LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Alternative breaks Read about CMU students volunteering over winter break »PAGE 3A
MONday, Jan. 12, 2015 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 44 VOL. 96
Life in brief UNIVERSITY Ross will not seek university nebraska job President George Ross has removed himself from the University of Nebraska president search. Ross announced his withdrawal Friday before sharing his decision with the campus community in a press release. One of four candidates, Ross made his announcement three days before the Board of Regents was scheduled to meet in a closed session to discuss the selection of their new president. “It was a tremendous honor to be asked to interview for the role, and it was rewarding to spend four days experiencing all that is NU,” Ross said in the release. “However, after much soul-searching during the holiday break, (my wife) Elizabeth and I have determined that our place is here at Central Michigan University.” Ross spoke of CMU’s expanding academic leadership and his belief that the university is the first choice for those who seek a campus where students inspire each other to “pursue excellence in a collaborative, caring and encouraging way.” At the Dec. 9 CMU Board of Trustees meeting, Ross received a warm response from many of the trustees, who reaffirmed their support and confidence in his leadership. Over the break Ross received a base salary raise to $430,000. For details of the salary adjustment see the story on 8A.
Prosecuting attorney reviewing investigation of Hartnett case By Malachi Barrett News Editor
Investigation of the death of the Dearborn Heights man who drowned in the Fabiano Botanical Garden in October has been completed by the Central Michigan University Police Department. Michael Hartnett, 18, came to Central Michigan University to visit friends from his hometown during Homecoming Weekend. According to CMU police, Hartnett was last seen walking on
Washington Street near St. Mary’s church at 2 a.m. Oct. 5. CMUPD Chief Bill Yeagley said an autopsy was conducted at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Results will be released to the public by the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office. Police forwarded their report, which contains CMU security camera footage of Hartnett on campus, to Isabella County Prosecuting Attorney Risa Scully. The case remains under ongoing review, and the prosecutor has
yet to file any criminal charges. Yeagley said once Scully makes her decision, all details of the case will be made available to Michael Hartnett the public. “It always takes a long time,” Yeagley said. “We don’t see this as
baking and
entering
Malachi Barrett,
News Editor
DEAN finalists
CMED announces open forums for dean finalists. Interviews begin today. The college must choose a dean by the end of January.
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METRO
Sarah White | Assistant Photo Editor Cops and Doughnuts Bakery Front Lead Louann Stanke pulls out a tray of doughnuts out of the case to sell to a customer. Stanke has been working at the bakery for 3 years and says that she “just loves to meet new people and loves the people she works with.”
Officers’ doughnut shop banks on its sense of humor By Ben Solis Staff Reporter
The former location of the iconic Student Book Exchange is listed for sale. The SBX closed this summer after 50 years of service.
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LIFE INSIDE EDITORIAL: Ross withdraws from NU presidency search »PAGE 4A
For the Clare Police Department, cops solving problems with doughnuts is standard operating procedure. “What solves a problem better than a doughnut?” said Clare Police Chief Brian Gregory, one of nine owners of Cops & Doughnuts in downtown Clare. “Nothing I know of.” For the last five years, Cops & Doughnuts has become internationally known as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in mid-Michigan. Owned exclusively by police officers, the business shells out sweets like parking tickets while fully embracing the stereotypes and clichés surrounding cops. “We sometimes have to use our humor to our advantage,” Gregory said. “We’ve been to places where there’s a family fight going on. We’ll hand out free doughnut cards and say ‘Dad, you take off, and Mom, here’s three doughnut cards. Why don’t you take them down to the bakery? And
bam (it’s resolved).” The jest is one that its president Greg Rynearson and vice president Alan White, know all too well. The recently retired police officers have heard it all — and then some. But these are small town cops with even smaller egos; they crack on themselves with customers, poking fun at their own authority without becoming the butt of the joke in the process.
Don’t Glaze Me Bro
Walking into the store, patrons are greeted by smiling faces and an overwhelming array of crullers, bear claws, and shop specialties like the Bacon Squealer or the Felony Apple Fritter. The creative confectioneries don’t stop there either — the store also sells pies, cookies and cakes. The Bacon Squealer is a tasty doughnut topped with maple frosting and bacon. Pork and its negative connotation to the police is a theme here too: A diner section to the left serves BBQ sandwiches, positively
COPS & DOUGHNUTS IN MOUNT PLEASANT
Cops & Doughnuts operates two sanctioned “precincts” in Clare and Alma, making a trip its headquarters a necessity. Mount Pleasant fans of the Cops & Doughnuts brand don’t have to drive far to get the one-of-a-kind fare. Today, 42 different restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores to carry the products.
w Pleasant City Coffee is the first store in Mount Pleasant to sell the brand. w The cops have authorized their coffee for sale at Meijer stores in ground and Kuerig cup form. w Patrons can also purchase their doughnuts online at copsdoughnuts.com where they can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.
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being unusual in the business.” Yeagley said surveillance footage of Hartnett shows the route he walked on campus. He was found in the pond near Park Library and was removed by the Isabella County Dive Rescue Team that day. Hartnett was pronounced dead at the scene. A Go Fund Me campaign, started in October to help Hartnett’s family with funeral costs, raised $9,375, surpassing their $7,000 goal. About 180 people donated over 3 months.
Student athletes banned from unionizing By Adrian Hedden News Editor
As a wide receiver for Central Michigan University from 2000 to 2003, Steve Messam could have used a few more dollars in his pocket. Unable to work on or off campus, due to practice schedules and university policy, Messam said some compensation for student athletes is necessary. “I believe athletes should receive at least a stipend for basic expenses,” he said. “Students who are not athletes who get a full academic scholarships have the luxury to still get a job while in school to buy things for themselves, while still enjoying the benefits of their scholarship paying tuition, books, board.” The discussion of athlete compensation has ended in Michigan, after a bill was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder, banning college athletes from unionizing or being treated as public employees. The bill was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, late December 2014. After being passed by the Michigan Legislature during a “lame duck” session which ended Dec. 19, Snyder signed Public Act 414, previously known as House Bill 6074, into law Tuesday, Dec. 30. The law, intended to “prohibit strikes by certain public employees,” also requires “certain provisions in collective bargaining agreements.” It specifically excludes college athletes from being public employees, thus banning them from collective bargaining. “The bill would ensure that college athletes are students, first and foremost, and should not be treated as employees by their schools,” read a press release from Snyder’s office. According to the bill, college athletes do not qualify as public employees, or have “sufficient indicia if an employer-employee relationship” based on a 20-factor test instituted by the internal revenue service. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Saginaw. CMU’s athletics department agrees with the law. Director of Athletic Communications Rob Wyman said student athletes are w union | 6a
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