Story # 3

The Leach brothers proudly present Bar 209

Same look but a lot of new twists

By: Frank Panzer and Andy Brown

One of the most happening college bars in Bemidji is under new ownership as of Feb. 1^st 2011.  The Leach brothers of Green Mill fame purchased the bar at the beginning of the new year and of course are hoping for big things.  The new owners, Derek and Brett, have their work cut out for them in a very competitive downtown bar scene including Keg ‘N Cork, Brigid’s Cross, Blue Ox, and the college bar juggernaut Toasty Beaver.  College students, of age of course, certainly don’t seem to mind the new ownership.  Nick Galbrecht, senior, had these thoughts, “I was not excited about the change, I really liked Davey (previous owner) and the old bar staff.  But seriously the food is good, the service is good, and the atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit.”  So much so that a lot of patrons really had no idea the bar was even under new ownership.  The brothers in control really haven’t changed too much, a new menu, with a lot of familiar items on it, a lot of the same drink specials, and the only negative I have heard out of any ones mouth so far is a low murmur about 209 not serving pitchers anymore.  “If not having pitchers is the biggest complaint so far, I think we are going to be fine,” says Pugz, a bartender for over 5 years now.  Even on a Monday night the bar is surprisingly busy and everyone is having a good time.  The music isn’t so loud you can converse over it and the pool table is nicely located away from the bar so as to not have your ears filled with the crack of pool balls colliding. The entire place is set up with the customers’ enjoyment being key.  All of these things needed to be executed to perfection in order to even stay in competition with the other downtown bars.

Derek and Brett are fully aware of the competition in town and aren’t taking it lightly.  “The lack of a dance floor is obviously what is hindering us most,” of course referring to Toasty Beaver and Keg ‘N Cork which are the places to go when you just want to dance.  Healthy competition in any business market is definitely a good thing and with the bar business being as big of a deal as it is in Bemidji the only people who can benefit are the patrons.  Friday and Saturday nights in downtown Bemidji are an experience, honestly like no other.  Cops are running double patrol and bars are double staffed, coincidence it certainly is not.  In the mix of the bar business there is always the 2 am bar close talk floating around.  A city that many think would benefit from a later close but many are very against the decision.  “We are indifferent really, we are doing fine staying open until 1 am and we definitely could handle a 2 am close.  Our customers really would be the ones too help us make that decision in the end,” echoed the owners.  With plenty of viable options for downtown drinking and dancing these two are certainly in for the time of their life and they have the public to thank for it. 

Photo by Frank Panzer

Photo by Frank Panzer

 Toasty Beaver
Keg-n-Kork
Bar 209

                 

Why the Super Lab Moved

The Facts behind Switching the Labs to Memorial Hall are clear

By Tony Barber and Max Hodgdon

Last summer, the Student Technology Center and the Information Technology Services office switched locations on campus. This took place with little attention from students and faculty.  According to Melissa Arneson Computer Analyst and Student Manager at BSU, the move was intended to be beneficial for students and staff. Whether this goal was reached is still up for debate.

The Student Technology Center, better known as the super lab, is where many students have the opportunity to work in a quiet environment and finish homework. The original location of the super lab was in Deputy Hall, but was moved to the basement of Memorial Hall last summer. Perhaps this move seemed insignificant; however there are significant reasons behind it.

One reason had to do with scheduling. Deputy Hall is an administrative building and shuts down at 5:00 p.m., which created a conflict with the lab being open until midnight, explained Arneson. Secondly, it was determined that the lab should be more centralized on campus.

The move was partially funded by BSU students. Each student pays $135 in technology fees per semester. This is used to pay for computer software, printers, paper, and student workers wages and labor. Part of the technology fees went towards the move. At the time Arneson made a proposal to make the switch, both of the rooms needed new carpet and repainting.

The only cost to the University aside from labor of both staff and student workers was the cost of the new furniture for the new wireless lounge in the back of the Student Technology Center. The couches were put in for the students to relax when taking a break from their studies. This is a luxury that was not previously afforded from the super lab. The total came to approximately $7,000 for the three couches, three love seats, and two tables with four chairs each, according to Arneson.

 The $7,000 came from student technology fees. Currently there are approximately 5300 students enrolled at BSU. The $7,000 averages out to about $1.32 per student.   The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mitch Davidson went to Student Senate for approval of the move, and was met with little opposition.

