Sept. 3, 2020 THURSDAY
Issue No. 4 csceagle.com
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The voice of Chadron State College since 1920
100 1920 – 2020
NOTICE >> Because of Labor Day,
The Eagle will not publish Thursday, Sept. 10 SPORTS >>
CSC Rodeo to host home meet
Cowboys, cowgirls will kick off their season at Dawes County Fairgrounds, Sept. 11 Please see page 15
LIFESTYLES >>
Plainswalkers adjust to COVID-19
Club hosts its first game night tonight. Games will be available for checkout through semester
Photo by Brandon Davenport
A BAE-146 air tanker, capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of retardant, drops its payload during the Aristocrat Fire south of campus, Friday. - STORY AND PHOTOS PAGE 8-9.
Remembering the Second World War
INDEX
Sandoz Center exhibit offers campus, community a chance to step back in time and celebrate the 75th anniversary of victory in Japan.
News 2 Opinion 5 Lifestyles 7 Ag & Range 8 Sports 14
Wednesday marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the war with Japan, which put a stop to the devastation of the second world war - a conflict that took the lives of an estimated 70 to 85 million people. The Sandoz Center’s current exhibit commemorates
Please see page 11
the war with the display of hundreds of pieces of memorabilia donated mostly by Mark Hunt, security supervisor at CSC.
See pages 12 and 13 for more
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
News
NSCS mulls Trump’s tax deferral plan Trump’s COVID-19 relief payroll plan puts onus on employers, not employees, to pay deferred taxes By Aubrie Lawrence Co-Editor
Nebraska State College System officials said Tuesday they have not yet decided whether to implement President Trump’s payroll tax deferral plan, which takes effect this month and would show up in paychecks issued Oct. 1. The plan is intended to provide relief to workers earning bi-weekly pay of $4,000 or less during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to guidelines issued Saturday by the Department of the Treasury. Issued Aug. 8 as a presidential memorandum, Trump’s plan would permit employers, who normally withhold social security taxes from employees, to defer withholding those taxes for four months, Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.
The memorandum guidelines apply to eligible NSCS employees, including students. In an email Tuesday, NSCS Human Resources Specialist Kara Vogt said the NSCS is researching Trump’s proposal. “The NSCS is currently researching the memorandum and guidance regarding the employee social security tax withholding deferral,” Vogt said. Under Trump’s plan employers may opt not to participate, according to an email notice about the plan issued Monday from the National Newspaper Association. Based on the Treasury department’s memorandum those eligible for the program would be employees who earn $4,000 every two weeks, or an estimated $104,000 annually. At Chadron, Peru, and Wayne state colleges, that encompasses some mid-level administrators, most faculty, support staff and student employees. An employee who earns an estimated $55,000 annually pays roughly $280 a month in Social Security tax. Over a four month period, that reaches $1,120, which would come due in one lump sum, payable between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2021. On May 1, 2021, interest and penalties will accrue for any unpaid “applicable taxes,” the mem-
orandum states. However, if that employee earning $55,000 annually participated in the program, then resigned Dec. 31, the NSCS would be on the hook for that $1,120. Furthermore, the employer would be left to their own devices to collect from the employee who resigned. Those regulations apply to all employers who participate in Trump’s deferral plan. As of press time Wednesday, at least two of CSC’s three employee unions had not even considered the plan. CSC Faculty Union Representative to the State College Education Association James Koehn said Wednesday the issue has not been discussed among that union’s members. “This issue has not been a subject of conversation on the local level. I am unsure if the statewide or national groups have taken a position on the issue,” Koehn said. Kristol Cummings, vice president of Nebraska State College Professional Association said, “We have not, as a local group, discussed it.” An email and phone call late Wednesday afternoon seeking comment from Melvin Ainslie, a union representative for support staff, yielded no response.
THE EAGLE COVID-19 REPORT SOURCE: CSC website as of Wednesday, Sept. 2, 5 p.m.
TOTAL ACTIVE CASES Students: 9 Employees: 1 RECOVERIES Students: 17 Employees: 4 CUMULATIVE CASES Students: 26 Employees: 5
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CampusClear app launches
Pizza Picnic
u From CSC Public Relations
Photo by Mackenzie Dahlberg
Meron Ameha, 20, junior of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Paola Rodriguez, 22, senior of Marquette serve guests pizza for the International Club picnic Sunday at Wilson Park.
