Thursday, November 11, 2010
Vol. 88 No. 10
CLIMATE CHALLENGE
Concerns raised about violent crime near WU campus
‘Money well spent’
Midpoint results released
51 W. College St. Waynesburg, PA 15370
By Jon Ledyard
By Kaitlin Edwards
Assignments Editor
Managing Editor
As environmental issues grow on a national scale, Waynesburg University’s awareness of these issues continues to expand as well. The Eco-Stewards Club’s Campus Water Challenge has successfully saved 51,000 gallons of fresh water since the first day of classes this semester, according to the halfway results submitted by club President Dorothy Rurak. “The Campus Water Challenge is a competition between dorms where winners get 10 percent of their savings for their dorm,” said Rurak, a senior environmental science major. “To save this many gallons in the first semester of this water challenge has been a great success.” According to Rurak, Thayer Hall is leading all the residence halls at the halfway point, with a significantly lower percentage of gallons used this semester as opposed to last semester. Actual numbers will not be released until the end of the semester. Martin Hall is in second place with East, South and West collectively grouped in third
Waynesburg Borough police and campus security have been forced to deal with several incidents involving University students. “The amount of incidents reported and the severity of the incidents over the last couple of weeks is a disturbing trend,” said Waynesburg Borough
Chief of Police Timothy Hawfield. “We are afraid something worse is yet to come, and we definitely don’t want to see that.” According to campus security, roughly 52 recordable incidents have been documented since Sept. 5. These incidents include fire alarms, medical transport, disSee TOWN on A4
Study finds teens, Ten Thousand Villages store young adults text opens on Washington Street 55 times per day Photo by Andrew Buda
Andrew Stewart looks at merchandise on display at the Ten Thousand Villages store.
By Rachel Brown Executive Editor
A holiday tradition is returning to Waynesburg. For the past seven years, Waynesburg University students have opened a Ten Thousand Villages store. This year is no different. The store, located at 68 S. Washington St., opened Nov. 10. “The primary reason [for the store] is to serve See HALFWAY on A2 artisans whose crafts are
for sale,” said University Chaplain Tom Ribar. “You’re contributing to the health and livelihood of people all around the world.” Ten Thousand Villages is an international organization that works with artisans in countries all over the world. The organization buys crafts at fair prices from economically disadvantaged artisans and resells them in stores in the United States and Canada.
“We want to use this store as an opportunity to bring the world to Waynesburg,” said Student Director Rhonda Woloshun. “For most of us, we’re not going to see all 38 of those countries in our lifetime, so this is a great opportunity to bring a piece of each of those places to Waynesburg.” Ribar brought Ten Thousand Villages to
By Sierra Shafer Op/Ed Editor
On average, 18 to 24year-olds are sending upwards of 1,600 texts per month, according to a recent Nielsen Mobile study. While the average teenager sends twice the amount, the 18 to 24year-old age group is also spending the most time on the phone when compared to all other age See STORE on A2 groups.
Based on this study, that is an average of 55 texts sent every day. To do so takes a substantial amount of time, not including time spending reading responses. Some parents and educators find this problematic because this is time spent wasted or time where texting becomes a dangerous distraction. “Like all other issues See BE on A3
FDA to investigate safety of caffeinated alcoholic beverages By Amanda Wishner Staff Writer The 82,000 Facebook users who “like” the fan page of the beverage Four Loko may not approve of the FDA’s decision to investigate the safety of alcoholic energy drinks. “The FDA has been under a lot of pressure to make a decision on whether or not these drinks should be banned,” said Waynesburg counselor Jennifer Chajkowski. “They have been investigating for almost a year, but results have not been released yet. We already know the dangers from previous research, and there are legitimate
concerns and reasons to ban the beverages.” The potential danger of drinks such as Joose and Four Loko is that those who consume the beverages are mixing alcohol, a depressant, with the stimulant caffeine. People report a feeling sometimes referred to as a “wide-awake drunk.” The depressive effects of alcohol, such as fatigue and sleepiness, are counteracted by the added caffeine. Without the typical side effects caused by alcohol, drinkers may underestimate the amount of alcohol they are consuming and consequently continue to
drink, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Mixing alcohol and caffeine may also result in dehydration, mood swings and increased cardiovascular risk. A study published by Wake Forest University discovered that students who mix energy drinks and alcohol are at a higher risk of suffering alcohol-related injuries than those who drink only alcohol. Because of its adverse effects, Four Loko is sometimes referred to as “legalized liquid cocaine” and even “black-out in a can.”
“I partially agree with the critics of the drinks because I understand that the combination does not go well together and that it could be dangerous,” said Zachary Stacey, senior international studies and political science student. “The whole thing comes down to whether or not the consumers know
their limits and how responsible they are being when drinking.” Beverages like Four Loko and Joose are relatively new to the market. Neither are older than five years, yet both have managed to grow substantially in popularity, especially
among college students. The main appeal of these caffeinated malt beverages is their low price point and high alcohol content. For an average cost of $2, buyers can See COLLEGES on A4
Photo by Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT
SPORTS
FEATURE
REGION
The Jackets PAC title hopes were dashed in the final minute on Saturday. See Page C1
Author Eric Metaxas spoke Monday and Tuesday nights as part of the Christ and Culture Lecture Series.
Hidden Treasures finds success in new location.
INSIDE Copyright © 2010 by Waynesburg University
Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A1-A4 Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1, B4 Editorial/Op-Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2, B3
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C1-C4 Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D1-D2 Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D3-D4
See Page D1
See Page B1
YELLOW JACKET
Page A2
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Campus
CHAPEL
Follow God’s call to be successful, author tells campus By Andrew Buda Staff Writer This Tuesday’s Chapel gave students the opportunity to hear the author of children’s and history books speak. This week, students heard from Yale graduate and Christ and Culture Lecture Series speaker Eric Metaxas. His resume contains all of the above, not to mention his writing of several books including “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” and the story of William Wilberforce, “Amazing Grace.” Metaxas has appeared on CNN, C-Span, Fox News and NPR. He has written for the New York Times, the Washington-Post and the Christian chil-
“What you are called to do is impossible. But with God you can’t fail.” Eric Metaxas Author
dren’s series, Veggie Tales. Bonhoeffer was the focus of Metaxas’ first lecture in the Christ and Culture Lecture Series Monday night as he shared about the biography he wrote about Bonhoeffer’s life and death. In Tuesday’s chapel, Metaxas continued the Lecture Series with another book he wrote about the life and achievements of abolitionist William Wilberforce, “Amazing Grace:
Author Eric Metaxas spoke on Chapel Tuesday. He also spoke Monday and Tuesday nights as part of Christ and Culture Series.
William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery.” When discussing part of his book, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God,” he spoke of Wilberforce saying, “He was a man that took the Bible seriously, and it changed the world.” He was then asked to write a biography on Wilberforce. Although Metaxas likes the movie “Amaz-
Photo by Andrew Buda
See AUTHOR on A3
Senate to conduct polls at hall meetings about possibility of Trayless Tuesdays
Halfway point reached Continued from A1
By Gregory Reinhart Staff Writer Food and publicity task forces joined forces this week to push along Trayless Tuesday during the Senate meeting. “It’s a conglomerate effort with Senate,” said Chelsea Cummins, Student Senate secretary. The first stage of the promotion is to get the student body’s opinion and to get the campus aware of the Trayless Tuesday, according to Student Senate Academic Vice President Natalie George. The food task force would promote the event by creating polls to be distributed in hall
Store opens downtown Continued from A1 Waynesburg 16 years ago after being introduced to it as a pastor in Pittsburgh. “Those of us who worked with mission trips thought it would be a good ministry and fundraiser for the community,” he said. Some of the proceeds from the store go to the Mission Trip Scholarship Fund, which is available to Waynesburg students going on mission trips. Since the first store opened, Ribar has been impressed with their success. Last year, the store made more than $13,000. Because of the store’s previous success, Ribar said the sales goal for this year is $18,000. “As people in the borough become more familiar with the store, sales will increase,” he said. “However, we can’t afford to open a permanent store, which would be ideal.”
Photo by Gregory Reinhart
Student Senate Secretary Chelsea Cummins (right) gestures during Tuesday’s meeting. Task forces discussed Senate’s effort to make the campus trayless. meetings in all residential dorms, she said. The task forces would work in conjunction with
the residence life staff to help get a general consensus of student interest. George and Cummins
both wanted to get the project started as fast as
To promote the store, Woloshun and Ribar advertised in local businesses and on the radio. They also contacted 250 local pastors about the opportunity. Ribar supervised the opening of the store along with Woloshun. “This is her second year helping with the program,” he said. “She’s very organized and passionate.” Woloshun and Ribar, along with 40 to 50 volunteers, designed the store from scratch. According to Ribar, they received $24,000 worth of merchandise,
which they had to organize and display in the store. “It takes ingenuity and creativity to find enough racks and tables that are adequate for displaying all the merchandise,” he said. “It’s a lot of work.” In addition to arranging all of the merchandise, Woloshun and Ribar had to deal with a change in location. Last year, the store was located on High Street, but a business rented the space. “Even though it’s off of High Street, it’s still in a central enough location that students can walk there,” said Woloshun.
“Better still, we’re located in the old Hot Rod’s facility, and that’s a very common Waynesburg landmark. That makes it very easy for us to direct people familiar with the area to the store.” To attract visitors to the store, Woloshun and her volunteers will be giving a free gift to people who purchase $15 or more in merchandise, Ribar said. The free gift will be available while supplies last, which should be a few days. “We hope people come down and shop,” Ribar said. “It’s money well spent.”
See SENATE on A4
place. “The dorm buildings have done a great job of finding ways to save water,” said Rurak. “Whether it’s shutting off water, washing their hands or taking shorter showers, students have found ways to conserve an amazing amount of water.” Pollock Hall, followed by Willison Hall, round out the top five. Rurak said that posting flyers was only a small part of the process of promoting the Campus Water Challenge. “I have had meetings with all of the resident assistants and resident directors and have talked to many organizations on campus as well,” said Rurak. “Also, at the dorms, I have done several water programs and even contacted the radio station here on campus to promote this event.” Rurak’s personal passion for environmental issues comes from her seeing the differences between urban and rural areas. “As an environmental science major, my passion for environmental issues comes at least somewhat from growing up in Chicago and then moving to Pennsylvania,” said Rurak. “When I moved it here
it was amazing to see hills and mountains and grass and it definitely heightened my love of this environment and the beauty of God’s nature. Seeing the contrast between urbanization and the more country like environment here has been awesome.” According to Rurak, the event has plenty of room to expand, an act that she would like to see happen after she graduates. “I would love to see a bigger kickoff event around campus,” said Rurak. “Also to see the challenge expand to not only dorms but buildings too. But the changes that I’d like to see are incorporated into the growth of the program, which will hopefully succeed itself.” Jacob Waltmeyer, a member of the Eco-Stewards Club, said that students recognizing the importance of these issues is key to the growth of the program. “I think it’s important for residents to be responsible with what the University is providing for them and a way for them to show respect is to save water,” said Waltmeyer, a junior psychology major. “We have a great opportunity here living in excess and we need to be careful with how much we waste and being stewards of creation as well.” Rurak said that full results from the challenge will not be available until January 2011.
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Page A3
Campus
Author visits campus
Photo by Amanda Rice
Members of the Waynesburg Players perform in “The Skin of Our Teeth,” which ran Nov. 3-6.
Fall play finishes four-performance run By Carrie Maier Staff Writer The Waynesburg University Players presented “The Skin of Our Teeth” last week in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Written by Thornton Wilder, the unconventional threeact play won the 1943 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. ”I thought it went very well and the actors did a very fine job with it,” said Eddie Powers, associate professor of theatre and director of the fall play. “It’s a difficult play with the stopping in action but underneath that it’s a very simple story about man dealing with one catastrophe after another.” Wilder’s comedydrama tells of the fictional Antrobus family’s struggles to survive the various hardships life throws at them, including an ice age and a seven-year long war. Written in 1942, the play parodies the chaos people felt during the turmoil of World War II and demonstrates mankind’s ability to survive and start over. “It was a little hard to
Be courteous while texting Continued from A1 related to classroom behavior and decorum, I ask students to be courteous and professional,”
follow and I know sometimes we lost some of the audience,” said senior Sable Griedel, who played the Antrobus’ maid, Sabina. “I enjoyed it though, especially interacting with the audience.” Griedel’s character and others frequently addressed the crowd directly, as Wilder wrote “The Skin of Our Teeth” as a play within a play. “You really had to think about it,” freshmen nursing major Rachel Handley said of the plot line. “But I enjoyed it a lot.” Though happy with the results, Powers admitted this particular play was not his first choice. In fact, those that auditioned for the
play were to be cast in Tad Mosel’s “All the Way Home.” “I actually had another play in mind but could not cast enough child actors. So I thought to myself, ‘What can I do?’” Powers said. “I had ‘The Skin of Our Teeth’ in the back of my mind so I looked at all the scripts, reread them and told myself, ‘Okay. This could work. This is a very interesting play.’” Eight-year-old Caleb Gallagher made the cut. One of only two to try out for “All the Way Home,” Gallagher was asked if he would like a part in the new play. “His character was not in the play originally,” Powers said.
