Erie Square GazetteThe

A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College

Volume 64.4 March

132014

Port Huron suits up for Blue Water Music Awards

Two-timing their way to triumph

BWMA one year away from annual event

2013-14 MCCAA Champions

Brendan BuffaSports Editor

Under the helm of Michael Groulx and Lu-cretia Bowerman, the Lady Skippers resemble a righteous and relentless wall, rolling away from the MCCAA as born again champions. Bringing home the title for the second year in a row, the Lady Skippers have surely set a statement in the league, as they are now an established superpower not to be taken lightly by competitors. Only losing two games in their five month stint, the Lady Skippers have mopped up their competition in every game since Nov. 23, 2013. The Skips took on Lake Michigan in the MC-CAA Championship, and rattled off the win, 84-73. Whitley Currie, freshman forward, put up 27 points against Lake Michigan. Newcomer Haley Rutledge, a transfer from Jackson College, saw the promise that the team possessed before game one. “After all the success last year, I was hoping to see another title,” said Rutledge, “and once I saw the team, I knew it was going to happen.” Rachel Kehoe, a returning center, also saw a hopeful future for the team. “I mean, nothing is written in stone,” said Kehoe, “but the way we were able to come together really showed success.” After winning the MCCAA title, Kehoe and the rest of the team kept their head on straight and looked down the road to the desirable

Above: Travis Boone of Manifest th e Machine pulls out his phone to take a “selfie” while preforming at the Feb. 27 BWMA.

Story continues on pg 2Story continues on pg 2

Erick FredendallEditor-in-Chief

Snappily dressed musicians and fans gathered on Feb. 27 at the Blue Water Music Awards to celebrate what organizer David Whitt called “an awesome year in music for Port Huron.” The Blue Water Music Awards (BWMA) de-buted last year after Whitt and various other local music supporters began to brainstorm various ways to acknowledge and showcase local talent in the Port Huron community. “I believe in my heart that we have, not just some of, but the best musicians in the world right here in our little town,” Whitt said. “Our music scene is so deep that this award show was bound to happen sooner or later.” The American Legion Post No. 8 hosted the BWMA this year. According to Whitt, out of the 270 chair set up for the event, few were left vacant. “The turnout was amazing,” said Whitt. Sixteen awards, ranging from “Best Cover,” “Amateur of the Year,” to the “WTF Award” were presented at the BWMA. The BWMA also featured live performances from various bands, including Charlie James and the Silver Devils, Yeddie in the Woods, Rhinos and Winos, Fifth Avenue, Dick Hickey, Manifest the Machine, and Cool Kids Commu-nication. The BWMA Academy also added three new

categories to the award ceremony this year: Best DJ, Best Hip-Hop, and Producer of the Year. Randy Willis, owner and producer at SS Sounds in Port Huron, received both Producer of the Year and Fan of the Year at this year’s awards. “It’s great and brings to the forefront that Port Huron and the surrounding areas have a great scene going on,” Willis said. Another recipient, “DJ View” Gage O’Barsky, walked away with the Amateur of the Year award. At 15 year’s old, O’Barsky sets the bar as the youngest re-cipient of a BWMA award. “It’s incredible, I can’t wait to bring this to school tomorrow,” O’Barsky said. Nominees for the awards are chosen by the BWMA Academy, a group of producers, musicians, and sup

Editor-in-ChiefErick Fredendall

Production Editor/Designer Zack Penzien

Assistant Production EditorEmily Mainguy

Managing Editor Greg Garofalo

Copy EditorAngie Stoecklin

Photo Editor Liz Whittemore

WebmasterPolly Miller

Sports EditorBrendan Buffa

Business EditorBrian Heidt

Adviser John Lusk

ESG Contact Info:

Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com

Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI

48060

Editor’s Note: All views expressed in editorials and

columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ESG or any of its

advertisers. We welcome feedback!

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March 13 - SC4 Board of Trustees Meeting - 4:30-6 p.m. - MTEC Room 150

March 18 - Marketing and Management with Zombie Defense Council Bake Sale

Main Building First Floor - 10-4 p.m.

March 20 - Theatre: “Rabbit Hole”Fine Arts Theatre - 5:30-8 p.m. Admission: Free for students with

Skippers OneCard, $7 Adults, $5 Seniors, K-12 Free with Adult

March 20 - Wellness Expo - College Center Cafe - 10-2 p.m.

March 21 - Theatre: “Rabbit Hole”7:30-10 p.m.

March 22 - Theatre: “Rabbit Hole”2-4:30 p.m.

March 14 - SC4 Alumni Hockey Team vs. Detroit Red Wings Alumni - McMorran

Arena - $5 - 7-9 p.m.

March 14 - Coffee with the Chief (Michael Reeves) 10-12 p.m. Great Lakes Maritime Center

March 14 & 15 - Maritime Days Ice JamDowntown Marine City - 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.

March 15 - Leprechaun LoopBlue Water YMCA - 9 a.m.

