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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (June 8, 1994)
Page 2 g c S- - ' <' .< V vfe' , > V. J; ^ ' d^i kM. ^ 4,^ I OCAL A—/ Carnegie Library to receive facelift Federal grant helps to fund restoration project By Monique Lunsford The Battalion The Carnegie Library in downtown Bryan was a center of educational en hancement and information for almost six decades. Now, because of a $621,740 federal grant, the city has the opportunity to extend its appreciation to the historical treasure by renovating what time has inevitably worn down. The library was built in 1902 with funds from Andrew Carnegie, an early 20th century steel tycoon and philan thropist. It was the first of 12 libraries built by Carnegie in Texas, and is one of only two remaining. Clara Mounce, chief librarian of the Bryan library system, said the city wants to restore the library to how its original appearance. “We’re going to restore it and put it back into the lives of those who used it,” she said. Mounce said the city plans to reno vate Carnegie into a research library that will consist of a genealogy records collection, local history documents, photo collections and a Texas history collection. She said the installation of an eleva tor, bathrooms for the handicapped, a new roof and exterior work on the li brary’s columns are some changes that are being considered. “We haven’t been notified on what to do,” she said. “The city is currently playing the waiting game. “The library is on the historic regis ter, so we have to consult with the Texas Historic Commission,” she said. The Texas Department of Trans portation awarded Bryan the grant for improvements to the library’s interior and exterior. This amount will include the costs of site work, contingencies, architectural and engineering fees, rehabilitation and construction. The funds will be dispersed through an arrangement in which the Statewide Transportation Enhance ment fund, a special program of the Texas Department of Transportation, pays 80 percent of the grant, while Bryan provides 20 percent. The program recently awarded more than $94.7 million of federal aid to be used toward projects in Texas with $180 million to be used over a six-year period in the state. Joe Brown, a public information of ficer for Bryan, said the library served as the main branch until 1969, when the city built a new library. The building is emp ty right now, but it has been used by the Bra zos Valley Com munity Action Agency for vari ous purposes. Denise Fischer, a DOT public infor mation officer, said this grant is signifi cant for the transportation depart ment. “This program is intended to sup port projects that do not fall within the traditional scope of transportation,” she said. Joann Powell, Bryan community de velopment project coordinator, said even though the library did not fall un der transportation, it connects under certain criteria. “We had to relate the project to the transportation system in terms of prox imity, function and impact,” she said. “There were 10 major categories, and the one we looked at was historic preservation. “Then we had to describe the pro ject, justify the proximity issue and how restoration would be a benefit to our community and the Brazos Valley,” she said. The city applied for the grant in Oc- "We're going to restore it and put it back into the lives of those who used it." —Clara Mounce, chief librarian of the Bryan library system Jennie Mayer/THE Battalion The Carnegie Public Library in Bryan, built in 1902 by Andrew Carnegie, awaits remodeling. The historic landmark will be returned to its original appearance 18 months after the project begins. tober of last year. Once the proposal for the pro ject was drawn and submitted, it had to endure a review process on both the local and state levels. Out of 82 proposals submit ted statewide, Bryan ranked 45 on the funding list, Mounce said. The rehabilitation of the li brary is expected to take 18 months once it is started. New Doppler Radar opens eyes for weather forecasters By Christine Johnson The Battalion A new Doppler Radar system will provide Bra zos Valley residents with advanced warning of severe weather, beginning this summer. The radar can detect a tornado 20 minutes be fore it hits, transmit live pictures of storms, and measure wind velocity and direction in clouds. The system, part of a joint effort by First American Bank and KBTX-TV, will become op erational between early August and mid-Sep tember. Dr. Michael Biggerstaff, assistant professor of meteorology, said the Doppler system allows wind structures within storms to be seen. From these structures, certain patterns associated with tornadoes and storms can be seen before the resulting weather occurs. Jim Baronet, general manager of KBTX, said he thinks the new system will be an improve ment over the existing one. “Live radar will give us a real time reflection, and we will be able to see the storm as it hap-- pen.