• Format
  • Publications (documents)
• Type
  • Text
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_2013-11-01_Vol79_No04_A03

November 1, 2013 THE WESTERN CAROLINIAN Staff Reports Recently, The Western Carolinian experienced several changes in staff. In order to acquire stability with the news- paper, the new staff acquirements are mostly younger students. Maegan Hoth was hired as the News Editor. When former Manag- ing Editor Tyler Auff- hamer stepped down in September, Laura Odom took over as his replace- ment. In order to lessen her work load, Editor-in- Chief Lex Menz brought a News Editor on board. When Laura stepped up, I wanted to make sure she didnt become overwhelmed, especially because shes never held a section editor posi- tion, said Menz. Hiring Maegan does not mean I feel that Laura cannot handle her job or becom- ing Editor-in-Chief in any manner, But, I didnt want her to step down because it was too much at one time. I didnt want her to leave, too. Hoth was born in Long Island, N.Y. and moved to Statesville after eight years. She studies biol- ogy with a psychology minor. After graduating from Western Carolina University, Hoth aspires to apply to medical school and pursue a career in pathology. Thad experience with journalism and the news- paper in my high school before coming to col- lege, said Hoth. I didnt expect to get involved in the newspaper in college, but when the opportunity came up, I couldnt resist _ trying to get involved again. The job has been ~ a fun experience, said Hoth. Ive enjoyed the different interviews Ive conducted with people, and The Western Caro- linian staffis great and fun to be around. Plus, I needed a job. Menz and Odom believe her personality and at- titude fit with the rest of the staffs teamwork and goals. Odom stated, Working with Maegan is great. She is bright and brings an enthusiasm that is catch- ing. Shes already made a connection with staff members, including my- self, said Menz. Many of our staff members are English majors because of our faculty adviser Dr. Brent Kinser. Maegan came to the newspaper on her own because she en- joys the work and wanted to be a part of the team. Menz added that the English majors gain vital related experience to put on their resumes, but other majors can benefit from it as well. Maegan can add to her resume that she worked in a different field not quite related to her career, but it makes her stand out. It shows that shes managed a small staff of the News writers underneath her and that shes gained valuable writing skills, which are important in any field these days, said Menz. Tm excited to have dif- ferent majors on board. We have English, commu- nications, entrepreneur- ship, computer science, political science, art and environmental science majors with minors in religion, photography, creative writing, math- ematics and psychology. The Western Carolin- ian brought a non-aca- demic intern on board. NEWS Newspaper strengthens staff with new hires Jovahnna Jojo Graves is a junior study- ing as an English- pro- fessional writing major. She has been a part of Boys Scouts since she was eight-years-old. She also possesses a boat- ing license, which she acquired before she could drive a car. The first time I of- ficially met Jojo, she bounced into my office with incredible enthu- siasm and spunk, said Menz. I instantly knew that shed be a perfect addition to the newspa- per, someone who would bring incredible energy to the staff and the paper itself. I havent been dis- appointed. Graves asked to begin an internship without academic credit or pay. Menz said that she took Graves with her to an interview with Dr. Sam Miller, vice chancellor of student affairs. Graves not only took copious notes during the inter- view but asked impor- tant questions related to the article. She has also participated in what the staff calls Design Weekend, a long couple of days of using InDesign CS6 to put the newspaper together. T wanted experience in something differ- ent, said Graves about coming to The Western Carolinian. How can I possibly know what I love if I never try anything? Originally from Fres- no, Calif., Graves enjoys Cullowhee somewhat. She wishes the little town were closer to a city but enjoys walking around the hilly campus. Graves added about her experience so far, I find it most interesting when Imeet new people, and I love how diverse the staff is? Jojo has an enthusi- asm, said Odom, and passion for learning that seeps into the lives of those around her. She creates a bubbling atmo- sphere that makes work easier. _ According to Menz, Graves will succeed not only at the newspaper but in several other areas of her college career. With that level of enthusiasm, said Menz, how could she not grow and develop into a wonderful student and wonderful employee at whatever future job she pursues. Joseph Joe Cobb came on board as dis- tributor later than other hires. He interviewed along with another can- didate, and he was hired after the distribution of Issue 8. T havent had the chance to work with him yet, said Menz, at the time of this interview. However, I could tell he possesses a strong work ethic based on the interview me and Laura conducted. Cobb is a junior politi- cal science major from Henderson. He enjoys the atmosphere of Cullowhee with its mountain air and its small town characteristics. T wanted to work on campus, and I want to support journalism on campus, said Cobb about his new job. Menz said, The dis- tributor position is a fun job, I believe. Ive done it several times, particu- larly this year. Its fun when you have someone with you. Other staff members will volunteer along with me, and we - have a fun time running around, seeing