For participant pricing contact the YMCA

March 15 - Animal Mania - McMorran 12-4 p.m. - Free

March 15 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade12 p.m. - Port Huron

Pine Grove Park south to downtown.

March 15 - St. Patrick’s Day ParadeLexington - 1-2 p.m.

March 15 - Pub Crawl Downtown Port Huron - 1:30 - 7 p.m.

$10 in advance, $15 day of event

March 19 - Film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” - Raven Cafe - 7:30 p.m.

March 21 & 22 - Home, Sport and Garden Show - 5-9 p.m. on the 21

9-8 p.m. on the 22 - $3

March 26 - Film: “Casablanca” Raven Cafe - 7:30 p.m.

March 13 – March 27Women’s Basketball

March 18 thru 22 – National Tournament

BaseballMarch 21 – Owens CC (1PM)

March 25 – Lorain County CC (2 p.m.)

SoftballMarch 25 – Alma College JV

(3:30 p.m.)

bold denotes home games

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District tournament. “I thought of how amazing it was to take the title in the MCCAA,” said Kehoe, “but I was looking forward to the tournaments at District and National.” The Lady Skippers embarrassed Delta College on their own court, winning 84-67, taking the District title and deservingly winning a spot in the 2013-14 National tourna-ment. The Skippers played against Delta twice in their season, with a whop-ping blowout on Jan. 18, 110-69, and then nail biter on Feb. 15, 71-69. With both results in favor of the Skippers, Delta was seeking revenge. Yet they had an unfortunate stumble as they took the court. “It was nice to have a win at Delta,” said Rutledge, “especially beating them pretty bad, I’m glad we did it.” Ta’kira Height, freshman guard/forward, racked up 25 points in the win against Delta, which Groulx

called, “the best game of her life.” And Kehoe had an outstanding defensive run, fighting for her 15 rebounds. Coach Groulx, with two MCCAA Championship titles under his belt in his two years of coaching, is look-ing for his first National title, as the Skippers were knocked out last year in the semi-finals. “We have set the standard in this program,” said Groulx, “these la-dies are very disciplined, and have sacrificed the ‘me’ for the ‘we’ of the team.” The Skippers currently hold the highest win streak in the nation at 24. The Lady Skippers will now be tak-ing the show on the road, traveling to Kansas on March 18 through 22. The tournament will hold the top 16 teams in the country, and the Skip-pers are currently predicted to get the third or fourth seed.

2013-14 MCCAA ChampionsStory continued from front

porters who monitor the local music scene for potential candidates. Three nominees are selected for each category. The Academy then turns the choice over to the public, whose vote determines who walks away with a BWMA trophy. According to Whitt, the focus for the 2014-15 BWMA is to tweak the Academy process, possibly add new categories, and encourage more participation from the city. Whitt intends on coordinating the

event next year and then easing into the background, possibly passing along the event to the Blue Water Social Club. “We have talked about taking it over, and it looks like that will be what happens,” said Ryan McInnis, a spokesperson for the club. Musicians, producers, or fans interested in participating in the BWMA are encouraged to reach out to David Whitt at dutchboyrecs@gmail.com.

BWMA one year away from annual eventStory continued from front

Forward, Whitley Currie, raises above the Henry Ford Hawks defense while sporting her pink breast cancer awareness jersey. Photo credit: Kaylee Bert.

3Campus

Mairead WarnerStaff Writer

SC4’s Criminal Justice Club is back and looking for members. The club has been in probation status due to of lack of members’ and is now reinvented. The club is welcoming anyone, especially people that are interested in having careers in the criminal justice field. Students who cannot make the meetings can join on the club’s official Facebook group, “St. Clair

Returning club seeks membersCriminal Justice club making a positive comeback

Community College Criminal Justice Club.” All students are encouraged to come to the future meetings. There will be sign in sheets for students who are interested in joining the Criminal Justice Club. According to Jim Jones, the Criminal Justice Club’s advisor and SC4’s criminal justice instructor, “Being a part of the Criminal Justice Club or any can help with networking, and becoming more active in a student’s community and in the college.”

The Criminal Justice Club meets every other Wednesday in room 203 in the North Building at 10:00 am. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12. At the most recent club meeting, everyone in the club is very active in asking questions and was extremely inviting of new members. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive and welcoming. The club was very aware of what was going on and got straight to the point. The Criminal Justice Club is a

“student club” and is a good place for students to learn information about the criminal justice field. The Criminal Justice Club and many other clubs helps students develop leadership skills in the careers that they want to become a part of. Clubs also allow students to connect with different types of people. To be a part of any job takes a certain leadership skill, and those skills that can be strengthened in the Criminal Justice Club.

