Marion seeking ideas on Uptown Streetscape
The city of Marion wants your input on the future of its Uptown District; Wednesday night was the first night for meetings in Marion to discuss the future of it.
Nick Bowden, Community Planner and Partner of Community Redesigned, which is working with the city of Marion on their planned updates says they want to broaden the perspective of what uptown is and what it can be.
“This project,” he says, “Is a very detailed look at the uptown core and historic area of the community.”
Bowden says they are looking at any detail that is with in the boundaries of uptown Marion including; traffic, sidewalks, streets, etc. as well as the over all design of the area.
“This is the first critical step in the project,” says Bowden, “we are trying to get a base line of the wants and needs of the people of Marion.”
To do that during Wednesday night’s session Community Redesigned had the approximately 60 people who turned out go to different areas of the uptown district and really look at, turn in their input of what they wanted improved.
The ideas that came back from the walk mainly focused on improvements to the park.
“The park is a wasted area,” Brett Allen who lives on 5th Ave. said, “it only gets used once, maybe twice a month, wasting a lot of money, its such a nice space, we could utilize it a lot better.”
Other community members however noted that the park gets very congested when there is events and suggested expanding it, including Marion resident Dennis Naughten.
Bowden said that the park is one of the biggest assets that Marion has as a community, and is one of the things that they are looking at in possibly making changes.
Craig Adamson a Marion Business owner and Marion City Council member said he found the exercise eye opening. He says he wants to make Marion more user friendly.
Bowden says they want all the community involvement that they can get. Their website; www.planyouruptown.com is now up and running and has already gotten 150 ideas. Bowden encourages people to the website to submit their own ideas on the future of Uptown Marion.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wild at Heart Review
“Wild at Heart” delights audiences
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
LINDSEY COOK/Northern Iowan
"Wild at Heart" is the story of a southern romance gone wrong.
If you missed The Interpreters Theatre performance of “Wild at Heart,” written and directed by the University of Northern Iowa’s very own Paul Siddens professor of communication studies, then you missed a work of genius and a great performance by all.
It all started with the great music, which set the stage for what would be a great show.
On Saturday night, the house was about two-thirds full, which according to Siddens was the smallest audience they had, but possibly the most responsive.
“Wild at Heart” can only be described as a southern romance gone wrong.
The script, written by Siddens, was funny and serious at times, but also very sexual. Each actor embodied his or her character fully. One of the funniest was Linda Marlow as Marietta Pace Fortune, who was great especially when she was playing drunk, and a little crazy.
Lula Fortune, played by Brittney Johanningmeier was not only romantic and a bit on the wild side, but also a scared girl on the run. Chris Priebe’s Sailor Ripley may come off a bit dull at first, but its all part of the characters laid back nature. As the play continues you realize how far he will go for Lula, showing more layers to the character.
The characters of Marietta and Dalceda as played by Shauna McElderry steal every scene that they are in, being extremely funny playing extremely drunk.
Ren Waddell plays the narrator, who also takes on other roles through out the performance, demonstrating her talent by going from accent to accent and character to character in only an instant.
Another great character was Bobby Peru, played by Nik Zaid Hanis, comes off creepy and scary, which he says is how he wanted it.
“I’m only creepy in there, out here I’m a nice guy,” he said after the show.
The script and the performances by the actors is what really make this show memorable. Siddens’ script is superb, the quick writing and scenes make the two hour show fly by in no time at all, keeping the audience engaged at all moments.
The downside of this production was the space. While interpreters’ theatre allows the audience to be closer to the action, it made actor entrances and exits difficult since there was no real back stage. They had to go in and out through the main doors and the side doors, which could be distracting.
The ending may have been a little sad and depressing, but it came off as a work of sheer
genius.
“It was fabulous, very impressed with the acting, and the script was beautifully written, the audience involvement of laughing made it really enjoyable,” Bethany Schwichtenberg said.
Ashveen Sekuran agreed.
“It was disturbingly good, and the actors really embraced their roles, made people uncomfortable in their chairs which made the play even more successful,” she said.
Assistant director Janette Pasker was happy with the production.
“I think it went really well. I’d do it again in a heart beat,” she said.
Hanis playing Bobby Peru agreed.
“I think it went great, everyone was immersed in their characters. Its bittersweet now that it’s over, it’s a lot of fun, not like you can play these characters again,” he said.
Linda Marlow who played Marietta Pace Fortune said she was sad now that it was all over.
“I cried when I had to say goodbye to Lula for the last time. The play went stupendously due to our brilliant audience,” she said.
“It was a great success, we had a great audience each night, great performance for each show,” said Brittney Johanningmeier, who played Lula. “I’m so happy I took the opportunity to do this.”
NISG Supreme Court Article
NISG Supreme Court mitigates confusion between student organizations
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Northern Iowa Student Government Executive Branch has been both a plaintiff and a defendant in cases the NISG Supreme Court has reviewed this year.
Last year, there wasn’t even a recorded meeting of the Northern Iowan Student Government Supreme Court. This year’s court has heard three complaints with two going to trial, according to Andrew Clopton, NISG Chief Justice.
“The Supreme Court, to my knowledge, has not been real active since the ‘80s,” he said.
The Supreme Court resolves disputes within the NISG or any recognized student organizations.
The latest case the court heard was (Adam) Haselhuhn v. (Pernell) Cezar on Oct. 28, with the decision rendered on Nov. 2.
In the case, Haselhuhn, a university at-large senator, brought a complaint against the executive branch for not fulfilling their responsibilities. Haselhuhn brought it to the court because he was concerned that NISG was operating without an election commission at such a late date in the semester. The Election Commission makes sure that elections are done fairly and that no rules are broken.
“NISG has an Election Commission to oversee all elections that take place,” Haselhuhn said. “At the time the case was filed, the Senate was about to have its ninth meeting of the semester. So NISG was functioning without an Election Commission.”
Clopton said the decision of the court was that they agreed that the election commission should have been formed.
“I’m glad we do have an active judicial branch to keep the other two branches in check. In years past, we have had judicial branches that have never been called into action, but it is nice to see that they are extremely prepared when called upon,” Hasulhuhn said.
“The Court recommended that Brandon Neil, the Election Commissioner, resign from his duties and appoint and Interim Commissioner to take over,” he continued. “Finally, the court urged the Senate to revise the Election Rules and make changes to provide more clarity.”
Clopton said these cases have come up this year because there is a lot of confusion over what bylaws in the constitution mean.
This same problem came up with the other case that was heard Cezar v. Organization and Finance Committee, et. al. Clopton said that in this case, the executive branch thought that NISG operations were subject to the same funding restrictions in the constitution as other groups are.
Ultimately, the court decided that NISG doesn’t fall under the same restrictions for funding for events like the “Panther Bash” and therefore can use more funding than other organizations.
Cezar realizes that his name on the top of both these cases it can be misleading. What it means is that the case dealt with the entire executive branch, and not just Cezar. He believes the new members on the NISG Supreme Court have had an influence on the activity of the branch.
“When we contacted Supreme Court justices from the year before, we ended up having to fill every position,” said Cezar. “Those new people wanted to be more proactive in answering any questions people might have over jurisdiction. It is a great check and balance point for anything in student government really.”
Cezar said there are no limitations to who can submit a complaint to the Supreme Court, as along as the plaintiff has the proper paperwork submitted.
Clopton said this year they are hoping to go beyond their normal duties and do more for students.
“The Supreme Court is looking to establish a way for students to more readily access legal services and council,” he said. “I’m trying to find a list of area attorneys that students could go for legal assistance.”
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Northern Iowa Student Government Executive Branch has been both a plaintiff and a defendant in cases the NISG Supreme Court has reviewed this year.
Last year, there wasn’t even a recorded meeting of the Northern Iowan Student Government Supreme Court. This year’s court has heard three complaints with two going to trial, according to Andrew Clopton, NISG Chief Justice.
“The Supreme Court, to my knowledge, has not been real active since the ‘80s,” he said.
