Thursday | November 29, 2018 | Volume 89 | Issue 34
OPINION » PAGE 11
BORDER TRAVESTY UNFOLDS OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND
SPORTS » PAGE 8
WILDCATS LOOK AHEAD TO FACEOFF WITH REDHAWKS
2 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018
NOV. 30 The College of Arts & Humanities is hosting the biannual Browning String Trio concert in the Allred Theater of the Browning Center. Tickets range from $4.50 to $7 and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.
DEC. 1 The Weber State University football team is hosting Southeast Missouri State University in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. The Wildcats will take on the Redhawks at 2 p.m. at Stewart Stadium. Unlike the regular season, students may attend for free but can not bring in guests. Tickets are available online or at the Weber State box office. The Weber State University men’s basketball team will face off against BYU following the conclusion of the football game. This will be the first time the Wildcats have played the Cougars in Ogden since 2014. Tickets are available for purchase while students can get in for free with four guests.
By NIC MURANAKA News Editor
1. Paul Manafort joined Trump’s presidential campaign team in March 2016 and served as campaign chairman from June to August 2016, resigning shortly after his business dealings with Russia came to light. The Guardian broke a story of a private meeting Manafort held before joining the Trump campaign on Nov. 27. Who was the meeting with? a. Russian diplomat Sergey Kislyak. b. Founder of WikiLeaks Julian Assange. c. First secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Raúl Castro. 2. A scientific assessment released by the Trump administration over Thanksgiving weekend said unless preventative measures go into effect, climate change will have disastrous effects on the U.S. economy. What was President Donald Trump’s response?
a. He agreed, but he did not commit to having the U.S. make any changes. b. He agreed and committed the U.S. to making positive changes. c. He claimed he didn’t believe the report. 3. With the caravan of Central Americans drawing closer to the U.S. border, some reaching Tijuana, the Trump administration reached a deal allowing asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while legal processes concerning their requests occurred in the U.S. What did Trump say about the deal?
4. After the Emmys, George R.R. Martin made what announcement regarding his creative projects? a. He made an official release date for the next “Game of Thrones” novel, “Winds of Winter.” b. He announced that he had no plans to ever release “Winds of Winter.” c. He announced he was beginning a completely new TV project. 5. The creator of which Nickelodeon TV series died this week?
a. “Spongebob Squarepants” a. He called the majority of the asylum seekers criminals and creator Stephen Hillenburg called for them to be sent back to b. “The Fairly OddParents” their home countries. creator Butch Hartman b. He welcomed them staying c. “Victorious” creator Dan anywhere but the U.S. while their Schneider asylum claims were processed. c. He argued they should be allowed to come stateside while their claims were processed. Tribune News Service
Paul Manafort speaks during a Bloomberg Television interview at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS ON PAGE 14
MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 | 3
‘TIS THE SEASON OF
VOLUNTEERING By HANNAH OLSEN News Reporter
The holiday season is a time for giving to those in need. In Ogden, there is a need in the community for volunteering and support. Weber State University has a volunteering and service presence in Ogden, particularly its Service Team, comprised of Weber State University Student Association Leaders. The team is dedicated to creating relationships and service events with non-profit organizations in the area and getting them the volunteers and resources they need. The Weber Connect mobile app is the most common and accessible way the Service Team Chairs communicate service events. The Service Team also uses Facebook and Instagram, @Weberserves, to post flyers for events that need volunteers. Another service event is the Weber County Elections, YMCA and DaVinci Academy collaboration “Literacy Night” on Nov. 30. At a Project LEAD event earlier this month, volunteers rewrote fairy tales and classic children’s stories from the perspective of the villain. For “Literacy Night,” volunteers will read the stories and mediate discussions to help foster empathy and compassion in children. Afterward, on Dec. 4, the Winter Workshop event for Head Start families is in need of volunteers. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Family Enrichment Center.
