The Index Vol. 111 Issue 12

Bulldog beats the odds page 14

Rinehart’s holds its tune, page 7 SAB prepares for Josh Peck appearance,

page 8

Women’s basketball heats up over break, page 13

Truman State University tmn.truman.edu THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

tmn.truman.edu

@TrumanIndex

@TrumanIndex

Professor charged with misdemeanor RACHEL BECKER News Editor Jay Self, communication department chair, and Truman State University Title IX Officer Lauri Millot hosted a meeting Jan. 15 to inform students about the charges brought upon communication professor Barry Poyner and the effects of those charges.

On Jan. 10, an email was sent to all communication majors and minors regarding a department-wide meeting held Jan. 15.

“This is a meeting not just to explain how the department will be addressing Dr. Poyner’s absence, but also for us to listen to you and ensure that you are safe and aware of your rights and resources,”

the email stated. “During this meeting, you will have a chance to ask questions of Jay Self, the chair of the department, and Lauri Millot, Truman’s Title IX officer.”

Poyner has been charged with one misdemeanor count of patronizing prostitution as of Dec. 3.

Poyner, who has taught in the communication department for 30 years, is accused of offering to fill up an undercover Kirksville Police Department detective’s vehicle with gas in exchange for sexual acts, which is a class B misdemeanor of patronizing prostitution.

“The University is aware of the situation regarding Barry Poyner,” University General Counsel Warren Wells wrote in a statement issued Dec. 13. “He has been placed

on suspension and informed that he is not allowed on campus, cannot have any contact with student organizations or participate in any campus events or activities. The University is cooperating with law enforcement and will have no further comment while the matter is under investigation.”

Poyner was issued a summons to make his initial court appearance in Adair County Jan. 8, 2020. After being granted a continuance, Poyner pleaded not guilty Jan. 15, 2020. On Jan. 20, Poyner filed a motion for a change of judge and venue, which was sustained the following day.

Judge Thomas Redington of Knox County is now presiding over the case.

See COMM page 5

CAMPUS DISCUSSES ALCOHOL POLICY

On Jan. 10, an email was sent to all communication majors and minors regarding a department-wide meeting held Jan. 15. Communication majors and minors could invite students from other majors. Photo by Rachel Becker

Res Life to offer

pet-friendly

housing RACHEL BECKER News Editor

Truman community examines dry campus policy KIRA HINTZ, ZACK WEINMAN, NATALIE WILSON Contributing Writers Truman State University students, administrators and staff spent the fall semester discussing possible changes to the existing dry campus policy, concern for student safety regarding alcohol and the consequences of violating both state law and University policy.

There are many moving parts to account for when considering the campus and its relationship with alcohol policies, which can make it hard to understand the

situation as it currently stands.

Last semester the student organization Young Americans for Liberty led an effort to change the University’s status as a dry campus, while Student Government presented a formal request that the administration consider revising its alcohol policies.

In response, a committee of students and administrators was formed to work with administrators to address potential changes to the policy.

Janna Stoskopf, vice president for student affairs, said conversations between administrators began last year to discuss potentially revising Truman’s alcohol policy.

A group of administrators were brainstorming possible solutions to enrollment projections that Truman would experience decreases in residence hall occupancy, Stoskopf said. This led them to ask what Truman could do to encourage students to consider living in the residence halls longer.

In April 2019, Student Government heard about these conversations and passed a resolution formally requesting that the administration consider revising the alcohol policy.

See MIP page 6

Students included in discussion on changes to alcohol policy RACHEL BECKER News Editor There was an email survey sent out to students last semester to gauge their interest in changes to Truman State University’s dry campus policy. Now, Janna Stoskopf, vice president for student affairs, is working on what recommendations she can make to the Board of Governors on changes to the alcohol policy.

This comes after Student Government passed a resolution in April 2019 asking administration to formally revisit the campus alcohol policy and after Young Americans for Liberty held events last semester raising awareness for the issue.

Stoskopf led a committee composed of seven students. Three Student Government representatives, three Residence Hall Association representatives and the YAL Missouri State Chair.

Stoskopf said the student representatives were integral for sharing anecdotal informa-

VOLUME 111 ISSUE 12 © 2020

“As a state agency … we can’t ignore the law but as a higher ed administrator for 30 years, I have a pretty good understanding of what really goes on regardless of what the law says.”

-Janna Stoskopf, vice president for student affairs

tion and writing questions for the survey.

Stoskopf said the committee looked at a variety of things, such as the existing policy, what the Missouri Statute has to say about alcohol and what other colleges are doing in regard to alcohol on campus.

Public institutions are evenly spread on how to handle alcohol on campus, Stoskopf said, and there are three pop-

ular solutions among campuses. First, a completely dry campus. Second, where certain facilities or events are allowed for alcohol if they meet certain requirements. Third, where certain residence halls allow alcohol in rooms occupied by of legal drinking age.

Stoskopf said the only option completely off the table was the idea of an entirely wet campus where alcohol was allowed everywhere at any time.

“As a state agency … we can’t ignore the law,” Stoskopf said. “We can’t say, ‘It’s OK for underage students to drink,’ but as a higher ed administrator for 30 years, I have a pretty good understanding of what really goes on regardless of what the law says.”

Stoskopf said her goal is to be clear about what the law states while helping Truman students develop more low risk drinking habits.

See SURVEY page 5

Starting Jan. 15, students will be able to register to live in Truman State University’s first on-campus pet-friendly housing for next year in Dobson Hall.

In an effort to increase enrollment, retention and residence hall occupancy, Dobson Hall has been reopened for next fall to accommodate pets.

An email went out to staff before winter break, and the Residence Life website has been updated with tentative information about pet housing.

ResLife Director Jamie Van Boxel said the idea of pet-friendly housing came from Tyana Lange, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, and Janna Stoskopf, vice president for student affairs.

Both new and returning students have shown interest in the pet-friendly housing, Van Boxel said.

According to the Overview of Pilot Program document, the project could help students create a sense of home on campus by providing companionship in the form of a pet that might improve student mental health, enhance academic performance and create an enhanced sense of belonging on campus.

For this spring’s housing renewal and housing selection, students will have to make a commitment to register a pet— with the exception of two people — to live in Dobson, Van Boxel said.

See DOBSON page 5

Dobson Hall has been closed since Fall 2019. The first floor of the hall will be reopened fall of 2020. Photo

by Rachel Becker

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The Index

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Let it snow!

Truman students embrace the freezing temperatures Right: Juniors Olivia Rekittke and Bob Cagle standing on the snowy Quad. Kirksville has had freezing temperatures for most of January. Photos by Bidan Yang

Above: Rain that froze overnight made an icy foundation for the snow. A winter weather advisory was issued to Kirksville by the National Weather Service for Jan. 22.

Above: Students braced the cold to make it to class. Despite single digit temperatures, classes were not cancelled by the University.

Right: According to the National Weather Service, Kirksville can expect around an inch or more of snow Thursday night. Kirksville has announced multiple winter weather emergencies in January where citizens are asked to move their cars off the road to make way for snow plows.

Crime Reports staff Serving the University community since 1909 Editor-in-Chief: Ryan Pivoney Managing Editor: Elisabeth Shirk News Editor: Rachel Becker Sports Editor: Chase Potter Features Editor: Erica Lindsay Copy Chief: Cara Quinn Design Chief: Emmett Divendal Photographers: Caleb Bolin, Kara Mackenzie, Bidan Yang Copy Editors: Sami Harris, Natalie Wilson, Autumn Dodd-Hinds, Jessica Robinson, Maddie Lee, Mattea Buerge Sta Writers: Siobhan Neely, Gordon McPherson, Allison Maschho, Jack Willie, Josie Wagner, Kira Hintz Adviser: Don Krause

DPS & KPD 1/15 Theft reported at the 1200 block of East Randolph St.

1/17 Theft reported at the 600 block of East Randolph St.

1/15 Assault reported at the 900 block of East LaHarpe St.

1/18 Fourth degree assault reported at the 700 block of West George St.

1/15 Shoplifter reported at the 3300 block of North Baltimore St.

1/18 Theft reported at the 2200 block of North Baltimore St.

1/15 Theft reported at the 700 block of East Randolph St.

1/19 Possession of drug paraphernalia reported on East Harrison St.

1/15 Shoplifter reported at the 2100 block of South Baltimore St.

1/19 Vandalism reported at the 2900 block of South First St.

1/16 Property damage reported at the 200 block of West Washington St.

1/19 Possession of controlled substance and drug paraphernalia reported on North Elson St.

1/16 Burglary reported at the 1100 block of Don St. 1/17 Theft reported at the 900 block of East Line St. 1/17 Vandalism reported at the 600 block of North Franklin St. 1/17 Robbery reported at the 200 block of East Illinois St. 1/17 Scam reported at the 100 block of East McPherson St. 1/17 Property damage reported at the 2200 block of North Baltimore St. 1/17 Theft reported at the 1300 block of East Jefferson St.

1/19 Theft reported at the 100 block of Valley Forge Dr. 1/19 Aggravated assault reported at the 28000 block of Sumac Trl. 1/20 Fourth degree assault reported at the 800 block of East Jefferson St. 1/20 Theft reported at the 1100 block of South Baltimore St. 1/20 Shoplifter reported at the 1600 block of South Baltimore St. 1/21 Possession of drugs/amphetamine and property damage reported at the 2200 block of North Baltimore St.

The Index

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

calendar EVERY BREATH WE DREW ART EXHIBIT JAN. 21-FEB. 28 UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY HOURS UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, OP 1114 Jess Dugan’s work, titled Every Breath We Drew, is currently on display. While the opening reception was Jan. 21, the artist’s talk is scheduled for Feb. 22. The art gallery is closed between exhibits and during school holidays.

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JANUARY

The Student Activities Board is hosting actor and social media influencer Josh Peck. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are free for students at the SAB Office. General admission tickets will be available beginning on Jan. 23. Peck is well known for starring in the Nickelodeon sitcom “Drake & Josh.”

The Flea Market will feature over 30 booths of collectibles, crafts and more. The soup luncheon will go throughout the duration of the event and will have vegetable beef soup, sandwiches, cookies and drinks.

This is a free event.

JANUARY

JANUARY

Prospective students and families looking to learn more about Truman will be invited to visit campus and attend informational meetings. Showcase events provide an opportunity for students to meet other prospective students, current students and faculty. Optional presentations will provide information on the Honors Scholar Program, financial aid and study abroad opportunities.

Take Root Cafe is hosting its third annual murder mystery dinner theater. This year’s event will feature live music, a costume contest, a four-course dinner and interactive theater. Participants are encouraged to dress in old west costumes. Prizes will be awarded to participants who correctly guess the murderer and the winner of the costume contest. Tickets range from $50-70.

