Amber Brown
Edited By: Erin Hillard, Mariah Richards
New online programs beneficial to professionals, students
Two new inventive programs at CMU will help the economy and possibly the world by giving students an edge over competitors.
A graduate certificate in Structural Analysis Program (SAP), and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in value driven organization (VDO) are to be added by the College of Business Administration starting this summer.
The VDO concentration will go into effect beginning in the fall 2008 semester, and is focused on helping students add value to their companies.
These online programs are beneficial to working professionals who are looking to gain knowledge and move up the ranks in their professions.
With more and more classes being offered online, it is believed that these types of beneficial programs will be offered to students as well.
“Online classes are becoming a great thing.” Said Heather Smith, CMU media relations. “Online programs are great for working professionals but they also can give students a leg-up.”
Smith believes that these innovative online programs will soon catch the attention of other colleges within CMU.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Beal City Media Center recieves grant
By Mariah Richards
Edited by: Erin Hillard, John Morelli
Edited by: Erin Hillard, John Morelli
The grant was provided through the Kellogg Youth Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. It will be used toward the purchase of print and audio material, both fiction and non-fiction.
“The district is very appreciative,” said Brenda Rau, in a press release on the school’s website. Rau is the director of the media center, which serves grades K- 12.
“I like it whenever our district gets money,” said Diane Recker, mother of two
“I don’t go there too much,” said Caleb Recker, 15. “So it doesn’t really matter to me.”
Other students felt differently.
“The library is very convenient,” said Monica Akin, sophomore at BCHS. “It’s right at school, so I don’t have to go into town or anything. Now there will be more books to choose from.”
Union Township Board looks to form Construction Appeals Board.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz, Alexis Kowaleski
The Union Township Board is looking to add a new administrative board to deal with the growing construction that has been underway in Union Township.
The Construction Appeals Board for the 2008 – 2010 cycle will be formed to answer complaints from contractors and builders alike.
“This is the first Construction Appeals Board we have ever had, and this seems to be a great time to put one together,” Union Township Clerk Margie Henry said.
According to Henry, the board will be in place to allow licensed builders to appeal rulings made by the township building inspector.
“If the building inspector finds something wrong with the building, he will let the contractor know. The contractor can then appeal the decision if he feels that the building inspector is wrong. This board is being formed…because of the large amount of development in Union Township,” Henry said.
Applications are currently being taken for the five openings on the new board. In order to apply for a board position the person must be a Michigan licensed professional in the construction industry and fill out an application which is available at the Union Township Hall located at 2010 South Lincoln Road in Mount Pleasant.
There have been advertisements run on the Mount Pleasant public access channel, in the Home Builders Guide and in the Morning Sun. According to Henry no applications have been submitted at this time. The application period ends March 14.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz, Alexis Kowaleski
The Union Township Board is looking to add a new administrative board to deal with the growing construction that has been underway in Union Township.
The Construction Appeals Board for the 2008 – 2010 cycle will be formed to answer complaints from contractors and builders alike.
“This is the first Construction Appeals Board we have ever had, and this seems to be a great time to put one together,” Union Township Clerk Margie Henry said.
According to Henry, the board will be in place to allow licensed builders to appeal rulings made by the township building inspector.
“If the building inspector finds something wrong with the building, he will let the contractor know. The contractor can then appeal the decision if he feels that the building inspector is wrong. This board is being formed…because of the large amount of development in Union Township,” Henry said.
Applications are currently being taken for the five openings on the new board. In order to apply for a board position the person must be a Michigan licensed professional in the construction industry and fill out an application which is available at the Union Township Hall located at 2010 South Lincoln Road in Mount Pleasant.
There have been advertisements run on the Mount Pleasant public access channel, in the Home Builders Guide and in the Morning Sun. According to Henry no applications have been submitted at this time. The application period ends March 14.
Mount Pleasant taking a bite out of crime
Larcenies, motor vehicle thefts
just a few of the many crime
figures down in
By: Dan Schultz
Edited by: Alexis Kowaleski and Trisha VanKoughnett
According to the Mount Pleasant Department of Public Safety’s 2007 annual report,
Robberies decreased 40 percent, and rapes dropped 20 percent – even the number of calls requiring service from the Mount Pleasant Police Department declined from 10,848 to 10,400 in 2007.
“Of course we like to see them (crime statistics) stay low,” Captain Fred A. Harris said.
Harris, the associate director for the Central Michigan University Police Department, moved his arm up and down to show the hills and valleys of crime rates he has seen in his 29 years as an officer.
Still, many of the crime statistics for 2007 are down. Forgeries plunged nearly 50 percent, from 21 to 10, and larcenies declined from 261 to 234.
“We enjoy seeing low numbers, but we’ll always keep at it,” Harris said. “That doesn’t show the incidents that weren’t reported, though.”
Reports of stolen items, sexual abuse, and other such incidents give the police a decent lead. It is a tool that law enforcement can not stress enough.
“We do beat the drum quite often (about reports),” Harris said. CMU’s police department has brochures and presentations to explain the usefulness of reports in many situations.
CMU’s police department offers an array of services too, from an engraver to imprint some form of identification on a valued item, to “blue-light emergency phones” placed across campus.
“I feel better with those phones around, that’s for sure!” Mary Manoogian said.
Manoogian, a Sterling Heights Senior, has been on campus plenty of times at night. “I have their locations memorized so I know where to walk… and where not to walk late at night.”
CMU campus currently has 26 “blue-light emergency phones,” which are intended to report emergencies or crimes in progress to the police.
“It’s good to know the police are doing their job so well,” Manoogian said. “That makes me feel safer.”
Shepherd Schools get a Facelift
Alexis Kowaleski
Edited by: Trisha Vankoughnett, Dan Schultz
Shepherd Schools are planning to expand their horizons by adding on to the existing schools in the district.
The most important point that Shepherd Schools Superintendent Terry Baker wants to illustrate is that the community will be involved with the building renovations. Any suggestions and decisions will be voted on by the schools community so that their ideas will be heard.
There may however be some concern that the renovations may take a long time but it seems that because of the exact planning, the school board does not want to put too much on their plate.
Though the construction will not start till May, the planning has already begun.
Shepherd High School can look forward to a new football field in addition to their building additions and updates. The additions and updates will take a little over a year with their expected end date of August 2008.
Shepherd Elementary will be getting the largest amount of additions with construction on both the west and east sides of the building. All of the schools new additions are scheduled to last until April of 2010.
Winn Elementary will also be getting a face lift and additions as well. With Winn having the least amount of construction, their finish date is set at August 2008.
Edited by: Trisha Vankoughnett, Dan Schultz
Shepherd Schools are planning to expand their horizons by adding on to the existing schools in the district.
The most important point that Shepherd Schools Superintendent Terry Baker wants to illustrate is that the community will be involved with the building renovations. Any suggestions and decisions will be voted on by the schools community so that their ideas will be heard.
There may however be some concern that the renovations may take a long time but it seems that because of the exact planning, the school board does not want to put too much on their plate.
Though the construction will not start till May, the planning has already begun.
Shepherd High School can look forward to a new football field in addition to their building additions and updates. The additions and updates will take a little over a year with their expected end date of August 2008.
Shepherd Elementary will be getting the largest amount of additions with construction on both the west and east sides of the building. All of the schools new additions are scheduled to last until April of 2010.
Winn Elementary will also be getting a face lift and additions as well. With Winn having the least amount of construction, their finish date is set at August 2008.
Man charged for driving with improper documents
By: Kelly Morse
Edited By: Meredith Mayberry, Sarah Schuch, Amanda Crabtree
A young Mount Pleasant man was found guilty and charged with driving under a suspended license.
In the case of the People vs. Christopher Boss, held at the Isabella County Courthouse Tuesday, Judge Rush found Boss guilty of driving with a suspended Michigan license although he had a valid license from another state.
Monty Davis, Michigan State patrol officer, pulled Davis over around 10 p.m. for careless driving in a parking lot near East Campus Drive on Oct. 27, 2007.
Davis said she saw two men and was not sure whether or not they were drag racing another vehicle.
“I looked over my left shoulder and there appeared to be a vehicle speeding out of the parking lot,” said Davis.
When she pulled him over Davis said Boss told her he was sorry and he was just in a hurry to get home.
Boss then handed over a valid Georgia license to the officer and she proceeded to run it through the system in her patrol car.
According to the computer data base, the license appeared to be suspended in the state of Michigan. Thus, Davis placed Boss under arrest for driving with a suspended license.
Boss’ attorney argued his defendant was not notified of his license suspension in the state of Michigan and that he had meant no harm.
“The person that just blows [a suspended license] off is more dangerous than someone who did not willfully break the law,” said Boss’ attorney. “He truly, honestly did not know.”
Judge Rush then explained how having a driver’s license in Georgia was not enough.
“You may have a valid driver’s license in every other state in the US,” said Judge Rush, “but that still doesn’t mean you have one in Michigan.”
Boss received a fine of $450 for his charge of driving while suspended.
By: Kelly Morse
Edited By: Meredith Mayberry, Sarah Schuch, Amanda Crabtree
A young Mount Pleasant man was found guilty and charged with driving under a suspended license.
In the case of the People vs. Christopher Boss, held at the Isabella County Courthouse Tuesday, Judge Rush found Boss guilty of driving with a suspended Michigan license although he had a valid license from another state.
Monty Davis, Michigan State patrol officer, pulled Davis over around 10 p.m. for careless driving in a parking lot near East Campus Drive on Oct. 27, 2007.
Davis said she saw two men and was not sure whether or not they were drag racing another vehicle.
“I looked over my left shoulder and there appeared to be a vehicle speeding out of the parking lot,” said Davis.
When she pulled him over Davis said Boss told her he was sorry and he was just in a hurry to get home.
Boss then handed over a valid Georgia license to the officer and she proceeded to run it through the system in her patrol car.
According to the computer data base, the license appeared to be suspended in the state of Michigan. Thus, Davis placed Boss under arrest for driving with a suspended license.
Boss’ attorney argued his defendant was not notified of his license suspension in the state of Michigan and that he had meant no harm.
“The person that just blows [a suspended license] off is more dangerous than someone who did not willfully break the law,” said Boss’ attorney. “He truly, honestly did not know.”
Judge Rush then explained how having a driver’s license in Georgia was not enough.
“You may have a valid driver’s license in every other state in the US,” said Judge Rush, “but that still doesn’t mean you have one in Michigan.”
Boss received a fine of $450 for his charge of driving while suspended.
