As I stated in my last blog, I am doing my research on the Valley City State University community. The reasoning behind that is because I lived in the dorm and worked in the cafeteria. I still think that the spokesperson for VCSU is the president Steven Shirley. Basically all of the emails concerning campus were from him. The means of communication for VCSU were email, notifind, a special flood page setup on the VCSU homepage, and also word of mouth.
I am not sure who all I need to talk to for all the information I need for this assignment. The only person I can think of to find out how they handled the communication for campus is if I talk to or email Steven Shirley. Even though I was affected by this flood, because I lived and worked on campus, I don’t know much about the communication except for the few ways that I received information. I live in Edmore, which is about 2 and a half a hours north of Valley City, and would only hear a few things here and there from people about the situation.
Research for this project is going slow, but it is being conducted. I am finding bits and pieces to try to fit together into this project. A lot of the information found is from the emails received and the flood information page on the VCSU website. That is the best information I can find at the moment.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Crisis Communication Research
The community that I am going to conduct research on is VCSU. The reason I am choosing VCSU as my community is because I lived on campus in Snoeyenbos dorm. This flood has affected me because of that reason. The spokesperson of VCSU was Steven Shirley who is the President of VCSU. The reason I believe that Steven Shirley was the spokesperson is because he is the one who would keep people informed on what was going on. I received many emails from him regarding the flood and what was being done. The reason that he was the spokesperson was probably because he was the President of VCSU.
The channels of communication used get information to the public of the VCSU community were Notifind and email. Notifind was used to inform the students that for the week of the 13th to the 17th, no one was to return to campus and there were no classes. On April 15th, Steven Shirley sent out an email saying that for the remainder of the semester all classes will be online. Other emails have been sent about what to do for getting laptops back, how to sell back books, how to check out of dorms, forwarding addresses for mail, and other concerns. One email has three documents that contain some of the frequently asked questions.
A flood information page was setup on the VCSU webpage. It helped to give updates on what was going on in Valley City. It a map that showed different areas of Valley City like the Wintershow Building, the hospital, VCSU campus, and other important areas. The map also showed which bridges were closed down, what roads have dikes on them, and the area that was to be evacuated. Regular updates were added to the site as more information was known.
I think that the people at VCSU handled this situation very well. They made sure to notify everyone of changes that were happening. Without them keeping everyone up to date, there could have been a lot more confusion. If this happens again, I believe that the faculty of VCSU will know how to handle the situation better since they did so well this time. I think that people should thank the faculty and staff of VCSU for doing such a good job keeping everyone informed.
The channels of communication used get information to the public of the VCSU community were Notifind and email. Notifind was used to inform the students that for the week of the 13th to the 17th, no one was to return to campus and there were no classes. On April 15th, Steven Shirley sent out an email saying that for the remainder of the semester all classes will be online. Other emails have been sent about what to do for getting laptops back, how to sell back books, how to check out of dorms, forwarding addresses for mail, and other concerns. One email has three documents that contain some of the frequently asked questions.
A flood information page was setup on the VCSU webpage. It helped to give updates on what was going on in Valley City. It a map that showed different areas of Valley City like the Wintershow Building, the hospital, VCSU campus, and other important areas. The map also showed which bridges were closed down, what roads have dikes on them, and the area that was to be evacuated. Regular updates were added to the site as more information was known.
I think that the people at VCSU handled this situation very well. They made sure to notify everyone of changes that were happening. Without them keeping everyone up to date, there could have been a lot more confusion. If this happens again, I believe that the faculty of VCSU will know how to handle the situation better since they did so well this time. I think that people should thank the faculty and staff of VCSU for doing such a good job keeping everyone informed.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Flooding in Valley City Spring 2009
As you may already know, there has been major flooding in the town of Valley City, ND. The flooding started many weeks ago at the end of Spring Break. When I came back from spring break with my friend, we went to his house to work on some assignments. As we were working on our assignments he noticed water was starting to leak in from the basement window. The next few hours were spent trying to stop the water from entering the basement. After awhile we were able to stop the water from leaking into the basement.
Not long after this, is when the events leading up to the cancellation of classes on campus and evacuation of Valley City began to be set in motion. After the flooding began, the city started to call for help sandbagging. Many people went out to help sandbag at the Wintershow building. I was able to help, but not as much as I should have. I was only able to get out for a total of 14 hours. Other people were out there a lot more, and the help was greatly appreciated by the citizens of Valley City. Not only did college students sandbag, but high school students and the citizens of Valley City were out sandbagging almost every day. Dikes were also being built along the river. Classes on campus were often cancelled in order to allow students to go out sandbagging. The bridge on Viking Drive was closed down by a dike, and eventually mostly all of the bridges would be closed off too. As many of us left for Easter Break, a contingency dike was being built on 4th Ave.
