Spring Issue Jan 26, 2012

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The students’ voice since 1901 • Vol. 111 No. 14 • Thursday, January 26, 2012 • Check us out online.

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Fraternity celebrates 90-year tradition T ianhai J iang jiang@esubulletin.com When 83 year-old alum of the Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State, Chuck Hanna brought his faded 1948 yearbook to the 90th anniversary of Sigma Tau Gamma this Tuesday, it brought back a lot of memories from his past.

“It’s a great fraternity. I’m proud that they are still here,” Hanna said.

“When I was in school, there were five fraternities, and only two of them have been here all through the years.”

There were 77 active members at Hanna’s time. When looking at their smiling mug shots in his yearbook, he said he could only remember twothirds of them.

“I want to show you something,” Hanna said when he pointed at a list

of basketball results on the yearbook.

“Here is Emporia State, 67, Kansas University, 44. We beat KU in the civic auditorium. I’m going to tell the boys that.”

The Sigma Tau Gamma Chapter at ESU was established in 1922.

Since then, about 1,200 members have joined the chapter. This year, they have 40 active members on campus.

At the 90th anniversary, 56 active members, guests from the national headquarters, university officials and alumni joined the special dinner in their basement dining room full of blue and white balloons.

“I really appreciate the opportunity of the extended invitation for this evening,” said President Shonrock, who was in attendance. “What a wonderful 90-year celebration of the organization. I appreciate their leadership

and service to this wonderful campus and this community.”

Shonrock said his affiliation is Delta Tau Delta, and his undergraduate chapter is the Zeta Lambda chapter at Western Illinois University.

“It’s special to be a part of it,” said Trevor Steinbacher, senior physical education and health education major and an active member of the chapter, “seeing alumni from the 40s and 50s still coming back today and celebrating with us. If I never joined this fraternity, I would never be a part of anything like this.”

Sigma Tau Gamma will have an actual 90th reunion in April, which, according to Steinbacher, might be the biggest reunion they’ve had in a long time.

“I’ve been working with the chapter since I was an undergraduate (from 1961-65),” said Harry

Emporia’s Other Great Journalist

Granddaughter discovers legacy in suitcase

Courtesy photo of Pemberton

C harlie H eptas news@esubulletin.com While William Allen White may be the most well known journalist from Emporia, one of his colleagues, Murdock Pemberton, will soon be on the radar.

Pemberton was the first art editor for The New Yorker, worked

for the Emporia Gazette and was a founding member of the Algonquin Roundtable. Georgia O’Keefe used his shirt as a smock, and he was a business partner of Albert Stieglitz.

Pemberton was a member of William Allen White’s fraternity at KU and was the brother of Broadway producer Brock Pemberton, according to an email from Roger Heineken,

administrative officer for the Memorial Union.

Despite all of these accomplishments, little was known of Murdock until his granddaughter, Sally Pemberton, recently found suitcases in her childhood home that contained Murdock’s works and some of his art collection.

This inspired Pemberton to research her grandfather’s background even further, which eventually spawned a book, “Portrait of Murdock Pemberton: The New Yorker’s First Art Critic.”

“As I dug deeper, some of these were letters from Georgia O’Keefe and Albert Stieglitz and some other artists, and it became a wild adventure of listening and tracking down all of his friends and piecing together his life,” Pemberton said.

Pemberton is not an author by trade, but she found a passion in this project.

“I started out feeling a sense of responsibility to him personally because I knew he died… not thinking he was recognized for what he did,” Pemberton said. “I tracked down whoever I could in terms of the heirs of the artists and the dealers. I became very attached to all the characters in the book.

I wanted to tell their story.”

While the Algonquin Roundtable was set up to be a roast of sorts for one of his friends, Alexander Woollcott,

See LEGACY...Page 3

Online enrollment up, program praised R ocky R obinson robinson@esubulletin.com Despite the recent decline in Emporia State’s on-campus enrollment, online enrollment has seen a 33 percent increase in the past year.

Monica Quintana, online student, said the cost to enroll in ESU’s program is much less than KU’s or the University of Phoenix’s programs.

“I live in the Kansas City area and have two teenagers and a full time job, so the flexibiality of the online classes makes it easier for me to get my degree,” Quintana said.

In addition to affordability, U.S. News & World Report recently recognized ESU’s online bachelor’s degree program in the first ever “Top Online Education Programs.”

The 184 institutions with

online programs were ranked in three categories in which they were given point values up to 100. Schools were judged on teaching practices and student engagement, student services and technology and faculty credentials and training. No overall rankings were made.

ESU earned spots in two of the three categories, taking the 89th spot in teaching practices and student engagement and the 61th spot for student services and technology. Fort Hays State also made the list, ranking in all three categories.

“I have no idea why we wouldn’t get the faculty credentials ranking,” said Susan Kendrick, director of interdisciplinary studies and associate professor of English. “I have about 50 to 60 people who have MFAs or PhDs who are teaching online classes. Everybody I can

think of are full-time faculty members, and a lot of them develop their courses just for the online program.”

Like traditional students, students taking advantage of the online program must meet degree requirements, completing at least 124 semester hours of credits with 48 general education requirements. They must also maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, according to ESU’s website.

Kendrick said most of the students in the online programs are people who have full time jobs, place bound students, students who want to come back and complete their degrees and stay-at-home moms.

“It is a legitimate and competitive degree, not a program for slackers,” said Kendrick. “It is not something you do because

See ONLINE ...Page 3

Stephens, ESU emeritus vice president for student affairs and the alumni chapter advisor. “I celebrated my 50th year in 2011.”

Stephens said Sigma Tau Gamma has been located at 1309 Sylvan St. for 48 years. He was the treasurer when they bought the house with the original price at $48,000.

“I’m excited that the chapter has been successful for 90 years,” Stephens said. “We are the oldest Chapter on campus, and we’ll continue to be successful.”

At the end of the evening Sigma Tau Gamma presented Shonrock with checks totaling $1,300 for scholarships, according to an email sent to The Bulletin Wednesday afternoon by the president’s office. The Bulletin was unable to make further contact with Shonrock or Sigma Tau Gamma by press time on Wednesday.

Chuck Hanna glances through his 1948 yearbook. Delta Chapter Sigma Tau held a dinner celebration for their 90th Anniversary Tuesday evening.

Jenny Pendarvis/The Bulletin

Anti-piracy bills shelved for now L uke B ohannon bohannon@esubulletin.com The Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect Intellectual Property Act have both been shelved after a global protest by many websites, including Wikipedia and Google.

Last Wednesday, several websites blacked out their pages, or at least their logos, in protest of SOPA and PIPA, which were bills presented to Congress with the aim to help combat online piracy and shut down illegal sites. But the primary con-

Students weren’t the only ones feeling the pressure from SOPA and PIPA – some faculty members also voiced concerns over the bills.

“I think it has the potential of negatively impacting just creativity in general and the free sharing of information that we’re so used to, the liberties we’re used to as being American citizens,” said Marcus Childress, professor and department chair of instructional design and technology. “It’s a dangerous legislation, and I’m pleased that it’s failed for now.”

“As someone in a creative profession, there’s always the worry that censorship may creep in. Many other countries have stricter regulations in terms of censorship, and we don’t want our country to slip in that direction.”

– Kevin Rabas, co-director of creative writing cern over the bills is that they could potentially lead to censorship and violations of the first amendment.

While the bills have been tabled for the time being, the reaction from students and faculty seems to show that the perceived threat posed by the legislation is still very much alive.

“It’s going to stop innovation, and it is against the first amendment,” said Felix Bhatti, senior information systems major. “If SOPA and PIPA was there before, we wouldn’t have YouTube right now.”

Other students felt much the same way, including Sunney Tesch, sophomore math education major.

“It’s a personal choice, what you post on the Internet, that everyone else can see it, and I think they’re (the government) trying to step in a little too much,” Tesch said.

Kevin Rabas, associate professor of English and co-director of creative writing, voiced concerns over the legislation as well.

“As someone in a creative profession, there’s always the worry that censorship may creep in,” Rabas said.

