ARKATECH THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923
THE
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY // THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 • VOL. 93 NO. 17
Master plan: student focused, updating TAYLOR BLEAKLEY
Contributing Writer
Tech plans to improve campuses with a 10 month master planning process that will act as a “road map for the future,” according to the Tech master planning webpage. For the next eight months, the university will offer a variety of opportunities for the Tech community to express opinions and provide feedback about the Russellville campus, Ozark campus
(PLAN page 4)
Game,3D Design building complete
SUBMITTED
The master planning schedule is broken down into a time frame of production to finalization so the plan can begin.
News briefs THURSDAY
BRIANNA DAVIS
Staff Writer
The renovation of the new Game and 3D Design building at 1111 N. Arkansas Ave., across the street from McDonalds, is complete. The building will be used for students in upper level classes for the game and interactive media design degree. Classes, like senior team projects and animation,
(GAMING page 4)
JENN TERRELL/THE ARKA TECH Christina Julme will be speaking at a TedTalk‑“Women = All Women: Why we should all be intersectional feminists.”
Ted Talk: Why be an
intersectional feminist
ELEXIS HARPER
Staff Writer
Christina Julme, a graduate student at Arkansas Tech University, will be speaking at a TedTalk presentation on Friday, March 10
from 3-4 p.m. in Doc Bryan 242. The presentation is entitled “Women = All Women: Why we should all be intersectional feminists,” and will focus on
(TED TALK page 4)
Award-winning debate and forensics team will host national tournament ARKA TECH
Staff Contribution Arkansas Tech and the university’s award-winning debate and forensics team will serve as host March 23-27 for the 20th Annual International Public Debate Association National Tournament and Convention. The tournament is expected to attract as many as 500 debaters from across the country, said Dr. Gabriel Adkins, associate professor of communication and director of debate and forensics at Tech. “We were originally scheduled to host next year but the association bumped us up to host the 20th celebration,” Adkins said. “That’s because they knew we would do a good job.” Hosting the national tournament and convention is more than just an honor, he added. ‘Yes, this is a huge feather in our cap, but more than that, it really demonstrates where we are
in the debate community.” Adkins noted the Tech squad is a relative newcomer to IDPA. Having joined IDPA in 2013, “we’re still one of the new programs in the association. But we have become one of the top teams in the association. Hosting this tournament is a direct result of that and it also really demonstrates the trajectory our program is moving in.” The Tech squad is no newcomer this year to competition. Several of Tech’s debate and forensics students will be competing in the national tournament, which makes the ninth tournament of the year for Tech’s students. There are also opportunities for Tech’s non-debaters to be a part of the tournament. Adkins said students who need service hours should consider serving as a volunteer during the tournament. “We are not looking for someone to work all day, but we will need people who can give us a couple
MEET THE NEW VP FOR STUDENT SERVICESONLINE AT ARKATECHNEWS.COM
SUBMITTED
Debate and forensics team members, shown here following a strong showing at John Brown University. of hours here or a couple of hours there” to help the tournament run smoothly. Anyone interested in volunteering for the tournament can contact Adkins at gadkins@atu.edu. Adkins said there are multiple benefits for Tech and the community as a result of serving as tournament host. For his students, Adkins said, “this experience offers them an inside view of what it takes to put on a national tournament. That is resume worthy experience.” Among those 500 students will be a number of community college stu-
dents who will be looking at Tech as a possible place to continue their education. In addition, he said, there is the impact of the local economy, as the students fill up local hotels and eat at local restaurants. “It is a great honor for Tech to be hosting the national IDPA tournament,” Anthony Caton, head of the Department of Communication and Journalism, said. “Dr. Adkins is to be congratulated for his work in bringing hundreds of students together for the tournament.”
WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES- PAGE 8
Works on Paper: David & Eve Mudrinich – Visit Norman Art Gallery from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view exhibits with drawings and prints by both historic and contemporary artists. Somehow I Manage: Michael Scott’s Guide to Leading Students as a Student- Learn from The Office how to be a better leader to your peers at 5 p.m. in Doc Bryan 105. Perfectionism Workshop – Learn how to identify and manage various manifestations of perfectionism and its effects at 5-8 p.m. in the library. 2nd International Film Festival – Go to Ross Pendergraft Library, Room 300 North, at 7 p.m. to watch “English Vinglish,” an English and Hindi movie.