JANUARY

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SATURDAY SHOWCASE EVENT JAN. 25 8:45 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. MAIN CAMPUS

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER 5-8:30 P.M. TAKE ROOT CAFE

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JANUARY

AN EVENING OF CONVERSATION WITH JOSH PECK 7-8 P.M. BALDWIN HALL AUDITORIUM

12TH ANNUAL WINTER FLEA MARKET & SOUP LUNCHEON 8 A.M. TO 3 P.M. SILVER RAILS EVENT CENTER

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JANUARY

MOSAIC TILE MAKING PROJECT JAN. 27-31 9 A.M. TO NOON KIRKSVILLE ARTS GALLERY The Kirksville Arts Association is hosting a mosaic tile-making project for the Sue Ross Arts Center. Pieces of the original mosaic mural were saved after the Kirksville Arts Center fire in 2016, but community members and organizations are invited to create more tiles to complete the mural.

SIGMA TAU GAMMA BLANKET AND FOOD DRIVE JAN. 29-30 7 P.M. TO 12 A.M. THE QUAD Sigma Tau Gamma is hosting its annual blanket and non-perishable food drive. Donations to the drive will be given to the Salvation Army and the Adair County Food Pantry. Hot chocolate will be available for volunteers.

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news in brief KPD received award in Torch Run The Kirksville Police Department participated in an annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri. During the kickoff banquet and conference in Jefferson City in December, KPD received the award for “Greatest Percentage Increase – 62.41%” and “Greatest Increase in Gross Dollars” within Region 4. The torch run started 38 years ago in Kansas to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. The event is now held in 50 states — 42 countries around the world — and raises more than $60 million annually. At the 2019 International Law Enforcement Torch Run, Missouri was announced as the No. 6 in the world for total funds raised.

Next School of Business dean selected Rashmi Prasad has been announced as the new dean of the School of Business and will start at Truman State University July 1. Prasad is currently the academic vice president and dean of the College of Business at Western Governors University. He has more than 20 years of academic and administrative experience, with a background in strategic planning, program development and accreditation. Prasad earned his Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Kentucky along with his MBA from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Self & Society Seminar to replace CS 100 As a required part of the computer science major, the new Self & Society Seminar, S&S Sem: Artificial Intelligence, will replace CS 100. The course is supposed to cultivate the habits of curiosity, good scholarship, ethical considerations and community engagement.

Symposium updates Truman State University’s new general education curriculum, The Dialogues, will go into effect for all new undergraduate students entering Truman in fall 2020 and beyond. The curriculum is based on the idea of an expanded new student experience.

The symposium will include a common weekly 50-minute lecture, a 50-minute group discussion, online content and assignments. After receiving mixed results from the 2018 pilot, a new committee was formed in fall 2019 to work on implementation issues and student experience. The Truman symposium committee will work with the self and society committee to create a cohesive experience for new students.

African and African American studies changes The African and African American studies committee has decided to change the name of its program to African and African diaspora studies and has made revisions to its minor. It requires students in its minor to take classes from at least three disciplines. It removes the requirement of a history course, and instead students are to take one course relating to Africa and one that relates to the African diaspora. This will go into effect in fall 2020 and in the 2020-2021 catalog.

Celtic studies minor deactivated The Celtic studies minor program was approved for the catalog year 2011-12. The minor depended greatly on English courses taught by professor Patricia Gately, however, Gately left the University several years ago and there are no plans to replace her or the courses she taught. In its seven years, only three students have earned this minor: one in 2015 and two in 2016. There are currently no students pursuing a Celtic studies minor, so it has been approved for the minor to be deactivated.

JINS courses deactivated In November 2019, Bridget Thomas, director of interdisciplinary studies, created a list of 30 JINS courses that have not been taught in the last four years. After discussing the outcome of the research with the corresponding departments, eight courses will be revived and taught in the coming years, and 22 courses will be deactivated. JINS courses to be deactivated include but are not limited to: Native American Conflict, Economics of Gender, Women and Science, Women’s Health, Death and Dying, and Nature and Human Nature.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Truman should be more forthcoming Communication professor Barry Poyner’s patronizing prostitution charges this December continue to impact the Kirksville and Truman State University communities. Several attempts have been made by the communication department leaders to inform and assist those affected, however, lack of administrative intervention has led to insufficient transparency surrounding the issue, bringing more confusion than understanding.

Although students still have questions about Poyner’s case and employment circumstances, several steps have been taken by his academic department to clear up any misunderstandings and make information available. For instance, the COMM at Truman Twitter account stands as an active source and distributor of knowledge regarding the situation, liking a live tweet thread reporting a meeting recap and general updates on the trial so followers can find that material on their feed.

Recent endeavors to notify the public of ongoing developments might not be enough to overcome the immense hardship placed on those involved, however. A meeting coordinated for communication majors and minors last Wednesday was meant to be a source of support for affected students and staff, but neglected a large campus base that still searches for answers.

Attendees were alerted by email and told they could bring a friend, but the general public was not invited and video was not permitted. Why, amid one of the largest scandals Truman has witnessed in the past year, is information seemingly being kept from those it impacts the most?

Items discussed at the meeting included three cancelled classes with two being major courses, class reassignments for students, available counseling for proper grievance, Title IX limitations and Poyner’s job outlook. Some of these topics, however, could not be thoroughly covered due to the limited abilities of individual staff members.

One person not in attendance that night was Truman State University President Sue Thomas. As multiple members of the student body voiced their opinion in an open forum regarding a highly sensitive community topic, it was deemed unnecessary for the leader of our University to make an appearance. We see that action, or lackthereof, suggestive of the overall apathy conveyed on an administrative level throughout the course of this incident.

It cannot be assumed that all Truman students have access to that media, though.

People ought to be granted insight on recent events without exclusivity. Therefore Truman’s highest offices should be reaching out to all who wish to know more on multiple mediums.

Ongoing efforts to advise a concerned Kirksville populace over Poyner’s misconduct have been important, but prove to be inadequate. More accessible developments on Poyner’s status could prompt a multitude of responses throughout the community — but perhaps that is exactly what is being actively prevented. In any event, students, staff and community members should have the ability to share their stories, seek further understanding and make sense of the issue without obstruction.

We, The Index Editorial Board, appreciate reparative measures but believe more foresight might have lessened the situation’s scope. Poyner was allegedly identified years ago as a potential threat by some students and staff, according to a statement, yet no further investigation followed. Although complaint anonymity often prevents full pursuit of alleged offenders, comments themselves should have indicated a few red flags. If Truman wishes to promote an environment conducive to student respect and advocacy, it must acknowledge these tips more proactively in the future.

Stu Gov

Buzz

Happy 2020 Bulldogs With the start of the new semester and year, we at Student Government are feeling energized and prepared to tackle lots of projects, both old and new. We have a lot in store for this semester, and we hope that you will be able to join us for our events and share input for some of our initiatives!

This spring we are incredibly excited for our third annual Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted Feb. 22, 2020. As the conference’s theme is “Purpose and Potential,” we will have speakers and panels of women in government, STEM fields, community development and more. We will also be partnering with the Career Center to offer a few professional development and networking opportunities throughout the day. All are welcome, and the conference is free to attend. Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook for more information as the event approaches.

In addition to the Women’s Leadership Conference, Student Government will enjoy hosting a variety of themed weeks throughout the spring semester. Follow our social media closely so you don’t miss our big plans for Diversity Week, Mental Health Awareness Week, Sexual Assault Prevention Week, Earth Week and Student Appreciation Week.

Perhaps our biggest and most timely initiative for this spring semester is our continued work on our 2020 Vision Document. Every five years Student Government publishes a document detailing the current state of the University and our vision for the next five years. We are gathering student opinions now to include in the document as we gear up for its release in early April. If you have any big ideas for the future of Truman or want to learn more about this project, reach out to us at studentgovernment@truman.edu. Stay tuned to our social media for more information about a campuswide release party.

As you can see, Student Government is preparing for an exciting spring semester, and we are always looking for more ways to serve you as well! Reach out to us at studentgovernment@truman.edu if you have questions or suggestions for us, and remember to follow our social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information.

Submitted by: Deanna Schmidt and Katie Alexander Student Government President and Vice President

Movie reviewer discusses Oscar nominations GORDON MCPHERSON Staff Writer

As devoted readers of The Index will recall, I don’t particularly care for the Academy Awards.

In fact, almost one year ago, I wrote, “Any credibility the Oscars had

By Samuel Sardis It’s Just a Cough is gone,” when “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” was snubbed for the Best Documentary category.

Even so, I closely follow the ceremony every year. I like to believe that I will be among the awardees someday, if I get out of Kirksville.

In 2019, there were a bunch of wonderful films to choose from. During my 22 years of existence, no other year has so invigorated my love of cinema. “Parasite,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Queen & Slim,” “Ad Astra,” “Uncut Gems” and “The Lighthouse” are among my personal favorites.

And, shockingly, I’m happy to report that while this year’s nominations feature some egregious snubs — especially Greta Gerwig for Best Director (“Little Women”), Adam Sandler for Best Actor (“Uncut Gems”), Willem Dafoe for Best Supporting Actor (“The Lighthouse”), Jodie Turner-Smith for Best Actress (“Queen & Slim”) and practically every film from entertainment company A24 — Academy voters seem to have appreciated risk-taking films much more than usual.

I’m particularly pleased by the nomination of South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” in several major categories, most notably Best International Feature Film and Best Picture.

While I didn’t formally review “Parasite” for The Index, it remains my absolute favorite film of 2019. Now you know, you’re welcome. Don’t blame me, blame Downtown Cinema 8.

Taika Waititi’s divisive World War II satire “Jojo Rabbit” also garnered six nominations.

While I adore “Jojo Rabbit,” all those nominations were quite unexpected.

Other surprises include Todd Phillips’ controversial “Joker,” which seems to be the year’s favorite among Academy voters.

Are 11 nominations really justified for that potent yet highly exaggerated film, however? In the opinion of this critical soul: no, most assuredly not, especially for the Best Adapted Screenplay category.

While Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck is sublime and deserving of winning the Best Actor category, the script felt heavy-handed. Like a pie to the face, winning the screenplay award would surely be a hilarious joke.

Alas, Academy voters also played to expectations. Awards season pets like “The Irishman,” “1917,” “Little Women,” “Marriage Story” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” raked in the nominations.

Despite this, none of the films nominated for Best Picture feel woefully out of place like last year’s “Green Book.”

