Hillsdale Collegian 2.13.20 by The Hillsdale Collegian

Michigan’s oldest college newspaper

Vol. 143 Issue 18 - February 13, 2020

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House fire brings attention to city’s homeless By | Elizabeth Bachmann Assistant Editor An abandoned house near the Baw Beese Trail, which served as a shelter to a homeless couple, burned to the ground in a blaze on Jan. 29. No one was in the home at the time of the fire. The couple had been living in the house longterm, though without any utilities, according to Hillsdale Police and Fire Chief Scott Hephner. He said it’s likely that the fire either started because the couple left a kerosene heater on, or potentially from a lit cigarette. Hephner said they will not be able to determine the cause with certainty. The fire, however, brings to light a larger demon in the Hillsdale community: homelessness. According to the Community Action Agency’s Jan. 29 Point in Time survey, approximately 87 people, 19 of which are members of families, are currently homeless in Hillsdale.

Jessica Harrison, a housing advocate at the CAA, said that Hillsdale’s homeless tend to congregate around Baw Beese Lake, in public campgrounds, behind Kroger, and sometimes in abandoned railroad cars. This particular couple had been homeless for “a very long time,” according to Harrison, and that made it hard for CAA to help them find housing prior to the fire. The agency put them up in a hotel for a few days after the fire. Harrison, however, said it will be difficult to situate them into permanent housing because the agency has used up all of its applicable funding for the fiscal year. Until October 2020, CAA can only help with referrals and make connections. In the past few years, the number of recorded homeless people in the city has increased, according to Harris. She said that this increase in recorded homeless residents is likely due in large part to

the additional team members the CAA hired. Two CAA outreach employees work in the field five days a week to record the number of homeless in the city and to bring them aid. While the official number of homeless has increased, Harrison said this indicates that the CAA is better able to help Hillsdale’s homeless community. Meanwhile, there are other ways Hillsdale’s resources for the homeless are growing. Last Tuesday, Mayor Adam Stockford met with CAA and other homeless aid groups to begin discussions for developing new and better means of aiding the homeless. Furthermore, Harrison said that in just one year, she gained a $50,000 grant for her program, which offers permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless — those who have spent 12 months in the past years verifiably homeless— and the disabled. Courtesy | Kaitlyn Johnston

Current CAA procedure favors a housing first approach. But Harrison said the housing first model can also be difficult because the homeless often don’t believe that finding a home is their most pressing concern. Renae Shircliff, director of Hillsdale County Veteran Affairs emphasized that, though the CAA follows a housing first model, it also provides for imminent needs. The agency offers warming centers for homeless people to stay on cold nights, and partners with the Salvation Army and Hillsdale Community to provide warm meals and warm clothes. This outreach, in particular, is crucial because it builds trust between the homeless and CAA workers. According to Schircliff, homeless, especially veterans, sometimes refuse housing either because they are used to living outside or because they don’t want to have any kind of responsibility — even if it is just filling

out a form each month. “I had a gentleman who I had housed shortly after I began, and he was chronically homeless and had been living outside for a few years,” Harrison said. “I got him out, and in about a month, he wouldn’t sleep in his house. It felt very unnatural to him to sleep inside and he ended up leaving his housing because he couldn’t acclimate to not sleeping outside and he is still homeless outside.” According to Harrison, this type of behavior is sometimes due to traumatic experiences with different people who have tried and failed to help them, or because of bad experiences in community housing. This trauma, however, does not have to be permanent. “We have one guy who has been homeless since 2011, and he sleeps in a storage unit. He has for a long time,” Harrison said. “He finally actually came to us and reached out and said he does want

housing help now. We were able to get him housing.” Ultimately, both Schircliff and Harrison emphasized that the mindset of the community can be detrimental to offering necessary help. Shircliff said people in the community often have no idea that homelessness — especially homelessness on this scale — exists in Hillsdale. “I think that people in Hillsdale are definitely coming around to the idea that homelessness in Hillsdale is very real, but there is something we can do about it: volunteering with us, donating.” Harrison said. “There are so many things that people can do when they do encounter someone homeless, and some positive information around homelessness will really make some big changes.” To donate visit the Community Action Agency website and click the “donate” button.

City hires new engineer By | Rachel Kookogey Assistant Editor The City of Hillsdale recently hired engineer Kristin Bauer to further its efforts of planning and budgeting road, sidewalk, and lead-water line repairs in a way that can be maintained for several years to come. “Kristin has just over 20 years of experience as a city engineer, so she brings a wealth of knowledge to us,” said Hillsdale City Manager

David Mackie, who previously worked with Bauer for the City of Taylor. “I think she will be a tremendous asset to the community.” Bauer has more than 30 years of engineering experience, including working as the city engineer for the City of Adrian for 14 years and the City of Taylor for one year. For the past four years, Bauer worked with the City of Marshall where she supervised 10 departments. “In the beginning of my

career, I actively avoided municipal work,” Bauer said. “But when I got into it, I realized I loved it. I wear a lot of different hats and it’s never the same day twice.” Among her tasks, Bauer will work on planning and budgeting for the repair and long-term maintenance of infrastructures such as roads, sidewalks, and lead service

See Engineer A3

Michigan house proposes new distracted driving law Dean Sinclair ‘18 and his band August Hotel have released a new single, “Disaster and Delight.” For coverage, see B1.

Candidates running for the Michigan State House in the 58th district answer our questions. See A6.

By | Madeleine Miller Collegian Reporter Distracted driving, particularly among teens, has caught the attention of Michigan legislators, who are considering a cellphone-restricting bill that may soon become law. The Michigan State House of Representatives is seeking to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving by banning hand-held cellphone use for all drivers under the age of 18. Passed Dec. 11, 2019, by the state House, Bill No. 4181 proposes to expand Kelsey’s Law, which prohibits drivers with restricted licenses from using cellphones while driving. Enacted in 2013, Kelsey’s Law is named after a 17-year-old girl from

Sault Ste. Marie whose cellphone use caused her fatal car accident in 2010. Bill 4181 was referred to the Michigan Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Jan. 8. If it passes, it will prohibit all drivers under the age of 18 from hand-held cell phone use, except to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, serious road hazard, crime, or other emergency. Previously, the ban applied only to drivers with levels 1 and 2 licenses, the restricted-license levels granted to new drivers. Level 1 license-holders must be supervised by an adult age 21 or older and level 2 license-holders must not drive alone between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and may only drive one passenger under the age of

21 at a time. State Rep. Eric Leutheuser of District 58 voted in favor of the bill and said it was a response to public concern about distracted driving. “There was a push to get it done by the end of the year because distracted driving is a pretty obvious problem,” he said. “Out of a host of conversations, this was one that seemed to be simple and easy for people to understand and get behind, which is why it passed at the end of the term.” Leutheuser said Bill 4181 was supported by both parties and by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Beginning in 2001, when New York became the first

See Driving A3

President’s Ball king and queen dance with Dr. and Mrs. Arnn. For further coverage, see A2. Victoria Marshall | Collegian

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Syracuse fellow talks qualifications of experts By | Grace Balkan Collegian Freelancer Each day, Americans make choices to trust the opinions of people they deem “experts.” But how should individuals determine what qualifies an expert? Roger Koppl’s Praxis talk, “Expert Failure, Faulty Forensics, and Fake News” last Thursday evening sought to answer that question. The purpose of Koppl’s talk was to shed light on the general public’s widespread problem of accepting the advice of so-called experts without question. These experts in business, economics, politics, and more assert their opinion as fact, and unfortunately, the public takes these opinions as just that. “They are humans who are

motivated by the same thing as other humans with the same degree of self-interest,” Koppl said. Koppl, a faculty fellow for the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University, has spent years analyzing this issue. He presented his book, “Expert Failure,” and discussed the ways society incorrectly views “experts.” Koppl argued that the general public has a misunderstanding about the credibility of elites and that, “until this book, there was really no coherent book on experts.” Koppl claimed that elites from many fields are not actually experts. In his opinion, people put too much stock in the opinions of these elites rather than realizing that they make human errors just like everyone else.

“Some experts are wise, some experts are fools, but all in the same proportions as non-experts. Experts are not different in their motivations, their character, or anything,” Koppl said. “The expert chooses what expert advice he wants to share with the non-experts,” Koppl said. Koppl’s key fundamental assumption is that the more “expert” advice on any particular topic, the greater the probability for mitigating error. For instance, in one of his charts, he distinguished between various people society upholds as experts, separating them based on the degree to which they monopolized their respective markets. According to Koppl, a lack of competition leads to monopoly-control on expertise, and

then the herd-mentality kicks in: nobody wants to oppose the “expert.” Such a situation is, in Koppl’s opinion, detrimental to the prosperity and cultivation of a free people. “We want the experts to save us from our ignorance,” Koppl said. Unfortunately, he does not think so-called experts have the capacity to live up to such expectations. According to Koppl, there is a fundamental difference between how people used to think of experts and how they think of them today. Experts have always been defined by whether or not they have a specialty, but Koppl said this is an incorrect definition. He takes issue with the original definition of expertise because the division of labor that is created when experts are viewed as

specialists creates a division of knowledge. This division means everyone is, in their own way, an expert. But if everyone is considered an expert, then is anyone truly one? To address this problem, Koppl argued for the Theory of Information Choice. According to this theory, Koppl said, “an expert is anyone paid for their opinion.” Senior Economics major Kyle Froisland said the concepts Koppl discussed are new to economics and hence thought-provoking. “I thought it was very interesting how he interplayed Austrian and public choice economic ideas with practical applications, such as the way we manage economies,” Froisland said. “These ideas of entrepreneurship and ex-

pertise are pretty young in the field of economics. It hasn’t been talked about too much, so Koppl’s doing a lot of really cool research in these areas.” Praxis president senior Melody McDonald acknowledged the validity of Koppl’s argument. “Part of Koppl’s book talks about how we have this kind of preset mindset to just trust what an expert says and believe whatever they say, but a lot of experts are wrong,” McDonald said. Koppl encourages Hillsdale students to apply for Whitman School of Management’s P.h.D. program at Syracuse University. The program annually accepts four students, and Koppl says that “the core of the enterprise is training the next generation of entrepreneurship scholars.”

Federalist Society event Investment club sees 13% return in four years talks ‘dead’ constitution By | Christian Peck-Dimmit Collegian Freelancer The Hillsdale College Investment Club has seen above-average growth in its investments, growing by $22,000 over four years. After receiving a $35,000 portion of the college’s endowment in 2016, the club experienced some early losses but quickly bounced back. The club’s average rate of return is over 13%, which far surpasses the S&P 500’s average rate at 9.8%. The endowment is currently valued at $57,000. “It’s been incredible ever since,” said Investment Club president and senior George Roberts. “We beat the S&P 500 last year by 648 points. There are people who are professionals at this stuff, who don’t see those types of returns.” Unlike many investing clubs that use simulators, the group has been entrusted by the school to make real money grow. “I can log onto the Morgan Stanley software right now and see that money sitting in the account,” Roberts said. “It’s not theoretical, like what I get in my investments class—it’s real life, this is what they do in real life.”

Because of the success it has seen so far, the club takes a lot of time to consider when, where, and how much it should invest. “Our investable universe is hundreds of companies, and we want to find a shortlist of say 10-15 that we find particularly interesting—some macro-trend, or something that we think is undervalued by the market,” senior Jackson Frerichs said. “We then start looking at the shortlist very intensely—analyzing it, looking through financial statements, and coming to our own conclusions.” If the club discovers any of those companies to be good investments that can be bought at a discount, then they will create a pitch for investing in that company to be presented to the rest of the club. “It’s usually about a 40-50 minute presentation with a Q&A afterwards,” Roberts said. “And then we vote as a club, to see if we want to have that stock in our portfolio.” Not only is the club a lot of fun for its members, it’s also educational. “I knew only the basic investing terminology when I entered the club,” Frerichs said. “I didn’t understand any of the fundamentals. I didn’t know how to source

an investment, I didn’t know how to go about analyzing one, what makes one a good investment versus another, and I learned that along the way.” Just as professional portfolio managers do, the club makes sure that its members know every piece of necessary information before investing, both to grow the knowledge of its members, and to make sure that a quality investment is being made. “We dive deep in Investment Club—analyzing every aspect of a company we might want to invest in,” said freshman Jason Cimponer. Through their investment decisions, Investment Club members are learning lifelong skills that they can pass on. “I really enjoyed my experience in the investment club,” Cimponer said. “I truly believe that investing is a fundamental aspect of life, not just for myself, but also for my future kids.” In his final of four years involved in the club, Frerichs summed up his experience, saying, “It has been without a doubt the best experience that I’ve had at Hillsdale. I’ve had a lot of great experiences, but I’ve learned the most from Investment Club.”

By | Amelia Teska Collegian Reporter From presidential debates to mainstream media talk shows, arguments over the Constitution’s status as living or dead are frequent. The Federalist Society hosted an event last Thursday to help answer questions on the topic. Ilan Wurman, visiting assistant professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, gave a lecture titled “Can a Dead Constitution Bind the Living?” in Lane Hall. Wurman teaches administrative law and constitutional law. His writings have appeared in several journals, and he is the author of “A Debt Against the Living: An Introduction to Originalism” and “The Second Founding: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Amendment.” Wurman’s talk focused on a short introduction to and defense of originalism. “It’s both a conceptual defense about how texts should be interpreted, but also a normative defense of why we should be bound by this particular text that we have for a Constitution,” Wurman said. Wurman clearly laid out the argument for why Americans should be bound

to the Constitution even if the general public believes it is flawed. He argued that a constitution for a free society has to successfully balance self-government and liberty. “These are the two objectives of a free society,” Wurman said. “And if the Constitution successfully does that, then I think that is what makes such a constitution for such a free society a binding constitution even if it is imperfect.” President of the Federalist Society junior Daniel Grifferty said that he thought the night was a success. “Wurman is a very engaging speaker and good at getting down to earth and doing Q&A sessions where he answers a lot of the harder questions,” Grifferty said. Wurman finds great fulfillment in giving talks to college undergrads. “It means a lot to me personally because I am trying to do whatever is in my power to advance the cause of liberty, free institutions, and constitutional government,” Wurman said. “And speaking to young people—the next generation—about how we should care about the Constitution and the Founders is the best thing I can be doing to help advance that mission and cause.” The talk was met with great feedback from students.

“I chose to come to this talk because I have been a part of the Federalist Society for the past two years and it is always very edifying to come hear the speakers invited,” sophomore Mary Gregg said. “I always walk away with new information about the field I want to pursue.” Caroline Welton felt she walked out of the talk with a better idea of originalism as an interpretation of the Constitution. “It was a very clear defense of originalism based on an understanding of government, liberty, and self-government,” Welton said. “This is something that here at Hillsdale I think we value a lot so it is important to learn about.” Wurman found the students of Hillsdale a receptive and cooperative audience. “I usually do this talk to law schools and only rarely to undergrads,” Wurman said. “But I find it much more rewarding to speak to undergrads. Their minds are less fixed on things. They are more amiable to hearing new and interesting arguments. It was an absolute delight to come and speak to the very smart undergrads here at Hillsdale.”

Career Services to launch new networking portal By | Austin Gergens Collegian Reporter For students seeking an avenue of networking for jobs or internships, Career Services has never made it easier to connect Hillsdale alumni, parents, faculty, and friends.. In October, it launched The Hub, a networking service dedicated to Hillsdale student’s personal and professional development, according to Director of Employer Relations John Quint. Before The Hub, students were often counseled to use Handshake while seeking internships and jobs both on

campus and in town. However, with The Hub, these opportunities are easier to find as students find personalized opportunities and have mentors to guide them through their career searches. “The value of networking isn’t just about securing a job or internship,” Quint said, “It’s certainly not the primary function of The Hub.” The Hub provides students with a chance to better understand one’s interests and career prospects. Through personalized searches, you can find ways of gaining experience and knowledge required to succeed in a particular field. It also allows

for external advice regarding simple things such as picking a major, editing resumes and cover letters, discussing personal goals with professionals , and expanding one’s network in a particular field of interest, according to Quint. One of the greatest benefits of The Hub is its student-mentorship program, in which students are paired with a mentor who will help challenge and support them. “By engaging with an alumni mentor, students will gain a deeper understanding of the value of their education and the possibilities it affords,” said Director of

Career Services Joanna Wiseley.” “Mentees will also learn about the actual work their alumni mentors do, which can influence whether or not they want to pursue a similar vocation.” While the mentoring aspect of The Hub is not required, students do have the opportunity to talk with professionals and learn about certain fields, an opportunity that cannot be overestimated. The Hub has grown from its original 56 participants in the fall, to include 456 students. There are over 2,200 users and over half of them are alumni. Some of these include: attorneys, surgeons,

teachers, engineers, sales managers, investment bankers, homemakers, executives, entrepreneurs, data scientists, researchers, pastors, event planners, and graduate students, according to Quint. Career Services Career Coach Michael Fleischer has had a mentor since the f all launch, and has received lots of helpful career advice. “The Hub is a really powerful search tool because you can find alumni in anything and connect with them,” Fleischer said. Hub mentors are volunteers who want to be in the program and help students further their careers.

“I’ve reached out to about 10 mentors, and they all responded to me,” Fleischer said. The time commitment for the program is minimal, and students can become as involved as they please. The minimum commitments are to respond to emails within 24-48 hours, and attend scheduled meetings with a mentor according to The Hub’s guideline form. For students interested in getting involved, the spring semester mentorship program will launch at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in Lane 123.