Chadron State College officials encourage all students and employees to download CampusClear, a free self-screening mobile application for symptoms related to COVID-19. The app is straightforward and quick to use. CampusClear says it takes less than 10 seconds for individuals to conduct daily health assessments. The app gives educational guidance to users, resulting in a campus “FastPass” for those with no symptoms, or encouraging individuals who may be showing symptoms to stay home, contact local health care providers and CSC, or seek testing opportunities. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. For those without access to a mobile device, a web app can be used. To sign up, users need to use their email address provided by Chadron State College. All user information is protected by Campus Clear and data that CSC receives will not be shared. Once users sign up for the app, they should complete the health assessment daily. Any individual who has concerns about their health should contact their health care provider or the school nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include
fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea should immediately contact their health care provider or the school nurse. “It is important for everyone involved with CSC to use the CampusClear app,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Student Services Jon Hansen. “The app is simple to use and provides students and employees with solid information. The college will also be able to use the information collected to view trends or adjust our COVID-19 plan.” According to its website, CampusClear is a partnership initiative between Ivy.ai, Creighton University, and Stony Brook University that formed to provide a technological solution to the challenge of self-screening as a foundational strategy of the return-to-campus initiative. CampusClear is a free app built to help colleges and universities return to campus safely and make informed decisions about on-campus activity. While CSC encourages all students and employees to use the free CampusClear app, there is a slight issue with the Health Log section. Individual users should disregard the Health Log section until Ivy.ai has corrected the issue. For more information about the CampusClear app, contact Information Technology at 308-432-6311.
Three CSC cadets rank in top 25 percent at leadership training u From CSC Public Relations Three Chadron State College Army ROTC cadets ranked in the top 25% at Operation Agile Leader, a training exercise conducted Aug. 11-20 at Camp Ripley Training Center near Little Falls, Minnesota. According to Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Dick Mendenhall, CSC seniors participated in a series of mental, physical, and leadership exercises to evaluate their leadership abilities. The tests included land navigation, basic rifle marksmanship, platoon leadership events, and conducting platoon tactical tasks like assaulting a bunker, conducting an ambush, and defending a strong point. Mendenhall said the evaluations drive the Order of Merit List for duty and career assignments in the component where each cadet has designated to serve, whether active duty, National Guard, or reserve. Konery Klueber of Rapid City, South Dakota, was third in the field of 157 college cadets from the Black Hawk Brigade encompassing Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. He won the Top Tactician award
for his performance in the field. Calvin DePriest of Omaha was 26th and Colton Alexander of Bridgeport finished in the top 25 percentile. Klueber, who serves as the Mount Rushmore Battalion Cadet Commander, said the training was not what the cadets expected their culminating summer training experience to be, due to adjustments for COVID-19, but was still a positive experience. “It was a blessing to have the opportunity to get to work with other future leaders from our brigade. The 10 cadets from our three-school battalion performed very well overall, with cadets from Chadron State helping lead that success. These rankings are a great representation of the excellent program we are all continually working to develop,” Klueber said. Mendenhall said he was proud of the team of six CSC cadets and pleased to have the opportunity to work with them. The additional three cadets who attended the training are Chase Thurness and Kalli Talbot of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Tristan Kreb of Chadron. “The CSC cadets did extremely well, which I am certain comes as no surprise to the CSC leadership,” Mendenhall said.
Photo by Tena Cook
CSC and Army ROTC Cadets, from left, Calvin DePriest of Omaha, Colton Alexander of Bridgeport, and Konery Klueber of Rapid City, South Dakota, pose Aug. 26, at the National Guard Armory near CSC. The three placed in the top 25% of cadets competing at Operation Agile Leader in Minnesota earlier in August.
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
News
Music dept. holds first recital of fall semester u By Brandon Davenport Co-Editor
Rachel Bergman, flautist, dean of visual and performing arts at Sheridan College, and director of the Sheridan College Flute Choir, graced the campus of Chadron State College, Saturday, as the first performer of the CSC music program’s 2020-2021 season. During her performance at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Chicoine Atrium,
Bergman played pieces by Bohuslav Martinu, Albert Franz Doppler and Andre Jolivet, accompanied by CSC’s Bobby Pace on the Piano. The recital also featured Pace playing a piece from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in D Major. The music program’s next event will be held the evening of Sept. 9. It will feature Brooks Hafey, associate professor of music, on piano playing pieces by Beethoven.
Bobby Pace, music department accompanist, dons a piano-themed facemask while playing a piece from Beethoven’s Sonata in D Major, Saturday.
Photos by Brandon Davenport
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Rachel Bergemen, dean of visual and performing arts at Sheridan College, entertains those gathered in the Sandoz Center Chicoine Atrium, Saturday evening.
