February 13, 2018

VOLUME 111, ISSUE 19 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

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Domestic violence rates increase nationally, statewide CORTLYNN STARK News Editor @Cortlynn_Stark

a “pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.”

Jackie Langdon, communications director at Springfield-based Harmony House – the largest domestic violence shelter for survivors in Missouri – said the first step is prevention. She said it’s important for people to teach their children about what a healthy relationship looks like and the warning signs of a potential abuser.

“We always say domestic violence is very insidious because abusers can be charming,” Langdon said. “A lot of times you don’t know until you’re married what that true character is and it starts to come out.

“It comes out in small ways. You find yourself in a situation and you don’t know how you got to that situation. It escalates.”

According to the DOJ, physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological abuse are all forms of domestic violence.

Domestic violence might start slow.

It might start with constant phone calls. With your significant other always needing to know your location. Always needing you home.

Maybe you stop working or attending classes. Maybe that significant other tells you that you can’t do anything right.

Maybe you stop spending time with friends, with family.

Maybe your significant other starts intimidating you, verbally or with weapons.

Maybe they hit you.

There were 45,217 domestic violence incidents reported in Missouri in 2017, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Uniform Crime Reporting System.

There were 37,433 domestic violence incidents reported in 2001.

In Greene County last year, there were 3,762 domestic violence incidents reported ­– 8.3 percent of the the expanded statewide total.

ItFor could start out small,version, Langdon Domestic violence, according to said, like frequent visitphone calls. the U.S. Department of Justice, is www.the-standard.org

Illustration by Madisyn Oglesby

What the state budget means Rape reported in Phelps Grove for students across Missouri neighborhood BEN VICKERS Staff Reporter @benrvickers96

In the short time Gov. Eric Greitens has been in office, the impact of his policies on Missourians has been significant. The past few weeks — especially ­— have seen growing attention over Greitens’ proposed budget cuts affecting higher education. On Jan. 30, Greitens unveiled his “Workers First” tax cut, eliminating taxes for 97 percent of Missourians.

In the Greitens fiscal year 2019 proposal, funding for elementary and secondary education will increase by $87.5 million in an attempt to raise the pay of public school teachers. If the proposal is adopted, the Greitens administration will have increased funding for K-12 education by $190 million in its first two years. This is compared to Gov. Jay Nixon’s preceding governorship, funding increased by only $16 million in the same time frame.

The proposal calls for a 7.7 percent reduction of higher education funding.

Already, 16 student government representatives, including Missouri State Student Body President Brandon McCoy, have released a statement to the Greitens administration expressing concern over these cuts. The statement made their disappointment clear: “Public higher education is an unparallelled economic driver for states like ours. It is not an exaggeration to say that public education paves

news Campus apartments alter lease lengths See page 2

CORTLYNN STARK News Editor @Cortlynn_Stark

MEGAN BURKE/THE STANDARD

A crowd listens to Gov. Eric Greitens speak about the new budget plan on Jan. 29 at the Arrowhead Building Supply in Springfield, Missouri. the way to the American dream. In addition, it adds value to those who attend institutions of higher education and for those who benefit from the fruits of its labor.

“Each year, public universities train and shape the leaders and the workforce of our state’s future. It’s time to invest in them.”

Prior to Greitens’ announcement, Missouri State unveiled a plan to be more affordable for students with stipulations, including reducing

the minimum hours required to graduate, lowering textbook costs and freezing housing costs.

“There is a belief we can become more efficient and can function with less state appropriations, which is somewhat different from the previous administration,” Missouri State University President Clif Smart said. “We are looking at both reducing costs and increasing tuition and fees. u See BUDGET, page 8

A rape was reported in the Phelps Grove neighborhood near Missouri State’s campus, allegedly occurring between 11 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 11, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department Lisa Cox said.

The incident was reported to police on Jan. 19, Cox said.

“This case is still under investigation, and no arrests have been made,” Cox said. “That is all I can release at this time.”

According to Missouri State’s Safety and Transportation Daily Crime Log, the incident was reported outside Clery Act Jurisdiction.

Missouri State Marketing and Communications Director Suzanne Shaw confirmed the incident involved an MSU student.

“The Title IX office provided assistance and support to the student in reporting the incident to SPD,” Shaw said in a statement.

You can call the Title IX Office at 417-8368506, in Carrington Hall 314 for assistance, the Counseling Center at 417-836-5116, the dean of students or a residence hall staff member, according to resources provided by Safety and Transportation.

life

sports

How did I get here?

See page 5

Bears head coach sees major contract change See page 6

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THE STANDARD

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

Kum & Go near MSU has liquor license suspended for two days Its state liquor license was suspended for selling alcohol to a minor CARISSA ALFORD Staff Reporter @carissabalford The Kum & Go on the corner of Elm Street and Kimbrough Avenue had its liquor license suspended for two days — Jan. 28 and Jan. 29 — ­ for selling alcohol to a minor.

The Springfield Police Department had no knowledge of the suspension. They were not in charge of the stakeout and were not notified of it. Instead, the Springfield Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control took matters into its own hands.

Two agents with the DATC held an undercover operation in August 2017, when they caught Kum & Go distributing alcohol to a minor, according to the DATC. Kyle Beesley, a junior majoring in mass media, goes to that location to get cheap alcohol because of its convenient location.

“I am 34 years old and have been carded, but also not carded,” Beesley said. “If I was underage, I would definitely seek sources out that could give me alcohol, like a gas station.”

Although Beesley would go to a convenience store if he was underage, he says he feels Kum & Go should be held responsible.

“They are definitely responsible; it’s a state law,” Beesley said.

Kristie Bell, communications director for Kum & Go, said she doesn’t have much information on the events that occured last month.

“I wasn’t able to find out a lot, but I can confirm that that store did lose their privileges to sell alcohol for a two-day period,” Bell said.

