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Peru State Times

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Project Roar Continuation

Progression of the dome

the indicated outcome

Written By Emily Mattox

If you are driving through Peru, Nebraska then you have noticed that they are adding a building next to the football field They are making a lot of progress and are nearing the project’s end The building they are constructing is called the Dome

The Dome is going to have an indoor turf football field, a weight room and a couple basketball courts. The building is there to help students and the football team get some practice in when it is too cold or too wet

The Dome has a white top that is inflatable The doors spin and you are able to walk up to it and look inside of it The outside is more of a bubble form, which allows the roof to be up and in the air.

The Dome looks inviting for students, and students are excited to be able to go in it and use it There is also going to be another building on the outside for restrooms and offices

The building is going to have a seventyyard turf football field. The main field is fifty yards with two ten-yard end zones. There is also going to be a weight room and a couple of basketball courts, which are not going to be put in until December

The Dome is not going to be operational until the Spring, but it will have air conditioning Currently there is a turf field down with lights up

Photo By: Emily Mattox

1) Ongoing construction continues to flourish to complete the Peru State College Dome. 2) 5'7 Ofaloto Moungaafi standing near the Dome for size reference. 3) Ofaloto Moungaafi walking near the ongoing construction of the Dome.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

1) The turf field is ready for the students. 2)The back of the Dome where the weight room and basketball courts

Photo By: Emily Mattox

66th Annual Brownville Fall Flea Market

Written By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

The Brownville Flea Market is a biannual event that happens in Brownville, Nebraska, twelve miles southeast of Peru, and eleven miles east of Auburn.

The days the Flea Market will be open are September 28th and the 29th, a Saturday and a Sunday. Most of the vendors and stalls are on Main Street in Brownville, though there are vendors on E Main Street and the surrounding areas

It is generally recommended that people wanting to visit should go on Saturday the 28th, as that is considered the main day of the Flea Market.

There will still be nearly all of the vendors on Sunday, and it would be a good thing to consider going on both days. Some stalls are there only on Saturday, such as Loretta’s Donuts, a donut cart selling a variety of pastries for people to buy, including the donut holes from the donuts

Cash will be an important thing to have for the Flea Market, as the internet reception is rather abysmal at Brownville, so card transactions might not go through and then purchases for items cannot be made. There is an ATM in TJ’s Tavern, at the US Highway 136 and Main Street intersection that people can go into to use the restroom and withdraw money

Another vendor that is always at Brownville is Gospel Coffee & Ice Cream They are located at 121 Main Street in Brownville and are roughly open 7 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Friday, and are closed on Saturday till Monday Do check on Google to see if the times change or that the shop is open so there is no unwarranted trip

The inside of Gospel Coffee & Ice Cream. The area in the picture showcases the dining area the visitors can sit and enjoy the ice cream and coffee. The point of view of the photo is where the coffee and ice cream can be purchased.

The outside of Gospel Coffee & Ice Cream on Main Street of Brownville.

A closeup of the Gospel’s door, showcasing the plants and the window decal of the coffee shop logo.

Photo By: Hayley Jones

Photo By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

Photo By: Hayley Jones

Campus Events

Written By: Kiara Meek

The Etiquette Dinner is on Thursday September 26th from 5pm to 7pm.From 5:00pm to 5:30pm in the Burr Oak Room, there will be drinks and snack/finger foods.

From 5:30pm to 7pm in the Live Oak Room, there will be a three course meal provided by Fresh Ideas while Ted Harshbarger will give a presentation on dinner etiquette and deciphering a formal place setting.

Students get the opportunity to interact with professors and other students to learn proper etiquette for a business setting

This focuses on teaching participants about how to act in a business meal setting and learn a bit about financial aid planning after college.

Homecoming is Saturday October 19th, featuring the football game at 2pm VS William Penn University at the Oak Bowl Volleyball will be playing away at Clarke University The theme is Viva Las Vegas! Be on the lookout for all the fun events taking place on campus that week!

Music Department

Written By: Kiara Meek

The Contemporary Choral Festival will be taking over campus on Wednesday October 23rd through Thursday October 24th. Roughly 1,000 people will be in attendance, including high school, college students, teachers, and parents!

“Of Earth & Air & Sky”, the Fall Choir Concert, will be October 10th at 6pm. This will feature the entire choir and many songs they’ve been practicing this semester. Both events are free admission for students

Art Department

Written By: Kiara Meek

The Art Department is bringing in Artist Keith Buswell in the month of October to interact with the students at Peru State Buswell will also be joining the campus for the 8th annual Art Day on October 30th This event brings in high school students with Peru State students to take part in activities like workshops. High school students get the opportunity to work with Peru State students and faculty, as well as Keith Buswell Art Day will be on Wednesday October 30th, registration is free but sports are limited.

out to Susan Moore for more details or questions. Dr. Moore’s email is SMoore@peru.edu

The Peru State Band will be performing at the PreHomecoming Game on Saturday October 19th in the Quad. Their Jazz Ensemble will also be performing in the Quad on Thursday October 26th at 11:15am for their “Jazz on the Green” concert Stop by to hear some amazing tunes!

Other Events

Written By: Kiara Meek

Registration for Spring and Summer 2025 classes will open Tuesday October 22nd and close on Thursday October 24th Start looking at schedules and talking to your advisor!

Midterm Break is Monday October 14th through Tuesday October 15th. All classes will be canceled but campus offices are open

Survey

Written and Made By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

This is a survey being conducted by the Peru State Times to gather information about how the Peru State community feels about the cafeteria and different aspects of it Please complete the survey and encourage others to compete it The survey results will come out on Issue Number Two.

Photo By: Keith Buswell

GraphicBy:Canva

GraphicBy:Canva Keith Buswell. Reach

GraphicBy:Canva

The Dominator

Written By: Amelia Hakl

“I came this far because of volleyball,” stated Hana Deticek, number twenty-one a senior volleyball Bobcat

At twelve years old her father encouraged her to take the sport more seriously After a year of college in Slovenia, she transferred to America. She started in South Carolina but was injured. After the injury she was looking to transfer. Deticek said she came to Peru because she appreciated Coach Madison Kindle’s welcoming demeanor

Deticek believes that this season will end well There are good efforts from the coaching staff and as the season progresses the players will grow together.

“Everyone is really good. We can make something,” stated Deticek. Deticek’s had one of her best games vs Waldorf where she accumulated sixteen kills, eighteen digs and one ace earning a total of nineteen points in the five set match.

Head Volleyball Coach

Incoming Senior

Written By: Marissa Sloane

Photo By: Sidney Johansen

Madison Kindle states that “ “Hana Deticek has been such a great addition to our program this season She brings a calm and composed presence to our gym and to the court She continues to put the team first, while continuing to get better every time she steps foot in the gym. We are so grateful to have Hana apart of our program!”

Upcoming Volleyball Games

Devin Tomlinson a new incoming basketball player here at Peru State transferred this year from Freed Hardman University after winning the national championship to follow his former coach Reggie Kindle

Tomlinson stated that he is excited and ready to be on the the court as a Bobcat and represent Peru. Tomlinson is very eager for this season to to begin because he believes the team has potential

his parents are his biggest inspiration in his career.

The Bobcats will have four games before their first conference game against Benedictine College which will take place at home on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:30 p m

Last year the Bobcats record was twenty wins and twelve losses ending in thirtytwo games played not counting exhibition games

Tomlinson specifically states that “I think we have a lot of potential because we have an older team ”

Tomlinson continues stating “basketball means everything to me” “I hate to loose so I am ready to win with this team” and that

This season the Bobcats are scheduled to have thirty games This may include possible exhibition games.

Upcoming Basketball Games

Deticek attacking for the kill.

Tomlinson posing for a photo.

Photo By Sidney Johansen

GraphicBy: Canva

From Tokyo to Peru

Meet Dr John Jones of Nebraska City, NE, the new Dean of Education at Peru State College

Jones comes from an extensive background in education, ranging from elementary classroom teacher to Special Education teacher in high school and elementary, as well as a full-time professor at Truman State University

Jones grew up in Massachusetts, moving to Tokyo when he was fourteen to complete high school

Featuring Steve Burgers

Written by: Nick Hower

Student Steve Burgers, a Sophomore at Peru State College is from Bennington, Nebraska Burgers is planning to major in K-12 Special Education

What drew Burgers into Peru was how “it is a small community and that you get to know each other well” and he came here because he heard that it was one of the best education schools that was cheap and affordable

Peru State College is a well known school for their Education program With the ability to have one on one with a professor, it makes it easier to connect with the professors and get help outside of the classroom.

The transition from High School to College can be difficult, but with the community that is at Peru, it has made it easier for the students to connect to their classmates and their peers

A piece of advice from Burgers to incoming Freshman is to

“get out and enjoy your time here, no one knows you so it’s a blank slate. Join a club as well, it will help you build connections.”

Written By: Kiara Meek

Jones moved back to the States to attend college He moved to the Midwest from South Carolina with his wife and two daughters.

Jones leads like the Deans he had worked under, stating, “Deans have the ability to support students and staff to achieve their goals ”

He admires Peru State’s ability to have an open admission process, which means being able to take any potential student and

teach them how to teach

Jones says that anyone who want to teach, regardless of of their background, age, or subject area they want to teach, can come to Peru and we will teach them how to be a great educator

“Regional schools like this are what build the middle class, and I love that I am apart of that here at Peru State!”

Dr. John Jones.

Steve Burgers.

Photo By: Steve Burgers

Photo By: PSC Website

Mixed Reviews Over Dome

Responses

and

Opinon by Emily Mattox

Written By: Emily Mattox

I don't really have an opinion on the Dome because I do not know much about it. I think that it is because I did not take the time to learn about the it.

After talking to the Facilities Director I realized that all my facts were wrong and I needed to take a second look I think that also if you do not go to certain areas on campus then you are not going to know much about that area I think that because I do not know much about the football team

I have come to the conclusion that if the school only focuses on something that is only for a certain part of campus, then the other half is not going to know much about it. After the announcement of Project Roar, it seems that no one know truly what is happening or what exactly will be in the Dome when it’s finalized. At first, there was supposed to be an indoor track, and now that is not happening The question comes in, “what will actually be in the Dome when it’s finished?”

Overall my opinion was changed after learning more about the Dome. I think that if the school would talk about this new building to the students more, then there could be a possibility that students will have a better understanding of it and appreciate the school for brining something new to campus.

Not everyone is happy about the Dome, and the appearance is dirty but with the construction that is to be expected I think that with all hype that the school was giving us that we expected something more excited than what has been created

Now that it is almost finished we are still trying to figure out what the big deal is It seems that the main focus had been creating a turf for the football players since it is the only part fully completed.

Washington’s Statement

“Plant some trees & put up a building with bathrooms/drinking fountains/smoothie or protein shake bar... Missed the opportunity to add function/amenities ”

“Put a bobcat on that.”

Student Poll

“Do you like the Dome?”

“Got a giant air mattress with old buildings and they asking what you think? Hm idk I think ya’ll need to worry about living conditions for kids.” 103 Students don’t like the Dome.

101 Students like the Dome.

Written By: Emily Mattox

“I think it’s a great addition,” is what football player Zahir Washington said

The football team is really looking forward to the Dome being finished. When it’s close to the end of their season it starts to get cold.

“In the past few years the last game of the season has had snow flurries,” Washington stated During this weather the football team is in “long sleeves, hoodies, and tights ”

The Dome is really going to come in handy when their spring practice starts, it will allow them to have “flexibility for practicing ”

Washington is excited to use the Dome, and is also looking forward to having more weight room space.

Photo By: Emily Mattox

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Written

Made By: Alyssa Bock

1) A sneak peak into the area where the Basketball Courts will be at. 2) Dirt building up on the Dome walls due to ongoing construction.

Zahir Washington.

The Truth is Out

Written By: Marissa Sloane

On September 10th, 2024, former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met up for the first time to have a civil debate for the 2024 election This debate occurred in hopes of swaying the votes to pick a side

However, it seemed that this debate created controversies across the nation on who to choose As seen in the debate, during the first hour, David Muir and Linsey Davis can be seen fact-checking Trump in front of millions of viewers while they did not do the same to Harris.

Outside of the debate, there was a live factchecking occurring from the Poynter website and across their social media channels, which included Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and X The last known update on the debate fact-checking and the repercussions afterward were 23:16.

From CNN, it is stated by them that there were

thirty three false claims from Trump and one from Harris, whereas, Daily Wire claims that they counted fourteen false accusations from Trump and sixteen from Harris

Fact Checking Trump or Harris

The following comes from Poynter Institute. More information can be found at: https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2024/harris-trump-debate-fact-check/

Trump

Trump said “US left $85 billion worth of equipment in Afghanistan However, the figure is lower than Trump stated Only about $7 billion of equipment was left

Trump said “Crime is here up and through the roof.” This is mostly false and deals with the claim Trump made that violent crime spiked 45% under Biden-Harris The National Crime Victimization Survey depicts a 43% increase in violent crime between 2020 and 2022

Trump claims that Harris wants to confiscate guns, but she does not want to confiscate all guns. Harris supports mandatory gun buyback program for assault weapons and this would not cover all guns, such as handguns

Trump states that he left Iran “broke ” This is true, Iran’s foreign currency reserves fell from &128 billion in 2015 to $15 billion in 2019.

Harris

Harris stated that 800,000 new manufacturing jobs were created, however it was 765,000 Harris stated that she has 200 Republicans who have endorsed her. This is true. Harris is accurate in Trump’s role in the Taliban hostage release Harris states that Trump “negotiated directly with a terrorist organization called the Taliban The negotiation involved the Taliban getting 5,000 terrorists released.

Harris did skip the important speech when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to Congress to make a speech However, she was not at a sorority party but she had a keynote speech scheduled at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Harris met with Netanyahu face-to-face that following day.

Written and Made By: Alyssa Bock

The information below comes from the question “Trump or Harris?” This Poll was conducted through YikYak.

Trump accumulated 146 votes. Harris accumulated 75 votes. 44 skipped the poll

Total Students answered the Poll: 221

Donald Trump, former president who is running for presidency is located on the left side of the photo, whilst Kamala Harris, Vice president and running for presidency is located on the right of the photo.

