October 29, 2020

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

THURSDAY • OCTOBER 29, 2020

HOCKEY IS BACK! The Mavericks Will Be Back in Action in Mankato Late November

Mankato Bars Are Prepared for Halloween MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief

Senior captain Max Coatta (12) holds the WCHA trophy after defeating Bowling Green Falcons at the Verizon Center, March 23, 2019 in Mankato. (File photo) DANIEL MCELROY Staff Writer Some of us never thought this day would come.

After COVID-19 cut their postseason short last March, the Minnesota State University, Mankato men’s hockey is officially back.

As many other leagues have struggled to get a season started, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association released the schedules for every team in the conference yesterday.

The Mavericks start their season with back-to-back weekend match ups against Bemidji State University on Nov. 2021 in Bemidji and Nov. 27-28 in Mankato.

“They’re always a very difficult team to play,” Head

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hockey Coach Mike Hastings said. “They’re probably our greatest rival through the history of both programs.”

The Mavericks faced off against BSU five times last year -- four times in the regular season schedule and once more in the Mariucci Classic, ending the season with a 3-2 record.

After COVID-19 ended the season prematurely last year, many were left with a bitter taste. With the team having one of its best seasons ever, several seniors lost their final chance at a national championship.

Seven seniors graduated and one underclassman,

HOCKEY

BARS

page 5

HOW TO PARTY SAFELY

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Students looking to party may have a tough time getting into their favorite bars this Halloween.

Halloween, usually an extremely busy day for the bar scene, will most likely be seeing very long lines as the local favorite watering holes will be enforcing limited capacities due to COVID-19.

The businesses downtown are gearing up for a busy weekend, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday all expected to be particularly busy.

Among the bars affected along the S. Front Street bar scene are some favorites such as South Street Saloon, the 507, Blue Bricks, and Rounders Sports Bar and Grill.

Rounders Sports Bar and Grill, a staple and usual hotspot for the Mankato bars, has been working very hard to stay within the socially distancing guidelines.

Tyson Dull, the General Manager of Rounders, referenced the extra measures the bar will be taking in order to limit transmission.

“We are operating at about 25%, even though we are allowed 50% right now,” said Dull, “I don’t know, it will be interesting what will happen for Halloween.”

South Street Saloon, a western themed bar, has their capacity capped at 105 occupants at a time, leaving a line outside for anyone else wanting to enter.

Most of the businesses will not be offering any added specials for the night, however, that does not mean they will not stay in the spirit.

Scott Sandvig, a bartender

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WHAT IS CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

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BEST HALLOWEEN MOVIES

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2 • MSU Reporter

News

Student Government: How Can We Fix Online Classes

Thursday, October 29, 2020

BARS Continued from page 1

The Rounders Sports Bar & Grill in Downtown Mankato.

(Muhammad Ibrahim/The Reporter)

The Student Government meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 in the Ostrander Auditorium.

(Kjerstin Hall/The Reporter)

BAILEY BRENDEL Staff Writer The Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government held their weekly meeting in the Ostrander Auditorium, Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. After roll call, they called up presentations.

The first to present was from Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Henry Morris on the student success survey. This survey was taken in the summer semester and then again in the beginning of the fall semester.

Through this survey, the government members wanted to know the answers to a few questions, such as: “How can we increase engagement with students and teachers through online format?”, “What resources do students use on D2L”, and “How comfortable are students and teachers with online classes?”

With the answers to these questions, it has helped administration implement programs that are beneficial to students and staff. One of these include having teachers who have taught online be-

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fore COVID-19 be mentors for other teachers. Another is starting new program incentives on D2L, like the awards page, to encourage engagement in online courses.

Through these incentives, the administration hopes to solve the problems they currently have with the online format and helping the students achieve success in online courses.

The next presentation was given by Director of Strategic Communications Amy Linde on an IT Solutions update. In this presentation, Linde discussed the different ways IT Solutions is improving during these times of online courses.

