St. Valentine's Day Murders at NIU

Not forgetting that horrible day, 16 years ago yesterday, February 14, 2008, when a gunman (whose name won't be mentioned) stormed into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and killed five students and wounded many others before doing the right thing finally and killing himself.

This hit Liz and me especially hard since we are both graduates of that school.

Not Forgetting.

15th Anniversary of NIU Valentine's Day Murders

Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary since the five students were murdered and a whole bunch wounded on campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.  It took place on Valentine's Day.  A murderer entered Cole Hall and opened fire.

I must admit it had slipped my mind until I saw a couple TV news segments on it.  One was about a student who was wounded and the other was about the professor who was teaching the class in geography (which was my minor) who was also wounded.

I was glad that neither show mentioned the killer's name.  I don't think the killers should ever have their name publicized.  Just refer to them as the killer or murderer.

Liz and I were eating dinner at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, when we saw video on TV of what looked like NIU's campus.  The sound was off,  but the information was running across the bottom.  We were shocked and paying attention.  Our friend Gayle was a student there and another couple at K.C.'s was very concerned as their daughter went to Northern.

A sad time then and just this past Monday night three more students were killed at Michigan State.  At least this killer (and I notice they don't give his name most of the time) had the decency to, like NIU's killer, end his own life.

Those Slain at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on February 14, 2008

Five students were killed that day:

Catalina Garcia, 20 of Cicero

Julianna Gehant, 32 if Mendota

Ryanne Mace, 19 of Carpentersville

Daniel Parmenter,  20 of Westchester

Gayle Dubowski, 20 of Carol Stream

14th Anniversary of NIU Murders

This took place on February 14, 2008, and happened at the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

A murderer came to campus and killed five students and wounded another 17 before doing the right thing and killing himself.  It is too bad that all the murderers in these instances don't do that.

The murders took place at 3:05 p.m. Central Standard Time at Cole Hall.

A sad time for NIU and also for alumni like Liz and myself.

Not Forgetting.  

A Sad Day in NIU History: 12 Years Ago, the Murders

The murderer came into Cole Hall, a massive lecture hall at approximately 3:05 CST and began his killing and wounding.  There were 120 students in there and by the time he killed himself, five students were dead.

It is now 2:55 pm, so just about the correct time that long ago.

We were at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, having dinner when we saw what looked like NIU's campus on TV.  The sound was down but eventually they had a caption at the bottom saying what had happened.

We saw it at the same time as another couple who really got worried because their daughter was there.  Fortunately she was okay as she called them soon after we saw it.  We also had a friend by the name of Gayle who was a grad student there, but we found out she was alright as well.

We'll be wearing our NIU clothes today with the black ribbons showing out support and memories.

A Horrible Event.

JSIS: Two NIU People Killed in Aurora-- Alabama Omits Lincoln-- Super Snow Moon

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff.

1.  TWO NIU PEOPLE KILLED IN AURORA--  As if Valentine's Day isn't bad enough fot Northern Illinois University, because of the five murders 11 years ago, but the day after it this year, two people with NIU connections were murdered by another gunman,  Trevor Wehner was starting his internship in preparation for his May graduation and alumnus Clayton Parker were both killed.

2.  ALABAMA OMITS LINCOLN--  Monday was Presidents' Day and Alabama did not include Abraham Lincoln.  Some called it racism, but it was actually a Yankee thing.  By the way, I didn't know Presidents' Day was a day to honor all presidents, not just Washington and Lincoln.

3.  SUPER SNOW MOON--  The last two nights were almost as bright as daylight because of it.  No sneaking through the blockade these last two nights.

Thinking About Millard Fillmore.  --RoadDog

NIU Valentine's Day Killings: 11th Anniversary

Yesterday marked the 11th anniversary of a very sad day in Northern Illinois University history when a lone gunman murdered five students and wounded seventeen more.  At least he did the decent thing and killed himself.

We were at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring grove, Illinois, and had just gotten their burger special when we saw on the TV screen video of what appeared to be the NIU campus.  There was no sound on at the time, but eventually the words NIU shootings came across the screen.

