Nov. 19, 2020 THURSDAY
Issue No. 13 csceagle.com
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Giving voice to Chadron State College students since 1920
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1920 – 2020
NOTICE >> Finals Week
The Eagle will not publish for the remainder of the fall semester.
CENTERSPREAD >>
It’s the holiday season
A guide to some of the many holidays celebrated during the winter season. Please see pages 8 and 9
AG & RANGE >>
Sharp-tailed grouse seen on CSC’s campus Changes in vegetative growth on CSC campus would better support native wildlife.
Please see page 13
INDEX News 2 Opinion 4 Lifestyles 7 Ag & Range 13 Sports 15
FINAL HOUR - The sun sets on the Lindeken Clocktower on the CSC campus, Wednesday. Just one week remains in the 2020 school year.
Photo by Brandon Davenport
CSC adapts to rising COVID-19 cases u By Aubrie Lawrence & Estabon Bozeman Co-Editor, and reporter
Yesterday, President Rhine sent a letter to students and faculty saying that Chadron State College will no longer be hosting or promoting events that the public can attend to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has been running rampant across the panhandle. Along with the closing of events, campus buildings, including the Nelson Physical Activity Center (NPAC), the Sandoz Center, the Student Center, and King Library, will be closed to the public. Students and faculty members however are still allowed to attend events hosted on campus and use its facilities. This decision will remain in effect until administration feels it is safe
to open the doors to the public again. Despite the closure to the public, tours of CSC for potential students and their guests and ACT testing will still be available. As a reminder, COVID-19 has forced campus officials to orchestrate the fall graduation virtually. The commencement will premiere Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. on the college’s YouTube site at https://www.youtube.com/ user/chadronstatecollege. According to Alex Helmbrecht, Director of college relations, if employees would like to send a congratulatory statement to the graduating classes, the congratulatory video statement to the graduates should be 20-45 seconds long and videos should be sent to dbinkard@csc.edu on OneDrive, Google Drive or whatever works best. Any video wanting to be displayed during the Virtual Commencement should be received by Dec. 11.
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
News
Senate appoints new chief justice u By Sullivan Jones Reporter
At its weekly meeting on Monday, Student Senate confirmed a new chief justice to fill the vacancy left by Carter Thiel, the former chief justice. Nathan Cronin, 24, Junior of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, acted as interim chief justice in previous senate meetings before being sworn in officially by Senate President Lily Umeta. Cronin previously served as an associate justice on the court. “I wanted the duties as the chief justice so that I could be more involved within the inner workings of the school and be able to work with the student government,” cronin said. Cronin, who previously served as an associate justice on the constitutional court, will now work to advise the senate president and vice president on constitutional matters, run student body elections and attend all meetings of the
student government. “I look forward most to being an impartial voice within the student government,” he said. “I try to base my decisions or advisory opinions based on the U.S. Constitution as well as our student government constitution/Bylaws.” In another matter, senate allocated $1,800 for Operation Christmas Child to send Christmas gifts to underprivileged children around the world. RLA and CSC Revive club will be sponsoring an event on Thursday to help pack the Christmas gifts for shipment. “We are hoping to pack about 200 boxes and hoping to have one hundred people come,” Tori Meschke, Senior of Broken Bow and CSC Revive, said. “It’s a great way to give back; we’ll be sending these boxes around the world to kids in need,” Meschke said. The items to be shipped were donated by people in the community as part of the larger Operation Christmas Child project by Samar-
itan’s Purse. In another allocation move, senate approved funding the CSC food pantry through next semester. According to the Senate Activity Fee Board, the food pantry made 73 bags of food in September, 85 bags in October and prepared a similar amount for the month of November. Those numbers were enough to persuade all present senators to approve the $4,000 funding request by the food pantry. Senate may also be near increasing its membership as the chief justice reported receiving four petitions for senators. Though, currently, there remains open positions for a Kent and liberal arts senator. In other news: > The You@CSC website received funding from sources outside Student Senate after senate previously rejected a funding request for the site. > Senate had $41,349.66 in unallocated funds > Senate had $30,000.00 in unallocated trip funds
THE EAGLE COVID-19 REPORT SOURCE: CSC website as of Wednesday, Nov.19, 6 p.m.
TOTAL ACTIVE CASES Students: 16 Employees: 5 RECOVERIES Students: 87 Employees: 18 CUMULATIVE CASES Students: 103 Employees: 23
News
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
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CSC Planetarium exploring options for its future u By Gasper Dominici Reporter
Space! Filled with countless mysteries of the universe manifested even more so by the beautiful mythology of the constellations from countless cultures. Who doesn’t enjoy learning about such things? The CSC planetarium teaches just that, from how stars are created, deaths of universes, projecting the constellations and their stories in Greek and Lakota lore and many more. They also focus on trying to inspire young students from all walks of life to peruse study in space topics. A lot of changes are being made, though, to the CSC Math & Science Building, which has halted all shows. But the planetarium and its staff plan on continuing the shows in the future. “We are very excited about the new facility for the planetarium here at CSC. It is so important to have this resource available to the public and our students alike,” Physical and Life Scienc-
es Assistant Professor Tawney Tibbits said. “We are hoping to expand our number of shows and the disciplines we cover when the new planetarium opens... Our goal is to be able to have shows with target audiences at all levels of education and shows that will get the community excited to join us on our free Friday show days.” Others would concur with Dr. Tibbits position, “For one, we do shows for about 1000 people per year, and it’s important for people interested in space, it could also inspire students and young people to pursue studies and carriers in space,” Kinsley Mason, 25, Graduate Assistant from Pensacola, Florida, said. The planetarium staff are looking forward to the future of the programs and cannot wait for their new home when the MS COIL project is completed. A new dome is in the plans and will hold future shows by planetarium members. There are hopes to have an open house event that will introduce the new facilities.
