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Standard staff Advertising staff Paris Wilken advertising designer Makayla Malachowski advertising assistant Editorial staff Lillian Durr editor-in-chief Casey Loving editor Jenna Murray editor Makayla Malachowski editor William P. Bohlen editor Cassidy Hale copy editor Liliana Hayes copy editor Madalyn Tuning copy editor Isabel Gamble copy editor Mavis Parks social media coordinator Reporters and visual artists Allie Free reporter Alyssa Farrar reporter Arden Dickson photographer Ashley Purvis reporter Ava Gorton reporter Cecilia Thomas graphic designer Charles Sargent photographer Cooper Sago illustrator Cooper Sams reporter
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THE STANDARD Dorottya Faa illustrator Em Blackstone reporter Emilia Belcolore reporter Emily Day photographer Gabby Marler reporter Garrett Sims reporter Hannah Weston photographer Jason Smith photographer Jayden Pettus reporter Joanna Petinaris reporter Khotso Moore photographer Liliana Hayes reporter Liz Garcia photographer Maddie Sherman photographer Madelyn Stamper reporter Madison Reece visual staff Mary Schwanke graphic designer Mason Ray reporter Matthew Huff photographer Mavis Parks reporter Morgan Shearhart photographer Robin Garner reporter Sam Barnette reporter Shane Samson reporter Spencer Justice photographer Zac Cox reporter Professional staff Jack Dimond faculty adviser
Welcome to spring bears! I hope you all enjoyed your winter break and are ready to get back into the swing of classes. This semester has started with below freezing temperatures and inclement weather. However, don’t let the unfriendly weather keep you cooped inside all winter. Continue reading to learn about Springfield restaurants with heated patios (see pg. 7) and spots to enjoy nature (see pg. 8), even during the winter months. If you prefer to avoid the cold entirely, there are still many indoor cheap and fun activities to fill your free time (see pg. 9). The spring semester has a lot of exciting things in store for the community. Continue reading this issue for a spring semester sports preview (see pg. 12-13). For second semester seniors like myself, the beginning of this semester has been On the cover: A photo of the Plaster met with feelings of excitement, sadness Stadium bear statue on MSU’s campus and anxiety. Check out the checklist (see taken by Lillian Durr. pg. 14) to ensure you’re prepared for commencement in May. Good luck with your semester bears! Use the resources in this issue to make it is published by The Standard, Missouri State Univera great one.
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sity’s student-produced newspaper. The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by the students on The Standard staff.
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DUANE G. MEYER LIBRARY
offers loanable technology and research resources for students CASSIDY HALE Copy Editor The beginning of a new semester is the perfect time to begin practicing effective study skills. Incorporating good organization and time management into your study routine are essential steps that lead to success and information retention. However, in order to do so, there are a few tools you will need. You will likely need a computer or tablet to access class materials online or work on assignments, books and articles for research, or a slew of other last-minute items, such as chargers for your phone and other devices. The need for all these resources combined with the need for a quiet place to study points to a perfect solution: exploring the services that Meyer Library has to offer. While the library has plenty of print resources, it also has loanable equipment and technology. Loanable items include Dell laptops and MacBooks, which can be checked out for either 3-day or 7-day periods, according to the MSU Libraries website. These devices can access lockdown browser and can connect to the MSU network as well as students’ home Wi-Fi. If you are using your own device and need to charge it, the library also has loanable chargers. Lightning, USB C and micro-USB chargers for laptops and phones are available for two-hour checkout periods. If the library does not have the right charger for your device, they may have a compatible adapter. Other loanable items include cameras, projectors, microphones and whiteboard markers. These can be used for study sessions, planning group projects or recording podcasts and videos. A list of loanable items can be found at libraries.missouristate.edu/ Student-Equipment. In addition to loanable items, Meyer Library also offers research services. If you are struggling to find books, articles or peer-reviewed journals for a research project, the library’s research librarians can help. They can quickly answer research questions via the library website’s “Ask a Librarian” live chat feature. Additionally, you can set up an in-person or virtual research consultation with a research librarian for more in-depth, discus-
sion-bas- ed face-to-face assistance at libraries. missouristate.edu/Research-ConsultationForm. This way, there will be ample time to answer research questions and find useful resources. Sometimes research can be overwhelming, and finding a good starting place for research can be daunting. To navigate the library’s research databases without assistance, the subject guides at libraries.missouristate. edu/research-and-collections are a helpful place to start. Clicking on a listed subject takes you to a screen with “best bets.” These links go to specialized databases that contain sources specific to the subject. This may yield more relevant rePhotos by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art sults than the main library search bar by nar- Along with the MSU Libraries’ digital collection, Meyer Library boasts an in-house collection of rowing down search books, journals, films, music, archived newspapers and other physical resources spread across result options. the library’s four floors. If you need sources for a specific course, you can also use the subject guide’s search feature. For example, searching “COM 115” brings up tutorial videos, example speeches and tabs with categories of speeches to explore. An alternative way to access print and digital research materials is through the Interlibrary Loan system. ILL materials can be accessed through the Meyer Library database but are not a part of MSU’s collection. These items are part of a partnering library’s collection and can be accessed through request only. Physical books will be delivered to Meyer Library while digital materials will be sent via email. The ILL system can be ac- Reservable items from Meyer Library’s physical collection can be checked out through cessed at libraries.missouristate. the front desk on the first floor or through the self checkout kiosk next to the first floor edu/Interlibrary-Loan. stair well.
