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MEMORIAL ADD-ON
The proposed facility would wrap pretzel-like around McCown Gym, displacing a Gold parking lot. The student health services offices would be included.WSU claims $3 million in gifts for constructionST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 31, 2006 -- Quietly Winona State has lined up $3 million in pledges to build a six-lane indoor running track and a complex of workout and phys-ed facilities, legislators have been told. The university has made no announcement about the gifts but has assured legislators about them in seeking state funds to build the facility. In all, the university has pegged the total cost at $15.2 million. The university is asking for $5 million from the Legislature. The balance, roughly $8 million, would come by borrowing against future student fees.
The 78,000-square foot addition, which the university dubs a "wellness center," has been on drawing boards for three years, first as a project to be funded entirely with gifts. Since the original plan, projected costs have doubled -- and university officials are cautious even now o whether $15.2 million will be enough.
The project has endorsement from Rep. Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, who as Speaker of the House until the Democrats took control of the Legislature in November, has been emphatic that the project will win funding. Sen.-elect Sharon Ropes, D-Winona, hasn't taken a firm position on the funding. Ropes has suggested that Sviggum was electioneering when he said in October that state funding was a sure thing. Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona, is on record supporting the project.
MIKE LEAF
With assistant Tom Brown perched to his right, Winona State University basketball coach Mike Leaf acknowledges the crowd in a victory parade.Basketball coach to be 2006 sports headlinerWINONA, Minn., Dec. 31, 2006 -- The Daily News has chosen Winona State University basketball coach Mike Leaf as its sportsperson of the year, sources said. The announcement will be bannered in the New Year's Day edition. The choice is n surprise. Leaf led the Warriors to a 34-1 record last season and the Division II national championship.
Feds win indictment in SMU bomb threatsSACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 30, 2006 -- A federal grand jury has indicted a man for repeated telephone bomb threats against a St. Mary's University building in Rochester, Minn., and other facilities and individuals, many with Jewish connections. Scott Rpbert Hudson, 52, whose address was listed as Paradise, Calif., north of Sacramento, was arrested and held without bond. Hudson was arrested not far from Paradise at a Chico motel where he was living. There was minor resistance, according to prosecutor Benjamin Wagner. The threats against the School of Graduate and Professional Programs of St. Mary's were received in August, five in all, according to document provided to the grand jury. The calls were traced to Hudson's phone, the documents said. The threats alleged in the grand jury indictment, made between August and November, went to New York, Pennsylvania and California.
Arraignment was scheduled in U.S. District Court for Jan. 5. There are nine counts. Hudson was first charged on Dec. 19. The charges had been superseded by the grand jury indictment.
Hudson has a history of mental illness and threatened violence, including fires and bombs. In 2001 he pleaded guilty to multiple telephone threats on professional baseball player Randy Johnson. He was sentenced to 16 months, which was extended to 34 months after a probation violation.
Twice during that case U.S. District Judge William Shubb ordered Hudson to a federal medical facility in Rochester, Minn., for evaluation and treatment of his mental illness. The federal facility is within a mile of University Center Rochester, location of the St. Mary's building that was subject of the bomb threats this August. Court documents don's show any direct conenction with St. Mary's, which is a Roman Catholic institution based in Winona, Minn.
Hudson was first investigated by the FBI in 1996 for threats against U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., according to records. Canadian authorities also had been pursuing him for threatening calls. In the mid-1970s, Hudson had been admitted to a southern California psychiatric hospital in Southern California on allegations that he was dangerous with a gun.
 | BASKETBALL (WOMEN'S)
UW-Parkside 59, WSU 58 |
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Krueger finale fails, WSU loses by single pointWINONA, Minn., Dec. 30, 2006 -- Winona State University had one final shot to win, but it fell shot. The Warriors lost to Wisconsin-Parkside 59-58 in nonconference women's basketball. The Warriors had trailed by as much as 14 points in the second half before a rally brought them to within one point, the final margin of defeat, with 15 seconds left. After a Winona State time out the Warriors' Shelby Krueger worked the ball in for a close shot but missed. Krueger finished the game with a game-high 12 points and added 7 points and 5 steals. Amanda Reimer led the Warriors came up with 17 points. Kayleigh Lutz followed with 12 points, Leslie Ross with 10 points. Parkside led at halftime 32-25, but the Warriors outpointed the Rangers 33-27 in the final 20 minutes.
Parkside held the edge on the boards 29-22.
Background: Statistics
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING DEC. 30,
2006
Dec. 30, 2006: Security guards and firefighters responded to the Prentiss-Lucas dorm concerning a fire alarm at 9:48 p.m. A student cooking in Prentiss had set the alarm off.
Dec. 30, 2006: Security guards and firefighters responded to Memorial Hall for a fire at 8:06 p.m. alarm. The alarm had been pulled by a high school student. No fire.
Dec. 29, 2006: Security guards and firefighters responded to a fire alarm at Somsen Hall at 11 a.m. Construction workers had set off the alarm. No fire.
Dec. 28, 2006: Security guards assisted police in locating a student concerning an incident off campus.
Dec. 28, 2006: Security guards responded to Kryzsko Commons concerning a fire alarm at 8:50 a.m. False Alarm.
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R.I.P.: Valerie K. (Bishop) JostadGALESVILLE, Wis., Dec. 30, 2006 -- A Winona Tech grad, Valerie Jostad, 37, died of breast cancer. At Tech she earned a degree in marketing. She had been on the staff at the Galesville-Ettrick-Trempeleau high school and helped students organize events.
Proposal: Pass test, skip high schoolWASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2006 -- The 26-member New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, comprising political, business and higher-ed leaders, proposed sending some students on to community colleges right after 10th grade. The commission proposed an exam for high-school sophomores on core subjects. Passing the exam would allow students to skip the rest of high school and enroll in a community college for a two-year technical degree or prepatory work toward a four-year degree. Students who scored high in the sophomore test could graduate high school with enough credits to enter college as juniors.
The commission conceded that the changes would be radical but economically necessary. The goal would be to accelerate the development of skills in the workforce for United States to compete globally and reduce job outsourcing, he commission said. Marc Tucker, commission vice president, who also is president of the National Center on Education and the Economy, said: "Being able to consistently create the Next Big Thing is what will separate us from competitors on the other side of the world."
The commission also proposed:
States should hire teachers, rather than local school districts, and set salary salaries statewide starting at $45,000. Higher salaries, the commission said, would draw teachers from the top third of high-school students going to college, not the current bottom third.
States should create agencies to recruit, train and certify teachers. Agencies whose graduates perform well would be rewarded with more funding for continuing their work.
COMMENT
CAN MAYO CURE
ITS OWN HYPERVENTILATING?
The Mayo Clinic has emphasized safety in campaigning against upgrades to a raiload route across southern Minnesota to bring Wyoming coal to Midwest power plants. The trains, some towing chemical tank cars, would pass within six blocks of one Mayo hopsital. But what are the chances of a fatal chemical spill that has Mayo so exercised? Any spill causes regretted inconvenience, of course, and there is a risk as long as we live in a chemical-dependent world, but Mayo is hyperventilating.
The number of trains operated per mile by major U.S. railroads exceeded 3 billion over the past five years. Count the zeroes: 3,000,000,000. During the same period, three fatal accidents occurred with toxic chemicals. Thirteen persons died in the accidents. Ask any sophomore in actuarial accounting to calculate the odds of it happening at a spot near you. It's a lot less than French fries from the Mayo cafeteria today leading to a heart attack tomorrow.
Almanac:
Jan. 18, 2002: One person died when a Canadian Pacific train derailed near Minot, N.D., and released anhydrous ammonia. Sixteen-hundred people sought triage.
June 28, 2004: Three persons died when trains operated by the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe collided near San Antonio, Texas, and released anhydrous ammonia.
June 6, 2005:Nine persons died when a Norfolk Southern train derailed near Graniteville, S.C., and released chlorine. Two-hundred people sought triage.
