The
Feel t Love he , p. 5
MONTAGE Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient VOLUME 59, ISSUE 5
FEB. 8, 2024
WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Professor Voyles and her students on the first day of class in the BDRG Park laboratory; Voyles teaching her course; the e d u c at i o n a l material and company brochures inside the complimentary tote bags offered by Professor Voyles at the beginning of the semester.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
CULTIVATING CAREERS
Inside STLCC’s Cannabis Certificate Program and Billie Voyles’ courses
T
MORGAN DANIELS STAFF WRITER
his spring, St. Louis Community College moves into its second semester of the Cannabis and Hemp Production Certificate program, offering students a unique pathway into the growing cannabis industry. One of the culminating courses students take is Laboratory Methods for Cannabis Extraction led by Professor Billie Voyles at the Bio Research and Development Growth Park in Creve Coeur. Professor Voyles brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her classroom. Having transitioned from a successful career as a Lab Technician, Voyles now dedicates her expertise to teaching future industry professionals. “It’s my job to pass on the knowledge,” she said. “When people want education,
whether free or paid for, I pretty much jump on the bandwagon.” Other than the class she teaches at STLCC, Voyles is a professor at Saint Louis University within their Cannabis program, and an entrepreneur with her business Botanical Journeys, LLC as an educational consultant in the cannabis industry. Students enrolled in Voyles’ course receive not only academic instruction but also practical exposure to various aspects of the cannabis business. At the beginning of each semester, Voyles distributes tote bags filled with merchandise and educational materials sourced directly from cannabis companies. She tailors her curriculum based on insights gained from asking companies, “What do you want them to know before you hire them?” Voyle’s course curriculum covers a range of practical industry skills and
extraction techniques including making medicinal oils like Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), filling capsules, creating lotions and salves, and learning how to infuse oil with cannabis. Beyond traditional lectures and lab work, Voyle extends learning beyond the classroom with field trips to local distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. This semester, she’s taking her class of twelve to various cannabis distribution companies ranging from local to national, like Vibe, SWADE Dispensary, and Mint Cannabis. They will also take trips to manufacturing companies like Robust Missouri, which prides itself on its organic and sustainable cannabis cultivation, Teal Cannabis, and Standard Wellness Missouri, LLC. The goal for students after completing the certificate program is to equip them with the necessary
knowledge and skills to enter a career in the industry. The students in Voyle’s class appear to range in age and experience. Some have backgrounds in horticulture working at greenhouses while others are interested in the industry itself and the science behind cannabis. Nevertheless, they all will gain applicable knowledge and experience to enter the industry with a working understanding of cannabis and hemp production. The program’s four courses, including Introductory Horticulture, Introduction to Cannabis, Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation, and Laboratory Methods for Cannabis Extraction, make up 13 credit hours. However, they are currently only offered at the Meramec campus. For more information, visit the horticulture website or reach out to Program Director Jerry Pence (jpence@stlcc.edu)
Small Fire Temporarily Closes Social Sciences Building
The afternoon of Feb. 5 smelled a bit off at Meramec JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR Late Monday morning, STLCC sent out an “urgent notification” that the Social Sciences building had been immediately closed. The college said it was a precautionary measure as a result of a “burning smell” coming from inside the building. Later, they confirmed that a small fire broke out on the second floor of the Social Sciences building and that the fire department had extinguished it. At the time, the college did not release further details about what caused it or its exact location on the floor. Meramec Campus President Feleccia MooreDavis, however, has answers. “The fire was located in the walls adjacent to the women’s bathroom upstairs,” Moore-Davis said. “I don’t know if technically I can call it a fire, but it was smoldering.” “There wasn’t any smoke in the air, but the smell… because it was in
the walls and in the piping,” she said. “There was some work that had been done, some maintenance work that included soldering some of the pipes. I’m not sure what happened thereafter, but the soldering wasn’t complete in some way, and that’s what caused the smoldering that occurred over the weekend.” “When we walked into the building that morning, the smell was throughout the building,” Moore-Davis continued. “We were trying to discern what the smell was, so we brought in our staff to discern what the smell was. Ultimately, they said we needed to shut [the building] down to figure this out.” Moore-Davis said she immediately walked over to the building upon her arrival to campus at 8:30am, noting that staff was already in the building trying to figure the situation out. She noted that when she walked into the building, the smell was noticeable throughout it, although in some areas more than others.