They plan on educating students more on how to use D2L and giving out tips and tricks on how to use Microsoft. The students’ success in online formats is their top priority.

Following the presentations came an open forum. In this open forum, they talked about the new free COVID-19 testing center at the old Gander Mountain, which is found at 1940 Adams St. This is a saliva test where

the results come back in 2472 hours. This center will be open through at least the end of this semester.

Next, the senators gave their reports. Senators Nelson, Nimo, Khan, Husain, and Swancutt discussed their projects in the work.

These included creating a booklet containing information about off-campus housing at MNSU and what to look for when researching housing options, creating a resource guide for graduate students to get them more involved with the Maverick community, providing more resources to find internships for the College of Science and Engineering students, working to create a better communication system between advisors and students, and getting an LGBTQ+ learning community started and potentially and LGBTQ+ hall in the dorms.

Senator Nathan was elected as the new senator for the College of Science and Engineering.

The next meeting will be held on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. in the Ostrander Auditorium.

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at South Street Saloon spoke about how the bartenders have tried to stay festive in years past.

“We are always themed, all the bartenders are always themed,” said Sandvig, “We’ve done Top Gun, Lumberjacks, stuff like that.”

The 507 will be hosting a costume contest for both Friday and Saturday, with a $100 prize for the winners.

Many students are thrilled to hit the town this weekend to celebrate the spooky holiday.

“I’ll be going to a house party and then the bars probably,” said Tate Marschall, a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

With the risk of the lines being fairly long, Marschall wants to go, but doesn’t plan to wait forever.

“I’d probably wait like, 45

minutes before I start getting cold and head home,” said Marschall.

Kyle Hawe, an education major at MNSU, does not plan to partake in the party scene this weekend.

“With going into student teaching, it’s not worth the risk of being quarantined for two weeks, or especially exposing my students,” said Hawe.

Instead, Hawe has other plans.

“It is actually my birthday,” Hawe said, “so my parents may come and visit me that day.”

Dull speaks to the importance of flexibility during this time.

“Everything is new and different,” Dull said, “so we try to adjust accordingly.”

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Thursday, October 29, 2020

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MSU Reporter • 3

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT River’s Edge Express Clinic Welcomes Walk-Ins at Hy-Vee River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter announces the opening of its River’s Edge Express Clinic, located inside the Hilltop Hy-Vee at 2010 Adams Street, Mankato.

This clinic does not require you to have an appointment to be seen. Because it is on a walk-in system, people will be seen on a first come first serve basis.

The new clinic can be found in the clinic space located in the HyVee, directly next to the pharmacy in the grocery store. This gives

easy access in case a visit results in the need for a prescription.

River’s Edge Express Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Healthcare providers at the location are able to see patients with various medical conditions, such as skin irritations, insect bites and stings, eye irritations, ear infections, minor respiratory issues, seasonal allergies, colds and fever, and urinary tract infections. Individuals can also be

seen for sports physicals and daycare provider physicals.

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Patients who come to the clinic are able to pay upfront if preferred, otherwise they do accept all, if not most, major medical insurance providers.

4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, October 29, 2020

FALL 2020 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

How to Stay Safe on Halloween

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Opinion JENNA PETERSON News Editor As Halloween creeps closer to us, one question is on every college students’ mind: where are the parties?

It’s typical for students to gather on any given weekend, or even any given day, to party and get a little wild.

Halloween is no exception as it’s the perfect holiday excuse to dress up and have fun to no extent. With COVID-19 looming above us, will it really change anything?

The local bars in Mankato are preparing for the upcoming weekend by setting up decorations and ensuring the capacity limit will not be extended.

Each owner wants to make sure their guests and staff are safe while also getting spooky to celebrate and have fun.

I’ve also seen many people post onto their snapchat stories asking about where any and all parties will be at. This can be irresponsible to some extent.

If you’re wanting to go to the bars, you need to be cautious.

