Warriors rack up league honors
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 29, 2008 -- Winona State University is represented well on both the Northern Sun conference men's and women's all-conference basketball squads. For the women, senior forward Amanda Reimer and junior guard Jenny Steffen were named all-conference second team. Reimer is one of two lone seniors on Winona State's roster. Reimer has contributed an average 11 points and six rebounds a contest. Steffen led Winona State in scoring her first year on the team, accumulating 401 total points and a team-leading 43 steals. Both players helped lead the Warriors to their first 20-win season in program history, going 21-8 overall and 11-7 in conference play. On Saturday, No. 4 seed Winona State hosts No, 5Minnesota State-Moorhead in the first round of the conference tournament.| MORE |
The men's basketball team, which ran off a perfect 18-0 conference campaign, is represented in the all-conference selections by seniors John Smith and Jonte Flowers on the first team. Senior Quincy Henderson was an all-conference third-team choice. Smith, last season's NCAA Division II player of the year, was named Northern Sun Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. The 6-8 forward led the conference with 19 points per game, eight rebounds, and nearly three BPGs. Flowers was honored with his fourth consecutive Northern Sun Defensive Player of the Year award. Flowers led the conference with 3.8 steals a game. Flowers became the all-time NCAA Division II steals leader after recording 10 in a 115-75 Winona State victory over the UM-Crookston last weekend, a game in which he moved his career total to 388. Senior forward Quincy Henderson received a third-team nod after averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds a game.
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Warrior men's head basketball coach Mike Leaf received a fourth consecutive conference Coach of the Year award. Leaf, who has won the award five times during 10 years tenure at Winona State, guided the Warriors to a 29-1 overall record, as well as a perfect 18-0 effort in conference play this season. On Saturday night No. 1 seed Winona State hosts No. 8 University of Mary in a quarterfinal of the conference tournament.
Reporter: Jack Chandler
Background: Complete all-conference teams
 | WINONA COLISEUM? |  |
SEES LONG ROAD AHEAD
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 29, 2008 -- A multi-purpose Winona coliseum for athletics,
the arts, trade shows and conventions is a long ways off, said Winona State
University's major gifts fund-raiser. Carl Miller said that the university's
priority fund-raising projects right now are a new wellness center, the
student scholarship endowment, and the National Child Protection Training
Center. The university is interested in the coliseum project in partnership with
the city. "But there are many other aspects of the university we need to focus
on first," he said.
Proposed in December as a joint city-university project, the coliseum would be a 13-block facility with construction pegged at the moment at $30 million. Planners are looking to locate the coliseum between the main Winona State campus and the Mississippi. Already, the city is asking the Legislature to reassign an existing $250,000 planning grant for a Shakespearian theater to the coliseum, which, planners say, would include facilities for the Great River Shakespeare Festival.
Mayor Jerry Miller has said the city is dependent on the university for the project. The thinking now, as the mayor has articulated it, is for the university to manage the facility. About the plan, Carl Miller said in an interview: "There isn't capability right now for such an arena project, but in the future the community is aware that WSU needs to be backing this idea." Also, the community has to be behind it, he said.
"This coliseum idea has a lot of merit," Miller said, noting that concerts and events that otherwise would pass over Winona could perform at the coliseum. "If this idea passes the legislature, it could bring great economic success to Winona," said Miller. "People would no longer have to go to La Crosse, Rochester or Minneapolis for certain shows or events." Miller has earlier experience promoting arena development at the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota and Music Man Square in Mason City, Iowa.
Just focusing on the economic and entertainment benefits this arena could be a mistake, said Miller. The arena would also provide the facilities that WSU needs. With that, Winona State athletics fund-raiser Nicholas Jaguar agrees: "WSU has poor facilities and buildings that definitely handicap activities for all students." Many facilities are outdated and can become crowded easily, according to Jaeger. This coliseum could provide, among many things, physical space for varsity athletes.
"There are definitely some people in the community that would like to see this project happen," Miller said. "But I think the funding and legislature approval is so far off that many people are still unaware that this arena project idea even exists." |  CARL MILLER WSU major gifts director |
Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: Mega-arena plans announced
| THE SUGAR LOAF MURDERS |
Get-away evidence hearing postponed
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 29, 2008 -- A hearing for a Michigan man accused of helping in the get-away of Paul Allan Gordon after the Sugar Loaf murders has been postponed. After a hearing on evidence against Jonathan Jenard Jackson was delayed Friday as attorneys haggled, Judge Mary Leahy ordered both sides to work out a plea agreement. Come back Tuesday afternoon. The evidence hearing had been set for 9 a.m., but 3-1/2 hours later, Judge Leahy summoned the attorneys, took them into her chambers, and told them to an act together.| MORE |
Jackson was arrested Troy, Mich., in October 2006 on charges that he brought Gordon back to Detroit after the murders and then arranged a second-stage get-away trip to California. This was all while Winona authorities were trying to track down Gordon for the December 2005 slayings of Winona State University psychology major Stacy SMith, her 10-year-old daughter and unborn child. Gordon now is imprisoned on a life sentence.
Background: Court dates set for Michigan drug dealer
Coleman on duplicate letters: Sorry
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2008 -- The re-election campaign for Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., apologized for drafting letters that went to supporters who signed them and sent them out as their own to multiple newspapers. Coleman spokesman Cullen Sheehan said the letters appeared in the Winona Daily News; the Minnesota Daily, a student newspaper at the University of Minnesota; and the Winonan, a student newspaper at Winona State University. The letters criticized Al Franken, who is seeking he e Democratic nomination to challenge Coleman's bid for a second term. The letter was based on a campaign incident between Franken and a conservative Carleton College student. As reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Franken, once a "Saturday Night Live" comedian, grilled the Carleton student on his politics and mocked his elocution.| MORE |
Despite Sheehan's statement on behalf of the Coleman campaign that the letter appeared in the Winonan, it does not appear to actually have been in the paper. The letter doesn't show in any issues this calendar year nor on the Winonan site.
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In the apology, Sheehan said that the Coleman campaign policy does not include providing supporters with outlines for letters to newspapers. "Policy was not followed, and it is inexcusable," he said. Cullen promised that it won't happen again. "Our volunteers were not given a clear enough description of what our policy was," Cullen said.
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Franken campaign spokesman Andy Barr found the Cullen apology insufficient: "Sen. Coleman owes Minnesotans some answers." Barr said Coleman needs to identify who wrote the letter, who approved the distribution, and how many copies were sent out besides those that ended up on newspaper opinion pages. Also, said Barr: "Was this the first time the Coleman campaign has used this tactic, or just the first time they got caught?"
Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 29, 2008 A student reported a medical problem with a pre-existing condition at 2 p.m. in the Guildemeister classroom building. Security guards responded to a trouble alarm at the East Lake dorm at 8:06 p.m. An engineer a called. |
| RECENT DAYS IN THE CITY POSTED FEB. 28, 2008 CAIN'T GET NO RESPECT. Answering a domestic abuse call Thursday, police found a weeping woman and a belligerant man, who, police said, obviously had been drinking. The guy calmed down after being threatened with a shockgun. He was cuffed while an officer wrote a ticket for disorderly conduct and obstructing officers. Then, said Deputy Police Chief Paul Bostack at the daily police briefing, the man stuck his hands down his boxers and wiped them and then wiped them on one officer's arm. The gyy then threw $10 and $20 bills at the officer, ripped up the ticket and walked away. Reporter: Rachel Backer-Cortz
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WSU student photo exhibit to Egypt
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 --Thirty-two photographs that make up the Winona State University Student Photography Showcase, on display at the Winona Arts Center through March 9, will travel to Egypt for exhibition at Misr International University in Cairo. The presentation, in May, will run for two weeks, said masscom prof Tom Grier, who organized the exhibit. During the Misr show, some Winona State masscom students coincidentally will be in Cairo on study-abroad program on Mideast media, Grier said. Several of the exhibited photographers will host an artists' reception in the Misr gallery.| MORE |
Grier said that he had contacted several galleries in Egypt to see if there was interest in the Winona State exhibit. Riham El Sadany, the Misr gallery director, confirmed interest and is working to prepare promotional materials to publicize the exhibit. More than 125 images by 28 students were submitted for consideration for the Winona exhibit.
Background: Photos chosen for exhibit
Texas Christian onto NCCA probation
FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 28, 2008 -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association has placed Texas Christian University on probation for two years because men's tennis coaches improperly contacted more than two dozen recruits. The NCAA Division I infractions committee concluded after an investigation that the university had failed to monitor the men's tennis program from 2002 to 2006. The infractions were more than 100 impermissible phone calls to 24 prospective athletes. Seventy calls were made by a former head coach.Winds Ensemble plan "Mother Earth"
WINONA, Minn., Feb., 28, 2008 -- The Winona Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Winona State University music prof Donald Lovejoy will perform "Mother Earth" by contemporary U.S. composer David Maslanka. The concert will culminate the ensemble's regional tour of high schools next week.
Also on the program: "Funeral March of a Marionette" by Charles Gounod, "Of Lothlorien" by H. Owen Reed, "Hands Across the Sea" by John Philip Sousa, "Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa" by Ira Hearshen, "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and "Nilesdance" by David Holsinger. |  SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE Portrait by Rich Hultman of Big Guy Creative Studios Date: Sunday, March 9 Time: 2 p.m. Place: Performing Arts Center Cost:$3 to $5 Contact: 507-457-5250 |
Upcoming film: Masculinity awry
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- The film "Tough Guise" by Jonathan Katz and Jeremy Earp will be screened again at Winona State University, this time as part Women's History Month. The documentary-style film's premise is that violence in the United states as an overwhelmingly male phenomenon. The screening will be followed a discussion later in the week on transforming rape as a part of the culture and a brownbag discussion the following week.Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Student Activities Center, Kryzsko Commons
Cost: Free
Contact: Tom Grier
Athlete, student leader win SMU honors
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- A St. Mary's University baseball player, Kevin Black, has been named outstanding senior man, and student government leader Anatastacia Sontag outstanding senior woman, The selections were announced as part of the university's Founder's Day convocation. Black, an accounting major and economics minor, has been a member the Cardinal Athletic Council and the Delta Epsilon Sigma honor society. He has done volunteer work for local agencies. Sontag. a marketing major has been involved with a dance benefit. is a member of the Student Senate Executive Board, and serves a president of the Student Activities Committee.| MORE |
A St. Mary's employee since 1976, Alan Joswick, was presented with the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award for Service. Joswick is the university's Trades Department supervisor.
Cities songwriter-singer at WSU
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- Twelve-string guitar player Ann Reed will perform as part of Winona State University's recognition of Women's History Month. Reed, from Minneapolis, has performed on the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" and occasionally fills in as co-host of Minnesota Public Radio's "Morning Show." In the Winona concert, accordionist and storyteller Dan Chouinard of Minneapolis will also perform.Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Masonic Theater
Cost: $13 to $18
Contact: Theatre du Mississippi
Study: 37% of college students unready
BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 28, 2008 -- More than one-third at public high school students in Massachusetts who go bon to college need require remedial preparation, according to a state study. Thirtyseven percent of the students took at least one remedial course during their first semester of college. The study was limited to students going to public colleges in Massachusetts.| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 28, 2008 A trouble alarm was activated at the East Lake dorm at 7:40 p.m. An engineer was called. |
Study: College a factor in voter rates
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2008 -- College-educated young people are participating in the primary elections and caucuses in record numbers, and at a higher rate than peers who who haven't been to college, according to a study by the Center for Information & Research on Civil Learning & Education. Seventy-two percent of voters age 18 to 29 on Super Tuesday had some college experience, the study found. Also, one in four voters in the 18-29 group had college experience voted, compared with one in 14 of their peers without college experience. |  | RYKA PARSI PRESTON HALLECK Ketchup Art Kontest winners |
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AS BEAUTIFUL AS TOMATO GRAVY
KETCHUP HAS ITS DAY
AT WSU
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 29, 2008 -- Grade-schooler Preston Halleck won the Ketchup Art Kontest, which was part of the Winona State University 150th birthday celebration, for entries in the ages 5-14 category. In the 9-14 category Sayna Parsi won first place. Other winners were Eric Paulson and Ryka Parsi in ages 5-14, and Elizabeth Parlin and Kiri Sannerud in ages 9-14.
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For the event, Winona pet laureate James Armstrong unveiled his "Ode to a Bottle of Ketchup":
| Onthe sticky Formica countertop Of the all night diner You stood alone, next to That popular couple, Mr. and Mrs. Salt and Pepper In their matching shiny helmets In front of the chromium napkin dispenser That grinned like a new high school And the stack of sugar packets Printed with advice for tourists. You were the weird kid, Tall, stoop-shouldered, With an East-Indian name And a paper keystonekeystone Glued to your chest Pinstriped in gold and green Like the retro detailing on fire trucks. But you never valued speed: In your swami's hard hat You were the sand in the machine, The branch on the trunk line. Tipped up, you took your voluptuous pleasure -- Shaken, cursed at, cajoled -- Spanked with a coarse palm -- You gave up a damp, hollow sound Which comes back to us now | In a rush of almost -- Nostalgia: as does the raspy clink Of the table knife Plunged down your throat. At last, in a carmine rush You divulged your Drive-in movie gore Spreading like suburbs over The slicker-yellow square Of American cheese on the cheeseburger. O glistening national sauce, Universal antidote To Puritan cookery, O immigrant worker, Compact of Aztec love apples, Onions and vinegar. Lowbrow sublime, Amalgamation of sweet and sour Acid and base, Liquid and solid, Sea and land, Thixotropic alltaste, Brash greeting of my people, All-purpose "Hi!" of the American menu, O song of the open range. |
Forget the popcorn, George?