Students who viewed the

Photo By: CNN Photo By: Screenshot

Comic

Created By: Michaela Stanley

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock

Editor: Caleb Kozeny

Distribution Manager: Alyssa Bock

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Kiara Meek, Marissa Sloane, Maxine GuhdeEgger, Michaela Stanley, and Nick Hower

Faculty Advisor: Kristi Nies

Find the Words

Created By: Alyssa Bock

WIFOPLKZAQYRTWEVCHDYEM BIBFHTWIUCLASSESOIFFWOIF OJUTEVIUTEVEINLSWEBHNEH BIITYSCONFERENCEDEITNION CWOTIONWOITONWOTOONSE AIIAOTBTQWERTUXBVGECWLI TFOLJHCBSYDEMDSOWHWHF SIMDOSJWCONFERIWOWMBJ URDMVVUTIOUNHGSFFLGHTY WECHAMPIONSNBLGOTGNGO ITAQILOIUTYEPERUFAWDOFR ODWOWFVNBOTGOPPTUETEF OBETOECOMMUNITYOERUIBO SBWIWWINWONTOSYECOAIEB LEIBEIBLUEIAOWNUTOSNWIO

The Peru State Times is the official student newspaper of Peru State College. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson building. There are three to four issues published each semester. All letters to the editor and personal submissions are welcome and must be signed by individual(s) submitting them. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures, and any other material can be submitted to the Times via email at perustatetimes@outlook.com. the Times also reserves the right to edit any submission for grammar, length, and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any material, including paid advertisements for any reason. To view previous issues of the Peru State Times, view https://peru.libguides.com/archives/newspapers.

Peru State Times

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23,

Concerns Around Campus

Campus climate and environmental issues

Written By:Alyssa Bock

Peru State Campus is not only a place for students to go to school but a place to live, create connections, and build their sense of character An ongoing problem on campus is the littering that goes on each week

While students walk from their dorms to their classes, trash can be seen at random places around campus The way this trash appears there is due to the fact an individual did not find a trashcan to put the trash in, or the wind took it from the overfilled dumpsters

Each week it seems that the problem with the trash continues with no resolution. That is why Caleb Kozeny, a student at Peru State College, has created a club to make a difference. The club is called the Outdoor Club and they meet on Thursdays at 4:00 pm. If you would like to join, contact Kozeny at Caleb Kozeny44370@bobcats peru edu

Kozeny explains “One of the main reasons why I founded the ODC was to help clean up the pollution us college students create, not only on campus but the surrounding region. We’re desecrating our natural world, and I just hope I can inspire someone to help me and our community fix our impiety ”

Recently Kozeny tried to organize his club to clean up a campsite located at the Peru Boat Ramp However, Kozeny was the only one who showed up.

“Pride Club has had posters pulled up and thrown into the bushes and then just over the weekend we had several go missing. These were signs for National coming out day. Both incidents have been reported to security and student life.”

-Dr. Stacy Bliss, Faculty advisor for PRIDE

Destruction Respect

Written By:Alyssa Bock

This isn’t the first time a PRIDE poster was taken down, or has gone missing at Peru State College.

This issue has been reported in hopes that something will occur in order for PRIDE posters to remain up on campus without harm being done The students who did the destruction were seen through video footage

The clubs around campus are for students to feel accepted and create friendships but for the PRIDE club, it seems the opposite. Every club on campus is equal and should be treated the same. It’s time for a change on campus

Love is Love.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

PhotoBy:AlyssaBock

Project Roar Explained

Written By Peru State College President Dr. Michael R. Evans

I’ve heard it called a Giant Marshmallow, a Big White Balloon, an Extra-Large Bouncy Castle.

The new facility being built north of the Oak Bowl is certainly attracting a lot of attention it’s a very exciting addition to our campus! The dome is part of Project ROAR, which stands for Renewed Opportunities for Activity and Recreation.

The project is a response to our former and current Master Plans, which call for additional recreation and athletic facilities on campus.

The Plans note that the Wheeler Center is often overbooked and our facilities are not on par with peer institutions An analysis of needs and opportunities resulted in the recommendation to build five new buildings on campus.

While these facilities will provide great benefits for the football, softball, and baseball teams, the domes in particular will offer opportunities to everyone at Peru State College Intramural sports can practice and play there Student clubs can use the spaces for games and activities RAs can take their floors there for events

The domes will provide an excellent space heated and air-conditioned that everyone at Peru State can use year-round. These spaces will be open to the community as well We will establish consistent hours for the public to use the dome for Boy Scout activities, marching band competitions, informal recreation, and much more

To launch this ambitious project, the College and the Nebraska State College System asked the state for financial support for the construction of new recreational and athletic facilities The state provided about $8 8 million for Project ROAR In addition, the Peru State College Foundation generously

committed to raising another $2 million, and the College added more funds to the total. These funds are committed to Project ROAR and cannot be used for any other purpose

We are continuing to raise funds for other College needs as well We divided the five Project ROAR buildings into two phases. Phase A consists of the Recreation Dome and the Diamond Building. The other three buildings will be constructed in Phase B as fundraising allows

The Diamond Building is almost ready to open We hit a snag in the wifi installation, so we need to get that done before we can cut the ribbon

The Recreation Dome is ahead of schedule, and we anticipate opening it early in the spring semester.

These facilities will add excellent spaces to our campus Project ROAR will help the College attract and retain students and give everyone in the Peru State community places to meet, play, compete, and have fun

Questions for the President

On the third issue, President Evans will be answering some student questions. Please scan this QR code to ask questions to our president.

Five Buildings

• The Recreation Dome. That’s the airsupported dome north of the Oak Bowl It contains a 70-yard practice field for football, two basketball/volleyball/ pickleball/etc. courts, and a weight room.

• The Diamond Building. That’s the building going in next to the baseball field It contains restrooms and a concession stand for fans, locker rooms for baseball and softball, coaches' offices, an athletic trainer room, and more

• The Diamond Dome This will be a smaller dome that will be attached to the Diamond Building. It will give our baseball and softball teams a year-round indoor space to practice hitting, pitching, and fielding

• The Recreation Building This will be attached to the Recreation Dome and contain restrooms, a concession/lobby area, lockers, the Golf Den (two golf simulators, two driving bays, and perhaps a small putting green), and more.

• The Softball Stand. This will be a small building near the softball field that will contain restrooms and a concession stand

President Michael R. Evans.

Photo By: PSC Website

Campus Clubs

Written By: Kiara Meek

Student Senate

President: Brandon Kristensen

Peru Theater Company

President: Alyse Foster

PRIDE

President: Alyse Foster

SAIL

President: Rebecca Traeger

PSEA

President: Kylie Hansen

RHA

President: Alyssa Falk

KOR

President: Misaalis De Avreu

CEC

President: Megan Schmidt

Math Club

President: Maxine Gubele

PASA

President: Lander ImBimbo

PSCSU

President: Madison Wittwer

Science Club

President: Katie Rabstejuek

Social Science Club

President: Caleb Kozeny

Outdoor Club

President: Caleb Kozeny

Black Student Union

President: Angel Owens

CAB

President: Exec Members

CSF

President: Phoebe Wilson

Psychology Club

President: Phoebe Wilson

FBLA

President: Gerald Lewis

Fellowship Christian Athletes

President: Q Rowell

Graphic Design

President: Reagan Wondercheck

NAFME

President: Ashlynn Rath

Optimists Club

President: Kaitlyn Doyal

DECA

President: Gerald Lewis

Graphic By: Kiara Meek

Scan here for the times and dates the clubs meet!

I’m Freaking Out!

The Disco Citizens return with a brand-new show I’m Freaking Out!! 30 original, short form plays written, directed, and performed by students that explore all the things we’re currently freaking out about There are SO MANY. THINGS! Time is of the essence and the ensemble is racing the clock. The plays are performed randomly each night, and the audience decides the order. Can the ensemble perform all 30 plays in 60 minutes? If they can, they get to eat pizza! If they can’t, the audience gets to eat pizza! It’s win-win! Every night is different! Every show is different! Come and see it more than once!

Art Day Reminder

Written By: Alyssa Bock

What is it: An Art day competition from high school art students all across Nebraska Guest Artist will be Keith Buswell

When: October 30th, 2024.

What Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

More information is found at: https://www peru edu/events-calendar/allevents/art-day php

Press Release By: Laura Gold, Associate Professor of Theater

Photo By: Kiara Meek

Theater Practice.

The Shock

Written By: Emily Mattox

Junior Adria Huiett is a Junior at Peru State College and is a part of the bowling team Huiett comes from Hutchingson, Kansas, and went to Buhler High School Huiett says she enjoys being a part of the bowling team.

Huiett states, “I am having fun with it again,” Huiett has been involved with bowling since she was in sixth grade.

Huiett sees bowling as a way to connect with her friends and states “It’s definitely nice to have an outside thing to do when you're in college ”

During Huiett’s time outside of the bowling team, she has made many great friendships and connections that she is grateful for.

Yet, Huiett states she is still amazed at how she is a part of a collegiate sport.

“It's amazing to see how it can go from mom telling you need an after-school sport to still being doing it in college.”

“Take it one day at a time, take it one skill at a time, and make your spares,” is the advice that Adria wishes to give to any young bowler who wants to get into bowling

“It’s the people in the community that can bring people together not just a team but the friends that you make along the way It allows you to see that there is more than one kind of person in the bowling community ”

Fearless Runner

Written By: Marissa Sloane

Lydia Lang is a Junior here at Peru State and is involved in a lot around campus Lang is an RA in Morgan Hall, an elementary education major, and a cross-country runner

Lang expressed that there is a big difference between cross-country running in high school versus cross-country running in college.

“College involves longer race distances. In high school, we ran 5 kilometers but in college, the mileage goes up to 6 kilometers The mileage we run in college practices is much longer than my high school practices ” Lang states

Though there is a difference in being a collegiate runner, Lang is appreciative of her teammates and coach,

“I love how supportive my coach and teammates are. We are always cheering each other on in practice and meets” Lang says. With the support from her teammates and coach, Lang said she thinks that the season is going quite well

“I feel like the season is going really well. I personally see a lot of progress for myself. I love how supportive my coach and teammates are We are always cheering each other on in practice and meets I am happy that my training is paying off For my team, I think the girls would say they are having a good season too! However, the boy's team is struggling through some injuries but they still are participating as much as they can!”

Lang not only loves being a part of this team, but she is a role model

“I feel like I add to the team by being a role model this year I’ve been more intentional about encouraging my teammates and helping them through the tough days!”

Last year, as a Sophomore, Lang earned the Daktronics award along with six other girls off the cross-country team. Naomi Wilson, Emma Larson, Madison Wittwer, Phoebe Wilson, and Lange all earned the award for the first time

Coaches Words

“One of Lydia's strengths is not holding onto things which is a great quality that many athletes are missing. If Lydia is having a bad day she accepts it for what it was, thinks through what may be the source of it, and works to make adjustments for the next time. She has been very coachable and improved the competitiveness of our small college's cross-country team. She was the first finisher for Peru in every one of our 2022 races, a top 3 finisher for Peru in every one of our 2023 races, and is performing well this season as one of our top runners again.” ~Coach James Cole.

Lydia Lang.

Adria Huiett.

Photo By: Marissa Sloane

Photo By: Emily Mattox

A Dream Come True

Written By: Nick Hower

Professor Kyu-Youn Butler joined the Peru State College music program in 2024 She currently teaches classic piano, applied piano, and online music appreciation as well as playing for the choir.

Butler is originally from Korea and moved to the Omaha area in 2022. Butler was previously employed at Omaha Conservatory Music and then at Midland University before coming to Peru

Butler enjoys the four-day teaching week, the kind coworkers, and the beautiful campus Butler also liked how the level in Peru is higher and more academic than at previous jobs. At Omaha Conservatory she worked with students who were not in college and she has slowly risen to more practiced students Butler is still learning about Peru but has high hopes for what she can do for pianists at the school Professor Butler hopes to have more piano majors in the future, but that will take time.

Butler enjoys teaching, she even said that she has wanted to teach and play piano since she was five so this is her dream come true.

Butler’s teaching philosophy has changed over the years, adapting to students and their needs. The new philosophy is that students are at different levels and it’s about teaching them to enjoy music

Butler was inspired by her teachers One teacher, Mr Kong, taught her that music should be enjoyed wherever it is performed.

“Rather than being crystal glass be the tough bowl and have everything you want,” stated Professor Butler.

Another teacher, Mr Macrae, was Butler’s American father and teacher she said He was calm, steady, and very scholarly He taught her music isn’t just being fancy on stage but you must reflect what you are playing.

Theater Queen

Written By: Caleb Kozeny

Alyse Foster is a fifth-year senior here at Peru State College Foster is heavily involved on campus, and you’ve probably seen her around if you haven’t met her already

Some (not all) of the things she is doing this year include her RA position, Residence Life work, Choir, Band, Pride, CAB, Student Senate, and the president of Peru Theatre Company

Foster got involved in theatre pretty early, playing as a pumpkin in a showing of Cinderella when she was six or seven years old Growing up she often visited the Brownville Village Theatre where she watched the performances, which nourished her love for the art.

Foster continued her passion throughout Junior High and High School, and well into college

Foster said, “I knew from day one of watching them (Brownville Theatre) that I wanted to do that It has always been a really big goal of mine to join a Community Theatre and get involved in that ”

Peru Theatre Company has a lot coming down the pike. The return of Disco Citizens in two weeks, a Ten-minute play festival/One Act in December, and Foster’s final senior performance in the spring Her final acting performance is still in the works, but she said she is excited and hopes it will be a good time

This year PTC had a good number of freshmen recruits. Foster said she hopes this continues and wants to let people know that PTC is open to all. Foster said “Come support the art It is dying and we need to let it flourish Come to Disco and get your free pizza!”

Professor Kyu-Youn Butler.

Alyse Foster.

Photo By: Amelia Hakl

Photo By: Ean Miller

Blame it on Someone

Written By: Amelia Hakl

In 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were discovered by their sons, Lyle and Erik, gruesomely shot to death in their Beverly Hills home.