We were shocked.  It was one of those, well, it happens elsewhere, but not here moments.

February 14, 2018.

Ten Years Ago, the NIU KIllings

It is hard to believe that ten years ago the unthinkable happened at Northern Illinois University.  A deranged murderer walked into a Cole Hall lecture class and opened fire.

Five young lives were snuffed out and seventeen other students were  wounded.

We were at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, when we saw video of the shootings and recognized some of the buildings.  The sound was off.

I never thought it would happen at Northern. If you'd like to read my other postings on the horrible event, click on the NIU Shootings label.

Not Forgotten.

February 14, 2008: Murder At NIU

This Valentine's Day also marks the anniversary nine years ago when a fiend entered a classroom at Northern Illinois University and opened fire, killing five innocent students and wounding another 17.  He was at least good enough to then turn the gun on himself.

I'll never forget it.  Liz and I were having a Valentine's dinner at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, when we saw video on the TV.  The sound was off and soon we remarked that the video looked like it was at NIU in DeKalb.

Then we saw writing at the bottom of the TV which said it was NIU and that shootings had occurred.  We were shocked as were everyone else in the place, especially one couple who had a child going to Northern.  they were even more worried when they couldn't get through to her at first, but then got a call from her.

They were very much relieved to say the least.

A Sad Time.

Valentine's Day Murders on NIU Campus, Eight Years Ago Today

And we haven't forgotten it.  We were at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, in the afternoon and had just ordered hamburgers when we looked at the TV screen and remarked to each other, "Man, that sure looks like the NIU campus."

The sound was off, but eventually we saw the words saying there had been murders at NIU's campus in DeKalb.  A whole bunch of people in the bar started watching and one couple got very concerned, saying they had a child there.  They tried to call, but couldn't get through.

A heavily-armed outsider entered Cole Hall and opened fire on the class in session there, killing 5 and wounding another 21.  I know his name, but will not ever use it as I don't think mass murderers' names should ever be used.

At least he did do something right in his life and killed himself.

We wore Northern Illinois stuff when we went out earlier today.

Not Ever to be Forgotten.

Eighth Anniversary of the NIU Murders on Saturday

Five students at Northern Illinois University (my alma mater) were shot to death on February 14, 2008, in shootings that began at 3:05 p.m..  Liz and I first learned of it while at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove when we saw film from DeKalb and thought it was neat to get some publicity for a change until we found out what had happened.  (The sound was off at K.C.'s.)

Killed that day:

Catalina Garcia, 20, of Cicero
Juliana Gehant, 32, of Mendota
Ryanne Mace, 19, of Carpentersville
Daniel Parmenter, 20, of Elmhurst
Gayle Dubowski, 20, of Carol Stream

Twenty others were wounded.

The murderer was decent enough to kill himself.  Law enforcement officials collected 48 shell casings and 6 shotgun shells.

I do not know why media continues to identify the murderer.  As far as I am concerned, he had no name or family.

Should Remain Nameless.

JSS: Senior Moment-- Recall, Oil Change & Rotation-- K.C.'s Cabin-- NIU St. Valentine's Day Massacre-- NIU Memories-- Gas Gouge-- WBRF

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  SENIOR MOMENT--  On the way over to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, I turned accidentally into the American Legion parking lot and was wondering why I was in that parking lot.  Then I remembered, I wasn't going there.  What was it that the trooper said back on that old "Please Mr. Custer" song?

2.  RECALL, OIL CHANGE & ROTATION--  We took the '11 Malibu over to Ray Chevrolet for the Chevy Recall, an oil change and tire rotation.

3.  K.C.'S CABIN--  While waiting for the '11 to be finished, we drove the '03 Malibu to K.C.'s Cabin for their buy one, get one breakfasts.  Great deal.  The two of us ate for $12 including coffee and Coke.

4.  NIU ST. VALENTINE'S MASSACRE--  It dawned on us that we were at K.C.'s Cabin on Feb. 14, 2008, when we saw NIU on TV.  Unfortunately, it was because of the murders of five students.

