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Governor declares for second term| EAGAN, Minn., May 31, 2006 -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced his candidacy for re-election, as expected, just ahead of the Republican Party state convention. Pawlenty, 45, is winding up his first term. He vowed to serve the full four years if re-elected, quelling speculation that he's been eyed by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and others as a runningmate in the 2008 presidential campaign. Also seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination at the state party convention is Minneapolis bar owner Sue Jeffers. |
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TIM
PAWLENTY
Yes, he will |
Background: Races campus people are watching
False fire alarm sounds at SMUWINONA, Minn., May 31, 2006 -- Firefighters scrambled at a fire alarm from St. Mary's University at 9:39 a.m., but found no fire. An alarm had sounded for no reason that firefighters could ascertain. They rest the alarm.
COMMENT
RAMALEY REPORT CARD
WSU PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL RATING
The Winona State University campus, once park-like and the most beautiful place in Winona, has lost vibrancy and color. President Judith Ramaley has ratcheted down the priority for groundskeeping. The effect is starting to show with fewer colorful beds. Nobody who's in the know will say exactly where Ramaley has shifted resources. One guess, from her student critics, is that she has been scrounging every nook and cranny to fund her Learning for the 21st Century pet project -- including the campus bautification budget. L21 may be worthwhile, but where have he flowers gone? It's a bad trade-off.
Observers with a psychoanalytical bent theorize that Ramaley is in overgear to establish an identity distinct from her popular predecessor, Darrell Krueger. He made groundskeeping and beautification one of his signature priorities. If the analysis is correct, Ramaley should be not be casting aside the Krueger beautification legacy but seeking to ratchet it up a notch, maybe two. Never too many flowers.
The CyberIndee invites reader input for periodic updates of the Ramaley presidential approval rating. Brief comments on Ramaley's latest performance will be shared with readers. Anonynmity is assured if requested. Your input
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Background: Previous report cards
R.I.P.: William Edward HostettlerORMOND BEACH, Fla., May 31, 2006 -- A Winona State University business grad, Bill Hostettler, 69, died after a career as a securities trader in Minneapolis. He had retired to Florida.
Lib-comedian Al Franken to join WalzWINONA, Minn., May 30, 2006 -- Minnesota-born comedian Al Franken, who spares no barbs at the right wing on his Air America radio show, will host a Winona fundraiser for southern Minnesota congressional candidate Tim Walz. Anne Norse, county Democratic chair, called the event the biggest that Winona Democrats have ever taken on. Morse invited party members to a planning meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, at the party office. Lynn Wilson, Olmsted County party chair, will help with planning, Morse said.
Date: Tuesday, July 18
Time: To be announced
Place: To be announced
Cost: To be announced
Contact: Anne Morse |
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AL
FRANKEN | 
TIM
WALZ |
July 18 in Winona |
Background: Races campus people are watching
Speaker to list Winona crime "hot spots"WINONA, Minn., May 30, 2006 -- A Saint Mary's University senior, Liam Sorensen, will present his research findings on "hot spots" for Winona crime and predictions on future high crime areas. Sorenson has conducted a geographical study on crimes in the city over four years. The presentation will be at St. Mary's. Sorensen's title: "A Spatiotemporal Trend Analysis between Crime and Environment."
Date: Wednesday, May 31
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Hoffman 238
Cost: Free |
Feds relax eligibility rule for new grantsWASHINGTON, May 30, 2006 -- The U.S. Department of Education announced that dual-enrollment students, who take college courses while still in high school, will indeed be eligible for a new federal grant program. Earlier the department excluded dual-enrollment students because the law didn't allow the grants for a student "previously enrolled in a program of undergraduate education." Now, says the department, students who take college courses will be eligible as long as they were not enrolled in a formal degree or certificate program. Under the Academic Competitiveness program, freshmen and sophomores who are eligible for Pell Grants can qualify for additional awards of $750 to $1,300 for taking rigorous high school courses.
23 WSU athletes on league academic listST. PAUL, Minn., May 30, 2006 -- -- The Northern Sun conference included 23 Winona State University athletes on its spring all-academic team: Baseball (men's): Jay Horner, Andrew Kes, Josh Maggert, Brett Maxwell and Benjamin SamuelsonSoftball (women's):Jennifer Dobbertin, Abby Kacena, Jamie Kettwig, Kristen Noble, Kristen Fossell and Chelsea RosenowTennis (women's): Megan Hertz and Maggie LindquistOutdoor track: Heidi Inabnit, Deidra Faber, Brittany Reinbolt, Gretchen Harty, Nicole Lonning, Adi Luedtke, Bria Magnuson, Elizabeth Bauman, Jessica Devine and Nicole Olson.
Oklahoma on NCAA probation list for phone callsINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 30, 2006 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association placed the University of Oklahoma on probation for two years for nearly 600 impermissible telephone calls to basketball recruits over a five-year period. Former coach Kelvin Sampson showed "complete disregard" for recruiting rules and "created and encouraged an atmosphere among his staff of deliberate noncompliance," the report said. The NCAA also placed strict limits on the recruiting privileges of Sampson, who now is coach at Indiana University. The report said that Sampson and assistant failed to keep complete logs of recruiting calls. The 577 impermissible calls, which were placed to 17 recruits, were cheating, the report said.
Northern Illinois hires SMU soccer coachDEKALB, Ill., May 30, 2006 -- The men's soccer coach at St. Mary's University, Eric Luzzi, has accepted the lead assistant coach position at Northern Illinois University. From 1993 to 1997 Luzzi was a Cardinal goaltender. As coach for five years he amassed a 21-29-8 record. At Northern Illinois he will be with an NCAA Division I team. St. Mary's is Division III.
SMU poet included in Food Story show| WINONA, Minn., May 29, 2006 -- A St. Mary's University prof, Steve Schild, is one of nine Minnesota poets whose work will be featured in a statewide traveling exhibition highlighting Minnesota's main crops and ethnic food specialties. Schild's "Sandwiches after the Service," included in a limited-edition book that will be published in conjunction the "America's 'Food Story" exhibit. Schild holds a master's in English from Winona State. |
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STEVE
SCHILD
"Sandwiches" |
Gophers to have 50,000-seat stadiumST. PAUL, Minn., May 30, 2006 -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed legislation for a 50,000-seat football stadium to be built at the University of Minnesota. The bill calls for the state to pay for 55 percent of the $248 million cost. The university will pay for the rest from a $35 million naming-rights deal with TCF Financial, through private donations, and through student fees. The construction schedule calls for first game in 2009.
WSU seek alum-student links for homecomingWINONA, Minn., May 30, 2006 -- The alumni director at Winona State, Kim Zeiher, called on faculty to invite alumni to their classrooms the Thursday and Friday before the university's homecoming. Zeiher said the process is under way to select this year's outstanding alumni for honoring. These distinguished alumni would be outstanding as guest lecturers, Zeiher said. One homecoming goal, she said, "is to build stronger relationships for alumni and current students." The homecoming game will be Oct. 7 against MSU-Moorhead.
Report: Expand UW-Waukesha to four-year statusMADISON, Wis., May 29, 2006 --A task force recommended against a controversial plan to merge the Milwaukee and Waukesha campuses of the University of Wisconsin. The task force recommended instead that the two-year campus in Waukesha be turned over to several existing universities, including UW-Milwaukee, to operate four-year programs jointly.
Court: Religion not issue in chaplain firingPHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 29, 2006 -- A federal appeals court ruled that a former chaplain at Gannon University may continue with law suit that complains she was discriminated against based on her gender. Lynette Petruska claims that she was forced out of her job at Gannon because she is a woman and because she objected to sexual harassment. Gannon, a Roman Catholic college in Erie, Pa., had claimed that the government cannot interfere employment disputes based on "the ministerial exception" that allows church institutions to free exercise of religion under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court ruled, however, that employment discrimination "unconnected to religious belief, religious doctrine, or the internal regulations of a church is simply the exercise of intolerance, not the free exercise of religion."
Hillman Foundation reneges on book awardNEW YORK, May 28, 2006 -- The Sidney Hillman Foundation changed its mind about honoring two Yale University professors with a 2006 Hillman Award for their book on the repeal of the estate tax "Death by a Thousand Cuts." Bruce Raynor, foundation president, said it had been learned that co-author Ian Shapiro once discouraged Yale grad students from trying to unionize. Sidney Hillman, for whom the awards are named, founded the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. The awards, first presented in 1950, are intended to honor "journalists, writers, and public figures who pursue social justice and public policy for the common good." Raynor said it would be mockery of Sidney Hillman's beliefs to honor someone who had resisted union-organization attempts.
