spring06 Messages

Bicyclists to promote health, environment

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 02:14:45 GMT

David More, coordinator of Carbondale's annual Bike to Work Day, embraced bicycling the day his car broke down years ago...

Bicyclists to promote health, environment

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 02:14:20 GMT

Diana Soliwon

Daily Egyptian

David More, coordinator of Carbondale's annual Bike to Work Day, embraced bicycling the day his car broke down years ago.

He said the days he spent riding his bicycle while waiting on car repairs are what led him to help organize the fourth annual Bike to Work Day event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Town Square Pavilion on Friday.

"There was something about hearing the birds chirping and not having to worry about parking places that did it for me," More said.

Since then, More has been coordinating the annual luncheon for members of the community who think bicycling is an economical and healthy alternative to driving vehicles.

Mayor Brad Cole said the idea behind the event is to make people aware that Carbondale is a bicycle-friendly community. The number of bicycle paths and trails throughout the city should be used as much as possible, he said.

The mayor will present awards to businesses that have the most employees who rode their bicycles to work, as well as for the individual who traveled the farthest to the event on their bicycles, More said. Last year people rode from places such as Carterville and Murphysboro to show their support for the event, he said.

Cole said he knows not everyone who rides their bike to work will be able to attend the luncheon, but does not discourage the cause, he said.

"It's positive for the environment and economically it makes sense," Cole said. "The point is that the people will get that across by riding their bikes to work."

City Councilwoman Sheila Simon said in light of rising gas prices she hopes the event will lead to more people riding their bicycles throughout this summer. Simon said she has opted to save money and help reduce gas emissions by bicycling to places as much as she can.

"I ride my bike just about every day that I can," Simon said. "Everyday is a bike-to-work day for me."

The League of American Bicyclists has recognized May as Bike-to-Work Month since 1956 in an effort to promote alternatives to driving vehicles. Many communities, including Carbondale, have since adopted a Bike to Work Day within the month to show their support for the cause.

Rock-climbing has a strong hold in southern Illinois

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:56:15 GMT

The rugged, rocky terrain of southern Illinois has become a new hot spot for rock-climbing, and David and Daniel Chancellor are leading the way...

Rock-climbing has a strong hold in southern Illinois

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:55:52 GMT

Local company makes environmentally-safe rock wall holds

Brandon Augsburg

Daily Egyptian

The rugged, rocky terrain of southern Illinois has become a new hot spot for rock-climbing, and David and Daniel Chancellor are leading the way.

The brothers from De Soto are co-founders of So iLL Inc., a company that makes rock wall holds which are the hand and footholds for indoor climbing walls including the one at SIUC's Recreation Center.

Last year, the brothers introduced a unique rock wall hold into the market. Their latest product is made from an environmentally safe, non-toxic and unbreakable polyurethane mixture. The holds contain no mercury and have lead-free pigments.

The company also boasts a clothing line designed for the outdoors and sells other climbing accessories. Running the family-owned business keeps the brothers busy.

"We do everything," Daniel Chancellor said. "All the manufacturing, all the office work, all the advertising."

The brothers began making their own holds in 1999 after deciding they could make better ones than they could buy in stores. Over the next three years, the brothers created and recreated their holds. They tested them at their home wall and at local gyms.

The brothers received positive feedback from local climbers and in 2002 production on their first line of holds began. The original production took place in buckets in their parents' basement.

After starting small, the Chancellor brothers now manufacture about 300 different climbing holds that can be purchased on their Web site. The holds come in a variety of colors with many different designs. The company has also gone international with distributors in Japan and Scandinavia.

Despite all the hard work that goes into running their own multinational corporation, the brothers' still know how to have fun. They host rock-climbing competitions a few times a year with live bands at their on-site training facility in De Soto, Daniel Chancellor said.

With the Chancellor brothers' holds on the wall, the climbing wall in the recreation center, which has been in place for about 18 years, has become a popular attraction said Bill McMinn, the director of facilities at the recreation center.

Corne Prozesky, assistant director of facilities at the Recreation Center, said the indoor wall is a good backup plan for many climbers when the weather outside turns bad. Prozesky also said he changes the configuration of the holds on the wall regularly to allow climbers to be continually challenged.

Climbing inside is not the only option for climbers in southern Illinois, however. The Shawnee National Forest offers untouched and challenging terrain for climbers.

"We've been to Colorado and out west, and the climbing here in the Shawnee is better, in our opinion, than anywhere in the U.S.," Daniel Chancellor said.

There is a rock-climbing club made up of SIU students who use the wall regularly, though they prefer to be outside, said Brian Stephens, a member and former president of the club. The club has about 25 members, 12 of whom are very active, Stephens said. The group uses the wall twice a week to practice climbing.

McMinn said that students coming from bigger cities have rock-climbing walls in their hometowns, and they expect the same facilities at school.

"It's a national phenomenon," McMinn said. "It's popular everywhere."

Carbondale businesses adjusting for break

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:54:56 GMT

With summer around the corner, businesses in Carbondale will have to adjust to life without the majority of their consumers - students...

Carbondale businesses adjusting for break

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:54:23 GMT

Jordan Wilson

Daily Egyptian

With summer around the corner, businesses in Carbondale will have to adjust to life without the majority of their consumers - students.

City Manager Jeff Doherty said he is not fretting about the low student population, saying many businesses in the area are accustomed to compensating for the lack of students.

"Successful businesses know how to market," Doherty said. "If they know they're business relies on students and have been here a while, they know how to adjust."

Doherty said he was not sure which businesses would cease operation during the summer months but there may be a number of them.

James Karayiannis, the general manager of Pinch Penny Pub, said the bar scene is one area that is greatly affected once school is out. He said bars without outdoor beer gardens struggle during the summer because most of the student population is visiting home. Karayiannis said his other bar, Copper Dragon, closes down because business in the city is unpredictable.

"It's all based on enrollment," Karayiannis said. "It's always hit or miss. I'd like to hope it's going to be busy all summer."

Doherty said many places in Carbondale are equipped to make due without the summer months.

"Some businesses really have to make it on seven months out of the year," Doherty said. "Other businesses in the community have a broader customer base and they may make some adjustments because students aren't here."

Steve Payne, the manager of Quatro's Deep Dish Pan Pizza in Carbondale, said the impact the students have on the market is evident. When they leave, the economy may suffer.

"It's not a rocket scientist statement," Payne said. "It softens up when you take all of the kids out of town."

Karayiannis' situation may be the ideal example of this. He said he has to shut down Copper Dragon, his indoor bar, because of the lack of students. He said this directs more traffic to Pinch Penny Pub. Although slow during the week, he said business on the weekends could turn in to a mini-homecoming of sorts.

Karayiannis said he thinks summer is the ideal time for anyone to truly enjoy Carbondale.

"If you're going to be in Carbondale as a student, summer is the only time to make it," he said. "It's worth it. You have the beer gardens, sunset concerts, the wine trails and Giant City Park. If you aren't here in the summer, you're missing out on 75 percent of what Carbondale has to offer."

Freshmen Five reflect on their experience

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:53:53 GMT

James Mitchell is not sure why he got kicked out of the Student Recreation Center pool...

Freshmen Five reflect on their experience

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:53:33 GMT

Laura Teegarden

Daily Egyptian

James Mitchell is not sure why he got kicked out of the Student Recreation Center pool.

Maybe his underwear-only attire or his refusal to remove his socks brought about the ejection and $500 fine.

The freshman from Chicago studying cinema-photography said the occurrence is one he likely won't live down.

Mitchell and the rest of the Freshmen Five said the experiences, both good and bad, they had in their first year at SIUC helped them adjust to the college life.

Tressica Lytle, an undecided freshman from Centralia, dealt with Financial Aid problems as Michael Walls, a freshman from Chicago studying accounting, struggled to balance schoolwork and a social life.

Through it all, the freshmen persevered and vowed to return next fall.

So what made these freshmen so willing to stay in comparison to the one-third of freshmen who, according to statistics, leave SIUC by the end of their first year?

Only one of the freshmen attributed a smooth transition to programs offered by the University.

Mary Hettel, a freshman from Marseilles studying social work, said her freshman year success was because of the staff at Disability Support Services and the University's accommodations for disabled people.

"Thanks to TAs and SIU staff for everything that they have done to allow me and other disabled people to be able to have a college experience here," Hettel said

Chris Hahn, a freshman from Olney studying radio-television, said one University program did little for him. He sought help at the Writing Center to shape up his papers, but each time he tried, no one was available.

The Freshmen Five overall attributed their freshman year success to new friends, mostly from the residence halls.

"I didn't expect to hang out so much with my roommate," Mitchell said.

Hahn agreed. He said the best experience this year was living on the 13th floor of Mae Smith because of all the people he met, even though he didn't expect to get along with so many of them. His advice for incoming freshmen is to form friendships with neighbors in the residence halls.

