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Yearly Archives: 2012

Breaking down: the economy and student morale

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By Tabi Secor

According to a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, the greatest issue affecting this year’s election is the continuing growth of the economy and unemployment.

The global financial collapse in 2008 is said to be one of the major contributors to the United States’ economic decline.

“It would take a long time to discuss how we got here,” said Doug Copeland, professor, Economics, “but the global financial collapse is really what the tipping point was. We were already in a downturn recession. The economy was doing poorly before October of 2008, which was the big global financial collapse.”

According to Copeland, the economy has yet to bounce back from the event.

“We’ve been trying to recover from [the economic collapse] ever since,” he said. “We haven’t seen a collapse like that since the Great Depression.”

Kazi Abbas, student, works as a gas station attendant. He said he is fed up with both political parties.

“I’m not voting for anybody,” Abbas said. “I believe both republicans and democrats are working for their own profit. When it comes to issues with our country, why not work together?”

Abbas said he has seen the increased demand for jobs in his own workplace.

“I work in a gas station, and I’ve been working there for a long time,” Abbas said. “For me, it’s not really that hard to get hours, but at the same time we have a lot of students this semester coming and asking for jobs. We don’t have enough vacancies. Other people are looking for jobs very hard.”

Lauren Myers, student, is a self-employed guitar instructor. Myers said the current state of the economy has affected her negatively.

“I was in a car accident when I was sixteen; I broke almost every bone in my body,” Myers said. “A year later they hooked me up with a place for people with disabilities. Once Brownback was voted in, help with the [traumatic brain injury] waivers has gone down for me. I’ve lost a [transitional living specialist], I’ve lost a behavioral therapist, and all I have is a cognitive therapist.”

Myers said she does not believe the economy is improving.

“It’s hard to say, because [President Obama] is fixing it, but at the same time nobody’s letting him fix it,” Myers said. “I think all the old men that are in Congress need to be replaced. One of our justices, I think, is almost 100 years old. I’m not saying people like that are not sound mind, but they’re probably feeble minded.”

With the economy still in a slump, it is no wonder that it has become an important issue in this election season. Both President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Republican presidential nominee, have outlined plans as to how they plan to solve the economic crisis. One of the issues the two seem to agree on is that unemployment is still too high.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate for August of 8.1 percent was slightly lower than the three months prior. Kansas unemployment is lower than the national number at 6.1 percent, and Johnson County is lower still at 5.2 percent.

Copeland said the lower numbers have been trending for awhile.

“Unemployment is stagnant,” he said. “It has been trending downwards, but not near as low as we all might like, of course.”

Copeland said one way to boost the economy is for people to actually spend more money.

“If we, as a nation, are spending more, businesses’ sales are up,” Copeland said. “When businesses sales are up, they will produce more. To produce more, they’ll hire workers. More workers mean more income. More income means more spending, which would generate more sales, more production, more jobs, and a drop in the unemployment rate. More income, more spending.”

Copeland went on to say government spending in a time of economic downturn is an appropriate way to boost the economy, but also reiterated that it is total spending that drives the economy.

“It’s always a good idea, on the spending front, to spend money on those things that will not only in the short term create jobs, but in the long term create economic growth,” he said.

Copeland also listed spending on health, education and training as ways to “enhance the productivity of the labor force.”

Despite the lower unemployment rates and policy makers doing what they can to boost the hurting economy, Copeland said he believes the recovery is not over yet.

“It’s going to take a long time,” he said.

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

David Hurtado, features editor, contributed to this article.

Jousting through the generations: a look behind the battlefield

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Attending the jousting tournaments is a favorite tradition among festival-goers. Photo by Andrew Shepherd

Attending the jousting tournaments is a favorite tradition among festival-goers. Photo by Andrew Shepherd

By Spencer Pressly

When the Kansas City Renaissance Festival starts up, most people think of one thing: turkey legs. Now when you have that turkey leg the next thing on your list is to watch jousting.

Jousting is a tradition at the Renaissance Festival known for always drawing a crowd. If you just stop to think a minute you may wonder why anyone would ever want to dress in heavy armor and perform all day.

Jousters Jeff Horick, 45, and Dane Gambrall, 19, do not think like that.

Horick plays a character named Sir Broadrick and has been jousting all over America for the past 22 years. Gambrall, who plays Sir Joseph Loddington, is on the opposite end of the spectrum with this being his first year jousting.

Horick started his Renaissance journey in Florida back in 1990 and has been jousting ever since. Gambrall has been spending the last year training to be a jouster after a friend helped him get
the job.

“I went ahead and created a character and I had to create a character, where he came from a specific place, and there is a storyline behind it,” Horick said. “As you get in front of a crowd the character pretty much starts to create itself.”

Different shows mean different stories for each jouster and the character they represent.

“The show that [Gambrall] and I just did, he is my illegitimate son and I didn’t know he existed,” Horick explained.

Gambrall said training is all about the horse. A typical morning for a jouster includes “watering and feeding the horses, then start out with a morning ride.”

The day really begins after the first cannon is fired at 10 a.m. Then everyone involved in the festival has to stay in character until the final cannon is fired
at 7 p.m.

Jousters all over the country can lead to many different scenarios state to state.

“When we’re in Florida in the Tampa Bay area, where I’m originally from, a lot of the big time wrestlers would come out and see us joust,” Horick said, recalling memorable moments. “We were meeting guys like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage.”

Although Gambrall has been jousting for a little over a year, he had one interesting moment during a show.

“I was doing a show with the boss of the company and just because my parents were in the crowd he made a killing bit with the hammer, and made it nice and bloody and killed me with that,” Gambrall said.

When they aren’t jousting, Horick is a fifth grade special education teacher in Ohio and Gambrall works at a grocery store. Neither expect to stop jousting anytime since they plan on doing it as long as they have fun with it.

If you ever had any interest in becoming a jouster, take a word of advice from Horick:

“It is not a matter of if you will get hurt; is it a matter of when you will get hurt,” he said.

Contact Spencer Pressly, staff reporter, at spressl2@jccc.edu.

Staff Editorial: Your money and the people who spend it

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Illustration by Sara Scherba
Illustration by Sara Scherba

The individuals running the college deserve a lot of credit. An initial amount of 1,380 students enrolled in the school’s first year in 1969. Since then, the college has grown to an enrollment size of more than 20,000 students. There are now more students attending JCCC than KU.

The school is now the largest taxing entity in the state. That means a lot of your money is in the hands of school officials. It’s doubly important to know how and why the money is being spent. The Board of Trustees approved this year over a million dollars to renovate the baseball stadium. The college spent about $700,000 for Galileo’s Pavilion. The new culinary building could cost up to $13 million for its construction.

If the college can spend that kind of money for new buildings and renovations, why is it now requiring its employees to empty their own trash and recycling bins? Is the housekeeping staff really that expensive for the college to maintain?

The Board of Trustees voted to approve a two percent salary increase for Dr. Calaway just last month. This is despite the fact that enrollment numbers have decreased this semester since fall of last year. Tuition has been increased at the school for the last five years. In the 2009-2010 school year, it cost $69 per credit hour for Johnson County residents. For the 2012-2013 school year, that price has jumped to $84 per credit hour.

The tuition rate is outpacing inflation during a time when the economy is trying to climb out of a recession. What do we have to show for it? We have Galileo’s Pavilion, a green building with limited classroom space. We have 200 less parking spaces, thanks to construction of the new culinary building.

Elected officials must carry out their duties above reproach. Although the Board of Trustees deserves credit for building up the college, its spending habits should not go unquestioned. Last year, the college spent nearly $10,000 at local liquor stores. Why?

It’s not enough that the college newspaper asks the question. As taxpayers and students that pay tuition, we should all ask why money is being spent the way it is. The disconnect between government and its citizens is one that people in power would like to maintain. The Kansas Open Records Act allows everyone to keep an eye on their elected officials, including the Board of Trustees.

Rather than use it just to uncover wrongdoing, open records help people stay informed. They help to explain the “what” and the “why.” Certainly, crooks have been elected into various offices before. A knowledgeable public will help prevent it from happening.

Student clubs aim to increase involvement

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International Club members participate in a cultural awareness activity during a meeting in CC 211 on Sept. 12. The club is one of the most popular on campus, and offers support and social opportunies to students from more than 100 countries. Photo by Kelly Daniels
International Club members participate in a cultural awareness activity during a meeting in CC 211 on Sept. 12. The club is one of the most popular on campus, and offers support and social opportunies to students from more than 100 countries. Photo by Kelly Daniels

By David Hurtado

There’s an old saying that birds of a feather flock together. Student clubs, whose members share similar interests, are one such example.

The college hosts more than 50 different clubs and organizations for students. Some of these are relatively new on the block, while others have been around for decades.

Mindy Kinnaman, manager, Student Life and Leadership Development, said Student Senate was among the first clubs to be formed at the college.

“[Student Senate] was formed within the first five years of the college’s founding,” Kinnaman said. “No one seems to be quite sure of the exact date.”

Student Senate provides representation for the student body of the college and distributes funds to the various student clubs and organizations on campus. In addition, Student Senate plays a role in policy-making that affects the student body. The smoking ban, approved last year by the Board of Trustees, was first initiated by Student Senate.

According to Kinnaman, the largest club in terms of members is Phi Theta Kappa with more than 600 members. Many of them are not actively involved, however. As an honors society, Phi Theta Kappa does not hold regular meetings. Instead, a leadership board meets and plans activities for members.

Currently the largest club of actively involved students is International Club, which has more than 100 active members. This is the first year the club has boasted such high membership.

Founded in 1985, International Club brings together students from America and around the globe for educational and social activities. It acts as a forum for learning about world cultures and fundraises for scholarships for international students.

David Ellis, the club’s adviser, said he felt the club was able to retain members because of the welcoming atmosphere.

“I think there’s a sense of belonging,” Ellis said. “Our president, Jason, makes you feel that way and the officers make you feel that way. So if you come and you’re brand new, there’s a lot of people who will come talk and visit with you and make you feel they’re glad that you’re here.”

In addition, Ellis said he felt many American students feel a special bond with international students. He said being around them makes you feel comfortable; you do not need to be a special person.

Some of the newer clubs on the block include Secular Student Alliance, Advertising and Public Relations Club and Cult Film Club. These were approved by Student Senate March 19. However, according to Kinnaman, that status is likely to change as five more clubs are awaiting approval.

Cult Film Club began in response to Cineclub, according to Kary Faria da Cunha, president.

“I noticed that there was a movie club on campus and I went and participated with it,” Faria da Cunha said. “With that club, they watch older films, more of your classic movies. There wasn’t any other club that explored avenues more contemporary, that students would be more drawn to. I thought, why not try another movie club?”

Cult films, or cult classics, are defined as films that do not achieve significant box office success, but acquire the following of a small fan base.

“A cult film has of a niche group that follows it, a certain type of individual who is drawn to these kind of films,” Faria da Cunha said. “They explore different realms outside the mainstream cinema, and deal with topics that are more risqué and taboo, making for great humor.”

Students interested in joining an existing club or forming a new one can get more information from the Center for Student Involvement, COM 309. At least 10 students and one adviser are needed to form a club.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Review: ‘Gangnam Style’ mania

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Bill Butts, student and ECAV radio host, leads friends and the Golden Girls in a Gangnam Style flash mob Thursday, Sept. 6. Photo by Mackenzie Gripe
Bill Butts, student and ECAV radio host, leads friends and the Golden Girls in a Gangnam Style flash mob Thursday, Sept. 6. Photo by Mackenzie Gripe

By Spencer Pressly

Korean Pop, otherwise known as K-pop, is popular in its respective regions. Still, it has never really had the spark that made it popular the around the world until now.

Psy, a famous Korean artist, released his latest single “Gangnam Style” via YouTube on July 15. The video became an immediate hit on the internet. The music video was the perfect mix of wild, crazy and catchy songwriting.

To long time K-pop fans this was a fresh take on a genre that had been taken way too seriously over the years, while new listeners were introduced to a completely different form of music.

The video now has over 180 million views, and that number grows larger every day. Since its release, the song has become an overnight phenomenon leading to flash mobs all over the world and coverage from major news stations. Not only that, but there are now many fan parodies of the video all over YouTube.

The parodies recreate the video in local home towns with people riding their invisible horses all over town. The iconic dance in the video is a mix of “classy and cheesy” in the words of Psy, and easy to learn for everyone to show off in public.

Now two months after the song was released, it seems to just keep growing with more people discovering it every day. There is now more of a widespread interest in different K-pop artists than ever before.

Psy has also been making appearances all over America. Just recently Psy showed up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Saturday Night Live. It has also been popping up on music charts all over the world and is even a number 1 song on iTunes now.

The song has led to a bit of trouble recently with a group of lifeguards from El Monte, Calif. Fourteen lifeguards uploaded a parody called “Lifeguard Style,” filmed at the city’s swimming pool at the El Monte Aquatic Center. All 14 lifeguards were immediately fired for violating their contracts.

97.1 AMP Radio held an interview with Psy where he said this incident was a “tragedy” and officials “were taking things too seriously.” This even led to Psy appearing on MTV News to leave El Monte’s mayor a message, saying, “I’m begging you to not fire please, because they were enjoying their souls with some other cultures and it was even off duty.”

As of press time, the city council has not made a final decision.

Still, a song that brings so many people happiness has to be one of 2012’s best surprises. So whether you love the song and listen to it every day or just don’t understand what all the fuss is about, you cannot deny the large effects the song has left in such a short amount of time.

Contact Spencer Pressly, staff reporter, at spressl2@jccc.edu.

Campus Calendar

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Letter to the editor from Evan Payne: ‘I gatta dumb it down for those liberals!’

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David Hortado brought up a good point in his column about affirmative action. It’s totally reverse discrimination! Problem: those fat cats in Washington don’t know it! In fact, I couldn’t find anything in any amendments about a legal entity called “reverse racism” or “reverse sexism” for that matter! Now we find that it doesn’t protect whites from discrimination on the basis of their skin! This means that if reverse discrimination is a distinct social phenomena, without a legal counterpart any Negroid American, as well as in some cases getting jobs or into school, could just walk up to any Caucasian, a call him a “cracker” a “honky” or even a “white boy” and not be committing a hate crime at all!

He made another point. We need to restore pure capitalism! The more free the market the better! Society is that simple. We need to abolish all child labor laws; they interfere with the hiring process. And abolish the abolition of slavery; It drives wages up! No wonder the corporations outsource! American Capitalism has been crippled by the state! I know without a doubt that Blacks want to drive their wages up within the social confines Whites have created! Ayn Rand warned us! And if Martin Luther King were alive, he would let us twist his words to support an economic system he didn’t agree with!

End the oppression against whites! Before the Mexicans kill us all with drugs and take our land! It’s like Malcolm X said: White Power!

-Evan Payne, student

 

Related column: Affirmative Action: Promoting inequality since 1961

The Campus Ledger’s letter to the editor policy

Guest column by Taylor Dunn on ‘Affirmative Action: Promoting inequality since 1961’

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This is in regards to the article entitled “Affirmative Action: Promoting inequality since 1961.” In the past, perhaps I would have read an article like the one in question and chuckled, or if I decided to write in, would submit a well-structured dismantling of the absurd argument made in this particular editorial. At current, there is only rage. The only way that some person could hold the opinions expressed in this article is by blatantly ignoring facts and history. So any information I bring to the attention of Mr. Hurtado, any suggestion that Affirmative Action is not some sort of retributive policy, that hundreds of years of institutionalized racism, oppression and slavery still have a large impact on people of color and their opportunities in comparison to whites today, or that reverse racism is an impossible concept, would all be denied or ignored. So instead, I’m just going to say some things that need to be said.

Fear drives people to do, say, and think ridiculous things. There are people like David Hurtado that are afraid of the change that’s coming. But the beauty of it is that no matter what they believe, no matter how afraid they are, the United States will continue to take steps to promote equality, and more taxes will be levied to create a national healthcare system. And best of all, it will become socially unacceptable to voice uninformed, bigoted opinions like the ones that formulate “Affirmative Action.” The future holds even more pushback from the underclass and from people of color.

Lastly, a suggestion: The fine school that Mr. Hurtado writes for offers American, Latin American, and African American history courses that I recommend he take; that way, his next opinion piece won’t need to have “unfounded” written in front of it.

“If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, that’s not progress. If you pull it all the way out, that’s not progress. The progress comes from healing the wound that the blow made. They haven’t even begun to pull the knife out. They won’t even admit the knife is there.” –Malcolm X

Taylor Dunn, student

 

Related column: Affirmative Action: Promoting inequality since 1961

The Campus Ledger’s letter to the editor policy

Letter to the editor from Brandon Terry on ‘Reveling in drunken discord’

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I read your article in the in the campus ledger, “Reveling in drunken discord”. I would just like to voice about some of the text you have used in the article. In one of your sentence’s in you opening paragraph you quoted the word’s “frat boy” as a stereotype based on bias of things you have heard about them. I being from a fraternity back ground did not like the use of the word. You used the word in a bashing form, with out listing the other things that go into fraternity life. They have many other that go into there daily life then “drinking” They all have some kind of charity’s that they support, they are usually the most involved in campus activities, and have usually the highest GPA’s on campus. So when you used the stereotype word of Frat is really hit home to effecting on how i could even read the article. If you want to write a paper about the abuse of alcohol, try just informing the students instead of bashing other people.

Thanks,

Brandon Terry, student

 

Related article: Reveling in drunken discord

The Campus Ledger’s letter to the editor policy

Guest column by David Cuellar on ‘Talkin’ ’bout my generation’

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Consider this an intellectual shooting spree. While I appreciate cynicism and misanthropy, as much as one can without transforming into a Carlin-esque curmudgeon, and largely agree with you, your inflammatory characterization of the rampaging “last winners” grossly oversimplifies a very complex issue while obfuscating every possible solution.  

There are have been mass shootings lately, and they have been perpetrated by relatively young individuals. You made the correct observation. Although, your belittling of the role mental illness plays in these tragedies exemplifies irrationality par excellence. I am highly skeptical of the notion that parenting styles can overwhelm cognitive distortions or biochemical propensities for mental illness. If someone suffers from a mental illness, they will respond to losing differently than their “healthy” counterparts. Cognitive distortions derive their name from the effect they have on cognitive processes. They distort them. A healthy child might lose a competition and be upset, but it won’t haunt them because they do not derive their value from the outcome of that event. However, a child with a propensity for mental illness might magnify the importance of the competition to the extent that their identity is tied closely to the outcome. Losing, then, comes to identify the child in his or her mind.

Now, take off your riding boots, get off your high horse, wade through the vitriol you’ve spewed, and put yourself in the shoes of such a child, an awkward, reserved child who can’t help but view the world through a fun-house mirror that magnifies flaws and extrapolates them to a comprehensive worldview. Every loss, every failure, and every disappointment represents an attack against their being. Next time you fail, tell yourself “you are the failure and disappointment of the world concentrated in one human being.” Then, take the way you feel, and imagine that happening every single day.  

How exactly can someone who lives in a distorted, not necessarily candy-coated, reality come to healthy conclusions after failure? How can parental exposure to failure help children who deal with cognitive distortions or mental illness cope with failure when each exposure triggers a psychological crisis? It can’t. Letting a child lose or fail won’t fix chemical imbalances. It won’t fix cognitive distortions. It most definitely will not turn the child into the embodiment of perseverance.  You essentially advocate the Spartan approach to child psychology: test the child’s response to the cruel world and act accordingly. Do you know what happened to the weak Spartan children? The Spartans threw the frail children into a chasm on Mount Taygetus. In modern times, that chasm is a life of poverty, incarceration, and probably suicide. “Susie Sympson, adjunct professor, Psychology, said, ‘the majority of our homeless people are mentally ill’” (Parton 8). She continued, “the number of mentally ill in jails is super high. We don’t have the services, we don’t pay attention to the things that we can do,’” (Parton 8).  Demonizing the mentally ill will not fix the problem.

I’m not an expert in child psychology; I’m not an expert on much of anything, really. However, there is no one factor that causes rampages. In fact, “Brad Redburn, chair, Psychology, said that psychologists have yet to discover a link in behavior between violent killers,” (Parton 8). A sense of entitlement may be a part of rampages, but Redburn concludes, “these seem to happen under exceptional circumstances,” (Parton 8). Your equivocation of the roles that minor inconveniences and severe psychological trauma play in the motives of mass killers only stigmatizes the mentally ill. Portraying the mentally ill as people who will “snap” because of a failed test, employment difficulties, and financial woes only decreases the probability that they will seek help or talk to anyone about their problems, which increases the probability of their struggles to become overwhelming.

Despite this, I think you are correct in a sense; feelings of entitlement, whininess, and outright narcissism are problematic, but they constitute a minor, and easily resolved, annoyance when compared to the ongoing mental health crisis. (I call it a crisis because the lack of mental health solutions deeply affects many.) Parents should let their children fail at times. However, this character building should not supplant a genuine concern for mental health.

Regards,

David Cuellar, student

Work Cited

Parton, Jon “Alone, Fearful, Desperate: The Psychology of a Troubled Mind.” The Campus Ledger [Overland Park, KS] 6 Sept., 2012, Print.

 

Related column: Talkin’ ’bout my generation

The Campus Ledger’s letter to the editor policy

Sports Column: Two weeks of disappointment

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By James Russell

Editor’s note: Look for Russell’s column on this week’s victory online coming soon.

Chiefs vs. Falcons

Before anything else is stated, I would like to apologize to every KC fan worldwide for costing us this game. I have a pair of Chiefs shorts that I wear for every game which I didn’t wear for this one, and thus this first game is all my fault. I’m sorry.

Aside from silly superstitions that cannot have any possible effect on the outcome of anything other than my laundry load (but for which I am still helpless concerning my belief in their validity), this was a difficult game to watch – and an even more difficult game to write about.

I think what stood out most clearly from four quarters of play in game one of the NFL season is that our defense failed consistently. Granted, Brandon Flowers and Tamba Hali were not in this game so both our pass protection and our sack potential were virtually non-existent, but if two players being absent from a single game is the excuse for what I saw on defense, then we are in serious trouble.

I don’t believe this to be the case.

I expected to see a rough start; some stumbling and problems getting things to click right away, and that is exactly what I saw. We all saw it. So why focus on what went wrong? Spilt milk, et cetera.

So what went right? Well, if we’re talking about the first two quarters and we’re talking offense then the answer is “pretty much everything.” I watched a deep playoff contender take the field in the form of the Kansas City offense, and while we couldn’t maintain that momentum for the full game (I don’t think, for the record, that being unable to play an entire four quarters is a problem we will see on a week-to-week basis from these guys), what they did in that first half was nothing short of absolute dominance.

Matt Cassel looked like he should be wearing a diamond-studded ring on one or two of his fingers. His touchdown pass to Boss, his rushing touchdown that left Atlanta trying to figure out what the hell just happened, not to mention a clear ability to make accurate and game-changing decisions both at the line of scrimmage and in the heat of battle).

Dexter McCluster hauled in everything thrown at him like there was a homing device hidden inside the ball. The offensive line protected their QB and provided him with the time he needed, something which he took full advantage of (even after their abysmal second half, Cassel managed to rank seventh nationally on ESPN’s QB rating list for week one).

Sure, things went to hell in the second half. Three turnovers, one of which was a terrible decision by Cassel, but the loss cannot be considered a complete surprise, nor can it be laid at the feet of any one player. Our defense failed for most of that game and, in the end, our offense followed suit.

I’m looking forward to next Sunday and playing the Buffalo Bills. They’re the team responsible for the injury that resulted in an entire season without Eric Berry last year (as well as an absolute blowout of a loss), so I am hoping that we have a bit of a personal vendetta going into this matchup. I think we may see a very different game come high noon in Buffalo this week.

One loss in a 16 game season doesn’t mean much – or at least it doesn’t have to. My prediction is that we see a KC team with a chip on its shoulder enter the stadium Sunday (including Hali and, hopefully, Flowers), and the nation gets a taste of who we
really are.

I’m calling for a win in this game. A substantial one. I’ll be wearing my shorts, so it’s a pretty safe bet.

Chiefs vs. Bills

K, so my shorts didn’t help even a little bit.

I don’t have much to say after this game. I’m worried. Is it time to panic? I’m not really sure.

Our defense looked atrocious, even with Hali and Flowers back in the game. Our offense couldn’t generate anything. My guy Cassel wasn’t the leader that I believe he is capable of being; not in this game, at least.

Our offensive line didn’t generate the possibilities I hoped they would. Our defense was unable to stop a team that we should have dominated from start to finish.

We screwed this game up, and I have no excuses to offer for our performance. I will give Crennel another game or so to figure things out, but this was unacceptable. Our schedule only gets harder and we can’t afford to continue in this way.

I won’t say much else. I have no flowery (no pun intended) words to end this article. We performed abysmally in this game, and I was completely wrong concerning the outcome.

I don’t believe I’m wrong about our potential, but something has to change. And it has to change immediately. Two games into the regular season and things are looking bad.

Perhaps this is a knee-jerk reaction. I won’t change my thoughts on what we’re capable of. But Crennel has to fix this – and fast.

Go Chiefs.

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

Sports briefs – Sept. 21, 2012

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Shelley enters ABCA Hall of Fame

The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced head baseball coach Kent Shelley will be inducted into the 2013 Hall of Fame.

