August 21, 2018 by The Standard at Missouri State University

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NTSB releases initial report on duck boat accident CONNOR WILSON Staff Reporter @Connor4Wilson

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

The windows at Ride the Ducks in Branson, Missouri, remain a memorial site for the 17 victims of the July 19, 2018 tragedy. A brief notice on the window says Ride the Ducks, in respect to those affected by the tragedy, will “not be open today.”

A duck boat on Table Rock Lake sank approximately 70 feet to the bottom of the lake on July 19. It was carrying 31 people — 17 died. Owned and operated by Ride the Ducks Branson, the duck boat — named Stretch Duck 7 — sank at 7:05 p.m. according to the preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board. Local forecasts issued warnings for thunderstorms, and wind speeds over 70 mph were encountered by a nearby vessel. The probable cause for why it sank, as well as why it was on the lake, has yet to be made public officially. Stretch Duck 7 was a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel. Local first responders found the victims and transported the survivors to local hospitals. The Coast Guard declared the accident a major marine casualty, and the NTSB is currently the lead federal investigative agency. The NTSB has investigated other amphibious vessel accidents, including the sinking of the boat Miss Majestic near Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1999. In the 1999 investigation, the NTSB identified vehicle maintenance, Coast Guard inspections, u See REPORT, page 2

ONE MONTH AFTER TRAGEDY In Branson, the show must go on — but not without tribute NINA TODEA Life Editor @Todea_NinaM If you drive down West 76 Country Boulevard in Branson, you’ll pass by dozens of theaters and tourist getaways. Each lot teems with cars and giddy children, but one lot remains silent. Colorful flower petals stir in the rush of traffic, and stuffed animals, candles and more just about spill off the edge of the curb. A mother and her ado-

lescent son hold hands as they share a solemn moment next to the memorial. Behind them, doors remain closed, and windows are plastered with official condolences; Ride the Ducks is frozen in time. The duck boat tragedy of July 19 that took the lives of 17 people may be easy for some to forget. In Branson, roughly a month after the community held a candlelight vigil for the victims, the show goes on — but not without tribute. u See RECOVERY, page 4

NINA TODEA/ THE STANDARD

The windows at Ride the Ducks in Branson, Missouri, remain a memorial site for the 17 victims of the July 19, 2018, tragedy.

Multiple lawsuits filed against Ride the Ducks Branson AFTON HARPER Staff Reporter @affie888 On July 19, 17 people were killed when a Ride the Ducks boat sank on Table Rock Lake in Branson. The boat held 29 passengers and two crew members when it sank during a severe thunderstorm warning. There are currently four civil suits filed relating to the duck boat incident. The defendants in the suits include Ripley Entertainment, Ride the Ducks International, LLC, Ride the Ducks of Branson, LLC, Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation and Amphibious Vehicle Manufacturing, LLC. The charges listed on the first lawsuit include negligence, strict liability, punitive damages, wrongful death and violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. The first suit states: “Missouri Revised Statute 407.010, the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (or “MMPA”), makes unlawful the ‘act, use or employment by any person of any deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, unfair practice or the concealment, suppression, or omission of any material fact in connection with the sale or advertisement of any merchandise in trade or commerce.’”

“We would like to see this particular configuration of a duck boat be banned because it is not safe.” - Greg Aleshire The suit said that the company violated the act by “designing, assembling, manufacturing, selling, supplying, and distributing Duck boats that were insufficient and/or unsafe for their intended use.” Ripley Entertainment is the current parent company of Ride the Ducks in Branson, as of December 2017. Herschend Family Entertainment formerly owned Ride the Ducks and now owns various amusement and water parks, including Silver Dollar City and White Water. Amphibious Vehicle Manufacturing produced the duck boat involved in the accident. The Coleman family, from Indiana, filed the first two suits. Gregory Harris, an employee of the Branson Belle, rescued passengers out of the water. He is now suing Ripley Entertainment, Ride the Ducks International and the duck boat driver Kenneth Scott McKee, for damages. Greg Aleshire, the attorney representing John Coleman, Lisa

Berry and Marlo Rose, said that his clients don’t want to see this kind of accident happen to anyone else. Aleshire said there were multiple issues that led to this accident — this was not the first reported accident involving a duck boat. An example Aleshire mentioned was the loss of the Miss Majestic in 1999 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where 13 people died. Aleshire said these particular duck boat configurations — with canopies and side curtains — are dangerous for passengers. “Then, the design and structure of the duck boats did not lend themselves to being on the water, and certainly not being on the water when there is inclimate weather,” Aleshire said. “You also have these canopies that were added to the duck boats, and then on top of that, you have got these side windows or side curtains that are lowered when there is weather and, unfortunately, that just makes them a death trap.” Duck boats tend to fall through the cracks when it comes to regulation, Aleshire said. The manufacturing of duck boats is not as regulated as pleasure crafts, such as a family fiberglass boat. The Coast Guard does periodically inspect them for maintenance purposes but can only make recommendations; the manufacturer is not legally required to make such changes. Aleshire said this is why his clients’ goal is a full ban on these vehicle configurations. u See LAWSUITS, page 2

news

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More coverage of Ride the Ducks Branson tragedy Page 2

Music department gets new pianos Page 4

Track runner joins soccer, becomes dual sport athlete Page 6

2 THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

REPORT Continued from page 1

NINA TODEA/ THE STANDARD

reserve buoyancy and survivability as safety issues. A day after the accident took place, the NTSB launched a full team to Branson. The Coast Guard, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the National Weather Service and Ride the Ducks Branson were all named as parties involved in the investigation. On the following Monday, Stretch Duck 7 was salvaged from the water and transported to a secure facility. The vessel was equipped with a video recording system which was successfully recovered by the highway patrol dive team along with a SIM card. Investigators are currently attempting to access data on the system’s hard drive. Other electronic devices such as cell phones and a camera were also recovered, along with weather data from the accident including wind speeds from nearby weather stations. Thirty-three interviews of witnesses, vessel operators, inspectors and company officials were conducted on the scene, and the investigative work and interviews are still continuing. The NTSB will be participating in the upcoming Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation.

Duck boats have been labeled as dangerous, according to the NTSB, for their restricting canopies. In Branson, Missouri, colorful duck boats, in an otherwise empty parking lot, await a final verdict.