Above all else, though, recognize that the Academy Award winners on Feb. 9 aren’t the beall and end-all of high quality films. Just know that your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer votes “Parasite” for Best Picture, and you should too.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

SURVEY| Students participated in survey to gauge interest in changing Truman’s dry campus policy Continued from page 1 The committee wanted to get feedback from a broader segment of campus, Stoskopf said, which is why the survey was important.

“We wanted [students] to be honest about what their beliefs are, why [they] made the decision to return to the residence halls … those kinds of things,” Stoskopf said. “We were concerned about if people would be reluctant to complete the survey in fear of it circling back and getting them in some sort of trouble.”

Stoskopf said that is why the survey often

reinforced the fact that there is no way to backtrack someone’s answers to their identity.

Overall, Stoskopf said she was impressed by the number of responses the survey received.

“If we were to move forward from a dry campus to some other perspective on alcohol, that would require the Board to be in agreement with that notion,” Stoskopf said.

Naomi Mathew, a representative for YAL on the committee, said her goals were to work with the school to relax or end the dry

campus rule at Truman.

“I think it is very possible [to change the dry campus rule],” Mathew said. “Especially considering the overwhelming majority of survey responses said they wanted the dry campus policy to change.”

Mathew said she is happy with how the process is going and is very proud of the work YAL members did to bring attention to the issue last semester.

“Regardless of what the final outcome is, whether we make a change or keep it the

same, my hope is that students would understand that we took a real serious look at a variety of options and really tried to process this appropriately,” Stoskopf said.

The Board of Governors meeting will be held Feb. 8, where they will present the alcohol survey results and have a discussion on what the future of Truman’s dry campus policy is.

COMM| The communication department held a meeting with the community to answer questions about suspended professor Continued from page 1 Students, faculty and staff from a variety of majors attended the department meeting, with most chairs being taken up and students standing in the back and sitting along window sills.

Brenda Higgins, associate vice president for student health & wellness, was also available to answer questions.

Self said Poyner is on paid suspension from his position at Truman, where he will still be conducting research off campus. Self gave a summary of the charges against Poyner and how the University has worked to reassign classes Poyner was teaching and reassign students he was advising.

Self said all of the classes Poyner was

teaching for the semester have either been cancelled or given to another professor.

Millot explained the Title IX process and the resources available for both parties when a grievance is filed.

At the department meeting, Self said there was an investigation being conducted by the University into Poyner.

Self and Millot then opened the floor to questions from the audience.

Students asked questions about what the investigation is over, what Poyner’s reassignment means and the future possibilities of the case.

There was also a statement written by Dylan Phillips, a 2014 Truman alumnus, read by a current student at the meeting. In the statement, Phillips

Students, faculty and staff from a variety of majors attended the department meeting, with most chairs being taken up and students standing in the back and sitting along window sills. At the meeting Jay Self, communication department chair, and Lauri Millot, Truman’s Title IX officer, answered students’ questions. Photo by Rachel Becker

recalled his time at Truman as a student and as a faculty member and the rumors of harassment he heard about Poyner.

Phillips also wrote that it is offensive the University didn’t fire Poyner when the allegations came out and it shows the University puts a higher price on its image rather than the safety of its students. After the statement was read students in the audience applauded.

There was also an interest in the specifics of maintaining confidentiality while filing a Title IX complaint.

Students asked if a complainant filed a report and wanted to remain confidential, will the accuser be notified and will there be further action taken in investigating the accused.

“Someone coming forward … knowing that they want to remain confidential is coming to ensure they are supported,” Millot said. “You wouldn’t be coming forward saying that I want to be confidential and expect to have an impact on anything beyond that.”

Self was asked if the department or University were aware of the reports against Poyner prior to his arrest, and he declined to comment.

Poyner’s photo remains on the communication department website, and he remains a paid employee of the University.

A student asked what it would take to get Poyner fired, and both Self and Millot said they were not at liberty to answer that, but University President Sue Thomas would know the process of firing a tenured professor. Self said the meeting was his idea and that Thomas was aware of the meeting, however, she was not in attendance to answer questions.

According to section six of the Board of Governors’ handbook, after the expiration period, teachers should have permanent or continuous tenure and their services should be terminated only for adequate cause.

The handbook also states that termination should be considered by both a faculty committee and the governing board of the institution. The accused teacher will be informed of their charges prior to the hearing and will have the opportunity to voice their own defense by all the bodies that pass judgment on their case.

According to section six of the Board of Governors’ handbook, academic faculty positions having continuous tenure shall not have their appointments terminated, except for incompetence, neglect or refusal to perform duties, dishonesty, drunkenness or immoral conduct.

“Since he is still an employee and he has due process rights, we cannot treat him any differently than we would any other employee,” Self said.

However, Self said when making the fall schedule he consulted Thomas, who said to not schedule any classes for Poyner. The communication department was granted a search to replace a different communication professor for the upcoming semester.

With the University’s investigation still pending, any students, faculty, staff or alumni who have further information or would like to talk to Millot about resources are welcome to reach out to her at lmillot@truman.edu or at (660) 785-4354.

DOBSON| Dobson Hall to be reopened as pet-friendly housing next fall semester Heritage House housing Rentals Continued from page 1 without L.L.C. needing to register the “Years down the road, if pet-friendly hous- that building just as we have a commitment Van Boxel said there are two rooms pet or pay the pet fees. ing is super popular and there’s a demand to to have a hall director in the other buildings,” Leasing Office that are deluxe doubles where two students Reptiles, ferrets and birds are still restrict- open multiple floors then yes, I believe the Van Boxel said. who each have a roommate will be allowed ed from all residence halls. intention would be to have a hall director in to have a pet, but they themselves will not W. There are no restrictions for students with 215 Jefferson be allowed to have one. This pet limitation service animals. For emotional support aniis because the University won’t allow more mals, once a student has been approved to than one pet living in a room for the well- have an ESA through the office of Student being of the animal.

Access and Disability Services, there are no Even students who do not plan to bring a restrictions to where they can live. pet to campus can apply to live in the petThe future of pet-friendly housing is still friendly housing. unclear, as it will depend on how students reNow Leasing For In each single occupancy room, the pet act to the hall policy, according to the OverYear owner can reside with either2020-2021 one cat, one dog, School view of Pilot Program document. one rabbit or two small caged animals.

“Based on experiences at other campuses, All residents who bring pets are re- it will take a few years to build on the idea quired to pay pet fees of $50 per semester and see results in terms of additional on camfor dogs and cats and $25 per semester for pus students,” Dave Rector, vice president for E-mail all other approved pets. administration, finance and planning, said.

All dogs and cats must be spayed or neuClosing Dobson saved Truman over tered, at leastmanager@heritagehouserentalsllc.com nine months old and have been $200,000 for the current budget year, under the primary care of the resident or their Rector said. family for at least three months priorScan to movTo SeeRector attributed the savings primarily to ing the pet to campus. salary and benefits costs for a hall director, Pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds custodial staff and student assistants. He also Properties and all wolf hybrids have been prohibited said there were some savings on utilities, like from living in the pet-friendly housing, as water and electricity. well as any dogs over 40 pounds.

“To reopen a floor will not require the “The folks that wrote the policy, their same staffing,” Rector said. “We anticipate guidance was, ‘What were other universities covering housekeeping using current staff.” doing?’ and after seeing the first draft of the Van Boxel said the University will not be policy I did my own review of all the other hiring a new hall director to look over Dobuniversities and it’s fairly common to have a son, but an existing hall director will take on list of breeds that are prohibited from living Dobson in addition to their current hall. on campus,” Van Boxel said.

There will be a student adviser for the first Still, fish in 10 gallon tanks or smaller floor, and that student adviser will belong to a are permitted to live in any on-campus staff of a different building, Van Boxel said.

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Can your pet live on Campus?

Is your pet a ...

service animal or emotional support animal?

YES, it’s allowed in all residence halls. If your pet is not an ESA or service animal then your pet is limited to Dobson housing

gerbil, guinea pig or hamster?

YES, every resident in the first floor of Dobson is allowed up to two of these pets.

cat or rabbit?

YES, each resident in Dobson is allowed one of these pets per room. puppy or kitten?

NO, the pet must live with the resident three months prior to moving on campus.

amphibian, reptile, ferret or bird?

NO, these pets aren’t allowed in on-campus residences. dog?

YES, but special restrictions apply. They cannot be certain breeds or over 40 pounds.

The Index

6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

MIP| Different departments on campus work together to discuss changes to dry policy Continued from page 1 The resolution expressed support for allowing those who are of legal age to possess and consume alcohol on campus, Stoskopf said.

At the start of the fall semester, Stoskopf spoke to students and staff before forming a committee specifically dedicated to reconsidering Truman’s alcohol policy.

The committee appointed three members from Student Government, three students from the Residence Hall Association and one student from Young Americans for Liberty, which is one of the more vocal campus organizations looking to revise the policy.

Stoskopf said a major goal of the committee is to understand how different students perceive the issue of alcohol on Truman’s campus. The committee met once a week during the second half of the fall semester to discuss the current policy and the purposes it serves, as well as what students observe and hear about in regard to alcohol consumption at Truman.

Stoskopf said she outlined many options that the committee could explore, from leaving the policy as it is to modifying it in some ways to permit some flexibility regarding alcohol. The committee is close to submitting a recommendation to the president, Stoskopf said.

Alcohol Policy Survey Participation 5,231 students total 1,188 students responded to alcohol survey

Student Government President Deanna Schmidt said there is a drawback for her in calling Truman a dry campus. She said exceptions have been made for alcohol to be consumed on campus, such as at events like football games, Homecoming and inside the Student Union Building for certain outside community member events.

It is also known to the administration and Residence Life that there are plenty of students who try to get around the policy, Schmidt said.

Because there are so many factors against campus being alcohol free, Schmidt said for Truman to be advertising itself as a dry campus when it is not can feel like false advertising.

Student Government’s stance in the dry campus debate is supporting students who are 21 and over to have alcohol in the dorms or come back to the dorms after drinking since it is their legal right, according to Schmidt.

In 2018, the idea of advocating for students of legal age was suggested by Student Government Senator Adam Paris.

Schmidt said a resolution was written after talking to students who felt strongly about changing to a wet campus.

Another reason why Student Government supports the addition of a wet campus is that they feel like a dry campus can have enrollment and retention issues, Schmidt said.

Since there has been a decline in enrollment numbers at Truman, Schmidt said there has also been a decline in students choosing to live in the dorms, as shown by Dobson being closed because of a small student population.

Schmidt said Student Government thinks advocating for a change in dry campus policy could help Truman’s on-campus living situation and help retain students who are of age. Allowing alcohol for certain students, Schmidt said, might also benefit how students feel about discussing alcohol with ResLife.

