Vol.17, Issue 10 (Jan. 11, 2017)

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 10

In memory of...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

Celebrating icons lost in 2016 Page 4

A tribute to Alma Pacheco Page 6 WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

A note from our editor on managing grief Page 11

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NEWS

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

THE WESTERN JOURNAL

345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEPHANIE BLAIR

journaleditor@wou.edu

MANAGING EDITOR ZOË STRICKLAND

journalmanaging@wou.edu

“Faithless Electors” headline the official electoral votes

NEWS EDITOR JADE RAYNER

journalnews@wou.edu

CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR PAIGE SCOFIELD

journalcampuslife@wou.edu

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ASHTON NEWTON

By TK Layman | Staff Writer

journalentertainment@wou.edu

SPORTS EDITOR BURKE DE BOER

journalsports@wou.edu

PHOTO EDITOR KEITH MATHEW

journalphoto@wou.edu

DESIGNERS DARIEN CAMPO ELISSA SORENSON

journaldesigner@wou.edu

COPY EDITOR KRISTIN ECK

journalcopy@wou.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIAN TESCH journaladvertising@wou.edu

WEB MANAGER GEANELL BERNARDO journalweb@wou.edu

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER SAMANTHA DUNAWAY STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER RHYS FINCH finchr@wou.edu 503-838-9697

SUBMISSIONS THE WESTERN JOURNAL encourages readers to share their opinion through letters to the editor and guest columns.

Submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name. Contact information will not be published unless requested.

Unsigned submissions will not be printed and original copies will not be returned.

Letters to the editor may be up to 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 500 words.

THE WESTERN JOURNAL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE WESTERN JOURNAL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content.

Please bring submissions to THE WESTERN JOURNAL at Terry House or email to journaleditor@ wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Monday at 5 p.m. to be considered for print.

All opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do necessarily reflect those of THE WESTERN JOURNAL or Western Oregon University.

The Electoral College system convened in December to cast their official votes for the next president-elect. Protests and disputes broke out across the country after the general election outcome, including a recount effort in key battleground states led by Green Party candidate Jill Stein as an effort to block the general election winner Donald Trump.

Historically, the Electoral College maintains itself as a formality, electors casting their votes for the state’s winning candidate. With this election cycle, the nation saw a historic movement for electors to turn “faithless”, or vote against the state winner. Many states impose a penalty on “faithless electors”, as a way of deterring them from voting against the final result. Such is the case for a Minnesota elector, who declared a vote against Clinton, the state’s winner. As a result the elector was disqualified and replaced.

As electors met in their state capitals, most remained faithful, as many have historically, but a total of seven electors shied away from the results and cast different votes.

In Washington, a state that voted democrat, four electors chose different candidates as a protest vote. In a New York Times vote tally, three

democratic electors had voted for former Secretary of Defense Colin Powell, and one elector voted for Faith Spotted Eagle, a Native American activist that led the fight against the Keystone XL Pipeline. Hawaii, who was pledged to Clinton, had one of their four votes cast for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT,

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presidential electors are not required to vote for their party’s candidate. However, the 2016 General Election saw the highest amount of faithless electors on record with seven.

Many citizens and politicians, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, are criticizing the effectiveness of the electoral college.

As electors met in their state capitals, most remained faithful, as many have historically, but a total of seven electors shied away from the results and cast different votes

leaving a total of five democratic electors voting for an alternate candidate.

Republicans, too, had “faithless electors” with two Texas voters, one going to Gov. John Kasich, R-OH, and the other Ron Paul, a candidate during the 2012 Republican Primary elections known for his Libertarian-leaning views.

Ultimately, Texas was the state that determined the outcome giving Republican Candidate Donald Trump the 270 electoral college votes necessary to secure the presidency.

Per the constitution,

“We may want to take a look at the whole Electoral College, which is seating a man for president who didn’t get the most votes,” Sanders said speaking up about the system during an interview with USA Today.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton saw a victory in the popular vote with nearly 3 million more total votes.

Referencing the 2000 General Election where incumbent Vice-President Al Gore won the popular vote, but former Republican President George W. Bush won the electoral vote.