FRIDAY
Works on Paper: David & Eve Mudrinich – Visit Norman Art Gallery from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to view exhibits with drawings and prints by both historic and contemporary artists. TedTalk: We Should All Be Feminists – What does it really mean to be a feminist? Find out with graduate student Christina Julme at 3 p.m. in Doc Bryan 242. Interdisciplinary Research Series –Hear from Dr. Jordan Thibodeaux on the self-talk and motivation in youth tennis at 3:30 p.m. Brown Hall 134.
SATURDAY
Women’s Leadership Conference – Those who signed up can join the women of Arkansas Tech at a conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rothwell Hall. Delta Zeta Alumnae Reunion – Celebrate 40 years of sisterhood with Delta Zeta at 12-3 p.m. in Williamson Dining Hall. Meals are $15 per person.
MONDAY
Works on Paper: David & Eve Mudrinich – Visit Norman Art Gallery from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to view exhibits with drawings and prints by both historic and contem-
porary artists. Tech’s Got Talent Auditions – Think you have what it takes? Auditions will be held from 6-9 p.m. in Doc Bryan Lecture Hall.
TUESDAY
Works on Paper: David & Eve Mudrinich – Visit Norman Art Gallery from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to view exhibits with drawings and prints by both historic and contemporary artists. Free and Local: Small Business Marketing – Learn about practical and low-cost marketing techniques from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Rothwell Hall. How to Prepare an Academic Poster for Presentation – Learn how to create an academic poster, including the misconceptions and oversights, at 3 p.m. in Rothwell 207. 2nd International Film Festival – Go to Ross Pendergraft Library, Room 300 North, at 7 p.m. to watch the Spanish movie, “La Misma Luna.” ATU Jazz Ensemble Concert – Listen to Tech’s Jazz Ensemble perform at 7:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium.
WEDNESDAY
Safe Spring Break Health and Wellness Fair – Make sure your spring break will be safe and fun. Stop by Young Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch with a Leader: Engineering – Hear from Mr. Horton, nuclear plant aficionado at 12 p.m. in Doc Bryan 242. Musician Dan Henig – Hear Dan Henig perform acoustic rap coves that have been featured on College Humor at 8 p.m. in BazTech. The 2017 Arkansas Tech University Senior Honors and Student Research Symposium- The Senior Honors Symposium will be held in Pendergraft 300 North, and the Student Research Symposium will be held in Pendergraft 300 South.
SAVE THE HABITAT, SAVE THE HUNT - PAGE 5
PAGE 2 | Opinion
The real reason to go to college
EZEKIEL MASCUILLI/THE ARKA TECH
For students, college should not be about getting a better job or going because your parents made you. College should be about bettering yourself by the experiences and knowledge you gain. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 74.6 percent of students go to college looking for a better job. The problem with having this mentality is that 67.7 percent get a job with their degree but this statistic includes minimum wage. After collecting debt from college, the last thing most people want is less money to pay for it. The other 32.3 percent either don’t get a job or get a job in something other than their degree, most at minimum wage. This is one reason why you should go to college for you. By exploring new ideas, meeting people and adventuring to new places, a person can add to their knowledge bank and have additional tools to choose from, like the friend who creates amazing art can give you an alternative view using white space. This in turn leads to a better job than a degree alone. College is about the journey, the support you have, the lessons you learn and the choices you make. Let the journey be yours. According to the National Journal, 66 percent of students go to college because their parents, who are college graduates, make them. The average 4-year college retention rate in Arkansas is 70.9 percent, which is above the national average but this means that 29 percent of your classmates, or 1 in 4, won’t graduate. The number three reason students stop going to college is because family issues become “a huge stressor and burden in their life,” according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. This is the most important reason why you should go to college for your-
Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al
[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest. self. Your family will always be there, they will always need your help or give support and you will always be there for them but you need to figure out you. By figuring out what classes we do or do not like, helps us to narrow down what we want to really graduate as. By failing we realize that a certain area is not a good choice for a class (though some are mandatory) let alone a degree. By making friends, joining groups, being awkwardly social, we make a network of people that hopefully help us become better. Through all of this comes the better job, the better opportunities and the life long connections because we went to college for us, not our parents or to get a better job. By making connections, joining groups, clubs and organizations, getting involved on campus and in the community, that above all else is what you carry away with you long after college. Don’t spin the wheel of the unknown; make a foundation of a better you. This does mean you still have to go to class and engage in more than the minimum to get a full experience and understanding because you are better than the minimum. You deserve more than the minimum college experience, you deserve a better you.