PHOTO BY JACOB POLITTE The wall on the second floor of the Social Sciences building being repaired on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. This is the wall that President MooreDavis said was “smoldering” throughout the weekend.
continued on pg. 3
2 NEWS
Feb. 8, 2024
Transformed in February
photo by : jacob politte
Photo courtesy of STLCC and OxBlue TOP LEFT: The new rampway that allows for a smoother entrance to the atrium connecting the Lecture Hall and Science buildings was completed late last year, after a slight delay in the fall months that resulted in concrete needing to be re-poured TOP RIGHT: Construction work continues on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. The demolition in this area is complete, all debris appears to have been removed, and construction workers have even been spotted starting to place the building foundations.
photo by : jacob politte
To get you where you need to go, PTK offers opportunities to help you develop and discover your personal, academic, and professional potential.
BOTTOM LEFT: The new windows on Communications North have been installed and the area is once again open to students. The new view from the windows gives students, faculty and other potential observers a somewhat panoramic view of the construction going on on the opposite side of the sidewalk.
We Have an Honors Program at STLCC-Meramec! Honors offers qualified students a variety of opportunities in and outside the classroom, including honors classes, special projects, workshops, and mentoring. New students can qualify through high school GPA, ACT score, or Accuplacer. Returning students qualify through their college GPA. Once admitted, honors students are never obligated to pursue a minimum amount of honors work each term.
PHI THETA KAPPA - XI LAMBDA CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR TWO-YEAR COLLEGES Phi Theta Kappa is an international honors society for two-year colleges. It’s mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, as well as to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programs. To be eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa - Xi Lambda, Meramec’s local chapter, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5, have taken 12 or more credit hours, and must be enrolled in at least one course currently at Meramec.
IfIfIfyou are interested, contact Chapter Advisor JerryAdvisor Meyers atJerry you are interested, contact Chapter you are interested, contact Chapter Advisor Professor Rich gmyers34@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7638. Peraud 217 or go to PTK.org for information. MyersinatCNgmyers34@stlcc.edu ormore 314-984-7638
Curious about the Honors Program and what it might mean for you? Learn more about the Meramec Honors Program and apply online at http://www.stlcc.edu/mchonors mchonors@stlcc.edu 314-984-7147 Humanities East 101
NEWS 3
Feb. 8, 2024
STAFF JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR ELLI BAKER STAFF MORGAN DANIELS STAFF BROOKE DIAMOND STAFF DRUE GERKEN STAFF MACY GILLICK STAFF DAN GUNTLI STAFF JACK JURSNICH STAFF LILLIAN THUM STAFF EMILY WEBER STAFF RYAN WINZEN STAFF
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Black Student Union Makes Mark at Meramec A closer look at an organization risen from the ashes RYAN WINZEN staff The Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization at St Louis Community College-Meramec. “The BSU is basically an organization that we bought up because we want to unify everything culturally about black people and celebrate,” said Muthinji Mwaura. The club’s current President is Morgan Daniels, who is also a staff writer for The Montage. Vice President Samuel Wakapa joined the club because he participated in a similar group at his alma mater. “I became a member because I was a member of a similar group in high school, The Marquette Academic and Cultural Club,” said Wakapa. Wakapa talked about why he decided to join BSU at Meramec. “Whenever I’m in a group of people similar to me, I feel like I’m prone to be successful,” said Wakapa. “I feel more at home and more part of a community. I love Black Student Union.” Wakapa also mentioned the types of responsibilities he takes on as vice president. “Picking up wherever the president needs help. When it comes to organizing different events for Black History Month, I’m organizing some events. We have a social media director and someone who makes the pamphlets. I’ll say the designs should include this and that, then they add their own specialty,” said Wakapa. The Black Student Union is currently planning an out of state trip for later this semester. “At the end of the semester, we have an out of state trip planned,” said Upcoming BSU Events
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Feb. 14, 3 p.m.: Club meeting focused on minority mental health. Feb. 21: "Taste of Black STL" Date TBD: Showcase to highlight student entrepreneurship and businesses.