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Photo courtesy of USATODAY.COM

A contentious Electoral College outcome

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On Jan. 6 congress met, led by Vice-President Biden, and tallied the final votes for the electoral college. Reuters reported that during a half-hour joint session in congress, some house representatives had tried to object the vote after the official tally. House representatives cast objections to the official tally on the grounds of “Russian interference” according to US Intelligence agencies, others citing concerns about long lines at polling stations as a way to deter voters.

Biden quickly dismissed objections stating to representatives, “It is over,” while looking to finish the tally. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, had concerns about the final vote, “That’s why people have some level of dismay today on the vote ... about the Electoral College,” Pelosi spoke to the press during a news conference, “How much is known about the foreign disruption of our election? “ As the session ended, the final tally came in, ultimately deciding on Donald Trump as the next president-elect with a total of 304 votes to Clinton’s 227. The official inauguration is set for Jan. 20 in Washington D.C. Contact the author tlayman16@wou.edu

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TEDTALKS walk the walk

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A “revolutionary” fourth year for TEDxSalem

By Jade Rayner | News Editor Through the hard work of an allvolunteer team with the desire to build a stronger, more connected community, TEDxSalem successfully held its fourth event, “Revolutions,” on Jan. 7 at the Salem Convention Center. TEDx is an independently organized TED event where you can see live talks on a broad spectrum of topics, as well as videos of TED talks.

Kelsey Juliana, 20, spoke about her experience being a part of the landmark US climate lawsuit alongside twenty other youth, and the power that millennials have to make a difference, specifically when it comes to climate change.

“When I was fifteen, before I could vote, drive or even have my first kiss, I sued the governor of Oregon” Juliana began her speech.

Juliana has now attended court six times for filing cases against the state and federal government because “by choice my government

Vanessa Timmon speaks about courage at TEDxSalem

has been funding and permitting excessive amounts of fossil fuel projects that are polluting our land, air, water and contributing to climate destabilization.” She demanded that “youth need to be taken seriously …

I see youth as revolutionaries.”

While closing her talk, Juliana encouraged that we act in whatever way we can to make a difference. For those needing a place to start, Juliana explained, “The steps to being an agent of change, to committing to being a changemaker, starts like this: you show up, you say yes and then you bring your magic. It’s a reflective process ... no one can bring what you have.”

The second session of the conference started strong with Vanessa

Timmons, executive director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Portland, Oregon. She spoke about the courage she sees in those she works with, storytelling and community.

In an interview with Timmons she explained that for her first TED experience she “wanted to focus on resiliency for survivors … often people think about what I do and they think about victimization. But when you’re an advocate doing this work, what you really experience and witness is resilience and power; the absolute brilliance of survivors.”

When asked what students can do for survivors of sexual assault Timmons explained, “The first line of response for survivors is often a

residents of the Portland Metro Area will see their wages go up to $11.25, while non urban residents will have an increase to $10. The state standard will be at $10.25 an hour: Polk county being within the range of standard counties.

The wage increase came after a turbulent campaign during 2016 in the “Fight for $15” movement. The movement proposed to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour in order to support the cost of living after wages remained stagnant as the national cost of living increased with inflation. Governor

Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1532, the bill set to increase the state’s minimum wage, in February of 2016, reported The Oregonian. “I started this conversation last fall, bringing stakeholders together to craft a workable proposal,” said Brown of the bill, “I look forward to signing this bill.”

While wages will increase steadily until 2022, some are worried of what may come with the wage increases.

For public universities, such as Western, many student workers are not under federally funded workstudy jobs, and those workers will be

Photo by JADE RAYNER

NEWS

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

family member or friend…so when someone tells you about domestic violence or sexual assault the first thing, and the most important thing you can do is believe them … then you allow the person to explore options with you. You don’t have to have all the answers.”

Bringing the interview to a close, Timmons said, “the most important thing for me to communicate in my talk, and in my work is that we all matter. We are all important, and we are all essential to changing the world.”

Contact the author at journalnews@ wou.edu

Photo courtesy of OREGONLIVE.COM

Higher wages for employees: Oregon’s minimum wage increase Students can expect to see an increase in their minimum wage through 2022

By TK Layman | Staff Writer Western’s students may see an increase in pay with the 2017-18 school year after the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage through 2022 After deliberations were halted by demonstrators in February 2016, the proposal went through with a total vote of 32-26.