The Kum & Go did not get its city liquor license suspended; its state liquor license was suspended.

In the city licensing records, there is no documentation of Kum & Go ever getting a suspension, but in state records there is documentation that Kum & Go sold alcohol to a minor.

Mike O’Connell, communications director at the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said there are usually numerous types of licenses for the same purpose.

“Think of it like a business license,” O’Connell said. “The state requires a certain license, but the city is not required. Larger communities like to have a say in what goes on in their stores. Ultimately, it is up to the city to decide if they want control over regulations.”

O’Connell said it is not uncommon for convenience stores and gas stations to get their liquor license suspended for two or more days due to unlawful distribution to

minors.

“There are countless suspensions for problems with minors,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell said there are problems that go beyond gas stations.

“Not too long ago, we had a suspension for five days for a minor consuming alcohol in a restaurant,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell said he believes all establishments that sell alcohol have a responsibility to uphold the law.

“Bottom line is this is meant to convince clerks and stores to carry out their responsibility,” O’Connell said. “DATC works with folks to educate and encourage people to uphold their civil duty.”

As for the store clerk who sold alcohol to an underage patron, it is up to the local prosecutor to decide what happens to that individual.

“It is only a criminal misdemeanor to sell to a minor. It is not a criminal action; it is a civil action,” O’Connell said.

The suspension has since been lifted on the Kum & Go, and they are free to sell alcohol to persons over 21 years old.

KAITLYN STRATMAN/THE STANDARD

A sign outside of Discount Smokes suggests underaged drinkers should head to Kum & Go, which had its liquor license suspended in January.

Campus apartments move from 12 to 10-month leases starting in August MEG ALEXANDER Staff Reporter Missouri State University Residence Life staff has changed Sunvilla and Monroe on-campus apartment leases from 12 months to 10 months.

“The 12-month lease was causing a lot of students to request breakage of their leases because they didn’t want to stay in Springfield for the summer months,” Gary Stewart, director of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services, said.

When Stewart and the Residence Life staff made this decision in early fall 2017, they believed, and still believe, this to be an effort toward making Missouri State’s on-campus apartment living options more unique than alternative apartment buildings around campus.

If a student living in Monroe or Sunvilla chooses to stay in Springfield over the summer months, they can extend the lease they already had in place.

The price for living in apartments over the summer would be prorated on a daily rate which would equal the monthly rate, and the monthly rent of apartments through the 10 months will not change.

However, Stewart said, in the 2018-2019 school year, the rate for all residence hall rooms will be going up 2 percent with the exception of Hutchens, Hammons and Scholars residence halls.

“I don’t think there can really be any negative drawbacks to this decision,” Tyler Adams, senior finance major and resident of Sunvilla apartments, said.

Adams will be leaving Missouri for an internship in Colorado Springs this summer and said he wishes this option would

have been available to him this year, which would have saved him $1,050 in rent.

This new lease system saves students who want to leave Springfield throughout the summer money, and, does not inconvenience those students who want to stay.

“I think any students like me, who won’t be living in Sunvilla over the summer, will think it’s a great change,” Adams said. “And for the students who will be staying throughout the summer, it won’t change anything for them.”

Adams said he is confident that this decision made by Stewart and the Residence Life staff will be a “positive change” for Missouri State students.

“I think this a really beneficial change to the standard of living for Missouri State students, and I think a lot more students will want to live in the on-campus apartments in future years,” Gabe Serratos, senior communications major said.

Weekly Crossword © 2018 King Features Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Tiny bits 6 “I, Robot” writer 12 Catch in a net 13 Household 14 Treeless Asian plain 15 Bach piece 16 Corn recipe 17 Experts 19 Ultramodern 20 Reverberate 22 Kiwi’s extinct cousin 24 -- Khan 27 Get better 29 “Two and a Half Men” role 32 Arguably, bestknown line from Shakespeare 35 Still 36 Peacenik 37 Performance 38 Blushing 40 Iodine source 42 Pitch 44 Spud’s buds 46 Scored 100 on 50 Hard to find 52 Guarantee 54 Yearly 55 Tradition, perhaps 56 Forward a story 57 Leg parts DOWN 1 Grooving on 2 Portent 3 Reservation residence 4 Nile slitherer 5 One often seen with a crook?

6 Bullets etc.

7 Quake 8 Hostel 9 Hawaiian volcano 10 Curved molding 11 Kill a bill 12 Sixth sense 18 Virginia city 21 Comedian Margaret 23 Feedbag tidbit 24 Noshed 25 Head of st.

26 Straying 28 Smitten, maybe unrequitedly 30 Jimmy Kimmel’s employer 31 Lepidopterist’s prop 33 Away from WSW 34 -- Aviv

39 Sticker 41 Old hat 42 Despot 43 Dermatology subject 45 Holler

47 Adorable 48 Cupid’s alias 49 Rep.’s rival 51 Regret 53 Sister

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opinion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

3

Amidst competition, ceremony, Olympics showcase new technology JONATHAN PETESCH Columnist @thepeach1999

floor of the stadium. While those of us at home saw a wonderful display, those in the stadium were left watching people look up at nothing for a few seconds and were left confused afterwards. This left viewers at home with a more complete experience, defying most logic as to why to physically go to an event.

Samsung, as a South Korean company, has supplied all athletes with special, Olympic edition Galaxy Note 8 devices.

These devices are a white-tan color and feature the Olympic rings on the back glass.

These special edition phones are sadly not for sale, so you’ll be stuck with the normal versions of the Note 8 unless, of course, you’re an Olympian.

Overall, the Pyeongchang Olympics look to be a great forum for talks of peace, friendly competition and introduction of innovative new technology.

With the eyes of the world upon these innovative companies and all those competing, I’m just as excited to see how companies will continue to showcase their new technologies throughout the games as I am to see who will take gold home for their country.