“We found a spot for him and created the role of Dinosaur Jr.” Gallagher appeared in Act I as Dinosaur Jr. and as a tourist in Act II and was a crowd favorite. “The small dinosaur was adorable,” Handley said. Audience member for multiple shows, senior Reid Stevens said the show overall was impressive. “I enjoyed it. I thoughts there was good comedic value in the first two acts,” said Stevens. “I actually saw it three times.” Powers estimated that the final product was a result of around 100 hours of rehearsal time. “We ended up with around 12 hours per week just with rehearsal,” said Powers. “That’s not counting the tech side of things – the props, costumes, lighting and that whole undertaking.” Senior cast member Mike Winland, who played Mr. Fitzpatrick, said all their practice paid off. “There were no glaring errors,” Winland said. “I was very happy with how everything turned out.”
said Dr. Dana Baer, dean of undergraduate studies, in an email. “I ask them to consider whether using their cell phone for texting in class disrupts the teaching and learning environment of the class for the instruct and or the other
students.” Dr. Baer hopes students are aware that if they use their cell phones for texting during class in violation of classroom policy, they may be subject to the penalties set forth in that policy. Waynesburg University has a blanket policy about classroom behavior and decorum, but faculty and staff are asked to deal with the issue on an individual basis. While classroom disruption is one issue
regarding the high number of text messages exchanged by 18 to 24year-olds, Assistant Dean of Students Shane Peters, expressed concern that texting in class could infringe on academic integrity. “If students are using their phones to text answers to each other or at times when they shouldn’t be, that’s obviously going to be a problem,” he said. However Peters also recognized cell phones as
“It’s a difficult play with the stopping in action but... it’s a very simple story about a man dealing with one catastrophe after another.” Eddie Powers Associate Professor of Theatre
and that Jesus was Lord,” said Metaxas. Wilberforce also felt God’s call through a letContinued from A2 ter from John Newton who told him to stay in ing Grace,” which is politics because that is based on the life of where God could use Wilberforce, he says him. “Wilberforce had two that a lot is left out including the conver- calls from God,” said Metaxas. “To abolish sion of Wilberforce. “Although Wilber- the slave trade and to force was born into a reform the manner or morality ‘Christian’ For more coverage, of Great society, people see D1. Britain.” who took the Metaxas Bible seriously were looked down upon, said that we all have a and were most often call from God and that Methodists,” said they are all different. “But if God doesn’t Metaxas. “The culture in Great call you to something, Britain in the 1750s was you cant get it done,” he pulling away from the said. Metaxas believes that gospel. When a culture pulls away from the what Newton said to gospel, someone suffers. Wilberforce also applies Usually it will be the to Christians today when he said, “What poor.” Metaxas explained you are called to is that the roots of Wilber- impossible. But with force’s faith came from God, you can’t fail.” Wilberforce’s abolishhis aunt and uncle who happened to be ment of the slave trade in 1807 and total change Methodists. They often had visi- of the British culture is tors like John Newton meant by Metaxas to and other revolutionary encourage others. Sophomore computer Christians of that time meet in their home. forensics major Matt They took the Bible Snedden felt the message was thought proseriously. “Wilberforce’s moth- voking. “It helps me think er and grandfather would have none of about how we need to listen to God and not this,” said Metaxas. “They decided to just do whatever we scrub his soul clean of might want to do with this ‘serious’ Christiani- our lives. We need to let God use us.” ty.” Sophomore accountAt age 16, Wilberforce enrolled at Cam- ing major Justin Bensebridge University, and ma agreed. “It made me think at age 20 he was elected more about what I am to Parliament. “He was becoming called to do and less the popular and power- about what I want to ful politician his mother do,” he said. Metaxas encouraged wanted him to be,” said everyone to listen to Metaxas. However, on one God’s call for them per1,200-mile carriage ride sonally. “We are all Wilberwith his vacation companion Isaac Milner, he force. One day God is was convinced through going to ask us all the conversation of the love same question: Were of God he once felt as a you obedient and did child with his aunt and you use my blessings to bless others?” uncle. “He was convinced that the Bible was true
a regular part of life and a tool that when used properly, can be very helpful. “There are going to be emergency cases where you need to have your phone with you in class,” said Peters, “However, be discreet and don’t disrupt class. Let your professor know what is going before the start of class.” Both Peters and Baer acknowledged there is no specific policy in the Student Handbook regarding texting in class but that
if the syllabus says to stay away, that is what is expected. In addition to affecting classroom performance, excessive texting may have other severe consequences. A study done last year of 4,200 students in the Cleveland area found that hyper-texting teens are more likely to engage in sex, drinking and drugs than those who do not send as many messages. Researchers say they are starting to see a clear link between excessive text messaging and risky behavior. The study found that young people who text at least 120 times a day (more than twice the average for 18 to 24-yearolds) are more than three times more likely to have had sex that those who text less than that. They were also more likely to have been in a physical altercation, participated in underage drinking and used illegal drugs or abused prescription medications.
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Campus
Town, WU concerned
Colleges ban Four Loko
Continued from A1
Continued from A1
ciplinary actions, public drunkenness as well as any other issues associated with campus security. “It seems that this early in the year there are more students involved in a negative light that involve alcohol and other problems than in previous years,” said Mike Humiston, director of the Department of Public Security. “I know that as part of the administration trying to stop this, that it is frustrating, because this behavior is not becoming of a Waynesburg University student.” The most recent incident occurred at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in which a fight erupted between two freshman Waynesburg University students, according to police. One student was taken to the hospital with facial injuries and has since been released. A previous incident involving Zachary and Tyler Fatigante is also being investigated by police. Both Zachary and Tyler Fatigante were taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va. on Oct. 24 after they were allegedly assaulted by Bethany students at a party located at 376 N. Richhill St. “We are continuing to sort through the information we have been gathering,” said Hawfield. “It is an ongoing investigation, and we are going to keep work-
purchase one 24 oz. can that contains an average alcohol content of nine to twelve percent ABV per can, as compared to four to six percent ABV found in beer. “Another appeal could be the “trend” of drinks like Four Loko and Joose,” said Chajkowski. “There are fan pages on Facebook where college students are talking about their experiences with the drinks; how it is an extreme high and encouraging other people to try it.” One of the most popular Facebook fan pages refer to Four Loko as “blackouts in a can and the end to my morals.” Despite their many risks, alcohol energy drinks continue to rise in status. Four Loko ranked fourth in sales growth at 7-Eleven stores as of 2009 and continues to be one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverages. The FDA is putting increased pressure on the manufacturers of these caffeinated malt beverages, challenging them to prove the legality and safety of the drinks. Failure to do so may result in a countrywide ban of the beverages. “Banning drinks like Joose and Four Loko is step in the right direction to preventing students from exhibiting dangerous behaviors,” said Chajkowski. “However, it is simply not enough. Even
Senate needs cooperation Continued from A2 possible, considering Thanksgiving break is approaching fast. This would help to project their message of urgency and the task force will continue discussing when to implement the polls during news weeks meetings. The task forces have yet to talk the residence life staff about the idea to implement the poll during the hallway meetings, George said during the meeting. The Eco-Stewards Club played a key part in helping to gather
Infographic by Michelle Naymick
Each year, Waynesburg University Department of Public Safety release statistics about the incidents to which they responded the previous year. Statistics for 2009 were not available as of press time. ing on it.” No arrests have been made in that incident. A previous incident that occurred earlier this semester on Sept. 30 involved two students being charged with furnishing alcohol to minors while one underage student was taken to Southwest Regional Hospital for alcohol poisoning. That same night, in an unrelated incident, another student was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital after jumping over a railing and falling 12-feet onto a cement driveway and metal grate. He suffered facial and head injuries after becoming intoxicated and running from Borough Police. “So far this year we have had significant injuries including, but not limited to, underage drinking, alcohol poisoning, threats of violence and well as acts of violence themselves,” said Hawfield. “We’re going to be working against acts of misconduct that come
data for the project during Tuesday’s meeting and last week’s meeting. “A lot of the information would be disseminated from the Eco-Stewards Club and the food task force,” said Cummins. According to Cummins, the publicity task force will create flyers and use the Senate Facebook account to promote Trayless Tuesday. However, the publicity task force cannot take any further action until they receive information from both organizations. No time frame was announced during the meeting for when this information would be collected.
to our attention, and we have to take a strong stand against the mounting number of incidents.” According to Hawfield, police will be performing their normal duties but will also be keeping an eye out for suspicious behavior. “We are very concerned with what is going on with the students right now,” said Hawfield. “The irresponsible conduct being displayed in the incidents is far more profound than in the past and we are afraid that something could go terribly wrong and we don’t want to see that.” In the past three years, no more than three simple assaults each year were reported to campus security. However, within the first semester, Waynesburg students have been involved in at least two alleged assaults that required Borough Police to become involved. According to Richard “Skip” Noftzger, senior
vice president of Institutional Planning, Research and Educational Services, the University is also taking extra precautions to stop illegal behavior by University students. “We are always making the normal efforts to keep the campus secure, but in light of recent events, we have made some changes,” said Noftzger. “We have added additional people on the night shift and have made scheduling changes to have more staff simultaneously working.” Both Waynesburg administration and Borough Police will continue to work toward keeping the students safe. “We care a great deal about the students and the University, whether they live on or off campus,” said Hawfield. “Because of that, we need to take a stand against these acts and prevent them from hurting themselves and somebody else.”
if banned, students have the freedom to mix energy drinks like Red Bull with alcohol on their own.” Some college students argue that prohibiting the drinks is not the solution, often citing negligent drinkers as the cause of the alcopop beverage’s bad reputation rather than its controversial contents. “Kids will still find ways to get them and still drink them,” said junior criminal justice major Neil Hill. “If you drink responsibly they aren’t dangerous, just like any other alcohol.” The state of Michigan has become the first to issue a statewide prohibition of Four Loko, effective as of Dec 4. Several colleges and universities, such as Ramapo College in New Jersey where 23 students experienced alcohol poisoning as a result of the drink, have banned the beverage. As of early November, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has sent letters to 17,000 beer distributors throughout the state, urging them to discontinue selling the beverages. “Whether or not they are outlawed, both government and college officials have the power to focus on efforts of teaching individuals how to drink responsibly,” said Chajkowski, “which is what we strive to and will continue to do in our alcohol prevention programs on campus here at Waynesburg.”
Columnist Aaron Thompson believes students should show more pride in college athletics by attending games—no matter what the weather. Read more on B2
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Democrat-dominated Greene County votes for Republicans By Natalie Bruzda Region Editor Greene County has historically been a Democratic-dominated area, but that would be a difficult fact to swallow after examining the results from the Nov. 2 general election. Republican Tom Corbett carried both Washington and Greene counties in his successful bid for governor, and Republican Pat Toomey won Washington and Greene counties in his successful run for U.S. Senate. Furthermore, when examining the straight party ticket in Greene County, only 52 percent voted
“I think the voters want to be respected and they don’t want to be dismissed by the politicians.” Rea Andrew Redd Adviser to the Young Republicans
However, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 2.4-to-1 in Greene County. What then accounts for this trend? “I think the voters want to be respected and they don’t want to be dismissed by the politicians,” Adviser to the Young Republicans Rea Andrew Redd said. “And it seems that within the last two years, they’ve been disrespected and dismissed. So I think they’re sending people to Congress, the Pennsylvania Assembly and the United States Congress, who are going to care more about the issues that people
Democrat, down from 71.5 percent in 2009 and 77.2 percent in 2007.
See REPUBLICANS on B4
Borough aims to revitalize area
CENSUS RETURNS
By Stephanie Laing
By Aaron Thompson
Editorial Assistant
Assistant Sports Editor
Waynesburg Borough has recently been recertified as a “Blueprint Community.” Blueprint Communities, developed by Federal Home Loan Bank Pittsburgh and its partners, aims to revitalize and create sustainable communities in the Pennsylvania region. To be recertified, a community must demonstrate that four primary activities are occurring: planning, implementing, engaging and commitment to continue, according to Laura Rye, community investment consultant West Virginia for FHLBank. Waynesburg submitted a request to recertify based on those four activities. “Of interest is their ability to implement the plan,” said Rye. Waynesburg’s plan includes improvement of the High Street/Route 21/19 streetscape, greater coordination in planning among Main Street business owners, a farmers’ market project and partial funding for sewage plant expansion.
back of the old store, and that’s where a lot of people would drop off their donations, and we would never get them.” The new location solved that problem, according to Streit. “Now that we’re here we saw an increase in the donations because there isn’t a loading dock and we can keep track of all the donations that are brought in.” The other problem
Returns from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Pennsylvania returned more 2010 census questionnaires than the national average. Statistically, the participation rate in the state of Pennsylvania was at 77 percent. The national return rate was 74 percent. “We are very pleased with the public’s response to the 2010 Census, and these results demonstrate that the public stepped up to be counted,” census Bureau Director Robert Groves said in a news release. The census data is collected every 10 years to get a perspective of how the population has increased or decreased in towns, cities and states across the United States. The counted data is also presented to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and boundaries for districts on state and local levels. “As the law requires, we look forward to reporting to the nation by Dec. 31 the national
See STORE on B4
See CENSUS on B4
State beats national average
Photo by Gregory Reinhart
Hidden Treasures settles into its new location in Wide Water Commons. The store moved from its location on High Street after conditions in the old building proved to be too difficult.