Although the minimum wage is increasing statewide, there are some caveats within the increase.

Based on the county, citizens across the state will see a variance in proposed rates. According to the Oregon Bureau of Labor Statistics,

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1532 on March 2, 2016

entitled to almost $450,000 through 2019, per the Oregonian. While students are gearing up to make more money through higher wages, public universities are looking to compensate for lost revenue. Public universities are believing it will come in the form of tuition increases. In the case of University of Oregon, they will see a 4.8 percent tuition increase for in-state students according to OregonLive.

As students are gaining more in

Continued on page 12

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Legacies: 2016 Remembering those who passed away in 2016

By Alyssa James | Staff Writer As we have entered into 2017, we can easily think about all that happened in the past year. It may have felt like a rollercoaster with the numerous ups and downs that occurred during 2016. It is essential to remember what took place over the last year but it is also important to pay tribute and remember all those we lost throughout 2016.

David Bowie passed away at age 69. He was a musician who won two Grammys and influenced five generations. In 1996 Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Alan Rickman was

69-years-old when he passed away. He was a well-known actor and director. Most notably, he is remembered for playing Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” movie series and Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.”

George Kennedy passed away at age 91. He was an actor who starred in over 200 movies and shows. Kennedy received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Cold Hand Luke,” playing Dragline.

Nancy Reagan had a long life of 94 years. She was an actress and the First Lady of the United States to the 40th President, Ronald

Reagan. The major cause she supported as First Lady was the “Just Say No” campaign about drug awareness.

Doris Roberts passed away at age 90. She is best remembered as Marie Barone on the television show “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Roberts was also an author and philanthropist; she supported groups like the United Activists for Animal Rights.

The artist known as Prince passed away at 57-years-old. He was a very well-known musician known for his elaborate stage presence and wide variety of music style.

These genres include R&B, funk and rock, among others. He was ranked 27 on “Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists.”

Gene Wilder lived until age 83. Along with being an actor, he was an author, screenwriter, and

film director. He played parts in such movies as “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Alan Thicke passed away at 69-years-old. He was an actor, game show host, talk show host and songwriter.

Thicke is most known for his role as Jason Seaver on the television show “Growing Pains.” He was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame in 2013.

George Michael passed away at the age of 53. He was a singer and songwriter in the band Wham! Two well-known singles from “Wham!” were “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” Michael was an activist for LGBT rights and for HIV/AIDS charities.

Carrie Fisher passed away at the age of 60. She was an actor and author.

She portrayed Princess

Leia in the “Star Wars” film series. She also play major parts in other films such as “The Blues Brothers” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

Debbie Reynolds passed away the day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, at age 84. She was many things, most notably an actress and singer. She starred as Kathy Selden in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Aggie Cromwell in the “Halloweentown” movie series.

The world lost many talented and influential people throughout 2016.

These were only a handful of those who passed away.

Each not only impacted the world in their own way, but they touched individual lives in ways we will never be able to fathom. May they never be forgotten and always rest in peace.

Contact the author at ajames16@mail.wou.edu

Courtesy of 1. USATODAY.COM, 2. USATODAY.COM, 3. NBCNEWS.COM, 4. WASHINGTONTIMES.COM, 5. LATIMES.COM

Editor’s Picks

By Ashton Newton Entertainment Editor

Courtesy of STARWARS.COM

Editor’s Recommendations: Post-rock is a subgenre of rock characterized by it experimentation with standard rock instruments.

Post-rock songs are often long and usually instrumental. I’ve found that listening to post-rock

is incredible for almost any occasion. For studying or sleeping, it’s relaxing and peaceful. Some of the most notable post-rock artists are Explosions in the Sky, God is an Astronaut, Radiohead and Mogwai.

Many post-rock artists also score films. Whether it’s studying, driving, sleeping or hanging out with friends, post-rock is always a great genre to listen to.

Editor’s Disparagement: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” released in December. While I enjoyed the movie, the film itself has some negatives, especially in the first hour.

The third act of the film is one of the most tense and action packed in all of “Star Wars,” but that doesn’t make up for the jumbled mess of weak characters and uneven pacing. “Rogue One” has

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

characters from both the original trilogy and the prequels and serves as an good precursor to “A New Hope,” but it is heavily reliant on fan servicing and not on being its own movie.