Shelley has more wins than any other coach in the college’s history. He has been with the school for 26 years. During his time as coach, Shelley has won two East Jayhawk Conference championships, three Region VI championships and a World Series appearance.

Cavs golf team begin with a win

The Cavaliers golf team won its first tournament of the year at Hesston Golf Park on Sept. 10. The Cavs had four players place in the top 10. National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American Mario Funcic led with a 3.82 average on all par four holes. Freshman Gage Scheer, in his debut for the college, finished in second place with 143 total.

Win-win for soccer teams

Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams walked away with victories over Independence Community College on Sept. 17. The men’s team won 5-1. Two of the goals were scored by sophomore Luis Cadena. The women’s team shut down Independence in a 9-0 win. Freshman Christianna Tran scored three of the goals in the blowout.

Upcoming women’s volleyball games

The women’s volleyball team will face off against four teams in a back-to-back double header during the JCCC Challenge Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 22. The Lady Cavs take on North Platte College and Central Community College-Columbus Friday. Saturday, the team goes up against Coffeyville Community College and Iowa Lakes Community.

Compiled by Jon Parton, jparton@jccc.edu

Column: Campus zombies do exist

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By Tasha Cook

Let me tell you a story. This morning, on my way through school, I actually got the privilege to be part of a giant, life-sized pinball machine full of zombies. What, you didn’t see it?

You were part of it too.

This is the daily life of a college student walking through the halls, buildings and classrooms of our school, merely on account of the complete carelessness and lack of effort on the part of anyone else to just walk a straight line and stay out of other peoples’ way. I can’t tell you how many mornings I have walked to the Ledger office, lugging my laptop, camera, personal backpack and other various things, only to have to make every effort to dodge the one single person in the entire hallway who seems to make it a point to walk straight into me.

Common sense, people. Common sense.

I’m not saying the world should part the seas for me to walk through. On the contrary, I think it takes an effort from all people to try to make each other’s lives a little easier. What I don’t understand is the seemingly hundreds of people I see every day wandering aimlessly right into my path, staring ahead as if entranced by a giant hypno-swirl behind me that I must be oblivious to. It’s like they’re… zombified. Sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by a meandering lot of zombies, not intent on eating other humans but just knocking them around or getting in
their way.

The same goes for people who find it necessary to walk in large groups spanning entire hallways and make no effort to allow anyone else to pass. I have actually spent entire minutes just trying to get around groups of chatting people, and I’m generally a small person who can get through small spaces.

People seem to find it easy to leave no spaces to get by, however, unless you’re a pygmy goat. I understand that you have your group of friends. So do I folks. But these halls are about eight people wide and somehow the three of you can take it all up.

When I see someone else in a hurry, carrying a load of things or just plain with the intention of actually getting somewhere, I try to move so that we both have a clear path and don’t hit each other or each other’s items. It’s unfortunate that half the time I do, the oncoming person seems to drift right into my path, making my entire walk ten times more difficult. The bottom line is, watch where you’re going and try not to just float around like an aimless dandelion foof.

Snap out of it, meandering zombies.

Contact Tasha Cook, photo editor, at tcook15@jccc.edu.

Harassment complaint leads to termination of professor

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By Jon Parton

Former Computer Science professor William Hailey was terminated by the college at the end of summer classes after a student filed a harassment complaint against him.

Student Raffi Hatutian filed the complaint against Hailey after receiving a series of text messages from the professor. Hatutian was enrolled in one of Hailey’s spring 2012 classes.

“Raffi, I hope your interest and follow-through so far is not what I have to look forward to,” Hailey wrote in a long text to Hatutian. “It’s going to have to do a 180 [degree] turn-around. I am taking my time for you.

“There are many things I enjoy doing with my time. I enjoy working in my yard. I enjoy time with my son. I really enjoy spending time with a student who asks for a chance. They always appreciated that I take time just for them. We work, but we get lunch, maybe racquetball or swimming, if they are interested.

“If you don’t think you can keep a promise to me, please tell me before we begin. We can both save save [sic] a lot of time, and do other things for ourselves and for people in our lives who value our time that we are able to give to them. Raffi, it’s entirely up to you. Please let me know very soon what you want to, AND WILL, do.”

Although Hatutian said he could not comment on the matter, he confirmed that his attorney, Joshua Seiden, is in contact with the college.

Dennis Day, vice president, Student Success and Engagement, confirmed that Hailey is no longer employed by the college.

“Every college and university is under the restrictions of- there’s a duty to report and there’s a duty to certain actions,” Day said. “So in this case, when we found out about suspicions of certain acts, the college moved very quickly and the employee is no longer an employee of the institution within hours of finding out.”

Day confirmed that other complaints against Hailey were brought to his attention.

“In this case, there was enough smoke […] that there was an action needed to happen rather quickly,” Day said. “And then once there was a semi-confirmation of what was done, then the action was termination because we have no tolerance for it.”

On the website RateMyProfessors.com, students can rate professors and leave comments for others to read. One user wrote an unfavorable comment about Hailey on Jan. 8, 2010.

“Mr. Hailey was never willing to help you,” the comment began. “The only people that he would help was [sic] the ones that couldn’t speak English. He did not teach on useful things. He gave his opinion on how the U.S. should work. He asks you to go swimming with him a lot. It really creeps me out a lot. He should be fired. He wouldn’t show us how to do certain things when asked [sic].”

Hailey could not be reached for comment.

Editor’s note: Joshua Seiden is a former student and former editor of The Campus Ledger.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Column: Kudos to the administration

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By Mackenzie Clark

Too frequently, I find myself with some sort of bone to pick with the administration of this college. However, recently they handled a very difficult situation as well as they possibly could.

If you read the article on page two of this issue, you know that former professor William Hailey was terminated from the college after sending quite disturbing text messages to a student.

Multiple administrators, now, have told me that this termination occurred within an hour of substantiating the claims of harassment.

Bravo.

In a situation like this, or, for example, the Jerry Sandusky case, the only logical policy is zero tolerance. Abusing a position of power in a way that could scar a victim for life is absolutely absurd.

I congratulate and thank the administration for their actions in this case, and highly encourage any victims of harassment – verbal, physical or otherwise – to come forward immediately.

Now let’s just hope no one else falls victim to Hailey once he finds a different job.

Contact Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu.

Column: Poor people are lazy, welfare moms drive Mercedes, and other stereotypes

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By Jon Parton

I remember the last year of high school very well. I was homeless.

It’s easy to stereotype people, even when we know that it’s wrong. Poverty is real. The need is real.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million people live in poverty in our country. All the rhetoric about pulling yourself up by the bootstraps is meaningless to those who actually live in poverty. Too often, people point at the choices the poor made in their lives.

My mother raised four kids by herself for most of her life. What sort of choices did she make to wind up being a single parent? She chose not to remain married to a man who sexually molested my older sister from the time she was five until the age of ten. My mother blamed herself for not knowing and tried to take her own life. During that tumultuous period, our family relied on the government’s foster care program.

Compassion is not a flaw. It’s not a human defect. It’s not a weakness. If anything, it is humanity’s saving grace. The ability to look past your own wants and needs in order to help others is a virtue. It’s easy to forget the real problem of poverty in our country. Talking heads would have you believe welfare recipients are all lazy people who take advantage of the system.

Growing up, our family required welfare and social services for help. After our parents divorced, my mother found herself back in the working world after years of being a stay-at-home mom. With no college degree and four kids, she found work in a physically demanding labor job. Even though the job required her to work outdoors during the summer heat, she did so for the sake of her children.

Even then, it wasn’t enough. Without the benefit of welfare and the food stamps program, our family would not have made it. Approximately 3.9 million Americans age 65 and older currently live in poverty. Are all of them weed-smoking freeloaders? How about half? Are 2 million senior citizens not bothering to “pull themselves up by the bootstraps,” or are they all products of bad choices?

As my siblings and I grew older, we gained a unique appreciation for education and all it could do for us. My older sister was the first in my family to get a college degree. She became a teacher. My brother obtained a CDL, leading him toward a financially secure life. My younger sister is a stay-at-home mom, married to a member of the law enforcement community. None of them are on welfare. None of them do drugs. All of them are homeowners.

The face of poverty is not a stereotypically single mother who keeps having kids in order to continue to collect government benefits. Businesses close. Stocks fall. Poverty is a real effect of these things. They’re not just headlines of a newspaper, they’re events that can make or break families and individuals.

I’m glad that my nieces and nephews will never know what it’s like living in a car in a parking lot. I’m glad that they’ll never have to ask a friend if they can use their shower. During the time of her life when she should enjoy being with her grandchildren, our mother is fighting stage IV cancer, brought about from her years of working outside. Now she needs the help of Social Security and Medicare to make sure she can receive badly needed radiation treatments.

When I think of the all the dumb things our leaders spend money on (Yoder anyone?), I have no problem helping those who actually need it. Lifting Americans out of poverty should be our goal, and not by attaching a stigma of laziness and deceit to the effort. The only way to do that is by supporting these programs and doing everything we can to make education a priority.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Police briefs – Sept. 21, 2012

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Purse theft in LIB

A female student reported her purse stolen to the Campus Police Sept. 4. The victim stated someone took the purse while she was sleeping on the second floor of the Library. She stated that she decided to take a short nap before the start of her next class. The victim said her purse was missing when she woke up. Campus Police advised the victim to contact her bank regarding the incident and the stolen debit card in her purse.

Money taken from wallets

Two students reported a theft of cash in LIB 342 on Sept. 4. The two victims stated money was stolen from their wallets stored in their backpacks. The victims believe the money was taken when they left the classroom for a short time lasting no longer than 20 minutes. The first victim reported $60 stolen while the second victim reported a theft of $40.

iPhone theft

A victim reported her iPhone stolen from a table on the first floor of the library Sept. 6. The victim stated that she left her phone unattended three times while she used the copy machine. She said the theft was discovered when she got ready to leave.

Backpack theft

Campus Police were dispatched to the library in response to a report of theft on Sept. 4. The victim reported he was studying on the second floor of the library. He said he momentarily left his backpack unattended when he left the area to use the restroom. The victim reported that his wallet was inside the backpack at the time it was stolen. The wallet was turned in to the front desk at the library, but the backpack was not recovered.

Wallet theft

Campus Police were contacted by a student reporting theft of her wallet Sept. 4. The victim stated that someone stole the wallet out of an open pocket in her backpack. The victim stated that the wallet contained a debit card and $4 and change. Later in the evening, the victim reported that her husband found the wallet in the third floor men’s bathroom in the trash can. All items were in the wallet except the cash.

Compiled by Jon Parton, jparton@jccc.edu

News briefs – Sept. 21, 2012

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BNSF closes railroad on Pflumm at Santa Fe Trail Drive

Pflumm Road just south of Santa Fe Trail Drive will be closed beginning Monday, Sept. 24. BNSF will be replacing the railroad crossing there and no traffic will be allowed to pass.

According to a press release from the City of Lenexa, the road is planned to reopen Friday, Sept. 28.The city recommends motorists use Quivira Road or Lackman Road instead, although local detours will be marked.

Calaway to give State of the College address

College president Terry Calaway will deliver his annual State of the College presentation at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 in the Polsky Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will also be televised on Channel 17 on SureWest and Time Warner Cable, or Channel 22 on Comcast.

Ledger staff will be present and live-tweeting the event on the Twitter account @CampusLedger.

JCCC declared Military Friendly school

Victory Media has named the college a Military Friendly school for the fourth year in a row.

This honor is given to the top 15 percent of schools who excel in their services for service members, veterans and military families.　

Campbell, author and entrepreneur, to visit college

Harry Campbell, who has served as president of two Fortune 500 companies and authored the book “Get-Real Leadership,” will speak to the college’s Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization (CEO) at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26 in RC 231.

For more information about the event, contact adviser Barbara Millard at bmillard1@jccc.edu or club president Michael Cauble at mcauble@stumail.jccc.edu.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Reveling in drunken discord + JCAV Video

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Illustration by Morgan Daigneault
Illustration by Morgan Daigneault

By David Hurtado

How can students stay happy in college? By drinking more alcohol in one setting than a frat boy at the Super Bowl game, of course.

According to a study conducted by the American Sociological Association, college students who binge drink are more likely to be happy than their peers who don’t. The study showed students from social groups considered to have high status were more likely to binge drink than those from lower groups. This, in turn, led binge drinking to become associated with being popular on campus.

“I think college students drink because they assume they’re suppose to,” said Meghan Wiggin, student. “They think that’s what you go to college to do nowadays. Instead of going to college to get a degree, it’s to party.”

The study also found students did not binge drink because they were unhappy, but because they wanted to fit in. However, researchers found students who suffered from stress, anxiety and sexual abuse were less likely to drink.

In addition to health risks such as liver disease, binge drinking can also create extra burdens for law enforcement. Sgt. Gregory Russell, Campus Police, said since the college does not have dorms, binge drinking is not as serious of an issue as it could be.

“Because of the lack of housing on campus, we don’t have the problem that a normal college setting would have,” Russell said. “Since we won’t have frat houses, dorms or apartments nearby, it’s not a problem for [the college].”

Binge drinking is defined as consuming at least five alcoholic beverages for men and at least four for women in a single drinking session.

Although some Americans point to the media or films such as “Project X” for encouraging binge drinking, others feel personal responsibility plays just as big a role.

“There’s a certain influence that comes from the media,” said Ronald White, student. “But I think the people you hang out with generally set the tone for what you do when you have fun. I definitely think it can start out from your peers and then the culture that the media can create can make it seem like this is what you should be doing.”

Russell said to his knowledge there have not been any episodes of binge drinking at the college in recent years.

“I’ve been here approximately five years and I’ve not had any reports of binge drinking,” he said. “It’s not tolerated by school policy, and if it was headed in that direction with any kind of alcohol consumption on school property, we would take the necessary means to discourage it.”

If binge drinking were to occur at the college, Russell said Campus Police would take action in keeping with Kansas law. Failure to cooperate with Campus Police would result in the case being handed over to the Overland Park Police Department.

“We would handle it within the confines of the law,” he said. “For the most part, we would have the interest of the student in mind as to try and resolve it on a more peaceful term, without having it to end in the result of an arrest, because that arrest would stay with that individual on their record.”

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Cross Country teams set to break new records

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The women’s cross country team is shown practicing the morning of Aug. 29. Photo by Daniel DeZamacona
The women’s cross country team is shown practicing the morning of Aug. 29. Photo by Daniel DeZamacona

By Jon Parton

The men’s and women’s cross country teams trained in triple degree temperatures three weeks before the school semester even started.

According to Head Coach Mike Bloemker, it is that level of dedication and stamina that has led the success of both teams.

“There isn’t any real secret,” he said. “You just get out there and train, train, train.”

This season marks 15 years for Bloemker as head coach for the cross country teams. During his time at the college, he has garnered a number of achievements for the programs, including two individual national champions.

Bloemker has won more half marathon national championships than any other coach. He was named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region VI Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2004.

Both teams train together every day of the week. Bloemker said it was necessary in order to create competitive teams.

“We do a big long run on Sundays,” Bloemker said. “We’ll go anywhere from 12 to 20 miles, it just depends on the group.”

Sophomore cross country runner Tyler Roberts goes for a practice run on Aug. 29. Photo by Daniel DeZamacona

Last year, the Lady Cavaliers broke six school records and finished in the top five 18 times. The men’s team broke two stadium records and finished five times in the top five.

“Guys run a little bit more than the women,” Bloemker said. “Women, though, at this level out train any other team in the country. Overall, I think it’s one of the best teams we’ve ever had.”

Bloemker added that this year’s teams have a lot of potential.

“Right now, it looks like we have a really strong women’s team,” Bloemker said. “Our freshmen on the men’s side have come in and we’re really surprised with where they’re at.”

Angela Mancuso, sophomore on the women’s team, said she is optimistic about this year’s chances.

“There are always different personalities and that can be a challenge, but we all want the same thing,” Mancuso said. “We want to win.”

According to Bloemker, the race at Disney World is one the teams look forward to the most.

“Usually, you know, we compete well there,” Bloemker said. “Our guys were third there last year.”

Bloemker said it is the goal of each team to win at regionals. He thinks both teams have a good shot at making that happen.

“The guys I think, for sure, are top eight in the nation,” Bloemker said. “And the women are probably top five in national cross. Both sides will try to win the half marathon championship.”

James Bowlin, sophomore on the men’s team, said that the major challenges to face are health related.

“It’s basically staying away from injury,” Bowlin said. “Keep everyone together and stay focused.”

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Drought affects campus community

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The same willow tree and lake in Heatherstone Park, Olathe, Kan., is shown Aug. 14, 2011 (top) and Aug. 30, 2012 (bottom). The severe drought the Midwest experienced this summer caused a visible difference in the park within just one year. Photos by Tasha Cook
The same willow tree and lake in Heatherstone Park, Olathe, Kan., is shown Aug. 14, 2011 (top) and Aug. 30, 2012 (bottom). The severe drought the Midwest experienced this summer caused a visible difference in the park within just one year. Photos by Tasha Cook

By Tabi Secor

The drought that has been engulfing much of the Midwest this summer has had major effects on two of the colleges’ programs.

“[The drought] has so severely impacted this program,” said Lekha Sreedhar, chair, Horticulture Sciences.

Students in the Horticulture program typically work during the summer and come back to school in the fall. In the summer students do landscaping and mowing, but because of the drought, there have not been many jobs available.

“I get emails from students who say they don’t have the money to come back in the fall,” Sreedhar said. “The program is down about 17 percent for the fall.”

The program has a 10,000 gallon reservoir available, but it mostly relies on rainwater that has been collected and stored on site. If there is no rainwater to collect, the reservoir serves as the primary source of water for the plants at the Horticulture building.

Stu Shafer, chair, Sustainable Agriculture, said that their program is also being affected.

“We were out on the campus farm, and I took a picture of four of the students working in the soybean section,” Shafer said. “One of the students was working on the rotor tiller, and you could see the dust come right up. The soil is just really dry.”

For the agriculture industry, the drought has played a significant role in global climate change.

“The drought is part of the bigger pattern of global climate change,” Shafer said. “It’s just not the drought this year, and the long term that’s affecting us, but the rising of the temperature.”

According to Sreedhar, droughts do not just impact plants, but numerous other areas that people may not realize.

The same willow tree and lake in Heatherstone Park, Olathe, Kan., is shown Aug. 14, 2011 (top) and Aug. 30, 2012 (bottom). The severe drought the Midwest experienced this summer caused a visible difference in the park within just one year. Photos by Tasha Cook

“Droughts seriously impacts our food production, our environment, our livestock consumption, everything,” she said.

As for how long it will take to bounce back from a drought like this, Sreedhar said it could take awhile.

“The problem is that winter wasn’t so good either, so there’s going to be pest issues as well,” she said. “West Nile Virus is a good example of how big the drought is. It’s going to take a couple years to bounce back.”

Sreedhar said that there are simple things the campus community can do to help out the environment during the drought.

“Don’t leave the sprinklers on, and start watering the streets,” she said. “Mulch really helps conserve water. So if you have mulched in the early spring, you don’t have to water as much.”

Shafer agreed.

“Reservoirs, which are major sources of water, and rivers which are another major source of water, and then the ground water, all of those supplies are finite,” he said. “It seems like it’s infinite when we can just turn on the tap, but they’re finite. And when in a drought, they’re reduced. So everybody should be aware how they’re using water and limit it.”

WaterOne provides water to Johnson County, and although they have not implemented any required water restrictions, they have asked some people in the county to voluntarily change their watering habits.

According to their website, WaterOne has asked customers living in sections of Leawood, Overland Park, and Prairie Village to change their outdoor watering schedule due to water demand in the area.

Sreedhar said the issue of water consumption is important to future generations.

“It’s time we started talking about these issues,” she said. “We can’t just deplete everything, and not think about the next generation of this planet.”

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

Taking a spin on the K-10

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The K-10 Connector bus drops off passengers at the Carlsen Center Friday, Aug. 30. Some students find the commute between Lawrence and the college is cheaper by bus than by car. Photo by Tasha Cook
The K-10 Connector bus drops off passengers at the Carlsen Center Friday, Aug. 30. Some students find the commute between Lawrence and the college is cheaper by bus than by car. Photo by Tasha Cook

By David Hurtado

With Americans paying through the nose at the pump, relieving the vice grip gas prices have on wallets resonates with many people.

The 710 K-10 Connector route, which runs between Lawrence and the college, provides students with a cheaper means of getting to school.

Chuck Ferguson, deputy transportation director, said rates for the K-10 Connector could see an increase in the near future. Johnson County Transit is currently dealing with a budget crisis that will require a significant reduction in services next year.

“The K-10 Connector is both the longest route in miles and the route with the most service daily of any JO route,” Ferguson said. “It also is equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, unlike other JO routes.

The budget deficit is the result of a reduction in federal and state operating funds. Some local officials have recommended students be charged extra for using the Wi-Fi capabilities. Ferguson also said Johnson County operates the service that is designed to connect three campuses in two counties, yet Johnson County shoulders the operating cost burden alone.

The fare increase proposal is still being finalized and is expected to take effect in January 2013.

It costs approximately $933,000 a year to operate the 710 K-10 connector. Roughly $426,000 of the cost is funded by taxpayers.

Alternatives such as buying a hybrid or electric car can cost more than most people would like to fork out. Even carpooling has its setbacks for people who like driving on the road alone. Riding the bus or other forms of public transit saves gas, negates car insurance, eliminates maintenance expenses and reduces the monthly payments one makes.

Brandon Cleveland-Soter, student, said he rides the bus for those reasons.

“I don’t have a car, it’s very convenient and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper,” he said. “If [the bus] gets into a crash, I don’t have to pay for it.”

The route was first established in January of 2007 from a study conducted by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

“They looked at widening the corridor and how they could move more traffic on the corridor,” Ferguson said. “As a subset discussion from that we decided it would be a good experiment to try a connector service between Lawrence and Overland Park, specifically connecting the universities of Kansas. It’s been widely successful.”

With the elimination of over 200 parking spots at the college, taking the bus may be a more viable option for students.

In addition to lending a hand to cash-strapped students, riding the bus can benefit the environment. According to the American Public Transport Association (APTA), 1.4 billion gallons of fuel and 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide are saved annually through public transportation. Another APTA study found families condensed their expenses by $6,200 annually though public transportation.

Still, riding the bus has its share of problems just as carpooling and energy efficient vehicles do. Traveling time can take longer, since it’s likely the bus will be making other stops before arriving at your destination. This is also compounded by the fact that the bus may not always be on time, whether it’s due to accidents, road work or the driver.

Katarina Unruh, student, said the bus is usually on time both to and from the college, and has only experienced minor discomforts on The JO.

“Sometimes it’s overcrowded and sometimes the Wi-Fi messes up, but that’s about it,” she said.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Staff Editorial: Transparency – A brief history: the college’s lack of communication

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Illustration by Sara Scherba

Imagine if you owned a company built with your own money. You would want to make sure the employees did the job they were hired to do.

Now imagine that your employees update you on their work only if you pay more than $47,000 to type up the report. That is the long-standing legacy of JCCC, the college built upon taxes and tuition paid by students.

As a public institution funded by taxpayers, it is the legal obligation of the school to act in an open and transparent manner consistent with our democratic system of government. Without this transparency, we run the risk of allowing school officials, our employees, to do what they will with zero accountability.

An official letter was made available to The Ledger last spring. In it, Dennis Day, vice president of Student Success and Engagement, stated that Brown & Gold Club members were no longer receiving free credit class enrollment as of fall 2012. Brown & Gold Club is available to Johnson County residents ages 55 and up. In an interview about the story, Day said the letter was never meant to be sent out and no changes had been made. We never learned how the letter got released.

Another issue that could have benefitted from more transparency was the smoking ban enacted last year by Student Senate and the Board of Trustees. In a decided move, smoking on the campus was restricted. The board did decide to allow for designated smoking areas near the ITC building only because Burlington Northern Santa Fe asked for them for their employees who attended the school.

The ban was enacted out of health concerns. Note that you can still purchase fried and sugary foods in the school’s cafeterias and many vending machines. Student Senate hosted a town hall meeting in February to discuss the matter. Although attendance for the event was high, the impotence of it was evident when school officials stated that no changes to the policy would be made.

A former Ledger employee, along with the Student Press Law Center, sued the college last year when the school determined that it would cost more than $47,000 to print up requested e-mail records. Such an exorbitant amount of money brings into question the college’s reasoning for the fee. Why would the school charge so much unless it had something to hide? When transparency is shut down, actions come into question.

The Ledger staff is all too familiar with school officials who do not check their voicemails or e-mail or are somehow too busy for a 10-15 minute interview. However, failure to receive an answer only leads to more and more questions.

This school is funded by you. The Board of Trustees, the college president and all college staff are your employees. Why wouldn’t you want to know what they are doing with your money?

Starting today, The Campus Ledger will make available on its website the information request form required by school officials for all inquiries. Our staff encourages you to use it to become more informed. You can ask for a large range of information, from lease agreements with Chick-Fil-A to weekly expense reports.

Discover how your money is being spent. You might be surprised.

 

Editor’s note: A link to the college’s open request form has been added to this entry as well as at the bottom of the page. 

New regulations to affect college teams

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By Tabi Secor

The National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) has passed new regulations that directly affect the college’s sports teams this season.

According to the NJCAA, the number of international students allowed on a sports’ roster cannot exceed one-quarter of the total number of athletes on the team.

