SCARING IS CARING
NEWS Is Coeur d’Alene lake safe to swim in? | Page 2 PERSPECTIVE How not to offend this Halloween | Page 5 FEATURES “Godspell” hypnotizes the audience | Page 6
A News Staff Writer gets spooked for a good cause | Page 12
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2015
WWW.NIC SENTINEL .C OM
Volume 69 | Issue 3
CAMPUS
Shaken, not stirred: Earthquake drill goes awry Lizeth Meinguer News Editor
Lizeth Meinguer News Editor Due to the recent controversies nationwide about guns and non-discrimination, the Sentinel decided to give a closer look at Idaho state laws and NIC policies. Deciding to confront and identify the differences between the two, we wanted to help students comprehend them.
While Idaho state law allows citizens to carr y firearms, NIC bans gun possession on campus. Some students agreed with NIC policies while others felt they would be safer if they could carry their own firearm. Although, the fact of the matter is that NIC officers don’t carry firearms and are instead armed with OC pepper spray and a Taser gun.
In regard to the non-discrimination policy, in 2010 the ‘Add the Words’ campaign organized to add the words “sexual orientation and gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act to protect the LGBTQ community in the workplace, housing and places of education. However at the end of January, the Idaho’s House State Affairs Committee voted 13-4 to defeat the bill.
Finally, we included the tobacco policy due to the paradox that NIC is a tobacco-free campus with ashtrays on the NIC side of the dike. This does not force students to go above the stairs to smoke off campus and, as a matter of fact, encourages them to stand right next to the stairs. See POLICY | Page 3
Bekken gets jail time
The court finds an answer to NIC’s sex scandal
F
ormer NIC Financial Aid Director Joseph Bekken, 36, was sentenced to 107 days in jail along with three years of super vised probation. He was imposed a $10,000 fine and also has to pay $2,400 to NIC in restitution. In his statement to the cour t Bekken apologized to the taxpayers, community, students and his family. “I would like to come out and say that I am a sex addict,” Bekken said. “It’s not an excuse for my actions, it’s a par t of me, of who I am.” Bekken said he has been going to “intense therapy” for his sex addiction and that he has begun to rebuild his life. Bekken was ar rested last Febr uar y after he was caught soliciting sex from students in exchange for financial aid in a post on Craigslist in the casual encounter section. He was
Volleyball ready to kill Lady Cards pick up momentum on the road. Sports Page 9
originally charged with five felonies but took a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to two felonies; attempted misuse of public funds and the use of a computer in a scheme to defraud. Bekken attempted the solicitation 20 times over a year and he also paid a 24-year-old female NIC student $2,400 in exchange for sexual photos. Kootenai County Deputy Prosecuting Attor ney Jed Whitaker didn’t agree with the sentence. He argued that a five-year-prison would be more appropriate because Bekken took money from the public and used it for illicit purposes. Bekken will be allowed to work during his jail term, leaving each day for his job and returning to jail each night. “While this is a huge price to pay for a clear conscience I can stand here today with nothing to hide and I have the oppor tunity to stand here exposed and move for ward with my life.” Bekken said.
QUOTABLE
Lizeth Meinguer News Editor
Bekken pictured after his initial arrest in Feb. “What a situation like this does is gives people the impression that there should be a lack of trust in the financial aid department,” NIC student Jeremiah Serrell said, 20, Philosophy, Coeur d’Alene. Photo courtesy of the Spokesman Review.
“The Internet is a tool and not a hatchet...so let’s bury it.”
Perspectives Page 4
NIC students apparently don’t care about the possibility of an ear thquake happening in nor th Idaho. As par t of the Great Idaho Shake Out event, NIC par ticipated in an ear thquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 15. The purpose was to test the emergency notification ‘Skyler t’ in dif ferent locations. Although many thought the drill was not ver y ef fective. NIC students agreed that the biggest problem with the drill was that the alarms were not loud enough. “I was walking to my classroom, walking literally right next to the alarm, and you could barely hear it, even one of the people who worked in the building was like ‘wow this is not ver y loud’ and just kept walking,” dual enrollment student Natalia Mar tinez said. “I don’t think it was ver y ef fective.” Overall, some students thought the professors did a great job following the procedures, but there was a lack of involvement from the students. “I think my teacher did a good job but everybody’s reaction was like ‘oh do we really have to do this?’ We didn’t even hear the alarm in our room,” Robbyn Trogden, 18, Business Administration said. “We realized it was happening because a message popped on our screen.” According to Richard King, peer tutor coordinator, he walked around the room and announced the beginning of the drill and recommended the students to follow the procedure. “Some students took par t, others did not,” King said. “The best part was watching the students all were receiving phone calls at once and, because the college skills center does not allow the use of cellular devices, they all were leaving the room to answer the phones.” According to Coeur d’Alene Public Schools District Administrative Center, one of the objectives of the drill was to remind ever yone to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” if they feel an ear thquake happening. The ShakeOut also ser ved as an oppor tunity for first responders and of ficials to test a variety of emergency aler t and notification systems. More than 100,000 people throughout Idaho par ticipated and more than 2,300 Kootenai County entities par ticipated in the event.
