The

Independent Student Newspaper of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Campuses Advance-TitanVol. 128, No. 7 Oct. 22, 2020 advancetitan.com ‘What happened to Montee Ball?’ Photos taken or provided by Michael Cooney and FIXED participants Jenna Washuleski, left, has been has been surrounded by substance abuse her whole life, watching her sisters Carly, middle, and Leah, right, fight addicition. Odd one out: “That’s OK,” Jenna said. “I’m glad A family fights you’re taking steps to better your- self.” addiciton and Jenna is always delighted when she sees her club members succeed- for each other ing. These teens all share a common experience — they all come from dif- By Kaitlyn Scoville ficult lives where they need support, [email protected] such as living with family members who struggle with addiction. Just a day in the life Jenna knows what they are going Jenna Washuleski is in her ele- through. She knows what it’s like to ment. Despite the chaos of kids run- grow up in an environment full of ad- ning around at the Boys and Girls dicts and abuse. She knows what it’s Club of Oshkosh, she glides in with like to use. And she knows what it’s a special guest for a H.O.P.E. Group like to move past the addiction that — Hold On, Pain Ends. Montee Ball, still affects her family to this day. former Wisconsin Badger and Den- ver Broncos running back, came to share his experience with addiction Getting the call The call came in the morning when and alcoholism. Jenna was finally relaxing in bed af- Every Tuesday, Jenna facilitates ter a 14-hour work day, starting first this group for teens to gather and dis- as a substance abuse counselor and cuss some of the hardships they face then as a waitress. She didn’t want to in their homes. She created H.O.P.E. look at the Caller ID. Group in February 2019 to provide “Please, please, don’t let it be an outlet for teens to connect with about my sisters,” she thought. Jenna others who have been through sim- often didn’t know where either of her ilar experiences. sisters were. They could be in jail. These young people pour their They could be in the hospital from an hearts out about how they’ve been overdose. They could be anywhere. impacted by addiction, mental health Photos taken or provided by UWO alumnus Michael Cooney and FIXED participants She tried to ignore the ringing, but, issues, criminal activity and incar- Last year, Montee Ball, a running back for UW-Madison and former NFL player, as always, she couldn’t. She’s the re- ceration. opened up about his battles with addiction. sponsible sister. She always picked “I wanted them to have an area up. where they can relate to other peo- One week earlier, Jenna had ple their age,” Jenna said, smiling at reached out to Carly, her older sister, Former UW football the teenagers playing football in the and asked if she needed help. Carly concourse. “I’ve seen so many stu- had said no then. dents come forward about sharing “I changed my mind. I decided I their story. I want them to gain tools star talks addiction need you to take Makayla,” Carly they can apply to their lives, but to said. By Natalie Dillon comfortable. When I was drunk, it seemed do it in a way where we play games Jenna went on high alert. “OK, [email protected] like everyone loved me, and I did not un- and activities or by learning through when?” derstand I was creating some terrible hab- guest speakers.” “Tomorrow.” Pain and addiction its that I’d fall back on once I went to the A smiling teenage girl approaches Jenna thought to herself, ‘Oh my “What happened to Montee Ball? That NFL. Jenna, showing off her latest artwork God, tomorrow?’ “Are you serious? is the million-dollar question. “My room growing up was blue and or- from a tattered and worn notebook. OK.” “That is the question I saw on Google, ange with a wooden Broncos head on it, “Hey, that’s really great,” Jenna That “tomorrow” was Sept. 16, on Twitter, all the time. I was so anxious and that was my lifelong dream. said, as she flips through the note- 2017 when Jenna, then 26, took her to go out and to talk to people, so for me, “Fast forward to April 26, 2013: Draft book. “How is everything going?” then 13-year-old niece, Makayla, alcohol was my social lubricant. I fell day. John Elway was calling me when I “Good. I just got a job here at the into her home in Fond du Lac be- back on the drinking. was 22 years old and asking me if I wanted Boys and Girls Club, so I might not cause her sister, who struggles with “Why? Because when I was drunk, I felt to be a running back for the Denver Bron- be able to make it to H.O.P.E. much addiction and mental health disor- anymore,” the teen said. Jump to Ball / Page 6 Jump to FIXED / Page 5 Page 2 Page 4 Page 7 Page 9

County board vote Dr. Chancellor Nov. Election Letter: Save the blue lights 2 | AdvanceTitan.com Oct. 22, 2020

Advance-Titan Phone: 920-424-3048 Emergency order back in place Email: [email protected] By Sophia Voight Website: [email protected] www.advancetitan.com Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide re- Editor in Chief Carter Uslabar striction on public gatherings to [email protected] 25% of a building’s capacity is back in place following a north- Ad Manager Collin Tuchalski ern Wisconsin judge’s ruling [email protected] Monday. 262-391-8452 Barron County Circuit Court Judge James Babler ruled against Managing Editor the Tavern League of Wisconsin Joseph Schulz and lifted the temporary restrain- [email protected] ing order that blocked the emer- gency order. News Editor Babler also denied the Tavern League a temporary injunction Amber Brockman to block the order’s restrictions [email protected] while the lawsuit is pending. The Tavern League filed a law- Asst. News Editor suit Oct. 13 to strike down the Sophia Voight Evers administration’s emergen- [email protected] cy order that affects bars’ and restaurants’ capacity. Sports Editor Cory Sparks On Oct. 14, Sawyer County [email protected] Judge John Yackel temporarily blocked the statewide bar and Sophia Voight / Advance-Titan Opinion Editor Owen Peterson restaurant capacity rule. A northern Wisconsin judge upheld and reissued Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency order to limit public gatherings to [email protected] The Evers administration is- 25% of a room or buildings capacity after a previous judge put a temporary block on the order. sued the emergency order Oct. appeal the decision. erings, and please wear a face Winnebago County Health De- Copy Desk Chief 6 limiting public gatherings to Tavern League of Wisconsin covering whenever you have to partment, or WCHD. Fox Valley Kaitlyn Scoville combat the “deadly, uncontrolled President Chris Marsicano said go out.” hospitalizations are almost three [email protected] and exponentially growing spike in a statement released after the The ruling comes after a week times higher than last month with in cases of COVID-19” in Wis- ruling that he was disappointed in of record numbers of daily 150 COVID-19 patients as of Graphic Designers consin. the decision, but Tavern League COVID-19 cases and deaths in Oct. 13. Holland Birkey, Amanda Hol- The order took effect on Oct. members will continue to provide Wisconsin. Deaths are on the rise with lander 8 and is scheduled to remain in a safe environment for their em- Wisconsin’s coronavirus death one-third of the area’s total 43 place until Nov. 6. ployees and customers. toll reached 1,600 people Mon- COVID-19 deaths having oc- Photo Editor April Lee Babler reversed the block “We are obviously disappoint- day as hospitalizations spiked curred in October, according to [email protected] Monday after the Wisconsin De- ed in the ruling and the cata- with 1,172 active patients, in- the WCHD weekly COVID-19 partment of Justice, defending strophic effects it will continue to cluding 302 in the intensive care data summary. the Evers administration, asked Web Editor Grant Hunter have on small businesses across unit across the state, according to The WCHD recommends you to substitute a judge. [email protected] Wisconsin,” Marsicano said in the Wisconsin Hospital Associa- assume you are at risk of expo- The case then moved from the statement. tion COVID-19 update. sure in every public place as Win- Yackel’s courtroom to Bayfield Evers released a statement af- The Oshkosh-Neenah area is nebago County had 1,155 active Copy Desk Editors County Judge John Anderson ter the ruling stating that the de- listed as No. 3 in the New York cases as of 1 p.m. Tuesday. Heidi Docter, Kira Moericke, where the Tavern League’s law- cision was critical in helping us Times Top 20 list of U.S. metro They recommend to wear a Lexi Wojcik-Kretchmer, Jake yers made their own request for a prevent the spread of COVID-19 areas where cases are rising the mask and keep your distance any Zajkowski substitute judge, moving the law- in the state. fastest as of Oct. 20. time you are in public or with suit to Barron County. “This crisis is urgent,” Evers Hospitalizations are at the people in your household who are Faculty Adviser Barb Benish The current ruling can still be said. “Wisconsinites, stay home. highest level to date in the Fox at risk of exposure. [email protected] appealed, but the Tavern League Limit travel and going to gath- Valley area, according to the has not mentioned any plans to About the Newspaper The Advance-Titan is an independent student newspaper County board postpones vote on health ordinance published on campus since By Sophia Voight 1894. The paper is written and The county board was set to their constitutional rights. [email protected] vote on the ordinance on June Around 300 people attended edited by students at UW Osh- 16, but tabled the issue after resi- the