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Decision nears on WSU cafeteria vendorWINONA, Minn.,Jan. 31, 2006 -- The committee charged with selecting a cafeteria management contractor for Winona State University is set to recommend two finalists to university administrators Thursday. Four vendors have submitted proposals, including Aramark, a former Winona State vendor; Chartwells, the current vendor; Lancer Hospitality, and Sodexho. The Chartwells contract, now seven years old, expires June 30. The new contract will be for seven years with possible one-year extensions that could lengthen the deal to 10 years.
John Ferden, the university executive in charge of food service, said that committee members have visited four campuses to see first-hand what services the vendors provide. Ferden called the proposals very good: "They could all do the job. It is very close." Aramark has contracts at Bemidji State and the University of Minnesota; Lancer at Inver Hills and Maple Grove community colleges and Anoka Technical College; and Sodexho at Minnesota State-Moorhead Augsburg, and Concordia. Minnesota State-Mankato recently entered into a contract with Sodexho, which beat out Chartwells.
The six residential universities in the state MnSCU system are on the same contract cycle, with their food service contracts all expiring at the same time. The 23-person Winona State committee is made up of 10 staff members, seven student senators, and six members of the dorm council.
Reporter: Chad Larimer
No Yellowcard at WSU; Switchfoot maybeWINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2006 -- The punk quintet Yellowcard won't be performing at Winona State University. The UPAC student amusements committe, which offered $50,000 for a Yellowcard concert, had the offer turned down by the upward-moving group. Now, said the committee's Mike Paul, a bid last has been placed for Switchfoot, known for Christian themes, to rock campus on April 22. The bid for Switchfoot was about $40,000, Paul said: "That's $10,000 cheaper than we originally intended to pay." Whether Switchfoot accepst will be announced next Tuesday, Paul said. "If we can't get Switchfoot, we start over from scratch," he said. Noting that jockeying and negotiating is a complex process with vagaries galore, Paul said: "This happens every year."
Switchfoot was ranked the favorite among bands that students would like to see on campus. Eight-hunrdred students participated in a surveyed on UPAC's website last fall.
Tickets for the spring concert will be sold to students only for one week before being available to the public, said student activities Director Joe Reed, who handles concert details. His goal, Reed said, is to sell at least 3,000 tickets to student.
Reporter: Lydia Oglesby
Background: Word due on $50,000 Yellowcard bid |
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SWITCH-
FOOT
In lieu of Yellow-
card? |
WSU prof to share wildlife reportWINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2006 -- A Winona State University sociologist, Brian Aldrich, will speak on campus on his sabbatical project on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges and Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Aldrich has edited "Road Trip," a book on the project.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 1
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Second floor, Krueger Library
Cost: Free |
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BRIAN
ALDRICH
Sabbatical project |
Bush's "competitiveness initative" details dueWASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2006 -- In his State of the Union address, President Bush made scant references to higher educationn but proposed something he dubbed "The American Competitiveness Initiative." The proposal includes spending billions of dollars over the next decade on basic science research and on mathematics and science education. Details will be in Bush;s his budget request to Congress, which is due Monday, said White House sources. Most of the funds, sources said, would go to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Office of Science, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The president's speech included initiatives for elementary and secondary schools, some of which would benefit colleges indirectly. These included funds for training more teachers in math and science The speech focused mostly on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Winbush decided in December to retireWINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2006 -- The Winona State vice president of student affairs and facilities, Cal Winbush, whose retirement was annouced Monday, said that he had considered retiring last year but decided to push himself another year to help new university President Judith Ramaley's transition into office. Winbush said that he had informed Ramaley of his decision to retire just before Christmas. She made the announcement on Monday. The excitement of working with the Ramaley as a new president had spurred him on for another year, Winbush said. About his part-time consulting role to the university in retirement, Winbush said he looks forward to continuing to work with Ramaley. Asked about a national search for his successor, Winbush chuckled: "Well, I'm still here.Ó His retirement is effective at the end of the spring semester.
Reporter: Shanthal Perera
Background: Another WSU vice president departing
| INCIDENT AT 560 E. BROADWAY |
$2,000-plus later, King case closedWINONA, Minn., Jan. 30, 2006 -- A noisy party complaint that escalated into a police stand-off in October has ended up costing Winona State University football player Kenny King more than $2,000 in criminal fines. Although some other cases from that night are yet to be resolved, including charges against King's housemate, Alex White, the King case is closed. In a court hearing Jan. 20, King pleaded guilty to showing police an invalid Florida driver's license at the party, for which he was fined $127. King, 22, also pleaded guilty to possession of more than one beer keg, a violation of a city ordinance, and was fined $277. A charge for possessing anj unregistered keg was dismissed. To a noise ordinance violation, he was fined $277. Also, King was sentenced to 15 days in the county jail and unsupervised probation for one year.
Some of the charges were separate from the party. Then, too, there were warrants for King from St. Louis County, Minn., for missed court appearances on several motoring violations. His bail bond for the warrants was $1,500.
King's problems came crashing together during the early morning hours of Oct. 28, when Winona police, responding to a noise complaint, approached the house he shared with fellow football player Alex White, 20, at 560 E. Broadway. Police knocked at the door and King answered. Polcie said that King told them that he would go in and get his identification and get the other renter of the house. He went back inside the house and locked the door. Officers called in re-inforcements. About 100 Winona Satte partiers were locked inside, according to police. Four hours later, after police rousted a judge from bed to sign a search warrant, officers gained admittance. Besides King and White, 21 partiers were cited, mostly for underage drinking. |
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| KENNY KING
ALEX WHITE
Housemates, teammates |
Reporter: Marissa Block
Background: Police: Keg limit has reshaped partying
Background: Data defy racism charge in party bust
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
Another WSU vice president departingWINONA, Minn., Jan. 30, 2006-- The retirement of the Winona State student affairs vice president, Cal Winbush, was announced by university Presdient Judith Ramaley -- the third vice presidential departure since she took over as president in July. Ramaley said that Winbush, who has been at the university off and on for 27 years, will retire in June but continue as a special project adviser. Ramaley described Winbush's continuing responsibilities vaguely as developing plans for the main and west campuses in cooperation with the city. Winbush also has worn a second hat in recent years as vice preident for campus facilities. She was not specific about an interim successor in either position or on initating searches to fill the vacancies.
Winbush began at Winona State in 1978 as a student counselor. Said Ramaley: "I am grateful for his leadership in helping to make us a community of learners improving our world." She said she was grateful for continued access to "Winbush's wisdom and experience" in his retirement.
Ramaley made no reference to a national search for a successor, which is typical for university executive vacancies. Meanwhile, a search is in progress for an academic affairs vice president to succeed Steve Richardson, who went into other duties in September and is applying for an executive position elsewhere. There is no search under way to replace technology Vice President Joe Whetstone, whom Ramaley fired in September, although at the time she promised a search. Of the four vice presidents whom Ramaley inherited from former President Darrell Krueger, only Jim Schmidt, who is charge of fund-raising and public relations, remains.
Winbush's time at Winona State was interrupted when he took a position at IBM in Rochester, Minn. His responsibiliites at Winona State included director of cultural diverity and dean of students. |
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CAL
WINBUSH
Student affairs vice persident |
WSU wants East Lake parking feeWINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2006-- Students at Winona State University may face an annual parking fee of $25 at East Lake dorm parking lot. Currently East Lake students park for free with the university absorbing the maintenance costs, but campus parking czar Shirley Mounce said the arrangement is unfair because other students, in effect, are soaking up the East Lake costs. Most students pay $125 for on-campus parking," Mounce said: "Twenty-five dolars for parking at the apartments doesn't even compare." The proposed fee would help pay for parking tags, student help, and administrative costs, Mounce said.
