Owls Girls lose to West Allis Hale 54-43

By: Alison Wolf, Staff Writer

Posted December 23rd, 2015

The Slinger Owls Girls Basketball team (6-3) played a non-conference game against the West Allis Hale Huskies last night. Early in the game it was back and forth with both teams playing scrappy and physical, but sadly the Owls could not pull this win off.  The Owls will participate in a tournament in Lake Geneva over Christmas break.

Varsity: Half: 20-21      Final: 43-54

JV: Lost 13-35

Freshmen: Lost

The Nite Crier shares some Christmas memories from staff and students

By: Korey Alder, Kylie Coffin, and Mariah Flynn

Posted December 22nd

This Christmas, the Nite Crier decided to interview some students and teachers here at Slinger High School. We asked them about their favorite memories about Christmas and the holiday season. The writing staff got some interesting answers. Mr. Strand spoke of his short-and-sweet Christmas wish list, Mr. Schneider told his comical stories of Midnight Mass, and Mrs. Wille discussed her family Christmas traditions. Several students also told about their holiday plans (in order of appearance): Hudson Mountjoy, Renee Wagner, and Kiara Young. Happy Holidays from the Nite Crier!

Students take state civics test for first time

By: Kylie Coffin, Co Editor-in-Chief

Posted December 22nd, 2015

On Tuesday, December 22 Slinger High School students from the class of 2017 will be taking the Wisconsin State Civics Test during their government class. If they do not currently have a government class this semester, students will take the test during their last government class next semester. This test is a new graduation requirement for all students living in Wisconsin, and it goes into effect for the 2016-2017 school year, meaning current seniors are exempt from this additional graduation requirement. The Wisconsin State Civics Test is based off of the Naturalization Test that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services use as a part of citizenship requirements. The test is made up of civics questions pertaining to American government, history, culture, and geography. Each school district in Wisconsin is able to write their own tests and determine when during the year the test will be taken. Students are required to answer 60 of the 100 questions correctly in order to pass. Once students pass the Civics Test, it will be shown on their transcripts and diplomas.

Students have been preparing for this test for essentially all of their academic careers. When they began learning about the role of government, students were building necessary knowledge for later in life that was expanded upon in social studies classes each year. Much of the knowledge that is needed for the Civics Test was covered in 8th grade social studies and in American Studies I, II, and III (or Advanced Placement United States Government) at Slinger High School. Classes have been preparing daily for the test by practicing with direct test questions from the actual naturalization test packet and also by incorporating much of the government questions into the curriculum for various units. For example, in American Studies III questions on the Civics Test dealing with the presidency and executive branch are covered in the fifth unit, while questions involving the Constitution are taught in the very first unit. Some of the questions require a basic understanding of current politicians at the local and state level. For example, knowing who Wisconsin’s current Senators  and Congressional Representatives are is also significant. Many students will have seen the questions on the test at least once or twice (if not more) before they take the test for the first time.

While students will be well prepared to take the Civics Test, if any student struggles to pass the test the first time teachers will be working with those students to practice so that they will be able to pass it on the second try. The next time the test will be held for anyone who does not pass with a 60% or higher on December 22 will be during exam week.

The idea for this test came from the Wisconsin State Legislature, where many State Senators and Assembly people felt that too many students graduating from Wisconsin high schools did not know enough about American democracy, history, and culture. Because of this, the Civics Test was passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor. There are several other states that are also requiring students to pass this type of civics exam in order to ensure students are prepared to be citizens and are knowledgeable about government by the time they graduate high school.

