February 18, 2021

S T U DE N T RU N N E WS SI NC E 1926

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 18, 2021

By BAILEY BRENDEL Staff Writer

Helpful webinars, diversity in residence halls, student fee budgets and a student career ambassador were all discussed at this week’s student government meeting.

Here are the highlights: Minnesota State University’s IT Solutions Department will soon launch a project called Microsoft March, a set of webinars and presentations that will teach students how to use various Microsoft programs.

IT Solutions will also offer a similar version to help students obtain services from MSU called Ask Stomper. This service will help students find the answers they need and the people they need to contact within our campus community. An example of this would be the program showing students where the Financial Aid Office is located and the hours they are open.

Assistant Director of Student Activities John Bulcock spoke about the student fees budget. He discussed how programs funded by student fees are currently working on creating their budgets for the next fiscal year.

The Student Allocation Committee will hear from those groups over the next few weeks before passing recommendations to the Student Government.

Once approved, the budget is then sent to President Davenport and to the MinnState Board for final approval. This will be an ongoing process with updates to come.

Sen. Jack Wheeler told the Student Government he is using the Mavlife app to add a new discussion spot for departments

GOV page 3

4 VIE FOR PRESIDENCY University president search comes down to four candidates

By JENNA PETERSON News Director

As Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport wraps up his last few months serving the students, a search committee is looking for the next President to help the university grow based on some key factors.

Chief of Staff in MNSU’s President’s office Sheri Sargent discussed what the search process has looked like and how the transition will take place.

“The decision will be made around mid-March and the new elect to take office July 1,” she said, “so within these next few months there are lots to take place.”

Earlier this month, over the span of three days, each of the four candidates were able to Zoom in and be virtually interviewed for the position. Students, faculty, and search committee members listened to the candidates and asked questions.

Questions highlighted in these interviews covered tuition rates, expanding the university’s international student population, increasing enrollment, and how each candidate would best fit in with MNSU and create a positive impact in the community.

When a decision is made it will be made public to the university and community. In the months following the decision and the new president taking office, the university’s President Office will help ensure that the transition between the presidents will be smooth.

Edward Inch

Staff Writer

Courtesy photos

As stated by the MNSU website, Edward Inch is the first of the four finalists the University is looking into to fill this position. Inch once served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for California State University, East Bay, as well as serving positions for California State University, Sacramento, Capital University in Ohio, and Pacific Lutheran University.

John Jasinski John Jasinski has served for numerous Universities as well, with positions ranging from President, Executive Vice President, Chief Academic and Operating Officer. Jasinski worked with Northwest Missouri State University and Northwood University, as well as numerous

public k-12 education systems.

Debra Larson Debra Larson is another candidate who has served the California area while serving positions of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at California State University, Chico, Dean of the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, and President of Chico State Enterprises. Larson also has a long history with Northern Arizona University where she has served the roles as Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences, and Department

SEARCH page 5

Men’s Hockey hits the Road to take on Ferris State; McKay Eyes ninth Shutout on page 9 Julian Napravnik (15) leads the Mavericks as the top point scorer with 7 goals and 12 assists in his junior year.

IN THIS CAR CARE TIPS ISSUE:

PAGE

2

Testing their Knowledge: Students vs.

Senators

By JULIA BARTON

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

Student Gov: Webinars, Diversity, and Student Fees

MEN’S B-BALL SEEKS PLAYOFF SPOT

PAGE

9

The Student Events Team hosted an event called “Are you Smarter than a Student Senator?”

Tuesday, where students had the opportunity to win up to $300 in cash by answering simple gradeschool questions.

The event was a fun way to get to know some of the student senators here at Minnesota State University, Mankato and learn about Student Government.

Participating senators included Jack Wheeler, Zahara Osman, Catherine Nelson, and Arnavee Maltare (student body Vice President).

“As a member of the Student Government, we plan and improve programs, as we are always looking for students to bring issues to us or things they want to see improved so we can learn how to accomplish them,” student body Vice President Maltare explained. “We work on advising and also having diversity and inclusion on campus. I encourage people to come and see all the committees we offer, and if you are interested feel free to reach out.”

Playing off the popular TV game show of the same name, the event worked very similarly to the show.

The game was hosted via Zoom, or in-person in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom, with random students selected to play. Six rounds were played that allowed six participants the chance to win some money.

Students played until they got a question wrong, ranging from first-

SMART page 3

DORM FOOD RECIPE

PAGE

11

2 • MSU Reporter

News

There’s ‘Snow’ Joke About it, Take Care of Your Car

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Rush Limbaugh, ‘Voice of American Conservatism,’ has Died

File photo

By ASHLEY OPINA • Staff Writer As the temperatures drop to the negatives, students at Minnesota State University, Mankato must put in more work in order to upkeep their cars during the winter.

Ben Cacka, a junior at MNSU studying Automotive Engineering Technology and a salesperson at NAPA Auto Parts, offered a few tips on the matter.

“Get your battery tested for free at an auto parts store before it gets too cold,” Cacka said. “This prevents you from having to replace your battery on the coldest day of the year when it decides to die on you.”

Many believe that their car batteries die because they neglected to start their cars for days while the temperatures outside are low.

According to Cacka, that is rarely the case.