Social distancing as much as possible is key to keeping yourself and others safe. Also, please be nice and patient with the bartenders. They’re risking themselves during a pandemic, and it’s the least you can do.

On the other hand, I believe that if you’re gathering with a small group of friends, that’s great. There are a variety of different ways to get in the

NEWS EDITOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu WEB/PHOTO EDITOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Yasir Wedatalla 507-389-5097 yasir.wedatalla@mnsu.edu

In this Oct. 22, 2020, file photo, coronavirus-themed Halloween decorations are displayed on a lawn in Tenafly, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Halloween spirit while being low-key with your festivities.

Ordering in food from a

your friends. With all of the streaming services available now, it’s easy to find some-

“Social distancing as much as possible is key to keeping yourself and others safe.” local restaurant and dressing up in costumes to have a Halloween movie marathon is a great way to spend time with

thing everyone will enjoy.

If you like to be more creative and unleash your artistic abilities, you can grab

some pumpkins of your choice and paint on them.

Again, watching movies while doing this is always a great idea to gather up your friends and spend a night in.

Even if you’re at home, you can still throw a party in honor of Halloween. Come up with your own specialty haunted drinks, make some tasty treats, and innovate a game or two to try out all of your creations.

No matter how you celebrate this year, it’s important to think about your actions and to stay safe with COVID regulations. This will not only help you, but it will also benefit the people around you.

“How are you celebrating Halloween?”

Compiled by Kjerstin Hall

ALYSSA RAUCHMAN, SENIOR

KAYLEE CINCOSKI, FRESHMAN

“I’ll probably watch horror “I’ll be hanging out with movies with my boyfriend and friends and seeing my family.” roommates.”

KAYLA JOHNSON, FRESHMAN

XERRAPHIM INDRIA, SOPHOMORE

WILL SHELBY, JUNIOR

“I’m going to hang out with friends.”

“I’m just going to chill in my apartment.”

“I’m going back home to hang with some friends.”

Logan Larock 507-389-5453 logan.larock@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.

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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, October 29, 2020

Pandemic Politics: Biden Shuns ‘False Promises’ of Fast Fix

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a virtual public health briefing at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The pandemic’s consequences were escalating, with deaths climbing in 39 states and an average of 805 people dying daily nationwide — up from 714 two weeks ago.

Overall, about 227,000 Americans have died. The sharp rise sent shockwaves through financial markets, causing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop 900-plus points.

Trump, who frequently lauds rising markets, failed to mention the decline. But he promised that economic growth figures for the summer quarter, due Thursday, would be strong, declaring during a rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, “This election is a choice between a Trump super-recovery and a Biden depression.”

As Trump spoke, an Air Force fighter thundered nearby and released a flare to get the attention of a non-responsive private aircraft that was flying in the restricted airspace. North American Aerospace Defense Command said the plane was escorted out by the F-16 “without further incident.” Trump was at first caught off guard but later cheered the fighter, proclaiming, “I love that sound” as it roared overhead.

The president also condemned violence that occurred during some protests in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., a Black man, in Philadelphia saying Biden stands “with the rioters and the vandals.”

But Biden said in Wilmington, “There is no excuse whatsoever for the looting and the violence.”

Bullhead City is just across the border from Nevada, a state Trump is hoping to flip during Election Day next Tuesday. A Trump Nevada rally last month attracted thousands and led to the airport that hosted it being fined more than $5,500 for violating pandemic crowd restrictions.

Rather than curb his crowd, Trump moved just across

the border and used his rally Wednesday to scoff at Democratic leaders in states like Nevada for trying to enforce social distancing rules. The event’s crowd looked to be mostly from Arizona, though there were attendees from Nevada. Few wore masks.

The weather was far milder than during a Tuesday night Trump rally in Omaha, Nebraska. After Trump left that one, hundreds of attendees at Eppley Airfield spent hours waiting in the cold for transportation to cars parked far away. Several people were taken to hospitals amid concerns about exposure.

