The Bison – February 2, 1996

“There is a bomb in your school.”

That is what a caller matter-of-factly told a BHS secretary January 23. A decision was made to take the call seriously. Richard Lammers, an investigator for the Buffalo police department was handling the case. On Friday, January 26, he allegedly received a statement from Charles Steinmetz, 18, of Montrose. Steinmetz is a junior at BHS. Charges were filed by the Wright County Attorney’s Office on Thursday, February 1. He has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats.

“The school is pushing for expulsion ... he is suspended until then,” said principal Julie Swaggert. Expulsion must be approved by the District 877 School Board.

Marge Zrust received the call at 9:30am. “I needed to get this information out as quick as possible,” said Zrust.

The District 877 Procedure for Bomb Threats was followed. Principal Nick Miller was notified and 911 was called immediately. An announcement was made at 9:45 to inform the students that they needed to evacuate the building. Many students were happy to get out of finals for a third time, but some worried the bomb threat could be real and the school could contain an explosive device.

“Everyone blew it off as a joke without thinking it could have been real,” said junior Kristen Thompson.

The evacuation took only a few minutes, progressing smoothly. All classes moved to the gyms that had been quickly searched for bombs. The administrators contacted two area churches, asking them if they could house part of the student body temporarily. The freshmen and sophomores were taken to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo. The buses returned immediately to take the juniors and seniors to the Zion Lutheran Church.

“We looked at it as a public service and we were glad to do it,” said Rev. John Folkerds from the Zion Lutheran Church.

Students found various ways to entertain themselves. “A couple of us got together and jammed awhile in a room,” said junior Steve Minkler. “Then we moved out and entertained everybody.”

Fifty adults, including teachers, administrators, custodians, district office workers, and members from the Buffalo police and fire departments, searched the school for any explosive device. Everything, including lockers, backpacks, coats, file cabinets, drawers, and trash receptacles inside and outside, was searched. Contrary to rumor, a canine unit was not brought in.

After two hours of searching, the students were brought back to school at noon. No explosive device was found, and the call was then considered a threat.

Making a bomb threat is a felony. The Minnesota Criminal Code 609.713 Terroristic Threats, Subdivision 2, states, “Whoever communicates to another with purpose to terrorize another ... that explosives or an explosive device is present at a named place or location, whether or not the same is in fact present, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years.”

A bomb threat at BHS last Tuesday brings to a new light the importance of student supervision.

“It depends on student behavior whether we step up supervision or relax it,” said activities director Nancy Bergert.

BHS may be liable for on-campus accidents because of their responsibility for students.

“The school acts in loco parentis, which means we act in place of the parents,” said principal Nick Miller.

BHS staff must also interpret how parents would use authority in specific situations.

“As the principal, I need to: make teachers aware of the liability that might occur if something bad happened as a result of poor judgment. Yet I trust the teacher to make the best decision concerning these potential liabilities,” said Miller.

In certain areas the potential for accidents to occur is increased.

“If you’re in a shop room, there’s a lot more danger present than if you’re in an English room,” said senior Erica Hance.

Technology is also a consideration in supervision necessities.

“With the increase in technology, room and computer security becomes more of an issue for greater security,” said Bergert.

Despite concerns, approximately 82 percent of BHS staff have left students unsupervised.

“Ultimately, students should not be left totally unsupervised. Staff they’re [shirking] that responsibility,” said Bergert.

Another concern is that of teachers lending students “T-keys” continued on page 8

"There is a bomb in your school."

That is what a caller matter-of-factly told a BHS secretary January 23. A decision was made to take the call seriously. Richard Lammers, an investigator for the Buffalo police department was handling the case. On Friday, January 26, he allegedly received a statement from Charles Steinmetz, 18, of Montrose. Steinmetz is a junior at BHS. Charges were filed by the Wright County Attorney's Office on Thursday, February 1. He has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats.

"The school is pushing for expulsion ... he is suspended until then," said principal Julie Swaggert. Expulsion must be approved by the District 877 School Board.

Marge Zrust received the call at approximately 9:30am. "needed to get this information out as quick as possible," said Zrust.

The District 877 Procedure for Bomb Threats was followed. Principal Nick Miller was notified and 911 was called immediately. An announcement was made at 8:45 to inform the students that they needed to evacuate the building. Many students were happy to get out of finals for a third time, but some worried the bomb threat could be real and the school could contain an explosive device.

"Everyone blew it off as a joke without thinking it could have been real," said junior Kristen Thompson.

The evacuation took only a few minutes, progressing smoothly. All classes moved to the gyms that had been quickly searched for bombs. The administrators contacted two area churches, asking them if they could house part of the student body temporarily. The freshmen and sophomores were taken to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Buffalo. The buses returned immediately to take the juniors and seniors to the Zion Lutheran Church.

"We looked at it as a public service and we were glad to do it," said Rev. John Folkerds from the Zion Lutheran Church.

