My Facebook

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

IWU STUDENT JUSTIN REED, Student Teaching Role at Bluffton High School

October 10, 2006

B-H board allays transportation consolidation concerns; addresses B.H.S. humidity problems

More than two dozen residents turned out for Monday’s meeting of the Bluffton Harrison M.S.D. Board of School Trustees with concerns over an issue that was not on the agenda but is clearly a subject of concern in the district.

At a previous meeting of the board during a lengthy discussion of rising transportation costs, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Julie A. Koschnick suggested in the future that the district may have to take extreme measure.

Koschnick’s one sentence comment that the district might have to face consolidating starting times for all three schools with combined bus routes touched a raw nerve.

Koschnick said she did not think she was shooting from the hip when she made the comment; rather she was concerned that current cost cutting proposals may be placing too much burden solely on the high school.

Koschnick had suggested that the athletics department pay $5000 toward transportation, with the band paying $750, and the chorus paying $700. That proposal is on the back burner until at least December 1, when Athletic Director Steve Thompson will present the findings of a committee he has formed to review possible cost savings.

Sensing that the majority of those at the meeting were there due to concerns over Koschnick’s consolidation proposal, Board President Andrew Carnall opened the meeting by noting the matter was not on the agenda and would  not be discussed on Monday night.

“Transportation consolidation is not on our agenda,” Carnall said. “It will not be discussed.”

Several bus drivers distributed letters to students asking parents to attend the meeting. Carnall said it was not  authorized by the board or the superintendent.

Carnall noted under the present conditions consolidation would not be possible. “Logistically it can’t be done, numbers wise,” Carnall said. “Whether or not it would save us any money remains to be seen.”

Carnall said if the issue is to be discussed it will be way down the road. “It’s not coming up tonight,” Carnall said. “You will certainly know when it comes up. We will make it very public.”

Carnall said that if people had come out of concern for that issue they could leave. With those remarks about 15  people stood up and left the meeting.

At the close of the meeting Carnall responded to a question from a bus driver in the district in  a similar manner, again assuring the public that any discussion of the matter will be well publicized.

“It is an issue of much public interest and we will make sure people know,” Carnall said. “It’s premature at this point.”

Board Member Gene Gerber expressed disappointment that the item received a headline in a previous issue of the News-Banner.

“It was mentioned as something we might have to look at, it’s unfortunate that it became a banner headline, it was a small point,” Gerber said. “It became a mountain out of a molehill.”

Board Member Kent Shady echoed Gerber’s concerns. “We’re not even looking at it at this moment, it may be something we look at in the future.”

Following the meeting Carnall said the matter could be considered if it offered significant cost savings.

A consolidation of routes would reduce pay to drivers as they would be working less hours, but might increase the number of drivers needed and would likely require the district to revise their bus replacement schedule.

The board also discussed possible remedies to concerns over humidity in the high school and problems with the building’s present heating and cooling system.

Chris Smith of Siemens updated the board over the company’s proposal to add ceiling mounted HVAC units in the math and language arts wings. A similar unit was installed by Siemens in the science wing.

Siemens is also proposing changes to the programming sequences in the classrooms to help deal with a humidity problem

Smith said an energy engineer from the company has confirmed that the changes in the science wing have helped reduce humidity and made the wing more comfortable.

The classroom ventilator units will be re sequenced so that the cold water valve opens fully whenever cooling is needed and fans run only as needed. Presently the cold water flow begins as a trickle and raised incrementally, and the fans run constantly.

Smith said, “We’re confident that is going to help the situation there.” Smith said the proposed changes will give the system an increased ability to remove humidity.

Board Member Daryl Elliott said he would like to see a cost comparison if dehumidifiers were installed in the hallways instead.

High School Principal Steve Baker said he is concerned that the high levels of humidity pose long terms risks to the high school.

“It is my opinion it is affecting the high school,” Baker said. Baker said he is concerned a mold problem could develop which would be a long term problem for the school. Baker also voiced concerns that humidity levels are taking a toll on equipment, carpet, and furnishings.

“This is a very critical situation that needs attention now,” Baker said.  “We’re going on seven years of battling a high humidity situation.”

On average the math and language arts wing are at a temperature of 75 degrees and are at 90 percent humidity.

Elliott expressed similar concerns as Baker. “We’re looking at a 6 year old school that has a problem already,” Elliott said. “The system probably wasn’t set up right to begin with.”

Elliot said he wants to look at the best interests of the school and the district. “Let’s look at the overall situation and find a solution now instead of ‘we think’ this will solve the problem.”

Carnall said he wanted to clarify that there is no indication of any mold in the building. “It is a concern of the future,” Carnall said.

Baker said, “We have found mold in the building.” Koschnick noted that the overall mold count in the high school is lower than the outside level.