SABRINA MERRILL/THE STANDARD

After a nearly three-hour opening ceremony, the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics are finally underway. The opening ceremony was full of many symbolic and historic moments, centering around the fact that both the North and South Korean delegations will be competing together this year.

One of the underlying themes of the opening ceremony was the blending of older traditions with new technology.

The ceremony coordinators presented this theme very well by incorporating a lot of traditional Korean song and dance mixed with the showcase of new, innovative technology.

As with previous Olympic ceremonies, the floor of the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium was turned into a giant projector screen, showing many graphics throughout the night.

A notable usage of these projections occurred during the Parade of Nations, as the middle of the stadium housed a projection of each nation’s flag as the respective delegation entered the stadium.

Intel brought some of its own innovation to the Olympics this year through its virtual reality technology. Intel will be streaming 30 events in VR, including speed skating, during the games through the NBC Sports VR app.

This will allow Olympic fans at home to experience the games for free as if they were actually in the Olympic Park. Intel also showcased its drone technology during the opening ceremony, using its drones to form different shapes above the Olympic stadium, most notably forming the Olympic rings. This turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the ceremony, aside from some of the more ceremonial events such as the symbolic lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

One of the more controversial uses of new technology centered around the utilization of augmented reality in the ceremony, only viewable by those watching on TV. As a digital viewer, these moments blended in, and I couldn’t tell they were AR until the commentators of the NBC broadcast said something about it.

One of the largest uses of AR occurred toward the beginning of the ceremony, creating a dome-like map of the stars above the

Why romance in the digital age can be a good thing KATIE HAYNES Columnist @journalistkatie The internet is an invention that has changed the world and our human lifestyle entirely. Not only does it allow for us to learn about anything we choose, but to connect with people in our lives.

It even allows for us to meet new people and form relationships.

Online dating has been around for a while, but with new apps such as Tinder or Bumble, it makes dating through the internet seem like a new normal. However, some have issues with meeting people initially over a screen, but online dating is much more than that.

According to eharmony.com’s “10 Online

Dating Statistics” article, over 40 percent of Americans use online dating, 52.4 percent being male and 47.6 percent being female. That is a huge portion of the population.

Many see online dating as a quick and easy way to engage in hookups, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, many people are on dating apps to find someone to be in a serious relationship with. Most of my own peers and older friends met their partners through online dating, or are in search of a relationship online.

I even met my boyfriend through Tinder.

The misconception of apps like Tinder or other online dating sites is the assumption that everyone has the same intentions, but this is not entirely accurate. Not everyone is only looking for one-night stands. I have met many respectable people through dating sites with

intentions of finding a serious relationship.

Safety is still crucial when meeting people, but this goes for meeting people in person as well. Often times, dating websites, such as match.com, are accommodating to protection and safety.

This includes giving advice for meeting or getting to know a person, and even giving the option to report someone for inappropriate behavior.

A lot of matches can be deleted in an instant if you so choose. A website cannot take the blame for a person’s actions.

If need be, whether you meet someone online or in person, law enforcement and other resources are always available to help.

Safety is always the main concern of any interaction with people you don’t know.

Always make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and have the means to protect yourself if need be.

Using the internet for dating is just another avenue for people that maybe lead busy lives or are simply not the type to approach others.

It is crucial to protect yourself, no matter what type of dating you use.

Dating has expanded through the increased use of the internet.

It is harder to meet people in today’s busy society, where it feels like screen time is mandatory to get any work done.

Using screen time to connect to other human beings can be really beneficial, and happening to meet someone romantically online is not something to be ashamed of or looked down upon.

Editor Q&A of the week You’re iced in, what do you do? “‘Harry Potter’ marathon.”

“Sleep.”

“Binge-watch Netflix.”

Alec McChesney, Editor in Chief

Cortlynn Stark, News Editor

Sarah Teague, Life Editor

“Pretend to do homework and actually just play video games.”

“Hot chocolate. Movies. Sleep.”

“Video games.”

Megan Burke, Photo Editor

Brenner Moore, Sports Editor

Emily Joshu, Managing Editor

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life

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Havens for the homeless

“

Every night we’re open, we see more and more people.

Over the 17 days we’ve been open this winter, (the emergency overnight warming center) has served 235 different individuals who have nowhere else to stay.”

-Jeff Smith, Salvation Army

Simple mattresses line the living quarters of Harbor House. The room, which used to be the main chapel of The Salvation Army, fits four rows of beds, each topped with personal belongings.

Springfield shelters offer refuge in times of crisis

A

Story by Noah Standish Photos by Nina Todea

winter weather advisory is in effect for Springfield, Missouri.

Boots crunch against frigid concrete sidewalks covered with snow as the temperature plummets into single digits. Cars crawl in circles around overcrowded parking lots on Missouri State’s campus, while another ambulance rushes north on National Avenue.

Downtown, slippers and torn sneakers track water onto the faded white floors of Salvation Army’s Harbor House homeless shelter. A brown cat rests outside the door, watching a cluster of bicycles as Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” plays softly from a nearby radio.

Each day, the shelter offers lunch to anyone in need between noon and 1 p.m., regularly feeding upwards of 120 people with the help of donations from individuals and local restaurants.

Beyond the dining area, the building also offers housing for dozens of homeless men with nowhere else to stay. Their lives are separated from Missouri State University students by just three miles.

According to a 2015 report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 6,400 individuals in Missouri struggle with homelessness.

In downtown Springfield, the Salvation Army’s Harbor House is one of several shel-

ters working tirelessly to combat the issue.

Many of them offer volunteering opportunities, mental health classes and rehabilitation programs for those in need.

Salvation Army Housing Hall Director Tim Gardner said his involvement with the Salvation Army started as a child, attending church in the same building.

“We want to help (homeless individuals) get back on their feet,” Gardner said. “Some of these guys — it could have been a struggle with alcohol, it could have been a struggle with drugs or depression — whatever it is, we get them connected to the resources they need.”