When the super lab was in Deputy Hall, the student workers scanned student IDs to verify their current student status, but the workers had no way of actually keeping track of lab use. This semester is the first time they are starting to keep track of how many students are using the labs. “There was a drop in use of the labs initially, because students didn’t know where the super lab was,” said Student Manager Prativa Joshi. “Now it is used more than in Deputy.”  Joshi likes the switch because it provides a better work place for her and students using the lab.

Another potential issue for students is student employment at the labs. “The overall student numbers haven’t changed,” said Arneson, “but we have changed a little bit how we do things.” Oak Lab was closed due to lack of support from students, which cost a couple of jobs, but Information Technology Services itself gained two student positions to give assistance to computer labs campus-wide. These two students help maintain 52 I-Macintosh computers in public labs. This is only part of the 557 computers on campus.

According to the Apple Web site, each computer cost approximately $1500. This is before they are equipped with windows compatibility and Adobe CS 5. There are also public labs in Decker Hall and Memorial Hall.

The new couches in the wireless lounge were purchased last summer.  Photo by Max Hodgdon

 The basic set up of the Student Technology Center. Photo by Max Hodgdon

 The Student Technology Center is the main computer lab on campus. Photo by Max Hodgdon 

BSU Graduate Receives Grant to Help Fund Art Show

Wild Hare Bistro & Coffee House hosts show

By Taylor Klinke

Word Count: 522

When college graduation nears, many students wonder what they’ll be doing in the future. Some people decide to travel after college, some decide to go into graduate school, while others take different paths. For recent BSU graduate Cody Bartz – well he’s just enjoying sharing his art with the public.

Bartz started attending Bemidji State University his sophomore year in the fall of 2006, and just recently graduated at the end of last semester (fall 2010) with a bachelor of fine arts and a bachelor of science in graphic design. As a student who had participated in many art and design exhibits during his college career, he decided to apply for an individual artist grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, which serves a five-country region (Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen) in north central Minnesota. The Arts Council support art opportunities, programs, and services for individual artists, art organizations, schools and communities as it’s mission.

Near the end of November Bartz was notified that he would receive $700 as a part of this grant. With the grant money he purchased paper to print on, frames, postcards to notify the public, and gas money to pick up the frames.

So with a name picked out “People & Places” - the show opened on Friday, January 7^th with a opening reception from 3-5 P.M. “Currently I am a printmaker. I enjoy putting ink of paper,” said Bartz, “Within that area of printmaking, screenprinting is my favorite process.”

One featured piece at the art show was called Below Zero. The imagery was taken from a photograph from the early 1900’s and shows people hanging out on a frozen lake - It shows a real event that actually happened. People from Bemidji and the surrounding areas are able to relate to it even more so because of the fact Bemidji is based around the lake that we have here and it is commonplace to see folks out on the lake in winter months.

A second featured piece was called Flower Face. “It shows the shape of a human head, but is rendered with hair and a face that is all flowers,” said Bartz, “No eyes, mouth, nose, but all flowers topped with a nice hairdo.” Bartz noted the piece was supposed to be comical. This abstraction of a human head and face allows the viewer to use their own imagination.

With the show being in such a public area like a restaurant/coffee shop it was estimated that anywhere between 500-1000 people viewed Bartz’s work. “I received a number of comments throughout the show,” said Bartz, “And the fact so many people bought my work to have in their home was a great compliment.”

With another show finished, and asked what there was to look forward to in the future, Bartz sees himself continuing to make, display, and sell artwork. Outside of that, he recently got a touring bicycle and plans to see more of our world by route of a bicycle.

Bartz's screenprint called "Below Zero"

Bartz's screenprint called "Flower Face"

Students Getting Their Taxes Done for Free

Accounting Students are Qualified

By Jillian Gandsey and Raielle Peterson

BSU’s Income Taxes II class has been doing student and community member’s taxes for eight years now.  The students volunteer their time on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. in room 14 of Decker Hall.  Also, the IRS sponsors the program to encourage everyone to get their taxes done so it’s free of charge.

“We do free e-file for state and federal, which usually the state taxes would have to be paid for,” stated Sandra Kranz, the accounting professor in charge.  An e-file is a fast and paperless way to file your individual federal and state income taxes online.  Last year nearly 70 million people used an e-file for their taxes.

