OCTOBER 10, 2017
VOL. 30 ISSUE 9 I N D E P E N D E N T
Free speech on campus Page 10
S T U D E N T
V O I C E
O F
B O I S E
S T A T E
Printmaking exhibit debuts Page 13
S I N C E
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New Bronco Girl Page 16
EVENTS
Events this week Taco ‘Bout it With Your OL Oct. 10 | Student Union Building, Simplot BD Ballroom | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
For those who attended BroncoVenture Orientation this summer, this is a chance to grab a taco and talk to your leader once again about campus resources strategies for success at Boise State. Open Mic Night BSU Oct. 13 | Student Union Building, Student Lounge | 7 pm - 9 pm
Have a talent you want to show off to your fellow Boise State students? Sign up online via OrgSync to perform, free for anyone. A Night with Refugee Storytellers Oct. 12 | Student Union Building, Bishop Barnwell Ballroom | 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Learn about Boise’s diverse community at this event sponsored by the School of Social Work, the Service-Learning Program and the Idaho Office for Refugees. Jake and Amir from College Humor Oct. 12 | Student Union Building, Special Events Center | 7 pm
Creators of the Webby-award-winning Internet series will be here performing an hour-long comedy show as well as a live podcast of their show- If I Were You. Free with student ID or $10 general admission. Women in Film Panel Oct. 14 | Amsterdam Lounge | 2 pm
Idaho’s third annual Horror Film Festival is hosting this event to explore the unique challenges gender plays in the medium of film. The event is 21+ and Bloody Marys and Mimosas will be available for purchase.
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OCTOBER 10, 2017
INSIDE
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Photo of the week
Editor-In-Chief Brandon Rasmussen editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Taylor Munson onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Jacob Palmer opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Shannon Brennan culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Daniel Gardner sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Peter Huguenin sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu A fire engine sinks into the broken ground during last week’s flood on Monday, Oct. 2. Photo by Ximena Bustillo
Digital Content Manager Axel Quartarone digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editors Evan Fishburn Harbor Neher
Visit us on social media The Arbiter @arbiteronline
Design Manager Selina Ceballos
@arbiteronline www.arbiteronline.com
On the cover: Chairs and tables will soon be filled with hungry students at the SouthFork Market . Photo by Axel Quartarone. Designed by Nabil Rahman.
Graphic Designers Nabil Rahman Olivia Tocher Contact us The Arbiter is located at 1910 University Dr., Mail Stop 1340 Phone: (208) 426-6300 Website: www.arbiteronline.com Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year. The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.
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NEWS
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Questions and answers with Dean Kennedy
Director of housing and resident life answers questions about campus living
Alexis Staton | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Are you proud of the new Honors College and how it turned out? Yes, very much so. Honors College and Sawtooth Halls are an excellent collaborative effort between EdR and Boise State as a “Public Private Partnership,” where a private developer constructs a building for a public university. The building looks great and is an excellent new home for the Honors College offices, as well as an innovative dining venue that will be open soon. Will there be new housing options in the future? If you are asking if there will be additional housing options in the future, that is a possibility as more students want to live on-campus–both as First Year students and also as sophomore and above students. No decisions have been made as of yet. What would you tell students if they were debating living on campus or not?
I suggest living in a place and space where you will be the most successful. For some, that is living on-campus; others, close to campus, and others, living at home or with friends further from campus. Whatever living arrangement you decide, it is important that environment supports your ability to be a student, do well academically and graduate in a timeframe of which you’re proud. For some students, that means living on campus all four years. What do you think about the other apartments nearby, for example: La Pointe, Riveredge, etc.? I think they are great options for students who want to live close to campus, but not “on campus.” As with any decision, I also encourage students to do their research before signing anything, as every housing property, including on-campus housing, has its unique identity and it’s important where you live supports your ability to be a successful student.
I would ask them to consider what is in their best interest. For some students, their best interest is living at home or with friends/family off-campus; whereas for others, living on-campus is in their best interest. There are myriad factors involved in someone’s decisions about where they live, and living on/off campus is part of that decision. I can tell them that data for several decades shows that overall, students who live on campus their first and second years are more likely to graduate on time, get better grades and share that they had better experiences while at college/university. Students at Boise State are no different as the GPA and retention rates for students who live on and off campus mirror the data from the past several decades.
What are you most proud of from Boise State’s housing department?
Do you suggest living on-campus all four years?
Have there been any complaints about the housing options on campus?
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By far, I am most proud of our staff. Every student and full time staff member in Housing and Residence Life dedicates their lives and jobs to helping students be successful. From cleaning common areas, addressing maintenance work orders, answering questions at desks, advising student leadership organizations and positions, serving as student leaders, being resources for students who live on campus and coordinating the incredible administrative tasks necessary to ensure students live in an environment that supports their success, each staff member’s role is critical and they do this flawlessly.
This is a tricky question because our business is about where students live. If a maintenance concern is not addressed quickly enough, a staff member holds a student accountable for a decision they made that negatively affected the community or the price for where a student lives seems too high, Housing and Residence Life will receive complaints. As you can imagine, students have high expectations for where they live and our job is to help make sure those expectations are met. When we receive complaints, our responsibility is to work with students to determine the root cause of the issue and do our best to address it. Do you believe Boise State has done its best in providing affordable, safe and efficient housing options to all students? Yes. Rental data from the past several years shows that among the institutions with whom we compete the most directly (i.e., students would attend those institutions rather than attending Boise State), our rates are in the lower third of all those institutions. In addition our apartment communities are at least $70 less expensive per month than surrounding apartment complexes. From a safety perspective, I would encourage you to review the Clery Report, available on the Department of Public Safety’s website. Living on campus, and in Boise, is much safer than most comparable cities. In terms of a student’s experience, satisfaction and learning outcome data from the past four years has shown an increase in at least .15 per year - this is statistically significant data when compared with other on-campus housing operations around the U.S. Seldom do our peers see this continual increase in student satisfaction over several years. Was there a shortage in housing in the last few years? How did your team work around that to make sure everyone had a
place to stay? The only year that surprised us related to interest in living on-campus was this past year, 2016-2017. We experienced an additional 400 First Year students who wanted to live on-campus, a number that was above our expected increase over the previous year. We also experienced an increase in Sophomore and Above students who wanted to live on campus. We ended up working with two local (and close) apartment complexes where we were able to guarantee on-campus housing prices and student staff members living in those complexes–the goal being to provide as close an on-campus housing experience as possible. We do not anticipate an arrangement similar to this in the near future. How did you get your position here at Boise State? The position was posted in several national venues and I applied. I had had previous experience at my two most recent institutions building residence life programs from the ground up; and this position offered me a chance to work with amazing staff members (see previous answer) and supportive campus partners to enhance the student housing and residence life experience here at Boise State. Boise is a great place to live. What made you want to pursue a career in this field? I was an RA for 3 years and upon graduation, a former supervisor encouraged me to apply to be a Resident Director. The chance to directly support students in their success where they live got me hooked and I have been in this field ever since. I get to meet amazing students and work with fantastic staff members in Housing and Residence Life and across campus. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
NEWS
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Meet Kohl, Boise State’s tee-fetching dog
The American field lab became a viral sensation on social media MaryAnn Fernandez | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Kohl—a black American field lab who retrieves the tee for Boise State’s football team—runs determined, but with a touch of lovable goofiness, as he accidentally drops the kickoff tee and goes back to pick it up. His tail eagerly wags as he looks up towards his owner. A viral video of Kohl retrieving the kickoff tee at a recent game has been liked almost 400,000 times on Twitter.
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Kohl is a borderline celebrity. This last week I heard the student section chanting about him. The ESPN broadcast crew was excited to see him, taking pictures with him and putting them on social media,
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- Joe Nickell, assistant athletic director/ media relations at Boise State Britta Closson is the proud owner and friend of Kohl. She is a professional dog trainer at Positive Pets Dog Training, a business located here in the Treasure Valley. Closson has owned Kohl for four years. “Kohl is such a sweetheart. He has the best personality. He’s made me a better trainer,” Closson said. Closson discussed the process that goes into training Kohl to retrieve items such as the kickoff tee. “My dad originally trained Kohl to be a hunting dog. He has that drive in him to retrieve different items—he can even fetch car keys now,” Closson said. Closson was not expecting the video of Kohl to go viral.
Kohl, an American field lab, retrieves the tee for Boise State’s football team. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
“I thought it was really crazy. I saw this one post that had two million views,” Closson said. Not only does Kohl retrieve the kickoff tee at the football games, but he also retrieves the baseball bats at the Boise Hawks games. According to Kyla Brede, the marketing director of Positive Pets Dog Training, they sponsor one of the Boise State basketball games each year, where Kohl performs during the halftime show. Last year Kohl even made a basket during his show. “We love going to games, they are so much fun,” Closson said. Joe Nickell, the assistant athletic director/media relations at Boise State, said the University started the kickoff tee fetching tradition back in the early to mid-1990s.
Boise State didn’t have a tee fetching dog for a while, but the tradition was brought back eight years ago. Nickell has his own insight on why he thinks Kohl became so viral on social media. “For one, I think people love dogs. But secondarily, I think it’s just something different–you don’t expect to see a dog retrieving a tee on a football field,” Nickell said. “Kohl fetching the kickoff tee seems to go viral at least once a year. ESPN will show it on the broadcast, and a new group of people that hadn’t seen it before makes it a national story all over again.” Nickell explained more about the reactions Kohl has received at the games “Kohl is a borderline celebrity. This last week I heard the student section chanting
about him. The ESPN broadcast crew was excited to see him, taking pictures with him and putting them on social media,” Nickell said. According to Closson, Kohl also competes in dock jumping competitions. He can jump 23 feet off the docks. “For those who have dogs, you can train a dog to do just about anything,” Closson said. Kohl now has a Facebook page where you can keep updated on games or events he will be involved with.
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NEWS
OCTOBER 10, 2017
SouthFork Market to open Oct. 24
New dining option in the Honors College debutes at the end of the month Ximena Bustillo | News Reporter | news@stumedia.edu
“There are not a lot of places where students can go and study late at night,” Hyer said. “This will also provide an option for dining with faculty and enhanced programming.” The wants and needs Freshman political science and economics major Jackson Blackwell is interested in this new facility. “I look forward to the new dining hall being a location with good food,” Blackwell said. “I hope to see new, healthy, diverse options that aren’t found at other locations on campus.” Sophomore health science major, Holly Harper, pointed out this may also be beneficial for students who may not live on campus.
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The goal was to get a more upscale varety then we have had on campus before.
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-Nicole Nimmons, executive director of campus services
Each food station is to have higher quality options. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
The SouthFork Market dining hall, located on the first floor of the new Honors College and Sawtooth Hall, is set to fully open on Oct. 24. A soft opening will take place on Oct. 16. Complete with charging stations, seating and meal stations, this new venue will provide another space for students to eat and study. The SouthFork Market Nicole Nimmons, executive director of campus services, explained the new dining hall will be available for anyone to use and pay for with cash, card, flex dollars or meal replacements. “It will be pay per item or per meal as opposed to a flat entry fee like the Boise
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River Cafe,” Nimmons said. “There are a minimum of eight meal exchanges available, two per station and a meal replacement will be one entree and two sides.” Nimmons explained the options for food provided are diverse and aimed to suffice student demands. Gluten-sensitive alternatives, soups, specialty salads and sandwiches, pre-made items, a mongolian BBQ and a grille for burgers, chicken and salmon will be available. “The goal was to get a more upscale variety than we have had on campus before,” Nimmons said. Assistant director of the Honors College, Christopher Hyer, is looking forward to this new service.
“We needed another food option on campus, one more à la carte styled,” Hyer said. Within the dining hall a Provisions on Demand (POD) store will be open with extended hours; the goal is to have it open 24 hours a day. “I designed this facility to allow the food stations to close while still allowing there to be full function of the dining area,” Nimmons said. “If there is an area for students, it should be a place to study, hangout and eat.” Nimmons and Hyer explained this facility is also a space with the potential for events and for students to make and create what they want with it.
“As someone who doesn’t live in the Honors building, but spends a lot of time there, it would be great to have some options for snacks or a quick lunch while I’m there for meetings or in between classes,” Harper said. This design was created with the help of multiple surveys of students conducted last year, according to Nimmons. “I want an opportunity for a student that needs a quiet place to study at 2 a.m. to have a safe place to go and still grab something to eat,” Nimmons said. “This starts with getting the food services going, getting that quality going.”
OCTOBER 10, 2017
eSports holds launching party to celebrate status as varsity program
NEWS
The program recently reformatted to become a varsity sport at Boise State Michelle Belden | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
eSports participants play at the launching party hosted Oct. 3. Photo by Michelle Belden.
Boise State eSports held a launch party in the Jordan Ballroom last Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the reboot of the program. The eSports program recently reformatted and hosted the party in order to help spread the word about its new status as a varsity program. “We’re trying to get the community involved and show that Boise State eSports is here and is going to make a big impact on the community,” said Daniel Wu, sophomore biochemistry major and vice president of Boise State eSports. In a previous article, The Arbiter explored eSports as an upcoming trend of competitive gaming that many universities have been taking on. Boise State recently added the eSports program into varsity sports. “I am really competitive, so ‘League
of Legends’ having a huge pro scene and competitive scene made it a good fit and community to be a part of,” said Brandon Benoit, freshman computer science major and member of the eSports program. The event included a display of each game available to play in the program: “League of Legends,” “Hearthstone,” “Heart of the Storm” and “Rocket League.” Each table featured a game and allowed students to play and watch each other compete. Senior biology major Tae Shin Yang, who has been playing “League of Legends” for five years, was one of the players demonstrating at the “League of Legends” table. “Whenever I play, it makes me feel all sorts of emotions. I feel happy, angry and sad—and sometimes they all explode. I
really enjoy it,” Yang said. After spending some time getting acquainted with what eSports has to offer, a speech was given by education technology professor Chris Haskell, who hinted at a few exciting new prospects and upcoming features—including a new gaming room on campus. The second speech was given by Daniel Wu, who encouraged students to join eSports because of the promising future it holds. “Students at Boise State are trendsetters. We do things differently. We do things better. Our ‘blue turf thinking’ is what helps us realize that the next big thing is competitive eSports,” Wu said. “I am proud to be at a university bold enough to say, ‘Why not take all these amazing gamers, casters and fans, give them the
stage and create something special?’” After the speeches, the audience was given a taste of what the eSports experience is like, as the club members competed in a game of “League of Legends.” There were two teams—Blue versus Orange–and both teams had five competitors. Attendees were encouraged to wear either a blue or orange wristband to promote the team they were rooting for. The competition ended with a win for the Blue Team, with a total of 28 to 13 kills and a successful annihilation of the Orange Team’s Nexus—the ultimate goal of the game. For students interested in joining or becoming a fan of eSports, upcoming events are posted in the program’s Facebook page.
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OPINION
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Football players should stand for the anthem and what is represents
What I see when players kneel for our anthem
| BLUE VIEW |
Robert McCullough | Guest Writer | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
To my close friends currently serving in the armed forces and law-enforcement. Who personify honor, integrity, duty, and sacrifice in the highest manner, you are the true heroes of this generation. Growing up, I played football from grade school well into high school. The friendships, lessons and memories I made will always be a part of who I am. However, my love of the sport and the organization that runs it has been completely tarnished. Look no further than this 2017 season, which has been infected with a great number of players taking a knee, sitting down, staying in their locker rooms, etc. during our national anthem. This is unprofessional, unsportsmanlike, and a complete slap in the face to you, me and the rest of the country. First, I want to be clear, I support every American who wants to use their First Amendment rights to protest. My mother was an immigrant who came to the United States to escape an oppressive communist government, where the idea of free speech was just a dream. This is not a right I take for granted and is why I will utilize mine to call these athletes out on their behavior and message. I also realize the people protesting may have had different upbringings and backgrounds than I, and may see the world differently. Again, this isn’t about whether they have the right to kneel. It’s about whether they should be kneeling given the solemn nature of the anthem as well as the time and place it is being conducted. The average American loves this nation, flag and anthem, and has a good reason to be boycotting the NFL. The power of kneeling As a team, football players should be out
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on the field and standing quietly as the anthem plays. If a player doesn’t want to put his hand on his heart, that’s his choice, but he should have enough character to at least stand quietly and understand the solemn nature of what that anthem means to the rest of Americans watching, especially to those who fought and died protecting it. On Oct.1 of this year the Miami Dolphins prepared to play against the New Orleans Saints in London, England at Wembley Stadium. Three Dolphins players decided to kneel for the American national anthem but rise for the British National Anthem just as several other players did the week prior when the Baltimore Ravens took on the Jacksonville Jaguars. I guess Britain’s history of oppression is not cause for concern? Kneeling is no small gesture. You’re not showing “solidarity” as they like to frame it. Solidarity is saying, despite our differences, we are Americans first and foremost and will stand up to continue trying to make America as great a place as it can and has been. The anthem and flag are a symbol of unity and are just a few things we have left in this country that hasn’t become politicized. It’s important to understand that the government and laws are separate from the flag. It is not beholden to any political party or race. The flag and our anthem knows no partisanship unless we let it. NFL hypocrisy This issue wouldn’t be as major if the NFL let all it’s players voice their opinions equally. So why is the NFL so hypocritical with how they treat activism by their players? Either let players be activists or have a hard line stance that they are there to play football. But no, the NFL is clearly more concerned with playing politics. For instance, they refused to let the Dallas Cowboys wear stickers on their helmets to commemorate the deaths of five Dallas police officers working and providing security at a Black Lives Matter protest. But then
the NFL turned a blind eye when Colin Kaepernick wore socks which depicted police officers as pigs, and then threatened to fine Titans linebacker Avery Williamson when he wanted to wear cleats honoring those who died on 9/11. When looking at this double standard it becomes clear this isn’t an issue simply about letting players speak their opinions. It is simply a matter of the NFL choosing to play politics. Respect for sacrifices Lastly, have the people in support of their protest really taken time to comprehend what our soldiers have sacrificed so they can behave this way? Do they not watch the news and see our people, our countrymen, come home draped in Old Glory? Do they not sympathize with the widow’s who lose their wife or husband in the service of our country both in Law-Enforcement and the military? Have they ever thought about what it would feel like to be the son, daughter, wife or father being handed that folded flag in honor of their loved one’s sacrifice? Can they imagine what it means to a veteran to hear “The Star Spangled Banner” play? World War II veteran Donald Houck explains, “When I hear ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ tears come to my eyes, America is good.” If you want a country to falter, then divide the people from each other. This is what we are letting happen. This is what we must stop. I encourage everyone to listen to Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” one more time and regain that American spirit. Because, at the end of the day, this isn’t about partisanship, race, class or any other terms we use to divide ourselves. It’s about the phrase “I am an American,” which are the only words worth defining ourselves with.