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I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be an officer. Going to MSU kept me rooted in Springfield and led me to the Springfield Police Department. If it’s on your heart to be an officer, there’s a whole community who will back you. It’s a bond and family that you can only find in this career.
Officer Hayden Henry BS in Criminal Justice, 2022
TAKE THE FIRST STEP FOR YOUR CAREER
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Organizations around MSU and Springfield provide resources for those in need Winter is a difficult time for many, and the season’s difficulties might make things even harder for those already struggling to access necessities. However, there are resources located on and around the Missouri State University campus for those who need them this season.
has a closet for students who are in need of clothing. The Transitions Closet has free clothing for any and all students who need it. As the seasons change, the MRC staff go through the closet to ensure there are weather-appropriate clothing options available. The closet has cold weather clothing for those struggling to stay warm, according to an MRC employee. The MRC is in suite 101 of the Plaster Student Union.
Bear Pantry
Grace United Methodist Church
MAKAYLA MALACHOWSKI Editor Q@m.malachowski_
Located on the basement floor of University Hall, the Bear Pantry provides access to nutritious and filling food items for students, faculty and staff who may be struggling with food insecurity. The Bear Pantry is open Monday through Thursday with varied hours. First time visitors to the Bear Pantry can fill out a form to help the pantry staff locate other resources for them if necessary. For more information about the Bear Pantry or to fill out the first time user form, visit missouristate.edu/CCE/bear-pantry.
Grace United Methodist Church is located at 600 S. Jefferson Ave., just 0.3 miles from the MSU campus. The church is one of Springfield’s crisis cold weather shelters – GUMC serves women and pets specifically, but there are other shelters in Springfield serving men, families and youth. GUMC provides shelter when the weather dips below 32 degrees, as well as community meals on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
GLO Center
The GLO Center is another organization in Springfield that provides crisis cold MSU’s Multicultural Resource Center weather sheltering and meals. Located at 518 E. Commercial St., the GLO Center provides resources and support for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal of the organization is to provide an inclusive atmosphere for those in the community and give them a place to safely be themselves. To learn more about the GLO Center, visit glocenter.org.
Transitions Closet
Care Clinic
The MSU Care Clinic is located in the O’Reilly Clinical Magers Health and Wellness Center is a resource students Health Sciences Center and is a partnership can access if they are needing medical care. The MSU with Mercy Springfield Counseling Center is located in Suite 304. Communities. Accord-
Photos by Spencer Justice Q@spence_shots The Transitions Closet is located in the Multicultural Resource Center in the Plaster Student Union. There are clothes available to help students stay warm. ing to the clinic’s website, the care clinic serves community members ages 18-64 who do not have health insurance, qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and have a household income equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The clinic also has a form available for free medical services and free medication. To learn more about the Care Clinic, visit msucare.missouristate.edu/default.htm.
Magers Health and Wellness
Magers Health and Wellness Center is another resource for students needing medical care. Located in Suite 304 of Magers, the MSU Counseling Center is available for students needing access to mental health
resources. According to the counseling center website, there may be a wait-list for initial consultation services during the semester. The website also includes links to other mental health resources in the area.
Volunteering
If you’re seeking to support those struggling this winter, there are several organizations in the area who could use the help of volunteers, whether it be for a short time or an extended period. Websites such as Volunteer Ozarks, VolunteerMatch and The Network Springfield can help you find an organization to connect with.
