oregon – The Western Howl

A photo of Burgerville’s Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. | Photo by Belen Ponce Leal

Oct 29 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

It’s always interesting to see what kind of menus companies can come up with for a spooky season. Whether it be dyed foods designed to look like pumpkins, sweet ice cream treats with candy bits in them or some locally sourced ingredients used creatively, there is no end to the trend. I thought it would be interesting to discover what kind of spooky-themed foods to try out before the end of the month.

Burger King is well known for their advertising of their special limited-time menus. Right now, they have what they call the “monster menu.” The main staple of the menu is the Jack-O’-Lantern Whopper. It is a version of their famous Whopper burger with a “naturally colored orange bun” with black sesame seeds. While it does have a festive appearance, it has been described by many as tasting basically the same as a regular Whopper burger. Some other items they are selling are Vampire Nuggets, Mummy Mozzarella Fries, the Franken-Candy Sundae and, at certain locations, a trick-or-treat basket.

At the moment, McDonald’s might not have much of a Halloween menu as they are currently focused on their Monopoly-themed one, but the Boo Buckets have returned once again. During October, McDonald’s will give out Happy Meals in what is called a Boo Bucket. They are plastic containers that can double as trick-or-treat buckets. The classic designs have returned, which are the ghost, pumpkin and goblin. However, there are two new additions to the roster this year, which are a black cat and a zombie bucket.

IHOP has come out with some delicious pancake flavors for the season. Obviously, the pumpkin spice pancakes have returned, with the option to make them a short or full stack. They have been described as tasting very good, soft and buttery. The item that I find the most interesting and most delicious is the coffee cake pancakes. Made with cinnamon streusel, cinnamon spread layering and cream cheese icing, these coffee cake pancakes have a delicious crumbly texture.

Burgerville is known throughout Monmouth for being a great place to eat, as it prides itself on locally sourcing its ingredients. All their food is fresh and delicious throughout the year.

Their seasonal menu is composed of their pumpkin shake, apple crumble sundae, harvest cider iced tea, sweet potato fries and, their star of the menu, the Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger. This burger, along with all of their others, has a pasture-raised natural beef patty. The cheese on the burger is called Face Rock Vampire Slayer Cheddar, which is cheddar with a strong dose of garlic in it. That, combined with arugula, which is a leafy green vegetable with a sort of peppery, nutty flavor, makes the burger a fantastic mix of various flavors.

Every restaurant has a different strength, whether it be in design or flavor. I love how every year Burger King can come up with a menu that looks amazing, and even though it doesn’t taste very different, it is at least aesthetically pleasing. I also enjoy how Burgerville can come up with some amazing combinations of flavors in their burger while still being naturally sourced. While not all seasonal food is created equal, it is always endearing to see what companies can come up with to create delicious and good-looking cuisine.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Halloween events

A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.

Halloween Spooktacular — A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones.

Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up.

Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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Road work ahead

A photo of the route for roadwork in Monmouth and Independence. | Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Construction and road work has begun throughout main roads in Monmouth and Independence. Here’s what students and residents in the area should expect from the construction phase and the outcome.

While construction lasts, crews will be working along Main Street, Monmouth Street and South Main Street. Residents should expect to see construction crews at work Monday through Thursday during normal business hours, with occasional work on Fridays and at night when needed. As of Oct. 29, only shoulder closures have occurred, which doesn’t change the flow of traffic, but residents should be prepared for possible lane closures and shifts as needed. In that case, drivers will see flaggers directing traffic. Additionally, residents should expect some loud noise at times, as construction workers are using loud machinery. The Oregon Department of Transportation asks that residents be aware during this time, and that they slow down and watch for workers.

The reasoning behind the construction is to add curb ramps along Monmouth and Independence sidewalks to meet current ADA accessibility standards. Workers are adding and remodeling 150 ramps in the area. These new curb ramps will make it easier for people to transition from the road to the curb, and vice versa, while walking around town. Accommodations such as these will help those who have trouble stepping up and down from the sidewalk, as well as wheelchair users. The changes can additionally help people with strollers, walkers, hand carts and bikes.

