IN DEPTH THE STAMPEDE an open forum for student expression
Dec. 6, 2018
Vaping: a highschool epidemic Page 08 Tammy Lacey’s Retirement page 04 Human Trafficking and Safety page 12
This model is a graduated student who is of the age of 18.
Introducing the “IN DEPTH” issue
The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT December 6, 2018 Vol. 54 Issue 3 www.rustlernews.com Instagram: rustler_news Twitter: rustlernews
by Maggie Petersen, staff writer High school marks the end of an era for many students; the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the facing of new challenges to enrich our budding lives. It is during this time of progress where climbing new mountains and self-searching becomes invaluable. To delve more in depth into the issues facing our generation today becomes key to conquering them tomorrow. That is what inspires this new addition of our paper: “Stampede IN DEPTH”. In an effort to magnify our skills as well as the stories of our community, the Stampede writers have buckled down with this new format to shine the light on important topics from the rising global issues of vaping and human trafficking, to the stories that directly impact us like the retirement of Tamey Lacey and CMR’s production of The Sound of Music. The writers have worked
tirelessly to produce new layouts and longer, more engaging articles. The extra space afforded through this magazine has given us the ability to approach each topic with an informed outlook, enabling every article to be fulfilling and meaningful in its own way. Those working in the Stampede cannot be more pleased to present this special addition of their diligent efforts. With the in depth work of this issue, the number of those given pieces has decreased to give room for the free expression of ideas as well as to allow each writer to push his or her journalistic boundaries. Another publication of “Stampede IN DEPTH” will be released next semester. Those of us at the Stampede take great pride in our ability to provide the student body with new perspectives and well-informed stories. We work tirelessly to deliver the best product possible. With that, please enjoy this special addition: “Stampede IN DEPTH”.
2018-2019 Staff Editors
Editor-in-chief Grace Carr Advisor Beth Britton Principal Kerry Parsens News/Opinion Sophie Kluge Features/Entertainment Quinn Soltesz Sports Gabrielle Pope Photo Nancy Beston Online Holly Spragg Design McKenzie Connell
Staff
Callan Garner Jackson Howell Jayla Mitchell Kaylebb Stahmer Maggie Petersen Hannah Pospisil Katie Mygland Madison McKenzie Kerrigan Edwards Malcolm Contreras Taylor Willmarth Elinor VanGilder Gloria Baldevia Aspen Lucero Lauren Rich Dorla Gittins Paige McCorkle
Table of Contents
The Stampede staff strives to produce a publication that is relevant to the CMR student body while maintaining journalistic standards. We help to provide a free exchange of ideas and establish a student voice in the school community.
Editorial Policy
The Stampede -- produced by journalism classes at C.M. Russell High School -- is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large. The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration. The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue. All writers are responsible for
On Nov. 13, students and teachers gather in the thunderdome to save lifes. Three lives are saved everytime someone donates and a total of eighty-four people donated. Photos by Nancy Beston.
the content of their articles. Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. Letters to the editor and guest essays are welcome. Letters are limited to 200 words, and essays 350 words. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number so authenticity can be verified. The editors and/ or adviser reserve the right to edit all letters for grammar and spelling as well as content that may include profanity, be libelous, obscene or not meet general editorial guidelines.
Anonymous letters are not accepted. Submissions can be dropped off in room 326 or e-mailed to: stampede@gfps.k12.mt.us. The Stampede maintains membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
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Table of Contents Introduction column Art Features Tammy Lacey’s Retirement Finances and Debt Vaping: A Highschool Epidemic Center: Sound of Music Human Trafficking and Safety Construction Mental and Physical Health Politics Teachers are People Too
Cover Photo by Nancy Beston
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
Meet the Artists by Hannah Pospisil, staff writer
Emma Bergman
Junior Emma Bergman has had an enormous love for art for as long as she can remember. “Just building something, the idea of creating something from nothing, and then you can do it in so many different ways with so many different medias. You can never get bored with it,” Bergman says, explaining what drives her to continue to create art. Her primary art form is painting, which one can see in many of her pieces, however she does dabble in many other forms including oil painting, drawing, colored pencils, watercolor, poetry, and stained glass. One thing is for sure: Bergman is far more comfortable with a brush in hand. This year, Berman is working on building a 2D art portfolio, one consisting of pieces such as print makings and paintings. Next year she plans on creating a 3D art portfolio that focuses more on items such as pottery and sculptural design. The ambitious junior is not sure if she wants to enter into an art career in her future, but she does say, “I do want it [art] to be a part of my job, something where you build something and you have to think creatively.”
Trey Cameron
Junior Trey Cameron plays his trumpet with pride and joy. Alongside the trumpet, Cameron is noted for his
On the left and center are pieces by Emma Bergmann (2018 and 2017). Right is Trey Cameron. Photo by Hannah Pospisil.
ability on the piano. He began piano lessons when he was around nine years old, and started to play the trumpet when he was in fifth grade. Cameron not only made it to the All-State band competition, but the All-Northwest band competition as well. All-State picks students from all around the state of Montana for a chance to play with a fully-developed group, on the otherhand, All-Northwest consists of students from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, as well as Montana and Wyoming. Cameron received the audition material before the end of the previous school year and worked on it for the entirety of
summer. “I knew it was going to be hard to get into, like, I’ve known some great musicians that have not got into it. So, you know, I am very proud of myself for getting into it, and I’m kind of sad for those who didn’t,” said Cameron. He’s not sure if he plans on playing music during his college career, however. He has his mind open to the possibility of it but worries he will be too busy for band and music. “I really enjoy playing the trumpet, [I enjoy] the kind of sound it produces, and there’s just something about the trumpet that’s just fun to play,” Cameron said.
