Despite critics, WSU touts new rankingsWINONA, Minn., Aug. 31, 2007 -- Winona State has been named among the best Midwest colleges by a commercial course-prep test company Princeton Review, for the fourth consecutive year, the university announced. In all, 161 Midwest colleges received the designation, 16 of them in Minnesota. Among the Minnesota colleges only four are public institutions. Winona State is the only MnSU system college to receive the designation.
Princeton Review rankings are based on student opinions from 654 colleges. The company uses the rankings to draw high-school students' interests to its test-prep courses and other products. Princeton Review, based in New York, has no connection with the university of the same name.
Princeton Review and other commercial ranking services have been widely criticized by college administrators, who have been working to create their own comparison system for potential students. The methodology of commercial companies' rankings has been widely criticized. Even so, Winona State has chosen to publicize rankings for several years and to use them in marketing. So have many other colleges when the rankings appear favorable.
In a news release touting the Princeton Review ranking, Winona State announced too that U.S. News and World Report magazine has placed the university 52nd among Midwest colleges for master's degree programs. Winona State was 62nd last year, 64th the year before. The Winona State news release made no mention that the methodology of the U.S. News rankings, like those of Princeton Review, are contentious and have been discounted by statisticians. |
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PRINCETON REVIEW
AND WSU
Peas in a pod?
Or dubious company? |
Background: Colleges plan to reclaim campus rankings
Party busted; man ticketedWINONA, Minn., Aug. 31, 2007 -- Police busted a loud party at 379 Chestnut St. about 11 p.m. A 20-year-old man was ticketed.
Jail time, $2,000 fine for fleeing copsWINONA, Minn., Aug. 30, 2007 -- A Winona State University student who led police on a foot chase a year ago, sprinting across campus, was sentenced to 270 days and fined $2,000. Roberto C. Gonzales, a masscom junior, had been charged with drunken driving, obstructing justice and fleeing officers.
| VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN'S)
AUG. 31, 2007
Lewis University (Illinois) 3, WSU 0
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Warriors swept by tourney hostROMEOVILLE, Ill., Aug. 31, 2007 -- Winona State University closed out the first day of the Flyer volleyball festival 1-1 after being swept by host Lewis University. The match marked the return of senior Lisa Dobie to major playing time. She played in all three games for the Warriors, amassing 38 assists and 10 digs. The Warriors continue Saturday with matches against St. Joseph and Southern Indiana.
Background: Statistics
Background: Earlier victory over St. Francis
| SOCCER (WOMEN'S)
AUG. 30, 2007
WSU 0, Colorado School of Mines 1
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Warriors struggle in lossGOLDEN, Colo., Aug. 30, 2007 -- The Winona State University women's soccer team couldn't find an offensive groove, amassing only five shots on goal in a 1-0 nonconference loss to Colorado School of Mines. The lone goal was scored by Kalya Mitchell on a direct kick 6:28 into the game. Amanda Diehm saved 10 of 11 shots on goal for the Warriors. The loss drops the Warriors to 1-1-0 on the season.
Background: Statistics
AMANDA
FARLEY | 
DIANA
NORMAND | 
EZRA
FIRKINS | 
SARAH
DOTTA | 
LINDSAY
VERBETEN |
TOMORROW'S GEATEST BYLINES TODAY |
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| VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN'S)
AUG. 31, 2007
WSU 3, St. Francis (Illinois) 0 |
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Warriors open tournament with winROMEOVILLE, lll., Aug. 31, 2007 -- Winona State University opened the Flyer volleyball festival by sweeping the University of St. Francis 3-0. The Warrors won the first two games handily and closed out the sweep by squeaking out a 30-28 victory. Freshman Susan Clausen picked up 29 assists filling in for the injured Lisa Dobie. Kim Nemcek and Carmen Stankowski each had 12 kills in the Warrior win.
Background: Statistic
WAR TOLL
AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ
61
3,600
37,000
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| Minnesotans in military
Americans in military
American civilian contract employees (estimated) |
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Minnesota soldier killed on Iraq patrolMOORHEAD, Minn., Aug. 30, 2007 -- A career soldier, Sgt,. Andrew Nelson, 23, of Moorhead, was killed on patrol outside Tikrit on his third tour in Iraq. The family said the Defense Department did not offer details. Nelson was a 2003 grad of a Fargo, N.D., high school.
RECENT DAYS IN
THE CITY
POSTED AUG. 30, 2007
TROUBLED SCHOOLS. Failing to meet federal expectations for student reading and math accomplishments this past year were Winona High, Winona Junior High and Winona Area Learning Center, state officials reported. In all, 38 percent of Minnesota schools were found lacking by federal requirements.
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Prof offers WSU education college historyWINONA, Minn., Aug. 30, 2007 -- A Winona State education prof, Melanie Reap, will discuss the history of the university's College of Education going back to its inception in 1858. Reap said she will focus the founding of the National Education Association, which had its headquarters at Winona State for 12 years. Also, Reap said, she will discuss Theda Gildemeister, for whom the education building is named. The presentation is part of a semester-long Winona State sesquicentennial series.Date: Wednesday, Sept. 5
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Stark Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: Jim Armstrong at 507-457-5418
Report: Feds fail ravaged Gulf colleges
ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 30, 2007 -- Some 35,000 students from Louisiana and Mississippi -- one in six -- left college and didn't return last fall, a year after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, according to the Southern Education Foundation. The foundation said in a report said the students' lives were too disrupted by widespread damage and government neglect to continue their studies.
The hurricanes, which struck at the beginning of fall classes, forced the two dozen colleges and universities in New Orleans and five along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to close at least temporarily.
In its conclusion the report said: "Not since the Great Depression of the 1930s has the United States witnessed so many of its own students thrown out of school. During the last two years, however, the most powerful national government in the world has spent relatively small amounts of time, money and effort in helping to set right the hurricane-displaced students and the schools they attend." The report said that my mid-2007 Louisiana had received $131 million from foreign countries. including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. to rebuild and restore its colleges. That, said the report, was about the same as from the U.S. government.
The report was critical of the federal government. The government did not help locate or bring back more than 60,000 students who dropped out of college during the year Katrina struck nor the 35,000 who didn't returned the next year, the report said.
Burglar takes video game console WINONA, Aug. 30, 2007 -- A thief broke into a residence in the 400 block of West Sanborn and, the tenant reported, stole a video game console. Entry was through a second-story porch, police said. The theft was reported about 3 a.m.
Report critical of early-warning lapsesRICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 29, 2007 -- Gov. Tim Kaine said that a long-anticipated report on the Virginia Tech massacre has concluded that authorities at the university and elsewhere had plenty of signs ahead of time that could have prevented the tragedy. Kane, citing a preliminary draft of the report, said the conclusions did not justify calling for officials at Virginia any Tech to step down. Even so, he said, the commission found "a lot of instances" over many months, indeed years, about gunman Seung-Hui Cho's disturbing behavior that was not reported to officials.
Background: Panel: Privacy law needs reinterpretation
WSU prof on Fulbright to Middle EastWINONA, Minn., Aug. 29, 2007 -- A Winona State University engineering prof, Beckry Abdel-Magid, was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant for lecture and research at United Arab Emirates University.
Stankowski volleyball performance laudedALAMOSA, Colo, Aug. 29, 2007 -- A Winona State University athlete, Carmen Stankowski, earned most valuable player and all-tournament honors in the Grizzly Volleyball Classic. Stankowski finished with 58 kills, 3.87 per game, and five service aces, 0.33 per game. In 15 games at the seven-team tournament the Warriors were one of four teams to finish with a 3-1 record.
Trial set in Schyde's bar stabbingWINONA, Minn., Aug. 29, 2007 -- A trial was ordered by Judge Margaret Johnson for s man accused of stabbing a former Winona State University football player at Schyde's, a downtown college bar. The trial for Jonathan Hans Minor, 22, of Anoka, Minn., was penciled into the court calendar to begin March 31. Minor told Johnson he was innocent of charges or attempted murder and assault in the February 2006 stabbing of Steven Adams, who was a bouncer at Schyde's. Adams was stabbed five times in the back. Originally Minor was charged with five felonies, including assault with a dangerous weapon. Last month prosecutor Chuck MacLean amended the charges to include one count each of first-degree and second-degree attempted murder. In court Wednesday, Minor's attorney challenged whether there was probable cause to support the charges, but Judge Margaret Johnson found sufficient evidence for a trial. Minor said he wants a jury. A pre-trial hearing was set for March 20. The trial itself is expected to take a week.