As time progressed the brothers, Lyle and Erik, became suspects In 1990, Lyle and Erik’s therapist’s mistress exposed the notes and recordings that would prove the brothers guilty of the murders of their parents The brothers were arrested and held in county jail until the trials could begin

In 1993, the brothers were tried in Los Angeles, in separate trials. The court trials were televised for Americans to watch. You can find the recordings of the court proceedings for free on Court TV. During the trial, it was revealed that both Lyle and Erik had been verbally, physically, and sexually abused by their father Kitty was also abusive in different ways This first trial ended in a hung jury

In 1995, the second trial began The judge had banned any discussion of abuse in these trials I, along with others, believe the judge set this trial up so that both boys would spend time in jail. After all evidence was presented it was up to the jury to decide how to convict the young men. The jury deliberated for a week and found the brothers guilty of first-degree murder, 12 votes to none

After the trial, Erik and Lyle were sent to different highsecurity prisons Today when asked about the crime both men regret the decision Erik blames himself for telling Lyle, and making Lyle feel the need to protect him, and then telling Dr. Oziel about the murder and getting them convicted. Lyle blames himself, at the time he thought he was protecting Erik, but did he really?

Today you will see that both men have reformed during their time in prison Lyle has become an advocate for sexual abuse survivors In a recent documentary “The Menendez Brothers” available on Netflix, Lyle confesses that he has gotten many letters from other sexual abuse survivors where they talk about their abuse and how his own story helped them speak up. Erik has become an artist over the years. He says it is a way for him to get away from the murders and heal.

This story captivated audiences in the 90's and due to the release of Ryan Murphy’s docuseries “Monsters” the story has had a resurgence The inaccuracy of the show is being pointed out by many The inaccuracy of the show is being pointed out by many In response to the show, a documentary was released where the brothers and family speak about everything that

happened. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office is looking into the possibility of a new trial due to new evidence being found It seems that many people have an opinion, myself included

I believe that if this case were to be tried today Erik and Lyle Menendez would be charged with second-degree murder or something alike These brothers were defending themselves in the only way they thought was possible. Years of abuse and conditioning from both parents taught them that they could not tell anyone and that they could not leave. They did not kill their parents for money, they killed because they feared for their lives. I am not saying the brothers should have gotten away with no punishment Like I said before, these brothers should be charged with something, but they should not be spending life in prison We see a similar case in Gypsy Rose For two years she planned the murder of her abusive mother and used her boyfriend with a lower IQ to execute the murder She only spent 7 years in jail. Erik and Lyle Menendez planned their parent's murder for a week, and it wasn’t necessarily planned. They had bought guns so that if their parents tried to kill them, they would be able to defend themselves They had simply acted on their fear, no one should be punished with life in prison without parole for acting on their fear

@COURT TV 10.14.24

Photo By: Screenshot from Court TV Channel The Menendez Brothers.

Bad Boy for Life: P-Diddy’s Arrest

Written By: Kiara Meek

Sean “P Diddy” Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for purposes of prostitution His house was raided back in March of 2024, by federal agents, and the evidence they found there was what prompted the arrest in September Combs has been through lots of lawsuits leading up to his arrest in September that potentially could be connected to this case This article will highlight what Combs was charged with and how his court proceedings are going.

Combs had been sued in the past, over 3 times by previous female victims under the Adult Survivor’s Act, each female claiming a relatively similar story. They claimed that they met Combs and he either drugged them or coerced them into sleeping with them, one even stating that the encounter left her “shocked and traumatized” (Madani & Dasrath & Blankstein) One of the lawsuits was filed by Comb’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie, who claims that Combs beat her in “fits of rage” and forced her to participate in what he referred to as “Freak Offs” Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones also sued Combs for similar reasons, claiming Combs and his associates engaged in “serious illegal activity”, claiming that Combs was pressuring Jones into sexual acts and obtaining sex workers for the “Freak Offs” (Madani & Dasrath & Blankstein)

Jumping to his recent arrest, Combs was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting for the purpose of prostitution For those who do not know what racketeering conspiracy is, it is an agreement between two or more individuals to take part in a criminal organization’s illegal activities (Burnham & Gorokhov). This was based on evidence found in Comb’s possession when his house was searched. These items are guns and ammunition with serial numbers scratched off, drugs, and copious amounts of baby oil and lubricant

Bug Season

Around Peru State College, there has been an uproar of Lady Bug-looking creatures that bite you There are ways to prevent them from harvesting in your bedrooms You can use citrus peels, garlic spray, essential oils, herb pots, vinegar, and more Also, avoid squishing them because they let out a scent, use a vacuum instead

Bowling Fundraiser

Combs made his first appearance in court for the trial on September 17, 2024, and pled not guilty to all charges He had previously been advocating for bail, his lawyer proposing a $50 million bail with at-home detention and electronic monitoring. The judge turned it down, stating that Combs would try to tamper with the witnesses and obstruct the investigation. Combs was also placed on suicide watch shortly after his arrest, however, the reasons for being placed not the watch are not clear (Patterson & Bacher) The trial is set to start May 5, 2025, in New York, and Combs is set to remain in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center until the trial (Neumeister & Sisak)

Remember to Register

November 5th is approaching so remember to check if you are registered to vote! Online registration is closed October 18th, but in-person registration is still open till October 25th.

The Peru State College Bowling Team is hosting a fundraiser with Texas Roadhouse You may order a Frozen Fresh-Baked bread, Honey Cinnamon Butter & Gift Cards now through October 30th There are posters around campus that will allow you to scan a QR code if you’d like to purchase.

This is a QR code to Nebraska’s government website and is linked to the vote registration section Use this to register to vote or go to your states website to look up registration information.

Photo By: NBC News

Sean “P Diddy” Combs.

The Fall of Baby Names

Written By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

It is a phenomenon that many people have noticed. Some baby names are just not as popular as they used to be. There is a sound reason for this though, baby names that used to be popular may still be just as popular, but they just now have different spellings Articles are being written about “lockstep individualism” involving baby names Parents are trying to find a baby name that they consider their own, and in this action of trying to stand out, they fit in because other people do as well

Everyone at some point in their life has to by now come across a person who has a common name like Jessica or Ashley, but then when asked to spell out the person's name it ends up being spelled like Jesika or Ashlee. There are plenty of videos online of soon-to-be mothers trying out and searching for baby names for their child that are different and unique. This is the cause of why some baby names are not as common as they used to be

A good article to look at to better understand the issue is in The Washington Post as the article talks about baby names, their suffixes, and how the trend of one baby name can cause a rise in baby names that are similar

There is plenty to think about when it comes to baby names and why so many people feel a need to give their child a common name with different spelling. It can be understood that this is not something that is going to disappear and that some baby names will still be popular, just a different kind of popular

This is a QR code to the Washington Post article mentioned in the article. An account is needed to read the article, but Peru students have should be able to see it by going through the library online.

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock

Editor: Caleb Kozeny

Distribution Manager: Alyssa Bock

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Kiara Meek, Marissa Sloane, Maxine GuhdeEgger, Michaela Stanley, and Nick Hower

Faculty Advisor: Kristi Nies

Upcoming in Issue 3

5 Day school week

Chancellor Paul Turman came to campus on October 16th to hear students speak about their opinions when it came to having a five-day class week rather than four.

Many students came to see what Turman had to say and explained their sides. Turman had a PowerPoint explaining how the change would not be a problem for our campus and how we should change to a five-day week.

Student and athlete Gerald Lewis came prepared and read a paper to Turman. Lewis discussed how it would impact student-athletes if Friday was an actual school day.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Peru State Times

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2024

@PERU STATE TIMES

Pink Passion or Online Persecution? A Student’s Fight Against Cyberbullying.

Narrative By: “The Joker.”

“Come take this f****** bike it’s p****** me off looking at it (student center).”

“F*** that green head a** b**** on the bike.”

“Petition to ban this m* from the sidewalks.”

“Set it on Fire ” “Saw the Joker riding a bike today :).”

“I hope she hydroplanes.”

“Can I throw it in the dumpster?” “Take the wheels off ” “Snatch it ” “The Devil’s bike ”

These comments have all been made through YikYak I have heard different things from people since I started biking around campus. Some are compliments that people say to my face, others are insults that people only say online I have been going to Peru State College for long enough to know that this is how things are going to be, “The Joker.”

with people only saying those things online instead of to my face. I also know that there hasn’t really been anyone biking around campus until I was, and after I started biking around other people noticed how they could also ride their bike around.

I have an Android which hasn’t had YikYak for two years. Still, this doesn’t mean I don’t hear about what is put on YikYak about my bike and I My friends and some others let me see the posts on their phone. I see them, but I can’t respond to them.

Just to point out to people, if I were to go onto the road to avoid you as some of you want, do you then want those drivers to be angry at me? Is this how you treat other people? When there was a threat to the college, why did you make comments about how you hope that person takes my bike? Why are you continuously taking pictures of my bike?

Do you notice what you are saying, or are you just saying it because you know others will agree with you?

bullying on campus : time to put a stop to it

Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying comes in many forms: physical, social, emotional, cyber, etc Bullying at Peru State has become enhanced particularly on an app called YikYak YikYak is essentially an anonymous Twitter, and there is a page dedicated to

Written By: Kiara Meek

Peru State College Some of the posts throughout the semester range from hateful comments to even taking things off cars. Some post examples are:

“To the a** hat who drives this car who laughed at me while taking the last spot in MH (Morgan Hall), security knows your plate # and that you don’t have tags” and “my roommate literally stinks, istg she doesn’t wash herself.”

Overall, bullying at Peru State has been enhanced by YikYak because people don’t fear repercussions.

The real question is, where do you draw the line between criticism and bullying, and what can be done to stop the hate being spread around campus?

Is YikYak and other social media platforms feeding into an uncontrollable platform for hate, or

is there a balance of good? There is more to be done for those who are victims of bullying right now.

Stop Bullying

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Graphic By: Kiara Meek

Keep Moving Forward

By: Amelia Hakl

Dr Wendy Waugh serves as Peru’s Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). Dr. Waugh described her job as being the chief academic officer. Anything involved with academics falls under her. This includes deans, career services, the library, distance learning, and institutional research Vetting and creating academic policies and programs are a sizable piece of her job as VPAA Dr Waugh’s end goal is consistency and she wants everyone to be treated the same.

Dr. Waugh came to Peru about a year ago after working at various colleges in Nebraska for the past 30 years. Dr. Waugh has worked as a professor, in student services, as a department chair of business, and has been a dean of business of math and sciences While at Chadron, Dr Waugh also completed the training for the job she has now Even though Dr Waugh hasn’t been here long, she is ready to build Peru

Change is Hard

By: Amelia Hakl

During the November meeting of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, Peru’s possibility of a five-day week was discussed. Nothing was decided in this meeting.

However, Dr. Waugh feels positive about this new chapter that may come even if Peru changes to a five-day school week

Dr Waugh overall strives to keep the conversation going Dr Waugh wants to hear people out and work closely with faculty to manage this change.

“I can’t control what decision they do make but we can certainly all pull together to make it work,” Dr. Waugh said

As of October 30, Dr Waugh agreed to take on an additional role She will serve as the college’s interim president due to Peru’s previous president, Dr Michael Evans retiring Dr Waugh's job is the next step down after the president position. Dr. Waugh has 30 years of experience working in colleges, and she is a familiar face on campus, already having a good knowledge of the college. She wanted to ensure that Peru would still be able to stay on the projected path of success.

“I wanna keep the good work that was going on going,” Dr. Waugh stated. During her time as interim president, she doesn’t want to just maintain the campus

Dr Waugh wants to build enrollment, build unity, and communicate better with faculty and students. Her focus right now is getting up to speed on on-campus projects. She has been working with the faculty senate and the student senate. Dr. Waugh wants to know what will move the campus forward, not to lose momentum.

Dr Waugh never saw being a college president in her career path but she is welcoming this opportunity Finding a president can take time and until a president is found she is going to accomplish what she can in this role This interim time will not be wasted Dr Waugh is a go-getter, someone who keeps going, a glass-half-full kind of person, and someone who will take on change head first

Finals

Final begin Tuesday, December 10 Scan the QR code to see when finals take place Be sure to be getting enough sleep, eating enough, and studying as much as you need! Make sure to check out the “Finals Fuel” snacks donated from the campus

Dr Waugh has been doing her research Veronica Meier, the Library Director, found the articles when they first changed from a five-day week to a four-day week. After reading the articles, Dr. Waugh realized that this is all about change.

The biggest worry for Dr Waugh and Veronica Meier is about campus culture Dr Waugh wants to remind everyone, “Change is hard, but we can manage that change ”

We have to remember that if Chancellor Paul Turman decides we will change to a five-day week schedule, we are still in control of how we react.

Schedules can be changed so students have the ability to work and go home on the weekends if they choose There will be just as much freedom as there is now If this change happens, Dr Waugh will make it a priority to work closely with faculty to make it work.

Photo By: PSC Website Dr. Wendy Waugh.

Preparing for Winter in Nebraska

Written By: Caleb Kozeny

Many students are from out of state and are unprepared for winter in Nebraska So my prior experience as a kooky doomsday prepper who doesn’t trust the government might come in handy for a few of you. Here I’ll offer you some basic tips that might help you tolerate a winter in Nebraska. Who knows maybe you’ll decide to come back next year and we’ll boost our retention.

As you may know by now, the first thing you have to watch out for is the wind We usually get a few good snowstorms in a year, but the wind will cut you in two Try to dress in multiple layers, but be careful not to overdress If you start sweating make sure to take some layers off because damp clothing is a quick way to freeze Personally, I enjoy a good wool shirt, because of its moisture-wicking properties, but you can apply this layering tip to any fabric. Be sure to keep your feet, hands, and head dry and covered as well, to prevent frostbite. I met a fellow in Des Moines last year who lost a good chunk of his ear to that stuff, it's not something to joke about. Also, much of your body heat is lost through your neck, it's not too fashionable but a scarf or turtleneck might come in handy

This next tip has more psychological benefits rather than physical, but I believe that’s half the battle I recommend drinking warm drinks and eating warm foods It sounds like a no-brainer but it does greatly improve your attitude in the cold We are a dry campus, but you are college students, so I would like to let you know alcohol does NOT warm you up, it does the opposite, especially if you have too much of it and are unable to get back to your dorm. So stay safe.

