Homeless Helpers
Hayley Vendsel Reporting

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming. But many find time to slow down and help
their neighbors in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homeless Helpers
Hayley Vendsel Reporting

Music, laughter and sharing a meal with friends is a common scene during the holidays. For many here however these sounds, sights and smells have become less common in their daily lives.

Emily Wright, the Project Homeless Connect Coordinator says "We're here to provide services to people and to help them reach their potential. We have around 150 volunteers total."

The volunteers are helping a project to end poverty.

Emily Wright explains "Project Homeless Connect is set up to be a one-day one-stop shop for those who are either homeless or those who fear they may be endanger of becoming homeless."

According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, approximately 3.5 million people will experience homelessness in a given year.

Project Homeless Connect wants to change that number and make it permanent.

"So rather than just being a one-day one-time deal where we give you something that helps you get through the day, we are here to provide a service that actually takes that next step towards ending homelessness" says Emily.

And that's ust what they're doing.

Thomas Cogsdell says "They were giving away some clothing winter clothing for this winter which I didn't have any."

Not only will this day help many get back on their feet.

Emily says "We have job service and programs like that. There are human service agencies, North East human services, mental health just everything across the board."

It will help them to someday soon stand on their own again.

Thomas says "It helps a lot. I know a lot of people here, so they are all I'm sure very appreciative."

So as these volunteers begin paving the path towards ending homelessness, they're hoping to make the road a little less bumpy for those in need.

Project Homeless Connect started in 2004. It has been used in over 130 cities across the U-S. For more information on how you can become involved. Click here to learn more.

Cash for Appliances
Laura Aldridge Reporting

The hype of "Cash For Clunkers" drew many people to car dealerships. The Federal government is now preparing another economy boosting program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appliances
Laura Aldridge Reporting

The hype of "Cash For Clunkers" drew many people to car dealerships. The Federal government is now preparing another economy boosting program.

If your purchases are big, practical, and energy efficient this holiday, then you're in luck. The government funded program

"Cash for Appliances" is expected to start soon.

Joey Soderfelt, an appliance dealer says "It will be a successful program because obviously people are already asking about it, it will be successful for us it will definitely be a benefit."

The new program's goal is to inspire shoppers and to boost appliance sales as the economy drags. The Department of Energy hopes to encourage consumers to replace old, wasteful appliances with new more efficient Energy Star machines. But some people might not think the program will succeed.

Troy Clementson, an appliance dealer explains "As the original Cash for Clunkers for vehicles, they gave out a lot more money so I see why that was a larger impact, however I don't think it's going to be as successful as that one with the appliances".

The government has announced the rebates will range from $50 up to $200 per appliance. But some don't believe this will make a difference.

"It is maximum amount of 250 dollars per household which if you're buying an entire household of energy star appliances isn't going to make enough of a significant impact to were its going to be that important" says Troy.

Some home appliance dealers say this program won't have as big of a draw as Cash for Clunkers did.

Joey says, "You'll see a lot of people use the program to get money back on the program, but I don't think it'll be their main reason for coming in to buy. Unless an old appliance is READY for the junkyard. This program might not bring in customers right away."

The federal government set aside 300-MILLION dollars to fund Cash for Appliances. Unlike the Clunkers program turning in an old appliance is not required.

High Diving Coach
Stephanie Waltz Reporting

College students are usually worried about balancing their school work with a social life. Meet one student who balances on a much higher platform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divers
Stephanie Waltz Reporting

Zach Hawley is your typical graduate student. He stays busy studying for exams, writing research papers and assistant coaching for the University of North Dakota diving team.

Zach Hawley, an Assistant Diving Coach says "There isn't too many places where you can get up and flip and spin, without worrying about a consequence. Cuz the water doesn't throw that big of a consequence at you. It stings or gives you a punch, but you're not going to break a bone."

His priority is making sure his divers are comfortable.

Stephenie Varichak, a Diver says "He creates a really good relationship with the athletes, so I think that's really important."

Zach has an intense passion for diving.

"Every time I drive by a bridge or something that has water on it, the first thought through my head is, I wonder if I can jump off of that" says Zach.

"And also for the adrenaline rush" says Zach. "I've been doing high diving shows for four years I'm a paid aquatic performer, or, professional diver."

Sometimes his dives got a little heated.

Brian Strom, a Diving Coach "Zach is very comfortable with being an act and going up on a diving board, and, or platform regardless of how high it is and putting on a show."

For some people, there's only one explanation for his daring and dangerous stunts.

Steph says "He's absolutely crazy."

But for Zach "I just love diving, that's basically it."

Most of us will probably just keep our feet firmly on the ground and leave the high diving, fire enduring, death defying acts to Zach Hawley.

The platform Zach jumps off of is 70 feet tall. He plans to stunt dive as long as he can.

Coloring Collegians
Jason Kayati Reporting

Tests, projects and class are all things that can put stress on a college student. One university group is taking a colorful approach to stress relief. Today's college experience consists of an intense learning environment for students. Amidst the fraternities, sororities and other leadership organizations found on a college campus, is one that's a little more outside the lines.