“Because of the sheer size of the crowd, we deployed 40 shuttlebuses – double the normal allotment – but local road closures and resulting congestion caused delays,” Trump spokeswoman Samantha Zager said in a statement.

Trump is trailing Biden in most national polls. Biden also has an advantage, though narrower, in the key swing states that could decide the election.

Biden voted early in Wilmington on Wednesday and received a virtual briefing from health experts. One, Dr. David Kessler, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, warned, “We are in the midst of the third wave, and I don’t think anyone can tell you how high this is going to get.”

Trump was nonetheless defiant, declaring, “We will vanquish the virus and emerge stronger than ever before.”

In a campaign sidelight, the president lashed out after news that Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, was revealed as the author of a scathing anti-Trump op-ed and book under the pen name “Anonymous.”

“This guy is a low-level lowlife that I don’t know,” he said. “I have no idea who he is.”

News

MSU Reporter • 5

HOCKEY Continued from page 1

Maverick forward Charlie Gerard. (Photo courtesy of Maverick Athletics)

Connor Mackey, signed a contract to play for the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames. That being said, Coach Hastings is very excited about the group of incoming freshmen and a couple of graduate student transfers to take their spots.

“The guys have come in in very good condition, real good shape, and their attitudes have been fantastic,” Hastings said.

Due to COVID-19, restrictions and guidelines are still

in the process of determining what capacity is allowed and how it will be followed. Hastings said the team has been doing everything they can to follow these guidelines, including using two separate locker rooms, limiting the number of players in meetings and always wearing masks.

“It’s been harder I think to find different ways to develop team chemistry and team bonding because you’re not all together. You have to do things separate,” Hastings

commented.

For now, all eyes are set on the first game of the season for the Mavericks.

“Us getting back together and competing, that’s the most important piece right now. I’m really looking forward to November 20,” Hastings continued.

The University hasn’t announced whether the MSU women’s team will move forward with a 2020-21 season.

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6 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, Oct

IT’S SPOO The Reporter’s #ThrowbackThursday: Halloween Edition

Maxwell Mayleben Editor in Chief

Bailey Brendel Staff Writer

Anna Lillie Ad Sales Rep

Daniel McElroy Staff Writer

Sydney Berggren Satff Writer

Jenna Peterson News Editor

Ashley Opina Staff Writer

Sydney Bikreland Front Desk Staff

Mansoor Ahmad Photo/Web Editor Note: This was not for Halloween.

Riley Lehmer Front Desk Staff

Business Manager Jane Tastad’s grand kids

Julia Barton Staff Writer

Olivia Hafener Front Desk Staff

News MSU Reporter • 7 tober 29, 2020

OKY TIME! T he Creepy Origin Story of the Jack-O-Lantern Illustration and story by Luis Ortiz • Cartoonist

The so-called Jack-O-Lantern or Jack of the Lantern is a staple of the Halloween season. A favorite of many, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is usually regarded as a fun pastime for creative decorations of the season, but few wonder why and where the activity comes from. But in reality, the term we now use came about due to a combination of multiple factors.

The tradition of pumpkin carving came to America in the 1800s with the influx of Irish immigrants caused by the potato famine. Long before any of this, people across Ireland and the British Isles practiced the tradition of carving ghoulish and evil faces into turnips and placing them near doorways and windows in order to frighten away evil spirits and demons. The tradition eventually changed from turnips to pumpkins, due to the availability and ease of farming.

On the other hand, the term “Jack of the Lantern” dates back to the 15th century. It originally referred to a man or watchman with a lantern but, as time went by, the term became associated with mysterious lights observed over swamps and marshes.

A natural phenomenon, gas lights in swamps have been observed and misunderstood for countless generations and attributed to the supernatural.