Mayo's concern for patient safety is appropriate. Mayo's hysteria is not. |
Background: WSU students oppose Wyoming rail project
Background: Comment: Mayo forgets the Common Good
Background: Comment: WSU students become Mayo puppet
Railroads refitting chemical tank carsWASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2006 -- U.S. railroads will phase in safer chemical tank cars over the next 12 years beginning in January, the Association of American Railroads announced. New construction standards, devised by engineers at the University of Illinois, will reduce the possibility of a release of so-called "toxic inhalation hazards" by 65 percent, the association said. All new tank cars manufactured in 2007 will meet the new standards and existing cars will be retrofitted. By 2019, the whole U.S. fleet will be replaced, the association said.
Any The first of the new tank cars, manufactured by Trinity Industries, have thicker rupture-resistant tank and head shields. Also, the fittings on top are lower profile so the dome will be less vulnerable in a rollover.
The Association of American Railroads said the new tank cars should reduce insurance costs. Although hazardous chemicals comprise less than 0.3 percent of railroad tonnage, the cargo consumes 30 percent of railroad insurance costs.
Background: WSU students oppose Wyoming rail project
COURT
CONVICTIONS
WEEK
ENDING DEC. 30, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT
COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Christopher Alan Fremling, 18, 1277 W. Fifth, $177.
Jessica A. Iwanski, 20, La Crosse, Wis., $152.
Justin R. Julson, 19, Goodview, Minn., $177.
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Rape charges dropped in Duke lacrosse caseDURHAM, N.C., Dec. 29, 2006 -- Rape charges against the three Duke University lacrosse players have been dropped by prosecutor Michael Nifong. Charges of kidnapping and first-degree sexual offense have been left standing. Nifong declined to elaborate on his decision, saying what he has to say will be said in court. He has been under growing criticism for the case, which raised social and racial cases in this city. The case involved a 2005 party at which a hired stipper, who is black, claimed that three lacrosse players, who are white, had pulled her into a bathroom and raped her. The lacrosse players have professed innocence.
Duke President Richard Brodhead has publicly questioned Nifong's handling of the case as district attorney. Also, the North Carolina State Bar has filed a complaint, accusing Nifong of ethical breaches.
The case has had significant fallout. Veteran lacrosse coach Mike Pressler resigned. The 2006 lacrosse season was cancelled. The accused athletes were sent packing. Media attention has focused on tensions between the predominantly white Duke, an elite university, in a city with a significant black population. The stripper who brought the rape accusations is a student at primarily black North Carolina Central University across town.
Background: Duke rape evidence file disclosed
Background: WSU students oppose Wyoming rail project
Background: Comment: WSU students become Mayo puppet
PUBLIC
POLICY
NOTES
POSTED
DEC. 29,
2006 |
SPURRING DM&E. U.S. Rep-elect Tim Walz, D-Minn., called for Congressional oversight of the DM&E Railroad's request for a $2.3 billion federal loan to extend its route into northeast Wyoming and to upgrade its trans-Dakota and Minnesota line to Winona. Walz wants the House government-reform committee to insist that the railroad open its books to assure that the "taxpayer-backed loan of this magnitude" is fiscally responsible. The DM&E has insisted on sealing what it calls proprietary information. The loan would be the largest ever by the federal government to a private company.
BLOATED HQ? State Rep. Gene Pelowski, D-Winona, said the Legislature will put a microscope on the headquarters budget of the MnSCU state college system. Over the years the central-office budget has mushroomed. The predecessor agency, the State University System, once had 42 St. Paul employes -- compared to MnSCU's present 330. The headquarters budget has passed $30 million, Pelowski noted. Background
SWEARING IN. The office of new U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., will be open for the first time to the public at 11 a.m., Thurssday, Jan. 4, the day that he will be sworn in. An open house will run four hours at Office 1529 in the Longworth building. Visitors will watch the swearing-in ceremony by video hook-up.
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| 2007 LEGISLATURE | Editorial endorses free tuition for vetsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 29, 2006 -- The Brain Drain that siphons thousands of the best and brightest out of the Midwest for college needs to be plugged, according to a Daily News editorial. A good starter would be free tuition for military veterans, as proposed by Attorney General-elect Lori Swanson and endorsed by a growing number of legislators from both parties, the editorial said. But, the editorial went on, more is needed. The editorial called the competition to recruit college students "fierce" and "global," and said states like Minnesota need to ease the tuition burden on students and provide incentives for them to stay in the state for college. The eiditorial was written by Darrell Ehrlick, editor, as a policy statement for Daily News management.
NEWS
AND COMMENT
WINONA MEDIA
WATCH |
WHAT WENT UNSAID
IN LEE CIRCULATION CLAIMS
As newspaper circulation crumbles, the company that owns the Winona Daily News has put a smiley face on its numbers. "We're the exception" was the message from Lee Enterprises when the Audit Bureau of Circulations released its quarterly circulation figures for newspapers nationwide in October.
Well, financial analysts who have reviewed the numbers now are telling their investment clients that Lee's claim isn't quite what it seems. The Lee claim is that, compared to a year earlier, people bought more issues in 2006's third quarter at 37 of its 51 dailies. The growth, to be sure, wasn't much -- 0.5 percent Sundays and 0.2 percent daily. But against a backdrop of alarming declines among metro dailies, Lee seemed to be an industry bright spot. Consider these numbers for the quarter -- Los Angles Times, down 8 percent; Boston Globe, down 6.7 percent; Minneapolis Star Tribune, down 4.1 percent.
What's wrong with Lee's numbers, which it heralded in a corporate news release? A Merrill Lynch report, by analyst Lauren Fine, says that Lee bulked up its numbers on paid circulation by deep discounting. At Lee papers examined by Fine, there was a 4.1 percent drop in papers sold at 50 percent or more of the cover price. But for papers sold at 50 to 75 percent discounts, there was a 43.9 percent increase. The bottom line: Lee's claim was built on discounting that made its totals look better than they really were.
General Motors could move a lot of Chevrolet Avros, which retail at $12,000, if it deep-discounted them to $3,000. Shareholders, of course, wouldn't be too pleased if they knew how the company had gone about jacking up sales.
Lee is not the lone deep-discounter in the newspaper industry. But Lee's news release about the third quarter, reported by its papers on corporate orders, often on Page One, was patently misleading at failing to distinguish between "quality circulation" and the deeply discounted circulation. The release was designed for readers to infer that eager citizens were flocking to newsracks daily for Lee products and enthusiastically resubscribing. Well, not quite.
The Lee numbers were larded with give-aways through the Newspaper in Eucation program which taps subscribers for a donation to put papers in school rooms. It's something that some investment analysts call "junk circulation." The project of another major newspaper chain, Gannett, to put deeply discounted papers on college campuses, including some Lee papers, falls into the same category. Bulk sales, as to hotels to give free to their customers, don't command the same reader respect and commitment that people give to a pper for which they plunk down 50 or 75 cents.
At the Winona Daily News, the upbeat corporate news release was embellished with local circulation figures, although with no breakdown between quality and junk circulation. It too was less than the whole story. |
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| These are the largest U.S. dailies by paid circulation for the third quarter of 2006, compared to a year earlier.
USA Today
Wall Street Journal
New York Times
Los Angeles Times
New York Post
New York Daily News
Washington Post
Chicago Tribune
Houston Chronicle
Newsday
Arizona Republic
Boston Globe
Newark Star-Ledger
San Francsico Chronicle
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Atlanta Journal-Const
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Philadelphia Inquirer
Detroit Free Press
Portland Oregonian |
|
| 2,269,500
2,043,200
1,086,700
776,600
704,000
693,400
656,300
576,100
508,100
410,600
397,300
386,400
378,100
373,800
358,900
350,200
337,000
330,600
328,600
310,800 |
|
| -1.3%
-1.9%
-3.5%
-8.0%
5.1%
1.0%
-3.3%
-1.7%
-3.6%
-4.9%
-2.5%
-6.7%
-5.5%
-5.3%
-4.1%
-3.4%
-0.6%
-7.5%
-3.6%
-6.8% |
None of these are Lee papers. The only Lee metro is the recently acquired St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which eked out a circulation gain of 0.6 percent. Most Lee dailies are small and medium papers. which as a group have been buffered from the dramatic circulation drops among metros. |
These are the leading U.S. newspaper chains as of September, as ranked by the investment firm Merrill Lynch, with changes in their quality and junk circulation compared to a year earlier:
Gannett
Tribune Co.
