Mount Hood

Weather advisory

February 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

The Willamette Valley is facing weather advisory warnings, with snow on the forecast mid-week between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. The area, yet to see any heavy snow closer to Monmouth, is possibly expecting an inch overnight — the start to a potentially wet and icy February.

The National Weather Service states that roadways are expected to grow slick and hazardous, especially bridges and overpasses. It is recommended to keep an emergency kit in vehicles, commonly including a flashlight, batteries, blankets, shovel, water, non-perishable food, tire chains and any other necessary tools to stay safe if stranded. The National Weather Service advises individuals to “walk with care” as sidewalks and other walkways are likely to be icy and slick.

Over 480,000 injuries related to winter driving are recorded per year, as well as 6,000 weather-related driving fatalities. Drivers should slow down during hazardous weather and proceed with utmost caution — assume that all roads are perilous. Ice can accumulate on trees and power lines, something which drivers should be aware of when behind the wheel. It is recommended to never touch a downed power line — instead, dial 911.

If possible, do not drive during hazardous outside conditions.

If driving is unavoidable, consider sharing driving plans with others. Inform them of intended travel routes as well as estimated arrival time.

Be sure to fill up on gas and keep other tools on hand, such as jumper cables, a windshield scraper, warm clothing, outdoor gloves and portable phone chargers. Having a prepared vehicle helps prevent disaster.

If stranded, it is encouraged to stay calm. Do not leave the vehicle, nor endanger oneself by walking on icy conditions. Turn flashers on to indicate that assistance is needed.

Snow plows, while uncommon in the Willamette Valley, need ample room to move, and close proximity should be avoided.

Snowfall has already landed in Western Oregon, cascading over Oregon’s rocky coastline and closing schools across the coast range. Chain requirements are in place for segments of the coastline highway. Snow continues to be in the forecast for the area.

The Portland metro area is facing rain/snow mixtures on the mid-week forecast. Solid snow or snowstorms are unexpected to occur — instead, precipitation will likely be slush. Slush may refreeze overnight throughout the week, so even without further snowfall, conditions may continue to be hazardous. Portland civilians have been told to warrant extra time for their morning commutes.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

Hoaxes

February 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Content warning: this article discusses violence

America, in the last few weeks, has been swept by bomb threats — hoaxes that close schools down, reroute police attention and cause panic for thousands.

Late into the evening Jan. 29, Albany Options School received an email informing them of a bomb. On Jan. 30, the school’s staff discovered the email and informed the local police department, leading to a thorough sweep of the school premises, as well as its neighboring elementary school, Sunrise Elementary. Officials from Greater Albany Public Schools deemed nothing suspicious, and allowed for a typical school day.

Albany Police Department, as well as the school district, assured the public that an investigation is underway aiming to identify where the threat came from. They posted online Jan. 30, “We saw a lot of incorrect information on social media about the emailed bomb threat to Greater Albany Public Schools this morning. The situation was fluid, found to be a spoof email attack (per the FBI) and GAPS notified families from the two schools as soon as they had correct and pertinent information … We take all threats seriously and work together with our partners to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”

Reflected in news across the country, bomb threats are making headlines. Notably, a Utah elementary school — Timpanogos Elementary School — was recently investigated due to an unclear threat made right after school was dismissed for the day Monday, Feb. 3. The Provo Police Department swept the school using K9 units, finding nothing suspicious, but have continued to investigate.

Allen County Schools, out of Scottsville, Kentucky, declared Saturday, Feb. 1, that a threat was made against Allen County-Scottsville High School, eventually stated to be non-credible after a thorough sweep of the premises and surrounding area utilizing K9 units.

At approximately 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, a CVS Pharmacy in Sylva, North Carolina, was cleared after a bomb threat was alleged. The neighboring Burger King was evacuated as well as the CVS. Traffic was rerouted to avoid the area as investigators cleared the scene — another hoax.