LAWSUITS Continued from page 1

“There are multiple causes that led to this — the design, the operation, not heeding to weather warnings,” Aleshire said. “We would like to see this particular configuration of a duck boat be banned because it is not safe. “I’m not saying you cannot make a duck boat much safer because it is certain that technology and ability exists and has existed for a long time. But what we are saying is that this particular configuration that was on the water that day being utilized by Ripley’s is not safe and a family ought not die riding on an amusement ride.” According to a 2017 certificate of inspection by the US Coast Guard, the Branson duck boat that sank should not have been waterborne when winds exceed 35 mph or the waves were greater than two feet in height. The duck boat passed the 2017 inspection and wasn’t due for another inspection until February 2022. On July 19, 2018, the winds near Table Rock Lake were recorded to have 52 and 63 mph wind gusts at 6:10 p.m. and 6:25 p.m., as reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information. Suzanne Smagala, public relations manager for Ripley Entertainment, said the com-

NTSB duck boat safety recommendations “Removal of canopies for waterborne operations or installation of a Coast Guard-approved canopy”

“Verification of a vehicle’s watertight condition in the water”

ACROSS 1 -- -relief 4 “Conan” network 7 Easter flower 8 Baby’s ailment 10 Traffic cone 11 Moon mission name 13 Shakespeare’s best-known query 16 “I’ll take that as --” 17 Carolers’ tunes 18 Vast expanse 19 Coloring agents 20 For fear that 21 Corporations 23 Paperhanger’s need 25 Scrawny 26 Dull sound of impact 27 Performance 28 Show smug satisfaction 30 Pi follower 33 TLC makeover series 36 Abrade 37 Film 38 Shocking weapon

39 State 40 High deg. 41 Aviv lead-in DOWN 1 “The Hobbit” hero 2 Lotion additive 3 Thesaurus entry 4 “Fiddler on the Roof” star 5 Rorschach pictures 6 Riverbed deposit

Information courtesy of NTSB Marine Accident Report, March 2002

pany has no comments at this time because of the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Mary Compton, communications director for the Missouri attorney general’s office, said that Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting an ongoing investigation due to a possible violation of the Missouri Merchan-

Weekly Crossword

7 Rhone city 8 Christmas candy 9 Storage area 10 Bake sale org. 12 Not just plump 14 Shad delicacies 15 Chow down 19 Parched 20 “Acid” 21 Botanist for whom a reddish-purple flower is named

22 Unbroken 23 Excellent, in hip-hop parlance 24 Self-service diner 25 Pussy foot? 26 Carrier 28 Grind the teeth 29 Ran easily 30 Make merry 31 Barber’s concern 32 Raw rock 34 Snare 35 Worked on a loom

You’ll find crossword answers in next week’s issue.

“Reengineering of each amphibious vehicle to permanently close all unnecessary access plugs”

dising Practices Act. “The office has an open criminal investigation, under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, into the duck boat incident at Table Rock Lake,” Compton said. “We are working with investigators to determine the facts and whether any criminal charges are appropriate.” Sen. Claire McCaskill has filed legislation

that would require duck boats to meet certain recommendations that the National Transportation Safety Board wrote in their investigation after the sinking of the Miss Majestic, according to a senate hearing regarding duck boat legislation recorded by CSPAN. A few of these requirements would be removing the canopy and requiring riders to wear life jackets. As of right now, passengers are not legally required to wear life preservers. As of Aug. 20, Ride the Ducks Branson has not reopened for business, and they could not be reached for comment. The official Ride the Ducks website is not selling tickets at this time. The only information on the website at this time is a statement that says: “We want to thank all of those who have joined us in offering prayers and support to our guests, families, and employees who were affected by the tragic accident that occurred at Ride the Ducks Branson.This week is a time of reflection and remembrance for those who have lost loved ones. We offer our sincere condolences to them, and to the entire community of Branson, Missouri. “We continue to offer to pay for all related medical bills and funeral expenses, and to help with any travel or accommodations that will help the families in their time of need. Interested family members should contact Carolyn McLean at carolyn.mclean@kglobal.com. With faith and hope, we continue to ask that your prayers and support be with the families as they go through the healing process.”

THE STANDARD

opinion

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Censorship of student journalism must stop CORTLYNN STARK Editor-in-Chief @Cortlynn_Stark We’re lucky here at The Standard. Through a very talented (and award-winning) advertising team, we are able to publish a student-run newspaper once a week independent from Missouri State University. We pay for our printing costs, our staff costs, the whole thing. But most student newspapers aren’t like that. Many receive funding from the school. And when that happens, the school often wants to have a say in what the newspaper publishes — which is incredibly unethical. On a professional level, that would be like President Donald Trump sitting in on the New York Times’ editorial meetings and informing them that, no, they can’t investigate allegations of misconduct. Obviously, that doesn’t happen. Nor should it. Take Lindenwood University. It’s a private school in St. Charles. Before last school year, students could work on the Legacy newspaper. That newspaper was shifted to a magazine published five times a year. They published stories on sexual assault, mental health, changes in religion demographics, alcohol and the 20th anniversary of the only murder on campus. This summer, they were told they no longer had a magazine. That move by the administration took away the only print outlet on campus where journalism students could get published in print. Now, the Legacy is just online as the LindenLink. But the move took away an opportunity for student journalists at Lindenwood to grow. Because it’s a private university, the administration can take the print product away and isn’t subject to typical censorship laws. At Missouri State, for instance, the administration cannot tell us what to cover or cut our funding because they didn’t like a particular story. That is crucially important in letting young journalists grow and hone their skills. According to the Student Press Law Center, about 42 percent

of college newspaper editors believe censorship is a problem. That’s concerning. In the 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, the court ruled that students “do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate." Unfortunately, that only applies to public schools. Not private. The First Amendment prohibits it — at least, it does when

Res Life introduces Philo TV service, kinks still to be worked out

Editor Q&A What does the First Amendment mean to you? “The First Amendment holds our democracy together. Without it, citizens don’t have access to information.”

The new service replaces cable TV JONATHAN PETESCH Columnist @thepeach1999 Missouri State’s Residence Life made a few renovations over the summer. Woods House might be the largest of those renovations, but another large renovation came in the form of TV as Residence Life switches from cable to online streaming through Philo TV. Philo TV is available to all on-campus residents as long as they are using the MSU Residential Wi-Fi network. Residents can connect any device which currently works on the network including desktops, laptops and smartphones. In order to connect to Philo, residents will need to go to missouristate.philo.com where they will be prompted to enter their Jonathan BearPass login just as they would when signing into services such as My Missouri State and Blackboard. From there, Philo will prompt users to choose a few shows to start recording and will then send them to a menu showing what is currently live on TV. Philo also works on Roku devices, with the most recent addition of availability for wireless Roku devices. Residents will need to have the Philo Edu channel on their Roku device in order to access content. For Roku Ultra devices, ethernet is all that is needed. For wireless Roku devices, residents will need to connect their Roku to the MSU Roku Wi-Fi network using the password “nointernet.” Philo offers a great service as you can record shows and movies, watch them later, and it’s all included in the housing

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Editor-in-Chief Cortlynn Stark Cortlynn920@Live.MissouriState.edu News Editor Emily Cole Cole221@Live.MissouriState.edu Deputy News Editor Hanna Sumpter hanna71960@live.missouristate.edu Life Editor Nina Todea Nina909@Live.MissouriState.edu Photo Editor Kaitlyn Stratman