Current Slinger High School teacher for World Studies, American Studies III, AP US Government, and Nite Crier adviser, Mr. Wolf, sees the positive impacts of both the new Civics Test and the teaching that occurs every year in Slinger. “One thing we do here at Slinger High School which I’m very proud of is that we go beyond just the basics [of government] by looking into things like politics and looking into things like elections and when they are conducted.” Mr. Wolf went on to say, “I think it’s [the Civics Test] going to be a very positive impact to know this basic information, but we go well beyond this in American Studies III.” Mr. Wolf explained that things such as The Active Citizen Project help develop students’ understanding of the intricacies of local government in ways that are often as significant as having general knowledge of national government. The Active Citizen Project is an American Studies III project in which students attend a local government meeting of their choice and explain what they experienced, how it can have an impact on his/her life, and how he/she can impact the government as well. Mr. Wolf said, “I think the test is good, but I think it’s important that students- in order to become that active citizen- need to know more than just basic facts. They need to understand certain issues, understand how government works, and what kind of impact they will have on it.” Thankfully, Slinger High School gives students the opportunity to be both active and very knowledgeable citizens by the time they graduate.

The Force is Awakened in the Movie Event of the Century

By:Robby Timmler, Staff Writer

Posted December 22nd, 2015

The galaxy far, far away is back on the big screen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The plot of the Force Awakens is that Luke Skywalker has disappeared and no one knows where to find him until a rebel pilot named Poe Dameron (played by Oscar Isaac) obtains part of the map to the location of Luke Skywalker, but is attacked by the enemy of the rebellion the First Order leaded by the mysterious sith lord Kylo Ren (played by Adam Driver). Poe then gives the map to his droid BB-8, who runs into a scavenger named Rey (played by Daisy Ridley). From there we meet Finn (played by John Boyega), a stormtrooper who makes the choice to leave the First Order and live a different life. The rest of the movie consists of dogfights, big gun battles, and great lightsaber duels.  The Force Awakens brings Star Wars back to its roots, but it also recycles a few of the plot points and scenarios that happened in the original trilogy. Other than that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is another great Star Wars movie with great acting, specials effects, and action. Go check it out at a galaxy nearest you.

Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest Winner

Congratulations to Mr. Gundrum!  He is the Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day winner.  Thank you for everyone who participated in the contest.  More contests coming up in 2016!

Boys basketball goes 1-1 over the weekend

By: Ben Hoitink, Staff Writer

Posted December 21st, 2015

The Slinger boys basketball team defeated rival Hartford 55-43 Friday night in another come-from-behind win.  The Owls held the Orioles to just 16 points in the second half for the victory.  Scoring leaders were Derek Sabin, Tyler Reinhardt, and Jesse Bellefeuil.

In a second game on Saturday, the Owls fell to the Plymouth Panthers 65-51.  The team kept the game close into the second half before falling behind, unable to overcome the deficit.  Tyler Ritger tallied 14 points for the Owls.  Boys basketball improved their conference record to 2-1 with the win over Hartford, and currently has an overall record of 4-2.

Their next game before the holiday break will be on Tuesday at 7:15 pm when the Owls take on the West Bend East Suns in West Bend.

A project with purpose: SHS engineering students redesign wind turbine project for 4th graders

By:  Kate Wallschlaeger, Opinions Editor

Posted December 18th, 2015

Generally speaking, academic projects are solely designed to be beneficial to the students, to broaden and deepen their understanding of a given topic. In the minds of many high schoolers, this purpose, however important, fails to justify the amount of time and energy consumed by such projects. For once the grade is written, what is to become of the result of their efforts?

This common question, however, is not asked within Design for Manufacturing, an engineering course at Slinger High School. The instructor, Mr. Hermann, has succeeded in evoking true and lasting impact through his projects. Recent evidence of this lies in the completion of the project, “Request for Proposal: Wind Turbine Project.”

In this project, teams of students were asked to redesign a project intended to teach students in grades 5-12 about the powers of wind energy. The original project, created by a government organization, outlined how to build and test a wind turbine made from PVC pipe. Speaking bluntly, though, it was poorly done.

This project included vastly clarifying the instructions so that 4th graders could successfully construct a wind turbine. Also, a jig needed to be designed and manufactured by the high school students. It would be used to safely and accurately cut the PVC piping, the material used for the general skeleton of the wind turbine. Four separate groups of high school students set out to accomplish this goal with ingenuity, skill, and hard work.