Isabella Road Commission: stagnant budget a problem
by Jason Baird
The Isabella County Road Commission has been struggling with its budget throughout Michigan’s on-again, off-again winter weather.
Getting dumped on by large amounts of snow in short periods of time and massive thawing and refreezing has led the commission to use its entire winter budget.
“We’re just trying to maintain at this point, and we’re failing,” road commission spokesperson Tony Casali said.
The road commission has used and exceeded its $945,000 winter budget. Casali says the total season expenses may reach $1.3 million.
Does this mean the streets are going to be mayhem if we get another heavy snowfall? If the commission is going to continue to maintain the 1,200 miles of roadway it covers, where will it find the funding?
For starters, the commission has begun to use its springtime blacktop maintenance budget.
We’ve already used $50,000 of the blacktop maintenance budget. That figure equates to 20 percent of the spring budget, Casali said.
Cuts are being made to help stretch available money.
Less paved roads are being repaired. Less of the 700 miles of gravel roads are being bladed and scraped. “It’s around $125,000 to repair a single gravel road,” Casali said.
The commission has for the most part eliminated salt use. It switched to a mix of liquid chloride and sand. A 50/50 mix of salt and sand is used on multi-lane, high traffic roads.
“It’s a state issue. The current formula is not appropriate in terms of fixing and maintaining roads,” Casali said.
The commission is looking at buying two new county trucks. The trucks are $170,000 apiece. As a testament of the changing economy, the same truck cost $100,000 in 1998. The commission expects to only be able to afford one of the new trucks.
While prices of steel, equipment and fuel rise, among other integral components of business, the budget remains stagnant.
“I expect a real flat year. We’ve had a 4 percent decrease this year in revenue, that’s $200,000 less than last year,” Casali said.
While there is no clear-cut solution to having limited funding, job-loss seems not to be a consideration.
“The road commission went through layoffs 2 or 3 years ago, reducing the work force by 8 positions,” Casali said
by Jason Baird
The Isabella County Road Commission has been struggling with its budget throughout Michigan’s on-again, off-again winter weather.
Getting dumped on by large amounts of snow in short periods of time and massive thawing and refreezing has led the commission to use its entire winter budget.
“We’re just trying to maintain at this point, and we’re failing,” road commission spokesperson Tony Casali said.
The road commission has used and exceeded its $945,000 winter budget. Casali says the total season expenses may reach $1.3 million.
Does this mean the streets are going to be mayhem if we get another heavy snowfall? If the commission is going to continue to maintain the 1,200 miles of roadway it covers, where will it find the funding?
For starters, the commission has begun to use its springtime blacktop maintenance budget.
We’ve already used $50,000 of the blacktop maintenance budget. That figure equates to 20 percent of the spring budget, Casali said.
Cuts are being made to help stretch available money.
Less paved roads are being repaired. Less of the 700 miles of gravel roads are being bladed and scraped. “It’s around $125,000 to repair a single gravel road,” Casali said.
The commission has for the most part eliminated salt use. It switched to a mix of liquid chloride and sand. A 50/50 mix of salt and sand is used on multi-lane, high traffic roads.
“It’s a state issue. The current formula is not appropriate in terms of fixing and maintaining roads,” Casali said.
The commission is looking at buying two new county trucks. The trucks are $170,000 apiece. As a testament of the changing economy, the same truck cost $100,000 in 1998. The commission expects to only be able to afford one of the new trucks.
While prices of steel, equipment and fuel rise, among other integral components of business, the budget remains stagnant.
“I expect a real flat year. We’ve had a 4 percent decrease this year in revenue, that’s $200,000 less than last year,” Casali said.
While there is no clear-cut solution to having limited funding, job-loss seems not to be a consideration.
“The road commission went through layoffs 2 or 3 years ago, reducing the work force by 8 positions,” Casali said
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Students find an alternative to the typical spring break
Erin Hillard
Although Cancun and Florida attract many college students during Spring Break, there are some who choose to spend this week serving others.
Alternative Spring Break has been available at Central Michigan University since 1995, and according to Jennifer Klein, an employee at Volunteer Central, has continued to grow since the beginning. There are now 12 sites and a new site involving immigration and border control.
The program also has a new international site in Romania where volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity. Other sites, located across the United States, include Chicago and California.
In preparation for spring break, the ten students going to each site have been meeting throughout the year to get to know one another and go through training. Two site leaders are chosen who train the volunteers. Volunteers and site leaders are all CMU students.
Each site deals with a different issue, such as HIV/Aids, child education, or urban renewal.
It’s not all work and no play. Klein said volunteers work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and have one day off to explore the city.
Klein said alternative spring break is a great way for CMU students to experience real issues and make a difference.
“Volunteers can take what they learn in one week and grow from it, and use it in their career to inform others,” she said.
Students who have participated in Alternative Spring Break before know how important it is.
Sara Rimer, CMU junior, went to the international site last year in Mexico to work with Habitat for Humanity. This year, she’ll be going to Boston to work in a program called Community Serving, in which volunteers make and serve meals that are given to HIV sufferers.
“Alternative Spring Break is a great way for students to see how their role as a citizen is important, not just in the U.S., but internationally as well,” Rimer said. “Also, it’s a great way for students on a budget to travel and do some good in the process.”
Edited by: Mariah Richards and John Morelli
Although Cancun and Florida attract many college students during Spring Break, there are some who choose to spend this week serving others.
Alternative Spring Break has been available at Central Michigan University since 1995, and according to Jennifer Klein, an employee at Volunteer Central, has continued to grow since the beginning. There are now 12 sites and a new site involving immigration and border control.
The program also has a new international site in Romania where volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity. Other sites, located across the United States, include Chicago and California.
In preparation for spring break, the ten students going to each site have been meeting throughout the year to get to know one another and go through training. Two site leaders are chosen who train the volunteers. Volunteers and site leaders are all CMU students.
Each site deals with a different issue, such as HIV/Aids, child education, or urban renewal.
It’s not all work and no play. Klein said volunteers work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and have one day off to explore the city.
Klein said alternative spring break is a great way for CMU students to experience real issues and make a difference.
“Volunteers can take what they learn in one week and grow from it, and use it in their career to inform others,” she said.
Students who have participated in Alternative Spring Break before know how important it is.
Sara Rimer, CMU junior, went to the international site last year in Mexico to work with Habitat for Humanity. This year, she’ll be going to Boston to work in a program called Community Serving, in which volunteers make and serve meals that are given to HIV sufferers.
“Alternative Spring Break is a great way for students to see how their role as a citizen is important, not just in the U.S., but internationally as well,” Rimer said. “Also, it’s a great way for students on a budget to travel and do some good in the process.”
Edited by: Mariah Richards and John Morelli
Winter weather injuries
By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett and Justin Marr
Harsh weather has not only caused problems with electricity and driving conditions, but also weather related injuries.
Eric Bellmore, lead programmer and developer in the Information Technology department, sprained his ankle walking in front of Park Library.
“I was returning to my office from a meeting and was on the sidewalk by the library, on the south side of
Suddenly,
“My foot slipped into a rut in the ice, twisting my ankle under me and sending me face first on to the sidewalk,” continued
Though it can be very painful to fall, not too many permanent injuries occur.
“X-ray's confirmed it was a sprained ankle, and nothing is broken. I'm currently doing some physical therapy to rehab it,” said
Several injuries have been reported with the bizarre weather patterns
“If the weather is particularly cold, additional stress from the cold weather with heavy exertion for people that are at risk for heart disease could cause them to have heart related problems,” said Dr. Jeffrey S. Desmond to ABC 12 reporters.
Students all over campus are seen constantly slipping and sliding on the ice, intermittently falling.
“My roommate falls like five times a day on the ice,” said
Along with slippery sidewalks, cars can be found stuck and in need of a good solid push.
“My roommate’s car got stuck one time, so I was trying to help push her out. But then, I slipped and fell flat on my stomach and face,” said Pardon.
Key advice: keep watch on the ice and be careful. Shoveling and snow blowing can also be quite dangerous.
"Often times, even when the snow blower is off, if people try to clear a jam out of the snow blower, the machine may either still be turning or there may be some torque left in the machine," Desmond said. "When they clear that snow out, the blades will turn over and injure their hands."Tax settlement delay for Midland
By John Kennett
Journalism 312
Monday, the Midland City Council believing the end was in sight to the 12-year-old tax appeal between the City of Midland and the Midland Cogeneration Venture, unanimously approved a $137 million settlement.
Unfortunately for both parties, the state of Michigan desired a say in the settlement.
Monday afternoon, the Michigan Attorney General’s office sent two motions to Jim Branson, Midland city attorney.
The first, filed jointly by the Michigan Department of Treasury and the State Tax Commission, is asking the City of Midland, and the MCV, to explain how the figures of the settlement were derived.
The City of Midland would contribute $36.2 million with Midland County adding $19.6 million.
Midland Public Schools, Midland County Educational Service Agency and Delta College would pay a total of $11.3 million.
Michigan’s portion of the settlement to MCV would be $60.2 million.
The settlement includes a credit of approximately $10 million to the MPS, Bullock Creek Schools, Midland County ESA and Delta College.
The credit would include an $8.3 million donation to the schools and $2 million in interest.
“The parties recognized the challenges our educational institutions face in these difficult financial times and the limited funding options available to them, so MCV agreed to assist them with their donations,” said MCV President Rod Boulanger.
The motions question whether the state should be receiving the same refunds as the other taxing jurisdictions.
The second motion asks for a ‘delay of consideration of settlement’ while both state agencies be given the opportunity for input into the settlement.
Midland City Manager Jon Lynch stated to the council that any delay in the settlement can be costly as $19,000 interest is accruing daily.
The settlement stems from a dispute regarding the assessment of MCV property tax values for the tax years 2001-2007.
MPS has already put on hold several capital improvement projects for the 2008 year due to the ongoing tax dispute, including new boilers at H. H. Dow High School, Plymouth and Parkdale elementary schools.
A settlement would avoid litigation scheduled to begin July 7.
Edited by Jason Baird and Justin Marr
Journalism 312
Monday, the Midland City Council believing the end was in sight to the 12-year-old tax appeal between the City of Midland and the Midland Cogeneration Venture, unanimously approved a $137 million settlement.
Unfortunately for both parties, the state of Michigan desired a say in the settlement.
Monday afternoon, the Michigan Attorney General’s office sent two motions to Jim Branson, Midland city attorney.
The first, filed jointly by the Michigan Department of Treasury and the State Tax Commission, is asking the City of Midland, and the MCV, to explain how the figures of the settlement were derived.