Jenelle KalafStaff Writer

SC4 held the Science and Engineering fair on March 7 through the 9. Elementary, middle, and high school students show off their science projects for the community to see. Four awards were designated for each school level. The judging started Friday and ran until Saturday. On Sunday, the winners were announced in an award ceremony held in the Fine Arts Building. Every school level held their own competition, giving away 3 grand awards and 1 best of show. For the elementary level, the 3 grand awards went to Benjamin Govaere, Kylie Russell, and Kayla

Walker. All are students of Pine River Elementary. The best in show award went to Michael Wilkinson, a student of St. Mary’s Catholic School in St. Clair, for his project about processed and non-processed foods. Middle school level grand award winners are Tyler Danielson, Caleb Hendershot, and Neehal Tumma. All recipients are students of Fort Gratiot Middle School. The best in show went to Khristiyana Dixon of Fort Gratiot Middle School, for her project about gender and memory. High school level grand award winners are Ilina Krishen, Medha Krishen, and Aishah Ahmed, all students of Port Huron Northern High School. High school best in show went to Sophia Ahmed, also of Port Huron

Local students find fun in scienceSC4’s Science and Engineering brought the best of the best

Northern High School, for her research in inhibiting E. coli growth.

All winners were given blue ribbons for their achievements.

Projects waiting for judges to come and look over them. Photo credit: Jenelle Kalaf

4Campus

Erick FredendallEditor-in-Chief

Marketing and Management Club is to host the fourth annual Countdown2Career event throughout late March and early April. Countdown2Career falls on four different Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre, each day covering a different topic. Events are on March 25 and April 1, April 15, and April 22. Countdown2Career is a skill building workshop designed and hosted by SC4’s Marketing and Management Club to help provide agency to students embarking on the hunt for a career. “Our students really need “soft skills” and this program helps them get it,” said Dan McCarty, Marketing and Management Club advisor. The program includes tips and advice on various aspects of job searching, drafting resumes, dressing professionally, and ultimately impressing potential employers. The first Tuesday, March 25 is resume and job sites, during which a presentation will be held on how to draft a resume, what to include/avoid, and showcase good and bad examples by prospective job hunters in the past. April 1 is the Dress for Success Fashion Show, where students showcase various outfits suitable or not suitable for an interview. “Our host will explain what to wear in a certain situation depending on

Counting down to a career Marketing and Management Club hosts skill building program

what kind of job you’re going for,” said James Woolman, president of Marketing and Management Club. April 15 is interviewing, where student actors portray job seekers during the interview process. According to Woolman, the Marketing Management Club is currently looking at using students from the Drama Club to act at the event.The last day, April 22, is about

networking. “The presentation will be about how important it is to network with people, and how important it is to reach out and get that handshake,” Woolman said. New to the Countdown2Career event is the meet and greet, occurring after the April 22 networking panel. After the panel, students will be invited to attend a meet and greet session with

employers in the local area. “We’re bringing in about 20 to 30 employers from around town that are looking for college students to work for that field, whatever that may be,” Woolman said. “The whole point of networking to get out there, shake hands and meet people.” Students interested in actively participating in the event can contact Woolman at jameswoolman@rocketmail.com.

Panelists from last year’s “Dress for Success,” from left to right: Jennifer Crabtree, Sarah Hayden, April Cook, Jim Relken. “Dress for Success” is one of the four events the Countdown2Career consists of. Photo by Hannah Eppley

5Campus

Angie StoecklinCopy Editor

While SC4 makes moves to implement the new smoke free campus to go in effect August 1 of this year, a particular addition to the rule is beginning to draw student attention. In addition to banning tobacco use spanning every inch of SC4 grounds, electronic cigarettes are also on the list. For those who do not know, electronic cigarettes are battery powered devices that allow a person to get their nicotine fix without the harmful side effects of normal cigarette smoking. Electronic cigarette fluid has three ingredients, nicotine, propylene glycol, and artificial flavoring. The vapor is easily dispersed into the air and leaves little to no smell. A perfect solution right? Wrong. Even though Michigan’s Smoke Free Air Law, which was implemented in 2010, specifically states that although cigarette smoking is banned in all public buildings, electronic cigarettes are not. However, according to Todd Orlando, manager of the Tobacco Section of the Michigan Department of Community Health, SC4 has every right to ban e-cigarettes. “Although electronic cigarettes are not covered by Michigan’s Smoke Free Air Law (Public Act 188), business owners and operators are within their legal rights to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes on

or within properties they own or operate,” Orlando said. With the addition of e-cigarettes, the board’s new policy includes all other tobacco and smoke products. “E-cigarettes are smoking related and are still under review by the Surgeon General in regards to potential health effects. The policy is consistent with many college/university campuses,” said Pete Lacey, vice president of Student Services at SC4. Several universities such as the University of Michigan have added electronic cigarettes to their no smoking policy.