Academically, they learned about the engineering design process, team dynamics, wind energy, manufacturing, target audience considerations, presentation formalities, and respectful discussion amongst competing groups. However, this project and all of their combined efforts did not fall away as soon as the grade was written.

The worthwhile purpose, the answer to that ever-so common question, is that the strengths of their redesigned projects will be combined by Mr. Hermann and given to 4th graders in the Slinger School District to build and learn from. In essence, these high school students have dedicated their time and energy so that younger generations may learn of engineering and the skills it involves.

Perhaps those future 4th grade students will gain an understanding that few people have at such a young age. Perhaps they will be inspired to explore engineering rather than be intimidated by it. Or, perhaps, they will simply have fun while such lessons secretly enter their minds and help them grow as individuals. All of these outcomes, however, would be the result of high school students’ efforts. In their minds, this sense of community impact exceedingly justifies their dedication to this project.

The Ladies Owls victorious over Wisconsin Lutheran 48-38

By: Alison Wolf, Staff Writer

Posted December 18th, 2015

The Ladies Owls (5-3) played in a Thursday night home game against a conference foe Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings (3-1).  The Owls got off to a slow start and were down by 12  at the half, but prevailed in the second half and were able to keep the Vikings to 5 points in the entire second half before pulling out another underdog conference victory. The Owls next game is a Tuesday night home game against West Allis Central next week.

Varsity: Final: 48-38      Half: 21-31

SHS spreads Christmas cheer

By: Hannah Stadel, Staff Writer

Posted December 18th, 2015

This year Slinger High School is initiating a number of ways for students to give back before Christmas. A couple weeks ago students and staff had the opportunity to participate in the Giving Tree by picking a tag to buy a present for a less fortunate child. 125 presents are given to the kids at LaVarnway Boys and Girls Club. SHS has partnered with The Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee for a number of years now; usually all the tags are taken within a  couple days. On December 10th Slinger’s gifts were delivered to the Boys and Girls Club, and will be providing joy to these kids this holiday season.

Slinger’s foreign language students and staff are also spreading Christmas cheer this year by providing warm jackets to local Hispanic families in need. Partnering with West Bend’s Casa Guadalupe for this Coat Drive, Spanish Club, German Club and The International Club were taking coats in good condition to donate to give to families less fortunate.

Slinger wrestling team improves conference record to 3-0

By: Madeline Hoitink, Co Editor-in-Chief

Posted December 17th, 2015

On the night of Tuesday, December 15th, at Slinger High School, Slinger wrestling took on the West Bend East Suns in a Little Ten conference dual meet.  The JV wrestlers put forth a great effort but were not able to secure their victory.  However, the Owls varsity team proved victorious over the Suns 53-22, with the help of 3 forfeits in the 106, 113, and 220 weight classes, giving the Owls 18 extra points.  This improves their conference record to 3-0 and overall record to 6-2.  The following wrestlers won their matches:

Varsity:

120 - Caleb Ziebell - 15-0 (Tech Fall)

126 - Hudson Mountjoy - 11-8

160 - Adam Beine - 17-2

170 - Logan Stegemeyer - Pin in 3:02

182 - Bennett Connolly - 15-2

195 - Ian Strupp - Pin in 1:22

285 - Casey Osterberg - Pin in 1:26

JV:

-Wins from:

Caleb Kovacevich - 6-3

Nate Balistrerie - Pin in :56

A look back at the DECA the halls celebration

Juniors Kathleen Enders and Kristin Klahn wore matching Christmas sweaters
as part the "Deca the Halls" dress-up days.

By: Korey Alder, Photography Editor
Posted December 17th, 2015

Last week, Slinger High School got a festive Christmas makeover for DECA the Halls, a celebration of the 70 year old business program. The idea behind the week is to expand interest in the DECA program, as well as business careers and classes (many of which are offered at Slinger High School). As part of this event, students were encouraged to wear themed attire, as defined per day. Above and below are some pictures of students who participated. 