Zoom meeting, with the ma- kosh who are soley responsible The Winnebago County Board dents voiced concerns about giv- jority of residents who spoke ask- for content and editorial policy. of Supervisors postponed their ing an unelected official power ing the board members to “vote Any UW Oshkosh student from vote on an ordinance to give the to enforce county shutdowns and no to 11.08.” all three campuses is welcome county health officer power to mask requirements. Oshkosh resident Glenn Petsin to work on the newspaper staff. enforce orders to prevent the The ordinance received months said at the July board meeting spread of communicable diseas- of harsh criticism from the pub- that he doesn’t think the health The Advance-Titan is pub- es on Tuesday, after numerous lic at previous meetings urging officer should have total rule to lished on Thursday during the board members claimed they did board members to vote against it. shut down schools and business- academic year. not receive copies of an amended The amendment to the County es. ficers to issue orders to prevent proposal to the ordinance. Health Officer code came back “It is draconian to give some- and control the spread of commu- Correction Policy During the board’s discussion on the agenda after the Coun- body in the health department to- nicable diseases is already grant- The Advance-Titan is com- on the ordinance, many members ty Board of Health revised the tal rule to shut down our county,” ed in the state legislature. mit-ted to correcting errors voiced they had not received the proposal to require any general Petsin said. “This affects liveli- However, the county’s gener- amended version of the ordinance orders to pass a majority vote in hoods [and] people’s income.” of fact that appear in print or al code lacks the language that that was emailed to them the day the county board before being en- Oshkosh resident Renee Eis- online. Messages regarding er- gives the officer power to enforce prior. forced. ley said she thought allowing the rors can be emailed to atitan@ those orders. It was later determined that the The previous proposal was county health officer ability to uwosh.edu. Winnebago County Health board members all had received based on language in the state quarantine people and shut down Officer Doug Gieryn said -in or the amended ordinance but had legislature that stated the county businesses would give him too Latest Awards der for the county to enforce lo- not checked their emails before health officer had sole author- power over the lives of residents. First Place Best of Show News- cal health orders, they needed to the meeting to see it. ity to enforce orders to stop the “I do not agree to give up my paper, Associated Collegiate reference the state statute in the The amendment to the County spread of communicable diseas- civil liberties for a temporary Press (ACP), 2020 county’s ordinance. Health Officer code would give es. sense of security,” Eisley said. Third Place Best of Show Web- “We’re not adding any ad- the health officer power to issue General orders by the county However, Winnebago County site, ACP, 2020 ditional powers,” Gieryn said. orders “for the control and sup- health officer will now have to be resident Pat Halloquist said we Fifth Place Best of Show Spe- “We’re not doing anything that’s pression of communicable dis- approved by the county board at need effective government regu- necessarily new or that hasn’t cial Edition, ACP, 2020 eases,” according to the amend- their next meeting or within 14 lation on the local level to get the been in place for many decades.” First Place Wisconsin News- ment proposal. days before going into effect. coronavirus under control. The amendment was original- paper Association Foundation This new ordinance would give Winnebago County residents The County Board of Supervi- ly proposed back in May after (WNAF) Better Newspaper the County Health Officer author- voiced their concerns at the last sors will vote on the amendment the Wisconsin Supreme Court Contest, 2020, in column ity to close schools, forbid public board of supervisors’ meetings at their next general business overturned the Safer at Home writing, sports photography, gatherings and quarantine and who claimed that giving a gov- meeting in November. The date extension to allow the county to page design and newspaper disinfect people or buildings. ernment official power to create of the meeting has yet to be de- enforce its own orders to stop the promotion The power of county health of- safer at home orders goes against termined. spread of COVID-19. Oct. 15, 2020 AdvanceTitan.com | 3 4 | AdvanceTitan.com Oct. 22, 2020

Leavitt discusses his experience leading a lab section during a pandemic By Carter Uslabar sity administration was aware campus, is where the coronavirus [email protected] there would be a surge in cases is spreading. at the beginning of the semes- “What you do on campus, “I’m not a PC user, you’ll ter, but that he’s been impressed you need to do off campus,” have to forgive me,” Chancellor with the student efforts to lower Leavitt said of social distancing, — or rather, Dr. Andrew Leavitt the cases. mask-wearing and other precau- told his chemistry 105 lab sec- “You can’t bring in this many tions that have been implement- tion Monday afternoon, as he people and not have [a surge in ed in the classroom. “That will swiveled around and pulled up a cases],” he said. “I’ve got to be help us contain the spikes that graphic of the color spectrum. honest, there were a couple days we’re inevitably going to have.” It’s not the most common sight there I was really holding my Although he said he under- on a college campus — an ad- breath, but part of what was driv- stands his single lab section ministrator leading a lecture — ing the numbers was our deliber- doesn’t compare to what faculty but the UWO campus is full of ate attempt to go find the virus.” and academic staff handle on a changes and oddities this semes- UWO has instituted a proac- daily basis, Leavitt said he hopes ter. tive testing regimen, in which to show solidarity with those Leavitt has periodically taught the university sought out cases staff by putting himself in their lab sections since the last time in hopes to contain the spread. shoes. he led a class, lecture and all, in When someone on a resident hall “Everyone in this universi- 2009. floor tested pos- ty has taken a big financial hit Leavitt, who itive for, Leavitt through the furloughs,” Leavitt received a said they would said. “My heart hangs heavy be- Ph.D. in chem- What you do call in the whole cause that’s been so disruptive to istry from the floor to be test- many people’s lives.” University of on campus, you ed, instead of Although most staff were fur- Utah in 1994, relying on the loughed either over summer or taught aca- need to do off random testing. for the fall semester, the univer- demic chemis- campus. Now, all stu- sity hopes to be able to lift fur- try at the Uni- dents living in loughs by the year’s end. versity of West residence halls “I’m delighted that the enroll- Georgia for 11 - Chancellor Leavitt are tested week- ment turned out to be stronger years before ly, and sewage than we anticipated,” Leavitt moving into samples are said. “I’m delighted that the state administration. Now, he says he analyzed for traces of COVID subsidy will remain largely in- tries to lead a lab every few years through UWO’s Environmental tact this year. This means that we to stay grounded to his roots in Research and Innovation Center. could lift the furloughs and let chemistry and to stay in touch Similar to his desire to connect people do full work for full pay.” with the university’s students. with students in the classroom, Leavitt said that even though Leavitt makes regular appear- Leavitt spent time working the the students seem to be pulling ances at extracurricular events front desk in Webster Hall to see through reasonably well, his around campus, but he said it’s the experience of students in iso- worrying instinct of a parent harder to keep in touch with the lation first-hand, where he said comes out when students are academic community. he met lots of resilient students. sick, in pain or otherwise not “When you’re a full-time ad- But he went on to stress that feeling well. ministrator, you can become housing, whether it be on-cam- “This is scary stuff,” he said. very isolated, or even worse, pus dorms or rental houses off insulated,” Leavitt said. “You don’t really truly understand what experience the students are having academically.” “Everyone’s under a lot more stress, but I notice a lot of focus, too,” Leavitt said. “I think the students are more serious now than they had been in the past be- cause this is a very serious time we live in. I think that people are beginning to appreciate what it means to be in a face-to-face en- vironment and what it means to be on campus.” Leavitt said that he was im- pressed with the student body’s compliance with the university’s COVID-19 precautions. “People know that right now we’re on this tenuous plane, if you will, and we don’t know when it’s necessarily going to end and if we’ll have to go back online,” Leavitt said. “Right now, we’re looking pretty good, but you know, that could always change. It really depends on the behavior of everybody and their ability to comply with the safety Carter Uslabar / Advance-Titan guidelines.” TOP: UWO Chancellor Andrew Leavitt demonstrates how to use a pipette to his chemistry 105 class. BOTTOM: Leavitt demonstrates a Leavitt said he and the univer- spectrometer to the students who will be measuring light as it passes through various solutions. Oct. 22, 2020 AdvanceTitan.com | 5 FIXED: Sisters’ addictions changes lives methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs and battery. For Carly, the charges include neglecting a child, disorderly conduct and theft. Jenna, somehow, was differ- From Page 1 ent from her sisters. She was living a double life between ders, couldn’t care for her. school and home. Jenna knew, at that moment, her At school, she maintained life would be changed forever. good grades and participated Winnebago County sees doz- in extracurricular activities. At ens of overdose deaths each home, she experimented with year. In 2018, 24 people lost drugs and alcohol with her sis- their lives because of opioids ters to try to stay close with and other addictive substances. them. The year before, 34 died from During her junior year of high opiate overdoses. school, Jenna began to distance Jenna plays an active role in herself from her family. She helping those who are willing to didn’t want to follow her sis- develop a life in recovery. She ters down the path of addiction. does this through her profession Their experiences drove Jenna’s as a counselor, as a member of desire to help others, so she the steering team and chair of went to college while her sisters the Prevention and Awareness were still active in their addic- Action Team for Breakwater, tion. ABOVE: Jenna Washshuleski formerly called the Winnebago “I went to class and we were and her niece, Makayla Brew- County Drug and Alcohol Co- talking about heroin. It was the ington, look through a photo alition, as a board member at day after I found out my sister album together. Jenna took Solutions Recovery, Inc. and at Leah was doing heroin. It was legal kinship of Makayla when the Boys and Girls Club of Os- really difficult to go to class and she was 13. RIGHT: From hkosh through H.O.P.E. Group. learn about these things as I am left: Carly, Jenna, and Leah as finding out that is what my sis- children. Jenna was just 1 when The early years ter is doing.” Jenna learned that her father left. Shortly after, her Jenna was only 1 when her creating healthy boundaries was mother lost custody and Jenna father left for work and never her next step. was sent to foster care with her returned. Her sisters, Leah and sister Leah, while Carly went to Carly, were 3 and 5, respective- The break-in stay with her grandmother. ly. Their mother, overwhelmed “Jenna, come with us,” Leah with being a single mom and whispered. Photos taken or provided by learning to balance working “What are we doing?” UW Oshkosh alumnus Michael third-shift with schoolwork, “We’re going to break into the Cooney and FIXED partici- struggled to cope. The hardship neighbor’s place.” of raising three children alone Jenna didn’t really want to weren’t looking for anything The overdose in a snap. Still, Jenna knew that with little support became too go, but she wanted to be closer in particular, but they all ran The text came on a Friday af- when it happened, she had to much; she lost custody and spent to her sisters. She’s the quint- around and grabbed random ternoon. distance herself, and Makayla, four months in jail on charges essential little sister who just things they thought might be of “Is there any chance we can from Carly in order for them of child abuse. Jenna and Leah, wants to fit in. She was a good value. Everyone except for Jen- reschedule the interview? I want to focus on their own mental then 5 and 7, went into foster student, an athlete and was well- na; she just stood there. to hang out with a friend I hav- health and self care. care; Carly, the oldest at 9, lived liked at school. Her sisters were ‘This is stupid, why am I en’t seen in a long time,” Carly . with their grandmother. rebellious, angry and sometimes here?’ Jenna thought. Fear raced sent. More on Makayla After a year apart, they re- violent with each other and with through her body, but a sound “Yeah, it’s no problem,” Jen- Since Sept. 16, 2017, Jenna united as a family. However, her. They reveled in the adren- from upstairs had broken her na replied. has been the de facto parent to the scars of losing their mother aline rush they got from doing paralysis. Breakwater, formerly the Makayla, Carly’s daughter, who and being put into foster care illegal things. “Jenna, come here. You got- Winnebago County Drug and now attends high school in Fond remained. Leah and Carly began Jenna knew her sisters were ta see this!” It was Carly and Alcohol Coalition, was doing du Lac County. abusing addictive substances, taking drugs — she avoided Leah. a project called “Live Stories” Jenna obtained kinship of starting with prescribed medica- all that, seeing how the drugs She slowly made her way up that interviewed people from all Makayla in October of 2017. tions: Ritalin, Adderall and Xa- affected them. That was, until the stairs to a room where the walks of life who were impact- This was done over guardian- nax. Leah used weed and drank sophomore year in high school. sisters were huddled around a ed by addiction. Jenna knew her ship because Jenna did not want alcohol at 12, which progressed Leah would take Jenna to lo- closet. As she got closer, Jenna family’s story would be perfect to see Carly completely lose to opioids, cal concerts in realized that the homeowners for the project. Jenna, her niece Makayla. According to the De- and then to Fond du Lac. were growing marijuana. That Makayla, and Makayla’s moth- partment of Children and Fami- meth when At those con- was the first time Jenna saw a er, Carly, signed up to partici- lies, “kinship” refers to “helping she was 28. How am I going to certs, Leah marijuana plant. pate. a family support a child in the Carly did would hand Someone grabbed the plant When Carly backed out, Jenna home of a relative that might be ecstasy for tell my niece that her pills — and shouted, “Jenna, come on! spent the day with Makayla and under stress or when the child three years her mom had over- they ranged We gotta get out of here!” Makayla’s grandmother, being has experienced abuse or ne- when she was from Oxycon- Jenna quickly followed. She interviewed for the Live Stories glect.” 22, which dosed? tin, Xanax, thought, ‘What am I doing here? project. They ended the long Makayla, who was 13 at the progressed Adderall, to I don’t want to be like this.’ day of interviews with a pizza time, was struggling to find a to heroin use, - Jenna Washuleski Methadone While her sisters continued dinner, then she and Makayla place to live after she and her then cocaine and more using drugs and alcohol, Jenna went home. mother were evicted from their at 30. — and say, stopped and continued the push The very next day, May 19, rental home. “When I “Here Jenna, to complete her high school ed- 2018, Jenna’s mom called. Car- Makayla had been sleeping was in mid- try this.” ucation. Both Leah and Carly ly had overdosed on heroin she on the couches of her mom’s dle school, I remember seeing And she did. did not earn their diplomas the got from her former dealer and friends’ homes. She also spent a [my sisters] experimenting with When the effects settled in, traditional way, as they had chil- ex-husband in Waupun. Her week living with her pastor and drugs and smoking, drinking she felt nauseous. She didn’t dren at a young age. lungs were deflating — it took his family. Her mother, despite and partying at our house when like the way the drugs made her “When Makayla moved in three shots of Narcan to revive her drug addiction, managed to my mom wasn’t home,” Jenna feel, but she kept doing them with me, I was going to college her. Doctors found a tear in her pull herself together and call said. “They engaged in criminal because it built a bond between to get my bachelor’s degree heart and told her if she kept us- Jenna for help. activity — robbing our neigh- her and her sister. in psychology. I already had ing, she would die. For about a month, from Sep- bors, stealing cars, ending up on As a teenager, Jenna knew my degree for substance abuse Jenna had mentally prepared tember to October, Jenna, who supervision and the bracelet.” taking random pills was bad, counseling, so I was working as herself for that phone call for was living in Fond du Lac, The “bracelet” is a court-or- but she tried not to think too a counselor, waitressing and go- years. would take Makayla to school dered tracking device for people much about it. She and her sis- ing to school full-time. The next She thought to herself, ‘How in Ripon each day, then head who have been convicted of a ters were getting along — some- thing you know, I am taking on am I going to tell my niece that to work in Oshkosh. Then she crime. thing she wanted her entire life. a teenager. I put school on hold her mom had overdosed?’ would drive back to Ripon to Both Leah and Carly Then came the break-in. Jen- and quit my waitressing job so I Both Jenna and Makay- pick Makayla up from school, have been arrested for vari- na and her sisters went to a could take care of her.” la knew better than to think then back home to Fond du Lac. ous charges. Some of Leah’s neighbor’s house and climbed that the struggles of substance That was around 100 miles per charges include possession of through an open window. They abuse disorders could be fixed day, about two hours on the road. 6 | AdvanceTitan.com Oct. 22, 2020 Ball: ‘Addiction does not discriminate’

Ball From page 1

cos. As you can imagine, I was standing on top of the world. I’m like, ‘See Mom and Dad? I told you I could handle my alcohol. I didn’t even listen to you and I’ve accomplished every single thing that I’ve wanted to accomplish.’ It was quick, boom, you’re gone. That fast. My dream since I was 8 years old, every single year of me working my butt off, it was like the blink of an eye.