Smoking bans are a growing trend among colleges. With the ban scheduled to go into effect this year, the main question now is how the college plans to enforce this ban. Lacey stated that the board has designated enforcement responsibilities to college administration. The guidelines for enforcement are currently being decided upon by task force. Those guidelines are said to be in place by April or May. “In regard to enforcement, the taskforce is reviewing practices from other college campuses and

E-cig or no cigSC4’s tobacco ban to include E-cigarettes

we plan to take a ‘student friendly’ approach by politely reminding students that we are a smoke/tobacco free campus,” Lacey said. In the event we experience repeat abuse, we are discussing a phased approach with potential increased discipline for code of conduct violations along the way.” Students who wish to share feedback of possible implementation and/or enforcement of the ban are encouraged to send an e-mail to smoketobaccofree@sc4.edu. All suggestions will be reviewed by the taskforce.

A student smokes an electronic cigarette outside of the main building. Photo credit: Angie Stoecklin

6Campus

Liz WhittemorePhoto Editor

The SC4 Fine Arts is bringing to the stage 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner “Rabbit Hole” on Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23. “Rabbit Hole” written by David Lindsay-Abaire is a story about a family’s struggle to find peace of mind and live day to day in the wake of a tragedy. “It’s a very powerful show,” said

Tom Kephart, Director/Technical Director of “Rabbit Hole” and the Artistic Director for the SC4 Players. “When I read it, I knew I wanted to produce it here at SC4.” The cast consists of five characters, husband and wife Howie and Becca performed by Elizabeth Wentzel and Justin Rutherford, Becca’s pregnant sister Izzy performed by Alinah Purdy-Sachs, Jason performed by August Smith, and Becca and Izzy’s mother Nat performed by SC4

faculty member Suzanne Moore O’Brien. Smith plays Jason, the 17-year-old who caused the accident. “He’s not a character you’ll support right away, but as the play goes on you’ll learn along with Jason,” said Smith. “He wants to repent but feels as though it’s his burden to try to make amends.” Wentzel approves of the choice for “Rabbit Hole” to be brought to SC4. “It’s a drama instead of a comedy.

It’s new and different, very unlike Gatsby. Not as many people will be familiar with it,” said Wentzel. Show times are at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Students with a Skipper OneCard are admitted free of charge, $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors ages 60 or older.

An evening down the “Rabbit Hole” Curtains open March 20

“Rabbit Hole” cast members Suzanne Moore O’Brien, Justin Rutherford, Alinah Purdy-Sachs, and Elizabeth Wentzel during rehearsal Tuesday, March 11. Photo credit Liz Whittemore.

Hannah HunterStaff Writer

Close friends, wine, and art. What better way to spend a Friday night? Every month an SC4 related artist is selected to have his or her art displayed in the Spiral Gallery at Studio 1219. This month, the Spiral Gallery featured artist is SC4 alumni Mike Henry. His show “Conversations

Food, friends, and artSC4 Spiral Gallery features Mike Henry for the month of March

with Light,” includes work representing the blue water area. Henry could be found mingling among reception guests answering questions and engaging in conversation with close friends. “I love painting light, so the theme that runs throughout the show is light,” said Henry. According to Henry, this is his first show at Studio 1219, but in 2011 he had three other galleries at SC4.

Among those three galleries were a total of 45 paintings. Henry began his painting endeavor in 2004. While attending high school Henry took 4 consecutive years of art and thoroughly enjoyed it, but did not continue to pursue it in college. He started a business degree but found that he was unable to sit still in class. This led him to rediscover

his love of art and his talent for watercolor painting. “It’s fantastic. Mike is a friend of mine so we go to all the shows,” said Dave Hastings from Fort Gratiot. Studio 1219 is located on Military Street and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lily PetitStaff Writer

Come to benefit our local soup kitchen. Stay for the entertainment and leave with a one-of-a-kind bowl made by a local potter. The Empty Bowl event takes place on Thursday, March 27 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. It will be held in the school gym of St. Stephen’s Church located at 325 32nd street, Port Huron. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The event is a benefit for Port Huron’s local soup kitchen, Mid-City Nutrition. The evening includes entertainment by pianist and singer, Johnny Needham. During this time there will also be a silent auction which will take place from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. This event is not only a fundraiser, it also helps to raise awareness of hunger in our community and

Empty bowls; not empty hearts Port Huron residents step up to end hunger

worldwide. Therefore, a simple meal consisting of soup and bread will be served. Lastly, every person will leave with a hand crafted bowl made by a local potter. One such potter, Shelby Castillo, donated her bowls last year

and will be doing so again this year. She says that the event is a good way for getting artists’ name out there while helping out with a good cause. You can purchase tickets at Weekends, Proper Framing, and Mid-City Nutrition. Or you can

contact Donna Baker at 810-334-6221. For more information on this event, contact Denise Dencklau at 810-385-3508. If you would like to donate an item for auction, contact Caroline Corby at 810-966-3536.

