Mount Hood

This week in completely made up HORRORscopes

The Western Howl Staff

Theme: Halloween / Horror

 

Aries 3/21-4/19  

Wait … what’s that behind you? 

 

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Nothing can scare you when you’re already dead. 

 

Gemini 5/21-6/20 

I’ve got something that’ll scare you: 4 midterms on the SAME DAY

 

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Kxpdq vrgd, L’p jrqqd gulqn lw olnh d shuvrq. (Caesar)

 

Leo 7/23-8/22

Week five -shiver-

 

Virgo 8/23-9/22

Believe in the power of the Mothman. 

 

Libra 9/23-10/22

BOO

 

Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

The real treasure is the demons we bring home from the journey

 

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

I wonder if squirrels can haunt you… I wish I was a squirrel.

 

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

I have a message from the ghost that’s been following me since I was 12: he says ‘boo!’

 

Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

Spooky scary midterms send shivers down your mind.

 

Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

The only scary thing about halloween that I enjoy are the zombie shaped chocolates. 

Western Athletics partially returns for fall term

Western Athletics reflects Phase One of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

During spring 2020, the National Collegiate Athletic Association President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors suspended spring, fall and winter NCAA championships, citing the decision to be centered around the impracticality of hosting the events during COVID-19. Over the summer, the NCAA released a revised three-phase plan called Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport that provided schools with guidelines to follow as they generate their own plan for the upcoming terms. 

Currently, Western’s Athletic department is reflective of Phase One: nonessential travel defunded,  groups larger than 10 must have measures of physical distancing and sanitization, restricted staffing and workout areas or facilities must be sanitized.

For the student athletes who decided to return to Western this term, the Athletics department required and offered Polymerase Chain Reaction testing through the Corvallis Clinic. The Athletics department is not currently using any of the IFC funding they’ve received this term for testing. All funding from IFC this fall term have gone towards new equipment and cleaning.Testing funds came from students’ personal medical coverage or Athletics secondary insurance if a player is not covered.

After being tested and receiving COVID education.

“If a student didn’t feel comfortable with training in this environment, then they were able to opt out,” said Interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum. “We want people to feel comfortable.”

The students who opted out of fall term are still receiving their scholarships, Lydum explained.

“If a student is fearful of contracting COVID and passing it to someone else, then they are given a waiver to keep their partial scholarship from athletic aid. It’s really up to the student and what they feel comfortable with. If they opt out, they are not allowed to use the facilities because we want them to be safe.”

The students who have opted to participate claim that the department takes the current pandemic seriously.

“We were delayed to come on campus,” said junior business major and shooting guard for the Women’s Basketball Team Rachel Rogers. “This is our first week back in the weight room. Everything is different. It’s distance and masks all the time. It’s kinda funny because we’re all sweaty and breathing hard through these masks, inside and outside. No one really lets us lax on that; if you pull it down someone is telling you to put it back up.”

As of now, Western is not hosting normal practices; each team conditions its players and schedules small group sessions at various times throughout the day.

“It looks different than it would look pre-COVID,” Lydum reported. “There’d be 100 football players out there doing drills, but we just can’t do that right now. So in a football team we might divide the condition time up by offense and defense and various positions in offense and defense. We might have all of our first-year freshmen split up into groups. It’s really just being creative and finding the best groups that are safe.”

Outside of practices, Western is not participating in games this year, aside from personal socially distanced scrimmage matches. Looking towards the future, athletics hope to regain a sense of normalcy by January 2021.

“The NCAA cancelled all the fall championships so right now we’re looking towards January for starting Basketball competitions and indoor track,” Lydum said. “If the state allows that then we’ll do it, if they don’t then we won’t.”

If students experience symptoms of COVID later in the term, they are being asked to self quarantine, and if further symptoms develop, they will be tested. As more information is released the story will be updated.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

 

2020 Spirit Week Court profiles

A look at 2020’s Spirit Week Court, announcement of Wolf Royalty to come

Cora McClain | Editor-In-Chief

These six seniors have been nominated by their peers, student organizations, and WOU departments as Wolf Royalty nominees. They are outstanding student leaders who exemplify the values of Western. 

With their committee interviews completed and the student body having casted their votes for two nominees on Sunday, Oct. 19, final scoring to determine who will be crowned Wolf Royalty will be completed by the end of the week. The Student Activities Board has yet to determine a date to virtually announce Wolf Royalty, but will provide more information on Instagram @wousab.

 

Connor Park

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Major: Biology/Physical Science

Zodiac: Pisces

Favorite WOU Memory: “Genetically modifying bacteria with Dr. Snyder” “Genetically modifying E Coli bacteria in Dr. Snyders lab”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Living on an Alaskan homestead, “I see myself with a degree living somewhere where it snows.”

Social Media: @yogurtofagbon

Who is your favorite musician?: Damon Albarn

Favorite food/restaurant: Butter Chicken or Pierogis with sour cream

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: Mike Tyson “so we could talk about me investing in his ranch”

What is your most embarrassing moment?: “Getting banned from Chuck E. Cheese when I was 2”

Ultimate travel destination: “I want to travel to Poland to eat delicious food and look at Castles”

 

Carlos Fonseca Jr

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Klamath Falls, OR

Major: Exercise Science

Zodiac: Cancer

Favorite WOU Memory: “Every year has been fantastic, but my second year as an RA over in Heritage was an absolute blast. I was blessed with an amazing staff and the best residents you could ask for. #2ndGunnForLife”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: “I see myself working in student affairs, hopefully as a Residence Director.”

