Northwest Missourian Feb. 15, 2024

CON V ERGING CA MPUS & COMMUNIT Y

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

VOL. 112, NO. 20

@THEMISSOURIAN

City Council talks public works tests for landfill gas, water DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

Maryville City Council discussed improvements for the public works department at its meeting Feb. 12.

Council discussed and approved a contract with Stearns, Conrad & Schmidt, Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the testing of groundwater and landfill gas at the Maryville sanitary landfill for 2024 and 2025 Matt Smith, the director of public works in Maryville, said the city is required to monitor its groundwater and landfill gas at the closed sanitary landfill quarterly throughout the year. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the City of Maryville’s agreement regarding the landfill’s closure began that regulation.

“According to this groundwater monitoring plan, we’re required to do quarterly groundwater and landfill gas monitoring,” Smith said. “Based on the satisfactory results of the groundwater monitoring, we’re reduced to semi-annually for those tests. But we still have to do quarterly gas landfill monitoring with the SCS (Engineers).”

Landfill gas is a naturally occurring byproduct of decomposing materials in landfills, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It’s important to test for landfill gasses as they are composed mainly of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and carbon dioxide, which traps these gasses in the atmosphere.

Smith said the testing occurs on-site and includes testing wells, drawing groundwater samples and measuring gas levels.

WHEN WILL IT BE

DONE? Delays continue for food

options, frustration rises

A

s the year continues, the new dining options in the J.W. Jones Student Union are still closed and the timeline for opening continues to be pushed. Students are continuing to get frustrated by the lack of available dining options on campus.

It was first announced last fall the dining hall contract would be out for bid and announced the contract with Sodexo Operations, LLC Feb. 8, 2023. Students started out excited about the new dining options that would be available, but when timelines continued to be pushed back it became disappointing for some.

Freshmen Laken Stallard and Emma Harper said they are frustrated with only having a couple of options to choose from.

“We are paying to be able to have all this with our dining dollars and then we only get two options,” Harp-

$36K budgeted for solid waste management funds in Maryville per year.

Smith said the department has seen good results so far. He said he requested a newly-approved contract as an extension or renewal.

He said the city receives a discount for two of the four yearly groundwater and landfill gas tests. The Public Works Department has $36,000 budgeted for solid waste funds in Maryville per year. The new budget for the tests would be $37,000 for 2024 and 2025, with the additional $1,000 per year being transferred from a general fund.

Council approved the contract with SCS Engineering for groundwater and landfill gas testing.

During the 2024 Fiscal Year process, Smith said a new skid steer was identified as a need for the street department. The department released advertisements for bids in early January and received a bid by three vendors by Jan. 31.

Smith said the lowest competent bid, a bid meeting all the requirements at a reasonable price, was from Road Builders Machinery and Supply Co. for the purchase of a 2024 Takeuchi TL12V2 Compact Track Loader for $86,969.72.

SEE COUNCIL | A4

HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

FAFSA setbacks causing problems for students, NW HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be the deciding factor for students entering college. This complicated form has had problems in the past and it just keeps piling up.

Students did not receive the FAFSA until January, when it normally opens Oct. 1. The new changes to the form have been causing issues for both students and universities.

The FAFSA has been going through a multi-year plan to make changes to the form, specifically within the tax sections.

Tax information now directly goes from the Internal Revenue Service to the FAFSA. Northwest’s Director of Financial Aid Charles Mayfield said the pushbacks and continu-

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1914.

ous issues presented by the new FAFSA have impacted Northwest and the ability for the University to get the student’s data.

“Normally when it’s available Oct. 1, schools begin receiving data within a couple of days after that, kind of right away,” Mayfield said.

“When students started submitting the FAFSA this year, we didn’t start receiving the data (as fast).”

Northwest expected to begin receiving the data by the end of January, but on Jan. 30, Federal Student Aid announced that data would be available during the first half of March. This affects returning students and incoming freshmen. Students will not be receiving their financial aid offers until further in the year now.

The data will come to Northwest in batches, but there is a chance for the backlog to push back how fast the batches will

er said. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, which some people just don’t have any, but we’re paying a lot.”

Some students have said the food in the Bearcat Commons has been better compared to other years, but still wish they could have all the restaurant options students were promised.

Sophomore Emma Crowe said she thought the food in the Bearcat Commons was better and that she has seen a lot of progress being made.

“I feel like right now we’re very limited on options, like what we can actually eat, so it’s exciting to see that we’ll have a lot more options,” Crowe said.

Not all students are upset with the delays and are just waiting for the new options to come, like freshman Chris Fields.

“I’m excited for it to come out anyway, so I’m looking forward to it,” Fields said.

SEE DINING | A4

ISSUES WITHIN FAFSA APPLICATION

INFOGRAPHIC BY DELANIE DYKES DESIGNER

get to Northwest.

“So it’s possible we may not have all the data for all the students who have filed the FAFSA until April,” Mayfield said.

Federal Student Aid has set up an issue alert page for those filling out the form to be aware of.

As of Feb. 13, there are 16 issues

still unresolved and four that have been fixed. Mayfield said one of the bigger issues still unresolved is that students with a parent without a Social Security number are unable to submit the form even though they are eligible.

SEE FAFSA | A4

PLEASE

RECYCLE

Feb. 15, 2024 @TheMissourian

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NEWS

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Brittany Nothstine, baker and owner of B & B Bakery, served up a variety of baked goods for sale at the Shop Cupid’s Corner event at Rose Hill Acres Event Center on Feb. 10.

Maryville hosts vendor fair for Valentine’s Day DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

There was a Valentine’s Daythemed vendor fair in Maryville Feb. 10 called Shop Cupid’s Corner. The event brought together many small businesses from the northwest Missouri area.

Blue Sign Vintiques has been in business for 12 years, selling new, vintage, antique, repurposed and salvaged pieces according to its Facebook page.

Owner Kate Nothstine started the shop when she lived in Barnard, Missouri, and named it after a blue sign that stood at the end of her driveway. She now lives in Maryville but still bases the shop out of her home on 1421 E. First Street.

“I love my business,” Nothstine said. “I love combining vintage into modern decor. I love antiques.”

At Shop Cupid’s Corner, Nothstine displayed small furniture, repurposed and inexpensive linens and a few other small pieces.

adds freshly cut flower bouquets from her garden to the list of things Blue Sign Antiques sells.