Photo by Erin Hayhurst
Machinery from CSC’s planetarium sits idle in the Chicoine Atrium at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. The planetarium has been closed since construction started on a new Math and Science Building.
BRIEFS
Frozen Turkey Trot canceled It was announced yesterday that the Chadron Community Recreation’s (CCR) Frozen Turkey Trot 5k was canceled due to a low number of participants. The 5k, which was scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20, was an annual event. Instead of having the Turkey Trot,
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CCR will be celebrating Chadron State Park’s centennial year in June, 20201, by helping put on its annual Run for the Hills event. The event will include a two mile walk, a 5k and a 10k trail run. For more information, visit pineridgetrailsraceseries.com.
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Opinion
Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
As We See It
Eagle the
Giving voice to Chadron State College students since 1920
The people I can never thank enough D ear mom and dad, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for you losing a close person in your life. In 2003, you were still young and so was he. A heart attack before 50 and grandkids he never got to see. You were both close to grandpa, a biological father to you, mom and the best one to you, dad. I’m sorry for the stress of classes on top of having children. Another thing that I didn’t have control over but I can’t imagine it was much fun. I’m sorry for November 2006. A tragedy that no parent should experience. I’ve pinned the blame on myself for years. We wouldn’t have been in that car, on that street, at that time if I hadn’t broken my arm and gotten my cast removed. The loss of a child, your first son, is probably the worst pain. A car accident is exactly that, an accident that you can’t control. Especially when you’re not at fault. I’m sorry for May 2010. Having to help a sister, biological or not, through the same pain that you’ve previously experienced. Helping her while also grieving the loss of your oldest nephew, is something to never be forgotten. I’m sorry for my teenage years, looking back at it now was bad. I had a sour attitude. Snapped
and whined too much. It wasn’t until it passed that I realized how much you only cared. I’m sorry for October 2019. A struggling year for all. Another loss of a father is rough and can make happiness dip. This time because of cancer, a losing game for everyone. A year has already passed and it’s not fair that we haven’t done a thing yet. I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through, you both are too great to be brought through that life. But Mackenzie Dahlberg I’m quite grateful. I’m grateful for the family that you’ve built starting in September 1995. 25 years is a long time for the age you two are. I’m grateful for the siblings I have, an older and younger sister and three younger brothers. Each of us a unique personality of your bond. I’m grateful for the support you build for each other and us, even considering the tragedy that fell upon us. It could’ve torn you apart. You
decided to talk instead of hide the feelings of young ones lost. I’m grateful for the way you support my hopes and dreams. Even if it scares you a little, due to the economic uncertainties. I’m grateful of the way you have shaped my life. You make me, me. Through hopes, fears, smiles, and tears, you will hold me in your heart, whether we are apart or nearby. This is my gratitude to you. The life that I’d never want to change. I have battle scars, not all of them visible, but you don’t care. You hold me tightly whenever given the chance and relieve me of my stress. If you could carry all my burdens, I know you would, that’s why I write this for you. I can never be without you, you’re always in my heart. My mother and father, my heroes, my best friends, and my protection from the evils of the world. With all the love I can ever give, Forever your little girl.
As You Said It! We asked: Do you think the number of cases were worth in-person classes being held?
EDITORIAL 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 sports@csceagle.com CO-ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Andrew Avila Kinsey Smith ads@csceagle.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Brendan Fangmeier subscriptions@csceagle.com NEWSROOM CONTACT PHONE & EMAIL Editorial: 308-432-6303 editor@csceagle.com Advertising: 308-432-6304 ads@csceagle.com GENERAL EMAIL QUERIES editor@csceagle.com MAILING ADDRESS The Eagle Old Admin, Room 235 Chadron State College 1000 Main St. Chadron NE 69337 FACULTY ADVISER Michael D. Kennedy Office: 308-432-6047 mkennedy@csc.edu MEMBERSHIPS Nebraska Press Association
Ari Beulah 18, freshman, Grand Junction, Colorado
Levi O’Dell 19, sophomore, Rapid City, South Dakota
“Yes, I think it’s a good experience for kids to keep going to school.”
“Considering how long it took for our cases to really even spike, I think so. Lots of people struggle with online classes, so being in-person helped.”
Jasmin Pineda-Dominguez 18, freshman, Ansley
Jarret Buchholz 19, sophomore, Arnold
“Yes because compared to other colleges, our numbers weren’t that high so we weren’t that much at risk. As a freshman, I was glad we had in-person classes.”
“I think so yes. A lot of cases, it took so long for them to spike here. Everyone I know is having a much easier time with in-person classes than online.”
Savannah Solon 20, sophomore, Kadoka, South Dakota “It’s worth having in-person classes because students can interact with their professors. In-person classes are a better atmosphere.”
Participation on The Eagle staff is open to all Chadron State College students. The Eagle is a student newspaper produced by and for students of Chadron State College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns written by the student staff belong solely to the authors. 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.