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CO-EDITORS Brandon Davenport Aubrie Lawrence editor@csceagle.com NEWS EDITOR news@csceagle.com OPINION EDITOR Mackenzie Dahlberg opinion@csceagle.com SPORTS EDITOR Devin Fulton sports@csceagle.com LIFESTYLES EDITOR Chase Vialpando lifestyles@csceagle.com AG & RANGE EDITOR Kamryn Kozisek ageditor@csceagle.com PHOTOGRAPHER McKenzie Durand Katelynn Gomez
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csceagle.com | The Eagle | Sept. 3, 2020
As We See It From the Editor’s desk
There’s plenty to do in Chadron if you go outdoors
I
’ve heard many CSC students lament the fact that there’s not much to do in Chadron. But with over 180,000 acres of public land, this region is a great destination for outdoor recreation. My advice? Even if you’re unsure you’re the outdoors type - get yourself outside and explore. If you were raised hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and biking like I was, that’s easy to do. But if you’re like many students at CSC who didn’t grow up a regular in the outdoors, it may not be so simple. After all, many outdoor activities require special equipment or knowledge. It’s my belief that those of us who belong to the CSC and Chadron communities, and are lovers of the outdoors, need to do more to introduce others to the joys it brings. Currently, the Natural Sciences Club and the Wildlife Club both offer outdoor opportunities as a perk of membership. Wildlife tends to focus on hunting and fishing, two activities that have a bit more of a learning curve and equipment need, but during a conversation I had with club president Justin Gress earlier this semester, he indicated he and the club are more than happy to do what it takes to introduce the uninitiated. As for Natural Sciences, membership has been low
for the club recently and although I ron State Park maintains a selection of was unable to reach the club presifishing poles that visitors can use and dent for comment, I have to imagine RLA offers tents that can be checked they’d welcome students looking to out, but otherwise, easy access to enjoy the outdoors and the joy of equipment isn’t very realistic outside nature. of students purchasing their own, and Two of the most accessible that can get expensive. According to outdoor activities to enjoy in the area Taylor Osmotherly, Eagle Exchange are hiking and camping. Trails are tends to have more dress clothes than as close as C-Hill and opportunities outdoor gear, but RLA would be open Brandon Davenport to hike and camp abound in nearby to receiving donations of outdoor areas like The Cliffs, Chadron State equipment from the community were Park, Toadstool Geological Park, and Fort Robthey to be offered. inson. In the past, Northwest Nebraska Trails Now, more than ever, getting ourselves Association has held group hikes that included outdoors offers great benefits. In the days of CSC students, but the pandemic has put their COVID-19, having a good time is best done in events on hold, although Brittany Helmbrecht, nature. assistant HPER professor at CSC, who belongs But given CSC is located in Nebraska’s to the group, says they’re open to holding more premier area for outdoor recreation, introducing group hikes when guidelines allow it. She sugstudents to the outdoors and all it has to offer gests students looking to enjoy local trails visit should always be a priority for the college, and nwnebraskatrails.com for more information on for RLA. where hiking and biking trails are located in the In addition to having outdoor clubs and region. events, that means giving students easy access Not much beyond weather appropriate to outdoor gear. I’d like to personally call on the clothing is required to go for a hike, but many college and the Chadron community to make outdoor activities do require equipment. Chadthat happen.
As You Said It!
We asked: What was your reaction to Chadwick Boseman’s death?
FACULTY ADVISER Michael D. Kennedy Office: 308-432-6047 mkennedy@csc.edu MEMBERSHIPS Nebraska Press Association
Participation on The Eagle staff is open to all Chadron State College students. As a public forum, The Eagle invites guest columns and letters to the editor from all readers. Opinions expressed in submissions belong solely to the author(s) and DO NOT necessarily reflect the opinions of The Eagle staff, its adviser, CSC students, staff, faculty, administrators or governing body. Please limit all guest columns or letters to 400 words. Deadline for submissions is noon Monday for consideration in the following Thursday’s edition. The Eagle reserves the right to edit or reject all submissions.
Sarah Hough 18, freshman, Granby, Colorado
Jacob Muir 22, senior, Driggs, Idaho
Jori Stewart 18, freshman, Chadron
Trevor Smith 18, freshman, Strasburg, Colorado
Kinzee Swanson 18, freshman, Hemingford
“I was really shocked and saddened by how only a few months ago people were making fun of how skinny he looked. This teaches us not to judge other people without knowing their circumstances.”
“I was pretty sad about it. I heard and was like ‘no way!’”
“I thought it was sad and very unexpected.”
“I was a little sad I guess but honestly surprised since no one really knew about his cancer.”
“I didn’t really know who he was but I thought it was sad.”