A friend of Minor is quoted in court documents that they drove to Winona from the Twin Cities on Feb. 7, 2006, to celebrate Minor's upcoming 21st birthday at the bars. The friend, according to the documents, said Minor showed him a four-inch blade and said if anyone got in their way, he would "carve them up like a turkey." At Schyde's Minor showed up drunk and was escorted out twice. Adams, an off-duty bouncer, was stabbed in the parking lot after Minor returned. He was arrested at scene. Doctors at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., said Adams had a close call. He has since recovered.
Minor has been free on $100,000 bail since May. |
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| JON HANS MINOR
Trial in March |
Background: Trial upcoming in Schyde's stabbing
Prof writes on political corruption| WINONA, Minn., Aug. 28, 2007 -- A Winona State University historian, Kurt Hohenstein, wrote a book, "Coining Corruption: The Making of the American Campaign Finance." The book was published by Northern Illinois University Press. Hohenstein, earlier a researcher for the National Commission on Election Reform, says that the understanding of corruption has shifted over time. He calls for a return to a broad, historical understanding of corruption. American democracy, he says, demands regulation of the sources and amounts of campaign funding in order to prevent a monopoly on the vehicles of political debate. |
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KURT HOHENSTEIN
WSU history prof |
| VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN'S)
AUG. 28, 2007
South Dakota 3, WSU 1 |
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Warriors lackluster against South DakotaWINONA, Minn., Aug. 28, 2007 -- Winona State University got off to a slow start and lost to South Dakota 3-1 in the Warriors' volleyball home opener. Winona State scored only 12 and 14 points in the first two games. In Game 3 the Warriors bounced back 30-23. The rally continued into the fourth game, but South Dakota held off the Warriors and won 30-23. Carmen Stankowski led the Warriors with 11 kills. Jenna Padley totaled 10. Susan Clausen registered 39 assists, Rudi Balich posted 19 digs, Stankowski 15. Padley led the blocking efforts for Winona State with three total blocks.
Background: Statistics |
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IN LOSING EFFORT. Winona State outside-hitter Carmen Stankowski gets ready for a kill against South Dakota.
Photographer: Alex Gillett |
Study: Video-gamer roommates hurt gradesCAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 28, 2007 -- College frosh with roommates with video-game consoles study an average of 40 minutes less per day than other frosh whose roommates who did not bring consoles to campus, according to a study. The National Bureau of Economic Research, which conducted the study, concluded there may be a negative effect on grades although countless variables also could account for the difference. First-year students whose roommates brought video-game consoles earned grades that were 0.2 lower on a 4.0 point scale.
Warriors sweep league football honorsST. PAUL, Min., Aug. 27, 2007 -- -- Winona State University swept football player of the week honors from the Northern Sun conference after a 47-44 nonleague victory over Michigan Tech. DREW ABER. Aber, a senior quarterback, was named the week's offensive player. Aber converted 19 of 33 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 18 yards to come up with 307 yards of total offense.
MARCUS LABADIE. Labadie, a senior middle linebacker, was named defensive player of the week. LaBadie recorded five solo tackles and nine unassisted tackles for 14 total tackles and added 1.5 tackles for losses of two yards.
RYAN ABBOTT.Abbott, a junior placekicker, was tabbed the special teams player. It was Abbott whose 37-yard field goal in overtime gave the Warriors the victory. Abbott started the game with a 20-yard field goal and was perfect in five extra point attempts for 11 total points. Abbott, who did all of the kickoff duties for the Warriors, had two tackles. Also, Abbott came up with one catch for 15 yards and added another 19 reception yards when he was part of a hook-and-lateral play that helped set up the Warriors' final touchdown in overtime.
Background: Abbott kicks WSU to overtime victory
WSU gallery shows Ojibwe life portrayalsWINONA, Minn., Aug. 27, 2007 -- Recent paintings by Andrea Carlson went on exhibit at Winona State University as part of a Native Voices series. Carlson, of Anishinaabe and Swedish background, is known for vividly embodying stories of Ojibwe people. She is based in Minneapolis.Date: Through Sept. 19
Time: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Place: Watkins Gallery
Cost: Free
Contact: Anne Plummer at (507) 457-5395 Artist's opening presentation:Date: Wednesday, Sept. 5
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Place: East Hall , Commons
Cost: Free
| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
City drops 30 percent rental cap temporarilyWINONA, Minn., Aug. 27, 2007 -- The City Council voted to allow one-year exemptions to its 2004 ban on licensing rental properties that put rentals over a 30 percent threshold in any block in the city. The decision was to address the problem of displaced persons, estimated as high as 1,500, from flash floods Aug. 19. The 30 percent rental rule was enacted originally to keep the Winona State University neighborhood from becoming a rental ghetto for college students.
Appelwick facing more jail on probation issueWINONA, Minn., Aug. 27, 2007 -- If the judge is influenced by bad judgment or the drunken company she keeps, Katie Appelwick may be in for an unhappy court scene. Appelwick, already on probation for driving drunk and almost killing two Winona State University coaches, has a new date in court for another drunken case -- although this time she was sober. But, as police have it figured out, she was driving. As a condition of her probation from the accident 1-1/2 years ago, Appelwick's driving privileges were revoked.
On a recent Sunday morning, a state police officer stopped a car on Highway 61 for erratic weaving. In his report the officer reported seeing a commotion in the car and suspected the driver and passenger had switched seats. When the officer reached the driver's door, behind the wheel was Katie Appelwick's boyfriend. Asked what was going on, the guy claimed he was giving his girlfriend a ride home from a wedding party, the officer's report said. Curiously, though, Appelwick was in the back seat. Why? The boyfriend offered several explanations but said the main reason was that his girlfriend didn't want to be accused of driving. Finally, according to the report, the officer figured out that Appelwick had been driving, and the boyfriend, to protect her, was willing to take the rap as the driver.
The chivalrous ruse backfired. The boyfriend was drunk, with an almost-0.11 blood-alcohol level, the officer'report said. Appelwick was sober, according to an on-scene breath test. The county prosecutor, Chuck MacLean, said he sees a probation violation. Appelwick, 19, has been charged with driving after revocation and obstructing the legal process, both misdemeanors. The boyfriend, 17, faces possible drunken driving charges for getting behind the wheel.
MacLean, who prosecuted the original case after Appelwick, has notified the state Department of Corrections of the new charges and requested that Appelwick be charged with a probation violation. A probation violation could mean more than a year in prison.
Appelwick, now a sophomore at the College of St. Catherine, was put on probation in 2006 for running a stop sign and slamming her truck into a car driven by Winona State football coach Tom Sawyer and volleyball coach Connie Mettille. Both coaches were seriously injured. Mettille has said in court that doctors doubt she'll ever recover fully from a brain injury. Appelwick was sentenced in 2006 to 10 days in jail and three years probation as well as community service. Her driver's license was revoked. |
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KATIE
APPELWICK
Deja vu: Winona metaphor to the Paris Hilton case |
Background: Judge has stern words for Appelwick
RECENT DAYS IN
THE CITY
POSTED AUG. 27, 2007
UNITED MEDICAL. The city's major health providers, the hospital Winona Health and the Winona Clinic, are exploring a merger, hospital executive Rachelle Sxhultz confirmed. Competition is forcing a new business model, Schultz said. The units have shared a joint site on Lake Winona's east end for two years.
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Motorcycle crash kills WSU gradLA CROSSE, Wis., Aug. 26, 2007 -- A 2006 Winona State University business grad, MIke Brown, of Rochester, Minn., was killed in a motorcycle accident. Sheriff's deputies said that Brown, 23, crossed the center lane and hit an oncoming car. Two other motorcyclists collided trying to avoid the crash. One of the other cyclists was hospitalized. The driver of the car was uninjured. Brown was eastbound in the Barre area east of La Crosse when the accident occurred about 12:50 p.m.