The City of Midland would contribute $36.2 million with Midland County adding $19.6 million.
Midland Public Schools, Midland County Educational Service Agency and Delta College would pay a total of $11.3 million.
Michigan’s portion of the settlement to MCV would be $60.2 million.
The settlement includes a credit of approximately $10 million to the MPS, Bullock Creek Schools, Midland County ESA and Delta College.
The credit would include an $8.3 million donation to the schools and $2 million in interest.
“The parties recognized the challenges our educational institutions face in these difficult financial times and the limited funding options available to them, so MCV agreed to assist them with their donations,” said MCV President Rod Boulanger.
The motions question whether the state should be receiving the same refunds as the other taxing jurisdictions.
The second motion asks for a ‘delay of consideration of settlement’ while both state agencies be given the opportunity for input into the settlement.
Midland City Manager Jon Lynch stated to the council that any delay in the settlement can be costly as $19,000 interest is accruing daily.
The settlement stems from a dispute regarding the assessment of MCV property tax values for the tax years 2001-2007.
MPS has already put on hold several capital improvement projects for the 2008 year due to the ongoing tax dispute, including new boilers at H. H. Dow High School, Plymouth and Parkdale elementary schools.
A settlement would avoid litigation scheduled to begin July 7.
Edited by Jason Baird and Justin Marr
Gambling Has No Age Limit
By Justin Marr
You can usually find her sitting in a wheelchair, smoking a cigarette, and enjoying the ambient sounds of slot machines around her.
Beatrice Meads, an Onsted, Mich., native said the best way to pass the time is by dropping coins in the nickel slots at Soaring Eagle Casino.
“I’ve been gambling for about two years now,” she said. “I had never gambled before, but think I’m pretty much hooked now.”
In 2005, Beatrice moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Ron and Sharon Bowen, to assist her in living.
Ron and Sharon couldn’t get Beatrice to gamble until recently.
“I would beg her to go with us sometimes, but she’s never been one to go out,” Sharon said. “Once she moved in with us though, we finally convinced her to go with us. It’s all history from there.”
The three make trips to Mount Pleasant once every two weeks.
The trio will leave early in the morning to spend most of the day gambling.
“Mom’s (Beatrice) bedtime is six-o-clock so we usually don’t stay too late in the evening,” Sharon said. “She tends to get a little drowsy, which is how I know it’s time to leave.”
Ron and Sharon have been to casinos all over Michigan and Canada, and try to get Beatrice to venture outside of Mount Pleasant.
After trying one other casino, Beatrice is convinced Soaring Eagle is the best.
“I’ve been to the MGM Casino in Detroit and I just didn’t like it,” she said. “It doesn’t pay out like the Soaring Eagle. Plus I just love Mount Pleasant and that area.”
The 82 year-old woman has been handicapped for six years and has never worked a day in her life. She’s had to find other ways to gain “casino money” because of it.
Fortunately for her that hasn’t been a problem.
“I have my social security check, I don’t want to gamble with that at the casino,” she said. “Everyday I give my son-in-law money and he goes to the gas station to buy me lottery tickets. I just save up the winners and cash them when it’s time to hit the casino.”
The most she has won is $360, which she can still remember clearly.
“I sat at this one machine for two hours,” she said. “I was down to my last few credits and I was suddenly in the bonus and $360 ahead. I was so happy I almost jumped, but instead we just left after that.”
Beatrice has been content with slots since she started gambling.
She said the tables or virtual games just don’t look as appealing or fun as the slot machines do.
There is one casino wish she has yet to fulfill though.
“Before I die, I’m going to see the Chippendales,” she said. “I’ve never been to a show before and all of my daughters tell me this is the one to see.”
You can usually find her sitting in a wheelchair, smoking a cigarette, and enjoying the ambient sounds of slot machines around her.
Beatrice Meads, an Onsted, Mich., native said the best way to pass the time is by dropping coins in the nickel slots at Soaring Eagle Casino.
“I’ve been gambling for about two years now,” she said. “I had never gambled before, but think I’m pretty much hooked now.”
In 2005, Beatrice moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Ron and Sharon Bowen, to assist her in living.
Ron and Sharon couldn’t get Beatrice to gamble until recently.
“I would beg her to go with us sometimes, but she’s never been one to go out,” Sharon said. “Once she moved in with us though, we finally convinced her to go with us. It’s all history from there.”
The three make trips to Mount Pleasant once every two weeks.
The trio will leave early in the morning to spend most of the day gambling.
“Mom’s (Beatrice) bedtime is six-o-clock so we usually don’t stay too late in the evening,” Sharon said. “She tends to get a little drowsy, which is how I know it’s time to leave.”
Ron and Sharon have been to casinos all over Michigan and Canada, and try to get Beatrice to venture outside of Mount Pleasant.
After trying one other casino, Beatrice is convinced Soaring Eagle is the best.
“I’ve been to the MGM Casino in Detroit and I just didn’t like it,” she said. “It doesn’t pay out like the Soaring Eagle. Plus I just love Mount Pleasant and that area.”
The 82 year-old woman has been handicapped for six years and has never worked a day in her life. She’s had to find other ways to gain “casino money” because of it.
Fortunately for her that hasn’t been a problem.
“I have my social security check, I don’t want to gamble with that at the casino,” she said. “Everyday I give my son-in-law money and he goes to the gas station to buy me lottery tickets. I just save up the winners and cash them when it’s time to hit the casino.”
The most she has won is $360, which she can still remember clearly.
“I sat at this one machine for two hours,” she said. “I was down to my last few credits and I was suddenly in the bonus and $360 ahead. I was so happy I almost jumped, but instead we just left after that.”
Beatrice has been content with slots since she started gambling.
She said the tables or virtual games just don’t look as appealing or fun as the slot machines do.
There is one casino wish she has yet to fulfill though.
“Before I die, I’m going to see the Chippendales,” she said. “I’ve never been to a show before and all of my daughters tell me this is the one to see.”
Students give their time over spring break
By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse
Central Michigan University students will be put out of their comfort zones by choice this spring break to help those in need.
One hundred and fifty eight students are going on six different spring break trips through His House Christian Fellowship next week.
The world is full of pressing issues that are waiting for someone with expertise, passion and experience to make a difference, said Matt Schantz, pastor for His House Christian Fellowship.
He asked why students should go for a job that 99 other people can do, when they can do something that won’t be touched unless they go after it.
“Our hope is that CMU students involved in our spring break trips would capture that kind of vision,” he said. “To go where no one else is willing to go. To make an external difference in the lives of people.”
Students were able to choose which trip they thought would fit them the best.
One choice was a road trip, which would take participants to three different states working with a variety of inner city organizations. Most of the time will be spent in Washington D.C.
Beach Reach takes the students to Panama City Beach, Fla., where pancake breakfasts and van rides will be offered to spring break students vacationing in the area. This shows God’s love in a practical manner, Schantz said.
Another group will be going to Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, to work with an orphanage and a Bible camp for children.
Some students will be helping rebuild a community still affected by Hurricane Katrina in Buras, La. New York City, N.Y., was also an option. There the students will be serving at a variety of organizations such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
The last opportunity offered was in Concord, N.C., to work with Habitat for Humanity.
Midland sophomore Marcia Lee will be going to Concord, N.C., during spring break. She said it’s a good way for her to get involved and meet new people.
Her group of about 15 people will be building a home for a minister, working on it from ground up, she said.
Lee said she hopes to come back with a closer relationship with God and other people from the trip.
“I hope to be learning from their experiences and sharing mine,” she said.
Matt Martin, Mt. Pleasant senior, said the spring break trips help students put things in perspective and have a great heart for the people around them.
Martin will be leading a group to Buras, Louisiana, this year. Being a leader was just another step for him.
“I really wanted to go back, so I wanted people to capture the same vision I had,” he said.
The group of 30 students will be rebuilding a lot of houses that have been affected by the hurricane. Each student is only allowed to bring one backpack and a carry-on bag with no electronics allowed.
“It helps us separate our world with our every day stuff,” Martin said.
Martin’s group has been concentrating this week on what the focus should be when they get to Louisiana. Sometimes individuals lose focus on what the trips are supposed to be about.
“We forget that there’s more to what surrounds us,” he said.
Schantz said the biggest thing for students to overcome is the cost. Not just the physical cost but also the cost of giving up time to relax and hang out with friends a family.
Another major obstacle is students being able to let go of everything they have here, like the stress of school, and completely give themselves to something else and serve, Martin said.
“(Spring break trips) help to me to come back with a heart and understanding of what it means to love people,” he said.
Students give their time over spring break
By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse
Central Michigan University students will be put out of their comfort zones by choice this spring break to help those in need.
One hundred and fifty eight students are going on six different spring break trips through His House Christian Fellowship next week.
The world is full of pressing issues that are waiting for someone with expertise, passion and experience to make a difference, said Matt Schantz, pastor for His House Christian Fellowship.
He asked why students should go for a job that 99 other people can do, when they can do something that won’t be touched unless they go after it.
“Our hope is that CMU students involved in our spring break trips would capture that kind of vision,” he said. “To go where no one else is willing to go. To make an external difference in the lives of people.”
Students were able to choose which trip they thought would fit them the best.
One choice was a road trip, which would take participants to three different states working with a variety of inner city organizations. Most of the time will be spent in Washington D.C.
Beach Reach takes the students to Panama City Beach, Fla., where pancake breakfasts and van rides will be offered to spring break students vacationing in the area. This shows God’s love in a practical manner, Schantz said.
Another group will be going to Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, to work with an orphanage and a Bible camp for children.
Some students will be helping rebuild a community still affected by Hurricane Katrina in Buras, La. New York City, N.Y., was also an option. There the students will be serving at a variety of organizations such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
The last opportunity offered was in Concord, N.C., to work with Habitat for Humanity.
Midland sophomore Marcia Lee will be going to Concord, N.C., during spring break. She said it’s a good way for her to get involved and meet new people.
Her group of about 15 people will be building a home for a minister, working on it from ground up, she said.
Lee said she hopes to come back with a closer relationship with God and other people from the trip.
“I hope to be learning from their experiences and sharing mine,” she said.
Matt Martin, Mt. Pleasant senior, said the spring break trips help students put things in perspective and have a great heart for the people around them.
Martin will be leading a group to Buras, Louisiana, this year. Being a leader was just another step for him.
“I really wanted to go back, so I wanted people to capture the same vision I had,” he said.
The group of 30 students will be rebuilding a lot of houses that have been affected by the hurricane. Each student is only allowed to bring one backpack and a carry-on bag with no electronics allowed.