BLUE VS. ORANGE
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Taking a knee is just as American as standing for the anthem
National symbols belong to everyone—including those who are protesting
OPINION | ORANGE VIEW |
Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-In-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Controversy surrounding the “Take a Knee” protest movement, started by NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016, has dominated the conversation around the NFL’s ongoing 2017 season. While NFL’s ratings are lower than last year due to a myriad reasons, The U.S.’s favorite sport is, as of right now, all about that moment before the game even begins, when the “Star-Spangled Banner” is played. Criticism of protests Since the nation first noticed Kaepernick’s protests back in 2016, the ongoing series of quiet protests has gained the attention of President Trump, seemingly culminating in a statement, when he advised NFL team owners to deal with protesting players by saying, “Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He’s fired.” Trump’s administration has continued to reinforce its views of the movement, as Vice President Mike Pence recently walked out of an NFL game after seeing players protest during the anthem. While some of Kaepernick’s critics, such as Trump, have questioned the original purpose of the protests—systemic racism toward black Americans and police brutality—others among the movement’s opposition claim they have no problem with the message, but the fact that it’s done during the anthem crosses the line. However, these critics are missing the point. Both in terms of exposure and potency, this small moment before the starting whistle is an ideal time for these athletes to make their voices heard. And as much as some don’t like to see it, advocating for black Americans to be able to live better lives exemplifies what patriotism ought to be in the first place. A break from politics In order to unpack that statement, let’s take a closer look at the idea that these protesting players should take their politics elsewhere. One of the biggest flaws within this argument is that it fails to recognize DUELING OPINIONS
that our lives are inherently political. Governmental and societal constructs affect our everyday lives, our art and, yes, our sports and entertainment. Addressing these subjects within these mediums is part of what it means to be an engaged citizen. The inescapability of politics exists espe-
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Just as members of the armed forces and their loved ones use the flag as a reminder of their sacrifice, these players can use this opporutnity to address the injustices we see every day at home. Doing so doesn’t make them any less American than those who stand and put their hands over their hearts.
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cially so for less privileged Americans in the U.S., such as those in racial minority groups. Insisting we all put these things aside for a day for the comfort of the viewers is simply not a luxury many Americans can afford. Studies have shown many young black men feel sports is one of the only ways they can be successful. Military recruitment programs have been observed targeting minority communities as well. These issues are not ones we can afford to “take a break” from, as they reflect the realities of many who are living in our country. There is a level of disruption required in protest, and this is as fair game as any. Respecting the armed forces One must also address what is perhaps the most prominent accusations of the protest—the idea that kneeling during
the anthem is disrespectful to our troops. This relies on a number of assumptions. First, not all veterans disapprove of what Kaepernick and others are doing. Granted, just because some members of a group go against the norm, that doesn’t necessarily mean certain things aren’t disrespectful. However, the act of kneeling as opposed to sitting down during the anthem was decided upon as a way to express their personal respect for those in the military, while still maintaining protest. Taking the stance that those who don’t follow normal protocol around the flag and anthem don’t respect the military makes worrying assumptions about to whom those symbols belong. As symbols of our country, they are not owned by the institution of the military, but rather, by the people. Just as members of the armed forces and their loves ones use the flag as a reminder of their sacrifice, these players can use this opportunity to address the injustices we see every day at home. Doing so doesn’t make them any less American than those who stand and put their hands over their hearts. Kaepernick and others have made it very clear that they are trying to speak out for the people who live here, and who are being oppressed. Whether through the military, activism or our daily lives, it is ultimately the American people to whom we must pledge our allegiance. Being willing to criticize one’s home is a form of investment, not rejection. For those kneeling on the sidelines, patriotism comes in many more varieties than what we typically perceive.
Got a comment, thought, opinion or rebuttal? Send a letter to the editor at opinion@stumedia.boisestate.
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FEATURE
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Protests elicit more questions about free speech policies on campus
Boise State addresses free speech in light of graphic demonstrations on the quad
Alyza Lovenguth | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
An on-campus demonstration regarding abortion raised questions of free-speech. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
Students and faculty approached a towering, graphic display of late-term abortions on the quad on Sept. 27. The display was surrounded by metal gates and protesters from both sides of the anti-abortion, pro-abortion rights debate. Despite some negative responses from students, the protest–orchestrated by the Center for Bioethical Reform, a pro-life non-profit organization–continued Sept. 27 and 28 until disappearing from the quad on Sept. 29. Boise State’s role in complying to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was addressed in the assistant director of content for the Office of Communications, Sherry Squires’, article “Free Speech at Boise State University” on Sept. 22, published before the protests erupted.
