Mount Hood

Career recruiters on campus

By: TK Layman
Staff Writer

On Thursday, Jan. 12, Western had a recruiter from the US Border Patrol explain to students the process of how to apply for both Border Patrol and US Customs. Through the Department of Homeland Security, the US Border Patrol secures the southern perimeter of the United States hoping to deter any illegal activity. As for Customs agents, those interested can expect to be stationed at a state port, examining international travel and shipping.

For 2017, the Department of Homeland Security is looking to bolster their Customs and Border Patrol forces by hiring up to 21,070 Border Patrol agents and 23,821 Customs agents, according to to the budget outline released by DHS.

The recruitment process is fairly easy, as Matt Zurcher, a recruiter for US Border Patrol explained. “There’s no degree required, but it must be someone willing to move,” Zurcher elaborated that they should also be “law enforcement motivated. That’s the main focus.”

The willingness to move was stressed, noting that most people who start with Border Patrol are stationed somewhere along the southern US Border. “Arizona, California, Texas or New Mexico specifically,” Zurcher explained. “For the Customs side of it, it can be a landport, seaport or airport.”

Those looking to apply can go to cbp.gov or usajobs.gov and submit their resume online.

Western was also going to host Buckeye International on Wednesday, Jan.11; unfortunately, due to weather, the recruiter could not make it. Buckeye International is looking for students close to graduation who are interested in sales and business for full-time sales positions in Portland, Oregon.

Buckeye is an international distributor and an, “innovative leader in the cleaning/maintenance industry,” as their website states. Their program targets recent college graduates for their Sales Management Program to give students experience in the business and sales field, offering “accelerated training, performance feedback, increased responsibility in direct decision-making” as a part of the experience according their careers page. Students can find more information at buckeyeinternational.com/careers

Contact the author at tlayman16@wou.edu

So much more than a three day weekend

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated by students everywhere as a three day weekend, rather than a day to remember and appreciate all Martin Luther King Jr. did in his lifetime. Western, however, is making a one day holiday into a week long celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. To honor the Civil Rights leader, Western is putting on several different events intended for any who are interested: the community, students, staff and faculty are all welcome.

Although there were no classes on Jan. 16, the University Diversity Committee didn’t waste any time. On Jan. 16 the University Diversity Committee made the holiday a “day on versus a day off” for the Marion-Polk Food Share Service Project. On Jan. 17, the committee held a Community-Police Dialogue to “engage in a dialogue about race, class and justice with local law enforcement officers,” held in the Werner University Center in the Willamette Room.

On Jan. 18, the committee is holding the MLK Jr. Celebration Annual Dinner in the Pacific Room of Werner University Center. Along with a dinner, guest keynote speaker Lasana Omar Hotep, will be presenting.

“Lasana Omar Hotep is an entrepreneur, essayist and educator committed to providing insight and practical strategies in the areas of student development, cultural fluency and institutional equity. His fact-based, witty, multimedia presentations inform and inspire individuals to think critically about themselves and society. He has delivered talks and engaged audiences around issues of cultural identity and educational equity at over 100 institutions throughout the country,” stated the University Diversity Committee MLK event page.

Tickets for this event are $3.00 for students and $5.00 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased, cash only, at the Werner University Center front desk or in the Office of Disability Services, APSC 405. Students who have a meal plan can use their ID/Meal cards to purchase tickets for $3 at Wolf express in the Werner University Center. Doors open at 5:45 pm and the program begins at 6:00pm.

On Jan. 19 the University Diversity Committee, co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, are putting on a poetry slam. “Join your peers and Western faculty along with BSU as they recite poetry and even read their original works. Grab a drink and listen, or even recite something yourself!”

Make sure you take part in Western’s 2017 MLK Celebration Week so you can learn and appreciate all Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did to start the conversation on equality in America and how he’s impacted those today.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

You can get paid for the notes you will already be taking

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Looking to help out others and get paid doing it? Then look no further, the Office of Disability Services is always looking for notetakers. You might have gotten an email from ODS telling you that one of your classmates needs someone to take notes for them. Only one notetaker is needed per class/section, so make sure to take the opportunity when you see it.

The ODS email states, “If you are interested in the opportunity to earn a little extra money, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have legible handwriting and good class attendance, you are qualified to be a notetaker. ODS pays $20 per credit hour, per class-per term for students lecture notes.” That means you can get paid for the notes you will already be taking.

The home page of ODS states, “ODS uses the credits stated in the catalog, not the schedule of classes, for determining payment; i.e., a Biology class is broken down as 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab in the catalog. Generally, we only pay for notes provided for the lecture portion of the class; i.e., $60.”