Sometimes she collaborates with her daughter-in-law, Brittany Nothstine, and her business, B & B Bakery based out of Kansas City.

Brittany Nothstine came to Shop Cupid’s Corner as a vendor with Kate Nothstine, as did Kate Nothstine’s friend with The Rusty Coffee Pot from King City, Missouri.

Brittany Nothstine describes herself as a generational baker. Though she doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar store, she said her market “blew up” after moving to Kansas City, Missouri, where she gets frequent orders for sugar cookies and cakes.

For Shop Cupid’s Corner, Brittany Nothstine brought chocolate covered strawberries and red velvet and strawberry flavored goods for Valentine’s Day. She also sold donuts and cookie sandwiches for the first time, which she said she was excited to do.

“

It’s really important for small businesses to get their name out there and give the community the opportunity to support them.”

COLIN GRAHAM OWNER OF MILL CREEK WOODWORKING CO.

She said she thinks it’s important for small communities to hold these vendor fairs because it gives locals an alternative to franchise stores.

“A lot of times we can accommodate more personal service to the small businesses locally,” Nothstine said. “I think we can offer unique items, usually some better prices.”

In the summer, Nothstine

“I think it’s important to have an area where people can come together and see the small businesses that they can support, instead of just going to a big box store,” Brittany Nothstine said.

“Also, it’s a good way to get to know your community. For me specifically, I don’t live in Maryville, but a lot of my family does, so it’s a good time for all of us to get together.”

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Owner of Falcon Candles Hannah Scarbrough displayed several of her signature soy coconut candles alongside her ‘Made with Love’ Valentine’s Day-themed candles at the Shop Cupid’s Corner Event Feb. 10.

Mill Creek Woodworking Co. also made an appearance at the vendor fair. Owner Colin Graham started the business in 2021, but he started woodworking as a kid in 4-H, a program that teaches children skills through research-based experiences, hands-on projects and engaging leadership opportunities, according to its website.

He said his passion for building projects kicked off from there.

“When I turned 16, there was a guy that lived kind of close to my parents that was a legit woodworker, I guess you’d say,” Graham said. “So, he allowed me to kind of apprentice him.

He taught me a lot, and that’s when I got even more serious.”

Graham spent his free time on building projects, and eventually, people started asking him to build and sell pieces to them.

He said it worked out because he was able to make some money and support his hobby at the same time.

He mostly builds large furniture, like cabinets, tables and desks, but for Shop Cupid’s Corner, he brought smaller items like charcuterie boards and coasters. Graham did this in order to get his name into the community more.

Graham said it’s important for vendor fairs like this to exist in small communities so people can buy high-quality items and get their money’s worth.

“I think it’s super important for small businesses,” Graham said. “You get a lot of craftsmen and craftswomen and guys that can show off their talents. So, it’s really important for small businesses to get their name out there and give the community the opportunity to support them.”

Stephanie Shields runs Stylin’

by Steph, where she sells jewelry, quilts and designs on shirts.

She came to Shop Cupid’s Corner with a little bit of everything she sells but with an emphasis on Valentine’s Day and weddings in honor of the holiday.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Stephanie Shields, owner of Stylin’ by Steph, brought handmade jewelry and accessories to sell at the Valentine’s Day-themed vendor fair Feb. 10.

She said she enjoys vendor fairs because it’s fun to see people in Maryville and surrounding towns, as well as the college students.

“It’s smart for the small-town vendors that need an outlet to sell their items,” Shields said.

“We really don’t have anything for the vendors here except for the city market in the summer.

It’s kind of nice when they have these little pop-ups that people can show off their stuff.”

Backyard Vine & Wine, LLC. is a family-owned business that started in 2016. Family mem-

ber Stephanie Christensen helped bring a few wines and cocktails to the Shop Cupid’s Corner event.

Christensen said small vendor fairs are great for small businesses as it gives them an opportunity to be in the spotlight. She said it’s good for small shops to get their names out there.

“The community, when we kind of came out the gate, they really accepted us and supported us,” Christensen said. “So, it’s what we like to do, you know, be part of the community events.”

15, 2024 NEWS Feb. @TheMissourian

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Local beekeeping club offers resources ANNA BAILEY News Reporter | @AmBailey16

The Northwest Missouri Beebusters met 7 p.m. Feb. 12 to discuss its beehives and tips and tricks beekeepers can use as the weather changes.

The Northwest Missouri Beebusters is a beekeeping club that gathers once a month to talk about beekeeping, beekeeping equipment and upcoming events. In this most recent meeting members shared their experiences with their own beehives through the weather changes.

President of the Northwest Missouri Beebusters Ed Wolford said that they are not a professional group and have no membership dues. The goal of the meetings is to have members talk about their beehives and learn how to be a better beekeeper.

“It's an informal group of beekeepers, that we get together once a month and discuss what's going on or what needs to be going on to work with your bees,” Wolford said.

At the Feb. 12 meeting, Wolford shared a variety of ways to help supplement beehives in the winter and as it gets warmer. Some of the tips he shared included placing sugar bricks onto the beehives or putting pollen patties on the beehives.

Wolford said he will put the sugar bricks onto the beehives in December. Sugar bricks are

a good feeding option in colder months for the bees as it is solid and will not freeze, according to Betterbee.

Pollen patties are a protein supplement that helps the bees reproduce. Wolford said he just added these to his beehives in the beginning of February since the weather was getting warmer.

“

“The problem is, bees are social animals and they are social insects, And they do pretty much what they want to do when they want to do it."

ROBERT LELAND BEEBUSTER MEMBER

Every member of the Northwest Missouri Beebusters owns beehives, each having no more than 10. Northwest Missouri Beebusters’ member Dave Mires said he wanted to start beekeeping because he thought it would be a good addition to his orchard.

“I got them because I’ve got

ANNA BAILEY NEWS REPORTER

Members of the Northwest Missouri Beebusters Ed Wolford, Robert Leland and Dave Mires talk in the Feb. 12 meeting about ways to improve their own beehives as the weather changes.

an orchard, I just thought I needed some hives out there to go along with my orchard,” Mires said. “That was my main goal. ‘Why, you got the bees, might as well harvest some honey’ is what I thought.”

Member Robert Leland said most people start beekeeping with the intention they will just be able to have the bees and then collect the honey, however, they learn it comes with a lot of challenges.

He said one of the biggest problems beekeepers face is the bees being susceptible to a lot of diseases that they used to not have to worry about.