photo courtesy of the meramec bsu TOP: The attendees of the first formal black student union pose for a meeting in january. bottom: members of the BSU review plans for february events. Wakapa. “We see this trip as a chance as an opportunity to open our club up to new experiences and see things outside of St. Louis.” Secretary Muthinji Mwaura talked about how he decided to join the BSU. “I just wanted to get the most out of my freshman year. I’m in a pretty good position, where I can go further,” said Mwaura. “I have a path I’m trying to carve out and the BSU seems like a club I wanted to be a part of.” Mwaura explained how the meetings are structured. “We hold bi-weekly meetings,” he said. “We think about certain activities and do team building exercises in order to build a community.” Mwaura talked about his duties as the secretary for the BSU. “I’m in charge of dealing with the documents when it comes to booking a
room for an event,” said Mwaura. “For planning out a trip, I’m the one who reaches out of campus life. I keep track of everything we do.” Mwaura explains some of the future plans for the BSU. “We have our kickball tournament this spring. We are also planning a trip to DC for a weekend later on in the spring. There are a lot of museums in DC that promote black history, but the trip is still in the baby stages,” said Mwaura. All the members of the BSU are working hard to reach their goals and to cement the organization at Meramec for years to come. “We’re just hoping that it becomes a staple of STLCC,” said Mwaura. “I heard that it’s been attempted before. We are hoping this will last and people will find a community and make new friends.”
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Moore-Davis: 'We needed to evacuate' continued from p. 1
“It was intense on one part of the building, and not so intense on the other. It smelled like something was burning, but it really wasn’t heavy throughout the building.” Moore-Davis called Brad Ziegler from the Risk Management Office, who determined that everyone would need to vacate the premises. “I called him in,” she said, “and immediately he said that we needed to evacuate.” Evacuations began around 9am, according to Moore-Davis. The building remained closed for the
remainder of the day on Monday, but was reopened the next day for classes. Classes scheduled in the building at noon were canceled, but later classes were displaced to other rooms across campus. Classes for Professors Teri Graville, Raymond Feilner, Mary Schwartz, Theresa Nomensen and Jeffery Brubaker were affected and relocated to rooms in the Lecture Hall and Humanities East buildings. Notably, although unrelated, this isn’t the first major infrastructure issue on the campus within the last two weeks. Bathrooms in Communication North and Humanities East were
closed suddenly due to what the college called an “emergency maintenance issue” on Tuesday, Jan. 30, reopening the following morning. Moore-Davis said that she couldn’t recall the exact issue, but “With the work being done [on the STLCC Transformed projects], I think there was something in the construction that impacted the piping for those buildings. So we had to immediately shut down because it impacted the sewer line in some way. Within 24 hours, everything was back in shape. [But] we didn’t know the extent of the damage, so that’s why we shut it down.”
4 ART & LIFE
Feb. 8, 2024
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A
JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR
s The Montage approaches its 60th anniversary later in 2024, it’s notable that archived digital copies that can be viewed by readers on The Montage’s “Issuu” page only date back to 2010. The rest are not lost to time, however. Print copies, both loose and binded, still exist. They date all the way back to the very first issue in 1964 and can be accessed in the Library. As we approach the next volume of issues, The Montage would like to take you back in time to some of those issues throughout the coming school year. This month, we’re diverting from the formula once again and covering two different events from two different months. JANUARY 2018: The fall 2017 semester was a trying time, with faculty layoffs uprooting the relationship between STLCC’s administration and its students. At an Oct. 2017 board meeting, the college made national headlines when STLCCWildwood adjunct Steve Taylor was tackled to the ground by security. This incident, and STLCC’s reaction to it at the next meeting, further upset students, with the board voting to approve cuts to faculty over the objections of almost everyone in attendance. One upset person was former Montage staffer Sean E. Thomas. In a rare, front-page opinion piece, Thomas quit the college with only one class left to take, citing his disgust over the situation. “We stood and chanted, exhausted and becoming hoarse, for an hour, the board retreating behind closed doors,” Thomas recounted. “Once the board realized we would not be leaving until they did, in what was possibly the biggest slap in the face to your students up to this point, they returned, huddled behind their table, and voted anyway, amidst our literal shouts of protest. The outcome of the vote was unanimous; they had approved the cutting of 70 of your magnificent educators.” Thomas also cited what he perceived to be intimidation by the college via a disciplinary meeting with Kim Fitzgerald, who was then the Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Management. “[The letters informed] us that we were required to meet with Kim Fitzgerald, Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Services, to discuss how we were in violation of student conduct code. Failure to meet would affect our enrollment in the following semester. These letters were delivered during finals week,” he recounted. “At this meeting we were given a copy of the student conduct code and condescendingly informed that “there are more effective ways to protest,” and that the school provides ‘designated protest areas.’ I was even asked what sort of punishment I expected for my behavior, which I likened to being asked to pick my own switch prior to a spanking. We were told repeatedly that this was an “educational” meeting so that we could be informed of how we broke the rules with an underlying and expertly veiled theme: don’t do it again, or else.” “I owe my time here everything,” he said. “STLCC saved this life. I changed profoundly and found myself no longer wandering aimlessly towards a degree but seeking out particular programs at specific universities. I went to the extremely qualified faculty at STLCC for their guidance while repairing my GPA and preparing to transfer.” “Once I had met my goal and completed all of the necessary coursework to transfer, I had planned to stay at STLCC for an extra semester, so that I could graduate from the institution that had done so much for me with honors,” he continued. “I would stay so that I could walk across that stage with my fellow students and thank the educators that had helped me along the way, so that I, a high school dropout, could represent STLCC as the first institution of education I have ever graduated, and tell people in the future that with you is where my success all started.” “With only an algebra course left to complete, your administration, spearheaded by the Board of Trustees and their Chancellor Jeff Pittman, have made this an impossibility for me,” Thomas said. “This is not because I couldn’t enroll, but because the education with which you have provided me up to this point will not allow me to be part of an institution where I can only receive my degree if I keep my mouth shut.” Thomas did indeed leave the college, going on to attend his remaining courses at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Fitzgerald left STLCC in 2019 after a 31 year tenure with the college and is now an Academic Advisor for Webster University. FEBRUARY 2011: Budget cuts aren’t a new thing to STLCC, and this was especially true in 2011, when Editor-In-Chief Spencer Gleason reported that STLCC were combining its individual campus sports teams, a revision to the program that still continues today. “This concept would cause STLCC-Meramec, STLCC-Forest Park, and STLCC-Florissant Valley to combine their individual sports teams into seven district-wide teams,” Gleason wrote. “Although it would allow the STLCC-Wildwood campus to engage in athletics, there would be no more Magic, Highlanders or Fury. Just one STLCC team would represent STLCC in each of the seven sports: baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.” Gleason reported that many weren’t on board with the college’s decision at the time, and former Forest Park basketball coach Bob Nelson even shared his feelings with KMOV. ““I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all,” Nelson said. “It’s one thing not to like it and the fact that they occurred, but the process under which they did occur is suspect.” Regarding what he believed to be that suspect process, Nelson recounted what he claimed to know. “The leadership team together secretly devised this system where there was going to be one team that represented STLCC and that was all that was going to happen,” Nelson said. “They were going to eliminate a whole lot of positions… secretarial positions. For example, they have one trainer after these cuts have been made.” Today, the Meramec campus hosts various sports for students across all campuses, including women’s soccer and volleyball. The revamped programs have largely remained in place since 2011, although some were delayed and/or canceled due to unforseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic and in some cases, not having enough students on a team. As of a matter of fact, the Women’s Basketball season for this academic year was canceled for the latter reason.
ART & LIFE 5
Feb. 8, 2024
Non-Romantic Valentine Day Jokes MACY GILLICK STAFF
Even though Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a romantic day for couples, you can still use this day to appreciate your friends and family. One way to do this is to tell them how much you care for them by sending them a funny valentines day joke. According to Hike N Sip’s Website and Macaroni Kids’ Websites here is our favorite puns to tell your friends and family. “This may be cheesy but I think you’re grate”- Hike N Sip “I know this is corny but you are a-maize-ing”- Hike N Sip “You’re one in a melon”- Hike N Sip “I love you so ducking much”- Hike N Sip “You are toad-ally awesome”- Macaroni Kids
5 ways to show yourself some love on the day of love MACY GILLICK STAFF Even if you don’t have anyone to go out with or aren’t in a relationship, you still deserve to treat yourself to something you enjoy. This list will help you celebrate yourself on the day of love. Indulge favorite food - If you really love yourself, treat yourself to some food you love and don’t have often on this day of self love. It doesn’t even have to be healthy, junk food is always an option even if your doctor says it’s not. Fries, pizza, and chocolate are all on the table. Lounge around and relax - Since you work hard, you deserve to relax and lounge around watching tv or a movie you want to watch. Sometimes it’s just comfortable to watch Abby Miller scoot away furiously after getting told off for having her phone out. Or even watching a classic like Aladdin. Buy something you’ve always wanted - We all have something we have on our wish list and want to buy so today’s your sign to buy it for yourself. It can be something as simple as knot pillow, or something as extravagant as a new car. OK, maybe not in this economy, but maybe like a nice necklace or even new clothes. Hang out with some friends - You and your friends could celebrate the holiday together by watching a movie, playing games or having dinner together. Love doesn’t always have to be romantic, platonic love is just as meaningful and enjoyable. Do something you enjoy doing - Any of the above activities can apply for this recommendation, but at the end of the day, you should do whatever makes you happy. Heck, you can even do something as simple as taking a walk or even catching up on your sleep and taking a nap.