Mounce appeared before the Student Senate to seek endorsment for the East Lake fee. Treasurer Laura Berens voiced her concern about Mounce's practice of overselling parking lots and asked what happens when the lot is full. Mounce said this has not been a problem. She said that pproximately 300 students out of the 370 living at East Lake have the current free permits. The Senate voted 23-6 to postpone a decision.
Reporter: Jenica Matzek
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING JAN. 29, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Rebecca Elizabeth Baron, 19, Rapid River, Mich., $$177.
Nicholas Arnold Konze, 20, 168 E. Howard, $777
Michael RObert Ostrander, 19, Burchwood, Wis., $177.
Brent Lee Williams, 20, 5117 W. King, $65.
Nicholas James Zeisel, 20, Minnesota City, Minn., $177.
LOUD PARTY
Syeda Nargis Batool, 20, 627 Grand St., $177.
Heather Ann Haugen, 20, 627 Grand St., $177.
Krista Joanne Isley, 20, 627 Grand St., $177
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| AFTERMATH OF A HORRIBLE NIGHT |
Teen-age driver reported to be "coping"WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2006 -- The teen-ager accused of drunken driving in the accident that seriously injured two Winona State University coaches is coping, her mother said. "It's been hard for us," said Carol Appelwick in a telephone interview. On behalf of her daughter, Katelyn, 18, Carol Appelwick declined a request for an interview with her daughter. She said she didn't think Katelyn would like her talking about the case and wanted to respect her daughter's wishes. In the accident, which occurred at 12:30 a.m., Dec. 28, Winona State football coach Tom Sawyer and volleyball coach Connie Mettille were seriously injured. Appelwick, whom police say plowed into the Sawyer car at an intersection, was unhurt.
Said Katelyn's mother: "It's been hard for her because she knew Connie and respected her." Katelyn, a student at Cotter High School, had participated in
Junior Olympics volleyball that Mettille had coached. In the telephone interview Carol Appelwick said that she read in a newspaper that Mettille had been released from the hospital, "That's good news that she's recovering," she said.
Last week Sawyer, who suffered broken ribs, a ruptured spleen and bruises to his lungs, intestines and a hip, returned to his office. Mettille, after three weeks in the hospital with head injuries, returned home to continue her recovery. "IÕm feeling better every day, Mettille said in a telephone interview, her voice sounding cheery.
Appelwick, meanwhile, faces her next court hearing at 10:30 a.m., March 9. |
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KATELYN
APPELWICK
Offered police full details |
Reporter: Megan Buesgens
Background: Injury update: WSU coach back in saddle
 | BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
SMU 81, Concordia 60 |
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| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
Concordia 60, SMUv 41 |
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Winshield smashed in party aftermath?WINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- A Winona State University student found her car windshield smashed near 423 W. Seventh St., apparently with an empty beer bottle, police said. Dorphy said there had been a party near her house the night before. An empty beer bottle found near the vehicle, police said.
Reporter: Joel Shirek
| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
Macalester 60, SMU 41 |
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Terroristic charges face SMU concert-basherWINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- A 20-year-old Baraboo, Wis., man, drunk out of his mind, was arrested after threatening police who had been called to a concert on St. Mary's University. The man threatened first to shoot one officer and then to harm the family of another officer, said Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams. The man's blood alcohol content was tested at 0.25 percent, more than three times the legal limit to be considered drunk, William said. The was treated at the hospital for banging his head on a squad car, then sent out of town for detoxification, William said. The disturbance was repored about 9:30 p.m.
 | BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
Southwest Missouri State 190.825, WSU 180.125, WSU |
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Warriors beaten by Southeast MissouriCAPE GIRARDEAU, M., Jan. 28, 2006 -- Winona State University lost a gymnastics match 190.825 to 180.125 to Division I Southwest Missouri State. Warrior Melissa Vodvarka placed third in the all-around with a personal best of 35.950. Vodvarka's effort included personal best on the balance beam with a 9.400. In individual events teammate Alexandra Nugent scored with a personal best of 9.350 to take third on the floor exercise.
Statistics">
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
WSU (2nd) |
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Warriors second at UW-WhitewaterWHITEWATER, Wis., Jan. 28, 2006 -- A couple of first-place finishes, including a school record, led Winona State University to a second place in the UW-Whitewater track and field invitational. Liz Bauman won the shot put with a toss of 39-1 1/4. Emily King came up with a school-record effort in the weight toss with a distance of 56-feet, 3-and-a-half-inches. In all the Warriors came up with 108 points.
Landlord survey hits criticism, snagsWINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- The student-sponsored Rate Your Landlord project at Winona State University has critics who don't want to see the results published. Steve Scharlau, a landlord, said fairness is an issue: "I can see the benefit of identifying the good and the problematic property owners, but the issue lies in how it can be done fairly." Scharlau said the survey lends itself to bias and unfair opinions being put out to the public. Student tenants, for example, aren't always aware of improvements that a landlord has in progress, he said. He said that some landlord concerns have been brought to the attention of students who set up the survey and that thoise concerns have not yet been addressed "It was easy to gather a whole bunch of opinions, but the way that information is used will be a dangerous venture for whoever decides to put it out there," said Scharlau.
Scharlau isn't the only concerned landlord. In late November Kevin Brady, co-chair of the Winona Housing Association, contacted sophomore Sen. Jared Stene, who had spearheaded the survey project, with questions and issues about how the survey would be conducted and released.
Aware that Stene has hit some legal issues, Scharlau said he believed the project is dead and the results probably will never be published. Hearing that, Stene said: "I can guarantee you that itÕs not dead." Stene has consulted an attorney who offers information to individua students on landlord issues, and has asked Tess Kruger, a universtory attorney, for legal advice. Said Stene: "I really can't say too much about it right now, but we are trying to work out a few issues before we can put the information out there." Stene described the obstacles as "trying to find the best way to publish the final results as far as addressing some technical concerns." He expects the results lto be out late this spring.
So far 486 students have rated landlord on a website survey. "The top two concerns with landlords expressed by students who responded to this survey are landlords visiting properties unannounced to their tenants and landlords not responding with repairs in a timely matter," said Stene. Stene said he believes both sides can benefit from the survey. The overwhelming initial response from students is that there is a need for a project like this, Stene said. "Students can benefit by preparing themselves on what is out there in regards to living off campus for the first time," said Stene. "Favorable landlords can benefit from the recognition of the tenants and landlords who receive a less than desirable rating now have specific reasons to improve their business and address needs better."
Reporter: Mike Palony
Background: Student project: Your landlord sucks? Tell us">
Background: Response fast, large to WSU landlord survey
Social work prof discusses globalizationWINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- A Winona State University social-work prof, Cathleen Jo Faruque, Social Work, presented a session, "Globalization of Social Work," at the University of Dhaka Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Bangladesh.