WHERE TO START News...........................2
Sports.........................9
Perspectives............4
Games................. 11
Features..............6
Fright Night...............12
73
class days left
UNTILSemeste
ENDS
r
News tip? Story idea? Contact Lizeth Meinguer
208-769-3388 lbmeinguer@students.nic.com
Campus News
PAGE 2
WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM
MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2015
Is beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene polluted? Abigail Valentine Staff Writer Beneath the beautiful waves of tourist attraction Coeur d’Alene Lake lies a hundred years of toxic metal pollution. This pollution’s source is the historic mining communities of Silver Valley, the number one producer of silver in the United States. According to Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA), Coeur d’Alene Lake contains about 83 million tons of contaminated sediments. “It’s important to understand that it’s from many, many mines,” NIC Environmental Science Professor Julie Van Middlesworth said. “I don’t think it’s going to go away.” Between 1880 and 1980 the silver mining projects dumped tons of toxic materials, including cadmium, arsenic, lead and zinc, into
surrounding water bodies. Cadmium, arsenic and lead are poisonous to humans and animals, while zinc is toxic to aquatic organisms., according to Betty Kramer, environmental reporter, Spokesman Review. “My dad has done projects to improve the quality of the water going into Coeur d’Alene Lake,” Caralina Fischer, 22, Nursing, said. “I do think it poses a risk, because water is everywhere; it goes everywhere in the ground and people consume it.” Despite its magnitude the pollution does not pose much of a problem during most of the year. “The only time is a major problem is during the spring when it floods and there are a lot of suspended sediments,” Van Middlesworth said. “If it can stay down there at the bottom, undisturbed, and conditions don’t change, it’ll eventually be buried without health concerns.”
According to Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a major cleanup method is removing contaminated soil to replace it with clean. Idaho DEQ has an annual budget of $1 million to monitor the toxin levels in Coeur d’Alene Lake. “It’s about containing the waste that’s already been produced,” Van Middlesworth said. “Right now there are no serious health effects because the pollution is generally associated with the sediments, you can still swim.” Students who were unaware that the pollution existed were uneasy upon hearing about it. “I can’t say I know much. There’s bluegreen algae, I think, but I don’t know if that’s really pollution,” Amber Stotz, 28, Accounting, said. Hearing that it was specifically metal pollution brought greater concern. “I never was a swimmer, but now I’d feel worse about swimming,” John
“Risky” Boltz, 27, Film, said. “It could be a big problem.” As Van Middlesworth explained, while the lake is rich in oxygen, the pollutants remain in the sediment. But excess phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients can cause too much plant growth, which reduces the water’s oxygen concentration causing the toxins to become suspended in the water. “People tend to get complacent and think they’re not directly affecting the lake, but they are,” Van Middlesworth said. “You’re not supposed to be mucking around in the sediment for a reason.” Van Middlesworth recommends that those enjoying the lake should try not to disturb the sediments and wash up afterward. The metal pollution is here to stay, but with caution and awareness, Coeur d’Alene can continue to use its lovely lake.
Pollution in Lake Coueur d’Alene is not much of a problem during most of the year, but when it floods in the spring there are a lot of suspended sediments that can be dangerous. Photo Courtesy of the Sentinel Library.
NIC to build a new bike lab
Outdoor Pursuits expects it to open by January Aislinn Lautenbach Staff Writer Have you ever experienced problems with your bike or felt like it keeps breaking? Looking for a place to help you understand what’s wrong with it? Luckily for you, a new bike lab is to be constructed at NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits (OP) center as a part of the center’s remodel. In the hopes of providing the public with a positive outlet and to help further education for NIC students at no cost, the construction is estimated to be done by January, along with the center’s remodel. “The idea is that it’s free!” Outdoor Pursuits coordinator and instructor Jacob Rothrock said. I want people to understand how easy it is to work on stuff. We’ll provide guidance, and the space, but parts and things ordered for your bike will have to be paid for by the individual.” The future new addition to the Outdoor Center is referred to as a bike lab rather than a bike shop and will be opened to the public. “It’s not a bike shop where
you drop off your bike to get it fixed,” Rothrock said. “It’s a bike lab where you are learning. Anyone can work on their bike, so we want whoever uses the shop, NIC students, or someone outside of the school, to be learning how to work on their bicycle, how to fix it and how to maintain it.” For two years the OP center used a bike kit to helped students to fix their bikes if there was a need. “Having more stations for the bikes might bring in more people and encourage others to come,” Rothrock said. Outdoor Pursuits also offers classes with the Workforce Training Center on how to be a bike mechanic. “These courses educate on what it takes to get into the bike industry,” Rothrock said. “There is a real lack of bike mechanics in our area. One of the first programs we will be implementing in the new bike lab is to teach people what it takes to get to that professional bike mechanic status where there are definite jobs.” The new bike lab will provide
the community and NIC with beneficial and resourceful location to work on their bikes, safely, efficiently, and thoroughly, enhancing their skills and encouraging them to further their education. “Our goal is to provide an accessible, friendly atmosphere that is open to students to come in to learn, “ Rothrock said. “We’re doing more than just a bike shop.” The remodel of the center will provide more office space, a more appealing atmosphere and a new workspace for bike maintenance. “We haven’t had the space since we got to the outdoor center about five years ago and we haven’t had the money to create the actual space until this year when we budgeted to remodel,” said Rothrock. Rothrock hasn’t confirmed how much the remodel will cost, but part of the money will come from the profits made from the beach rentals during the summer of 2014-2015, ASNIC, the Outdoor Recreational Leadership Program and grants.
Outdoor Pursuits currently helps students repair their bikes and will soon feature a new bike lab. Jeff Barad/Sentinel
Campus crime log LOT A
Oct. 5 - Security removed unattended dog from a hot vehicle, parking Lot A. Owner arrived later and reclaimed her dog. Animal Control notified.
MOL
Oct.6 - Security received report of hit-and-run vehicle accident, north Molstead lot.
LKH
Oct.7 - Security responded for disr uptive visitor. Male depar ted without fur ther incident
SUNSPOT
Oct.12 - Staf f r epor ted inebriated person on Rosenberr y.
NIC
Oct. 15 - Campus Ear thquake drill. See Earthquake drill on Page 1.
RES
Oct.15 - Student ejected from the Residence Hall after dr ugs were found in his room. Two citations issued by CdA PD.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Seiter Hall is supposedly the home of a non-living Fort Sherman soldier. So yeah! It’s haunted.
www.nicsentinel.com
NEWS
the sentinel | 3
NIC policy and Idaho law goes head to head
NIC prohibits the possession or use of weapons, including firearms on college property or during college activities. Exceptions to this weapons policy exist when authorized by state law or when specifically authorized by NIC.