Residents may notice that not all ramps are being built on the same timeline. This is because workers must review each corner where a ramp will be placed and evaluate it to see if it is ready or needs modification before a ramp can be built. Additionally, not all intersections and locations are the same. Some areas are construction-ready, while some areas have things to plan around, like fire hydrants, utility boxes and utility poles. The construction-ready intersections are being worked on first, while others will be completed at a later date as ramps are designed around the intersections’ barriers.

These construction ramps are part of a larger project throughout Astoria, Corvallis, Cottage Grove, Newberg, Salem, Keizer and Springfield, in addition to Monmouth and Independence. Design and construction for these changes totals $1.56 million. Residents can check an interactive map provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation here to see which areas are currently under construction.

The work being done locally is part of a larger project throughout the Willamette Valley and North Coast to bring over 2,300 curb ramps to ADA standards. The Oregon Department of Transportation is working hard to bring accessibility to cities and towns like Monmouth and Independence that will benefit everyone.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

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Shutdown guide

A photo of Vice President JD Vance taking questions regarding the government shutdown at a press briefing. | Photo from @whitehouse and @vp on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

On Oct. 1, the United States government ceased its operations and entered a shutdown, following Congress’ failure to pass the bills necessary to fund those operations. Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on how the money would be used throughout the government, resulting in the shutdown, limiting governmental operations across the country and endangering certain benefits for millions of Americans.

For the most part, students remain unaffected by the shutdown. Western students can continue to attend class and participate in their typical activities, but there may be some instances where students are impacted.

It is expected that thousands of Oregonians will lose their food stamp benefits, known as SNAP, after Oct. 31 due to the stalled funding. While most receiving benefits are not college students, the students who do receive food stamps will lose their access alongside an estimated 41 million Americans.

Western students who have compromised food aid due to the shutdown are encouraged to connect with resources on campus, such as Abby’s House and the Food Pantry, to avoid further food insecurity. Food banks are expected to be heavily utilized following Nov. 1, meaning resources may be limited across the country.

Another way students may be impacted is through travel. Demand for air traffic controllers has been high since well before the government shutdown, but now many are not coming to work, despite being considered essential workers — all of whom are expected to work without pay during government shutdowns. Due to the lack of staffing, many flights are experiencing cancellations or delays, namely at major U.S. airports such as Newark, Phoenix, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank, and likely more as the shutdown progresses. Security lines through checkpoints at airports may be longer than normal as well.

Thankfully for students, funding for FAFSA, student loans and Pell Grants has not been suspended. Federal grants awarded to schools will continue, but new grants may face delays. Students across the country may be let go from work-study jobs depending on funding.

While many things are still up in the air regarding the government’s funding, one thing is certain: the longer the shutdown, the more it will affect. Millions of Americans on SNAP will continue without benefits, essential workers will keep working for free and travelers will face further roadblocks.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

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The haunting history

A photo of Halloween yard decorations. | Photo from @halloweenperfection on Instagram

Oct 29, 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is known throughout the United States as the spookiest time of the year; the time when children go door-to-door wearing costumes that range from cute to scary, candy is given out and scares are plotted throughout the night. Despite its popularity, many don’t know the origins of this holiday that has developed and changed throughout the centuries.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is still celebrated today by Pagans. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts and the druids celebrated the new year Nov. 1. Samhain, which translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, marked the end of the harvest, meaning winter was about to begin. Winter was seen as a time of death, where the veil between the living and the dead thins to allow supernatural forces to wander the earth. The people would gather to burn crops and offer animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. Additionally, those who were thinking of their lost loved ones would use candles and bonfires to guide them to the afterlife.