Opinion
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
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As they see it
Lessons await around every corner u By Chase Vialpando Lifestyles Editor
Two marines lay on their stomachs amidst a battle. As they crawl behind shrubbery for cover, more enemy bullets whiz by their heads with each passing second. In an attempt to lighten the dismal situation, the first soldier tells a joke to the other. “What’s black and white and red all over,” he begins. “What?” the other soldier replies. But before soldier number one can tell the punchline, he is shot to death by the enemy. Back home, the deceased parents, unaware of their son’s fate, hear a slow knock at their front door. The mother, enjoying her
morning coffee, answers and sees a marine dressed in a ceremonial uniform. The mother understands what has happened before the marine says a word. Her coffee mug drops to the linoleum floor and shatters. She and her husband grab each other and sob, soaking their morning robes in salty tears. A year passes, and the marriage between the mother and father has failed, as relationships often do after tragedy strikes. The mother received almost everything in the divorce - the house, the car, most of the finances. After several sleepless nights, the father sits on the edge of his bed in a cheap motel across town, steaming over his ever-worsening
Chase Vialpando
situation. He decides he’ll take back his house, his car, his finances, maybe even his wife if she’s willing. He takes a crummy bus to his old house and stumbles to the front door. He hears Rock n’ Roll music blaring from inside. This infuriates the father, his wife has always hated this music.
Assuming his ex-wife is with another man, he kicks the cedar door open hysterically. Not seeing anybody in the living room, the father sprints up the carpeted stairs, toward his old bedroom. With the fires of murder boiling in his brain, the father rips the bedroom door open, and, do you know what he sees? A sun-burnt penguin. My time at The Eagle has been surprising, fruitful, but most of all, educational. Since the first day I walked into the large newsroom and gazed upon the dozens of awards and plaques adorning the wall, I’ve been bombarded with knowledge, tips, and the first amendment. I was even an English Education major before
transferring to CSC. After Mr. Kennedy got ahold of me, I was quickly whisked toward the path of a journalist. Although Mr. Kennedy is the sole journalism professor at CSC, he isn’t the only media teacher I’ve had. My peers have taught me so much more than I previously thought possible, from our co-editor, Brandon Davenport, to our sports editor, Devin Fulton. Even those a bit wetter behind the ears such as Aubrie Lawrence, our other co-editor, have taught me numerous lessons. I’ve learned that one can learn lessons regardless of where you are, and teachers come in all shapes, sizes, and qualifications. Cheers to you, Eagle newspaper.
Life’s a great story filled with challenges u By Devin Fulton Sports Editor
As I write my final piece for The Eagle, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to present a motivational Ted Talk or pass some advice to all those who read the newspaper. So, I’ll do what’s always worked for me, compare life to a television series. Life is filled with joy, stress and plot twists, so the analogy that it’s a television show the universe is watching always made sense to me. All I can hope for is that, when I look back at my last four seasons in college, they were at least captivating and every moment mattered. In your college spin-off show, the cast surrounding you may be
the most important part outside of what you are doing. You meet some of the greatest people in life while at college, but sadly, it’s only for a condensed time. Your ability to adapt to casting changes will be vital to your show’s success. Most young adults suck at solitude because we’ve been surrounded by people since birth. But you must embrace being alone, it’s a test of your intuition and courage to navigate life independently. The most captivating portion of any show is when the main character overcomes adversity on their own. Make sure whatever you are doing, it’s something worthy of improving toward a goal larger than yourself. A fun party with
Devin Fulton
good people creates a fun episode to look back on, but too much of that thrill-seeking behavior can destroy momentum to build a lifestyle worth pursuing. You also experience a plethora of advertisements nearly
everywhere you go. Whether a faculty member or student peer-pressure you to join their club, or it’s an event that you just can’t miss, advertisements will appear. Be mindful of which opportunities you devote your time to. Make your television series memorable by doing good things for yourself. Speaking from experience, life feels much better when you have control of your schedule and habits. College throws obstacles at you with the most inconsistent schedules, so you must adjust quickly. Finally, a good show has good and bad moments, and one emotion doesn’t last forever. No matter your circumstance, muster the strength to make the small
moments matter for yourself and others. Life is stressful and we are all connected in some crazy way, so why not treat others with kindness and respect. Enough of the television show talk, my time here is nearly finished, so here is my final piece of advice. No matter what, throw your ego out the door. What you’ve done may be cool but focus on where you are going. Narcissism and arrogance are deadly traits that will consume your character. Your greatest impacts are small gestures that come from the heart. You are responsible for your life, don’t follow in footsteps or replicate mediocrity, carve your own path.
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Opinion
As They See It
I couldn’t have done it without you u By Abigail Swanson Columnist
Well friends, this is the final week of the final semester in my bachelor’s degree. I remember my first week of college, hiding in my room, unsure if I could make it through this college thing. I learned the importance of community, because I couldn’t have made it alone. Not without my mom, a phone call away to listen to my complaints, my sister reminding me even though she is eight years older, she still doesn’t have everything figured out,
so it’s okay for me to flail into the future. Or without my dad ensuring my car runs well and I don’t make too many stupid mistakes. Without my current roommate who allowed me to be my weirdest and most awkward self. Or without my friends back home, curious to know what mischief I got into and welcome me back with smiles, hugs and open ears. I wouldn’t still be in Chadron without friends who pulled me back after every break and interrupted my regularly scheduled finals cramming with late night Cool Runnings screenings. Not without the
Abigail Swanson
families who welcomed me to their tables. Or without fellowship at weekly club meetings and the encouragement of Sunday morning church services. I wouldn’t still be studying
without teachers determined to influence me to love even the challenging parts of school. Without professors willing to listen to rambling questions and confused frustrations. Or without instructors who allowed me to break their peace for trivial things like just stopping in to say hello. Without them I might have learned, but not learned to love learning. How could I have grown so much without club involvement opportunities to pad my resume and offer so many chances to explore? Without being pushed beyond the comfortable and onto the
snow-covered precipices of the barely possible? Or without challenges like canceled classes, overdue assignments, creative disagreements, bad grades, or pandemics to shatter my plans and force me to rebuild on a firmer foundation? So, thank you. Thank you for the slow joys and crashes of disappointment, for the discoveries and daily imperceptible growth. Thank you for so many memories and forgotten moments of grace. In the words of Douglas Adams, “So long, and thanks for all the fish.”