“It helps us separate our world with our every day stuff,” Martin said.
Martin’s group has been concentrating this week on what the focus should be when they get to Louisiana. Sometimes individuals lose focus on what the trips are supposed to be about.
“We forget that there’s more to what surrounds us,” he said.
Schantz said the biggest thing for students to overcome is the cost. Not just the physical cost but also the cost of giving up time to relax and hang out with friends a family.
Another major obstacle is students being able to let go of everything they have here, like the stress of school, and completely give themselves to something else and serve, Martin said.
“(Spring break trips) help to me to come back with a heart and understanding of what it means to love people,” he said.
Additional school days not an option at Sacred Heart
By: Amanda Crabtree
Due to building renovations, Sacred Heard Academy cannot add additional days to their scheduled school year, even though they have missed as many days as Mt. Pleasant Public schools.
Students are currently scheduled to dismiss for the summer on June 6. Sacred Heart will start renovations on June 7.
The school board is in the process of making their decision on how to make up the more than 10 days students have had off of school due to inclimate weather.
Denny Starnes, Sacred Heart principal, hopes the board decides to extend the time of the already scheduled days, so their students do not miss the opportunity to make up time lost to snow days. He’s hoping for some unique options to come out of the board’s decision.
Sacred Heart is going by what the public school decides because they rely on the public school’s transportation.
The renovations will include elementary classrooms, and the entire cafeteria area. If school is extended, it would be impossible to keep the children in the school with the renovations going on, said Starnes. The work will take the majority of the summer.
“It’s been the subject of interest right now,” said Mary Kay Reetz, Sacred Heart admissions director. “While we’ve had a lot of snow days, our building project has already been scheduled.”
Edited by: Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse
Due to building renovations, Sacred Heard Academy cannot add additional days to their scheduled school year, even though they have missed as many days as Mt. Pleasant Public schools.
Students are currently scheduled to dismiss for the summer on June 6. Sacred Heart will start renovations on June 7.
The school board is in the process of making their decision on how to make up the more than 10 days students have had off of school due to inclimate weather.
Denny Starnes, Sacred Heart principal, hopes the board decides to extend the time of the already scheduled days, so their students do not miss the opportunity to make up time lost to snow days. He’s hoping for some unique options to come out of the board’s decision.
Sacred Heart is going by what the public school decides because they rely on the public school’s transportation.
The renovations will include elementary classrooms, and the entire cafeteria area. If school is extended, it would be impossible to keep the children in the school with the renovations going on, said Starnes. The work will take the majority of the summer.
“It’s been the subject of interest right now,” said Mary Kay Reetz, Sacred Heart admissions director. “While we’ve had a lot of snow days, our building project has already been scheduled.”
Edited by: Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse
CMU leads way in environmental design
By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse
Central Michigan University’s campus is becoming green, and not just because of spring.
CMU’s newest Education and Human Service building, set to open in May, 2009, will make Central a leader in energy conservative campuses.
“It has design features to reduce energy cost and uses materials to lower the impact it has on the environment,” said Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of facilities management at CMU.
The structure is Central’s first Leadership Energy Environmental Design building, which recognizes the campus as having a thorough understanding of green building practices and principals, according to LEED’s official Web site, usgbc.org.
Lawrence said the Education and Human Service building received a LEED silver rating: a second place mark.
“There are a lot of different categories,” he said. “This is our first LEED building so it’s exciting.”
The building will have a number of ecological friendly features, such as a green roof that will be made up of soil and sedum, a leafed plant.
Lawrence said the building is designed to have low flowing water features and natural light shafts that will carry sunlight from the roof to the ground floor.
“It will be 30 percent more efficient per square foot than the Health Professions building,” he said.
Lawrence is not the only person excited about CMU's environmental steps. Students are impressed by the project.
“It’s cool that we’re leading the way in architectural design like this," said Vince Cavataio, a Shelby Township freshman.
Central is not only leading the way in architectural design, it is making advancements in energy conservation throughout the campus.
Green stickers have been placed on light-switches in campus buildings, reminding students and staff to turn off lights when leaving a room.
“We hope spending a little money on stickers will help save a lot of money on energy,” Lawrence said.
Cavataio said the stickers have helped him remember to flip off his switches.
“I feel like they’re yelling at me,” he said.
Aimee Herweyer, a Utica freshman, said she had always been careful with energy even before the stickers made it on campus, which took place in December of 2008.
“I never leave the room with the lights or the TV on,” Herweyer said. “Why
waste?”
Edited by Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse
Central Michigan University’s campus is becoming green, and not just because of spring.
CMU’s newest Education and Human Service building, set to open in May, 2009, will make Central a leader in energy conservative campuses.
“It has design features to reduce energy cost and uses materials to lower the impact it has on the environment,” said Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of facilities management at CMU.
The structure is Central’s first Leadership Energy Environmental Design building, which recognizes the campus as having a thorough understanding of green building practices and principals, according to LEED’s official Web site, usgbc.org.
Lawrence said the Education and Human Service building received a LEED silver rating: a second place mark.
“There are a lot of different categories,” he said. “This is our first LEED building so it’s exciting.”
The building will have a number of ecological friendly features, such as a green roof that will be made up of soil and sedum, a leafed plant.
Lawrence said the building is designed to have low flowing water features and natural light shafts that will carry sunlight from the roof to the ground floor.
“It will be 30 percent more efficient per square foot than the Health Professions building,” he said.
Lawrence is not the only person excited about CMU's environmental steps. Students are impressed by the project.
“It’s cool that we’re leading the way in architectural design like this," said Vince Cavataio, a Shelby Township freshman.
Central is not only leading the way in architectural design, it is making advancements in energy conservation throughout the campus.
Green stickers have been placed on light-switches in campus buildings, reminding students and staff to turn off lights when leaving a room.
“We hope spending a little money on stickers will help save a lot of money on energy,” Lawrence said.
Cavataio said the stickers have helped him remember to flip off his switches.
“I feel like they’re yelling at me,” he said.
Aimee Herweyer, a Utica freshman, said she had always been careful with energy even before the stickers made it on campus, which took place in December of 2008.
“I never leave the room with the lights or the TV on,” Herweyer said. “Why
waste?”
Sunday, February 24, 2008
CMU Professor Discusses Cuba After Castro
By: John Morelli
On Feb.19, 2008, Fidel Castro announced he would not attempt to continue as president or commander-in-chief of
After undergoing surgery on July 31, 2006, his responsibilities were transferred to his younger brother, and future President of Cuba, Raúl Castro.
Dr. Krzysztof Kulawik, Central
“While his brother Raúl is in power… it will stay about the same,” Kulawik said. “You have to remember that Castro is not dead yet and won’t be even after he physically passes.
“He still is and will be for a while behind all that his brother Raúl does and all that’s going on in the government of the island,” Kulawik said.
Kulawik believes that
Even with the poor systems in
“Tourists and foreign visitors are treated amazingly well there, Cubans are very friendly and hospitable people,” Kulawik said.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Students take New York by storm
Alexis Kowaleski
Edited by: Trisha Vankoughnett, Noah Shepardson
Shepherd High School Choir students sang their way to
Students spent their Valentines weekend touring famous locations and taking notes from Phantom of the Opera star George Lee Andrews.
Starting their weekend long tour of New York, students attended Meet the Artist Program where they met Andrews and were able to not only hear about show business but also showed him what they were made of.
From the Apollo Theater to Carnegie Hall, students were given full tours of every performers dream venue. They even made a few stops to do some shopping in Times Square.
“The students were scared stiff walking around
One event that really touched the student’s hearts was when they visited Ground Zero. In 2002 the choir visited Ground Zero and left a stuffed bear in memory of Kara Spindler, a student of
"Our motto is to make a difference,” Peasley said.
The students took an inspirational trip to
“We performed at many venues,” Peasley said.
CMU grad students form a union
By Benjamen Evers
Central Michigan University’s graduate students are starting to band together in the formation of a union
The CMU Graduate Student Union formed roughly two weeks ago and has accumulated over 80 members, said CMU graduate student Michael Hoerger.
He said, “ Although we are a union, CMU has not recognized us.”
The purpose of the union, according to Hoerger, is to ensure that CMU graduate students are receiving at least what he calls a, “living wage.”
“We just want to get paid for the work we do that makes CMU great,” Hoerger said.
An increased stipend was recently approved at the CMU Board of Trustee’s meeting, however a request for medical and dental benefits was denied.
CMU masters students may receive $14,400 instead of $9,475 and doctoral students may now receive $18,550 instead of $10,550.
CMU interim dean of graduate studies Roger Coles says that this benefits program is comparable to that of other universities.
Hoerger said that these wages, “present the illusion of a living wage.”
He said that those wages are the maximum amount that students could receive, and he has never known a student who has been paid the full amount.
“This is like saying the U.S. economy is doing well because Bill Gates has billions of dollars,” Hoerger said.
CMU currently funds 20 credits of tuition per year, which amounts to 10 credits per semester.
Hoerger said that there are many graduate students who are required to take more than this per semester, so the paychecks go right back to the university in the form of tuition.
CMU President Michael Rao said that the money for these increased benefits would mean cuts from other departments.
Hoerger said, ” based on the enthusiasm and support . . .I am thoroughly convinced that this union effort will succeed.”
Castro’s Resignation
the
open door
By: Dan Schultz
Edited by: Trisha VanKoughnett and Alexis Kowaleski
Fidel Castro, who ran
Castro in fact pointed out he had made hints in a December letter read on “Round Table”, a political discussion show:
“My elemental duty is not to cling to positions, much less to stand in the way of younger persons, but rather to contribute experience and ideas whose modest value comes from the exceptional era in which I lived.”
Castro is certainly ushering in a new era, and he is doing it under his standards.
“I think what’s most important was that he managed to leave on his own terms,” Joyce Baugh explained. Baugh, a political science professor at
“He’s lived through 10 (
Castro stepped down only after serving as the world's longest-ruling head of state outside of monarchs, according to reports by the LA Times.
“He's catching up to me in years, so it's also a generational problem,” Castro said of his brother in his autobiography, “Fidel Castro: My Life”.
A new leader affects the
“His resignation allows for a different face (in government) which could possibly give an opening for us (the
“It’s a very important time for the
Talking could certainly iron out some differences—differences that Americans are hopeful to resolve.
“Certainly this is a step towards freedom and democracy for the Cuban people,” said Topinabee junior Dennis Lennox II. “It's time for the island to be liberated from the grips of tyranny and oppression.”