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December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
G
FPS saying
oodbye
page design by Nancy Beston, photo editor photos and text by Callan Garner, social media editor
Tammy Lacey retires after working in the district for twenty-six years Dedicating herself to Great Falls Public School District, Superintendent Tammy Lacey steps down, leaving behind an impact far greater than she could have ever possibly imagined. Before entering GFPS, Lacey attended a one-room country school near Lewistown for kindergarten through third grade. Then beginning her journey with GFPS in fourth grade, Lacey attended Sacajawea Elementary School through sixth grade. Continuing to North Junior High - now North Middle School - Lacey went through seventh, eighth and ninth grade to push forward into C. M. Russell High School, where she graduated in 1981. Leaving Great Falls to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and then later her Master’s degree in educational administration, Lacey graduated from the University of Montana in 1991. However, Great Falls was still in her heart; when asked where she wished to student teach, Lacey leapt at the chance to learn from one of her most influential teachers and previous fourth grade teacher Jeanne Miller, who was more than happy to help. From UM, Lacey came back “home” in Great Falls to teach first grade at Valley View Elementary School. After four years, Lacey transferred to West Elementary School to teach third grade. Spending a year encouraging young students to follow their dreams, Lacey was then hired to be the district’s first ever “teacher on special assignment.” Similar to instructional coaches, Lacey spent a year in this position before transferring to Fairfield Elementary School to spend eight years as its K-8th grade principal. She admits that she missed Great Falls, and returned to GFPS to become Loy Elementary
School’s principal for another eight years. After this, she was assigned the position of Human Resource Director, a job she embraced for six years before finally being hired to lead the district as its 10th superintendent. Lacey is completing her sixth year in the position. Assistant superintendent Tom Moore responded passionately about all the work that Lacey has put in to the foundations of public education. “Tammy is so positive and so enthusiastic about being a teacher, being an educator, [and] about our public schools,” Moore said. Tammy Lacey is seen as a strong, influential woman who has really made her mark on Great Falls. “She is our voice for Great Falls Public Schools” Tom Moore said. C onstantly inspiring those around her, Lacey goes above and beyond in each position offered to her, yet one particularly stands out that occurred during her tenure as the superintendent Moore said. Trying to communicate information about the bond out towards the community, Lacey thought of a more direct way; door-knocking. “We had a whole army who did that… and of course I don’t ever want to ask someone to
do something that I am not willing to do myself, and so I went on several days out knocking on doors,” she said. So Lacey went out with a pamphlet in hand and decided to talk to as many people about her passion as possible. Lacey came into contact with a multitude of people. From people who didn’t want to hear a single word, to people who wanted to hear everything, Lacey came out of the experience with a slightly new understanding of the neighborhoods, along with the knowledge that many people love to have big dogs in their yards. The more “well-known” story is the bond Lacey helped pass to improve the infrastructure of every school within the Great Falls Public School district. “Every single school was touched by it in some way.” Lacey said. Working with communicating with the community, writing weekly updates, bus tours and much more, Lacey and her team were “cautiously optimistic” that the bond would pass. When the bond passed by large margins for Great Falls, Lacey was filled with pride and relief. “Our community understood the future, and understood that we need to invest in … our schools. And it was just this broad based support,” Lacey said. Whatever the story, many people involved within GFPS have had positive encounters with the superintendent. From spending her evenings at community functions, to school-sponsored events, Lacey
makes sure she is known among her peers. “The hours and hours of time spent supporting staff members and students and all of their endeavors… has been appreciated and very noticable,” CMR Principal Kerry Parsons said. “For a AA Superintendent to be as involved with the day-to-day activities and student events is just commendable and impressive.” Not only noticed by the schools themselves, Lacey is also noticed by her coworkers. Moore agrees with Parsons, “She has sacrificed a lot of her own time and her family’s time to do this job. She does it for all the right reasons, however, and we need to show her how valuable she has been.” One of Lacey’s biggest wishes along the way has stayed true throughout it all. “I hope I leave Great Falls being proud of their public schools. More importantly, proud of the product of our public schools”. Junior Gail Parambi is one of many students who appreciates all that Lacey has done for the district’s students. “She is very involved in the lives of her students, and she is just very involved in ensuring that all of us are on a path to a great future. And I am very thankful for this personal connection,” Parambi said. Without all of her time put in and all of her hard work spent on helping others, Lacey will undoubtedly be missed. But there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lacey will continue to contribute to Great Falls Public Schools. “Tammy Lacey will most definitely be missed as superintendent. However, I am certain that she will continue to attend and support Great Falls Public School functions and activities,” Rustler parent April Bosley said.
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
“The energy with which approaches her job with, cares very deeply about students, staff members community members.”
she she the and
“I don’t know how many superintendents I have worked for... but she is the best superintendent I have ever worked with. She causes the people around her to want to be better.”
Ryan Anderson
Tom Moore
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“Being a spokesperson and a very positive representative for Great Falls Public Schools... Her commitment and leadership and drive to provide the best opportunities for this school district.”
Kerry Parsons
The Day the
Goats ran the school
Lacey emphasizes her school spirit by attending a multitude of school related activities. Such as coronation, football games and track meets. Photos provided by Tammy Lacey.
On a day meant for gratitude and appreciation, goats roamed the playground distracting those around. At Loy Elementary School, Principal Tammy Lacey noticed something amiss. Goats were everywhere. At an appreciation luncheon for volunteers, Lacey had invited a multitude of volunteers: PTA volunteers, community volunteers and anyone else deserving of Loy’s appreciation. Yet, on this same day the special needs teacher had invited a community member to set up a petting zoo for students. There were pigs, miniature horses, chickens, and the infamous goats all in small pens that allowed the class to watch and play. “Of course I was in high heels and a dress, or suit, because I spoke at the luncheon, and then I look out the window and there are just goats everywhere running around,” Lacey said. Knowing she had to help, Lacey accompanied other staff
members in hopes of trying to get these escapees back into their pens. “There was a good portion of us staff members out chasing goats, trying to get them back herded into this small pen with all of our volunteers looking at us,” she said. By the end of the day, the goats had been returned home and each volunteer had a unique story to tell. “We laughed so hard at that for years and years to come because it turned into the ‘day of the goats’.”
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December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
by Jackson Howell, staff writer
DEBT
Money 101
What do our teachers know?
Financial Stability
Teacher Jeremy Comstock has learned the hard way that real financial education can’t always be taught in a classroom. “I don’t remember learning much about debt in school,” Comstock said. He explained that he didn’t ever really learn anything about finance in school. His dad taught him what he would need to know. “I’ve done my own taxes since I was 14,” Comstock said. He spoke about how this really helped him later in life. He said that having to budget and save for himself gave him habits that are still beneficial. “My wife and I were fortunate that we were able to graduate from college without student loans,” Comstock said. He was thankful for that early saving and frugality. He said that he was very glad that he learned fiscal responsibility early. “If you are paying for it yourself, you should know what you want to do before you start,” Comstock said about college. “It’s a great learning experience but it can cost a lot if you aren’t prepared.” He appreciated the knowledge he gained from his schooling, but he said that if he wasn’t prepared it would have been a nightmare.
D
ebt is the accumulation of money that is owed to one or more financial institutions. When you make a payment late or don’t pay bills on time, you can incur more debt. Debt is not just an individual struggle. Our nation is $21,706,203,932,189 in debt, this number represents an amount that would be unpayable at any given time in the foreseeable future. Though this information is in constant flux and is subject to change at any given time; please note that it will rarely ever be less than what is listed here. The average household debt in the U.S. is $90K. In 2017, the average debt from student loans was $34,124. Student loans account for a third of household debt. These numbers tell us that our nation doesn’t want to take the time to focus on getting out of financial crisis.
Total Money Makeover The inspirational book by Dave Ramsey The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is a wonder piece of writing dedicated to teaching people how to manage money and finance efficiently. Mr. Ramsey was once a millionaire who made his money using the philosophy that debt is a tool. He lost all of that money. He is now a millionaire again and he wants to teach the world how he made his fortune with great tips and tricks. “The FICO score is an ‘I Love Debt’ score,” Ramsey wrote. He explains that lending companies or any other institutions that want to give you debt sees this score as, “How willing is this person to get themselves into more debt?” It would stand to reason that having a good credit
score is about as useful as having no score. “If you quit borrowing money you will lose your FICO score [...] it is not a score that says you are winning with money or that you have a million dollars; it mathematically says you love debt,” Ramsey wrote. He later went on to explain that having a credit score is not at all necessary. The only time, in Ramsey’s opinion, that you should be borrowing money is when you are purchasing a house.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Photo by Jackson Howell.
Chart by Jackson Howell with statistics from the debt clock website.
US Debt Clock.ORG is a website that tracks and monitors all different kinds of financial statistics from ours and other countries around the world. If you ever want to get some great statistics and information about debt and other financials just visit this website. It was instrumental in the making of this page and it has up to the minute updates in stats.
These countries all have a combined population of about 1.9 billion. China has the biggest individual population at 1.38 billion. When one looks at the statistics of national debt to population it is easy to see the correlation. The only real outliers on this scale are China and the U.S. with China having exponentially larger population than the United States. China has about 19.373 billion less in debt than Americans. There is intrinsically something wrong here. Statistically speaking, the country with the greatest population should have the greatest amount of debt.
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
F
orty-four million people collectively owe $1.4 trillion, and all of this is from student debt. A large majority of this is because students don’t know that they can go to school without incurring debt. When you start to get a credit score from taking out loans and buying things like a phone and or paying for car insurance, you start to receive mail and emails about credit cards and other financial institutions or implements. While searching for information for this article, I stumbled across an advertisement for a 0% APR (annual percentage rate) for the first 14 months
what do you know?
