“It’s amazing the amount of talent that’s flowing through St. Joe right now,” local musician and Western graduate Drew Ames said.

Ames is one of St. Joseph’s many talented musicians that jams in an weekly open mic session at Magoon’s Famous Delicatessen.

Magoon’s is one of the three local venues that currently host weekly open mic jam sessions.  The Café Acoustic and Bottoms Up Bar have equally successful open mic jams and all three venues are free of cover and open to everyone over 21 years of age.

“Everyone always talks about how there is nothing to do in St. Joe,” local singer-songwriter Marcus Words said.

Words, who goes to almost all of the venues on jam nights, hosts the jam at Bottoms Up and co-hosts the jam at Magoon’s. For him, the open mic nights are a way to help change peoples perception of the entertainment available in St. Joseph.

“It’s amazing how it’s starting to blossom,” Words said. “It’s more than St. Joe has ever had. It’s our scene… that’s all there is to it.”

Bottoms Up Bar

After reopening last year under new ownership, Bottoms Up has become the newest addition to the open mic circuit. Owners Bruce and Seth Hall, who are musicians themselves, wanted to be part of the open mic scene in St. Joseph. Every Thursday night, host Marcus Words kicks off the jam around 9:30 p.m.

“The really important thing to understand about what we do every Thursday is that it is a culture built around encouragement. The encouragement to get out of your basement, get off your couch and hang out with a bunch of like minded people,” Words said.

Encouragement is exactly what first-time performer Jon Bond got last week. Bond, with some encouragement from Words, made his open mic debut.

“It was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.”  Western graduate Bond said. “I got to check it off the bucket list.”

Be it the bucket list, or just a love for music, Bottoms Up Bar and Words are always happy to have new faces.

“You don’t have to be some guitar virtuoso,” Words said. “It’s more than fun… it’s therapeutic. It’s something we need to do as musicians and as music lovers”

Café Acoustic

“This is where it all started,” local singer-songwriter Chris Jameson said. “Every night of the week when they first opened it was open mic.”

Nowadays this is not the case, but every Wednesday you can count on Jameson hosting an open mic jam at the Café. You can also catch many other nights at the Café with an open mic format.

“I’ve been all over the world and this is the first place I’ve ever been to that had more open mic nights that anything else,” Jameson said.

The Café Acoustic has probably the loosest format for their jam nights. Musicians wanting to jam are welcome to let the host and/or owners know and arrangements will be made.

“You see a lot of people who wouldn’t normally jam with each other,” Jameson said.  “It’s cool when you can make music together on that perfect spontaneous light of creativity.”

Jameson went on to explain that for him its all about the connection, admitting that he had met most of his friends jamming at the Café.

Jam sessions start at the Café around 10 p.m. on Wednesday nights. All of-age instrumentalists, vocalists and music lovers are welcome.

Magoon’s Famous Delicatessen

For over five years Tuesday nights at Magoon’s have been a destination for local musicians and music lovers.

“It’s the highlight of my week seeing some of the best musicians with the best equipment getting to let it wail,” said owner Barry Woodhall. “What I like about it most is the opportunity to see people grow. Since we started doing this I have seen tons of musicians blossom.”

Jams at Magoon’s are likely to include a trombone, saxophone and bongos in addition to the normal guitar, drums and bass guitar.

“It is an open jam, which means you can bring your instrument,” host Colby Walter said. “One thing I always enjoy about the jam is the variety of music.”

Magoon’s crowd on Tuesday nights is big. So big that Walter uses a sign up sheet to help keep things fair for the jammers. The jam begins at 9 p.m., but it is not unusual to see names on the sign up sheet hours before.

“Our crowd is a wonderful crowd, all self selecting mood music lovers, all respectful of different styles and personal tastes of different people,” Magoon’s bartender Doug Snyder said.

The blend of music tastes and styles at Magoons is what makes this jam so special.

“I think of Magoon’s as a community resource at times,” Walter said. “It a good place for musicians to gather and get to know one another. Jammers come back every week or few weeks and it turns into one big jamily.”

Drew Ames is a big part of the Magoon’s jamily. He hasn’t missed a week since it started.

“Every Tuesday it’s a break from my normal day,” Ames said.  “Everyone here enlightens me with their wonderful abilities. Everyone should come down and enjoy it ‘cause it’s magical; for real magical.”

Ryan Scroggins | Ad Manager

“It’s a real joy for me to get the opportunity to be the lead guitarist,” Walter said. Marcus has always had a way of bringing great player’s together.”

Unlike many bands in St. Joseph, The Leading Average plays a wide range of music. While most groups focus on cover music these guys have a tendency to play originals. Most of the band’s covers are 90s’ hits with an occasional remake of a country or soul song.

The Leading Average has been steadily booked around town since Words returned from a trip to Pebble Beach last summer in an effort to gain exposure. Hammerjacks, The Acoustic Café, Magoon’s Delicatessen and Room 107 are just a few out of a handful of bars where you can catch these guys. The faithful crowd of fans that comes out to support them sometimes fills the seating before the first set begins.

Their upbeat tunes and meaningful lyrics, combined with raw talent and positive attitudes make it easy to see why they have such a following.

“It’s cool to see people coming back night after night,” Western music major West said. “I like it when I can look out and see people are enjoying what they are hearing.”
Words and “The Leading Average” together have something special. The way they bounce solos between one another gives their music a jazz band feel without overshadowing Words’ rich vocals and thoughtful lyrics.

“I think it is the responsibility of musicians to always influence for the positive,” Words said.
To check out The Leading Average online before you see them live you can visit: http://www.myspace.com/theleadingaverage.

For more on, bands, local bars and restaurants in St. Joe, see the PDF of our April 8 issue on the front page.

Missouri Western State University joined an elite group of universities worldwide on Monday with the announcement that the Steven L. Craig School of Business achieved accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Fewer than 600 business schools worldwide have been recognized with this high level of accreditation. Missouri Western is now listed among the likes of prestigious schools including, Duke, Harvard and Yale. In addition, Western is one of only 48 schools worldwide to achieve the accreditation with only undergraduate programs. This accomplishment, which has been more than a decade in the making, affects Western in many ways.

Carol Roever, Interim Dean School of Business, spoke at the ceremony. Photo | Sara Baum

It is the ultimate mark of quality for a business school, he said. Only the finest schools in the world are accredited by AASCB international.

Receiving this accreditation is not an easy accomplishment he explained.

“For a long time faculty and staff have worked hard for this,” he said.

Vartibedian then thanked and congratulated interim Dean Carol Roever for her role in the process of achieving the accreditation.

Roever’s role as interim dean was instrumental in reaching this longtime goal. Roever wasn’t the only person to help make this dream a reality though.

“This accreditation represents a supreme team effort,” she said. “Our faculty is really the key ingredient of this accreditation.”