Wet Monkey Sub Shack brings a new twist to the conventional sandwich shop.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz and Alexis Kowaleski
The Wet Monkey Sub Shack in looking to capitalize on the new construction underway on East Bluegrass Road.
The restaurant is in a prime location to generate a lot of business with all the housing that is being constructed in that area.
The Wet Monkey, however, is not your typical sandwich shop, offering a great selection of submarine sandwiches, paninies, wraps and salads. There are also employment opportunities for Central Michigan Students.
“This is going to be the hot corner of Mount Pleasant,” John Devine, Owner of the Wet Monkey Sub Shack, said regarding the location of his business. “We want to recreate that mom and pop feel, take customer service to the next level and give people the best value for their money.”
The Wet Monkey Sub Shack opened on Tuesday February 12, and has experienced steady business ever since.
“My panini was great and I love the fact that I can have a banana instead of potato chips,“ said Lauren Brown, of Mount Pleasant. “This is a really fun restaurant with a great atmosphere.”
For more information about the Wet Monkey Sub Shack call (989) 772-1111.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz and Alexis Kowaleski
The Wet Monkey Sub Shack in looking to capitalize on the new construction underway on East Bluegrass Road.
The restaurant is in a prime location to generate a lot of business with all the housing that is being constructed in that area.
The Wet Monkey, however, is not your typical sandwich shop, offering a great selection of submarine sandwiches, paninies, wraps and salads. There are also employment opportunities for Central Michigan Students.
“This is going to be the hot corner of Mount Pleasant,” John Devine, Owner of the Wet Monkey Sub Shack, said regarding the location of his business. “We want to recreate that mom and pop feel, take customer service to the next level and give people the best value for their money.”
The Wet Monkey Sub Shack opened on Tuesday February 12, and has experienced steady business ever since.
“My panini was great and I love the fact that I can have a banana instead of potato chips,“ said Lauren Brown, of Mount Pleasant. “This is a really fun restaurant with a great atmosphere.”
For more information about the Wet Monkey Sub Shack call (989) 772-1111.
CMU forced to cut guaranteed tuition plan
By Kelly Morse
Edited By Amanda Crabtree, Sarah Schuch, Meredith Mayberry
The CMU Promise will not be available to incoming freshmen or transfer students starting next fall.
The plan was designed to guarantee students the same tuition rate for up to five years.
Last Thursday, the Board of Trustees decided that because of the state’s economic uncertainty, it would be in the university’s best interest to not continue offering the plan.
“While the Board of Trustees recently voted not to offer the CMU Promise to future students beginning in the fall 2008 semester, the university is committed to honoring the plan for current students,” said Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe in an e-mail to students. “We stand by our promise to you.”
The program began in the fall of 2005. The goal was to help those planning for higher education budget for college expenses.
A quick promotional video about CMU, which highlights the promise, is shown to all prospective students and their parents who come to campus for a tour.
“I always would get questions from parents about that during the tour,” said Sandy Burkhardt, a former Campus Ambassador. “They thought the idea was innovative.”
Although the incoming freshmen class increases every year, the university has not received a boost in state funding since the 1999-2000 school year.
“While CMU is the fourth largest university in the state, its state appropriation is 13th out of the 15 public universities and is $2,000 per student below the average,” said Steve Smith, director of media relations.
Even though the hike in tuition for the fall of 2007 was considered high, some students are more at ease with knowing that their tuition is locked in.
“CMU had a huge increase in tuition last year, but knowing that I was locked into a rate for the next five years was very attractive,” said Dan Martin, a freshman from Holly. “CMU may have raised it a lot all at once, but other schools will probably overall raise more over the next four or five years.”
A their July meeting, the Board of Trustees will decide the tuition rate for the fall semester.
By Kelly Morse
Edited By Amanda Crabtree, Sarah Schuch, Meredith Mayberry
The CMU Promise will not be available to incoming freshmen or transfer students starting next fall.
The plan was designed to guarantee students the same tuition rate for up to five years.
Last Thursday, the Board of Trustees decided that because of the state’s economic uncertainty, it would be in the university’s best interest to not continue offering the plan.
“While the Board of Trustees recently voted not to offer the CMU Promise to future students beginning in the fall 2008 semester, the university is committed to honoring the plan for current students,” said Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe in an e-mail to students. “We stand by our promise to you.”
The program began in the fall of 2005. The goal was to help those planning for higher education budget for college expenses.
A quick promotional video about CMU, which highlights the promise, is shown to all prospective students and their parents who come to campus for a tour.
“I always would get questions from parents about that during the tour,” said Sandy Burkhardt, a former Campus Ambassador. “They thought the idea was innovative.”
Although the incoming freshmen class increases every year, the university has not received a boost in state funding since the 1999-2000 school year.
“While CMU is the fourth largest university in the state, its state appropriation is 13th out of the 15 public universities and is $2,000 per student below the average,” said Steve Smith, director of media relations.
Even though the hike in tuition for the fall of 2007 was considered high, some students are more at ease with knowing that their tuition is locked in.
“CMU had a huge increase in tuition last year, but knowing that I was locked into a rate for the next five years was very attractive,” said Dan Martin, a freshman from Holly. “CMU may have raised it a lot all at once, but other schools will probably overall raise more over the next four or five years.”
A their July meeting, the Board of Trustees will decide the tuition rate for the fall semester.
CMU Students volunteer at Renaissance Academy
By: Amanda Crabtree
Students from Central Michigan University volunteered their time to students at Renaissance Public School Academy, last Wednesday.
Twelve members of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority gave one-on-one time to 31 students between the morning and afternoon preschool class of Amy Lucas.
Lucas has taught at Renaissance Academy for nine years and has never had volunteers come into her classroom, she said.
The girls who volunteered intended to come read with the children, but Lucas said they ended up following the children around the room doing art projects, coloring and some reading.
The Tri Sigma Sororities philanthropy slogan is “Sigma’s serve children,” so this was a great opportunity for the sorority to make a difference and help local children.
“If there were more volunteers, we would definitely do this again,” Lucas said, “because the experience was so well perceived by the children.”
While Maureen Kelly, a Muskegon sophomore and Tri Sigma member, had fun playing with the children, she could see they did not get volunteers often because there was no structure to their time with the children, she said
“She didn’t introduce us to the kids, and they don’t really talk to adults they don’t know,” Kelly said.
Overall, the children and Tri Sigma’s both enjoyed the experience and benefited from it.
“It’s nice to have fun and know you are making an impact just by playing with the children,” said Alyssa Strickland, Grand Rapids senior.
“Our chapter is now discussing the possibility of doing this more frequently and I think its a great way to get more involved with philanthropic type activities in our community,” said Dana Oselett, Education Director of Tri Sigma.
Edited by: Sarah Schuch and Meredith Mayberry
Students from Central Michigan University volunteered their time to students at Renaissance Public School Academy, last Wednesday.
Twelve members of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority gave one-on-one time to 31 students between the morning and afternoon preschool class of Amy Lucas.
Lucas has taught at Renaissance Academy for nine years and has never had volunteers come into her classroom, she said.
The girls who volunteered intended to come read with the children, but Lucas said they ended up following the children around the room doing art projects, coloring and some reading.
The Tri Sigma Sororities philanthropy slogan is “Sigma’s serve children,” so this was a great opportunity for the sorority to make a difference and help local children.
“If there were more volunteers, we would definitely do this again,” Lucas said, “because the experience was so well perceived by the children.”
While Maureen Kelly, a Muskegon sophomore and Tri Sigma member, had fun playing with the children, she could see they did not get volunteers often because there was no structure to their time with the children, she said
“She didn’t introduce us to the kids, and they don’t really talk to adults they don’t know,” Kelly said.
Overall, the children and Tri Sigma’s both enjoyed the experience and benefited from it.
“It’s nice to have fun and know you are making an impact just by playing with the children,” said Alyssa Strickland, Grand Rapids senior.
“Our chapter is now discussing the possibility of doing this more frequently and I think its a great way to get more involved with philanthropic type activities in our community,” said Dana Oselett, Education Director of Tri Sigma.
Edited by: Sarah Schuch and Meredith Mayberry
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Students remember those killed in NIU shooting
By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett
A memorial Mass was held Wednesday evening at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish at CMU in remembrance of the lives lost Feb. 14 in the
A number of students came to offer their prayers.
“I was checking my email (when the shooting happened) and received an update from the Chicago Tribune,” said
Students agreed that these shootings are becoming far too common.
“I find that the reaction was much less than Virgina Tech,” said St. Mary’s Pastor Fr. Will Prospero. “And it’s sad because it has happened before and now it’s a part of life.”
Media outlets have found events such as this to be breaking news. Although, the news is not reaching as many as it should.
“I think it’s weird that the previous shooting at Virgina Tech got more publicity,” said
The frequency of these shootings has not hindered the pain. Following such traumatic events as this, students and families will look for a way to cope.
“We can find hope in the resurrection of Christ throughout our suffering,” Prospero said in his Homily during the memorial
Public schools losing students
By John Kennett
Journalism 312 blog
Friday, Feb. 15
The subject of economics was in full force Wednesday for Mid-Michigan school districts and each district came up short.
Twice per year, the state requires school districts to tally its students to determine the amount of state funding each district will receive.
The September count day determines 75 percent of a school’s funding while February decides the other 25 percent.
Each school district in Midland County school districts lost students from the September count day.
Midland Public Schools lost 75 students, which translated into a loss of $663,600 in revenue for MPS. MPS receives $8848 per student from the state of Michigan. School officials said the drop in students was due to transfers, students leaving because of Michigan’s poor economy and early January graduations.
Meridian Public Schools only lost three students while Coleman Community Schools saw a decrease of 11. Both Meridian and Coleman receive $7,204 per pupil.
The Bullock Creek School District did not fare very well with a drop of 36 students from the September count day. The loss in students means that BCSD will receive $259,344 less in state aid.
In Isabella County, Shepherd Public Schools saw a decrease of three students according to school officials. For each student, SPS receives $7,204.
As of Friday, Beal City did not have its count available.
“I have not received the count yet from all our departments,” said Julie Freeze, business manager for Beal City Public Schools.
The state allows each school district 10 days to count students who were absent on count day. Districts can file for a 30-day extension to count students who are out due to long-term illnesses.
Edited by Ben Evers and Jason Baird
Journalism 312 blog
Friday, Feb. 15
The subject of economics was in full force Wednesday for Mid-Michigan school districts and each district came up short.
Twice per year, the state requires school districts to tally its students to determine the amount of state funding each district will receive.
