2006 NEWS Feb. 15-28

VISITOMETER

LATEST NEWS AFTERMATH OF A HORRIBLE NIGHT Criminal charges stiffened against teen driver WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2006 -- The charges against a teenager who smashed her truck into another vehicle and seriously injured two Winona State University coaches have been jacked up because of new medical information on the injuries of one of the coaches. Originally Katelyn Appelwick as charged with causing "substantial bodily harm." Now the charge is causing "great bodily harm," which carries severer penalties. At issue are injuries to Winona State volleyball coach Connie Mettille. New medical reports show Mettille suffered "a severe traumatic brain injury requiring trauma surgery." Friends say her short-term memory has been affected. Football coach Tom Sawyer, meanwhile, has largely recovered. The coaches were struck by the Appelwick truck, which police say failed to stop at Franklin and Mark streets. The accident happened in December. MORE Meanwhile, Appelwick's across-the-street neighbor in the upscale Oak Valley coulee, Benjamin Douglas Johnson, 18, has been charged with the felony of providing alcohol to a person under 21 resulting in great bodily harm. According to police, Applewick fingered Johnson the night of the crime as supplying her the bottle of flavored vodka for a party at 417 W. Sarnia St. Later that night night she ran the stop sign, police said. The criminal complaint against Johnsonsaid he acquyired the liquor from a woman, but she is not identified in the document. Background: Mom: Teen-age driver "coping" KATELYN APPELWICK Teen driver CONNIE METTILLE Faces brain surgery TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE UPCOMING EVENTS ST. MARY'S SOUTHEAST TECH WINONA STATE TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE No new Gateways or Dells at this college GLENDALE, Ariz., Feb. 28, 2006 -- Glendale Community College claims to have saved nearly $200,000 this year by building 775 computers and 13 servers rather than buying off-the-shelf units from vendors. K.C. Hundere, the college's information technology director, said the do-it-yourself program cut costs 25 percent. The campus computer repair shop did the custom assembly from components from lowest bidders. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) St.Olaf 4, SMU 2 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Peace Corps stories coming to WSU WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2006 -- A Winona State social work prof, John Collins, will discuss his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in the early 1960s in Ethiopia at the Athenaeum series at the university. Collins will be joined by Jason Wetzel, a recent grad who was a volunteer in Bolivia from 2003 to 2005. Also on the panel will be Brian Greene from the Minneapolis Peace Corps recruitng office. Date: Wednesday, March 1 Time: 1 p.m. Place: Second floor, library Cost: Free TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE River author to speak at WSU WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2006 -- Mississippi River historian John Anfinson will deliver a talk, "A Barge-Load of Books: Writing and the Mississippi," at Winona State University. Anfinson, a founding board member of Friends of the Mississippi River, is author of "The River We Have Wrought: A History of the Upper Mississippi," published by the University of Minnesota Press, and "River of History: A Historic Resources Study of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area." He contributed several essays to Charles Dee Sharp's "The Mississippi River in 1953: A Photographic Journey from the Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico." Date: Wednesday, March 1 Time: 7 p.m. Place: Science Auditorium Cost: Free Contact: (507) 457-2907 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Pennsylvania schools sued on speech issues PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Feb,. 28, 2006 -- A conservative, Christian legal-advocacy group, Alliance Defense Fund, filed suits on behalf two students, one against Pennsylvania State, the other against Temple University, alleging that campus "speech codes" violate their First Amendment rights. The suit on behalf of Penn State poliysci sophomore Alfred Fluehr contends that an "Orwellian speech-code policy" suppresses the discussion of controversial viewpoints. The complaint says too that the code is partly enforced by a reporting system that encourages students to inform on each other if they say or do anything "intolerant." The Temple suit claims that Christian DeJohn, a grad student in military and American history, was the victim of "retribution and retaliation" by profs Richard Immerman and Gregory Urwin, both after he objected to "antiwar e-mails" from Immerman and "diatribes" by Urwin against the U.S. military in Iraq Bush policides. DeJohn is a sergeant in the Pennsylvania National Guard. MORE A lawyer for Alliance Defense Fund, David French, said the goal of the suits is to "open up free speech for all students." At Penn State a spokesperson denied that the university has a speech code, saying the university vigorously protects the freedom of speech speech rights of all campus people. At Temple a spokesperson declined comment because of the pending litigation. One of the Temple defendants, Gregory Urwin, objected to being depicted as "some antimilitary wacko," noting his reputation as a military historian and participant in historical military re-enactments. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU president set to announce shake-up WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2006 -- A remake of Winona State University's administrative structure with at least one fewer vice president will be unveiled by President Judith Ramaley, sources said. Ramaley has been working at reorganizing top levels of her administration since she was appointed last spring. Gone, sources said, will be the technology vice president position. The $107,000-a-year posiiton has been vacant since August when, six weeks into her presidency, Ramaley fired Joe Whetstone. The technology vice presidency had been created by former President Darrell Krueger as part of his high-profile project to establish Winona State's reputation as a laptop university. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE No family, friends calling on jailed Minor WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2006 --The man accused in a downtown Winona bar stabbing, Jonathan Hanz Minor, has not been a discipline problem in custody at the Winona County jail, according to jail administrator Steve Buswell. In an interview, Buswell said that Minor, 21, has not caused any problems since he was booked Feb. 10. Minor had been arrested on Feb. 7 but was held at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., for a few days to stabilize his nearly amputated left pinky finger, which was injured during the stabbing. Minor wound up in the jail after he was unable to post $100,000 set back on Feb. 10. Meanwhile, bouncer Steve Adams of the Schyde's college bar, is recovering from repeated stab wounds in his lower back. MORE Buswell said Minor has shared the same cell with two other inmates. The cell is classified as a "medical unit with serious offenses." Minor's injury, which according to Buswell, remains bound by stitches. MORE According to Buswell, Minor has yet to receive any visitors other than his lawyer. Buswell said he was unaware of any family or friends calling on Minor. Family and friends are allowed two 20-minute visits every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Lawyers can visit at all times excluding lock-downs, meals and head counts. MORE Despite the lack of visitors, Buswell said Minor has received spending money from outside sources. An inmate credit system, or "canteen," allowed inmates to buy calling cards, junk food and toiletries. Buswell did not know particulars but said that Minor's canteen account has a balance. Inmates are not allocated canteen credit beyond cash in their possession when arrested and money wired in from the outside. Inmates do earn canteen credit through work or good behavior. MORE The jail currently houses around 30 inmates but can accommodate close to 70. There are seven cellblocks on the upper level, which houses serious offenders. Each cell on the upper level can hold three inmates, each cell with a shower and toilet. Inmates are allowed to shower whenever and as often as they like. Five guards patrol the upper level at all times. The inmates in the upper level are not allowed to interact, or leave their cells without an armed escort. MORE The lower level has 48 beds and five toilets and showerheads. There are no cells. Inmates share the communal space. One jailor guards the annex at all times. Buswell explained the security differences between the upper and lower levels with a schoolhouse analogy. The lower level is like a large classroom with one teacher, he saied. The teacher can see and hear everything and use firsthand observations to react accordingly. The upper level is like a hallway between rows ofcells. On the upper level teachers roam the hallways and react when something happens, usually without firsthand observations, he said. MORE All inmates follow the same schedule. Around 6:30 a.m. the inmates wake up and eat breakfast. Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., dinner between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Meals are catered by an outside vendor. Inmates eat in their cells. According to Buswell, there is not much activity in the jail between and after meals. MORE Self-help classes are offered periodically, with inmates accompanied to sessions by an armed guard. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including alcohol abuse and anger management. Buswell did not know what programs Minor had attended. Other than self-help programs and designated visitation hours, inmates are allowed periodic trips to the canteen shop. During lockdown, between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., inmates are locked in their cells. JON HANZ MINOR Accused in bar stabbing Reporter: Chandler MacLean Background: Stabbing court hearing resheduled TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE House burglar takes iBook, guitar WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2006 -- A Winona State student, Michael Thornton, reported an Apple iBook leased from the university and a Fender guitar were stolen in a break-in. Thornton valued the iBook at $2,000. He reported discovering the break-in, at 102 East Eighth St., at 2:44 a.m. Saturday. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE Ramaley shares thoughts on assessment WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2006 -- The president of Winona State University, Judith Ramaley, wrote a chapter, "Goals for Learning and Assessment: Why Do We Keep Trying to Reform Our Educational System?" in the book "Uses and Misuses of Data for Educational Accountability and Improvement: the 104th Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education." The book was edited by Joan Herman of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Edward Haertel of Stanford University. The yearbook was published by Blackwell. TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE WSU STUDENTS SEEK ANSWERS MIGHT CRANBERRIES HARBOR MIRACLES? WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2006 -- Students in three Winona State University classes are exploring whether cranberries might be a miracle to ease ailments as disparate as diabetes and achy muscles. So far, there are no conclusions. But vitamin-peddling companies, always looking for evidence to tout their products are interested. According to exercise and recreation prof Gary Kastello, people from Winona-based Watkins Inc. are pondering whether to develop a cranberry supplement pill have in contact about the students' research. Kastello's students, in a junior-level on movement science, are tetsing whether cranberry anti-oxidants can cut soreness after athletic activity. MORE Participants are given a cranberry drink or a placebo drink before a strenuous workout, not knowing which is which. Tests include blood samples, which are given to biology and chemistry students for study, questioning and physical tests of participants. MORE Students in a sophomore-level anatomy and physiology course taught by Ted Wilson are looking at the effects if cranberry ingestion on diabetes. Will regular cranberry doses, eikther in juice of a supplemen, help control glucose levels that run high in diabetics and can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.Students first compared glucose levels of fellow students who ingest store-bought regular calorie cranberry juice, low-calorie cranberry juice. Early idications are that full-fledged cranberry juice is beneficial for diabetics, Wilson said. The next step, he said, would be tests with diabetics, perhaps next year. The next round would be costly, he said. MORE Neither Watkins nor other outside companies are funding the Winona State cranberry projects. The projects have been funded with a $10,000 univerity grant under the L21 program that encourages hands-on studenty research and discussion. Reporter: Sam Molter TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE TENNIS (WOMEN'S) WSU 5, UW-Eau Claire 4 St. Scholastica 5, WSU 3 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE "Academic Rights" bill dead in South Dakota PIERRE, S.D., Feb. 26, 2006 -- The South Dakota Senate rejected a plan to require the public colleges to ensure intellectual diversity and the free exchange of an array of ideas on their campuses. The plan was defeated 18-15. The defeat was a setback for supporters of the so-called Academic Bill of Rights, whose backers claim left-wing professors dominate campus dialogue and use their classes for indoctrination. Although conservatives who back the Academic Bill of Rights are seeking legislative support nationwide for government-enforced diversity, no legislature has accepted the plan. In the South Dakota Senate, eight Republicans joined all 10 of the state's Democratic senators in opposition. The bill earlier passed the House 42-26. Background: Academic diversity bill makes SoDak progress TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) WSU 74, UM-Crookston 59 TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY POSTED FEB. 26, 2006 BYE, BYE, PUTNAM. The latest attempt at a stand-alone restaurant at Winona Mall, Putnam Gray's Pub & Grill, has closed. Long-time restaurater Fred Benning, who opened the place in 2005, said he never attracted the late crowd necessary to succeed. Benning, best known for Betty Jo Byloski's, which he operated at two sites, said he is leaving the restaurant business for good. EARLIER NEWS IN THE CITY TO EARLIER ITEMS TO TOP TO HOME TO NEWS ARCHIVE EARLIER NEWS IN THE CITY

BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) WSU 5, MSU-Moorhead 3 MSU-Moorhead 7, WSU 6

BASKETBALL (MEN'S) WSU 68, UM-Crookston 50

SOFTBALL (WOMEN'S) WSU 5, St. Cloud State 2 St. Cloud State 7, WSU 6

Forgery, drug-bust trials set for April

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2006 -- Separate trials for lesser charges against Paul Allen Gordon, who also is accused in the Sugar Loaf Apartments triple murder, have been scheduled by Judge Jeff Thompson. Gordon, 23, will be tried April 10 on charges of cocaine possession and threatening police with a toy gun. On April 12 Gordon will go on trial on charges that he pistol-whipped a drug customer who was late paying. The trials will be in Winona, as well as a trial of forgery charges. The date for the foregery trial has not been set. Nor has Thompson rules on particulars of the big case -- the murders of erstwhile Winona State University psychology student Stacy Smith, her unborn child, and her 10-year-old daughter. Gordon's attorneys have petitioned Thompson on a broad range of issues, including asking for dismissal of charges and exclusion of evidence. Thompson is also considering whether a fair trial can be held in Winona.

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Accused in Winona strangulation murders

BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) SMU 85, Bemidji State 67

SOFTBALL (WOMEN'S) WSU 12, UW-Superior 0 WSU 4, St. Cloud State 2

BASKETBALL (MEN'S) WSU 85, Bemidji State 67

Houston political vet readies state Senate bid

BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) Bemidji State 74, WSU 72

Prof: Danes, others should back off cartoons

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2006 -- The controversy over the recent cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad is a result of ethnocentrism and cross cultural perspectives, according to Winona State University communication prof Jin Xu. The controversial cartoons, which originated in a Danish newspaper, have since then caused widespread anger and violence among some Muslims. Xu said that the difference in cultures contributes to the difficulties for the different cultures to understand one another. Noting that many Muslim cultures don't value free speech, he said it's difficult for them to understand why Danes can speak freely. One of the cartoons featured a picture of Muhammad wearing a turban shaped like a bomb. MORE Xu pointed out that although the Danish newspaper that originated the cartoons as part of series was exercising free expression, the cartoons exploited common negative stereotypes that many Muslims resent. To make his pointy in an interview, Xu picked up a Newsweek magazine flipped to seven articles depicting Muslims in a negative way. Xu said that it's important for peple in non-Muslim cultires, including the Danes, to look at the cartoons from the Muslim perspective and realize how upset they would be if something they hold dear to them was depicted in such a negative way. MORE 3Xu said that to prevent escalation of the current crisis, one side needs to back down. He feels that the Danish newspaper should offer some sort of peace offering to the Muslims and that other newspapers should end any further reproduction of the cartoons.

JIN XU WSU communi- catiion prof ONE IN SERIES. This was among cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad were published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on Sept. 30, 2005. As the controversy has grown, the cartoons have been reprinted in newspapers in more than 50 other countries, leading to violent protests involving dozens of deaths, particularly in Islamic countries.

HOCKEY (MEN'S) SMU 3, Bethel 2

HOCKEY (WOMEN'S) SMU 5, Bethel 3

BASEBALL (MEN'S) Christian Brothers 9, SMU 6 Christian Brothers 6 SMU 5

Howard Street house escapes WSU net

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2006 -- Somebody was asleep at the switch at Winona State University when Wallace Voss put his Howard Street house up for sale. Although the house is in a targeted area for university acquisition, the university didn't make an offer. Now the house has been sold to somebody else. "We should have bought it if it was available," said Cal Winbush, the university vice president whose responsibilities include acquisitions. Winbush noted, however, that the Voss house, at 68 W. Howard St., is not in the university's primary target area. "The area along the railroad tracks is our highest priority right now," he said. The Winbush priority is the five-block Bellview Strip parallel to the tracks, for future dorms, parking and student-oriented retail shops. The Strip,just south of the tracks, extend east from Main Street to Franklin. MORE The university's master plan, which pushes the campus south all the way to Lake Winona, identifies different priorities for acquisition. The Voss house is in a block identified in the master plan to be "considered for acquisition on a case by case basis." The area is three-block by one-block area bounded by Sanborn, Mark, Main and Center streets identified as "existing residential and mixed use." MORE The university's acquisition policy is not to force sales or to use the state's power to confiscate property for public use. The policy is to wait for houses to come on the market. "If it is up for sale and within our target area, we will probably buy it," said Winbush. MORE Real-estate agent Tamara Graham, who represented Voss, said no one from Winona State called when the house went on the market. "No one from Winona State ever showed interest," Graham said. "I would not have been opposed to selling to the university." Graham herself is a recent Winona State grad. MORE The house, a modest yellow, ranch with an unattached one-car garage, was advertised in newspapers in January. An offer was accepted on Feb. 20, Graham said. The house, built in 1880, has two bedrooms and one bathroom. Voss has occupied the house for the last 13 years but, at age 89, he decided it was time to move closer to his family in the Twin Cities. He listed the house with Prudential Properties Plus for $85,900. The value of the accepted offer will not be available in public documents until after the deal closes, which is expected in a few days, Graham said. County assessor Stephen Hacken has pegged the value at $64,400.

MAIN STREET North from the railroad tracks at bottom, extracted here from the WSU master expansion plan The Voss house, 68 W. Howard St., is in the gray-tone area east of Main Street CAL WINBUSH "We should have bought it"

Prof: Naive not to foresee caricatures' impact

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 24, 2006 -- The issue with caricatures of the Muslim prophet Mohammad, which has sparked anti-Western rioting and death and destruction, is not only freedom of speech but also sensitivity, said Winona State University political science prof Ed Guernica. The drawings, which appeared in a Danish newspaper in September, were taunts, Guernica said: "The people publishing these had to know they were entitled to suffer some consequences." He believes that people in Muslim parts of the world, where the riots have occurred, would have responded differently had there not been the post-9/11 build-up of frustration at U.S. and Western responses to terrorism. "I have a feeling that the Muslims think the West and the United States are just picking on them," Guernica said, adding quickly that the frustrations, understandable though they may be, do not excuse the recent rioting. MORE Guernica calls the situation tragic for all. "I understand the reaction coming from this, but I don't really understand the violence that is going on," he said. He thinks it is terrible that people are killing and harassing others, which has worsened the situation. About the Danish newspaper that solicited the cartoons showing Mohammad, depictions of whom is considered blasphemousn by some Muslims, Guernica said: "People need to consider what they say and know it could be offensive."