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contract for no additional monetary cost. It does come with a different type of cost through usability though. As a streaming service instead of cable, we can expect a lot more usage of the networks. However, it seems as if the network is not able to fully handle this kind of traffic yet. For many residents, including myself, Wi-Fi on campus has been very slow and spotty, sometimes being randomly disconnected and unable to connect with no apparent reason for the drop. This has happened in previous years but seems to have gotten worse since the introduction of the Philo TV service. Internet speed tests have been fine, but real world performance has suffered, even with Philo content. This is another issue to be addressed as classes Petesch start and students need internet in order to do assignments and be successful. Though Residence Life upgraded some of the networking in residence halls, it doesn’t seem to have been enough, or the upgrade just doesn’t seem to be working as intended. That’s something to look into at a later date though. Overall, Philo looks to be a great addition to the services already provided by Residence Life to those students choosing to live in the residence halls, however, Residence Life has a few kinks to work out before it will have a chance at being awesome. Right now, it seems as if we’ve sacrificed Wi-Fi, something great that everyone uses for class, for Philo, something that’s just an additional service only some people will use and only for leisure-time activities.

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officials listen to it. “The message, dressed in sweet nothings and made to look like the best decision for our education, is quite frankly a blatant attempt at censoring the student media on our campus,” the Lindenlink editorial board wrote. If students are to learn properly, they must be given the opportunity to, free of censorship.

Emily Cole, News Editor

“A privilege. Too often we think of our first amendment as a universal right, yet the United States is among the few nations that have these rights. That said, these privileges, once established, should be upheld and protected without question.” Nina Todea, Life Editor

“A freedom to be protected because it allows the people to express themselves through open communication based on information obtained and distributed without bias.”

“By far the most important part of our government, media and society, as it pertains to providing people with clear and unbiased information.”

Hanna Sumpter, Deputy News Editor

Bill Sioholm, Digital Editor

“The First Amendment is the basis of our country. Without it, we would not be America. No matter who leads us, our country was founded on the basis that people have the right to knowledge and speech. The First Amendment means everything to me because without it, we wouldn’t be the country we are.” Amanda Sullivan, Sports Editor

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life THE STANDARD Music department receives 40 new pianos 4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Missouri State becomes an all-Steinway university LAYNE STRACENER Staff Reporter @laynestracener Missouri State recently received 40 out of the 52 pianos ordered for the music department. The other 12 pianos are expected to arrive in early October. All the new pianos are Steinway & Sons. Music majors received Steinway Boston pianos, and piano majors now have five handmade, fine-tuned Steinway pianos. All five voice teachers received Steinway Boston grand pianos. The total cost of the project was $1.6 million. The money came from student program fees, private donors and the music department’s operating budget. To help reduce debt, the music department traded in all the old pianos for new ones and used money from program fees, Julie Combs, head of the music department, said. Most of the old pianos in Ellis Hall were about 60 years old, despite the fact that the pianos were meant to last only 20 years. They were as old as the building itself. Before Ellis Hall’s renovation last year, the facilities were a major issue for the national accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music, because they needed to be updated. “I knew that the next issue would be equipment,” Combs said. “I firmly believe that our

students are talented and hardworking. They have the work ethic to do what they want to do in the field of music. I believe that we owe it to them to give them the finest equipment, and they believe that too.” Shawn Wahl, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters, said the process of getting new pianos was discussed about 10 years ago, but there was not much progress until about five years ago. He said the purchase of new pianos is phase two in updating Ellis Hall and that the renovation of the building pushed them to complete the process on getting new pianos. “We were in a situation where we had a new building filled with old instruments,” Wahl said. “We’re really excited about this. It’s a huge accomplishment.” Combs said the old pianos were difficult to play because they did not sound or work the way they were supposed to. “Getting these new pianos is really a big deal,” Combs said. “It’s like going to a chemistry lab and trying to do an experiment but not having the right chemicals or equipment. We want to provide the right equipment for our students.” The new recital hall now has two new pianos. The old piano in the recital hall had been played about 12 hours a day almost every day for the last 20 years, Combs said. “You can kind of imagine what it’s like to have a nine-foot piano out here with this room full of people, which soaks up a lot of

BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD

Yuet Yang Siew, a junior piano performance major, practices on one of the new pianos on Aug. 19, 2018. “They’re a huge upgrade. They make me proud to be in the MSU music program,” he said. sound,” Combs said. “It’s a magnificent experience, and we’re hoping the new pianos will draw in a lot of talented guests. We also want the community to come and enjoy this with us because this is for everybody. This is a new incentive for people to come.” Combs said practicing on equipment that works properly will help students perform better. “You’re only as good as your equipment,” Combs said. “We can’t send our students out to compete unless they learn on the finest

equipment there is. I don’t want our students to go out and say, ‘I have to do this well in spite of what I had to learn on.’” Wahl said the new pianos will raise the profile of the music department. “We see this as a contributing factor to Missouri State University being a destination campus for the arts,” Wahl said. “We appreciate the support from President Clif Smart and the Board of Governors. This gives our students what they deserve, which is the best equipment.”

