Current Stories | October 13, 2011
Hydration Station | Tonya Peters Reporting
Some universities across the nation are out to prove that being green does not have to be extreme. They've found a new way to stay hydrated, save money and reduce waste. They're popping up everywhere - in offices and airports and schools. They're called hydration stations and they're putting a cap on bottled water use. “You can just take your water bottle there, go and fill it up with some clean water. Sounds like a good idea to me,” says one student. But they still have some students puzzled. ”Isn't it just like a water fountain or something?” says another student. In fact it's different than a fountain. .A hydration station is a sensor-powered filtered fill-up station. It has a spigot, a fill rate three times faster than a regular drinking fountain and another eco-friendly feature. “It also keeps track of how many water bottles are technically saved throughout the use of the hydration stations,” says Matt Bakke, Former Student Body President. It counts the number of disposable bottles those taking over landfills and littering roadways avoided. “To help save on plastic and encourage people to you know just refill water at a hydration station rather than purchasing another one,” says Bakke. And the university says they're already paying off. ”The recycling component has gotten to be fairly expensive and it's just an easy way to actually reduce the amount of bottles that have to be recycled,” says Larry Zitzow, Director of Facilities Management. The International Bottled Water Association says bottled water consumption rose three point five percent last year. Americans average about 28 gallons of bottled water per person. That's about 180 bottles per person per year. “I do think that not only UND but nationwide we're going to see a huge trend downward of using plastic bottles,” says Zitzow. So the next time you feel thirsty you may want to take it to the tap and think outside the bottle. Filtered tap water may also be a safer choice. Studies by the Environmental Working Group found fertilizer pharmaceuticals disinfectants and other chemicals in bottled water.
Coupon Clipping | Brittany Konop Reporting
Coupons can be found in the paper online or in the mail. They are changing the way some people shop and making some businesses wonder if they should change their couponing policies. This: (sound of cash register beeping) is music to the ears of couponers. "I have a variety of coupons for cosmetics, food, and toothpaste. All of the above," says one shopper. Their bill is being reduced, which means cash going back into their pockets. "We have a lot of people coming and asking with coupons in hand and looking for things. I mean every day we are all asked about something, where do we find this where do we find that," says Ron Fischer, Grocery Store Bakery Manager. Clipping coupons can be hard work and a time committed task. "It's a good way for the economy and helping each household out but it is a lot of time consuming," says another shopper. There is coupon clipping and then there is a whole other level. Extreme couponers can put anywhere from 40 to 50 hours a week into their money saving habit. "She went to our Alco store, and they mark things way down. She saved 5000 dollars," says another shopper. Many stores now have limits to their coupon use. "Target coupons policy is one manufacture coupon and one target coupon per item," says Amy Nelson, Target Manager. Other restrictions include "clearing the shelf" and doubling up coupons which consist of using a manufacturer's coupons combination with a stores coupon to help create multiple layers of savings. Extreme couponers are rare but coupons are a great way to get people in the stores and to save money. The consulting firm Inmar says coupon redemption surged 27 percent in 2009 up to three-point three billion coupons used.
Marathon Popularity | Miranda Mars Reporting
Some people run only when being chased, others only to their car in the cold winter months. But there are some people who run for fun. It's a crisp fall morning and the sun is just rising. Many are still in bed but some people are lacing up their running shoes. Running USA reports that running has increased to 13 million from 10 million runners in 2005. "My motivation changes all the time, sometimes it is to get in shape for a run, sometimes it's to relieve stress, sometimes it's just to go out and spend some time with some friends," says Stacey Kusler: Race director. Running USA says road races have increased 43% in the past decade. While some runners have been passionate about the sport for years, there are many first-timers crossing the finish line too. Stacey: Race director. "I think these races, the smaller ones are easier for brand new runners to go to vs. a bigger," says Kusler. Competitive running can have many benefits like improving your health, supporting a great cause, or checking something off your bucket list. Kids are even lacing up their shoes to keep up with mom and dad. "This year we have turned it into a family event. If you have kids you want to push in strollers or parents want to run with their 5 year old kids they can do that," says Julie Kirkeby Race Director. And some children continue to follow after their parent's footsteps. "They did it when we were young growing up and my dad was a big marathon runner so it's kind of cool to do something he's done for a big part of his life," says Ann Arnason. Running is a healthy, and for many a fun way to exercise. It is a sport you can start at your own pace to make it your finish line. Running USA reports that more women run 5-K's, 10-K's and half-marathons than men. However men make up 59 percent of marathon runners.