Hidden Treasures finds success in new store a month after transition By Kyle Edwards Editorial Assistant
Hidden Treasures, a thrift store run by the Washington City Mission that offers free or low-cost merchandise to the needy, has settled into its new location in Wide Water Commons. “We’ve been open since Oct. 4,” said store manager Judy Streit. “So we’ve been here just about a month now.” The store was origiSee BOROUGH on B4 nally located at 78 W.
High St. in downtown Waynesburg, but moved to its new location at 55 Sugar Run Road after conditions in the old building proved to be too difficult. “The old store was hard to work in,” Streit said. “It had no air conditioning or anything like that, and it was a smaller building, so it made things feel a little cramped.” Streit explained that the Mission’s decision to move the store was
based on more than just cramped quarters. “Actually they [the Washington City Mission] really wanted the store to be in conjunction with the other stores,” said Streit. “This new location helps us to do that.” According to Streit, the move has greatly benefited the store. “Donations have increased by a lot,” she said. “We realized that we had a loading dock in the
Food for the holidays: County drive raises more than $50,000 Food bank continues to receive donations two weeks after drive. By Natalie Bruzda Region Editor Food banks across Pennsylvania are fortunate in that the state provides funding to keep the programs afloat. However, the Greene County Corner Cupboard Food Bank has been stretched thin this year; the state reduced the food bank’s funding
by almost $17,000. According to Jan Caldwell, director of the Greene County Corner Cupboard Food Bank, this diminished funding makes the impact from the annual food drive headed by CONSOL Energy Inc. even more pronounced. “[The food drive] has always helped us to make it through the
year,” Caldwell said. “This year it was critical, especially with the huge amount of funds that won’t be coming from the state.” On Wednesday, Oct. 27, CONSOL Energy Inc. held a food drive for the Greene County Corner Cupboard Food Bank in front of the Greene County Courthouse. Numerous businesses, agencies and individuals made a stop in front of the courthouse to
donate food and money to help the food bank. Even Mel Blunt, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and Iceberg, the Pittsburgh Penguins mascot came to show their support. “We have received about 2,000 pounds of food and it’s still coming in,” Caldwell said. “We’ll be keeping track up until Thanksgiving. People just keep jumping on board.” According to Lynn
Manning, public relations supervisor for CONSOL Energy Inc., close to $50,000 was raised solely through the company’s efforts, with an additional $3,000 or more coming from the community. “[CONSOL Energy Inc.] is an incredible company and we owe it to the employees who jumped on board and to everybody who gave so generously,” Caldwell said.
According to Manning, CONSOL Energy Inc. donated $5,000 to kick off the food drive, and through the sale of tshirts, employees donated almost $32,000. Furthermore, the company offered a matching grant of $2,500 if the community donated the amount during the course of the food drive. “It was just tremenSee FAMILIES on B4
YELLOW JACKET
Page B2
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Editorial
Don’t be ‘Loko’ Legal does not always mean safe A second college has banned the caffeinated malt liquor Four Loko. After an incident at Central Washington University left 23 students in need of medical attention, both CWU and Ramapo College of New Jersey have taken steps to remove the drink from their campuses. Take a hint from those less fortunate and learn from their mistakes. The stove is hot; don’t touch it. Finding out that this “blackout in a can” is extremely dangerous is not a pass to go purchase a six-pack, rather a glaring warning sign to stay away. Our bodies can’t process caffeine and alcohol at the same time. The side effects are as rough as they are dangerous. As the FDA begins to review the safety of such beverages, take this as a warning that Four Loko may not be the safest choice for a Friday night just because it sits legally on the liquor store shelves. Similar to the warning labels on tobacco products, alcohol warning labels do little to deter. While it may sound like a fiesta, a trip to the hospital for alcohol poisoning is no party. On the other hand, who are we kidding thinking that banning one branded beverage is going to have the slightest affect on the binge drink habits of college students?
Shop locally Holiday gifts can be found on campus, in town It’s time to put the Halloween costumes away. Pack up the pumpkins and start thinking turkey. But maybe you’re one of those people who like to start Christmas shopping early even before stores change their decorations from back-to-school to Christmas. Or perhaps you like to wait until the last minute, rushing to the mall a few days before Christmas to find that perfect gift. No matter what type of shopper you are, you can find gifts in Waynesburg for anyone. Downtown shops like Artisans, Our Glass Creations and Grandma’s Attic offer crafty items, like stained glass sun catchers or paintings. However, on Nov. 10, students gained another shopping option: Ten Thousand Villages opened at 68 S. Washington St. The shop carries anything from intricately carved boxes to detailed beaded purses to wooden toys to beautiful Christmas ornaments from places such as Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the largest fair-trade organizations in the world and part of every sale will benefit the Waynesburg University Mission Trip Scholarship Fund. In addition to supporting the Mission Trip Scholarship Fund, sales from Ten Thousand Villages also support the makers of the items. Students, faculty and staff should make every effort to visit and support the shop while it’s open. The store benefits good causes and provides interesting goods. Just imagine the look on your mother or grandmother’s faces as they open their gift to find such exotic gifts.
Consider your motivation to serve To graduate from Waynesburg University, I have to meet certain requirements. We all do. I have to complete 124 credit hours and take certain classes. Including Chemistry, and, no, I do not know anything about how the oxygen end of a water molecule is negatively charged and the hydrogen end is positively charged and how that means that the hydrogen of one water molecule can attract the oxygen of its neighbor. No idea. In other news, I am
SIERRA SHAFER Columnist
also taking Service Learning this semester as part of meeting my graduation requirements. This weekend I fulfilled my service hours by volunteering at a work camp with the Pittsburgh Project. Joined by a few hundred other volunteers, we piled into our vans and spread out to do our service projects. Some of the volun-
November reminds us to remember During Saturday evening mass at St. Ann Catholic Church in Waynesburg, the Rev. Richard Thompson’s homily brought tears to my eyes. November, he said, is the month of remembrance, a time to remember loved ones who have passed. Memories of my grandma, who passed last February, filled
teers were with their middle school youth groups, others with churches, and still others came in groups from their schools. Our group from Waynesburg University was largely there to meet a requirement. A lot of the middle school kids were there because they were happy to get away from mom and dad. And many of the adults felt it was a way to give back, now that they had established solidarity to their lives. None of these reasons however, are mutually exclusive.
NATALIE BRUZDA Columnist
my mind. I was afraid the tears were going to overcome me. But after a moment of sadness, I focused on the wise words of my priest. November is truly a month of remembrance, with two holidays specifically designated to this idea of paying tribute to deceased loved ones. Celebrated on Nov. 1, All Saints’s Day, also known as All Soul’s Day, commemorates the
Any combination of these reasons or many others could have motivated us to work with the Pittsburgh Project this weekend. Maybe our motivation doesn’t really matter. The work got done. But it’s interesting to think about what motivates us to do service work, or to volunteer, or to ever give of ourselves. Chances to be truly selfless are rare, if they happen at all. And the service we do is likely to never be 100 percent altruistic. See REASONS on B3
faithful departed. And today, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, the annual United States federal holiday honoring military veterans; a day that has been celebrated for more than 90 years. I’m sure we all have personal memories associated with this national patriotic holiday. I’m sure a majority of us have relatives who have served our country in some capacity. I’m certain that this holiday is able to resonate with every American citizen. As a majorette in high school, I participated in a special cereSee REMEMBER on B3
Empty stands reflect poorly on campus Lately, I have noticed a disturbing trend growing on our fine campus. Not only am I disappointed, but also I am appalled at the campus community for their lack of attendance at numerous campus events. Support for many events and activities are certainly leaving a lot to be desired. Some events have even been canceled do to lack of participation. Apathy has clearly set in. Students, faculty and staff all should share
AARON THOMPSON Columnist
equal responsibility. My frustrations started a few weeks ago when I attended and worked the home football game against Frostburg State on Oct. 23. The Yellow Jackets rolled to a 41-7 victory over the Bobcats. That was the good news. The bad news was that an estimated crowd of 650
people attended that game. Keep in mind that the temperature reached the low 70s that day. The weather was clearly not an issue or a reason to skip out. Only, 650 people for a football game, really? That is the best that we can do? I understand people may not like athletics or football, but there is only five home football games each season. Is it really too much to ask to take a few hours out of your Satur-
day afternoon to come down to the game with your friends, hang out and support your fellow classmates? At that time I resisted the urge to write a column or start an open discussion via Facebook. I was understandably frustrated. I brushed it aside mainly because I knew that Waynesburg had its two most important and critical games remaining in the last two weeks of the regular season. See SHOW on B3
YELLOW JACKET
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Page B3
Op-Ed
Reasons we serve others Continued from B2
Scholarship athletes not on a ‘free ride’ Those struggling to pay for higher education might find it hard to shed a tear for athletes on full scholarships. But a new study shows many don’t get the “free ride” they may have been promised, even as colleges and coaches reap the rewards of their athletic prowess. Even with a scholarship covering tuition, fees, room, board and books, a Division I student-athlete can expect nearly $3,000 a year in other school-related expenses, says the study by Ithaca College professor Ellen J. Staurowsky and the National College Players Association. Out-of-pocket expenses can include parking, software, medical care and more.
Depending on the school, the estimated uncovered expenses for last year ranged from $200 to almost $11,000. The study found a gap of $1,500 a year at Villanova, $2,345 at Rutgers, $3,924 at Penn State, and $4,436 at Temple. Meanwhile, many head football and basketball coaches get six- or seven-figure compensation packages. The NCAA has signed an $11 billion, 14-year contract with CBS and Turner Sports to televise its men’s basketball tournament. The scholarship gap was calculated by comparing the full cost to attend these institutions, as reported by the federal government, to expenses covered under
NCAA rules. Some college officials disputed the extent of the gap, but didn’t deny its existence. Of course, the costs borne by elite athletes are dwarfed by those facing most students and their families. But the players’ association notes that the idea of a “free ride” for talented athletes has become so ingrained that many expect just that. Moreover, the shortfalls exist across institutions and sports, so most of the athletes involved are not headed for lucrative pro careers. And, having expected a free education, they may be especially ill-equipped to pay for it. Several athletes have told Sports Illustrated they took illicit pay-
ments because scholarships didn’t cover all their expenses. There have been some halting steps to address the issue. The NCAA reportedly considered changing its rules so scholarships could cover the full cost of attendance, but it ultimately dropped the idea. It should reconsider taking that step. Last month, California began requiring colleges to disclose more information about the total cost of attendance. Making at least that much clear to prospective students, whether they’re athletes or not, should be standard practice everywhere. Editorial originally published in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Regional Political Updates Results of the 2010 General Election United States Senator- Pat Toomey (REP) Governor- Tom Corbett (REP) Representative in Congress for 12th Congressional District- Mark S. Critz (DEM) Senator in the General Assembly for 46th Senatorial District- Timothy J. Solobay (DEM) Representative in the General Assembly for 50th Legislative District- Bill DeWeese (DEM)
Show up to support Continued from B2 It is completely understandable that everyone is busy as the semester is heading into its final weeks finishing up projects, studying for tests and trying to finish the semester to the best of their abilities. My frustration died down a bit, or at least until this past Saturday’s game against nationally ranked opponent Thomas More. The Saints rolled into town with a chance to clinch the Presidents’ Athletic Conference for the third straight season. This game was without a doubt the most significant home game since 2007. The Jackets responded by pushing the first place Saints to the brink before losing 14-10 in the final minute. The team undoubtedly left it all on the field as the Saints earned their 21 consecutive reg-
ular season victory. The same can’t be said for the Yellow Jacket faithful, or lack there of. Attendance this time was listed at 900. Some students have been willing to offer reasons why they didn’t attend or why students should attend athletic and other campus events. Maybe the campus isn’t as apathetic as I thought. They are however full of excuses and different reasons why they can’t attend these events. The majority of the feedback I received pertained to the weather. I even received a comment saying to calm down because “it’s only Division III athletics.” That comment was from an athlete nonetheless. Let’s step back for a moment and take a chance to realize that of the eight football teams in the PAC, Waynesburg ranks seventh in attendance. Only winless Thiel College has had less people on average
In the House of Representatives, the Democrats lost 60 seats, leaving them with 188 seats and giving Republics 239 seats. In the Senate, Democrats lost six seats, but maintained the majority with 53 seats. Republicans left the election with 46 seats. All listed districts include Greene County. -By Stephanie Laing
attend its games. Waynesburg had 2,200 as the projected attendance for Homecoming earlier this season against Westminster. If that total were reached each home game I would have no problem or concern at all. A great atmosphere can help an athlete or a performer in the school play. Case in point atmosphere may have added to Waynesburg’s performance when Waynesburg traveled to Beaver Falls to take on Geneva last month. The Jackets responded with their best offensive performance of the year, winning 55-42. Geneva had more than 7,000 fans for that contest against Waynesburg. Barring a strong crowd this Saturday against rival Washington and Jefferson, Waynesburg won’t surpass 7,000 for the entire season. What an embarrass-
ment. I am tired of all the excuses. The field isn’t on campus or the weather. The problems don’t just exist with football either, all Waynesburg sports rank toward the bottom of the conference in attendance. Other activities have suffered as well do to dwindling attendance or interest. The Winter Gala semi-formal event that was scheduled for tomorrow was canceled. It would be interesting to find out why this is occurring. The real question here is why don’t people care about these activities and what can Student Senate or the Student Activities Board do to get more students involved and interested in activities campus wide? The campus does a fantastic job of having a variety of activities or events available on campus and off-campus. Now it is time for students to follow through and show up.