The September count day determines 75 percent of a school’s funding while February decides the other 25 percent.
Each school district in Midland County school districts lost students from the September count day.
Midland Public Schools lost 75 students, which translated into a loss of $663,600 in revenue for MPS. MPS receives $8848 per student from the state of Michigan. School officials said the drop in students was due to transfers, students leaving because of Michigan’s poor economy and early January graduations.
Meridian Public Schools only lost three students while Coleman Community Schools saw a decrease of 11. Both Meridian and Coleman receive $7,204 per pupil.
The Bullock Creek School District did not fare very well with a drop of 36 students from the September count day. The loss in students means that BCSD will receive $259,344 less in state aid.
In Isabella County, Shepherd Public Schools saw a decrease of three students according to school officials. For each student, SPS receives $7,204.
As of Friday, Beal City did not have its count available.
“I have not received the count yet from all our departments,” said Julie Freeze, business manager for Beal City Public Schools.
The state allows each school district 10 days to count students who were absent on count day. Districts can file for a 30-day extension to count students who are out due to long-term illnesses.
Edited by Ben Evers and Jason Baird
Promoting Liberty Tax Service a "Chilly" Job
By Justin Marr
Dancing around in a blizzard wearing a blue patina liberty suit and a big grin might seem like an odd job to most people.
But to Carl Miller and his fiancé Melissa McGlinchey, it’s a paycheck.
The two have promoted Liberty Tax Services (LTS) on Mission St. for two winters and have enjoyed it.
“I like jobs where I’m outdoors as long as I have my music and headphones,” McGlinchey said. “It’s also nice not having a boss right over your shoulder the entire time you’re at work.”
McGlinchey has also worked as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army and directed traffic for the road commission, but said this job rates at the top.
She said she worked outside last year when she was eight months pregnant.
The job being seasonal coupled with the declining Michigan economy has made it difficult for the couple to find full-time jobs.
Miller was recently laid off from a factory job in Traverse City and has had to find work in Mount Pleasant.
“I’m just trying to support my fiancé and daughter,” Miller said. “Michigan is a tough place to get a job, but I’m enjoying this job for now.”
Fortunately, LTS rules don’t allow employees to work in below zero temperatures, but Miller doesn’t mind the frigid weather.
“One day I wanted to work when it was freezing out, but [LTS] wouldn’t let me,” he said. “I wear about four layers of clothes. I have a pretty good cold tolerance, most people probably couldn’t do this job.”
Aside from the liberty suit, Miller said he also wears two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, winter coat, hat and gloves.
If he did happen to get cold during his four-hour shift, his office manager allows breaks.
“I’ll usually stand out there for about two hours at a time,” he said. “And then I’ll come inside and get coffee or hot cocoa to warm up for five minutes, but then it’s right back at it.”
With the immense amount of traffic, Miller receives diverse reactions from people driving by.
Some are better than others.
“Most truckers and some cars will blow their horn when they’re going by,” he said. “But you get the occasional kid who will yell vulgar language or flip the bird. You get used to it.”
Miller said the discount he receives on his tax return consultation cancels out all the disadvantages of the job.
He has to wait until March to receive it, but said the wait is worth it.
“It’s not an everyday job,” Miller said. “But it pays the bills and its actually pretty fun. I don’t mind going to work everyday.”
Dancing around in a blizzard wearing a blue patina liberty suit and a big grin might seem like an odd job to most people.
But to Carl Miller and his fiancé Melissa McGlinchey, it’s a paycheck.
The two have promoted Liberty Tax Services (LTS) on Mission St. for two winters and have enjoyed it.
“I like jobs where I’m outdoors as long as I have my music and headphones,” McGlinchey said. “It’s also nice not having a boss right over your shoulder the entire time you’re at work.”
McGlinchey has also worked as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army and directed traffic for the road commission, but said this job rates at the top.
She said she worked outside last year when she was eight months pregnant.
The job being seasonal coupled with the declining Michigan economy has made it difficult for the couple to find full-time jobs.
Miller was recently laid off from a factory job in Traverse City and has had to find work in Mount Pleasant.
“I’m just trying to support my fiancé and daughter,” Miller said. “Michigan is a tough place to get a job, but I’m enjoying this job for now.”
Fortunately, LTS rules don’t allow employees to work in below zero temperatures, but Miller doesn’t mind the frigid weather.
“One day I wanted to work when it was freezing out, but [LTS] wouldn’t let me,” he said. “I wear about four layers of clothes. I have a pretty good cold tolerance, most people probably couldn’t do this job.”
Aside from the liberty suit, Miller said he also wears two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, winter coat, hat and gloves.
If he did happen to get cold during his four-hour shift, his office manager allows breaks.
“I’ll usually stand out there for about two hours at a time,” he said. “And then I’ll come inside and get coffee or hot cocoa to warm up for five minutes, but then it’s right back at it.”
With the immense amount of traffic, Miller receives diverse reactions from people driving by.
Some are better than others.
“Most truckers and some cars will blow their horn when they’re going by,” he said. “But you get the occasional kid who will yell vulgar language or flip the bird. You get used to it.”
Miller said the discount he receives on his tax return consultation cancels out all the disadvantages of the job.
He has to wait until March to receive it, but said the wait is worth it.
“It’s not an everyday job,” Miller said. “But it pays the bills and its actually pretty fun. I don’t mind going to work everyday.”
CMU raises graduate assistant pay
By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Kelly Morse and Amanda Crabtree
Central Michigan University raised graduate assistant salaries 3 percent on Thursday to meet the needs of a unionized group of graduate student assistants.
The students, the Graduate Student Union, are asking the university for a living wage, which they define as the smallest wage that will pay for rent, food, gas, and other necessities.
Roger Coles, interim dean of graduate studies at CMU, said the university’s pay is comparable to other institutions.
“We do studies every year with how our stipends compare to other universities,” Coles said. “We see comparability, the students don’t.”
Coles said next year’s bachelor assistants will earn between $9,800 and $14,400. Masters assistants will earn about $10,300 and doctoral assistants will earn between $10,850 and $19,000.
Out of the 137 doctoral students at CMU, 101 are receiving $12,600 or more, Coles said.
Michael Hoerger, a third year graduate student in the psychology department, said those numbers look good on paper, but are less than accurate.
Most graduate assistants make between $4,000 and $5,000 a year, Hoerger said.
“The statistics look good,” he said. “But that’s like saying the U.S. economy is good because Bill Gates is rich.”
Hoerger said he currently works three jobs. He works at the psychology center in Saginaw, teaches at CMU and does web design. He also does research, which offers no pay.
One of the issues graduate assistants have is half-time employment, which means half of the allotted stipend, or pay, according to the Graduate Student Union Web site, cmugsu.com.
“They still get in-state tuition,” said Coles.
The union has contacted student organizations, department heads, officials at the graduate school and President Rao.
“Basically, I was told that it’s supply and demand,” Hoerger said. “If students are taking this pay, the university will continue to give it.”
Coles said the graduate assistants have yet to approach him about the subject.
Graduate assistants only receive partial tuition reimbursement and no medical or dental coverage, according to the Web site.
“Future applicants are choosing to attend lesser schools who treat their graduate students with respect,” the Web site notes.
The Graduate Student Union had their first meeting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the basement of Sloan Hall. About 20 graduate students attended from a variety of programs. Their next scheduled meeting is Feb. 26.
“We all have a problem here,” Hoerger said.
Edited by Kelly Morse and Amanda Crabtree
Central Michigan University raised graduate assistant salaries 3 percent on Thursday to meet the needs of a unionized group of graduate student assistants.
The students, the Graduate Student Union, are asking the university for a living wage, which they define as the smallest wage that will pay for rent, food, gas, and other necessities.
Roger Coles, interim dean of graduate studies at CMU, said the university’s pay is comparable to other institutions.
“We do studies every year with how our stipends compare to other universities,” Coles said. “We see comparability, the students don’t.”
Coles said next year’s bachelor assistants will earn between $9,800 and $14,400. Masters assistants will earn about $10,300 and doctoral assistants will earn between $10,850 and $19,000.
Out of the 137 doctoral students at CMU, 101 are receiving $12,600 or more, Coles said.
Michael Hoerger, a third year graduate student in the psychology department, said those numbers look good on paper, but are less than accurate.
Most graduate assistants make between $4,000 and $5,000 a year, Hoerger said.
“The statistics look good,” he said. “But that’s like saying the U.S. economy is good because Bill Gates is rich.”
Hoerger said he currently works three jobs. He works at the psychology center in Saginaw, teaches at CMU and does web design. He also does research, which offers no pay.
One of the issues graduate assistants have is half-time employment, which means half of the allotted stipend, or pay, according to the Graduate Student Union Web site, cmugsu.com.
“They still get in-state tuition,” said Coles.
The union has contacted student organizations, department heads, officials at the graduate school and President Rao.
“Basically, I was told that it’s supply and demand,” Hoerger said. “If students are taking this pay, the university will continue to give it.”
Coles said the graduate assistants have yet to approach him about the subject.
Graduate assistants only receive partial tuition reimbursement and no medical or dental coverage, according to the Web site.
“Future applicants are choosing to attend lesser schools who treat their graduate students with respect,” the Web site notes.
The Graduate Student Union had their first meeting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the basement of Sloan Hall. About 20 graduate students attended from a variety of programs. Their next scheduled meeting is Feb. 26.
“We all have a problem here,” Hoerger said.
All televisions are converting to digital soon
By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse
In less than a year, the broadcasting technology for television will be upgraded to digital and bring new opportunities to consumers.
Preparations are already being made for the Feb. 17, 2009 analogue turn off date that will affect most consumers.
“One in 10 people will be cut off and not have television at all,” said Kevin Campbell, instructor for the School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts.
Campbell said consumers need to be hooked up to cable, satellite or buy a converter box, which changes the digital signal back to analogue.
By going digital, broadcasters and consumers are presented with more options.
People will have the option of having widescreen films broadcasted to their home, along with an improved signal and additional channel choices, Campbell said.
“Now there will be like 700 channels with nothing on them,” said Jan Howard, executive director of Mid Michigan Area Cable Consortion, jokingly.
Broadcasters will be able to choose full widescreen or use multicasting, where they use four signals at a time.
Charter uses multicasting now for channel 12. They have their normal station, and then they have a weather station and two others.
According to Digital Television’s Web site, www.dtv.gov, converting to digital will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those parts can then be used in areas such as public and safety services and advanced wireless services.
As of March 1, 2007, all new TVs had to include digital tuners. The only way a TV could still contain an analogue tuner is if it also had a digital tuner, according to the Web site.