Allison Russart and Jenna Arts getting ready to celebrate the Christmas season.

Leah Gregg and Nicole Miller at lunch during last week's DECA the halls promotion 

Alyna Reiter shows her holiday spirit.

Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest: Thursday

Thursday's word of the day is:

Rudolph

Write down the word of the day for Monday through Thursday.    Entry forms can be picked up in room 151.  The contest runs until Thursday 3pm when entry forms are due.

Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest: Wednesday

Wednesday's word of the day is:

Prancer

Go to www.shsnitecrier.blogspot.com at 7am and write down the word of the day for Monday through Thursday.  The old word will be replaced by the new word of the day by 7am the next day.  Entry forms can be picked up in room 151.  The contest runs until Thursday 3pm when entry forms are due.

An Opinion Article: Course Selection Sheets

By: Abbie Schmidt, Staff Writer

Posted December 15th, 2015

This is an opinion article. Therefore, the views mentioned are completely my own. Now, I think that course selection sheets are strange. We have so many options to choose from. Classes that could shape our entire future are simply listed on a sheet with its prerequisites and number of credits pasted next to the title.

From the title of some classes, you can’t gather much. You literally have no idea if you’ll like the class until you take it. There’s also a chance that you won’t like the class. The course catalogue gives a simple definition of the class. Also, we don’t get much of an explanation of a class from teachers unless you specifically ask, and even then they’re a bit biased.

People say to take every kind of class you can. “Take an art class, engineering class, science, social studies, business, etc.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I think this is a good idea. But I find it really hard to make a decision to take a class from every sort of subject. I think it’s really difficult to choose my classes. Many people don’t have enough credits to take everything they want to take. My problem is that I have too many credits and I don’t know what to fill them with.

I feel like adults expect us as teenagers to have our life figured out. They may constantly try to convince us otherwise, but that’s how I feel. “It’s okay to not know what you’re going to do as a job. But, by the way, what are you going to do as job?” Everything we do now, in high school, is leading up to our adult life. The classes we choose, friends we make, clubs we join, everything!

I think we should spend more time learning about classes before we choose them. We should be given tools that could help point us in the right direction for choosing a career that we’ll enjoy.

To end, I would like to ask if you’ve ever heard the saying that goes something like “One month, students need to raise the hand to go to the bathroom and the next, they’re deciding what to do with their adult life”.

The Nite Crier is a student online newspaper. It is intended to provide an opportunity for Slinger High School students to report news and events relevant to the high school community. The reporting of events, the views and opinions expressed in articles and stories reflect that of writers and not the advisor, administrators, faculty, or the School District of Slinger

A Movie Preview of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

By: Korey Alder, Photography Editor

Posted December 15th, 2015

With Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuting around the world on December 18th, now is a great time to summarize a bit of the hype, speculation, and information surrounding the newest addition to the Star Wars franchise.

Although those working on the new movie have gone to great lengths to ensure that the majority of the plot remains secret, there have been various hints dropped by the multiple trailers, as well as by the actors and crew. At this point, it has been established that the film takes place roughly thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi. This correlates closely to the amount of time since that movie’s original release 32 years ago; thus the actors have aged a similar amount in real life as their characters would have in the Star Wars universe. Another important (although non-spoiling, don’t worry!) element leaked accidentally at Comic-Con is the “Starkiller Base,” an evolved version of the Death Star that is apparently the bad guy headquarters.

As far as the acting talent goes, many of the original film’s characters, and consequently their actors, are returning for the Star Wars reboot. Harrison Ford will return as Han Solo, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, and Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca – although the roles of these characters are relatively unknown. Along with these veterans comes an array of new characters, which will presumably become the new stars of the franchise. Among them are Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, who play some of the lead protagonists in the picture.