RECOVERY Continued from page 1

Using the stage as a voice

Half a mile down the road at Americana Theatre, George Dyer prepares for a performance. It’s July 21, just two days after the sinking of the duck boat. Dyer and his family are in their ninth year of performing music in Branson. His show, “Broadway to Buble,” is a mix of Disney classics, Broadway numbers and a variety of romance languages. When the lights shine and the music swells, Dyer is in performance mode, but a sliver of time at the end of his shows allows him to speak to his audience freely. Dyer said he was able to transition from a veterans tribute into remembering the victims of the duck boat tragedy and asking for people’s prayers. “It was interesting — that first show back — because that was on everybody’s minds,” Dyer said. “They were still in the recovery process.” While some choose to take a step back and process, Dyer said having the opportunity to perform in such close proximity to the tragedy was a blessing. He described his platform as a means of healing, a “musical balm” for the community. “For us, as entertainers, we want people to be entertained, but we also want them to have an amazing experience, an emotional experience that can, for two hours, give them a respite from their cares of the world and escape,” Dyer said. NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD “Everything in life that we do, it leaves a legacy. … We need Candles, flowers, stuffed animals and handwritten notes are placed alongside the curb at Ride the to make a difference in the world, to lift other people up.” After paying tribute to the victims, the show went direct- Ducks in Branson, Missouri, in memory of the 17 victims of the duck boat tragedy of July 19, 2018. ly into a gospel piece. Dyer and his family believe that every blessing and every moment of peace, joy and happiness comes through their faith in God and Jesus Christ. their lives and move on,” Andrea He hoped his audience would feel renewed, encouraged said. “But just as we are all movand loved. ing on with the day to day, these In his nine years in Branson, Dyer said he experienced the survivors and their families are dynamic of the Branson community, and quickly fell in love moving into the hardest part — with the ease of expression in the Midwest. The tourist town, their lives, their futures without Dyer said, is full of families of entertainers who dedicate their loved ones, and living with themselves to and rally around tragedies. the memory of July 19, 2018 — “It’s inspiring for me to see how proactive many organiand all that it means for them.” zations are — to see how much people really care about their All proceeds from the song, neighbors and are willing to help,” Dyer said. “When you which is available for download live in a community, you want to be a part of it in every on iTunes and digital streaming way.” services, are donated to the In the days following the tragedy, a number of fundraisSkaggs Foundation for distribuers and GoFundMe pages were created to provide financial tion to all victims and their famrelief to the victims’ families. ilies. A GoFundMe for the survivors from the Coleman family, organized by Leeta Bigbee, the sister of Tia Coleman, raised $763,222 in a matter of weeks. A separate GoFundMe, organized by the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce and Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, has raised $51,965 in one month and is still accepting donations Branson now faces a new chalas of Aug. 14. lenge. Will this series of tragic NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD events positively or negatively afRide the Ducks offered to pay for all related medical bills The windows at Ride the Ducks in Branson, Missouri, remain a memori- fect the tourist town as a whole? and funeral expenses and to help with any travel or accommodations that could help families in need, according to a al site for the 17 victims of the July 19, 2018, duck boat tragedy. Countless online articles and statement on their website. scholars focus on the appeal of Entertainers in the Branson area haven’t only offered their sites labeled as “dark tourism.” condolences and attended funeral services — some have used In just a few short days, ‘Warriors’ was written and reWhile tourists flock to these areas, such as Holocaust their platform as a means to continue raising money. corded, complete with cover art and a video. The song, pro- concentration camps, Ho Chi Minh City and even a Branson duced by Brandon Mashburn and mixed by Branson-based favorite, the Titanic, filmmakers often quietly study these mixing company Mixxco, was what Brydon might call a sites and produce films based on true events. passion project. As the popular phrase claims, “no publicity is bad publicity.” On her drive to church the following Sunday, Andrea Brett Though the sinking of the duck boat was tragic, Dyer “We had no thought of, ‘Oh, this is going to be great for was trying to grapple with what had happened. Andrea, one- Prince Ivan,’” Brydon said. “It really came from a pure place believes the national attention to the sinking of the duck fifth of The Bretts at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand The- in our hearts, and we tried to keep it that way the whole boats puts Branson on the radar. atre, knew a song could speak volumes. As a writer, she felt time.” “People have asked me, ‘Is this going to hurt?’” Dyer said. called to speak in Branson’s language — music. The end goal, Brydon said, was to bring healing, hope “People want to go to places where tragedies take place, beAndrea knew the song would need to be done quickly, so and encouragement to the Branson community, and to act cause there’s a spiritual imprint that’s left. … We’ll see.” she reached out to her son Brydon Brett and his musical as a voice for Branson. Brydon said he hopes the focus stays In just one month, little can be concluded regarding ofpartner Aaron Ellsworth of Prince Ivan, remembering a piece more on the victims and their families rather than on the ficial numbers and fluxes in Branson tourism. Currently, the that the two were writing recently. legal aspects. city attracts 7.2 million visitors annually, a number that is “I thought, ‘I believe that song’s time has come,’” Andrea “It’s a universal message,” Brydon said in reference to growing, according to the Branson Tourism Center. said. “(Prince Ivan) felt like this could be the perfect way the song lyrics. “‘Hey, this is us. This is we. The we is Prince Colorful pamphlets for Ride the Ducks can still be found to bring awareness (to) the fundraising campaigns for the Ivan. The we is our families. The we is Branson’ … To have scattered around the city. Dyer said the duck boat tragedy will always be a bad part victims, because there is still tremendous need.” something like that happen, so close to home — right in our But rewriting the lyrics to fit the sensitive topic proved backyard — just really is heartbreaking.” of Branson’s history, but rather than only focus on the negto be a challenge. Andrea said the group watched video footAndrea and Prince Ivan hope the song stands as a tribute ative, people should also recognize the good. age, read articles and spoke with key people in an attempt long into the future, despite how quickly the world seems “There’s always going to be collateral damage, but there’s to gather as much background as possible. They prayed over to move. also collateral beauty,” Dyer said, referring to the community’s the project, then got to work the next day. “The natural tendency is for people to get caught up in response. “That’s what we try to focus on here.”

A musical tribute

Branson’s new challenge

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

THE STANDARD

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BAILEY VASSALLI/ THE STANDARD

Even the rain couldn’t hold back festivities as students walked down the Bear Path after New Student Convocation.

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

President Clif Smart gives a speech at the New Student Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 19 in JQH Arena.

THE BEARS ARE BACK NINA TODEA Life Editor @Todea_NinaM

The past weekend, Missouri State University welcomed back over 21,000 students for the fall 2018 semester with ice cream, BBQ and a speech from president Clif Smart. Welcome Weekend is designed to welcome new and returning students to campus, connecting them with various organizations and the chance to make new friends at each event. The weekend activities opened up Friday night with Playfair, held at the Allison Recreation Fields. Other events throughout the weekend included Bear Bash, Fan Fest, a Transfer Student Ice Cream Social, Belong-B-Q, New Student Festival, New Student Convocation and more. President Smart and Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies at MSU, spoke to students at the New Student Convocation on Sunday, wrapping up the event with a singing of the alma mater and confetti. “Every chance you have to sing the alma mater, stand up and sing it proudly,” LaBarr said at the convocation. “Have a great first week, discover the power of the Missouri State community, BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD and go Bears!”

Students learn and sing along to the Missouri State alma mater at the New Student Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 19.

“Money and Murder “Racially Charged and Incredibly Powerful” in Pennsylvania” COLE TRUMBLE Critic @Cole_Tr There’s nothing like a heist that gets that blood pumping. Heists have that “it" factor that just makes them cooler than other things. Plenty of movies cash in on our species’ love of heists: “Ocean’s Eleven,” “The Italian Job,” and “Ocean’s Eleven” (but the original one with Dean Martin and the whole Frank Sinatra). Netflix is even cashing in with their short series about one of the most notorious heists in American history in their docu-series, “Evil Genius.” This series is built to draw you in with suspense, but it doesn’t have to try that hard. The case of Brian Wells is one that has perplexed law enforcement for over a decade. It has all of the classic allures of any heist tale: romance, heist gadgets, pizza and lies. But one thing that separates this story from all of the heist movies is the long trail of death that follows. In 2003, Wells was called to deliver a pizza to an abandoned radio tower. At that location, he was assaulted and a device was shackled to his neck. He was given a series of meticulous notes and a gun in the shape of a cane. He was told that the thing locked to his neck was a bomb and that he needed to steal $250,000 from a local bank and follow the instructions hidden around the town of Erie, Pennsylvania, to find the keys to disarm the bomb. After getting away with a little over $8,000, Wells was pulled over near a local McDonald’s. After handcuffing Wells, the police identified the device on his neck as a bomb and moved back to a safe distance. Wells repeatedly told them that it was a bomb and that he needed help. Before the bomb squad could arrive, the device exploded, killing Wells. After that day, investigators from the local police, state police, ATF and FBI worked to find the murderer and the mastermind behind this heist. The most profound thing about this series is that it is freaky. What I mean by that is that after watching one episode of the five 45-minute-long episodes in the series, I couldn’t sleep until I watched the whole thing and got some resolution because it spooked me. When I finished the series after nearly four hours, I needed to watch another hour of “Community” to counteract it. Watch-