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Although Squire addressed Boise State’s free speech policy, the anti-abortion exhibit resurfaced student concern. For students confused about what speech is allowed on campus, media and democracy professor Rick Moore outlined how the government–and more specifically the U.S. Supreme Court–protects freedom of speech in our country, states and cities. “What I’d say as a general rule for citizens is to have a general understanding about these matters, they should just assume speech is protected; in fact, that’s the way the U.S. Supreme Court has tended to deal with cases related to speech,” Moore said. “On those rare occasions where speech is not protected, the government must have a really good reason to limit it.” Both Moore and Boise State’s Dean of
Students Chris Wuthrich acknowledge that most free speech is protected unless it
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On those rare occasions where speech is not protected, the government must have a really good reason to limit it,
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- Rick Moore, professor of media and democracy incites acts of violence. Similarly, Wuthrich and Moore argue the fear individuals feel
concerning their well-being is not necessarily involved in their physical well-being, but instead, their emotional well-being. “A lot of people today are concerned about their feeling of safety–not physical safety but sort of a safety from how it makes them feel, how it makes them reflect on things and how it makes them reflect on themselves,” Wuthrich said. “That’s a real world concern. As an educator, I’m concerned with people being able to build resilience, be secure in their personhood.” Taite Apker, a student pro-choice activist, concurred that the Center for Bioethical Reform is using its First Amendment rights, but argued graphic images–like ones used for their display–are problematic concerning adolescents on campus. “Kids are coming up the quad because
FEATURE
OCTOBER 10, 2017
A graphic demonstration on the quad raised concerns about free speech limitations at Boise State. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
their parents have classes and some of them work on campus,” Apker said. “(These parents) have to have their kids here, and they’re having issues with that.” Moore also said free speech can be hurtful and empathized with that, however, he argued that instead of restricting free speech, individuals should react to bad speech with more speech–channeling a quote from Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. “I fully understand some people are concerned there is a form of speech out there that is hurtful, and it’s something that I understand people are sometimes hurt by other individuals’ speech. But at the same time, it falls under the same principles,” Moore said. “When a group is speaking in such a way that we presume hurts another group, we speak back clearly and forcefully
and say, ‘here’s why this person shouldn’t say this; here’s why what the person is
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The university should be a place where we encourage debate, open speech and communication with each other,
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- Chris Wuthrich, dean of students saying is wrong and hurtful.’ The answer to bad speech is more speech.” Others on campus, according to Moore, may argue that they do not believe an
off-campus organization like Center for Bioethical Reform should be allowed to perform its free speech on campus. Moore refuted this argument by challenging these individuals’ motives. “Some people don’t like the group that is presenting this exhibit that is going on right now and they say the reason is because it’s an off-campus group,” Moore said. “I would ask that person if he or she is going to be consistent with that ruling. Are they really against all off-campus groups coming to the university and presenting their views, or are they only against this off-campus group coming and presenting their ideas?” Wuthrich believes, in order for students to grow intellectually, individuals must be exposed to a variety of voices on campus
“I think we need to be a marketplace of ideas, so people can come together and gather on whatever side of the issue it might be. This display happens to be some of a more divisive one,” said Wuthrich. “The university should be a place where we encourage debate, open speech and communication with each other; but from where I come from, as the dean of students, I’m more interested in pluralism.”
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NOTES
OCTOBER 10, 2017
In your corner
“What do you do?” ASBSU President reflects on day-to-day activities Sienna George | Staff Writer, ASBSU President | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu
“What do you even do?” Ah, the question of the year. For those who know me well, or for those who have access to view my beloved Google calendar, they know that the color-coded daily columns are no joke. I live and lead by these little hour-blocks of time stacked perfectly on top of one another. It’s become somewhat of a running joke amongst my friends: “Better calendar it in, Sienna.” “Could you send me a google calendar invite for that?” The art of mastering busyness seems to have become a synonym for my life. Trust me, I know this is nothing new—we’re all in college after all—each fulfilling our own version of “busy,” perhaps even glorifying its notion while in pursuit. However, I’d like to propose an alternative. Perhaps the question we should be asking instead is not what we do, but why
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we do it. And for me, that will always be the easiest answer to give: Because I care. On a daily basis, as your Student Body President, I attend an average of six meetings. Some days there are more, some days there are less. Sometimes these meetings are with my executive team members and we catch up on the intricate details of their interpersonal relationships that we’re all too familar with in college, and on others, we reveiw the goals and values they each set forth for themselves at the beginning of the year. Sometimes these meetings are with educators and mentors in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management who update me on the latest insititutional policy changes, or offer their wisdom as I navigate national conversations that impact our university directly. Other days, my meetings are to address student concerns such as food
insecurity, sexual assault and campus safety, free speech, diversity and inclusion or mental health. In short, I’m constantly learning. The plethora of meetings would quite frankly be boring to any reader, but on any given day it seems there are no shortage of two things in my role as president: the first is e-mails, and the second is compassion. While I often find the first word out of my mouth when someone asks how I am is: “busy” or “tired,” there is seldom a day that passes in which I am not reminded why every meeting I attend is important, and every Google calendar event a privilege. While my position is not as glamorous as the title may imply, and my office hours are largely spent leading a team of the most caring, committed, and hardworking students I know, (disclaimer: I’m a little biased) my job as your Student Body
President is the most rewarding position I have ever held not because of what I do, but because of the why I am reminded of daily by students like you. The students on this campus remind me that the “why” is located in their voices, their care, and their concern for not only this campus, but the community and the world that this place is meant to prepare us to enter. For me, if the least I can do is infuse student voice, empathy and compassion into every meeting I attend, every office hour I log, every email I send and every student encounter, all while doing my best work to represent you—the student—then it has been a successfully busy day. I would challenge you all, admidst the “glorified busy” to ask yourself why, and see what happens when you’re truly honest with that answer.