McClatchy
Dow Jones
New York Times
Knight Ridder
Lee |
|
4.8 million
2.8 million
2.7 million
2.1 million
1.7 million
1.1 million
663,000 | QUALITY
CIRC
3.7%
0.7%
-5.1%
-7.2%
-4.8%
-6.2%
-4.1% |
|
| JUNK
CIRC
44.5%
-22.1%
31.2%
0.0
16.7%
19.8%
43.9% |
Quality circulation is that sold at 50 to 100 percent of full price, Junk circulation us sold at 25 to 50 percent. |
For an analysis of circulation-enhancing techniques in the newspaper industry, see Mark Fitzgerald's "The New Math" in the December 2006 issue of the trade journal Editor & Publisher (Pages 38-42).
This is the news release from Lee Enteprises corporate office on third-quarte circulation:
DAVENPORT, Iowa (Nov. 1, 2006) -- Thirty-eight daily newspapers of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NYSE: LEE), have reported year-over-year circulation growth for the six-month period ended Sept. 30, 2006. Meawnhile, use of Lee newspaper online sites, as measured by page views, increased 43 percent from September 2005 to September 2006, further extending audience reach. Lee newspapers with circulation growth include the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, one of only a few major metropolitan dailies in the country to report gains. Lee's 51 newspapers that are members of the Audit Bureau of Circulations reported combined declines of 0.2 percent daily and 0.5 percent Sunday. Nationally, newspapers reported average decreases of 2.8 percent daily and 3.4 percent Sunday. "These results reflect the high priority our newspapers have given to increasing circulation, readership and online audiences," said Mary Junck, Lee chairman and chief executive officer. She added: "Also, paid circulation is only one measure of our reach and effectiveness. Our studies show that total readership, which includes multiple readers per copy, covers more than half to three-fourths or more of all the adults in our markets. Coupled with our rapidly expanding online audiences, we reach more people today than ever before, and we expect that growth to continue."
Of the 38 Lee newspapers with circulation growth, 28 reported gains daily, 29 reported gains Sunday, and 19 reported gains both daily and Sunday. The newspapers reporting gains are located in Flagstaff and Tucson, Ariz.; Oceanside/Escondido, Hanford, Lompoc and Santa Maria, Calif.; Lihue, Hawaii; Mason City, Sioux City and Waterloo, Iowa; Twin Falls, Idaho; Bloomington, Carbondale, Charleston, Decatur and DeKalb, Ill.; Munster, Ind.; Winona, Minn.; Park Hills and St. Louis, Mo.; Billings, Butte and Helena, Mont.; Fremont and Lincoln, Neb.; Bismarck, N.D.; Albany and Coos Bay, Ore.; Carlisle, Pa; Orangeburg, S.C.; Provo, Utah; Longview, Wash.; Baraboo, Chippewa Falls, La Crosse, Portage and Racine, Wis.; and Casper, Wyo. At Lee's largest newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, daily circulation climbed 0.7 percent to 276,588, despite a strategic reduction in lower value distribution outside the metropolitan area. The Post-Dispatch reported Sunday circulation of 418,262, a decline of 2.4 percent, reflecting an increase in the Sunday single copy price, as well as the distribution change.
Over the last five years, from September 2001 to September 2006, using comparable data for each September reporting period, circulation among Lee newspapers has declined at an annual average rate of 0.5 percent daily and 0.6 percent Sunday. Lee Enterprises is a premier publisher of local news, information and advertising in primarily midsize markets, with 51 daily newspapers and a joint interest in five others, rapidly growing online sites and more than 300 weekly newspapers and specialty publications in 23 states. Lee's newspapers have circulation of 1.6 million daily and 1.9 million Sunday, reaching more than four million readers daily. Lee's online sites reach more than two million users, and Lee's weekly publications have distribution of more than 4.5 million households. Lee's newspaper markets include St. Louis, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; Madison, Wis.; Davenport, Iowa; Billings, Mont.; Bloomington, Ill.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Napa, Calif. Lee is based in Davenport, Iowa, and its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee Enterprises, please visit www.lee.net. |
This is the Winona Daily News account to raeders, published Oct. 31, 2006, on its circulation status:
For the second time in a year, the Winona Daily News circulation numbers are increasing, despite a national trend of newspaper circulation decline. While daily circulation across the United States fell for the previous six month, the Daily News reported a 1.2 percent increase from April through September as well as reporting a 1 percent increase from October 2005 to March 2006. The Daily News average daily circulation rose to 11,206 and Sunday circulation increased to 12,859. Circulation director Nick Nicks said the increase was due to strong local news coverage, coupled with very successful sales campaigns. Nationwide, small- to medium-sized newspapers are showing some stable sales trends, while metro newspaper sales are struggling. For example, only two of the top 20 papers in the nation showed gains. Nationwide daily circulation fell 2.8 percent and Sunday circulation fell 3.4 percent in the same period. USA Today, owned by Gannett Co., remained the top-selling newspaper in the U.S. It reported average daily sales at 2.3 million, down 1.3 percent from last year. Industry analysts point to the growing demands on readersÕ time, coupled with growth of the Internet have all played a part in nationwide circulation declines.
Locally, the Daily News said it's working not only on the number of copies sold, but the number of readers. "We're very pleased with our continued readership growth," Publisher Rusty Cunningham said Monday. "Readers in the Winona region are keenly interested in news from the Winona region, and it's great to see that our expanded local and regional news and sports coverage appeals to more and more readers. ItÕs also heartening to know that newspaper sales are increasing at a time when the audience for winonadailynews.com and our other online sites is skyrocketing." |
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Background: Roster of Lee papers
Background: Cost-cutting clustering at Lee
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
WSU 92, UW-Parkside 76 |
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Warriors run winning streak to 33WINONA, Minn., Dec. 29, 2006 -- No. 1-ranked Winona State University turned up both offensive jets in the second half and to defeat Wisconsin-Parkside 92-76 for an 11th men's basketball victory over the season without a loss. The game extended the Warriors' winning streak to 33 games and their homecourt winning streak to 18. John Smith and Jonte Flowers each came up with a double-double for the Warriors, each with 15 points. Smith had 13 rebounds, Flowers 11. Balanced scoring made the difference for Winona State David Johnson came off the bench to lesd the Warriors with 20 points. Zach Malvik had 17, Quincy Henderson 10. Flowers finished off his complete game with 6 assists, 2 blocked shots and 3 steals. WSU held a 44-39 edge on the boards.
Background: Statistics
WHAT A DIFFERENCE AN ELECTION MAKES
GOVERNOR OK
WITH TUITION FREEZE
| ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 28, 2006 -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he would go along if the Legislaure freezes tuition at state colleges and universities. Pawlenty made the surprise statement in a news conference. In his first four years Pawlenty has been unsympathetic to student pleas for tuition relief, which has run double-digits on average. In his re-election campaign he proposed a complex system for free tuition for high-performing students in fields favored by industry and commerce, but now, dealing with a Democrat-controlled Legislature, the plan has lost viability. The MnSCU state colleges system is going to the Legislature for an 8 percent tuition increase over two years. The Democratic leadership in the Senate and House have not announced a position. House Minority leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, said he backs a freeze. |
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| 
TIM
PAWLENTY
Will accede to freeze if legislators pass one |
Background: Pawlenty's tuition stance for re-elction
Rape case plea agreement: Guilty WINONA, Minn,., Dec. 28, 2006 -- A Winona man in jail for rape since June, Amelioleona Janquese Mitchel, 23, pleaded guilty and threw his future in the hands of psychosexual evaluators and court investigators. In a plea agreement, Mitchel said he would consent to six years and nine months in prison if he's found likely to become a repeat offender. Sentencing was scheduled for March 8, after the evaluations and further investigation. Without the plea agreement, through which additional charges would be dropped, Mitchel faced as much as 60 years in prison and perhaps more. In court Mitchel pleaded guilty under the agreement to forcing a cocaine client to perform sex after a drug deal in an alley behind the downtown MacDonald's fast-food restaurant.