ED GUERNICA WSU political scientist ONE IN SERIES. This was among cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad were published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on Sept. 30, 2005. As the controversy has grown, the cartoons have been reprinted in newspapers in more than 50 other countries, leading to violent protests involving dozens of deaths, particularly in Islamic countries.

WSU student skier rammed, bruised, cut

LA CROSSE, Wis., Feb. 24, 2006 -- Two Winona State University students were injured at Mount La Crosse when an out-of-control skier crashed into them as they waited at the bottom of an advanced run for their classmates to descend. Mark Chryst, a junior, was the more seriously hurt. He suffered a mild concussion, a black eye and face cuts. The Mount La Crosse ski patrol gave Chryst a brief hillside check, then pulled him on an emergency sled ride to an aide station for medical attention. A ski patrol dentist examined Chryst's teeth and recommended soft foods for a few days. The less-seriously injured student arrived at the aide station under his own power shortly after Chryst. MORE Chryst said the skier who lost control flew past classmates and crashed into him at top speed. Witnesses say that skier neither attempted to stop nor warned he was coming. Chryst went home to ALbert Lea, Minn., to recover.

MARK CHRYST On soft foods for awhile

SOMBER THOUGH TONGUES IN CHEEKS Student Sen. DJ Danielson, far left, prepares to officiate at mock last rites at WSU

Remnant books from WSU "burial" to Africa

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 24, 2006 -- The charity group Books for Africa is relishing a big donation from Winona State University students. Organizers of the campus Textbook Prices Suck project promised to ship books collected for a mock "burial" Thursday to Books for Africa, whose office and warehouse are in the only building with a loading dock on a side road in a St. Paul industrial area. Ginger Wange, one of five part-time paid administrative staff people, said the organization ships at least three 40-foot ship containers of books a month. It's a lot, Wange said: "We're sending nearly 75,000 books every month." MORE Books for Africa has the highest-possible, four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which rates charities on how much of their contributions go into their mission. MORE Books come from various collection and donation programs and drives: "There are hundreds of drives at any moment" Wange said. Books come from volunteers on campuses, libraries and book clubs, she said. Shipping runs about 38 cents a book. The books go to non-governmental organizations in Africa that distribute them to "hundreds and hundreds" of recipient organizations, including YMCAs and churches, said Wange. Books for Africa has partner U.S. organizations that together disburse books in 26 different African countries. MORE Books for Africa accepts children's books, reference books, college textbooks, as well as fiction and nonfiction and books in medicine and law -- although no U.S. history nor religious books. "We only are filling requests that our African counterparts make," said Wange. "It's not dictated by us what other people read." A Books for Africa requirement is that books be available free.