campus and cracking jokes all the way through. Joe will learn a lot about campus, and hell meet sweet com- munity members as he makes his rounds. T hope to continue to distribute with him on certain weekends, said Menz, so hes not experi- encing what I did over the 2012 summer of parking, getting out, grabbing newspapers, walking to the distribution locations, coming back, turning on the car, and so on and so forth. It gets a bit tedious. I will certainly join him on his first distribution to show him the locations and how many bundles go where. Cobb is excited to begin working on Nov. 1. T hope to gain even more interaction skills. I believe one could always use more experience dealing with the public, said Cobb. Unfortunately, The Western Carolinian has also lost additional writ- ers and gained another empty position. Sports Editor Ryan Mi- chaud stepped down from his position to become a sports writer. He won a shared award with fellow sports writer Allison Adkins for Best Sports Article 2013 SoCon Tournament. So far, the position is empty with no plans to fill it until Janu- ary. Tm relieved that Ryan didnt leave the paper completely, said Menz. Hes full of new ideas, and he adds depth to our weak Sports section. Ill admit that, if m going to be completely honest. But, we're fixing it with more game coverage.. Odom said, Although A3 Ryan stepped down from the Sports Editor position, we are looking forward to keeping him on the staff as a writer. Staff writer Katie Marshall and contribut- ing writer Haley Smith decided to leave the paper entirely. Marshall worked on large features articles and in the News section. At the end of the 2012- 2013 school year, she won Best Newcomer, Best Features Article and Best Campus Life Article. Tt is sad to see Katie go, said Odom. She was a wonderful writer who always had a smile for her coworkers. We will miss her, and we know that she will excel in any- thing she chooses to do. T will miss Katie. I wish she could stay, but as always, education comes first, said Menz. As our staff begins their upper level classes, home- work is more stressful and takes up more time. Its hard to balance. I'll never be disappointed or angry at a staff member who leaves because they want to put more time into their schoolwork or even their social lives. Its student employment. It shouldnt take up all their time during their college career. Smith worked at The Western Carolinian for a short time, but she also wrote large articles like ' T need what? A look at Liberal Studies. Haley also expe- | rienced difficulty in balancing schoolwork, said Menz. I hope she succeeds at every aspect of her college career. She was a wonderful writer, and I hope she continues to pursue that in one way or another. Police Blotter: WCU Police Daily Activities Reports Compiled by Lex Menz Editor-in-Chief October 9: Vandalism and burglary, Scott Hall A male student reported when he returned to his room that there were personal items broken and several small things missing. October 10: Public service, Scott Hall Of- ficers were alerted of a bear in the tree next to Scott dorm. Wildlife was notified but said they did not respond to these calls but for an officer to main- tain crowd control until the bear could leave. The bear left after about two hours. * October 11: Trash can fire Officers and Facilities workers ex- tinguished a smoldering concrete trash can fire just outside Killian and OneStop Annex. October 13: Suspi- cious person Officers located a male inside a dorm attempting to sell magazines. The non- student male and two non-student females who came to pick him up were all issued 1 year/lifetime trespass ban covering all of campus. October 13: Drug violation, Buchanan Hall A male student was issued a DSCE referral for simple possession of marijuana and posses- sion of drug parapherna- lia. October 14: Hit/run traffic crash, Memorial Drive Following an in- vestigation into a hit and run with vehicle dam- age, a female student was issued a state citation for an unsafe movement and for failure to stop at the scene of the crash. October:14: Dispute A female student report- ed a dispute with another female student. No police action wanted at this time. October 15: Hit and run Upon investigating of a hit and run that sup- Incidents from posedly happened in the fieldhouse lot, it was de- termined the report was false. The female student was referred to DSCE for filing a false report, and the report was unfound- ed. * October 15: Traffic violations and serve out- standing warrant, For- rest Hills Rd. A male student was issued a state citation for speeding and no operators license. He was also arrested on out- standing fail to appear warrant from Jackson County. October 15: Vandal- ism, Scott Hall It was reported a male student broke the glass out of a fire extinguisher door. Investigation continues. * October 17: Investi- gation follow-up, arrest ~ Officers took custody of a male student from a Tennessee jail and trans- ported him back to N.C. He was served with ar- rest warrants for: B&E to a motor vehicle; possess- ing a stolen vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle ie: a campus bus. He is currently being held in the Jackson County jail under a $20,000 secured bond. October 17: Burglar alarm activation A bur- glar alarm was activated in a special section of Hunter Library. Officers and library personnel checked the area, but no cause for the activation was located. October 17: Third party report, possible assault The PD received a third party report ofa possible assault occur- ring last Monday. Upon locating the female stu- dent, it was determined to have possibly been a simple assault that hap- pened off campus. The