Background: Police make arrest in rape case
Background: Rape reported in apartment foyer
Judges uphold Wyoming rail line approvalST. LOUIS, Mo., Dec. 28, 2006 -- The federal Surface Transportation Board has been upheld by a federal appeals court of acting within its authority in approving a major new rail line into Wyoming coal fields. The decision, by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, was a victory for the Winona-to-South Dakota DM&E railroad, which wants to build the new line. Opponents, led by the Mayo Clinic pf Rochester Minn., had challenged the board's approval of the project as part of a multi-prong campaign against the DM&E. One Mayo front group, the Rochester Coalition, said it was undeterred by the decision and will continue to oppose the new rail line. Legal options are being considered, the Coalition said.
Background: WSU students oppose Wyoming rail project
Background: Comment: WSU students become Mayo puppet
 | BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
SMU 76, Nebraska Wesleyan 61 |
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WSU food-sevice contract valued at $50 millionWINONA, Minn., Dec. 27, 2006 -- The new contract to provide dining services at Winona State University, recently awarded to Chartwells, may be worth as much as $50 million. John Ferden, the university executive in charge of dining services, said the total dollar amount is dependent on a number of variables that include the number of students on meal plans along with concession and catering sales. Last year Chartwells had net sales of $4.7 million with 2,700 students on meal plans, plus $800,000 from catering, concessions and summer camps, according to Ferden. "Those numbers have been pretty consistent over the years," Ferden said. Future revenue for Chartwells? Ferden said that while the number of students on meal plans is consistents, the sales in catering and concessions "go with the success of the school." With total of approximately $5 million per year and the contract running seven years, possibly 10 years with an extension, the total value of the contract could potentially be more than $50 million, according to Ferden.
Reporter: Chad Larimer
Background: Chartwells belatedly
lands WSU cafeteria contract
A Christian Brother president ever again?WINONA, Minn., Dec. 27, 2006 -- The governing board of St. Mary's University will decide in February on details of a search for a new president, according to Chair Robert Figliulo. Whether to place a priority on finding a member of the Christian Brothers order, which founded St Mary's, is on the agenda. The college always has had a Christian Brother in charge, but the pool of brothers is shrinking. In the last presidential search, in 2004, not a single Christian Brother was among finalists -- and Brother Craig Franz was added for consideration only after he had decided to leave the presidency of another Christian Brothers college in California. Last week Franz was relieved og his St. Mary's duties after acknowledging sexual misconduct with a student two years ago at the California college.
Meanwhile, a lay person, Jeff Highland, St. Mary's chief academic officer, has moved from into the presidency on an interim basis. Searches for college presidents typically take most of a full academic year, which means that the St. Mary's presidency likely could be filled no sooner than fall and by then only if fast-tracked. The last St. Mary's search consumed almost two years. Campus speculation has focused on Highland, a political scientist who has risen from the faculty ranks.
Also mentioned in campus discussin is Franz's predecessor, Louis DeThomas. Brother Louis, a Christian Brother, retired in 2004 but has remained with the title of chancellor and loosely defined responsibilities at the university's Twin Cities program. DeThomasis, who was president 21 years, was a popular campus figure known for keen business and management acumen, no-nonsense personnel policies and prolific writing -- not to mention being an easy conversationalist and extraordiinary chef. |
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| 
JEFF
HIGHLAND
Interim SMU
president
LOUIS
DETHOMASIS
Immediate past
SMU president
Finalists for the St. Mary's presidency in 2004:
Thomas Flynn, a senior fellow at the Council for Independent Colleges; former president of Millikin University in Decatur, Ill.
Craig Franz, a Christian Brother; president of St. Mary's College in Moraga, Calif.; former executive assistant to the president at Winona's St. Mary's.
Richard Yanikowski, part-time faculty member at Loyola University in Chicago; former president of St. Xavier University in Chicago. |
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Background: Chronicle of 2004 SMU presidential search
Ebay mummy had been atravelin'COLLEGE PARK, Md., Dec. 27, 2006 -- A cadaver belonging to the University of Maryland School of Medicine that showed up for sale on the eBay auction site is on its way home. A grad student recognized the cadaver, the body of a child with the organs removed and preserved, as one from the Maryland collection. The Michigan woman who posted the mummy for sale told that a friend had found it while in a Detroit school building that was being razed. The body had been part of the Maryland med school's antique collection acquired from two brothers in Scotland to teach anatomy.
COMMENT:
NUDE IN THE CAFETERIA
BUMPKINS RULE IN ROCHESTER
The Powers-Who-Be at the Rochester community college showed their true colors, a broad yellow stripe down the back, when they cowered to moralists about art in the cafeteria. Incredible as it seems, administrators took down a commissioned 1976 work of art from the U.S. bicentenial. Why? Somebody had complained that an Indian women was portrayed bare breasted. And this at an institution of higher learning? Our answer to dealing with misguided moralists: Rub their noses in their idiocy. Let art be. Bare breasts too. |
Background: Big news in Rochester: Yes, women have breasts
WSU naseball plans winter prep baseball campsWINONA, Minn., Dec. 27, 2006 -- High-school baseball hitting and pitching camps have been scheduled at Winona State University for February, coach Kyle Pooch announced. McCown gym will be used for the camps Feb. 4, 11 and 18.
Contact: (507) 457-2332
Blue Ridge audit woes widen beyond baseballFLAT ROCK, N.C., Dec. 27, 2006 -- Blue Ridge Community College is in more trouble after yet another state audit. State auditors reoorted finding that the college spent part of an endowment, before the invested funds had matured. An earlier audit found that a company owned by the chair of the college's governing board, Joe Spearman, was paid more than $29,000 to house baseball players. Players, also, told auditors they were paid in a work-study program for hours they did not work. The earier audit also found that baseball coach Damon Towe deposited $7,300 in work-study checks from students into his personal business account, although he passed it all on to pay for housing for his players. There are also new questions about whether the college used state money for Towe's salary, contrary to state rules.
Want to fly? WSU offers starter courseWINONA, Minn., Dec. 26, 2007 -- A class on aviation fundamentals, in which students learn to fly, will be offered soring semester at Winona State University by prof George Bolon. The class will meet Monday and Wednesday nights at Stark Hall.
Contact: George Bolon
Eastern Oregon administrator accused of rapeLA GRANDE, Ore., Dec. 26, 2006 -- Two multimillion-dollar lawsuits have been filed by a professor and a student, both women, who allege that an Eastern Oregon University administrator raped them during a trip in February to an education seminar. The plaintiffs seek damages totaling $108 million. They accuse the university's undergrad studies director, Robert L. Davis, of raping them in his Atlanta hotel room on successive nights. The suit also names the university, saying that administrators and the state higher-ed board knew of previous complaints against Davis and failed to investigate. An attorney for Davis denied the charges. Meanwhile, Davis has been put on leave.
What next for Brother Craig?BALTIMORE, Md., Dec. 26, 2006 -- The ousted president of St. Mary's University, Brother Craig Franz, has begun therapy to address sexual misconduct issues. A spokesperson for the De La Salle Christian Brothers said the therapy is intended to sort out what led to the misconduct. Meanwhile, Franz is living with his order in Baltimore. The order does not expel brothers in these situations, but its practice is not to give them further teaching assignments or to reassign them to the institution where the behavior occurred.
The misbehavior has not been explained beyond that a one student at St. Mary's College of California complained last summer about something 1-1/2 years earlier. In an investigation, Franz acknowledged misbehavior. What occurred was in Franz's last months as president of the California college, before moving to St. Mary's University in Winona, again as president. Franz is 53.
Background:
SMU president leaves in sex scandal
California inquiry ongoing
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CRAIG
FRANZ
SMU president
2004-2006
QUICK BIO
Brother Craig was no stranger to St. Mary's when he was named president in 2004 He had been an execitive assistant to Blong-time President Louis DeThomasis, a fellow Christian Brother. He also was a Christian Brother presence on the uiversty's baord of trustees,
Franz began his career as a high school biology and environmental science teacher in Philadelphia. Later he held educational and administrative roles at the University of Rhode Island, La Salle University in Philadelphia and St. Mary's in Winona.
Franz earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Bucknell University in 1975, a master's degree in environmental studies from Drexel University in 1977, and a doctorate in marine ecology in 1988 from the University of Rhode Island. |
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RECENT DAYS IN
THE CITY
POSTED DEC.
