May 2017
Volume 91
Issue 6
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Community mourns death of Deputy
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Art Club members showcase their talent as they decorate the halls of Thomas Jefferson with an homage to the famous Vincent Van Gogh, and display a few of their original pieces, too. Read Art Club brightens up TJ by Cami Wagaman. Page 2 The Henry Doorly Zoo, named the World’s second best zoo in the year of 2017, is planning to add a new exhibit, including many new animals to their family. Read Asian Highlands to come to the Henry Doorly Zoo, written by Abigail Edie. Page 3 Thomas Jefferson’s Girls varsity soccer team has been scoring high during their games, and have a 9-2 score this season. Read 9-2 Lady Jackets, written by reporter Morgan Barth. Page 4 Former boy band member, Harry Styles, releases a new hit single, and is making history as he breaks records with his charttopping song, Sign of the Times. Reporter Shae Wilson gives more information on the single, as well as an upcoming album. Page 4
Many members of the community show their respect for Deputy Burbridge with a memorial in front of the Pottawatomie County Sherriff’s office. Photo by: Adriana Ibarra
Cami Wagaman Editor-in-Chief On May 1st, 2017, the city of Council Bluffs went into a lockdown, due to the escape of an inmate from the Pottawatomie county jail. Wesley Correa-Carmenaty was placed in the Pottawatomie County jail on a previous murder charge from 2015. During the escape, CorreaCarmenaty was in possession of a gun, which he used to shoot
two Sheriff ’s deputies, putting both in critical condition. As a result of the gunshot wound, Deputy Mark Burbridge suffered fatalities. Correa-Carmenaty was also a part of a high speed chase, as he held a woman at gunpoint in order to steal her car. During the chase, he crossed the border from Council Bluffs into Omaha, Nebraska. The inmate was finally apprehended with the help of the Omaha police department. Carmenaty was held at the Douglas County jail, where he was extradited, but he was prosecuted
in Sioux City, Iowa. Deputy Burbridge’s patrol car is parked outside of the Pottawatomie County Jail, and many people from the community have payed their respects with balloons and flowers decorating the vehicle. The memorial service for the Deputy was held on Monday, May 7th. During the funeral, the Council Bluffs Police Department played the last call that Deputy Burbridge took on the Monday when his life was taken. Many police officers from around the country came out to support the Deputy’s family,
and the funeral procession lasted about two and a half hours, as many people came out to show their support. Thomas Jefferson’s Legal Studies class will be fundraising for the families of both deputies, Burbridge and deputy Pat Morgan. There will be cards at $1 and blue ribbons for $2. TJ’s student council is also selling $15 t-shirts for the same cause. Make sure to stop at the table in the commons for cards and ribbons, as 100% of the money raised from both of the fundraisers will be going to the families of the Deputies.
Governor Terry Branstad visits Council Bluffs Nyamouch Pal Reporter On Tuesday, May 16 State Senator Dan Dosen and Governor Terry Branstad spoke about honoring all military veterans by providing veterans, transition service members, and their families with benefits and opportunities for a smooth transition in Iowa. In 2014, Iowa Legislature passed the Home Base Iowa (HBI) Act signed by Gov. Branstad, which provides military pensions from state income tax, grants automatic income tuition for the veterans, spouses, and their dependents, $7,500 new home buyer incentive, and streamlined occupational license
Terry Branstad comes to Council Bluffs on his last visit as Governor of Iowa. Photo by: Nyamouch Pal
process. HBI is a non-profit privatepartnership to recruit veterans and transitioning service members, as well as their families, to communities in Iowa to give thanks and appreciation to these service men and women. Up to 250,000 service members leave the military every year. Iowa is seeing more than $9,000,000,000 in new capital
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investments for existing and new companies; each of these companies need more people to meet demand. The process of becoming a Home Base community shows commitment to veterans from businesses through job opportunities and motivation. “I think it is really great,” said Gov. Branstad. “I think it is something we should be proud
of.” Pottawattamie County is the 49th Home Base Iowa community. Gov. Branstad explained that it may be his last visit in Council Bluffs as Iowa’s top elected official, however, he explained Pottawattamie County a Home Based Iowa community makes sure soldiers have a warm welcome when they return.