Shapiro said he got Raynor's call abut the change of mind as he was leaving home for New York to pick up the award. The book, by Shapiro and Michael Graetz, published by Princeton University Press, has nothing to do with labor organizing. About opposing grad students' organizing, Shapiro said he recalls in the 1990s that he once told a group of grad students that he thought they had the right to form a union but that in his opinion it would not be a good use of their time. Shapiro added that he generally supports unions.
The Hillman Foundation announced Shapiro and Graetz as winners two weeks ago. Raynor said dozens of complaints came in from current and former grad assistants
School learning center may go to airportWINONA, Minn., May 28, 2006 -- A citizens task force recommended the Winona Area Learning Center be relocated to the Southeast Tech building at the airport. Twenty-five sites were considered, with Tech's Aviation Training Center emerging as the best and most economical, said School Board Chairman Larry Laber. The learning center is losing is present home in domino-effect relocations of school district programs. The Tech building was the only place that could accept the learning center in time for fall classes, Laber said.
COMMENT
MEMORIAL DAY
BLOOD AND CONSCIENCE
In a dangerous world every society needs its warriors. Memorial Day is when we Americans honor our fallen warriors. Their sacrifice has been great:
Revolutionary War
War of 1812
Mexican War
Civil War
Spanish-American War
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Persian Gulf War
Iraq War |
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| KILLED
4,435
2,260
1,733
214,983
385
53,513
292,131
33,551
47,369
148
2,645** |
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| MAIMED
6,188
4,505
4,152
281,881*
1,682
204,002
670,846
103,284
163,303
467
9,000** |
* Confederacy casualties never tallied
** Still counting
In our Memorial Day reflections on the valor of our nation's soldiers, we cannot avoid the question of whether all these wars, and their staggering tolls, were necessary.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR. The work of recent historians Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Bernard Bailyn and Ian Williams raises questions about whether the Revolution really was driven by a freedom-craving ideology. The case can be made that an independent and free country could have evolved naturally. Canada is a handy case study.
WAR OF 1812. Had there been no Revolution, this follow-up war wouldn't have been fought.
MEXICAN WAR. Historians mostly agree that President Polk, pressed for war by the nation's financial leaders, exaggerated a mere skirmish involving a tiny patrol in disputed territory into pure fiction as a Mexican assault on the nation's honor. The fiction was the basis for declaring war.
CIVIL WAR. Although bloodier than any earlier war in the nation's history, the Civil War doesn't enter into a discussion on wars premised on foreign policy. Here, we were our own enemy.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. Spurred on by Yellow Press accounts of Spanish troops raping Cuban maidens, President McKinley thought Cuba needed saving. Then the U.S. warship Maine exploded in Havana harbor. Instantly the explosion was blamed on Spain. Now we know the ship's boiler exploded on its own.
WORLD WAR I. President Woodrow Wilson baited German u-boats with the decision to take sides in a European war. Otherwise, the Atlantic would have been a sufficient buffer against these winds of war.
WORLD WAR II. Despite intriguing scholarship that President Roosevelt baited the Japanese, the fact is that Japanese imperialism led to the attack on Pearl Harbor. This was the only defensive war in U.S. history.
WARS FOR COMMUNIST CONTAINMENT. Phobia about communism as an international threat fueled the Korean and Vietnam wars. For Vietnam, President Johnson took a leaf from Polk and concocted a story about an enemy attack on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin. We know now the attack never occurred.
RECENT WARS OF "DEFENSE." President Reagan and both Bushes have been quick to employ the mythical magic of the word "defense" from World War II for their wars. But does anybody believe the nation was threatened by Grenada? Panama? Or Iraq's weapons of mass destruction?
The real question to ask this Memorial Day is not whether fallen heroes deserve our gratitude. Unquestionably they do. They did duty and sacrificed with honor. We instead should be assessing whether we as a nation have been remiss in allowing our leadership, time and again, to put our warriors in harm's way for insufficient cause. Or in some cases, with fabricated cause. Our soldiers' blood is on all our hands. |
Krage to re-seek Council seat one last timeWINONA, Minn., May 28, 2006 -- After 21 years on the City Council, Second Ward representative Gerry Krage said he's not about to give up his seat, but that, if re-elected in November, it will be his last term. Krage won re-election in 2002 uncontested. Earlier he was challenged by Tess Kruger, who then was Winona State UniversityÕs personnel director, but won handily. Krage's service on the Council has twice been interrupted by Army activation, most recently for duty in Iraq. Krage is reservist sergeant major.
Background: Races campus people are watching
Sixth Barton college coach pleads guilty GREAT BEND, Kan., May 28, 2006 -- Another former Barton County Community College basketball coach, Ryan Cross, 33, pleaded guilty to falsifying records of a student athlete. Court records show that Cross, after leaving for a Florida coaching job, arranged with his Barton successor to enroll one of his Florida players at Barton County to earn enough credits to play basketball at the University of Cincinnati. Cross is the sixth coach to be convicted in a series of athletic scandals at Barton. Meanwhile, other cases are pending against a former athletic director and a track coach. A second charge against Cross, that he helped provide test answers to another player to obtain enough credits to play at the University of Missouri, was dropped in a plea agreement. Cross faces up to 20 years in prison. Other Barton defendants all have gotten off with probation.
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NCAA DIVISION II NATIONALS |
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WSU pole-vaulter makes 12-feet, 2-1/2 inchesEMPORIA, Kan., May 27, 2007 -- Winona State University vaulter Bria Magnuson, a junior, cleared 12 feet, 2-1/2 inches in the NCAA Division II nationals for a school record. Six vaulters tied at 12, 2-1/2, but some had fewer misses at lower heights so Mangnuson was given eighth place. She was awarded all-American status.
WSU
SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING MAY 27, 2006
May 24, 2006: A student reported the theft of his unlocked bike from a bike rack outside of Minne classroom buulding sometime earlier in the day.
May 21, 2006: An alarm wasactivated in the Quad dorms at 2:15 p.m. due to a power outage.
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NCAA DIVISION III OUTDOOR |
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Weinmann takes all-America in shot putLISLE, Ill., May 27, 2007 -- A St. Mary's University athlete, Amanda Weinmann, heaved the shot 44 feet, 7 inches for eighth in the NCAA Divison III outdoor championships. It was Weinmann's career best, which gave her all-American status. In the javelin, Ashley Luehmann of St. Mary's was 10th at 188 feet, 11 inches and in the shot put 15th at 41 feet, 8-1/2 inches.
COURT
CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING MAY 27,
2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Joshua Thomas Alameida, LaCrescent, Minn., $177.
Brandon Michael Emmons, 19, 924 Seventh St., $277.
Chelsea Ray Ringler, 18, 1382 Conrad, $177.
Ambe Lydia Salo, 18, Oak Grove, Minn., $177.
Patricia Lindsay Sheehan, 19, 1647 W. Fifth, $554.
Danielle Marie Wychgram, 20, 168 Harriet, $177.
NOISY PARTYING
Jason Michael Cieminski, 24, 1116 Sugar Loaf 307, $277.
Keith Del Berstler, 24, 160 E. Third St., four days and $177.
Thomas Lucine Hagen, 20, Minnesota City, Minn., $166.
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Presque Isle faculty unhappy with presidentPRESQUE ISLE, Maine, May 26, 2006 -- The faculty at the University of Maine at Presque Isle unanimously called for the ouster of campus President Karl Burgher after months of complaints that he had failed to communicate well with faculty members, students or community groups. There was one abstention in the "no confidence" vote. The president of the faculty, Kim-Anne Perkins, said that profs have limited options for voicing displeasure with administrators. Perkins declined to release the letter that she sent to the university system's chancellor, but one report said it ran three pages and listed 14 complaints. Burgher, meanwhile, said he is conversing with campus people and is confident of a resolution. Burgher, a mining engineer and economist, came to Presque Isle from Fairmont State University in West Virginia, where he was vice president for research, contracts and technology.
Kelley to quit governor race unless endorsedST. PAUL, Minn., May 26, 2006 -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Kelley said he would quit the race if he doesn't win the party's endorsement. Kelley, now in a wide field in the Democratic endorsement campaigns, was asked his plans in a debate. Neither of the other major candidates, Mike Hatch and Becky Lourey, said they would drop out before the September primary. Hatch denied Capitol gossip that he might quit and run instead for re-election as attorney general. In the debate the candidates were gentle on each but not on incumbent republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is expected to seek re-election. Hatch accused Pawlenty of focusing on "stadiums and casinos and baubles" when the state's future in the global economy is in jeopardy.
