Community Corner
Rec Center Climbing Wall Reopens, Injured Climber Returns to Class: Daily Iowan Reader, January 22
Also inside: Iowa City City Council to discuss school district policy proposals tonight, IC takes part in MLK Day of Service, Hawkeyes improve on defense.
Rec Center climbing wall reopens today, injured climber returns to class
Spencer Bean climbed up another hold on the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center’s 52.5-foot rock wall. He was about 30 to 40 feet high. Then he lost his grip.
The experienced climber said one thought flashed through his brain after he began to fall: “Oh boy, something is not right.”
“After 30 seconds, I tried to get up and I just couldn’t,” the UI senior said. “I remember having a paralyzing pain in my back.”
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After more than two months recovering from the nearly paralyzing fall on the evening of Nov. 8, Bean will return to classes today. And though the University of Iowa’s popular rock wall will also reopen today — it has been closed since his unexplained fall — Bean still has a while to go before he can return to climbing.
Before the accident, Bean, a rock-climbing instructor at the Rec Center, climbed the structure several times a week. He landed on his back, suffering several injuries, including two crushed vertebrae, which nearly paralyzed him.
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Associate Director of UI Recreational Services Wayne Fett said that after the climbing wall was immediately closed, two firms were hired to determine the safety and security of the wall and new procedures have been put into place.
The cause of the accident and cost of the two investigations were still unknown as of Monday evening. Rock-climbing training for Rec Center staff resumed Jan. 18.
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Iowa City City Council to discuss school district policy proposals tonight
The Iowa City School District will vote on highly-contested policies next week.
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Support rises from both parties to legalize medical marijuana in Iowa
A bill proposed on Jan. 16 by Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, aims to legalize marijuana use for those considered to have chronic illnesses.
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UI Dance Marathon funds programs to support patients and families
This April, the Dance Marathon allocations committee will meet to discuss proposals for funding.
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Iowa City organizations help the community on MLK Day of Service
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Hawkeye wrestlers prove their sport is still a team effort
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Family atmosphere helps Hawkeye swimmers excel
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Editorial: Medical marijuana good for patients
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