Things I learned while in Journalism
Opinion
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Cami Wagaman Copy Editor Adriana Ibarra Paginator Adriana Ibarra Cami Wagaman Staff Morgan Barth Madasyn Davis Abigail Edie Courtney Jones Maxine Mass Nyamouch Pal Shae Wilson
Top Left: Morgan Barth Works on a story with John Schrier from the Daily Nonpariel. Bottom Left: Morgan works on a story with Council Bluffs Mayor, Matt Walsh. Right Photo: Morgan uses Lindquist’s phone to get an interview. Photos by: Rob Lindquist
Morgan Barth Reporter Four years ago I entered the journalism classroom, I had my laptop ready and I was set to start writing. However, that’s not what happened. Although I thought I knew what I was doing, I didn’t. Journalism wasn’t about just throwing some words down on a paper and calling it a novel, it was building a structure and making it a news article. My nerves were skyrocketing, but I was determined to do my best. No one understands how many benefits come from being in any of the Journalism classes offered at Thomas Jefferson. I
Adviser Rob Lindquist Phone: 712-328-6493 Facebook: CBJacketJournalism Twitter:@TJHSJournalism Web: cbjacketjournalism.com Snapchat: tjhsjournalism
wrote my first sports story during Intro to Journalism, and my first interview was with track coach Doug Muehlig. Little did I know that three years later, I would be interviewing Mayor Matt Walsh on a story about school zone signage. I learned that the smallest things make the biggest differences; I didn’t know sending one email to Editor John Schrier at The Daily Nonpareil in Council Bluffs would have me writing an article for the Nonpareil and also land a job as a sports reporter for the local paper. People may think that being in Journalism only gives you skills a reporter would have, however, that’s not the case. From holding a camera in front of someone’s face and standing in front of
roaring crowds, to interviewing the most important people in our city, I learned how to be confident. This class helped me become a better person, I learned how to accept other thoughts and ideas. I never thought I could work well with others, and although stories are more likely to be one person’s publishing, you may have to help that person out, and teach them the structures of an article. Being in a class where people share the same passion and love for what you do makes big differences in articles. You’re never alone, because this class is always a team effort. However, you only think that the students that walk into this class are just kids that you see around the halls, but they become family. You learn bond-
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Splash your way to Carter Lake
ing skills, along with social skills, and those are important in the real world. To be in Rob Lindquist’s class is to be accepted, and I’ve learned that you have to put effort in everything you do because it matters. The things you will learn in this class are endless, however, it’s all in your hands. You choose what you want to learn, and you get to become a professional in journalism. Four years ago I entered the journalism classroom, and soon I will be leaving. However, I will take the skills with me that I have learned and put them to use somewhere else. Thank you, Lindquist for what you have taught me and what you will continue to teach me outside of these four walls.
The Signal is a school-sponsored publication of Thomas Jefferson High School 2501 W. Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501. The Signal’s office is located in room C128. The Signal is printed by OH-K FASTPRINT in Omaha, NE. The Signal is a schoolsponsored-publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administrator sets. The Signal will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Signal encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room C128. The Signal’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Signal will not accept advertisements that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.
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Art club brightens TJ Cami Wagaman Editor-in-Chief Thomas Jefferson’s Art Club has been doing many different art projects around the school in the past few weeks. There are currently two finished projects that the club has done. The mural on the window above the C-wing hallway; clearly an homage to the one and only
Vincent Van Gogh and his painting of Starry Night, as well as the infinity sign on the windows of the balcony above the B-wing. The art club is currently working on a mural underneath the stairs on the bottom floor of the C-wing. The new mural is going to brighten up the halls with a portrait of a sun, decorated with other little designs. Keep an eye out for the finished product of the new mural in the C-wing!
One artist’s idea for what the splash pad would look like near 12th street in Carter Lake. Photo provided by: The Daily Nonpareil
Maxine Mass Reporter The Carter Lake City Council has decided that after almost a decade of discussion, they will finally be building a splash pad for the community. A budget of $150,000 was set for the splash pad, and it will be built along Redick Boulevard, allowing a very short distance
for kids to walk from Carter Lake Elementary School and the Carter Lake Public Library to the splash pad. The city has taken many years to get this idea off of the ground, as they didn’t have the money in the budget for the splash pad. The splash pad would feature seven to eight different motionactivated water stations, taking up a total of 4,000 square feet. The park would also feature
benches next to the splash pad so that parents are able to supervise their children while also staying dry. The splash pad should be up and running by the , and will be opened from Memorial to Labor Day every single summer. Discussion has also struck upon the topic of possibly installing a beach along Carter Lake in Mabrey Park, but they are still waiting for the DNR to approve.