BOOK CHARITY Recipient of WSU Student Senate cast-off books

BASKETBALL (MEN'S) WSU at Bemidji State, postponed

BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S) WSU at State, postponed

Friends shocked, dubious at athlete's arrest

BASEBALL (MEN'S) Christian Brothers 4, SMU 0 Christian Brothers 6 SMU 5

HOCKEY (MEN'S) SMU 5, Bethel 0

HOCKEY (WOMEN'S) Bethel 2, SMU 0

SMU suspends hockey player

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 24, 2006 -- Hockey player Cullum Seth Buetow-Staples has been suspended from the St. Mary's University varsity team in the wake of his arrest for car break-ins, sources said. Coach Don Olson was not available for an interview, but Buetow-Staples confirmed that he has not able to practice or play with the team. Buetow-Staples remained on the roster posted on the university athletic program web site as recently as Friday -- 15 days after the arrest. About the case, Buetow-Staples said in a telephone interview: "I really, really can't comment." He explained the case was still in the courts. Buetow-Staples, an education junior, said he probably won't be back on St. Mary's men's hockey team until fall. MORE Police took Buetow-Staples' cell phone after his Feb. 10 arrest, along with other electronics confiscated in the arrest. A recorded message at the number says: "I don't have my phone on me, and I won't have it for awhile. So if you need to get a hold of me, call (another number)." MORE The arrest occurred at Winona State University, where campus security gaurds tackled the 6-foot-1, 195-pound hockey player after, they reported, spotting him breaking into cars and stealing electronics. The guards said they tackled him when he tried to flee with stolen items. MORE Buetow-Staples was back in school the day after his arrest. A fellow student said that the hockey player told one class a little about the arrest, but the student was unable to recall what exactly was said. In the grapevine around St. Mary's is that Brian Murphy, whose parents own restaurants in the Twin Cities, posted $2,500 in bail to get Buetow-Staples out of jail on Feb. 10. MORE Buetow-Staples had a PBT of .153 on the night of the arrest, police said. Judge Jeff Thompson ordered him not consume alcohol and submit to random testing for drugs and alcohol. MORE Buetow-Staples was scheduled to appear in court Thursday, but his attorney was unavailable so the case was continued. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 9 at 9 a.m. Reporter: Megan Buesgens Background: Court date reset for SMU jock

CULLUM SETH BUETOW- STAPLES Hopes to play next season

Researcher chronicles WSU ghost sightings

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- Most universities are haunted, and Winona State is no exception, a paranormal investigator told his audience at the County Historical Society. The Richards dorm third and fourth floors are haunted by a male student who hung himself in his closet, said Chad Lewis. One audience member told those sitting around him that he lived on fourth floor Richards in the 1970s: "I never saw ghosts, and we were pretty stoned back then." Lewis responded that the suicide did not occur until 1978. Lewis cited a website, theshaddowlands.net, which claims the ghost has been seen brushing past the residents of the ghost's former dorm room and walking through the halls late at night. MORE Lourdes Hall is also haunted, said Lewis. The fourth floor was an infirmary for the nuns who lived and died there. Several students attest to hearing and seeing nuns whose spirits remain, said Lewis. MORE Lewis also reported finding several haunted off-campus locations in Winona. Witnesses whom Lewis has interviewed talk of seeing a Victorian-dressed woman roaming Third Street sidewalks, he said. In another case, employees at Pieces of the Past, 79 E. Second St., speak of merchandise mysteriously flying off the shelves, Lewis said. One employee told Lewis that she felt a cold hand on her shoulder, turned around, and no one was there. Workers and patrons at the Winona YMCA, 207 Winona St., have seen the ghost of a former custodian who's still working to keep the place clean, said Lewis. MORE Lewis has been researching paranormal activity around the world for 10 years but said he has never seen a ghost himself. Asked if he believes in ghosts, Lewis said he knows something paranormal exists: "I've interviewed hundreds of people who say they've seen ghosts. They can't all be hallucinating or have a mental illness."

CHAD LEWIS Paranormal author

Gordon forgery trial not to be relocated

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- The drug-dealer accused in the Sugar Loaf murders will be tried in Winona on lesser forgery charges, Judge Jeff Thompson ruled. On multiple murder charges, the judge is still deciding whether Paul Allen Gordon, 23, can get a fair trial in Winona. Gordon's attoneys have argued that the community is too incensed over the murders and too racially biased for a fair trial. Gordon is an outsider and a black, the attorneys noted in seeking a change of venue. The forgery charges involve signatures on an apartment lease in the Winona State University neighborhood and a related request for utility service a few weeks before the murders. MORE County attorney Chuck Maclean issued a statement with the particulars of Judge Thompson's ruling. Gordon's public defenders, Richard Smith and Julie Maxwell, could not be reached for their reaction. MORE The murder charges, and also arson charges, followed an intensive investigation and manhunt after Gordon's former woman-friend, Stacy Smith, 29, and her 10-year-old daughter were found dead in their burning apartment on Sarnia Street. They had been brutally slain before their apartment was set afire, according to autopsies. Smith, a Southeast Tech grad, was taking courses at Winona State although not in the semester that the murders occurred. MORE Regarding assault and drug cases against Gordon, originating from a back-alley arrest downtown six weeks before the murders, Judge Thompson denied a request from Gordon's attorneys to suppress evidence. Thompson still is considering a motion to relocate Gordon's trial on the October charges. MORE Also still under advisement by Thomson are defense motions in the murder cases. These include motions to dismiss the charges, to change venue, to suppress DNA results, and to suppress statements that Gordon made to police. The judge is expected to decide those issues in the next 30 to 90 days, MacLean said. Meanwhile, Gordon is in his 14th month in jail under on $20 million bond. MORE In jail as pre-trial processes continue, Gordon is segregated from other inmates but is allowed to receive visits. Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams said the visitation rules for Gordon are the same as for other inmates. His father and sister have visited, Williams said: "They go downstairs in the visiting room, and there's obviously a divider. They can talk to each other over the phone, see each other through the glass, but there's no contact."