The IRS is also really promoting is Earn Income Tax Credit (EIC.)  An EIC can essentially get a citizen more money back if their income is low enough and reduces the amount of tax you owe. “It’s to encourage people to work, opposed to being on welfare,” said Kranz.

Prior to getting your taxes done you should make sure that you have your W2 form and social security number with you and also if you have 1099 or a 1098.  You can also bring a copy of last years return if possible and any other documents you have received pertinent to your taxes.  If you are renting you will receive your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) from your landlord.  This can help renters obtain rent credit when they do their taxes.  If you own a home, you can obtain property tax rebates.  The only requirement for getting your taxes done here is that your income must be under $50,000.

Jessica Cox, a student in the Income
Tax II class helps a community member
filer her taxes. 

The accounting students who volunteer their time are usually receiving public service hours, which are required for the Income Tax II class.  Another requirement for handling others taxes are the students must take and pass the IRS Special Enrollment Examination, which qualifies them.

Sunil Mathew, who was a student at BSU 7 years ago, has been getting his taxes done here for 8 years. “It was just as helpful as going to the places where you have to pay for it,” he said. He also mentioned that he enjoyed working with students and that they were very patient with him. Kranz said that the whole thing got started with helping international student, which Mathew was considered to be. 

Another community member, Ryan Deering said, “the only pro that getting your taxes done somewhere other than here was that they can write you out a check and you can cash it the same day.”

The students will also be volunteering in Blackduck on Saturday, March 19^th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

The free tax help has had a difficult time advertising to students,
but there are some advertisements around campus. 

Pictures by Raielle Peterson and Jillian Gandsey

BSU Students Still Confused After Budget Forum

Pres. Hanson Falls Short with Answers

By John Hanson and John Andringa

January 24, 2011

Bemidji, MN — On January 20, BSU Pres. Richard Hanson spoke students and tried to answer their questions about the university’s $6.2 million budget deficit. Four academic programs will be eliminated and another seventeen programs will be reduced due to the cuts. In addition, the men’s track and field team will be eliminated to be more in compliance with Title IX. Most members of the track and field men’s and women’s teams walked out after Hanson said he was standing strong” on the decision to eliminate the men’s team.

 President of Bemidji State University, Dr. Richard Hanson, listens to students speak at the budget forum Jan. 20, 2011. Photo by John Hanson.

Afterwards, Kendra Cobb, sophomore and member of the women’s track and field, expressed the frustration felt by both the men’s and women’s teams: “Yesterday we found out our track and field men’s team is going to be cut and, therefore, probably our women’s team also, just because men’s and women’s track and field is all together. Pretty much that is going to be cut because of Title 9. It’s really sad but. . .”

Some students said they were even more confused and frustrated after listening to Hanson. Sarah Shepherd, a senior pre-law student said, “I want Pres. Hanson to give us straightforward answers when he can, as soon as he can.”

The doomed programs will not face immediate elimination for the next two years because the university will continue with a teach-out program. Junior and senior students currently enrolled in programs, which face elimination, would be able to complete their degrees. Michael Meehlhause, co-president of the BSU student senate, said, “You don’t have to agree with the budget cuts, but I think you have to understand the position he (President Hanson) is in.”

  Student responses to the budget cuts were posted on a billboard on the third floor of Hagg-Sauer Hall. Photo by John Hanson.

Despite the reduction and recalibration of the university, three departments emerge uncut and experience growth in the coming years. Positions will be added to the Indian studies, business and mass communication departments.

Mysterious "Green Letter" Has Been Distributed

 Students and Faculty Left To Wonder Who the Author Is

By Cheyenne Horien and Alexandria Leister

            With the many changes occurring on campus here at Bemidji State University come many arguments, some in more peculiar forms than others. Under their doors, faculty members have been receiving the mysterious "Green Letters," written by a person/group calling themselves A. Nona Moose. The content of these letters - two so far - include the writer's dislike for President Hanson, calling him names like "Captain Hatchet-Man Hanson."