Throughout the house, the sense of community is palpable. Residents banter with one another in the dining area, sharing chores as commercials play loudly on the nearby television.

“We have some very incredible, ingenious people here, and we have some others who are just down on their luck,” Gardner said. “I love these guys, and I think this (shelter) is something that’s definitely needed here in Springfield.”

Supplies such as blankets, mattresses and washcloths are provided while inhabitants undergo a rehabilitation program lasting an average of three to six months. Gardner said maintaining the shelter costs about $400,000 per year.

“We’re running on fumes,” he said.

Salvation Army Case Director Jane Osborn said the duration of one’s stay often varies

depending on one’s condition and need.

“Some go longer (than six months), but it just depends on their individual situation,” Osborn said. “Some may be working with disabilities, some with emotional barriers — we help connect them with resources like food stamps, Medicare and job training.”

For nights with wind chills 14 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the Salvation Army’s main building on Chestnut Expressway also offers an emergency overnight warming center to homeless individuals.

Its doors stay open between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., while free transportation is offered through any city utility bus to ensure anyone in need can seek refuge from the cold.

Salvation Army Social Services Director Jeff Smith said the warming center has been opened 17 times so far this winter, seeing an average of 65 people per night. The decision to open its doors is made by 1 p.m. based on the forecast, calling into action volunteers and staff members.

“Every (consecutive) night we’re open, we see more and more people,” Smith said.

“Over the 17 days we’ve been open this winter, (the emergency overnight warming center) has served 235 different individuals who have nowhere else to stay.”

Smith said the warming center prioritizes families while providing supplies such as blankets and towels. Each night it’s open, volunteers start setting up cots at 6 p.m. before breaking up the overnight period into two shifts.

A soft mattress on a bitter cold night.

(Above) A floral mattress is a cheerful spot of color in an otherwise simple apartment. The three-bedroom apartment at KIND Place is meant to house families and comes equipped with a full kitchen.

“We use staff from (the Salvation Army’s) other two shelters, but it depends on who’s available,” Smith said. “We’re just trying to help people get out of the cold, and we always need volunteers.”

The Salvation Army’s contributions to helping homeless individuals is just one organization of several located near downtown Springfield. Many of them have related affiliates, including The Kitchen Inc., United Way of the Ozarks and Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

At the Victory Square men’s shelter, volunteers from the East Sunshine Church of Christ help fill many of their 152 available beds. They also offer free transportation between the church and shelter when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dirk Rowe, chaplain and Victory Square manager, said the shelter is near capacity every night.

“We definitely see an increase in requests for beds when it’s colder,” Rowe said. “Depending on our resources, we’re frequently able to offer one (of the 66 designated free beds) for a night just based on donations.”

Rowe said the shelter’s remaining 86 beds are set aside for individuals undergoing longer-term rehabilitation programs involving substance abuse and searches for employment.

With an underlying goal of establishing stability and helping to regain independence, Rowe said the best way to support the shelter is to donate toiletries or time. “(Victory Square) has volunteer opportunities such as cleaning, painting and drives for clothing or toiletries,” Rowe said. “The focus (of the shelter) is really to find out their goals and help them to reach them.”

Located beside the city transit center on Main Avenue, Rare Breed Youth Housing is an affiliate of Kitchen Inc. that offers housing programs year-round for homeless youth between the ages of 13 and 24.

Each individual is referred to the shelter and assigned a case manager to undergo a 90day rehabilitation program to gain independence. According to The Kitchen Inc.’s website, Rare Breed has helped over 1,000 homeless and at-risk youth since 2003.

Coordinator Samantha Sudduth said the shelter’s goal is to identify individuals with the greatest need and provide youth and families with opportunities for education, therapy and stable housing.

“Through referrals, we intake our clients and come up with a housing stability plan,” Sudduth said. “(The shelter’s) goal is to increase their chances of exiting stably to a housing program through various resources in the community.”

Another affiliate of The Kitchen Inc., The Kind Place also utilizes a referral-based system for single women and families. With 12 repurposed apartments on Jefferson Avenue, the building has the capacity to hold approximately 50 individuals — prioritizing single women and families.

Case manager Karla Scheere said most residents stay for an average of 90 to 120 days, u See SHELTER, page 8

A solid roof with brick walls.

(Above) 411 E Blaine St. is home to a handful of families and a respite apartment. The building is part of KIND Place and The Kitchen, Inc.

Not just a number.

(Left) A number marks the foot of each bed in the living quarters of Harbor House. Timothy Gardner, director of the house, said the numbers are strictly for organization, privacy and HIPAA laws. "We're not belittling them by giving them a number," Gardner said. "We still call them by their name."

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

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THE-STANDARD.ORG 5

Skaar: ‘The Immortalists’ full of adventure CHLOE SKAAR Senior Reporter @chloeskaar

COLLIN HADLEY/THE STANDARD

Missouri State student Bayarmaa Huselbaatar is more than your average student. She models, dances and won the Miss World Mongolia 2012 competition.

HOW DID I GET HERE?

Former Miss World Mongolia 2012 and current model and dancer, now studies screenwriting at Missouri State.

NINA TODEA Staff Reporter @Todea_NinaM It’s mid-August, and the 35,000 seats of Dongsheng National Fitness Center Stadium in Ordos, China are filled with spectators. Today, it's not a football match they watch, but a spectacle unusual to the freshly built stadium. Just behind the stage, 116 women await, nervously twisting their jewelry, running their hands down expensive fabric. Nervous jitters travel from their coiffed hair to their heels.

Among the smiles of Nepal, China and Jamaica, is a young Mongolian woman. A red-lettered sash drapes across her white dress — she’s wideeyed and ready to take the stage. As the lights come down and the music fades, the announcer’s voice echoes through the loudspeaker: “The 62nd Miss World Final!”

Six years later, and roughly 7,000 miles away, Miss World Mongolia 2012 walks along the cracked pavement toward Craig Hall, free of her heels, dress and sash. Today,

you might find her wearing sneakers, gold hoops and occasionally, a purple Lakers hat.

Bayarmaa Huselbaatar, or Bama as her closest friends call her, is a graduate student studying screenwriting and producing at Missouri State University. The Mongolian native smiles easily when you see her on campus. Perhaps this has something to do with her roots.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the bustling capital and Huselbaatar’s hometown, is more than eight times the size of Springfield, Missouri at 1.38 million, but the cultural hub has a different atmosphere than most cities.

“People are very hardworking, creative and open,” Huselbaatar said. “Many people travel from all around (to visit) and live in Mongolia.”

The city is home to Huselbaatar’s family: her mother, father, younger brother and the family’s dog. Leaving them to embark on a new journey was hard, but Huselbaatar says she was ready for the adventure.

While hosting a show in Mongolia, Huselbaatar met Stephen Robinette, who was

involved with People to People International, a non-governmental organization started by President Eisenhower in 1956 that promotes understanding and friendships between people of different cultures.

Robinette, currently parttime staff for MSU International Programs, offered her a full-coverage scholarship to study at MSU. Huselbaatar said the opportunity was too good to give up.

“It was like a gift from heaven, a really big opportunity for me,” Huselbaatar said.

But when she landed in the United States, she was faced with two major challenges: learning English and making friends.

“Learning a language is a very hard thing, especially English,” Huselbaatar said. “I learned English in two years.

It was actually a lot of work.

(At MSU) students are working hard, and so many people are intelligent, even in their young age. Missouri State gave me a lot of opportunities to open my eyes.”

English marked her third language. Huselbaatar is also fluent in Russian, as well as

her native language, Mongolian.

Making friends was an easier task. She quickly became involved in the Association of International Students at MSU and joined the on-campus dance crew, Essence of Hip Hop. At AIS, she met senior psychology major Sayo Ayeomoni, vice president of the African Student Association and a fellow dancer.

“She looks like a Barbie doll,” Ayeomoni said. “Then, I found out she was a dancer too, and I was like, ‘Oh, look at you, girl!’”

Since meeting, the pair have choreographed and danced together at every AIS banquet, and they often occupy practice rooms during their free time.

However, their styles, Ayeomoni said, couldn’t be more different. Ayeomoni is an afrobeat and hip-hop dancer, while Huselbaatar leans towards contemporary.

“Everytime we do an afrobeat, I always have to get her out of that,” Ayeomoni said. “‘Bama, its not this fluid, it's hard!’ Then, when we have u See MONGOLIA, page 8

I will start with a full disclosure: I chose this book because the first setting is the summer of 1969 in New York City. And it was a great instinct.

Chloe Benjamin’s “The Immortalists” — her second novel, after “The Anatomy of Dreams” — was so much fun to read. At 343 pages, it is a short, sweet and magical adventure.

Benjamin begins with four children, the Gold siblings: Varya, 13; Daniel, 11; Klara, 9; and Simon, 7.

Halfway through a summer of boredom, everything changes. They hear of a woman, new to town, who can tell you your future.

They save up their allowances in a pillowcase and, led

by Daniel, sneak out one afternoon to find the mysterious woman.

One by one, she meets the children and tells them the date they will die.

Varya, having been told she will pass away at age 88, believes they have been fooled. Simon, whose prediction leaves him scared and disappointed, feels otherwise.

After their visit, the story skips ahead to the unexpected death of their father, Saul.

Varya and Daniel are in college, Simon is 16 and Klara is about to graduate high school. The siblings’ lives are already unfolding before them, each as unique as the next, but none of them alike.

To their mother’s horror — but not surprise — Klara plans to run away to San Francisco after graduation to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a magician.

Their mother’s surprise comes when Simon runs away with her, pursuing his own lifelong dream of expressing his sexuality and finding love.

The prediction Simon receives as a child proves true, as he passes away at barely over 20 — killed by the start of the AIDS epidemic, before AIDS even had a name.

Klara is horrified that she

Chloe Skaar is responsible because she brought him with her, but Simon thanks his older sister. If he never left home, he may not have died, he told her, but he certainly wouldn’t have lived.

You’ll cry.

Through the next five decades, the remaining siblings fulfill their own prophecies: Klara becomes a magician in Las Vegas, Daniel is an army doctor in a dangerous, post-9/11 world and Varya devotes herself to scientific research and discoveries that challenge mortality.

I haven’t read Benjamin’s other novel, but after “The Immortalists,” it’s definitely going on my list. She has so much talent in painting unique, eccentric characters that are still obtainable and relatable to any reader.

Even better, the theme of “The Immortalists” is to make readers wonder — about our history, where our old habits will take us in the future and the difference between our decisions and our fate.

“The Immortalists” makes a great book for a vacation because it’s fairly short and leaves the reader with a wild sense of adventure. You’ll want to pack up for the West Coast, be swept away with magic, discover something new about humans and learn more about history.

Life is short; get living (and reading).

Read it now Take on vacation Give as a gift Don’t waste your time

6

THE STANDARD

sports

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Coach Lusk hit with major contract change ALEC McCHESNEY and BRENNER MOORE

Following the Bears’ loss to the Illinois State Redbirds on Jan. 30, Missouri State basketball head coach Paul Lusk saw a major change to his contract, removing a clause which gave him the option to reset his contract as long as he took the Bears to the NCAA tournament.

Jim Connell of 417-sports.com first reported this on Feb. 7.

According to the original clause, if Lusk took a team to the NCAA tournament during his tenure as head coach, he had the option to renew his contract for another five years.

Now, the contract states “the parties desire to again amend the agreement to eliminate certain language granting coach Lusk the unilateral right to extend the term of his agreement in the event that the team competes in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.”

Along with the removal of the contract extension, the cost to buy out Lusk’s contract now remains at $371,453 if the Bears choose to part ways with Lusk at the end of this season.

If the clause remained and Lusk had the opportunity to exercise his contract extension, Missouri State would have faced a buyout of $1.8 million.

Martin Greenberg, an attorney in Milwaukee who has negotiated contracts and represented coaches for over 20 years, referred to the contract as “highly unusual” when asked about it by Connell about a year ago.

Lusk and Missouri State came to a mutual agreement to remove this clause. Now, Lusk is just focused on basketball.

“I knew that would be asked; I got over myself a long, long time ago,” Lusk said

BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD

Head coach Paul Lusk paces up and down the courtside.

Friday. “But, I think the people that do know me, they would tell you it’s not about me and it’s never been about me and it’s not going to continue to be about me. If I were really focused and consumed with all of that, that’s external stuff, it’s real life, but if I were consumed with that, it would be really selfish on my part. People that know me know that’s not who I am. I am not a selfish person.

“What I am consumed with is the team, and the coaches and the people that are in that locker room. What I am consumed with is getting our guys back to where we were for most part of this season until this five-game stretch. What I am concerned with and consumed with is building on the Indiana State performance. What I am consumed with is seeing Ryan Kreklow smile and us play good basketball.

“And that’s really where it’s at, anything else is pretty unmaterial at this point. I’m focusing on those things, as I said, I got over myself a long time ago. If it was about me and I was consumed with that, that would be really cheating the players and the program, and that’s not who I am and that’s not who I want to be.”

During his coaching tenure at Missouri State, Lusk has a record of 105-116, including a 17-10 record in the 2017-18 season. Seventeen wins is tied for the second most in one season for Lusk, behind 20 wins during the 2013-14 season.

Still, 17 wins is considered a major disappointment for the Bears after being selected to finish first in the Missouri Valley Conference before the season. A recent five-game losing streak, and the threat of playing in a play-in game in the conference tournament, spurred a lot of conversation amongst Bears faithful, and apparently, the athletic administration.

Before the clause was removed from the contract, if Lusk would have turned the season around and won the Arch Madness Tournament that begins March 1, he could have enacted the clause and remained the Bears head coach through the 2022-23 season.

Now, Lusk will finish out the season, and if he is retained as the head coach, he will have one more season as the Missouri State head coach.

Lusk said he was focused on bringing the team back to good basketball and to avoid talk of contracts, and he’s done that since the clause was removed. The Bears have won two straight games — in impressive fashion — and are clear of the play-in game at the moment.

Now, with four games remaining, the Bears have an opportunity to right the ship, secure a decent seed in the Valley, win Arch Madness and … save Lusk’s job.

First place is out of the question, but if Missouri State wins out, Lusk and Co. could land as high as a two seed. Anything is better than a play-in game, and if Lusk has any hopes of returning next year, winning the conference tournament is essential.

There are four games left, and Arch Madness is right around the corner with March Madness lurking down the road. It might only be Feb. 13, but it already feels like Madness has come to Springfield.

BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD

Junior guard Ryan Kreklow shoots a contested 3-pointer over his defender.

Bears first pitch ceremony highlighted local legend, brought clarification for positions

lifetime of memories from it and probably for the majority of them will never play baseball after their college career so, to enjoy your teammates and get out there and make the most A postponement to Sunday and a severe ice storm didn’t stop the Misof it but take it real serious because it souri State Bears baseball team from could lead to great career.” starting its season in the plus. Just A Bear who has already solidified five days away from the first pitch of his ability to make it to the next level the 2018 baseball season, around 300 is junior shortstop Jeremy Eierman. The Bear fans, Al Hrabosky and the Misshortstop, who hit the fifth most home souri State baseball team gathered at runs in college baseball last season, said Hammons Field training complex to this team will look different after losing raise money and throw the ‘first pitch’ Jake Burger, Justin Paulsen, Aaron of the season.

Meyer, Blake Graham, Brain Young The event was supposed to run and more.

Saturday evening but was postponed “I mean, this year we have a lot of due to the inclimate weather, but the new guys, new arms, some freshmen Bears faithfuls showed up. that are going to come in and definite“I’m really pleased at the crowd ly help us,” Eierman said. “I don’t think we had given the weather circumstancwe are going to have quite the firepower es,” Bears head coach Keith Guttin as last year, losing Paulsen, Burger said. “We really didn’t know what to and them, but this year we are definitely going to have a really good expect today and knew last night we team, good lineup, good pitching and were going to create some problems put up some runs.” if we had it.”

The event was held at the HamYou’ll see what starting lineup mons Field complex, the building Guttin puts on the field in just a few behind right center field, where batting days, and The Standard Sports will cages usually lay and the Bears prachave more before the the Bears’ true tice when it is cold or for utility. first pitch, Feb. 16.

The left side of the complex was However, Guttin said sophomore Ben Whetstone will play first base and senior Matt Brown and freshman Sam Faith will compete for the starting job at third base, filling Burger and Paulsen’s absence.

Sophomore catcher Logan Geha also has the ability to play as a utility.

“I’m excited for it,” junior center fielder Hunter Steinmetz said.

“I’m kind of tired of hitting off of our pitchers, so it’s going to be fun to get out there and see another team, so I think we are all really looking forward to it.”

The season starts in Beaumont, Texas, where the Bears will play three games against Texas Southern BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD University (Feb. 16), Lamar Uni- Jeremy Eierman steps up to the plate, staring at the versity (Feb. 17) and University of Jeremy Eierman attempts to turn a double play. pitcher.

Illinois (Feb. 18).

BLAINE WHEELER Staff Reporter @blainewheeler21

filled with tables and chairs for attendees to eat, conversate, listen to the speakers and bid for an auction. The other side was full of memorabilia as part of a silent auction including anything from a Jake Burger signed Missouri State baseball helmet to signed baseballs from hall of famer major leaguers.