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Springfield restaurants offer outdoor dining during winter with heated patios JENNA MURRAY Editor D@Jenna_Murray5
Uncle Bently’s Pub and Lounge
Uncle Bently’s Pub has a full-service bar, pool tables, darts and shuffleboard. For guests who want a breath of fresh air or to enjoy their drink outside, Uncle Bently’s Pub has a heated patio open year-round. Located at 4123 S. National Ave., Uncle Bently’s Pub does not sell food but outside food is allowed. Visit unclebentlyspublounge.com for more information.
While the frigid temperatures and ghastly windchill of the winter season may entice you to cuddle up in bed and place another frozen pizza in the oven, restaurant dining doesn’t have to be restricted by the unfriendly weather. Many restaurants around Springfield have heated patios available throughout the colder months of Galloway Grill the year, allowing guests to enjoy the aesthetic Located at 4211 S. Lone Pine Ave., Galloway and experience of dining outside all year long. Grill provides its guests with a heated outdoor area with heaters placed on the ceiling above Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory tables. Winter weather doesn’t have to stop you Located at 260 E. McDaniel St., the Vantage from enjoying a cold beer and a hamburger on Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory offers private Galloway Grill’s heated patio. Learn more at heated igloos for guests to partake in the rooftop gallowaygrill.com. experience during the winter. Available to reserve for a time slot of one hour and 45 minutes, the Skully’s Ramen heated igloos provide a private area for guests While the patio area is not enclosed, Skully’s to enjoy their food and drinks with the view of Ramen keeps their guests warm with a fire pit downtown Springfield. Visit rooftopvantage.com during the winter season. Including ramen, wok to learn more. and wings, Skully’s Ramen offers a variety of food options to enjoy in their heated patio area.
Photo by Makayla Malachowski Q@m.malachowski_ Team Taco boasts a partially enclosed and heated patio open all year. Skully’s Ramen is located at 1427 E. Cherry St. media for updates on closing times changed due Visit skullysramen.square.site to learn more. to weather. For more information about Team Taco, visit teamtacosgf.com.
Team Taco
Team Taco, located at 1454 E. Cherry St., has a covered, heated patio partially enclosed by shades with available seating. The heated patio allows guests to comfortably wait for their carryout order or to enjoy outdoor dining during the winter months. Be sure to check their social
There is no shortage of heated outdoor seating offered by Springfield restaurants. Try a new cocktail at Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory or satisfy your taco craving at Team Taco while enjoying the outdoor dining experience without suffering from the freezing temperatures
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Get outside this winter by visiting the Ozarkian outdoors COOPER SAMS Reporter
During winter many will shut themselves away into their homes until spring rolls around, but this doesn’t have to be the case. While you might not think of winter as the ideal time to go outdoors, it can be incredibly helpful to get into nature in a season when many feel down. Whether you are just trying to get away for an afternoon or a whole weekend, there are plenty of great outdoor areas to choose from in the Ozarks.
Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
While Springfield is an urban area, there is still nature inside the city. The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park are more than 100 acres of gardens and parkland, just 10 minutes away from the Missouri State University campus. The park features unique areas like the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Gray/Campbell Farmstead. With an admission cost of just $5 for adults and $3 for children, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is as much a cultural experience as it is a natural one. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit parkboard.org/botanical.
Lake Springfield Park
Just nine miles south of the MSU campus, Lake Springfield is another nice change of pace from the urban sprawl of Springfield. Even though it is just outside of Springfield proper, the park and surrounding area feels a world away from the typical sights and sounds of the city. With more than 150 acres of land, the park offers many opportunities to get out and clear your mind. Whether you are walking on one of the numerous trails, fishing or just taking in views of the lake, it is a great opportunity to get away and experience peace and quiet. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit parkboard.org/255/Lake-SpringfieldPark-and-Boathouse.
Branson’s Caves and Trails
A little over 40 miles south of Springfield is a town MSU students are likely familiar with. Branson is well known throughout Missouri and the whole nation as a place for entertainment and a variety of events. While the nature and scenery is not necessarily as popular as the vibrant shows, it is just as key to the city’s identity. Deep in the Ozarks, Branson features endless views of rolling hills and clear waters, and the area has many opportunities to engross yourself in a wide range of activities. The Branson area features various caves like Talking Rocks Cavern. Back on the surface there are several trails, all perfect for a getaway in the mountains. Along the trails you are likely to find one of Branson’s many camping grounds. While winter is not the most popular camping season, it is perfect for those trying to get out in a less busy time and don’t mind the colder weather. From the caves to the campgrounds, it is hard to go wrong with an outdoors weekend in Branson, all less than an hour from Springfield. For more information, visit explorebranson.com/.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
From Branson in the south, central Missouri, there is no shortage of nature, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a fine example. About an hour and a half from the MSU campus, it is well worth the trip. At the center of the sprawling area is the famous Ha Ha Tonka stone castle ruins, a grand centerpiece to the already impressive scenery. Displaying many distinct features such as the large bluffs and geologic anomalies, the area has many unique details. With many well-maintained trails, it is easy to navigate through the park. Along the trails are many natural structures, including bodies of water, rock formations and a large natural land bridge. Combining the beauty of a serene winter’s day with the sights and sounds of this park is a great way to wind down. For more information, visit mostate-
Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art While Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is open all winter long, visitors can also watch spring colors return to the 100 acres of trees and blooming botanical gardens. parks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park.