"Be nice to everybody, even if they are different from you," Hahn said.

Aside from the social network derived from the residence halls, the Freshmen Five didn't have much else to say about University Housing, except for the food.

Chicken fingers got thumbs up while the freshman held contempt for the macaroni and cheese.

Hahn said he felt restricted by regulations in the residence halls. He complained specifically about quiet hours.

"I couldn't play guitar in my room," Hahn said.

Hettel didn't have complaints about dorm life, though she agreed there were downsides to being a freshman. She said she looks forward to next year because she won't be a newcomer and will have more campus experience.

Mitchell said his year was different from the others as a 21-year-old freshman.

"I didn't really get the freshman experience," Mitchell said. "I lived with the upperclassmen and hung out with the upperclassmen. I didn't really know too many freshmen."

Hahn said he wished he would have known how much free time he would have as a freshman before he came to SIUC. He expected to be constantly studying. If he had known that wasn't the case, he said he would have been more willing to join student groups.

As for advice for incoming freshmen, Mitchell said the most important and easiest thing to make the freshman experience effortless is simply to go to class.

Hettel said she was surprised in her English class when students had a writing test the first day of school. She said at that point she realized things would be different at SIUC compared to high school.

She said through her year at SIUC she found independence and inner strength.

"Don't give up no matter what you encounter," Hettel said. "If I can do it, you can do it."

Bicyclists to promote health, environment

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:52:27 GMT

Spring semester keeps local police busy

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:51:59 GMT

With crimes ranging from homicides to shootings and delivery driver robberies to aggravated batteries, some local police officials said the spring semester has kept them on guard...

Spring semester keeps local police busy

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:51:30 GMT

Officials say it's too early to tell, but crime seem to follow past trends

Jaclyn Brenning

Daily Egyptian

With crimes ranging from homicides to shootings and delivery driver robberies to aggravated batteries, some local police officials said the spring semester has kept them on guard.

Annual reports show crime rates around Carbondale and on campus this semester follow past trends, with aggravated assaults and batteries fluctuating over the past five years. But SIUC Police Chief Todd Sigler said there may be an increase in people resolving confrontations physically.

Three homicides were perhaps the most violent of the crimes reported in the area this semester. Two Carbondale residents were slain in separate incidents in late January.

Police found the burned body of SIUC senior Christopher Gandy, 23, in a cemetery near Murphysboro Jan. 28. Three people have been charged with the murder and are set to face trial this summer.

On the same day, Larry D. Williams, 23, of Carbondale was shot near Fred's Dance Barn in Carterville and later died of his injuries. The investigation continues but so far no suspects have been named.

About three weeks ago, Eddie Young Jr. of East St. Louis was stabbed to death in rural Carbondale. Aaron Burton, 36, of Carbondale was arrested and charged with two counts a first-degree murder and is set make a court appearance later this month.

Jackson County Sheriff Bob Burns said it has not been uncommon for the county to see one murder a year. Burns said he could not remember a homicide in Jackson County since November of 2002, and said he could see how two murders happening so close to one another this semester might have frightened some people.

But once the number of murders is averaged throughout the years, Burns said he did not think there was an increase.

The homicides aside, Carbondale Interim Police Chief Bob Ledbetter said he doesn't think Carbondale is seeing a significant increase in crime rates. The nature of the crimes fluctuates from year to year and it is almost impossible to say whether this year has been worse or better than previous years, he said.

"We have no control over who is going to commit the crime or when they are going to commit the crime," he said. "You can't predict it. But it stays pretty consistent."

Carbondale Police records from the past show anywhere from 87 aggravated batteries in 2003 to more than 100 last year. So far this year police have recorded about 40 aggravated batteries, and Ledbetter said there is no reason to believe it will not follow previous trends.

The most recent aggravated battery was reported last weekend after SIUC student Jason Cermak allegedly stabbed fellow student Jason Heinz on West College Street. Police said they could not say why the stabbing occurred but said the injuries were not life threatening. Cermak was arrested and taken to Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro.

The stabbing may be just another number, but putting these numbers into perspective is important, Sigler said. University Police recorded less than 20 aggravated batteries in 2004 and 24 last year. Records show about 14 aggravated batteries reported between January and April of this year.

"If everything remains consistent, we look like we should come at about the same as we have in the past couple of years," Sigler said.

Although crime rate in Carbondale and Jackson County this semester follows past trends, some local officials said they are seeing a growing tendency for people to resolve problems physically.

"Whenever something involves our students, that's when it bothers me," Sigler said. "One is too many to have of any of these incidents."

Some of these crimes have left students saying they feel sick and disillusioned.

Matt Kracht, a sophomore from Sullivan studying pre-law, was shot in the lower back last month after two men demanded his money and he refused to give it up. Although not critically injured, Kracht left the University for the remainder of the semester and said he was not sure if he would return in the fall. He said if he does return in the fall, he would return with feelings very different from the ones he came with.

"My perspectives have definitely changed," Kracht has said.

Disability report headed to campus review board

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:50:43 GMT

Recommendations to improve accessibility for disabled people at the Student Health Center will soon be reviewed by SIUC authorities, officials say...

Disability report headed to campus review board

Bryan Darger — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:50:23 GMT

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

Recommendations to improve accessibility for disabled people at the Student Health Center will soon be reviewed by SIUC authorities, officials say.

The accessibility committee is not releasing specifics of its analysis until Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Larry Dietz, whose office oversees the Student Health Center, looks over the recommendations this week.

Dietz will forward the recommendations to a panel led by Associate Chancellor of Diversity Seymour Bryson. The panel will decide if the recommendations should be acted upon and if any violations to the Americans with Disabilities Act occurred, said Student Health Center Director Cheryl Presley.

Presley said the committee formed in response to complaints from disabled students and at least one faculty member has identified several troublesome areas in the center. She contended the facility was built to code in terms of accessibility but recommendations were made for the "ease of utilization."

"I'm really committed to having a building that is comfortable for everyone," Presley said.

Burt Pusch, a post-doctoral research student who served on the committee, said action was taken on some problem areas between February and late April when members met. The shutting time on automatic doors was slowed and a barrier was placed on a stretch of sidewalk that turned into steps.

Pusch was one of the first students to voice concerns about accessibility at the Student Health Center. He said he foresees most other recommendations being acted upon, though he remains skeptical.

"Once I see action taken, my concerns will be quelled," he said. "Overall, it was a good experience and I was pleased that higher-ups took action and heard us out."

Kathleen Plesko, director of Disability Support Services, said the building's design was compliant with disability guidelines, but some installation errors occurred. She said the panel led by Bryson will have the final say on what should be done.

"Now we just have to wait to see if these recommendations merit any action," she said. "The good news is once concerns that had caught students' attention were voiced, there was almost an immediate response."

Wing-crazed campers stay overnight for free food

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:54:49 GMT

Tents, coolers, grills and beer cans littered the sidewalk outside of Carbondale's newest restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill, which opened Sunday...

University ready to dig in on worm project

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:18:38 GMT

In a small shed on East Pleasant Hill Road, a picture of a green, smiling worm wearing sunglasses is pasted to a stainless steel bin...

University ready to dig in on worm project

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:14:18 GMT

SIUC to be one of first universities to use vermicomposting

Jaclyn Brenning

Daily Egyptian

In a small shed on East Pleasant Hill Road, a picture of a green, smiling worm wearing sunglasses is pasted to a stainless steel bin.

SIUC Physical Plant employee Andilee Warner said she would like to see the worm painted maroon - its natural color is red, after all - to support the University's colors.

"Maybe our logo could be: 'SIUC has worms,'" she said, laughing. "But I don't think that would fly."

But SIU does have worms - about 50,000 of them right now, red and squirming in an eight by five foot bin, and Warner said they are waiting for the arrival of about two million more in the next couple of weeks. The worms are the result of an idea Warner had about two years ago to help recycle waste at SIUC and reduce the University's reliance on landfills.

It's called vermicomposting, the use of worms to decompose waste. A company called New Horizon Group brought the process up to date with stainless steel units, each of which holds thousands of worms. A layer of garbage is spread over the unit, and the worms, an Argentinean breed of voracious eaters, feed on the organic material, break it down and excrete it to produce a soil richer than most top soils.

SIUC is one of the pioneers in the process of decomposing, and starting this fall, University employees at Lentz and Trueblood dining halls will no longer be trucking food waste to the Jackson County landfill. Instead, the waste, from cardboard and cake to chicken bones and lettuce, will be eaten by the worms. During the next few months of the summer semester, when the dining halls are not in use, the worms will eat compost and shredded paper from various University departments.

Warner said she realized there was a waste problem on campus after numbers showed the three dining halls wasted between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds of food every day. This was just from the meals eaten at the dining halls and did not include waste from cooking preparation or other campus departments.