The Supreme Court resolves disputes within the NISG or any recognized student organizations.
The latest case the court heard was (Adam) Haselhuhn v. (Pernell) Cezar on Oct. 28, with the decision rendered on Nov. 2.
In the case, Haselhuhn, a university at-large senator, brought a complaint against the executive branch for not fulfilling their responsibilities. Haselhuhn brought it to the court because he was concerned that NISG was operating without an election commission at such a late date in the semester. The Election Commission makes sure that elections are done fairly and that no rules are broken.
“NISG has an Election Commission to oversee all elections that take place,” Haselhuhn said. “At the time the case was filed, the Senate was about to have its ninth meeting of the semester. So NISG was functioning without an Election Commission.”
Clopton said the decision of the court was that they agreed that the election commission should have been formed.
“I’m glad we do have an active judicial branch to keep the other two branches in check. In years past, we have had judicial branches that have never been called into action, but it is nice to see that they are extremely prepared when called upon,” Hasulhuhn said.
“The Court recommended that Brandon Neil, the Election Commissioner, resign from his duties and appoint and Interim Commissioner to take over,” he continued. “Finally, the court urged the Senate to revise the Election Rules and make changes to provide more clarity.”
Clopton said these cases have come up this year because there is a lot of confusion over what bylaws in the constitution mean.
This same problem came up with the other case that was heard Cezar v. Organization and Finance Committee, et. al. Clopton said that in this case, the executive branch thought that NISG operations were subject to the same funding restrictions in the constitution as other groups are.
Ultimately, the court decided that NISG doesn’t fall under the same restrictions for funding for events like the “Panther Bash” and therefore can use more funding than other organizations.
Cezar realizes that his name on the top of both these cases it can be misleading. What it means is that the case dealt with the entire executive branch, and not just Cezar. He believes the new members on the NISG Supreme Court have had an influence on the activity of the branch.
“When we contacted Supreme Court justices from the year before, we ended up having to fill every position,” said Cezar. “Those new people wanted to be more proactive in answering any questions people might have over jurisdiction. It is a great check and balance point for anything in student government really.”
Cezar said there are no limitations to who can submit a complaint to the Supreme Court, as along as the plaintiff has the proper paperwork submitted.
Clopton said this year they are hoping to go beyond their normal duties and do more for students.
“The Supreme Court is looking to establish a way for students to more readily access legal services and council,” he said. “I’m trying to find a list of area attorneys that students could go for legal assistance.”
Do universities ever cancel class? Article
3/2/2007
Volume: 103
Number: 43
Do universities ever cancel class?
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
As an ice storm rolled through the Cedar Valley on Friday and Saturday, student panthers waited with baited breath to see if their classes would be cancelled.
Monday morning came, and most of the schools in the Cedar Valley closed, including Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Price Lab Schools, and yet, UNI stayed open.
This came as a surprise to senior Tang Abdoul. “I think if the weather is really bad and the roads are difficult to drive on, it would be unfair to students who don’t live on campus to drive in bad weather or miss class because of it. “Not everyone who goes to UNI lives on campus.”
So who decides just how dangerous the roads and sidewalks have to be for UNI to cancel classes?
Drumroll please ...
That would be James Lubker, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
According to Lubker, there are criteria for canceling classes; it’s not just up to him to decide.
“Criteria are variable. If the crews can get the streets, sidewalks and entries reasonably clear, we stay open,” Lubker said. “Since universities are very largely residential, there is much less reason to close a university than to close a high school or a community college.”
He also pointed out that the last time the university cancelled classes was during finals week last year when classes were delayed till 10 a.m.
“That instance last winter we delayed because at 6 a.m. the snow was coming down at an inch or more an hour and the crews had been able to clear the streets and sidewalks but not the stairs or entries and needed some more time,” Lubker said.
While some were camped out in their dorms on Sunday or stuck in their apartments, the decision on whether or not they should cancel classes on Monday was taking place. “The Vice-President for Administration and Finance, the Director of Public Safety and I were on the phone several times Sunday,” Lubker said.
“Each of us has several very good web-sites for weather, including radar reporting. By late Sunday afternoon it was clear that we were not going to receive any more ice and little, if any, more snow. The crews were ahead of things we agreed that we could both open the campus and hold classes.” Lubker points out as well that all three of the Regents Universities were open on Monday.
Lubker said, “We realize that someone will be upset no matter what decision we make. We just try to make the best decision we are able to, with the information available to us.”
Harry Potter Preview Article
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” released Saturday
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
The seventh and final “Harry Potter” book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is scheduled to be released at midnight tonight.
It is expected like its predecessors to go straight to the top of the best seller list. Already millions of people nationwide have pre ordered copies from their favorite bookstores or websites.
This month can be seen as “Harry Potter Month,” with the release of the final book a mere ten days after the release of the fifth Harry Potter film: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Truth be told excitement for this book has been building ever since the sixth book came out July 16, 2005.
When the announcement on J.K. Rowling’s official website came in January that her final book would finally be coming out on July 21, excitement jumped to an astronomical level.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is one of the most anticipated books this decade. Everyone wants to know what is going to happen. Who is going to die? Who will live? Who will win, and who will lose?
Rowling has revealed that two of her characters will die in the final book. She also stated that someone will do magic who isn’t supposed to do magic.
In a recent article on “AOL News,” Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who portrays Harry Potter in the film series said that Rowling has given him inside information into his character to help him play Harry better on screen.
So there is at least one person other then the author who knows the fate of Harry, but he like every one else is tight lipped as to what they know. So while the suspense of the final Harry Potter installment builds, speculation and predictions are building on the Internet.
In a recent Reuter’s article, The Zogby Interactive Survey was conducted as speculation over which characters will be killed off in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Of 1,373 U.S. adults who plan to read the book surveyed, only one in five, or 20 percent, believed that one of the two characters killed off would be Harry.
However, many “Harry Potter” fan sites on the Internet, which are often visited by a younger audience, have given many different scenarios as to what might happen, and they are definitely less certain over whether or not Harry dies.
The-leaky-caultron.org, one of the biggest Potter sites out there, conducted another poll regarding Harry’s fate. And while 13,477 out of 13,760 people believed he would live, more then 3,000 were undecided as to what his final fate would be.
On facebook.com alone there are twenty two different groups dealing with Harry Potter, and almost all of them are dealing with the upcoming book. Speculations are running wild, with many making their predictions about what is going to happen in the end.
In one such group the question was asked: what would be the worst possible thing that could happen in Harry Potter Seven? Of course the obvious answer for many would be Lord Voldermort winning, and Harry dying, which was said quite often. However several people wrote that the worst possible thing would be that the whole series was just a dream by Harry Potter.
Three other interesting, but yet improbable ideas were that: Hagrid is Harry’s real father, that Ginny falls in love with Malfoy, and that Voldermort was Harry’s real father. (I have to say if that last one comes true, I would be extremely angry, though I highly doubt it will happen).
As for myself, I think it’s a possibility that Harry could die in this book. That would prevent sequels, but then again, I’ve heard online rumors that Rowling is considering, emphasis on considering, writing another book.
I hope that Snape and Malfoy die after all they have put Harry through. I also hope that Neville Longbottem defeats Bellatrix Lestrange, because after all who doesn’t cheer for the little guy? This brings me to my last prediction and hope for the end of the series – That Harry finally defeats Lord Voldermort.
But, alas until tomorrow, no one will know, and the rumors and speculations will continue. Until then, good luck characters of Harry Potter – Here’s to hoping all of your favorites survive, and that this book is the best of the series.
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
The seventh and final “Harry Potter” book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is scheduled to be released at midnight tonight.
It is expected like its predecessors to go straight to the top of the best seller list. Already millions of people nationwide have pre ordered copies from their favorite bookstores or websites.
This month can be seen as “Harry Potter Month,” with the release of the final book a mere ten days after the release of the fifth Harry Potter film: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Truth be told excitement for this book has been building ever since the sixth book came out July 16, 2005.