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- Burning popcorn set off an alarm at the Hillside dorm at St. Mary's University at 11 p.m. Firefighters reset the alarm.Florida looks to new mental health fee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb, 28, 2008 -- To meet a national recommendation of one mental health for every 1,500 students, public colleges in Florida may tack an additional fee on students' tuition bills. The governing board of the 11-campus system estimates that $5 million is needed to hire 83 additional counselors. The fee would require approval from the Legislature. Although now an agenda issue in Florida, it has been reported that that many colleges, particularly at state institutions, are short-staffing mental health services.Feminist to speak against "rape culture"
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- The editor of the book "Transforming a Rape Culture," Pamela Fletcher, will speak at Winona State University.Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Science Laboratory Center
Cost: Free
Contact: April Herndon
Police find some house robbery items
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- Police have recovered some items taken in an armed robbery of a student house in the Winona State University neighborhood Sunday evening. In a news release, police did not identify what was recovered or how but listed these as items stolen: a Toshiba laptop computer; a Gateway laptop computer; gaming systems, including an Xbox, a Game Cube, and a PlayStation 2; a Sidekick 3 cell phone; a wallet with credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, $54 cash; a set of keys, a black sparkly purse with checks and identification, credit Social Security cards.| MORE |
Two tenants at the house, at 404 Harriet St., were threatened with a gun, which police identified as a black or dark semiautomatic handgun. The robbers also threatened the tenants with golf clubs, police said. Police list the robbery at 7:52 p.m.
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A fuller description of the suspects was issued:
• Black male, 6-foot-1, stocky, wearing dark khaki pants, navy jacket, black shoes, ski mask.Reporter: David Schneider
• Black male, 5-foot-10, thin, wearing dark khaki pants, black jacket, yellow and black shoes, ski mask.
Background: Masked robbers barge into house
Concert organizer: No flap over Akon
| WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The long-time organizer of Winona State University spring rock concerts, Joe Reed, said he has heard no negative reaction to booking rapper Akon. Reed made the statement in an interview with reporter Rachel Smith in the Winonan student newspaper. Reed said he expects a sell-out for the April 5 concert in 3,500-seat McCown gym. Background: Rapper Akon due at WSU Background: Akron lyrics |  JOE REED Concerts chief |
National Geographic photographer at WSU
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 3008 -- National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg will be at Winona State University for a lecture he has entitled "A Life Behind the Lens." Brandenburg has written several books, mostly "Chased by the Light" and "Looking for the Summer." Brandenburg has worked for National Geographic for more than 25 years, resulting in 19 magazine stories, several television features and 19 books. He was named Kodak Wildlife Photographer of the Year by the Natural History Museum in London and the BBC's Wildlife Magazine. Twice named Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association.Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Somsen Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: Tom Grier
EDITOR DECRIES
SOCIETAL COMMERCIALIZATION
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The director and editor-in-chief of the University of Minnesota Press fears that society is headed toward the "superstore university." David Armato, speaking at Winona State University, said that the "rise of the entrepreneurial university" has turned students in to customers. Armato wants to reduce this commercialism, especially in the book industry, the majority of whose sales have gone online. Armato said of the University of Minnesota Press books: "Amazon sells more books than Barnes & Noble, Borders and privately owned bookstores combined."
Although online bookstores such as Amazon allow customers to discover and take advantage of more books, sales to library have steadily diminished, Armato said. Librarians, book store employees and professors are becoming less bridge between the reader and the publisher, he said. His point: The traditional "gatekeeper" is being eliminated.
So, what is the danger of using technology to the advantage of today's book reader? Armato and his colleagues at the University of Minnesota Press fear the "homogenizing impact of superstores like Amazon on today's market." The "rampant-deal making" that Armato said takes place between universities and such stores causes the book industry to become more commercial than educational.
Armato fears students will become "customers, thinking about and chasing money," and that universities will lose sight of what is really important -- the education of young minds. To fight this commercialism in the education system, Armato tells students to stand up to the university and be conscious of where money is going. Reporter: Jenna Cameron Background: Scholarly editor: Book here to stay |
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State's first poet laureate: Robert Bly
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- A leader of the mythopoetic men's liberation movement, Robert Bly, who spoke at Winona State University in 2001, has been named Minnesota's first poet laureate by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Bly called the title a great honor. "Minnesota has a wonderful literary history," he said. As poet laureate, Bly will be the primary spokesperson, supporter and promoter of poetry in the state. Pawlenty called Bly, who is 81, "a Minnesota treasure."
Although Bly is Minnesota's first official poet laureate, others have borne the title in the past unofficially. Margaret Ball Dickson was named poet laureate of Minnesota by the national Poet Laureate League in 1934. Laurene Tibbetts-Larson was chosen unofficially by readers of the Minneapolis Star in 1973. |  ROBERT BLY Forty years of poetry |
DeKalb shooting site to be razed
DEKALB, Ill., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The classroom building at Northern Illinois University where a gunman killed five students, then himself, will be torn down. University President John Peters made the announcement. Peters said a "state of the art" classroom building, to be named Memorial Hall, will be built on the site. The building where the shooting occurred on Feb. 14, Cole Hall, has been closed since the shooting.Background: Northern Illinois shooter identified
THE FIRST AMENDMENT AT WSU?
KRYZSKO CHIEF DEFENDS
DISALLOWING POSTERS
ISSUE: ALLOWING CONCEALED HANDGUNS
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The director of the Kryzsko student building at Winona State University defended his decision against allowing posters favoring a right to carry concealed weapons. Joe Reed told the Student Senate that he found the posters inappropriate in the wake of the Northern Illinois University massacre in which a crazed gunman killed five students. Reed said he had received many complaints about the posters. He was not specific about how many. "If the students feel these posters are repulsive and not in good timing it is best that they be taken down," he said.
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The posters, featuring a crossed-out gun, had been put up by the club Students for Conceal and Carry on Campus. The posters had been approved by a worker at the Student Union desk, said Alex Paizis, a member of the group. After somebody tore down the posters, the club went to Reed for approval to put them back yp. Responding go Paizis, Reed told senators that an overwhelming number of students objected to the posters. The club felt its First Amendment rights were being trampled, Paizis said, "Originally I was a little upset," he said. "After speaking to Joe Reed, I can see how that would be inflammatory."
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The Student Senate decided for a committee to work with the group to create a poster that wouldn't be offensive. Said Paizis: "As long as we can put up different posters its OK." Three club members were at the Senate meeting.
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Students for Conceal and Carry on Campus is asking the state Legislature for a law to allow concealed handguns on campuses. The Winona State chapter, formed less than two weeks ago, has only a handful of members, which is why the flyers are important, said Paizis.
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Winona State is a weapons-free campus, which Paizis' group wants to change. "In the wake of recent school shootings, it's abundantly clear that gun-free zones serve to disarm only those law-abiding citizens who might be able to lessen such tragedies," said Paizis. There are campuses, including the University of Utah, that allow concealed weapons.
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As a national organization, Students for Conceal and Carry on Campus was founded last spring. The organization is organizing a national demonstration this spring for students to wear empty holsters on campus.