“Many other countries have stricter regulations in terms of censorship, and we don’t want our country to slip in that direction.”

Last Wednesday during the online protest, Wikipedia in particular made an impact by blacking out their site in an unprecedented show of support. According to a public message posted by Wikipedia administrators, over 1800 members of the online community took part in the discussion and final decision to black out the English Wikipedia site.

See BILLS...Page 2

Photo illustration by Jenny Pendarvis

Page 2

Briefs Rec center has new classes to accommodate schedules Recreation Services is now offering a new line-up of exercise classes for the spring semester. They have added a 12:15 p.m., and a 5:15 p.m. class that will last 45 minutes to help accommodate faculty and staff schedules.

They have also added a 5:30 p.m. aquasize class.

The classes are free to all ESU students, and faculty or staff that are participating in the Healthy Hornet Challenge.

For something more personal, the rec center also has personal trainers who specialize in many areas of fitness, also free to students and faculty and staff participating in the Healthy Hornet Challenge.

For additional information call the Recreation Services department at 341-5944.

Sorority to host first-ever chili cook-off Sigma Alpha Lamda invites Registered Student Organizations to enter a first annual chili cook-off fundraiser on Feb. 8.

The entry fee is $20 per RSO, and anyone in the community is invited to buy an unlimited bowl for $5.

Each person who buys a bowl can also vote for their favorite chili.

It will take place at 608 Commercial, right next to Studio 11. To register your chili please contact Rachel McCommon via email at rmccommo@emporia.edu.

The deadline to register is January 31 by 5pm.

Police Reports Reports given to The Bulletin from ESU Police and Safety Department Jan.18 Officer assisted Emporia Police Dept. with a shoplifting call at 1829 Merchant St.– Short Stop.

Officer escorted female student from 425 MechanicLyon Co. jail to 1500 Morse Dr. Officer assisted Sabrina Barber with arming Cremer Hall alarm system and also provided escort to Sector 3.

Jan. 19 Officer stopped KS 532EGP in Sector 9. Verbal warning issued for a one-way violation in 1400 Market block.

Female student turned in a found wallet at ESU PD HQ. Officer returned wallet to owner.

Officer stopped KS 126DVL at 15th and State St. Citation issued for defective taillights at 15th and Merchant St. Jan. 20 Paul Knockendoffle checked out his gun from ESU PD HQ. Officer stopped KS XSC242 in 1400 Merchant block.

Verbal warning issued for a stop sign violation at 18th and Merchant St. Officer attempted to provide lock out assistance for KS TMS024 at 1410 Center Dr. Officer escorted operator from 1410 Center Dr. to 313 W 4th St. Resident of ESU Apt. Complex reported loud noise at ESU Apt. D-41 1201 Triplett Dr. Officer made contact and advised residents to keep noise level down.

Jan. 21 The window on the east side of the old National Teachers Hall of Fame building on west campus is broken and needs repaired.

Resident of Chi Omega Sorority reported a male Asian subject had been vomiting in the sorority parking lot but had left the area. Officers responded to check welfare and also check vehicles. Officers made no contact with subject and no problems were found with the vehicles.

Jan. 22 Emporia Police Dept. reported a domestic disturbance – verbal – at ESU Apt. D-41 1201 Triplett Dr. Victim was uncooperative with officer.

Resident of ESU Apt. Complex reported hearing loud voices and breakage in the apartment underneath. Officer was unable to make contact with anyone in either of the two apartments under the reporting party.

Jan. 23 Officer stopped KS 275DHG at 15th and Wooster Dr. Verbal warning issued for a stop sign violation at same location.

Officer stopped KS PFR720 in 1400 Highland block.

Verbal warning issued for illegal writing on vehicle.

Jan. 24 Officer provided motorist assist for KS XQZ 741 in 1800 Merchant block –The Villa Apts. parking lot.

Resident of Morse Hall Complex reported a smell of marijuana on 4th floor. Officer was unable to locate room and make contact.

Officer assisted KS 888DVM at 14th and Highland St. Vehicle was out of fuel.

Officer escorted motorist to convenience store for gasoline.

Officer assisted Lyon Co. deputy with a foot chase in 700 Commercial block.

Officer provided jumpstart assistance for KS Veteran 81ACF at 1019 Michelle St. Officer also provided motorist assistance for same vehicle with a flat tire at same location. *Log for Jan. 25 not provided to The Bulletin by press time on Wednesday

news

The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

Regents support Brownback’s proposed budget K haili S carbrough

scarbrough@esubulletin.com

When Gov. Sam Brownback issued the Fiscal Year 2013 budget recommendations, he was met with support from the Kansas Board of Regents.

On Jan. 3 Ed McKechnie, regents chair, issued the following statement in response to the governor’s budget recommendations: “The thirty-two Kansas public higher education institutions are vital to the economic success of our state and our citizens. Governor Brownback’s budget includes funding for targeted improvements, program expansion, and research enhancements across the higher education system, enabling institutions to remain competitive while ensuring students receive a state-of-the-art education.”

In the statement, McKechnie also said that the budget provides funding that will improve access to higher education by providing financial assistance programs and promoting career technical education opportunities at the high school level.

“We extend our appreciation to the governor in recognizing the importance of higher education, and look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature in the coming months,” McKechnie said.

Vanessa Lamoreaux, associate director of communications for KBOR, further supported McKechnie’s statement by explaining how students enrolled in higher education will be directly affected.

“I believe that one of the ways ESU will benefit, as will all of our institutions, is that the governor has recommended dollars for the Kansas

BILLS... from page 1 Google showed that more than 7 million people signed a petition opposing the legislation during the blackout period.

Jacinda Scrivner, freshman undecided major, said she thought the blackouts were an effective form of protest against the bills.

“I think it was to show that we do want to be able to express ourselves more on the Internet,” Scrivner said, “and it showed that we do care what we do on the Internet.”

But not everyone was in favor of the protests.

Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of

Photo Illustration by Lingzi Su/The Bulletin

comprehensive grant program, which is a student financial aid assistance program, so that would be of benefit to current and future ESU students,” Lamoreaux said.

She also said that, indirectly, students will be effected by the governor’s recommended budget funding for state university rehabilitation and repair. This would address deferred maintenance issues on campuses.

“It helps ensure that our campuses remain vibrant and safe environments where students can pursue their studies,” Lamoreaux said.

Rachel Wiley, senior sociology major, said she supports the governor’s new budget and that she thinks funds going to education should be supported.

“I think that those of us in higher

education need the moral support from the government,” Wiley said. “I feel that with their encouragement, students will feel more apt to continue our education and better ourselves.”

Students may be getting that support in the new budget recommendation. Lamoreaux said that the governor’s support of higher education, by recommending this budget, shows he believes that higher education is important in Kansas because it helps meet work force needs.

“He supports the idea that higher education is vital to not only our state but also to our citizens in terms of having a vibrant economic future,” Lamoreaux said.

The entire Fiscal Year 2013 budget recommendations can be viewed at budget.ks.gov.

America and former Connecticut senator, released a statement stating that the websites taking part in the blackouts were “resorting to stunts that punish their users…rather than coming to the table to find solutions to a problem that all seem to agree is very real and damaging.”

Dane Baysinger, junior computer systems major felt as though the politicians who were pushing to pass SOPA and PIPA weren’t acting with the best interests of the American people in mind, but rather made the decision as a result of lobbyists.

“I think it was lobbyist definitely because there is no way that (these bills) would have an overall positive effect on the public,” Baysinger said.

The bills are currently shelved after losing support in the face of the Internet blackouts and public opposition, although they are not yet dead.

Harry Reid, democratic senator from Nevada, stated that, “there is no reason that the legitimate issues raised by many about this bill cannot be resolved.”

Another bill called the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act, also known as OPEN, has been introduced by Darrell Issa, republican representative from California.

Under OPEN, copyright holders would have to bring cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission, thus creating a more controlled enforcement process and providing more protection to accused sites.

Amid scandal, revered PSU coach Joe Paterno dies STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Happy Valley was perfect for Joe Paterno, a place where “JoePa” knew best, where he not only won more football games than any other major college coach, but won them the right way: with integrity and sportsmanship. A place where character came first, championships second.

Behind it all, however, was an ugly secret that ran counter to everything the revered coach stood for.

Paterno, a sainted figure at Penn State for almost half a century but scarred forever by the child sex abuse scandal that brought his career to a stunning end, died Sunday at age 85.

His death came just over two months after his son Scott announced on Nov. 18 that his father had been diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer. The cancer was found during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness. A few weeks later, Paterno broke his pelvis after a fall but did not need surgery.

Paterno had been in the hospital since Jan. 13 for observation after what his family called minor complications from his cancer treatments.

Not long before that, he conducted his only interview since losing his job, with The Washington Post. Paterno was described as frail then, speaking mostly in a whisper and wearing a wig. The second half of the two-day

interview was conducted at his bedside.

His family released a statement Sunday morning to announce his death: “His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled.”

“He died as he lived,” the statement said. “He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been.

His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community.”

Paterno built a program based on the credo of “Success with Honor,” and he found both. The man known as “JoePa” won 409 games and took the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games and two national championships.

More than 250 of the players he coached went on to the NFL. “He will go down as the greatest football coach in the history of the game,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said after his former team, the Florida Gators, beat Penn State 37-24 in the 2011 Outback Bowl.

Paterno roamed the sidelines for 46 seasons, his thick-rimmed glasses, windbreaker and jet-black sneakers as familiar as the Nittany Lions’ blue and white uniforms. He won 409 games

and two national championships.

The reputation he built looked even more impressive because he insisted on keeping graduation rates high while maintaining on-field success.

But in the middle of his 46th season, the legend was shattered.

Paterno was engulfed in a child sex abuse scandal when a former trusted assistant, Jerry Sandusky, was accused of molesting 10 boys over a 15-year span, sometimes in the football building.

Paterno at first said he was fooled.

But outrage built quickly when the state’s top cop said the coach hadn’t fulfilled a moral obligation to go to the authorities when a graduate assistant, Mike McQueary, told Paterno he saw Sandusky with a young boy in the showers of the football complex in 2002.

At a preliminary hearing for the school officials, McQueary testified that he had seen Sandusky attacking the child with his hands around the boy’s waist but said he wasn’t 100 percent sure it was intercourse.

McQueary described Paterno as shocked and saddened and said the coach told him he’d “done the right thing” by reporting the encounter.

Paterno waited a day before alerting school officials but never went to the police.

news

The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

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BSU prepares to celebrate Black History Month S usan W elte welte@esubulletin.com For the past 35 years, February has marked the observance of Black History Month. To celebrate the 36th year of the month-long celebration, the Black Student Union will host a variety of events on campus throughout the month.

But Black History Month is not just for students of color, said graduate assistant for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Jason Brooks. It is also a part of American History.

“Even though it’s phrased ‘Black History Month,’ it’s a part of everybody’s history,” Brooks said. “It’s geared not toward blacks, but (toward) educating our society.”

Chasity Wadley, junior business administration major, said BHM is as equally important to learn about someone else’s culture as one’s own.

“You might meet people and you might have more similar interests in common than you could imagine,” Wadley said.

“Students need to support other students.”

BSU president and senior recreation major James Jones said he looks at life from a different

perspective because his ancestors suffered but he doesn’t have to endure the same hardships. “(Heritage) embodies us,” Brooks said. “It’s almost like genetics. It lets you know who you are as an individual. You are allowed to not only blossom as a person, but it (also) sets a platform for your character.”

Several events during February are planned to encourage diversity and education, Brooks said. One of these events includes a showing of the movie “Roots” from Feb. 6-10 at 7 p.m. each night in Roosevelt 110, followed by a discussion.

Wadley said many do not know about their own individual cultures or their different background.

On Feb. 15 in the Memorial Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., BSU will have an “Ask a Black Person” box where students can leave anonymous questions.

“Knowing your culture can help you in the future,” Wadley said. “If you are asked about it, you want to be able to know and be proud of it.”

From Feb. 23-26, members of BSU will attend the Big XII Conference on Black Student Government in Norman, Okla.

The conference will discuss minorities, including African

LEGACY... from page 1 it became a daily lunch for some of the big names in New York at the time, Pemberton said.

Pemberton’s boss at The New Yorker, Harold Ross, hired him at one of the Roundtables, despite, by his own admission, no experience in art critiquing, according to the book.

His writings were regarded as “blunt, scrupulously muckraking journalism that delighted admirers from Greenwich Village studios to the Algonquin Round Table,” according to the Editors review.

The book is set up as a scrapbook to be more accessible to everyone, not just art historians, Pemberton said.

“The book wasn’t meant to portray him as any great man or great writer, but it was more to let people see the world through his eyes,” Pemberton said.

ONLINE... from page 1 you can’t do anything else and is something that takes a lot of forethought on the part of the student and they have to really know what they want to study.”

Kendrick said the program could stand improvement in its marketing strategy, but for a small campus in a small town, being ranked by U.S. News is a major accomplishment.

HOUSE FOR RENT Available February 1st – Remodeled, large 1 bedroom, main floor duplex. Laundry room, water, trash pickup and yard care paid- off street parking 425 Neosho$330. To view, call Helen at 913-205-0800 or Barbara at 620-342-0022.

Available now- Remodeled, very nice, large 4 bedroom, 2 bath, laundry room at 1018 Mechanic$750. To view, call Helen at 913-205-0800 or Barbara at 620-342-0022.

Available now – nice, large 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath, laundry room at 318 Cottonwood- $350.

To view, call Helen at 913-205-0800 or Barbara at 620-342-0022.

Senior sociology major Taylor Bullock and graduate student in music Jason Brooks design a poster for the list of 2012 events in the Multicultural Affairs office. The Black Student Union has several events planned for the month of February. Yo Han Kim/The Bulletin

Americans and their leadership capacities on college campuses, Brooks said. To finish off the month, BSU will host a

“Karaoke Night” from 7-10 p.m. on Feb. 28 in Albert Taylor Hall.

The Office of Multicultural

Affairs also plans to celebrate Women’s Heritage Month in March, as well as Diversity Week during the first week in April.

Dodgeball tournament open to ESU L uke B ohannon bohannon@esubulletin.com Competitors will have to dodge, duck, dip and dive their way to victory in this year’s intramural dodgeball tournament on Feb. 1. Teams of six will compete against each other in a tournament to find the best dodgeballers at Emporia State.

So far there are only five teams signed up to compete, said Whitney Runer, assistant director of recreation services.

Runer said that she expects more teams to register before the deadline.

“I’d create a team if I could…it sounds like a really fun thing to do” said Spencer King, junior English major.

Rules for the game are simple

enough. The primary goal is to eliminate the opposing team by either hitting them with a ball or catching a ball thrown at you.

However, hitting your opponent in the head doesn’t count as an out. Only shots below the shoulders result in elimination. Full rules can be found on Emporia State’s website. “ We’ll do pool play before we start the actual tournament, and then after pool play we’ll break down into the single elimination tournament,” Runer said.

Runer said the annual tournament has been around since at least 2006, except for last year’s tournament, which was canceled due to snow.

Other intramural sports offered during the spring semester include basketball, soccer, softball and table tennis. The

Student Recreation Center is also going to hold a “fun fit week” in April. “ We’re going to be doing different activities that are outside the normal…intramural games to get away from just doing the same old basketball, volleyball, soccer kind of stuff,” Runer said.

Registration for the dodgeball tournament is open until 11 p.m. on Jan. 31. The tournament will begin at 6 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the multipurpose gym at the Student Recreation Center.

Competitors can register online at ESU’s website. The tournament is free of charge and only people affiliated with ESU may participate. The tournament will offer divisions for men, women, and coed teams.

Obama and GOP candidates offer a campaign preview WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On a day that combined two campaigns into one, President Barack Obama on Wednesday challenged Republicans to raise taxes on the rich as GOP rivals Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich swiped at him on the economy and criticized each other over immigration.