WSU pedestrians escape injuryWINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- Two Winona State University students were struck by a car while alighting from a city bus between Seventh and Eighth streets early Saturday. Brieta Bejin and Brandon Bennett were examined by an emergency medical crew and signed off that they didn't need to go to the hospital, said Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams. They had walked directly into the path of a care driven by Winona State sophomore Coltt Ullom, Williams said. Ullom knew both Brandon and Brieta well as pizza-delivery drivers for ZaZa's. "I was coming back on Huff Street from my last delivery and was driving around 30 mph," said Ullom. "I had just came out of the stop light on Broadway and was accelerating and didn't see them until the last second and swerved to try and miss but just barely hit them." Ullom said the two hit his passenger side she he swerved towards the center line. "I lost my passenger side mirror and my front license plate but other than that nothing happen to my car," he said. "I have talked to Brieta since then, and she is fine. So is Brandon. The only visible thing from the accident was that Brieta had a black eye from hitting the pavement." No tickets were issued. The accident happened about 1:30 a.m.
Reporter: Megan Buesgens
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
WSU 80, Concordia of St. Paul 64 |
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WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING JAN. 28, 2006
Jan. 28, 2006: At 7:30 a.m. the technology office reported a TPS 4500 touch panel had been removed from a room in the Phelps classroom building between 1 p.m., Jan. 27, and to 7:30 a.m., Jan. 28.
Jan. 28, 2006: Security guards responded to a trouble alarm in Somsen Hall at 2:50 a.m. The building checked OK.
Jan. 28, 2006: On 1/28/06 at 1:51 a.m. Security guards found srudent who was highly drunk. Police took the student to the hospital.
Jan. 28, 2006: Security guards received a complaint concerning alcohol at East Lake dorm at 1:15 a.m.
Jan. 27, 2006: Several students were cited for an alcohol violation in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 8:37 p.m.
Jan. 27, 2006: Someone discharged a fire extinguisher causing the alarm to activate in tyhe Marie dorm at 12:19 a.m.
Jan. 22, 2006: Police requested help from security guards for a medical matter at the Lourdes dorm at 3:10 a.m.
Jan. 25, 2006: Security guards responded to an alarm inside the Minne classroom building at 4:06 a.m. Nothing was found.
Jan. 24, 2006: A student reported at 1:05 p.m. that his backpack was taken from outside the Lourdes dorm cafeteria. A laptop along with other personal items was inside the backpack.
Jan. 23, 2006:Security guards assisted with a medical situation at Gildemeister classroom building at 8:55 a.m.
Jan. 22, 2006: A student suffered an injury to an ankle in the Quad dorm courtyard at 12:35 a.m. An emergency medical team was notified. The student was taken to the hospital.
Jan. 21, 2006: A dorm supervisor requested assistance in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 9 p.m. concerning a possible drug violation. A student was cited for a drug violation.
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| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
Concordia of St. Paul 76, WSU 65 |
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| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
Macalester 66, SMU 56 |
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| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
SMU 43, Macalester 37 |
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| HOCKEY (MEN'S)
SMU 7, Concordia 2 |
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R.I.P.: Dorothy C. (Soller) BoettcherLACRESCENT, Minn., Jan. 28, 2006 -- A Winona State University grad, Dorothy Boettcher, who began teaching in a one-room school, died at a nursing home. She was 86. She retired in 1987 from the LaCrescent schools.
| HOCKEY (MEN'S)
SMU 2, Concordia 1 |
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Passenger injured in rear-end smash-upWINONA, Minn., Jan, 27, 2006 -- A three car accident at Ninth and Mankato injured a passenger in one of the vehicles -- Stewart Britson, 18, who was taken to the hospital for back and neck pains. The drivers included James Martin, 43 Winona; Justin Mundt, 17, a freshman at Winona State University, originally from Youdika, Minn.; and Sheila Johnson, 33, Winona. All drivers were heading south on Mankato at 2:176 p.m., police said.
Reporter: Noelle Snow
WSU prof eco-links in RussiaWINONA, Minn., Jan. 27, 2006 -- A Winona State professor would like to affiliate Winona State with the Kaliningrad University in Russia. Michael Delong, of the biology faculty, returned from a trip to Kaliningrad with hopes of establishing some collaborative travel study opportunities. Delong said the Kaliningrad areas has wildlife and natural resources worthy of study by Winona State students. Both Winona and Kaliningrad are ideal assets for the ecotourism industry, he said. Also, he said, the Kaliningrad is abundant in all the culture and history that any college could ask for in a potential affiliation.
Delong was in Kaliningrad for the German and Russian Ecology Days, which focused on the development of ecotourism in the Kaliningrad area. Withj scientists from other countries, Delong toured the Kaliningrad area, which is separated from the main portion of Russia by the Lithuania and Belarus. This city itself, population 3 million-plus, recently celebrated its 750th anniversary. Delong called the city an interesting blend German and Russian architecture but that "dark and boring" Russian buildings have been dominant sine the Stalin era.
Reporter: Mark Chryst
Background: Bio prof looks at post-Soviet Kaliningrad |
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MIKE
DELONG
WSU prof |
| HOCKEY (MEN'S)
SMU 7, Concordia 0 |
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| HOCKEY (WOMEN'S)
SMU 2, Concordia 0 |
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Swing Era jazz concert at WSUWINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2006 -- The 18-piece Winona State University Jazz Ensemble will play Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton,and Woody Herman at an annual ballroom dance fundraiser. Music prof Rich MacDonald said that proceeds will go to an nesemble tour of high schools and a performance at the Elmhurst College jazz festival in Chicago.
Plan: Give students 2nd chance for merit aidLANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 200 -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, wants to open the state merit-scholarship program to students who lagged on high-school standardized tests but who make it up in college. Granholm, a Democrat, Students who made 2.5 grand-point averages in their first two years of college would receive $4,000 merit scholarships. The merit award is now available only to students who perform well on the statewide standardized test in high school.
COMMENT
WAR IN IRAQ
This inlikely, motley crew got it right early:
The Dixie ChicksJacques ChiracScott Ritter |
Study: Most top college coaches whiteORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2006 -- White men hold the most powerful jobs in college athletics, situation normal, according to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, at the University of Central Florida. The report found that nearly 90 percent of Division I-A coaches those positions in the latest study are still held by white men and women. Minority candidates have not been hired because few college presidents, athletics directors and faculty athletics representatives are from minority groups, according to the study.
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
SMU 84, Augsburg 71 |
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Mozart chamber concert at WSUWINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2006 -- The group Chamber Music Winona will mark Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 250th birthday in a concert directed by Winona State prof Donald Lovejoy at the university. On the program: Menuetto con variazioni in F on a Theme from Mozart's "Don Giovann," and Concertino for Piano and Winds by Joseph Triebensee, and Serenade in C Minor K388 by Mozart. The piano soloist will be Winona State prof Eric Brisson.
Date: Sunday, Jan. 29
Time: 2 p.m.
Place: Recital Hall of the WSU Performing Arts Center
Cost: $3 to $5 |
Students wants punitive drug dataWASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2006 -- A drug-reform advocacy group accused the U.S. Education Department of hiding numbers on how many college students have been denied federal financial aid because they have been convicted of drug offenses. In a lawsuit, Students for Sensible Drug Policy said the government has refused to provide a state-by-state breakdown of the 175,000 students have have lost aid since 2000, when the agency began enforcing a law that bars grants for anyone with an illicit drugs conviction. The student group has been seeking the breakdown for 14 months. The Education Department has agreed to provide the data but only for a $4,100 processing fee. The lawsuit called the fee unreasonable. The group said that Bush administration wants to prevent the group from gaining access to data that could be used to fight the existing policy. Said Scarlett Swerdlow, the association's executive director: "It is no big surprise that the government is afraid to reveal the true impact of its punitive drug-war policies."