On Dec. 8 and 9, DaVinci Academy is hosting a Robotic Competition at the elementary school. Around 10 volunteer judges are needed to judge the competition. Volunteers require no previous robotics or judging experience. On Dec. 12, the Youth Community Connection is holding their Christmas party and need some helping hands. The party will be hosted at the YCC from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and organizers need as many volunteers as they can get. One of the biggest upcoming service events is the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership Community Christmas from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ben Lomond High School on Dec. 15, but there is plenty of work to do beforehand as well. Volunteers need to transport donations, set up and more. The volunteering opportunities continue every day until the the Christmas Carnival on Dec. 14 and 15. Finally, on Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Catholic Community Services needs help handing out donated food to people in need. Fifteen to twenty volunteers are needed this holiday season. The saying goes that giving is better than receiving. Whether someone uses that as motivation or needs volunteer hours, WSU has worked hard to create and plan these events. All they need is volunteers Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
freepik.com
4 | MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 SARAH CATAN | The Signpost
Jerrick Harding shoots the ball into the basket.
MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 | 5
WILDCATS SCORE 100
IN REDHAWKS ROUT By COLTON PACK Sports Reporter
On Tuesday night, the Weber State University men’s basketball team took on the Benedictine University Redhawks at home in the Dee Events Center. The Wildcats cruised to a 100–61 victory, shooting 53 percent from the field with 14 three-pointers. Senior forward Brekkott Chapman ended the contest with a game-high 18 points, going 6–7 from the threepoint line in just 23 minutes. Senior Zach Braxton finished with a game-high 15 rebounds and added 8 points in 18 minutes. The 15 rebounds are also a career high for Braxton. “We have come a long way getting the ball moving, and the offense is starting to flow really well,” Chapman said. “We have been scoring a lot more points, and we get a lot more open looks, which is getting our percentages up, making our offense more efficient.” Chapman said after his third three of the night, he was on a hot streak. WSU head coach Randy Rahe said Chapman put in extra practice time the week prior. Benedictine University at Mesa is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) but not a part of the NCAA. This is Weber State’s second win this season against an NAIA team. The ‘Cats got off to a quick start, scoring 25 points in the first seven minutes. The Wildcats slowed and the teams went even the rest of the half with a halftime score of 45-25. Rahe asked his team to come
out in the second half with more intensity. “We kind of got our rhythm going, now let’s go do everything a little bit faster, little bit harder, with a little more juice,” Rahe said. “Let’s guard with a little more juice, let’s get our offence moving with a little more juice and make the extra pass.” In the first five minutes of the second half, the offense and defense was clicking. Chapman hit two threes to help Weber State go on a 19–2 run. On the offensive, Weber State continued to run fast and pushed the ball. The Wildcats kept the pedal down, holding the Redhawks to 36 points the rest of the second half and scoring 55 points. The Cats’ defense stepped up, holding Benedictine to just 32 percent shooting on the night. The Wildcats will host another game this Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Weber State will welcome BYU, to whom they lost last year by six points. “We are excited about it. We love in-state games,” Rahe said. “We embrace them. It doesn’t matter if we are playing at home, the road, at Vivint — it doesn’t matter. We just love the in-state games, and we are really fortunate to have BYU coming here to play us on Saturday on our home court.” Following the BYU matchup, the next four games will be the last non-conference games for the Wildcats. Two of the contests will be against in-state rivals Utah State University and Utah Valley University.
SARAH CATAN | The Signpost
Caleb Nero drives the ball down the court toward the basket.
NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT CENTER 801-626-7794
WSU OGDEN SU Room 322
my family is counting on me...