Community7

Soup Bowls’ that SC4 student Shelby Castillo, 21, created at Studio 1219, and plans to donate to the Empty Bowl Event. Photo credit: Lily Petit

Community8

Nichole HatcherStaff Writer

Dustin Jenkins started Elite feet in 2008 because of his passion for running he developed while being in the marines. They have two locations, one in Lapeer and another at 908 Military, Port Huron. They can also be found on Facebook or they can be reached at 810-824-3272. Everyone has unique feet. Elite Feet is designed to help find the perfect shoe for each individual. “We measure every aspect of the foot” said Jenkins. They also even have a computer that measures the

uniqueness of the feet. Jenkins stated that once the measurements are taken, “we pick out the shoe that will best fit your foot.” They then let you test run it on the treadmill to make sure it feels and fits properly. The atmosphere at Elite Feet is warm and inviting. When you go there you get one on one service with an employee. Their goal is to help you with your specific need and get you into shoes that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. They not only find you the perfect shoe but they can also give you tips on how to run properly.

One step at a timeElite Feet shoe store makes strides in Port Huron

However it’s not all about running, they also help people that are on their feet all day. Nurses are a great example of this because they are on their feet for 12 plus hours at a time. They sponsor many different runs throughout the year. POHO hot cocoa is the biggest event they take part in every January. If they aren’t doing a run, you may still see them since they also run a timing business. This times the individual runners. In addition to the timing business, they just started doing pancake runs. This is where everyone meets up at the store, goes out for a run and they return to enjoy a pancake

breakfast on Elite Feet. “To find out all running events going on in Port Huron and surrounding cities, you can check our Facebook page,” Jenkins mentioned. They are always posting the latest events. Elite Feet’s mission statement is, “To spread our passion for a healthy lifestyle; delight our customer with superb service, value our employees, and support our community.” If you notice that your feet hurt as you walk around campus, or you want to start running before spring semester gets here, head on over to Elite feet and let them help you out.

Lucky times for TripodA cat with three legsAngie Stoecklin Copy Editor

At first glance, he may seem like your everyday ordinary black cat, but take a closer look, and you’ll see that this normal cat is anything but. He is known around the Blue Water Area Humane Society (BWHS) by three names, Lucky, Mr. Mom, and more commonly, Tripod. Tripod was brought into the humane society in 2010 when he was a kitten by a couple and their three young children. They had found him with his bone sticking out of his back right leg. Unsure as to what happened to him, the volunteers then took Tripod to a veterinarian who regularly works

with the humane society. After Tripod was healed, the family who had found him asked to adopt the young feline. The staff at BWHS weren’t sure how he would deal

with the healing process around three young kids, so they declined the adoption request. “We kept him and come to find out he was obsessive compulsive, he would lick his fur until he was bald in spots,” Said Carl Erickson, a regular volunteer at BWHS. According to icatcare.org, frustration and anxiety due to losing a leg can make the cat feel unsettled, and may lead to distressed and altered behavior. This most likely explains Tripod’s obsessive licking habits. To try and distract Tripod from his compulsive behavior, the volunteer’s placed him in a free range cat room that held a number of kittens. “The Kitten’s just gravitate to him

like he’s made out of Velcro, he washes and grooms them and no matter what room we put him in the other cats just love him,” Erickson said. Tripod’s nurturing and loving attitude towards kittens is what gave him the nickname Mr. Mom. When his Mr. Mom personality began to take notice, Erickson and the other volunteers decided that it would be best for him to stay there as a shelter cat. Erickson said that Tripod has no trouble getting around and climbing on the cat towers, and that his attitude is accepting, “He just acts like ‘I have three legs and that’s what I’ve got’ and he gets along fine with it.”

Photo credit: Angie Stoecklin

Community9

Managing EditorGregory Garofalo

On Saturday March 22, the ‘Stache Bash returns to downtown Port Huron. The fourth annual Blue Water Social Club charity is held at Kate’s Downtown Bakery, and Lynch’s Irish Tavern. Proceeds from the event will be donated to “The Thin Blue Line,” an organization that financially aids disabled police officers. It isn’t the cause however that creates all the buzz, but the means to achieve the ends. ‘Stache Bash

Mustache a questionShave it for later

Angie Stoecklin Copy Editor

Meet feline brothers Drum and Spud. Both are male domestic shorthairs about 3 or 4 months old. They were brought into the humane society at 6 weeks old. They were then hand raised by a volunteer at the humane society. Both of the cats are extremely lovable, a positive result from being hand raised. They are very playful, especially when it comes to playing tug of war with news reporter’s camera strap. These two brothers stick together like glue, constantly grooming each

other and sleeping next to each other. Therefore the volunteers at the humane society would like to see them go to homes together. Their adoption fees are $100 each. An anonymous donor has offered to help out with adoption fees for any pet featured in the ESG. This donor is not affiliated with the humane society so those interested should contact the Erie Square Gazette or Angela Stoecklin via the e-mail at the end of this article. For more information on Spud or Drum, contact the Blue Water Area Humane Society at 810-987-4357.