Even times when we “get nothing in return,” we are really getting, at the very least, small rewards for the service we do. Sure, we all want to give back or we want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to feel connected, feel like we’re making a difference or doing something good about ourselves or less guilty for what we have. Maybe we want to meet new people or travel somewhere new, maybe we want to have fun or we’re just bored. Or we want to pass Service Learning. There are countless reasons we choose to volunteer or to serve others. More times than not we are getting something out of it. This weekend, the Pittsburgh Project took a few more steps toward their vision. We all came together to restore the homes of some very needing people in the poorer parts of the city. Whether we had to be there or we wanted to be
Remember loved ones Continued from B2 mony to commemorate veterans in our local community who have given their lives to serve our country. Although I only have a few memories of my grandfather, I remember when my grandmother was presented with the American flag at his funeral. On the national level, this holiday is celebrated every year with the National Veterans Day Ceremony at the Arlington National Ceremony. But on the local level, and on a smaller scale, communities across the country put together their own programs to honor veterans. In Greene County, multiple events are held in order to celebrate this national holiday. This past Sunday, the Rogersville United Methodist Church recognized veterans with its program that was held in lieu of church services.
there or some combination of the two, we made a lasting difference in lives of strangers. And maybe we made a difference in our own lives too. I know, it’s a Hallmark thought, but it’s a valid one to consider. Some of us got something out of this weekend besides meeting a requirement. Others did not. So while we may have re-shingled a few roofs, installed a few new toilets, painted a couple walls and called it a day, there was the chance to take something away from this weekend besides dirt under our nails and holes in our jeans. Your motivation is your own, and there is no guilt to be placed for those of us who have requirements to meet or obligations to fulfill. Cliché as it may be, there is nothing wrong with being affected by the work we did. In fact, quite the opposite may be true. Showing up is almost everything. Doing the work and doing it well is almost the rest. How affected you are when you put down the hammer and walk away is everything else.
Today, at 11 a.m., the Waynesburg Veterans Day parade was held. John and Jean Gusic of Waynesburg, both World War II veterans, were the parade marshals. Following the parade, a program took place at the Greene County Courthouse, featuring Marine Col. Michael H. Belding as the speaker and a 21gun salute by the honor guard of Waynesburg American Legion Post 330. Celebrations were similar in Jefferson today. A Veterans Day parade took place this morning, with a 21-gun salute in front of American Legion Post 954 and ending at Jefferson-Morgan Junior-Senior High School. A program followed the parade. Although by the time you read this, Veterans Day will almost be at its close, I would hope that you would take a moment to pause and remember those who have given their lives to protect this country. It’s a holiday of remembrance, and one that should never be pushed to the wayside.
YELLOW JACKET
Page B4
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Region
Store makes progress Continued from B1 with the old location was that people kept dropping off furniture that the store couldn’t sell because it was so old, according to Streit. “It’s better all around,” she said. “We’re glad we made the move.” Director of Stores Bob Welsch agrees. “It [the move to the new location] has given us a larger customer base, and it’s allowed us additional space and more shopping convenience for the customers,” he said. “Our downtown loca-
Families receive food Continued from B1 dous,” Manning said. “Greene County is just absolutely great. They came to the rescue and helped out.” For the holidays, special food boxes are provided, which include the regular items provided monthly but also the holiday items, such as turkey, gravy and stuffing. Manning explained that CONSOL Energy Inc. began the food drive three years ago when it came to the company’s attention that the food bank could only give out chicken breast for Thanksgiving. During an eight-hour, emergency food drive only days before Thanksgiving, the company raised $48,000 Caldwell said that she considers the donations that come in up to Thanksgiving as a ripple effect stemming from the annual holiday food drive. “Obviously without the CONSOL Energy support the holidays wouldn’t be as bright,”
Census sees success Continued from B1 and state populations as well as the allocation of seats to each state in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Groves said. Locally, Greene County was at 76 percent, Fayette County’s rate was 79 percent, Washington and Westmoreland counties both ranked above 80 percent, ranking with percentages at 82 and 84 percent respectively. Greene County’s population was 40,672 and Washington County’s was 202,897 at the beginning of the 21st century when the Census was conducted in 2000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just 22 states, 1,553 counties
tion did not have parking, but this one has plenty of room for everyone to park.” Welsch explained that the original location was less accessible for some customers. “The old location had steps, which were very inconvenient for the elderly,” Welsch said. “This new location only has one floor, making it much more accessible.” Welsch is optimistic for the future of both the store and the Mission in Greene County. “I see us expanding in the future, as in our presence in the Washington City Mission,” he said. “We hope to raise public awareness of the Mission and what it provides.”
Caldwell said. “They make it possible for us to provide more food throughout the year to less fortunate and food insecure families. “Sometimes we have to do more with less and somehow we always get it done. “We are thankful for CONSOL’s support.” Greene County residents were not the only ones to support the Greene County Corner Cupboard Food Bank. CONSOL Energy Inc. employees from other counties and even from as far away as Utah donated to the food drive. “We sold T-shirts company wide, here to Utah,” Manning said. “The people in Utah, they don’t know anything about Greene County, but they knew that people needed help. It was a true family effort.” Caldwell expressed similar sentiments. “When you think that CONSOL’s employees come from other counties except Greene, hats off to them,” she said. “It shows the incredible giving spirit of the CONSOL family.”
and 278 cities with a population of 50,000 or more met or exceeded their 2000 participation rates. Furthermore, Puerto Rico and District of Columbia also exceeded the expected rates. Census collectors made trips to the 47 million households that failed to return the forms back by deadline. According to the Bureau, they made visits to 100 percent of the housing units in the United States. The Census also helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding is spent on infrastructure each year. Services like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, emergency services and public works projects are included within that federal funding that is
Borough improves Continued from B1 “Basically, with the Blueprint Community,” said Bruce Wermlinger, Waynesburg Borough manager, “you’re eligible to receive grants from the Blueprint Community Program.” The grants will help Waynesburg Borough improve the downtown area, according to Wermlinger. “We will try to get funding to do the remaining part of the streetscape from Washington Street west and programs in the parks from tree planting to sidewalk repair,” said Wermlinger. “We are going to buy baskets for the new light poles and banners, and [we’ll have] more façade repair and improvement.” Waynesburg has plans to move the farmers market to a different
location. “It [the farmers market] is actively involved in getting the community and downtown area involved,” said Wermlinger. “They [the farmers markets] are going to move back to the downtown area, to the center of town.” Waynesburg also will seek partial funding for the sewage plant expansion. “We have a formally involved project to reduce and eliminate the combined sewage outlet,” said Wermlinger. “We will redo our main interceptor, which improves the quality in town.” Along with these, Wermlinger said that anything that increases traffic and the numbers of businesses adds to the recertification process. “Anything they [the Blueprint Communities program] see as a plus from beautification to adding businesses aids in the recertification,”
said Wermingler. According to Wermlinger, there will be further attempts to increase corporation in planning among business owners in Waynesburg. There are three different lines of financial assistance available to the recertified Waynesburg. “The smallest is a mini-grant program designed to support the momentum of specific projects identified in community plans,” said Rye. This mini-grant is worth $2,500. “In addition to that mini-grant program, there has been a setaside of funding available through the Banking on Business small business loan program,” said Rye, “Available through member banks on an as-needed and asqualified basis.” The last grant offers up to $250,000. “Many Blueprint Communities seek out
funding from the Affordable Housing Program,” said Rye, “Available on a competitive basis through member banks.” The AHP supports projects that provide affordable housing to individuals and families whose incomes are defined as low or very low, according to Rye. All Pennsylvania’s 22 Blueprint Communities have undergone training in leadership, organizational development and strategic planning skills, according to Rye. Along with this, the communities have prioritized key community goals, established general consensus for specific projects and taken steps in implementing those plans into the community. “This recertification opens the door to additional in-kind and financial assistance as these Blueprint Communities continue to implement the community revitalization plans they have developed,” said Rye.
Republicans take over Continued from B1 feel every day.” The anti-Democratic and anti-incumbent sentiment was evident as six Democratic congressional seats in the state went to Republicans, who were also successful in taking control of the state House. “A lot of what’s coming out of Washington, D.C. is this is good for you but you don’t understand it, we’re going to make you do it,” Redd said. “There’s certainly that type of attitude and I think that’s the attitude [the voters] want changed. They want reasonable taxes, reasonable health care and they want a degree of understanding that they have voices and feelings that should not be dismissed out of
awarded. Livonia, Mich., had the highest return rate among cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Livonia had an 88 percent return rate. Rochester, Minn., Centennial, Colorado, Sterling Heights, Mich., and Naperville, Ill., all had an 83 percent return rate. The results certainly
Photo by Amanda Rice
Voters went to the polls on Nov. 2 to vote in the 2010 General Election. When examining the straight party ticket, only 52 percent voted Democrat in Greene County. hand.” Adviser to the Young Democrats Martin Cockroft, however, disagrees. He attributes the this election year’s strong Republican support to the down economy. “Personally, I hesitate to say there’s a trend toward being Republican,” Cockroft said.
were what the Census Bureau had hoped for. “This is a significant achievement; the nation has stepped up to the challenge of participating in this oncea-decade civic event,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “We knew the job would be more difficult in 2010 than in 2000, yet the nation responded tremendously.”
“Historically, if you go into a midterm election cycle and you’re in a down economy and you’re the dominant party, you’re going to lose seats. It’s going to happen no matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. To me, my larger conclusion is not that people are necessarily no longer Democrats
in Greene County or that Americans are swinging to become Republican. But rather that in a down economy, when unemployment is 10 percent or higher in a lot of areas, and it doesn’t seem to be improving fast, people are going to go for whatever alternative there is.”
Four Jacket athletes were honored for their academic and athletic achievements. Read more on C3
Thursday, November 11, 2010
No time Out of reach to dwell Jackets’PAC title hopes dashed in final minute on loss By Aaron Thompson
Assistant Sports Editor
Dave Floyd Sports Editor
It doesn’t get much more heartbreaking than that. As Thomas More’s Jake Fishburn corralled the game-clinching interception, the Jacket football team saw their dreams of a PAC title, and subsequent NCAA playoff berth, fade into oblivion. With a loss so late in a game of such magnitude, it was easy for anyone associated with Waynesburg football to feel the sting of the Jackets’ latest loss. Moreover, it’d be all too facile for Waynesburg to dwell on the difficult defeat and simply come out flat in Saturday’s regular season finale against Washington and Jefferson. However, that shouldn’t be the case on Saturday. Not versus this team. Not with so much to play for. First of all, it’s the rivalry. Granted, in the 37 games the two teams have played, Waynesburg has beaten W&J only three times, and the Presidents have won the last six meetings. But there’s a reason the contest has become known as the PAC Backyard Brawl. Despite the lopsided results, the geographic locations of the two schools have turned the matchup into an annual battle for bragging rights. If there’s one game the Jackets should feel compelled to get up for each year, it’s the matchup with W&J. Secondly, when the two squads meet up Saturday, an ECAC postseason bid could very well be on the line. Considering Waynesburg already has three losses and W&J two, the possibility of the PAC sending a second team to the NCAA playoffs is virtually nonexistent. However, the chance of either team snagging a berth in one of the ECAC South Region’s three bowl games is highly likely. In 2007, the Jackets finished the regular season with an overall record of 82 and a second place finish in the league. That was good enough to earn them a trip to the ECAC Southwest Bowl at Dickinson. While Waynesburg’s guaranteed to have at least three losses this time
With less than three minutes remaining in Saturday’s contest at John F. Wiley Stadium, the Waynesburg University football team and head coach Rick Shepas were one defensive stop away from shocking No. 9 Thomas More. However, within a matter of minutes, a season-long goal, the chance to play for a conference championship and a Division III playoff berth were gone. Nationally ranked and undefeated Thomas More (7-0, 9-0) clinched its third straight Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship after Saints quarterback Robert Kues connected with receiver Mercier Doucette for a four-yard game-winning touchdown to beat the Yellow Jackets 14-10. The Jackets (4-2, 6-3) matched up toe-to-toe with the Saints for a full 60 minutes but could never deliver the knockout blow. There are so many
Photo by Andrew Buda
Thomas More’s Jake Fishburn intercepts a pass to seal a 14-10 victory for the Saints Saturday at John F. Wiley Stadium. The pass sailed just out of reach of Jackets junior wide receiver Jeff Young. words that could describe the loss for Waynesburg – heartbreaking, gut wrenching and perhaps the cruelest of all, season changing. Waynesburg head coach Rick Shepas said that even in defeat the game showed a lot about the Waynesburg football program.
To view more photos of Saturday’s game, check out the Yellow Jacket on Facebook. “I think first and foremost it speaks highly about the type of players we have here and the passion they play with,” Shepas said. “I think it speaks to the job that we
do as coaches in getting the guys ready to play. It’s also a reflection of ourselves to how close we are to being the kind of team and program that we want to be. It is something that could definitely catapult us if we look at it the right way.” Waynesburg appeared ready to earn its biggest
Wrestling ties for team title at Messiah Garber, Johnston win individual crowns Saturday Staff Writer
The Waynesburg University men’s cross country team is preparing for its final race of the year. The Yellow Jackets are gearing up for the 2010 NCAA Regionals. “Our message for this See MOTIVATION on C3 team has remained the
SOCCER
Junior Garrett Johnston turns his opponent on his back Saturday at the Messiah Invitational. Johnston went 5-0 on the day en route to first place at 157 pounds.