In order to achieve accreditation the Steven L Craig School of Business had to meet 21 AASCB standards. A commitment to continuous improvement and the presence of a high-quality teaching environment are just a few of the required standards that reflect directly on the staff.

Looking forward, Western has much to gain form all of the hard work.

Dr. Larry Lawson, who made the first steps towards accreditation during his time as chair for the previous business department, explained that the accreditation not only gives Western the ability to be more successful in the business community, but will also make it easier to recruit future students and faculty.

“Students will have an easier time getting jobs and getting into most graduate schools in the United States,” Lawson said.

Graduating senior business management major Mark Kennon will be one of the first to see these benefits.

“It’s an endorsement stamp,” Kennon said. “It states the level of quality for the education received.”

Population growth at Western, along with construction on campus, has made parking spaces a prime piece of real estate.

Senior business major Chelsea Taylor thinks something needs to be done.

Graphic by Sara Baum

“Parking is miserable, especially when it snows because people can’t see the lines so they take up almost two spots to park,” she said.

Snow has also made overflow parking in the grass unavailable for students this semester.

Western’s Chief of Police Jonathan Kelley disagrees.

“There is typically plenty of parking available across campus throughout the spring semester,” Kelley said. “This spring we have seen available parking across campus.”

This semester Parking and Security Services issued 4,175 first vehicle general parking stickers for the 2,140 general parking spaces.

“It is my professional opinion, based on the number of available spaces across campus currently, that another parking lot would be underutilized most of the time,” Kelley said.

Still, during peak times, students scavenge the lots for an open space. As Western shows continuing growth, a student committee led by Student Governor, Dillon Harp, has been working on recommendations for parking.

Dean of Student Affairs Judy Grimes, who meets with the committee, assured that Western is looking forward.

“There is a need for both additional commuter parking and for residential parking,” Grimes said.

The committee is discussing a variety of options to develop a long-term solution.

Grimes added that completion of construction projects will help alleviate some of the parking problems.

“When the new Chiefs facility opens, there will be additional spaces available,” she said. “As we work towards a new residence hall complex, there will be an additional parking lot built as well.”

These new lots may be the only relief students see in the near future.

Vice President of Financial Planning and Administration Mel Klinkner explained. Budget cuts from the state and tuition freezes make it hard to find funding for construction.

“The only way to get additional parking is to have revenue come in for that area [parking],” Klinkner said.

“We charge minimal… [for parking],” Klinkner said.

Student parking passes are included in the facilities access fee.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeanne Daffron presented the following numbers to the board. The number of students at Western this spring went up 8 percent, totaling over 5,100 compared to last spring. The number of credit hours being taken also went up, totaling over 61,000 — a 7 percent increase from last spring. Final numbers will not be available until mid February.

Board of Governors’ Vice chair Kylee Strough gave some reasons for this continued growth.

Graphic by Sara Baum

Student Governor Dillon Harp gave other possible reasons for the continuing growth.

“The graduating classes in the area around Missouri Western have been increasing every year,” Harp said.

He explained that the number of students who choose Western because of its location, combined with Western’s affordable costs have made an impact.

“At $166.50 per credit hour Missouri Western is the fourth most affordable university in the state,” he said.

Tuition is currently frozen making affordability a double-edged sword.

“The increased enrollment is awesome because it does generate some additional funds,” said Vice President of Financial Planning and Administration Mel Klinkner.

Unfortunately, this added revenue does not cover all of the cuts in funding from the state, and the rising costs associated with insurance and retirement for faculty, along with the increasing costs of utilities.

“With no tuition increase, or state appropriation increase, it doesn’t take very long for you to be looking at some short comes,” Klinkner said. “It’s sad that we can’t be supported, at the level we need to be supported at, in order to really deal with the growth.”

Continued growth of this caliber can cause a variety of other problems — problems that students are dealing with already.

“The Western administration is well aware of the fact that as we continue increasing our student numbers, it fully realizes that [we} cannot look at the increase in isolation,” Vice President of Student Affairs, Esther Perález said.  

Parking, housing and growing class sizes are among the concerns of administrators and students alike. Perález and Dean of Student Affairs Judy Grimes assured that these concerns are being addressed.

“There is a need for both additional commuter parking and for residential parking,” Grimes said.

Grimes explained that a student committee, led by Student Governor Dillon Harp, has been working on recommendations for parking. The committee met to discuss a variety of options that will lead to a long-term solution.

Plans for additional housing are already in the works.

“The Housing Committee has recommended a new housing complex to be constructed, hopefully by the fall of 2010,” Grimes said.

Long-term planning is also being done to prepare for future growth.

“Administrators across campus are having discussions about where we would like to be in … five years,” Perález said.

Infrastructure is not the only area that Western must evaluate to accommodate future growth.  Examining future needs for additional faculty, police, maintenance and organizations to keep students engaged are just a few of Perález’s concerns.

“I believe that Western not only wants to grow its population, but it also wants to ensure the matriculation and graduation of the many deserving students it serves,“ she said. “If we do not begin engaging students when we have a smaller population, we lose an opportunity to prepare a strong infrastructure as we continue to grow.”

A celebration and ribbon cutting was held Jan. 19, dedicating the building to Wes and Pasty Remington for their contribution of $5 million towards its construction. The remainder of the over $35 million project was funded by individual donors and by the state’s Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative Fund.

The building was delivered on time and within the budget, Jim Madden, project manager for Lawhon Construction, said.

“We had a couple of last-minute details, but it has all come together,” Madden said.

This fall students and faculty may need just a little more patience as they find themselves strewn about campus during the Agenstein remodel. The new Remington Hall is primarily lab and research space and only contains one lecture hall. Students will have their lab portions of the class in Remington, but the lectures will take place in other buildings. Faculty offices are located in modular trailers in front of the halls.

Madden explained that there has not been any space gained yet, but by next fall the space will be doubled.

“We are well underway with demolition on the other side,” Madden said. ”They’ll move back in Christmas vacation next year.”

Dr. Robert Vartabedian cuts the ribbon to the new Remmington Hall.

“We basically got what we wanted, and we don’t take that for granted,” Eckdahl said. “From the very beginning they asked us what we wanted and they listened.”

Six new labs make up the majority of the building. Prep labs divide the lab classrooms, giving room for storage now, and eventually additional research space.

“In the old building we had to cross list labs,” he said. “Now we can be more dedicated with space. Experiments can be up, and we can leave them.”

Eckdahl added that when Agenstein is finished there will be two more instructional labs, making eight total.

Each classroom is equipped with brand new audiovisual equipment. New computer systems and document cameras broaden the possibilities for lectures. The document cameras have the ability to look in any direction and can be used on a split overhead screen with the computer.

All classroom windows on the south side of the building are equipped with internal blinds that allow teachers to dim the room during presentations.

The math and science departments also received $678,000 from the Western Foundation Capital Campaign to purchase new supplies for teaching and research purposes.