No state permit is required for t h e purchase of any rifle, shotgun or handgun. A concealed weapon requires a license.You may carry a firearm in your vehicle inside the city limits as long as it is in plain view, loaded or unloaded.
Guns
Do you feel safe on campus? “No. I know there’s a cop out there, but I don’t think the security guards are carrying any guns.”
“I would feel safer with a concealed weapon. I do understand why we can’t have them, but there’s only so much you can control.”
“Yes, because there are security guards present on campus. If anything were to happen, they’d be able to help keep people safe.”
Loren Jenkins, 19, Mechanical engineer
Karley Blomquist, 21, Pharmacy Tech
Sergei Ethridge, 18, General Studies
North Idaho College is a tobacco-free college. Smoking, tobacco use, and tobacco sales are prohibited on college owned, operated or leased properties including parking lots, walkways, sidewalks, sports venues and college-owned and private vehicles parked or operated on college property.
Tobacco
Since 2014 Idaho’s statewide smokefree air law prohibits smoking in public places, publicly owned workplaces, bowling centers and restaurants, including those with attached bars. Small business owners may establish separately enclosed break rooms for smoking, as long as employees are not required to work there.
Does people smoking on the dike affect your daily routine? “I have never had an experience where the smoke was bothering me, so I would say no.” Chelsea Grosvenor, 21, Nursing. North Idaho College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status or disability in any educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance or in employment practices.
“I have asthma, so smelling the smoke affects my lungs - even people smoking near the dike affects me.”
“Yes, it bothers me when I have to walk through the stairs on the dike and I have to smell it.”
Elizabeth Deak, 18, ASL studies.
Jesus Salvador, 18, Mechanical engineer.
Nondiscrimination
Idaho laws protect workers in Idaho against discrimination in employment based on their race, sex, religion, national origin, color, disability and age (40+).
Do you think NIC does a good job with non-discrimination? “I feel very safe within ASNIC. However, with the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” not added to the school policy, I feel less secure. ”
“I have never dealt or seen any discrimination, even with the minorities. I think it does very well.”
“I feel like everyone is super welcoming here. I love how you can just talk to everybody; it doesn’t seem like a big issue.”
Michael Gray, 21 President of GSA club.
Ian Dennis, 18, Web Design.
Catherine Collins, 18, Business Administration.
Do you think the NIC tobacco-free policy is effective?
Do you think the words ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ should be added to the policy?
Do you think guns should be permitted on campus?
Lizeth Meinguer | News Editor
Tanner Sheffield | Web Master
Perspectives
Perspective tip? Story idea? Contact Rachel Anderson 208-769-3388 thejazzyvegan@gmail.com
PAGE 4
WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM
Letters to the Editor
EDITORIAL
Online drama, anyone?
I
have to admit, I do enjoy a good Facebook fight. And as long as you’re not involved in it, who doesn’t? It’s like watching a really good episode of a reality TV show (Keeping up with the Kardashians, am I right?) but instead of celebrities those involved are people you actually know. These days it seems like Facebook arguments are popping up ever ywhere. I’ve seen friends and family members hash it out over Facebook and stop speaking to each other because of the outcome. Personally I think Facebook (or any social media platform for that matter) is a poor location for having a serious discussion or argument. I’ve found it’s more dif ficult to say something nasty out loud than it is on the computer--therefore breeding many rude comments online. No matter how enter taining it may be to watch, I still think calling the person on the phone or meeting with them to discuss things over lunch is a much better option than publicly calling someone out. A keyboard doesn’t have as much humanity as the person you are having a disagreement with, and sometimes it’s easier to lose your cool on the Internet because typing is much easier than saying something out loud. It’s easy to say something you don’t mean when you can’t see the person you are fighting with. Even if your response seemed much more peaceful in your head, the other person may not know that. Body language and tone of voice is unclear when talking on the Internet, leading to many unintentional misunderstandings. Choosing to be the bigger person and avoiding online conflict can save your feelings or someone else’s. Keeping a negative comment to yourself instead of posting it on someone’s wall/page/picture can spare yourself and other people many hur t feelings. Even though it’s dif ficult to avoid fighting and arguing online, others will admire your maturity when you wisely handle dif ficult situations (both online and of f). For those of us who have grown up on the Internet, we understand just how power ful and how destructive it can be. We are used to seeing negative comments on people’s selfies and rude posts about other people’s thoughts and beliefs. As the generation that is perhaps most familiar with the online world, don’t you think we can be the people that stand up and do something about how devastating it can be? We should protect our friends, family, and even strangers from the treacherous things we see out there. Social media can be useful to make connections with lost friends and new friends. But sometimes it seems like people forget that the Internet is a tool and not a hatchet. So let’s bur y it and continue posting pictures of our dinner and our dog--not something negative about a friend.
Editorial Board
Contributors
Associated Press Five-Star All-American Newspaper
Rachel Anderson Managing Editor
Jeff Barad
National Pacemaker and Newspaper of the Year
Tanner Shefield Webmaster
Three-Time Robert F. Kennedy Award-Winner Society of Professional Journalists National First-Place General Excellence Award National Hall of Fame
Annie Stonebreaker Features Editor
Elaine Fanning Timothy Gant Michael Gray Thomas Hansen Aislinn Lautenbach
Lily Anderson Photo Editor
Michelle Mills
Riley Hadeen Sports Editor
Lindsey Olsen
Geoff Carr Adviser
Gabriel Theander Abigail Valentine
Come join us Wednesday, Nov. 4 at noon in Seibert 209 for a critique of the paper. We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
Letters to the Editor Policy
T
he Sentinel welcomes letters to the Editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 300 words, sign them legibly and provide a home phone number in order to verify authenticity. Some letters may not be printed because of space limitations, or because they: 1) are similar to a number of letters already
DID YOU KNOW?
