10/14/2010

12
International club holds Jack o’ lantern activity (pg. 6B) Pumpkins and Pitt Pals With the band Marching band participates in CBS contest (pg. 4) [email protected] PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID PITT STATE www.psucollegio.com Change Service Requested OCTOBER 14, 2010 Volume 95, No. 8 CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Sneak peek Behind the mask Field goal fail Get inked Local costume store gives students new faces (pg. 6) Missed field goal costs Gorillas game (pg. 1B) Student group offers henna tattoos (pg. 4) Last week’s question Do you think Pitt State has a diverse campus? Remember to check out this week’s question on page 5 MADISON DENNIS Editor-in-Chief Trenten Bird, a senior in art, was identified as the man killed in a shootout with law officers in Wilson County, on Thursday, Oct. 7. Early Tuesday morning, the Wilson County sheriff’s office was called with reports of a man inside a car firing at a passing motorist. A Wilson County deputy arrived at the scene, Highway 400 between Neodesha and Fredonia. On arriving, Bird and the deputy exchanged gunfire. The shooter was pronounced dead at the scene, and was identified later that day as Bird. The deputy involved was uninjured. Bird had been driving a 2002 Oldsmo- bile Aurora, which was stolen during a burglary in Carl Junction the morning of the shooting. Officers found items from the burgled home in the car. The investigation was turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Bird was remembered by his friends and family in a memorial at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, which was held at the Parker Mortuary in Joplin. Shawnna Setterstrom recalls Bird as someone who recently went through a life change. “He began to tell me about a new way of life he had stumbled upon,” said Setter- strom. “He said he knew more than ever PSU student slain in police shootout No Collegios Oct. 21 or Oct. 28 Because of fall break next week, the Collegio will not publish an edition on Thursday, Oct. 21. Additionally, the PSU Student Publications staff will attend the Associated Collegiate Press convention from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30 in Louisville, Ky., and will not publish an issue on Oct. 28. The next scheduled Collegio will be published on Thurs- day, Nov. 4. Jessica Berberich, a sopho- more in education from Olathe, and Taylor Sibala, a senior in mechanical engineering technol- ogy from Overland Park, Kan., were crowned homecoming king and queen Wednesday afternoon. They were chosen after the con- vocation at noon in Carnie Smith Stadium. Berberich was nominated by the Lambda Sigma honor society. She is a member of the Honors College and is the drum major and a member of the Pride of the Plains Marching Band. Sibala is also a member of the Honors College, and was nominated by the Honors College Association. He is the starting second baseman for the Gorillas’ baseball team and is a 2010 ESPN CoSIDA academic All-American. First-runners up this year are Emily Smith, from Olathe, and Luis Reyes, from Asuncion, Paraguay. Second runners-up are Jessica Simmons, from Topeka, and Ivan Hunnicutt, from Sao Paulo, Brazil. WHITNEY SAPORITO Managing Editor Brian Woods and James Smith give a damn. Smith and Woods, Pittsburg State University students, are planning to host Pittsburg State Gives a Damn, Tuesday Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Oval. “Basically it’s going to be a candlelight vigil,” Woods said. “We decided to plan it due to the recent suicides, especially in the LGBT community.” Suicides in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender com- munity have received increased media attention in recent weeks, starting with the suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi. The recent string of suicides has been tied to bullying. “There have been a lot in the past couple weeks,” Woods said. “It’s an issue that really hits home.” Smith said the increased me- dia attention gave them the idea to do something at PSU. “We saw a lot of suicides happening and a lot of celebri- ties taking action and we got the idea of a candlelight vigil,” Smith said. Woods says donations will be accepted at the vigil and pro- ceeds will be split between The Trevor Project and Big Brother Big Sister. According to their website, The Trevor Project is a national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBT youth. Woods says they plan to give half of the proceeds to Big Brother Big Sister because bullying is not limited to LGBT youth. “It is for a lot of teens in the LGBT community but also for anyone who has ever been bul- lied,” Woods said. “It’s not just a gay event; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt like that.” Smith says wristbands will be sold for $5 to help raise the funds. The wristbands will say Pitt State gives a damn Two students organize candlelight vigil for recent suicides Phelps sued for privacy violation ASHLEY BAILEY Collegio Reporter Noelle Kownslar never thought that cancer could strike her family, but one lump changed everything. Kownslar’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. The lump she found turned out to be 18 cancerous lymph nodes, which doctors re- moved. After the surgery, chemo- therapy and radiation treatments, Kownslar says her mother is now cancer-free. “When I found out, I was really scared. You don’t really think about it until it affects you,” Kownslar said. “I know she’s going to be OK, but it was just really scary.” Kownslar, sophomore in com- munication, was a freshman when she found out, and says this made it hard to find people in Pittsburg to turn to. “It was hard finding friends here, so I would call my friends from high school that go to other colleges,” she said. “I would go home for her surgeries, but it was really hard to not be there all the time for her because I had school and she was in Joplin.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and PSU students as well as other Pittsburg groups are all pitching in to raise awareness for the disease, and for those afflicted with it. Samantha Meneely, sopho- more in biology, organized a Women’s Society project to have all the lights on Russ Hall facing Broadway to be turned pink. Students raise awareness during breast cancer month Think pink Yuyang Xiao/Collegio Aaron Anders/Collegio Jessica Berberich, the newly appointed 2010 Homecoming Queen, is crowned by last year’s queen, Holly Kerr, during the Homecoming Convocation on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Carnie Smith Stadium. Students cheer as the homecoming queen is announced. Crowning coronation SARAH POLAND AND BART KLICK Collegio Reporters Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the United States, but the Supreme Court is currently being challenged with a case in which they must decide which is the more important aspect of that right: that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the exercise thereof, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble. Fred Phelps, pastor of the AP Margie Phelps, right, and Shirley Phelps-Roper, second from right, of the Westboro Baptist Church, of Tokepa, speak to the press in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on Wednesday, Oct. 6, after the court heard arguments in the dispute between Albert Sny- der, of York, Pa., and the Westboro Baptist Church. see SLAIN page 3 see PHELPS page 3 see PINK page 3 see SUICIDES page 3 Tiffany Moore/Collegio Russ Hall is used to promote breast-cancer awareness with lights that have been gelled to glow pink.

description

Pittsburg State university Collegio Newspaper

Transcript of 10/14/2010

Page 1: 10/14/2010

International club holds Jack o’ lantern activity (pg. 6B)

Pumpkins and Pitt Pals With the bandMarching band participates

in CBS contest (pg. 4)

[email protected] I T T S B U R G S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPITT STATE

www.psucollegio.com

Change Service Requested

OCTOBER 14, 2010Volume 95, No. 8

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sneak peek

Behind the mask

Field goal fail

Get inked

Local costume store gives students new faces (pg. 6)

Missed fi eld goal costs Gorillas game

(pg. 1B)

Student group offers henna tattoos

(pg. 4)

Last week’s question

Do you think Pitt State has a diverse campus?

Remember to check out this week’s question on page 5

MADISON DENNISEditor-in-Chief

Trenten Bird, a senior in art, was identifi ed as the man killed in a shootout with law offi cers in Wilson County, on Thursday, Oct. 7.

Early Tuesday morning, the Wilson County sheriff’s offi ce was called with reports of a man inside a car fi ring at a passing motorist. A Wilson County deputy arrived at the scene, Highway 400 between

Neodesha and Fredonia. On arriving, Bird and the deputy exchanged gunfi re.

The shooter was pronounced dead at the scene, and was identifi ed later that day as Bird. The deputy involved was uninjured.

Bird had been driving a 2002 Oldsmo-bile Aurora, which was stolen during a burglary in Carl Junction the morning of the shooting. Offi cers found items from the burgled home in the car.

The investigation was turned over to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Bird was remembered by his friends and family in a memorial at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, which was held at the Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

Shawnna Setterstrom recalls Bird as someone who recently went through a life change.

“He began to tell me about a new way of life he had stumbled upon,” said Setter-strom. “He said he knew more than ever

PSU student slain in police shootout No Collegios Oct. 21 or Oct. 28

Because of fall break next week, the Collegio will not publish an edition on Thursday, Oct. 21. Additionally, the PSU Student Publications staff will attend the Associated Collegiate Press convention from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30 in Louisville, Ky., and will not publish an issue on Oct. 28. The next scheduled Collegio will be published on Thurs-day, Nov. 4.

Jessica Berberich, a sopho-more in education from Olathe, and Taylor Sibala, a senior in mechanical engineering technol-ogy from Overland Park, Kan., were crowned homecoming king and queen Wednesday afternoon. They were chosen after the con-vocation at noon in Carnie Smith Stadium.

Berberich was nominated by the Lambda Sigma honor society. She is a member of the Honors College and is the drum major and a member of the Pride of the

Plains Marching Band. Sibala is also a member of

the Honors College, and was nominated by the Honors College Association. He is the starting second baseman for the Gorillas’ baseball team and is a 2010 ESPN CoSIDA academic All-American.

First-runners up this year are Emily Smith, from Olathe, and Luis Reyes, from Asuncion, Paraguay. Second runners-up are Jessica Simmons, from Topeka, and Ivan Hunnicutt, from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

WHITNEY SAPORITOManaging Editor

Brian Woods and James Smith give a damn.

Smith and Woods, Pittsburg State University students, are planning to host Pittsburg State Gives a Damn, Tuesday Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Oval.

“Basically it’s going to be a candlelight vigil,” Woods said. “We decided to plan it due to the

recent suicides, especially in the LGBT community.”

Suicides in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender com-munity have received increased media attention in recent weeks, starting with the suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi. The recent string of suicides has been tied to bullying.

“There have been a lot in the past couple weeks,” Woods said. “It’s an issue that really hits home.”

Smith said the increased me-dia attention gave them the idea to do something at PSU.

“We saw a lot of suicides happening and a lot of celebri-ties taking action and we got the idea of a candlelight vigil,” Smith said.

Woods says donations will be accepted at the vigil and pro-

ceeds will be split between The Trevor Project and Big Brother Big Sister.

According to their website, The Trevor Project is a national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBT youth.

Woods says they plan to give half of the proceeds to Big Brother Big Sister because bullying is not limited to LGBT youth.

“It is for a lot of teens in the LGBT community but also for anyone who has ever been bul-lied,” Woods said. “It’s not just a gay event; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt like that.”

Smith says wristbands will be sold for $5 to help raise the funds. The wristbands will say

Pitt State gives a damnTwo students organize candlelight vigil for recent suicides

Phelps sued for privacy violation

ASHLEY BAILEYCollegio Reporter

Noelle Kownslar never thought that cancer could strike her family, but one lump changed everything.

Kownslar’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. The lump she found turned out to be 18 cancerous lymph nodes, which doctors re-moved. After the surgery, chemo-therapy and radiation treatments, Kownslar says her mother is now cancer-free.

“When I found out, I was really scared. You don’t really think about it until it affects you,” Kownslar said. “I know she’s going to be OK, but it was just really scary.”

Kownslar, sophomore in com-munication, was a freshman when

she found out, and says this made it hard to fi nd people in Pittsburg to turn to.

“It was hard fi nding friends here, so I would call my friends from high school that go to other colleges,” she said. “I would go home for her surgeries, but it was really hard to not be there all the time for her because I had school and she was in Joplin.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and PSU students as well as other Pittsburg groups are all pitching in to raise awareness for the disease, and for those affl icted with it.

Samantha Meneely, sopho-more in biology, organized a Women’s Society project to have all the lights on Russ Hall facing Broadway to be turned pink.

Students raise awareness during breast cancer month

Think pink

Yuyang Xiao/Collegio

Aaron Anders/Collegio

Jessica Berberich, the newly appointed 2010 Homecoming Queen, is crowned by last year’s queen, Holly Kerr, during the Homecoming Convocation on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Carnie Smith Stadium.

Students cheer as the homecoming queen is announced.

Crowning coronation

SARAH POLAND AND BART KLICKCollegio Reporters

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in the United States, but the Supreme Court is currently being challenged with a case in which they must decide which is the more important aspect of that right: that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the exercise thereof, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble.

Fred Phelps, pastor of the

AP

Margie Phelps, right, and Shirley Phelps-Roper, second from right, of the Westboro Baptist Church, of Tokepa, speak to the press in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on Wednesday, Oct. 6, after the court heard arguments in the dispute between Albert Sny-der, of York, Pa., and the Westboro Baptist Church.

see SLAIN page 3

see PHELPS page 3 see PINK page 3

see SUICIDES page 3

Tiffany Moore/Collegio

Russ Hall is used to promote breast-cancer awareness with lights that have been gelled to glow pink.