This phenomena, often called ghost lights, corpse candles or will-o-the wisp, have an earthly explanation. They are pockets of gas from decomposing matter in the swamp that surfaced from the depths of this place, and ignited when it came into contact with the heat or static electricity present in the environment. This frightened early populations and, in time, became part of their folklore and associated with wandering spirits roaming the night, the most famous one being the story of Stingy Jack.

Stingy Jack was a mischievous man who lived in Ireland who liked to play tricks on anyone and everyone. On Halloween night the devil decided to pay Jack a visit and take him back to hell with him. When the devil appeared before Jack, his only request was for one last drink at the local pub.

After having his fill, Jack asked the devil if he could turn himself into a silver coin in order to pay; seeing no harm, the devil did as he was told.

Jack immediately placed the coin in his pocket where he had placed a crucifix, thus preventing the devil into changing back. In order to get out of this predicament, the devil agreed not to take Jack’s soul for another 10 years.

Ten years later, Satan found Jack stumbling out of a pub. When Jack gazed upon the devil, he realized it was his time. Jack then made a final request of a last meal; an apple from a local tree.

Satan, seeing no harm, jumped into the tree to get Jack his apple.

While the devil was doing his deed, Jack quickly carved a cross into the tree, thus preventing the devil from coming down.

After much begging and pleading, Jack agreed to set Satan free only if he promised never to take his soul to hell, to which Satan reluctantly agreed.

Many years later, Stingy Jack died, and at the pearly gates, St. Peter denied him entrance due to all his evil deeds. In hell, Satan denied him entrance due to their bargain struck many years prior, and as final gift the devil gave Jack an ember ablaze with hell fire.

Denied entrance into heaven and hell, Stingy Jack was forever doomed to roam the land with only a carved turnip glowing with hellfire to light his path.

On Halloween night, be wary of a wandering man, for taking the wrong turn could bring you face to face with the Jack of the Lantern.

8 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, October 29, 2020

ART, MUSIC, FOOD, MOVIES, SPORTS, GAMING, & ALL THE REST

It’s Scary Story Time: Here are a Few to Get You Started AMANDA FILREIS Staff Writer `With Halloween right around the corner comes haunted houses, horror movies, and ghost stories. Everyone has some sort of experience with ghost stories, whether they be real or not, and Minnesota State University, Mankato students are no different.

“We like to tell ghost stories in a dark room with a flashlight under our faces. It captures what a ghost story is really about,” commented MNSU students Natalie Coleman and Elizabeth Fink.

One of the more classic tales that many people know about is the spirit of Bloody Mary.

This urban legend holds many different historical meanings, depending on how you hear about it. For some it allows women to see their future husband and to others it’s a fit of hysteria due to the low lights and looking into a mirror for an extended amount of time.

To experience the horror behind this tale, a person must go to their bathroom at midnight with candles being the only source of light. Once there, chant “Bloody Mary” three times, and she will then appear before the summoner

The lobby of the Preska Residence Hall can be seen decked out in Halloween-themed decorations.

(Kjerstin Hall/The Reporter)

in the mirror. What happens after that, we’ll never know.

But this is just the beginning.

Another spooky narrative would be the tale of Lizzie Borden. The origins of this story are based on true events, believe it or not. Borden murdered her father and step-mother with an ax that was initially used to kill the pigeons that had been caught on their property.

The killer was naturally caught by the police and tried for her crimes. She was acquitted, but is long since dead.

The Borden House is still standing and open to the public to this day and was also featured in an episode of Supernatural. This was how students Coleman and Fink first heard about it.

“I asked my mom about it afterwards. I wanted to learn

more about it, since it seemed pretty interesting,” said Natalie.

In 2018, a movie titled “Lizzie” starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristin Stewart was created to capture the crimes that were commited. The film is available on Amazon Prime for anyone to watch.

Another spooky story to look at is known as “The Hook”. The story tells of a

young couple hearing on the car radio about an escaped killer with a hook hand.

One version of the story is of the couple hearing a strange noise and deciding to leave the car. When they arrive at their destination, the two see the hook hand on the car door handle. There are multiple versions of this frightening legend that will depend on who you ask.

“I like to tell scary stories around a campfire. The surrounding darkness adds to the intensity of whatever story is being told,” said MNSU student Jack Davis when talking about his favorite way to tell these scary stories.

Let’s look to something a little closer to home. There are plenty of unexplained happenings around you if you dare to look.

An example of this is when MSU student Dena Wiljanen was working at a store in Mankato. She spotted a lady in the store and walked over to greet her when the lady suddenly vanished right before her eyes.

After learning about this experience, the manager told her, “We need some sage. ASAP.” Sometimes it’s better not to mess with the unknown.

Halloween Costumes Bring Up the Issue of Cultural Appropriation DESTINY KEMPF Staff Writer When choosing a costume for Halloween, the concept of cultural appropriation is often a topic that gets brought up.

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, many students feel very differently about the topic.

Otylia Markham, a current junior at MNSU said, “I would describe cultural appropriation as people of a different culture taking something from another person’s culture.”

Generally, culture appropriation is the term to describe taking over a cultural group’s themes or practices by using it for one’s own creative and artistic forms. It becomes a more prominent issue during Halloween as some people use the holiday as an opportunity to wear clothes from differing cultures.

Junior student at MNSU, Beian Lu, stated, “I feel people should be able to wear whatev-

A photo of the homecoming ceremony at Mankato State College in the 1957-1958 school year. The school’s mascot and sports teams were named the “Indians” until 1977, when it was decided to change the name to what the teams are now known as, the “Mavericks”. (University Archives)

er they want. It is their choice just like it is their choice to wear a crop top if they wish.”

When asked what she would think if she saw somebody wearing a culture stereo-

type as a costume Lu responded, “I wouldn’t think anything cause it really depends on the

circumstance. If they are at an event or at a celebration it doesn’t really matter, but like if you just wear it, it’s going to pop out, but I don’t think it’s wrong.”

On the other hand, Markham stated, “I believe cultural appropriation through costumes are simply bad and nobody should do it.”

Markham added on, “If I see somebody in a costume of a culture stereotype, it’ll depend on the age. If it’s someone who is clearly knowledgeable, like an adult or even a teenager, I would think that they are probably racist. But if it’s a child, they probably don’t understand.”

Examples of offensive costumes include sombreros, ponchos, mustaches or anything that depicts a Mexican stereotype, Native American feath-

COSTUMES page 11

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Variety

MSU Reporter • 9

Spooky Story: “Halloween Night” JULIA BARTON Staff Writer The sirens fill the empty street of old downtown, the sound of leaking pipes and honking of cars are heard in the distance. The warmth of the burning tin trash cans light up the side walks like lights on a Christmas tree, sitting on the cold, damp ground with only a shopping cart of their belongings hovering over a frail old woman.

Century old cookie cutter houses line the outskirts of the city as they start to fill with tons of teenagers seeking a good time. Footsteps linger in the distance on the cold October night. The night everyone looks forward to.

The glow of the city lights shine over the kids and teenagers all dressed up in an assortment of imposters and characters as they roam the urban streets. Listening to the latest pop music and putting on a whole mask of makeup and doing their hair they start to get ready. Rushing to put on their color coordinated costumes the girls take tons of selfies to post on their Instagrams.

“Hey, hurry up Emily!”

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Jada shouted at the bottom of the staircase.

“Calm down, I’m coming!”

Emily shouted back as she rushed down the stairs while stumbling in her bunny costume as she took the last sip of her drink.

Feeling good, the group of girls head down the eleva-

tor and out the door into the city night excited to attend the Halloween party.

Arriving fashionably late they hear the thumping of music from the outside of the house. Feeling the bass in your chest as if you were at a live concert the music roared as it echoed down the streets.