Contact the author at anewton15@mail.wou.edu

ENTERTAINMENT

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

DC movie extravaganza

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DC Cinematic Universe latest plans on future releases

By Kinsey Bushart | Staff Writer As we have entered into 2017, DC’s Cinematic Universe has ramped up production and, in the next few years, is planning on releasing more superhero movies.

One of these is Ben Affleck’s “The Batman.”

Affleck is starring, directing and writing in his newest DC exertion. Back in August, Affleck released the name of the film’s villain: Deathstroke. This information was released on his Twitter when Affleck posted a short video of the villain.

Unfortunately, this latest Batman movie is not

without its own problems.

Critics, including Bret Easton Ellis, have been quoted talking about the major issues in the script that have yet to be ironed out.

“The Flash” has also been in the limelight, the film has lost two directors since it’s introduction and is looking for its third.

The Flash had a cameo in “Suicide Squad”, and “The Flash” solo film is set to release March 16, 2018.

DC is also planning on the expansion of the Aquaman enterprise. Willem Dafoe will be making his debut in 2017 in “Justice League,”

and is set to appear in the solo “Aquaman” film. Dafoe will be reprising his role as Nuidis Vulko in the solo film, which is projected to be released July 21, 2018.

The Wonder Woman trailer was also released recently. This movie comes long before “Dawn of Justice.” At the beginning of the trailer Diana sits at a desk in modern times and recounts her story.

Review: “A Monster Calls” Compelling performances and relevant themes make “A Monster Calls” a must see

By Kevan Maloney | Freelancer “A Monster Calls” is a fantastic story that hooks you in from the first few minutes. It is a movie adaptation of the novel by Patrick Ness and directed

by J.A. Bayona. This movie sports a great cast, featuring Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson.

The acting was almost perfect. Other than a few superfluous details that stuck to me, the acting was incredible. The cast brought everything together so well that, for most of the movie, I forgot I was watching a movie. I

felt as though I was apart of the life of the protagonist, Conor, who was played by Lewis MacDougall.

Something that caught me off guard was the theme of the film. I came in expecting a children’s movie, but got a story with heavy themes: bullying, depression and grief, to name a few. I can say without a doubt that this is a more mature movie and should be treated as such.

One of the best parts of the movie was the monster. The monster is a giant, living yew tree

voiced by Liam Neeson, giving the effect of a wise old man while keeping the scary factor of a monster. The CGI look of the monster also looked amazing. It made sense

Set during World War I, Diana, a Amazonian princess leaves her island home to explore the world as well as protect it. She’s introduced to the war efforts after she rescues a soldier after he crashes his plane. The two are then connected during the rest of the war, and Diana

that a tree monster would have his joints very clearly groan at even the slightest of movements.

The monster is probably my favorite character in the movie because his actions felt important and helped to drive the plot along.

However, despite all the film’s great qualities, it does lack rewatch value. I didn’t get the desire to watch it a second or third time.

I think “A Monster Calls”

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Courtesy of IMDB.COM

finally seems to come into her Wonder Woman status. Wonder Woman is set to come to theaters June 2, 2017.

Contact the author kbushart16@wou.edu

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is a great film. From the acting of the main casting, including Liam Neeson’s voice acting, to the hard hitting and very relevant themes of the movie, “A Monster Calls” provides an entertaining and compelling experience from start to finish.

Overall, this movie is great but it is very dark and sad.

Contact the author kmaloney15@wou.edu

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Courtesy of IMDB.COM

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CAMPUS LIFE

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The words of a loving friend In remembrance of Alma Pacheco

By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor “Alma was an all star woman in my eyes. I was new to Western spring of 2016 and that was around the time that Alma was running for ASWOU president,” said Anamercedes “Meche” Garibay, friend and sorority sister to Alma Pacheco. “Every time I saw her or walked past her I felt intimidated because she walked with such confidence and strutted her walk everywhere she went. Shortly after, Alma became my sorority sister and we’ve stayed sisters ever since. She became a true genuine friend, a great study partner, and also a great listener.

I’m positive I will never be able to find another Alma like Alma Pacheco.”