Background: Races campus people are watching
Lewiston hires WSU grad as city clerkLEWISTON, Minn., May 25, 2006 -- The new city clerk, Deb Spitzer, was hired after telling City Council members that she had learned government fund management as part of her Winona State University accounting degree. Spitzer's hiring ended a running feud with her city Administrator Barry Kramer and Deputy Clerk Mary Jane Vogel, who resigned after City Council members complained they weren't getting monthly financial reports. Kramer and Vogel explained that they didn't know the city's accounting software. No problem, Spitzer told Council members. Not only does she have a Winona State accounting degree but she's done accounting for the St. Charles, Minn., city government. Her husband Bill is the St. Charles mayor.
NEWS AND COMMENT
WINONA MEDIA WATCH |
THE UNDER-REPORTED DEPARTURE
OF MARK HAUCK
Town boosterism has trumped good journalism, again. The Daily News, Winona Radio and the Post all reported the departure of Mark Hauck, the energetic organizer of the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Although the Winona newsrooms have a Pollyannaish record of only upbeat news about the festival going back to the beginning three years ago, Hauck's departure could not go unnoted. Hauck had been the centrifugal force that created the high-profile festival and generated big bucks from the community to actualize his vision. But aside from questions that Daily News reporter Brian Voerding put to Hauck, which generated superficial answers, the right questions went unasked. Not even the usually thorough Voerding, judging from what ended up in print, asked the right follow-up questions or tapped additional sources to get the real story. As a result, Winona people are clueless about why Hauck really left and whether the festival still merits their support.
A second Daily News piece by Kari Knutson didn't add any more light. The Post? Winona Radio? Well, their journalism would have nothing slow the curtain on its way up. The show must go on. And when an interim successor to Hauck was named, the news folks merely regurgitated publicity pap from Gary Evans, the festival board chair.
Local newsrooms failed a Journalism 101 fundamental -- to ask why. And to keep asking until they know the truth. The closest to a satisfactory answer was Hauck's acknowledgement to Voerding that a schism had widened with his partners, Paul Barnes aned Alex Wild. But what was it? A petty backstage flap over the timing of Romeo's entry? Or something conceptual that goes to heart of the Hauck vision that whole town bought into?
So what do we know? Not much aside from an oily rehearsed statement from as festival board chair that everything will be all right and that everyone wishes Hauck well in new adventures. Everyone hopes, of course, that everything is all right, but, due to a journalistic failure, people don't have enough information to come to a conclusion beyond Evans "trust me."
All this is the public's business. The community has put immeasurable energy and money into the festival. This year the town invested its limited political capital to bring home $250,000 from the Legislature to explore building a permanent theater. The festival's management should be transparent. That it's not leaves the enterprise tainted in public doubts: Might the festival be so troubled that it shouldn't get another dime? People need information, indeed deserve information, that the powers-who-be in Winona newsrooms haven't pursued.
Where is Sinclair Lewis when we need him for a new expose? Sadly, it seems, Babbit is alive and well in Winona. Lewis is dead. That's sad too.
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NCAA DIVISION II NATIONALS |
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WSU hammer-thrower King passes 181 feet EMPORIA, Kan., May 25, 2006 -- Winona State University's Emily King earned all-America honors in the first day of the NCAA Division II track and field nationals. King came up with her best effort of the year in the hammer throw on her last throw -- 181 feet, 6 inches. She placed third. King had qualified for the finals by placing fifth in the first flight of the event. King then fouled on her next two throws before busting out with a school record. That record was held by King and bested her earlier career best by 6 feet, 1 inch. By placing in the top eight King earned her all-America honors, the second time she earned all-American status this season. In the March at the NCAA Division II indoor championships, King finished second in the 20-pound weight throw.
Nicole Lonning of Winona State placed 12th in the hammer throw at 160 feet, 2 inches. The Warriors' Deidra Faber ran in the preliminaries of the 400-meter intermediate hurdles but, at 13th, failed to advance to the finals. Faber ranb 1:01.99 in the third heat . Last year Faber garnered all-American status by placing fourth in the event.
| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
Report: "Little Eichmanns" abound on campusesWASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 -- The American Council of Trustees and Alumni says politically biased profs who use their courses to transmit their personal political agendas are more common than might be believed. In a study of faculty web sites, the council cited examples of courses are "platforms for propaganda, sites of sensitivity training, and launching pads for political activism." Anne Neal, the council's president, said the council doesn't advocate punishing or silencing professors for what they say. Rather, the report said, universities should expose course-based partisanship and invite profs to "debate ideas." Students deserve access to a wide range of "intellectual diversity" from their faculty, the report said. The report's title, "How Many Ward Churchills?" refers to the University of Colorado professor who likened some victims of the World Trade Center attack to "little Eichmanns" and who just last week was found to have committed research misconduct. The Churchill case is not an anomaly of fringe views being promulgated from the professoriate, the report said.<
Background: Horowitz dismisses attack on book: "Stupid"
Background: Committee adds to Colorado prof's woes
Background: Comment: WSU conservatives not in closet
Tire-slashing reported at WSUWINONA, Minn., May 25, 2006 -- A man reported that someone slashed a tire on his car parked at Winona State University, police said. The report was turned in about 4 p.m.
Cost of Massachusetts chief's inaugural: $512,000BOSTON, Mass., May 25, 2006 -- The price tag for the inauguration of the new chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Boston, Michael Collins, has raised eyebrows in the state Capitol. The celebration, which lasted a week, cost $512,000. Although the funds were mostly from donations, some key legislators say the party may have come at the expense of donations for more pressing needs, according to the newspaper the Boston Globe. Legislators noted that the university needs to raise private funds for student services and facilities. The inauguration included a concert by the hip-hop artist Kanye West. A banquet menu featured seared sea scallops and roasted filet of beef. The total bill was triple that of the 2002 inauguration of Collins' predecessor and double the 2003 inauguration of the chancellor of the main University of Massachusetts campus in Amherst.
Background: WSU inaugural budget reaches $50,000
R.I.P.: Mary Louise (Dean) PelowskiRED WING, Minn., May 24, 2005 -- A Winona State College grad, Mary Pelowski, 84, died at a Rochester, Minn., hospital. As a student at Winona State she worked as a secretary for the university president. Among her three children is State Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona. She also was the mother-in-law of Deb Pelowski at the Winona State bookstore. Deb Pelowski said that although Mary and her husband Gene Sr. grew up in Winona they did not meet until they attended Winona State.
"Mary selected golf instead of badminton or bowling. Since Gene Sr. was the captain of the golf team and a gracious gentleman, he asked fellow team members to assist the new women golfers. The rest was history," she said. Mary and Gene their 55th wedding anniversary this year
WSU employee donations pass $53,000WINONA, Minn., May 24, 2005 -- The annual Winona State University fund drive has exceeded $53,000 en route top a $90,000 goal, said project chief Dan Schumacher. On average, more than half of the faculty and staff participate, Schumacher said. The deadline is June 30. Last year more than $80,000 was raised.
Background: WSU All-University Fund Drive hits $41,800
Researchers: Crack down on animal-rights activistsWASHINGGTON, May 24, 2006 -- A bill in Congress to classify animal-rights activists who harass scientists as terrorists has support from a University of Wisconsin researcher. Prof Michele Basso testified to a House subcommittee that she has received threatening telephone messages. Even after transferring the deed to her house to another name to hide her address, the threatening telephone calls still came, Basso said. She also testified to receiving more than 50 unwanted magazine subscriptions. Basso's lab work involves nonhuman primates to study brain disorders. Other researchers told the subcommittee of vandalized cars and homes and harassment of their families.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Thomas E. Petri, R-Wis., has drawn criticism from Democrats for going too far and confusing dissent with terrorism. Robert Scott, D-Va., said the bill might violate the First Amendment by outlawing picketing and other protests that affect research only indirectly. Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., said that many offenses identified in the Petri bill already are state crimes that don't need to be federalized.
High-school leadership sessions at WSUWINONA, Minn., May 24, 3006 -- Two one-week leadership programs for high school students will be held at Winona State this summer, the university announced. Lisa Swanson, coordinator, said the programs focus on leadership, team-building and communication skills. Partial scholarships are available, Swanson said.
Date: June 25-30 and July 9-14
Time: Registration deadline June 9, first session; June 23, July session
Place: Winona State
Cost: $400 includes dorm lodging, meals
Contact: Lisa Swanson at (507) 457-2911 |
Family wins $1 million for campus beatin deathGALESBURG, Ill., May 24, 2006 -- Knox College has been ordered to pay $1 million to the family of a student who was beaten to death in a dorm in 1998. The jury found the college negligent for failing to provide adequate light and security. Andrea Racibozynski, 19, was knocked down in a stairway late at night and beaten with a brick by fellow Knox freshman. The assailant, Clyde Best, is serving 60 years in prison.