“The Broncos was a two-year thing. My depression acceler- ated, and it took me to a very, Photos taken or provided by UW Oshkosh alumnus Michael Cooney and FIXED participants very dark place. A train wreck Montee Ball was nominated for the Heisman Trophy in 2011 and was drafted into the NFL by the Denver Broncos in the second round. happened. I projected my in- He played professional football for two seasons before his drinking and depression caught up with him. securities onto someone else. I was looking for someone else throughout therapy I learned son, but my therapist told me I platform to speak on something Montee Ball, a running back to blame other than myself. It that is only a piece of my puzzle. shouldn’t do that. My therapist greater than myself. I believe for the University of Wiscon- wasn’t my fault they released It was always something I did told me, ‘You should be sober that life doesn’t get easier. I be- sin-Madison from 2009-2012, me. When I was in jail for three for fun. It was only something I for yourself, because if you fo- lieve that we just get stronger. was a finalist for the Heisman and a half days, I watched the did to entertain myself, my fam- cus on being sober for yourself, We get stronger throughout our Trophy in 2011. He was draft- Broncos win the Super Bowl ily and my friends, but it does in a way, you fight harder to stay life. ed in the second round by the against the Panthers. The in- not define me. Once I retired sober.’ Denver Broncos in 2013 and mates around me are telling from the NFL, I struggled with “So the question, the mil- played for two seasons. Now me, ‘That’s supposed to be you letting that door shut. I strug- “My story did not end when lion-dollar question: What hap- retired from the NFL, Montee up there winning. You are sup- gled with, who am I now? Who the Broncos released me. My pened to Montee Ball? Life hap- is working toward his real es- posed to be someone we look up is Montee Ball? Addiction does story did not end once I stepped pened. That is the answer, you tate license and completing his to, but you are in here with us.’” not discriminate. It got me early, out of jail and had the world at- guys. Life happens to us all, but degree from UW-Madison. He but I’ve come out the other end tacking me for what I did. My it most definitely does not define is also a research specialist for Life in recovery stronger. I always told myself, story has just begun. I truly, tru- you.” Wisconsin Voices for Recovery. “I felt as if the game of foot- every day, to stay sober for my ly believe that I was given the All interviews took place in fall ball was my entire puzzle, but sport of football, I was given the 2019.

Makayla. pristine and elegant. There is munity,” Jenna said. Jenna said she and Makayla “When she moved in with no TV in their living room. It’s Having grown up with two have an opportunity to focus me, we didn’t know how long a space to create closer con- sisters who struggled with ad- on themselves. it was going to be for and we nections. diction, Jenna has learned to “We’re relieved because we didn’t know what was happen- take life and all of its ups and can finally just sit back, relax ing. I just took her,” she said. Life today downs in stride. and not worry about that phone This was new for both Jenna Jenna knows there is always “There’s always something,” call or what’s going to happen and Makayla. It was a rough something good that comes out she said. “You get a phone call next,” Jenna said. “We know start, but the two of them of hard work, dedication and and you’re not even surprised that they’re both safe, getting worked it out. They sat down focusing on what can benefit a anymore of what you’re go- treatment and getting the help and created rules and guide- healthy lifestyle. Her job as a ing to hear on the other end, they need.” lines for each other. substance abuse counselor, and because you’re normalized to Looking back, Jenna also “I just kept pushing through the relationship she fostered the chaos. Another thing that’s realizes that her relationship it, because that’s what you with Makayla, has allowed her pretty hard to talk about is that with Makayla has played a big have to do in that kind of situa- to create boundaries and guide there were times that I’ve al- part in who she is today. tion. You have to make it work, her sisters in the right direc- ready accepted that they’re go- “People ask me how I turned especially with Makayla. I had tion. ing to die from this. As a result, out so differently. I believe ev- to do what needed to be done,” Makayla has talked with her I decided I don’t want children erything happens for a reason,” Jenna said. “So although it was mother about how she does not because I fear that they could she said. “Now that I reflect very difficult, it’s very reward- want to move back in with her. also struggle with an addiction back on everything, I think me ing seeing the person that she’s Carly was supportive and un- like many members of my fam- needing to be there for Makay- become.” derstanding of her decision. ily. I don’t want to spend my la was a huge part of that. I was Washuleski These days, Jenna and Reflecting on how her- up entire life worried about things in a good place to be there for From page 5 Makayla like to hang out, play- bringing was quite rough, Jen- like how I didn’t want my sis- her and take care of her when ing board games and listening na realizes she wouldn’t be ters to know where I lived, it was needed, and that’s prob- So she quit one of her jobs to music in their tidy two-bed- where she is today without it. or leave them alone with my ably the most important thing and moved to Ripon, where room apartment. “Although their struggles purse, because I couldn’t trust I’ve ever done in my life.” Makayla was attending the Succulents are displayed have caused a lot of hardships them. It does feel really good eighth grade. Jenna had to put around the living room and the for our family, I’ve turned now that they are doing well, Editor’s note: All inter- her education on hold before ambiance radiates a positive those into a positive. Their ad- and I don’t have to worry so views took place in fall 2019. the fall 2017 semester began feel. Motivational posters hang diction gives me an opportuni- much about those things.” For more information on the at UW Oshkosh to take care of on the walls around the small ty to be a better professional Now that both Leah and Car- FIXED storytelling project, space. Everything is clean, and to give back to the com- ly are on their way to recovery, visit uwosh.edu/fixed. Oct. 22, 2020 AdvanceTitan.com | 7 What if a candidate dies prior to election? By Andrew Hansen presidential candidate becomes [email protected] the president-elect and has to choose a new running mate, What happens if a presidential which may create opportunities candidate was unable to serve, for litigation from the opposing through illness or death, prior to party. the election? The most recent time a nomi- In a normal election year, this nee has died close to the election question wouldn’t be on the mind was Horace Greeley against Ul- of any average citizen. However ysses S. Grant in the 1872 presi- this year, it seems to be a consid- dential election. It should be not- erable possibility. ed that the deceased candidate, Both candidates are over the Greeley, had already lost the age of 70, President Donald election, so the overall outcome Trump recently tested positive of the voting remained unaltered. for, and then recovered from the A winning candidate dying this coronavirus, and then one of Joe close to the election would be Biden’s campaign team members unprecedented. tested positive. All of this leads to another Even still, who becomes the question: Why is there such a candidate if the person listed on long wait time between Election the ballot is unable to accept the Day and Inauguration Day? presidency is a bit confusing. Da- Courtesy of The White House “On one hand, the presi- If a president were to die prior to the election, the Vice President would become the new presidential candidate. vid Siemers, a political science However, voters would still have to vote for the deceased president as ballots are printed months in advance. dent-elect has over 2,000 offices professor at UW Oshkosh, seeks he/she has to fill, but with a Pres- to shed some light on the subject. date that have already been sub- In July, the Supreme Court be entirely up to a state represen- ident who is not elected continu- “Let’s say one of the candi- mitted also have the potential of ruled unanimously that states tative’s discretion which candi- ing in office while the election is dates got COVID, it takes a turn causing a bit of a legal conun- may require electors to support date they vote for. going on, there is the potential for the worst and they die. Right drum. the candidate picked by voters “The will of the voters doesn’t that a certain amount of mischief now, the respective national com- “One complication is that the in the election. Currently, 33 take into consideration a candi- would be made by that person,” mittees would replace the candi- ballots have already been printed states have laws against so-called date dying; you can’t anticipate Siemers said. date,” Siemers said. “The party in virtually every state,” Siemers “faithless electors.” that,” Siemers said. The third and final debate is nominees don’t have any govern- said. “People would still have to But even so, these laws don’t In the case of a president-elect scheduled to happen tonight, if mentally official status; they’re vote for the dead candidate to al- apply should the candidate be- were to unable to serve before both candidates decide to make just the party’s nominee.” low the replacement