The Hub will feature interactive maps that will allow students to see members’ locations and networking opportunities in their area. Courtesy | John Quint

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Mock Trial moves on to regional tourney By | Sutton Dunwoodie Senior Reporter Hillsdale Mock Trial Team 1150 won a bid to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) by placing fifth at the regional tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana last weekend. The tournament featured four rounds of trials. During each round, teams had a chance to win up to 2 ballots, which are awarded by judges. Team 1150 won 5.5 ballots. Senior and team captain Andrew Simpson said there was a little bit of panic on the team after losing 1.5 points to Missouri in the third round. He said the team regained confidence after seeing Purdue’s A-team, who they swept in the final round. “When we walked into the fourth round against Purdue A and they did not have their scripts prepared and were making stuff up as they went, it was at that moment we were pretty sure we were going to get the 2 ballots we needed,” Simpson said. The ORCS tournament that Team 1150 qualified for will take place from March 6-8 in Geneva, Illinois. Simpson said he is looking forward to changes in the case that will happen before ORCS,

Engineer

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lines. Mackie explained that budgeting and planning repairs are “like a puzzle.” For example, the first comprehensive plan is to overlay street repairs and water lines. Before the city repairs the street, the engineers must know the condition of the sewers and water lines under the street to prevent tearing up a newly built road in a year to replace them “Because the council wants us to have infrastructure repairs as our number one priority, we’ve been addressing the projects that most need to be addressed,” Mackie said. “But the sewers and streets are more complex, so we need more hands to work on them.” Bauer said she loves this kind of problem solving and intends to build sustainable, long-term plans for city facilities. “We are working on building a proactive program instead of a reactive one,” Bauer said. Another important element of Bauer’s job is to

Driving

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state to prohibit cellphone use while driving, states have imposed various restrictions on cellphone use in an attempt to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving. Between 2013 and 2017, distracted driving accounted for 2.95% of fatal car crashes in Michigan. With 209 fatal distracted-driving-induced accidents, the state ranked 44th for distracted-driving deaths in the same period. Hillsdale Police Chief Scott Hephner said distracted teenage drivers have caused several accidents in Hillsdale, and he heartily supports Bill 4181. “Anything we can do to curb distracted driving is helpful,” he said. “My personal opinion is that we’re still behind other states, where no one can operate a phone while driving a vehicle.” Hephner said it’s impossible to prove just how many accidents are caused by distracted driving, and that multitasking drivers endanger everyone on the road. He recounted a single

which he believes gives his team an advantage. “Our skills are definitely along the lines of we get new case materials and develop strong cases quickly and efficiently and get them

memorized and present them very well,” Simpson said. “Honestly ORCS this year is very much suited to Hillsdale Mock Trial’s strengths.” Team 1149 also competed at the regional tournament

and won 5 ballots but fell short of securing a direct bid. They drew the highest-ranked team in the tournament, the Miami University A-team, in the first round and lost both ballots.

Freshman Megan Williams of Team 1149, who is competing in the collegiate postseason for the first time, said the regional tournament was more stressful than high school competitions.

“This weekend was really stressful and especially after losing the first round—knowing that you can’t really screw up after that,” Williams said. “It was kind of tense with everybody.” Junior Sophia Klomparens, team captain of 1149, said there is a chance the team can qualify for the Opening Round Championship Series indirectly but they won’t know for two weeks. “I’m so proud of all of them,” Klomparens said. “Whatever happens they gave everything that they had and it was such a good run. Obviously it’s not over yet, we’ve still got a nationals bid to go get.” Several team members were honored for their individual performances. On Team 1150, Liesl Ragner and Ethan Tong won outstanding witness awards, and Mattis Beloncle won an outstanding attorney award. Andrew Shaffer won an outstanding attorney award for team 1149. Hillsdale Mock Trial Team 1151 will compete for a bid to the ORCS at the regional tournament in Dayton, Ohio this weekend.

Hillsdale College Mock Trial Team 1150 will move on to the next tournament. Courtesy | Andrew Simpson

facilitate communications between public departments. “We’re not always successful with communication between departments, so it’s helpful to have someone as a go-between who can bring them together,” Bauer said. Mackie added that having Bauer coordinate various planning allows the departments to fulfill their required operations. In recent years, departments such as water, electricity, and public services, have not been able to build maintenance plans because they have been busy with organizing daily operations. Before hiring Bauer as a government employee, the city frequently hired Matt Taylor as a third-party engineer to assist in city planning. This got harder, Taylor said, as the city required more aid, and he was getting more responsibilities in his other jobs. “The city and I mutually decided that it would be best to find someone to do this full time,” Taylor said. “With my change in work responsibilities with Foulke

day in which distracted drivers over the age of 18 were responsible for two serious accidents in Hillsdale, both of which resulted in personal injury. “We absolutely have to keep young people safe,” he said. “I’m all for it, all in on it. But that was an opportunity to expand it for everyone.” Hephner said he hopes it will soon be illegal for anyone to use a cellphone while driving in Michigan. Currently, 20 states outlaw the use of hand-held cellphones while driving. In 2016, the Michigan State Police added a distracted driving field to police accident report forms, which enables the state to track the number of car crashes attributable to drivers’ cellphone use. Honorable Judge Sara Lisznyai supports Bill 4181, but also said she believes it does not go far enough. “My personal opinion is that we should ban all use of hand-held devices while driving,” she said. “I see people of all ages abusing it all the time. Even handsfree, you’re still distracted by the conversation.” Hillsdale County Sheriff

Construction here in town, it was a good time for them to hire an engineer they are acquainted with and for me to focus on the construction company and my clients around the county.” With the hiring of Bauer as the city engineer, Mackie said, the city brings its expenses “in-house,” which allows them to save the revenue in overseeing construction themselves instead of hiring someone to do it. Bauer’s ultimate job is to use and distribute the city’s resources to repair roads and sidewalks in a way that can be maintained. This, Bauer said, will take some planning time before the city can begin the projects. “While I would like to go out and repave all the roads right now, there’s a lot of planning that must be done first,” Bauer added. “I was joking with Dave Mackie earlier. I said, ‘you’re probably mad because I didn’t fix your roads in the first week!’ But it takes time. Patience is a good thing. We’re working toward a better Hillsdale.”

Timothy Parker, however, said he doubts the practicality of Bill 4181. “The intent is really good,” he said. “But as law enforcement, when you see someone driving, how do you know they’re under 18?” Many things other than cellphones can divert drivers’ attention. Parker said a driver in Hillsdale County once caused an accident when he reacted to a bee flying in his window, and that some legislatures have considered restricting eating while driving. Parker said legislation is futile if it cannot be effectively imposed. “Distracted driving comes in many forms,” he said. “Cellphones pose an additional problem, but we have to look at the enforceability.” Although he supports Bill 4181, Leutheuser said he also doubts the virtue of imposing further driving restrictions, as driving in an unsafe manner is already a civil infraction in Michigan. “I’m not sure we need more laws,” he said. “We need more compliance or, frankly, common sense.”

Arnn crowns Reid and Balsbaugh at Prez Ball By | Victoria Marshall Assistant Editor Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn crowned seniors Michelle Reid and Dietrich Balsbaugh as queen and king of the 2020 President’s Ball court at the annual event Saturday. Arnn announced Balsbaugh and Reid’s new titles after confirming that the rumors about him and his “girlfriend” Penny Arnn being an item were in fact, “true.” The crowning of Balsbaugh and Reid brought loud reactions from the audience, which continued when they were welcomed to the dance floor by Larry and Penny Arnn. Reid, a philosophy and religion major with a 3.9 GPA, said she was both honored and humbled to be crowned

queen. “When I was an underclassman, I thought those who were crowned were a big deal, but now that I’m a senior, it’s kind of fun because we’re all friends and it feels like there are at least ten people I know who would be so deserving of this honor,” she said. “I just love this place a whole lot, and am so thankful for how God has grown me through it. It’s both an honor and makes me chuckle to be recognized for things from which I’ve received far more than I have earned.” Balsbaugh, an English major with a GPA of 3.73, said he was surprised and overwhelmed to be named king, before paying tribute to his fellow candidates. “It was delightful to stand with such amazing men and

women up there who have all helped shape my experience of life together at Hillsdale,” he said. “I was particularly happy that I was with a group of men who I know and trust. I was an RA with Reagan and Messi, Isaac and I are partners in crime at the Writing Center, and who doesn’t know the joy and inclusiveness that Ian brings to absolutely everything?” Balsbaugh continued by saying that the quality of the nominees ultimately reflects the student body at Hillsdale. “I think the court reflected the unity and teamwork of the student body and I was proud of the work that all of us had done both individually and together to further the life of the school,” he said.

Career Services to host Classical School Job Fair By | Reagan Gensejewski Collegian Reporter On Thursday, Feb. 13th, Career Services will be hosting its 12th annual Classical School Job Fair from 11 to 4 p.m. in the Searle Center. 46 classical schools from 22 states and Washington, D.C. will be in attendance, 14 of which are part of the Barney Charter program. Each school will be accepting resumes from graduating Hillsdale College Students. On the Friday following the fair, schools will be inviting students back for interviews which will be conducted on campus. Positions

the schools look to fill range from teachers to marketing specialists. Students should come in business casual attire with a resume prepared. Underclassmen are encouraged to attend the fair to build a relationship with the schools upon graduation. Of Hillsdale College graduates, approximately 12-14% will go directly into a teaching position. Ronald Fink will be in attendance to represent the Founders Academy of Las Vegas. “Founders Classical Academy of Las Vegas treasures

its relationship with Hillsdale College’s Barney Charter School Initiative,” Fink said in an email. “We look forward to inviting additional Hillsdale grads to Las Vegas to share our mission to bring a rigorous classical education to public education students.” “If students have any questions they can come to career services. Career services will be printing resumes on resume paper for free,” Joanna Wiseley, Director of Career Services said, “If students need a resume review, our career coaches can certainly do that.”

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Hillsdale College should include F. A. Hayek in the Liberty Walk By | Joshua Lawson Every morning, more than five million people wake up in the modern city-state of Singapore — men and women of various means, needs, and places to go. Its citizens produce untold amounts of goods, from gasoline to clothing to sandwiches. There won’t be too much, nor too little, but just the right amount. This miracle doesn’t happen because a commerce tsar issues fiats from a government building. It happens because of the free market and the ideas espoused by the man who should be the next statue on the Hillsdale College Liberty Walk: Friedrich August von Hayek. Despite a lack of natural resources and physical space, Singapore is prosperous and free. By embracing ideas put forth by Hayek, the once poor colonial outpost transformed itself into one of the richest nations in the world in under 50 years. The free operation of the price system combined with the laws of supply and demand ensures that everyone walks away happy from each exchange — even in the case of a complicated, dense, and interwoven megacity like Singapore. Singapore’s success is a daily vindication of Hayek’s teachings. It’s human liberty in action. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1899, Hayek served in World War I, which led him into economics, seeking to find answers to prevent another global conflict. His most famous work, “The Road to Serfdom,” was published in 1944. It went on to educate the world on the importance of liberty and the dangers of meddlesome government planners. Expanding his philosophy further with “The Constitution of Liberty,” and “Law, Legislation and Liberty,” Hayek argued that when men tinker with the free market, even the best intentions of government do-gooders will have negative consequences. He reasoned that economic freedom does not guarantee political freedom, but that political freedom is nearly impossible without it. He said that a state cannot control the market without first controlling people. “The more the state ‘plans’,” wrote Hayek, “the more difficult planning becomes for the individual.” His conclusion: as government power grows, human liberty shrinks. The free-market renaissance of the 1980s, led by economists Milton Friedman and Thomas Sowell, was predicated on Hayek’s ideas. Their success, how-

ever, depended on Hayek legitimizing the entire free-market movement in the first place. After winning the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1974, Hayek helped define the governing principles for Margaret Thatcher’s Conservatives, and later, Ronald Reagan’s Republicans. Politicians are well-represented on Hillsdale College’s Liberty Walk. They should be. But the Liberty Walk should feature an economist — especially in light of the role the college’s economics department plays in advocating for freedom as well as the role economists have played in the conservative movement. Today, the nation faces a resurgence of socialism. Hayek cautioned, “‘Emergencies have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.” Sen. Bernie Sanders’s, I-Vermont, single-payer healthcare plan and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s, D-NY, “Green New Deal,” are the exact types of proposals on Hayek’s mind when he issued his warnings. Putting Hayek on the Liberty Walk would also remind conservatives that even if their hearts are pure, toying with central planning will burn them. Hayek warned against thinking that the market is merely a “tool.” Attempts to manipulate the market, even by those who purport to “know better,” will ultimately lead down a path to tyranny. Tellingly, Hayek dedicated “Serfdom” to “the socialists of all parties.” The last century featured demagogues from the left and right pledging to orient society towards what they believed is best for everyone. Promises were typically accompanied by some claim that, this time, their enlightened plan would work. What we witnessed were upheaval and ruin, culminating in two world wars and generations of Soviet despotism. Hayek knew better. He knew liberty is a messy business. Life is challenging — but it’s harder under the jackboot of irresistible government force. A free market means there will be winners and losers. But when we forget the importance of liberty, everyone loses.

Joshua Lawson is a candidate for a master’s degree in politics from the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship at Hillsdale College.

The Weekly: A whistleblower to celebrate The opinion of The Collegian editorial staff

Dr. Li Wenliang, the ophthalmologist who warned his fellow citizens about the coronavirus, died from the disease on Feb. 7. When he spoke up in concern for public health and safety, China again demonstrated itself to be an oppressive regime as it sought to keep him silent. In an online chat room, Li told medical school students about the coronavirus, saying that it was similar to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome disease which hit China in 2002 and 2003. At

this point, the coronavirus had not yet been identified, but he took measures to warn others about its potential danger. The Chinese government should have applauded his heroic efforts. Instead, officials summoned him in early January and accused him of “making false statements” that “disturbed the social order.” China demonstrated to the world in this situation that it doesn’t care about the safety of its people or the freedom

of speech and information. Officials care more about maintaining an image of a perfect society, an image they can use to fuel propaganda and support their authoritarian regime. And the Chinese people recognize their government’s thinly veiled attempts to impose its will on the citizens. People took to Weibo, a social media website, with rage after the news of Li’s death, calling on officials to apologize for their treatment of him. According to the BBC, hashtags

demanding government accountability and freedom of speech were trending, but by Friday morning, hundreds of thousands of comments had been removed. A nation’s public servants have a responsibility to protect their constituents, not just in war but also during major threats to public health. China would rather pretend that nothing’s rotten in the state of Denmark. But no one buys it.

Spend Valentine’s Day alone Instead of spending money on gifts or dates, pull on some sweats and stay home

By | Abby Liebing Six years ago, my parents went on a trip, leaving me home alone during Valentine’s Day weekend. And the greatest tradition of my young life was born. On Feb. 14, I came home to an empty house on a cold, dark night. I was used to a loud house with a lot of people around, so I felt lonely as I rummaged through the kitchen for my solitary dinner. But then, I saw a coupon on the refrigerator for a Valentine’s Day special at the local pizza joint. Suddenly, I realized that being alone in an empty house, even on Valentine’s Day, was possibly the greatest thing that had happened to me. I didn’t have to worry about anyone watching me so I ordered a pizza, put on some girly boxers, and cranked up “Hips Don’t Lie.”

When the pizza came, I didn’t even bother using a plate. Instead, I ate all eight slices straight out of the box while I watched “Leap Year.” I wasn’t wallowing in loneliness or throwing a pity party. I simply enjoyed being completely alone and unselfconsciously unwinding after a long day of highschool drama. Every year since that 2014 Valentine’s Day, I have repeated the tradition, and next to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s the highlight of my year. And as life has gotten busier, having a specific time set apart to be alone and enjoy myself has become increasingly important to my sanity, especially in the midst of dreary, cold February. If you’re single, it’s easy to wallow on Valentine’s Day and wish you had someone to

take you out to a nice dinner. But enjoy the time you have alone and use Valentine’s Day to be by yourself and relax. Besides, there are real emotional and health benefits to having alone time. It can relieve anxiety and stress, increase empathy, spark creativity, and increase productivity, according to a Forbes study. But spending Valentine’s Day alone shouldn’t just be for single people. While spending time with your significant other is obviously important, Valentine’s Day is just a commercial holiday, and couples shouldn’t feel pressure to spend money on romantic gestures. Buy your lover flowers and chocolate any other day of the year, when the prices aren’t jacked up for the so-called holiday. Historically, Valentine’s Day originated from the

Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February as a celebration of the coming of spring and fertility. Pope Gelasius I later sanitized and Christianized the holiday by tying it to the legends of St. Valentine. But today, Valentine’s Day has no real meaning or substance besides that which Hallmark, the chocolatiers, and the lingerie companies give it. It’s a consumer, commercial day for buying overpriced things that the market has deemed romantic for your love interest. Instead of giving into the commercialism or wallowing in self-pity because you have no one to buy you things, just revel in being alone.

By | Emma Cummins The New York City Council proposed a new bill on Jan. 23 to allow green card holders and immigrants with work visas to vote in mayoral races and other elections in New York City. If passed, this legislation will further degrade the rule of law by extending the right to vote to nearly one million people who are not U.S. citizens. By definition, green card holders are permanent residents, not citizens, and therefore they should not participate in the civic process like citizens. Noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal elections. Granting voting privileges to these individuals for local elections exposes the greater motive of the left, which is to obliterate all immigration laws. Local politicians accomplish this by implementing unconstitutional, piecemeal rules to render national immigration laws meaningless. Lawmakers in New York City have fought against federal immigration laws for

years. The city’s Green Light Law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, which makes it more challenging for the United States’ immigration authorities to determine an individual’s legal status. And in 2014, New York City declared itself a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants, demonstrating a clear contempt for the Constitution. From January to April 2018, the New York Police Department and New York Customs Department ignored 440 detainer notices. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency issues a detainer when an undocumented immigrant is suspected of committing a federal crime. The NYPD and NYCD released illegal immigrants back into their communities, and within three and a half months, 40 of those released from custody committed more crimes and were rearrested. New York City has openly disregarded a crucial part of the naturalization process, which distinguishes between those immigrants with green cards and those

with citizenship. Rather than openly advocating for open borders, the city council has slowly eroded the sovereignty of their citizens through sly, easily misunderstood laws. The green card and work visa process is challenging: There are 185 different types of visas with technical language and red tape. It’s so confusing that most immigrants hire lawyers to do this kind of work for them. Details aside, the fundamental effects are simple: one million people who have no certain means of ever gaining their citizenship will affect how one of the nation’s largest cities is run. This is a clear violation of the rights of Americans, and an example of a local government’s failure to meet its primary goal: to protect its own citizens’ right to representation. The New York City council renders itself incapable of protecting its constituents and promoting the things they desire by extending representation to one million people in a city of about 8.5 million people. New York City has ignored the consent of those

it’s supposed to govern and is thereby promoting an unjust law. Granting the right to vote to non-citizens bypasses the legal immigration process that so many other immigrants have gone through to become full-fledged citizens and earn the right to vote. If becoming a citizen simply means finding a job through one of the various work programs, then being a citizen is nothing more than entering into a work contract. Simply contributing to GDP does not entitle you to the blessings of liberty. New York City has trampled on the value of civic participation, not that New Yorkers are particularly civic-minded anyway, given the many headlines about older women being robbed and beaten on the street. But the city will unjustly distribute political power to the point where distinctions between citizens and noncitizens are meaningless. This can only lead to chaos. Emma Cummins is a junior studying politics. She is an assistant editor for The Collegian.