Social Media: @cfonseca_jr

Who is your favorite musician?: Jon Bellion

Favorite food/restaurant: Mexican food, “shoutout to Casa Burrito”

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: My grandfather

Ultimate travel destination: “Guanajuato, Mexico. I would love to see where my family comes from and get a chance to immerse myself in my Mexican culture!”

 

NJ Johnson

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Scappoose, OR

Major: Public Policy & Administration

Zodiac: Taurus

Favorite WOU Memory: “Having the distinguished honor of serving the student body as ASWOU President.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: “Working as a local government administrator for an Oregon municipality”

Social Media: @iamthenj

Who is your favorite musician?: Barenaked Ladies

Favorite food/restaurant:  Seafood Alfredo at Olive Garden

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: Tom Brady

What is your most embarrassing moment?: “Attending a class I wasn’t supposed to be in for 30 minutes in my first day at WOU.”

Ultimate travel destination: “Right now, I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to go to Cancun, Mexico with my family. It was intended to be a collective graduation reward but our trip was canceled this last summer due to the pandemic. The trip is on the books again for June 2021.”

 

Keyonna Jones

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: Lynnwood, WA

Major: Business with a focus in accounting, Communication minor

Zodiac: Taurus

Favorite WOU Memory: “Being on the women’s basketball team”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: “I see myself married and with a couple of kids. Owning my own personal financing firm.”

Social Media: @Balla4ever13

Who is your favorite musician?: Ella Mai

Favorite food: Mac and Cheese

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: Dwayne Wade

Ultimate travel destination: “I think my number one place is Miami, Florida. I would go to the beach and lay out in the sun all day. I would just walk everywhere and enjoy the scenery”

 

Christopher Linares-Espinoza

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Portland, OR

Major: Organizational Leadership

Zodiac: Cancer

Favorite WOU Memory: Drag Show

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: “In 10 years I see myself giving back to the community I was raised in by making it safer through education and after school programs. I also see myself helping the community my parents grew up in to make sure that the children of the future have what they need to succeed.”

Social Media: @chris_linaress

Who is your favorite musician?: Kendrick Lamar

Favorite food/restaurant:  Urban Deli

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: Donald Glover (Childish Gambino)

What is your most embarrassing moment?: “Week 8 of my freshman year I took my first and last 8am class. I was tired from pulling an all-nighter so I fell asleep in class and woke up with drool on my notebook”

Ultimate travel destination: “If I were to travel right now I would go visit my family in Mexico to see how they’re doing and enjoy their company”

 

Brandon Parsons

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Gresham, OR

Major: History

Zodiac: Aquarius

Favorite WOU Memory: “Campus Residency, and the connections I’ve made with hallmates, roommates, and RAs”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: “Being a dad, perhaps.”

Social Media: @brparsons_

Who is your favorite musician?: Big Sean

Favorite food/restaurant: Wing Stop

If you could have dinner with anyone you admire, living or dead, who would it be?: “Brett Parsons, my twin brother.”

What is your most embarrassing moment?: “My everyday social awkwardness.”

Ultimate travel destination: “The beach is a classic family vacation spot. Or Odell Lake, OR with my dad. Just spend time together enjoying the outdoors, and quality time.”

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

What you need to know about Western’s online fee

Tuition and fees advisory committee changes Western’s fee structure

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

On Sept. 22, the business office sent out an email to inform students that their billing statement was available. To the surprise of many students, the online fee ranging from $53 to over $1,000 had been applied. 

In years prior to COVID-19, this fee was not present on student billing. This spurred a lot of questions among students: What is this new fee? Why are we paying an additional fee? Where is the money going?

Back in April 2020, the Board of Trustees approved of the Tuition and Fees committee restructure of fees. At the tail end of the meeting docket, it mentions a new fee of $53, without an explanation, only that it will be applied to billing for the 2020 to 2021 academic year. 

“In the 2019 to 2020 academic year, online tuition was set at a rate of $228 per credit,” said President Rex Fuller, “which was $52 above the resident in-person rate. To simplify our tuition structure and to make it easier for students to switch between modalities, the online tuition was made the same as in-person tuition.”

Although tuition appears to have been “lowered,” the difference was made as a separate fee on the billing. Students are not paying $228 and an additional $53. Western reduced online tuition to the in-person rate and made the difference between the two a separate fee; students are still paying the “reduced” $228. Fuller goes on to say that original funds received from the fee were going to be put towards the transition to the new Learning Management System called Canvas. However, due to current circumstances, Western is currently receiving funding from the CARES Act to address financial losses experienced by the university. This alleviated the need to use those funds for Canvas and put them towards other struggling areas, as Western has a contract with Canvas that is funded by the CARES Act until the end of 2020.

On Oct. 15, the Business and Accounting office released a statement explaining what the fee is currently going to.