NJCAA officials voted on the new rules in 24 regional conferences across the country two years ago and implemented them one year ago.

“The coaches have known about this for a year,” said Carl Heinrich, director, Athletics. “I am not aware of any player that would have been a freshman last year who was not afforded the opportunity to come back this year.”

Even though some teams have been affected by the new regulations, Heinrich said that he is unaware of any student who was dismissed from the team because of them. He did say, however, that sports such as soccer and tennis have had to cut back on the number of international students on the team.

The college belongs to the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC), one of twenty-four regional conferences in the NJCAA.

Bryce Roderick, KJCCC Commissioner, said the new regulations will have a positive effect on the conference.

“It will serve to balance the regions across the nation, because all teams in that sport can only have the same allowed number of international athletes,” he said.

The official reasoning for the change has to do with the philosophy of the conference being one which serves the community.

“When the dominant number of players on a team are international athletes, then there is a question of serving the community and therefore community support is eroded,” Roderick said.

Heinrich believes the new regulations were impacted by the amateur or professional status of some international athletes.

“What rules are made for is to put everybody on a level playing field, and to compete, and let the game be won on the court or the field,” Heinrich said. “So, were we really giving a fair opportunity for you as a student to compete against another school that had maybe pro players that were paid, and their skills were much higher?”

Heinrich said there are instances in which the new regulations come up short. One of those instances is in the case of international students who might not have been born here, but have spent a significant time playing sports in this country.

“We still have some holes, and it’s the undocumented person that maybe goes three years to Olathe North,” he said. “They don’t have a green card, then they come here and we have to count them as one of the four.”

Despite the fact that these new regulations have been passed, Heinrich wants to continue to focus on serving the local community.

“The reason for that is by definition of who we are,” he said. “We are a community college. We are here to serve Johnson County first. Our philosophy has always been we want the best athletes at Johnson County that we can possibly get and sometimes there are limitations.”

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

Point/Counterpoint: He had his chance

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By David Hurtado

As the 2012 election season comes into swing, the American people have two options on the table.

We can either reelect President Obama and have four more years of “hope and change,” or cast our ballot for Governor Romney and end the shadow that has fallen over America. President Obama is many things, but an effective leader he is not.

For starters, a good leader does not continuously blame his predecessor for what he inherited. Democrats took full control of Congress in 2006 and the presidency in 2008. For two whole years after, Obama had ample opportunity to pass laws designed to repair the economy. Instead, most of those two years were spent trying to pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

That law is not going to help improve the economy, especially when our elected representatives have no idea what’s in it.

“We have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it,” former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said of the ACA.

If our lawmakers have no idea what’s in a piece of proposed legislation, it should never be passed.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 presented another opportunity Obama had to mend the void in the economy. According to an article by USA Today, the bill was intended to increase employment by 3.6 million by the fourth quarter of 2010. The problem here is, you can’t just take $787 billion, force-feed it into the economy and make everything all hunky-dory.

$787 billion doesn’t just magically appear out of thin air. It has to come from somewhere. That somewhere is either through taxes or borrowing. Picture the economy as a pie, with various slices comprising it. All this law accomplished was re-distributing how large those slices are, which failed to address the underlying problem.

The government spends exceedingly more than it takes in.

Romney, on the other hand, knows and understands how the economy works. According to FactCheck.org, job creation in Massachusetts rose to 28th in the nation during his final year in office. He also vetoed a measure that prevented Mass. from doing business with a state contractor who was re-locating customer service call centers to India.

Still, for those of you on the fence between Obama and Romney, this nation looks royally screwed. However, compared to Obama, Romney represents the lesser of the two evils in this election.

No, Romney’s not the ideal Republican candidate, but Obama has little to no knowledge of how economics work, nor does he seem to understand blaming his predecessor four years after he left office clearly displays his lack of leadership.

There is no guarantee Romney will improve economic conditions, as the future is uncertain, but four more years of Obama and America might not exist after them. Our country has fallen to a sickening standstill. Remember the proposal Obama made back in 2009 if he couldn’t turn around the economy?

“If I don’t have this done in three years, then there’s going to be a one-term proposition.”

Let’s hold him to that.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

 

Related editorial:

Point/Counterpoint: Hope for four more years

Enrollment numbers down but not out

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By Tabi Secor

First day enrollment numbers at the college are down 5 percent from last year, according to Pete Belk, director, Admissions.

The first day count came in at 17,245, which is around 850 students less than this time last year.

Even though the numbers are lower than previous years, Belk said what the college really looks at are the census numbers that are made available to the state on the 20th day of classes.

They also look at end of semester statistics.

“That end of the semester number is really where we be- come the largest undergraduate institution in the state,” Belk said. “We are not as concerned with first day numbers. Last year we were also down first day, but then late start classes and College Now kind of bring things up, and we ended up being up for the year.”

One thing Belk knows is that students are returning.

“The largest population that is increasing on campus is the returning student population,” he said. “So we are retaining more students than we have before.”

Although the Admissions department has not been told to do anything differently in terms of recruiting students, Mysti Meiers, recruitment specialist, said it does push the staff to work harder.

“Just the knowledge that that we may be down in enrollment kind of encourages us to get out there and be more aggressive in our efforts,” she said.

The college has also hired a new diversity recruiter, Melisa Jimenez, who will work directly with minorities in order to increase the number of students from different areas to the school.

“I’m going to be visiting high schools in Wyandotte County, some parts of Missouri, but I am going to be specifically working with diverse populations,” Jimenez said. “My goal for this first year is to really develop relationships with schools, with school counselors, with staff that is in charge of these specific demographics, so ELL, ESL teachers.”

She went on to say she hopes to put the college out there in a way that will meet the needs of diverse students.

“If I have to do something in Spanish, I will be able to do a presentation in Spanish,” she said. “If I have to meet families because, you know, studying the dynamic of some Hispanic families is more collective, so much of the time it is a family decision that is made.”

Meiers concentrates on Johnson, Franklin, and Miami counties.

“[Jimenez] and I’s charge really is to go out into the public, and bring awareness to Johnson County Community College to students with the ambitions of bringing them to campus,” she said.

Casey Wallace, student visit coordinator, said that around 3,000 potential students visit the college each year and are likely to attend.

“If we can get them to campus, we can get them to enroll,” she said.

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

Column: Affirmative Action, promoting inequality since 1961

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By David Hurtado

Of all the policies designed to keep Americans at each other’s throats, Affirmative Action is among the worst. There was once a time in our history when it was needed, but that time has since passed.

Affirmative Action was born from Executive Order 10925, which was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Its aim was to give all Americans an equal chance in employment and education opportunities, regardless of race, religion or national origin. Like most government policies, it’s done more harm than good.

Remember the old saying, “Two wrongs don’t make a right?” Affirmative Action discriminates against different races of people in favor of others by giving them special advantages. The concept revolves around making up for past discrimination by giving people employment based solely upon minority status instead of personal merits and experience.

Some feel this reverse discrimination is justified because it “makes up for centuries of oppression.” Not only is that line of reasoning baseless, it is self-contradictory. In our desire to right the wrongs of the past, we have discriminated against those who were not alive to commit the offenses, believing good reasons and intentions make it acceptable.

That is not equality; that is an affront to everything promoters of equality have fought against for decades. Instead of working toward a future where race no longer matters, we choose to continue legislation that carries on past hatred.

Martin Luther King, Jr. fought long and hard all of his life to teach Americans to treat each other with love and compassion, no matter our differences. Even though King endured prejudice at every turn, he never gave into hate.

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” King said.

Besides the blatant discrimination this failed concept encourages, affirmative action has an adverse effect on businesses. It undermines the principle of a free market economy by involving the federal government in the hiring process. Although it’s illegal in the United States to have quotas, Affirmative Action still pressures employers into choosing employees based on status even if some of the applicants aren’t the most qualified.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with having an ethnically diverse workforce, but the most qualified candidate should always receive the position. Too many unqualified workers negatively affect a company’s profits, and sufficient cumulative negative drag can impede economic growth. No one should ever be rewarded for something they have not earned, regardless of race, gender or any other factor.

Some feel that rewarding individuals through Affirmative Action because of these factors is both insulting and demeaning. Doing so insinuates they aren’t good enough to get ahead on their own and require assistance from Big Brother to succeed in life.

Thomas Sowell, economist, claims in his book, “Affirmative Action around the World,” that such policies are detrimental instead of helpful.

“Affirmative Action in the United States has made blacks look like peoples who owe their rise to affirmative action and other government programs,” he wrote. “It has been carefully cultivated by black politicians and civil rights leaders so as to solidify a constituency conditioned to be dependent on them, as well as on government.”

An eye for an eye is not going to make any anger or resentment go away. The only way to mend this deeply fractured country is through forgiveness, just as Nelson Mandela did to his captors of 28 years:

“Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die.”

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Point/Counterpoint: Hope for four more years

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By Tabi Secor

Four years ago, Barack Obama was elected by the people of the United States to be their commander-in-chief. In that time, he has, despite what your favorite conservative pundit might say, accomplished a multitude of things while in the White House.

He signed into law the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” As a young person who is going to school full time, who is involved in campus organizations and is trying to balance everything at once with no health insurance, I can honestly say that knowing that the ACA is now law relieves a great deal of worry about my physical future.

That’s not to say there aren’t things that could be different, or better, but at the end of the day would Romney do anything close to what Obama has done? No. According to Romney’s own website, he will “pursue policies that give each state the power to craft a health care reform plan that is best for its own citizens.” In other words, he’ll restore health care to exactly what it is now. Tell me again who has the best interest of America in their hands. I’ll give you a hint: it doesn’t rhyme with tomney.

President Obama also repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the out of touch and polarizing law that said if you were gay and in the military, you couldn’t talk about it. He is also the first president in history to endorse same-sex marriage. Romney would not only support the Defense of Marriage Act but would also endorse an amendment that would define marriage between a man and a woman, constitutionally.

As students, we should be worried about the amount of money we are borrowing for education. Obama has signed into law a new measure that would reform student loans. Under the law, no borrower would pay more than 10% of their income. It also forgives any outstanding debt after 20 years. Any individual who chooses to be a teacher, or nurse or any other public service employee will have their debt forgiven in 10 years. Romney has said that he would not forgive student loan debt, or make promises he can’t keep when it comes to increasing grant awards.

Obama has increased funding for the Violence against Women Act, expanded Pell grants, cut costs on prescriptions for Medicare recipients, closed Guantanamo Bay, and oh yeah, there’s that little mission he ordered which killed Osama bin Laden. No big deal, right?

Analysts and politicians are quick to jump on the “it’s about personal responsibility” bandwagon, but when are people going to realize that whole idea of the American dream is to have a life worth living? People aren’t just going around merely wanting a government payout, or set out to get pregnant and have to undergo an abortion procedure or lose their jobs and have to go on welfare.

We have to learn, as a country, that we shoulder one another’s burdens. Vote for the candidate that will best stick up for what you believe in. Don’t just take my word for any of this. Do your research, on both candidates, and really decide who you want as your leader for the next four years. In my opinion, that man is Barack Obama.

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

 

Related editorial:

Point/Counterpoint: He had his chance

InFocus: Alone, fearful, desperate: The psychology of a troubled mind

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Photo illustration by Tasha Cook
Photo illustration by Tasha Cook

By Jon Parton

Charles Joseph Whitman was a Marine, a Boy Scout troop leader, and a student of architectural engineering at the University of Texas. His wife taught biology at a nearby high school.

On Aug. 1, 1966, Whitman entered the observation deck of the Main Building at the university and began firing a high powered rifle at people on campus. An autopsy later found a tumor in his brain that may have affected his behavior.

Whatever the cause, many people suffer from serious mental health illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in 17 American adults and an estimated one in 10 children suffer from some kind of serious mental health disorder.

This past summer has seen a number of mass shootings in the national headlines. Susie Sympson, adjunct professor, Psychology, believes that too much attention is being placed on the violence rather than the reasons behind it.

“I think that we’ve turned into a society that, you know, watches maybe in horror, but they watch these things,” Sympson said. “They are very much attracted to these things.”

She said action needs to be taken to help people with mental illness before it reaches a point where a person inflicts harm on themselves or others.

“The majority of our homeless people are mentally ill,” Sympson said. “The number of mentally ill in jails is super high. We don’t have the services, we don’t pay attention to the things that we can do.”

She added that people are more likely to commit suicide than to harm others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death of Americans and the third leading cause of death of Americans ages 15 to 24.

Sympson said people with mental health disorders do not just “snap.”

“That’s very simplistic,” Sympson said. “There is no one thing. There are lots of things. We can’t get away from society and what society is doing.”

Michelle Salvato, professor, Psychology, works to address mental health issues in children. She said behavior can sometimes be linked to family.

“History and psychology has shown normal people are capable of horrendous things,” Salvato said. “I think what happens is there may be a genetic vulnerability.”     

She believes parents play one of the most important parts in developing good mental health for their children.

“People don’t learn coping skills,” Salvato said. “I just don’t think parents teach kids coping skills.”

Brad Redburn, chair, Psychology, said that psychologists have yet to discover a link in behavior between violent killers.

“They have looked into aggressive behavior for a very long time,” Redburn said. “And what they’re finding is that there are no patterns. These seem to happen under exceptional circumstances.”

Redburn said there is not a lot of evidence to study because mass killings are so rare.

“There’s a perception that it’s more common,” Redburn said. “It’s sort of like when an airplane crashes. It makes the news because it rarely happens.”

He added that people should simply communicate better in order to help others.

“You run the risk of a false positive if you don’t talk to a person you suspect is having problems,” Redburn said. “It’s very much a situation-by-situation situation.”

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

InFocus: Staying safe in an emergency situation

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Photo illustration by Tasha Cook
Photo illustration by Tasha Cook

By Jon Parton

A series of mass shootings has gained national attention in recent months and the college has responded by implementing a new strategy known as ALICE training.

ALICE stands for Alert-Lockdown-Inform-Counter-Evacuate. The program was created 10 years ago by Greg Crane, a former law enforcement officer, and his wife Lisa Crane, a former counselor and educational therapist. The college contracted their company, Response Options, for the ALICE training.

The program created controversy back in 2006 when the Texas school district of Burleson rejected the program after training all of its teachers and some of its students.

Part of the ALICE training calls for students and faculty to physically confront attackers if the opportunity presents itself.

Alisa Pacer, manager of Emergency Preparedness, said the college decided to adopt the ALICE strategy because it was believed to be better than the school’s previous policy.

“If you truly break down ALICE, it’s the same strategies that are enforced and provided by the Department of Homeland Security, where you’ll hear the out principles ‘Hide out, get out, or take out,’” Pacer said. “In other words, it’s self-empowerment for survival.”

Pacer said that a possible emergency situation involving an active shooter on campus has no clear solution.

“Each situation is so volatile and so quickly changing,” Pacer said. “You know, in my experience, especially when I first came to this campus, active shooter was big then too. It was after Virginia Tech and people asked the question, ‘Tell me what to do?’ And there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.”

Pacer said one of the most significant changes to policy involves the idea of lockdown.

“If we lock classroom doors, either for you, or you do it yourself… you can always get out,” Pacer said. “You’re never locked in. And in the training, that’s a big concept that we’re trying to change. And we’re not telling you to stay if it’s in your best interest to go.”

The training is a requirement for all college employees. Pacer estimated that more than 1,200 employees already completed training in the span of one week.

“By the end of September, we will have an online Angel core for those employees that just absolutely can’t make an in-person session,” Pacer said. “They’ll be able to take the online video course and we will be able to track the training that way.”

The school also adopted a new text and desktop alert system called JCCC Alerts. Pacer said that every credit student, continuing education student and college employee is automatically enrolled in the program. JCCC Alerts sends texts during emergency situations, informing people with up-to-date known details.

“We’ve gotten the buy-in that, as we have information, so will you, because that equals survival,” Pacer said.

Pacer said real-time communication of events as they occur is important to ensuring survival during a shooting.

“If you look at any instance that has fault, or turns to chaos, I mean if you look back at root cause, communication is usually 90 percent of the theme that you’ll see,” Pacer said.

The college is currently looking into making the program available for students, but nothing has been decided at the moment. Janelle Vogler, executive director of Audit and Advisory Services, said she would like to see students be able to take participate in ALICE training.

“Since it’s not a required thing, I think it’s such a positive, great skill for people to have,” Vogler said.

Larry Dixon, deputy chief, Police Department, said police officers on campus have taken the ALICE training as well.

“Our officers have trained with the Overland Park Police Department’s tactical unit,” Dixonsaid. “We’re trained to respond to violent intrusion, but the [ALICE] training offered a new perspective.”

Dixon said he believed the program would be very useful for students to take and welcomed the idea of opening training to everyone.

“Anytime you can make the college community more aware, the better,” Dixonsaid.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Culinary building to eliminate 264 parking spots

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The new Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center, which began construction in May, will eliminate 264 parking spaces from campus.

“The Library lot where the construction is happening in [has] 264 spots,” said Ryan Wing, senior Sustainability analyst. “The building itself is only supposed to sit on 120 when it’s completed, but we lose the whole lot during construction.”

A temporary parking lot was added by the Quivira entrance in response to the loss of the Library lot. According to Wing, the temporary lot will stay open throughout construction of the culinary building.

“There were several locations that were looked at for the building,” he said. “The building itself got moved at least a couple of times during that planning process. Originally it was going to be on [the west] side of campus and it would have taken up fewer parking spaces, but there was a concern about visibility of the building and access to the building.”

There are no current plans to build additional parking to even out the number of spaces lost.

“Our office has made the recommendation to the administration that we not build additional parking,” Wing said. “The cost to construct another garage the size of the Galileo garage that we currently have is $17.5 million or so. Part of our concern is we don’t want that cost passed onto students in increased fees to help pay for that.”

Compiled by David Hurtado, dhurtado@jccc.edu

News briefs – Sept. 6, 2012

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Campus Farm hosts lunch Tuesday, Sept. 18

The college will host a lunch using produce from the campus farm. The three-course menu includes a cantaloupe and lettuce salad, choice of chicken or stuffed red pepper and cinnamon flan for dessert.

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for non-students and are available online or from the Business office (GEB 115). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Student Environmental Alliance. The lunch will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 in RC 101.

 

College joins National Preparedness Month campaign

This September is the ninth annual National Preparedness Month and the college’s office of Emergency Preparedness has joined a coalition with the intent of encouraging people to take action in their own communities.

The theme this year is “Pledge to Prepare – Awareness to Action.” For more information, visit http://www.ready.gov.

 

Deliberation over Brown & Gold Club continues

According to Dennis Day, vice president, Student Success and Engagement, no final decisions have been made regarding the Brown & Gold Club, available to Johnson County residents over the age of 55. Currently the club offers free tuition in credit classes and other benefits for an annual membership fee of $10.

One recommendation, mentioned in the minutes of the May 7 Learning Quality Committee meeting, is to start charging members $25 per credit hour. Day said members will be notified when decisions are finalized.

Kris Dye, former director of Brown & Gold, resigned from the position late last month. Day said he does not know if the position will be filled or if administrators will decide on a different route.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Police briefs – Sept. 6, 2012

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iPad theft in GYM

Campus Police were dispatched to the GYM after a college staff member said his iPad II, which had been charging in GYM 017, was reported missing on Aug. 16. He reported that he left the room for about 10 minutes. The room was open and many people would have had access. The Help Desk also instructed him how to clear the contents of the iPad via computer.

 

Equipment stolen from baseball field

A college faculty member reported on Aug. 15 that someone had stolen netting for the batting cage. He said he was mowing the field and was surprised because generally the netting is installed in spring and remains there until winter. He asked coaches and the contractor making repairs to the field if they had removed it, but none had. The reporting party also said he was unsure what value the net would have to the thief.

 

Missing laptop

A student reported his Macbook Pro missing on Aug. 22. The student was parked in the lower east garage of the Carlsen Center. He told police he remembered putting the laptop on the roof of his car as he put his book bag in the car and when he arrived home the laptop was nowhere to be found.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Column: Talkin’ ’bout my generation

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By Mackenzie Clark

Perhaps some of you may have noticed a pattern emerging from the many shootings in the news fairly recently.

In quite a few of those cases the suspects were in their teens or 20’s. These immature kids decided that some aspect of their lives had gone wrong and it was their duty to make the world pay for it.

Naturally mental illness is a huge factor in cases of shootings, but I believe the root of the problem goes deeper than that.

This generation was raised in a society where there are no losers.

“Oh, you came in tenth place? You’re the last winner! Here’s your trophy.”

Not only that, but some schools have eliminated failing grades and instead offer students as many chances as they need to finally figure out the correct answer. This even applies to cheaters and plagiarizers.

We celebrate far too many of our inadequacies, and it’s exactly the wrong way to handle them. The areas where we fare poorly do not make us diverse; they make us human.

This is not how the real world works, and it’s time kids start to realize that at an early, healthy age. Otherwise they will be blindsided when life isn’t the sunshine and rainbows they believed it was before they graduated high school.

You know what happens when someone doesn’t live up to the standards set for The Ledger staff? I warn them, and if I have to, fire them. Game over. Just like all supervisors do.

At some point, society began turning its children into whiny, incompetent, spoiled, interdependent little pantywaists. Now the kids of my generation are growing into adults who, like their younger forms, believe they’re entitled to everything under the sun.

“I, like everyone else, can’t find a job in this economy! I need unemployment.”

“I can’t afford $8 a month in order to be as promiscuous as I want. I need free birth control. Oh, and in a few months, I’ll need free STD tests, too.”

“I can’t pay my tuition myself! But I really need to go to Harvard…” and the list goes on and on.

So, James Holmes of Aurora, Colo., you didn’t get into that graduate neuroscience program? That’s because you are a failure.

Those 12 people you killed and the 58 you injured had nothing to do with it.

Holmes failed an important oral exam, and he so miserably botched an interview with neuroscience program director Daniel Tranel at the University of Iowa that the man warned his colleagues, “Do NOT offer admission under any circumstances.”

Is this a license to kill? Last time I failed an exam I certainly didn’t go out and buy four guns and over 6,000 bullets and swing by a movie’s opening night on my way home. I dealt with it and knew no one had any choice in the matter but me. Holmes’ entitlement mentality, among other things, led him to believe that someone else needs to pay for his own shortcomings.

If after reading this someone decides to go on a shooting spree and I’m first on the list, I have but five choice words for you:

Go ahead. Make my day.

Contact Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu.

Sports Column: Arrowheading into the 2012 season

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“Red Friday at the Memorial” – Photo illustration courtesy Jim Russell

By James Russell

Preseasons are a hard thing to use as a gauge for what will happen in the regular season. There are too many variables going on behind the scenes for us to know with any certainty how much the team we see on the field has in common with who they really are.

Players are being scrutinized by coaches and as a result we see a lot of guys in the game that will not be around in a few weeks. Offensive and defensive play-calling is usually done at the simplest of levels – no reason to show the enemy your plans before the true battles have even begun.

Players have the psychological ability to not play to their potential in games that don’t count, which can lead to blown assignments and sloppy play. While that is a negative mindset which should be fixed by the coaching staff, it can’t really serve as a reliable indicator for how they will play come week one.

That said, there is no excuse for Kansas City’s third preseason game against the Seahawks. It is the most important game of the four and the one most scrutinized by fans of all 32 teams. The start of the regular season is only days away, and in truth I am a bit nervous. What team will we see take the field on Sept. 9 against a powerful offensive squad like the Seattle Seahawks? Will it be the team that is stacked top-to-bottom with talent on both sides of the ball; that is finally capable of waging a successful war against the rest of the AFC? Or will we see an unbelievably talented team that is unable to make that talent work together – to make it click?

After much thought, I expect to see the former. I don’t believe we’ll see it in all of its glory that first game, however. The game against the Seahawks proved that something, for at least one game, was seriously off for this team.

Look at the caliber of players we have sitting on this roster: Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel (contrary to the popular, unreasoned opinion of him, he is a huge asset to this team), Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Jonathan Baldwin, Steve Breaston, Dexter McCluster, Glen Dorsey, Eric Winston, Kevin Boss, Peyton Hillis – and this is only a handful of the quality players who currently wear the arrowhead upon their helmets.

Add to the quantity of great players, the quality of character and leadership among them, and on the side of those actually playing the game, our potential is nearly mind-boggling.

The only real question mark lies on the side of the coaching staff – and our head coach in particular.

Romeo Crennel, for all of the accolades he won in the final three games of last season, is still a variable in the formula that currently remains an unknown. His record as head honcho for the Browns is not exactly impressive at 26-40, but then again in Cleveland he was not surrounded by the level of talent he is here in Kansas City. He is a defensive genius, but should he really be at the helm of both Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator? Yes or no, I don’t believe that answer will be long in coming.

Crennel has the possibility to be great, but the truth, as yet, is that no one knows if he will be. He has to take the reins of this team, to balance being a players’ coach (Herm Edwards, anyone?) with the fact that he is the final authority for the 53 men in his charge and that he must make them respect him as such. He has to be willing, should it become necessary, to relinquish the role of Defensive Coordinator and focus solely on his HC duties.

There is no reason to believe he is not more than capable of all of the above. It is clear that the players do respect him. He brought them together in a spectacular win over the undefeated Green Bay Packers late last season.

My prediction, just before the regular season begins, is that we will see a few stumblings in our early games but these instances will be merely growing pains – some creaks and groans as the sleeping giant that is Kansas City pulls itself up from where it has lain for so long and prepares to go to war.

