The

Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Campuses Advance-TitanVol. 129, No. 3 Feb. 25, 2021 advancetitan.com OSA elections for 2021/2022 weeks away By Carter Uslabar [email protected]

The Oshkosh Student Asso- ciation election voting will be held March 9-10, beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday the 9th and will run until Wednesday the 10th at 8 p.m. The window to announce can- didacy for president, vice presi- dent and senate positions in the Oshkosh Student Association has officially passed. As of the 3 p.m. Feb. 23 dead- line, the OSA had received pa- April Lee / Advance-Titan perwork for just one presiden- Gov. Tony Evers spoke at a press event days after UW Oshkosh’s COVID-19 vaccination center opened. UWO’s COVID-19 vaccination tial and vice presidential ticket, center is one of several other UW System schools to serve as vaccination sites. and paperwork for four senate bids. While it’s now too late to of- ficially run, there’s still a write- UWO opens vaccination facility in option on the ballot. OSA of- By Sophia Voight (CFWC) last week. vaccination center opened on the tial workers and those age 65 and fice manager Tyler Klaver said [email protected] “The University of Wiscon- UWO campus Feb. 16 in partner- over. in the OSA assembly Tuesday sin’s new way of doing things ship with Advocate Aurora Health Eligible members of the com- that if students get the word out, UW Oshkosh joined the vac- is not only to educate all people of Oshkosh and the Winnebago munity may request a COVID-19 they can still be elected through cination effort that could help in the state,” UW System Inter- County Health Department. vaccination appointment on the the write-in option. get Wisconsin past the pandem- im President Tommy Thompson The vaccine center at the UWO Titans Return website at After Ian McDonald and ic with the opening of its com- said. “I’ve added a new twist that CFWC is one of four on UW Sys- uwosh.edu/titans-return/vaccina- Sydney Devitt’s campaign last munity vaccination site at the the University of Wisconsin also tem campuses. tion/ spring, this will be the second Culver Family Welcome Center wants to be at the forefront of Wisconsin is currently vacci- “This is a really important day,” consecutive year that a ticket problem-solving.” nating those in Phase 1a, which Jump to COVID-19 / Page 2 is running for the president and The community COVID-19 includes healthcare work- vice president position unop- ers, essen- posed.

Pennsylva- nia dorm room in 1986. In 1986, Clery Report: standards for cam- pus crime reporting did the possession, consumption and By Sophia Voight not exist. distribution of alcohol under the One thing the University [email protected] The UWO report showed that legal drinking age, made up over Police (UP) does to address there were 619 alcohol referrals UW Oshkosh’s annual campus 80% of reported crime on the the issue is partner with the on campus in 2019, a 24% in- security report revealed that al- UWO campus in 2019, accord- Women’s Center for the Red crease from 499 in 2018. cohol law violations remain the ing to the 2020 Annual Security Zone initiative by providing UWO Captain of Police Chris most reported crime on campus, Report. an increased presence in vul- Tarmann said it’s unfortunate while the number of burglaries Also known as the Clery re- nerable areas on campus. how much underage drinking is and drug arrests is down in recent port, the report is required annu- The red zone refers to the expected on college campuses, years. ally by colleges nationwide and six weeks at the beginning of but it doesn’t remove the impor- Alcohol violations, which in- is named after Jeanne Clery, who the fall semester when a dis- tance of tackling the issue. clude citations and warnings for was raped and murdered in her Jump to Clery / Page 2 2 | AdvanceTitan.com Feb. 25, 2021

Advance-Titan Phone: 920-424-3048 Email: [email protected] Website: www.advancetitan.com

Editor in Chief Carter Uslabar [email protected]

Ad Manager Jon Woodall [email protected] 414-519-6639

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Managing Editor Cory Sparks [email protected]

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Opinion Editor Owen Peterson [email protected]

Arts & Entertainment Editor Lexi Langendorf [email protected] April Lee / Advance-Titan Copy Desk Chief Gov. Tony Evers celebrates the opening of the Culver Family Welcome Center vaccination site. The community COVID-19 vaccination center opened Heidi Docter on the UWO campus Feb. 16 in partnership with Advocate Aurora Health of Oshkosh and the Winnebago County Health Department. [email protected]

Graphic Designer COVID-19: Vaccine site opens at Culver Center Amanda Hollander [email protected] From Page 1 “We are determined to use day, according to UWO vaccina- “By continuing our current Gov. Tony Evers said at the every avenue we can to help en- tion site operations leader Tracy efforts we will prevent hospi- Photo Editor April Lee Friday press conference cele- gage individuals around the im- Miller, but the site has the capac- talizations and protect our most [email protected] brating the opening of the vac- portance of vaccines,” Temple ity to administer 1,000 a day if vulnerable citizens,” he said. cine center. said. they are allotted Gieryn said cases have fortu- Web Editor Olivia Ozbaki “I look forward to continuing Evers said By continuing our enough doses. nately trended down in recent [email protected] to work with the University of the community Patients of weeks, but relaxed behavior be- Wisconsin System and health clinic is also in- current efforts we the center will fore the majority of the county Social Media Manager systems across the state of Wis- tended to help will prevent hospi- receive either is vaccinated will cause more Grant Hunter consin to make sure that we do vaccinate those the Moderna or spikes in cases. [email protected] get adequate vaccines,” Evers without health talizations and pro- Pfizer vaccines, Over 10% of Winnebago said. insurance. tect our most vul- depending on County’s population has tested Copy Desk Editors: Kira Moer- Oshkosh Chair of Infection “Because it’s supply, both of positive for COVID-19 since the icke, Aaron Beecher Prevention at Aurora Health Bri- a community nerable citizens. which require start of the pandemic, according an Temple said this community clinic, we’re two doses. to Gieryn, with over 16,000 total Staff Writers: Andrew Hansen, vaccine site is focused on vac- hoping that -Doug Gieryn, Winnebago Winnebago probable or confirmed cases of Lexi Wojcik-Kretchmer, Jona- cinating groups who have been we will reach County health officer County health the virus in the county. thon Samp, Cassidy Kennedy, disproportionately affected by out to people officer Doug “Right now the vaccine is Katie Pulvermacher, Megan COVID-19. that are disen- Gieryn said it’s flowing slowly — I ask you to be LaFond This includes frontline health- franchised from the healthcare important for county residents patient,” he said. “We have more care workers and communities world,” he said. to continue social distancing and vaccines on the way.” Faculty Adviser Barb Benish of color that have been hit the The center currently vacci- wearing a mask while vaccines [email protected] hardest by the pandemic. nates around 250 individuals a roll out.

About the Newspaper The Advance-Titan is an in- WI progresses on vaccine distribution dependent student newspaper published on campus since 1894. actively preparing. what we will use the following The paper is written and edited Educators slated to receive “Once the vaccine is for the week,” Langolf said. “I would by students at UW Oshkosh who general population, where a love to get 1,800 a week in the are soley responsible for content vaccine beginning next week majority of our students will beginning.” be eligible, there’s going to be Due to the high demand of the and editorial policy. Any UW By Andrew Hansen employees,” Langolf said. “So if two ways you can get the vac- vaccine, many vaccine requests Oshkosh student from all three [email protected] you’re a student and meet any of cine,” Langolf said. “One will have not been able to be matched campuses is welcome to work the listed criteria, you would be be through the community vac- by the state. on the newspaper staff. The State health officials said they eligible. But for a typical student cination site, and the other way “99% of people have been Advance-Titan is published on expect to move into the second that doesn’t fall into one of those is that the University of Wiscon- getting a much lower allocation Thursday during the academic half of Phase 1B next week, categories, they would not be el- sin Oshkosh has applied to be a than they requested,” Langolf year. meaning that educators will be igible yet.” vaccinator itself and we will get said. “So we may only get 50 the next group to receive the Vaccines are currently being an allocation of vaccines at some vaccines, for example, because Correction Policy: COVID-19 vaccine. distributed to the community point.” of the supply and demand.” The Advance-Titan is committed UW Oshkosh Director of Risk at the Culver Family Welcome Given that both the Pfizer and According to a federal- to correcting errors of fact that and Safety Kim Langolf says Center through a partnership Moderna vaccines require two ly-backed policy change an- appear in print or online. Mes- that Phase 1B will also include with Aurora and Winnebago doses to work effectively, UWO nounced by the Center for Medi- sages regarding errors can be some students. County Health Department. would need over 20,000 doses to care and Medicaid services in emailed to [email protected]. “So we’re in Phase 1A right Langolf said that while a vac- fully vaccinate the entire campus October 2020, the vaccine will now and phase 1B starts on cine for the general population population. be free to all who receive it, re- March 1st, which is really for won’t be available until later this “We do request an amount, and gardless of their health insurance educators and other essential year, UWO health officials are that request has to be made on plan. Feb. 25, 2021 AdvanceTitan.com | 3 Chancellor addresses vaccine, state budgets

