Christmas lights cause dorm room fire

Freshman suffers second-degree burns to hand, chest

By DJ Slater

A blanket draped on top of overheated Christmas lights on a loft frame caused a fire at 9:52 p.m. in 427 Bridgman Hall Friday, Eau Claire Fire Department Inspector Jan Harter said. Sophomore John Harrigan assisted freshman Mike Sabaka out of the room, while freshman David Washa used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, according to an ECFD report.

Tasers protect officers, victims

Non-lethal guns used since 2003

By Mark Schaaf

They may hurt a little at first, Eau Claire police say, but taser guns protect both the police officer and the taser victim. A taser gun is a "conducted energy weapon," Deputy Chief Brad Venaas said. "It's a way of using the electric energy to cause a dysfunction in the nervous system which stops someone from resisting," Venaas said.

Hunger strike ends, claims victory

Legislation introduced yesterday by state officials to freeze tuition

By Susan MacLaughlin

About 34 students who participated in a Progressive Student Association sponsored hunger strike got the go ahead to do something they had not done in nearly three days - eat. At about 5 p.m. Wednesday, senior PSA President Andrew Werthmann said he learned that legislation had been introduced by State Reps.

Iraq War Teach-In to begin next week

Professors, invited speakers to host free discussions, workshops

By Jen Anderson

Students and faculty have been busy creating flyers, posters and sending out e-mails in an attempt to raise awareness for the upcoming Iraq War Teach-In. Professors and invited speakers will host free discussions and workshops covering a variety of war-related topics over the course of next week.

Sex offender moves to Eau Claire

A level-three sex offender moved into an Eau Claire neighborhood on Wednesday. Arron Rupert Ambrose, 49, will live on the 700 block of Hobart St. Hobart Street intersects Madison Street on the north side of Eau Claire. Ambrose is currently on supervision through the Department of Corrections through Jan.

Elected Senate underway

Student government reconvenes after spring elections conclude

By Susan MacLaughlin

Senators scrambled around the Tamarack Room in Davies Center minutes before the 49th session of Student Senate met for the first time. The room overflowed with new senators, returning directors, chairs, executive board members and guests. The only legislation discussed was a brief introduction of a new bill, authored by Finance Director Matt Wisnefske.

Eau Claire claims championship

Forensics team takes 13th consecutive state title, two advance to nationals

By Ashley Dziuk

The number 13 proved to be lucky Feb. 19 for the UW-Eau Claire Forensics team as they walked away from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Forensics Tournament as champions for the 13th consecutive time. In addition to the victory, Eau Claire also will send two of its members, senior Kelly Bender and junior Betsy Schroeder to the Interstate Oratory Contest in Boston, Mass.

City considers event regulation

First Amendment a concern for proposed parade, public rally guidelines

By Karline Koehler

A proposed city ordinance to standardize the regulation of special events, parades and rallies on public property has some Eau Claire residents concerned about their First Amendment rights. After a public discussion Monday night, the City Council postponed two ordinances dealing with special events and public assemblies.

Reflections abound from tsunami discussion

International students offer their perspectives on Southeast Asian tragedy

By Brian Reisinger

Most Americans observed the damage inflicted on Southeast Asia by last December's tsunami on the TV or Internet, watching various clips of footage and computer simulations. But on Wednesday, in the almost capacity-filled Alumni Room in Davies Center, international students from the region provided their reflections on the crisis.