Because Jodel allows users to say whatever they want with total anonymity, posting negative or harmful comments on the app does not result in any tangible consequences in the real world. Very few Jodel users stop to think how their posts may negatively affect someone or a community as a whole. One post reads, “Don’t want to try out the prez ball because everyone has convinced me that if you think it’s fun you are a loser.” Another user made a list of who he thinks are the hottest girls on campus. Though not all Jodel users are negative on the app — some kind user reminded his “Physical wellness peeps” about a quiz they had the next day — some of the more negative experiences can be harmful. This kind of social pressure has been linked to self-esteem issues teens face. In 2017, Harvard Graduate School of

Education published a study on social media and teen anxiety. The study cited a rise in rates of sleeplessness, loneliness, worrying, and dependence over the past ten years, which the researchers say relates to the increase in the use of smartphones in that time. Further, one study noted in the research said that 48% of teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on the internet have a suicide risk factor, whereas just 33% of teenagers who only spend 2 hours per day on social media experience a suicide risk factor. The Hillsdale College community could benefit from a platform where students can exchange ideas and have meaningful debates. But an app where people anonymously talk about other people, often in negative ways, is destructive to our community. If students really had the courage of their convictions,

they could make these posts on Facebook or Twitter instead of hiding behind Jodel’s anonymity. According to the Honor Code, “A Hillsdale College student is honorable in conduct, honest in word and deed, dutiful in study and service, and respectful of the rights of others.” It’s time for students to take responsibility for their words and actions, both up the hill and elsewhere. Students have a duty to live up to the Honor Code they signed. The Hillsdale College community does not need an anonymous app to engage in free speech and productive debates. Through “honest word and deed,” we as Hillsdale students should strive to stand behind our actions and not back away from them.

Abby Liebing is a senior studying history. She is the associate editor for The Collegian.

New York bill granting vote to noncitizens would erode rule of law

Jodel harms self-esteem, community

By | Amelia Teska At first glance, Jodel appears to offer a quick solution to know all the ins and outs of the Hillsdale College community with one scroll. For some students who struggle with social interactions in an academic community, Jodel is the easy and obvious solution. While Jodel may have good intentions of bringing together communities, it’s breaking down our community. We’ve let the social media craze and the convenience it offers govern the way we interact and stay in touch as a student body. Jodel has devalued face-to-face conversation. Jodel is a hyperlocal community app that, according to the app’s website, “shows what’s happening in your area in real-time.” Users can post anonymously to the app, and by “up-” and “down-” voting, users can “have the power to decide what a community is talking about.”

Amelia Teska is a freshman studying the liberal arts.

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February 13, 2020

Combat generational isolation: Young people should spend time with, care for the elderly By | Madeleine Miller We often complain of the tumult of youth: life is uncertain, and we are unwise. We struggle on our quest to become our best selves, and too often, we fail. But being old can be tragic. The elderly lose their friends and siblings, their health, their capability, and their independence. The world they knew fades. Without responsibilities, they may lose a sense of purpose that they will never regain. Each stage of life presents challenges, and one way of coping is to share our burdens and joys with those of different generations. Whether you visit a senior in a nursing home, build relationships with the elderly in your community, or make a point of keeping in touch with your grandparents, spending time with the aged is important — for you and for them. Each week, I visit Trudy,

whose name I’ve changed to honor patient-privacy regulations, through Hospice of Hillsdale’s volunteer program. For the past year, we have swapped stories and lifted each other’s spirits. She remembers finding an old-fashioned penny-farthing bike in her garage as a child. It was impossible to ride, she said. Trudy is 94, and she is my friend. When Trudy was my age, World War II had just ended. Her first husband, a schizophrenic, tried to kill her twice, so she divorced him. When academics and passing frustrations get me down, Trudy’s stories help me put my troubles into perspective. To think that this joyful woman lived through the Great Depression, the deadliest war in world history, and countless personal tribulations reminds me that overcoming hardship is part of living well. Trudy inspires me. Trudy said the best thing

she ever bought was a red three-wheeler, which she rode gleefully over the hills of the Upper Peninsula. When she retired from decades of chemical-factory work, she bought a trailer and lived in Mexico for a year. A rainbow serape lies at the foot of her bed to show for it — the only exotic piece in her otherwise simple room. Now, a day at the fair is an ordeal for Trudy, and she can’t take a step without her walker (“that

dumb thing,” she calls it). But Trudy is an adventurer at heart. I send her postcards when I travel on breaks, and describe to her the sights, sounds, and smells of my weekend hikes. I help her experience vicariously what she longs to do, and would if her health allowed. Through me, adventure is still a part of Trudy’s

“The young can be the hope and vivacity of the elderly, and the elderly can be the assurance of the young. Our challenges are unique, but we can overcome them more easily together.”

life, and her stories urge me never to stop exploring. Trudy told me that someone once stole money from her room. A nurse at her assisted-living facility recommended she store her savings in a safe. “I thought that was a pretty stupid thing to say,” she said. “That’s like telling someone to lock the barn after the horse already got away.” Often inadvertently, Trudy amuses me, and it can make my day. But her greatest gift to me has been friendship. Echoed by peers on campus, our collegiate angst can compound, but the elderly have a special power to mitigate it. Surrounded by fellow seniors in nursing homes, the elderly can grow dejected in the absence of youthful energy. Trudy has touched my life, as I hope I’ve touched hers. Everyone should have a friend like Trudy. If you don’t, seek one. We must eliminate genera-

tional isolation. The young can be the hope and vivacity of the elderly, and the elderly can be the assurance of the young. Our challenges are unique, but we can overcome them more easily together. Before leaving Trudy’s room, I turn to wave goodbye. She waves back and smiles. “See you next week,” I say. “Bye, hon,” she says. “I sure look forward to it.” One day, Trudy will give me a final wave. I will never forget her: not her spunk, her empathy, or her story. We’ve shared life, Trudy and I, and through me, Trudy will live on.

Madeleine Miller is a senior studying international business.

Disinviting Romney from CPAC sows division among Republicans, conservatives By | Quin Calhour In a scene reminiscent of a toddler disinviting one of his friends from a birthday party, chairman of the Conservative Political Action Conference Matt Schlapp took to Twitter to announce that Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was “formally NOT invited” to the February conference. Schlapp disinvited Romney because the senator voted to hear from more witnesses during a preliminary hearing of the Senate impeachment trial — something Schlapp frowned upon. But calling additional witnesses would have been a way to ensure that the truth came out during the trial, and it could have helped reveal Democrats’ political motivations for impeachment. The disinvitation is a divisive move for conservatives. It’s a bad look for Schlapp and conservatives alike. Romney spoke at CPAC in 2013 after his 2012 presidential run. Since 2017, however, Trump has dominated the event, speaking three years successively. He is expected to speak again this year. The Democrats have been looking for their chance to impeach Trump since Hillary Clinton lost the election in 2016, and a trial without the right witnesses gave them more ammunition. Paul Thornton of the Los Angeles Times wrote that “the Demo-

crats… know they cannot de- the president. Utah GOP Chairman before finally landing in the feat Trump with their current Romney is no friend of Derek Brown told Politico in Republican pack prior to his set of primary candidates, so Trump, but he is a conserOctober 2019 that “when it election. they must go with their only vative, and his track record comes to his support of the The distastefully extreme hope: a meaningless imbacks this up. state party, there’s no doubt form of the Republican party peachment process.” During a Congressiothat he is a team player.” has been on full display, and Trump isn’t a squeakynal Series event hosted by Though Romney had an the Democrats now have an clean political candidate, the Sutherland Institute in unpopular opinion among angle to write off their colosbut he has sal failure as a taken the valiant effort Democrats’ that was denied heat well. by Senate ReNeither his tax publicans. returns nor his This is involvement not good in Ukraine for Trump’s have been presence in the suitable points media, which of attack for is what the imthe Demopeachment has crats. The best been all about the Mueller in the first report could place: hurting do was “not Trump’s public exonerate” the perception so president. that former RepubliVice President cans should Joe Biden or want the Sen. Bernie November Sanders, I-Vernarrative to mont, will have focus on what a better chance has gone right in November. during the CPAC has current presiessentially dency. Pubturned into licly throwing a Republican Romney under Utah Sen. Mitt Romney was disinvited from the Conservative Political Action Conference by Matt war rally for Schlapp. | Wikimedia Commons the bus just Trump in recent reinforces the Democratic August, Romney said “the Republicans regarding years. Matthew Yglesias of picture of a Republican party perspective of conservatives impeachment, he remains Vox said the conference has full of radical Trump supis based on keeping Ameriloyal to conservatives and devolved to a “gathering porters thinking about which ca strong — providing for a the GOP — which would of conservative movement rebel flag to put on their bright and prosperous future be hard for Trump to say, as activists and loyalists that’s truck, instead of trusting the for all of our people — not he changed his party many also a hub for people who are justice system to exonerate just now, but long term.” times throughout his life much more entertainers and

entrepreneurs than they are ideologues or policy wonks.” Molly Jong-Fast of the Bulwark described the event as “a magical place where college dropouts lecture college students, where millionaires beg for prayers for their success, where soda-bans are likened to the Red Purges.” Banning the obviously-conservative Romney from what is rapidly becoming a badly-disguised Trump rally does not help the state of CPAC or the state of the Republican party. Schlapp’s decision focuses on division where it should focus on ideology. It also turns the multitudes of college students in attendance into Trump’s personal army rather than free-thinking Americans. With the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans today, Republicans simply do not need division within their own party. Though some may say that Romney started the division by voting to hear from more witnesses, throwing him out into the cold and then closing ranks is much worse. Now, every major news outlet is running a story about the cleft in the Republican party, and Romney is stuck in no man’s land. Quin Calhour is a freshman studying rhetoric and public address.

Conservatives’ distaste for welfare programs ignores welfare of the poorest Americans By | Luke Grzywacz Conservatives have largely stood against welfare programs for decades. Before condemning all social safety nets, however, conservatives must ask themselves what they are conserving, if not the people in this country. America is not just a government and the land over which it rules, but more importantly, it is the people that live, work, and raise families here. And sometimes, those people need a helping hand. The social safety net, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and unemployment benefits, is that helping hand. Too often, conservatives rail against these government programs. They say they are unconstitutional, mismanaged, expensive, and ineffective. No one would claim that the welfare state in this country is managed perfectly. At its core, many people receive aid that don’t need it,

and many who need it don’t receive it. This problem is not a symptom of the programs, but rather, how they are administered. The social safety net often catches those who came to this country illegally. For example, there is no requirement in the state of Michigan to be a citizen of the United States to apply for unemployment benefits. But it isn’t just illegal immigration that is putting a strain on our social safety net. Legal immigrants often arrive in this country destitute and unemployed. In fact, the Center for Immigration Studies reported in 2018 that 63% of non-citizen families access welfare programs. Other forms of mismanagement such as fraud occur, but they are not endemic to the system. Just because some people lie in order to receive benefits doesn’t mean that the entire system should be shut down. That hardly sounds just. This mismanagement is no large problem at all, and

can be solved if those citizens receiving aid are required to prove their need. The U.S. government spends nearly $3.5 trillion on programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. That sounds like an exorbitant amount of money. But consider the fact that the United States is a nation of some 330 million people. We are also the most productive and wealthiest nation in the world. We have a lot of people and a lot of money. Conservatives, it would seem, are content to spend trillions of dollars on foreign wars, subsidizing the welfare state in other countries through economic aid, and aggrandizing the military-industrial complex. The Iraq War itself cost nearly $2 trillion dollars. The Afghanistan War is pushing $2.5 trillion. For many conservatives, ensuring every child in America has something to eat, the elderly have a means to live, and the working class can get by is too much to ask.

The fact remains that we are a wealthy people. Our GDP shows we are able to support our poor, but what we spend our budget on shows that we ought to be more willing to do so. Conservatives complain that the welfare state is ineffective. Social Security is a ticking time bomb, they say, and government-run health care kills people. The unemployed should pick themselves up by their bootstraps before they go running to the nanny state for a handout. Conservatives do have a point on the mismanagement of these systems. But if any aspect of the social safety net is ineffective, it is because it is being mismanaged. It is not because these programs are inherently flawed. Social Security is going to go belly-up because Congress has tapped into the retirement check for millions of Americans to fund our adventures in the Middle East. Government run healthcare is a bigger

beast to tackle. We don’t have universal healthcare. Instead, we have Medicare and Medicaid. These services simply provide government money for private, or quasi-private, healthcare providers, and they have no measurable effect on the quality of the coverage provided. Unemployment benefits are not supposed to replace an income long term. They are there to help those out who have lost their jobs. They allowed me to eat and sleep when my dad lost his job during the Great Recession. Though there is no constitutional basis for a welfare state, it’s certain that the social safety net has provided support to countless Americans who have fallen on hard times. The system is imperfect and mismanaged, but it is necessary to conserve the poorest of our American people. Conservatives get caught up in buzzwords, catchphrases, and meaningless platitudes. We forget who

really matters: the American people. We can toil away as guardians of the Constitution and the Declaration for as long as we wish, but if everyone is starved, destitute, and sick they won’t care much about our country’s past or future, only their present. Conservatives need to get on board with a social safety net or be content in losing election after election. The American people are the only people who care about our founding. If we aren’t doing what’s necessary to ensure their continued existence and prosperity, it won’t matter how dearly we hold the founding because there won’t be anyone left who cares about it.

Luke Grzywacz is a senior studying politics.

A6 February 13, 2020

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A conversation with the candidates running for the 58th District The Hillsdale Collegian asked 22 questions to four candidates running for the 58th District seat in the Michigan State House of Representatives. The four candidates running for this position are Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford (R), local attorney Andrew Fink (R), real estate agent Daren Wiseley (R), and former union representative Steven Sowards (D). Responses are edited for grammar and are printed in the order they were submitted. Where are you from? Stockford: Hillsdale, Michigan Fink: City of Hillsdale Wiseley: Osseo, Michigan Sowards: Wheatland Township How long have you lived in the 58th House District for the State of Michigan? Stockford: My whole life, born in Hillsdale Hospital, raised in Pittsford, Osseo, and Hillsdale. Fink: Our current stint began about 2.5 years ago in 2017. After I finished law school, we lived in Hillsdale from August 2010 to January of 2011 when I was called up to active duty. I also lived in Hillsdale from 2003-2006 while attending Hillsdale College. Wiseley: My entire life. Sowards: I was born and raised here. I had the chance to live in other places outside of Michigan — Sandusky, Ohio; Orlando, Florida; and Chicago, but I always come back home. What do you enjoy most about living in the 58th House District? Stockford: I enjoy that this district is close knit and independent. I enjoy the emphasis on education and the future. Fink: The people we get to live and work with make it the place Lauren and I want to raise our family. We love our neighbors and church community, and living in a city with the countryside just a few minutes away. We’re blessed to be a part of such a vibrant community with so many good people in it. Wiseley: I enjoy the small town way of life. Everyone knows almost everyone. I love our sense of community. It’s cool to see people I know that have grown up in this community go on to do big things here or elsewhere. Our local restaurants and shops. I also take great pride in being in the same district as Hillsdale College. I love what the school stands for — especially refusing federal aid and standing on principle. So many people in this community have made an impact on my life growing up — whether that’s school, sports, or church — I’m excited to give back to the community as a way of saying thanks for all those who have done so much for me. Sowards: The people, by far. This community is a community that supports each other. That is really hard to find in other places. What is the primary issue you will be campaigning on? Stockford: The major issue I’m campaigning on is local control. I feel like too much authority has been centralized in the state and it hasn’t worked to our benefit. Local townships and cities are more in touch with the needs of their citizens than Lansing is. Fink: The 2020 election is about competing ideas of what government is for. The different visions of what America is all about that are playing out on the national stage are also present in Lansing, even as Gov. Whitmer is introducing plans to incorporate as much of Obamacare into Michigan law as possible. That means the most important thing for me is standing up for conservative values and republican government, while challenging the bureaucracy that always wants more control over the citizens’ lives. Wiseley: I’m the pro-life, pro-gun, pro-liberty candidate dedicated to defending the Constitution. Sowards: Combating health costs. From insurance premiums to outrageous drug prices, the healthcare industry is out of control. As a state rep I would put forth a plan to combat the never-ending rise in health costs to make the

action of simply being alive be more controllable. What are three other important issues for residents living in the 58th District? Stockford: Three other major issues I see are worker’s compensation insurance reform, regulatory reform, and the big constitutional questions of Right to Life and Second Amendment issues. Fink: 1) Gov. Whitmer has already demonstrated that she does not consider rural areas and small towns as important as big cities when it comes to road funding and that her plans will be based around increased taxes and increased spending — I will fight for fair treatment for all of Michigan infrastructure investments; 2) Auto-insurance regulation will continue to need policy attention as the reforms put in place last year take effect; 3) Ending so-called “sanctuary” cities, cracking down on human trafficking, and helping to get control of our broken immigration system. Wiseley: 1) Constitutional Carry. It’s silly that you have to buy a permit to exercise a right you already have. If this issue isn’t in effect by 2021, if elected I would fight to get it here in Michigan. 2) Dismemberment abortion. This may appear as a ballot initiative in the Nov. 3, 2020 election. This would put an end to dismemberment abortions, which dismember a living baby. I find the procedure disgusting and having no place in a civilized society. 3) Bonds for roads. With the unfavorability of the gas tax, Gov. Whitmer is looking for other funding for the roads, unfortunately now she is talking about taking on more debt for these projects. Currently Michigan owes $1.1 billion in transportation debts.

Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford. | Facebook

It costs more to borrow from the future due to the interest, but unfortunately some politicians will kick the can down the road just to make it look like they’ve done something now. I think this is a terrible idea and the state should consider using the resources it currently has more efficiently rather than just taking more from the taxpayers, whether that be now or in the future. Sowards: Infrastructure, sustainable jobs, and education. All three of these issues would be things that I would have a plan for in my first 100 days in Lansing. They are important to me and they are important to our community. What is your position on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which includes Senate Bill 622 and House Bill 5179? Stockford: The governor has shown herself to be an enemy of life and liberty. Her reproductive bill is a direct attack on decades of effort to curtail anti-abortion legislation and doesn’t represent the values of this district. As a representative, I would fight this combination of legislative and executive action at every opportunity. Fink: I’m against it. I’ve been active in the pro-life movement since I was a kid, participating in pro-life rallies, concerts, and fundraisers. A law like the RHA would be a major step backwards. Michigan law already prohibits abortion and recognizes that all human life is inherently valuable, and I will fight to prevent policies that will end the lives of more innocent babies. Wiseley: Last

time I checked my Constitution, there is no “right to an abortion.” If Roe v. Wade were overturned, Michigan’s ban would become law again and the debate would begin with what to do with it. I would support keeping it in place. I also oppose taxpayer funding of abortion facilities. Sowards: I am not going to lie to you, I am pro-choice. However, there are many things in this bill that I do not agree with and things that I know the people of this district do not agree with. The bill on its surface would get a “no” from me. That being said, I am not a candidate that is going to try to overturn Roe v. Wade in Michigan. It is an issue that has been decided in a federal court, and I plan to focus my energy on other issues. I do believe that abortion should never be used as birth control, and I do intend to put together a plan for easier access to birth control for low-income families in an effort to lower the abortion rate at its source.

that more funding needs to go towards this. Also a major failure would be the political process in the budget. When the budget becomes a political fight, everyone loses. Fink: The way Gov. Whitmer played games with important areas of spending, like rural road patrol and certain types of educational services, was cynical and caused real harm. Much of that was addressed with the supplemental bills after the main budget was adopted, but the interruptions caused by her gamesmanship were unnecessary and counterproductive. Wiseley: I think the amount of spending that goes on is a loss for taxpayers. County governments took a hit of around $60 million, this is unfortunate because a lot of day-to-day operations were hit, and I’d like to see more decisions made at the local level as opposed to the state level. Sowards: Did not respond

After following the budget debate between Republicans and Gov. Whitmer, what was the biggest success from either side in agreeing to a budget? Stockford: The biggest win in the budget debate is that we aren’t currently looking at a 45 cent gas tax. Fink: The budget overall was a bipartisan compromise out of necessity. I think the biggest success for both sides was the determination to pass a budget that did not make major changes to the status quo given that Gov. Whitmer’s gas tax plan was going nowhere and the state needed a budget to continue operations. Wiseley: Our state has a budget that is way too large and bloated. Spending needs to be cut significantly

Looking ahead to the 2021 budget, which areas do you believe need to receive more funding and why? Are there any areas you believe were designated too much money? Stockford: It’s quite clear more money needs to go to infrastructure, education, and public safety. So many departments are indeed overfunded. One thing that comes to mind was an increase to our public universities, which seems a little excessive considering the constant increase in tuition. Government, in general, is not good at anything it does, so it would stand to reason it should do less. Fink: I would like the state to focus its spending on long-term assets like roads and bridges that the economy of the state depends on. I would prefer to reduce or eliminate spending that

Local Attorney Andrew Fink. Courtesy | Andrew Fink

Real Estate Agent Daren Wiseley. Courtesy | Daren Wiseley

and more care taken to use taxpayer dollars in a frugal and responsible manner. The auto-insurance reform was one good policy that came out of this agreement. While I rarely compliment Gov. Whitmer, I’ll give it where it’s due. I am glad she cut Pure Michigan spending. This is perhaps the worst state program we have. For every $1 million increase in state tourism promotion spending, there was a corresponding increase in economic activity of just $20,000 in the accommodations industry. Furthermore, it is unfair because it takes money from the many to give to the few. She did the right thing here and I hope taxpayer funding of the program continues to stay at zero. Sowards: The budget was and still is a mess. I have yet to see a real success from either side. Lansing is playing politics as usual and putting party issues ahead of the issues that are important to the people of Michigan. It is very sad to witness, especially in regards to infrastructure. The governor fought her way into office on the promise of fixing the roads that are crumbling beneath us, and both parties are standing in the way instead of compromising on a plan to get it done. After following the budget debate between Republicans and Gov. Whitmer, what was the biggest failure from either side in agreeing to a budget? Stockford: The biggest failure is a mere extra $13 million was appropriated for road repair, despite the acknowledgment from both parties

directly interferes with market initiatives — like Michigan Business Development Program grants and public transit subsidies. Wiseley: Almost every area receives too much money. I’d like to see more money returned to the local level. Sowards: Infrastructure and education. Both our public schools and local public roads will be issues that I will go to bat for us to get more funding for, especially in the 58th district. What would you do to improve the financial opportunities for law enforcement departments and individuals in law enforcement? How would you work to improve law enforcement conditions in District 58? Stockford: While I would like to see our state police well funded, the increase needs to be experienced locally, in county sheriff offices, city and village forces. A good way to increase funding to those programs would be to increase revenue sharing by decreasing the dependency on grants for pet projects that don’t offer benefit to all residents as law enforcement does. Fink: The Michigan Constitution requires counties to employ sheriffs and provides for certain regulations of the state police. That police entities are specifically mentioned in our state’s constitution is a recognition that law enforcement is a fundamental purpose of government. Law enforcement officers are vital public servants and it is our duty as citizens (and the duty of the legislature) to make police work an honored profession which can support a family.

My dad was a sheriff ’s officer when I was a child, and I have worked on behalf of police departments since entering private practice in 2014, so I have been around police officers all my life and admire the hard work they do to make our communities better. As the next representative from this district, I will work to prevent the governor from playing games with public safety like she did by vetoing funding for secondary road patrol. Wiseley: We have had problems recently with a shortage of law enforcement and patrols having to be cut. Many of them work long, rigorous hours and have to deal with extremely stressful and sometimes tragic situations. I think addressing the reality of post traumatic stress disorder and trauma as it affects law enforcement is a positive action that could be taken to improve longevity as well as the well-being of law enforcement that puts their lives on the line for us. Sowards: Our law enforcement members are a group of people who are always on my mind. I would take a look at the salary, benefits and pensions to see if there is any room for improvement, I have a feeling there is. What is your opinion on the no-fault auto insurance reform bill signed in 2019? Stockford: I’m proud of our legislature for trying to address no-fault insurance and I simultaneously worry that it doesn’t do enough. Having had dozens of discussions with insurance agents, I think it’s clear that we may have to revisit this in a couple years so we can evaluate the impact the new bill actually has on Michigan residents. In the meantime, I do think it’s worthy of admiration that

Former Union Representative Steven Sowards. Courtesy | Steven Sowards

our legislature worked so hard on this issue and recognized our current system was unfair and far too expensive. Fink: Auto insurance reform was a necessary move to bring down Michigan’s absurd auto insurance rates. As a border-district, the citizens of this district are particularly aware of how much cheaper insurance is in other states. I was glad to see the citizens get some relief from rates that had been the highest in the nation. Wiseley: I think it was a great bipartisan move that I’m proud of our state government for coming together on. Michigan residents are tired of the extremely high auto insurance rates. It makes no sense to have the state mandate the Rolls Royce of insurance plans on us. Creating more options is always better and leads to lower prices. Sowards: The no-fault bill is a good start to lowering costs for drivers while still providing quality insurance. However, I feel it is just that, a start. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in the insurance sector. If you were elected, what ways would you hope to improve auto insurance for your constituents and residents across Michigan? Stockford: As far as auto insurance goes, we need to wait and see what impact the current bill is going to have, but I’m open to any ideas, including eliminating the no-fault system altogether. Fink: I have had some insurance industry representatives suggest some ancillary reforms to me, but I want to be sure that any other chang-

es we make are consistent with the overall concept that the reform was intended to serve — to make it easier and cheaper for Michigan drivers to insure their vehicles — so that the citizens can adjust to the new law without additional interruptions. Wiseley: I would continue down the path of creating more options for Michiganders. When the free market is allowed to solve problems, people are given opportunities to choose the coverage the need that suits them, rather than have something they don’t want forced on them by law from someone who doesn’t know their situation. I will work across the aisle on this because I know constituents in Democratic districts will be just as happy to have their coverage more affordable as Republicans. Creating less choices leads to better options and lower costs. A win for all Michigan residents. Sowards: The biggest issue that still remains is the fact that insurance companies can still set fees based on demographics and credit score, two things that do not directly affect one’s ability to drive responsibly. I would look for a way to close that loophole and have fees set on driving record and age. If you were elected, which committee(s) do you hope to be selected to serve on and why? In what committee(s) do you see yourself having the most significant impact? Stockford: Two committees jump out at me, the local government and municipality committee and also the regulatory committee. My municipal experience and understanding the impact state policy has on local government would be most beneficial. Fink: My experience as a Marine and civilian attorney, and especially my service on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners, have prepared me well to serve on the judiciary committee. As the only veteran in this race, I am also ready to serve the more than 5,000 veterans in this district on the military, veterans and homeland security committees. I also believe I could be an immediate leader on the local government and municipal finance and oversight committees, having worked in local government as a Township attorney for the past six years. Wiseley: Judiciary. As one who has practiced law I understand the system very well. I am very passionate about playing a role in improving the criminal justice system. Ways and Means; Appropriations; Tax Policy: I would like to serve on all of these committees because budgeting is the root of all activities the state engages in. I think we need to fundamentally rethink the amount of spending that goes on at the state level. On these committees I could make an impact on making sure that spending is frugal and responsible and also goes to the right areas as opposed to wasteful activity. When it comes to taxes, I’ve already pledged to oppose all new taxes so that could be a way for me to be involved in keeping that promise. Sowards: Did not respond. What role, if any, would you hope to have on the House C.A.R.E.S Task Force for mental health? Stockford: The C.A.R.E.S. task force has good intentions, but as I said before, my own contribution would be a push towards ensuring counties have the resources and funding to be successful in addressing mental health. This is a local issue. We’re seeing it in Hillsdale now. Let us keep more of our resources and we’ll do what is needed. Fink: Mental health is a policy area that has often been neglected and is now getting some much-needed attention from policy makers, including from this task force. I am encouraged that the task force has sought input from specialty court judges and administrators, along with mental health professionals from

See Candidates A7

City News

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

February 13, 2020 A7

‘Stop and smell the roses’: Smith’s Flowers moves locations and gets new owner By | Julia Mullins City News Editor

With Valentine’s Day just a couple of days away, Alexis Madison and Jane Stewart at Smith’s Flowers are working long hours in the new shop to complete all of the orders. The shop moved from its previous location on 106 N. Broad St to its new home at 92 N. Broad St. after Stewart sold the business to Madison. Stewart, who owned Smith’s Flowers for 9.5 years, said she sold the business to Madison on Jan. 1, 2020. “Lexi cares about what she does, she’s a hard worker, she has a good business sense to her, and she’s very community-oriented,” Stewart said. Prior to owning Smith’s Flower Shop, Madison owned Garland’s Flowers in Hudson, Michigan. Stewart said she visited Madison when Garland’s opened and could see that she knew how to run a store. “I saw that she was going to outgrow it very quickly,” Stewart said. Stewart said she had a 10-year plan with Smith’s Flower Shop and wanted the last event she did to be her daughter’s wedding, which is coming up in July. Even though Stewart no longer owns the shop, she’s helping out two times a week until her daughter’s wedding. Madison said she’s glad

Candidates

from A6 the Department of Veterans Administration, correctional facilities, and hospitals. I would be glad to be a part of this task force or other efforts to better understand and address the issues that mental illness causes in our community, including impacts on emergency responders, the court system, and schools. Wiseley: Possibly something with substance abuse treatment and recovery. There’s a huge correlation between mental health and substance abuse, I served in the Hillsdale County Drug Treatment Court, and have seen this first hand. My experience there has provided me with valuable insight that could be used to help combat these issues. Sowards: C.A.R.E.S. is definitely something I would look to get involved in. I believe that the mental health epidemic is something that does not get enough attention. It would be my role to shed more light on mental health in our community. What is your opinion on the “Buggy Bills”? What reform, if any, do you think should be considered with respect to the Amish buggy-system and auto-safety? Stockford: If buggies are going to use public roads, then they should be required to have the basic safety devices like turn signals, etc in their vehicles for their own and other’s safety. I’m not interested in scapegoating the Amish community because of their religious views or agricultural lifestyle, but public roads are shared resources, so a few simple precautions are not too much of a burden to be noticed or to be an affliction on their religious requirements. Fink: I admire and respect the way that the Amish community in Southern Michigan lives out their traditions and that they are deliberate about how they incorporate technological innovations into their lifestyles. These bills are not meant as a disruption to the Amish way of life but to protect the lives of those in horse-drawn vehicles by requiring them to have lights so they can been seen at night, and to protect the public streets by requiring that buggies have tires made of a material that will not cause the damage to the road that some of the wheels currently in use can cause. I support these common sense reforms to increase safety and reduce spending on our public roads. Wiseley: There’s been a lot of accidents lately and this hazard has brought the subject to the forefront of discussion again. Rep. Leutheuser’s bill requiring lights should definitely help reduce accidents at night. There are three bills in the senate, one also addressing the issue of lights. Another requires a horse and buggy registration and manual, I’m

Stewart is still in the shop so alike,” Madison said. “We you feel, you begin to feel like said. because it gives her more time get each other so well, which you’re part of their family at Both Stewart and Madison to see how everything should is great to have that relationthat point,” Madison said. “It agreed that the biggest event be run. When Stewart first ship with her.” is different because I’m not they have created arrangeapproached her about buying Both Stewart and Madifrom Hillsdale. In Hudson, ments for was the Hillsdale the shop, Madison said she son emphasized that Smith’s I know most of the families, College Gala in the fall of was shocked. Flower’s sells emotions. so it’s been an adjustment to 2019. “I thought I wasn’t ready “Here we are on Valentine’s understand where these peo“The gala was a great for that,” Madison said. “But Day, and that’s always full of ple are coming from or what experience,” Madison said. “It it’s taught me a lot, and I energy, love, and emotion,” the customer had been going was crazy because it was so shadowed over here last sum- Stewart said. through.” busy. It really tested us, but mer.” it was amazing to see While she adthe number of things mits there’s been we did. We had 600 a learning curve, pieces come out of the Madison said she’s store, and for a little already learned shop to produce all of how to run the that was amazing.” business like From big events to Stewart. Madison small events, Stewart said she wants said the shop is always to master her busy jumping from customer service one holiday to the skills, something next. With all of the Stewart is very changes, Stewart said, good at. she can never pick a “I can’t say favorite season. that I can steal “I watch the cooler her personality, change about four everybody loves times a year,” Stewart Jane, and I want to said. “It’s red, white, learn everything and pink right now. she knows and And then we’ll go into what her motive is Alexis Madison (left) and Jane Stewart (right) stand in front of a cooler in Smith’s spring with pastels. behind it,” Madison Flowers at its new location on 92 N. Broad St. Courtesy | Alexis Madison And we’ll go into boldsaid. er and warmer colors Madison said there’s an age Madison added that each Even with the adjustin the summer. And then in gap between her and Stewart, event leads to a different ment to a larger community, the fall we’ll have coppers but they have learned to be emotion, whether it be a celMadison said she is getting to and golds and then back to honest with each other and ebratory bride at a wedding, know the Hillsdale commuChristmas with greens and often do the same things grieving family member at a nity. reds.” around the shop. funeral, or grateful mother on “People want to get to Madison said her favorite “People call me mini-Jane Mother’s Day. know me as much as I want to type of work is sympathy because we act so alike or talk “The amount of emotions get to know them,” Madison pieces because she has so

much practice in that area, but she also enjoys wedding season. “Jane and I, we’re the only ones that deliver weddings because it does need to be perfect, the bride is expecting it to be perfect,” Madison said. “It is great, I love to hear their reactions.” One of the more difficult aspects of the job, Madison said, is the inconsistency in work schedule. “We can’t leave until the job is done,” Madison said. “Making it through those 14 hour days is rough, but my girls are great.” Madison emphasized that she does not want to make many changes at the shop. “People love Smith’s flowers for what it is,” Madison said. “I want them to know that I’m going to take good care of them. I hope that one day they will think of me in the same way they think of Jane, and they know they can trust me.” Stewart said this is a bittersweet time for her, but she has the opportunity to do other things with her family. “I need to stop and smell the roses,” Stewart said, laughing. “I love to raise my own flowers, and I’m big into gardening. I have a small hobby farm that needs attention. I have goats and chickens.”

not too convinced on the necessity of that one. The third requires rubber tires to stop the buggy wheels from tearing up the roads. Sowards: The Buggy Bills could easily be a bipartisan issue we could come together on, especially SB 643 and SB 644 calling for safety features that would aid both the buggy drivers as well as the auto drivers.

ises as mayor and as a result we’ve seen revenue increases each year, a raise in starting wages, a drop in the poverty rate, new businesses and business expansion, and a record number of infrastructure repair and maintenance projects. I’ve stayed accountable to the people who’ve elected me, and I treat every resident like they’re my stead and also my employer. I’ve stood up for the rights of the individual and followed the city charter and the constitution. I’ve worked hard for this area in so many different aspects. I’m not a perfect candidate who has lived a flawless, squeaky clean life, but I’ve done what I said I would and Hillsdale is all the better for it. Like me or not, no one can legitimately deny that things aren’t better than they were three years ago, and although that’s been a result of many people, not just myself, I’m glad to have played a leading role. I love this community and it’s paid me back with love and support in spades. I’m confident no one will work harder or be more accountable to the people than I will. I understand this district, what makes it unique, it’s strengths and it’s challenges, and I was born to hold this office. Fink: This election is about choosing who will do the best job of protecting Michigan from the socialist vision that is taking over the Democratic party which does not recognize that Michigan values include roles for individuals, families, churches, and communities in taking care of one another. The right person for the job is someone with a commitment to faith and family, a willingness to take on the radical liberals, and a history of service. I am ready to serve and ask for your support. Wiseley: As a lifelong district resident I’m committed to serving them and will not compromise on our values. I appreciate their time and consideration. They can find out more at choosewiseley.org Sowards: I want people to know that I am always here. Democrat or Republican, I care about everyone in our community and I want to hear from you. I want you to tell me about the issues that keep you up at night so I can find a plan to fix them. Life is full of worry, but there are some things that your local leaders should be responsible for worrying about. Let me do that, let me do the worrying so you can live your best life. Please also reach out to facebook.com/ SowardsforMI58 to send me a message and keep updated on the campaign.