5.  NIU MEMORIES--  On the way home, we were listening to 103.9 FM, the Fox and they played "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin.  That reminded us of NIU's Tune Room at the University Center where that song often played back in 1969-1970.  That reminded us of the Pow-Wow Room next to it where most fraternities would claim a table for the day a good place to meet friends in between (and during) classes.

6.  GAS GOUGE--  Gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was up to $2.49.  That is a 27 cent increase since Thursday!!
 
7.  WBRF--  I am listening to Classic Country 98.1 FM in Galax, Virginia, right now on the internet.  I always listen to it while driving back and forth to North Carolina.  Some really fine country oldies music.  They are talking about cold with lows near 18 degrees tonight and windchill watches Saturday-Sunday as low as 20-25 below zero.

"What Am I Doing Here?"  --RoadDog

It Was Deja Vu All Over Again: K.C.'s and Stabbings in Texas

Went over to pick up our taxes yesterday and then drove to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and played some NTN.  On the way home, we stopped at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove (corner of 173 and Wilmot) and enjoyed their sandwich special.  Buy one, get one free.  And, all their food is outstanding, especially their burgers.

I got a half pound cheddar, bacon, bbq burger and fries for $7.95.

We hadn't been there since a little over five years ago.  The last time there, we were watching TV when they started showing video taken at Northern Illinois University, our old college.  This is when that unmentionable murdered five students and wounded twenty others.

Tonight on the TV, we saw where another unmentionable had stabbed 14 students at Lone Star College CyFair in Cypress, Texas.  That sent shivers down our spines.

It seemed strange that this happened the next time we went there.

Too Close to Home.

It Was a Sad Day for NIU Five Years Ago

We were at a local place, K.C.'s Cabin here in Spring Grove, Illinois, preparing to place an order when we looked up at the TV and saw scenes on the news from what looked to be our old school, Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.  The sound was down and we continued to watch until we knew for a fact it was indeed NIU.

It continued and we saw police and rescue people running about and knew it was anything good.  It wasn't.

Five students were murdered that day for doing nothing more than going to class, what they were supposed to do.  At least the killer had the decency to end his own life as well.  He, whose name will not be mentioned and best forgotten.

THE DEAD

Catalina Garcia, 20
Juliana Gehant, 32
Ryanne Mace, 19
Daniel Parmenter, 20
Gayle Dubowski

Mr. Parmenter was even enrolled in the class, but was there as a surprise Valentine's Day for his girlfriend.  He died shielding her.

Seventeen others were wounded.

We went to Northern a few days afterwards and I wrote about what we saw.  Click on the NIU Shootings label and scroll down to ATrip to NIU for my three entries.

I was glad that Cole Hall, where the murders took place, was not torn down, but still stands after many renovations.  Outside of it is the "Forward, Forever Forward (from the school fight song) Memorial and Garden.  Picture to the left.

It Was a Sad Day.

A Shock at Virginia Tech

Sitting in Donovan's Reef yesterday, I was shocked to see news of shootings at Virginia Tech again. Four years ago they had the 30+ murders. And now, again, deaths at the college.

Not much was known at the time, but now, apparently, a university cop made a traffic stop. Someone else ran up and killed him then killed themselves. It was not another mass-slaying.

This hits home for me especially because of the Valentine's Day murders at my old school, Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, where five students were killed.

Murders on campus were something that never entered my mind when I was at college. And, I went through the Kent State Riots and anti-war movement.

Northern has since had a shooting and two murders on different occasions.

Not the Same World. --RoadDog

JSS: Finally Rain-- New Place in Town-- Boating-- The Dog's Back

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. FINALLY, RAIN-- After three weeks of lots of threatening, but very little rain, we got rain all last night until a few hours ago. At first it was heavy, then a much-needed soaking. Sure needed it as the Chain of Lakes was getting way down.


2. NEW PLACE IN TOWN-- Took advantage of a coupon and went to a new business here in Spring Grove, Illinois, the Dill Pickle, and had breakfast. Until several months ago it was MVP's (Most Valuable Pizza). They built a free-standing building, but in a very short stretch along US-12, we had four pizza places: Billy's, Tommy's, Bacchi's and MVPs.