Warner pointed to the pieces of lettuce and carrots on the surface of the bin.

"These are hungry worms," she said, running a gloved hand through the dirt and scooping up a fistful of wriggling worms. "This is like candy for them."

The worms eat about half of their body weight every day. With about two million worms at work, Warner said they expect the worms to eat about 1,000 pounds of waste a day.

Although the worms will consume waste, they will also produce their own in the form of excretion, better known as worm castings.

Brian Klubek, chair of SIUC's Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, said he is excited for the bulk of the worms to arrive. He and his graduate assistants will use the castings harvested from the bottom of the bin for research. Whatever is leftover will be spread as fertilizer supplement on SIUC's property such as fields or patches of land around campus.

The study's results will not be available until next spring, but Klubeck said he is eager to see how the castings help develop certain areas.

The project has cost the University about $145,000, Warner said, although getting the project off its feet cost about $300,000. Everything - including the yellow mobile lifter that will dump waste-filled trashcans into the bins, commercial paper shredders and the worms themselves - has been paid through grants and research funding. The University paid for the building, and that's about it, Warner said.

And the facility's maintenance is low. To heat the building, the University uses recycled motor oil from University fleet cars. To follow the recycling goals, the University used fly ash, a glass-like substance created from burning fuel at SIUC's steam plant, for the building's concrete floors.

Mark Crowson, president of branch of the New Horizon Group, said he expects SIUC to be one of the largest vermicomposting firms in the country.

SIUC will also be one of the first universities to use worms to recycle waste, and Warner said she thinks it is appropriate.

"We're the innovators," she said. "We're the ones that are supposed to think outside the box."

Wild Wings off to a saucy start

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:16:34 GMT

Tents, coolers, grills and beer cans littered the sidewalk outside of Carbondale's newest restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill, which opened Sunday...

Wings n' things

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:09:39 GMT

Wing-crazed campers stay overnight for free food

Diana Soliwon

Daily Egyptian

Tents, coolers, grills and beer cans littered the sidewalk outside of Carbondale's newest restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill, which opened Sunday.

More than 75 students camped in the drizzling rain Saturday night. The goal was to be one of the first 100 people to receive a booklet of coupons - a guarantee of six free wings a week for a year.

The rumor of free wings began before owner Bill Zellmer had even considered the idea.

"I don't know how it got started," Zellmer said. "But once I heard about it, I figured we might as well give them something to camp out for."

Franchise Consultant Dustin Crews mingled with students throughout the night, passing out tickets so students could save their place in line. The tickets served to keep people from showing up in the morning and getting ahead of the all-nighters, he said.

"We wanted to make sure it was fair," Crews said. "These guys that have shown their support and stayed out all night deserved to be guaranteed coupons."

While some students sat in their tents, studying for finals or taking naps, others socialized in the parking lot and vowed to stay up all night.

"We're going to try and stay awake the whole time," said Sarah Hemker, a junior from Bartelso double majoring in English and journalism, as she sat in the bed of a truck.

Joel Sambursky, a graduate student from Liberty, Mo. studying business administration, and the SIU football team's all-time leading passer, also camped out for the event.

Although he had never tried Buffalo Wild Wings, the executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce said he was looking forward to free wings for a year.

"I'm out here on a Saturday night trying to get free wings, and I'll be in there Monday morning asking for a Chamber of Commerce membership," he said.

Crews and Zellmer passed out the coupons in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 150 people at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Some students who arrived too late in the night to guarantee a spot in line expressed dismay as others with tickets filed past.

Zach Schrader, a junior studying marketing, said he thought the system was unfair. He and some friends arrived at the restaurant at about 2 a.m. Sunday morning, after all the tickets had been handed out, he said.

"So some of the people who got tickets just went home and didn't come back until the morning," Schrader said. "We're the ones who stayed out here all night."

Zellmer said the large turnout was unexpected but overall he thought the event was handled fairly.

"There's always someone who's 101st," he said. "We just had to make sure we guaranteed a reward for the early supporters."

Franchise consultant Carolyne Chalupnik surveyed the coupon distribution with a smile. She said she was excited to use the idea to help promote other restaurants developing in the western region of the U.S.

"It's never been done before, and it's just genius," she said.

The coupons will only be honored at the Carbondale location, Zellmer said. Coupons written for weeks during the summer will still be valid for students not returning to the city until August when school resumes, he said.

Funding fiasco remains unresolved

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:10:08 GMT

The Undergraduate Student Government failed to allocate funds to Registered Student Organizations Friday for the second straight meeting, leaving many student groups disgusted...

Funding fiasco remains unresolved

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:06:48 GMT

USG adjourns prematurely, fails to allocate RSO monies

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

The Undergraduate Student Government failed to allocate funds to Registered Student Organizations Friday for the second straight meeting, leaving many student groups disgusted.

The meeting lasted 30 minutes, and ended early because not enough senators were in Student Center Ballroom C to discuss funding. Instead, many were in the hallway talking with each other privately and no action but adjournment was taken.

Allocations of more than $500,000 of projected student activity fee money to 35 RSOs were first set for Wednesday, but had to be postponed. Little time was left after senators censured President Nate Brown and passed a resolution urging Chancellor Walter Wendler to find a job elsewhere.

So USG vowed to give allocations a second chance, and a meeting was scheduled for Friday.

To complicate the situation, the budget proposed by the finance committee was faulty, with committee members admitting they over-allocated more than $40,000 in anticipation of an increase to the activity fee. SIU's Board of Trustees tabled the fee increase at its meeting Tuesday, and will decide its fate in June.

The committee did not meet between Wednesday and Friday, but chairwoman Tonya Sinkovits brought funding recommendations from three of six members. She had no explanation why the entire committee did not convene.

RSO representatives were allowed to speak Friday, but could barely be heard over senators - many with their backs to the microphone - who carried on conversations.

Afterwards, Black Affairs Council coordinator Kevin Winstead took the stand to say RSOs were receiving unfair treatment from USG and someone had to be held responsible.

"I'm not upset at any individual senator. However, I am upset with the institution and how it's being run right now," Winstead said. "At the end of the day, at the end of this term, I want to see somebody's name on a piece of paper being held accountable. If not, I'm going to raise all kinds of hell."

Chaos erupted inside and outside the ballroom after the meeting ended. As senators bickered about the lack of organization in USG, Sen. Dan Bachert chased down members before they left, trying to get the meeting restarted. He was unsuccessful.

Vice President John Teresi, who ordered the meeting ended, came under fire from several senators who wanted another meeting, but he said 48 hours notice was required before another session could occur.

While senators pointed fingers and raised their voices at each other, contempt for USG was abundant among a few RSO representatives. Some waited four hours Wednesday to see how much money was available for next year, and came to Friday's meeting for clarity.

Dennis Van De Laar, travel director for the Student Programming Council, stood with his arms crossed as he peered at the arguments unfolding in the meeting.

"It's a big mess. If this is what's supposed to represent me, I'm scared," he said.

Karen Mylan of the Phi Alpha Theta, a history honor society, shook her head, and WIDB radio general manager John Dillon slumped in his chair when the meeting was adjourned.

"It's really frightening that they have control of students' money. I'm really disappointed," Mylan said.

After about 40 minutes of senators arguing, Brown spoke loudly into the microphone, quelling the chaos for a few seconds. He said the finance committee was to meet today and finalize funding at another special meeting Wednesday.

He said newly elected President Akeem Mustapha and Vice President Paul Ogwal would be sworn in at that meeting, a week after their scheduled appointments

"This is what we're going to do. This is what has to be done," Brown said.

USG senators vow overhaul of constitution

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:06:51 GMT

A group of senators hopes a rewrite of the Undergraduate Student Government constitution will restore credibility to an organization some say is plagued by internal squabbling, ambiguity and a lack of accountability...

USG senators vow overhaul of constitution

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:04:35 GMT

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

A group of senators hopes a rewrite of the Undergraduate Student Government constitution will restore credibility to an organization some say is plagued by internal squabbling, ambiguity and a lack of accountability.

Six senators are working on revamping USG's governing document and aim to have a new constitution in place sometime this fall.

Sen. Matt Picchietti said recent argument-filled meetings and the inability to approve funding allocations to 35 Registered Student Organizations inspired the move.

"The problems USG faces are completely fixable," he said. "Hopefully, the new constitution will help fix some of the internal problems we've been having this year."

Amending the constitution begins with a resolution drafted by one or more senators. The senate is given a week to consider the proposal before voting. A two-thirds vote sends it to the president, who has two days to approve or veto it.

Picchietti said amendments include requiring the finance committee to present allocations a week before they are to be considered by the senate and increasing the number of minimum votes required for senators to attain office. Currently, senators need just one vote to win in an uncontested race.

