The City Council of Hancock met on Nov. 17 to hear communications to the council, address the upcoming holiday events, and consider appointments to various boards. 

The council heard from various organizations wishing to reach out, including Blue Key, who thanked the council for their contributions to the upcoming 100th Winter Carnival. 

The council discussed the “Grinch is Coming to Hancock” holiday events. The events include dog sled rides, a Christmas parade, and the tree lighting ceremony. City manager Mary Babcock spoke of the preparation that has been done for the tree lighting, stating that “it looks really good.”

Several appointments and reappointments of various positions within the city were made. These included the reappointment of Tech professor, Dr. Stanley Vitton, to the Portage Lake Water and Sewage Authority. City mayor Paul LaBine spoke of his approval of Dr. Vitton. “He’s a great guy and I’m glad he’s continuing on.” Mayor LaBine said.

A vote to cancel the Jan. 5 council meeting was approved.

The Michigan Tech University Senate met on Nov. 11 to hear from guest speakers and discuss various proposals.

The Senate first heard from Crystal McLeod, who introduced the My SSP program, a service connecting students to mental health professionals. Afterward, Mary Raber, Marika Seigel, and Brett Hamlin presented on education in the 21st century and hypothetical changes to Michigan Tech’s core curriculum. Theresa Jacques and Kellie Rafaelli then gave an update on spring commencement.       

The Senate reviewed Proposal 2-22, cornering revisions to Procedure 504.1.1, Teaching Effectiveness Evaluations. After a voice vote, the proposal was approved. The committee then reviewed six proposals concerning new degree minors and changes to existing minors. These six proposals passed unanimously.

Proposal 8-22 was brought forward, which would establish a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. Proposal 9-22, the Resolution to Raise Awareness and Reduce Mental Health Stigma; Proposal 12-22, introducing a minor in Jazz Studies; and Proposal 19-22, Uses of Student Evaluations of Instruction: Best Practices and Minimal Standard, were also introduced. The proposals were not yet voted on.

We went to Wadsworth dining hall to ask students, ‘What do you think of the quality of the dining halls on campus?’ Here is what they had to say:

“The quality of the chicken can see some improvement. It can be raw, extremely oily and dry at the same time.”

—Brandon O’Brien, 1st-year Electrical Engineering major

“The non-dairy milk fridge only ever appears to get room temperature, warm milk equals not good.”

— Alice Schmaltz, 1st year General Engineering major

“The dining halls on campus all have good food, but McNair has the best food.”

— Andrew Shrock, 1st-year Electrical Engineering major

“The dining hall food has gotten better since I’ve been here. However, I would still consider it to just be fairly edible.”

— M.T., 3rd-year Civil Engineering major

“Lacking in variety and protein options.”

—N.M., 2nd-year, undecided

“More square potatoes.”

—Mitch Stacey, 2nd-year Forestry major

“For what I pay, I am highly dissatisfied, the food is bad and the cleanliness of the dining halls aren’t great.”

—Quinn Angus, 2nd-year Biology major

The Hancock City Council met on Oct. 20 to discuss new businesses, including a refill store, a spa, and a used book/coffee shop. 

On Nov. 3, the council unanimously re-appointed Paul LaBine as city mayor and council member Kurt Rickard as Mayor Pro-tem. Additionally, the council discussed the construction of a dog park, which is set to have basic amenities such as signage and fencing by the end of the year.