By Katie Pulvermacher UWO-Fond du Lac’s educational [email protected] attainment rate is raised. “We’re not interested in speak- UW Oshkosh Chancellor An- ing of any kind of changes to the drew Leavitt acknowledged com- arrangements we already had munity concerns with COVID-19, made,” Leavitt said. budget proposals, the fall 2021 Performance evaluations semester and things to be looking Performance evaluations are due forward to at a town hall meeting on March 1. These evaluations in- last week. clude identifying, measuring and “We’re off to a great start in this developing job-related employee semester,” Leavitt said. “If you performance of UWO staff. happen to be on campus, you no- Evaluations must occur for all tice students, you notice people. employees on an annual basis. A It’s my sincere hope that we’ll be performance evaluation form must back to some reasonable new nor- be completed and submitted to hu- mal as quickly as possible.” man resources after each review. Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed “We have an awful amount of 2021-23 state budget employees at this university who Gov. Tony Evers proposed his have obligations at home,” Leavitt 2021-23 biennial budget, regarding said. funding of higher education. These obligations include child- The tiers include $40 million care or parent care, which have in- in cost to continue funding UW creased due to COVID-19. colleges, $50 million to cover the Leavitt asks that supervisors, as tuition freeze and $40 million in they are evaluating employees at general block grant funding, which the university, put some level of would help the UW System apply grace into consideration as every- funding where it sees fit. one is under a great level of stress. “The $50 million [for the tuition Vaccines freeze] is predicated on the notion The Wisconsin Department of of ‘funding the freeze’,” Assistant Health Services (DHS) has ap- to the Chancellor Alex Hummel proved educators for becoming el- April Lee / Advance-Titan said. “This would essentially lean igible for the vaccine posed March UW Oshkosh’s annual security report reveals that alcohol violations made up 80% of reported campus crime. on GPR to make us whole and keep 1. us going, because we do not have The DHS website’s eligibili- the ability to raise tuition and cover ty standards state that faculty and a lot of the associated costs.” staff and higher education settings Clery: Alcohol violations still Evers has also integrated a tu- who have direct contact with stu- ition promise program, which dents are eligible. mirrors Bucky’s Tuition Prom- The Culver Family Welcome ise program that was launched at Center on the UWO campus is cur- UWO’s most reported crime UW-Madison. $39 million would rently open for those 65 years or go toward allowing and supporting older to get their vaccines via the students from families whose gross uwosh.edu website, and educators From Page 1 drug abuse violations in recent gan in 2018 as a way to give stu- income is $60,000 or less to attend are anticipated to be added to the -proportionate number of cam- years. dents burglary prevention tips. any UW System institutions. site next week. pus sexual assaults take place. Drug arrests decreased by Under the Busted initiative, The Freshwater Collaborative, a At that point, people can sign up Tarmann said students who nearly 50% in the past three officers check residence halls for constellation of universities work- to receive an email from Aurora to consume alcohol are often vul- years. According to the report, unlocked doors and leave a flyer ing on freshwater technology, con- receive a vaccine appointment. nerable to being victims of as- 74 arrests were made for drugs with tips on how to prevent bur- servation and related disciplines “Our student health care clinic sault, especially during the red in 2017, while 40 arrests were glaries if they find rooms open throughout the state, is directly in- has been working tirelessly to also zone, so the UP has more strict made in 2019. and unattended. vested with $9 million. be licensed as vaccinators,” Chair enforcement of alcohol viola- Drug abuse violations have Burglaries on campus went The prison education initiative is of the Department of Economics tions during this time. consistently decreased over the down 14% after the initiative funded $5 million, $10 million to Chad Cotti said. “We know that some of those past five years, the study shows. was implemented, according to student behavioral health, $5 mil- As of now, UWO is uncertain if activities are going to happen re- There were 152 drug violations crime statistics. lion toward foster youth support, their health care clinic will be able gardless, so if we’re in the area on campus in 2015 and 92 in Tarmann said the initiative nurse educator funding and more. to receive doses of the vaccine to then we’re also letting people 2019, nearly a 40% decrease was created after the UP found The governor’s budget would distribute from that site as well. who are going to prey on our over five years. that the majority of burglaries on allow the UW System to estab- To schedule a vaccination ap- vulnerable students know that Tarmann said the decrease in campus were happening inside lish credit markets for operational pointment, visit one of the follow- we’re out there,” Tarmann said. drug arrests and violations is be- residence halls. modeling, which ultimately is de- ing links: walgreens.com, uwosh. He said that the behaviors that cause the UP has changed how “Our strategy was to have our signed to help support universities edu, co.winnebago.wi.us, foxciti- come with drinking are often they manage drug calls in recent people in residence halls walk through difficult periods. escovidvaccine.com. linked to the likelihood of sexual years. down the hallways and if they There are some other provisions Marching band coming to harassment or assault occurring. A large number of drug arrests see a door open … and if nobody to allow the UW System to estab- UWO “Our presence and our ability are for marijuana, and Tarmann was there and the door was open, lish a working capital program, re- Leavitt made a request to UWO’s to reduce those under-age activ- said the UP previously appre- they would put a plastic card in address Minnesota-Wisconsin reci- strategic enrollment team looking ities actually reduces the poten- hended all incidents where the front of the door and close it,” he procity and allow DACA students into the possibility of starting a tial for sexual assaults,” he said. smell of marijuana was present said. to receive in-state tuition. marching band. The number of reported sexual or reported. Tarmann said the UP expand- “Clearly, Gov. Evers wants to “Since the day I stepped on cam- offenses, including rape and fon- Tarmann said the UP recently ed the Busted initiative to other invest in the UW System,” Leavitt pus, I’ve always wondered where dling, on campus have remained chose to only address situations campus buildings where students said. “And that’s something we’re our marching band was,” Leavitt low with only six reported of- where the smell of marijuana is will receive information cards if very grateful for.” said. “I certainly have great interest fenses in 2019, up from three in present if the people involved an officer finds their property -un To learn more about Evers’ in beginning one.” 2018. are causing problems. attended. 2021-23 Biennial Budget, visit Marching band is the number However, Tarmann said he “If you smell like marijuana “We figured out a way to com- doa.wi.gov. one activity asked for by students thinks those numbers don’t re- but you’re not causing a prob- municate with our community Plans for access and tech cam- that UWO does not offer. flect the actual number of sex lem, that’s not really something members so that they can receive puses “We’re the only institution [of offenses on campus since those that we’re gonna address,” he information on burglaries in a According to the Wisconsin the eight teams in the WIAC] to crimes are likely underreported. said. “But if you are causing a non-threatening way,” he said. State Journal, the relationship be- my knowledge that does not have a According to a report from problem and you smell like mar- Tarmann said the UP’s strate- tween the technical college system marching band,” Leavitt said. the Journal of American College ijuana — that we address.” gy on burglaries is to share their and the UW System created a lot Marching bands will attract stu- Health, 50% of sexual assaults The Clery report showed that crime data with the community of uncertainty as to what individu- dents to the campus and will give on college campuses occur in UWO’s burglaries have de- to keep them informed. al plans are for the access and tech students a fun opportunity to join August, September, October and creased since 2017, when 14 “When your police officers campuses. an organization on campus. November. Students are most at were reported. Burglaries have have good relationships with “I want to reassure everyone that Students on all three campuses risk for sexual assault in their gone down about 78% since then people in their community then UW Oshkosh is and remains com- will be eligible for the marching first or second semester of- col with three reported in 2019. they will share information mitted to fully developing our two band. Leavitt hopes the marching lege. Tarmann said the decrease in which helps us resolve crimes access campus,” Leavitt said. band will kickstart in fall 2022 af- UWO has seen a decrease in burglaries is likely due to the faster as well,” he said. The main purpose is still that ter fundraising. the number of drug arrests and UP’s “Busted” initiative that be- UWO-Fox Cities campus and 4 | AdvanceTitan.com Feb. 25, 2021 What is gerrymandering? By Sophia Voight posing party. [email protected] This kind of political tactic is oftentimes used to protect in- Congressional representatives, cumbents during re-election by state senators and assembly rep- grouping all of their supporters resentatives will be subject to together, thus minimizing com- the redistricting process over the petition. next year. Gerrymandering tactics have With the collection of the cen- been used by both Democrats sus data every 10 years, states and Republicans, although Re- redraw the boundaries of their publicans were able to control electoral districts in order to bal- the redistricting that took place ance shifting population among in 2010 because they controlled districts. This includes any leg- the majority of state legislatures islative districts for the House that year. of Representatives, state Senate, and state assembly. How is gerrymandering done? The purpose of redistricting is Mapmakers manipulate dis- to create districts of equal popu- tricts in one of two ways, either lation to ensure every voter has “packing” or “cracking.” an equal say — but that is not Cracking is the drawing of Ideally, typically the result. What instead electoral districts in a way that an electoral tends to occur is the manipulation spreads into opposing party vot- district is based of maps to give one party politi- ers across districts so that they on population of a cal advantage over another, also never make up a majority in the continuous and com- known as gerrymandering. electorate. This gives the map- pact region. This theoret- makers majority of the vote in ically gives each voter in What is gerrymandering? most, if not all, electoral districts. that district equal power in Gerrymandering is a term used Packing occurs when as many an election to choose which when one political party redraws of the opposing party’s voters are candidate they wish to repre- the legislative maps so that the jammed into as few districts as sent them. voters in that district favor their possible. This gives the opposing However, gerrymandering party over their opposition. party a landslide victory in a spe- allows the majority party pol- Electoral districts are usually cific district but affords that party iticians to essentially win the drawn by state legislatures and if very few wins in legislature as a election the day the maps are one party holds a majority in both whole. drawn because they are able to houses of the legislature, they can Packing is used in conjunction successfully keep all opposing essentially draw district lines in with cracking to shovel as many party voters in the minority. Graphic by Sophia Voight their favor. This typically results minority voters into as little dis- When politicians are able to Wisconsin’s eight congressional districts by Democratic or Repub- in oddly shaped districts intend- tricts as possible, while thinly strategically manufacture their lican control for 2021. victories, they don’t have to reach ed to include or exclude certain spreading out the remaining sup- politicians are able to disperse en’t worried about losing re-elec- voters. porters into districts with plenty out to their constituents as much, as they know they have already those voters out among districts, tion or seats for their party, they The goal of gerrymandering is of majority party voters. so they won’t make up the major- are less likely to compromise to secure one party a majority of secured re-election. Even if the majority of state ity opinion in the legislature. with opposing party politicians. the seats in the legislature and as How does gerrymandering Similarly, when politicians ar- few seats as possible for their op- affect our elections? voters are