High school one-act plays at WSUWINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2006 -- The Minnesota State High School League's annual regional One-Act Play Festival wilol be at Winona State University. The winner of the all-day competition continues to the state final competition Feb. 10 at the College of Saint Catherine in St. Paul.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 28
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Main Stage, Performing Arts Center
Cost: Free |
Bush challenged on excluding Islam scholar WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2006 -- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit that contends the Bush Administration abused its authority under the anti-terrorism Patriot Act to deny a visa to a prominent Isloamic studies prof and perhaps others. The suit claimed that the government banned foreign scholar Tariq Ramadan solely because the Bush administration disapproved of his political views. Ramadan, who is Swiss, was denied a visa in 2004 and thus was prevented him from joining the University of Notre Dame faculy. The Department of Homeland Security explained at the time that the Patriot Act allows the government to deny a visa to anyone whom it believes "endorses or espouses terrorist activity" or "persuades others" to do so. The ACLU wants the so-called "ideological exclusion" provision of the Patriot Act dropped as unconstitutional. Ramadan has repeatedly condemned terrorism in public statements. Since 2005, in fact, he has been part of a British government panel examining the roots of extremism in Britain.
| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
SMU 52, Augsburg 41 |
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WSU plans 4% room-board hikeWINONA, Minn., Jan. 25, 2006 -- Winona State has deferred more than $42 million in dorm maintenance costs and it's time to start catching up, the director of Winona State University's revenue-generating activities told the Student Senate. Ferden asked senators to support a 4 percent increase in room and baord for the next six years. The Senate voted to postpone a vote on Ferden's proposal for one week. The Ferden increase would take the cost for a main campus dorm room to nearly $7,000 a year. According to Ferden, half of the $42 million in deferred maintenacne is at the Lourdes dorm. "Lourdes hall is an old building," said Ferden. "Repairs need to be made." The Quad dorm complex is behind $12 million in repairs and maintenance although that's a lesser priority, Ferden said. The Quad buldings are due to be razed and replaced.
Meanwhile, a 9 percent tuition hike, putting tuition and fees above $6,900 has been approved by state trustees
Reporter: Joel Shirek
Background: Trustees rubber-stamp 9% WSU tuition hike
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING JAN. 28, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Rebecca Elizabeth Baron, 19, Rapid River, Mich., $177.
Hans Peder Fredickson, 18, Burnsville, Minn., $277.
Matthew Carl Landsom, 21, 476 Main St., $277.
Michael Robert Ostrander, 19, Birchwood, Wis., $177.
Jessica Jo Torres, 20, 369 W. Fifth, $277.
Brent Lee Williams, 20, 5117 W. King, $65.
Nicholas James Zeisel, 20, Minnesota City, Minn., $177.
LOUD PARTY
Aaron Paul Rykhus, 21, 226 Kansas, $177.
Nicholas Alan Freeitag, 24, 226 Kansas, $177.
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Illinois governor proposes lure for gradesSPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 25, 2006 -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich proposed a $1,000 tuition tax credit to families of in-state college freshmen or sophomores who average Bs or better. Blagojevich a Democrat, estimated 150,000 families would be eligible.
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
SMU 84, Augsburg 71 |
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R.I.P.: Roger H. FritzSTOCKTON, Minn., Jan. 25, 2006 -- A Winona Vocational School grad, Roger Fritz, 66, of Stockton, died in a traffic accident. He studied tool and die making and was retired from Peerless Chain.
| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
SMU 52, Augsburg 41 |
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Panel says yes to new Rochester universityROCHESTER, Minn., Jan. 25, 2006 -- The Rochester Higher Education Development Committee voted to approve the final draft of its final 48-page report recommending that the University of Minnesota create a new branch in Rochester. The approval was just hours before a formal presentation to Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The 11-member committee was established by the 2005 Legislature and was given $3.2 million to research Rochester's higher-ed needs and begin initial planning. Of the remaining funds, the committee decided to allocate $2.6 million to engineering, technology and health sciences programs and $350,000 to a business program. The report will be presented to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents on Feb. 10, which will vote on it March 10.
The proposal must also win approval from the state Legislature, which convenes March 1. The Legislature will be the proposal's biggest challenge, committee members have acknowledged. The committee expects the cost over 10 years to be $86 million in "new money," according to Chair Marilyn Stewart. "We know that funding is always tight," said Stewart. "But this is not about cost. This is about investment."
One question is whether the Legislature will view the university as worth state funding. The report outlines Rochester's "unique advantage," noting that the city is the state's third largest city with a population nearing 100,000 and is projected to grow 70 percent in the next 25 years. The report notes too that Mayo and IBM would be central components to the university's mission as a research-based institution. Studies cited in the report indicate that a research university is key in complementing these two economic drivers and thus stimulating the economy of Minnesota. This call for the missing piece of a super-fueled economic magnet has Rochester mouths watering. Supporters feel the new university is necessary not only to accommodate the rapidly growing city but also to keep Minnesota on the cutting edge of competition.
The recommendation is that the University of Minnesota move out of the existing University Center on the city's east end, which also houses Rochester Community and Technical College and programs offered by Winona State University. Stewart said that the existing higher-ed partnerships would continue. The new university would not intend to duplicate courses that are already offered, she said
If the proposal wins the support of the University of Minnesota regents and the Legislature, a new campus would be created. The recommendations did not sepcify a site although likely it would be downtown near Mayo. The committee is unsure about specific programs, capacities, student population and facility needs at this time.
Reporter: Elena Grimm
Background: Committee set to announce recommendations
| AFTERMATH OF A HORRIBLE NIGHT |
Injury update: WSU coach back in saddleWINONA, Minn., Jan. 25, 2005 -- Winona State University football coach Tom Sawyer returned to his office Tuesday after being hospitalized from a Dec. 28 car accident. Appearing well recovered and healthy, Sawyer said his return has been eventful while getting back into the swing of things.
In the month of Sawyer's absence, assistant coaches have overseen recruitment new players for fall. The staff has seen about 150 players interested in signing with Winona State next year, Sawyer said. He has not been able to attend the usual dinners with recruits but has personally met each of them. A final bunch of recruits is scheduled to visit campus before the Feb. 1 deadline for high school seniors to sign national letters on intent for their chosen college. Sawyer will be present this weekend when recruits are planned to visit. Of the 150 recruits, Winona hopes to sign with 30 of them. Sawyer said this is an average number of freshmen the team takes in each year.
Meanwhile, volleyball coach Connie Mettille, injured in the same accident, was released a week ago from Gundersen Lutheran hospital in LaCrosse, Wis., for further recovery at her home. Said Sawyer: "She is slowing making progress towards recovery." |
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| | TOM SAWYER
CONNIE METTILLE
Football coach
Volleyball coach |
Reporter: Kristen Elicerio
Background: Teen partiers ID'd in court documents
WSU launches search for academic chiefWINONA, Minn., Jan. 25, 2005 -- The nursing dean at Winona State, Tim Gaspar, has been told by university President Judith Ramaley to make the search for a new academic vice president for the university his No. 1 priority. Gaspar and education prof Jean Leicester are co-chairs of the search to replace Steve Richardson, who resigned after the start of fall classes. Business Dean Ken Gorman has been the interim vice president. The search committee, which first met Jan. 17, consists of faculty, professional staff, and students.