Reporters: Michael Ahlness, Tracy Mueller, and Chris Larson
Florida State imposes self-probation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 27, 2008 -- Florida State University has placed its athletic program on probation for two years as a result of an academic-fraud scandal involving some 60 athletes. The decision followed an internal investigation. The scandal involved mostly football players. In addition to the probation, the university will cut the number of scholarships in several sports. Personnel changes have included several top positions in athletics and the firing of a learning specialist assigned to the team and a tutor accused of helping athletes cheat. The athletes and the university still face possible sanctions from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.Background: Seminoles may be 25 players short
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 27, 2008 Security guards assisted a student with a medical problem in the Quad dorms at 9:21 p.m. |
WSU entertainment chief clarifies salary
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The director of Winona State University student entertainment, Kelly Clark, said that an Indee report on her salary as $41,000 was misleading. Her contract. she said, covered only 10 months and when annualized would be less. The Indee article, which focused on Clark's resignation, mentioned the salary information incidentally. The information was from public records held by the university.
Clark called the distinction between 10-month and 12-month salaries a "large misconception." Clark said, also, that she took more than a $25,000 reduction in salary from an early entertainment-business job in Las Vegas, Nev., to return to Winona State, her alma mater. Also, Clark said, she earned more in her most recent job in student activities at the University of Chicago.
Clark called the salary information on the Indee an "invasion of my privacy" and "inappropriate." The Indee typically includes salaries in personnel stories as an indicator to help readers assess the value that the university attaches to a position.
About returning to Winona State last fall, Clark said: "I was so excited for this opportunity to return to work in student activities and also obtain my master's degree here." Clark said it was not salary that brought her back to Winona State but "the opportunity to work in higher education as an educator outside of the classroom." She had expected "a great experience," she said. "However. things did not work out like I had highly hoped for." She added that she was leaving behind many great relationships with students. |  KELLY CLARK Claims salary not public business |
Background: Clark: Resignation laid to "bad fit"
Kryzsko chief salary: $69,000
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 27, 2008 -- The director of the Student Union at Winona State University, Joe Reed, is earning an annual salary of $69,080, records show. Reed's salary is unchanged from last year pending a new collective bargaining agreement between the state colleges system and the Administrative and Service Faculty union.Reporter: Rebecca Erdmann
Guilty plea entered in grade scheme
PLEASANT HILL, Calif., Feb. 27, 2008 -- A former student at Diablo Valley College pleaded guilty in a large-scale lucrative grade-changing scheme. Liberato Rocky Servo, who worked as a student in the college records office, is the third person to plead guilty. For $600 for an A, students could have grades changed. Dozens of students and former students have been charged with felonies.Rochester college eyes stadium dome
ROCHESTER, Minn., Feb. 26, 2008 -- A $6.9 million find drive for a second stage of a domed athletic field at Rochester Community and Technical College was announced by the college's Foundation. Phase 2 includes an inflatable fabric bubble to cover the field, 3,500 additional seats, and locker rooms. The $3.6 million first phase, now under construction, includes an artificial-turf field, lights and 1,500 bleacher seats. The first phase underwritten by a local sales tax.RAPPER AKON
SET FOR WSU PERFORMANCE
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26 2008 -- Controversial rapper Akon will perform at Winona State for the university's annual spring concert. Said a source knowledgeable about the agent negotiations: "Akon has been signed and is a go." The date and other details are expected to be confirmed by the university later this week.
|   AKON Coming soon to McCown Gym |
Background: Sources: Akon due at WSU
Background: Akon lyrics speak for themselves
Background: WSU entertainment chief resigns
WSU tandem sweeps basketball honors
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 26, 2008 -- The Northern Sun conference has recognized Winona State University basketball stars Jonte Flowers and Jenny Steffen as conference players of the week. Senior shooting guard Jonte Flowers averaged 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals per game in leading the Warriors to a pair of conference road victories this weekend against Bemidji State and the University of Minnesota-Crookston. In Saturday's game against Crookston Flowers broke the NCAA Division II record for most career steals. He took away 10 on the game, moving his career mark to 388. The weekend victories completed Winona State's quest of running the conference table and entering the conference tournament 18-0.| MORE |
Junior shooting guard Jenny Steffen had a pair of big games this past weekend in helping the women's basketball team secure a first-round Northern Sun tournament home game. In the Warriors 89-60 victory over Bemidji State, Steffen led all players with 24 points. The next night Steffen came off the bench to score 30 on 11-of-13 shooting from the field for a 98-57 drubbing. The pair of road wins earned Winona State a fourth seed in the conference tournament this weekend.
Michigan Tech faculty drops union
HOUGHTON, Mich., Feb. 26, 2008 -- Michigan Technological University profs have voted 143-136 against continuing with the American Association of University Professors as their collective bargain agent. The faculty had been unionized the past three years.Another agency stops student loans
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 26, 2008 -- The Pennsylvania student-loan agency has stopped making loans, at least for a while, because of turmoil in the bond markets that make loans unprofitable. Two weeks ago the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency backed out of new loans to out-of-state students and now has done the same for in-state loans. James Preston, acting president of the agency, said prospective borrowers will be directed to banks that are still participating in the federal programs. Several student-loan companies, including the College Loan Corporation, Nelnet, and Sallie Mae, have scaled back loans or stopped making them altogether.Poet can't forget fatal crash
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2008 -- The joking and humor suddenly vanished at a recent poetry reading when Chad Mikal Oness offered what he had written about his friend Donny, who was killed in a drunk-driving accident. No one in Oness' Winona State University audience missed the depth of emotion. Suddenly solemn, Oness recited the blank verse poem, which used iambic pentameter, no rhyming, about too much champagne at breakfast and then the accident. Oness said it was a life-changing experience, He stopped drinking completely. The memories and regret, however, will never end, said Oness.| MORE |
Oness also read from his books "Water Becomes Bone" and "Oracle Bones." Many of poems use repetition techniques or comprised but five lines. One poem, "Began With a Machine," Oness had written for his 3-year-old son.
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Oness is the founding editor and director of Sutton Hoo Press, a literary fine press that produces hand-made editions of poetry and prose.
Reporter: Taylor Laitsch
Background: Poet to read lauded works
Study: Campus crime declining
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2008 -- Crime is falling off and occurs less than in the society overall, according to a U.S. Department of Justice study. Using the latest available data, from 2004, the study said that campus crimes decreased 9 percent, to 62 per 100,000 students, over 10 years. The data come from the U.S. Education Department, the Justice Department and the FBI. The report also said that campus law-enforcement agencies are better prepared and equipped. The trend is to professionalization of campus officers, the report said.| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 26, 2008 A faculty member reported disorderly behavior at 1:15 p.m. A fire alarm activated in the Maria dorm at 6 p.m. It was a false alarm. |
Where is Guy Noir when we need him?
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2008 -- After the "Prairie Home Companion" network radio performance at Winona State University on Saturday, organizer Ann Kohner issued an all-points bulletin: Two office chairs, one grayish-purple, the other a deeper purple, were missing. The chairs had been used by audio technicians for the Garrison Keillor show. English prof Nicholas Ozment didn't have a clue but a tip. "Sounds like a job for Guy Noir, Private Eye," he wrote Kohner.Background: For a night McCown gym is Wobegone
Cops track car in animal-rights assault
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Feb. 26, 2008 -- Police confiscated computers and other material from the house of three University of California at Santa Cruz students after a witness turned in an auto-plate number from a car fleeing the house of an animal researcher. There were no arrests. At the researcher's house, six masked intruders banged on the door and struck the person who answered. A witness took down the license plate of the car used by the assailants.| MORE |
The scientist studies breast cancer and neurological diseases. When a family member of the researcher answered the door, he was struck by the protesters, who then fled. After the attack the UC-Santa Cruz chancellor, George Blumenthal, issued a statement that the assault was a "criminal act that threatens, intimidates, and stifles academic freedom."