Those missteps, should they happen, will be worrisome when they occur. The game against the Falcons was gut wrenching, and it was only an inconsequential preseason matchup. The local media will likely pick apart every mistake and put it under a magnifying glass for the public to take as a sign of the apocalypse.

But we will get through it. The Chiefs are in a place that should allow them to grow at an exponential rate once they’ve begun to gain momentum – in strength and in speed, but just as importantly in unity as a team.

There is an invisible current running through this ball club, a current that hums quietly but powerfully beneath the surface of not merely Arrowhead, but of the entire Chief’s Kingdom. If you are quiet enough, if you can manage to drown out the naysayers and doomsday prophets that appear at the slightest provocation (not making a Super Bowl since 1969 has the ability to make some a bit cynical, I know), you can hear it. It’s that deep, nearly silent vibration that makes the helmets look just a bit brighter on game day, the grass on the field that bit greener. That makes hope just that small bit more real.

But it won’t be quiet much longer.

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

Student Senate elections take place

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Student Senate elections are currently taking place on the second floor of COM from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and tomorrow (Sept. 5 and 6).

Students can also vote online following the instructions here.

Here is a brief biography from each candidate. None of the information has been edited for length, grammar or clarity.

All information courtesy Bruna Iacuzzi, president, Student Senate

 

Elliot Rogers

As a student senator I want to help people make the most of their campus at JCCC. Our campus is full of dozens of inspirational clubs and organizations with hundreds more ideas waiting to happen. As a student senator candidate I plan to put our accomplishments and school pride on display for everyone to see and be a part of through our teams, our clubs, our events, and our campus projects.

Brenden Brower-Freeman

I feel like JCCC has the potential to rival many four year institutions. Having the largest undergrad enrollment in the state of Kansas, and a beautiful and welcoming campus, all it would take to achieve a status similar to other institutions is a strong group of leaders willing to sacrifice for the school and make a commitment to raise it to its full potential.

Shuaibu Umar

I have a strong commitment to ensure that my fellow students at JCCC are felling the sense of belonging while pursuing their educational goals. One of my leadership experiences includes completing a leadership development program at JCCC. In the spring of 2012, I participated and completed a Cavalier Leadership Development Program organized by the Student Success and Engagement division of Johnson County Community College. In this interesting semester long program I was taught the qualities of an exceptional leader and since then I have been practicing and putting in action those qualities.

Alanzo McIntosh

I see that we are a very divided student population, unable to solve situation effectively. It will be my mission to create a higher state of living here on campus by bringing different groups of people forth, and then spreading the message of love and embracement to make us more efficient as a society.

Preet Kaur

JCCC senate is a great way to serve this community on campus. Being elected would give me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide array of people, both peers and faculty. I am running for student senate because it is the people of JCCC who inspire me to stand up and do something for our school. My fellow students and peers give me the motivation to set forth and make an effort, which gives me a reason to run for a senator position.

Annie Lynn

To make a difference in the world, one must take action and work toward one’s goals. I am running for a position on the Student Senate because I want to make a difference on the JCCC campus. I would like to participate as part of the Senate team, listening and responding to students, and opening the JCCC community so it becomes even more welcoming. I would like to help students learn more about the opportunities that are open to them and unite the JCCC community.

Cecilia López

Student Senate is a very important part of the Johnson County Community College experience. I wish to run for senate, because it will put me in a position where I will experience leadership and service which are an important part of government, which involves my major, Political Science.

Vanessa Lawton

The thing I enjoy the most is serving others. Knowing the cause and effect brings out the best in every situation. I strive to stay informed as possible to know what to do, because that is what I feel. I stand on what I feel is valuable to others and the community. This position will allow me to help others who feel their opinion and concerns are just thoughts in their heads. They will be able to voice those concerns and know that it is taken into consideration.

Mehak Sood

This position would serve as an excellent opportunity for me to be involved in the JCCC family. Being a Senator would allow me grow in many ways, and would also be a great platform for me to help other students. Using my marketing skills I would like to help the clubs in our JCCC community grow and thrive to improve our student engagement around campus. This will not only make JCCC a fun place, but also make students feel a part of the college which is very important.

Lara Blomberg

I’m running for a Student Senator position because it’s important to me to try to make JCCC the best college it can be. I want to get as many people involved in activities as possible and make sure students know they have someone to talk to about things they don’t think are going right. Another thing that is very important to me is Dollars for Scholars; I want to continue to raise money for scholarships.

Sergio Sanchez

I believe being involved in groups and activities is an integral part of developing and refining social skills needed in various environments; which is not only why I’m looking to get involved but also one of the things I hope to make evident to the student body should I be one of the selected few. My past extracurricular experiences include debate, forensics, Club YESS (which is similar to the organization of black collegians here on campus), being involved with numerous assemblies in which I was asked to perform, Helping with the school’s poetry slam, and DECA which is a business and marketing club

David Peterson

I am running for student Senate to actively participate in council to make the school a more proficient learning experience. To make sure clubs have a direct goal and focus to not waste funding that could be used by other clubs.

My past experience involves being a Student Leader at the Intervarsity Club. Founding a political support and information institution. Actively participating and coordinating of various fundraising events, and working in managerial staff position for a retail conglomerate.

Kansans could be easy victims of identity theft

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Ledger staff reports, in collaboration with Kansas Watchdog

Earl Glynn, Watchdog Labs researcher, discovered a pattern which can enable criminals to easily predict the first five or six digits of Social Security numbers.

The pattern applies to people born in Kansas between the years 1989 and 2011, and the only information required is the subject’s date of birth.

Campus Ledger reporters Jon Parton and Mackenzie Clark teamed up with JCAV producer Mike Czerniewski to test the pattern on students of the college and film their reactions:

Read the full article by Travis Perry, Kansas Watchdog reporter, here.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Science building gives sinking feeling

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By David Hurtado

The college brought in mudjackers from KC Master Companies July 30 to repair the north side of the SCI building, which had begun to sink into the ground.

The total cost for repairs was $15,860. Maintenance included drilling cores out of sections of the building where voids were located and pumping in mud to fill underlying voids and float the slab’s base back into position.

David Frey, president, KC Master Companies, said the problem centered on particles in building materials moving closer together while the void spaces began to shrink.

“The interior concrete slab floors were settling along the north side of the building,” Frey said. “The material consolidated over time, and that’s a pretty common situation.”

Rick Monk, director, Campus Services and Energy Management, said the age of the building materials likely played a role in causing it to sink.

“Those buildings were constructed approximately back in the ‘70s, I believe,” Monk said. “There were some materials under there that were used back in that day that over time were depleted. Combined with soil erosion, that’s when we noticed there were areas that were sinking.”

According to Monk, a maintenance worker first noticed the issue last year, but the safety of students and faculty was never at risk.

“It’s more of a maintenance item,” he said. “All areas, even under buildings through contraction and expansion, mostly in the Midwest, have voids. Right now the ground is really hard and so you’re getting a lot of contraction. There was never any safety problems or issues attributed to that.”

Monk said it is possible other buildings on campus may be in danger of sinking into the ground, but ground-penetrating radar (GPR) studies have yet to turn up any problems.

“Some of the buildings were built during the same time, so we anticipate that there may be some other buildings that have the same problems,” he said. “We do not have any current problems in any other buildings.”

Brian Baumgardner, professor, Science, was out of his first floor SCI office for the summer but his office was cleared during the mudjacking. He said to his knowledge this was the first time the college has had a situation like this.

Baumgardner also said he feels completely safe in the SCI building, because the college is “very proactive” in addressing safety issues.

Classes scheduled to be held in SCI this fall will not be affected.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Student senate president-elect steps down

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By Jon Parton

Awista Sherzada has stepped down from the office of Student Senate president. Bruna Iacuzzi, the senate vice-president, agreed to take over the position.

This marks the second consecutive year an elected president has resigned from office before the start of the semester. Last year, President-elect Corey Paris opted to vacate the position after deciding to attend another college.

Sherzada could not be reached for comment. In an interview with The Campus Ledger last semester, Sherzada said she was excited to be the new president.

Mindy Kinnaman, Student Senate adviser, said she received Sherzada’s resignation a few weeks before the start of the semester. Kinnaman said Sherzada’s resignation is not unusual.

“It’s actually quite common for officers to step down,” Kinnaman said. “We usually have at least one officer every year that has to, for some reason or another, resign from the Senate.”

In the event that the president resigns, the Student Senate’s constitution states that the vice-president has the option to step up and assume responsibilities of the presidency.

If the vice-president chooses not to accept, nominations will be accepted for the position with the stipulation that nominees be previously-elected Executive Board members.  

According to Kinnaman, the office of vice-president will be available to existing Student Senate officers. If more than one officer is nominated for the office, or if no officers are nominated, a new election will be held to determine who will take over as the new vice-president.

“Everything is spelled out in the Student Senate constitution,” Kinnaman said.

Iacuzzi said she was initially startled by the news, as she was in Italy at the time she heard about Sherzada stepping down.

“Well, I was surprised,” Iacuzzi said. “I was really excited to work with Awista. I didn’t expect it.”

Iacuzzi said she hopes to accomplish a lot during her tenure in order to help the student body.

“We are excited to continue things like trick-or-treat for kids, and ‘JCCC Gives,’” Iacuzzi said. “We had a successful town hall meeting on the smoking ban last semester and we hope to have more of them this year.”

Iacuzzi also said that she hopes to help inform students about safety and services the college provides.

“I want to let the students how we can help them,” Iacuzzi said. “I want to promote security at the college, to let students know how to be safe. For instance, I want students to know that campus security is willing to walk them out to their cars at night.”

Although Iacuzzi did not expect to start off the semester as president, she said she is excited and ready to start.

“I really care about Johnson County,” Iacuzzi said. “I wasn’t expecting her to step down but I’m ready to do it.”     

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

SIFE food pantry open for fall

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By Tabi Secor

The Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) food pantry is still up and running after two years of successfully providing food to the campus community.

The college’s SIFE organization started the food pantry in OCB 272 after they won a contest sponsored by Campbell’s Soup Company. Colleges from all over the country participated and had to show how they would best utilize the food pantry. The college’s chapter won a grant for winning the competition.

“There were instances,” Lynn Richards, SIFE adviser, said. “For example, Food Services were finding that people didn’t have money to buy lunch.”

Richards said that he had students who previously inquired about places they might be able to get food.

“We determined there was a need,” said Richards.

In Johnson County, one in five full time employees makes $30,000 or less per year. And, between 2008 and 2010, the median income declined by 7 percent. The statistics, compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and released in a report by the United Community Services of Johnson County also showed that nearly 40,000 people lived in poverty in Johnson County in 2010.

Richards said they understand money is tight, and they want to be able to help.

Students involved with SIFE stock the food pantry and the school also receives money from the grant. The food pantry collected more than 5,000 pounds of food last year.

Even though there is no one around in the summer to replenish the pantry, people have been taking advantage the last few months.

“I know for a fact that people have come in and gotten food,” Richards said.

According to Stacey Allison, SIFE vice president, the pantry will be open for the fall.

“We want people to use it,” Allison said. “Anyone can go in. We don’t have any qualifications. We do ask that people sign their first name, and list how many people they’re buying for. That way we can keep track of how many people are using the pantry.”

One of SIFE’s goals for the pantry is to move it so that it will be more accessible to students. Right now it shares the space with adjunct professors.

“We would love to move it,” Allison said. “We just need someone to find the space for us. We would be able to utilize the pantry better if it were more accessible and in a bigger space.”

Along with re-opening the pantry, SIFE is preparing to put donation bins back up. There will be four or five them, spread across numerous campus buildings, including GEB.

“Our purpose is to provide food for people in need,” Richards said. “I want people to know that it’s there.”

If you would like to join SIFE, volunteer for the food pantry or donate, contact Lynn Richards at hrichards@jccc.edu or at ext. 4695.  

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

 

Related articles:

Staff editorial: Hidden hunger

New social media policy still in the works

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Illustration by Sara Scherba

By Jon Parton

Illustration by Sara Scherba

A committee at the college is drafting a new social media policy, expected to be finalized during the semester.

A writing committee was set up in 2010 to create guidelines on how the school should handle social media. The school is one of many that have had to implement social media guidelines for students and faculty in recent years.

According to Patrick Lafferty, assistant professor, Computer Interactive Media and committee member, the guidelines were created after four nursing students were expelled for posting pictures of themselves with an anonymous woman’s placenta on Facebook. One of the students, Doyle Byrnes, successfully sued the college in federal court.

“It’s a good idea for an institution to implement a social media policy,” Lafferty said.

The process itself has been worked on for two years. Lafferty said that it has been difficult creating a policy that accounts for privacy, freedom of speech, and changing technology.

With the abundance of social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, Lafferty said  it is important to account for all of them. Although the policy is likely to be released this semester, Lafferty said the process has taken two years.

“We never actually completed a policy,” Lafferty said. “It’s important to write it with future considerations.”

According to Tanya Wilson, general counsel for the school, the current guidelines mostly make reference to existing policies already in place. She said there is no guaranteed timetable for the new policy, but she believes it should be completed within a couple of months.

“It’s not unusual for a policy to be updated,” Wilson said. “But it’s important to make the policy flexible.”

Wilson said the writing committee is made up of ten college employees. She was unable to comment on the specifics of the policy because it is still being drafted.

The current social media guidelines posted on the college’s website state that the use of profane or harassing language will not be tolerated on any college-hosted sites. They also prohibit students, faculty and staff to act as official representatives of the school without authorization.

Peter Belk, program director, Admissions, has been a part of the writing committee for the past two years. He said although the original agreement was written two years ago, there were many issues the guidelines did not address.

“We had to merge things together,” he said.

Belk said it is important that the final policy address issues such as violent language and libelous content.  

“Let’s say you were to harass or threaten someone online,” he said. “If you’re a student and a staff member, do we fire you or expel you?”

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Police briefs – Thursday, Aug. 23

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A new beginning: After 31 years, future of college now in hands of new photographer

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Susan McSpadden poses with a collection of vintage cameras she found in her new office after becoming the college`s new administrative photographer on May 29. Photo by Kelly Daniels
Susan McSpadden poses with a collection of vintage cameras she found in her new office after becoming the college`s new administrative photographer on May 29. Photo by Kelly Daniels

By James Russell

The office is sparsely decorated, the space of a woman who is still in the process of moving in. Ghosts of the office’s last tenant still linger in the two rooms that comprise it: jerry-rigged lighting assemblies; a large, faded photograph of men shoveling snow; bits-and-bobs that hide in the shadowed recesses of the studio portion of the office.

This is a place pleasantly haunted by Bret Gustafson, who chronicled the history of the college for 31 years. But the chronicling of its future rests in the hands of the woman sitting behind the desk of LIB 142.

At the age of 15, Susan McSpadden, the college’s new administrative photographer, needed an elective for high school.

“I chose Photography, and haven’t put a camera down since,” she said. “I was a shy, introverted kid and photography was a way for me to express myself differently and to put myself into situations that I wasn’t confident enough to get into on my own.”

Born the daughter of a career Army man in Ft. Knox, Ky., McSpadden life was one characterized by change. Moving every two to three years until she graduated high school, it was not easy to consider anyplace home.

In 1988 she entered the University of Kansas to pursue her degree in photojournalism, and graduated in 1994 with many of her core classes taken here at the college. So where does she consider home?

“I claim Kansas City,” she said. “I’ve been here since ’94.”

After graduation McSpadden entered the professional world as a photographer and photo editor for The Kansas City Star, a job that would span eight years and play a large part in molding a young, timid girl into a woman confident in herself and her abilities.

But feeling the change in her confidence and skills wasn’t enough for McSpadden: she wanted to see it in action. She left The Star to pursue a freelance career, to test what she thought she was capable of.

The move to being self-sufficient was a big leap for her, and a scary one. It was after a year of flying solo that the realization, “This is working. I can do this,” entered her mind and it was then that McSpadden knew she would make it.

Fast-forward ten years to the office situated in a back hallway of the college’s library. It is now Susan McSpadden’s. The personal touches that will come to characterize the area are thus far minimal: beside the desk is a grouping of personal family photographs taped to the wall. The shelves which stand nearby are crowned with antique cameras salvaged from what was left by the room’s predecessor. In front of the desk which dominates the room are not the usual separate chairs reserved for visitors, but instead two movie theatre style seats bolted to a carpeted piece of what is presumably wood. This is a place that resonates with a personality yet to be fully realized.

But it is the woman behind that desk that is the room’s most distinctive feature.

“One of the coolest things about photography, when I started out and even now, is just the ability to capture the essence of a person and capture their personality through an image,” McSpadden said. “The passion and the challenge is still there to capture people at their best and to really show off emotion… capturing that peak moment that really tells the story of the event.”

McSpadden is still a quiet, reserved person. The remnants of the shy girl she once was still exist, tempered now with experience, confidence, and maturity. She speaks softly and thoughtfully, exuding the aura of a woman who knows just who she is.

Administrative photographer is a job that demands not only time and dedication, but also passion. Julie Haas, assistant vice president, Marketing Communications, said McSpadden possesses the traits necessary for the position.

“Susan’s skills are exemplary,” Haas said. “We think she is a wonderful addition to the marketing communications staff.”

Taking over for someone that has been such a huge part of this institution’s history are shoes seemingly hard to fill – Gustafson wore those shoes for over 30 years – but as will always be the case with the passing of time, things must change and batons must be passed. This particular baton seems to be in good hands.

“At the end of my career, at the end of my life, I hope that people who knew me and worked with me will say, ‘She always did it well,’” she said.

Contact James Russell, reporting correspondent, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

Ancient Chinese board game spurs new club on campus

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Bonfilio makes a move in his game of Go.
John Bonfilio, left, and Brian Weddle want to start a Go club on campus. Photos by Daniel De Zamacona

By Natalie Goodwin

There is a world where combat can be handled within the realm of manners and etiquette; where man can remain humble and have a magnanimous spirit during battle.

A world exists where conflict is gently controlled by balance and harmony; not by aggression and greed. This is the province of the game ‘Go.’

John Bonfilio, junior, and Brian Weddle, sophomore, have been playing Go for several years. Both are actively involved in sponsoring a Go club on campus and teaching the game by volunteering at Harmony Middle School in the Blue Valley school district.

“We are trying to spread word and interest in the game in a more scholastic fashion,” Bonfilio said.

At the college’s Japan Festival last fall, Bonfilio and Weddle said they were approached by Blue Valley Schools to bring the game to their multicultural festival that October. Both men continue to teach Go at Harmony Middle School on a regular basis.

Go is a board game generally played by two players or teams of players. It is played with white and black stones with the goal of obtaining the larger territory using a wide variety of configurations and possibilities.

According to Bonfilio, the game originated in China during the Zhou Dynasty more than 2500 years ago when it was called weiqi. Games can take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes to finish, or longer for tournament games.

The men’s objective is to get schools to treat Go clubs like chess clubs. They began volunteering at Harmony Middle School to bring the children a game that encourages a more benevolent, self-controlled way of managing conflict.

Bonfilio makes a move in his game of Go.

Bonfilio said that one of his motives to play and teach Go is that he enjoys how the game “promotes growing from losses, learning from and investing in your failures.”

Weddle discussed the aspects of the game, saying it “does a tremendous job of getting in touch with yourself.”

“Everybody hungers for knowledge, so they try to learn from as many sources as possible,” he said.

Bonfilio and Weddle are in full swing of the process required to found an official Go club here at the college. In need of just a few more petition signatures and after completion of the club’s constitution, they are eager to have the club made official by sometime in September.

Gina Egan, adjunct associate professor, Science, has agreed to sponsor the new club as faculty adviser. Egan has been playing Go with her daughter for almost a year.

“The strategy and critical thinking that must occur to play is on a whole other level,” Egan said. “It can provide the opportunity to exercise and stretch the mind in ways that few other pursuits can.”

She has high hopes that Bonfilio and Weddle are successful in their club and that it generates a lot of interest.

Bonfilio and Weddle both believe that the Go club will be a great benefit to the student body as a club that teaches a game of humanity and peace.

“Go helps in developing friendships in group immersed activities, where we learn together and play together,” Bonfilio said. “Along with constant discussion, focused and abstract thinking, Go helps develop better study habits and better students.”

For more information on the game or Go Club, follow Bonfilio and Weddle on Facebook at ‘Four Dragons Go Club’ or contact Bonfilio directly at john.bonfilio@gmail.com.

Contact Natalie Goodwin, reporting correspondent, at ngoodwi1@jccc.edu.

Sports Column: “We’re gonna beat the hell outta you!”

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"Red Friday at the Memorial" - Photo illustration courtesy Jim Russell
“Red Friday at the Memorial” – Photo illustration courtesy Jim Russell

By James Russell

I can still smell the sulfuric aroma of the fireworks as they drifted down in smoking trails from the dark night sky that crowned Arrowhead Stadium.

It was Monday night, Sept. 13, 2010, and the Kansas City Chiefs were set to face off on the national stage against the San Diego Chargers. I had never been as pumped for the beginning of a football season as I was that night.

I had never experienced such a certainty that one single event was about to signal the beginning of something historic as when I listened to the reverberating echo of over 75,000 people roaring “Chiefs!” at the final word of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The very marrow in my bones resonated with the knowledge that I was witnessing the start of something amazing.

And I did.

A playoff game in Arrowhead stadium. Six players selected and five participating in the Pro Bowl. A new energy in Kansas City – a skin-tingling sensation that let you know the city was alive with what could be.

Enter 2011: A ridiculous, money-driven strike decimated any type of offseason. Injury ridden pre- and regular seasons took from the Chiefs Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki within a matter of three consecutive weeks at the very beginning of the year – as well as Matt Cassel with still seven weeks to go. A local media that gave up on all that was red and gold as soon as things turned sour.

For one of the most historic teams in the NFL – and a fan base just as legendary – we reacted badly to these events. Many fans bought into the media hype and forgot about injuries, coaching issues, and a multitude of problems that could never have been accounted for prior to the 2011 season. Matt Cassel sucked. Our receivers didn’t care. Our rookies weren’t superstars. And such has been the sentiment up until shortly before the time that I find myself sitting and writing these words.

But 2011 was a fluke. No one could have anticipated what was to befall the Chiefs via injury so early. Yet we still fell two field goals away from a second playoff berth. Four of our top-rated players gone, three of them back-to-back by the time we finished our second game, and yet we were still in the race up until the last moment.

After such a disappointing season, this is a team that is about to live up to the fireworks launched that Monday night nearly two years ago. We have created one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, forged an offensive line that protects the quarterback and allows time for those breathtaking plays that we’ve been waiting for and we’ve put together a coaching staff that has learned from recent mistakes and will build on them.

With these things in place Matt Cassel, like it or not, is about to succeed in a way that will leave analysts questioning how they could have possibly missed it. The Chiefs are about to amaze the world – be it this season or next – and once they do, we will again be a dynasty in the NFL, the rightful heirs to a throne we have long vacated.

Get ready, Chiefs fans. Soon the tang of fireworks will once again tinge the air. This time, however, it will not merely be above Arrowhead. It will rain down upon all of Kansas City as we celebrate that which has eluded us for so long.

Lombardi is on his way.

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

Staff Editorial: Hidden hunger

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Illustration by Morgan Daigneault
Illustration by Morgan Daigneault

Johnson County has a reputation that many residents of the metro area could confirm without skipping a beat: privileged, well-off, and oblivious to the world outside the cozy bubble of suburbia.

These generalizations are not entirely unfounded, as Johnson County continues to lead the Kansas City metro area in median household income at $73,733, according to data collected by the United States Census Bureau.

With such a generous figure of wealth, it may come as a surprise to hear that poverty not only exists in this area, but it’s on the rise. In fact, from 2000 to 2010, numbers from United Community Services of Johnson County show the poverty rate rose 134 percent — the largest increase in poverty among neighboring suburban counties. 

It’s easy to believe poverty couldn’t possibly be an issue when cruising around campus and immediately surrounding areas. But it’s these generalizations that make it even more difficult for those living in Johnson County to seek help when they need it, or to even find assistance when they do seek it out.

The resources are available if you know where to look, but often times this information does not make it to the young adult demographic.  Jokes about ramen noodles and ketchup sandwiches run rampant about the college lifestyle, but for many in the metro, including our own students, it isn’t a joke. It’s a reality.

In November 2011, members of the student association Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) addressed this need on campus by establishing a food pantry in OCB 272. The pantry is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is available to any student, no questions asked. In addition to food items, personal care and baby items are also accepted for donation at the pantry.

With such a great resource available to students, how many have actually been taking advantage of it? Representatives of the pantry have estimated about ten students visit each week. This number seems small, but the reason is most likely due to lack of promotion rather than a lack of need.

With so much wealth in this county it’s hard to imagine an excuse for poverty here, but poverty and hunger are not going away. That much is apparent. Instead of pulling the North Face hoodies over their eyes or hiding their heads in oversized Coach bags like cartoon ostriches, citizens should face the facts.

How can we help? We can start by sharing our abundance with those who must wonder if they’ll have enough money for textbooks after buying diapers and food for their toddler. Or ponder, once again, heading to the dollar menu instead of the kitchen for dinner after a long day in class.

Even if we have no goods to give, we can give the gift of our time and compassion by volunteering to staff the food pantry, or actively make rounds to gather donations. But perhaps the most important and easiest way to help is by simply spreading the word of the college food pantry and dispelling the Johnson County daydream.