eas and many others in Missouri can offer a comfortable respite. For more locations From in town to just a few hours away, and activities, visit mo.gov/outdoors/tourthere is more to see of this area than you ism-and-recreation/. might think. And while winter can often be a time of isolation and seclusion, these ar-
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Beat the chill with these fun Springfield activities ASHLEY PURVIS Reporter
Pagination Bookshop
Owned by MSU English Professor Jennifer Murvin, Pagination Bookshop is one of Springfield’s unique and cozy bookstores. Located at 1150 E. Walnut St., this bookshop focuses on highlighting books from independent publishers and diverse voices, according to the shop’s website, meaning you can find books that may not be on the shelves at large retail bookstores. Jordan Valley Ice Park Whether you’re looking for a new Ice skating is a classic winter book or just want to see a beautiful activity. The Jordan Valley Ice Park, historic house, Pagination has you located at 635 E. Trafficway St., has covered. “two indoor NHL-size ice rinks for public skating, figure skating and Blue Room Comedy Club hockey,” according to the SpringThe Blue Room Comedy Club field-Greene County Park Board is an exciting venue located downwebsite. You can skate yourself or town on College Street. On most Photo by Makayla Malachowski support our very own Missouri State Fridays and Saturdays touring coIce Bears hockey team medians perform, but the club also Q@m.malachowski_ University at their home rink. Admission is $6 has comedy open mics and jazz Pagination Bookshop is located at for students, with a $3 fee to rent nights. Patrons are required to buy 1150 E. Walnut St. The bookshop is skates. tickets and two menu-items miniFor more information, visit park- mum for most shows. owned by MSU English Professor board.org/icepark. Jennifer Murvin. With winter now in full swing, it can be difficult for students to keep themselves entertained. Cold weather and long nights can make it hard to get off campus and get active, socially and physically. Luckily, Springfield has plenty of activities near campus that are cheap, fun and a sure-fire way to beat cabin fever.
To learn more about the Springfield Art Museum, visit sgfmuseum. Coffee shops are great all year- org/130/Current-Exhibitions. round, but warm drinks are even better on cold nights. There are Bass Pro Shops plenty of coffee shops around camPerhaps the most iconic feature pus; for a uniquely Springfield taste of Springfield, Bass Pro Shops offers try visiting either Mudhouse or The a lot more than just hunting and Potter’s House. Mudhouse is in fishing supplies. There are multiple downtown Springfield, on South museums that are free to the public, Avenue, and it offers the perfect including the firearm museum, the atmosphere for a lazy day. The Pot- archery museum, the racing museter’s House is an MSU favorite and um and the Bass Pro museum. There is located on National Avenue, right are also the Wonders of Wildlife by campus. And the best part about exhibits and the massive aquariums, these coffee shops, they serve hot although with an admission fee becocoa too. tween $35 and $44.75. Whether you’re a Springfield local or just Springfield Art Museum visiting town, a stop at Bass Pro Not only does the Springfield Art Shops is a must for all Missouri Museum have a unique installation State students who want to get a full of French fries outside, it also has Springfield experience. an arrangement of incredible artwork inside. It’s also the only activity on the list that is completely free; there is no cost for admission. The exhibits change fairly often, so check the website to see if there is something that interests you.