£,” he said. , Baronet said live radar is rare in Texas. “I only know of four other similar systems: Houston, Dallas, Waco and Sherman,” he said. Even though the Doppler Radar system has a range of 75 miles, it will allow transmissions to be exchanged with Waco’s system for a total range of 210-250 miles. “We think it will be pretty effective, and it is a needed thing in the community,” he said. Carla Wimberley, assistant to the president and chief operating officer of First American Bank, agrees the new Doppler Radar system will be a big asset to the community. She said First American’s main purpose in entering the agreement was concern for the community. “If it could save someone’s life in the future, then^jt is worth it,” she said. 'Although Texas A&M University also has a Doppler Radar system capable of live transmis sions, Biggerstaff said, it is mainly used for re search and teaching, not broadcasting. A&M’s radar has been made available to com panies such as KBTX, but no one is available to operate it daily. Because the A&M system is sponsored mostly by government contracts for specific research, its mission is different than broadcasting compa nies, he said. The Doppler Radar system could be used in conjunction with A&M’s for teaching students, Biggerstaff said. “I am real pleased about this,” he said. “Hav ing another Doppler on line will be a great bene fit to everyone.” The following incidents were reported to University Police Department between May 24 to June 3: Aggravated Sexual Assault 5/25 - Texas A&M Research Park - The victim reported she was assaulted by an acquaintance on May 20. savings bonds and an insurance refund check. 5/29 - Memorial Student Center Loading Dock - An Alpine pull-out cassette stereo player and an Alpine stereo adapter were stolen from the victim’s vehicle. Criminal Mischief 5/29 - Horticulture Road - A car left the road and struck a “Keep Right” sign. 6/1 - University Center Garage - A sharp instrument was used to make a two-foot scratch along the right rear door of the victim’s vehicle. from a College Station police officer and was apprehended after a short foot chase. 6/1 - An individual living in a wooded area on the West Campus was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning. Disorderly Conduct 5/26 - Boyett @ Patricia St. - A subject was detected running nude through the residence hall area. The suspect ran across University Drive and tried to obtain clothing from a convenience store owner. The suspect was found hiding in a field and was arrested. Driving While Intoxicated Various locations - Three people were jailed. Burglary of Vehicle 6/2 - Parking Area 30 - Nine compact disks were stolen from the victim’s 1986 Mazda. 5/26 - Parking Area 51 - Someone entered the victim’s vehicle and removed an A&M payroll check, several Criminal Trespass 5/28 - Houston St. @ Russell St. - A subject incorrectly identified himself and was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning. His true identity was later obtained. 5/30 - A subject provided false information in an attempt to conceal his identity. The subject had attempted to flee Indecent Exposure 5/28 - Evans Library - The victim observed an individual with his genitals exposed on the fourth floor of the library. Minor in Possession 5/30 - Hensel Park - One citation was issued. Wednesday • June 8, 1994 Orientation gives parents, students first look at Texas A&M campus By Amanda Fowle The Battalion Thousands of new Texas A&M students will get their first view of campus life as part of the summer orientation program. The students will visit campus to register for fall classes and learn about the A&M community. Over 5,705 new freshmen and 576 transfer stu dents will attend one of the 18 conferences, which began May 25. Students and parents are greeted by Orienta tion Leaders, who will entertain them and teach them about A&M during each three-day confer ence. Each conference begins with a campus tour and an ice-cream social. On the second evening, students gather in Duncan Dining Center for an “energizer,” where they play games to get to know each other. Jaime Valverde, freshman orientation energiz er coordinator, said the games help students meet people and make friends. “We want to kick off the conference with a lot of spirit,” he said. “We play interactive games and icebreakers.” The Orientation Leaders also host Howdy Bar becue for students and their parents one evening during the three-day conferences. Parents are also involved in orientation activities. They have the opportunity to meet A&M fac ulty, staff and administration during the Paren t’s Social in the Clayton Williams Jr. Alumni Center. “We try to involve the parents as much as pos sible, so that they can understand what the son or daughter will be experiencing at A&M,' Valverde said. Orientation leaders answer questions the new students have in small discussion groups called “insights.” Incoming freshman Matthew Quinn from Vi dor said “insights” was his favorite part of the conference. “We went to the Kyle Field press box for our discussion group,” he said. “That was really neat.” The last night of each conference, the new stu dents attend a mixer in Duncan Dining Center. The students meet with their advisers and register for fall classes on the last day of the con ference. Allison Quinn, Matthew’s mother, who also at tended the conference, said she was impressed by the friendly people on campus. “Knowing how friendly everyone is makes it much easier to send our first son off to college,' she said. “We were really impressed with the friendliness of the campus.” The Orientation Leaders were chosen from a group of applicants who volunteered to teach new students about A&M. Michelle Martellotto, an Orientation Leader, said, “Being an Orientation Leader gives me the opportunity to help new Aggies learn about Aggie traditions.” Martello said the Orientation Leaders want to show the new students the friendliness of the A&M students because the conference is the first impression many of them have of A&M. Misdemeanor Theft Various locations around campus - Six bicycles weif stolen. 