 

Related articles:

SIFE food pantry open for fall

Changes to faculty contract now in effect

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By David Hurtado

Modifications to the faculty contract are finalized after a lengthy negotiating period. At their June meeting the Board of Trustees approved the changes, now in effect until July 30, 2015.

Foremost among the changes was the decision to raise base salary by 2 percent the first year and 2.5 percent for years 2 and 3. Base salary for years 2 and 3 will build upon the base salary after the two percent raise for the first year.

Jeff Anderson, counselor and former Faculty Association president, said the research conducted by the bargaining team prior to contract negotiations showed the cost of living increased in Johnson County by almost 3 percent this year.

“When you receive a salary increase of 2 percent, you are not keeping up with the cost of living increases,” he said. “In years 2 and 3 of the contract, we agreed to a 2.5 percent increase but we will also be paying more for our health insurance, so that reduces the 2.5 percent increase to a lower percentage. If the cost of living increases in Johnson County continues to climb at a 3 percent annual rate; you can see where this is going.”

Don Perkins, executive director, Budget and Auxiliaries Services, said the negotiating team settled on the salary increases.

Another major amendment was the decision to require faculty members to begin paying for part of their medical insurance.

In the past, the college has fully covered rising healthcare costs. Under the new changes, the college will fully cover health insurance premiums for the first year of the contract but will require faculty members to share in the cost during the second year.

Becky Centlivre, executive director, Human Resources, said she doesn’t believe the healthcare changes will have any negative bearing on retirees, who do not have representation in the Faculty Association.

“I don’t think it’s going to impact them that much,” Centlivre said. “When you retire, [the government] takes money out of Social Security to pay for Medicare. I think them paying for part of their Medicare right now will be similar to paying for it when they turn 65.”

Centlivre said she believes the contract will be helpful in retaining faculty due to the cafeteria plan the college has. A cafeteria plan is a type of benefit that allows employees to choose between different kinds of benefits, similar to choosing between various food options in a cafeteria.

“I don’t think it will hurt at all, because our cafeteria plan is very unique,” she said. “A lot of schools don’t have a cafeteria plan. I think as long as we have that, we are extremely competitive in the market place.”

Anderson said he was disappointed with how the contract turned out.

“It’s safe to say that the 3-year contract we agreed to will not be keeping us up with the cost of living in Johnson County,” Anderson said. “The vote passed with a high percentage approval but we also had over 100 faculty members who didn’t vote.”

Another change was the decision to lower the qualifying time to receive medical leave from six months to three months, making it available to new faculty members sooner, said Deborah Williams, Faculty Association president.

“As new faculty come who might be of reproductive age or family-minded, that happens to be a benefit that could be important to retaining and recruiting faculty at this institution,” she said.

The flex dollar benefit will also be frozen for the duration of the contract. The flex dollar benefit contribution is a benefit that allows faculty members to allocate percentages of their paycheck toward different kinds of insurance. Faculty members can also store the percentages in a structured retirement program.

Centlivre said the flex dollar benefit was frozen because faculty members who did not use all of their benefit dollars could cash the remainder in, which was not the intent of the benefit.

The Master Agreement between the college and the Faculty Association is expected to be finalized “pretty soon,” according to Anderson. Human Resources employees are currently touching up on the language of the agreement, which finalizes the changes agreed upon in negotiation.

Centlivre said the agreements in the contract are in practice. The finalized agreement only applies to full-time employees with contracts signed post-July 1.

“We have agreement on all the major points,” Perkins said. “When you come out with the final version, you want every word to be as correct as possible. The Board has approved and the faculty has approved.”

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Jon Parton, managing editor, contributed to this article.

Staying on track

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Student Kelly Barnes, left, helps her stock car-racing boyfriend Bryce Roberts. Photo by Tasha Cook
Student Kelly Barnes, left, helps her stock car-racing boyfriend Bryce Roberts. Photo by Tasha Cook

Student Kelly Barnes hopes to help push her boyfriend, a local athlete, from regional to national racing by supporting him in his roles as a student and lifelong racer.

When Barnes first met Bryce Roberts, she quickly learned he had a growing passion for the racing pastime.

“He’s been [racing] for five years,” Barnes said. “I just caught the last year and a half.”

Roberts, a stock car racer from Spring Hill, started racing soon after getting his first car from his parents. Starting out on smaller tracks, Roberts recalled how difficult it was to race go-karts with his dad.

“It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,” Roberts said. “That challenge makes you want to step up.”

Roberts’ parents later purchased one of his previous cars for transportation, but he had future plans for it.

“As I grew older, it became more a part of my life,” Roberts said. “I took it off the streets and put it on the track.”

Barnes makes sure he never drives without repairs.

“I would wash his tires, help change air pressure and set up the scales,” she said. “Now that he moved up to bigger cars I really don’t do anything except scrape mud.”

With repairs made, there’s still a lot for Roberts to keep track of while racing. A radio helps maintain contact between race officials and the racers, and cars are divided into Hobby Stock, Pure Stock, A-Mod and B-Mod classes.

Depending on the class amount, about 40 cars race around dirt tracks as fast as possible each race. Even with other obstacles like mud, other racers and weather, nothing comes close to racing for Roberts.

“It’s just you and the car versus everybody else out there,” Roberts said. “It’s a feeling I haven’t been able to replicate anywhere else.”

Heartland Park of Topeka hosts many of the stock car races Roberts enters. Motorcycle and drag racing are also available.

Roberts recalls his first car for races.

“It was just a regular car,” he said. “As soon as I got it, that rebel boyhood thing, tearing around [the track] started then.”

A minimum stockcar weight of 3,300 and some specific parts are required to race. There is a chance to win prizes like car parts or sponsorship winnings.

Eager racers may sense a lot of opportunity from upcoming events, but Roberts has advice for those new to stock car racing.

“Do your homework,” Roberts said. “Go to the races and meet people.”

No matter where Roberts places on each track, he’ll have one supporter until the finish line.

“He would like to go big, to NASCAR,” Barnes said. “As long as he’s happy, he should go for it.”

Roberts intends to enroll at the college in spring and join Barnes in pursuing educational goals while balancing his racing career.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

Column: The new America

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By Jon Parton

For much of our country’s history, manufacturing jobs have provided a way for unskilled workers to advance to the ranks of the middle class. With an unemployment rate of more than eight percent, we Americans have to face reality. We have to encourage the workforce to seek out training in community colleges, technical schools, and other programs.

The rights of workers are being crushed by the competing workforce in East Asia and South America. Not only do companies save money by exporting these jobs, they marginalize the jobs that still exist in our country.

Although a global market is nothing new, the openness of modern trade has made it possible for companies to minimize their costs in all aspects of production. Raw materials can be purchased from South America, formed into components in Europe, assembled by workers in Asia and shipped globally at a much cheaper expense than to do it all in one country. Those manufacturing jobs have left the United States, and the grim reality is that they are never coming back.

Our country has jobs. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough people with sufficient training to take those jobs. On the scale of the global economy, America must reform itself to be the heart of science and technology.

A high school diploma doesn’t cut it anymore. Our workforce must consist of engineers and programmers rather than laborers. Americans can no longer rely on the same jobs as our forefathers. There is no factory, there is no warehouse; there is only technology and the people who know how to use it.

Politicians would have you believe that they can somehow reduce taxes to create jobs. We don’t need to create jobs; we need to educate the populace in order to fill already existing positions that require training.

Instead of talking about tax breaks for businesses, we need to talk about how we can make it easier for people to go back to school to receive training. As Americans, we have to tell ourselves that it’s not OK to just have a high school diploma or GED anymore.

Technology and business demands are rapidly changing. Unless we’re willing to pursue education, unless we’re willing to encourage the next generation to pursue education, we will find ourselves to be inconsequential in the global market.

Science, technology, engineering, and math are at the core of the training Americans need in order to compete with the global workforce. Our country needs to take a place of leadership when it comes to creating and training highly skilled workers in the global market.

If we want to continue to prosper, we can’t put faith in our elected officials. We have to start putting faith in ourselves.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

 

A note from the editor

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By Mackenzie Clark

Welcome to The Campus Ledger 2012-2013. As The Ledger’s editor-in-chief, I want to explain my intentions for your campus newspaper.

Our job is to report facts accurately and track down stories we believe will be pertinent to the student body. Of course, this means that we need your feedback. If we’re missing something that you feel we ought to cover, please let me know.

We are not a public relations outlet of the college. We intend to report on both positive and negative decisions the administration make.

Our job is to hold those in power accountable for their actions, which you will see frequently in upcoming issues.

We are also expanding our online coverage. You can expect to see more breaking news and frequent online-exclusive articles. The website is still under construction but we have made great strides in the past couple of weeks.

The Ledger will also enhance our social media presence. We are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/campusledger and on Twitter, @CampusLedger.

At The Campus Ledger, we fully believe in our rights of freedom of speech and press and intend to utilize them to their fullest extent.

My colleagues in the Student News Center and I are in the process of drafting a resolution that we hope all college administrators and the Board of Trustees will agree to sign. This resolution will confirm that they believe in our freedom to operate as an entirely student-run publication and that they will not attempt to censor us at any time.

As always, we will be willing to accept criticism and advice. But I call upon all administrators to guarantee in writing that they believe in our freedom as strongly as we do.

The Ledger will report on the outcome of this resolution in coming issues.

CONTACT MACKENZIE CLARK, EDITOR-IN- CHIEF, AT MCLARK68@JCCC.EDU.

Wolfgang Puck visit starts off new culinary series

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By Tabi Secor

Famed chef Wolfgang Puck will be visiting the college for a special night of food on Saturday, Aug. 25.

The event, “Spice! with Wolfgang Puck,” will be held in honor of Marc Valiani, a chef who worked under Puck. Valiani also worked in the Kansas City area as executive chef of PB&J Restaurants. He died of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) in 2011.

The dinner will be hosted by the college’s foundation.

“We are the charitable arm of the college, so we can accept donations for the college,” said Kate Allen, executive director, Institutional Advancement.

Tickets to the event ranged from $2,500 to $25,000. So far, 210 tickets have been sold through the Foundation, making the event essentially sold out.

“We had to be careful with our price point, to make sure that we raise as much as we could and still fill the room,” Allen said. 

The money raised from the event will go to three different areas. One-third will go to the new Hospitality & Culinary Academy, one-third will go to chef apprenticeship scholarships, and one-third will go to The Marc Valiani Foundation.

Kaymie Valiani, Marc Valiani’s wife, approached the college when she moved back to the area. She wanted to help raise money for culinary scholarships.

“She decided she wanted to do a fundraiser for the culinary building, scholarships for hospitality, because Marc was really one of the chefs that liked to teach the young chefs, and for ALS,” said Lindy Robinson, dean, Business.

The dinner will be held in the Capitol Federal Conference Room in the Regnier Center. Allen said that some individual tickets have been sold, but most have come through outside entities such as local hospitals, banks and Farmland Foods.

“In many cases, it’s the first time we’ve received donations from those companies, so that’s a really great new relationship that we’ve been able to start because of the event,” Allen said.

Students will also be involved with the event. There will be 17 apprentices from the college’s culinary program who will help assist Wolfgang’s crew of six chefs and a pastry chef. Two chefs from the college’s culinary program, Eddie Adel and Felix Sturmer, will also assist. Students will also work in the front of the room with guests.

“This is a very heavily student involved event,” Sturmer said. “They want as many students as possible.”

Robinson said this kind of event is very important to students in the culinary program.

“I think it’s great for them to be able to work with crews of this caliber,” she said. “Right now Wolfgang Puck owns the most prestigious restaurant in [Los Angeles] called CUT. There is a level of chefs out there that are really renowned, so for our students to be able to work with their crews is just fabulous.”

Puck’s visit will signal the first of the ‘Spice!’ series, which will feature chefs of the same caliber.

“This is the beginning,” Robinson said. “We are hoping this will be an ongoing, annual event.”

Sturmer said that the menu will be extensive. It is being mirrored after the dinner Puck prepared for the 2012 Governor’s Ball, the annual dinner held after the Academy Awards. A few of the items from the five-course menu include lobster, Colorado rack of lamb and a carving station serving Snake River Farms ribeye, heirloom tomato salad and roasted garlic potato puree.

Puck has built a food empire that includes Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.

Contact Tabi Secor, news editor, at tsecor@jccc.edu.

News briefs – Thursday, Aug. 23

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BREAKING: Attempted theft of laptops from employee office

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An unidentified male attempted to steal two to three notebook computers from an office in the Student News Center this morning.

The man entered an office on the COM 2.5 level, rummaged through the office’s content and took off running with the stolen items.

A professor and a food court worker chased the man down. The man punched the food court worker in the stomach and continued running. He then hopped into a light blue Honda Accord.

The food court worker described the African-American man as approximately 5’10” tall, 160-175 pounds and athletically built. He was wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, and had no distinguishing tattoos or other markings.

The Ledger is waiting for more information from Campus Police. Updates will be added as they become available.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu, and Jon Parton, jparton@jccc.edu

Brownback visits college; promotes new statewide education initiative

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Gov. Sam Brownback visited the college Tuesday to promote SB 155, which he said will make it possible for more high school students to achieve certification in various vocations. Photo by Tasha Cook

 

Gov. Sam Brownback visited the college Tuesday to promote SB 155, which he said will make it possible for more high school students to achieve certification in various vocations. Photo by Tasha Cook

By Jon Parton

Gov. Sam Brownback promoted a new statewide education initiative at a press conference Tuesday held at the Regnier Center.

The Career and Technical Education program (CTE) was unanimously passed by both the Kan. House and Senate earlier in the year as part of Senate Bill 155. Brownback signed the bill last May and it went into effect July 1 of this year.

The law allows for the state to pay for student tuition for technical education courses taken at community colleges, technical and vocational schools. The law also incentivizes school districts to promote CTE by offering districts $1,000 for each student who graduates with certain CTE certificates.

The money for the program is to be drawn from the state’s general fund.

“We’ve got a valuable asset that’s here in the student,” Brownback said. “And now what we want to do is mix that student’s time and talent with opportunity.”

Brownback said the number of high school students enrolled in technical education programs has been decreasing statewide. According to the governor, of 50,000 high school students enrolled in CTE courses in 2011, less than 10,000 completed the program. He said projections show a greater need for CTE training for the future.

“Sixty percent of our workers are going to need to have some technical skill to get the job that they’re applying for,” Brownback said.

Steve Waddell, owner of I Support Learning, Inc., said he supports the new law.

“I see Kansas now taking a leadership role in showing the country that career and technical education is important,” Waddell said.

Waddell said his education software business has had some difficulties in obtaining employees with technical know-how.

“We always struggle trying to find people who are endowed with good skill sets,” he said.

Gene Johnson, superintendent, Shawnee Mission School District, was on hand to address the crowd. Johnson said he looked forward to working with the college on the new program and that he believes the law will have a positive impact on the community.

“There is a huge increase in the poverty in our county and this will give students an opportunity that maybe couldn’t participate because of financial issues,” he said.

College President Terry Calaway said the law will support local businesses by providing more skilled workers.

“We know that this is an important way of helping the community colleges help business,” he said.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Academic Achievement Center, computer lab swap rooms

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The Academic Achievement Center (AAC), currently located in LIB 227, is switching rooms with the computer lab in OCB 304.

Steve Storkel, computer lab supervisor, said the old lab location housed 85 computers. In LIB 227, there will be room for 32. He is uncertain of what effect the change will have on students.

Jeffrey Merritt, director, AAC, said the change will be good for the AAC.

“We’ve needed more space for some time and it’s going to allow us to offer some additional services,” he said.

In particular, Merritt said, the AAC will be equipped to offer more services to students on a drop-in basis.

Computer labs will open for the fall semester next Monday, August 20. For lab hours and locations, click here. The website is updated to reflect this location swap.

Update, August 15, 11:09 a.m.: Larry Reynolds, dean, Communications, explained why the AAC will fare better in OCB 304.

“The space [in LIB 227] has always been somewhat cramped, and really kind of limited what we could do and how we could serve students,” he said. “So we wanted to kind of think about that process and how we might do that.”

Shannon Ford, director, Academic Technology Services, said with wireless access now updated campus-wide, the emergence of tablets and the AAC’s need for a larger space, downsizing the computer lab would be the best plan.

“It seems that the trend in general for higher ed is to move away from large, wired, open labs in favor for more of a mobile resource for students,” he said.

Ford said from general usage of the lab, the other computer areas on campus will be able to pick up overflow. Some additional computers from the former lab in OCB 304 will be moved to the Library, and some to the new AAC location.

In the past, the AAC has offered credit classes to help students be successful. Reynolds said the room switch will allow for more assistance on a drop-in basis.

“In essence, we’re trying to make the AAC a place where if a student has an academic issue they can come see us, and we’ll be happy to help them,” he said. “In order to do that, we need the space.”

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

College alumnus named Ames fire chief

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College alumnus Shawn Bayouth, class of 2005, was chosen from more than 50 applicants to be fire chief of Ames, Iowa on Wednesday.

Growing up in Seattle, Wash., a close family friend who was a battalion chief with the Seattle Fire Department sparked Bayouth’s interest in fire safety.

“As a child I used to visit the fire stations and help with fire prevention movies,” he said.

Bayouth graduated from the college with an associate degree in Fire Science. He furthered his education after leaving the college, recently completing a doctorate in industrial and agricultural technology from Iowa State University.

Bayouth said his experience at the college provided the jump start to his professional career.

“I tribute the quality of instruction, rich learning environment, and highly affordable education as some of the best benefits one can receive from [the college],” he said. “These things have helped me progressively move up the ladder in my profession.”

As fire chief of Ames, Bayouth said his goal is to promote the benefits of higher education as a way to establish the fire service as a worthwhile profession.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Gov. Brownback to visit college Tuesday

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Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will join Terry Calaway, college president, and Gene Johnson, superintendent of Shawnee Mission School District, for a news conference in the Regnier Center at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 14.

The conference is to discuss a new initiative that offers free technical education tuition to high school students who enroll in technical courses at technical or community colleges in Kansas, according to a message from the college’s internal communications.

The news conference will be open to credentialed members of the media who RSVP to media@ks.gov.

Ledger staff will be present at the event. Follow @CampusLedger on Twitter for live updates and further information.

“Dave has left the building:” NJCAA Hall of Fame coach retires

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Dave Burgess coached track and field from 1986 to 1998. Stock photo courtesy JCCC Athletics

 

Dave Burgess coached track and field from 1986 to 1998. Stock photo courtesy JCCC Athletics

Dave Burgess, the college’s first track and field and cross country coach, has retired, effective July 31.

Burgess coached at the college from 1986 to 1998. He coached student athletes to 30 NJCAA championships, according to his JCCC Athletics Hall of Fame page. He also coached 10 athletes who qualified to compete in USA Olympic Trials in 1992 and 1996.

“What a pleasure to coach so many great young people,” Burgess said in a post on JCCC Athletics’ Facebook page. “The story of the athletes to come through the program are remarkable… To all of you keep working hard, your stories continue. God Bless you. [sic] Dave has left the building!”

Burgess was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1998.

Mike Bloemker, current track and cross country head coach, said Burgess’ “unbelievable knowledge” of track and field made him a great friend and mentor.

“[Burgess] genuinely loves this college,” Bloemker said. “He really believes in the mission of the college and what we’re doing here.”

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Issue 1 is on the way

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Worry not, Cavs: you still have a couple of weeks to enjoy your summer. But The Campus Ledger staff is hard at work preparing Issue 1 for your enjoyment, and it comes out Thursday, August 23.

New carpet ready for use in the GYM locker room, which is currently being remodeled. It features the JC logo in new colors as part of rebranding. Photo courtesy Jim Dice, Facility and Clinic Coordinator

What to watch for:

  • Some staff members have been forced out of their offices due to the SCI building sinking into the ground. Find out what’s going on and what’s being done about the problem.
  • Learn about the college’s new photographer, Susan McSpadden, who has filled the position her predecessor, Bret Gustafson, held for 31 years.
  • Students are starting a club on campus to enjoy the game Go, which originated in ancient China.
  • Find out the details of the newly negotiated Faculty Association contract.
  • Rebranding continues. Get the latest updates.

 

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and if you can’t quell your desire for news, keep watching this site for updates in the meantime.

 

Do you have a knack for photography?

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You might be who we’re looking for. The Campus Ledger 2012-2013 still has positions available, especially staff photographers and photo correspondents.

Just visit https://jobs.jccc.edu/ and click “Other.” Select from the last up to four positions which interest you. Hurry, though: Orientation beings August 1.

Board of Trustees meeting today

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Follow The Campus Ledger on Twitter for live tweets with updates throughout the Board of Trustees meeting, beginning at 5 p.m. today.

Click here to visit the Twitter page.

Have a good idea?

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Tell us about it.

Today we added a new feature to the website which will easily allow our readers to share ideas for stories. If there’s something going on at the college that you think we’re missing, drop us a news tip.

All you need to do is fill out the simple form on the Submit a Story Idea page. The editorial board will review all submissions. We welcome ideas from any students, staff, faculty and community members.

Thank you,

Staff, The Campus Ledger

Election deadlines approaching: Quick guide for voters

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Although Election Day isn’t until November 6, deadlines to register or change party affiliation are approaching.

Voters outside of Johnson County can find more information and resources through the election pages on the Kansas Secretary of State website or the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Kansas voters with valid identification can register online here. Missouri voters can register by submitting the application form found here.

 

Kansas voting deadlines (Missouri deadlines here):

Primary election:

Tuesday, July 17 (two weeks from today): Last date to register to vote in primary election or change party affiliation (Wednesday, July 11 in Missouri)

Wednesday, July 18: Advance voting begins

Friday, August 3: Last date to apply for advance ballots

Monday, August 6 at noon: Deadline for advance voting

Tuesday, August 7: Primary election

General election:

Tuesday, October 16: Last day to register to vote in general election

Wednesday, October 17: Advance voting by mail begins

Tuesday, October 23: Advance voting in person begins

Monday, November 5: In-person advance voting ends at noon

Tuesday, November 6: Election day

 

Kansas voters are required to present photo ID at the polls. Missouri elections require photo ID as well, with some exceptions.

Johnson County voters can find out if they are currently registered, where to vote and view sample ballots with a search here.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

 

 

Related column:

Voting, an American duty

Column: Voting, an American duty

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By David Hurtado

Well folks, another four years have passed, and we all know what that means: the onset of the 2012 election season.

For some, this represents a chance to make their discontent known to the current administration, or to throw their support behind it. Others, however, will forgo a trip to the polls this year, having given up on the idea that was America long ago.

According to the United States Census Bureau, about 131 million Americans, or 57.1 percent of voting-age Americans, voted in the 2008 presidential election, an increase of 5 million from 2004. Voter turnout for the 2012 presidential election is projected to generate more voter participation than previous presidential elections, according to an article in The Daily Tribune.

Regardless of what the naysayers claim, voting is one of the most important aspects of being an American citizen. It allows us to make our voices heard to those in government as close as our home cities and as far away as Washington, D.C.; to let them know they can’t just do whatever they want.

As President Eisenhower said many years ago, “The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.”

When we fail to keep those in power in check through voting, our rights can and will be diminished. Remember when President George W. Bush passed the Patriot Act and when President Obama passed NDAA? Where was the outrage at those unconstitutional actions? Some voters are furious now, but where were their voices when the bills were still in Congress?

Without the right to vote, we are no better off than people living under the oppressive rule of a dictatorship or monarchy. That is where our legislators are leading us, because they realize the average American has stopped caring about the political process. As long as their constituents are sated with materialistic garbage and reality TV, politicians will do everything they can to maximize their power while minimizing that of the people.

So go out to the polls and vote. Sure, our political system is a real piece of work, but our legislators’ power does not just magically appear. They get where they are because they make decisions for us by voting to enact laws that affect each and every one of us.

Even if you feel that your voice alone cannot make a difference, remember the words of Mao Tse-tung: “A single spark can start a prairie fire.”

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

 

 

Related articles:

Election deadlines approach: Quick guide for voters

Former student, softball player, dies

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Kylee Mader, former softball player. Photo courtesy NJCAA
Kylee Mader, former softball player. Photo courtesy NJCAA

Former Cavalier softball player Kylee Mader has died, confirmed by Carl Heinrich, assistant dean, Athletics, and Dennis Day, vice president, Student Success and Engagement. The cause and time of death have not been confirmed.

Mader signed her first letter of intent to play for the college Jan. 26, 2010 and her second July 20, 2011, according to her roster webpage.

Friends of Mader are sharing their feelings on Twitter using the hashtag #KJM, Mader’s intials. According to some of the tweets, Mader died by suicide.

One tweet by Emily Yoder (@3mily_yod3r) reads: “Was hoping to wake up and it just be a dream RIP #KJM”

Interim softball head coach Aubree Brattin and assistant coach Samantha Fleeman could not immediately be reached for comment. The Ledger has reached out to several additional sources, all of whom were unavailable.

Day said besides sharing condolences with Mader’s family, the college does not intend to issue a public statement.

Updates will follow when The Ledger receives more information.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Update, Friday, June 29, 5:46 p.m.: Gardner Police public information officer Ilena Spalding said that the department cannot release any information pertaining to Mader’s death and the investigation is ongoing.

