BY JEREMY VIMISLIK: Copy Editor
Yesterday morning, at approximately 3:15 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in front of the Student Union and Recreation Center, in parking lot I-15, to the Central Washington University police department. Police said when officers arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue (KVFR) arrived and extinguished the blaze, police said. The student-owned vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet sedan, was impounded and is a total loss, with an estimated $12,000 in damage. Two vehicles surrounding the burned car sustained damage totaling approximately $15,000. A joint investigation is being conducted between the CWU police department and the KVFR Fire Marshall. According to police, arson is suspected as the cause for the fire.
At this time, there are no suspects. Police are encouraging witnesses to contact Central’s Police Captain Mike Luvera with any details they may have. Campus police can be reached at (509) 963-2959, or e-mail luveram@cwu.edu.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
National Student Exchange offers affordable abroad alternative
BY ALYSSA SCHULTZ: Staff Reporter
When studying abroad isn’t an option, Central students have another choice. The National Student Exchange (NSE) program is an affordable option that gives students the chance to experience something different.
The NSE program specializes in sending college students across the country with over 200 universities to choose from. Students can also exchange outside of the continental United States to Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
“It is a unique challenge for students,” said Ray Bates, NSE coordinator. “It allows them to try something new. Maybe take courses that we don’t offer here at Central.”
NSE is a unique program because students pay either in-state tuition at Central or in-state tuition at their exchange university, depending on the school chosen. Because students are able to use most forms of financial aid, NSE is a more affordable option apart from studying abroad.
“[Studying abroad] is such a culture shock and it’s scary,” said Maggie Sniadach, senior advertising and public relations major. “I think it’s more scary than coming here [or] to another state because then you have the comfort of the U.S.”
Maggie Sniadach is from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, but has been at Central since September. She is on exchange for a full year.
This year, a total of four Central students are currently on exchange to Tennessee, New York, Nevada and Maryland. The most common destinations for Central students are California, Hawaii and New England.
Although next year’s numbers are expected to be around 12 to 15 students, a great improvement from previous years, the study abroad and exchange programs department is hoping for at least 20 students per year, according to Bates.
“I think [exchanging] is a useful skill while you’re in college,” Bates said. “To learn to do more things on your own, to become a little bit more independent, to try new things, but also to encounter and learn how to deal with new challenges.”
According to Sniadach, Central is about the same size as her home university, but the class atmosphere is not as harsh and Central’s teachers are not as strict.
“I love [Ellensburg], it’s fun,” Sniadach said. “It’s just a fun little college town, the classes are good [and] I like my teachers a lot.”
Amanda Laudenbach, junior economics major from the University of Minnesota, is also currently at Central for a year-long exchange through NSE.
“It’s a really good program and it’s worth the time to do it,” Laudenbach said. “I definitely think I am improving and expanding my resume by being out here. It shows that I can be in a different environment than just Minnesota.”
Coming from a school of 40,000 students and a campus that has its own zip code, Laudenbach has had to adjust to the big change of Ellensburg.
“I think you should see your country and know it pretty well before you go and try to venture around somewhere else,” Laudenbach said. “Putting yourself in a different environment is just as huge as going somewhere abroad.”
If a student’s major is too strict to allow a study abroad experience, NSE can be a more flexible alternative. Students may exchange anywhere from a single quarter to a full year and non-resident and international students can exchange across the U.S. as well.
Currently, Central is hosting seven students from other states: two from California, two from Wisconsin, one from Florida and two from Minnesota.
“I think if you make a connection with your new friends and your new environment, that could make [the exchange] a lot easier,” Laudenbach said.
Despite feelings of homesickness, both Sniadach and Laudenbach believe that a national exchange is worth the experience. Although most students do their national exchange as sophomores or juniors, freshmen and seniors are just as welcome.
“I think it makes you grow up a little bit in [a] sense, it puts you out of your comfort zone and makes you meet new people. It builds your confidence,” Sniadach said. “It’s a good opportunity that everyone should know about at least.”
The application deadline for an NSE exchange next year is Feb. 19.
For more information contact Ray Bates at batesr@cwu.edu or visit the NSE website at www.nse.org.
When studying abroad isn’t an option, Central students have another choice. The National Student Exchange (NSE) program is an affordable option that gives students the chance to experience something different.
The NSE program specializes in sending college students across the country with over 200 universities to choose from. Students can also exchange outside of the continental United States to Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.
“It is a unique challenge for students,” said Ray Bates, NSE coordinator. “It allows them to try something new. Maybe take courses that we don’t offer here at Central.”
NSE is a unique program because students pay either in-state tuition at Central or in-state tuition at their exchange university, depending on the school chosen. Because students are able to use most forms of financial aid, NSE is a more affordable option apart from studying abroad.