After the devastating news of Alma’s

passing, Garibay put together a candlelight vigil to honor Alma and bring together those who knew her, to share their thoughts, memories and silence to keep her spirit close to their hearts.

“This girl knew how to have fun and that’s something I admired in Alma. She knew how to balance her professional business life and could still kick back and be a social bug with her friends,” said Garibay. “That’s something most of us students are still trying to learn, while Alma was an expert at balancing the two. Not only did Alma inspire me to become this Wonder Woman that she was, but she helped me understand and appreciate

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the true meaning of a friendship.”

When asked what message she thought Alma left with her friends and family, Garibay replied, “Always strive to be the best you, believe it then achieve it.” Alma Pacheco worked for and with the students of Western always keeping those around her in mind.

“I just hope everyone keeps Alma in their hearts because she was a phenomenal woman who strived to do so much for Western, and it showed with all the accomplishments she has done,” added Garibay.

Contact the author @ journalcampuslife@wou.edu

CAMPUS LIFE

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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A message from President Rex Fuller: Dear Western Oregon University community, It is with great sorrow that I tell you our Associated Students of Western Oregon University President Alma Pacheco passed away on Dec. 9. Many of us cared for Alma and now we grieve together with her friends, family and loved ones. We extend our deepest sympathy to all who loved Alma and have been touched by her commitment to our community.

Please join me in respecting the privacy of Alma’s family; we believe it Memorials to honor and pay tribute to Alma were held on Dec. 11, 13 and 14. On Dec. 11 a candlelight vigil was held for Alma at the Main Street Park in Monmouth, Oregon. On Dec. 13, visitation was held at Gresham Memorial Chapel. On Dec. 14 funeral

Cover photo by PAIGE SCOFIELD

is their choice on whether or not they want to share the circumstances of her passing.

Alma joined Western to study communications after earning her associate’s degree from Mt. Hood Community College. From El Salvador, she was a passionate advocate for students on our campus and cared about access to college for all and led a town hall event last month to address post-election fear. Throughout these challenging days, Alma has called us to look forward in unity.

In the meantime, we encourage you to share your stories and photos of Alma with each other.

Our hearts go out to Alma’s family and friends as we all grieve for this important member of our community.

Western is a caring community and this loss is a shock to us all. Grieving is a difficult process and takes different forms for us all. Seeking support and resources is a sign of strength and we encourage you to share your feelings with those you feel comfortable doing so.

mass was held at Ascension Catholic “Celebrating the life of Alma Pacheco” Church in Portland, Oregon. Alma was buried on Dec. 14 at Forest Lawn Thursday, Jan. 12 Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon.

3:30 p.m. Refreshments available 4:00 p.m. Program Contact the author @ journalcampuslife@wou.edu Werner University Center, Pacific Room

WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL

Campus Life photos courtesy of ALMA PACHECO’S FACEBOOK

SPORTS

Photo courtesy of WOUWOLVES.COM

Photo by KEITH MATHEW

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The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Junior guard Kennedy Corrigan makes a pass against Alaska

Junior forward Tanner Omlid scored 103 points over the break

Winter Recap: Women’s Basketball

Winter Recap: Men’s Basketball

By TK Layman | Staff Writer

By TK Layman | Staff Writer

Women’s basketball goes 2-4 over winter break

Western Oregon Wolves women’s basketball team struggled over the break, going 2-4, with wins over Humboldt State and Alaska Fairbanks.

Junior Guard Sydney Azorr scored at least 10 points in each of the five games played in over the break, with a high of 20 points in the win against Alaska Fairbanks.

The Wolves Women got off to a tough start when they lost at home to Southern Oregon, 50-72. Savannah Heugly led things off scoring a total of 13 points and racking up 2 assists, blocks and steals each.

Five days later they followed it up with their first road win against the Humboldt State Lumberjacks. Wolves Junior Shelby Snook led the scoring that night with 23 points, going 5-for8 from the 3-point line. She had 9 rebounds to cap her performance in the 69-60 win against the Lumberjacks on Dec. 17. Sydney Azorr, in her first start of the season with the Wolves, totaled 13 points to her start her streak, with 7 rebounds and 1 block and steal each that night.