By Matt Miller
won individual championships, and two others finished in second place. “It says a lot because everyone is wrestling really well, and all of our hard work is starting to show when we outwrestle other teams,” said senior Nick Garber. Garber (141 pounds)
do things on a daily basis that it will seem like another week. “The stakes for this race are so much higher,” added Hardie. “But I think the team realizes that.” One runner agrees with coach Hardie. “At the moment this
The Waynesburg women’s soccer team wrapped up their first season under head coach Sean McCarthy. The team had their first winning season in almost a decade at 10-63. Reflecting on his first season, McCarthy believes that he had something special with this year’s team. “The performance was good; it was what it should be,” McCarthy said. “It should be competitive. It should be together as a team. That’s one thing I think the girls have. “They’re all friends,” McCarthy added. “I always say to recruits when I see one girl on campus I’m seeing five of them because they all chill together all the time, [and] that’s a good thing.” The Jackets also fin-
See REGIONALS on C2
See JACKETS on C3
went 3-0 on the day, winning two matches by fall in the first period, with one match lasting only 14 seconds against Jarrod Cawley of Elizabethtown. Garber, being one of the two champions for Waynesburg, has now won individual gold four times at this event.
“It was a great accomplishment for me because it just means I have been able to go to a tournament for four years and be the best kid in my weight,” said Garber. “It was really good for me to win it again.” See TWO on C4
Jacket men ready for NCAA regionals Staff Writer
WOMEN’S
Photo by Dawn Yates
CROSS COUNTRY
By Matt Paris
See TITLE on C3
Jackets reflect, look to future
By Steve Hullings After previewing its skills and talents at the Orange and Black Wrestle-offs Nov. 6, the Waynesburg University wrestling team headed to Grantham, Pa., Saturday to take on some unfamiliar competition at the Messiah Invitational. The first tournament was a success for the Yellow Jackets as they tied with host Messiah for the team title by scoring 105 points, despite wrestling without one of their 133pounders and a 197pounder. Not only did the team tie for the title, but two Waynesburg wrestlers
victory in years after taking the lead with just 6:44 remaining in the contest when freshman running back Dom Moore pushed his way across the goal line to give the Jackets their first lead of the game at 10-7. The Jackets defense
For a preview of the weekend for the women’s cross country team, see page C2. same all year,” said head coach Chris Hardie. “We talk about running a good race and a smart race.” The Jackets are coming off of a fifth-place finish at the 2010 Presidents’ Ath-
letic Conference Championships two weeks ago. The men hope to build off of that finish as they prepare for Saturday’s race. “I expect the team will be excited towards the end of the week,” said Hardie. “At this point in the year, the team is so regimented in how they
Staff Writer
YELLOW JACKET
Page C2
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sports
Basketball briefs
Softball team to hold clinic for youth By Dave Rykala
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Staff Writer
- The Waynesburg University men’s basketball team will be looking to exceed expectations this season as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference released its annual preseason hoops poll. The Yellow Jacket men, who are led by first-year head coach Mark Christner, were picked to finish in eighth place after going 2-22 overall and 0-12 in PAC play last year. Christner has four returning starters and a deep, experienced bench to help him climb the conference ladder. Thomas More, which lost in last year’s PAC Championship game to Grove City, was picked to finish first by a slim margin over Thiel, which was picked to finish second. Bethany was voted to finish third, while the defending champion Wolverines were picked to finish fourth. - The men’s team battled with Franciscan University in a scrimmage Friday. The Jackets found much success, winning all three periods that were played. A normal game would usually consist of two 20-minute halves, but along with that, there was an additional period of 12 minutes played. “I thought tonight went pretty well. It was a great effort put forth by the entire team. We played very unselfishly by distributing the ball well, and we hit open shots,” senior guard Patrick Crawford said. “We are learning a new defensive system, so there is somewhat of a learning curve, but at the same time, our communication and defensive rotations got better as the game went on, which is encouraging.” First-year head coach Mark Christner was pleased with his team’s performance. “We are progressing in the understanding of how hard you have to play every possession at the collegiate level. It’s hard work on both ends of the floor, and if we relax, it’s either a basket for the other team or a turnover for us,” he said. “I think we executed offensively pretty well tonight, given we start a freshman point guard, and Franciscan really mixed it up defensively.” The Jackets next scrimmage is set for Saturday at Muskingum College, with tip-off at noon.
By Emilee Wagner Staff Writer
WOMEN - The Waynesburg University women’s basketball teams will be looking to exceed expectations this season as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference released its annual preseason hoops poll. After finishing in fifth place at the end of the 200910 season with a 5-9 conference record and a 9-17 overall mark, the Waynesburg women hoopsters were picked to finish seventh this year. The Yellow Jackets, who are led by third-year head man Sam Jones, boast four returning starters, including senior forward Elisha Jones, who is expected to eclipse 1,000 points and 500 rebounds this year, and junior point guard Hannah Hunter, who led the PAC last season with 3.27 assists per game. The defending PAC champions from Thomas More were the overwhelming favorites to take this year’s crown. The Saints received 17 of a possible 20 first-place nods. Saint Vincent, which is in its first year as a full-fledged conference member, picked up two votes and was selected to finish second. Washington & Jefferson, who got the only other first-place vote, was picked to finish third. - The women’s team competed against Franciscan last Friday as well. The Jackets’ scrimmage consisted of two 20minute halves and one 10-minute half. A regular NCAA women’s collegiate game only consists of two 20-minute halves. Waynesburg won the first half by a large margin. “Our defense was very good, and we came out with great energy,” junior guard Brittany Spencer said. “As a result, we were able to get a lot of steals and cause turnovers.” Waynesburg showed its offensive ability by putting up 41 points in the first half. The Jackets went on to win the second and third half by a few points each. “We did a good job of pushing the tempo,” head coach Sam Jones said. “A higher tempo works to our advantage.” This scrimmage was the Jackets’ second and final scrimmage before their winter season begins. According to players on the team, they have shown improvement between their first and second scrimmage. “We definitely improved on running the floor and getting easier baskets,” sophomore guard Morgan Hoone said. “That is definitely going to be one of our strengths this year.” The team will take a break from competition this weekend, anticipating Nov. 16 when it will take on Penn State Fayette to open the season at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse.
By Steven Iser Staff Writer
The Waynesburg University softball team will host their youth softball clinic this Saturday. Beginners and experienced high school players alike will come to Waynesburg to learn the basics and advanced elements of softball. “This will be our third year putting on the clinic,” said head softball coach Lou Giachetti. “It is open to all ages; I’ve had girls from age six to 18 come to the clinic.” The attendants will learn all aspects of the sport, which includes hitting, fielding and pitching. Other coaches, as well as members of the Waynesburg softball team, will assist Giachetti. One member of the team that will be helping out is senior infielder Katie Rihn,
“It’s great seeing the look of accomplishment on the kid’s faces.” Katie Rihn Senior softball player
who enjoys giving back to the youth of the game. “It’s great seeing the look of accomplishment on the kid’s faces,” said Rihn. “Especially when you tell them great job or when you show them something and they get it.” The purpose of the clinic is to promote the game of softball and help the younger players improve their game. According to Giachetti, the clinic helps promote the school and allows his players the opportunity to give back.
“It’s good exposure for the school for the prospects possibly looking to come to Waynesburg,” said Giachetti. “This also always gives my girls a chance to give back, maybe not to the community, but to the game.” The clinic will utilize both gymnasiums in the Marisa Fieldhouse to facilitate the event. The old gym will hold the hitting portion of the clinic to take place in the batting cage that is already there. The old gym will also hold the fielding part of the clinic. The newer gym
will be used primarily for the pitching segment as this is the largest group of the clinic. “I just enjoy watching young kids learn,” said Giachetti. “I try to put my own twist on things and show my way of doing things, but I really want to promote softball.” The proceeds of the clinic help fund the team’s spring trip to Florida. Though it is still early, the spring trip is just around the corner for the Yellow Jacket women, as once the winter break ends, the bulk of the preseason training will commence. According to Rihn, the clinic really gets her looking forward to the season. “We have been doing conditioning for about a month now,” said Rihn. “But getting around the game again makes me excited for the upcoming season.”
Women’s XC preps for Cooper’s Lake By Nicole Forte Staff Writer Eight members of the Waynesburg University women’s cross country team are preparing to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals Saturday at Cooper’s Lake in Slippery Rock, Pa. Head coach Chris Hardie has high expectations for his team this weekend as they run in their final race of the 2010 season. “We [the coaching staff] think we can have a very successful placing this weekend at Regionals,” said Hardie. “The girls have been running hard and have balanced a very tough academic week. We expect them to be close to a top-20 ranking when it is all said and done.” After running in the pre-regional on Oct. 9 junior captain Michelle Naymick is hoping to run her top time to close out the season. “My personal goal is run my best race of the season,” said Naymick. “I really want to get a time that I will be proud of.” Hardie believes running in the pre-regional will help his team this weekend at Regionals. “Having run the preregional race was very important. We need the team to be as relaxed as possible on race day,” said
Regionals await Jackets Continued from C1
just feels like another week of practice,” said freshman Jonathan Blatt. “As the week continues, though, I will start getting more and more nervous.” The Jackets’ preparation will be business as usual, no matter how big the circumstances are. “The coaching staff wants the team to go into this meet with no added
Photo by Tim Jackson
Junior captain Michelle Naymick (left) leads the eventual champion (No. 192) in the Oct. 30 PAC Championships. Naymick and the Jackets are prepping for regionals. Hardie. “A lot of our kids have also competed here at their regional high school championships, so we should be comfortable with the layout of the course. The women had this past weekend off to rest up for the final meet of the season. Hardie has confidence that his team will perform well regardless. “At the end of the day, the team will be relaxed and well rested coming into this race,” said Hardie. According to Hardie, the workouts for this week are all about intensity. The team is working as close to maximum
intensity as possible to stay ready for the race. “Keeping them sharp is a concern, but I think we can handle that with our speed work,” said Hardie. For senior Sarah Beth Rood, this will be her last race as a collegiate athlete. Hardie said she is a team player and will be ready to race Saturday. “She will be running with some emotion. Running your final race in your final season is always a tough thing to do,” said Hardie. “The coaching staff will do our best to get her mind and her emotions in the right place. She may not sleep well the night before, but she will be ready to help
the team on Saturday. That is just the type or competitor she is.” According to Naymick, the team will want to run hard for the seniors and close the season on a positive note. “We want the seniors to be proud of the team and what we have accomplished this season,” said Naymick. “The efforts that we have put in all season will be shown in our performances this Saturday.” The women will face 50 teams, the most they have competed against this year. The men’s race is set to start at 11 a.m., with the women’s race to follow at noon.
pressure,” said Hardie. “And by doing the same things that we do every week it will allow the team to fall into their comfort zone.” “The intensity is still the same, but the mileage has been trimmed down,” said Blatt. “I am just taking this race as another race, though, and try to set another personal record.” Blatt will be running in his first NCAA regional race of his collegiate career. “I am excited for my first big regional race and to see where I stand at
the end of the season,” said Blatt. Along with Blatt, Hardie expects the other freshman to have a little nervous energy as well. “This is the biggest race some of our freshman will ever run in,” said Hardie. “But most of them have competed in larger high school meets and invitationals, so they know the feeling of a larger field.” Hardie is expecting a solid race from the team. “If the opportunity presents itself to be great at any given moment, then the team is taught to
strike at the chance and embrace that moment,” Hardie said. “I think we could have five runners under 29 minutes. It may happen if the conditions are right.” “I want nothing more out of this race than to set a new personal record to finish out my freshman season,” said Blatt. The NCAA regionals will be held at the site of the pre-regional race earlier this season at Cooper’s Lake. Saturday’s meet is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
YELLOW JACKET
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Page C3
Sports
Defense stout, but Soccer players honored for academics Defensive linemen also recognized missed chances prove costly in loss By Dave Franczak Staff Writer
By Tim Chilcote Staff Writer In Saturday’s loss to Thomas More, the Waynesburg defense did well to allow only 14 points to a Saint offense averaging nearly 40 points per game coming into the contest. In the third quarter alone, the Jackets allowed just 19 total yards and forced three punts. They also forced two turnovers on downs on the day. Waynesburg forced two turnovers on the day. One occurred early during the Saints’ first drive. Sophomore defensive back Bryan Gary forced a fumble, and senior defensive lineman Anthony Calcagni recovered. Waynesburg then started from the Thomas More 42-yard line but was unable to capitalize for points. Sophomore Alex Menton had an interception in the second quarter, which once again didn’t lead to any Waynesburg points. “The defense played with great intensity,” Waynesburg head coach Rick Shepas said. “We had a great game plan, and we executed it.” While the defense did well containing Thomas More, dropped passes, penalties and interceptions hurt the Waynesburg offense throughout. The Jackets’ first turnover of the game was an interception thrown by
senior quarterback Brad Dawson. The interception occurred in Thomas More territory while the Jackets were driving to score. Dawson ended the day 31-of-54 passing for 215 yards and three interceptions. He was also sacked four times during the game. “Some of the mistakes could have been prevented,” said Dawson. “But give the Thomas More defense credit, they played really well.” During Thomas More’s game-winning drive, a fumble occurred on the Waynesburg sideline. The ball somehow escaped the grasp of multiple Waynesburg defenders and went out of bounds, allowing Thomas More to maintain possession. Recovering the fumble would have gone a long way toward sealing the victory for the Jackets. The Jackets still have a chance to play in the postseason. A win over Washington and Jefferson Saturday would increase the Jackets’ odds of making an Eastern College Athletic Conference bowl game. “We are going to build off the Thomas More game,” Shepas said. “During the time of any game, you can find something you can improve on. We are going to improve and keep playing with intensity and take it into W&J next week.”