This next tip is in case we get snowed in again. We don’t want Peru to end up like the Donner Party, so keep your dorm stocked, and keep plenty of food and water bottles in your dorms preferably before the storm starts. There is no point in prepping if you do it late. Unfortunately, we cannot be trusted with candles, so keep a flashlight or two (with batteries) in case the power goes, and maybe an external battery to charge your phone, if you can afford it A small radio isn’t a bad investment either Above all, stay put, and stay safe

If you are fortunate enough to have a car, I would recommend keeping it stocked with supplies as well You never know how bad the roads can get I have a truck so I always have extra space. I always keep my winter gear in my cab, stuff like snow shovels, windshield scrapers, a blanket, a pair of gloves, a pair of waterproof boots, socks, and an extra coat, trust me, I could go on. In bed, I always carry camping supplies, like a tent, a sleeping bag, a firebox (full of tinder, fuel, accelerant, and starters), cooking gear, water purification, and canned food for at least five days I’m a freak I know, but I certainly am not going to be caught dead begging someone to save me I’d rather freeze to death than put my life in the hands of the college or the police

Winter in Nebraska is not too difficult We really do have a mild winter most years You are most likely not going to be stranded in a blizzard Yeah, the wind can chill you to the bone but with enough layering, you don’t have to worry about anything. Snow is not too much of an issue unless you’re driving. Nebraska truly is beautiful, and we’re graced with a full range of seasons, so just enjoy it while it lasts Yeah I agree, prepping for a zombie apocalypse is a little crazy, but prepping for an abnormally harsh winter or blizzard isn’t exactly stupid

A Poster from a song called “Thirteen Were Saved” The song was written to commemorate the 19-year-old school teacher Minnie Mae Freeman’s actions during the blizzard of 1888, one of the worst winter storms to ever hit Nebraska. Freeman’s actions and quick thinking saved the lives of 13 schoolchildren outside of Ord, Nebraska.

Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha [Neb ]), 18 Jan 1888 Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers Lib of Congress

Photo By: Joelle.

Graphics By: Canva

Rasht, Iran to Peru, NE

Written By: Alyssa Bock

AmirHossein Poat Kisomi, a senior at Peru State College, started basketball at age eight

In the beginning, Poat didn’t have a passion for basketball until one of his classmates convinced him to join club basketball.

Once finding his passion for the game, Poat went on continuing to play up until high school in Rasht, Iran when he realized that he could pursue basketball as a career but first, he had to get into college ball.

In 2017, Poat was recruited to play at a community college in Kansas where he attended for a semester then transferred to a different college in Chicago Once he completed his Freshman year, he committed to a four-year school but when Covid-19 hit, he had to go home. After 2-3 years, Poat came back where he did his sophomore year at a community college in Virginia

With the help of his old coach from his previous Community College, he decided Peru was the best option for him to reach his goal of winning a championship

Currently, Poat is in season, with high hopes that this team will bring Peru another championship and dominate in all games.

Dedication and Determination

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Achievements Differences

Playing for the national team for Iran at age 15 and winning the West Asia Gold Medal.

Being apart of the 3v3 National Team for Iran

Winning the state championship at his High School in Rasht, Iran.

Emil Liston Award winner for Heart of America Conference last year

Winning the Heart Conference Championship last year.

Challenges

“America is the origin of basketball, so basketball is more developed here than in Iran. Iran has more from European basketball; slower paced and more discipline America basketball is more about individual skill rather than teamwork unlike Iran which is more team-like America’s pace is quicker but Iran has stronger physics,” Poat said.

There is a distance of 6,631 miles from Rasht, Iran to Peru NE. Poat’s mother, father, brother, and best friends are located In Rasht, Iran.

“It’s nice to have a way to go home, even though you can have so many friends & good times. No place is like home. It’s very hard to not see them but the friendly faces and friendships I’ve created here have helped me get through it,” Poat said.

Being a Bobcat Basketball Player

Poat started his Basketball journey in Peru last year as a Forward for the Bobcats.

From Poat’s experience from last year, he has learned more about American basketball

“Patience is key, as a player you have to fall to the system of

the team. Follow plans that the coaches have for the team. Trust the process,” Poat said

Currently, Poat has goals to receive the All-Conference Team and Defensive Team award, win the national championship, and be a better shooter for his team.

Advice

“Fall in love with the game. Make sure that with whatever you’re doing to have fun with it It’s supposed to be a joy and not a struggle Make sure it doesn’t take the happiness from you,” Poat said

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

AmirHossein Poat Kisomi.

Dr. Charles Hicks.

Going Back Home

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Dr Charles Hicks is an Associate Professor at Peru State College In August, Dr Hicks got tenure Dr Hicks has been an English professor here for six years and is now saying goodbye to the Bobcat community

Before Dr. Hicks came to Peru, he was a visiting lecturer at Texas Christian University. Dr. Hicks had a year-to-year contract and decided to look for a permanent, tenure-track position Dr Hicks applied and interviewed at Peru, and he fell for the position and the campus

The main reason Dr Hicks chose Peru was because he likes the small environment and small college field.

“It felt actually pretty right to come here,” Dr. Hicks

said Dr Hicks and his wife came here a few times and he enjoyed everyone who conducted his interview which ultimately made him fall for Peru even more

However, next semester, Dr Hicks will be returning back home to Waco, Texas Dr Hicks's parents are located in Waco, Texas, and his wife’s family will soon be moving there as well There is a good job opportunity for him and his family by returning home to help with his family's business

“It is a good opportunity in a number of ways; I get to be closer to home, and closer to my parents,” Dr. Hicks said.

Overall, Dr. Hicks's impact on the student body has been beneficial for many students. To see how students feel about Dr. Hicks, look at the column on the right labeled “Student Feelings.”

Career Highs

Awarded the Teaching Excellence Award in 2023.

The Teaching Excellence Award is given to someone who demonstrates superior teaching that includes high educational standards, the ability to challenge students, and inspire students. Being able to teach a variety of classes. Seeing a variety of writers. Having deep connections with other staff members.

Advice

“Take ownership of your education; don’t be passive. Learning is an active thing. Don’t ever stop learning. Once that happens it’s real easy to just stay kind of sedentary in your own views and not be kind of inquisitive and curious if you’re not trying to learn new stuff. You no longer become kind of a citizen at that point you just become somebody that lives in an echo chamber if you aren’t continuously learning. And read! Everybody needs to read, no one reads anymore!” Dr. Hicks said.

Student Feelings

“I thought he was really down to earth and had good humor in class His teaching style was easy to follow and was difficult enough that I felt like I was actually progressing and learning from his feedback,” Mason Saner said

“I not only learned from his teachings, but it helped me develop as a person He has been so extremely influential, it is difficult to put into words,” Elaina Riley said.

“All of his classes pushed me beyond what I thought possible, and his conversational approach allowed me to apply what I learned in ways that were most valuable for me,” Katelyn Logston said

Dr. Charles Hicks.

Photo By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

Photo By: Elaina Riley

Photo By: Mason Saner

Photo By: Katelyn Logston

Photo By: PSC Website

A Country Divided

Election Results

The 2024 election results are in – former President Donald Trump won the public vote 312-226 against Vice President Kamala Harris He succeeded in winning over swing states

Written By: Kiara Meek

4B Movement

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Contrary to the 2020 election, all three of those states were blue, in favor of President Joe Biden This election year was full of twists and turns, with President Biden dropping out of the race and Vice President Harris stepping up, as well as two assassination attempts on former President Trump In response to the election results, many Americans are responding negatively. This includes the 4B movement, mail-in ballots, as well as the local elections.

Mail-in-Ballots

Another interesting light shined on the election was mail-in ballots. Mail-in ballots have always been a part of our history but were much harder to attain until 2016 when about 1 in 4 voters cast a mail-in ballot The biggest concern was fraud, however, only 0 00006% of the 250 million mail-in ballots were determined to be fraudulent In 2024, 88,233,886 mail-in and early in-person votes were cast The way that mail-in ballots are verified is by comparing the most recent signature you have on file to the signature on the mail-in ballot. Oftentimes, that signature could be the last time you voted in a local election or even the last time you updated your driver’s license. If these signatures don’t pass the inspection, your mail-in ballot will be rejected as fraud Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram were filled with people whose mail-in ballots were rejected Questions were raised about the system and how mail-in ballots were being handled, as well as who the ballots voted for There have been no official investigations or accusations, but this points out a flaw in the mail-in ballot system that can be addressed for the next election.

The 4B movement, also known as the Four Nos, started in South Korea in the mid-2010s as a radical feminist movement. The name originates from the four core tenets of the movement: not date (biyeonae,), get married (bihon,), have sex (bisekeu), or give birth (bichulsan,) with men, and all the terms start with B, therefore 4B movement It originated from the publicity of a 2016 murder of a woman by a man The man claimed he only committed the crime because she ignored his advances The movement gained more attention in 2019 when the public turned more attention to the murder and the movement, resulting in other countries following suit The 4B movement has made its way to the United States, and many women have claimed they will be joining the movement after former President Trump’s reelection. However, they have put their twist on the movement and began shaving their heads to make themselves ‘more unattractive to the male gaze.’ This sparked a lot of pushback from cancer survivors and alopecia patients, with their response focusing on how stating that being bald is unattractive, is something they cannot control It is important to note that the notion of ‘making oneself unattractive to the male gaze’ was not a part of the movement that started in South Korea and is a twist that Americans produced all on their own.

The Outcome

There is no denying this election was interesting No matter who you personally were voting for, every candidate had their positives and negatives Neither of the debates between the former President and the President or the Vice President talked about the policies and focused more on who was the better golf player or whose rallies were more interesting. With social media growing, there has been a handful of misinformation being spread about both candidates. I believe that a huge part of this election was voters either being misinformed or having little to no information at all. As for any election, making an uninformed vote is worse than no vote at all I believe that for the sake of our country, it it’s important that everyone is informed of what is coming next

Student Poll over Elections through YikYak

How did you feel about the results of the election?

-22% -19% did not get the candidate they voted for -16% did not respond

Graphic By: Canva Total Votes: 197

Skipped Votes: 31

-59% got the candidate they voted for did not want either canidate to win

Graphic By: Kiara Meek

Legalization of Medical Cannabis

Written By: Alyssa Bock

The possibility of the legalization of medical cannabis is underway in Nebraska. During the election, citizens had the opportunity to vote for or against Initiative 437 and 438 Voting for 437 and 438 meant that you agreed to legalize and regulate medical cannabis

Background

It took the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign three attempts for Initiative 437 and 438 to appear on the ballot. According to Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana’s Facebook page, the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana is a non-profit organization that believes that “patients deserve compassion,” and that “It’s time to bring medical cannabis to Nebraska,”

Currently

According to USA Today, 70 7% of Nebraskan voters approved Initiative Measure 437, and 66 9% approved Initiative Measure 438 However, this is only the first step into truly legalizing Medical Cannabis Nebraskans are waiting for Judge Susan Strong’s decision regarding this pending litigation.

Susan Strong is a judge of the Nebraska 3rd District Court Judge Strong’s current term will end on January 9, 2025 However, Judge Strong ran for re-election for judge of the Nebraska 3rd District Court and ended up winning in the retention election in November 5, 2024

When it comes to Medical cannabis, there are many pros and cons. To see both, look below These Pros and Cons were taken from https://www health com/condition/chronicpain/marijuana-benefits-risks

Pros Cons

May help anxiety

Can relieve chronic pain. May help those with epilepsy

May be safer than opioids

May have anti-cancer effects.

May aggravate anxiety. May increase the risk of acute psychosis

Impairs driving ability

Increases risk of heart attack.

Graphics By: Canva

Whiskers on Kittens and Raindrops on Roses

Written By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

Most Popular Christmas Music

It is that time of year when Christmas music begins to filter in, and a countdown is created until Mariah Carey defrosts. With that in mind, here are some of the top favorite Christmas songs to listen to during the next month, or two

Looking at Official Charts which is the UK’s source of different music charts such as “Official Singles Chart” and “Official Album Charts”, they have created a list of some of the most listed to Christmas songs, and here are the top 6 of them

All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Too Early, Too Late: When to Play Christmas Music

Another dilemma that some people face, which can become an argument for others, is when to begin playing Christmas music. I personally consider any time after Halloween fair game, though I do think it is respectful to hold off till at least after Thanksgiving, but people have different opinions

Spotify has an article on their website, “Is It Too Early for Christmas Music?” where they give their statistics of when Christmas begins picking up pace For them, Christmas music began when more than 2% had begun to listen, and according to their data, people are listening to Christmas music around the end of November, and in the chart from the article, that is specifically around November 20th and 27th.

So, now you don’t need to worry about quietly playing your Christmas music, fill the halls with tunes of jolly

Last Christmas by Wham!

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock

Editor: Caleb Kozeny

Distribution Manager: Alyssa Bock

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Kiara Meek, Marissa Sloane, Maxine GuhdeEgger, Michaela Stanley, and Nick Hower

Faculty Advisor: Kristi Nies

First Christmas I Gave You a Song

With how often Christmas songs are played, it can be important to know some facts about them, like how the first Christmas song composed was in the 4th century written by St Hilary of Poitier titled “Jesus, Light of All the Nations” when translated to English One of the most popular Christmas songs that you can still hear today, “Silent Night” was a poem written by Joseph Mohr who was a priest when he wrote it in 1816.

There are also plenty of songs that are considered Christmas music even though they don’t have a Christmas component to them compared to songs that focus on Christmas love, gifts, etc. An example of this is “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes Another is “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music and if one more song is needed to prove how some songs are non-Christmas Christmas songs, then “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson is another

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens

Peru State Times

FEBRUARY 05, 2025

WARNING WARNING WARNING

IT’S OFFICIAL. PERU STATE COLLEGE IS TURNING INTO A 5-DAY SCHOOL WEEK.