What strategies would you use to improve relations between Republicans and Democrats in the House to pass legislation that benefits the residents of the 58th District? Stockford: Foregoing the political theatrics and treating those with different views with the common courtesy they deserve would go a long way to improving those relationships between Rs and Ds. Agreeing to disagree seems to be a thing of the past in American politics. Fink: I am not sure that relations between Republicans and Democrats in the house are particularly in need of repair, but my approach to all my colleagues will be to be honest and open about what I think is good for Michigan and good for the 58th District. There will always be disagreements between the parties, and legislators must be realistic about what they can achieve and how to achieve it, but my main concern will be good policy, not warm feelings. I can get along with people I disagree with and I won’t change my mind about what’s good for the citizens just to be nice to another representative. Wiseley: Finding common ground on areas we can agree on that benefit all Michiganders. Auto-insurance reform is a great example of this. Sowards: Did not respond. What do you think is the best approach to reaching bipartisan agreements with Gov. Whitmer? Stockford: Understanding that Gov. Whitmer has a constituency she is trying to please and approaching her with that mentality might help. She did win the election, so we can assume she feels a charge as a result of that. If addressing her with that basic respect in regards to communications, hopefully she might realize that each Republican in office also has a constituency with certain expectations and that can be a common ground moving forward. That being said, I can’t see many issues or situations where, politically speaking, wed have common ground enough to find more common solutions, considering her views on gun control, government size, and abortion. Fink: Unfortunately, Gov. Whitmer has not made it easy for conservatives to work with her. Her signature proposal so far has been a tax increase that would have raised Michigan’s gas tax by almost 150%. She has also used

the powers of the executive branch capriciously to avoid following policy that the people’s representatives have put in place. And now she’s driving the Reproductive Health Act, which is an extreme attempt to make abortion more common in Michigan. I think the best way to deal with this governor is to continue to talk to the people and report back to Lansing what the men and women of Michigan actually think about enormous tax increases and centralizing power in the governor’s office. Eventually, reality has to set in, and Gov. Whitmer will have to recognize that the citizens that elected her also elected the legislators who are not interested in repeating the lost decade of the 2000s in Michigan and need her to be realistic about her approach to governing. Wiseley: I will never sacrifice principle to “get things done.” My answer to this is similar to that of the last question, in areas where we can come together to improve liberty and prosperity for Michiganders I am happy to work with whoever to accomplish that goal. My objective is to always put the people first, regardless of who is the governor or any other office. Sowards: The best thing we can do is find a middle ground that benefits the people of Michigan. For so long, Lansing has been bogged down with party politics and has not been nearly as productive as they could have been if they just found the middle ground and took the high road. I am not a far left Democrat, I know that there are some issues I am going to have to break from the party for because it is what best represents the will of the people of the 58th district. I plan to focus my energy on finding that middle ground, championing compromise and getting things done. What positions have you held in the past that have prepared you to serve as the State Rep. for the 58th District? Stockford: Besides Mayor, I was a city councilman for four years, and have half a decade experience in business and workforce development, where I’ve helped hundreds of local residents find work and hundreds of local businesses better their operations and find employees. This gives me a pretty good grasp on local needs and local issues. On top of that, I think I’ve probably served on more committees than any candidate in this race or any other. I’ve also worked for various PACs at the federal level in the policy area, all conservative ones, such as former Congressman Jim Ryun’s Madison Project. That gives me the combination of political and business experience to be an effective legislator for this area. Fink: All of my professional experience is relevant to the

work of a legislator. My years as a Marine officer taught me how to be focused on mission accomplishment even as circumstances change. My years as an attorney in private practice have taught me how to work with people completely opposed to my client’s and achieve success. And my work on Sen. Mike Shirkey’s staff has given me direct experience in the important role that legislators play in helping the citizens of their district overcome the bureaucracy in Lansing. Working with Senator Shirkey and working for Congressman Tim Walberg’s campaign has also given me insight into how to work toward conservative solutions when much of the legislature is more interested in their next election than policy. Wiseley: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney; Indiana Senate Legal/ Legislative Intern; Vice President of Indiana University Public Interest Law Foundation; Real Estate Professional; Disability Law Clinic. I have a variety of experiences in the public and private sectors. These include different aspects of the legal system as well as behind the scenes of the legislative process. These experiences give me insight into the issues we might face and how to combat them. More importantly, the principles I’m grounded in will allow me to stick to ends that create liberty and abide by the Constitution, which I have an unwavering commitment to. Sowards: As a union rep for the Association of Flight Attendants I learned how to put others ahead of myself and best represent the will of the people. That was a very valuable lesson, my opinion is just that, my opinion. If you could point to a single moment or experience that finalized your decision to run for the State House, what would it be? Stockford: If I had to pick a single moment, I’d say it was when I realized the difficulty in operating a small city as a result of the states actions and regulations. Truly the most difficult part of keeping a city moving forward is keeping the state pleased and off your back. They expect more and more every year and give less and less back. Fink: I had a conversation a few months ago with a friend of mine. We talked about our concerns about the direction the country is headed in, and about the kind of world that my kids might inherit from my generation. He pointed out to me that if I want to influence that situation, I can’t wait until my kids are grown up — it will be too late. Afterward, I reflected on the experience and talents that I can bring to the legislature and decided that now is the time to serve. Wiseley: Hard to point to a single moment, quite frankly I’m tired of our liberties being second fiddle to political

ambitions. I’m tired of the Constitution being viewed as a mere nuisance in the way of government doing whatever it wants. I’m sick of politicians not thinking about the long term consequences of a decision and failing to understand even basic economics. These feelings lead up to that decision. But the closest thing was when a friend called me up to meet for breakfast, encouraging me to run. The fact that someone had so much confidence in me was humbling and pushed me over the edge in the decision. Sowards: I was sitting in a hospital one day in Toledo. I looked around me and saw the facility and how they seemed to flaunt their wealth — fountains, fancy lights and expensive artwork. I thought to myself, who was currently in $100,000’s in medical debt “this is fundamentally wrong.” Hospitals should be comfortable and clean but should be more focused on getting people better, not gold-plated photo frames. That was when I knew I had to do something about the outrageous healthcare costs. What college did you attend? What year did you graduate? What did you study? Stockford: Hillsdale College with a degree in politics, also a graduate of Jackson College with a degree in criminal justice and law enforcement. Fink: Hillsdale College and graduated in 2006 with a degree in political science as a recipient of the Jeanne E. Bray Memorial Scholarship from the National Rifle Association. Wiseley: Indiana Institute of Technology, Business, 2015; Indiana University Maurer School of Law J.D., 2018. Sowards: University of Central Florida for a Bachelors in Communications — Public Relations. Is your campaign working on anything exciting at this time to prepare for the election? Stockford: I’d rather not give away too much of what the campaign is working on, but we’re working. Fink: We’ve been working throughout the winter and preparing to see as many folks as we can before the primary in August. We’re excited to share our conservative message across the district by all available means! We just launched our Facebook page and will be doing a lot more in the months to come. Wiseley: Just getting the word out. Sowards: We are currently working on boosting our online presence. Our website and Facebook page are live, and we are currently working on reaching out to our community more. Is there anything else you hope to share with the potential voters? Stockford: I would just say I’ve kept my campaign prom-

SPORTS

A8 February 13, 2020

Women's Track & Field By | Kate Pipher Collegian Freelancer

The Hillsdale College women’s track and field team competed on its home track at the Wide Track Classic last weekend.The Chargers made strides toward improvement, but work still needs to be done to prepare for the fast-approaching conference meet, according to head coach Andrew Towne. “We’ve got to keep working,” Towne said. “But, it was a good opportunity for some of our athletes to compete at home.” To start off the day on the field, senior Kathryn Bassette vaulted a season’s best of 3.42 meters and ended in fourth. In the high jump, Alexie Day tied for third with a jump of 1.57 meters. Freshman Emily Gerdin performed well at the meet in two jumps. She leapt into third in the long jump with a season’s best 5.32 meters. She also ended fourth in triple jump with a jump of 10.96 meters. Her teammate, senior Dani Jones also jumped for a season’s best of 5.01 meters in the long jump ending fourth. In the triple, she leapt an even 10.00 meters for 16th place. In the throws sophomore Nikita Maines lead the weight throw for her team ending fifth with a throw of 16.45 meters. She was followed by sophomore teammate Michaela Burkhauser who threw 15.77 meters for third place. Katie Weldy also competed in the event and ended 14th with a throw of 14.21 meters which was a personal best for her. In the shot put, Burkhauser lead the Chargers throwing 12.09 meters for seventh place. She was followed by Maines who threw 11.39 meters which landed her in eleventh place. On the track, the Chargers continued to break personal records. Junior Kajsa Johansson dominated the 200 meter dash running the race in 25.03 seconds. Johansson walked away with the victory, a new personal best, and a NCAA Division II Provisional Mark.

“My training has started to set in a little bit,” Joahansson said. “My body is adapting and it went really well.” Freshman Dakota Stamm also set a personal best in the 200 meter dash and ended fourth with a time of 26.14 seconds. Alanna O’Leary ran the event as well and set her personal best at 26.19 seconds and took fifth place. Junior Zoe Eby improved in her to race as well, taking ninth place in the 200 with a time of 26.56b seconds. Sophomore Amber Mango raced a hard 800 meter run ending fifth with a time of 2:26.00. “There’s definitely more work to be done to get to a spot where I’m where I’m competitive at the conference meet,” Mango said. “We’re at a point in the season where as a team we’re looking towards conferences and our competition there.” In the 60 meter hurdles, freshman Jillian Roney set a personal best in her preliminary race with a time of 9.24 and then another with a time of 9.22 in the semifinals. She ended eighth in the event with a time of 10.38 seconds. Freshman teammate Judith Allison also set a personal record in the hurdles with a time of 9.42 but then didn’t continue to on to the final race because of injury. The distance crew looked strong for the Chargers this weekend. Junior Megan Poole ran the mile in 5:25.92 to place fourth. Senior Kate Vanderstelt ended 16th with a time of 5:44.20. Junior Lauren Peterson ended fifth in the 5000 meter run with a time of 18:54.64. Senior teammate, Addison Rauch ran the race in 19:01.96 for sixth place. Freshman Natalie Martinson also ran the race and ended ninth with a time of 19:42.53 seconds. “We have a clear picture of where we need to go now,” Towne said about the weekend’s results. The Chargers will split up next week and take on different meets to continue to prepare for the Conference.

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Men's Track & Field By | Kate Pipher Collegian Freelancer John Ethan Baldwin stole the show for the men’s track team this week with an outstanding performance in the heptathlon. The sophomore multi-event athlete shattered the school record by 39 points and ended with a final score of 5040 points. He won the event and set an NCAA Division II Provisional Mark. “His performance was really good,” head coach Andrew Towne said. “He was our male athlete of the week.” Baldwin said he struggled with pole vault and that threw his overall performance in jeopardy, but he ended up in good standing in that event and ultimately destroyed the competition. “Overall it was a big improvement over what I’ve done before. It was a bit of a rollercoaster over two days,” he said. “There were some good events and some things that didn’t go exactly to plan. It’s pretty much about consistency over a long period of time because you can’t learn everything quickly. And it’s helpful that it’s fun and I enjoy it.” Senior Ryan Thomsen who was the previous record in the heptathlon ended second behind Baldwin with a score of 4951 points, which is also a provisional mark. Between Thomsen and Baldwin’s efforts over the two-day competition, they won five of the seven events. Baldwin won the 60m dash, the 60m hurdles, and high jump, while Thomsen won pole vault and long jump. On the track, freshman Ian Calvert ran a personal best to win his heat and ultimately come in second in the 800 meter run with a time of 1:58.49. His teammate, freshman Sean Hoeft, ended fourth in the race with a time of 1:59.16. Junior Charles Holbrook ended 14th in his heat in the 3000 meter run with a time of 9:42.75, and sophomore Adam Wier won the 5000 meter run with a time of 15:36.20.

“I was happy with my first collegiate win, but not satisfied with how I got it,” Wier said. “There will be another opportunity at the conference meet. For now, I just have to keep training and building off the experience.” His teammate, freshman Mark Sprague ended seventh in the event with a time of 16:15.87. Senior Ian Brown ran a personal best of 8.30 seconds in the finals of the 60 meter hurdles and ended in third place. Freshman Joseph Ritzer ran a personal best as well in the 200 meter dash with a time of 24.78 seconds. To the end the day on the track, the men ran the 4x400 meter dash. They ended with a time of 3:33.05 seconds and the team consisted of Ritzer, freshman Benu Mienjntes, senior David Downey, and junior Adam Wade. The team finished in fourth place in the race. In the field, sophomore Will Syrus competed in the long jump and ended eighth with a leap of 6.55 meters. Syrus also tied for third in the triple jump with a jump of 13.19 meters. Teammate Josh Nichols, ended 20th in the long jump with a jump of 5.78 meters and ninth in the triple jump jumping 11.85 meters. Freshman Charlie Andrews took fourth in the high jump with a jump of 1.89 meters. Sophomore Steven Weidman competed in the weight throw and ended 13th with a throw of 14.71 meters. The Chargers compete at different meets next weekend to continue to prepare for the conference. “These next few weeks are crucial for us to sharpen up for the indoor conference and really be ready next time,” Wier said.

Sophomore John Baldwin set a school record in the heptaphlon at this past weekend's meet. courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletics

Nikita Maines participates in the weight throw event at the 2020 Hillsdale Widetrack Classic event this weekend. courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletics

WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD february 7-8 Hillsdale Widetrack Classic | Hillsdale, MI 60 meter dash

time

6. Kajsa Johansson 14. Jillian Roney 15. Allison Nimtz

7.76 7.97

200 meter dash

time

1. Kajsa Johansson

25.03

2. Dakota Stamm

56.59

5. Amber Mango

2:26.00

5. Carmen Botha 6. Jillian Roney

9.24 9.34

400 meter dash

time

800 meter run

time

60 meter hurdles

time

5000 meter run

time

5. Lauren Peterson 6. Addison Rauch 9. Natalie Martinson

18:54.64 19:01.56 19:42.53

high jump

height

3. Alexie Day

1.57m

long jump

distance

triple jump

distance

shot put

distance

weight throw

distance

3. Emily Gerdin 6. Danielle Jones

5.32m 5.04m

4. Emily Gerdin 13. Danielle Jones

10.96m 10.00m

7. Michaela Burkhauser 13. Nikita Maines

12.09m 11.39m

5. Nikita Maines 11. Michaela Burkahuser 14. Katie Weldy

16.45m 15.77m 14.21m

MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD

february 7-8 Hillsdale Widetrack Classic | Hillsdale, MI 200 meter dash

time

36. Joseph Ritzer

24.78

800 meter run

time

2. Ian Calvert 4. Sean Hoeft

1:58.49 1:59.16

14. Charles Holbrook

9:42.75

1. Adam Wier 7. Mark Sprague

15:36.20 16:15.87

3000 meter run

time

5000 meter run

time

60 meter hurdles

time

3. Ian Brown

4x400 meter relay

8:30

4. Ritzer/Downey/Meintjes/Wade

time

3:33.05

Long jump

distance

Triple jump

distance

High jump

distance

Weight Throw

distance

8. Will Syrus 20. Josh Nichols 2. Josh Nichols 9. Will Syrus 4. Charlie Andrews 13. Steve Weideman

6.55m 5.78m

13.19m 11.85m 1.89m

14.71m

Heptathlon Score

1. John Baldwin

5040

charger chatter: Ian Calvert Q: What track events do you do? A: I do the 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, 4 by 400 meter relay Q: When did you start to run?

Freshman Ian Calvert hillsdale college athletic department

A: I’ve been running since middle school 6th grade. I wasn't very good until 10th grade. I’ve always enjoyed running. I wasn’t motivated until then. I just did it because of friends. Then I saw a potential to get better. I started beating older kids and I got encouraged and I kept improving and it became fun to improve. Q: Who do you get your athletic ability from?

A: Probably my mom. My dad was a swimmer. My mom was the cross country and track person. Another main reason is because I’ve been inspired my brother. I’ve been inspired to have the work ethic and the success he had. He went here. Q: Who do you look up to on the track team? A: I look up to Ian brown and David Downey. Those guys are very encouraging. They’re the two seniors in my group. Very down to earth. They're willing to talk to us freshman and work things out with us. They’re two really nice guys.

Q: What do you enjoy about running? A: For track especially, the competitive nature of it. I like to compete sometimes a bit too much. I like to push myself to my limits. I like the sportsmanship aspects of track you meet a lot of nice people. I love the coaches. I love my teammates just a lot of good natured nurturing people. I wouldn’t trade them for any other team.

like that one day. Right now I’m just working through it. Facing it one thing at a time. Q: What are your goals for the season? A: My goals for the season are to stay on top of my homework to improve in my events. Aim for Personal Records. Be a good teammate. Get into the fast heat for my 800. know what we have to do.

Q: Who inspires you on the track? A: Adam Wade. Very fast guy. Very talented. Very confident. All those things are very inspiring to me. I want to be confident

--compiled by Emma Cummins

Sports

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Scoreboard

SOFTBALL

february 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E McKendree (0-1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 Hillsdale (1-0) 0 1 0 0 0 3 x 4 5 0 hitters

ab r h rbi bb so

2b Morgan Cox rf Natalie Stepanenko ss Sam Catron pr Carlin M. Gannon c Syd San Juan 1b Emma Johnson 3b Elaine Townley dp Kasidy Carson ph Madison Rathbun lf Renee Bielawa cf Sarah Wojcik p Dana Weidinger totals

3 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 3 1 0 3 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 23 4 5

batting

0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 3

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

baserunning

sb: Natalie Stepanenko, Emma Johnson

ip h r er bb k

Dana Weidinger (W, 1-0) totals

7.0 5 0 0 1 7 7.0 5 0 0 1 7

pitching

bf: Dana Weidinger (27)

february 9 1 2 3 4 5 R H E Hillsdale (1-1) 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 Lenoir-Rhyne (5-0) 4 0 1 3 1 9 13 1 hitters

ab r h rbi bb so

rf Natalie Stepanenko 3b Erin Gordon ss Sam Catron dp Jenna Cantalupo 1b Emma Johnson c Madison Rathbun lf Carlin M. Gannon cf Sarah Wojcik 2b Syd San Juan p Julia Sayles totals

3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 17 1 2

fielding

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6

e: Emma Johnson, Carlin M. Gannon pitchers

ip h r er bb k

Julia Sayles (L, 0-1) totals

4.1 13 9 8 4.1 13 9 8

pitching

3 2 3 2

WOMEN'S TENNIS

SINGLES DOUBLES

SCORE

5 3 6 1 0 1

1. Willemien Coetzee def. Hannah Cimpeanu 2. Sarah Hackman def. Danica Malan 3. Katie Bell def. Adeline Nelson 4. Kamryn Matthews def. Vladislava Shumilova 5. Canela Luna def. Sophie Gossett 6. Sophia Spinazze def. Lillian Mouw

6-3, 7-6 (7-1) 2-6, 6-2, 10-5 6-1, 6-2 6-4, 6-3 6-1, 6-0 6-0, 6-0

doubles score

1. Cimpeanu/Hackman def. Coetzee/Malan 2. Bell/Chawner def. Nelson/Shumilova 3. Luna/Matthews def. Philippus/Gossett

7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

61 45 Trevecca Nazarene Trojans

Hillsdale Chargers

FIELD GOAL

30.2% (19/63) THREE POINT

5.0% (1/20)

FREE THROW

80.0% (8/10)

66.7% (6/9)

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

TURNOVERS

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

POINTS IN THE PAINT

FASTBREAK POINTS

BENCH POINTS

LARGEST LEAD

february 6 1 2 3 4 FINAL Hillsdale (6-16, 3-10) 15 20 13 13 61 Trevecca Nazarene (7-15, 4-9) 10 5 16 14 45

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

Sydney Anderson Lauren Daffenberg Grace Touchette Sydney Mills Jaycie Burger Julia Wacker Sophia Pierce Anna LoMonaco Maverick Delp Amaka Chikwe Macy Berglund Arianna Sysum Kennedy Pratt