Page 2: 10/14/2010

JAKE FABERSports Editor

After fi ve straight points to open the fi rst game last night against Missouri Southern, the Pitt State volleyball team cruised to a 3-1 victory over the Lions as a part of the Sonic Miner’s Bowl Series.

Redshirt freshman setter Becca Pearson and freshman Katie Wright were the real playmakers for the Gorillas: They contributed an astound-ing 22 assists each, effec-tively keeping the Gorillas’ ball movement fl owing.

The offense of the fi rst game was paced by senior Molly Bergkamp, who had fi ve kills to begin the match, and Corinne Stringer, who nailed the kill on a match point, which started the Gorillas off on the right foot and gave them the win. Although the Lions were able to put 18 points on the board

during the fi rst set, the Gorillas effectively dismantled South-ern’s attack in the second set, winning easily at 25-11.

Southern’s primary attack was rumored to come from

To all the readers of the sports section, happy Homecoming week. The leaves are starting to fall, “The Grass is Greener on the Gorilla Side” buttons are appear-ing, and organizations are adding the fi nal pomp to their fl oats, or tweaking some moves in Yell like Hell, while the football team pre-pares for a massive MIAA matchup. No matter who you are, homecoming always turns out to be one of the most memorable weeks of your college life. The only thing

that could make this time of year better is a little … basketball?

Tonight will mark the fi rst time PSU Athletics starts this “new tradition” of Midnight Madness. After Yell like Hell, the football team will lead the students in a reverse walk to John Lance Arena,

where the basketball team will do skits and the cheerleaders will perform prior to the team taking the court for the fi rst time in the 2010-11 season. This Midnight

Madness couldn’t be more out of place or awkward.

First off, the teams are doing skits in front of a group of people who aren’t even there to see them. I am all for new events, especially when they involve my fi rst love, sports. But without even seeing this event, I can picture how poorly it will be received. Organizations don’t get a whole lot of love through the year and homecoming week is one of the few times they get to be in the spotlight. Right up until kickoff, organizations are the focus of the week. To add a basketball skit right in the middle of a long-running tradi-tion and biggest event for organizations

all year just is wrong. Put the event next Monday before fall break when everyone is itching to get out-and-about before heading home for fall break, but come on, not in the middle of Yell like Hell. I know there are a lot of not only good people but great people who work in the Athlet-ics Department. I do, however, think they really messed up by stepping on the toes of the organizations that work hard and put a lot of time into this one event. I also have talked to people involved in putting on the competition and there’s no one who is thrilled about the change in tradition. The press release also mentioned doing a reverse walk, which is perfect because this whole event is extremely backwards.

This week is about alumni, organiza-tions and, most important, football. To

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

[email protected] I T T S B U R G S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Ywww.psucollegio.com

JAKEFABER

Sports Editor

MICHAELADMIRE

Sports Writer

Although my prediction about the Gorillas making a quick turnaround last weekend against Emporia was a little off, there is one team that I can always count on. So as I was trying to decide what I should write for my weekly column, I fi gured it was about time that I checked up on my good friends to the East, Lincoln University.

For those of you who aren’t clued in on this situation, let me give you a short recap: The Blue Tigers of Lincoln University, featured in my Aug. 26 column, were recently invited to join the prestigious conference of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Normally, I am fully for expansion, but the problem that I have with this is that sending the invite to Lincoln is the equivalent of calling Gary Busey to perform at your 4-year-old’s birthday party—all you’ll get is an awkward situation and some disappointed fans. In my August column I stated that if the Blue Tigers played games against anyone in the MIAA this season they would “head back to Lincoln with their blue tails between their blue legs.” So far, the winless wonder that is the Blue Tiger na-tion has done nothing but prove me right.

In its second game of the sea-son against powerhouse Missouri Western, Lincoln was blown away to the tune of an 81-14 score. Besides providing an op-portunity for the Griffons to pad Drew Newhart’s passing stats, the matchup presented a dark outlook for the future expansion of the MIAA. As I previously stated, I am fully for the expan-sion. But if the MIAA is going to add teams, then the teams need to be prestigious, not embarrassing, which prompts my next question: Is it too late to call this whole thing off?

I’m surprised that Lincoln has somehow managed to win a game this year. Keep in mind, this was a 23-22 victory over Panhandle State, which Pitt State used to consistently roll every year, with the most recent score being 87-0 back in 2006.

I hate to harp on this. Maybe it’s the fact that my prediction of how the Blue Tigers would do was so spot on, but this situation is so puzzling to me.

So far, Lincoln has played three games this year against MIAA opponents, and keep in mind that these games are techni-cally non-conference because they won’t begin a conference schedule until next season. The average score of these three games was 60-19, with their closest game being against independent Southwest Baptist, in which the newest addition to the MIAA allowed 62 points and 548 yards of total offense. These numbers are ridiculous. If we’re allowing mediocre teams to join our conference, then why don’t we go ahead and call up Colgan or Pittsburg High? At least then the Gorillas wouldn’t have to drive two and a half hours to beat someone by 60 points.

But for now, all we can do is marvel at the decision to add these baby blue jungle animals to the conference.

As for me, I’m just spending a few nights a week sitting in my dorm room, wringing my hands together in excitement over the fi rst time that the Gorillas take on the Blue Tigers.

One suggestion that I would like to extend to Lincoln: Maybe you would like to change your name to something that more ex-emplifi es your results before you offi cially begin MIAA play. The Turquoise Turtles, perhaps?

TYLER SMITHSports Writer

One week after freshman kicker Jake Craig sealed a Gorilla victory with a last-second fi eld goal against Missouri Southern, he was called upon once more to kick a 53-yard fi eld goal in an attempt to tie a game.

Only this time, it would be the Emporia sideline that would be cel-ebrating a 17-14 win in Welch Sta-dium after overcoming a 14-point fi rst-half defi cit to squeak by the struggling Gorillas.

In what was expected to be a fast-paced, run-packed game, the Gorillas got off to a slow start. After a few three-and-outs, red-shirt

freshman Nate Dreiling changed the tone of the game with a tackle inside of the Hornets’ end zone for a safety, giving the Gorillas a 2-point advantage early in the fi rst quarter.

Later in the fi rst half, quarterback Zac Dickey scrambled for a 29-yard touchdown, executing the option at-tack that the Gorillas are known for. A sputter in the offense caused the following 2-point conversion to be unsuccessful, but the Gorillas still held an early 8-0 lead.

Dickey and the Gorillas were able to get their momentum going

ALEX MOTTSports Writer

The Pittsburg State volleyball team came up short this week-end, adding two losses to their record. Friday afternoon, Pitt fell to No. 15 Emporia, in three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-17. Saturday evening’s game against No. 6 Washburn was also lost in three sets, with scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-16.

Both senior defensive special-ist Cassie Wilson and redshirt freshman setter Becca Pearson agree with head coach Ibraheem Suberu that the team’s problem

is their inability to consistently score points.

“We just didn’t score enough points to win the match,” Suberu said. “We led a few times, but we didn’t consistently score points from start to fi nish.”

The Gorillas have faced this issue on and off throughout the past several matches. Focus has been put on bringing consistency to the team’s play and isolating certain aspects of its game. The focus will not change much this week, according to Pearson.

“We are basically beating ourselves because we aren’t do-ing what we have been trained to do,” Pearson said. “We are going to focus on what the other teams will see as our weaknesses and focus on ourselves.”

With no seriously technical errors and team morale high, the team’s frustration comes with the inability to score enough points to beat its opponent.

“Our point scoring is one of

Midnight (I’m Mad)ness

I hate to say I told you so...

On the other side Hornets sting Gorillas with blocked kick

Volleyball team goes 0-2 over weekend

Pearson’s setting puts Pitt back on track

Road trip

Punter Jared Witter nails a punt inside the Emporia 5-yard line, which led to a safety by Nate Dreiling on the follow-ing drive.

Photos courtesy Jim Quist

Emporia State’s Julian Dozier blocks a fi eld goal attempt by freshman kicker Jake Craig. This was the second week in a row that Craig attempted a game-winning kick.

see ROAD page 3Bsee GAME page 3B

see FOOTBALL page 3B

see MADNESS page 3B

Tiffany Moore/CollegioSenior Molly Bergkamp hits an off net-shot at Mis-souri Southern State University on Wednesday night. The Gorillas beat MSSU 3-1.

Page 3: 10/14/2010

October 14, 20102 POLITICS

University Commons1902 S. Broadway

Pittsburg, KS 66762 • phone: 620-231-8550www.universitycommonsks.com

“When Location Matters.... University Commons.”

Reasons to Move To University Commons

Walk To Campus Off Street ParkingOn-Site Laundry FacilitiesLawn Care Provided

On-Site Management24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

CHECK OUT THE NEW UC!!!

NEW WINDOWS• SWIMMING POOL•

(COMING THIS SUMMER)

FREE CABLE• FREE INTERNET• GREAT LOCATION•

JUST ACROSS FROM CAMPUS

2517 N Broadway (620)232-5966

HoursM-F 7:30 - 5:30Sat 7:30 - 1:00

“Home of the 10 Minute Oil Change”

FULL SERVICE OIL CHANGE (Penzoil or Quaker State)

The Department of Biology &

The Public Health Minorare pleased to announce a seminar

by

Dr. Steven Waldren BS, MD, MS2010 Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Aumni Recipient

Director, The Center for Health-ITAmerican Academy of Family Physicians

Health IT to Fuel Delivery Reform

at10:00 AM

Friday, October 15th301 Russ Hall

Everyone welcome to attend.

Hours: Mon- Thurs6:30 am-5:30 pm

“Attention Students” “Attention Students” Come in and get 10% discount on any repair of $500 or Come in and get 10% discount on any repair of $500 or

over, with limit at $250 in discounts. over, with limit at $250 in discounts. Please bring in a copy of this ad and id for discount.Please bring in a copy of this ad and id for discount.

Thank you for supporting us this year. Thank you for supporting us this year. Exp. 1/31/11Exp. 1/31/11

NaZar Saman, GRI, ABRBroker/OwnerMulti-Million Dollar Producer2007 Realtor of the yearOffi ce: 231-HOME(4663)

University Realty717 N. Broadway

Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

Remax

Why Rent???Elegant Stucco & Stone turn of the century 3 story home w/approx. 4400 sq.ft. of living space. 5 bedrooms, 2 bath, and 2 half baths in lovely neighborhood. New plumbing, updated electrical, cable & LAN, refi nished H/W throughout. New kitchen and appliances. One of a kind with many amenities! MLS# 110303 CALL THERESA $358,000

409 W. Jefferson

Elegant Historic Home 4 bedrooms, 2 bath. Many new amenities completed. Spacious kitchen, hardwood fl oor throughout. $180,000

405 W. Euclid

620-235-19399th and Broadway

Pittsburg, KS 66762www.salon-9.net

“If we can’t make you look good, you must be ugly!”

Homer Cole Community CenterAvailable for Rent .......... Reasonable Rates

Showers, Birthday Parties (any age), Anniversaries, Meetings, Receptions, Dinners, Banquets, Etc....

Handicap Accessible.

Can Accommodate up to 175 persons! Kitchen Facilities, Ice Machine, Tables, Chairs & Projector and Pull-Down

Screen included in rentals.

For Further Information Call 620-231-9773, Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obamamania that gripped college campuses two years ago is gone.

An Associated Press-mtvU poll found college students cooling in their support for President Ba-rack Obama, a fresh sign of trouble for Democrats struggling to rekindle enthusiasm among many of these newest voters for the crucial midterm elections in three weeks.

Forty-four percent of students approve of the job Obama is doing as president, while 27 percent are unhappy with his stewardship, according to the sur-vey conducted late last month. That’s a signifi cant drop from the 60 percent who gave the president high marks in a May 2009 poll. Only 15 percent had a negative opinion back then.

Obama’s weaker performance on campus also underscores his party’s struggles to turn the 15 mil-lion fi rst-time voters of 2008 - nearly one in eight of that year’s total - into a solid political army. Exit polls from 2008 show 55 percent of new voters were age 18 to 24, and those young fi rst-timers strongly backed Obama and Democratic House candidates - a potent bloc if Democrats could lure them back to the voting booth.

Hoping to rekindle campus enthusiasm, Obama planned to appear Thursday at a youth town hall being shown live on MTV, BET and other networks. He also is to lead a rally Sunday at Ohio State

University, and in recent days he headlined a mas-sive gathering at the University of Wisconsin and a webcast town hall at George Washington University.