Brown grew up in Rochester. He was an Eagle Scout. He was engaged to marry Kristi Theede. |
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MIKE BROWN
1983-2007 |
Binging students leave New Zealand messDUNEDIN. New Zealand, Aug. 26, 2007 -- Weekend rioting at this seaside South Island city, mostly by boozed-up college students, resulted in 52 arrests. Dunedin, home to the University of Otago, is notorious for binge-drinking, but nobody could recall a worse disturbance. Burned-out automobiles littered the riot area, which was like a seabed of broken glass. Couches and mattress were set afire. Molotov cocktail-like missiles were flung to get fires going and to sustain them. Mayor Peter Chin called the scene a war zone. At times ambulance drivers found the situation so intense they had to turn back. Police finally broke up the rioting. Two people were injured but didn't need hospitalization.
The rioting began about 6 p.m. and continued overnight until around 3 a.m. Thousands of young people were involved. Firefighters could not get to the scene until after riot police moved in. Firefighters said rioters hurled bottles at them.
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING AUG. 25, 2007
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Tyler J. Hall, 20, 252 Mankato 3, $177/
Brian J. Shuter, 20, Hrtkland, WIs., $177.
Jake M. Savat, 20, 307 Valley Oaks Drive, $177.
Nathaniel B. St. Marie, 18, St. Charles, Minn., $199.
Tiffani L. Viestenz, 18, 411 W, Eighth 5, $177.
Amanda L. Wilkemeyer, 21, St. Charles, Minn, $177.
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| FOOTBALL (MEN'S)
AUG. 25, 2007
WSU 47, Michigan Tech 44 (overtime) |
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Abbott kicks WSU to overtime victoryWINONA, Minn., Aug. 25, 2007 -- Junior wide receiver Ryan Abbott kicked a 37-yard field goal to give Winona State University a 47-44 overtime victory over Michigan Tech in a nonconference season-opening football game. Abbott's three-pointer capped a thrilling 15 minutes. The Warriors led 23-20 going into the final 15 minutes before the two teams combined for 45 points with less than 10 minutes -- 9:58 to be precise -- in the fourth quarter. Michigan Tech, which had the first possession in the overtime period, missed a 37-yard field goal. The Warriors followed, also from 37 yards, to win the game.
The game finished with a total of 91 points scored and a combined 1,038 yards gained. Abbott was not the only Warrior hero. Drew Aber threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Alex Wiese caught two touchdown passes and ran for another score. Anthony Buckner returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. On defense, the Warriors had interceptions by Tony Hill and Shawn Cunningham, but the Warriors also allowed six touchdown passes.
Abbott started the game's scoring with a 20-yard field goal in the first quarter. Scott Peters pushed the Warrior lead to 10-0 on a 19-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Then there was Buckner's kickoff return score. And Aber's second touchdown pass in the second period, this going to Tyree Burks on a 57-yard pass and catch. Winona State led at halftime 16-12. In the fourth quarter Wiese had three touchdowns -- 29 yards receiving, 5 yards rushing and 10 yards receiving, which tied the game at 44-all with 13 seconds left to play.
Middle linebacker Marcus LaBadie led the WSU defense with 14 total tackles.
Background: Statistics
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING AUG. 25, 2007
AUG. 25, 2007: A student suffered a minor injury near the football field at 3:30 p.m. Security guards administered first aid.
AUG. 25, 2007: Police arrested non-student for disorderly conduct and obstructing justice after a disturbance in the Kryzsko Courtyard at 4:20 p.m.
AUG. 25, 2007: Security guards responded to the Quad dorm at 5:22 p.m. after a student suffered a minor injury. First aid was administered first aid.
AUG. 25, 2007: Security guards warned a student about loud music in the Maria dorm at 1:20 a.m. and cited him for alcohol.
AUG. 25, 2007: Security guards responded to the Sheehan dorm at 11:39 p.m. concerning a drunk student. Police and an ambulance crew were called.
AUG. 24, 2007: At 1:15 p.m. a staff member reported that she left her laptop unattended in a Minne classroom. When she returned it was missing.
AUG. 24, 2007: Security guards responded to the Stark engineering and nursing building at 3:30 a.m. because of a trouble alarm, a false alarm.
AUG. 24, 2007: Several students were cited for an alcohol violation at the Lourdes dorm at 2:20 a.m.
AUG. 23, 2007: Security guards administered minor first aid to a student who was stung by a bee and having a minor reaction.
AUG. 23, 2007: At 2:30 a.m. Security guards assisted a student who injured herself in her room in the Sheehan dorm. The student was taken to the hospital.
AUG. 23, 2007: At 3:49 a.m. a student injured herself in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm. An ambulance rook her to the hospital.
AUG. 23, 2007: Security guards made contact with several individuals near Eighth and Huff Streets at 3:24 p.m. because they were causing a disturbance. Police arrested one person, a minor, for consuming alcohol.
AUG. 22, 2007: A construction worker set off an alarm in Memorial Hall at 9 a.m.
AUG. 22, 2007: A Lourdes dorm supervisor called security guards at 11:40 p.m. for a possible drug violation. Guards confiscated drug paraphernalia.
AUG. 22, 2007: A parent called security guards at 12:30 a.m. for help locating his daughter. Guards found the daughter a short time later.
AUG. 21, 2007: A trouble alarm was activated in Memorial Hall at at 7:04 a.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 21, 2007: Security guards assisted with an accident at Eighth and Huff streets at 9:45 a.m. There were no injuries. Police were called.
AUG. 21, 2007: By mistake, construction workers set off an alarm in Memorial Hall at 12:05 a.m.
AUG. 20, 2007: A janitor set off an alarm in the registrar's office in Somsen Hall by mistake at 5:48 a.m.
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| VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN'S)
AUG. 25, 2007
Western New Mexico 3, WSU 0
WSU 3, Dixie State 0 |
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Warriors split Colorado volleyball tournamentALAMOSA, Colo., Aug. 25, 2007 -- Winona State University split its final two volleyball matches to finish with a 3-1 record in the Grizzly
volleyball tournament. The Warriors opened with a 3-1 loss to Western New Mexico, then posted a 3-0 victory over Dixie State of Utah. The Warriors defeated Dixie State 30-16, 30-28 and 31-29. Carmen Stankowski had 19 kills against Dixie. Susan Clausen came up with 49 assists. Rudi Balich had 23 digs, ad Crystal Otte 12 digs. Against Western New Mexico, the Warriors dropped three games 30-12, 30-24 and 30-25. Kim Nemcek led the Warriors with 11 kills. Susan Clausen came up with 23 assists. Rudi Balich added Winona State 12 digs. Kiersten Arendt posted three total blocks for Winona State.
Background: Western New Mexico statistics
Background: Dixie State statistics
Fake fed: Let me see both IDsWINONA, Minn., Aug. 25, 2007 -- A man was arrested at Winona State University for stopping students and demanding to see whether their university-issued identification cards matched information on their driver's licenses, police said. The man, identified as Randy Layne Hoffman, 43, claimed he was a federal agent, students told police. Officers took Hoffman to the hospital, possibly as delusional. The arrest occurred at 4:35 p.m.
Police said campus security guards had stopped Hoffman after student complaints. The guards said Hoffman produced an envelope that he claimed had credentials inside but didn't open it. The guards called police. Hoffman was cited for obstructing justice and disorderly conduct.
| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
Ripping off Wal-Mart's charityWINONA, Minn., Aug. 24, 2007 -- The Winona Wal-Mart store gave away cleaning supplies, bottled water and other necessities to flood victims last week until managers realized some people were making repeat visits. Co-manager Scott Gran didn't characterize those who took advantage, although one flood victim, Nick Lassen of Stockton, blamed college students coming back to town and stocking their households. Wal-Mart suspended the give-away after one day. By then, the Red Cross and other relief agencies had emergency relief distribution centers in place. About those who abused Wal-Mart's generosity, Gran like words like "immoral" and "unethical" came to mind. The store, the largest in Winona, has donated more than $30,000 to flood relief, Gran said.