to take their come unable to serve prior to the Inauguration Day, Siemers stat- an appearance. Ballots for a deceased candi- place as President.” election. In this situation, it may ed that it’s assumed that the vice Applications open for We’re All In Grants Applications opened to Monday of Revenue in partnership with for the second round of We’re All WEDC. Learn more about the pro- In Small Business Grants, which gram and apply at revenue.wi.gov. will distribute an additional $50 To be eligible for the second million to small businesses hit hard round of We’re All In Grants, an by the COVID-19 pandemic. applicant must: The program aims to provide • be a Wisconsin-based, for-prof- 10,000 businesses around the state it business; with $5,000 grants that can be used • in 2019, have had 75% or more for any purpose. of company labor costs in Wiscon- The first phase of the program sin and 75% of their assets in Wis- provided more than $65 million consin; April Lee / Advance-Titan in grants to over 26,000 business- • earn more than $0 and less The Wisconsin Department of Justice issued a reminder that voter intimidation is against the law. es statewide this summer. Despite than $1 million in annual revenues the infusion of federal Coronavirus (gross sales and receipts); Aid, Relief and Economic Securi- • have started operating prior to ty (CARES) Act funds distributed Jan. 1, 2020 (seasonal businesses Wisconsin DOJ works to by Wisconsin Economic Develop- should use the highest total FTEs ment Corporation, however, many employed during the season); and Wisconsin small businesses con- • have filed their 2019 taxes. protect election integrity tinue to struggle. For this round, applicants will “With the increase in COVID-19 not be required to obtain a letter of Wisconsin Attorney General ment, public health, military, and hibits individuals from having a cases and the uncertainty it has cre- support from a local business group Josh Kaul shared Monday how the private sector agencies. third party take these actions. ated, many of Wisconsin’s small and will not have to submit tax in- Wisconsin Department of Justice WSIC is prepared to identify Voter intimidation can take businesses tell us they’re already formation. This phase of We’re All (DOJ) is preparing for the upcom- significant threats to Wisconsin many forms and determining if stretched to the limit and are con- In Grants will be administered by ing election on Nov. 3, 2020. elections including, but not limit- any action is voter intimidation is cerned what the next few months the Department of Revenue in part- The attorney general also issued ed to, threats of election interfer- dependent on the facts of the inci- will hold,” WEDC Secretary and nership with WEDC. a reminder that voter intimidation ence, foreign or domestic. dent. Examples of voter intimida- CEO Missy Hughes said. “As we This information, along with the is against the law. Prior to and on Election Day, tion could include: did with the first round of We’re grant application, can be found at “The Wisconsin Department DOJ will serve as a resource to • Brandishing or displaying All In Grants, we want to provide revenue.wi.gov. If you cannot ap- of Justice is working with other the Wisconsin Election Commis- firearms in an intimidating or aid that can help these businesses ply online, you may request as- agencies to ensure that we have a sion, law enforcement, and district threatening manner in or near a carry on.” sistance by calling the Wisconsin fair election. It is critical that every attorneys. DOJ will be communi- polling place; Applications for the grants Department of Revenue at 608- lawfully cast ballot is counted and cating with law enforcement and • Engaging in disorderly behav- opened at 8 a.m. this morning, and 266-2772. that voters feel safe at their polling prosecutors regarding relevant ior in or near a polling place; or will close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, The second round of We’re All locations,” Attorney General Kaul election laws. • Preventing access to a polling Nov. 2. As with the previous round In Grants is the latest effort by said. “Voter intimidation is illegal. place by making threats or en- of We’re All In Grants, awards will WEDC to assist small businesses If someone breaks the laws that Voter Intimidation gaging in intimidating behavior. not be made on a first-come, first- in responding to the COVID-19 protect against voter intimidation, Voter intimidation is a crime. Additionally, it is illegal for served basis. pandemic. they should be prepared to spend Wisconsin law prohibits anyone private groups to conduct law en- The grants are available to all WEDC distributed more than time behind bars.” from using or threatening force to forcement or military activities eligible small businesses, includ- $65 million in CARES Act funding DOJ is ensuring the election is compel someone to vote, to keep under state and federal law. ing those that have previously re- to nearly 26,000 businesses un- secure and that voters can vote them from voting, or to influence ceived the first round of We’re All der the first round of We’re All In safely. their voting decision. What to do if you witness In Grants from WEDC. Priority Grants this summer. DOJ’s Division of Criminal In- Wisconsin law also prohibits voter intimidation will be given to businesses hardest Additionally, WEDC provided vestigation staffs the Wisconsin anyone from using duress or fraud If you witness or are subject to hit by the pandemic, such as restau- $2 million in state funds to diverse State Intelligence Center (WSIC). to impede or prevent someone voter intimidation, alert an elec- rants and taverns, hair and nail sa- businesses under the Ethnic Mi- WSIC facilitates intelligence and from freely exercising their right tion official and call local law en- lons and barber shops, and other nority Emergency Grant initiative information sharing with federal, to vote. forcement immediately. If you are services. and $5 million to microbusinesses state, local, tribal, and campus law The law not only prohibits indi- being threatened with violence, The grants will be administered through the Small Business 20/20 enforcement partners along with viduals from taking any of these call 911. by the Wisconsin Department Program. fire service, emergency manage- actions personally, but it also pro- AdvanceTitan.com | 8 Oct. 22, 2020 Smart on crime not tough on crime By Leo Costello [email protected]

“I started [working as a Courtesy of Wikimedia judge] in Jan- More than half of all businesses responding to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s sixth monthly survey to monitor the COVID-19 uary of 2004 impact in Wisconsin shows access to broadband internet is limiting employees’ ability to work from home. and I quickly learned that the majority of the people that came in Internet access impacts front of me Woldt were here with drug and alcohol-related issues, so I knew there was a problem work-from-home options with drugs and alcohol. Before More than half of all business- pressed some level of concern re- • $23.9 million in other financial cused on supply chain issues. One- I became a judge, you think it is es responding to the University of garding adopting work-from-home losses third of businesses have been forced [a problem], but you really don’t Wisconsin Oshkosh’s sixth monthly policies, we now know that a lack of Responding businesses also con- to find alternate suppliers this year, know how prevalent it is in our survey to monitor the COVID-19 high-speed broadband is one of the tinue to face a difficult labor market, with 62% of those businesses indi- society. Our sheriff and I got to- impact in Wisconsin shows access barriers that likely feeds this con- adding only 70 net employees over cating they found a Wisconsin-based gether and we were brainstorm- to broadband internet is limiting em- cern,” he said. “This factor also has the month. supplier to meet their needs. ing about what we could do to ployees’ ability to work from home. impacted businesses’ ability to pivot “The renewed downturn in Au- Similarly, 38% of the businesses try to help this problem, and we Responding businesses pointed to into new markets and services as it gust is connected both to the end of reported exploring or expressing in- started talking about drug court.” internet bandwidth (53%) and avail- is likely that business owners are not the summer tourism season and the terest in reshoring—the practice of “The thought is drug court is be- ability (29%) as significant barriers, confident they can manage these ser- continued increase in COVID-19 moving manufacturing back from ing soft on crime, and it’s not soft even though only 15% indicated vices remotely.” cases. This is reflected both in the other countries to the U.S.—at least on crime — it’s smart on crime. lack of access limits their ability to The 453 Wisconsin companies losses identified and the priority that some level of production. Sachse Judges typically motivate people offer online services. And only a responding to the Sept. 1-18 survey businesses continue to express for noted that it is unclear whether such by, ‘I’m telling you not to do this, quarter of respondents have added represent 20,677 employees, with increased customer contact,” Sachse interest will increase as the pandem- and if you do this, you’re going to new online services since the begin- 92% completing each of the past six said. ic persists go to jail.’ It’s a punishment. ning of the pandemic. surveys. The response rate is similar In addition, less than 30% of busi- The survey is a partnership of “We’ve found out from doing Jeff Sachse, interim director of to recent months at a +/- 3% margin nesses applied for financial assis- UWO, the state’s nine Regional De- that for hundreds of years — it UWO’s Center for Customized Re- of error. tance — the lowest level observed velopment Organizations and the doesn’t really work. Jail did not search and Services, suggested the Respondents reported renewed over the six months. “This is likely Wisconsin Economic Development motivate any of them. A guy said broadband findings are especially losses in August, including: due to an ongoing lack of resources Corporation. The October survey to me today, one of the graduates, interesting when considered with • $1.4 million in inventory losses as Congress continues to consider will launch to the survey panel of Nick, ‘I can do four months in jail findings from last month’s survey. • $4.2 million in lost income new stimulus measures,” Sasche ex- more than 4,000 unique businesses standing on my head. It’s easy.’ So “Given that a large majority of • $804,000 in lost wages and pro- plained. on Oct. 1. if someone’s going to use, and you businesses have continuously ex- ductivity The September survey also fo- want to throw them in jail, you’re giving them a free vacation. “We’re trying to do positive 14th Amendment lawsuit against UWO drags on reinforcement instead of nega- By Joseph Schulz tive reinforcement. These people [email protected] are motivated by things such as family, occupation — it can be a A hearing in a year-long legal little thing. I started giving people dispute between UW Oshkosh and Tootsie Pops. When I would give a former student over the constitu- them to people, I would hold them tionality of a Title IX proceeding so they would look back at me. that followed an alleged sexual as- And just the eye contact, showing sault set for Oct. 29 has been can- someone that you care for them as celed. opposed to wanting to throw them However, a status conference has in jail, makes an impact on peo- been set for Thursday at 11 a.m. via ple.” telephone conference. Additionally, a recent legal brief – Scott Woldt, Winnebago filed by the university says admin- County Judge, Circuit Court istrative proceedings wrapped up Courtesy of Getty Images Branch II last December. The Sept. 25 status A hearing in a year-long legal dispute between UW Oshkosh and a former student over the consti- tutionality of a Title IX proceeding that followed an alleged sexual assault set for Oct. 29 has been report from UWO’s legal repre- canceled. sentation said the student could file Scott Woldt co-founded the Win- an amended legal complaint, mak- Dec. 11, 2019. complaint. In previous court filings, Culp nebago County Safe Streets Drug ing the current motion to dismiss Doe’s Sept. 11, 2019 lawsuit Doe was further denied due pro- argues that Doe facing suspension Court Program in 2006 to help “moot.” aimed to cast doubt over the allega- cess, Culp states, because he was from all UW institutions for one alleviate drug issues in the coun- The case stems from a March 16, tions and poke holes in the univer- denied access to the investigator’s year and from UWO for two years ty. His arms are tattooed, wrists 2019 off-campus party sponsored sity’s administrative process, claim- report, which impeded his ability to constitutes a loss of property. to shoulders, of images that have by the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, after ing it violated his 14th Amendment prepare a defense to the allegations However, in a Nov. 20 legal brief, inspired him to be a judge. Woldt which the lawsuit’s plaintiff — who right to due process and equal pro- of sexual assault. the university’s legal counsel said has been a judge for the Winneba- is referred to in court documents as tection. Meanwhile, the university’s le- Culp’s argument ignores state prec- go County Circuit Court since John Doe — allegedly sexually as- Court papers alleged that the in- gal counsel — composed of state edent by citing cases from other 2004. All interviews took place in saulted a sorority member. vestigation into the potential sexual Attorney General Josh Kaul as states and that case law dictates that fall 2019. UWO held non-academic stu- assault was unconstitutional be- well as Assistant Attorney Generals a college education by itself is not a (For those struggling with ad- dent misconduct hearings on Sept. cause Doe’s lawyer, Peter Culp, was Anne Bensky and Gesina Carson property interest. diction and seeking help, dial 2-1- 26 and Oct. 15, 2019 “to hear the forced to cross-examine the woman — argued last year that Doe’s due The filing argues that Doe has 1 or visit www.211.org to be con- university’s case against John Doe,” via notecards and was barred from process claim was invalid because not been constitutionally deprived nected to resources and services court papers say. The hearing ex- bringing witnesses into the student he has not properly pled a loss of of anything and that he is trying to in your community. You can also aminer found Doe “responsible for nonacademic misconduct hearing. property nor exhausted procedures avoid the “inconvenience of having text your zip code to 898211. 2-1- non-academic misconduct” on Oct. In various court filings, Culp ar- already provided by the state. to go through the administrative 1 is a 24/7 confidential service 28, 2019. gues the investigation was biased A property interest is paramount process.” that will connect you to substance According to court documents, from the beginning because Joann in a due process case because the Additionally, court papers say abuse treatment and resources Chancellor Andrew Leavitt sus- “Buzz” Bares wore multiple hats 14th Amendment to the U.S. Con- Doe did not appeal Leavitt’s Dec. free of charge.) tained the findings and sanction of after filing the initial Title IX com- stitution says that the state can’t 11, 2019, decision to the UW Sys- Editor’s note: All interviews suspending Doe with no-contact plaint, serving as an investigator and deprive someone of life, liberty or tem Board of Regents, which could took place in fall 2019. with the university for two years on witness in the formal hearing on the property without due process. further complicate his due process Oct. 22, 2020 Opinion AdvanceTitan.com | 9 Why stay on campus? Ode to Barb — My One True Love By Dan Benish By Sami Christiansen living on campus. is when participation is supple- [email protected] [email protected] Even without friends, anoth- mented with discussion posts. er driving factor for students to It is a fundamental trait of It was 20 below With spring semester regis- continue to pay the high costs of college students to be procras- And I was out on the town tration opening this week, many room and board for many is the tinators. Many professors have students are, for the first time, idea that the alternative means opted for discussion posts; A not unhandsome young man presented with the opportunity they have to move back in with which are open for a week at Just making the rounds to register for a full load of on- their families and give up all the a time, but the majority of the line classes entirely by choice. newfound freedoms of indepen- class does not make posts until I walked in from the street As classes have adapted to dent life. 10:00 on Sunday night, leaving And stepped up to the bar, supposedly provide equal in- Your mom nagging on you to two hours for actual meaningful struction and opportunity for get out of bed, your little sister discussion. Even if one student And there she was both online and in-person sec- stealing all of your clothes and wants to get ahead, there may Just standing thar’ tions of the same class, it begs returning to a substance-free not be any actual opportunity the question of why all students lifestyle may seem like an awful when the rest of the class pro- Her eyes were shiny are not just living at home or alternative, but is it really worth crastinates. her smile bright, off-campus to avoid the high spending over $4,000 to avoid There seem to be some gaps costs of room and board. that for three months? that still need to be filled before And when she spoke Given the current financial A more likely alternative that we can really say that online The words came out right. situation of the University of could be pressuring students to learning provides equal educa- Wisconsin System, it seems that pursue in-person classes is the tional opportunities to in-person What more can I say if every student moved off cam- fact that the delivery styles may instruction, but there is no doubt pus, the university would un- not yet be as equal as we want to that this semester’s opportu- She was my kind of girl, doubtedly just fall further into believe. In two of my classes, I nities were leaps and bounds And the romance that followed the hole. have been told that the students ahead of last. Was a dizzying whirl. However, there must be more who opt for online-only instruc- This improvement is exem- than just some sense of moral tion receive more work as an at- plified by professors engaging I sparked that woman obligation that makes students tempt to make up for the lack of in much-overdue Canvas train- want to stay on campus. participation and feedback they ing and a majority of the initial For over eight years, I believe that two nonaca- receive in class, even if they are technical difficulties have been And when she said yes demic things saving universities watching the exact same lec- addressed. I couldn’t hold back the tears during the pandemic are friends tures. Factors such as the dispari- and the idea of moving back In other classes, I have had ty between online courses and with your family for the next ten professors tell me that there is in-person format, friendships We married in October months. just no efficient way to give us and the opportunity for an in- And three