I smell a Ratt: Iconic rock band battles over name RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer Music and lawsuits seem to go hand in hand nowadays. At any given moment, one of your favorite bands could wind up in a courtroom over a number of things. The most recent trend has been over rights to band names. While the most notable cases, such as Queensryche and Great White, have drawn some attention, none could compare to the ongoing battle over naming rights to the band, Ratt. It all started in 2015, when original drummer, Bobby Blotzer, announced that he had formed a Ratt tribute band called “Bobby Blotzer’s Ratt Experience.” While the group he had assembled featured good musicians, the name didn’t have the same effect or marketing power as just plain “Ratt.” This is where the wheels began turning. Within a matter of months, Blotzer shocked the rock world by announcing that he was going to tour with the tribute band under the “Ratt” name, with himself being the only original member. Many fans questioned how this could be legally possible. Years before all of this, a partnership was created amongst Blotzer, Warren DeMartini (original guitarist) and Stephen Pearcy (original vocalist), called WBS (Warren, Bobby, Stephen). Once Pearcy left the band, DeMartini and Blotzer were left with ownership of the name. Therefore, Blotzer was legally able to tour as “Ratt” with his recent
band...or so he thought. After a long legal battle, it was determined that WBS was not a valid partnership, because of a 1985 agreement made by the band members, stating that the name and trademark were owned by the band members, and could not be transferred without a unanimous vote. WBS left out, original bassist, Juan Croucier, who had not given approval for the name to transfer to the partnership. Once this judgement was made in court, Pearcy, DeMartini and Croucier expelled Blotzer from Ratt and took ownership of the name. Though Blotzer is still fighting the judgement, the other three members are currently performing as “Ratt,” and plan to release a follow-up to 2010’s “Infestation” record. Many fans, myself included, were happy to see Pearcy, DeMartini and Croucier take over, but I can’t blame Blotzer for wanting to tour as “Ratt.” It makes perfect business sense. There will be concert promoters and casual fans who aren’t aware that they’re only seeing one original member, and some just don’t care. With a band like “Ratt,” the hardcore fans will always know what’s going on, of course, but it’s the casual fans that account for most of the ticket sales to the festivals and casinos that bands frequent. That being said, I’ve never been
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
a fan of bands that consist of hired players and one original member. Regardless of who owns the name, it doesn’t do any favors for the band’s legacy, in my opinion. I see it as a rip off to the fans who think they’re paying to see the band that they know and love from albums and music videos. A name like “Bobby Blotzer’s Ratt Experience” tells you exactly what you’re going to get. But when that same band calls itself “Ratt,” that’s when I think it becomes dishonest.
After all of these judgements have been made, and all of the lawyers have been paid, what it amounts to is more time that’s been used for something other than making music. For these classic bands, the clock is ticking. They don’t have another 30 years left in them, and the more they fight, the less they play. I wonder what will mean more to them when they’ve stopped performing for good - who owned the name or what that name meant to music history?
Campus | PAGE 3
MAN ON THE STREET “WHY DID YOU PURSUE A HIGHER EDUCATION?”
“I want to live out on my own, make my own living, have my own money, have my own house, have my own car and one day have my own wife.” Kevin Ballard Nursing Memphis, TN
“I want to be a teacher. I have to have a college degree to do that.” Emily Hooks English Education Lavaca
“To better myself so I can help better others.”
Fees: Use what you pay for
AMBER QUAID
Managing Editor
Every student on campus pays fees when they pay for their classes and the fees can be confusing. Let me break it down for you in two ways: first, I will explain each fee, and second, I will show what it costs for an undergrad degree (this is 120 hours on average according to government guidelines). “All fees were [Arkansas Tech University] board approved and all students get charged these fees whether they are on campus or online,” Colleen Bennett, project/program specialist for the Student Accounts Office, said. All items listed are “free” because the student has already paid for them when they paid for classes.