Background: Park now gone; WSU noves picnic
College president out after tree scandalOCEANSIDE, Calif., Aug. 24, 2007 -- The president of MiraCosta College, Victoria Richart, has resigned in the fallout from strained faculty relations and a scandal over the illegal sale of several thousand palm trees that belonged to the college. Richart has been criticized for handling of the palm-tree investigation. In November the Faculty Senate voted no confidence in her leadership. Richart leaves the presidency with a contract buyout of more than $1 million. In addition she will receive health and retirement benefits. After the palm-tree scandal broke, several administrators departed. Only one employee was charged, settling the issue with a $2,500 fine and $305 restitution.
Apartment burgled; loss put at $2,500 WINONA, Minn., Aug. 24, 2007 -- Tenants at a 200 block apartment on Market Street told police that electronic equipment and other items were stolen from their place late Thursday night or shortly after midnight. Entry apparently was through a door. The burglary, it seems, occurred in a roughly one-hour period when no one was home. Missing: A computer, digital cameras, headphone, purses with cash, keys and loose cash. The items were valued at more than $2,500.
WSU FROSH ORIENTATION
NO CONVOCATION
-- OUT WITH THE OLD
WINONA, Minn., Aug. 23, 2007 -- Winona State University's incoming freshmen spent their first day in a celebratory setting without the formal convocation of yore. A more festive ceremony, dubbed the New Student Welcome, ran 20 minutes in hopes of welcoming the students in an exciting and memorable way, said Beth Sass, university academic affairs assistant. Sass said the university wanted to "book-end" the first day of orientation for the new students and give them something they could look back on and remember. "Our main goal was a more informal festive atmosphere for the new students," said Sass in an interview Wednesday afternoon.
The short ceremony featured the Winona State dance team performing to the school song. The university mascot, Wazoo the Warrior, eagerly shook hands with the new students. Before the ceremony Wazoo knighted one frosh. The ceremony also featured fewer speakers than the convocations of the past. Speakers included university President Judith Ramaley, academic Vice President Sally Johnstone, Mayor Jerry Miller and student President Jared Stene.
Why the change though? Sass said last fall's orientation committee recommended making the ceremony more festive and informal. The recommendation was spurred by review of evaluations from last year's freshmen class. After permission fro Ramaley and Johnstone, the convocation committee "took the idea and let it grow," Sass said.
Will the university stick with this new ceremony? Sass said that decision will not be made until this year's evaluations are reviewed. The ceremony this year was a positive experience, she said, and gives the university something to build on. The new ceremony, however, intended to replace a convocation entirely, said Sass. "Convocation is good for universities and it has its place," she said but added that it should be a voluntary ceremony open for all students who wish to attend.
The new ceremony was different. Each speaker spent merely minutes at the microphone. They wore wore purple t-shirts, unlike the formal dress of previous years. Festivity ringed the speeches also. "The last time I saw a line this long outside the gym was for the basketball tournaments ," joked Jerry Miller.
University president Judith Ramaley spoke the longest. She welcomed students and encouraged faculty and staff to stand up and welcome the new students with open arms. Sally Johnstone told the new students that they were Winona State's "sesquicentennial class." In honor of Winona State's 150th birthday the new students received purple tassels. "Hold onto this talisman of your future.," Ramaley urged the students. "This tassel is your promise from us that we will do everything we can to ensure you have a wonderful time here at Winona State University."
Student President Jared Stene addressed the sesquicentennial too. Stene urged students to consider how much the college has changed technologically from its beginnings 150 years ago. "Imagine what it would have been like to ride to class on a horse," he said. The crowd chuckled. "I know I can't." On a serious note, Stene addressed the major events that had shaped the university but also stressed that people have shaped events and the university. "Please become involved in more than just your classes," he said.
A picnic lunch followed.
Reporter: Elizabeth Adams
Ex-WSU student leader in child-porn casePLAINVIEW, Minn., Aug. 23, 2007 -- A veteran Winona State University student senator, Jon Jacob, who ran for the student presidency two years ago, was arrested on a child pornography charge. Jacob, 26, was arrested by Plainview police who had gone to the family home to follow up on the arrest of Jacob's brother, Kelly, 23, in an Internet sting in Iowa . Police said Jon Jacob's computer had child porn that appeared to be downloaded from the Internet -- nothing videod locally or by Jacob.
Jon Jacob was elected to the Winona State Student Senate in 2004 by the senior class. He was re-elected in 2005 by students majoring in liberal arts. In the election for student president in 2006 Jacob did not campaign energetically posted campaign statements and contributed in debates and news conferences. He received 106 votes, a distant fourth in a four-way race. This past year Jacob sat out politics, saying that after his defeated presidential bid that the new Senate insiders had ostracized him.
Jacob is majoring in broadcasting with a special interest in news. He is minoring in coaching and philosophy. Jacob has been self-deprecating about borderline grades that have delayed a timely graduation repeatedly. As a student senator Jacob served on student technology and fees committees. Over his years at Winona State, he has worked at campus radio station KQAL, mostly in sports; at the Winonan student newspaper, selling ads; and contributed news coverage on the CyberIndee. He prided himself as an investigative reporter. In campaigning for the student presidency he said students needed to "be nosy" in pursuing the facts and knowing how the university works. Otherwise, he said, administrators with student-unfriendly agendas would prevail.
Jacob lived with his parents in Plainview, always holding at least one part-time job in Rochester while commuting 40 miles on back roads to classes in Winona. For a period he held a third-shift factory job. Later he was at a Rochester Wal-Mart. Recently he was promoted to a department position.
The child-porn case began in early August. Police in Plainview, a Wabasha County farm town tied mostly to Rochester, learned that that 23-year-old Kelly Jacob had been arrested in Iowa. A criminal complaint says that Kelly Jacob had been in Internet communication with a 15-year-old girl and driven down to make meet her personally. Tim Schneider, assistant Plainview police chief, said that, tipped by the Iowa arrest, Plainview police obtained a search warrant for the Jacob house in Plainview and there, he said, found brother Jon's computer with child-porn downloads. |
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JONATHAN
JACOB
Former student senator, presidential candidate, campus journalist
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Golfview robber can't deny bullet jn buttWINONA, Minn., Aug., 23, 2007 -- A robber shot and wounded as he exited Golfview Liquor in February, Andre Don Jones, 46, pleaded guilty in a plea-bargain that could mean seven years in prison. Prosecutor Chuck MacLean agreed to drop some charges in exchange for Jones' admitting to aiding an abetting aggravating robbery. Five other felony charges were dropped. Jones, of Rochester, Minn., earlier pleaded innocent, but the bullet wound in his butt was hard to explain.
Background: Golfview Liquor accomplice pleads guilty
Study: Dorm fires, fatalities on riseWASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2007 -- Fires in college dorms and frat and sorority houses totaled 3,270 in 2005, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The number was close to the four-year average for 2002 to 2005 of about 3,300 fires a year in student housing -- but up one-third from a low of 1,810 in 1998. The fires in recent years have averages seven deaths, 46 injuries and $25million in property damage a year. the report said.
The report, "U.S. Structure Fires in Dormitories, Fraternities, Sororities, and Barracks," said that most of the fires involved stoves, hot plates, microwaves and other cooking equipment. Bedroom fires, usually caused by smoldering cigarettes or candles, accounted for only 6 percent of the incidents but 67 percent of deaths and 29 percent of injuries. Most of the fires occurred during evening hours or on weekends.
Sprinklers had been installed in only 36 percent of the student-housing buildings where fires occurred during 2003 and 2004, the report said. Buildings with sprinklers suffered 89 percent less property damage. With sprinklers, 78 percent did not spread from the room where they started. No deaths occurred in sprinkler-equipped dorms.
What to do with a tankful of beer?WINONA, Minn, Aug. 23, 2007 -- Police ticketed a Winona State University student for underage drinking late Friday after finding him peeing outside a noisy party in the 400 block of West Eighth Street. The man, 18, looked up from the shrubs but kept peeing, according to the police report. Asked fro an ID, the guy showed a cell phone in one officer's face, then ran. Officer caught up with him, measured a blood-alcohol level of 0.1895 -- roughly 2-1/2 the allowable max. The man was charged with obstructing justice, besides underage drinking. The incident occurred about 11:40.
