The North Texas Daily (Denton, Tex.), Vol. 61, No. 3, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 1, 1977 Page: 1 of 6
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Wet-Dry Elections
Take Back Seat
To Court Rulings
By JIM POYNER, Special Writer
Editor's Note: The following story is an interpretative report concerning the
tvet-dry issue in Denton, which has not been decided after more than a year.
If the City of Denton could figure out a way to incorporate all of the civic
and legal maneuvering between wet and dry forces over the last 16 months
into a game, Milton Bradley or Parker Brothers might well be interested.
On second thought, though, the game probably wouldn't sell very well
because no one has figured out the rules.
Calling the wet-dry issue "just as big a mess as it's always been," Denton
County Dist. Atty. Jerry Cobb said Wednesday those "rules" may be
defined somewhat within a week or two. That's when he expects the 6th
Dist. Court of Civil Appeals in Texarkana to decide the validity of
Denton's first wet-dry election held April 3, 1976.
DENTON COUNTY officials filed a motion Aug. 5 to the appeals court
requesting that it rehear and overturn its July 26 opinion that ruled the
first election void. The court invalidated the first trip to the polls because
the word "legal," as in "legal sale of beer and wine," was omitted from
absentee ballots.
"We'll probably be hearing from the court next week, when it gets back
in session, or the week after that," Cobb said.
County Judge Dan Trammell said a motion for a rehearing takes prece-
dent on the civil-appeals docket; however, the city may have to "what if'
the situation for a long time yet.
If the court refuses to overturn its earlier decision, then that means
Denton was dry going into the Aug. 6 election, which the wet forces won by
nearly a two-to-one margin.
JOE DARNELL, assistant administrator of the Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission in Austin, said Wednesday that state code voids the
Aug. 6 balloting because the dry forces drew up the petition to prohibit the
sale of beer and wine when the city was already dry.
In other words, more than $2,000 of the taxpayer's money may have been
spent to decide a moot point.
"I don't agree with what the guy (Darnell) is saying," Cobb said. "It's
nice they give us this opinion now after they wouldn't say anything when we
asked them on several occasions what to do about the second election.
"HIS REASONING is correct, but that would only make the Aug. 6 elec-
tion voidable, not void. Somebody would have to file a lawsuit to void it."
Cobb said if the election was voided, then, as far as he knew, the wet
forces could call for a third election as soon as they could get the required
1,911 signatures on a petition.
What happens if the court does choose to overturn its earlier verdict,
thereby making the first election stand?
Believe it or not, Denton would be wet, according to Cobb. Of course,
the dry forces would then be able to have another go at it. But a member of
Concerned Citizens of Denton, which represents the dry forces, doesn't
foresee another petition to prohibit beer-and-wine sales in the near future.
"I don't think there is any chance of that happening because it's been so
costly and inefficient so far," said the Rev. Dr. L.L.. Armstrong, pastor of
the First Baptist Church. He was chairman of the dry forces' get-out-the-
vote committee for the Aug. 6 election.
"IN FACT," he added, "I was at the meeting of the Steering Committee
two weeks ago, and it was decided then that there would be no further ac-
tion on its part."
So, if one dares to predict the outcome of sr.ch a volatile situation, a
court reversal will probably mean that getting a six-pack only will entail a
quick drive to the corner market.
But if the three-judge panel in Texarkana doesn't see it the county's way,
Lake Dallas could be in for a sales boom for months to come. And the
county's $4,800 in legal fees would be all for naught.
The North Texas Daily
61ST YEAR NO. 3
NORTH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, DENTON, TEXAS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977
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State Helmet Revision
Riders Prefer Protection
Bareheaded Bikers
Photo by JOHN WHITSELl
Alisa Goley, Dallas sophomore, and Keith Har-
relson, Dallas junior, take advantage of the new
state motorcycle helmet law which went into effect
Monday. The law states that motorcycle riders
who are over age 17 are no longer required to
wear motorcycle helmets. When asked his views
on the new law, Harrelson said, "It's nice to have a
choice, but I'll wear my helmet on freeways."
By MYLES TAYLOR
Special Writer
As of Monday, motorcycle riders in
Texas who are over age 17 are no longer
required to wear motorcycle helmets. All
over the country motorcycle fatalities
have increased as a result of this law, but
how it will affect Texas remains to be
seen.
On the national level, preliminary
data show motorcycle deaths have in-
creased 20 per cent in the nine states that
do not have mandatory helmet laws. On
the other hand, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration noted that
no increase in the total number of
motorcycle fatalities has been recorded
in states that have helmet laws.
Ken Nevil, Texas Traffic Safety Ad-
ministrator said an evaluation of the
changed laws effect on motorcycle acci-
dents would be conducted by the Office
of Traffic Safety and an outside
evaluator.
Although traffic safety professionals
generally agree that helmets prevent
many serious injuries and deaths, the
Texas Office of Traffic Safety will be at-
tempting to determine the direct
relationship between any increase in
deaths or injuries and the decreased
helmet use.
On the North Texas State campus,
there are approximately 60 students who
ride motorcycles to school.
Brian Cunningham, Irving freshman.
said he will continue to wear his helmet
because of the protection it provides.
"I think the new law is bad because
you need that protection. If I have an ac-
cident, I want to get hurt somewhere else
besides my head. I want as much protec-
tion as possible," he said.
Robert George, Denton sophomore,
had much the same reaction, although
he has been trying out the new law for a
couple of days.
"I'm just doing it to see what it's
like," he said. "But, I'm sure I'll go back
to wearing a helmet, it's a lot safer wir-
ing a helmet and usually when you lull
off a bike, nine times out of ten you are
going to hit your head. I'm just trying it
out because it is something new."
Paul Spencer, a Dallasjunior who has
been riding for six years, also had strong
feelings about the new law.
"It's a crying shame," he said. "Now
people just starting out won't wear a
helmet I'm going to keep mine on
because my helmet saved me |>nce when
I had an accident. The only time I might
not wear it is in the summer when it's so
hot."
Whether or not the new helmet law
will drastically affect Texas' motorcycle
fatality rate as well as NTSU's remains
to be seen, but most riders interviewed
agree on one point: Motorcycles are
dangerous enough with a helmet on.
Without one the rider has no protection
at all.
NT Clubs, Groups
Lose Official Status
SA Seeks Interested Students
Openings Include Posts on Advisory Boards
By VINCEHEPTIG
Special Writer
The Student Association (SA) is ac-
cepting applications for positions on 28
university-wide committees, SA presi-
dent Dennis O'Neal, said Wednesday.
The deadline for applications is Sept.
23, he said. Students can apply in the SA
office on the fourth floor of the Univer-
sity Union from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
TEN OF THE 28 committees are ac-
tually advisory bodies to the Faculty
Senate, O'Neal said. Those committees
are: Academic Affairs, Curriculum,
Housing Appeals, Athletic, Campus
Clubs, Parking and Security, Student
Service Fee, Honors Program, Fine Arts
and the Student Code of Conduct Com-
mittee.
The Academic Affairs committee
studies and makes recommendations to
the Faculty Senate.
Curriculum Committee approves
recommendations of departmental cur-
ricula and committees.
Housing Appeals Court reviews re-
quests of people moving out of dor-
mitories when Housing has denied them.
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE studies
allocated funds ol current athletic
programs and makes recommendations
to Dr. Don Baily of the physical educa-
tion department.
Campus Clubs approves new clubs
and gives recognition to existing student
organizations.
Parking and Security Committee is an
advisory group to the University Police.
The Student Service f ee Committee
makes recommendations on how the
student service fee monies arc to be al-
located.
Members of the Honors Program
Committee make recommendations to
the Faculty Senate on matters pertaining
to the honors program. Only honor stu-
dents may serve on this committee.
The Fine Arts Committee works
toward bringing art programs to the
campus.
The Student Code of Conduct Com-
mittee oversees rules on disciplinary ex-
pulsions and re-admissions.
Club Sports allocates funds and
promotes those activities not considered
by the athletic committee.
Fthnic Affairs promotes programs
concerning all ethnic groups on campus.
Financial Aid deals with distribution
of funds from loans and grants and
other federal programs.
Freshman Orientation regulates the
summer program for incoming students.
The Handicapped Students committee
gives ideas and helps with projects for
handicapped students.
The Homecoming Committee is
responsible for the organization and
planning of all homecoming activities.
The Hospital and Health Service
Committee is an advisory group to the
Health Center concerning all health ser-
vices.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE is an ad-
visory group to the Library. This com-
mittee works on programs to better the
library services provided to students.
Legal Services is an advisory group
for the University Attorney, Mr. C.J.
Taylor.
The Registration Committee works
for improvement in registration
procedures. The "Sections Closed" signs
at registration this year were a result of
the committee.
Men's Intramurals Committee sets up
dates and guidelines for intramurals.
Members of the Scholarship Commit-
tee determine and interpret policies
relating to university scholarships and
grants. The committee also screens can-
didates for scholarships.
The Student Publications Committee
selects editors and business managers for
The Daily. Student Recruitment ex-
amines effectiveness of publicity
programs. The Committee's goal is to
increase the enrollment at NT.
Traffic Court of Appeals determines
whether a student's appeal of a ticket is
valid. And the Facility Committee ap-
proves all SA facility reservations.
On July 17, there were approximately
120 recognized campus organizations,
Mary Yates, director of student ac-
tivities, said Wednesday. There were
none on July 18.
The organizations' loss of recognition
resulted from a club policy passed in
June by the Board of Regents. The
policy went into effect July 18. The
new policy "completely rescinds all
previously existing policies," Ms. Yates
said.
Dr Mervyn Stclter, associate vice-
president for student affairs, told a
meeting of organization officers, "If you
are recognized now, that status does not
carry forward with this policy. You must
re-apply." He added that organizations
recognized under the new policy must
re-apply annually to maintain that
status.
Organizations will be classified as
recognized or registered under the
policy, Dr. Stelter said, in order to es-
tablish some variations in the types of
groups on campus.
Recognized groups are ones which are
a part of the educational purpose and
are aligned w ith the purpose of the uni-
versity," he said.
The organizations are allowed to use
the name of the university as part of
their name, and are given the use of the
University Union and other facilities
free of charge.
A registered group is "an auxiliary
group, not part of the general
educational purpose, but necessary to
student life," he said.
The registered groups will be allowed
free use of fourth floor Union facilities,
but will be charged building use fees for
other areas of campus. The groups are
not allowed to use the name of the un-
iversity in their name, he said.
Recognized and registered organiza-
tions share two requirements under the
policy: they must have a faculty or full-
time staff adviser, and they must file a
constitution or statement of purpose in
the Organizations Office in Union 420.
Ms. Yates said approximately 25
groups have re-applied for recognition
under the policy.
Required Social Security Payment Ends in '78
It will be September, 1978, before full-time employes of the state are no
longer required to pay a 5.85 per cent contribution to Social Security In-
surance, according to Roger Dunham, personnel specialist.
The Daily erroneously stated in Wednesday's paper that the state would
begin to pay the contribution today.
Denton High School To Offer Driving Course
A course in defensive driving is currently being offered on the first and last
Mondays and Tuesdays of each month by the Denton Independent School
District (DISD), John Guyer, administrative assistant to the DISD
superintendent, said Tuesday.
The course, consisting of two nights of classes, is taught in Denton High
School Room 95 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The next scheduled classes will be held
Sept. 6-7 and Sept. I .V14. The fee for the course is $8.
Reservations for the course can be made by calling course instructor
Charles Redd at 382-1591.
Political Science Teachers To Attend Meeting
Five members of the Political Science faculty will attend a national meeting
of the American Political Science Association in Washington, D.C. this
weekend.
Dr. Neal Tate will present a paper entitled "Ccntrality of Party in Voting
Choice" at the meeting.
Dr. Victor Ci. Nielsen, w ill chair a panel on public policy evaluation and Dr.
John R Todd will participate in a discussion panel, "Citizen Evaluation of
Public Policy." Dr. Charldean Newell and Dr. H.W. Kanip will also attend.
Newscaps
Hurricane Anita Continues To Skirt Gulf Coast
NEW' ORLEANS (AP)—Hurricane Anita was a violent whirl of95-mile-
an-hour winds Wednesday, its center still skirting the Louisiana coast about
250 miles out, crawling toward Texas and getting stronger.
"It looks bad for Texas but good for us," said Philip Trosclair, assistant
Civil Defense director at nearly deserted Cameron, La., a tow n of about 3,500
that squats right off the low lying beach.
"Hurricanes move in erratic paths, particularly when the forward move-
ment is slow and steering currents are weak," said Dave Barnes, chief
meteorologist for the U.S weather bureau
The best guess by private forecasters was Anita would head for the Corpus
Christi-Cialveston area, drawn by falling pressures in the Texas plains
At Galveston, officials warned that high tides running ahead of Anita may
be five feet above normal during the night and people w hose homes are on low
land should move inland.
Faculty Committee Offers Research Grants
Faculty members who were not on campus this summer or who have recent-
ly joined the university still have until Sept 8 to apply for research grants be-
ing awarded by the Faculty Research Committee, Dr Robert Sherman, as-
sociate dean of the Graduate School said.
Eligible faculty members must submit proposals and applications to the
research office, he said. The committee will meet Sept 22 and awards will be
announced Sept. 30.
The committee offered approximately 130 research grants to faculty
members in May. The grants are to be used this year
All research grants are made for the fiscal year. Sept I through Aug 31.
Any funds which have not been used by the researcher must be returned to the
general fund of the university at the end of the fiscal year
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Winingham, Ralph. The North Texas Daily (Denton, Tex.), Vol. 61, No. 3, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 1, 1977, newspaper, September 1, 1977; Denton, TX. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth332445/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.