April 2016 by MHS Courier

C THE

OPINION Problems of meat 2

ourier

CENTERSPREAD Perils to the oceans 10-11

905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND

•

Volume 24, Issue 5

SPORTS Jungling’s resignation 16

•

April 2016

Opinion

The Courier

Put down the knife and pick up a fork billy- FLECK General Reporter

common knowledge is that meat consumption creates a higher risk for cancer. An October 26, 2015 study, published by the World Health Organization, found that both processed and

carcinogens. This is the second highest carcinogen rating. It means that the meat is probably carcinogenic to humans. The specific cancers that red meat consumption was linked Meat has long been viewed as a popular, to include colorectal cancer, pancreatic healthy food choice for cancer, and prostate cancer. all people. Its flavorful Processed meat got an even worse variations have made rating. The WHO gave it an Group it a staple for meals One carcinogen rating. This means across our country and that it does cause cancer. It was the world. However, ranked along with chemicals such as despite its massive formaldehyde, which is banned in popularity, meat is posing Europe because of its cancer causing a risk to the world’s properties. The WHO linked processed health. In the wake of meat consumption to colorectal increasing demand, cancer. many corporations, and Now comes the real question. How family farms, have turned can a meat lover adjust their eating to dirtier, inhumane habits to cut out, or reduce meat methods to produce this intake? It’s not as hard as one may food. Antibiotics, poor think. Since August, I have not eaten nutrition, and disease now meat. This was possible because of plague much of the meat that is eaten worldwide. Photo submitted by Skylar Moody meat substitutes that taste better than the real thing. For burgers, there are For this reason, it is time Steaks such as this one have been found to be dangerous. multiple options such as Boca burgers, for America and the world red meat increased the chance of getting Morningstar burgers, and Amy’s Organic to put down knives and pick up forks. cancer. burgers. For chicken there are multiple brands It's common knowledge that meat can lead For red meat, the WHO (World Health that make nuggets, patties, and breasts. to heart disease and other illnesses involving Organization) classified it in Group A There’s also meatless sausage, bacon, lunch the cardiovascular system. What’s not meat, hot dogs, and turkey. All of these tasty alternatives can be found at Cash Wise. Walmart and Dan’s also have some brands in Trevor Murphy............................Editor-In-Chief stock. The Courier is a news/feature newspaper Feature Editor that is published throughout the school year. These alternatives not only taste good, but Gabrielle Wolf...............Assistant-Editor-In-Chief As an open forum for student expression, they also reduce one’s risk of getting cancer. An American Association of Cancer Research Opinion Editor all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors. The staff study published November 20, 2012 found the Casey Beck...................................Sports Editor welcomes letters, articles, submissions, of vegetarian diets lowered risk of cancer, and Kaelan Reedy.................................News Editor any student, faculty, or community interest. vegan diets protected against this disease on a Submissions may be turned into the Courier, Olivia Borchers........................General Reporter statistically significant level. Brenna Hammer......................General Reporter room 221, and by message to mhscourier@ Food shouldn’t cause cancer but meat is. gmail.com or facebook.com/mhscourier. All Every time a meat lover takes another bite, Hannah Ravnaas.....................General Reporter submissions must be signed by the author if they they are putting themselves at risk for this Ashley Johnson.......................General Reporter are to be published and subject to editing if space terrible disease. Meatless alternatives can be Austin Nelson..........................General Reporter is restricted. found to replace the meat in one’s diet. So put The Courier strives to be objective in its news Mandi Joyce............................General Reporter down the knives and pick up a fork. It’s coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the Billy Fleck...............................General Reporter your health at risk. opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier Shantel Jangula.......................General Reporter staff, administration, teachers, or student body. The Courier would like to apologize Shae Skager............................General Reporter Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus for the mistake made in last issue’s Hannah Sagaser....................................Adviser of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through infographic. Physical Education credits advertising sales and subscriptions. Contact the are being reduced from two credits to Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in one and a half. advertising.

Courier Staff and Editorial Policy

P I FL

THE billy- FLECK General Reporter

SIDE

Hot dog photo used with permission by Wikipedia

“57,284.”

How many hot dogs does it take to reach the moon?

“A lot of just relish and different stuff packed in there.”

“Jalapeno, cheese brat.”

What kind of hot dog reminds you of the summer?

“They can’t stuff enough grease into it.”

“The owner is allergic of hot dogs.”

Why doesn’t McDonald’s have hot dogs?

Sophomore Zoe Greig

Freshman Ethan Babb

Photos used with permission by pixabay

Garret Froelich

Senior Haley Geiger

Junior Dylan Binder “Because McDonalds is way too unhealthy already.”

“The Hot Dog with mustard.”

“Depends on whether “Depends on the size you braid them or not.” of the hot in the dog.”

“Dogs aren’t allowed in restaurants.”

“Corn dogs.”

“Probably quite a bit.”

As a noob, what’s your biggest fear “Loose all my friends and have no one to sit with at lunch.”

As a noob, what’s your biggest fear “Saying something stupid.”

What is your most embarrassing moment so far “I fell down the stairs the second day of school into a sea of upperclassmen.”

What is your most embarrassing moment so far “Tripping on the stairs.”

How big is your freshpack “Big as it gets.”

How big is your freshpack “Pretty big.”

Do you have any nicknames “Puff.”

Do you have any nicknames “Garebear.”

Science Teacher Annette Bender

“Because you cannot get them from kangaroos.”

“Cloverdale because it remind me of sunburn.”

“Does it matter? They’re going to fall apart.”