Authorities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, arrested 35-year-old Christopher Newman in connection to a bomb threat that was called into Myrtle Beach International Airport. The bomb threat caused panic across the airport, deplaning multiple aircrafts after pilots were contacted. Newman is being held without bond.

According to America’s Cyber Defense Agency, “The primary reason for employing bomb threats when no explosive device is present is to disrupt, distract and harass.”

Facilities receiving bomb threats are encouraged to stay on the phone for as long as possible, write down exact wording and fill out a bomb threat checklist offered by the cyber defense agency. If not called in but received digitally, it is recommended to leave the message open on the device, take a screenshot, copy the message and title and note the date and time. If written, handle the note as little as possible. Note the date, time and location of the threat and keep the written threat in a secure spot so police may investigate it as naturally as possible.

Most bomb threats — nearly 90% — are expected to be hoaxes. Despite the fact, all threats are to be treated as if real, so as to prevent injury.

All bomb threats should be reported to law enforcement agencies.

A 17-year-old student of Beekman Charter School in Bastrop, Louisiana, was arrested in late January after multiple bomb threats were made over email against the educational facility. All Morehouse Parish schools closed Monday, Feb. 3, and Tuesday, Feb. 4 regarding the incidents.

Mayor of Bastrop, Betty Alford-Olive, stated, “As Mayor, I am asking all citizens to be vigilant of your surroundings and if you see something suspicious, please call 911. Please stay safe.”

Investigations are still underway.

The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, closed after multiple bomb threats were made toward the North Severn Complex. All affected areas were cleared and no threat was located, with the lockdown lifted Jan. 31. 

Nov. 2024, during the election, faced multiple Russian-sourced bomb threats to polling places in multiple states, such as Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The FBI claimed that none of the threats seemed legitimate and declared the investigation to be at the top of their priority list. At least two polling spots in the state of Georgia were evacuated but opened again after 30 minutes. The Russian embassy in Washington protested allegations of Russian interference — labeling them “malicious slander.”

Overall, more than two dozen threats against polling stations were made.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

ASWOU

February 5, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The Associated Students of Western — ASWOU — is Western’s official student government. It is run by students, for students. 

ASWOU is extremely active on campus, representing students’ interests and needs, overseeing clubs, putting together programs on campus and ensuring that students have their voices heard. 

ASWOU President Brenda Rocio Martinezis a fourth-year student at Western, double majoring in communications and public policy and administration. 

“My role is (mainly) representing students in general and having their best interest in mind,” Rocio Martinez said. As a student herself, Rocio Martinez is always looking for ways to support her peers. “We always like to put our ear to the ground and see (what students want and need.)”

ASWOU not only supports individual students but student clubs as well. Joining a club is how Rocio Martinez first got involved on campus, followed by her becoming a justice in the judicial branch of ASWOU. After that, she was ASWOU’s director of PR, then, finally, the president. 

Rocio Martinez knows the importance of getting involved through clubs on campus, so she strives to make sure the clubs have the resources, training and support they need. One of her goals is to allow the clubs to collaborate and connect with each other. 

“I just want to be able to serve students,” Rocio Martinez said. “We are student-funded, so we’re here for (students).” ASWOU is funded by the IFC — Incidental Fee Committee. Students pay a set amount as part of their tuition and fees, which goes towards several student activities on campus, including but not limited to ASWOU, student media, Abby’s House, WOLF Ride, athletics, campus recreation, childcare and more.

Every person involved in ASWOU is dedicated to making their fellow students’ voices heard. “People in higher positions like faculty and staff are wanting the students’ perspective, and ASWOU can give that perspective,” Rocio Martinez said. 

“Elections should be coming pretty soon for anyone who wants my position in the future. And I will say this: it’s not hard, it’s fun,” Rocio Martinez said. She loves getting to be more involved in her community as ASWOU president. According to Rocio Martinez, the position has helped her become a better leader. It has also been helpful for her field of study and will likely apply to the career path she wishes to follow. ASWOU elections will begin at the start of spring term. For students who wish to run for election, applications open March 8. 