PAUL ALLEN GORDON Accused in Winona strangulation murders

Academic diversity bill makes SoDak progress

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDY HAMILTON

LONELY FUNERAL FOR OLD TEXTBOOKS Student senators at Winona State University had ried to stir campus interest against textbook prices with a demonstration loaded with theatrical touches. But only senators and Senate hangers-on showed up.

Chuckles hard to suppress at textbook dirge

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDY HAMILTON MORTICIAN IN TRAINING Not quite all in black, sophomore Sen. Jared Stene awaits his stage entry at a Student Senate-sponsored mock funeral for textbooks. Among the student senators in attendance: DJ Danielson, who was elected at at-large Kristina Durivage, science and engineering Ryan Flynn, president Liz Jones, junior Rotney O'Shea, senior Melinda Schuck, science and engineering Jared Stene, sophomore Lindsey Stelpflug, sophomore Theresa Strahota, at-large Also in attendance: Erin Feger, the salaries Senate administrative assistant Brandon Luedtke, a volunteer Senate associate Joe Reed, student activities director Former Sen. Tim Donahue Former Sen. Travis Reese, now the Winona State rep to the Minnesota State University Association, which has launched its own attack on textbook prices.

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- A processional of eight students made their way to a "textbook funeral" at a gazebo in the center of the Winona State University campus Thursday afternoon. Student Sen. DJ Danielson and Student Senate associate Brandon Luedtke served as pallbearers, carrying a life-size casket. The casket, spray-painted black with a 1-1/2-foot red cross and packed with books. A bouquet of plastic flowers rested atop. MORE Awaiting the procession at the gazebo was a crowd of 30, about half of them reporters, half student senators. No faculty were there, but the university's student activities director, Joe Reed, kept an eye on the ceremony. Throughout the 10-minute "funeral," no more than three non-senator students "mourned" at any one given time, although some passersby gawked briefly before moving on. Undaunted at the sparse turn-out, sophomore Sen. Jared Stene, chair of the sponsoring Student Services Committee, said afterward: "I'm very happy with the turn-out and event today. Even if only one student showed up, we're getting the word out." MORE The intended message: Reduce college textbook prices. Danielson, an at-large senator and vice chair of the Student Services Committee, served as priest of the funeral in a black blazer, black shirt, black pants, and black shoes. At 2:15 p.m., as a stiff breeze chilled the gloomy 23-degree outdoor ceremony, Danielson started by saying he was truly impressed with the turn-out. He proclaimed the service "an evolution of academic resources." Then he incanted: "We are gathered here today to mourn those textbooks no longer able to be used in an academic setting." Danielson went on to explain that students suffer when textbook publishers release new editions, eroding the resales value of existing editions. He said textbooks caused students pain and financial hardship. MORE Danielson's tone was serious, but the mood wavered awkwardly between serious and light-hearted. At one point during his speech, Danielson growled at some student reporters: "This is a very serious occasion, I don't see why you would be chuckling." MORE When Danielson finished, Luedtke took over and read student testimonials. Luedtke read accounts of students hurt by textbook prices aloud. "Shawna couldn't buy groceries for three weeks," said Luedtke. "That's bad." Stene spoke next. He encouraged students to take action against textbook prices, and told the mourners not to let the books "die" in vain. As an alternative, Stene pleaded with students to open dialogue aimed at limiting textbook updates and lowering textbook prices. Afterwards, Danielson asked other students in attendance to recount their textbook horror-stories. No one responded. MORE The ceremony abruptly ended at 2:25 p.m., 10 minutes after it had started. The books were removed from the coffin, packed into four medium-sized brown boxes, and loaded onto a one-person wheeled dolly. Danielson said that the books, donated by students prior to the funeral, would be shipped to Books for Africa, a non-profit organization in St. Paul. MORE

WSU TEXTBOOK PALLBEARERS The processional being followed by the lone television crew that covered the event

Turn-out about 30 for textbook "burial"

Criminal case delayed against SMU jock

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- A court hearing was delayed against a St. Mary's University hockey player accused of stealing from cars. The delay was routinely ordered because the attorney for Cullum Seth Buetow-Staples was on vacation and unavailable. The hearing was rescheduled. Meanwhile, Buetow-Staples remains on the St. Mary's website hockey roster as a junior forward. Reporter: Megan Buesgens Background: Bail at $20,000 for hockey player