Political scientists say many students are un-happy with Obama’s handling of the economy, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and failures to end the ban against gays serving openly in the military or to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. There’s also frustration with the messy political process and his inability to deliver on his campaign promise to change Washington.

The fi ndings in the AP-mtvU poll, which sur-veyed more than 2,000 undergraduates age 18 to 24, come as students and others say political activity on campuses is way down from the levels of the 2008 presidential race. College Republicans and Democrats are still registering students and helping them vote with absentee ballots if needed. Minor-ity students are positive by 58 percent to 13 percent margin, slightly worse than in May 2009. In both polls, about a quarter overall were neutral.

Obamamania wanes among college students

President Barack Obama greets the audi-ence before he speaks at George Wash-ington University in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 12.

AP

WHITNEY SAPORITOManaging Editor

A fl ap at the Sept. 29 Student Government Association meeting has put a scheduled debate be-tween State Rep. Julie Menghini and Republican candidate Terry Calloway in fl ux.

In a letter to the editor published in last week’s Col-legio, Zach Sachs, president of the College Republicans, said he was informed that Menghini was reconsidering her participation in the debate unless given certain assurances.

“Basically what had hap-pened was that she said she didn’t want to do a debate if Jeff Locke showed up, even in the audience,” said Sachs, junior in political science.

Sachs is referring to Republi-can candidate for the 2nd district, whose unplanned appearance at the SGA meeting resulted in a short debate between him and Menghini.

However, Menghini says the only assurances she has requested for the debate, which is spon-sored by the College Republicans and Campus Democrats, is that it be neutral.

“I generally like to know what the parameters are and they still haven’t responded with how the debate will be set up or who the moderator will be,” Menghini said.

She says in most political debates, participants are given information beforehand, such as who the moderator will be, the time allotted for rebuttals, and how questions will be selected.

“Clearly, the moderator can di-rect and have a great deal of infl u-ence on how the debate proceeds,” Menghini said. “I’m not looking for an edge, I’m only looking for an unbiased neutral moderator so that I have as good a chance as my opponent would have.“

Menghini says it was Locke’s surprise appearance at the SGA meeting that contributed to her concern about the debate.

“If you’re given parameters you should try to follow them,” Menghini said. “It made me con-cerned about what the parameters were going to be and if they were going to be followed when we’re in a debate-type setting.”

Sachs says he is still searching for a neutral moderator.

“I’m surprised she even wants to debate,” Sachs said. “I’m wel-

come to open debate, I just want people in politics to understand you have got to go up in front of people and answer to the public.”

Menghini says she plans to participate in the debate, so long as she is approached with the parameters beforehand.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the other PSU students or faculty who wanted to attend for me not to (participate),” Menghini said.

Sachs says he plans to ap-proach Menghini after he fi nds a moderator.

“I want to put on a debate where the public has a voice,” Sachs said. “This is going to be an open debate to anyone.”

Sachs says that the event will be held with or without Menghini.

“Look, we’re rolling whether she decides to come or not,” Sachs said. “The College Repub-licans will still be hosting it. She has to either accept or decline and she has until the minute of the debate to decide.”

Menghini says she is wait-ing on the organizers before she makes her decision.

“I’m planning on it,” Menghi-ni said. “I hope that they get back to me.”

Debate in question: unplanned format leaves politician cautious

WHITNEY SAPORITOManaging Editor

Jobs, taxes and health care were three of the issues discussed by state legislative candidates during a Sunday, Oct. 10, political forum hosted by the Interfaith Alliance of Pittsburg at the Campus Ministries center.

Participants included candidates from the 2nd district, Republican Jeff Locke and incumbent Democrat Bob Grant. Julie Menghini, State Rep. for the 3rd district, also participated in the forum. Her opponent, Terry Calloway, did not attend.

When asked by moderator Mark Peterson, assistant professor in political science, what they would do to support PSU if elected, both Grant and Menghini agreed that not allowing any further cuts in educational funding was a priority.

“As the economy improves, I would like to see some of that funding increased,” Menghini said. “I think what we’re doing is we’re pricing an afford-able education out of reach for some of our Kansas children.”

Grant said the state’s portion of funding for higher education has increasingly gone down over time.

“I hope we can increase funding for regents universities,” Grant said. “Kids we send through K-12 and then through higher education, they’re our

future, we damn well better take care of them.”Locke said he supports the construction of a fi ne

arts center at PSU. He says it is important to not be entirely dependent on government funding.

“We have to look at trying to keep the federal government from bailing us out all the time, be-cause when we have that happen we have a lot less

autonomy,” Locke said. When asked about the health care reform bill,

Locke said government’s role was too large in that as well.

“I think it’s too big of a hammer to fi x what’s wrong,” Locke said. “I believe the citizens of Kan-sas should have a right to vote on the health care

freedom act, so that they could have had a way to hold back on this.”

Menghini said she believes there are both posi-tive and negative aspects to the bill.

“I can see pretty clearly that being able to keep your students on your insurance until they are age 26 is a benefi t,” Menghini said.

Grant says he has not actually read the entire bill.

“I guess the thing that really bothered me was the same people who are trying to pass it and put it down on us don’t want it themselves,” Grant said.

Peterson also asked the candidates about the benefi ts of the 1 percent increase in sales tax, which went into effect in July.

Menghini said voters in her district benefi ted from the increase because the added revenue saved jobs.

“When we pay in tax dollars, our area of the state remits money and we always get more money back than we give,” Menghini said. “That’s because we live in one of the poorest parts of the state.”

Locke called the tax increase a “desperate move.”

“This was the second-highest tax increase in Kansas history,” Locke said. “I believe we have government saying that it’s very important that they continue to exist, while the people fi nd a way to pay the taxes.”

Pittsburg state hosts political debate

Democrat Bob Grant talks during the Crawford County candidates public forum for the offi ce of Kansas state legislator at United Methodist Campus Ministries on Sunday, Oct. 10. At right is moderator Mark Peterson.

Yuyang Xiao/Collegio

Page 4: 10/14/2010

October 14, 20102B

Things we want you to know: An agmt. with a 2-yr. initial term (subject to early termination fee) and credit approval required for all new customers and for existing customers not on an eligible Belief Plan. Existing customers may change to an eligible Belief Plan without signing a new agmt. Use of service constitutes acceptance of the terms of our Customer Service Agreement. Those terms apply for as long as you are a customer. A $30 activation fee may apply. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies; this is not a tax or government required charge. Additional fees, taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas apply and may vary by plan, service, and equipment. See store for details or visit uscellular.com. Limited time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Promotional Phone subject to change. U.S. Cellular Visa debit card issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Allow 10-12 weeks for processing. Card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant location that accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid for 120 days after issued. Belief Plans start at $49.99/month. Application and data network usage charges may apply when accessing applications. Belief Plans w/ Data Plus start at $89.99/month. Smartphone Plans not part of the Belief Project start at $30/month. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited time offer, 2010. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Belief Rewards See uscellular.com/project for Belief Rewards terms and conditions. Android, Android Market, Gmail and Google Maps are all trademarks of Google, Inc.©2010 U.S. Cellular. DEV_BW_457

After $80 mail-in rebate that comes as a Visa® debit card. Requires a Belief Plan w/ Data Plus and/or new 2-yr. agmt. Applicable Data Plan required. $30 act. fee may apply.

HTC DESIRE™

Get our HTC Desire™ Android™-powered phone for $199.99, join The Belief

ProjectSM from U.S. Cellular®—and start earning rewards.

Chanute 2510 South Sante Fe, 620-431-7866Fort Scott 2003 South Main St., 620-223-4650Parsons 2328 Main Street, 620-423-3775Pittsburg 2400 N. Broadway, 620-232-3200CALL FOR STORE HOURS.

1620 s broadway 620.235.0444

Come Enjoy our Beer Garden!!!!

PSU Homecoming 2010!

TGIFdj&danceSaturday

Kim ON TopSaturday, Oct 16th

Sunday$5.50 pitchers

“For what happens in the Jungle ...stays in the Jungle”

come check us out.......

Great Drink Specials!!!

pittstatebriefsCampus to observeAlcohol Awareness Week

A number of events are planned on the PSU campus Oct. 14-20 to observe Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. The theme of this year’s cam-paign is “Be an everyday hero” and the events are designed to contain messages of personal respon-sibility as well as the importance of taking care of friends.

Activities begin on Thursday, Oct. 14, with a climbing wall set up from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Lindburg Plaza.

On Friday, students will be invited to play “Alco-hol Jeopardy” for prizes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Overman Student Center.

On Saturday, Oct. 16, students will staff a drink-ing and driving awareness booth from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the east side of Brandenburg Stadium.

On Monday, Oct. 18, students are invited to par-ticipate in a jousting game from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Lindburg Plaza.

The Alcohol Jeopardy game returns on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 19-20, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Overman Student Center.

For more information, call J.T. Knoll at 235-4062.

Marchant to perform in faculty recital

Susan Marchant, professor in the Department of Music at Pittsburg State University, will perform a faculty recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, in PSU’s McCray Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public. For information, contact the Department of Music at 620-235-4466.

‘Back to the Future’showing for Friday Flix

The Colonial Fox theater has scheduled a show-ing of “Back to the Future” at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, as part of its Friday Flix series. A $3 donation is suggested. Concessions will be available. For more

information, call Sarah Jensen at 785-969-8143 or go to www.colonialfox.org.

Spain study-abroad info session Friday

International Programs and Services has sched-uled informational sessions on studying abroad in Spain for 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in 203 Grubbs Hall and for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in 201 Whi-tesitt Hall. For more information, call International Programs and Services at 235-4221 or go to 118 Whitesitt Hall.

College of Education student event Thursday

The College of Education will hold a student appreciation event Thursday, Oct. 14 at the South entrance to Hughes Hall. Free food will be provided.

Recital ThursdayGloria Britez Scolari and Irene Diaz Gill are

scheduled to perform a viola and cello recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the McCray Recital Hall. Special guest Luis Reyes will play the piano.

Physical therapy students invited to conference

The Central States American College of Sports Medicine Annual meeting is slated for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 21 and 22, in Lawrence. PSU prephysical therapy majors are invited to attend. For more information, e-mail Mike Leiker at [email protected], Peter Chung at [email protected], or Zac Snow at [email protected].

Henna tattoo stall openThe Indian Student Association will have a

henna tattoo stall in The Oval from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 14 and 15. For more

information, call Shalin Patel at 757-303-0104 or [email protected].

Intramural dodgeball,softball tournaments slated

Intramural Sports is organizing a dodgeball tournament and a slow-pitch softball tournament. Deadline for entries is Sunday, Oct. 24. A managers meeting is planned for Friday, Oct. 29, and matches are slated to begin on Monday, Nov. 1. For more information, call 240-6778 or [email protected].

Impact of social media presentation Wednesday

The Southeast Kansas Human Resources As-sociation has planned a social media workshop from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in Memorial Auditorium. Registration costs $20 for Southeast Kansas Southeast Human Resources Association members and students, and $30 for non-members. To register or for more information, call Michele Sexton at 235-4188 or [email protected].

Speed dating Wednesday, Thursday

The Marketing Association has scheduled Date & Dash for 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 27 and 28, in the U-Club of the Overman Student Center. There is a $5 charge to participate. Food will be provided. For more infor-mation, e-mail [email protected].

Communication Department alumnus speaker on Friday

The Department of Communication has planned for PSU alumnus Toby Cook to speak at 11 a.m. Fri-day, Oct. 15, in the Grubbs Hall studio theater. For more information, call Debbie Sullins at 235-4716 or [email protected].

Zumbathon FridayThe PSU student chapter of the International

Interior Design Association has scheduled Zum-bathon for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the Student Recreation Center. Registration is $7. For more information, call 704-9369 or 913-269-4014.

Homecoming activitiesYell Like Hell is slated for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct.

14, at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Crimson and Gold dinner in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom of the Overman Student Center is scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, and Opera Scenes in McCray Hall is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. the same day. For tickets to the Crimson and Gold dinner, contact Alumni and Constituent Relations. The homecoming parade is slated for 9 a.m. in downtown Pittsburg and Goril-laFest at 11 a.m. in Area 51 of Gorilla Village, on Saturday, Oct. 16. The PSU vs. Washburn football game is planned for 2 p.m. at Carnie Smith Stadium.

5K and 10K run SaturdayThe PSU Rotary Club has planned a 5K and 10K

run at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in front of the Weede gymnasium. To register, go to pittsburgro-taryclub.org. The proceeds go to PSU scholarships. For more information, call 687-2452.