ENA.COM
each semester. The Health and Wellness center is supported 100 percent by this fee, no additional income is given to this department. [Undergrad degree= $720]
only, not administrative. [Undergrad degree= $120]
gal standing to be a college. [Undergrad degree= $240]
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT FEE ($10.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)- This covers
TRANSCRIPT FEE ($2.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)- This fee covers
T E C H N O L O G Y every piece of equipment FEE ($11.00 PER in the classroom, whether HEALTH AND CREDIT HOUR)- you are in the actual classW E L L N E S S This covers items such as room or not, such as proFEE ($6.00 PER programs, software and jectors, desks and speaker CREDIT HOUR)- Wi-Fi usage. This is also systems. This fee is broken This covers treatment for minor illness, health education, health promotion, health maintenance, health history and physical assessment, first aid, which includes bandages and crutches, clinical laboratory procedures, women’s health services (which are on the second Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of every month from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) and prescriptions. This also covers 10 free visits to see a counselor per academic year. This does not include the gym, as that is a separate $25 fee that has to be paid
how the school pays for things like the new Banner system implemented in One Tech and Blackboard. This fee covers everything technology wise except for the actual equipment used (like computers). [Undergrad degree= $1320]
TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT FEE ($1.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)-
This covers all the equipment that uses technology, such as computers and routers, that are outside the classroom for academic purposes
down into two parts, $5 per credit hour goes to the previous stated academic needs, and the other $5 is used for general operating expenses for departments that create no revenue. [Undergrad degree= $1200]
a student getting as many copies of their transcript for free that they want at anytime, even after graduating. I know it may not seem like a big deal but other colleges charge $25 or more each time you want a transcript and when a person applies to get a job they may require transcripts and this mean you could be paying hundreds of dollars. For example: $25 times + 20 job applications = $500. [Undergrad degree= $240]
ASSESSMENT FEE ($2.00 PER CREDIT STUDENT SUPPORT HOUR)- This fee covers FEE ($2.00 PER the expense to keep up with CREDIT HOUR)state and government compliances, such as meeting certain regulations about safety, education and availability of needed instructional material. Basically, this fee keeps us in good le-
This fee allows students free access to all Tech sporting events on campus. It also covers Student Government Association
(FEES page 4)
Avery Bumb English Education Carlisle
“So I can support myself later on in life.” Angel Mapp Wellness and Fitness Conway
“I had the opportunity to go for basically free so I said why not.” Nicholas Holt Management and Marketing Fayetteville
“More education, more money.” Janae Jamison Nursing Conway
ANSWERS FOR MARCH 2
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
PAGE 4 | News
PLAN From Page 1
Kelsey
McClure Player of the week (Combined Stats)
• 36 points • .600 field goal percentage • 17 rebounds GAMING From Page 1 will be taught in this new building. “The Game and 3D Design building does not contain a computer lab,” Dawn Ward, the head of the department of art, said. “Instead, the building houses collaborative classroom space for student working on team based projects to meet and review their projects.” The building also contains a gaming space, a 3D printer and a motion capture studio for students and faculty to utilize. “The new building offers students and faculty a space for collaborative learning, where teams can work on concepts, rendering and 3D animation,” Ward said. “The students will benefit from working in this space as they would in a real world environment, which requires working
in teams to produce a final product.” Along with Ward, two other professors will be teaching classes in the new Game and 3D Design building. The professors are Dustin Simpson, assistant professor of game design and interactive media, and Jasmine Greer, assistant professor of game design. “I’m excited about the potential for 3D modeling and animation in the lab,” Greer said. “Professor Simpson has already begun teaching some of these things in his courses. It’s very exciting to offer new courses for students and see the fantastic artwork that comes out of the projects.” Though the renovation of this building is complete, students will not begin using it for a few weeks.