CULLUM SETH BUETOW- STAPLES Hockey player

Stabbing court hearing resheduled

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- A court hearing was delayed Thursday against the man accused in a college bar stabbing two weeks ago. The delay was granted because the attorney for Jonathan Hanz Minor, 21, of Anoka, Minn., was unavailable. The hearing was rescheduled to March 9 at 9 a.m. Meanwhile, Minor, a house painter and pizza deliveryman, remains in jail under $100,000 bail. In the stabbing, a bouncer at Schyde's, 102 Johnson St. took at least five penetrations in the lower back. The bouncer, Steve Adams, survived. Minor was arrested at the scene, just outside the bar.

JON HANZ MINOR In custody in lieu of $100,000 bail

Rochester U group invites e-mails

WSU president named to bank board

Wayne State favored in baseball coaches' poll

Cops squelch loud party, ticket student

Rochester student newspaper 2nd in j-contest

Legion wants to buy East Lake armory

GYMNASTICS (WOMEN'S) WSU 175.00, Hamline 174.875

Nugent leads WSU gymnasts in season finale

Bargain-hunting senator's book tab: $290

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2006 -- An organizer of the mock textbook funeral at Winona State University, Student Sen. Jared Stene, spent roughly $290 on textbooks this semester, he said in response to an interviewer's questions. The total was the least in his four semesters at Winona State, Stene said. He pegs the average in the past at $350. This spring for the first time, Stene said, he didn't buy all of his books directly from the campus bookstore. As much as possible, Stene said, he bought from friends and from sellers on the new Student Senate-sponsored student book trade Web site. "Like many other students at WSU, I try to find ways to purchase books in which they are the most affordable in the end," he said. MORE Stene, a sophomore in polysci and masscom, is taking five classes this semester. By his own figures Stene's outlay per course averaged $58. Stene's account of his purchases, listed by course: MCOM 130, News Writing: "News Reporting and Writing" by Alfred Lawrence Lorenz and John Vivian, published by Allyn & Bacon, for $40 on the book trade Web site. Also the Associated Press Stylebook, edited by Norm Goldstein, published by Associated Press, for $14 at the bookstore. MCOM 300: Mass Media Law: "Communication Law in America" by Paul Siegel, published by Allyn & Bacon for $53 at the bookstore. PHIL 110: Critical Thinking: "Critical Thinking" packet with self defense guide and CD by Kevin Possin, for $80 at the bookstore. PSCI 280: Political Research I: "Research Methods for Political Science" by David McNabb, published by M.E. Sharpe, for $82 new from bookstore. PSCI 320: Constitutional Law: "American Constitutional Law," by Alpheus Thomas Mason, published by Prentice Hall, for $20 from a friend. MORE Two of Stene's books, the AP Stylebook and McNabb's "Research Methods," together totaling $96, usually are considered professional references that students keep into their careers after gradution. Excluding long-term reference purchases, Stene's current textbooks totaled $182 or $36 per course.

JARED STENE Among oragnizers of Textbook Prices Suck project

WSU plans drug-free dorm floor

Student press adviser foresees rocky road

WSU baseball coach upbeat for season

WINONA, Minn., Feb. 22, 2006 -- The Winona State Univerity baseball team should be at the top of the Northern Sun Conference this year, coach Kyle Poock predicts. "Our goal is to win conference and advance to the NCAA playoffs," said Poock. This is the first year the NCAA is giving an automatic playoff berth to the winner of the conference. Poock called the playoffs a realistic goal. Transfer students Ben Barrone and Brad Bjerke should add depth, said Poock. Barronem a catcher, will also be the closing pitcher with a fastball topping out over 90 miles per hour, according to Poock. MORE The Warriors lost eight players from last year, including Joe Korneta, who blasted 21 home runs, and Dale Zwaack, Ben Vasquez and Brett Schmidt. Poock said the team will miss the offensive numbers put up by these players but expects the continuing players to fill their shoes nicely. The team only lost one pitcher and has added some new pitchers, said Poock. The official pre-season conference rankings have not came out yet. but Poock expects Wayne State to be at the top of these rankings. "They were tough last year and are looking to be pretty stacked again this year," said Poock. Reporter: Joel Shiek

KYLE POOCK WSU baseball coach

WSU Catholic students to Biloxi clean-up

WSU textbook casket to carry a red "T"

One way to get legislator's attention