“The problem is, bees are social animals and they are social insects,” Leland said. “And they do pretty much what they want to do when they want to do it. They have acquired a lot of parasites and a lot of diseases that we didn't have.”

Though there are challeng-

es, members of the Northwest Missouri Beebusters agree that it is worth it and they enjoy being beekeepers overall.

Leland said being a beekeeper allows him to continue to use his brain for an activity he enjoys.

“It keeps your mind going.

When you evaluate your hives, you're always looking for something that's going to harm them or something,” Leland said.

New formal dress shop opens in Maryville, owners talk inclusivity RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

KAILEEN DOHRMAN MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Maryville High School juniors Jaelyn Alley and Elly Neff look through a catalog at Hazel’s Gowns Feb. 12 as they try to decide what dress to choose for their prom.

Prom season is approaching, so many students are shopping around for their perfect dress.

Hazel’s Gowns, a newly opened dress shop, allows a variety of dresses that meet the needs and interests of each customer.

Co-owned by Victoria and Christy Frueh, Hazel’s Gowns opened Monday, Feb. 5. Hazel's Gowns is primarily a bridal shop, but with prom season approaching, a variety of prom dresses in trend for high school students are now displayed.

Sizes range from XS to 3XL in both their prom dress and bridal wear. Prom dresses range from $120 to $700. However, if a dress does not fit the customer, Hazel’s Gowns will happily order a dress that will accommodate, Victoria Frueh said.

“We try to work with everybody just so you could have your dream dress on your prom day,” Victoria Frueh said. “We have ways of ordering almost any style that somebody would want.”

In high school, Victoria Frueh went dress shopping with her friend for prom. However, she explained that shopping with her friend, who was plus size, had proven difficult as many shops didn’t offer a variety of sizing her friend could enjoy.

Victoria Frueh’s mother, Christy Frueh, also had the same issue.

So, last year, the two discussed owning a dress shop, something

Christy Frueh had always wanted to operate. Last week, the shop officially opened.

Recent customer Maryville High School junior Jaelyn Alley was satisfied with the support and work the owners put into her preferred dress.

“When I got there, there were a few dresses that I loved but just weren’t my size,” Alley said.

“So, she ordered them for me and they were there in a week. I got to try them on and then I fell in love with the dress I found.”

“

“You’re not supposed to fit into the dress, the dress is supposed to fit you.”

VICTORIA FRUEH CO-OWNER OF HAZEL'S GOWNS

Christy Frueh said Hazel’s Gowns want nothing more than the customer’s happiness and they will refer them to other shops if necessary.

Alley heard of the shop through her friend, Elly Neff.

Neff went to dance class with

Victoria as a child and heard about the business, immediately making an appointment and bringing Alley along with her.

“They were so nice,” Neff said.

“They were even willing to order dresses that would fit my size because I am a very small person. So, it would have been really hard for me to just order online.”

Alley and Neff recommend the shop to others, saying the dresses offered are for a variety of events like formals and weddings. Neff said she loved the willingness and support the owners offered, ensuring the dresses were within price range as well.

“I love how they are just very willing to work with whoever,” Neff said. “It doesn’t matter if you can afford it or not, they will still work with you and try to come up with something.”

Oftentimes, Hazel’s Gowns will attend fairs and vintage openings to shop for dresses to allow a variety of styles that can cater to different interests. The owners will soon have a shoe and jewelry collection and are in the hiring process for tailors to help with dress fitting for customers.

After nearly a week, the shop already catered to many customers. Any dresses that are not chosen when ordered will be available for other customers. Both owners love interacting with customers and getting ideas of what the customer would like to see and wear.

“You’re not supposed to fit into the dress,” Victoria Frueh said.

“The dress is supposed to fit you.”

Feb. 15, 2024 @TheMissourian

A4

NEWS

CRIME LOG Senate denies for the week of Feb. 15 Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

Feb. 11 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Tower Suites East.

There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Parking Lot 63.

Feb. 10 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Perrin Hall.

Feb. 7 There is an open investigation for stealing in Franken Hall.

There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Edwin C. Brown Education Hall.

Maryville Department of Public Safety

Feb. 13 There is an ongoing investigation for burglary on the 500 block of West Third Street.

There was a summons issued to Srinivas Mane, 27, Rahul R. Suravarapu, 25, and Yada Tarum, 26, for permitting a peace disturbance on the 600 block of East Seventh Street.

Feb. 12 There was a cell phone recovered on the 200 block of East South Avenue.

Feb. 9 There was a summons issued to Ryan J. Ancell, 21, for driving while suspended on South Hills Drive and 275th Street.

Feb. 8 There was a ring recovered on the 100 block of North Dunn Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for a burglary on the 200 block of West Twelfth Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 400 block of South Munn Street.

Residential Life requested funds RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

Residential Life is having a staff appreciation banquet soon, but when it requested funds from Student Senate regarding catering, Senate denied.

South Complex Resident Director Keatley Cotter wanted to show appreciation to current Res-Life staff through an upcoming banquet.

“I’m very passionate about being able to help them wherever we can,” Cotter said. “And, I hope that we will be able to provide a meal or banquet to show them that we appreciate all they do for campus and all they do for students.”

Res-Life is a program that supports students on and off campus through various activities regarding health and wellbeing. The staff is composed of both professionals and students on campus.

However, the job is described as taxing and exhausting by Senior Class Representative Jaelee Pittel, who used to participate on Res-Life as a resident assistant.

“It is exhausting,” Pittel said through tears. “They deserve it, and they are students, so we are able to give back to them. That’s what we do. It just might not be in this format, which is OK.” It originally requested $1,530 for its upcoming banquet. The bylaws only allow a $2,000 total for all department-Senate cosponsorship at Northwest, so the funding request was docked down to $500. If the money goes toward an event that benefits all students on campus, the money can be appropriated. However, the upcoming banquet is invite only and allows only current

Res-Life staff to attend.

Pittel dealt with major issues as an RA her sophomore year. Losing a student and dealing with issues regarding mental health were after effects of dealing with a job as an RA, so she feels that Res-Life deserves the funding to show its staff appreciation. Because of the cosponsor issue, the money could not be allocated to the event, but Senate agreed to help out in any sort of way apart from funds.

“If you’re still in Res-Life, thank your RA’s,” Pittel said.

“It’s heavy, and it’s emotional.”

She attended the banquet last year and said that Res-Life was able to gain funding without requesting money from Senate.