Coffee Shops
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Critically acclaimed movies to catch before this year’s Academy Awards CASEY LOVING Editor D@CaseyMLoving Though the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have yet to announce their 2024 nominees — that’s coming Jan. 23 — there are several signs as to what might make the list this year. Looking at precursor awards lists and Academy shortlists gives a good impression of what films will be recognized at this year’s Oscars. Here is your entertainment/culture editor’s insight into what you should watch to prepare for the 2024 ceremony. By looking at likely nominees for above-the-line categories — Best Picture, Best Director, and the six acting/screenplay divisions — you can build a solid list of films worth watching before the show. Though the Writers Guild Awards have been delayed until April, looking at the nominees and longlists for the top prize at other awards ceremonies — Golden Globes, Directors Guild, Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild, Critics Choice and the British Academy — shows several crossover hits. “Barbie” — on Max — “Killers of the Flower Moon” — on Apple TV+ — and “Oppenheimer”
— streaming on Peacock Premium Feb. 16 — have long been perceived frontrunners and multi-category contenders. As the only three films to make all six awards lists, they are surely locks. Likewise, “The Holdovers” — on Peacock Premium — and “Poor Things” are sure things with five nominations each. If you only watch five movies in preparation for the Oscars, these will probably be the heaviest contenders across multiple categories. I expect there will be at least 10 acting nominations between the five of them. The Best Picture 10 could very well be rounded out with “American Fiction,” “Maestro” — on Netflix — and “Past Lives,” which each got four nominations, as well as “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest,” which each got three. Looking at the acting categories, we can find other films that are sure to walk away with at least one nomination. Films such as “May December” and “Rustin” — both of which are streaming on Netflix — are likely contenders for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor respectively, Charles Melton and Colman Domingo. “The Color Purple’s” Danielle Brooks and “Ferrari’s” Penelope Cruz are each vying for Best Supporting Actress, while “All of Us Strangers” may enter Best Actor with Andrew Scott. Netflix’s “Nyad” has possible candidates for Best Actress and Best Supporting
Actress in Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. “The Boy and the Heron” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” — Netflix — are two likely double nominees for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Blockbuster fans can check out “The Creator” — Hulu — “Godzilla Minus One” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” — Disney+ — to prepare for the Best Visual Effects race. Another visual effects contender, “Society of the Snow,” is also a likely nominee for Best International Feature and is streaming on Netflix. Once announcements have been made, plenty of Oscar nominees will be playing at local theaters in the coming months. Moxie Cinema has already announced plans to screen “American Fiction,” “All of Us Strangers” and “The Zone of Interest” in the next few weeks. They will also hold their annual screenings of the animated, documentary and live action short films that get the nomination. The Academy Awards, at their best, lift up and preserve some of the greatest films of the year, whether blockbuster events like “Barbenheimer” or potentially underseen gems. If you’re looking for a way to experience new art you may not otherwise have watched, checking out some of the year’s Oscar-nominated films is a good place to start.
Screenshot from IMDb.com
Local plant stores give advice for house plant care in winter weather ALLIE FREE Reporter D@free_allie
Looking to find something green and leafy to brighten up indoor spaces during the winter? Professional plant connoisseurs from around Springfield gave their advice on how best to choose, care for and troubleshoot issues with indoor plants. Craig Granger, owner of Grow for Good 417, located at 2463 W. Sunshine St., recommends that new plant owners look for dracaena trifasciata – also known as a sansevieria or snake plant. Granger explained that snake plants often grow in many different light conditions, including low light, which is commonly encountered during the winter. Additionally, Granger said the soil of snake plants should be completely dry before rewatering them. Granger also recommends hoya carnosa and epipremnum aureum – also known as pothos – for new “plant parents,” as most of these require indirect or low light conditions. Emma Fear is the owner of The Plant Room, located close to campus at 1349 S. Glenstone Ave. Fear said that a plant’s soil is “the foundation of its health,” and The Plant Room has a soil substrate bar within its shop in order for plant owners to create their own custom soil for their plant’s spe-
cific needs — whether it needs to stay dry, retain moisture or to control many other factors that soil dictates in a plant. “A good way to check if your plant’s soil needs to be rewatered is to stick your finger into your plant’s soil,” Fear said. “If there’s soil still sticking to your finger, it probably doesn’t need to be watered just yet, but if it’s coming out mostly clean, your plant needs to be rewatered.” Tasha Adams, owner of Hickory Lane Plants, operated from a traveling sales trailer and at a brickand-mortar located at 1938 S. Glenstone St., said repotting plants immediately after buying them may be one of the biggest mistakes that she sees her customers make with their plants. Instead, she advises that someone should buy a plant, place it in the spot they believe it will best grow in, and leave it alone until its roots have fully exhausted the soil they were originally placed in. Adams also said proper lighting is crucial for a plant’s survival, and that many people often consider where a plant will look best rather than where it will get the correct lighting for it to live. “Don’t be afraid of supplemental lighting,” Adams said. “There are some really cute bar lights that you can place underneath cabinets or that can stab into the soil of a plant that look like little halo lights. It’ll definitely help your plant get the light
Photo by Madison Reece The Plant Room is one of many local plant shops with resources to help new “plant parents” best care for their house plants. it needs during the winter.” Granger also advised new plant owners to make sure that their plants dry out before rewatering: not doing so may lead to the soil being too consistently moist and lead to root rot, which will severely damage the health of a plant. Moist soil, Granger said, can also lead to fungus gnats laying eggs in a plant’s soil. Fungus gnats’ larvae will eat the roots of a plant, making it much more likely that a plant will die in the coming weeks or months – but can be remedied by watering a gnat-laden plant with water laced with a “mosquito dunk” — a pressed
chemical powder disc usually used to kill mosquitoes in standing water. “People over-love their plants,” Granger said. “They think their plants should be on a weekly schedule of watering, but there’s a lot of different factors determining how fast a plant will absorb water at any given time of year.” Adams, Granger and Fear invite anyone confused about a plant’s needs, behavior or remedies to visit their shops for advice on how best to take care of their plant.