Almost Ozzy | Katie Fletcher Reporting
Heavy metal bands of the 70's and 80's introduced people to music and antics that were unforgettable. One man embraced the character of a hard rock legend and with the help of his band; relive those days of classic hard rock. Zombies, Music, and Fun. In Grand Forks, North Dakota that means Zombie Music Festival. Something other than flesh is making these zombies come flocking. "Sharon!" says Mikaul Ault, Singer and Ozzy Osbourne Impersonator. This man may appear to be the legendary Prince of Darkness, but he is actually a singer living a double life. "I'm Mikaul and I portray the character of Ozzy Osbourne." Mikaul Ault has been singing with the band Aultimate Ozzy for a long time now, "About 300 years, 380 years to be exact, dog years," says Ault. Mikaul's uncanny resemblance to Ozzy made it his destiny to create a tribute band. "Look at me, it's a curse! It is a blessing and curse all rolled into one," says Ault. A blessing for Ozzy fans to see the next best thing. "The minute I hit the stage I am Ozzy and the minute I walk off I'm Mikaul again," says Ault. His fans seem to think so too. "If you listened to the lead singer and then a song from actual Ozzy Osbourne, the band is identical, this band is just like the real thing," says Jeremy Storey, Zombie Jailer. And with this crowd Aultimate Ozzy seems to fit in perfectly. "What better artist can you have play at Zombie Fest then Ozzy? The word is getting out everywhere we go. We are just killing them. These people are already dead; it's just a no-brainer," Aultimate Ozzy, The Band. Although this band may not be one of the walking dead or even the rock legend they imitate, their tribute to Ozzy is certainly enough to arouse this undead crowd. In past performances Mikaul would pretend to bite the head off a bird. Ozzy Osbourne fans would of course recognize this as one of the original rocker's infamous moments..
Resilience can come in many forms. A tragedy struck last spring when a fire broke out and although there were no people injured, there was one victim, Sherlock Park. "It was shocking at first, when I received the phone call actually from my husband, you know I just didn't believe it at first," Penny Pape. Penny Pape and her Daughter Katie decided that there would be too big a void in the community with too many memories of Sherlock park. "They all have some kind of experience here whether it was with friends or birthday parties or grandparent," says Katie Nelson, Coordinator. And knowing the true effort of planning and building, they had no problem getting the community together again to make the playground bigger and better. Penny who came up with idea for the original playground back in 2002, had as much support this time as she did during the first construction. "A lot of the same committee members came on board, which made it really easy and the other ones that were new just stepped right in and ran with the project," says Pape. Penny and Katie, along with hundreds of volunteers worked almost non-stop for a week to make Sherlock Park the magical place it once was. "It's phenomenal, how it's all pulling together and the community is helping everyone," says Cheryl Wolff, Volunteer. Even area kids showed their support. "There's a young girl and she sold lemonade and her grandpa and uncle matched what she sold and she sold over 500 dollars," says Pape. Penny and Katie didn't just help rebuild a playground made out of plastic and wood they helped rebuild a symbol of a community that unifies everyone in it. Volunteers of all ages donated and came to help rebuild. The playground is now finished and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to welcome everyone back to play.
Tree Planting in the Fall | Chelsy Grover Reporting
Planting trees has many benefits. They absorb Carbon Dioxide, act as windbreakers, and can even reduce noise pollution in a city. And fall can even be the best time to plant trees. "The only difference in spring planting and summer or fall is availability there's not as many plants available at this time of year," Darlene Shea, Nursery Co-Owner. If you plant trees in the spring-it can be difficult for roots to establish before the summer heat. The soil during the autumn months is at an optimal temperature and moisture levels that promote rapid root growth. "We have even planted after we have had a first snowfall because the plants will adjust well to the ground as long as it's not frozen cause that's the warmest part of the year is fall," says Shea. Less stress is put on the plants when fall planting. This allows the tree to build a healthy root system so; the tree is able to grow bigger next spring. But there's one important thing to make this work. "One of the important factors in fall planting is to make sure you water quite well because the plants are going to need the moisture to get through the winter so they do not dehydrate," says Shea. The benefits of planting trees are fall soil is warmer and more conditioned making root growth easier, milder temperatures and more dependable rainfall help plants acclimate faster, and trees planted in the fall are better equipped to deal with the heat and drought in the following season.