Racibozynski's family claimwd that the college had provided inadequate training for security guards. Also, the family noted, a number of light bulbs in the stairwell had burned out and some had been manually switched off. The college responded that tyhe assailant suffered from a personality disorder and was in a narcissistic rage. "Lighting or any other features would not have affected his anger," a colege attorney said. The jury sided with the family.
Background: Mugging victim who blamed poor lghting wins $300,000
Background: 145 of 399 WSU fixtures not illuminated
Colleges in gear with motorsports programsCHARLOLTTE, N.C., May 24, 2006 -- Dozens of colleges have created motorsports programs with degrees in mechanics, engineering and management, all in response to the growing popularity of auto racing. An Associated Press report listed programs at Clemson, Indiana/Purdue in Indianapolis, Indiana State, Belmont Abbey, and East Tennessee State. The programs emerged in the mid-1990s as NASCAR popularity soared, the AP reported. In 2002, NASCAR joined forces with Universal Technical Institute to open the $12 million NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., to train automotive technicians. The chairman of the business department at Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, N.C., Philip Bayster, is quoted: "It's evolved from just a group of guys racing cars on an oval to an enormously large business that's generating billions of dollars in revenue." This fall Belmont Abbey College is launching a bachelor's degree in business management focused on motorsports.
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SOMSEN WORK
OF JOHN MARTIN SOCHA
The artist was a Minnesota native and teacher who reportedly studied under famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. |
WSU restores historic Winona muralWINONA, Minn., May 23, 2006 -- A $25,000 project to restore a Depression-era mural by John Martin Socha in Winona State University's landmark Somsen Hall has begun. Restorative artist James Horn if Minneapolis, has done work on Merchants National Bank artworks, has been contracted for the project, which will be completed in mid-June said organizer Cathie Logan. The mural was painted under a Work Progress Administration program by Socha (pronounced "so-SHAY"), who prided himself on portrayals based on interviewing pioneers, as well as his knowledge of the region's history. The mural covers three walls in the entryway to Somsen. One wall depicts the legend of the Sioux princess Wenonah. Another wall depicts early settlers taming the wilderness and forming a new community. A third wall shows the frontiersmen and Indians coming together in peace. Prominent are two figures, the Indian chief and the riverboat captain.
Even though Somsen Hall, constructed in 1924, has been remodeled several times, the mural has never been tampered with and is surprisingly well-preserved, said Logan. However, it is slowly beginning to show signs of deterioration and should be restored for the enjoyment of future generations, she said. Student backpacks rubbing against the mural walls have caused the greatest damage. Logan and Horn discussed several different protective measures for the restored mural, including applying a protective coating or covering the walls with plexiglass. Logan, however, wasn't satisfied. A coating, she said, would prevent future restoration. Plexiglass would intrude upon the aesthetics, she said. The plan now, she said, is to install rounded bumpers around the upper corners of the stairway to steer passersby a reasonable distance away from the walls without obscuring the mural.
Preliminary work began began May 22. For the duration of the project, the main entrance to Somsen Hall will be closed.
Logan, until recently an academic affairs assistant at the university, had passed the murals every day walking up the Somsen front stairs. In spring 2005 she applied to the WSU Foundation grants committee for restoration funds. She called the Socha mural a gateway piece that welcomed visitors to the main campus building. "It deserves proper conservation," she said. The Foundation awarded $6,300, about 25 percent of the restoration budget. Horn originaly estimated the project at $8,000, but additonal costs later surfaced. A donation campaign is being organized to raise the remaining funds, Logan said. |
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RIVER CAPTAIN
Socha's enduring, heroic portrayal of Winona's past
SIOUX CHIEF
Winona's Indian heritage is dominant on east wall
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Minor remains in jail in Schyde's stabbingWINONA, Minn., May 23, 2006 -- The man accused in the Schyde's drinkery stabbing, Jonathan Hanz Minor, remain in jail with his latest plea for release denied. Minor's attorney, Rich McCluer, asked in April that the 21-year-old man be released to an inpatient treatment facility after completing a chemical dependency assessment. Judge Margaret Johnson turned down the request after prosecuting attorney Chuck MacLean pointed to Minor's "lengthy criminal record" of two drunken-driving convictions along with seven other minor consumption and assault-related convictions. Also, Maclean argued, Minor has yet to attend even one Alcoholics Anonymous meeting offered to incarcerated inmates. McCluer rebutted the MacLean's emphasis on Minor's criminal record. Circumstances have changed since those convictions, McCluer said. Even so, said Judge Johnson, Minor is "a risk to public safety." Johnson urged for Minor to take advantages of opportunities at dependency treatment offered in the Winona County jail.
Minor is charged with stabbing a Schyde's bouncer, Steve Adams, in February -- after hours of heavy drinking the night before his 21st birthday. Adams survived five wounds in his lower back. MacLean says Minor, from Anoka, Minn., was in town intent on trouble and even brandished his knife earlier in the day and talked about slicing up anybody who got in his way. Minor has been held on $100,000 bail. Miknor has failed in attempts at release by having bis bail reduced. The judge turned down a request from Minor's father to take him home with him to Arizona for counseling and treatment. Minor next is schedule in court June 7. |
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JONATHAN
HANZ
MINOR
Has passed up Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in jail |
Reporter: Kai Oehler
Background: Bar stabbing victim better, back working
Background: Judge: No Arizona sun man in stabbing case
Background: Bail set at $100,000 in stabbing
Background: Victim, others recount what happened
News report: It pays to be chancellor's kinfolkBIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 23, 2006 -- The Alabama community college system chancellor, Roy Johnson, and his immediate family received more than $560,000 for jobs and contracts last year from the state's two-year colleges, accoridng to the newspaper the Birmingham News. A son and daughter held jobs at a college in Tuscaloosa. A son-in-law held three contracts totaling $6,000 a month. Johnson's wife earned $90,000 as executive assistant to the Opelika community college. A daughter earned $47,000 as a recruiter for the college. The newspaper built its report around payroll and other public records. Johnson, who himself earns $237,000 as chancellor, defended having so many family members on the payroll: "We are a family of educators."
Stephanie Bell, a member of the state Board of Education, expressed concern: "tt sends a very bad message. It's a poor example." Bell said that she received a complaint in 1996 that Johnson's daughter-in-law was on the Opelika campus but did not work. Said Bell: "I was concerned then about this and I'm concerned now." Bell said she had been told that the Opelika complaint would be investigated but nothing hoppened.
Barrone, Magee to region baseball team WAYNE, Neb., May 23, 2006 -- Winona State University outfielder Ben Barrone and catcher and relief pic ther Joe Magee have been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings all-Central Region second basbelal team. Magee, a senior, hit .374 for the Warriors. Magee finished with eight doubles, five triples, six home runs, 36 runs batted in, and a .575 slugging percentage. He had an on base percentage of .415. Barrone, a junior, batted .372 with a team-high 16 home runs, 10 doubles and a team-high 46 RBI. Barrone had an .851 slugging percentage and .458 on base percentage. Barrone also pitched in 14 games of relief and totaled a team-high five saves in 12.2 innings pitched.
Lady Vols coach passes $1 million markKNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 22, 2006 -- The Lady Vols basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, Pat Summitt, cracked the million-dollar women's coaching ceiling with a $1.1 million contract for this coming year and an average of $1.3 million for the next five years. After 32 seasons as the Lady Vols coach, Summitt has more victories, 913, than any other Division I coach. The second best compensated women's basketball coach in the nation, Geno Auriemma at Connecticut, is at $975,000 this fall, passing $1 millon the year after.
Savannah State football on iceINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 22, 2006 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association placed Savannah State University on probation for unethical conduct, recruiting violations, impermissible summer workouts and free housing for recruits. Early in the NCAA investigation, the university reprimanded head football coach Richard Basil for his involvement in violations. Basil resigned in March. Before he resigned, however, Basil fired assistant coach Jerome Pope. Later, Athletic Director Tony O'Neal placed coaching staff members Edwin Bailey, C. Tony High and Ivy Williamson paid administrative leave. Among the most serious violations was in a tape-recording of an assistant coach encouraging NCAA-banned drugs. The assistant was not named in the NCAA report. A tipster contacted the NCAA, which promoted an investigation that widened as it progressed.