I
spoke to juniors Skyler McKown, Gaige Horn, and Chad Andersen about debt and how it affects students. I was pleasantly surprised by their knowledge on the
subject. “I think that debt, like disease, is an epidemic that not a lot of young people are equipped to combat,” McKown said. Horn and Andersen both agreed with McKown and added that more should be taught about the topic in schools as a mandatory course. I explained to them that some districts use a curriculum based on a man named Dave Ramsey, a well established financial genius who has helped many people over the years. “I’m honestly not surprised that so many people are in so much debt,” Andersen said. He added that he thought it couldn’t be too hard to avoid incurring a lot of debt. “Well I think it’s more a product of either ignorance because people just don’t know, or they just don’t care,” McKown said. To this they all agreed. When we spoke about the curriculum at CMR, they all had a bit to say. “How much important stuff can you really learn in one semester,” Andersen said. Both Horn and McKown had the same question, and having taken the class myself last year I answered the question. I couldn’t really remember anything too terribly important that we had learned. Definitely nothing
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using the credit card. The kicker is that after 14 months the purchase interest rate goes anywhere from 13.99-24.99%. Typically it lives on the higher end of this spectrum. For a student who just wants a way to spend money quickly and effectively, that’s a very tempting offer. In the long run, it’s a horrible idea. When people talk about student loan debt that’s all it is. They don’t ever talk about other associated debts including books, technology, rent, food, and other basic needs.. Student debt isn’t typically paid off until one’s early to late 40’s.
really about debt. It was then brought up that college would be an interesting experience with having to pay for it and possibly going into debt to do so. “Are student loans just a bad thing in general?” McKown asked. He wanted to know if there was an exception to the, “debt is bad” rule. It is important to understand that debt is not a tool. It is, however, a fire hydrant to which you control the nozzle. Open the gates just a bit and water floods the street. If you get into a habit of using money you don’t actually have, only bad things can happen. It is best to try to go to college with as little help from the banks as possible. There are many scholarships and other ways to go to college for very little money on your part. If you end up needing a bit of financial aid then that’s OK. As long as you make it a priority to be in debt for as little time as possible, taking out a loan is perfectly fine. “Well it doesn’t seem as overwhelming anymore,” Horn said. The three of them felt OK with their situation and weren’t freaked out after hearing more about this rather complicated subject. The three of them felt ok with their situation and weren’t freaked out after hearing more about this rather complicated subject. Knowledge really does conquer everything.
TIPS Buying and selling a car
Most new cars you see are very unaffordable and have to be financed or leased for the average person to be able to afford it. $33,560 is the average cost of a new car in 2018. The average person in the U.S. takes home $46,903 a year. That would leave $13,343 dollars left over for insurance and the other fees that come with the car, not to mention the food and clothing and other expenses. You shouldn’t spend more than the equivalent of 50% of your yearly take home pay on a car. If you do, that’s too expensive a car for you. Your first car doesn’t need to be too expensive or fancy. The goal of a first car is to get you from point A to point B reliably. My car was purchased for $7,000 dollars. It is a Toyota Highlander from the year 2005. It has over 130,000 miles on it, and it runs great. It has no problems that I know of. It will probably last until after college. Then when the time comes and I have been saving money from not having a car payment, I will sell it and add that money to the savings and buy a new car one that’s a certified pre owned car. Then when that car gets a bit olderI’ll sell that and add that to savings and buy another one until eventually I am driving a relatively new car with all the gadgets and gizmos.
Photo left, Jackson Howell’s 2005 Toyota Highlander, photo courtesy of Chris Howell. Photo right, a 1971 Barracuda Creative Commons/ Greg Gjerdingen
College advice
Legend
25% 75%
Total debt excluding student debt: 75% Student Debt: 25%
Student debt makes up roughly 1/4 of the overall debt in this country. This fact says something doesn’t it? The crisis that our students have to go through just to receive an education is truly astounding. Students should not have to worry about financials when it comes to school as much as they do right now.
How do the educational institutions stack up?
T
he University of Montana (UM) in Missoula charges a yearly tuition of $16,241 assuming you are a Montana resident and you are living on campus. If not, the cost jumps up to $34,121. Montana State University in Bozeman charges $22,530 a year for people who are residents. That jumps up to $40,244 for out-of-state residents. College is a massive expense, and it can be a burden if you aren’t prepared. The best thing to do is to do research and compromise. Have in mind what you picture for the future and what you are willing to give to achieve it. Montana State University (MSU) offers a particularly scientific curriculum, ranking #98 in Biological sciences. Its most sought after majors include engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and business. Montana State University has an enrollment of 16,902, making it Montana’s largest college. On the other hand, the University of Montana focuses more on the liberal arts aspect of academics. The University of Montana is a great place to study theatre or law. There are many ways to experience college, but at UM students focus on the fine arts, music, art, design, and other fine art denominations. UM is also known for its School of Law, Journalism School, School of Education, and School of Pharmacy.
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December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
Alternative to smoking becomes new high school epidemic
CMR Montana
70% 65% 47% 35%
hav Stud e ele e ne nts w ctr ver ho on ic v used apo r
”
Should the goverment discourage e-cigarettes, a technology that helps some, even if others use it foolishly? (Peggy Peattie/ San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS). Photo courtesy of mctcampus.
Stu trie dents d s wh mo o h kin av e g
by Maggie staff writer by Grace Carr, Petersen, editor-in-chief The strawberry cheesecake smell coming from your high he said. school bathroom probably isn’t some really cheap perfume. Frick also believes the methods of marketing by It might be the smell of an illegal substance being heated and companies have made it a very desirable industry for kids inhaled by your classmates. who want to take some risks. However, public school staff “[Vaping] is an epidemic at the high school level in my is becoming more informed of these devices and increasing opinion,” said School Resource Officer Nick Taylor. “Kids are their efforts to minimize the use of this product. getting sneakier and technologies out there now to make it Rumors around CMR have spread about a new vaping easier for kids to do it.” detector system in the middle school. Both officers denied Vape has become an increasing issue among high school the existence of such a device, but said both CMR and NMS students throughout the nation and millions of young adults have a new fire alarm. have admitted to vaping in various studies. “The new smoke detector system that we have is Taylor affirms this statement and says he has definitely extremely sensitive and it will pick up the vapor,” Taylor said. noticed an increase in vape users at Charles M. Russell High “It absolutely can set off a smoke detector.” School. As vape devices become more advanced and easier to “It’s a societal thing right now,” he said. “I think last year conceal from teachers, school staff has undergone training I probably threw away $3,000 worth of vape products that from both officers about the products. were confiscated from students here.” “It’s hard to understand what these The high school officer believes I think the curiosity starts vapes are anymore,” said Officer Taylor. that peer pressure is not necessarily “There’s a good chance people had seen a method of spreading this epidemic, to peak at that middle those things in their classrooms before and but instead it is simply the idea that school into high school didn’t even think twice about it.” “everyone is doing it.” Other common transition where people are Since October of 2016, teachers have excuses Taylor has heard for vape usage been trying to gain a better understanding include attempting nicotine-free tricks more willing to engage in of what the devices look like, how students and trying to quit smoking. are attempting to hide them, and even high risk behaviors. “I think you can make any argument Aaron Frick what kinds of flavoring they should be that introducing any foreign substance observing. into your lungs is probably not the best “I passed around Juuls and then sent idea,” he said. out pictures to staff just so that they can see that these are Fifty years ago, nobody knew cigarettes were going to be what kids are using,” he said. “I got a lot of comments last harmful to your health and Minor in Possession tobacco laws year at the staff meeting when I did that; the Juuls look just were not enacted in our state until 1995. It took us several like the USBs.” years to understand that this product can negatively affect Having a clear understanding of these products is just as the human body. We still do not know how long it will be important for teachers as it is for parents. until our nation has a true understanding of vape products “Parents, I think, may not be educated enough to effect on our bodies and the steps our government will be understand,” Taylor said. “We still have some parents that forced to take next. are naïve to some danger here.” “In my mind, we are the very beginning of a long road When vapes where first introduced, it was not necessarily when it comes to legislation and how these things are illegal for a child to possess it until 2016 - when staff training controlled by the government,” Taylor said. began. The fact that they were not illegal devices when For some students, this road to vaping and addiction they first came out has led some parents to accept its’ usage starts before their high school career. among their children. “We don’t see a lot it at [North Middle School],” said “If you are not aware of what they are, educate yourself,” Student Resource Officer Aaron Frick. “But, I’ve written Officer Frick said. “We should get support in the community three Minor in Possessions of tobacco, all of those this year and families, not just in the schools.” involving the electronic vaping devices.” While it is difficult for kids at the junior high level to obtain vape products, it is not impossible. Students typically get them from a buyer of age or a family member such as a parent or sibling. Officer Frick says he has amassed quite a collection in just one year. “I confiscated, this year, probably nine devices,” he said. It is also a strong possibility that salesman of these products are not following the law as to who can purchase vape supplies. “I think some of the local businesses have been less than honest with their dealings and selling to underage patrons,”