“Each department received about $30,000,” Eckdahl said.

Each floor of Remington is devoted to a department. Mathematics and physics are located on the first floor. Biology is on the second, and chemistry is on the third.

Remington and Agenstein halls are connected by a large atrium. An open-air stairway, reflective lighting and several windows make the new space inviting.

Eckdahl explained that they wanted an inviting space.

“Agenstein didn’t have too many places to hang,” he said.

Each of the three floors in Remington has places for students to study with comfortable seating and wireless Internet.

Along with the new hall came a new dining option on campus. Einstein Bagels is located in the rear of the atrium area.

Jim Mades, Aramark dining services director, said when he was asked about having food in the new hall he said yes right away.

“You look at Einstien in that new building and it screams class, professionalism and a very sharp look,” Maides said.

Einstein Bros Bagels will be open for breakfast lunch and dinner.

in other buildings. Faculty offices are located in modular trailers in front of the halls.

Madden explained that there has not been any space gained yet, but by next fall the space will be doubled.

“We are well underway with demolition on the other side,” Madden said. ”They’ll move back in Christmas vacation next year.”

Dr. Todd Eckdahl, professor and biology chairman, gave details on the new space.

“We basically got what we wanted, and we don’t take that for granted,” Eckdahl said. “From the very beginning they asked us what we wanted and they listened.”

Six new labs make up the majority of the building. Prep labs divide the lab classrooms, giving room for storage now, and eventually additional research space.

“In the old building we had to cross list labs,” he said. “Now we can be more dedicated with space. Experiments can be up, and we can leave them.”

Eckdahl added that when Agenstein is finished there will be two more instructional labs, making eight total.

Each classroom is equipped with brand new audiovisual equipment. New computer systems and document cameras broaden the possibilities for lectures. The document cameras have the ability to look in any direction and can be used on a split overhead screen with the computer.

All classroom windows on the south side of the building are equipped with internal blinds that allow teachers to dim the room during presentations.

The math and science departments also received $678,000 from the Western Foundation Capital Campaign to purchase new supplies for teaching and research purposes.

“Each department received about $30,000,” Eckdahl said.

Each floor of Remington is devoted to a department. Mathematics and physics are located on the first floor. Biology is on the second, and chemistry is on the third.

Remington and Agenstein halls are connected by a large atrium. An open-air stairway, reflective lighting and several windows make the new space inviting.

Eckdahl explained that they wanted an inviting space.

“Agenstein didn’t have too many places to hang,” he said.

Each of the three floors in Remington has places for students to study with comfortable seating and wireless Internet.

Along with the new hall came a new dining option on campus. Einstein Bagels is located in the rear of the atrium area.

Jim Mades, Aramark dining services director, said when he was asked about having food in the new hall he said yes right away.

“You look at Einstien in that new building and it screams class, professionalism and a very sharp look,” Maides said.

Starting Monday, a line will extend from the MWSU bookstore, Barnes and Noble, as students try to get some quick, extra holiday cash by selling their books back.

According to Greg Nikes, Barnes and Noble manager, students who want to sell their books back to the bookstore should attempt to do so immediately after they complete their finals. He cautions students that not all books can be sold back to the campus bookstore.

“Book buyback is driven by the professors,” Nikes said. “If the book is being reused next semester here [Missouri Western], then we will buy back an amount based on the enrollment marked on the professor’s order.”

Nikes urges students to sell their books back immediately following their final exams since there are only a limited number of books they can repurchase from students and a limited amount of time to buyback as well.

“We have to close the buyback off to order the remaining requested books,” Nikes said. “Since we have a shorter turn around from the fall to the spring, we’ll have to quit buyback sooner than from the spring to the fall.”

If a student wants to sell back a book from a class they took during the fall semester, but the class is not offered during the spring semester, students may still be able to sell their books back to be sent to the used book company Barnes and Noble works through, MSB Textbook Exchange.

“Whether the book was purchased at the new price or used, we will refund half of the new book price back for eligible books,” Nikes said. “So students will make either one-half or two-thirds of their money back from the bookstore.”

If MSB does not offer anything for the book, Nikes suggests students should hold on to the book to see if it will be used the following semester.

“The best thing to do if the course is not being offered the following semester is to wait until halfway through the following semester and try to sell the book then,” Nikes said.

Nikes suggests students sell their books back to the campus bookstore to help keep used books on campus, but isn’t against students selling their books using online networks.

“I don’t think it has any effect on textbook prices,” Nikes said. “Prices are generally the same at every college and university across the country.”

Nikes said there are benefits to buying and selling textbooks on campus though. Purchasing and selling books online can include shipping costs for both parties and server charges. Also, if a student purchases a book weeks before classes begin and a professor changes the required text, the student will be stuck with the book unless they purchased it from the campus bookstore.

“Plus, when students purchase books from the bookstore, part of the money actually goes back to Missouri Western,” Nikes said.

Textbook buyback will take place during finals week starting Monday, Dec. 7. The bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Craigslist offers variety of classified, personal ads

Worldwide, Craigslist.org, serves 570 cities in 50 countries. Each city has its own Web page filled with local classified listings in almost every category imaginable. Nine headers divide the very basic web page into areas that include the following: for sale, personals, jobs, résumés, gigs, community, services, housing and discussion forums. Under each header, specific categories further divide the classifieds. Craigslist was designed as a free public service for classified listings.

No membership is required to post or respond to a post on Craigslist. There is no need to join although users can create an account. With the exception of posting job offerings, Craigslist is completely free to use. Since there is no cost is associated, and no membership required, individuals can use the site anonymously.

Since users can post anonymously, buyers are not guaranteed anything. Buyers may be able to talk down a price with a seller, but there is no way to guarantee a sell, until the transaction is complete. In addition, there is nothing on Craigslist that guarantees the identity or honesty of its users.
Buyers must also act fast, because unlike other online market places, there is no way to see how much attention an ad is receiving.
Senior English major Levi Smock used Craigslist to get rid of clutter around his home. “It was easy to make the ads,” he said. “It took me a few minutes to make each ad and it didn’t take long to get some responses… I would use it again.”

Craigslist is updated often, with new postings appearing almost continually. Ads are sorted by the time they are submitted with more recent ads showing up higher in the categories. For users making posts in popular categories, this may require reposting ads often to ensure that other users see it.
Users may also encounter spam and scams since there is no account required to make a posting or respond to one.

Facebook Marketplace safer way to sell, buy textbooks, other items online

Social networking Web site Facebook has been in the classified ad business since 2007. Web site users can utilize the Facebook Marketplace application to sell, buy, rent or give away nearly anything. Facebook is not alone in the world of online classifieds. So what makes Facebook Marketplace stand out in the crowd?

