Stories By Danae Songy

Volunteers build church in one day

September 3, 2010

Volunteers put the final touches on a One-Day Church building erected next to Miller Hall last week. This structure is designed by Maranatha Volunteers International as a possible solution to the desperate need for churches in the country of Zambia and other areas. This One-Day Church will be on display for a few weeks to remind people of the project. Soon this structure will be dispatched on its own missionary journey. (Photo: Nico Scavella)

SWAT invites you to "Come to the Circus"

September 3, 2010

Nick Osborn, a fan of Southwestern’s Acrobatic Team, balances on a circus ball in front of the theme wall for SWAU’s Homeshow. Following the theme, “Come to the Circus,” SWAT’s performance will include humorous skits, routines and plays. The Homeshow is scheduled for the Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium on Saturday, April 4 at 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

SWAT attends Acrofest at Union College

September 3, 2010

A star gymnast from the University of Nebraska shared his skills with participants of Acrofest.

Southwestern’s Acrobatic Team attended Acrofest 2008 at Union College November 13-15. At Acrofest, SWAT performed their practiced routine, learned at clinics and recruited for SWAU, according to Chad Hutchinson, coach of SWAT. More than 900 performers from elementary to college level attend Acrofest every year. Union’s Acrofest clinics and performance took place at the Bob Devaney Sports Center of the University of Nebraska near the college. The performers were bussed over each morning by 8:30 a.m. and then back to Union’s campus by 2 p.m.

Local bistro offers live music on Wed. nights

September 3, 2010

Classix Musical Duo provided music at Mandy's on November 5.

Mandy’s Coffee and Bistro of Keene is now open on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., featuring live entertainment, according to Mandy Smith, owner. The dinner special, drinks and desserts are available. Mandy’s first Wednesday night with entertainment started September 3 and Smith plans to try it for 14 weeks. Her main goal is to attract new customers and expand awareness in the local communities, according to Smith. "I’ve actually served students who found me on MySpace and say ‘I didn’t even know you were here, now you are one of my friends.’ That’s always fun," said Smith.

Sonnet Hamer opens Keene's first spa

September 3, 2010

Sonnet Hamer provides a relaxing massage for Christina Osborn at EsRee Therapy spa, which recently opened on Old Betsy in Keene.

EsRee Therapy at 106-A South Old Betsy, opened its doors on October 1 in Keene. Located next to Mandy’s Bistro, the new spa is the endeavor of Southwestern graduate student, Sonnet Hamer, licensed massage therapist. Her husband, Rory Hamer, joined with others to help her transform the previous Hydrot space into a full spa in a comfortable environment. "I am really excited. God has blessed and made everything possible. We stepped out in faith not knowing for sure what was going to happen. But He’ll bless you as long as you take Him with you," says Sonnet.

Work continues on communication lounge

September 3, 2010

Luis Ruiz and Chris Osborn inspect the initial construction work being done on the new communication lounge.

Southwestern students from the Broadcast Management class are overseeing the remodeling of the old ESL building into a student lounge and central workplace for the communication majors, according to Randy Yates, assistant professor and general manager of KJCR and KGCW. They expect to finish by the end of next month. "This project is an incentive as well as excellent experience for the class and rewarding for the communication department," says Yates.

Campus security tickets suspicious vehicles

September 3, 2010

Campus security has started writing tickets, as well as taking ID numbers and names, as a rash of couple-related suspicious-vehicle incidents has hit the SWAU campus. Citation by security requires the couple to make an official visit to David Knight, vice president for student services. According to the Campus Services Director Robby Psencik, all security workers have the ability to radio local police. Five security guards take six different routes a night to check every building and parking lot. Some cars parked around Southwestern’s campus have been classified as suspicious vehicles due to students’ inappropriate behavior, according to Psencik. Students may think they have found a private spot, but the eyes of campus security, fellow students and police have seen them.