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Effects of state budget cuts unknown for university

Ball State University could see its state funding cut by 5.4 percent during the state legislature's special session that begins today. But a top university official said this week it's still too early to tell exactly how the school will be affected. "We don't know what our budget is yet for the upcoming school year because the budget that's on the table right now may or may not be approved", Randy Howard, assistant university treasurer, said.




BASEBALL: Cardinal eyes majors

Scouts weren't in short supply when the Ball State University baseball team played this season and many came to see junior center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker play. This week the efforts by the scouting departments of MLB teams will come to fruition with the First-Year Player Draft, held Tuesday-Thursday.


Minnetrista provides homegrown produce

Just before 8 a.m. vendors began setting up their booths, and customers began filling previously empty parking spaces waiting for Muncie's Farmers' Market at Minnetrista to begin. Signs reading, 'We only sell what we grow' and 'Fresh produce" welcomed the attendees.


PARADOX OF A PLAIDED SWEATER: The truth of tanning booths

Burning. Scorching. Overexposure. Intense. Hot. Boiling. Heat. Artificial. Cosmetic. These are the words that fly through my mind as I stand inside my apartment complex in Muncie and look through the book of appointments to use the tanning bed. Nearly every hour a person is signed up.


Summer noises can be harmful

Summer concerts and firework displays may be more dangerous than many think, according to a Ball State University professor. Audiologist David Coffin is making an effort to inform people of the increased risk of hearing damage caused by summer activities.



BALK ON THE BALL: People should keep in mind Wea nation

This past Saturday the United States remembered the 65th anniversary of the infamous D-Day invasion of Normandy by the Allied Forces in World War II. As every student who took U.S. History knows, the attack was, and still remains, the largest single day amphibious invasion of all time.


Group arranges protest

Students, alumni and Muncie community members will seek support and visability when they take part in a protest planned for Friday, June 19, in response to the changes taking place with the Women's Studies Program. Beginning Fall 2009, the Women's Studies Program will no longer exist as it has in the past.


OUR VIEW: Time to step up, put out the fire

It seems there can be a price placed on people's health - a price too low for comfort. Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley announced the city intends to lay off 40 of its 109 firefighters because of $3.8 million budget deficit. Despite these layoffs affecting the entire city, the implication this reorganization has on Ball State University can potentially be magnified.



FROM THE HOOD: Republicans back off of Sotomayor

"Historic." This seems to be an oft-used phrase in the seven months since President Obama was elected. We've seen the first African American president, the largest government stimulus package ever and now the first Hispanic nominee to the Supreme Court. Sonia Sotomayor was born and raised in the Bronx, was diagnosed with diabetes as a child, lost her dad when she was nine, graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and receive her J.


Ball State to be affected by proposed cuts

Now more than ever, know where fire exits are and don't let fires get started. That's the advice Muncie Fire Chief Sean Burcham has for students at Ball State University when Muncie lays off 40 of its 109 firefighters in response to a budget crisis. "People should be worried," Burcham said.


THOUGHTS FROM THE COPY DESK: Laid-back Friday provides jazz music

On a warm Friday evening, Muncie residents of all kinds came out to enjoy grilled food, cocktails and free music. Downtown, between the Chase bank building and the Blue Bottle, a cozy, laid-back atmosphere came together for Freaky Tikki Friday as the sun dipped below Vera Mae's across the street.


A day in the life of an orientation leader

For incoming freshman, orientation marks the beginning of their college experience. It is a time to find roommates, schedule classes and begin their journey at Ball State University. To help these students along the way is the orientation team, which is made up of Ball State students, including senior Kyle Holster.


Women's studies program undergoes changes

One Ball State program is already feeling the effect of expected state budget cuts. Since the departure of Women's Studies Program director Kim Jones Owen nearly three years ago, students and faculty in this academic area have wondered what their fate would be within the university.


BSU student wins national contest

A Ball State University telecommunications student won a trip to the finale of American Idol in Los Angeles and a $5,000 cash prize after showcasing his singing skills in the shower. Brendan Nusbaum, along with thousands of other online applicants, entered Garnier Fructis' Sing in the Shower contest earlier in the spring with a pop-inspired rendition of The Romantics hit "What I Like About You.