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| MAXWELL
DUE FOR REFIT
Will $11 million
get the elevator fixed? |
Legislature: Yes to WSU Maxwell renovationST. PAUL, Minn., May 21, 2006 -- The Legislature approved $11.1 million to remodel the old Maxwell library at Winona State University, ending a long, sometimes comical saga for the building's post-library history. The project took on new urgency in January 2005, when Juidth Ramaley was being interviewed for the university presidency. "What," she wondered," was that thumping?" It was weight-lifters in an upstairs work-out gym doing their thing. Then there was the January 2006 tour for legislators, on campus to assess the need for funding. The elevator got stuck, trapping House Speaker Steve Sviggum and others for 20 minutes. "Quite effective lobbying," Sviggum joked later. With $11.1 million, the university plans renovations to the structure, which was built on the cheap in the 1960s. With another $400,000 that the Legislature approved for Memorial Hall renovations, the university hopes for a running start on a multi-million expansion that will include a state-of-the-art workout gym to replace the third-floor Maxwell facility. Somehow in the total, $11.5 million, the university plans to find ways to make the Maxwell elevator work.
These are Winona higher-ed projects in the Legislature's final $1 billion borrowing bill to finance state construction projects statewide:
$11.1 million: Maxwell Hall renovations at Winona State.$2.6 million: General renovations at Winona State.$400,000: Memorial Hall renovations at Winona State.$400,000: Science labs at Southeast Tech. $250,000: Site studies for a theater for the Great River Shakespeare Festival, which has a temporary home at Winona State.
Senate Democrats choke Republican social agendaST. PAUL, Minn., May 21, 2006 -- Republican conservatives in the Minnesota Legislature will have to wait for another day to pursue their social agenda. A bill to prohibit public funds for abortions for women on welfare didn't make it in the 2006 session. Nor did a proposal for an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution. Defeated too was a bill to crack down on illegal immigrants. It was the majority Democratic caucus in the Senate that headed off the anti-abortion bill. The anti-gay marriage referendum movement was stalled in committee, also by Senate Democrats. On immigration, both Democrats and Republicans had agendas, but it became obvious that compromise was not possible. The Republicans lost their bid to require police and social workers to turn over illegal immigrants to federal authorities for deportation. The Republicans also had wanted to deputize state officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Also lost was a Democratic proposal, the so-called DREAM bill, to give in-state tuition to the children of illegal immigrants who earn diplomas from a Minnesota high school.
Also failing was a proposal to reduce the role of teacher-preparation programs in the state's colleges with in the alternative teacher licensure bill. Gov. Tim Pawlenty had supported alternative licensing. A bill that would have allowed professors to be removed in certain circumstances if they could not "speak clear English" also was lost along the way.
Rochester U gets startup fundingST. PAUL, Minn., May 21, 2006-- The Legislature approved $5 million for the University of Minnesota to build a university in Rochester that will bear the city's name. The funding had been pushed by Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and opposed by Winona legislators, who argued that Rochester's higher-ed needs are sufficiently served by Winona State and other colleges with Rochester programs.
Background: McCauley: Opt for less expansive plan
Vermont says no to Montpelier campusBURLINGTON, Vt., May 21, 2006 Ê--University of Vermont trustees rejected the proposed purchase of the former Vermont College campus in Montpelier. Financially troubled Union Institute, a Cincinnati-based nontraditional school, had bought the 32-acre Montpelier campus in 2001 but have been trying unload it.
Background: Union abandons bricks-and-mortar foray
WSU offers high-school entrepreneurship camp WINONA, Minn., May 21, 2006 -- An entrepreneurship mini-camp for high school juniors and seniors will be offered at Winona State by econ prof Don Salyaqrds, himself an entrepreneur. This camp will cover product selection, marketing, sales, finance and business plans, Salyards said. Students will tour Codabow, Badger Foundry and We-no-nah Canoe and meet the founders and chief executives.
Date: June 25-27
Time: Registration deadline June 9
Place: Winona State
Cost: $200 includes dorm lodging, meals
Contact: Tracy Rahim at (507) 474-3902 |
MSU-Mankato dorm student dies of meningitisMANKATO, Minn., May 21, 2006 -- A Minnesota State University, Mankato, freshman died of the dread dorm disease meningitis after leaving the campus sick for home in River Falls, Wis., after , the university confirmed. Katlyn Feriancek, 19, went home May 12, after spring exams. Her ailment was diagnosed the next day as bacterial meningitis. She died May 18 at a Twin Cities hospital. Health officials said Feriancek's case probably was isolated. The university quoted her father that she had been vaccinated against meningitis but not against the strain with which she was infected.
RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY
POSTED MAY 21, 2006
PEERLESS CHAIN. Old-time Winona manufacturer Peerless Chain bought the chain line of British-owned ACCO, which manufactures in York, Pa. Peerless will move the York factory to Winona and add 50 jobs to its 200-person payroll, President Gilman King said. The new jobs will pay $18 an hour.
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COURT
CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING MAY 20,
2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION
Daniel Robert Bohnstengel, 18, Rollingstone, Minn., $177.
Kyle James Troople, 20, 1450 4th St., $177.
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WSU athlete, other tenant escape house fireAWINONA, Wis., May 20, 2006 -- Two tenants escaped a smoky fire at a three-story, four-unit rental house at 267 E. Ninth St. early Saturday evening. A dog in the house died. Alex Weise, a Winona State University football player, said he spotted the smoke coming from a wall when he returned home to his second-floor unit a little before 6 p.m. Weise said he shouted to a downstairs neighbor, Bill Kreidermacher, to get out. By then, Weise said, the apartment was filling with smoke. Four other tenants were not at home. Firefighters spent two hours fighting the fire as neighbors, probably about a hundred, gathered in the street to watch. Kreidermacher, who had lived at the address 12 years, said he, like Weise, had just returned home.
WSU prof wins Walton fellow prizeWINONA, Minn., May 20, 2006 -- A Winona State University prof, Kim Snyder, was named a Walton Free Enterprise fellow, which carries a $1,000 prize. Snyder, who teaches information system management, was honored for a student community outreach project.
North Dakota basketball search passes WSU's Brown GRAND FORKS, N.D., May 20, 2006 -- The basketball operations director at the University of Iowa, Brian Jones, has been named head basketball coach at the University of North Dakota. Among finalists had been Tom Brown, assistant coach at Winona State.
Background: WSU assistant basketball coach on UND list
Borzyskowski on Council again? Count me inWINONA, Minn., May 20, 2006 -- Two-term City Council member George Borzyskowski, who represents the Fourth Ward, isn't ready for a formal announcement but said he will file papers for re-election by the July 5 deadline. Borzyskowski confirmed his intents after at-large Council member Tim Breza announced for re-election.
In 2002 Borzyskowski defeated Dave McNally.
Background: Races campus people are watching
MSU-Moorhead requires booze course for froshMOORHEAD, Minn., May 20, 2006 -- Minnesota State University-Moorhead has created a one-credit course, "Alcohol and College Life," which will be required for freshmen this fall. The course's creators say advice and statistics are interspersed with interactive video and personal testimonials. The course was developed at the University of Minnesota. Although in use at several colleges, MSU-Moorhead is the first Minnesota school to require it of incoming freshmen.
McCauley: Opt for less expansive plan WINONA, Minn., May 20, 2006 -- Retired Winona State University physics prof Mac McCauley called for the public to rally behind a Minnesota Senate version of the bill for a new Rochester university as the lesser of two evils. McCauley noted that the Senate bill, unlike the House version, would preclude the new university from duplicating programs currently offered in Rochester by Winona State and other colleges. On the larger issue, McCauley said there is no need for a new four-year college because Rochester already has plenty of higher-ed options and because taxpayers cannot afford yet another state college. McCauley, who wrote his views in a newspaper opinion-page letter, is a former Winona County commissioner.
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NCAA Division II National (final day):
South Carolina-Aiken 1,148 (1st), Columbus State 1,160 (2nd), California State-Bakersfield 1,169 (3rd), Lynn University 1,178 (4th), California State-Stanislaus 1179 (5th), Florida Southern 1,180 (6th), Cameron 1,189, California State-San Bernardino 1,189 (7th) (tie), Pfeiffer 1,193 (9th), St. Mary's of Texas 1,194 (10th), Coker 1,203 (11th), Grand Canyon 1,204 (12th), WSU 1,214 (13th), North Alabama 1,216 (14th), Saginaw Valley State 1,221 (15th), Concord 1,224 (16th), St. Cloud State 1,226 (17th), St. Martin's 1,228 (18th), Barton 1,230 (19th), Goldey Beacom 1,283 (20th) |
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WSU men's golfers finish 13th in nationalsDANIELS, W.Va., May 19, 2006 -- Winona State University improved on its team score, but it was not enough to move up in the standings on the final day of the NCAA Division II men's golf championships. The Warriors cut off five strokes from the round, scoring 307, from the previous day to finish at 1,214. But that effort could not move the Warriors out of the 13th spot in the 20-team event. Bret Toftness had the Warrior medalist round of the day with a four-over par 74. Troy Merritt shot a seven-over 77, Kevin Loeffler and Matt Horel each posted rounds of eight-over par 78. Chad Bischoff had 89. For the tournament Merritt led the Warriors with 296, while Toftness came up with 297, Loeffler totaled 309, and Horel 312 and Bischoff 324.