Data courtesy of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
1 Juul pod contains as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
College student gives personal insight on vaping and smoking Adults and non-smokers always seem to be the lecturers on the dangers of using e-cigarettes and vaping, but Andrew Spragg offers his thoughts on the concept from a different perspective. Spragg is a college student at Montana State University trying to earn his Associate of Science degree. Throughout high school, he completed four medical science classes and was a member of the Health Occupation Students of America club, making him knowledgeable of the human body system. He is also a user of vape and retired smoker. “It was rebellious,” he says of his first experiences smoking. “It was an image I wanted to keep in a certain friends’ group that I had.” Spragg states that Juuling was designed for adults that wanted to quit, but did not like any of the options in front of them. He is using this process to illuminate his need to smoke by slowing decreasing the amount of nicotine in his vape device. “You don’t feel weird and it’s a better withdrawal feeling in my opinion,” he said. Spragg emphasizes that peer pressure was not a factor in his decision to begin smoking, and it may not be the reasoning for other young students to do so either. “I think they see the videos on the internet
doing the vape tricks and they want to try it,” he said. “I just feel like kids do it to be cool and get a nic-buzz.” Spragg also believes vaping is attractive to younger students because they think it’s considered “cool”, the flavors are alluring, and it is more convenient to use. However, he does not believe the major manufacturers are to blame for the increase in underage usage. “I don’t think Juul specifically is trying to target younger kids,” he said. “Adults enjoy the flavors too. I think third parties that make [decorative] Juul products are starting to cater to younger people because they know that kids are using their products.” Companies such as MightySkins sell “wraps” or “skins” which cover the device in the user’s choice of design. These product manufactures promote the idea of vaping and the usage of a Juul by selling accessories for customization. However, Spragg warns potential vapers to avoid the habit. “If you’ve never smoked heavily, like on a daily basis, I say don’t do if just for the sheer fact that it’s not healthy for you,” he said. “Lungs are only designed to do one thing; bring in air to your body.”
FDA takes action against sales of flavored e-cigarettes The Food and Drug Administration is cracking the whip on the sales of flavored e-cigarettes with a plan to ban their sale in convenience stores and gas stations. This motion is a part of the campaign against major manufacturing companies selling products that appeal to youth. Major industries, such as the San Francisco-based company Juul, produce products which appear to be targeting underage students. They sell devices which are easier to conceal from adults, look like a flash drive, and come in flavors attracting younger users. Juul Labs manages over 70 percent of the e-cigarette market share in the United States. The large company has been consistently criticized by public health officials for appearing to market directly to teenagers. Now, they are being forced to make a change. More aggressive action by the F.D.A. is ensuing due to a recent study showing vaping among high school students has increased by 80 percent and among middle school students by 50 percent. In addition, more than three million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in an unpublished government survey, with about one-third stating the flavors were a big factor in their choice. In response, Juul has announced that it would cease the selling of flavored pods in retail stores and halt promotion across varying social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Many other companies, such as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., are altering their online system. Heeding F.D.A warnings, the age to purchase tobacco and vaping products through the internet was raised to 21. Manufacturers are also using age-verification technology and comparing it to public records at time of purchase. The campaign set forth by the F.D.A is becoming more aggressive and will continue to expand until vaping manufacturers have done everything possible to limit the opportunities underage smokers have at obtaining these products.
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How safe is vaping for you? E-cigarettes: Are they a safe method for smokers to quit or are they a potentially devastating substance to the body? Leading public health officials and experts of tobacco are still trying to learn how vape is effecting the human body system. Although the risk of cigarettes is well-documented, studies of the effects vape has on the body are still being conducted. The use of this substance is very new and no longterm observations have been made. The students and adults currently participating in this process are considered “the guinea pigs.” “There’s just not enough research and not enough studies to actually be able to tell at this point,” said Student Resource Officer Nick Taylor. “My feeling is that kids don’t understand that the highest paid scientists in the world right now don’t know what vapes are going to do to people.” Here is what we do know: While vaping devices do not contain tobacco, most still have nicotine which is a highly addictive substance that can potentially harm the body. At high levels, nicotine “is toxic and can be lethal” according to Dr. Michael Ong, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The chemical also has the ability to “harm the developing brain of kids and could affect memory and attention,” according to WebMD. When attempting to withdrawal from this nicotine, an individual will go through series of mood swings, depression, and crabbiness. However, nicotine is not the only concern. Certain brands of e-cigarettes contain a large variety of chemicals including formaldehyde – a substance often used in building materials – and other ingredients used in antifreeze. “I’m not a doctor and I certainly don’t want to get into a health-type lecture, but nobody can say whether or not vaping is better or not,” said Student Resource Officer Aaron Frick. “Bottom line is its illegal.” To learn more about the toxic ingredients contained in the average vape, see graphic to the below.
6, 2018 12 December rustlernews.com
The
Reality of
Kidnapping noun / kid·nap·ing /
by Taylor Willmarth, staff writer and Holly Spragg, online editor
45-5-302. Kidnapping. (1) A person commits the offense of kidnapping if the person knowingly or purposely and without lawful authority restrains another person by either secreting or holding the other person in a place of isolation or by using or threatening to use physical force. Montana Code Annotated 2017, TITLE 45. CRIMES CHAPTER 5. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON Part 3. Kidnapping
What are AMBER Alerts?
Child Abductions Many looking over their shoulders more in recent times due to the increase in harm coming to youth. There have been stories of abductions at stores, gas stations, and other common places in daily life.
Photograph courtesy of : Amber Pinski
How many kids are missing right now?
This regimented program is a partnership among broadcasters, transportation agencies, cell phone providers, and communication companies used by law-enforcement agencies to immediately distribute information about child abductions to the public. According to the FBI, there have been 924 children recovered because of the program.
What is NCMEC? Established in 1984 by the United States Congress, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a non-profit organization serving as a resource center for information about missing and exploited children. Having circulated billions of pictures of missing children, NCMEC’s posters, like those found in department stores and post offices around the country, have led to the recovery of hundreds of thousands of kids. 1-800-THE-LOST, the organization’s hotline, has received more than 4.6 million calls, and the organization has educated more than 347,000 criminal justice and healthcare professionals. Their forensic artists create age-progressions of missing children and facial reconstructions for deceased children who have not yet been identified.
8
4,423
Robyn Pettinato Nancy Kirkpatrick Megan Ginevicz Nyleen Marshall
Zachary Ramsay Wyatt Littlelight Ivy Leinen Sydney Rearden
Fast Facts: one
Most kids who are reported missing have run away or there has been a misunderstanding with their parents about where they were supposed to be.
two
Of the kids and teens who are truly abducted, most are taken by a family member or an acquaintance; around 1% are taken by strangers
three
Almost all kids kidnapped by strangers are taken by men, and about two thirds of stranger abductions involve female children.