Organizations accepting allocations applications

Organizations looking for money are invited to apply for allocations. Those interested must sign up to attend a mandatory information session by Friday, Oct. 15. Sessions are at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, in the Prairie Room of the Overman Student Center; 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, in the Inaugural Room of the Overman Student Center; and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the Sunfl ower room of the Overman Stu-dent Center. For more information, call the Student Government Association Offi ce at 235-4810.

Protecting your computer is not as simple as installing an antivirus program. But just because antivirus software isn’t a 100 percent effec-tive doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it installed! Because PSU now uses an open network, antivirus software with real-time protection

is more important than ever. It will help block the constant stream of malware that is always attempt-ing to infect your computer, but because there are new malware programs written every day, no protection is fool-proof.

To help minimize infections

from viruses and malware, you should run regular scans on your computer to check for malware that may have slipped past your secu-rity. Programs like AVG Antivirus, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Adaware are free to download and use, and you should use these pro-

grams to scan your system at least once a week. We know that this can be a hassle seeing as to how these scans take up a lot of system rescores and can really slow your machine down. However, a little bit of hassle is a lot better than days of trying to clean out an infection from your machine.

Having multiple programs in-stalled to help detect possible infec-tions is also a good idea. Different programs scan in different ways, which means that some programs

may pick up malware that others missed. However having more than one program that offers real time protection can make your system so slow that it is un-useable. That is why it is not recommended to run more than one antivirus program at a time. One antivirus program with other malware scanners installed is ideal. If you run regular updated scans with an antivirus program and another with a malware scanner, this will greatly reduce the chances of a major infection of your system.

Protect your computer

Page 5: 10/14/2010

3October 14, 2010

Call us for information regarding our NO HASSLE LEASE

1904 S. Rouse, Pittsburg, KS 66762620-875-3730

WWW.CRIMSONVILLAS.COM

INTRODUCING…

1, 2, & 4 Bedrooms AvailableSwimming Pool * Free Tanning *Club House * Controlled Access *

Furnished Kitchens with Ice Makers*Individual Leases*

Everything Plus The Kitchen Sink!

$99 Deposit

Conveniently located across from the Tech Center and Rec. Center and on the City Bus Route

The Best Value in Town Is Leasing for Fall 2010

NOWFeline Friendly!

Gourmet Burgers-Fresh-made Sandwiches- Great Soup & Salad Bar-

Fresh Baked Bread-Espresso Bar-Smoothies

Go Gorillas!Bring in PSU ID card and

get $1 off meal.

Open 10:30 - 2:30 Monday thru Saturday406 N. Locust (Next to Parrott Bey) ©

2008

Merl

eNorm

an Co

smeti

cs, In

c.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

You’ll receive convenient travel sizes of:

LUXIVA® Luminous Shadow

LUXIVA® Foaming Cleanser Normal/Dry

LUXIVA® Renew

LUXIVA® Daily Moisture Creamwith

purch

ase

*Free with the purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products.Cosmetic accessories not included. One per customer, while supplies last,

at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios.

Limited time offer.

231-2760613 N. Broadway

M-F 9:30 to 5:30Sat 10:00 to 4:00

Buy 1 enchilada or burrito meal, get 1 free. With purchase of 2 drinks

Meadowbrook MallPhone 232-5895Fax 232-5892

www.CafeDelRio.com

Expires: 11-30-10 Not Valid With Any Other Offer, Promotion, or SpecialEqual or lesser Value

screenprinting and embroideryBest price and fastest delivery!

located at the Pittsburg Airport

FFREE TANNING!

6620--2231--55656 [email protected]

Summerfield Apartments Luxury Lifestyle at an Affordable Price

One Bedrooms ~ Two Bedrooms ~ Three Bedrooms

Dishwasher & Microwave ~ Walk In Closets

Resort Style Swimming Pool Fitness Center ~ Tanning Bed ~ Laundry Room

Come by today for a personal tour

2609 Springdale Pittsburg, KS 66762

that the energy you push out onto the world is the energy you are going to receive later on.”

Setterstrom says Bird had become an entirely different person from when she fi rst met him.

“When I fi rst met him, he seemed very dark,” Set-terstrom said. “He talked about the loss of both of his parents and living with no running water or electricity.”

He was looking forward to applying for art jobs, says Setterstrom, and had a list of books he wanted to read.

“He was so creative and inventive. He talked about making steam engines and magnetic engines,” said Set-terstrom. “He had so many plans.”

“We are doing it for women’s health awareness and wanted to show breast cancer awareness,” Meneely said. “It was really easy. We just got a hold of the main person, told them what we wanted to do. It only took about a week to get the lights changed.”

Via Christi Cancer Center is working with the Pittsburg Cos-metology School to raise money for materials that patients might need while undergoing treat-ments. The cosmetology students are going to places around the Pittsburg area and offering pink hair extensions, one for $3 or two for $5. One dollar out of every extension goes to Via Christi to help provide gas cards for out-of-town patients, as well as coupons for nutritional supplements, and gift cards for Ron’s IGA and Wal-Mart. Items like these help

patients who may not be able to work during their treatment and to help ease the burdens on patients’ families.

Pittsburg Cosmetology lead instructor Fawn Lallemand says this not only helps the cancer patients through donations, but helps her students as well.

“It’s to show the girls how to understand how to deal with people with illness and to get their names out in the commu-nity,” Lallemand said. “We did over 200 extensions the fi rst day, and hope to do a lot more.”

The school plans to offer the extensions at various locations throughout Pittsburg, including PSU. Interested parties can also call 231-4497 to make an ap-pointment.

“We have done breast cancer awareness activities for several

years and have always celebrated the different cancer recogni-tions, and we just continue that tradition,” said Lisa Lovell, Via Christi Hospital coordinator. “The breast cancer awareness is by far the most well-known. Everyone knows somebody who has been affected by it.”

Lovell has helped organize a candlelight vigil with Early Detection Works, the pink exten-sions with Pittsburg Cosmetology, and she gives out pink bracelets and ink pens, and also played a part in the awareness efforts at the Sweet Design Cakery, on 311 N. Broadway. The bakery donates $5 for every dozen of the breast-shaped “Tasty ta-tas” cupcakes.

“I just think it is a good cause and there are such fun events that we have scheduled, so people should get involved,” Lovell said.

will say “Pittsburg State gives a damn” on one side and “It gets bet-ter” on the other.

Smith says the event is open to everyone.

“It isn’t a gay rights issue, it’s a life issue,” Smith said. “It’s not about being gay or being straight, it’s about the recent suicides.”

Smith says the goal is raise at least $1,000 to split between the two organizations. He says he also hopes to raise awareness on campus.

“Once you hear the number of suicides, it’s kind of ridiculous,” Smith said. “For someone to go through something so dark, we just want to let people on campus know that we do care and we do give a damn.”

Laren Curry, sophomore in biol-ogy and president of PSU’s Gay-Straight Alliance, says LGBT suicide rates are two to three times higher than that of heterosexuals.

He says that these numbers make events such as the vigil important.

“With all the suicides that have been going on, it’s important for Pitt State to be aware of what’s going on with the LGBT community,” Curry said.

Curry says he is worried some students may think the event is out of their comfort zones.

“I think it’s going to open some minds,” Curry said.

Although the GSA is not putting on the event, Curry said many mem-bers will likely attend.

Smith says the reason he and Woods chose to host the event without the help of an organization is that they want the event to seem open to everyone and not political in any way.

Woods says candles will be pro-vided at the event.

“The only thing you need to bring is yourself,” Woods said.

■ SLAIN from page 1

■ SUICIDES from page 1

■ PINK from page 1

Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) near Topeka is being sued by Albert Snyder for picketing at the funeral of his son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. In the origi-nal ruling, the Snyder family received a $5 million settlement against the WBC. In an appeals court, the original ruling was overturned because the court ruled Phelps and his church were covered under the First Amend-ment. The case has now reached the Supreme Court.

“I love it,” said Shirley Phelps-Roper, spokesperson for the WBC in a telephone inter-view. “I just love it. This lawsuit has one function: to put the word of God before the whole world.”

Connor Callahan, freshman in music education, encountered the WBC during a protest at his high school, where an openly ho-mosexual boy had been elected prom king. Callahan says he felt disgust and hate in the beginning of the encounter but his feel-ings changed into peace because of a peaceful counter-protest his community organized as a response.

“(The protest) was right after school, so we had about 500 kids from our high school and com-munity start a peaceful anti-pro-test where we sang the national anthem, had chants that talked about supporting open gays,” Callahan said. “Most impor-tantly, we had a fundraiser that raised money for AIDS research. Every minute that the Phelpses were there we raised X amount of dollars for a cause they hate, AIDS research. We ended up raising somewhere between $2,000-$3,000. The only way to beat this group is to show them what love is and that people and God love everyone.”

Callahan says that he supports

the right to freedom of speech but that there should be rules to where people can protest.

“I do believe they can protest if they want, but, and but is a key word, I also believe in letting families grieve and celebrate life in peace,” Callahan said. “I think the decision should be to allow Phelps to protest, not on church or graveyard grounds, but only on other public grounds while still being a quarter mile from the ceremony. I also think he should only be able to do it up until 30 minutes before the entire ceremony starts and 30 minutes after the whole ceremony is fi nished so that the family can be in peace and can leave if so desired.”

Megan Phelps-Roper, gradu-ate of Washburn University in Topeka and member of the WBC said in a telephone interview that the media have “the worst facts possible” about the protest that started the lawsuit.

“We were more than a thousand feet away from that funeral,” said Megan Phelps-Roper. “There were buildings between the funeral and us. And counter-protesters.”

Megan Phelps-Roper says that the seven-person protest was on a public sidewalk, and that their signs refl ected issues of public interest.

“If this judgment stands, then the First Amendment is mean-ingless,” Megan Phelps-Roper said, speaking of the previous court ruling.

Kristen Bowman, freshman in business administration, says she believes that the Supreme Court should rule against Phelps’ actions completely.

“Phelps thinks that it is freedom of speech, but I believe it’s a hate crime,” Bowman said.

“What he is doing is harmful to people and he’s out there to put people down.”

In a statement after the Supreme Court hearing, Margie Phelps, daughter of Phelps and lawyer for the case, says that the soldiers’ deaths are the payment for the sins of the people of the United States.

“When you have a public funeral and you broadcast to the nation that that dead soldier is a hero and that God is bless-ing America, we will be there and tell you that God is cursing America,” Phelps said. “If you want that to stop, stop sinning.”

Rachael Osborn, freshman in math education, says she be-lieves that the Westboro Baptist Church does not represent true Christians, and that the Supreme Court should rule against Phelps.

“I feel that he is an extremist who misrepresents the Christian name,” Osborn said. “His radical ideas confl ict with values in the Bible. He should have the right to voice his opinion, but I think that picketing at soldiers’ funer-als is going too far. Funerals should be kept as sacred events for the family and friends of the soldier.”

In a CNN interview, Snyder acknowledged that the Phelpses may have had a right to protest, but the protest caused personal damage.

“It might not have been il-legal, but it did cause emotional stress and emotional damage,” Snyder said. “You have to look at this as tort law, too.”

In the end, the case is a mat-ter of right to privacy against freedom of speech that can affect the families of soldiers across the nation. The Supreme Court is still reviewing the matter and a verdict has yet to be given.

■ PHELPS from page 1

Page 6: 10/14/2010

October 14, 2010 3B

Good LuckGood Luck

2010 PSU FootballPaynes Inc. Paynes Inc. FrontenacFrontenacTruck repair- Wrecker serviceTruck repair- Wrecker service806 W. McKay, 620-231-3170806 W. McKay, 620-231-3170

Wimmer VisionWimmer Vision10% off with PSU ID10% off with PSU ID411 E. Centennial - 620-232-1005411 E. Centennial - 620-232-1005

Everything Sew SewEverything Sew Sew1615 N. Walnut - Pittsburg1615 N. Walnut - Pittsburg620-235-1280 New PSU Items620-235-1280 New PSU Items

Tornado LoungeCheapest Drinks in Town305 N. Broadway, Pittsburg

Sharp’s Auto Body202 N Elm - Pittsburg620-231-0666

Watco CompaniesWatco Companies315 W. 3rd St. * Pittsburg, KS315 W. 3rd St. * Pittsburg, KS

www.watcocompanies.comwww.watcocompanies.com

West 4th LiquorWest 4th Liquor914 W. 4th St., Pittsburg914 W. 4th St., PittsburgMon.-Sat. 9-11 pm, Sun. 12-8 pmMon.-Sat. 9-11 pm, Sun. 12-8 pm

Wal-MartWal-MartPittsburg, KsPittsburg, KsSave Money. Live BetterSave Money. Live Better

Tyrell’s Service, Inc.Tyrell’s Service, Inc.4th St. & 69 Bypass4th St. & 69 Bypass620-632-1926/620-231-4393620-632-1926/620-231-4393

Cicero LiquorCicero LiquorAcross from CampusAcross from Campus620-308-6990620-308-6990

From these Sponsors:

Girard Tarps Inc.Girard Tarps Inc.411 W. St. John - Girard411 W. St. John - Girard620-724-8909620-724-8909

In The GardenIn The Garden719 S. Broadway719 S. Broadway620-231-4545620-231-4545

Oct. 16 - Homecoming - vs. Washburn - The Pitt - 2 p.m. Sponsored by Commerce Bank

Oct. 23 at Fort Hays - Hays, KS. - 2 p.m.