“Your car should start just fine as long as there’s nothing draining your battery,” Cacka said. “The main cause of batteries dying are because the battery is just old and it’s time for a new one or something is slowly draining the power such as a light being left on.”

He mentioned that it is not uncommon to see people needing to jumpstart their cars or get the batteries of their cars replaced altogether during the winter.

Aside from the batteries, the engine of the car needs to be maintained as well.

“Let your car warm up 5 to 10 minutes before you start driving,” said Cacka.

“This allows for the engine to get closer to the temperature that it runs at which protects it in the long run from wear and tear.”

According to Cacka, allowing the car’s engine to

run for a few minutes prior to driving helps the heat work sooner too.

He also advises car owners to keep at least half a tank of gas in their car on days that are projected to be very cold.

“It’s in case of an emergency,” Cacka said. “If you slide into a ditch or get stuck and have to wait for someone to pick you up, it will allow you to keep the car running longer so you don’t have to stand out in the cold.”

His last tip is to routinely check the pressure in all four tires, especially during colder days.

“When it gets colder the air in the tires condenses which causes them to lose pressure,” said Cacka.

Sam Ertl, an Associate Professor in the Department of Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at MNSU, shared the same advice.

“I always keep a tire pressure gauge in my glove compartment,” Ertl said. “I check the tire pressure every couple of days or when it starts to look low.”

Ertl warned against driving in the winter with flat tires.

“It’s extremely dangerous,” said Ertl. “But it’s a common mistake I see people make while driving around town.”

Ertl strongly advocates for having good tires in the winter which not only includes checking their pressure often, but also replacing them when the time comes.

“Getting new winter tires will keep you the safest, and in my mind, it’s the best investment you can make for your car,” Ertl said.

PATRICK SEMANSKY • Associated Press In this Feb. 4, 2020 file photo, Rush Limbaugh reacts as first Lady Melania Trump, and his wife Kathryn, applaud, as President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Rush Limbaugh, the talk radio host who ripped into liberals and laid waste to political correctness with a gleeful malice that made him one of the most powerful voices in politics, influencing the rightward push of American conservatism and the rise of Donald Trump, died Wednesday. He was 70.

Limbaugh said a year ago that he had lung cancer. His death was announced on his show by his wife, Kathryn.

Unflinchingly conservative, wildly partisan, bombastically self-promoting and larger than life, Limbaugh galvanized listeners for more than 30 years with his talent for sarcastic, insult-laced commentary.

He called himself an entertainer, but his rants during his three-hour weekday radio show broadcast on nearly 600 U.S. stations shaped the national political conversation, swaying ordinary Republicans and the direction of their party.

Blessed with a made-for-broadcasting voice, he delivered his opinions

COUPON OF THE DAY!

with such certainty that his followers, or “Ditto-heads,” as he dubbed them, took his words as sacred truth.

“In my heart and soul, I know I have become the intellectual engine of the conservative movement,” Limbaugh, with typical immodesty, told author Zev Chafets in the 2010 book “Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One.” Forbes magazine estimated his 2018 income at $84 million, ranking him only behind Howard Stern among radio personalities.

Limbaugh took as a badge of honor the title “most dangerous man in America.” He said he was the “truth detector,” the “doctor of democracy,” a “lover of mankind,” a “harmless, lovable little fuzz ball” and an “all-around good guy.” He claimed he had “talent on loan from God.” Long before Trump’s rise in politics, Limbaugh was pinning insulting names on his enemies and raging against the mainstream media, accusing it of feeding the public lies. He called Democrats and others on the left

communists, wackos, feminazis, liberal extremists, faggots and radicals.

When actor Michael J. Fox, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, appeared in a Democratic campaign commercial, Limbaugh mocked his tremors. When a Washington advocate for the homeless killed himself, he cracked jokes. As the AIDS epidemic raged in the 1980s, he made the dying a punchline. He called 12-year-old Chelsea Clinton a dog.

He suggested that the Democrats’ stand on reproductive rights would have led to the abortion of Jesus Christ. When a woman accused Duke University lacrosse players of rape, he derided her as a “ho,” and when a Georgetown University law student supported expanded contraceptive coverage, he dismissed her as a “slut.”

When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, Limbaugh said flatly: “I hope he fails.”

He was frequently accused of bigotry and blatant racism for such antics as playing the song “Barack the Magic Negro” on his show.

*THIS AD NOT REDEEMABLE. PLEASE FIND THE COUPON IN OUR LATEST COUPON BOOK.

FIND A PLACE TO RENT AT

M A N K AT O ' S R E N TA L L I S T I N G W E B S I T E

THIS COUPON AND MANY MORE CAN BE FOUND IN OUR GOLD MINE COUPON BOOK! COME SEE US IN CSU 293 & GET YOURS TODAY!

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Senator Spotlight: Rediet Abera

News

MSU Reporter • 3

SMART Continued from page 1 to fifth-grade questions covering various subjects such as math, english, science and social studies.

Each question was worth $50. Once students got a grade school question wrong they were able to answer one final bonus question about MNSU to earn an extra $50.

Another aspect of the game were the two cheats students were given each round. Chat and copy were the two cheats given to allow the player to either chat with a senator or copy one of the senator’s answers in order to move forward in the game.

At least two students who joined in and participated won the full $300 meaning they answered all grade school questions correctly and the bonus question about MNSU. Some MNSU bonus questions consisted of “Who was the Taylor Center named after?”, “How many students attend MNSU?”, and

JESSICA HAGGLUND • The Reporter

“How long has Dr. Davenport been President of MNSU?”.