incident was referred to Sylva Police Department. October 17: Fight in progress, Forrest Hills/ Presbyterian Church parking lot Officers responded to a physical fight in progress in the Presbyterian Church area. Two male students were located still ina verbal altercation and admitted the argument had been physical. Both received DSCE referrals for simple affray. * October 18: Suspicious males Officers respond- ed to areport at Balsam/ Blue Ridge courtyard of two males carrying rifle cases. Each case contained wooden cadet practice rifles. October 19: Assault/ Sexual battery - A female student reported assault on a female and sexual battery in Walker Hall. Report under investiga- tion. October 19: Drug & alcohol violations Throughout the day, officers issued five DSCE referrals for underage alcohol consumption in Walker parking lot and Scott Hall. Also, officers issued two DSCE refer- rals for possession of marijuana in Walker ag lot and Reynolds all. October 19: Fire alarm Cullowhee Fire Department and WCU officers responded to a fire alarm activation at Balsam Hall. It was determined to have been activated by burnt food in a kitchen area. October 20: Larceny of phone A student reported his cell phone had been lost or stolen. Investigation revealed the phone had possibly been left on top of a ve- hicle and fallen onto the roadway at an off-campus location where a male student found it. He hada charger so he was charg- ing it to try to locate the owner. Phone returned, and larceny unfounded. * October 20: Fall in stairwell A male non- student appeared to have fallen on the stairway of Balsam Hall. EMS20 and WestCare ambulance both responded. * October 23: Pos- sible overdose - Officers responded to a possible overdose of medication at Walker Hall. WestCare ambulance transported the female student to MedWest for evaluation. WCU students shave heads for cancer Rachael Hedden Contributing Writer Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes. Be- fore they turn 20, about 1 in 300 boys and 1 in 333 girls will have cancer, according to the research done by the St. Baldricks Foundation. These statistics were just too much to handle for three WCU students. McKayleigh Wagoner of Raleigh, Ashley Zawilia of Matthews and Ken- dal Hyatt, also from Matthews, are Western Carolina University stu- dents who have teamed up together along with Allen Richie of Fayette- ville, to help put an end to childhood cancer. They call themselves Team Catamount, and they are ready to fight back. The goal, said Wag- oner, is for their team to raise as much money as they can and then go to an event and shave their heads in a visible support to those children who suffer from cancer. Hyatt stated, The original goal was to try and reach $1,000 but as of Tuesday, October 22, Team Catamount has more than doubled their goal and has raised a total of $2,195 together. Angie Bell, lieuten- ant with Asheville fire department and local event organizer, speaks up against childhood cancer and is adamant in the cause. She said, It blows my mind that childrens cancer receives next to nothing. No special newspaper sections, no football teams dressing in all gold, the color of childrens cancer aware- ness. The lack of atten- tion translates into a serious lack of funding. Breast cancer research receives 11 times the funding of the most com- mon type of childhood cancer. Both diseases are devastating, and the research is extremely important. But, thats an inexplicable imbalance. In addition to Team Catamount, Bell is proud to say that .. There is also an eight-year-old boy who will be shaving his head for the St. Baldricks event. His school is hav- ing an inter-class com- petition to see who can raise the most money. The winning class will get a $100 gift card from Target to spend on school supplies. Bell specified, This is an annual event that Asheville firefighters organize to honor Paxten Mitchell, a small boy who died five years ago, before he could celebrate his fourth birthday. Pax- ten was the son of Rob Mitchell, an Asheville firefighter. Bell explained, In Asheville and Hender- son County alone in the last five years, the first responder brotherhood lost three children, ages three to 12, to cancer. It is a disease that has to be stopped and helping raise awareness is the first step. The event was held at Wild Wing Cafe in Ashe- ville on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As of Oct. 23rd, 45 people were registered to shave their heads. In 2012, they raised nearly $12,000 and had 65 participants shave their heads. For information on how you can donate to the cause, please see the St. Baldricks Foundation website at www.stbal- dricks.org or the local events Facebook page named Western North Carolina 2013 St. Bal- dricks Event.

The Western Carolinian is Western Carolina University's student-run newspaper. The paper was published as the Cullowhee Yodel from 1924 to 1931 before changing its name to The Western Carolinian in 1933.

• Creator
  • Western Carolina University
• Format
  • Publications (documents)
  • Text
• Type
  • Text
• Date
  • Date original: 2013-11-01
• Extent
  • Dimension: 22.75" x 11.5"
  • Pages: 12
• Subject - Topic
  • College student newspapers and periodicals
  • Cullowhee (N.C.) -- Newspapers
  • Universities and colleges -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee -- Newspapers
  • Western Carolina University -- Periodicals
• Location
  • Jackson County (N.C.)
  • Cullowhee (N.C.)
• Source institution
  • Western Carolina University
• Source Collection
  • WCU Students Newspapers Collection
• Identifier
  • HL_WesternCarolinian_2013-11-01_Vol79_No04
• Repository
  • Western Carolina University Hunter Library