IMPEACHMENT THREESOME:
"WE WERE HEARD"
WINONA, Minn,, Jan. 31, 2008 -- The three Winona State University students who led an impeachment effort against student President Emily Feehan said they accomplished their goal even though they themselves, under pressure, halted the impeachment process. In an interview Thursday night, Justin Hiniker, Christine Schneider and Colleen Haworth said that that their impeachment letter had already accomplished its purpose of spurring the Senate to action. "We do stand behind what we said with the impeachment and everything," Hiniker said. "We believed in that. But what it really comes down to it, we just wanted to get the Senate back on its feet and definitely to get our opinions heard, which they were."
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The three agreed to be interviewed but only together. At the scheduled time Schneider did not show up. She said she decided not to come because she said her cat was in the hospital.
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The group's impeachment letter was presented to the Senate Jan. 23, a week after Feehan fired all six Senate committee chairs. As a result, they said, some committees, although not all, had ceased to function. "AJ Schuler just picked up and kept going and they're very, very effective still," Hiniker said, referring to the Student Affairs Committee. "But some of them, like the Diversity Awareness, hadn't had a meeting yet, and nothing was scheduled. Nothing was sent out to any of the members. They had halted."
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The three decided to withdraw their impeachment letter ahead of the Senate meeting Wednesday. At the meeting, they were called into a closed Senate session where details of a settlement of numerous issues were worked out, including the reinstatement of most of the committee chairs whom Feehan had swept out of office.
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Haworth, a junior studying nursing, said the three had felt intimidated and pushed aside by the members of the Senate. Hiniker singled out senior class Sen. AJ Schuler: "It's hard to have an argument with someone who is so invested in what they do such as AJ Schuler," Hiniker said. "At the meeting on the 23rd I felt unheard when voicing my opinions." Haworth followed by saying that was hard to talk to some members of the Student Senate. Focusing again on Schuler, Haworth said: "When he was taking that intimidating manner I couldn't say what I wanted to say."
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Haworth said she had been strengthened by the experience. For the first time in her life, Haworth said, she was able to stand up for how she felt, the things she believed in.
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How did Haworth, Hiniker and Schneider come together to seek impeachment of Feehan? It came up, they said, in conversation the weekend after Feehan fired all the committee chairs. They didn't feel as though Feehan's leadership was adequate for such a big job, Haworth said. Feehan's perspective she said, has changed:
"With Emily, she has learned. She is doing her best to better herself. She has everything on her plate. She has the tools now. She just has to go for it."
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Asked about accusations that the three had abused the impeachment process. Haworth said no: "Yes people can say we did. That's their opinion. That is not what we wanted. We wanted more student opinion our intention was not to abuse the power of impeachment."
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So why did the three withdraw their impeachment letter? The process, said Haworth, would have been "very drawn out," perhaps 28 days, and perhaps done more harm than good. Projects that had already been put on hold because of the late confusion in the Student Senate would be put off longer, she said. "Without the cohesive group effort it is hard to get much accomplished. We just wanted to get senate back on its feet. We wanted to be heard."
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Any regrets? Hiniker and Haworth said that nothing short of an impeachment letter would have gotten the attention of the Student Senate. The letter, they said, was speaking on behalf of students who were scared or intimidated to confront Feehan or the Senate. Such people were "coming up through the woodwork," she said. These were people, she added, who wanted "to remain anonymous but show support."
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Is it too easy for students to institute an impeachment proceeding? To some senators who who want a constitutional change, Hiniker said: "It wasn't something we arrived at easily. We had valid issues that we wanted addressed. That was not our intention to abuse power. We wanted more student interest. I could see the impeachment process now as an abuse of power. That was not our intention at all."
Reporters: Jenna Cameron, Amie Hylton and David Schneider
Background: Feehan impeachment called off
Feehan to check on senator grade eligibility
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Six weeks after Winona State University profs filed grades for fall semester, student President Emily Feehan announced she would ask the registrar to confirm whether all members of the Student Senate are in good academic standing, as required. A senator with less than a 2.0 grade point average, a C, will need to resign. Feehan did not explain why she had delayed the routine check on grades. It is believed that at least one senator does not meet the 2.0 break-off point but has chosen not to resign until confronted. Vacant Senate seats will be open for a campus-wide election in February.Prof: Corruption, more than it seems
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Defining corruption by using the word corruption doesn't work well, a Winona State University history prof told a campus audience recently. Kurt Hohenstein, pointed to a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court case, Buckley v. Valeo, that limited Congress to regulating only corruption that would lead to political favors for the contributor -- a form of the spoils system. But campaign finance system less about such tit-for-tat as about who has the most money to buy his or way into front-runner status. Hohenstein said that reforming this corrupted campaign finance system is always a work in progress. To start, he suggested looking at the nation's long history of political corruption. "History teaches us lessons if we choose to learn them said Hohenstein to cap off his discussion," he said.| MORE |
Hohenstein wrote the recently published book "Coining Corruption: The Making of the American Campaign Finance System."
Reporter: Jennifer Baldridge
Background: Prof assesses campaign corruption, finance
Author sees French pattern in rural decline
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 --retired Winona State University English prof Kent Cowgill will read on campus from his latest work, "Back In Time: Echoes of a Vanished America in the Heart of France." Cowgill said seeks to place his deep love of the French sense of place within the context of the profound changes that have withered village life in heartland America.Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12
Time: 7 p.m.
Place:North Lounge, Lourdes Hall
Cost: Free
Contact:Debra Cumberland at 507-457-5444
Custodians shut down campuses
FREDRICTON, N.B., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Four New Brunswick community colleges have been shut down by a strike by custodians, and seven other campuses have gone to half-days. In making those decisions, the authorities said. Accumulating garbage and unsanitary conditions have made for a health risk. The custodians have been on strike since Jan 10.Democratic Senate hopefuls to debate
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Three candidates for the Democratic Party endorsement for Minnesota's U.S. Senate at Winona State University. Tobacco-settlement attorney Mike Ciresi, talk-show host Al Franken and environmentalist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer al want to challenge first-term Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in the November election. Jim Cohen, who also had scheduled to for the debate, announced Thursday that he had dropped out of the race for personal reasons.| MORE |
The debate will be moderated by retired political science professor Jim Bromeland. The debate precedes Tuesday's Democratic caucuses.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 3Background: Cohen drops Senate bid
Time: 2 p.m.
Place:Somsen Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: 507-457-5235
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
REPORT:
RAPPER AKON DUE AT WSU
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Controversial rap performer Akon has been booked for the spring rock concert at Winona State University, a planning committee insider said. The University Programming Activities Committee, which arranges the concert, has not announced its choice for the annual spring concert, but the committee's adviser, Kelly Clark, has been meeting privately with the Student Senate for funding. The Senate has advanced $65,000 to Clark for concert arrangements.
Akon, a Senegalese-American, drew fans in 2004 with his single "Locked Up" from his debut album "Trouble." His second album, "Konvicted," earned a Grammy nomination.