Students found various ways to entertain themselves. "A couple of us got together and jammed awhile in a room," said junior Steve Minkler. "Then we moved out and entertained everybody."

Fifty adults, including teachers, administrators, custodians, district office workers, and members from the Buffalo police and fire departments, searched the school for any explosive device. Everything, including lockers, backpacks, coats, file cabinets, drawers, and trash receptacles inside and outside, was searched. Contrary to rumor, a canine unit was not brought in.

After two hours of searching, the students were brought back to school at noon. No explosive device was found, and the call was then considered a threat.

Making a bomb threat is a felony. The Minnesota Criminal Code 609.713 Terroristic Threats, Subdivision 2, states, "Whoever communicates to another with purpose to terrorize another ... that explosives or an explosive device is present at a named place or location, whether or not the same is in fact present, ... be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years."

Chocolate, roses and romantic candlelit dinners often come to mind in connection with Valentine's Day. Most people think of February 14 as the most romantic day of the year, but many don't even know why Valentine's Day is called St. Valentine's Day. Why do people do things when they have no idea how the piss began?

There are two theories that are given most credit: Pope Gelasius I wanted to make the pagan festival of Lupercalia into a religious one so he changed it to St. Valentine's Day, or credit is given to a poem by Chaucer.

The religious version involving St. Valentine has an interesting history.

In this version, St. Valentine's Day was named after the Italian physician and Roman Catholic priest Valentine. He lived in a time when Christians were looked down on by others, so he could only pray after nightfall.

One night, a jailer and his blind daughter came to Valentine's house to ask him to make her see. Valentine doubted that he could give the girl sight, but he tried to help anyway. He wiped an ointment on her eyes, and told the jailer to bring her back once a week. Meanwhile, Valentine prayed for the girl daily.

Valentine was expecting the jailer and daughter one night when a Roman guard arrested him for secretly marrying couples.

Valentine sent the jailer's daughter a package from jail. When she opened it she was able to see the yellow flower he sent her and the paper that said, "From your Valentine."

A less-believed twist on this story is that Valentine was secretly in love with the girl. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270. He was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church and named the patron saint of lovers.

The second theory that begins the romance comes from Chaucer's poem, The Parliament of Fowls. In England, it was believed that Feb. 14 was the day birds produced mates. Chaucer wrote, "For this was Seynt Valentyne's day / When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate."

These are two ways Valentine's Day could have come to be. Maybe this year you can think about this as you purchase candy and flowers for that special person, and you'll know why you're doing it.

I thank you for the opportunity to offer some of my thoughts on education in our district through The Bison.

I have missed being part of Buffalo High School and District 877, which was one of my reasons to campaign for a seat on the school board. After being in education all of my life, I feel that I have something to offer our district in leadership, long-range planning and time to do the job.

Many school districts are very quick to latch on to new programs and concepts as a quick fix to faster learning. In most instances, this doesn't work and failure is the result. I feel our district generally does a good job of doing a thorough study of a concept before implementation. This is important and should be especially to maintain the program financially in the future. We must not be too eager to totally embrace something new and not be able to continue it due to a lack of resources.

I have just gotten up to speed on the two-hour block and some of the middle school philosophy. I am in favor of both, as long as we can continue to provide opportunity for all existing offerings that have been an essential part of our district in the past as well as some additional electives. I am not convinced that a two-hour session is in the best interest of every curricular offering available. However, we will need to observe how this develops and perhaps adjustment will need to be made in time.

I am a strong supporter of public school education and am enthusiastic about the results it have in our community. I believe the majority of students in our district leave our school with good preparation and a strong desire to make a contribution to society. My goal is to play a part in keeping that concept alive and well in our community. We are fortunate to have good facilities, good offerings and a supportive group of constituents. Most of our district has an excellent staff. There is no substitute for good solid teaching. This gets results in most any situation.

I intend to be receptive to the students, staff and parents of District 877 as these three elements form the nucleus of the community school to which we must respond.

-- Rolf Mohwinkel was the band director at BHS for 23 years. He retired in 1993. Mohwinkel was elected to District 877's [school board] in 1995.

Dear Editor,

I have noticed and realized that many people are late for class quite often. Most of the time these people are by their lockers talking to their friends.

I talk to my friends between classes for a reasonable amount of time, but I leave myself plenty of time to get to class, even if some days I don't get a chance to speak to friends. Sometimes I wait and go to class with some people, but if I think or know that I will not be able to make it, then I leave without them. If they are late that is their tough luck.

Although we do need every second that we get between classes, we do have good, logical excuses for tardiness, such as a fight, jammed locker or even forgetting your combination. If you grab the wrong book, you should go to class and the teacher should give you the little piece of permission paper we call a pass to go get the necessary materials for that certain class.

I think that both teachers and students have to give and take in order to cut down on tardies in our school.