The season is over for the Waynesburg University men’s soccer team, but that doesn’t mean the Yellow Jackets are done achieving. ESPN The Magazine recently honored juniors Erick Burke and Dave Floyd as members of the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 2 Men’s Soccer Teams. The members are selected annually by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Being named to this team requires the athlete to carry at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and have reached their sophomore year both academically and athletically. The athlete also must
Jackets look to future Continued from C1 ished the season on a fivegame unbeaten streak. “I think we ended on a very positive note as a team,” senior Sarah Spicuzza said. “We have a very good team dynamic; we have a very strong family. I think that kind of reflects on how our record was this year.” McCarthy seemed confident the hot streak could continue into next fall. “It’s perfectly doable. It could very well go into next season to be quite
A pair of Waynesburg University defensive linemen was also recently honored for its excellence on the field and in the classroom. Senior Anthony Calcagni and sophomore Matt Krause were both lauded as members of the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 2 College Division Football Teams, which are also selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Calcagni, who carries a cumulative 3.40 GPA as a business management major, has started all eight games this year at anchor. He is seventh on the team in total tackles (28), has recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble. He’s also been credited
participate in at least half of the team’s games as a starter or a contributing bench player. The nominees for the college division are selected from both Division II
and III schools. Each district is broken down regionally. Burke was named as a member of the second team. He holds a 3.35 GPA as a criminal justice
major. “It’s great to see that I am already achieving the benefits of working hard both in and out of class,”
honest,” McCarthy said. Moving into next season the Jackets lose five players to graduation: Spicuzza, Danielle Danhires, Amy Macurdy, Malaeja Leggett and Brittany Spitznogle. “We are proud of the seniors,” McCarthy said. “I think they really showed a lot of leadership; the performances from those five lead our team.” The future of the women’s team is looking up as they take their first step toward next season and recruiting, while also returning some team leaders. “We’re recruiting really hard,” McCarthy said. “We’re returning a really,
really good goalkeeper [junior Katrina Kelly], a girl up top in [junior] Courtney [Ebersole] who, I think, has potential to be player of the year in the conference even this year; she’s definitely in the conversation.” Even though the team may have a different look next year, McCarthy believes that different isn’t always a bad thing. “It’s not going to be better or worse, just different,” McCarthy said. “We are going to have a good recruiting class, I think, and we are really going to lean on the players who went through this season and had the experience to teach those younger play-
ers what it’s like to play in the PAC. “We’re really excited about the future,” McCarthy added. “The performance this past season was terrific; we just hope to continue to build off of that.” Spicuzza’s confident that improvement will continue. “We can certainly improve in years to come, but this was a really big step that we needed to make since last year,” Spicuzza said. “I think the program is headed in a very good direction. You’ll certainly be seeing a lot of good things coming out of the women’s soccer team.”
and was intercepted three times. Kues collected 345 yards of offense while tossing two touchdowns for the Saints. Gary had a game-high 13 tackles for Waynesburg and also forced a fumble. With the chance at a conference title lost, Waynesburg must now shift its focus to senior day Saturday. “There will be a lot going on,” Shepas said. “It’s our Senior Day and anytime we get a chance to honor our kids, it’s a great day. We are playing our conference archrival. We need to make it a consistent rivalry. We won’t treat the game any different from Thomas More. The excitement should be there.” The Jackets will now take on bitter rival Washington and Jefferson (5-1, 7-2) at John F. Wiley Stadium Saturday as part of PAC rivalry week. The Presidents hold a commanding 34-3 advantage in the all-time series.
Let’s face it, the success of their season depends on it. A win, and the Jackets just might find themselves in an ECAC bowl Nov. 20. A loss, and Waynesburg would finish 6-4, just one win better than a season ago.
Title hopes dashed
back at their own 20-yard line after a punt by sophomore Zach Rogers went out of bounds deep in Thomas More territory. Waynesburg nearly had a chance to stop the drive when Saints receiver Austin Studer fumbled the ball while fighting for extra yardage on the first play. Jackets defensive backs Bryan Gary and Ryan Williams both had a
shot to grab the ball, but neither could gain possession before the ball went out of bounds. “It was a great hit by [junior defensive back] Spencer McKim that caused the fumble,” Shepas said. “The ball was laying there like an egg. It was just sitting there, and in the fight for the ball, it got knocked out of bounds.”
The Saints maintained possession and drove down the field for the game-winning touchdown. Kues completed eight-of-nine passes on the drive, including the touchdown to Doucette with just 49 seconds remaining. Shepas said despite the loss the defense played at a very high level. “I thought our defen-
sive staff did a great job identifying tendencies to lead to a good game plan against Thomas More,” Shepas said. “I really thought Coach [Scott] Venick did a great job with the live game defensive situation call.” Waynesburg had one last gasp on the next possession. On the ensuing kickoff, senior Troy Garove set up the Jackets with good field position as he returned the ball to his own 46-yard line. The Jackets had no timeouts remaining and only 43 seconds to work with. After a completion on first down, senior quarterback Brad Dawson threw up a desperation heave deep into Saints territory; however, Saints defensive back Jake Fishburn intercepted the pass. All it took was one kneel by Kues for the Saints to become threetime defending conference champions. Dawson finished 31-of54 passing for 215 yards. He had no touchdowns
season. That has to be motivation for a team whose season could end in vastly different ways depending on Saturday’s result. Last, but certainly not least, emotions are sure to come into play prior to kickoff. Not only is the pro-
gram honoring its senior class, but it is also paying tribute to a fallen comrade. Following the recognition of the 2010 seniors, but before the game begins, the team plans to hold a special ceremony for the late Mike Czerwien. Czerwien, of course,
was one of the school’s very best players during his four-year tenure as a student-athlete, breaking the NCAA’s all-division career sack record among many other accomplishments. He also was serving as a graduate assistant with the team upon his death.
It would be shocking to see a team that didn’t lay it all on the line for their seniors and the man they called “Ish.” With all that said, there’s little reason the team shouldn’t feel supremely motivated to stop their skid against the Presidents this Saturday.
Continued from C1 was leading the charge all game long. It appeared Thomas More would score on the ensuing possession when Kues hit Doucette for a 54-yard gain that took the Saints all the way down to the Jackets 19. That’s when the Jackets stuffed Thomas More on three straight plays, highlighted by a sack by junior linebacker Nate Harr on third down that forced a game-tying field goal attempt for Thomas More. Saints kicker Dustin Zink missed the 42-yard field goal wide left, and the Jackets took over with just 3:58 remaining. Jackets running back Bertrand Ngampa was stopped a half yard short on third down, so that meant the Saints would get it back. The Saints got the ball
Motivation abounds Continued from C1 around, a victory over the Presidents at the tail end of the year would go a long way for the Jackets’ chances of an extended
with breaking up two passes. Krause, who carries a cumulaCalcagni Krause tive 3.35 GPA as a nursing major, has started all eight games this year at defensive tackle. He is fifth on the team in total tackles (37), has recorded three tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in just his second season with the team. The requirements to qualify for the team are the same as in soccer.
Photo by Andrew Buda
Freshman running back Dom Moore (16) barrels across the goal line in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game. It was the Jackets’ lone touchdown on the day.
See BURKE on C4
YELLOW JACKET
Page C4
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sports
Underclassmen gain experience in 2010 By Katie Rihn
ued to push hard all season,” said Benkowski. “I think they’ll be more prepared next year, and they’ll understand what the upperclassmen or coaches were saying when we’d say, ‘This team does this.’ They did well in stepping up and played a big role on the team. They helped us tremendously.” Freshman outside hitter Katelyn Blaich saw the most playing time of any Jacket player, appearing in 96 total sets. Blaich finished second on the team in kills, tallying 154, and second in service aces with 24 on the year. “Coming in as a freshman, I knew that I was not an upperclassman anymore and that I had to take a step back on taking
ownership,” said Blaich. “As the season went on, I realized that I had to step up and not be the timid freshman anymore.” Freshman Natalie Ranallo split time with sophomore Carly Smithyman at the setter position. Ranallo led the duo in assists with 368 total and a 4.09 assists per set average. Freshman Shayla Mitrik began most of her playing time toward the middle of the season, becoming the team’s libero. Mitrik finished the year fourth on the team in digs, notching 141, with her season-high of 15 coming four different times. “I honestly had no idea what to expect coming in
as a freshman,” said Mitrik. “I did not come in expecting anything, but I came in with a goal, which was to get some playing time. At the beginning of the season I did not play, but that drove me to work harder to reach my goal, and my drive and hard work paid off earning the position of libero.” According to Benkowski, the recruiting process for next year is going better than usual. She has been attending high school volleyball playoff matches, and assistant coach Laurie Lindner will be heading out to camps over winter break to remain in contact with prospective students who may still be undecided. As for off-season plans, Benkowski said the team will begin lifting with strength and conditioning coach Tanner Kolb next week and continue with that into the spring. From there, they will decide on practice times and focus a lot on individual skill sets. “I am very excited for next year,” said Benkowski. “We have everybody coming back, so I know exactly where we are as a program right now. I know what we need to work on, I know what we can do in the off season, and I know our potential.”
goals and two assists to accumulate 24 points, third best in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Floyd boasts a 3.96 GPA. He is a communication major with emphases in both journalism and sports broadcasting. Floyd was added as a member of the third team. “I know it’s a bit cliché but time management is
important,” said Floyd, a captain of the men’s team. “I just look at my schedule and find time to study. You’ve got to make it work and focus on your schoolwork too.” On the field, the Irwin native was again the leader of the Jacket defense, starting all 19 games and tallying one assist. Along with Floyd and
Burke, five other men’s soccer players from around the PAC were named to the team. “Anything that promotes our conference is great,” mentioned head soccer coach Sean McCarthy. “Our conference is competitive in every sport, and it’s good for us to get national recognition.”
Staff Writer The Waynesburg University women’s volleyball team wrapped up its season Oct. 30 and finished with an 8-21 overall record and a 2-14 mark in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play. The Yellow Jackets ended the year ranked eighth in the PAC, just ahead of last-place Chatham, who the Jackets defeated twice for their only two conference wins. The Thomas More Saints were on top all season, taking the regular season conference championship, with an unbeaten 16-0 conference record. Last Friday they completed their perfect season in league play, beating second-place Thiel in the conference tournament championship match. “We should have done better,” said head coach Stephanie Benkowski. “We have the ability to have done better, but also being as young as we were, we have a lot to work on individually and as a team.” The Jackets began the season with just five players returning from last season and brought on eight newcomers, seven of which were freshmen. “I think the freshmen did very well; they contin-
Burke, Floyd honored Continued from C3 said Burke. Burke not only works hard in the classroom, but he excels on the field as well. This past season, the Norwin native posted 11
Photo by Tim Jackson
Shayla Mitrick (left) and Katelyn Blaich (8) were two of the many freshmen to contribute to the Jackets.
PAC award - While helping his team tie for the team title at this past Saturday’s Messiah Invitational, junior Garrett Johnston earned some individual recognition from the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Johnston went 5-0 at Saturday’s event on his way to winning the 157Johnston pound championship at Messiah. For his efforts, he was named the first PAC Wrestler of the Week of the 2010-11 season. The third-seeded Johnston won his first three matches with two pins and a major decision. After upsetting second-seeded Daniel Carr of the University of Maryland Baltimore County 6-2, Johnston took the crown with a 10-8 overtime win over Ryan Pastore of Messiah. Johnston also won the final weekly conference award of the 2009-10 season.
Two Jackets win titles Continued from C1 Garrett Johnston (157 pounds) went 5-0 on the day, winning two of his matches by pin fall. He defeated the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Daniel Carr, the second seed, in a 6-2 decision and later sealed his title by defeating Messiah’s Ryan Pastore in a 108 overtime victory. Sophomore Alex Crown took second place in his weight class. He lost in a tough match against top-seeded William Bentley for the championship after winning his first three matches by technical fall, pin fall and a major decision. Waynesburg’s other second-place finisher, sophomore heavyweight Marty Kisla, made his collegiate debut by winning his first match against Case Western Reserve’s Cale Harter in a 3-1 decision. He went on to beat Messiah’s Patrick Hogan in a 9-1 major decision but lost the championship match against the topseeded wrestler. “We were really
pleased with the freshmen,” said head coach Ron Headlee. “They are a lot farther along than we thought they were. Two guys that really stood out were [freshmen] Luke Lohr and Levi Hosselrode who did excellent jobs taking third in their weight classes.” After losing his first match of the day, Hosselrode battled back for the Jackets and won five straight matches to win the consolation tournament. Lohr made an impressive performance by wrestling first for the Jackets and taking third place after going 6-1 on the day, winning one match with a takedown with just five seconds remaining in the match. Junior Alex Evanoff took third place in the 157-pound bracket. Sophomore Cody Catalina and freshmen Josh Mihalik and Sam Lambardo took fourth place in their weight classes. “We were pleased,” said Headlee. “Our guys wrestled really hard. They all wrestled together, stuck together and were helping each other out.” On Saturday, the Jackets take on John Hopkins, Shippensburg and York at the Duals at Hershey.