Akon's career hit a rough spot in April when he simulated sex with a 15-year-old preacher's daughter in a club in Trinidad. After the video of the incident was uploaded to the Internet, Verizon Wireless immediately removed Akon ringtones and cancelled sponsorship of Gwen Stefani's Sweet Escape Tour. Akon was to be the Stefani's opening act. In a new song, "Sorry, Blame It On Me", Akon apologizes to the 15-year-old girl but says the club at which the performance took place had led him to believe she was 18. Also, he has criticized the girl's parents for letting her dress older than her years. |  AKON Full name: Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam Age: 24 |
| WSU SECURITY REPORT JAN. 31, 2008 Security guards responded to a trouble alarm in Kryzsko Commons 2:15 p.m. Nothing found awry. |
R.I.P.: Teresa A. (Benson) Knutson
RUSHFORD, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- A Winona State University grad, Teresa Knutson,died at home from a recently diagnosed heart condition. She was 40. She had a career in human resources management, most recently at Composite Products Inc. in Winona.WSU sets 4th personnel interview
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- A Winona State grad, Lori Reed, has been added to the field of candidates being interviewed on-campus to head the university's personnel office. The latest candidate:• Lori Reed. Since 2001 human resources director at Winona National Bank. Earlier at Watkins Inc. in several human resources positions and at First Bancorporation and State Bank of La Crosse, Wis., as human resources manager. Holds a business master's degree from he University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a bachelor's from Winona State. Open forum: 10:30 a.m., Friday Feb. 1, Purple Rooms 104-105 Kryzsko Commons.Background: Other candidates
WSU PRESIDENT HAS MESSAGE
AT SPANISH CHURCH
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Winona State University President Judith Ramaley took the message of the importance of a college education to 700 neighborhood people at Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Catholic Church in south Minneapolis during a Spanish-language worship service. Ramaley encouraged students to do well in their high school courses. With Ramaley was Winona State recruiter Carl Stange, who took questions and distributed information on admissions procedures for Winona State and other Minnesota state colleges. "She really spoke to them in a family context," Stange said. "They all came together as a family. I think she was really moved by that."
Ramaley was among 15 officials from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who spoke this past weekend to promote higher education to minority groups.
Stange talked with the families is about a program called The Power of You program that allows students who graduate from a Minneapolis or St. Paul High School this spring to go to college free in the fall. The Power of You is helpful to all minority students in tough financial situations, Stange said. |  JUDITH RAMALEY WSU president |  CARL STANGE Chief recruiter |
Reporter: Matt Bohling
Background: Ramaley takes college message to church
Cohen drops U.S. Senate bid
MINNEAPOLIS, MInn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Environmental activist Jim Cohen ended his underdog bid for Democratic U.S. Senate endorsement. Cohen's platform had included reducing bipartisanship gridlock in Washington. In dropping his candidacy, Cohen endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, for president. Obama, he said, is committed to reducing interparty tensions. Cohen complained that the news media have neglected his campaign to focus on rival candidates Al Franken and Mike Ciresi which he said has hurt his campaign fundraising. Cohen said he would not endorse one of the other candidates -- Franken, Ciresi or Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer -- after the Democratic caucuses Tuesday.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
Gershwin featured in WSU dessert show
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- The annual dessert theater at Winona State University will feature music of American composer Gershwin Revue -- "By George," it's called. The program features 25 song and dance numbers. The show is directed by music prof Harry and his wife Lauren Mechell, with staging by Cory Franson and choreography by Deb Seaverson. The desserts: Death by Chocolate Cake, puff pastries with cream and berries, assorted cheesecakes, Randy's Rum Cake with Pecans, chilled blueberry and peach souffles, caramel apple crepes, and fresh fruit cups. Sorry, Judith, no raspberries.Date: Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9
Time: 7 p.m.
Place:Kryzsko Commons
Cost: $12 to $25
Contact: 507-457-5235
Funds restored for student newspaper
MONTCLAIR, N.J., Jan. 31, 2008 -- The student newspaper at Montclair State University, which had criticized student government for secret meetings, has won back enough funds to resume publication. The student government president, Ronald Chicken, angered at the criticism of secrecy, had frozen the budget of the Montclairian but now has relented under growing pressure that he was acting out of retribution and infringing on the role of an independent journalistic voice on campus. Funds for the Montclairian are now restored for 30 days while the dispute goes into mediation.| MORE |
Chicken had frozen the Montclairian after the student paper's hired a lawyer to challenge his government's penchant for meeting in private. Chicken's acyion drew nationwide criticism from free-speech and journalism organizations. Although the Montclairian could not pay its printer and had to suspend publication,the paper continued to publish online.
Folk performer in WSU show
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Guitarist and kantele player Diane Jarvi will perform in the spring International Music series at Winona State University. Jarvi's performance will feature Finnish music from her repertoire of her own compositions of folk music both from the United States and other cultures.Date: Thursday, Feb. 7Background: Finnish folk mesic on WSU slate |  DIANE JARVI Minneapolis singer |
UM student's death linked to alcohol
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- A University of Minnesota student whose body was found in the Mississippi River 2-1/2 weeks ago was drunk when she fell through the ice. Rachel Dow, 29, of Minneapolis died of hypothermia, the coroner ruled. Acute alcohol intoxication was a significant factor, the coroner said. The death was ruled accidental. Dow had last been seen at the Uptown Bar and Cafe. The death was the sixth of a Minnesota college person linked to alcohol in the past year.Background: St. Cloud death blamed on booze
FOR THE KNOTTY ISSUE TO DISAPPEAR?
REQUIRING PERMITS
FOR WSU DEMONSTRATIONS
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Five months after anti-abortion demonstrators showed up and waved reddy photographs on placards at Winona State University students on their way between classes, the issue of whether to control demonstrators has moved to everybody's back burner. Even feminists groups, most vocal against the demonstration, have backed off their call for tight regulation, although leader Erica Staub said it needs to get back on the agenda. The fact, however, is that various campus reviews spawned by the initial outrage retreated quickly to mere jawboning and now have faded to mute. Everybody ran into the knotty issue of free expression as a constitutionally guaranteed citizen right at a government-operated university. More important, as civil libertarians will tell you, is the moral issue inherent in the idea of a university being dedicated to unbridled exploration of ideas, even when unwelcome.
So what's happened? And what isn't happening? A committee called the Free Speech Task Force, put together by administrators in response to complaints, hasn't done much. The university's the Human Resources office, asked to investigate the existing campus regulations on demonstrations, hasn't issued a conclusion. The Student Services Committee of the Student Senate has been waiting for everybody else to make a recommendation. And so have the everybody elses.
Ever heard of letting a sleeping dog lie?
The demonstration was Sept. 13. Missionaries for the Pre-born, from Milwaukee, Wis., showed up unexpectedly with large signs with pictures of mangled fetuses. The demonstrators passed out pamphlets and flyers and yelled out their ideas. "I have never felt more frightened on campus than that day," said Vice President Bri Keddell of the feminist club Women's Initiative for Leadership and Learning. "You expect your campus community to be a safe, non-threatening place and to have people come in and distract you from your already stressful day, is incredibly ill-mannered."