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Artist alumni come home for new SUB art exhibit
CULTURE
New printmaking exhibit is installed in Student Union art gallery Shannon Brennan | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
23 Boise State Alumni traveled from all across the United States to come “home” to produce and graciously donate works of printmaking for a new art exhibit in the Student Union Building aptly titled “There’s No Press Like Home.” The exhibit is open to the pubic and can be found on the second floor of the Student Union Building. It showcases about 60 different framed prints. The show opened Tuesday Oct. 3 and will run until Nov. 5. In this exhibit select alum were given access to the printmaking facilities on
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All the artists that I work with, and myself included, have certain ideas and concepts that we want to convey through our artwork.
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- Professor Jil AnnieMargaret, Head of Printmaking Artist explore their current threads of inquiry in the new SUB exhibit. Photo by Taylor Lippman.
campus and, in exchange, they each produced prints for the project. The “There’s No Press Like Home” webpage states, “This studio-based homecoming presented us with the opportunity to reflect on our growth while creating new connections and camaraderie.” As explained by Professor Jill AnnieMargaret, head of Printmaking in the Fine Arts Department at Boise State, the artists were given freedom in choosing the subject of their art as they explored their own “current threads of inquiry”. “All the artists that I work with, and myself included, have certain ideas and concepts or things we want to convey through our artwork.” AnnieMargaret said.
This freedom allowed for a beautiful and diverse collection of topics ranging from parenthood to mental illness and the impermanence of life. “It is a gorgeous representation of the diversity of printmaking techniques and the intricacies that those artists can explore through screen printing and linocut and etching and aquatint and therefore allow us to explore those intricacies as well. It’s a beautiful show,” Fonda Portales, Art Curator at Boise State said. AnnieMargaret explained, in addition to the “There’s No Press Like Home” prints, part of the exhibit will feature work from 39 artists that worked under the theme of “Watershed” at the Rocky Mountain
Printmaking Alliance Symposium in April 2016. “The ‘Watershed’ Portfolio aspect of the ‘There’s No Press Like Home’ prints, all those artists were focused on the idea of ‘Watershed’, and there’s a lot of definitions of that particular word.” AnnieMargaret said. All of these artists, from both the “Watershed” portion of the exhibit as well as “There’s No Press Like Home” have donated their work as part of a crowdfunding venture through Boise State’s PonyUp program. Their work is available at different levels as donation incentives through their campaign to raise money for a new printing press for the Boise State Art
Department. “The press that we are raising the funding for is a much larger machine. It will actually really expand what students and faculty can do in the studio.” Said Annie Margaret. Taking a quick trip up to the second floor of the SUB to see these beautiful prints after your next dinner at the BRC might be worthwhile. Walk up the stairs to take a moment of your day to reflect on the different themes of “There’s No Press Like Home” and discover your own definition of “Watershed.”
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CULTURE
OCTOBER 10, 2017
New halloween event crawls to town
College City Crawls hosts bar crawl to get into the spooky spirit on Friday the 13th
Veronica Lemaster | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Silly Burch, Whiskey BAr, Fatty’s, Humping Hannah’s and Tom Grainey’s are among the bars included in the crawl. Photo courtesy of Whiskey Bar’s Facebook page.
College City Crawls’ first Halloween themed pub crawl will take place Friday the 13th on Main Street from 8 p.m. to midnight. Nicknamed “The Nightmare on Main Street,” Crawl-O-Ween is suited for those who like to dress up and meet new people. College City Crawls is a business created earlier this year by Joey Braxton. Alongside him is Diana DeJesus and his sister, as well as founder of the popular Instagram page @boise_bucketlist. “The overall concept is to bring themed
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excitement to Boise,” Braxton said. Crawl-O-Ween is not only intended for the college crowd, but also for anyone looking to make friends on a spooky night. The night will be featuring popular bars along Main Street. Ticket prices start at $20, which includes a signature bar crawl cup, a passport crawl card and pin and a welcome drink. The passport will be marked off at each location that the crawlers visit. Participating bars will also be having drink specials for crawlers. Some of the participating bars include
Silly Burch, Whiskey Bar, Fatty’s, Humping Hannah’s and Tom Grainey’s. More venues, along with the theme, will be announced closer to the crawl date. Though no one knows what to expect, Ryan Andrews, the general manager at Fatty’s, believes it’ll be a good turnout. “We love bar crawls because it brings out a variety of people that are different than the usual people we see every weekend. Everyone gets really excited for the event and it’s a positive vibe all around,” Andrews said.
For those under 21, the crawl will cater to everyone by featuring different events for anyone who doesn’t want to go bar to bar. The goal of the crawl is to complete a passport by visiting each bar. One of the first 100 to do so will receive a free “swag” bag filled with Halloween themed goodies. In order to get 15 percent off ticket prices, Boise State students can use the code “Early Bronco.”
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Threading the needle between impulse and fun
CULTURE
Local tattoo parlor provides discounted tattoos and piercing on Friday Oct. 13 Hannah Schliep | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Many students will put their superstitions aside and get their freak on by getting discounted tattoo’s and piercings for a killer price on Friday Oct 13. Talented artists at Skin Deceptions Tattoo Studio located on Overland Road will be offering $20 tattoos and piercings from 11 a.m. to 11p.m. on Oct. 13. Every tattoo or piercing you purchase will enter you into a raffle for a $100 tattoo gift certificate. In the past, many students have participated in the event at various tattoo studios.
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It appealed to me because I’m a broke college kid ballin’ on a college budget. So when I saw that something was only $13 the cheapness sparked my interest.