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WSU DAVIS D2 Room 307
6 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018
AUBREE ECKHARDT | The Signpost
HILL AFB LIFTS STUDENTS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
By KAINOA NUNEZ S&T Reporter
Weber State University College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology students can apply for the Science and Engineering PALACE Acquire (S&E, PAQ) program offered through Hill Air Force Base. HAFB will pay selected students’ full-time tuition toward a master’s degree for three semesters before students begin jobs in their specialized fields. Professor Faith Satterthwaite, computer science instructor in the college of EAST, said it’s usually for students majoring in engineering but can also apply to any science majors who satisfy the requirements. “Once you are accepted into the program, you are required to complete separate tiers to pursue your BS or master’s degree,” Satterthwaite said. Focusing on careers in the Air Force, the PAQ program offers qualified BS graduates a well-planned three-year development and training program, which includes one year of graduate studies relating to state-of-the-art technology. According to the website, the first and third year of the program involve work experience while the second year is
dedicated to graduate studies. During the second year, participants are paid a full salary while all tuition, fees and books are paid for by the Air Force. At the end of each year of the developmental period, candidates are promoted to the next pay grade. Finally, at the end of the program, candidates will be promoted to a journeyman-level engineering or science position, enabling them to work on projects and solve problems independently or as a part of a multidisciplinary team. Jennifer Crouch, senior engineer for HAFB and Satterthwaite’s colleague, said she was nervous before signing up for the PAQ program because managing work, life and school was already tough. “Your GPA is a big deal to these guys, and they don’t take anybody who isn’t studying in science,” Crouch said. After graduating with a bachelors degree from WSU in 2013, Crouch went directly into the program studying cybersecurity. “The amazing part about this program is that they helped me to pay off my loans,” Crouch said. Austin Schilz, a computer science and German major from Gering, Nebraska, earned a three-year scholarship from the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Schol-
arship for Service Program, which guarantees career placement following graduation. Schilz is beyond excited for the opportunity. “Now I’m going to get a job I want, and it’s really cool to work for the Department of Defense,” Schilz said. Schilz traveled to HAFB to learn more about the internships he’ll complete in the next three years. He’ll spend eight to 12 weeks each summer working with other programmers on the continuous computer framework updates needed for the F-16s. Satterthwaite signed up for the PAQ program when she was a senior. “I just wanted to get the experience, and it was something I wanted to do after graduation,” Satterthwaite said. The S&E PAQ programs are looking for highly-qualified individuals outside the Air Force and future leaders, innovative scientists and engineers. Interested students can find the application on the Air Force STEM section of the civilian careers website. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 | 7
Each Santa finishes the marathon in unique fashion. By JOE TRAUB Correspondent
The annual Santa Run took place in downtown Ogden on Nov. 24, prior to the Christmas parade and lighting of the tree. Hundreds braved 35 degree temperatures to take part in the event. Ogden local Matt Sandstrom, who has run in over 100 5Ks, won the race. “I’m a consistent runner across the valley,” Sandstrom said. “I like running, and I figured it would be a good opportunity to have some fun and get a good late fall run in.” Sandstrom embraces Christmas traditions, which was a motivating factor in his participation in the Santa Run. “I love Christmas,” Sandstrom said. “I run all year, but this is a fantastic time. It gives you the opportunity to meet people and enjoy the festivities.” Dale Winkler has now taken part in the Ogden run twice.
He said he enjoyed his experience more the second time around. “I think there were a lot more people this time,” Winkler said. “This was well-attended, and it was a lot of fun.” Winkler said he thinks the Santa Run provides a transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. “Everyone is dressed as Santa, so it gives this a fun feel,” Winkler said. “It’s a good time for the community to get together and watch people run, and then you have the light parade afterwards and the village opening. It gets you excited about Christmas.” While the temperatures were cold, Sandstrom said running the entire time helped to keep him warm. “It was a hard effort, and I had to push,” Sandstrom said. “That breeze was pretty rough, it was chilling. Running kept us warm, and I was able to come out on top.” When Sandstrom started the race, he did not view the event as a competition. However, his opinion changed af-
JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost
ter he crept closer to the top. “I came to have fun,” Sandstrom said. “I started in the middle of the pack, but then I started to pass people. The guy in front wasn’t that far ahead of me, so I figured I would go for it.” Sandstrom had momentum coming into the race, as he had just participated in a 5K two days prior. “I had just run in a half-marathon on Thursday,” Sandstrom said. “I was kind of tired, but it worked out. I just thought I would push myself. The faster you run, the warmer you get. That was good motivation.” Sandstrom said he recommends the Santa Run for anyone who wishes to feel the holiday spirit. “It’s fun for the whole family and friends,” Sandstrom said. “Come out, get some cookies and hot chocolate, put on the suit and go have a good time.”