opposed to an issue, How algorithms assist in gerrymandering By Sophia Voight one party a majority of the seats looking to draw partisan district trum, but since Republicans con- Republicans won less than half [email protected] in the legislature. lines. trolled a majority of state legis- the votes, but more than 60 per- The data people create and Today, partisan lawmakers latures while redistricting after cent of assembly seats. Gerrymandering is the draw- share every day from apps, Goo- can use algorithms to design hy- the last census, they were able to The creation of the Redistrict- ing of representational districts to gle searches and social media can pothetical boundaries and get successfully draw maps in their ing Majority Project, or RED- create an unfair political advan- be used to create algorithms that instantaneous results of voting favor. MAP, in 2010 also helped Repub- tage for one party, but how do leg- categorize who is more likely to behavior, racial composition and This happened in Wiscon- licans successfully seize control islators know who you voted for be a Democrat or Republican. population distribution that could sin when Republican legislators of representational districts in or what party you belong to when Algorithms are instructions that tip the scales in their favor. hired University of Oklahoma swing states. drawing those districts in order to tell a computer what to do with Partisan gerrymandering elections professor Keith Gaddie REDMAP was a project of create a political advantage? all of the data and inputs it and voter behavior al- to measure partisanship for each the Republican State Leadership Today, political mapmaking is a receives. They are de- gorithms are precinct to maximum political ad- Committee (RSLC) created to multimillion-dollar enterprise that signed to analyze and used by both vantage for Republicans in their increase Republican control of uses big data and computer algo- make predictions on sides mapmaking sessions. congressional and state legislative rithms to predict who people will user habits based o f In 2012, the next election after seats during 2010 redistricting. vote for with almost surgeon-like on large data the legislative district map cre- The project utilized sophisticated precision. trends. ated from Gaddie’s mapping software to determine The U.S. Constitution requires As big data election tool electoral boundaries that would congressional apportionment to gets better was passed guarantee Republican wins. be based on population and by at iden- into The initiative was incredibly law states must redistrict after tifying law, successful in gerrymandering each decennial census to account voters districts in favor of Republicans. for population shifts, but there are and their Republicans were able to score few laws stating what data is to be prefer- the nearly 700 additional legislative used when redistricting. ences, po- victories in 2010 state legislative Only 21 states explicitly require comput- lit- races, including in Wisconsin. the use of census data for legisla- er-based According to REDMAP’s sum- tive and congressional redistrict- precision mary report, the RSLC spent $1.1 ing. Wisconsin typically practices gerry- million to successfully flip both the use of federal census data for mander- chambers of the Wisconsin legis- redrawing electoral maps but has ing has ical lature in 2010 through the help of no law requiring its use. become spec- REDMAP’s algorithms. State legislators can use proper- the new Now because everything we do ty records, political affiliations of trend can be tracked and recorded into registered voters, previous elec- for leg- algorithms, determining the like- tion results and the address of in- islators lihood and strength of political cumbents to effectively adjust po- leaning is easier than ever. Com- litical lines to ensure incumbents puter-based gerrymandering has win reelection in races following been around for decades, but as redistricting. algorithms get smarter at analyz- But the new age of access to big ing our data it will likely increase data has made partisan mapmak- the effectiveness of partisan ger- ing far more accurate at determin- rymandering in the decades to ing the trends of voters to secure come. Feb. 25, 2021 AdvanceTitan.com | 5 This week in UWO history Feb. 25, 1996 — The Oshkosh men’s basketball team earns its first-ever bid to the NCAA - Divi sion III tournament. The 22-3 Ti- tans – the team’s best record since 1968 – receive a No. 3 seed in the West Region of the 64-team field, squaring off against Simpson Col- lege. They receive an at-large bid Wisconsin’s effort to create fair electoral maps largely in part to their 13-3 Wis- consin State University Confer- pool of 270 applicants. • Avoid diluting or dimin- ence record, the Titan’s best con- Congressional redistricting The commission’s redistrict- ishing minority votes, ference finish since 1978. ing hearings have already begun including the practices of around the state, starting back in “packing” and “cracking” Feb. 26, 1942 — Lt. William J. virtual public hearing tonight September. In total, there will be • Be compact and contigu- McGowan becomes the first Osh- eight hearings — one for each ous kosh student to die from the World By Sophia Voight is a group of nine nonpartisan congressional district — for Wis- • Avoid splitting wards and War II conflict. McGowan’s para- [email protected] individuals tasked with conduct- consinites to give their input on municipalities chute malfunctioned when he was ing hearings and gathering input the importance of fair mapping • Retain the core popula- forced to eject from his plane With the collection of census from experts and citizens across and how partisan maps affect tion in each district during a flight exercise over Mis- data every 10 years, states redraw the state on how to create fair their communities. • Maintain traditional com- sissippi. He had just recently com- the boundaries of their electoral maps for Wisconsin. Due to COVID-19, the Peo- munities of interest, and pleted flight training school and districts in order to balance the Under the executive order, the ple’s Maps Commission will host • Prevent voter disenfran- received his wings shifting population among dis- commission members may not be virtual public hearings in each chisement tricts. elected officials, public officials, congressional district. All mem- Feb. 27, 1985 — G. Gordon This includes any legislative lobbyists or political party offi- bers of the public are encouraged This method for approaching Liddy, a former FBI agent who districts for the House of Repre- cials. Instead, the commission is to give their input on how elec- mapmaking is derived from Io- also served time for his role for sentatives, state Senate and state made up of experts in nonpartisan toral lines impact you and your wa’s redistricting system, where the Watergate break-in, speaks to assembly. redistricting, members from com- community and how you think nonpartisan staff draws the lines about 800 people at Albee Hall. The purpose of redistricting is munities of interest and residents the commission should approach with a nonpartisan approach. Liddy believes Americans are liv- to create districts of equal popu- of each of the state’s eight con- drawing the new district lines. The difference between the ing a life of illusions. The former lation to ensure every voter has gressional districts. The commission members commission’s maps and Iowa’s Nixon administration aide predict- an equal say, but that is not typ- The idea of the commission is will also hear from experts about system, however, is that Iowa’s ed a military draft, the collapse of ically the result. that the people of Wisconsin, in- the importance of fair maps, the nonpartisan mapmaking carries Social Security and the eventual The demographics of a district stead of politicians, should make computer systems and statistics the force of law, while the Wis- military supremacy of the Soviet often determine who its citizens the decision about their represen- that help draw the maps, and new consin commission relies on an Union. About a dozen protestors, elect as their representatives, tational districts. ideas and theories on the best executive order, and any maps many representing the student which leaves redrawing districts Their goal is to assist in draw- way to draw maps. developed by the commission group Mobilization for Survival, vulnerable to gerrymandering as ing fair, nonpartisan maps in a The 6th Congressional District will be recommendations and hand out pamphlets for about 30 politicians along party lines want transparent and participatory hearing will be held on Feb. 25 won’t carry the force of law. minutes before Liddy’s speech pro- to hold as many seats as possible manner. from 5:30 - 8:45 p.m. In his State of the State address testing the cost of $4,800 to bring in the legislature. The maps created by the com- You can find more information in January, Evers said nonparti- the convicted felon to campus. In an effort to prevent partisan mission will only be used as on how to get involved in the san redistricting legislation has gerrymandering during the 2021 recommendations for state legis- hearing at govstatus.egov.com/ been introduced for years but Feb. 28, 1866 — The Board of mapmaking, Gov. Tony Evers latures, which will inevitably be peoplesmaps/hearings-meetings. hasn’t been able to pass the Re- Regents of Normal Schools votes established the People’s Maps the ones to draft official district Once all hearings are conduct- publican-controlled Legislature. to establish the first state normal Commission by executive order lines. The Legislature will then ed and the 2020 census data for The governor said the Legisla- school in the 5th Congressional in early 2020. choose to accept the commis- Wisconsin has been made avail- ture’s choice to not move forward District and third such school over- According to a Marquette Law sion’s maps or ignore their maps able, the commission will draw on issues like medical marijua- all in Wisconsin at Oshkosh. School poll, 72% of the public to draft their own. up electoral map proposals. na and expanding background prefer redistricting of legislative All commission members had Under the executive order, the checks on gun sales when they Feb. 29, 1996 — The Oshkosh and congressional districts to be to apply for the position and were People’s Maps will need to: are heavily supported by Wiscon- men’s basketball team defeats done by a nonpartisan commis- then selected by three retired sinites is proof lawmakers aren’t Simpson College 79-74 at Kolf sion. state judges. The resulting nine • Be free from partisan bias accountable to voters. Sports Center in its first-ever -ap The People’s Map Commission members were chosen from a and advantage pearance in the NCAA Division III tournament. The Titans, who shoot 62.5% from the field, are led Gov. signs bill expanding vaccine administration by Dennis Ruedinger’s 24 points. Their season ends two days later on Gov. Tony Evers today signed a healthcare provider who is au- March 2, losing to Adolphus Col- Assembly Bill (AB) 4, now thorized to administer vaccines. lege 61-60 in double overtime. 2021 Wisconsin Act 3, which Additionally, under AB 4, addi- would allow pharmacy techni- tional persons would be allowed March 1, 1962 — Nels Pe- cians and students to administer to administer vaccines under ter Nelson, a longtime secondary COVID-19 vaccines under cer- certain conditions, including the education director and associate tain conditions. following: professor of education, dies at 67. “While we work to get shots in The person has completed at The Neenah native served as the arms as soon as we have supply least two hours in a course of director of the division of second- available, we also want to make study and training, approved ary education from 1925 until his sure we’re maximizing our ca- by the Accreditation Council death. The Oshkosh Normal 1920 pacity by expanding the number for Pharmacy Education or the graduate was also a World War I of people who can administer board, in hands-on injection veteran. Nelson Hall was named those doses once we have them,” technique and the recognition for him. The hall was torn down Gov. Evers said. “Getting vac- and treatment of emergency re- in 2010 to make room for Horizon cine doses to folks across our actions to vaccines; Residence Hall. state continues to be our top The person acts under the di- priority so we can recover and rect supervision of a pharmacist bounce back from this pandem- who has completed a course in ic.” study on topics relating to vac- Evers signed AB 4 today at cination; UW Oshkosh following a tour of The person holds a current cer- the campus’ COVID-19 vaccina- tification in basic life support or tion clinic that opened this week cardiopulmonary resuscitation; in partnership with Advocate and Aurora Health of Oshkosh and The person holds a certified the Winnebago County Public pharmacy technician certifica- Health Department. tion from either the Pharmacy AB 4, now 2021 Wisconsin Technician Certification Board Act 3, allows a pharmacy student or the National Healthcareer As- April Lee / Advance-Titan who has completed two years of sociation. Gov. Evers signed a bill expanding COVID-19 vaccine administra- pharmacy school to administer a tion to pharmacy technicians at a press conference Friday. vaccine under the supervision of AdvanceTitan.com | 6 Feb. 25, 2021 Sports Titans wh op Pointers