emily weber staff
• •
Quizno’s White Castle
1) What were the first mass-produced valentine cards decorated with? • Original photographs • Ink • Lace and ribbon • Charcoal
5) Which one of the following countries do not celebrate Valentine’s Day? • US • Canada • Italy • Mexico
2) What is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift in the U.S.? • Candy • Jewelry • Flowers • Card
6) What is candy referred to as in the UK? • Jellies • Lollies • Sweets
3) In which country is it customary for women to give men chocolate on Valentine’s Day? • Japan • Canada • Switzerland • Italy 4) Which fast-food chain offers tableside service on Valentine’s Day? • KFC • Burger King
7) Which singer originally wrote and performed “I Will Always Love You”? • Stevie Nicks • Dolly Parton • Elton John 8) Why do red roses symbolize love? • Because human hearts are red • Because the red roses was created by Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love • Marketers made it up in the
•
1950s to sell roses for Valentine’s Day Red symbolizes the blood that makes the heartbeat
9) What year did conversation hearts come to stores? • 1999 • 2001 • 1899 • 1892 10) In the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, about how many letters do you think are addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day? • 10 • 100 • 1,000 • 10,000 11) Which state produces 60% of Roses? • New York • California • Massachusetts • South Carolina
12) Where was the first Valentine written from? • A house • A church • A prison • A school 13) In what country is Valentine’s Day known as “Friend’s Day?” • Finland • Japan • Korea • France 14) How much does an average man spend on Valentine’s Day? • $80 • $45 • $5 • $130
Answers: 1. C, 2. A, 3. A 4. D, 5. C, 6. C, 7. B, 8. B, 9. D, 10. C, 11. B, 12. C, 13. A, 14. D
6 OPINIONS
Feb. 8, 2024
Jake’s Take: A Rematch No One Wants
Before a likely Trump/Biden rematch, the country is more exhausted than ever
I
JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR
t says a lot about the state, and the potential future, of this country that every election that I’ve been able to vote in has been the most consequential in American history. It also says a lot that the choices we’ve been given since 2016 have been less than inspiring. As we head into November, politics will once again return to the forefront of our media, our advertising and most aspects of American life that it fills, more than usual, during every election year. And it’s incredibly obvious that we’re all heading toward a rematch from 2020 that pretty much no one wants, between former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden. And as it stands right now, neither man has their shit together. I’ve made my thoughts on both men clear over the years. In numerous columns, I’ve harshly criticized Trump’s policies and his behavior. I’ve published his mugshot in this publication. I don’t like the man and I don’t think he was very good at his job. There have been many people I know, and likely some readers of this publication, that have criticized me and attempted to forge a counter argument or two, which is their right. But the facts are facts: he’s not the man for the job. He may have accomplished some good things, but the bad far outweighs the good. And, that’s without going into his pending criminal trials. Conversely, Joe Biden hasn’t proven to be the inspiring and uniting figure that he was during the 2020 campaign, and he’s messed up in some big ways.