The Wolves women took a 12-day break to hit the road once more, this time going up against Simon Fraser in Burnaby, British Columbia. Sydney Azorr, Ali Nelke and Savannah Heugly each scored 10 points against Simon Fraser, but after a tough first half couldn’t hold on as they fell 71-

57. Heugly rounded out her fifth 10+ point performance of the season with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

In the last road game before returning home, Western Washington bested the Wolves 65-86. Shelby Snook, Sydney Azorr and Kaylie Boschma scored 16, 14, and 13 respectively.

After a loss to Alaska Anchorage, the Wolves Women played their final game of the break against Alaska Fairbanks. Playing in Monmouth, the Wolves moved their record to 6-7 for the season with a mark in the win column as they topped Alaska 67-72. Shelby Snook led scoring with 23 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Sydney Azorr scored 20 points that night, making it her fifth 10+ point performance in as many games.

Jasmine Miller and Kaylie Boschma each had 8 rebounds helping the Wolves secure their final win before a four game road trip.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 the Wolves women take on the Concordia Cavaliers in Portland, followed by 3 games out of state as they end the road trip with Montana State Billings, Central Washington and Northwest Nazarene.

Follow the Western Oregon Wolves at wouwolves.com Contact the author at tlayman16@ mail.wou.edu

Men’s Basketball goes 4-2 during the break

Western Oregon men’s basketball excelled during the winter break, scoring wins over Portland Bible, Central Washington, Seattle Pacific and Saint Martin’s. The Wolves finished the winter break at 4-2.

The Wolves took on The Portland Bible Wildcats on Dec. 11 with a massive win of 114-58. Wolves’ Malik Leaks, Ali Faruq-Bey and Demetrius Trammell were the top three scorers, combining for a total of 55 points.

Leaks, scoring 20, went 6-for-9 in three point attempts, with two free throws. Outscoring the Wildcats by over 25 points each half, they easily walked away with a win.

After a cancelled game due to inclement weather, the men’s team returned home on Dec. 29 to face off against the Central Washington Wildcats and secure another mark in the “W” column with a 98-77 win.

Wolves’ Faruq-Bey had another top scorer performance with a total of 22 points making 5-for-5 in free throws.

Notable performances by Western’s Demetrius Trammell and Tanner Omlid, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively.

During a Washington road trip the Wolves played against Seattle Pacific and Saint Martin’s, winning both games. Jan. 5, Western’s Tanner Omlid scored a career high 34-points going 5-for-6 in three point shots, adding in

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3 blocks and 2 steals during the game.

Ali Faruq-Bey scored 15 points, 11 of which came during the second half and tacked on another 4 rebounds to help the Wolves come to a close win over Seattle Pacific, 76-74.

During the last game before the break’s end, on Jan. 7, the Wolves took on Saint Martin’s in a conference game, finishing the road trip with an 80-67 win. Omlid remained hot during the road trip with an 18 point game, adding 3 blocks, 3 assists and 3 steals against Saint Martin’s. FaruqBey and Trammell both had high scoring nights with 17 and 14 points to their names. Wolves forward JJ Chirnside had a career high night with 13-points going 5-for-8 in field goal attempts, also posting his first collegiate double-double with 11 rebounds.

The Wolves return to Western on Thursday, Jan. 12 to face off against Simon Fraser University in the New PE building. On Saturday, Jan. 14 the Wolves play Western Washington at home during the Red Out event.

Keep up with the Wolves at wouwolves.com Contact the author at tlayman16@ mail.wou.edu

SPORTS

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

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The odds against 2016

Photo courtesy of OTTAWAREDBACKS.COM

Many streaks and droughts came to an end in a year filled with sports chaos

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor

41-year-old quarterback Henry Burris lead the Ottawa RedBlacks to winning the championship

2016 may go down as the best year in the history of sports.

In terms of historical significance and sheer entertainment, the year had highlights all across the board.

At the beginning of the year, the NFL was caught in the throes of the Carolina Panthers. They were a cocky team with the talent to back it up, having suffered only one loss in the 2015 campaign and being widely regarded as Super Bowl favorites.

They lost to the Broncos in the farewell game of Peyton Manning. One of the most incredible quarterbacks in history, Manning had long been in decline as a player. Despite this, the Sheriff went out on top.