Contact Angie at angelangelastoecklin0814@gmail.com

participants grow out their facial hair while attendants place pledges to shave or save the ‘stache. The highest bidder gets to choose to let the hair be or shave it off. “We’re real people trying to do fun cool stuff, which I think makes this accessible to everybody,” said Ryan McInnis the president of the BWSC. McInnis spoke of a story from a previous year where a former police chief’s mustache of thirty-eight years raised around $500. If proceeds exceed the set goal, leftovers are poured into various smaller local charities. For more information, contact the Stache Bash Facebook page.

Pet of the issue Drum and Spud

Photo courtesy of Amy Feik and TwinShutterbug Studios.

Drum Spud

Lifestyle10

Angie StoecklinCopy Editor

As marijuana related bills make their way through the senate, the Supreme Court took on a case ruling in favor of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. Before the ruling, a few local ordinances in cities such as Livonia, Birmingham, and Bloomfield hills were put into effect to ban the use of medical marijuana in their respective communities. The ordinance itself states that

anything prohibited by federal or state law is forbidden. For example, if a brothel existed in Livonia, because federal law prohibits that, it is not legal to operate. In the case of marijuana, since it is illegal federally, it was included in the ordinance. However, the court ruled that because the ordinance directly conflicts with Michigan’s state law, which allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana through their registered caregiver, the part of the

ordinance pertaining to medical marijuana cannot remain in effect. Donald Knapp, city attorney of Livonia said, “Local ordinances can’t overturn state law, but the prime question for the court was, ‘does the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which makes marijuana use and possession illegal, preempt state law?’” Although marijuana is still illegal on a federal basis, it is not enough ground to stand on for cities who wish to ban marijuana’s medical use. “Effectively what the court said

was, ‘well if the federal government wants to go after these people they certainly can, but there’s nothing requiring municipalities to enforce federal law,” Knapp said. With the court’s ruling, medical marijuana is allowed throughout the entire state. As long as a person has obtained their card and has established a registered caregiver (a person who grows and cultivates marijuana) there are no longer city ordinances to prohibit such actions. Contact Angie at angelastoecklin0814@gmail.com

Supreme Court over rules local ordinances Medical marijuana allowed throughout Michigan

Illustration Emily Mainguy

Reachelle KocisStaff Writer

It is no secret that when you want cable TV or internet the choices are scarce. But if you live in an apartment building you may have even fewer choices. Some lease agreements do not allow dish installation. And many college students cannot afford another

11Lifestyle

Alternative technologyNew mobile hotspot can save money

monthly bill. Here to bridge the gap of the digital divide is a pay as you go mobile hotspot from Straight Talk. This little device can provide internet for up to five devices. But because you are actually paying for gigabytes of data you may want to keep the unnecessary cat videos for your phone and use your data for homework.

Straight Talk’s mobile hotspot is available only at Wal-Mart for about $80. It also comes with one gigabyte of data for free. One gigabyte costs $15, and five gigabytes for $50. Best Buy has a similar but more expensive version. So therefore it may be a good idea to shop around. If you are like many college students then you probably watch TV and news on your computer or

phone. If your cell service is truly unlimited, you may not need cable TV at all. According to insidersguide.vzw.com, you can watch internet content on your TV from your smartphone or tablet via HDMI cord or MHL to HDMI adapter for a direct hook up to any HDMI-ready TV.

Photo Credit: Reachelle Kocis

Opinion 12

FREAKY FAST DELIVERY!©2011 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

GREAT FOODMADE FAST!

Gregory Garofalo Managing Editor

Recently, Bill 1062 was vetoed by the Governor of Arizona due its anti-constitutional and discriminatory nature. The bill, if it had passed, would have given business owners the right to refuse business to any person

Bigots in disguiseThe difference between love and hate

who is openly homosexual due to religious belief. The Bill was vetoed almost instantly as it is a clear bill of discrimination. However, Steve Yarbrough is one of the remaining Republicans still backing the bill. “People need to be able to exercise their religion freely in this state.” Yarbrough said to foxpheonix.com. The question I find myself asking is: What religious right is being infringed? Yarbrough is an openly Christian senator and due to his support and backing of 1062, it is blatantly obvious where his stance is when it comes to homosexuality. As a Christian myself I find this bill and its reasoning to be absurd. “‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:31. When did the command to love become optional? The thing about the bill is that it just uses the freedom of religion as a banner to excuse blatant bigotry and tainting the term Christians across the board. “When you think of Christians, this is the kind of thing people think of,” said Austin Macey, sophomore at SC4. Christianity is a religion of

acceptance and peace; above all else it is a faith of love. Jesus didn’t associate himself with the religious bigots of the time. Instead, Christ would seek out those with a great heart of faith and love for one another, no background check required. Like with any religion, this group of bigots does not represent the entirety of the faith as most Christians are sincere

in their beliefs being kind and loving people. Christians should use this instance as an opportunity and do their best to prove the stereotype wrong by speaking out against atrocities like this. And non-Christians should try to understand the difference between a sincere Christian and a bigot in disguise.