“It could also encourage students to feel more open to talking about alcohol because it’s become a bit of a taboo topic,” Schmidt said. “Nobody wants to talk about the rules in fear o getting in trouble, so we just wanted to open up the discussion.”

Additionally, Schmidt said first and second year students might not be of age to legally drink, so allowing a change in policy for safe drinking might be an incentive for those students to stay on campus if they have considered leaving Truman.

Schmidt said she thinks becoming a wet campus will only help Truman. There are very few students or families who

come to Truman specifically because it’s a dry campus, she said.

Even tour guides are careful to tell potential students that it’s easy to find parties and opportunities to drink around or off campus since it’s not a secret that college age students consume alcohol, Schmidt said.

Concerned parents can talk to admissions or tour guides about alcohol, but Schmidt said most families are aware that college students at a public university are going to drink sometimes.

Schmidt said the committee working with the wet campus bill is still figuring out what changes should be made to campus.

One option that Schmidt said has been discussed is the addition of a wet dorm for students who are 21 and over and a dry dorm for underage students or those who do not want to drink.

Details like roommate selection, legal drinking age students distributing alcohol to underage students, student adviser training, going from a dry dorm to a wet dorm and how much the University can be liable for are issues to be talked about and decided by ResLife.

The Department of Public Safety also plays a role in alcohol on campus when it comes to minors in possession.

MIPs are given by law enforcement when minors are intoxicated or in possession of alcohol. Chad Whittom, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety, said MIPs fluctuate from year to year.

He said MIPs aren’t a big problem on campus, but they are something that DPS staff deals with on a regular basis.

As far as preventing an MIP goes, DPS offers alcohol education programs, group presentations and other programs like self defense that incorporate alcohol-related scenarios.

“I always hear that people are scared of getting in trouble, but the other thing you have to take into consideration is safety,” Whittom said. “If a person consumes alcohol to a certain level, they become a danger to themselves. They could run into the possibility of alcohol poisoning and other hazardous situations. So even though we don’t want someone to get in trouble, we have to consider what is more important, their safety or the fact that they might get in trouble.”

According to the annual security and fire report that schools use to provide information about campus safety and procedures, Truman falls below comparable schools’ data regarding liquor laws. Truman seems to issue more arrests and less conduct violations than other schools when it comes to alcohol.

In 2017, Truman had 26 liquor law arrests, which are arrests that go through the court system. Northwest Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State University each had one.

In liquor law violations referred for disciplinary action, which are alcohol violations that only go through the schools’ student code of conduct, Truman had significantly lower data. In 2017, Truman’s liquor law violations totaled 18, while Northwest had 205 and Southeast had 88.

However, there are consequences of alcohol violations of Truman’s policy. Stoskopf said the University cannot change the state laws concerning possession and consumption of alcohol, but Truman can adjust how it resolves potential violations of University policies.

“Students think they understand what the consequences are for a violation of University policies, but when I ask them what they anticipate will happen, based on certain things, they have a much more stringent sanctioning process in their mind than what our process actually has,” Stoskopf said.

Typically, for a student’s first conduct violation for alcohol — regardless of age — they have a hearing with the conduct board. The student acknowledges the alleged conduct and accepts responsibility for it, and then there is a conversation about a deferred resolution program, Stoskopf said.

The program — which is only available after a student’s first violation — has students attend a three-hour class offered on multiple Saturdays per year with a $50 class material fee and complete a certain number of service hours.

Once the class and service hours are completed, the alcohol violation is removed from

At the start of the fall semester, Stoskopf spoke to students and staff before forming a committee specifically dedicated to reconsidering Truman’s alcohol policy. The committee appointed three members from Student Government, three students from the Residence Hall Association and one student from Young Americans for Liberty. Photo by Daniel Degenhardt their record.

Stoskopf said the aim of this program is to ensure that by the end, students have more knowledge that will affect their decision-making process so the student is less likely to find themselves in violation of the policy again.

After the first violation, students are likely to face a designated probation period with a solid end date where they must demonstrate that they can comply with University policies.

This probation period might also feature an additional requirement such as service hours, an essay assignment or an online alcohol program.

Through the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act the conduct board also has the ability to contact an underage student’s parent or guardian to inform them of an alcohol violation, though they make the decision to inform on a case-by-case basis.

Jamie Van Boxel, director of ResLife, said there is not a significant number of students or a specific dorm that has been documented for intoxication.

Although he is not on the wet campus committee, Van Boxel said the decision to change Truman’s alcohol policy depends on whether Truman wants to align itself with state law or be more restrictive with drinking like other universities.

Van Boxel said Truman’s current alcohol and alcohol paraphernalia policy is not outdated because other universities in Missouri follow a dry campus policy, like the University of Missouri, Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, in addition to out-of-state universities.

Most of age students who choose to drink generally do not put themselves in danger,

“Our students are adults and they’re allowed to make choices and they’re accountable to those choices,” -Jamie Van Boxel director of ResLife

Van Boxel said, so he thinks they could respect drinking safely in the dorms if the bill is passed.

“Students follow the rules and the laws, so I think if the policy would change, I think there’s an opportunity for 21 year olds and older to demonstrate that they can drink responsibility and do so on campus,” Van Boxel said.

“I have no concerns if the committee makes a recommendation to the president to change our current policy of being a dry campus.”

Students do choose to drink regardless of age or living on or off campus, which can create consequences for their personal and academic success, Van Boxel said.

One change ResLife might look into is potentially adding more discussion of alcohol in their hall staff curriculum so students can feel

more engaged by their student advisers and hall directors on the topic, he said.

As far as student safety with alcohol, Van Boxel said safety is a very individualized responsibility.

Students have to make decisions about whether they can be accountable to Truman’s dry campus policy and, no matter if the policy changes or not, Van Boxel said that will still be true.

If a student decides to drink and lives on campus, Van Boxel said the safest thing they can do is return to their dorm.

Another benefit of a student coming back to their residence hall, Van Boxel said, is that if any incident of excessive alcohol consumption occurs and medical attention is needed then hall staff are already trained to help that student.

Fear of getting in trouble and going through the conduct committee process can sometimes scare students from coming back to the dorms, Van Boxel said.

“Our students are adults and they’re allowed to make choices and they’re accountable to those choices,” Van Boxel said. “Sometimes a choice has a consequence. At Truman that consequence is having an educational conversation with a conduct officer. That’s not the same as getting in trouble. It’s meant to be a learning experience, just like going to class and taking a test and getting a B instead of an A. It’s not what you wanted but you learn from that and the next time you do better.”

As intermediary between students and administration, Stoskopf had a different view of the dynamics involved in potentially revising the alcohol policy.

Stoskopf said her first obligation is to ensure the personal wellbeing and academic success of students, but she also has an obligation to make sure that the University and students are in compliance with Missouri laws.

“If we were to decide to recommend a change, I want to make sure that it is understood that it is not a University endorsement of unlawful possession or consumption by anyone,” Stoskopf said. “That’s a very clear message that needs to be understood.”

There are several different aspects of the policy to account for, one of which is students being concerned about coming back to the residence halls after drinking off campus, Stoskopf said.

She said she would rather have a conversation about alcohol use than have someone be put in a vulnerable position and potentially have something very traumatic happen because they felt like they could not come back to the dorms.

“We have a lot of mindsets to change,” Stoskopf said. “Whether anything changes with the policy or not — it could remain exactly as it is — we still need to work on educating students about high risk and low risk behaviors and outcomes for policy violations.

We need to change the narrative, so people understand that we are not hiding in the bushes waiting for someone to trip and then accuse them of being under the influence of alcohol.”

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life

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

7

Holding its tune For local record store, tradition rings true RYAN PIVONEY Editor-in-Chief Whether this is the first time you’re hearing about it, you know it for its vast array of products or you just recognize the calico cat that sits outside, Rinehart’s Music and Video is a solidified part of Kirksville history.

The second oldest music store in the world — located at 114 Franklin St. — has been around for 159 years. This cashonly business buys, trades and sells anything media related.

“If this store was not here, there would be nothing here like it,” current owner Karl Hildebrand said. “You would not have a used video store. You would not have an old school video game store.

You would not have a music store.”

Rinehart’s started as two separate businesses: the news agency was founded by Rupert Rinehart in 1861 and Rinehart’s Music was created by his brother Edwin Rinehart in 1897. When Edwin retired around 1930, however, the news agency and music store merged.

When it was founded, Rinehart’s sold and rented music recording and playing devices. Rinehart’s had an inventory of wax cylinder recordings before moving on to shellac discs for the phonograph and Victrola records. The music store also used to lease pianos, sheet music and recording machines to make records at home.

While records were new and expensive, Hildebrand said pianos and sheet music were more popular and affordable through a lease.

The news agency was the only newspaper provider by 1914 and used to carry about 6,000 magazine titles.

Additionally, Rinehart’s used to own the electric company in town. They were responsible for wiring the city and servicing needs, Hildebrand said. The music store also housed a telephone switchboard and provided Kirksville residents the ability to make long distance calls. The Rinehart family also used to own the first commercial radio station in Adair County called Kirksville Radio Laboratory.

Rinehart’s was recognized by the Missouri General Assembly in 2016 for its support of Truman State University and A.T. Still University, as well as providing electric and telephone services to Kirksville.

Once known as Rinehart’s Electronics and Television, the family owned business has changed over time to adapt with demands. The focus of the store has shifted from mostly music to the technical side of electronics to all things media.

Although it no longer sells or leases instruments, the music store has a collection of about 4,000 movie titles, 20,000 music titles, 5,000 CDs, 5,000 cassette tapes, some sheet music, Victrola records, video games and systems.

“Everytime something new came along it was just added to the stock of trade,” Hildebrand said. “So you always add things and to be a relevant business you need to continually add the merchandise that does it and you need to keep on track with it. So while Rinehart’s has always had music and always been an active music store — buying and selling new and used music — the amount of floorspace that is dedicated to any product expands and contracts depending on what people want.”

There was a period of time when many other businesses were selling records and cassette tapes, Hildebrand explained, so the amount of floorspace dedicated

to music shrunk as competition grew.

“Modern mass media has a different perspective and place in the business world today,” Hildebrand said. “We’ve gone from having vinyls sitting in a back room and someone has to ask for them to being back out on the main floor. It has once again become popular.”

The news agency and music store were separated again after Hildebrand took over the business in 1999.

Adjacent to the music store is the news agency full of written work, and it’s only opened upon request.

Hildebrand, who enjoys all kinds of music from classical to the Scissor Sisters, retired from academics to take over the music store and news agency. He said his main interest is with the news agency and intellectual property archives, which is where his background is.