Tim Jordan,
Senior

Chocolate, roses and romantic candlelit dinners often come to mind in connection with Valentine's Day. Most people think of February 14 as the most romantic day of the year, but many don't even know why Valentine's Day is called St. Valentine's Day. Why do people do things when they have no idea how the piss began?

There are two theories that are given most credit: Pope Gelasius I wanted to make the pagan festival of Lupercalia into a religious one so he changed it to St. Valentine's Day, or credit is given to a poem by Chaucer.

In this version, St. Valentine's Day was named after the Italian physician and Roman Catholic priest Valentine. He lived in a time when Christians were looked down on by others, so he could only pray after nightfall. One night, a jailer and his blind daughter came to Valentine's house to ask him to make her see. Valentine doubted that he could give the girl sight, but he tried to help anyway. He wiped an ointment on her eyes, and told the jailer to bring her back once a week. Meanwhile, Valentine prayed for the girl daily.

Valentine was expecting the jailer and daughter one night when a Roman guard arrested him for secretly marrying couples. Valentine sent the jailer's daughter a package from jail. When she opened it she was able to see the yellow flower he sent her and the paper that said, "From your Valentine."

A less-believed twist on this story is that Valentine was secretly in love with the girl. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270. He was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church and named the patron saint of lovers.

The second theory that begins the romance comes from Chaucer's poem, The Parliament of Fowls. In England, it was believed that Feb. 14 was the day birds produce. Chaucer wrote, "For this was Seynt Valentyne's day / When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate."

These are two ways Valentine's Day could have come to be. Maybe this year you can think about this as you purchase candy and flowers for that special person, and you'll know why you're doing it.

***

Guest Columnist

Rolf Mohwinkel

I thank you for the opportunity to offer some of my thoughts on education in our district through The Bison.

I have missed being part of Buffalo High School and District 877, which was one of my reasons to campaign for a seat on the school board. After being in education all of my life, I feel that I have something to offer our district in leadership, long-range planning and time to do the job.

Many school districts are very quick to latch on to new programs and concepts as a quick fix to faster learning. In most instances, this doesn't work and failure is the result. I feel our district generally does a good job of doing a thorough study of a concept before implementation. This is important and should be continued, especially to maintain the program financially in the future. We must not be too eager to totally embrace something new and not be able to continue it due to a lack of resources.

I have just gotten up to speed on the two-hour block and some of the middle school philosophy. I am in favor of both, as long as we can continue to provide that have been an essential part of our district in the past as well as some additional electives. I am not convinced that a two-hour session is in the best interest of every curricular offering available. However, we will need to observe how this develops and perhaps adjustment will need to be made in time.

I am a strong supporter of public school education and am enthusiastic about the results it produces. I believe the majority of students in our district leave our school with good preparation and a strong desire to make a contribution to society. My goal is to play a part in keeping that concept alive and well in our community.

We are fortunate to have good facilities, good offerings and a supportive group of constituents. Most of our district has an excellent staff. There is no substitute for good solid teaching. This gets results in most any situation.

I intend to be receptive to the students, staff and parents of District 877 as these three elements form the nucleus of the community school to which we must respond.

Rolf Mohwinkel was the band director at BHS for 23 years. He retired in 1993. Mohwinkel was elected to District 877's school board in 1995.

***

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I have noticed and realized that many people are late for class quite often. Most of the time these people are by their lockers talking to their friends.

I talk to my friends between classes for a reasonable amount of time, but I leave myself plenty of time to get to class, even if some days I don't get a chance to speak to friends. Sometimes I wait and go to class with some people, but if I think or know that I will not be able to make it, then I leave without them. If they are late that is their tough luck.

Although we do need every second that we get between classes, we do have good, logical excuses for tardiness, such as a fight, jammed locker or even forgetting your combination. If you grab the wrong book, you should go to class and the teacher should give you the little piece of permission paper we call a pass to go get the necessary materials for that certain class.

I think that both teachers and students have to give and take in order to cut down on tardies in our school.

Tim Jordan,
Senior

The media today play an important role in our lives. Whether it is through TV, radio or newspapers, many people rely on the media to keep them aware of important issues. Sadly, one topic the media has had to spend a lot of time covering lately is death. It's nice to pay tribute to the deceased, and important for the public to know when people have died, but has it gotten out of hand?

Take the O.J. Simpson case. I'm not happy that Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were killed, and whether I think O.J. is guilty or innocent is not important, but come on. How much time has the media spent covering the trial? Everyone forgot the real issue -- the fact that Nicole and Ronald are dead. They're the victims. Not O.J., or the jury or Judge Ito. By the end of the trial, it seemed that more focus was placed on racism, women's rights, and the attorneys' hair-styles than on finding the killer.

O.J. was found not guilty, and yet for the media, it's still not over! I can still turn on the TV or read a newspaper, and find stories about where O.J. is playing golf or where he is living. WHO CARES? So what if he played football? I'd never heard of him before the trial and I would be happy not to hear about him again.