“There is a $53 fee per credit assessed to all online courses taken by undergraduate students this term,” said the press release. “This fee pays for the technology and infrastructure required to deliver online classes, as well as some student services..However, if students were attending classes in person instead, they would be paying mandatory fees instead such as building fees, incidental fees, the health service fee and others. Students taking a mix of in-person and online courses pay the corresponding portion of different fees based on the number of credits of each delivery type.”

It has also been reported that due to the IFC not having a fee this fall term, ASWOU and President Fuller made a million-dollar deal to fund IFC areas for fall term.

“I offered to ASWOU a $1M allocation of online course fee revenue to ease the revenue shortfall to support student services funded by incidental fees,” Fuller explained.

Areas outside of IFC are receiving funding, but no funding increases.

“Right now, we’re still getting the same budget we always received,” said Dean of Library and Academic Innovation at Western Chell Bachelor, “sort of similar to the fact that there’s not some  new funding source that’s suddenly come along, where they might give it to us, we still get our budget and the funding is coming in but it’s just the fee structure is different.” 

Bachelor says that the department has spoken to President Fuller in detail about potential receiving additional funding from the fee in the future, but as of now they have not experienced an influx of cash and their funding is still coming from the general education fund.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

 

Guest Opinion: Young voters: make a voting plan and follow through

Governor Brown implores everyone to vote on Nov. 3 2020

Submitted by Governor Kate Brown 

Every day, young people like yourselves take action to better communities all across Oregon. Since becoming your Governor, I’ve worked with students who demand action on climate change by coming to the capitol and testifying in record numbers, making phone calls, and holding walk-outs on their campuses. I’ve held the hands of grieving students and their families in the wake of the Umpqua Community College shooting. I’ve seen college students put their lives on the line to fight wildfires. I’ve been humbled to see recent graduates enter the medical field so they can serve their communities in the midst of this global pandemic. And I’ve seen thousands gather across our state from Portland to Pendleton, Bend to Eugene, in a clarion call for racial justice. 

You all are living, learning, and contributing to this state and this country. You will not just inherit this world – you are already actively building it. 

I have also met countless young people who tell me they feel that this world is damaged beyond repair, and that the world’s problems are too big for any one of us to solve. And with the way 2020 has gone so far…I know the feeling.
I hear you when you say that you don’t feel represented in politics. I hear you when you say you’re afraid of what the future might hold. 

While it’s true that I carry with me every single day the privilege of white skin and cisgender, I know what it’s like to be scared to go to work every day. Years ago, when I was a young lawyer, I was afraid of losing my job if someone discovered that I was in a relationship with a woman.

I know what it feels like to look over at the man in the office next to mine and know that he is treated differently. That he is paid more for the same position. Even though I knew I was doing a better job.

I’ve worked my entire career to make Oregon a more equitable and welcoming state to everyone who calls this place home. Our nation’s problems — racism, homophobia and transphobia, sexism, climate change, health care, immigration — are all addressed in major ways at the ballot box.

They’re addressed in your vote for President, members of Congress, Governor, and state legislators. They are also addressed by your vote for county sheriff, district attorneys, judges, city council, county clerks, bond measures, and local taxes. 

This election will have big impacts on America, but also your local community. I hope a lot of people turn out and vote. We anticipate seeing record-breaking turnout across the country and here in Oregon. 

It’s critical to have your voice heard. Whether your issue is gun reform, climate change, police reform, racial justice, or reproductive justice, your voice makes a difference. 

So it’s time; the deadline to vote is Nov. 3. But, don’t wait — make a plan with your friends on how you’ll vote. It’s critical to get your ballot in early. Will you walk it to a drop box location? Will you mail it in the first week? Have you set a calendar reminder? I plan to vote early, and take advantage of Oregon’s paid postage to get my ballot to the county clerk. 

I can’t say it enough: your vote is your voice. And every voice counts.

“Schitt’s Creek” Finale

A dysfunctional household learns the value of family over the course of six seasons

Brianna Lelieur | Entertainment Editor

“Schitt’s Creek” is a recently concluded show that has been around for six seasons. The series starts with an incredibly dysfunctional family that is filthy rich, and becomes flat broke in a matter of minutes. They are then dropped in a random, middle-of-nowhere town that the main character, Johnny Rose, had bought for his son, David, as a joke. From there, viewers see their journey and evolution into figuring out how the real world works, and how to become productive members of society. 

Now coming full circle, the show has finally reached its end. The show closed on a happy note, with the finale focusing on a message that the characters were glad they lost their money in the beginning, because it allowed them to become better, happier people. 

The show’s last season’s best feature was well executed character development. They ensured that the characters still retained a lot of key aspects of their former lives, and didn’t completely make them something they were not. 

An example of this was with Alexis Rose; she started out super rich, always sassy and in a hurry, looking for the next place to go and see. However, we see her develop into a woman who learns  to appreciate taking a break once in a while, and learning that there is a lot more to life than always being on the go. 

By the finale, she knows that sometimes it is better to have great company — whether it’s with family, a partner or friends — than doing what is “cool” at the time. However, despite the fact they calmed her down a bit, the itch of belonging in a big city always lingered in her. They didn’t write that off, and she didn’t transition into a completely different character. 

“Schitt’s Creek” is a basic Family Dysfunction TV show — it makes the viewer feel like a part of the fame point can relate to them.