1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Attention Coeur D’alene DOES ANYONE IN CDA KNOW OR CARE ABOUT THE EUROPEAN REFUGEE CRISIS? These are the facts: Starting from April of this year, over half a million people have migrated to European countries from the Middle East and Africa. These countries include Syria, Iraq, Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Gambia. Most of the refugees are adult men (possibly terrorists?), although many children are being uprooted from their homelands by their parents, in search of asylum elsewhere. Most of the refugees are Syrians, seeking to avoid their country’s conflict. Many of the boats crossing the Mediterranean sea have capsized. There is a famous photo of the corpse of a two year old child who washed up on a beach in Turkey, which drew attention to the danger and urgency of the issue. The EU is very reluctant to welcome these homeless refugees, and their officials are even treating the people like criminals at the borders, keeping them behind barbed wire, fingerprinting, interrogating, acting as if they are not human. There are others who do their best to help, humanitarian organizations and compassionate individuals. It’s the controversy of the summer. You could find these facts in any major newspaper. I got them from the New York Times, the Atlantic Magazine and the Jewish Daily Forward. This is an issue that more people should know more about. There is no mention of it in the Coeur d’Alene press, or the Sentinel. I don’t think it’s right for people around here to be so ignorant! Agitatedly, Rachel Sieradzki
received on the same subject; 2) are possibly libelous; or 3) are illegible. The Sentinel reserves the right to edit letters. Letters may be mailed to the paper, e-mailed, faxed or brought to Room 203 of the Siebert Building. The Sentinel’s address is 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814.
Abigail Valentine Staff Writer
Midterms are past and finals will soon be upon us – as well as a heavier homework load. Here are a few tips for managing your homework time. 1. Set reasonable daily goals. At the beginning of the week, organize your assignments in order of priority (those with the closest due dates have the highest priority for completion). Then assign a reasonable list of tasks to each day throughout the week. 2. While you’re working, don’t multitask. Decide in what order you will do the assignments; a good idea is to do all the smaller jobs (worksheets, quizzes, etc.) first, take a quick break and then tackle the bigger, longer tasks (papers, presentations, etc.). 3. Try your hardest to not procrastinate. Unfortunately, the magical virtue of non-procrastination is very difficult for many students. We all know the struggle – the due dates are looming and the noggin is so exhausted that it can’t handle anything more mentally stimulating than Snapchat. But then there’s that pile of homework… Something I personally have tried is
Photo illustration by Rachel Anderson.
National Society of Professional Journalists First-Place Online
Lizeth Meinguer News Editor
theSentinel
Surviving College 101
theSentinel Awards
MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2015
timing procrastination. Allow exactly five to fifteen minutes to procrastinate, no more and no less, and then the nose must go to the grindstone. Set a mental deadline, or you could even use a physical reminder such as a timer to enforce the separation of worktime from playtime – there are even apps for anti-procrastination. No matter what you try, discipline
and motivation are essential. 4. Motivate yourself and time management will follow. So reward yourself when you’ve completed something: make a cup of tea, watch a cat video, play one round of a game, have a snack. You did the work, and you deserve a reward – and the grade that comes out of not slamming together that last-minute paper.
On this day 50 years ago the Beatles were made members of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
www.nicsentinel.com
PERSPECTIVES
the sentinel | 5
Halloween 2015: Don’t be racist, be cool
Organizations, like Ohio University’s Students Teaching About Racism in Society, illuminate cultural appropriation with posters during Hallowen. Photo courtesy of STARS.
Lily Anderson Photo Editor
Halloween is just around the corner. You’ll be spooked by ghouls, ghosts, witches, zombies and worst of all--racist costumes. Halloween is a time to have fun and be whoever and whatever you want, but you should be wearing a creative costume that doesn’t trivialize another culture. In fact, if you go to the local costume shop you’ll see that most all culture-based costumes are meant to be one of two things: humorous or sexy. What about a person’s culture is errotic or humorous? Manufacturers don’t put much thought into their (offensive) costumes.
It’s up to you, the consumer, to make a good choice on who and what you’re going to portray. And remember: you don’t have to be obviously racist to perpetuate racism. Halloween is not a “get-out-ofcultural-appropriation-free” card. And it’s not enough just to say you’re not a racist. Your actions have to reflect that too. To review, let’s go over a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding if your costume can be racially offensive. 1. Are you using culture as a costume? If so, it’s probably racist. 2. Do you belong to the culture you’re dressing up as? You can’t borrow someone’s culture for a day. You don’t have to live with the stereotypes associated with that culture - because you can take your costume off and they can’t.
Wearing an “illegal alien” costume is not representing the difficult lifestyle and journey of undocumented immigrants - it’s racist. 3. Is your costume dehumanizing an oppressed group? When a costume’s humor or sexieness depends solely on race, culture or ethnicity, you are stripping the human elements away from that group to bring you laughter or to feel “exotic.” While you may think your costume is funny or hot, it’s other people’s lives you are wearing. Exaggerating a stereotype is not funny. This Halloween, choose not to be a caricature of a real culture and real people. Staying safe on Halloween is very important, but so is staying respectful.