Written by: Amelia Hakl

It’s officially official: Peru State will be moving to a 5-day-a-week class schedule, beginning in Fall 2025

The Nebraska State College Board of Trustees voted to approve the change at their January 2025 meeting. Students, faculty and staff learned of the proposed change in October 2024.

According to Dr. Wendy Waugh, the Interim President of Peru State, the College’s three deans – the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Professional Studies – are now working on how to implement the new schedule

One of the goals of the move to a 5-day-a-week class schedule is to create a more active campus Thursday through Sunday, with a greater number of activities on the weekends This will lead to increased student participation at athletic events and student activities.

Dr. Waugh said that “[some] students have lost a sense of belonging.”

Another goal of the change is to increase the number of students who attend Peru State Recently, the number of students attending Peru has declined Wayne State College and Chadron State College, Peru’s sister schools in the Nebraska State College System, operate on a 5-day-a-week class schedule

Early Advising for Fall 2025 is set for the last week of March Your Academic Advisor will help guide you through the new schedule when setting up your classes for the next semester.

“I’m very excited about this,” Dr. Waugh said.

A QR code is found on page 8. Scan it to share your reaction to the 5-day change.

Food Trucks

This year, food trucks have been introduced to the concession stands, adding a fresh and exciting twist to the game-day experience

“This decision was centered more around providing a better experience for our fans than the potential

Featuring Game Time Eats. financial gains,” said Athletic Director Kyle Pond

While the food trucks may stand out, they don’t significantly impact concession stand profits These trucks only profit from selling their food

The school does not pay for the food truck The pointof-sale system tracks each item sold, ensuring the school continues to make a full profit on the items they sell. These food trucks improve the fan experience without costing the school money

Project Roar Update

Still in the completion phase.

Substantial walk-through in the future.

Baseball Team has practiced in the Dome.

Anticipate students in the building by the end of the semester

Ribbon cutting is determined to be completed this semester

Funding equipment is up in the air right now Grand opening: Diamond Building on April 19th, and the Dome on May 3rd.

Peru State College.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Peru State to Host Career and Internship Fair

Thursday, February 13th

Written by: Ted Harshbarger

(Peru, NE) – Peru State College will host the School of Professional Studies Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, February 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Live Oak Room of the College’s Student Center.

The event is open to all current Peru State College students, alumni, and community members, regardless of major Students in Professional Studies are especially encouraged to attend to meet area employers and potential internship opportunities This is a great opportunity for everyone to meet people and secure work and/or build their network. Business casual attire is recommended but not required. Attendees are also encouraged to bring several copies of their resumes.

Presently, the following businesses/organizations are planning to attend: Apace, CEDARS Youth Services, City of La Vista, City of Lincoln/Lancaster County HR, Lancaster County Corrections, Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Nebraska Judicial Branch – Courts & Probation, Peru State College – Human Resources, Peru State College – Graduate Programs, and the U.S. Department of State.

Registration is still open to more businesses so it is anticipated the list of employers will be expanded Peru State College students can find more details on Handshake For other questions, please contact Suzie Adams in Career Services at sadams@peru edu or 402-872-2287

Bowler of the Week

Jan. 20 Jett Tolentino

Jett Tolentino was named “Heart Bowler of the Week”! Tolentino is a senior here at Peru State College, feeling “genuinely ecstatic” about receiving recognition for his hard work over the past three years Tolentino says, “I can credit this award to Coach Dwayne Da Moude and the varsity men’s bowling team. We have accomplished so much on and off the lanes.” Originally from Hawaii, Tolentino has been bowling since his freshman year of high school. Over the years, he has grown into what he proudly calls a “competitive weapon on the lanes ” Congratulations, Jett!

Campus Construction

As many students have noticed, there is construction going on around campus In reference to the construction by Morgan Hall and the Complex, there has been work being done on relining the sewer lines

Projects like this have been going on since last summer and will

most likely continue as they make their way around campus Any water issues that have been happening on campus were not related to the construction, it was issues with the City of Peru’s system that just happened to occur on campus If any more issues arise in your dorms, don’t hesitate to contact Maintenance or ResLife with your concerns.

Written by: Kiara Meek

Peru State College students attending Career Fair last fall.

Jett Tolentino.

Photo By: Makenna Hammond

Written by: Kiara Meek

Construction at the Clayburn Complex.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Photo By:

PSC Website

Information Regarding Trump’s Deportation

Written by: Alyssa Bock

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2018/04/migrants-from-caravan-scale-border-wall-in-protest-after-denied-entryat-us-mexico-border/

It’s been broadcast socially, publicly, and vocally that there is a mass deportation of illegal immigrants, also known as illegal aliens This is just one part of Donald Trump’s Agenda 47 While some argue that this mass deportation is harmful, others believe it’s best for the United States.

Many people compare Trump’s approach to former President Obama’s, expressing concerns for the children of deported immigrants and seeking information on how families can protect their children in the event of deportation

Breaking it Down...

Trump has been deporting illegal immigrants that aren’t only criminal illegal immigrants When discussing criminal illegal immigrants, it is meaning illegal immigrants who have committed a crime such as murder, to as little as a traffic violation.

90% of deportations involved criminal illegal immigrants, while 10% were non-criminal cases

For children living with an illegal immigrant, there are three possible outcomes if their guardian is deported: (1) the child is deported with their parent, (2) the child stays with a guardian in the US and hands over custody, or (3) the child enters the foster care system

Where Does the Term Illegal Alien Come From?

The term illegal alien refers to any person who is not a citizen or national of the U S The Immigration Reform and Control Act federally confided the term during President Reagan’s presidency (1986) However, The New York Times used illegal alien in their newspaper in 1926

Under the Obama administration, https://www.fairus.org/ https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/obamas-deportation-policy-numbers/story?id=41715661 &

Upcoming

Written by: Mia Rikli

Feb 8th: Annual Alumni Chili Feed 2-4 PM @ AWAC

Feb. 12th: High School Business Contest Hosted by Peru State College

Feb. 13th: School of Professional Studies Career Fair 11 AM -1 PM @ Student Center Live Oak Room

Feb. 18th: Spring Financial Planning & Etiquette Dinner 5-7 PM @ Student Center Live Oak Room

Feb. 20th: My 1st Job Workshop 11:30 Am -12:30 PM @ CATS Conference Room

Classes

Feb 10th: 8W2 Sessions Begin

Feb. 12th: Last Day to Drop/Add 8W2 Classes

Feb 18th: Last Day to Withdraw from 8W1 Classes With “W”

Feb. 24th: Payment Deadline for 8W2 Classes

Mar 7th: 8W1 Classes End

Mar. 10th - Mar. 14th: Mid-term Break (no classes)

Weather

With the spring months headed our way, the temperatures are anticipated to rise to an average high of 40°F in February and 53°F in March. However, we are still in Midwest Nebraska so be prepared for a fluctuation of weather for the next few months

Items to keep on hand during the spring months: hat, gloves, umbrella, ice scraper, and a jacket

Migrants protesting against denied entry into the U.S.

Photo By: Melissa Leon

Striving to be the Best

1,000 Career Points

Written by: Jim Nehls

MEET HAILEY INGRAM CLASS OF 2025

Hailey Ingram, a fourth-year Bobcat athlete on the Peru State College Women’s Basketball team, has been passionate about sports since a young age

“Growing up I played a lot of sports; soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, and even dance,” Ingram said “My mom was my biggest supporter through it all and never missed a game.”

Basketball became her main focus early on. “Basketball was the first sport I started playing in kindergarten at the YMCA,” Ingram shared “Then I played for multiple AAU teams, Omaha Sports Academy, Team Factory, and Nebraska Hoops Elite ”

By the time she reached seventh grade, Ingram realized basketball was her calling.

“I used to go from basketball practice to softball practice almost every day and eventually, I just chose to stick with basketball because everything about the sport was just fun to me,” Ingram said “I wanted to focus on one sport, so I wasn't overwhelmed with school and other things going on in my life ”

The people she played with also shaped her love for the game

“Basketball is fast-paced, strategic, and it teaches teamwork and leadership on another level,” said Ingram.

This season, Ingram has already accumulated 254 points, leading her team in multiple games against Missouri Valley College, Baker University, Park University, CMU, and Graceland

THE FUTURE

“I plan on graduating this May and taking a couple years off to work and take as many trips as possible. While I do that, I really want to get into diagnostic medical sonography and get my degree to become an ultrasound technician for pregnancies,” Ingram said

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Devin Tomlinson

“It was pretty cool to see when I won defensive player of the week. It just gives you extra confidence to see that you are acknowledged for what you love to do,” said Tomlinson.

Carlos Hines

“I work on my craft day in and day out. It feels good to be recognized, especially when you know you’ve been working,” said Hines.

Poat Kisomi

“It means a lot to me cause that means I protected the paint for my team so we can get more opportunities on offense as a team,” said Poat.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Hailey Ingram.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Career Highs Peru State College Goodbye Peru, Hello Arizona

“Winning the Conference Tournament Championship,” said Kindle.

“Getting to step in and act as head coach a couple times,” said Kindle.

Varsity Reserve

Written by: Samantha Chesley

Coach Reggie Kindle became the men’s varsity reserve head basketball coach in 2023 and is currently leading the team through the remainder of the season.

In 2022-2023, the Varsity Reserve Team accumulated 5 wins and 10 losses. When Kindle arrived, he helped improve the team’s performance, leading them to 6 wins with only 6 losses in 2023-2024

The varsity reserve team celebrated their senior night on Thursday, January 30th versus Union Adventist University where the Bobcats took a win earning 87 points while Union made 81.

Written by: Samantha Chesley

On January 21, 2025, Reggie Kindle, assistant men’s basketball coach, and his wife, Madison Kindle, welcomed their first son into the world, eventually deciding it would be best to move closer to home.

“When you have a kid, priorities change. It’s not just about you and your significant other anymore-it’s about what’s best for your whole family,” Kindle said

In his five years as a men’s basketball coach, Kindle certainly left a lasting impact on his athletes, shaping their skills, mindset, and passion for the game.

“I think God placed me here for a reason,” Kindle said “The opportunity to have had an impact on these young men and to be able to see the guys that I recruited graduate has been really special for me ”

Kindle said he has some job opportunities in the works in Arizona but is focused on a strong finish for the basketball team

“We still have a lot to play for here, so my focus is at the forefront of that,” Kindle said “But wherever God takes me after that is where God takes me ”

Before leaving, Kindle had a few heartfelt words for the bobcat community:

“Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to have an impact on your lives. I know I am tough on our guys, but it’s because I believe in them and this program,” Kindle said

Kindle may be leaving the program, but his players will never forget all that he has poured into it and the lessons he instilled within them

“I know what it takes to win, and I hope that whoever steps into this role maintains that high standard. No matter who is coaching, the foundation has been laid for Peru basketball to be a winning program and I hope that continues for years to come,” Kindle said

Coach Reggie Kindle and Chris Peoples.

Written by: Samantha Chesley Coach Reggie Kindle.

Bobcat Logo

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

OPINIONS

What’s Going on with TikTok?

Written By: Emily Mattox

There wasn’t a single person who didn’t feel the impact when TikTok got banned Even for those who don’t have the app, the impact was nationwide People are questioning the real motives behind banning the app.

TikTok is a huge competitor of Meta, with Instagram and Facebook reels being similar to those shown on TikTok As TikTok flourishes, Meta is facing lower and lower rates of users coming to their apps Congress believes that having TikTok

https://www.cato.org/blog/congress-takes-one-step-closer-tiktok-ban

L.A. Fires The Conspiracies

Written By: Kylla Randolph

Some people are speculating that the fires were started because of Sean “P Diddy” Combs People were mad about what he did, so they went to burn his house to the ground, not thinking about all the baby oil, that was found inside, plus other items that were inside his home, that could be considered accelerants to making fires spread even wider and stronger, than just having a small, confined house fire of his home

When they set the fire to the house and saw how fast it had started spreading, they took off running, from the scene of the incident. No one has come forth at this time, with any information on the leads to this incident

CBS news says

Written By: Alyssa Bock

TikTok. Los. Angeles fire January 7, 2025.

Looking into why it got banned, many theories are circulating about what President Donald Trump’s involvement was With millions of US users, Trump’s proposal for the ban back in 2020 was hugely controversial TikTok users feel that the app being banned is a violation of the 1st amendment, however, Congress views it differently. Many questions also arose when Trump “saved” Tiktok before he was inaugurated. Many people believe that this was a political power move to sway more people to Trump’s side, as well as potentially a secret deal between TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg The 90-day hold on the ban leaves room for an American investor to swoop in and buy TikTok from Shou, making the app safer in the eyes of Congress

owned by the US would allow for our data to no longer be accessible by the Chinese government, even though it was never accessible in the first place Having TikTok owned by Mark Zuckerberg would only direct the revenues TikTok is creating into Zuckerberg’s bank account instead of Shou Zi Chew’s. Many people speculate that this is another ploy to place the US’s information solely in the hands of Meta and the government. Zuckerberg suffered a lawsuit in 2019 for intentionally selling Facebook users’ data to partnering companies and had to pay 725 million dollars to the Federal Trades Commission – so what’s to say Zuckerberg won’t do the same if he purchases TikTok? What will happen to TikTok? Whose theories will become fact? It will all be unraveled at the end of the 90-day extension

CBS News has reported on conspiracy theories suggesting that the fires were intentionally set so L A Smart City could be built. Some theories claim that the government or a secret organization is using lasers to start the fires or microwave systems to ignite the fires. Individuals are even going to the lengths to say that these lasers may come from space

https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/la-fires-show-needclimate-realism

Photo By: Ringo Chiu/Reuters

Photo By: Paul Matzko

What’s REALLY Going on with TikTok?

Written By: Emily Mattox

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2025/01/27/tikt ok-ban-extension-trump/77972345007/

It’s been said that you are able to still get into TikTok as long as you do not delete it off your phone, but if you delete it you will not be able to get access to it. I am not sure that everyone understands what is happening with TikTok and I do not think that anyone really knows. When the TikTok ban took place Apple and Google barred new users from downloading TikTok Trump believes that TikTok should be 50% owned by the US, though there is no way to know how the government is going to proceed with that.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives voted for the ban and Trump has voiced his disapproval of the measure and the fact of how much Republicans have taken control over both chambers. Trump is fighting Congress to make sure that he is heard but at the same time, there is no way to know what will be done.