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An unfinished portrait of the new mural, along with the outline for the other details. Photo by: Cami Wagaman
Asian Highlands to come to Henry Doorly Zoo
NEWS
Layout for the new habitats that are coming to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Located near the Simmons Aviary. Photo provided by: The Omaha World Herald.
Abigail Edie Reporter
On April 27th, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha announced details on the $20,000 Asian Highlands Exhibit, including all the new animals that will be in the exhibit. In summer of 2018, the Henry Doorly Zoo will be opening an exhibit called the Asian Highlands. Some animals which are
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already at the zoo will also be relocated to Asian Highlands for more space. The new exhibit will have Red Pandas, Indian Rhinos, Père David’s Deer, Crane and tufted deer habitats in summer 2018. Summer 2019 will include Sloth Bears, Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards and Takin. Some of the animals are cold-tolerant and will be on display year round. By the summer of 2019, Henry Doorly Zoo plans to be finished with the exhibit including a children’s trail, concessions, and a rest area. The exhibit will
be eight acres and will be built in the northeast corner of the zoo, on a hillside beyond the Simmons Aviary. The Asian Highlands will mimic a tropical forest and a deciduous forest where the leaves will fall seasonally. The theme will mimic grasslands of Northern India, the Himalayan Mountains and Boreal forests of Northeastern China. The exhibit also plans for a children’s forest trail and demonstration areas for tigers, sloth, bears, snow leopards, takins and gorals, “oh my!”
In memory of Mike Witt
Mike Witt passed away on May 17, and his funeral was held on May 25. Photo provided by: The Daily Nonpariel
Cami Wagaman Editor-in-Chief During the last few weeks of May, Thomas Jefferson lost an influential coach, teacher, and mentor. Michael “Mike” Witt lost his life on May 17, 2017. He suffered a heart attack, following a stroke he had in January, causing a lengthy stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Witt started his career teaching at Woodrow Wilson middle school, then went on to coach wrestling and track at Wilson. He
began a job as a substitute, and subbed for ten years all over the district, primarily staying at TJ and Wilson. Mr. Witt also suffered the loss of a son, due to a car crash involving a drunk driver, resulting in the car veering into the Missouri river. Witt touched the hearts of many staff and students, who have fond memories of him that they will hold close to their hearts forever. The teachers and students of CBCSD mourn this loss, and offer condolences to the family.
CBCSD receives grant for summer programs
Students at Woodrow Wilson middle school make art. Photo provided by: The Daily Nonpariel
Courtney Jones Reporter Recently, the Council Bluffs Community school district has set to expand the amount of grant money schools will receive for funding before and after school programs, as well as summer school programs. The program funding began at Kirn and Wilson Middle School during the 2014-2015 school year, when the schools received a 900,000 dollar grant, and were
rewarded 300,000 dollars for the next 3 years. The programs were started in order to provide growth and educational enrichment through children and young adults. In the past years these programs have been around, it has shown to improve academic performance, reduce troubling behaviors, and provide a safe working environment for students. Through the success of the school year and summer programs the Iowa Department of
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Education and Council Bluffs Community School Districts applied to spread the programs and received grants for Rue, Franklin, and Longfellow Elementary schools. In order to expand, the district has to meet certain requirements and be evaluated before the final decisions are made. During the evaluation, not only were they awarded the grants they needed, but they were awarded with an additional grant to expand before and after school programs
at Roosevelt and Carter Lake elementary schools. The grant they received will also go towards grades 1-12 summer school program. Elementary will start on June 19th through August and go from 8:30am-4pm at Edison and Longfellow. Middle school will be held at the Henry Doorly Zoo starting June 12-30 and July 10-28 from 8:15am -2:15pm. High School programs will begin on June 12-20 at Thomas Jefferson High School from 8am to noon.