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8 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018
MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018 | 9
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: SECOND ROUND FCS PLAYOFFS
By JAPHETH PLEASANT Sports Reporter
The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks will face the second seed Weber State University Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 FCS playoffs on Dec.1. The rested Wildcats enjoyed a Thanksgiving bye week while the Redhawks eliminated Stony Brook with a 28–14 rout in their first-round matchup. Despite giving up over 400 yards of offense and losing the first down battle, Southeast Missouri State found a way to get the job done on the defensive end by forcing four turnovers. On the other side of the ball, junior quarterback Daniel Santacaterina led the Redhawk offense with four touchdowns, including one rushing. The teams took different paths to the same destination. The Redhawks are fueled by their efficient offense but have struggled on defense throughout the year. On the other hand, the Wildcats thrive on defense but have shown that scoring can be a challenge, especially if they don’t get the running game going. The red-hot Redhawks come into Ogden winning seven of their last eight games, partially thanks to their
well-balanced offensive attack. Senior running back Marquis Terry has been the workhorse on the ground for the Redhawks with 1,293 yards and 14 touchdowns on 206 carries so far this season. Terry will need to be at his best against the 17th ranked run defense in the FCS. “We know they have a solid running game, so that’s one area we are really focused on stopping,” sophomore safety Trey Hoskins said. As for their efficient air attack, Santacaterina’s 60 percent completion rate, 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns explain how easily this team has shown they can move the ball. The Redhawks have three receivers with over 450 yards and two touchdowns on the season, but junior receiver Kristian Wilkerson is clearly Santacaterina’s favorite target. With 863 yards and 14 touchdowns on 59 catches, Wilkerson will have to work a little harder than usual against a strong Wildcat secondary. “The main people we are focused on containing in the pass game are their top two receivers: numbers six and four,” Hoskins said of Wilkerson and his counterpart, junior Jerrick Orr. Despite their season-long success, the Redhawks’
offense has a tough task ahead, facing a defense that is ranked number one in scoring and total defense in the Big Sky. With ten players on this defense recently selected All-Big Sky, it’s clear that opposing offenses have faced monumental challenges when squaring up with the Wildcats. It all starts up front with a stout defensive line led by senior lineman Filipe Sitake and junior defensive end Adam Rodriguez, who leads the team in sacks. The Wildcat defensive line is supported by one of the best linebacker cores in the FCS, a core led by two First Team All-Big Sky selections, and the two leading tacklers for the Wildcats, LeGrand Toia and Landon Stice. Stice also leads the Wildcats in interceptions along with senior cornerback Keilan Benjamin. Benjamin, along with First Team All-Big Sky safeties Jawian Harrison and Jordan Preator, will look to do what they have been doing all season. The secondary has allowed just over 200 yards passing per game for opponents adding 13 interceptions and have only given up 14 touchdowns in 11 games. With extraordinary talent on all three levels, the Wildcat defense will look to be the catalyst for an offense who ranked last in the Big Sky in total offense
this year. Luckily for the Wildcats, Southeast Missouri State gives up almost 500 yards a game but also average over 400 yards of offense and 38 points per game. Conversely, Weber State, on average, allows opponents less than 21 points a game. However, the offense averages just under 170 passing yards per game along with a 3.8 yard average per rushing attempt. The ’Cats will look to sieze their home field advantage as the Redhawks come to Ogden for the first time. The forecast calls for 34 degrees and a chance of snow. The elevation should play a major factor for the Wildcats as Ogden is 4,000 feet higher than Cape Girardeau, Missouri. “It’s definitely going to be cold, but the snow, along with the elevation, will for sure play to our advantage since we are used to this environment,” sophomore offensive lineman Mo Cannon said. The second round kicks off at 2 p.m. at Stewart Stadium and will be televised on ESPN3. “Why wouldn’t you want to be here,” head coach Jay Hill said after the Wildcats received a second seed. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
PASSING
QB: JAKE CONSTANTINE #8
JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost
JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost
Running back Josh Davis jukes past a pair of Idaho State Bengals defenders in their matchup on Nov. 17.
QB: DANIEL SANTACATERINA #10
COMPLETED 166 OF 259 FOR 1,734 YARDS AND 12 TD
COMPLETED 220 OF 363 FOR 2,734 YARDS AND 28 TDS
RUSHING
RUSHING
RB: JOSH DAVIS #28
RB: MARQUIS TERRY #3
RECEIVING
RECEIVING
224 CARRIES FOR 1,288 YARDS AND 9 TDS
WR: RASHID SHAHEED #22
206 CARRIES FOR 1,226 YARDS AND 14 TDS
WR: KRISTIAN WILKERSON #6
30 RECEPTIONS FOR 361 YARDS AND 4 TDS
59 RECEPTIONS FOR 863 YARDS AND 14 TDS
28 RECEPTIONS FOR 363 YARDS AND 6 TDS
42 RECEPTIONS FOR 471 YARDS AND 5 TDS
KICKING
KICKING
WR: DARRYL DENBY #3
WR: ZACK SMITH #9
K: TREY TUTTLE #47
K: KENDRICK TILLER #37
P: DOUG LLOYD #60
P: JAKE REYNOLDS #39
17 OF 26 FIELD GOALS AND 31-31 PATS
Rashid Shaheed, wide receiver for the ‘Cats, blows passed the final defender on the way to the endzone.