When the announcement on J.K. Rowling’s official website came in January that her final book would finally be coming out on July 21, excitement jumped to an astronomical level.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is one of the most anticipated books this decade. Everyone wants to know what is going to happen. Who is going to die? Who will live? Who will win, and who will lose?
Rowling has revealed that two of her characters will die in the final book. She also stated that someone will do magic who isn’t supposed to do magic.
In a recent article on “AOL News,” Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who portrays Harry Potter in the film series said that Rowling has given him inside information into his character to help him play Harry better on screen.
So there is at least one person other then the author who knows the fate of Harry, but he like every one else is tight lipped as to what they know. So while the suspense of the final Harry Potter installment builds, speculation and predictions are building on the Internet.
In a recent Reuter’s article, The Zogby Interactive Survey was conducted as speculation over which characters will be killed off in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Of 1,373 U.S. adults who plan to read the book surveyed, only one in five, or 20 percent, believed that one of the two characters killed off would be Harry.
However, many “Harry Potter” fan sites on the Internet, which are often visited by a younger audience, have given many different scenarios as to what might happen, and they are definitely less certain over whether or not Harry dies.
The-leaky-caultron.org, one of the biggest Potter sites out there, conducted another poll regarding Harry’s fate. And while 13,477 out of 13,760 people believed he would live, more then 3,000 were undecided as to what his final fate would be.
On facebook.com alone there are twenty two different groups dealing with Harry Potter, and almost all of them are dealing with the upcoming book. Speculations are running wild, with many making their predictions about what is going to happen in the end.
In one such group the question was asked: what would be the worst possible thing that could happen in Harry Potter Seven? Of course the obvious answer for many would be Lord Voldermort winning, and Harry dying, which was said quite often. However several people wrote that the worst possible thing would be that the whole series was just a dream by Harry Potter.
Three other interesting, but yet improbable ideas were that: Hagrid is Harry’s real father, that Ginny falls in love with Malfoy, and that Voldermort was Harry’s real father. (I have to say if that last one comes true, I would be extremely angry, though I highly doubt it will happen).
As for myself, I think it’s a possibility that Harry could die in this book. That would prevent sequels, but then again, I’ve heard online rumors that Rowling is considering, emphasis on considering, writing another book.
I hope that Snape and Malfoy die after all they have put Harry through. I also hope that Neville Longbottem defeats Bellatrix Lestrange, because after all who doesn’t cheer for the little guy? This brings me to my last prediction and hope for the end of the series – That Harry finally defeats Lord Voldermort.
But, alas until tomorrow, no one will know, and the rumors and speculations will continue. Until then, good luck characters of Harry Potter – Here’s to hoping all of your favorites survive, and that this book is the best of the series.
Garden Spells Book Review
Debut novel plants a seed
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Lindsey Cook
NI A&E Writer
An apple tree that throws apples and shows you the biggest events in your life, a garden full of magical flowers that can do everything, the honeysuckle which allows you to see in the dark, the lavender which raises spirits and prevents bad decisions: all of this and more can be found in the debut novel, “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen.
“Garden Spells” is the story of the Waverlys, who despite trying to be normal, are a curious family because of their peculiar gifts and extraordinary garden. Taking place in Bascom, N. C., the two main characters are sisters Claire and Sydney.
The sisters are complete opposites. While Claire is settled at home in the old family home, starting her own catering business using the mystical flowers, Sydney the wild child left home as soon as she could, trying to follow in the footsteps of their own wild child mother.
Sydney runs into trouble when her wild ways leave her with a little girl and an abusive boyfriend. Sydney finally is able to run away with her daughter, Bay.
Arriving back home, Sydney disrupts not only her sister’s quiet life but the whole town’s as rumors start to spread about the real reason she came back.
Sydney tries to readjust to her hometown and settle herself down for the first time, while Claire is trying to adjust to having people in her life again. They run through the obstacles of Sydney trying to get a job and Claire dealing with a new hunky artist neighbor who despite her many hints won’t stop paying attention to her. Then there is Bay, who tries to recreate a dream she had and spends every moment she can in the garden.
The ending was fulfilling and absolutely wonderful. I was left wanting to know more about these Waverlys, but it wasn’t a cliff hanger. There seemed to be many more stories that could be told. I hope Allen revisits this family again.
The book is filled with delightful characters. All of the Waverlys have some type of gift. Claire has intuition about certain things and can use her flowers in her cooking.
Bay has a feeling of where everything and everyone belongs. Evanlee, Claire and Sydney’s cousin, gives out gifts to people for no important reason that the characters later have a use for. Sydney struggles with what her gift is, but realizes it during the story.
The story is told through all of their eyes at different points in the story. While most of the story is told by either Claire or Sydney, the transitions are seamless. They allow you to see the different parts of the town and sympathize with more than one character. Although I felt more attached to Claire then anyone else in the book, this could change depending on the reader’s perspective.
One of the reasons I felt most attached to Claire was that at one point in the book she says, “There’s a reason I’m the way I am, you know.”
I think everyone in their life says that to someone. We’ve all had life experiences, and sometimes story tellers forget to give their characters a past and future as well as present.
At 286 pages, there is something in this book for everyone: romance, suspense, mystery and of course a certain mystical element that fits nicely and neatly in the book without being questioned.
Unlike most first time novels, there wasn’t a single problem I found in the book. The characters were filled out, the plot complete and the ending satisfying. According to the back of the book, Allen is currently working on her next novel which should be out some time in 2008. I greatly look forward to reading her next novel.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Lindsey Cook
NI A&E Writer
An apple tree that throws apples and shows you the biggest events in your life, a garden full of magical flowers that can do everything, the honeysuckle which allows you to see in the dark, the lavender which raises spirits and prevents bad decisions: all of this and more can be found in the debut novel, “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen.
“Garden Spells” is the story of the Waverlys, who despite trying to be normal, are a curious family because of their peculiar gifts and extraordinary garden. Taking place in Bascom, N. C., the two main characters are sisters Claire and Sydney.
The sisters are complete opposites. While Claire is settled at home in the old family home, starting her own catering business using the mystical flowers, Sydney the wild child left home as soon as she could, trying to follow in the footsteps of their own wild child mother.
Sydney runs into trouble when her wild ways leave her with a little girl and an abusive boyfriend. Sydney finally is able to run away with her daughter, Bay.
Arriving back home, Sydney disrupts not only her sister’s quiet life but the whole town’s as rumors start to spread about the real reason she came back.
Sydney tries to readjust to her hometown and settle herself down for the first time, while Claire is trying to adjust to having people in her life again. They run through the obstacles of Sydney trying to get a job and Claire dealing with a new hunky artist neighbor who despite her many hints won’t stop paying attention to her. Then there is Bay, who tries to recreate a dream she had and spends every moment she can in the garden.
The ending was fulfilling and absolutely wonderful. I was left wanting to know more about these Waverlys, but it wasn’t a cliff hanger. There seemed to be many more stories that could be told. I hope Allen revisits this family again.
The book is filled with delightful characters. All of the Waverlys have some type of gift. Claire has intuition about certain things and can use her flowers in her cooking.
Bay has a feeling of where everything and everyone belongs. Evanlee, Claire and Sydney’s cousin, gives out gifts to people for no important reason that the characters later have a use for. Sydney struggles with what her gift is, but realizes it during the story.
The story is told through all of their eyes at different points in the story. While most of the story is told by either Claire or Sydney, the transitions are seamless. They allow you to see the different parts of the town and sympathize with more than one character. Although I felt more attached to Claire then anyone else in the book, this could change depending on the reader’s perspective.
One of the reasons I felt most attached to Claire was that at one point in the book she says, “There’s a reason I’m the way I am, you know.”
I think everyone in their life says that to someone. We’ve all had life experiences, and sometimes story tellers forget to give their characters a past and future as well as present.