6/12 3/7 0/0 15 7 3 5/11 2/7 0/0 12 5 2 3/13 1/5 3/4 10 3 4 3/6 2/4 2/2 10 10 0 2/4 1/2 2/2 7 6 4 1/2 1/1 1/2 4 5 0 1/1 1/1 0/0 3 1 0 0/1 0/0 0/0 0 5 0 0/3 0/1 0/0 0 1 0 0/1 0/1 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 1

february 7 Hillsdale (1-0) Mercyhurst (0-1)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Hillsdale (1-0) Mercyhurst (0-1)

5 2

| erie, pa

score

SCORE

doubles score

6-3 6-3 6-1

SCORE

6-1, 6-1 6-2, 6-1 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 6-4, 6-4 6-4, 6-4

| grand rapids, mi

Hillsdale (3-0) Davenport (2-11)

score

6 1

Women's Basketball THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

| nashville, tn

final

Hillsdale (6-16, 3-10) 61 Trevecca Nazarene (7-15, 4-9) 45 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

5 3 6 1 0 1

1. Nils Plutat def. Charlie Adams 2. Ivanhoe Lissanevitch def. Tommy Hsu 3. Michael Szabo def. Ruben Acuna 4. Brian Hackman def. Kaio Sacchi 5. Tyler Conrad def. Billy Chang 6. Julien Clouette def. Jorge Benette

6 1

Women's Tennis

6-4, 6-1 6-4, 6-2 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 6-3, 7-6 6-3, 5-7, 6-2

SINGLES DOUBLES

score

Hillsdale (2-0) Edinboro (1-1)

4 3 5 2 0 2

1. Charlie Adams def. Cormac McCooey 2. Ivanhoe Lissanevitch def. Unai Gonzalez 3. Hristo Plasheski def. Michael Szabo 4. Brian Hackman def. Arseniy Sklyarov 5. Tyler Conrad def. Sebastian Pardo 6. Pranav Sadhvani def. Julien Clouette

final/5

1 9

| erie, pa

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 SINGLES DOUBLES

0 4

| dahlonega, ga

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

singles scores

february 8 Hillsdale (2-0) Edinboro (1-1)

McKendree (0-1) Hillsdale (1-0)

final

Men's Tennis

6/11 6/11 0/0 18 7 0 7/15 2/7 2/3 18 1 1 4/8 2/6 0/0 10 9 3 2/7 0/2 2/2 6 3 0 2/2 0/0 0/0 4 2 0 1/5 1/4 0/0 3 2 4 1/3 0/0 0/0 2 1 0 1/4 0/0 0/0 2 2 1 0/7 0/2 0/0 0 6 6 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0

MEN'S TENNIS

| dahlonega, ga

Hillsdale (1-1) Lenoir-Rhyne (5-0)

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

Lauren Daffenberg Grace Touchette Sydney Anderson Julia Wacker Maverick Delp Jaycie Burger Anna LoMonaco Amaka Chikwe Sydney Mills Macy Berglund Sophia Pierce Arianna Sysum

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

singles scores

37.9% (11/29)

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

1. Adams/Lissanevitch def. McCooey/Plasheski 2. Szabo/Hackman def. Sklyarov/Gonzalez 3. Clouette/Conrad def. Sadhvani/Yaron

bf: Julia Sayles (31) hbp: Julia Sayles

february 8 Hillsdale (3-0) Davenport (2-11)

Softball

february 8 1 2 3 4 FINAL Hillsdale (6-17, 3-11) 19 14 17 13 63 24 Kentucky Wesleyan (7-15, 4-9) 23 18 26 21 88

sac: Madison Rathbun, Sarah Wojcik pitchers

February 13, 2020 A9

| owensboro, ky

final

Hillsdale (6-17, 3-11) 63 24 K entucky W esleyan (23-1, 14-1) 88 | hillsdale, mi 7:30 P.M. Tiffin (10-14, 5-9) vs. Hillsdale (6-17, 3-11) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

doubles score

1. Adams/Lissanevitch def. Plutat/Hsu 2. Szabo/Hackman def. Acuna/Chang 3. Clouette/Conrad def. Sacchi/Benette

6-3 6-3 6-3

Women's Basketball

Chargers snap sixgame losing skid Chargers display improvement The Hillsdale College Chargers split their final multi-game road trip of the season last week but snapped a sixgame losing streak in the process, defeating Trevecca Nazarene University and falling to Kentucky Wesleyan College. On Thursday, the Chargers won 61-45 against Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville, Tennessee, their first win since Jan. 9 against Tiffin University. After losing to Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday, the Chargers are 3-11 in the conference and 6-17 on the season. On Thursday, a quick start helped cushion the Chargers for the second half, as they led 15-10 after the first quarter and 35-15 at halftime. Trevecca Nazarene outscored Hillsdale in the second half, 30-26, but the first-half lead the Chargers built was more than enough. Senior guard Sydney Anderson led the Chargers with 15 points, going 6 for 12 from the field and 3 for 7 from beyond the three-point line.

She also had seven rebounds and three assists. Sophomore guard Lauren Daffenberg scored 12 points, and sophomore guard Grace Touchette and freshman forward Sydney Mills each scored 10 points. Mills also had 10 rebounds, giving her her team-leading fifth double-double of the season. The Chargers went 11 for 29 as a team from beyond the three-point line, giving them a big edge over Trevecca Nazarene. The Trojans made just one of 20 three-point shots in the game. The Chargers also outrebounded the Trojans, 48-31. On Saturday, the Chargers took on the no. 24 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers in Owensboro, Kentucky. Despite playing a close first half, the Chargers fell behind for good in the second half and the Panthers pulled away, making the final score, 88-63, look less competitive than the game was. Daffenberg and Touchette led Hillsdale with 18

points each. All of Daffenbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shots came from beyond the three-point line, and she made a single-game career-high six three-pointers in the game. Anderson scored 10 points and added nine rebounds and three assists. Mills, although she was kept off the scoreboard in a rare off-game shooting, kept busy with six rebounds and six assists. The Chargers have four more games remaining on their regular-season schedule, beginning with their final two home games. They host Tiffin University, who they beat on the road in early January, tonight at 5:30 p.m. Hillsdale is then off on Saturday before hosting Cedarville University next Thursday in its final home game of the season. The Chargers will end the regular season with road games against Ursuline College and the University of Findlay.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

63 88 Hillsdale Chargers

Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

FIELD GOAL

38.7% (24/62)

56.9% (33/58)

THREE POINT

34.4% (11/32)

52.6% (10/19)

FREE THROW

80.0% (4/5)

57.1% (12/21)

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

TURNOVERS

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

POINTS IN THE PAINT

FASTBREAK POINTS

BENCH POINTS

LARGEST LEAD

Charger A10 February 13, 2020

www.hillsdalecollegian.com

Men's Basketball

Chargers split road trip, fall to third in G-MAC By | Calli Townsend assistant editor The Hillsdale College Chargers finished the weekend with a 1-1 record against two conference opponents. They beat the Trevecca Nazarene Trojans 72-59 on Feb. 6, but lost to the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers on Saturday in a one-point nail biter, 67-66. Last week’s results drop the Chargers to No. 3 in the G-MAC with an overall record of 14-8, and 10-3 in the conference. Walsh College and the University of Findlay fill the top two spots, respectively, each with an 11-2 conference record. The Chargers got off to a slow start against the Trojans. The game was tied at 10 with just over 14 minutes to go in the first half when freshman guard Tavon Brown scored a layup that sparked a much-needed scoring run. Hillsdale scored 14 points in the proceeding four minutes while holding the Trojans to zero. It was 42-24 at the buzzer, and the Trojans tried to come back in the second half, closing the Chargers’ lead to six with only three minutes remaining. Senior guard Dylan Lowry sank six free throws down the game’s final stretch, racking up six of his single game career-high 26 points. “It feels good, it makes it a lot better when you win,” Lowry said of his career-high performance. “It was just a really good team win. We played tremendous defense and when you have three other guys consistently scoring in double digits, it makes it easier.” Head coach John Tharp said Lowry did a nice job of stepping up and being a senior leader the entire

weekend. “I thought Dylan had a great weekend for us and really played with that senior urgency,” Tharp said. “He attacked the rim and hit some three point shots, and played great defense for us.” Freshman forward Pat Cartier added 11 points and six rebounds and junior guard Connor Hill put up 10 with four assists. “It’s really hard to beat a team twice only three weeks apart and they’re really good, especially on their home court,” Lowry said. “It was a long trip but it felt really good going all the way down there and getting the job done.” Unfortunately for the Chargers, junior forward Davis Larson suffered a knee injury. His teammates said he landed weird causing it to buckle. The kind of injury is still undetermined. The Chargers felt the effects of Larson’s absence as they played the Panthers on Saturday, but didn’t use that as an excuse. Both teams went back and forth in the lead for much of the first half. A three by Lowry put the Chargers ahead by seven heading into the half. The halftime lead didn’t last long, however, as the Panthers started the half with an 11-2 scoring run. Freshman guard Cole Nau tried to stop the scoring run with two missed threes, but that didn’t phase him as he shot once more and made it to give the Chargers a onepoint lead. Two possessions later Brown drained a three as well to put Hillsdale up by six. Hill got the and-1 on the Chargers’ next trip down the court and they seemed to have the momentum they needed to seal the game.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

72 59 Trevecca Nazarene Trojans

Hillsdale Chargers

FIELD GOAL

41.9% (26/62)

48.8% (21/43)

THREE POINT

35.0% (7/20)

31.3% (5/16)

FREE THROW

72.2% (13/18)

85.7% (12/14)

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

TURNOVERS

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

POINTS IN THE PAINT

FASTBREAK POINTS

BENCH POINTS

LARGEST LEAD

In the matter of minutes a five-point lead became a seven-point deficit for the Chargers, but that didn’t stop them either. A successful and-1 by Cartier gave the Chargers a three-point advantage heading into the game’s final 34 seconds, but that was all the time the Panthers needed to steal the win. They scored a layup, and a Hillsdale turnover gave them an opportunity to score one more, which they did at the buzzer, giving them the 6766 victory. Hill stepped up to play one of the best games of his career with 16 points and six steals. Cartier added 15 points and nine rebounds for a near double-double. Junior center Austen Yarian and Lowry each added 12 points as well. Tharp said Hill’s ability to dribble penetrate and attack the rim brings a unique asset to the Chargers’ offense. “Connor used his instincts and did a good job reading and denying some things,” he said. “I think he’s having a tremendous year for us as well.” “I just went in there and tried to pick people up as I could,” Hill said about his six steals. “We had a lot of mismatches so I was able to help out a lot more than I normally would. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but this time it did so that was great.” The Chargers are set to take on Walsh on Thursday at home, and Ohio Dominican University on Saturday at home, both of whom Hillsdale lost to earlier this season. “It adds to the motivation. We have two chances at revenge this week,” Lowry said. “They’re both incredibly talented offensive teams. It’s

two challenges that we see as opportunities, and coming off that heartbreaker on Saturday, we're just moving on.” Tharp said he told his players on Monday that they need to bounce back and play with passion as they

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

| nashville, tn

final

Hillsdale (14-7, 10-2) 72 Trevecca Nazarene (2-20, 2-11) 59 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

| owensboro, ky

final

Hillsdale (14-8, 10-3) 66 Kentucky Wesleyan (8-13, 7-7) 67 | hillsdale, mi 7:30 P.M. Walsh (20-3, 11-2) vs. Hillsdale (14-8, 10-3) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

| hillsdale, mi 3:00 P.M. Ohio Dominican (11-12, 7-6) vs. Hillsdale (14-8, 10-3) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

MEN'S BASKETBALL

february 6 1 2 FINAL Hillsdale (14-7, 10-2) 42 30 72 Trevecca Nazarene (2-20, 2-11) 24 35 59

Dylan Lowry Patrick Cartier Connor Hill Austen Yarian Cole Nau Tavon Brown Davis Larson Mike Travlos Trenton Richardson

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

9/17 2/5 6/6 26 4 0 4/10 0/1 3/5 11 6 0 4/11 2/6 0/1 10 1 4 2/8 1/2 2/2 7 6 1 2/2 1/1 0/0 5 1 1 2/4 0/0 1/2 5 6 1 1/6 1/4 1/2 4 3 0 1/2 0/1 0/0 2 0 0 1/2 0/0 0/0 2 0 0

february 8 1 2 FINAL Hillsdale (14-8, 10-3) 38 28 66 Kentucky Wesleyan (8-13, 7-7) 31 36 67

Connor Hill Patrick Cartier Dylan Lowry Austen Yarian Cole Nau Tavon Brown Mike Travlos Trenton Richardson

fgm/a 3pm/a ftm/a pts reb ast

4/12 1/4 7/7 16 1 3 6/11 0/1 3/3 15 9 2 4/10 2/6 2/2 12 4 4 5/13 2/5 0/0 12 6 2 2/5 2/5 0/0 6 3 0 2/4 1/2 0/0 5 3 3 0/2 0/1 0/0 0 0 1 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 1 0

G-MAC STANDINGS SCHOOL

t1. WALSH t1.

FINDLAY 3. HILLSDALE 4. CEDARVILLE 5. LAKE ERIE t6. MALONE t6. OHIO DOMINICAN 8. KENTUCKY WESLEYAN 9. ALDERSON BROADDUS t10. TIFFIN t10. TREVECCA NAZARENE 12. OHIO VALLEY

“Every single one of us has to step up with the loss of Davis. It's February we’re in the hunt of doing some really good things and we have to play with passion.”

Tavon Brown shoots a free throw during a game earlier this season. s. nathaniel grime | collegian

Men's Basketball THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

head into their final few weeks of the regular season. “You always hope that when you come off a tough loss that you that you learn from it and use that loss, not dwell on it, but use it to motivate you,” Tharp said.

G-MAC OVERALL

11-2 11-2 10-3 9-3 8-6 7-6 7-6 7-7 5-9 2-12 2-12 1-12

20-3 16-6 14-8 14-8 14-10 13-10 11-12 8-13 7-16 8-16 2-21 4-19

66 67 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

Hillsdale Chargers

FIELD GOAL

40.4% (23/57)

46.7% (28/60)

THREE POINT

33.3% (8/24)

43.8% (7/16)

FREE THROW

100.0% (12/12)

57.1% (4/7)

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

TURNOVERS

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

POINTS IN THE PAINT

FASTBREAK POINTS

BENCH POINTS

LARGEST LEAD

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February 13, 2020 B1

C u l t u r e Kappa Kappa Gamma sells roses for Valnetine’s Day in the Grewcock student union. Stefan Kleinhenz | Collegian

How Valentine’s Day gave me clarity By | Sutton Dunwoodie Collegian Reporter

When phone alarms start buzzing on the morning of Feb. 14, pressure sits on the chest of everyone in America. It’s Valentine’s Day. Some singles and even couples will claim to be ignorant of it, but it’s there, ready to intrude on the peaceful dinner or movie night. Valentine’s Day pressure is good because it reveals things about the character of a relationship. Valentine’s Day is often understood to be a day of romance, and that’s why there is so much pressure to deliver.

Romance becomes a standard by which you can evaluate the day. Along with Christmas and birthdays, it’s one of the few days when people can look at their relationship and see it for what it is. That kind of examination is scary for couples used to sliding along with Netflix and “You up?” texts. This is good because a day of crystal clarity, like Valentine’s Day, reveals a lack of communication, effort, or compatibility. This can make it easy to see when a relationship is limping along and can end a bad one months before inevitable ex-

piration. This saves everyone time and effort. When I was dumb and in high school, I was traveling on Valentine’s Day and didn’t bother sending my girlfriend anything. She was understandably upset and the relationship ended. That was a good thing. Without Valentine’s Day revealing how callous I was, that breakup would have been prolonged and nasty. The pressure of Valentine’s Day can reveal good things too. Last year, I was three months away from being seperated from my girlfriend indefinitely because she was

graduating and I still had another year at Hillsdale. It was a scary time, when hidden doubts about our future started creeping into my head. For Valentine’s Day, we went to a chocolate shop and had a fancy meal, but what made the day unique was that I showed her where I grew up. That tour forced us to communicate who we were and what we wanted. After the day was over, I knew our relationship was founded on something strong enough to last through a separation. We are still together, and I owe that to the pressure of Valentine’s Day.

Drummer Sinclair ’18 and band August Hotel release new single: ‘Disaster and Delight’ By | Emma Cummins Assistant Editor They hadn’t played live in six months and were nervous for their sold-out show. ‘Did they still know how to do this?’ the members of August Hotel asked themselves. This would be the first time the band would play their newest single, “Disaster and Delight,” live. Their fears faded as the night went on. “There was a much bigger crowd response and energy,” guitarist Ryan Lammer said. “We ended up closing the set with the song. It ended up being this really fun, energetic way of ending our part of the night.” August Hotel is a Chicago-based rock band whose drummer is Dean Sinclair, a 2018 graduate of Hillsdale College. The band previously released a self-recorded EP in 2017 and plans to release a second in the spring of this year. Their newest single, “Disaster and Delight,” was the first to tease their new album. “It was one that people always liked when we played it live. We would get a lot of people asking when we would release it,” Lammer said. “We could see a lot of that paying off last night now that people have the version they can listen to and are now able to latch on to that song on a recording.” According to former Collegian reporter Mark Naida ’18, August Hotel has played at Hillsdale five times: the No Date Dance (sponsored by A Few Good Men), Battle of the Bands, Welcome Party in 2015, Broad Street Market in 2016,

and Wombstock in 2017. Senior, and fellow musician Carson Waites, was part of the same fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, with Sinclair. Though Sinclair has graduated, his musical influence still reaches back to the Dale, according to Waites. “The new single has Dean’s fingerprints all over it. I hear COIN and St. Lucia but imposed in his slightly abstract and deceptively emotional

hopeful. “The song was not used as a take me back kind of thing,” he said. “Two people can sometimes have a bad experience. It doesn’t mean it has to remain like that. A lot of the song is hopeful. Some of the lines might come out as sassy. I don’t deny it. But overall it’s hopeful.” Sinclair describes the song

‘August Hotel’ performs new single ‘Disaster and Delight at sold-out show in Chicago. Courtesy | Kaitlyn Johnston

lyrics. It’s infectious; one listen and you’ll be singing about “Chicago fire” all day,” Waites said. “I think the best thing I could say about it is that it sounds like a song everyone would be singing in the Womb’s upstairs sometime in December of 2017. Dean always led the charge then and he still does now, he just does it from Chicago.” Sinclair wrote the lyrics to the song in January of 2017 after a college breakup. Rather than it being a crooner, Sinclair wrote the lyrics feeling

as a “good sunshine-y track.” “Hopefully, it comes out as hopeful. You can listen to it driving with the windows down. It’s a feel-good song. I hope that it’s a feel-good song because it made me feel good after writing it. I felt better,” he said. Writing the lyrics did not take long for Sinclair since he described it as “one of those songs I just had to sit down and finish on the spot.” “I know that if I had waited until the next morning it wouldn’t have come out the

same way. My reason for sitting down at the piano would have gone away,” Sinclair said. “I wrote it to make sense of the situation.” The single is also very pop, according to Sinclair, but it serves as a kind of transition from the band’s previous EP to their newest, which wil involve the production and crafting of their music. “Disaster and Delight served as a good transition from our previous EP to what’s going to come.” he said. “There’s a reason this song is our single because it’s really pop-y. There’s a song on the EP that’s a six minute song with a long intro.” For this single, though, Sinclair said they were strategic about releasing a more accessible song. “If you’re not interested in the first few seconds of the song, you’re going to skip it,” he said. So we thought ‘let’s get the hook in there early for Disaster and Delight.’” Lammer, who has played music with Sinclair since fifth grade, said the song is a good indicator of the band’s energy. “It kind of sums up what we’re about as a band,” he said. “I feel like all of the individual parts of the song feel very us. There’s a lot of character and personality in the way we play everything. The storytelling and the lyrics. It feels like a good sum of all of our parts.” As for the future of August Hotel, Lammer is hopeful. “I like to think that we’re building something right now with these other bands in our scene,” he said. “There’s something happening here.”