April Lee / Advance-Titan After UWO swept UWSP, they jumped up to 13th in the NCAA Division III by D3hoops.com. Sophomore forward Levi Borchert was then named to the five-member D3hoops.com Men’s Basketball Team of the Week after averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds in the two game sweep against UWSP.

By Jonathon Samp er Plamann put up 13 and Muench ing and rebounding, so that’s the season due to COVID-19 causing competing in it.” [email protected] added 11. skill I am working in this season to the WIAC to split into the East and The Titans get a week off from Borchert scored in numerous prepare for next season.” West Divisions. This means that game play, but will head right into The UW Oshkosh men’s bas- ways, shooting 9-for-12 from the Both games scheduled for this the Titans could potentially face the WIAC playoffs starting next ketball team had another success- floor and also going 1-1 from 3 week against UW-Eau Claire have a team they haven’t seen yet. The week Monday with the quarterfi- ful week on the hardwood last point land in the win. been cancelled this week due to team considers everyone a threat nal game. Coach Lewis is thankful week winning both of their games “I’ve been working to expand a positive COVID-19 test on the in the WIAC playoffs because to have team-oriented leaders on against UW-Stevens Point in dom- my range to the 3-point line on UWEC team, meaning the Titans they haven’t played all of them in the team heading into the playoffs. inating fashion. the offensive end, and on the de- will head right into the Wisconsin the regular season. “We are fortunate to have a The Titans beat UWSP 76-62 on fensive end just overall becoming Intercollegiate Athletic Confer- “I know we aren’t going to get roster full of selfless, great team- Feb. 17 in Stevens Point and then a better defender because with our ence (WIAC) playoffs. a chance to play every team in the mates,” Lewis said. “Each guy has came home and won 86-66 on somewhat smaller team this year, The Titans have been preparing WIAC, but just based off returning sacrificed an incredible amount Feb. 19. In Wednesday’s game, se- my defensive role is slightly dif- for the playoffs, which will begin talent from every team and based this year to keep us on the court. nior guard Eddie Muench led the ferent,” Borchert said. “Beyond on March 1. off the teams we already played, I Heading into the WIAC Tourna- charge with 23 points, but sopho- that I’m always trying to improve “We’re preparing for the WIAC think every team can do damage,” ment, our goal is to play physical, more Levi Borchert was also in the all aspects of my game.” playoff just like we always do by Borchert said. tough basketball and enjoy the mix as he tallied on 16. Mahoney hopes to use this sea- going all out in practice everyday, “I don’t think there is just one week as much as possible.” Borchert led the way in the scor- son to improve his strength for staying focused in film and going team that we need to focus on; we The Titans will look to repeat as ing column on Feb. 19 as he put up next season. to workouts,” Mahoney said. “It is have to be prepared for any team WIAC champions for the second 20 points, but scoring was spread “My last year as a freshman a little more meaningful this year on any given night.” Head coach year in a row. Quarterfinal games across the board for the Titans as I was about 173lbs and now I’m because we know we don’t have a Matt Lewis said. “The WIAC is will be played on March 1, emi- sophomore guard Will Mahoney hovering around 190lbs and still NCAA tournament.” incredibly competitive from top to final games on March 3 and the had 17, junior guard Eric Peterson trying to gain weight,” Mahoney The Titans were not able to play bottom. The tournament will be a WIAC Championship game will contributed 15, junior guard Hunt- said. “All that helps with defend- against every team this regular challenge and we look forward to be played on March 5.