Facebook Marketplace postings can only be made and responded to by Facebook users. Unlike other online classifieds, users know exactly who they are dealing with. Only registered users can make postings, and users browsing can see exactly whose ad they are reading. Since Facebook requires that you set up a free account to respond to ads, users making posts don’t have to worry about spam responses. In addition, users making posts to sell items are required to disclose why they are selling. Marketplace listings can be searched by designated categories, user networks, or by proximity to the user posting.

Facebook users can easily navigate their market place, but not everyone is a Facebook user. Even as Facebook dominates the global social networking market, its own marketplace is rather exclusive. Since only other Facebook members are able to respond to the classifieds, the potential responses to an ad would be seemingly less. For those posting, this creates a smaller market; and for those searching, it gives fewer options. Despite the fact that Facebook has nearly $300 million users worldwide, not all actively use the marketplace.

“I’ve had good luck selling on Facebook but never on the marketplace,” sophomore criminal justice major Jacob Shute said. Shute posted simple ads in his status area. “I think enough people use the site to make it a good tool for selling, Marketplace or not.”

The Western Bookstore is located in Blum Student Union

Walking into Magoon’s is like walking into a time warp. The historic building, located at 632 S. 8th Street still has all of its original fixtures. From the original red and black checkered floors, to the shiny red booths, the feel of the bar is very unique. Sitting at the 1930s bar, the vast collection of memorabilia around can really bring you back to another time.

“I like to share my collection of St. Joseph memorabilia and nostalgic brewaria from the past and present,” said owner Barry Woodhall.
Woodhall’s collection fills all the shelves and wall, and if asked, he is happy to share what he knows about the collection. Bar signs, historic glassware, decanters, paintings and historic pictures are among the décor.

“It’s a museum, restaurant and the best venue in town,” Western alumnus Drew Ames said. Ames referred to Woodhall as a curator of his own exhibit.
As for the music, Woodhall likes to bring in lots of local talent. Wednesday through Saturday nights live bands take the stage. Tuesday nights, local musician and artist Colby Walters hosts an open mic night. Everyone is invited to jam on Tuesdays. Music starts at 9 p.m. and cover is collected at the door for some bands. On weekend nights, Magoon’s is a great place to catch a great blues or jazz band.

Magoon’s atmosphere is created by the people that go there. Artists, musicians, professionals, students, bikers, farmers, right on down to the regular joe, make the customer base of Magoon’s almost as interesting as the décor.

“I love Magoon’s mainly for the atmosphere, its super laid back,” senior Spanish major Todd Long said. “No matter how busy it is, no one is pushing past you.”

“Only the cool kids go there,” Ames said.

He explained that once you’ve been there you’ll understand.

Magoon’s has more to offer than great music and memories of times past. Ben Magoon’s original recipe chili is served daily, along with other deli sandwiches and soups, much like it was when Magoon’s opened in 1918.

Ben Magoon, the original owner, moved his deli to its current location in 1930. For many years, the delicatessen prospered in downtown St. Joseph until it closed in 1980. Woodhall reopened the deli in 2007, keeping as much authentic as he could.

For more information about Ben Magoon’s Delicatessen or entertainment schedules visit www.benmagoons.com or search Ben Magoon’s on MySpace.

Starting Monday, a line will extend from the MWSU bookstore, Barnes and Noble, as students try to get some quick, extra holiday cash by selling their books back.

According to Greg Nikes, Barnes and Noble manager, students who want to sell their books back to the bookstore should attempt to do so immediately after they complete their finals. He cautions students that not all books can be sold back to the campus bookstore.

“Book buyback is driven by the professors,” Nikes said. “If the book is being reused next semester here [Missouri Western], then we will buy back an amount based on the enrollment marked on the professor’s order.”

Nikes urges students to sell their books back immediately following their final exams since there are only a limited number of books they can repurchase from students and a limited amount of time to buyback as well.

“We have to close the buyback off to order the remaining requested books,” Nikes said. “Since we have a shorter turn around from the fall to the spring, we’ll have to quit buyback sooner than from the spring to the fall.”

If a student wants to sell back a book from a class they took during the fall semester, but the class is not offered during the spring semester, students may still be able to sell their books back to be sent to the used book company Barnes and Noble works through, MSB Textbook Exchange.

“Whether the book was purchased at the new price or used, we will refund half of the new book price back for eligible books,” Nikes said. “So students will make either one-half or two-thirds of their money back from the bookstore.”

If MSB does not offer anything for the book, Nikes suggests students should hold on to the book to see if it will be used the following semester.

“The best thing to do if the course is not being offered the following semester is to wait until halfway through the following semester and try to sell the book then,” Nikes said.

Nikes suggests students sell their books back to the campus bookstore to help keep used books on campus, but isn’t against students selling their books using online networks.

“I don’t think it has any effect on textbook prices,” Nikes said. “Prices are generally the same at every college and university across the country.”

Nikes said there are benefits to buying and selling textbooks on campus though. Purchasing and selling books online can include shipping costs for both parties and server charges. Also, if a student purchases a book weeks before classes begin and a professor changes the required text, the student will be stuck with the book unless they purchased it from the campus bookstore.

“Plus, when students purchase books from the bookstore, part of the money actually goes back to Missouri Western,” Nikes said.

Textbook buyback will take place during finals week starting Monday, Dec. 7. The bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Craigslist offers variety of classified, personal ads

Worldwide, Craigslist.org, serves 570 cities in 50 countries. Each city has its own Web page filled with local classified listings in almost every category imaginable. Nine headers divide the very basic web page into areas that include the following: for sale, personals, jobs, résumés, gigs, community, services, housing and discussion forums. Under each header, specific categories further divide the classifieds. Craigslist was designed as a free public service for classified listings.

No membership is required to post or respond to a post on Craigslist. There is no need to join although users can create an account. With the exception of posting job offerings, Craigslist is completely free to use. Since there is no cost is associated, and no membership required, individuals can use the site anonymously.

Since users can post anonymously, buyers are not guaranteed anything. Buyers may be able to talk down a price with a seller, but there is no way to guarantee a sell, until the transaction is complete. In addition, there is nothing on Craigslist that guarantees the identity or honesty of its users.
Buyers must also act fast, because unlike other online market places, there is no way to see how much attention an ad is receiving.
Senior English major Levi Smock used Craigslist to get rid of clutter around his home. “It was easy to make the ads,” he said. “It took me a few minutes to make each ad and it didn’t take long to get some responses… I would use it again.”

Craigslist is updated often, with new postings appearing almost continually. Ads are sorted by the time they are submitted with more recent ads showing up higher in the categories. For users making posts in popular categories, this may require reposting ads often to ensure that other users see it.
Users may also encounter spam and scams since there is no account required to make a posting or respond to one.

Facebook Marketplace safer way to sell, buy textbooks, other items online

Social networking Web site Facebook has been in the classified ad business since 2007. Web site users can utilize the Facebook Marketplace application to sell, buy, rent or give away nearly anything. Facebook is not alone in the world of online classifieds. So what makes Facebook Marketplace stand out in the crowd?