R.I.P.: Hugh E. DuffyWINONA, Minn., Aug. 23, 2007 -- A Winona State College grad who became a career junior-high school science teacher, Hugh Duffy, 82, died at home. Duffy served in the military in World War II, then earned a bachelor's degree from Winona State in secondary education. Later he earned a master's from Colorado State. He taught 37 years in Winona.
Chamber concert at WSU next weekWINONA, Minn., Aug. 23, 2007 -- An ensemble of regional professional musicians, Chamber Music Winona, is rehearsing works inspired by Renaissance dance suites for a concert next week. Winona State University music prof Don Lovejoy will direct.Date: Tuesday, Aug. 28
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center
Cost: $5 to $8
Contact: Chamber Music Winona at (507) 457-5257
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Park ain't no more; WSU moves picnicWINONA, Minn., Aug. 22, 2007 -- Because flash flooding destroyed Farmers Park at the Arches, between Stockton and Lewiston, Minn., the annual welcome-back Winona State University family picnic for faculty and staff has been relocated.Date: Friday, Aug. 24
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: Smaug in Kryzsko Commons
Cost: Free
Psychologists adopt anti-torture policySAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 22, 2007 -- In another blow to the Bush Administration's practices on torture, a key committee of the American Psychological Association voted to affirm an "absolute prohibition" against psychologists' "torture and any form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment." Specifically the APA Representatives Council targeted more than a dozen techniques, including sexual humiliation, psychotropic drugs or mind-altering substances, and extreme heat or cold. The resolution called for government psychologists to report torture to their supervisors. The resolution was a response to coercive and degrading interrogation practices at U.S. detention centers in Iraq, at Guantanamo Bay, and at so-called black sites operated by the Central Intelligence Agency.
The practices were confirmed in a formerly classified Pentagon documents.
The resolution had opponents led by the Society for Military Psychology, an APA division comprised mostly of military employees. The military group thought the resolution was overly stringent. Psychologists who favored the resolution had been supported at an outdoor rally during the convention. About 300 people called fro a ban on psychologists' participation at U.S. detention centers for foreign detainees.
WSU, Rochester college open health buildingWINONA, Minn., Aug,. 22, 2007 -- The grand opening of the new
$14.3 million Health Science Center at the joint campus of Winona State University-Rochester and Rochester Community and Technical College celebrate will be Friday. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours. The center, in the former Rockenbach gym, includes classrooms, labs and offices.Date: Friday, Aug. 24
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: University Center Rochester
Cost: Free
Contact: Dave Wever at (507) 285-7217
New WSU students administrator namedWINONA, Minn., Aug. 22, 2007 -- A student support program administrator at Winona State University, Karen Johnson, has been named interim dean of students -- a new position. Johnson has been at Winona State nine years. New student life Vic President Connie Gores, who announced the appointment, said that Johnson has "a deep commitment to student success." Gores created the position as part of program to shore up the troubled student affairs operation of the university. Growing faults in the administration of student affairs, which includes the dorms, erupted last year when students went to the state chancellor over mishandling of the dismissal of four popular student dorm supervisors.
Gores, on the job since summer, is the first non-interim student affairs vice president since the retirement of Cal Winbush. Most observers say problems in the student affairs operation began building during Winbush's tenure. Last year the university's health educator, Ruth Schroeder, served as interim vice president. Schroeder had applied for the new deanship but the choice neither of the search committee nor of Gores.
Said Gores in announcing Johnson's one-year appointment:"Dr. Johnson will serve as a highly visible ambassador for student life issues on campus. She will be a strong student advocate and will provide leadership to the University in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment. As Dean of Students, Dr. Johnson will be working closely with the academic deans and with faculty members, as well as with staff members working between and among the units of student life and development."
Johnson has been the university's director of student support services since 1998. She was responsible for progams for about 200 students, either first-generation, low-income or with disabilities. Earlier she taught at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Iowa State University, and Trident Technical College. She also has taught in the Winona State frosh-orientation program. Johnson holds a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in educational administration, a master's from the University of Northern Colorado in communication and a bachelor's from the University of Saskatchewan in psychology. |
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KAREN
JOHNSON
Interim dean of students
SEARCH
COMMITTEE
FACULTY
Ed Thompson
Joan Francioni
STAFF
Diane Palm
CK Kwai
STUDENTS
Emily Feehan
Josh Martin
Brandon Nagel
Jared Stene
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R.I.P.: Russell Lee CarneyLEWISTON, Minn., Aug. 22, 2007 -- A Southeast Tech accounting grad , Russ Carney, 59, died at a Rochester, Minn., hospital of cancer. He worked was an accountant at Winona ORC.
WSU pool completion delayed WINONA, MInn., Aug. 22, 2007 -- The Memorial Hall swimming pool at Winona State University should be open in November, according to campus construction coordinator Steve Ronkowski. Original plans for the pool to be available by the start of fall semester were set back because an essential a part did not arrive, Ronkowski said. Meanwhile, new locker rooms for varsity teams and office space for displaced athletic profs and staff, currently scattered around and off campus, have been completed.
Reporter: Samuel Keane-Rudolph
New football helmets detect concussionsINDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Aug. 21, 2007 -- Football helmets designed to detect concussions are being tested by nine Division I teams this fall, according to the Associated Press. The helmets monitor the impact of big hits so coaches can decide whether to pull players off the field. The helmets, manufactured by Riddell, are in response to studies that found a steady rise in concussions
Iowa to pay $925,000 for inducing stuttersDAVENPORT, Iowa, Aug. 21, 2007 -- Chidden induced to stutter in University of Iowa experiments 70 years ago will share in a $925,000 lawsuit settlement. Judge Denver Dillard approved the settlement for three survivors of the study, all orphans at a Davenport facility in 1939, and the estates of three of fellow orphans. The plaintiffs originally sought $13.5 million. In the experiments, speech pathologist Wendell Johnson. To determine whether stuttering was genetically or socially induced, Johnson worked to make the children stutter to compare them with others in a control group. Johnson, renowned at the time for breakthrough work in speech pathology, has since died.
The study was never publicize by the university, but in 2001 the Mercury-News newspaper in San Jose, Calif., revealed what had happened. The investigative drew on the thesis a master's-degree student under Johnson. The thesis was explicit that neither the employees of the orphanage nor the children knew what was happening.
Bigger elevator at WSU bookstoreWINONA, Minn., Aug. 21, 2007 -- A small passenger elevator at the Winona State University bookstore has been replaced with a larger unit that facilitates moving cargo pallets from a loading dock to the basement store. Store manager Karen Krause said that the new elevator will cut the time it takes to move book pallets from a half hour to five minutes.
The four-foot, half-ton pallets barely fit in the old passenger elevator. Employees had to load the pallet into the elevator, remove the pallet jack, and run downstairs to catch the elevator again. Said shipping clerk Jackie Mally: "This makes life much easier, much easier."
Reporter:
Samuel Keane-Rudolph
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JOB WILL BE EASIER. If you think your textbooks weigh down your backpack, talk to Eric Samuelson who moves tons of books from a Kryzsko Commons loading dock to the basement bookstore. For Samuelson, a new elevator will life life easier.
Photographer: Samuel Keane-Rudolph
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| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
PHOTOGRAPHER: SAMUEL KEANE-RUDOLPH
HUBCAP DEEP. High ground saved the antique inventory at Winona Motors on the Homer end of Winona, but elsewhere flood-swollen streams swept away vehicles. At least four deaths were attributed to people trapped in the submerged vehicles being battered by current. |
Background: Congressman promises swift flood aid
| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
At WSU the show goes onWINONA, Minn., Aug. 20, 2007 -- Weekend flooding that devastated parts of suburban Goodview and Minnesota caused minimal damage at Winona State, the university reported. A university statement described the campus as "open and fully operational." Freshman move-in day will proceed as scheduled Tuesday. Students who are unable to arrive for orientation activities will be accommodated, the university said.