Surely there are more important issues in the world. The Susan Smith case is another example. She was convicted of killing her own kids by locking them in her car and rolling it into a lake. The media did cover the story, but how many of us remember the names of the two little boys now? She and her children weren't famous celebrities, but does that fact make the deaths of two innocent people any less important?

Last month Anne Dunlap from Minneapolis was murdered. She was a successful businesswoman with many friends. The media covered the story, and it made headlines for more than a week. I'm all for covering the story, but what makes her death more important than anyone else's? Why did her death get publicized so heavily while the deaths of others did not?

There are certain times when I feel that more than average coverage of a death is acceptable. For instance, last month two little boys from Stearns County died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Their deaths were no more important than the deaths of anyone else, but added coverage of that story prompted many people to buy carbon monoxide detectors, which in turn may save someone's life in the future.

In the world today, there are many deaths the media needs to cover. Since there is no way of covering all of them equally, my only hope is to eliminate the number of senseless deaths.

Drug rehabilitation gives student new outlook on life
By Erik Manthey
Journalism Student
I remember back in the days when I used to just hangout with friends, watch movies, goto football games, etc. Well, that all ended about ayear and ahalf ago. Itdidn9tallend right away, but it gradually ended when I started using drugs. It started out as just having fun partying with friends. But gradually I became an addict. Everybody thinks that they can stop whenever they want, but they always use the excuse that there is no reason to stop, it would be boring if they didn9t party. When it becomes an addiction, you start to cover up your unwanted feelings and emotions.
Most people start out using alcohol, but eventually get introduced to marijuana. I9 ve heard people say a million times that they would never try anything else besides pot. Eventually you build up a tolerance to pot and you aren9t getting a good high anymore. Pretty soon you9re getting high just to feel normal. As soon as that happens you9re an excellent candidate to move on to harder drugs.
You probably think you won9t ever do hard drugs because you don9t know anyone who does them, but there are a lot of people around you who do. You might be high or drunk at a party when somebody asks you to go into the bathroom with them to try something new. So you go in there not thinking anything is out of the ordinary. This all ends when the person pulls out an unfamiliar substance and dumps some onto a mirror. They would probably say to go ahead and try some. The peer pressure of that situation is very hard to walk away from, especially if it is somebody you know and trust, which it usually is.
This is a similar situation to that in which I started. Trust me, whether it is speed, coke, acid, or downers, you won9t have a limit anymore of what kind of drugs you won9t do after that. When you do get approached by somebody with hard drugs and they tell you that it9s not that addictive, they are lying to you. You will get addicted your first or second time doing it. You won9t think you are addicted, you9ll just think that it9s all about having fun. After a while, look at the extent you are going to have that fun. Once you are addicted, you will pretty much do anything tc get high. Like sell drugs or steal. Your attitude will change toward everything and you will not know yourself anymore. Try to remembe: whatit was like before you did drugs and you won9 tbe able to. If youeve get this far into drugs, you neec serious help. Your three choices when you are into drugs that far are to get help, end up in jail or die. That9s the truth.
Just remember tha this can happen to you and you car say no to those situations. Doing drugs doesn9t make you cool.
If you think you need help. talk to your parents or talk to a counselor. Even though it sounds easier than itis, they are here to helf you. They do care a lot about you and want to help you.

Technology is changing the way that we live. It's changing the way we work and the way that we spend free time. Computers are considered to be the main aspect of the technology revolution, but many people don't know more about a computer than how to turn it on. Computer illiteracy, as it is called, is when a person doesn't know anything about computers.

This is a problem when many things that are done today require computers. The major buzz word of the technology age is the "Information Superhighway." It is what many people think the Internet is. (Hint: if you don't know what the Internet is, you are probably computer illiterate.)

Technology can sometimes be very intimidating, even to people that are confident with it. Some can't handle all of the differences, such as the difference between physically traveling somewhere and making a virtual visit. Many places now have "virtual tours" that you can use to visit them without even being there.

People that don't understand technology can't handle the thought that you don't have to go anywhere to visit it. They can't cope with the fact that you don't actually need to travel.

If I were to ask someone what they thought of computers, they would probably say that they hate them. They most likely just can't use them and are frustrated.

Why don't people learn to use them? Is it just that they are scared of them? Maybe it is just that they don't, or can't, understand them. If people would just use their time to learn to use them, they would understand them.

It really disturbs me when I am sitting in the computer lab and someone asks me how to do a very simple task. They can't do the simplest of things.

Another problem that people have with computers is that they don't understand even the most basic principles involved. Many people think that the Internet is something that was invented so that they could visit the Fox Football Homepage. Why is it that computers are not something that is seen as helpful but as something that you hate to use but have to? Is it that people just don't know how to use them so they feel that computers are something that they don't want to be involved with? When you mention the word "computer," it is instantly, "Oh my God, you know computers!"

Bill Gates, the CEO of Microsoft, always starts his speeches saying, "We are the underdog." Maybe he is actually talking about how people are too ignorant to see what computers can do. They are too ignorant to open their minds to see what technology can do.