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- Kylee Webster, senior
“I participated in the Friday the 13th tattoo/piercing deals my sophomore year. It appealed to me because I’m a broke college kid ballin’ on a college budget. So when I saw that something was only $13 the cheapness sparked my interest,” Senior Kylee Webster said. “I was debating getting a flash tattoo but I decided if I’m getting something permanent on me I’d rather pick it out myself then pick it off of a piece of paper. Plus, a $13 permanent investment doesn’t seem like a good one for me personally. Instead I opted for the piercing and got my cartilage pierced,” Webster said. Webster explained that although the parlor was crowded, the service was fantastic. “Overall it was a fun experience. 10 out
of 10, would recommend,” Webster said. In the past, there have been multiple Boise businesses taking part in this event. Previous participating company, Devotion Tattoo Studio, had their final Friday the 13th special last year after participating for over 5 years. “People were taking advantage of the service, and treating our employees poorly, we ultimately decided that this past year would be our final year,” an employee who asked to remain nameless said. Senior Baylee P. got tattooed her freshman year at Devotion Tattoo Studio. “I went just to watch my brother get a tattoo, and then I ended up getting matching tattoos with him. I wouldn’t do it again, just because it was super irrational and I didn’t think about it for a long period of time,” Bailey said. For those unfamiliar with Friday the 13th tattoo specials, be aware that the designs are limited to what the artists have provided in their stock flash tattoos. They will not be posting the designs on social media or sending them out. If you choose to attend this event, make sure to treat your artists well, tips are generously accepted and encouraged. All tattoos and piercings will be offered to those over 18 or with parental consent.
Students will be able to choose from a selection of tattoos for a low price. Photo courtesy of Skin Deceptions Tattoo Studio’s Facebook page.
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SPORTS & REC
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Bronco Girl trotts onto the Bronco Blue
The new face of Boise State’s Bronco Girl
Daniel Gardner | Sports Editor | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Chances are the last time you saw Brianna Flansburg, she was racing onto the blue carrying the Boise State flag while riding a horse. Here, she sits on her bed in her college dorm room on a warm September day, waiting for her friends so she can go four-wheeling. Brianna’s room is tidy; there are no signs of her horse, and the only thing strewn about are the posters and pins she keeps around for game days. Brianna is 18, a college freshman, on home game weekends, Flansburg is the Bronco Girl dressed to the nines walking around Albertsons stadium while children and adults alike come up to her asking for autographs. During the school week though, she is Bri; an 18-year-old girl who is extroverted and the typical Boise State student, other than the possible perk of being snapchat pals with Cedrick Wilson, Boise State Football’s star senior receiver. living away from home for the first time.
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Bri is always willing to jump in and get the job done and get her hands dirty, it doesn’t matter how difficult it is, she can get anything done”
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- Michelle Gage, family friend “I wanted to be a Bronco Girl when I was a kid,” Flansburg said. “When I was younger, I would Google looking at Bronco Girls coming out of the tunnel.” Flansburg said she feels lucky that she now gets to come out of the tunnel as the smoke shoots through the air and the crowd is roaring. It’s a feeling she said she loves, even though in the process it’s a little nerve-wracking. Flansburg’s story started in Star, Idaho, where she was raised. A rural town outside of Boise, Brianna grew up on ranches and
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Bronco Girl taking to the turf before a game. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
rode horses her entire life. Her grandparents had always raised and raced horses, and according to Flansburg, she took to the lifestyle quickly. By the time Flansburg was 11, she was riding in parades with the “Eh-Capa 4H” bareback riding group. There she learned to treat her horse with care when preparing it for outings, stay composed in long parades and carry herself with confidence. Even as a child Flansburg was remembered for many of the things that make her noteworthy today “Bri always is willing to jump in and get the job done and get her hands dirty,” said Michelle Gage, a family friend. “It doesn’t
matter how difficult it is, she can get anything done.” In reference to Flansburg wrestling pigs into a pin. As a sophomore in high school, she took to the Eagle High School field on her horse. The school administration was hesitant, but Flansburg said she was persistent in getting the school to let her ride before football games. Though in the past choosing the Bronco Girl was an audition process, by the end of her senior year at Eagle, Flansburg was offered the position of Boise State’s Bronco Girl at 17-years-old. Cassie, Flansburg’s horse, was a rescue from a ranch where many of the horses were starving.
“She looked like a sack of bones with a curtain draped over her,” Flansburg said. At 25, Cassie is still spry. She’s had a life filled with training and racing. Flansburg thoughis plenty busy being a freshman, as she mentions things such as deciding where to eat and making friends on campus. She focuses on being the Bronco Girl and everything that it entails. “I’m really excited about the Homecoming game, on Nov. 4. I’ll be in the parade,” Flansburg said.
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Men’s club hockey pucks around at the showcase
SPORTS & REC
Club hockey team hosts Bronco Roundup Invitational showcase
Joshua Arace | Delaney Bressil | Staff writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu The downtown CenturyLink Arena became home to eight college club hockey teams from Thursday, Sept. 28 to Sunday Oct. 1 for the Bronco Roundup Invitational Showcase. Denver University, Weber State, University of Washington, Utah State, Cal State Northridge, Montana Tech, San Jose State and, of course, Boise State took to the ice over the weekend to kick off the club hockey season.
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It’s unfortunate that people don’t know about the hockey team. We try to make it fun and we have a lot of fun playing.