What a long strange trip it’s been u By Brandon Davenport Co-Editor
The past two years at Chadron State College have been two of the best of my 36-year-old life. As I near graduation I can’t help but reflect. Soon after I arrived in Chadron in 2017 I began working at The Chadron Record. After meeting Mike Kennedy, CSC journalism instructor and The Eagle adviser, and talking with my girlfriend, I decided since I’d be in Chadron for the next couple of years anyway I might as well get my bachelor’s degree. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Pretty soon I found myself juggling the crazy hours of being a professional journalist, the workload of a full-time student, and the demands of being the sports editor at The Eagle. It was unlike anything I had undertaken in my life – my existence was suddenly dominated by moving from one task to another. But work didn’t always feel like work. Standing on the sidelines with my camera
and notepad in hand was always a privilege I never took for granted. One I’ll miss dearly. As I take my leave from CSC and The Eagle there are many I should thank. Kennedy for everything he’s done to make me a better journalist and photographer. Kerri Rempp, director of Dawes County Brandon Davenport Tourism and my former editor at The Chadron Record for being the best damn journalist I’ve ever met – and a shining example of who an editor should be. Con Marshall for his sage wisdom and fair criticism. Athletes like Dalton Holst, Taryn Foxen, and Wade French, who were always willing to talk and were quick to provide a quote. Coaches Jay Long and Brett Hunter who always seemed to welcome my presence around the team, and of course former CSC men’s basketball coach Houston Reed - the man was a sports reporter’s dream coach. And I can’t forget Dustin Luper who was easily the best quote
of the bunch. Academically, I’d be remiss not to mention Shaunda French-Collins, associate professor of communication and CMAT department chair, and her willingness to lend a sympathetic ear, tolerate a mental breakdown, and offer good advice even though I was (just bare-
ly) her elder. I should also thank all of my classmates over these couple of years. I have always appreciated how accepting you were of a classmate in his mid-30s. You have all impressed me so much. I could fill this entire paper with advice for you, but I’ll keep it to this: go forward confidently, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. No matter how hard you work, there will be tough times and not everyone in this world has their efforts rewarded with what they deserve. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who rises to the heights of success, remember to reach
back and pull someone else up with you that’s how you build a true legacy. I hope if you only learned one thing from having a class with me it’s that it’s never too late to make a change in your life. It’s never easy, but worthwhile pursuits so rarely are. To my colleagues at The Eagle, both current and former, it’s been weird and great and I’m so grateful to have had this experience to create beside you. You know I love you all and wish you nothing but the best. To Devin Fulton, my successor as The Eagle’s sports editor, the lifeblood of CSC and one of the most impressive young people I’ve met during this endeavor - you made this entire experience brighter and more colorful. Helping you grow as a student and journalist is an honor I’ll always cherish. And of course, to my lovely girlfriend Marina, thank you for your never-ending support. To everyone I may have missed, I apologize. There’s just too many to thank in such a small space. I had a blast. As a wise man once said drive fast, take chances.
Lifestyles
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
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Omondi triumphs through tragedies u By Paige Seidler Reporter
Coming back from two major surgeries, David Omondi understood the value of his health. Omondi, 23, senior of Kisumu, Kenya, was an active individual his entire life. He began playing soccer at age 5 and when his family moved to the United States, he began competing in track. Track is where Omondi found his natural talent in sprints. The 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and relays were the events Omondi participated in. By his freshmen year of high school, Omondi began playing football. According to Omondi, the sport required time to learn. By his senior year Omondi excelled at football and received many scholarships. But during Omondi’s senior year, his appendix bursted. It wasn’t until the next day Omondi realized he could no longer move. “The first procedure went well I thought at first,” Omondi said. Two weeks after the first procedure, a life-threatening infection occurred due to the process of not clearing the infectious bacteria according to Omondi. The second procedure was open instead of laparoscopic. Omondi spent two extra months in the hospital. During this time Omondi lost 60 pounds and had to learn to walk again. “The biggest worry was getting a chance to graduate high
school,” Omondi said. He missed weeks of assignments and exams. However, Omondi maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout high school so the school allowed him to graduate without taking final exams, according to Omondi. Due to the injury Omondi lost his opportunity to play sports in college. This led to Omondi’s loss of interest in sports, he said. Although sports were no longer an interest, he decided to keep working out to maintain his body. Omondi said his greatest support system consisted of his relatives, teachers, coach and good friends to keep him going. In the gym, Omondi mostly weight trains. He then adds in a form of cardiovascular activity two-three times a week. Omondi follows a split called push-pull-legs and goes through the cycle twice a week. This split allows each body part to be trained on its own, according to Aston University. “My biggest accomplishment has been seeing progression in strength on my lifts such as benching 2.1 times my body weight and improvement of body composition overall,” Omondi said. Omondi’s training is fulfilling, he said he knows the work he has devoted is an investment for his future. The biggest challenge Omondi currently faces are the gyms shutting down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other challenges he faces is his heavy involvement with classes along with maintaining four jobs.
Courtesy photos
Along with weight training, David Omondi, 23, senior of Kisumu, Kenya, works with the Afterschool Program at the Chadron Primary School where he assists students with homework and activities. Omondi is an education major and plans to teach fifth-ninth grade.