PASSING
8 OF 10 FIELD GOALS AND 22-24 PATS
AVG. 40 YARDS PER PUNT AND 22 INSIDE THE 20 YARD LINE
AVG. 41.5 YARDS PER PUNT AND 24 INSIDE THE 20 YARD LINE
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
13 INTERCEPTIONS 12 FORCED FUMBLES ALLOWING 325 YARDS PER GAME
23 INTERCEPTIONS 14 FORCED FUMBLES ALLOWING 420 YARDS PER GAME
SNOWBASIN OPENS EARLIER THAN EVER
10 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018
By ALEN HAJRIC Correspondent
Snowbasin Ski Resort opened its slopes to skiiers and snowboarders earlier than any year in the resort’s history on Nov. 20. While it doesn’t seem like a lot, the historic early opening gave enthusiasts an extra day on the mountain, and for some, that makes all the difference. “It’s super good to be back on the snow,” said Chase Moffett, a seasoned skier with 18 years’ experience. “Last year definitely wasn’t the best season, so starting off with more snow than last year was great.
I didn’t have class or work, so everything played out in my favor.” Basin employees were ready, and instructors were eager to show newcomers the ropes. “I’m excited to see new people up on the slopes who haven’t been before,” said Dakota Crismon, a ski instructor and long-time patron of the resort. “As a skier, I know how exciting it is to get into the sport for the first time.” Not all of the lifts were up and running, due to a lack of snow on the mountain, but that didn’t stop mountain lovers from
coming up and enjoying the trails Snowbasin did have open. “The snow was man-made, but it was a lot of fun, “ Moffett said. “I was expecting it to be completely iced out and slippery, but there were some softer spots on the trails, so the snow was fairly okay, especially for the snow being man-made throughout the whole day.” Skiing and snowboarding can be challenging sports to learn. Newcomers are encouraged to take lessons from a friend or instructor. “If it is going to be your first-time skiing
or snowboarding, I would recommend waiting a little bit until some more snow falls,” Moffett said. “Learning on manmade snow could be more difficult to learn on than natural snow. If you don’t ski, then ski. And if you already ski, then ski harder.” With Snowbasin Resort officially open to beginners and experts. Recent weather reports have shown that more snow should be falling soon, allowing for some authentic experiences. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com CAROLINE OLIVAS
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
CREED II
FANTASTIC BEASTS
TEAR GAS TYRANNY
MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018 | 11
View of tear gas that border police used to prevent groups of people from crossing the US-Mexico border at El Chaparral on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. A group of migrants from the caravan of Central Americans who advanced today toward the San Ysidro (USA) gateway deviated from the planned route to try to cross the border wall by other points while U.S. border police deployed tear gas. Tribune News Service
DANYA GIL Columnist
Over Thanksgiving weekend, a holiday fronting as a time for family gatherings, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents fired tear gas at migrants, including children. Images of women and children at the U.S.-Mexico border fleeing tear gas are circulating through the media. The CBP said agents fired the tear gas after migrants tried crossing the border, according to The Hill. Some migrants said they did this after being denied access to the port of entry where they could claim asylum. According to NPR, authorities at legal border crossings have limited the number of people who could request asylum. About 40 to 100 people are currently allowed each day. Approval of more asylum requests could take months, not including when the process is granted, adding years to the wait. Asylum-seekers can remain in
the U.S. throughout this process, but the Trump administration wants migrants to stay in Mexico. “Well I do say why are they there? First of all, the tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It’s very safe. The ones that were suffering to a certain extent were the ones putting it out there,” Donald Trump said when asked how he felt about the images. The migrants were part of a larger group of nearly 6,000, according to NBC News. Local Mexican shelters attempted to accommodate the migrants, but resources dwindled quickly. Families are using donated clothes, branches and garbage bags to build shelter. Despite the anti-immigrant sentiments projected by the Trump administration, particularly toward those in Latin-America, people continue making the journey from their motherland to the U.S. Why? What could possibly be so bad that you would willingly face family separation, imprisonment and hate speech from the son and husband of immigrant women? Mary Anne Trump is from Scotland and Melania Trump is from Slovenia. Asylum-seekers are from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, according to the BBC. People in these countries face persecution, poverty and violence. For