26, 2006
PEEK-A-BOO. The School Board authorized school administrators to mount video surveillance cameras in toilet and locker rooms in "extreme circumstances" in the interest of student safety.
TOUR BOAT. The retired tugboat Kaw, which once supported the Army Engineers dredge Thompson, will become a floating exhibit at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. A $100,000 grant from the Steve and Barb Slaggie Family Foundation will convert the Kaw into a towboat in miniature, the museum said. Two small barges will be part of the exhibit. The Kaw will be available for tours, it is hoped, this coming year. The Thompson, meanwhile, will join the museum in 2008.
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| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
Rosaries on Ovaries sign stirs objectionsPROVIDENCE, R.I., Dec. 25, 2006 -- After a Catholic priest objected to signs at Rhode Island College, "Keep Your Rosaries Off Our Ovaries," college President John Nazarian ordered the signs down. Now Nazarian has been accused in federal court of violating students' constitutional right to free expression. The American Civil Liberties Union argues in its suit, filed on behalf of campus feminists, that a public colege can't abridge free speech rights.
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Southwest
Minnesota State
Winona State
Concordia St.
Paul
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| FREE INQUIRY / FREE EXPRESSION |
Lawsuit: College targeted anti-abortion exhibitPHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 24, 2006 -- An anti-abortion student group at Arizona State sued the university, alleging that administrators had stifled free expression by forbidding a traveling exhibit of 18-foot photographs graphically depicting aborted fetuses. The suit, in federal court, claims that Arizona State University Students for Life had been denied outdoor space by program manager Judy Schroeder at the student union building. According to the suit. the university has allowed 80 other student groups to reserve just as much space without hassle. Also, says the lawsuit, Schroeder demanded a certificate of insurance and pay a $300 fee because the exhibit was from an "outside vendor." A attorney for the students said: "Free speech shouldn't have a price tag, and students don't deserve to be treated differently because of their viewpoints."
To the initial complaint about blocking free expression, the university responded that Schroeder's actions were related to the size of the exhibit, not the content. A universty spokesperson said the panels with the graphics were supported by large metal poles that the students planned to take down every day to avoid vandalism. The group also had to haul equipment on a pedestrian walkway every day, posing an safety risk, the university said.
The exhibit, from Wichita, Kan., sponsors, has been shown at more than 100 times on 40 campuses. No injuries have been reported, At the University of Colorado, Universty of Houston, and University of Texas, administrators also have attempted to ban the exhbit, in attemopt resulting in First Amendment suits. All the suits have been settled in favor of the anti-abortion groups.
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING DEC. 23,
2006
Dec. 22, 2006: A vehicle was struck in the Sheehan dorm north parking lot at 7:25 p.m.
Dec. 20, 2006: Security gaurds responded to a fire alarm in Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 2:10 p.m. A student had been cooking. Smoke set off the fire alarm. Firefighters were summoned.
Dec. 18, 2006: At 9:45 p.m. an individual using the racquetball court reported the theft of his jacket.
Dec. 17, 2006: Security guards and an ambulance crew responded at 6 p.m. to the Lourdes dorm concerning a medical situation.
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Iowa campus groups upset over searchIOWA CITY, Iowa, Dec. 23, 2006 -- One campus group after another at the University of Iowa has voted no confidence in the Board of Regents over for its bungled search for a new president. First the Faculty Senate listed its grievances about how the search has been conducted. Then also did the Staff Council, which represents 5,200 employees. Council President Mary Greer criticized "secrecy, micromanagement" and authoritarianism" that, she said, showed disrespect for the university community and the public. The Graduate Student Senate also passed a no-confidence measure. At issue is the search replace David Skorton, who left last summer to become president of Cornell University.
COURT
CONVICTIONS
WEEK
ENDING DEC. 23, 2006
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT
COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Jacob M. Abts, 20, Fountain City, Wis., $177.
Annie Marie Berend, 18, Menominie, Wis., $354.
Elvan N. Hioang, 18, Minnesota City, Minn, $277.
Kerry Ann Jacobson, 19, 401 E. Broadway, $354.
Casey M. Johnson, 19, Winona, $177.
Tiphanie Marie Rood, 19, 520 Second St., $177.
David Marc Spencer, 20, 535 Westdale, 180 days and $154.
Matthew Manuel Suarez, 18, Austin, Minn., $177.
Erik Thomas Unstad, 18, Lakeville, Minn., $177.
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Report: Probe needed into private college loansWASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2006 -- The Institute for Higher Education Policy called for a federal review of how student college loans from private lenders are affecting students. Jamie Merisotis, institute president, said that a rapidly growing number of students are taking out private loans, even though they carry higher interest than federally gu.auaranteed loans "It is important to chart a reasoned debate about private loans and their potential benefits and risks," the report said. Rhe Institute said some students don't realize that less-expensive federal money is available: "Not everyone receives perfect information about financial aid, and some studies have found that students with the least information are often those from low- and modest-income backgrounds." The report noted that many private lenders market directly to students and emphasize, misleadingly, that federal money is hard and complicated to get.
The report identified drawbacks to private loans, including interest rates that can escalate sigificantly over the life of the loan. Also, the report said, the interest rates can go up dramatucally as students take out additional loans that undermine their credit ratings. Also, repayment options for private laons often are less generous than for federal loans, the report said.
Interim leader sees SMU as "strong, vibrant"| WINONA, Minn., Dec. 22, 2006 -- The interim president of St. Mary's, Jeff Highland, declared that the university is "a strong and vibrant institution" despite the reeling that has followed the forced departure of its Christian Brother president for sexual misbehavior. In a letter to campus people, Highland said: "Our community is both stunned and saddened by the events of this past week." He called for prayer: "Together and by association, we will continue to focus on what we do best -- serving our students." Calling the university "strong and vibrant," Higgland expresed confidence in "the dedication of our faculty and staff" to promote the institution's "deeply rooted and valued Catholic, Lasallian mission." Highland thank campus people who participated in meetings on Wednesday. "We will continue to address questions and concerns as they arise." |
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JEFF
HIGHLAND
Interim SMU
president
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Background:
Verbatim: Interim president suggests prayer
SMU president leaves in sex scandal
Judge: Alabama race discrimination largely goneROME, Ga., Dec. 22, 2006 -- A federal judge ended a 25-year-od lawsuit against the state of Alabama for lingering racial segregation in state colleges. Judge Harold Murphy ruled that Alabama has eliminated racial segregation "to the extent practicable and consistent with sound educational practice." Also, the judge said he was convinced that Alabama is commited to to operating its higher-ed systen in a nondiscriminatory fashion.
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Interim SMU president suggests prayerWINONA, Minn., Dec. 22, 2006 -- Within days of being appointed interim president of St. Mary's University, Jeff Highland issued this letter to campus people:
December 22, 2006
A MESSAGE FROM JEFFREY R. HIGHLAND, PH.D.
Dear Saint MaryÕs Community:
During this season of faith and hope, I would like to wish you, members of the Saint MaryÕs University family, a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas. I am proud to serve you and to lead this community of caring individuals into the new year.
Our community is both stunned and saddened by the events of this past week. In the spirit of Christian fellowship, I ask that we all consider offering a prayer for everyone involved.
Please know that together and by association, we will continue to focus on what we do best -- serving our students. Saint MaryÕs University is a strong and vibrant institution because of the dedication of our faculty and staff and the support of our loyal students, alumni and friends. The Board of Trustees, the members of the Cabinet and I are all committed to the good work of Saint MaryÕs; as always, we ask you to join us in continuing to promote the institutionÕs deeply rooted and valued Catholic, Lasallian mission.
I sincerely thank the members of our community who attended discussions on Wednesday in an effort to better understand recent events. We will continue to address questions and concerns as they arise.
Advent is a time of hope and promise for that which is to come. At Christmas we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came to bring light and healing to the world. In that same spirit, I offer my prayers to each of you. May God bless you and yours.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
Jeffrey Highland, Ph.D.