With a week to go before the Jan. 31 Florida Republican presidential primary, the polls suggested a tight race, although Romney and his allies seized a staggering advantage in the television ad wars. They have reported spending $14 million combined on commercials, many of them critical of Gingrich, and a total at least seven times bigger that the investment made by the former

House speaker and an organization supporting him.

Obama’s political timeline was a different one, Election Day on Nov. 6. In a campaign-style appearance in Iowa, he demanded Congress approve a tax increase for anyone like Romney whose income exceeds $1 million a year.

“If you make more than a million dollars a year, you should pay a tax rate of at least 30 percent. If, on the other hand, you make less than $250,000, which includes 98 percent of you, your taxes shouldn’t go up,” he said after touring a manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids and in a state that he won in 2008 that was expected to be a battleground in the fall.

“This is not class warfare,” he said. “That’s common sense.”

As Obama surely knew, it was an offer Gingrich, Romney and the anti-tax Republicans in Congress are likely to find easy to refuse.

Referring to Obama’s call in the speech for Congress to end tax breaks that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas, Romney said he didn’t know of any.

Instead, he said the president presides over “the most anti-business, anti-investment, anti-job creator administration I’ve ever seen, and so, what I’ll do — I’ll get America to work again. I spent 25 years in business.”

Gingrich was far harsher at an appearance in Miami.

“If he actually meant what he said it would be a disaster of the first order,” Gingrich said of the

president’s call for higher taxes on millionaires.

The former House speaker said the president’s proposal would double the capital gains tax and “lead to a dramatic decline in the stock market, which would affect every pension fund in the United States.”

“It would affect every person who has a 401(k). It would attack the creation of jobs and drive capital outside of the United States. It would force people to invest overseas. It would be the most anti-jobs single step he could take,” he said.

Under current law, investment income is taxed as the rate of 15 percent, a fact that has come to the fore of the campaign in recent days with the release of Romney’s income tax return.

opinion

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The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

From SOPA with Hope In the early 1990s, proponents of the Internet touted it as a potential revolution within democracies. The widespread dissemination of information was thought of as the key to an informed and active public. In the waning days since SOPA’s tabling in Congress, the Internet’s new impact on American politics is finally coming into view.

SOPA and PIPA are an affront to democracy.

The limitations on speech and press implicit in the legislation affected businesses and citizens within and outside of the United States. The battle against censorship has just begun, as the discourse surrounding Intellectual Property Rights is still firmly controlled by pro-censorship advocates.

The merit of IPRs is irrelevant. The lesson learned from SOPA is that there is a political front that, if left in place, could rally the populace quicker than ever before. This is nothing new. The Internet has long been a springboard for politicians and ideologies. The Bulletin hopes that it has now become a platform for the people.

SOPA proved, once and for all, how powerful the Internet can be. What had already been demonstrated in Arab Spring nations as a medium of resistance is now functioning similarly in America.

The Internet blackout that occurred as a result

of SOPA catapulted the citizenry into action, signing petitions, writing congresspersons and facilitating an exchange of dialogue across cultures. The result was a quick reversal of many senator and representative’s initial stance in favor of SOPA. Imagine a similar strategy to other questionable laws, not just legislation that threatens our ability to share media freely. If websites like Google and Wikipedia were to engage their audience on human rights, economic and social welfare issues, a swiftly galvanized public would hold their government accountable, whose actions would conceivably reflect the desire of the people.

The responses that companies take to legislation should be their own. Google and Wikipedia had a vested interest in opposing SOPA and PIPA. There may be no incentive for these companies to be as bold in the face of laws that do not affect their business. But what matters is our actions, not theirs.

Repugnant laws deserve loud retort. Online petitions, angry emails or widespread boycotts work regardless of who prompts them.

Use your computer to create change in the world. It is much more than another school supply or entertainment system. It is your direct line to those in power.

Know Your Housing Rights Anyone who has searched for apartments in Emporia knows the town is littered with substandard dwellings.

The incentive for landlords to take proper care of their residences – or in some case their incentive to demolish a condemnable building – resides in the renter’s willingness to hold them to the law.

T he relationship of landlord and tenant is often one of the first professional and legal partnerships students undertake. It is not to be taken lightly. But as we step into adulthood, it is equally important for college students to enter into contracts with the confidence of a seasoned attorney even if woefully short of that title.

Within this relationship is an explicit understanding of both party’s responsibilities. The lease outlines the consequences if those responsibilities are not upheld.

The impact of rough communication, legal ambiguity and ignorance of tenant-landlord law can land either party – but usually just the tenant – in steep legal and financial trouble.

Small claims court is a hassle for everyone and is functionally the same as “Judge Judy,” which comes as a surprise to many students. It lacks the formality and luster of the trial scenes we grew up watching and reading about. It is not the most prestigious appointment for judges. Often, only one of the parties in contest believes that court was necessary. In short, people’s desire to avoid court will usually prevent a legal hassle.

But there are times when the impasse is the only option and the scales of justice must be tested. This is when students should take it upon themselves to understand what options are within the law. I will spare our readership the details of Kansas tenant rights, but suffice it to say that there is free information at your disposal.

Our responsibility as renters is to take care of the property as best we can, to pay rent and to yield to any

Cartoon by Ellen Weiss

Letter to the Editor Letters to the editor should be no more than 350 words and can address any issues, concerns, ideas or event you choose. Letters may be edited for content and length. Email letters to editor@esubulletin.com. Include your name and student email so we can verify authorship.

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M att C ook opinion@esubulletin.com reasonable request. Similarly, it is the owner’s obligation to keep the dwelling up to code, provide necessary maintenance, and, at the very least, be true to the contract agreed upon.

The older we get, the more we realize that the goodness inherent in people does not always translate into matters of business. Do not forget that you, the renter, are a source of income for the landlord. And though business ethics suggests that transparency makes for the best kind of deal making, it is often the cutting-ofcorners that can be the difference between a profit and loss. Don’t be a victim.

We owe it to ourselves and to our community to maintain knowledge about our rights. Before you step out of the dorms for the first time, take a moment to research what you’re getting yourself into. Some landlords bank on your ignorance and hope you’re a push over. Often enough, they’re correct. Be the exception.

Do not leave your already scarce finances to chance.

To comment on portions of The Bulletin’s website, commenters are required to enter a legitimate email address and first and/or last name before a comment can be published.

The Bulletin reserves the right to delete any content deemed inappropriate or inflammatory. Any content judged racist, sexist, vulgar, obscene or objectionable will not be included on The Bulletin’s website. Furthermore, The Bulletin will not publish any content wherein the commenter fraudulently assumes an identity not his/her own.

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EDITORIAL STAFF

School Your Way As I am chugging along through my fourth year at Emporia State, I can’t help but feel the creeping chill of “the real world” looming outside campus. I ask myself why I chose my major. I question if it has actually prepared me to succeed in my goals. I worry about getting a job.

Maybe that’s why I decided to pick up another major.

Then people tell me that they, their wife, their niece, etc. got several college degrees, and have never landed a job that related to anything in their education. Great.

Thanks. Everything I do is futile.

Then people inject their own agendas into my life. I don’t know about anyone else, but I feel like no matter what I do, I’m going to make some people in my life very happy, and others very disappointed.

Not wanting to let down parents, teachers, friends – it’s just more pressure. Of course, for people like me, the pressure we imagine is probably a thousand times greater than what is actually happening.

That being said, I have come to a realization. You reach a point where you just have to say, “fudge ‘em.”

Until you feel happy with the path you have chosen, you will never feel at ease.

And if you’re not happy, make a change. I can tell you, first hand, that ESU’s career counselors, advisors in the SAC office and departmental advisors, are helpful, encouraging and knowledgeable. They know that if they

E llen W eiss weiss@esubulletin.com can’t answer a question, they can send you to someone who can. Most importantly, they have made this stressful and frightening transition into a positive experience.

In uncertain times, there is nothing quite as refreshing as talking to someone whose sole purpose is to help you achieve what you want. Not what your parents want, not what your friends want, not what your teachers want. What feels right to you.