Facebook Marketplace postings can only be made and responded to by Facebook users. Unlike other online classifieds, users know exactly who they are dealing with. Only registered users can make postings, and users browsing can see exactly whose ad they are reading. Since Facebook requires that you set up a free account to respond to ads, users making posts don’t have to worry about spam responses. In addition, users making posts to sell items are required to disclose why they are selling. Marketplace listings can be searched by designated categories, user networks, or by proximity to the user posting.

Facebook users can easily navigate their market place, but not everyone is a Facebook user. Even as Facebook dominates the global social networking market, its own marketplace is rather exclusive. Since only other Facebook members are able to respond to the classifieds, the potential responses to an ad would be seemingly less. For those posting, this creates a smaller market; and for those searching, it gives fewer options. Despite the fact that Facebook has nearly $300 million users worldwide, not all actively use the marketplace.

“I’ve had good luck selling on Facebook but never on the marketplace,” sophomore criminal justice major Jacob Shute said. Shute posted simple ads in his status area. “I think enough people use the site to make it a good tool for selling, Marketplace or not.”

Celebrations of Thanksgiving, like this one, were not likely a yearly event in colonial times. Communities shared rations in colonial America, so a large celebration following bountiful harvest times was common. Unlike the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today, there was no set date for these celebrations. Dependent on harvest time, the first days set aside for thanksgiving varied from August to November.

Harvest celebrations were not the only days set aside for giving thanks. Other celebrations of Thanksgiving occur throughout American history. President Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving to be on the fourth of every Thursday. He declared this in the summer of 1863 after the success at Gettysburg, explained professor of history, Dr. Steven Greiert.

“He [Lincoln] asked for a day of commemoration, or Thanksgiving, trying to somehow keep the people focused on what was important to the nation,” Greiert
said. “It never became an official holiday during that period.

Lincoln was trying to keep the country together.”

So why do we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday every November? In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was conscious of history but was also trying to help the economy by promoting Thanksgiving, Greiert explained.

“This was a time of distress for a lot of people in the United States,” he said. “He wanted people to realize they had a lot to be thankful for even though it was tough times.”

In 1924, the Macy’s day parade first begin, according in History.com. Since in some Novembers there are five Thursdays, business owners and politicians pushed for the fourth Thursday in hopes to increase their holiday sales.

“American’s tend to be nostalgic,” Greiert added. Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving has been the best sales day of the entire year.
Sophomore Justin Conroy takes advantage of traditional post Thanksgiving sales.

“My family all goes shopping on the Friday after,” Conroy said. “It has become our tradition and we all look forward to it.”

Senior Chelsea Taylor is happy that we have a day set aside regardless of its confusing beginnings.

“Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time of year, people coming together and helping others in need,” Taylor said. “I love spending time with my family. Every year we donate money to local food pantries.”

In “Uncle Vanya” there is something for everyone. Growing old, love, the pursuit of love and struggles with alcohol are topics most people can find some way to relate with. Each major character’s personal struggle added depth to the story without shadowing the deeper message. Instead, the individual struggles show how unfair life can be. These struggles also opened the door for comedic elements in the play, offering relief for the more serious elements.

“Uncle Vanya” is actually a reworking of “The Wood Demon,” a Chekhov play written years earlier. Both Chekhov works are environmentally conscious, a concept that was very premature for the time it was written. It is hard to imagine Chekhov could actually predict the environmental issues facing the world today. It is more likely that Chekhov used the environmental references to show the relationship mankind has with nature. Regardless, the idea of forest conservation offered yet another way for the audience to connect.

Unfortunately, the play’s message was not heard by the large majority of Western and the community. With less than 10 percent of Western’s population in attendance, the biggest disappointment was the amount of applause, or lack thereof, following the performance. Not to say that the audience wasn’t clapping for the job well done, but there was not enough audience to give the cast, crew and director the praise they deserve. For students, staff and faculty, admission was free. It is unfortunate more support was not shown from the student body at Western. Another round of applause is entitled to all parties involved.

For those who attended, it would be hard to leave and not evaluate things in your own life or society. Chekhov did not intend for his work to be life changing, but the ideas presented are definitely worthy of consideration. “Uncle Vanya” was the first in a series of prophetic plays this year. If the future performances in this series are done this well, the upcoming plays should definitely see better attendance.

This is the first year that Western has incorporated a theme into its production season. This season’s theme: Past and Present Compared – The Prophetic Play, served as a guide for all selections. The purpose of the theme is to encourage the audience to think about their own lives in relation to what was, what is or in what way the work has predicted something about the future explained Director of Theatre and Cinema Alan Arrivée.

“Uncle Vanya” is actually a reworking of “The Wood Demon,” a Chekhov play written years earlier. Both Chekhov works are environmentally conscious, a concept that was very premature for their late 19th century beginnings. In this play, there is monologue and dialogue concerning the environment said Arrivée, the director.

“Our tag line is, ‘what will they think of us in a hundred, two hundred years’…. I’m hoping that this will be something that tells people about their own lives,” he said.

Photo: Matthew Fowler

It’s said to be a play about longing. “There are certain sad songs that are enjoyable; this is like that,” Arrivée said.

Senior theatre and cinema major Chris “Bogey” Blodgett will play Uncle Vanya.

“Uncle Vanya thinks that things could have made his life better, but he doesn’t get them,” Blodgett said. “Everybody has something in life that they think would make their life better.” Bogey felt like this was a great way to describe his character.

“It’s a play that people can relate to,” he said. “There are funny points that make some of the darker times humorous. It’s a much more entertaining play than you would imagine.”

“Bogey”, who has acted in six other plays at Western and has been part of nine total performances, seemed excited about his role.

“This is the most speaking lines I’ve had in a show,” Blodgett said.

A lot of preparation goes into the shows. “Bogey” estimated he spends between five and six hours every day rehearsing and remembering lines. This includes the 4-hour rehearsals the cast spends practicing together.

“There’s a lot of work outside of rehearsals that people just don’t realize,” junior theatre and video major Erin Williams said.

Williams plays the part of Yelena, the self described “siren” of the story.

The cast of nine spends a lot of time together.

“We all seem to get along very well,” she said. “We have a lot of good actors.”

As mentioned above, students, faculty and staff will pay no admission charge with a Western ID. General admission is $8. Senior citizens and students from other schools will be charged $6. Uncle Vanya will run from Nov.4 through Nov. 8.

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The conduct Western desires goes beyond even NCAA Division II by-laws. Noise makers and foghorns are strictly prohibited. Obvious rules regarding alcohol are to be enforced as Western is a dry campus. Fans are expected to follow all laws and campus policies while in attendance. Beyond the basics, Western wants all fans, whether winners or losers, to leave with a good impression. For fans this means avoiding degrading comments and inappropriate actions.