            Both of the letters negatively emphasize the President's goals aimed for the year 2020. The writer of the letters focus on current students, however, asking the question "What about the students of 2011?" In an interview with President Hanson, he pointed out that he values Liberal Arts education for all students in order to be well-rounded. He added that he himself was involved with arts at both the high school and college level, including a lead part in a theater play and the study of three languages.

            When asked about the current financial issues happening on campus, President Hanson compared BSU to the story of the Phoenix, rising from the ashes and starting anew. "Post grieving, we'll be okay," he said. He pointed out that we are one of the schools in the MNSCU system to recalibrate, not the only school. "Our goal is still to provide the best possible education to students," he added.

            While protests against the cuts are mainly focused negatively at President Hanson, he says he still approves of them because "It is their First Amendment right." He continued on to comment that protests are positive in order to bring awareness and conversation amongst students and faculty. 

            These letters, "The Green Letter," are one such example of protest. While President Hanson encourages well educated and well informed protests, these specific letters are poorly written with grammatical and spelling errors, along with being inadequately researched. According to "The Green Letter," "President Richard Hanson eviscerates BSU by taking the hatchet to 22 liberal arts programs." When asked about this specific statement from the letter, President Hanson said, "We don't have 22 Liberal Arts programs. What does that even mean?"

            Along with the letters, playing cards featuring a doctored photo of President Hanson breathing fire were distributed. The cards mimic the style of "Pokémon" cards. In the upper right hand corner, President Hanson has 150 HP (Hit Points) simulating a form of power. The photo features the caption "Pink Slip - Flip a coin. If heads or tails, fire two professors, and hire one new administrator of any type." Also included below the picture is "Recalibration - This attack does 20 damage times the number of faculty members fired to student's academic futures."

            There is also a card representing a BSU student, with only 30 HP. The student card reads "Flash Mob - When 'BSU Student' joins with others of its kind, their opinions and voices are amplified to a deafening howl. Also, their Hit Points are increased exponentially." The caption goes on to read "Boycott Registration - When 'BSU Student' does not register for fall classes immediately, and waits until August, 'President Hanson' will be paralyzed."

            No one knows how many of "The Green Letter" there will be sent out or how often. "Email us at 'savebsu@gmail.com. (We will respond)," the letter states.

            After numerous attempts to get an interview on the story from “A. Nona Moose,” at press time we had still received no comment.

Bemidji State University - Where "The Green Letter" is being distributed.
Photo by Alexandria Leister

The "playing cards," featuring a doctored photo of President Hanson.
Photo by Alexandria Leister 

Word count: 588

President Hanson: rhanson@bemidjistate.edu

Many students use Facebook during classroom time

Mobile devices and Internet are taking away from students’ learning

By Nicole Solum and Kara Smyth

On the BSU campus, Facebook is a constant presence. It can be a distraction that takes you away from your class or study time, but it can also be a useful tool to connect you to the world. Some professors have a real issue with the use of Facebook in the classroom and others are not fully aware of the use of Facebook in the class.For example, James Stone, professor of physical education and head women’s soccer coach, said,  “Texting is a huge issue. I hate it.  I can’t tell if their on Facebook, but I know they’re on their phones . . . it’s irritating.” 

According  to Facebooks Web Site they have more than 500 million active users. Two hundred million of those users currently access Facebook through a mobile device.  Technology advances every day and allows users to access Facebook from pretty much anywhere, including the classroom.  There are so many intriguing things on Facebook that make students want to be connected at all times.  While on Facebook they are able to check status updates, look at pictures, relationship statuses, and be connected with their friends.  Besides checking up on friends, users can update their own profile. With updates and statuses constantly changing, students feel the need to log on to Facebook during class. 

In an informal survey of 55 BSU students, half stated that they are on Facebook during classroom time.  Most students access the Internet by their mobile device.  However, some use a computer when available.   Some students never log in during class; some never log off.  One student even stated that “Facebook is all I do during class.”  According to Facebook.com press room 250 million people log into Facebook every day.   The 50% of students who stated they do not log into Facebook during classroom time note that they do not have Internet access through their phone or computer.  

In the survey, 89% of students stated that it affects their study time and school work.   Sophomore Tiffany VanHaaften, sport management major, said, “I get on during class just to see what my friends are doing and to see if statuses changed.”  Outside the classroom, students admit they are on Facebook when they should be concentrating on finishing homework.   “When I’m doing homework I do log into Facebook for a minute, but then it turns into hours,” said VanHaaften.  