Communication was kept up through email and the use of notifind. When contacted by notifind about not returning to campus, I had mixed feelings. For one, it was kind of nice to have some extra time off from school. Then I started to think about how things were for the citizens of Valley City. Things became even more confusing once they said all classes were canceled on campus. I started to wonder what would happen with classes and how people with work study like myself would get hours in with campus closed. Then after hearing that people were being evacuated from Valley City, I started to wonder what was going to happen with Valley City.
Now things are starting to get back to normal in Valley City. Classes are being conducted online, which is a little confusing, but starting to get used to it. Many of the questions about what is going on have been answered by the staff of VCSU. In this time of crisis, we have been well informed of what is going on and what we should do. This is the type of thing that should be done in crisis situations. The public should be kept informed so that they know what they can do.
Not long after this, is when the events leading up to the cancellation of classes on campus and evacuation of Valley City began to be set in motion. After the flooding began, the city started to call for help sandbagging. Many people went out to help sandbag at the Wintershow building. I was able to help, but not as much as I should have. I was only able to get out for a total of 14 hours. Other people were out there a lot more, and the help was greatly appreciated by the citizens of Valley City. Not only did college students sandbag, but high school students and the citizens of Valley City were out sandbagging almost every day. Dikes were also being built along the river. Classes on campus were often cancelled in order to allow students to go out sandbagging. The bridge on Viking Drive was closed down by a dike, and eventually mostly all of the bridges would be closed off too. As many of us left for Easter Break, a contingency dike was being built on 4th Ave.
Communication was kept up through email and the use of notifind. When contacted by notifind about not returning to campus, I had mixed feelings. For one, it was kind of nice to have some extra time off from school. Then I started to think about how things were for the citizens of Valley City. Things became even more confusing once they said all classes were canceled on campus. I started to wonder what would happen with classes and how people with work study like myself would get hours in with campus closed. Then after hearing that people were being evacuated from Valley City, I started to wonder what was going to happen with Valley City.
Now things are starting to get back to normal in Valley City. Classes are being conducted online, which is a little confusing, but starting to get used to it. Many of the questions about what is going on have been answered by the staff of VCSU. In this time of crisis, we have been well informed of what is going on and what we should do. This is the type of thing that should be done in crisis situations. The public should be kept informed so that they know what they can do.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wildlife in Trouble from Bad Winter
This winter has not been kind to the wildlife. The snow is so deep in most places that it is almost impossible for wildlife to find food. Species such as pheasants, deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn are all affected by the depth of the snow. According to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, “Reports of pheasant losses continue, especially after the statewide rain experienced in early February. “Reports across the state vary from birds doing okay to areas with considerable losses,” said Stan Kohn, upland game bird supervisor. “In some instances, landowners are reporting 75 percent fewer birds than they did in the beginning of winter.”” The Game and Fish Department has a video about what is going on with the pheasants. It is called “Winter’s Effects on Upland Game Birds.”
Deer are also having a difficult time surviving during this winter. The Game and Fish Department “continues to receive reports of dying or dead deer in some areas of the state. Kreil said mostly fawns and older deer are affected by the cold and wind, which is not uncommon. In addition, heavy snow cover that prevents deer from accessing their usual food sources has resulted in at least five separate incidents of grain overload, with seven to 50 deer dying in each incident. Dr. Dan Grove, wildlife veterinarian, said grain overload is a result of deer overeating on corn and/or other grains. “Their diet typically consists of grasses and browse; they are not adapted to indulge only on corn, wheat and oats,” Grove said. “But with the constraints they have this winter, this is what food is readily available to them.”” Another video the Game and Fish Department has is “Winter’s Effect on Wildlife.”
Bighorn sheep are also having a hard time with the winter conditions. A representative from the Game and Fish Department states, “We recently documented the loss of six mature radio-collared bighorn sheep in the northern badlands due to exposure and severe winter weather,” said Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist. “These are big, hearty animals that should survive North Dakota winters, but apparently the severe conditions got the better of them.”
Pronghorn are another species that have been affected by the severity of the winter. According to the Game and Fish Department, “While there hasn’t been any winter-related mortality of pronghorn documented yet, Bruce Stillings, big game biologist, said there is little doubt they are in a vulnerable state due to deep snow, and in some cases have limited movement because herds are prevented from moving south of Interstate 94. “One of our biologists saw a herd of 200 pronghorn belly-deep in snow, and other large groups have been observed bunched together north of Belfield and east of Dickinson,” he added. “This is not a good situation. It is nearly impossible for them to cross the interstate and migrate to areas with less snow.””
This winter has not been a good one for wildlife. Unless the weather starts getting better there may be a major loss in population size of pheasants and deer. The snow cover prevents deer and pheasants from reaching their normal food sources. Without those normal food sources deer and pheasants are forced to find other sources of food. This takes them away from their normal habitat and closer to farmsteads where readily available food can be found.