In the special effects department, Star Wars is shaping up to be an impressive combination of computer graphics and practical effects . . . something akin to the style of the original Star Wars films. As a result of huge, detailed sets and intricate alien costumes, the movie should have a more physical feel than the heavily green-screened shots common in too many high-budget sci-fi’s. Over a period of six months, the majority of the filming was completed at the English Pinewood Studios, with other locales including the Abu Dhabi desert and the island of Skellig Michael. Also noteworthy is John Williams’ recurrence as the composer for the movie’s soundtrack; he’s no doubt come up with a beautiful and compelling score, which hopefully sticks to the original’s atmosphere.

But can all this talent and hard work come together into an all-around quality film? With so much of the film’s plot still shrouded in mystery, there’s plenty that could go wrong. If the story can’t live up to fans’ expectations, or Jar Jar Binks makes an appearance (or any kind, whatsoever), the movie could leave viewers disappointed. Additionally, there is the light hearted concern that director J.J. Abrams may cover up the entire film with anamorphic lens flares, despite his comments to the contrary. There are, after all, three lens flares in the trailer alone.

If you want to find out more about the upcoming Star Wars movie, if you just want to watch the trailer for the fifth time, head on over to starwars.com.

Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest: Tuesday

Tuesday's word of the day is:

Comet

Go to www.shsnitecrier.blogspot.com at 7am and write down the word of the day for Monday through Thursday.  The old word will be replaced by the new word of the day by 7am the next day.  Entry forms can be picked up in room 151.  The contest runs until Thursday 3pm when entry forms are due.

Holiday Choral Concert Preview

By: Kylie Coffin, Co Editor-in-Chief

Posted December 15th, 2015

‘Tis the season for the Slinger choirs to hold their annual holiday concert! The concert will be held at 7:30 on Wednesday, December 16th in the high school auditorium. The theme is: “Songs for a Winter's Night: A Program of Holiday Classics”.

Over a month ago, Mrs. Peters and her choir students welcomed a student teacher, Mr. Moldenhauer, into the choir room to give him an opportunity to gain experience in conducting high school level students, and to give the students a chance to learn from a new influence. He first came to Slinger High School in early November, and will be student teaching until January 22, which is the end of the second quarter. Since he arrived, Mr. Moldenhauer has helped to lead choir practices alongside Mrs. Peters as the choirs prepare for their performances. On only his second day with Slinger High School students, he accompanied Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers at the choral festival held on Carthage College’s campus. Here, Chorale students sang “After the War” and “In Time of Silver Rain,” a song based off of Langston Hughes’ poem of the same name. Chamber Singers reprised “Red River Valley,” a folk song, and sang “Lorena,” a poetic Civil War song. Immediately following the choral festival, students began to rehearse their winter songs for the holiday concert which they will be performing later this week.

Mr. Moldenhauer, a graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran College, is no stranger to the world of music. He discussed the challenges and surprises of this student teaching position by saying, “The most challenging part for me has been gaining confidence in leading the choirs to their success. I'm definitely enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. I had been singing in choirs for about 10 years, so it's a different story leading and guiding the choirs rather than being a singer in the choir.” With this, Mr. Moldenhauer also mentioned, “It is rewarding to work with talented singers and a talented mentor!” Students have received Mr. Moldenhauer warmly and have been excited to work with him on their challenging winter songs.

There are quite a few new events occurring at this year’s holiday concert that will make it unique from those in the past . After practicing together for over a month, Mr. Moldenhauer will be conducting selections from each choir’s list of songs. Men’s A Capella (SMAC) will be performing for their first holiday concert as an official class this Wednesday, and Vocal Jazz seniors will be joining them for a special winter song for the first time as well. While there will be many “firsts” at this holiday choir concert, one thing remains a constant for Slinger choirs every winter. Slinger has had a tradition of singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” by George Frideric Handel from “Messiah,” that traces back a  countless number of years. It is at this time that all Slinger High School choir alumni are invited onto the stage to sing along with the current choirs. This mix of the old with the new, members of Slinger’s choral history with the future of Slinger choirs, is a holiday tradition loved by many. When asked about the significance of the “Hallelujah Chorus” tradition, choir director, Mrs. Peters, responded, “This piece presents two opportunities for our choral program as a whole: first, our students benefit from learning and retaining a substantial and well known composition by a profound and prolific composer. Second, this piece gives choir alumni the opportunity to stay connected with the Slinger High School choral program as we invite them back to sing with us.” With a tradition as well respected as this, one can expect to hear it for many holidays to come; and isn’t a big part of what makes the holiday so special the traditions?   