Kendra Knudson

*Each month the Courier will feature one male and one female freshmen to be the noobs of the month. Noobs are randomly chosen by staff.*

Opinion

The Courier

Police are here to help gabrielle WOLF

- Asst. Editor-in-Chief

trevor -MURPHY Editor-in-Chief The nation’s police, whether they be in Missouri, or up here in North Dakota, have been under increased scrutiny as situations throughout the United States have been growing steadily worse. With these recent events, it is time we focused on the individuals who are here to serve and protect. Police officers are here to enforce the law, limit civil disorder and protect property. We may not agree with all the decisions law enforcement officers make, but they make them to protect the community. There have been many anti-police brutality movements and protests throughout the years, and they have become more common. These movements and protests were created because people believed that police officers were using

excessive force when dealing with civilian altercations. Police officers may use force when dealing with altercations, but they use what is necessary to protect people in society. People also discourage the use of a police officer’s firearm. When an officer draws their weapon it is because they feel like they are in significant danger or that there is no other way to diffuse the situation without lethal force. What people forget is that, while every officer is trained to do their job in a non-biased fashion and treat all encounters on the same base of rules, any sharp movements or awkward fumbling where the officer cannot see both hands, is supposed to be taken as hostile, and how they choose to react is directly related to the situation. This is not meant to draw away from the fact that there are some times where the wrong choice is made for the wrong reason, but just because a few officers make poor choices does not mean that they’re all the same.

Society often forgets that police officers have lives and family too. Police officers work a variety of shifts, often up to 12 hours. Officers often end up taking shifts over holidays to make sure everyone is safe, and no one needs help. These long shifts and holiday shifts keep many officers away from their family members during the holidays. Dean Murphy is a deputy sheriff for Morton county, and he does end up missing things like his children’s band concerts because he is out doing his job. He is also one of the nicest human beings you could ever meet, and we have multiple stories from friends that have been pulled over or just talked to, and none of them are bad by any means. Police officers give up a lot of their time keeping the streets safe, and it is time we treat them with the respect they deserve. Police officers give up their lives almost every day in the effort to allow us to keep going on with our lives from day to day.

Opinion

April

Try out Mandan’s caffeine scene mandi- JOYCE General Reporter

shae- SKAGER General Reporter

specialty latte, flavored with almond, toasted cafe. Overall, we gave it a 7/10. marshmallow, and white chocolate. It was sweet and had a nice foam on the top, as all good lattes Classic Rock Cafe When it comes to coffee, Mandan just can’t get should. The frappe was blended very well, it didn’t Location: 9/10 enough. However, good coffee is hard to come have any extra additives on top of it (Whipped Price: 9/10 by these cream, syrups), Atmosphere and Service: 10/10 d a y s . and it was quite Coffee: 10/10 Students tasteful for being This place was definitely the highlight of the aren’t able i n e x p e n s i v e . tour. We couldn’t stress enough how awesome it to make The prices was. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a Hard the trek to were fantastic Rock Cafe right here in Mandan. It features such Starbucks compared to decor as records, guitars, T-shirts, and even a or Caribou Starbucks, and working foosball table. The service was quick and e v e r y they have many friendly, and prices were only a few cents over morning, more options Cappuccino on Collins. As far as drinks go, the and are than coffee, latte we purchased (albeit beautiful) was a bit often even extending to too bitter, but every frap we tried was absolutely less able Italian sodas in phenomenal. The frappes we bought were the Photo by Mandi Joyce to afford 33 flavors, fruit famous “Dirty White The interior of Cappuccino on Collins was homey and s m o o t h i e s , their daily Boy” (white chocolate comfy. caffeine and tea, as and cocoa), “Raspberry f i x . well as a few Beret” (white chocolate Because the supply wasn’t meeting the demand, snacks like pound cake. Overall, we gave it a and raspberry), “Sweet Mandan has recently welcomed some new 9/10. Emotion” (chocolate and coffee shops to its streets. We went from triedcaramel), and “Crazy and-true classic Cappuccino on Collins, to the Main Street Bar On You” (caramel). We lesser-known Main Street Bar drive-thru, and we Location: 8/10 also tried the “German finished with Mandan’s newest caffeine craze, Price: 7/10 Chocolate Cake” protein Classic Rock Cafe. Mandi stuck to freezy fraps, Atmosphere and Service: 7/10 shake, which rhymes and Shae picked up lattes. Coffee: 5/10 and was fantastic. They The Main Street Bar is a bar, also carry smoothies, Cappuccino on but they serve coffee from snack foods, and Collins their drive-thru in the back. pastries. They even Location: 9/10 The service we received was have a drive-thru. The Price: 10/10 friendly and funny, but wasn’t location is a bit outPhoto by Mandi Joyce of-the-way unless you Atmosphere and exceptionally fast - we sat at the Service: 9/10 drive-thru window for a while. We loved the fraps at live in Marina Bay, but Coffee: 9/10 The coffees we received were Classic Rock Cafe. it’s worth the drive out This lovely little certainly not our favorite, but there. There’s ample shop is situated we’ll give them the benefit of the parking and seating, including outdoor seating. on Collins near doubt - we just didn’t care for the Both of us were very, very pleased! It earned a Main Street in a flavorings. Cinnamon and caramel solid 10/10. convenient location were not the best latte flavor. In close to Mandan addition, the latte had absolutely Our favorite was plain to see, but honestly, High. It’s decorated no foam on top and was a bit when caffeine is needed, is there really such a with old pictures hotter than our first latte. The thing as a bad cup of coffee? We picked our faves, Photo by Mandi Joyce mocha iced coffee was not sweet but everyone’s taste is different. Sometimes it of Mandan and is, frankly, adorable. We tried the infamous “Dirty White at all and was not well blended. takes some experimentation to find out what you On top of the This was also the most expensive really like. Boy” at Classic Rock Cafe. quaint interior, location that we visited for, frankly, the service was fast and polite. As far as coffee the lowest quality. Still, it wasn’t awful. We have And hey, tea is never a bad fallback. goes, it had the favorite latte. We got a “Divinity” to take it with a grain of salt, too: it’s a bar, not a

News

The Courier

Courier Calendar April

austin- NELSON General Reporter Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

April Fools

Lewis and Clark program

10 MTV Movie Awards National Siblings Day

11 Honors Society Induction Ceremony

12 Mary Stark program

World Health Day

26 CB II & III Concert 7:30

Prom

Latin Club Fundraiser at Station West

13 Early Dismissal

Custer Elementary School program

Diversity Rally

National Autisim awareness day Speech Regionals

Roosevelt Elemantary School program

Administrative Professionals (Secretary’s) Day

15 Taxes are due

16 Record Store Day State Speech

22 Earth Day

23 English Lanuguage Day

State Vocal WDA Choir

29 No School Arbor Day

30 International Jazz Day

Choir Tour

Attention: Please excuse any events that were left out of this issue’s calendar. To ensure this doesn’t happen again, send event dates to mhscourier@gmail.com. Thank you. Background picture courtesy of commons.wikipedia.org

April

News

The Courier

Film Festival Fun mandi- JOYCE General Reporter The 5th annual Dakota Digital Film Festival (DDFF) will be held at the Belle Mehus Auditorium on April 8th, 2016. Young aspiring filmmakers, some of which are from Mandan, are given a chance to direct, produce and act in their own short films. There will be two film sessions, both day and evening, where filmmakers, directors, editors and producers share their knowledge on the art of film. Along with sharing film tips and important film necessities, students are given the chance to step on stage and get an up close and personal lesson on different film techniques. At last year’s festival, several MHS students were a part of both the short film section and the personal lessons, junior Micayla Bitz was chosen to act in the on stage short film with professional filmmakers. “I’ve gone to the film festival every year I’ve been in high school and it gets better every year; what I remember the most from last

year was the filming workshop with iPhones, and learning about a lot of valuable things with photography and film.” Bitz said, “The film festival is an amazing opportunity to expose yourself to things you don’t normally get experience with.” Senior Ashlyn Quintus also submitted a film at last year’s festival, it took awhile to get the entire film together, but it was well worth it. As for this year, senior Tim Bjugstad is submitting his film to the festival. He has been working very hard on it, with some help from a few others, and he is very pleased with the outcome. “The film is called Silly Photo submitted by Tim Bjugstad Rabbit and it’s Screenshot of Bjugstad’s a look into what upcoming film could happen if a certain cereal

mascot, a white rabbit, snaps.” Bjugstad said, “It’s a really gritty movie with influences for old crime dramas that can be seen throughout it. Johan Stenslie edited it and added his own music which really brought the film to a whole new level, but they don’t call him Johan the Genius for nothing! It’ll be a pretty awesome film and I’m confident we can win an award at the festival.” Not only will there be support for aspiring directors, producers and editors, there is a chance of being able to see breakout films from other countries as well. The Dakota Digital Film Festival is a must-see for any aspiring filmmaker, director, producer or actor; whether screening a short film for the first time, or returning once again, it’s sure to be a great time.

News

April

This ain’t a scene, it’s a blood drive A deferral is when a Most people, when they hear donor is told that he or the words blood donation, she cannot donate due they think specifically about to an array of different transfusions when someone is Every year Mandan High has two blood drives issues. bleeding out. In contrast to this put on by United Blood Services with the help “Deferrals vary; p o p u l a r of both Health Careers usually people get b e l i e f , One and Two. United deferred for a variety blood is Blood Services’ slogan of reasons,” said used in is, “Find the hero in health careers teacher hospitals you,” because every Constance Keller, all over unit of blood donated “People can be deferred the U.S. can save up to three for high heart rates, to treat lives. sometimes high blood c a n c e r In the time it took Mckenzie Klipfel donating blood pressures, sometimes if a n d to read just this first during the March blood drive they have had a cold, or sickle cell paragraph, roughly disease. Cancer alone is if they have a temp or fever.” eight people in the At the past blood drive in March, there were United States needed Nurses giving everyone a thunbs up at given as a diagnosis to deferrals, which were exscpected, but the turn over 1 million people in blood. the recent blood drive out was stilll a good one. For future Mandan the U.S. annually and “[Donating] felt good High hosted blood drives, they hope for an even sickle cell affects more than 80,000 people in the to know you are helping people,” junior Hayley larger amount of willing donors. U.S. Schaefbauer said.

olivia- BORCHERS General Reporter

photos by Olivia Borchers

Perils to th of being hunted for their fins, among other called trawling, which involves nets held at the body parts such as their teeth, jaws, and bottom of the ocean to catch creatures like - Asst. Editor-in-Chief cartilage. shrimp. In the process, bycatch occurs. Bycatch Hawksbill turtles are recognized is a process in which unintentionally caught for their shells and have been hunted marine life are thrown back into the ocean after Ocean’s make up 71 percent of the Earth’s to create jewelry and other items. being caught, whether they are dead, dying, surface. For a long time, it was believed that According to Sea Turtle Conservancy, the or injured. According to the Huffington Post, oceans were impervious to human activities, populations of these turtles has decreased approximately 20 percent of what is caught but it has now come to light that oceans are 90 percent, causing organizations to declare every year in the US is thrown away, wasting 2 affected by human pursuits. There are many the trade of billion pounds of seafood dangers to the oceans today due to human Hawksbill shells and killing magnitudes of involvement, but many things can be illegal. sea creatures. If fishing done to save them and the creatures There are stays on the track it’s on living there. many other now, by the year 2048 all “In North Dakota sometimes we forms of sea fish in the ocean will be don't think about the life taken from extinct according to ocean because we're so far from the oceans for a study done by an it, but everything that we come items like their international team in contact [with] today can relate fins, shells, of ecologists and back to the ocean in some scales, and economists. way,” science teacher Annette other body Catching sea Bender said. parts to be used creatures for specific Everyday our oceans are in products like parts of their body is a becoming more and more soup, jewelry crucial part of sea life polluted by materials like plastic bags, cans, and and other that needs to end. When other substances that could be biodegraded. items. people think of the ocean, Photo used with permissiion by Wikimedia Materials like Coral reefs a majority Overfishing of fish affects more than just grocery bags look have slowly of people like food to many those species. Sharks like this one, are been on a think of creatures, like due s h a r k s , often caught in trawl nets and killed in the decline turtles, who ingest process of trawling. to human and and shark this hazardous global threats. attacks. material and Overfishing with the use of bombs and cyanide What they don’t know, is that causes it to block fishing have slowly been destroying reefs across sharks are being hunted for their their digestive the world. Pollution from chemicals and fins through the shark systems. nutrients, ship dredging (removing fin trade. According the bottom of oceans, lakes, rivers, In a process called to National etc. to make it deeper), and the shark finning, sharks Geographic, more development of coastal areas have are lured to a boat Photo used with permission by Wikipedia than 5.25 trillion affected reefs. According to the where they get pieces of plastic A beach in Hawaii is fill with Encyclopedia of Earth, 10 percent dragged on board. The debris are in the debris that has washed up on its shark’s fins are then of coral reefs are ocean. This plastic beyond repair, 30 percent chopped off and the shoreline. is constantly being are in critical condition, and dying, or dead shark is tossed broken down 60 percent are at risk of back into the water. Without the by waves and the sun until they are smaller being severely damaged by ability to swim, the shark sinks to the ocean than a grain of rice. So far there has been no the year 2050. floor where it dies. solution created to clean up the debris that There are many things that The shark fins are used in a delicacy called small without catching the creatures that are affect the oceans, and the marine shark fin soup, but the dish is slowly losing of similar size living in the ocean. life living there, but there are also many things popularity. Even though the dish is no longer Overfishing is another problem facing oceans we can do to fix these issues. Some solutions as popular as it was, sharks are still in danger today. Fishermen use a method of fishing

gabrielle WOLF

All photos used with permission by Wikipedia, Wikimedia, and Flickr

he oceans are harder than others, and may take that don’t unintentionally end with loads of be willing to make a change, it longer, but in the long run it’s worth it to bycatch, like using science-based fishing would make all the difference to save something that affects the way we materials and our oceans and live, whether we know it or not. counting all of the creatures Artificial reefs have began in attempts to save the catch is a living there. endangered coral. Things like refrigerators, way to control “In North cars, tanks, subway cars, and even ships are fishing. A way Dakota we used to create these reefs. The U.S.S Oriskany landlocked need to that was sunk off the coast of Florida, is the states can understand largest made man ship to be sunk for the help manage that even purpose of creating a reef. The artist Jason the problem though it's thousands of miles deCaires has created over 500 sculptures of overfishing from us, that we can still that have been placed in is being aware make a difference,” Bender strategic destinations to create where the said. “Becoming involved with underwater parks, seafood comes organizations that are out to while supporting the from, and how help the ocean, Friends of regrowth or coral it is harvested the Ocean if you Photo used with permission by Fickr reefs. in efforts to want to call A natural coral reef flourishes with To protect sea reduce the risk them, become vivid orange fish. These reefs are creatures and the of certain fish involved plant life living there, species. slowly being damaged by pollution and with them, ocean conservation needs to be increased. In efforts to m a y b e other materials. Less than 1 percent of the ocean is protected, clean up the donate to and these reserves are what make fish pollution of trash in our oceans is to recycle help some clean up crews repopulation possible, along with protecting or reuse materials whenever that is an option. clean up areas especially sea life homes from Avoiding plastic grocery bags, along our beaches.” being destroyed. and using reusable bags that are The conservations normally sold for $1 will reduce that are in effect disposable garbage. Littering allow sustainable also leads to trash polluting the fisheries to be oceans. This garbage makes possible. These its way into storm drains, or fisheries help water sources and end up in our maintain the health oceans. Cutting down on littering of our oceans will help reduce garbage making by conserving its way into water sources. the amount A good thing to remember is Photo used with permission by Wikipedia that plastics will never fully of fish located within that fishery. An endangered Hawksbill Turtle biodegrade, so avoid products Conservation efforts swims in the ocean. These turtles that involve over excessive use have become a of plastic materials. By using are hunted for their unique shells. reusable bags, reusable coffee critical issue by local and national cups, and other materials, the governments, and these governments have amount of waste will be drastically cut down. increased conservation effects because The list of things we can do to improve people have come to realize the ocean’s aren’t the conditions of our oceans goes on and invulnerable to humans. on; people just have to be willing to make a There are many things that can be done change. If one person decides to use reusable to end overfishing. Knowing what areas are materials, or goes on a vacation and picks up overfished, and avoiding those areas can help garbage along the beach, a chain reaction manage overfishing in that area. Using methods could occur. If everyone decides they would

News

The Courier

We’re Not Making This Up Goodbye washing machines, cleaning with light is the new thing Via International Business Times Tired of doing laundry? Researchers in Australia have found a solution for you. They have developed textiles that clean themselves with light, natural or artificial. The scientists developed nanostructures made of silver and copper that react to light. During their reaction, the metals become excited and clean organic material off the textile. So far, they have only been testing this technology on stains. They hope to make the technology clean sweat and bacteria soon. However, this techonology will take time so don’t throw out your washing machine yet.

billy- FLECK General Reporter

Cats have personalities too Via Washington Post Think humans are the only ones who can have cat-razy personalities? Think again. Researchers in Australia have developed five personality traits that can be applied to cats. They came to this conclusion after testing 2,800 domestic cats in Australia and New Zealand. The five traits they classified where skittishness, outgoingness, dominance, spontaneity, and friendliness. They determined the cat’s personalities by rating them on each trait. The researchers concluded that most cats fell somewhere in between the high and low scores with old cats tending to be more grumpy and domineering.

Goat gardeners fired from cleaning up a park Via US News There were goat gardeners in Salem, Oregon last month until the city decided to pull the plug on the project. Late last year, the city contracted to rent 75 goats and put them in a local park hoping to combat invasive plants that were taking over the area. However, the goats ended up costing five times more than traditional methods of invasive species control and left large amounts of waste that the city had to clean up. While city officials and the cleanup crew won’t miss the goats, visitors will. The goats were reportedly very popular at the park. The city said they will consider using the goats for special future projects if need be. For now, the goats will return to their owners.

Pizza place palooza, man attacks employees over a late pie Via Times of Malta Hungry for pizza? This story might change that. Pittsburg police were called to a local pizzeria in response to a man destroying the restaurant and threatening employees. Neil Orr, the assailant, was charged with aggravated assault, terrorist threats, and many other charges. He was reportedly angry over the fact that his pizza was late. Orr was told his pizza would be delivered in 30 to 45 minutes, but it took over an hour. No employees where hurt, but Orr did suffer a head injury.

Photo used with permission by Wikipedia

Goats like this one were kicked out of the park.

Student Life

April

Paving a path with poetry hannahRAVNAAS

- General Reporter

“Ashlyn Quintus is an incredible actress, and she did two really challenging poems,” Brannan said. “I remember her talking about waves in “Dover Beach”, and her voice sounded like a wave. Although she didn’t advance in the competition, she did very well. Brannan said, “she really embodied the poem, with her body language and voice, and made it so understandable.” The other competitor from Mandan was Emily Schmidt. “Emily Schmidt was our school winner, and she really nailed the memorization aspect of both poems she presented,” Brannan said. Schmidt decided to join Poetry Out Loud this year due to Brannan’s poetry unit in English II. The class set up a “mock competition” by

Since April is National Poetry month, it seems only fitting to highlight the Poetry Out Loud competition. “Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that challenges high school students to learn about poetry and public speaking,” English teacher Candice Brannan said. The program has been around for 17 years and has been steadily growing in size ever since. According to Rebecca Engelman, Arts in Education Director and ND Council on the Arts, there are 3,100 students, 43 teachers, and 20 schools that have taken part in the competition in North Dakota in the 11 years the state has participated. Engelman said this competition’s “criteria includes; Accuracy, Physical Presence, Voice and Articulation, Dramatic Appropriateness, Evidence of Understanding, assigning poems and Overall and copying the Performance.” judging tactics in the This means that classroom. not only does the The first poem participant have Schmidt performed to memorize the for the competition, poems, they also “American Smooth”, have to present was about dancing. the piece in a “I am in dance and confident and so I enjoyed it because appropriate it was very descriptive manner. and the imagery was “Competitors very vivid,” Schmidt choose poems said. from the Poetry The second poem Out Loud website, she performed, memorize the “Friendship After poems, and Love”, was to meet present them,” the criteria. It was Brannan said. a pre-19th century “There are a piece that, opposed few parameters: Photo used with permission from ND Poetry Out Loud students have to dropbox to many written at choose one poem Junior Emily Schmidt and English teacher the time, was easy to understand and that’s pre-19th Candice Brannan at the state competition, perform. century, and one Schmidt advanced to where Schmidt took third place. poem that’s less the state competition than 20 lines. “ and won third place This year, Mandan had two students who out of 19 total competing students. participated, senior Ashlynn Quintus and junior “The state competition was much larger and Emily Schmidt. more intimidating because I was performing

in front of 10 people instead of just Ashlynn,” Schmidt said. Both of the competitions had the exact same judging rubric and the same amount of judges. “The winner from the state competition had the opportunity to advance to the national competition in Washington D.C. and they compete against all the other state champions ,”Engleman said. In spite of this competition and having a national poetry month, the competition is often overlooked. It is open to all students from ninth grade to 12th grade, but many schools don’t require a poetry unit in English classes and the inspiration isn’t there. “Today, our schools are often places of too much “brain only;” we must find ways to surface other ways of being, other modes of learning,” Engelman said. “It is truly commendable that teachers, who are already overloaded, take time to teach their students the value of poetry and recitation.” Students learn valuable skills from reciting poetry such as confidence and orating skills that will help them throughout their entire lives. “When read aloud, poetry is rhythm and music and sounds and beats,” Engelman said “It’s the most kinesthetic of all literature, it’s physical and full-bodied which activates your heart and soul bypassing the traps of our mind, poetry moves us.”

“Poetry is rhythm and music and sounds and beats. It’s the most kinesthetic of all literature, it’s physical and full-bodied which activates your heart and soul bypassing the traps of our mind...”

Student Life

The Courier

The Effects of Smoking on Pets We all know that smoking harms people, but our furry friends are commonly overlooked. kaelan REEDY

- News Editor

Students have been warned for years about the adverse effects of smoking tobacco. Cancer, lung disease, heart disease - all of these and more are smoking-related problems displayed in ads. They’re meant to apply to humans. The effects on animals, however, are commonly overlooked. “If smoking is that harmful to human beings, it would make sense that secondhand smoke would have an adverse effect on pets that live in the homes of smokers,” said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service

Thank you Justin and Amy Hauff, from Mandan Walmart Subway, for supporting the Mandan Courier Staff with your donation. Your donation has helped send us to Los Angeles for the National High School Journalism Convention. It is greatly appreciated.

Veterinarian. “Secondhand smoke has been respiratory failure, and even death. associated with oral cancer and lymphoma in Fortunately, pets are rarely reported to eat cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, as well as cigarette butts. Nevertheless, it’s safer to lung cancer in birds.” dispose cigarettes in receptacles rather than on Due to the self-grooming habits of cats, they the ground. are more susceptible to environmental tobacco According to srhd.org, 63% of American smoke. As they lick the smoke off of their fur, households (71 million of them) own a pet - and their mouth tissue is damaged, possibly resulting out of those, 27% of non-smoking pet owners in the aforementioned oral cancer. live with a smoker. Nasal cancer is especially predominant “What we see is dogs more Facts: in dogs with longer noses. The nose and cats that have - Malignant lymphoma has a large surface area, allowing allergic or inflammatory carcinogens in the occurs in many cats exposed lower airway disease to second-hand smoke. air to accumulate (asthma, bronchitis) live in the nose’s - Nasal tumors are more with a smoker,” Hollee m u c o u s common in long-nosed dogs, Clement, DVM said. membranes. while short-nosed dogs are “Those pets have flares more susceptible to lung While this cancer. of their disease symtoms prevents more frequently.” s o m e - Pet birds are hypersensitive Just as it is unhealthy carcinogens to air pollutants, which to smoke around may result in lung cancer or from getting to pneumonia. other people, it is not the dogs’ lungs, it recommended to smoke damages the nose. around pets. But most Secondhand smoke is not people can choose to the only danger pets may face in a smoking leave a smoking environment - many pets can environment. Pets who accidentally eat cigarette not. butts also face dangers. Bismarck Animal Clinic recommends smokers According to a study done by San Diego State limit their pets’ exposure to secondhand smoke University, domestic animals that accidentally when possible. ingest a cigarette butt can suffer from excessive “It’s just another reason to be smoke free,” salivation, tremors, vomiting, convulsions, Clement said.

Student Life

April

New movie shines a light on country music casey BECK

- Sports Editor

With the release of the new movie “I Saw The Light” It is now a great time to look at the current state of country music and where it comes from. First, let’s start with the movie. The film features the life of Hank Williams Sr, played by actor Tom Hiddleston (better known as Loki to Marvel fans). Williams is a man many consider the father of country music. He was born in 1923 in his home state of Alabama, where he rose to fame with a mix of gospel and folk music that would later be known as country music in the late 1940’s. Williams is held in high regard by many in the music industry and in the general public, including myself. During a trip to Alabama in 2010, I was exposed to the deity status that Williams is held to in his home state. I saw his home, his car, his clothes, and finally his grave still covered in flowers some 60 years after his death. Country music is supposed to be the story of the average man and Williams personified this. He was an average man with struggles and moments of joy like everyone else and he pumped this into his music. His own death reads

like the lyrics to one of his songs. Williams died of a heart attack, set on by alcoholism, in his Cadillac on a dirt road not far from his home. After his death, country music continued on and a new generation began. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, and Loretta Lynn all picked up the torch left by Williams. These artists continued the country music tradition of the working man and the life he leads. The stereotype of country music being about a man’s dog dying, truck dying, and his girl leaving him has truth in because that happens in life. These musicians were simply just singing about the life of anyone and that’s what resonated with so many people. Even now, the effects of these legends can still be felt today in modern music. Little nods to these masters of country can be heard all over the radio. The song “My Church” by singer Maren Morris even reads, “Hank brings the sermon and Cash leads the choir”. These, of course, are references to Williams and Cash as they are the figureheads for modern country music. Although, at this point, it is important to look

at a major diversion that this genre of music has been going down. Country music, or at least popular country music, no longer reflects the struggles and joys of the modern working person like it may have some 30 years ago. Modern country music has taken forms of pop country or an even worse iteration, bro-country. Groups like Florida-Georgia Line and artists like Sam Hunt and Luke Bryan have strayed from the initail message that country was built upon in the 1950’s. These groups have thrown out the traditional ideas of country music like economic struggles, true love, and the every man. They have replaced these with trucks, girls in daisy dukes, and drinking. They believe that as long as they sing about these things, they are “country” singers, even if they have no guitars and are rapping. However, despite the critical state of country music today, several artists are making Williams and Cash proud. Musicians such as Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and Whitey Morgan and the 78’s play country music as is was meant to be sung and in a way Williams couldn’t have done it better himself.

Sports Jungling serves last season

casey BECK

- Sports Editor

Over the years, Mandan athletics have changed in many ways, whether it’s the constantly shifting roster of coaches or players one thing has stayed the same: activities director Lorell Jungling. However, Jungling has formally announced his retirement from his position this year, leaving a gap in Mandan’s administration. Jungling has spent a total 32 years of his life in education, 14 of which have been in Mandan starting in 2002. The activities director has had many seasons as a brave and has only decided to retire this year. “I just thought it was time. I guess I told myself once it becomes more of a job maybe it’s time to do something else,” Jungling said. Jungling has had many seasons here in Mandan with some of his highest moments being Mandan’s 2011 state American Legion victory and Mandan’s six straight girls’ basketball championships from 2003 to 2008. He has also stated that his most emotional game was the 2011 football playoffs in which the Braves lost 32-30. However, when asked what the highlight of this year, Jungling eased back in his chair. He thought and said there were many, but then it all clicked.

The Courier

“We had some exciting wins this year; the Jungling expressed that many individuals in Century boys’ hockey game in Bismarck is his profession wear many different hats as either one that will stand coaches, or out,” Jungling said. teachers or “Girls’ hockey beat something Grand Forks for the else, but first time and our here he can wrestling team did focus on what really well in a lot of needs to be areas plus we had a done and state champion.” focus on the Jungling also took kids. the time to express Jungling has his pride in the Girls’ done quite a Senior Athlete of the bit for student Year Mariah Marsh athletes at and Head Girls’ Mandan High. Coach Dewitt Mack, his Photo by Casey Beck Under as Coach of the Year Activities Director Lorell Jungling has spent 14 of belt, girls’ along with Head hockey and his 32 years in his office, which is decorated in Coach Luke Mellmer girls’ softball Brave gear from years gone by. has Wresting Coach were added of the Year. to the roster along with a rejuvenation to the Jungling has always boys’ tennis team. shown a pride for the “It was really because of the efforts of some Braves and expressed of our students that we were able to do that,” that his position here Jungling said. was really a dream job From his beginnings in Mandan in 2002, for him and was glad to Jungling has seen Mandan athletes come and tell why. go, and many things change. However, Jungling “Mandan was the says that the shift to technology has been the job that I’ve always greatest change he has seen in his 14 years. He wanted. To be a full says that this new advancement has given a new time activities director outlet for coaches to prepare and train. was a dream job and After the finish of the 2016 Braves baseball his has been.” Jungling season, Jungling will take on a new mantle said. “ If I had to I would have stayed here as of Executive Director of of the North Dakota long as it took.” Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. “I’ll be doing a lot planning with other ADs in the state to run two major conferences for our organization over the course of the year,” Jungling said. Despite this new role, Jungling expressed the option of a part-time job after retirement to stay busy. “I really don’t know what is going to happen. I might be substitute teaching. It will depend on what time I have and what doors open up,” said Jungling. In light of all the change that will be occurring in the coming months for Jungling, he says one thing will never change: being a Mandan Brave. “ I know for one thing, I’ll still be following the Mandan Braves and coming to events. I will still be pulling for our Braves,” said Jungling.

“I’ve been to four different schools, but I’ll always be a Mandan Brave.”

Sports

April

casey BECK

- Sports Editor

Life is track; Track is life

what to expect. Luckily, I met some more coaches and some With the spring season, comes another season: more runners who really helped me out. Coaches track and field. And in my opinion, the track Nick Towner, Todd Sheldon, Leon Kary, and Stacy season is much, much more exciting. Fitterer really helped I’ve always loved me develop into a the sport and this year good track and cross promises to be one country runner. While of the best. I started Towner and Kary are running in the seventh no longer coaching grade at the Mandan here at Mandan, the Middle School, and I lessons they taught immediately knew it was are still in motion on for me. I can probably the track. attribute it to a couple Other runners such coaches that helped me Photo used with permission of Wikipedia as alumnus Colten along the way. Stoltz were a great Coach Don Cross Nothing can quite compare to the sight of benefit to me as probably helped me out the 110 meter hurdles a runner then and more in middle school now. I think without older runners to mentor me, track than anyone else. I can probably also credit I probably wouldn’t even be running. my love of hurdles to the man. He is still one of I guess now that I’ve made my track history my favorite coaches to talk to and get opinions clear, here’s why I think it’s one of the best sports about the season. I think a lot of Mandan runners ever. probably feel the same way about Cross. Track and field, specifically what I run hurdles, Coming into high school track, I wasn’t sure

is a very physical sport and really requires an odd amount of focus. To me the 300 meter and 110 meter hurdle races are two of the hardest events in any given track meet. To me, running and hurdling is purely physical when it comes to execution. There are no plays to run or people to pass to. It’s just you, the track, and a timer. What is required for a hurdle race probably outweighs any other event. Not only do you need the speed of any other race, but more important is your form. How you go over and handle a hurdle can not be stressed enough. It actually angers me a little when people think they can just go over right away. It takes time to develop any skills and running the hurdles are no exception. I have been hurdling since the seventh grade and am still nowhere near where I’d like to be. Hopefully, this year, the team will make a big impression at state with runners like senior Gabe Meschke, juniors Sawyer Schmidt, Jake Harm, Dale Spilman, Zane Deierling, Sophomore Isaac Watson, and anyone else who can step into the blocks and make an impact.

Sports

The Courier

Sports Round-Up

brenna- HAMMER General Reporter

Girls’ Soccer The girls’ soccer team is hoping to have a successful season. Last year, they were unable to make it to the state tournament. A major goal for them this year is to make it. “Our goal is to make it to state this year,” said junior soccer team captain Samantha Power. “I think it is definitely a possibility if the team continues with the strong work ethic it’s always had!” The first game will be Friday, April 8 against Legacy at the Mandan Soccer Complex.

Baseball

Softball

As defending state champions, the baseball team is hoping for a successful season and another appearance at the state tournament. Coach Dewitt Mack believes that the team will be able to do this. “The team will be totally different than last years team,” Mack said. “As far as teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and fun I would expect them to be about the same or better.” Overall, Mack thinks the season will be a good one. The first game will be Saturday, April 2 against Century in Bismarck.