Overall review: It’s a decent show, and while I don’t think I’ll be rewatching it, I would definitely recommend it. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Video Game Releases for 2020

A timeline of a few video games coming out in October and November 2020

Brianna Lelieur | Entertainment Editor

Through the rest of 2020, we are going to be seeing a huge release of new video games — both new and continued installations — to keep us entertained during homebound times. Here’s a list of five games coming out soon to be on the watch for. Happy playing.

  • Amnesia: Rebirth (Oct. 20) – Kickstart the spooky Halloween season with a first-person horror based game. If this game is anything like the previous installments, we can almost guarantee a more intense horror factor that will keep players on the edge of their seats and make them question the things around them.

  • Watchdogs: Legion (Oct. 29) – Set in London, everything within the watchdog’s realm is being monitored by an omniscient surveillance state; the military has its stronghold on the city and crime is at an all time high. The player is introduced to a variety of characters, where they then have to recruit people to join a resistance group to overthrow the system. 
      • The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (Oct. 30) – The second installment of the Dark Pictures Anthology, “Little Hope,” is a choice-based horror game. The story follows five characters trapped in a ghost town as the player(s) traverse through multiple timelines to unfold the mystery. Like it’s predecessor, “Man of Medan,” the game has two multiplayer features, in which different players take control of certain characters either cooperatively online, or in person.
      • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Nov. 10) – The storyline based game takes on nordic themes and culture, and gives the player a chance to play as Eivor, a viking raider. There are various storylines and side missions with the key theme of building a viking army to fight and destroy the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms. 

      • Cyberpunk 2077 (Nov. 19) – With the initial release date being delayed twice, Cyberpunk is finally being released in November of 2020. It’s a game with vibrant color and details, resembling the same world of “Blade Runner 2049”. A futuristic game based in Night City, California, players get access to an almost unlimited free world, playing as a mercenary named V who is chasing after a cybernetic implant that holds the key to immortality. Everything about the character can be customized, and the world can be thoroughly explored.

        Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

         

        Happy harvest: a guide to fall crops

        October brings a variety of fresh, in-season produce

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        Summer may seem to offer the most variety of produce, but fall has quite the selection too. Some fruits and vegetables are nearing the end of their seasons while others are just getting ripe. Here is some of October’s seasonal produce to add to the shopping list.

        Grapes of all colors are still being harvested. Stock up and make some jam if canning supplies are available, or grab some to snack on. Meanwhile, kiwi arrives at its peak in the fall in California. Get creative with kiwi by using it as a tart topping or in a salsa.

        Apples and pears are two more fruits that taste best in October; use these in a cobbler, crisp or pie. Also try mixing these in-season fruits with some year-round produce — like bananas and cranberries — to create a fruit salad or delicious smoothie.

        It is well known that pumpkin is in season come autumn, but other squashes, such as butternut and spaghetti squash, are available too. Each is great to include in soup recipes. Bell peppers are harvested in the fall as well; utilize their versatility to top pasta dishes, mix in stir fry or make stuffed peppers.

        Brussels sprouts and beets are two more vegetables that peak in October. Though each may get their own bad rap, they can be enjoyable when prepared in a new way. Brussels sprouts can be sauteed, beets are great on salads and both taste good when roasted.

        All this produce and much more are available at grocery stores, but these in-season fruits and vegetables are fresh at farmers markets as well. Check online to see if and when local farmers markets are open, and be sure to follow COVID-19 regulations by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        Where to get body mods for college bods

        Local tattoo and piercing shops for your next piece

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        I know I’m not alone in itching for a new tattoo. With body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, it’s difficult to stop at just one. Here are some tattoo and piercing shops to check out within driving distance from Western.

        Independence has two tattoo studios. Main Street Tattoo is owned by artist Kevin Hamlin who primarily does traditional-style tattoos. Check out his work and contact Kevin at his Instagram @outinthestyx. 

        Turquoise Studio features two artists, Kylee Halama and Hanna Martin. Their shop, according to their Facebook page, has been working to maintain privacy for clients by only allowing one artist and one customer in the studio at a time, so be sure to schedule an appointment via their individual Facebook pages, “Tattoos by Kylee” and “Hanna’s Tattoos.”

        Salem boasts numerous piercing and tattoo shops, and Addictions Body Piercing and Tattoo is one that provides both body modifications. Featuring a total of four piercers and four tattoo artists, there is someone to cater to the desires of any client. Their website, www.addictionsinc.com, has much more information, including booking appointments. Immortal Ink is another shop in the heart of Salem with three different artists. Find each artist’s portfolio and contact information at the studio’s website: immortalinksalem.com.

        High Priestess is a tattoo and piercing shop with locations in both Salem and Corvallis, as well as other cities in Oregon. As of Oct. 16, the Salem and Corvallis shops are only offering piercings for the time being. There are two piercers at each location, and appointments are being scheduled on each campus’ website: beststudioever.com/high-priestess.

        Corvallis also offers several other studios, including Sacred Art Tattoo. This shop has three artists, and their individual work can be viewed on their website, sacredartcorvallis.com. Their site also offers multiple ways of contacting them, so pick the one that works best.

