An independent newspaper http://www.dailyemerald.com r I Steen is up for her last home game Page 5 Tuesday, February 24,2004 Since 1900 University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon Volume 105, Issue 106 Protestors hold a mock funeral procession Monday morning in front of the Federal Building to protest new old-growth regulations. Praxis (right) delivers a speech as another protester stands in silence. The rally was one in a series of nine held in West Coast cities to protest the changes. Tim Bobosky Photographer Rally protests pending policy change The demonstration at Eugene’s Federal Building was held to protest slackened old-growth restrictions By Aaron Shakra Pulse Editor Protesters gathered in front of the Federal Building at 211 E. Seventh Ave. on Monday morn ing to protest a decision that would eliminate re strictions on timber sales in the Pacific North west's remaining old-growth forests. The planned protest was part of a series of rallies organized by the Cascadia Rising Eco-De fense Network and Back to the WALL activist groups. A total of nine rallies were coordinated in cities across three states — including Portland, Olympia, Wash., and Eureka, Calif. — to protest the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management's pending joint decision. , Aftermath of the decision On Jan. 23, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management released a final environmental impact statement with a preferred alternative to re move Survey and Manage Mitigation Standards and Guidelines from the Northwest Forest Plan. Oregon Natural Resources Council field repre sentative Doug Heiken said a record of decision from the agencies is expected by the end of Feb ruary. He added that he is all but certain the alter native will be finalized. Survey and Manage was established as part the Northwest Forest Plan in 1994 to protect old growth forests across western Washington, west ern Oregon and northwest California. The plan required the agencies to survey for certain species prior to logging and engaging in other ground-disturbing activities, and to provide Turn to RALLY, page 4 KWVA renovates despite funding issues The campus radio station’s $150,000 digital conversion is already over budget and is threatened by a funding veto By Chuck Slothower News Reporter Campus radio station KWVA is in the midst of an extensive renovation that is expected to cost more than $150,000 and will switch out old ana log radio technology for new digital equipment. But the renovation is overdue and over budget. The renovation process began May 2003 after the ASUO Student Senate approved $118,438 for new equipment and labor. Since then, the project has faced numerous setbacks, including wiring problems and equipment failures. "We were hoping to have this done by December," KWVA General Manager Charlotte Nisser said, adding that she ex pects the upgrade will not be finished until May. The excess cost of the project forced Nisser to go to senate for an additional $31,794, which the senate approved on Feb. 18. However, an ASUO Executive veto of the allocation might be in the works. Turn to KWVA, page 3 Erik R. Bishoff Photographer Disc jockey and record collector Paul Westberg says he enjoys working at KWVA because he gets to play vintage blues. The station is switching to digital technology to keep up with equipment at corporate stations. ASUO VP Morales' case goes to court If attorneys do not reach a plea agreement today, Morales will face a jury trial Jared Paben Senior News reporter ASUO Vice President Eduardo Morales will be in Eugene Mu nicipal Court today on assault and crimi nal mischief charges stemming from a Sept. 12 incident. Morales pleaded in nocent Oct. 22 to both charges. Today's proceed ings are an opportu nity for attorneys to reach a plea agreement; however, a jury trial will follow Eddy Morales ASUO Vice President Turn to TRIAL, page 8 NEWS BRIEF University student accused of stabbing childhood friend University senior Daniel Vahan Marker, 22, was arraigned Monday on felony at tempted murder charges for allegedly stab bing his childhood friend Zachary Mahiohao Payne; 23, multiple times Sunday morning. At about 10:30 a.m., the Central Lane 9 1-1 Center received several reports of a stabbing at 1505 Orchard St. Eugene Po lice Department officers arrived at the scene, arrested Marker and took him to the Lane County jail. Payne was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. According to an EPD press release, Payne is expected to survive his numerous injuries. The two men were former roommates and childhood friends from Corvallis, and Payne was visiting Marker at the time of the incident. Marker is a Spanish major; Payne was admitted to the University but never took classes, according to the Registrar's office. Payne's parents would not comment on the incident, and Marker's parents could not be reached for comment. Release Officer Clarence Woods with the Oregon State Circuit Court said Mark er was "not cooperative" in his interview Monday morning, so bail has not been set. I le added that a release officer will at tempt another interview Monday evening and bail will be set at $250,000. EPD is still unsure of the motive for the alleged attack. — Lisa Catto WEATHER LOW 38 HIGH 53 INSIDE Campus buzz.8 Classifieds.7 Commentary..2 Crossword.7 Horoscope.7 Sports.5 University students indulge all types of vices