For the event, Res-Life requested money from different hall councils. However, hall councils are only allowed to give money to the students and not to staff.

Because it was technically not allowed, they are not able to use the same tactic this year. Cotter said, on top of this, staff are not allowed to spend money on themselves, so providing money for a staff appreciation event proves difficult.

President Elizabeth Motazedi suggested Res-Life should gain funding through more fundraising or organizations since Senate could not provide the funds.

“Maybe we can support ResLife with something else,” Motazedi said. “That’s also a discussion to have.”

After the discussion, Motazedi advised Res-Life to approach Senate and request money closer to the date if funding still did not meet what it was hoping for after its attempts of fundraising.

ONKARABETSE KOIKANYANG PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior Class Representative Jaelee Pittel requests funds for an end of year event for Res-Life staff Feb. 13. The request did not pass due to Senate bylaws.

Northwest Student Dietetic Association requested $820 for an upcoming Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics event, which is required for each member to attend. The event would provide educational opportunities for NSDA and its members as well as presentations regarding future opportunities. The event will be April 12-13 in St. Louis. After discussion, Senate appropriated the amount requested.

Professor of Communications Bayo Joachim was the first spotlight visitor of the year. He spoke regarding the great di-

FAFSA

CONTINUED FROM A1

Feb. 7 There was an accident between Kentan E. Yount, 46, and Deena R. Dobbins, 48, on the 100 block of South Main Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for domestic assault on the 400 block of West Lincoln Street.

There was a cell phone recovered on the 500 block of North Laura Street.

Feb. 4 There was an accident between Andrew R. Wiley, 19, and Mary C. Barnes, 21, on North Buchanan Street and West Second Street. Wiley was charged with careless and imprudent driving.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny from a motor vehicle on the 800 block of East Edwards Street.

There was a summons issued to Nathan A. Vangelder, 21, for driving while intoxicated and failure to maintain the right half of the roadway on the 500 block of East Third Street.

Feb. 1 There was an accident between Cruz A. Lewis, 21, and Larry P. Auffert, 73, on the 200 block of West Fourth Street.

Jan. 27 There is an ongoing investigation for a lost or stolen license plate on the 1500 block of East Edwards Street.

COUNCIL

CONTINUED FROM A1 “The FY ’24 budget includes $22,000 for the lease payment,” Smith said. “That amount was derived from a purchase price of $87,600 with a 60-month term of 7.2%. Based on those terms, and based on the lower purchase price,

versity on campus and that students should appreciate the diversity and community, connecting his speech back to his home life in Nigeria.

“Appreciate the diversity here on campus,” Joachim said. “It is very different after college.”

There is no Senate meeting on Feb. 20. There will be an open executive meeting at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Student Senate Chambers. Those running for an executive position may attend to learn more about Senate and what an executive position entails.

SAVANNAH ATHY-SEDBROOK DESIGN EDITOR

During a training session Feb. 13, McAlister’s employee Amulya Boggavarapu cuts a sandwich while employees Catherine Walker and Dindu Kanuri watch. McAlister’s is set to officially open Feb. 15.

DINING

CONTINUED FROM A1 Students aren’t the only ones frustrated. Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs: Residential and Auxiliary Services Rose Viau said she and the on-ground staff have been also feeling some of that disappointment.

Students also saw Qdoba and the UCook Kitchen shut down after an initial opening, which was to get new equipment into both areas. The UCook Kitchen shut down another time Feb. 13, which was due to the cooler not being able to keep food cool enough. Viau said it is just a five to six-hour fix and everything should be open once again.

“It’s not something you would even expect and so it’s kind of funny because that’s the kind of thing that’s been happening to us all along,” Viau said. “Like every time we finally get something done, something like that happens that you would just never expect to happen.” based on our last competitive bid for terms we feel well within that $22,000 annual payments.”

Council approved the contract with Road Builders Machinery and Supply Co. which will allow the department to purchase its new skid steer.

Other City Council Business:

The McAlister’s is something many on campus have been anticipating. The restaurant had a soft opening Feb. 14 and officially opened Feb. 15. The staff has been going through training in the last few days and is ready to officially open.

The Buffalo Wild Wings is anticipated to open in mid to late April, but stay open through the summer for the students staying in Maryville and the community.

Viau said the staff has been hearing the frustration from students and parents and said she has been explaining why all the setbacks have been happening. She said if the University had its way, everything would have been open a long time ago, but that has not been possible with the delays.

“You have to keep pushing on people to get things done and to get things working, but you still have to be patient,” Viau said. “Because in some instances, there’s nothing that can do. They’re doing everything they can and the one where they’re not doing everything that they can, we’re pushing on them.”

• The City of Maryville is in Phase I of its execution of the South Main Corridor Improvement Project, which aims to improve the quality of outdoor pedestrianism and recreation in Maryville.

An ordinance was approved to execute Change Order No. 5 of the city’s contract with VF

Anderson Builders, LLC for construction of the project, which was initially approved at a March 14, 2022, meeting.

• Council approved a request for Burny’s Sports Bar’s 37th annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade” March 16. This will close off the 300 block of North Market Street

“If the student is a citizen, they are eligible to complete the FAFSA,” Mayfield said. “It doesn’t matter if their parents are citizens or not.”

The issue alert page says there is currently no workaround for this issue and those students will not be able to complete the form until the matter is resolved.

It has become an issue for so many people that the C.E.O. of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Justin Draeger and President of the American Council Ted Mitchell have written an article for the New York Times regarding the subject.

“Moving forward, the Department of Education must meet its own timelines, putting aside blame and finger-pointing to provide the higher education community with better, continuing and more proactive communication about the FAFSA rollout,” they wrote in the article.

There will be an event at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom for students to ask questions and get help with filling out their FAFSA. Students who attend will have the opportunity to win one of two $500 scholarships.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to communicate and make sure, you know, continuing students understand Here’s kind of the landscape, here’s what’s happening at the national level, here’s how it’s affecting our students on our campus and here’s what we’re trying to do as a financial aid department to help,” Mayfield said. for the event.

• It also approved a liquor license application for Rap Retail, LLC. doing business as 39th Street Liquor. The business was recently bought by new owners.

• Council approved a contract for Jenny McComb to join the Mozingo Advisory Board.

15, 2024 OPINION Feb. @TheMissourian

YOUR VIEW:

What do you think of on-campus dining?