        One final studio about 30 minutes from Western is DieHard Piercing and Tattoo in Albany. The shop’s owner, Jeremy “DieHard” McLain, does piercings, and three tattoo artists work at the location. Find them at diehardlife.com, check out their work, and email them to book an appointment.

        Be sure to comply with the artist’s or piercer’s safety requirements related to COVID-19. Most studios are not accepting cash and do not allow guests to accompany clients.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        This week in completely made up horoscopes

        The Western Howl Staff

        Theme: Horoscopes from The Fly 

         

        Aries 3/21-4/19  

        What if I just took a s—t right now.

         

        Taurus 4/20-5/20

        This is a nice spot for a nap.

         

        Gemini 5/21-6/20 

        Bruh why’d he stay so long, get out of there before his hair gel kills you!

         

        Cancer 6/21-7/22

        Don’t listen to that guy. He’s trying to lead you down the path of wickedness. I’m gonna lead you down the path that rocks!

         

        Leo 7/23-8/22

        He’s not real he’s definitely like a lizard or something

         

        Virgo 8/23-9/22

        You know what they say flies are attracted to.

         

        Libra 9/23-10/22

        Thought I was landing on a snack, turned out it was a snake.

         

        Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

        Listen to “Fly on the Wall” by Miley Cyrus.

         

        Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

        You better vote.

         

        Capricorn 12/22-1/19

        At least I made him look even more like an idiot

         

        Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

        Oop, time for my 15 minutes of fame (⌐▨_▨)

         

        Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

        I can see why the audience is empty.

        Western modifies traditional spirit week events

        Western organizations prepare for socially distanced spirit week

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        During non-pandemic years, there is usually a spirit week in October that is dedicated to Western’s homecoming football game. Throughout the week, students could participate in various activities such as the carnival, Paint the Town Red, the powerpuff game, a bonfire and Paint The Wolf. Due to COVID-19, some of these in-person events have been cut this year to ensure student safety.

        Adapting to the current situation, Student Engagement and the Student Activities Board have planned various online programs and a few in-person activities that abide by social distancing guidelines in an effort to keep the tradition of spirit week.

        Paint the Wolf: For this outdoor activity, students will participate in repainting the weathered WOU logo located on Church street. 

        Pop Culture Trivia Night: During this online event, students will be quizzed on various pop culture topics present in our society. The winner will receive free spirit gear.

        Wolf Royalty Voting: Homecoming Court and Wolf Royalty are traditions at Western. Each year, two first-years, sophomores, juniors and six graduating seniors are nominated to Homecoming Court. Two of the graduating seniors are then nominated to Wolf Royalty.

        Movie Night: If this outdoor activity is approved, SAB plans on announcing Western Royalty as well as putting on a movie for students.

        WOU School Spirit Compilation: This activity is done over the week; students upload photos or videos to Instagram, tagging @student_engage to show ‘what Western means to them’. The winner receives free Western merchandise.

        Downtown Scavenger Hunt: For this in-person event, students will be given a list and asked to find all the items in downtown Monmouth; the winners get free Western swag.

        For in person events, SAB and Student Engagement are not requiring students to sign up. When people arrive at the events, they will be asked to sign their name at a table for contact tracing purposes if an outbreak occurs at Western. Additionally, senior biology major and SAB director Kayley Arpaia confirmed that there will never be more than 100 students at the in-person events, but students are still required to stay six feet apart and wear masks. 

        Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

        All departments on campus experience employment reductions

        Reductions to student and faculty employment have occurred all over campus

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        Last April, Oregon’s unemployment numbers skyrocketed from 4% to 14.7% and has since settled to 7.9% as of September, according to deptofnumbers.com

        Western has also experienced a spike in unemployment; all departments at Western have had jobs permanently removed, and each funded area has been temporarily limited to the amount of students they are able to hire.

        In January 2020, Western’s Board of Trustees discussed potentially removing faculty jobs from campus due to steady decline in revenue.

        “It was exacerbated by COVID-19,” said Public Service Librarian Janeanne Rockwell-Kincanon.

        Many departments on campus — such as Student Recreation, the Child Development Center and the Hamersly Library — have all experienced employment reductions, totaling approximately 68 unfilled positions with a majority coming from Campus Recreation.

        “It’s nowhere near where we would like it to be,” said Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main, “but one thing I think is important that we’re proud of is that just about every single employee that we were hoping to bring back for this fall we’ve gotten them their hours back or are trying get them back.”

        Additionally, due to budget cuts and limited employment for social distancing purposes, the Hamersly Library and Student Recreation have cut their operating hours by more than 66%, while the Child Development Center has reduced the amount of child intake by 50%.

         

        “Because we are operating under an emergency child care license, it requires us to have small stable groups,” said director Tammy Gardner. “We are doing three groups of 10 students. Each group has an assigned teacher and the groups are not allowed to cross paths.”

        Currently, the Child Development Center is also receiving partial funding from an Oregon grant called Preschool Promise, Gardner explained. Under the Preschool Promise, it fully pays for 18 students to attend. Qualifying students have to be under 200% of the Federal poverty level and the families who submitted applications were selected by a third party source called the Parenting Hub of Polk and Marion County.

        All departments on campus are hopeful that the coming year will provide better funding and increase employment opportunities. The story will be updated as more information is provided. 