“[Studying abroad] is such a culture shock and it’s scary,” said Maggie Sniadach, senior advertising and public relations major. “I think it’s more scary than coming here [or] to another state because then you have the comfort of the U.S.”
Maggie Sniadach is from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, but has been at Central since September. She is on exchange for a full year.
This year, a total of four Central students are currently on exchange to Tennessee, New York, Nevada and Maryland. The most common destinations for Central students are California, Hawaii and New England.
Although next year’s numbers are expected to be around 12 to 15 students, a great improvement from previous years, the study abroad and exchange programs department is hoping for at least 20 students per year, according to Bates.
“I think [exchanging] is a useful skill while you’re in college,” Bates said. “To learn to do more things on your own, to become a little bit more independent, to try new things, but also to encounter and learn how to deal with new challenges.”
According to Sniadach, Central is about the same size as her home university, but the class atmosphere is not as harsh and Central’s teachers are not as strict.
“I love [Ellensburg], it’s fun,” Sniadach said. “It’s just a fun little college town, the classes are good [and] I like my teachers a lot.”
Amanda Laudenbach, junior economics major from the University of Minnesota, is also currently at Central for a year-long exchange through NSE.
“It’s a really good program and it’s worth the time to do it,” Laudenbach said. “I definitely think I am improving and expanding my resume by being out here. It shows that I can be in a different environment than just Minnesota.”
Coming from a school of 40,000 students and a campus that has its own zip code, Laudenbach has had to adjust to the big change of Ellensburg.
“I think you should see your country and know it pretty well before you go and try to venture around somewhere else,” Laudenbach said. “Putting yourself in a different environment is just as huge as going somewhere abroad.”
If a student’s major is too strict to allow a study abroad experience, NSE can be a more flexible alternative. Students may exchange anywhere from a single quarter to a full year and non-resident and international students can exchange across the U.S. as well.
Currently, Central is hosting seven students from other states: two from California, two from Wisconsin, one from Florida and two from Minnesota.
“I think if you make a connection with your new friends and your new environment, that could make [the exchange] a lot easier,” Laudenbach said.
Despite feelings of homesickness, both Sniadach and Laudenbach believe that a national exchange is worth the experience. Although most students do their national exchange as sophomores or juniors, freshmen and seniors are just as welcome.
“I think it makes you grow up a little bit in [a] sense, it puts you out of your comfort zone and makes you meet new people. It builds your confidence,” Sniadach said. “It’s a good opportunity that everyone should know about at least.”
The application deadline for an NSE exchange next year is Feb. 19.
For more information contact Ray Bates at batesr@cwu.edu or visit the NSE website at www.nse.org.
Anthony “AP” Peterson: Inspired student and BOD member fights for student’s rights
BY KELLY REQUA: Staff Reporter
Last Friday, speakers blasted music into the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC), catching the noon lunch crowd off guard. Slowly, students began to dance in the open spaces between tables, creating traffic as others paused to see what was going on. The music shut off and a student in a Yankees hat and black T-shirt stood above the railing, shouting into a megaphone, rallying students to walk out of class on Friday. Students clapped and cheered as the dancers melted back into the crowd.
Anthony Peterson lowered the megaphone to his side and let out a breath of air. Flash mob number one complete.
Peterson, senior sociology and law and justice major, is the vice president of Student Life and Facilities on the Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD).
Peterson has been a key player in organizing the flash mobs and the upcoming student rally against budget cuts in Olympia on Feb. 15. A 22-year-old transfer student from Eastern Washington University, Anthony, or “AP” as his friends call him, has been more involved on campus in his one year here than most students are in four full years.
Peterson has been an intramural referee, worked at the Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center, held a leadership role in the Black Student Union (BSU), is involved in the Washington Student Association and the United States Student Association, and is now a member of the ASCWU-BOD.
Recently, Peterson has been working to organize the student walk out and rally to protest budget cuts that could lead to tuition increases. Peterson is passionate about empowering students to voice their opinion and he wants to make sure students do so before it’s too late.
“I hope to just create change and get students aware of their power as students, making sure they know their voice is needed and that it can be and it should be heard,” Peterson said. “If we experience budget cuts, it means tuition is probably going to go up, unfortunately last year we were a little late so we’re trying to nip it in the bud.”
Roxann Smith, senior public health major, worked with Peterson in the BSU and sees him as a leader.
“He’s all about making action happen but not overstepping it,” Smith said. “He’s a risk taker; I mean he helped start this lobby stuff going.”