The English Premier League has seen dominance of the “Big Four” for well over a decade now, with Chelsea, Arsenal and the Manchesters regularly filling the top four spots on the table at the end of the year. But for the first time in their 132 years as an organized club, Leicester City, only recently promoted to the Premier League, won the championship.

Williams breaks out for Chargers

In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Carolina Panthers of the NBA. The Golden State Warriors were reigning champs and had broken the Chicago Bulls’ regular season wins record. LeBron James had rings from his time in Miami, but returned to

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represented a city that hadn’t won the Grey Cup since 1976. Their aging quarterback was on his last days of professional play, and to top it off they had barely scraped into the playoffs, not even amassing a winning record in the regular season. Onside kicks

In terms of historical significance and sheer entertainment, the year had highlights all across the board

Cleveland to “win one for the land.”

In the best of seven series, the Cavs fell behind 1-3, then clawed their way back to bring the city of Cleveland its first sports title in 52 years.

In the Canadian Football League, the Calgary Stampeders played some of the best ball of all time, many calling them the greatest Canadian team in history. Their championship opponent, the Ottawa RedBlacks,

Many remember Tyrell Williams’ days as a Wolves star. Now, in the NFL, a breakout season has lead to his nomination for the VIZIO Value Performer trophy.

Western Oregon alum in The trophy represents which player the running for annual was the biggest bang for the buck in the regular season. Fans vote for award one of the five players to decide the trophy winner.

By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor Williams posted 1,059 yards

and goal line stands took the game to overtime, where the RedBlacks clinched the win.

Vols’ devil magic ruled the first half of the college football season. The Tennessee Volunteers battled back from near-losses to Appalachian State, Florida and Georgia before succumbing in second overtime to a Texas A&M team that had itself come from behind. and caught seven touchdowns throughout the San Diego Chargers’ 2016 campaign.

According to overthecap.com, Williams’ salary for this year is $525,000. In a business filled with high profile contracts, Williams’ position as an undrafted free agent who fought his way onto a team is reflected in his salary.

But Williams’ stats this year put

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Elsewhere in college football, the Beavers beat the Ducks to end the longest winning streak in Civil War history at eight years. Army beat Navy to end the longest streak in ArmyNavy history at fourteen years. And in the Governor’s Cup, Kentucky beat Louisville for the first time since 2010, despite Louisville’s Heisman-winning quarterback.

The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years, themselves battling back from a 1-3 series against Cleveland.

But now we are in 2017. With so much magic condensed into a single year, it seems unlikely that 2017 will live up to its predecessor but if 2016’s taught us one thing it’s that just because something is unlikely doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

him above world class names like Larry Fitzgerald, DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and Michael Crabtree. He ultimately finished the 17th ranked receiver in the country.

Voting is already open at VIZIO. com/TVP, and fans can vote as often as they want. Polls close on Jan. 16.

Contact the author at journalsports@ wou.edu

10

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

This week in completely made up horoscopes

HUMOR

Compiled by Stephanie Blair and Zoë Strickland Aries 3/21-4/19

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Gemini 5/21-6/20

For eternal joy this year, the stars are recommending that you follow Puppies of Instagram. It’s fluff-tastic.

You’re going to conquer your resolutions this year, Taurus. The planets don’t lie.

This is the year you come face to face with your doppelganger. There can only be one.

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Leo 7/23-8/22

Virgo 8/23-9/22

Leave the crabby attitude in 2016; 2017 will be a year of fresh starts for you.

I’m seeing a scarecrow and some candy in your future. Click your heels to come back to Western.

This is the year you lose your virginity! … Or get it back.

The stars are unclear.

Libra 9/23-10/22

Scorpio 10/23-11/21

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

Treat yourself this year, Libra. May the bath bombs be with you.

Avoid cacti and you should be golden this year, Scorpio.

This month your name will be spelled correctly every time you visit Starbucks.

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

Aquarius 1/20-2/18

Pisces 2/19-3/20

It’s never too late to embrace your inner child; you’re going to find a trampoline this week.

To celebrate the new year, someone will surprise you with a goldfish.

If you focus hard enough in your classes this term, you may actually be able to read your professor’s mind.

