonic Theatre by String Ties and Claudia Schmidt. Organizers plan to have films running concurrently in three Winona State auditoriums on Saturday. There will be vendors, exhibits, speakers and a demonstration by an organic chef.
R.I.P.: Arlene Eleanor (Nasbaum) RoutheWINONA, Minn., Dec. 13, 2005 -- A retired business office employee at Winona State University, Arlene Routhe, 80, died six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. She was at Winona State 18 years. Before that she was an administrative assistant at St. Mary's College and the Winona Chamber of Commerce.
Music prof writes guide to song anthologyWINONA, Minn., Dec. 13, 2005 -- A Winona State University music prof, Suzanne Draayer, wrote an article, "Spanish Songs for Studio and Stage," in Classical Singer magazine. The article introduces the repertoire of 29 songs in volume two of Draayer's anthology series, "Songs of Nineteenth-Century Spain." Songs are categorized the songs into three levels of difficulty.
Michigan beefs up computer literacy rulesLANSING, Mich., Dec. 13, 2005 -- The Michigan State Board of Education approved a new graduation requirement tor every high-school student to take at least one online course. State schools Superintendent Mike Flanagan said the requirement would ensure students are prepared for college and for jobs. "We don't want our kids left in the global dust," Flanagan said.
For some WSU grads, another Preska lecture| WINONA, Minn., Dec. 12, 2005 -- The retired president of Minnesota State University Mankato, Margaret Preska, will deliver the commencement address Friday at Winona State Univerity. About 450 students are expected to partipate. Preska was president at Mankato from 1979 to 1992. Since then, she spent several years as a professor of history and scholar in residence at Winona State. Preska is also the owner of Builda Bike Inc., a family business in New York. She is a member of the Winona State University Foundation Board. The mid-year commencement begins at 10:30 a.m. in McCown Gymnasium of WSU's Memorial Hall. |
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MARGRET
PRESKA
Commence-
ment
speaker |
Background: Physics student to address commencement
Physics grad to address fellow students| WINONA, Minn., Dec. 12, 2005 -- A graduating senior from Bombay, India, Sachin Padhye, will be the student commencement speaker at Winona State's mid-year commencement, the university announced. Padhye, who represents seniors in the Student Senate, was chosen through a competitive process supervised by a Senate committee. Padhye will be graduated in physics and airway science. Padhye, who grew up in Malaysia, has been involved in many student organizations, including rugby and the College Democrats. Sachin plans on working in Minnesota for a year or two before pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in physics or a related field and teach in a university setting someday, perhaps, he sad, even his alma mater. |
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SACHIN
PADHYE
Student
commence-
ment
speaker |
Conferees OK no-growth higher-ed billWASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2005 -- Negotiators for U.S. Senate and House appropriations committees approved a spending bill that would freeze federal aid programs for college students. The compromise bill is almost identical to a version that the House rejected last month. The bill has no additional appropriations for specific colleges or other home-district pork-barrel projects. The maximum Pell Grant award would be $4,050, the same as the past three years. The TRIO program for disadvantaged students would get the same $836.5 million as last year.
Flynn successor? Candidates fill wingsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 12, 2005 -- With student President Ryan Flynn public undecided on whether to sit out politics his senior year, some eyes are turning to liberal arts Sen. Jon Jacob as possible presidential timber. Jocob, who has a reputation as an issues-orinted senator, wouldn't rule out a run for the presidency in the spring elections but said his interest is in treasurer. "I guess it's still up in the air, but I am definitely thinking about running for treasurer," he said in an interview. Jacob, who intends to be graduated in the spring of 2007, noted that incumbent Treasurer Laura Berens plans to leave Winona State after spring semster for another college.
The intensity of Jacob's interest in student governemnt finances manifested itself in the ongoing budget brouhaha over the Winonan student newspaper. Two weeks ago Jacob stompeded out of a Senate meeting in frustration after the Senate denied a student petition against cutting the newspaper budget. As treasuer he would chair the Student Fee Management Committee, which had recommended the 12.5 percent Winonan cut. Jacob conceded in an interview that his perfromance may have undercut his support among senators, who overwhelmingly favored the Winonan cut. "I want to stay involved on the Senate," said Jacobs, "I'm thinking about running for an executive seat, probably treasurer because after last Wednesday my leadership skills might be questionable."