Features tips? Story idea? Contact Annie Stonebreaker 208-769-3388
ajstonebreaker2@students.nic.edu
PAGE 6
Features WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM
MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2015
Each philosopher struggles to make their voice and opinion be heard in the scene before Jesus, Conner Ealy, comes in and “cleanses” them. Lily Anderson/The Sentinel
Michelle Mills Staff Writer
as a Broadway musical created by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz in 1971. Tebalak was inspired to create a representation of the gospel The clear, strong voices of the colorto breathe new life into the stories that fully clad performers rang out through were usually told so solemnly. Schuler auditorium during North Idaho The musical draws on elements College’s production of ‘Godspell.’ from a harlequin theme, the stories The musical was performed with from the gospels and the creation of high energy, animated acting and community. talented musical ability. The actors deThe cast included ten multi-talented livered a heartfelt, passionate performance that told the story of Jesus’ life. individuals who continually switched characters to ilThe selected paralustrate certain bles were packed “The quality of the parables or scenes with meaning and from Jesus’ life. production was contained modern A four-person humor. fantastic!” band was also The performpresent up on ers were all over stage to provide the stage, running, live music. singing and dancKIARA HAUCK “It is a ing in costumes NIC student, education, 18 light-hearted and that ranged from fun musical with colorful coattails a great message,” said Conner Ealy, and top hats to knee socks, tutus and the actor and singer who played the denim overalls. part of Jesus. “It is a daunting role “I didn’t know what to expect from and hard to play,” He said about the musical,” said Ernest Mendez, his lead role, “But in the end, it’s all chemistry, 18. “It was top-notch and about building community.” well-done.” Mendez said he thought the ‘Godspell’ will continue to show in main purpose of the musical was to find the Schuler Performing Arts Center a new way to retell the gospel to bring at North Idaho College on October meaning back after the story has been 29, 30, and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 told so many times. p.m. on October 25. ‘Godspell’ was originally performed
(Above) Actor Jett Bingman animatedly acts out a scene in which he plays two people, Lazarus and Judas. (Right) Patrick Schwaab pulled off his shoe in an act of violence but freezes as Jesus speaks the famous words, “Love thy neighbor.” “I didn’t know what to expect from the musical,” said Ernest Mendez, chemistry, 18. “It was top-notch and well-done.” Mendez said he thought the main purpose of the musical was to find a new way to retell the gospel to bring meaning back after the story has been told so many times. Lily Anderson/The Sentinel
DID YOU KNOW? The character Jesus in ‘Godspell’ “reads feet” in the play, just like a palm writer would read palms.
FEATURES
www.nicsentinel.com
the sentinel | 7
Holly Rock said she had to talk to several students about what Lucky can and cannot eat, when she observed them feeding the squirrel brownies and poptarts. Rock buys squirrel food in bulk, and Lucky shows up at the same time every morning for her breakfast. Rock also said Lucky is a slightly picky eater and prefers to not eat the corn but saves it for, who Rock believes, is her squirrel son. Annie Stonebreaker/Sentinel (middle) A student lures Lucky in with a handful of food. Photo courtesy of John “Risky” Boltz (bottom) Lucky timidly peers in the writing center, looking like at any moment she might speak up and politely ask for another helping of breakfast. Annie Stonebreaker/Sentinel
Annie Stonebreaker Features Editor Lucky Malone wakes up every morning, climbs down from her abode, and scurries over to the writing center for a free breakfast. Like many students, she is very busy, rushing around to survive the season. Unlike many students, her day consists of gathering food, burying it for the winter and keeping others away from her home. If you haven’t realized already, Lucky is a squirrel. She has lived in one of the large trees next to the writing center for the past 6 or 7 years, and has developed an unusually close relationship with the writing center employees and occasional students. Last year one of the effects of the dike road construction was more squirrels being pushed on campus where the other squirrels resided, which resulted in a squirrel turf war. “Most squirrels know that she’s no one to mess with,” Holly Rock said, who works at the writing center and refers to Lucky as a thug. “No other squirrel would try to go up her tree, never.” Apparently many other students have noticed Lucky and the seemingly higher presence of squirrels
on campus, and NIC’s photography instructor Jessica Raetzke has noticed an increase in squirrel photography. Several students have also been seen taking a seat in the grass near the writing center and feeding squirrels that dare to come close enough. NIC student Robert Wolcott, general studies, 18, is one of several students who have noticed Lucky’s extraordinary social skills, and how she differs from the other squirrels. “I’ve actually seen people walk up to just a couple steps away from her, and I have seen people feed her even though I’ve never fed her myself. She’ll come right up and take food from them.” The question is, whether Lucky is actually making friends for the company, or using people for their food gifts, or possibly both. Holly Rock would object, she has developed a close friendship with Lucky since she started working at the writing center four years ago. She said last spring semester she would park on the dike road, and Lucky would meet her there and walk in with her every morning. “This semester she is friendlier to everybody than she ever has been, I don’t know why she’s come around so much.”
She is currently working on teaching Lucky to high five, and Lucky scurries up tentatively to her hand and scurries away. Of course Lucky would never perform when someone else is watching. It is also legend that Lucky hangs out with the writing center employees after hours and will actually climb up a former employee to ride on their shoulder. Students have been seen walking up to the writing center while Lucky is eating her breakfast, and they stare oddly at her as she doesn’t move the closer they get. Instead she continues to eat, unphazed, and doesn’t scurry away like normal squirrels do. Other students on their way to class stop to stare and giggle as the squirrel stands up on her legs, presses her paws against the front doors and peers inside the writing center peculiarly like a human. In the meantime, Lucky will continue to gain popularity on campus, flirtatiously flitting her tail and cozying up to students for food to fatten up for the winter. She remains an Instagram star, student essay topic, curiosity, mother and campus critter favorite. Cecil the Cardinal better watch out, it sounds like Lucky is giving him a run for his money.