All are invited to attend the holiday choir concert this Wednesday at 7:30, and a special invitation is extended to former Slinger choir members who are interested in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus”. Whether you are a student, faculty member, relative of a performer, community member, or none of these at all, there is a good reason to consider taking time out of your bustling holiday schedule to listen to the voices of Slinger High School students. As explained by Mrs. Peters, “The Slinger High School choral program serves the Slinger community, and even Washington County, as a whole through the performing of high quality choral repertoire in a professional manner.” She went on to say, “We invite everyone to come and listen to what we have to offer!  We hope our music touches your heart and leaves you with a renewed sense of Christmas cheer.” This week, put yourself in a holiday spirit that is much more relaxing than holiday shopping, by listening to the beautiful songs Slinger students have been working so hard to perform this holiday season. In doing so, you’ll be supporting the choral program as well.

Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest: Monday

Monday's word of the day is:

Dasher

Today starts the Nite Crier Holiday Word of the Day Contest. Go to www.shsnitecrier.blogspot.com at 7am and write down the word of the day for Monday through Thursday.  The old word will be replaced by the new word of the day by 7am the next day.  Entry forms can be picked up in room 151.  The contest runs until Thursday 3pm when entry forms are due.

Christmas Traditions in North America

By: Abbie Schmidt, Staff Writer

Posted December 14, 2015

There are many Christmas traditions all over the world. In one continent, there can be very diverse traditions. If you focus on North America, there are three very different countries with very different traditions.

In Canada, the province of Nova Scotia is known for their fir and pine trees. As a gift to Boston, for helping Canada after the Halifax explosion, Nova Scotia sends Boston its biggest fir tree every year. In Canada, many people open their Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. Toronto has a Santa Claus parade that has been taking place since 1913. On the shores, many Canadians eat lobsters and shellfish for their Christmas protein.

In America, there are many different kinds of dishes that people eat. Some families eat turkey or ham, cabbage dishes, or even lasagna! Some families thread popcorn to decorate their tree. Many Americans decorate their houses with lights and even some streets are decorated with lights.

In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from December 12th to January 6th. Many Mexicans have Posadas where they celebrate when Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay. Piñatas and fireworks are a big part of Mexican Christmas celebrations. In Mexico, lifesize nativity scenes are common and some households have a whole room devoted to the scene. Many people go to a midnight mass service on Christmas Eve which is finished with fireworks. Many Mexicans also eat the Three Kings Cake which has a figure of Jesus inside. Whoever finds Jesus in their piece is his “godparent” for the year.

Overall, it’s very clear that Christmas traditions vary quite a bit by the country, even while still on the same continent.

Vocal Jazz spreads holiday joy to the community

2015-2016 Slinger High School Vocal Jazz group

By: Kylie Coffin Co Editor-in-Chief

Posted December 11th, 2015

Slinger High School’s Vocal Jazz is an auditioned a cappella group that consists of 20 female vocalists who are directed by Mrs. Peters. The holiday season is a special time for the Vocal Jazz girls, and it is also their busiest time of the year. They began rehearsing their Christmas set-list in late August to get a head start on learning songs and memorization. During the weeks of December that lead up to Christmas, Vocal Jazz performs a half hour holiday set at many gigs scheduled all around the community. The songs include traditional Christmas songs, holiday classics, and a few more modern pieces. This winter, the girls are scheduled to give 12 performances. They have already performed at the tree lighting celebration at Hartford Hospital and were featured on 104.9 WTKM, the tree lighting at Community Park, the Festival of Trees, Cedar Community’s Christmas party, Autumn Oaks, Serenity Villa, and the Lion’s Club meeting. With their sparkling red tops, Santa hats, bright faces, and warm voices, the girls in Vocal Jazz enjoy spreading the happiness of the holidays through their voices. These gigs are an excellent way for them to give back to their community while also showing off their hard work.