With a rich history, there are many innovations Rinehart’s has brought to Kirksville. The music and video store was the first store in Kirksville to do online sales and was the first to do video rental in the area. Rinehart’s is now the only business in Kirksville that buys, sells and trades.

Rinehart’s pulls in many people because of its large inventory, Hildebrand

“If this store was not here, there would be nothing here like it,” Karl Hildebrand, Rinehart’s owner

said. Only 30% of the building is open to the public because a large part of Rinehart’s inventory is “unique items,” meaning there is only one of them and they are not available by a wholesaler. Hildebrand said these items are often old and difficult to find, but he works to make sure they stay in collectable condition.

“If you can buy it at Walmart or a big box store, we don’t want to have it in our store,” Hildebrand said. “There’s no reason for you to come here and get it from us.”

This storage of collectables includes about 100,000 comic books, over 100,000 books, tens of thousands of magazines and more. These items are in archival storage because they shouldn’t be handled often or exposed to too much light and pollutants.

Rinehart’s no longer carries new video games, CDs or DVDs because of the cost of market shifts. When Hastings Entertainment was in Kirksville, customers chose that over Rinehart’s, costing the music store about $10,000 per month. Hildebrand said he sold the rest of that new inventory and decided to focus on secondary merchandise instead.

“I am never going to reinvest $50,000 to $100,000 to carry new [items], just so the next time a box store comes in and survives a year … and watch the traffic pattern go to the new place and be stuck with inventory,” Hildebrand said.

See RINEHART’S page 8

Rinehart’s customers can browse through a broad array of options. The store’s selection includes vintage records, CDs, DVDs and video games. Photos by Ryan Pivoney

VOLUME 111

ISSUE 12

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The Index

8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Student Activities Board prepares for Josh Peck appearance ERICA LINDSAY Features & Opinions Editor Actor and social media sensation Josh Peck will be hosted by Truman State University’s Student Activities Board on Friday, Jan. 25. The event has easily garnered wide support from the actor’s fandom across campus, but the process behind acquiring such a well-known figure was much more meticulous.

Because SAB events exceeding a $20,000 budget threshold require indication of approval from a representative student sample, multiple forms of research were prepared and implemented prior to the announcement.

“We did a couple different meth-

ods of surveying the student body to see what students would like based on what fits in our price range,” senior event coordinator Maria Zak explained. “Based on that, we take all the student data into account, present the student data to the board, and then students on SAB make decisions based on our finances.”

Junior event supervisor Madeline Hinsley further described the collection of student data by stating that there was both an Instagram quick response survey as well as a more extensive survey for students to voice what they wanted to see.

Zak and Hinsley said that this system of student input is fairly standard for obtaining higher profile stars. In

TOP {5}

WAYS ITEMS FORTO YOURBEAT THE WINTER DORM ROOM YOU MIGHT BLUES HAVE FORGOTTEN

By Erica Lindsay, cool jazz player

By Staff Writer Travis Maiden

1. Stay active

1. First Aid Kit

I know it’s difficult during these frigid months, but physical movement method to An emergency can springisupa atproven any place improve your mood.

The best part is and any time. Be it burns from cooking orthat this doesn’t mean you have to run in subzero temcuts from or aneven accident, a first kit with peratures hit the gymaid every day.the Try an proper workout gear can video, be the diff erence between a or online stretch when you can dance in your living because when tryclean recovery and aroom nasty— infection. ing to lift spirits, the goofier the better.

addition to student interest, however, coordinators must also attract the eagerness of the personality themself — which, in Kirksville, can be a difficult feat. That is where agents, and an openminded celebrity, come into play.

“We do our own groundwork,” Zak said. “We work on what we’d like to see on campus, because we’re students too, and then we talk to our agents on what would be feasible. In the case of Josh Peck, he’s very enthusiastic to go to college campuses, so a lot of times it’s ideal and we get artists that really enjoy coming to college campuses.

They’re also getting compensated, so that helps too.”

The event will feature Josh Peck’s endeavors and successes through dis-

cussion with both a host and members of the audience. Though there will be no photo or video allowed at the venue, students will have the opportunity to speak with Peck directly.

“We obviously don’t know everything until he gets here and it happens, but it’ll be a moderated question and answer session,” Zak elaborated. “So it’ll be a back and forth for about 45 minutes, and then we’re gonna introduce student questions after for him to answer.”

Tickets are free and going fast, but if still available, will be granted for general admission. These can be obtained in the SUB down under through Thursday and the event will be held at 7 p.m. in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

3. Drink hot beverages

3. Shower Sandals

Yes, coffee and tea are delicious and make us more productive, but are did especially you knowimportant they also contain antiShower sandals oxidants that can actually make you happier?

Whether for community bathrooms. Protecting your strong or decaffeinated, I love a rich dark roast to stimfeet from various can beunmotivated. found in Plus, the ulate bright ideasfungi whenthat feeling leftover showerserves wateras is essential to staying cold weather an appropriate excuse to keep clean and healthy. chugging these warm elixirs.

4.

Reach 4. Spare Lightout to friends

Some days are tougher than others, but any day is a Late atday night if you want see Call in your dorm,back you must good to contact yourtopals. buddies home, meet upthe with classmates to study or set a coffee turn on bright overhead light with noup way to dimdate it. with an old friend.

Companionship is a great vehicle Having a soft light lamp can help the eyes focus and to dig both yourself and your peers out of the dumps. keep the mind clear while studying. Using a singular, While coordinating plans can benefit your own social beamingit will lightlikely will only cause headaches a studentend health, be appreciated on theifreceiving needs as well.to wake up in the middle of the night and could

potentially bother a roommate.

2.

Get creative 2. Cleaning Supplies

Is there a hobby you’ve been meaning to get With the nearestyou Walmart being across town you into?

Maybe remember something from campus, students to have liked to do a while agoshould but gotprepare too busy to find time for. products Either way, an exciting andtowels, enjoyable cleaning on hand like paper outlet crucial forand amping your attitude laundryisdetergent soap for those stickyamid winter boredom.

accidents. From food spills to nail polish, there is absolutely no mess you shouldn’t prepared for.

5.

Chill out 5. Snacks

Take this time of discomfort to rejuvenate and reflect.

The only creatures stir at 3 a.m. are grasshoppers, Seasonal gloom isthat worsened by stress, so distracting owls and by Truman Statebusy University students. few Inyourself staying will only work With so long. stead, devoting energy toward of thetoabove placesafter to visit for a late-night treat, it’ssome wonderful have recommendations, celebrate your exertion.

Treat youran emergency stockpile for when the slight peckish self to aonpassive activity like or watching feeling the tongue turns intoreading a ravenous hunger. your favorite movie, or simply do nothing. Your refreshed state of mind will thank you.

RINEHART’S| Local entertainment store remains open for 159 years Continued from page 7 Rinehart’s gets a lot of its inventory from estate sales, among other places. The music store also donates a lot of the items it can’t sell to local libraries and charities.

Hildebrand said Rinehart’s likely has about $6 million in inventory as of right now.

Hildebrand has criteria for what he buys to sell in the store. Items must be in good condition, not a duplicate of something already in the store, somehow media related, and have a “cool” factor. This can include movies, comic books, music and pop culture collectables.

Hildebrand said Rinehart’s will always change with the times, but sometimes those changes can take months to years to roll out. He said the store is largely influenced by its owners interests and the market demand.

“The music store is still here because I’m still here,” Hildebrand said. “We’re just not going to close it.”

Hildebrand said less than 10% of the walk-through

traffic is people associated with Truman or A.T. Still, around 15% is Kirksville residents, 10% is visitors and the remaining 65% comes from people within a 40-50 mile radius of the city. Before the 1970s there would be lines around the block to get the Sunday paper, Hildebrand said, but now students are more interested in online shopping or going home to shop.

As a longstanding business owner in Kirksville, Hildebrand said he has seen the city change in numerous ways. One change he said he has noticed is the rising cost of operating a business in Kirksville, making it more difficult for new business owners to start and survive.

As for the future, Hildebrand said he thinks Rinehart’s will be in the same place and adapting to new media while still holding on to its roots.

“We never get rid of anything,” Hildebrand said. “We may sell out of it, but we never get rid of it and we’re always adding on top of that.”

The store’s resolution is displayed among several antique items. The document represents its distinction from the Missouri General Assembly for its support of Truman State University, A.T. Still University and the Kirksville community. Photos

by Ryan Pivoney

Hildebrand’s cat often wanders the counter to Owner Karl Hildebrand stands with his extensive collection of inventory. Hildebrand has specific standards for greet customers. Victoria, a calico, is one of the what items are purchased and sold. store’s many fascinations.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

The Index

9

“1917” is both innovative and conventional This movie gets 4/5 rats.

GORDON MCPHERSON Staff Writer Sam Mendes’ thrilling, edge-of-yourseat wartime epic “1917” demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

While the film doesn’t break new ground thematically, its simulated single-shot approach illustrates the deeply immersive qualities of film.

The year is 1917 in northern France.

Young British soldiers Lance Corporal Blake and Lance Corporal Schofield — played by Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay, respectively — are tasked with delivering a message to British forces on the Western Front. Loads of German soldiers and artillery are lying in wait, unbeknownst to the commanders of the Second Battalion. According to General Erinmore, dryly played by Colin Firth, nearly 1,600 soldiers’ lives are at risk, including Blake’s older brother.

Unfortunately, the phone lines have been cut. Blake and Schofield must journey across no man’s land and bombed-out French villages to reach the Second Battalion, experiencing the horrors of World War I along the way.

While this plot alone provides the ingredients for a race against the clock drama à la Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk,” the innovative cinematography solidifies “1917” as a step forward for dramatic cinema.

Mendes’ decision to make the film appear as a one-shot — helmed by none

other than Roger Deakins of “No Coun- any means — except for a jaw-droptry for Old Men” and “Blade Runner pingly gorgeous nighttime sequence il2049” fame — creates the illusion that luminated by flares and a burning church viewers are actually experiencing this — the surprisingly intimate, focused apurgent mission along with the two leads. proach creates beautifully orchestrated The logistics behind the film are suspense. mind-bogglingly obsessive. Every line The claustrophobia and dread are palof dialogue and camera movement was pable, as viewers only see what Blake timed and rehearsed to a tee by the ac- and Schofield see at any given moment. tors and crew. Nearly a mile of trenches One sequence in a German bunker inwas constructed. Weather patterns were volving pesky rats and trip wires, for monitored for moment-to-moment con- example, is admirable for how it holds tinuity. Camera operators followed the viewers in a disorienting, vice-like grip actors by foot, motorcycle and drone. A not unlike the central characters. new type of portable camera was even This sequence, along with several created, designed to smoothly rotate 360 others which show the staggering loss degrees around the acof life associated with tors. Sounds like somewar, has been seared thing a Truman student While the film doesn’t into my memory. Exwould create. cept for a few gran The camera remains break new ground the- diose set pieces near locked on Blake and matically, its simulated the film’s conclusion, Schofield from start to “1917” depicts the finish, in constant for- single-shot approach il- aftermath of battles ward momentum. These lustrates the deeply im- more so than the characters can’t rest unbattles themselves. til their task is complete, mersive qualities of film At times, Blake and and neither can viewers. seem like Gordon McPherson, Schofield Moments of conversayouthful souls overtion, song and respite Staff Writer looking a foreign are fleeting and weighed planet of apocalypdown by the desperate tic violence and denature of their mission, but they remain struction — symbolic of the tragedy moments to cherish nevertheless. of war itself.