What to do? The university's new vice president for student affairs, Connie Gores, dug into campus regulations. Indeed, Gores found, permission is needed for a protest on campus. WSU Regulation 4-4, on Demonstrations, Protests and Gatherings, states that the university promotes the "free flow of ideas" and encourages freedom of speech. The regulation also details procedures for demonstrations. First, the "activity should be scheduled with the vice president for student affairs at least 24 hours prior to the event." The regulation also specifies that the event should take place at a "campus location where there is minimal disruption to normal professor, staff and student functions and activities."
The regulation was news to junior class Sen., Josh Martin, who until recently chaired the Student Services Committee. "No one remembered that there even was a policy in place because it was so old," Martin said. The issues has fallen off the agenda of Martin's committee, which now is the throes of turmoil following the wholesale removal of student committee chairs two weeks ago by student President Emily Feehan.
Meanwhile, Regulation 4-4 has been under review since September by the Human Resources office, but discussion with the Free Speech Task Force and university President Judith Ramaley, faculty and students has not occurred.
Despite the free expression issues, the feminist Staub is firm that Missionaries for the Pre-Born shouldn't do what it did. "It all comes down to what we will tolerate and what we won't tolerate," she said. "Using fear and threats to get a message across is intolerable."
One proposal floated in the wake of the protest was to clone a Bemidji State regulation that requires protesters to obtain a permit to demonstrate. It turned out, however, that WSU regulation 4-4 requires administration permission, in effect a permit.
Some students who at the time called security guards to remove the anti-abortion demonstrators have since morphed their position. The emphasis has become less whether to stop demonstrations that challenge some people's views but channeling the tone. Said Straub: "I was mostly upset with the way they threatened students and used fear to get their message across. Students want a peaceful atmosphere with peaceful rallying."
After the initial, spontaneous outrage, the feminist activist groups FORGE, WILL and NSFC decided that the best response to so-called "bad speech" is more speech. They staged a Day of Respect as a calm and peaceful counter-demonstration. "There was no controversy with the Day of Respect," Staub said. "It was all about peaceful co-existing." Reporter: Alli Bodden Background: Anti-abortionists make surprise call Was pro-life demonstration harassing? Comment: WSU exec has head screwed on right |  THEY WILL BE BACK. Missionaries or the Pre-Born travels campus to campus with quick demonstrations, unannounced, usually less tan two hours, to provoke college students into dialogue on abortion.  WELL PLANNED, CALCULATED, UNANNOUNCED. For maximum impact Missionaries choose busy hours at high-traffic spots on campuses on pleasant days.
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Embattled Chicago State president quits
CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2008 -- The president of Chicago State University, Elnora D. Daniel, will step down after 10 years following a decision of the governing board not to renew her contract. It was a tumultuous tenure. She never recovered from once saying that her $75,000 annual housing allowance was "chump change." More recently Daniel's relationship with student lending companies raised conflict-of-interest questions. Then came revelations that she had bought a $250,000 in copy machines from a company owned by a full-time employee of the university. There also has been criticism from the state auditor general travel allowance spending on Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises/POUR IT ON
THICK
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 31, 2008 -- Only a "Prairie Home Companion" fan could appreciate that Ketchup Kontests are being planned at Winona State University ahead of a live performance of the radio show. The contests are inspired by messages aired on "Prairie Home Companion" that extol the virtues of ketchup's "natural mellowing agents," said organizer Beth Halleck. Adults may enter recipes that use ketchup as an ingredient. Categories: Appetizer, entree, dessert and best overall. Recipes must include at least one half cup of ketchup. There are two ketchup art kontests for children, for ages 5-9 and 10-14. The contests are endorsed by the city Fine Arts Commission, Halleck said.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 16
Time: 2 p.m.
Place: Purple Rooms, Kryzsko Commons
Cost: Free
Contact: N. K. Peterson at 507-457-5519
Entry forms: http://www.Winona.edu/150years
FEEHAN IMPEACHMENT
CALLED OFF
SHE CALLS IT A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 30, 2008 -- A letter calling for the impeachment of Winona State University student President Emily Feehan has been withdrawn. The announcement was made by the Senate's vice president, Rotney O'Shea, at a regularly scheduled Senate session Wednesday. The withdrawal means that charges against Feehan have been dropped. Impeachment proceedings will not continue. Details on what led to the withdrawal were not immediately clear. Just before the meeting, the three students who had presented the letter for impeachment a week ago approached O'Shea and withdrew their letter.
There had been earlier negotiations. Said O'Shea: "I met with them on Monday to go over impeachment proceedings. I told them they could withdraw their letter at any time." Procedurally, O'shea said, no explanation was needed to withdraw the letter. At the Senate meeting Wednesday, O'Shea did not comment as to why students Justin Hiniker, Colleen Haworth and Christine Schneider rescinded. He deferred questions to them. To a reporter, Schneider was vague: "It was in the best interest of the students." Taking his seat in the gallery after he closed session with senators, Hiniker muttered: "I guess it doesn't matter." After O'Shea announced the whole impeachment issue was done, Hiniker left the meeting.
The announcement came after a 15-minute executive session wherein senators discussed the proceedings in private.
About the whole impeachment issue, Feehan said: "This has been one heck of an education for me."
News reporters and students in the gallery were barred from the Senate session at which the withdrawal decision was made. It was junior class Sen. Josh Martin who called for the secret session to, he said, go over "technicalities of documentation within the impeachment process" found in the Senate's constitution. After senators returned to an open session, O'Shea, who announced: "The students withdraw their letter of impeachment, and Emily Feehan will continue with her presidency."
The three students informed O'Shea around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, an hour before the senate meeting, of their decision to remove the letter of impeachment. O'Shea said, "I thanked them for their concerns as part of the student body."
After the closed Senate meeting it was announced that five of the six committee chairpersons whom Feehan had fired two weeks ago in her so-called Wednesday Evening Massacre would be restored to $300-a-semester chairships. Martin, who had chaired Student Services, will instead chair the academic committee, replacing freshman committee. Junior class Sen. Charles Moburg will return to chair legislative affairs. Education Sen. Nathan Lynne will return to chair technology. Business Sen, Caitlin Stene will chair public relations, taking over for lib-arts Sen. Ian Gakchutt, who in recent days has resigned for the Senate and then, in a confused sequence of events, changed his mind. Senior Sen. AJ Schuler will chair student services, taking over from Martin.
Relieved at the turn of events, Feehan thanked the senators for their support and tacitly acknowleged long-brewing doubts about her capabilities. "When it got hard" she said, "I respect your differences and will work hard to prove I can do this." The university's student life vice president, Connie Gores congratulated senators for an agreeable meeting. Gores said that she was proud of Feehan for a fine job. It was unclear whether Gores was commending Feehan on the resolution of the impeachment or her much-criticized performance as a Senate executive going back to August.
Senators, too, congratulated one another on getting through such a rough month. Said Schuler: "I commend all senators for everything, despite what has been said, that things have gone really well, I appreciate it and you've done an awesome job."