ing people in interviews talking about people they have allegedly killed, admitted to killing, and showing no remorse or nervousness is not something that makes you feel safe at night. So, why watch? Because truth is stranger than fiction. Evil Genius is produced and partially directed by Trey Borzillieri, who conducted interviews with those involved in the investigation of what was known as the collar bombing. His recorded interactions with suspects Bill Rothstein, Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong and Ken Barnes shine a light on the psyches of criminals, the sort of thing so unsettling that they don’t make it into movies. This is what sets this series apart from other true crime stories like “Cold Case.” Borzillieri’s grim investigation shows new information that goes beyond the police and puts the suspects in front of the camera. Suspected felons appearing on camera being interviewed about crimes that are under investigation outside of the interrogation room is something we are not accustomed to today. It delivers a view of them through a much less biased lens than a profile narrative spoken over some old photos. Another reason this series stands out is that the events it documents are so bizzare. A collar bomb, a cane shotgun — these are events that not only rocked the nation, Cole Trumble but made worldwide news. These are the sorts of plots that Bond villains cook up, not quiet people in a harbor town in Pennsylvania. This series is an up-close and grizzly reminder that there is evil out there, and sometimes it is closer than we think. Evil Genius is unsettling, thrilling, suspenseful and fascinating. Borzillieri does an incredible job in structuring the story that has been around since 2003 in a way that builds to climax after climax and keeps your heart pumping until the very end. If you like crime stories, Evil Genius should definitely be on your watch list. 8/10

COLE TRUMBLE Critic @Cole_Tr This review is spoiler free. “BlacKkKlansman” is the first movie in a long time that I have been really excited to see. Judging from the trailers, it appeared action-packed, articulate on current issues and dripping with style. When I was able to see this movie buying a child’s ticket for two dollars cheaper, this only added to my excitement. Spike Lee has a reputation for doing bold and sometimes controversial movies, but his choices usually have very strong artistic value. Lee definitely pulls no punches addressing racism in America, beginning “BlacKkKlansman” with the phrase, “Based on some fo’ real fo’ real s---,” taking up the whole screen and instantly setting the tone. “BlacKkKlansman” is the story of Detective Ron Stallworth of the Colorado Springs Police Department, played by John David Washington. In 1979, Stallworth begins an investigation into the local chapter of the Klu Klux Klan by picking up the phone and calling about an advertisement they’ve placed in the classifieds. As his conversation progresses with the chapter representative, he is asked to meet in person to discuss membership. As a black man, this creates a bit of an issue for Stallworth, so to continue his investigation, he enlists the help of fellow detective Phillip “Flip” Zimmerman, played by Adam Driver, to pretend to be Ron Stallworth in person. The investigation occurs alongside growing unrest from the local college’s black student union led by Laura Harrier’s character, Patrice. As both groups swell, Stallworth must navigate the Klan’s hatred for black men and women and the black student union’s hatred for cops. Aside from being a compelling and inter-

esting story, “BlacKkKlansman” is expertly directed. When Spike Lee has something to say, you’ll hear it, and what Lee had to say in this film was that racism in America is alive and well. We see this through not-so-subtle parallels; for example, the KKK’s pledge of “America first” borrows a popular slogan from the Trump campaign. This can be off-putting to the viewer, as this appears to be pretty onthe-nose for a directorial choice, but Lee follows through with ties to current events at the end of his movie. While I had hoped for a more action-packed experience, the movie delivered especially on characters — specifically the interactions Stallworth had with others in the film. With powerful acting from the whole cast and well-written dialogue, each conversation is full of power and meaning. Patrice especially motivated a lot of internal conflict within Stallworth and put a spotlight on the more subtle external conflict of the world we live in. Several powerful scenes in the film showcase speeches or monologues from notable black figures, one being a speech from Kwame Ture, played by Corey Hawkins. Ture’s words ignite a fire and passion that remains constant throughout the movie and had me mouthing the final words as they were chanted on screen: “All power to all the people!” The movie is full of powerful and intense moments, but second to being powerful, “BlacKkKlansman” is also funny. There are endless opportunities for high stakes humor and sincere comedy that not only make the film more enjoyable, they also bring depth to the characters within it. I consistently laughed out loud in the theater, and if you like comedy with a bite to it, you will too. Ultimately, my final impression of “BlacKkKlansman” is that it was thrilling, compelling, hilarious and, most of all, powerful. This movie can start a fire in your gut and inspire you. There were moments where the style of the film didn’t feel uniform or the tone was inconsistent, but that felt like a reflection of real life where things change and don’t always seem to fit. This is not saying that inconsistent tone made the movie better, it just didn’t doom it. “BlacKkKlansman” did not disappoint, and I plan on seeing it again. All power to all the people. 9/10

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sports

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Gunn-ing for another challenge Amalie Gunn started running track at Missouri State, now she plays soccer too MONICA BLAKE Sports Reporter @monicablak3 Competing in a single sport at the Division I level is difficult and time consuming to say the least. Twenty-hour weeks, long bus rides, missing class for games or meets and study hall, along with many other commitments define the life of many student athletes. Amalie Gunn, sophomore track athlete at MSU, has chosen to add to that heavy load further by participating as a dual-sport athlete this year. She will compete as a Bear in both soccer and

BILL SIOHOLM/THE STANDARD

Amalie Gunn sprints to settle the ball during a fall soccer practice.