Too, Flynn has opened the door to seeking a second term, after saying two weeks ago he was going to hang it up. There is pressure on Flynn to stay on.
Other senators on the speculation short lists for president:
DJ Danielson, an at-large senator elected in September, denied that he is thinking about running for an executive seat at this time but is planning to run for a senior senator seat. "I'm not really considering an executive position because I enjoy dealing with students one-on-one as opposed to making administrative decisions," said Danielson. Danielson said too that he he is planning on graduating in spring 2007, which likely would need to be delayed if he held an executive office.
Ezra Kazee, a former senator who laughs at himself as a perennial candidate, is being talked about possibly running for president.
Sophomore Sen. Jared Stene, whose name also is in circulation for president, said in an interview that he has no idea right now what his future plans are with the Senate. "There is a lot of stuff I have to think about," said Stene in a break from studying for finals. I'm going to wait until after the semester is over."
The name of business Sen. Richard Howden III, is circulating too. |
|
| 
RYAN
FLYNN
His decision will start dominos falling
JON
JACOB
Right now eyeing treasurer job
EZRA
JAZEE
Perennial candidate
JARED
STENE
Sophomore senator: Let me study for now
RICHARD
HOWDEN
Business senator
|
Reporter: Scott Swanson
Background: Flynn waffling on re-running
 | BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
SMU 47, Martin Luther 46 |
|
|
Colorado football program under new fireBOULDER, Colo., Dec. 12, 2005 -- Auditors have faulted the troubled University of Colorado football program for an "overall lack of controls over spending and cash advances." The result, said the audit report, was "poorly documented, questionable and unallowable expenses." Questionable expenses of $117,400 are detailed. The auditors questioned why coaches spent $39,000 for four trips on a private jet owned by the University of Colorado Foundation. The report also found insufficient documentation to support $16,000 in expenses for sending the football team to bowl games in 2002 and 2004, including $4,700 for 12 relatives of staff members and five baby sitters. Auditors also questioned $7,800 on gifts for spouses and children of football staff members.
Problems were reported also with summer football camps run by coach Gary Barnett. Lapses in camp records include revenue, believed to be about $6,000, from corporate sponsorships, apparel sales and equipment rentals. More than half of the coaches underreported income they received at the summer camps, in violation of NCAA rules, the report said. Barnett has resigned.
The audit was separate from investigations that the football coaching staff used drugs, alcohol and sex to lure high-school recruits. Those investiagtions include sexual assault allegations by at least nine women. No criminal charges have been filed.
Lehigh student leader accused of robbing bankALLENTOWN, Pa., Dec. 11, 2005 -- The president of the sophomore class at Lehigh University, Gregory Hogan, 19, was arrested at his frat house on charges of bank robbery. On Friday afternoon, police sqaid, Robber gave a local bank teller a note demanding money and indicating that he had a weapon. He got away with $2,900, police said. Hogan was released from jail on $100,000 bail. Hogan is the son of a Baptist minister and former City Council member in Ohio.
| INCIDENT AT 560 E. BROADWAY |
Data defy racism charge in party bustWINONA, Minn., Dec. 11, 2005 -- Grapevine stories circulating at Winona State University that police picked on racial minorities in issuing 23 tickets at a wild Halloween party are not supported by the facts, according to an analysis of police records. Only two of the partiers at 560 E. Broadway, Brian Grabau and Kenny King, were identified on citations as other than caucasian. Statistically the number is not inconsistent with the racial complexion of Winona State enrollment. According to police estimates, there were 75 to 100 people holed up in the house for four hours while officers were rousting a judge from bed to obtain a search warrant to complete their investigation of a neighbor complaint about the racket. One cited individual, Michael Ames, was not identified on his citation by race. Early on, Police Chief Frank Pomeroy denied that racism played any part in the citations.