ASWOU has weekly public meetings on Fridays in the Calapooia room of the Werner University Center. The executive branch of ASWOU holds their meeting at 12 p.m. and the senate meets at 2 p.m. 

The judicial branch’s meetings are not weekly, instead they are held “when there’s work to do,” Rocio Martinez said. “That entails rules being broken by any clubs or any students, if there are any concerns or if people just want an interpretation of a law.”

For students who have concerns, comments or questions, an ASWOU senate meeting is the place to be. The senate focuses on things such as bylaws, getting involved with the clubs they oversee and the needs of students. 

If students have large concerns, they can fill out an ASWOU student feedback form, which goes to the senate. The form is located on the student portal under the My Programs tab. 

Rocio Martinez knows how difficult it is to advocate for every student, which is why it is important for students to bring their concerns and feedback to ASWOU’s attention. A community thrives when everyone supports each other and works together to make positive changes. 

“We ensure that students are well represented if they feel anything should change,” Rocio Martinez said. “Change comes with many people. It takes a village to make true change.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

“Day Without Immigrants”

February 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Content warning: this article discusses violence against immigrants and children

Monday, Feb. 3, saw advocates across the state of Oregon — as well as the rest of the country — join together in protest to highlight the hard work of immigrants in America. Businesses closed, civilians marched and noise was made, with many protesters flocking to the streets. The protests saw increased engagement following President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants in America, with many communities across the county witnessing deportation trucks in their neighborhoods. 

The campaign, “Day Without Immigrants,” largely criticizes Trump’s mass deportation plan, following his attempts to end birthright citizenship and working to end the temporary citizenship granted to many immigrants to work in the United States. Advocates did not attend school nor work, boycotting businesses in an effort to showcase the impact and importance of immigrants. Many businesses closed in solidarity.

A major highway in Los Angeles, California, was closed down due to a massive march — igniting further protests in solidarity across America. More than 250 businesses were closed in Los Angeles during “Day Without Immigrants.”

District data recorded general Los Angeles school attendance from 93% on average for the year down to 63% for Monday, Feb. 3 — hundreds of students.

The “Day Without Immigrants” protest first occurred in 2017, following newly-elected President Trump’s insistence on building a wall along the United States’ southern border. Students were encouraged to stay home, while advocates boycotted businesses and did not go to work. Previously, a 2006 strike followed former President George W. Bush’s immigration reform plans, modeled similarly to “Day Without Immigrants.”

Despite Trump’s consistent assurance that only illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds will face deportation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that all illegal immigrants are criminals, considering their mere presence in the country to be against the law.

Media reports indicate an unknown, but large, number of deportations since Trump was reintegrated into office — somewhere between hundreds and thousands, children included.

Many businesses, however, could not close despite heavy hearts and desires to join in on the protests. Disadvantaged business owners and employees risk losing financial stability by closing, tied in with fear of ICE raids, leaving many immigrants scared to leave their homes and workplaces. Additionally, some feared denying their communities necessary resources, such as grocery stores, and decided to stay in operation.

Portland, Oregon, saw dozens of protesters along Stark Street, showcasing signs, flags and posters.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Keep standing up

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Content warning: this article discusses stalking, sexual assault and violence

Anna Nasset, author of her memoir “Now I Speak: From Stalked to Standing Up,” is an activist, advocate and survivor of stalking. After publishing in 2023, she was personally invited by Western for a book club discussion, keynote speech, book signing and a storytelling workshop for survivors. The event was hosted by Abby’s House, Western’s resource for equity and gender justice.

According to SPARC —  the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center — one-third of women and one-sixth of men in the US have been impacted by stalking. SPARC is a resource that guarantees advocates, educators, prosecutors and other professionals have what they need to assist victims of stalking. 

SPARC defines stalking as “a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.”

January has been recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month for the last 21 years. It originated in January of 2003, when Peggy Klinke was murdered by her former partner turned stalker. Klinke’s sister, Debbie Riddle, took action after the tragedy.