track in the 2018-19 season. Gunn started playing soccer when she was 4 years old. Her love for the sport never faltered, but she believed she could compete at a higher level if she pursued track instead of soccer in college. She said that she did not become serious about track until her final year of high school. “Senior year, I wanted to go to a big school,” Gunn said. “So, I decided to switch over fully dedicated to track.” Although it was hard to leave soccer behind, Gunn said that dedicating herself to this new sport was a good decision. She wanted to attend a school close to her home in Cabot, Arkansas, but had not received any Division I soccer offers that met her standards. “I knew I wanted to get to the highest level,” Gunn said. “That was the reward I wanted.” After choosing to pursue a different track, Gunn ended up in Springfield running for the Bears. Missouri State’s track team was particularly interesting to Gunn for a few reasons. “I wanted to be close enough to home, but I liked the fact that the track team had a lot of diversity,” Gunn said. There are only three Americans in the sprint group on the Missouri State track team. This was special to Gunn because she herself is not originally from the United States. Gunn was born in the Dominican Republic. Gunn’s connection to the Dominican Republic is the same connection that brought her to the soccer team at Missouri State. Since she was in ninth grade, Gunn has played in yearly tournaments on the Dominican Republic women’s u-20 national team. “Soccer is just getting big over there,” Gunn said. “They saw me play and invited me to a tournament.” Gunn said she has traveled to many different countries with the Dominican Republic national team. She participated in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round against teams from Jamaica, St. Kitts, Haiti and more. Gunn wanted to compete for her home country in her last year of eligibility. She contacted the Missouri State soccer coach, Rob Brewer, and asked if she could train with them before traveling to the competition. After the World Cup qualifying tournament in St. Kitts, Gunn returned to Missouri State and participated in her first

season as a Bear. Gunn runs the short-distance races including the indoor 60-meter, and she runs the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints both indoor and outdoor. She recorded personal records in all of the events she participated in. Jordan Fife, the Missouri State track coach, said that he was impressed by her performance, but Gunn believes she can achieve much more. “I didn’t do as well as I expected,” Gunn said. “This year is supposed to be my breakthrough year.” Gunn said that upon her arrival at MSU, she was behind in comparison to her teammates that had been running for years. She has many goals for the upcoming season and believes that soccer will help her achieve these goals. Gunn said these goals include running under 11.9 seconds in the 100-meter sprint and under 25 seconds in the 200-meter sprint. “I think I’ll be fit and overall in better shape after playing soccer,” Gunn said. Fife agrees with Gunn. He said that the fitness level she will achieve while playing soccer will allow her to be ready for the indoor track season after soccer is finished. While this transition to a dual-sport athlete may help Gunn, it will be no small feat. Brewer and Fife said it will be a very difficult task that no athlete they have coached at Missouri State has ever done. “It’s difficult to just run track, and it’s difficult to just play soccer,” Brewer said. “She’s really taking on a good challenge here.” Gunn’s coaches will expect her to work with both of them throughout the year to make sure she is ready for each season. The decision to do both was up to her, and succeeding in both will also be up to her. “Ultimately it will come down to how badly she wants to do both,” Fife said. “That’s going to determine how successful she can be.” Gunn said that she loves to compete and is extremely grateful for the opportunity she has been given. She is most excited to be back out on the field, specifically with her new teammates. “Very few people get the chance to play a DI sport, much less two,” Gunn said. “I’m just happy to be a part of both rosters.”

Games to watch this season SAM GRUS Sports Reporter @SCGRUS_6

Fall is truly when the sporting world is at its finest. Postseason professional baseball, football (both collegiate and professional) and hockey start up, and it always seems that soccer never ends. With seven sports taking place on campus this fall, here are a few of the games and matches you should head out to see.

Football

Graphic by KAITLYN STRATMAN/THE STANDARD

Plans for a new indoor facility are in the early stages as the Missouri State Athletic Department starts fundraising.

Missouri State athletics starts fundraising for future indoor facility BRYCE DERRICKSON Sports Reporter @BruceyD17 While Missouri State football players are practicing for this season, Missouri State Athletics is working on building an indoor sports facility for the future. In the Missouri Valley Conference, there are two schools who currently have indoor sports facilities: South Dakota State and Youngstown State. Other schools such as North Dakota State and Illinois State are also working on building indoor sports facilities. North Dakota State, University of Northern Iowa and South Dakota all play in domes. Indiana State, Western Illinois and Southern Illinois currently don’t have indoor sports facilities. Now MSU is trying to up their game by getting started on their own indoor facility to put them on equal ground with other schools in the conference. “When we look at it from a recruiting standpoint … Many of our other schools in our conferences have indoor facilities,” Athletic Director Kyle Moats said. “Even though it’s not just for football — that’s one aspect. We’re always trying to find things we can do to help improve our football team.” The indoor facility would not only be used by the football team but by the band, baseball team, softball team, soccer teams and potentially campus recreation. Though it would be a nice new place to practice, the project is still being drawn up. Moats said they are in the preliminary stages and are stilling trying to figure out what the structure would be and the exact amount it would cost. He estimates the cost would be around $5-8 million. When the construction does start, the facility would be built next to Forsythe Athletic Center where the band field is located, Moats said. The money will come from fundraising — meaning private money — and not using any university money, although Moats said they haven’t gotten much fundraising done at all. “If we could at least get it going by late spring that would be great,” Moats said. “I think that’s ambitious, but that would be what we try to do.” While MSU is trying to get fundraising done and figure out what the facility could look like, they could look to others who already have their indoor facilities built. Youngstown State spent $14 million on its indoor facility and received private funding. It holds a turf football field, a 300-meter track surface, long jump pits, a high jump pit, four batting cages, protective netting, a training room and locker rooms. Soccer, track and field, baseball, golf, softball, football, intramural sports, campus-wide events and local high schools use the facility. South Dakota State’s indoor facility cost around $32 million and also has a 100-yard turf field that is surrounded by a 300-meter track. It contains space for sports medicine, athletic training, strength and conditioning, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, observation rooms and office facilities. “Facilities are a big part of recruiting,” Moats said. “I think all those (facilities) have helped us recruit the better student athletes. One thing student athletes look at is our facilities. You always have to keep up your facilities. You have to improve facilities, and that’s something we feel would be another addition that would help our program.”

The Missouri State Bears football season kicks off Thursday, Aug. 30, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Bears will face the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Even though the Bears will be on national television on FS1, the game is out of state and most students won’t travel that far to watch the Bears. The home football game to attend this season will be when Western Illinois comes to visit on Oct. 20. Last season the Raging Leathernecks finished with a record of 8-4. The squad features a very experienced group of seniors. The game will be a big test for the Bears. Led by junior quarterback Peyton Huslig, who threw nearly 2,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season, the Bears will face Western Illinois for Homecoming. The game should feature the largest crowd that Plaster Stadium will see during the 2018 season. So for football, the best game to catch at Plaster will be Homecoming when the Bears take on the Leathernecks. Watching as many football games as humanly possible should be high on most students’ lists this fall. On Oct. 27, the Bears will host the Salukis of Southern Illinois. The Salukis finished the 2017 season just one game better than the Bears in the Valley. Look for the Bears to try and climb out of the basement of the Valley with a win over the Salukis.

Volleyball

As the reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions, the Missouri State volleyball team has a lot of expectations to live up to in 2018. Looking to repeat, Bears fans also have a lot to look forward to on the season. On Oct. 13, the Bears will have a rematch of the Valley Championship game, when they take on Northern Iowa. Last year, the Panthers finished with a record of 15-3 in conference play, 27-9 overall. Meanwhile, the Bears were a perfect 18-0 in conference play, going 28-6 overall. The games should be high energy as these are two of the best teams in the MVC. If you only go to one volleyball game in 2018, this should be the one.