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Opinion
As They See It
COVID reboots the roaring ‘20s u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Opinion Editor
Social media apps were buzzing in the months leading up to the change of the decade with talk about how great the 2020s will be, because of how great the 1920s were. And how we should bring back the vibrant lives of people from a century ago. But 2020 hasn’t been all it was expected to be. Australian bush fires, murder hornets, and COVID-19 are just a few things we’ve experienced this year alone. On top of that we’ve seen the loss of celebrities that are loved by many, like Kobe Bryant and recently, Chadwick Boseman. With what we’ve
faced throughout this first half of the decade; people are growing frustrated with the environment of the world. Some may be wishing they were born a century before now. People need to realize though that the 1920s weren’t the bee’s knees because of flappers or being able to get all dolled up. The 1920s were swell because people had a reason to cele- Mackenzie Dahlberg brate and to do it like tomorrow a little over a year later on Nov. wouldn’t come, because many 11, 1918. Despite the fact that the likely believed it wouldn’t. On June 28, 1914, the Arch- United States was only presduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria ent in the war for 18 months, was assassinated along with his according to encyclopewife. Countries sprang into ac- dia.1914-1918-online.net, the tion following his death and the United States experienced Great War had officially started 116,516 deaths and about exactly a month later. The Unit- 320,000 sick and wounded ed States joined the action on soldiers. With the advanceApril 6, 1917 and the war ended ments in military technology,
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the war proTr a g e vided a shock Australian bush fires, dy always to many peopaves the murder hornets and ple when men way for COVID-19 are just a c e l e b r a either didn’t return or retory times, few things we’ve turned with whether it’s experienced this year tomor ro w injuries. The war or a centualone. wasn’t the ry before - Mackenzie Dahlberg this year. only event that caused Even promany deaths. hibition Because of originalthe war, the Spanish Influen- ly brought great troubles for za spread around troops and people, but eventually led to the world in 1918. According successful speakeasies. to cdc.gov, one thirds of the So, if any day you’re upset world’s population, estimated with the current health or poat about 500 million people litical environment, just recontracted the disease. The member, the 1920s were liveestimate of worldwide deaths ly for a reason. Bad days will was 50 million, the United come but the good times are States had about 675,000. just around the corner.
Stepping Up with Abigail
The world needs everyday heroes u By Abigail Swanson Columnist
I always loved stories about heroes. People who acted in ways that most people could not or would not; people who carried a certain nobility about themselves. I still love those stories, but heroes are more than just people who perform a single act of selflessness, they are those who live lives full of small deeds preformed for others. William Wordsworth said it better, “… that best portion of a good man’s life, / His little, nameless, unremembered, acts / Of kindness and of love.” Heroic deeds are
not great epic quests, but small acts so easy to ignore or dismiss. In a world as unsettled and unforgiving as this one, we need heroes more than ever; not individuals who preform a single deed for the greater good, but people willing to live whole lives of humility, all while looking out for the people around them. Because we are all people and we Abigail Swanson all need encouragement from time to time. content of the notes was heartThe other day, my room- felt but not profound. And yet, mate and I wrote some cards I know those notes meant more of encouragement to faculty than just the literal meaning of we knew. They were not works the words we wrote. The simple of incredible beauty; the hand- knowledge that someone went writing was crooked and the out of their way to be kind to you
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is an incredibly this world, encouraging people who In a world as unsetthing. will go out tled and unforgiving Let me tell of their way you something for others. as this one, we need else: every time There may heroes now more than not be literI think of those cards and the al dragons ever. people reto slay, but - Abigail Swanson each day we ceiving them, I smile. The can pick up things that you our sword do affect your attitude. Maybe (or pen or snow shovel) and instead of sitting around wish- battle through monsters of ining someone would encourage difference and apathy. Whethyou, you could take up a pen or er through written words or pencil and write some words to simple acts of caring for your someone else. neighbor, you can be a hero We need more heroes in every day.
Lifestyles
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Sept. 3, 2020
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TOP LEFT: Jennifer Poarch, interim theatre director, reads through student examples of audition cuts and monologues. TOP BOTTOM: Jennifer Poarch, interim theatre director, accompanies a student’s mock audition piece.
Photos by McKenzie Durand
Jennifer Poarch, interim theatre director, assists student Cheyenne Bacon, 19, sophomore of Lawellen in making an audition cut of her music.