The members, besides Gaspar and Leicester, are:
Dawn Anderson, a health profMarzie Astani, a management information profCathy Faruque, a social work profBruce Svingen, a chemistry profDeb Bond, a Rochester computer lab assistantLori Beseler, associate registrarBarbara Oertel, advising and retention directorKay Pedretti, a biology lab supervisorTim Donahue, former Student Senate vice presidentDavid Gresham, acting technology vice presidentCecilia Rokusek, dean of education
Two committee vacancies have been left by resignations one by nursing prof Roberta Bumann from the Rochester campus. Student Mike Henke resigned after deciding to take the semester off.
Donahue, who holds of one of the two student slots on the committee, said he felt his input would be valuable because of his understanding of the position due to friendship with Richardson. Noting that the academic vice presidency is the second most important job at Winona State, Donahue said that selecting the right candidate is of great importance.
A website will soon be launched by the committee with a job description for the position, Gaspar said. The names of finalists will be posted eventually, he said. Gaspar said the committee is looking for a vice president who will complement the leadership style of university President Ramaley, who assumed office in July. Ramaley is pushing hard to have a new vice president in place for next academic year.
Gaspar admitted that the search is starting late but quoted consultant Elaine Hairston, of the company Academic Search, that the univeraity still will be able to attract strong candidates for the post and have a new vice president by September.
Meanwhile, the search for another search to replace technology Vice President Joe Whetstone is not yet off the ground. Ramaley fired Whetstone at the end of August and placed Dave Gresham in charge in the interim. Ramaley had promised a replacement would be in place by this coming fall.
Reporter: Shanthal Perera
Committee set to announce recommendationsROCHESTER, Minn., Jan. 25, 2006 -- After one year of research, testimony and deliberation, an 11-member Rochester Higher Education Committee is set to unveil its recommendations. The presentation was scheduled at 11 a.m. at the downtown Kahler Hotel. The recommendations include creating a new University of Minnesota-Rochester campus in the downtown area, according to sources. This South Bank campus would focus on the health sciences and technology fields in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and IBM, both rooted in Rochester. Supporters say the university is necessary to accommodate the rapid growth in Rochester, which is projected to grow 70 percent in the next 25 years. Said committee member Wendy Shannon: "Rochester is positioned to be a huge economic driver not only for the southeast region of the state but for the nation, but it's lacking a key element, and that's a university."
Reporter: Elena Grimm
Background: Cost issues delay Rochester report
Hutchinson officially joins race for governorMINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 25, 2006 -- Former Minneapolis school superintendent Peter Hutchinson announced his candidacy for governor under the Independence Party label. Hutchinson told about 1,100 supporters that he will campaign on what he called a fact -- that the state's political system is broken. Excessive partisanship has led to gridlock in the state's public policy processes, he said. "It's time to stand up and reclaim our politics," he said. Hutchinson said his campaign will focus on education, health care, transportation and the environment but not divisive social issues.
Background: Races campus people are watching
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How many students sexually harassed? 60%WASHINGTION, Jan. 25, 2006 -- Nearly two-thirds of college students, both women and men, have been sexually harassed in college, according to survey by the American Association of University Women's Educational Foundation. Of a sample of more than 2,000 students, 62 percent said they had experienced sunwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with their lives. Almost one-third reported being touched, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way. Almost the same proportions of men and women encountered sexual harassment, 61 percent of the men, 62 percent of women. Women, however, are more likely to have negative behavioral and emotional responses . Almost one-fifth of the who encountered sexual harassment said the experience led them to feel disappointed with their college experiences.
Iowa governor: Let's sale student loan agencyCOLUMBIA, Mo., Jan . 25, 2006 -- Gov. Matt Blunt proposed selling the state student-loan agency to create funds for other = projects. Blunt, a Reopublican estimated the sale would bring in $375 million to $425 million for scholarships, endowed professorships, and new buildings.
Apple creates iTunes UCUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 25, 2006 -- Apple Computer has a new iTunes college service. Any college will be allowed to customize a portion of the iTunes Music Store to distribute course content. The service, called iTunes U, will allow materials to be accessed by students using the free iTunes software. Colleges will be given software tools for profs to upload content to iTunes,. The files themselves will be stored on servers run by Apple, but college administrators will have control over who can see the files. Colleges will be able to integrate the system with their existing network software so that students can log into the iTunes store using their campus user IDs and passwords.
| BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
WSU 120, North Central 73 |
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Zellmann turns in WSU record 1,176 pointsWINONA, Minn., Jan. 24, 2006 -- Senior guard Dave Zellmann set a Winona State career record of 1,176 points in leading the Warriors to a landslide 120-73 men's basketball victory over North Central. Zellmann made the record with 11:31 left in the first half, putting the score at 30-18 for the Warriors. Zellmann was also the leading scorer with 22 points, 8 assists and 11 rebounds.
Sophomore John Smith made all of his 10 shots and one free throw to contribute to a phenomenal game. The Warriors had a 55 percent shooting accuracy to North Central's 37.8 percent. Overall the Warriors came up with a single-game record of 120 points, exceeding 118 points that had twice previously been scored by Winona State teams. For the season the Warriors are 15-4.
Reporter: Rachel Conrad
Statistics |
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| PHOTOGRAPHER: AMY VERGIN
MAGIC MOMENT
Zellman's record WSU career point |
Ex-Congressman Penny's wife diesWASECA, Minn., Jan. 24, 2006 -- The wife of Winona State University grad Tim Penny, who represented southern Minnesota in Congress for six terms, Barb Penny, died of cancer at age 51. She had been active in volunteer work, plus a job at an insurance agency, since Tim Penny decided against re-election t5o Congress after 12 years and returned to the family farm near Waseca. In an announcement Tuesday, the family said Barb Penny suffered pancreatic cancer. She died Monday night.
WSU's Nugent gymnast of weekMADISON, Wis., Jan. 24, 2006 --Winona State University freshman Alexandra Nugen was named Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference gymnast of the week. Nugent placed in the top two of three events in the Warriors recent conference win over Gustavus Adolphus. Nugent took first on the vault with a 9.250 and second on the balance beam with an 8.550 and the floor exercise with an 8.825.
O'Shea remains cultural diversity chair| WINONA, Minn., Jan. 24, 2006 -- Contrary to an item on the CyberIndee on Tuesday, Senior Sen. Rotney O'Shea did not resign as chair of the Cultural Diversity Committee of the Winona State University Student Senate. O'Shea remains committee chair. O'Shea, however, did step down from the Internal Affairs Committee of the Minnesota State Univeraity Student Association because he couldn't make it to any more conferences. |
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| CYBERINDE
FIXSophomore Sen. Jared Stene identified the error within 10 minutes of when the CyberIndee posted the item. The item was immedidately removed. |
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Students seek profs' help on textbook rentalsWINONA, Minn., Jan. 23, 2006 -- The student president at Winona State University, Ryan Flynn, asked for faculty volunteers to join the student Textbook Rental Task Force to study options for students to rent required books. The proposed textbook rental program would help offset the rising costs of textbooks by allowing students to rent books that are used over and over in basic level classes like math and science, Flynn told the Faculty Senate. The program would benefit both students and the university, Flynn said. "Students would be paying a cheaper price for books, and since the bookstore wouldn't have to keep buying books, the bookstore would have more funds," he said. The proposed program would only apply to courses that faculty members opted into, Flynn said. The Rochester campus could be included later, but initially the program would initially only be applied at the Winona campus, said.