Meta is currently being sued over antitrust monopoly laws by the Federal Trade Commission This could make it difficult for them to buy TikTok if they were to try and buy TikTok It could potentially bolster the FTC’s claims by further consolidating Meta’s market dominance. There is so much going on with

TikTok that no one is really sure what is fact and what is a rumor

It is important to keep updated as more information comes out, especially with how political it has become. Politics is a tricky game and with lots of misinformation being shared, it is easy for a rumor to spread like wildfire

How the L.A.’s Fire

Actually Started

Written By: Kylla Randolph

Opinion-wise, it was someone or multiple people that set fire to Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs house and the baby oil acted as an accelerator

Factual-wise, baby oil is not an accelerator and does not help a fire spread. In addition, Diddy’s home is still intact and outside of the evacuation zone.

So what actually started the fires, and how did they spread so quickly?

The start of the L A fires is still under investigation, but multiple fires started spreading so rapidly because they were mostly fueled by strong winds in Santa Ana, being helped by low humidity, and dry land due to not having any rain.

The California Fire Department stated that at least 8 people were killed in the Palisades fire of January &, and at only one week in, the fire is now only 17% contained

At this point, officials have not determined a cause for the Palisades fire

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives said Monday that it had deployed 15 investigators to work with local, state, and federal agencies to determine the cause and origin points.

The “usual,” reason for these fires to occur id due to “aired conditions that caused severe drought in California that turned dry brush and grass into fuel for the fires,” stated Pey Peili (RSis)

Debunking Theories with CBS

Written By: Alyssa Bock

This city is “aligned with United Nations goals” (CBS) This connects back to “the Los Angeles Areas Smart LA 2028” (CBS)/ The Smart LA 2028 focuses on “renovating the city’s transportation systems, among other technological changes, to make the city greener - but the plan does not involve mass demolition or rebuilding” (CBS). Overall, these fires do not indicate to be set purposely in order to build a Smart LA city

Regarding the conspiracy theories that focused on the government or secret organizations using lasers to cause the LA fires, this is entirely false:

“Experts have repeatedly debunked these claims, attributing irregular burn patterns to natural factors like wind, terrain, and vegetation,” (CBS)

Yet, there is still the conspiracy with the laser that claims it’s coming from space This specific conspiracy was started by a woman named Marjorie Taylor Greene when she posted a now-deleted social media post stating that these fires could be caused by lasers in the year 2018. Social media users continued to spread this conspiracy and connect it to the “Canadian and Maui fires in 2023 and the Texas Smokehouse Creek wildfire in 2024” (CBS)

With simple research, it is notable that many of these conspiracy theories are false.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/photos-of-la-wildfireshow-to-help

Los Angeles fire.

TikTok.

Photo By: Josh Edelson/Getty Images

Photo By: Greta Cross

QR Code

Scan this QR code to give your opinion on the 5-day school week. Answer the question honestly, and add your name if you feel comfortable. The next issue will post the replies.

Tea Time

The ongoing lawsuits continue between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. If you are not up to date on this drama, Hulu just came out with the Blake vs. Justin episode. This episode is brought to you by News Impact Nightline.

This ordeal spiraled from Lively and Baldoni’s time with each other on the set of creating the film It Ends With Us

The Film, It Ends With Us is inspired by the Colleen Hoover book It Ends With Us, which focuses on domestic violence in relationships and breaking the cycle of abuse

Alyssa Bock

“Five-Day Weeks, Huh…?”

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock & Kiara Meek

Editor: Caleb Kozeny & Samantha Chesley.

Distribution Manager: Amelia Hakl & Kylla Randolph.

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Jim Nehls, Kiara Meek, Kylla Randolph, Maxine Guhde-Egger, Mia Rikli, Michaela Stanley, Nick Hower, & Samantha Chesley.

Faculty Advisor: Dr Kristi Nies

Theater Festival

This past week Professor Laura Gold took seven theater students to the annual KCACTF Conference (Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival)

The names of the students that she took are: Codee Jo Hartle, Grace Darling, Brooklyn Williamson, Alyse Foster, Lucas Hrabik, Tabi Sidders, and Nick Hower.

Focusing on Lucas Hrabik’s time at the festival, Hrabik states that it was a “fun and a good experience. We have a week of workshops, to see other schools perform, just to have a week of theater ”

Professor Gold got the chance to lead a workshop with the students' help about Peru Theater Company’s show Disco Citizens, which the theater company puts on every fall

Hrabik states, “Probably seeing the shows, the festival leadership comes together and chooses shows that are submitted to be performed at the festival, they usually pick three plays and one musical,” to be performed It’s really cool to see what other colleges are doing at the conference all across the Midwest It’s

Written By: Emily Mattox

Grace Darling, Brooklyn Williamson, Nick Hower, Alyse Foster, Professor Laura Gold, Tabi Sidders, Codee Jo Hartle and Lucas Hrabik at the Theater Festival.

Photo By: Amazon Image Cover of It Ends With Us

QR Code By: Alyssa Bock

Graphic By: Michaela Stanley

Photo By: Dr. Laura Gold

Peru State Times

“Someone Stole My Lighting Bolt!”

Written By: Emily Mattox

The Peru Theater Company and the Music Faculty have joined forces to put on the musical, The Lightning Thief It has been almost a decade since Peru State College has put on a musical, and the cast and crew are excited for the production and outcome

Since it has been a while since the college’s last musical, the musical members are up for the challenge. These challenges start from the creation, to the full-scale implementation

The process began with open auditions for all students on campus Those auditioning were asked to sing a section of a song from a musical and perform a cold reading of a monologue.

Once all roles were cast, the responsibility of organizing and preparing for rehearsals fell to the stage manager Stage manager Tabitha Sidders explains the difficulties of being a manager,

“Scheduling Every student has their own life and other extracurriculars The larger the project, the more time is demanded of everyone.”

In addition to the difficulties of time management, student director Jordan Deloskebuck has a different view-point,

“I like the challenge of directing a musical I have helped direct plays starting in high school. I have never had the opportunity until now to direct a musical.”

Cast member Natalie Turner shows a different side of the process of the musical,

“I was super excited to hear that they were finally doing another musical at Peru, and I couldn't wait to try and be a part of it I was very nervous, but more excited because I get to do what I love!”

Why Choose “The Lightning Thief?”

“This is where collaboration with your colleagues is at its best. Since Dr. Harrod has so much more experience in musical theatre, I asked him to select the title. He created a short list of plays; we talked through them together,” Professor Laura Gold said

“The Lightning Thief really checked off so many boxes for Peru Theatre Company as we embark on our first musical in a decade!

The score consists of a lot of pop-rock and other contemporary musical styles, which our students do a killer job singing,” Dr Harrod said

Cast members worked with Dr Harrod and Dr. Rachel Green on voice lessons.

“I love meeting new students at Peru State! I feel so blessed to work with so many students They are gracious and kind,” Dr Green said

Curiosity of the Possible Reactions

Gaje Byrne, a freshman, reflects on the transition from smaller productions to a fullscale musical.

“I’m curious to see how a freshman feels going from a small production like Disco Citizens, performed in October, to being part of a large production like The Lightning Thief. The musical aspect is probably the biggest adjustment,” Gaje Byrne said

“I’m stepping back and inviting the students to take the lead, and they are inspiring and encouraging me with their joy for this musical journey,” Gold said

Musical Cast.

Photo By: Jordan DeloskeBuck

Photo By: Professor Laura Gold

What’s Going On At Peru? Pack the PAC!

Written By: Emily Mattox

Peru State hosts a variety of events yearround, many designed to bring the community to campus. These events often focus on high school students, giving them a chance to experience campus life and see what Peru has to offer.

One of the most recent events was Dr Seuss Day, hosted by Peru State Education Association (PSEA) PSEA picked four Dr Seuss stories and performed small plays for young students, inviting nearby kindergarten through second-grade classes from surrounding towns to watch. The event was a success, with children enjoying the performances and engaging with the college community

Other events regularly take place on campus, such as Future Business Leaders of America Day, Journalism Day, Show Choir Festivals, and One-Act Festivals These events allow high

schoolers to explore Peru State’s academic and extracurricular opportunities while providing clubs with outreach beyond campus.

Community engagement extends beyond student clubs. Organizations like the Optimist Club and SAIL frequently host food and clothing drives, reinforcing the connection between the college and surrounding towns As a small college in the heart of a close-knit community, Peru thrives on these connections, where everyone knows and supports one another While students may not always love the overfilled parking lots, long lines at the cafeteria, or extra crowds on event days, having the community on campus strengthens the college After all, today’s high school visitors could be tomorrow’s classmates, making these events important in strengthening Peru State College’s future

Graphic By: Lucas Hrabik & Gaby Raburn.

Photo By: Dr. Gina Bittner

Photo Of: Hortan Hears a Who

Photo Of: The Grinch

Photo By: Dr. Gina Bittner

Photo Of: Green Eggs and Ham

Photo By: Dr. Gina Bittner

My Journey as a NonTraditional Student

Written By: Scarlett O’Hara

What comes to mind when you hear the words non-traditional student? Maybe you think of a parent balancing school and family, someone transitioning from online classes, or an older student returning to education after years away. In contrast, traditional students are often fresh out of high school or have taken a short gap year before starting college.

“I am a non-traditional student I’m older, a millennial student I have a fulltime job, as well as being a mother and a transition student That means I took a semester of classes online before coming to campus, since it had been a while since I’ve been in a classroom setting. At one point, I was also incarcerated, as well as being a drug addict. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but it also means I’ve learned my share of lessons that I continually learn from daily

I have 6 children that I have been unable to see since 2020, and not by choice. Two of those children are now in high school. I was incarcerated for 3 years, and I’ve had to do a lot of work to prove myself to people because of my past mistakes I found out about a year ago that my youngest 4 were adopted The one thing I am thankful for is that all 4 children were adopted by the same family, so at least they are together.

I’ve been to rehab, which on my part was voluntary. I used it mostly as a halfway house coming out of prison, because I knew in my heart that if I didn’t go to transition myself back out into the community, I definitely would have relapsed and would have been right back in prison I am very thankful I chose to do that for myself because family restoration

with my biological family is a very real and very powerful thing I can remember a time I wasn’t allowed on my grandma’s property, let alone in her house, and now I live with her My family had trust issues with me because of my past mistakes and didn’t want to be around me so much to the fact that I just met my cousins’ firstborn son a year ago, and he’ll be 6 in August I have now built my trust back up to where my cousin is allowing me to take her son out without her I am still building my trust and support system up daily Within the rehab I was at, I have a lifelong family that isn’t blood, and an amazing support system that doesn’t have to be there for you, but chooses to be there for you, because they want to be

Being a non-traditional student comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, such as having many life experiences as well as having a clear focus of where you want your career to go but also facing challenges of not having enough time to do certain things/ I have to balance work and family together, and feeling out of place amongst the traditional students

There are quite a few people who don’t support non-traditional students going back to school, one of them being my employer. They originally refused to work with me on my class schedule, knowing I was going back to school and being on campus They were so used to me being on call when they needed me I originally got fired a few months prior to classes starting because I was only going to be able to work night shift About a month later, I got a call from

corporate giving me my job back after they learned why I was fired, with a promotion and a raise Another disadvantage for me is being used to making so much per paycheck, but because of school and being unable to work as many hours, and taking a pay cut even with my raise, there was a difference.

With this being said, I have learned more about myself, and keep learning even more I am very happy with my decision to return to school as a nontraditional student, even with all the ups and downs, I would make this choice all over again, knowing what I know now.”

“Ifyouneverhealfrom whathurtyou,you’ll bleedonpeoplewho hurtyou,”Anonymous.

More Than a Game

Written By: Samantha Chesley

Alyssa Stout, the baseball/softball athletic trainer at Peru State College, never expected to find herself working in cancer research But when her best friend-a cancer survivorintroduced her to an opportunity in Ames, Iowa, her career path began to look a little different.

After moving to Iowa in 2021 for her husband Chris Stout’s coaching job at Grinnell College, Alyssa found no available athletic trainer positions That’s when Stout’s best friend stepped in, recommending her for a role at a cancer clinic Not long after, Stout received a call from the cancer clinic wanting her to come in for an interview.

“I interviewed, they took a chance on me, and then I got into the clinic,” Stout said.

At the time, Stout admitted she was growing tired of traditional athletic training roles, so this new opportunity in cancer research felt like a nice break

“There was a lot of paperwork that came with the research I was doing, and I really enjoyed that,” Stout said. “The everyday of learning clinical trials and oncology on top of it, it was fun.”

In her role, Stout enrolled patients in clinical trials, monitored their bloodwork, and tracked their symptoms Her experience in oncology has heavily impacted her approach to athletic training today

“With being in oncology, I’ve learned to push athletes to advocate more for themselves and fight for what they want and what they need,” Stout said. She often reminds her athletes that sports are only one part of life and that their identities go beyond the playing field.

“I try to help people realize that at some point, they won’t be athletes anymore,” Stout said “I encourage them to find who they are beyond sports ” The perspective Stout gained while working with cancer patients continues to stay with her “With my oncology patients, there was always the question of: ‘Will I make it to the next day?’ So, it’s really just that aspect of not taking life for granted and looking ahead at what you have left,” Stout said Chris Stout said he witnessed firsthand how difficult some days in the clinic could be for Alyssa.

“Fortunately, she didn’t have a ton of terminal patients, but the days she did work with them were hard,” Stout said.

“It was hard for her to cheer them up when they had months- if not weeks left ” Now back in athletic training, Stout carries those experiences with her, helping student-athletes not just recover from injuries, but also appreciate the bigger picture of life beyond sports

Teeing Up for a Strong Season

Peru State College’s golf team is off to a strong start this spring. Senior Olivia McAsey is confident in the team’s progress

“Fall was great for finding our footing, and spring practices have been promising,” McAsey said

Over the winter, the team bonded while training on a simulator, which helped improve both technique and friendships.

