VOLUME 48 ISSUE 4
AGORA
December 13, 2005
MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tornado warning stirs MCCC Greg Milatz Freelance Writer Classroom silence was broken during the evening hours of Tuesday, November 15 when The National Weather Service forecast office in White Lake, Michigan issued a Tornado Warning for Lenawee and Monroe Counties. At 6:11 p.m., National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Blissfield, Michigan. As warning klaxons sounded and emergency strobes flashed throughout MCCC campus, students were directed into “safe spaces” by campus staff. MCCC student Amber Miller was in the library when the warning sounded. “We were sent to the basement by security,” she said. Professor Dennis Wilkie was teaching Algebra during the interruption. “We moved to interior rooms without windows until the warning expired,” Wilkie said.
The National Weather Service canceled the warning at 6:30 p.m. During the 19-minute warning, many students and staff alike were observed making telephone calls questioning and notifying family and friends. In addition, post-warning attendance at evening sessions at the college was noticeably low. Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon with winds reaching estimates of nearly 300 miles per hour in large tornadoes. Although Michigan’s number of tornadoes does not rank high in the United States, we do average around 16 tornadoes per year according to the National Climatic Data Center. Although typically associated with spring and summer months, there is no “tornado season.” Twisters are more likely at certain times of the year because uneven heating of Earth’s surface creates seasons of advancing warmth and lingering chill that define battlegrounds where thunder-
Verkennes joins staff, puts college goals first able to gain an appreciation and understanding for the school. Copy Editor Consequently, he was invited to apply for When Deborah Wise, former Monroe the newly available marketing position. “I wanted to County Community work here College (MCCC) because I’ve director of marketing left never seen a the office, Joseph community and a Verkennes, Jr. was able college that were to comfortably move in. so invested in Officially, he has been each other,” he working as a member of said. “Other the MCCC staff for close places strive for to two months now; this, but it just however, he is no happens naturally stranger to the school’s here.” department goals. Now that he has Employed as the switched to the Senior Account client side of the Manager/Writer for Hart Institutional Associates, a marketing Marketing Plan, communications firm in Agora photo courtesy of JOE VERKENNES Verkennes will be Maumee, Ohio, Joe Verkennes responsible for all Verkennes had the opportunity to manage a marketing official publications, as well as graphic communications campaign for MCCC. design, media relations, photography, and Through his research and work in developing the new MCCC brand, he was see “Verkennes,” page 7
Amanda Lundy
Inside:
Opinion 2
The significant other Wondering what to get your honey this season? Check out opinions on what the opposite sex really wants this year. (2)
In memory: Pfc. Miller Find out about the scholarship now available in Pfc. Miller’s honor, put together by friends and loved ones. (3)
Campus News 3
storms that can spawn tornadoes are more likely erupt. Additional information on tornadoes and other severe weather can be obtained
from the National Weather Service on the Internet at or by contacting the Monroe County Emergency Management division.
Broadcasting class gets their chance
Agora photo courtesy of MILWARD BEAUDRY
On November 25, the broadcasting class had the opportunity to broadcast live from Ford Field for the SMCC vs. Kingsley state championship football game. Pictured left to right are Brian Kloster, Dave Herndon and Anthony Cortese.
Emergency plan provided by staff Jared Hawkins Copy Editor
sciences division; and Mike Stasko, general maintenance service foreman. Two representatives from the Red Cross, Laura Schultz (CEO) and Mary Dailey (Director of Services) helped start the project and write the first draft. The plan covers a number of
Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has developed an Emergency Response Plan. “[The plan is] intended to provide direction and guidance to staff members in emergency situations,” the Handbook reads. The project was completed Molly McCutchan, director of human resources by a committee of MCCC staff including: Wayne emergency situations, including fire, Bezeau, maintenance foreman; Jim terrorism, criminal behavior, bomb Keck, former director of physical plant; threats, severe weather, among other Molly McCutchan, director of human things. resources; Bill Myers, security supervisor; Gail Odneal, dean of health see “response,” page 7
One of the reasons for this [project] is a consolidation of all the response plans we had as well as the addition of new information.
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Feature 4-5
Catching the culprit Bathrooms around campus have earned a few unwanted renovations when a vandal decided to step in and decorate. See what you can do to help. (4)
Taking a part Interested in starting a school club? Find out the details on how. (5)
A&E 6
Spotlight 8
The Academy Is... Catch up on the latest group of rockers hailing from Chicago and find out when they’re coming to an area near you. (6)
Holiday season In the Christmas spirit? So are many places around Mornoe County. (8)