Sometimes students forget that teachers are actually people. Believe it or not, they have hobbies, activities, and even love lives.

"My most memorable Valentine's Day was the first one I spent with my boyfriend, now husband, Glen," said social studies teacher Tracy Hulley. "Actually, I was away from him on that day, but he sent a dozen roses to the hotel room where I was to be laying over at, this was when I was a flight attendant with United Airlines. And every Valentine's Day since, he gets me flowers, only now they aren't roses but carnations, which I prefer. Sounds corny -- the flowers -- but I like it, and love him for it."

Corny or coincidental, some teachers have extremely memorable Valentine's Days.

"My engagement picture was in the newspaper [on Valentine's Day]," said life studies teacher Vicki Martin.

Many teachers have fond memories of events that happened when they were very young.

"In the sixth grade I spent the entire day with my girlfriend that conveniently lived next door. The day started out with a romantic date at Skateland (accompanied by our parents of course) and ended with me bringing an adjustable ladder over to her window, where we talked until almost one in the morning," said physics teacher Matt Lubben.

Many teachers make special plans for a most memorable day.

"I'm thinking of popping the question even though I'm kind of nervous," said Spanish teacher Pam Ramstad.

Other teachers have very different plans or traditions. This often includes time with their families.

"I spend Valentine's Day with my husband and daughter. I'll give them cards and treats, and I won't get anything (except maybe overpriced flowers)," said English [Fiedler].

Some teachers don't have the best memories of Valentine's Day from years past.

"It was Valentine's Day 1994, I was nine months pregnant and was home on maternity leave. I watched TV all day and made dinner including a special treat, a Jell-o no-bake dessert. Mark, my husband, came home to eat and then went back to work because he had overtime. Then I cleaned the curio cabinet and watched the Olympics on TV," said Spanish teacher Nancy Eiynck.

A bad Valentine's Day may stick with people for the rest of their lives.

"My so-called boyfriend (in high school) gave me a half-dead rose that he bought at an Amoco and had kept in his car all day," said Eiynck.

The supposedly romantic holiday has created fond remembrances in the minds of some, and nightmares for others. The eternal question remains: what will Valentine's Day bring this year?

There are a variety of relationships that any person could experience. One of these relationships involves the principle that opposites attract.
This old cliche holds true for many couples here in BHS.
"Yes, opposites do attract. Even though my boyfriend is three years older than me, we share many differences, and yet we still work out," said junior Mindy Reynolds.
Students aren't the only ones that may experience this kind of attraction.
"I don't know if I was attracted to my husband because we were opposites. But I do know that opposites often work well and make for good relationships," said English teacher Vicki Cary.
Some people even think that opposites might actually be the reason that they are attracted to each other in the first place.
"Yes, and I do think that they may work out," said sophomore Matt Greseth.
Whether or not a relationship between opposites will work is unimportant if they aren't attracted to each other in the first place.
In some cases, the students have actually seen or even experienced the [is a good] way to experience an interesting relationship," said senior Cathy Griffith.
Although there are many different views on whether opposite attraction works, it completely depends upon those involved.
"Of course opposites attract, but I don't really believe that in the long run; the relationship will end quickly," said freshman Molly Fiedler.

Communication between males and females, gotta love it.

Unfortunately, to most it seems wasteful to spout lengthy stanzas of poetry and quote Shakespeare in hopes that it might be received by a welcoming ear. Therefore, one's intentions must be said in short suggestive sentences. Here are just some of the pick-up lines circulating through the grapevine.

[“Shakespeare, shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”] [said] [Matt] [Greseth].

Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by a second time?> said senior Matt [Fiedler].

Some call it small talk, some call it foreplay. Either way, it's intended as a sample piece of conversation, just a sliver of what could possibly turn out to be a romantic evening dinner.

When I ask guys, "What would you like?" They reply "Are you on the menu?"> said senior Shelie Liebhard, of her experience working as a waitress at Red's Cafe.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, the last thing anybody wants to think about is breaking up. But for the Knights' victims of love gone wrong, Valentine's Day is supposed to be a holiday of forced happiness, many classmates say, because during past years it has been too painful for some students to face.

"I think Valentine's Day is a stupid holiday. It's a waste of money and it just makes people feel bad about themselves," said one anonymous student. "Most people are always so happy until the day before when they have to decide how to tell the other person. Right now I still fantasize about a person breaking up with me before anyone would be able to face me."

Also, some students say they become subject to harassment by suitors after the breakup. However, people sometimes confess trouble enough to attempt suicide, student counselors say. "A few breakups obviously seek punishment on us to take them out of pain and sorrow, but I think that in extreme cases it is more of an attention-getting thing," said an anonymous female. "That way you don't have to be called into a counseling session for the person."