Interim President and Provost
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R.I.P.: Barbara J. (Broecker) HeddleWINONA, Minn., Dec. 21, 2006 -- A Winona State University grad, Barb Heddle, 58, died of complications from diabetes. She held both a 1970 bachelor's in elementary-ed and a 1979 master's in special-ed from Winona State. She taught two years at the university. She retired this year from the Winona high school, where she taught special-ed. Earlier she taught at Houston, Minn.; Coos Bay, Ore.; Spokane, Wash., and Hiawatha Valley Special Education Co-op in Winona.
Four Warriors to regional D2Football teamLIBERTY, Mo., Dec. 20, 2006 -- D2Football.com selected four Winona State University players to its All-Northwest Region team. Named to the first team were senior linebacker John Tackmann and sophomore punter Mike Salerno. To the second team were senior offensive tackle Chris Zimmerman and junior cornerback Shawn Cunningham. The selections make the four eligible for all-America honors.
YOU CHOOSE
BIGGEST 2006 WINONA CAMPUS NEWS
The CyberIndee is compiling its annual ranking of major campus news of the past year. You can help. Tell us what you would add to this in-progress list. For every item you add, tell us also what you would take off.
SMU president resigns after sex allegation.MSUSA runs up $400,000 in secret legal expenses.Community seethes at WSU role in 2005 school election.WSU wins national basketball championship.Legislators turn deaf ear to students: WSU tuition up 9 percent.Students take case against WSU president to chancellor.Sugar Loaf murderer gets life in prison.WSU football, volleyball coaches in slow recovery from car wreck.SMU decides against reinstating football.WSU junior snared after drug-linked pool-cue beating.
Your nominations? Send us a message.
Stay tuned for the ranking on New Year's Day |
RCTC news:Yes, women have breastsROCHESTER, Minn., Dec. 22, 2006 -- A painting of an American Indian woman, her breasts exposed, has been moved out of the cafeertia at Rochester Community and Technical College after criticism that it objectified and degraded women. The painting, a photorealistic portrait by Bill Letchworth, had been in storage since 1976, when it was part of the U.S. bicentennial celebration. Now with the new fuss, college art director Simon Huelsbeck said the decision to out the painting on display in the cafeterua has been reconsidered. The portrait, Huelsbeck said, will instead be hung in the school's art gallery.
Sports mag takes note of WSU's FlowersNEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2006 -- The magazine Sports Illustrated recognized Winona State University basketball guard Jonte Flowers for his performance that led his Northern Sun conference player of the week recently. In that week Flowers helped the 9-1 Warriors to victories over conference rivals Northern State and Mary. He averaged 19 points and contributed 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in the games. The mag ran Flowers' photo in its "Faces in the Crowd" section. Since that week, Flowers has been named Northern Sun conferne player of the week a second time.
Background: Flowers named league
basketball player of week
Background: Flowers encores as player
of week
Sallie Mae defends colleges' prferred lender dealsWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2006 -- The largest student-loan provider in the nation, Sallie Mae, has warned that expanded regulation of the student-loan industry may be pending and should be headed off. In a mass mailing to college administrators, Sallie Mae said that the U.S. Education Department and some members of Congress are planning "unwarranted," "reactioanry atacks" on the integrity of college financial-aid officers These attacks, said Sallie Mae, could divert financial-aid officers away from their primary work of helping students. At issue is whether colleges should limit students to so-called "preferred lenders," some of which offer inducements to college financial-aid officers tto get on campus preferred lists. Sallie Mae has argued that preferred lists are not nececesarily the evil that critics describe. "All schools that select preferred lenders compare products, price, and service," the letter said. Lender lists should be created at the level of individual colleges, not by "someone in Washington," the Sallie Mae letter said.
Background: Feds amassing evidence on student-loan abuses
WSU's Smith named best Shootout playerNASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 20, 2006 -- Winona State University junior center John Smith was named the Sunshine Shootout tournament's most valuable player. Smith also made the all-tournament team, as did teammate Jonte Flowers. In the tournament the Warriors extended their winning streak to 32 games and improved their season mark to 10-0. Smith averaged 17 points and 6.5 rebounds. He also came up with 7 assists, 7 blocked shots and 3 steals while playing 52 of a possible 80 minutes. Flowers went 13 of 21 from the floor and 7 of 8 from the free throw line, while coming up with 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 steals and 34 points in the two games.
California college calls sex inquiry "ongoing"MONAGA, Calif., Dec. 20, 2006 -- An investigation has been launched into whether a sex scandal is more widespread than a relationship between one student and the former president of St. Mary's College in Monaga. Brother Robert Gallagher, college president, said that his governing board has begun a follow-up inquiry to determine if other students might have encountered "similar behavior" while Brother Craig Franz was the college's president. Gallagher succeeded Franz as president after Franz resigned to become president of St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn. Franz, meanwhile, has resigned from the Winona university. Gallagher described the investigation at the Monaga campus as ongoing. He offered no details except that the student made an allegation of "inappropriate sexual conduct" last summer. The conduct, Gallagher said, was in the Fall of 2004 after Franz had announced his resignation to take new responsibilities at Minnesota St. Mary's. Gallagher did not offer the gender or age of the student.
The chair of the governing board at St. Mary's University in Minnesota, Robert Figiulo, meanwhile, alerted students at his campus to procedures for reporting "an allegation of misconduct."
In an open letter Gallagher said he had ordered an independent investigation promptly when he learned of the student's allegation. The investigation, he said, was concluded in November. "The investigation determined that Brother Craig had engaged in behavior totally inappropriate for a Christian Brother and college president and inconsistent with our values and traditions," Gallagher said. The results were shared with Christian Brothers provincial leaders in its San Francisco, Midwest and Baltimore districts, which prompted trustees of the Minnesota St. Mary's to insist that Fanz resign there. |
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ROBERT
President, St. Mary's College of California |
Background: SMU President leaves in sex scandal
Howden resignation leaves 7th Senate vacancyWINONA, Dec. 20, 2006 -- The resignation of business Sen. Rock Howden to take an executive job with the Minnesota State University Student Association will be the fifth by a student senator since Dec. 1. In all the new year will start with seven vancies on the 25-member Senate. In January the election committee, headed by Senate Vice President Kari Winter, will make applications available on the Student Senate website and encourage self-nominations through an announcement on the WSU Update and posters. Winter's plan includes targeting specific areas to fill some of the open seats. "I would personally like to send the applications to the college ceans, who could send the applications to the department chairs, then to the professors and the students who are in those colleges," Winter said.
During the Dec. 6 student senate meeting Sens. Melinda Schuck, Tonya Balow, Gerald Strauss and Paul Warzecha resigned. Schuck and Balow resigned due to class conflicts next semester. Warzecha said he will not have time because he will be student-teaching. Strauss said he wanted to concentrate on his studies. Winter called the series of resignations unfortunate: "The Student Senate lost a lot of really dedicated, logical, and bright senators, but it sounds like most of them are going to try to stay involved whenever possible,
which is good since they're familiar with the issues."
To fill the open sophomore seat Winter said she hopes to target West Campus and the Quad because those dorms are occupied largely by sophomores. "I think when the Senate is making an impact on campus and is just visible in general with issues that we're taking on more students will be inclined to run, so the Student Senate has been active enough to just get students interested even without the election PR,Ó Winter said.
Reporter: Chad Larimer
Background: WSU senior to statewide student post
GUEST COMMENT
HOORAY, THE PEOPLE WON
-- OR DID THEY?
BY TERRY TINKLE
The election excitement has faded. Bush is not impeached. There is a move to the center, which after Bush means our country will still be on the Right and corporate greed still rampant. There is so much I thought it might be clearer in my attempt at poetry:
Hooray, the people won.
Wasn't November 7th fun?
But let's make sure it's not a ploy
Quiet the masses, subvert another Hanoi.
Baker says two more years, then lingering presence.
Pelosi centers on bipartisan consensus.
Wait, it's not about the neo-cons anymore,
It's obvious they're rotten to the core!
Bush, Rumsfeld, Rove and Cheney
Way more nefarious than Khomeni.
What is it we believe?
First Iraq we must leave,
Then Fair Trade and Living Wage.
Our vote demands a whole new page.
Education, Healthcare provided for all
Corporate welfare, CEO perks to fall.
Trickle down has run aground
A whole new pie must be found.