On top of all this, Deakins’ knack for The two leads — MacKay especially inventive shot compositions is on full — give believable performances. “1917” display. While the film isn’t “pretty” by doesn’t spend much time on Blake

and Schofield’s backstories, however, trusting that the immediate situation is enough to warrant compassion and sympathy from viewers.

Despite the technical brilliance and acting on display, “1917” remains a thoroughly Hollywoodized product, containing plot clichés of sacrifice and dehumanization that are conventional in comparison to the film’s cinematic presentation.

The casting of big-name actors like Firth, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott and Benedict Cumberbatch also robs certain scenes of emotional impact.

Much like “Bombshell” — a different kind of war film entirely — the casting of these easily recognizable actors distracts from the events at hand. Combined with occasionally comical dialogue, their scenes felt like missed opportunities.

Lastly, Thomas Newman’s score works well to amplify a few sequences, but remains heavy-handed throughout.

During climactic moments, it essentially tells viewers how to feel. A couple sequences feel ripped straight out of a video game, such as the propulsive score signifying a particular character’s plot armor and seemingly superhuman ability to withstand pain.

Despite the film’s flaws, “1917” remains an intense experience worth watching for Mendes’ undeniably impressive — and likely Oscar-winning — vision of World War I.

Mr. Thompson’s Smile ALLISON MASCHHOFF Staff Writer When I was six, my great grandma lived in an assisted living home called Oasis Retirement. She had a room on the second floor. It was just big enough for a queen-size bed, a dresser and a chair for guests with an attached bathroom. Great Grandma was always saying she felt claustrophobic in that room. (I asked my mom what it meant. She told me it’s the feeling that a place is too small.) I wasn’t sure how anyone could think a bedroom with a bathroom attached was too small. I had to walk out of my room and down the hall to get to the bathroom I used at home. Plus, I had to share it with my sister, Tammy. Both of us being in that tiny bathroom together seemed like a much better example of feeling claustrophobic to me.

When we visited Great Grandma, she always insisted we stay for lunch or dinner, whichever was next. She always said, “It won’t be great — these cooks aren’t what I used to be — but it’s food and it’s my treat.” Dad always made sure she was distracted when he slipped $30 to one of the waiters to cover our meals.

If there was ever anyone in that dining room less pleased than Great Grandma with the food, it was Mr. Thompson. He didn’t like anything about Oasis Retirement. When I asked Mom why, she asked me, “Do you remember the months your dad and I and your aunts and uncles spent convincing Great Grandma to move here?”

I nodded.

“Well,” she said, “Mr. Thompson’s children simply sold his house and told him he had a week to pack everything that he planned on taking with him.”

I frowned. “I guess nobody would like that, not even if their new bedroom had a bathroom attached.”

Mom agreed.

Mr. Thompson complained about everything to everyone. The chicken was dry. The water was too cold. The silverware wasn’t clean enough. Most of the complaints I heard were about food since I only ever saw him in the dining room. He was grouchy toward the waitresses and he was grouchy toward the other residents. Great Grandma always tsked whenever we walked into the dining room to see him sitting at one of the tables. She was not the type to join in with Mr. Thompson’s complaining, not that he ever let any of the other residents carry on a conversation with him. Instead, she just complained quietly about how he complained so loudly.

Mr. Thompson didn’t speak to anyone unless it was absolutely necessary.

Except, of course, to me. For whatever reason, Mr. Thompson’s frown lessened slightly whenever he saw me. Every time I saw him, he’d raise his hand and gesture for me to come over and say hello.

“Hello, Little Roth Girl,” he’d greet me. He didn’t seem to care what my real name was. No matter how many times I reminded him that I was Hannah Roth, not Little Roth Girl, he never changed his greeting.

“Hello, Mr. Thompson,” I’d say.

Before telling me to shoo back to my

parents, he’d give me whatever tidbit of information was on his mind that particular day. Once, he told me that the sky was really another ocean. Another time, he assured me that butterflies have eyes on their wings. “That’s why they die if you touch them,” he said. “You’ve just smashed their eyeballs.” The next time, he told me Earth was flat. When I was six and even seven, I believed a lot of what he said. Now that I’m eight, I only believe a little bit.

Mr. Thompson died seven months ago. Great Grandma said the cooks had probably poisoned his food to get him to stop complaining. Mom said he actually died of a disease inside his brain. It was a big long word that I don’t remember.

(I only remembered claustrophobic because I say it to myself every time I’m in the bathroom with Tammy.) We went to Mr. Thompson’s funeral. There were other kids there who Dad said were Mr. Thompson’s grandchildren. I wondered whether they had believed all the things he’d said and whether he’d only said them to me. A line of people walked through to look into a box Mom and Dad said I couldn’t look in. It seemed to have something sad inside it, so I didn’t mind not being allowed to look. We all had to sit down so the pastor could tell us about how he knows we all loved Mr. Thompson, but now he’s in heaven, which is better than here.

Remember how Mr. Thompson said the sky is another ocean? It sort of makes sense. They both change colors based on their moods and what time it is. One hold boats, another holds airplanes. One holds fish, another holds birds. Or maybe

there are fish up in the sky/ocean, too, but we’re too far away to see them. Like when you stand on the beach and can’t see any fish even though you know they must be there.

I remembered the time Mr. Thompson told me the stars aren’t stars at all. He said Earth is inside a big box and what everyone calls stars are actually holes in the top of the box so we can breathe. I asked him how the sky/ocean stays full if there are holes right above it. He told me that’s what gravity’s for.

After the service, I asked Mom where heaven is. She said it’s “up.” My jaw dropped and my eyes grew wide.

“You mean Mr. Thompson is in the sky/ocean?”

Mom looked confused. I turned to Dad. I knew he knew about the sky/ ocean. I guess Mom had forgotten.

Dad thought for a moment. “If he were in the sky/ocean, he’d still be inside the box, right?”

I nodded.

“Heaven is like being taken outside of the box. It’s even above the stars.”

Outside of the box. That sounded like something Mr. Thompson would like.

The pastor said heaven is a nice place. I remembered Dad telling Great Grandma the assisted living home was a nice place.

She always responded by pushing her lips together and out like a fish. I don’t think Mr. Thompson ever thought the assisted living was a nice place either.

“Do you think Mr. Thompson smiles now?” I asked Mom as she tucked me into bed.

She kissed my forehead. “I think he does.”

The Index

10

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

In Perspective...

Narratives from the campus community What is your favorite memory at Truman?

CAROLINE LESCH, senior

ROBERT MYERS, senior

“That’s hard. There are so many good ones.

I don’t know if this is a specific memory, but freshman year meeting all the people who I consider now to be very close friends of mine and then watching those relationships grow into friendships or just really close relationships that I care about a lot.

And a lot of kids who were in my freshman classes, or who I lived with in the dorms that I now consider to be my best friends.

That’s pretty cool. So yeah, meeting new people and meeting lots of different people who I knew in high school and just watching those relationships grow.”

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“My favorite memory at Truman is when I studied abroad in Mexico. It was a Truman program so it was led by a Truman professor, Matthew Tornatore, and then eight students. It was practically being in heaven the entire time because we were there during the winter interim, so while everyone was here suffering, it was about 85/95 degrees and sunny. We were all over the Yucatán jungle, exploring downtown and hanging out at the beach. And we learned Spanish and stuff.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

The Index

UPCOMING EVENTS

BASKETBALL

SWIMMING

MEN’S

MEN’S, WOMEN’S

At University of Southern Indiana at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 At McKendree University at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 Vs. Rockhurst University at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

WOMEN’S At University of Southern Indiana at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 At McKendree University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 Vs. Rockhurst University at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

11

Vs. Saint Louis University at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 At Western Illinois University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

TRACK AND FIELD MEN’S, WOMEN’S At Snow Bird Invitational at Illinois College on Saturday, Jan. 25

Truman athletic programs must find ways to make money ZACH WEINMAN Contributing Writer Athletic funding at Truman State University is acquired and used in a variety of ways. With recent programs being cut, athletic programs and the University are challenged with funding throughout the year.

Truman has 16 athletic programs that require funding, some of which come from the University. Truman has to divide its small income of funding between many different programs which is difficult for the University. State budget cuts from 2018 resulted in many higher-education institutions being forced to come up with ways to decrease their spending.

Dave Rector, vice president for administration, finance and planning, said the athletics department has many different ways of getting funding for each program.

“The largest source of funding for Div. II schools like Truman is institutional funds, which means our state appropriations and student tuition.”

Rector went on to talk about the $58 per semester athletic fee Truman charges each student. In the past, the student athletic fee has funded projects on campus such as the new turf on the football field and new scoreboards. Unlike bigger Div. I schools, Truman does not receive much income for ath-

letics from ticket sales for admission into events because Truman allows students, faculty and staff to receive free admission into games.

Sports programs are also encouraged to fundraise for their team specifically. Many programs rely on camps, fundraisers and donations to use for team spending.

Ginny Schranck, the women’s swim team captain, said fundraising is a major source of spending money for the team.

“Fundraising is important to the swim team because it is how we afford to do extra things throughout the season,” Schranck said. “This year we took a trip to Colorado Springs, which would not have been possible without our annual fundraiser. The fundraiser is your typical dinner with auctions and games, with most of the attendees being parents of the athletes. The team helps with all aspects of the event and it is always a success.”

When compared to Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology and Drury University — three other Div. II schools — Truman has the highest number of athletes, but the least amount of expenses and revenue spent on them, according to the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. The EADA also shows that of the four schools,

https://trumanbulldogs.com/images/2019/10/15/ COLUMN| The MLB potter.jpg?width=80 https://trumanbulldogs.com/ should loosen the reigns images/2019/10/15/potter.jpg?width=80 https:// trumanbulldogs.com/images/2019/10/15/potter. jpg?width=300 https://trumanbulldogs.com/imTruman ranks last in coaching ages/2019/10/15/potter.jpg?width=300 staff salaries, student aid, recruiting expenses, total expenses and total revenue.