Update, Monday, July 2, 8:05 p.m.: According to a posting through the college’s InfoList at 12:54 p.m., the softball team and Athletics department have planned a candlelight vigil in Mader’s memory for 9 p.m. tomorrow, on the softball field at the southwest corner of campus.

Into the green: Galileo’s Pavilion Open House shows green technology at work

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A living wall in the back of one of the building's two classrooms.

Article and photos by Rachel Luchmun

Galileo’s Pavilion opened to the public Wednesday, showcasing the building’s green capabilities and waste-free construction.The building, which cost $700,000 to build, houses two classrooms and a lounge area, and was built using recycled materials. Among most prominent features are a wind turbine and living walls of plants within the building.

Don Weiss, chair, Board of Trustees, said sustainability has influenced the college’s curriculum and teaching since 2008, following the signature of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

“We are determined to reduce the college’s carbon footprint,” he said. “This building is a reflection of that commitment, and […] serves as an example of the clean use of building materials.”

Jay Antle, director, Sustainability, said the building will be a learning experience for students.

“This building is really about students,” he said. “This is a building with technology that students from different areas of campus will be able to experience and enjoy and learn from.”

A living wall in the back of one of the building’s two classrooms.

The building is made of reclaimed slate from public schools and conforms to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum standards (see Galileo Pavilion on schedule for fall 2012 completion for more information).

Galileo’s Garden, situated in front of Galileo’s Pavilion, is a sculpture by Dale Eldred commissioned by the college 30 years ago. It had to be relocated for the construction of the new building.

“I’m pleased to see Galileo’s Garden again,” said Lynne Beatty, professor, Science, who talked about the scientific basis of the sculpture.

Galileo’s Pavilion was designed and constructed by Studio 804, an architecture program at the University of Kansas (see Board approves construction of new campus building for more information).

Contact Rachel Luchmun, managing editor, at rluchmun@jccc.edu.

 

Other related articles:

Student Sustainability Comittee pushes for new campus building

 

Related editorial:

Column: Galileo’s Pavilion construction poorly-timed, nearly insulting

New uniforms will be navy and gold

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Officials in the Athletics department confirmed Friday that new uniforms in navy blue and gold are on order.

The Board of Trustees’ decision to rebrand the college came in January of 2011.

The long-standing maroon and gold colors of athletic uniforms will be replaced by navy and gold, according to Carl Heinrich, assistant dean, Athletics. For now, teams will still be called the Cavaliers.

Updates will follow with further information.

For more information about rebranding, please see these related articles: InFocus: Price of rebranding
InFocus: Picking new team colors  Related editorials:Staff Editorial: Rebranding wrong way to boost college reputation
Column: Proposed new mascot, logo, colors have little to do with rebranding goal  Compiled by Mackenzie Clark

Judges rule on new Kansas political boundaries

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After months of debates on the legislative floor proved inconclusive, federal judges ruled Thursday night on new political boundaries for Kansas.

The panel, comprised of federal judges Mary Beck Briscoe, John Lungstrom and Kathryn Vratil drew new boundaries for congressional, state House, state Senate and State Board of Education districts just in time for the filing deadline Monday, June 11.

Maps are not finalized and still need to be adjusted, but the proposed maps and plans can be found here.

Kansas congressional districts would face a major change: Lawrence would be entirely within the 2nd district, and the 3rd would center around Kansas City.

State House districts would be shaken up, with 48 districts becoming home to two or more incumbents and 25 with none at all. The full report is here.

In the Senate, eight districts would encompass more than one incumbent and four districts would have none. That report is here.

Plans for the Board of Education are not yet posted as of 10:19 a.m. today.

Updates will follow with more information.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark

Craig Sands, adjunct professor, Photography, leads students to League success

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Photo by Craig Sands, adjunct professor, Photography

By Mackenzie Clark

Photos by Advanced Digital Photography students

Timothy McVeigh. Photo by Craig Sands, adjunct professor, Photography

After years of cutting through red tape, Advanced Digital Photography was offered for the first time and three students from the class won League for Innovation awards. Students say this is partially due to the leadership of Craig Sands, adjunct professor, Photography.

Sands didn’t get his start in photography until his second year of college.

“I kind of found it, or it found me,” he said, “and I just had a natural penchant for it, and I’ve just run with it my entire life.”
Sands started in the Art department at Washburn where he was also playing basketball. After an ankle injury ended his athletic career, he studied abroad in Denmark where he said he discovered photography was his calling. Upon his return, he attended the Journalism school at the University of Kansas.

“At KU things just kind of came to fruition,” he said. “I had a wonderful instructor named Gary Mason who I think I can truthfully say didn’t really teach me anything about photography, but he taught me a whole lot about compassion, and taught me about the type of photographer or storyteller I wanted to be.”

Sands did freelance work and internships for many publications including the Kansas City Star, Topeka Capital-Journal and The Baltimore Sun. On a whim, he applied for an internship at National Geographic.

One of the League for Innovation winners from Sands’ class. Photo by Gary Hunsicker

“I really loved Geographic,” he said. “But their lag time between shooting and publication could be months and years, and I was into the immediate gratification of having a front page. I’d experienced that enough that I kept wanting it.”

Eventually he returned to Kansas City to work for the Star again, and later started his own business. The college contacted him twice to see if he was willing to teach here, and he has now been here for over nine years. He said he is very glad the college now offers this new class.

“This Advanced Digital class has been perfect,” he said. “It’s what a lot of students needed to take another step forward.”Sands explained the difference between his Basic class and the Advanced level course.

“In the Intro class I teach [students] how to do all the things the way I do them, which is pretty unconventional compared to the way studios and other photographers might do it,” he said. “I work as a journalist still. I teach them journalism, basically, without making them live by the credo of ‘effect nothing, just record.’”

Photo by Joenne Hartley

Sands said that the class has gone well, although completely differently from how he had planned his curriculum.

“I’ve kind of figured out what I want to do with this class just by trial and error, and by throwing out things that I want them to do, and the matter I want them to do, and the professionalism I want them to display,” he said. “And this class has just run with it.”

Sands told his students he is not sure how much he’s taught them, but he has given them opportunities to succeed or fail, and “everybody’s been succeeding fabulously.”

“I’ve been so pleased with this class,” Sands said. “I’ve had everybody embrace what I’ve asked them to do and they, at different levels, have really focused hard on a few things and I’ve had to force them to do a few things. […] It really was gratifying, the League for Innovation.”

Gary Hunsicker, student winner of the League for Innovation award, described learning from Sands as “learning to see.”

“I started taking [Sands’] class off and on a couple years ago,” Hunsicker said. “So I started with the beginning stuff, and he does a very good job of, I think, the big picture. He concentrates on things you should be looking for when you’re trying to compose a shot or you’re trying to figure out what you want to take a picture of, like reflections and shapes.”

Photo by Beth Kovar

Hunsicker partially credits Sands with his victory in the League for Innovation.

“When I printed [the winning photo] he walked in […] and when he saw them on the table out there he immediately picked it up,” Hunsicker said. “Part of it is his eye, because I probably wouldn’t have picked that one.”

Contact Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Geoff Chow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by James Allen

Students learn to spin fire on campus

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By Christopher Khan

They would practice with fire on campus, if only the college would let them.

Student Rachel Berry, 20, and University of Kansas student Shawn Nelson, 19, formed a fire and glow dance duo called Luminescence in 2010, when they were seniors at Blue Valley North High School. They fire dance at events like birthday parties, Halloween parties, and in parks, as well as teaching others to fire dance.

“Fire dancing is a broad term to describe any kind of fire art that you can do,” Nelson said. “It is dancing in the way that you are choreographing it and moving to the music.”

In Berry’s case, she twirls a flaming hula-hoop around her torso.

“It has these metal prongs that are wrapped in Kevlar,” Berry said, “and I light those pieces on fire.”

Both Berry and Nelson began fire dancing in high school. For each of them, it took one exposure to a fire dancing performance to make them decide that it was for them. Fire dancing is a primary element for Luminescence.

“[Fire dancing] is exhilarating,” Nelson said. “It’s that knowledge that you are entertaining the crowd and making people happy. There’s always a thrill about doing things with fire and fire dancing, like a kind of added element of danger.”

Luminescence performances also feature other forms of dance, such as glow stick dancing, but fire dancing still has a draw unique to it.

“You can’t really see anything outside of the fire itself,” Berry said. “So it’s like being in the middle of a fire and light show that takes up all of your vision. It’s not about what you can see and what you can hear. The fire dancing is really purely physical. It’s all in the control that your body has.”

Both Berry and Nelson are mostly self-taught through YouTube, but they have attended fire safety classes taught by professional fire dancers. They are both involved in teaching others to perform.  Nelson is in charge of the KU Performance Club.

“The fire dancing community is very inclusive,” Nelson said. “They’re really, really good people over all. They’ll invite you to things, and give you tips and tricks.”

Earlier this semester, Berry and her friend Steven Brown began meeting up on Tuesdays on campus as a way to hang out and practice. Now, 10 people or more can regularly be seen in the courtyard between the SCI and GEB buildings practicing with fire staffs and hula-hoops.

“We ran into some of the people you see here today,” Brown said. “And it just blossomed from there. As it got warmer, we just decided to form an unofficial club, and we just keep getting more people.”

Berry said that she is planning on talking with college administrators to make an official Performance Club, like Nelson’s club at KU. People are welcome to stop by and join their regular meetings Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. They cannot practice with lit tools, but it is a way to start fire dancing.

“[Fire dancing] does have a very meditative aspect to it,” Berry added. “It’s one of those things where you can completely focus, and at the same time you get a huge adrenaline rush. Being sort of dangerous, it’s also very peaceful.”

Contact Christopher Khan, special to the Ledger, at ckhan3@stumail.jccc.edu.

BREAKING: Board of Trustees approves changing location of new Culinary building

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By Mackenzie Clark

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change the planned location of the new Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center to the east side of campus at the monthly meeting this evening. This decision will add $1 million to the cost, bringing the total projected expense to $13 million.

The original location toward the west side of campus would not allow for clear visibility of the building, according to several trustees’ statements during discussion of the matter. The additional $1 million in cost is due to “rock problems,” said Trustee and Board Treasurer Bob Drummond, which is why the land had yet to be utilized.

“This program should be front of the house rather than back of the house,” said Trustee and Board Secretary Jerry Cook at the meeting.

Trustee Stephanie Sharp agreed.

“What I love about this particular location is how it accents our community outreach functions,” she said. “If you’re taking College [Boulevard] east toward Quivira [Road], what do you see? You see the farm, and you see the baseball fields, and you see the Carlsen Center, and as you come around the corner you see the Nerman and then you’ll see this building. Sustainability, music, modern art, culinary; I think those aren’t traditional things that people think of a community college for […] but I like the outreach that it shows, and how involved in this community we are, and how involved they are in us.”

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the building is set for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 22. In regards to parking concerns, updates will come as they are made available.

Contact Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu.

 

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Understanding your rights when arrested

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Photo illustration by Hannah Hunsinger

By Jessica Mitchell

Policy and procedure vary from institution to outside world. Pulling out a cigarette and smoking warrants a ticket until the individual has moved out of campus grounds. A person’s rights and freedoms, however, never vary and are strictly declared in the Constitution.

When arrested, it is an individual’s right to be informed of the charges. The arresting officer also needs to inform the individual of his/her rights before any questioning beyond routine inquiries takes place. Randy Garcia, sergeant, campus Police Department, said these are called the Miranda Rights. These specific rights protect an individual from self-incrimination when arrested:

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you   in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”

It is the arresting officer’s duty to make sure the individual understands the language being spoken and more importantly, understands his/her own personal rights.

Many people are under the impression that officers cannot search a vehicle until a court issued warrant is presented. Garcia said that is not always the case.

“A warrant is not required to search vehicles if police have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime, the instrumentalities of crime, contraband or the fruits of a crime,” said Gary Mason, public information officer, Overland Park Police Department. “A search can also be done on several other factors. These include: exigent circumstances, inventory searches and officer safety. An officer may also search if he views contraband or evidence of a crime that is visible from the windows (plain view).”

Regarding the search of a person, it seems that an individual’s rights don’t extend further than the officer explaining his need for a search. If there is a possibility that a person is armed, their personal rights do not overshadow an officer or society’s safety.

“In Terry v. Ohio the courts have found that an officer may stop and frisk (patting down of outer clothing) a subject if they have reasonable suspicion to believe that person is armed,” Mason said. “The court decided that officer safety outweighed the intrusion on a person’s freedom when frisked for weapons.”

If a search does not fall under any of the above categories, a warrant is needed. A judge will issue a warrant only after officers prove that they have probable cause to believe criminal activity is occurring or that evidence of a specific crime may be found.

When a search takes place, any illegal or concerning evidence may be taken.

“The police can search only the place described in a warrant and usually can seize only the property that the warrant describes,” said Mason. “However, if they come across contraband or evidence of a crime while searching for items in the warrant, they can lawfully seize those items as well.”

After an arrest takes place, a lot of factors go into the decision of holding an individual. The officers have a 72-hour window to charge someone or they must be released. Mason said the holding time depends on if the charges are federal, state or local.

There is a distinct difference between policy and law. The policy of the college, even though strictly enforced, is not an established law. One must abide by the policy of the institution they are in. When it comes to individual rights, however, the Constitution is a strict protector. Amendment after amendment is instituted to stop any intrusion of personal freedoms.

Contact Jessica Mitchell, features editor, at jmitch54@jccc.edu.

 

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Poverty on trial: Does poverty cause crime?

Poverty on trial: Does poverty cause crime?

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Illustration by Elizabeth Spooner

By Ben Markley

In 2008, the Salvation Army said there were as many as 40,000-50,000 homeless people living in Johnson County. With the economy still struggling to get back on its feet and the national incarceration rate increasing, many wonder how economic struggle can affect crime.

Andrew Ward, adjunct professor, Psychology, said unemployment alone cannot be blamed for criminal activity.

“Poverty doesn’t seem to be a predictor of crime,” he said. “Unemployed people aren’t more likely to commit crimes than people with jobs.”

From a psychological perspective, Ward said there was very little connection between poverty and crime. Rather, it is the environment of poverty that can lead people to commit crimes.

“It’s not just being poor, but it’s being around lots of poor people,” Ward said. “The relationship between poverty and crime is in areas of concentrated poverty, like these inner city areas.”

Ward said living in an area of concentrated poverty can be a catalyst for futility.

“It can be a contributing factor of hopelessness and despair,” he said. “‘What do I have to lose? I might as well commit a crime.’ But really, anyone can go into despair.”

Another factor is what Ward called the “escalation of violence.”

“There is phenomenon among people who live in concentrated poverty,” Ward said. “I call it pre-emptive aggression. If you’re someone who lives in an area that’s kind of dangerous, you commit an act of crime so people know not to mess with you. You need to show you’re tough, but now I have to be tougher than you, so I need to go commit a worse crime.”

Frank Galbrecht, associate professor, Administration of Justice, said that poverty does not statistically show itself to be a direct cause of criminal activity.

“Poverty alone doesn’t determine crime,” Galbrecht said. “There is no one factor that you point at and say, ‘This causes crime.’”

In the midst of America’s economic struggle, with more and more people losing jobs and facing financial difficulty, it seems as though the statistics should be predictable.

“2008 rolls around, we’re on the verge of economic meltdown, and logic would tell you that there’d be an increase in crime,” he said. “However, while incarceration has gone up, crime is actually declining.”

Ward said the current decrease in crime rates had several factors, one of which involved the age of the population.

“Young people commit most of the crimes,” he said. “We have an aging population.”

Galbrecht said that perhaps part of social perceptions about the link between crime and poverty has to do with how well crime can be concealed.

“Drug possession and abuse happens across all classes,” he said. “It’s just more visible sometimes in areas that are more deprived.”

This visibility of crime in areas of concentrated poverty comes partly from the deprivation of the community.

“If an area is a vibrant area with lots of social institutions – schools, community buildings and so on – they can absorb the effects of crime,” Ward said. “The effects just aren’t as large. But if you live in an economically deprived area, there’s just not a lot of stuff there. You’re more likely to feel the effects due to a lack of these institutions.”

Galbrecht said that addressing crime would involve addressing poverty, along with a number of other factors within the community.

“You cannot arrest your way out of crime,” he said. “You’ve got to have a focused multi-strategy plan, with partnership between the police, the community and the local government.”

T.J. Tesdahl, student, said he thought the solution started in the classroom.

“For me, it’s all about education,” he said. “You’ve got to get kids in classrooms so that they’re learning how to get jobs and be good people instead of running around with gangs.”

Galbrecht said the best way to address crime was through what he called “collective efficacy.”

“The more people trust each other in a town, the more they have good schools, good tax base, the more they care about each other,” he said. “People in the community have got to be involved with each other if we’re going to fix these problems.”

Contact Ben Markley, sports editor, at bmarkle2@jccc.edu.

 

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Understanding your rights when arrested

Baseball manager leaves after four years of service

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Baseball manager Kristen Glover watches the baseball team practice from the dugout April 26. Glover is regarded almost like family by the baseball team after four years of involvement. Photo by Tasha Cook
Baseball manager Kristen Glover watches the baseball team practice from the dugout April 26. Glover is regarded almost like family by the baseball team after four years of involvement. Photo by Tasha Cook

By Jessica Mitchell

Kristen Glover has become more than a manager for the college baseball team: she has become like family.

Glover turned her love for baseball into a job by becoming the manager for the college’s team. She has held the position for four years, but will be leaving at the end of this season to further her academic career.

“I just love the game of baseball,” she said. “I grew up with it all my life. All through high school I was the manager for different sports.”

Glover assumed her managing duties would cease after high school, but was surprised to meet one of the college’s baseball players in the bookstore. After briefly talking with the player, Glover hurried to the coach’s office to enquire about a job. A phone call the following day assured her of the position.

Like most team managers, Glover is expected to be present for games and practices.

“I get everyone everything they need – like water,” she said. “[…] I’m just there in case someone gets hurt. I just get them whatever they need. I make them lunches; bring them sunflower seeds and gum. I go beyond my duty of manager.”

Having been the manager for four years, Glover has become close with the players and the coach alike. The men have become like her big brothers, she said.

“It started with Ryan – he started the big brother,” Glover said. “After that year, ever since, the big brother would have to nominate someone else […] now it’s Cam. Cam is the lucky one to be last. That’s what I am going to miss the most, my big brother Cam. He keeps me going.”

One of the most memorable moments during her four years with the team is the passing of her father in 2010, Glover said.

“Individually [the team] lined up and said, ‘We will be here for you no matter what,’ and they hugged me and made me feel comfortable,” she said. “That year we won our division. My dad was proud and wanted us to win.”

The impact of Glover’s father’s death became somewhat of a motto for the team and a reason to push forward.

“If you look really closely, some of [the players] have bracelets that say my dad’s birthday and when he passed away,” Glover said. “There is also a little saying on it, ‘New day new opportunity.’ We go with that saying a lot. We will do better.”

Having spent so many years as the manager, the admiration goes both ways with the team and Glover.

“Kristen has been a big part of our program the past several years,” said Kent Shelley, head baseball coach. “She has been a great friend of the baseball program. She’s been our manager and has done a great job assisting us whenever needed. I’ve watched her develop as a team manager but more importantly, I’ve watched her develop as a person. She’s just meant a great deal to me and our baseball family.”

Glover is leaving the college at the end of this semester to continue her studies at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Having battled with ADHD, she aspires to become a first grade special education teacher.

“I’m going to take a semester off and get my feet planted at MidAmerica,” Glover said. “If it works out in my schedule then I [will manage baseball], but I really want to concentrate on my degree. I’ve been here for four years and I want to get my teaching degree before I’m 30.”

Glover said she will continue to follow the college’s baseball team and root them on whenever her free time allows.

“On behalf of our baseball program, we would like to thank Kristen for her support, her loyalty and dedication,” Shelley said. “We wish her the very best in her new endeavors at MidAmerica Nazarene University and she will always be an important part of our baseball family.”

Contact Jessica Mitchell, features editor, at jmitch54@jccc.edu.

‘The Spitfire Grill’ attempts to offer emotion, redemption

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Cast members of “The Spitfire Grill” perform April 26 at The Polsky Theater. Photo by Jordan Wegele

By Adam Lignell

Although past productions of the college’s Theatre department could be considered controversial, their latest family-friendly musical tells a story of hope, second chances and trusting others.

The Theatre department’s most recent musical, “The Spitfire Grill,” tells the story of an ex-con who luckily finds work at the only grill in a small Wisconsin town, although there’s rarely any business.

Artistic coordinator Beate Pettigrew said that this musical was one of two presentations targeted toward a family friendly audience, with no controversial topics in mind.

“If there’s controversy it’s from students who don’t have a lot of cultural experience,” Pettigrew said. “It’s their right to be offended; it’s our right to put on these plays.”

The play focuses on the main character, Percy, as she finds a home after her travels, as opposed to her past in jail.

“We’re always looking at the grass is greener somewhere else,” Pettigrew said. “Ultimately, it’s about being welcomed and feeling like you belong in whatever place you call home.”

The college adaptation is originally based on a musical written by James Valcq and Fred Alley, and aside from the musical’s themes, there might be more reason for students to attend.

“Whether you are getting extra credit for a class or you’ve never been to a play before, why not go to one that’s free?” Pettigrew said.

Working in the Theatre department himself on La Culebra, the department’s last play, Armando Herrera arrived to support his fellow students and friends.

“I’m a student of an acting class, so we decided to come because a lot of the people here are my friends and I know them,” Herrera said.

Although Herrera wasn’t directly involved with this play, he still thought the musical could teach important lessons to audience members.

“What most impacted me about the story was how we have to learn to forgive, even though it’s hard,” Herrera said.

Jessica Robins played the role of Effy, an overly gossipy mail carrier who keeps most of the musical’s cast up to date on each other’s actions.

“Don’t jump to conclusions about people that you don’t know,” Robins said. “Just because you might have a little bit of their story doesn’t make them a bad person.”

Robins’ involvement in the department has helped her follow her acting dreams, and she hopes to fulfill those after graduation as well.

“If it’s for you, it’s everything you ever want to do,” Robins said. “I’m moving to Seattle in the next couple months, and I’m planning on doing theater my whole life.”

Robins hoped other students would participate in future department productions and gave insight as to why their work is important.

“Anything having to do with the arts is going to make you look at the world in a different way,” Robins said. “Even if it’s a painting and you hate the painting, it’s going to make you say that’s what not to do.”

Fitting the role of Eli, a Vietnam War veteran who disappeared, Will Read is happy to be part of the team after his acting debut in the musical.

“It’s not just the cast – there’s the crew, the lights and sound, the managers too,” Read said. “It’s just a lot of fun working with everybody.”

Without spoiling any of “The Spitfire Grill’s” story, Read described what some of the characters overcome in the musical.

“Redemption is there for everyone,” he said.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

To post, or not to post: Religious sticky-notes create mixed reactions from students

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Bible verse stuck to a window in a high traffic hallway on campus. The Sticky Note Revelation group posts their message frequently at the college. Photo by Patti Klinge

By Adam Lignell

While passing through hallways or going outside in between classes, students may have noticed neon colored squares dotting poles, windows or walls.

These sticky-notes displaying bible verses are created by Sticky Note Revelation, a group posting nearly every day all over campus to spread their messages to students.

Student and Sticky Note Revelation founder Deaven Schreifer with main goals other than decorating the school.

“We’re just trying to get the word of God out there,” Schreifer said. “People need to know about it.”

Sticky Note Revelation members do not cover hallways or rooms in more than two or three notes, and take no stance when they are removed. Note promotion has been an obstacle for the group as well.

“You’ve got the other end of the spectrum where people really like it and say they want to get involved and you never see anything come from it,” Schreifer said.

Those curious about the notes have contacted other members and participated on their website, but the notes are just part of the group’s activities.

“The posted notes are the main focus of what we’re doing, but the website brings it all together,” Schreifer said. “If someone in Arizona wanted to learn how to do this, they could go to the forum and we could teach them how to do it.”

Co-founder of Sticky Note Revelation and student Kristy Sharp joined after Schreifer asked for her help in posting one day after class.

“It’s not about confrontation, it’s not about us,” Sharp said. “If they take it and just walk away, there’s still that hope that they took it with them because they needed it.”

One of the group’s aims is to target people who aren’t regularly aware of what is happening on campus aside from their classes.

“My goal is to reach the people that I used to be,” Sharp said. “School’s important but you have to have a life too, there’s a balance.”

Not all initial members of Sticky Note Revelation have committed themselves to the group, but Sharp hopes new members will join in their place.

“We need people that aren’t afraid of putting a sticky note up on the wall,” Sharp said.

Student Senate President Gina Galanou has taken a neutral stance on motivational posters around campus, but doesn’t entirely agree with all religious postings.

“They could reserve a room and have a lecture, video, PowerPoint, discussion, something that people will choose to be exposed to,” Galanou said. “Religion is a choice, you can’t force feed it.”

Sticky Note Revelation has other activities and plans aside from the sticky notes, although the act of posting the notes themselves can be offensive to some.

“Personally I think regardless of whatever religion you’re in, you should respect others,” Galanou said. “I don’t necessarily agree with them posting it all over the place.”

Although there is some opposition from students, the college’s policy on littering is an issue as well.

“It’s a little disrespectful to those people who have to clean that up,” Galanou said. “I don’t think we should be littering all over campus with extra paper.”