This isn't the first effort made by the Student Senate to combat rising book prices. In 2004 former Senate President Dusty Finke created a website for book trading. Also, the Student Senate began the book loan program at the campus bookstore, which offers a loan of $300 to help students cover the cost of their books.
Reporter: Ruth DeFoster
Ohio plan: Tough college admissionCOLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2006 -- Gov. Bob Taft proposed rigorous new standards that would mean a high-school diploma would no longer be enough to get into the state's four-year universities. Taft, a Republican, wants the quality of an applicant's high school curriculum to be a prerequisite. Students wose high-school curriculum fell short would be limited to two-year colleges.
Sculptor wins WSU student art contestWINONA, Minn., Jan. 23, 2006 - A senior studying art education at Winona State, Ryan Corfits, won first place in the second annual juried ArtMuse exhibition at the university. Corfits' work, which carried no title, was a wall sculpture created with wood, metal and light. Other winners:
Brenda Barthel: Second place for "Winona Outskirts," a digitally manipulated photograph.Justin Henry: Third place for "Creation, " a pencil drawing.Skye Meyers: People's Choice Award for "Hope," an oil painting.Christopher Schmid: The Purchase Award for an untitled steel and aluminum sculpture.
Schmid's sculpture was purchased for Kryzsko Commons by the Student Union Director Joe Reed.
Background: Student exhibit ArtMuse at WSU |
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RYAN CORFITS
Untitled wall sculpture |
| GYMNASTICS (WOMEN'S)
WSU 172.6, UW-Oshkosh 165.8 |
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WSU scouring drought spells lossWINONA, Minn., Jan. 23, 2006 -- The Winona State University gymnastics team won against University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, making the Warriors 3-0 , with a score of 172.6 to 165.8. Alexander Nugent, from Winona State, placed first on vault with a score of 9.25. Teammate Melissa Vodvarka placed second on vault with a score of 9.050. On the uneven parallel bars, UW-Oshkosh gymnast Kelly Busacker took first, but Heidi Kick placed second for Winona State at 8.875. On the balance beam Winona State's Eileen Strub wowed the crowd with a standing back tuck followed by a back handspring layout used as her connection. Strube placed first with a 9.15. Nugent followed closely in second at 8.95. On the floor exercise Nugent came in first with an 8.85. Strube captured first place in all-around with a 34.925. Vodvarka was second with an 34.225. Ashley Norton was third at 33.875.
Reporter: Ashley Schultz
Statistics
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STUDENT UNION
ADDITION
Interior view |
WSU solarium construction running lateWINONA, Minn., Jan. 23, 2006 -- The Winona State University Kryzsko Commons solarium addition, originally to be completed in January, now is scheduled to be ready by summer, said campus officials. Contractor Schwab Co. were supposed to break ground at the end of May but did not start the project until August, in part because of a delay in state approval of the architectural plan as well as an unexpected budget increase. The university's student activities director, Joe Reed, said that cost projections went from $2.4 million and has currently risen to just under $2.8 million. Also, winter labor is more expensive, said Reed. The final construction will be worth the wait, Reed said.
Reporter: Carrie Frillman
Student speakers sought for WSU graduationWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- Auditions for Winona State University's spring commencement student speakers will be conducted in February, according to Lindsey Meyer, chair of the Student Senate academic affairs. "There are not really any guidelines," said Meyer. "I know that they like to keep it lighthearted and humors." Two student speakers will be selected, one for the morning ceremony and one for the afternoon. About 1,000 students are expected to be graduated. The December speaker, Sachin Padhye, suggests being general, recognizing that the speech is for all the graduates. "I did not want to be too specific," Padhye said. To prepare, Padhye said that he wrote down important points months before the audition. He edited down pages of notes to keep it under the seven-minute limit. Padhye was the only applicant for December.
The spring ceremonies will be May 6. Meyer said that her committee must present the chosen speakers to university President Judith Ramaley before March 10. Then the speakers will meet with Ramaley, Meyer and the commencement committee so they can get to know each other.
Usually potential speakers audition with funny stories that they have about all-night studying, partying or dorm life. "Keep it somewhat professional, though, because many families and friends are listening," Meyer said. The audience does not want to hear one personal experience after another. "Most speakers claim how they have learned more outside of the classroom," said Meyer.
Reporter: Susan Nicol
Word due Friday on $50,000 Yellowcard bidWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- Concert bookers should let Winona State event planners know by Friday whether punkers Yellowcard and Mae will play for the university's spring rock concert, said Kristin Schumacher, assistant student activities director. A bid of $50,000 went to Virgin College Mega Tour, whose acts include Yellowcard and Mae. If arrangements work out, Virgin also would provide a full day of activities and prize give-aways, Schumacher said. She said a web poll on the website of the University Programming Activities Committee, known as UPAC, found the acts Switchfoot, Yellowcard and Mae among the favorite, Schumacher said. The survey had 800 responses.
Reporter: Jenica Matzek
Background: WSU bids for Yellowcard |
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YELLOWCARD
$50,000 enough? If not, UPAC goes back to the drawing baord |
Prof speaks on advanced kindergartenWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- A retired Winona Satte University special-ed prof, delivered two presentations, "World-Class AL Kindergarten: The Fabulous Future of Young Children and Brain Stimulation is Research-Based SMART (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training)" and "Documenting Your AL Effectiveness: Preparing Success Stories for Publication," at the International Conference of the International Alliance for Learning in Alexandria, Va., in January.
Democrat candidate: National party meddlingMINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- National Democrats are trying to corrupt the party's nomination process in Minnesota, said U.S. Senate candidate Ford Bell. In a letter to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Bell demanded that the party's national leaders stay out of Minnesota's Democratic endorsement process.Ê Bell says the primary battle for the spot on the ballot is a fight for the Òsoul of the DFL Party." Ford said he was stunned to hear that the national party had declared that Patty Wetterling's withdrawal from the Senate race had left the field clear for Amy Klobuchar. "I was stunned and disappointed to see you use such a negative and bald intimidation tactic to try to clear the rest of the DFL field in the Minnesota Senate race," Bell said.Ê "As Democrats we both know that the strength of our party comes from the courage of our convictions, the integrity of our candidates, and our respect for the democratic process." He cautioned Schumer not to corrupt Minnesota's process."
Background: Wetterling quits Democratic Senate race
Background: Races campus people are watching
Sex requried for Florida health coverageGAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 22, 2006-- A new University of Florida policy eill extend health benefits to the unmarried partners of employees if the beneficiaries to sign an affidavit saying they are having sex with their partner. The Florida requires employees to swear that they and their partners "have been in a nonplatonic relationship for the preceding 12 months." University Vice President Kyle Cavanaugh said the "intent was to convey that the relationship went beyond simply being roommates."
Bio prof looks at post-Soviet KaliningradWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- A Winona State University biology prof, Mike Delong, will speak about "Perspectives on the Science, History and Culture of Kaliningrad, Russia." Delong said he will discuss the conflict between ecotourism and habitat rehabilitation after nearly 50 years of enviornmental abuse and denial during the Soviet era.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: 2nd floor, Library
Cost: Free |
Cost issues delay Rochester reportROCHESTER, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- The Rochester Higher Education Committee, which has been studying options for a new four-year university in Rochester, again has postponed issing its report. The committee now has set Wednesday as the date to unveil its recommendations. Reportedly the committee received bacik-channel guidance that its $156 million projection of funding needed from the state over 10 years wouldn't fly in St. Paul. The committee has been trying to pare the figure.