Professors have a different take. Some professors at Bemidji State University know that Facebook takes away from students’ attention during class time.  It’s difficult for professors to catch students on Facebook if they are using their mobile device.  However, if a student has a computer in front of them it’s easier for the professor to see what they are doing.  Department Chair and professor of accounting Sandra Kranz noted that having students on Facebook during class would bother her. Kranz also stated that if she notices a student on Facebook during class she would invite them to leave the classroom.

Assistant professor of psychology Dr. Angela Fournier stated that she notices students using Facebook during her large lecture classes. During computer lab classes she watches her students very closely to keep them from logging into Facebook.  Fournier also mentions that the use of Facebook during class bothers her very much, and that she now has a policy stated in her syllabus about the use of Facebook during class. Students are not allowed to use their laptops in her class at all unless they have a documented learning disorder. It’s difficult for students to absorb vital information when being distracted by Facebook, it is certainly capable of distracting a student to the point where they don’t get anything out of the lecture. 



The fact is that Facebook is a complete phenomenon.  It gives people a plethora of ways to connect and stay connected with people across the world.  Professor of sport management Dr. Eric Forsyth has his own opinion on why people are so into Facebook.  “It’s more convenient to stay in an inner circle instead of getting up, driving, going out and meeting, or calling people.  Everything is right there at your finger tips.” People are social beings, they want to be connected and interlinked to family and friends constantly and Facebook gives them that. 

           

Facebook is a social network that was created in February 2004. Photo/ Nicole Solum

A student at BSU logs into Facebook through their mobile device during a lecture class. Photo/ Kara Smyth

           



Video Games: Virtual vs. Reality

College Students are addicted to Call of Duty
By Brandon Miles

Word Count 650

The loud sound of a chopper gunner fills the room as you annihilate the opposing team. After the chopper wreaks havoc, the attack dogs are called to action. These dogs are trained man-killers and will attack on first-sight.  It might appear to be from a scene in a war movie but it is the environment of a video game, Call of Duty.

According to Game Informer magazine, Call of Duty Black Ops is the highest grossing video game to date selling a total of 50 million copies in the first week of the release. This dramatic game is known to be a war simulation used in military training programs. Employee Ron Starks of Game Stop said, "The vivid images of today's video games are so realistic that it creates a hypnosis effect, sucking someone right into the game making players feel as if they were actually in the game." The game is so addicting that people drop all of their priorities in order to get some, "Crucial COD time" said BSU student-athlete Jake Schmitt.

Call of Duty Black Ops

Video games have been placed at the top when it comes to technology innovation, offering various kinds of first-person shooter games ranging from futuristic concepts to real-life war simulations. Consumers also have the opportunity to play the Xbox kinect, a video game that reacts with the body as a controller.

The New Xbox Kinect

So what do we do with all these cool video games, drop the real world and live in a virtual fantasy world? That seems to be the trend and according to grabstats.com a whopping 65% of college students play video games 5 hours or more per week."I think I play between two and three hours a Call of Duty a day," said BSU student Andrew Eagan.

 The television show True Life did a special episode on addiction to video games and in that episode the characteristics and habits of the people portrayed were like many gamers at BSU. The virtual world of modern video games allows players to escape reality and be part of a fantasy world that some people like better that the real one, "When I am bored in class, thinking about playing video games always puts me in a better mood," said sophomore marketing major Matt Larson, "even if I have homework or something important to do I just would much rather game."

Excessive amount of television exposure could prove detrimental as many studies have shown how television and gaming have adverse effects on the mind. The excess game play can cause some people to develop irregular sleeping habits or even skip meals, which can be harmful over a long period of time.

Call of Duty is so mesmeric amongst today's youth that some gamers will wait in line for hours in order to be the first one with the game. "The night that Call of Duty: Black Ops was released I waited two hours in line and every bit of the wait was worth it because COD is the best game out." Said senior design technology major Mitch Minardi. “Now that I'm almost done with school I have more free time, so I don't know what I would do without the my Xbox."

Senior Design Technology Major Mitch Minardi

Playing video games has become a way of life for some people and the re-actions to this lifestyle decision will have harsh consequences if continued in the long run. Video games are entertainment not a lifestyle.

Virtual War