At 286 pages, there is something in this book for everyone: romance, suspense, mystery and of course a certain mystical element that fits nicely and neatly in the book without being questioned.
Unlike most first time novels, there wasn’t a single problem I found in the book. The characters were filled out, the plot complete and the ending satisfying. According to the back of the book, Allen is currently working on her next novel which should be out some time in 2008. I greatly look forward to reading her next novel.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Women in Romance Comics Article
Women in Romance Comics: not exactly fair play
By Lindsey Cook
Comic books may not be the most popular reading for women today, but in the 50’s it was hot stuff. That’s the message from Professor Paul Siddens CROW Forum presentation called Domestic Containment: Women and Romance Comics of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.
Siddens describes himself as a self described comic geek, saying he has over 15,000 comics. He says he gives this lecture because as a teacher and researcher he has found some interesting applications for comics.
“As you read them, you can see political values, social values, like a film, you can see how different eras viewed things.”
The presentation/lecture was given by Siddens on Monday afternoon at the CME as a part of the CROW Forum, sponsored by The Women’s and Gender Studies Program.
Siddens explained at the forefront of his lecture that once WWII ended family values were at the forefront of American culture and that this can be seen in Romance Comics being created and the standards women were encouraged to live by.
Among these values were that women were expected to marry early, while sexually active independent professional women were discouraged.
The comics of the 1950’s exemplified romance and anti communism as the two major themes of the early cold war years.
Siddens says the first romance comics were created in 1947 and adopted the style of true confession magazines. He explained the comic industry was hopping to tap into the largely neglected female market.
Siddens said the first half million copies of the comic Young Romance sold out. Eventually there were 100’s of romance comics out there.
Another theme Siddens said come out of these comics was women sacrificing their futures for the man. Eventually by 1949 romance comics out sold all other genres and cut deeply into other comic’s sales.
“There were some very silly concepts out there, like wanting women to be cautions of the business world,” said Siddens on the themes. He did say some comics tried to combine the concepts of the Cold war, and romance.
Siddens says these came in many examples, “Many comics featured ‘exotic beauties’ trying to steal the man away from the American woman.”
Siddens said Young Romance established the formula that would be followed by most all romance comics, “Cautionary morality tales told from the perspective of a female protagonist while pushing domesticity.” However Siddens says the comics gives the men free reign to do what ever they wanted.
The books while all about women, were written all by men, and seldom strayed from the premise that women were incomplete without the man.
Siddens says the comics also featured advice on dating; urging restraint, self denial, accommodation on the part of the female and warned against promiscuity. The comics also suggested honesty, stability were more important then passion and excitement.
The comics also discouraged women from entering into the work force because it complicated relationships and jeopardized the chances for marriage. Siddens pointed out again that the comics said Men needed and deserved independence, while women did not.
Stories also focused on complications that made love melodramatic, and in the ‘50’s the comics became to become more steam, with sex implied but never showed.
Siddens says not all comics followed these formulas, EC Comics revealed the bitterness behind the walls of domesticity.
Siddens says the 60’s marked the end to romance comics with the rise of women’s liberation, the sexual revolution, the changing moral cultural values, and the fact that comics became more quaint.
The comic book code also did not help things; it held things back because it said you could not show a man and a woman in a married relationship being unhappy. Also Siddens says at this time Super hero comics got their rebirth.
With the end of romance comics Siddens says the industry lost its brief hold on young women.
Siddens says even with more comics focusing on women, we now still have way too many men writing and created the comics, but we are starting to see more women writers and different ethnicities of writer writing comics now then ever before.
About 20 students and professors, and community members came to the lecture; one student who came Aldijana Omanovic says she found it fascinating, “I thought it was very informative, I never realized the relationships between comic books and women’s portrayal. While she says she came for a class, she didn’t think the lecture was boring at all.
By Lindsey Cook
Comic books may not be the most popular reading for women today, but in the 50’s it was hot stuff. That’s the message from Professor Paul Siddens CROW Forum presentation called Domestic Containment: Women and Romance Comics of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.
Siddens describes himself as a self described comic geek, saying he has over 15,000 comics. He says he gives this lecture because as a teacher and researcher he has found some interesting applications for comics.
“As you read them, you can see political values, social values, like a film, you can see how different eras viewed things.”
The presentation/lecture was given by Siddens on Monday afternoon at the CME as a part of the CROW Forum, sponsored by The Women’s and Gender Studies Program.
Siddens explained at the forefront of his lecture that once WWII ended family values were at the forefront of American culture and that this can be seen in Romance Comics being created and the standards women were encouraged to live by.
Among these values were that women were expected to marry early, while sexually active independent professional women were discouraged.
The comics of the 1950’s exemplified romance and anti communism as the two major themes of the early cold war years.
Siddens says the first romance comics were created in 1947 and adopted the style of true confession magazines. He explained the comic industry was hopping to tap into the largely neglected female market.
Siddens said the first half million copies of the comic Young Romance sold out. Eventually there were 100’s of romance comics out there.
Another theme Siddens said come out of these comics was women sacrificing their futures for the man. Eventually by 1949 romance comics out sold all other genres and cut deeply into other comic’s sales.
“There were some very silly concepts out there, like wanting women to be cautions of the business world,” said Siddens on the themes. He did say some comics tried to combine the concepts of the Cold war, and romance.
Siddens says these came in many examples, “Many comics featured ‘exotic beauties’ trying to steal the man away from the American woman.”
Siddens said Young Romance established the formula that would be followed by most all romance comics, “Cautionary morality tales told from the perspective of a female protagonist while pushing domesticity.” However Siddens says the comics gives the men free reign to do what ever they wanted.
The books while all about women, were written all by men, and seldom strayed from the premise that women were incomplete without the man.
Siddens says the comics also featured advice on dating; urging restraint, self denial, accommodation on the part of the female and warned against promiscuity. The comics also suggested honesty, stability were more important then passion and excitement.
The comics also discouraged women from entering into the work force because it complicated relationships and jeopardized the chances for marriage. Siddens pointed out again that the comics said Men needed and deserved independence, while women did not.
Stories also focused on complications that made love melodramatic, and in the ‘50’s the comics became to become more steam, with sex implied but never showed.
Siddens says not all comics followed these formulas, EC Comics revealed the bitterness behind the walls of domesticity.
Siddens says the 60’s marked the end to romance comics with the rise of women’s liberation, the sexual revolution, the changing moral cultural values, and the fact that comics became more quaint.
The comic book code also did not help things; it held things back because it said you could not show a man and a woman in a married relationship being unhappy. Also Siddens says at this time Super hero comics got their rebirth.
With the end of romance comics Siddens says the industry lost its brief hold on young women.
Siddens says even with more comics focusing on women, we now still have way too many men writing and created the comics, but we are starting to see more women writers and different ethnicities of writer writing comics now then ever before.
About 20 students and professors, and community members came to the lecture; one student who came Aldijana Omanovic says she found it fascinating, “I thought it was very informative, I never realized the relationships between comic books and women’s portrayal. While she says she came for a class, she didn’t think the lecture was boring at all.
Debate Article
Students get involved in political process by attending debate-watching parties
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Monday, October 20, 2008
Last Wednesday, the third and final debate took place between the two candidates for president of the United States. University of Northern Iowan students gathered in two different places to view the debate.
One watching party, sponsored by the Political Science department took place in Sabin Hall. The other party took place at Becks on University Avenue as a joint venture between Northern Iowa Democrats and College Republicans.
Associate professor of political science Donna Hoffman hosted the party in Sabin Hall.
“Its something we have done since 2004, so there can be a neutral atmosphere in which Democrats and Republicans can talk on what they agree on and disagree on,” she said.
Sixty-two people attended the debate in Sabin Hall, with many coming for the extra credit that was offered by some political science professors.
Senior Bethany Schwichtenberg was among those who attended.
“I’m here to engage in thoughtful political discussion because this campaign hinges on the youth vote and our participation is essential to electing the next president,” she said.
Corey Adair also attended but for a different reason.