But his track record quietly speaks for itself, even if every American doesn’t see it or doesn’t want to see it. This column isn’t a plea to choose Biden, however. It’s not even a fullfledged indictment of Trump. At least for now, I’ll let them handle that stuff by themselves. No, this column is a rant that basically is trying to say… why the hell are we doing this again? Why can no other person step up, and when it comes to the Republican field, succeed? The 2020 election came at a time of great turmoil and great division, and the debates and discourse between Trump and Biden (mostly coming from the former) was an exhausting time. That first debate in Sept. 2020 literally almost drove me to drink as it was airing, and I don’t even drink. Why would we as a country want to put ourselves through this again? Why does America keep choosing problematic and ancient candidates? The first reason is probably money. Money wins elections more than grassroots and honest campaigning ever will, and that’s truly a sad fact that needs to change. Old school politicians are exceptionally good at this, and while I believe Biden had good intentions in 2020, money absolutely played a factor in his campaign succeeding. Trump, while proven in court to be worth much less than he claims, still has a lot of money, even if he doesn’t know how to keep a positive cash flow to save his life. The second reason is because Americans don’t know how to let go of anything. Trump is basically a cult leader, even if he doesn’t think he is or doesn’t fully grasp why he is. People literally stormed the Capitol and one of them DIED over his election lies.
IMAGE COURTESY OF CBS NEWS Is America ready for yet another round of two senior citizens who hate each other’s guts and may or may not be far too old for this to duke it out for their votes? Yes, but that doesn’t mean they have to like it.
Trump empowers bad people to do and say heinous things, and then simultaneously denies responsibility and gives his supporters an ego boost. That’s dangerous cult leader like behavior. Conversely, Biden was a safe bet to maintain a reasonable status quo in 2020, and despite some major flaws, he’s still a safe bet now. Despite what people on the left claim, Americans are not ready for and don’t actually want radical change. If they did, Bernie would have raised enough money and gotten the nomination in 2016. Which leads to point number three: all of the candidates absolutely suck. Especially the Republican ones. Trump barely had to lift a finger and he’s won every state primary as of
press time. None of the candidates are as charismatic as Trump is, and the charisma alone carried him to victory. The Republican electorate doesn’t want someone who will work across the aisle with the other side; they want a bully. And none of the Republican candidates are particularly good at bullying. I wish it didn’t come to this, and I wish our system, and the electorate at large, was more open to more appealing candidates. But we’re not, and we may not be for awhile.I know one other thing: we’re in for a long, dreadful election year, largely against our will, no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on. Buckle up. Much like the roads in South County, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Feb. 8, 2024
OPINIONS 7
Jake’s Take, Part II: The End of Vince McMahon
The time has come for this billionaire to face the consequences of his actions
I
JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR
’m a wrestling fan, and I get mocked about that a lot - both to my face, and likely behind closed doors. My mom never cared much for my wrestling fandom, and she’s not about to start now. She even once gave me a tape that exposed all of the secrets of how the business worked. I was 8 years old, and she tried very hard to get me to like something else. But my dad and I loved watching it together, and when he died, I kept watching. It’s a way to stay connected with him even though he’s somewhere up in the sky, probably watching Dusty Rhodes cut a promo on Jesus Christ. But this month especially, I’ve been embarrassed to call myself a fan of wrestling, and particularly the WWE. Unfortunately, it’s not for the reasons my mom was hoping for. Instead, it’s due to the depraved actions of the man who revolutionized the company and the business at large. In a 67-page court filing that became public on the day it was published, Vince McMahon permanently entered a space only reserved for one other person in the wrestling business. That person, by the way, is Chris Benoit, who murdered his entire family and then killed himself back in 2007. Vince didn’t personally kill anybody (as far as anyone knows), but what he did is no less serious. McMahon is accused of rape, assault and sex trafficking by a former employee, Janel Grant. While this is a civil suit, McMahon is now confirmed to also be under federal investigation as a result of Grant’s claims.