However, men’s basketball, for example, has the opportunity to gain funding in ways that some other sports do not. Truman receives offers from Div. I schools to play in exchange for money.

Former men’s basketball player T.J. Schilling said that funding helps the team out in aspects that might help Truman in the future.

“Funding allows our team to gain equipment and gear for players,” Schilling said. “The players receive necessary technology advancements which can help the program in recruiting future players that will help the team succeed.”

Truman also gains funding from private donations to the Bulldog Student Investment Fund. According to Truman’s website, the Bulldog Fund directly helps athletic programs with success both on the field and in the classroom.

Donations to the Bulldog Fund help gifted students enjoy all of the excitement of competing at the Div. II level while allowing them to earn their education.

A private donation to the Bulldog Fund will help support studentathlete scholarships, facility improvements and retain top-caliber students, coaches and staff.

Above: Stokes Stadium is one of Truman’s most recent athletic renovations costing about $4.8 million.

Left: Truman’s new video board displayed in Pershing Arena.

The video board was installed in November of 2019. Photos

by Zach Weinman

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CHASE POTTER Sports Editor Earlier this week the 2020 class that will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, was announced, and yet again the familiar names of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were excluded from the prestigious club.

Clemens and Bonds are just two of the largest names associated with baseball’s grudge against former superstars that have disgraced the good name of Major League Baseball.

To familiarize you with the MLB’s nomination process, each player is granted 10 years to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Within those 10 years a player must receive 75% of the possible votes to qualify for the Hall of Fame. If a player goes all 10 years without qualifying then they are no longer considered for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Following the 2020 results Bonds and Clemens both have two years, or two more rounds of voting, to qualify for the Hall of Fame. Each of these baseball legends has received about 60% of the votes for the past two years with no sign of growth, leaving little hope that either will be forever be enshrined in Cooperstown.

If you were a baseball fan in the 1980s, 1990s or early 2000s, then you’re familiar with both of these athletes. Clemens was one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers for over 20 years, and his counterpart was maybe the most exciting baseball player to ever step up to the plate. When Clemens was on the mound or Bonds stepped up to the plate people turned their heads, woke up their kids and changed the channel to make sure they didn’t miss a moment of baseball’s most prolific stars. Similar to when Stephen Curry pulls up from three-point range or when Tiger Woods approaches a game winning shot, the world went silent and watched in awe as these men did what seemingly no other human could do.

I only bring up the gravity of these two athletes because it is not only important in their respective careers, but in baseball history. Each of these men defined one of baseball’s most important eras and to erase them from the history of baseball would be a true detriment to the legacy of the sport.

I understand that neither of these men competed fairly.

I understand that it is unfair to the athletes that competed legally during these years. I don’t think it matters.

By leaving both of these athletes out of the Hall of Fame, it is effectively saying that each of these athletes legacies don’t deserve to be honored for what they meant to baseball. I believe that even without the astonishing numbers and records that these men retired with, the impact they had on America’s game is deserving of a Hall of Fame induction. It is impossible to forget Clemens striking out entire line ups game after game or when Bonds was intentionally walked in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded. Whether or not these moments were tainted they are undoubtedly some of the best moments in baseball history, and deserve to be mentioned when the story of baseball is told.

The Index

12

SEASON STATS MEN’S BASKETBALL OVERALL

CONFERENCE

11 - 5

7-1

HOME

AWAY

6-0 4-3

NEUTRAL

1-2

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OVERALL

CONFERENCE

11 - 4

7-1

HOME

AWAY

5-2 3-1

NEUTRAL

3-1

MEN’S SWIMMING OVERALL

3-6

SCORES

72,80,128,56,98,112,222,122,172

WOMEN’S SWIMMING OVERALL

7-1

SCORES 115, 179, 50, 146, 121, 109, 258, 237, 126

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Club lacrosse gears up for spring season ERICA SCHAMEL Contributing Writer Truman State University’s women’s club lacrosse team competes in the Central Plains Women’s Lacrosse League against schools such as the University of Missouri, the University of Arkansas and the University of Kansas.

The club is funded through the team’s own personal fundraising and by the Funds Allotment Council and is advised by nursing professor Pam Melvin, co-captain Katelynn Wilson said.

The team had a mac-n-cheese delivery fundraiser before Thanksgiving break and raised over $100, Wilson said. Wilson said the money will go toward lacrosse equipment, such as jerseys, uniforms and goalie gear.

The season will end before Easter, but even though it’s a spring sport, they held fall practices and team bonding activities, Wilson said.

Wilson said the club has been active since the ’90s and has continued to be a struggling club each year.

She said when she joined the club, she and senior co-captain Whitney Ebert were the only freshmen on the team.

“Our sophomore year when everyone graduated it was just us two, so we kind of had to build the club back from the ground up,” Wilson said.

Ebert said she thinks the club struggles because it’s not a very popular sport played in the Midwest and a lot of Truman students don’t know the sport is an option. She said she didn’t even know exactly what lacrosse was until she went to the Activities Fair her freshman year.

Ebert and Wilson did a lot of advertising their sophomore year, including word of mouth and tabling for the club.

Now the team has about 30 members. Despite the losses, the team’s main objective is to have fun and teach those who have never played lacrosse before, Wilson said.

Sophomore Tori Strege said she heard about the club at the Activities Fair and joined because she wanted an easy and laid back way to continue playing the game after high school.

Wilson and Ebert run the practices in the Blue Room at the Student Recreation Center and begin their practices with cradling, catching and throwing, followed by passing drills and ending with a scrimmage.

Ebert said the team is welcoming to new players and laid back when it comes to practices and games. She also said the team always tries to encourage people to join, even if it’s just to try something new because over half the team has no prior experience with lacrosse.

“We have a couple of plays and specific things, but sometimes it’s hard to do that because a lot of our girls are new, so we’re just trying to get the basics done first before,” Wilson said. “So if we do have plays it’s only a few and it’s only with the girls who know how to play lacrosse.”

Since Wilson is graduating, she said she will probably pass off her position as co-captain to someone who knows lacrosse and has a background in the sport before joining the club so they can promote it and help teach the newcomers how to play.

She might even give the new co-captains a set plan so the club doesn’t go under after her and Ebert leave, Wilson said.

Wilson said the goals this season are to get as many girls as possible on the team, have fun and maybe win a couple games.

Men’s basketball rolls through break Bulldogs win six of eight games over break, including five in a row JACK WILLIE Staff Writer Men’s basketball had a strong winter break despite a tough road schedule.

During the winter interim, the Truman State University men’s basketball team was able to win six of its eight games, pushing their record to 11-5 overall and 7-1 in the GLVC, good enough for third place.

The Bulldogs began their break with their toughest opponent of the year in Maryville, Missouri, with the second ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats. Two weeks prior, the Bearcats lost their first game in over two years at the hands of the University of Central Missouri Mules. Truman struggled to convert on its opportunities, making only 29.6% of their three pointers and allowing 22 points off turnovers. The Bearcats took down the Bulldogs 81-66 behind their hot 50.8% shooting percentage.

Truman finished the road trip by splitting the next two games with the William Jewell College Cardinals and the Rockhurst University Hawks. The ’Dogs had a great shooting night against the Cardinals, going 27 of 55 from the field and nailing 16 of their 18 free throws. After outscoring the Cardinals by 16 in the second half, Truman won by a score of 78-63.

The Bulldogs unfortunately were not able to keep their hot shooting going into the next game in Kansas City at Rockhurst University. Truman turned the ball over 19 times and only shot 50% from the free throw line in a close 56-53 loss to the Hawks.

“Nobody could put the ball in the basket,” guard Hunter Strait said after the loss. “We played great defense, made things hard on them all night and had a chance to win at the buzzer, but sometimes shots just don’t fall.”

The ’Dogs returned home after going 1-2 on the road trip and began a four-game homestand with a gaudy win

against the Miners of Missouri University of Science and Technology. Three Bulldogs scored at least 17 points, putting on a show on the offensive end. Defensively, the Bulldogs kept the Miners to just 33.9% shooting from the field and 31% shooting from three point range. Truman went on to win 86-60, holding the Miners to their second lowest point total of the season.

The Bulldogs hosted the Maryville University Saints in their next game and had another strong defense. Maryville shot 35.1% from the field and a measly 12.5% from three point range. Truman didn’t need to do much offensively thanks to its play on the other end, and won the game handily 65-48. This loss kept the Saints winless in conference, leaving their record at 0-5.

The Prairie Stars from the University of IllinoisSpringfield were the next team to face off against Truman in Pershing Arena. The Bulldogs won the turnover battle, only giving it away eight times compared to the Prairie Stars’ 14. Straight led the way on the offensive end with 19 points, splashing five of his nine attempts behind the three point line on the way to the Bulldogs 74-61 victory.

Truman looked to close the homestand strong with a win against Lewis University. The Bulldogs outscored the Flyers by 19 in the first half while the Flyers only shot 25.9% from the field. Offensively, the ’Dogs kept the ball moving as they had 21 assists and four players scored in double figures. Truman blew out the Flyers 85-58, ending the homestand 4-0 and preserving its perfect home record of 6-0.

The Bulldogs started the next road trip at Quincy University to take on the Hawks for the second time this year.

Brodric Thomas and Cade McKnight led offensively.

Thomas scored 28 on 10-16 shooting while McKnight had 27 points and made 13 of his 18 attempts. Truman’s 84-70 win pushed their conference record to 7-1 on the year and 11-5 overall.

The Bulldogs finished the break on a hot streak, win-

ning their last five games by at least 13 points.

“We’re playing great basketball right now,” Strait said.

“Our focus is on keeping our energy and motivation high through the hardest part of our schedule so when the end of the season does come we’re ready for anything that the postseason might throw at us.”

The Bulldogs will try to keep the streak alive when they take the court Jan. 25 in Evansville, Indiana, at the University of Southern Indiana.

Brodric Thomas rises to the rim to score an early bucket against Quincy. Thomas led all scorers with 28 points in their second meeting. Photo by Kara Mackenzie

The Index

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

13

ATHLETE of the week

Bobby Campbell has broken his own school record in the weight throw for the Truman State University men’s track team. This time Campbell pushed his record to 17.90 meters or 58’ 8.75” during the Dutch Athletic Classic at Central College in Pella, Iowa, on Saturday, Jan. 18. Campbell won the weight throw, his second victory of the young season, and now owns the best throw in the GLVC this year. Campbell’s record-setting throw helped the Bulldogs capture a fourth place finish out of 11 teams at their first meet of 2020.