Background: Report: $156 million to start Rochester U
Can't ski without snowWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- St. Mary's University has canceled the 10-K cross country ski race that had been scheduled for Saturday on the trails behind the campus for a lack of snow. Athletic director Chris Kendall said the race will not be rescheduled. Winona has received only one-10th of an inch of snow so far this month, compared to 12 inches last year.
Background: SMU 10K nordic ski race set
 |  |  |  |  |  | FIRST
CHOICE
On 2006 Virgin Campus Tour |
WSU bids for Yellowcard concertWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- The punk-pop quintet Yellowcard has a bid from Winona State University for the annual spring campus mega-concert, adviser Kristin Schumacher of the student amusements committee said. Whether the band will accept and whether logistics will work remain variables, Schuacher said. The indie Mae is the usual opener she said. The spring concert, usually in April, often is a sell-out in the 3,500-capacity McCown gym. Earlier performers have included rapper Nelly and the groups Counting Crows, Guster, O.A.R. and Sugar Ray.
Reporter: Ruth DeFoster
College investments earning "decently"WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 -- College endowments earned decent returns, an average of 9.3 percent, in 2005, according to a survey by the National Association of College and University Business Officers. The investment income, however, was down from 15.1 percent the year before.
 | SAVE-A-LIFE
TOUR
Due at WSU
Feb. 9
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What's it like to drive drunk? WSU plans demoWINONA, Minn., Jan 22, 2006 -- The Winona State University student amusements committee is taking a sober tack by scheduling a nationally touring alcohol awareness event in February, said committe adviser Kristin Schumacher. She called the event particularly important in the aftermath of the car crash that injured varsity coaches Tom Sawyer and Connie Mettille, who were broadsided at 90 degrees by drunk teen-age driver. Schumacher described the event, the Save-a-Life Tour as a high-impact alcohol awareness program in which students experience firsthand the effects of alcohol on their driving skills by using state-of-the-art interactive driving simulators. A large truck-pulled trailer will be on campus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 9, Schuamcher said. An open casket to serve as a reminder of what can happen after driving drunk, Schumacher said. The Save-a-Life visit to Winona State will cost $5,350, which is partially funded through a Wal-mart grant, Schumacher said.
Reporter: Ruth DeFoster
Hatch calls for health coverage reformWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- Fewer college grads are finding jobs with health benefits, which is setting them up for family financial disasters early in their careers, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mike Hatch told supporters at a $50-a-plate fund-raiser. Hatch, who is attorney general, said a growing number of Minnesotans are without health insurance because high costs are forcing employers to skimp on traditional employee benefits. Hatch blamed the rising costs on insurance carriers that have driven up administrative fees. Forty-five percent of health care costs are for administration, he said. Hatch called for state pressure, particularly on insurance companies, to reduce paper-shuffling costs and lavish executive compensation so more employers can afford coverage for their employees.
Hatch targeted Allina, Blue Cross and Medica for excessive compensation to executives and "board members who don't do their job." The three companies, which provide 80 percent of the coverage in Minnesota, have set up reimbursement systems that have hurt the quality of health care, Hatch said. Clinics find no incentive to offer good mental health care, as an example, he said. "For mental health care you have to to go to Sioux Falls, Des Moines or Winnepeg." Fee structures, however, favor heart specialties -- and heart care is everywhere, he said. Redundant heart services divert resources from other areas.
Hatch said he has been frustrated as attorney general at the inattention of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty to health-care issues. State agencies under Pawlenty that should be fixing problems to help people aren't doing their job, he said. Agencies have not turned down a single rate increase coming from Allina, Blue Cross or Medica, he said. Hatch, who characterized hismelf a populist, said the governor has erected roadblocks to prevent him as attorney general from correcting wrongs in the system. Hatch also said that state agencies under Palwenty have ignored environmental abuses by major corporations in agiculture. He cited massive hog factories in Renville and Fillmore counties. Hatch said his attorney general staff has more odor-detectors in place than the Pawlenty environmental monitoring agency.
Hatch addressed 60 supporters Sunday evening at Lake Lodge.
Background: Hatch: State needs better governor
Background: Races campus people are watching |
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MIKE
HATCH
Attorney general
Hatch said that polls show him 4 points ahead of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, although he acknowledges the election still is nine months away.
"Pawlenty is a charming guy. People like him. They hate his policies. It was the same with Ronald Reagan -- a dangerous combination."
What about a runningmate? Hatch confirmed that he had discussed the lieutenant governorship with Patty Wetterling, who withdrew last week from the U.S. Senate race. "She is considering it," he said.
Hatch is the leader among four Democrats seeking the party endorsement to go against Pawlenty, who is the presumed Republican choice for a second term. |
Panel set on "Silent Spring" impactWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- A panel discussion of Rachel Carson's environmental classic, "Silent Spring" has been scheduled at Winona State Univerity. The panelists profs Bruno Borsari, Toby Dogwiler, Robin Richardson ab Ed Slowik and Sustain Winona member Martha Greenwald.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 31
Time: p.m.
Place: Science Lab Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: Vicki Englich at <507) 454-1215 |
Princeton receives record $101 million giftPRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 22, 2006 -- A Princeton alum, Peter Lewis, gave a $101 million to the university's creative and performing-arts programs. The gift, the largest in the university's history, signals " anew era in Princeton's commitment to the arts," the university said. Lewis, a 1955 grad, is chairman of the Progressive auto insurance company. Including earlier gitfs, he has donated more than $220 million to Princeton.
Students choose polysci prof as adviser| WINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- The Senate Senate voted unanimously for political science prof Yogesh Grover as the new Senate adviser. Senior Sen. Rotney O'Shea recommended Grover for "the good examples he sets in and out of class." Student President Ryn Flynn called Grover personable and easy to talk to. Contrary to its constitution the Senate has been operating with a faculty adviser. |
GROVER
YOGESH
Political scientist
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COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING JAN. 22, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Patrick Thomas O'Connor, 20, Plymouth, Minn., $$477.
Gregory Lee Stutz, 19, 70 Terrace Heighs, SMU, $177.
Megan Ellison Utley, 19, Buffalo, Minn., $177.
LOUD PARTY
Syeda Nargis Batool, 20, 627 Grand St., $177.
Heather Ann Haugen, 20, 627 Grand St., $177.
Krista Joanne Isley, 20, 627 Grand St., $177
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WSU offers p[ilot ground trainingWINONA, Minn., Jan. 22, 2006 -- An instrument ground school course for airplane piloting is being offered beginning this week by Winona State University at the airport. The course meets Friday nights and all Saturdays . for six weeks. Prof George Bolon, an FAA airline transport pilot, said the course, which carries college credit, is geared both for students aspiring to be pilots and for already-certified pilots who want to review their training and keep current. Registration:
Date: Friday, Jan. 27
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Baldwin Lounge, Kryzsko Commons
Cost: Not announced
Contact: (507) 457-5585 |
Study: College funding, quality not linkedWASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 -- Public colleges in states that spend a lot of money on higher education aren't necessarily better than colleges in states that provide meager support, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. In a study of colleges performance, including graduation and participation rates, the center found no correlation between funding and performance. Patrick Kelly, one of the report's authors, said that declining state higher-ed fundijng has resulterd in a "knee-jerk reaction" to increase tuition to make up tghe shortfall, but, he said, funding seems unrelated to quality. Kelly said he hopes that the report will not be used as an excuse to cut funds buit to seek ways to provide a quality education in an era of dwling state funding.