Speaker warns students of effects of technology Lindsey Olsen Staff writer How does it feel to be part of the dumbest generation? Mark Bauerlein spoke at the first official English club event in the Student Union Building about how this new ‘digital age’ has stupefied the current generation. For the first time the author and professor visited Idaho on Oct. 8, from Emory University. He shared his thoughts about how everything from the way we use technology to the education system we have adopted has done nothing to expand or challenge our minds. This doesn’t only produce a lack of a good education in the young generation, but also jeopardizes their future. “SAT comprehensive reading scores are the lowest they have been in 15 years,” Mark said. “Now is the grueling time to tough it out,” Professor Bauerlein said. “Even if it is not your teachers pushing you, you must make a conscious decision to make the most of your education.” Student Loni Taber, 26, agreed “I remember a time when I was little and competed in the spelling bee, I actually had to think about spelling. Now it’s just easier to let the computer do the work for me.” In Mark’s home town in Virginia, he encourages his own students to write their essays by hand in cursive. He believes
Mark Bauerlein’s talk lead into an enlivened barage of questions from students afterwards. Michael Gray/Sentinel
that by this seeming simple exercise, students will become better writers. He explained how when you write with a pen and paper you are more closely involved with your writing. It may take a little longer but this will give you time distinguish the words
that you compose. “People are more encaged in their social bubble than ever before and more concerned about that than anything in the real outside world,” Bauerlein said. How is a young student supposed to relate to and collaborate with a group of various aged
colleagues after being raised in what Bauerlein called “age segregated” social media. However, Mark argued with himself saying that technology itself isn’t what is corrupt. Yet it is the way that we have used it that is shameful. “The internet cannot be
useful if we turn it into our personal ‘daily-me’ which just confirms all of our personal tastes,” Bauerlein said. “And furthermore, we must maintain some area of our life where we unplug from our technology.” NIC English Teacher, Laura Godfree was inspired by this. “I have been learning more and more that when I get home from work that I need to stop worr ying about my email because that is my time to be home with my little girls.” So is our generation lost? Are our hopes to recover y dashed? Of course not! After professor Bauerlein spoke, he opened up the rest of the evening to answer audience member’s questions. One of the first questions asked was “what is your advice to avoid this ‘digital age mindset’?” Bauerlein’s responded by quoting the book of Philippians. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” The evening ended with Mark encouraging students to elevate their lives. He encouraged students to not just settle with what is at hand, and decide what is really important in life, push themselves to become greater and pursue knowledge and truth.
Sports
Sports tip? Story idea? Contact Riley Hadeen
208-769-3388 rhadeen@students.nic.edu
PAGE 9
@sentinelsportsn Follow NIC sports on Twitter
MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2015
WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM
Commentary Fan wars Gabe Theander Staff Writer
NIC’s libero, Hannah Christianson, brings in the ladies for a celebration following a score by Matilda Altin. Lily Anderson/Sentinel
Volleyball gets ready for the kill Riley Hadeen Sports Editor
After mixed results at home, the NIC volleyball team has picked up momentum on the road. Despite the great home turnout for NIC, the ladies were unable to prevent losses against the two leading teams in the conference. “We were not able to finish any game,” coach Kelsey Stanley said. “We will be ready for them come regionals.” NIC lost in game five against the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) second ranked Salt Lake Community College (22-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 13-15).
“Knowing we are able to compete against number six in the nation after playing not as well as we can is a good thing,” coach Stanley said. Against the top ranked College of Southern Idaho, the Cardinals lost in the first two games, but pulled a win out in game three. The game ultimately resulted in a loss in game four (25-19, 25-22, 25-27, 28-26). The team managed to sweep Blue Mountain Community College in a nonconference game before hitting the road (25-14, 27-25, 25-10). Possibly riding on momentum from their exceptional per formances lately, the ladies were able to grab a win on the road Friday against Colorado Nor thwestern in a fifth game nail biter (21-25, 22-25, 25-22,
25-23, 15-7). “Colorado Nor thwestern came out on fire and played great,” coach Stanley told the CDA Press. “It took us until game 4 to actually star t playing.” The Cardinals repeated their early season sweep of Utah State University – Eastern this Saturday to bring NIC’s record to 6-4 in the SWAC. The team has secured the third place spot in the conference, and if their performance holds up, they could tie for second place come the conference tournament early next month. NIC volleyball only has two more games at home until the conference tournament, both of which will be played at home this week.
Women’s soccer charges into the end of the season Riley Hadeen Sports Editor
For their final home game of the season, the NIC ladies were able to pull off a 3-1 victory over Wenatchee Valley College, despite a sluggish start. It may have been a slow first half for the Cards, but they still managed to get one in the back of the net from freshman Alissa Jolliff before halftime. “After the emotional contest on Saturday against Spokane, it was tough for the players to get charged up for today’s game,” said coach Dan Hogan. Though the ladies managed to maintain possession through most of the game, they failed to capitalize on many of their opportunities against Wenatchee Valley. The second half saw Wenatchee score on themselves off of a lob toward center field by NIC’s Aitana Vernon, which deflected off of a Wenatchee player into their own net. NIC’s Jessica Scott managed to blast one into the top right corner with a few minutes left of play to secure the Cardinal win, regardless of how she felt the team played that day. “It was really slow play and we were sloppy,” said Scott. “It wasn’t our best game.” The team seemed happy enough for the win, but also very aware of the improvements needed to maintain a steady performance. “We will have to keep our intensity up,” NIC midfielder Elly Priddy said. NIC player Meagan Seligern outruns a Wenatchee Valley College player.
Glory on the road for Lowery and the team An update on recent games
The team has indeed managed to keep the intensity up on the road with a few outstanding games from Megan Lowery. Lowery pulled back-to-back hat tricks facing Yakima Valley Community College and Columbia Basin College to lead NIC in two shutout victories (5-0, 3-0). “A dominating performance by
DID YOU KNOW?
Meg Lowery,” coach Dan Hogan said. Lowery almost managed a third hat trick against Walla Walla on Saturday, but fell short one. It’s not only Lowery’s performance shining on the field though. The team’s performance as a whole seems to have swelled in the last push towards the end of the regular season. “NIC controlled the ball for probably 35 of the 45 minutes,” coach Hogan said of the game against Columbia Basin College. “While Lowery got the three goals, the whole team played well defending as a team and did a good job keeping possession of the ball.”