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Diwali By Mackenzie Dahlberg Diwali is a major religious festival that lasts for five days occurring in late October or November and is celebrated in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is primarily associated with India, but it is celebrated wherever people of the three religions reside. The Sanskirt term is dipavali, meaning “row of lights,” and the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The first day of this festival is dedicated to cleaning the house and purchasing small golden items. Day two is when prayers are offered for the souls of ancestors. Day three is seen as the main day of celebration, this year it was Saturday. On this day, families light diyas (earthen ware lamps filled with oil) which are placed in rows at temples, houses and even set on rivers. People also light candles, and fireworks, decorate their homes with elaborate designs (rangoli), and visit temples to seek out blessings from Lakshmi. The fourth day is the start of the new year according to the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Finally, day five is reserved to celebrate the bonds between siblings. Although this holiday may be celebrated different based on the location, the celebrations is known as a time for visiting, exchanging gift, feasting, feeding the poor, and gambling which is encouraged.
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Hanukkah
By Gasper Dominici
It is not Jewish Christmas! Which many non-Jewish and even some Jews confuse, since both Holidays fall in the same time frame. Though pop culture tends to bunch together Christmas, Hanukkah and other December holidays, though they couldn’t be more different. And since Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world, it is wise to understand the difference. Around the 160’s B.C., Jews rededicated the Second Temple of Jerusalem, after the Hebrews drove out King Antiochus IV and his followers. According to Hebrew texts, after the siege, the soldiers only had a small amount of oil to burn, but miraculously the oil burned a full eight nights. Known as the Miracle of Hanukkah. Thus, why Hanukkah lasts eight nights, and why we see the nine candles associated with the holiday.
Winter S
By Mackenzie Dah
Winter Solstice is falls on Monday, Dec is an important astro nized since ancient t “return” of the sun. S ones, like some thing Soyal is a holiday Indians of northern A fication rituals, danc Persian festival locat Persian month of Aza pomegranates, and s the morning sun. Saturnalia is an a to the celebrations o Scandinavian festiva but it incorporates e fires to keep spirits a Zhi is festival in Chin come together to cel end-of-harvest festiv
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s the longest night of the year, and this year it cember 21 for the Northern Hemisphere. This onomical phenomenon that has been recogtimes. Festivals are meant to celebrate the Some ancient traditions influenced modern gs in Christmas and Hanukkah. y of the solstice that is celebrated by Hopi Arizona. This celebration is filled with puricing, and occasionally gift giving. Yalda is a ted in Iran and it makes the last day of the ar. Families celebrate with specially food like some families stay up all night to welcome
ancient Roman festival and it is closely linked of modern Christmas. St. Lucia’s Day is a al of lights. It is now meant to honor St. Lucia earlier Norse solstice traditions, like lighting away throughout the longest night. Dong na known as the “arrival of winter.” Families lebrate the year they had, and it involves their val.
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
Graphics by Velvet Jessen
Christmas By Andre Sepeda Christmas is celebrated all around the world and in many ways. Many people decorate their homes, families and/or friend come together and exchange gifts. In the days or even weeks before Christmas Day, many people will decorate their homes with Christmas lights, Christmas trees and more. It is common to organize a special meal, often consisting of turkey and other festive foods. Young children will often receive a lot of gifts from their parents and other relatives and the parents will usually say that the presents are from a mythical figure who is named Santa Claus. In Roman times, in the mid-winter a festival was held. This was a relaxing time with lots of parties and celebrations. It was also common for people to give each other small gifts, such as dolls for children and candles for adults. This festival also was a celebration of the winter solstice, which fell on December 25 in the Roman calendar. Many Sunday schools, churches and communities will organize special events. Communities and churches might decorate the neighborhood or a shopping mall, put up a Christmas tree, or plan a Nativity display, concert or performance. People will come together to sing Christmas carols to people around town.
Kwanzaa By Sullivan Jones Based off seven principles for seven days of celebration (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1), Kwanzaa, which began in the U.S. in 1966, is a holiday around African Heritage. Its seven principles are all from the Swahili language, which is a common south African language. The first principle is a goal of Umoja (Unity); to maintain family, community, nation and race unity. Its second principle, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) is perhaps credit to the holiday’s roots as an expression of African culture during the Civil Rights Movement. Kwanzaa has become a time for recognizing one’s voice in community. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) is the third principle. Since the holiday season is a time to help others, Kwanzaa is a perfect reason to lend a helping hand. Ujammaa (Cooperative Economics), the fourth principle, is a belief that the community members should be well-off together. Which, like Ujima, is a good excuse to spread gifts with those you care about. Fifth is Nia (Purpose) which carries a collective meaning of being goal oriented within a community. The sixth principle is Kuumba (Creativity). Exercising this principle can be a culminating operation to improve a local community. Finally, Imani (Faith) joins a community together as a way to reflect on shared values and beliefs. These seven principles may be celebrated variably during the seven-day celebration but usually include candle lighting, a feast, house decorating and an artistic performance.