Smith said that if left unchecked mold could become a serious issue. “The buildings that have the conditions that you have over time are more likely to develop mold,” Smith said. “At this point you have no issue to be concerned with.”

Carnall supported accepting Siemen’s proposed solution. “Let’s see how this works,” Carnall said. “That’s my thoughts on this.”

Director of Maintenance Gary Schwartz said the changes have helped in the science wing. “I think you can feel the difference when you walk in there from the other two wings,” Schwartz said. “In my opinion we need to move forward

No official action was taken last night on the issue.

In other business the board heard a presentation from Julie Tobias on last week’s Focus on Health program at the high school.

Two dozen organizations set up displays at the wellness oriented event and students were encouraged to visit each booth and write down a fact they learned from each exhibit.

The board approved an extension of a family medical leave for Gay Schoeff, which extends her leave to 12 weeks, ending on Dec. 6, 2006.

The board also approved a second student teaching role for Justin Reed, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Reed will be student teaching at the elementary school. Last meeting Reed was approved as a student teacher under Jim Beuter at the high school.

A first reeding on a new Indiana Department of Education policy on graduation requirements was held. The policy states the district will observe state guidelines for minimum, core 40, and academic honors diplomas, and permits the board to establish additional requirements if necessary.

A second reading will be held at an upcoming meeting.

Koschnick noted that the board will be meeting in an executive session on Monday, Oct.. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. to meet with a consultant on board governance.

jgwallace@new-banner.com

SOURCE: http://www.news-banner.com/index/news-app/story.5168/menu./sec./home.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Mayor: I declare Marion Wildcat country

Homecoming spirit spreads through city

Amidst the lively music of the Indiana Wesleyan University jazz band, the constant flashes of digital cameras and the dancing of his fellow students - some costumed - IWU freshman Brad Thada stood still Wednesday night on the Grant County Courthouse Square.

He was wearing a dark-colored suit, aviator sunglasses and an earpiece, and he was taking in the events of his first IWU homecoming pep rally.

Thada, 18, a resident of Bowman Hall, was one of several "Bowman Bodyguards," who were serving as "protection" for IWU President Henry Smith, who will be officially inaugurated today.

"We're just trying to do our job," Thada said as his head continued to move on a swivel, looking for potential "security threats." "This just helps get up morale and the spirit for all the events going on."

It was hard for Smith to keep from smiling as he saw a multitude of students having a good time.

"I'm the real deal now; I've got my protection," Smith said pointing at the Bowman Bodyguards.

Part of the tradition was the pep rally and torch run that would follow, a run the IWU cross country team would make back from Washington Street, between Third and Fourth streets, all the way back to Henry's residence on campus for a bonfire.

As the jazz band played and members of the university's cheer squad performed complicated cheers, the Hodson's Scotsmen, with painted faces, dressed in kilts and holding replica swords, stood and cheered wildly.

"It's Hodson's pride and joy, the Hodson Scotsmen," said Chris Reeves, an IWU sophomore who lives in Hodson Residence Hall. "We try to do as many sporting events as possible, mostly men's soccer and women's soccer."

Fall and spring athletes alike participated in the pep rally.

"The track team just decided we wanted to support the cross country girls," said Ashley Ruffer, a junior an Indiana Wesleyan track athlete. "(Homecoming) is just a time to remember what our school's all about and welcome back our alumni."

After a brief introduction, Mayor Wayne Seybold addressed the throng of students in attendance.

"I want to declare Marion, Ind., from this day forward Wildcat country," Seybold shouted.

Smith then spoke to the crowd explaining how it was the goal of him and his wife, Teresa, to celebrate tradition.

"This is an absolutely fabulous sight," Smith said. "It warms my heart, although my hands are cold, to be here with you tonight. This is what it's all about."

After Smith's speech, the jazz band played one final number and a prayer was said. As a member of the men's cross country team held a torch, it was lit, and he as well as the other members of the team took off running east on Fourth Street, back toward campus and the bonfire that was waiting.

 

SOURCE: http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061006/NEWS01/610060313/1002

 

Smith: 'Some things must never change'

Progress can't eclipse school's values, IWU president says

Henry Smith does not intend to see Indiana Wesleyan University lose momentum during his tenure - he plans on keeping the university growing all the way to the top.

"Let me be so bold and declare that IWU seeks to become a premier international Christian university," Smith said.

Smith, IWU's eighth president, was officially sworn in Friday, promising students, faculty, staff and alumni to continue to keep the university moving forward while remembering the school's core values.

While encouraging that the school continue to improve its academic quality, he called for the campus community to continue to grow as an ideal work environment and to strengthen relationships with community members.

"I believe we must live with a forward lean if we are to maintain our momentum," Smith said. "I am convinced that we are on the verge of moving to a new level of influence."