Soccer

If soccer is more your style, then it’s a good thing that Missouri State has both men’s and women’s soccer going on at the same time. Last year, Missouri State’s men’s team finished with a record of 9-5-3 overall and 5-2-1 in Valley play. The Bears will take on Evansville on October 6 for a home game. Last season in the Missouri Valley Tournament the Bears tied with the Aces to advance only to lose to Central Arkansas in the finals. For the women’s team, the Bears finished the season with a BILL SIOHOLM/THE STANDARD Valley record of 4-2-1. The only losses came to Valparaiso and Redshirt freshman Loyola. If you are looking to attend a match in 2018, Loyola will Alyssa Doucette spikes be in Springfield on October 21. Last year, the Ramblers finished the ball. with a mark of 13-7 overall and 4-3 in conference play. MEGAN BURKE/THE STANDARD

Sophomore Jacqueline Baetz defends her Western Illinois opponent.

BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD

Freshman kicker Nick Williams kicks a field goal during the maroon and white scrimmage on Aug. 18.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018

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Offensive line inspired to think beyond themselves KYLE DERRINGER Sports Reporter @Kyle_Derringer The Missouri State Bears will feature five senior offensive linemen heading into the 2018 campaign. Their seniority comes with lots of time spent in the classroom, film room, weight room and on the turf of Plaster Field. These offensive linemen are also some of the last members of former head coach Terry Allen’s recruiting classes, one of staples that stuck around after Dave Steckel was hired as head coach in 2014. Not only did the linemen stick around, but their position coach, Sean Coughlin, was kept on when Steckel took over. They come loaded with plenty of game experience. The group has combined for more than 100 starts, with one member, Brad Pryor, starting nine games on the defensive line over two seasons before being moved to offense. Steckel has said that the Missouri Valley Football Conference is a line-driven league. With the senior-laden group leading the offensive line, the Bears will have a solid group of veteran linemen to push them through the season. These guys are often overlooked by the casual fan. The quality of the offensive line dictates whether each play will succeed or fail every time the ball is snapped. The only time casual fans will notice them is when there is a mistake and the runner gets hit in the backfield or the quarterback is sacked. Through a coaching change, some rather unsuccessful seasons — and not getting much recognition — why do they play football? What drives them and keeps them bought in and focused on the goals of Bears football? Senior Aaron Clardy started playing football in sixth grade after being asked by a coach and his friends to play, and he fell in love with the

friendships and bonds it built. “One of the big reasons I fell in love with it is because my friends played, the comradery we built is something that will never be broken,” Clardy said. Clardy also said that the bond at the collegiate level is even greater. “I don’t do it for me, I do it for them,” Clardy said. Coughlin has instilled a “five-men-oneheartbeat” mentality in his offensive linemen. If the line works as a cohesive unit, the offense will see more success throughout the year. “We are a tight knit group, we do it for each other,” Clardy said. “We are offensive linemen, we don’t get the glam and the glory but the real work is in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ gaps. We take that mentality very seriously”. After Allen was fired, Coughlin was the reason why they kept “bought-in” to the program through the transition into Steckel’s new regime. Steckel retained Coughlin after he was hired, which proved to be a valuable step with building trust with the young core of offensive linemen. “When Stec came in and kept (Coughlin) on, we kept believing in him, and we weren’t going anywhere,” Clardy said. Coughlin has been on the Missouri State coaching staff for 13 seasons and has had a very successful tenure. He has coached five offensive linemen that eventually signed NFL deals. He also helped guide former Bears All-American tight end Clay Harbor to the NFL. Coughlin asked all of his linemen why they play football as a way to coach them the best way possible. “To find out everyone’s ‘why’ as a coach, you have to know that to lean on and go to in order to help motivate them and help understand

BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD

Senior center Aaron Clardy fell in love with the game of football at a BRADLEY BALSTERS/THE STANDARD young age, and his love for the game Associate head coach and offensive is what drives him to this day. line coach Sean Coughlin, looks on what makes them tick and push them even during the maroon and white scrimmore,” Coughlin said. mage on Aug. 18. Coughlin said that he meets with each player on the offensive line to determine their “why.” He said they then use that to determine plans to help and teach each player. “Constant communication, constant focus, constant reminding and that’s what really coaching is. It’s teaching, and you have to teach these young guys,” Coughlin said. Focus has been one of Steckel’s points since taking over the program. Knowing the linemen’s reason has helped Coughlin keep the players’ focus on their goals. “The biggest thing we are talking about is

focus — having great focus every single play,” Coughlin said. “It’s one play at a time, delivering your best every single time. Once it’s over you have to refocus on the next play.” Coughlin works with his players to help build confidence individually and as a unit. This has helped build a tight knit group that would lay it all on the line for their coach. “(Coughlin) is going to lead us,” Clardy said. “That is our coach; we would go to war with that guy. I would run into a wall if he told me to.”

Women’s athletics deserves recognition too

Wearing the Lady Bears’ name on their jersey is something that means a lot to Missouri State athletes, and they acknowledge the rich history of the programs they’re currently apart of. “Every day you have all these people to look up to and strive to be like,” Willard said. “It lets you know that the work we put in isn’t for nothing. It’s for the people that did it before us and for all the fans that have stuck with us along the way.” With the support of a major crowd, athletes can elevate their game, and it can bring a little home court advantage. This is something that should be proved this season, students should get out and support not only the major men’s sports but also give your support to any event representing your school. The women’s volleyball team did a great job promoting their team and getting lots of students in maroon and white to cheer on the Bears where fans could get into the game free of charge if wearing any sort of BearWear. While most athletic events are free for students, free admission for the general public in BearWear could really motivate our athletes to perform at their highest level. So this entire academic year — not just Saturday morning tailgates — go watch any athlete representing Missouri State any time possible. Having a group of supporters behind athletes can make a difference in any sport to any athlete. Female athletes are working around the clock all year long to perform their absolute best, and they should be rewarded with the support of anyone else who represents their university proudly.