April Lee / Advance-Titan April Lee / Advance-Titan Junior guard Hunter Plamann (5) is averaging 13.0 points per game while shooting 40.8% from the field Senior guard Eddie Muench (3) is averaging 19.4 points per game and 42.9% from behind the 3-point line. He is also a perfect 100% from the free-throw line this season. while shooting 56.9% from the field and 48.7% from behind the 3-point line. He has improved in all three of those statistical cate- gories from last year. Feb. 25, 2021 7 | AdvanceTitan.com Women’s basketball atop WIAC East By Cory Sparks [email protected]

The UW Oshkosh women’s basketball team swept UW-Ste- vens Point in a pair of blowouts on Feb. 17 and 19 by scores of 75- 45 and 67-40. UWO’s 30- and 27-point wins were the team’s largest margin wins of the year, and the only time the team trailed was an 0-2 deficit in the first couple of minutes of the second game. After the second bout against UWSP, UWO sits atop the Wis- consin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) East Divi- sion with a 5-1 record and two games left to play in the abbrevi- ated regular season. “​These games were always es- sentially non-conference games as our seeding was determined by just division games,” head coach Brad Fischer said. “Our players didn’t get the normal progression of a year where they, especially the newcomers, get to go out there and get their feet wet in games that don’t have as high of stakes.” Leah Porath led UWO in scor- ing in the first game at home against UWSP with 22 points on Katie Pulvermacher / Advance-Titan an 8-for-14 shooting effort from Freshman guard Lydia Crow surveys the court as she prepares to pass the ball in the Feb. 17 matchup against UWSP at the Kolf Sports Center. UWO went the field and a 1-for-3 shooting ef- on to win the matchup by a score of 75-45, making the game thier largest blowout win of the year. fort from behind the 3-point line. Other notable scoring efforts defense, like Jenna Jorgensen and got off to a good start. I think it basketball. and in the lead of the WIAC West came from junior forward Abby Karsyn Rueth, have taken a little was 5-2 at the media time out. I “That’s been a different element Division. The Feb. 24 results, Kaiser, sophomore guard Jenna bit more pride on that end of the felt like we did a decent job ratch- for us this year that we’ve tried to which were not available by our Jorgensen and freshman forward floor.” eting up the pressure early, but play around with,” Fischer said. press deadline, are posted on the Kayce Vaile, who all had 10 UWSP didn’t help themselves honestly our offense was not very “I think with Stevens Point the UWO athletics page. The Feb. points each. either, as they only shot 11-for-22 good,” Fischer said. “It was real- pressure had them always feeling 26 game will tip off at 7 p.m. in UWO’s defense allowed UWSP (50%) from the free-throw line; ly those last four minutes of the a bit uncomfortable, even in our Eau Claire, and it can be viewed to shoot just 15-for-45 from the field (33%), while scoring only 45 this was significantly less than quarter that saved us from a pretty moments of breakdowns where through the ‘video’ option in the points. UWO, who shot 19-for-30 (63%) ugly start.” things opened up.” game’s tab on the UWO athletics There have been a couple of re- from the line. UWO’s defensive effort was Fischer added that this aggres- page. cent standouts who have stepped The second game took place in shown through the 13 steals that sive defensive style is different “It’s a great challenge getting to up their defensive game. Stevens Point, but UWO showed the team accumulated throughout from the more conservative ap- play the other division champion “​I think Julia Silloway and no signs of homesickness as they the game, and Porath led all play- proach that UWO has been known to kind of see where things are at,” Abby Kaiser have set the tone for pushed the game out of reach ear- ers with three steals of her own. for in the last couple of years, but Fischer said. “At the same time, us with their ability to help pres- ly by exploding on a 21-1 run for Even with significant leads of thus far, it seems to be working. we have some other things we’d sure the ball and affect the other the remainder of the first quarter upwards of 20 points, UWO nev- UWO’s last pair of matchups like to work on and see, and I team’s better perimeter players,” after being down 0-2 just four er let up on defense and was able will be against arguably their think we have to continue to look Fischer said. “I also think others minutes into the game. to keep UWSP uncomfortable and toughest competition yet in UW- at what the uniqueness of this year who haven’t been known for their “We actually didn’t feel like we making poor decisions with the Eau Claire, who is currently 6-0 presents.” Track makes huge strides in unscored event By Cory Sparks best 3000m time of 8:36:02. winners from Feb. 19 are Jaylen me because I’m the type of ath- for believing in our team and lift- [email protected] Consistency and improvement Grant at 6.88 seconds (60m), lete that wants to contribute to the ing us up when we were down. have both been key components Rashaad Henderson at 22.54 sec- team as much as possible. Doing He instilled this mindset in all of The UW Oshkosh track and to UWO’s success and national onds (200m), Amitai Wheat at other events allows me to do so.” us to train in the dark until we can field team competed against recognition thus far. 50.43 seconds (400m), Reid Mar- Grant, who usually runs in finally compete,” Grant said. “We UW-Whitewater at Whitewater in “I feel like my performance quard at 2:00:57 (800m), Andrew the 60m dash, ran in the 200m are a better team because of him an unscored event as the national this season has been pretty good,” Muskevitch at 15:84.84 (5000m), and was the anchor for UWO’s and our other coaches.” teams inch closer to outdoor sea- Grant said. “My times have been Eli Tranel at 4.70m (pole vault), 4x400m relay team in the Feb. 19 son. consistent, and that was one of Jamyle Brantley at 7.11 (long meet against UWW. This was UWO’s third track my goals coming into this sea- jump) and Jonathan Wilburn at Although it doesn’t look like event of the year, and, at this son.” 14.91m (triple jump). there will be a national competi- point, the men are ranked second Along with those components, The men’s and women’s tion for the indoor track season, nationally while the women are UWO’s persistence in the off- team, despite the event being a the likelihood seems greater for ranked seventh nationally. season that if they worked hard non-scoring one, dominated the a national championship for out- During UWO’s second event enough they’d shine when they dual meet and have made a theme door season. of the year, and their first against got the chance is also paying div- of winning a ton of events in all If that does happen, UWO feels UWW on Feb. 13, they had three idends to a successful start to the three meets thus far. confident that they’ll be ready to runners crack the top 10 national indoor track season. “Both the women’s and men’s take on high competition. times. Among the UWO individual side have performed amazingly “Assuming that we have con- Sophomore sprinter Jaylen women winners from Feb. 19 are well,” Grant said. “We have been ference and/or outdoor nationals Grant recorded the best 60m Mikayla Jackson at 8.02 seconds training since last fall for the op- meets, I believe that my entire dash time of any D-III athlete in (60m), Alaina Wagner at 26.87 portunity to finally compete and team can do well at both levels,” the nation at 6.88 seconds after seconds (200m), Zanzie Demcoe it definitely shows up in our re- Grant said. “We compete every cracking UWO’s school record at 2:15.58 (800m), Lauren Urban sults.” weekend in one of [the toughest] with a 6.81 second time last year. at 19:35.44 (5000m), Riley Kindt The ability for some athletes to conferences in the nation.” Carter Uslabar / Advance-Titan Junior sprinter Denzel Thomas at 9.06 seconds (60m hurdles), take on versatile roles by running The team gives partial credit Sophomore sprinter Jaylen Grant ran the fourth best 60m dash time Kindt at 1.63m (high jump), Kindt in multiple events has also pushed for its success thus far to the head currently holds the best Division in the nation, and second best in at 11.05m (triple jump), Sydney them in ways that they have not coach, Justin Kinseth, for pushing III 60m dash time at 6.88 seconds. the event, with a time of 6.90 sec- Thompson at 13.59m (shot put) been pushed before. everyone even when there was Grant was an indoor national qual- onds. and Thompson at 16.90m (weight “I’ve had opportunities to run uncertainty about whether there ifier last year, but the COVID-19 Junior distance runner Andrew throw). other events this indoor season,” would be a 2021 season or not. pandemic cancelled the event. George clocked the nation’s 10th The UWO individual men Grant said. “This means a lot to “I want to thank Coach Kinseth 8 | AdvanceTitan.com Feb. 25, 2021 Arts & Entertainment Museum presents “Star Wars” toy exhibit Display is the largest in state By Lexi Langendorf [email protected]