Student-athletes for Western have experienced unacceptable behaviors at other schools, athletic director Dave Williams said. Racial comments, cursing and having things thrown at them, are just some of the negative behaviors Western athletes have encountered.

“There’s plenty of ways to cheer for your team without degrading the other team,” Williams said. Williams explained that teaching people what to say is an important step to creating the positive environment. If fans don’t know positive ways to cheer for their own team, they are more likely to degrade the other team.

He reminded campus that Western athletics are still young and are still developing a fan culture.

“We have a disadvantage of really only being an athletic department for only 40 years,” Williams said.

Other schools have been building traditions for years that give fans positive ways to cheer. Also, Williams would like to see Western develop traditions to pass down from generation to generation.

“I would like to create a positive culture… a culture of fans who love to come to games… a culture that is family friendly, and welcoming,” Williams said.

Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Michael Nicholson would like to see students go to every game.

“Wear black,” he said.

Wearing school colors is a great way to show support.

“It seems like there are more fans attending games,” said graduate Brian Jaynes.

He was happy about the increased attendance and said it seemed like the crowd was more involved then past years.

“It seems like there is more community attendance then years past, and it’s great to see all the black and gold.”

Alcohol consumption by fans, although banned on campus, still seems to be a concern. Williams explained that with the number of people in attendance at games it is hard to enforce some rules.

“We’ve chosen to enforce the stadium,” Williams said. “Starting with the Northwest game we’ve changed our policy to no longer allow open beverage containers in the stadium.”

He added that not all beverage containers contained alcohol, but some certainly did.

Among all the bad things and good things about Missouri Western’s cheering traditions and fans, the fact that Western is still improving rules and allowing students to scream with the cheerleaders, paint their faces and bodies black and gold, and create an all-time standing cheering section, has greatly created an overall fan base that Missouri Western hopefully refer to in the future.

Graphic | Harvey Jackson

Readers beware of Web sites like this! Claims that planet earth is ending are almost impossible to make as Assistant Professor of Geology Karen Koy explained.

“The world is not going to end… but there will be changes,” Koy said. “We’ve never experienced it though, so we don’t know what to expect. The changes will probably be bad, and we probably won’t like them.”

She further explained that most of the changes will be changes in climate and temperature. As global warming increases climates, the world will start to shift in location. The exact effects on populations will depend on their location.

“It will get worse and worse over time,” Koy said. “It will be hotter and dryer. Things like droughts and dust bowls will be more likely. Not to say that they will happen, but global warming will make temperatures higher.”

Koy expects a 2 1/2 to 3 degree Celsius temperature increase in our area by the end of this century.
This will make what is now good agricultural land not so good and make areas like northern Canada and Siberia
usable for agriculture.

Overall increases in global climate will cause sea surface temperatures to rise. She explained that this will make Katrina-strength hurricanes more likely. Not that they will happen every year, but the chances of large storms like this will become more likely as global temperatures continue to rise.

Permafrost layers in the arctic and Antarctic will slowly start to thaw. As this happens, organic matter locked in these layers will be exposed and start to decompose releasing methane gas. She explained that methane is a green house gas which can further contribute to global warming.

“There is a huge amount of water locked up in glaciers,” Koy said. As temperatures rise this water will be released causing 2 problems. Releasing all of this water could wash away places like Florida that are not much higher than sea level. Secondly, releasing all of the cold water into the ocean may stop ocean circulation that carries heat energy around the earth.

“Global warming is happening,” Koy said. ”We play a big part in it. It will change things, and change is usually bad on the scale that it is going to happen.”

Western freshman Jennifer Filley expresses how she tries to help save the environment in her own way.
“I try to do my part,” Filley said. “Little things, like bringing my own reusable bags when I go grocery shopping doesn’t seem like much, but it’s an easy way to help.”

Filley also rides to school with her sister when possible to cut down on fuel emissions that are bad for the environment.

Koy reminded that little efforts like that add up.

“A million people doing one thing is a million things being done,” Koy said.

So, there are numerous things that can be done to save our world. What is clear is that something must be done because our Earth will indeed change. As John F. Kennedy said in his convocation speech, “We are at the point of no return.”

For more information on the future of our earth, Koy suggests finding reputable sources that are primary such as scientific journals, and secondary such as discovery magazines, and journal source Scientific America.

As the economy continues to spiral downward, students’ need for financial assistance grows. From the 2008-2009 aid year to the 2009-2010 aid year, Missouri Western State University saw a 51 percent growth in the number of completed FAFSA forms. With more need than ever, some of the scholarships offered at Western have changed to provide the most possible assistance.

Eligible Western students may receive scholarships from either Missouri Western or privately donated funds paid through the university’s foundation. Scholarships paid through the foundation remained unchanged this year. Scholarships awarded by Western were forced to adapt to the current economic conditions.

“Our administration is still very committed to trying to provide the scholarship dollars we had available in the past,” Assistant Director of Financial Aid Angie Beam said. “It allows us to help more students.”

Beam explained that the changes made to the institutional scholarships were made to ensure that Western can continue to award as many scholarships as past years, if not more.
This year, these changes only affected the first-time freshman scholarships.

“We had to make some tough decisions,” she said. This year, the Golden Griffon Scholarship dropped from $10,500 to $7,500. In addition to lowering the amount of the scholarship, the criteria were changed to make sure deserving students receive the award. Beam said other freshman scholarships made similar adjustments.

A new Provost’s Scholarship was also added this year to help bridge the gap between the President’s and Governor’s awards.

Students will also be checked mid-year for grade point requirements if they are receiving these scholarships. This change will take place next year. Beam said an estimated $130,000 can be saved by making sure students are still qualified for the awards.

Scholarship awards paid by the foundation remained unchanged this year. Vice President for University Advancement Dan Nicoson explained that there are two types of foundation scholarships.

Endowed scholarships are funded with the interest growth from the original donation.

“The earnings are down,” Nicoson said. “If the economy doesn’t get better pretty fast, possibly next year, we’ll be giving out less money… not by a lot, but it won’t be growing.”

The second type is a current fund scholarship. This fund is not invested but paid at the donors requests until the fund is exhausted.

“This depends on how generous people are being and how much they continue to give. The economy has slowed its giving a little,” Nicoson said. “So far we have not seen a major impact, but, within the next year or two, we could.”

This year the foundation has distributed $690,000 in scholarships to students. This includes endowed and current fund scholarships.
It is not likely that foundation scholarships will see changes in criteria. The requirements for these scholarships are set by the donors.

Senior music major Tim Thomas considers himself lucky to receive scholarships.

“I am very thankful to have scholarships to help pay for my education,” Thomas said. “It’s a real relief when everything outside of school starts adding up.”