A few of those students said counselors try breaking up with students in a positive manner in order to handle the pain and embarrassment. Several students said they try to cope with heartaches with a week's travel to escape reality. "I escaped for two days during the whole thing and took a cheap bus trip with friends, and it was therapeutic," one student said. "But I still had to see him and be around him. He didn't want me to be his friend anymore. I finally, I told him and we started talking. I had to talk and try and see someone. This wasn't something that made me feel better. I hung on the line being beaten. Now whenever I see him in the hallway it makes me sick because he appears so happy."

Besides breakups, some people do not respond to affection and fall victim to outright trickery in courting that ends in complete ruin.

No morsel in question has desire to be consumed. Thank goodness there are still pick-up lines that innocently express one's affection for another without projecting the person in question as part of a food course.

"Do your feet hurt? Because you've been walking through my mind all day," said senior Duane Weller.

There are pick-up lines that suggest that the listener and speaker could be compatible and belong together.

"You know what would look good on you? Me," said senior Amanda Falkowski-Scott.

But it may be difficult to use pick-up lines effectively without making the conversation exceptionally short-lived. There is always a possibility of misread intentions, hurt feelings, embarrassment, and there is a chance that the person may already be committed to a jealous significant other with a flashy temper (Ouch!).

"I don't go for pick-up lines," said senior Frank Hessler. "I just go straight away, it's the easiest way for me to go."

be very appetizing if the morsel in question has no desire to be consumed. Thank goodness there are still pick-up lines that innocently express one's affection for another without projecting the person in question as part of a food course. "Do your feet hurt? Because you've been walking through my mind all day," said senior Duane Weller.

There are pick-up lines that suggest that the listener and speaker could be compatible and belong together. "You know what would look good on you? Me," said senior Amanda Falkowski-Scott.

But it may be difficult to use pick-up lines effectively without making the conversation exceptionally short-lived. There is always a possibility of misread intentions, hurt feelings, embarrassment, and there is a chance that the person may already be committed to a jealous significant other with a flashy temper. (Ouch!).

"I don't go for pick-up lines," said senior Frank Hessler. "I just go straight away, it's the easiest way for me to go."

Romantic movies for romantic evenings
Two If By Sea
First Knight
When A Man Loves A Woman
While You Were Sleeping
Desperado
Benheart
Mad Love
Forget Paris
ALADDIN
Beauty and the Beast
THE CUTTING EDGE
Ed of Ivory
A Walk In The Clouds
Lady and The Tramp
UNTAMED HEART
Don Juan de Monte
Forrest Gump
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Did you know there is a national champion jet-skier at BHS? Scott Mills, a senior at BHS, is in a competitive sport which very few people at the high school are in: jet-skiing. In the summer many jet-skiers can be found on the lakes around Buffalo, but Mills takes it one step further—he competes all over the United States.

"Trace sit-down Seadoos. We race around a buoy course similar to Moto-Cross, except with buoys," said Mills.

Mills competes mainly in Arizona, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. His favorite competition is the world finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Mills has been riding Seadoos for a short time, he started racing only two years ago.

"I got to know someone that lives on Lake Pulaski that has raced for a few years and I started to go to races with him two years ago," said Mills.

One of the things that motivates him is all the teammates and fans cheering him on. He also enjoys the competitiveness of the sport.

"My favorite pro-racer would have to be Chris Maclugage because he races a lot of classes and is the world champion," said Mills.

Jet-skiing is strictly a summer sport. Mills tries to practice three to four times a week on the water, and he also trains with weights and runs. There are usually 10 to 12 racers in the finals and they race eight to 10 laps which are about one and a half minutes long.

Mills competes in two types of events. One is limited class in which the racer can only modify the boat slightly. The other is Mod class in which the racer can do almost anything he wants in terms of modifications.

"I race 785cc Mod, 785cc limited, 1200cc Mod, and 1200cc limited," said Mills.

Like any sport, jet-skiing has its hazards. Mills was hit by a boat in an Arizona race and was flown by plane to a Phoenix hospital. Despite his injuries, Mills won two national championships in 1995, the first was the Midwest Watercross tour, the second was an overall 1995 World record in slalom.

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memory: Playing all day on the lake
Favorite music: Alternative
Favorite saying: "No doubt."
He always loses: Card games
He hopes he never has to: Make a big speech
Something he doesn't understand: Spanish
In 10 years he will: Have a successful job with a family
One thing he couldn't live without: Ice-fishing, hunting, jet-skiing, and snowmobiling
Nickname: Scotty
If he had a million dollars he would: Invest it
Childhood heroes: His parents
Biggest pet peeve: People who think they are the greatest
Most irrational fear: Snakes
His friends describe him as: Happy and shy

The boys' basketball team is looking forward to a promising season. They will look to the different strategies of the new head coach, Dave Alto, but their conference has many talented teams. The team needs a strong showing from their seniors and excellent performance from bench players to keep them in the games.

Seniors Robbie Holmquist and Phil Miller are captains for their second consecutive year. They have watched the team change under Alto. This year the team is enjoying their season much more than last year.