Others would wear costumes to scare the bad spirits and demons away. However, some believed that doing this would allow them to be able to tell each other’s future. The Celtic priests believed that due to the presence of otherworldly beings on the earth, their predictions would hold more weight. After the festival was over, they would take flames from the bonfires and light their own hearths with them. It was believed that the fire would protect them from the incoming winter.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III proclaimed Nov. 1 “All Saints’ Day,” which honors not only the saints, but also the martyrs. Then, in the year 1000, the church made Nov. 2 “All Souls’ Day,” a day that honors the dead. It is believed that the church did this to replace the Celtic festival with a Christian-sanctioned holiday.

It incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain, like big bonfires, celebrations and dressing up in costumes as beings like devils, saints and angels. The night before, which was originally Samhain, began to be called “All-Hallows Eve.”

When people began immigrating to the US, which at the time was the 13 colonies, All-Hallows Eve began to change. As the customs of European ethnic groups and Native Americans clashed, “Halloween” began to emerge.

The first celebrations of the tradition were known as “play parties,” which were events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors shared stories of the dead and would try to tell each other’s fortunes.

Trick-or-treating is based on European traditions where Americans began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to ask for food or money, which eventually became the trick-or-treating recognized today.

Jack-o’-lanterns come from a tradition in Ireland that came over with Irish immigrants. It is said that there was a man known as “Stingy Jack,” who would trap the devil multiple times throughout his life, keeping him captive until he promised Jack he wouldn’t go to hell. However, when the time came for Jack’s death, he found out that he wasn’t allowed to go to heaven either, so he was doomed to wander the earth forever. The devil supposedly gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a hollowed-out turnip to be his makeshift lantern.

Therefore, the locals began carving spooky faces into their own vegetables to frighten away the spirits from their homes. When immigrants moved to the U.S., the Irish brought the tradition with them. Since pumpkins are native to North America, they decided to switch from turnips to pumpkins; thus, the Jack-o’-laturns that are known today were born.

While Halloween isn’t the same as Samhain in the traditional sense, the holiday still carries that same spirit expressed by the druids and the Celts. It celebrates the time in the year where the leaves change color, the harvest comes in for the final time and everyone does their best to deal with mischievous spirits, whether it be a ghost, a demon or a roommate who wants to scare someone into a heart attack.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

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Consejo Estudiantil

9 de Octubre del 2024 | Sadie Latimer | Editora de Noticias

Todas las residencias universitarias de Western cuentan con un consejo estudiantil. Este consejo es un espacio al que los estudiantes pueden acudir si desean expresar sus inquietudes, ideas u opiniones sobre su residencia. Además, en los últimos años, los miembros del consejo han recibido nuevos suministros para cocinas y salas de estar. Maddy Wilson, asesora adjunta de residentes de Arbor Park y Landers, declaró, “El año pasado compraron televisores nuevos tanto para Sequoia como para el salón inferior de Landers, lo cual es una gran iniciativa que se ha hecho.”
Además, los equipos del consejo estudiantil también han organizado diversos programas para estudiantes, como fiestas vecinales, que les ayuda a los estudiantes a fortalecer sus comunidades y fortalecer sus vínculos.
El Coordinador de Liderazgo y Programas, Connor King-Goehring, enfatizó la importancia de construir una comunidad a nivel más reducido. “Los edificios tienen sus propios comités de gobierno con los que hablar, que son sus compañeros, simplemente porque es más fácil hablar con alguien que ves a diario en tu residencia,” dijo King-Goehring. “Todos los estudiantes tienen voz en el campus. … No necesitan involucrarse para tener voz en el campus, pero participar en el
comité de gobierno realmente elevará la voz de los estudiantes.” King-Goehring enfatiza que todos los estudiantes deben estar representados, especialmente porque los estudiantes de primer año deben vivir en el campus a menos que Western los exima.
Los estudiantes que participan en el comité de gobierno pueden planificar eventos que consideren divertidos y atractivos para sus compañeros, como desfiles. “El año pasado fue nuestro primer desfile anual del Orgullo,” dijo King-Goehring — el Junio pasado, los asistentes residentes marcharon por el Orgullo en Monmouth detrás de una carroza decorada y repartieron banderas LGBTQ+ a la multitud. Fue organizado gracias a los esfuerzos conjuntos de RHA y el comité Monmouth Has Pride. Al participar en el gobierno del ayuntamiento, las personas pueden iniciar eventos, como involucrarse en el Orgullo como lo hizo King-Goehring, e incluso dar forma a tradiciones que potencialmente hacen que la vida en Western sea más enriquecedora. “Soy el coordinador de liderazgo y programas, por lo que trabajo con personal profesional,” dijo King-Goehring. “Trabajo aquí a tiempo completo. Mi función en el gobierno de la residencia es supervisar la Asociación de Residencias Universitarias, que está por encima del gobierno de la residencia.”