Overall, the amendments would make USG a more organized and determined group, he said.

Outgoing Vice President John Teresi said the constitution is ambiguous in many ways. Though some parts are clear-cut, such as the requirement for a majority of senators to be in the chambers during proceedings. Teresi adjourned a special meeting Friday after more senators could be found outside Student Center Ballroom C than inside discussing funding.

Teresi has agreed to advise the senators in the rewrite process.

"I will help them identify what's good, what's bad, what needs to stay and what needs to go," he said.

Outgoing President Nate Brown said rewrites happen about every other year. The current constitution consists of amendments Brown recommended in the summer of 2004.

Brown has continually claimed USG "holds nothing sacred," and said the ideal constitution would only require the organization to be the voice of the student body and not be burdened with funding decisions.

"We need to take things back to the basics and say we are a body that represents the students," Brown said. "We need to be a simple body that sits down and knows what our constituents want and figures out how we accomplish that."

'Wild Wings' off to saucy start

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:04:17 GMT

The excitement in Bill Zellmer's eyes overshadowed his fatigue...

'Wild Wings' off to saucy start

Bryan Darger — Mon, 08 May 2006 03:02:41 GMT

Buffalo Wild Wings has successful first day in Carbondale

Jordan Wilson

Daily Egyptian

The excitement in Bill Zellmer's eyes overshadowed his fatigue.

Sitting outside of his new Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar on the east side of Carbondale, Zellmer, the owner, said he slept a total of four hours the previous two nights.

But the 20-hour days were worth it, as Zellmer saw an overflow of business to the highly anticipated opening of Buffalo Wild Wings in Carbondale on Sunday.

Cars circled outside the restaurant, searching for any place to park. During some points of the opening-day frenzy, cars parked in tall grass about 100 yards away.

"Folks have figured it out," Zellmer said. "They've made their own parking lots."

The store was originally slated to open May 22, Zellmer said, but construction proceeded faster than planned. Zellmer also owns another Buffalo Wild Wings in Cape Girardeau, Mo., which opened in August of 2002.

Kerry Charlet, the Carbondale restaurant's general manager, said he wanted to make sure it was open in time for graduation weekend and Mother's Day.

Even though Zellmer did not say how much his store netted in its first day, by about 2 p.m., he said his store in Carbondale had already outperformed the opening-day totals of his Cape Girardeau location.

"We beat that an hour ago," Zellmer said.

The reason for the surplus of business is evident upon entrance to the 6,400 square-feet structure.

The restaurant has 49 TVs, including two in each restroom and two on the patio. Included in that total are seven projection screens, which span 133 inches each. Buffalo Wild Wings has 12 different satellite feeds, Charlet said, so there is no need to worry about missing a game.

"You can hear the crack of the bats," Zellmer said. "It's like going to the ballgame."

Charlet said the bar and grill would naturally attract college students, because it will be open until 2 a.m. and will feature live bands on the patio this summer.

The eatery has custom-made tables and chairs, seats around 270 people and has 24 types of beer on tap at its bar.

Kent and Paula Keller, both of Anna, said they had been anticipating the opening of the store since reading about it in newspapers. Paula said they were hoping the restaurant might have been open over the weekend, as they made the trip to Carbondale to see if it was. Two days later, they made the 30-minute trip again.

"We came all the way just for this," Paula said.

The Kellers were not alone in their anticipation. Zellmer said people had been asking him all week about his store's opening.

"You walk through Wal-Mart with the logo on the shirt and everyone starts asking you questions," he said. "It's hilarious."

Carbondale City Manager Jeff Doherty said he knew there was much anticipation to the opening and even said he was going to eat at the bar and grill soon.

"It's created excitement," Doherty said. "People have been looking forward to a new restaurant. It's a very visible location. People have watched it being built."

USG reins in Mustapha's hands

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:36:59 GMT

Akeem Mustapha has been observing and learning the ways of Undergraduate Student Government since his election as president April 20...

USG reins in Mustapha's hands

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:35:21 GMT

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

Akeem Mustapha has been observing and learning the ways of Undergraduate Student Government since his election as president April 20.

Tonight, his job begins.

Mustapha, a pre-med senior born in England and raised in Nigeria, is scheduled to be sworn in at a special USG meeting. His oath of office was set for Wednesday, but the senate postponed it 48 hours.

During Wednesday's meeting, Mustapha looked on as senators urged Chancellor Walter Wendler to leave SIUC and censured outgoing President Nate Brown and juggled funding allocations.

Mustapha said he plans to make some changes in the meetings next year to combat disorganization, but added, "It's always been that way, somewhat chaotic."

"The way I see it, students elected the senators, president and vice president. It would be nice if the meeting was much more organized," he said.

Mustapha claimed the USG presidency with 396 votes, beating out three other candidates. The position marks his first involvement with student government since coming to SIUC in 2002. His vice president Paul Ogwal is a current senator.

Brown, whose powers were stripped by senators during his final USG meeting, has worked with Mustapha in making contacts in the administration. He said there is plenty to learn for the new president.

"He's an outsider. He's been to USG meetings, but he's never been on USG," Brown said. "It's going to take some time to get down with his role and form a relationship with the Senate."

Senators overwhelmingly welcomed Mustapha into USG last week with a 24-4 ratification of April's election results. Those who did not approve Mustapha's presidency said they had no problem with him, but were unsatisfied with how the election was run.

Whitney Shalda, Mustapha's closest contender in the election, encouraged senators to approve Mustapha's presidency before the ratification.

"He seems like a good guy, and I think he will do a good job," she said.

Besides attempting to bring orderliness to USG meetings, Mustapha said he wants to work with the administration on improving campus facilities, keeping tuition and fees low and increasing enrollment. He also plans to encourage the "Southern at 150" plan to make SIUC a top 75 public research institution by 2019.

Though Mustapha said he expects a difficult year in office, he remains confident about the "vocal chord" for the student body.

"There's no doubt this job will be challenging, but it is doable," he said. "I intend to handle it to the best of my ability."

Brown gave a positive prognosis for his successor's future.

"I think Akeem is an intelligent guy, and he means well. He looks like somebody who is interested in the position and generally wants to do a good job," Brown said.

USG welcomes new leader denounces old

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:33:35 GMT

Outgoing president and USG have messy break up

Zack Quaintance

Daily Egyptian

Nate Brown ran on a platform of disdain for Undergraduate Student Government. As he leaves the organization a year later, the feeling is mutual.

The junior from Chester studying political science won the USG presidency last April after he campaigned on a platform of change. He denounced the senate's funding system, professionalism and ability to represent the students.

Brown said he wanted to change funding, establish a board of student leaders, fix SIUC's parking problem and gain respect for the organization. By his own admission, he failed.

The student body sided with Brown last year and cast 445 votes for him and his campaign, whose slogan was "USG sucks: Let's change it."

On Wednesday, student government senators struck back at Brown. They stripped him of his power with a largely symbolic resolution at the same meeting he was to leave office. It was the second time senators united against Brown.

Last spring, a group of six demanded he resign as USG vice president after he proposed replacing USG with a new government he had developed. Senators accused him of purposefully not informing them of his plan.

Brown called Wednesday's move a display of senator pettiness and incompetence. Senators said they needed to send a message to the public that the president does not represent the organization.

Sen. Paul Ogwal, who is also the senate's incoming vice president, submitted the resolution, and cited misrepresentation at March's SIU Board of Trustees meeting. Brown told the trustees the senate opposed tuition and fee increases, but he later spoke in support of them.

Brown saw the senate's move coming, but said he was surprised at some of the support he received. Sens. Joe Moore and Andy Fruth, two of Brown's harshest critics throughout the year, sided with the him.

Fruth interjected during Wednesday's meeting as senators grilled Brown on his stances about recently passed tuition and fee increases.

"This is the stupidest resolution we have ever passed," Fruth said during the meeting.

Moore shook Brown's hand outside the senate chamber, saying, "Sorry about that man."

Fruth and Moore, two of USG's most veteran senators, say they will not return to student government next year.

"It's not worth it. I've put two years into this thing," Fruth said. "You argue and you have the most valid points in the world, but some people keep voting the way they personally want to. It's not worth my time anymore."

And that's how it goes, Brown said. Students in USG either get turned on or turned off by the constant bickering, pettiness and unprofessional behavior that plague the organization, he said.

"We hold nothing sacred. We would argue over whether a duck should be named a duck," Brown said.

As he cleaned out his office on the third floor of the Student Center Saturday, Brown lamented the past year.

It was a bad one, he said.

Senators prank called Brown often, graduate student government officials mocked him during speeches and the student trustee shouted at him during a recent senate meeting.

The "backhanded impeachment" was the culmination of a year that Brown said "was the most frustrating thing I've ever done in my entire life."

He said he spent most of the year sick to his stomach.