I didn’t watch ‘The Bachelor’ so now you have to

By | Haley Strack Collegian Freelancer Let’s get real. For the last six weeks, I’ve subjected myself to watching 30 scantily-clad women with the intelligence of chickens fight over a man-child boasting an injury caused by his mimosa glass. I thought I’d be able to watch this week’s episode. I really did. But when MyKenna started crying 30 seconds in, I was out. I was hoping Peter’s head injury would make him interested in women who actually have personalities, but he’s as dim as ever. So instead of boring you with the intricate details of this week’s episode, let’s examine Peter’s possible options. Consider this the prequel to my predictions (which are soon to follow). The numbers have dwindled down to the final four: Kelsey Weier, Victoria Fuller, Hannah Ann Sluss, and Madison Prewett. And trust me, you’ll want to secure your bracket as soon as possible. Iowa native Kelsey Weier has been drama since day one, and while it seems harsh to pin her as psychologically unstable, I’ve watched her emotional tendencies for the last six weeks and can confirm. With high aspirations of becoming a housewife, she has a promising future. But will that future include Peter? Kelsey’s given us some good moments the last few weeks. When she gifted the champagne bottle to Peter, she said it would show her heart and what she wants.” But, that turned out to be quite the controversy when Kelsey accused Hannah Ann of stealing the bottle (a class one felony in Bachelor-dom). Of course this prompted a full on break down and Kelsey’s true colors shone through. Kelsey eventually reacquired the

champagne, only to have it literally explode in her face upon opening it. Kelsey was later accused of alcoholism, which is hard to argue with after she said a champagne bottle was reminiscent of her hopes and dreams. For our sake, I hope she swaps the bottle of champagne for a bottle of Xanax. It might make next week more bearable. Unemployed Virginian Victoria Fuller was drama before she even came on the show. She allegedly modeled for a “white lives matter” clothing brand, though I’m sure Peter is just interested in the modeling part of the story. She also had a relationship with country singer Chase Rice, who, if you remember, performed for her and Peter on their first date. To make matters worse, apparently this next episode will prove even more damning for Victoria — the previews bring to light her shady past of breaking up marriages and past dating behavior. Charming character put aside, Victoria’s name screams one thing: baggage. Knoxville’s Hannah Ann Sluss has big ‘I’m too young for marriage, but I want the social clout’ energy. She lives at home with her parents and siblings. Not exactly wife material, but once she graduates high school I’m sure she will be. That leaves my favorite, and Peter’s too, Madison Prewett. She’s managed to stay out of drama, she’s also very religious, and though it’s a low bar to meet, is way too good for Peter. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled column next week, but I think this was a well deserved break. Hometowns are rapidly approaching — and I have a feeling we won’t want to miss this one. I’ll do my best not to.

Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ is more than just the next generation’s ‘Bring It On’ By | Regan Meyer News Editor When the first episode of Netflix’s docuseries “Cheer” ends, the 1988 Pretty Poison song “Catch Me I’m Falling” plays as the credits roll. It’s a direct reference to the dangers of competitive cheerleading and the importance of the team catching any member that flies dangerously high through the air. It is also, however, an indirect reference to a theme that plays out through the entire series: the uncanny power of the Navarro College Cheer Team to catch kids falling from broken

homes, rough backgrounds, and dark places. The series, which was released on Netflix on Jan. 8, follows the Navarro College Cheer Team and their coach Monica Aldama as she coaches them to their victory at the 2019 National Cheerleading Association College National Championship in Daytona, Florida. Perhaps the most important thing for you to understand about ‘Cheer’ is that this isn’t your mother’s cheerleading. Sure, these kids cheer on the sidelines at football games. But, they are also world-class athletes. The tumblers could

give four-time olympic gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles a run for her money. The flyers do flips and other aerial tricks from 30 ft high. The top girls do intricate dance moves on one foot while held up by just one hand of one of their teammates. Add to the amount of physical pain and mental stress each of the athletes endure, the flips and tricks become that much more impressive. Most of the athletes are afflicted with sprained ankles, bruised ribs, and other injuries throughout the documentary. Furthermore, the athletes deal with mental stress from

long practices, high expectations, school work, and various other issues whether it be relationship problems, dark pasts, or tough home lives. On paper, the fact that the Navarro College Cheerleaders can execute their routine precisely and perfectly is nothing short of a miracle. But, “Cheer” isn’t on paper. Instead, the athletes’ stories play out before you in seemingly real time. And yes, while ‘Cheer’ is meant to impress, it’s also meant to make you feel. When stunters drop one of their flyers, you feel the pain and anxiety that comes with

it. When Jerry “mat talks” one of his teammates, you feel his encouragement as if it was meant for you. And when all the hard work finally pays off and the team performs their routine perfectly, you feel not only the excitement, but also the team’s relief that it was all worth it. That is why it’s so popular. Sure, the skills and tricks are incredible. But, people have united over ‘Cheer’ because of its ability to capture the human element. It’s watching Morgan Simianer find herself and her place in the world after years of trial and hardship, or Jerry Harris be an absolute

beam of sunshine to all those around him even though he carries sorrow wherever he goes. Most of all, it’s about watching human beings overcome and grow from impossible situations both on and off the mat. At the end of the day, ‘Cheer’ isn’t about winning Daytona. It isn’t about the flashy outfits or the picture perfect routines. ‘Cheer’ is about human resilience and the power of a shared goal. It’s about people from different backgrounds and lives uniting over a common desire, a common passion.

B2 February 13, 2020

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Brad Birzer writes lyrics for progressive rock album By | Elizabeth Bachmann Assistant Editor

Track 1: “The Trenches.” Underscored by ambient whistling, rifle shots, and single notes struck on a piano, Brad Birzer’s voice fades in softly at first, repeating, and echoing over itself. He speaks C.S. Lewis’s description of his experience in World War I: “The frights, the cold, the smell of human excrement, the horribly crushed men still moving like crushed beetles…” Then, cue an electric guitar intro, a chorus of “This is war!” and, finally, drop in some heavy metal drumming. These are the opening lines and sounds of the progressive rock epic chronicling the meeting, developing relationship, and, ultimately, failed friendship between J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis. Birzer, professor of history, wrote this seven-track album, “The Bardic Depths,” in collaboration with progressive rock musician Dave Bandana. Birzer, who has loved progressive rock since his older brothers introduced it to him in high school, described the genre as “over the top, with all the pretense of classical music.” “The Bardic Depths” begins with two tracks, “The Trenches” and “The Biting Coals,” in which Lewis and Tolkien meet each other during World War I. Next, “The Depths of the Soul” and the “Depths of Imagination” explore the deepening friendship between the two men and their sharing of ideas. Finally, “The Depths of Time” is inspired by the ultimate waning of their friendship. Though Tolkien and Lewis’ lives began to diverge, Birzer’s lyrics extend beyond their declining friendship to a final track: “Legacies.” This final song explores why their

Professor Brad Birzer wrote lyrics for progressive rock album ‘The Bardic Depths.’ Facebook

friendship left a legacy that neither man could have possibly created on his own. “The Bardic Depths” will be released by Gravity Dream Records on March 20. Despite working on “The Bardic Depths” and two prior albums together, Birzer and Bandana have never met in person or even spoken on the phone. They met in 2014 on the Facebook page for “Big Big Train,” a progressive rock band they both love. While he teaches history by day, Birzer is a progressive rock lyricist by night. He and Bandana, a British travel agent living on the Canary Islands who writes music in his spare time, formed “Bandana Birzer.” “It was a goofy name. The joke is I am kind of conservative and straight-laced, and Dave is kind of a hippy. So we thought that was hilarious,” Birzer said. They produced two successive albums together, sharing music and lyrics by email. The first explores child abuse, and the second features a man who wakes up in a space ship with no idea where he is and why he is there. These

two albums, however, did not achieve the success of “The Bardic Depths.” The origin of “The Bardic Depths,” their newest album, lies in the cross section of Birzer’s three passions: progressive rock, Lewis, and Tolkein. In the midst of writing a book on the friendship between the two men, Birzer said he was overrun with ideas about how he could play with time and lace mythology and theology through the album’s storyline. “There is an inside joke whenever people talk about prog rock; they make fun of it because it is over the top. But it’s meant to be over the top,” Birzer said. “People always joke people write about hobbits and elves. So I said, ‘Dave, let’s play up to the stereotype, let’s write about hobbits and elves, but let’s do it from the perspective of the authors.’” This sort of broad lyrical scope matches with the musicality intrinsic to progressive rock. “It’s not a conventional song structure. It is not verse, chorus, verse, chorus,” Bandana said. “It is not a pop album. It is a rock album with

a lot of soundscapes and it is cinematic. It’s rock in places and jazz in others.” The freedom of the verses are meant to reflect and compliment thematic lyrics that stoke the intellect, unlike classic rock which stokes the emotions. A consequence of progressive rock’s nicheness, is its small community. Anyone involved in the genre at least knows of anyone else, according to Birzer. This benefited Birzer and Bandana, who were able to build a band around the lyrics and music they wrote by reaching out to friends and sending requests for drummers, cellists, pianists, etc. on prog rock Facebook pages. Suddenly these two relative unknowns in the genre were collaborating with the great prog rock musicians from all around the world, including Kevin McCormick, coincidentally Birzer’s best from college. McCormick then reached out to Phil Ehart, the lead drummer for prog rock band, Kansas. Meanwhile, Bandana was networking from his small island. The rest of the band

filled in with a marimba player from Australia, a pianist from Italy, and a guitarist from Los Angeles. Though they still consider themselves a band, none of these musicians ever met in person. Instead each recorded his own part and sent it to the Canary Islands for Bandana to assemble. When it all came together, “The Bardic Depths” proved different from the previous albums Bandana and Birzer had produced together, and Gravity Dream Records took notice of the album and picked it up. “The reason the record company was interested was twofold, I think,” Bandana said. “He liked the sound of it, but also liked the idea of the story behind it the fact that we collaborate; me from my little island, and Brad over in America, and the fact that we had all these other guys get involved in it and some of them are really well known musicians who wouldn’t normally even entertain the fact that someone is saying come play on my record because no one knew who I was. So the fact that these guys actually

Style Check: the personality behind your shoes By | Meera Baldwin & Kathleen Weis Collegian Freelancers

Stage set for Debbi Wyse and Kristi Gautsche’s 35th annual piano concert. Ashley Kaitz | Collegian

35th annual piano duo performs ‘The Allure of the Obscure’ By | Ashley Kaitz Assistant Editor

Markel Auditorium was a blur of color, sound, and obscure facts this weekend. Debbi Wyse and Kristi Gautsche’s 35th annual piano concert, “The Allure of the Obscure”, featured music from little-known artists, trivia about their lives, and customized lighting that reflected the mood of each piece. Gautsche said that she and Wyse, an Art teacher at Hillsdale, first met at a Bible study but came up with the idea for their duo performances after going to a concert together. Their first performance was in 1985 in Phillips Auditorium, where Plaster Auditorium now stands. According to Gautsche, the duo strives to make each performance a fun, interesting, and relaxing experience for the audience. Last year, for their concert “Child’s Play,” they performed Mo-

wanted to come and work andhel on it is an amazing story in itself.” Now, “The Bardic Depths” is enjoying prog rock fame, and both Birzer and Bandana predict that “Prog” magazine, the crem de la crem of progressive rock culture, will likely review the album in an upcoming issue. Both Bandana and Birzer hope to continue producing music together, but their future in prog rock depends on the success of the album. Whether or not it sells well,Birzer said he is excited just to have come this far. “Prog rock is an interesting thing. It starts in the late ‘60s and it always builds on itself. In that sense it is truly progressive,” Birzer said. “You always acknowledge the artists that came before you you want to be original, but your originality has to be based on what has been done by artists who came before you. I think Dave and I tried hard to sound like others who are out there. Even if our piece never makes it into the puzzle, we at least had a chance to say thanks to everyone who came before.”

zart’s Symphony No.40 on tiny toy pianos. Wyse said that during another performance, they turned their pianos into stringed instruments through an unusual technique. “Donald Fox, our scenic design guy, made tube socks with sand in them,” Wyse said. “We laid them across the strings and the piano was made to sound like playing pizzicato on stringed instruments.” Gautsche said that they came up with the theme for this year’s performance while trying to find music that they hadn’t already played. “We started looking at works that we haven’t done and I was like ‘Well, that guy’s name is really funny,’” Gautsche said. “That gave us the momentum to look for obscure composers, and as we looked into them, we found cutesy little stories and interesting facts.” These “cutesy little stories” were presented by Debbi Wyse’s husband, Ned

Wyse, and Hillsdale alumna Gianna Marchese. Between songs, the pair revealed that Russian composer Alexander Borodin has an asteroid named after him, American composer Ned Rorem accepted cookies as payment from his students, French composer Louis Aubert had an ostentatious moustache — and much more. The concert’s lighting was designed by Hillsdale Junior Tyler Sechrist, the mind behind the lighting for several Hillsdale shows, including “Arsenic and Old Lace” last semester. He said that his favorite look from “The Allure of the Obscure” was the colorful design that appeared onstage at the beginning, intermission, and end of the concert. “It was really an attempt to communicate a cohesive vibe between the program for the show and the initial look at the show that people got when they walked in the door and were finding their seats,” he said. “The look

tries to capture the idea of the obscure in a colorful and exciting way.” According to Gautsche and Wyse, Sechrist worked with them to design lighting that captured the essence of the music. “We gave him suggestions and he ran with it,” Wyse said. “For the Midnight Jazz Suite, we told him that we wanted something dark blue, maybe with a moon or stars, and he had it all set up.” The selection of music itself was diverse and featured artists from all over the world, including famed Tango composer Astor Piazzolla and Argentinian composer Carlos Guastavino, known as “the Schubert of the Pampas.” Liechtensteiner composer Josef Rheinberger, quoted by Ned Wyse, left the audience with food for thought: “Music is above words; it begins where words no longer suffice.”

You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a person by their shoes. When someone strolls into a room wearing “Birken-socks” (a combination of colorful socks and Birkenstock sandals), you know everything you need to know about this person. You could practically predict the rest of their outfit: layers of Patagonia and North Face, completed with some sort of chunky water-bottle clutched at the hip. On campus, you’d likely find this lover of the outdoors under fluorescent lights, working on labs for their biochem major. Though this “Birken-socked” individual may protest, they do not wear these shoes simply because they’re comfortable. Casual footwear sends a distinct message about any person’s character. Take, for example, the iconic Chuck Taylor converse sneaker. Anyone who wears these 90’s-esque lace up shoes is making an attempt to convey the novelty and youthfulness of their personality. You will see every color of Chuck Taylors around the table of students who interrupt Saga to sing an annoying rendition of “Happy birthday” at the top of their lungs, or on the stage with theater majors. Converse-wearers are dragging a piece of their childhood into their adult lives. The antithesis of Chuck Taylors are none other than Sperrys: a staple in the wardrobe of any preppy college student. Rather than trying to make casual footwear more youthful, these leather shoes make you thirty years older.

To keep these elderly-looking shoes from dragging someone into the grave too early, most young people (namely Sigma Chi’s) tend to pair Sperrys with a Vineyard Vines tee or perhaps a solid colored sweater. Either way, Sperrys send the message that a person has spent a good portion of their summer on Grandpa’s yacht. Sitting in the middle of this spectrum are Vans. These shoes are associated with a very distinct type of person. Someone who wears Vans wants the people around them to know they aren’t like everyone else. They have a little quirk to their character that shines through with their alternative music taste and love for obscure cinema. There is a rare occasion wherein a Vans-wearer chose their footwear for the function for which they were created: skateboarding. But the shoe brand that was literally created for skateboarders has been hijacked by hipsters, who wear Vans while working on their slam poetry in Penny’s (because AJ’s is “too basic”). Slides, the poor man’s flipflop sandal, are the ultimate form of casual footwear. They require such little effort to wear, and that is exactly the message they want to convey. People who wear slides want to be known for not caring about their fashion. By trying so hard to not try hard, slides-wearers enter a perfect shoe paradox. If you veer too far into the TV lounge, or the long tables near the dishes, you will get swept into this paradox by its main culprits: the athletes. The shoe does not determine the person, but the person does determine the shoe.