Cuando King-Goehring estudiaba en Western, participó en los gobiernos de las residencias y en el alojamiento. “Regresé para asesorar profesionalmente a RHA y al gobierno de las residencias porque disfruto del alojamiento y asesorando a los líderes estudiantiles.”

King-Goehring hizo hincapié en ver a los estudiantes superar sus miedos y ganar confianza en sus roles — y afirmó que le encanta “ver la alegría en los ojos de los estudiantes y los líderes estudiantiles cuando implementan estos programas y cuando hacen todas estas cosas increíbles, y decir, ‘Eso es gracias a ti. Tú eres quien lo logró.’”

Augusta Edwards, directora residente de Ackerman, comprende la importancia de la comunicación entre los residentes y el personal de una universidad. “Fui a una universidad que no tenía ningún tipo de gobierno de residencia, ni siquiera una Asociación de Residencias Universitarias, y luego trabajé en otra universidad donde intentaba recuperar la Asociación de Residencias Universitarias,” dijo Edwards. Aunque no tenían un gobierno de residencia, sabían lo beneficioso que sería para los estudiantes. “El gobierno de residencia es un excelente punto de partida para aprender a expresar tu voz y ver qué hará eso.”

Este es el segundo año que Edwards trabaja en Western. Como Director Residente, ayuda a supervisar el consejo estudiantil de Ackerman y observa cómo los estudiantes adquieren valiosa experiencia al formar parte de él. Por ejemplo, el tesorero aprenderá habilidades presupuestarias y podría colaborar con proveedores para ciertos programas. “Es bueno participar. Ayuda a fortalecer las conexiones en el campus y ese sentido de pertenencia que WOU se ha esforzado tanto por fomentar,” dijo Edwards.

Formar parte de un consejo estudiantil conlleva algunos desafíos, según Edwards. “En cuanto al consejo estudiantil, estamos incorporando a todas estas personas, con la esperanza de que aporten experiencias diversas y nuevas ideas, y ¿cómo logramos que colaboren? Los conflictos son inevitables, así que ¿cómo los superamos y trabajamos en equipo?”

Muchos de los programas de Western, especialmente los consejos estudiantiles, enfrentan el problema de la baja participación estudiantil. “Involucrar a los estudiantes” es lo más difícil de ser ARA, según Wilson. Cada residencia tiene reuniones abiertas a todos los residentes, independientemente de si el estudiante es miembro del gobierno o no. “Vengan al menos a una reunión y compruébenlo. No es tan intimidante como creen. La gente que asiste quiere participar, son muy amables, y quieren hacer amigos,” dijo Wilson. “Yo diría que si alguien está interesado en unirse al gobierno de la residencia … que se comunique con su (director residente) para que los conecte.”

King-Goehring, junto con muchas otras personas involucradas en los consejos de las residencias, siempre se esfuerza por priorizar el bienestar de los estudiantes. “Es trabajo voluntario, y se considera como tal,” dijo. “Un lema que siguen las residencias universitarias es: primero eres humano, luego estudiante y luego líder estudiantil.” El personal de los consejos de las residencias prioriza la salud estudiantil y puede adaptarse a los horarios de clases, la salud mental y otros obstáculos que puedan surgir en la vida de los estudiantes.

Las elecciones para los consejos de las residencias ya están en marcha. Sin embargo, no es tarde para que los estudiantes participen — pueden asistir a una reunión en cualquier momento del año y expresar sus opiniones a sus compañeros, o contactar a su director residente para dar a conocer sus opiniones. “Me encanta participar y saber que estoy generando un cambio,” dijo Wilson.