Before transferring to Central in 2008, and becoming a student leader, Peterson attended Eastern Washington University where he played on the football team. At Eastern, Peterson became a member of the Omega Psi Phi, a prominent African American fraternity. He took a quarter off from school to return home to Tacoma to work before transferring to Central. Peterson came to Central to play football. He made it to camp, but injured his knee in training, ending his football career.
Upon arriving at Central, Peterson attended a BSU meeting and found the organization had of room for growth.
“I put in my two cents, and in the following year I was elected to BSU co-president,” Peterson said.
Double majoring in sociology and law and justice, Peterson hopes to use his education in the future to empower and help others.
“I just try to push myself in everything and know that I’m doing it hopefully to serve a higher purpose and really to make this campus more inclusive and diverse,” Peterson said.
While employed at the Civic Engagement Center last year, Peterson considered running for VP of student life and facilities, but decided not to so he could focus on his work at the engagement center. When the former VP of student life and facilities unexpectedly resigned last quarter, Peterson decided to submit his application.
“I already knew some current information and I did my research previously so I decided I might as well apply for the position because I had originally wanted to run for it anyway,” Peterson said.
As a member of the McNair Scholars program, Peterson plans to pursue a graduate degree in sociology and hopefully a doctorate degree as well.
Andre Dickerson, junior chemistry and biology major, is also a McNair scholar and admires Peterson for his ambitious personality.
“He’s a strong black intellect,” Dickerson said. “I’m happy to have him as a peer and to see him serving as a role model. [There’s] so many social stigmas, especially for the African [American] male. He’s a big contradiction to so many stereotypes.”
Peterson attributes his success and involvement to the mentoring he has received from various faculty members.
“My advisers and my professors have really made a difference in my life,” Peterson said. “When I first came here I wasn’t really ‘on course’ but [they] really had a big impact on the direction that I’m heading.”
Last Friday, speakers blasted music into the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC), catching the noon lunch crowd off guard. Slowly, students began to dance in the open spaces between tables, creating traffic as others paused to see what was going on. The music shut off and a student in a Yankees hat and black T-shirt stood above the railing, shouting into a megaphone, rallying students to walk out of class on Friday. Students clapped and cheered as the dancers melted back into the crowd.
Anthony Peterson lowered the megaphone to his side and let out a breath of air. Flash mob number one complete.
Peterson, senior sociology and law and justice major, is the vice president of Student Life and Facilities on the Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD).
Peterson has been a key player in organizing the flash mobs and the upcoming student rally against budget cuts in Olympia on Feb. 15. A 22-year-old transfer student from Eastern Washington University, Anthony, or “AP” as his friends call him, has been more involved on campus in his one year here than most students are in four full years.
Peterson has been an intramural referee, worked at the Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center, held a leadership role in the Black Student Union (BSU), is involved in the Washington Student Association and the United States Student Association, and is now a member of the ASCWU-BOD.
Recently, Peterson has been working to organize the student walk out and rally to protest budget cuts that could lead to tuition increases. Peterson is passionate about empowering students to voice their opinion and he wants to make sure students do so before it’s too late.
“I hope to just create change and get students aware of their power as students, making sure they know their voice is needed and that it can be and it should be heard,” Peterson said. “If we experience budget cuts, it means tuition is probably going to go up, unfortunately last year we were a little late so we’re trying to nip it in the bud.”
Roxann Smith, senior public health major, worked with Peterson in the BSU and sees him as a leader.
“He’s all about making action happen but not overstepping it,” Smith said. “He’s a risk taker; I mean he helped start this lobby stuff going.”
Before transferring to Central in 2008, and becoming a student leader, Peterson attended Eastern Washington University where he played on the football team. At Eastern, Peterson became a member of the Omega Psi Phi, a prominent African American fraternity. He took a quarter off from school to return home to Tacoma to work before transferring to Central. Peterson came to Central to play football. He made it to camp, but injured his knee in training, ending his football career.
Upon arriving at Central, Peterson attended a BSU meeting and found the organization had of room for growth.
“I put in my two cents, and in the following year I was elected to BSU co-president,” Peterson said.
Double majoring in sociology and law and justice, Peterson hopes to use his education in the future to empower and help others.
“I just try to push myself in everything and know that I’m doing it hopefully to serve a higher purpose and really to make this campus more inclusive and diverse,” Peterson said.
While employed at the Civic Engagement Center last year, Peterson considered running for VP of student life and facilities, but decided not to so he could focus on his work at the engagement center. When the former VP of student life and facilities unexpectedly resigned last quarter, Peterson decided to submit his application.
“I already knew some current information and I did my research previously so I decided I might as well apply for the position because I had originally wanted to run for it anyway,” Peterson said.
As a member of the McNair Scholars program, Peterson plans to pursue a graduate degree in sociology and hopefully a doctorate degree as well.