Riley Hadeen/Sentinel
With their fourth straight win against Walla Walla on Saturday (5-1), there’s no question that the team is on a hot streak. The team will finish out the regular season on the road against the lowest and highest standing teams in the Northwest Athletic Conference: Wenatchee and Spokane. NIC has a chance to tie for first place in the conference if they continue on their streak. The first round of the Northwest Athletic Conference playoff games will take place early next month and with their second place seed right now, the team should have no problem securing a spot in the first round.
There have been many conflicts and competitions throughout the ages. Democrat vs. Republican, Catholic vs. Protestant, Ford vs. Chevy, but nothing feeds our inner competitive fire like watching and cheering for our town’s athletes as they take on another’s. Here in America, we have one of the most diverse and comprehensive collections of sport teams and leagues in the world, and within these leagues can be found some of the bitterest rivalries to ever exist. From coast to coast, you can’t walk into a sports bar without hearing the hate speech, the cheering, or the crying. For baseball, there is the Boston Red Sox vs. the New York Yankees. Part of the reason these two teams and their fans are such rivals may be because of Boston’s trade of the great Babe Ruth to the Yanks, but despite the reason, no one can deny the enmity here is real! For football, I would have to say one of the great rivalries would be between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys. This rivalry, which goes far beyond the simple irony, began before the 70’s, and has led to hatred on both sides for the opposing offences and even cheerleaders. Also, we can’t forget the stories from the great overseas soccer rivalries. The year was 1969, the same year Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Back on earth, a simple sports rivalry was going a little too far. El Salvador and Honduras were playing in the 1970 FIFA World Cup qualifier, and because of immigration from El Salvador, there was rioting and fighting in the streets. Friction between the two countries was at an all time high, and crazily enough, the Salvadorian military launched an attack against Honduras. This scuffle, which fortunately lasted less than five days, would go down in history as the Football War. Now of course, there were other factors besides soccer that initiated this confrontation, but it does go to prove that rivalry can vary from friendly competition to serious violence. The one sporting event that has united a people more than any other would be the miraculous game on the ice between Russia and the mighty United States of America. Due to the Cold War, tensions between the two nations were coming to a head, and it seemed that these two teams represented every frustration and emotion of their respected peoples. I am talking about the 1980 winter Olympics hockey final. After doing the unthinkable and beating the Russians, an international sports rivalry was born which will probably never diminish, but that’s okay. These rivalries speak to one of the deepest values of humanity: loyalty. MY city. MY colors. MY team.
Gabe Theander is a writer for The Sentinel. His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com
Tug of War was an official Olympic sport from 1900 until 1920. Great Britain grabbed the most medals in the sport with five total.
SPORTS
10 | the sentinel
Monday, Oct. 26, 2015
Cardinals establish early assessments Riley Hadeen Sports Editor
NIC players rush down the court during the Red vs. Grey scrimmage on Thursday. Lily Anderson/Sentinel
NIC men’s basketball has tipped of their season a little early to get ready for the preseason and conference games. The Cardinals held a team scrimmage in the Christianson Gymnasium on Thursday to showcase the team and get more game experience before playing other schools. “These (scrimmages) are great for our team because we are a new and young group,” coach Corey Symons said The Red vs. Grey scrimmage at home is not the only game the guys have played. So far, the team has already had four scrimmages in addition to the one on Thursday. “We are trying to get them as much game time experience as possible,” coach Symons said. “We have to be ready for the season.”
The team is making sure that they are looking ahead and working on issues that the they could squash before hitting the court in December for conference games. “The biggest obstacle that we will face this season is our size underneath,” coach Symons said. “We need to focus on defending the post and rebounding the ball due to our lack of size.” As far as the team’s performance goes, coach Symons holds an optimistic attitude for the upcoming season. “This is a great group of kids,” coach Symons said. “They work really hard and listen and try to understand what we want to do.” The team did well last year under coach Symons, making it to the regional championship game before falling to the College of Southern Idaho.
Men’s soccer looking for end of season comeback Gabe Theander Sports Writer After two tied home games and a loss at Columbia Basin College on Wednesday, it seems that the NIC soccer men are stuck in an offensive rut. One didn’t need to look hard to find a frustrated player on the field last week, as the Cardinals tied two scoreless games straight, both on home turf. The first of these two was against Wenatchee Valley College. “We had many chances, but we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” said NIC forward Hamidou Kante, who suffered a hamstring injury in the game. “Our focus is on winning,” Kante said concerning their next game against Treasure Valley. “We have to give 100 percent.” The team was again unable to generate a score against Treasure Valley,
though they defended well allowing only four shots on goal. There is a lot to be proud of on the defensive side of the field. Senior goalkeeper Mitch Markovetz performed exceptionally well, playing through the entirety of both games, and walking away with two more shutouts under his belt. Then at CBC, Mitch was able to protect the net almost the entire game, and it seemed a third tie was in the making. That is, until CBC kicked a game winning goal with only two minutes remaining. Though the team finally managed to grab a goal this Saturday against Walla Walla Community College, they still ultimately fell 2-1. NIC’s drought-ending goal came from Jorge Carmona in the second half. North Idaho College is currently tied for last place in the Eastern division, but there is still time to improve before the end of the season.
The home team rushes to gain possession from a Spokane player. Lily Anderson/Sentinel
Spotlight: Hamidou Kante Riley Hadeen Sports Editor Though the team as a whole has been having dif ficulties lately, NIC’s Hamidou Kante has still managed to shine in several of the games so far this year. With eight goals and two assists recorded for the season, Kante has proven himself an asset for the Cardinals. Kante has been playing the game for just about his whole life, starting at four years old. Since coming onto the NIC team from Seattle last year, Kante has demonstrated a versatile playing style that allows him to gravitate to more than just his typical position at forward. Kante’s ability to play more than one position on the team allows for a mix up in the team’s strategy and prevents opponents from predicting his play. This is what Kante said is one of his favorite aspects of the game.