“Debbie … decided that with her grief, she was going to do something about it,” Nasset said during her keynote speech. “Never question the power of us when we get p—-d off because Debbie, within a year (of Klinke’s death), was at the US Capitol having National Stalking Awareness Month signed into law.” 

During Nasset’s keynote speech, she delved into her history of being a survivor of sexual and gender-based violence. Then, she told the story that led her to eventually become an advocate for victims of stalking. 

In her late 20s, after going to school for art, Nasset got an opportunity to own an art gallery in Port Townsend, Washington. 

“I hosted galleries the first Saturday of every month along with the rest of the town. I was involved in my community. I was well known as a young female business owner. It was a good point in my life,” said Nasset.

Nasset was unaware at the time, but a man who she did not know had been watching her for quite some time. His stalking and obsessive behaviors only intensified. He was even sent to jail for 364 days for misdemeanor stalking — however, that did not stop him from continuing to stalk Nasset after his release.

After several years, a prosecutor was able to build another case against Nasset’s stalker, except this time it was for aggravated felony stalking.

“He was sentenced to ten years, which at the time was the longest (stalking) sentence in our country’s history,” Nasset said, “and that really, for me, was a huge call to action to say, ‘I don’t want to be the exception… This needs to start to be the standard.’”

In recent years, Nasset has worked with agencies at the state and federal level to help victims of stalking and gender-based violence. She is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, serves on multiple advisory councils, is a board member of End Violence Against Women International and is the Vice President of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. She also hosts a podcast called “The Mend.” 

“​​(Identifying) stalking is really challenging because so often it’s looking at things that are not criminalized and understanding that it’s a criminal behavior,” Nasset said.

There are many signs a person is being stalked, including hypervigilance, a lack of involvement, depression, skipping events, being distracted easily and being afraid to leave their home. 

“Not everyone who’s experiencing or showing these things is necessarily a victim of stalking or other forms of gender-based violence, but they might be,” Nasset said. According to Nasset, it’s important to reach out to loved ones who are showing these warning signs and, most importantly, believe victims and survivors when they open up about their experience. 

“So often we are told to be silent about these things. And when we are silenced by them, we carry that blame with us,” Nasset said. “Victims and survivors stay silent, because (if we report), we’re going to be put back through that, we’re going to be questioned, we’re going to be disbelieved… And so, so often it feels like, ‘why even stand up and say anything?’”

Nasset knows that even one survivor standing up, sharing their story and trying to get justice can not only help them, but help other victims as well. 

“If we can respond to stalking, we could potentially save a life,” Nasset said after sharing a statistic about the strong correlation between stalking and sexual violence. “And I’ll be honest with you, I’m one that was saved, because I shouldn’t be here. And so that’s why I take this so seriously, is to say, ‘if you pay attention to us, we can save lives.’”

According to SPARC, one out of ten undergraduate women and one out of 33 undergraduate men are stalked on college campuses. Abby’s House is Western’s resource for victims of stalking, providing confidential advocates and assistance finding and navigating other resources. They are located in room 106 of the Werner University Center and can be reached by email at abbyshouse@wou.edu

When signing books after her keynote speech, Nasset wrote the phrase that should be the main takeaway from her work: “Keep standing up.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

History of Monmouth

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Between the years of 1850 and 1853, three wagon trains delivered a cluster of pioneer families to the Willamette Valley from Monmouth, Illinois. The families, notably the Butlers, Davidsons, Whitmans, Murphys and Lucases, desired the same thing: to form a community “where men and women alike may be schooled in the science of learning and the principles of religion” — as described by a history brochure published by the City of Monmouth. From there, Monmouth was born.

Western was founded in 1856 after donations of land and funding from the settlers. More families gathered in the town, with most, if not all, also rooted in Christian faith.