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Live entertainment to stay NO MATTER WHERE warm indoors this winter ECCU IS HERE FOR YOU! LILLIAN DURR Editor-in-Chief Q@lillian_durr_art
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For those looking to stay warm while getting out of the house, Springfield boasts plenty of live entertainment in the coming months. Here are a few performances you can catch around town this season.
“In the Heights”
Springfield Little Theatre will be performing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s highly acclaimed musical “In the Heights” from Jan. 26 to Feb. 11 at the Landers Theatre on Walnut Street. According to SLT’s website, the musical “tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.” SLT’s production is in collaboration with Mosaic Arts Collective. According to Mosaic’s website, “Mosaic Arts Collective is a non-profit organization designed to provide individuals of marginalized groups and races the opportunity for arts education, preparation and performance by engaging local resources, increasing accessibility and overall creating more diversity within the regional arts community.” The production has shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., as well as matinee shows on Sundays at 2 p.m. during its run. Tickets for the show range from $22 to $42. $15 rush tickets are also available with a student ID 30 minutes prior to performance for shows that have not sold out. To learn more about SLT’s production of “In the Heights” and purchase tickets, visit springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/intheheights/.
“Rock of Ages”
Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s production of “Rock of Ages” will be held at the Historic Fox Theatre Feb. 2 through Feb. 18. According to the SCT website, the musical follows aspiring rock star Drew in 1980s Hollywood as the show’s cast of characters works to save the famous Sunset Strip from becoming a strip mall. The production has shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and weekly matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Stu-
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Photo by Lillian Durr Q@lillian_durr_art The Historic Fox Theatre is home to the Springfield Contemporary Theatre, including their production of “Rock of Ages” this February.
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dent and senior tickets are $32, adult tickets are $35 and opening night tickets are $30. SCT also offers a $12 student rush 30 minutes prior to opening for any remaining seats. A student ID is required. To learn more about SCT’s production of “Rock of Ages” and purchase tickets, visit springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org/ rock-of-ages.
Postmodern Jukebox
The theater isn’t the only option for musical entertainment this winter. On Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Postmodern Jukebox will be in concert at The Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment. According to the Gillioz website, “The revamped show will blend modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits with the original styles that put American popular music on the map: Ragtime, Swing, Big Band, Country / Western, Doo Wop and Soul.” Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased at gillioztheatre.com/events/.
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Spring sports preview
Missouri State springs into 2024 with athletics WILLIAM P. BOHLEN Sports Editor D@wpbohlen Though the fall semester saw some big matchups and championship runs, the spring also promises to have some great excitement for sports fans all over campus. Here’s the rundown of MSU athletics for all the competitive spirits out there.
Men’s Basketball
Tipping off the spring sports is the men’s basketball team, who started their season with a defense-heavy victory in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, but have struggled to make what they want to happen on the court happen. So far, they have a 10-7 record in their first 17 games. The Bears were picked to finish at no. 6 in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, and, after their first few Valley games, early in the season, they sit at no. 8 with a 2-4 record. Helping the Bears this season are their returners, including senior guard Donovan Clay, sophomore guard Damien Mayo Jr., sophomore forward N.J. Benson and senior guard Matthew Lee. The Bears’ newcomers are also bringing excitement with performances by junior forward Cesare Edwards and freshman guards Tyler Bey and Davion Hill. The regular conference season began on Jan. 3 and will continue through to spring break, when the Arch Madness tournament is held in St. Louis from March 7-10.