The Student Events Team is planning to do more fun activities in the future. A full list of events can be found on their website.

GOV Continued from page 1 FABIO CASTEL GARCIA • The Reporter

By BAILEY BRENDEL • Staff Writer Rediet Abera, a junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato, currently serves the Student Government as one of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Senators. Abera is double majoring in Psychology and Child Development.

Alongside Student Government, Abera is involved in many other campus activities. She also serves the role of Ethiopian Association President, is a part of the Diversity and Inclusion, as well as being involved with the Student Health Services committees.

Abera talked about why she took on such an important role and joined Student Government, “I’m really interested in helping students, as well as engaging with students on campus and off campus. I’m also a part of the student population, so I would like to see what challenges others are facing and what they need to help them out in any way I can,” said the Senator.

Senator Abera’s project for the year is still under wraps.

She is working alongside fellow Social and Behavioral Science Senator Youssef Elssaadi to communicate with the college’s Dean on how they can help the students in the college succeed.

The two are looking at

what students within that specific college are struggling with and what resources and new ideas they can bring to help these students succeed.

While being involved in Student Government, Senator Abera has learned many life lessons.

“Being in Student Government has built my confidence. I am now able to express what I feel, and I’m so happy that I get to work with students. I also have the great opportunity to meet so many new people that are now my best friends and my role models too, so being in this Student Organization has helped me a lot.”

Senator Abera has lots to say when it comes to recruiting other fellow students to join this organization.

“I would let anyone know that the Student Government here at MNSU will allow them to figure out what they want to do in the future, who they are, and how they can change themselves into a better person.”

She continued with, “I really encourage people to get involved, as it will also help them learn about different activities happening around the campus community, what kind of events they can get involved with and who they can contact whenever they’re in need.”

Now Hiring Seasonal Employees.

40+/- hours a week.

View website for job openings and fill out an application. www.greencare4u.com

507-344-8314

of students and staff to post resources, ask questions and provide information to fulfill students’ basic needs.

“This has been an ongoing project that should be implemented on students’ apps within the coming weeks,” Wheeler said.

Sen. Audrey Hopwood told the Student Government she is working on spreading out more diversity amongst all the residential hall communities. She has been talking with Residential Life leaders about her concerns about the lack of representation within the residential halls and providing bias training when choosing the next Community Advisors.

“It seems pretty segregated when it comes to diversity and I’m excited to be able to have it be more equal amongst all the residents,” Senator Hopwood stated.

Sen. Salim told the Student Government he is currently researching how many students of color are graduating from secondary schools. He is working within his college to help increase the number of students of color to graduate from higher level education. He is also working to make a Zoom social hour for

graduate students to get to know each other within the graduate school community.

Sen. Minahil Khan said she is pushing to provide a Student Career Ambassador to help students find internships and different jobs.

She said she hopes to partner with the Career Development Center and leverage maverick students who are knowledgeable about career development to help get the word about different career development to fellow students.

Khan is also looking into forming a new Senator position for Technology Integration on campus to work with IT Solutions. This stemmed from the technology issues that took place this fall.

Sen. Elsaadi talked about his work on creating student ambassadors for each college to help provide more information between students and the University and help gain information on what students need to succeed in their courses.

Sen. Sarvesh Parte is working on providing closed captions for all classes and having all professors put their recorded lectures on D2L.

4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, February 18, 2021

SPRING 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

What we Need to See from our New University President

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial As we are looking at the four candidates that are up to be the next President of our University, we must ask what we are looking for from the leader of our University for the foreseeable future.

With President Davenport leaving us after nineteen years of faithful service as President of MNSU, it is crucial for us to be critical of his successor, as it is potential and likely that they will be the head of our campus for just as long.

Three focuses that we need to see from our incoming president are; maintaining our affordability, strong support of student activities, and increasing experiential learning on campus.

One huge draw for students to come to our campus is our affordability. Our tuition is the lowest in the Minnesota State system, tied only with Saint Cloud State.

We need to understand that for our incoming freshmen the price point is a massive reason that people choose to attend our University.

This price tag is another reason that, even in the year of pandemic, our enrollment has actually increased.

We need our new president to strive to keep our tuition costs down, as the students at our University very clearly value the low cost and affordability of our institution.

When it comes to campus life, we need a new president who is willing and ac-

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Logan Larock 507-389-5453 logan.larock@mnsu.edu MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

tive in student activities. The way we keep our campus a vibrant and rich community is by giving the people on campus and off plenty of opportunity to be a part of it.

Whether it is by joining an RSO, working on campus, or just attending an event put on by the Student Events Team, we need our new president to prioritize these activities.

These sorts of activities are proven to keep student retention, as when people feel like they are a part of the community they are less likely to leave and more likely to work hard and finish with a degree at MNSU. Another aspect of our

campus that has been growing in recent years is experiential learning. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a prime example of this, with students that take classes there learning from hands-on experiences.

Another great program in the Business Department is the Integrated Business Experience. In this program, students create a business plan, pitch for a loan, and execute their own business from start to finish. This program gives business students real world experiences that are an excellent resume builder.