The number of students applying for financial aid this year is higher than ever. Job loss for students or parents has created an enormous amount of need for assistance. Last year, 80 professional judgments requests were processed for students experiencing special circumstances. This year 768 professional judgments were processed.

Students can begin applying for scholarships for next year this October. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1, 2010 for the 2010-2011 aid year.

“If you’re not giving your body enough of the nutrients that it needs by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy, your immune system will go down,” Missouri Western R.N. Sandy Kemerling said. She explained that when the immune system is down, the body is more susceptible to illness.

“Stick with the food guide pyramid that’s been sold since we were kids,” she said. “The trick is to find the good carbs like whole grains, and get your sweets from fruits and juices.”

The United States Department of Agriculture has an interactive website that is available to help people make healthy eating plans. MyPyramid.gov also gives information on the importance of eating foods from each level of the pyramid.

Missouri Western students can enjoy a wide selection of foods on campus. Choosing the right foods and avoiding the vending machines is an important part of maintaining good health. Aramark, Missouri Western’s dining services provider, offers foods that are prepared with health in mind. Grilling, baking, steaming and simmering foods instead of frying make a big difference in nutritional value.

“Eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Kemerling said. “If you want to have energy through the day, eating a balanced breakfast is the way to go.” She added that sometimes it’s hard to find time for a balanced breakfast. Students should make sure that they are making wise decisions for the time they have. Choosing juice and a healthy breakfast bar rather than sugary treats, is the way to go when you are on the run.

“It’s important to eat something for breakfast every day,” senior nursing student Kyle Kelly said. Kelly explained that eating breakfast helps kick start your metabolism and make you feel awake faster. “It makes me feel more awake. Plus, it’s easier to pay attention in class when I am not distracted by hunger.”

Staying away from sugary snacks is also important. When hunger strikes mid-day and there is no time for a meal, students should try to choose a healthy snack. Missouri Western students can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables offered in the dining hall and the deli.

“I try to eat healthy snacks like carrots and granola bars during the day. They help to keep my blood sugar up and keep me feeling full,” senior nursing student Amity Lee said. “Unhealthy snacks like candy bars make your blood sugar spike, and then, you crash an hour or two later.”

Multi-vitamins are also important for busy students who are unable to maintain a healthy diet. “Always make sure you know what you are taking,” Kemerling said. “If you do take a multi-vitamin, make sure you don’t take it with milk.” Milk coats the stomach and prevents it from absorbing it properly. She suggests taking vitamins with orange juice and a meal for the best results. For herbal supplements, she recommends checking with your primary care physician.

Kemerling added that staying hydrated and getting exercise contributes to a healthy body and mind. She explained that exercising doesn’t have to be lifting weights or running. Simply taking the time out of the day to take a walk can help burn the empty calories that come from sugary drinks and treats. Drinking plenty of water is also important to supply needed nutrients and stay hydrated. Remember, the human body needs 8 glasses of water a day.

Graphic | Sara Baum

This is particularly true of the pornography industry. Not that porn is prohibited, instead, restricted and considered taboo. Regardless, its presence in our culture cannot go unnoticed. With the internet as its vehicle, pornography is just a double-click away from every American household. This unlimited availability of pornography has certainly changed the face of American sexuality of the past 30 years.

Pornography has been around in one form or another since the 1st century B.C. The porn industry really got its start in the mid 1950’s when Hugh Hefner started Playboy. In the following years, other pornography pilgrims started magazines and created competition in the new industry. From this time on, pornography has flourished as its own kind of sub-culture.

The beginnings of this new industry came at a time when counter-culture propaganda was all around. The Beat generation of authors, artists and musicians saw the same resistance from the rest of society as there ideology did not match the masses. The ideas, once thought radical during the 1950’s and 1960’s, are not that radical today. Pornography has enjoyed a similar acceptance as time pushed forward.

Now it seems that American sexuality and pornography have reached the summit. Acts of sexuality are not such private matters anymore. Porn for (dare I say) every kink and fetish is available. This awakening of sexuality has opened the door for exploration within one’s personal interests. Desires, that perhaps once were too taboo to speak of, are now easier to make reality.

Single men, women and couples enjoy pornography today. In its beginnings, the industry was marketed to men. This separation of sexuality, even within a relationship, was also soon to change. The liberation of women indirectly liberated porn by closing the gap on the gender bias within the industry. Now, it is not unusual for partners to enjoy pornographic materials together. This allows for closer sexual connections between partners by making fantasies and desires not as taboo.

It is important not to forget that pornography is not for everyone and it should be regulated. It is still important for parents to have the “birds and bees” talk with their children before they make that double-click and find out for themselves. Sexuality is still a personal matter and sexual decisions should not be made in haste.
Pornography, much like alcohol, provides pleasure. Pleasure seeking behavior is natural for humans. I feel lucky to live in a country where my freedom of speech and expression protects my right to enjoy things that provide pleasure.

McDowell lost her mother, Teresa Majewski, to breast cancer almost 16 years ago after a long fight. She made a promise to her mother that she would do, what she could, to keep others from going through what she did. Paint the Parkway Pink was created last year as a local fundraising effort for breast cancer awareness.

Paint the Parkway Pink is proud to announce that at 10 a.m. on October 3, the first annual breast cancer awareness fundraising walk will kick off at Bartlett Park. Everyone is invited to come participate. All proceeds raised will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to further breast cancer research. The organization is asking for a minimum donation of $25 for the t-shirt.

“When you hear the name Susan G. Komen you automatically know what they do,” junior Missouri Western computer science major McDowell said. “They have donated an outstanding amount to breast cancer research.

“We knew we wanted to have the donations go to them because the creators of Susan G. Komen are just like us,” McDowell’s cousin and vice president of Paint the Parkway Pink Annie Maier said. “We know they will use our donations correctly. They are a family, like us, who lost a loved one to breast cancer.”

Western graduate student Maier and McDowell have been doing everything they can to get the word out and raise money.

“If we as a group and a community can help aid research that will prevent cancer; one day we will be the winners, not cancer” Maier said.

“We have had a great response from Western’s students,” McDowell said.

Western senior nursing student and Paint the Parkway Pink assistant Katelyn Pigg has been working to get fraternities and sororities involved. Paint the Parkway Pink has some volunteers but it looking for more.

“I see Paint the Parkway Pink becoming huge,” Pigg said.

Paint the Parkway Pink expects growth every year as October is breast cancer awareness month. With almost 900 Facebook friends already the organization is excited for the walk and optimistic about the turn out. They have set a goal for 200 people.

The walk route will begin at Bartlett park and will end at Hyde park. Pink balloons will be handed out in memory of loved ones lost to breast cancer. Live music, refreshments and a raffle will follow.

Paint the Parkway Pink can be contacted though Facebook, e-mail at painttheparkwaypink@gmail.com or at Painttheparkwaypink.org. Those interested in walking or volunteering can sign up online. Everyone is encouraged to register before the walk if possible.