However, there wasn't a place to go in town for breakfast. Now we have one and that food is delicious. I had a Mediterranean omelet and Liz a country-fried steak and egg.

3. BOATING-- Hoping to get out in an hour or so for our 15th time out this season. Hoping to get out 40 times, but between the trip last week and the always-threatening to rain weather, we're a bit behind. Plus, today Gasoline Alley on Grasslake has $1 Miller bottles.


4. THE DOG'S BACK-- A couple days ago on the JSIS entry, I reported that Media Hound at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb had been stolen. It was one of about 40 Huskie (our mascot) statues that had been placed around campus, town and Sycamore in the summer after the Valentine Day slayings back in 2008.

This statue, called "Snappy" was dressed as a 1940s reporter with fedora, press pass and old-fashioned camera and was located outside the NIU media building.

Good news, "Snappy" was found Wednesday in the bushes at an off-campus apartment complex. It will be returned to its former site, but security will be greater.

Great to Have the Dog Back. --RoadDog


REMEMBER WHEN we played 45s on HiFis?

Another Shooting at NIU

I see that there was another shooting on the campus of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. This one apparently was by one of the dorms and took place outside. One person was wounded and the suspect is in custody.

Classes are still scheduled for today.

But, this coming so near the second anniversary last weekend of that horrible St. Valentine's event, just gives cause to think.

RoadDog

Sad Anniversary at NIU

One year ago, five students at Northern Illinois University were killed at Cole Hall, shocking both the student body and people across the nation.

Today, the university sponsored many activities for remembrance including a short service at the site a short distance east of Cole Hall that will become a permanent memorial in the future, featuring five large granite stones with the names of the slain and the individual words that are used in connection with the event "Forward, Together, Forward, Together, Forward", one word on each stone. Twenty trees will be planted around the site, plus there will be benches in front of the stones for reflection.

As of yet, nothing has been done with Cole Hall, which sits empty. Room 101, where the killings took place, will never be used again, but the other lecture hall will. I think part of Room 101 should be turned into a museum of the event with the signature papers and items left at the temporary grave markers set up by the student center.

Tonight, there will be a candlelight vigil held.

One can only wonder what the family of the killer are thinking on this day.

A Sad Remembrance.

NIU Planning Feb. 14th Observance

This Feb. 14th will mark the one year anniversary of the murders of five students on the campus of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb last Valentine's Day.

Gayle Dubowski, 20
Catalina Garcis, 20
Juliana Gehant, 32
Ryanne Mace, 19
Daniel Parmenter, 20

Sixteen others were injured.

NIU President John Peters said a "dignified and simple" observation will be held that day, beginning with a 10:30 AM memorial ceremony at the Convocation Center, an opportunity to view the thousands of objects sent by people from across the country and a candlelight vigil at 6:30 PM at MLK Commons.

The future site of the memorial and artist renderings of it will be shown. Also, there will be a luncheon for the first recipients of the Forward Together Forward Scholarship Fund which was set up to honor the slain. Up to five students will receive $4,000 scholarships.

This was especially difficult for my wife and me because we are both alumni.

That Was a Sad Time Indeed. --RoadDog

Running Out of Time-- NIU Memorial Committee

We're approaching the third month anniversary of the horrible events that took place at my alma mater, Northern Illinois University in Dekalb on February 14th.

April 29th will be the cut-off date for sending the NIU Memorial Committee your ideas for a fitting memorial to the slain and wounded. So far, they have received over 100 ideas ranging from fountains, landscaped gardens to statues. Many have the slogan "Forward, Together Forward" which is taken from the school fight song.

The committee consistes of about 30 students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The memorial, whatever shape it will take, does not have to be very expensive. Virginia Tech only spent $30,000 on theirs.

It is hoped to have it completed by Feb. 14, 2009.

You can give your idea at memorial@niu.edu.

From April 22nd Daily Herald.

I am suggesting that permanent crosses be erected on the berm by the student center where the temporary ones were placed after the event.

Forward, Together Forward. --RoadDog