Current Stories | February 28, 2013
Who is paying for your tuition? | Dora Bralo reporting
College can be stressful. The biggest cause of stress among students may be their pocketbook. However paying for their own tuition could have its own benefits. They say money can't buy everything but it can help pay for a college education. For Lynsi, this is evident every day. She is one of the many students paying her way through school, and she says it is anything but easy. Machart said "Honestly it is stressful, it's just another thing on my plate but I know a lot of students who are in the same boat.” She adds she knows what she has to do to make it work. However, research from the University of California says that students who pay their way through school are more likely to have a higher GPA. Ilene Odegard, Career Services employee says, "I would hope… it would put positive pressure on them in a way because I hope they would take responsibility of their own financial wellness. But it is a lot of pressure." According to a College Board report, the cost of tuition is steadily rising. Paying for college can prove to be difficult but it does have some benefits. Machart said "I'm probably doing better than I would be had I not had a job because it has taught me time management." Machart also said that "There is a lot of pressure to do well [because] you don't want to have to pay for another semester or you don't want to have to pay for taking summer school. And it's just another thing pushing you through." Education may be expensive, but for Lynsi by paying her own way, the lessons learned are priceless. Financial services firm Sallie Mae conducted a survey last year. They found 34 percent of college students took out a federal loan which was a 4 percent increase from the previous year.
Preventing media addiction | Cory Robertson reporting
Albatross | Kyle See-rockers reporting
North Dakota is not the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a destination to golf in the winter. But an avid golfer has found a way for the community to beat that scenario. Golfing and February are two words not often said in the same sentence. But, with innovation, restaurant owner Andrew Krauseneck (owner of Albatross) has made it possible. Krauseneck said “A friend and I were just chatting about it and the idea of golf simulator came up and I thought it might be a neat business concept and something that would be well received in Grand Forks.” A golf simulator allows golfers to play on a graphically stimulated course or driving range. It’s a way to continue the sport on the days Mother Nature acts up. Ben Thigpen, an Amateur golfer said "winters are pretty brutal here, you have maybe 4 months 5 months of play and so as an amateur here up in North Dakota it makes it a little more frustrating." In a town where people are used to seeing hockey equipment on the way to the car, the neighbors are looking twice to discover a different scene. Thigpen also said "Yeah, when you walk outside the door and it’s a blizzard outside, you got your golf clubs in hand, you get some pretty funny looks of people driving by and be like, what is that guy doing?" The ability to play in a controlled environment gives the amateur golfer a way to work out the kinks in their swing. It also gives the novice golfer a way to start the game. It has brought in a lot of people that really enjoy golf and want to get their fix in the winter, but it also attracted a lot of people just from an entertainment value. Albatross has given golfers a reason to wipe the dust off their clubs a little earlier this year.A session of virtual golf at Albatross cost forty dollars an hour and can be split between players. Andrew says he is looking to start tournaments in the near future.
Rasalka dancers | Alyssa Dooley reporting
People pass traditions from generation to generation. One dance ensemble shows us how they pass on their heritage. Upbeat music, energy, and extravagant costumes, these are just a few things that represent an important part of the Ukrainian heritage. Simeon Rusnak, Ukrainian Dancer said, "It is an expression of our culture, huge part of the Ukrainian idea, along with dance and music." The Ruskala tradition started with the Ukrainian folklore in mind more than 50 years ago. Holly Anderson, Ukrainian Dancer said, "I love the energy, I love the passion, and I love being able to express my culture in a way that is different than most." Phillippi Sparks, Audience Member said, "Just to see where everybody comes from or you know what their nationality is or what their ethnicity is or their dances and everything like that cause you usually don't see that." This ensemble is based in Manitoba, Canada. Ruskala has been dancing audiences around the world. Along the way they've created a few of their own traditions. Anderson said "We go Christmas caroling, Ukrainian Christmas caroling every year, so that is really fun for us... the girls like to plan things for the boys and the boys like to plan things for the girls." Tradition is important to this group. They strive to share these traditions with each audience. The Ruskala dance group has toured Asia, Europe and North America. They will be traveling to the Ukraine this summer.
Musical strides | Jamie Eckert reporting
Band names and the lead singers are what most people think about when it comes to popular music. One man’s musical gift took him to the big leagues. This audience came together to hear the musical journey of someone who made it. Brent Paschke's musical goals took him from the Midwest to Hollywood. Paschke, Guitarist and Music Producer said "One day I am like literally a janitor just to make ends meet and the next day I got a record deal." That record deal lead to a career working with names like Pharrell Williams, Britney Spears and others. Paschke then said "Katy Perry is when you get in a room with her she is very fun and cracking jokes and loud and she is very talented and you see the hard working aspect." This success has not stopped Brent from keeping his hometown ties. Matt Strand, Paschke’s friend and Musician said "We're friends and that's how he called me and said hey Matty I am going to be up in the area and I said come up and do a clinic." Brent says he was excited to teach the seminar. Now as a producer he gets the chance help others. Paschke said "Even if it's a new rock band, there like they've never made an album they just got a record deal, I get to relive all that excitement through them." Brent has had his fair share of musical adventures. Now he says it is time for him to share his experience with others who are looking for the same type of adventure. Part of Brent’s decision to become a producer has given him the ability to spend more time with his loved ones.
Frostbite danger | Riley Bruestle reporting
The winter season can bring bitter cold temperatures. Without dressing properly, your body will be exposed to the dangers of frostbite. Nathan Bennett, Paramedic at Grand Forks Altru Medical Center, said “Frostbite is separated into four stages that are determined by the visual damage done to your skin. The first stage is dry, red skin. The second is blisters-and then it gets worse.” Bennet then said "The third stages are going to be when you have tissue damage. The last stage is actually when you will have to have fingers or body parts removed." When you encounter cold temperatures, Experts say it is important to wear a jacket, hat, and gloves to prevent frostbite. Bennett said "The biggest thing is layers, especially in this time you want to have multiple layers. Having everything covered if you're going to go out running or anything like that, make sure you have a facemask." The consequences of frostbite may be severe, but it can easily be prevented.
