Inside this Issue
Flu Vaccinations Available - Page 2
ISU Color Guard - Page 4
Homecoming Recap - Page 6, 7
The Bengal.
isubengal.com 5 October 2021
Volume 47 Issue 6
The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910
The Different Perspectives of the Gabby Petito Case Andrea Diaz Reporter Gabby Petito’s story is one of sadness and mystery. Many people have many different takes and theories and that includes a variety of specialists and experts. There are many different personnel and agencies when it comes to cases like this and it can sometimes shed light on what is happening in the case. Gabby was officially reported missing on September 11th, 2021. Her and her fiance, Brian Laundrie, went on a cross country trip from Florida to Wyoming. Along the way they would document on social media what the trip was like especially since they were living full time in the van they were traveling in.
The trip was supposed to take four months, however Laundrie returned back to his home in Florida on September 1st, 2021 alone. The couple had left in July making the trip only three months. After Laundrie returned alone Petito’s family became worried and reported her missing. Time passed and on September 17th, 2021 Laundrie’s family reported Brian missing after not seeing or hearing from him in three days. Unfortunately, on September 21st, 2021 remains that were found in the area where Gabby was last seen in Wyoming
Continued on Page 3
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The Bengal at Idaho State University
5 October 2021 • Page 2
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Flu Vaccinations Available Now Jack Sherlock News Editor
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
As the colder weather starts rolling in, a more daunting and ill-ridden variable of the coming winter rolls along with it -flu season. Symptoms like fevers, chills, muscle aches, and runny noses are rampant in the community during flu season, and oftentimes more severe consequences of influenza virus, like hospitalization and even death, will come about with our immunocompromised, elderly, and infant-to-child demographics. Local healthcare providers and medical facilities are planning ahead as they aim to combat flu season early with the availability of the flu vaccine, which is virtually available around every corner in Pocatello. In a lot of cases, healthcare facilities are open to walk-ins and are advertising free flu vaccinations in the form of a shot to help get ahead of flu season. For example, Walgreens here in Pocatello at 905 Yellowstone Ave. is advertising their free flu shot, which is an annual offer by the drug store to help combat flu infection rates in their area. Additionally, ISU students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to go no further than the ISU Health Clinic to get their flu vaccine as early as now. A quote from the ISU Health Clinic website reads “A well-immunized student population is important for the overall health of the university community and, most of
all, you. If you have any questions about immunization recommendations, please call us at (208) 282-2330.” The flu vaccination is a safe and effective preventative measure against the Influenza A and B viruses, which are the most common and reliably seasonal strains of the influenza (flu) virus. While combatting these common strains with the flu vaccine, a recipient of the vaccine is less likely to be infected with the flu, and there is a 40% to 60% decrease in their chances of being hospitalized due to flu symptoms, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A study done earlier this year by the CDC also claims that “... among adults, flu vaccination was associated with a 26% lower risk of ICU admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared to those who were unvaccinated.” As mentioned above, certain demographics are more likely to be harmed and even killed if infected with the flu, and the vaccine acts as a source of protection that healthy and capable individuals can give to the immunocompromised or vaccine ineligible. A study done in 2017 by the CDC proved for the first time that flu vaccinations in children “greatly reduced the mortality rate” for the younger demographic. A later study done by the CDC in 2018 assessed and reviewed the risk of a pregnant individual becoming hospitalized and facing pregnancy complications due to the influenza virus,
which they found would be decreased by 40% with a flu-vaccinated community. This winter will mark the second year that healthcare officials in the U.S. will have to battle flu season with the COVID-19 pandemic right alongside it. The CDC is reporting over 160,000 new cases of COVID-19 daily, and with the seemingly overflowing capacity of hospitals in the fight against this pandemic, medical facilities are asking all eligible citizens to go and get their flu shot to prevent overcrowding. In an interview conducted last month by The New York Times, Dr. William Schaffner, medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, says “This year we are guaranteed to have the flu, and we are going to have some version of a twindemic. It could really further strain an already extraordinarily stretched, strained, tiredto-the-bone health care system.” For more information about flu vaccination availability, risks, and protocol you may also reach out to Southeastern Idaho Public Health, Mon-Fri, by phone at 208-233-9080 or by using the contact form on their website: [siphidaho.org]
Public Safety Here to Make a Safe Campus Safer
Hailey Nelson Production Editor