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The attack followed a judge's restraining order over attacks on animal-rights researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles. The order is against three organizations and five individuals.
Background: Judge limits animal-rights extremists
New Pell grant fact: More for fewer
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2008 -- Although many federal Pell grants will be larger this fall, as many as 100,000 fewer students will lose their eligibility, according to an analysis by Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid. At risk are students who are close to the cutoff for eligibility, which has been dropped $69, Kantrowitz said. Further, he said, students who are disqualified from Pells will also be ineligible for Academic Competitiveness and Smart Grants, which go exclusively to Pell recipients. Students who remain Pell eligible, however, can qualify for as much as $4,731. the max will be up $490.WSU, Virginia Tech offer China seminar
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 26, 2008 -- A 13-day travel seminar to China on educational leadership will be offered this summer by Winona State University and Virginia Tech. Winona State prof Mary Jane Guy said students will compare educational and economic issues through formal and informal discussions with Chinese officials, visit several universities, discuss art, literature and culture of China with scholars, and tour ancient cultural sites. The seminar, to cost $3,400, will be June 30 to July 12.Contact: Mary Jane Guy at 507-457-5653
Bank personnel manager joins WSU
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- The personnel manager at Winona National Bank, Lori Reed, has been hired as personnel director at Winona State University. Reed begins March 10. She began her career in 1994 at Watkins Inc. as human resources assistant. Later she became the administrator. In 1999, Reed was human resources manager at State Bank of La Crosse in Wisconsin. In 2001, she joined Winona National Bank.Background: WSU sets 4th personnel interview
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 25, 2008 Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the East Lake dorm at 9:32 a.m. Burned food was blamed. |
WSU shuttle route blocked at Franklin
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- The intracampus Winona State University shuttle bus was rerouted for five hours Monday after a Canadian Pacific truck backed into a Franklin Street post supporting a flasher-equipped street crossing gate. The collapsed structure blocked traffic beginning about 9:15 a.m. Some vehicles made their way around the wreckage, but the Winona State shuttle was too large and used alternate streets until the crossing was cleared at mid-afternoon. No one was hurt.Background: Franklin rail signal collapses
Masked robbers barge into house
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- Two men, one with a handgun, entered a house in the 400 block of Harriet Street just before 8 p.m., Sunday, and stole two cell phones, two laptop computers, an X-box, and a small amount of marijuana, police said. Paul Bostrack, deputy police chief, said two tenants at the Winona State University neighborhood house, both men, were home at the time. There too was a woman visitor. A third tenant came home as the robbers were leaving, Bostrack said. The robbers, he said, fled on foot, The tenants described the robbers as black, tall, skinny, and wearing black masks and dark clothing. Bostrack quoted the tenants that they did not know the robbers, but, he said, the robbery was not a random act. There were no injuries.Detox after shouted death threat
| WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- When a man shouted "I'll kill you" into a group of a dozen revelers outside Gabby's bar, the police decided to move in. The man, 45, was cited for disorderly conduct. His blood-alcohol tested at 0.21 percent -- more than twice the legal definition for impaired judgment. The man was taken to a detoxification facility. The incident was about 1 a.m. |  GABBY'S 179 E. Third |
Break-in foiled at Cozy Corner
| WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- Somebody used a pry bar to broke into the front door Cozy Corner bar after hours but fled, police said. The owner was in his office inside and heard the noise. Outside, a witness reported seeing a man climb through the the window he broke in the door. The incident was about 2 a.m. |  COZY CORNER 901 W. Fifth |
Applicants overwhelm Katrina-hit colleges
NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 25, 2008 -- Applications to New Orleans colleges are soaring for fall, apparently from young volunteers who swarmed to the city to help after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Tulane reported applications are almost double from last year. with 34,000 applications in hand, Tulane is turning applicants. Other colleges: University of New Orleans, up 85 percent; Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 43 percent; Xavier , 28 percent; and Loyola, 24 percent.Franklin rail signal collapses
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 25, 2008 -- A railroad crossing gate fell down on Franklin Street near Winona State University's East lake dorm and blocked traffic. The crossing was expected to be reopened during the afternoon.Nader tosses hat in ring, again
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2008 --Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, whom Democrats call a spoiler who robbed Al Gore of the presidency in the close, close 200 election, announced he would run again as an independent. Nader, 74, made the announcement on "Meet the Press" on NBC television. He accused the Democrat and Republican candidates of more of the same.Background: Campaigns that campus people are watching
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 24, 2008 A trouble alarm went off at Wabasha Hall at 1:45 a.m. An ngineer was caleld. A student was cited for alcohol in the Lourdes dorm at 2:34 a.m. A mother reported at 7:25 p.m. that she had lost contact with her son at Winona State. Security guards located the son. |
R.I.P.: Robert "Bob: F. Steplugh
HOUSTON, Minn., Feb. 24, 2008 -- A Winona State University alum, Bob Stelplugh, died at home at age 71. In college he managed the Houston Liquor Store. He retired from Ace Telephone in 1990.WHY THE RESIGNATION?
"THEY" MADE JOB DIFFICULT
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 24, 2008 -- The student entertainment director at Winona State University, on the job only six months, confirmed that she has resigned. Kelly Clark said she submitted a resignation letter Feb. 7, effective this Friday. In a wide-ranging 45-minute interview, Clark said that the job was not a good fit. "Since I have started in September there have been a couple of situations where certain people have made it clear to me that they didn't trust me to do my job and made it apparent that they were going to make it difficult for me to obtain my master's in a timely manner," said Clark. She is currently in a graduate program in educational leadership at Winona State. She declined to name names but said: "They basically made my master's degree a problem when in regards to my job when it wasn't." Earlier she was in a grad program at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
About rumors about her departure, Clark said: "I resigned on my own accord. I was not asked to resign nor was I let go." About persistent reports that she had lined up controversial rapper Akon for the Winona State spring concert, Clark said: "This also certainly has nothing to do with asking any particular artist to come for the spring concert."
Clark said she had not planned until recently to resign from Winona State, her alma mater, after so short a stay. Clark blamed an accumulation of professional, financial, academic and personal reasons. She emphasized that she did not want to put blame on one single person for her dissatisfaction. In the university's structure Kelly reports to Joe Reed, student union director. Reed reports to Connie Gores, vice president of student life and development. Gores reports to Judith Ramaley, university president. Clark's duties as an entertainment organizer previously had been performed by Reed.
Clark, who was graduated from Winona in 2000, started as student activities director in September. Previously she was at the University of Chicago in student affairs. She said that she had been enthusiastic about returning to Winona and was upset when she realized that the position was not the fit she thought it would be. "There is a certain way you should be treated in the professional world, and I was not treated fairly," said Clark. "But I can't put blame on one person when I know my students still have to interact and work with that person." Clark went on: There is a big distinction between a professional relationship and a personal relationship and that people need to know the difference, she said.