Background: Hub-cap deep in mud
Nautical archeologist to speak at WSUWINONA, Minn., AUg. 20, 2007 -- Nautical archaeologist Kevin Crisman will speak at Winona State University in fall semester's first Lyceum presentation.Date: Thursday, September 6
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Somsen Auditorium
Cost: Free to $2
Contact: Greg Neidhart at (507) 457-2842
| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
Congressman promises swift flood aidWASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2007 -- Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., vowed to do "everything in my power" to ensure that federal relief aid and infrastructure rebuilding funds arrive swiftly in flood-stricken southeast Minnesota from federal agencies. Walz specifically mentioned the Federal Emergency Management Administration, National Flood Insurance Program, Department of Agriculture, and Small Business Administration. "By all accounts, it appears that our communities will need a lot of assistance to make it through this catastrophe," Walz said after visiting the region to view the damage.
Background: Flash flood claims WSU grad, wife
Drunken teen driver makes dean's listWINONA, Minn., Aug. 20, 2007 -- The drunken teen-ager who rammed her truck into a sedan and seriously injured two Winona State University coaches two years ago, Katelyn Appelwick, was named to the College of St. Catherine dean's list for spring semester. Appelwick's grades met a 3.667 cut-off on a 4.0 scale. Appelwick served jail time last year for the accident, in which volleyball coach Connie Mettille suffered permanent brain injury. Mettille's companion, football coach Tom Sawyer, has overcome his injuries.
Background: Judge has stern words for teen drunk
R.I.P.: David Roland "Little Oscar" AskHOUSTON, Minn., Aug. 19, 2007 -- A Southeast Tech electronics grad, Dave Ask, 55, died in the flash floods in Prairie Mound Township. He was an electronics repairman. He loved tinkering with radios and named his dog Victrola. Victrola also perished in the flood.
| SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTER |
Flash flood claims WSU grad, wifeSTOCKTON, Minn., Aug. 19, 2007 -- A Winona State University grad, John Micheel, 67, and his wife were killed when a wall of flood water swept their car off the highway leading into Stockton. Micheel's wife, Shirley, 66, had once worked at Winona State. A motorist following the Micheel car in the torrential downpour reported seeing the tail lights drop off the highway. The vehicle was swept into 20 feet of water. The flash flood, meanwhile, was ravaging the Winona bedroom community of Stockton, only a mile away, as well as the Arches neighborhood, five miles away, where the Micheels lived.
Micheel had spent a career with the federal soil conservation agency, encouraging farmers in anti-erosion practices. Ironically, the original ground-cover vegetation that could have held backthe flash flooding was no longer in place on blufftop farm fields.
Micheel had pursued his passion as a conservationist with a 140-acre tree farm above the Arches and had won awards for his work. Premium Christmas trees cut from the farm, were sold every holiday season at roadside stands and store lots. Shirley Micheel, besides working at Winona State, had been a bookkeeper and office assistant for the Lewiston schools for 10 years. Both were retired.
Background: WSU athletes mobilized for flood
College in audit for student-aid claimsTACOMA, Wash., Aug. 19, 207 -- Federal investigators launched an audit at privately owned Crown College on whether employees have stolen thousands of dollars in financial aid. According to court documents, U.S. Department of Education suspects four employees and three other people misstated enrollment data and collected nearly $60,000 in federal student loans and grants. The fraudulent claims, according to the documents, occurred just before the college closed after losing its accreditation. The college's owner has denied the allegations. Crown was mostly an online college.
Court: Release campus contract en toto CAARBONDALE, Ill., Aug. 19, 2007 -- A state appeals court ruled that the public interest requires the University of Southern Illinois to reveal entire contract of university President Glenn Poshard. The university had declined to release the actual contract on grounds that it contained private information that should be protected. The university prevailed in a lower court but lost on appeal. The appeals court cited the state public-disclosure law, which specifically says that information that "bears on the public duties of public employees and officials" does not constitute an invasion of privacy.
The university indeed had disclosed the salary and other compensation, including housing allowance, pension, and benefits, of its president, but the issue has moved to other contract content. The university has a right to appeal the appellate court setback.
SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA DISASTERWSU ATHLETES STAFF ROADBLOCKS UNTIL TROOPS ARRIVE
FIVE DEAD IN WINONA COUNTY, OTHERS MISSING
250 EVACUATE TO SMU
WINONA, Minn., Aug. 19, 2007 -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty declared a state of emergency after a visit to Winona County in which he viewed the extent of flood damage that killed at least five people, displaced hundreds more from their homes, and severed power and telephone in parts of six counties. "Cash will not be a problem" for disaster relief, Pawlenty said at a news conference at a disaster command post. The governor, wearing a fluorescent parka and khakis with muddy boots, had just returned from affected neighborhoods with Sheriff Dave Brand, Police Chief Frank Popery and several legislators.
Torrential downpours all day Saturday dumped more than a foot of rain in some Minnesota towns -- 18 inches in Witoka on the bluffs above Winona. Swollen trout streams and the rising Mississippi caused severe flooding in Stockton, Goodview in Winona County and in Rush-ford and Houston to the south.
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SAMUEL KEANE-RUDOLPH
GOV. TIM PAWLENTY. Drenched after touring flood devastation the governor promises financial relief. He called up National Guard military-police units for security in the pre-dawn hours of the disaster. |
Among respondents first emergency respondents were Winona State University football layers, who provided security and traffic management in the Goodview and Minnesota City. The athletes later were relieved by National Guard soldiers.
At the news conference Pawlenty said he had mobilized 88 National Guard soldiers with 155 more on the way. more will come come "as needed" for security, search and rescue, and going door-to-door in affected neighborhoods, he said.
State Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion said that FEMA representatives were on their way from Chicago to asses the situation.
Brand said that emergency personnel were still trying to confirm the location of two or three people in the flooded areas, but that he and local emergency workers had evacuated residents of Stockton, Elba, Goodview, Minnesota City and St. Charles.
State Sen. Sharon Ropes, D-Winona, reported that a four-foot to five-foot wall of water breached the Rushford levee. Homes slid off hillsides in Houston and Brownsville, Ropes said.
In hard-hit suburban Goodview, civic service canceled the Goodview Days celebration, turned its attention and its members from parades to food service for emergency services workers and evacuees. In Winona itself, 15 to 29 residents of the Fairway Woods apartment building were evacuated.
With more rain expected over the next few days, Brand said: "We're probably going to have more problems with water; the last thing we want to do is send people back to unsafe homes."
Xcel Energy shut off the natural gas supply to the upriver Winona suburbs of Goodview and Minnesota City. Winona Police Chief Frank Pomeroy said that he'd heard reports of damaged propane tanks in the area, including a 1,000-pound tank in Minnesota City, that had to be repaired before residents could return.
Meanwhile, most evacuated residents are dispersing to the homes of friends and family, but many are funneling through two Red Cross shelters at St. Mary's University in Winona and the the hugh school in St. Charles 20 miles west of Winona. Joe Buchmann, manager of the St. Mary's Red Cross shelter, said 250 evacuated people signed in with contact information. About 60 were staying at the shelter, he said. Buchmann said evacuees were "devastated." It was "tough to get accurate communications" about the whereabouts and status of many individuals, he said. "People are worried about their house, their friends," he said. "I've been in the Red Cross for eight years and this is by far the worst I've seen hit the county."
Winona State student Ryan Pee was sitting in the St. Mary's shelter after officials told him to evacuate his Goodview apartment. "I'm lucky to be on the second floor," said Pee, whose apartment building was flooding. "I think my car's floating in the water, though." Pee said he would know more about his car after a couple days of sunshine. "It'll dry out," Pee sighed. "I'm not the only one. Tons of other people are here too."
Pawlenty said the disaster was bringing out the best in people: "We can't predict natural disasters in Minnesota. But we can predict the response -- good Samaritans helping neighbors." Pawlenty praised emergency personnel and the National Guard.
Reporter: Samuel Keane-Rudolph
Car fire at Gabby'sWINONA, Minn., Aug. 18, 2007 -- An automobile's engine erupted in flames outside Gabby;s Bar, 179 E. Second St., about 2 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the fire.
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING AUG. 11, 2007
AUG. 18, 2007: A trouble alarm was activated in the Stark engineering building at 2:58 a.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 18, 2007: An alarm was activated in at the John Nett workout gym at 10:38 p.m. because of water coming into the building .