Although Idaho State University doesn’t see a lot of crime, incidents like theft, possession, underage consumption and vandalism still occur regularly on campus. On Sept. 20, students and staff received an email from Public Safety regarding a stolen vehicle, part of their “commitment to providing campus crime information, in compliance with the Federal Clery Act,” according to the email. The stolen car was located near campus within a few hours. “It is reported that the suspect attempted to open numerous vehicles in several campus parking lots before finding a vehicle that was unlocked,” the email stated. Although it might seem obvious, Lieutenant Travis Orme, part of the evening shift with Pocatello campus’ Public Safety, said that the best way to avoid vehicle theft
is to simply lock everything. “I would really recommend checking vehicles and making sure they’re locked,” he said. “Don’t leave your laptops on the front seat, and just secure all valuables. Keep them hidden if you’re going to leave them in your car.” Cars aren’t the only thing being stolen on campus. Bicycles are also at risk. Orme encourages the use of U-locks for bicycles over the common cable lock to secure bikes to racks. According to Orme, U-locks are significantly more secure. “We don’t have a ton of crime on campus,” said Orme. “One thing I’m trying to push awareness on is bicycles. I’m really encouraging people to get U-locks instead of cable locks.” Theft is one of the more common deviances in Pocatello, but Public Safety is here for any suspicious activity. Idaho State University added an app to the Google Play and Apple stores called
RAVE Guardian,a tool designed to communicate with “designated guardians,” or officers and dispatchers, with the click of a button. RAVE Guardian includes an emergency 9-1-1 button and a submit-a-tip feature that allows users to send pictures directly to campus dispatch. “The app is kind of a generalized safety app,’’ said Orme. “It allows you to set safety timers and to set up virtual escorts on campus. It also gives you a button to press to call public safety immediately.” Those who don’t have the app downloaded still have access to immediate connection with dispatch, of course. The emergency line for ISU Public Safety is (208) 282-2911. For less-pertinent instances, the number is (208) 282-2515. “If you see something weird on campus, please call us,” said Orme. “We are here to help, no matter how small it may be.” Public Safety, among vehicle-unlocks
and jumps-starts, also offers escorts for individuals on campus who feel unsafe alone. “Late at night, some people don’t feel comfortable walking back from the library to their dorm room or something like that,” said Orme. “It’s not a tool that’s meant to give you a ride home from the bar.” He also noted that you do have to be on-campus to request an escort, because Public Safety prefers that officers remain in the area. Officers and dispatchers on-duty at all times, every day of the year. “We’re here on Christmas Day,” said Orme. “Anyone can call our office--we have dispatchers that are here around the clock.” More information about Public Safety and on-campus incidents is available at https://www.isu.edu/publicsafety/.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
Page 3 • 5 October 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Different Perspectives, continued from cover were identified as that of Gabby Petito and forensic examiners declared her death a homicide. When it comes to identifying and investigating a body there are many steps that forensic specialists like Joseph Scott Morgan have to take. Morgan was interviewed by East Idaho News and he went over the ways they investigate cases like this. According to investigators Petito’s body could be seen, meaning that her body was not buried. “Environment conditions are very, very hostile out there...More than likely, her body is at least particularly skeletonized. They will not only have a forensic pathologist but they’re probably going to have a forensic anthropologist present for the (autopsy) examination. It would not surprise me if they brought in a forensic odontologist – otherwise known as a forensic dentist,” said Morgan. As always evidence is key when it comes to investigations. Morgan went on to explain what the forensic specialists would do to collect the most and best evidence. “The FBI is looking for hair and fiber evidence, collecting clothing and any kind of cocooning material – what the body might be wrapped up in. If he [Laundrie] took a blanket or tarp that you can identify as belonging to him – that’s going to be significant from a fiber evidence standpoint.” Before Gabby went missing there was actually a call about a reported possible domestic situation between Petito and
Laundrie after the witness reported seeing Laundrie slap Petito. Body cams from the officers show them interviewing the couple separately and Petito looking distressed and crying. A domestic violence expert, Mindy Murphy, watched the entire body cam video and made some conclusions. “It was not unusual to hear her taking responsibility for behaviors, and kind of, you know, and him not taking any responsibility for his. I tend to think that probably there was a lot more that he did to contribute to the situation.” said Murphy. Neither Petitio nor Laundrie were cited or charged with anything for that incident. As of October 1st, 2021 Brian Laundrie is still considered missing and has a warrant out for his arrest on fraud charges. The Petito family had a funeral service for Gabby and the public is still very much invested in this ongoing case. To find out more information or to contact the authorities with any information visit /tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171. Photos & videos may be uploaded to: http://fbi.gov/petito.