Clark prides herself on her relationship with students, who wandered in and out if her office freely during the interview for this story. "When I felt that it was time I needed to resign I didn't want to be here on Friday and then be gone on Monday," said Clark. "That's why I decided to leave the Friday before Spring Break so it wouldn't be so abrupt for my students. I didn't want this to be a surprise."
Who will replace Clark? She explained that from what she knows an interim person will be taking over for the rest of the semester and that a full search will be done to replace her in the summer.
Clark's last day is this Friday. She said she will move back to Las Vegas where she has previously worked and plans to continue her master's degree at UN-Las Vegas.
Clark stressed that she was upset about her resignation and that her students will always be important to her. "I had a few students in my office crying even before I announced my resignation," said Clark. "I will always be here for the students. They are the reason I do my job." | KELLY CLARK Back to Vegas |
Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: Entertainment arranger quits WSU
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 23, 2008 Security guards stopped a student who was entering the Prentiss-Lucas dorm because he seemed drunk. An emergency medical team concluded that the student was OK to stay in the dorm. An ambulance crew was called to the Prentiss-Lucas concerning a medical condition involving a student. The student was not transported to the hospital. Firefighters responded to the Lourdes dorm after someone pulled a fire alarm. No fire or smoke. A student was cited for alcohol in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 2:16 a.m. At 6:45 p.m. a student reported damage to her vehicle while it was parked in the Sheehan dorm south parking lot. Several students were cited for alcohol in the Sheehan dorm at 9:03 p.m. At 11 p.m. a student reported that she was being harassed via email. |
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Warriors roll in regular-season finale
CROOKSTON, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- The Winona State University men's basketball team made it a perfect 18-0 in conference play for the season, beating the University of Minnesota-Crookston 115-75. The victory was the Warriors 29th of the year and 48th consecutive in the Northern Sun conference. Senior guard Jonte Flowers had one of his most productive games of the year for Winona State. Flowers scored 36 points on 14-of-17 shooting, nabbing 10 steals, grabbing seven rebounds and handing out four assists. With 388 career steals Flowers became the biggest ball thief in NCAA Division II history, passing Missouri Southern State University guard Eddin Santiago's previous record of 383. John Smith just missed a double-double for Winona State. Smith poured in 19 points to go along with nine rebounds in only 25 minutes of play. For the Golden Eagles, guard Eli McVey scored 10 points and collected six rebounds. After a conference record of 18-0, top-seed Winona State will host the University of Mary in a first-round Northern Sun tournament game SaturdayStatistics
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WSU wins home game from Crookston
CROOKSTON, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Winona State University clinched the fourth seed and a first-round home game in next weekend's Northern Sun conference women's basketball tournament after closing out the regular-season 98-57 win over the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Junior guard Jenny Steffen scored a game-high 30 points for the Warriors. Point guard Ana Wurtz added 17. Pacing the Eagles was forward Gina Jaroszewski with 12 points. On Saturday Wonon State takes on fifth-seeded Minnesota State-Moorhead. Winona State has beaten the Dragons for twice before this season.Statistics
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Cardinals drop final game of season
MOORHEAD, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Despite a career-high 30 points from freshman Lukas Holland, the St. Mary's University men's basketball team dropped its final game of the season to Concordia of Moorhead 84-77. Holland, who was second on the team with 330 points scored on the year, shot 12-of-16 from the field to pace the Cardinals. Matching Holland's effort was Cobbers forward Luke Linz, who poured in 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Freshman guard Will Wright dropped 21 points for the Cardinals. St. Mary's finished Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference season with 2-18 the league's worst record.Statistics
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UW-LaCrosse rolls past WSU
LA CROSSE, Wis., Feb. 23, 2008 -- The Winona State University men's tennis team mustered only two points in falling to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 7-2. Winona State got lone victories from Aaron Lentz at No. 2 singles and Zach Williams and Stuart Booth at No. 2 doubles. Warriors No. 1 singles player Gage Davidson fell to Joey Van Lieshout in straight sets 6-2, 7-6. Winona State's No. 1 doubles tandem, Davidson and Lentz, fell to Lieshout and Dale Wroblewski 9-8. The dual-meet loss dropped Winona State to 4-4 on the year.Statistics
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WSU sweep Cougars in women's tennis
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- The Winona State University Warriors swept all nine matches against the University of Minnesota-Morris in a 9-0 women's tennis victory Winona State scored decisive wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Heather Pierce and Mary Hesterman both won in straight sets at 6-0, 6-0. The Warriors only gave up three sets in sweeping all three doubles matches to complete the sweep. The victory moved Winona State to 2-5 on the year.Statistics
For a night McCown gym is Wobegone
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- A sold-out crowd of 3,500 packed the main Winona State University gym for humorist Garrison Keillor to lead them on a trip, this time live and in-person, not over the radio, to his mythical Lake Wobegon. In the Winona Daily News, reporter Elena Grimm offered a detail account of "Prairie Home Companion" broadcast and reaction from the crowd.Background: WSU hosts "Prairie Home" show
Yelling drunk draws cops
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Responding to a report of a man yelling at Huff and Sarnia streets about 4 a.m., police found a 19-year-old, his eyes bloodshot, his balance unsteady, who matched the yeller's description. He was ticketed for underage boozing after a breath test showed 0.20 percent bood-alcohol, 2-1/2 times the legal limit.Kitchen smoke riggers dorm alarm
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Somebody not tending to the stove not only lost a meal but, after a smoke alarm sounded, brought firefighters to the second floor of the Heffron dorm at St. Mary's University u 2 a.m. The stove actually was next door in the Skemp dorm.Prankster? Jerk? False dorm alarm
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Somebody pulled a fire alarm in a stairwell at the Lourdes dorm at Winona State University at 2:12 a.m. Firefighters concluded that it was a false alarm.Firefighters to SMU false alarm
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- Somebody pulled a fire alarm at the Lourdes St. Mary's University at 2:13 a.m. Firefighters concluded that it was a false alarm.Indiana basketball coach resigns
BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Feb. 23, 2008 -- The Indiana University men's basketball coach, Kelvin Sampson, resigned in the wake of alleged recruiting violations. Insiders said that an anonymous donor provided $550,000 to buy out Sampson's contract. Another $200,000 will come from university's athletics budget, the source said.| COURT CONVICTONS WEEK ENDING FEB. 23, 2008 IN WINONA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT UNDERAGE BOOZING Breanne M. Borgfelt, 18, 14816 Wildwood Drive, $177. Jessica L. Ernst, 19, Fountain City, Wis., $177. Benjamin P. Glende, 19, Altura, Minn., 30 days and $602. Andrew G. Hoffman, 20, St. Charles, Minn., $177. Jonathan W. Inselman, 18, Burnsville, Minn., $177. Sierra A. Kramer, 19, 653 Olmstead, $177. Benjamin F. Lehman, 19, Lakeville, Minn., $177. Michelle A. Mitchell, 20, North Branch, Minn., $177. Shawnessy L. Mohawk, 18, Apple Valley, Minn., $177. Katie J. Peterson, 18, Rochester, Munn., $177. Michael B. Price, 19, 1750 Gilmore Valley Road, $177. LOUD PARTYING Scott D. Stigney, 31, 573-1/2 E. King, $277.