He cited the school's recent growth, including an increased budget of $140 million - up from $34 million 10 years ago. The school, which now has 14,000 students on 14 campuses in three states, also recently became the largest private university in Indiana.

The school's current pace of growth helped bring Smith to IWU.

Smith has been with IWU since 2004, when he was named the school's first executive vice president. Carl Sheperd, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said IWU chose Smith with the idea of finding someone capable of replacing former President Jim Barnes when he was ready to retire. Barnes was president for 19 years and led the university to its current success.

Smith was named president-elect in 2005 and has been preparing for the office since.

"The cry was, 'We're on the right track, let's not slow down or hit a speed bump,'" Smith said.

In moving forward, though, IWU must remember its philosophy of being a community with strong ties to Christian values, Smith said.

"Many things have changed at IWU, but some things must never change," he said.

The university community, along with representatives from Smith's former places of work, the city of Marion and colleges across Indiana welcomed the new president at the ceremony.

Several of the speakers commended the president's Christian faith along with his leadership.

"In the years I have known him, Dr. Smith has proven to be a wonderful church man," said David Wilson, chairman of the board of trustees for Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where Smith was provost and vice president for academic affairs.

IWU Student Government Organization President Aaron Baker praised Smith for connecting with the students and said he trusted Smith to lead them into the future.

Smith has also been a crucial asset to Marion, Mayor Wayne Seybold told the audience. Seybold has often brought Smith in to help with recruiting efforts, the mayor said, which often brings good results.

"He has hit the ball out of the park every time," Seybold said.

The inauguration ceremony was the high point of a week of homecoming events, which conclude today. The school celebrated Smith, who has been in office for nearly 100 days, and the homecoming with festivities, including a parade Thursday night and a special chapel service Friday morning that brought alumni together with current students.

Originally published October 7, 2006

http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061007/NEWS01/610070328/1002

 

 

PROSPECTIVE IWU STUDENTS PREPARE FOR JUNIOR MISS contest

10/6/2006 9:18:00 PM


Nine seniors prepare for Junior Miss contest

Doug Hunt
Education Reporter

Nine high school seniors will continue the Montgomery County Junior Miss program tradition since Ethel Sayler retired last year as program coordinator.

The Junior Miss program is scheduled for 3 p.m. Oct. 15 in the North Montgomery High School auditorium. There are seven Crawfordsville contestants and two North Montgomery students entered in the program.

The students, in order of their contestant numbers from one to nine, are:

Natalie Rae Davis, a daughter of Keith and Nancy Davis, attends Crawfordsville. Her program mom is Julie Rhoads and her talent is gymnastics. Her career goal is music or psychology. She plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University.

Anastasia Marie Yesnik, a daughter of Marc and Carolyn Yesnik, attends Crawfordsville. Her program mom is Julie Coffman and her talent is art. Her career goal is to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. She plans to attend Indiana University.

Jessica Morgan Meyer, a daughter of Joyce Meyer and John Meyer, attends Crawfordsville. Her program moms are Denise Dossett and Patty Line, and her talent is singing and acting. Her career goal is in international business. She plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

Daniell Rane Williams, a daughter of Billy and Belinda Williams, attends Crawfordsville. Her program mom is Julie Coffman and her talent is baton. Her career goal is criminal justice. She plans to attend Indiana State University.

Morgan Layne Busch, a daughter of Robin Busch, attends Crawfordsville. Her program moms are Denise Dossett and Patty Line, and her talent is architecture. Her career goal is to become an architect. She plans to attend Ball State University.

Lauren Kylei Stamper, a daughter of Roger and Joycelyne Abney, attends North Montgomery. Her program mom is Julie Rhoads and her talent is singing. Her career goal is in elementary education. She plans to attend Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.

Kaylynn Diane Keedy, a daughter of Thomas and Sharon Keedy, attends Crawfordsville. Her program moms are Denise Dossett and Patty Line, and her talent is dance. Her career goal is to become a psychologist or counselor. She plans to attend Hope University.

Laura Elizabeth Perry, a daughter of George and Ellen Perry, attends Crawfordsville. Her program mom is Brooke Martin, and her talent is Poetry. Career goal is in psychology. She plans to attend Macalestor College.

Alysa Michelle Wray, a daughter of Gregory Wray and Kimberly McMurry, attends North Montgomery. Her program mom is Brooke Martin, and her talents are singing and piano. A career goal is to work with an inner city children's ministry. She plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University.

Brooke Martin, a program mom who is creating program books for the competition, gave credit to organizers Linda Spencer and Lisa Hagadorn for keeping the program going after Sayler retired.

"It's to let the community know we want this program to stay around," Martin said. "We have great candidates this year. These girls are wonderful girls and are willing to do anything they can to make the program the best this year."