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
Missing children: Not only for the big screen by Holly Spragg, online editor
Most missing children cases are not as exciting as the modern television shows make them seem. However, Great Falls, Montana experienced an incident in the 90’s that was Law and Order worthy. In early 1996, a fourth grader named Zach Ramsay disappeared on his way to school, taking his usual path through an alley. Ramsay later went missing. There was a number of witnesses seeing things like Ramsay waiting for someone, a car almost hitting him, Ramsay being followed by an obese male that was previously seen standing by a dumpster in Ramsay’s typical route. This male was known as Nathaniel Bar-Jonah, a suspected cannibal and serial killer, and a convicted child molestor who moved to Great Falls from Massachusetts and lived near Ramsay. There had been multiple reports throughout his life of violent and predatory acts. These events failed to follow Bar-Jonah to Montana.
During the investigation, which took place years after the actual disappearance, police found out that Bar-Jonah had access to Ramsay’s mother’s car, one that matched the description of the car that almost hit Ramsay. They also found out that Bar-Jonah did not work the day Ramsay disappeared or the days that followed. In Bar-Jonah’s apartment, they found many disturbing items: a list of names, including previous victims and Ramsay, newspaper articles about Ramsay and his disappearance, bloody gloves, a recipe book for food involving children, and clothes that matched what Ramsay was wearing. Bar-Jonah was convicted for sexual assault, aggravated officer, and kidnapping of other cases, not including Ramsay’s. He was sentenced 130 years in prison. Nothing ever became of Bar-Jonah’s involvement in Ramsay’s disappearance. To this day, the Ramsay case is still open and he is still reported missing.
Advice from Lieutenant Doug Mahlum
Photos from MCT Campus-Francine Orr
Keeping kids safe in school
-Be open with parents
-Teachers and aides monitor during Have trust and a healthy relationship with parents to keep safe. recesses
-Tell someone about your location
-Practice safety prodcedures
-Know how to get out of a place
-Security cameras
-If it feels strange, call the police
-”Safety First” mindset
Have your whereabouts known so you aren’t alone. Be aware of your surroundings and stay cautious and find an exit.
If it is suspicous to you,call, don’t evaluate what others would think “Time, it’s our best friend and worse enemy.” - Doug Mahlum
-Download the “Code Red” app
-Teachers wait to see the adult picking a child up Jon Konen- Principal of Lincoln Elementary
It is an app that helps Great Falls police send alerts and notify community members, this is better than sharing info via social media
four
Kids are rarely abducted from school grounds.
five
Only 1 out of 10,000 children reported missing to the police is not found alive.
six
Most abductions take place close to home and to or from school.
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6, 2018 14 December rustlernews.com
CONSTRUCTION Great Falls High School Despite Construction, Bison “Building Respect”
“As Great Falls High’s first student body president at-large, Zach Schermele is responsible for representing the Bison family to the broader Great Falls community. His Stampede column and newsletter, The Bison Beat, is intended to foster a sense of inclusion and shared education from the other side of the Missouri River.” by Zach Schermele, GFHS Student Body President at-large Ask any longtime Great Falls resident how many seasons there are in a year, and odds are the answer will be far from scientifically correct. As the old Montana adage goes, a mere two seasonal changes stand out from the traditional four: winter and construction. For the 201819 school year, Great Falls High has fallen under the latter. Thanks to the passage of a $98.8 million bond levy in 2016, what was once known as Architectural Digest’s “most beautiful public school in Montana” is now bracing for change— both physical and cultural.
Two distinguishable hardships that have arisen as a result of construction have been parking and punctuality at passing time. A total of four entrances have been blocked off to both primary buildings, and alternate routes between campuses are marked with bright orange construction fencing. About one-third of the senior parking lot has been allotted to Sletten Construction for operations. Despite the inconveniences, students have adapted to the changes relatively easily, from waking up earlier for a parking spot to power walking, soccer mom style, to get to class. “The construction around the school has affected me very little,” said GFH Student Body President Jennie Gresham. “The few challenges I have noticed come from the reduced amount of parking spaces in senior lot, and the underclassmen who travel between campuses much more frequently.” Gresham admittedly switches buildings only once throughout the day, but her gratitude towards her classmates who do a lot more walking s t e m s from a deeper appreciation regarding the patience she has seen displayed across the student body.
“I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding during this time of change and growth,” she said. Administration is echoing that gratitude. As a former biology and chemistry teacher, GFH Principal Heather Hoyer is always looking for the lesson to be learned from a challenge. She resolves this year that she has become informed mostly about the sheer logistical complexities required by large-scale architecture. For Hoyer, the most trying part of construction has been the added time element, although she knows that which it takes to “think of the details” and “attend extra meetings” is only temporary. Bolstered by a strong support system, she persists. “[Paul] Culbertson has been an amazing lead associate principal,” Hoyer said. “This process has reaffirmed the importance of relationships and what we can all do when we work together.” “My initial concerns of having this large of a project in a very active building have been unfounded,” she added. “Beyond the obvious [piece] of our community coming together to support our students, I am humbled every day by the flexibility and care the students and teachers show each other.” Following Hoyer’s lead, Great Falls High Student Council is making a concerted attempt to emphasize the resilience of the Bison spirit. In an effort to reinforce its belief in creating a positive learning environment, Student Council chose “building respect” as the school’s motto for the 2018-19 year. For GFH Student Body Secretary Allyson Hatler, respect for others extends beyond just teachers
and fellow students. “I am quite thankful for the construction, as it has opened a door that I would not have expected: a complete and utter appreciation for construction workers,” Hatler said. “These men and women work tirelessly in the sun, sleet and snow, not to mention Great Falls’ infamous wind.” Hatler joins her peers in contending that parking can be a “bit of a challenge,” and the “added travel time to south campus” is an “expected struggle.” Still, she recognizes the importance of working through minor obstacles with “patience and respect.” And other student organizations are following suit. Mya Curtis, the President of National Honors Society, leads her group on campus cleanups to compensate for “the increased sidewalk traffic” resulting from construction. “NHS has adopted 20th street from 2nd to 5th Avenue to help keep the school looking [its] best,” Curtis said. The presence of a full-time construction crew, as well as heavyduty equipment of every make and model, certainly has the potential to disrupt the traditionally serene learning environment Great Falls High offers its nearly 1,400 students. But with a renewed commitment to preserving the historical integrity of both the campus and its cultural atmosphere, Bison students and faculty are proving worthy of the 11,522 “yes” votes cast in the 2016 high school bond levy. Principal Heather Hoyer sums it up best: “We, as a school, are taking so much in stride.”
As Great Falls High School undergoes construction, students adjust to the new sidewalks and parking arrangements. Teachers have been asked to be lenient about tardies after lunches due to these new obstructions which have made it more difficult to get to classes. Photos by Jayla Mitchell and McKenzie Connell.