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Comics
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Lifestyles
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
11
Advocacy is key to college success Though family and child adcovacy is taught at CSC to prospective teachers, it remains an important aspect of higher education u By Brandon Davenport Co-editor
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Dr. Kim Madsen’s FCS 239 “Without the guidPartners in Education class has spent most of its time this semes- ance and endless supter educating six hopeful future educators on the importance of port from Mr. Jones, child and family advocacy, an I honestly don’t know important aspect of the teaching where I’d be academiprofession. According to Brandy Friedrichsen, a member of the class, cally. most of the six are hoping to - Taryn Foxen, student teach preschool or kindergarten, Courtesy photo an important time for child advoanyone from an individStudents in Family and Consumer Sciences 239 Partners in Education study at the whiteboard, Tuesday. cacy. But in reality, child and family advo- ual to a professional who cacy isn’t limited only to young children, or speaks out on behalf of time at CSC and has advocated for more mentor and an advocate in Jones. “It took even K-12 students. It extends even into the the best interests of another. Professional than a few. It’s a time consuming task, he me two years in my career here to finally college level. advocates are often trained on how to con- says, almost like a second job, but choos- find my home in the English department,” College students are often on their own nect students in need with community re- ing to advocate on behalf of a student is an Foxen said. “Without the guidance and endfor the first time in their young lives – sep- sources from medical services, to local food easy decision because it’s the only reason he less support from Mr. Jones, I honestly don’t arated from the people they’ve relied on in banks or counseling services. wants to teach. know where I’d be academically. A benefit the past. Some spend their freshman year Professors are often front-line workers For professors like Jones and others who of attending a smaller college like CSC is the missing their family and friends, others at CSC when it comes to student advoca- see it as an integral part of their job to advo- ability to connect personally with professpend it escaping them, only to return to cy and are often the most approachable for cate for students in need, it can be as time sors who can provide mentorship, additiona broken home when on break. Either way, students due, in part, to their everyday in- consuming as sitting down to talk with mul- al academic advice, or help connecting to having an advocate can make or break a stu- teraction with their students. Though they tiple students a week, but it can also be as any number of the services like counselors dent’s experience in college. receive Title IX training, professors are not easy as asking how a student is doing. and Title IX – services which are paid for Even though prospective teachers are the mandatory reporters. For Taryn Foxen, part of achieving aclikeliest group to have a course on child and Professor Markus Jones has seen many ademic success at CSC has been finding a Please see Advocacy, page 12 family advocacy at CSC, an advocate can be students come through his office during his
CALENDAR THURSDAY 22
Please email CALENDAR information to editor@csceagle.com or drop it by The Eagle, Old Admin, Room 235
FRIDAY 23
> 8 a.m. - Euphoric Memorial Hall
> 8 a.m. - Euphoric Memorial Hall
> 10 a.m. - Dabbling in the Visual Arts Sandoz Center
> 10 a.m. - Dabbling in the Visual Arts Sandoz Center
> 7 p.m. - Guitar Student Showcase Sandoz Center
> 4 p.m. - Senior Art Show Reception Memorial Hall > 7 p.m. - Ultimate Bingo Night The Hub
SATURDAY
24
> 7 p.m. - Guitar and Keyboard Ensembles Memorial Hall
SUNDAY
25
> 6 p.m. - Floatin’ Thru Finals The Hub
MONDAY
26
> 10 a.m. - Dabbling in the Visual Arts Sandoz Center
TUESDAY
27
> 10 a.m. - Dabbling in the Visual Arts Sandoz Center
WEDNESDAY 28 > 10 a.m. - Dabbling in the Visual Arts Sandoz Center > 5 p.m. - Room checks Campus wide
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Advocacy,
Student resources at CSC Health Services (medical and counseling) CSC Start Office Residence Life Office of Academic Success
Project Strive CSC Food Pantry Eagle Exchange Title IX Office Advisers / Professors
Chadron Community Resources
Western Community Health Resources Chadron Police Department Closer to Home Soup Kitchen Shephard’s Pantry at Immanuel Lutheran Church
Chadron Medical Clinic Chadron CAPWN Dental Clinic Chadron Public Transportation
Lifestyles from page 11
pandemic became a well-known reality at campuses across the country, Sarah Brown of The Chronicle of Higher Education reported on a Pennsylvania State University report that found that though caseloads for college counselors were rising, students were not as likely to improve their mental health. Within the article Brown also cites that according to the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors, just 11.8 percent of the student population attends counseling. As if college weren’t stressful enough, experts at The Healthy Minds Network and American College Health Association released a study showing that sixty percent of students reached by the survey indicated that COVID-19 has made it more difficult to access mental health care. It also found that from March to May 2020, more students reported their mental health negatively impacted their academic performance. On the positive side, the study found that though students were reporting lower levels of mental wellbeing relative to the fall 2019 semester, they had also reported more resiliency. While mental health gets a fair amount of attention, the needs of college students can vary greatly, from a lack of nutrition to mental and physical abuse as well as substance abuse. To address these issues on campus,
students can be connected to (or seek out) the college’s food bank, health services, or the Title IX office. But while the college has several free services available, at least twice a year students spend an extended time away from the college during break, leaving them without easy acess to those services. In those instances, advocates can help students connect with community organizations like Western Community Health Resources that offer an array of services from reproductive health issues to immunizations. WCHR serves the Chadron area, but similar organizations exist in many communities. Students in their home communities can also be connected with local food banks, churches and community counseling centers. While these organizations exist within most communities and colleges, connecting students with the appropriate services isn’t always easy, which is why advocating for others is an important role played by educators. But advocating, whether for families and children, or for young adults engaged in higher learning, can be done by anyone willing to reach out and help their fellow humans. From mentoring a fellow student or young person, to volunteering at a local food bank or a child and family advocacy center, being an advocate is something anyone can do.
Jazz band and choir perform at Mem Hall u By Gasper Dominici Reporter
Photo by Chase Vialpando
Chadron State College’s Jazz Band led by Michael Stephens plays in Memorial Hall, Tuesday. The Jazz Choir also performed.
A river of upbeat jazz glided around the audience after taking a cool sip of classical Jazz tones. The mix of different jazz sounds, performed by the talents of the CSC Music Program, Tuesday night November 17th. The upbeat sounds mixed with soft and soothing rhythms set the attendees in another culture and almost in another time. The Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Michael Stephens (who also performed) and the Jazz Vocals directed Dr. Joel Schreuder (who also performed); the CSC Vocal Jazz Ensemble in its 14th program of the 2020-2021 season. Songs like the “American
Tune” written by Paul Simon, a vocal Jazz piece, speaks to the civil unrest of the 1970’s, which was related to today’s current unrest and performed well by the Jazz Vocal group. It was evident that each member of the CSC Music Program performed with passion and commitment, as was a very enjoyable experience. The Jazz band showcased its talents performing pieces like “Out of the Doghouse” written by Erik Morles, showcased a diverse solo set performed by James Larson on the trumpet, TJ Chadwick on the Trombone, Riley Snyder on the guitar and Dr. Mckay Tebbs on the bass, who birthday was acknowledged at the event.