Martin also credited North Montgomery administrators for allowing use of the school's auditorium.

"It is great that North Montgomery is willing to let us use the auditorium," Martin said. "We are lucky for them to do that."

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $3. For further information about the program or advanced ticket sales, e-mail Spencer at lindaspencer@mac.com.

Copyright 2006, The Journal Review
Software © 1998-2006 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved

Engagement of Abigail Fick and Seth Claxton is announced


Published: Monday, October 9, 2006 12:18 PM CDT
SOURCE: http://www.cantondailyledger.com/articles/2006/10/09/news/news06.txt

 

 

Fick — Claxton

Abigail Fick and Seth Claxton are engaged.

She is the daughter of Mike and Kathy Fick of Plymouth, Ind. She is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is employed by Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind.

 

He is the son of Tim and Barbara Claxton of Canton. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is employed by St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.

The couple plans to be married Nov. 11, 2006, at Plymouth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AngioDynamics Names Robert Mitchell Chief Operating Officer, IWU GRADUATE

October 09, 2006 04:31 PM Eastern Time

SOURCE: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061009005899&newsLang=en

QUEENSBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AngioDynamics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANGO), a leading provider of medical devices for the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease announced today that it has appointed Robert D. Mitchell, 44, to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief operating officer effective by December 1, 2006. In this function, Mr. Mitchell will oversee all day-to-day business operations for the Company. He will report directly to Eamonn P. Hobbs, president and chief executive officer.

Much of Mr. Mitchells professional experience was spent at Cook Incorporated in Bloomington, Indiana, where he was responsible for various operations from 1987 to 2004. Mr. Mitchells last position at Cook was vice president and director, global sales and marketing for various business units including: diagnostic and interventional, endovascular, critical care and surgical. In addition, Mr. Mitchell was appointed as the global strategic business unit leader for diagnostic and interventional products.

Mr. Mitchell most recently served as director, president and chief executive officer of Millimed Holdings, Inc., a privately held company based in Roskilde, Denmark, that develops next-generation drug eluting products centered on the treatment of vascular disease. Prior to this position, he was employed by Align Technology, Inc. of Santa Clara, California, where he was vice president of worldwide sales and a member of the executive management committee.

Mr. Mitchell has been actively involved as a lecturer, advisor and board member for several companies, medical societies and organizations. Mr. Mitchell received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah and his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

“We are expanding our executive team to include a chief operating officer to oversee the numerous daily activities associated with a growing market leader, and Bob is the ideal person to fill this position, said Mr. Hobbs. With nearly 20 years of experience in the interventional radiology space, and a proven track record of management, Bob will significantly strengthen the AngioDynamics management team, which will allow me more time to focus on our strategic growth initiatives. I look forward to working very closely with Bob, added Mr. Hobbs.

“I am looking forward to playing a part in the continued growth of AngioDynamics, said Mr. Mitchell. AngioDynamics products are known for their cutting edge technology and I have long admired the respect the company and its innovations have garnered from the medical community. I am very pleased to be joining the Company at this time.

About AngioDynamics

AngioDynamics, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative medical devices used by interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons and other physicians for the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease. AngioDynamics, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad line of therapeutic and diagnostic devices that enable interventional physicians, such as interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons and others, to treat peripheral vascular diseases and other non-coronary diseases. The Company's diverse product line includes angiographic products and accessories, dialysis products, vascular access products, PTA products, drainage products, thrombolytic products and venous products. More information is available at www.angiodynamics.com.

The statements made in this document contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," or variations of such words and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. In addition to the matters described above, the ability of the Company to develop its products, future actions by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, results of pending or future clinical trials, overall economic conditions, general market conditions, market acceptance, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, the effects on pricing from group purchasing organizations and competition, as well as the risk factors listed from time to time in the SEC filings of AngioDynamics, Inc., including but not limited to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 3, 2006, may affect the actual results achieved by the Company.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Wildcats keep fall win streak alive with victory

Indiana Wesleyan University's women's tennis team completed its fall season Saturday with a win and extended a winning streak that dates back to 1995.

The Wildcats' 5-4 win over Olivet Nazarene extended their winning streak in fall dual matches to 146. The win concluded IWU's fall dual season at 13-0.

Sarah Bauss(No. 1 singles), Shannon Gehrke(No. 5 singles) and Melissa Masterson(No. 6 singles) collected wins for the Wildcats. Julia Hedgebethand Brittany Raymondwon at No. 2 doubles, while Laura Helmand Courtney Kooyerswon the No. 3 doubles match.

IWU returns to action Thursday through Saturday in the Mid-Central Conference Tournament, which will be played at Fort Wayne Concordia High School.