Everyone is invited to attend the Christmas choral concert on December, 16 at 7:30  in which Vocal Jazz will be singing two selections from their holiday repertoire. Senior Vocal Jazz girls will be combining with Men’s A Capella to perform a special song there as well. All are also welcome to stop in and listen to Vocal Jazz perform at Enchantment in the Park in Regner Park at 6:30 on December, 20. It is held indoors at the Pavilion, snacks and hot chocolate are available, and Santa often makes an appearance as well. Between the lights and decorations, all in attendance will truly feel like they are “taking a stroll down Candy Cane Lane,” as the Vocal Jazz girls sing about in one of their favorite new songs.

The Lady Owls lose to Beaver Dam 73-34

By: Alison Wolf, Staff Writer

Posted December 11th, 2015

The Slinger Girls Varsity team (5-1) played at Beaver Dam (3-0) Tuesday night.  Beaver Dam dominated most of the game utilizing their height and ability to shoot 3 point baskets consistently and getting an early lead from which Slinger was not able to rebound from. The Lady Owls play next at Watertown on Tuesday the 15th.

Varsity: Final Score: 34-73     Half-time Score: 12-43

JV: 20-33 Lost

JV2: 30-18 Won

Owls narrowly defeated Spartans to improve to 3-0.

By: Ben Hoitink, Staff Writer

Posted December 9th, 2015

Slinger won an exciting conference game last night, beating West Bend West 55-53. Max Merkes hit the game winning 3-pointer with only a few seconds remaining. Leading scorers for the Owls were Tyler Evans (15) and Tyler Reinhardt (13) The Owls take on Oconomowoc at home this Friday, December 11.  

Tension rise in Eastern Europe between Turkey and Russia

Russia combat jet shot down by Turkish missile
on November 24th  (Photo courtesy of NBC News).

By: Korey Alder, Photography Editor

Posted December 8th, 2015

The tense situation in Eastern Europe further worsened Saturday, when Turkish authorities detained four ships under the Russian flag when they attempted to dock at Samsun Port, on the Black Sea. The vessels were seized on grounds of false documents and safety violations, and after completing repairs and paperwork, all but one of the ships were released. The fourth ship will be released Monday.

This comes in retaliation against a similar aggressive move made by Russia last week, when five Turkish transports were barred from selling their cargo at the Russian port of Novorossisk. After submitting to port inspectors, these ships were also released.

The Russo-Turkish relationship has been deteriorating recently, ever since the Turkish Air Force shot down a Russian Su-24 running operations in Syria on November 24th. According to BBC News, the claims by the Turkish government do not match those of the pilot of the downed aircraft. The Turks claim that as two planes of unknown allegiance approached Turkey, they were warned to change direction 10 times, over a span of five minutes. When the planes finally did violate Turkish airspace, an F-16 patrolling in the area launched an air-to-air missile which downed one of the craft. The pilot of the plane was killed by Syrian rebels after he ejected, but the navigator survived, saying afterward that they had received no warning before being attacked.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invoked the US after the attack, asserting that the US Military could confirm the Russians' claim that the fighter had never entered Turkey. The state department denied this, however, maintaining that Russia had never informed them of the flight. US military officials took a somewhat neutral position, saying that there were indications that the plane did enter Turkish airspace, and were in fact warned to change their heading – but that they were only in violation for few seconds.

This shaky situation is now perpetuated by the inspection and detention of Russian civilian ships in the Bosporus Strait, a natural waterway – vitally important to international trade – connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Turkey claims that the Russian ships are damaging the environment, giving them the right to detain them. They also cite resolutions from Montreux Convention, which allow for Turkey to search civilian vessels if there is any suspicion of smuggling or arms transportation.