WSU assistant basketball coach on UND short list| GRAND FORKS, N.D., May 19, 2006 -- The assistant basketball coach at Winona State University for eight years, Tom Brown, is among candidates for the head coaching job at the University of North Dakota. Brown was at Grand Forks for interviews on Thursday, the university confirmed. The North Dakota vacancy was created when Rich Glas left for the associate coach position at Northern Iowa. Glas' chief assistant, Randall Herbst, who played at Winona State in the early 1990s, has left for Florida Southern. Besides Brown, the finalists for the North Dakota head coaching position include Brian Jones, operations director at Iowa, and Steve Weemer, former assistant coach at Eastern Illinois. |
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TOM
BROWN
Assistant WSU basketball coach |
R.I.P.: Bruce W. KeilALMA, Wis., May 19, 2006 -- A 1959 Winona State University grad, Bruce Keil, 70, died at home. He had spent most of his career with American Motors, then DaimlerChrysler in Milwaukee, Wis. He retired in 1989.
Plea deal on Gordon cocaine caseWINONA, Minn., May 19, 2006 -- In a plea bargain Paul Allen Gordon agreed to plead guilty in a cocaine case, which precludes the evidence from being used against him in his trial for the Sugar Loaf murders. The guilty plea, entered before Judge Jeff Thompson, means the next step for Gordon in the cocaine case will be sentencing. The case involved a Halloween 2004 arrest in which police say Gordon pulled a toy gun on them and pulled the trigger, which activated a machine-gun sound. Officers testified earlier that in the dark alley behind Third Street they had no idea whether the gun was real. Officers confiscated bags of cocaine after arresting Gordon. The plea deal includes a provision that Gordon may serve prison time concurrently for the cocaine arrest and for a pistol-whipping conviction on April 14. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for June 1.
Gordon, 23, meanwhile, faces hearings as a prelude to a September trial for the grisly murders of Winona State University psychology student Stacy Smith, 29; her unborn child, sired by Gordon; and he 10-year-old daughter Taylor. Their bodies were found in their apartment on Sarnia Street in December 2004, a few hours before Gordon left town. The 10-year-old girl had been raped, the apartment torched.
About the plea agreement for the Halloween cocaine bust, which occurred 6-1/2 weeks before the murders, prosecutor Chuck MacLean said he was pleased. The conviction, he said, had taken 1-1/2 years. Justice can take time, MacLean said. "Achieving justice is sometimes a long journey," he said. "This is a critically important step on that path." In the plea-bargaining, Gordon was represented by Rich McCluer of Winona, who is in private practice. Gordon has public defenders for the murder cases.
In considering the plea agreement, Judge Thompson said there was sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to support a conviction. The charges were one count of a second-degree controlled substance crime and two counts of terroristic threats with a replica firearm. |
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PAUL
ALLEN
GORDON
Bargain includes concurrent prison time
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Background: Jury finds Gordon guilty in assault trial
Background: Gordon murder-arson trial in September
Background: Jury finds Gordon guilty in assault trial
Background: Judge: Impartial local jury possible
Background: The night they died
WSU loses leading basketball scorer| WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2006 -- The leading Winona State University women's basketball scorer, Liz Buttke, is leaving the Warriors to play for rival University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The UW-La Crosse athletic department made the announcement. A freshman last season, Buttke, a 5-foot-9 guard, started all 28 games. She averaged 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and had a team-best 49 steals. Buttke came from the Marshfield, Wis., high school, where she shot 39.6 percent (53 of 134) from 3-point range and 84.8 percent (39 of 46) from the free-throw line. The last season was not kind to Winona State. The Warriors finished 10-18 overall and 3-11 in the Northern Sun conference. |
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LIZ
BUTTKE
Bye, bye to Warriors |
Iowa prof targeted for provoking race labelsIOWA CITY, Iowa, May 18, 2006 -- The Black Law Students Association has protested racial slurs recited by a law school prof in a class on negotiations. One passages, read by Gerald Wetlaufer, were from Robert Caro's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of President Lyndon Johnson. The other was from a 1964 speech by black sharecropper Fannie Lou Hamer. The black law students, who number 27, said the class was a symptom of "a much larger problem" at the law school. Some complained of a hostile environment. Wetlaufer has defended the passages as germane to his course but apologized for not alerting students that his presentation would include quotations with racial slurs.
Interim WSU student affairs exec at $100,000WINONA, Minn., May 18, 2006 -- The recently appointed interim student affairs vice president at Winona State University, Ruth Schroeder, will earn $100,000 in her one-year appointment, records show. Schroeder is serving while a national search is organized for a permanent successor to Cal Winbush, who retired. Winbush's salary was $120,000 his final year. Schroeder had been at $47,000 in her former position as campus health educator.
Background: Health educator to vice presidency
Clark profs to president: Please leaveVANCOUVER, Wash., May 18, 2006 -- Faculty at Clark College have told the college president, Wayne Branch, that he must go. The vote of "no confidence," usually a death knell for a college president, followed ongoing criticism of Branch's leadership style. There has been high faculty turnover at the college, which critics blamed on Branch, whom they say lacks a commitment to shared governance. Meanwhile, college trustees have contracted for an outside review of Branch's three years in office.
Good stuff in WSU good riddanceWINONA, Minn., May 18, 2006 -- The Dumpster Diversion project at Winona State University, which gave departing students an option for disposing of unwanted goods, generated 25 pieces of usable furniture, accoridng to volunteer Nick Teff at the Restore Store. Teff said volunteers also picked up 166 bags of groceries and 25 bags of clothing
Background: WSU readies Dumpster Diversion project
GOP boots Horowitz-backing legislatorLANCASTER, Pa., May 18, 2006 -- Two-term state legisdlator Gibson Armstrong, who backed an investigation into what he claimed was left-wing political bias in college classrooms, lost a bid for nomination to another term. Armstrong was defeated by a law student who works part-time as X-ray technologist to raise his fanmily and pay tuition. Lancaster Republicans were decisive: 59 percent for upstart Bryan Cutler. Cutler, 31, attributed his victory to a scandal over legislative pay raise, perks and per diems. Referring to the state's capital city, Cutler said: "For too long, Harrisburg has abused tax dollars." Armstrong had voted against legislator pay raise but accepted unvouchered expenses, which he later gave back. On college liberalism, Armstrong had favored the so-called Academic Bill of Rights from conservative crusader David Horowitz, which several state legisatures are considering. Horowitz has touted the bill as an antidote what he calls liberal indoctrination of impressionale young people.
NCAA to McMurray: Let Kaw goINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 18, 2006 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association rejected an appeal by McMurry University of Texas to continue the use of its Indians nickname. McMurray had claimed its first president, James Winford Hunt, selected the name out of "respect for the Kaw Indian Nation." The NCAA responded: "Well-intentioned motives are not sufficient to overcome the harm done by stereotypical nicknames that can create hostile or abusive environments." Other colleges with Indian mascots and nicknames continue under NCAA pressure to also change.
Mississippi crusader cleared of 1960 hate convictionHATTIEBSURG, Miss., May 18, 2006 -- A black war Korean War veteran who went to jail on trumped-up burglary charges in 1960 nafter seeking admission to the all-white University of Southern Mississippi has been exonerated posthumously. In declaring Clyde Kennard innocent, Judge Bob Helfrich said: "I'm compelled to do the right thing." The newspaper the Clarion-Ledger had conducted a three-month investigation into a charge that Kennard, a decorated war veteran, had stolen $25 worth of chicken feed. His sole accuser, Johnny Roberts, told the newspaper that he had been threatened to make the false accusatuion against Kennard because of thye black man's persistence to break the Southern Miss segregation. Kennard died of cancer in 1963 after serving prison time. Said Judge Helfrich, who did the sentencing in 1960 and presided now over the exoneration: "It did begin here, and, yes, it should end here."