Andre Dickerson, junior chemistry and biology major, is also a McNair scholar and admires Peterson for his ambitious personality.
“He’s a strong black intellect,” Dickerson said. “I’m happy to have him as a peer and to see him serving as a role model. [There’s] so many social stigmas, especially for the African [American] male. He’s a big contradiction to so many stereotypes.”
Peterson attributes his success and involvement to the mentoring he has received from various faculty members.
“My advisers and my professors have really made a difference in my life,” Peterson said. “When I first came here I wasn’t really ‘on course’ but [they] really had a big impact on the direction that I’m heading.”
Random Acts of Kindness spreads joy
BY BRYAN BRICKWEG: Staff Reporter
Every year, during the week of President’s Day, acts of kindness come to Central Washington University. A free coffee at D&M, care packages for troops overseas or a simple high-five are all gestures carried out through Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week aimed at promoting the kindness and civility in everyday life.
The Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center (CEC) will be organizing the event with the help of students, faculty, and members of the community. The event is nationally recognized and carried out at universities across the nation.
“Random Acts of Kindness week allows students to immerse themselves in projects on and off campus,” said Shiloh Frauen, CEC academic service-learning fellow and senior fashion and merchandising major. “Small acts will influence students and community members to consider the meaning of civility on a larger scale.”
This year the CEC will be performing more acts of kindness than in previous years in hopes of creating the most festive RAK week yet.
The CEC also hopes that lessons learned during the week will carry on further in life.
Students “can be inspired to do this on their own time,” said Katie Johnson service-learning fellow, junior elementary education major.
Many new events have been added to the week, including spontaneous free meals and drinks at both The Palace Cafe and D&M Coffee. Both companies will be handing these out at random to customers throughout the week.
Students may be surprised when a RAK volunteer tries to give them a random hug or high-five during the week.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Nick Ringbom, junior business management major. “It’s a great way to show people that there are some nice people in the world.”
Students will have the opportunity to do kind acts of their own, such as picking up the tab or holding the door open for someone.
“I participate in it throughout the week,” Ringbom said. “Normally I pay for the person behind me at Starbucks, or even a simple smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day works.”
According to Johnson, the CEC will be utilizing the university 109 class, which is solely dedicated to the introduction of civic engagement. The students will be helping with all aspects of the week and will have specific roles in events.
The class mostly consists of freshmen, but is available for all students at Central.
Among the most popular activities is where students fill out little cards that have kind notes in them for others. Students can find these in many of the halls around campus, including the Student Union Recreation Center.
Throughout the week, the CEC will also be assisting the Armed Forces in gathering care packages for the troops overseas.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Random Acts of Kindness Week contact the Civic Engagement Center at 509-963-1643 or takeaction@cwu.edu.
Every year, during the week of President’s Day, acts of kindness come to Central Washington University. A free coffee at D&M, care packages for troops overseas or a simple high-five are all gestures carried out through Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week aimed at promoting the kindness and civility in everyday life.
The Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center (CEC) will be organizing the event with the help of students, faculty, and members of the community. The event is nationally recognized and carried out at universities across the nation.
“Random Acts of Kindness week allows students to immerse themselves in projects on and off campus,” said Shiloh Frauen, CEC academic service-learning fellow and senior fashion and merchandising major. “Small acts will influence students and community members to consider the meaning of civility on a larger scale.”
This year the CEC will be performing more acts of kindness than in previous years in hopes of creating the most festive RAK week yet.
The CEC also hopes that lessons learned during the week will carry on further in life.
Students “can be inspired to do this on their own time,” said Katie Johnson service-learning fellow, junior elementary education major.
Many new events have been added to the week, including spontaneous free meals and drinks at both The Palace Cafe and D&M Coffee. Both companies will be handing these out at random to customers throughout the week.
Students may be surprised when a RAK volunteer tries to give them a random hug or high-five during the week.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Nick Ringbom, junior business management major. “It’s a great way to show people that there are some nice people in the world.”
Students will have the opportunity to do kind acts of their own, such as picking up the tab or holding the door open for someone.
“I participate in it throughout the week,” Ringbom said. “Normally I pay for the person behind me at Starbucks, or even a simple smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day works.”
According to Johnson, the CEC will be utilizing the university 109 class, which is solely dedicated to the introduction of civic engagement. The students will be helping with all aspects of the week and will have specific roles in events.
The class mostly consists of freshmen, but is available for all students at Central.
Among the most popular activities is where students fill out little cards that have kind notes in them for others. Students can find these in many of the halls around campus, including the Student Union Recreation Center.
Throughout the week, the CEC will also be assisting the Armed Forces in gathering care packages for the troops overseas.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Random Acts of Kindness Week contact the Civic Engagement Center at 509-963-1643 or takeaction@cwu.edu.