        Correction: In the story above, it was implied that reduced student hires was the cause of limited hours of operation at Hamersly Library. However, this is not the case; student hire reduction was not the cause of limited hours, but the safety of staff and faculty due to social distancing guidelines.

        Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

        Opinion: stan culture surrounding Ruth Bader Ginsburg

         Ruth Bader Ginsburg wasn’t the revered feminist superhero everyone is suddenly remembering her to be

        Stephanie Moschella | Digital Media Manager

        Branding Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the epitome of feminism is an insult towards women of color, transgender women and women of the LGBTQIA+ community. RBG has done little to advocate for minorities and disadvantaged communities; she shouldn’t be this revered icon so many people are making her out to be. 

        White feminism is a difficult concept to explain when the people that want a definition ⏤ so that they can exclude themselves from it ⏤ don’t want to listen. At the basis of it, it exists to benefit the comfort and safety of white women, centered around the failure to consider other women. The lesson taught shouldn’t be that white people should feel guilty about being white, since nobody cares unless you’re directly contributing through harmful actions; what it comes down to is that just existing as a white person means you’re unintentionally contributing to institutional racism even if you don’t want to. 

        Skin color changes how people perceive you, how people treat you, how you live in this world — if you’re something other than white, race is the annoying younger sibling you can never get rid of. RBG’s feminism is folded into believing that white privilege has ceased to exist, convincing people that the power dynamic between whites and people of color aren’t prevalent in daily life. This kind of feminism is about the erasure of how race is something that is debilitating and tiring, something that has to be played down by “smoothing out” your edges. That makes her 0-1. 

        She has no doubt become a staple name for women’s rights, ironically so considering she had displayed no respect towards survivors by supporting Brett Kavanaugh. Despite being known as a Chief Justice that was accused of rape, Ginsburg referred to him as a decent and smart man at an event hosted by Duke Law in 2019. No matter how much of a cuck it makes me, I believe survivors and their testimonies regardless of who the perpetrator may be. So when another woman in a high position of power like Ginsburg speaks highly about an accused rapist, it immediately destroys any ounce of respect I had for her. It doesn’t matter how much she’s “done” for women; admiring someone who associates with a rapist demonstrates their weak, like-minded attitude that groups them with all of the rest of the s—-y politicians. That makes her 0-2.

        Okay, so your feminist role model defended a rapist, at least she worked toward racial justice right? Well if that means calling Colin Kaepernick’s protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement dumb and disrepectful ⏤ which she stated in an interview with Yahoo in 2016 ⏤ then sign me up for the next war. She also voted in favor for fast-track deportations in which America can force alleged undocumented immigrants out of the country with little to no review from government. This was a devastating loss for immigrant rights and left critical executive powers unchecked and domineering. 

        While some people choose to turn a blind eye to her racist history, there’s no looking past an actual ruling that was made. The Appalachian Trail gas pipeline was a major environmental case that allowed this 600 mile pipeline to go through indigenous peoples’ land and protected forests. It was an act of cultural and ecological annihilation considering there is only a 1% Native American population but 13% of Natives live in a mile proximity of the pipeline route. Despite this, RBG still chose to vote in favor of the gas pipeline, proving she really didn’t give a s–t about helping marginalized people. That makes her 0-3.

        So why should we celebrate the life of someone that has destroyed so many? 

        Contact the author at smoschella20@mail.wou.edu

        Sinners all the time

        “The Devil All the Time” is a captivating and symbolic movie that will enthral you

        Brianna Lelieur | Entertainment Editor

        Released on Sept. 11, “The Devil All the Time” is a new Netflix adaptation of the book written by Donald Ray Pollock ⏤ who also narrates the film ⏤ and is directed by Antonio Campos. It’s a captivating, violent and symbolic movie that shows people’s continual plight with good and evil. Warning, this movie does contain content some viewers may find graphic or disturbing.

        Right off the bat, this movie drops you into an unforgiving world where it seems everyone is running away or battling their inner demons. Bill Skarsgård’s character, Willard Russell, projects his strong Christian beliefs onto his son, Arvin Russell, played by Tom Holland. He teaches him that the world is a sinner, and that they need to be punished for the things they’ve done. Later on, Willard’s wife dies of cancer, and Willard proceeds to take his own life. This throws the audience straight into a whirlwind journey with Arvin, as we see him grow up to live a life much like his father’s.

        I had never heard of “The Devil All the Time” prior to watching the movie, so I definitely was going into it blind. I was intrigued by the key influence of Christianity throughout the movie, as it was what shaped the entire plot. The characters in the movie believe, to some extent, that they hold an influence over “good” if they simply pray hard enough, or if they can make a sacrifice to God. An impactful quote referencing this is Donald Pollack stating, “God had a tendency of askin\g men to make sacrifices in order to prove their faith.” The character’s continually deal with the plight of extremism in Christianity during the movie, and they’re willing to go to any length to prove their faith. 

        Photo via IMDB

        The main complaint from critics — that it is hypocritical — has been bothering me since watching the movie. However, that’s one of the key points to keep in mind when watching “The Devil All the Time.” Due to its very religious-based themes, hypocrisy is common throughout the movie because it’s a sin in the Bible. The whole movie is about being a sinner. 