Classroom learning at the college level is becoming more

and more difficult in these COVID times, and it is imperative that we look to find new and creative ways for our students to learn for their majors.

As the University’s motto clearly states, “Big Ideas, Real World Thinking”. We need the new president to keep a focus on the “real world thinking” aspect, by encouraging engaging experiential learning experiences for our students.

On top of all of these, we need a new president that will look at our University with their own new ideas, while also understanding our current culture. The new president must be able to assimilate and then accelerate our University.

“What do you want to see out of a new University president?”

Compiled by Jessica Hagglund

TAYLOR GROSSEN, SOPHOMORE “Someone who is active and puts on events for the students.”

MADISON DIEMERT

TYLER SCHERNBECK, JUNIOR “Someone who always has the best interest of students.”

MARCHO HANDOKO, SOPHOMORE

GALAXY LE, JUNIOR

KYLE TOMLINSON, JUNIOR

“I want more fun things like ice skating for students.”

“I want someone compassionate and understanding.”

“Somebody who keeps students financial interests in mind.”

Baylee Sorensen 507-389-5097 baylee.sorensen@mnsu.edu Olivia Haefner 507-389-1079 olivia.haefner@mnsu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu.

The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776.

Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation.

The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

South Carolina House Passes Bill Banning Most Abortions

News

MSU Reporter • 5

UN Chief Urges Global Plan to Reverse Unfair Vaccine Access

JEFFREY COLLINS • Associated Press Black members of the South Carolina House walk out as an abortion bill is debated on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 in Columbia, S.C.

ASSOCIATED PRESS The South Carolina House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a bill banning nearly all abortions, following the lead of other states with similar measures that would go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The bill faces a final procedural vote in the House on Thursday that is unlikely to change the outcome and will then be sent to the governor for his signature. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster has promised to sign the measure as soon as possible.

The Senate approved the measure on Jan. 28, after years of failed attempts. Republicans gained three seats in the 2020 elections and the newly energized 30-16 Republican majority made the proposal Senate Bill No. 1.

“This is the greatest prolife bill this state has ever passed,” said Republican Rep. David Hiott of Pickens.

The “ South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act ” requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus. If one is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or in-

cest or the mother’s life is in danger.

The bill would not punish a pregnant woman for getting an illegal abortion, but the person who performed the abortion could be charged with a felony, sentenced up to two years and fined $10,000 if found guilty.

About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court — with three justices appointed by Republican former President Donald Trump — were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights.

Groups that oppose the bill will likely sue, keeping the law from going into effect. All of the bans passed by other states are tied up in court challenges.

While Wednesday’s House approval was nearly a foregone conclusion, the road there was rocky. One Republican lawmaker who wanted a stricter law saying fetuses have the rights of all citizens at conception threw up his papers and stormed out in a ruckus that angered the speaker. Most Democrats walked out of the chamber to protest the bill.

SEARCH Continued from page 1 Chair.

Mrinal Mugdh Varma The last candidate, Mrinal Mugdh Varma, has also served a variety of academic roles. In the past, he has been Provost and Senior vice Chancellor at Auburn University at Montgomery, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Deputy Chief Academic Officer at the University of Houston, and Director of Institutional Research and Planning at the University of Texas at Brownsville.

Sargent said that, once

a new President is selected and starts work, there will be many opportunities for students, faculty, community members and anyone else to meet and discuss key topics with them.

“We want the students and faculty to get to know the new President right away, so we will make sure they get the opportunity to do so.

We also want to give the new President a chance to hear questions and concerns from the MNSU community,” Sargent stated.

UNTV via Associated Press In this image made from UNTV video, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a U.N. Security Council high-level meeting on COVID-19 recovery focusing on vaccinations, chaired by British Foreign Secretary Dominc Raab, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at UN headquarters, in New York.

ASSOCIATED PRESS U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sharply criticized the “wildly uneven and unfair” distribution of COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, saying 10 countries have administered 75 percent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation vaccinated as soon as possible.

The U.N. chief told a high-level meeting of the U.N. Security Council that 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine and declared that “at this critical moment, vaccine equity is the

biggest moral test before the global community.”

Guterres called for an urgent Global Vaccination Plan to bring together those with the power to ensure equitable vaccine distribution -- scientists, vaccine producers and those who can fund the effort.

And he called on the world’s major economic powers in the Group of 20 to establish an emergency task force to establish a plan and coordinate its implementation and financing. He said the task force should have the capacity “to mobilize the pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logis-

tics actors.”

Guterres said Friday’s meeting of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations -- the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, France, Canada and Italy -“can create the momentum to mobilize the necessary financial resources.”

Thirteen ministers addressed the virtual council meeting organized by Britain on improving access to COVID-19 vaccinations, including in conflict areas.

The coronavirus has infected more than 109 million people and killed at least 2.4 million of them.

6 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, Febr

FEBRUARY

Winters are hard on your vehicle, so visit one Same Great People.

Same Great Service.

$ $ C A L L US $ $

Give Us a Call Today!

507-388-4895

H Used parts, cars, trucks H Purchasing all grades of metal H Now Accepting Appliances H Top Dollar Paid H Online Parts Search

1671 E. Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 56001 abraauto.com

fb.com/abraauto

NOW OPEN IN MANKA

NEED TO SCRAP YOUR VEHICLE?