Oct 30vs. Nebraska - Omaha - the Pitt - 2 p.m.Sponsored by Comfort inn / Holiday Inn

Nov. 6vs. Truman - The Pitt - 2 p.m.Sponsored by Quinlan Eye Center

Nov. 13vs. NW Missouri State - Kansas City, Mo. - 2 p.m.

Organization?NEED MONEYfor

your

SGA Can Help!!SGA Can Help!!Apply for Allocations Today!!

Sign up to attend one of the followingMANDATORY Information Sessions

Monday, March 8th7 PM

Sunflower Room

Tuesday, March 9th7 PM

Sunflower Room

Wednesday, March 10th6 PM

Sunflower Room

Must be signed up by FRIDAY, March 5th!!For more information contact theStudent Government Asssociation Office at 235-4810

Monday, October 18th6pmPrarie Room

Must be signed up by Friday, October 15th!!

Tuesday, October 19th6pmInaugural Room

Tuesday, October 19th6pmSunfl ower Room

www.viemedicalclinic.org phone 620-235-0605

“Funding was provide b the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund and Giving Circle, whose mission is to improve the health and well bign of women by supporting education, increasing awareseness, and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefi t all women. The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund and Giving Circle is managed by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”

Vie Medical Clinic is offering at no cost to the customer STI testing.(Pap smears have a $25 maximum lab cost.)

Go GorillasWine • Spirits • Import Beers • Kegs • Party Supplies

Ice • Juice • Party Shop!!

2308 S. Rouse • 232-3700

Open Now on Sundayfrom 12-8 pm

Centennial LiquorCentennial Liquor

Now taking Pitt State

Cards!

the biggest challenges,” Suberu said. “Over all, from set to set, we are very competitive. We just aren’t able to score enough points.”

According to Wilson, this inability to score points is because the team hasn’t been able to put the ball down; offensive emphasis is the way to earn those points.

“We are going to focus a lot more in isolating hitters and hitting around the blocks,” Wilson said. “We are going to

go for our opponents’ weaknesses on defense and become more consistent.”

Finding that consistency has been a diffi cult task for the Gorillas. The team’s results have been scattered throughout the season. With such inconsistency, there is only one thing that the team can do.

Suberu says that the team is going to try to refocus by evaluating videotapes of its games over the course of the upcom-

ing week.“This will allow for attackers to see

what they don’t see in matches,” Suberu said. “Blocking and defense was really good this weekend. We just didn’t capi-talize on those plays by scoring.”

Although the Gorillas plan to capital-ize during their next matches, they will face another tough road match, this time against Southwest Baptist, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

■ ROAD from page 1B

■ GAME from page 1B

again with a 14-yard touchdown strike to wideout Gavin Lutman, head-ing into the locker room with a 14-0 advantage.

Head coach Tim Beck and the Gorillas emerged with a slightly slow-paced offense, and would be held scoreless for the rest of the game.

After two touchdown passes by the Hornets’ sophomore quarterback Tyler Eckenrode, the Gorillas watched as their 14-point lead slowly slipped from their grasp.

“I thought we played good the fi rst half, and then we just lost focus in the second and that really cost us big time,” said freshman linebacker Nate Dreiling. “Our defense played well besides for a couple of plays where we just didn’t execute and fi nish. That’s all it took to lose the game.”

With his sack for a safety early on

and a total of 11 tackles, including four from behind the line of scrim-mage, Dreiling had yet another solid performance. Chas Smith also contrib-uted with nine tackles of his own.

Even with their mistakes, the Go-rillas managed to hold on until the last few minutes, when they caused the Hornets to punt, putting themselves into a position to be tied up with a 53-yard fi eld goal. When the Hornets’ Julian Dozier was able to get a hand on a very low kick by Craig, the Go-rillas were sitting on the other side of a last-second victory.

PSU plays at home this week, where its team will take on Washburn for the annual Homecoming game. The Gorillas will be looking for a measure of revenge against the Icha-bods after being routed 55-3 on the road last year.

■ FOOTBALL from page 1B

■ MADNESS from page 1B

add in basketball just throws off the balance in the world of sports. Homecoming is football. Not football and basketball. None of the ath-letes or coaches involved with the football team will ever admit this is their week, too, but not basketball’s. Before Yell like Hell, there is a pep rally honoring the fall sports and announcing the captains who speak about their season. Again, these are fall sports — not basketball.

Finally, before any readers get mad and write a letter to the editor complaining about my impatience again, read the entire article thor-oughly. I’m not mad at the basketball

team, I’m not hating on them, either. I just think the timing of this poten-tially great event is way off. No one has an event to trick the basketball team into going over to a fraternity house to watch fi lm, but before the team can watch fi lm, they have to watch the brothers perform skits. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Basketball doesn’t start until the end of November and I don’t want it to start in the middle of hearing the much-anticipated results. Yell like Hell is its own tradition, we don’t need a new one.

Save homecoming for homecom-ing and basketball for basketball.

Brita Vavao-Huggins, who had racked up a total 19 kills of off serves coming into last night’s match-up.

The Gorillas’ offense sputtered in the third set, as the Lions shifted the momentum in their favor with a 25-19 win. Although the score was close, the Lions dominated most of the contest, until a few scattered points by fresh-man blocker Lauren Brentlinger brought the score to 19.

But it would all be for naught as the Gorillas battled back to win the fourth set, snatching the victory and get-ting back on the winning track.

Although both teams came into the match, averag-ing close to the same number of kills, the Gorillas with 11.9 per set compared to Southern’s 12.7, the offense was dominated by the visiting team.

The overall offensive attack for the Gorillas was led by Stringer, who fi nished the match with a team-high 13 kills. Stringer was followed by Brentlinger and Bergkamp, who contributed 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Leah Flynn also made a mark on offense, contributing 10 kills and 26 total hits.

Defensively, senior defensive specialist Cassie Wilson led the way with a team-high 19 digs, while Bergkamp was also a big part of the Gorillas defense with 15 digs and one block. Overall the Gorillas were stellar on defense with a team total of 67 digs and 12 blocks, but Pitt State really shined on offense.

With 57 total kills, compared 24 errors made by the op-posing team, the Gorillas were fi nally able to fi nish strong, which is the one thing that coach Ibraheem Suberu has emphasized since the beginning of the conference season.

Andrew Dodson/Collegio

Gorillas go up to block the ball against the Lions at Missouri Southern on Wednesday, Oct. 13. The Gorillas beat the Lions 3-1.

Page 7: 10/14/2010

JEN RAINEYCollegio Reporter

The Indian Student Association has been gearing up for the Diwali festival, which will take place Nov. 7. They’re funding the event in part by selling henna tattoos. The association has set up a table on the Oval, selling the bodyart between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., until Friday, Oct. 15.

“People can get any design,” said Anupam Thakur, graduate student in business administration. “We have a few prints to look through, or they can print their own design and we can cre-ate it for them.”

Henna tattoos are non-permanent and are created by staining the top layer of skin. The staining is done with a henna paste, in a process called mehndi. Henna tattoos date to the Bronze Age and have been used to dye skin, hair, fi ngernails, leather, silk and wool. Thakur says no special training is required to create henna tattoos; the artists simply look at the desired design and draw it onto the skin. The paste spreads, so the artists don’t have to be as precise and accurate as they

would with permanent tattoos. Gener-ally, the tattoos are brown, and fade in about two weeks. Thakur says the length of time a henna tattoo lasts is determined by where it is located on the body.

“If you get it on your hands it gen-erally won’t last as long, because each time you wash your hands it wears off a little,” said Thakur. “If you get it done on a part of the body that isn’t usually exposed it generally will last for two weeks.”

Henna tattoos are very common in India. Thakur says hennas are worn during every wedding and that some believe that darker tattoos indicate a better relationship with future in-laws.

Members of the Indian Student As-sociation have been pricing the henna tattoos between $5 and $30.

The association sells the henna tattoos every year to raise money for the Diwali festival, which is the as-sociation’s main event every year. The event will feature Indian food and en-tertainment, including Indian dancing. There will also be a presentation on India for people to learn more about the country and cultures of India.

“Everyone is welcome,” said Thakur. “It’s open for all.”

October 14, 20104

Walk-insWelcome

1119 S. Broadway S. Side of Taco Bell 232-6622• ••

Gift Certificates Available

5 tans for $15 Get 1 free

Fall Special

Beds • Booths • Air brush tanning

(No deadline on packages)Monthly Membership

2710 N. Broadway • 232-1593

Welcome Parents, Students Welcome Parents, Students & Alumni to Homecoming& Alumni to Homecoming

Jon Mack 620-232-97761214-A E. 4th (corner of 4th & Highland) Pittsburg

JJREPAIRAUTO Complete

car & truck repair

foreign & domestic

air conditioning repair• tune-ups• computer diagnostics•

brakes & shocks• oil changes• fuel injection service•

transmission service•

&

JEN RAINEYCollegio Reporter

The PSU Pride of the Plains marching band recently competed for a chance to win $25,000 and national recognition in the CBS Hawaii Five-0 Marching Band Mania.

The competition is a promotional piece for the remake of Hawaii Five-0, a TV show that ran for 12 seasons from 1968, until 1980. The remake’s fi rst episode premiered on Sept. 20.

The Pride of the Plains Marching Band competed against universities such as Yale, University of Hawaii and Notre Dame. The videos were online from Sept. 20 through Oct. 4, and fans could log on and vote for their favorite video and band. The winning band, The Mighty Sound of Maryland, was announced Monday, Oct. 11.

“With bands like Indiana and Notre Dame, we knew we weren’t going to win,” said Doug Whitten, band director and associate professor of music. “That wasn’t the point. It was to gain awareness about our school through the contest. It was a little bit of a rally cry for some of the community mem-bers to get them involved.”

Whitten says CBS Sports notifi ed him by e-mail in July regarding the contest. All competing bands had to submit a clip of their band performing the theme song for CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. They also had to be two minutes in length. Any band with a perfor-mance longer than two minutes risked being disqualifi ed.

“The contest meant a lot of publicity for

our band and the university,” said Tracey Fienen, junior in marketing. “Had we won, it would’ve also meant more money for the program to upgrade equipment.”

The Pride of the Plains band members say that although they didn’t win, they feel that their video shows more unity than a lot of the competing videos.

“Most of the bands didn’t march on their video,” said Aaron Shockley, senior in music education. “They just had a studio recording company come in and they just stood and played. We were one of the few bands that actually marched on the fi eld with everybody, so it was nice.”

At least 728 people responded to the related Facebook event, which listed informa-tion on the contest, where to go to vote for the Pride of the Plains, and what dates voting would be open.

Students and Pittsburg residents left sup-portive comments on the page.

Shockley says that even though they didn’t win, the contest helped spread the word about their marching band.

“Some people may not know about Pitt State and the area, because they’re from further away,” Shockley said. “This was an opportunity for them to see us online and it gave us a little more promotion.”

PSU Band members compete in Hawaii Five-0 contest

MADISON DENNISEditor-in-chief

Graduation now begins online.

Starting this semester, the graduation process will become entirely electronic, according to Janet Hoyer, assistant registrar for degree certifi cation. Previ-ously, undergraduates were mailed a letter that informed them that they were qualifi ed to graduate in the upcoming semes-ter and instructed them to go to the Registrar’s offi ce to apply.

This letter is now an e-mail alert.

“This was available for graduate students in the past,”

said Hoyer. “But now we’ve opened it up to undergraduates as well.”

When students receive the e-mail, they are instructed to do an online degree audit through their GUS account. At the end of the degree audit, there is an option to apply for graduation.

“Pretty much everything else is online, so this will be easy,” said Sarah Terrell, a business major who plans to graduate in the spring.

Moving this process to an online format is part of the uni-versity’s grand scheme.