Poarch guides students through COVID difficulties u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Reporter
Soft conversation murmurs through the theater auditorium, bodies fill the room’s crimson-padded seats. A high ceiling arches over the excited patrons. The lights dim, allowing people the time to return to their seats before they are submerged in darkness. A blanket of comfortable silence settles over the crowd. Dust filters through the centerstage light, reflecting brightly against the hardwood stage. The crowd holds their breath for the first performer. A little girl appears in the spotlight. Like anyone with a big dream for their future, Jennifer Poarch started her career with dancing when she was two and performing when she was four. She quickly grew interested in theater and has stuck with it since childhood. Poarch is the interim director that the theater department welcomed to campus
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this semester. She was private studios with the Artist in Residence students ranging from Chadron is a of Spring 2020 when toddlers to adults. She’s beautiful, quaint area. worked with children classes were switched to remote delivery. and teens at performI am enjoying getting Discussions were had ing arts camps, spoken away from the hustle on the possible benefits at master theater classof the position based es in various colleges and bustle of the fast on the circumstances across the Southeast, of the current health and she’s been empaced city. environment, but she ployed by two colleges. applied for her current At the colleges, she’s position in June and - Jennifer Poarch, Interim Director, taught clogging, stage was hired in August. combat, voice and CSC Theater Department movement for the acPoarch graduated from Lees-McRae Coltor, acting and addition lege with a Bachelor technique. of Science in musical Adjusting to Chadtheatre and dance. In the last 20 years, she ron has been pleasant for Poarch, even while has performed, directed, choreographed, walking downtown she has been greeted by managed and educated in theaters across welcoming and smiling faces. the country. “Chadron is a beautiful, quaint area,” Poarch’s teaching experience ranges in Poarch said. “I am enjoying getting away variety and age. She has taught dance for from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced
city. Climbing a butte to see for miles is certainly a majestic joy.” For her classes, Poarch hopes to teach both of her classes face-to-face through the semester. The course starts with a welcome and small lecture, before shifting to an interactive method. “Within the performing arts, participation is a key factor,” Poarch said. “I guide the class through a controlled physical and vocal warm-up as well as a theater improvisational game. We apply the terminology we’ve learned through other theatrical exercises by learning monologues, scene work and combinations.” No matter what happens throughout the semester, Poarch is willing to work with the circumstances, her best interest being her students. “I would help pass along knowledge and student’s growth no matter what the current situation,” she said, “I enjoy a good challenge.”
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Smoke rises from the Aristocrat Fire in the southeastern plains of Chadron, Friday afternoon. In total the fire burned 391 acres of land south of the CSC campus. Started by lightining the night of Aug. 27, firefighters had the blaz
FIRE: NATURE’S GREATEST ENIGMA Photo by Brandon Davenport
A firefighter leaves the Forest Service station on a four-wheeler to assist in managing the Aristocrat Fire.
By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
At one extreme, fire is nature’s fiercest killer. At the other extreme, it’s nature’s most prolific regenerator. As of Sept. 1, there were 75 large active wildfires in the U.S., burning 2,050,511 acres. There are 19 active wildfires in California and 13 in Arizona according to the National Interagency Center. In Nebraska, the Hubbard Gap Fire in the Wildcat Hills outside of Mcgrew has burned close to 4,000 acres according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. As of Aug. 28, 25 volunteer fire departments were working to put out the fire. Six volunteer firefighters have been injured during these efforts. As of Sept. 1, the Hubbard Gap Fire was 80% contained, A fire nicknamed Aristocrat burned 391 acres outside of Chadron, Thursday evening. The fire began Thursday night from a lightning strike and was discovered mid-morning Friday. The Forest Service and the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department stopped the forward progression of the fire by Friday evening. Fire has been a part of ecosystems, even before European settlement, fire burned through ecosystems until they were naturally put out. After settlers
began building infrastructure, fire was taken out of the ecosystem causing overstocked forests and overgrown grasslands according to Timothy Buskirk, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service agent. “Science has taught us that fire is one of the best tools we have to sustain the forest,” Buskirk said, “The more we can get it out there on the ground under our terms, the better we will be moving into the future.” In recent history, to reverse the damage of years of fire suppression, prescribed fires became an important management tool in preventing wildfires and improving ecosystem conditions. “We have to acknowledge that we live in a fire prone system,” CSC Professor Anthony Perlinski said. Wildfires that are hard to control and burn thousands of acres are deemed megafires. These megafires are damaging to the ecosystem causing soil sterilization. Megafires can be reduced by prescribed burning to decrease fuel loads. To prevent fires in the Chadron area in the future, prescribed burning will continue to be an important management tool.