@ABRAauto

Auto Body Repair Manufacturer Certified National Lifetime Limited Warranty

We Want To Ear

By Earning

WE SELL TIRE

Auto Repairs • Belts • Ho Engine Service • Fuel Se Alignment • Batter Diesel Service • Fleet Steering & Suspension • Lifetime Warranty • H

STUDENT

$19.95 Oi

OPEN: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

5 07-524 -3735 10 miles south on Hwy. 22

bandrautotrucksalvage.com

SYNTHETIC BLEND (UP TO 5 QT SHOP SUPPLIE

Expires

TGK AUTOMOTIV 1771 Bassett Drive •

507-38

Book Your Appointment On

• ENGINES • BELTS & HOSES • BRAKE REPAIRS • FLUIDS/FILTERS • HEATING/AC REPAIRS • STEERING/WHEEL ALIGNMENT • STRUTS/SHOCKS 465 Poplar St., Mankato

507-625-8005

Monday-Friday • 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

FULL SERVICE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR | FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

SPECIALIZING IN AUDI, BMW, MERCEDES & VW

STUDENT & MILITARY DISCOUNTS • 2-YEAR, 24,000 MILE LIMITED WARRANTY • WE ACCEPT MOST COMPETITORS COUPONS • CALL FOR SAME DAY SERVICE

25 OFF

$

LAGE

CHRYSLER

25 OFF

$

ANY BRAKE JOB

ANY SERVICE OVER $150.00

Expires 5/31/2021. Not valid with any other coupons. Code: 1730-01

Expires 5/31/2021. Not valid with any other coupons. Code: 1730-02

800-657-4676 •

307 Raintree Ro

ruary 18, 2021

MSU Reporter • 7

Y CAR CARE

e of these professionals to make sure it lasts!

ATO ON BASSETT DRIVE!

THE PLUS IS IN

EVERYTHING WE DO.

rn Your Business g Your Trust

ES AT COST!!

oses • Filters • Diagnostics ervice • Hybrid Vehicles ries • Brake Service Services• Oil Changes • Full Digital Inspections Heating & A/C Services

T SPECIAL

il Change

TS.) • FREE DIGITAL INSPECTION S & TAX EXTRA

• Oil Change • Filters • Lighting

MAINTENANCE

• Brake Services • Code Scan • Vehicle Inspection • Engine Services • A/C Service • Tire Installation • Tire Rotation • Wheel Balance

• Wiper Blades • Fluid Service • Battery

REPAIRS

• Radiator Service • Belts & Hoses • Shocks & Struts • Electrical

TIRES

• TPMS Services • Wheel Alignment • Flat Repair

VE OF MANKATO

(approximate $45 value) OR

$20.00 OFF ANY SERVICE PERFORMED Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. EPA & Recycle charges included.

Expires 8/31/21.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE @ WWW.AUTOTRONICS2.COM/REQUEST SERVICE OR CALL 507-388-6886

927 North Riverfront Drive • Mankato

507-388-6886

Mankato, MN 56001

nline Today at: tgkauto.com

FREE BRAKE INSPECTION By appointment only. Minimum 1 hour needed to perform service. Shuttle service available.

s 3/31/21

87-3484

Mankato's Only AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility

1661 Madison Avenue •507-328-0379

ER'S

WWW.AUTOTRONICS2.COM

SERVING THE MANKATO AREA FOR OVER 42 YEARS! Computer Diagnostic & Electronic Tune-up Service Electrical Repair • Brake Service • Air Conditioning Tires • Certified ASE Technicians • Oil Changes Carburetion Rebuilding • Computerized Alignments Exhaust • Transmissions • Towing & Starting Preventative Maintenance • Classic Car Specialist

R WORLD

• 507-388-2944

oad • Mankato

AUSTIN'S AUTO REPAIR CENTER

INC.

1620 Commerce Dr. | North Mankato, MN | 507-387-1315

www.AustinsAutoRepairCenter.com

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Power Outages Linger for Millions as Another icy Storm Looms ASSOCIATED PRESS Utility crews raced Wednesday to restore power to nearly 3.4 million customers around the U.S. who were still without electricity or heat in the aftermath of a deadly winter storm, and another blast of ice and snow threatened to sow more chaos.

The latest storm front was expected to bring more hardship, especially to states that are unaccustomed to such frigid weather — parts of Texas, Arkansas and the Lower Mississippi Valley.

“There’s really no letup to some of the misery people are feeling across that area,” said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service, referring to Texas.

The system was forecast to move into the Northeast on Thursday. More than 100 million people live in areas covered by some type of winter weather warning, watch or advisory, the weather service said.

At least 30 people have died in the extreme weather this week, some while struggling to find warmth inside their homes. In the Houston area, one family succumbed

DAVID J. PHILLIP • Associated Press People wait in line to fill propane tanks Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Houston.

to carbon monoxide from car exhaust in their garage. Another perished as they used a fireplace to keep warm.

Record low temperatures were reported in city after city.

Scientists say the polar vortex, a weather pattern that usually keeps to the Arctic, is increasingly spilling into lower lati-

tudes and staying there longer, and global warming caused by humans is partly responsible.

Utilities from Minnesota to Texas and Mississippi have implemented rolling blackouts to ease the burden on power grids straining to meet extreme demand for heat and electricity. In Mexico, rolling

AUTO DETAILING

blackouts Tuesday covered more than one-third of the country after the storms in Texas cut the supply of imported natural gas.