6/2 - Koldus Building - A petty cash fund containipj $94.00 was stolen from a first floor room. 5/26 - Southside Parking Garage - A fund contain^ $25.00 was stolen from a locker in the maintenance area Public Lewdness 5/31 - Hensel Park - Two individuals were reckless aboel their conduct in a public place and were arrested. Supplemental Information 5/26 - Recovered property - A Smith and Wesson .35! caliber revolver was stolen from the victim’s 1987 Dodge pickup truck. The police in Oshawa, Ontario recovered the weapon during a period of “Gun Amnesty” whet firearms were accepted from the public. The weapon is being sent to UPD for release to the owner. i HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BRAZOS VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER ORIENTATION AND SIGN-UP Wednesday, June 8th 3:00 p.m. (For those who volunteered spring semester ‘94) 5:30 p.m. (New volunteers) College Station Professional Building Auditorium (glass building across the street from the hospital) 1605 Rock Prairie Road College Station, Tx. 764-5126 BIG SWENSEN’S MEAL^ ^ DEAL IT’S ALMOST MORE THAN YOG CAN EAT! GOOD FOR (IP TO 4 PER COUPON Culpepper Plaza College Station, Texas EXP. 06-15-94 1/3 LB. HAMBURGER WITH FRIES + LARGE SOFT DRINK + SUPER SUNDAE ONLY $4.99 WITH COUPON EXTRA CHARGE FOR BACON & CHEESE MSC Summer Dinner Theatre Season Tickets in association with Aggie Players "Rumors” comedy by Neil Simon June 23-25 & 30-July 2 Reception Following "The Pinchpenny Phantom of the Opera" murder mystery musical by Jack Sharkey & Dave Reiser July 28-30 & August 4-6 Dinner Proceeding Season Tickets On Sale Rudder Box Office, 845-1234 $20 students $30 Non-students Adult Language and Situations Persons with disabilities please call us at 845-1515 to Inform us of your special needs. We request notification three (3) working days prior to the event to enable us to assist you to the best of our ability. The Bai i ai ion MARK EVANS, Editor in chief WILLIAM HARRISON, Managing editor ANAS BEN-MUSA, Night News editor SUSAN OWEN, Night News editor MICHELE BRINKMANN, City editor IAY ROBBINS, Opinion editor STEWART MILNE, Photo editor MARK SMITH, Sports editor WILLIAM HARRISON, Aggie life editor Staff Members City desk— James Bernsen, Amanda Fowle, Jan Higginbotham, Sara Israwi, Shellie Jenkins, Christine Johnson, Monique Lunsford. Geneen Pipher and Nancy Treacy News desk— Andreana Coleman, Sterling Hayman, Kari Rose and Stacy S.union Photographers— Damn Hill, J.D. Jacoby, Jennie Mayer and John Williams Aggielift Tra^ Travis, Margaret Claughton, Christi Erwin, Jennifer Gossett, Jeremy Keddie, Warren Mayberry. Paul Neale and Larry Whitfill Sports writers— Josh Arterbury, Brian Coals and Constance Parten Opinion desk— Chris Cobb, Josef Elchanan, George Nasr, Jim Pawlir. jwski, Frank Stanford and Julia Stavenhap< i Graphic arbst— Wiil Brooks Cartoonists— Boomer Cardinale, David Deen and Jos£ Luis de Juan Clerks— Jennifer Lambert and Elizabeth Preston Writing CoacFr— Timm Doolen The Battalion (USPS 045-360) is published daily, M- iday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer sessions (except University holidays and exam periods), at Texas A&M University. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send aodress changes to The Battalion, 230 Reed McDonald Building, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in the Division of Student Publication, a unit of the Department of Journalism. Editorial offices are in 013 Reed McDonald Bui .ling. Newsroom phone number is 845-331 3. -ax: 845-2647. Advt --tising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion For campus, local and national display advertising, call 845-2696. For classified advertising, call 845-0569. Advertising offices are in 015 Reed McDonald and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 845-2678. Subscriptions: Mail subscriptions are $20 per semester, $40 per school year and $50 per full year. To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 845-261 1. WednescU Brai talk Lea; BRIAN COATS Sports ' elation, lion-doll In th ketball resemb sport. Knicks, every ot have foe fighting there ar Play have to petitive Dallas I' for the cently : fighting He r< of the D dio Intel hurt his tough” back dot Manj that per and thu brawls, ketball hockey’s In th 1 a player pate in suspenc ized for lustrate fights. How< nation throw d bly the i there ar ing. The i as spor 8-year-c “My dac 34:' , 7 DA Beg & V\i Mon. . 6-7:15 Mon. . 6-7:15 $20/si Ball Tues. v 6-7:30 $20/s1 Jittc Wed. J 6-7:15 Wed. J 6- 7:15 $20/sJ Bell Mon. J 7- 9pm $35/s1 ML Beg Mon. , 7-8:30 Tues. 7-8:30 Wed. , 7-8:30 $40/st Dm Wed. , 7-8:30 $30/s1 Inte Tues. 8:30-1 $40/s1 Voic Mon. . 6-8:30 $30/si PO Beg Wht M/W, 5:30-7 M/W, 7:45-9 T/Th. 5:30-7 T/Th. 7:45-9 Sat. J 9- 12ni M/W, 5:30-7 M/W, 7:45-9 T/Th, 5:30-7 $35/s