WEDNESDAY Sept.

14, 2011

The Tartan
Radford Universitys Student-run newspaper | rutartan.com Hunter Liebold, a Political Science major, died unexpectedly over summer break
J ENNIFER W ERNER
jwerner2@radford.edu
he worked tirelessly with political campaigns. He also was a volunteer at the Mens Rescue Mission of Newport News and at the Isle of Wight County Christian Outreach. Throughout his life he participated in several mission trips with the Bethany United Methodist Church. Hunter was a good friend. He was the first Young Democrat I recruited here at Radford University and was one of the best members of our club, said fellow student and President of the Young Democrats, Charles Midkiff. He worked tirelessly for Rick Boucher last fall and impressed people throughout his work; always going that extra mile in the name of doing a great job, Midkiff said. I will definitely miss seeing him at our weekly meetings. He was a breath of fresh air in the political science classes we had together as well, offering perspective on issues Hunter Liebold, 20, was a rising junior at Radford University when his life was unexpectedly cut short on August 13, 2011. A 2009 graduate of Smithfield High School, Hunter played on their Packers football team. An ambitious and well-rounded young man, Hunter was a member of the Young Democrats, in which

Volume 119 Issue 1

Students death leaves students with heavy heart

Scattered Storms
that I could not even come close to realizing myself. Buried in Bethany Cemetery in his hometown, Smithfield, Virginia, Hunter will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions can be sent to the United Methodist Church Youth Missions: 13088 Mill Swamp Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. Contributions can also be sent to the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters: 601 Childrens Lane, Norfolk, VA 32507.

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Radford's big switch to Coke

BROOKE EMBREE
bembree@radford.edu
So here we are, another year at Radford University. If you are an upperclassman, you have probably noticed some of the changes that have occurred over the summer. Maybe, its the COBE building that has been on the rise, or Pinkberry coming into the Bonnie. However, one major modication has been made that has all of Radfords student body buzzing: the switch from Pepsi to Coke products. As some of you may know, Radfords contract with Pepsi had reached its expiration date. This expiration is what launched all of the debates over these two products. Ed Oakes, Director of Information Technology, explained the process of the transition from Pepsi to Coke in a little more detail, stating that Pepsi had a contract with the university for 10 years. This ended in August of 2011. Ed also said that the university put in for an RFP (Response For Pro-

RU Transit; Transportation made easier

TAYLOR BROCK
tbrock1@radford.edu
On August 8, 2011, Radfords new bus system opened its doors to passengers. Comprised of seven small, red busses, traveling ve different routes, the Radford Transit travels to Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Fairlawn, across campus and to downtown Radford. According to the Radford Transits website, the mission of the transit is to provide every person with safe, reliable and convenient public transit service, when and where they need it. The transit serves Radford University students, faculty staff, and residents of Radford and New River Valley. Rides are free for RU students, faculty, staff, and children under 12. Senior citizens ride for 50 cents and other residents can ride for $1. For those passengers who want to bring their bike with them, each bus is equipped with a bike rack that holds two bikes. According to Radford Universitys website, A feasibility study in early 2009 demonstrated the public need and support for a public bus system. Because of the results from the study Radford Transit received a $1.7 million grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Along with the grant, The City of Radford and Radford University have formed a partnership to make the idea of a transit a reality. The response thus far has been really positive, said Josh Baker, general manager of Radford Transit. The only complaints we have had are to increase service on the Route 40 during the daytime, said Josh Baker. According to the Radford Transits Facebook page, 8,000 people rode the transit during the month of August. Amanda Terry, a junior at Radford University was one of those riders. She takes the transit everyday from her apartment to campus. It is saving me a lot of money because I dont have to buy gas or a parking pass and it is very reliable and I have never been late for class, said Amanda Terry For more information about the different routes and bus schedule please visit the Radford Transit website at www.radford. edu.

Page 6

COURTNEY EARLL

RU mens tennis set to extend legacy

Coach Anderson optimistic about upcoming fall season.

Page 7

Campus Numbers

See Coke,2

8,000
The number of people who rode the Radford Transit in the month of August.
ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTIAN STEPHENS

Campus Quote:
Ive always been a Coke fan over Pepsi. Personally Ive enjoyed their varieties of soda. I think Radford made a good decision and it will make most students happy.

Commuter students aggravated by inconsistent parking situation

ARIEL BOBRICK
abobrick@radford.edu
Parking is a common issue across campuses nationwide, and Radford University is in no way an exception to the problem. Many students and faculty campus wide are complaining about the crowded parking situation here at Radford University. As one is walking to class, it is not uncommon to see a line of vehicles lled with disgruntled faces that belong to students and teachers, all waiting for a parking spot in the Moffett Lot (Lot M) where faculty are now permitted to park as well as commuters. Commuters may park in Lot K on Main Street, Lot M on Calhoun, Lot C south of Main Street, Lot D off Lawrence, Lot E off University Drive, Lot BL in Burlington Lot, the corner of Downey and Burlington near the art annex; all of which are also shared by faculty. Most commuter students are most likely unaware of where exactly they can park legally due to sitting and waiting for a convenient space so they wont have to trek so far back and forth to their classes. Commuter permits are currently $70 for the year and $35 for the spring semester. When one purchases his or her permit, it is made very clear the rules and regulations that follow on Radford Universitys website:Money paid for a parking permit does not guarantee or reserve a specic parking space. The responsibility for nding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator. Lack of space or lack of convenient space is not considered a valid excuse for violation of these regulations by any person operating a motor vehicle on university property. This would seem to be a fair regulation, but it is not realistic in many students eyes, because of the extreme inconvenience. And then there is the ticketing issue. A faculty member, who wishes to remain anonymous, explains that, Students will ask to leave my class early, or just get up and walk out because they need to move their car

-Sophomore Charles

Crawford

See Parking, 3

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