ACROSS THE FALLS Giant Springs Elementary
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
A military child relives her elementary years riding on her back when my face smashed into the back of her head and I busted my front tooth out. We immediately ran into the building to get help from the in school nurse. She placed my tooth in a little treasure chest, handed me a lollipop, and ushered me to class. Since I was technically not suppose to be on her back, the story I told my parents and teachers was, “I ran into a tree.” I frequently visited the nurse’s office. Stomach aches, head pain, and loss of teeth, were all handled by the base nurse. She would have me sit on the doctor table and eat saltines with ginger ale, all stashed in the refrigerator beside the table. When I moved back to the States, all of these experiences changed. My younger siblings no longer got to have naptime or nurses, and swings were a thing of the past. As I entered Giant Springs Elementary School, all of these memories came back. This was the school of my childhood, and now for generations to come, it would become the school of theirs.
ol ho ra Sc tho ew ry le n ch ta a p g te s. en h in h ay h t d t g i i i em w lu h llw w ny El elt inc , a ha g a es t gs ev ls, en en tlin m ich ria rin os oo m op us and dw ete p. b Sp Ro t uip d n af hu nd s n a c d q nt ed e e a is ge s ol c ket ll a a m o ia c at d r, G la d un te om l ne p o p h l re u ro en hro a fr sc ith Con w of layg ia c nc of s, to e p ed lu ts ion ils ed nzi m e en pt a er e Th tud l o h p oth cK s ea nc m M ll. m lu s by che in od tos it M fo o Ph ayla J
by McKenzie Connell, layout editor Entering my first elementary school was a dream come true. Playing ‘class’ was a favorite pastime, and finally my classroom had moved from my living room to Cummings Elementary on Misawa Air Force Base, Japan. The kindergarten classroom had a small kitchen, desk area, and reading corner where the class pet, a bunny, lived. Nap time was spent on the carpet by the bookshelves, terrorized by the bunny who loved to eat the spines of the books. My classmates and I knew the pet would come close if you didn’t talk and as a passionate napper, the rabbit and I became close friends. As my parents and I left the school with the proper paperwork, we passed by the bustling playground, not knowing the memories and friendships I would make would be on that glistening black top. The favorite piece of equipment for all of the kids was the tire swing, and the little feet and hands would grapple for the rubber just to be the first on the hanging tire. Not long after I had moved there, this little piece of heaven was removed due to the fights and bloody knuckles resulting from these littlekid passions. The playgrounds were divided by grade, so the kindergarteners had the shorter playground and the first through sixth graders had the sprawling field littered with trees. This area holds a special memory from my childhood. I had a close friend who was a giant next to me; I would constantly crawl and climb up to her tall shoulders, and since I was an adorable, small child, she dealt with me. One day, I was
High school student tours a new environment by Jayla Mitchell, staff writer Going into Giant Springs Elementary, I expected to see an ordinary building with ordinary kids. To my surprise, I was met with an array of colors splashed across the exterior of the building and all along the playground; it was a little kid’s dream come true. Entering the building, the adventure continued. There were security measures I had never seen before and would not expect to see in the small community of Great Falls, Montana. These consisted of being “buzzed in” by the front desk, and the teachers themselves needing key cards to grant access. Behind the wall in the desk area, a large red button with the word “lockdown” printed on it, expressed the different experiences the students would have growing up in this era. After being granted access to the building, I was overwhelmed with the updated,
modern design of the interior. The lunch room was open, exposed, and illuminated by the natural light shining through the windows. The media center had technology that surpassed what was available at the high schools in town. With televisions, touchscreen computers, and reversible desks scattered around the room, the students were set up for success. Strolling through the halls, I immediately became jealous of the six-year olds that had the opportunity and pleasure of coming to this glorious institution every day. The entire school was beautifully designed and any student would be extremely lucky to attend. With reading corners and open hallways, the entirety of their elementary experience would be littered with happy memories. The smiles the students had on their faces as they attempted to glance surreptitiously through the windows and scurried through the halls,
reflect the brightness of the school. With windows galore, the whole building was open and glowing, and as a visitor, it made me appreciate the childhood I had, and the childhood my community is able to provide for the next generations.
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6, 2018 16 December rustlernews.com
It’s all about Mario Roque
Mental health is your “general mindset, your outlook on the world and how you view yourself. Mental health is more important than physical health, in my opinion. You hear the phrase “mind over matter.” Having good mental health is the key to living a happy life. If you can be happy with yourself and who you are, nothing else really matters - it’s all internal. There are different things people can do to stay mentally fit; if you are religious or spiritual you can take that time to pray.That is something I do personally. I also enjoy exercising, I go on runs; I leave some time for myself in the morning and at night. I enjoy journaling - it’s like taking a mental dump to kind of just release everything. You just have to figure out your own self therapy - everyone has their own little things that they can do.
Spread by Gabrielle Pope, sports editor
HEALTH Suicide. Depression. Substance abuse. Mental Illness. These are some of the many obstacles people face in their lives on any given day. It might not be them themselves but a family member, friend, or even a friend of a friend. If such a large portion of people are being impacted by these concerns why does it seem like nobody is putting their feet forward and tackling the issue head on? Stigma: a negative or unfair claim about something. Organizations may not be able to come right out and say that they are trying to prevent or provide support for these issues because of the stigma associated with topics like suicide, depression, substance abuse, and mental illness. This stigma has forced people to become creative and find new ways to address the issue before scaring off the people who need the help most. “Our goal is to create some innovative ways to connect youth to one another so we are not forcing any one idea down somebody, just really creating a sense of hope and community,” Nicole Zimmerman said. “That really does prevent a lot of the health outcomes we are trying to prevent - like mental health, suicide, substance use - so really we are creating a whole health model and doing it covertly, which I think makes it really powerful and impactful.” Alliance for Youth program manager Nicole Zimmerman and her team of CMR students and teachers have found a way they hope to reach students who might not be on the frontline, advocating for solutions to the problems that are affecting the majority. Her potential solution is T.I.A.H. “T.I.A.H.: There Is Always Hope, this group is all about youth being empowered to advocate for
one another and be ambassadors to youth that maybe don’t see that there is always hope,” Zimmerman said. Youth ambassador Bailey Schimerowski has her own take on what her goals for T.I.A.H. are, “T.I.A.H. is just a really good way to get kids together to participate in some mental wellness,” she said. “My goal for this group is to let it be known that it is not a bad thing to be struggling with something, even if you aren’t struggling, you might just have something going on in your life and you don’t know who to talk to about it or where to go - to have a resource, someone to talk to. My goal is for this group to be that resource, to put together this great community to make sure everyone has someone to talk to, something to be a part of.” This group creates this sense of community by putting on social events, some events are just to get out there, meet people, make friends and have fun. Others are put on to build relationships while simultaneously learning more about mental wellness. On the last day of homecoming, a HOPE Campaign was presented to celebrate hope and a sense of community. The group did this by gathering everyone in the courtyard to hold and read signs with motivational messages or write kind words in chalk on the sidewalks leading up to the school, greeting their fellow classmates with a smile as they walked into the building that day but that is not all this group has done. Zimmerman has been presenting “lessons” at these group events they have named “Lunch N’ Learn’s” where everyone is invited to gather at a central location, eat their lunch, meet new people and gain some valuable knowledge on issues pertaining to mental health and overall well being. They also plan to put on a gingerbread party on Dec. 19 in Mrs. Virts room where everyone is welcome to decorate cookies, drink hot cocoa, socialize and meet new people. Zimmerman says the events that T.I.A.H. put on is to build a sense of community and overall well being within the walls of CMR that is hopeful to transcend through to Great Falls High, then ideally out to the whole county of Cascade and maybe even further.
“
Taylor Coon health is your “ownMental state of well being. It’s
What students find stressful
50
Key Freshman
46
45 40
Number of Students
important to recognize that you can acknowledge your mental health without having a mental illness. It’s kind of like going to the doctor every once in a while for a physical to make sure everything is OK. It is critical to be aware of your mental stability because you don’t want to end up hurting yourself or people around you if things start to spiral out of control. To keep my mental health in check, I tend to find an activity where I know there is not expectation. I personally love to color, exercise, or go outside. Deep breaths and hydrating are also super helpful. It’s important to find something that is relaxing for you. Focusing on the nice, little things in life makes life better.