AUG. 18, 2007: An alarm activated in Memorial Hall at 10 p.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 17, 2007: A hit-and-run driver struck near the Gildemeister classroom building at 4:05 p.m. Police were notified.
AUG. 17, 2007: An alarm was activated in Memorial Hall at 7:03 p.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 16, 2007: An alarm was activated in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 7:40 p.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 16, 2007: An alarm was activated in Tau dorm at 7:45 p.m., a false alarm.
AUG. 16, 2007: An alarm was activated in the Sheehan dorm at 7:05 a.m. It was a test.
AUG. 14, 2007: Security guards responded to the Tau dorm at 10 p.m. concerning a suspicious person. Security guards determined that the individual had left by the time they got there.
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Charges pending in Brothers knife incident | WINONA, Minn., Aug. 18, 2007 -- Police have recommended that a 22-year-man that a manager at Brothers Bar wanted thrown out be charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon. Police said the manager pointed out the man as earlier threatening another patron with a blade of some sort. Police escorted the man out. There was a scuffle, in the process of which police found a multi-tool Gerber tool in the man's pocket. Another man at the bar identified the tool, which included a three-inch knife, as what he had been threatened with earlier. The incident occurred about 11 p.m.
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BROTHERS BAR
129 W. Third St. |
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING AUG. 18, 2007
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Kelsey R. Rponschinske, 18, Arcadia, Wis., $177.
Matthew S. Brady, 18, Ettrick, Wis., $654.
Jared E. Eason, 18, Viroqua, Wis., $177.
Austin D. Keith, 18, 268 Carimona, 30 days and $277.
Jordan L. Mickelson, 20, 368 W. 10th,$177.
Jason D. Thompson, 20, Ringle, Wis., $177.
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What tree on fire?WINONA, Minn., Aug. 18, 2007 -- Responding to a report of a tree on fire on the boulevard entrance to St. Mary's University, firefighters looked around but couldn't anything wrong. The call was received at 9:17 p.m. Firefighters were on-scene half a hour.
hat tree on fire?WINONA, Minn., Aug. 18, 2007 -- An alarm at the John Nett gym at the Winona State University complex on Wabasha street was due to a roof leak, which channeled water on to a smoke detector. Firefighters received the call at 10:37 p.m.
Pizzeria founder Rocco Barth diesWINONA, Minn., Aug. 17, 2007 -- A pioneer WInona pizza-maker Rocco Barth, died at age 77 --15 years after a stroke forced his retirement. Rocco's pizza place, a Goodview landmark, remains in business under a son. Not many people know Rocco's full name -- Thomas W. Barth, but he had been well-known since high school when he was on 1946 and 1947 state-tournament winning Cotter High basketball teams. Later he plated at Winona State College. Rocco and his wife Betty went into the pizza business downtown in 1958. Pies started at 85 cents, $1.15 with sausage. Later they relocated to Goodview, with an auxiliary site at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on the East End.
hat tree on fire?WINONA, Minn., Aug. 18, 2007 -- An alarm at the John Nett gym at the Winona State University complex on Wabasha street was due to a roof leak, which channeled water on to a smoke detector. Firefighters received the call at 10:37 p.m.
Pizzeria founder Rocco Barth diesWINONA, Minn., Aug. 17, 2007 -- A pioneer WInona pizza-maker Rocco Barth, died at age 77 --15 years after a stroke forced his retirement. Rocco's pizza place, a Goodview landmark, remains in business under a son. Not many people know Rocco's full name -- Thomas W. Barth, but he had been well-known since high school when he was on 1946 and 1947 state-tournament winning Cotter High basketball teams. Later he plated at Winona State College. Rocco and his wife Betty went into the pizza business downtown in 1958. Pies started at 85 cents, $1.15 with sausage. Later they relocated to Goodview, with an auxiliary site at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on the East End.
Rutgers athlete sues Imus for libelNEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2007 -- A Rutgers University volleyball player, junior Kia Vaughn, filed a defamation suit against radio shock-jock Don Imus for racist and sexist characterizations of the volleyball team on his show. Vaughn's attorney, Richard Aucowitz, said Vaughn had done nothing to invite Imus reference to team as "knoppy-headed hos." Aucowitz said the said is about vindication. Vaughn is the only team member to have sued.
Imus has since lost his show, which had been syndicated nationally by CBS and carried on the MSNBC cable television channel. This week CBS came to a breach-of-contract settlement with Imus for firing him. Terms were not announced, but he had sued f0r $120 million. Meanwhile, the radio industry is awash in rumors about other broadcast companies bidding to put Imus back on the air. Insiders say bidders include ABC, Citadel and XM.
Meningitis blamed in soldier deathFORT McCOY, Wis.. Aug. 14, 2007 -- A soldier from a Virginia unit, preparing for deployment to Iraq, died Monday from what was believed to be bacterial meningitis. An autopsy was ordered. Fellow soldiers were injected with antibiotics as a precaution, a Fort McCoy spokesperson said. The soldier's name would not be released until family is notified, the spokesperson said. Meningococcal meningitis, contagious and often fatal, is a problem in college dorms and military barracks, where people come in close contact with one another. In Winona, a Winona State student from Bayfield, Wis., came down with meningitis a few years ago.
POLITICAL NOTES
POSTED AUG. 14, 2007
THOMPSON DROPS OUT. Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson quit his dark-horse bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Thompson, 65, said his sixth-place showing in the Iowa straw-poll doomed his candidacy. Even so, he said Thompson said, he took pride in keeping health and other issues on on the public agenda. He said plans to return to the private sector and his nonprofit work. He had been health and human services secretary under President Bush.
HEALTH CARE. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., announced his support for legislation to reauthorize health insurance for 6 million kids. The legislation, also, would help states provide coverage for an additional 5 million children who are eligible for the program but not enrolled. The current federal program is set to expire on Sept. 30. The bill, also, would halt a previously scheduled 10 percent cut in reimbursements to doctors who provide services to Medicare patients in 2008, followed by 5 percent cuts in each following year.
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Physician-engineer to bid for CongressROCHESTER, Minn., Aug. 17, 2007 -- A Mayo Clinic cancer physician, Brian Davis, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Congress from southern Minnesota. Davis said he would emphasize his experience as a physician and an engineer in the energy industry. Davis will make it a four-way contest with former state Sen. Dick Day, R- Owatonna, and state Rep. Randy Demmer R-Hayfield, and Mark Meyer, a school of Mankato.
Background: 2008 contests in early start
November 2008 contests in early startWINONA, Minn., Aug. 17, 2007 -- Races that Winona campus people are watching:
U.S. PRESIDENCY
2008 Democratic national convention, Aug. 25-28, Denver
2008 Republican national convention, Sept. 1-4, Minneapolis
Joe Biden (Democrat): Delaware senator
Hillary Clinton (Democrat): New York senator
Chris Dodd (Democrat): Connecticut senator
John Edwards (Democrat): Former North Carolina senator
Mike Gravel (Democrat): Former Alaska senator
Dennis Kocinch (Democrat): Ohio member of House
Barack Obama (Democrat): The Illinois senator
Bill Richardson (Democrat): New Mexico governor
Sam Brownback (Republican): Kansas senator
Jim Gilmore (Republican): Former Virginia governor
Rudy Giuliani (Republican): Former New York mayor
Duncan Hunter (Republican): California member of House
John McCain (Republican): Arizona senator
Mike Huckabee (Republican): Arkansas governor
Mitt Romney (Republican): Massachusetts governor
Ron Paul (Republican): Texas member of House
Tom Tancredo (Republican): Colorado member of House
U.S. SENATE
Minnesota
Norm Coleman (Republican): Seeking second term
Mike Ciresi (Democrat): Tobacco Settlement attorney
Al Franken (Democrat): Former Air America host
U.S. HOUSE
District 1
Dick Day (Republican): State senator from Owatonna
Brian Davis (Republican): Mayo Clinic physician
Randy Demmer (Republican): State representative from Hayfield
Mark Meyer(Republican): Crystal Lake Wellcome School Board member
Tim Walz (Democrat): Expected to seek second term
MINNESOTA HOUSE
Distict 31-A
Gene Pelowski (Democrat): Expected to seek 12th term
MAYOR
Jerry Miller (incumbent): e to seek re-election
Todd Ouellette Former City Council candidate has expressed interest
CITY COUNCIL
1st Ward (Far West End)
Al Thurley (incumbent): Expected to seek e-election
CITY COUNCIL
3rd Ward (Central city, including WSU)
Deb Salyards (incumbent): Expected to seek second term
CITY COUNCIL
At-large
Debbie White (incumbent): Expected to seek second term
COUNTY COMMISSION
2nd District
Dwayne Voegeli (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
Wayne Valentine: Retirednewscaster has considered running
COUNTY COMMISSION
3rd District
Jerry Heim (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
COUNTY COMMISSION
4th District
Dave Stoltman (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
SCHOOL BOARD
Vicki Englich (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
Kelly Herold (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
Fred Peterson (incumbent): Expected to seek re-election
R.I.P.: Barbara Ann (Tentis) HansenWINONA, Minn., Aug. 14, 2007 -- A Winona State University grad, Barbara Hansen, 54, who had been head chef at the Westview golf corse, died at home.