The details within the filing are explicit, obscene and horrific. I’m fairly sure I can’t print them in a college publication without alienating and triggering some of our readers. The dirty details are very much vomitinginducing and triggering at multiple points. So I won’t recount any graphic details. But I’ll say this. It’s very strange finally seeing the walls close in on McMahon. As a wrestling fan, I’d like to think I’m more privy to his activities than anyone else who follows the mainstream scene. I’ve heard countless crazy stories about him throughout the last 20 years of my fandom. McMahon himself rarely does interviews, but everyone else he’s worked with has tons of stories about him. There’s the time he almost killed one of his show writers during a drag race in a parking lot. There’s his strange fascination with AC/DC. Then there’s his weird quirks like hating sneezing, or not knowing what a burrito is despite eating at least one everyday. But I also knew McMahon could be capable of some shady stuff. It’s very likely he even paid off the cops in Allentown, Pennsylvania to cover up a murder in 1983, for example. But it’s hard to solely take the word of others; there’s no real substantial proof of almost anything he’s done, unless he’s testifying in court (it’s happened a couple of times). It makes it easier to look the other way. Now, there’s proof. A lot of it. And there’s no looking the other way anymore. To be fair, maybe I should have seen this coming. Vince’s childhood was a bit
While both the civil and federal investigations into Vince McMahon’s activities have been ongoing since 2022 and 2023, respectively, a 67-page lawsuit against him and the company he led for 40 years was only filed two weeks ago. The plaintiff in the case is represented by local attorney Ann Callis, who is based out of Madison County, IL.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE FARSI AND, ABC NEWS of a mystery until Abraham Reisman’s RINGMASTER was published last March, but he did speak about his relationship with his mother in a 2001 Playboy interview, where he hinted at being sexually abused by her. And even on television, Vince would often put himself in compromising positions with numerous women on his roster. In a clip from 2003 that feels even more icky now than it did back then, his daughter Stephanie accused him of pimping her out while underage to help close business deals. To make it very clear, I don’t care that McMahon, a married man, had affairs. It’s deplorable, but that’s his business, and it’s very clear he hasn’t actually been with his wife for well over a decade and that they’re only still married on paper for financial reasons. But it’s entirely plausible, if not automatically assumed that Janel Grant was not the first victim of McMahon. She’s just the one that had enough courage to stand up for herself and take him down. It’s been confirmed that the relationship with Grant was indeed what led to McMahon’s forced exile from the company in July 2022, but it’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Grant wasn’t the only person that Vince and company had forced into an NDA. As a matter of fact, this wasn’t even the largest NDA that McMahon has written up. It’s far from it, actually. The rot isn’t removed by his departure either, and he likely won’t be the last man exiled. There are others who knew about this, and others who were directly involved alongside McMahon. A large financial settlement with
Grant, if that was to happen, and statements from her lawyer (a local attorney based out of Madison County, Illinois) indicate that it won’t, may not be enough to save McMahon. That’s because, as stated previously, in addition to this civil suit, McMahon is also being federally investigated for his crimes. He has beaten the federal government in court before; they previously attempted to take him down for distributing steroids in 1994, and failed because their case against him was flawed. This case, however, seems openand-shut. Thirty years later, the feds will get their man, and he could very well end up behind bars this time. Even so, viewing the product on TV and in person is now a very strange experience. The product itself is arguably better than it’s ever been, and the company is in a better position now than it’s ever been financially. But none of that matters with this dark cloud hanging over the proceedings, and it makes it hard to watch despite how solid everything feels on-screen. Even this week, the company’s flagship show RAW was in town, and the show went off without a hitch for the most part, but that dark cloud is still there. People around me in the Enterprise Center were talking about it. I don’t know how long that dark cloud will linger, or if it will ever truly go away. I don’t know who else’s head will be on the chopping block. But I do know that Vince McMahon is gone, hopefully never to be seen again, and that is a great first step.
8 SPORTS
Feb. 8, 2024
Stats and Schedules: STLCC Archers Spring 2024
The men’s baseball season begins Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. at Fontbonne University followed by a double header at Nunez Community College on Feb. 10. The first home game will be a double header at 12 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 25. The regular season lasts through April 23. As of Feb. 6, 2024, the Men’s Basketball team’s overall winloss rate sits at 16-8 with 24 games played and an average 71.7 points per game. Remaining home games at the Forest Park campus are as follows: • Feb. 14: 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 17: 3 p.m. • Feb. 24: 3 p.m. • March 1: Region 16 Semi Finals Begin The women’s softball begins its spring 2024 season with a home game at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 against Heartland Community College followed by an away game at 1 and 3 p.m. on Feb. 29 against Culver-Stockton College. The regular season lasts through April 24 prior to the Region 16 tournament in May.
Join the Team Meetings every Tuesday at 2 PM via Zoom or in Student Center, Room 220A
Contact Shannon Philpott-Sanders at ssanders147@stlcc.edu for more information.
PHOTO BY emily weber renovated workout space coming soon: RENOVATIONS ARE NEARLY COMPLETE ON THE WORKOUT ROOM IN THE MERAMEC PE BUILDING. ONCE OPEN, THE FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY.
MeramecMontage.com HAS A NEW