39
42
Sophomores
40
Juniors
35 30 25
29
20
22
22
18
15
18 19
10
11
10
27
26
24 23 24
20 15
Seniors
31
5 0 Relationships
Home life
School
Stressors
Work
Exrta Curriculars
187 students surveyed
Tips and Tricks to handle your stress
1.Self regulation/control 2. Having good hygiene 3. Getting the right amount of sleep 4. Finding a healthy leisure activity 5. Participate in exercise 6. Eating healthy foods
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December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
17
Physical Jadyn Martinez
Physical health “going out and
Health and physical education teacher Lindsey Gustafson knows and understands the importance of living a physically active lifestyle and wishes that more people desired to reap the benefits of an active life. Having and maintaining good physical health is essential to living a prosperous life. Sometimes people think that living a physically active life just means going for a run everyday or going and lifting after school but truly living an active lifestyle is much more than just working out. Gustafson says there is so much that goes into being physically active, it’s not just working out. Working out helps your mental health a lot but I also think that eating healthy to fuel your body and getting enough rest and sleep go into it as well. “We lack sleep so then we are tired, we are drinking caffeine, not eating healthy and then you don’t want to exercise because you are exhausted so now everything kind of goes to crap - I think that they are all intertwined,” she said. Not only does eating healthy, sleeping well and working out help alleviate some aches and pains you may get with age, Gustafson says, but it improves your mental state as well. “I have never heard of a person feeling worse after they’ve worked out, you are sore, absolutely! Or out of breath but how do you not feel better mentally.
You are getting your endorphins working and it is a sense of accomplishment and I think so many people miss that feeling on a daily basis,” she said. Finishing a workout with a sense of pride and confidence in yourself allows you to reap more than just the physical benefits of working out. “If you can gain more confidence, you are going to be a happier person,” Gustafson said. Most people would shy away from a morning workout but not Gustafson, the first class of her day is aerobics and she says she loves to start her day out with them. “I feel better mentally when I am working out, for sure when I am not working out I just feel lazy and unmotivated. It just starts my day off, I am so excited I get to teach aerobics first period because it’s a great way to get my day started off,” she said. Gustafson takes no breaks when she is home for the day, she wants to be a positive role model not only for her students but for her two daughters at home. “As a family, we are always doing something active rather than just sitting inside playing games or watching Netflix, let’s get out and do something, serve others, and that helps mentally. Sometimes we can get so self-consumed that physically and mentally there is a negative effect.”
Staying healthy: It’s more than just working out
Blueberries Blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients, they are directly related to an increase of antioxidant levels. Several studies are shown to reduce DNA damage. It is also tied to benefiting your brain by aiding in brain function and delaying mental decline. Low blood pressure is another benefit of consuming the proper amount of blueberries.
Avocados
Loaded with healthy fats, fiber and important nutrients avocados are a safe haven in the eyes of many dieticians. They are high in potassium, even higher than bananas, which supports healthy blood pressure levels along with heart healthy fatty acids. Not only do avocados help your heart they contain great antioxidants that are beneficial for your eyes and lower the risks of cataracts. They are also great for weight loss because they keep you fuller for longer.
Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate has many powerful antioxidants, these antioxidants improve blood flow in the arteries and can decrease blood pressure. The increase blood flow improves brain function and can protect the skin from sun damage. It is important to limit the consumption of dark chocolate just as any other food because proper portions allow you to receive the best benefits.
Cashews Cashews are important for red blood cell function which improves the function of blood vessels, nerves, the immune system and bones. They have been shown to reverse some effects of Type 2 Diabetes along with cancer prevention, heart health and weight maintenance
Amara Stalsberg
“
Physical health is your happiness level and how content you are with your life. I find a lot of stress relief in working out, so I try to do that almost every day. My aerobics teacher introduced me to meditation and that was really nice so I have been meditating on my own time a bit. Eating and sleeping right also have a huge role in your overall being. Eating good food gives you more energy - if you eat fast food every day you’re going to feel like a slug and not want to do anything.
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The importance of living an active lifestyle
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Health/PE teachers Alex Lowry and Paula Olsen’s seventh period physical education 1-2 classes participate in a variety of group acitivites to improve their mental and physical endurance. Photos by Gloria Baldevia.
is just getting activity every day for a decent amount of time and putting in work. To stay healthy I get the right amount of physical activity everyday and making sure I am consistent with it. If you don’t get enough sleep or eat enough of the right foods you are not going to do very well the next day.
6, 2018 18 December rustlernews.com
Fred Anderson State Representative HD-20 (R)
Politics under the Big Sky
by Quinn Soltesz, features/ enternatinment editor Healthcare, taxes, and education: all seem like issues that come into play only around election time, and only at the national level. The United States Congress gets all of the media attention, garnering millions of views each day as they debate policy. But what if there was another legislative body, full of pragmatists who like to (not that they always can) get things done, just 86 miles away? In Montana, the state legislature meets every other year, discussing the issues facing our state and making decisions that affect our daily lives in a very large way. Populating the benches of both the Montana Senate and House are people with an intense sense of community and a willingness to work hard. One such example is Rep. Fred Anderson (R-HD20), a former principal at Great Falls High and North Middle School. “You have to be very receptive and open minded, as well as keep your door open to your constituents,” Anderson said. “And you’re there to represent all of your constituents, regardless of which side of the aisle they are on.” First elected in 2016, Anderson has served for one session and will continue with the start of another term in January. He serves on the Business and Labor, Education, and Agriculture committees, and spends virtually all of his time reading bills, attending meetings, and responding to constituents. As for his past record, Anderson said, “I’ve probably voted across the aisle about 25-30 percent of the time. I’m more of a moderate.” The importance of this position becomes apparent when you read Anderson’s resume and what he accomplished and hopes to accomplish during his term. He has sponsored and cosponsored bills that provide funding of a million dollars for career technical education in middle and high schools and streamline funding for special education to benefit rural areas with fewer resources, and is working on a bill that will makes e-cigarettes officially illegal, not just discouraged, on school campuses. Anderson said that it can be difficult to balance the desires and priorities of so many citizens. “[It] is a little bit like being like Santa Claus right before Christmas -- every group that needs or wants something solicits your input,” he said. Despite the need to address so many issues, Anderson keeps true to his origins and core values: education and the growth of Montana’s youth. This desire to empower students has culminated in a generous donation to CMR. Anderson, when left with a positive balance of campaign funds after the election, decided to donate them to CMR’s student government. Student government is something that Anderson has been involved in throughout his school career, and he hopes that it will compel students to get involved in their government. “Part of the reason you are in education is not only Above photo CC/Wikipedia. to provide an education and a safe environment, but Left photo MCT/ Alex to empower [students] to move forward and to be self Edelman/Zuma Press/TNS. advocates and hopefully get involved in civic endeavors”.