"This position is the loneliest position you could ever imagine because you can't do anything right," he said, shaking his head as he stared at his cluttered desk.

On top of a disheveled stack of papers sat "The Giving Tree," by Shel Silverstein, a small green book about thankless gratitude. The book inspired him throughout most of his presidency, Brown said.

When student organization leaders came to complain about funding rules, Brown listened. He sat on more than a dozen campus committees ranging from parking and traffic to administrator searches. But he will be remembered more for proposing a controversial $10 per semester increase in the Student Activity Fee without garnering senate support.

Fruth, who said he often considered impeaching Brown through the year but thought it was petty to do so at the last meeting, said he disagreed with the new fee and felt it marred Brown's time in office.

"He wasn't a good leader. I think he spent most of his time trying to work on this fee increase," Fruth said.

Senators like Fruth live in a culture of "Nate Brown is the villain and the senate must battle him," Brown said. It began in spring 2005 when Brown, then vice president of USG, resigned under a barrage of criticism after he proposed replacing USG with a new student government.

Bad feelings remain in student government. Matt Picchietti, a sophomore from Champaign studying psychology, described himself as a relatively new senator having served for the last two months.

But he learned quickly.

"I heard about the bad relationship between the senate and President Brown," Picchietti said.

Not wanting to only get one side of the story, Picchietti confronted Brown last week to ask why he refused to cooperate with the senate. Like many senators, he was upset about statements Brown had made in support of recently passed tuition and fee increases.

Brown stood by his support, and Picchietti left the president's office thinking there was only one option - impeachment.

"If they put half the effort they put into hating me into accomplishing something for the students, you'd see big changes," Brown said.

The Student Activity Fee increase stands to be the only change Brown affected, and even that is in danger. The senate voted against the fee proposal, and requested Brown reduce the increase to $5. The Graduate and Professional Student Council went a step further and demanded the activity fee decrease by $5.

Brown asked for the extra money to form a major concerts fee, which would bring larger musical acts to Carbondale with cheaper ticket prices. Trustees tabled the proposal Tuesday, and they will vote on it at the June meeting.

Jon Pressley, president of the graduate student organization, labeled Brown a traitor for wanting the fee raised. At Wednesday's USG meeting Tequia Hicks, the student representative on the SIU Board of Trustees, urged senators to band with graduate students and denounce the fee.

Ed Ford, vice president of graduate student government, has opposed Brown during much of his time in office. On Monday, student activists assembled near Anthony Hall to protest the fee increases. Ford attempted to rally students against Brown during the event.

"There he is, the enemy," Ford shouted, pointing at Brown as he walked past.

Brown laughed and briskly walked into Anthony Hall, where most administrative offices are housed. He'll be spending more time there next year. Chancellor Walter Wendler has chosen him for an undergraduate assistantship in his office.

Wendler said he would assign Brown to work on projects for him, and had much confidence in him.

"He's someone who is very thoughtful and will work hard at whatever he is assigned," the chancellor said.

Brown called it just another way he could work for students at SIUC, which he said was his goal throughout the year. He questioned himself at times though, and even considered transferring or walking away from student government.

But ultimately he continued.

"It's very hard for me to sit back and say, 'I'm done, I can't do it,'" Brown said. "So I'm not."

Mike of all trades

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:32:58 GMT

Strewn across the wall in Mike Lawrence's office is a timeline of his professional life...

Mike of all trades

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:32:28 GMT

Public Policy director has been a journalist, government official and mentor

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

Strewn across the wall in Mike Lawrence's office is a timeline of his professional life.

Photographs trace his life from a young reporter to former Gov. Jim Edgar's press secretary. They depict his work as the current director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and the friendships and family he built through it all.

One shot shows Lawrence smiling while reporting in Washington. Another shows him with his face buried in his hand as Edgar struggles to answer a reporter's question.

Near the doorway, a picture Lawrence calls "classic" shows him and the late Sen. Paul Simon sitting casually outside discussing the institute.

Lawrence, 63, will accept the Paul Simon Public Service Award Wednesday in Chicago. The award for outstanding civic leaders comes from the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform founded by Simon in 1999.

"I feel honored to receive an award from an organization I greatly respect and an award that honors a man for whom I had the utmost respect and affection," Lawrence said.

Simon's daughter Sheila Simon, who will present the award, did not know how candidates were chosen, but deemed Lawrence a worthy one.

"He is someone my dad had great respect for as a philosopher about Illinois government and as a journalist," she said.

The Galesburg native has been connected to Illinois politics for more than 40 years. His second home for more than two decades was the Springfield statehouse where he filed news for three organizations including the Chicago Sun-Times.

Journalism led to many important contacts for Lawrence, including a reporter named Marianne at the Quad City Times in Davenport, Iowa. The two married in 1977.

Lawrence's interest in journalism was sparked at age 11 when he discovered sports writing. He used a typewriter and carbon paper to craft The Lawrence Weekly, a recap of Galesburg games. Circulation peaked at 21 readers.

"I haven't had that lofty of a position ever since," he said, grinning.

After years of asking the questions since becoming a professional journalist at age 16, Lawrence began answering them in 1987 as then-Sec. of State Edgar's press handler. Edgar became governor in 1991 and brought along Lawrence.

Lawrence never intended to stay in politics and considered teaching during Edgar's second term. At the same time, Simon ended his U.S. Senate career with plans of starting an institute at SIUC.

Lawrence, who met Simon in 1967, expressed interest in joining the institute through a mutual friend. Two days later, Simon called Lawrence to ask when he could start as the institute's associate director.

Lawrence always pictured himself "waving goodbye" to Simon, retiring before the man he said never seemed to age. When Simon died in 2003, Lawrence decided to step in.

"I felt strongly that I was capable of being faithful to his vision and also moving his agenda. If I hadn't had that confidence level, I wouldn't have applied," he said.

As director of the institute, Lawrence invites people such as former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle and Washington Post reporter Jackie Spinner to speak at SIUC. He is working with Disability Support Services director Kathleen Plesko in helping disabled college graduates find jobs. He is in talks with politicians and medical professionals to increase health care accessibility to rural communities, one of Simon's main goals.

Lawrence also mentors future journalists as a professor in the School of Journalism.

Matt Baughman, assistant director of the institute and former intern of Lawrence in Springfield, said succeeding a man like Simon could only be done by a person like Lawrence.

"Mike stepped into a role he never intended to have. Because of that and his work with Paul, he has a personal connection to the institute," Baughman said. "It has taken a deep commitment to Paul's vision to carry on his legacy, and Mike has that."

Police auction off bicycles

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:31:51 GMT

The Carbondale and SIUC Police Departments did some spring cleaning and will hold an auction this weekend...

Police auction off bicycles

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:31:05 GMT

Jaclyn Brenning

Daily Egyptian

The Carbondale and SIUC Police Departments did some spring cleaning and will hold an auction this weekend.

Items range from abandoned bicycles to old camera equipment. The auction begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Thomas Elementary School on North Wall Street, but police invite people to come look at the items as early as an hour before the auction begins. Everything must be paid in cash.

Carbondale Police Sgt. Keith Stiff said the department has dozens of bicycles collecting dust in sheds during the year. Sometimes the bicycles are pieces of evidence from solved investigations but usually are just bicycles left around town or on the University campus.

Between both police departments, Stiff said there are about 65 bicycles to auction off. The departments host these auctions twice a year - once in December and the other on the first Saturday in May - and bicycles are always the most common item for auction. Stiff said that despite the number of bicycles every auction, police sell almost all of them every time.

Nearly 80 people have attended the event in the past, police said and are expecting the same turnout this weekend.

Stiff said the auction includes a jeep cover, a fax machine, a safe and some hand tools such as screwdrivers. There are all sizes and brands of bicycles.

Steve Michaels, an evidence technician at the police department who helps coordinate the events, said he has been putting them together for about 14 years, although the auctions have been taking place for more than three decades.

"They're all pretty much the same," Michaels said. "But it's just amazing there's so many bicycles that come in every day."

Women's transit could be road blocked

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:30:39 GMT

Women's Night Safety Transit service could be scrapped in favor of expanded Saluki Express routes, officials say...

Women's transit could be road blocked

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:30:00 GMT

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

Women's Night Safety Transit service could be scrapped in favor of expanded Saluki Express routes, officials say.

Student Center Associate Director Ken Jaros said a committee meeting Monday will examine how other regional universities handle transportation exclusively for women in the wake of rising transportation costs.

Jaros said one possibility is shutting down the service's fleet of cars and increasing the number of stops by Saluki Express busses.

He said no recommendations will be made until the committee has examined the transit services of other universities. Once made, the recommendations will be forwarded to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Larry Dietz, whose office oversees the service.

"The first step is identifying what our weaknesses are," Jaros said.