Photo courtesy of http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1436932

Brendan BuffaSports Editor

Home town music has never sounded so sweet. Port Huron is graced by the SchwonkSoundStead, a savvy and inviting house venue located on 1521 Seventh Street. The home built in 1914 premiered as an official venue on Sept. 10, 2011 with a Chicago native band, In Tall Buildings. Brendan Kuras, owner of the

The SchwonkSoundSteadA century old home hosts Port Huron’s biggest bands

house, opens his doors every couple of weeks to the community for a night filled with music, spirits, and smiles. Accompanied by a recording studio in the attic, the SchwonkSoundStead, often referred to as “the Schwonk,” is fully loaded and ready to release studio recorded sessions from bands who have performed in prior months. Kuras has taken on help from Blue Water Music Award 2013 winners

Rich Cox, who won this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Producer of the Year recipient, Randy Willis. The attempt to create a venue incorporated with a live studio session recording is the goal for these three men. “We have bands like 52 Commercial Road, Gasoline Gypsy, and Never Ender,” Kuras said, “we have four or five things on deck ready to release.” On Feb. 28, the SchwonkSoundStead hosted Hatchetmen and Gasoline Gypsy. The event attracted over fifty people, shoulder to shoulder in a house turning a century old this year. The Schwonk hosts an array of bands, which attracts a wide variety of age groups. “Music is music and it speaks to the soul,” said Dick Lonczynski, vocalist and guitarist of Hatchetmen, “I don’t pay much attention to the age differences.” With a growing popularity, the Schwonk hosts returning veterans, yet ropes in new attendees each show. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” said first time attendee, Tina Morrison, “it’s so welcoming.” Coming up in the next months for the Schwonk, a band previously featured in the Erie Square Gazette

called The Tiny Ugly Germs will be releasing their first album on Sat., April 26 with special acts from Manifest the Machine and Mountain Babies. “We’re just getting started,” said Willis. Those looking for a night out and good music need look no further than the SchwonkSoundStead, where you will be greeted at the door by a majestic German Shepherd named Frank, and the inviting environment of musicians and music lovers alike.

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Reg Nicholas, bassist of Southeastern Michigan band, Hatchetmen, Photo credit: Liz Whittemore.

BWMA Producer of the Year, Randy Willis, resides in the throne of the newly established SchwonkSoundStead Studio located in the attic of 1521 Seventh Street. Photo credit: Liz

Whittemore.

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1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8

9 10 11

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1: Best DJ, Cool Kids Communication

2: Producer of the year and Fan of the Year, RandyWillis.

3: Best cover and best export, Gasoline Gypsy

4: Best Hip hop, Blacktivity

5: Not Rock, Biblical Proportion6 Best Venue, Roche

7: Life time achievement award, Richard Cox

8: Album of the Year, Charlie James

9: Female Vocalist, Barbra Jean

10: Paul Thompson Award, EddieLee

11: Best Original Song, Portto Port

12: WTF Award, Dick Hickey

13: Rookie of the year, DJ View

Music15

Brendan BuffaSports Editor

Brendan BuffaArtist: Letlive.Album: Fake HistoryGenre: Soul PunxSong(s): Renegade 86’, Muther, Homeless Jazz“An album and a band that artistically captures the trials and tribulations of life, and portrays them as alluring triumph.”

What we’re listening to

Dan JehlArtist: Luke BryanAlbum: Crash My PartyGenre: CountrySong(s): Beer in the Headlights, Drink a Beer“It’s a good album to drive around town to with the windows down in the Dodge.”

Nick SheufeltArtist: BaysideAlbum: CultGenre: Alternative RockSong(s): Pigsty, The Whitest Lie“Really groundbreaking, such a heavy and emotionally driven album.”

Korin PittsArtist: Shakira ft. RihannaAlbum: Shakira EPGenre: New WaveSong(s): Can’t Remember to Forget You“I sing all of Shakira’s songs, but this one makes me sing out loud. I love Shakira!”

16Sports

Nick “Chico” HernandezStaff Writer

The bouncing of basketballs can be heard throughout SC4’s gymnasium many times during the week. While noise to others, to Dale Vos it is the fine tuning of human instruments in preparation for a symphonic concert of athletics. Vos, 48, originally came from Zeeland, Michigan and has now lived in Port Huron for 22 years. All 22 years have been spent working for SC4. In his time away from work, Vos spends time with his wife Beth and

their three children. Two of which are twin siblings of 13 years old, a boy and a girl (Dane and Erin). The youngest being a girl of 10 years, Zoey. Vos also owns a cat, Stormy, and has admitted to being a cat person since his college days. Before working as athletic director for SC4, Vos put in five years at Alma College; the 5th year as an assistant basketball coach. While there, he recruited students to play basketball. On his way up to an end-of-the-season tournament for community college, Vos stopped to use a pay phone at a rest area in Toledo.