From Article: Winter Wildlife Woes Continue
Deer are also having a difficult time surviving during this winter. The Game and Fish Department “continues to receive reports of dying or dead deer in some areas of the state. Kreil said mostly fawns and older deer are affected by the cold and wind, which is not uncommon. In addition, heavy snow cover that prevents deer from accessing their usual food sources has resulted in at least five separate incidents of grain overload, with seven to 50 deer dying in each incident. Dr. Dan Grove, wildlife veterinarian, said grain overload is a result of deer overeating on corn and/or other grains. “Their diet typically consists of grasses and browse; they are not adapted to indulge only on corn, wheat and oats,” Grove said. “But with the constraints they have this winter, this is what food is readily available to them.”” Another video the Game and Fish Department has is “Winter’s Effect on Wildlife.”
Bighorn sheep are also having a hard time with the winter conditions. A representative from the Game and Fish Department states, “We recently documented the loss of six mature radio-collared bighorn sheep in the northern badlands due to exposure and severe winter weather,” said Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist. “These are big, hearty animals that should survive North Dakota winters, but apparently the severe conditions got the better of them.”
Pronghorn are another species that have been affected by the severity of the winter. According to the Game and Fish Department, “While there hasn’t been any winter-related mortality of pronghorn documented yet, Bruce Stillings, big game biologist, said there is little doubt they are in a vulnerable state due to deep snow, and in some cases have limited movement because herds are prevented from moving south of Interstate 94. “One of our biologists saw a herd of 200 pronghorn belly-deep in snow, and other large groups have been observed bunched together north of Belfield and east of Dickinson,” he added. “This is not a good situation. It is nearly impossible for them to cross the interstate and migrate to areas with less snow.””
This winter has not been a good one for wildlife. Unless the weather starts getting better there may be a major loss in population size of pheasants and deer. The snow cover prevents deer and pheasants from reaching their normal food sources. Without those normal food sources deer and pheasants are forced to find other sources of food. This takes them away from their normal habitat and closer to farmsteads where readily available food can be found.
From Article: Winter Wildlife Woes Continue
Friday, February 20, 2009
Do Wind Farm’s Have Harmful Effects on People
People may think that living near a wind farm would be fine. But what if living near one could cause health problems. Some people believe that living near a wind farm could cause health problems to anyone that is living there. Here is some information of some of the effects that are possible from living near a wind farm.
“Multiple studies have indicated that the disruption to human circadian rhythms that are a result of the noise produced by wind turbines have severe deleterious health effects. Common side effects include sleep deprivation, headaches (increasing in severity), vertigo, problems in concentration and learning, and tinnitus. Most troublesome perhaps is that these are the most minor of possible side effects. Epidemiologists are also concerned with a condition referred to as Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) which manifests cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and renal pathologies. Several case studies explore symptoms such as palpitations, respiratory distress, and depression in individuals living near wind farms.” More information can be found at this site: http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2009/01/07/wind-farms-near-homes-raises-many-health-concerns/
The following information comes from: http://betterplan.squarespace.com/
“G.P. Van den Berg studied a wind farm in northwestern Germany and discovered that residents living 1640 feet (500m) from wind turbines reacted strongly to wind turbine noise and residents up to 1.18 miles (1900m) distance expressed annoyance. (Click here for source)”
“A survey conducted by Pederson and Waye revealed that less than 10% of the respondents experienced sleep disturbance at distances of 1,984 feet to 3,325 feet and found that sound from the wind turbines was of greater concern in rural environments because of the lower ambient [background] noise. (click here for source) (p. 10, 4.)”
“Eye-witnesses from the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac County, who testified at the public hearing held by the Town of Union Plan Commission live 1,100 feet to 3/4 of a mile from large wind turbines and they currently experience adverse health effects from wind turbine noise such as insomnia, headaches, nausea and dizziness. (click here to see Gerry Meyer's daily noise log) (p.10,5.)”
“Documents reviewed by the study committee recommend wind turbines should be located between half a mile to over a mile from dwellings.”
I think that wind turbines are useful as a clean energy source, but if there are adverse effects on people it would probably be best to have the wind turbines a safe distance away from people.