Dallas Lape, store manager of ABC Warehouse, said new TV sales have increased tremendously since the new law. Only a few TVs are left with analogue tuners in the business’ chain, but there are none left in his store.
Campbell said a lot of people have the misconception that a new TV should be bought. They don’t necessarily need to replace their television set.
Howard said individuals can also hook their TV up to a DVD player that has a digital tuner and change channels that way. It’s not the best way, but it will work, she said.
“Make (a new TV) your Christmas gift to yourself,” Howard said. “That’s the best advice I can give.”
Consumers who will have the most challenges are those who live in rural areas and use rabbit ears, Campbell said.
Only those using rabbit ears or an antenna will be directly affected by the change in 2009. Basic cable won’t be completely digital until 2012, but it is encouraged to be prepared soon, Howard said.
Those individuals affected in 2009 will have to either buy the converter box or get satellite. The box should be available in stores within the next couple of weeks at Best Buy or other electronic stores, Campbell said.
Lape said ABC Warehouse sells the converter box for $48, when they should cost $59.
On Digital Television’s Web site individuals can register to get a coupon for $40 off the price of a converter. It expires 90 days after you receive it.
“It’s the government’s way of dealing with the conversion,” Campbell said.
When the date of the conversion was decided, one thing was on the mind of the Federal Communications Commission.
“Thank God they scheduled it after the superbowl,” Howard said, quoting a member of the FCC.
TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSELook To The Heavens For Love
by Jason Baird
Have you ever heard romantics ponder the possibility of looking longingly into the same sky as their distant lover?
They’ll have plenty to inspire their passionate hearts tonight.
Tonight, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight EST. a total lunar eclipse turns the moon red for the world to see, romantics and cynics alike. Perhaps it’s only coincidence it’s happening six days after Valentines Day.
While the exquisite sight is visible from any U.S. location with a clear sky, Central Michigan University is opening its Brooks Hall observatory in Mount Pleasant to students and the public.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Tonight’s eclipse is a “total” eclipse because the moon will be completely covered by the Earth’s shadow. The whole process from full moon to partial eclipse, and on to full eclipse is visible to viewers.
The reason the moon becomes colored red is another inspirational fact.
The red color comes from the light of sunrises and sunsets around the globe passing through Earth’s atmosphere, CMU Physics Professor Glen Williams said.
If you haven’t heard enough sentimental qualities about tonight’s eclipse to get you to watch, there’s EVEN MORE.
In the near vicinity to the moon will be Saturn and the slightly dimmer, bluish colored star Regulus. The three will form a sort of celestial triangle for viewers to appreciate.
Tonight should be a fantastic marvel of nature for all to see, weather providing.
Local weather forecasters are calling for partly cloudy skies with scattered snow flurries.
The next total eclipse isn’t expected until late December 2010.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Students react to Corbin verdict
By Mariah Richards
Edited by Erin Hillard and John Morelli
Former CMU faculty member, Alan Bruce Corbin was found guilty of ten counts of child molestation on January 30, 2008.
Corbin was found guilty on five counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree with a person under the age of 13, and five counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, with a person under the age of 13. The second degree charges alone carry a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison.
Corbin’s sentencing will take place on March 7.
“I had a class with him when I first went to CMU,” said former CMU student Ashley Wilson. “He just seemed sort of strange. Still, I never would have thought that he was doing things like this. I felt sort of sick when I heard this.”
Mount Pleasant resident Karen Judge said that she was glad about the verdict.
“I hate that these things happen in our community, but I’m glad that the court did its job and convicted him. I hope they keep him in prison as long as possible.”
Student worker Elisha Richards said the verdict was not a surprise to her.
“I work in the same building he did,” she said. “Whenever I saw him, I felt like crossing to the other side of the hallway. He was a real creeper.”
Edited by Erin Hillard and John Morelli
Former CMU faculty member, Alan Bruce Corbin was found guilty of ten counts of child molestation on January 30, 2008.
Corbin was found guilty on five counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree with a person under the age of 13, and five counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, with a person under the age of 13. The second degree charges alone carry a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison.
Corbin’s sentencing will take place on March 7.
“I had a class with him when I first went to CMU,” said former CMU student Ashley Wilson. “He just seemed sort of strange. Still, I never would have thought that he was doing things like this. I felt sort of sick when I heard this.”
Mount Pleasant resident Karen Judge said that she was glad about the verdict.
“I hate that these things happen in our community, but I’m glad that the court did its job and convicted him. I hope they keep him in prison as long as possible.”
Student worker Elisha Richards said the verdict was not a surprise to her.
“I work in the same building he did,” she said. “Whenever I saw him, I felt like crossing to the other side of the hallway. He was a real creeper.”
Monday, February 18, 2008
Central sponsors Relay for Life
Erin Hillard
Central Michigan University sponsored the annual Relay for Life Saturday and Sunday at the indoor athletics complex. The relay was held at 350 other campuses throughout the United States on those days.
The relay, which began at 10 a.m. Saturday and ended the same time on Sunday, was held to raise money for cancer research.
Student organizations, including fraternities and honors groups, set up booths around a track, and each group was required to have someone walking the track at all times.
The booths were set up to raise money, allowing people to stop and play games, or partake in guitar hero tournaments, for donations, which were then donated to the American Cancer Society.
Volunteers seemed to be enjoying themselves, but that didn't stop them from realizing how important the relay was.
"Being here makes me feel like I'm helping to find a cure," said Chad Schafer, CMU junior.
Other people also felt the importance of the event.
"Despite all of the fundraisers, we're still fighting cancer and every little bit helps," Annie Kehoe, CMU senior, said.
She participated in Relay for Life all throughout high school, and decided this year to get involved at CMU.
Along with honoring cancer survivors, the Luminaria program commemorated those who died fighting.
"My cousin died of cancer, and this is my way of honoring her memory," Schafer said.
Relay for Life was started by one doctor in 1986, with 300 participants, and now, 19 different countries participate in the event, raising millions of dollars.
Edited by: John Morelli and Mariah Richards
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Beal City loses to Central Montcalm
Erin Hillard
The Beal City Aggies lost to
The game started off well for the Aggies, who scored two points in the first minute of the game with an impressive string of hand offs.
The first quarter went on with each team scoring a number of three-point baskets, and ended with a score of Beal City 8, Central Montcalm 14.
Alex Barnes,
The second quarter ended with a score of 25 to 21.
The Aggies maintained their lead in the third quarter, with a score of 42 to 35, despite four successful three-point baskets from
The first points of the fourth quarter came late, when Cody Nyp,
With three minutes in the game,
Central Montcalm overtook the Aggies in the last two minutes, and remained in the lead, despite a last minute attempt by
Despite the loss, Tom Ramon,
“Anytime I lose I hate,” he said. “But the team played hard, and made a good effort.”
Ramon said the team’s biggest problems came in the fourth quarter when
“The point is to play hard every game, and that’s what we do,” he said.
Edited by: Mariah Richards and John MorelliTiger roster questionable at Spring Training opening
by Jason BairdSpring Training is under way for Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland Fla.
Position players begin to work out next week and the first full-squad workout won't take place until next Wednesday.
With Brandon Inge’s future still undetermined, the roster is far from definite. Detroit manager Jim Leyland and president/general manager Dave Dombrowski spoke with Inge weeks ago, telling him they had no trade deals on the table. A starting lineup, however, has not yet been set.
Leyland has only given a generic statement about Inge’s future.
After Leyland and Inge have a chance to talk, [Leyland told detroit.tigers.mlb.com,] they will set up a meeting with the media.
"We'll discuss it and tell you everything,” the Tigers web site quotes Leyland as saying. “That way, he won't be aggravated every day with somebody at his locker asking if he thinks [a trade] is going to happen,”
With the Tigers’ offseason recruitment of Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers have a new third baseman prospect. Inge’s talents at numerous positions on the field give him versatility.
While his talents make him an appealing trade option, continuing his $19.1 million contract over the next three years is a lot for other teams to inherit.
At that price, it’s a good bet Inge won’t be warming the bench, even though he doesn’t have a secure position.
“I love playing the game of baseball,” Inge told the Major League’s Tigers Web site. “There's nothing more in my life other than my kids and my family that I love more.”
He said it wasn’t about money.
“I don't care how much money you pay me. I want to play,” he said.
With only 25 spots on the team roster, Marcus Thames, Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn could be let go if Inge stays, according to a statement from Dombrowski.
Slightly more stability in the roster comes in the rehabilitation of Gary Sheffield’s arm.
After shoulder surgery last October, Sheffield is swinging the bat. The Tiger Web
site reports he’s feeling pain-free and expects to be ready for Opening Day.
After similar surgery in 2004, he resumed regular play after sitting for the first week of Spring Training games.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Academic Senate to Further Discuss Additional Day of Class
By: John Morelli
Edited by: Erin Hillard and Mariah Richards
Edited by: Erin Hillard and Mariah Richards
On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008,
This will be the first time the Academic Senate has met since the additional day was proposed.
“The general consensus seems to be that the professors and administration are for adding another day and the students are opposed,” said Nicole Kennedy, a student representative on the Academic Senate.
According to Kennedy, since the proposal there have been many e-mails sent over their listserv in regards to the extra day.
“One of the debates is as to whether or not the Academic Senate has the authority to add on another day to the calendar or if that decision has to be made by the Faculty Association,” Kennedy said.
If the Academic Senate is allowed to add an extra day of class, Kennedy still has many issues with doing so.
She believes that adding an extra day will make things difficult for students living in the residence halls who had already made plans to remove their larger pieces of furniture that day.
“Also, many students have already made plans for these two days and there are many activities going on around campus (on the proposed day of additional class),” Kennedy said.
Based on Kennedy’s impression from faculty and other students, many teachers have made the adjustments to their schedules and assigned more work outside of the classroom to compensate.
“A few professors have proposed establishing some type of future plan to implement if so many snow days occur again,” Kennedy said. “But once again, we are not sure who has the authority to add calendar days.”
Sometimes Happy Valentine's Day
Alexis Kowaleski
Edited by Trisha Vankoughnett and Noah Shepardson
Valentine’s Day celebrates the love you have for your significant other or in other cases the love that you don’t share resulting in bitterly sleeping the day away.
Each holiday is easier when you’re younger. Every Valentine’s Day students pass out valentines to everyone in class, everyone got the chalky hearts and no one was left out. The older we get the less people we have taking the time to tell us that we are loved.
Those that are single always find a way to make Valentine’s Day a holiday of anti-love.