“I wanted to watch this one because the last debate I watched drunk and I figured I should at least watch one of them sober,” Adair said.
Before the debate started, Hoffman talked about how the United States hasn’t always had debates and how the first one televised was between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This debate is acknowledged for helping to make public image something that influenced the results of debates.
Hoffman emphasized the importance of the night’s debate, saying it was, “do or die for McCain.”
Hoffman explained that the Commission on Presidential Debates, instituted in 1984, determines debate rules. For example, the commission decides if a third-party candidate will participate. Ross Perot was the last to do so.
As for this debate, Hoffman said it would be on domestic policy with the parameters being set a month ago in a memorandum of understanding. Hoffman described this as a negotiation of things both parties will allow in the debate including things from the temperature of the room to what camera angels are allowed.
Freshman Kate Vandersee said she was hoping that the candidates would really discuss their views more in-depth.
At 8 p.m., everyone sat back quietly and watched the debate. The crowd did react when McCain told Obama that he was not President George Bush, and if he wanted to run against Bush he should have run against Bush he should have run four years ago.
Freshman Matt Wells said it was going pretty much as he expected, although it didn’t really persuade him to prefer one candidate over the other.
While the debate watch party in Sabin Hall was subdued, the same cannot be said for the event at Becks.
Freshman Matt Sexton attended the party at Becks.
“I went because I knew as the final debate the candidates would be looking for that final burst of momentum,” Sexton said. “I thought McCain edged out Obama as far as reliability like how he reached out to Joe ‘the Plumber’ (Wurzelbacher, a plumber from Ohio) and Middle America, and kept Obama on the offensive.”
Overall, Sexton said the debate-watching party was very respectful, describing the atmosphere as laidback but competitive.
“Both sides applauded when their candidates made a good comment,” he said.
Sexton did note that even though there was alcohol available, few appeared to partake.
“A strong majority were underage anyway and those that did drink didn’t drink much,” he said.
Overall, Sexton said he was very pleased with how the debate watch party at Beck’s turned out. Schwichtenberg also felt the debate itself went well.
“It was a lot more lively than the first two,” Schwichtenberg said. “McCain is trying to use the emotional appeal to his advantage. It’s exciting because we see more of their humanity and emotional nature because of the less formal format.”
LINDSEY COOK/Staff Writer
Published: Monday, October 20, 2008
Last Wednesday, the third and final debate took place between the two candidates for president of the United States. University of Northern Iowan students gathered in two different places to view the debate.
One watching party, sponsored by the Political Science department took place in Sabin Hall. The other party took place at Becks on University Avenue as a joint venture between Northern Iowa Democrats and College Republicans.
Associate professor of political science Donna Hoffman hosted the party in Sabin Hall.
“Its something we have done since 2004, so there can be a neutral atmosphere in which Democrats and Republicans can talk on what they agree on and disagree on,” she said.
Sixty-two people attended the debate in Sabin Hall, with many coming for the extra credit that was offered by some political science professors.
Senior Bethany Schwichtenberg was among those who attended.
“I’m here to engage in thoughtful political discussion because this campaign hinges on the youth vote and our participation is essential to electing the next president,” she said.
Corey Adair also attended but for a different reason.
“I wanted to watch this one because the last debate I watched drunk and I figured I should at least watch one of them sober,” Adair said.
Before the debate started, Hoffman talked about how the United States hasn’t always had debates and how the first one televised was between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This debate is acknowledged for helping to make public image something that influenced the results of debates.
Hoffman emphasized the importance of the night’s debate, saying it was, “do or die for McCain.”
Hoffman explained that the Commission on Presidential Debates, instituted in 1984, determines debate rules. For example, the commission decides if a third-party candidate will participate. Ross Perot was the last to do so.
As for this debate, Hoffman said it would be on domestic policy with the parameters being set a month ago in a memorandum of understanding. Hoffman described this as a negotiation of things both parties will allow in the debate including things from the temperature of the room to what camera angels are allowed.
Freshman Kate Vandersee said she was hoping that the candidates would really discuss their views more in-depth.
At 8 p.m., everyone sat back quietly and watched the debate. The crowd did react when McCain told Obama that he was not President George Bush, and if he wanted to run against Bush he should have run against Bush he should have run four years ago.
Freshman Matt Wells said it was going pretty much as he expected, although it didn’t really persuade him to prefer one candidate over the other.
While the debate watch party in Sabin Hall was subdued, the same cannot be said for the event at Becks.
Freshman Matt Sexton attended the party at Becks.
“I went because I knew as the final debate the candidates would be looking for that final burst of momentum,” Sexton said. “I thought McCain edged out Obama as far as reliability like how he reached out to Joe ‘the Plumber’ (Wurzelbacher, a plumber from Ohio) and Middle America, and kept Obama on the offensive.”
Overall, Sexton said the debate-watching party was very respectful, describing the atmosphere as laidback but competitive.
“Both sides applauded when their candidates made a good comment,” he said.
Sexton did note that even though there was alcohol available, few appeared to partake.
“A strong majority were underage anyway and those that did drink didn’t drink much,” he said.
Overall, Sexton said he was very pleased with how the debate watch party at Beck’s turned out. Schwichtenberg also felt the debate itself went well.
“It was a lot more lively than the first two,” Schwichtenberg said. “McCain is trying to use the emotional appeal to his advantage. It’s exciting because we see more of their humanity and emotional nature because of the less formal format.”
From UNI to Iraq Article
9/29/2006
Volume: 103
Number: 10
From UNI to Iraq
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
Imagine suddenly being pulled out of classes, work and home life to be shipped overseas to Iraq. That scenario has already happened to eight UNI students so far this year.
The students are all members of the National Guard and Army Reserve, and while eight doesn’t seem like a very large number, those students’ absence have affected many on and off campus. Andrew Bergstrom is one of those students. Andrew, who holds the classification of sophomore here at UNI, is currently serving overseas in Iraq in the National Guard. Last September Andrew was attending UNI when he was called up and given only 20 hours notice that he was being sent first to Mississippi for training, and then over to Iraq for up to a year. With only 20 hours, Andrew had to not only inform professors that he was leaving, but also give notice to the university and to his work place.
Since he was pulled out fairly early in the semester Andrew did not get credit for the work he had completed, but he was not penalized on his transcripts for being pulled out of college. According to Phil Patton, head registrar, students called away to serve in the military do not have to retake classes.
“Even if it is late in the semester they can get a final grade from the instructor and there will be no academic penalty.” This also applies to spouses and dependents of those in the military in case of military activation, deployment or movement to a different part of the country.
Returning to UNI will also be a fairly simple process. “Students have to file a letter of intent or call to restart back at the beginning of the semester,” Patton says. Student soldiers are very well protected by the law so that they won’t run into any problems when coming home. Bergstrom says that the Soldier Relief Act that was enacted after the first Gulf War allows soldiers in college to pick up right where they had quit in their classes. “Whatever our status was when we left, we pick up where we left off. Basically it’s like we never left,” he said.
When Bergstrom comes home, possibly this April, he will have the summer to adjust to life in the states and perhaps take a summer course or two. However, the biggest concern he has will be adjusting to civilian life.
“When I came back from basic I had changed some, and so had the people I knew. I had to see where everyone was at and mesh back together,” Bergstrom said. “It took a couple weeks before everything was normal.” Bergstrom expects his next return home to be quite different than the last time.
“It was weird when I was home on leave. When I was driving I was scanning the road for roadside bombs, looking for triggerman positions and driving in the middle of the road. It was enough adjustment to remember to stay in the lines and that the whole road isn’t mine.”
Certainly one person who will be affected by Bergstrom’s return is his fiancé, UNI sophomore Hillary Knox.
Knox, a major in elementary education, is concerned for Bergstrom’s adjustment as well. “I’m worried about his adjustment back to civilian life. After you live the military life for 18 months, it can be hard to make the adjustment back to “normal life.”