and Lakepoint conference center. The master planning process was set in motion January 2017 and is expected to be completed by October 2017. The master planning cochairs include Bernadette Hinkle, vice president for administration and finance, and Mohamed Abdelrahman, vice president for academic affairs. The process will be led by Polk Stanley Wilcox architects from Little Rock and Perkins and Will campus planners from Austin, Texas. “This plan is a critically important project for the university due to the condition of some of our most heavily used facilities, such as Witherspoon, McEver and Young,” Hinkle said. “We have competing priorities for major capital improvements to our facilities. We also recognize students want a student recreation
center, new housing, and outdoor classrooms and seating.” “We want the student perspectives about campus life to help influence and create the environments for students to want to stay and engage with each other instead of packing their bags and heading out of town on the weekends.” Six task forces have been created to offer specific topic-based input into the master planning process, and each task force is being led by faculty, staff and student representatives. The task forces include building/facility needs and space utilization, enhancing transportation and parking, improving technology infrastructure, creating sustainable campuses, integrating community and preserving campus heritage, and ensuring safety and security. Dr. Jeff Robertson, dean
of the college of natural and health sciences, interim dean of the college of business and professor of astrophysics, is participating in the master planning process as the task force chairperson for creating sustainable campuses and as a committee member for the task force assessing building and facility needs and space utilization. “My biggest concern is for the aging buildings and infrastructure on our campus,” Robertson said. “While the newer buildings are amazing, there are many more places on campus that do not reflect or speak to the academic excellence being practiced and delivered by faculty and pursued by students. Unfortunately, many of these places are where the majority of students and faculty spend the majority of their time as well.” Robertson said that
there were some of the obstacles that the master planning process faces. “Getting everyone to be engaged in the process for one,” he said. “Being able to truly prioritize things for another, to ensure we make significant progress, because there will always be more limited resources than we have money to implement. We want to make sure to spread priorities in such a way that something does not suffer at the expense of something else.” Students can provide feedback through the open forum on the website, attending upcoming master planning meetings and through contact with student representatives that are on the task forces. More information about the master planning process, schedule and task forces can be found online at atu.edu/ masterplanning.
FEES From Page 3 events (Homecoming and leadership conferences), the Student Activities Board events (comedians, guest speakers and the summer send off) and Campus Recreation, which offers numerous trips throughout the semester, free equipment rentals (hammocks, kayaks, bikes, etc.) and hosts intramurals. Currently, this is also paying back a loan to upgrade the intramurals area with lighting and bathrooms; last payment will be made this semester according to Amy Pennington, interim vice president for student services/dean of students. [Undergrad degree= $240] Reserve for this does get saved semester to semester so that it can be used for larger events.
ATHLETIC FEE ($10.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)- This is the newest of the fees, enacted Fall 2016, and covers all athletic programs.
Basically, this helps all campus sports exist. This fee was previously lumped into tuition costs but to become more transparent, the college voted to make this a separate fee so students would know exactly where the money was going, according to Linda Johnson, budget and special programs director. [Undergrad degree= $1200]
S T U D E N T COMMUNICATION FEE ($3.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)- This fee covers any in-
formation packets, brochures or postcards that need to be communicated to existing and future students. This is also what helps pay for your campus newspaper. [Undergrad degree= $360] There is an additional fee that could be on a student’s bill but there are certain conditions that must be met before it is applied.
DISTANCE LEARNING FEE ($10.00 PER CREDIT HOUR)- This fee is for online or
mixed technology classes only. If you have even one of these classes, you will be charged this fee. “We try to be very sensitive about the bottom line cost for a student because it’s not just tuition; it’s tuition, fees, books, and room and board,” Johnson said. “We try to be mindful of this when discussing fees or tuition increases because there are a lot of students that don’t have any help, and we get that. ” The Student Accounts Office, Student Services, budgeting and the Health and Wellness center provided the information for each fee. For more information about other fees, such as parking or Techfit (gym access), go online to http://www.atu. edu/stuaccts/tuitionfees.php.
TED TALK From Page 1 broadening the horizon of mainstream feminism. Kara Johnson, coordinator of leadership and service at Tech, said Julme’s goal is to “talk about issues facing women of color, LGBT women, race, class, sexual orientation, all those things.” Julme will be the only speaker but will use clips from another TedTalk to
demonstrate her points. She will be taking questions throughout the evening for those who have specific comments, concerns or topics they wish to have discussed. Johnson hopes students will “come to it with an open mind, just ready to learn more about how feminist issues are geared toward everybody,
not just white women or women in particular.” She also hopes students who may be hesitant to attend or are concerned about the topics being covered will attend anyway and learn more about intersectional feminism. “Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t go. I think it’s really important to keep your mind open,” Johnson said. “Y’know, you’re going to college, this is kind of the time for you to expand your thoughts on things, so why not go and learn some things and have a great time?” The event will be open to all students who wish to attend.
The Arka Tech
GENERAL POLICY
News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue. Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community. Contact the adviser for pricing of multiple copies.