The service, offered through the Student Center, was formed in 1981 after the rape and murder of SIUC student Susan Schumake. Female students can be transported around campus during the evening hours. The service also transports women to campus from off-campus locations within city limits, and vice versa.

Lisa Lambus, retail services supervisor at the Student Center, said last spring the service received about 100 calls on any given night.

According to the Department of Public Safety, more than 15 criminal sexual offenses have occurred on campus within the past three years.

Trial against former students delayed

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:29:27 GMT

The two former students charged with a hate crime will have to wait until this summer to learn their fate...

Trial against former students delayed

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:28:41 GMT

Set for June hearings, July trial dates

Bethany Krajelis

Daily Egyptian

The two former students charged with a hate crime will have to wait until this summer to learn their fate.

Joseph Fuentes and David Michael Goldberg, both 19 of Midlothian, were scheduled to go to trial Monday, but according to the Jackson County Web Site, were rescheduled for a June pre-trial hearing and a July 17 trial.

The former students were suspended from the University after the Sept. 24 incident when they allegedly ransacked the dorm room of Michael McDonnell, an undecided freshman from River Forest, and wrote anti-homosexual words on his door.

Both Fuentes and Goldberg were charged in October with a hate crime, disorderly conduct and criminal defacement of property. At an April hearing, Fuentes took an open plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to the charge of criminal defacement of property, avoiding the hate crime and disorderly conduct charges. According to the Jackson County Web site, no charges have been dropped yet.

Goldberg, however, did not take the plea agreement and will go to trial. If found guilty, he could face one to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

Because Fuentes opted for the open plea agreement, a judge will decide the punishment for his guilty plea and he is set for a June 27 pre-trial hearing with Goldberg.

Both Goldberg and Fuentes were suspended from the University, their attorneys said, and do not plan to return. Both attorneys have been denied motions to drop the charges, arguing the words written on the door should not be considered fighting words.

This case is the only anti-homosexual hate crime reported to the University in the last 10 years. Since 1996, seven hate crimes involving racial slurs and religious bias have been reported to the University.

Any relief in sight?

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:28:15 GMT

From midnight breakfast to mood reading dots, students looking for relaxation during finals week have a number of opportunities starting Sunday...

Any relief in sight?

Bryan Darger — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:27:37 GMT

With finals fast approaching, student can relax in a number of ways

Diana Soliwon

Daily Egyptian

Those interested in obtaining information about study and stress relief tips should call the Student Health Assessment Center at (618) 453-5238.

From midnight breakfast to mood reading dots, students looking for relaxation during finals week have a number of opportunities starting Sunday.

Popular study hangouts such as local coffee houses will extend hours while other establishments will offer refreshments as a snack break for students looking for relief next week.

Nancy Huffman, bookkeeper at The Newman Center on South Washington Street, said students wanting a free midnight breakfast can stop by the center between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. Biscuits and gravy, pancakes and other breakfast dishes will be available, she said.

The event could feature SIU teachers as tutors, she said.

Once the week has begun, students can turn to local coffee houses for caffeine and a social atmosphere. Some establishments have opted to cater to students' needs by staying open later in light of finals week.

Elaine Ramseyer, manager of Longbranch Coffee House on East Jackson Street, said she extended its hours from 11 p.m. to midnight to accommodate students.

Ramseyer expects the shop to be crowded, and said many may have to share table space.

"The pressure really goes up and people start cramming," she said. "If it gets full, students start pulling up chairs and sitting with people they don't know."

The point is to combine fun and academics so that students can find some relief in a friendly atmosphere, Ramseyer said.

For those pulling all-nighters, Morris Library, starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday, will not close. It has posted a 24-hour schedule starting Monday through Thursday night.

The Student Health Assessment Center (SHAC) located in the Student Center, will provide final survival tips and other handouts to deal with impending stress.

Many students experience the "fight or flight" attitude during the final week of school, said Barbara Elam, stress management coordinator. The information, which includes breathing exercises and how to study in increments, should help many of the students overcome those types of feelings, she said.

Staff members will be handing out samples of essential oils intended to provide varying levels of aromatherapy based on the needs each students have, Elam said. For example, each scent is supposed to help students either become more relaxed or more alert, she said.

SHAC will also be offering "bio-dots," which are similar to mood rings, Elam said. Individuals can place the marble-sized dots on their hands and gauge their stress levels based on the change in color, she said.

"It's just a fun way to become aware of the levels of stress your body is experiencing," she said.

USG censures President Nate Brown, urges Wendler to leave

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 03:54:46 GMT

After Registered Student Organization leaders waited four hours for the Undergraduate Student Government to complete its annual spring funding process Wednesday, senators delayed allocations until a special meeting Friday...

USG censures President Nate Brown, urges Wendler to leave

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 03:54:23 GMT

Funding fiasco sends meeting into late hours

Brandon Weisenberger

Daily Egyptian

After Registered Student Organization leaders waited four hours for the Undergraduate Student Government to complete its annual spring funding process Wednesday, senators delayed allocations until a special meeting Friday.

Bickering and disagreement dominated a meeting that yielded resolutions denouncing Chancellor Walter Wendler and outgoing President Nate Brown.

The senate voted to strip Brown of his duties, saying he failed to accurately represent the views of USG, who they say represent students, to the administration.

"I've been very unapologetic throughout my tenure in USG. I don't think the senate represents the students," Brown said at the meeting.

The USG constitution does not require the president to represent the senate, but rather the SIUC student body. The constitution requires the president to transfer passed legislation to appropriate offices within 48 hours.

Sen. Paul Ogwal, who wrote the censure resolution, did not complain that Brown failed to forward legislation but rather that Brown failed to represent the senate's opinions to the SIU Board of Trustees in March, specifically about tuition and fee increases.

President-elect Akeem Mustapha was scheduled to be sworn in, but his entry into office was tabled along with allocations.

Senators also passed a resolution "urging Chancellor Wendler to continue in his search for a new job." Sens. Dylan Burns and Joe Moore submitted the resolution, stating Wendler's plans hurt students and he should pursue positions at other universities.

No funding allocations were decided, but the senate did vote to limit the funds to be distributed to the Student Programming Council.

Spring allocations, USG's annual dispersal of money to student groups, was an issue of contention before being delayed until Friday. After several organizations complained about USG funding, Finance Committee Chairwoman Tonya Sinkovits reported a budgeting error would leave groups with less money than anticipated.

Senators received allocations totaling $513,751.61 for 35 groups. Sinkovits reported that money was unavailable because a proposed increase in the student activity fee designated to fund student group activities was tabled Tuesday by the Board of Trustees in Edwardsville.

The allocations were made in anticipation of the increase's approval, Sinkovits said.

"Because we don't have that money, we have to make cuts. We do not have the fee increase to work with," she said.

Katie Sermersheim, Student Development director and adviser to USG, said funding problems arise every year and called the funding process "inherently flawed."

Internal Affairs Committee Chairman Dan Bachert decried the committee's action and called the entire meeting "a joke" as other senators carried on conversations during the meeting and spoke out without being recognized to do so.

"If we fund everything, we will not have any funds for RSOs for anything next year," said Bachert, who contended the Finance Committee over-allocated by more than $40,000.

Cracking the cold cases

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:43:13 GMT

A year after he murdered an SIUC student, Daniel Woloson was charged with kidnapping a woman in Michigan...

Cracking the cold cases

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:42:53 GMT

With renewed hope, local police continue to tackle cold murders

Bethany Krajelis

Daily Egyptian

A year after he murdered an SIUC student, Daniel Woloson was charged with kidnapping a woman in Michigan.

The information is another chapter in Woloson's sordid history. His 1981 murder of SIUC student Susan Schumake shook the region and will be the focus of two television shows, including A&E's "Cold Case Files," which plan to air an episode about the murder.

His kidnapping charge was later dropped, but the information could be used against Woloson at his May 17 sentencing hearing in Murphysboro.

The 1982 kidnapping charge occurred when Woloson, now 46, allegedly kidnapped a woman after playing the role of what Carbondale Police Sgt. Paul Echols called a Good Samaritan. Echols, who played a key role in the two-decade long investigation, said Woloson deflated the woman's car tire in a mall parking lot. He then offered to fix it, Echols said.

After he did, Echols said Woloson allegedly asked the woman for a ride and while in her car, put a knife to her throat. Woloson allegedly then ordered her to drive and at some point, wanted to switch to the driver's seat, Echols said, and made her stop. Echols said when the woman stopped at a red light, she distracted him and escaped.

Woloson was not convicted of the 1982 kidnapping charge. According to the Warren Police Department in Michigan, records show a plea bargain may have occurred. Woloson did serve one year in prison and three years probation for a felony weapons charge stemming from the alleged kidnapping.

A Jackson County judge will decide Woloson's fate later this month. He could face 20 to 40 years in prison for murdering the 21-year-old senior from Chicago Heights who was studying radio-television.

