September 6, 2013 | The Miami Student

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The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

VOLUME 141 NO. 3

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

TODAY IN MIAMI HISTORY In 1993, The Miami Student reported the temporary silence of the university’s Beta Bells, which had been chiming every hour for over 50 years. Having arrived in Oxford in 1939, the electrical short that paralyzed the bells is a thing of the past.

REC revamp: renovations relocate weights

MIAMI UNIVERSITY THE MIAMI STUDENT

The Recreational Sports Center construction is set to be completed by Dec. 9, after a new group fitness room replaces the Hydrations snack bar, and a number of other renovations are made.

BY LIBBY MUELLER SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Construction at the Recreational Sports Center (REC) has relegated equipment to the basketball court and sealed off the areas across from the racquetball courts and check-in counter. According to the REC’s executive director, Doug Curry, the construction will result in an expansion of the pro shop, more cardio equipment and a new group fitness room. Curry said the decision for the changes came from responses to student surveys sent out at the end

of both the fall and spring semesters. “One of our biggest survey requests is room for cardio equipment,” Curry said. “In the old racquetball court we’re actually adding a second floor, a room for more treadmills, cardio equipment.” There will be approximately fifteen more pieces of cardio equipment as well as expanded stretching areas in the new space, according to Curry. Curry said a room will be added for more group fitness classes as well. “Where the Hydrations place

used to be there will be another group fitness room,” Curry said. “We’re always looking for more space.” Curry said the construction was not supposed to happen while classes were in session. “Ideally this was supposed to start last spring, the week after spring break, so it would’ve been done the first part of August,” Curry said. “Due to construction delays and contracts, it just kept getting delayed.” The projects are set to be completed by Dec. 9, according to Curry. “The goal is to get it ready for

students as soon as possible,” Curry said. The project was financed through a capital reserve and replacement account, according to Curry. Senior Director for Customer Services and Facility Management Ron Siliko said the REC puts aside a certain amount of money each year into this account. “We basically allocate a set amount each year out of the budget,” Siliko said. “It’s for replacement of equipment and facilities. We do that every year. Any additional money we have as

profit at the end of the year we put in that account.” Siliko said revenue is gathered from any point of sale the REC may have, such as fees for group fitness classes, as well as student general fees. Student fees will not increase as a result of the current construction project, according to Siliko. The percentage of student general fees allocated to the REC center has actually fallen over the years, according to Siliko. Last year, approximately 17

REC,

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New Barons Bus service: transporting Oxford welcomes new students across campus and state lines officers to police force KAILA FRISONE

FOR THE MIAMI STUDENT

Miami University students and members of the Oxford community now have an intercity bus service to connect them to more than 3,800 destinations throughout North America. Barons Bus Lines’ newly established Cincinnati to Detroit route allows passengers from Oxford to get to and from Cincinnati and Indianapolis for $10. They

can also travel to Bowling Green for $25 and Detroit for $35. According to Vice President of Barons Bus Lines John Goebel, this service can also directly connect passengers to other bus lines, such as Greyhound, allowing passengers to travel to and from thousands of other cities. If looking for bus transportation to an airport, Goebel recommends flying out of the Indianapolis International Airport. Barons Bus Lines stops one block from the

Omni Serverin Hotel where passengers can then take GO Express Travel for arrival at the airport at approximately 11:15 a.m. Taxicabs are also available for potentially earlier arrival to the airport. “If you’re going for a day-trip or whatever your travel needs are, those prices make it really affordable,” Goebel said. The 56 passenger Motor Coach

BUSES,

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KATIE TAYLOR THE MIAMI STUDENT

Miami University students board the new Barons Bus Lines outside the Shriver Center.

BY SHANNON O’CONNOR

FOR THE MIAMI STUDENT

Three law enforcement officials were sworn in to the Oxford Police Department at city council Tuesday evening, joining 25 other men and women on the force. Law Director Steve swore in Matt Blauvelt and Matt Hardin as new officers. Officer Greg Moore pinned his wife Sergeant Lara Fening, who is the first female supervisor in Oxford history. All new members have had previous experience in the police force. Blauvelt was an officer of probation, warrant and police in Hamilton. Hardin was a part of the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Fening was in the control unit of the Miami University Police Department (MUPD) and Oxford Township. With the extended family and friends of the initiated in the crowd, witnesses created what Steve Snyder referred to as “a fine looking audience.” Those in attendance included Calvin and Linda Wagers, whose son Matt Wager was sworn into the Oxford Police Department in 2011. “We’ve known Matt Hardin since the age of eight,“ Calvin said. “So I can honestly say that Oxford is getting the best officer they could ask for.” Also present were Hardin’s grandmother, Beverley Fuson, and sister, Holly Holliday, who made the hour trip from Millford with their children

for the occasion. “I’m so proud of my baby brother and his fellow officers,” Holliday said. “The Oxford community is incredibly lucky to have these people.” Following city council, Oxford Police Chief Robert Holzworth expressed his approval of the additional forces. “There is no doubt they will hit the ground running,” Holzworth said. “But their tremendous enthusiasm will get them through our training program.” The 14-week-long program is designed to teach novice officers ways of policing in both the city and on campus. With their neighboring force responsible for additional jurisdiction lines every year, Holzworth said an ongoing relationship with the Miami University Police Department (MUPD) is essential in patrol, investigation and communication. “Our forces may not be joined, but they are blended,” Holzworth said. Having lived in Oxford since 1967, Holzworth is a Miami alum and merger, and said he genuinely values the education and safety of Miami students. “It’s a small number [of students] who make mistakes,” Holzworth said. “You don’t believe it, but I still consider Miami students the best. Most of you are great young men and women, that’s why we’re adding additional officers. So issues are

POLICE,

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September 6, 2013 | The Miami Student by The Miami Student - Issuu