The Oshkosh Public Museum is currently showing the largest public display of vintage “Star Wars” toys in Wisconsin at its “Nostalgia Awakens: Star Wars Vintage Toys” exhibit. The ex- hibit continues through June 20. When “Star Wars” hit the movie theaters in 1977, it in- stantly became a box office hit and aquickly became widely popular among both kids and adults alike. After the movie was released, fans immediately looked to min- iature-sized toys with their fa- vorite heroes, villains, creatures and spaceships to harness the legendary action and excitement that “Star Wars” embodies. From 1978 to 1985, Kenner Advance-Titan Products manufactured hun- The 1978 Death Star by Palitoy is the most sought after by “Star Wars” toy collectors as it’s available only in the United Kingdom and dreds of action figures, vehi- Canada. Jared Roll, owner of the largest “Star Wars” toy collection in Wisconsin, has been collecting toy sets like these since he was 4. cles and playsets based upon characters and items featured “Star Wars” toys on many hol- “It’s something we can all in “Star Wars,” “The Empire idays, so over the years, he ac- share,” Roll said. Strikes Back” crued quite an Tammy Malewski, marketing and “Return of It’s an exhibit that impressive col- coordinator at the museum, said the Jedi”. will appeal to all lection. while it’s not a typical museum The owner of generations, so A colleague exhibition, the toys are still a the toys, Jarrod suggested he part of history. Roll, has been families can come show off his “It’s an exhibit that will ap- a huge “Star together to see collection, giv- peal to all generations, so fam- Wars” fan since ing Roll the ilies can come together to see he was 4 years where the billion- confidence to where the billion-dollar fran- old and devel- dollar franchise all put together chise all began,” Malewski said. oped the idea began. his first display “Children can see what their to put togeth- at the Monroe parents grew up playing with er the exhibit -Tammy Malewski, County Local before newer characters like in 2015 when Oshkosh Public Museum History Room Rey and Poe were introduced.” “Star Wars: The and Museum in Due to COVID-19, the Osh- Force Awak- Sparta, where kosh Public Museum asks that align with safety precautions for See more information at osh- ens” was about to hit theaters Roll serves as the director. interested visitors purchase the ongoing pandemic. koshmuseum.org or call the mu- and people had renewed interest Roll said he encourages peo- tickets in advance to attend. The museum is not offering seum at 920-236-5799. in the franchise. ple to bring their families and Reservations, which are re- refunds or exchanges, so make Throughout his childhood, friends to the exhibit because quired, will allow visitors easy sure to reserve a date and time Roll’s family had gifted him “Star Wars” spans generations. check-in when they arrive and that will work for you.

Advance-Titan Advance-Titan The Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set, Turret and Probot Playset and Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer Toy collector Jarrod Roll (left) and his brother Kevin (right) play- Action Playset all from the 1980s can be viewed at the Oshkosh Public Museum until June 20. ing with their toys as children. Feb. 25, 2021 AdvanceTitan.com | 9 UWO alumnus writes childrens book “As a parent and a special edu- cation teacher, I love the way this P.E. teacher hopes to book addresses responsibility in a way that is relatable to children of all types,” Christina said. “It’s a be role model for kids fun and effective way to help chil- dren with a topic so vital to their By Cassidy Kennedy as a child. growth and development.” [email protected] “Growing up, physical edu- Gary Wondrash, a former spe- cation felt like another recess,” cial education teacher of seven- Former UW Oshkosh Ben Lancour said. “I enjoyed the com- teen years and former elemen- Lancour has written an illustrat- petitiveness of the activities we tary physical education teacher ed children’s book containing an were playing and always looked of eighteen years, said that Lan- important message to individuals forward to it.” cour’s book hits the nail on the everywhere. However, Lancour said that his head. Lancour graduated from UWO P.E. teachers growing up often “I have seen the exact behav- in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree yelled in order to get the attention iors described in this book mani- in physical education, minoring in of the “little ones.” fest in my class,” Wondrash said. adaptive phy ed and now works in “I want to be a role model that “Ben’s functional behavioral as- the Green Bay Area School Dis- kids will respect, not fear,” Lan- sessment of Henry‘s actions is a trict teaching elementary physical cour said. real behavioral response I have education. “Henry and the Gym Monster,” seen as a teacher.” His work in special education written by Lancour and illustrat- Wondrash said he has no doubt prior to his current position was ed by Emily Bennett, is about a that there are students who will a big inspiration for the creation boy named Henry who wants to identify with Henry, which will of his book, “Henry and The Gym play games with his friends in benefit their growth as a result. Monster.” gym class, but Manny the “P.E. “The Gym Monster is a book Lancour said that being a phys- monster” tricks him into playing I would recommend for any ele- ical educator definitely played a games his way. mentary aged child,” Wondrash role in writing his book, which is Eventually, Henry needs to fig- said. “It would especially benefit predicted to be published some- ure out how to defeat his monster Author Ben Lancour reading a book with his daughter, Harper. special needs students and stu- time this summer. before Manny gets out of control dents who are impulsive.” “I wanted to combine my pas- and grows too big to handle. hold yourself accountable… the rid of Manny.” The book will be available this sion for working with dysregulat- Manny the monster is a crucial more your ‘Manny’ grows,” Lan- Lancour said parents and chil- summer in hardcover, paperback ed children and the gym setting,” part of the story because he rep- cour said. dren will enjoy this book because and e-book formats. Lancour said. “For some of those resents something we all struggle Lancour said it’s OK to make it’s a unique story that focuses Check out Lancour’s website, dysregulated children, physical with: self-control, Lancour said. mistakes, but blaming others for on important values within many www.benlancourbooks.com, for education may be the only class The lesson that Lancour wants things that you did will only hurt young kids’ favorite class, phy more information and subscribe they enjoy, which was the case for children and educators to under- you more in the long run. ed.P.E. to his email list for updates. You me growing up. This book is for stand is the importance of taking “The only way around it is to Christina Stefenhagen, an in- can also follow him on Instagram them.” responsibility. be honest with yourself and the tellectual disabilities teacher and @ben_lancour_books, Facebook Lancour said he was also in- “The more you push it off, the people you care about,” Lancour a parent, said that she loves the @BenLancourBooks, and Twitter spired by his own passion for P.E. more you blame others and do not said. “This is the only way to get story.