Schuler, the senior senator who had stridently confronted Hiniker a week ago when the impeachment letter was presented, was plainly pleased that the crisis was over. "We are now focusing on what is on task, and this will be fun working with all of you as the semester goes on," he said. |  EMILY FEEHAN Question now: Undoing the damage? |
Reporters: Rachel Becher-Cortez, Joe Ellestad, Emilie Kastner, Spencer King, Jessica Reinhart Kim Sapp and Allison Schuebel
Background: Impeachment starts against Feehan
Background: Feehan fires all committee chairs
| WSU SECURITY REPORT JAN. 30, 2008 A student reported at 6:20 p.m. that she struck another vehicle in the south Sheehan dorm parking lot. |
COULD MOZART HAVE COMPOSED
FOR BEACH BOYS? BEATLES?
WINONA, Minn., Jan 30, 2008 -- Rock 'n' roll and classical music have much in common, a Winona State University music professor told a campus audience recently, pointing to similarities in the composition styles of the Beach Boys and classical artists Wolfgang Mozart and Ludwig Van Beethoven. The mastermind behind the Beach Boys,bassist Brian Wilson, was responsible for these striking similarities whether he knew it or not, said Paul Vance. He noted repetition and sequence of musical phrases. It is unusual for a song's melody to be in a different musical key than its verse, but both classical music and the Beach Boys use this , Vance said. Also, he told his audience, look for layering of voices and instruments, a signature in the classical romantic era and also with the Beach Boys.
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Vance used examples of Wilson's work, such as "Don't Back Down," "Warmth of the Sun," and "When I Grow Up to be a Man" to illustrate repetition of song phrases. Unusual pairing of chords by Wilson were also discussed by Vance, who suggested no other contemporary artist had attempted such a task.
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Vance also noted similarities between the Beach Boys and The Beatles. Wilson and Beatles front man Paul McCartney were writing music at the same moment in history, which suggests their work was a competition of sorts, he said.Vance quoted Wilson: "The Beatles kicked me in the ass and got my song writing going."
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Vance noted too that most bands of the 1960s disappeared once the Beatles arrived, except the Beach Boys.
Reporter: Ingrid Alm
Background: Classics and rock: Any common ground?
WSU STUDENT ELECTIONS PITY THE FRESHMAN HITE WHY WOULD FEEHAN DO THIS TO HIM? Would somebody please, please give Kari Winter's phone number to Jacob Hite? He's the freshman whom student President Emily Feehan has put in charge of running the Winona State University student elections in February. He needs all the help he can get. Winter is the Senate officer who ran elections with a quiet competence for two years as student vice president until her graduation in May. That was the last time the elections were done right.
We all know what happened then. Winter's successor as vice president, Emily Feehan, so mangled the September elections that they had to be aborted. Feehan then ascended to the presidency, which got her out of the hot spot in trying to run the February elections. Because the vice president, Sen. Rotney O'Shea, plans to be on the ballot, he couldn't run the election. As vice president, it otherwise would be his job. So Feehan turned to Hite.
Too bad Hite can't turn to the not-detail-oriented Feehan for advice. It's clear she's doesn't know how to do an election.
Already Hite is fumbling. To reporter questions on procedures, he's plainly uncomfortable. Will he release the names of candidates on the day they file for office? He waffles. He doesn't have a firm sense that the election process is served best when news reporters have time to conduct interviews before balloting begins.
Hite is focused, as he should be, on minute detail of running the election, but he is missing, as he shouldn't, the importance of facilitating the fullest possible voter access for reporters to talk with candidates and offer detached, neutral journalistic accounts on positions and qualifications.
In fairness, we should not be too hard on the freshman Hite. He has been in college nary five months. We should be hard on Feehan, however, for putting him to so severe a test so early in his time as a senator. She wasn't nice. She wasn't fair.
Kari Winter's phone number: 877-224-1518 at the Minnesota State University Student Association. |
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
Sees writing on wall, Guiliani quits
MIAMI, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- His eggs all in one basket, the Florida primary, former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani recognized his presidential bid was hopeless and withdrew. In the Florida primary Guiliani ended up in a tie, way behind John McCain and Mitt Romney, for third place with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Guiliani had campaigned only modestly in Iowa and New Hampshire and skipped other early causers and primaries to focus on Florida and, he hoped, make a breakthrough. The strategy failed. Out of campaign funds and acknowledging McCain and Romney's momentum, Guiliani pulled out. Guiliani threw his support to McCain.Background: McCain wins Florida, edging Romney
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
| PUBLIC POLICY NOTES JAN. 30, 2008 | BORDER UPGRADES . Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., returned from an inspection of the United States-Mexico border in Texas with the conclusion that security technology needs upgrading. More security cameras are needed, Walz said. So are security dogs to seize drug money. Also, said Walz, more agents are needed. |
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Scots' Conboy hits 1,729 career points
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 30, 2008 -- The St. Mary's University Cardinals dropped their eighth consecutive conference game of the season, falling 68-65 to Macalester in men's basketball. The Cardinals were led by Lukas Holland's 21 points and Will Wright's 17 points and 8 rebounds. The Scots were paced by Tom Conboy's game-high 26 points and 14 rebounds. The double-double was Conboy's seventh in a row. Conboy became Macalester's all-time leading scorer with 1,729 career points.Statistics
Edwards bows out of Democratic race
NEW ORLEANS, La., Jan. 30, 2008 -- In the hurricane-ravaged neighborhood where he had announced he would seek the Democratic presidential nomination, John Edwards announced his withdrawal. Edwards, a former North Carolina senator, said he had reached an agreement with front-runners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to keep anti-poverty as a centerpiece of their campaign agendas and, if elected, of their presidencies. Edwards had a consistent showing in early primaries but never better than a distant third. Edwards' withdrawal sparked speculation that he might be attractive as a Clinton or Obama vice presidential runningmate or perhaps later as attorney general or other cabinet member.Background: Edwards far behind in Florida primary
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
WSU STUDENT SENATE INEPTNESS, NOT RACISM IS THE FEEHAN PROBLEM The most dangerous people at Winona State University are racial radicals who see racism everywhere. They're like the McCarthy zealots who saw a Commie behind every tree and two behind every bush in the 1950s -- except these people see racists everywhere. Time and again, publicly and in whispers, they have spread the word that student President Emily Feehan, who is of Asian heritage, has been the target of racism.
They have no evidence. The only mentions of Feehan's race in news coverage has been in noting her election last spring drew strong backing among members of foreign-student clubs to which she belonged. Feehan also has strong backing in the office of the university's cultural diversity director, Alex Hines, which employs some of the most vocal minority cause champions on campus.
There is no evidence of a racist motivation in criticism of Feehan. Critics in the Senate and among students generally have focused on her inept performance. She screwed up the September election administratively. Then, in a shameful diversion of the blame, she scape-goated her failure into a Senate censure of Ian Galchutt, the Senate's public relations chief. Feehan has mangled important information in even routine communiques to the student body. She has a pattern of avoiding interpersonal confrontation, instead maneuvering others to do her bidding. The event that now has led to impeachment hearings was Feehan's heavy-handed removal of every committee chair to silence those who spoke truth to her and legitimately challenged her competency.