The email from ODS, that was sent at the beginning of winter term, gives you instructions on how to apply for the position and it’s on a first come first served basis.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

A “revolutionary” fourth year for TEDxSalem

By: Jade Rayner
News Editor

Through the hard work of an all-volunteer team with the desire to build a stronger, more connected community, TEDxSalem successfully held its fourth event, “Revolutions,” on Jan. 7 at the Salem Convention Center. TEDx is an independently organized TED event where you can see live talks on a broad spectrum of topics, as well as videos of TED talks.

Kelsey Juliana, 20, spoke about her experience being a part of the landmark US climate lawsuit alongside twenty other youth, and the power that millennials have to make a difference, specifically when it comes to climate change.

“When I was fifteen, before I could vote, drive or even have my first kiss, I sued the governor of Oregon” Juliana stated to begin her speech.

Juliana has now attended court six times for filing cases against the state and federal government because “by choice my government has been funding and permitting excessive amounts of fossil fuel projects that are polluting our land, air, water and contributing to climate destabilization.” She demanded that “youth need to be taken seriously … I see youth as revolutionaries.”

While closing her talk, Juliana encouraged that we act in whatever way we can to make a difference. For those needing a place to start, Juliana explained, “The steps to being an agent of change, to committing to being a changemaker, starts like this: you show up, you say yes and then you bring your magic. It’s a reflective process … no one can bring what you have.”

The second session of the conference started strong with Vanessa Timmons, executive director of the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Portland, Oregon. She spoke the courage in those she works with, courageous storytelling, and community.

In an interview with Timmons she explained that for her first TED experience she “wanted to focus on resiliency for survivors … often people think about what I do and they think about victimization. But when you’re an advocate doing this work, what you really experience and witness is resilience and power; the absolute brilliance of survivors.”

When asked what students can do for survivors of sexual assault Timmons explained, “The first line of response for survivors is often a family member or friend…so when someone tells you about domestic violence or sexual assault the first thing, and the most important thing you can do is believe them … then you allow the person to explore options with you. You don’t have to have all the answers.”

Bringing the interview to a close, Timmons said, “the most important thing for me to communicate in my talk, and in my work is that we all matter. We are all important, and we are all essential to changing the world.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Higher wages for employees: Oregon’s minimum wage increase

By: TK Layman
Staff Writer

Western’s students may see an increase in pay with the 2017-18 school year after the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage through 2022. After deliberations were halted by demonstrators in February 2016, the proposal went through with a total vote of 32-26. Although the minimum wage is increasing statewide, there are some caveats within the increase.

Based on the county, citizens across the state will see a variance in proposed rates. According to the Oregon Bureau of Labor Statistics, residents of the Portland Metro Area will see their wages go up to $11.25, while non urban residents will have an increase to $10. The state standard will be at $10.25 an hour; Polk county being within the range of standard counties.

The wage increase came after a turbulent campaign during 2016 in the “Fight for $15” movement. The movement proposed to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour in order to support the cost of living after wages remained stagnant as the national cost of living increased with inflation. Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1532, the bill set to increase the state’s minimum wage, in February of 2016, reported The Oregonian. “I started this conversation last fall, bringing stakeholders together to craft a workable proposal,” said Brown of the bill, “I look forward to signing this bill.”

While wages will increase steadily until 2022, some are worried of what may come with the wage increases. For public universities, such as Western, many student workers are not under federally funded work-study jobs, and those workers will be entitled to almost $450,000 through 2019, per the Oregonian. While students are gearing up to make more money through higher wages, public universities are looking to compensate for lost revenue. Public universities are believing it will come in the form of tuition increases. In the case of University of Oregon, they will see a 4.8% tuition increase for in-state students according to OregonLive.

As students are gaining more in wages, employers and universities face a number of decisions to compensate for revenue. Some opponents fear it will result in lost jobs, such as House Minority Leader Mike McLane, R- Powell Butte. As The Oregonian was reporting during the debate, McLane argued with Democrats during the deliberations, “Do you believe that no one will be laid off? Seriously? We’ve got to look you in the eye and we’ve got to ask — do you really believe that no one will lose a job? Do you believe prices will not go up?” As speculation occurs, the bill will remain in effect, and students can expect to see a steady increase through 2022.

Contact the author at tlayman16@wou.edu

The Legacies: 2016

By: Alyssa James
Staff Writer

As we have entered into 2017, we can easily think about all that happened in the past year. It may have felt like a rollercoaster with the numerous ups and downs that occurred during 2016. It is essential to remember what that took place over the last year but it is also important to pay tribute and remember all those we lost throughout 2016.david-bowie-colorusatoday-com

David Bowie passed away at age 69. He was a musician who won two Grammys and influenced five generations. In 1996 Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Alan Rickman was 69-years-old when he passed away. He was a well-known actor and director. Most notably, he is remembered for playing Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” movie series and Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.”