The small group of girls head into the house party, a house filled with all types of partying college kids and adults. Dimly lit, they make their rounds to choose the best spot to dance and socialize. Shoulder to shoulder they link hands making sure not to lose each other while elbowing

their way through the crowd.

Looking back behind her, Jada then realizes Emily was no longer in the chain of hands. Assuming she left with a guy or got caught up in the bathroom the girls party on, not worrying about Emily.

Vibing to the music they carry on the night they took many videos of bad singing, and even more selfies that flooded Snapchat stories of them laughing and dancing. As the night starts to wind down and the buzz starts to wear off they start to begin to worry about Emily.

The lights shut off, seeing nothing but pitch black a panic sets in as the glow of iPhone camera lights fill the musty and heated room. Rushing to the door the crowd starts to push and shove to escape the small wooden floored house.

A crowd starts to form outside of the house. Screams and weeps growing louder and louder, Jada and the rest of the girls go outside to see what has happened.

Lying there in a pool of blood on the cold damp concrete was Emily. On her body was a noted saying…“Happy Halloween - Love B”

This Week’s Crossword: Halloween!

ACROSS 2. First citywide Halloween celebration 3. Sanderson transportation 7. Dr. Frankenstein’s first name 10. Dr. Frankfurter 11. Author of Frankenstein 14. A squad of witches 15. _____ in the belfry 17. Prom ended badly 18. Ghostly color

DOWN 1. Dracula’s bed 3. Once in a _______ (two words) 4. Bob for ________ 5. Death Personified 6. “bad luck” number 8. Fire burn and _______ bubble 9. Halloween’s birthplace 10. Original Jack-O-Lantern 12. Most popular Halloween candy 13. Werewolf’s other name 16. Another word for scare

BY SYDNEY BERGGREN | STAFF WRITER

10 • MSU Reporter

Variety

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Photo Feature: Preska Res Hall Gets Festive

The windows in the lobby of the Preska Residence Hall were decorated with Halloween-themed decorations to keep students festive and in the spirit for Halloween. (Mohammed Ibrahim/The Reporter)

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Thursday, October 29, 2020

Variety

MSU Reporter • 11

Candy Breakdown: Is it a Treat, or Just a Trick?

HELLEN AKINYI Staff Writer Halloween is this weekend, and in the midst of COVID-19, which brought a new way of life, most students are looking forward to this holiday. When it comes to this time of the year, it seems many Minnesota State University, Mankato students have their mind on candy, ranging from the classics to the new ones.

Reese’s peanut butter cup seems to be at the top of everyone wish list for Halloween candy this year.

“I love Reese’s,” said MNSU student Jasmine Barnett. “I specifically like the one with white chocolate, because I love white chocolate more than anything.”

According to RetailMeNot research, Reese’s is actually this year’s top Halloween candy, leading at 52% and followed closely by m&m’s at 51%.

The most common Hallow-

(AP Photo/Jason Varden)

een candy tradition is trickor-treating, where people, especially kids accompanied by adults, go across the neighborhoods, knocking at people’s houses and asking for candy.

There are different stories told on how the tradition started, most say it started with the poor where they would go to rich people’s houses and pray for them in exchange for some “soul cakes” and eventually

the tradition was inherited by kids.

This tradition may look a little different this year due to social distancing, but many students gave ideas on how to carry on with trick or treating.

One cute and creative idea came from Kit-Kat loving MNSU student Aaron Velander. “People can do ghost trick-or-treating, where they wrap the candies in cute ghost

wraps and put them outside their house in a bucket.”

Velander also added on, “People don’t have to cancel the best tradition due to COVID-19. You can still take part in this tradition, just be smart and safe and it will still be just as fun. So many parents can be skeptical now and try their best to protect their kids, but they can do it safely. It is Halloween and it only comes once every year.”

Apart from so many mentioning Reese’s and why they love it, and their preference over either the dark or white chocolate version, a few students mentioned candy corns, snickers, skittles and Hershey’s.