Who’s the VosAthletic Director reflects on his 22 years at SC4

He dialed the coach of Schoolcraft College to inquire about a possible recruit, and was informed of the open spot for a basketball coach at SC4. “I came here just as the men’s basketball coach, taught a few classes to help me survive. It was only a few years in that I got a chance to be the athletic director” Vos said of his career at SC4. What may have helped Vos rise to the rank of athletic director was the game of Nov. 13, 1991. Up to that game, SC4 had held a terrible losing streak. 68 consecutive games had been lost, the worst losing streak in

the country on a college level. Like the plot to a ‘90s high school drama, SC4 won over Jordon College with 100-97, breaking the curse and lifting the spirits of everyone involved; especially Vos, since this was his first game as coach. While he admits they didn’t rank 1st in Conference (SC4 is ranked 4th), Vos said “This season was the most enjoyable.” The whole team was fairly new, according to Vos. Out of a group of 14, “12 of them were freshmen.” Vos said that having a new group was good because, “We all learned together, and I think that was what made it enjoyable.”

Dale Vos, coach of the Men’s Skippers basketball team, stands in his domain where he lifted the 68-consecutive game losing streak at SC4 years ago. Photo credit: Nick “Chico” Hernandez.

Sports17

Donald Lierman Staff Writer

The third time was not to be the charm as the Skippers men’s basketball tournament hopes were scuttled by visiting Delta, 89-83, despite a late SC4 run. This year’s rivalry has been the basketball equivalent of a dogfight. In the regular season the Skippers dropped both their games to the Pioneers by a total of five points. “I am struggling to come up with an answer to the Delta question,” said SC4 Coach Dale Vos. “We finished two full games ahead of them in the league standings and yet lost to them 3 times which is very strange to me.” “They played more physical and that did slow down our running game. They also played off our ball handlers which made it more difficult to get drives, which is a real key for us” Vos said. After an initial SC4 surge, Delta carried play for the remainder of the first half. The pioneers took a 40-33 half time lead to the locker room. SC4 opened the second half with a run and press game that swung the momentum. The Skippers made a 15-7 run that cut the lead to 48-47. The teams battled back and forth to a 63-63 tie. Delta took control and a ten point lead with four minutes left. The Skippers were not down and out but battled back to cut the lead to two with 42 seconds left only to fall short. Marques Pool led the Skippers with 20 points and twelve rebounds.

Joemar Black netted 15 points. Antwan Willis added twelve points and six rebounds, Terrell Wright ten points and seven rebounds, and Deandre Vail nine points in a balanced attack. “I am incredibly disappointed that our season has ended,” Vos said. “This was a great group of young men and I loved coaching

Delta dashes Skippers playoff dreamsSC4 men’s basketball team finishes season early

them, watching them mature, help each other, have each other’s back, and just generally watching them grow as a team and as people. Coach Vos went on to say that this was one of the most enjoyable seasons he’s had in 22 years. Delta coach Lonnie Griffin acknowledged the hard fought victory.

“We knew SC4 was going to keep battling back,” Griffin said. “It’s been nip and tuck all year between our schools. “We told our guys if we could withstand their run in the first four or five minutes of the game we had a chance. We played through some mistakes to get this win. SC4 was right there to the end.”

Terrell Wright, guard, blazes past the defense, creating a one on one standoff with Delta opposition, Gabe Blalock. Photo credit: Brendan Buffa.

Entertainment18

Zack PenzienProduction Editor

Last week saw a new batch of all new number ones from Marvel, including one that I have been looking forward to since its announcement, “Moon Knight.” The book is written by Warren Ellis, along with art by Declan Shalvey and color by Jordie Bellaire. At first glance you would not be unfair to say that he is Marvel’s thinly veiled Batman, but you would be wrong. Unlike Batman, who uses stealth and shadow to both attack and blend in, Moon Knight wears all white, he wants you to see him coming. If you haven’t heard of Moon Knight before, you are not alone. Marc Spector was a mercenary that was, depending on who you ask, killed in Egypt and given second chance by a long forgotten Egyptian god, using his second shot at life to become Moon Knight. Now he is back in New York and is ready to take on the city’s crime. By the way that whole Egyptian god thing may or may not be true. What makes Moon Knight different from other heroes stalking around in the night is that Marc suffers from dissociative identity disorder (formally known as split personality disorder). So Marc is not the most reliable of sources. The art by Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire is top notch. But what I really want to talk about is how “Moon Knight” is colored. The backgrounds’ go from beautiful and almost realistically colored lit cities to dark sewers. But what stands out is that Moon Knight himself is pure white. In fact, even when Marc wears a white shirt around the town it is pure uncolored white. It’s a stylistic choice that could really leave the page looking unfinished, but it ends up communicating something about the character. I really enjoyed Moon Knight and look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you are new to comics and have been looking for something to pick up, definitely give it a shot. I for one am really looking forward to what the team will do with the book and hope it has a long run with the current creative team.

Contact Zack Penzien at Zpenzien@yahoo.comor on Twitter @testsubject777

Yelling about comics:You have never met anyone like me

Comics19

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