Love Glove Club to deliver protection
BY KELSEE DODSON-CARTER: Staff Reporter
Mail isn’t the only thing being delivered to students on Central Washington University’s campus. Lubricant, dental dams, and male and female condoms are all being supplied to students who participate in the Wellness Center’s Wellness Delivers program.
“STIs, STDs and unintended pregnancies are rampant on college campuses,” said Jadie Dahl, junior public health major and Wellness Center employee. “If we can provide [protection for] students, then we’re going to do it.”
The Wellness Delivers program has been on campus for approximately five years and currently has 40 participants. Each quarter, students who live on campus may sign up and tell the Wellness Center what items they want. Students have a variety options to choose from to practice safe sex. The items are then gathered and put into goodie bags by the Wellness Center staff and discreetly delivered to the students.
Recently, many students have been turned away due to the funding shortage.
“I shop around for the best deals on condoms,” Dahl said. “But we do get some donations.”
However, Dahl’s bargain shopping is not enough to provide the services of Wellness Delivers to every participating student, even with donations from Trojan and Lifestyle.
To keep the program running, the Wellness Center is attempting to get the Love Glove Club approved by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD). The club will be open to all students, whether they live on or off campus. Students who become a part of the club will pay $15 per quarter to receive 5 condoms each week and access to condom specials.
The Love Glove Club was recognized by the ASCWU-BOD on Tuesday. Now that the club is approved, they can begin advertising and involving as many people as possible.
The Wellness Center hopes to prevent unprotected sex that can lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
“Permanent STDs are far more scary than a pregnancy, since there are ways to deal with” pregnancy, said Aaron Akimoff, sophomore Russian language major.
Celia Johnson, registered nurse at the student health center, believes students are being more responsible when it comes to sex.
“I think people are more knowledgeable about being sexually responsible,” Johnson said. “Whether or not they put it to practice is up to them.”
Mail isn’t the only thing being delivered to students on Central Washington University’s campus. Lubricant, dental dams, and male and female condoms are all being supplied to students who participate in the Wellness Center’s Wellness Delivers program.
“STIs, STDs and unintended pregnancies are rampant on college campuses,” said Jadie Dahl, junior public health major and Wellness Center employee. “If we can provide [protection for] students, then we’re going to do it.”
The Wellness Delivers program has been on campus for approximately five years and currently has 40 participants. Each quarter, students who live on campus may sign up and tell the Wellness Center what items they want. Students have a variety options to choose from to practice safe sex. The items are then gathered and put into goodie bags by the Wellness Center staff and discreetly delivered to the students.
Recently, many students have been turned away due to the funding shortage.
“I shop around for the best deals on condoms,” Dahl said. “But we do get some donations.”
However, Dahl’s bargain shopping is not enough to provide the services of Wellness Delivers to every participating student, even with donations from Trojan and Lifestyle.
To keep the program running, the Wellness Center is attempting to get the Love Glove Club approved by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD). The club will be open to all students, whether they live on or off campus. Students who become a part of the club will pay $15 per quarter to receive 5 condoms each week and access to condom specials.
The Love Glove Club was recognized by the ASCWU-BOD on Tuesday. Now that the club is approved, they can begin advertising and involving as many people as possible.
The Wellness Center hopes to prevent unprotected sex that can lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
“Permanent STDs are far more scary than a pregnancy, since there are ways to deal with” pregnancy, said Aaron Akimoff, sophomore Russian language major.
Celia Johnson, registered nurse at the student health center, believes students are being more responsible when it comes to sex.
“I think people are more knowledgeable about being sexually responsible,” Johnson said. “Whether or not they put it to practice is up to them.”
Teanaway Solar Reserve: Upper county may go green with largest proposed solar reserve in the world
BY PETE LOS Copy Editor
Teanaway Solar Reserve (TSR) plans to begin construction of a new 400-acre solar park in the spring of 2010 that will bring 75 megawatts of energy to the Cle Elum community and power an estimated 45,000 households, schools and roadways.
Manufacturing and construction of the project and its 400,000 solar panels is estimated to take two to three years according to TSR. The project will bring 225 temporary jobs and 35 permanent positions to Kittitas County, but currently awaits approval of a conditional use permit (CUP). The initial permit was submitted last August, but was delayed due to the county’s demand for more environmental studies on the site’s intended location.
Determining how the project will affect local wildlife populations is also an important factor in approving the permit. Revision of the CUP is expected to be submitted by Feb. 22.
TSR was “going to submit Feb. 2, but they’ve been meeting with national resource agencies through the state as well as county,” said contract planner Anna Nelson, hired by the county to review the CUP and other documents.