The worst U.S. power outages by far have been in Texas, where 3 million homes and businesses remained without power as of midday Wednes-

day. The state’s power grid manager, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said electricity had been restored to 600,000 homes and businesses by Tuesday night, Officials did not know when power would be restored, but council President Bill Magness said he hoped many customers would see at least partial service restored by later Wednesday or Thursday.

Magness also defended the decision to force outages “to prevent an event that would have been even more catastrophic than the terrible events we’ve seen this week.”

Dashawn Walker, 33, was thrilled to find the power back on in his Dallas apartment Wednesday. He stayed at a suburban hotel Tuesday night after being without power since Sunday, but said he was charged $474 for one night.

“It’s crazy,” Walker said. “I mean why would y’all go up on the hotels in the middle of a crisis?”

More than 200,000 additional customers were in the dark in four Appalachian states, and nearly that many in the Pacific Northwest, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility outage reports.

TOUCHLESS AUTO WASH

• Glass & Vacuum • Exterior Paint Correction • Shampoo Carpets • Ceramic Coating

Good................$8.00 Ultimate.........$12.00 Better.............$10.00 Elite................$16.00

507-388-9101 906 S. Front Street Mankato OPEN 8AM- 8PM DAILY

champlinautowash.com @champlinauto

CALL FOR SPECIALS! • WE ALSO DO COMPLETE INTERIOR SHAMPOO & DETAILING!

Thursday, February 18, 2021

MSU Reporter • 9

Mavs seek out Third Straight Sweep

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor The Minnesota State men’s hockey team prepares for their final two-game road series this weekend when they travel to Big Rapids, MI to take on the Ferris State University Bulldogs.

The No. 3 Mavericks are first in the WCHA standings with an overall record of 132-1 and undefeated in WCHA play at 10-0-0. The Bulldogs are last in the WCHA with an overall record of 1-17-1 and an 0-11-1 record in conference play.

In recent history, Minnesota State swept Ferris State by scores of 4-1 and 4-0 earlier this season. MSU has also won the last 11 straight matchups and outscored their opponent 49-13 in that span.

The Mavericks are 25-8-2 alltime against the Bulldogs.

Minnesota State’s depth continues to prove to be the strong point of the team’s success, with eight players who have recorded 10 or more points.

Julian Napravnik leads this effort with 19 points, including seven goals and 12 assists.

In the last meeting against Ferris State, Napravnik tallied one goal and one assist in the 4-1 win at the Mayo Clinic System Events Center.

Cade Borchardt stands

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Nathan Smith leads the Mavericks in assists with 14 and has recorded three goals on the season.

just behind Napravnik with 18 points on the year with seven goals and 11 assists. Borchardt also put up one goal and one assist each in their most recent victory over the Bulldogs.

The third round draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets Nathan Smith has 17 points on the year, with three goals and 14 assists. The playmaking ability and individual skill of Smith is one of the biggest contributors to his and his linemates success, wherever he is placed on the line chart.

With Jared Spooner out last weekend due to an injury sustained against Bowling Green, the Mavericks lines were shuffled, and saw Shane McMahan, Pavel Ondrej, and Ryan Sandelin represent the fourth line, with defenseman Chris Van Os-Shaw and Tony Malinowski filling the extra skater spots on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Spooner will be out again this weekend.

Dryden McKay continues to be the one of the top goaltenders in the nation with a .959 save percentage and 0.79 goals against average, leading the WCHA in both categories.

Senior defenseman Andy Carroll said in a press conference on Wednesday, “He’s special.

There’s no other way to say it.

He’s just special.”

MSU’s special teams remain one of the best in the conference as well as the country.

The Mavericks have been successful on 20 power plays of 62 opportunities, good for the best in the WCHA, and third in the nation. Their penalty kill is second in the WCHA, killing 45 of 51 chances with a man down.

With the playoffs nearing their sights, all the Mavericks are focused on is today.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” associate head coach Todd Knott said on Wednesday.

MSU looks to Close out Season with a Sweep at Concordia-St. Paul

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor The Minnesota State men’s basketball team are ready to close out their season this weekend in road series against the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears.

The Mavericks sit at third in the NSIC standings and are 8-6 overall on the year with a 7-5 conference play record, while CSP is last in the NSIC south division with an overall record of 1-11 and an 0-8 conference play record.

MSU is coming off their first series they’ve gotten swept all season long in two close games against Upper Iowa.

CSP won their first game of the season against University of Minnesota-Crookston, but has lost every game that has

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Junior guard Devonte Thedford (15) leads the Mavericks in assists with 55 on the season.

followed, holding the longest losing streak in the NSIC of 11.

The Mavericks have the third best scoring defense in the NSIC, allowing just .431 percent of field goals, while CSP has one of the worst scoring offenses in the NSIC with .427 percent of field goals made.

Quincy Anderson continues to be the top performer for the Mavericks with 244 points over 14 games, averaging 17.4

points per game. Anderson has 83 rebounds, 12 offensive and 71 defensive, 11 steals, and 20 assists on the season as the Mavericks starting shooting guard.

In Devonte Thedford’s first season as a Maverick, he’s averaging 12.9 points per game, 53 total rebounds, and leads the team in assists with 55, averaging 3.9 assists per game.

