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-r\ ~ (S"'· -;· ~ ·- ' ~ • -.,.L . See Contest Rules Below A CC opens ~oor to new career opportunities . JOCELYN HASKE Managing Editor The closing ofFletcher Paper Company has forced former employees to seek new careers. Aware of the emergency situation, Alpena Community College took action. Don McMaster, Director of Workplace Development, talked with employers and found a level of interest in the CDL ( commercial drivers license) program. Responding to their request, ACC started a CDL course. The two part commercial drivers license program includes passing both a written exam and a driving test. McMaster instructed three, one day sessions to prepare participants for the knowledge portion. About 60 Fletcher employees, approximately 40 percent of their hourly workforce, are currently SNEAK PEEK How could we forget the king Page 2 WCCT brings Alpena to cutting edge Page3 Adventures with Clute Page5 Inside look at ACC player: Justin ( l1:w1n:11 Page 7 I Meet the Lady Lumberjacks Page 8 Tim McGraw takes on Marilyn Manson Page 9 New Creative Section: Showcase Page 10,11 Meet 2001 Polemic staff Page 12 receiving training. When McMaster started at ACC, his first teaching job was at Fletcher Paper Mill. "A lot of the guys I'm seeing, I had eight years ago in class. It's sweet and also kind ofbittersweet because the plant in the past was a thriving operation," he said. PaulWegmeye½ownerand test examiner of Wolf Creek Driver Testing, helped answer questions and gave a broad overview of the CDL program. According to Board of Trustee member Wegmeyer, it looks very promising over the next five to ten years. The average age of most over-the- road truck drivers is in the mid to upper fifties, many of whom are preparing for retirement. The industry is "desperately looking" for responsible men and women who can care for the equipment, maintain a level head under tense situations, and make good decisions. "This may be a stepping stone into another career," said Wegmeyer. "It might not be what they're going into, but it may provide a side or supplemental income to help them get through the next year." "Locally, this is a good time for these people to prepare themselves for getting a license," said Wagmeyer. voucher system, they must be Photo by Jocelyn Haske admitted in the agency's system door for them to consider, it just to receive assistance. adds another tool to their tool The three sessions of caseofskillsandabilitiesthatwill Once spring arrives, the construction industry will start back up again and many local employers will be looking for CDL drivers to fill seasonal work. classroom training have been make a marketable work place," "In five to six weeks, we'll completed. Participants are he said. really see a gate open .up-. The currently taking the written Fletcher Paper has submitted timing is perfect because they'll be ready when the season begins", he said. According to Wagmeyer, it can be expensive to get into the industry, especially for those with very little experience. The help of the state agency, Michigan Works, is a "huge break through for the employers". Based on a kn wledge test at the Secretary a petition for TRA (Tr aue of State's office. From those who Readjustment Act) designation. have taken it, Wagmeyer has In other words, if the company hear thatthetrainingwashelpful can demonstrate that foreign and th~ pass rate quite high. competition was a factor in it's "Tbis is a very short, kind of closing, federal funds may be thrown together program. We're available. making adjustments and working on things as they arise. If we can be of help and perhaps open a At this time, former employees have 26 weeks of unemployment and limited training ACC campus in store for big changes ALICIA WELLS Staff Writer Alpena Community College has set many goals to try to improve all areas of the college campus. These goals are not only expensive, but may or may not affect you as the students and staff of ACC. An expansion in Besser Technology Center is also on the wish list. The idea is to put a consolidated computer technology area at the center of campus. This is expected to be more accessible: and allow more flexibility on lab times for instructors and students. The Natural Resource Center Amongthesegoalsistheidea could use an upgrade m to shut down ACC's East technologyandequipmentforthe Campus. The fine arts classes science labs. A new fire alarm would then be moved to the Graphic Arts building after an expansion, or to the vacated Concrete Technology area. ACC Vice-President of Administration and Finances, Richard Sutherland, said this would create less hassle with the classes closer to all other buildings. It would also bring in more people to visit and view the artwork. system is also needed. "Ours is functional, but it is 40 plus year old technology," said Sutherland. The new system would have flashing lights in each classroom and office for the hearing impaired. Other areas being considered for remodeling are the student lounges, learning center, and the roofing of buildings. "There are a lot of things that would be quizzed at the instructor we've looked at," said level," said Sutherland. A lot of Sutherland, "but the overall input is needed from the people general maintenance of the who use the facilities to find out college is in decent shape." what is wanted and needed for Although these changes improvement. It is important to would improve many areas of create the best scenario for all campus, it isn't cheap. The classes. architects came to a $10.65 "When we have an idea of million estimate on the work the what we can get, then its time to college wants done. This estimate get down and map it out and get isthenputtothestate. Itisupto · everyone talking," said the state to decide how much the Sutherland. college will receive. Overall the maintenance of a "There is no guarantee, but college is a very thorough ifwe don't ask ... we don't get," process. Students who use Sutherland said. computer labs, attend classes at The rest of the money is for East Campus or have any other the college to raise by millage, ideas on ACC's goals should let donations, or a combination of instructors and administrators both. The decisions made are know. It is important that all ultimately up to the Board of voices are heard. Trustees, but with a lot of input. "The students themselves NAME THIS PAPER CONTEST The ACC Student Press is looking for a new name. Submit your best idea. $50 $ 5 $ cash prize awarded for best name All students and faculty eligible If you would like to keep the name Polemic, please submit it. Send submissions to Polemic office BTC 106 opportunities. If the TRA designation comes through, however, they will have a year and a half of unemployment and two years of paid training. "This is a huge factor," says McMaster. "Nearly 190 people would have the opportunity to have retraining in a different career path. It wouJd make a big benefit in their lives right now." According to McMaster, Represenative Stupak and Senator North offices are watching over the designation and results should come in by the first of March or April. Board approves new three year f acuity contract Press Release: The i\lpena Community Col- lege Board of Trustees approved a tentative contract which was~ ratified by the college Faculty Council. The action puts in place the successor to the current agree- ment which expires August 27. The new three-year contract between the 54-member full-time faculty unit and ACC will expire Aug. 15, 2004. Meetings were held over the past several months, and discussions leading to the pact were both intense and positive, according to Frank McCourt, president of the Alpena Commu- nity College F acuity Council, and Dr. Donald L. Newport, college president. They described the resulting agreement as reasonable and fair for all parties. The contract includes a three percent increase to the salary schedules in each year of the con- tract. Other changes include a higher prescription drug co-pay- ment and reduction from four steps to three steps in the grievance process. The contract also es- tablishes the academic semester calendar through the 2003-04 school year. "Having a multi-year agree- ment in place allows all of us to· very clearly devote our energy to continuing to deliver a quality edu..:: cational experience for our stu- dents and community," Newport said. "Our mutual commitment to getting on with educating our stu-- dents brought these meetings to a successful conclusion," said McCourt, "and we all look for-· ward to the next three years of progress at the college."