kids soon followed, With on-campus activities and feedback that they are aware dependent lifestyle contribute And we was plain happy off-campus parties very limited of, so they simply opt not to. In to students’ choices to make ef- Like hogs in a wallow. or obsolete, the opportunities to my mind, feedback is one of the forts to live in the dorms. make new friends have drasti- most important tools in learn- There is sure to be more prog- cally diminished. This is a big ing. Seeing mistakes allows me ress in the coming semester as 30 years have passed blow to students, as friendships to understand what I can work we learn more about what on- Since she became my bride are one of the most important on and what I may need more line formats work and don’t, but And she’s still here factors in making the decision help with. I would not yet be eager to jump Right by my side. to continue attempting to take Another way online learning into a semester of fully online in-person classes that require isn’t up to par with in-person learning by choice. Forrest Gump had Jenny and John Lennon had Yoko, If I didn’t have Barb Letter to the Editor I’d probably go loco. I ain’t much of a poet Save the Blue Lights Can’t rhyme like Bill Shakespeare, But I want everyone to know By Ava Tryon sity has made it aware to the out of the 117 comments ar- [email protected] Oshkosh Student Associa- gued against the Mobile Blue That I still hold her dear. tion that there is a discussion Lights, making comments such The fall semester has begun. to phase out the units due to as “what if the victim doesn’t Happy Anniversary Barb. Leaves crinkling under the expenses and minimal use of have a phone on them,” or eager footsteps of students on serious emergencies. I am the “it’s nice knowing there is an- their way to classes. The sun Women’s Advocacy Senator other option for me in case my dipping behind the horizon on campus for OSA and I feel phone dies.” One student even earlier than normal. Chatter- that this is a huge disrespect commented “As a female who ing students walking back to to the concern for the safety takes all night classes and has their dorms after a campus of students, especially wom- to walk to my car in the dark event. en, on campus. afterward, I already feel very Students should feel safe on To justify this, OSA passed unsafe during that walk. Tak- campus. They should feel safe the resolution that I wrote last ing away the blue lights would walking to their classes during spring which created a call to only increase that fear. the day and to their dorms action. Please don’t take away the or simply around campus at The university has come up blue lights for the safety of all night. with an alternative option, a students.” The first six weeks at the “Mobile Blue Lights” on the When asked “As the lights beginning of the school year is UWO Mobile App, which acts break, the university will not when a disproportionate num- in a similar manner to contact be repairing the Blue Lights ber of campus sexual assaults campus police in an emergen- due to cost. Instead, they will take place, known as the “red cy. However, many students be using the UWO Mobile zone.” There are many events agree that this is not enough app for emergencies. How do and programs organized every to ensure campus safety. Some you feel about the university fall semester to bring aware- students don’t have the re- not having Blue Lights any- ness to and prevent sexual vi- sources to own a phone, which more?” 14% responded “I like olence. violates inclusivity to student this idea,” 63% responded “I One thing on campus that safety for everyone. While would like the Blue Lights to makes me feel safe, especially the students on OSA believe stay,” and 21% responded “I during these first six weeks, that this is a great addition, don’t have an opinion. is the Blue Lights. The Blue it should not and cannot be Many students on campus Lights are emergency tele- in replacement of a physical want the Blue Lights to stay, phones stationed throughout presence of student safety. and their voices should be campus that connect students, An internal survey was sent heard. staff, and faculty to the police out in the past year to stu- department with a push of a dents asking their opinions on button. However, the univer- the Blue Lights. Around 89 10 | AdvanceTitan.com Oct. 22, 2020 ‘Hubie Halloween’ fails to be funny By Nolan Fullington other film” is and it’s hardly brought up. [email protected] because we all know he can It’s literally the subplot from do better. We’ve seen “Punch “Jaws” and, again, it was a pa- “Hubie Halloween” is a Net- Drunk Love,” “Uncut Gems” thetic attempt at “homaging.” flix “Halloween” “comedy” and even “.” So The amount of horror film starring “Adam Sandler” and that means he knows when he’s references in this film was also all of his friends who I’m sure making something awful, but he revolting. Not just “Jaws,” but all got nice paychecks. continues to do so anyway. “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Hubie Dubois (Sandler) is a This entire film just felt so “Halloween,” “Creature from devoted citizen to the town of weird because the comedy is the Black Lagoon,” “IT” and a Salem, but has become a figure just so bad. It’s like they tried whole bunch more. They even of mockery due to his overpro- as hard as they could to make play the “Ghostbusters” theme, tectiveness and oddball person- it as bad as possible. There are which gave me uncomfortable ality, essentially an amalgama- fart jokes, people falling down, chills. It’s the fact this film tion of every other character puking, poop jokes, pee jokes; fails to be its own thing while Sandler has portrayed. How- all things we’ve seen before constantly “paying homage” ever, Salem needs Hubie more from Happy Madison Produc- to much better horror films I’d than ever when two subplots tions — nothing new there. Just rather be watching that I found that have absolutely nothing the execution of it all was so to be problematic. Also, why to do with the rest of the film odd, and I was never sure when was there a poster of “Smokey become a huge threat that isn’t I was supposed to be laughing. and the Bandit” in Hubie’s actually a threat. In terms of story, this is room? Over the years, I’ve been about as clever as an episode of This entire film also feels like mean to Adam Sandler and I “Scooby-Doo” from, like, fifty one season of a television show, promised to stop long ago when years ago. This film also thinks because, like a television show, I wrote on “” be- it’s like “The Usual Suspects” there are, like, twenty charac- cause there isn’t much else throwing red herrings around. ters we follow in this film and to say at this point. However, Two characters in particular are every single one has a subplot. Sandler then starred in “Uncut only there so they can be red It was so messy and mishan- Gems,” which was a phenome- herrings and have no impact on dled. The film’s pacing and nal film. Without a doubt, a ca- the plot at all, but at least Adam structure issues made it even reer-best performance. Sandler’s friends got paid — harder to watch. Unfortunately, Sandler did one of which I suspected was Sandler himself in the film is not get nominated at the Acade- or David Spade. utterly grading. His entire per- my Awards in the “Best Actor” Then there was an off-putting formance feels like mumble- category, so he vowed to make cameo from , who core. I don’t mind Sandler just a film that was “so intentionally also seemed to be acting horri- playing himself in movies and terrible.” I just wanted to see if ble on purpose. acting bored, but when he does this was the film he was talking Speaking of Adam Sandler’s that weird voice and dumb fac- about. This probably wasn’t, friends, let’s talk about Kevin es, it’s the most annoying thing seeing that this film was far James who shows up in a com- to me. I’m really tired of talking into production before the nom- ically bad wig and beard that about Sandler like this, but he tal scene that hits you over the This film was utterly grading. inations were even announced; was so awful-looking, it made keeps making these kinds of head twenty times with its mes- Probably the worst film I’ve however, this film does feel like me laugh so hard that I had to films. sage. However, this film does seen so far this year, but for the a punishment. pause the film. James was also The number one rule of com- have the message of just being cinematography and the mes- There is so much to unpack in a somewhat serious film re- edy is juxtaposition. What this nice to people, which I’m total- sage of being kind, it just saved about this film, and I have no cently called “Becky.” And like film screws up most is not ly contradicting here, but it is a itself from pure hatred. idea where to begin, because Sandler in “Uncut Gems,” they having a contrast to Sandler’s nice message. However, I can see how some it’s a comedy where every- blew any prestige they received wacky character. In the film, The cinematography also people may enjoy this film and thing in the film is so unfunny from those films at the same Hubie is supposed to be the looks good. This is not “Jack that’s okay. My opinion is not that it comes back around to time by being in “Hubie Hal- “weird one,” but everyone in the and Jill” where everything is right or wrong, it’s an opinion. being funny again because the loween.” film is wacky and odd, which evenly lit. It’s a shame that the I just found it to be so unfunny, attempts at comedy were so James is a part of this subplot makes for zero contrast. Hav- cinematography is in service to which comedy is very subjec- pathetic that it was laughable. with the Mayor where the May- ing everyone be funny leads to a comedy where nothing