About other grapevine stories that police went lightly on women partiers, there may be more substance. Only nine of the cited individuals were women -- 39.1 pecent. About 60 percent of Winona State's enrollment is women.
The tally:
Caucasian males (11): Marcus Fluhrer, Sean Hall, Jake Hoeppner, Justin Jensen, Zachary Kendall, Charles Klein, Jarred Ohr, Jordan Yankowiak, Adam Van Iten, Alex White, Daniel Zielski.
Minority males (2): Brian Grabau, Kenneth King
Male without race noted (1): Michael Ames
Caucasian women (9): Meghan Fleming, Joanna Giraud, Paige Gilligan, Nicole Halverson, Heather Henseler, Angela McSherrry, Dana Oakes, Lisa Ostrander, Holly Pajak
Non-caucasian women (0): None
Compiler: Alison Paulseth
Background: The price of partying
Background: 23 tickets in party stand-off
Background: Football player yanked after party arrest
Background: Police chief: Cops didn't target blacks
Background: Raid snags at least two football players
Background: After stand-off, cops bust party
WSU lags with online applicationsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 11, 2005 -- Winona State University is running two years behind the growing national trend for students to apply online for admission, according to the university's chief recruiter. As part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Winona State cannot charge ahead on its own, said Carl Stange in an interview. The fact that Winona State has no direct access to the data controlled by MnSCU has played a part in delaying progess, Stange said. Winona State does have an online application for domestic students through College Net, he said, but it's not truly an online process because the data is printed out and not used as electronic data. Stange said MnSCU's online application model is in a testing stage.
Because Winona State is a laptop university, doubts that moving to online admissions would tax the institution's infrastructure. He said, however, thst online applications for international students could be problematic becaude so much additional data, including bank statements, are required. Also, he said, some high school information such as transcripts can't be collected online becausae school district are wary about security. |
|
| 
CARL
STANGE
WSU chief recruiter |
Reporter: Shanthal Perera
Absences catch up with student senatorsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 12, 2005 -- Two Winona State University student senators with the worst attendance for Senate meetings, frosh Ron Keseske and Sarah Walker, resigned in mid-term. Records show Kesezke missed six weekly meetings, one absence of which was excused. Walker racked up five absences, two of which were excused. Sixteen senators have had perfect attendance records.
Ejodamen Ativie Frosh (since November)
Tonya Balow Nursing
Maggie Bambenek Nursing
Laura Berens Treasurer
DJ Danielson At-large
Kristina Durivage Science
Dan Flynn At-large (resigned)
Ryan Flynn President
Adam Fredrickson Senior (resigned)
Michael Henke Business (resigned)
Richard Howden Business
Jon Jacob Liberal arts
Jong Ha Jeon Frosh (since November)
Elizabeth Jones Junior
Ron Kezeske Frosh (resigned)
Lindsay Meyer Sophomore
Rotney O'Shea Senior
Sechin Padhye Senior
Ryan Predmore Senior
Candice Rempala Business
Scotty Ryan At-large (since November)
Melinda Schuck Science
Becky Schomberg Frosh (resigned)
Jason Slack Education
Carl Soderberg Junior
Lindsey Stelpflug Sophomore
Jared Stene Sophomore
Dustin Tino Nursing
Sarah Walker Frosh (resigned)
Alex White At-large
Kari Winter Vice president
Brent Ylvisaker Junior (since November) |
|
| AB-
SENCES
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
6
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
2
1
2
0
0
1
5
0
0
0 |
|
| EX-
CUSED
--
--
--
--
--
--
0
1
--
1
--
1
--
1
1
1
--
--
1
1
--
--
1
1
0
--
--
0
2
--
--
-- |
Compiler: Kathleen Kulkay
| | 
STACEY
SCHUS-
TER | 
KAI
OEHLER | 
DANA
KELLY | 
LAUREN
ASHBY | 
FELICIA
ALEX-
ANDER | 
MAGGIE
LIND-
QUIST |
|
 | |
TOMORROW'S GREATEST BYLINES TODAY |
Who will run for Student Senate?WINONA, Minn., Dec. 11, 2005 -- This is the status of key contests in the Winona State University spring student elections:
PRESIDENT
Ryan Flynn (junior / polysci): Undecided on re-election bid
VICE PRESIDENT
Kari Winter (junior): Seeking re-election
TREASURER
Laura Berens (junior): Incumbent; leaving WSU in May
Jon Jacob (junior): Now lib-arts senator; considering treasurer
AT-LARGE (four seats)
D.J. Danielson (junior / masscom): Incumbent
Theresa Strahota (sophomore / masscom / polysci): Incumbent
Scotty Ryan (junior / masscom): Incumbent
Alex White (freshman / masscom): Incumbent
|
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING DEC. 17, 2005
Dec. 16, 2005: Security guards determeined at 7:15 p.m. that an undetermined amount of money and gift card was removed from a vehicle parked on Winona Street.