TSR’s project proposal includes a solar panel manufacturing plant that would be built in the Cle Elum area. As an engine for economic growth and new jobs, TSR envisions the production of solar panels to continue for state and nationwide distribution after the project, located four miles north of Cle Elum, is completed.
Most of the Cle Elum and Roslyn communities have welcomed TSR, and Cle Elum Mayor, Charles Glondo, supports the proposal and its environmental and economic benefits.
While Glondo said, “I haven’t had any opposition at all,” a group has formed to oppose it.
The Citizens Alliance for a Rural Teanaway (CART), formed by Cle Elum local Jim Brose, is an organization opposing the proposal. CART believes that Cle Elum is not the right choice for the project in that it will cause unnatural erosion to the Teanaway and threaten local wildlife by way of habitat destruction.
“We’re still quite a few months away,” Nelson said. “They’re still in the process of pulling that information together. The environment will determine the impact.”
CART suggests the site be moved into the sage steppes of Kittitas County rather than clearing trees in the Teanaway basin. However, the geographic differences of the two locations make the Teanaway a more ideal site.
“The sage steppe habitat has been identified as a priority conservation [zone] in the state,” said Meagan Walker of strategic communications firm, Strategies 360, which is working with TSR.
The geographic and biological environment of the Kittitas sage steppe is a delicate ecosystem that could easily be destroyed if TSR were to locate the solar plant there. Approval for project construction in such a fragile environment would also be very unlikely. According to Walker, the Teanaway basin was picked because the environment is better suited to fit the project’s needs.
“The project needs sunlight, not heat,” Walker said. “Also, we need to have it very close to transmission lines.”
Optimal sunlight is top priority for TSR, and the Teanaway provides more sunlight, whereas the Kittitas sage steppe produces more heat than sunlight. Excessive heat is not good for the project because it contributes to equipment deterioration. Cle Elum also serves as a better hub for directing solar power by tapping into existing transmission lines - a necessity that would involve more time, construction and environmental damage to the sage steppes of Kittitas.
“The environment is more important than what we want,” said upper Cle Elum resident, Kelsey Amara. “I understand where [CART is] coming from, but [TSR] will probably help the environment more than it will hurt it.”
One of the most common complaints regarding opposition to the project is how unsightly a massive collection of solar panels might be at nearly two miles across. As a result, CART has even constructed a map of the solar installation and all surrounding facilities that will be visible from I-90. However, some residents see the project in a different light.
“It’s not going to be an eyesore,” Amara said. “It’s going to be surrounded by trees. Besides, we should be more concerned about the environment than whether or not [the solar reserve] is going to look pretty.”
The project for the Teanaway Solar Reserve is funded by private investors and is expected to cost between $300 million and $350 million. It is the largest proposal to be introduced to the Northwest, and if completed, will be the largest operating solar reserve in the world.
Teanaway Solar Reserve (TSR) plans to begin construction of a new 400-acre solar park in the spring of 2010 that will bring 75 megawatts of energy to the Cle Elum community and power an estimated 45,000 households, schools and roadways.
Manufacturing and construction of the project and its 400,000 solar panels is estimated to take two to three years according to TSR. The project will bring 225 temporary jobs and 35 permanent positions to Kittitas County, but currently awaits approval of a conditional use permit (CUP). The initial permit was submitted last August, but was delayed due to the county’s demand for more environmental studies on the site’s intended location.
Determining how the project will affect local wildlife populations is also an important factor in approving the permit. Revision of the CUP is expected to be submitted by Feb. 22.
TSR was “going to submit Feb. 2, but they’ve been meeting with national resource agencies through the state as well as county,” said contract planner Anna Nelson, hired by the county to review the CUP and other documents.
TSR’s project proposal includes a solar panel manufacturing plant that would be built in the Cle Elum area. As an engine for economic growth and new jobs, TSR envisions the production of solar panels to continue for state and nationwide distribution after the project, located four miles north of Cle Elum, is completed.
Most of the Cle Elum and Roslyn communities have welcomed TSR, and Cle Elum Mayor, Charles Glondo, supports the proposal and its environmental and economic benefits.
While Glondo said, “I haven’t had any opposition at all,” a group has formed to oppose it.
The Citizens Alliance for a Rural Teanaway (CART), formed by Cle Elum local Jim Brose, is an organization opposing the proposal. CART believes that Cle Elum is not the right choice for the project in that it will cause unnatural erosion to the Teanaway and threaten local wildlife by way of habitat destruction.
“We’re still quite a few months away,” Nelson said. “They’re still in the process of pulling that information together. The environment will determine the impact.”
CART suggests the site be moved into the sage steppes of Kittitas County rather than clearing trees in the Teanaway basin. However, the geographic differences of the two locations make the Teanaway a more ideal site.
