Freshman, RIAA settle as more threats issued

Student accepts out-of-court settlement of $3,000

By Nathaniel Shuda

At least one UW-Eau Claire student has accepted a settlement offer as the Recording Industry Association of America continues to crack down on illegal music downloading on college campuses. Freshman Courtney Dokkestul, who received a letter during the first round of notifications, said she has accepted a settlement offer for a principal amount of $3,000.

County seeks public input on courthouse expansion plan

Three different options are on table; meetings will be held through May

By McLean Bennett

The Eau Claire County Department of Planning and Development is currently accepting comments from the public on the planned expansion of the county courthouse and jail. The County Board's Space Needs Committee is reviewing three different construction options: to build a new county jail and courts facility; remodel both the law enforcement center and office spaces; and construct new parking areas.

Memorial service to honor victims of spring break crash

A memorial service Friday will honor the two UW-Eau Claire students who lost their lives over spring break. Jason Buchmeier and Jason Schluter will be remembered with a service at 5 p.m. Friday at the Ecumenical Religious Center next to Hibbard Hall. Buchmeier and Schluter were killed as a result of a traffic accident that took place in Georgia on March 16.

Bus crash trial begins today

Proceedings could take more than two weeks, be one of longest in county history

The trial involving the Oct. 16, 2005 Chippewa Falls High School bus crash, which killed five people including UW-Eau Claire student Branden Atherton, begins today. Semi driver Michael Kozlowski, 24, of Schereville, Ind. is charged with five felony counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, seven felony counts of causing great bodily harm by reckless driving and 21 misdemeanor counts of causing bodily harm by reckless driving.

Chancellor gets raise

At its April meeting Friday at UW-Oshkosh, the UW System Board of Regents approved a salary increase for three senior academic leaders, including UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich. An increase of $6,500 brings Levin-Stankevich's total annual salary to $186,500, which System officials said better coincides with market and equity factors.

Student to intern in Germany for business

Professor says internship will help senior become bicultural

By Timothy Langton

A UW-Eau Claire senior is one of 25 students nationwide selected to participate in a prestigious business internship program in Germany this summer. Kate Klocke, a double major in German and business administration, said she was selected to participate in the Transatlantik Program in late November of last year.

Alcohol consumption to be allowed in Phoenix Park

Interested groups need to get permission from the city before hosting an event

By Jacob McCormick

Eau Claire City Councilman Brandon Buchanan called Phoenix Park the "jewel of Eau Claire." And with the recent passing of his co-sponsored city ordinance, students and citizens can have a few drinks under city restrictions while enjoying the gem.

UW scientists support stem cell bill

The passing of a bill in the U.S. Senate last week to improve governmental funding on stem cell research has the backing of University of Wisconsin scientists. The bill would allow for scientists, including those in Wisconsin, to expand their research on embryonic stem cells.

Final Forum series: 'The Global Predicament'

Public health professor says global warming is one of the top threats today

By Erin Nigon

Global warming - for a large portion of people today, this isn't an unknown term anymore. For students such as sophomore Katie Flehmer, global warming is an issue she said she believes more people should start looking at with an informed opinion. As the final speaker for UW-Eau Claire's Forum series this year, David Orr will conclude with his presentation "The Global Predicament," which will cover the major issues surrounding global warming and our impact on it.

Campus Calendar

Today • All day. Eau Claire Progressive Film Festival. A Progressive Media Network Project. See http://www.myspace.com/ecpff for times. • 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior BFA Exhibition. Senior exhibition by Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates. Foster Gallery, Haas Fine Arts Center.