In short, Feehan's critics have based their assessment of Feehan on her record, not her genes.
Charges of racism, when unfounded, are careless bullying that diverts attention from real issues. They are morally reckless, reprehensible and irresponsible. This is not to say that we should not be alert to racism when it occurs and speak out against it. In the Feehan record, however, racism is an issue only to witch-hunters. |
Background: Impeachment starts against Feehan
Background: Feehan fires all committee chairs
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
CLINTON, OBAMA FOR DEMOCRATS;
GOP A TOSS-UP
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 30, 2008 -- Important dates leading up to the November 2008 elections:
Feb. 5: Minnesota Democratic precinct caucuses
Feb. 5: Minnesota Republican precinct caucuses
March 4: Minnesota Independence precinct caucuses
Aug. 25-28: Democratic national convention, Denver
Sept. 1-4: Republican national convention, Minneapolis
| MORE |
Races that Winona campus people are watching:
U.S. PRESIDENCY
Hillary Clinton (Democrat): New York senator
Mike Gravel (Democrat): Former Alaska senator
Dennis Kucinch (Democrat): Ohio member of House
Barack Obama (Democrat): Illinois senator
John McCain (Republican): Arizona senator
Mike Huckabee (Republican): Former Arkansas governor
Ron Paul (Republican): Texas member of House
Mitt Romney (Republican): Former Massachusetts governor
| MORE |
U.S. SENATE
Minnesota
Norm Coleman (Republican): Seeking second term
Mike Ciresi (Democrat): Tobacco Settlement attorney
Al Franken (Democrat): Former Air America host
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer (Democrat): University of St. Thomas prof
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
Tim Walz (Democrat): Expected to seek second term
| MORE |
MINNESOTA HOUSE
District 28-B
Mostly Wabasha County
Steve Drazkowski, Wabasha (Republican): Has announced candidacy
Linda Pfeilsticker, Wabasha (Democrat): Has announced candidacy
Distict 31-A
Mostly Winona County
Gene Pelowski, Winona (Democrat): Expected to seek 12th term
| MORE |
MAYOR
Jim Galewski: Retired newspaper editor says no
Jerry Miller (incumbent): Expected 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 re-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
| MORE |
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
| MORE |
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.: Jennette "Jean" C. (Frye) Bunke
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2008 -- A Winona Vocational School grad in nursing, Jean Bunke, died in a nursing home at age 75. She was retired from the Watkins nursing home.SCHULER CALLS
COMMITTEE CHANGE "SEAMLESS"
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2008 -- The Student Services Committee of the Winona State University Student Senate has made a "seamless transition" with the switch of committee leadership ordered by student President Emily Feehan, says the new AJ Schuler. Schuler said junior Sen. Josh Martin, whom Feehan replaced, has been help in the transition. Nothing on the committee's agenda has been put on the back burner, Schuler said. He pointed to the Security Tip Line, which takes anonymous information, and the bike registration proposal.
Schuler, who represents the senior class, moved into the committee chairship because he was vice chair. Content with how things have gone, Schuler said he plans to apply for a permanent seat as committee chair.
Asked if personal animosities have emerged from Feehan's surprise removal of the chairs of all six committees, some of whom were openly displeased with her performance as president, Schuler said not at all. Citing two years experience on Student Services committee, he said he has seen no problems adjusting. "Senate is working hard to make sure the students are being heard and cared about through all of this," he said.
The Feehan dismissals, a week ago Wednesday, shook the Senate power structure. Within a week, Feehan found herself impeached by displeased students outside the Senate. She has had to step aside pending an impeachment investigation. Meanwhile, committee vice chairs have moved into temporary committee leadership.
Unaffected by Feehan's Wednesday Evening Massacre, as detractors called it, were two committees on fees chaired by Senate Treasurer Travis Carlson. Through the mess Carlson has remained a Feehan ally. |  JOSH MARTIN He's out |  AJ SCHULER He's in |
Reporter: Allison Schuebel
Background: Impeachment starts against Feehan
Background: Feehan fires all committee chairs
McCain edges Romney in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 29, 2008 -- War hero John McCain, who survived six years as a North Vietnam prisoner-of-war camp, narrowly won the Republican presidential primary in Florida. McCain pulled 36 percent of the vote, former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney 31 percent. Former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee trailed badly. The McCain victory gave him all 57 Florida delegates for the national Democratic convention.| MORE |
In the Democratic primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., beat Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., 50 to 33 percent. John Edwards won 14 percent. Because of a dispute between the national and state Democratic parties, no Florida delegates have been assigned for the party's national convention. Even so, Clinton claimed her Florida support as important because it's the most populous state so to conduct a primary.
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
OF TUMULTUOUS RELATIONSHIP
FRIENDS, FANS
RALLY TO HENDERSON
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2008 -- Friends rallied to the defense of Winona State University basketball player Quincy Henderson in online postings as word spread around campus that his long-term womanfriend had accused him of assault. Some of the more derogatory postings were pulled off the message board by an administrator. There were assertions of bizarre incidents involving the 22-year-old woman, including one at the NCAA Division II national tournament. The woman, said one posting, went missing in downtown Springfield, Mass., and the entire Winona State basketball team ended up searching for her. There was also mention of an altercation on a Bahamas team trip involving the sister of another player.
Police did not release the name of the woman who accused Henderson of assault. Friends said, however, that she and Henderson had been an item for three years. That would predate his arrival at Winona State to play basketball.
Henderson and the woman both reported previous assaults, maybe "four or five," the police report said. It was not clear who was the perpetrator. The earlier incidents were not reported. In arresting Henderson, police made the judgment that he was the instigator in the Sunday morning incident.
About the incident, officers said that both Henderson and the woman had been drinking. In their report the officers said were called to an apartment in the 350 block of West Howard Street at 4:41 a.m. and found a woman crying. According to the report, the woman said she and Henderson had argued over his suspicion that she had cheated on him. Then, officers reported, she told Henderson to "stop hurting her."
The report quoted the woman that Henderson has a temper problem. He had punched several holes in her bedroom wall within the past week, police said they were told. She told police he broke a chair and a remote control in earlier incidents.