KENNEDY WYNN Junior Biochemistry

“It’s OK during the week, but when I go after class there is no food. Then I end up going upstairs and spending money when I don’t want to.”

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FAITH ZUMWALT Junior Social studies history education

JONAH BUCHMANN Freshman Graphic design

CAMRON RADFORD Senior Human services

“I hated the fact that the majority of our dining options weren’t open this year. Like McAlister’s is just now opening and the semester’s gonna be ending in a couple months. B-Dubs isn’t open, but I know it just takes a process of building and getting it up and running. Like I can’t fault them for not being done, but I think their planning wasn’t well.”

“At times, very good.

Specifically when people come in for visit days, the food tends to be better. Upstairs is pretty good, everyone loves Qdoba and Chick-fil-A. Only thing, you know, we’re confused on why Qboda got renovated after just being put in.”

“It needs a lot of improvement.”

Students shouldn’t be in the dark about dining hall setbacks OUR VIEW:

BRAD PARKER Sophomore Chemistry education

“I think it’s always a reliable backup. Whether it’s my first choice or not for a meal is up for debate.”

AIKO YAMADA Junior Social psychology

At the March 16, 2023 Board of Regents meeting, Northwest signed a seven-year contract with Sodexo Operations LLC to be the new provider of dining services beginning May 15.

Following the announcement, there was a buzz of excitement among students, staff and faculty to see what new options we would have in store. Today, 277 days later, we are still left wondering what new options we will have available for us this year.

The original timeline of dining options had Qdoba and McAlister’s set to open Aug. 21 on the first day of classes, which was pushed back because of construction issues. The first rescheduling saw Qdoba opening a month later on Sept. 22 and McAlister’s opening in mid-November. Then, another set of complications pushed the opening of McAlister’s back to late January.

As we are over two weeks past late January, it raises questions. First, when will dining options actually be open?

Second, why have there been so many setbacks? And finally, why is there little to no communication between the University and students about the delays?

While we can understand some setbacks with the original timeline, what can’t be understood is the lack of communication. With fewer than nine weeks left in the semester, there has been little information about the opening and construction of the Buffalo Wild Wings in The Station and when McAlister’s is planning to open. Now, McAlister’s is set to open Feb. 15, again with little communication with the plan to open.

The only way we have answers is through the occasional post on social media and a few printed posters in the student union.

The only communication put out on social media in the last month was an Instagram post from @nwbearcatdining that said, “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel! McAlister’s will be here soon! Make sure to follow us for all the updates!”

That was the first update on social media about the status of dining options on campus since Dec. 4 which only said “Changes are happening at UCook Kitchen! We can’t wait to show you the

“Not so good because the food is always overcooked or too simple. The UCook kitchen should be open the minute the Union opens and until they close.”

ZACHARY LYNCH Sophomore Psychology and geology

“They’re mostly OK. Sometimes the food can be less than stellar. But for the most part, I enjoy it and it’s enough for me personally.”

ALEXANDER SNODDERLY Junior Mass media broadcasting

“I think that whenever I get the chance to go down there, the food is pretty alright. I am looking forward to all the facilities that they’ve talked about being open.”

TAKALANI MOLAOA Graduate student MBA

“I like the omelets, but I don’t like everything else. They need to do better on the chicken.”

CADEN CONRICK Sophomore Biomedical science

“It sucks. It started to get better at the end of the last semester last year, but this year it’s started going downhill.”

KYLIE EDMUNDS Junior Psychology

“I do go down to the main area every now and then for breakfast. The options up here are pretty good, I’m excited for McAlister’s. I do wish there were some breakfast options up here though.”

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“I think that it’s overall really helpful to not have to cook, though it’s not always food that I prefer.”

ANNETTE GUIJARRO Sophomore Early childhood education

“I think the amount we pay does not really reflect what we are supplied on campus.”

MICAH HARVEY Freshman Accounting

“I think they do have good options of food, it’s just the quality can sometimes be a little iffy.”

BROOKLYNNE MEADE Freshman Biomedical science

“I think the dining hall options are really bad. They always have the same thing and they don’t put new food for dinner as they do for lunch. I thought it was really annoying that they told us they were going to have them open and they just didn’t.”

JEREMY MURRAY Junior Computer science

“I kind of wish there was one that was just a pickup and grab, kind of like Zen was last year. It’s definitely been a little frustrating at times not having as many options.”

KAYLYN CHLEBORAD Senior Biomedical sciences

“I think it could be improved.

There’s times that they do the repetition of the same foods over and over again, and you can kind of tell that they switched it from one station to another. ”

JACKSON PHELPS Freshman Sports media

“Upstairs, they’ve gotten better with Qdoba and stuff like that, but they are not putting them up as fast as they said they would. So, like McAlister’s isn’t open right now and Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t open.”

“I really like the Chick-fil-A and Qdoba because I feel like they’re different enough that I don’t really get tired of them. The only thing is that they said the McAlister’s and Buffalo Wild Wings would be open earlier.”

“I really like the different options we have on campus like Chick-fil-A, Qdoba and the recent addition of McAlister’s.

The Union is just a good spot to go get some ice cream, pizza or burgers.”

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“I like the food some days, and some days I don’t. The dining hall fluctuates with quality a lot but overall the food is edible so I am grateful.”

BILLIE MCCOY Sophomore Speech and theater education

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exciting new things coming your way!”

We also can’t wait to see them, but some of us are starting to doubt if we actually will this year. While the UCook Kitchen and Qdoba are up and running now, there are still questions as to when — or if — we will see the other promised restaurants open.

Shortly after it opened, the UCook Kitchen and Qdoba closed temporarily for more renovations and new equipment. Restaurants should not have a grand opening and then close just weeks later for a second renovation, especially when it feels out of the blue because no one communicated the closure was going to happen. If they need extra time, all it takes is letting people know what is going on. Everyone can be more understanding than you think.

Students living on campus were also offered extra perks throughout the year, like having two meal exchanges a week.

People were excited about the second exchange, but now with only a couple of months left in the school year, they have only had access to one new restaurant to use those exchanges.

Similarly, before the school year started, there were multiple different deals to get people to purchase dining dollars for them to use throughout the year. For those who bought extra dining dollars in hope of using them on the new restaurants, they are now left with fewer options than before the contract change. Now, people simply don’t feel like the money they are paying for meal plans and dining dollars is worth it.