Schumake's body was found Aug. 17, 1981, in an area between the railroad tracks and U.S. Highway 51, where a pedestrian overpass now stands in Schumake's memory. Woloson was on parole for a burglary conviction and was working at the Quadrangle Apartments in Carbondale at the time of the murder.

In 2004, Woloson was arrested in Michigan, where he resided, after more than two decades of investigations and advances in DNA technology that linked DNA from the crime scene to Woloson.

According to court documents, Woloson's public defender filed a motion last month requesting a new trial claiming the court erred in denying specific testimony and evidence. A ruling is expected to be made at the sentencing hearing.

With the March conviction of Woloson, complex DNA evidence and years of police work attracted two national television programs.

The A&E show "Cold Case Files" and the show "Life Focus," which airs on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and PBS, are planning episodes documenting Schumake's murder and Woloson's conviction.

Employees for Kurtis Productions, the company that creates episodes for "Cold Case Files," confirmed the filming but would not release an air date. They said representatives plan to attend the May 17 hearing. Both shows plan to air sometime this fall.

Echols said he has been interviewed by Kurtis Productions and is thrilled with the upcoming episode.

"It's going to tell Susan's story. I've talked to John (Schumake's brother) and we agreed we're trying to make something so bad into something so good," Echols said. "We want others to learn from this."

Jackson County State's Attorney Mike Wepsiec said he has discussed aspects of the prosecution and evidence with the production company. He said he looks forward to watching the episode and said it should give a behind-the-scene look at the case.

However, Janna Cosby, producer for the Christian-based show "Life Focus," said her documentary would have a different angle.

"We're not going to tell the horrible details. It's going to be much more positive than that," Cosby said. "The story is riddled with pain that grips the body and people are going to understand that."

Cosby said the crew went to John Schumake's home and interviewed him and his family for more than eight hours. Cosby, who said she attended SIU and walked the same path Schumake was murdered on, plans to attend the sentencing hearing and conduct more interviews.

A nose for crime

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:10:08 GMT

Conservation Police Officer Chris Mohrman and his dog Chance were tracking a suspect in the woods near Kinkaid spillway...

A nose for crime

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:09:42 GMT

An inside look at police dogs and the people they lead

** To download a PDF of this story, including photographs, click here. **

Edmund Meinhardt

Daily Egyptian

Conservation Police Officer Chris Mohrman and his dog Chance were tracking a suspect in the woods near Kinkaid spillway. Chance stopped suddenly and would go no farther, his expression indicating he was ready for his reward.

Mohrman couldn't see anyone. He called out the suspect's name, and watched as the man stood up right next to Chance.

Chance had been sitting on the man's chest.

"The trainers tell you 'Trust your dog. He's smarter than you are,'" Mohrman said when recalling the incident.

Mohrman and Chance form one of five K-9 teams in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Law enforcement agencies have long recognized the ability of dogs to locate people and evidence, and there are K-9 units throughout southern Illinois.

The dogs

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department formed its K-9 unit in July after acquiring and training two Black Labradors, Hoyce and Major. Lt. Mike Teas, who developed Jackson County's K-9 unit, estimates the department has spent about $10,000 on the program so far.

The department bought Hoyce in May from Cindy Brodie, owner of the Brodie K9 Center. Terry Cottonaro, who owns Lost Lake Kennels in Murphysboro, sold Major to the department in April. Hoyce was eight months old when the department bought him. Major was 2 years old when he joined the department.

"One dog can replace seven men," Brodie said. "One dog can search a three-block warehouse for drugs in less time than it would take seven police officers. And the dog won't miss anything."

Brodie said she doesn't train dogs until they are about a year old. Hoyce moved in with Deputy Shauna Taylor, who cared for him and bonded with him but didn't try to train him. Brodie, who has been training dogs for 25 years, likes her trainees to be a little raw when they arrive.

"They need to grow up and just be puppies for awhile," Brodie said.

Major moved in with Deputy Kenny Lindsey. The department bought dog kennels for Lindsey and Taylor to keep at their homes. The K-9 officers are responsible for the dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department provides food and gives the officers overtime pay in compensation for these extra responsibilities.

Brodie doesn't want the dogs trained to stay off furniture. She doesn't want their natural curiosity inhibited in any way. All she wants is for the handler to interest the dogs in fetching.

"You have to let them stay rude and stupid," Brodie said. "Shauna did a great job of keeping him rude and stupid."

A dog trains for eight weeks before its handler arrives. During this time, Brodie hides various objects, including narcotics, and allows the dog to find them. She teaches the dog to associate a successful search or track with the reward of chasing a tennis ball.

Hoyce had already formed a strong bond with Taylor before arriving in Tennessee to train. He resisted Brodie's initial attempts to interest him in the tennis ball.

"His attitude was, 'You don't do this. Trainer-lady does this," Brodie said.

Lindsey and Taylor carry tennis balls in the pocket of their uniform. Lindsey also keeps one on the console of his patrol car.

Hoyce and Major each spend a lot of time in Ford Crown Victorias whose back seats have been converted into mobile kennels, at an approximate cost of $2,500 per car. Sensors monitor the car's temperature. When the temperature inside reaches 87 degrees, the windows automatically roll down and window fans turn on.

Whenever the dogs enter the Jackson County Jail, they make their rounds to get attention from employees. When entering the dispatchers' area, Major gets his "pets" from Lisa Hunziker and Jackie Naas and then sits down by the filing cabinet where the dispatchers have hidden a box of treats.

The people

Handlers have to be carefully trained.

"The hardest part is training the handlers," Brodie said. "Actually, you train the dogs. You work with the people."

The handler must learn to read the dog's behavior and to be the dog's link to human law enforcement officers.

Trusting the dog is not always easy, as Taylor and Lindsey have discovered. Success helps. For Lindsey and Major, that success came on a cold night when the ground was covered with snow.

A speeding car had crashed into a guard rail. The occupants fled, and Deputies called for Lindsey and Major.

"Tracking somebody is the most frustrating thing we do," Lindsey said. "All the information is second-hand, and sometimes even police officers will give you bad information."

There were about half a dozen police officers walking around the scene by the time Lindsey and Major arrived, which can make it hard for the dog to pick up the right scent.

Major led Lindsey about half a mile through pitch darkness, through fields of weeds and tall grass.

"His behavior told me he was on the trail," Lindsey said. "His nose was to the ground. He was pulling hard on the lead, and I could hear the air coming into his nostrils."

The suspects were hiding on the bank of the Big Muddy. When they heard Lindsey and Major approach, they surrendered.

"We would never have found them without Major," said Teas. "We probably would have searched for about 10 minutes and given up."

For Lindsey, it was a breakthrough. He knew Major could do what he had been trained to do.

"I was on Cloud 9 that night," he said.

Taylor received a call one night about a stolen truck stalled in an intersection in De Soto. She and Hoyce arrived on the scene and Hoyce began sniffing every bush and tree he encountered, eventually leading Taylor to a patch of grass. The haphazard nature of Hoyce's movements made Taylor doubt he had the scent.

"You should never doubt what your dog is doing," Taylor said. But she did. There was no sign of the suspect. Eventually they gave up.

Taylor was driving home when she saw a man standing in the driveway of a nearby fish farm. It was after 2 a.m. and the fish farm was closed. The man was wearing a blue overcoat, which fit the suspect's description. Taylor pulled in to investigate and the man took off running.

She called for backup and pursued the man on foot, but lost him in a wooded area. When backup arrived, she and Hoyce began tracking. Hoyce took her through the wooded area to the edge of U.S. Route 51 and attempted to lead her across the pavement.

Taylor resisted. Dogs don't track well on pavement. They backtracked, and Hoyce made straight for the pavement again. This time, she relented and crossed the highway with another officer following. On the other side they found a fresh footprint made in a frozen mud puddle.

They continued into a wide field bordered by a ridgeline, and doubt once again crept into Taylor's mind. There didn't seem to be anywhere to hide. But they continued the track.

Hoyce was heading for the ridgeline, so the other officer went ahead and began working his way through the trees along the ridge.

"I heard him yell 'Get down on the ground!'" Taylor said. The suspect was hiding behind a tree, and Hoyce had been heading right to him. Taylor said they probably would not have searched that side of the highway if it hadn't been for Hoyce.

Trust your dog. He's smarter than you are. The experience drove the lesson home.

"I was very happy with Hoyce, but I felt like I had let him down," Taylor said.

The law

Teas approached Jackson County Sheriff Bob Burns about forming a K-9 unit.

"We had wanted dogs for a long time," Teas said. "But we had to wait until the timing was right."

Until recently, court rulings concerning search and seizure presented challenges to law enforcement agencies that wanted to use dogs to sniff for drugs. The ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in Illinois v. Caballes changed that.