Dec. 15, 2005: A student reported at 1 p.m. that his Ipod was taken from his unlocked dorm room 11:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m.
Dec. 13, 2005: A student reported at 1 p.m. that his book bag and contents were taken from outside the bookstore between 11:20 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.
Dec. 13, 2005: Security guards were called to several individuals having an argument in Somsen Hall at 8:30 p.m. The incidenty was referred to the university Affirmative Action office.
|
WSU prof pens eighth U.S.edition| WINONA, Minn., Dec. 11, 2005 -- A Winona State University masscom prof, John Vivian, wrote the eighth edition of his survey textbook, "The Media of Mass Communciation," for adoption at colleges in the fall. The publisher, Allyn & Bacon, will make advance copies available in April for consideration by faculty. Including editions for Canada, Chinese and India and updates, the book has been through 19 editions and is the most widely used college textbook in its field. |
|
| 
MASS MEDIA
TEXT
Fall
availability |
Who will run this time?WINONA, Minn., DEC. 11, 2005 -- These are the 2006 races that Winona campus people will watching:
| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
WSU 66, UW-River Falls 59 |
|
|
Warriors maintain undefeated streakWINONA, Minn., Dec. 11, 2005 -- The Winona State University womenÕs basketball team defeated the University of Wisconsin-River Falls 66-59 to remain undefeated. The Warriors led the nonconference game throughout the first half and never looked back until the Falcon junior Traci Reimann tied the game 25-all with less than five minutes left. The Falcons' lead didnÕt survive long. Winona sophomore guard/forward Kayleigh Lutz scored from outside the 3-point line just 12 seconds later. Warrior Leslie Ross made two free throws, which put Winona State on top at 35-21 at the half. Lutz started the second half with a basket from 3-point range. Falcon junior guard Krista Cordes kept her team fighting for the win by tying the game once again with only 3:51 left to play, but Lutz took it away with yet another 3-point shot. With less than two minutes left in the second half, RossÕ defensive skills stole Reimann's drive and gave the Warriors two more points with a layup. Ross insured the Warrior win by making two baskets from the free-throw line with just 10 seconds left.
The Warriors had four of five starters score in the double digits. Lutz led with 16. "My hard work is paying off," said Lutz in a post-game interview. Ross added 13 points. Freshman guard Liz Buttke chipped in 12. Dreshman guard Jamie Majerowicz gave 10. The lead Falcon scorer was Reimann with 16 points. Cordes followed with 15. "River Falls is a good team, but we worked really hard for this win," Lutz said.
Reporter: Holly larson
Background: Statistics
NEWS AND COMMENT
WINONA MEDIA WATCH |
THE MAYOR A CROOK?
POSING THE QUESTION DOES THE DAMAGE
Although the Post has lowered the shrill in its news coverage targeting Mayor Jerry Miller in recent months, the bi-weekly couldn't resist exploring whether the mayor was guilty of a conflict of interest in landing the contract to haul away debris from the City Hall remodeling. It was pure Post meanness, again. Editor Cynthia Porter photographed a debris pod with "Miller's" emblazoned four feet high on the sides and displayed the photo prominently atop Page 3. But it was a non-story. The remodeling contractor, Wapasha Construction, had subcontracted with Miller's company to haul away the debris. It's all perfectly legal, as Porter ended up reporting after leading readers through an exhausting, tedious examination of state statutes.