some, the option is to flee or die. I am the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, and I’ve been to El Salvador. When I talk about returning, the subject gets shot down. I could risk being kidnapped as soon as I exit the Salvadoran airport and be held for ransom. When my grandparents visit El Salvador, they don’t answer the phone or door after a certain hour because of the danger. These are everyday realities for Salvadorans. In Guatemala, according to CNN, half the children under the age of five are malnourished. Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America. El Salvador has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. “Why is a parent running up into an area where they know the tear gas is forming? And they’re running up with a child,” Trump said. Families are traveling with children who could fall prey to gangs if they don’t leave. Some of these migrants have been threatened or extorted by gangs in their hometowns. For Trump to ask why parents are doing what they’re doing and to belittle what they are experiencing at the border demonstrates his lack of compassion and basic decency. My father fled war-torn El Salvador in
the ‘80s. He, like today’s migrants, was not seeking handouts or to infiltrate drugs or crime into this country like Trump and his administration describe migrants. My father, like today’s migrants, was seeking peace, stability and an opportunity to create something greater in a country where anything seems possible. It is no exaggeration to say fleeing is a matter of life or death. The corrupt governments, unlivable wages, constant crime and risk of persecution for those in the LGBT community drive people to do the unimaginable. U.S. and international laws protect the right to seek asylum, and yet tear gas is being used by U.S. agents against children. Being the daughter of immigrants is something I am damn proud of but something that fills me with guilt as I see images of women and children being treated as less than human. They are simply fighting for a better life. So here’s to next Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully, by then, the U.S. will have learned how to treat asylum-seekers with dignity — and acknowledge that it’s a holiday based on a massacre, not family togetherness. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
12 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018
By ANITA LICHFIELD A&E Reporter
When talk radio first hit the airwaves in 1906, professional broadcasters were the only ones able to tell homegrown stories to local listeners. Over 100 years later, internet podcasting made this form of communication accessible to anyone, and local podcasters have the opportunity to share Utah’s unique culture with the world. Two notable local podcasts are “The Banyan Collective” and “I am Salt Lake.” “The Banyan Collective,” an Ogden-based podcast, focuses on Ogden arts and outdoor rec. “The Banyan Collective’s” co-producers are Todd Oberndorfer and Brandon Long. Oberndorfer, a WSU visual arts adviser, hopes he can turn “The Banyan Collective” into a full-time job as it grows in popularity. “‘The Banyan Collective’ may be Ogden-based, but at the same time, listeners can be anywhere and get their little dose of Ogden when they listen to our programs,” Oberndorfer said. The group got its start in 2010 as a live broadcast on WSU’s radio station, KWCR 88.1 Weber FM with their flagship podcast, “Ogden Outdoor Adventure Show.” Radio censorship made it so guests couldn’t speak freely, so it became clear to them
that a change needed to be made. Switching to a podcast format made it more accessible to listeners since it didn’t have to be live or in a traditional studio. The group generally broadcasts on-site at events all around the Ogden Valley, including Snowbasin Resort and Historic 25th Street events, complete with a mobile podcast studio and a tricked-out 1987 Dodge Xplorer. “The Banyan Collective” has expanded its repertoire to include three other shows: “Van Sessions,” a live music broadcast that showcases local talent from the van; “LITERALLY,” a Q and A with local authors; and “The Nine Rails Podcast,” a sit-down with businesses and creatives supporting the infrastructure of the burgeoning art scene on Historic 25th Street. Next spring, “The Nine Rails Podcast” will also have its own recording studio inside the Monarch, the flagship building of Ogden’s Nine Rails Creative Arts District. Oberndorfer hopes “The Nine Rails Podcast,” with its personal narratives about artists and the business of community-based art, can serve as a blueprint for other cities planning on establishing their own art districts. “I am Salt Lake,” created by husbandand-wife duo Chris and Krissie Holifield, showcases SLC’s people and places. “I am Salt Lake” was voted Best Local Pod-
Flickr
cast by the 10,000 people who cast their votes in City Weekly Magazine’s Best of Utah Awards. The “I am Salt Lake” podcast is proving that local stories about Salt Lake City businesses and people can serve a purpose for long-distance listeners. Chris Holifield recalls two stories he says keep him going with the podcast — one about a listener debating a major career decision that would involve making a move from Philadelphia to Austin or Salt Lake. He wrote to the Holifields to tell them that after stumbling upon their program and hearing how great a place SLC is through their content, he made his choice to take the job in Utah. Another listener from Poland was also planning a move to Utah and told them he made his choice to come to the state after becoming a listener. “People are picking to move to a city based on listening to a podcast. Could you imagine if every city did a podcast like this, how powerful that would be for their tourism?” Chris Holifield said. The Holifields met through the podcast, which Chris started in 2012, and have since married. Both juggle the show’s responsibilities, but Krissie also works a full-time job as a UX designer. Chris, a self-taught podcaster, sees it as a rising trend and now coaches others to create their own.