Ben Lancour, author of “Henry and the Gym Monster”, with his wife Stephanie and his daughter Harper. Lancour’s book will be published sometime this summer and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats. The message Lancour wants children and educators to understand is the importance of responsibility. Looking to get involved this semester? Join The Advance-Titan email [email protected] for more information make friends • build your portfolio • open to students of any major • learn meaningful skills 10 | AdvanceTitan.com Opinion Feb. 25, 2021

“Whatcha Think?” Smelly situation in Stewart Hall What is your favorite and least favorite spot to study By Katie Pulvermacher on campus? [email protected] At the start of the fall 2020 semester, plates in Blackhawk Commons were replaced with reusable green to-go containers. While these containers are ben- eficial and convenient, issues have arisen, and they are not pleasant. Whenever I leave or return to my dorm in Stewart Hall, whether going to or from a class or grabbing some food on cam- pus, I get a big whiff of rotten Mara, sophomore food in the front lobby. Favorite: My favorite study Stewart does not have a des- spot would be in Sage, in ignated cart for used contain- those little study rooms. ers, yet at one point in the past couple weeks, someone placed Least favorite: Probably a used container in one of the Reeve. rolling carts intended for mov- ing students’ belongings out of their room for COVID-19 rea- sons or a room change. After one student placed their container in the cart, others followed along, and this week, the pile has grown monstrous- Katie Pulvermacher / Advance-Titan ly high and the smell of rotting Since Blackhawk Commons started using trays as part of the univerisity’s COVID-19 protocols, some food is repulsive. residence halls have utilized carts for students to drop off their trays. Stewart is not one of them. Sophomore Kya Young works as a residence hall front desk hawk to drop off my used con- Stewart, I am fearful when these make you sick. Knowing this, worker and has to deal with the tainers as we are supposed to, students get houses of their own the amount of bacteria sitting Xavier, junior smell whenever she comes in to but Stewart and Evans have had in future years if they cannot and rotting away at the food for Favorite: My favorite is work. prior issues dropping off con- pick up after themselves here. weeks in Stewart is concerning. Reeve, right in the front be- “It smells disgusting all the tainers in the fall semester as There is not necessarily a There is no doubt that the cause of the windows and the time,” Young said. “Having to well. better option regarding the con- staff at Blackhawk do a great sunshine, it’s just the vibe. smell [the old food containers] Specifically in Stewart, tall tainers besides dropping them job to keep our containers clean while working sucks.” stacks of used containers have back off at Blackhawk. If we and sanitary, but it is not fun to Least favorite: My least North and South Scott have been left in our dishroom and were to have a cart specifical- think about the amount of rot- favorite spot would be my designated carts for their used insects were found in many of ly for containers, it would have ting food or insects that may room because I’m always containers. These carts can be them. You read that right. In- to be cleaned out at least every have been sitting in them days tempted to just lay down and easily pushed back to Black- sects. two days. prior. not do work. hawk, which is right next to the As unpleasant as it is to walk The U.S. Department of Agri- Next time you let a contain- Scotts, unlike Stewart, Evans to drop off a container in the culture states that food left out er sit in your room, think about and Fletcher, which are all a bit cold weather, it is surely not of the fridge for more than two how much bacteria has already more of a trek across campus. worse than the whole first floor hours should be thrown away. started to grow in it after two Personally, I do not have an smelling like a landfill. At room temperature, bacteria hours. Avoid a smelly dorm and issue walking back to Black- With everyone’s bad habits in grows incredibly fast and can return your containers. Don’t fall victim to election fatigue By Peter Herrmann of public funds going to pri- the federal budget money goes we just had an election. I un- [email protected] vate schools through the use of directly to state and local gov- derstand that this last election voucher systems and a drastic ernments, effectively doubling left many disillusioned with Riley, freshman “Did you vote?” This ques- teacher shortage that is impact- the amount of money that state our democratic electoral sys- Favorite: I normally just tion on its surface may seem to ing both educators and students and local governments spend. tem. However, I refuse to be- study in my dorm room, oth- be a few months late. Yet, this alike. The money that comes from the lieve that each and every one of erwise when it was nice out question is actually right on According to the Wisconsin federal government is not spent us should not be participating in the fall I would sit outside, time, as there was a spring pri- Election Commission, the last and budgeted by Congress or in this election. but I can’t do that anymore. mary election throughout Wis- time there was a state Superin- the president, but by governors, I beg of you to fight through consin on February 16th. tendent race, in 2017, the voter superintendents, mayors and your election fatigue and re- Least Favorite: Not sure. After the state of Wisconsin turnout rate was 8.3%. Clearly city councillors. This is why it member this date: April 6th. saw a near record turnout rate this is not ideal. Why would we is so dismaying to me that so You can register to vote online, of 72% in the November presi- want less than 10% of Wiscon- few people were even aware of through the mail or even in-per- dential election, many were not sinites to choose a person who the election or the one that fol- son at the City Clerk. even aware that there was an is crucially important? Simi- lows it on April 6th. You can even register to vote election occurring this month. larly, why would we want such The vast majority of us UW here in Oshkosh without hav- This election had one state- a small percentage of voters Oshkosh students came from ing a permanent address, e.g. wide race, the Wisconsin Su- to choose our Mayor and City a public school with a large you live in a dorm, through the perintendent of Public Instruc- Council members? number of us either living in Voter ID Enrollment Verifica- tion, with Oshkosh having two A common misconception I Oshkosh full-time or planning tion program provided to all local races, one for the Mayor have heard is that state and lo- on living here full-time as we UW-Oshkosh students through of Oshkosh and the other for cal governments don’t matter. progress through our education. the University TitanWeb. We three City Council positions. Why would they? They don’t We should all care about who cannot allow less than 10% of The Superintendent has general create sweeping policy change the next superintendent will be. Wisconsin voters determine our Lauren, sophomore supervision over the Wisconsin like Congress. They can’t influ- We should all care about who futures. We must vote and be Favorite: My favorite is Department of Public Instruc- ence policy or issue executive the next mayor will be. We heard! probably the second floor tion and by extension, public orders like the President. They should all care about who the Voter registration informa- of the library. I like when I schools in general. aren’t in charge of the massive new city councillors will be. tion and absentee ballot request can get in one of those study They have many different federal budget. State and lo- Letting those choices be information can be found online rooms and you can just sit by and difficult issues they need cal governments spend rough- made for us by a small amount at myvote.wi.gov and the Voter yourself. to address including: the state ly $2.9 trillion in comparison of people is simply not okay. ID Enrollment Verification can education budget, racial dis- to the federal government’s Less than 10% of Wisconsin be found under the Personal In- Least favorite: Probably my parities in the education sys- roughly $4.3 trillion in expen- voters should not be the ones formation tab in TitanWeb. dorm, honestly. tem, COVID-19 and remote ditures. who make this decision for the teaching, increasing amounts Yet, roughly two-thirds of entire state. I understand that Feb. 25, 2021 11 | AdvanceTitan.com An open letter to letters By Carter Uslabar green topics, which tend to lead [email protected] to deeper connection. Both par- Tactile and permanent ticipants understand it’s a waste A letter’s intimacy isn’t just due The French philosopher Vol- of time to merely communicate to its contents, but also to its very taire (François-Marie Arouet) is some sort of ‘update,’ so the sub- nature as a physical object. Texts estimated to have written over ject matter can easily depart from barely exist. They appear as small 20,000 letters during his lifetime. the countless interactions without images on a screen, indistinguish- That’s a lot, but a mere fifth of the substance. able from literal thousands of estimated 100,000 letters penned Texts can be reproduced by the others like it on any given phone. by the reclusive American author thousands in no time at all, where- After anywhere from one-to-five H.P. Lovecraft. And I? Not many. as each letter must be individually messages later (each of equally But some. And in the future, many crafted. They take time and intent. little value), the text disappears more, because writing letters is a Sending a text compared to send- below the person’s name in a mes- lost art form we desperately need. ing a letter is like taking a photo saging app, and is gone forever Now, to be clear, this shouldn’t on an iPhone compared to taking unless a person scrolls back and be taken as an anti-tech-or-what- a photo on a Hasselblad. On an views it again. ever piece. Each form of com- iPhone, you can take photos indef- Letters are not so negligible. munication has clear advantages initely. On the Hasselblad, you’ve They can be put on a fridge, folded and disadvantages, but here I’ll be got 24 shots, and they cost money into a pocket and carried around exploring exactly why sending a to develop. If you have a limited for the day and left out on the hand-written letter is, in some in- venue to convey your message, kitchen table. They are physical stances, superior to text or email. you’ll be much more purposeful in objects that must be handled di- Compared to text or email, let- crafting it—you don’t see the per- rectly. You must interact with them ters have notable advantages in son with the Hasselblad shooting more than is required by swiping three domains: subjects they’re pictures of their dog all willy-nil- to open a message and tapping a conducive to, the overall com- ly. A letter demands significantly sleek screen to respond. A letter munication experience, and its more attention, and it shows in the must be torn open and removed affordances to customization and conversations’ depth. from its envelope or packaging, On a phone, we use our fingers ativity and personalization as the formatting. In addition, the delay in re- at which point you have a piece of to tap the same buttons everyone letter itself. sponse natural to mail correspon- paper. You can turn it over in your else taps. Each message comes What makes a letter special isn’t Different venues, different sub- dence graciously removes the hands, feel the thickness or flim- through, fitted to the screen, using simply its contents. It has an aura; jects onus of an immediate reaction siness of the paper and observe a standardized font at a standard- something rare in physical objects The most obvious reason send- from the receiver. How often the person’s script and the ink’s ized size. It’s despotic in uniformi- today. A phone is a mass-pro- ing letters isn’t a common form of are conversations derailed or the richness. Where the text message ty. But still, we cling to this stan- duced, impersonally ubiquitous communication today is because mood ruined by a moment’s re- demands only one or two senses’ dardized mode of communication device. A letter is unique. It’s just it’s wildly inefficient. However, action to something said, or the use, a letter engages them all. for unique human relationships. for you. It’s a private message, a for truly connecting with a per- pace ruined by an uncertainty as Beyond that, a response must Letters are much more accom- proxy for the author’s presence. son, speed isn’t the most import- to what to say back? The absence be written. You feel the pen in modating to personalization. Each It’s a physical manifestation of ant element. Unless you’re talking of this pressure grants the writer your hand, gliding over the pa- person’s script is different, flow- their thoughts and feelings which about Bumble, where arbitrary some freedom, too. It accommo- per, until you pause — the pen’s ing sometimes in curlicues or you are able to carry and hold time restrictions are the name of dates more intimate subjects be- tip hovering imperceptibly over sharp, jagged spikes. You have to onto, as though they carved out a the game, there’s no limit for how cause you don’t have to bear the the paper’s surface — considering squint to make out what they’re small piece of their mind just for long a relationship needs to be God-forsaken ‘typing’ dots, or an exactly what to say. You’re more saying. It’s all good fun. But you you. built. unexpected facial expression. thoughtful, as ink only flows out can also change the format, write However, I’d say when it comes This is the same reason thera- of the pen (there’s no backspace). in the margins, draw, underline for Send it to developing relationships, send- pists often have art on their walls As you fold, package and drop the emphasis—the possibilities are If you want to recapture the ju- ing letters actually rivals the effi- and things for patients to look at letter off, the whole experience endless. With text, the best affor- venile thrills of Christmas morn- ciency of text. When you text, the around their offices: it’s easier takes on a ritualistic aspect to be dance for personality we have is ing, the closest you will come is receiver’s ability to immediately to broach intimate, vulnerable, reveled in. the addition of emojis. by sending and receiving letters. respond enables conversations meaningful topics if you don’t There is also the issue of pack- The anticipation is delicious, and, to slide into the rapid-but-empty have to look the person in the eye. Mail’s affordance of customi- aging. A text really has no packag- unlike when receiving a gift, the niceties of ‘how’s it going,’ ‘how’s Of course, if you conjure the cyn- zation ing. It has a notification, but that joy lasts long after receiving a work,’ and so forth. Letters, by ic within, you can boil this down If there’s one thing that text real- too is just as depersonalized and letter. Letters are emblematic of their snail-like nature, don’t afford to cowardice. But I don’t think it ly fails at compared to mail corre- silent as the text itself. Letters, on meaningful relationships, as they this kind of ephemerality. Conver- matters how something is con- spondence, it’s the customization the other hand, have an envelope, are built not off speed and quanti- sations need to trend toward ever- veyed so long as it is conveyed. and personalization of a message. which affords just as much cre- ty, but quality and trust. Letter to the Editor Keep supporting your local businesses By Olivia Osterbrink community needs. website. If so, before buying recently have came across one name and brand shown by new [email protected] Due to COVID-19, many from a chain store, see if they of your local businesses where people and potential customers. businesses have had to make have the products you’re look- you had a good experience, one The existence of COVID-19 many changes to their operation ing for and consider buying of the easiest ways you can sup- 5. Stay home has created an existential crisis system, in order to follow social from them instead. port them is by leaving a nice It can’t be stressed enough, for the lives of all globally, in distancing protocol. With that review of your experience on if you’re feeling unwell, hav- more ways than one. Focusing being said, some have also been 2. Tipping well their company website. ing COVID-19 symptoms, or locally, many businesses are in obligated to temporarily or per- If ordering or picking up take- have come in contact, it is im- a difficult time period, and are manently shut down. out, tipping the crew members 4. Interact through social portant to take care of yourself struggling to meet ends. While we are in an unprece- well shows an act of kindness media and the others around you by The importance of locally dented time of our lives, it is so and recognizes appreciation. Follow, like and share your staying home. You’re helping owned businesses tends to go important to support each other, favorite local businesses social small businesses by protecting unrecognized. Supporting local and I can’t think of a better way 3. Leaving reviews media content. By doing this, employees from getting sick and businesses comes to be import- to benefit all than by following If you can think of a time or you’re helping them get their running short staffed. ant for those living in individ- some of the ways you can help ual communities, as it enhances your friends and neighbors who the local economy. Small busi- own local businesses, while still Letter Guidelines nesses provide opportunities following safety protocols. List- The Advance-Titan welcomes and reads all letters. Timely, well-written, provocative opinions on topics for entrepreneurs, creates jobs ed below are some of the ways of interest at UW Oshkosh are given first preference. for those not employed by large to support, if you’re able to All letters are subject to editing; not all letters can be published. Letters exceeding 300 words may be businesses and it brains innova- during these times: edited at the discretion of the Advance-Titan staff. Name, position, address and daytime phone number are tion along with growth of the required, although only name and email will be published along with the article. community. 1. Online shopping The Advance-Titan does not publish anonymous or open letters and letters printed elsewhere. Moreover, when compared to While online shopping, take If your letter is chosen for publication, we may attempt to contact you for verification via email or national chains, products and the time to check out if one of phone. To submit your letter, email [email protected]. services are created to meet your local stores has an online 12 | AdvanceTitan.com Feb. 25, 2021 500,000 deaths Quantifying the tragedy