9-2 Lady Jackets
SPORTS
Baseball season preview
Tyra conti fights hard during a soccer game against Harlan on May 8. Photo provided by: Tory Metheny
Morgan Barth Reporter The girls varsity soccer team crushed Harlan on May 8th, with a 10-0 game. The varsity team is going strong with their 9-2 season. Sophomore Morgan Garcia and junior Josie Starner both scored two points, however, six other players shot for their team, tallying them up to 10. This game had put the team up 8-2 for their season. “I think that because over the past 2 months our team has bonded really well, we are able to understand how each other play-
ing,” said Starner. However, May 9th the Jackets visited St. Albert only to again dominate and leave with 4-1 win. Abraham Lincoln transfer, sophomore Sawyer Elliff got her team a point when Starner passed her a kick into the goal. Elliff ended the game with two points, and with the help of her team they tallied it up to 4-1. “Well, state is an obvious factor,” said Starner. “This is the year we can really make it, we have a good team and connection so the idea that we can actually get to state is awesome and realistic.” On May 5th, Coach Mark Royer retweeted IGHSAU’s rankings that announced the Lady Jackets Class 2A #13 when they held their score of 7-2.
“Being ranked 13th is pretty cool, it’s the first time in my highschool career we’ve had such a good season and it just gives me that want to keep fighting our way to state,” said Starner. The team is determined that they are going to make it state, that’s why they claim to continue play the way they do. “In other years we haven’t had that same connection where we all mix together as friends,” Starner said. Starner enjoys winning only because it’s the game she loves, and she said it makes it’s more fun that her team shares the same passion. She believes that the way they play together is unlike any other team, and that’s why she knows they are heading to state.
The Thomas Jefferson baseball team huddles on the field to map out a game plan. Photo by: Chrystina Winchell
Jordan McAlpine Reporter Summer is just upon us, and with that comes the start of 2 new seasons here at TJ as baseball and softball are underway. With games underway for both programs, each will look to build off and improve on their records from last year in 2017. Softball finished off the 2016 campaign with a record of 9-26 and will once again be under the guidance of third year head coach, Amy Anderson, while baseball will go in a new direction with first year head coach Josh Bullock.
Coming off of one of the best seasons in recent years with a 17-21 record, the Jackets baseball program will look to put together another successful season under their first year head coach. After losing 3 pivotal 2016 seniors Jacob Jones, Ricky Adams and John Poldberg, along with 2017 senior McGwire Midkiff, the Jackets will look to a new group this year featuring both some new and familiar faces.
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ENTERTAINMENT Harry Styles releases new hit single Shawn Mendes to Illuminate Omaha Morgan Barth Reporter
Shae Wilson Reporter Harry Styles, a former member of the British boy band, One Direction, debuted his first solo single on Nick Grimshaw’s breakfast show on Friday, April 7. The single is titled Sign of the Times, and is one of many of the songs that will be featured on Styles’ first self titled album, Harry Styles. He performed his new single, Sign of the Times, live on Saturday Night Live and The Graham Norton Show. His new album, released on May 12th, has 10 tracks on it. Many die hard fans have had the album pre-ordered since April 14th, 2017. Styles wrote a total of 70 songs for the album, most of them having been written in Jamaica. Only ten of the songs made it onto the album. Styles has announced that he is going to be headed on a world tour this year, making stops in a variety of countries, starting with
the United States on September 19th, and ending with Japan on December 9th. Not only has he come out with a new album, but he is going to be starring in his first movie this Summer called ‘Dunkirk’, set to release on July 21, 2017. Styles has a busy 2017 ahead of him, so don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last time you hear his name this year.
Harry Styles performs with One Direction on 8/13/14. Photo provided by: Flickr.com
Multi-platinum singer/ songwriter Shawn Mendes has announced his first ever headlining arena world tour for 2017, to support his sophomore album, Illuminate. There are 44 tour dates set and Mendes will kick off the tour in the U.K on April 27th, until August 23rd, where he will bring the tour to Boston, Massachusetts. They will reach North America on July 6th and will visit different states around the U.S, including a visit to Canada. Illuminate, features Mendes’s hit single “Treat You Better.” The single entered the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and Radio Song Charts. This is Mendes’s second Top 10 single on the Hot 100 after “Stitches” which reached #4 last year. The tour was built around the success he received off his platinum #1 debut album Handwritten. On September 10th, Mendes headlined Madison Square Garden in New York with the Illuminate Live Concert and
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Shawn Mendes will bring his world tour to Omaha, Nebraska, in 2017. Photo provided by: Moxie
Album event, where he released new music of his upcoming album for the first time. You can get a full list of dates, ticket information, and merchandise for the new tour on http:// www.shawnmendesofficial.com/ tour/.
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