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No headlights lead to booze arrest
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 23, 2008 -- A 19-year-old motorist was arrested near Huff and King streets after cops stopped the car at 1:10 a.m. without its headlights on. The driver's speech was slurred, the car reeking of alcohol. The driver tested with more than 0.08 percent blood-alcohol and was hauled in.
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Warriors push league streak to 47
BEMIDJI, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- The Winona State University Warriors held Bemidji State to 15 first-half points on their way to a 72-47 men's basketball victory. The win extended Winona State's conference streak to 47 games and moved the Warriors to 17-0 in conference play this season. Winona State, whose starters saw limited minutes after racing out to a 37-15 halftime lead, had four players in double figures. David Johnson led the Warriors with 12 points. Jonte Flowers added 10 points and nine rebounds. John Smith contributed 11 points and Ben Fischer 10. Bemidji State guard Ben Fairbanks scored a game-high 16 points. Winona State, which will host the conference tournament next weekend, takes on the University of Minnesota-Crookston Saturday in the final regular-season game of the year.Statistics
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Women notch 20th late-season surge
BEMIDJI, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- The Winona State University women's basketball team used a blistering three-point field goal percentage to down Bemidji State 89-60. The victory also marked the Warriors first 20-win season in the program's history. Winona went 15-of-26 from three-point range on the game, good for 57 percent. Warriors guard Kelsey Homewood led the barrage. Homewood went 6-of-10 from behind the arc on her way to 18 points. Guard Jenny Steffen was 4-8 from three-point range in netting a game-high 24 points for Winona State. Steffen also added four steals.| MORE |
Senior guard Amy Lawson's 16 points led Bemidji State. Rounding out the double-figure scoring for the Warriors was Natalie Gigler with 15 points and Ana Wurtz with 12. Winona State can still host a first-round tournament home game with a victory Saturday against the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
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The Warriors currently are in fourth place in the Northern Sun conference. Earlier in the week the Warriors broke into the regional Top 10 standings. The eight tops teams in the region qualify for the national tournament, so the Warriors will need to make an impressive conference tournament run to put themselves in a position to move up.
Statistics
| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 22, 2008 A staff member reported a threatening message over his cell phone at 11:10 a.m. Police were notified. A faulty exhaust fan activated fire alarm in Kryzsko Commons at 10 a.m. A student reported at 5:50 p.m. that another student was placing inappropriate items on a Facebook account. Several students were cited at 9:23 p.m. for a housing violation in the Tau dorm. A driver on the intracampus shuttle reported a student with alcohol on the van at 9:30 p.m. A student was cited for alcohol in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm at 9:52 p.m. Several students were cited for an alcohol violation in Maria dorm at 9:56 p.m. |
Project to save Antioch College falls short
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2008 -- Antioch University's governing board decided to shutter the college after this semester, concluding that a plan by alumni, donors and friends was insufficient. Millions of dollars, some in pledges, had been raised, but the board of trustees said the project "ran out of time."Background: Antioch doors to remain open
Liver test clears Caitlin Stene
| WOODBURY, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- The sister of the late Winona State University student President Jared Stene does not have the inherited mutated gene that led to his liver failure and death in November. Tests at Mayo Clinic for Wilson's Disease in Caitlin Stene, a Winona State sophomore, came back negative, her father reported. "We are so happy and thankful, said Bruce Stene, He said the family has more meetings with a University of Minnesota doctor to discuss any further implications that the test results might reveal. "However," Bruce Stene added, "we are pausing for the moment to absorb and be happy about this great news." |  CAITLIN STENE WSU student business senator |
Background: Stene sister undergoes liver test
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Candidate: Alts helped save election
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- Online ballot glitches didn't play a huge role in the 2008 Winona State University Student Senate elections, according to Brian Pavelka, who wages a losing bid for at-large senator. "I see it more as a principle issue," Pavelka said in an interview. "If Senate is going to invite candidates to represent the student body and submit statements candidates put a lot of time and effort into, the statement should be available to students interested in voting," Pavelka said. Statements appeared erratically or not at all. Pavelka also said that if students were truly interested in voting, they could have found other means of voting and accessing necessary information, such as the Indee, Facebook, and general word of mouth. "Our statements could have been accessed otherwise," Pavelka said.
On a related issue Pavelka called for an investigation into the shaky campus wireless network connections the past few weeks. "Students pay tuition dollars to have internet access," he said. "Tech Support has had the whole winter break to work out connection kinks, but it is something we should really look at." A functioning campus network is especially important during online student elections.
"I think it may have inconvenienced some voters," Pavelka said, "but if they wanted to vote, they did vote, but I'm not aware of any voters being unable to vote because of this issue."
Although losing the six-way race for at-large senator, Pavelka said he will continue to be active on issues. "This is my last semester on campus, so I'm going to continue to be an advocate of the things I believe in," he said. "Senate encourages us to get involved, and I will continue to support my views."
About he at-large race in which he finished third, Pavelka said: "I'm obviously disappointed with the results, but I congratulate my opponents for a well-run campaign, and I obviously learned some things too that I will use these experiences in my future." |  BRYON PAVELKA Third in at-large contest |
Reporter: Shannon Burgess
Background: Election results
Background: Election woes compounding
WSU self-check survey passes 47%
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- More than 3,500 Winona State students have responded to an online questionnaire in the university's annual self-assessment, project chief Susan Hatfield said. Hatfield called on profs to encourage students on last time, on the final day of the survey Friday, to participate. The survey is opart of the Assessment day project for which classes were cancelled all day Feb. 12.| MORE |
Hatfield listed this response rate by college:
Science
Health Sciences
Business
Education
Liberal Arts
Total60.8%
54.4%
49.2%
44.1%
41.7%
47.3%
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The response rate by academic department:
Music
Biology
Prof'l Studies
Chemistry
Management
Counselor Ed
Marketing
Info Systems
Theatre/Dance
Health, Exer
Nursing
Accounting
F'gn Lang
Engineering
Special Ed
Physical Ed
Glob'l Studies
Business Ad87.5%
77.2%
70.7%
70.5%
68.5%
59.6%
59.2%
56.2%
55.0%
54.9%
54.3%
53.2%
51.0%
49.7%
49.6%
47.9%
47.1%
45.4%
Education
Comm Studies
Associate of arts
Sociology
Mathematics
Psychology
Statistics
Economics
Paralegal
English
Finance
Political Sci
Masscom
Social Work
Geoscience
Computer Sci
Total44.8%
44.6%
44.4%
44.1%
43.8%
43.2%
42.9%
41.7%
40.9%
40.5%
40.2%
39.8%
38.9%
38.5%
37.0%
35.9%
47.7%
Scholarly editor: Book here to stay
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 22, 2008 -- The director of the University of Minnesota Press, Douglas Armato, will speak at Winona State University on the enduring importance of print material in the digital age, especially in the academic community where the publication of a scholarly book is a significant event.Armato, who calls himself a voracious reader since age 8, has worked at presses at Columbia University, Louisiana State, the University of Georgia and Johns Hopkins. he is past president of the Association of American University Presses.Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Stark Auditorium
Cost: Free
Contact: Douglas Armato at 612- 627-1970.