After interviewing the woman, police went to Henderson's apartment, in the 100 block of East Howard Street, eight blocks away. They quoted him as having acted in self defense. Henderson said, according to the officers, that the woman tried to slap him and jumped over a coffee table to kick him. He pushed her out of the way to protect himself, he said. |  QUINCY HENDERSON Warrior forward |
Reporters: Jack Chandler and others
Background: Henderson still on varsity roster
| WSU SECURITY REPORT JAN. 29, 2008 Security warned several tenants at the Lourdes dorm of a noise violation at 1:36 a.m. and cited them for alcohol. A trouble alarm sounded in the Sheehan dorm at 12:54 p.m., a false alarm. Firefighters and security guards cleared Kryzsko Commons after an 11:10 p.m alarm. Apparently someone ghad accidentally activated the alarm. False Alarm. A fire alarm was activated in the Sheehan dorm at 8:45 p.m., false alarm. A trouble alarm was activated in the Tau dorm at 8:18 p.m., a false alarm caused by personnel changing the alarm battery. An ambulance crew was called to the Minne classroom building at 12:55 p.m. for responded for a student who had tripped on the steps. The student was taken to the hospital by ambulance. |
PENDING IN COURT
HENDERSON OK'D
TO STILL PLAY WSU BASKETBAL
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2008 -- The athletics director at Winona State University, Larry Holstad, said he supports varsity basketball player Quincy Henderson as an assault case continues in the judicial system. Henderson, 23, was charged Monday with two counts of misdemeanor domestic assault stemming from a pre-dawn incident Sunday at the apartment of a womanfriend. In a prepared statement Holstad said: "All WSU athletes are held to a high level of personal conduct on and off the court." Holstad did not address the conclusion of police that Henderson had been drinking. Holstad did not mention specifics of the incident
The incident followed the Warriors' 95-45 home-court victory Saturday night over University of Mary. Holstad said that basketball coach Mike Leaf is free to continue to play Henderson while the legal charges are pending. The Warriors are scheduled Saturday at Upper Iowa at Fayette. |  LARRY HOL- STAD WSU athletics director | QUINCY HENDER- SON Yes, he can play Saturday |
Background: Woman claims beating; jock jailed
Early track poll: Warriors at No. 5
NEW ORLEANS, La., Jan. 28, 2008 -- The Winona State University track and field squad was ranked fifth in the nation by the U.S. Track and Field Coaches Association in its annual preseason NCAA Division II rankings. The Warriors are considered to have astrong roster of returning athletes as well as the addition of a few strong freshmen. Winona State totaled 174.83 points in the poll. No. 1 East Stroudsburg of Pennsylvania totaled 184.53 points.SENATOR: "ILL-INFORMED, YES,"
BUT I DIDN'T SAY STUPID
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2008 -- Senior student Sen. AJ Schuler denied that he used the word "stupid" in railing against students who rose from the gallery at a Winona State University Student Senate meeting to demand the impeachment of student President Emily Feehan. The aspersion "stupid" was attributed to Schuler in a paraphrase, not a quotation, in an Indee editorial over the weekend. In fact, Schuler did not call them stupid but "ill-informed." Schuler, whose has consistently defended Feehan through her ongoing crises going back to September, was irate at the meeting about the impeachment call. Consensus at the meeting, attended by 200 students, was that Schuler was rude to the impeachment leaders.
The Indee editorial said that Schuler "puffed up and bullied and called students stupid." Responding, Schuler said: "Interpret my actions as bullying if you wish, that can be your interpretation. But I do not appreciate it being said I called students stupid."
Schuler said that he expected better from the Indee. He noted that he scored well in December to the news site's tally on senator responsive to news reporters' queries. "I find it upsetting that such information would be printed when especially, as I have seen by your own records, that I was the most sought senator for interviews and only did not respond a total of three times out of the 30 requests I received."
John Vivian, who edited the CyberIndee, predecessor of the Indee, said Schuler appears to believe he has a right to throttle commentary on his performance solely because he answers reporter questions regularly. "A senator needs to be responsive to constituents, which is through the press," Vivian said. "It's a senator's duty to talk with reporters, not a favor, and it should never have anything to do with the responsibility of a free press to comment rigorously and also vigorously on a senator's performance." Schuler, of course, has every right to respond, Vivian said. | AJ SCHULER Senior senator in his official Senate portrait Who's that man behind the Foster Grants? |
Background: Comment: Students deserve better from leaders
Background: Senators rated on responsiveness
GALCHUTT PLANS
RETURN AS SENATOR?
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 29, 2008 -- A sophomore who represents liberal arts majors at Winonna State University, Sen. Ian Galchutt, wouldn't answer directly when asked about rumors that he had changed his mind about resigning. "We'll see," he said. A few days ago Galchutt issued a statement that he was resigned to focus ore on his studies. To rumors that he had been blackmailed into resigning, Galchutt acknowledged the rumors: "I am not at liberty to answer that. Rumors are rumors so why talk about it more so it can get spread around."
Reporter: Courtney Rappa
Background: Liberal arts senator resigns
WALZ: WHAT ABOUT
THE STATE OF THE FAMILY?
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2008 -- President Bush failed to connect with the American family in his State of the Union address, said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. Walz said he had "I, like many Americans, ha high hopes for address. "We wanted to hear his plan to make the economy work for all Americans," he said. "We heard more of the same." Walz noted that he had invited Victor Vieth, director of Winona State University's National Child Protection Training Center. "I wanted to hear the President make protecting our children a priority," Walz said. There was nothing, he said.
"The American family needs to be Washington's top priority as we move into ." Walz said. "Tomorrow, the House will vote on an economic stimulus package to help ensure American families can afford the rising costs of food and heat during this economic downturn. And in the coming weeks, we will try again to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program so that more of America's kids can get the health care they need. These are America's priorities and I will continue to fight for our kids and families."
Walz called Bush "a consistent roadblock" for changes being demanded by the American people. Referring to the end of the Bush presidency next January, Walz said: "I'm pleased that this was President Bush's last State of the Union speech. |  TIM WALZ Southern Minnesota member of Congress |  VIC VIETH Director, National Child Protection Training Center |
Background:Vieth to Capitol for Bush address
WSU BASKETBALL STAR
JAILED ON ASSAULT COMPLAINT
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2008 -- Starting forward Quincy Henderson of the Winona State University basketball team was jailed pre-dawn Sunday after a womanfriend said he "freaked out." The woman called police at 4:41 a.m. to an apartment on the 350 block of West Howard St. The woman said he had pushed her unto either a wall or a couch and hurt her head. Henderson, 23, who stands 6-foot-5, was arrested at his place eight blocks away a short while afterward.
At Memorial Hall on campus, basketball coach Mike Leaf and assistant Tom Brown and Chris Grove were not in their offices for reporter questions. News of the arrest, however, had already spread within the close-knit Winona State varsity athletic community. Confirmation of the arrest came from police at a regularly scheduled Monday morning briefing for reporters. The briefing ran 20 minutes late, with reporters waiting while Deputy Chief Paul Bostrack gathered information from officers' reports.
Bostrack said that Henderson was on arrested on suspicion of domestic assault on the basis of the womanfriend's complaint. The woman told officers that "freaked out" and pushed her in the chest twice, Paul Bostrack said. The woman said she fell into a couch and hit her head either on the wall or the back of the couch, Bostrack said. Two lumps on the back of her head were consistent with her account, Bostrack said. The woman said there had been words about "jealousy," Bostrack said.
Henderson spent Sunday in jail pending a court appearance Monday morning on a misdemeanor count of fifth-degree domestic assault.