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

College to require student background checks

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By Jon Parton

Starting July 1, background checks will be performed for all new employees before they can be hired at the college. The school already requires background checks on certain jobs, including those positions involved with children and handling of credit information. This change marks the first time that all positions will require a background check.

Becky Centlivre, executive director, Human Resources, said that the school passed the policy late last year. Centlivre said that the move is in response to a committee that recommended it to the college.

“It’s something that has been considered over the last few years,” Centlivre said. “As an employer, it’s considered the best practice.”

The school will make use of a company called HireRight to conduct the background checks. Centlivre said that the entire process is very secure in the way it handles potential employee information.

“It was important to us to make sure it’s confidential,” Centlivre said. “It’s an automated process that they use.”

Centlivre said that the college has already been testing the service for the past few months. She added that the background check does not include a credit check. As for the price to the school, Centlivre said that it varies depending on the position.

“A position with a lot of responsibility may take more time and resources,” Centlivre said. “In general, it runs $100 for a check.”

Background checks vary on the sort of information they pull, which can be anything from work history to legal residency status. Most employers use background checks to determine any discrepancies between the check and the information provided by the potential employee. Background checks can also determine any criminal history.

The most common background checks look at criminal records, employment verifications and education verifications for the past seven years. According to HireRight’s own website, a background check typically reveals whether or not a potential employee told the truth on their application and in any interviews.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), access to an individual’s file is limited to employers, landlords, creditors or other businesses with a valid need. Employers must require consent from the individual before a background check can be performed. Individuals have the right to know what is in their file and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information.

Terrissa Ford, student, works at the Food Court and believes the new policy is a positive thing.

“It’s a good thing because it shows the college is thinking about safety,” Ford said.

Jeremiah Washington, student, agrees that the school needs to implement background checks for all new hires.

“I believe it’s a good idea because of so many safety issues,” Washington said.

Contact Jon Parton, news editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Reaching the finish line: Coaches say goodbye to student athletes

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By Ben Markley

As the semester comes to a close, many student athletes are taking the next step in their sports careers at four-year universities or professional leagues, and coaches are trying to fill the gaps left behind.

With a two-year system, coaches have a short time to shape their players. According to the NJCAA, approximately 85 high school seniors have currently signed letters of intent to participate in athletics at the college. By 2014, those students will be moving on to another school.

Kent Shelley, head baseball coach, has watched many players come and go in his 25 years of coaching, and he said junior college coaches have two ways of approaching incoming freshmen athletes.

“Do you tear down the mechanics of an individual that you know will have to be changed in order for that player to be successful at the four-year level and run the risk of not benefiting immediately success in your program,” he said, “or do you bring a kid out of high school who’s had great success, leave him alone in order for your program to have immediate success, but know in the long run that that individual will have to make changes in order to play at the next level?”

For Glen Moser, head tennis coach, the two-year system requires his players to develop more quickly.

“By the end of their sophomore year, they need to be seniors for me,” Moser said. “We’re one of the teams, and we’re about the only team out here that does it, that actually plays four-year colleges. We’re playing juniors and seniors.”

However, he said he enjoys working exclusively with athletes in their first two years of college.

“I think athletes’ freshman and sophomore years are almost the most enthusiastic in terms of energy and their excitement to play,” Moser said. “Some seniors are more interested in their girlfriend, their marriage or getting a job after graduation. Sometimes that senior year isn’t as productive as you think it should be. I like the enthusiasm of the age of the kids that we have.”

Shelley said students who leave after one year aren’t always getting the best deal.

“Those players that have been recruited out of our program early by four-year institutions are normally going to those programs who are basically trying to save their program,” he said. “They’re coming off of a bad season or several bad seasons, and they’re doing whatever they can to save the program.”

On the contrary, Shelley said a full junior college experience helps his players make better transfers, both as students and athletes.

“From an academic standpoint, they’re able to complete all their core electives that place them in a position to transfer on as a full-fledged junior and begin work in their undergraduate degree,” he said. “From the baseball side, it gives them another year of playing experience and another year of enhancing their skill set and just becoming better all-around players.”

Player transfer can have a major impact on a team’s roster and overall success, but Shelley said the main downside to losing players after one or two years is not getting to watch them continue their development.

“We get them to a point after two years of them really being in a position to take their game to the next level, and we don’t get the opportunity to enjoy watching our players experience that great success,” he said.

For Moser, the hardest part of losing players is replacing them.

“It’s never-ending recruiting,” he said. “There are probably years that a four-year college coach in a tennis program is maybe looking for one person, and I’m always looking for three or four.”

However, the coaches aren’t the only ones saddened by the departure.

“We have a lot of kids that hate leaving after two years,” Moser said. “The academic environment and the physical setting of the school is just superior to most schools if you look around. They love this place.”

Contact Ben Markley, sports editor, at bmarkle2@jccc.edu.

Sports briefs

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Men’s basketball gains six new recruits

Six high school seniors signed national letters of intent to play basketball at the college next year. Three of the incoming freshmen are from Kansas, with 6’2” guard Logan Henrichs of Lawrence, 6’1” guard Pat Jones of Leawood and 6’5” forward Jalen King of Pittsburg. The other three are 6’3” guard JaRon Rollins of Platte County, Mo., 6’5” forward BiQuavious Sturgis of Thomson, Ga. and 6’1” guard Arvaughn Baker of Palm Bay, Fla. The newcomers will have big shoes to fill, with top-scoring forward Justin Leathers signing to the University of Texas-Pan American and guard Quasim Jones to sign with a university in the near future.

 

Track athletes nationally recognized

Sixteen individual students and four relay teams ranked in the NJCAA’s Direct Athletics top 25-performance list, with eight individuals scoring in the top 10. Freshman Hayes Grissom (javelin) scored the highest rank, with a second-best national performance of 411-11. Sophomore Ashley Reid (high jump, triple jump), freshman Vanessa Levy (discus, hammer) and freshman Monet Jackson (discus, hammer) appeared twice on the list, all placing at least once in the top 10. The team is pushing forward to be competitive at the NJCAA championship in Levelland, Texas in May.

 

Enrollment open for 2012 summer camps 

For parents who have athletic children, the college has opened up enrollment for its summer 2012 sports camps and clinics. The Athletics department will host programs for every sport offered at the college, including Athletic Enhancement and Injury Prevention, Athletics Training/Sports Medicine and Speed Development. Children ages 6-18 have opportunities for the summer camps, but parents should check specific age ranges for individual camps. For more information, visit http://www.jccc.edu/cavs/department/youth-sports-camps.html.

 

Compiled by Ben Markley

Police briefs

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Student reports stolen vehicle

A student at the college reported that their 2003 Dodge Intrepid was stolen from the clock west parking lot on April 9. The student reported parking the bronze, four-door vehicle at 10:50 a.m. and returned at 2:00 p.m. unable to find the vehicle. Police checked surrounding areas and parking lots but could not locate the car.

 

Staff member finds drug paraphernalia  

A staff member reported on April 11 that they discovered a black plastic bag when they were emptying a trash can. The bag contained five full beer bottles, two crack pipes, incense, a green canvas bag, greeting cards and some papers. The items were recovered, photographed and destroyed by campus police.

 

Police called regarding disturbance over a card game

Campus police were called to COM 319 on April 11 after two students got into a disagreement over a card game. The victim told police that they had a disagreement over cards and the suspect became very angry. The suspect attempted to kick the victim and throw a ping pong paddle at the victim but missed both times. The victim declined to press charges.

 

Student brings dog in building without permission

Campus police were dispatched to CLB 111 on April 15 for a room unlock for a student. Upon arrival the officer noticed the student had a medium-sized brown dog with them. The officer informed the student that unless it was a service animal it could not be in the building. 20 minutes later, the officer along with a second officer were called back to the classroom and found the dog running loose. As the officers told the student to take the dog out of the building the student responded with an expletive and “flipped him off.” The student and dog left without further incident.

 

Compiled by Erica Aldridge

News briefs

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Follow-up: Former student to remain in US

In Vol. 34, Issue 13 of The Campus Ledger we reported that former student Jesus Torres was ordered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the country by April 13. On April 6, the ICE granted Torres a one-year stay of removal. In June 2011, agency chief John Morton asked ICE personnel to focus on high-priority deportation, such as convicted criminals and national security risks. The agency ranked Torres as a low-enforcement priority for deportation.


Culinary students win gold at conference

Student chefs at the college recently won big at the American Culinary Federation Central Region Conference in Detroit. In the conference held from April 14 – 16, the culinary team won a gold medal while facing eight state teams. All teams prepared the same recipe and were judged on kitchen skills, adherence to the recipe, taste and presentation.

 

Interior Design students create space for Kansas City show house

Some of the Interior Design students at the college currently have their work featured at the 43rd Symphony Designers’ Show house in Kansas City, Mo. The show house is open to the public from April 21 – May 20 and Interior Design students are selling tickets for $13 at the Student Activities desk. The students created a design studio and creative refuge on the third floor of the house.


Cavalier Film Festival winners named

After an afternoon presentation by Jonathon Dillon, college alum and Hollywood director of movies such as “Rigged,” the festival screened several of the winning pieces on April 26. First place category winners included Nation Morin, Dominick Williams, Nathan Mennel and Joshua Browning. Morin also won the Judge’s Choice award, and Taylre Jones won the Peoples’ Choice award.

 

Student News Center leaders chosen

The Student Media Board met to select applicants for editor-in-chief of The Campus Ledger and station manager of ECAV for the 2012-2013 year on May 1. Those chosen were, respectively, Mackenzie Clark and Kel Dansby.

 

Compiled by Erica Aldridge and Jon Parton

Student Senate ends year with lower food prices, improved reach to students

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By Rachel Luchmun

Lower food prices and improved reach to students are just two of this year’s Student Senate achievements. The Senate also worked to host activities for the community at large.

“This year the senate had a purposeful goal, and it was to do what they can to connect more to the students, to show who they are, make students more aware of what they do,” said Mindy Kinnaman, manager, Student Life/Leadership Development.

Kinnaman also said a big accomplishment of the Senate was the lowering of catering fees for clubs and organizations on campus, a feeling shared by Gina Galanou, current Student Senate president.

“We got lower prices for clubs and orgs,” Galanou said. “For example, for Multicultural Night, the initial bill that they had was $6000 and we brought it down to $3000. They worked out some amazing deals. We’re talking about pretty significant changes.”

The lower prices for catering should enable clubs and organizations to save money and use it for other activities, as their budget is limited.

The Senate also aimed at helping clubs and organizations through their Leadership program.

“We have leadership training to clubs and organizations that wish to participate,” Galanou said. “Now and then they run low on numbers in terms of their members or they don’t know how to fundraise, so we give them tips and pointers on what to do and how.”

Reaching out to the community at large was the ‘JCCC Gives’ initiative, which aimed to pair community members in need with others who would be willing to give them a much needed gift over the Christmas break. It was so successful that Senate is planning to make ‘JCCC Gives’ a once-a-semester event, as opposed to just once a year.

“In all honesty I think ‘JCCC Gives’ is the best thing we’ve ever done,” Galanou said. “You read those stories and you realize you have things that other people don’t. We had so many students adopting others, it was extremely touching to see everybody get so involved with it.”

Other achievements of the Senate include:

  • SafeSpace training, which offers support specifically to the LGBT community.
  • Hosting the annual Daffodil Day, Photos with Santa and Trick-or-Treat for children.
  • Working with the sustainability committee to encourage students to submit green ideas for campus.
  • Supporting clubs and organizations by giving them as much money as possible.
  • An informative town hall meeting about the smoking ban.
  • A town hall meeting about dining services.
  • The Learning Management System project, which aims at encouraging professors to post more course content online, such as syllabi and updated grades.

The town hall meetings held by the Senate this year proved to be a success, due to the fact they addressed specific issues.

“Last year we had town hall meetings and they were very sparsely attended, whereas this year we had great attendance at all of our town hall meetings,” Kinnaman said.

Part of the success of the Senate this year can be attributed to having a majority of the seats filled, according to Galanou.

“This year we almost had a full senate, we filled almost every single spot, which was really good,” she said. “Recently we had our parliamentarian step down – not the newly elected, but the current one – but we are not going to replace him since [there is not a lot of time left in the semester].”

The newly elected executive board is currently in the process of shadowing, where they are learning their respective new roles. Newly elected president Awista Sherzada told the Ledger in an article published on April 13 that she will uphold the annual traditions of the Senate and work on promoting the Senate more around campus.

“I want to get the word out there, I want to get more people to come to these events because we all work so hard to make them happen and they’re so fun,” she said.

For more information about Student Senate and how to get involved, go to http://www.jccc.edu/studentsenate.

Contact Rachel Luchmun, managing editor, at rluchmun@jccc.edu.

Summer music festivals

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With numerous music festivals taking place this summer, it can be overwhelming to pick one worth going to. Here are five options that are in the Midwest area and are known to be a good time.

 

Wakarusa Music Festival

When: May 31 – June 3

Where: Ozark, Arkansas

Price: $99+

Website: www.wakarusa.com

After changing locations from Lawrence, Kan. in 2009, this festival has attracted visitors from all 50 states and other countries. Headlining performers include Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers and Primus.

 

Buzz Beach Ball

When: June 2

Where: Kansas City, Kansas

Price: $20-75

Website: www.beachballkc.com

Local radio station 96.5 The Buzz is hosting its annual one-day festival at LiveStrong Sporting Park. Headlining performers include Sublime with Rome, Foster the People and The Shins. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com

 

Bonnaroo

When: June 7 -10

Where: Manchester, Tennessee

Price: $260+

Website: www.bonnaroo.com

This large and well known festival usually brings in over 70,000 people and has over ten stages spread out across 700 acres. Headlining performers include Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Phish.

 

Country Stampede

When: June 21 -24

Where: Manhattan, Kansas

Price: $70+

Website: www.countrystampede.com

Presented by 94.5 Country, this four day festival includes performances by recent CMA winners and nominees in Tuttle Creek State Park. Headlining performers include Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith and The Band Perry.

 

Lollapalooza

When: August 3 – 5

Where: Chicago, Illinois

Price: $95

Website: www.lollapalozza.com

This nationally known summer festival takes place every year in the historic Grant Park which sits between the Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan. Headlining performers include The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine, and Jack White.

 

Compiled by Erica Aldridge

Letter to the editor

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My husband and I recently attended a function at Yardley Hall and picked up a copy of “The Campus Ledger” to pass the time until our event began. Your article about our welfare system was so SPOT ON I felt compelled to thank you!! I wish that clear, to the point, honest piece would find itself in the Kansas City Star!! Or, in WASHINGTON. A policy of not feeding the bears is such a simple one. If we care so much that the animals in the forest not become dependent, why should we not care as much for our fellow citizens. I worry that elected officials are pandering and buying votes with their dole of our monies. It’s totally exasperating to feel voiceless as this all unfolds. Thank you for putting our feelings into words so positively perfect!!
When you run for President, please enlist our help. YOU HAVE OUR VOTE
In total admiration, Leanna and Maurice Holdgraf
Community members

Letter to the editor

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On Responsible use of Political Rhetoric

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that as of late, american  political culture has grown further and further a murky gap between precise and accurate use of political term, and the loaded yes hollow simulacra which has arisen in our cultures political rhetoric. The effect is this: a reinforced  alienation from useful dialect, and political reality. Terms like: Capitalism, Communism, Democracy and Socialism, have become abated by redundancy and entropy. These terms are regularly used to describe various legal entities and policies. In the spirit of “old speak” I would like to inspire a little bit of interrogation between the civic meaning and scholarly meaning of some of these words.

First, America, whilst a democratic society -more so than it was ever mean to be- is not a democracy, Electoral College aside even. We are a Republic. The two are in essentially different, even some of the datums may be shared in each respective nexus, particularly our version of republic, Representative Republic. But a Republic could hold as much family resemblance with an Oligarchy as any Democracy. For example, America was meant to be a fairly democratic society by its legal architects. For white, testicle bearing, protestant, landowners, all else in the population (the majority of the people) were to be excluded for participation. By design. Yes, America now adopts a less sexist, racist, ect… mask than it has previously, but it remains, empirically, what it was meant to be, a Republic. Not a patron of that old mythology, the Democracy, least of all, the only true, the pure, the Direct Democracy.

Next I would like to state simply that Capitalism as well, does not exist in America. Much like Communism, history has only yielded evanescent caricatures of the ideas, shadows of the ghosts, fluxing in and out of one another in unity with the flicker of the candle that is human history. But dread not, history has selected a superior model to either archetype in the dichotomy: a Mixed Market Economy. Not the more otherworldly and romanticized cousin, who holds no loyalties, that is an in totality: Free Market.

As a quick digression, purely to divulge one of my favorite hidden secrets: Communism is a form of anarchy (stateless, classless), so it is entirely senseless to refer to any country or state throughout the entirety of human history as Communist, regardless of whether or not they attempted a Command Economy. That would just make them a semblance to socialism.

Socialism is not Stalinism. It could in theory, and has in practice, be an aspect of Stalinism. It is not necessarily a means of production by the command of the state (which would irreparably render it incompatible with Communism, which already cannot occur in a society that has not truly been Democratic and Capitalistic); it is a form of means of production, controlled by a collective which could be the State, or the general public, or the simply the ones who produce or subject goods and services.  It is underlyingly, out of the hands of an economic business elite. Maybe some goods or services should be produced in some form of a socialist fashion. Say: Governance.

-Evan Payne

Student

Letter to the editor

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Call to procreate outdated anti-gay marriage justification

Hey, Editor. I’m writing in response to Jack Van Kirk’s letter to the editor regarding his anti-gay marriage stance as a result of his being Catholic.

Real quick: Hey, Jack. Know your audience. Have you met the guy you addressed your letter to, by chance?

Jack’s letter says, in a nutshell, that he doesn’t hate gay people, but that homosexuality is immoral because marriage is a promise to make babies, men’s bodies don’t fit biologically, and homosexual acts are bad for the body.

Whole lotta BS, if you ask me.

Jack’s referring to a set of rules created when tribes were fighting against tribes. They needed the ladies to make babies who would grow to defend the tribe. Same reason Onan got offed when he spilled his seed on the ground (Genesis 38:9). Hope you don’t pull out, Jack. That’d make you just as “bad” as a gay man.

So, while we’re sort of talking about biology, here’s a little lesson. There’s this thing that cells do as a result of contact inhibition–they divide and grow until they fill a space, and then they stop. They do that because once a cell population reaches a certain density, the amount of nutrition available to each cell limits continued growth.

When cells don’t stop dividing, that’s called cancer.

We are the cancer of the earth. We’re too stupid to stop growing. The world’s population has grown from about three billion in 1960 to about seven billion right now, according to World Bank data. As of 2010, there are roughly 925 million technically malnourished people in the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

So yeah, perfect idea, guy, let’s make sure a promise to continue producing more humans than our planet can sustain is built into the marriage contract. Brilliant.

Listen here. Fact is, there are so so so many currently legal things that grossed Bible writers out. Tattoos (Leviticus 19:28). Divorce (Mark 10:9). Shellfish (Leviticus 11:10). Sackless men (Deuteronomy 23:1). Should we make any of those things illegal? If we did and made them retroactive, the majority of our country’s population would be in jail via divorce alone.

Those things are not illegal because it’s none of your damn business anyway. Don’t want to get divorced? Don’t. (Probably just don’t get married in the first place). Needles freak you out? Cool, you’re not required to get a tattoo. Hate lobster? Don’t eat it! Likewise, if you don’t want to interact with another man’s genitals, by God, you don’t have to. That doesn’t mean that no one else can.

You don’t have to think it’s great. You don’t have to do it yourself. You don’t even have to be ok with it. You do have to stop being such an asshole about other people making decisions that not only don’t concern you, but also don’t affect you in any way at all.

All of my love,

-Rachel Kimbrough

JCCC student

Where there is a will, there is still no way

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By Rachel Luchmun

The case of Jesus Torres (see this article) provoked two kinds of responses: those sympathetic to his cause and denouncing his deportation, and those who believe that Torres’ deportation is deserved because he should have gotten with the program and become a proper U.S. citizen.

Unfortunately, this latter kind of thinking is widespread. Illegal immigrants steal jobs and money, or so they say; if illegals do not want to do the right thing and become legal residents, then they should just go home. They are expecting too much from the government! They should try that tactic in their home country, see where that gets them.

This argument would be valid, if it wasn’t for the immigration system. The idea that it takes more effort to avoid becoming legal than to actually take the route to legalization is rooted in ignorance and wishful thinking.

Becoming a lawful resident of the U.S. takes both time and money. According to uscis.gov, the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act provides a way for individuals to obtain a green card regardless of the manner in which they entered the United States and the lawfulness of their employment… if the relevant forms were submitted before April 30, 2001. Any petitions from lawful relatives in the U.S. take money and time, as well as require the immigrant to be out of the country. For instance, filing an I-485 form (application to register permanent residence or adjust status) costs $1070. The I-130 form (petition for alien relative) costs $420.

Non-citizens in the United States do not have the same rights as citizens. Illegal immigrants, even less so. They are not staying out of a sense of entitlement, wanting to milk the government down and taking jobs away. They are staying because, however bad their situation is here, it is even worse wherever it is they come from. They would rather take a hard, illegal life here than a legal life somewhere else.

Taking the legal avenue is not as easy as some may think. The process is long and very costly; a long list of forms and data are needed. Simple things such as getting a driver’s permit or a social security number involve jumping through a number of hoops. For people already struggling with their lives, it is simply not an option.

So next time you want to complain about illegal immigrants being “lazy” and taking advantage of the system; next time you want to tell any non-citizen that, if they are not happy with the state of things, they can just go home; remember that if they chose to be here under those conditions, it’s vastly because it’s their best bet.

Remember also that when they say America was founded on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” they do exclusively refer to citizens of the United States.

Contact Rachel Luchmun, managing editor, at rluchmun@jccc.edu.

Enough with the 3D movie fad already

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By Jon Parton

The 3D movie fad needs to die again. Although technology for 3D films has existed for many years, its recent resurgence is costing moviegoers more money. In the 1950’s, several films were released by studios that used the gimmick to draw people in.

The reemergence of the 3D movie is due, in large part, to the release of James Cameron’s “Avatar” in 2009. Cameron’s work with 3D cameras in the filming of the movie was quite an accomplishment. Not only did the movie win three Oscars, it went on to become the highest grossing film of all time.

Quick to ride on Avatar’s coattails, studios began to do postproduction work on films in order to convert them to 3D. A movie that is shot in 3D has to account for viewing angles, color level, and movement. As many people can attest to, 3D films can induce headaches and motion sickness.

Films that were later converted often had muted effects or featured low levels of brightness that made the 3D experience worse than watching the original version. Moreover, the expensive 3D technology requires a premium price from moviegoers.

On the weekend at local AMC theaters, it costs $14 to view a 3D film, $16 to view an IMAX 3D film and $10 to see the 2D version. The premium is there to cover costs, but the premium isn’t worth it when filmmakers don’t take time to ensure that their movies are worth seeing in 3D.

Joe Paletta, CEO of Spotlight Theaters, recently announced that their theaters would eliminate the premium charge on 3D movies and increase the price of 2D movies so they would be the same. This is clearly the move of an industry that isn’t making money on 3D movie technology, something they expect their customers to pay for.

Soon, it won’t be a matter of whether you want to see a movie in 3D or 2D. It will be a matter of whether you want to pay a premium or wait until the film comes out on DVD.

Contact Jon Parton, news editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Not another blonde: Anna Faris reveals what it was like working on her newest film, “The Dictator”

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By Jon Parton

In the field of acting, it is often said that you have to be smart in order to play dumb. Actress Anna Faris is no exception.

The 35 year-old is well known for playing bubbly, ditzy characters in films like “Scary Movie” and “The House Bunny.” In reality, Faris received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Washington before she caught her big break in Hollywood.

Faris’s costars in the new movie “The Dictator,” opening in theaters May 16, alongside Sacha Baron Cohen, British comedian known for such films as “Borat” and “Bruno.” Faris said that she was eager to work with the sometimes controversial actor.

“He’s like a crazy genius,” Faris said. “He’s sort of – he’s very intellectual. He’s very thoughtful. You know, he stays in character throughout the whole movie. And he does – he’s reveled in making people uncomfortable. But he’s also – the other side of him is he’s really, really sweet. And he’s kind of a gentleman and a total family man.”

Faris said that Cohen would often improvise during filming, making it a bit of a learning curve for her.

“So it forced you to really stay on your toes, which was hard, but also sort of an exciting challenge for an actor,” Faris said. “I mean, he would, you know, in a scene, like, where he was sort of supposed to be charmed by me, he would suddenly be threatening to kill me, or like, calling me, like, a lesbian hobbit.”

Although she has taken on a variety of roles, Faris said that she finds comedy to be very satisfying.

“I love – I think that it’s made me be able to laugh at myself and a lot easier,” Faris said. “I think I used to take myself very seriously. And I love – there’s, like, the reward, too, of when you sneak into a theater, which I rarely do, because it just scares me so much. But you do – on those rare occasions that you hear other people laughing at your movie, it feels amazing. It’s amazing to give people joy and to be a part of a hugely challenging process as well.”

Faris said that the film pushes the envelope thanks to Cohen’s fearlessness, something for which she might have to prepare her parents when they see the movie.

“I think it’s going to be kind of an event movie,” Faris said. “And I know that there’s going to be scenes that will be talked about. Hopefully, my parents will be, I don’t know, I’ll have to tell them to, like, go to the bathroom in strategic moments.”