“The sage steppe habitat has been identified as a priority conservation [zone] in the state,” said Meagan Walker of strategic communications firm, Strategies 360, which is working with TSR.
The geographic and biological environment of the Kittitas sage steppe is a delicate ecosystem that could easily be destroyed if TSR were to locate the solar plant there. Approval for project construction in such a fragile environment would also be very unlikely. According to Walker, the Teanaway basin was picked because the environment is better suited to fit the project’s needs.
“The project needs sunlight, not heat,” Walker said. “Also, we need to have it very close to transmission lines.”
Optimal sunlight is top priority for TSR, and the Teanaway provides more sunlight, whereas the Kittitas sage steppe produces more heat than sunlight. Excessive heat is not good for the project because it contributes to equipment deterioration. Cle Elum also serves as a better hub for directing solar power by tapping into existing transmission lines - a necessity that would involve more time, construction and environmental damage to the sage steppes of Kittitas.
“The environment is more important than what we want,” said upper Cle Elum resident, Kelsey Amara. “I understand where [CART is] coming from, but [TSR] will probably help the environment more than it will hurt it.”
One of the most common complaints regarding opposition to the project is how unsightly a massive collection of solar panels might be at nearly two miles across. As a result, CART has even constructed a map of the solar installation and all surrounding facilities that will be visible from I-90. However, some residents see the project in a different light.
“It’s not going to be an eyesore,” Amara said. “It’s going to be surrounded by trees. Besides, we should be more concerned about the environment than whether or not [the solar reserve] is going to look pretty.”
The project for the Teanaway Solar Reserve is funded by private investors and is expected to cost between $300 million and $350 million. It is the largest proposal to be introduced to the Northwest, and if completed, will be the largest operating solar reserve in the world.
Students protest tuition hikes: Students speak out, Board of Trustees put faces to the numbers
BY ANTHONY JAMES Sr. News Reporter
Approximately 100 students walked out of class last Friday to protest possible financial aid and budget cuts, coupled with tuition hikes.
At noon, students gathered outside the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). The Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) provided free pizza and blasted protest songs through the loud speakers, including “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy and “Get up, Stand up” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Students such as Alex Cole, junior political science and economics major, also signed up to ride an ASCWU-BOD-sponsored bus to Olympia on Feb. 15 for the annual President’s Day rally. Cole said tuition hikes would impact the quality of his education.
“I won’t be able to take as many classes, and I’ll have to take a second job,” Cole said.
Cole said his grade-point average would be affected and he may have to drop out of school if the costs rise too much.
ASCWU-BOD President Keith James spoke into a bullhorn and urged students to make their voices heard in Olympia.
“Legislators should have to pay for charging us up the wazzu for something that should be a right, not a privilege,” James said.
Chanting slogans and holding signs reading “Fight the hike” and “Voice out against cuts,” students marched to Barge Hall for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting.
About a dozen students made passionate, teary-eyed testimonies about how a second 14 percent tuition increase in as many years, coupled with cuts to financial aid, would affect their finances.
Rebecca Jewell, freshman biology and psychology major, said her middle-class family has been forced into debt and she has had to try to sell her instruments and car to pay for school.
Aryell Adams, sophomore environmental studies and geography major, is a first-generation college student and a volunteer firefighter. Through tears, Adams told the board she will be leaving Central because of increasing costs. Instead, she will attend a school in Kansas on scholarship.
“I don’t want other students to go through what I went through,” Adams said.
Sheila Jones is one of a growing number of non-traditional students. At 53, Jones came to Central looking for a career change after working as a secretary for more than 30 years. The tough economy has cost Jones her job, car and home. She is majoring in sociology and psychology.
“I totally depend on my financial aid and grants,” said Jones, whose oldest child graduated from Central. “It’s an investment not just for you individually, but for society as a whole.”
Chris Goehner, junior political science and psychology major and a student veteran, was accompanied to the trustees meeting by his service dog. Goehner said he has struggled to fund his education with financial aid and the GI Bill, and is concerned about trustees abusing local control privileges.
“As students we’re curious. We want to know: Do we trust you guys or do we not?” Goehner said. “We do read these minutes, we go to these meetings, we do know what’s going on.”
Later in the same meeting, the board approved a resolution giving the president more control to distribute tuition waivers to students in need. The motion passed unanimously.
At the end of the meeting, James summarized the thoughts of the student body:
“There may be no blood in the streets, but there are plenty of tears in this room,” James said.
Central’s Board of Trustees has the option of raising tuition up to 14 percent as approved by the 2009 legislature. That would increase yearly resident tuition by $772 to total $6,289 for the 2010-2011 school year.
