WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015 | VOL. 102, NO. 12
NEVER A DULL MOMENT
Denton | Weather
Rain washes out Texas drought Spring rains bring welcome relief from drought status leaving wide range flooding damage in their wake Katie Olson Editor-in-Chief molson4@twu.edu
Cool temperatures this spring have brought much needed relief from the Texas heat for TWU students and Denton residents alike. The recent heavy rains along with the wet winter and spring has ended the state’s extreme drought conditions for the first time in five years, as stated by national news reports. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report for July 7th, 2015 only a handful of counties, excluding Denton County, are still experiencing moderate to severe drought. Despite heavy flooding affecting road conditions in various counties weeks after the fact, commuter students can be assured that the areas around campus are safe to drive on.
TWU
TWU Director of Emergency Management Blake Abbe stated: “The rain has not damaged the roads or sidewalks around campus. Any damage or impacts on roads and sidewalks around campus is likely due to the rough winters we have had lately, because ice expands and can create cracks and potholes in its wake.” However, students should be aware of the precautions put in place by TWU’s Office of Emergency Management. The department diligently monitors any possibilities of inclement weather including the potential for flooding on campus. Abbe said: “When there is heavy rain in the forecast that could cause flash flooding our office begins to communicate by email and social media to inform employees and students of the
Photo by Tabitha Gray
Many North Texas areas see swaths of standing water and debris after flood waters left by drought ending rains recede.
potential for flash flooding.” He added: “In this communication, we inform the campus community to not park along Oakland and Texas Streets as well as tell the community that if you see
water-covered roads to turn around and don’t drown.” Abbe also encourages students and residents alike to invest in flood insurance along with having a “personal preparedness plan” before
Denton Campus
a flood or any other disaster occurs. According to Abbe, a personal preparedness plan includes a list of emergency contacts, necessary supplies and a designated place to evacuate if an individual
or family is displaced from their home. He finally reminds everyone that during a flooding situation it only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock an adult off his or her feet and only 12 inches to carry off a car. If students are unable to make it to campus due to flooding in their neighborhoods, then they should contact their professors or supervisor to discuss the situation. Students can contact the Department of Emergency Management as well for assistance in getting linked to the right resources. If students witness any flooding on campus, then they are encouraged to call the Department of Public Safety to report the location of the flood.
Governor appoints Going...Going...Gone new TWU Regents
Demolition of historic pool changes the look of TWU landscape
Dr. Feyten lauds Governor’s selections Matt Olson Copy Editor molson3@twu.edu On June 11 the TWU Board of Regents received three new members appointed by Governor Greg Abbott: John V. “Vic” Lattimore, Jr. of Plano; Dr. Nolan Perez of Harlingen; and Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity of Pearland, already a member of the board. The regents’ terms will end on February 1, 2021. Chancellor Dr. Carine Feyten said in an email: “We are thrilled about the appointment of our new regents and grateful to Governor Abbott for naming three extremely wellqualified and fantastic individuals.” Feyten wrote of Lattimore: “John V. ‘Vic’ Lattimore, Jr., is a highly accomplished business-
Dr. Ann Scanlon McGinity
man from North Texas, and we are eager to have a person of his caliber help us as we embrace opportunities in higher education.” Lattimore’s background in business includes his roles as president and chairman of the Board of Lattimore Properties, Inc., as president of Lattimore Materials Company, as former chairman of the Collin County Regional Strategic Planning Board, and as past president of the Holy Family School, to name a few. He is also distinguished by being a lifetime member of Safari Club International and the Dallas Safari Club, international hunting organizations. Feyten said in an email: “Dr. Nolan Perez brings with him a background in medicine and education that will be an important asset to our board as we advance
Dr. Nolan Perez
our reputation in health care.” Perez’s experience in health care and education includes his role as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, and his placement as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Education Coordinator for Gastroenterology for the University of Texas’ Health Science Center in San Antonio, among other qualifications. Feyten wrote of McGinity: “Ann already is a treasured member of our board, and we could not be more pleased to have her with us for another term.” McGinity holds vast experience in the health care and education fields as well, ranging from her role as the Chief Operating Officer for Global Services at Houston Methodist Hospital to her fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing to her positions at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas. In 2005, she was honored as an outstanding nurse leader by the Houston Texas Nursing Association.
Sierra Taylor Managing Editor staylor@twu.edu
Last year, TWU announced that the university pool built in 1938 and last renovated in the 1980s, was facing major obstacles regarding repair and maintenance. After much research and deliberation it was determined that the pool be closed due to the detrimental cost of repair. Senior Associate Vice President for Student Engagement Heather Speed shared: “The outdoor pool was leaking approximately 360,000 gallons of water per month.” She added: “Many of the
leaks were structural. It was a concern that the high water loss could result in structural damage of campus infrastructure.” Keeping the pool chemicals at a safe level became difficult because of the water loss. The pool required the use of more chemicals, which resulted in an increased cost of upkeep, according to Speed. In addition to the significant water loss and cost of repair, potential safety concerns from unfiltered water and structural defects that could lead to the collapse of the pool walls during use led to the decision to permanently close the pool. Speed stated: “Closing
the pool was a recommendation made by Facilities Management and supported by Student Life. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendation.” Swimming is still an available activity at the indoor pool located in Pioneer Hall. According to Speed, the pool area may be turned into a lawn space that can be used by students to lounge and eat lunch. It could also be the site for upcoming parties, yoga on the lawn, and other student-related events.Construction on the area began in June, and the space is expected to be open for use in time for the fall semester.
Summer 2014 Closed pool sits unused during the summer of 2014. Previously the pool had been used during the summer months, including “Summer Dive-In” events where movies were screened for pool goers.
Photo by Shelby Baker
Spring 2015 After months of sitting unused the empty pool was demolished this past May. Plans are underway for the now vacant space.
Photo by Daniel Cantu
Summer 2015 Currently the pool site has been filled in and is awaiting further development Student Life hopes to see the area ready for use by the start of the fall semester. John V. Lattimore, Jr.
All Photos Courtesy of TWU Marketing and Communications
Photo by Tabitha Gray