Spread design by Quinn Soltesz, features/entertainment editor
On Nov. 6, 2018 voters in Montana, and across the country, went to the polls to vote in the midterm elections. Cascade county saw high turnout with 71 percent. The only polling station in Great Falls was located at the Montana ExpoPark. Voters were allowed to register at this location and could even drop off ballots from their car (pictured at the left). Candidates and aids parked vehicles decorated with signs. On the bottom left Rep. Greg Gianforte is pictured. He won 51 percent of the vote in Cascade County. Sen. Jon Tester won another six years in the high chamber and won 51 percent of the vote in Cascade County. Photos by Quinn Soltesz and Grace Carr.
by Quinn Soltesz, features/enternatinment editor The Big Sky state experienced quite a contentious election cycle this year, unusual for a so called “fly over state” in the terms of national politics. Millions of dollars from sources outside of the state flooded the airwaves in support of different positions and candidates, pundits dedicated time on the national news, and even the President visited four times. All of this activity left Montanans weary of politics and eager to see a decisive end to the 2018 elections. There were a number of close races this year in the state. Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat, ran against Republican Matt Rosendale, narrowly defeating him 50 to 47 percent. This was enough to earn Tester a third term in the U.S. Senate. President Donald Trump dedicated a lot of time and effort to flipping Tester’s seat for his party, visiting Montana more than any other sitting President. He held rallies in Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, and at the Bozeman Airport. These rallies were a part of his national strategy, stumping for various candidates in close races around the country. When asked about what he thought the message of this race was, Sen. Tester responded that “Montana is a special state. Montanans are people that speak loud. I don’t think they vote for political parties; they vote for people.” In the race for U.S. Representative, incumbent Greg Gianforte (R) prevailed over Democratic challenger Kathleen Williams. He captured 51 percent of the vote, while Williams garnered 46 percent. In an interview with the Billings Gazette, Gianforte said that he was prepared to work with the Democrats, who now control the House. “I have a history of working across the aisle. I’m going to have to work a little harder to find that common ground, but that’s the job the people of Montana have apparently hired me for,” he said. Ballot measures were also very contentious in this election. Measure I-185, which proposed a higher tax on tobacco in order to expand the state’s Medicaid program, was defeated. Tobacco corporations spent millions of dollars on advertising against this proposal. I-186, another measure, sought more regulations on new hard-rock mining in Montana. It was also defeated on election day. According to the Montana Secretary of State’s office, voter turnout was at 71 percent, higher than past years. The Montana House of Representatives, which elects all 100 members every two years, saw the Democrats get 42 seats, and the Republicans get 58. The Montana Senate, which elects half of its 50 members every two years, saw the Democrats win 11 seats, and the Republicans win 14. Both houses will remain under the control of the Republicans. Overall, the amount of interest in Montana was unusual for an election year. People living in the Treasure State have endured three federal elections in the last two years, and they will be grateful for a respite until 2020.
Cascade County Democratic offices. Photo by Sophie Kluge.
December 6, 2018 rustlernews.com
Montana’s Leaders:
Who, What,Where, & Why? by Sophie Kluge, news/opinion editor On Nov. 6, people nationwide went to their local voting places in hopes that their party would win a spot to hold any political office. Even though it wasn’t a presidential election, voter turnout for the midterm election was higher than it has ever been in most states, including Montana. Voting in local elections is one of the most important things residents can do, according to U.S. history teacher Aaron Jensen. “You will see the biggest impact in your day-to-day life if you vote locally,” he said. Although some seats on the ballot may seem small and unimportant, our Montana Legislature is crucial. The Legislature works to propose and pass laws that will benefit the lives of Montanans, and passes a budget to fund the state for that fiscal year. The people elected to the Legislature deal with all types of things, one of them being the funding for public education. “Funding has been getting tougher and tougher,” Jensen said, mainly because the state has been getting less money. When issues like this arise, the school system has to decide to run a mill levy or make cuts throughout the district, which is never an easy task. The people elected to the Legislature
decide things like that, but it isn’t just one homogenous body. Jensen said that there can be multiple people representing Great Falls and a lot of the time the people elected from the same town vary in party views, and the people elected differ depending on what side of town the voters are on. Photo: CC/Wikipedia. The Montana Legislature also allows citizens to petition and get initiatives on Cascade County Legislators the ballot if they feel their government isn’t doing what they believe it should Elected in 2018 be doing. Although some may believe Senate that state government doesn’t do much, Jensen thinks that voters should cut Tom Jacobson (D) them some slack. Carlie Boland (D) “A lot of the time we sit around and complain about our elected officials and Brian Hoven (R) say they aren’t doing anything, when in Russel Tempel (R) fact they are, but it’s a process and they have certain parameters they have to House work through,” Jensen said. The state Fred Anderson (R) legislative body works almost identically to our Congress, but it only works to Ed Buttrey (R) benefit the citizens on Montana rather Lola Sheldon-Galloway (R) than the whole nation. Brad Hamlett (D) Overall, voting locally is one of the most important things citizens can do. Barbara Bessette (D) “If you don’t vote, you get the Jasmine Krotkov (D) government you deserve,” Jensen said. “Do your due diligence and do your Casey Schreiner (D) research on what’s important to you.”
Jashua Wylie
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Republicans 58 Democrats 42
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The Legislature
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Jane Weber Cascade County Commissioner (D) by Quinn Soltesz, features/ enternatinment editor Living in a modern society we often take things for granted. Necessities to our daily lives such as clean running water, sewage disposal, and functioning roads come to mind. How do all of these seemingly automatic staples of a community work? Who looks after them? The answer is a county commissioner. The Cascade County Commission consists of three members, all representing a different district within the county. Jane Weber, who just won re-election to another six-year term in November, serves district one. Weber, along with her fellow commissioners James Larson and Joe Briggs, “govern and guide the operations of the Cascade County and [its] eleven departments and offices” according to the Commision Office website. Weber informed me that the most paramount responsibility of the Commission is to develop a budget for the county and to allocate funds. “The County Commissioner’s role is to create a budget for the county, and we have to provide services that were mandated by the legislature,” she said. Weber took office eight years ago and has many projects she would like to continue throughout her next term. One such project is the Superfund cleanup of the Black Eagle smokestack site formerly owned by the Anaconda Mining Company. Weber hopes to see the cleanup through its infancy and to develop the “raw land” that it will provide. “I’ve always felt a connection to the Black Eagle community, and I am committed to making sure the cleanup happens,” Weber said. Another large project of Weber’s is the designation of an area in and around Cascade County as a National Heritage Area, which would require congressional approval. Weber’s insight on this topic stems from her experience working for the Forest Service for 31 years and as Director of the Lewis and Clark Interpretie Center. Although she and the other commissioners do not directly oversee the public schooling system, the passage of the Facility Bond Levy and the subsequent school construction around the city have not gone unnoticed. “I see [school construction] as a wonderful opportunity to attract new people to our community. Schools and medical are the biggest attract-ers to our community,” Weber said. Weber encouraged students to get involved in civic engagement early on. She said that commision meetings are an easy way to learn more about the community’s issues and that she would “meet with a larger group of students” to discuss their concerns. “I think a lot of people forget that local government is where it starts,” she said. Weber is a fervent enthusiast for all things Montana, and particularly all things Great Falls. She is very optimistic about the development of the county and community. One of the mottos she sticks to in her job is “slower growth is smarter growth.” “We have amenities in Great Falls, and I think the word is finally getting out. We’re the center of the world, in my opinion, to access to some of the most beautiful country in Montana.”
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6, 2018 20 December rustlernews.com
TEACHERS are people, too
Teachers have passions, too. Orchestra
Teachers have friends, too page by Nancy Beston, photo editor
Teachers need energy, too
Holly Ingeman can be found walking her dogs around her neighborhood on Nov. 17. Ingeman usually tries to walk her dogs once to twice a day. She tries to take a different route everyday. “You have to avoid other dogs, so you kind of learn the safe spots and the scary spots,” she said. She also has little booties for her dogs when it gets colder. “When it gets five or ten below then their paws freeze, and it’s like wrestling an alligator when I try to get them on, but when there on they can walk longer and they don’t seem to mind.”
conductor, Steve Olson is found in his room rehearsing during his fourth period open on Nov. 8. Olson has spent hours upon hours working on his music. He is currently the assistant conductor for the Helena Symphony, along with being in many symphonies around the state, and he also tries to rehearse for 3 hours daily. “In addition to doing music in school for my job, music is pretty much the bulk of what I do outside of school in all kinds of forms,” said Olson.
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Teachers go shopping, too.
Freshman English teacher, Ryan Anderson goes on his weekly shopping trip on Dec. 4. “My wife usually goes grocery shopping but I try to go every other week to help out or I’ll go with her,” Anderson said.
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Teachers have relationships, too
Teachers love animals, too. English teacher,