"Now one of the main objectives is to have fun, instead of just working hard," said Holmquist.

The team goals are to develop an open style which will create additional fast breaks. They are also hoping to intensify their defense, and have fun playing the games. They hope this will improve their record from last year and hopefully make the future brighter.

"I'm having a lot of fun this year. We are working very hard," said Miller.

The North Suburban Conference will be strong this year with Monticello ranked in state. The always tough Totino Grace Eagles will give the Bison a great challenge. Saint Francis should also be strong. Columbia Heights, Centennial, Spring Lake Park, and Fridley should be an equal match when it comes time for the conference.

"My prediction for the North Suburban Conference standings will be: St. Francis, Monticello, Buffalo, Totino Grace, Centennial, Spring Lake Park, and Columbia Heights," said senior Jeremy Greenhagen.

The team wants to finish in the top half of the conference this year, hoping to improve upon their 7-15 record they finished with last year. The next Bison home game is February 10 at 7:30pm against Fridley. The team invites all interested fans to come and show their support.

Staff Writers

Tradition is defined by Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary as the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs by word of mouth or example by one generation to another without written instruction. Some schools are traditionally known to have good teams. Roseau and the ever-present Bloomington-Jefferson are known for having good hockey teams, Rochester Mayo is known for girls' basketball, and in wrestling, it's the Bison.

Some wrestlers might be intimidated by the "expectations" thrust upon them at the beginning of the season, a team that is known throughout the state as one of the best. The Bison wrestlers have been working and pushing hard to make this the third consecutive year they will go to state.

"We need to try hard and if we give it our all, then maybe [we will make it to state]. It's tradition!" said junior Luke Jarvis.

Avoiding injury and making weight are two of the problems that wrestlers face during the season. Wrestlers may weigh less than their designated weight class, but not an ounce more. There are 12 weight classes, ranging from 103 pounds to heavyweight.

With the youngest team that Buffalo has ever had, this year's wrestlers will have to work extremely hard to achieve what the teams from previous years have obtained.

"Our number one goal is to win the conference," said head coach Gerry Bakke. "Then to go to state. Our third goal is to develop as a team."

Coach Bakke is one of the most visible coaches in the sport of wrestling. He is often found down on the mat pounding his fists in frustration. A coach has to be influential with his team members to keep them going and in sync with a winning attitude.

"The only thing that keeps me motivated is Bakke yelling," said Jarvis.

As in many sport, the main goals are to win, stay together as a team and accomplish as much as possible. With a history like the Bison have, it doesn't take much for an athlete to keep focused on the upcoming match.

A wrestler for the Bison goes up against an opponent from Totino-Grace in front of a packed gym. Fan support for the team has been strong again this year. Most fans expect the Bison wrestlers to maintain the winning tradition of past teams.

Photo by Colleen Schmidt

After losing a captain and their leading rebounder for the season, the Bison varsity girls' basketball team hopes to fill some major holes and keep improving.

After finishing last season with a dismal 4-19 record, the team has a chance to finish above .500 this year. They have a record of 5-8 with six games left to play.

"We would like to finish the season with improvement game, by game, by game," said head coach Kristen DeClerk-Thompson.

Two major injuries have occurred this year. Senior captain Danni Vogt went down in the first quarter of the first game, and the team lost Brittany Meyer during the Holiday Tournament that was held December 27-29. Both are out for the season with torn anterior cruciate ligaments. The biggest challenge for the team this year has been filling those holes.

"It's a completely different team. This year it's much younger. The sophomores are stepping up and playing good basketball, and the seniors are staying positive and showing leadership," said DeClerk-Thompson.

At one point this season there were three sophomores in the starting lineup. After the injuries, only three seniors and three juniors are left on the team.

"The whole team has a positive attitude, and they're willing to do new things," said DeClerk-Thompson.

The only freshman on the team is Sarah Thompson. She has made the jump to varsity very well, averaging about nine points per game. She is also the second leading shot blocker.

"The experience level is a lot higher than the freshmen team," said Thompson. "It's a lot of fun, even though we've had to work more."

The team took second place in the Holiday Tournament. Another highlight for the season was beating Centennial, something the team hasn't done for a while. "We haven't beat [Centennial] since I started coaching here three years ago," said DeClerk-Thompson.

Hopefully, the team will keep building a strong foundation of sophomores and freshmen and continue to improve, check progress.

The slalom ski team is becoming close and is learning how to work together. As the season progresses, the team grows stronger.

Coaches Scott Greenwood and Greg Hygrell are working with the younger skiers to better the team for the future.

Skiing takes up a lot of time; often extra time is needed to improve. Many racers also participate in the United States Ski Association on the weekends, which requires more dedication and additional hours of practicing and racing. This helps the younger skiers become more valuable skiers for the team.

"Generally the same people stay in the top ten, but as younger members move up in and out of the top ten," said Hygrell. "We also take groups of skiers to work on specific drills with them to help them improve."

