The tragic death of a 21-year-old Vermont soldier in Iraq has brought the harsh realities of the “War On Terror” back to the small communities of Vermont. Adam Muller of Jonesville was killed after only two months of serving overseas in Iraq, along with three other soldiers, by an explosion near his vehicle in Kirkuk. The premature death of Muller, who left behind his young wife, parents, sister, and countless friends when he was first deployed, is causing Vermonters to wonder how many more men and women will be killed overseas by the ensuing conflicts in the Middle East.

One of the largest tragedies of this war seems to be that very few Americans truly understand the full extent of the situation in Iraq, and why the bloodshed continues. Many disagree with the statement that the fighting in Iraq is being caused by a civil war within the Islamic religion that has been simmering for centuries, and will most likely continue to rage for decades to come.

This year, for the first time, the Break Away program at Johnson State College will be having a disaster relief trip. Ten students will be flying to New Orleans during February break to further assist in aid to damages done by Katrina in August, 2005.

The group will be working with a nation-wide volunteer service called the Hands On Network, and together they will be aiding animal shelters, schools, libraries and the ongoing rebuilding of housing.

If you are a JSC student, you will have felt the Master Plan in some way by now. You will have seen its signs, or heard its construction, and you will have certainly noticed its effect on your student bills. In 2007, various aspects of the Facilities Master Plan – including a lighted asphalt walkway, and, more recently, a simulation brick walkway (BM: 9-13-2007) – have been executed, and now the college is gearing up for one of its largest, the renovation of Stearns. This project, highlighted in the Master Plan document as being the most important, is no small thing. And it comes with no small price tag.

Of the $9.2 million that will soon be loaned to JSC, $7 million will go towards the Stearns project. Students will be paying for it.

The Johnson State College Dance Ensemble will perform its fall semester show on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Dibden Center.

“Style and routine-wise, there’s everything,” said Nikki Lefaivre, the JSC Dance Club president. “There’s jazz and modern, a bunch of hip-hop, some multi-cultural, and even some Irish step-dancing. There’s even tap. “

Every third Thursday of the month, the JSC Progressive Party, JSC’s newest political club, will meet to tackle issues of concern to both JSC and the wider community.

According to its website, The Vermont Progressive Party believes “The Progressive Party champions sensible policies and the traditional Vermont values which put people first…Responsible government protects and creates equal opportunities for all Vermonters and promotes safe, stable and sustainable communities.