Photo Courtesy of Instagram
ISU School of Performing Arts Presenting: “The Burial at Thebes” ISU School of Performing Arts Idaho State University Submitted Content Idaho State University’s School of Performing Arts will present the final showings of The Burial at Thebes on Oct. 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 pm in the Black Box Theatre in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center. Opening performances took place a week prior. “The Burial at Thebes” by Irish poet Seamus Heaney, is a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy, Antigone. After the conclusion of a civil war, the king of Thebes begins to strengthen his city. A young woman goes against the king’s decree which leads to brutal and catastrophic consequences. The hostile environment causes the characters to question their morals and beliefs, and they have to decide whether they believe in divine law or human law.
“The Department is thrilled to usher in the new school year with a strong season of shows to share with the entire community, said Show Director Joel Shura. “This particular adaptation offers our acting students an opportunity to work with powerful language, dangerously high stakes, and traditional Greek chorus work. On the production end, legitimate costumes and choral masks are being made from scratch while scenery and lighting are busily experimenting with brand new technologies and effects that I don’t want to spoil for audiences. It’s going to be a beautiful and tragic production – I cannot recommend it enough!” Tickets are available now by calling box office manager Julie McKnight at (208) 282-3330, or purchasing online at isu.edu/ tickets. Masks are required for all patrons and staff. If you are a Flex Pass holder, please call ahead to reserve your seat.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
Fall Fossil Fest at the Idaho Museum of Natural History Idaho Museum of Natural History Idaho State University Submitted Content You’re invited to the Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH), on the Pocatello campus of Idaho State University (ISU), for the first annual Fall Fossil Fest on Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the IMNH for a fun, hands-on day of fossils! Learn how dinosaurs roamed Idaho, see the Buzzsaw Shark in action, and make your own footprints. Plus, get to see how Idaho State University professors, graduate students, and IMNH staff are on the cutting edge of fossil research and
learn about their latest discoveries! Can tickets can be purchased online at isu.edu/imnh or day of at the door. Ticket prices are adult - $15, child (6-17) - $7.50, child (0-5) – Free, and Family package (2 adults, 2 children) - $40 and $5/additional child. All proceeds will benefit IMNH K-12 educational scholarships. Please be prepared for colder weather as the event will be outside and inside. Since 1934, the IMNH has offered unique, educational and fun opportunities to visitors, classrooms, tourists and the public at large. The IMNH is open six days a week, closed Mondays. To learn more please visit imnh.isu.edu or call 208-282-2195.
Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
The Bengal at Idaho State University
5 October 2021 • Page 4
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Color Guard Flies ISU’s Pride
Chloe Reid Life Editor
Enduring, connecting, and exhilarating. These three words are how captain Jodie Schmidt and member Ivy Davidson describe the experience of being on Idaho State University’s color guard team. From the outside, it may look like a glamorous show filled with fun costumes and routines. On the inside, it is all that and a whole lot more. By definition according to Oxford Languages, color guard is “a uniformed group, especially of soldiers, police officers, or school representatives, who parade or present their institution’s flag (and sometimes their national flag) on ceremonial occasions.” “It’s really a huge blend of things. Dance, cheer, techniques of throwing things, the best way to describe it would be like if someone took the standard art
of dance, and decided to add several more elements from various other platforms,” said Schmidt, a Sophomore and 3-year total color guard performer. Being on the color guard team is a dedicated process that includes many hours of rehearsals, recruiting new members, and planning performances to a T, from themed costumes to flamboyant flag-throwing skills. “We typically practice 3 times a week with the marching band, and during game weeks we typically spend 9-10 hours learning our routines,” said Schmidt. Throughout the semester, performances are frequent, with the team appearing at every football game as well as select events, such as “Welcome Back Orange and Black” and the homecoming parade. In upcoming weeks, the group plans to have an array of new costumes for their performances, from the 60s, to westside story, to motown. Naturally, the team spends a lot of time
together, and because of this, they’ve found a strong, family-like bond within each other. “Honestly for me the experience of being on the team is great. We become like a family almost because we practice so much together, and it’s a lot of fun to get together and come up with ideas for shows and routines and other things,” said Davidson, a freshman and 4th-year total color guard performer. Like many other teams and clubs within the Idaho State University campus, the color guard team has also faced struggles due to the addition of COVID-19 protocols. “I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish operating under Covid protocols. During this period of time,on a day to day basis the most challenging aspect is truly learning and understanding how people connect and making everyone feel heard and acknowledged. We want to bring out the best in everybody,”
S said Schmidt. Despite the fun experiences that col-S or guard brings, it can also prove to be a challenge in several ways. “Game week is pretty difficult, with thes tension leading up to things. The bandI also practices with us during rehearsalso so it can be quite hard to lead the rest ofr the team over the sound of the music,”t said Schmidt. J The team currently has a total of 5I players, and is always welcoming new re-o cruits. f “We often participate in the Mountainc West Invitational, which is a meeting int which a huge group of color guard teamsi from high schools across the country meet up to show off their skills. We lookc forward to going to those annually ande getting new people to join our team,” saidf Schmidt. i
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Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
Page 5 • 5 October 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Sustainable Idaho: Solar Energy
Sustainable Idaho Submitted Content
Last time, we introduced the topic of solar energy and the opportunities that Idaho State University’s ESTEC program offers to those interested in working with renewables. This week, we’ll continue to talk about solar energy, this time with Jared Hansen and Jordan Rodriguez from Idaho Power in addition to Brad Barrot, one of the partners at Big Dog Solar. We focused on three aspects of solar energy: current solar capacity in Idaho, motivation for solar installation, and disposal issues. First, we asked Hansen how much of current energy demands are met by solar energy. While rooftop solar only accounts for a small fraction of all energy produced in Idaho, Idaho Power has contracts with commercial solar energy projects that have a combined capacity of 319 Megawatts. This is not including the 120 MW Jackpot solar project. For context, one megawatt of energy powers just under 150 homes in the state of Idaho; the total capacity of all these projects will provide the equivalent of Pocatello’s power needs. Beyond the private sector, solar is becoming a popular energy source for the general public. But is that mainly because of financial motives? Rodriguez notes that, in general, people in Idaho
aren’t getting solar panels to save money since energy here is already fairly cheap. Instead, motivation likely stems from environmental concern or the desire for energy independence. That said, solar can still save you money in Idaho if you’re willing to play the long game according to Idaho Power, but it depends on where you live and your energy consumption. According to Solar Reviews’ calculations, the average payback period in the Pocatello area is only about 6-8 years. Another motivating factor Barrott brought up is the sense of security that comes from owning solar in combination with batteries. Barrott highlights that while complete energy independence has some financial hurdles, current investment in energy storage and battery research will make this more affordable in the near future. It appears that storage capacity is not far behind the solar energy boom. Our ever expanding solar capacity brings Idaho much closer to addressing climate change and increasing sustainability. So now we’ve overviewed solar capacity in Idaho and what motivates folks to invest in solar. However, there remains the question of disposal. What happens to solar panels once they reach end of life? And do different types of panels have to be disposed of differently? It turns out, thin film panels use more harmful chemicals than crystalline structure panels, but
crystalline structure still require some toxic heavy metals in their production. When placed in a landfill both types pose a risk of leaching unwanted chemicals into the environment. The first alternative that comes to mind is recycling, so we asked Barrot about our capacity to recycle panels right now. Like Barrot explained, most solar panels are still in operation so there haven’t been too many chances to implement a large-scale recycling system. Overall, while solar panels will help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the chemical and heavy metal byproducts and challenges with recycling leave concerns about disposal which cannot yet be addressed through recycling. But the industry is determined to remedy these issues through research and development as it grows in the transition away from fossil fuels. We have learned in our exploration of both nuclear and solar that no energy sources come without their benefits and drawbacks. A carbon free world must include not only ambition but also consideration of new hurdles during the green transition. Check back next week as we begin exploring Idaho’s drought.