Golfview Liquor accomplice pleads guiltyWINONA, Minn., Aug. 13, 2007 -- The get-away drive in the robbery of Golfview Liquor in February, Randy Lee Strong, 37, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting. In a plea bargain Jones agreed to go to prison for one year in exchange for testimony against the robber, ex-con Andre Dion Jones of Rochester. A judge has yet to approve the plea-bargain. In the robbery, the owner of Golfview Liquor shot and wounded the robber on his way out. Jones was arrested twi days later in Rochester, Stone six weeks later.
Background: Ex-con: Drop Golfview robbery charges
Computer, other gear stolenWINONA, Minn., Aug. 13, 2007 -- Somebody made off with $1,400 of electronic gear from a residence in the 300 block of West Sanborn, police reported. The place had been unlocked. Missing were a Gateway laptop computer, a video game console, an iPod, a camera and 19 DVDs. The theft was reported at 1:33 a.m.
WSU students in Shanghai mini-internshipsWINONA, Minn., Aug. 13, 2007 -- Seven Winona State University students are back from a two-week course in Shanghai, where they visited the operations of companies based in the Winona area -- Ashley, Fastenal and RTP. Business prof Mary Gander, who arranged the course, paired students with Chinese professionals to intern at Fastenal's Shanghai's Fastco's unit. Gander hopes to offer a yearly China travel study course. "The Chinese we met were very interested in our students, what they did, what they studied, what they knew about, what their lives and interests and families were like, and so on," Gander said.
RECENT DAYS IN
THE CITY
POSTED AUG. 27, 2007
GAS-STATION HOLDUP. A robber fled with $200 from the Freedom gas station on Mankato Avenue. A clerk told police the man, holding eight-inch folding note, presented s note demanding cash and cigarettes. Police launched a search fro a white man 6-foot to 6-foot-2, 190 to 210 pounds, and short, dark blond hair. He drove off in a white Dodge Intrepid. His booty included three cartons of Newports.
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WSU athletes win NCAA grants WINONA, Minn., Aug. 12, 2007 -- Three Winona State University student athletes received the National Collegiate Athletic Association degree-completion awards: senior track and field throwers Elizabeth Bauman, Emily King and Nicole Lonning. The awards include financial assistance for student-athletes with a 2.5 grade-point average, midway between a B and C on most 4.0 scales, and who are within 30 semester hours of their degree.
COURT CONVICTIONS
WEEK ENDING AUG. 11, 2007
IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
UNDERAGE BOOZING
Jacqueline M. Boyum, 19, 718 W. Fifth, $177.
Daniel D. Lee, 18, 674 E. Sixth, $177.
Steven R. Keil, 18, Cochrane, Wis., $1,708.
Austin D. Keith, 18, 268 Carimona, $177.
Steve D. Miller, 20, 570 Broadway, $177.
Luke A. Nilles, 20, 127 E. 10th, $454.
Lance D, Schewe, 19, 1845 W. Fifth, $354.
Jared D. Schoh, 209, 570 W. Sixth 1, $177.
LOUD PARTYING
Justin D. Dass, 22, 767 E. Fifth, $377.
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WSU tries new way to start yearWINONA, Minn., Aug. 11, 2007 -- The traditional fall convocation as a gathering of the entire campus community to start the new school year was reinstituted at Winona State University only a few years ago. It didn't catch on. Now the event has been scaled back and gone down-scale. Academic gowns and regalia are out. The emphasis, say organizers, will be on "short speeches." They're not even calling it a convocation but a New Student Welcome. The event will be Wednesday at the Maxwell Field stadium at 10:45 a.m. A picnic to follow in the parking lot.
What to wear if not a cap and gown? "Purple," said a statement from academic Vice President Sally Johnstone. "This will be an informal event. The goal will be to make students feel part of the Winona State community, the statement said. Another incentive to participate: "Check out the "mystery guests," the statement said.
WSU SECURITY REPORT
WEEK ENDING AUG. 11, 2007
AUG. 11, 2007: A trouble alarm was activated at 12:32 a.m. in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 12:43 a.m. A false alarm.
AUG. 11, 2007: A trouble alarm Activated in the Stark engineering building at 2L5 a.m. A false alarm.
AUG. 10, 2007: Security guards and and medics responded to the Prentiss-Lucas where a camp participant fainted. The teen-ager was not transported taken to the hospital.
AUG. 9, 2007: A student reported at 10:40 a.m. hat someone may have accessed her university email account.
AUG. 9, 2007: At 11:42 a.m. a person reported the theft of his unlocked bike from outside of the library.
AUG. 9, 2007: Some juveniles were reported causing a disturbance at 5:30 p.m. Security guards contacted the juveniles and warned them
AUG. 9, 2007: Medics and security guards responded at 11:20 p.m. to Prentiss-Lucas dorm where a tenant had struck his head.
AUG. 9, 2007: Security guards responded to an alarm at the Stark at 2:55 a.m. No problem was found
AUG. 8, 2007: Medics and security guards responded to Somsen Hall at 9:10 p.m. concerning a person complaining of abdominal pains. The individual was transported to the hospital.
AUG. 8, 2007: At 9:30 a.m. it a number of iPods were stolen from the Prentiss-Lucas dorm.
AUG. 7, 2007: Sensors detected a water problem at the East Lake dorm at 4 a.m. Security guards found a flooded room.
AUG. 7, 2007: At 2:50 p.m. a person reported the theft of his unlocked bike from outside of the library.
AUG. 6, 2007: At 9:07 p.m. a person reported the theft of his unlocked bike from outside of the Minne classroom building.
AUG. 5, 2007: Security guards and firefighters responded to the Gildemeister classroom building on a fire alarm at 11:25 p.m False alarm.
AUG. 4, 2007: Security guards and firefighters responded to the Gildemeister classroom building on a fire alarm at 11:58 a.m. False alarm.
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WSU author finalist for book| WINONA, Minn., Aug. 10, 2007 -- A Winona State University librarian, Kathy Sullivan, is a finalist for the Dream Realm Award for her science-fiction book "Talking to Trees." The book was nominated in the young-adult category. Winners will be announced at the ArmadilloCon sciecne-fiction convention in Austin, Texas, Aug. 12. Sullivan already holds a Dream Realm Award for her short-story collection "Agents & Adepts." |
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KATHY SULLIVAN
2006 book "Talking to Trees" |
False alarm at SMUWINONA, Minn., Aug. 10, 2007 -- A smoke detector brought firefighters to the fourth floor of Heffron Hall at St. Mary's University at 11:10 a.m. It was a false alarm. Firefighters were unsure why the alarm sounded.
Last voyage for Delta Queen pendingNEW ORLEANS, La., Aug. 10, 2007 -- Then there were three. The Delta Queen, one of three tourist riverboats, still plying the Mississippi, with occasional stops at Winona, will withdrawn from service after 2008 voyages. The owner, Majestic America Lines, said that replacing wooden upper decks would not be financially feasible to meet safety standards. The Delta Queen has been licensed under exceptions to requirements that forbid overnight trips with more than 50 passengers for vessels made primarily of wood. The Delta Queen docked at Winona on July 13 for its last time |