McAsey, who has worked hard on her mental game, knows golf is as much about mindset as skill

“The most important shot in golf is the next one,” McAsey said, quoting Ben Hogan. “I’ve learned not to let one bad hole ruin my round.”

Despite the challenges, McAsey is focused on making the most of her final season

“I want to be consistent and finish strong,” McAsey said.

With high hopes for the team, she’s ready to push for personal records and help her teammates do the same

Athletic trainer Alyssa Stout treating softball player, Kaelyn Hamblen.

Written By: Samantha Chesley

Photo By Sidney Johansen

Photo By: Samantha Chesley Olivia McAsey.

From Campus To Corrections

Written By: Kiara Meek

The Correctional Leadership Program (CWDP) is a competitive scholarship program that allows criminal justice majors to work at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) while earning their degree at Peru State College. The program has been in place for four years and has graduated 10 students. Up to 45 students can receive the scholarship and job opportunity after passing through interviews, training, and maintaining a GPA above 2 0 Currently, the program has 38 students, 19 of whom are working at TSCI Between June 1st, 2021, to February 28th, 2025, students have logged 46,765 82 hours at TSCI Between January 1st, 2025, and February 28th, 2025, they have worked 3,759 hours at TSCI

As part of the program, students take a weekly leadership class, where guest speakers discuss leadership in various professional roles. Past speakers have included TSCI’s Warden Shaun Settles, National Guard Victim’s Advocate Coordinator Sarah Balcom, Nebraska State Penitentiary’s Major Boris Ilic, and many more from all over Nebraska Students also have the opportunity to shadow professionals in different positions at other prisons throughout the state

The CWDP focuses on developing leadership skills, not just within the criminal justice field, but in all aspects of life 2024 graduate Karrington Sims reflected on his experience saying,

“I have greatly improved as a person since I started this program...The support I have received from my peers and supervisors is something I don’t think I can find anywhere else ”

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Mike Carr, Workforce Liaison for Peru State College, is leading the program He is very enthusiastic about the program and its potential When asked about the program’s biggest benefit for students, Carr stated:

“The biggest impact of the program on the interns is communication skills. Students are required through the education and work to listen actively, speak, and assist without aids of any kind. This is a crucial first step of any leadership program. Most enter the program thinking of the money but leave grateful for the experience ”

Straight From Student Senate

Written By: Mia RIkli

On Monday, March 3rd, 2025, an open forum was held at 5 p m in the Student Center Cafeteria During the forum, Lucas Hrabik and Cayla Schuster answered questions about their goals for the upcoming Student Senate term. Both were optimistic about the future of Student Senate and student body involvement. A few hours later, Lucas Hrabik was named Student Senate President, and Cayla Schuster was named Vice President.

Initial Interests...

“I want to help students become more involved, engaged, and make Peru State College their home away from home,” Hrabik said.

“Lucas presented the idea of us running together and I knew that it was something I wanted to do I want to help the Student Senate and the students on campus as a whole,” Schuster said Goals...

“One of our main goals is to increase student engagement and involvement We want more students to be engaged and involved on campus. Promoting and collaborating clubs and organizations on campus and having more a social media presence are some ways we intend to do this,” Hrabik said.

“I would love to tackle a handful of tasks within the term Those include helping to increase student engagement, make the students aware of Student Senate, and make all resources known to students All of these include the Student Senate making themselves known and helping to make sure other bodies on campus are known,” Schuster said.

Both Hrabik and Schuster hope to serve Peru State College the best they can.

CWDP.

“I am mostly hoping that staff and students will just express their questions, comments, and concerns on campus That is extremely helpful to the Student Senate in knowing what the students on campus want and need,” Schuster said

By: Tristan Guanzing

Photo

Graphic By: Alyse Foster

Student Senate President, Lucas Hrabik and Vice President Cayla Schuster.

OPINIONS

Something to Look Forward to

Coming Soon...

Written By: Kiara Meek

Parking tickets aren’t the only problem at Peru State College. At the beginning of the year, our President stepped down, and since then, we’ve faced five-day school weeks, trudging to classes in negative 35-degree weather, all while dealing with the same old Peru State conditions

There hasn’t been a shortage of things to comment on this year The Complex buildings aren’t exactly a 5-star hotel experience The bugs, broken water pipes, broken AC, cracks along window seals, you name it Davidson was remodeled, but it doesn’t look remotely finished Morgan and Delzel Halls are in better shape than the Complex, but students disrespect those spaces every chance they get. Stories about disgusting sanitary habits circulate online and by word of mouth. It seems students are taking every opportunity to knock Peru down a level, more than it already is. Not only are students disrespecting the school, but they are also disrespecting professors Nasty emails, rude comments, or blatant disrespect of their time by skipping class

Five-day school weeks make us just like our sister schools, except Peru is limited in many other ways Located in a small town, isolated from large cities and opportunities that Chadron and Wayne State have at the tips of their fingers.

It seems like there couldn’t possibly be more, but there is. Rumors that go around campus do nothing but drag down morale, and image. Everyone is responsible for feeding into the gossip, and it takes a toll on Peru as a whole There’s nothing more discouraging than hearing a rumor, especially when it could be about you

These issues aren’t unique to Peru, and there’s no denying that But Peru is unique in its own ways, and students have been questioning: “What makes Peru so great anymore?”

Issues like this have been circulating around Peru all year, and they haven’t gone unnoticed. A Special Edition, being released in April, will focus on the conditions of Peru State College. The Peru State Times aims to highlight the areas that don’t always get the attention they deserve, not only to shed light on ways to improve, but also to educate the community

Our voice matters Be on the lookout for the Special Edition!

S S P P E E C C II E E L L A A D D II O O II T T N N

SCAN ME Parking Appeal

Written By: Amelia Hakl

When you receive a parking ticket you are able to appeal it within the first 10 days after receiving it To do this, you must fill out a Parking Violation Appeal Form Once your appeal form is submitted it begins the second part of the appeal process.

Violation Information Required:

Ticket number

Parking permit type

Parking permit number

Location where ticket was issued

Date violation was issued

Time violation was issued

Basis for appeal

The appeals board will review the appeal form presented by the Security Supervisor The appeals board is comprised of a student senate member, faculty, support staff, and professional staff. The Security Supervisor will present the form as is, a copy of the parking ticket issued, an explanation of the parking violation, and answer any questions. When the board makes the decision, the Security Supervisor will notify the violator All decisions made by the board are final

Graphic By: Peru State College Website.

President Trump’s Tariff Plan

Written By: Amelia Hakl

https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-whitehouse/presidents/donald-j-trump/

https://www.newsweek.com/mark-carney-donald-trumpcanada-tariffs-51st-state-2047654

President Trump plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico specifically to bring production back to the United States American businesses and consumers would bear the brunt of these tariffs due to an increase in the price of goods Exporters, in this case Canada and Mexico, would also face challenges if a tariff is imposed They would need to adjust prices to stay in the competitive market, potentially facing losses

Tariffs take time to be implemented, so businesses and consumers will need to monitor what is being put into place and when The tariffs that President Trump plans to impose include:

25% tariffs on goods that do not meet the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin. (Rules of origin means that a good must be primarily produced in North America )

10% tariff on energy products imported from Canada that fall outside the USMCA preference.

10% tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the USMCA preference.

No tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico that qualify for USMCA preference

Canada has responded to the possible tariffs, and the country is not thrilled. Mark Carney, who recently took office as Canada’s Prime Minister, is on the defensive. He believes he is the best person to negotiate trade with the United States

In response to the potential tariffs, Carney stated that he would be willing to work with President Trump Until he is able to negotiate with Trump, Carney plans to impose tariffs on U S goods in retaliation

Tariffs: What They are and Who They Affect

Written By: Amelia Hakl

During his campaign, President Trump promised the American people that he would impose tariffs to protect American businesses in November He won the election and now has the power to follow through on those promises

So, what is a tariff? A tariff is “a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports,” according to the Oxford Languages Dictionary A tariff is a tax, meaning that the government implementing it will benefit.

An ad valorem tariff is the most common type, and it is a fixed percentage that must be paid on goods. For example, if a 25% tariff were placed on imported wine valued at $40 per bottle, the cost of the bottle would increase by $10 This is what will be imposed

The other question is: Who will pay the tariff? Since a tariff is a tax, whoever imports the goods will pay it This means businesses bringing in goods, supplies, and other items into the country will be responsible for paying the tariff While tariffs can help bring business back into a country, they can also place unintended strain on domestic businesses and consumers.

President Donald Trump.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Photo By: Newsweek

Photo By: WH.GOV

Meanwhile, Across Campus

Created By: Michaela Stanley

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock & Kiara Meek

Editor: Alyssa Bock, Kiara Meek & Samantha Chesley

Distribution Manager: Amelia Hakl & Kylla Randolph

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Kiara Meek, Kylla Randolph, Maxine GuhdeEgger, Mia Rikli, Michaela Stanley, Samantha Chesley and Tristan Guanzing

Faculty Advisor: Dr Kristi Nies

End of the Semester Reminders

Created By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

As we are already over half way through the semester, this is a reminder to:

Get 8 hours of sleep

Get outside, enjoy the sunlight

Turn in all assignments

Use all of your Bobcat Bucks

Know when your finals are happening

Don’t forget to register for classes

Lookout for upcoming movies (Death of a Unicorn)!

Clean your dorm room

Look for spring activities to do

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025

Golden Leaf Award

Written By: Alyssa Bock

It has been nearly five years since the Peru State Times has received an award at the Golden Leaf Award competition This competition includes schools such as Bethel College, Black Hills State University, Wayne State College, University of Nebraska Kearney, Concordia University, Doane University, and Chadron State College. While these schools offer a major in Journalism, Peru State offers only a minor, making this even more meaningful Peru State Times received two awards: 3 place, best overall design staff award.

3 place best spreadsheet design award to Head-Editorin-Chief Alyssa Bock rd

“I am so proud of the Times staff this year We have grown so much and we will continue to do so I will miss it,” said Bock

Peru State Times

Closure of the Cat Cave: An Emotional

Goodbye with Hints of Tomorrow

Written By: Logan and Emilie Merz

“A Chapter Comes to a Close – With Gratitude

Logan and I began our journeys at Peru State College back in 2005 and 2007 It’s where we met and graduated. We stayed in Nemaha County, got married, and eventually started our Merz Ink custom printing and design business.

In 2014, we were honored to be awarded the RFP for the Peru State Spirit Store an opportunity that allowed us to stay connected to a place that means so much to us

Over the past 10 years, we’ve poured our hearts into curating a store that reflected the pride and spirit of Bobcat Nation. From New Student Weekends to football games, chili feeds, parades, alumni dinners, and graduations we’ve been there, cheering, celebrating, and serving the Peru community with everything we had

We’ll be honest we missed the deadline to resubmit our bid Life is full: we’re raising a family, running a growing business in Southeast Nebraska, and trying to keep all the plates spinning. We take full responsibility and don’t shy away from that,” Logan and Emilie Merz said.

Looking Towards the Bright Side

“Even in sadness, we’re grateful The memories, friendships, and connections we’ve made over the past decade will stay with us forever

As technology advances, the world evolves, and things change sometimes beyond our control—we choose to move forward with gratitude and our heads held high.

To every student, faculty member, alum, and supporter who stood by us: thank you Thank you for believing in us, shopping with us, encouraging us, and letting us be part of your Peru experience It’s been one of the greatest honors of our lives, and we will continue to cherish it always With love and appreciation,” Logan and Emilie Merz said ~The Cat Cave.

Emilie Merz and Logan Merz.

Photo By: Logan and Emilie Merz

Ask the Questions: A Playful Plea for Better Thinking Skills

Written By: Kiara Meek

Peru State College is home to many Students and staff alike, are drawn here for a variety of reasons, such as what Peru has to offer While the college isn’t perfect, many of its problems at Peru can be solved by a few seconds of problem solving and critical thinking

Between overall maintenance of buildings and maintenance requests, Facility Services has plenty on their plate At times, it may feel like certain issues take longer than expected to resolve, but there’s a difference between a leaky faucet and a broken toilet seal Prioritization matters

Students also share responsibility for the condition of their dorms Maintenance isn’t solely responsible for keeping things pristine, and there simply isn’t a way to track and fix all maintenance requests in a day.

Our playful plea to the students is to think before they act, post, or share their issues I’ll admit, I didn’t always consider the steps staff and professors take to accommodate our needs. But the more time I spent thinking about a reasonable solution, the more I began to see the simple processes happening all around me

We can do our part, as students, to help the inner workings of the college run as smoothly as possible by taking that extra second to consider the process.

Q & A with Matthew Thielen, Student Affairs and Facility Services: Asking the questions that haven’t been asked

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Delzell:

Q:There are concerns at Delzell that the water doesn’t get warm.What steps or actions are taking place to resolve this?

A: There is a project to completely renovate the showers in Delzell in the summer of 2025 This should help with the hot water situation

Q:What repercussions are in place regarding the situation of the water being left on at Delzell that have been reinforced by the RA’s?

A: Because of the water situation, RA’s let students know if showers continue to be left on. It could be a conduct issue with judicial affairs

Q: Is there anything in place to fix the holes at the lowerlevel game room in Delzell?

A: Holes will be fixed this summer

Common sense and critical thinking are powerful tools that make everyday life easier, and they can help our college, our home, run efficiently too Let’s do our part for the school, the staff, and the community we’re a part of. Delzell

wall in hallway. Delzell wall.

Peru State College.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Photo By: Tristan Guanzing

Q & A with Matthew Thielen, Student Affairs and Facility

Services Cont.

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Delzell Continued:

Q: Have any actions taken regarding the stains on the walls in Delzell?

A: The custodial team has attempted many times to get the walls cleaned, but until students stop wiping things on the walls, this is tough to maintain. (More detail can be provided upon request).

Q: Is there any plans to have a stove top in the kitchen at Delzell? Is there a reason that there isn’t one? If so, why?

A: At this time, we are not planning on installing a stove top in the kitchen at Delzell, primarily due to the fire hazard created when the unit is not turned off as it should be

Q:What are the janitor's cleaning hours? What do they clean?