Science, tech enrollment not keeping paceWASHINGTON, May 18, 2006 -- Even though college enrollment has been growing, the proportion of students obtaining degrees in science, technology, engineering and math has declined over the past 10 years, acording to the Government Accountability Office . Only 27 percent of students received degrees in the so-called STEM disciplines in 2004, compared with 32 percent a decade earlier. The federal government put $2.8 billion into more than 200 programs to increase the number of students and employees in STEM fields in 2004, the GAO said.
Ohio hacker patch didn't work; data outCOLUMBUS, Ohio, May 18, 2006 -- Computer records with personal information on 300,000 Ohio University donors were unprotected on a server for more than a year after a break-in, the university confirmed. Accessible informatuion included Social Security numbers, and the names and addresses. Credit-card or bank data were not. The breach was discovered April 24 after two people reported that their personal information was used illegally. The university set up a toll-free hot line for donors to learn more about the breach how to place a fraud alert on their credit report. Hackers both in the United States and abroad had gained access to a server in March 2005, and the fix-up patch, it turned out, did not do the job.
Liquor store posters stolenWINONA, Minn., May 17, 2006 -- A downtown liquor store, Third Street Liquors, reported seven two-foot by four-foot posters advertising alcohol were stolen from outside of the store, police said.
WSU
SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING MAY 20, 2006
May 17, 2006: The security office was notified that a student had reported the theft of her laptop computer from outside the Lourdes cafeteria. The theft took place April 6 between 12:30 and 1:15 p.m.
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NCAA Division II National (third day): South Carolina-Aiken 868 (1st), CSU-Bakersfield 871 (2nd), Columbus State 876 (3rd), Lynn University 878 (4th), Florida Southern Col 885 (5th), CSU-Stanislaus 892 (6th), Pfeiffer University 894 (7th), Cameron University 895, California State-San Bernardino 895 (8th) (tie), Grand Canyon and St. Mary's of Texas 900 (10th) (tie), Coker College 903 (12th), WSU 907 (13th), St. Martin's 909 (14th) North Alabama, 912 (15th), Saginaw Valley State 913 (16th), Barton College (17th), Concord University 922 (18th), St. Cloud State 922 (19th), Goldey Beacom College 963 (20th) |
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Warriors fall to 13th in golf nationalsDANIELS, W.Va., May 18, 2006 -- Winona State University struggled to a team total 312 and fell to 13th place in the NCAA Division II national men's golf championships. The third day of the four-day, 72-hole tournmaent left the Warriors with at 907 -- 22 strokes from the top five and 39 strokes off the pace. Bret Toffness had the team medalist honors with a seven-over par 77 and dropped from a tie for 31st to a tie for 41st. Troy Merritt also had his difficulities as he shot an eight-over par to tumble from a tie in fourth place to a tie in 15th with a 219 total, 10 strokes behind the leader. Matt Horel also carded a 78 and imporved form a tie in 77th to a tie in 73rd. Chad Bischoff posted an 82 for a three-day total of 239 and fell from a tie at 84th to a tie at 89th.
Boehner on college loan critics: "Hollow stunt"WASHINGTON, May 17, 2006 -- The House majority leader, John Boehner, R-Ohio, has downplayed a march on his office by two dozen college graduates as a lame stunt. A Boehner spokesperson said the sponsor, Campaign for America's Future, was a liberal advocacy group acting on a false premise that Republicans don't favor quality education. The students, donned in caps and gowns, were not addressing quality, however, but cuts in the federal student-loan programs that Boehner supported. The graduates delivered a petition with 15,000 signatures urging Boehner to change his position and to support a Democratic plan to cut the interest rates on college loans in half. The Boehner spokesperson called the demonstration "a hollow political stunt."
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NCAA Division II National (second day): WSU 595 (10th) |
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Warriors advance to 10th in national golf meetDANIELS, W.Va., May 17, 2006 -- -- Winona State University shot one stroke better and moved up one place to 10th by the completion of the second day to the 2006 NCAA Division II national men's golf championships. The Warriors turned 297 for the second day. Sophomore Troy Merritt turned in one of the top rounds of the day as he shot a two-under par 68 to move from a tie in 23rd to a tie for fourth place, two strokes out of third and four strokes off the lead. Merritt's 68 was one of only three rounds under 70 and the second best of the day. Bret Toftness also made a move with a one-over par 71 to move up from a tie for 23rd to a tie for 31st. For the rest of the Warriors, Kevin Loeffler faultered with a nine-over par 79, Matt Horel struggled to an 11-over par 81 and Chad Bischoff recorded a nine-over par 79.
New WSU academic chief starts Aug. 1WINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- The new academic vice president at Winona State University, Sally Johnstone, will join the payroll Aug. 1, university President Judith Ramaley confirmed. The office will continue to be occupied in the interim by former business Dean Ken Gorman, who has held the position on an acting basuis since September. Johnstone has been with the Colorado-based Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, where she served 17 years as director of the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications. As academic vice president at Winona State her salary will be $140,000.
Background: New WSU chief academic officer named
College-entrance exams firms face new pressureALBANY, May 16, 2006 -- A powerful state senator, Ken LaValle, called for legislation requiring college admissions testing comopanies to disclose all questions and answers after the exams without charge. LaValle, a Long Island Republican, criticized recent mistakes in correcting SAT exams.
WSU sends four to NCAA track nationalsWINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- Four Winona State University athletes, including senior hurdler Deidra Faber, have been chosen to compete in the NCAA Division II women's outdoor track and field championships May 25-27 in Emporia, Kan. Faber will be making a return trip in the 400-meter intermedite hurdles. Faber earned all-American status in the event by placing fourth in last year. Also heading to Emporia is junior Bria Magnuson in the pole vault and juniors Emily King and Nicole Lonning in the hammer throw. King advanced to the indoor nationals this season and became an all-American when she placed second in the 20-pound weight throw event. Faber has the 16th best time (1:01.66) out of a field of 18 in the 400 hurdles. Magnuson is tied with the sixth best height (12-5 1/2) in the field of 17 in the pole vault. There is a field of 16 in the hammer throw. King's throw of 175-5 3/4 is the seventh best. Lonning ranks 15th with a throw of 166-11 3/4.
Committee adds to Colorado prof's woesBOULDER, Colo., May 16, 2006 -- An investigative committee at the University of Colorado has concluded that
controversial prof Ward Churchill plagiarized, falsified and fabricated material in his research. The committee's report, which runs 125 pages, faults Churchill for "recurrent refusal to take responsibility for errors." The five-member committee was unanimous that the misconduct it alleged was serious, but only one panel member recomended firing. Others cautioned that dismissal could adversely affect academic freedom in general. Churchill's woes began with talk-show criticism of his observation that the 9/11 World Trade Center attack took out a lot of "little Eichmans," a reference to a Hitler aide that touched a nerve. After a wave of talk-show attacks on Chruchill, critics began to look at Churchill as a scholar, including his claim to be of American Indian descent, and the quiality of research that supported his writing.
Churchill called the new report "a travesty." Although the committee had two faculty members from elsewhere, Arizona State and Texas at Austin, Churchill charged that the committee was dominated by "CU insiders." Said Churchill: "The entire procedure appears to be little more than a carefully orchestrated effort to cast an aura of legitimacy over an entirely illegitimate set of predetermined outcomes."
The committee said that Churchill misrepresentated federal laws regarding American Indians and fabricated material regarding an 1837 smallpox epidemic. The report listed instances of plagiarism. |
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WARD
CHURCHILL
Tenured ethnic studies prof |
Background: New Colorado charges against Ward Churchill
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NCAA Division II National (first day): California State-Bakersfield , Florida Southern,Columbus State , South Carolina-Aiken 288 (1st) (tie), Pfeiffer 293 (5th), California State-Stanislaus, Lynn (6th) 294 (tie), St. Mary's of Texas, Cameron 296 (8th) (tie), California State-San Bernandino 296 (10th), WSU 298 (11th), Coker 300 (12th), North Alabama 305 (13th), Saginaw Valley 306 (14th), St. Martin's 310 (15th), Barton, Grand Canyon (16th) (tie), St. Cloud State (18th), Concord (19th), Goldey-Beacom (20th). |
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Warriors 11th
in national men's golf tournamentDANIELS, W.Va., May 16, 2006 -- Winona State University stood in 11th place after the first day of the NCAA Division II men's golf championship at the Resort at Glade Springs. The Warriors toured the course in 298 strokes, 18-over par. and 13 strokes off the lead. WSU's Kevin Loeffler and Troy Merritt each carded three-over par rounds of 73 to be in a tie for 23rd. Matt Horel was two strokes further back in a tie for 50th. Bret Toftness shot a 77 and was tied for 64th. Chad Bischoff came in with a 78 and was tied for 71st. Three more rounds remain.