The real story is how much the coverage reveals about Post antagonism toward Miller, this time misusing the news columns for the diatribe. Here, it was setting up the classic "straw man" that any freshman in the first week of Logic 101 would catch. It's like asking Post publisher John Edstrom if he's a Communist or a pedophile or a first-class jerk, then after sullying his reputation with the question saying there is no evidence to suggest he is. The damage is done. So is Mayor Miller a crook? Whatever the answer, doubts will linger.
Porter's flimsy justification for the story, the news peg, as it's called, was "a host of calls to the Winona Post by people questioning conflict of interest." A host? Two? Two-hundred? It would make a difference. Porter never said.
|
|
Background: Why not go to the source?
Colleges warned on online hiringWASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2005 -- Colleges may be violating federal antidiscrimination laws by advertising job openings online, according to a letter issued by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission staff attorney Peggy Mastroinani. According to the letter, online recruiting and hiring may violate antidiscrimination laws if job-seekers could apply only on a webssite. Also, the letter said, there could be discrimination if the online materials could not be read by sight-impaired job seekers. Mastroianni noted that her interpretation does constgitute an offcial commission. She noted too a that the courts have not ruled on Internet-based hiring.
|
UNDER-AGE
BOOZERS
WHO GOT
CAUGHT
BEING
STUPID
DON'T
TELL
THEIR
MOTHERS
|
CAMPUS
SALARIES
Judith
Ramaley
WSU president
2006: $217,200
Louis
DeThomasis
SMU president
2001: $155,245
Jim Johnson
Tech president
2001:
$125,000
OTHER
SALARIES
|
The CyberIndee serves Winona State University masscom students as a reference resource and as a digest of campus news.
The CyberIndee enriches learning by providing audience feedback for students' creative work.
The CyberIndee reports Winona campus news for a global audience.
The CyberIndee offers information, entertainment and opinion geared to campus people.
The CyberIndee is financially independent of campus administrators and student politicians.
|
CYBERINDEE
PEOPLE
EDITOR
John Vivian
WEB DESIGNER
Matt Del
Vecchio
2005
CONTRIBUTORS
Heather Andersen
Elyse Anderson
Lauren Ashby
Jenn Baechle
Ruth Bailey
Tess Beckman
Meredith Bocian
Sarah Brechtl
Coral Brevig
Megan Butcher
Katie Carlson
Patrick Carney
Shelli Daniels
Don Danielson
Heidi Draskoci-Johnson
Lauren Elizondo
Erin Feger
Amanda Finley
Meghan Frain
Nate Green
Heather Howard
Emily Huppert
Ashley Johnson
Mark Johnson
Matt Kasper
Kim Kawecki
Dana Kelly
Courtney Kish
Amanda Knowles
Kathleen Kulkay
Holly Larson
Anne Ligocki
Emily Lueth
Chandler MacLean
Kristin Maloney
Will Marvelas
Katie Moses
Naomi Ndubi
Christine Nelson
Meghann Obieglo
Kai Oehler
Brian Olson
Jennifer Pachan
Alison Patnaude
Alison Paulseth
Shanthal Perera
Jon Rescheke
Sarah Ricci
Brittney Richmond
Michael Reis
Ryan Richardson
Teri Root
Maegen Satka
Megan Schroeder
Stacey Schuster
Dustin Sharstrom
Joel Shirek
Jamie Sires
Mollee Sheehan
Joel Shirek
Heather Stanek
Jason Staskus
Mike Stonelajke
Doug Sundin
Zack Stogenson
Matt Swanson
Scott Swanson
Kari Tohm
Chris Warrington
Julie Welscher
Megan Wiebers
Tom Wilder
Angela Wurst
Ashley Yoss
Andrea Zellmer
Kailyn Zilliox
EARLIER
CONTRIBUTORS
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