Bobby Campbell

Women’s basketball heats up over winter break CHASE POTTER Sports Editor

Women’s basketball team heats up over a cold winter break, winning six of eight games.

The women’s basketball team has been rolling since the fall semester ended in mid December. Going into the break the Bulldogs boasted a 5-2 record and were 1-0 in GLVC play.

The ’Dogs first game over break came on the road against the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Cougars entered the game on a two-game losing streak but were still ranked No. 18 in Div. II coming into the matchup. Despite shooting over 50% from the three point line and a strong 20-point performance by guard Hannah Belanger, the Bulldogs were unable to slow the Cougars’ powerful offense and eventually lost the game 79-62. This game marked the Bulldogs final non-conference matchup before their grueling 19-game conference schedule began.

The first two of the team’s conference games came on the road in Kansas City against the Cardinals of William Jewell College followed by a matchup against the Hawks of Rockhurst University. After losing their third game of the season, the Bulldogs were eager to prove they still belonged at the top of the GLVC and wasted no time on their trip to Kansas City.

The Bulldogs jumped on William Jewell early, going up 10 after the first quarter, and led the game from start to finish. This dominating win was followed by another matchup in Kansas City later that weekend against Rockhurst University, but for their second game of the trip the team would have to operate without starting

center Katie Jaseckas, who was unable to play because of illness. Jaseckas’ absence proved to be no problem for the Bulldogs, however, as they plucked the Hawks and continued their winning ways by a score of 91-70.

With the teams two highest scoring games coming in the same weekend there was no doubt the Bulldog’s were finding their stride on offense. Early in the season head coach Theo Dean said that the team wanted to increase its pace of play and look to push the ball forward in transition.

“We play fast, but we want to play faster,” Dean said. “Every time we get the ball we’re looking to push. That’s the way we play and I think it really does make the game more fun. It’s more fun to play and it makes it more fun to watch.”

Following their road sweep the Bulldogs returned home to Pershing Arena for a four-game stretch. After burying the Miners of the Missouri University of Science and Technology in their first home game, the Bulldogs found themselves in a dog fight with the Saints of Maryville University. After more than three quarters of the two teams trading blows like prized fighters, Truman was down one point with under three seconds remaining. Dean called a timeout and drew up the potential game winning play for the Bulldogs. After the timeout, guard Sloane Totta inbounded the ball and threw an alley-oop to the rim for forward Maddie Re who finished the layup and gave Truman a one-point lead with less than a second on the clock. After the Saints missed the potential game winning shot, the Bulldogs celebrated their fourth straight conference win by a score of 78-77.

The following week the Bulldogs were back in action at home on Thursday, Jan.

Nicole Dorn drives past her defender. Dorn leads the team in free throw percentage this season.

Maddie Re contests a layup at the rim. Re has started every game this season for the Bulldogs. Photos by Kara Mackenzie 16 against the University of IllinoisSpringfield. The surging ’Dogs continued their dominant ways, and rattled off their fifth straight win with the help of guard Hannah Belanger’s career high 29 points, which included five three-point field goals.

In the second game of their weekend series Truman finally met its match in the Flyers of Lewis University. Both teams entered the game undefeated in the GLVC, fighting for one of the top two spots next to No. 1 ranked Drury University. The Bulldogs battled through the first half and found themselves up seven at the break, but a slow third quarter halted Truman’s momentum. After getting outscored 24-8 in the third the ’Dogs had to climb their way out of a nine point deficit to give guard Katey Klucking a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but the sophomore’s three pointer fell just short as the horn sounded. The Bulldogs dropped their first conference game of the season by a score of 80-79.

Following the disappointing loss the Bulldogs faced a quick turnaround with another conference game against Quincy University just two days later on Monday, Jan. 20, in Quincy, Illinois. Truman defeated Quincy earlier this season by 20 points at home, but the battle tested Hawks would not be put away so easily this time around. The Bulldogs struggled to put the ball in the basket on the road, shooting just 38% from the field and 26% from beyond the three-point line for the game. This forced the Bulldogs to rely on their defense to down their conference rival, allowing just 57 points total and no more than 16 in a single quarter.

This team has proven to be another powerful force in the GLVC, similar to last season, but Re believes that this sea-

son’s team can not only follow in the footsteps of the record-setting teams that have shared their locker room, but can take the next step towards a championship, too.

“To improve on our great season from last year and to take that next step our returners just have to do a great job of leading our new kids, and holding them and each other to high expectations,” Re said.

“Our recent alumni have done a great job instilling Truman’s tradition in us, and now that’s on us to keep it going.”

Following their 64-57 road victory, the Bulldogs now sit at 11-4 overall and 7-1 in the GLVC. Now more than halfway through their schedule, the team has solidified themselves as one of the top contenders in the GLVC and a legitimate threat to make the NCAA tournament.

Katey Klucking scores over two defenders. Klucking is the team’s third leading scorer this season, and leads the team in three point attempts.

14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

BULLDOG BEATS THE ODDS “He has a very humble heart, but he’s a killer. When it comes down to it, he’ll beat you by 30 and not feel bad and not ask if you’re okay.”

Austin McBeth, assistant men’s basketball coach ELISABETH SHIRK Managing Editor Most athletes wouldn’t cite a torn ligament as one of the best things to happen in their career, but senior Brodric Thomas is an exception.

Today Thomas is considered one of the best college basketball players in Truman State University history and its division with a college career total of 1,170 points and a two-time first team all-GLVC title, but none of his success could have been predicted when former head coach Chris Foster took a chance on the skinny kid from West Chicago’s Bolingbrook High School.

“I was six foot, a hundred and sixty pounds dripping wet, so this was probably my best offer coming out of high school and this was the best opportunity for me,” Thomas said.

The relationship he built with Foster made his decision to come to Truman easier, Thomas explained.

Excited to start playing at Truman, Thomas hoped he would get some minutes his freshman year, but a torn ligament in his hip forced him to redshirt for the season and brought those early aspirations to a halt.

Looking back, though, Thomas does not linger on the negativity of that experience. While he still considers himself quite the impatient person, he said the setback taught him a huge lesson in patience.

“I had a growth spurt and just transitioned and made my game develop to a level that I didn’t think might have been possible back then,” Thomas said.

Although the growth spurt was a bonus, Thomas pointed out that improving the mental aspect of his game during that time was, perhaps, the number one thing that helped him continue his career.

Thomas said his involvement with basketball began when he was born into a family of athletes and sports enthusiasts.

“I remember this one picture in our family photo album of me in diapers with a Little Tikes basketball running around with that,” Thomas chuckled. “So as early as I can remember I had a ball in my hand. It just runs in the family so I just fell in love with it right away.”

Thomas said he has always had support from everyone close to him, especially his mom, dad and sister.

He said his mom travels five hours sometimes for games, even if the weather is bad.

“Just them trying to be there for me and giving me words of encouragement, it’s just the satisfaction I need and drives me to keep going,” Thomas said.

Assistant coach Austin McBeth said Thomas struggled academically during his first year at Truman and, after becoming ineligible to play basketball, transferred to a junior college for a year to improve his grades.

During his time at junior college, McBeth included, Thomas’s basketball team won its national championship and Thomas became, arguably, one of the best players in Div. II. What really made an impression on McBeth was that Thomas decided to come back to Truman after receiving multiple offers to play for mid-major and highmajor Div. I basketball programs.

McBeth said Thomas chose to honor Truman’s program and Foster’s decision to take a chance on him.

“It seems so selfless,” McBeth said. “It seems so honorable and it was something that, if I were in the same position, I don’t know if I would have done that.”

It was that display of character that McBeth said made Thomas stand out to him as not just a quality player, but an upstanding person, as well.

McBeth said Thomas has a good balance of humility and confidence that pushes him to win, no matter what he has to do.

“He has a very humble heart, but he’s a killer,” McBeth explained. “When it comes down to it, he’ll beat you by 30 and not feel bad and not ask if you’re okay.”

While he is serious when he needs to be, McBeth said the moment the ball stops bouncing, Thomas is goofy, often cracking jokes or dancing.

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Sophomore Hunter Strait, Thomas’ teammate and roommate, said making people laugh is just one of the things he and Thomas have bonded over.

“He’s a very easy going person,” Strait said.

“He’s a very straight up person, too. He’s gonna tell you how it is, and I’ve always respected him for it. That’s why he’s a great leader for our team.”

Thomas, however, is not the type of person to just give criticism and advice, he’s also willing to take it. McBeth said he is surprised at how coachable Thomas is despite being so talented.

Often, players who are so talented can be arrogant and unwilling to seek out ways to improve, McBeth said, but not Thomas.

“He’s one of the most coachable kids I’ve coached in the seven years I’ve been doing it, especially with the talent he has,” McBeth said.

His talent has made for many great memories at Truman, but Thomas said his favorite has to be this year’s game winning shot against Missouri Southern State University. With only 2.7 seconds left in the game, Thomas moved the ball down the length of the court and got it through the basket as the final buzzer rang out.

While he was pretty confident with his ability already, Thomas said that buzzer beater validated all the hard work he had put into gaining confidence on the court.

Right now there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Thomas’ future with basketball but he hopes, and McBeth predicts, he will be playing for money after college.

“The first thing would be trying to find an agent who can connect me with different teams, whether they be in the NBA or the G league or finding different international teams,” Thomas explained.

There are rules against college athletes talking to agents while they are still playing for their college team, so right now, Thomas said, agents can talk with his coach and his coach can relay information to him.

Once he is allowed to talk to agents, Thomas said a lot will depend on how well he can communicate and network.

“Statistically I think he’s put himself in a position to at least get NBA teams to have conversations like, ‘We probably need to bring him in and at least have him workout, maybe have him be on a summer league,’” McBeth said. “I think he’s proven that he can be at that level.”

Right now, though, Thomas is still focussed on giving his all to his college team. He said first and foremost his goal is to play his role on the team to the best of his abilities.

More concretely, Thomas is looking for a national championship. He said he thinks the team has a good chance of achieving that goal this year. “[I’m] just motivated and also excited because I know how well, how good this team is this year and how capable we are of going deep into the playoffs,” Thomas said. “So I’m excited for the future just as a whole.”

tmn.truman.edu

@TrumanIndex

1,170 Career points

Career Highlights NJCAA Div. II National Champion NJCAA Div. II National Tournament MVP First-Team All ICCAC NJCAA Div. II SecondTeam All-American 3x ICCAC Player of the Week 2x GLVC All-Defensive Team GLVC All-Tournament Team 2x GLVC First Team (1x Unanimous) 5th Best Scoring Average in Truman History 3rd Best Blocked Shots Average in Truman History

@TrumanIndex

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