KenzieTempleton Editor-in-Chief Charlie Heptas Managing Editor Katelin Gibson Multimedia Editor Jon Coffey Photo Editor Matt Cook Opinion Editor Marcus Hix Sports Editor Jessica Gaddis Copy Editor Kimber Mitchell Graphic Designer

BUSINESS

Sisi Huang Business Manager Catherine Wethington Office Manager Shane Wilson Advertising Manager

Adviser

Max McCoy Assistant Professor of Journalism

The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

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Granada holds charity event to feed students S teven E dwards edwards@esubulletin.com On Saturday, the Emporia Community Foundation and the Granada Theater hosted a charity event as part of the Food for Students program, which was started last spring. The movie of the night was the 1993 family comedy “The Sandlot.” Tickets were $5, but some attendees received free tickets for making a donation of non-perishable food.

“There were a generous amount of food donations,” said Rob Catlett, assistant professor of economics. “Some attendees came and donated extra food. People donated more than enough to meet our goal, with more than 90-percent of attendees donating at least one food item.”

Economics majors Seram Yoon and Shalika Rolle volunteered at the event, collecting and sorting donated food items.

“I heard about Food for Students in class, and I decided to volunteer,” Yoon said.

Both Yoon and Rolle said the amount of donated food items was in the hundreds by the 7 p.m. showing of the movie.

“I saw a few people donate food without actually coming to see the movie,” said Samuel Schmidgall, who was collecting tickets for the event. Schmidgall said there was a large amount of attendees, and almost all of them had something to donate.

Food for Students is a community-based initiative aimed at providing non-perishable, nutritious food to kindergarten through fifthgrade students in Emporia who come from food-insecure homes. The program’s monthly goal is to collect and distribute approximately 150 lightweight bags of non-perishable food items between eight K-6 schools in Emporia.

Catlett said the food items needed to fill the Food for Students bags are small jars of peanut butter, soup mix or ramen noodle packages, small to medium boxes of crackers, bags of rice and beans, rice or pasta packets, instant oatmeal, macaroni and cheese boxes, granola bars, tuna and chicken salad boxes, fruit cups and shelf-stable milk.

“We need the tuna and chicken salad boxes the most at the moment,” Catlett said. “We tend to run out of fruit cups as well, and we put four of those in each of the bags.”

Canned foods that are donated to the initiative are traded at the Emporia Salvation Army food pantry for these lightweight non-perishable items.

Non-perishable food donations may be dropped off at The Emporia Gazette, 517 Merchant St., The Salvation Army at 327 Constitution St. and the 12th Ave. Baptist Church, 2023 W 12th Ave. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Food for Students at The Emporia Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1337, Emporia, KS 66801. All tax-deductible donations cover the cost of Food for

Off the Reel

L uke B ohannon

bohannon@esubulletin.com

“Red Tails” packed with action

Rob Catlett, assistant professor of economics, and his students Catie Hyde and Justin Axman volunteer at the Food for Students Event last Saturday night at Granada Theatre. Attendees received free tickets for making a donation of non-perishable food for elementary students in Emporia who come from foodinsecure homes. Yiqing Fu/The Bulletin

Students bags, which is approximately $10 per bag.

Catlett said he feels the donation event at the Granada Theater was a success, and plans to continue doing events similar to these in the future.

Nation’s oldest federal judge in history dies at age 104 (AP) — As the nation’s oldest sitting federal judge in history, U.S. District Judge Wesley Brown allowed himself few concessions to his advancing age as he insisted on presiding over significant and often complex cases right up until his death at 104.

Brown died Monday night at the Wichita assisted living center where he lived, his law clerk, Nanette Turner Kalcik, said Tuesday.

During his long tenure, the senior judge in Wichita repeatedly tried to explain why he had not yet fully retired from the federal bench.

“As a federal judge, I was appointed for life or good behavior, whichever I lose first,” Brown quipped in a 2011 interview with The Associated Press. How did he plan to leave the post? “Feet first,” Brown said.

He came to work at the federal courthouse every day until about a month ago when his health deteriorated, U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten said. Undeterred, the ailing Brown then had his law clerks bring work to the hospital and later to the assisted living center while he recuperated. His law clerks were with him virtually non-stop, taking turns to be there except at night during the past

few weeks.

Brown was appointed as a federal district judge in 1962 by thenPresident John F. Kennedy.

“When Judge Brown spoke, we listened because— while nobody has seen it all — he certainly came closer to it than anybody I have ever known,” Marten said. “And his message was always the same: remember who you are and what your job is.”

In 1979, Brown officially took senior status, a type of semiretirement that allows federal judges to work with a full or reduced case level. He continued to carry a full workload for decades.

“I do it to be a public service,” Brown said in the AP interview.

“You got to have a reason to live. As long as you perform a public service, you have a reason to live.”

His long tenure on the federal bench surpasses even that of Joseph Woodrough, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit who, until Brown, had been the longest practicing judge in the federal judiciary when he died in 1977 shortly after turning 104.

“Judge Brown always said he hoped he would be remembered as a good judge, not just an old judge — and I think it was a sincere

Griffons pounce Hornets at White Auditorium

George Lucas returns to the big screen with the retelling of the tale of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots during WWII who, despite the heavy racism present in the armed forces at the time, gained fame and glory through their exceptional flying abilities against German pilots.

The film “Red Tails” focuses on four pilots in particular – Marty “Easy” Julian (Nate Parker), Joe “Lightning” Little (David Oyelowo), Samuel “Joker” George (Elijah Kelly) and Ray “Junior” Gannon (Tristan Wilds). Aside from Easy and Lightning, just about every other character in the movie is completely one-dimensional. Most of the dialogue between characters is in quick one-liners spoken into flight masks or incredibly clichéd conversations on the ground.

Where “Red Tails” fails with dialogue, it makes up for with action. Every plane is rendered beautifully on the screen and every dogfight puts you on the edge of your seat. These aren’t clean or simple dogfights either.

Each time the pilots hit the skies it’s a fast and dirty fight for survival against the enemy pilots, and we see time and time again how brave and skilled they are.

One thing that detracts from the film is the lack of impact.

Major events in the story seem to hold little to no impact for the characters dealing with them. When Junior is forced to bail behind enemy lines and is captured, nobody seems to care.

There’s a moment of grief from Easy, but after that it’s as if nothing had happened at all. We see the other pilots walking around in high spirits as though their comrade wasn’t being held captive by the enemy.

Despite a brief conversation with a new pilot about the idea of death, there’s very little in this movie that suggests that these pilots are actually in a war.

One of the more difficult to believe characters was Major Emanuel Stance, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s not to say that he doesn’t do a good job, but he oversells the part like crazy.

Rather than placing his everpresent pipe in his mouth, he seems to chomp down on it like he’s taking a big bite out of an apple. He also does this in nearly every single scene that he’s present in. We seem to constantly be catching the Major at the start or at the end of a good smoke.

“Red Tails” is Anthony Hemingway’s first big screen directing credit. For his first time out, Hemingway has done a decent job creating an entertaining, if rather shallow, action flick. This is a movie definitely worth seeing in theaters, if only to appreciate the stunning visuals and the action-packed story while they’re still larger than life.

Sophomore guard Travis Dykman faces off against a NW Missouri Griffon guard last night at White Auditorium. The Hornets lost 72-66.

Audrey Millard/The Bulletin

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The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

Study abroad connects students to foreign culture S usan W elte welte@esubulletin.com When senior graphic design major Rebekah Rose handed in her one-semester application to the University of Ulster in Ireland through the International Student Exchange Program, she was excited.

“I’ve never left the country before,” Rose said. “I wanted to really get some more multicultural experiences for my career purposes. I mean I don’t only plan on going to Ireland, I hope to go to other countries as well, just for more experience and knowledge.”

The study abroad fair, held yesterday by the Office of International Education, provided all ESU students with at least two semesters of university-level work opportunities to participate in programs from more than 200 universities of 57 countries. “(Study Abroad has) lots and lots of benefits,” said Michelle Cunningham, graduate student in clinical psychology and Study Abroad student advisor. “It makes you more marketable to employers for one, makes you more marketable to universities if you plan on higher education, and I think the

biggest value in studying abroad is the personal growth you experience.”