The problem is there has been no communication between Northwest and the students that go through the J.W. Jones Student Union each day. All we see walking in are tarps and construction materials in the space that was promised to be another open restaurant weeks, if not months, before then.

Students need to know the real and probable timeline for when dining options are going to be put in place. We will understand setbacks and changes to the timeline, but this is now the third time these openings have been changed without people knowing what is going on. Updates need to be shared, even if people will be disappointed.

Be realistic, and be transparent.

GARRETT DONALD Freshman Health science/sports medicine

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Feb. 15, 2024 @NWMSports

A6

SPORTS

against Southwestern Oklahoma State, who they lost to opening weekend 8-3.

One of the Bearcats responsible for the turnaround offensively was senior shortstop Lela Bryant. Bryant was one of four Bearcats to have two or more hits against Southwestern Oklahoma. In both games on Saturday, Byrant reached base three times, finishing with five total hits, one walk and two RBIs. Bryant said the key to the better second day was showing everyone who the team really is.

“I feel like, on our first day, we really didn’t play that well, and we just turned things around on Saturday (Feb. 10) and just had a different mentality going in, “ Bryant said. “We just showed (Southwestern State and Midwestern State) who we really are and how we actually play.”

Northwest softball will have

11

days of preparation between games

KAILEEN DOHRMAN MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Northwest softball sophomore pitcher Jadyn Streigle prepares to pitch the ball during practice in Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse Jan. 30. The Bearcats have a record of 5-4 overall.

Softball to use time off before trip ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

Coming off of one of the best statistical offensive weekends to open the season for Northwest softball since 1975, the Bearcat bats took a step back Feb. 9-10 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Northwest finished the weekend going 2-2 to move its overall record to 5-4. The Bearcat offense came out the first day and

HOME

CONTINUED FROM A8 “She’s a really good player — she can shoot it, she can post up and put it on the floor,” Meyer said. “She’s one of those kids that, when we deal with really good players, you want to make sure we make it tough on them. Not giving them easy baskets in transition, not giving them easy stuff in the paint, but if you can make them make tough shots and make sure her shots are contested, then that’s what we wanna do.”

After Rogers, Northwest’s next matchup is against Northeastern State (12-10, 8-8 MIAA) at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in Bearcat Arena.

It will also be Senior Day for the Bearcats as they will be honoring forward Jayna Green, guard Jillian Fleming, guard Molly Hartnett, guard Caely Kesten and guard/forward Emma Atwood.

“Across the board, great kids and great families,” Meyer said.

“They make going to practice every day fun. And, good academically — high achievers — and you can look at the wins and losses as a program, and you can see they’ve really changed things around here.”

Freshman guard Laini Jo-

scored two total runs, scoring twice against Northwestern Oklahoma State and being shut out against Cameron.

Coach Naomi Tellez said the performance was disappointing and knew from the team’s pregame attitude that it was in for a rough day.

“Friday was not our greatest — we showed up flat and with no energy,” Tellez said. “Probably the flattest that our team has ever shown up, and we don’t play well like that. We are a high-energy team, crazy in the dugout. And, as soon as we went down early, I knew we didn’t have a fighting chance.”

Tellez said the postgame message to the team was that she never wanted to see that team ever again. She said she wants the Bearcats to have a different pregame attitude, and act like themselves.

On the second day of the weekend, the Bearcats seemed to take Tellez’s message loud and clear, coming out and scoring 13 runs in the first game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. Northwest got revenge

seph could fill the role of guard when Kesten, Hartnett and Atwood leave. She has been battling injuries for the past couple of seasons but has come back strong for Northwest, including when she was the team’s second-leading scorer in the win against Washburn Feb. 10 as she posted 11 points.

“I’ve had a few concussions, so it’s been a little up and down,” Joseph said. “I think I’m on the up right now, so it’s exciting for the team and I think right now we are climbing and hoping to keep going up and possibly hitting our ceiling this year.”

When the Bearcats are effective from 3-point range this season, they are nearly unbeatable.

When the team shoots at least 30% from 3, Northwest is 13-1.

Junior guard Peyton Kelderman is 33-for-88 (37.5%) from beyond the arc this season and has been a large factor in Northwest’s success from that part of the floor.

“I think just continuing to have confidence in our shot,” Kelderman said. “I think when we move the ball and just find the open person, that helps our shots fall. Just continuing to find that open person and getting good looks.”

In the final game of the weekend, the Bearcats defeated Midwestern State 4-1.

The key to the game were senior pitchers Hayden Simmons and Breck Dickey. Simmons, who started the game, received the win after pitching four innings with two strikeouts, one walk and allowing three hits, including the lone run for Midwestern. Dickey came in for the final three innings and allowed two hits, no runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

The Bearcats will not be back in action until Feb. 23-25 for the Washburn Invitational in Topeka, Kansas. In the meantime, Tellez is going to have the team rest up while it can after two long road trips to Arkansas and Texas.

Tellez said the team will be given days off from practice on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. But, that doesn’t include getting time off in the weight room.

“They are doing a little bit more in the weight room conditioning-wise because we do not have games this weekend,” Tellez said.

“But, we will practice on Sunday (Feb. 18) just to get them back in the swing of things.”

During the team’s off weekend, Bryant said she will be focusing on fine-tuning her offensive and defensive skills. Bryant said the team will be finding ways to be around each other, including supporting fellow Bearcat athletes.

“There are a couple basketball games that we might go to,” Bryant said. “We will just have a relaxing weekend and to reset.”

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Bearcat men’s basketball junior guard Mitch Mascari looks for an open teammate during Northwest’s 64-61 victory over Fort Hays State Feb. 3. Mascari will be honored as part of Senior Day at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in Bearcat Arena.

SENIOR

CONTINUED FROM A8 The Hillcats are driven by their offense, which is second in the MIAA, averaging 77.4 points per game. On the other side, though, will be the second-best defense in all Division II. The Bearcats allow just 59.9 points per contest — and are one of just two teams in the nation to allow under 60 points per matchup.

“Rogers is playing at a very, very high level,” McCollum said.

“They’ve got a lot of good guards, they play free, they play loose,

there’s a lot of space on the floor.

You know, I think it would be a mistake to think that because we beat them down there, it’s just going to be fine here. That would be a major mistake.”