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- Josh Kincaid, Team President While flying under the radar for the most part, the Boise State club hockey team has been around for seven years, not including a stint in the 80s. Despite the low recognition, the team has seen success as of late, making the playoffs in the 20152016 season. “It’s unfortunate that people don’t know (about the team),” said team president Josh Kincaid. “We try to make it fun and we have a lot of fun playing.” Launching into the showcase on Sept. 28, the Broncos took on University of Washington. Goal after goal was scored as Bronco fans banged on the glass in support. Jake Minton, Michael Carranza, Connor Hoernlein and others found the net time after time, eventually leading to a blowout 11-3 victory. The goalie, Corey Grummick, had 21 saves for UW’s 24 shots, and Kincaid, Carranza and Erik Pinsky were there for almost every assist. On top of being able to watch action-packed games, the audience was also
treated to entertainment and free Bronco gear between periods. Junior hockey members held a short scrimmage, and then tossed out blue and orange necklaces and t-shirts to the crowd. Later, members of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity went head to head in a chair-race across the ice. The next night, Boise State tied Denver University 6-6 in another exciting game. Hoernlein and Carranza scored two goals each, and Griffin Ames and Minton contributed to the score as well. After the tie against Denver University, Boise State took on Montana Tech the following afternoon. The Broncos won the game, beating Montana Tech 6-1. Carranza started the scoring party early with a pair of goals in the first period, then Kincaid finished the game with the team’s sixth goal in the third period. “We just want to keep winning, go to nationals and show our stuff out there,” Kincaid said. “It’s always fun, I’ve been there once and I want to do it again.” Broncos’ goaltender Brody Cavataio played well, posting 25 saves of the night on 26 attempts, losing his shutout bid late in the third. The Broncos’ special teams also played well, killing four of five penalties and converting on three of eight power play opportunities. Following their 2-0-1 weekend, Boise State now improves to 4-0-1 on the season. It is a solid start to the season for the team. The Broncos play next on Oct. 27 when they travel to Washington to take on the Huskies.
Men’s club hockey playing in the Bronco Roundup Invitational. Photo by Kenzie Hudson
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SPORTS & REC
OCTOBER 10, 2017
Ski season is coming: here are the best deals for students
Numerous locations around Idaho offer discounts for season passes
Jeff Hokenson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu The start of October brings us another month closer to winter, and the start of the ski and snowboard season. It is time to start preparing to shred some fresh powder. If students are looking to hit the slopes often, they will want to look into investing in a season pass. Many of the ski resorts in Idaho are offering great deals on season passes for college students right now.
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Bogus Basin has a unique propostion that other mountains in the area can’t offer, you can get out of class at 3 p.m. and still have time to get a full day of skiing in.
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- Austin Smith, marketing coordinator for Bogus Basin Local favorite, Bogus Basin, is offering a season pass to full-time college students for $199 until Oct. 31. For a group of five or more full-time students to buy season passes together, they are only $149 each. This deal ends at the end of the month. Bogus Basin is located only 16.5 miles north of downtown Boise, so it’s quick and easy for Boise State students to get to. “Bogus Basin has a unique proposition that other mountains in the area can’t offer,” said Austin Smith, marketing coordinator for Bogus Basin. “You can get out of class at 3 p.m. and still have time to get a full day of skiing in.” According to Smith, lifts will tentatively open in early December, depending on snowfall. Construction teams have been busy at Bogus Basin in the off-season, with the additions of a new one-acre grass lawn in front of a 12,000-square foot heated patio, an outdoor food venue and new learn-to-
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ride areas. Additionally, Bogus’ new mountain coaster—which is 4,200 feet long and reaches up to 40 feet off the ground—is projected to open in the late fall. It will be the first of its kind in Idaho. Students looking to go farther north this winter could take advantage of Tamarack Resort’s college pass for $99. “We have the single best price in the nation on a season pass for college students,” said Brad Larsen, general manager at Tamarack Resort. This price is only available for college students until Nov. 13, when prices will rise. Tamarack added a new intermediate tree skiing area with easy access to its “Showtime Trail”—one of the main runs on the hill—for this season. Opening day for Tamarack is Dec. 8. Located farther east is Sun Valley Resort, another popular Idaho ski locale. Sun Valley is offering full-time college students between the ages of 18 and 25 a season pass to both Bald and Dollar mountains for $469. Sun Valley Resort was voted the No. 2 overall resort in North America by the 2017 SKI Magazine Readers’ Poll. This is the second time in three years that Sun Valley has received this award, according to Kelli Lusk, public relations and communications manager for Sun Valley Resort. “The rankings are a reflection of the ski area’s commitment to excellent grooming, superior guest experiences, unique and historic charm and virtually no lift lines,” Lusk said. Sun Valley Resort is projected to open on Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Day. For those who have a pass but still need some affordable gear, the 67th annual Ski Swap will be taking place Nov. 3-5 at the Boise Fairgrounds. If you can’t wait until November, Outdoor Exchange, located downtown on Grove Street offers great deals on ski and snowboard equipment and clothing as well.
Bogus Basin has been under construction during its off-season. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
Discounts for Bogus Basin season passes end on Oct. 31. Photo by Axel Quartarone.
“We’re here for the community and we’re here for recreation,” Smith said. “We want to get that community up and out to experience outdoor recreation.
Mark Your Calendar! Join Eckrich® and Albertsons® for some fantastic food and fun: • Samples of delicious Eckrich deli meats • Chance to win a pair of tickets to a Local College Football Game* • Live country music
11am–1pm, Tuesday, October 17 th Military members with military ID will receive a Free $24 Eckrich Military Coupon Booklet
*Must be present to win **While supplies last
Albertsons 1653 S Vista Ave Boise, ID 83705 © 2017 Smithfield
DEPARTMENT OF RESPIRATORY CARE Health Sciences Riverside Building 950 Lusk Street, Boise ID 83706
october 1 st -31 st
hs.boisestate.edu/respcare
GRAB YOUR PASS TO BOGUS BASIN
*$149 Each when you buy with a group of five friends. *$199 Solo Pass Deal HOW TO GET TO HEALTH SCIENCES RIVERSIDE BUILDING
*Friends must purchase together at 2600 N Bogus Basin Rd. *Proof of full-time college status is required to participate.
• Bronco Shuttle Orange Line, Stop #5 • Bicycle We are right off the Greenbelt! • Free Parking available When you arrive, pick up a permit from the Department of Respiratory Care. Display on the driver’s side of dashboard.
BOGUSBASIN.ORG