The programs vary from two weeks during summer break to two semesters during the school year.

ISEP allows Rose to pay tuition, room and board to Emporia State and then travel to Ireland and attend the university.

She will also need to pay some application fees and the travel cost.

“It’s not much more than attending ESU for a semester, and it’s actually cheaper than going to someplace like KU for a semester,” Cunningham said.

Various scholarships like the Fulbright, the Critical Language Scholarship and ESU travel grants are available to all eligible applicants. Travel grant applicants need at least a 2.5 GPA and two recommendation letters, Cunningham said.

“I had a good time, it was really nice to be a part of the English Village program,” said Naomi Gonzalez, senior communication major who went to the English Village Program & Summer Study Abroad last year in South Korea.

“It opens up your mind to different cultures and it teaches you how to interact with different peo-

Photo Illustration by Yo Han Kim/The Bulletin

ple, like European and Australian students.”

But Gonzalez also gave some advice to future students who want to join in the program.

“I talked to teachers before I

left and made sure they would transfer (my credit hours) back,” Gonzalez said. “If you don’t do your research you will probably have a lot of difficulties when you come back and you have to transfer

UAC kicks off semester with weeklong tag T ianhai J iang jiang@esubulletin.com Many students donned bright orange bracelets around campus this week, but not as part of new fashion trend. The bracelets signified the wearer’s participation in the Union Activities Council Week Long Tag event.

“It’s really interesting because you have to interact with a lot of people that you normally wouldn’t interact with,” said Ethan Platt, freshman music major,“and people you really even don’t know except for maybe you saw their pictures on Facebook and you creep on them a little bit before you find them and tag them, but otherwise it’s really just making the entire school feel like one big unit that’s after each other right now.”

Weeklong Tag had 186 participants this year, and each received a bracelet with another participant’s name on the back. They had to find the person through either Facebook or last year’s Sunflower edition and tag the person in real life. The person who was tagged had to hand over their bracelets. By tomorrow, the person with the most bracelets wins the prize.

“I know some people are getting really into it,” Platt said. “I’ve not been caught at all yet, and I haven’t caught sight of the person I’m trying to catch. But when it happens, it’s going to be pretty intense.”

The game was only the first of several events this semester.

“We usually try to do some events

outside since it gets nicer,” said Carlos Urgiles, junior biochemistry and molecular biology major and vice president of UAC, “but this semester we have a lot of affordable events, that way we can have more events to provide for students.”

The new iPod Idol game will be held April 26 in the new Center for Student Involvement on the Main Street of the Memorial Union.

Participants will sing through a karaoke machine with headphones in front of the crowd. They won’t be able to hear themselves, and their performances will be judged by the audience.

There are also three lectures planned. Tyson Wooters, former football team mascot at the University of Oregon, will speak at 7 p.m. next Wednesday in Webb Hall.

Daniel Packard will speak about Live Group Sex Therapy at 7 p.m. on Feb 8 in Webb Hall.

“It’s an interactive lecture aimed at our age group,” said Eden Tullis, senior English major and UAC president. “Not just to talk about sex, but talks about the opposite sexes and what stereotypes they may have about each other.”

UAC also plans to bring an 80s tribute band performance to campus, in which performers will dress up in 80s-style outfits and bring back major songs of the decade. They will also have some of their traditional programs like Flintstock, grocery bingo and Night at the Movies. The first $4 movie will begin at 7 p.m. next Thursday at the Flinthills 8 Cinemas.

Judge sets hearing for convicted Kansas doctor

Rachel McCommon, senior rehabilitation service education major, displays her Weeklong Tag bracelets in the Memorial Union Wednesday afternoon.

McCommon had a total of five bracelets from individuals she tagged during Union Activity Council’s Weeklong Tag game. Julie Thephachan/The Bulletin

Assault charge dropped against former Kansas quarterback DENVER (AP) — Prosecutors in Castle Rock, Colo., have dismissed an assault charge against former University of Kansas quarterback Brock Berglund after he completed community service, took a conflict management course and paid restitution to the alleged

victim.

A spokeswoman for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office said Wednesday that Berglund fulfilled the terms that were approved by the alleged victim. Berglund paid $2,935 in restitution.

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your credits. Make connections with your professor.”

For more information about these programs, contact the Office of International Education at oie1@emporia.edu.

DENVER (AP) — Prosecutors in Castle Rock, Colo., have dismissed an assault charge against former University of Kansas quarterback Brock Berglund after he completed community service, took a conflict management course and paid restitution to the alleged victim.

A spokeswoman for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office said Wednesday that Berglund fulfilled the terms that were approved by the alleged victim.

Berglund paid $2,935 in restitution.

“Though Mr. Berglund is disappointed charges were ever filed, he is pleased to see this matter has finally resolved in his favor,” his attorney, Kevin McGreevy, said in a statement.

“Mr. Berglund looks forward to finding a new academic and athletic opportunity to demonstrate his talents.”

The highly touted quarterback was charged after allegedly punching a man during a party on April 9. Because of the misdemeanor charge, Berglund didn’t practice with the Jayhawks last season.

Berglund has hired an attorney to help him get released from his scholarship so he can play for another program. The freshman was dismissed from the squad last week when he didn’t attend a mandatory team meeting with the Jayhawks’ new coaching staff. Berglund said he didn’t attend for fear it would lock him in for another semester.

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The Bulletin | January 26, 2012

Page 7

Freshmen, faculty brainstorm, learn How2ESU R ocky R obinson robinson@esubulletin.com For freshman, starting off a new semester can be difficult.

This is why How2ESU, a student orientation program, starts every year off with activities and events to make a smoother transition into the new environment and to help freshman get better acquainted with the university.

Attempting to keep orientation fun and exciting for the students, How2ESU held a small brainstorming session on Tuesday.

“Our sole goal here today is to generate as many ideas as possible,” said Jason Bosch, director of student life learning and assessments. “We just want to get as many ideas as possible about how to welcome our new students to the campus and connect them with resources for their academic and personal success here.”

Dividing into five groups, the 25 people in attendance discussed and wrote down their ideas on large pieces of paper, which they then presented and discussed. Most groups focused on getting non-traditional students and exchange students involved as well.

C helsie S laughter slaughter@esubulletin.com

Biological sciences professor Dwight Moore and Sally Crawford-Fowler, assistant director of Student Wellness and Counseling, draw out ideas for the upcoming school year during How2ESU’s brainstorming session Tuesday evening in Webb Hall. The session was open to everyone and involved coming up with new ideas on how to welcome freshmen to their first year at college. Julie Thephachan/The Bulletin

“We could do better,” said Rob Catlett, professor of economics. “Part of our challenge is we do not have the kind of funding some of the other schools have.

When we try to compare and

contrast ourselves with other schools that have more financial resources and human resources, it gives us something to which we can aspire to but we are never going to be able to fully compete

with some of these types of programs. It doesn’t mean we can’t try to find less expensive alternatives.”

This was How2ESU’s third year coordinating orientation,

and they planned a wide variety of activities for new students.

Freshmen were encouraged to fill out a survey to help them improve next year’s orientation.

“I attended most of the events throughout orientation,” said Ethan Appleby, freshman undecided major said. “The events were fun but there were too many names and faces to try to remember all at once.

Breaking us down into smaller groups would have made it easier to retain names, but overall it was fun.”

Bosch said he received similar feedback from other students who took the survey and felt like it was more surface level introduction without actually making a connection.

“We are going to try to make the activities small group based,” Bosch said. “My approach to my job is that regardless of how good something may be, there is always room to improve and we don’t always have to keep doing the same events just because we have always done them. So I always like to start the planning year with a blank slate.”

Still open to suggestions and wanting to receive feedback, Bosch said people can contact him at jbosch1@emporia.edu.