“There is absolutely potential with wildfire some ecological damage,” Perlinksi said. Prescribed fires help improve the ecosystem juvenating the understory and improving nutri quality of plants. Large grazing animals are attr to recently burned areas because of increased tional quality. Rangeland Professor Teresa Frink said, “Ope rain species like elk and mule deer will be out in a matter of weeks, grazing in those areas tha been burned as soon as vegetation begins to em Prescribed burning has become more com among ranchers to improve land quality and dec the amount of invasive species. Fire on grazing can be devastating to a ranch in the short term in the long run, it will improve grazing, making economically viable management tool. “As a general statement, if we were to use scribed fire routinely to control fuel loads,” Ron CSC Rangeland professor said. “Whenever we g occasional log fire it would be a lot less destruct
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Sept. 3, 2020
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BOTTOM LEFT: A firefighter’s helmet and gloves rest on the back of a USDA Forest Service four-wheeler Friday afternoon. TOP LEFT: An airplane carrying fire retardant flies in front of the moon while responding to a fire outside of Chadron, Friday afternoon BOTTOM: Chris Rolfsmeyer, 15, Thomas Kaus, 15 and Parker Fischer, 15, of Chadron, watch from a distance as multiple airplanes drop retardant on the Aristocrat Fire, Friday afternoon.
Photo by Brandon Davenport
Photo by Brandon Davenport
ze’s forward progression stopped Friday.
Photo by Brandon Davenport
Photo by Devin Fulton
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Photo by Devin Fulton
An airplane spreads fire retardant on the Aristocrat Fire, Friday afternoon.
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Comics
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Lifestyles
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Plainswalkers game on u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Reporter
The Eagle file photo
In the last decade, tabletop games have seen a resurgence in popularity, eschewing the digital world in favor of friends gathered around a table. A global pandemic has made such gatherings difficult, but the Plainswalkers, CSC’s gaming club, is intent on soldiering however they can to continue to bring the joy of gaming to students.
COVID has been the leading discussion point for many months and the number of questions concerning the virus seems to be rising. While the virus has affected both spring and fall semesters and the classes within them, clubs on campus are undergoing discussions to try and work with the guidelines put in place by the college and state. The Plainswalkers Society is one of them. For a club that is known for their variety of social opportunities, mainly gaming, maintaining things like social distance will be difficult but necessary to encourage. “We simply exist to give people a social club where they can be comfortable exploring some of their more nerdy hobbies with like-minded people,” club member William Atnip, 21, junior of Lander, Wyoming, said, “The great thing about being a student-led club is we are always
adapting and changing to meet the needs of our members.” There is a set game night every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Hub, the first one being set for tonight. There is a variety of games available to play at location, but they will be available to check out for 24 hours due to COVID concerns. The club will supply board games, Warhammer, terrain building, card games, video games, Magic: The Gathering, and more. While the group is known for games, they also host things like art nights, movie nights, and other student led activities. In previous semesters, Plainswalkers Society ran many events, including D&D campaigns, Mario Kart/Smash Bros tournaments, Art Nights, and other game related events. The club has also assisted with other events and co-sponsored with other clubs. They were involved with the haunted house, co-sponsored Casino Night, helped with
MLK Day events, and other smaller programs. In this time of uncertainty, Plainswalkers Society plans to continue being present on campus while they also accommodate as best they can, keeping the health of each student a priority for their events. To do this, the club plans to limit indoor events, and to hold events outside whenever they can. They will create a discord server and a check-out system for remote gaming, as well as sanitizing game pieces, brushes, remotes, etc. They plan on limiting Magic Drafts to a maximum of 20 people. All their snacks will be in individual packages, they will have hand sanitizer available at all events, and Thursday game night will not exceed half occupancy of the Hub. With these regulations, Plainswalkers Society will follow all other CSC and Nebraska guidelines, changing whenever necessary to accommodate the changes in guidelines.
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Lifestyles
Laure Sinn, Rangeland Program Coordinator, admires Marine uniforms from World War II at the Mari Sandoz Center Sept. 1. The center’s commemorative exhibit features a wide array of antiques and momentos from the war.