A: Custodial hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

Complex:

Q:Why were there QR codes put on the washer and dryers at the complex?

A: The company that owns these put them on an app for students to use when their wash is completed We asked them to take them off until we can fully communicate with those students how they work. Currently, they have been removed.

Q: Are there any steps happening to take care of the Asian Beetle issues?

A: We are doing everything we can, but it is VERY difficult to treat Asian Beetles They aren’t susceptible to normal exterminator treatments

Q:What is the history of the remodeling of the complex?

A: Two years ago, we started the room projects and completed them in Palmer and Davidson The goal is to complete the remaining four in the next 4-5 years.

Complex Continued:

Q: Are there any steps happening to fix the window seals and screens at the Complex?

A: We will fix those this summer but need students to realize that they cannot remove those.

Q:What remodeling do you have planned for the future at the complex?

A: This year we are looking at painting and putting in new flooring in the halls for all six buildings

Q:There are concerns about not enough storage space at Davidson.What things are happening here, and is there anything in place to resolve this?

A: Students need to bring only what they need; we communicate that to them before we move in since we don’t have a lot of storage in that area

Q: Many students did not know about the renovation over the summer.Was there an email sent with a photo of the remodeled Davidson dorm?

A: We had information at room selection night and sent to all housing residents on Davidson throughout the year.

maintanence

Work orders: We typically try to address work orders as quickly as possible, but there are some cases where we have to prioritize them based on the urgency of the situation, which means that in certain circumstances, a work order may take longer to get addressed than it might normally take

Thank you...

A special thank you is well deserved to all of the Facility Services that help Peru State College Campus to continue to thrive.We see you, we hear you, and we value you.Thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

Preserve Our Pride: Encouring Respect for Our Campus

Fostering Respect

Written By: Kiara Meek

All buildings, either a residence hall or a home, suffer wear and tear But that doesn’t mean we can treat them like trash Vandalism, littering, smoking, and acting as if you’re the only one living there. When you move out, it’s the campus maintenance staff who have to clean up whatever mess is left behind and prepare the dorms for the next student

Facility Service Custodial hours are 6 a m - 3 p m , and must prioritize repairs a broken AC unit during the heat of

before a clogged toilet.With limited staff and countless tasks, not everything can be addressed immediately.

An example of this is the trash bin outside the Complex, which is frequently overflowing Some choose to simply toss their trash near the bin rather than inside it This is not only disrespectful to our campus and our community, but it also endangers the local wildlife that lives around Peru If we all take a little more responsibility and treat our dorm spaces with care, fewer problems will arise now, and even fewer in the future

Respect the Space

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Treat the campus like your home. If you walk around in each dormitory, you may notice trash, a toilet not flushed, a shower left on, uncleaned microwave and more These are simple things that tend to build up It’s noted that custodian services can only do so much, but after days of work it seems that the cycle repeats.

That’s when this question seeps in:

The Grass is Not Your Trashcan

Written By: Alyssa Bock

While walking around campus, there are times you may find trash on the ground, in the grass, or next to the trash bin.

When you walk and see this, is your first reaction to pick it up, or to continue walking?

As a community, we can work together by picking up the trash when we see it, and set an example for the ones around us Let’s be that change, starting today

Out the Window

Written By: Maxine Guhde-Egger

Is that a bird? A plane? No! It’s a piece of trash being thrown out the window! With the amount of trash collecting on the grass in the lower parts of the complex, some people are feeling a bit too open to the idea of not walking the distance to one of the numerous trash cans around the complex, or even one of the two dumpsters by the parking lots

If we want a nice campus and grounds, then we need to start by not throwing trash out the window and holding our fellow students accountable when we see them doing so.

“When will we collectively hold each other accountable and respect the space we’re given?”

A college is a home away from home Let’s make the best out of it

Housing Survey/Food Responses

Written By: Alyssa Bock

The Good Challenges

Like living in Morgan and cleanliness.

Like the variety of food

Halls are good to meet friends

I like the ingredients being by food I like the pizza.

I don’t know if the building I am in gets cleaned

Not enough variety for dining

Work orders not getting done.

Wish for more meal plans.

Too much redundancy with meals

Outside of the Complex.

Delzell microwave (look up).

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Photo By: Tristan Guanzing

based on urgency For example, summer will understandably come

From Toilets to Walls: Finding Control Amongst the Chaos

Written By: Alyssa Bock

The Controllable

While you walk around the dormitories, or campus in general, you may see odd smears on walls, trash, or a toilet not flushed.

The stuff you see did not magically appear over time, but it was an action of someone with no repercussions

There comes a time when we should question ourselves, “What benefit does this have to the campus or to the ones around me?”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe anyone goes into a restroom and smiles when they see someone else’s left-over bowels soaking in the toilet Or see individuals smile when they see trash on the ground or odd stains on the wall that no one knows what they could be.

Overall, this is a sanitary issue. The act of not flushing a toilet can contribute to the spread of germs, the trash around campus could harm wildlife, and possibly lead to an environment where future students don’t want to be The stains on the wall can damage paint and deteriorate surfaces if left unaddressed

When is the time to realize that ‘enough is enough,’ and without controlling what we can control, it will be a neverending cycle.

The Uncontrollable

Amongst the chaos within our control, there are times when we can’t control the situations around us

Such situations are unfinished bedroom work or the Asian Beetle Infestation

However, there are some steps to take to try to take control over the uncontrollables.

Regarding the beetle infestation, sealing up entry points. When it comes to the duct tape holding the trim in your dorm, leave it be and report it to maintenance

Unknown stain in Delzell bathroom.

Toilet unflushed in Delzell bathroom.

Asain Beetles collected and thrown into a toilet. Duct tape holding up trim in Davidson.

Photo By: Tristan Guanzing

Photo By: Alyssa Bock

Campus Pride: Responsibility and Accountability Starts with Us

Written By: Kiara Meek

Peru State College, like all schools, has many things to comment on We’ve seen a lot of change this year - moving to a 5-day-a-week schedule and looking for a new president are just a few examples Some days, it seems like there is TOO much to talk about. Rumors are a large part of these conversations. We, the campus community, need to be accountable for our role in creating and spreading them.

Rumors at Peru spread like wildfire Whether it’s about a student, a staff member, a professor, or the community in general With Peru being such a small community, word of mouth spreads extremely quickly, and it’s hard not to be a part of everyone’s business As intriguing as the rumors can be, it's important to remember how damaging they can become Apps like YikYak fuel these rumors and can even lead to bullying. There are always posts about sports teams, complaints about Peru, and even nasty comments about individual students. Rumors take a serious toll on the morale of Peru and almost always end up hurting someone’s feelings. Everyone plays a role in the spread of rumors, even if you’re just listening

Apps like YikYak have been proven time and time again to be harmful Anonymous posts encourage the idea that mean comments can be made without consequences Bullying runs wild on YikYak, whether it’s aimed at a team, a student, or professors One mean post about someone’s hair color can be trending by the end of the day, with hundreds of comments fueling the fire. As funny as it may seem to the person who posts it, they don’t see the real impact on the person they made fun of. As of October 2024, children under the age of 18 have a 79% chance of being cyberbullied on YouTube, 69% on Snapchat, 64% on TikTok, and 49% on Facebook In February 2023, 14 9% of students reported being cyberbullied, and of those, 13 6% had made serious suicide attempts Negative comments make a real impact on people’s lives Maybe, the next time you feel the urge to post something negative about someone else, think about how you would feel if someone said that about you.

The most important thing to note is that these issues aren’t unique to Peru. As a transfer student myself, I know that every college or university has similar issues, if not the exact same. The college life will never be perfect, but we have to take responsibility for our roles in it With a little bit of critical thinking and an ounce of dedication, we can do our part to make Peru a better college Peru isn’t just a college, it’s the heart of a small town that holds a community Peru can’t take any steps forward if we don’t help it maintain the integrity and beauty it already has Peru State College is our home, inside of the home of the residents of Peru Most college issues can be solved with common sense, often faster than it takes to post a complaint. If we do our part, Peru can only get better.

Where Hard Work Pays OFF

Written By: Alyssa Bock

It’s clear that having an effective coach pays off. A great example of this is the Peru State College Cheer team, which brought home second place at the NCA College Nationals with a program-record-breaking score. They proudly represented Nebraska as the only college in the state to compete this year in Daytona, Florida Second Place Trophy.

Leading the Pack: Essentials of Effective Coaching

Written By: Alyssa Bock

Peru State College has roughly 400 athletes who participate in a sport on campus. Being in a college sport takes dedication, hard work, and consistency on and off the field/court

Not only does participating in a college sport take up time out of students' lives, but they are also affected by the ones around them

One of the biggest impacts on college athletes is their coaches, who guide them into competition.

What Makes a Great and Effective Coach?

Understands the sport and leads by example. Sponge for knowledge.

Shares the knowledge/educates others. Highly energized and a motivator. Knows the athlete, values and respects that relationship Is an effective communicator & teacher Is a good listener Is disciplined, strong in character, and integrity

Leads by example with a very high attitude to hard work

Displays commitment and clear passion for the sport

Photo By: Cara Cudney

From the Field to the Lens

Written By: Samantha Chesley

When 18-year-old baseball player Carlos Soriano left the Dominican Republic, he dreamed of playing pro

“I grew up playing baseball, and I couldn’t go straight to the pros,” Soriano said “After a certain age, it’s very hard to go pro, so my next option was to get a scholarship to play in the US, and maybe an opportunity to play professionally would come ”

Soon, the athletic director noticed his work and hired him to photograph all sports

“It was sad because I couldn’t play the sport I loved, but at the same time I get to live through the boys on the team by the pictures I take of them,” Soriano said.

Soriano improved with every shot he took.

By Carlos Soriano:

In 2020, he earned that scholarship to Highland Community College in Kansas but the pandemic had other plans “It was me and four other students, with no car, and nothing to do,” Soriano said.

A groin injury took Soriano out for the season, with a long recovery ahead of him.

“I couldn’t walk properly, and I was constantly stuck in my dorm room with nothing to do after my surgery,” Soriano said

But one thing kept him company: a camera he had packed from home

“I randomly like taking pictures and having the memories from them, so I remember throwing it in my bag before I came to the states,” Soriano said.

Photography quickly turned from a hobby to a future career

“That’s how I got my start All the guys on the baseball team started posting my stuff and I realized I really liked photography and wasn’t too bad at it,” Soriano said

“I taught myself throughYouTube videos and an online course,” Soriano said “It also just came with time and practice”

By his sophomore year, photography paid off, literally He got a job with the Mid-Plains League, upgraded his camera, and eventually accepted a position at Peru State College-not as a player, but as the Creative Coordinator.

His duties as the Creative Coordinator include going to different sporting and campus events to get pictures of athletes/students enjoying their time at Peru

Now, Soriano captures the game from a different angle

“I still miss playing,” Soriano said “But this way, I stay connected. I get to be part of the team-just behind the lens instead of at the plate.”

Soriano plans to work with a professional sports team as part of their photography staff You can find his pictures posted on the Peru State College’s athletics gallery, and you can follow him on Instagram where he posts both his photos and videos: @joe visual

Some Photo Shots

Carlos Soriano.

Photo By: Todd Gottula

The Closing Chapter...

Written By: Alyssa Bock

“My name is Alyssa Bock, and I am the Head Editor-in-Chief of the Peru State Times. As some of you know, my time is coming to an end at Peru State College, and there are some words I would like to share with you all

As someone who has been on this campus for nearly five years, was a student athlete for four years, a member of SAIL for four years, and the head of the paper, I have seen Peru change

When I first got to Peru, it was difficult for me to fit in, as I got COVID-19 during the first two weeks of school and missed welcome weekend. I felt isolated as a freshman, but slowly got comfortable and found some of the best friends I could ask for. Through these connections, I worked for the Peru State Times and eventually took it over

While working for the Peru State Times, I saw the changes around campus, and it was a goal of mine to shed light on the cracks of Peru before I leave

I strongly believe that in time, Peru will have a close-knit community once again.That there will not be hate towards sport teams, that there won’t be lists around campus explaining fellow students’ sex lives, that there won’t be anonymous bullying, and that we all will start to be accountable for ourselves to create a better environment that sheds more light than darkness

I believe Peru can be a place where we all can function and care for one another However, only one person can do so much to change and hold others accountable All I ask of you is to be that change, be that role model for the freshman coming in, and let’s rebuild Peru to have the strongest close-knit community it can be.

I am now leaving the Peru State Times in the hands of Kiara Meek. Meek will continue growing the Times and is a perfect new Head Editor-in-Chief that will continue this legacy.” Thank you, Head Editor-in-Chief, Alyssa Bock.

Peru State Times Staff and Contributters

Editor-in-Chief: Alyssa Bock & Kiara Meek

Editor: Samantha Chesley

Distribution Manager: Alyssa Bock

Contributing Staff: Amelia Hakl, Caleb Kozeny, Emily Mattox, Kiara Meek, Marissa Sloane, Maxine GuhdeEgger, Michaela Stanley, Nick Hower, and Samantha Chesley

Faculty Advisor: Dr Kristi Nies

Incoming Head-Editor-In-Chief Kiara Meek

Written By: Kiara Meek

“My name is Kiara Meek, and I’m going to be taking over next semester as Head Editorin-Chief of the Peru State Times. I was so lucky to work alongside Alyssa Bock this semester, gaining so much knowledge and experience working with such a talented writer

I transferred to Peru in May 2024 for the Correctional Leadership Program offered by the Criminal Justice Department Peru reminds me so much of my small hometown in Iowa, and I knew I’d fit right in Being a part of the newspaper wasn’t something I planned on, but I fell in love with the atmosphere and the staff almost immediately The Peru State Times has grown me as a writer and as a person, and I cannot wait to continue growing the paper as Bock will continue to flourish after college. See you next year!”

~ Kiara Meek.

Finals Schedule

As we all know, finals are slowly creeping up on us all. If you need the finals schedule, use the QR code on the right side, and it will take you to the final schedule electronically. Good luck, everyone!

Graphic By: Alyssa Bock

Kiara Meek & Alyssa Bock.

Photo By: Alyssa Bock