        One of the things that stuck with me throughout the movie, was the development of Arvin. Over the course of the movie, we see him go from a timid boy who keeps his head down to defending the honor of his kin and starting a vicious crime spree. I viewed him as one of the only characters that truly was not hypocritical, because from the beginning Arvin knew who he was; he knew he was a sinner. This allowed him to not do the things he did in the name of God or for religious reasons. He was simply just a human, who was dealt a bad hand in life and acted solely out of revenge and survival. 

         

        Overall review: I would recommend this movie a million and one times. While it starts off slow, it progressively gets better. It definitely captivates you with the beautiful cinematography and intense plot. This book-to-movie adaptation was astoundingly well executed. 


        Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

        Soup-erior tomato soup recipe

        Simple and savory homemade soup recipe to try at home

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        Nothing beats a savory soup on a chilly evening. This easy roasted tomato soup recipe hits the spot, especially when paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

         

        ROASTED TOMATO SOUP

        Start to finish: 55 minutes

        Servings: five

        3 pounds Roma tomatoes

        ½ small onion

        ¼ cup olive oil

        2 tablespoons minced garlic

        1 teaspoon kosher salt

        ¼ teaspoon pepper

        1 can evaporated milk

        ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

        3 tablespoons fresh basil

        2 tablespoons tomato paste

        1 teaspoon sugar

        Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Halve tomatoes and place cut side up with the onion on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and add garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to coat well. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, just until starting to brown.

        Place in the blender and puree until smooth; leave the lid cracked slightly so the steam can escape. Add evaporated milk, cheese, basil, tomato paste and sugar. Puree until smooth once more, then taste and adjust seasoning to preference. Serve immediately and eat as is, or make a grilled cheese to dip in.

         

        Recipe courtesy of thereciperebel.com.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        Contain the stain: stain removal made easy

        Hacks for getting out common stains

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        Stains are always a hassle to deal with, especially stubborn substances like coffee and grease. But all stains can be conquered; here are some easy tips for removing common stains.

        For coffee and tea spills, start by flushing the stain out from the inside of the garment with cold water. If there is still residue after several minutes, take some liquid laundry detergent or dish soap and dilute it with water. Gently rub this mixture into the stain, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse from the back of the stain. Launder as usual.

        When grease gets on fabric, grab a cloth and some dish soap. First, blot as much oil out as possible. Then, pour dish soap directly onto the stain and work it in with the cloth. Dish soap will cut through grease just as it does on dishes. Let the soap sit for a few minutes, rinse with warm water, then wash at the hottest setting the fabric can handle.

        For tomato-based sauces, start by scraping off as much excess as possible. Next, soak the stain in cold water for about five minutes before using laundry detergent on a toothbrush to scrub it. Wash normally in hot water.

        Sweat stains can be treated with distilled white vinegar, a common stain remover. Let the stained garment soak in a container of equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar for about 30 minutes. If the stain doesn’t come out completely, mix some lemon juice with equal parts water. Rub this into the stain, then wash the garment as usual.

        A great way to get blood out of fabric is by using hydrogen peroxide. After rinsing the stain with cold water, pour hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain. Repeat as necessary until the stain is mostly gone, then launder in cold water.

        With any stained fabric, be sure to check that the stain is completely gone before tossing it into the dryer, as heat will make the stain set.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        Take a hike on a trail near Western

        Hiking trails within an hour of Western

        Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

        Living in Oregon offers exceptional opportunities to get out and experience nature. According to alltrails.com, there are almost 2,500 trails to hike, bike, run and horseback ride in Oregon — and there are dozens to choose from that are near Western. Read on for some hike recommendations that are within an hour drive from campus.

         

        Baskett Slough (14 minutes away): Featuring a pond and a short climb up Mount Baldy, this 5.1-mile trail is a beautiful hike to do, even on a cloudy day. Keep an eye out for numerous birds as well.

        Luckiamute Landing (19 minutes away): An easy walk along the Willamette River, this 3.8-mile trail is great for anyone looking for a quick, relaxing outing.

        Calloway Creek (20 minutes away): This short, 2.6-mile hike explores Peavy Arboretum, one of Oregon State University’s research forests. Add a quick loop around Cronemiller Lake, and check out OSU’s logging sports arena.

        Davies Nettleton Loop (24 minutes away): This 6.6-mile loop offers nice forest views throughout and a moderate 767-foot elevation gain. Customize with detours at trails like the Old Growth Trail and the Upper Dave’s Trail for more traditional dirt paths.

        Dimple Hill (24 minutes away): When accessed via Patterson Road 600, this hike is 4.9 miles long with an elevation gain of 692 feet, though it can be accessed from other trailheads. The top offers great views above the McDonald-Dunn Forest and Corvallis.

        Fitton Green Natural Area (36 minutes away): This 5-mile hike caters to those looking for some hills; there is a total elevation gain of 1,190 feet. Great views await those who make the climbs.

        Willamette Mission (40 minutes away): This state park has several miles of trails to explore alongside two lakes and the Willamette River. Be prepared for a day-use fee, but feel free to pack a lunch and spend a full day relaxing there.

        William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge Mega Loop (46 minutes away): A hike with many options for customization, this 8.3-mile loop combines five trails throughout the wildlife refuge. The serene, wet prairie landscape is home to an abundance of bird species — perfect for birdwatching.