Knox says she hears from Bergstrom every three or four days and says he is looking forward to coming back. “He loved UNI, and I’m sure he can’t wait to be back and get on with school, work and his social life.”
Volume: 103
Number: 10
From UNI to Iraq
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
Imagine suddenly being pulled out of classes, work and home life to be shipped overseas to Iraq. That scenario has already happened to eight UNI students so far this year.
The students are all members of the National Guard and Army Reserve, and while eight doesn’t seem like a very large number, those students’ absence have affected many on and off campus. Andrew Bergstrom is one of those students. Andrew, who holds the classification of sophomore here at UNI, is currently serving overseas in Iraq in the National Guard. Last September Andrew was attending UNI when he was called up and given only 20 hours notice that he was being sent first to Mississippi for training, and then over to Iraq for up to a year. With only 20 hours, Andrew had to not only inform professors that he was leaving, but also give notice to the university and to his work place.
Since he was pulled out fairly early in the semester Andrew did not get credit for the work he had completed, but he was not penalized on his transcripts for being pulled out of college. According to Phil Patton, head registrar, students called away to serve in the military do not have to retake classes.
“Even if it is late in the semester they can get a final grade from the instructor and there will be no academic penalty.” This also applies to spouses and dependents of those in the military in case of military activation, deployment or movement to a different part of the country.
Returning to UNI will also be a fairly simple process. “Students have to file a letter of intent or call to restart back at the beginning of the semester,” Patton says. Student soldiers are very well protected by the law so that they won’t run into any problems when coming home. Bergstrom says that the Soldier Relief Act that was enacted after the first Gulf War allows soldiers in college to pick up right where they had quit in their classes. “Whatever our status was when we left, we pick up where we left off. Basically it’s like we never left,” he said.
When Bergstrom comes home, possibly this April, he will have the summer to adjust to life in the states and perhaps take a summer course or two. However, the biggest concern he has will be adjusting to civilian life.
“When I came back from basic I had changed some, and so had the people I knew. I had to see where everyone was at and mesh back together,” Bergstrom said. “It took a couple weeks before everything was normal.” Bergstrom expects his next return home to be quite different than the last time.
“It was weird when I was home on leave. When I was driving I was scanning the road for roadside bombs, looking for triggerman positions and driving in the middle of the road. It was enough adjustment to remember to stay in the lines and that the whole road isn’t mine.”
Certainly one person who will be affected by Bergstrom’s return is his fiancé, UNI sophomore Hillary Knox.
Knox, a major in elementary education, is concerned for Bergstrom’s adjustment as well. “I’m worried about his adjustment back to civilian life. After you live the military life for 18 months, it can be hard to make the adjustment back to “normal life.”
Knox says she hears from Bergstrom every three or four days and says he is looking forward to coming back. “He loved UNI, and I’m sure he can’t wait to be back and get on with school, work and his social life.”
The Lost History of Iowa Article
The lost history of Iowa
By Lindsey Cook
Even history buffs don’t know it all. That was the story last Wednesday, when Cheryl Mullenbach a University of Northern Iowa Alumni and independent scholar from Des Moines presented her lecture on lost history to UNI.
The topic of discussion this night was Julia Addington, who according to Mullenbach was the first woman elected to public office in Iowa, and possibly the country.
In 1869, Addington, an Iowa teacher, became the first woman in the nation elected to public office when she was elected to county school superintendent. She held the office of Superintendent of Schools in Mitchell County from 1870-71.
Even Mullenbach says as a historian she didn’t know of Addington until she stumbled across her by accident when she was doing other research. “In 1893 a group of women came together to create a book called the Women’s Columbian Souvenir, it had important events of women in Mitchell county. It was their contribution to the Columbian fair in Chicago.” She said, and it was in this book that Mullenbach first found reference to Addington.
The only thing the reference said was, “Julia C. Addington of Stacyville, Iowa was the first woman elected to an office in the United States,” Mullenbach says she was shocked when she first read this and had to reread it several times.
To put it in historical perspective, Mullenbach pointed it out that this was four years after the civil war, only one year after the Iowa constitution allowed black men the right to vote, and 50 years before women got the right to vote.
Mullenbach said the election of the first woman to office stemmed from a fight that took place from 1855 - 1870 between the towns of Mitchell and Osage over the status of who got the county seat.
“In May of 1869 T.M. Altherton, the publisher of the Mitchell County Press moved the Newspaper from Mitchell to Osage. At the same time Dr. S.A. Cravath and Dr. D.G. Frisbie began publishing The Mitchell County News at Mitchell, both republican papers.” Mullenbach cites this as important because the Mitchell County Press moved before the county seat was ever moved to Osage.
On September 18 the Republican County Convention took place in Osage, where Milton M. Brown was nominated for supervisor. But then Sometime between September 18-23 a group of republicans from Mitchell put forward their own candidates in the Mitchell County News including Julia Addington.
At the time Mullenbach says Addington was a 40 year old educator, who owned land, had taught in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Des Moines. She was also serving as Mitchell County School Superintendent having been appointed to finish the term of the man who had been elected to the post.
Mullenbach says she has done more research on Addington’s time in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, but says she has yet to find where she taught.
Mullenbach says needless to say the nomination caused a lot of stir. “People said she was illegible because she was not a white male, and thought the nomination was an insult.”
The Osage newspaper started labeling the splinter group that had nominated her as a group of “renegades,” and “bolters,” calling it a mongrel ticket.
The paper even went so far as to post notices to voters to warn them to carefully examine their ballots, “to see that every name is correct, and that they contain only the regular state and county ticket.”
However Mullenbach says at election time it was a tie with each republican candidate getting 633 votes. To decide who would be the winner, Mullenbach says they drew straws to see who had won, and Addington won.
Mullenbach says the news got as far as New York where Susan B. Anthony published the news in her newspaper The Revolutionary Reports.
“Julia was wary of holding the position, but took it because the people had voted for her,” Mullenbach said. It also helped that the current Attorney General of Iowa Henry O’Connor endorsed her saying, “Women are citizens as much as men.”
With that endorsement, Addington got even more support in her position. Part of this position meant covering 76 schools, including three log school houses. 2,231 students, 122 teachers scattered across the country. Male teachers at the time earned $8.57 per week; where as female teachers earned $5.63 per week. The total budget for the county’s schools was $20,452.07 a year.
Mullenbach explained the job, “a two year term, she examined applicants for teachers certificates, issued certificates to those who qualified. Visited and inspected each school in the county at least twice a year spending at least half a day in each visit.”
She also had to examine plans for new school buildings, hold meetings with the presidents of school districts, made an annual report to the state superintendent. All on a salary of $3 a day.
In her term however Mullenbach described how Julia did by showing her report to the state. 17 new schools were built; she recommended a reduction in teacher turnover, better salaries, saying, “The time is near at hand when teachers will be paid according to the service they are capable of rendering.”
Mullenbach said Addington also recommended that there be more suitable compensation for county superintendents – making the position more attractive to well – qualified professionals. The office at the time was considered a burden to those who would take for little regard was paid to their qualifications.
The position was meant to be a two year one, but Mullenbach said that Addington had to resign early due to ill health. She said the next and last evidence that she existed is her gravestone in Stacyville only saying her birth and death dates of 189 and 1875.
“It will probably be very difficult to prove that she was the first woman ever elected to an office, but she was a force for good and her legacy still remains,” said Mullenbach.
The one message she believes that should come out of Addington’s story is this, “you shouldn’t overlook your home town history; there is a lot of history there.”
In an audience of students and community members people got the message, “I came for Oral Communications class, but this lecture sparked my interest because you don’t hear about local history very often,” said student Jocelyn Strong.
Strong also liked Mullenbach, “She did a really good job, I had no idea anything like this had ever happened.”
Student Christine Mikkola also came for a class, “It was interesting, it is cool that she taught here in Cedar falls and was the first one in the country go get elected.”