Henderson, from Madison, Wis., transferred too Winona State from Creighton University, in Omaha, Neb., for the 2006-2007 season. | QUINCY HENDERSON Warrior forward
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WSU STUDENT SENATE DIDN'T VOTE, THEN HOLD YOUR PIECE WSU JUNIOR IN JOURNALISM I cannot help but laugh when read these criticisms of leadership in the Winona State University Student Senate. These positions, after all, are elected. Perhaps students who complain should be more active. If you believe change is necessary, then run for office. Hey, maybe you all could vote, even. What a strange concept.
Complaining can only be left to those who have been active in their pursuit of justice. If you haven't voted, or if you haven't tried to incorporate your ideas into the student government here at Winona State, then I think it's best to keep your complaints to yourself.It's very interesting that last week's Senate meeting had over 60 people sitting in the gallery. The typical number is probably around 15, most of whom are reporters. The student body seems to ignore Senate completely when they are doing good things.
The fact is that we, as students of this university, have the opportunity to elect officials who represent our ideas. They are the ones who fight to keep tuition low, who spend hours working on things to make our time at Winona State better. There are so many things that people here take for granted. Many people did not even know who former Senate president Jared Stene was. If you truly are concerned about what Senate is doing, and how they are representing you, take action. Complaints without action are completely empty.
Anyone from the student body is allowed to run for Senate, provided that they have a GPA of 2.0 or above. Spring elections are held, "during the fifth academic week prior to the end of the spring semester." I encourage my fellow students to take an active role on campus. Your college experience will be so much better if you do. |
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
THE INDEE IS YOUR NEWS SOURCE OF RECORD |
THE FUTURE OF KQAL
WSU VICE PRESIDENT WANTS
TO HEAR MORE
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2008 -- Responding to a mass communication promise to reform Winona State radio station KQAL, the university's academic vice president, Sally Johnstone, wrote this memo:
| MORE |
Thank you for the thoughtful response from the Mass Communication Department regarding the department's management of KQAL. Please accept my apology for the delay in responding to you.
Dean Paino and I have reviewed the report and both of us appreciate the willingness of the Department to take greater responsibility in integrating the radio station (and television projects) into the overall curriculum of Mass Communications. We would like to move forward to the next stage of analysis as soon as possible.
The one aspect of your recommendations I would like to ask you to reconsider is the rejection of student-fee generated funds, Perhaps you would want to have student funds dedicated to a different activity within the overall operation of KQAL and television cable-casting. It may be difficult to replace $10,000 of funding.
In order to proceed in the next steps, I will need a detailed budget projection This needs to include costs and sources of funding, Dean Paino is willing to work with you to develop a budget projection.
I look forward to receiving further information from you. cc: Dean Troy Paino |
Background:
Masscom's maximum mea culpa
Verbatim: The Johnstone Report
Prof's suspension clears way for probe
KQAL chief on suspension
Ramaley: Solve issues by Oct. 15
WSU hires Scout vet for fundraising
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 28, 2008 -- A long-time Girl Scout executive, Mary Rohrer, has been hired as major gift director at Winona State University. Rohrer has been with the Girl Scouts of the La Crosse, Wis.-based Riverland Council since 1977. During her tenure with the Girls Scouts she conducted three capital campaigns, instituted annual and planned giving programs, and established a Gold and Silver awards program to recognize corporate donors. At Winona State she will earn $68,000.
Rohrer replaces Mike Swenson as a major gifts director. Last year Swenson moved to alumni relations. Jim Schmidt, vice president for Winona State fundraisig, called Rohrer an excellent. "Finding solid development staff in a very competitive market is indeed a challenge," Schmidt said. On Schmidt's staff, Rohrer is the second newcomer for major gifts within a year. Carl Miller, brought on a year ago, has focused on building a community coalition for a proposed coliseum for sports and conventions.
Rohrer holds a bachelor's degree in English and Biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is enrolled in a master's program. She has won several awards including a National Society of Fund Raising Executives 1993 award.
Rohrer has served as chair of the Wisconsin Work Force Development Board Youth Advisory Council and chair of the United Way Member Agency Council. She is a founding board member of World Peace Foundation. She is director and chair of Community Credit Union. |  MARY ROHRER Girl Scout fundraiser
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Background: Veteran "builder" to raise WSU funds
WSU STUDENT SENATE DO THESE SENATORS CARE ABOUT CONNECTING? TOO BUSY TO POSE? SELF-INDULGENT? TRYING TOO HARD TO BE CUTE? The Student Senate web site at Winona State University reveals more about some senators than realize.
What does it say about a senator's commitment to not even sit for a portrait for the Senate web page? If a constituent wants to button-hole and give an earful to Jacob Hite, for example, it's not possible from the Senate site to know even what he looks like so you can stop him on campus. These are, judging from the Senate site, our stealth senators: • Dylan Benzel, students at-large
Some senators failed even to submit photos, biographical profiles or platform statements for the ballot when they sought office. Too busy? The fact, then, is that they were too busy to be senators. The system works only when elected representatives make themselves easily available to each and every one of their constituents.
Incredibly, some senators seem to take their responsibilities so frivolously that they let misspellings of their names on the site go unfixed for months. Savannanha McKinley? AJ Schuler has let it be "Shuler" online for years.
Then there are senators who go cutesy, diminishing the serious with which they are taken in important university issues. Gods almighty, Schuler poses in shades. What's with this guy? From here it sure looks a Hollywood self-indulgence syndrome. Or does he see himself as the high school class clown? And Rotney O'Shea, is his gaze upward pondering the heavens -- or the ceiling. |
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
TRAINER: TESTING HELPS KEEP
VARSITY SPORTS CLEAN
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 27, 2008 -- Steroids and human growth hormones are not a big problem in college athletics, said Winona State University athletic trainer Todd Burner said. "The National Collegiate Athletic Association has a solid grasp of the problem," said Burner. All varsity athletes in the United States are educated about drugs at the beginning of every athletic season, Burner said in an interview: "Educating our athletes is the best way to prevent steroid use amongst collegiate players." Being aware of the consequences of the future has turned away a lot of athletes from steroids, he said.
| MORE |
Steroids have become an issue in professional sports, notably baseball. Although there have been problems in collegiate sports too, no athlete has tested positive for steroids or any other illegal drugs at Winona State. Said Burner: "I think we do a great job of teaching our athletes what not to do. They understand what will happen if they do go down that path."
| MORE |
Overcoming steroid use may never come to an end. Frequent testing can help limit the problem. "There is no other way that we can monitor it," Burner said. "The NCAA and professional sports can only keep testing on a regular basis to minimize the use."