•
•
Timothy Gant: Writer/Historian Tanner Sheffield: Webmaster
•
10/01/1903 - The first modern World Series took place between the Boston Pilgrims and the Pittsburgh Pirates. 10/05/1921 - The World Series was broadcast on the radio for the first time. The game was between the New York Giants and the New York Yankees. 10/10/1987 - Tom McClean finished rowing across the Atlantic
•
•
Ocean. It set the record at 54 days and 18 hours. 10/19/1998 - Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson got his boxing license back after he had lost it for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear during a fight. 10/22/1939 - The first televised pro football game was telecast from New York. Brooklyn defeated Philadelphia 23-14.
“It’s how the team is moving. You don’t stay in one spot. You keep moving,” Kante said. As far as this season goes, Kante emphasized preparedness and ef fort as his large focuses. “I need to be ready for ever y game,” Kante said. “I have to give ever ything to the team.” Kante isn’t only interested in college level soccer though. He would like to make it a focus for a possible career option. “We’ll see for the future,” Kante said. “I definitely want to make it into a career.” Before a game, Kante ensures that he is focused and ready to play “On game day, I have to play well and make sure that I give 100 percent and have fun,” Kante said. With a few more games left in the season, there’s still time for Kante to improve on his already impressive performance this season and help bring the team into the Northwest Athletic Conference playof fs.
• • •
10/24/1992- The Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S team to win the World Series. 10/26/1990 - Wayne Gretzky became the first NHL player to reach 2,000 points. 10/30/2001 - Michael Jordan returned to the NBA with the Washington Wizards after a three year retirement. The Wizards lost 93-91 to the New York Knicks.
www.nicsentinel.com
GAMES
the sentinel | 11
Halloween Horoscopes Written by our Managing Editor, Rachel Anderson, these horoscopes are the only thing you need in life. She dabbles in witchery on the weekends, so you can trust her.
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 To avoid turning into a pumpkin this Halloween, I would consider apologizing for all your mistakes, Aries. We all know you make a lot. TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Eat as many pieces of candy as you can, Taurus. I see vegetables in your future. GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 Be careful this Halloween, Gemini. I sense a spooky spirit has it out for you. CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 Although it may not be the season for mistletoe, I suggest purchasing some soon. You may just find the vampire to your werewolf this Halloween, Cancer. LEO JULY 23 -AUGUST 21 Keep your candy corn close and your chocolate closer, Leo. There may be a devious spirit coming your way. VIRGO AUG 22 - SEP 23 Stay away from animals this month, Virgo. I sense a dog wants to chew up your prized bed sheet / ghost costume.
Upcoming Local Events Halloween is upon us so grab your fake blood and check out these fun local events!
LIBRA SEP 24 - OCTOBER 23 You play video games too much, Libra. Just face it. Instead of playing a Halloween RPG, go outside and trick-or-treat with your cousins this year. SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22 Carve a pumpkin to look like Donald Trump and then call it your “Trumpkin.” Don’t ask questions, Scorpio. Just do it.
• Seether at the Knitting Factory on Oct. 29 • Day of the Dead Festival Fundraiser on Oct. 29 • Trick or Treat Downtown on Oct. 31 • Ghosts of Downtown Bus Tour until Oct. 31 • Mac Miller at the Knitting Factory on Nov. 7 • Rebel Junk Holiday Vintage Market on Nov. 13, 14 • Evil Dead: The Musical through Nov. • CDA Art Walk on Nov. 13
SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 22 You will find someone new to call your BOO. Sorry, they’ll be scary-looking. Happy Halloween. CAPRICORN DEC 23 - JAN 20 Capricorn rhymes with candy corn. So yeah. You know what to do. AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19 When you fall asleep tonight, you will be transported to Atlantis in the form of a mermaid. Don’t look at me, man. I only speak for the stars. PISCES FEB 20- MARCH 20 You will find your long lost son at a Haunted House. Oh. You don’t have a son? Well. Surprise.
www.nicsentinel.com
FRIGHT NIGHTOME
the sentinel | 12
Once inside, spaces got tight and touch became all we relied on. Gripping on to one another, we made our way throughout the Aislinn Lautenbach maze running and screaming as Staff Writer creatures jumped out at us. Being my first haunted house, I would say it was scar y and worth Have you ever been scared visiting. But overall we had fun. silly? By the end, we ran for our lives Picture this. During the night, to escape the horrors from inside. you walk up to an abandoned, We were even chased by a clown wooden barn held up by large, old all the way to our car. wooden posts. Post Falls Lions club is dedicatThere’s cobwebs in the ceiling ed to providing sight and hearing and specks of scattered hay laying assistance and to give back to the around. You hear screaming and community. cr ying, and the closThe Lions haunter you get you hear “You hear screaming ed house has been chainsaws and loud and crying, and the the primar y fundbanging. closer you get you raiser for the club There’s fog surhear chainsaws and for over three derounding the shack, loud banging. ” cades. Thousands swallowing you up of dollars each year in it. Shrill voices go directly back to screaming for help the community in over and over again. AISLINN LAUTENBACH the form of scholStaff Writer Would you go inarships, providing side, or would you financial assistance turn around and for eyeglasses and hearing aids. run? The Cost is $7, but if visitors This was the question me and bring two non-perishable food my friends asked ourselves as we items for the Post Falls Food approached the Post Falls Lions Bank, admission is $5. Haunted House. We spent the It felt good to give back to the night running from chainsaws, and community, especially at a fun dodging clowns. and local event. Scar y and fun all Dark figures and scar y beings rolled into one. ran toward us as we waited in line And remember: to enter the barn. before you get into your warm and cozy bed tonight, be sure to check underneath it.
Photo courtesy of Post Falls Lions CLub and page design by Rachel Anderson.