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING JAN. 21, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Gregory Lee Stutz, 19, 700 Terrace Heights, SMU, $177.
Megan Ellison Utley, 19, Buffalo, Minn.,, $177.
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The "real" Norville Rogers fesses upWINONA, Minn., Jan. 21, 2006 -- Former Student Sen. Mick Reis, an engaged, colorful character at Winona State University for two years, was the author of a controversial October letter signed with the fictious name Norville Rogers and published in the Daily News. The newspaper said it identified Reis, who now lives in Chicago, when he changed his telephone listing from Norville Rogers to his own name. Reis told the Daily News that the letter was an attempt at satire. The letter characterized college students as drunks, perverts and addicts who should be banned from living in the campus neighborhood. The letter was published Oct. 27 during the debate on City Council member Deb Salyards crusade for zoning ordinance to rid the Winona State neighorhood of more than half of the student renters. Reis told the Daily News he was surprised his satirical comments were taken seriously.
Reis, a brillant student who started college at 16, is a Winona native. He became heavily involved in campus issues right away and was elected to a College of Business seat on the Student Senate. Reis was a major opponent of the plan of former university President Darrell Krueger for a $1,000-a-year tuition surcharge and was instrumental in defeating the Krueger plan. He was a strong supporter of Ryan Flynn's successful bid for the student presidency. This fall, Reis transferred to DePaul University in Chicago after fulfilling a promise to his parents to first try college in his hometown. From DePaul he has kept track of Winona State news and continued writing opinion pieces for the CyberIndee under his own name.
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| MICK REIS
2004, 2005, 2006 portraits
Changing his telephone listing tripped up the former WSU student senator's nom d'plume
Caught, Reis in effect said: "'Twas I. 'Twas I. Can't you take a joke?" |
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Why the pseudonym Norville Rogers for the Daily News? He said he feared retaliation -- although he also said he didn't expect readers to miss his satorical intent. The letter slipped through the usual screening process of Jerome Christenson, who edits the Daily News editorial page. The letter was submitted by e-mail, with the message including a telephone number that indeed was listed as Norville Rogers. That satisfied Christenson, who, victim of a generation gap, didn't catch that Norville Rogers was the name of the character Shaggy in the "Scooby-Doo" television cartoon series.
The Norville Rogers letter appeared in the Daily News in late October. When it was reprinted on the CyberIndee it triggered an uproar from unamused campus people. Amjong the first to sense a spoof of some sort was journaslism student Alison Paulseth, who pressed Christenson on the source. Christenson vouched for the letter's autheticity, saying that it had come from Norville Rogers and that hje had the writer's address. Then, pressed further by an avalanche of skepticism in e-messages and letters, Christenson conceded he had not checked thoroughly enough and that the letter was a hoax. The hullabaloo became one of the top campus news stories of the year.
In his confession interview with the Daily News, Reis defended the point of his letter as as calling attention an anti-student bias in the community as embodied in the Salyards plan to reduce the amount of student housing near campus. Salyards, is her first Council term from the Winona State ward, had wanted "to recreat her ward withjout students on the basis that students are destroying the neighbhood," he said. It was the same point that Reis made a week before the Norville Rogers letter in another letter published in the Daily News. Signing that letter M. Egidius Reis, he argued that "no one has the rught to engineer a neighborhood to remove 'unsavory demographics.'"
Although surprised at the reaction to his Norville Rogers letter, Reis said the response was telling: "The fact that it was taken so seriously speaks to the truth that there is an undercurrent of anti-student sentiment to Winona."
Playing loose with names is not new with Reis. Christened Michelle, he became Mick at Winona State and eventually shifted to Michael. He was a leader in the campus Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Ally Partnership. Among his projects as a student senator was to convert the Tau Center into a dorm for cultural minorities, including students of various racial, ethnic and natural origins and sexual orientations. The project failed to attract sufficient suppport.
Background: Verbatim: The original letter
Background: Slam-the-students author a mystery
Background: Will Norville Rogers please stand up
Background: Leading 2005 campus news wrap-up
Google challenges "Big Brother" eavesdroppingMOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 21, 2006 -- The Internet company Google went to court to fight a subpoena to extend the federal government's surveillance of citizens to check the places they search on the Internet. Google, which operates the most-used Internet search engine, accused the government of trying to harass Internet users. The company also said that compliance with the new government iniative would be "unduly burdensom." The U.S. Justice Department had asked for information on millions of searches through Google to combat child pornography. Google resisted, prmpting the government to seek a subpoena for the information. America Online, Microsoft and Yahoo earlier complied with the government request and provided information on Internet searches through their servives.
Google's challenge to the new government policy broke open what had been a secret U.S. Justice Department plan for a broad-based amassing of data. responding to the Google suiit, U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales denied the project was for general eavesdropping or spying on citizens. "We are not asking for the identity of Americans," Gonzales said. He did not, however, explain how child-porn prosecutions could proceed with the information nless traffickers were indeed identified.
Citizen-rights groups sided with Google, calling the program another Bush Administration surveillance initative to discourage free inquiry and expression under the guise of serving another purpose. The administration already is under fire for Patriot Act provisions that allow the FBI to tap into bookstore customer and library patrom records to identify who is reading material of interests to terrorists. Also, Congressional hearings are scheduled in the wake of revelations of another secret government project to monitor citizen phone calls to other other countries, also for thwarting terrorism. |
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Google's corporate motto
DO NO EVIL |
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HOLLY
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KRISTIN
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CORAL
BREVIG | 
SHAN-
THAL
PERERA | 
FELICIA
ALEX-
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MAGGIE
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TOMORROW'S GREATEST BYLINES TODAY |
City creates wiggle room on rentals capWINONA, Minn., Jan. 21, 2006 -- The city Adjustment Board, which considers zoning issues, voted unanimously for a converted mansion to be certified as a rental property. The decision is the first exception to the controversial new Salyards Rule to start reducing the n number of rental units in the Winona State neighborhood. The old mansion, a seven-bedroom house at 358 W. Sanborn, is in a block that far exceeds the Salyards maximum of 30 percent rental units. The certification, in fact, increases the percentage of rentals in the 350 block of West Sanborn from 50 to 62 percent.
James Engbrecht, chair of the Adjustment Board, called the situation at 358 W. Sanborn a special circumstance. The house had been certified by the state as a foster home by owned Donna Kettner. When she moved out of town and turned te house into a rental property, she was told by a city agent that it need not be recertified by the city because it already was certified by the state, Engbrecht said. Then, he said, the property was caught up in a moratorium on rental licenses during the debate on 30 percent ceiling on rental units proposed by City Council member Deb Salyards.
Background:
City looks at rental-cap loophole
City caps campus-area rentals at 30%
Why mayor abstained on rental cap
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| City Council member Deb Salyards, from the 4th Ward, which includes the main Winona State University campus, crusaded for the city policy, adopted in December, to reduce rental units to a maximum of 30 percent per block.
Salyards' goal was to remake the campus neighborhood into more of a family residental district to reflect its historic heritage.
The Winona State Student Senate rigorously opposed the Salyards Rule as an anti-student initative that would force students to relocate further away from campus. |
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Who will run for Student Senate?WINONA, Minn., Jan. 21, 2006 -- This is the status of key contests in the Winona State University spring student elections:
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