 

 

 

Coloring Club
Jason Kayati Reporting

Tests, projects and class are all things that can put stress on a college student. One university group is taking a colorful approach to stress relief.

Today's college experience consists of an intense learning environment for students. Amidst the fraternities, sororities and other leadership organizations found on a college campus, is one that's a little more outside the lines.

Dona Jansen, President and Co-Founder says "Definitely meeting new people, stress relief and just something to look forward to in the week."

For Dona what started as a small gathering at a place on campus, turned into something much more.

Dona, says "Me and two of my friends we just decided last year to go color at the Union a bunch, so then more people just started coming with us."

Meet the Cool Kids Coloring Club. One of the goals of the group is to provide a stress free environment. It's a place where students can relax and have the chance to be kids again.

Jessica Lembke, a Member says "I kind of like funny pictures and cartoons because they make me laugh and they're fun to color."

Most students lose themselves in textbooks. The coloring club pages through slightly different books.

Jessica says "Dinosaur coloring books."

Dona "I have a Mr. Potato head coloring book it's awesome."

And as for any possible picasso's among the group?

Jessica "I think Dona's really good at coloring."

Dona says "Definitely me we all have our own coloring styles."

So whether someone's style is artistic and complex or abstract and outside the box the Cool Kids Coloring Club allows for students to remember the time when stress, was a grown up thing.

Donna says the best coloring books come from the dollar store. She says that they are more simple which makes them more fun to color.

Impersonation band rocks the stage
Kaylee Nesdahl Reporting

When friends get together it is common to hear discussion about the good old days. For a set of men from Minnesota reminiscent small talk is not on the agenda when dive into the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hairball
Kaylee Nesdahl Reporting

When friends get together it is common to hear discussion about the good old days. For a set of men from Minnesota reminiscent small talk is not on the agenda when dive into the past.

The pants are tight. The hair is big. And the women are going nuts. What decade is this?

Rockstar Bob, the Lead Singer of Hairball says "Well, it's the funnest era of rock 'n roll so why not?"

Ten years ago a group of guys asked themselves just that question. Why not dress up like Kiss, Judas Priest, and Bon Jovi? Why not put on a show like your childhood heroes?

Kris Voxx, another Lead Singer of Hairball says "You're 14, maybe 15. You know, concerts were different then too-it was all general admission and you just walked in and pushed your way to the front."

The need to relive 80's rock resulted in Hairball, an impersonation band that resurrects more than 20 groups from the Reagan era.

Rockstar Bob explains "I don't try to reinvent Axl Rose or Paul Stanley-I do exactly as they do."

"Twisted Sister, Def Lepard, you know, Journey, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, you can look at all the wigs. That's one way to find out sometimes." says Kris Voxx.

Every set of songs the crowd is assaulted with a new style of shredding, a new vocal range, a new musical philosophy, showcasing the variety that was essential to 80's rock.

Kris Voxx says "There's a lot of colorful characters that come from that era, you know? A lot more so than the nineties, which was typically known for flannel and bad haircuts."

These children of hair metal hope the colors of their past won't wash out.

Bob says "Everything nostalgic comes to pass. Every so often Elvis is cool again. Hopefully we can weather those storms, which I think we can."

So if the storms bring Purple Rain powerful enough to rock you like a hurricane, there's a good chance Hairball is still on stage. Hairball has gone through many lineups in their ten year history but their basic set list has remained solid.

You can check out Hairball's touring schedule on Facebook or MySpace.

Cold Canines
Miranda Hilgers Reporting

With winter fast approaching, most people are avoiding the outdoors. However, there's no way to avoid taking the dog out for a walk. But don't let the fur coats fool you our pets aren't necessarily enjoying the cold either.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold Canines
Miranda Hilgers Reporting

With winter fast approaching, most people are avoiding the outdoors. However, there's no way to avoid taking the dog out for a walk. But don't let the fur coats fool you our pets aren't necessarily enjoying the cold either.

Dr. Johner, an Associate Vet says "It depends on the dog, and it depends on the breed. When we start hitting the below zero, you know, the below freezing temperatures, that's when we need to pay special attention to our little dogs, more hunting dog type breeds, they can do alright minus twenty, minus thirty."

While some dogs are better suited for winter weather than others, there are still some serious health risks to be aware of.

Dr. Johner explains "I think frostbite is a big one, they can get hypothermia and their temperature can drop too low."

Signs of hypothermia to watch for in your dog include shivering, lethargy, and muscle stiffness. Frostbite and hypothermia are preventable by using coats or booties for your dog, and while stuffing your pooch into a puppy sweater might not make them happy, it's important to keep them safe.

"That stuff is uncomfortable for the dog, but so is being cold, and so is frostbite" says Dr. Johner.

So next time you're bundling up to take your dog for a walk, don't forget to bundle up Fido as well.