The Caballes decision held that allowing a dog to sniff the exterior of a vehicle traffic stop did not infringe upon Fourth Amendment guarantees against illegal search and seizure. In the majority opinion, Justice John Paul Stevens wrote "a dog sniff ... that reveals no information other than the location of a substance that no individual has any right to possess does not violate the Fourth Amendment."

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan argued the Caballes case before the Supreme Court. She told the Associated Press that the decision was a victory for law enforcement and said canine units were indispensable in the war on drugs.

The American Civil Liberties Union objected immediately. In an interview with the Associated Press, ACLU Attorney Harvey Grossman called the use of dogs "intimidating" and said thousands had called to complain about "suddenly finding their cars surrounded by policemen and drug dogs."

Police officers don't have a free hand in deploying dogs to sniff for drugs, and cannot do so without justification. Jackson County's dog handlers must master a thick binder of legal decisions and departmental procedures governing the use of dogs, and document the circumstances and outcome of every search.

In addition, the state of Illinois requires the dogs to be certified. Jackson County's dogs are certified through the Brodie K9 Center in Liberty, Tenn., where they were trained. To maintain certification, the handlers must devote several hours each week to training the dogs.

"The program is monitored very, very closely," Teas said.

Teas said he turned immediately to Mohrman for advice. They spent about eight months researching the law, the costs, the equipment, the procedures and every other detail he could think of before taking a comprehensive plan to Jackson County Sheriff Bob Burns, who gave his approval.

The department is a participant in a federal Drug Enforcement Administration task force, and receives some federal funding through that participation. At least some of the funding comes from money seized in drug raids. Some of this money was used to develop Jackson County's K-9 unit.

"Sheriff said, 'Let the bad guys pay for it,'" Teas said.

Training never ends

Lindsey walked over to a utility pole and stuck a folding knife into it at about eye level.

"Let's see if he can do a high find for you," Lindsey said.

It had been a quiet night so far in Jackson County, so Lindsey had returned to post to give Major a workout. He was training him to find objects that weren't on ground level.

Major exploded out of his mobile kennel, bounding around, leaping and wiggling. Lindsey smiled faintly and just let Major play for a few moments.

"Sit," Lindsey said.

Major sat, but quivered. Dog and handler locked eyes.

"Search," Lindsey said.

Major charged off at a fast trot, vacuuming the ground with his nose. He moved in loops and curlicues, working closer and closer to the pole, then passing it to investigate the porch of a nearby house.

"That's a first," Lindsey said.

Major went back in the direction of the pole. Suddenly the sound of air rushing into his nostrils grew louder. He put his paws on the pole and sniffed, working higher and higher until his body was stretched almost to full length. When his nose touched the knife, he abruptly sat down and looked at Lindsey, who praised him and threw the tennis ball.

Lindsey said he is proud of what he has accomplished with Major, and is pleased that the level of trust between them helps keep Major safe. Major obeys his commands, even under difficult circumstances.

"I can call him off when he's chasing the tennis ball, which is the thing he wants most in the world," Lindsey said.

To demonstrate, Lindsey threw the ball down the parking lot. Major took off after it at full speed. He had traveled about 12 feet and was gaining on the ball when Lindsey yelled "Heel!"

Major's body jerked in mid-stride as though he had been jolted by electricity. He braked and stopped, but quivered.

"Heel!" Lindsey said again.

Major trotted back and sat at Lindsey's feet.

"I don't know what more I could ask of him," he said.

Police continue investigations of murder cases

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:08:24 GMT

Local police officers said the recent close of one of Carbondale's longstanding open murder cases is encouraging as they continue to review two other murders that have haunted the department for years...

Police continue investigations of murder cases

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:07:55 GMT

With renewed hope police continue to tackle cold murders

Jaclyn Brenning

Daily Egyptian

Local police officers said the recent close of one of Carbondale's longstanding open murder cases is encouraging as they continue to review two other murders that have haunted the department for years.

The 1996 slaying of Carbondale resident Connie Cole-Holmes and the 1982 murder of SIUC student Deborah Sheppard have left officers puzzled and working for decades. The two cases are now considered "cold," which means there are no new leads and the cases have not been assigned to a particular detective.

But just because cases are cold and filed away in volumes, cabinets and folders does not mean officers have forgotten about them, said Carbondale Sgt. Paul Echols. Echols was an instrumental figure in the investigation of the 1981 murder of SIUC student Susan Schumake that was solved in March with the conviction of a Michigan man.

"You don't ever forget," Echols said. "Even with all kinds of things going on, you never forget. You can't forget stuff like that."

Echols was one of the first officers at the scene of Cole-Holmes' murder. He said it happened years ago, but he still remembers it - it was a very hot and sad day in June. He said he had known Cole-Holmes personally.

Carbondale police found the body of Cole-Holmes, 34 and a mother of two, on June 16, 1996, in her residence on Walker Street just a few blocks from the police department. Police named a suspect the following year, although no arrests were made.

Sheppard's murder stumped police. Officers found Sheppard, a 23-year-old senior from Olympia Fields near Chicago, lying dead and naked on the floor of her apartment on Graham Street in April 1982. There were no signs of a struggle, although a second autopsy revealed someone may have strangled or suffocated her.

Again, police had suspects, but could not make any arrests.

Even though the Pyramid Apartment fire case is classified as an aggravated arson, Carbondale Interim Police Chief Bob Ledbetter said the disaster that killed five students in 1992, is an important unsolved crime. Police said somebody intentionally set fire to the building on South Rawlings Street but no one was ever arrested.

Cases are not finished until they are solved, said Carbondale Police Lt. John Sytsma, and officers apply the same criteria to each case, no matter the cause of death. They go over old evidence, apply any new technology to the old evidence and follow up on any leads, he said.

Officers also try to keep up with suspects' recent history and whereabouts. If a person suspected in a murder and rape case is now serving time for a sexual offense, officers make sure to note that.

Sytsma said police often rely on the community or family members for new leads, but sometimes the criminals turn themselves in.

"Generally, people won't take that kind of guilt to their grave," he said. "Even if it is a dying declaration."

Police put the "cold" cases on a back burner for a while but review them periodically, Sytsma said. Although cases may begin to look bleak as years crawl by, part of the thrill is a case could be solved at any time.

A day, a year or 10 minutes from now - a confession from a dying person or a decades-old piece of evidence somebody thought trivial - one telephone call could bring a conviction and close decades of investigations.

"It might be open tomorrow," Sytsma said. "You never know."

For Contrice Kendall, the daughter of Cole-Holmes, seeing her mother's death put to justice is important. She said she has been working for months to get Cole-Holmes' homicide onto popular television shows such as, "America's Most Wanted" and "Unsolved Mysteries."

"This is very important for me," Kendall said. "I just want to make sure her memory is not lost."

Police arrest suspect in student's shooting and attempted robbery

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:07:06 GMT

Police arrested a suspect in the April 9 shooting of a SIUC student Friday in a Chicago residence...

Police arrest suspect in student's shooting and attempted robbery

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:06:36 GMT

Another unnamed suspect identified as witness

Jaclyn Brenning

Daily Egyptian

Police arrested a suspect in the April 9 shooting of a SIUC student Friday in a Chicago residence.

Willie Ladwan Reed, 22, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and attempted armed robbery stemming from the shooting of University student Matt Kracht. Reed remains in Cook County Jail with a $100,000 bail until police transfer him to Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro.

Carbondale Police issued a Jackson County warrant for Reed's arrest April 19, and with the help of Great Lakes Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, arrested Reed at a Chicago residence. Police have confirmed another suspect as a witness but did not release the name.

According to police reports, Kracht, a sophomore studying pre-law from Sullivan, was walking back to his apartment at Lewis Park on Grand Avenue at about 11 p.m. April 9 when two men approached him and demanded his money. Kracht refused to give them his money, and when he turned to leave, he was shot in the lower back.

Carbondale Police Lt. John Sytsma refused to say why Reed was a suspect in the shooting, where he was from or how they knew he would be in Chicago. Sytsma said he could not comment whether the home where police found him was Reed's residence but said they knew Reed visited the place often.

According to the Jackson County Web site, Reed was found guilty of a minor traffic violation in March. It listed a Chicago address as his residence.

Kracht, who was released from the hospital shortly after the shooting with minor injuries, could not be reached Tuesday but in an interview April 10, he would not say whether he knew the suspects.

Police said a preliminary hearing for Reed will be scheduled once he arrives in Jackson County.

Mike of all trades

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:06:11 GMT

Strewn across the wall in Mike Lawrence's office is a timeline of his professional life...

Mike of all trades

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:05:46 GMT

Chancellor sets priorities for next year

Bryan Darger — Thu, 04 May 2006 02:05:04 GMT

With "Saluki Way" now approved by the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Walter Wendler shifted his focus to other priorities Wednesday...