Sprint cuts last Winona phone operatorsWINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- The Sprint long-distance telephone call center in Winona, once with 230 employees, many of them college students who liked the relatively high wages, is being eliminated. The last 28 employees will leave in June, according Sprint Nextel, Sprint's successor company. A new sales division without 100 employees is being put together at the Sprint building at Third and Johnson, a spokesperson said.
Northwestern investigates "bad jocks" photos| EVANSTON, Ill., May 16, 2006 -- Northwestern University suspended its women's soccer team after a photograph appeared on the web that looked like hazing. Meanwile, the university is investigating. In the photos, soccer players are disrobed to their underwear and blindfolded with their hands bound behind their backs. Two images show athletes performing lap dances for the men's soccer team, according to captions. At least two women appear to be kissing. The photos appeared on the Web site Bad Jocks. The Chicago newspaper the Sun-Times quopted one team member that no one was forced to do anything against her will. The player, who asked not to be named, said everyone was "just having fun." |
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"JUST HAVING FUN"
The site Bad Jocks says its photo record of the Northwestern women's soccer team affair includes 46 images. |
An end to dorm telephones?WASHINGTON, May 16, 2006 -- Colleges may yank telephones out of dorm rooms if the Federal Communications Commission switches to a flat rate for every phone line, according to a coalition that opposes the change. The Keep USF Fair Coalition issued a report, "Flunking Numbers," which argues that colleges would see its Universal Service Fee skyrocket 10-fold on average. The proposed flat rate would be $1 or $1.50 for every phone line and web access point. The current system charges by long-distance call, not by phone line. The coalition says eliminating dorm-room phones would disadvantage students without cell phones.
NEWS AND COMMENT
WINONA MEDIA WATCH |
A DIRTY DISH RAG, ANYONE?
Your newspaper looking like a dirty dish rag? It's not your eyes. The Winona Daily News, like many other U.S. newspapers, has switched to cheaper newsprint that's grayish, with less heft and, well, generally unpleasant. It's partly a question of weight. The average grams per square meter of newsprint has dropped from 48.04 in 2000 nationwide to 47.12. Some newsoprint is down to 45 grams. Photos are mushier. Type stands out less. No redesign can offset the new grubby limpness.
The Winonan and Bravura, student publications at Winona State University, are suffering too. They come off the same press as the Daily News with the same el-cheapo paper.
Why cheaper paper? Desperate to maintain profit margins of 20 to 30 percent amid continuing circulation and advertising declines, the giant newspaper chains have gone into cost-cutting with unprecedented fervor. This includes Iowa-based Lee Enterprises, owner of the Daily News, which buys newsprint in bulk for all its properties. All Lee papers feel like they're disintegrating at your touch.
At least superficially there is a contradiction in corporate-directed cost-cutting for the Daily News. After years of declines, the newspaper's circulation has leveled off. For the six-month period ending in March, the Daily News reported to auditors that circulation averaged 11,348 weekdays, up 0.9 percent; 11,896 Saturdays, up 0.8 percent; and 12,429 Sundays, up 0.3 percent. This is against a background of a 2.6 percent decline in newspaper circulation nationwide. The corporate bean-counters at Lee Enterprises' far-away headquarters, however, obsess on shareholder satisfaction -- not that Winona readers feel gipped when they turn pages that wilt. Anything to swell profits.
Those bean-counters must be all smiles at the Daily News website, however. Whiteness on the web comes cheap with bgcolor=#fffff html coding. The Daily News claims the number of web visitors averaged 9,424 per day in April, up 46 percent from a year earlier.
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IRS revokes credit agencies tax-exemptionWASHINTON, May 16, 2006 -- The Internal Revenue Service revoked the tax-exempt status of 41 nonprofit credit-counseling agencies that borrowers, including college students and grads with college loans, go to for help to get out of debt. The IRS said an audit found the agencies either were not providing enough financial education to their clients, were compensating their chief executives too highly, or were channeling too much revenue into sibling for-profit entities. The 41 agencies account for some $410 million of the $1 billion the credit-counseling industry, according to the IRS. Federal revenue Commissioner Mark Everson said: "These organizations have not been operating for the public good and donÕt deserve tax-exempt status. They have poisoned an entire sector of the charitable community."
La Crosse arts fund-raiser to bardfest jobWINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- A volunteer fund-raiser for the La Crosse, Wis., Symphony Orchestra, Jeff Severson, has been named interim general manager for the Great River Shakespeare Festival at Winona State University. Severson begins next week -- six weeks ahead of the launch of the Winona festival's third season. The appointment was announced by Gary Evans, the festival's board chairman. Severson is a former vice president at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He succeeds festival founder Mark Hauck, who resigned last week.
Background: Shakespearefest pioneer Mark Hauk leaves |
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"ROMEO AND JULIET"
"TWELFTH NIGHT"
June 30-Aug. 6 |
WSU nursing student examines role of unionWINONA, Minn., May 15, 2006 -- A Winona State University nursing grad student Jennifer Pittman, presented her research, "Registered Nurse Job Satisfaction and Collective Bargaining Unit Membership Status" at the Research Forum.
| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
AAUP faults prof's dismissal in religion spat WWASHINGTON, May 16, 2006 -- The American Association of University Professors reported that Greenville College, a church school in Illinois, demonstrated "an unacceptably low toleration for dissent" in dismissing a tenured computer professor. The prof, Gerald Eichhoefer, who also is a lay minister, had accused profs in the religion department of encouraging students to lose their Christian faith. The AAUP said the college's explanatiion that financial problems led to the dismissal were tranparently false. The AAUP also said that criticism of Eichhoefer's teaching were cooked up. Meanwhile, Eichhoefer and the colgee have reached a settlement. Greenville College is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.
WSU nursing grads write on competency outcomesWINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- Two Winona State University nursing grad alums, Beth Sievers and Sherry Wolf, wrote an article, "Achieving Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies and Outcomes Through Interdisciplinary Education" in the journal Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Nudity's power: UCal tackles sweatshop sourcingBERKELEY, Calif., May 16, 2006 -- The University of California will begin working to identify logo apparel coming from overseas sweatshops. President Robert Dynes announced. Suppliers will be required to buy at least 25 percent of logo apparel from factories that pay a living wage and respect employee unions, Dynes said. The program could be expanded if it indeed improves foreign working conditions, he said. Dynes' decision follows several protests, including at least three in the nude, at Berkeley and other campuses. In April, 18 students were arrested at a sit-in at the office of the Berkeley chancellor.
Editorial: Winona's summer quiet has downsideWINONA, Minn., May 16, 2006 -- Summer quiet has arrived in Winona, but with the college students largely gone it'll be lonely, bemoaned a Daily News editorial. Chief editorialist Jerome Christenson, writing for the newspaper's management, said:
"Something -- or somebody -- seems to be missing. There was plenty of room in the pew at church. The crowd at your favorite restaurant is smaller and older, and "Help Wanted" signs are sprouting in display windows all around town. We suddenly have plenty of places to park, but thereÕs an unusual amount of living room furniture "free to a good home" set on the curbside. The colleges have held their spring commencements. For the most part, the students are gone.
"For a few days, we townies will luxuriate in shortened checkout lines, quiet nights and a shorter line of cars backed up at Huff and Sarnia, but fortunately for all of us -- before long -- they'll be back. Bringing their wallets, checkbooks and Social Security cards along with them. Because, frankly, without Saint MaryÕs, Winona State, and Southeast Technical, Winona wouldn't be much of a town."
Christenson made the point that Winona relies on the colleges for thousands of employees, many aprt-time, to staff local businesses Also, he noted, college payrolls have 1,000 well-paid people, many of whom would likely be living and spending somewhere else if Winona weren't college town. He credited the colleges too for Winona's high concentration of educated people. Twenty-five percent of the populatuion has at least a bachelor's degree, he said.
"So, while we enjoy a few quiet nights, convenient parking and fast moving checkout lines, we should be grateful that the lull is only temporary. They will be back. Thank goodness for that."
| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
Prof walks out on Hampton j-programHAMPTON, Va., May 16, 2006 -- The retired Washington bureu chief of Time magazine, Jack White, resigned from the faculty at Hampton University because the dean, he said, has a "repressive attitude" toward freedom of speech. "The atmosphere in Hampton is in contradiction to the goals of a journalism program," White said. Incidents at the primarily black college include administrators confiscating copies of the student newspaper after editors ran a letter by t
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