The good
Fred Turner and Drake University understand how important music is. The University recently received $1.5 million gift from the alumnus to build the Fred and Patty Turner Jazz Center, a 4,600-square-foot facility that will be used by both student and professional musicians. Construction on the building — which will adjoin the Harmon Fine Arts Center along with Wifvat Plaza— will begin in summer and is expected to be complete in late October. The facility will include a practice and performance hall with seating, a jazz gallery, piano alcove and recording studio. A Des Moines native, Turner attended Drake University from 1951-53 and began his career with McDonald’s Corp. in 1956. He also served on the Drake Board of Trustees from 1980-87. Drake officials plan to dedicate the center with a ceremony and concert in early November.
In need of a haircut? Capella Salon, 2211 N.W. 111th St. in Clive, is currently collecting hair clippings that will be used to help with the oil spill disaster in the Gulf Coast. The hair doesn’t soak up the oil, but the oil clings to the thousands of tiny scales on the hair shafts. The discovery was made by Phil McCrory, a hairstylist from Alabama, who discovered how hair could help soak up oil after he noticed the fur on Alaskan otters was completed soaked with oil during the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill.
The bad
All-American boy, all-American nightmare. Last week George Huguely, a University of Virginia (UVA) lacrosse player, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of UVA women’s lacrosse player Yeardley Love. According to police reports, Huguely kicked in the bedroom door and told investigators that he hit Love’s head repeatedly against the wall as he shook her. Reports also show that Huguely and Love were once in a relationship, but it had ended. Both were expected to graduate this semester and play in this year’s NCAA tournament. One more case of violence with an unhappy ending.
Being drunk on the job is never a good thing. Carlisle Fire Chief Scott Burger was allegedly just that while on duty two weeks ago, according to a police report. Even worse, Burger was responding to a 911 call from a man whose wife was going into diabetic shock. Officers at the scene reported Burger did not seem to help the woman effectively. Burger admitted to violating department policy by drinking two beers while on duty, but allegedly provided a breath sample that was nearly twice the legal limit. Burger was placed on administrative leave.
The ugly
Another week and another student incident at Iowa State University. Last week, senior Jeremy Croghan fell into a 10-foot deep ditch while walking with friends near campus town around 2 a.m. Officials believe the group decided to cut through a wooded area, which is where Croghan fell. Officials report Croghan’s injuries were not life threatening, and that the incident is being considered a public accident. Even so, this type of thing raises the question about student safety around campus town. In April, after months of searching, the body of Jon Lacina was discovered near campus. And a few weeks ago, another student, sophomore Raven Gileau, 19, was found along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Officials believe she was hit and killed by a train. The public understands university officials are doing what they can, but how many more tragic events will it take to bring safety to the forefront in Ames?
It is time to re-stripe Ingersoll Avenue back to four lanes of traffic. After more than a week, the bike lanes are not working out, and we’ve seen it firsthand. The wait time to pull onto Ingersoll Avenue has increased tremendously, especially around 5 p.m. Also, backing out of the few parking places on the street has become increasingly difficult. The bike lane is scarcely used, as some bicyclists aren’t even riding the path intended for them. The Ingersoll Avenue bike lane sounded good on paper, but for area residents it has turned into longer waits at lights and has become more of a hassle than an advantage. CV