Women’s Basketball
On the Lady Bears’ side of the court, second-year Head Coach Beth Cunningham has led the team to a current season record of 10-4 in their first 14 games. The Lady Bears were picked to finish at no. 5 in the MVC, and as of the start of the semester, they sit at no. 4. Conference play started for the team on Dec. 30 in a 54-52 win against the University of Northern Iowa. A buzzer-beater by junior guard Lacy Stokes won them that game, and that isn’t all the newcomer has done in her short time here. Stokes has been named MVC Newcomer of the Week four times already, most recently on Jan. 9. Returners like junior forward Indya
Green have been making big impacts as well – Green has consistently led the team in points scored. With the conclusion of the regular season on March 9 against Valparaiso, the Lady Bears will head to Moline, Illinois, for the Hoops in the Heartland tournament from March 14-17.
Baseball
Over the fall, baseball Head Coach Keith Guttin announced that after four decades with the program, 2024 – which will be his 42nd season – will be his last year. Guttin is the longest running head coach in MSU athletics history, and he ranks second among all active DI baseball coaches for total wins at 1,373. In their last season, the Bears played four games in the MVC Tournament before being eliminated, and they faced both winning and losing streaks in the regular season. With graduation and the MLB Draft – which took players like Spencer Nivens, Jake Eddington and Hayden Minton – the team has been hard at work adding new players to their 2024 roster. One of the most notable additions to the team is senior catcher Dylan Leach, who transferred to MSU from University of Missouri. Leach played the 2022 season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He faced the Bears with both of his previous teams and hit homers off Missouri State in each matchup. Now he hits them for the Bears. Baseball starts on the road in February, beginning at Hammons Field on March 1 against Arkansas State.
Track and Field
The Track and Field Bears opened their season in December at the Crimson and Gold Invitational hosted by Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas, where the Bears had only one top-10 placement, which went to graduate Brooke Jenkins, who placed seventh in the long jump. The Bears will return to Pittsburg twice this season, on Jan. 27 and Feb. 9-10. This season, they also face Washburn University, University of Nebraska and University of Arkansas before heading to Chicago from Feb. 25-26 to compete in the MVC Championship. The schedule for the Bears’ outdoor sea-
Photo by Charles Sargent Q@sargent_photag The Missouri State men’s basketball team defeated the Westminster Blue Jays in a 100-51 exhibition game to start the Bears’ 2023-24 season on Nov. 2 son is yet to be released.
Beach Volleyball
This spring also brings a new conference to Missouri State, with the Beach Bears officially starting their time with Conference USA. Last year, the team started strong, winning their first seven matches, but struggled to maintain the momentum, ultimately finishing 9-13. The 2023 team was young and new, with 11 of the 18-woman roster being freshmen. This year, they’ll have more experience, which Head Coach Ashley Emery will hope to turn into greater results. Beach volleyball begins with two home tournaments at the Volleyball Beach Ozark venue in Ozark, Missouri. Five teams will play MSU in each, the first from Feb. 23-24 and the second from March 1-2. The Bears will also travel to St. Petersburg, Florida, once again to compete in the Battle of the Bay Tournament, where they went 1-3 last year. Four matches will be played at the Betty and Bobby Allison Sand Volleyball Courts on campus in April. Later that month, the Bears will travel to Youngsville, Louisiana, from April 25-27 to compete in the Conference USA Tournament.
Golf
Men’s golf will start the spring half of their season at the Bentwater Intercollegiate in Houston, Texas, from Feb. 12-14. Women’s golf begins again two weeks later at the Rio Verde Invitational in Rio Verde, Arizona, from Feb. 23-25. In the fall half of the season, the men only managed one second-place finish, which came at the Grover Page Classic in Jackson, Tennessee. The highest the women’s team placed was fourth at the Big O Classic in Omaha, Nebraska. Through this spring’s half, both teams will be looking to better their records in anticipation of the MVC Championships. Wins there will qualify teams for the NCAA Tournament.
Ice Bears
The Division I Ice Bears finished their fall season with a 8-11 record, which places them at no. 20 in the DI American Collegiate Hockey Association. They sit at no. 7 in their conference – the Western Collegiate Hockey League – 20 points behind the top spot. Now in the middle of their first season with Tom Winkler in the head coach position, the Ice Bears have 12 more matches to move their way up.