Northwest will close out the week with its second-straight Oklahoma foe when it hosts Northeastern State (8-14, 3-13 MIAA) at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17. The Bearcats’ clash with the RiverHawks won’t just be another MIAA showdown, though. Northwest’s Saturday matinee will also serve as the program’s Senior Day. Before the contest, the team will honor senior forward Wes

POSTSEASON

CONTINUED FROM A8 Dew said he expects the practices to be hard and is going to push himself to be better at his conditioning, physically and mentally.

Nickerson said he emphasizes to his wrestlers to compete for the love of the sport. Their love for the sport is what will bring them further this year than in previous years.

“I just say go have fun — I think that’s when they wrestle best,” Nickerson said. “It helps them do what they need to do to be successful. The more enthusiastic you are, the more passionate you are

Dreamer and junior guard Mitch Mascari. The duo, collectively, has scored a combined 2,326 points, claimed seven conference titles and won two national championships.

“They’re amazing — I love all of them,” Abreu said. “Wes has been, really, like a mentor on how to become a big man in college ball. Mitch, always talking about defensive stuff and figuring out ways we could get better openings on the floor. … It’s an amazing experience, having to go with these guys in this program. Like, I wouldn’t change anything about it.”

about wrestling. It’s not a grind, it’s not a sacrifice, you do it because you love it.”

Nickerson said he expects his wrestlers to be challenged and face it head-on. As it is crucial to be pushed to your breaking point in wrestling.

“Every year, we expect to grow as individuals and as a team,” Nickerson said. “I think a lot of our guys are coming in with the mentality that this is their year to break through. Our district has always been really tough for many of our guys, as many of the teams we’ve faced all season bring in their best guys, and they are all in peak form. This year, I think it will be different for our guys, and we will push past our usual threshold.”

15, 2024 SPORTS Feb. @NWMSports

A7

Last chance at conference next for Northwest ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

During the 2021 Bearcat Invite, then-redshirt freshman Gavyn Monday was running on pace for what would have been a national mark in the 400-meter dash. As Monday took one of the turns, he and Caelon Harkey (2017-2021) were tripped and fell to the ground.

Both Monday and Harkey were shooting for qualifying marks in the 400m to participate at nationals but instead were left wondering if they would get another chance.

This led to coach Brandon Masters deciding to host an event known as Friday Night Lights - Last Chance Meet.

Monday and Harkey were both given another shot to run another 400m, and both finished with provisional times of 47.93 for Harkey and 48.03 for Monday.

Three years later, Masters and Monday are preparing for the fourth Friday Night Lights - Last Chance Meet Feb. 16 in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse. Monday is, again, trying to make a provisional time to head to nationals in the 400m. Masters said although Northwest created the meet for Monday, now it is for everyone who needs to make a provisional time for the conference or national championships without possibly affecting the conference point score.

“We have several people that are trying to hit marks for nationals as well,” Masters said. “This is our last go for it without fail. Who cares? Try to go for a national mark.”

Monday said the meet is important for him and his personal goals, even though he is also part of the men’s 4x400 meter relay. He said he would like to be able to earn AllAmerican status on his own.

“I know that I’m capable of

UP NEXT Friday Night Lights 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse

doing it; it’s just about executing and getting it done,” Monday said. “So, that’s something I’m excited for.”

One of the challenges for Monday is the short amount of time after running in the Washburn Invitational Feb. 10. At the competition, Monday ran a 48.39 time in the 400m and ended up in seventh place.

Monday said he is going to try to make sure he gets enough food and water to recover from the event. The mental battle is the part he is focused on in his preparations for the meet. Monday said the 400m dash is one of the most challenging races.

“I’m getting prepared to go and try to drop a time that’ll get into nationals and is something that’ll be kind of on my plate for the whole week,” Monday said.

While Monday and a few other Bearcats are preparing for the last home meet of the indoor season, some are looking forward to the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb. 23-25 in Topeka, Kansas. Masters said the rest of the team is entering its 10day preparations for Topeka.

Masters’ plan for the ones participating at conference is high-intensity practice over the next few days, followed by a layoff period that will allow them to rest before they compete against the rest of the MIAA. “We are gonna go pretty deep, and that’ll get them prepared to run really good in 10 days for the start of MIAA’s down in Topeka,” Masters said.

Spoofhound girls set to wrap up home schedule

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville girls basketball freshman forward Claire Walter goes up for a shot during the Spoofhounds’ 54-37 defeat against St. Joseph-Benton Feb. 9.

LANDON CLOUSE Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

Maryville girls basketball faced a tough blow as it lost its courtwarming game on home turf to St. Joseph-Benton with a score of 54-37. Coach Kelly Obley said her team needs to bring the energy each game.

“The energy we bring is always in our control,” Obley said. “So, how we respond to different events in the game

and different outcomes is important. We can always choose to have that positive outcome.”

This defeat marked the third loss in its last four contests for Maryville, as the Spoofhounds also fell against Mid-Buchanan, 56-38, Feb. 10. Next up on the agenda is against Savannah at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at Maryville High School. Savannah comes into this game off two wins out of its last seven contests, with threestraight losses, pending the re-

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest men’s track and field sophomore Vashon Riggins competes in the men’s 60-meter hurdles at the Bearcat Invite Feb. 3. The Bearcats’ Friday Night Lights - Last Chance Meet is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse.

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest men’s track and field junior Dillon Grover leads the pack in the one-mile run during the Bearcat Invite Feb. 3.

sult against Benton Feb. 13.

Maryville has scored an average of 43 points per game, compared to Savannah’s 37 points per contest. With the home advantage, Maryville will be hoping to deliver a stronger performance to earn a win against a team that is equal in head-tohead matchups. Obley said that sometimes the team faces adversity within the squad.

“How we handle disagreements shows the resilience of this team,” Obley said. “It comes down to communication, having those good conversations together, to be able to come up with solutions as a team to improve. All of us are in the gym, working to get better every day, to make sure we are all on the same page.”

Since Dec. 1, 2018, Maryville (6-15) has won 14 straight contests over Savannah (10-12).

With recent history on their side and scoring a season-high 77 points in a road win against Cameron (13-9) Feb. 12, the Spoofhounds look to keep the new energy going.

Following its clash with Savannah, Maryville will face a task on the road as they travel to take on North Platte (185) 6:15 p.m., Feb. 16 at North Platte High School. Away games always present their own set of challenges, but Maryville may need to dig deep and showcase their resilience to get back in the win column.

Sophomore guard Kora Grow said she gains a lot each game throughout the season.