SANDOZ EXHIBIT HONORS WWII
u Story and Photos by Chase Vialpando Lifestyles Editor
When you enter the Mari Sandoz Center these days, you are greeted by a glass display case lined with glinting military medals. A few feet away, dozens of colorful, antique World War II pillowcases cling to a wall. Empty uniforms from each military branch occupy several other cases. The war memorabilia varies in nature, but each piece serves a uniform purpose – to tell the story of Nebraska’s involvement in World War II. The Mari Sandoz Center is hosting an exhibit to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, which was Wednesday. The war officially ended Sept. 2, 1945, when Japanese officials signed formal surrender documents with the U.S. aboard the USS Missouri. Holly Counts, a Mari Sandoz Center worker and Mark Hunt, CSC Security Supervisor, collaborated to put together the exhibit. Counts guessed that there were over 500 pieces in the temporary display donated from over a dozen Nebraska collectors. Most of the memorabilia came from Hunt’s personal collection though, which he said numbers in the thousands. Hunt said he began his extensive collection in the 1980s after his grandfather passed away. “I received a little box that had some of his patches and medals in it from when he served in World War II. That kind of started the interest,” he explained. Hunt then sought out flea markets, garage sales, antique
A newspaper clipping from 1945 announcing the end of World War II lays on display at the Mari Sandoz Center. stores and other avenues at which he could expand his collection. “By the time I got married,” Hunt chuckled, “I had a tub full of patches. My wife basically said ‘Figure out what it is or get rid of it’. That kind of started the research part of it.” Hunt said that, during his decades-long career as a highschool history teacher, he’d often incorporate pieces of his collection in his lessons. Throughout his years collecting, Mark explained he’s
learned extra history and personal accounts from people. “Today though, everybody thinks online is where you find stuff,” he said. “That’s not the fun part, the fun part is going to antique stores, asking people if they have stuff. It makes it mean more to you.” Hunt described the importance he places upon remembering the past through collecting antiques. “I always tell people that I’m just the owner of (a piece) now,” he said. “When I pass away it goes to my son, who is teaching history. So we’re just watching it for our time until it’s someone else’s turn.” Hunt explained that he and Counts were very careful about which pieces they chose for the commemorative collection, and that they didn’t want to glorify violence. “We had talked to V.P Powell to make sure we were all on the same page,” he said. “We didn’t want to bring pieces in and have people be offended by a Nazi symbol or something like that.” Counts and Hunt both said they hope the exhibit helps shed light on Nebraska’s crucial contributions to the U.S. World War II efforts. The exhibit even includes a wall-sized map of Nebraska detailing the various World War II military camps, ammunition bases and other military posts from the war. You can see the exhibit until Sept. 25 every Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. “We have to remember our history to be prepared for our future,” Counts urged. “We really need to see where we came from on this, as a state and as a people.”
Lifestyles
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csceagle.com | The Eagle | Sept. 3, 2020
Rows of World War II medals line a glass display case at the Mari Sandoz Center. The exhibit will continue until Sept. 25.
Various colors of World War II pillowcases from some of the military forts around the Nebraska area adorn a wall at the Mari Sandoz Center.
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K K K
“Today...everybody thinks online is where you find the stuff. The fun part is going to antique stores, asking people if they have stuff. It makes it mean more to you.
- Mark Hunt,
CSC Security Supervisor A United States Army Air Forces oxygen mask from World War II decorates a display case specifically dedicated to the Army.
K K K K K Laure Sinn reads a letter written by a World War II soldier.
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Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Sports
Photo by Devin Fulton
Cole Martinez, junior of Columbus, plays Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, the primary competitive multiplayer first-person shooter for Chadron State College’s E-sports Club, from his gaming setup, Tuesday, in Kent Hall. CSC’s e-sports has a discord server anyone can join by scanning the QR code placed on the club’s flyers on campus.
E-sports Club seeking new members u By Devin Fulton Sports Editor
Chadron State College’s e-sports is a new club that gives those interested in gaming an opportunity to compete with others and currently operates remotely. “We are trying to build up the club because it’s completely new,” Co-adviser Stephanie Alfred said. “We are trying to build a community around gaming because I know they are here and know they exist, but there’s never been a central place to meet other people or find people of the same interest. I think right now is about building that social aspect and, in the future, we hope to field a couple of competitive teams as club sports.” The club’s primary competitive game is Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, a multiplayer first-person shooter that offers team deathmatches. For CSC, the E-sports Club
is hoping to have a team compete in the Rainbow Six Siege League. “I think our biggest goal right now and one of my own personal goals is to break into varsity,” E-sports Manager Cole Martinez said. “It would be a really cool experience for our college to have that considering how many other colleges around us that are so much bigger and they have it, it would be cool to see a smaller school have the same thing.” The club currently has no scheduled competition but hopes to compete in an exhibition against South Dakota School of Mines, whose program is recognized by the NCAA. “That’s kind of the goal for the future,” Alfred said. “We’ve been talking with them
about what the best way to do that is, we kind of envisioned them coming down here and we have a big setup in the ballroom and have a mini e-sports arena for people to come watch and enjoy.” Alfred says a challenge e-sports faces is that the club must purchase its equipment using student E-sports QR Code activity funds and needs IT’s approval of the gaming equipment purchased. Though the club’s goal is to evolve into a sanctioned sport in the NCAA like South Dakota Mines, e-sports serves as a casual atmosphere for students interested in gaming to connect with others on campus. With over 25 new students joining the club this
fall, CSC’s e-sports welcomes students who will bring competition, positive attitudes and change to the gaming culture faced with negative stereotypes and stigmas, according to Alfred. All members of CSC’s e-sports participate in the club’s discord server that is open for anyone to join by scanning its QR code posted on flyers around campus or by emailing Alfred at salfred@eagles.csc.edu. “It’s really chill, especially with our discord,” Martinez said. “For a lot of people, it’s just a hangout space. People will just go in there and chat with other people, listen to music or share pictures and stuff. It’s definitely just a chill space.” Alfred and Martinez said the club is open to all types of video games, not just first-person shooters. As a new addition to e-sports this semester, the club opened Pokemon GO to its servers. Though not competitive, many club members are participating in the casual game, according to Alfred.