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EDITORIAL

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

“Just another good college experience that I had in the first semester and I’m looking to repeat what I did, have fun, and enjoy my first year of college.”

Kyri

By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor Paranada, first year, pre-nursing

“Just see how everything turns out with Trump being in office and how America looks at him.”

Ellie Monroe, sophomore, education

CAMPUS VOICES What are you looking forward to in 2017?

11

“Graduating.

I’m ready to get out, it’s been four and a half years now.”

Janelle Rae Davis, senior, BFA acting

“I’m looking forward to graduating and moving on with my life.”

Jacob Hanson, senior, political science

Photos by JADE RAYNER

Editor’s Note

Thoughts on loss and grief

By Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief In light of the recent loss in our community, I felt that it was only appropriate to have our first issue of 2017 serve as a memorial for all those that were lost, both locally and globally, in 2016.

I, myself, lost my oldest brother in October and can’t begin to explain the impact that has already had on my life, let alone what will continue to happen for the rest of my life. The loss of any person is a cause for grief, but there’s a special suffering that comes when it’s someone

young: someone like Alma, someone like my brother.

Grief encompasses more than death, however, because it’s a feeling of loss. Many of our students have experienced loss in the last year; loss of a loved one, loss of an idol, loss of feeling safe in our country.

It’s in these seasons of intense loss that community is more important than ever.

Isolation is toxic. It feels sometimes like no one understands what’s happening in our lives but, even if that’s true, it doesn’t

mean that no one can support you, can listen to you, can keep you company.

If there’s one thing I’ve found in my own struggle these past few months, it’s that community is everything.

When my hometown got the news about my family’s loss, food was delivered daily to my parents, heartfelt apologies were extended; people rallied around us. I see such strong communities at Western and know that they have the same capability.

I would encourage anyone struggling this winter to join a club, pick up a part time job, start counseling, get involved at a church/temple/ mosque. Do something that surrounds you with support, with friends.

Heck, if you want to come

work for me, I’ll pay you and feed you pizza.

Please ask for help, even if you don’t think you need it.

2017 can be a beautiful year, but only if you’re around to see it.

Free counseling is available for all Western students at the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus; all services are confidential, and all counselors are state licensed professionals, counseling trainees, and/or graduate-level counseling interns.

A list of clubs on Western’s campus can be found on OrgSync, which can be accessed through Portal.

WolfLink has all of the current job listings

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posted through Western’s Service Learning and Career Development Center.

Contact the author at journaleditor@mail.wou.edu

12

TAIL-END

The Western Journal Wednesday, January 11, 2017

STUDENT MEDIA PRESENTS A FILM BY WOU STUDENTS STARRING WOU STUDENTS FILMED ON WOU CAMPUS

Do you want to: Improve your writing?

Get your work published?

Eat free pizza?

AND Get paid for doing so?

ITC, ROOM 211

FRIDAY JAN. 20 6:30 P.M.

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, we’d love to have you work with us at The Western Journal. We’re always looking for freelance writers and photographers.

Visit http://www.wou.edu/westernjournal/apply-now/ for more details.

BATTERED, BRUISED, AND A LITTLE BIT STUPID.

Follow us online @ theWOUJournal and use #WOUnow to stay updated on what’s happening around campus!

A BODY IN THE WINDOW SEAT FILM BODYINTHEWINDOWSEAT.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/BODYINTHEWINDOWSEAT

Courtesy of PBS.ORG

Oregon minimum wage Continued from page 2 wages, employers and universities face a number of decisions to compensate for revenue. Some opponents fear it will result in lost jobs, such as House Minority Leader Mike McLane, R- Powell Butte. As The Oregonian was reporting during the debate, McLane argued with Democrats during the deliberations, “Do you believe that no one will be laid off? Seriously? We’ve got to look you in the eye and we’ve got to ask -do you really believe that no one will lose a job? Do you believe prices will not go up?” As speculation occurs, the bill will remain in effect, and students can expect to see a steady increase through 2022.

Contact the author at tlayman16@ wou.edu

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IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT MAY REQUIRE SOME ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN A WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY CLASS OR ACTIVITY, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES AT 503-838-8250 OR SE ODS@WOU.EDU AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS IN ADVANCE.

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