Kan. lawmakers want to review food stamps Kan. lawmakers consider (AP) — Some legislators said Wednesday they plan to review a new state policy that has reduced or cut off food stamp benefits to hundreds of U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants in Kansas.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers acknowledged that they’re sympathetic to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration trying to ensure that families with illegal immigrants aren’t being treated more generously than families whose members are all legal residents. The administration said the change simply means all Kansas families are treated the same.

But the lawmakers worry that the effect will be most felt by children whose families were eligible for food stamps under the old standard but have since lost the benefits. The lawmakers said the state is punishing children rather than cracking down on illegal immigration.

Brownback has asked SRS officials for updates on the new policy but he’s not looking to modify it, his spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag said. Some lawmakers said the Republican-controlled Legislature could consider revising the policy.

“It has the effect of denying food to children, which is something I could never support,” said Sen. John Vratil, a Leawood Republican and a member of the budget-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee. “We need to get further explanation from SRS.” Questions about the SRS policy have arisen as Brownback faces criticism over his proposal to overhaul the state’s individual income tax system. State Department of Revenue figures showed last week that filers

with adjusted gross incomes of $25,000 or less — 41 percent of the total — would be the only group to see a collective increase in income taxes, though the administration says it would be offset by additional social services spending.

“It just all adds up,” said Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman Carolyn McGinn, a Sedgwick Republican. “We don’t want to hurt our working poor.”

Legislators also expect in coming weeks to debate proposals for cracking down on illegal immigration.

“I just think there are creative ways to resolve this and not hurt the kids,” said Sen. Laura Kelly, of Topeka, the ranking Democrat on the Senate budget committee.

The new policy from the state Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services took effect Oct. 1 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, previously known as the food stamp program.

The policy changes how household incomes are calculated for determining eligibility.

SRS said the change means all families now are being treated the same, whether some members are illegal immigrants or not.

Since the policy took effect, 1,042 households with 2,066 children have lost their SNAP benefits though it’s unclear how many of the affected households had illegal immigrants, SRS spokeswoman Angela de Rocha said. The state is providing SNAP benefits to about 137,000 households, meaning the change potentially affected fewer than 1 percent, she said.

Before the new policy took

effect, SRS had for a decade calculated a lower household income if some family members couldn’t show they were living in the U.S. legally. For example, if a household had two working parents who couldn’t show they were in the U.S. legally and two U.S.-born children, SRS counted half of the parents’ income.

As a result, families with illegal immigrants could qualify more easily for SNAP benefits than families with no illegal immigrants, de Rocha said. Also, some families received benefits when their incomes would have disqualified them if all members had been legal U.S. residents, she said.

“We’re just computing everybody’s income the same way,” de Rocha said. “Kansas citizens have a right to expect that their government treats them at least as well as people in this country illegally. That’s why we changed the policy.”

But some legislators argue that the change still affects poor children. Under current federal guidelines a family of four can’t qualify for the benefits unless its household income is less than $2,422 a month. Even then, SRS does another calculation that examines a family’s expenses, such as housing.

“We need to make sure that the kids aren’t unfairly getting less food than they need,” said Rep. Jerry Henry, of Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Social Services Budget Committee. “You have to look at what’s happened to the kids.”

But de Rocha said that the relatively small number of children affected by the new policy remain eligible for free or lowcost lunches at school, and Medicaid, which provides health coverage.

Suspect in Ohio Craigslist case pleads not guilty AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A self-styled chaplain suspected in a deadly Craigslist robbery scheme pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges including aggravated murder and kidnapping.

An attorney for Richard Beasley, 52, entered the plea on his behalf as his client hid his face in his arms during his arraignment by video hookup from jail.

Beasley, only his head, shoulders and arms showing on the screen, asked about news cameras in the courtroom.

“I’m worried about contaminating a jury pool,” Beasley said without looking up.

Magistrate John Shoemaker asked Beasley to briefly show his face to confirm his identity but then agreed to let the defense attorney and prosecutor confirm who it was.

Beasley refused to skip the reading of the indictment,

a routine move that speeds up the case. Two prosecutors spent more than 55 minutes taking turns reading the indictment and its numerous death penalty specifications.

Beasley has been held without bond and Shoemaker continued that arrangement. Beasley’s count-appointed attorney, Brian Pierce, said he might take up the issue of pretrial release on bond with trial Judge Lynne Callahan.

A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Feb. 8.

Beasley is accused of killing three men and wounding a fourth and could face the death penalty if convicted.

A 17-year-old co-defendant, Brogan Rafferty, has pleaded not guilty to juvenile counts brought against him Friday. Rafferty was a student at Stow-Munroe Falls High School in suburban Akron when he was arrested in the fall.

new fee for electric cars

AP) — Using less gas is an advantage for the few Kansans who’ve bought electric cars, but a state legislator worried Tuesday about how the state will pay for road and bridge projects if consumers flock to the vehicles and stop paying gasoline taxes.

Rep. Tom Sloan’s solution is for the state to impose a new fee on the power used by electric car and hybrid owners when they charge up their vehicles, either at home or in public charging stations. But a bill the Lawrence Republican is pushing received a cool reception during a House Energy and Utilities Committee hearing.

General Motors Co. opposes the idea, and a spokesman suggested such a tax could discourage electric car sales and help kill the industry in its infancy. Legislators also worried that car owners would be forced to spend hundreds of dollars to install separate meters in their homes.

But Sloan argued that Kansas should consider imposing such a fee before electric cars become a regular feature on the state’s highways. GM said only two dozen Chevrolet Volts are registered with the state, and Sloan wondered aloud during his testimony how difficult legislators would find it to impose a new fee once electric cars and hybrids number in the tens of thousands in Kansas.

“Whether it’s 24 Volt owners in Kansas or 24,000, should they be paying to use the roads on which they drive?” Sloan asked the committee. “If not now, when?”

The committee took no action on Sloan’s bill, and Chairman Carl Dean Holmes, a Republican from Liberal, said he’s not sure whether the measure will come up for a vote. Skepticism about it was bipartisan.

Under Sloan’s bill, consumers who charge their electric or hybrid vehicles at home would be required to have a separate meter to track how much electricity they use. The Kansas Department of Transportation would set the fee so that it is equivalent to the state’s taxes of 24 cents a gallon on gasoline and 26 cents a gallon on diesel. Sloan believes it could amount to less than 1 cent for each kilowatt hour of electricity.

GM spokesman Jeffrey Perry, who testified during the hearing, said the company knows of no state that has imposed such a tax.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, lawmakers in Arizona, Mississippi, Oregon and Washington considered proposals to impose new fees for electronic cars, and Texas considered starting a pilot program. None of the proposals passed. The NCSL says Kansas is the first to consider a tax on electricity use, while a tax on miles traveled is the popular idea in other states.

Jim Whitty, the manager of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s office on alternative funding, said a fee for electricity would have to be based on a vehicle’s use, with “on-board reporting,” because a state can’t control where a consumer charges up. His agency plans to present a new proposal for a vehicle mileage fee to Oregon legislators next year.

“We’ve looked at all alternatives because electric vehicles are not paying their share,” he said.

In Kansas, spokesman Lindsey Douglas told the House committee that the Kansas Department of Transportation is concerned about relying heavily on motor fuels taxes to finance road and bridge projects in the future, because revenues are likely to decline as even gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles become more efficient. But Douglas said KDOT is waiting to see what ideas emerge around the nation.

Gasoline sales in Kansas peaked at more than 1.45 billion gallons in 1999, according to legislative researchers, and dropped to less than 1.25 billion gallons in 2010.

But Perry said imposing a new fee is premature and would send the wrong signal to consumers about whether they should buy electric vehicles or hybrids. Such a tax also would discourage auto manufacturers, he said.

“If we’re not being shown that there’s backing behind this by the state legislatures, why would we want to continue supporting this technology and pushing forward if what we’re being told is, we’re going to tax this to its death before it ever gets a chance to survive?” he said.