Practices are held Monday through Thursday. This is a good chance for skiers to learn new drills and improve their skills. The more experienced skiers guide the younger ones to help them become more valuable skiers for the team.

"Skiers start every practice with warm-up drills with their team captains, while coaches offer individual advice to all skiers as they practice daily. We also take groups of skiers to work on specific drills with them to help them improve," said Hygrell.

The younger skiers are appearing to be quality racers and many are racing varsity.

"Our team is young; we have some potentially state-level skiers. We will definitely improve in the rest of the season and the years to come," said sophomore Brian Moon.

The weather at the practice area has been cooperating. The hill has been easy to practice on with fresh snow covering the base. The temperature has also been good.

"There has been good snow conditions. There have been a few cold practices, but for the most part it doesn't affect the racers because we properly dress for the elements," said Hygrell.

For now, the main concern of the team is to develop quality racers for the upcoming years to insure quality teams.

The BHS Mock Trial team recently began their 1996 season; the varsity team 8is 3-1 and the JV team is 2-2.

Gang activity and violence are involved in this year9s case. <A police officer shot a student. The officer is being charged with attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery and negligent use of a deadly weapon, but the police officer says he shot in self- defense,= said senior captain Heidi Rebischke.

The shooting took place after a football game. The officer suspected the student of illegal activity and approached him/her. The officer says that s/he thought gang. <During a match, we go against another school as the prosecution or defense, and the other school takes the other side. Each team has three lawyers and three witnesses,= said Rebischke.

The challenge for the lawyers on each side is to make the most convincing argument. The witnesses are judged on how well they play their characters.

Mock trial practices are held after school, often until 8pm. Coaches are Laurie Raymond and Dave Casey. During practice they work on their lines of questioning, possible objections to make against opposing lawyers, and opening and closing statements if the lawyer gives one.

Rebischke. <We have a couple of schools that are really big rivals that we'll probably go against later in the season.=

The team members have to be constantly alert to what the other team uses as their arguments. <You always have to be on your toes -- you know what the other team is going to say, you just wait for them to say it, then make your move,= said sophomore Josh Behling.

Despite the stress, most members enjoy being on the team. <T started in ninth grade, and never figured out why I started,= said Rebischke. <But I liked it, so I kept going.=

The team must work together to be successful.

We received some sad news about a month ago: our friend Ralph Grant passed away. Grant was a greeter at Buffalo High School. He greeted in the front lobby every day from 8 to 11:30am and has given a total of nine years of volunteer service to the high school. The BHS Student Council is going to plant a tree in memory of Grant. The planting of the tree will take place in the spring of this school year.

This year, one of the goals of the student council is to hold an open forum meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to give students the opportunity to directly voice their opinions. It will be open to any student wanting to attend. This meeting is going to be held in the BHS library on Wednesday, February 21 - during mods.

In order for the meeting to proceed efficiently and effectively, those who want to voice their opinion must fill out a form that states the topic they would like to discuss. The forms will be available in the school office soon. If you fill out a form, you must include your name and what issue you would like to address. The completed forms must be returned to a box in the front office by February 14. The student council will make an agenda with all topics of discussion. In order for your topic to be discussed, you must be present at the scheduled meeting.

The meeting is not only about change, but also about things you enjoy and would like to see continued. It is important that positive comments are made, as well as negative comments so that evaluations can be made fairly. Stay tuned to announcements and posters that will give more information.

which can open almost any room in the school.

"Students should not have T-keys unless the teacher knows the student and feels comfortable giving this student their keys," said physical education teacher Sheree Danner.

Nearly 61 percent of BHS staff reported lending out a T-key, which some feel will result in an uncomfortable situation. "When I was a coach ... I had a manager I thought I [could trust] and I often gave them my keys. That person betrayed me," said Bergert. "I like to trust people, but I don't like to tempt them."

Precautions are viewed by many to be an important part of preventing security problems.

"You lock your door at night. Is it because you think someone is going to break into your house? No, but it's a good, reasonable precaution to take," said Miller.

Those precautions, like any others, have the potential to cause problems if taken to the extreme.

"I don't think we should get carried away with security measures. It would limit our freedom to move about and come and go as we should in a public institution. We can get too carried away with control," said biology teacher Boyd Emmel.

Strictly enforcing a policy of constant student supervision without exception could cause difficulties.

"I don't see how [a teacher can be] in two places at once. I suppose it's unfair for the teachers because they can't be running back and forth," said sophomore Paul Wetter.

Some feel that security is not a problem with most students.

"Like all rules and laws, it is because of a minority of people that we need to make them. But many students earn the respect and trust of their teachers through their daily actions both in and out of school and there is no reason not to give them the respect and responsibility deserved," said Spanish teacher Pam Ramstad.

One significant factor in making decisions involving trust seems to be student-staff relationships.

"My number one priority is my relationship with students and teachers' relationships with students," said Miller. "There are no clear-cut answers on letting students use keys or [teachers] leaving a classroom."