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THE STANDARD Fans can catch the team back at the Jordan Valley Ice Park on Jan. 19 and 20, playing the University of Colorado. The last home matches will be the weekend of Feb. 9 and 10. The Division III Ice Bears have been more successful, but still faced struggles near the end of the fall season. They played four of their seven total losses so far in their last seven games. Otherwise, they come into the spring with a 15-7-1 record and a no. 13 placement overall. The DIII Ice Bears return to Jordan Valley Ice Park on Jan. 19 and 20, beginning a three-weekend homestand to close their season out on Feb. 2 and 3.
Softball
Photo by Khotso Moore Q@khotsomoore The Missouri State Lady Bears are undefeated when playing at home as of the start of the spring semester. Junior forward Kennedy Taylor (center) is shooting .509 on field goals and has played a total 316 minutes this semester. Sophomore forward Jade Masogayo (right) has converted 14 of 24 free throws in 302 total minutes played so far. After a loss to Illinois State on Jan. 14, the Lady Bears now sit at no. 4 in the MVC. It was their first conference loss of the 2023-24 season.
Baseball is not the only sport with a long-standing coach retiring. Holly Hesse, who has led the softball team for 35 seasons, also announced over the fall that 2024 will mark her last. Under Hesse, the Softball Bears have gone to the NCAA Tournament six times, won the MVC Tournament six times, topped the conference twice and won over 900 games.
Associate Head Coach Beth Perine also announced her retirement following the 2023 season, which would be her 28th and last year with the program. Perine now works in academic advising at the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Academic Achievement Center. The Bears begin their season with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. Conference play begins on March 12 at home against the Southern Illinois Salukis. There are 16 home matches to be played at Killian Stadium, leaving plenty of chances for Bear fans to catch softball games.
Tennis
After a strong start in the 2022-23 season, the first of young Head Coach Ellie Burger’s career, the Tennis Bears struggled hard to put up much more fight. Reflecting on the fall portion of their season this year, however, it seems they’ve got something going. In the MVC Individuals, junior Sandra Lukacova placed second, falling in the final. Through the ITA Regionals, the Bears performed well in singles and doubles, but will need to keep working to prepare for the spring season. The Bears return to the Cooper Tennis Complex on Jan. 26 to play Arkansas State. MVC play begins on March 24 at home against University of Northern Iowa, culminating in the MVC Team Championship from April 26-28 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Once you have checked your degree audit and confirmed all course requirements have been met or are in progress, students can apply to graduate. The applicaIllustration by Mary Schwanke tion is accessible through the “Graduation & Commencement” card on My Missouri State and must Attend the Senior Symposium According to the MSU website, “This be completed by March 31 for you to have your name listed in the commencement pro- event is come and go as you please and figram. nancial aid counselors will be present to answer any last minute questions. Students Complete the Undergraduate Exit Survey not able to attend the event should complete To qualify to graduate, undergraduate ‘Exit Counseling’ at the Federal Student Aid students must complete the Undergraduate website.” Dates for the symposium can be Exit Survey. For the spring semester, the found at the MSU Office of Financial Aid survey opens after spring break and is avail- website once they are announced each seable to all students who have successfully mester. completed 102 credit hours. According to the Missouri State website, “Students are Order your Graduation Regalia strongly encouraged to complete the underFor graduates planning to attend comgraduate exit survey during the semester of mencement, it is important to order your their graduation. This survey needs to be Graduation Regalia. According to the Miscompleted by the last day of classes of a souri State website, students receiving their student’s final semester to satisfy graduation bachelor’s degree will wear a maroon cap eligibility requirements.” Within five busi- and gown with a maroon and white tassel, ness days, completion of the exit survey will while those receiving their masters or spebe indicated on the student’s degree audit. cialist degree will wear a black cap and gown with an all maroon tassel and a hood in the Check your advising notes color of their degree. Those receiving their Once undergraduates have applied to doctorate degree will wear a black robe, graduate, updates to your application status velvet hood, gold tassel and a hood in the will be sent to your advising notes. Advising color of their degree. Regalia can be purnotes can be accessed through the My Mis- chased (but not rented) from the Missouri souri State “My Student Records” card. State Bookstore.
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Project Success Now accepting new students! Project Success is a program designed to support MSU students who are diagnosed with learning, cognitive, and psychological disabilities. Students recieve a broad scope of tutoring services to help them attend and complete college, as well as regular meetings with the Project Success Coordinator to confront learning obstacles and help replace them with valuable skills and strategies. Search 'Project Success' on missouristate.edu for more information, or contact Tori West Staples directly at (VictoriaWestStaples@missouristate.edu).
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