George Kennedy passed away at age 91. He was an actor who starred in over 200 movies and shows. Kennedy received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Cold Hand Luke,” playing Dragline.

Nancy Reagan had a long life of 94 years. She was an actress and the First Lady of the United States to the 40th President, Ronald Reagan. The major cause she supported as First Lady was the “Just Say No” campaign about drug awareness.

Doris Roberts passed away at age 90. She is best remembered as Marie Barone on the television show “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Roberts was also an author and philanthropist; she supported groups like the United Activists for Animal Rights.

The artist known as Prince passed away at 57-years-old. He was a very well-known musician known for his elaborate stage presence and wide variety of music style. These genres include R&B, funk and rock, among others. He was ranked 27 on “Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists.”

Gene Wilder lived until age 83. Along with being an actor, he was an author, screenwriter, and film director. He played parts in such movies as “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Alan Thicke passed away at 69-years-old. He was an actor, game show host, talk show host and songwriter. Thicke is most known for his role as Jason Seaver on the television show “Growing Pains.” He was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame in 2013.

George Michael passed away at the age of 53. He was a singer and songwriter in the band Wham! Two well-known singles from “Wham!” were “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” Michael was an activist for LGBT rights and for HIV/AIDS charities.

Carrie Fisher passed away at the age of 60. She was an actor and author. She portrayed Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” film series. She also play major parts in other films such as “The Blues Brothers” and “When Harry Met Sally.”carrie-and-debbie-colorlatimes-com

Debbie Reynolds passed away the day after her daughter, Carrie Fisher, at age 84. She was many things, most notably an actress and singer. She starred as Kathy Selden in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Aggie Cromwell in the “Halloweentown” movie series.

The world lost many talented and influential people throughout 2016. These were only a handful of those who passed away. Each not only impacted the world in their own way, but they touched individual lives in ways we will never be able to fathom. May they never be forgotten and always rest in peace.

Contact the author at ajames16@mail.wou.edu

The odds against 2016

By: Burke De Boer
Sports Editor

2016 may go down as the best year in the history of sports.

In terms of historical significance and sheer entertainment, the year had highlights all across the board.

At the beginning of the year, the NFL was caught in the throes of the Carolina Panthers. They were a cocky team with the talent to back it up, having suffered only one loss in the 2015 campaign and being widely regarded as Super Bowl favorites. They lost to the Broncos in the farewell game of Peyton Manning. One of the most incredible quarterbacks in history, Manning had long been in decline as a player. Despite this, the Sheriff went out on top.

The English Premier League has seen dominance of the “Big Four” for well over a decade now, with Chelsea, Arsenal and the Manchesters regularly filling the top four spots on the table at the end of the year. But for the first time in their 132 years as an organized club, Leicester City, only recently promoted to the Premier League, won the championship.

In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Carolina Panthers of the NBA. The Golden State Warriors were reigning champs and had broken the Chicago Bulls’ regular season wins record. LeBron James had rings from his time in Miami, but returned to Cleveland to “win one for the land.” In the best of seven series, the Cavs fell behind 1-3, then clawed their way back to bring the city of Cleveland its first sports title in 52 years.

In the Canadian Football League, the Calgary Stampeders played some of the best ball of all time, many calling them the greatest Canadian team in history. Their championship opponent, the Ottawa RedBlacks, represented a city that hadn’t won the Grey Cup since 1976. Their aging quarterback was on his last days of professional play, and to top it off they had barely scraped into the playoffs, not even amassing a winning record in the regular season. Onside kicks and goal line stands took the game to overtime, where the RedBlacks clinched the win.

Vols’ devil magic ruled the first half of the college football season. The Tennessee Volunteers battled back from near-losses to Appalachian State, Florida and Georgia before succumbing in second overtime to a Texas A&M team that had itself come from behind.

Elsewhere in college football, the Beavers beat the Ducks to end the longest winning streak in Civil War history at eight years. Army beat Navy to end the longest streak in Army-Navy history at fourteen years. And in the Governor’s Cup, Kentucky beat Louisville for the first time since 2010, despite Louisville’s Heisman-winning quarterback.

The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years, themselves battling back from a 1-3 series against Cleveland.

But now we are in 2017. With so much magic condensed into a single year, it seems unlikely that 2017 will live up to its predecessor but if 2016’s taught us one thing it’s that just because something is unlikely doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

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