“This year I don’t have a valentine…I’m having an anti-Valentine’s Day dinner with my other single roommate,” Jackie Brown of Royal Oak said.
Even some couples don’t truly buy into the idea of a day celebrating love.
“I’ll be sitting in my room sleeping all day, probably watching TV…my boyfriend doesn’t go to CMU so if he comes up here to surprise me then maybe we’ll go out to eat,” Nicole Welch of Southfield said.
However bitter or unenthusiastic some people may be about Valentine’s Day there still remains a glimmer of romanticism in some students.
“I would say I go all out for my boyfriend, I always like to get him something really sweet and thoughtful,” Jenna Andrews of Sterling Heights said.
Couples always enjoy a good night out on the town for the Valentine holiday. Sometimes even a dinner and movie will prove romantic enough for couples.
No matter how romantic a Valentine’s Day can be, many people are haunted by past holiday’s that were not so perfect.
“My worst Valentine’s Day was my senior year of high school, I filled my boyfriend’s locker with hearts and decorations and all day he ignored it like I was nothing,” Brown said.
No matter what the past and present Valentine’s Days have brought to people, there will always be the true romantics decorating the day with red hearts and there will always be the cynic’s ignoring the love around them.
Edited by Trisha Vankoughnett and Noah Shepardson
Valentine’s Day celebrates the love you have for your significant other or in other cases the love that you don’t share resulting in bitterly sleeping the day away.
Each holiday is easier when you’re younger. Every Valentine’s Day students pass out valentines to everyone in class, everyone got the chalky hearts and no one was left out. The older we get the less people we have taking the time to tell us that we are loved.
Those that are single always find a way to make Valentine’s Day a holiday of anti-love.
“This year I don’t have a valentine…I’m having an anti-Valentine’s Day dinner with my other single roommate,” Jackie Brown of Royal Oak said.
Even some couples don’t truly buy into the idea of a day celebrating love.
“I’ll be sitting in my room sleeping all day, probably watching TV…my boyfriend doesn’t go to CMU so if he comes up here to surprise me then maybe we’ll go out to eat,” Nicole Welch of Southfield said.
However bitter or unenthusiastic some people may be about Valentine’s Day there still remains a glimmer of romanticism in some students.
“I would say I go all out for my boyfriend, I always like to get him something really sweet and thoughtful,” Jenna Andrews of Sterling Heights said.
Couples always enjoy a good night out on the town for the Valentine holiday. Sometimes even a dinner and movie will prove romantic enough for couples.
No matter how romantic a Valentine’s Day can be, many people are haunted by past holiday’s that were not so perfect.
“My worst Valentine’s Day was my senior year of high school, I filled my boyfriend’s locker with hearts and decorations and all day he ignored it like I was nothing,” Brown said.
No matter what the past and present Valentine’s Days have brought to people, there will always be the true romantics decorating the day with red hearts and there will always be the cynic’s ignoring the love around them.
Mount Pleasant Wrestling team takes the conference
Justin Marr
With only three years in the Saginaw Valley League, the
Mount Pleasant High School wrestling team has achieved an
incredible feat.
The team dominated the SVL Tuesday with a convincing
conference title victory advancing them to Districts.
Coach Pat Boyd assumed a bitter end to last year’s season
motivated his team this year.
“The team didn’t quite cut it last season in the conference
championship,” He said. “But this season the team was
definitely more motivated because of that.”
Last season, the Oilers were narrowly beat by Bay
City Central, 204.5-203.
This season there was no question as the team routed the
conference scoring 267.5 points, while Bay City Western
lagged by 100 points.
The team had an unblemished record of 10-0 in conference
duel matches this season securing an overall record of 30-
0.
With the help of 14 Mount Pleasant wrestlers taking fifth
or better, the team is ranked number seven in Division 2
play.
The 145-pounder Zach Carr earned the Most Valuable Wrestler
award for his valiant first place finish.
Other first place victories came from Cale Harter (215), Will
Machuta (160), Nick Loveberry (140), Adam Martinez (135), and
Chad McClain (130).
“The team did an outstanding job with so many first place
finishes,” Boyd said. “I was expecting victory, but not on
this scale. The team continues to make me proud.”
Joel Freebury (189), Josh Block (125), Justin Cashen (112),
and Brittany Horan (103) took second on the day for the
Oilers, while Kyle Quinn (171) and Korey Keehbauch (152)
finished third. Kurt Barker (119) and Jon
Zeneberg (HVY) each finished in fifth.
Coach Boyd, with the help of a stellar squad and a perfect
season,
received the Saginaw Valley League Coach of the year honors.
He was modest about receiving the award.
“It’s quite an honor to get the award,” he said. “But with a
team as good as these guys are, of course I’m going to look
good. I have to hand it to the team though, they did a
fantastic job.”
The Oilers will compete Wednesday at Ludington in districts.
If the team wins, it will host the Division 2 regional next
week.
With only three years in the Saginaw Valley League, the
Mount Pleasant High School wrestling team has achieved an
incredible feat.
The team dominated the SVL Tuesday with a convincing
conference title victory advancing them to Districts.
Coach Pat Boyd assumed a bitter end to last year’s season
motivated his team this year.
“The team didn’t quite cut it last season in the conference
championship,” He said. “But this season the team was
definitely more motivated because of that.”
Last season, the Oilers were narrowly beat by Bay
City Central, 204.5-203.
This season there was no question as the team routed the
conference scoring 267.5 points, while Bay City Western
lagged by 100 points.
The team had an unblemished record of 10-0 in conference
duel matches this season securing an overall record of 30-
0.
With the help of 14 Mount Pleasant wrestlers taking fifth
or better, the team is ranked number seven in Division 2
play.
The 145-pounder Zach Carr earned the Most Valuable Wrestler
award for his valiant first place finish.
Other first place victories came from Cale Harter (215), Will
Machuta (160), Nick Loveberry (140), Adam Martinez (135), and
Chad McClain (130).
“The team did an outstanding job with so many first place
finishes,” Boyd said. “I was expecting victory, but not on
this scale. The team continues to make me proud.”
Joel Freebury (189), Josh Block (125), Justin Cashen (112),
and Brittany Horan (103) took second on the day for the
Oilers, while Kyle Quinn (171) and Korey Keehbauch (152)
finished third. Kurt Barker (119) and Jon
Zeneberg (HVY) each finished in fifth.
Coach Boyd, with the help of a stellar squad and a perfect
season,
received the Saginaw Valley League Coach of the year honors.
He was modest about receiving the award.
“It’s quite an honor to get the award,” he said. “But with a
team as good as these guys are, of course I’m going to look
good. I have to hand it to the team though, they did a
fantastic job.”
The Oilers will compete Wednesday at Ludington in districts.
If the team wins, it will host the Division 2 regional next
week.
Summer job fair brings recreation groups to Central Michigan University’s Bovee University Center.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited by: Dan Schultz and Alexis Kowaleski
Central Michigan University’s Bovee University Center Rotunda was buzzing with students Wednesday afternoon. Central Michigan’s Center for Leisure Services, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration put on its annual summer job fair. Over 75 different representatives of the recreation, hospitality, and tourism industry set up booths enticing Central Michigan students to take an adventure this summer. Various YMCA groups, golf resorts and even theme parks were represented at this year’s summer job fair.
“The Center for Leisure Services has been putting on this event for 34 years,” said Dean Wallin, Director of the Center for Leisure Services, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration. “I was really, really happy with the turnout this year and our student volunteers had a great effect on making the fair so successful.”
Over 1000 students attended the summer job fair and many of them found work.
“It sounds like a lot of fun,” Unionville, sophomore Matt Montei said. Matt signed up to work for Camp Nissokone, a YMCA group out of Metro Detroit.
“It’s great to come here and find individuals that want to help make this a great summer for the kids,” said Chad Flanagan, Camp Director at Camp Nissokone.
The summer job fair allows only businesses that cater to the recreation, hospitality and tourism industry. This aspect of the job fair draws organizations that normally do not present at job fairs because of all the other industries that present at a normal job fair. For more information on possible summer employment go to http://www.rpl.cmich.edu/cls/summerjobfair.htm.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited by: Dan Schultz and Alexis Kowaleski
Central Michigan University’s Bovee University Center Rotunda was buzzing with students Wednesday afternoon. Central Michigan’s Center for Leisure Services, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration put on its annual summer job fair. Over 75 different representatives of the recreation, hospitality, and tourism industry set up booths enticing Central Michigan students to take an adventure this summer. Various YMCA groups, golf resorts and even theme parks were represented at this year’s summer job fair.
“The Center for Leisure Services has been putting on this event for 34 years,” said Dean Wallin, Director of the Center for Leisure Services, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration. “I was really, really happy with the turnout this year and our student volunteers had a great effect on making the fair so successful.”
Over 1000 students attended the summer job fair and many of them found work.
“It sounds like a lot of fun,” Unionville, sophomore Matt Montei said. Matt signed up to work for Camp Nissokone, a YMCA group out of Metro Detroit.
“It’s great to come here and find individuals that want to help make this a great summer for the kids,” said Chad Flanagan, Camp Director at Camp Nissokone.
The summer job fair allows only businesses that cater to the recreation, hospitality and tourism industry. This aspect of the job fair draws organizations that normally do not present at job fairs because of all the other industries that present at a normal job fair. For more information on possible summer employment go to http://www.rpl.cmich.edu/cls/summerjobfair.htm.
The College Student
Balancing work, school and life
By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett
College students prove to be most efficient at time management and multi-tasking.
Amidst a constant flow of applications, homework assignments, planning events and the rest of their lives, do college students really get a chance to live normally? Problems are surely present.
“Time management… No doubt. I have a real problem with this,” said Grand Ledge senior Niki Ward. “Especially in my major trying to balance regular lecture classes and projects and getting everything done on time.”
Countless trials of balancing work schedules, homework and every day activities puts students in tough situations.
An average college student’s day consists of two or more classes, several hours of homework and sometimes either a work shift or some kind of meeting.
“I think that dealing with multiple avenues of stress from jobs, school, and financial issues is the hardest thing to deal with,” said
The consensus college students have come to is that time management is the worst.
“Budgeting time to study, work, hang out and go home,” is what
“The thing that I look forward to is never doing homework again,” Downes said with a smile. “Just kidding… I look forward to having a job that I actually like.”
A career holds an opportunity to focus on one area and one area only. This is something to be excited about.
“I look forward to no homework from multiple classes,” Ward said. “I will only have to focus on my job.”
Through all of the struggles, there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.
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