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The school year is finally here and all of Missouri State’s athletes have returned to Springfield looking to get back in their routine and prepare for the upcoming seasons ahead. While Bears football will be the popular talking point on campus even after the season ends and the men’s soccer team has been predicted to repeat as Missouri Valley Conference champions, many female Bears will be working hard in various sports. Volleyball, cross country and golf all have matchups in late August or early September and could truly use the support from each and every MSU student in attendance. Women’s sports here on campus have been on the rise in the recent years with the success of the volleyball team going undefeated in the MVC champions and posting an impressive 18-6 overall record. The women’s golf team also showed that they’re for real last season, winning the Little Rock Classic, taking home the crown as Missouri Valley Conference champions and making an appearance in the NCAA Regionals. Women’s golf will host the Payne Stewart Memorial on Sept. 10-11 in Springfield. Cross country had plenty of impressive outings last season, finishing as high as second place out of ten competing schools and fourth place twice on the season. Missouri State made an NCAA Midwest Regional appearance as well last season. The women’s cross country team will not have a race at

home in Springfield in 2018, but they will face off against Missouri Southern State University in Joplin on Sept. 15. A major highlight of the winter sports season is the MSU Lady Bears basketball team, which has a historical past in Springfield. A big-time fan favorite at Missouri State is the women’s basketball program. Led by head coach Kellie Harper, the Lady Bears went an impressive 15-3 against Missouri Valley Conference competitors, giving them a berth to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament where they picked up a victory against Louisiana Tech, before losing to Texas Christian University. A major stepping stone in the women’s basketball history is a woman by the name of Jeanette Tendai. Tendai earned first team all-league honors her sophomore and junior season and ended her career as MSU’s all-time leader in scoring (1,769 points) and the third highest in rebounds with 910 boards. Jeanette was also the very first female athlete in the history of the university to have her number raised into the rafters. With their season approaching, current members of the Lady Bears still strive to attain the goals and accomplishments Tendai set. “Her legacy gives us all something to strive towards every day,” junior guard and first-team all-MVC selection Alexa Willard said. “People like Jeanette are what made this program what it is today, and that’s exactly why she was the first female athlete to have her jersey retired. She had some major accomplishments, you’d be crazy not to want to accomplish the same things.”

COLE SUTTON Sports Reporter @ColeSutton23

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Mo State, Mo’ Packed Missouri State hits second highest enrollement number CONNOR WILSON Staff Reporter @Connor4Wilson Missouri State University is starting the fall semester with the second-highest opening enrollment in school history, with 21,309 students enrolled. Enrollment has been increasing at MSU for the past six years as well as 19 of the last 21 years. This year, out-of-state student enrollment increased 5.7 percent, returning student enrollment increased 1.4 percent and the amount of

students taking online courses increased by 8.7 percent. The all-time high was set last year, with this year sporting 42 fewer students enrolled. “We’re happy to see increases in graduate student and out-of-state enrollment,” Missouri State President Clif Smart said in a news release. In addition to expressing joy about the continued influx of students, Smart also said Missouri State will be adding new graduate and doctoral programs to meet workforce demands.

Typical Midwest storm turns detrimental in Branson MONICA BLAKE Sports Reporter @monicablak3 Most Midwest citizens shrug off severe thunderstorm warnings. This mindset may have led to a horrific accident involving the death of 17 people in a severe thunderstorm on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. On July 19, around 7 p.m., a duck boat with an popular tourist company in Branson, Ride the Ducks, sank due to extreme weather conditions. Morning meteorologist at KOLR10, Elisa Raffa, was working the day of the storm. “The storm was not unexpected,” Raffa said. “A severe thunderstorm watch was put in effect at 11 a.m.” Raffa said that a very long line of thunderstorms formed as far north as Nebraska and Kansas the morning of July 19. The meteorologists at KOLR10 predicted damaging and dangerous winds throughout the Ozarks later in the day. The storm rolled through the Springfield area around 6 p.m. before traveling south to Branson. The storm produced stronger winds in Springfield than in Branson. “There were 74 mph winds causing major wind damage throughout the Springfield metro area,” Raffa said. The weather in Branson was calm at 6:30 p.m., but as the storm traveled to the area, the wind picked up and the waves in the lake grew in magnitude. According to the National Weath-

er Service report, the winds peaked at 64 mph in the Branson area. Ride the Ducks continued to send boats out, ignoring the severe thunderstorm coming to the area. The last duck boat sent out, holding 29 passengers and 2 crew members, sank at 7:05 p.m. according to reports. Of the 31 passengers, 17 died in the accident. Raffa said that severe thunderstorm warnings are very common in the Ozarks, so much so that people often diminish the possible severity of these storms. “People didn’t expect much because nothing (usually) happens,” Raffa said. “That doesn’t mean (the storms) are not dangerous.” She said that people tend to take shelter during tornado warnings, but not during thunderstorm warnings because they have been through them and nothing major has happened. That is not always the case, and that showed here. Raffa also said that this is how most boats react to this degree of weather. When winds are that high, the water gets too rough for boats. The various boat companies on Table Rock Lake decide when to stop sending boats out during storms similar to the July 19 thunderstorm. “It’s a tough line to play with because we have these severe thunderstorm warnings all the time in the Ozarks,” Raffa said. “This was not the strongest thing Branson has ever seen, but it was definitely one that was on the stronger side of the severe storms.”

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

The city of Springfield has removed parking from the north side of Elm Street, also known as Greek Row.

Parking removed from Elm Street due to safety concerns AFTON HARPER Staff Reporter @affie888 After repaving Elm Street, the City of Springfield decided to prohibit parking on the north side. This change was requested by Missouri State and the Bear Line. Eric Claussen, a Springfield traffic engineer, said the city decided to prohibit parking on the north side of Elm Street due to safety concerns. “The city had a project where we had repaved Elm Street, and that was probably about a month ago,” Claussen said. “As a part of that repaving, we had some ‘no parking’ signs that were put up on a temporary basis to prohibit parking so we could do that work. “As that wrapped up, we actually got a request from (the) Missouri State Bear Line and Missouri State itself in regards to eliminating parking through that section because of how tight the road is and the number of students that are crossing out there.” J. Howard Fisk, founder of J. Howard Fisk Limousines, Inc. which operates the MSU Bear Line shuttles, said he requested that the north side of Elm Street no longer have parking stalls because there are already three Bear Line stops on that side of the street. Fisk said it created a lot of traffic and could have been dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. “The fact that there are several Greek or-

ganizations over there, they bring a lot of people in and out of those buildings — it’s not like a single family residence that has six occupants,” Fisk said. “There may be 200 people running in and out of those (houses) on any given day. It was just a very congested area that was getting even more congested.” Claussen said that he spoke to a few residents on Elm Street that said they still felt they had sufficient parking, but the stalls being gone took away the convenience of parking on the street for those who lived in the front parts of fraternity or sorority houses. Suzanne Shaw, vice president of marketing and communications at MSU, said the city notified the university of the changes approximately a week in advance and that she does not expect the city to replace the parking stalls because it is public parking on a city street. “We agreed that, from a safety perspective for students and pedestrians, this would be a positive action,” Shaw said. “While both sides of the street were initially restricted, all agreed that restricting one side of the street would be the optimal solution. The safety concerns revolve around students and others who park on Elm (Street) darting across the street between cars. It’s very challenging as a driver of any kind of vehicle to see them.” The change is on a permanent basis; the city hopes that this will help protect pedestrians and drivers in the area.