Ag
&
Range
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
13
Photo courtesy of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A male sharp-tailed grouse looks for female grouse during the spring mating season in the Nebraska Sandhills in Thomas County. Sharp-tailed grouse are commonly found in hay fields and prairies in northern Nebraska.
Sharp-tailed grouse visit CSC campus u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
There are many animal species that can be found on Chadron State College’s campus including American robins, fox squirrels, common blackbirds, mule deer, Merriam’s turkeys and as of recent months, sharp-tailed grouse. The grouse were spotted near the Rangeland Complex by CSC professors Teresa Frink and Anthony Perlinski. The birds were seen passing through the campus during the early morning or late in the evening. According to Nebraska Game and Parks, sharp-tailed grouse are a species of ground nesting bird found in grassland and prairie ecosystems. They rely on shrubs for cover and nesting habitats. The grouse are also one of four bird species hunted in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Upland Slam. The birds are commonly found on agricultural lands especially hay fields during the winter and move to better covered areas to lay eggs and raise chicks. Improving shrub cover on campus could be done to increase populations of sharp-tailed grouse.
The Nebraska populations of the bird are found near the northern part of the state. “Grouse need shrubs and cover to thrive,” Frink said. “They don’t like a whole lot of trees, so they like open habitats with some cover, so increasing shrubs would help us get more grouse on campus.” Sharp-tailed grouse are one of four grouse species found in Nebraska, the other three being the greater prairie chicken, sage grouse and ruffed grouse. Grouse species often struggle with competition from other ground nesting birds including local species ring-neck pheasants and Merriam’s turkeys. These species out-compete the smaller grouse species for nesting habitats and food resources. The sharp-tailed grouse population is one that struggles with excessive competition from other species. Sharp-tailed grouse are often unable to compete against larger species. With larger species out competing sharp-tailed grouse, the grouse tend to move to areas where there is less competition for resources. “Grouse are pretty specialized in the habitats that they like,”
Frink said. “It is really odd that we have turkeys here now too and really turkeys and grouse are really opposing to one another.” CSC campus was once a native grouse habitat but with fires and the destruction of habitat by humans has caused there to be little of the native habitat left. “Whatever we can do to restore the native landscape like putting in shrubs in C-hill and all the area around it would be great,” Frink said. “Efforts to remove smooth brome and to better promote native vegetation would be really good for insect production that would be good not just for pollinators but grouse too.” Chadron State College’s C-hill and surrounding area have species of grasses like smooth brome that are invasive and drive out native vegetation. Native shrub species like sand sagebrush and native grass species can be added to Chadron State College ecosystem to improve populations of native species. “If we put more shrubs in it would help and it would bring up mule deer population too,” Frink said. “I think it would be splendid to have more species on campus other than just the generalist species like robins and rabbits.”
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Ag
Upland Slam 2020 now underway u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasant Forever and Quail Forever are hosting the annual Upland Slam contest. All hunters that compete in the contest receive a certificate and are entered into a prize drawing. To complete in the contest, hunters must kill a ring-neck pheasant, a northern bobwhite quail, a sharp-tailed grouse and a greater prairie chicken. Hunters must follow regulations for each species. Hunting permits for each species are required. In order to enter the contest each hunter must submit a picture of each bird as well as the person who shot it.
An update to this season’s contest is that hunters age 15 and older may compete. Northern bobwhite quail and ringneck pheasant seasons began Oct. 31. Sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chicken seasons began Sept. 1. All seasons end Jan. 31 2021. The grand prize for the 2020-2021 Upland Slam is a Browning Maxus 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun. Hunters may also enter their dogs into the contest to receive a “top dog� tag and certificate. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be releasing ring-neck pheasant roosters onto 16 wildlife management areas. This will help to increase hunting odds over the Thanksgiving holiday.
&
Range
Photo courtesy of Natural Resource Conservation Service
A ring-neck pheasant stands in grass in North Dakota. Ring-neck pheasants are one of four Upland Slam game bird species.
Waterfowl season changes u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
Nebraska Game and Parks commission is considering changing waterfowl seasons for the 2021-2022 season. The current waterfowl seasons are based on species, color and zone. Dark goose, white-fronted goose, light goose, early teal, duck and coot seasons are all split into different seasons based on area. Hunters are being asked to take a survey on
whether or not the season dates should change. Waterfowl hunters who have completed the Harvest Information Program during 2017-2019 seasons should receive and email with the season date survey. Hunters that did not provide an email address will receive a letter with a five number code. This code can be used to access the survey and can only be used once. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking for all waterfowl hunters to take the survey regardless of their opinion on season changes.
Sports
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Nov. 19, 2020
15
2020
Football Standings
1. Chadron State 2. Colorado Mesa 3. South Dakota Mines 4. Black Hills State Offensive Leaders Passing: Dalton Holst 1,060 yards, seven touchdowns Photo by Mackenzie Dahlberg
Cole Thurness, senior of Rapid City, South Dakota jets past defenders on a rush against University of Nebraska Kearney, Saturday, Nov. 7, in Kearney.