Hundreds of students were involved in a cheating scandal at the University of Central Florida. Read more on D3
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Dance replaces canceled Gala
‘Live faithfully’
WU sets policies about rooming
By Alex Hinton
By Mitch Graham
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Student Activities Board had planned a semi-formal dance for Waynesburg University students this Friday. Due to the limited number of students that signed up, the dance has been cancelled. The Winter Gala, themed “Home for the Holidays,” was to take place in Alumni Hall. The Winter Gala would have been possible if there had been close to 50 students signed up, but only about a dozen students showed interest. “We started [the Winter Gala] three years ago, because students expressed interest in more of a formal dance,” said Pat Bristor, director of Student Activities Board. Two years ago, the semi-formal dance was called the Fall Ball, and last year it was left off the schedule. “In the past, some students dressed up really fancy but they don’t have to,” Bristor said. Students were asked to pay $5 per person upon signing up for this year’s Winter Gala to aid the Student Activities Board with the cost of food, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and hot hors d’oeuvres.
a useful approach in relating to an audience and a tactic he often employs. His lecture promoted Christian influence and criticized the “outrageously secular” cultural centers of Hollywood and New York, but still held his trademark humorous tone. “Speaking to young people is becoming more challenging because my references are getting older,” Metaxas said while laughing. Though introduced as “diverse,” this may have been an understatement as Metaxas is a graduate of Yale University with a focus on humor writing, as well as an author, edi-
Waynesburg University is dedicated to maintain an environment characterized by fairness and justice as expressed through institutional policies, according to the most recent edition of Waynesburg’s student handbook. This includes policies set to reduce crime and harassment, specifically sexual harassment. Recently at a university in New Jersey, a student committed suicide after his roommate recorded him having sexual relations with another man in his dorm room. Tyler Clementi, 18, who was a freshman at Rutgers University, took his own life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge that crosses the Hudson River on Sept. 22. The students responsible for recording the scenario without consent have been charged with counts of invasion of privacy. Dharun Ravi, Clementi’s roommate, turned on his webcam remotely and shared it with a network of friends on the program iChat, according to the New York Post. Ravi also posted about the video on Twitter prior to the posting stating “Roommate asked for the room until midnight. I went into molly’s room and turned on my web-
See YALE on D2
See HARASSMENT on D2
Photo by Amanda Rice
Eric Metaxas spoke on campus three times between Monday and Wednesday for the Christ and Culture Lecture Series. He is an award-winning author and is known for his work with VeggieTales and his children’s books.
Metaxas uses humor Speaker discusses ‘outrageously secular’ to reach audience By Carrie Maier Staff Writer
The third installment of the fall Christ and Culture Lecture Series brought award-winning author Eric Metaxas to the Goodwin Performing Arts Center Monday. Known for his work with the animated children’s series VeggieTales, Metaxas is also the author of 30 children’s books, and his work has appeared in the New York times and the Washington Post, among others. “I’m still trying to take in some of the things he said,” sophomore Biblical and Ministry Studies major Evan Kephart said. “I’m a biblical minSee WINTER on D2 istries major, so this was
right in my area, and I really liked what he had to say.” Metaxas spoke of his own relation to Christianity and the impact Christians can have on culture. In his lecture, Metaxas especially emphasized the value of humor in relating to audiences about a serious subject while reaching out. “I thought he was very good and had a good sense of humor,” Kephart said. Brought in by Waynesburg University Chaplain Tom Ribar, Metaxas first fell on Ribar’s radar after the publication of his book “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” in April. “I was invited by Tom
cultural centers By Carrie Maier Staff Writer
Tuesday’s continuation of the Christ and Culture Lecture Series brought Veggie Tales writer Eric Metaxas back to the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. His lecture, titled “Katie Couric, Cannibals, and Christians in American Culture,” focused on Christian influence of the cultural but secular elite. “I thought he was hilarious,” said freshmen Brooke Larson. “He said about how humor in Christians is sometimes uncommon, and I thought he was very funny.” See CHRISTIANS on D2 Metaxas said humor is
Students, staff take to dance floor Steve Means to Photo by Rachel Brown
By Kyle Edwards Editorial Assistant Dancing with the Staff steps back onto campus for its third year on Friday, Nov. 12. “This is the third time we’re holding the event, just not in a row,” said Kelley Hardie, assistant director of Student Activities. “We didn’t do it last year because there weren’t enough participants.” Participation has been a problem since the second year of the event, according to Hardie. “The very first year that we did it, we had 14 couples,” she said. “Then the second year we had eight, and this year we had five, but one couple dropped out so now we have four, so
participation has been cut in half every year we’ve done it.” Hardie explained that participating couples are required to learn a dance from a professional dancer and also choreograph a freestyle dance of their own. “As a group, they all selected the dance that they wanted the professional to teach them,” Hardie said. “But the freestyle dance can be any freestyle of their choice. They can select the style of the dance and their music choice, so everything is completely up to them. “ Luke Payson, resident director for Martin Hall, is excited for the event.
perform in Beehive
Jennifer Brusstar and Shane Peters By Brandon Reed danced in the Staff Writer 2008 competition.
“I was a judge for Waynesburg Idol,” Payson said. “So it will be nice to be on the other side of that.”
Payson said that he met his partner, senior Resident Assistant Halie Theriault, through RA training at the beginning of the year. “It was her energy towards the event that made me want to do it,” he said. “Halie is pretty much the brains behind See COMPETITION on D2
A musician with a national fan base has made Waynesburg part of his threeweek tour across the east coast. Singer/songwriter Steve Means will perform in the Beehive at 8 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 11 during a coffeehouse. The event will be hosted by the Waynesburg University Student Activities Board. This is the second touring artist that SAB has brought to Waynesburg this year. Born in Cincinnati, Means currently lives in
Nashville where he continues to produce music. Although he is now in his early 20s and playing in cities across the United States, Means began producing music at Ohio State University with friends. Means will be going on a three-week tour that includes several stops in the northeast and upstate New York. This tour will also include performances in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “My booking agent in Nashville set up my tour,” Means said. According to Mean, his sound has been compared to John Mayer. See MEANS on D2
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Feature
Christians impact culture Continued from D1 Ribar who heard of me through my Bonhoeffer biography,” said Metaxas. “But I travel and I speak a lot, to a lot
of different groups of people.” “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” is a book about German Lutheran pastor, theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his execution in 1945.
“I’m a biblical ministries major, so this was right in my area, and I really liked what he had to say.” Evan Kephart Sophomore biblical and ministry studies major
“That biography was definitely one of the
things that sparked our interest since the fresh-
Competition scheduled
men take their annual trip to the Holocaust Museum,” Ribar said. “Also, he himself is engaged in Christianity and relating it to culture.” Metaxas brought to light the potential positive influence of Christians in secular parts of the world if they could
just find a way to communicate. “He appeared attractive and fit what we were looking for because of his background as a sort of social commentator,” said Ribar. The Christ and Culture Lecture Series will continue in the spring semester.
Means to perform
to get a possible record or publishing deal with the fourth album he is working on currently. Means released an EP titled Rescue Me in March of 2008, which was featured on MTV’s Newport Harbor. Means would also like anyone interested in his music to check his pages out on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter.
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our dance, and Emily Martin is our choreography assistant, so I just do what the ladies tell me to do.” Payson admitted that this will be a new experience for him. “This is the first time I’ve ever done any kind of dance competition, so this will be a learning experience for me,” he said. Despite this, he feels that he will have no problem competing on the stage. “I performed six plays in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center for Eddie Powers [as a student], so that stage is very familiar to me,” he said. Hardie feels that the event is popular with the student body and hopes that it will continue. “I would hope it would continue, and that’s something that the Student Activities Board will have to decide after
“I grew up listening to a lot of older Motown and ’90s R&B music,” Means said. Means has already made three EPs that are on iTunes and hopes to attract enough attention
Winter Gala canceled Continued from D1 The plans were to decorate Alumni Hall with Christmas decorations, including lights and a tree with presents underneath. The music was to be provided by DJ Chuck Webb, a video disc
Harassment not tolerated Continued from D1 cam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay,” and again saying “I dare you to video chat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes it’s happening again.” Then, around 8:50 p.m. on Sept. 22, Tyler Clementi posted on his Facebook status, “jumping off the gw bridge sorry.” According to AOL News, Clementi reached out for help on a gay message board called justusboys.com. It has been reported that he did contact his resident assistant after the second sexual encounter because his roommate was upset. It has been said that the resident assistant said “We’ll see what happens.” Clementi said that trying to talk to his room-
Yale graduate speaks tor and commentator. His repertoire includes working and writing for VeggieTales, The New York Times and Atlantic Monthly among others. “I make all the arrangements for the lecture series,” said University Chaplain Tom Ribar. “We make a list of potential speakers who are themselves engaged in Christianity and cul-
ture. We contacted him and he agreed to come down.” Metaxas also spoke at the University’s Chapel service in Alumni Hall Tuesday. “In Chapel he spoke a lot what he went through in his life and how God impacted that,” said Larson. During the lecture, Metaxas encouraged the audience to “live faithfully in life, in word, and in deed.” The Christ and Culture Lecture Series continues in the spring semester.
Students should begin to show more concern about the events that organizations plan for them if they want to continue to be offered fun activities, according to Bristor.
It takes a lot of planning for the Student Activities Board to organize events and is a disappointment when they have to cancel events that they invested much time in planning, Bristor said.
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Photo by Rachel Brown
Hosts of the 2008 Dancing with the Staff event, Josh Beppler and John Paiani confer with Pat Bristor and Kelley Hardie during the competition. the event, but we really need more couples to participate,” she said. “It’s really disappointing because these couples have been working really hard over the past few weeks working with a professional dancer and choreographing their
own freestyle dance.” Payson encourages students, faculty and staff alike to come out and enjoy the show. “This is a unique activity because it allows both faculty and staff to showcase their talents,” he said.
Hardie agrees. “I just think it’s great because it fosters community outside of the classroom,” she said. “It’s a great way to get to know your professors and staff. It’s a fun event that everyone can participate in.”
jockey from a nearby agency. “He’s very good. We’ve hired him for many years,” Bristor said. A photographer who would take photos of the students and their dates was also planned for the Winter Gala. The photos taken at the dance would be sent out to the students afterwards for free. Instead of the Winter
Gala, there will now be a smaller dance in the Beehive this Friday. The dance will now be free, and students are not required to wear semi-formal attire in order to attend the dance. The few students who had paid to attend the Winter Gala have been reimbursed, Bristor said. Cancellations of student activities at Way-
nesburg University will continue if students do not take initiative to sign up for events that the Student Activities Board and other campus organizations plan. “When we didn’t have it, students asked about it, but when we plan it, nobody signs up,” Bristor said of her frustration about the disinterest for the Winter Gala.
mate about it “didn’t seem like an option” because he was upset. The last post made by Clementi on Sept. 22 included a written statement about the incidents to college officials that showed they “seemed to take it seriously,” according to AOL news. “Here at Waynesburg University, we have a zero tolerance for any type of harassment. All reports are taken very seriously, and are handled
as a disciplinary case,” said Kelley Hardie, director of housing. “Regardless of what type of harassment, students are held responsible for their actions.” Hardie recommends those students who are in an uncomfortable position with a roommate or another student to contact their respective resident assistant or director. They will then file a report that will be directed to the Assistant Dean
of Students Shane Peters, and he will handle the situation from there. Confidentiality is taken seriously as well. According to the student handbook, which states that the filing of a complaint, other than a deliberate false accusation, will not reflect upon an individual’s educational status. Any attempt at retaliation against an individual for bringing a complaint is prohibited.
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Hundreds involved in cheating scandal at Central Florida By Luis Zaragoza The Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. — Close to 600 students in a senior-level business course at University of Central Florida must retake a midterm exam after a professor was tipped off to cheating. Students who admit to cheating will be given the chance to complete the course if they attend an ethics seminar, Professor Richard Quinn told students. Those who don’t step forward will be found out anyway, Quinn promised during an emotional lecture. The incident, Quinn told students, has left him “physically ill, absolutely disgusted” and “completely disillusioned” after 20 years of teaching. All the students _ even those who didn’t cheat _ must take the rewritten midterm exam by midnight Wednesday. Students who are found not to have cheated will be able to keep the higher score of the two. Cheaters typically risk disciplinary action that could include expulsion, university officials say. But Quinn brokered a deal with the business dean that would allow students to clear their records if they owned up to cheating before the rewritten exam started being administered Monday morning. An investigation is under way to determine how students got their hands on the exam key in advance. All faculty have
been alerted about the apparent security breach, Quinn told students. Someone anonymously dropped off a copy of the exam key at Quinn’s office not long after the exam was given earlier this month. Some students also were starting to complain about classmates who were bragging about acing the exam because they had copies of the exam key. Quinn reviewed exam scores and discovered it is likely that one-third of the students in the strategic management course cheated. He decided not to cancel the course because it would be unfair to students who did not cheat. But he did toss the exam scores for everybody. Faculty members have rewritten the midterm _ 200 questions _ so the exam key for the original test is useless. The final exam still to be given has also been rewritten, Quinn told students. Quinn was not immediately available for comment. “The days of being able to find a new way to cheat the system are over,” Quinn told students. “This type of behavior cannot, will not be tolerated.” “It’s disappointing these actions took place,” UCF spokesman Grant Heston said of the apparent cheating, but the incident demonstrates policies in place to detect cheating are working. UCF has testing labs that are monitored to deter cheating.