Sports
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Sept. 3, 2020
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Chadron State Rodeo preps for home opener CSC to host 12 teams for the first competitive meet since the pandemic u By Devin Fulton Sports Editor
CSC File Photo
Former CSC Bull Rider Garrett Uptain, of Craig, Colorado, rides his bull in the final short-round during last year’s home rodeo. Uptain placed first in bull riding.
Chadron State College will have its first competition this semester as the rodeo team prepares to host 12 teams for slack and performance events next weekend from Sept. 11–13, at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Along with track and field, wrestling, golf and softball, the rodeo team saw its season get cut short due to COVID-19, but members on the team are ready for competition this fall. “It’s pretty great honestly,” Fifth-year Senior Tate Petrak, of Martin, South Dakota, said. “Rodeo, just even across the United States, is about the only event that’s even going on right now. I think it’s because it’s an event that you’re not in close quarters and you can keep your distance and stuff. It’s pretty great to be able to do what we love to do and compete with the best. Everyone is really looking forward to it just in the fact that all the summer events that would usually happen didn’t happen.” Petrak is one of the few fifth-year seniors returning with added eligibility granted by the NCAA while the team welcomes in six freshmen. “It was kind of a tough recruiting year, but I got some freshmen that are pretty good standouts that will step up to the plate and do pretty good,” Head Rodeo Coach Dustin Luper said. “My
dad always told me, ‘If you don’t have the best horse, you got to work harder than the guy that’s got the best horse.’ So we’re just going to work hard at it and hope at the end of the day when the fat lady sings, we are on top.” Because of the sport’s naturally distanced and outdoor environment, no special precautions or capacity limitations will be enforced at next weekend’s event, instead, attendants are encouraged to wear facemasks. While no specific schedules are currently available, Friday, Sept. 11, slack events like barrel racing and roping are expected to begin at 1 p.m. and performance events will begin at 7 p.m. to conclude the first day. On Saturday, slack events will resume at 8 a.m. and performance at 7 p.m. On Sunday, a cowboy church service will be held at 8 a.m. and finals will begin at 10 a.m. Next weekend’s rodeo will feature a CSC team made of plenty of newcomers, but also experienced collegiate athletes. “There’s a handful of kids who made it to the high school finals and did pretty well there this summer, so there’s definitely some young talent coming up,” Petrak said. “Then there are the old guys on the team like myself and the fifthyear seniors, they still tried to rodeo this summer and never really missed a beat, so we are just coming in ready to go.”
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Sports
Sept. 3, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Chadron State football may happen this fall u By CSC Sports Information Chadron State football may happen this fall on a limited basis, Eagles’ Athletic Director Joel Smith said Monday. “We’re hoping to play a few games in October,” Smith said. “It depends on if we can comply with the COVID testing that the NCAA says is necessary. Smith added that not all the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams are interested in playing this fall, but a few besides the Eagles are exploring the possibilities. CSC Head Coach Jay Long said if the arrangements can be completed, the Eagles would practice for three weeks and then play on Saturdays. The NCAA has ruled that players can participate in five games without using a year of eligibility.
About 130 Chadron State football players have been taking part in weight training and conditioning three times a week the past two weeks. The CSC women’s golf team is due to start its season on Monday, Sept. 14. The cross country team is also expected to compete this fall, but the schedule is still being worked out, track coach Riley Northrup said. Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler said Monday that no RMAC matches will take place this fall. “All of our matches are going to be played in the spring, but we’re still trying to work out the schedules,” Stadler said. The CSC rodeo set for Sept. 11-13 will open the Central Rocky Mountain Region’s fall schedule, as usual, Coach Dustin Luper said Monday.
Former Eagle Linebacker Tyler Lewis, of Arvada, Colorado, sacks South Dakota Mines Quarterback Toby Smith, junior of Colorado Springs, Colorado, during the Eagles’ 53-48 victory against the Hardrockers last year. CSC File Photo
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