“This process is part of the president’s initiative to go green,” said Hoyer. “We’re go-

ing electronic and eliminating the need for paper.”

Hoyer says that this makes it all the more important for stu-dents to check their GUS e-mail accounts; the university now uses these accounts for most contacts and notices.

For students who use their GUS account for more than school business, this can create a heavy fl ow of e-mail.

“I basically only use my GUS account, since so much stuff comes through it,” said Terrell.

As students begin to use the online graduation application, they also need to prepare for the Grad Finale, which takes place Oct. 27. Grad Finale gives grad-

uating students the opportunity to ask questions, learn what they need to complete for gradua-tion, and take care of graduation business. Some of that business can be taken care of through the online graduation application process, said Hoyer.

“Once they click on ‘apply for graduation,’ they will go through some steps and identify their degree, their major, their diploma and diploma mailing ad-dress, and their hometown,” said Hoyer. “All that can be verifi ed online.”

The benefi ts of the electronic process vs. the paper process are especially apparent when taken into account with a student’s

typically busy schedule.“The students can go in

anytime, on their own time, to review this,” Hoyer said. “They don’t have to come in during our eight-to-four hours.”

In addition, the application can be viewed and changed immediately, and as many times as necessary before Oct. 27. Students can also check their e-mail more frequently than their mailbox.

But some students say they prefer to deal with paper and people rather than electronics.

“I understand why they’re doing this, but I have more faith that I’m getting what I need done when I’m working with a

person,” said Trent Holdings, a senior in biology.

Still, several key parts to the graduation process remain non-electronic because in some cases, face-to-face interaction is required. Students who had planned on graduating, but do not qualify, are also sent a notifi cation. They are allowed to apply, but if their application is rejected, they are alerted and directed to the Registrar’s offi ce.

“They’ll have to come into the offi ce to see why they aren’t on track to graduate,” said Hoyer.

The deadline to register for graduation is Wednesday, Oct. 27, the date of Grad Finale.

E-graduation:

A Pride of the Plains Marching Band member plays at the halftime show at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Pride of the Plains Marching Band beats on buckets during the halftime show Satur-day, Oct. 2, at Carnie Smith stadium. Photos by Jodi Hefl in

Graduation application process goes online

JEN RAINEYCollegio Reporter

The university has a master plan to build new buildings and expand existing buildings, one of which is the Overman Student Center.

“Right now, the Student Government Association offi ce and the Student activi-ties council offi ce are on one side of the building and the offi ces of professional staff on the other side. We do that because that’s what we have to work with,” said Jeff Steinmiller, director of the student center.

He says the expansion will group the of-fi ces together into one, high traffi c location. Therefore, the student activities offi ces would be highly visible for the campus population. Another area of expansion in the student center will include the Crimson and Gold Ballroom.

“We have a ballroom that has a capac-ity of 500 people and is a unique shape,” Steinmiller said. “We were looking at enlarging the ballroom and making it into a more uniform shape, as well as raising the ceiling. It will be similar to what you would see in a major hotel.”

Extra meeting spaces are in the plans for the expansion as well. Currently, there are several meeting spaces but the number of organizations on campus often makes fi nd-

ing meeting spaces for specifi c times and dates diffi cult.

“We have not been given rough esti-mates, but we’re talking a large sum of money. Anywhere from $5-$10 million probably,” Steinmiller said.

Steinmiller hopes that part of the fund-ing will come from a donor. He says a portion of the current bonds may also cover the costs, but that the largest portion of the funds will come from student fees, since the student center is a student fee-funded building.

Last year was spent working with architects and discussing the master plan with students, staff and faculty. Steinmiller says employees of the student center are currently comparing their master plan with the university’s master plan. They’re look-ing into what the needs and priorities of the university are. The university is dealing with a number of other issues, including the construction of the performing arts center—another project that Steinmiller says is important to the university.

“It’s a project that I think people will get really excited about and should fall in line with the rest of the university master plan,” Steinmiller said. “I’m very excited about this project, but I’m also very excited about some of the other projects coming up, as well.”

Expansion of student centermay fall into master planTactile tattoos

720 N. Broadway • Pittsburg (620) 231-7399

SALES • Jewelry • Clocks • Class Rings • Watches Old & New

SERVICE• Watches • Clocks • Jewelry • Glass Art Work

Menna Garedew, freshman in psychology, shows her henna tattoo on the Oval.

Shalin Patel/Collegio

Page 8: 10/14/2010

October 14, 20104B

CONVENIENT, CONFIDENTIAL & AFFORDABLE

Call 417.781.6500 today for an appointment710 Illinois Avenue | Joplin, MO 64801www.plannedparenthood.org/swmo

• Birth Control Services • Emergency Contraception• Pregnancy Testing • STI Testing & Treatment • HPV Vaccine (females & males ages 9 - 26)

• Options Information & Referrals• Abortion Services - abortion pill (4 - 9 weeks) - surgical abortion (4 - 22 weeks)

$5 off your next visit

when you bring in this

coupon (one per person)

expires 12.31.2010

Services offered on a sliding-fee scale. Same day and next day appointments available.

Carry out or Delivery

232-PAPA

1519 S. Broadway Pittsburg

$7.99 Large 1 Topping$6.99 Medium 1 Topping

Sun - Thurs 11am-12am • Fri & Sat 11am-1am

Student Special

ONE MONTH TANNING $30fi nd us on facebook for specials

HALLOWEEN HEADQUARTERS

100’s of COSTUMES Sales and Rental

• Wigs• Make-Up

• Masks• Accessories

LEG AVENUESEXY

COSTUMES216 S. Broadway

231-5416

Studio 5 Salon

Flesh Art Tattoo

Paula PalmerStylist/Owner

Johnny TotmanArtist/Owner

Monday - Saturday9am - 5pm

Tuesday - SaturdayNoon - 10pm

Walk-ins welcome!

Evening appointments available

521 S. Cayuga, Frontenac, KS 620.232.3434

521 S. Cayuga, Frontenac, KS620.308.6886

Lisa McClureStylist

We Specialize in 2 & 4 Wheel Computerized Alignments Suspension Repairs, Tire mounting & Balancing

Shocks, Struts & Brakes

315 E. 4th • Pittsburg KS

BRENNA CHRISTIANCollegio Reporter

The oddly shaped silicone rainbows on people’s wrists are more than a trend. Marketed as Silly Bandz, Crazy Bands, Goofy Bands, Zanybandz, and Stretchy Shapes, the colorful bracelets have spawned their own corporate and fan-built Twitters, Facebook pages, and websites. Vast array of shapes the wrist-bands are molded into have caused a number of people to consider them collect-able, and a number of school superintendents to ban them.

So it’s no surprise to see a number of PSU students channel-ing their inner child in the form of brightly colored, fun-shaped silicone wrist-bands.

Mattie Benedict, freshman in nursing, is one of the craze’s many supporters.

“They are unique and cool,” Benedict said. “It’s different from any other bracelet.”

The new style is transforming rubber bracelets, to say the least. They look normal while they’re on someone’s wrist; removed, however, they transform into a molded shape.

The wrist bands come in the form of everything from dino-saurs to musical instruments, and some companies even sell bands molded into familiar shapes and phrases from popular TV shows and songs.

“It’s mind-boggling, really,” Benedict said. “The way they transform and hold their shape is

just very unique.”The bracelets, which can be

found at any department store, vary in more ways than color and shape. Some glow in the dark, some are neon, some are coated in glitter. They’re never more than a few dollars for a pack, and despite their connections to popular cul-ture, they’re completely viral: No marketing campaigns, no advertis-ing. The demand for the bands spread by word of mouth.

“I got into them at the begin-ning of the summer,” Benedict said. “My 12-year-old sister had a bunch and I just took one. That’s how I got hooked.”

But some aren’t happy with the new fad. According to the Seattle Post, schools in New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida and even

local Kansas schools are either banning or limiting the number of the bracelets a student can wear.

“My little sister goes to Colgan and is only allowed to wear three at a time,” Benedict said. “It’s stupid to ban them. I don’t see what the big deal is. They’re just bracelets.”

Rachael Bishop, sophomore in art, is also a fan of the color-ful wrist-gear; she has about 15. She says the fad is dorky, but that dorky is the new cool, and that she wears them to make a specifi c point.

“I wear them so I can be cooler than everyone else with my bad-ass bands,” Bishop said.

Although Bishop doesn’t wear her bands as often as she used to, she still managed to convert

her boyfriend, Matt Porter, into a believer.

“They just started to irritate my skin,” Bishop said. “But my boyfriend wears his 24/7.”

Porter, who is also a sopho-more in art, said he wears four Silly Bandz all the time: a turtle, a car, a plane and a snake.

“I started wearing them when my lovely girlfriend got them for me,” Porter said.

Porter says their popular-ity goes beyond the shapes and colors.

“I think students are wearing them as a way to hold on to their childhood,” Porter said. “People are too serious.”

Like Benedict, Porter also agrees that the Bandz shouldn’t be banned from schools.

“Unless it is a private school with a strict dress code, I just don’t see the point,” Porter said.

But not everyone is following the trend. Although she doesn’t hate the bracelets, Courtney Fer-reira said she just doesn’t see the point.

“I just think they look cheap and trashy,” Ferreira said. “But I’m not a big bracelet-wearer anyway.”

Ferreira, senior in Spanish education, says the wrist-bands are just a trend, like a brand of clothing.

“People are followers,” Fer-reira said. “I don’t know if it is immature but I think it is kind of adolescent. There is no point to them, like a watch, and they’re not pretty like a regular bracelet.”

(Silly) banded together:

JEN RAINEYCollegio Reporter

A new senate will offer opportunities for unclassifi ed employees to be repre-sented in issues that concern them.

“At PSU we have three categories of employees,” said Michele Sexton, director of budget and human resource services. “We have classifi ed (employ-ees), what I call unclassifi ed employees, and faculty employees, which are also unclassifi ed employees.”

Sexton says that classifi ed employees are employed through the Kansas Civil Service system. Their rules and regula-tions come from the state of Kansas. Unclassifi ed employees, which include faculty, are governed and employed

by the board of regents. Unclassifi ed employees have the Faculty Senate, but not all unclassifi ed employees fall into this category. The administrators and people not included in the Faculty Senate would be included in the new unclassi-fi ed senate.

The Kansas Board of Regents has representation from certain groups on campus. Sexton says all universities in Kansas, except Pittsburg State and Fort Hays, have representation for their unclassifi ed senates.

“The president asked me to lead the formation of the unclassifi ed senate and what I asked for was a task force,” Sexton said.

The unclassifi ed senate will include representatives from all divisions and

areas on campus. Task force members for the unclassifi ed senate have already been decided. Besides Sexton, they include Misty Button, internal auditor, Vince Daino, director of campus recreation, Heather Eckstein, director of fi rst year programs, Shawn Naccarato, direc-tor of planned giving, Matt Osterthun, coordinator of underwriting and listener relations for KRPS, Melinda Roelfs, director of admission, Howard W. Smith, dean of the college of technology and B.B. Stotts, director of continuing and graduate studies. Several meetings have been held already.

Various members of the Classifi ed Senate and Faculty Senate have been giving the Unclassifi ed Senate input on getting started. Members of the Faculty

Senate are scheduled to attend Friday’s meeting to provide their input.

The current goal of the senate is to come up with a constitution and bylaws. Howard Smith, dean of the College of Education, and former liaison for the Classifi ed Senate, has helped brainstorm issues to consider in drawing up the or-ganization’s governing language. Sexton says the group is also working on getting enough people involved, so the group can determine how it wants representa-tion to work, and to also see the group through their fi rst elections.

“We have a draft we’re looking at. Right now we’re waiting on a determina-tion on which individuals and adminis-trators will be excluded from our group,” Sexton said. “For example, anyone who

sits on the president’s council is not eligible to be on this group.”

Sexton says the task force members want to make sure that decisions can be voted for online, in case the turnout at meetings are too low. She says this will prevent issues from suffering under lack of participation. She says she doesn’t fore-see the agenda for the unclassifi ed senate to be as extensive as the Faculty Senate. However, the organization will need good leaders to get the organization up and run-ning and in turn, to keep it going.

“What I hope is that unclassifi ed admin see this as an opportunity to be-come involved in the governance of the university and that we get some individu-als with leadership skills to step in and become involved,” Sexton said.

New senate provides opportunity for unclassifi ed employees

Students react to wristband craze

Page 9: 10/14/2010

What has happened lately in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community should not be taken lightly. This is a problem that has been going on for some time now, and because of recent events, has gained public attention.