NEWS IN BRIEF
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1 Yemeni begins hunt for al-Qaid bomb maker
Israeli Prime Minister to join U.S. peace talks
SAN’A, Yemen – Yemeni special forces launched an offensive Tuesday searching for an al-Qaida bomb maker believed to have designed explosives concealed in printer cartridges that were intercepted in two packages last week before reaching the United States. The hunt for Ibrahim Asiri, a Saudi-born munitions expert, intensified in militant strongholds. It is the third major operation against alQaida in recent months but one that has taken on new urgency since a plot to blow up aircraft over the U.S was uncovered Friday. Investigators allege Asiri is one of al-Qaida’s most lethal strategists. Awlaki, a charismatic speaker who has emerged as an al-Qaida leader, will be tried in absentia with his cousin, Osman Awlaki.
JERUSALEM, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to arrive in the United States on Sunday to discuss the Middle East peace process. Last week he told the Israeli parliament he would also meet Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The talks with the U.S. administration over the Middle East peace process come after mid-term election gains last week by Republicans. U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said Friday the Obama administration still views the peace process as a “priority” and would work with Congress to advance the direct negotiations.
2 Volcano rumbles as more bodies found JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s Mount Merapi rumbled Saturday, a day after the volcano’s eruptions killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee to emergency shelters. The death toll from the volcano’s series of eruptions since October 26 stood at 122, with more than 200 injured. The agency said nearly 200,000 people were evacuated after the expansion Friday of the danger zone from 9.3- to 12.5-mile radius from Merapi’s peak. A presidential aide in charge of disaster response said three more bodies were found Saturday. Before Friday’s blast, many residents had refused to leave their homes, fearing for the safety of their livestock and other property. Experts said Friday’s blast was the volcano’s most powerful in about 100 years. Jets of searing gas and volcanic debris burned homes and everything in their path. The airport in Solo in Central Java province, which was closed Saturday morning, reopened at midday, an official said.
4 Cholera crisis still spreading through Haiti PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The number of Haitians infected with cholera and cholera-like symptoms continued to mount Saturday. As of Friday evening, the Haitian government reported that 2,364 Haitians have been hospitalized for cholera and 194 have died. The death toll is expected to rise. The country’s worst fear is that the disease could reach the 1.5 million people living in about 1,000 unsanitary camps in Port-au-Prince and other cities ravaged by the Jan. 12 earthquake.
5 Grim outlook for grizzlies in Yellowstone CODY, Wyo. – The tally of grizzly deaths in the states bordering the greater Yellowstone region is fast approaching the worst on record. And that’s before the numbers come in from the current hunting season, a time when accidental grizzly shootings are traditionally high. Here in Wyoming, more bears were killed this year than ever. Two years ago, 52 grizzlies died from human causes in the Yellowstone area. As of the end of October, 48 bears have been killed this year.
Negligent driving death launches crusade against injustice By Robert McCoppin and Dan Hinkel Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — With the setting sun glaring in his eyes, a man in a black hat and coat peered from behind bushes outside a suburban warehouse, looking for the woman who forever changed his life. Greg Zaffke II never pictured himself doing surveillance. But that was before Lora Hunt, a church-going grandmother who was painting her nails while driving, smashed into the back of a motorcycle carrying Zaffke’s mother, killing her instantly. Convicted of reckless homicide, Hunt was sentenced in May to 18 months of periodic imprisonment, which keeps her locked up at night but lets her out for work by day. The former nurse now spends up to four hours a day commuting some 72 miles each way between the jail complex in Waukegan and her job at an industrial company in New Lenox. Zaffke, 32, suspected
Photo by Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/MCT
Lora and Mark Hunt walk into the courthouse in Waukegan, Ill., where Lora Hunt was sentenced in a distracted driving accident that killed Anita Zaffke. Hunt was distracted while painting her nails as she was driving. no one was monitoring her whereabouts, which was why he decided to do it himself until he learned last week that authorities were tracking Hunt’s movements by a global positioning satellite system. But no deputy checks on Hunt in the field, and Zaffke still believes she is minimizing her incarceration by
taking too much time traveling. On occasion this fall he has followed her to see where she was going, and worried aloud on one stakeout that she could stop with her husband to eat or do anything else. “I shouldn’t have to do this,” he said, standing next to his motorcycle near Hunt’s workplace.
“I’m not looking to stalk her. When you’ve taken someone’s life and you spend most of the day out of jail, it boggles my mind.” Zaffke’s complaint gets into a gray area of periodic imprisonment. Widely varying rules - determined case by case by judges and jailers but not detailed publicly - can rile victims’
relatives such as Zaffke, who complained that he found out about the GPS system from a reporter only days ago. Work release struck Zaffke as too lenient a sentence to begin with, and the shifting rules only make him more uneasy. But his efforts, some experts say, raise a question of whether crime victims or their relatives should be tracking offenders. The case of the “nail polish driver” roused a media frenzy when the crash occurred near Lake Zurich in May of last year. Hunt was on her way to deliver a crib to her daughter and tried to touch up her nails while driving. She testified that she saw a yellow light and planned to go through the intersection, but didn’t see Anita Zaffke, 56, who had stopped on her motorcycle in front of her. Zaffke, thrown 200 feet, died immediately. Hunt, 49, of Morris, lost her nursing and driver’s licenses following her conviction, but was allowed to work. At night,
she doesn’t actually stay in jail. She sleeps in a nearby facility known as the Community Based Corrections Center, which typically houses about 100 periodic release inmates in dormitorystyle beds and common areas rather than in cells. As he tried to check on Hunt’s whereabouts, Zaffke said he followed her on three different occasions. Based on his observations, he said she has to catch a train as early as 5:26 a.m., and gets back as late as 7:45 p.m. One morning, he got up before dawn to drive his motorcycle from his home in Wauconda to downtown Chicago, where he secretly intercepted Hunt at the Ogilvie train station. He said he saw her catch a bus to change trains at the LaSalle Street station. Later that day, Zaffke tried to spot Hunt boarding the train home but didn’t see her, he said. On another day, he drove to New Lenox, where he watched a man pick Hunt up at the train See HUNT on D2
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Global News
More misfortune: Hurricane Tomas floods coastal cities in Haiti By Jacqueline Charles, Trenton Daniel and Curtis Morgan McClatchy Newspapers LES CAYES, Haiti — Residents awoke Friday morning with Hurricane Tomas knocking hard at their doors but, aside from a few flooded homes, an initial survey found no major damage in this low-lying city of 40,000 on the southwestern coast. “We were lucky,” said Esteban Sacco, a team leader with the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Other parts of the country were not. In Leogane, the River Rouyonne burst into the city, flooding parts of it. The United Nations sent buses to try and evacuate people. Interior Minister PaulAntoine Bien-Aime said Jeremie, at the top of the southern peninsula, was “isolated” by impassable road and the city’s mayor had to order evacuations during a predawn deluge. In the Grande Anse towns of Anse d’Hainault, Irois and D’Anne Marie, the surging, rough ocean pushed inland. “The people who were still reluctant to leave are now facing the reality. This is the first time they have seen the sea come inland like this,” said Mayor Flobert St. Fleur of Anse d’Hainault. Flood waters were knee high, he said, it was still raining. And Tomas, which intensified overnight into a Category 1 hurricane, was far from done with Haiti. Rain, much of it heavy, was falling across the country, raising the risk of deadly floods with each inch of rain and every passing hour. At 11 a.m. EDT, the National Hurricane Center said Tomas was pass-
Hunt goes to trial Continued from D3 station in time to drive her to her $10-an-hour secretarial/custodial job at an industrial company. On yet another occasion, he waited outside the Waukegan corrections center and saw Hunt return at 7:45 p.m., he said.To check on Zaffke’s concerns, a Chicago Tribune reporter waited outside the corrections center one night last month when Hunt arrived about 6: 50 p.m. Asked about allegations that her punishment had been too light, she started sobbing as she leaned against the door frame of her temporary home. She had just come from visiting her probation officer, she said. “No one knows the price I’ve paid and that I’ve paid every day,” Hunt said.
For-profit colleges work to avoid tougher regulation By Joanne Jacobs The Hechinger Report
ing through the Windward Passage Eastern Cuba and Western Haiti with 85 mph sustained winds. All of Haiti, from coastal villages to the capital city filled with makeshift settlements densely populated with earthquake refugees, lay under the “dirty” side of
Tomas, which was dragging a long train of strong, wet thunderstorms that forecasters expected would take a day or more to blow through. At least one death was blamed on the storm, a man drowning in a pickup truck accident. But the government
was hoping that nearly a week of preparations and broadcast warnings urging evacuation of the vulnerable camps would lessen the death toll for a nation that lost an estimated 300,000 to the January earthquake and is battling a deadly cholera epidemic.
Fast-growing for-profit colleges, under fire for saddling students with unmanageable debt, are rolling out new policies aimed at raising graduation rates while also hoping a Republicancontrolled House will block unfavorable legislation. “We have a great opportunity to educate (the newly elected representatives) on the value our sector plays in the higher education system and the economy,” said Harris Miller, president of the 1,800-member Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU). Miller is hoping that President Barack Obama’s push to get more Americans to complete college could mean education will become an area of bipartisan agreement in a divided Congress. The Republicans’ pledge to cut federal spending also could mean less money for student loans and grants, which could hurt forprofit colleges that are heavily dependent on federal aid for their professional, technical and vocational training programs. Days before the election, the Obama administration announced regulations banning bonuses for recruiters and requiring the disclosure of graduation rates at for-profit schools. But it delayed a decision on regulating “gainful employment” that potentially could deny loans or limit program enrollment if students end up with high debt and low wages.
“The only way to fix this would be to bring her back, and that’s not how life works,” she cried. Asked later if she stopped to see a movie or any other diversion, Hunt said, “There’s no time for that. They don’t allow time for that.” Jail officials would not specify how long Hunt is allowed out each day, but say her employer verified her working hours. While the Lake County sheriff does not have the personnel to track each offender, it does use the global positioning satellite system. Will Marling, executive director of the National Organization for Victim Assistance, said Zaffke’s tactics were unusual but that victims are free to track offenders if they aren’t harassing them. Many crime survivors don’t want contact with offenders, he noted. “I can see where he’s trying to build awareness,” Marling said. Typically, judges set general parameters for
periodic imprisonment in Hunt’s case allowing her to leave for work, church or counseling. But the law leaves it up to jail officials to work out times and conditions of release. Some counties, such as DuPage, limit the number of hours inmates may be out, restrict out-of-county jobs and post the restrictions on the Internet. Lake County is revising its rules and currently doesn’t post information about the program on the web.
Periodic imprisonment can be given for all but the most serious felonies such as murder. It’s typically used for defendants with a fairly clean rap sheet who have jobs and need to keep working to support their families, said Steve Baker of the Cook County Public Defender’s office. Cook County has no periodic imprisonment program, because the large volume of inmates would make it difficult to administer. But during his
years as DuPage County public defender, Baker said he didn’t remember any egregious violations of the conditions of release. After his mother’s death, Zaffke founded the Black Nail Brigade, a group dedicated to fighting distracted driving, whose members wore black nail polish in memory of Anita Zaffke. Now, looking to broaden its appeal nationally, Zaffke has stopped using nail polish and is ready to re-
The residents of Leogane, Haiti, south of Port-auPrince, cope with flood waters created by Hurricane Tomas, Friday, Nov. 5. All the main road in the town were flooded. In other parts of Haiti including Grande Anse, Irois and D’Anne Marie, the towns were flooded stranding residents. In many places the waters were knee high.
Photos by Peter Andrew Bosch Miami Herald/MCT
Education Secretary Arne Duncan has attacked what he calls “bad apples” in the forprofit sector, while acknowledging that forprofit institutions are key to achieving the president’s goal of creating a highly educated workforce and becoming the world leader in college graduates by 2020. Representatives of forprofit schools - whose stocks have been battered in recent months argued in hearings at the Education Department last week that enforcing a gainful employment rule would unfairly limit choices for students. “The department’s proposal will deny access by shuttering programs and putting millions of students out of higher education,” the APSCU said in a prepared statement. Soaring growth at forprofit schools - from 673,000 students in 2000 to 1.8 million in 2008 has put the sector in the spotlight. In Senate hearings this summer, for-profit colleges were accused of soaking up a disproportionate share of federal loan money, recruiting students with inflated promises, fudging financial-aid applications and leaving graduates with crushing debt and bleak job prospects. Eleven percent of all higher-education students are enrolled in forprofits, but they receive 26 percent of federal student loans and account for 43 percent of defaulters. “They’re very grateful to get a feel for what it’s going to be like,” said University of Phoenix President William Pepicello.
brand the group as CRASH — Curbing Reckless Actions on our Streets and Highways. Hoping to raise distracted driving to the level of drunken driving, the website and graphic designer wants to make negligent driving a crime in all 50 states as another option for prosecutors who now must choose between a traffic ticket and reckless homicide. “We want,” he said, “to hold distracted drivers accountable.”