Football ends season with cancellation u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Staff Editor
A condensed season that became even shorter. Chadron State College football was supposed to finish their season with a game against Black Hills State University, Saturday. Like their first game against the Yellow Jackets, the Eagles’ final game was canceled
due to rising COVID-19 cases in the community of Spearfish, South Dakota. Head Football Coach Jay Long said not being able to play Black Hills was just disappointing but it didn’t come as a surprise. With COVID-19, game cancellations were happening at all levels across the nation. It was just fortunate that they got the opportunity to play games and improve
Athletes theofSemester Dalton Holst
from them. CSC finished their season 2-2, and 1-0 at home. The team scored 120 points throughout their season. They had 1,736 total yards, 1,060 passing yards and 676 rushing yards. The Eagles are currently sitting first in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and five players received Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week.
Quarterback Dalton Holst, senior of Gillette, Wyoming, threw 77 completed passes and seven touchdowns. “Something that I was really happy with is that Dalton got to learn a new offense and was able to use it in games,” Long said. “These four games gave him more confidence in the scheme and then our receivers took that next step.”
Please see Football page 16
Alpine Hickstein
Hometown: Gillette, Wyoming Class: Senior Sport: Football
Hometown: Chadron Class: Sophomore Sport: Golf
Holst finished the season with 77 completed passes for 1,060 yards and seven touchdowns. During the season finale against University of Nebraska Kearney, Holst threw to eight different receivers for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
Hickstein finished her season averaging 157 for her two-round score. She also finished her final tournament 74-78-152, setting the CSC 36-hole individual tournament record at the Samuel Proal Invitational in Pueblo, Colorado.
Rushing: Jalen Starks 330 yards, seven touchdowns Receiving: Chad Mikelson 309 yards, two touchdowns
Defensive Leaders Tackles: Jeremiah Makahununiu 37 tackles, 16 solo Sacks: Jeremiah Gutierrez one sack, 21 tackles Interceptions: Bobby Peele Three interceptions, five break-ups
Upcoming Sports at CSC Men’s Basketball Dec. 4 At Fort Lewis College Women’s Basketball Dec. 4 At Fort Lewis College Indoor Track and Field Nov. 21 At Chadron State Wrestling Jan. 6 At New Mexico Highlands
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Nov. 19, 2020 | The Eagle | csceagle.com
Sports
COVID postpones basketball u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Staff Editor
This weekend’s basketball games against Colorado School of Mines and Regis University, are rescheduled for Jan. 3-4, 2021. The decision was made due to safety concerns regarding COVID-19. President Rhine re-
leased Wednesday that only CSC students and faculty will be allowed at on-campus events. Head Men’s Basketball Coach Shane Paben said that he wasn’t surprised with this decision, and he believes that it’s just a little hard mentally on coaches and athletes for every sport. “Right now, we’ve had 22 practic-
es,” Paben said. “All of our scrimmages have been canceled or postponed. I know that we can get better in every area right now. The guys need to play against someone else right now.” The Eagles are scheduled to play Fort Lewis College, Dec. 4, and Western Colorado University, Dec. 5, in Colorado.
No wrestling this fall
u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Staff Editor
Photo by Mackenzie Dahlberg
Brady Delimont, senior of Ainsworth, lines up for a shot during practice in the Chicoine Center, Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Wrestling decided to postpone December matches due to COVID-19 and the rising cases, with the hope that they can open their season in January. Before the matches were postponed, the Eagles were going to host Western Colorado University, Dec. 4 and dual University of Nebraska Kearney in Kearney, Dec. 11. The Eagles are still planning to hold the annual Black and Cardinal intrasquad meet. Wrestling is scheduled to start Jan. 6, 2021, against New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, followed by Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, Jan. 7, 2021.
Football,
from page 15
Chad Mikelson, junior of Julesburg, Colorado, received 20 of those passes and scored two touchdowns, and Cole Thurness, senior of Rapid City, South Dakota, received 15 passes and had two touchdowns. Montel Gladney, junior of Flowood, Mississippi, caught six passes and one touchdown. Gladney received the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week in the fifth week of the season after receiving five passes, with a 74-yard catch and run against the University of Nebraska Kearney. Jahani Wright, freshman of Miami, caught eight passes, earning one touchdown. In the third week, Wright received Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after leaping over a defender to score the game winning touchdown in the third quarter against South Dakota School of Mines. “We had about a dozen freshman that were able to play this fall that would’ve normally played because we would’ve redshirted them,” Long said. Jalen Starks, junior of Van Nuys, California, leads rushing yards with 330 yards and seven touchdowns. In the second week, Starks received Rocky Mountain Offensive Player of the Week with 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns against South Dakota School of Mines. Jeydon Cox, freshman of Jackson, Wyoming, follows with 242 rushing yards. Jeremiah Makahununiu, junior
of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, had 37 total tackles, 16 solo and 21 assists and one break up. Travis Wilson, senior of Fresno, California, had 30 tackles, 9 solo and 21 assists. Wilson finished the season with two tackles for loss and an interception. Bobby Peele, junior of Fresno, California, finished the season with 22 tackles, 14 solo and eight assists. Peele had three interceptions and five break ups. Jeremiah Gutierrez, senior of Long Beach, California, had 21 tackles, 12 solo and 9 assists. 3 tackles for loss and one sack. Gutierrez received Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in the third week of the season with seven tackles, two for a loss, a solo sack, and two pass breakups against South Dakota School of Mines. Drake Holdren, freshman of Greeley, Colorado, made one field goal kick out of four attempts. Holdren received Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week in the fifth week of the season going fivefive points after touchdown against University of Nebraska Kearney. “I’m really proud of our players for making the commitment to have a safe season,” Long said. “Our players took it seriously. They were daily screened for symptoms. We weekly tested. I want to make sure that I thank the team for taking it serious.”