In Olympia, Senate Bill 6562 would give university boards of trustees control of tuition increases. According to John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison, the equivalent House bill has died without receiving a committee hearing.
Another bill, Senate Bill 6409, would divert part of the state’s lottery revenues into an account to pay for merit-based scholarships and resurrect the state work-study program. But more than halfway through the 60-day legislative session, these bills will still have to pass through both houses of the legislature.
Approximately 100 students walked out of class last Friday to protest possible financial aid and budget cuts, coupled with tuition hikes.
At noon, students gathered outside the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). The Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) provided free pizza and blasted protest songs through the loud speakers, including “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy and “Get up, Stand up” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Students such as Alex Cole, junior political science and economics major, also signed up to ride an ASCWU-BOD-sponsored bus to Olympia on Feb. 15 for the annual President’s Day rally. Cole said tuition hikes would impact the quality of his education.
“I won’t be able to take as many classes, and I’ll have to take a second job,” Cole said.
Cole said his grade-point average would be affected and he may have to drop out of school if the costs rise too much.
ASCWU-BOD President Keith James spoke into a bullhorn and urged students to make their voices heard in Olympia.
“Legislators should have to pay for charging us up the wazzu for something that should be a right, not a privilege,” James said.
Chanting slogans and holding signs reading “Fight the hike” and “Voice out against cuts,” students marched to Barge Hall for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting.
About a dozen students made passionate, teary-eyed testimonies about how a second 14 percent tuition increase in as many years, coupled with cuts to financial aid, would affect their finances.
Rebecca Jewell, freshman biology and psychology major, said her middle-class family has been forced into debt and she has had to try to sell her instruments and car to pay for school.
Aryell Adams, sophomore environmental studies and geography major, is a first-generation college student and a volunteer firefighter. Through tears, Adams told the board she will be leaving Central because of increasing costs. Instead, she will attend a school in Kansas on scholarship.
“I don’t want other students to go through what I went through,” Adams said.
Sheila Jones is one of a growing number of non-traditional students. At 53, Jones came to Central looking for a career change after working as a secretary for more than 30 years. The tough economy has cost Jones her job, car and home. She is majoring in sociology and psychology.
“I totally depend on my financial aid and grants,” said Jones, whose oldest child graduated from Central. “It’s an investment not just for you individually, but for society as a whole.”
Chris Goehner, junior political science and psychology major and a student veteran, was accompanied to the trustees meeting by his service dog. Goehner said he has struggled to fund his education with financial aid and the GI Bill, and is concerned about trustees abusing local control privileges.
“As students we’re curious. We want to know: Do we trust you guys or do we not?” Goehner said. “We do read these minutes, we go to these meetings, we do know what’s going on.”
Later in the same meeting, the board approved a resolution giving the president more control to distribute tuition waivers to students in need. The motion passed unanimously.
At the end of the meeting, James summarized the thoughts of the student body:
“There may be no blood in the streets, but there are plenty of tears in this room,” James said.
Central’s Board of Trustees has the option of raising tuition up to 14 percent as approved by the 2009 legislature. That would increase yearly resident tuition by $772 to total $6,289 for the 2010-2011 school year.
In Olympia, Senate Bill 6562 would give university boards of trustees control of tuition increases. According to John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison, the equivalent House bill has died without receiving a committee hearing.
Another bill, Senate Bill 6409, would divert part of the state’s lottery revenues into an account to pay for merit-based scholarships and resurrect the state work-study program. But more than halfway through the 60-day legislative session, these bills will still have to pass through both houses of the legislature.
News Brief: Welcome Center sets opening date
On Monday Central Washington University President James Gaudino announced the March 1 soft opening of the newly created CWU Wildcat Welcome Center located west of campus on University Way.
Gaudino said he hopes the new center will be a highly visible information center for visitors, prospective students, alumni and staff. Visitors will be able to pick up campus maps or daily parking permit, check in or arrange a campus tour and purchase tickets for campus events.
The university will be renting the facility for the next five years with the first year’s rent being $2,500 a month in addition to the estimated $150,000 - $200,000 being spent on renovations and signage.
Gaudino hopes the center will increase Central’s accessibility and help to get the word out about the university.
A grand opening celebration is planned for 4 p.m. on April 22.
Gaudino said he hopes the new center will be a highly visible information center for visitors, prospective students, alumni and staff. Visitors will be able to pick up campus maps or daily parking permit, check in or arrange a campus tour and purchase tickets for campus events.
The university will be renting the facility for the next five years with the first year’s rent being $2,500 a month in addition to the estimated $150,000 - $200,000 being spent on renovations and signage.
Gaudino hopes the center will increase Central’s accessibility and help to get the word out about the university.
A grand opening celebration is planned for 4 p.m. on April 22.
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