The auctions were held to raise money for the program and give the community a look at the team, as everyone on the Bears’ baseball roster was roaming around with name tags and their jersey on.

An attendee who needed no name tag highlighted the night as some southwest Missouri baseball fans caught up with an idol, former St. Louis Cardinal (1970-77) and Kansas City Royal (1978-79), Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky.

Hrabosky keynoted the evening with his speech as some fans took pictures and gathered autographs from the southpaw closer.

“The only thing is, if I come down here, the team has to win,” Hrabosky said as he grinned. “I just hope these guys realize that what they are doing right here this year to take it serious and realize that they are going to have

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG 7

Ice Bears looking to secure spot at nationals BAILEY VASSALLI Staff Reporter @baileyvassalli

The Missouri State Ice Bears traveled over the weekend to Ames, Iowa, to play two crucial games against the Iowa State University Cyclones.

After splitting this weekend’s series with a 4-2 loss on Friday and 5-3 win on Saturday, they now need to secure the No. 17 spot so they can go to nationals. “(This upcoming) weekend is the last weekend for the rankings,” Ice Bears head coach Jeremy Law said.

The Ice Bears will know by next Sunday if they’re headed to Columbus, Ohio, for the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament in March.

Despite losing on Friday, Law said the team played really well and outshot Iowa State.

“There was no puck luck,” Law said. “The team didn’t capitalize on their chances, and the Cyclones did. But, we still controlled most of the game.”

Leaving the first period on Friday, the Ice Bears trailed 2-0 but managed to even the score in the second.

In the third period, Iowa State took back its

lead, and the Ice Bears weren’t able to score again.

Law said they knew it was going to be a tough game, but they could do well.

Saturday’s game showed what the Ice Bears were capable of.

The Ice Bears got a goal with 15 minutes left in the first to take their first lead of the series.

Coming into the second, however, Iowa State came back to tie it up.

It was a trend that continued into the third — every time Missouri State scored, Iowa State tied it up “It was a really emotional game,” Law said.

But the Ice Bears finally took the lead permanently in third period and turned it into a two-goal lead.

“The guys played a complete 60 minutes,” Law said. “It should move us up in the rankings.”

The Ice Bears’ spot at nationals depends on the outcome of the three next games played by the Midland University Warriors. If the Warriors lose, they will drop in the rankings, leaving a spot for the Missouri State Ice Bears.

This weekend is the last home series for the Ice Bears, and they’re hoping for another two BILL SIOHOLM/THE STANDARD sold-out crowds. They’re playing the McKendree University Bearcats — a Division 2 team Sophomore forward Josh Bell, ready to throw down his gloves, locks up from Lebanon, Illinois. with his opponent.

Handball coach strives for a sense of belonging

AMANDA SULLIVAN/THE STANDARD

With a sideways serve, freshman Garrett Bacon starts another practice match. The handball team practiced in preparation for the USHA 66th Annual Collegiate Championship Tournament being held at Missouri State Feb. 21-25.

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based on each individual’s effort and didn’t rely on the coach.

“We practice more than any other team, but we’re super laid back,” Esser said. “Nothing is required.

Whatever you put into it is what you get out of it.”

Birge also acknowledged the amount of effort handball took from an individual, describing it as a sport that takes a toll physically and mentally.

Burnett, who recently started teaching 28 kids at Greenwood Laboratory School to play handball, said he reminds them constantly how complicated the sport is.

“It’s very difficult to play, but it’s one of the best sports you could play when it comes to physical health,” Burnett said. “Personally, I could go run on the pavement and hate it.

I could run on a treadmill and hate it. I could bike, and I would hate it.

I come in here and play a game of handball for an hour, and I love it.”

At least three days a week, the team gets together on the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts and practices in preparation for that weekend’s tournament. For Burnett, it doesn’t matter why they are there, as long as they are enjoying themselves as much as he does.

“Being here is the best part of my day,” Burnett said.

E

Players sat on the carpeted stairs, surrounded by duffel bags, watching their teammates battle on the enclosed court as they prepared for the handball championship tournament in hopes of repeating last year’s national title.

With 12 National Championships and 46 years of coaching handball, head coach Tommy Burnett was less concerned with winning another title and more focused on giving students something fun to do.

“I like to see young people have an alternative to partying, especially if it’s a healthy alternative,” Burnett said. “I’ve had countless kids that want to go somewhere else or do something else until they find this team. It’s kind of a big family, and that’s the way we want it to be.”

After being on the team for three and a-half-years, senior captain Alex Birge knew this was more than just a team to a lot of the players.

“It’s a community,” Birge said.

“It’s much more than being on the court. We’re together all of the time.”

Players like sophomore Ross Colyer attributed the family-like atmosphere to the Burnett’s coach-

ing style of just having fun and enjoying the game.

With family being a main focus, Burnett and the team agreed to what he calls “common sense rules.”

One of the most enforced rules is no person should play a game without a teammate there to support.

Burnett said that no matter what court a player was on, there was always something there to cheer them on.

Graduate student Laura Blankenship said she believed these rules helped keep the team close and created a welcoming environment.

Blankenship — who joined the team after taking the handball class offered by the Department of Kinesiology — said she stayed partly because of Burnett and the environment he created.

“It’s a club sport, but he puts in a lot of time for us,” Blankenship said. “He’ll go to bat for us. He knows people and always offers help. I hurt my arm once, and he said, ‘Oh, here, go see this doctor I know.’ We just know that he’s always gonna be there for us.”

Even while preparing to host the USHA 66th Annual Collegiate Championship Tournament Feb. 2125, players like Colyer, Blankenship and senior Sam Esser believed the outcome of the tournament was

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

MONGOLIA Continued from page 5 to do the fluid part, she looks way better than I do.”

Ayeomoni laughs. “We always butt heads,” she said.