We must not be lulled to sleep
The Republic is now ours to keep.
Placing people above the Sacred Dow
Our unity destroying the Fatted Cow.
Bringing forth a brand new day
Where homeless have a place to stay.
Letting love replace our fears
Returning soldiers, hearing cheers.
Freedom is the song we sing,
World peace the bell we ring.
So, when the morning brings the dew
Arm in arm will walk Arab and Jew.
For resisting greed is never treason
When giving is the perennial season.
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WSU senior elected to statewide student postWINONA, Dec. 20, 2006 -- A Winona State student senator, elected recently to become the No. 2 officer in the Minnesota State University Student Association, said he looks forward to working on policy issues that affect students statewide. A great deal of time will be spent with the state college system chancellor and the Board of Trustees, Howden said. He said he wants to speed policy changes that MSUSA has proposed. Also, Howden said he will review the stte college system trustees' budget proposal to the Legislature: "I am looking forward to this legislative session and speaking out to the Legislature, MnSCU and media about student issues." Howden said he sees success in dealing with the legislators on higher-ed issues. "There are a lot of new relationships that need to be built with all of our new representatives at both the state and federal levels," Howden said.
Howden, who represent business students on the Winona State Student Senate, will be requiured to resign from the Senate to avoid possible conflicts of interest. Winona State student Vice President Kari Winter said that Howden will be missed on the Student Senate but that his election to MSUSA was good for Minnesota students. "I think Rick made a good choice because he is really passionate about student issues and statewide issues, especially issues being tackled by the Legislature," Winter said.
Reporter: Chad Larimer | 
RICK
HOWDEN
Incoming MSUSA vice chair |
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California college's letter on SMU resignationMONAGA, Calif., Dec. 20, 2006 -- Robert Gallagher, the Christian Brother who is president of St. Mary's College of California, issued this letter about the departure of its former president, Brother Craig Franz, as president of St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn.:
Background: SMU President leaves in sex scandal
Feds amassing evidence on student-loan abusesWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2006 -- The U.S. Education Department appears poised to go after colleges whose financial-aid officers have been channeling students toward lending companies have used inducements to get on campus preferred-lender lists. Jeffrey Baker, a student financial-aid official at the Education Department, told a Congressional committee that he has tape recordings of financial-aid administrators admitting that they allowed students to borrow only from "preferred lenders." Baker did not detail how he acquired the tapes. Their existence, however, suggests that the government may be ready to follow up on advisories to college administrators that exclusive relationships with lenders are inconsistent with the government goal of borrower choice. Until now, the Bush position generally has been against tighter regulation on the banking industry, leaving it to financial-aid officers and the loan companies to correct abuses on their own.
Background: Feds may crack down on illegal student loan deals
SMU president quits in student sex revelationWINONA, Minn., Dec. 20, 2006 -- Amid a revelation of a sexual encounter with a student, the president of St. Mary's University has resigned. Craig Franz has left campus. The resignation was announced by Robert Figliulo, chair of the university's governing board. Figiulo did not identify where Brother Franz has gone except that he was in retreat with fellow members of the Christian Brothers religious order. Figiulo said the sexual encounter was at St. Mary's College in Moraga, Calif., where Franz, 53, formerly was president. The student was an adult but the encounter was nonetheless "inappropriate" in Franz's role as a leader, teacher and mentor and he has acknowledged such, Figiulo said.
Franz was hired by St. Mary's in 2004 after an irregular search process in which he was added late to the pool of applicants after he had announced he was stepping down at the California St. Mary's. None of the other applicants were Christian Brothers, the religious order that created St. Mary's. Trustees had stated a preference for a Christian Brother, It turned out, whether known or unknown to the trustees at the time, that Franz had quit under pressure at the California St. Mary's. A financial mess had resulted from major campus construction projects to be funded with a promised donation that never materialized. An external audit blamed inadequate administrative oversight. Also, there had been a rape on campus. When worded got out that one of Franz's vice president had overturned a disciplinary board recommendation for expulsion, Franz bungled press inquiries. About resigning from the California college, Franz explained that his departure was necessary for the college to move ahead.
Figiulo said he had learned of "an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior" in early December. He did not say why he delayed announcing the resignation more than two weeks. The announcement came with the campus largely shut down for the Christmas holiday. For staff, the announcement was a shock. Only last week, in fact, the university had heralded Brother Craig in a news release for a book he had edited on La Sallian religious traditions in education. Whatever the reason for the delayed announcement, Figiulo did say that he had confronted Franz about the California allegiation, as also, he said, did Franz's religious superiors. Figiulo called the situation "unfortunate." Meanwhile, the academic vice president, Jeff Highland, has been named interim president.
In a painful open letter, Figiulo said: "I cannot tell you how troubling it is for me to deliver this news to you, particularly at this time of year. As a second-generation alumnus of Saint Mary's, and the parent of both a graduate and a current student, I remain committed to Christian Brothers education. I feel very bad for all parties involved."
Background: Verbatim: Official SMU statement
Background: Franz leaves bungled record at Moraga
Background: SMU names new prez: Craig Franz
Background: Investigator: SMC fiasco avoidable
Background: Comment: Lesson in forthrightness |
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CRAIG
FRANZ
SMU president 2004-2006
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| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
WSU 81, Hillsdale
67 |
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Warriors take Sunshine Shootout championshipNASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 20, 2006 -- John Smith led Winona State University to an 81-67 over Hillsdale of Michigan in the championship men's basketball game of the Sunshine Shootout. The No. 1-ranked Warriors ran their record to 10-0 for the season and extended their winning streak to 32 games. Smith came up with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocked shots and 2 steals, and the tournament's most valuable player honors.
Winona State finished with five players in double figures. ELeven of the 13 Warriors to get into the game scored points. David Johnson came off the bench to score 14 points. Jonte Flowers, also named to the all-tournament team with Smith, chad 13 points, 5 assists, 1 blocked shot and 5 steals. Adding to the scoring effort for the Warriors was Quincy Henderson with 12 points and Zach Malvik with 11.
Winona State led 45-30 at halftime. After the intermission the Warriors outscored Hillsdale 26-10 in the first 9-1/2 minutes. That moved the Warriors to their biggest lead -- 31 points, 71-40. Malvik led the streak with six points and Smith added five. In the first half, Winona State led by nine, 36-27, with 3:56 left in the period and then held Hillsdale scoreless for 2:43 while scoring seven unanswered points for a 43-27 lead.
Background: Statistics
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SMU statement on President Franz's resignationWINONA, Minn., Dec. 20, 2006 -- Robert Figiulo, chair of the St. Mary's University trustees, issued this letter about the departure of university President Craig Franz:
December 20, 2006
To members of the Saint Mary's University community:
My apologies for bringing a matter as serious as this to you in the midst of your Christmas preparations, but the circumstances and timing leave me no other course.
It is with regret that I announce that Brother Craig J. Franz, FSC has resigned as President of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, effective immediately.
Jeffrey R. Highland, Ph.D., University Provost and Vice President of the College, has agreed to serve as Interim President of Saint MaryÕs University.
Following receipt of information about an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior from Saint MaryÕs College of California, the University addressed the matter with Brother Craig. Earlier this month, Brother Craig disclosed to his religious superiors and to me as Board Chair, that while serving as President of Saint Mary's College of California he engaged in an episode of inappropriate sexual behavior with an adult student who was enrolled in that institution.
Brother Craig realizes that his activity was inappropriate in light of his religious vows and his position as a leader, teacher and mentor.
Brother Craig has left the Saint Mary's University campus and is residing with his religious community.
The circumstances of Brother Craig's departure from Saint Mary's are unfortunate, for he made many significant contributions to the University.
Saint Mary's University takes matters of this nature very seriously and has an established protocol in place to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct made by anyone. The University does not tolerate inappropriate sexual behavior between a person in authority -- whether they be religious or lay -- with any student, faculty or staff member of the University, no matter what their age. Our policies and details about how to file an allegation of misconduct are posted on the UniversityÕs Web site.
I cannot tell you how troubling it is for me to deliver this news to you, particularly at this time of year. As a second-generation alumnus of Saint Mary's, and the parent of both a graduate and a current student, I remain committed to Christian Brothers education. I feel very bad for all parties involved.