January 26, 2012

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Despite Balcom’s absence, Hornets win C helsie S laughter slaughter@esubulletin.com

Junior guard Rachel Hanf goes for a shot against the Bearcats at White Auditorium. The Lady Hornets won 63-50 on Sunday. Audrey Millard/The Bulletin

Sport Shorts Two named MIAA StudentAthletes of the Week Emporia State distance runner Katie Mona and high jumper Briar Ploude were named MIAA Track and Field Student-Athletes of the Week for Jan. 16-22. It is the second straight honor for both of them.

Mona won the women’s track athlete award by dominating the 3,000 meter at the UCM Invitational, where she demolished the previous record by an astounding 18 seconds while winning the event by 1:02. The Lenexa native has the best time in the MIAA in the event this season by nearly 30 seconds.

Ploude won the high jump at the UCM Invitational with a leap of 7-01.75 feet to capture the men’s field athlete award.

From Meridian, he has the top mark in the nation this season. By clearing 7 feet for the second straight meet, he is automatically a national qualifier.

Women win UCM Invitational, men take second

The track and field team traveled to Warrensburg, Mo. to compete in the University of Central Missouri Invitational last Friday. Emporia State set three school records, had an automatic qualifier, 12 event champions and six provisional marks. The 23rd ranked Hornet women won the team competition while the men placed second.

Efforts by Briar Ploude, Katie Mona, Sonya Schement, Marquietta Marisette, Andrew Etheridge, Gannon Mack, Shjuan Richardson and Ryan Dickson had strong showings for ESU at the Invitational.

The Hornets will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Lawrence for the Jayhawk Classic.

Three ESU teams ranked nationally Both the Emporia State men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams made an appearance in this week’s United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association Top 25 Power Rankings.

The Hornet men are ranked 24th, while the ESU women are 25th this week. Both made strong early season appearances at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Invitational and at the UCM Invitational.

The Lady Hornets moved up three spots to the 17th slot in this week’s national top 25. The team has been in the Coaches Top 25 for 197 weeks since first appearing in the 1997-98 preseason poll and have received votes in 214 of the last 218 polls.

Their record now stands at 13-3, with a very strong 9-2 record, which ranks them third place in the MIAA.

The Lady Hornets hosted the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri at William L. White Auditorium on Sunday, the 47th meeting between the two teams in which Emporia leads the series 33-14. Even without sophomore Kelsey Balcom in the lineup, the Hornets were able to pull away with a win, 63-50.

Emporia started the game with momentum, winning the tip. After two possessions down the floor, freshman forward Kathryn Flott took the ball to the lane for the first two points of the game.

“I know I had to step up to fill Kelsey’s shoes,“ Flott said. “We boarded the ball and got out and ran and got our transition going.”

Head Coach Jory Collins yelled “patience” as his team worked the ball around, showing good movement. The game grew physical as many bodies were on the floor fighting for every loose ball.

“For about 32 minutes we played really good on defense,” Collins said. “We did much better guarding their post than we did the last time we played them, and I thought that was probably the difference of the game.”

Senior guard Heather Robben drained a three pointer to put the Hornets up 10-4, ending the game as the leading scorer with 12 points.

A drive by junior guard Jocelyn

Cummings and a three-pointer made by junior guard Rachel Hanf, had the crowding exploding in excitement. The Bearcats were forced to take a timeout with the Hornets leading by a score of 15-4.

“We had a good game plan going in, and we knew what we had to do to get stops,” Rachel Hanf said, adding 11 points for the team.

“It feels really good to start hitting shots again.”

The Hornets got offensive rebounds, which gave them multiple opportunities for second chance points. Emporia struggled to get points from the post as the Bearcats double-teamed them when the ball entered inside. Flott continued to score and contribute points off second chance opportunities. The Hornets went into the locker room at half with a lead of 37-23.

Hanf hit a three from the corner to score the first points of the second half, as she soon later scored another to help the Hornets surmount a 19-point lead.

Robben continued to push the ball up the floor as the Hornets seemed to be transitioning easier, driving the full length of the court. Hanf continued her strong three-point shooting, as Flott attained multiple rebounds, ending the game with 8 points and 11 rebounds, a career high. Emporia finished the game strongly and stayed on top of the Bearcats for the victory.

Hornet men fall short to Bearcats, 45-71 C helsie S laughter slaughter@esubulletin.com The Emporia State Hornets squared off against the Northwest Bearcats for their 57th time at William L. White Auditorium on Sunday. In a disappointing performance, the Hornets lost to the visiting Bearcats, 71-45.

“Shots did not fall,” said Head Coach Shaun Vandiver.

“We need to put this back in the rear view, and get ready for Missouri Western. We need to get in the gym, get some shots up and get our confidence back.”

The Hornets failed to make a field goal for the first four minutes of the game until a two pointer from senior guard Tola Lawal, who ended the game scoring 12 points, the only Hornet to score in double figures. Junior guard Chris Sights followed with two of his own, tying the game.

Emporia fell short early as they could not get defensive stops against the Bearcat offense, giving up many offensive rebounds and second chance points. There was miscommunication on the offensive side for the Hornets as they struggled to capitalize on their offensive possessions.

“We could not hit our shots.

Everything counts in the first half,” Lawal said. “We just have to bounce back and work hard.”

Lawal and Sights continued to put points on the board for the Hornets. With a low scoring first half, the Hornets trailed going into the locker room, 27-14.

Junior guard Taylor Euler swished a three pointer to start off the second half. The Hornets struggled to stop Bearcat penetration in the lane. Euler drained another three to pull Emporia within 10 points, 22-32, with 15:15 left in the game.

“We did not come ready to play,” Euler said. “They beat

us in every aspect of the game tonight.”

Emporia called a timeout at 7:18, being down to Northwest Missouri 30-53. Lawal drove to the lane multiple times, getting many repetitions at the free throw line. Emporia struggled offensively on getting shots to fall as they fell short to the Bearcats and finished the game with 26.1 percent from the field, the worst of the season.

“We just have to go back to working hard,” Euler said. “We need to be locked in and focused every time we take the floor.”

Junior guard Chris Sights dribbles down the court during the game against Northwest Missouri State at White Auditorium. The Hornets fell to the Bearcats 45-71 on Sunday.

Audrey Millard/The Bulletin

Track captain strives to emulate father’s legacy M arcus H ix sports@esubulletin.com

SAN MARTIN Born and raised in Wichita, Lucas San Martin, one of the track and field team captains for the 2012 season, has always had a knack for sports.

Growing up, he played both football and ran track at Goddard High. Majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy, there is much more than meets the eye.

“I was very involved in orchestra and chamber orchestra,” San Martin said. “Chamber music is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I have played the cello since I was a young boy and I fell in love with the instrument.”

San Martin said he has had many influential people in his life, but one in particular comes to mind – his father, Lazaro San Martin. The journey his father made to America is full of courage and passion for a better life.

Lazaro immigrated from Cuba, coming to America in 1962 through Catholic charities while being aided by the Central Intelligence Agency through an operation known as “Pedro Pan,” “Peter Pan” in English. Lazaro sought a better life for himself.

“They were called Peter Pan because they were the boys that flew,” San Martin said. “This is something that has inspired me throughout my life. The fact that he came from a society with no opportunity, no future and was given a chance at a life to make something of himself. I strive every day to be half the man he is.”

Track and field has given Lucas one of many opportunities to be a positive influence on others, just like his father was to him. His leadership and determination have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.

“Lucas leads by example,” said 400 meter sprinter Frank Cortez.

“He shows determination and hard work every day. The work ethic is there and others see it as well.”

San Martin does not overlook being named a team captain. He said he takes great pride and is humbled by the honor his teammates have bestowed upon him.

“It’s an honor on this team to be elected as a captain,” San Martin said. “This squad of men is full of hard workers. I’m honored to go to school with these guys. I take this honor very seriously.”

The men’s track and field team finished fourth overall last year, according to Emporia State’s website, and the team has high expectations going into this season.

“When you have a team of this caliber, you focus together as one heartbeat,” San Martin said.

“You have to go out and perform.

I think we are going to be very tough to stop this year. I expect everyone, every practice, to go out and give it absolutely 100 percent, as if they were competing day by day.”