Although she insists she is, Huselbaatar is not the average student. The 5-foot-10 inch beauty queen has hosted, modeled, acted and danced for numerous events and worked with producers and directors across the globe.

This January, Huselbaatar was invited to host the first annual Miss Hollywood Mongolia alongside Tom Deelo, Los Angeles-based comedian and former on-air talent and program director for iHeartRadio.

Huselbaatar also choreographed for the show.

“When I was five years old, I thought, ‘I’m going to be an actor.

I will go to Hollywood,’” Huselbaatar said. “(Standing on that stage), I felt like my dreams came true.”

Hosting the show transported her back to the Miss World pageant in 2012.

“Some of (the girls) were very shy and scared, and I wanted to help them as much as possible,” Huselbaatar said. “I told them about my experience. I was like a friend, a big sister.”

Huselbaatar hopes her degree will serve her more than just hosting gigs and pageants. Back in Mongolia, her parents are both involved in theater and film and have owned their own production company for roughly 20 years.

Her parents, she says, are the reason she chose to study screenwriting and producing.

“My mom is my inspiration,” Huselbaatar said. “She can do everything. She acts. She’s a comedian. I always wanted to learn everything from her and be a better actress than her — but it's impossible, almost!

“In the future, I will continue my mom’s and dad’s jobs. Mongolians never leave our country. After 20 or 30 years, we will always go back.

This is our tradition.”

SHELTER Continued from page 4 while the shelter’s primary goal is to help those with the highest need find permanent housing solutions.

Residents of the shelter are referred through The Kitchen Inc.’s main location next door. “(The Kind Place) is trying to get (homeless individuals) into stable housing and off the streets,” Scheere said in her repurposed office, a St. Louis Cardinals banner stretching across the wall. “The most important thing for us to have is the staff and resources to help however we can.”

In each apartment, floral mattresses and deep blue couches accompany coffee makers and humming refrigerators. Scheere said creating a sense of community is an important piece in helping residents find resources and employment opportunities.

For Scheere and The Kind Place, that starts with support from various sources.

COLLIN HADLEY/THE STANDARD

Bayarmaa Huselbaatar is a graduate student studying screenwriting and producing at MSU. At Miss World 2012, Huselbaatar went on to place Top 15 in Talent, Top 20 in Top Model, Top 24 in Sports and was one of ten dancers selected to perform for Dances of the World.

She vividly remembers the phone call that put her on the stage in front of thousands to represent Mongolia.

“I didn’t even expect they would choose me,” Huselbaatar said. “I only had one week (to prepare).”

“People donate furniture a lot to furnish the apartments here, so we have full kitchens and things like silverware and couches,” Scheere said. “(The Kitchen Inc.) always has various fundraising events or donation drives throughout the year.”

Scheere underwent social service practicum at Rare Breed Youth Services before graduating from MSU in fall 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in child and family development. She cited the experience as the beginning of her interest in working with The Kitchen Inc. “I don’t have time to go back (to Rare Breed) too often,” Scheere said. “But when I do, it’s nice to see the kids (from the practicum) welcome me back with open arms.”

The Kind Place, Salvation Army and Kitchen Inc. are just a few of the many shelters in downtown Springfield. Donation drives and volunteering opportunities are offered yearround.

“Just yesterday, one of my clients who came in last October got to see the apartment she might be moving into soon,” Scheere said. “We’ll make sure she’s settled sometime in the next month.

That’s what this is all about.”

Huselbaatar said she felt “so lucky.” Although she may have been less experienced, less prepared and younger than many contestants — as it was her first pageant — she believes the experience shaped who she is today.

“I found myself,” she said. “Before, I was shy. Even though I was an actor, I never expected that yes, I can be a model, I can do anything that I want. Since that time, I thought

BUDGET Continued from page 1 “No final decisions made yet as we work with the legislature to restore funding. We hope the increased scholarships will offset some of the tuition increases for students.”

Greitens also proposed increases in funding for the national opioid crisis, support for foster care and improving infrastructure around the state. These increases in spending occur in the wake of federal cuts used to support states.

With the reduction in income taxes, the governor expects to balance state revenue by increasing sales tax, potentially through online sales. Greitens’ official page mentions that in 2012, Missouri lost $207 million in uncollected taxes from online sales.

The new tax cut attempts to counter

people are supposed to be brave.

“Life is never easy. If it’s easy, it's not interesting, right? Surround yourself with people who are going to inspire you and support your flame. Always be confident, be optimistic.”

“Optimistic” is exactly how Bolormaa Mendbayar describes her.

Mendbayar, a graduate student and good friend of Huselbaatar’s, said that in the three years they have known each other, they are always learning life lessons together. The two also share a rich Mongolian culture of language, food and humor.

“Everytime something happens, sad or happy, we talk about what could have been done or what we should do differently in a similar situation in the future,” Mendbayar said. “There isn’t a single day that passes without meeting or at least chatting through (instant messenger).”

Even in the spotlight, or on the verge of another, Huselbaatar has one simple wish: “I just want to make my parents happy,” she said. “If it's possible, I want to stay with my parents forever. I think everybody would say that.”

this by adding Missouri to the Streamlined Sales Tax and Use tax agreement. This would allow the state to make money from out-of-state sellers and would encourage buying from local vendors.

The words “new funding” fill the pages of the governor’s proposed 2019 budget.

Greitens’ budget also means that over the next year, most people in Missouri will have a few extra dollars in their pockets.

To make that possible, areas like higher education, health and senior services will suffer, along with mental health programs, and the Department of Social Services.

In the coming months, the Missouri House of Representatives will begin the process of passing the proposal.

The 2019 budget will pass through multiple committees specializing in specific areas such as foster care or higher education and later sent to the senate where it can be amended.

After the budget has been passed through legislation and signed into law by the governor, the 2019 fiscal year will begin on July 1, 2018.