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons
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EVENTS CALENDAR
OCT. 5 - OCT. 11
TUESDAY OCT. 5
FRIDAY OCT. 8
Alpine Tower Challenge Course Free Fun Day | 1-4pm | Alpine Tower
Volleyball vs. Northern Colorado | 6-9pm | Reed Gym Bingo | 7-9pm | Pond Student Union Walleyball | 7-9pm | Student Recreation Tennis Center
WEDNESDAY OCT. 6 STEM Career Fair | 9am-2pm | Pond Student Union
ISU Symphonic Band Concert | 7:30-9:30pm | Stevens Performing Arts Center The Burial at Thebes | 7:30-9pm | Stephens Performing Arts Center
Healthy Bengal Wellness Fair | 11am-1pm | Quad Oktoberfest | 5-7pm | Pond Student Union
SATURDAY OCT. 9
THURSDAY OCT. 7
Football vs. UC Davis | 1-5pm | Holt Arena The Burial at Thebes | 7:30-9pm | Stephens Performing Arts Center
Open Climbing | 5-8:30pm | Ross Park
Field Sports | 7-9pm | Cadet Field
MONDAY OCT. 11
The Burial at Thebes | 7:30-9pm | Stephens Performing Arts Center
Indigenous Peoples Day | All Day
WILD About Bats | 6-9pm | Idaho Museum of Natural History
The Bengal at Idaho State University
SPORTS & RECREATION
5 October 2021 • Page 8
Lesley Brey| Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
HOMECOMING
Summary Hailey Nelson Production Editor Although ISU’s Bengals fell to Sacramento State in a close game on Sept. 25, spirits ran high for ISU’s Homecoming Week. Events such as the Homecoming Bonfire, royalty nominations, Homecoming Parade and more kept students busy and engaged with campus life.
Page 9 • 5 October 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
Lesley Brey | Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
SPORTS & RECREATION
RECAP
by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor and Hailey Nelson | Production Editor
The Bengal at Idaho State University
5 October 2021 • Page 12
OPINION
Lesley Brey| Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
Help Us Improve Idaho State: You’re Invited to a Student Accreditation Forum Office of Student Affairs Idaho State University Submitted Content What do you think Idaho State University does really well? What do you think ISU could do to improve its support for your education?
On Wednesday, Oct.6, students are invited to join Idaho State’s accreditation interviewers for a discussion about these important topics. This open forum with representatives from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) will take place on Zoom, 3-4:20 p.m. This forum is for students only. What is accreditation?
Letters to the Editor
Accreditation is a process universities undergo to help them determine whether they are using their resources to effectively support their mission, which is to help students reach their academic goals. To receive or renew accreditation, universities engage in an extensive assessment process that includes interviews with multiple stakeholders, including students.
Be part of that discussion. Join the NWCCU representatives at the Oct. 6 Zoom student forum and help us strive toward excellence! Check your inbox, because the Zoom invitation link was distributed via email on Monday, Oct. 4.
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The Bengal Staff Editor-in-Chief Lesley Brey
Life Editor Chloe Reid
Photo Editor Brandon Oram
Copy Editor TBD
Sports Editor TBD
Social Media Manager Emma Conant
News Editor Jack Sherlock
Production Editor Hailey Nelson
Advertising Manager TBD
Reporters Andrea Diaz TBD
Distribution Richard Brey TBD
Staff Photographers TBD
Advisor Andrew Taylor