is fun- tive. If you enjoy it, that’s fine. The word “pathetic” was going or doesn’t want to acknowledge nobody being funny. That’s the ny. But I can’t imagine being a Don’t let my opinion hinder through my mind a lot while that people are disappearing be- foundational issue here. director on a Happy Madison your experience. watching this film. cause he wants to keep parties And along with every other production. That’s the equiva- The reason why I don’t shrug going and keep people spending Happy Madison film, the movie lent of directing traffic. something like this off as “an- money? It doesn’t make sense ends with an overly-sentimen- Supplemental reasons to wear a mask By Owen Peterson manage to wear to be able to This should also save us all ence that it does not go away at Blackhawk. [email protected] survive the frigid and dreadful from one of the absolute worst completely. I doubt that any winter walk to morning class- circumstances a human can en- number of masks could fully 5. To hide the fact that you At this point, we should all es. Honestly, a face mask was counter: wondering whether or protect you from the smell of haven’t shaved/done your be accustomed to having to the missing piece of the puzzle not to tell the person that you all the rotting buffalo chicken makeup wear a mask just about every- to achieve ultimate warmth. are talking to that their breath pizza that probably resides in During a normal semester, where we go, and it doesn’t The combination of woolen smells awful. that dumpster. there’s some expectation to seem like this is a reality that socks, a thick pair of pants, a And at the very least, this look your best for your classes will be changing anytime soon. winter coat, a hat, a scarf and may make people more con- 4. To hide your identity in and social gatherings, but now Since it seems like we will a face mask will help students scious of how many onions public that most classes or online and be stuck wearing masks for stay warm this winter. they get on that wrap from Do you ever just want to go everyone is confined to their quite some time, I think it is Unfortunately, though, wear- Blackhawk Xpress. outside without getting recog- dorms, who cares? time to look at some of the ing a mask will not prevent nized? Now anytime you will be unappreciated and overlooked you from inevitably slipping 3. To shield the smell of I know I do. seen in public, the lower half benefits of having to wear a and sliding on the UWO side- dumpsters by Blackhawk Luckily, while wearing a of your face will remain a mask. walks for a few months. If you’ve ever walked past mask, you’re about halfway mystery to all. Here are five reasons why Blackhawk Commons on the to being virtually unrecogniz- This temporary suspension you should keep wearing your 2. To keep your breath in High Avenue sidewalk, you able. Just throw on a hat, and of social expectations will mask. Besides, you know, check have probably also had the maybe a pair of sunglasses if give us all a chance to stop keeping yourself and others Look, it happens to the best displeasure of smelling the you’re really committed, and worrying and dedicating time safe, preventing the spread of of us. Blackhawk dumpsters. you will feel no shame as you to appearing “good” for people COVID and trying to put an Everyone is guilty of occa- It’s not particularly surpris- make a late night run to the who probably don’t even care. end to this public health crisis, sionally having bad breath, ing that the discards of a day’s Corner Convenience Store for I would say use that time to but I digress. but this should no longer be an worth of cafeteria food smells a bag of gummy bears. go do something fun, but to be issue thanks to masks. Putting so awful, but that doesn’t make Also, the partial anonymi- completely honest, there isn’t 1. To keep your face warm on a mask essentially traps it any less painful. ty protects your identity from much to do given the current during the winter your nose with your mouth, so While wearing a mask in being revealed when doing circumstances, so... read a Once the spring semester there is no longer any excuse this area helps soften the blow embarrassing things such as book. starts, everyone is going to to be unaware of the smell of of the nauseating smell, I can dropping your entire tray of need all the covering they can your breath. attest from personal experi- food in the middle of a crowd Oct. 22, 2020 AdvanceTitan.com | 11 Sports Time to vote.

Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Major sports stadiums used as polling stations By Cory Sparks Packers’ Lambeau Field) using foot building on-site, will be uti- will go out and vote,” UWO soph- Others even suggest that the pri- [email protected] their properties as polling sites. lized as a polling location on Nov. omore Connor Bukoski said. orities of Americans may serve as Some UW Oshkosh students 3 for Green Bay residents (accord- Judging by how many people an explanation as to why voter par- Voting season has arrived and have mixed feelings regarding ing to Cohen). are faithful to their favorite sports ticipation could rise due to these this time, it is under very unusual professional teams, including the Other UWO students are all for organization, there could definitely organizations taking such a step circumstances. Due to the rise of one roughly 50 minutes north of the ideas put forth by these profes- be an uptick in voter turnout based this election year. COVID-19 cases — more than Oshkosh in Green Bay, that are sional sports organizations as long on brand identity alone. “It’ll help because people care 8.1 million nationwide as of Mon- using their facilities as polling sites as the correct precautions are taken With these sports facilities being more about sports/entertainment day, according to the Centers for during a pandemic. into consideration. used as polling sites, widespread than their own rights,” Hopefl said. Disease Control and Prevention “I guess I’m a mix of concerned “As long as the sites are safe, concern regarding manipulation With COVID-19 and many ac- — many people have opted to cast and impressed,” UWO sophomore it seems like a good idea,” UWO that could occur with mail-in bal- counts of social injustice occurring their votes by sending in an absen- Bailey Laird said. “I’m impressed sophomore Joe Hopefl said. lots may be extinguished consider- throughout the country in what tee, or mail-in, ballot. with the idea and the actual good In terms of how the state poll- ing there are now more in-person has been a year of chaos for many, However, there are still in-per- that could come from it, but in a ing sites being located in or near options with larger capacities that some students see this year’s elec- son polling sites that are taking pandemic, I don’t think it’s great.” stadiums will impact the voting can allow people to be spaced out tion as one of the more important the appropriate social distancing According to Axios’ Fadel Al- numbers, students at UWO believe to a greater extent. ones. precautions in an attempt to ensure lassan, NFL commissioner Roger that the voter turnout, which was a Laird acknowledged that many “It is always important to vote, that all voters are safe. Profession- Goodell led this effort with the mere 60.1% in 2016 according to people who are afraid of their mail- but even [more] now. With how the al sports stadiums are just some of suggestion that teams try to use fairvote.org, should increase with in ballots being tampered with may last four years have been handled, those sites. their facilities as polling areas as a the efforts. benefit from these sports stadiums we need a new approach,” Laird According to ESPN’s Kelly way to make voting more accessi- “I may not agree with [what being used as other locations for in said. Cohen, there are four MLB stadi- ble in various communities. these sports teams are doing], but person voting. He stated that as a Some students also view this ums, 19 NBA arenas and 12 NFL In Green Bay, the Johnsonville I do believe that it will positively result of this, more people may end election year as one that is on the stadiums (including the Green Bay Tailgate Village, a 13,432 square- impact the amount of people that up voting. same level of importance in com- parison to past ones. “I’m in the middle [in terms of the] importance of voting, as noth- ing really changes all too much [that is] life-threatening in each election,” Bukoski said. Whether someone votes using an absentee ballot, goes to a usu- al polling site or tries their hand at a modified sports facility polling site, voter education is always an essential component of the election process. “Educate yourself about the candidates and what their values are,” Hopefl said. The online voter registration deadline for Wisconsin was Oct. 14, but the in-person voter registra- tion deadline is not until Oct. 30. The in-person registration is con- sistent with both regular polling sites and the sport-stadium version. In addition, people in Wisconsin can register and vote at their poll- ing station on Election Day. With voter turnouts failing to eclipse 61% in 2012 and 2016, ac- cording to fairvote.org, the fact that professional sports teams are using their facilities as polling sites just Cory Sparks / Advance-Titan adds another variable to what will Presidential election voting turnout has not eclipsed 65% since 1908. In 2016, the voting turnout of 60.1% was a 1.5% increase be a very different 2020 election day on Nov. 3. over the 58.6% voter turnout seen in the year 2012 (according to fairvote.org). You can register to vote now using your campus address. You can vote early. You can vote by mail. You can vote on Election Day.

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