        Be sure to dress according to the weather forecast, and wear a face covering when passing other hikers.

        Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

        This week in completely made up horoscopes

        The Western Howl Staff

        Aries 3/21-4/19  

        Gang gang. 

         

        Taurus 4/20-5/20

        Just … go back to sleep.

         

        Gemini 5/21-6/20 

        haven’t had coffee yet, pls don’t talk to me

         

        Cancer 6/21-7/22

        “I wish I could, but I don’t want to.”

         

        Leo 7/23-8/22

        Out on lunch break, will be back next week 

         

        Virgo 8/23-9/22

        As the days get shorter, you become your true self. Embrace the dark, baby.

         

        Libra 9/23-10/22

        No <3

         

        Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

        Some fish can walk out of water, but will they climb trees?

         

        Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

        Hey, I hope you have a wonderful day — you deserve it! Get out there and DEVOUR SOME AVOCADOS.

         

        Capricorn 12/22-1/19

        Go to bed early tonight, treat yourself to at least 8 hours of sleep 🙂

         

        Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

        Is it just me, or is my FBI man listening a little too well?

         

        Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

        Go ahead and buy that extra sticker for your water bottle. You deserve it. 

        Valsetz delivers meals to WOU students testing positive for COVID

        Western introduces quarantine meals to campus dining

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        Over the course of back-to-school season, many universities are facing COVID-19 outbreaks and are being forced to shut down. Western’s administration observed these outbreaks and planned for fall term accordingly.

        Instead of having one move-in day for all new students, Western reduced its numbers to less than two-thirds and had four days designated for move-in. During that time, all students were subjected to COVID testing, and students that tested positive were relocated to Gentle Hall and Butler Hall for isolation purposes.

        The people currently living in those halls are receiving “dining accommodations” known as quarantine meals. 

        “The quarantine meals were food for the entire day and (were) delivered to them,” said Albert Worotikan, Director of Campus Dining. 

        Originally, the food served in the quarantine meals was similar to foods given to students experiencing flu-like symptoms. Students could expect to order things like soup, gatorade, milk or orange juice once a day. However, Worotikan said that after their first weekend starting on Sept. 26, students sent feedback to dining about the quarantine meals. 

        According to Worotikan, many of the residents living in the isolation zones have reported to be asymptomatic and requesting food with sustenance. The residents don’t want meals that are designated for flu-like symptoms because the meals are light and not filling.

        “Yes, they have the virus, but they still want to eat normal (food),” Worotikan explained.

        After a meeting with the Dean of Students and Director of Dining, Tina Fuchs, they completely flipped the system; starting Oct. 5, students living in Butler Hall and Gentle Hall are able to order three regular meals a day under the ‘quarantine meals’ section of the app, Nutrislice, with no additional cost for delivery.

        For labor efficiency, campus dining has designated specific times for delivery service, Worotikan said. From 8 to 9 a.m., students can have breakfast delivered, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., students can request lunch to be delivered and from 4 to 5 p.m., dinner can be delivered. The residents are also allowed to order snacks during these times. 

        In an effort to reduce physical contact during delivery, dining has also set up a notification system to let the person know when their food has been delivered.

        “In our system we would be able to email the individual and let them know that the food has arrived,” Worotikan said. “Also with the way Butler and Gentle is set up, the door is outside. Of course we are also going to wear the face masks as well.”

        If students start experiencing symptoms late in the term, they are advised to contact the Student Health and Counseling Center to see if they qualify for testing. If a student does qualify for testing, they will be charged $95 for the lab work. Most insurances cover the testing fee, but if a student doesn’t have insurance they can call 211 for additional resources. 

        Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

        The President of the United States tested positive for COVID

        White House begins tracing other potential COVID cases after President’s diagnosis

        Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

        The citizens of America have been enduring the financial, physical and emotional impacts of COVID-19 over the past seven months. Currently, the United States accounts for 21% of the global population’s COVID cases.

        On Oct. 2 at 9:54 p.m. (PST) President Donald Trump announced that he and the First Lady tested positive for the virus. Suspicions of potential contraction came after White House Senior Advisor Hope Hicks reported symptoms of the virus at a Trump rally held on Sept. 30.

        Following President Trump’s positive diagnosis, the White House launched a massive contact tracing effort, reaching out to the people who were around the First Lady and President within seven days of them testing positive. 

        During that time, the President attended multiple events: the Supreme Court Justice Ceremony, the presidential debate, fundraisers and a Trump rally. The White House has since identified nine people testing positive for COVID, including the president’s assistant, Nicholas Luna; R.N.C. Chair Woman, Ronna McDaniel; Senator of Utah, Mike Lee; Senator of North Carolina, Thom Tills; Campaign Manager, Bill Stepien; Kellyanne Conway; President of the University of Notre Dame, John Jenkins; Chris Christie; and White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany. 

        All of the people who tested positive are currently receiving treatment if they are symptomatic or are undergoing the Center for Disease Control’s 14-day quarantine guidelines. 

        After receiving three days of treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, President Trump was released on Oct. 5. Doctors at Walter Reed say Trump passed all the patient release requirements and treatment can be continued from the White House.

        Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

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        Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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