The Kalapuya people are the original owners of the land, the tribe spanning across the Willamette Valley. Monmouth is located within the traditional homeland of the Luckiamute Band of the Kalapuya. In 1855, the Kalapuya people were forcibly relocated to reservations further west. According to the City of Monmouth, some descendants remain in the area; others align with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

No original structures from Monmouth’s founding remain, but the oldest building currently standing is the Craven House, found on east Main Street and dating back to 1869. The Craven House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Campbell Hall is close behind, dating back to 1871 and found on Western’s campus — an example of a Gothic Revival style building.

Other houses in historic Monmouth date from between 1865 and 1975. The architecture, sometimes described as “eclectic,” boasts a variety of styles — some Ranch, Italianate, Craftsman Bungalow, Cottage, Moderne, Colonial … the list goes on.

Large fires in the late 1800s and early 1900s destroyed countless commercial properties of Monmouth origin, but other old establishments remain, such as the Polk County Bank, built in 1889 with a Queen Anne style build.

Railroads were established between 1881 and 1937, connecting Monmouth to the outside world. The railroads were built by Mexican and Chinese migrant workers. In 1924, Highway 99 West was constructed, and was eventually the first paved highway built by the State of Oregon Highway Commission.

Monmouth has a total area of 2.24 square miles, with 9,534 people recorded in the 2010 census. More than 80% of the town’s population was recorded as white. Ten years prior, in the 2000 census, the population was listed at 7,741 people — a jump of nearly 2,000.

Monmouth, until 2002, was  a “dry town” — meaning the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, bars and markets in the town was illegal. It was the last dry town in Oregon until the popular vote reinstated liquor sales in the aforementioned locations.

Prohibition began in Monmouth in 1859, advocated for especially by one founder, Elijah Davidson, who was a devout Christian and strongly in favor of banning alcohol. Over time, as other towns began to drop their laws of prohibition, Monmouth clung to theirs; many not wanting to let go of the unique, classic trait of the historic town.

Two attempts — in 1954 and 1959 — to repeal the town’s dry status both failed.

Support eventually dwindled and many argued that Monmouth’s dry town status hindered its economic success. Merchants desired to sell, while property values lowered — joining Monmouth with the rest of the West coast towns after 143 years of town-wide sobriety.

Beer and wine were allowed after 2002, with hard liquor not being sold until 2011.

Despite its prior illegality, the Mulkey Building — formerly a grocery store — harbored a pool hall in its upper level and took full advantage of procedural mistakes in 1939, serving alcohol for half the year. Anyone who bought a beer at Mulkey Building could drink it, but only outside the doorway and in the hall.

The City of Monmouth also claims to have “resident peacocks” roaming the area around Gentle Woods Park. 

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

Winter term clubs

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

Looking for ways to get involved outside of classes? Western provides a plethora of clubs that can entice any type of student. Whether it’s furthering knowledge within a degree, getting to know other people in the community or creating change, Western has so much to offer — come out and join a club.

WOU ASL Club (Instagram @wouasl)

An organization for the Deaf, Deaf+, Hard of Hearing and Hearing students at Western.

Aspiring Teachers Association (Instagram @wou.ata)

Supporting future educators from step one.

Associated Students of Western Oregon University (Instagram @aswou)

Advocators for students’ rights to the Western administration as well as the state of Oregon and the nation.

Board Game Club (Instagram @wou.board.game.club)

Bring games and find new friends.

Business And Economics Club (Instagram @woubeclub)

A space for students to have discussions, speakers, workshops and networking opportunities for the business and economics fields. 

Creative Writers’ Guild (Presence https://wou.presence.io/organization/creative-writers-guild)

A place where all creative writers of any writing medium are welcome to write and share their work with the guild. 

Criminal Justice Club (Instagram @wou.cjclub)

This organization discusses the justice system events and issues.

CRU (Instagram @cruatwou)

“We’re real people dealing with the real problems of living out a real faith in the real world.”

Exercise Science Club

Exercise science students get to connect with different community members in order to provide members with unique opportunities, networking, recreational activities and insight into potential future professions. 