The Board joins me in praying for the healing of everyone in this matter.
We also express our gratitude to Dr. Highland for agreeing to serve as Interim President during this time of transition. Dr. Highland is an experienced and respected educator and administrator. He joined the University in 1977 and is a professor of political science. Since 2000, he has served as the UniversityÕs chief operating and academic officer. Dr. Highland recently led the University's successful two-year self-study and site visit as it seeks reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
I am confident that Dr. Highland and the University's Cabinet -- a group of experienced senior administrators -- together with the Board of Trustees will continue to provide the leadership and resources for our faculty and staff to maintain the Lasallian tradition of awakening, nurturing and empowering our students to lead ethical lives of service and leadership. We remain committed to the goal to be ranked among the top 20 teaching institutions in the U.S. by 2012, the University's centennial.
If you wish to speak with me about any aspect of the information in this letter, please contact Bob Conover, Vice President for Communication at (507) 457-1496, or email me directly at rfigliulo@sprinc.com
Sincerely, Robert M. Figliulo
Chairman, Board of Trustees
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Feds may crack down on illegal student loan dealsWASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2007 -- A brewing scandal over inducments offered by student-loan lenders to college financial-aid administrators may lead to reforms. Daniel Madzelan, a department policy analyst, tetsified to Congress recently that federal regulations are needed to require colleges to give up listing "preferred lenders" from which sudents are encouraged to make a choice. How extensive are loan-company inducements to get in oreferred lists? Some colleges have forced students to borrow from lenders with which the institutions have exclusive arrangements, Madzelan said. The practice, he said, is illegal. Madzelan said he knows of enough complaints to be certain that the practice is not just "isolated cases."
Chartwells belatedly
lands WSU cafeteria contractWINONA, Minn., Dec. 19,
2006 -- The 17-month secretive process of selecting a new
campus food vendor has ended, finally, with Winona State
University signing a new contract to keep Chartwells. The
signing, last Thursday, was no surprise since Chartwells
has been operating on temporary 30-day extensions of the
preceding long-term contract that expired in June. The
new contract runs through 2013 with an optional
three-year extension. The contract will means millions
of dollars of revenue for Chartwells but does not specify
how much. Campus purchasing director Sandy Schmitt
explaiend that Chartwells income will vary with how many
meal plans are purchased and other variables. The new
contract will take effect on Jan. 1.
Final approval took longer than
expected because the six residential colleges in the
MnSCU system were on the same contract cycle, meaning
that all the contracts needed to undergo system-level
legal review at the same time. The review caused the
delay, Schmitt said. Chartwells was selected from a group
of four dining services providers that submitted
proposals through a secret process that is largely secret
to protect the negotiation process. For Winona State,
proposals were received from Chartwells, Sodexho, Aramark
and Lancer. Last spring a university committee went
through the proposals and recommended two companies to
Winona State administrators. The committee included 10
Winona State staff members, six student senators, and six
members of the dorm council:
University staff: Jane Baures, Robin
Delong, John Ferden, Ann Kohner, Cathie Logan, Tracy
Rahim, Joe Reed, Paula Scheevel, Bonnie Woodford, and
Schmitt.
Student Senate:
Student President Ryan Flynn, Treasurer Lindsay Stelpflug
anf Sens. Laura Berens, D.J. Danielson, Rotney O'Shea,
Ryan Predmore.
Dorm
council: Joshua DeFrang, Amber Helbling, John
Huggenvik, Rachel Kraemer, Chad Richardson and Andrew
Schuler.
Winona State
administrators selected Chartwells from the
recommendations and signed a letter of intent during the
spring semester. Once the negotiations were completed
Winona State sent the contract to MnSCU for final
approval.
Reporter: Chad
Larimer
Background: Chartwells
confident of new WSU dining contract
| BASKETBALL (MEN'S)
WSU 91, Wingate 78 |
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WSU wins Top 25 encounter over
WingateNASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 19, 2006 -- Winona
State University put together an eight-point unanswered
run early in the first half to set up a 91-78 men's
baksetball victory over Wingate University in a
nonconference tilt that featured a pair of Top 25 teams.
Warriors came into the contest undefeated in eight games,
holding a 30-game winning streak and with a No. 1 ranking
in the Division II coaches poll for a fourth
straight week. Wingate entered the contest with a 7-1
record and a No. 16 ranking. Wingate took an early 8-4
lead before Winona State tied the game at eight with
16:53 left in the opening period. From there WSU scored
eight consecutive points and held Wingate scoreless for
two minutes and ten seconds. Quincy Henderson and Joe
Ingvalson led the charge for Winona State, as each came
up with a three-point field goal and Henderson added a
crushing dunk at 14:43. Winona State then outpointed the
Bulldogs 32-25 for a 48-33 halftime lead.
In the second half Wingate did get
back to within five points of the Warriors, 68-63, with
9:15 left in regulation play, but Winona State countered
with a 14-6 run to an 82-69 lead with 4:41 left. Jonte
Flowers scored seven points in the run, Zach Malvik added
five and John Smith came up with two. For the game
Flowers led the Warriors with 21 points. Smith came up
with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocked shots
and 1 steal, while Malvik totaled 16 points. David
Johnson came off the bench to net 11 points. The Warriors
forced Wingate into 23 turnovers with 14 steals and had
the better night shooting, but the Bulldogs outrebounded
WSU 48-36.
Background: Statistics
Federal agency sides with WSU in age caseMINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Dec. 18, 2006 -- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, responding to a Winona State University prof's complaint of age discrimnation, said it was unable to find a violation of federal law. Journalism prof John Vivian had charged that he was denied a summer teaching assignment because he was "too expensive," which he said was a function of his faculty seniority and age. John Rowe, district director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said that his finding, although not in Vivian's favor, should not be read to mean that the university is in compliance with federal employment statutes. Rather, he said, an agency investigation was unable to conclude that a violation occurred.
The next step would be for Vivian to seek a remedy in federal court, which he said he would do. Vivian has not sought monetary damages or compensation. "I've done this for principle," he said. "The university systematically is denying student access to the senior-most tier of professors," he said. "This is not any way to run a university." In his case, the university acknowledged it issued a contract for $3,300 to a nonfaculty member to teach an introductory newswriting course for cost reasons. Vivian, as senior-most member of the masscom faculty, would have been paid $5,700 under a statewide collective-bargaining that sets profs' salaries based largely on seniority.
Background: WSU denies age discrimination
WSU taps new
student-affairs vice presidentWINONA, Minn., Dec. 18, 2006 -- A career college student-affairs manager,
Connie Gores, has been hired as vice president for
student life and development at Winona State University.
University President Judith Ramaley, who made the
announcement, said Gores will begin July 1. Until
recently Gores had similar responsibilities at Longwood
University, enrollment 3,700, in West Virginia. In recent
months she has been listed as a Longwood consultant. At
Winona State, Gores succeeds interm Vice President Ruth
Schroeder, the university's health education director,
who filled in after Cal Winbush retired last summer.
Ramaley said that Gores will visit Winona State several
times during the spring to help with the transition and
work out "a new level of cooperation between academic and
student affairs."
Gores did her undergrad work in
sociology at North Dakota State. She earned a master's in
college student personnel administration from Colorado
State and a doctorate in educational Leadership and
policy from the University of Washington. For her
dissertation, she explored disciplinary and institutional
culture and its implications for the participation of
faculty in governance and decision-making. She has
experience in enrollment management, program and
curriculum development, dorm living, admission. |
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CONNIE
GORES
Begins in July |
Background: Vice presidential
hopeful likes WSU "future" thinking
Background: Short list
announced for WSU No. 1 student exec job
Flowers named league
basketball player of weekPAUL, Minn., Dec. 18, 2006
-- Winona State University junior guard Jonte Flowers has
been named Northern Sun conference men's basketball
player of the week. In the Warriors 84-74 victory over
the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Flowers scored 20
points, hauled in 8 rebounds and recorded 6 steals.
Flowers scored 13 first-half points, which included six
points in a 16-9 run that tied the game at 16-all.
Flowers also posted two steals, blocked a shot, grabbed
two rebounds and came up with one assist in the second
half.
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