The efforts of the two podcasts in sharing local Utah stories are having a far greater reach with the help of the internet. Podcasting is a rapidly growing industry. A recent Podcast Consumer 2018 report found that 64 percent of people 12 years-and-up are familiar with podcasting, up from only 22 percent in 2006. On average, it revealed people spend four hours a day listening to audio. Of those who are podcast listeners, 33 percent of that time is spent consuming podcasts through their smartphones via streaming apps like SoundCloud and Spotify. The growing number of podcast listeners means more opportunity for human connection. One way the Holifields’ interact with their listeners is through the “I am Salt Lake” Facebook group, which Chris said has brought him and Krissie a lot of real-life friends. “We crave people, yet we’re so lonely at the same time,” Chris said. “A podcast creates connection with somebody in some strange way. It’s a powerful medium.” “The Banyan Collective”’s list of podcasts can be found on banyancollective. com. “I am Salt Lake” can be found on iamsaltlake.com. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 | 13
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2018 Awards Show: February 21, 2019 Do you make films about the outdoors in Utah? Whether you’re capturing an epic ski run, telling the story of a first time free-climber, or documenting environmental issues in Utah, Faultline Film Awards wants your film. Faultline is a local film competition for local filmmakers and for films about Utah’s incredible outdoors and wilderness. Interested? Visit faultlinefilm.com for submission details, or submit your video to faultline@faultlinefilm.com
14 | November 29, 2018 | MyWeberMedia.com
QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 2
Tribune News Service
Members of the migrant caravan sign up to hand themselves over to Grupo Beta, the humanitarian arm of Mexican Immigration, to return to their home countries on Nov. 26.
1. b. The Los Angeles Times reported that, according to The Guardian, Manafort met with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the same month he joined the Trump campaign. Manafort denied the meeting with Assange, calling the story “deliberately libelous,” and WikiLeaks denied the meeting on Twitter. If it happened, the meeting could help Special Counsel Robert Mueller draw a connection between the Trump campaign and Russia. In July 2016, WikiLeaks released a stream of Democratic emails that U.S. officials said had been retrieved by Russian hackers. 2. c. In response to reporter questions, Trump said the National Climate Assessment was “fine” but also said “I don’t believe it,” according to the New York Daily News. The assessment, issued by 13 federal agencies, presents a direct correlation between global warming and the uptick in forest fires this past year. 3. a. Trump called the migrants criminals and said they should be sent back to their home countries, according to Roll Call. The statement seems to contradict the deal his administration made. Trump further pressed the issue when, on Nov. 26, he
tweeted “they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be.” Experts have said it is doubtful the U.S. has the manpower or funding to close and regulate the nearly 2000-mile-long border.
