The Lumberjack -- September 30

OPINION

Arizona has given up on higher education

It is time to call the Arizona legislature’s tactic for higher education what it is: Abandonment.

The Copper State has one very unique statement in its constitution, tucked away with little context as to why. The legislature declares in Article 11, Section 6 that public universities in the state should be “as nearly free as possible.” While the universities do what they can through scholarships to work toward this mandate, the legislature has had other plans in recent decades.

Arizona has been in the bottom quarter of funding among states for higher education ever since the National Science Foundation began keeping track in 2000. Since 2014, it has reported the state is dead last

To understand what has been lost, we must look into the past. Before the Great Recession, the majority of universities’ funding came from the state, with student tuition making up the rest. When campuses needed new buildings, the legislature would provide whatever cash was needed. The state created and maintained healthy universities.

Within the last few decades, the support has dwindled. The last NAU building fully funded by the state was Mountain View Hall, which opened in 1990. Since then, every building’s cost has been passed on to students.

At NAU, the result of this has been significant debt payments for many structures on campus. As of 2022, the university is paying off Calderón, Pine Ridge, San Francisco Parking Garage, the John Haeger Health and Learning Center and more. These expenses account for increased parking permit prices, housing costs and about two-thirds of every student’s $550 health and wellness fee every year.

See EDUCATION on PAGE 8

CULTURE

A ‘Starry Night’ at Buffalo Park

A barbecue fit for a president

The President’s Office recently hosted the Installation Celebration Barbecue on campus on Sept. 21. The event, which takes place every year, was held on the central quad. Students and staff alike participated, despite the rainy weather.

Kimberly Ott, associate vice president of communications at NAU, said she has long been a big fan of the event. Ott has been coming to the barbecue for years, even before she worked at the university.

“It just sets the tone and the vibe for the year; [it’s] just something fun that everyone can participate in,” Ott said. “This is all intended just to get good vibes and something we’ve been doing for years and years, kind of like an NAU tradition.”

This year the barbecue took a slightly different form, being adjusted to correspond with the celebrations for

the installment of NAU’s 17th president, José Luis Cruz Rivera.

“We’ve adjusted it ever so slightly so it coincides with the president’s installation ceremony [...] on Friday [Sept.] 30th,” Ott said. “And so this way, we just pushed it back a few weeks so that way it’s both a welcome back, but also a celebration of our president being officially installed.”

Despite the rain persisting for the duration of the event, the central quad was constantly filled with people enjoying the food and entertainment.

Unlike a traditional barbecue, Director of University Events Kevin Gemoets said waffle cones with different fillings, such as chicken, pork and vegetarian substitutes were served in abundance.

ALICE COLLINGWOOD

Graduate student Davis Rey speaks with NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera at the Installation Celebration barbecue at the central quad, Sept. 21.

John Chaides | The Lumberjack

Locals look at stars through telescopes at Buffalo Park for the Flagstaff Star Party, Sept. 23. The red trails are made by lights which are handed out to event attendees so visibility is possible at night without affecting the telescopes. Storey Welch | The Lumberjack

Flagstaff locals walk from telescope to telescope to view various points in the night sky at the Flagstaff Star Party in Buffalo Park, Sept. 23. Storey Welch | The Lumberjack

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to issue four! I would be lying if I said I haven’t genuinely cried about Oxford commas and quote punctuation rules already. Luckily, I knew going into this semester that my job would be about the nitty-gritty — I can commonly be heard saying, “Is this word necessary?” or “Let me check and see what AP Style says.”

One year ago, I wrote about the pure terror that was starting my first semester on The Lumberjack Editorial Board. I had been somewhat thrown into my job that fall. It was scary, but I learned to care about the nitty-gritty and improved my writing and editing skills. By the end, I was in my groove and had even made two or three casual friends. During a semester riddled with poor grades and mental health issues, my new friends and role at the newspaper were my only solace.

Today, I am writing in the midst of the chaos-filled whirlwind that has been my first semester so far on the executive board. But, in similar fashion, my friends at the paper are the reason I don’t go berserk when I spend hours at a time in the newsroom.

People are my silver lining to anything. It’s cliché at this point, but it is genuinely how I feel. In my most stressful, high-pressure moments — when I am too worried about the nitty-gritty — I am always thinking about how, at the very least, we all have each other.

If I don’t have my sanity, I do have my friends — and that’s something.

MARLEY GREEN COPY EDITOR

Jessie, opinion editor this semester, was one of my writers one year ago when I was assistant opinion editor. Camille, editor in chief, was my boss and my Russian politics study buddy. I barely knew Emily, director of digital content. Today, they are three of my best friends. These are just three shoutouts; I genuinely consider everyone I work with at The Lumberjack my friend. I value the opportunity to get to know each of them every semester.

I don’t think last-year Marley could have predicted becoming this close with my classmates, but I think she would love knowing it turned out the way it did. I wish I could tell her the challenges of sophomore year were temporary and worth it in the end. I don’t know what waits for us in the rest of my college years and in our careers. But I know one thing: I have my friends, and they have me.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Camille Sipple, Editor-in-Chief

Brenden Martin, Managing Editor

Emily Gerdes, Director of Digital Content

Marley Green, Copy Editor

Lian Muneno, Director of Print Design

Lydia Nelson, Director of Marketing

EDITORIAL STAFF

Daisy Johnston, News Editor

Sophia Swainson, Assistant News Editor

Jorja Heinkel, Online News Editor

Xavier Juarez, Assistant Online News Editor

William Combs III, Senior Reporter

Jessie McCann, Opinion Editor

Maria Rodriguez, Assistant Opinion Editor

Hannah Elsmore, Features Editor

Brisa Karow, Assistant Features Editor

Emily Rehling, Culture Editor

Emma Long, Assistant Culture Editor

Evan McNelia, Sports Editor

Noah Butler, Assistant Sports Editor

Tess Bandstra, Assistant Director of Print Design

Amirah Rogers, Director of Social Media

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu

Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

VISUALS

Jonah Graham, Director of Photography

Rainee Favela, Director of Illustration

Collin Vanderwerf, Director of Multimedia

Taylor McCormick, Assistant Director of Photography

Jacob Handley, Senior Photographer

Octavia Freeland, Senior Photographer

FACULTY ADVISERS

David Harpster, Faculty Adviser

Rory Faust, Sports Adviser

Vol. 114, Issue 3, page 15: The illustration containing a byline for Brittani Poeppel should be accurately credited to Kaeley Collins.

The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Camille Sipple at ces475@nau.edu.

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NAU Soccer vs. Ottawa

@ Lumberjack Stadium

25

Open Mic Night

@ Mountain Top Tap Room

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Flag 5

@ Heritage Square

Things Not Seen: Art and Healing Art Exhibition

@ Clara M. Lovett

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SBS/CAL & Cline Library Film Series: West Side Story

@ Cline Library

27 Henry Rollins

@ Orpheum Theater

Grocery Bingo with SAM & Louie’s Cupboard

@ University Union Fieldhouse

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Manhattan Short Film Festival

@ Cline Library

SOCIAL MEDIA

22

Prochnow Movie Series: Jurassic World Dominion

EVENTS CALENDAR NAU Volleyball vs. Sacramento State

8 9 10

NAU Volleyball vs. Montana

@ Rolle Activity Center

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Jest Another Comedy Festival @ Orpheum Theater

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Silent Disco

6 7 Prochnow Movie Series: Thor: Love and Thunder

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17

NAU Football vs. North Dakota

@ Walkup Skydome

24

@ Orpheum Theater

NAU Football vs. Idaho

@ Walkup Skydome

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3THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SEPTEMBER @ Rolle Activity Center

COMPILED BY DAISY JOHNSTON

Sept. 18

Medical Transport (GMT) responded. The student was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC).

At 1:12 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop at Franklin Avenue and South Fountaine Street. A student was deferred for minor in consumption of alcohol.

At 12:54 p.m., a RA reported a “McConnell Hall” sign had been taken. NAUPD responded and later determined the sign had already been found.

March 7

At 11:48 p.m., NAU Work Control called to address a report it received about an odor in Cowden Hall. The building was found to be all electric and the odor was from a candle.

Sept. 19

At 1:20 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop in lot 42. Two passengers were given administrative referrals for use of marijuana and the driver was issued a citation for speeding.

At 8:56 a.m., a student requested assistance outside McKay Village after falling on ice. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and Guardian Medical Transport (GMT) responded. The student was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC).

At 12:54 p.m., a RA reported a “McConnell Hall” sign had been taken. NAUPD responded and later determined the sign had already been found.

At 10:56 p.m., a student called to request assistance for their roommate at The Suites who was having a seizure. The student was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) by ambulance.

Sept. 20

At 9:53 a.m., a student called to report the theft of their electric scooter at Allen Hall. NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 10:27 p.m., a subject reported a Reilly Hall resident making suicidal statements. NAUPD responded, located the student in good health and provided the student with a public assist ride to The Guidance Center.

At 6:39 p.m., a student reported a suspicious package outside Gillenwater Hall. The package was a delivery for a resident who was eventually given their package.

March 8

At 6:03 p.m., NAUPD received multiple fire alarm notifications coming from Mountain View Hall. NAUPD and FFD responded, the area was searched and determined the alarm was caused by a mechanical failure from a dryer. Fire Life Safety was notified.

Sept. 21

At 8:04 a.m., a student called to report a missing stop sign at San Francisco Street and Franklin Avenue. NAUPD responded and took a report.

March 9

At 7:02 p.m., a Campus Heights staff member reported having constipation. NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded and the staff member was transported to FMC.

Anti-abortion law takes effect

At 10:20 p.m., a written warning was issued at lot 66 for speeding and failure to carry a vehicle registration card.

March 10

Sept. 22

XAVIER JUAREZ

At 6:16 p.m., a student reported three vehicles stuck in the snow near the Skydome Practice Fields. NAUPD responded and assistance was provided. Facility Services was contacted to plow the roads and put cinders on the hill.

At 1:15 a.m., a student reported an intoxicated student at Tinsley Hall. The student was deferred for minor in consumption of alcohol and transported to FMC.

At 1:36 a.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop near Skyview Apartments. A student was cited and released for minor in consumption of alcohol.

At 10:53 p.m., an Allen Hall RA reported a damaged ceiling tile. NAUPD responded and took a report.

An anti-abortion law proposed by Governor Doug Ducey earlier this year was put in place over the weekend. The law comes after the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case, thereby removing the constitutional right to have an abortion.

The new law places a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, allowing no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. In accordance with the new law, physicians that perform abortions that violate this law in a non-emergency context can be charged with a Class 6 felony and possibly have their licenses revoked.

At 9:33 p.m., a student reported being harassed via communication by another student. NAUPD collected evidence.

March 11

At 8:29 p.m., a Drury Inn & Suites staff member reported a male nonstudent asking for clothing. Officers responded and no criminal activity was witnessed.

Sept. 23

At 9:47 a.m., a University Union employee called to report the odor of gas. NAUPD responded and no odor was detected, FFD cleared the area and declared it safe.

March 12

At 12:04 a.m., a faculty member requested a welfare check on a previous student. NAUPD was unable to contact the subject and the requesting party was notified.

At 7:13 p.m., NAUPD initiated a traffic stop at lot 65. One nonstudent was arrested and booked into Coconino County Detention Facility on an outstanding warrant.

March 13

Sept. 24

At 10:36 a.m., FPD called to request assistance with a funeral procession. Assistance was provided.

At 11:11 a.m., NAUPD reported observing a vehicle violation off campus. A citation was issued for driving without a valid license, no valid registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle was towed for a mandatory 20-day impound.

At 6:53 p.m., a carbon monoxide alarm at Campus Heights was activated due to a faulty stove. FFD shut down the natural gas supply to the stove. Facility services were notified and will handle the matter further.

March 14

At 6:58 p.m., a student reported a suspicious person in the area of lot 3C. NAUPD responded but no contact was made.

Meet the candidates for associate vice president for Student Life Experience

JORJA HEINKEL

The Student Affairs Office held candidate forums for the position of associate vice president for Student Life Experience on Sept. 19 and 20 for candidates Hilda Ladner and Gary Dukes

The position focuses on student affairs, including mentoring and student success programs such as the Fire Generation Program, the Office of Indigenous Student Success and the Office of Inclusion: Multicultural and LGBTQIA Student Services

Ladner is an NAU alumna with a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages.

Ladner’s resume shows seven years of experience as director of the Multicultural Student Center at NAU, and instructor for college success. For four years, Ladner worked as the program coordinator for several NAU student service programs, including a career services program coordinator for multicultural services, where Ladner managed a budget of $60,000.

reading on JackCentral.org

Department (FFD) and Guardian

finding drugs in the University Union.

Left: Portrait of Gary Dukes, Right: Portrait of Hilda Ladner Photos courtesy of Dukes and Ladner

ILLUSTRATION

BY SAM GLABERMAN

Flagstaff receives $32.5 million for ‘Downtown Mile’ Project

On Sept. 14, Rep. Tom O’Halleran announced the city of Flagstaff will receive $32.5 million in funding for the Downtown Mile Project. This infrastructure project will focus on the city bus line, bike lanes and roads. The project is the biggest investment in the city since the construction of Interstate 17 and 40.

The project was named after a onemile stretch of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Southern Transcontinental Corridor near the streets of Milton Road, Beaver Street and San Francisco Street.

The process of obtaining the funding began in November 2021, when O’Halleran voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help rebuild

infrastructure across the United States. The congressman had been working on developing infrastructure since early 2018.

In May, O’Halleran sent a letter to apply for a United States Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) and Rural Multimodal Discretionary Program Grant.

“Our nation’s crumbling infrastructure has created vast and complicated problems, but perhaps nowhere has the effect been felt so acutely as in rural Arizona,” O’Halleran said in a press release

Under bipartisan law, the Biden administration has awarded $1.5 billion from the INFRA grant program.

The INFRA program focused on awarding grants to freight or highway

projects of significance to promote safety and efficiency for people in rural and urban areas. Within the program, a project is chosen based on its national or regional economic benefits, its efforts to address climate change and impacts on quality of life.

The project is also linked to the U.S. Department of Transportation. A document on its website states the goal of the Downtown Mile Project is to improve quality of life and transportation equity for all residents.

“The Downtown Mile is an initiative that will improve public safety and transportation in such a beautiful, rapidly growing city in our district, addressing flood control issues and climate change mitigation in the process,” O’Halleran said in a press release

Christine Cameron, the senior project manager for the city, explained the project was developed from a set of previously planned local city projects.

The goals of the Downtown Mile project include widening Highways 89A and B40, refining rail freight capacity, improving the Amtrak and Mountain Line downtown connection center, working on public transportation and bike safety.

“We’ve been coordinating with Mountain Line and Amtrak,” Cameron said. “Mountain Line has their own project and their own funding for that downtown connection center, and what the downtown mile does is it provides pedestrian connectivity to that site and integrates that into the overall downtown mile project.”

While achieving these goals, the city also looks to improve services for underserved communities, support climate action initiatives and collaborate

with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project.

This project has been in the works for many years to address flooding in Flagstaff. In 2020, the Army Corps of Engineers received $52 million to fund the project.

“We should see the Rio de Flag move out a little bit ahead of that schedule, since that design and that coordination has already been done by the Army Crops,” Cameron said. “They would like to start the Rio de Flag construction in late 2023.”

The Downtown Mile Project has received support from Mayor Paul Deasy, Mountain Line’s CEO Heather Dalmolin and Coconino County board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman.

In the press release, Dalmolin said the project will not only transform Flagstaff’s most important transportation corridor, but ensure expedited completion of the Rio de Flag flood control project.

In the same release, Horstman said the project aims to improve traffic efficiency, which is important as Flagstaff is a tourist town.

“There are only 26 grants awarded throughout the nation and Flagstaff received the only grant in Arizona,” Cameron said. “It’s a testament to the need for the multi-modal connectivity and safety improvements and we’re super excited to be able to deliver this project for the community.

The city has some concept plans prepared, and the next step will be to enter full design on the overall improvements. The aim is to start construction in late 2024 or early 2025.

TAYLOR SCHWARTZ-OLSON

Top:

Lumberjack

According to infrastructurereportcard.org, railroads in Arizona have earned a C grade. Flagstaff recently received $32.5 million in funding that will address the shortcomings, Sept. 25. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

National School Lunch Program COVID-19 grants repealed

When schools closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanded the federal government’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This allowed students without financial need to get free lunches and breakfast items to accommodate the challenges of the pandemic.

These grants were renewed as schools began to open for the 2021 school year but have now been repealed at the beginning of this fall.

The reduced-price or free breakfast and lunch meals will now return to only being provided to children of families who meet income eligibility requirements.

Milissa DeGeorge, an eighth-grade science teacher at Paseo Hills Elementary in Phoenix, described how the program affects her school.

“I believe the program is very helpful,” DeGeorge said. “In fact, at the school I teach at, breakfast and lunch are offered daily, not only over the school year but also over the summer.”

According to the USDA, applications are reviewed by local school or district officials before granting free or reduced price benefits. If a family receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, all children in the family automatically qualify for free school meals. Participation in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also provides automatic eligibility.

The Arizona Department of

Education defines NSLP and School Breakfast Program as federally assisted meal programs through the USDA operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfast and lunches to children each school day.

Barbara Heerkens, a registered dietitian who works for Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), discussed how more students took advantage of the program.

“The free lunch program was absolutely wonderful,” Heerkens said. “There was a lot more participation, which is great. It is estimated that 60% of children in secondary schools will skip at least one meal a day, so it was

great to see the participation skyrocket.”

UConnToday reports only two states, California and Maine, will continue providing universal school meals after the federal waiver ends.

Not everyone agrees with the Universal Meals Program, and described how this may be an issue for taxpayers.

“I understand if there is a need, but taxpayers can’t front the bill for all its children, it is unreasonable to expect them to,” DeGeorge said. “Now, for the parents who don’t qualify because they make too much money and they are choosing to spend it on frivolous things rather than feeding their children is when social services need to intervene.”

According to the Arizona Daily Star, Congress did not keep the federal funding required to sustain free lunches in the $1.5 trillion spending package that President Joe Biden signed into law on March 11.

Most schools reverted back to a three-tiered system where some families do not pay, some receive discounted lunches and others pay full price.

“There is very limited data and information collected about nutrition and health in general, especially in our community,” Heerkens said. “I know there are quite a few studies on how to intervene in nutritional issues. It is always about making healthy food convenient. You make it convenient by making it free. If the USDA did decide to make it universally reimbursable, I am sure it will be life-changing for many families.”

Prior to COVID-19, the School Nutrition Association served nearly 30 million lunches every school day to kindergarten to 12th-grade students from the NSLP. Schools provided roughly three-quarters of those lunches at a reduced rate or no cost at all.

“This is important,” Heerkens said. “We need to fund this. We need to act on this. This is how we improve health.”

FUSD disclosed student breakfast will cost $1.85 at all FUSD schools and student lunch will cost elementary school students $3.20 while middle and high school students will pay $3.30 for lunches.

Former FLDS member charged with child abuse

Samuel Bateman, 46, a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), was charged Aug. 28 with three counts of child abuse in the state of Arizona. Bateman will also face federal charges for tampering with and destroying evidence. Investigators are looking further into possible sex trafficking charges by Bateman as well.

Bateman was pulled over by Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers in Flagstaff when fingers were spotted peeking through a gap in the wooden door of a box trailer connected to the SUV he was driving. Three girls between the ages of 11 and 14 were found in the trailer. Two women and two girls under the age of 15 were found in the SUV.

There was a bucket and a trash bag in the trailer made to be the toilet. The trailer also contained a couch and camping chairs. It had no ventilation and reached temperatures of 80 degrees. Bateman was driving toward southern Arizona.

According to The Washington Post, Bateman is a former member of the FLDS. He left to start his own polygamist group with a small following.

Bateman was arrested Sept. 13 after being indicted by a federal grand jury for tampering with evidence the same day he was pulled over. Bateman pleaded not guilty to the United States Magistrate Court.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona issued a press release on the charges against Bateman.

“The indictment charges Bateman with destruction of records or an attempt to destroy records in an official proceeding; tampering or attempting to tamper with an official proceeding; and destruction of records in a federal investigation,” the press release stated.

Bateman spoke with supporters in Colorado City

from the Coconino County Jail. According to The Washington Post, supporters were given orders by Bateman to delete messages sent through an encrypted private messaging system and to obtain passports.

Brooke Priest is a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Priest left the church when she was 18-years-old.

“I think the women and children will stand by Bateman,” Priest said. “What I have learned from the [FLDS] church is that women can get brainwashed easily into thinking this is the only type of life they can live.”

If Bateman is convicted of these various charges, he will be sentenced to 20 years maximum in prison on each federal charge. His attorney, Adam Zickerman, has worked on numerous criminal and civil cases in the federal system.

Bateman posted bond but was arrested again on the account of an investigation of whether the children were being taken across state lines for sex trafficking.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Bateman’s home in Colorado City. The children who were still in the home were removed by the state child welfare agency.

FBI spokesman Kevin Smith discussed confidentiality laws pertaining to the search warrant.

“Unfortunately, since the case is still part of an active investigation, we really can’t make any public comment,” Smith said.

In 1890 the LDS published a manifesto asking temples to uphold anti-polygamy laws. The church was forced to abandon the practice of polygamy, per federal laws relating to Mormons being accepted and normalized. The FLDS was then created as a polygamist sect of the church for those who were excommunicated.

Warren Jeffs, the current president of the FLDS,

was sentenced to life in prison in the state of Texas. He was charged with child sex abuse. Priest discussed the culture surrounding abuse in the church.

“When I was growing up, I would hear stories about other churches and the abuse that happened, but they would never have the evidence,” Priest said. “No one ever believes the victim, because the perpetrator is usually a person of higher power in the church.”

This investigation has required the help of numerous government agencies on the federal and state level.

“The Phoenix Field Office of the FBI is handling the investigation,” the press release stated. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.”

Bateman has remained behind bars as his charges are being processed. Bateman made his first appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles

“THE FREE LUNCH PROGRAM WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. THERE WAS A LOT MORE PARTICIPATION, WHICH IS GREAT. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 60% OF CHILDREN IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL SKIP AT LEAST ONE MEAL A DAY, SO IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE PARTICIPATION SKYROCKET.”

Barbara Heerkens, dietitian at Flagstaff Unified School District

ILLUSTRATION BY LENORE OTERO-STRONG

OPINION

In 2010, per-student tuition and fees were higher than per-student state funding, the start of a divide that has massively grown over time.

The Great Recession is the cause for the initial decline in state support, and the legislature’s inaction is the reason it remains that way. Elected officials have shown that education is not their priority.

Social anxiety spikes with swiping

Living in a digital world means meeting people romantically online and figuring out a way to maneuver that into a face-to-face meet up. It can be extremely intimidating and even discourage people from moving from the online platform to meeting in real life altogether.

Arizona now spends more on jails and prisons than it does on higher education.

The losses in state support have not directly been met with matching tuition raises. NAU has continually cut costs in order to alleviate tuition prices for students. They have shown stewardship over students’ money while their parents at the legislature neglect them.

institutions. Combined with a high cost of living in Flagstaff, employees at NAU are not set up for success.

Staff and faculty pay issues extend past those already employed. Top candidates for positions will drop out knowing that the salary will not support them financially. This means universities are losing the best people for jobs, resulting in programs not being as great as they could be.

Arizona universities should be set up to compete with other states for the best staff and faculty. It is how the state should maintain a high level of education and support students along their college journey.

The Arizona Board of Regents, the body that oversees Arizona’s public universities, has also been an ally in navigating these troubling times. While they cannot magically convince the legislature to fully support higher education, they have helped the universities take advantage of unique funding opportunities.

The situation is so detrimental that current and former students got together to propose a ballot initiative that would force the legislature to increase funding and put limits on tuition increases. Still, the initiative did not get enough signatures to make it on the ballot.

LISA HALL OPINION WRITER

The appeal of the online dating world is understandable; there were 44.2 million Americans using dating apps in 2020 and that number is estimated to continue rising in coming years. There is plenty of comfort and control in texting a new person and being able to think out your responses fully. If you say something completely out of pocket, you do not have to confront their reaction in real time, and the option of not responding altogether is always there.

From personal experience, having social anxiety, I know how scary it can be to meet up with someone from a dating app. Having your first interactions with someone over text takes away some of the initial anxiety, but as conversations continue, there is a buildup of tension around wanting to meet them in person.

This anxiety is what prevents me from meeting people. I always wonder if the conversation will flow as smoothly as it did over text, where I am able to take all the time I want to come up with a response. I get nervous about lulls in conversations — which are completely normal but don’t happen over text, because I only respond when there is something to say.

Being in person takes away the chance of a smooth recovery if you say something wrong or misunderstand what the other person is saying. It takes away a sense of protection and makes people vulnerable since they have to deal with every situation in that moment.

The end goal of online dating is to eventually meet in person and build a relationship, but for people with social anxiety, it may never happen. There are apps like Bumble, where you can go to meet friends, and Tinder — which is notorious for hookup culture. Not everyone wants something romantic, but the same anxiety is still there regardless of the type of meet up. Typically, people will want to wait until they are comfortable with someone before meeting in person, but it can be difficult for some people to get to that level of comfort.

Unfortunately, people with social anxiety can end up in a cycle of talking phases that never pan out, which can have a negative impact on someone’s self-image

People can combat social anxiety with online dating by using apps that need a mutual like to send a message because, at the very least, some amount of initial attraction is already established. Holding oneself accountable for setting up a date within a certain amount of time can help prevent that endless cycle of getting to know each other.

Practicing what is uncomfortable will eventually make it more comfortable and easier to do.

“Whenever we are doing something that is growth-producing and outside of our comfort zone, anxiety will be there to some degree," Dr. Eric Goodman, a psychologist with expertise in anxiety disorders, said. “The anxiety is a sign that you are moving in the direction of something that is of value.”

The reality for many people nowadays when it comes to dating is finding a partner through apps.

They can be successful if you go out of your comfort zones and make genuine, in-person connections. Social anxiety deterring someone from in-person meet-ups is prominent, but finding ways to work with and around your anxiety can help in finding a fulfilling love life.

These usually consist of one-time funds for specific projects like the New Economy Initiative (NEI). NEI funds go to expanding programs for careers the state is in need of, particularly nursing and teaching. While it is money that helps the schools, the initiative won’t create more faculty positions or lower tuition because the funds cannot be relied on year-to-year.

In the 2020-2021 fiscal year, NAU could only count on $107.4 million in recurring funds from the state for its nearly $650 million budget. Students paid $218 million through tuition and fees that same year. These numbers should be reversed.

Reduced state support and collected revenue lead to worse university support for all. Faculty are paid almost 12% a year less on average than faculty at other similar institutions. Staff are paid between 22% to 35% less than the staff at other similar

It is easy to look at these trends and lose all hope, but the legislature consists of elected officials, and youth voter engagement is on the rise. Students at the three public Arizona universities are 200,000 constituents that can use their collective voice to advocate for support.

Both current students and recent graduates are beginning to run for office as well. In Flagstaff, this includes Kyle Nitschke, who graduated from NAU in 2019.

Regardless of who is in control, the legislature needs to get its priorities straight and begin funding education. It is an embarrassment to be ranked 50 out of 50 and it is essential to the well-being of Arizonans.

Students in Arizona deserve a world-class education, and the legislature’s neglect makes it harder for our universities, faculty and staff to make that possible. Arizona must act swiftly to reverse this decade-long slide into desertion and create flourishing university environments, let alone up to par ones. With proper funding, the possibilities are limitless.

EDUCATION continued from FRONT

Van life lives up to the hype

ROSE BAILLIE

Over the past three years, the number of people interested in “van life” has significantly increased. Between 2018-21, online searches for “van life” increased by 216% may have seen #vanlife on Instagram, as there are currently 13.7 million posts with this hashtag.

Van life entails moving into a converted vehicle and living on the road.

In a 2017 article for The New Yorker, writer Rachel Monroe described her definition of van life culture.

“It’s a one-word lifestyle signifier that has come to evoke a number of contemporary trends: a renewed interest in the American road trip, a culture of hippie-inflected outdoorsiness and a life free from the tyranny of a 9-to-5 office job,” Monroe wrote.

Those who take part in the van life are called “van dwellers.”

In November 2020, I joined this movement. I had prepared for my journey for over a year: Saving money, buying a van and converting it into a livable home.

The process of building out my van with a bed, a mini-kitchen and a solar-powered electrical system was wholesome but challenging. It required me to slow down and focus on very specific tasks. That focus was meditative, and at the end of the build, I was very satisfied with having a tangible product to show for all of my hard work.

I started my van conversion in June 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Although I had wanted to try van life for a while, I realized I had picked a very opportune time to do it. Sick of being stuck indoors, I found myself spending more time outside, as it was a safe and fun way to socially distance.

My transition to a nomadic lifestyle was only the beginning of all my time spent in the great outdoors.

Yet, I wasn’t the only person in my circle joining van life. I had two friends during that time who also decided to uproot their lives and try something new.

Since my friends worked remotely, they realized that they now had the flexibility to travel. However, since international travel was not safe during COVID-19, van life provided a great alternative.

Aside from my friends and I, the movement has attracted many people. By the end of 2020, Cargo and Sprinter van sales had significantly increased. For example, Mercedes Benz United States van sales increased by 22.5%, and the company attributes much of this to growth in nomadic living. Additionally, van conversion companies have customers waiting up to a year before the company can start working on their vans.

During the pandemic, many were affected in various ways and had to adjust their livelihoods. Some were able to work remotely but were cooped up in their homes all day, while other people were laid off and tried to make ends meet with pandemic assistance.

Van life was a solution to the prolonged isolation and lack of economic security.

Abby Erler, a van dweller who joined van life during the pandemic, said that it allowed her to “feel more relieved from some of the mental stress that others are going through by being trapped in one place.”

“We have wheels so we can change up our scenery, and after the workday, I can go refresh in nature,” Erler said.

In general, van living provides a way to cut back on expenses. I personally saved over $800 a month by living on the road. Although traveling and paying for gas can be costly, it’s very easy to stay put in one place for a while and save money on gas.

Why pay for rent when you don’t have to?

Van life provides a calmer and more mindful experience, which is popular among millennials. Many people are not satisfied with working a 9-to5 desk job and waiting every six months for their week-long vacation. People don’t want to just go through the motions, waiting until they retire to start experiencing freedom.

Living in my van required me to slow down. The solitude forced me to disconnect from common chaos. In this quiet space, I was able to define my values and priorities.

I enjoyed the simple pleasures that came with living in a van, like cooking on my small stove. I also spent a lot more time reading than I had before. I read about eight books in six months, and I’ve continued to make this habit a part of my everyday life.

One of the great appeals was that I wasn’t completely alone on my journey. I was living in the van with my partner, and we also made many friends along the way who were trying nomadic living.

Van life can benefit some, but I want to highlight that van dwelling is not always this romanticized lifestyle, especially for those who have lost jobs, whether due to the pandemic or other life circumstances.

People have been forced to move into vans and other vehicles because they can’t afford rent.

ILLUSTRATION BY KAELEY COLLINS

For instance, the film “Nomadland” highlights what life is like for people who lost their jobs and how they adapted to change by moving into a van. Although this may not have been an ideal situation, many of them found solace in the fact that they were able to live in nature and have a community while on the road.

Sure, there were stressful aspects of van life, like trying to find a place to park for the night or the occasional car troubles. But overall, these were very minor inconveniences that didn’t take away from all the good times.

For anyone looking for a change of pace, I suggest giving van life a try. It’s challenging yet incredibly freeing. Just like normal life, there are good days and bad days when living on the road. It’s not always like those pretty romantic pictures that you see on Instagram. Most vans I’ve come across don’t have mahogany wood interiors with perfectly clean floors. But all the imperfections of this experience are what makes it so fulfilling.

I am most grateful for the confidence that I gained on my journey. I proved to myself that I could live my life in a way that works for me. Even though I sold the van and am back to living in an apartment, I still find space in my everyday life for all the memories made, and skills learned during my time on the road.

Drinking Horn Mead Hall hosts

ZACHARY MARKEWICZ

Acrowd of people stood in front of Drinking Horn Mead Hall. Some were dressed in jeans and T-shirts, while others wore traditional Viking attire. Some held the ceremonial ribbon and others held medieval weapons. They were all there for the same reason: A long overdue ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Everyone cheered, “Skol!” as Evan Anderson cut the ribbon with large, golden scissors, with his wife and co-founder, Kelly Czarnecki, close behind. After the ceremony, everyone streamed inside for friendly conversations and free samples of the meadery’s new flavors.

The walls are decorated with Viking helmets, medieval-inspired art and, behind the counter, an extensive list of flavored meads. Everything is lit by warm lighting. Quickly, every table was surrounded by people.

“We wanted to create a product that took things back to a simpler time,” Anderson said. “In the sense of historically, [we wanted to take] a beverage that had kinda disappeared off the face of the earth and try to bring it back.”

Located downtown on San Francisco Street and Route 66, the building that houses Drinking Horn Mead Hall is around 100 years old, and the tradition that inspired the taproom is even older. A mead hall was traditionally the centerpiece of a Norse village. They housed kings and queens, offered a reprieve from harsh weather and hosted feasts.

At these feasts was mead — an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey and water along with any other ingredients for additional flavors.

founders by going to their tastings and has been working with them since 2017.

“We have 15 [flavors], plus four more that we have in bottles to-go,” Christensen said. “There are a couple [flavors] that are brand new… The Mango Reaper, which is mango juice with carolina reapers and ghost peppers, it’s not nearly as mean as it sounds … We also have the Metheglin which we came out with recently. That one’s gonna be black tea, orange peels and cinnamon.”

Anderson and Czarneckis’ passion for brewing mead began because of their wedding. A friend of the couple told them that the word honeymoon is derived from the Scandinavian tradition of drinking mead in the first month of marriage. Anderson decided that he wanted to make his own for the wedding. It was a huge success, and it gave the newlyweds the encouragement they needed to continue pursuing the idea that would become Drinking Horn Meadery

The couple rented a warehouse and set to work crafting their designer mead.

Anderson said he and his wife wanted to revitalize a traditional drink because they did not want to use any chemical preservatives.

By sourcing their honey from local producer, Mountain Top Honey Co., using organic fruit and a special filter system, Anderson and Czarnecki created a shelfstable mead that does not use any chemical preservatives, Anderson said.

With the licensing and product ready, the couple was prepared to begin selling to supermarkets. Drinking Horn Mead would have remained a grocery store exclusive if not for the urging and advice of Guy Fieri, celebrity restaurateur and patron saint to local business.

The couple was told Fieri would be hosting a new show called “Guy’s Family Road Trip” and that he would like to feature them in the pilot episode. The process

Top: Flagstaff locals enjoy the official ribon cutting at the Drinking Horn Meadery, Sept. 23. Shields, helmets and other items decorate the business.

Bottom Left: A helmet, part of an animal skeleton and merchandise decorate The Drinking Horn Meadery among other items, Sept. 23.

Bottom Right: Amanda Kristinat (right) and her friend pose for a portrait in the Drinking Horn Meadery, Sept. 23. Storey Welch | The Lumberjack

Bottom Middle: Photo courtesy of Zachary Markewicz.

Chance “Bjorn” Christensen, a manager at Drinking Horn Mead Hall, met the

hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony

of getting ready for the episode and Fieri’s advice drove the couple to open a small taproom in the front of their warehouse and create a way for customers to buy mead online, Czarnecki said.

“[Fieri] really changed our minds,” Czarnecki said. “He really kind of revamped our whole business plan in the matter of 35 seconds.”

After the airing of the episode, business quickly increased, and the small taproom could no longer handle the volume of business.

Czarnecki and Anderson began renting the new space in December 2019 and started renovations. The date of the grand opening was set for April 3, 2020.

Then, COVID-19 reached Flagstaff.

The next two years became a series of pivots to cope with the challenges of COVID-19, Anderson and Czarnecki said.

“It was really our goal to keep all of our employees, and not let anyone go because it was a time that was unsure for everyone,” Czarnecki said. “We worked really hard to maximize [business where we could].”

Anderson himself did curbside deliveries for online orders. The couple hosted weekly Facebook Live videos talking about subjects such as mead and the importance of bees, which pollinate much of the food farmers grow, Anderson said

With the worst of COVID-19 likely in the past and a suggestion from the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce to hold an official ribbon-cutting, it was time to take back something that the pandemic took, Anderson said.

Amanda Kristinat, an attendee of the ribbon cutting, has been coming to Drinking Horn Mead Hall since it opened.

“I actually really enjoy their hot cocktail tea, but I love their mead,” Kristinat

said. “So far, of what I’m tasting here, the [Oh Hey, Pinyon Jay] is my favorite. Second would be the Unicorn Blood.”

“Oh Hey Pinyon Jay” is a mead flavored with prickly pear and juniper berries. The name comes from a collaboration with Audubon Southwest and an attempt to raise awareness of the importance of the pinyon jay, a bird native to the northwestern area of Arizona.

Caleb Johnson, another regular, has been drinking Drinking Horn Mead since before the move to the downtown location. He usually gets the carbonated pomegranate mead and meets friends for games.

“The main reason I come here is because it’s a great place to play [Dungeons & Dragons],” Johnson said. “I come here to play a bunch of tabletop games with friends.”

Since the beginning of their venture into mead, both Czarnecki and Anderson agree they have been each other’s support system.

“There’s no way I could have done it without her,” Anderson said. “We’ve kind of helped and supported each other to get through the whole process. We kind of take turns carrying each other.”

In a room loud with celebratory conversation, Czarnecki and Anderson each proceeded to list events that have been held at the mead hall, ranging from chainmailmaking classes to baby showers and weddings.

Czarnecki and Anderson did not set out to create a bar; they wanted to create a space that could function like a traditional mead hall, Czarnecki said. Anderson explained that mead halls were traditionally where business was officiated, friendships were made and hospitality was enjoyed.

Top Left: An employee at the Drinking Horn Meadery fills up a glass of mead that is made from local honey, Sept. 23. Top Middle: Portrait of Chance "Bjorn" Christensen, a manager, in a Viking costume at the official ribon-cutting of the Drinking Horn Meadery, Sept. 23. Top Right: Flagstaff residents converse at the Drinking Horn Meadery during the official ribbon cutting, Sept. 23. Bottom Left: The owners of The Drinking Horn Meadery Kelly Czarnecki and Evan Anderson pose for a portrait inside of their business, Sept. 23. Bottom Right: Mary and Gary Irvine attended the official ribbon-cuting ceremony at the Drinking Horn Meadery, Sept. 23. Storey Welch | The Lumberjack

Viola’s Flower Garden: Preparing for fall

everyone to come out and participate in the fall festivities.

Though Viola’s Flower Garden is busy yearround, the Flagstaff business still finds the time to create an interactive seasonal pumpkin patch. Viola’s is getting ready to open its annual fall pumpkin patch to the public from Oct. 1 - 31.

Viola’s is a small business founded in spring 2001 by Robyn Walters and Art Escobedo, along with their dog, Shaniqua. The garden was named after Viola, Walters’ grandmother. Walters said the business was created on a whim in order to sell flowers. After that, it blossomed into a nursery and garden center and evolved into what it is today. The garden is in its third location and also hosts weddings and events. The pumpkin patch at Viola’s has been tradition since 2011.

“We just want everyone to come and be a kid again,” Walters said.

This year, Viola’s is importing an entire semi trailer load of straw for its maze and decorations. The garden will also have over 1,000 different pumpkins from New Mexico and Texas farms.

There will be over 25 varieties of pumpkins to choose from, and many of the pumpkins can be used in cooking, Walters said. Some dishes that feature pumpkins include pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pasta with a pumpkin sauce.

When looking for a pumpkin — whether it be for decoration or for cooking — Viola’s offers more than what one would find at a typical grocery store.

Jess Gardner, an employee at Viola’s, said she wants customers to know that their pumpkin patch is an experience.

“You’re paying for the experience, the customer service and for the entire world we have created here … people can spend hours here,” Gardner said.

garden with bright colors to a warm-toned fall pumpkin patch takes a week and a half.

The turnaround is so quick because the Viola’s employees have to prepare for fall while taking care of and selling year-round plants and decor. All year, Viola’s sells plants such as geraniums, petunias and snapdragons. They also sell seeds, fertilizers, fruit trees, pottery and garden decor. Occasionally they offer produce such as peaches or chilis.

To prepare for the fall season, the team at Viola’s has to decorate the garden, prepare the pumpkins, price them and make a display, Walters said.

All of the employees —which range in number from six to 20, depending on the time of year — play a hand in transforming the garden for Halloween. They work quickly to ensure they can stay open for business as long as possible.

“All of a sudden, it just transforms,” Gardner said. “You’re here a few days later, and it is totally different.”

The employees dedicate themselves to getting in the fall spirit in order to prepare for the patch.

Each year, the pumpkin patch features a straw maze, fall yard games, pumpkin painting and a scavenger hunt. This year Viola’s will feature new decorations, new prizes for their scavenger hunt and the straw maze will change its shape. The maze changes every year thanks to its designer, Chad Ternasky.

“Chad is one of the guys who helps set it up, and he thinks about it all year, which is really fun because he is very into it … he’s like forty-something and he is excited about his straw maze,” Walters said.

The activities at Viola’s are not limited to children. Some, such as the scavenger hunt and straw maze, are for the entire community. Walters said she encourages

Viola’s will have both new and old decorations at their pumpkin patch this year. Their newest edition is a 12-foot tall skeleton which they’ve been trying to get a hold of for over three years, Walters said.

Though a few of the other decorations have been around since the start of the patch, some have been found by luck. One of their decorative witches was found this way. A friend of Walters was scouting around the neighborhoods when she found a witch on the side of the road. The witch has been featured in the pumpkin patch ever since.

Viola’s is continuously receiving new decorations thanks to members of the community who have donated some of their spare fall and Halloween decor. Viola’s is always accepting donations for fall decorations.

The process of transforming Viola’s from a spring

“Everybody that works here really gets into it,” Walters said. “Even one of the girls who is new, she's like, ‘Well, I’m not really into Halloween, but I’m going to get into it.’”

Staff can be seen dressing up in a variety of Halloween costumes throughout the season. They differ every day. The celebration of the fall season brings employees together, and it is not only a fun time for the customers, but for the staff as well, Gardener said.

Though the staff gets into the fall season, Walters said they work as a collaborative team all year long. Each member of the staff decorates, gets to interact with children and helps one another out, Walters said.

Talk about the pumpkin patch floats around all year.

“I’ll get people in May asking, ‘When is your pumpkin patch?’” Gardner said. “Even now, people

PAYING FOR THE EXPERIENCE, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD WE HAVE CREATED HERE... PEOPLE CAN SPEND HOURS HERE.

– Jess Gardner, Viola's employee

A sign at the entrance of Viola’s Flower Garden reads “Hello Fall” and advertises a sale on shrubs, Sept. 19. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

ABIGAIL CELAYA

will say ‘Is it here?’”

Walters said 50% of the garden’s visitors come from out of town. With people flocking away from places with warmer temperatures such as Phoenix and Tucson and into cooler weather, the workers at Viola’s meet a lot of new people. They connect with them on a professional and personal level, Gardner said. Viola’s Flower Garden gets a lot of love from children too.

out to the garden.

Abigail Elton, a sophomore, spoke about her trip to the garden this summer and her plans to go back.

“I went to Viola’s over the summer at one point, and I absolutely loved it,” Elton said. “I am most excited to see the pumpkin patch and all of the fall florals that Viola’s has to offer.”

Sophomore Andy Shipley, visited the garden last fall.

“The pumpkins were a little pricey, but it was decorated cutely and there were some activities to do,” Shipley said. “They may have been meant for younger people, but they were still fun.”

Viola’s means a great deal to Walters.

“It’s everything to me, it’s life, it’s the way we live … we still dream and look forward to the future of what we could do next,” Walters said.

“A lot of the kids come to field trips here, so they know Viola’s because of the pumpkin patch, and when they come with their parents in the spring and summer, you can hear them talking, ‘Do you remember on the scavenger hunt …’” Walters said.

Members of the Flagstaff community and NAU students have also made the trip

Viola’s Flower Garden will open its fall doors to the public on Oct. 1.

“

IT'S EVERYTHING TO ME, IT'S LIFE, IT'S THE WAY WE LIVE ... WE STILL DREAM AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE OF WHAT WE COULD DO NEXT.”

– Robyn Walters, Viola's co-founder

Top Left: Jess Gardner smiles while wearing a Viola’s Flower Garden shirt that reads “Meet Me At The Pumpkin Patch,” Sept. 19. Top Right: A massive skeleton rises up out of orange flowers at Viola’s Flower Garden, Sept. 19. Bottom Left: At the entrance of Viola’s Flower Garden, a wood carving of a bear surrounded by many different types of flowers holds a sign that says “Welcome,” Sept. 19. Bottom Middle Left: A skeleton sits at a table in front of evergreens at Viola’s Flower Garden, Sept. 19. Bottom Middle Right: A sign displaying prices hangs below purple annual flowers on sale at Viola’s Flower Garden, Sept. 19. Bottom Right: White flora is framed by a white chair with a heart design at Viola’s Flower Garden, Sept. 19. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

FEATURES

Illustrator Spotlight Lenore

Otero-Strong

Growing up, I always had a passion for art. Now here I am, a junior, illustrating for The Lumberjack and having the wonderful opportunity to keep my passion for art alive. Here at NAU, I’m studying psychology with a minor in social work. Any social science major can tell you about the importance of self-care, and for me, art has always helped me express myself. My art is always changing because of that; depending on my mood, what I am interested in or even what I find inspiring in other artists' work. Most of my drawing skills come from trial and error. My dad once told me to look at the shapes of an image and go from there— ever since then, I use references or visuals to figure out what I want to draw. I’ve drawn as a traditional artist for most of my life and I only recently started experimenting with programs like Procreate. In both styles, coloring is still my favorite part. The way that adding coloring brings life to a drawing makes me feel like I have created something that can make someone smile or think. Overall, as someone who has always dabbled in a little of everything, I hope that readers can read my experience and know that it never hurts to try something new. If you like being creative, create! The art is for you first before it’s for anyone else.

Wingo Aftermath COMIC BY LENORE OTERO-STRONG

When I was a boy

DAISY JOHNSTON

I could tell from the first time we met that we were going to be friends

You said that my clothes were kind of funny and I thought you didn’t know what good music was

Our sisters thought we would date someday when we got older and my dad wouldn’t let us have sleepovers because he didn’t trust middle school boys

Everyone hated us in four square because we would play together in the same square even when the other kids said it was against the rules

Sometimes when it was hot we would gossip at the pool about your many girlfriends

I thought of you the other day when I was sitting on my porch with my friends, and a man yelled something gross at us from the passenger seat

And I hoped you hadn’t changed

You held the door open for me, you walked me home when it was late, and sometimes you’d put your arm around me and hold me

I remember when you cried in front of me for the first time, you felt ashamed

Maybe you worried that I might discover how you liked to sing in the car with your mom and care about the way your hair looks, cry in front of your best friend and that sometimes you’d like to be held also

I won’t forget that time when you were a girl too

And I hope, if you ever felt you lost to me, you would remember that I was a boy too

So it goes, that boy in the passenger seat, may never find a connection as special as me and you

Pearl:Eat it up

EMMA LONG

The film, “Pearl,” directed by Ti West, tells the story of a girl who will do anything to escape her life on the farm and be come a star. Mia Goth shines in the titular role of Pearl. She shows her versatility as an actress in the film, as the role called for an even split of sweetness and violent insanity. Even more impressive is that she played the role of “Pearl” in the first film released of the series, “X” — yes, the creepy old lady was Mia Goth in stage makeup as well as “Maxine,” the adult film actress in “X.”

“Pearl,” set in 1918, is the prequel to “X,” showing the horrific events of Pearl’s youth as she strives to leave her family farm and become a dancer in the films. We already know from the second movie she is unsuccessful at reaching her dreams, as she is still on the farm reminiscing about the days when she was young and beautiful.

ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Pearl’s life on the family farm is a lonely one. The inhabitants of the farm include Pearl, her prudish mother, her paraplegic father and the farm animals, which are all named after her favorite stars in the films. She and her mother do not get along, as her mother expects her to care for her father and help around the house, and Pearl is preoccupied with her fantasies.

We learn something isn’t quite right about Pearl early in her story.

We are met with a whimsical opening scene. Pearl twirls in the sunlight in a beautiful white lace dress with red ribbons. Her mother scolds her harshly to change and go feed the animals. Pearl skips into her red barn next to a picturesque yellow farmhouse with a wraparound porch, and dances to each of the animals, feeding them hay and greeting them by name.

Pearl dances onto a stack of hay bales, monologuing about how she longs to leave the farm and become just like the pretty girl in the pictures, twirling with a pitchfork. A goose waddles into the barn.

“What are you doin’ here, Mr. Goose?” she asks the unsuspecting creature. She stabs him with the pitchfork and subsequently feeds Mr. Goose to a crocodile in the nearby swamp, whom she calls by name. The crocodile, farm, house and swamp are also featured in “X.”

Stylistically, the movie had a vibrant color palette, which nicely contrasted the horror aspects of the film. The set of the film was reminiscent of “The Wizard of Oz,” while the tone reminded me of “The Shining.” I came to the

A ‘Starry Night’ at Buffalo Park

On Oct. 24, 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky Place, allowing residents and visitors to experience and explore the city’s world renowned dark skies.

From Sept. 22 - 24, Buffalo Park held the ninth annual Star Party and Celebration of the Night. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition hosted the event alongside the Coconino Astronomical Society, the NAU Physics and Astronomy Department, Lowell Observatory and the United States Naval Observatory.

Looking at the stars was one aspect of the event, but it was not all it had to offer. Art exhibits, music, presentations and live telescope observation were also part of the celebration. Many were eager to see what the night had in store — the line to park was almost two miles down the road.

Upon entering Buffalo Park, there were several food trucks lined up waiting for hungry star lovers. There were also three different information booths at the front with free T-shirts, red LED lights and pins.

The greeters advised everyone to wear warm clothing, sensible, closed-toed shoes and to stay within the designated areas. Additionally, event staff handed out red LED thumb flashlights so normal light would not interfere with the telescopes.

Phones were to be put away when entering the telescope area after sundown, so their light would not interfere with the telescopes. There was also a warming station for visitors when temperatures began to drop. Seats faced toward a screen that displayed the telescopes’ field of view

Among the greeters was Coconino Astronomical Society treasurer and Flagstaff local, Anne Wittke. The society is an Arizona non-profit corporation for those interested in astronomy around northern Arizona.

“The mission of the society is to increase the appreciation and knowledge of the science of astronomy,” Wittke said.

Wittke has been living in Flagstaff for 32 years and has been coming to the Star Party since the event was started.

“The thing I enjoy most is the dark skies, even though my vision isn’t what it used to be,” she said.

She let out a laugh as she pointed to a cloth draped over her right eye. She then looked over at the telescopes and waved. It was her husband, Barry Wittke, a local astronomer who was setting up his telescope for the evening.

“I’ve been doing this since 2008, and Flagstaff’s dark sky is what keeps me interested in all of this,” Barry Wittke said. “The science and knowledge that is behind astronomy is nothing without the expert night skies of Flagstaff.”

The Star Party featured several astronomy talks to educate visitors on various topics regarding the stars. The main two talks of the evening were the “Sunset Talk” at 5:45 p.m. and the “Twilight Talk” at 6:45 p.m.

The “Sunset Shadows and Circles” talk was led by Lowell Observatory’s Brian Skriff. His presentation was held a quarter-mile into Buffalo Park, where he gave insight on the subtle transition from sunset into twilight.

“See the peak of the mountain, to the right, we see the sun peeking over,” Skriff said.“This is good news, the sun is powerful today which is good for the telescopes this evening.” he said.

Following Skriff’s presentation, the “Twilight Talk: Star Wounds: The Use of Meteorites Among Ancient Native American Cultures” commenced at 6:45 p.m. Archeologist Ken Zoll discussed how fragments from Meteor Crater were found and used at ancient dwellings in central Arizona.

“The Hopewell culture in the eastern U.S. made its way to the American Southwest and Northern Mexico,” Zoll said. “This gave Native American cultures access to actively engage in meteorite collecting.”

Once the sun set, the astronomers opened up

their telescopes to visitors. One smaller portion of the event was called the “Binocular Circle.” Many visitors gathered around, took a seat and pulled out their binoculars while instructors pointed out certain star formations.

Martha and Karen Ridge explained what coming back to the Star Party was like after COVID-19.

“We came here for the first time in 2019 before COVID-19, and being back has given us hope,” Martha Ridge said. “It’s so wonderful to see familiar faces and to feel the comfort of the community again,” she said.

Karen Ridge pulled out her phone to read a quote from the event’s website that she said described the meaning for her.

“We have long been inspired by the nighttime sky and that inspiration appears in mathematics, science, art, poetry, music and religion,” Karen Ridge said.

To learn more about events occurring this month at the Lowell Observatory visit Flagstaff Star Party’s website.

STELLA SPERIDON

Astronomy and Planetary Science staff member Ed Anderson (left), junior Gavin Moriarty (middle), and senior Moises Gomez (right) set up a department telescope at the Flagstaff Star Party hosted by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition at Buffalo Park, Sept. 23. John Chaides | The Lumberjack

A group of NAU students draw stars with red lights in a field at Buffalo Park during the Flagstaff Star Party, Sept. 23. Storey Welch | The Lumberjack

CULTURE

BARBECUE continued from FRONT

“Campus dining are the ones who came up with the cone concept, cause it’s easy for people to grab and go,” Gemoets explained. “That’s actually something that was developed last year during COVID-19, so people could grab and kind of take it wherever they wanted to, so we weren’t all congregating together. They were so popular we kept them for this year!”

In addition to food, the event also offered other activities, such as ax throwing provided by Flag Tag AZ and a performance from members of the Lumberjack Marching Band.

Sam Collins and Cesar Roldan, both seniors and members of the marching band, enjoyed some of the food after their performance in the rain.

“It was an optional performance that people could go to, but I believe it was a really good idea to choose to come here,” Collins said. “Being able to just play with the band and hang out with people I know and just see how many people are here enjoying it is really nice and fun.”

The event was an opportunity not only to enjoy free food and celebrate the president’s installation, but also a perfect chance to socialize with others.

“It’s nice being here, I feel like there’s a sense of community,” Roldan said. “And with band, it was optional but definitely fun to be here with everybody. I think even if I did have class, I would have come just because of how fun it is to see everybody here.”

Although this is President Cruz Rivera’s second year at NAU, the official installation was pushed back due to his busy first year.

“He’s done some amazing things, so they wanted him to concentrate on that for the first year,” Ott said. “This way it’s truly a celebration not only of him being president, but also of all the work that he has done over this last year which has been huge. He’s done some amazing things and is just truly connected to the university, so it’s truly a celebration for all.”

Many participants at the event were appreciative of President Cruz Rivera’s dedication to the university.

Vice President of Student Affairs Margot Saltonstall explained that the whole premise of the event was to celebrate the initiatives and hopes that President Cruz Rivera has in store for NAU.

“It’s a chance for students to be really involved in celebrating all that lies ahead with elevating excellence and the vision that President Cruz Rivera has really helped us identify and move into the year to fulfill,” Saltonstall said.

The president’s proactive qualities were recognized not only by staff but by many of the students at the barbecue, as well.

As a member of the band, Collins explained she has witnessed his involvement firsthand.

“He’s really supportive of our program, which I really appreciate,” Collins said. “He’s gone with us on certain trips, so he’s definitely very involved, I’ve noticed. And also as our band got bigger we needed more accommodations and he helped us with that.”

As more people gathered in the rain for their chance to try some of the food, the president himself was seen participating in the barbecue, serving food and talking to attendees.

When the commotion slowed down a bit, Cruz Rivera had a chance to explain his own view on the event. “We thought that it was important to open up this time

in our history to our faculty, our staff and students, and what better way to do that than a fall barbecue?” Cruz Rivera said. “The weather’s not necessarily helping us today, but we’re here in spirit!”

Regarding his hopes for the coming years of his presidency, the president seemed to have great ambitions for NAU and its students.

“Moving into our second year, we are very much looking forward to building upon the foundation we set in the first,” Cruz Rivera said. “We will really be engaging the university community and identifying a handful of big ideas that will then be converted to actual initiatives that we can implement during the next two to three years.”

When speaking about the nature of the installation barbecue, he highlighted the key importance of personal engagement with students and faculty.

“The center of any academic should be its students, and ensuring they have access to the type of inclusive environment that allows them to affirm their identities and leverage the educational resources around them,” Cruz Rivera said. “So we are very much determined to explore any avenues to bring more engagement between our students, faculty and staff, alums and other friends of the university, so that they have access to that excellence.”

Saltonstall explained that the barbecue was just one of a series of events which will be taking place in honor of Cruz Rivera’s presidency, culminating in the official installation ceremony on Sept. 30.

“There is a whole calendar of other events,” Saltonstall said. “There is the installation celebration next Friday [Sept. 30], that’s the really big event, but there’s a tailgate that’s also part of the celebration, and lots of different ways for students, staff and faculty to be involved in the installation.”

Details about the various events can be found on the installation website

NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera listens to the Lumberjack Marching Band play at the Installation Celebration barbecue at the central quad, Sept. 21. Cruz Rivera helped hand out food and mingled with students and staff at the event. John Chaides | The Lumberjack

Graduate student Lowell Hobson takes a selfie with NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera at the Installation Celebration Barbecue at the central quad on Sept. 21. John Chaides | The Lumberjack

Top Left: Shawnee McDowell and Tricia Fortin smile while standing under a tree in order to escape the rain during the president’s barbecue, Sept. 21. Top Right: Vinny Solano, a member of the Lumberjack Marching Band, warms up by playing the trumpet before the band’s performance at the president’s barbecue, Sept. 21. Bottom

Left: Crystal Graziano, a member of NAU staff, looks over her shoulder before throwing an ax at the president’s barbecue, Sept. 21. Bottom Right: President José Luis Cruz Rivera enjoys barbecue out of a waffle cone at the president’s barbecue, Sept. 21. The barbecue, which took place on a rainy day, was in celebration of Cruz Rivera’s official installation as the 17th president of NAU. Jacob Handley | The Lumberjack

UFC 279 strikes controversy as main event fighter misses weight

If you’re a UFC fan, there’s no way you missed what happened on the most recent card. UFC 279 was full of controversy, from the main event fighter missing weight to the UFC having the card changed hours after the fighter missed weight. This card was lined up to be pretty entertaining, with the main event being Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev.

TONY MIELE WRITER

Chimaev came into weighins at 178.5 pounds, which was seven-and-a-half pounds over the agreed weight for the fight. Chimaev seemed happy after stepping off the scale, saying, “That’s not that bad.”

After missing weight by so much, no fighter should step off the scale saying this. There are reports that Chimaev missed weight due to a medical issue, but no specifics were ever reported.

Diaz did have options on what could happen with his fight, one being that he could fight at a catchweight and find another opponent or completely scratch the fight as a whole. Diaz took the opportunity to fight Tony Ferguson.

This whole card got turned around, with three out of the five fights on the main cards being at a catchweight because of the weigh-in issue for Chimaev. This seemed too easy of a fix for UFC. They had the card flipped around and still kept Chimaev on the card but instead, he was the co-main event. With Ferguson being put on the card to fight Diaz on the last fight of his contract, they knew that this could be the grand exit for Diaz to end his career.

It feels like all this was planned out since it was fixed so quickly and kept the fighters from the original main event still on the card, though they didn’t fight each other. If this wasn’t planned, it would be very shocking. They kept fans reeled into this because of the controversy with weigh-ins on Friday morning to having the card fixed by the afternoon. UFC President Dana White had this card fixed very fast and kept big names, just as well as up-and-coming fighters, which kept this card interesting.

All in all, this seemed way too simple to fix. With a fighter missing weight by that much and being happy about it, it just doesn’t sit right. Not one single fighter would be happy about missing weight by a significant amount. You be the judge: Planned or not?

RECENT

New Skydome lights provide flash and save cash

to the stadium. Every NAU touchdown was showcased with lights shining on and off.

The J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome has seen a handful of upgrades in the years it has served as the premier location for NAU sporting events. Since its completion in September 1977, the facility has been improved upon. Last season brought the introduction of brand new turf for the Big Sky Conference’s introduction on ESPN+. This summer saw the most recent upgrade: Brand new LED lights that shine down on the newly named Findlay Toyota Field

The lights made their debut appearance to the public for NAU football’s home opener against No. 22 North Dakota. Before the game, fans were treated to a light show never before seen in the Skydome that brought new energy

Mike Marlow, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, said the new lights were a long time coming and a highly anticipated change.

“It’s actually a campus project that has been underway and in planning stages for about five years,” Marlow said. “The retrofit to LEDs, a couple of different things motivated that. One, the cost savings.”

Marlow stated the change to more energyefficient lights should save approximately $56,000 a year and that NAU Athletics is on pace to do so. He also stated the upgrade is meant for more than sports, as commencement will see the benefit of better lighting come December.

The project to bring new lights to the field

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Michael Manny Brenden Martin Tony Miele @michaelmanny98 @BrendenMartin_

BRENDEN MARTIN

Sophomore wide receiver Caiaphas Ardoin (5) and senior linebacker Demetrick Watts II (0) walk on to the field for the third quarter, Sept. 24 Sara Williams | The Lumberjack

was a collaborative effort between the athletic department and the institution as a whole. Marlow confirmed that the funding sources for the upgrade were the NAU Green Fund and the Utility Plan Fund.

The Green Fund, which started in 2010, is a fee that students pay each semester they are enrolled. The fee began at $5 per student but was raised to $15 in spring 2019. As enrollment at NAU continues to grow every year, especially with a recordbreaking full-time first-year class in fall 2022, the Green Fund is projected to bring in more money than ever before. In 2020, the fund brought in over $600,000.

The fund is responsible for such projects as the $1 million 561.6 kilowatt solar panel array at the top of the San Francisco Parking Garage, which was installed in April 2017.

According to the Fiscal Year 2022 Green Fund Annual Report, the Skydome lights project is the first to be completed under the Sustainable Revolving Fund approved in Fall 2020. The full fund originally cost $250,000, but an additional $50,000 was requested specifically for the lights due to inflation on the necessary materials.

With the projected savings the new lights will bring each year, the extra money needed for the lights will be offset within the first year of operation.

“It is 2022, so to have more energy-efficient lights up there obviously is a big, big motivator,” Marlow said.

A feature of the new lights is that they can be turned on and off at will. Marlow stated how convenient it is to no longer wait 20 to 30 minutes for the old lights to warm up in order to turn them on, equating it to a grade-school gym.

The last time the lights were renovated in the Skydome was the summer of 1997 — 25 years ago — with the idea to make the field more suitable for television.

The first showing of the lights had the crowd in awe. Before NAU entered the field before its home opener on Sept. 17 through an inflatable tunnel, a video played on the screens at each end of the field of players counting down from five. After the countdown makes it to one, a player says “Lights out,” and every light on the ceiling shuts off before flickering on and off like strobe lights.

Some of the lights can also change select colors, adding to the creativity the technical teams have with fun shows that reflect through spectators’ retinas.

The lights aren’t just for show. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Coleman Owen said that the new lights make his job a lot easier.

“Me being a punt returner, the old lights, the ball would get stuck in those lights,” Owen said. “But in here with these new lights, it’s not that bad.”

Owen, who caught two touchdown passes in NAU’s home-opener against

North Dakota, said that passes were a little easier to see now but punts were the main thing he found a lot easier to deal with.

The enhanced lights quite literally change the play on the field, but fans now get a new spectacle that improves the game-day experience. Alex Lais, associate athletic director/fan engagement and revenue generation, plans to use the lights in various ways depending on the event taking place.

“I think the fan experience with these new lights will be a game changer,” Lais said. “That’s not only speaking to the football atmosphere, but also to men’s and women’s basketball being held in the dome, as well as our indoor track and field meets too. We have the ability to create specific packages for each sport that is conducive to lighting for that sport.”

Lais said that the lights will be used to highlight more of the corners during track meets and that the idea is that the lights will attempt to create a more “intimate atmosphere” for a court in such a big arena.

Marlow, Owen and Lais all pointed out what could be the most underrated improvements with the LED lights: There is no longer the annoying buzzing sound that echoed across the Skydome like with the old lights.

“For those individuals who have been attending Lumberjack football games for quite some years, whether it be decades, whether it be just last year, they’re going to immediately notice a difference,” Lais said.

With the buzzing from the old lights now gone, the audio quality in the Skydome will certainly sound better. The Skydome is the third-highest college football stadium elevation-wise in the nation at 6,980 feet, behind the University of Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium at 7,220 feet and the Mountaineer Bowl at Western Colorado University which sits at 7,750 feet above sea level.

The Skydome, which cost $8 million when built, last saw major renovations from December 2010 to September 2011, which cost $26 million, and moved the entire 2010-11 NAU basketball season into Rolle Activity Center. Only time will tell if something new will be added.

Now that the visual side has been addressed, the sound aspect of the Skydome could be the next thing on the Lumberjack bucket list.

“I think our audio is dated,” Marlow said. “I mean, if I win the lottery, I’ll probably put a surround sound in the dome so we have equal distribution of sound.”

The Skydome LED lights can be seen in action at all NAU home football games, with the next one being on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. MST against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo during Family Weekend.

NAU sophomore defensive back Jakobe Walton’s celebrates his team’s touchdown, Sept. 19. The team cheered loudly together along with the roar from NAU’s stands. Sara Williams | The Lumberjack

KJACK Radio welcomes KAFF Sports as a coverage partner

This year, the KJACK radio team has linked up with KAFF Sports to cover high school football not only on radio, but also on a nationally televised network for high school sports, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This will make the games not only more accessible for parents of local teams, like the Flagstaff High School Eagles and the Coconino High School Panthers, but it will also provide an opportunity for NAU students to get experience in broadcasting high school games.

This presents an opportunity for the already-professional team at KAFF to give some experience to the up-and-coming KJACK team that has seen an increase in student involvement this semester.

Recently, the two teams covered the annual Kickoff Classic, which hosted several teams ranging from the Phoenix area to Las Vegas. This event was held at the newly branded Findlay Toyota Field inside the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome, and both new and staple KJACK members got to showcase their work alongside the KAFF team.

The KAFF team for the classic was helmed by Dave Zorn and Reggie Eccelston, the former being one of the main catalysts behind the partnership. An NAU alum himself, Zorn saw a common theme in both the KAFF and KJACK broadcasts and wanted to jump on the chance to tie the two broadcasts together.

“So that’s when I thought to try and bring up another broadcast, using the KJACK crew. They were already doing some high school sports so it seemed like a natural fit for us,” Zorn said.

Associate Professor of Practice Rory Faust, who oversees the Media Innovation Center sports program, was Zorn’s contact with NAU, and together they came up with the idea to do the partnership.

“Spring semester, he came to me and he said, ‘Hey we have this unique opportunity to do this NFHS broadcast partnership … we’re gonna need your help to do this’,” Faust said.

Faust has been involved in sports media at NAU since he was hired in 2014, and since then he has worked to expand the possibilities of what students can do. He is currently working on making a certificate for the sports media program.

The pairing with experienced veterans in the field allows the students to learn things they might not have learned in a classroom setting.

Some of the skills that the students will be able to learn are more focused on the production side of the broadcast, with cameras and livestream production equipment being introduced on top of the things that are inherently associated with the radio.

“So this is my way of providing mentorship to communication students, while working on TV elements during a live broadcast that will serve them well in the future,” Zorn said.

New upgrades come attached with this deal as well, with a variety of KJACK equipment being replaced to suit the high production standards of the KAFF productions. This new equipment is one of the benefits that current KJACK Sports Director Casey Everett was very excited about.

“We got brand new headsets for broadcasting, which is amazing because ours were really old … and then we have a brand new laptop which is gonna help us broadcast to the NFHS Network with the KAFF partnership,” said Everett.

With the new equipment comes a higher quality in the final product, and in this case the product matches that of professional broadcasts.

Professional levels of production are something that Everett is looking for in radio this year because he will graduate in the spring and looks to enter the professional workforce soon. He also has very high hopes for the KJACK program and sees it growing a lot over the next few years.

Everett sees himself benefitting from the increased production as well.

“People are always looking for the next big thing, and what we’re doing is basically the first in northern Arizona … If everything runs smoothly, I think it will be very beneficial for my career,” Everett said.

Everett is in his penultimate semester as a Lumberjack and has had the advice of Faust the whole time he has been in the program.

Faust said he holds many of his students in high regard, and looks forward to the participation the students can experience in a small-town college setting.

“This gives students the opportunity to get more reps, to get on a nationally recognized platform, to be out in the community and offer a community service while also enhancing their demo reels for future job opportunities,” Faust said.

The future will prove to be bountiful for NAU students because of this partnership and the efforts to grow sports media in northern Arizona.

NOAH BUTLER

KJACK announcers, Tyler Murphy and Michael Manny, call the Flagstaff and Rio Rico high school football game, Sept. 16. Flagstaff High School beats Rio Rico 59-12 at the Findlay Toyota Field inside the J.Lawrence Walkup Skydome. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

NAU drops conference opener to Idaho, 27-10

Behind a combined 169 yards rushing from its running backs, senior Roshaun Johnson and freshman Anthony Woods, plus a nearly spotless day from redshirt freshman quarterback Gevani McCoy, the Idaho Vandals defeated the NAU Lumberjacks 27-10 at Findlay Toyota Field, on Sept. 24.

The loss drops NAU to 1-3 on the season and 0-1 in the Big Sky Conference. It also snaps NAU’s two-game winning streak over the Vandals and is its first 0-2 start at home since 1955.

McCoy completed 18 of 20 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown, the same amount of yards NAU had of total offense. NAU was out-gained offensively 18557 on the ground, 214-127 through the air and 399-184 in total.

“They’re a good football team,” NAU head coach Chris Ball said. “We got outphysicaled and we got out-coached. [It’s] those two things, bottom line.”

Sophomore quarterback RJ Martinez finished 15 of 34 for 127 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.

The Vandals’ first possession was a sign of things to come — a lengthy 13play, 75-yard drive that took 7:31 off the clock. Choosing to go for it on fourth down at the goal line, Johnson punched it in from 3 yards out to give Idaho a 7-0 lead. Idaho held the ball for 41:28 compared to 18:32 for NAU.

The Lumberjacks responded with an up-tempo 13-play, 75-yard drive of their own, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown from Martinez to tight end Alishawuan Taylor on fourth down to tie the game.

Sophomore running back Draycen Hall, who started in place of the injured Kevin Daniels and George Robinson, got involved almost immediately, running for gains of 6, 16 and 8 on the drive. Hall finished with 64 yards rushing on 14 carries.

“I don’t do it for me, I don’t do it for my glory,” Hall said. “I want to put on for my team.”

The Vandals started their second offensive series with a continued emphasis on the run game. After a false start, a 17-yard rush by Woods on the final play of the first quarter gave Idaho a first down on the NAU 46-yard line.

On the opening play of the second, McCoy lofted a pass to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Hayden Hatten for an 18-yard gain.

A few plays later, Idaho again stayed out to go for it on fourth down at the goal line, but was called for another false start.

The Vandals settled for a 24-yard field goal by junior kicker and reigning Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week Ricardo Chavez to make it 10-7 Idaho.

After NAU’s next drive ended in a punt from redshirt freshman punter Eemil Herranen, Idaho got the ball and drove right down the field again on a secondstraight 11-play drive. The running game was mixed with two long completions from McCoy to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Michael Graves.

On the ninth play of the drive, the Vandals reached into the bag of tricks. Hatten took a pitch on a reverse and fired a 30-yard strike to a wide-open Jermaine Jackson to reach the NAU 3-yard-line.

Two plays later, McCoy found a wide-open senior tight end Connor Whitney for a 2-yard score to make it 17-7.

Starting on their own 25-yard line in their final possession of the half, the Lumberjacks ran the no-huddle and methodically got into field goal range. On the sixth play of the drive and facing third down, Martinez found Hall for a 26yard completion.

After a few short gains, kicker Collin Robbins converted a 47-yard field goal with nine seconds left in the half to make it 17-10 Idaho.

Though the Lumberjacks made it a one-score game again, they would not come any closer. The 12-play drive would be their longest of the rest of the game.

In the first half alone, the Vandals picked up 133 rushing yards.

“They were executing really well in their run blocks but really just did a good job of out-physicaling us up front, we’ve got to do a better job,” Ball said.

Following a Lumberjack three-and-out to open the second half, the Vandals started the first series of the half from their own 43. On their first play, McCoy hit Jackson on a play-action pass in traffic for a 42-yard gain. Four plays later, Chavez hit a 39-yard field goal to increase the Idaho lead to 20-10.

For the remainder of the quarter, the teams traded possession, with Idaho punting for the first time with 8:46 to go.

On the ensuing possession, Martinez and the offense utilized the short passing game, finding receivers redshirt junior Jamal Glaspie and redshirt sophomore Coleman Owen on three consecutive completions. Two plays later, Martinez threw to the left sideline but was intercepted by sophomore defensive back Tommy McCormick.

The Lumberjacks offense continued to struggle in the fourth quarter, with another quick three-and-out.

The Vandals started their first drive of the fourth quarter with favorable field position at the NAU 39 and quickly capitalized. On second down from the 9-yard line, Johnson ran to the right side and dived for the pylon for a score, his second of the day. That touchdown increased Idaho’s lead to 27-10 with just over 11 minutes to go and essentially put the game away.

In all, the Lumberjacks had just 33 yards of offense in the second half.

“Number one, we’ve got to get healthy, and we’ve got to get figured out,” Ball said. “They are not going to stop the season, wait for us to get our crap together. We have got to come back on Monday and get it fixed.”

Hall gave his perspective on what needs to be worked on moving forward.

“We’ve got to start fast,” Hall said. “I think we came out a little flat in the first quarter. We need to finish drives, we struggled with that last week too but I just think for us we’ve just got to be able to dominate, throw some punches up front and then just finish the drives.”

The Lumberjacks are on the road Saturday, Oct. 1, to take on the Portland State Vikings. Kickoff is set for 2:05 p.m. MST, with coverage on ESPN +.

MICHAEL MANNY

Freshman kicker Marcus Lye (49) kicks off after an NAU touchdown in the first quarter at the Findlay

Toyota Field inside the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome, Sept. 24. Ethon Peddle | The Lumberjack