Although most experts agree that Turkey is unlikely to fully block Russian transport through this strait, these and the other aggressive acts on both sides only help to prolong already unstable circumstances.

Keeping students safe: Slinger’s Crossing Guards

Dave Koenig, a crossing guard for seven years,
 keeps kids safe after school.

By: Madeline Hoitink, Co Editor-in-Chief

Posted, December 8th, 2015

The Slinger crossing guards are very important to our school district.  They offer their time two times a day for a total of about 3.5 hours in order to keep the kids of Slinger safe.  They are paid by Slinger schools and the village of Slinger for their part-time jobs.  Currently, there are four crossing guards that rotate between four various positions in Slinger: Slinger Elementary School, Four Corners- Washington/175, St. Peter’s, and Kettle Moraine Drive at Water Street.  Every year, Slinger assists with thousands of crossings.  In 2012 alone, the crossing guards helped with 5,761 crossings at Polk Street at Beine Drive, 4,660 crossings at East Washington Street at Kettle Moraine Drive, 6,774 crossings at East Washington Street at Beine Drive, and 12,669 crossings at Kettle Moraine Drive at Water Street.  Throughout 2013, the crossing guards assisted with 6,829 crossings at Slinger Elementary, 4,529 crossings at Four Corners, 6,189 crossings at St. Peter’s, and 11,846 crossings at Kettle Moraine Drive at Water Street.  According to the Slinger Police Annual report, the crossing guards helped with over 29,000 crossings in the 2013 school year.  I had the opportunity to talk with two of Slinger’s four crossing guards, Marie Wiedmeyer and Dave Koenig.

Marie Wiedmeyer has been working as a Slinger crossing guard for almost 12 years.  She came across this job as she was looking for a part-time job and took the opportunity immediately.  Wiedmeyer loves working with children and observed that crossing-guards have nice vacations that line up with Slinger schools’ vacations, so she knew that this was the perfect job for her.  Wiedmeyer has gotten to know many of the young kids and families in Slinger and enjoys the ones who talk to and thank her.  “I even know that a family down the street is expecting a baby soon,” Wiedmeyer exclaimed.  Wiedmeyer commented that the most challenging part about being a crossing guard is “not being afraid to get out there and stop cars.”

Dave Koenig decided to be a Slinger crossing guard 7 years ago because it was something to do, and it would allow him to stay active.  Koenig loves the vacations during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and summer that this job offers.  “The hardest part about being a crossing guard would have to be keeping the kids safe and not getting hit by cars,” said Koenig with a laugh.

The crossing guards are a very important part of Slinger’s community, so make sure to give them a friendly wave when passing and to thank them every time they help you out!

 

Slinger‘s SkillsUSA team dominates at district competition

By: Kate Wallschlaeger, Opinions Editor

Posted December 7th, 2015

The SkillsUSA chapter of Slinger High School dominated at the District Competition in West Bend this last Tuesday. After a long day of school, these dedicated students competed in their technical fields during the afternoon and evening. However, the time spent there was incredibly worthwhile. Overall, a total of 18 medals were awarded and returned with the students to the high school – near nine o’clock at night.

Earning first place in their competitions were Kate Wallschaeger in Technical Drafting; Jeremiah Miller in Carpentry; Kevin Remmick in Advertising Design; Katie Meyer in Screenprinting; and Rachel Hau in Welding.  

Awarded second place were Justin Burns in Architecture; Morgan Duley in CNC Milling; Mariah Flynn in Job Skill Demo; and Tim Peters in Photography.  

Finishing in third place were Brett Darin in Architecture; Becky Green in Job Skill Demo; Madeline Horinek in Technical Math; Matt Mehl in CO2 Dragster; Nick Mergener in CNC Milling; Noah Schilling in Photography; and the team of Brady Hattori, Justine Horst, and Ryan Punko in Team Problem Solving.

Congratulations to Slinger SkillsUSA for an outstanding job at Districts. These students truly are working towards closing the skills gap present in our society and deserve such recognition.