This week, the United States COVID-19-related death toll surpassed 500,000. This tragic milestone comes just over a year since the first case in the U.S. was reported. Considering that it was only a month ago, on Jan. 19, that the 400,000th death was reported, it is much too easy to lose a grasp on just how many people have lost their lives over the course of the last year.

Humans are inherently bad at interpreting large numbers of this sort, especially when it comes to the loss of human life, so it can be beneficial to aid this comprehension by putting them into comparisons that help quantify the massive loss.

Presented here is a localized way of quantifying 500,000 COVID-19-related deaths.

500,000 is:

30.5 times the student population of UW Oshkosh

21.7 times the student population of UW-Milwaukee

11 times the student population of UW-Madison

3 times the total enrollment of the UW System

78 times the capacity of Kolf Sport Center’s main gym

51 times the capacity of Titan Stadium

28.8 times the capacity of the Fiserv Forum

12 times the capacity of American Family Field

6.14 times the capacity of Lambeau Field

41,666 deaths a month for a year

1,368 deaths a day for a year

57 deaths an hour for a year

1 death for every minute of a year

140 times the population of Omro

19.3 times the population of Neenah

7.5 times the population of Oshkosh

6.7 times the population of Appleton

2.5 times the population of the Fox Valley area

1.96 times the population of Madison

Enough caskets to cover the length of the Fox River 3.3 times

Enough caskets to span from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C.

Enough caskets to cover the farthest length of Wisconsin twice

Enough caskets to make 120.5 stacks as high as Mt. Everest

42 times the amount of mailmen in Wisconsin

2.4 times the amount of McDonald’s workers in the world

8.7 times the amount of public school teachers in Wisconsin

Over half of the number of public school students in Wisconsin

8.6 times the amount of names on the Vietnam War Memorial

3.7 times the combined U.S. combat casualties of World War I, Korea and Vietnam

Too many