WSU facilities exec at $137,500
WINONA, Minn, Feb. 22, 2008 -- The interim vice president of finance and administrative services at Winona State University, Scott Ellinghuysen, is earning $137,500 this year, records show . The salary is a about $700 more than last year, In addition, Ellinghuysen earns $4,400 for teaching part-time. His course: PER 626, Planning of Facilities in Physical Education, Recreation, Tourism or Sport.Reporter: Chelsey Swanson
LESS SO AT WINONA STATE
PROFS KEEN
ON NEW CONTRACT
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 21, 2008 -- Faculty at the state universities voted overwhelmingly to accept a two-year contract that will boost most profs salaries 11 percent. The margin was 88 percent to 12. All seven campuses voted in favor of the proposed contract, although at Winona State, where the Faculty Senate had recommended against ratification, the vote was a 60-40 margin -- the lowest in the system. The contract had been negotiation by the faculty union, the Inter Faculty Organization, which represents 3,300 profs in collective bargaining.
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At the state level, the union leadership had recommended ratification. Said state President Nancy Black: "I am convinced that we received every nickel MnSCU had on the table for compensation."
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The contract will now be forwarded to state college system trustees for approval. If the board approves, the contract goes to the Legislature and then the governor.
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Faculty have been working since July under terms of a contract that expired in July. Some of the two-year 11 percent pay increase is retroactive to July.
Bemidji State
MSU-Mankato
Metro State
MSU-Moorhead
Southwest State
St. Cloud State
Winona State
TotalYES
92
248
77
193
69
306
136
1,121NO
10
7
0
2
4
22
92
137
SENIOR SENATOR WINS
VICE PRESIDENCY
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 21, 2008 -- Veteran student senator Rotney O'Shea, who has been acting vice president since November, was elected to the vice presidency in his own right in a campus-wide Winona State University student election.
Tentative election tallies posted at the Student Senate office listed 193 votes for O'Shea and 171 for junior Sen. Charles Moburg, the only other candidate. O'Shea was elected last spring as senior senator and moved into the vice presidency through a constitutionally mandated line of succession triggered by the death of student President Jared Stene.
Results were based on a computer tally, which education Sen. Terri Burke described as "basically pretty accurate." Even so, a hand recount is required for races with a margin of 20 votes or less. A candidate may also request a recount by hand. Burke said that although the O'Shea vote margin for vice president seemed clear, a recount is expected a recount to be sure. For nursing senator, Mathias Mahlum an Jonathan Williams each received 21 votes in the initial tally, which triggers a manual recount.
In the only other campus-wide race, senior Bryce Fogelson won the vacancy for an at-large senator with 147 votes
Alexandra Shoemaker, who was running for multiple seats, won both freshman and College of Business seats with 57 votes for each. She will now have to choose which seat she will accept.
The results: VICE PRESIDENT COMPENSATION: $2,500 A YEAR
AT-LARGE SENATOR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
GRADUATE SEATS TWO SEATS OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE JUNIOR SENATOR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
SOPHOMORE SENATOR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
FRESHMAN SENATOR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
BUSINESS SENATOR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCE SENATR ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEAT ONE SEAT OPEN. COMPENSATION: NONE
|  ROTNEY O'SHEA 55 percent of vote |
Prof wins grant for prairie meeting
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 21, 2008 -- A Winona State biology prof, Bruno Borsari, has won a National Science Foundation Grant to organize the 21st North American Prairie Conference at the university in August.| WSU SECURITY REPORT FEB. 21, 2008 A trouble alarm activated at the East Lake dorm at 8:05 a.m. An electrician was notified. An ambulance crew responded at 8:08 a.m. to Gildemeister Hall for a student who fainted. A trouble alarm activated in Somsen Hal at 8:47 a.m. An electrician was notified. At 5 p.m. window was reported to have been damaged on Feb. 16 in the Prentiss-Lucas dorm. |
SIGNALS OF INTEREST
YEARS OF PLANNING PRECEDED
"PRAIRIE HOME" VISIT
WINONA, Minn., Feb. 21, 2008 -- Landing Midwest humorist Garrison Keillor for a Winona State University performance took persistence. "We really just kept calling and calling," said Ann Kohner, assistant to the university's vice president for promotion. It worked. Keillor will broadcast his weekly "Prairie Home Companion" from McCown Gym on Saturday. "Keillor doesn't plan that far in advance, but he needs to know that people are interested and enthusiastic about his program. If he can tell there is a definite interest, then he will make the effort."
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How much planning? "Keillor made the decision to come to Winona State several months ago, but this plan has been in the workings for about five or six years." Kohner said. Keillor performs network radio show mostly at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
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At the Winona State gym, about 3,000 fans are expected. As of Thursday, only bleacher seats remained. With that many people attending, there is a certain amount of unseen planning to make sure things go smoothly, said Kohner. "We had to book rooms at the Holiday Inn for the cast and crew, print all programs and flyers at the university, and do a lot of local advertising before the event to get the word out," she said.
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For such a big performance, Kohner needed to make sure that logistic were taken care of. "This is a big performance for us, but we were ready for it considering all the spring concerts we have dealt with in the past," said Kohner. A big help, he said, was the university's director of student activities, Joe Reed, who brought in the same logistics crew from La Crosse, Wis., that he uses for the annual spring rock concert. "They were a big help with setting up the acoustics," Kohner said.
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Traffic was expected to be a problem. The university issued a campuswide precautionary e-mail saying that Main Street would be closed from Thursday morning to Saturday night to allow setup for the performance.
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The university's financial commitment was not large, Kohner said, The university paid for the local advertising and the printing of flyers. There was no advance outlay for the performance. The Keillor organization took 60 percent of revenue from tickets, which ranged from $10 to $45. "This program attracts more adult viewers, but we are hoping with the low student price that we can see some students at this show too," said Kohner.
Reporter: Courtney Cosgriff
Background: WSU hosts "Prairie Home" show
WSU GRAD HOLES UP
FOR "BIG BROTHER" PRIZE
| WINONA, Minn., Feb. 21, 2008 -- A 2005 Winona State University grad has parlayed her poise from years in beauty pageants and athletics into a spot on the CBS reality show "Big Brother" and a chance at a $500,000 prize, the Winona Daily News reported in an article by Kari Knutson. Amanda Hansen, 23, now from the Twin Cities suburb of Fridley, auditioned in Los Angeles. For as long as she remains in competition in the "Big Brother" house Hansen doesn't have contact with the outside world. Friends and family catch her three times a week on television. Her mom, Debra Hansen, of Web Lake, Wis., isn't surprised: "Wherever the spotlight was, that was where she wanted to be." At Winona State, Amanda Hansen majored in para |