Reporter: Justin Magill
| WSU SECURITY REPORT JAN. 27, 2008 A dorm supervisor requested security guards for an alcohol violation in the Lourdes dorm at 1:201 a.m. Security guards responded to the Sheehan dorm at 12:45 a.m. regarding a marijuana smell. A student was cited for drug paraphernalia. A trouble alarm sounded at Lourdes Hall at 1:03 a.m. A dorm supervisor called security guards at 1:40 a.m for a possible drug violation in Lourdes dorm. A tenant of the Quad dorm was cited at 3:35 a.m. for a campus housing violation. Several students in the Sheehan dorm reported at 1:03 a.m. that somebody trying door knobs and knocking on doors and then disappearing. |
WSU STUDENT SENATE TIME FOR FEEHAN TO BID ADIEU For the good of the students, Emily Feehan needs to do right: Resign as student president at Winona State University. Even if she survives impeachment hearings, there is no possibility that Feehan can elevate herself above the the escalating nastiness that is preoccupying, indeed paralyzing, the Student Senate. The whole mess is muting what the students need most -- a robust voice to serve students' interests in the halls of power across campus in Somsen Hall and upriver in St. Paul.
This is the right time for Feehan to step aside. Rotney O'Shea, whose leadership abilities have been demonstrated over a long Senate tenure, is acting president during the impeachment process. O'Shea's candidacy for vice president in the February election would provide an easy post-Feehan transition. He would move up to finish Feehan's term. Besides being issue-oriented and knowledgeable, O'Shea is charismatic. His propensity for tippling aside, including his recent drunken-driving conviction, O'Shea is the best hope to salvage the Senate's tattered credibility. |
Background: Common: Lessons from the Senate implosion
Background: Comment: We deserve better leadership
Background: Impeachment starts against Feehan
Background: O'Shea escapes drunken-driving jail time
TRY TO STAY WITHIN 300 WORDS |
| WSU SECURITY REPORT JAN. 26, 2008 A broken window was reported on the second floor of the Conway dorm at 12:01 a.m. Several students cited for drug paraphernalia and alcohol in the Prentiss-Lucas at 12:15 a.m. At 1:15 a.m. a student reported being harassed by a former friend in the Lourdes dorm. The former friend was warned. A student was cited for attempting to bring alcohol into the Maria dorm at 1:35 a.m. A trouble alarm in Memorial Hall 3:18 a.m. A trouble alarm in Memorial Hall at 8:30 a.m. |
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Warriors too much for Marauders
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2008 -- The Winona State University Warriors showed their conference supremacy in defeating the University of Mary 95-45 in men's basketball. The victory was Winona State's 41st in a row in the Northern Sun conference and brought the Warriors' season mark to 22-1. The Marauders dropped to 6-14. David Johnson's 18 points and John Smith's 16 points and 6 rebounds led Winona State. Guard Jordan Engelhardt led Mary with 10 points.Statistics
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Warriors beat buzzer, Marauders
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2008 -- Winona State guard Jenny Steffen's layup with 0.2 seconds left broke a 48-all tie and gave the Warriors a 50-48 victory over the University of Mary in women's basketball. Steffens, a junior guard, came off the bench to lead the Warriors with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Also contributing to the Winona State effort was reserve Natalie Gigler, who added 10 points. Mary's Nicci Landdeck led all scorers with 20 points. The win pushed WSU to 16-6 on the year.Statistics
ONE LIL' POSSUM,
TWO LIL' POSSUMS, THREE
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 1008 -- Three Winona State University students have killed one possum and three more were found dead in their basement. Chad Bischoff, Brett Maxwell and Brian Ruff, who live at 153 W. Fourth St., a four-bedroom house near downtown, said they killed one possum as it came in through a broken screen window. "I was about to go to bed when all of the sudden I saw the possum just sitting on the window ledge," said Bischoff. "I went upstairs to get Brett, and we hunted that thing down."
| MORE |
Ruff took pictures of the dead possum and showed them to landlord Bill Baker. "He didn't believe me when I told him over the phone," said Ruff.
| MORE |
Baker said that he doesn't know all the particulars, like whether Bischoff and Maxwell killed the possum inside the house. "That is still debatable," said Baker. "We are still trying to figure that one out."
| MORE |
Bischoff said he has also had three birds come in through his bathroom vent and fly by his head.
| MORE |
Tension has arisen between the housemates and Baker. Said Bischoff: "He always comes and blames us for problems that were already done to the house. One of these days he might have to talk to our lawyers." The housemates pay less than $240 a month each to live in the house, which Ruff acknowledged is a low. But, also, he said, they pay for what they get. 'We shouldn't be paying money to live with a whole bunch of wild animals," he said.
| MORE |
Baker, who owns a lot of Winona rentals, said the house is one of his better units. "I would put this house up with any of my other houses," said Baker.
Reporter: Justin Magill
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Cardinals' troubles continue against Johnnies
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2008 -- The St. Mary's University Cardinals pushed their all-time record at St. John's Sexton Arena to 0-38 after falling to the Johnnies 75-61 in men's basketball. The loss dropped St. Mary's to 1-16 on the year. St. John's moved to 10-7. The Cardinals were paced by a game-high 25 points from freshman Will Wright. Freshman point guard Lukas Holland added 14 points on 3 of 12 shooting from the field. The Johnnies benefited from an incredible game from guard Aaron Burtzel, who contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in 39 minutes of play. Brady Brink led the Johnnies with 18 points. Burtzel and Brink were two of five Johnnies who scored in double figures.Statistics
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Blazers beat Cardinals at buzzer
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2008 -- St. Benedict's Ariel Tauer nailed a last-second jump shot to lead the Blazers to a 68-66 victory over St. Mary's in women's basketball. Cardinals star Jess Weisbrod's turnover with 13 seconds left in the game led to Tauer's game-winning bucket. Blazer's forwards Mindy Schmidt led all scorers, along with Tauer, with 17 points. Danielle Frank also contributed a double-double in the victory, 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Cardinals were steered by 16 points from Stephanie Ayers and 15 points from Jess Weisbrod. The loss dropped St. Mary's to 3-13 on the year. St. Benedict's continued their hold atop the conference in moving to 12-4.Statistics
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SMU falls to St. Catherine's
WINONA, Minn., Jan. 26, 2008 -- The St. Mary's University Cardinals dropped a conference women's hockey game 5-1 to St. Catherine's. Jenn Shire scored St. Maty's's lone goal as the Cardinals dropped to 3-10-2 on the year. The Wildcats got two goals apiece from Michaela Michaelson and Ashley Harvey. Goaltender Mel Gerten made 31 saves in the victory.Statistics
| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING JAN. 26, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Hetty J. Benard, 18, Onalaska, Wis., $177.
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Obama soars onward from South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 26, 2008 -- The viability of Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination gained new strength with a sweeping victory in the party's South Carolina primary. Obama, who is black, won majorities among both black and white voters -- 54 percent in a race that left Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in his dust, Clinton at 27 percent, Edwards at 19 percent.| MORE |
The race was closely watched because South Carolina has the largest proportion of black voters in the nation. Also, Edwards had done well in South Carolina, his birth state, in 2004. The race was also a test of whether Bill and Hillary Clinton's historic strength would resonate well with black voters in a contest against Obama.
| MORE |
Although Edwards, a former senator from neighboring North Carolina, did poorly, analysts said he could end up a king-maker at the Democratic national convention if neither Clinton nor Obama have a solid