“Multiple studies have indicated that the disruption to human circadian rhythms that are a result of the noise produced by wind turbines have severe deleterious health effects. Common side effects include sleep deprivation, headaches (increasing in severity), vertigo, problems in concentration and learning, and tinnitus. Most troublesome perhaps is that these are the most minor of possible side effects. Epidemiologists are also concerned with a condition referred to as Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) which manifests cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and renal pathologies. Several case studies explore symptoms such as palpitations, respiratory distress, and depression in individuals living near wind farms.” More information can be found at this site: http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2009/01/07/wind-farms-near-homes-raises-many-health-concerns/
The following information comes from: http://betterplan.squarespace.com/
“G.P. Van den Berg studied a wind farm in northwestern Germany and discovered that residents living 1640 feet (500m) from wind turbines reacted strongly to wind turbine noise and residents up to 1.18 miles (1900m) distance expressed annoyance. (Click here for source)”
“A survey conducted by Pederson and Waye revealed that less than 10% of the respondents experienced sleep disturbance at distances of 1,984 feet to 3,325 feet and found that sound from the wind turbines was of greater concern in rural environments because of the lower ambient [background] noise. (click here for source) (p. 10, 4.)”
“Eye-witnesses from the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac County, who testified at the public hearing held by the Town of Union Plan Commission live 1,100 feet to 3/4 of a mile from large wind turbines and they currently experience adverse health effects from wind turbine noise such as insomnia, headaches, nausea and dizziness. (click here to see Gerry Meyer's daily noise log) (p.10,5.)”
“Documents reviewed by the study committee recommend wind turbines should be located between half a mile to over a mile from dwellings.”
I think that wind turbines are useful as a clean energy source, but if there are adverse effects on people it would probably be best to have the wind turbines a safe distance away from people.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Archery Deer Season in Fargo, ND
Since 2006, a limited number of bow hunters have been allowed to hunt within the city limits of Fargo, ND. The reason for a controlled archery season in Fargo, ND is because of an increasing number of deer in town. The hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the city.
Some people may think that hunting in the city could cause problems. Some of the problems people are concerned about are the injury of the citizens of Fargo and injured deer running into populated areas. The areas designated for hunting were selected for many reasons including the likelihood of civilian interaction and the habitat that deer frequent the most. More information about the areas selected for the archery season in Fargo and the reasons for the selection of those areas can be found at:
http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Deermanagementprogram.aspx
Bow hunting within city limits can also have its advantages. If a deer herd keeps increasing within town it would increase the chances of collisions with deer. Collisions with deer can cause major damage to vehicles and injuries to people. The archery season in Fargo would reduce the number of deer, which reduces the frequency of collisions. With fewer collisions, there would be a lower cost for the residents because they would not have to spend as much for repairs to vehicles and doctor bills.
Fargo is not the first city in ND to implement an archery season within city limits. Bismarck has had an archery season for many years before Fargo started an archery season. In order for archers to hunt in Fargo, the hunters need to pass a training program. Bismarck archers do not have to pass a training program. Bismarck’s archery season began in 1987 and Fargo’s archery season recently ended its third year. In the October 2008 ND Outdoors magazine is an article that talks about the Bismarck archery season and how other states and towns want to follow what Bismarck has done. Fargo was one of the cities that followed what Bismarck had started and the archery season been a success since the time it started three years ago.
I for one feel that the archery season in Fargo, ND will help to reduce the number of deer within city limits. With the reduction in the deer population, there would be fewer interactions between the deer and the citizens of Fargo. With fewer interactions, there would be fewer chances of property damage or car collisions. This would save the citizens of Fargo money from not having to repair their property or vehicles by damage from deer.
Some people may think that hunting in the city could cause problems. Some of the problems people are concerned about are the injury of the citizens of Fargo and injured deer running into populated areas. The areas designated for hunting were selected for many reasons including the likelihood of civilian interaction and the habitat that deer frequent the most. More information about the areas selected for the archery season in Fargo and the reasons for the selection of those areas can be found at:
http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Deermanagementprogram.aspx
Bow hunting within city limits can also have its advantages. If a deer herd keeps increasing within town it would increase the chances of collisions with deer. Collisions with deer can cause major damage to vehicles and injuries to people. The archery season in Fargo would reduce the number of deer, which reduces the frequency of collisions. With fewer collisions, there would be a lower cost for the residents because they would not have to spend as much for repairs to vehicles and doctor bills.
Fargo is not the first city in ND to implement an archery season within city limits. Bismarck has had an archery season for many years before Fargo started an archery season. In order for archers to hunt in Fargo, the hunters need to pass a training program. Bismarck archers do not have to pass a training program. Bismarck’s archery season began in 1987 and Fargo’s archery season recently ended its third year. In the October 2008 ND Outdoors magazine is an article that talks about the Bismarck archery season and how other states and towns want to follow what Bismarck has done. Fargo was one of the cities that followed what Bismarck had started and the archery season been a success since the time it started three years ago.
I for one feel that the archery season in Fargo, ND will help to reduce the number of deer within city limits. With the reduction in the deer population, there would be fewer interactions between the deer and the citizens of Fargo. With fewer interactions, there would be fewer chances of property damage or car collisions. This would save the citizens of Fargo money from not having to repair their property or vehicles by damage from deer.
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