Although there are over a dozen candies available, there is only so much that people love, with different preferences and health conditions even, but the majority will always be on a certain side, hence being biased and as just people get to have the same ones over again.

Movies You Need to Watch This Halloween DANIEL MCELROY Staff Writer Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween this year while staying safe? Gather a couple of friends, popcorn, and candy and have a Halloween themed movie night!

Fellow Minnesota State University, Mankato students also pitched in about their favorire Halloween movies.

Use this as a guide to which movies you want in your lineup. First, we’ll dive into a couple of the best horror movies of Halloween.

Halloween (1978) The aptly named, Halloween, is one of the best horror movies you can watch on this frightening holiday, as the infamous Michael Meyers goes on a rampage of killing after escaping from a court hearing.

This film is thrilling, scary, and doesn’t fail to make you sleep with your lights on.

The Shining (1980) This horror movie classic

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shows writer Jack Torrance, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, fail to see his writing go anywhere. The only way he thinks he can fix it, is by terrorizing his family. The story, written

by Stephen King, guarantees to keep you on the edge of your seat Despite the associations with Halloween, it isn’t only about being scared to your limit. Let’s take a look at some of the comedy films you can choose from.

Beetlejuice (1988) After house owners Barabara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they are stuck haunting their own house and are unable to leave. When a new family buys their house, they make an attempt to scare them out, but find themselves unsuccessful.

This film, that stars Alec Baldwin and Winona Ryder, is a comedy classic when it comes to Halloween and is a go-to for many.

“Beetlejuice is a great intro-

duction into spooky movies while also being super creative and funny,” said MNSU senior Hannah Smith, a biology major.

Hubie Halloween (2020) This Netflix original released at the beginning of this month stars Adam Sandler who plays Hubie Dubois, the Halloween Helper. Hubie is the butt of many practical jokes, but suddenly finds himself in the middle of a murder invesitagation. This new movie also stars Kevin James, Rob Schenider, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Buscemi, and many more.

If you’re looking to go more of the family friendly route, then look no further. These movies are great if you’d rather sit back and relax and enjoy the show.

Hocus Pocus (1993) This classic family friendly film guarantees a great time for the whole family, or even with just a few friends. Three witches from Salem, Massachusetts,

claim a young girl and take her life for their own youth and immortality. 300 years later, the witches are resurrected and try to acclimate to the 20th century but find themselves lost at a costume party on the night of Halloween.

Halloweentown (1998) Halloweentown is a classic family Disney movie that proves to be enjoyable for anyone. A family follows their grandma back to Halloweentown where they find they not only come from a family of witches, but they are also in a battle with the threats of evil who are trying to take over the world.

“It’s a fun movie that brings back the excitement of Halloween from when I was a kid,” said Marissa Buldoc, an MNSU senior.

COSTUMES

Continued from page 8 ers or anything depicting Native Americans, the “G” slur that has been used to discriminate against Romani people, and box braids, dreadlocks, Fulani braids.

Other costumes that people have debated on if they are offensive or not include Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Princess Tiana, Mulan, Black Panther.

Culture appropriation sometimes gets mistaken with culture appreciation.

Culture appreciation is the term to describe learning about another culture with respect and courtesy. It is enjoying and appreciating another culture by taking the time to learn about it and interact with people a part of it. Appreciation is the effort to broaden one’s perspective by gaining a genuine understanding and connecting cross-culturally.

Cultural appropriation is not the only thing people should be wary of when thinking about costume ideas.

Other costumes that involve topics such as mass shootings, natural disasters, different lifestyles, and traumatizing subjects are not seen as okay to base a costume off of.

Examples of costumes that involve these topics would be a holocaust victim, transphobic costumes, a homeless person, the Black Lives Matter movement, or a terrorist.

An idea that should be followed is if you even have to question the ethics of your costume, it is probably not a good idea to wear it. There are many other acceptable ideas to choose from.

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12 • MSU Reporter

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Thursday, October 29, 2020