When asked about the strangest thing a role required her to do, Faris had to think a moment.

“Oh,” Faris said. “Wow, man, so many. For ‘The Dictator,’ I had to grow out my armpit hair, which was a new experience for me. And I was very naïve about it. And sort of thinking that maybe it would grow in kind of thin and wispy and maybe even kind of cute. And that was not the case. It was dark and thick. And it defined my whole summer. I was like, no tank tops, no swimsuits, couldn’t hail a cab.”

Contact Jon Parton, news editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

 

“The Dictator” premieres in theaters May 16.

WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Chess Club announces five-day tournament

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By Adam Lignell

A chess veteran said he wants as many experienced and new players alike to come to the double-elimination chess tournament, 12-7 p.m. each day April 30 to May 4.

Frank Williams, administrator and founder of the club, arrives before 11 a.m. on weekdays to play anyone in a game of chess.

“I’m set up to play anybody who wants to show up, they don’t even have to be a student,” he said.

The tournament will cost $5 before April 27, and $10 after. The games will take place in the Down Under. No refunds will be given. Players must finish two timed games in the first two days to stay in the tournament.

Club administrators Williams and Gray Sanders will time and announce the ends of games and answer any questions players might have about chess or the tournament.

Students can fill out a form with their name, phone number, college ID number, days they will attend the five-day tournament and if they’ve paid.

Williams said the club hopes that their numbers will increase as this tournament gets underway, and he has advice for players new to the game.

“If you play people who are not as good as you are, they’ll learn, you won’t,” Williams said. “You want to play somebody stronger than you to improve.”

Contact Frank Williams, Chess Club administrator for more information at knarf1938@yahoo.com.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

WEB-EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Take a chance on “The Lucky One”

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By Ben Markley

It’s undisputed that Nicholas Sparks is the champion of the modern chick flick, seeing as watching and crying over “The Notebook” has basically become a rite of passage for many teenage girls. Sure, he’s formulaic, but he makes us feel good (or, in the case of “A Walk to Remember” and “Dear John,” like total crap).

Sparks’ latest film, “The Lucky One,” begins with Logan (Zac Efron), a marine who finds a picture of a woman while on tour, which seems to keep him alive through many near-death situations. When he returns home, he sets out to find the woman in the picture.

What he finds is Beth (Taylor Schilling), a single mother living in the shadow of a nasty divorce from her possessive ex-husband Keith (Jay R. Ferguson). Inevitably, the star-crossed lovers fall for each other, and the conflict ensues.

The real protagonist, despite all the Efron hype, is actually Beth. The primary conflict is that she can’t have a relationship with Logan without risking losing custody of her son Ben (Riley Thomas Stewart) to her ex-husband.

It’s almost a shame because Efron really does give a much better performance than Schilling. Save a few cheesy lines, his portrayal of the strong, silent marine is pleasantly and completely divorced from the pretty boy melodrama of his Disney days, and it’s clear he’s grown up quite a bit since then.

Schilling, though her character is better written, gives a much shakier performance. Some of her most important moments of character development are fumbled by overacting or poor timing. She stays afloat, and the movie holds together, but she’s definitely one of the weaker components.

Arguably one of the best actors is ten-year-old Riley Thomas Stewart, who plays Beth’s son Ben. He takes a character that was supposed to capitalize on cuteness and turn it on its head. The way he delivers what would be otherwise obvious lines makes him more memorable than the romance itself.

The movie as a whole is funny and feel-good. It has everything: cute kid, sassy grandmother (Blythe Danner), good-looking protagonists and it’s swarming with smiley dogs (Beth runs a kennel). It’s not the story to end all stories, but it is entertaining, engaging and even somewhat memorable. ​

All that said, I’m still hesitant to say I really like this movie, mainly because of how it resolves. I won’t reveal how Sparks finds a happy ending through the climax, but I will say that what seems to be a cathartic twist of fate on its face is actually a somewhat dark trick on the part of the author to give us the ending we want. In spite of all its attempts to charm me, the story left me more troubled than touched when the credits started to roll.​

“The Lucky One” is probably not going to be garnering any Oscar nominations, but it’s certainly enjoyable. It might not be worth eight bucks, but it’s worth putting on the short list for future movie nights.

I’ll end this with a disclaimer for any gentleman reading. I’ve read numerous reviews that talk about what a wonderful date movie “The Lucky One” is. Guys – yes, it is a warm, fuzzy romance that will get her feeling snugglier than usual, but understand, Efron’s character in the movie is perfect. Sensitive, good-looking, kid-friendly, good in bed, the whole Edward Cullen works.

If you come out of the movie and your girlfriend plays the  why-can’t-you-be-more-like-that-guy card, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

​Contact Ben Markley, sports editor, at bmarkle2@jccc.edu.

 

“The Lucky One” premieres in theaters tonight. For showtimes near Overland Park, click here.

Organ donation symposium aims to create understanding

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By Adam Lignell

An organ and tissue donation symposium aimed to help create more understanding between doctors, professors, donor families and students, Friday, April 6.

Entitled “Share Life, Share Love,” the event was hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), and also sponsored by the Gift of Life foundation and the Midwest Transplant Network (MTN).

Diversity Council chair Diane Kappen invited her psychology class to attend, and said she learned far more about the subject of organ donation herself.

“I didn’t have a clue about all the things that go into [organ donation,]” Kappen said. “Our major interest at the beginning were the cultural influences on giving or not.”

Jill Johnson, bookstore clerk whose eleven-year-old son Amir passed away a year ago, spoke during the symposium about why he is a hero.

“I was thankful for the time, and that he’s living on through somebody else,” she said. “His life wasn’t in vain, he’s our hero. Just like a soldier would give their life in a war, my son gave his life for somebody else to have life. To me, that’s a heroic effort.”

MTN helped Johnson’s family during the transplant, and helped them recuperate when it was over.

“They are very compassionate people, they work with you,” Johnson said. “They had more compassion than our doctor did.”

Tony Johnson, Jill’s husband, discussed how medical physicians should care for organ or tissue donors.

“If somebody could’ve saved my son’s life, I would’ve wanted them to be generous so my son could live,” he said. “I was able to help somebody else’s family member be there for everything.”

Tony Johnson also talked about why it’s so important for donor families to be comforted when the process is over.

“You can’t support everybody when you’re hurt,” he said. “Having somebody around to buffer that really helps.”

Harry Wilkins, doctor with MTN, discussed why it’s so important for doctors to use checklists when conducting transplants.

“We’ve talked to societies and groups, and the American Academy of Neurology are pushing these,” Wilkins said. “So I think the way we’re going to do that is through education, and continue pushing.”

Without using checklists or other specific ways of preparing for transplants, doctors can make some major mistakes.

“Since we are moving into an era of evidence based medicine, it’s incumbent upon you [medical practitioners] to use the accepted guidelines,” Wilkins said. “You’ve got to keep up with the latest trends or refer to a specialist who does.”

Wilkins further talked about how knowledge of good sources for organ donation can help people make better decisions.

“There are about five major ones [medical organizations] from neurosurgeons to neurologists,” Wilkins said. “The ones that are sanctioned by the AAN, those are the most credible.”

Carmaletta Williams, head of ODEI and professor of English, explained why the symposium was organized.

“We get this information, and this is too much information for just us,” Williams said. “We need to share it.”

Tony and Jill Johnson should be more recognized, according to Williams.

“To me, they were heroes too,” she said. “They were able to make really wonderful decisions to honor Amir.”

Students and future donors can contact Gift of Life at www.giftdonor.org. The Midwest Transplant Network can be contacted at http://www.mwtn.org/.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

Promoting the environment: Earth Days 2012 showcases sustainability on campus

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Illustration by Sara Scherba

By Rachel Luchmun

Farm work, campus tours, lunch and an electric vehicle showcase will be highlights of Earth Days 2012, held on April 23-27.

Earth Days 2012 aims at showcasing the different activities available on campus that promote sustainability.

“The goal is to promote awareness and celebrate the environment,” said Kevin Clark, co-chair, Student Sustainability Committee.

According to Kim Criner, student Sustainability affairs coordinator, the advantage of having a series of Earth Days, as opposed to just one, is to show that sustainability is an ongoing process.

“Sustainability is much more than just ‘I’m an environmentalist’ or ‘I’ll save the planet,’ but there’s lots of different things involved in terms of food systems and waste streams, our transportation infrastructure and all of these things that we all rely on, and sustainability is necessary,” Criner said.

On April 23, the campus farm will hold a farm work day where students can help with the spring planting. Lunch will be provided for participants who RSVP to the event, although everyone is encouraged to show up. Criner said farm work days typically give out a strong sense of community.

“We kind of get dirty and then sit around and get to know each other,” Criner said. “It’s a really nice community thing for campus because you see faculty come out there, students from different disciplines and organizations and they just all come out there and play on a farm, so you really get the sense of community.”

On April 24, sustainability tours, scheduled at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., will showcase on-campus locations such as the campus farm, solar power training facility, composter and more. The departure will be from the COM plaza steps.

On April 25, a recycling and waste audit will be held in the fountain square by the library. Volunteers will sort through trash cans and recycling bins to see whether both are used effectively.

“What we’ll be doing is kind of sorting them to see what ended up in the trash that could have been recycled and what ended up in the recycling bin that does not belong there,” Criner said.

A three-course lunch, cooked by Chef Tim Johnson with ingredients from the campus farm and other local sources, will be held on April 26 in the Regnier Center. Presentations about student sustainability projects on campus will also be held then. Student tickets cost $10 for the event, while faculty and staff tickets cost $15. $3 per ticket will benefit the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA).

“The lunch is a club sponsored event, so [the $3] will go in our account for next semester,” said Melissa Wilson, president, SEA. “We might use it to get the word out about us and get rid of the past perception that we just are an organization that picks up trash.”

On April 27, an electric vehicle showcase will be held in the COM plaza. A bicycle shop will also be offering bicycle repairs. At 12 p.m., the 2008 movie “Wall-E,” along with a shorter movie, “The Story of Stuff,” will be shown.

“[Wall-E is] a great film, but we’re also getting at the meaning behind it, the very real context that we throw things away without realizing that we are going to run out of space to put them,” Criner said.

Volunteers are needed for the farm work day and the recycling and waste audit. For more information, to RSVP to events and to purchase tickets, go to http://blogs.jccc.edu/sustainability/events/earth-days-2012.

Contact Rachel Luchmun, managing editor, at rluchmun@jccc.edu.

Infographic: Highs and lows of marijuana in America

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Click for enlarged version.

Compiled by Ben Markley

Designed by Erica Aldridge

 

Related articles:

The legal effects of marijuana

Yes we cannabis: Kansas City organizations explain legalization movement

The origins of ’420′

Staff Editorial: Prohibition a failure, yet again

Campus calendar

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What: Suzanne Vega and Duncan Sheik

When and Where: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21 in Yardley Hall

Why You Need to Be There: Acoustic folk artist Suzanne Vega teams up with award-winning composer and producer Duncan Sheik to perform Vega’s music. Cost to attend is $5 this week for students and $45 for guests. Tickets can be purchased through the college box office.

 

What: Ricky Nelson Remembered

When and Where: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 22 in Yardley Hall

Why You Need to Be There: The twin sons of Ricky Nelson will be performing their father’s music accompanied by the Stone Canyon Band. The sons, Mathew and Gunnar Nelson, will be performing “Hello Mary Lou,” “Traveling Man,” “Garden Party” and many more. Tickets range from $30 to $80. Read more about the visit in this article: WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Nelson’s sons keep his music alive; coming to the college April 22

 

What: Moscow Festival Ballet

When and Where: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28 in Yardley Hall

Why You Need to Be There: The Moscow Festival Ballet will present a three-act “Sleeping Beauty” ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa. The fairytale will come to life and present the classic story of a sleeping princess who can only be awakened by a kiss from a prince. Tickets are $32 for students and $42 for guests.

 

What: Returning Alumni Music Concert

When and Where: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 in Yardley Hall

Why You Need to Be There: Students and faculty from the college’s Music Department will be per- forming with fellow department alumni. The JCCC Midnight Blues Jazz Choir, JCCC Midnight Express Jazz Ensemble and the JCCC Concert Band will all be taking part in the concert. The performance is free of charge and open to the public.

 

What: Campus Craze

When and Where: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 in the COM Plaza & Fountain Square

Why You Need to Be There: Campus Craze is a campus-wide event housing four-year college/university booths, academic program booths and student clubs and organization booths. There will also be games, activities, music, food and much more. This event is free and open to the public.

 

Compiled by Jessica Mitchell

One man’s waste is another man’s mulch: college to construct new compost building on campus

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By David Hurtado

The college’s Center for Sustainability is planning to build a compost shed to store the waste produced on campus and other equipment used on the college’s farm.

The shed, which will cost approximately $50,000, will be built south of the parking lot that sits behind the Police Academy and Horticulture Science Center. Jay Antle, executive director of sustainability, said most of the cost will be paid for by the federal government.

“The building itself, the composter and the solar panels, 75 percent of those costs are coming from federal dollars from the Department of Energy,” Antle said. “So this will be a very low cost to the actual college itself.”

The compost shed, which is expected to be completed by June, will house an industrial composter, sawdust, woodchips, the compost itself and possibly a compost tea maker in the future. The shed will also be shared with Sustainable Agriculture, who will store their gardening materials and a small tractor.

In an effort to produce a more energy efficient building, Michael Rea, recycling coordinator, said the compost shed is planned to be constructed entirely out of recycled steel. Metal construction has green characteristics such as recyclability and durability that can reduce the amount of materials necessary for the building envelope. The solar panels will be installed by students in the solar program to give them a chance to practice their trade.

Although the thought of composting waste brings to mind images of foul smelling air for some people, Rea said students will not have to worry about smelling the composter’s contents. Unless students were to stick their nose directly into the composter, the smell should not be an issue.

“It is so far away from the campus that no student would really be out there anyways,” Rea said. “The idea with smell is that with the correct formulas when you mix them with the food waste and sawdust you don’t end up with any kind of smell. Honestly, it doesn’t have any more smell than the compacters that are actually sitting right next to the buildings.”

Rea said he was very excited that the college would soon have a compost building. It would give the Center for Sustainability a better touring facility for people who want to see how the composting process works.

“The child center is really excited about being able to bring over the kids to see how compost works,” Rea said. “Right now they take their food inside their classrooms and when they’re done with it they put [the leftovers] into their own bucket and then we take it out for them. So they are really excited to see where their food goes because at this point it just kind of goes away.”

Not everyone on campus is thrilled about the college’s continuing efforts to go green, though. Elisabeth Barnes, student, said she believed that the economic costs should also be considered.

“I think it’s important for them to have green economic choices, but for the college to go completely green, that costs a lot of money that could be used somewhere else,” Barnes said. “Going green is pretty expensive.”

While animals such as raccoons or rats could be attracted to the smells emanating from the industrial composter, Antle said he doubts that there will be problems with animals trying to burrow into the compost shed.

“The compost is pretty well sealed,” Antle said. “We haven’t had any problems out where we’ve had the composter already and that’s more open than the compost shed is going to be. My guess is if some enterprising critter tried to get into the composter, they would rue the day.”

Contact David Hurtado, reporting correspondent, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

The legal effects of marijuana

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Photo illustration by Michael House. Product shown is not actual marijuana but a legal imitation.

By Jon Parton

According to a recent Gallup poll, 50 percent of Americans believe that marijuana use should be legalized. Although the debate on legalization is ongoing, the laws prohibiting the usage and distribution are very uncompromising.

In the state of Kansas, possession of any amount of marijuana for personal use can result in up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500 for first time offenders. Frank Galbrecht, associate professor, administration of justice, said that possessing a large amount could mean more jail time and increased fines.

“The amount you have affects if it’s a level one felony or a misdemeanor,” Galbrecht said.

Subsequent offenses carry higher penalties, including mandatory jail time and increased fines. Not only is distribution of marijuana considered a felony, Kansas law increases penalties for those found guilty of doing so within 1,000 feet of a school zone, including a mandatory incarceration of at least four years and a maximum fine of $300,000.

Galbrecht said that criminal history is taken into consideration when judges administer punishment.

“Some of the criminal law legislature contains provisions for, if this is a repeat offense,” he said. “If the legislature doesn’t contain that, if you are convicted, when you go to court, judges have the option to look at your criminal history.”

Galbrecht added that criminal history is not looked at during the trial, only during the punishment phase.

“During your trial, that can’t come up,” Galbrecht said. “Doesn’t make a difference if you’ve done it before. One has to be convicted on the merits, facts, and circumstances of that case.”

Kansas also has laws that prohibit the possession of paraphernalia, treating it as a misdemeanor. The harshest penalties occur for those found guilty of cultivating marijuana, a felony that can include 12 to 17 years imprisonment. Larger amounts of marijuana are often tried at the state or federal level in order to levy higher fines and increased jail time.

“Law enforcement might have a big case, they might want to take it to federal court,” Galbrecht said.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined marijuana to be dangerous because the agency believes the drug has a high potential for abuse. Kay King, associate professor and chair, Administration of Justice, said that there are good reasons why the DEA considers the drug to be more dangerous than cocaine.

“It’s psychologically addicting, it’s not physically addicting,” King said.

King also said that the common method of consuming marijuana, through the lungs, can lead to health issues.

“The way they ingest it, they hold all the carcinogens in their lungs much longer in the way they smoke it,” King said.

According to campus police Sgt. Gregory Russell, the campus has had relatively few incidents regarding possession or distribution of marijuana.

“There was one incident for possession that led to an arrest last year, but they were not a student,” Russell said.

Russell said that if a student was caught on campus possessing marijuana, that student would immediately be arrested and sent to the Overland Park Police Department for booking.

“Not only would they be arrested, their report would be reported to the school, where they would risk expulsion,” Russell said.

Russell said that the school is currently organizing a campaign to help students fight drug dependence, no matter what the addiction might be. The Council of Addiction and Substance Abuse Issues (CASAI) seeks to address students fighting substance abuse.

“The important part is that we want students to be able to get help if they need it,” Russell said.

Contact Jon Parton, news editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

 

Related articles:

Yes we cannabis: Kansas City organizations explain legalization movement

Infographic: Highs and lows of marijuana in America

The origins of ’420′

Staff Editorial: Prohibition a failure, yet again

Letter to the editor

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Dear Editor;

I am the President of JCCC’s Council Addressing Substance Abuse Issues (CASAI) here on campus. There was a recent article printed in the Campus Ledger that needs some clarification regarding the job of our “council” and the job of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” or more commonly, A.A. The portion of the article that I am specifically referring to said this:

“The college’s helping hands extended themselves to people struggling with addiction by the arrangement of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are now being held on campus. The meetings are held every Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. in RC 185, students and non-students can meet and discuss their addictions. The meetings are oriented towards those who are struggling with addiction whether it be alcohol or drugs/narcotics. … The group does not bias from any other addiction. You do not have to be an alcoholic to join or attend the meetings.”

Since the article went public, I’ve been contacted by the District 10 Chair Member of A.A., and that person put me in contact with a member of A.A. so that together we could write this response. The person I spoke to made it clear that they, “do not speak for A.A., but are a member of A.A. and familiar with A.A.’s singleness of purpose.” The member also added, “A.A. is a recovery program for alcoholics only. Of course, those who have a problem with alcohol and other substances may attend if they have a desire to stop drinking and confine their discussions to problems with alcohol.”

The article referred to meetings that are oriented toward, “addiction whether it be alcohol or drugs/narcotics.” This is a direct violation of A.A.’s purpose. I believe the confusion arose because CASAI’s mission (separate from A.A.) is to offer support, information and guidance to JCCC students, faculty and staff who struggle with substance abuse or addiction. CASAI provides ongoing campus-based education and resources to address these issues that impact our institution and our community. In that regard, CASAI’s purpose is “all-encompassing.” The council will offer any resource we have available to anyone who needs help with any addiction they may suffer from. This is quite different from A.A.’s “singleness of purpose.” The A.A. member I spoke with provided the following regarding A.A.’s singleness of purpose and problems other than alcohol:

“Some professionals refer to alcoholism and drug addiction as “substance abuse” or “chemical dependency.” Non-alcoholics are, therefore, sometimes introduced to A.A. and encouraged to attend A.A. meetings. Anyone may attend open A.A. meetings, but only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings.

A renowned psychiatrist, who served as a nonalcoholic trustee of the A.A. General Service Board, made the following statement: “Singleness of purpose is essential to the effective treatment of alcoholism. The reason for such exaggerated focus is to overcome denial. The denial associated with alcoholism is cunning, baffling and powerful, and affects the patient, helper, and the community. Unless alcoholism is kept relentlessly in the foreground, other issues will usurp everybody’s attention.”

The primary purpose of A.A. is to carry its message of recovery to the alcoholic seeking help. Almost every alcoholism treatment tries to help the alcoholic maintain sobriety. Regardless of the road we follow, we all head for the same destination, recovery of the alcoholic person. Together, we can do what none of us could accomplish alone. We can serve as a source of personal experience and be an ongoing support system for recovering alcoholics.”

To clarify, and help CASAI better understand Alcoholics Anonymous, I asked the A.A. member to answer this question, “What does A.A. do?” The A.A. member provided the following response:

“1. A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.

2. The A.A. program, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.

3. This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.

a. Open speaker meetings — open to alcoholics and non-alcoholics. (Attendance at an open A.A. meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do.) At speaker meetings, A.A. members “tell their stories.” They describe their experiences with alcohol, how they came to A.A., and how their lives have changed as a result of Alcoholics Anonymous.

b. Open discussion meetings — one member speaks briefly about his or her drinking experience, and then leads a discussion on A.A. recovery or any drinking-related problem anyone brings up. (Closed meetings are for A.A.s or anyone who may have a drinking problem.)

c. Closed discussion meetings — conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective A.A.s only.”

After being contacted by the District 10 Chair Member of A.A., and after speaking to an A.A. member, I felt the obligation (as President of CASAI) to make sure our college campus and community understood the difference between CASAI’s mission and A.A.’s mission. And in CASAI’s efforts to provide information and support to the alcoholic, Johnson County Community College will continue to hold A.A. meetings every Friday from 12 to 1:00 p.m. in RC 185. The meetings are closed; however, the first Friday of every month serves as an open meeting, and as mentioned above, an open meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do.

Thank you,

Sheryl Hadley

CASAI President

Associate Professor of Economics

Chair—Economics Department

Johnson County Community College

shadley01@jccc.edu

(913) 469-8500 x 4773

Letter to the editor

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This is in regard to the March 22nd issue of the Campus Ledger in which the article entitled Grey Areas: Emergencies and Attendance Policies appeared.

I was simply trying to bring to light issues with the attendance policy and emergencies that students have from time to time such as the one I had. It was not my intent to point fingers or blame anyone for the attendance policy. It was simply meant to state that the attendance policy should be be flexible for those who have extenuating circumstances. I know that instructors do what they are told to do, but just allow them to have the flexibility to help their students when things like this happen. You might be surprised at how much happier students and instructors will be.

-Theresa Campbell

Student

Men’s basketball player Chris Brasher made leader despite injuries

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Chris Brasher, guard for the Cavaliers basketball team, is shown in the gym April 9. Brasher is considered one of the “leaders” of the team, despite facing several injuries. Photo by Tasha Cook

By Adam Lignell

A men’s basketball player has led the Cavaliers for a solid season despite several injuries and obstacles. Chris Brasher described how he became more involved in basketball over time.

“I just really liked it because it was fun to play,” Brasher said. “As I grew up, it got more and more serious.”

Aside from working hard with his team, Brasher pursues other interests as well.

“I just love hanging out with friends,” Brasher said. “Whatever they want to do is fine by me, just some downtime.”

Brasher wasn’t alone in his pursuit to improve himself on the court.

“My uncle used to coach at UMKC,” Brasher said. “Every morning before school I’d get up at 6 a.m. and do workouts, so that was a big help.”

Aside from improving his skills as a team leader and player before he transfers, being a great basketball player isn’t Brasher’s only goal.

“I’m trying to get a 3.0 [GPA] so I can go to Western Kentucky next semester,” Brasher said. “I’m focusing on my grades so I can go there and play there next year.”

Coach Mike Jeffers explained why he thought Brasher was such a big part of this season’s success.

“When we lost Brasher in mid-January, it took us a good three to four weeks to readjust different players in different roles,” Jeffers said. “We got comfortable and confident.”

Jeffers was glad to have Brasher understand the team better this season, even after undergoing ACL injuries the past few years.

“He’s been injured three straight years now,” Jeffers said. “It’s unbelievable what he’s gone through to try to keep playing college basketball.”

According to Jeffers, Brasher certainly fit the role of a leader, which developed over his three years of effort with the team.

“Our best leaders have been players that have been red-shirted because of academics or most of the time by injury,” Jeffers said. “They’ve got a better grasp of what’s going on.”

Brasher’s close friend and teammate Nick Boehler said he was going in a better direction after learning a lot in his first year playing.

“This year was a lot more fun,” Boehler said. “This team felt more like a family, we had really good chemistry.”

On the court, Boehler recalled a couple events that really stuck out during the season.

“It was more memorable beating [KCK] there,” Boehler said. “We knew we needed a big win to propel us and get things started.”

Brasher and Boehler said their team is looking for new managers for next season, and more audience members per game.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

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