Features

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February 13, 2020 B3

Hillsdale’s most-checked out books

1) The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien 2) The Four Loves - C.S. Lewis 3) The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald 4) Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein 5) Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis 6) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling 7) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling 8) The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis 9) Ender’s Game - Orson Scott Card 10) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis Compiled by Emma Cummins

Crosby from B4

phone and just bent my arm back. Then he shoved me on the wall and started hitting me with a folding chair.” When her parents asked her what happened, she blamed her clumsiness and “played the whole ditzy card,” explaining that she fell. She knew her parents didn’t believe her, but she still believed she could “fix” her abuser. Crosby said most girls experiencing domestic abuse don’t tell their family members or friends because they feel ashamed. “We don’t tell friends, we don’t tell family, we just become more secluded,” Crosby said. “Especially because it’s always that fear of, ‘What are people going to think of me?’” Even though her family assumed something was wrong, Crosby said she didn’t tell her mom about the abuse until her son almost died. Her abuser gave their 3-month-old son 30 rib fractures and began to manipulate Crosby more than he had before. After telling her mom, however, Crosby felt more isolated because people tried to tell her what to do with her life and her children. At first, her mom tried many times to come get Crosby and the two children. “It felt like I was back in another power-control relationship because it just felt like I wasn’t making any decisions for myself again,” Crosby said. “I actually retracted even more from her, even though she was one of my best friends.” Rather than push their loved ones to seek help, Crosby said it’s best that family members and friends remind victims of abuse that they’re willing to help when the survivor is ready to seek resources. Crosby said what most people don’t understand about survivors of abusive relationships is that the victim will go back to their abusers about seven to nine times before leaving for good. Even when the law is involved and there are personal protection orders in place, women often go back because they fear being alone. “When I did go back to him after he’d almost killed our son, that was the worst thing because I’d actually signed paperwork to get my kids back and get full custody of them,” Crosby said. “I wasn’t going to let them by him again. But I took them to have him say ‘goodbye’ and then he took pictures and just kept saying he didn’t care if he went to jail because I would end up going too.” Nobody in Crosby’s family knew that she had gone back to her abuser for several months. Crosby hid her relationship even when there was a warrant out for her abuser’s arrest because of child abuse. Crosby said she couldn’t leave her abuser for good until she physically fought

back, causing him to pack his bags and leave her apartment, something most girls will never experience. “He had pinned me up against the wall again, and I only have one of the boys upstairs with us,” Crosby said. “And I could hear the other one down in the car crying, so I was going down to get him, but I did something that made him mad. And again, he pinned me up against the doorframe and the bedroom door and he wouldn’t let me go, and I physically fought back because I wasn’t going to let him make me pass out that time — I needed to go downstairs and get our son.” After that, every time her abuser tried to force himself back into her life, Crosby said she shut him out. She changed the locks on her apartment and kept him away from her kids. But in the process of keeping her abuser away, Crosby closed off other people in her life. Crosby said being alone is one of the most difficult parts of the healing process. Working as a correctional officer at a maximum death row prison in Tennessee, she realized she needed somebody in her life who was willing to be emotional. She needed somebody who was willing to understand her triggers and help her overcome the pain from her past. When Jayden, Crosby’s husband, walked into her life, she said she didn’t want him to have anything to do with her children. But now, Crosby said she wouldn’t have made it this far without Jayden’s support. “He believes in everything that I do, even if he doesn’t understand it,” Crosby said. Jayden encouraged Crosby to write down what she could remember from her past and share it with other women who may be suffering. Crosby said Jayden and her friends knew that she could help other women by sharing her own story. Crosby said her first book “It’s Not Your Fault,” which was released in September 2019, took her five years to write because it was painful reliving her past. She couldn’t remember a lot of her past because “when somebody goes through domestic violence, everything gets to be like a big scrambled egg inside their head as far as timelines.” She relied on journal entries stuffed in boxes to piece together her past. Crosby said her abuser often destroyed any of her journals when he found them. “It’s probably 5% of what I went through, but it was all that I could remember for the longest time,” Crosby said. “And then I just couldn’t handle doing any more of it. I still haven’t even read it after I wrote it. I gave it to my old teacher, who edited it, and I still haven’t read it because I just can’t.” Crosby said she’s had many

family members reach out to her, explaining that her book helped them understand domestic violence and give them a better idea how to help relatives who are suffering. She’s even had police dispatchers tell her that they have a deeper grasp of how to help women who call several times and are victims of abuse. “The dispatchers said that now, they don’t judge the people on the other end of the phone as much because they would always say, ‘We have girls that are calling like 10 times and they don’t press charges, or they hang up,’” Crosby said. “They were honest and said they used to judge those girls. But now they said that they don’t because they understand why they’re doing what they do.” Crosby said the goal of her first book was to help heal herself, but she realized the book helped other survivors heal as well. “It’s helped everybody heal in a way,” Crosby said. “Knowing that you’re not alone is the first step of overcoming everything and knowing that you have people that you can talk to and relate to. And it’s formed this little community that is just amazing for people to turn to.” Crosby also has a website where survivors can talk about their pasts and ask her questions. “I think the nice thing about the blog section is that I opened it up for people to share their stories with me to put on there, and they can either put anonymous or they can share their name and a photo,” Crosby said. “It helped a lot of people because I didn’t even realize some of the other forms of abuse between different people that aren’t intimate.” After publishing her first book, Crosby said she immediately began her second to answer questions that people kept asking. She only took two months to write, “Rising From the Ashes: Only Human,” which was released in October 2019, because she did not have to relive her past. In the last couple of months, Crosby said she has forgiven herself. “I was always ashamed of what I went through,” Crosby said. “I was ashamed to talk about it. I was ashamed that I went back. I was ashamed that my kids got hurt. I was ashamed that they witnessed abuse for even months afterwards, after everybody thought that they were safe.” Crosby said she’s no longer ashamed, but even with this forgiveness, her biggest success in life has been helping other women find themselves. “When you can find yourself again, and when you can be happy with yourself, that’s the biggest gift you can give yourself besides what you went through,” Crosby said.

Bowling teams take on dating in the ’60s By | Callie Shinkle Columnist What do busy college students do when they want to merge date night with intramural sports? For Hillsdale students in the 1960s, the answer was simply to join a couples’ bowling league. While this activity is usually reserved for middle-aged partners trying to revive their competitive spirit, the activity was remarkably popular at Hillsdale. A March 25, 1965 Collegian article reads, “Because of the demand for organized group bowling, the Fred A. Knorr Memorial Student Center is making preparation for a couples league at the bowling lanes.” The article continued, “The league will run for four weeks commencing the week of April 12.” This was not the first attempt to form a couples’ bowling league. In fact, attempts to organize competitions began in the fall semester. An Oct. 14, 1965 article reads, “We have eight couples now, but need four more in order to start the league— so get your guys and your ‘dollies’ and let’s see some bowling.”

I have a feeling that a major reason the league had such a tough start was that no girls were willing to become the dollies of the bowling alley. Bowling was such a popular activity for Hillsdale students of the day that leagues existed not only for couples, but also for fraternities and women. On March 4, 1965, The Collegian read, “The Women’s Bowling League sponsored by the WRA began this week and will run until April 29.” The article continued, “The eight teams will be competing for trophies given at the end of the league series. One trophy will be given to the team having the highest score and another will be given for the individual having the highest series.” While there were only eight teams, the groups more than made up for their small number with their great names. According to The Collegian, team titles included the Beta Bowlers, the Gutterballs and the Winners. In a tough turn of events, the 1965 season concluded with the Winners coming in second to last place. In an even tougher turn of events, the Gutterballs abso-

lutely demolished the Winners in the league rankings. You really hate to see it in the bowling community. To cap off a wonderful season, an April 29, 1965 Collegian article reported that “a tea honoring all bowlers will be held at Ambler, Monday, May 3, at which time the trophies will be given. For those less fortunate and less athletically inclined members booby prizes will be given to them as a remembrance of some very good times.” Bowling is the only sport that could successfully host a team tea to commemorate athletic achievement. The popularity of bowling at Hillsdale was likely due to the opening of an on-campus bowling alley. On Dec. 10, 1964 The Collegian reported, “The Student Union Bowling Alley which opened last week is now operating full time.” Unfortunately, the bowling alley has since departed from the Hillsdale College campus. While the space and funding was likely turned into a study spot or some sort of academic forum, it would be great for campus culture if we brought back this in-demand hillsdating spot.

By | Carly Fisher Collegian Reporter With academic standards as high as Hillsdale’s, maintaining a high GPA can seem as impossible as giving College President Larry Arnn a satisfactory definition of the good. Since 1977, however, 48 students rose above their peers to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, according to Registrar Douglas McArthur. What are the secrets of top students, and where did they end up? According to the Career Services Office, alumni with a 3.9 GPA or above have ended up in a diverse range of fields and careers. Last year’s crop of high-achieving Hillsdale graduates are pursuing careers in the military, journalism, the Peace Corps, and secondary education. Nicole Ault ’19, who graduated with a 3.99 GPA, now works for the Wall Street Journal as an assistant editorial page writer. In this role, she copy edits, fact checks, and writes opinion pieces. Ault said though her high GPA may have helped, it was her experience that landed her the job. In particular, she credited her experience working for The Collegian and taking the Advanced Writing class taught by Director of the Dow Journalism Program John Miller as contributors to her success. Though academic achievement is important, Ault advised against chasing high numbers for their own sake. “Don’t make GPA a priority. It will make your life out of balance,” Ault said. “My goal is not the ‘A.’ It is to do my best and honor my professor by doing my best. The GPA should be secondary to that.” Catherine Bodnar ’19 echoed that GPA is not the most important factor in a thriving career after college.

The first-year medical student said having a 4.0 certainly helped during the application process to the Medical College of Wisconsin, but grades are not the be-all, end-all. “Having a heart for people, being teachable and willing to learn, living intentionally, and not compromising on what matters most — these are more important things,” Bodnar said. In her role securing jobs for students, Assistant Director of Career Services Jessica Malcheff found that GPA must be paired with work experience for competitive job applications. “The GPA you have sometimes eliminates hurdles, but network well and intern. If a 4.0 finance major without experience and an English major with a lower GPA and two business internships go for the same job, the English major will beat out the finance major,” Malcheff said. Malcheff also said that personality, temperament, and drive to succeed contribute to the probability of a student achieving success. Assistant Director of Career Services Rebecca Galvan said 75 to 85% of jobs are found through networking, so she agreed that GPA is not always a reliable determiner for future achievement. For students looking to follow in Ault and Bodnar’s footsteps, the pair offered advice from their experiences at Hillsdale and life after college. Ault said that the straightest path to academic success is to simply work hard. “A lot of it is just being disciplined with your time and dedicating yourself to the work. I am not a genius, but I think really caring about your classes and meeting with your professors when you have questions or are struggling is so important,”

Ault said. Bodnar also emphasized the importance of hard work and meeting with professors during office hours. She said she took ownership of her own learning by writing detailed notes, visiting her professors, and managing her time effectively. Ault advised students to be careful about which extracurriculars they pick up. To make the most of her time, she said she tried to only join extracurriculars she really wanted to be involved in which, in her case, was mainly The Collegian. Bodnar agreed with the importance of managing time intentionally. “If there is one word to describe life at Hillsdale, it would be intentional — making the daily, conscious decision to be actively engaged in lectures, be fully present for friends, make time for orchestra, piano, volunteering, and clubs, and just pour heart and soul into every situation and moment, trusting that God will take it from there,” Bodnar said. Rather than taking credit for their success, Bodnar and Ault singled out family and faith respectively as reasons for their high achievement. “Many thanks go out to all the professors whose passion made learning a true joy, to family and mentors whose insight and wisdom pushed me to deeper reflection, and to all the people along the way whose friendship helped me become a better person,” Bodnar said. Ault credited her faith as important for her academic accomplishments. When asked how to earn high grades, Ault said that besides discipline, prayer is the most important. “Pray through the hard times. I owe a lot to unexpected grace,” Ault said.

Hillsdale’s top students: Where are they now?

Fe at u re s www.hillsdalecollegian.com

February 13, 2020

The album cover of “1955.” Courtesy | Photo: Jennifer Lesnau; Cover design: Gabe Listro

‘Take me back to 1955’: reliving the past through music By | Hannah Cote Collegian Reporter In their album “1955,” two students take listeners on a journey back nearly 70 years to an era of jazz bands, doowops, and plenty of nostalgia. Seniors Carson Waites and Jake Rummel wrote, recorded, produced, and released their second album, “1955,” in December: a story of romanticism and reality through 50s-style music. Published under Rourke Michael, the band name is a combination of Waites’ and Rummel’s middle names. “1955” can be found on all streaming platforms. Although Rourke Michael has only released two official albums in the past few years, Waites and Rummel have known each other since childhood and became close in high school. “We became good friends through music,” Waites said. “Our music tastes have evolved to be very similar, and we’ve played in various groups together ever since coming to Hillsdale.”

Before “1955,” they released their first album, “Moonlighting,” in the summer of 2018. “The album name rose from the idea where we each worked jobs from eight to five in town and then from six to midnight every day we would end up going to the studio in Carson’s basement to record,” Rummel said. The personal connection that Waites and Rummel integrate into their music stays consistent throughout every song, EP, and album. Just six months after “Moonlighting,” Waites and Rummel dreamt up “1955.” “It was in December 2018,” Waites said. “I had an idea for a concept, and I was walking somewhere down here in Hillsdale street when Jake called me. I had this idea of tying in a narrative that’s sort of a loss for nostalgia. And then the whole thing kind of developed from there.” “We spent the next week or so working on this idea,” Rummel said. “We have about a five-hour, round-trip drive home, and we would listen to ’50s playlists that users

had created or Spotify had created just to get a feel for the sound.” This album is different than anything Waites and Rummel worked on before. “It’s the coolest project I’ve ever written,” Waites said. “I think this project was special because it wasn’t just a collection of songs that I’ve written. Everything that’s on it is specifically written for it.” The layout of this album is significantly distinct from their first, with only 16 minutes of music in all and an artistic dichotomy in the last three songs. The first song of the album, titled “1955,” sounds similar to an opening scene of a musical, with an acapella intro, a jazzy transition, and lyrics wishing for the past in a moment of nostalgia. “Sunshine / Time of Day” features a doo-wop arrangement with an electric jazz tone, while “Never a Moment / Confused” starts out slower and transitions into an upbeat, pop/rap melody. Finally, “Ride / Pull Over” ends the album with an electric guitar and

Breaking the stigma: Domestic violence survivor speaks out By | Julia Mullins City News Editor When Danielle Crosby studied abusive relationships in her classes at Trine University, she convinced herself that her life wasn’t like the girls she read about in books. Her boyfriend at the time gave her attention and wanted her affection and then he became her abuser. Crosby, a Michigan native from Hanover/Concord, said she ignored many of the red flags in the relationship and pleas from friends and family to leave. After her abuser attacked her, he always told her that he loved her and that he would get help. But the abuse didn’t stop, and Crosby said she’s still healing. Today, Crosby is married with three children and works as a domestic violence victim

legal advocate at Domestic Harmony in Hillsdale where she helps other survivors overcome their traumatic pasts. She is also the author of two books and hopes, by sharing her story, she can help other victims learn that they are not alone and offer a glimpse of what it’s like to survive an abusive relationship. “I just hope that the stigma surrounding domestic violence breaks,” Crosby said. “My biggest goal now is to break that stigma and actually raise awareness.” Crosby’s abuser broke her phones, tore her money, took her car keys, hid her purse, physically harmed her, attacked their children, and isolated Crosby from her friends and family. When her family asked her to leave, she retracted further into isolation. For a while, Crosby said

she tried to hide the physical abuse from her mother and stepfather, whom she calls “dad.” One weekend, while still in college, she visited home and planned on swimming. When she put her swimsuit on, she realized there was no way to hide the bruises from the night before. “It was actually the first time that he came at me. He shoved me into this wall, where the corner of the wall stuck out. It was a weird space in the room,” Crosby said. “He wanted my phone because he thought I was cheating on him, but I was texting my mom. I didn’t understand that he was actually projecting. He basically wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing the same thing he had been doing. I told him he had to wait until I was done with my text because I’m a big mama’s girl. But he took my See Crosby B3

piano combo, perfect for a freeway drive. “The three different types of ’50s songs that are on it all exemplify a different style of ’50s music,” Waites said. “Then a crossover happens between that, and the second half of the song is more modern-sounding. The narrative that persists throughout it was very specifically written for it.” Throughout the production of the music, Waites and Rummel had a few friends help with vocals and lyrics, including Ryan Burns ’19, senior Brian Freimuth, and junior John Szczotka. “I basically wrote all the music for it and I did the production,” Waites said. “Jake does a lot of singing and plays bass on it. Ryan helps me a lot with lyrics. He and I would throw ideas back and forth at each other until we found something kind of fitting.” Burns only started singing in choirs when he first came to Hillsdale, but now has performed and recorded numerous times with Waites and Rummel. “The album is a brisk at-

tempt to talk about how being nostalgic feels really great at first, but it isn’t fulfilling,” Burns wrote in an email. “The tracks being combinations of two unique songs, neither half can really stand on its own, so we put them together. We thought it would be truly fulfilling to try out more aesthetic approaches to the music we make together, and that’s what happened.” Throughout the recording process, Waites’ recording setup provided a relaxing environment for everyone to work in. “I’ve amassed a collection of recording equipment that’s worth way too much to keep in our house in Hillsdale here,” Waites said. “Since I was probably 12 or 13, it would just keep growing and I kind of took it with me wherever I lived on campus.” Waites keeps all his recording equipment in his bedroom where he and his bandmates can sit around on the couches and let the genius flow. “I think it helps creativity a lot,” Waites said. Waites and Rummel hope

to produce more music before graduation, but they still plan on keeping music in their lives after graduation. “Music is something that we’ll always be able to do,” Rummel said. “We can always get together with our friends or with people that we’ll meet. It’s not hard to throw audio files back and forth. Whatever happens, there will always be music in the future, absolutely.” Burns affirmed the significance and value that music provided all their lives. “More work is inevitable,” Burns wrote. “We’re so excited to put out work we value.” In the future, the goal of Rourke Michael’s music “will definitely not be the money-making kind,” Waites said. “Which is okay because that’s never been the goal.” “There’s something so freeing about not relying on music for anything other than itself,” Waites said. “I hope it’s always like that.”

Dear Dale, I have liked a guy for a few months. We hang out regularly but haven’t gone on any official dates. How do I know if this is hillsdating? Is hillsdating socially acceptable? -Confused Candace Candace, Happy Valentines Day! In this romantic week it’s hard not to wonder about our dating lives. And hillsdating is its own can of worms. It’s so prevalent that Urban Dictionary even has an entry on it, noting that hillsdating is “a relationship where a guy and a girl who like each other spend every waking moment together but refuse to admit or agree that they are dating.” If he’s walking you back to your dorm, eating meals with you, and texting you constantly — all while never actually implying that you are dating — those are signals you’re likely hillsdating. Another sign is if he flirts just enough to get you interested but could pass it off as “just being friendly” if he’s called out on it. What is your response when people ask you about your rela-

-Dale

tionship status? If you reply by saying that you don’t really know what you are … then congrats, you’re hillsdating. At its core, hillsdating is the awkward stage between being friends and being a couple; the stage where you’re constantly confused about what your relationship is. As far as being socially acceptable, that varies depending on your social circles. You may get teased a bit by your friends, but no one is going to shun you for it. Worry less about what other people are thinking about your relationship and decide what you want. Are you ready to go on an actual date or are you happy with the way you are hanging out now? If you want things to progress, communicate that with him. If he feels the same way, you have yourself a valentine!

To submit questions to Dear Dale, contact The Collegian on social media or email cabbo@hillsdale.edu.