By Lindsey Cook
Even history buffs don’t know it all. That was the story last Wednesday, when Cheryl Mullenbach a University of Northern Iowa Alumni and independent scholar from Des Moines presented her lecture on lost history to UNI.
The topic of discussion this night was Julia Addington, who according to Mullenbach was the first woman elected to public office in Iowa, and possibly the country.
In 1869, Addington, an Iowa teacher, became the first woman in the nation elected to public office when she was elected to county school superintendent. She held the office of Superintendent of Schools in Mitchell County from 1870-71.
Even Mullenbach says as a historian she didn’t know of Addington until she stumbled across her by accident when she was doing other research. “In 1893 a group of women came together to create a book called the Women’s Columbian Souvenir, it had important events of women in Mitchell county. It was their contribution to the Columbian fair in Chicago.” She said, and it was in this book that Mullenbach first found reference to Addington.
The only thing the reference said was, “Julia C. Addington of Stacyville, Iowa was the first woman elected to an office in the United States,” Mullenbach says she was shocked when she first read this and had to reread it several times.
To put it in historical perspective, Mullenbach pointed it out that this was four years after the civil war, only one year after the Iowa constitution allowed black men the right to vote, and 50 years before women got the right to vote.
Mullenbach said the election of the first woman to office stemmed from a fight that took place from 1855 - 1870 between the towns of Mitchell and Osage over the status of who got the county seat.
“In May of 1869 T.M. Altherton, the publisher of the Mitchell County Press moved the Newspaper from Mitchell to Osage. At the same time Dr. S.A. Cravath and Dr. D.G. Frisbie began publishing The Mitchell County News at Mitchell, both republican papers.” Mullenbach cites this as important because the Mitchell County Press moved before the county seat was ever moved to Osage.
On September 18 the Republican County Convention took place in Osage, where Milton M. Brown was nominated for supervisor. But then Sometime between September 18-23 a group of republicans from Mitchell put forward their own candidates in the Mitchell County News including Julia Addington.
At the time Mullenbach says Addington was a 40 year old educator, who owned land, had taught in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Des Moines. She was also serving as Mitchell County School Superintendent having been appointed to finish the term of the man who had been elected to the post.
Mullenbach says she has done more research on Addington’s time in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, but says she has yet to find where she taught.
Mullenbach says needless to say the nomination caused a lot of stir. “People said she was illegible because she was not a white male, and thought the nomination was an insult.”
The Osage newspaper started labeling the splinter group that had nominated her as a group of “renegades,” and “bolters,” calling it a mongrel ticket.
The paper even went so far as to post notices to voters to warn them to carefully examine their ballots, “to see that every name is correct, and that they contain only the regular state and county ticket.”
However Mullenbach says at election time it was a tie with each republican candidate getting 633 votes. To decide who would be the winner, Mullenbach says they drew straws to see who had won, and Addington won.
Mullenbach says the news got as far as New York where Susan B. Anthony published the news in her newspaper The Revolutionary Reports.
“Julia was wary of holding the position, but took it because the people had voted for her,” Mullenbach said. It also helped that the current Attorney General of Iowa Henry O’Connor endorsed her saying, “Women are citizens as much as men.”
With that endorsement, Addington got even more support in her position. Part of this position meant covering 76 schools, including three log school houses. 2,231 students, 122 teachers scattered across the country. Male teachers at the time earned $8.57 per week; where as female teachers earned $5.63 per week. The total budget for the county’s schools was $20,452.07 a year.
Mullenbach explained the job, “a two year term, she examined applicants for teachers certificates, issued certificates to those who qualified. Visited and inspected each school in the county at least twice a year spending at least half a day in each visit.”
She also had to examine plans for new school buildings, hold meetings with the presidents of school districts, made an annual report to the state superintendent. All on a salary of $3 a day.
In her term however Mullenbach described how Julia did by showing her report to the state. 17 new schools were built; she recommended a reduction in teacher turnover, better salaries, saying, “The time is near at hand when teachers will be paid according to the service they are capable of rendering.”
Mullenbach said Addington also recommended that there be more suitable compensation for county superintendents – making the position more attractive to well – qualified professionals. The office at the time was considered a burden to those who would take for little regard was paid to their qualifications.
The position was meant to be a two year one, but Mullenbach said that Addington had to resign early due to ill health. She said the next and last evidence that she existed is her gravestone in Stacyville only saying her birth and death dates of 189 and 1875.
“It will probably be very difficult to prove that she was the first woman ever elected to an office, but she was a force for good and her legacy still remains,” said Mullenbach.
The one message she believes that should come out of Addington’s story is this, “you shouldn’t overlook your home town history; there is a lot of history there.”
In an audience of students and community members people got the message, “I came for Oral Communications class, but this lecture sparked my interest because you don’t hear about local history very often,” said student Jocelyn Strong.
Strong also liked Mullenbach, “She did a really good job, I had no idea anything like this had ever happened.”
Student Christine Mikkola also came for a class, “It was interesting, it is cool that she taught here in Cedar falls and was the first one in the country go get elected.”
Undergrad Tuition to Increase by 5.2 percent next year article
11/17/2006
Volume: 103
Number: 24
Undergrad tuition to increase by 5.2 percent next year
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
There is talk of the minimum wage increasing, and experts say that the cost of living is rising all over the country. Apparently, the University of Northern Iowa is jumping on that bandwagon with a $265 tuition increase for the next school year.
The increase, a rate of 5.2 percent for full-time, resident undergraduate students, which will raise current tuition to $5,351, will be voted on at the December Board of Regents meeting in Des Moines.
“The increase amount is related to inflation costs,” Jan Hanish, interim Vice President for Educational and Student Services, said. For the past few years, UNI students have had to face similar increases, with the reasoning being the higher cost of energy. This time, the reason being given is to maintain quality academic offerings and experiences for UNI students.
Hanish explains, “All the money is used as the main source of revenue for the university to pay for services for students.”
The 5.2 percent increase in tuition for all residents of Iowa will be affecting all three state universities. There will be increases in non-residential tuition as well. UNI and Iowa State will be seeing a 3.4 percent increase in non-residential tuition, and Iowa students will see an increase of 7 percent.
Students have surprisingly varied opinions on tuition increases.
A few students didn’t seem all too bothered by the rise. junior Matt Jones commented, “I already have loans out, what’s 5 percent more?”
“I don’t think it’s as bad as it has been or could be. I’d like to know where exactly the money is going though,” said senior Lucas Gray.
Hanish says that throughout the whole process, they have been working with students to try and keep tuition as low as possible.
“UNI has always had an open reputation to hear what students have to say,” Hanish said.
She suggests that those who want to have their voices heard on the issue should talk with their representatives in the student government.
The UNI Student Government is trying to stand on the student’s side when it comes to getting their voices heard at the Iowa State House.
Student Body President Grant Erwin believes that the proposed increase is as fair as UNI can get from the legislature.
“Just with the cost of energy alone going up tremendously, and funding from state legislature going down, we are doing all we can (to stop the rise in tuition), but there isn’t much more we can do,” Erwin said.
It doesn’t seem like much, but compared to the other two state universities in Iowa, cutting the little costs makes some difference.
We worked hard to decrease the student services fee,” Erwin said. “Total fees only went up 1.5 percent here, where ISU’s went up 4.5 percent, and Iowa’s went up 11.4 percent.”
The numbers say it all. This year, a student at one of the regents universities would have had to pay $6,079 in tuition and fees. In 2001, it was only $3,155.
“In the past six years, tuition and fees at the three state universities have gone up 92 percent. Gas prices haven’t even gone up that much,” Erwin said.
Most students are not happy with the proposed increase.
“I think it’s ridiculous how much it’s gone up over the last five years,” said senior Deena Coleman. “It doesn’t seem like we see the changes. When I started, it was a lot lower than it is now.”
Senior Rick Binkard agrees. “I don’t like the increase one bit. I go to register for classes and there aren’t enough. If they are going to raise tuition, it should go to opening more classes,” Binkard said.