Rutgers Uni-versity student Ty-ler Clementi was one of several recent LGBT suicides related to bullying. There are many people in the LGBT community who try to take their own lives at some point in time, and I think this is due to an overwhelming amount of emotions that they are feeling.

When many people decide to take the brave step and express themselves fully, society has a tendency to shun those who do not fi t into the generalized mold of how they should look, or how they should act.

I also believe that it makes it harder for people to be honest with themselves, to some extent.

I understand oh-too-well what the kids who tragically took their lives were feeling, because I have been in that position before and

it is not an easy thing to over-come.

Although I did not succeed, the fact that these young men did is sad, and I wish that they would

have been able to fi nd some sort of resource to prevent this from happening, be it fi nding a social group or being able to receive counseling.

PSU should take this to heart and help confront discrimination head on by helping to make sure that everyone feels as though they fi t in.

In order to serve the LGBT community on our campus, they should be provided with enough resources and support from the school. The support should be enough to make an impact on the LGBT people who already attend PSU and for those to come.

What our school really needs to see is that there are people around who may not be what they consider the gay stereotype to be like; these people are just as studious, talented and capable as everyone else.

They should not be singled out because of the gender, or lack of gender, of the person that they choose to have a relationship with.

If we could look at the quality of people based on how they treat others and take the labels

and throw them out the door, we could start to see a major shift in the way that people form bonds with their fellow students.

- Laren Curry, sophomore in sociology, Gay-Straight Alliance president

October 14, 2010 5

Ad & Business ManagerAmy Spigarelli Bowyer

235-4816

Editor in ChiefMadison Dennis

235-4901

Managing EditorWhitney Saporito

235-4815

AdviserGerard Attoun

235-4809

Copy EditorBartholomew Klick

235-4900

Design ManagerLauren White235-4843

Photo EditorAaron Anders235-4900

Sports EditorJake Faber235-4821

ReportersAshley BaileyJacob Faber

Sarah PolandJen RaineyTyler SmithAlex Mott

Michael AdmireCaitlin Taylor

Brenna Christian235-4821

PhotographersAndrew Dodson

Jodi Hefl inShalin Patel

Hunter PetersonYuyang Xiao235-4843

DesignersBrittany FrazierRachel MurdockZach Waggoner

235-4843

Ad RepresentativesHilary ErbertSuzy Jecha

Leah MackeyMollie Thompson

235-4937

Web EditorAmber Youngers

235-4843

Circulation ManagerJeremy Elsworth

235-4843

The Collegio is a Member of:

The Associated Collegiate Press

College Media Advisers

The Kansas Press Association

The Kansas Associated Collegiate Press

To submit a guest column, letter or story idea, contact the Collegio:

[email protected]

phone 235-4901

address210 Whitesitt Hall

Letters and guest column submissions must be

typed, double spaced and include the writer’s name,

signature, address and phone number. Please

limit letters to 300 words or less. Please limit guest columns to 600 words or less. Letters become the property of the Collegio and may be published in

the newspaper’s online edition.

Editorials and columns do not necessarily refl ect

the opinion of the Collegio as a whole.

Write!The Collegio

wants to read your letters and guest columns!

contact: [email protected]

Remember to visit psucollegio.com

to cast your vote.

Will you vote in the upcoming

elections?

lettersYou want diversity?

thisweek’squestion How important do you think the homecoming tradition is?

“I think it is very important because its good for school spirit and it helps all the students get involved in the activities that take place.”

Scott Dalton, Senior in com-mercial graphics

“I think it’s pretty impor-tant because it gets the school together and the community together.”

Kevin Wellington, junior in psychology

“I think it’s fun and excit-ing and kinda important I guess for college.”

Carissa Fink, senior in family and consumer science

PSU support, resources needed

I have kept it no secret that I am not particularly fond of Pittsburg State, but of all the issues about which I may complain, the diversity of this campus is not one of them. In fact, the diversity of this campus is the thing I enjoy the most.

With that in mind, there is no doubt I was taken aback when I picked up The Collegio last Thursday and read an opinion column about Pittsburg’s lack of diversity. I was nearly knocked off my feet!

Just last week, I attended an interna-tional gathering at the UMCM, hosted by the students from Sri Lanka, where we sampled their homeland food and listened as they told us about their culture. This was by no means an isolated occurrence; I am not an expert on the international happenings of Pitt State, but it is a logical inference that similar gatherings are not uncommon.

My roommate this semester is from Brazil, and although I do not know the ex-

act numbers, there are at least half a dozen international students living on the same fl oor as me in Tanner Annex. That’s just on my fl oor. Go down to the lobby at any time of the day and you will fi nd international students hanging out.

Go to Gibson Dining Hall at any time of the day and you will fi nd international students enjoying a meal. Go to the student recreation center at any time of the day and you will fi nd an abundance of international students working out.

Go to The Jungle on a Friday night and you will be overwhelmed with internation-al students. They even enjoy a good Frat party here and there. That’s just interna-tional students! Frankly, if you miss the diversity on this campus you are walking around with your eyes closed.

Yes, a lot of Pitt State’s student body is white. Everyone can agree that this is not a bad thing at all, especially if you stop and think about it for just a nano-second.

We live in Kansas. South East Kansas. According to the United States Census Bureau, 88.5% of the nearly 3 million Kansas residents are white. In Crawford County, 92.9% are white, with none of our surrounding counties dropping below 90%. You are going to see a lot of white people.

Yes, Pittsburg State wants to help students experience more of the world. We have an award winning international program that has brought students from 37 different countries to little old Pittsburg, Kansas. 37! If that is not experiencing the world by staying in Pittsburg I don’t know what is.

Yes, racism is a fact of life that happens here in Pittsburg and everywhere else in the world.

I myself actually came from one of those predominantly white societies, and racism was not exactly something people tried to hide. Yeah, it happens, but is it a huge problem here in Pittsburg? I would

say not at all. The people of this university and the surrounding area are some of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. Not a day has gone by when someone does not hold a door open for me as I am on my way to class.

Sure, there are going to be a lot of white people around here, but even within the same race can you fi nd an unlimited amount of differences from person to person. Some white people come from western Kansas, some from eastern Kan-sas, others from California. Diversity does not lie solely in the color of our skin, and I cannot help but feel that the article I read last week was completely focused on that one very small aspect of life.

If it’s diversity you want, it’s diversity you’ve got. You just have to open your eyes. If it’s a white minority you want, you came to the wrong damn school.

- Josh Hatch, sophomore in math edu-cation

Diversity is more than colorI want to comment on the opinion article

regarding diversity at PSU by Matt Shortino in the recent Collegio.

First, I want to commend Matt for taking the time to write such an insightful article and to share his very unique experience as a white male raised in a predominantly white environment, and one who has chosen to embrace racial diversity as part of his education.

I know the things he says are certainly true and part of the struggle we all work with in a racially diverse country, and particularly in a predominantly white community that is Southeast Kansas. Matt’s perspective is certainly one that not many in his position have encountered so personally. Thanks, Matt, for doing the work and taking the risks and sharing that with us all.

We all certainly have a long way to go

in understanding that people have very different experiences based on racial and ethnic differences, and we are richer when we seek to truly understand each other.

Secondly, I am concerned by the choice to have the article accompanied by a large picture from the International Student Association’s Food and Culture Fair from last spring. I understand that this might be a logical choice for many and obviously for the Collegio. After all, international students are part of our diversity here at PSU. However, I’d like to point out the diversity of diversity for you.

What Matt was addressing is something particular to domestic minority students at PSU, and probably most of the United States. International students face this on a certain scale, but the issues are very different for them. I know because I’ve spent my career working with and serving

international students. Most fi nd Pittsburg to be a very

welcoming place and they are warmly asked into the homes of many residents and hosted on many occasions. Certainly, they fi nd themselves “sticking out” in our community and sometimes are discriminated against, but their experience is very different from what Matt was talking about.

I won’t go into all the complications of why this is — after all, working with diversity is not simple. My point is this, the Offi ce of Student Diversity, the International Programs and Services Offi ce and the Tilford Group have worked hard to help the campus see that the easier part of cultural diversity may be the many international students on campus, but there is a much more diffi cult and maybe personal side that involves recognizing and

embracing domestic minorities.Yes, it is similar. However, it is

different. Running Matt’s article with a picture of

Indian students doing a cultural dance is very similar to illustrating it with a picture of a person with a physical disability, or a learning disability. All represent diversity, but Matt is speaking to a particular issue that is unique to domestic minority students at PSU. Certainly, you must have stock photos of events that the BSA has held.

Diversity is a very complicated and important subject for us in the United States today. To do it justice we must all strive to give respect to all the various aspects that make us a richer culture today—to see the richness of diversity and not just lump it together in a stew of difference.

- Chuck Olcese, Director of International Affairs

Diversity is not only about raceOn behalf of those who were offended

by the article that brought attention to the apparent lack of diversity at PSU and rac-ism within this community, I would like to provide a different perspective.

I am a lifelong resident of Pittsburg; however, I am in no shape or form a bigot, nor are any of the people I associ-ate with. I have been taught to respect people regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, race, or socioeconomic status. Most people in the community are giv-ing, caring people who will lend a hand to help others regardless of differences; however, I will acknowledge that there are those who are small-minded within this community.

Those small-minded people should not be the representation for all of us in

this community who respect differences among all people. The accusations based on the perception made by those affected by a few community members, actions are in no shape or form different than having the perception that all people from the Middle East are terrorists or have ill will towards America and its citizens. I would like to bring attention to what is TRULY diverse. Diversity is not only about race. Diversity is variety.

When I look at PSU and its students, I see a diverse student population. There are people who come from Tulsa, Kansas City, Wichita, and other larger communi-ties, to communities as small as less than one thousand citizens like St. Paul, KS. Some people come from urban commu-nities, some from rural. There are also

people who have been raised through fos-ter care, in single-parent homes, divorced households, etc. There are traditional and non-traditional students within our class-rooms, which has been even more evident since the decline in the economy.

Addressing race: Kansas, is 88.5% white. Missouri and Oklahoma are not much less than that. In order to cor-respond with Kansas, demographic statistics, PSU, which has 7,131 students, would only have to have around 900 non-white students. I believe that PSU prob-ably achieves, if not surpasses that.

PSU also has professors and staff members of various backgrounds, cul-tures, beliefs, ethnicities, etc. For exam-ple, look at the diversity among the Kelce Business School’s faculty. With this said,

I believe that for a Midwestern university, PSU does a great job at implementing diversity; however, there is always room for improvement. I would hope that stu-dents, faculty, and staff at PSU, as well as Pittsburg and its surrounding communi-ties, would see the beauty in what makes this country unique, its diversity.

Regardless of where we came from or what we believe, we can all be respectful of each other’s differences. With this, I hope to give this community the justice it deserves as well as to allow those who may be small-minded a chance to re-evaluate their perceptions of others who are different than themselves, as well as the way they respond to those differences.

- Lauren Brogan, senior in elementary education

Rutgers University students sign condolence cards Friday, Oct. 1, at Rutgers in New Brunswick, N.J., for the family of fellow student Tyler Clementi.

AP

Recent suicide should not be taken lightly

LarenCurry

Page 10: 10/14/2010

Walk to PSU - 1921 S. Broadway - 3 bed, 2 bath, living room, kitchen, CH/CA, one year lease, no pets, $495 per month. Call 620-249-5478.

Mobile Home lots for rent - Single and double wide lots, in the city. State approved storm shelter. Move in special: 3 months free lot rent and will pay for electric hookup. Parents: this is an ideal place for students. Parkview Community 520 W. 20th. 620-232-1030. parkviewmhc.com

1604 South Olive, Nice 3 BD / 1 large BA home in quiet area close to campus. This house has new CH/CA, refrigerator, W/D hookup and a small yard. 1-year lease required at $525 per month and no pets. 620-704-1966.

2 Bedroom duplex, 11/2 bath - 1802 S. Olive. $425 per month plus deposit. 620-249-1172.

2 Bedroom homes - Reasonable utilities. $350 per month. 417-843-4202.

Duplex - 2 Bedrooms, plus one study, appliances. $395 per month. Water included. 620-231-5724.

House - Close to College, 4

bed- basement, W/D hookup, appliances, glassed in porch and large living room/dining. $575. 620-231-5724.

2-3 bedroom homes in Parkview Community Pittsburg and Bradford Estates, Hwy 69 & 400 hwy, 1/8 mile west - $395-450 a month. 620-231-7910.

Studio Apartment - Near campus, $520 per month, including utilities. 6 month lease available. 620-875-4400.

516 E. Park - 3 bed, 2 bath, CH/CA. Lawn service provided, on a cul-de-sac. $750 per month + deposit. Available anytime. 620-704-0731.