Meetings on the third Tuesday of every month in the Richard Woodcock Education Center, room 208.

Fiber Arts Club (Instagram @wou.fiberartsclub)

This is a club open to anyone, be it someone who has been crocheting or knitting for years or a complete beginner interested in learning a new craft. 

Filipino American Association at Western Oregon University (Instagram @faa.wou)

Encouraging and promoting the culture of the Philippines among Filipinos and other students who want to learn about the customs and culture of the country.

Gerontological Society of America Student Chapter (https://www.geron.org/)

This campus chapter focuses on sharing gerontological knowledge, expertise and interest. A welcoming space for all students interested in gerontology to participate in social events, networking and service learning. 

Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc. (Instagram @kdchibetadelta)

A sisterhood based on serving the community, upholding the values of unity, honesty, integrity and leadership, while also prioritizing academics, service and sisterhood.

KWOU Radio (Instagram @kwoustudios)

Student-run online radio station who are blasting away tunes, growing a music library and adding to the broadcast equipment supply.

Math Club (Instagram @woumathclub)

Open to anyone; come participate in Estimathon and Pi Day.

MECHA (Instagram @mechadewou)

A group focusing on community, support, activism and advocacy.

Model United Nations (Instagram @wou_mun)

An organization participating in a simulation of the United Nations where students act as delegates and work together to solve global issues.

Monmouth Student Nurses Association (Instagram @monmouthstudentnurses)

Students practicing diversity and inclusion through community outreach projects and volunteerism. 

Native/Indigenous Culture Club (Instagram @wounativeclub)

Advocating for connections and friendships among the students at WOU who identify under the umbrella term of Native/Indigenous and corresponding supporters within a purely respectful space.

Natural Science Club (Instagram @wou_natural_science_club)

Providing hands-on, real-world activities beyond the lecture and lab, offering social and academic networks for students. 

Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Inc. (Instagram @wou_knights)

A brotherhood dedicated to the needs and concerns of the community, which promotes the traditional values of unity, honesty, integrity and leadership. 

Pre-Med Club (Instagram @woupremedclub)

Striving to be a safe space for any interested in pre-health and provide valuable connections and resources.

Pre-Nursing Club

A resource for students interested in the nursing field through virtual and in-person events. 

Public Health Club (Instagram @wou.publichealthclub)

Provides a place for students interested in community health education and public health. Opportunities in networking, leadership, service learning and pre-professional training are available. Meetings are held Mondays bi-weekly from 12 – 1 p.m.

Resonate Church (Instagram @resonatemonmouth)

Come make lasting friendships and discover the purpose that one was made for. 

Spanish Club (Instagram @wou_spanishclub)

A vibrant community where those come together to explore the language and Hispanic culture through a multitude of activities in a diverse, respectful and inclusive environment.

The Northwest Passage (Instagram @wounp)

The Passage has been in publication in one form or another for 80 years, supporting the creative arts every step of the way. 

Unidos Club (Instagram @unidoswou)

Building community and creating a safe and supportive environment to help empower students to bravely fight social justice issues.

Western Oregon Swing Dance Club (Instagram @wouswingdance)

Concentrating on West Coast Swing and Single-Time Swing. No experience required.

Western Oregon University Fellowship (Instagram @wou_fellowship)

Creating diverse communities where students are safe to seek answers to spiritual and faith-based questions or concerns in life.

WOU Digital Games Club

Created for the purpose of maintaining a safe space for Western students to enjoy video games, and to foster such a community at Western. Meetings are 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursdays in the ITC, room 303.

WOU Student Veterans of America (Instagram @wousva)

Dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging, camaraderie and empowerment among student veterans, active-duty service members and their families within our university community.

Thespians Club (Insta @wouthespiansclub)

The Thespians Club here at Western provides, supports and advocates for educational, social and performance opportunities.

If interested in finding out more about Western affiliated clubs, check out their Involve pages at https://wou.presence.io/

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu