Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (July 30, 1998)
j McMenamin’s friends, family move on after Gabel’s release By Sarah Baker Senior Reporter Mistakes are not something most people wish for. But for Bernadette McMenamin, a mistake could change everything. Martina McMenamin, Berndette’s only daughter, was stabbed to death July 25, 1995 in her south Lincoln apartment. Two weeks ago charges against Gregory Gabel, McMenamin’s alleged killer, were dismissed because of new DNA evidence. “I dread to think there might be another crime, but I’m hoping that somewhere along the line (the killer) made a mistake,” McMenamin said. McMenamin said she has been in limbo for the past three months, waiting to hear the new DNA test results. “We knew these results would either clinch it or make something else happen,” she said. “You just didn’t know. It could have gone either way.” Once she heard the DNA sample didn’t match Gabel’s, McMenamin said there was one question on her mind. “I wanted to know what was going to happen to him,” she said. “And I also felt there was absolutely nothing I could do.” Sarah Bognich, Tina’s roommate at the time of the murder, said she felt much of the same. “It was starting all over again,” Bognich said. “I was hoping it would be over soon so I could really move on, but now we’re back at the beginning. I don’t know what to do any more.” Gabel was arrested and charged in 1996 after investigators matched DNA in his blood sample to DNA in a single blonde hair found in McMenamin’s hand. The new DNA tests proved the hair did not match Gabel’s DNA. Lancaster County Attorney Gary Lacey said he had received only a few calls from concerned Lincoln citizens. “Everything I have heard has been positive except for a couple of people who wanted to know how to protect themselves,” Lacey said. “I advised them to use ordinary cau tion.” Bognich said she was scared “a little” at first after Gabel’s release. “Nothing has happened to me this far, so I’m not worried,” she said. “I just plan to keep doing what I have been doing, keep hoping, and appreciate the friends I do have.” McMenamin said she thought Lincoln residents should feel secure. “This isn’t some evil person who watches people,” she said. McMenamin also said she didn’t think University of Nebraska 66 I was hoping it would be over soon so I could really move on, but now we re back at the beginning Sarah Bognich Tina McMenamin’s roommate Lincoln students had much to fear. “I think it’s pretty safe,” she said. “Tina appealed to this person. She couldn’t change her appearance, walk or laugh, or any of those sec ondary, unspoken features she had.” McMenamin said she hoped to see something materialize in the case, but ironically said she hoped it isn’t any time soon. “I could use six months of noth ing just to recuperate,” she said. Bognich said she had one hope for the future of the case. “I want someone to be caught so I know, the people of Lincoln know, and her family knows that that per son is off the streets and it won’t happen again.” Union expansion nears completion By Jessica Flanagain Staff Reporter The renovations to Nebraska Union are very near completion, and most areas should be open for student use by November 1998, according to Brad Muehling, project manager for the Nebraska Union renovations “All of the areas frequented by stu dents should be substantially completed before the spring semester,” Muehling said. Muehling went on to explain, that substantially completed does not mean all construction will be finished. “We will still be working through our punch lists and fine-tuning the details, but the areas will be in working condition for student use,” he said. Muehling has been working with this project as Assistant Project Manager since construction began, and assumed the position of Project Manager about a month and a half ago when Larry Blake left the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for another position. Once the renovations are complete, students will enjoy several new study areas, a TV lounge, expanded meeting rooms, an improved Student Involvement office, an art lounge, a convenience store that will essentially be added onto the University Bookstore and an auditorium. “The Auditorium is one of the hall maiks of the building that everyone will love,” said Rachelle Setsodi, Communication Relations Manager for Facilities Management and Planning. “It will be available for programs put on by student groups.” The auditorium will have 250 the ater seats with retractable desks, and will also have an area to accommodate mov able tables and chairs to seat an addition al 75 individuals, according to Nebraska Union Director Daryl Swanson. Muehling explained that much of the renovation entailed replacing exist ing electrical service to the building, performing complete mechanical reno vation, modifying air handling units, alarm systems, fire sprinklers, making an improved loading dock area, and installing a state of the art fiber-optics system, which includes a central telecommunications room. Another addition is an art lounge, to be managed by the Student Involvement Office, which will assigmand oversee exhibits. “We envision eventually bringing in traveling exhibits, but for now the stu dent gallery from Richards Hall will relocate here until the renovations there are complete ” Swanson declared “We don’t want to limit this exhibit to tradi tional concepts of art” The total projected cost as of now is $13.47 million, instead of $12.67 mil lion as originally expected. The addi tional $800,000 was granted by the Board of Directors for the purpose of asbestos removal, Swanson explained « We will still be working through our punch lists and fine- \ tuning the details, . but the areas will be ’ in working condition for student use” Brad Meuhling project manager Swanson said $940,000 was allot ted for the plaza area, which includes a new water feature. According to Swanson, the Chancellor made the deci sion that the new water feature will still be called Broyhill Fountain. Upon completion the expansion will have added 55,000 square feet of new space and revamped 66,000 square feet of existing space, he said. The renovations to the Nebraska Union will be completely funded by stu dent fees, Swanson said. Beginning this fall an additional $20 per student, per semester will be added to student fees, Swanson con firmed. These fees should pay for the structure in itfc entirety in approximate ly 20 years. I We make house calls - Free estimates - Mac or PC (402) 628-2221 Resumes, curriculum vitae written 1(lv. msg. & we’ll call & printed while you watch. Term back hippity-hop!) papers, theses, dissertations edited, Hours 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. formatted & laser printed. Your choice (402) 628-2222 fax of MLA, APA, AP or Chicago styles. ironclad@navix.net Low rates, high quality, fast work. $€... ■ ■ We note typing* service) [ ^x>nM>MMHH.nHxxKMxnn.nm^ n End your Summer with a Laugh-a-Minute Farce N s NOISES OFF | g by Michael Frayn M directed by Bob Hall g g/u/y 29-August 8 H Howell Theatre H /Jrsf floor Temple H |J Student Tickets Just $5 M made possible by Summer Sessions, g jj University Program Council, N JJ and die College of Fine and Performing Arts ! S S NEBRASKA REPERTORY THEATRE S Ca// -4 72-20 73(or tickcts-Tcmplc Bldg- 12th ARSts IkHxuniunxiHXMuniHHHijix/ Grassy Groves A University Program Council Production Presents Plain Label String Thursday, July 30th, 12-1 pm the Nebraska Union and Administration Bldg. $1.00 Join us for UPC’s Movies on the Green on August 5th around 9 p.m. for Dirty Dancing. We will be located on the green area North of Kimball Hall. Free qJnnjS&L pop and popcorn for everyone. -