Female Roommate wanted - 1/2 rent/bills. Fall only! 620-704-4844.

Roommate wanted: Nice 3 bedroom. 503 S. Elm, short walk to PSU. 918-520-5229.

3 piece Queen size mattress matching set - $139 for set. 620-249-7712.

Home Daycare - Open days,

evenings, and weekends. SRS approved. Infants thru 8 years. 620-231-1998.

Offi ce Space inside Homer Cole Community Center - Utilities included, except phone and internet. 620-231-9773, mon.- Fri. 9-4.

October 14, 2010 5B

10-7 Solutions

CLASSIFIEDS STUFF TO SELL? 235-4816Ads up to 10 words free to PSU students

FOR RENT

MISCELLANEOUS

ROOMATE WANTED

FOR SALE

Make a Dfference Today - You can make a difference today by working at Mosaic supporting individuals to live a quality life. Mosaic is a Kansas wide organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities. Now accepting applications for a Part-Time Human Resources technician. This position is 20 hrs. a week. Must have a H.S. Diploma or equivalent. Minimum two years work experience in offi ce procedures. College coursework in business or personnel management is preferred. Must have a valid drivers license, drug free workplace, EOE. Apply in person at 2420 S. Rouse, Pittsburg or call Amanda Guy at 620-231-5990 for more information. A life of possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

In The Garden10% off with Pitt State ID

Large Yard rocks, Pitt State rocks and door stoppers

231-4545719 S. Broadway

Landscaping and Garden Center Mon-Sat 9-5Sun-10-4

Kanzayear book

2 0 1 1

Order your 2011 yearbook today! Contact us at:

210 Whitesitt Hall 620-235-4815

Visit Us at www.Pittstate.edu/kanza

Don’t forget to get your

school photo taken!

WHITNEY SAPORITOManaging Editor

Vidhi Kundalia, graduate student in technology, expressed concern about the relationship between American and Inter-national students at the Student Government Association meeting Wednesday night.

Kundalia, former president of the International Student As-sociation, asked SGA members to help bridge the gap between students of different cultures.

“The most important thing is they feel they are not accepted as part of the family,” Kundalia said. “For us, you are interna-tional students.”

Kundalia said that when the International Student Association hosts events, the attendees are usually all international students.

“Can SGA support us to be one of you?” Kundalia asked. “Can we make a diverse cul-ture?”

Brandon Mills, SGA presi-dent, said he and other SGA members would try to help ISA gain publicity.

“I’ll personally show up to events and spread the word,” Mills said.

Kundalia said one way that SGA members could help is by signing up with the International Programs and Services offi ce to become a Pitt Pal.

She said that once signed up, students will be paired with an international student. She sug-gested that the students then at-

tend one another’s group events.“It’s how we know each

other’s culture better,” Kunda-lia said. “This is how we make friends.”

Mills said that SGA members would discuss co-hosting an event with ISA in the future.

SGA members also passed a resolution to recommend that PSU administration change the name of the Student Recreation Center to “The Jungle Gym.” Seven senators voted against the resolution.

Jacob Dvorak, senator, said he felt the name change was a bad idea.

“I really don’t think it’s nec-essary for us to push something

that sounds so pre-school-ish,” Dvorak said. “We want to make sure that we’re taken seriously by our constituents and this doesn’t put us in that position.”

Tieg Tullis, senator who sponsored the resolution, said he realizes the name change prob-ably will not happen.

“Obviously a 12-14 million dollar building is not going to be called “The Jungle Gym,” Tullis said. “I might have had something else up my sleeve by putting this out there.”

Tullis said by proposing the resolution he hoped to help SGA gain students’ interest.

“It is kind of a silly idea, but it may make a difference in the long run,” Tullis said.

Dvorak said there are better ways to get attention.

“We want to do things like help the international student that came in today, things that can make a change for a lot of people,” Dvorak said. “I agree this is something we can do to get people involved to try to get our name out there, but I disagree with this being the right way to do it.”

Eric Jones, treasurer, said allocations meetings for student organizations will be held next week. He said signup sheets are available in the SGA offi ce.

SGA members also passed a resolution to update the alloca-tions handbook.

There will be no SGA meet-ing next week because of fall break.

Evangelist Michael B. Wheeler, 60, runs across campus as a testament to his religion on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Wheeler says he runs to spread aware-ness about the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.Shalin Patel/Collegio

Running for the Son

Vidhi Kundalia asks SGA to help raise awareness for the inclusion of interna-tional students on campus.

Aaron Anders/Collegio

Concerns voiced at SGA

Page 11: 10/14/2010

October 14, 20106B

Tel.: 620-231-8838Fax: 620-231-8839

101 W. 29th StreetPittsburg KS 66762

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMON. - THURS.: 10:30am - 10:00pm

Fri. & Sat.: 10:30am - 10:30pmSunday: 11:00am - 9:30pm

Yummy BuffetLUNCH BUFFET

$5.99(Mon. - Fri.: 10:30 am -4:00 pm)Children 4-10 Years Old $3.99

DINNER BUFFET$8.29

(Mon. - Thurs.: 4:00 pm - 10:00 om)(Fri. & Sat.: 4:00 pm- 10:30 pm)Children 4-10 Years Old $5.49

Saturday & Sunday ALL DAY BUFFET

$8.29Children 4-10 Years Old $5.49

Carry Out Buffet Available

Sushi and Chinese Food

Pittsburg State University Pitt Pals program groups international students with American students to help the international students with their transition to American culture. Pitt Pals hosts several events throughout the year. They aim to incorporate American traditions and holidays with events to familiarize internation-

al students with American life.Pitt Pals held a pumpkin carv-

ing event the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Pitt Pal member David Hunt’s residence. Registration was $ 4, and pumpkins were provided. Approximately 50 international and American students showed up for the event.

Photos by Yuyang Xiao

PSU Pitt Pals students Whitney Kraft and Xinnan Zhong carve a pumpkin together at Pittsburg resident Dennis Hurt’s home on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Above: Participants appreciate their works in the PSU Pitt Pals activity, Pumpkin Carving, at Dennis Hurt’s home on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Hunt volunteered his home for the event and offered Halloween-themed food and beverages.

Jack o’ lanterning

Left: Abby Olcese, a PSU PITT Pals volunteer, scoops out the pumpkin seeds at Pittsburg resident Dennis Hurt’s home on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Participants record their efforts in the PSU PITT Pals activity, Pumpkin Carving at Pittsburg resident, Den-nis Hurt’s home on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Abby Olcese and Xiang Li carve a pump-kin together at Pittsburg resi-dent, Dennis Hurt’s home on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Page 12: 10/14/2010

October 14, 20106

CAITLIN TAYLORCollegio Reporter

Recorded ghost sightings in Pitts-burg go as far back as Dec. 10, 1885, when a house that existed between 7th and 8th streets was supposedly haunted.

The feisty spook in this house happened to vanish when the family living in the house moved on, but its legacy remains in a series of articles about haunted sites in Pittsburg, writ-ten by the former curator of the Leon-ard H. Axe Library’s Special Collec-tions department, Gene Degruson.

Another house, this one at Col-lege and Jefferson in the 1960s, was reportedly haunted by a female ghost who sat on the landing between the fi rst and second fl oors, sadly stitching away at a garment.

A house at the corner of College and Quincy supposedly lodged a male ghost, who lived on the top fl oor and was able to be seen only by women.

One of the more popular haunted places is a stretch of country road called “Devil’s Promenade,” which plays host to the Spook Light, located 14 miles west of Joplin, Mo.

Known murderers and bootleg-gers used to live there. Supposedly, people driving slowly at night down

this road, would see a jack-o-lantern light, traveling from west to east. This light always stays near the road, and even scientists who have visited this site can-not explain this phenom-enon.

But the most com-monly known ghost in Pittsburg is the Lady of McCray Hall. No one has been able to put a specifi c date on when sightings began, but many have speculated on who or what it is.

Russell L. Jones, interim chair of the Department of Music, says that several people reported hearing strange noises on

the fourth fl oor, but the people who reported that have passed away. Jones says he had never heard the ghost

in McCray Hall, but he has heard stories about her.

“I did hear that at one time that an or-gan student committed suicide, and some mischievous students hung a dum-my in effi gy inside of the louvers of the old or-gan,” Jones said. “When the louvers were opened while play-ing, the for-mer organ instructor

was completely unnerved.”Jones says he’s not sure if the

story is true, and at press time, no

documentation about this suicide has turned up.

There are two theories on the haunting of McCray. The fi rst story claims that the spirit of a former teacher inhabits the building, return-ing to listen to the music he once taught and enjoyed.

The second story claims that there are two ghosts, one being that of a be-loved teacher who died, and the other a despondent student of that teacher, who committed suicide because of her death.

It has been reported that music comes from the empty practice rooms, and a lady dressed in black has been seen.

There are two specifi c rooms where much of the activity circulates. Room 307 of McCray is the organ room where music comes from, even when the organ is not being played.

The other room is room 318, where former custodian Steve Gideon reported that the chairs had been rear-ranged.

Jake Rasdall, former reporter for the Collegio, wrote an article May 6, 1999, of his experience in McCray. Rasdall and two friends came to Mc-Cray at 10 p.m. and set up equipment in the hall for their own investigation.

Rasdall reported having only one

experience that happened on one of his cameras pointing into room 318. It showed Rasdall and his friend Matt Peters, a sophomore at Wichita at the time, moving out of the way of the camera. Seconds later, the camera went black and recorded the black screen for about 60 seconds and came back to the empty classroom.

When Rasdall came back about 5 minutes later, he reviewed the camera and noticed that when the camera came back to the empty classroom, there was a blurred fi gure in the way. Neither Rasdall nor his friends could explain this.

On Oct. 14, 2006, the Southeast Kansas Paranormal Investigation team came to investigate McCray. During its investigations there were no experiences, and they concluded McCray was not haunted.

As it turns out, PSU is not the only school in Pittsburg to report haunting experiences.

Pittsburg Middle School has re-ported many different creepy things. It is said that there used to be a piano up in the very top of the school that would play by itself.

More experiences are being reported each year, but no one has come up with hard evidence to sup-port the claims of a haunting.

Pittsburg's haunt spotsGhosts of southeast Kansas up for review

ASHLEY BAILEYCollegio Reporter

Ghosts, Goblins and Ghouls. Witches, Warlocks and wizards. Ladybugs, Bumblebees and fairies. Halloween dates back to the 16th century, and was originally called All-Hallows-Even (evening), the day before All-Hallows Day, and was later shortened in the 20th century to Hallowe’en.

The tradition’s Celtic roots reach back to the festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints’ Day. Samhain celebrates the end of the lighter half of the year and the begin-ning of the darker half. The ancient Celtics believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits to pass through.

Betty Urich, owner of Broad-way Productions, a costume and accessory shop located at 216 S. Broadway in Pittsburg, says she has had a lot of students already come in, but the last two or three

days before Halloween will be her busiest days.

“We have had a lot of foreign exchange students come get their costumes already,” Urich said. “They are so fun and excited be-cause in a lot of their countries, they don’t celebrate Halloween.”

Urich has been in the same building for 25 years and went from being an antique vintage clothing store to a costume shop because of the demand.

“We are open year round and sell and rent costumes to schools for plays and other themed par-ties that the university students go to,” she said. “Every year it seems to get bigger for us. We sell a lot more adult costumes anymore with being in a univer-sity town.”

Urich recommends coming in early for a wider selection. Broadway Productions is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

One student says she hasn’t picked her costume yet, because she’s waiting for her friends to

decide. “I don’t know. I’m waiting

to see what other people pick because we might end up dress-ing up as a group or theme,” Michelle Pettit, freshman in biology, said.

Dallas Shalz, freshman in justice studies, says he is excited to wear his costume for the ac-cessories.

“I’m being Dog the Bounty Hunter. He has a mullet. That’s about the only reason I picked him,” Shalz said.

The taunting is freshman Colton Leet’s costume goal.

“I’m being a scary clown because my girlfriend hates clowns, so I’m going to torture her,” Leet said.

Freshman Hannah Caplan and sophomore Kaitlin Tilley say it doesn’t matter where they go for Halloween, so long as they’re able to dress up and look cute.

Even if the holiday is on a back burner for now, PSU senior in justice studies Chris Sanders says he is ready to party.

Pumpkins and PSU

Photo illustrations by Aaron Anders

Students gear up for the scariest day of the year

Scary mask set in the display at Broadway Productions located in downtown Pittsburg. Aaron Anders/Collegio