Contacta al autor en howlnews@wou.edu

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The military experience

Written by: Michael Hager | Freelancer

Very few people know you can serve your country while getting your degree, and good old Uncle Sam will cover your tuition. I joined the Oregon Army National Guard four years ago when I was a junior in high school, with the intent to go to college and pursue a degree.

Like a lot of people, my family could not afford to send me to college. One of my high school coaches was a Master Sergeant in the Army and also led the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps — JROTC — program at my school. He told me how the National Guard would pay my tuition, and there I was, 16 years old, with a decision to make.

I always kinda wanted to be in the military — my grandpa was a World War II veteran, my uncle was a veteran and one of my cousins was already in the Guard. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but my parents wanted me to go to college. I ended up choosing the best of both worlds.

I met with a recruiter and he explained that once I turned 17, all I would need was my parents’ consent, and I could join the National Guard on a six-year contract. This would cover my last two years of high school and four years of college at any school in Oregon I could get into.

After trying to convince my parents, almost exactly a month before the pandemic, I signed a six-year contract with the Oregon Army National Guard. I was able to have an older cousin swear me in, which was pretty cool.

I was sent into the process of split training: Basic Training one summer and Advanced Individual Training — AIT — the next, instead of the normal One Station Unit Training — OSUT — that everyone else would do. This meant that I would go to Basic Combat Training in the summer between my junior and senior years, at the height of the pandemic.

My Basic was supposed to only be 10 weeks but, since it was in the height of the pandemic, we had to quarantine in our barracks for two weeks. I was sent to stay with 40 strangers and the only time we were allowed outside was to get our food. Once we were all clear, we began training

10 weeks later. A few weeks before my senior year started, we graduated from Basic Combat Training. I completed my senior year through Zoom in 2021, and I officially graduated from both high school and Basic. By that time, I had a good idea of where my unit was going to be, and I knew I wanted to be close to my unit while I went to college. That is why I chose Western: my unit is located in Salem.

After graduation, I was all set to come to Western in the Fall of 2021, and I went back to complete AIT with all the same people I did basic with, plus another company who also did the same as us.

At first, it was hell. We had all gone back to high school and lost all our discipline, so the first week or so was Basic all over again.

Eventually, we completed AIT, and we were officially Military Police Officers, which was our Military Occupational Specialty. A couple of weeks before I graduated, myself and two others were told that once we went home, we were being sent to the border by former Governor Kate Brown. The state governor is the Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard.

The plans I had of attending college in the fall were over, and I was on a year-long mission. In October of 2021, instead of getting ready for my freshman year of college, I was sent on my mission, but it wasn’t to the border. Much worse, I was sent to the middle of Indiana in the winter to help process and protect the Afghan refugees that President Joe Biden sent over.

There were around 20,000 refugees who needed to become citizens, and we were projected to be on this tiny base with nothing but a Subway and a cafeteria 10 times worse than Valsetz.

Luckily, we were able to go home six months later in the middle of what would’ve been the spring term of my freshman year. I was able to register for the following fall semester, which puts me one year behind my peers.

I started going to Drill, which is where we meet up one weekend a month and train for different things. I started school and continued to go to drill once a month, and then I joined the Men’s Rugby Club.

My drill schedule interferes with matches and tournaments, but I can work it out with my coaches, and I’m still playing. Drill, for the most part, doesn’t affect my school work except during finals week.

As a student in the military, I also have access to the Veterans’ Resource Center on campus, which connects me to other military students and resources I can use. On Veterans’ Day, they hold different events I can participate in; one such event is the annual 5K military run, which I won last year.

This is my journey through the military, and it varies for everyone across the branches. All in all, the National Guard is a great way to make connections, gain experience and get college paid for.

Contact the author at mhager20@wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
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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WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Spooky treats

Halloween events

Road work ahead

Shutdown guide

The haunting history

Consejo Estudiantil

The military experience

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