Malik Willingham sits at third in scoring for the Mavericks going into the final series of the season with 11.6 points per game, and leads MSU in three-point field goals made, making 33-70, good for a percentage of .471.

The Mavericks hope to end the regular season on a high note with a pair of wins and go into the postseason with the momentum in their favor.

Mavericks Finish Season at Home

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor The Minnesota State women’s basketball team (8-5) will play their final series of this season this weekend at home against the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears (10-4).

The Mavericks are fourth in the NSIC standings with a conference record of 7-4, while the Golden Bears are one seed higher with a conference record of 8-4.

The Mavericks have one four of their last five games, most recently sweeping the Upper Iowa Peacocks at home last weekend. CSP is in the same boat as the Mavericks, winning four of their last five, but losing their most recent match with the Winona State Warriors in a close 68-67 game and splitting the series.

Going into the season finale, the Mavericks top point scorers consist of Rachel Shumski, Tayla Stuttley, and Joey Batt.

Shumski has overtaken the spot as the leading scorer of the Mavericks from Stuttley with 173 points, averaging 13.3 points per game, while Stuttley is a field goal behind her with 171 and averaging 13.2 points per game. The women rank 16th and 18th, respectively, in the NSIC in points per game.

Batt has tallied 162 points over 13 games, averaging 12.5 points per game, and is 22nd in the NSIC. Batt leads the team in points from three point range with 19 made on 56 attempts, averaging 4.3 three-pointers per game.

The team as a whole has a field goal shooting percentage of .382, and .303 in three-pointers, while the Golden Bears are shooting .430 in field goals and .322 from three point range.

With a pair of wins this weekend, the Mavericks have a chance to move into third in the NSIC. MSU will close out their season at the Taylor Center Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20.

Sports

USA Basketball called Thomas, who Hopes NBA does Next

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Mavs travel North to take on UMD

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

10 • MSU Reporter

Todd Kirkland • Associated Press Washington Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas (4) stands during the National Anthem prior to an NBA basketball game.

ASSOCIATED PRESS There was a day last spring when Isaiah Thomas noticed he could lift his leg without any pain. That hadn’t happened in years.

This weekend, he plans to show the NBA what that means for his game.

More than a year removed from his last NBA appearance, and nine months after surgery that he says fixed a bone-on-bone condition in his right hip, Thomas has games to play. The two-time All-Star is suiting up with USA Basketball for a pair of FIBA AmeriCup qualifying games in San Juan, Puerto Rico — and Thomas expects NBA teams to be watching.

“My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA as soon as possible,” Thomas, 32, told The Associated Press. “This

allows me to compete against other professionals, represent my country at the same time — which is an honor and a privilege — and ultimately show NBA teams that I’m back to myself and I’m 100% healthy. That’s why I chose to come here. When Team USA brought it to me, it was a no-brainer.”

The games technically don’t mean much to the U.S.; But to Thomas, the matchups against the Bahamas on Friday and Mexico on Saturday mean plenty.

“My skill didn’t go anywhere,” Thomas said. “The biggest question was whether I am 100% healthy. I am now, so why not show it on a stage with ‘USA’ across your chest?”

The Mavs women’s hockey team is trying to make a playoff push in their final series.

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor After a week off of canceled games, the Minnesota State women’s hockey team is set to travel to Duluth where they will take on the No. 7 Bulldogs.

The Mavericks (7-10-1) series against the Bulldogs (8-4-0) last weekend was postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Maverick women’s hockey program. The series was set to be the last home series for the women’s team and a reschedule has not yet been announced.

The Mavericks have not played against Minnesota-Duluth since their first games of the season where

they lost both games by scores of 5-0 and 7-3.

One of the most recent top performers of the Mavericks, Kelsey King, has led the team to three wins in their last four games, and scoring six points and 23 shots in her last five games. After a slow start to her season, King now leads the Mavericks in points with 13 on the season, including eight goals and five assists.

Freshman forward Jamie Nelson ties King in points with 13 of her own, tallying six goals and seven assists.

Nelson leads all WCHA freshmen in total points on the season, and has one of the highest points per game with 0.81.

The Mavericks power play has scored nine goals on 57

chances, good for 15.8%, while their penalty kill has been successful on 54-60 penalties, good for 90% on the season.

University of Minnesota-Duluth is coming off three straight wins, including a sweep against the St. Cloud State Huskies where they outscored their opponent 10-1 over two games.

Minnesota-Duluth has one of the best scoring offenses in the country, with the effort led by Anna Klein, who is fourth in the WCHA in scoring with a 9-7-16 scoreline and 1.33 points per game.

The series has been moved to be played on Saturday and Sunday, rather than starting on Friday, at AMSOIL Arena in Duluth.

SECURE YOUR SPOT AT COLLEGE STATION NOW! SIGN A 2021-2022 LEASE INTERNET INCLUDED IN RENT!

WHILE SPACES ARE AVAILABLE!

3, 4 & 5 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE FOR 2021-2022

PARKING ONLY $30 FOR ENTIRE YEAR!

STARTING AT $350 PER MONTH PER PERSON 1341 POHL ROAD 507-345-3342 HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm Saturday visits by appointment only!

FAST Application Processing!

Get Started Today! Apply Online!

collegestationapartments.prospectportal.com College Station Apartments

LOCATED ON THE BUS ROUTE ON-SITE PARKING LAUNDRY ROOM IN EACH BUILDING

www.collegestationmankato.com

Thursday, February 18, 2021

MSU Reporter • 11

Cooking in the Kitchen with Sydney: French Toast Bites

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer Coming in to you live from Syd’s dorm: another breakfast meal recipe! Shocking, right?

I mean, I discussed this last week; I’m a breakfast person, and I am of the firm belief that eating something in the morning will help you have a more focused and productive day. Plus, I’m just hungry all the time.

This recipe, though, is a bit more of a treat. Sometimes you get sick of just eggs or oatmeal every morning and need some sweet to switch things up.

So this week, I’ll be sharing with you a recipe for mug, or bowl, French toast.

A much easier alternative to something like pancakes, these French toast bites are a quick and easy way to sweeten up your morning routine.

This recipe also allows space for adjustments to fix your sweet tooth needs and only needs a handful of ingredients. This mug full of toasty-goodness is a great boost to start the day.

SYDNEY BERGGREN • The Reporter

In-A-Mug French Toast Bites: • 2 slices of bread

• 3 tablespoons of milk

• Optional: Pinch of cinnamon (suggested), pinch of sugar, drop of vanilla extract • Toppings: syrup, fruits, whipped cream, or anything else to your desire

Former Trump Casino where Stars Played goes out with a Bang ASSOCIATED PRESS A spot on the Atlantic City Boardwalk where movie stars, athletes and rock stars used to party — and a future president honed his instincts for bravado and hype — was reduced to a dusty pile of rubble on Wednesday.

The former Trump Plaza casino was imploded after falling into such disrepair that chunks of the building began peeling off and crashing to the ground.

A series of loud explosions around 9 a.m. rocked the building, which started to collapse in a wave from back to front until it plunged straight down in a giant cloud of dust that enveloped the beach and Boardwalk. Overall, it took the structure less than 20 seconds to implode.

“I got chills,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said.

“This is a historic moment. It was exciting.”

He estimated the remaining pile of rubble is about eight stories tall, and would be removed by June 10. Some of it could be used by environmentalists interested in building an artificial fishing reef off the coast of Atlantic City.

Additional parts of the casino-hotel complex fronting on the Boardwalk and on Pacific Avenue, the main road along the row of casi-

• 1 egg

Put your egg, milk, and any optional ingredients in your microwave safe container and whisk with a fork. Cube your bread and place into the mug, mixing carefully.

Let sit for a minute to allow bread to saturate.

Microwave for one minute, then at ten second intervals until nothing is runny. Either leave in the mug or scoop out onto a plate. Let cool, add toppings of your choice, and enjoy!

I was quite a fan of this recipe. I adapted it from an article from prettyprudent.com, adjusting for the average college student.

I used cinnamon and sugar and topped it with just syrup as that was all I had (although I do think it would have been great with maybe some banana slices). I ended up microwaving for about one minute and thirty seconds before I deemed it done.

This recipe also only takes about a minute to put together, so it’s very easy to make and eat right before morning classes. Overall, quite an enjoyable treat that I would recommend to anyone looking to change up their breakfasts!

Graceland Plans in-person Events During Elvis Week

SETH WENIG • Associated Press The former Trump Plaza casino is imploded on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Atlantic City, N.J.

nos, were not included in the implosion. They will be demolished in the near future using heavy equipment, not explosives.

The removal of the onetime jewel of former President Donald Trump’s casino empire clears the way for a prime development opportunity on the middle of the Boardwalk, where the Plaza used to market itself as “Atlantic City’s centerpiece.”

“The way we put Trump Plaza and the city of Atlantic City on the map for the whole world was really incredible,” said Bernie Dillon, the events manager for the casino from 1984 to 1991. “Everyone from Hulk Hogan to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it was the whole gamut of per-

sonalities. One night before a Tyson fight I stopped dead in my tracks and looked about four rows in as the place was filling up, and there were two guys leaning in close and having a private conversation: Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.”

“It was like that a lot: You had Madonna and Sean Penn walking in, Barbra Streisand and Don Johnson, Muhammad Ali would be there, Oprah sitting with Donald ringside,” he recalled. “It was a special time. I’m sorry to see it go.”

Short-term plans call for the site to be paved to provide new parking while a permanent development project is considered.

BRANDON DILL • Associated Press Fans wait in line outside Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis home, Aug. 15, 2017 in Memphis, Tenn.

ASSOCIATED PRESS On the 44th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, fans will get to celebrate the musician once again at the annual Elvis Week event in Memphis, Tennessee.

Presley’s Graceland is preparing to host visitors and offer in-person events for Elvis Week from Aug. 11 through Aug. 17. Organizers said public health protocols will be in place, including the requirement of masks, temperature screenings and socially distanced seating.

The event will feature appearances by celebrities and musicians, live concerts,

panel discussions, parties, bus excursions and the Elvis Presley tribute artist contest, officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises said. The keystone event, once again, will be a candlelight vigil as fans visit his grave.

Since Presley’s death on Aug. 16, 1977, fans of the late singer and actor have flocked to Memphis to commemorate his life and career in the week leading up to his death anniversary. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Elvis Week events were mostly held online last year.

12 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, February 18, 2021

NEWS & SPORTS WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES

APPLY ON

www.msureporter.com