“This game teaches me toughness,” Grow said. “Whenever you are down in a game or have a hard time, you need that toughness to come back and believe in yourself.”

Despite the setbacks, there seems to remain a sense of determination within the Spoofhounds’ team.

The players and coaching staff are fully aware of the areas that need improvement, and Obley said they are willing to put in the hard work to turn it around.

“Playing a good game starts by having positive energy,” Grow said. “Whenever that is present, it helps improve shotmaking, communication and different aspects to help us win.”

“For us, as coaches, the inspi-

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest women’s track and field junior Luisarys Toledo leaps into the sand during long jump on Day 2 of the Bearcat Invite Feb. 2.

ration comes from being able to show up every day with a group that we enjoy being around,” Obley said. ”Getting to spend time together and have everyone become better players and coach the game we love, makes it a lot of fun.”

Adversity is part of any journey, but Maryville is working on its response to the struggles and how it will ultimately define its season. Finding motivation in a season can be key to finishing the campaign off strong. Grow said her inspiration is close to home.

“I get my inspiration from my family — they are so encourag-

UP NEXT MHS vs. Savannah 7 p.m. Feb. 15 Maryville High School MHS vs. North Platte 6:15 p.m. Feb. 16 Dearborn, Missouri

ing,” Grow said. “Before and after every single game, I get texts from family, showing me support. It helps push me, for sure.”

SPORTS

Softball slumber Northwest softball uses time off ahead of Washburn Invitational. see A6

Last chance Northwest track and field prepares for final opportunity to advance to conference. see A7

Feb. 15, 2024

SMACK DOWN

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Maryville boys wrestling sophomore 132-pound Cash Dew takes on South Harrison sophomore Camden Eckerson at the Maryville Tri Jan. 30. Following a rocky season, due to an injury, Dew is taking on a shoot-first approach for his matches at districts Feb. 16-17.

Maryville wrestling readies for ‘tough’ postseason run

M

NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @nathanvandruff2

aryville boys wrestling is preparing for its Class 2 District 4 tournaments Feb. 16-17 at Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Teams that are included in this district: Benton, Cameron, Center, Chillicothe, Excelsior Springs, Lafayette (St. Joesph), Mid-Buchanan, Northeast (Kansas City), Oak Grove, Odessa, Plattsburg, Richmond, Savannah and St. Michael the Archangel.

Coach Tyler Nickerson has prepared the athletes for the past two weeks as many of them have aspirations for a spot at the state tournament.

“Every day was coming in, trying to get as many reps as possible,” Nickerson said. “Just trying to do things right, build that muscle mem-

Northwest to honor players as team starts home stretch NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @nathanvandruff2

Northwest women’s basketball has been on fire recently, winning its last three games as it begins its final home stretch of the season.

The Bearcats are among the best teams in the MIAA, as they are tied for fourth with

UP NEXT Class 2 District 4 Tournament Feb. 16-17 Excelsior Springs, Missouri

ory, build our conditioning and just getting the right mindset for the district tournament. None of us are ready to go home early, and so we are working our way to be prepared physically and mentally.”

Many Maryville wrestlers have a good chance to place at this year’s state competition. The standout wrestlers are senior 126-pound Tanner Turner, sophomore 132-pound Cash Dew, senior 150-pound Tucker Turner, freshman 165-pound Kedrick Watkins and freshman 215-pound Kade Watkins.

Tanner Turner this season is 18-7 and placed second at the Quad State tournament and MEC boys conference championship.

Dew has had an up-and-down season since he started 6-3 after finding himself with a strained elbow that put him out for three weeks. He has recently found his stride again, also placing second at the Quad State tournament Jan. 27, and is looking to earn a bid to the state championships.

“I need to execute through the day of districts and go in with a mindset of shooting first, “Dew said. “It only takes three matches for me to make my way to state so that is my gameplan.”

SEE POSTSEASON | A6

UP NEXT

NW vs. Rogers State 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 Bearcat Arena NW vs. Northeastern State 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 Bearcat Arena

Fort Hays State. Northwest’s first game of the stretch is against Rogers State at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in Bearcat Arena. The Hillcats’ junior forward Alayzha Knapp is second in the MIAA with 17 points per game and has led Rogers State to a 9-13 overall record and a 4-12 record in the conference.

Coach Austin Meyer said he knows the Bearcats won’t be able to shut her out, but limiting her production will be the key to a win.

SEE HOME | A6

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest women’s basketball senior forward Jayna Green goes up for a shot during the fourth quarter of the Bearcats’ 69-55 triumph over Fort Hays State Feb. 3.

Senior Day ahead for MIAA-leading Bearcat men WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest men’s basketball senior forward Wes Dreamer goes for a layup during the 64-61 victory over Fort Hays State Feb. 3.

The last time a game was played in Bearcat Arena, 2,165 fans showed up and reached 108 decibels through the course of a double-overtime thriller.

Northwest men’s basketball will return to Bearcat Arena as it begins a three-game homestand. And, the Bearcats will be looking to protect a perfect 9-0 record at home. Junior forward Daniel Abreu said what makes playing at home so special is the deceptive size of Bearcat Arena.

“It’s interesting because that’s one thing, going into college, I never considered,” Abreu said. “Like, going to visit at Drury or something — Drury has like hundreds of seats and whatnot. Bearcat Arena, much smaller, but since we have

such a loving community, it’s always filled and packed and super loud, and it’s amazing.”

Abreu has played in 47 home games since he joined the Bearcats prior to the 2020-21 campaign.

His coach, Ben McCollum, has a little bit more experience inside Bearcat basketball’s home base.

In his 15th year at the helm of the program, McCollum has coached in 216 contests in Bearcat Arena. The eight-time MIAA Coach of the Year honoree said what makes Northwest so special to him is the overall energy.

“In today’s generation, I don’t care what level you are, unless you’re at the very, very top of the Power Five, you just don’t get crowds that actually cheer,” McCollum said.

“And, we’re fortunate enough to get that.”

First on Northwest’s home slate

UP NEXT NW vs. Rogers State 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 Bearcat Arena NW vs. Northeastern State 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17 Bearcat Arena

is a team that’s still not out of the race for the MIAA regular season title — Rogers State. When the Bearcats (19-4, 15-2 MIAA) host the Hillcats (13-9, 10-6 MIAA) at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Rogers will be riding back-to-back triumphs while the Bearcats hold a conference-best eight-game win streak.

SEE SENIOR | A6