Political propaganda has flooded the media as the idea of change has conservatives and liberals alike fighting in a tug-of-war for America’s support. How ironic. A nation whom less than one year ago elected a president that campaigned on a platform of change is unable to make necessary changes to benefit its own citizen’s health and well being. As town hall debates over health care reform continue across the nation its hard not to notice just how divided our nation is.

Liberal lawmakers are pushing for a public option. An option that would make health care available to everyone at a price anyone can afford. I believe this is necessary. America has always offered support around the world, but we are not as willing to take care of our own.

So why not a public option you ask? Conservatives argue that they are not responsible for taking care of the health needs for those who are unable to provide it for themselves. They argue that they have done nothing to assume this debt. Oddly enough the United States provides aid to countries in need all around the world with taxpayer dollars, yet is unable to meet the health care needs on its own soil.

Conservatives argue that government run health care will ultimately fail like other government run health care programs. I invite those lawmakers to talk to a veteran about their medical coverage. The government is capable of providing quality health care. Maybe we should model a public plan off the Veterans Administration.

Obama Care is not the answer either. Much of Obama’s plan is great, but with all the packaging around, it would be hard for anyone to know what it really says. So here’s my suggestion: much like our forefathers did when drafting the Constitution, we should start with a skeleton; not so we can write the book as we go, rather so we are prepared to make changes for our own changing needs. We should know what not to do, such as how we got ourselves into the mess we’re in currently. Let’s build on the wisdom we gained from our failures and build a healthier tomorrow for generations to come. We must stop fearing change since the world continues to change around us.

An experience like this inspired Jay Kerner, Missouri Western graduate and publisher for The Regular Joe. Kerner visited First Fridays in Kansas City last fall by accident and was so impressed he decided to bring a similar idea to St. Joseph. By December he had the ball rolling and First Fridays Art Crawl in St Joseph was underway.

“It’s all about the artists and the venues,” said Kerner.

On the first Friday of every month many downtown businesses double as art galleries for local artists to showcase their works. Kerner explained that a secondary outcome of the event is the increased traffic to businesses downtown. “We hope that the art crawl becomes an introduction to these places.”

Everyone is invited to join in the fun. At quitting time, or 5 p.m., the art crawl begins. Maps showing the participating venues and their respective artists are available at any location. Art crawlers are encouraged to make the rounds. Many of the venues offer hors d’oeuvres and live music to add to the experience.

“We want it to be fun, we don’t want it to be stuffy,” said organizer Cheryl Simonis.

Kerner has taken the back seat so that the event could be organized by the artists. Simonis is one on many Missouri Western students involved. She displays her work and coordinates venues and artists. Simonis previously coordinated the artwork displays at Trails West.

Businesses on Felix and Francis streets, between 5th and 8th street serve as venues for the art crawl. Candy Shop Tattoo and Bliss Salon both lend their locations to the event. Tattooing and hairstyling can both be described as artistic expression, but neither shop will be doing business as usual on these nights. These businesses see the increased flow of traffic in the area as an opportunity to win new customers who may not have known that they existed. More than a dozen businesses have been a part of the previous showings.
“There’s not a lot to bring people downtown except drinking,” Missouri Western senior Becky Dew said.

Dew, who is employed as a cocktail waitress at Fosters, also displays work at the art crawl. She is excited to see downtown have another drawing card outside of alcohol.

Fosters Martini Bar owner Nathan Karr reported having one of the best nights since opening on a First Friday’s night. Foster’s has hosted artists every night thus far.

Perhaps the best word to describe First Fridays Art Crawl is eclectic. Any genre of artwork or expression is welcome. No limits have been set as to what or who can be involved. If the community continues to support the event both Simonis and Kerner expect that it will grow.

“I can see it greatly expanding,” Simonis said when asked about goals. New artists have contacted her and she feels like that is a good sign. Simonis also hopes to get more musicians involved.

Artists and musicians interested in being part of the art crawl should contact Cheryl Simonis at stjoeartcrawl@yahoo.com.

As the name may infer, every first Friday of the month the art crawl will take place. March 6th is the next chance to come join in the admission free fun.

Baska’s decision to attend Western means he will soon be sharing facilities with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs’ decision to move their pre-season training camp to Missouri Western in 2010 is already serving as a drawing card for Western.

Measuring the exact impact of having a NFL training camp on campus is hard to do. With admission numbers already on the rise and other new facilities and programs underway, differentiating reasons for growth in admissions requires a large scope approach. One thing is certain. Western can expect to grow, and this growth could potentially require other changes at Western.

“Recreation facilities impress students,” Williams said. “The Max Experience was passed based on the belief that facilities and positive athletic experiences will draw more students to campus.”

All students currently pay Max Experience fees to help ensure these positive experiences. Plans for the NFL facilities are above and beyond the improvements that the Max Experience funds alone would have made possible. Costs for the new facilities are estimated at $13.7 million with only $1.2 million coming from Max Experience funding.

“It is a fact, that Missouri Western will be in more papers, and more media outlets, and more websites because of the Chiefs, than without the Chiefs,” Missouri Western Athletic Director Dave Williams said.

This increase of media is just one of the ways that Western will be positively affected by the NFL camp and facilities.

“If Missouri Western has facilities to entertain the Chiefs, it certainly can entertain other athletes,” College and Career Advisor at Central High School Alicia Saunders said. “Students will find it more attractive.”

Much like the change from a state school to a university, Saunders feels that having these new facilities will increase the number of high school students considering Western. Imagine having your college visit day while the Chiefs are on campus. This could certainly make for a memorable visit.

“We’ve moved away from calling this a Chiefs facility on purpose. This is Missouri Western’s facility that the Chiefs will use three weeks a year…and they are guests when they are here. It’s not just an athletic facility, or a Chiefs facility, it’s a student facility,” Williams said. Students will be able to enjoy having an indoor area for intramural sports and other activities.
When students are feeling cooped up in the dorms during winter months they will have an indoor area to enjoy. He explained that other universities limit the use indoor practice fields to athletic programs.

“You get to practice on the same field and the big guys, your idols,” Fort Osage senior Dalton Krysa said in an interview with the Kansas City Star after signing his letter of intent to play football at Western. Krysa’s decision to play at Western next season shows how the preseason camp and new facilities may be helpful in recruiting in the future.

“Those 23 days that they are here on campus we and the Western Institute will be working together to make sure people are greeted as they come in,” Director of Admissions Howard McCauley said. “It’s an opportunity to get information into people’s hand.” McCauley explained that Western will have many new faces at Western during the Chiefs stay on campus. He assured that Western will not miss chance to talk to any perspective students.

Western’s enrollment numbers have seen steady growth in past years. Growth expected in upcoming years will affect a number of things. Parking, class size, and dorm availability will certainly be affected. Williams assured that administration is aware of the potential problems of growth, and is discussing long term needs.