Most of all, students feel there should be good reasoning behind the proposed tuition increase.
“They increase tuition every year, and they should have good reasoning,” senior Hanna Fenner said. “This is not a good reason, we don’t need the increase.”
Volume: 103
Number: 24
Undergrad tuition to increase by 5.2 percent next year
Lindsey Cook
NI News Writer
There is talk of the minimum wage increasing, and experts say that the cost of living is rising all over the country. Apparently, the University of Northern Iowa is jumping on that bandwagon with a $265 tuition increase for the next school year.
The increase, a rate of 5.2 percent for full-time, resident undergraduate students, which will raise current tuition to $5,351, will be voted on at the December Board of Regents meeting in Des Moines.
“The increase amount is related to inflation costs,” Jan Hanish, interim Vice President for Educational and Student Services, said. For the past few years, UNI students have had to face similar increases, with the reasoning being the higher cost of energy. This time, the reason being given is to maintain quality academic offerings and experiences for UNI students.
Hanish explains, “All the money is used as the main source of revenue for the university to pay for services for students.”
The 5.2 percent increase in tuition for all residents of Iowa will be affecting all three state universities. There will be increases in non-residential tuition as well. UNI and Iowa State will be seeing a 3.4 percent increase in non-residential tuition, and Iowa students will see an increase of 7 percent.
Students have surprisingly varied opinions on tuition increases.
A few students didn’t seem all too bothered by the rise. junior Matt Jones commented, “I already have loans out, what’s 5 percent more?”
“I don’t think it’s as bad as it has been or could be. I’d like to know where exactly the money is going though,” said senior Lucas Gray.
Hanish says that throughout the whole process, they have been working with students to try and keep tuition as low as possible.
“UNI has always had an open reputation to hear what students have to say,” Hanish said.
She suggests that those who want to have their voices heard on the issue should talk with their representatives in the student government.
The UNI Student Government is trying to stand on the student’s side when it comes to getting their voices heard at the Iowa State House.
Student Body President Grant Erwin believes that the proposed increase is as fair as UNI can get from the legislature.
“Just with the cost of energy alone going up tremendously, and funding from state legislature going down, we are doing all we can (to stop the rise in tuition), but there isn’t much more we can do,” Erwin said.
It doesn’t seem like much, but compared to the other two state universities in Iowa, cutting the little costs makes some difference.
We worked hard to decrease the student services fee,” Erwin said. “Total fees only went up 1.5 percent here, where ISU’s went up 4.5 percent, and Iowa’s went up 11.4 percent.”
The numbers say it all. This year, a student at one of the regents universities would have had to pay $6,079 in tuition and fees. In 2001, it was only $3,155.
“In the past six years, tuition and fees at the three state universities have gone up 92 percent. Gas prices haven’t even gone up that much,” Erwin said.
Most students are not happy with the proposed increase.
“I think it’s ridiculous how much it’s gone up over the last five years,” said senior Deena Coleman. “It doesn’t seem like we see the changes. When I started, it was a lot lower than it is now.”
Senior Rick Binkard agrees. “I don’t like the increase one bit. I go to register for classes and there aren’t enough. If they are going to raise tuition, it should go to opening more classes,” Binkard said.
Most of all, students feel there should be good reasoning behind the proposed tuition increase.
“They increase tuition every year, and they should have good reasoning,” senior Hanna Fenner said. “This is not a good reason, we don’t need the increase.”
Resume for Journalism
Lindsey Cook
Current Address
2905 3rd St.
Marion, Iowa 52302
Cell - Phone: 319-540-1605
E-mail lcook430@live.com
Media Experience
WMT Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Part Time, May 2008 – Present
• Record and edit audio for news stories.
• Write News Stories
• Produce Saturday Morning shows.
• Work in the Promotions department organizing events that our station holds.
• Podcast and publish shows for the Bob Bruce Radio Experience
• Run the Board for Hawkeye football games and Roughrider Hockey games.
Northern Iowan Cedar Falls, Iowa
Opinion Writer, March 2005 – December 2008
• Typically write three to four news/feature stories a week
• Edit Opinion Section each week
• Northern Iowan Book Reviewer
KUNI Cedar Falls, Iowa
Internship, May 2007-July 2007
• Typically wrote one to two news stories a day for Iowa Public Radio.
• Downloaded podcasts of shows on to the Internet
Skills
• InDesign
• Photoshop
• Microsoft Software
• Avid Video Editing
• Adobe Audition
• News Builder
• Podcasting Experience
• Website Editing Knowledge
• Social Media Producing Experience
Education
B.A. University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Major: Electronic Media, Minor: Journalism, Creative Writing
• Graduated December 2008 GPA:3.37/4.00
Other Experiences
Ruffalo Cody Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Professional Telephone Fundraiser, June 2005 – February 2007
Conducted Fundraising Activities for Colleges
Awards & Activities
• Eugene Grossman Scholarship, Spring 2007, Fall 2008
• Deans List: Fall of 2006, Fall 2007, Spring 2008
References
Randy Lee
News Director, WMT Radio
319-573-2448
RandyLee@mix965.com
Greg Shanley:
News Director, Broadcasting Services, KUNI
University of Northern Iowa
gregory.shanley@uni.edu
Professor Chris Ogbondah
Professor, PhD, Convenor of Mass Communication Division
Department of Communication Studies
University of Northern Iowa
Office Phone: (319) 273-5913
Chris.Ogbondah@uni.edu
Matt Wilde
Adviser for the Northern Iowan and staff writer for the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier
Office Phone: (319) 291-1579
matt.wilde@wccourier.com
Professor Francesca Soans:
Asst Professor, Communication Studies
University of Northern Iowa
(319) 273-6309
francesca.soans@uni.edu
Current Address
2905 3rd St.
Marion, Iowa 52302
Cell - Phone: 319-540-1605
E-mail lcook430@live.com
Media Experience
WMT Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Part Time, May 2008 – Present
• Record and edit audio for news stories.
• Write News Stories
• Produce Saturday Morning shows.
• Work in the Promotions department organizing events that our station holds.
• Podcast and publish shows for the Bob Bruce Radio Experience
• Run the Board for Hawkeye football games and Roughrider Hockey games.
Northern Iowan Cedar Falls, Iowa
Opinion Writer, March 2005 – December 2008
• Typically write three to four news/feature stories a week
• Edit Opinion Section each week
• Northern Iowan Book Reviewer
KUNI Cedar Falls, Iowa
Internship, May 2007-July 2007
• Typically wrote one to two news stories a day for Iowa Public Radio.
• Downloaded podcasts of shows on to the Internet
Skills
• InDesign
• Photoshop
• Microsoft Software
• Avid Video Editing
• Adobe Audition
• News Builder
• Podcasting Experience
• Website Editing Knowledge
• Social Media Producing Experience
Education
B.A. University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Major: Electronic Media, Minor: Journalism, Creative Writing
• Graduated December 2008 GPA:3.37/4.00
Other Experiences
Ruffalo Cody Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Professional Telephone Fundraiser, June 2005 – February 2007
Conducted Fundraising Activities for Colleges
Awards & Activities
• Eugene Grossman Scholarship, Spring 2007, Fall 2008
• Deans List: Fall of 2006, Fall 2007, Spring 2008
References
Randy Lee
News Director, WMT Radio
319-573-2448
RandyLee@mix965.com
Greg Shanley:
News Director, Broadcasting Services, KUNI
University of Northern Iowa
gregory.shanley@uni.edu
Professor Chris Ogbondah
Professor, PhD, Convenor of Mass Communication Division
Department of Communication Studies
University of Northern Iowa
Office Phone: (319) 273-5913
Chris.Ogbondah@uni.edu
Matt Wilde
Adviser for the Northern Iowan and staff writer for the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier
Office Phone: (319) 291-1579
matt.wilde@wccourier.com
Professor Francesca Soans:
Asst Professor, Communication Studies
University of Northern Iowa
(319) 273-6309
francesca.soans@uni.edu
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