February 10, 1994
Baxter recieves funds
Assistant professor of physics, Dr. G.
Research Corporation of Tucson, Arizona for
Heating costs rising sharply
by Glee Jesteadt
Collegian Skiff
There seems to be a lot of
questions about why the heating
costs in the apartments have risen
so sharply.
"There are two reasons for the
heating bills to have jumped so
high," said David Waples,
spokesperson for National Fuel.
This year has been one of the
coldest winters, January being
20% colder than normal. In
addition, the price of natural gas
that National Fuel purchases
increased 20 to 25 percent in the
past year.
Housing set for inspections
by Bridgette Jesek
Colktgios Skt
What, no leaks this week?
Well, the flood has stopped for
now. Instead Housing has
students talking about a new
subject - room inspections.
Yes, they're back and this time
there has been warnings that they
will be more thorough.
Am I going to be fined for the
things out of place or moved?
Will I have to move them back?
These are some of the questions
that have been buzzing around
Many of the residents in the
dorms and suites, for convenience
reasons and pure individuality,
Willard Baxter, was awarded $34,000 by the
his research.
Accordingly, the rates have
increased with the price of natural
gas, Waples said.
The utility has to pass the cost
of the natural gas it purchases
from buyers to customers.
"Whatever they pay, we pay,"
said Waples.
A utility is not allowed to earn
a profit. The only way it can
earn a profit is through the pipe
line. There has been a five
percent increased cost to this
operation system.
"We do not control the increase
(of price) in natural gas," said
Waples. "The increase seems to
be because of supply and
have taken the liberty of
rearranging their moms.
Students have moved desks,
beds, dressers, and some have
even taken the effort of pulling
their bolsters off the walls.
However, if you didn't have the
muscles for that kind of work
Housing was happy to come over
and remove the bolster for you at
no additional cost. Or is there?
This rumor of fines is what has
had students wcwried.
"I called Housing before
Thanksgiving break and they
came right after that break to
remove my bolster." said Barbara
Markley a resident of the dorms.
"The only thing that Housing
said about removing the bolster
demani"
There is not as much gas as
there used to be. There is enough
gas to supply the needs, but there
is no longer a surplus. This
causes the price of natural gas to
rise.
"It's like oranges in Florida,"
said Waples. "If there is a freeze,
the price of oranges will rise
because of supply and demand."
The company does have a
budget plan which spreads out the
annual gas bill over a 12 month
period, with no interest rate.
Anyone that is interested can
call National Fuel for more
information. Once someone has
is that it wasn't a good idea."
Wasn't a good idea? For many
residents it's the best idea.
Removing the bolsters often
creates more room in cases.
More room is something that
numerous residents are looking
for.
If Housing is willing to take
bolsters off, how is it possible
that they could think of fining
students for what Housing is
willing to do?
James Bowen was able to clear
up a few of the rumors of fines.
" We're going to be looking for
maintenance needs, desks in the
proper places, and appliances in
safe places." James also added, "If
bolsters are removed they will
by Hal D
Editor. Coffey
News
Assistant professor of physics
and November 11 Faculty Profile
of the Week, Dr. G. William
Baxter has been awarded over
$34,000 to help fund his ongoing
reseEuth.
The Research Corporation of
Tuscon, Arizona awarded the
Cottrell College Science Award
to Baxter as well as $34,866 to
fund the summer portion of his
ongoing research into dynamics
of stress chains in granular
media
The internal stress distribution
of granular media such as sand,
seed or powdered metals,
determines when it will be rigid
like a solid, or flow like a fluid.
An understanding of the
transition from rigid to flowing
is important to numerous
industries, including
construction, in which solid
foundations of soil or sand are
needed, and grain transportation,
met the requirements of the
budget plan, he/she can then be
placed on it immediately.
Another problem that seems to
be causing the rise of heating
costs is the insulation in the
its.
"I'm paying the bill and the
heat is going out the windows,"
said Darlene Stremic.
The apartments were built in
1985-86 and have not been
restored since then.
"Granted, the heating cost has
risen," said Frank Mazzarese,
"but the apartments do not hold
the heat in."
James Bowen, manager of
only be checked for saftey and
there will be no fine."
Students are asked to review
the regulations for housing
privileges and to place desks back
in their original positions.
Residents are also asked to be
aware of the dales ami times listed
below so that inspectons run
smoothly.
Feb. 17 Niagara 10 am.
18 Apartments 10 am.
21 Perry 2-5 pm.
22 Apartments 10 am.
23 Lawrence 10 am.
24 Suites 10 am.
25 Suites 10 am.
.1 which materials need to be
free-flowing to prevent
blockages.
All of Baxter's research will be
conducted at Behrend where he
will be assisted by undergraduate
physics students Michael Vavrek
and Evan Midcap.
Baxter received his Ph.D. in
physics from Duke University in
1990. Prior to his appointment
at Behrend in 1992, he was a
postdoctoral researcher in the
University of California at San
Diego's physics department and
Institute for Nonlinear Studies.
The Cottrell College Science
Awards support research in
astronomy, chemistry and
physics at public and private,
predominatly undergraduate
colleges.
The projects proposed are
judged on the basis of originality,
significance and feasibility. After
review by the foundation staff and
outside referees, proposals are
evaluated by an advisory
committee of science academics.
using and Food Service, has
taken over Jeff Morgen's position
and will be doing room
inspections.
"We are taking care of the
major, emergency situations,"
said Bowen. He said that he was
unaware that there were
complaints in the apartments.
Housing will be looking into
the work needed done on the
apartments and eventually will
repair them.
'We are doing the best we can
at this time," said Bowen.
Waples said that the National
Fuel company understands how
customers are reacting.
Attention!!!
The Behrend College
Collegian is looking for
my. writers. You can
earn credits and real
experience. For more
information call The
Collegian at 898-6488
or stop by the office.
We are located in the
. Reed . building, right
next to the Baduoom.
Pogo 3