4. c. Martin is moving on to his next TV project, “Nightflyers,” according to the Los Angeles Times. “Nightflyers” premieres on Dec. 2 on Syfy with a new installment airing every following Sunday. The series is based on a novella Martin wrote in 1980. “Nightflyers” doesn’t mean Martin is done with “Game of Thrones;” in fact, Martin recently committed to writing prequels for HBO. “Winds of Winter” still has no official release date. 5. a. “Spongebob Squarepants” creator Stephen Hillenburg died Nov. 26, according to the Los Angeles Times. After a battle with ALS, he died at 57. “Spongebob Squarepants” premiered in May 1999 and is now in its 12th season. The series has won Emmys in both the U.S. and Britain. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
HELP WANTED
MyWeberMedia.com | November 29, 2018 | 15
FEATURED JOB
FEATURED JOB
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA
RESEARCH DATA ENTRY ASSISTANT-IES The position performs the following functions and duties: •provide data entry and data anlysis support for research investigation in area high schools. • Experience working with youth in transition • Interest in research and data analysis
• Ability to follow directions • Organizational skills, • Filing, typing, communication • Administrative assistance • Excel formatting Research experience $10.00
Requisition Number: H00498P
• The Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, invites applicationsfor an Assistant or Associate professor of Film and Digital Media who will beinng in Fall Semester 2019. • We seek a teacher and filmmaker
Math and Reading Tutor for Adelaide Elementary After School Program-Work Study only Financial Aid Office $9.50 Requisition Number: H00467P
Property Control Clerk Property Control $9.75 Requisition Number: H00257P Assistant - Study Abroad Director Study Abroad Administration $9.50 Requisition Number: H00560P Indoor Field House Hourly Attendant Dee Events Center $10.00 Requisition Number: H00563P After School Program Co-Director for Burch Creek Elementary Financial Aid Office $11.75 Requisition Number: H00472P
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
The position performs the following functions and duties:
Boys and Girls Club-Youth Development Professional Financial Aid Office $9.50 Requisition Number: H00227P Youth Futures Shelter Home-Floor Staff Financial Aid Office $10.00 Requisition Number: H00226P Office Assistant at Davis Learning Center-Davis Campus Director Academic Supp Services
who can instruct a variety of courses in a new interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media program. •The successful candidate should expect to teach theoretical and applied courses, perhaps in several different academic departments. $TBA Requisition Number: F00048P
$TBA Requisition Number: H00562P Video Producer - Studio 76 Communication $10-$12.00 Requisition Number: H00392P Social Media Intern- Admissions Officen Admissions Office $10.00 Requisition Number: H00561P Adjunct Respiratory Instructor Respiratory Therapy $TBA Requisition Number: A00066P Walker Institute Internship Walker Institute $10.00
Editor-in-Chief Harrison Epstein harrisonepstein@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Nic Muranaka nicholasmuranaka@mail.weber.edu
S&T Editor Zac Watts zdwatts@gmail.com
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Asst. News Editor-Diversity Jennifer Guzman jenniferguzman1@weber.edu
Webmaster Nate Beach nathanbeach@mail.weber.edu
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Photo Editor Sara Parker saraparker2@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Brandon May brandonmay1@mail.weber.edu
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Chief Copy Editor Cole Eckhardt eckhardtco@gmail.com
A&E Editor Daryn Steed darynsteed@mail.weber.edu
Adviser Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu
The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber.edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.
LDS INSTITUTE TO PROMOTE PLAYOFF GAME 16 | MyWeberMedia.com| November 29, 2018
JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost
WSU flags wave before the start of the game against SUU
By COLTON PACK Sports Reporter
Today, the LDS Institute will be a throwing a pep rally for the upcoming home football playoff game. Members of the football team will be present to hand out free Chick-fil-A sandwiches to students in attendance. Weber State’s athletic director Jerry Bovee, head football coach Jay Hill and the WSU cheerleaders will also be in attendance at the pep rally. LDSSA president Macey Quigley explained the purpose of the event. “We are so excited to have the football team, cheerleaders, coach hill and the athletic director joining us. We want it to be like a pep rally to get the student body pumped up for the big football game Saturday.” The pep rally is intended to bolster the Wildcats’ fight against Southeast Missouri State for the second round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday at 2 p.m. “What the students have to look forward to over this event is good food, good people and some good old fashioned school spirit. There will be free Chick-fil-A sandwiches given out to the first 800 people. It starts at 11:30 a.m. and will last until the food is gone,” Quigley said. The Institute is located on the north end of campus across the street from the Wattis Business Building and construction site of the newly renovated Lindquist Hall. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com