The girls’ softball team is hoping for a good season this year. Coach Ryne Jungling believes that this season should be just as good, if not better, than last year with a core of girls returning who have experience in varsity softball. “We were really inexperienced last year but this year many girls have a year of varsity ball under their belt,” Jungling said. “We will be in more games and hope to be playing our best ball when tournament time rolls around.” Overall, Jungling and the girls are working hard and are excited for the season. Their first game will be played April 5 in Dickinson and their first home game will be played April 7 against Bishop Ryan.

Boys’ Track

The boys’ track team is hoping for a successful season. With 50 athletes on the varsity roster, coach Todd Sheldon is confident in the team. “We have a quality group of athletes returning this season and we expect them to all be pushing for state qualifying status by the end of the season,” Sheldon said. “This years team will have a strong nucleus of runners headed by Gabe Meschke, Landan Kleingartner, Andrew Morgan, Sawyer Schmidt, Jake Harm, Dale Spilman, Eric Spilman, and Riley Gerding and Cole Garman in the throws.” Overall, Sheldon believes that the team has potential in qualifying many athletes for state. The last indoor meet will take place April 1 in Fargo and the first outdoor meet will be April 8 in Bismarck at the bowl.

Girls’ Track The girls’ track and field team is hoping to have a good season this year. Senior Jacey Wilson has high hopes in the group of girls participating this year, especially the seniors. “Reflecting off previous years, I see a lot of potential coming from our seniors,” Wilson said. “Every one of them have been in track for several years and are ready to finish their high school career with a bang.” The girls took fifth place at their first indoor meet on March 22.

Boys’ Golf

The girls’ varsity team huddles during

Girls’ Tennis The girls tennis team is hoping to be successful this season. With 25 players this year, coach Megan Hanson thinks this season will turn out good. “Our goal is to improve everyday and continue building on last years’ team success,” Hanson said. “Our team goal is to qualify for the state tournament. We also hope to qualify players for the individual state tournament.” Their first tournament is the Minot Round Robin tournament on April 16.

The boys’ golf team is hoping to have a successful season this year. With 18 members and only three seniors, senior Tate Russel believes that this season will be a tough one. “With the Photo by Brenna Hammer exception of only practice in March. three seniors on varsity, including myself, we have a very young team,” Russel said. “Competition for the number four, five, and six spots will be really intense.” When it comes to opponents, Russel said the worst opponent is always yourself. “Our toughest opponents would be ourselves,” Russel said. “Contrary to popular belief, everyone is a tough opponent in golf, but the worst opponent is yourself.” The teams first tournament is the Dickinson Invite on April 22.

Infomation taken from wdasports.org and updated March 30.

Sports

April

February Athletes of The Month Senior Isaac Fleck

Boys’ Wrestling Is there a win that sticks in your mind? Why does it? When I pinned the number one ranked kid

in state. How about a loss? I always think about how losses improve you mentally. If you could be any flavor of pizza, what would you be? Why? Meat lovers. Because the more meat, the more

Senior Paige Lillis Girls’ Hockey

How about a loss? Last game.

Is there a win that sticks in your mind? Why does it? Minot, double OT at State.

If you could be any flavor of pizza, what would you be? Why? Chicken BBQ, it’s fabulous.

protein, the more GAINSSS! What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Why? Eric Spilman, because he deserves more followers. Who is your sports role model? Dave Mellen If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Why? Probably Coach Mellmer, because he’s small. What song best describes your sport? Anything Johnny Cash. Anything else you would like to add? I love my grandma. I’m also more athletic than Ryan Larson and Chris Vander Wal. Coach Luke Mellmer acknowledged Isaac Fleck’s accomplishments: “After sustaining a “could have been” seasonending knee injury, Isaac Fleck proved that he wanted none other than to place in the top three his senior year. After he pinned the #1 ranked Bismarck High School wrestler in the state at 195 pounds, Isaac had to stay off the wrestling mat for two months

What teammate should we be following on Instagram? Hannah Peterson If you could arm wrestle any teammate, who would you? Lucy Morgan What song best describes your sport? Beethoven's 5th

going through daily rehab, and finding ways to keep his strength and conditioning up has high as possible. Isaac was a great motivator to our team. It’s not easy coming to daily practice and not getting to participate. Isaac proved to the team that if you stay persistent with rehab, commitment to daily practice, and support to your team, you will be rewarded in your season one way or another. While most kids receive upwards of around 50 matches per season, Isaac had only around 10 matches this season going into the state tournament. Being able to compete a full season is important for keeping detailed technique and optimum conditioning. Being out for most the season, Isaac did not have this opportunity. Isaac came through for us at the end of the season by being a WDA Region Runner-Up and finishing at the state tournament with a 3rdplace finish, his career best! Isaac has grown as a wrestler, and most of all a model-leader to our future Mandan Wrestling Team!”

As a defensive player, her stats are limited. Paige was our leading defensive scorer on the season with three goals and five assists. What speaks volumes is the recognition of her defensive play by other coaches. Paige was chosen by the West Region Coaches as one of the top defensive players this year when she was chosen for the WDA AllConference team. Along with that award, she was also recognized Coach Dewitt Mack by the coaches from across the acknowledged Paige Lillis’ state when she was chosen for the accomplishments: 2nd team All-State team. These two awards indicate that her level “A Mandan fan of play is not only recognized by commented to me the her teammates and coaches, but other day, “Without hockey pads on, you also by the coaches across North would never guess who Dakota. Paige will be missed next year. Paige Lillis is.” What he Her four years playing hockey for was alluding to was the transformation from Photo submitted of Jon Jablonski Mandan High School have been tremendous as she has set the bar a normal high school student who usually greets you with a smile to high for future hockey players.” a tenacious, aggressive player on the ice who usually greets you with some form of contact as she is defending her side of the ice.