CONTACT US Office: Energy Center 138 General email: arkatech@atu.edu Ads email: arkatech.ads@atu.edu
Editor-in-Chief: CLAUDIA YOUNG Managing Editor/ Layout Editor: AMBER QUAID
Online Editor: SAM HOISINGTON Copy Editor: AMBER APPLEBY Sports Editor: MATTHEW EMERY Assistant Layout Editor/ Editorial Cartoonist: EZEKIEL MASCUILLI Assistant Online Editor: ELEXIS HARPER Entertainment Writer: RYAN HARMON SportsWriter: RICCI LOGAN Staff Writers:
BRIANNA DAVIS facebook.com/arkatechnews/ facebook.com/arkatechnews/
GABBI CALABRESE
@arkatechnews @arkatechnews
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
THE
BRITTANY WALKER
ARKATECH Faculty Advisor: TOMMY MUMERT
THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL STUDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER SINCE SINCE 1923 1923 THE
THE
ARKATECH
Features | PAGE 5
Golden's Gunners: from our sound to the ground BAYLEE LINKER
Staff Writer
Arkansas Tech University’s Director of Strength and Conditioning Michael Golden has a hobby he clings to. Not only does Golden build strength in members of the athletic teams on the Tech’s campus, he also builds his own turkey hunting calls. Every chance he gets, he’s working on making the best sounding turkey hunting call that he can. Golden has been hooked on turkey hunting for a long time. “I remember the first time I went; I was instantly spoiled. I got the chance to hunt on a friend’s farm in North Carolina. I was called at 11:30 that night, and I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity. I said let’s go. We found the turkeys, called them down, put out the decoys, called the turkey up and boom. I made an awesome shot,” Golden said. “Once I was hooked, I was hooked. When that turkey came down off the tree and started gobbling, I thought it was a dinosaur because it was so loud. I’ll never forget it,” Golden said. The name of Golden’s turkey call company is Golden’s Gunners. Golden manufactures all the calls by himself. The company makes slate turkey calls as well as turkey box calls. Golden has been making calls for three years. Golden’s love of making turkey calls start when his father was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Golden moved to Florida to be closer to his father. At this point, his father had reached the part in his illness where he couldn’t get out much, and there wasn’t much he could do. His father had a workshop in his basement where he used to build furniture. “My father was a very talented man when it came to building that kind of stuff,” Golden said. Making the turkey hunting calls turned out to be something that Golden and his father got to do together. With his father being seriously ill, making the calls became a challenge, and they got to put their heads together and figure out. “After a bonfire of trials and tribulations, we finally made a great looking turkey call. It took time after time to get the perfect sounding call, but we finally figured it out and got it sounding good,” Golden said.
BAYLEE LINKER / THE ARKA TECH
ABOVE: Golden's Gunners slate call with logo on the side. LEFT: Michael Golden holds up a piece of packaging for his turkey calls. BELOW: Goldens Gunners box call with logo.
There are certain things a manufacturer of turkey hunting calls has to perfect. “It’s where the holes go and the depth of the holes. The wood doesn’t matter. It’s the design of the call. That’s what separates one person’s call from another,” according to Golden. The only help Golden receives while making the calls is from his children. Golden has five children: four girls and one boy. “They have become master sanders. Anytime they need money or have free time, they’ll come out and sand calls and help me prepare new calls. It’s a good part time job for them,” Golden said. Golden said his favorite type of call to make is the heirloom call. For this call, anyone can bring him a piece of wood that is special to them. “For example, a grandfathers’ barn that’s over a 100
years old. I can make a call out of a piece of that barn wood, if the piece is big enough. I have made some really nice calls from beautiful pieces of wood,” Golden said. “It’s my favorite because it means so much and its special to others. My kids and I love doing heirloom calls.” Golden wants to keep his business on the smaller side for now. “I would love to be a big business, but for now, I don’t want my company to lose what it is,” said Golden. He hasn’t had one person tell him his turkey call isn’t a good call. Right now the calls are publicized from word of mouth. He has students buy calls from him out of his office. Soon there will be a Golden’s Gunners website. “Every person that has bought a call says it’s the best sounding turkey call they’ve ever had. I don’t want to get to the point where I have to optimize the manufacturing side of the company,” said Golden.
Tech National Wildlife Turkey Federation conserving the hunt BAYLEE LINKER
Staff Writer
The members of the Arkansas Tech University- National Wildlife Turkey Federation have a unique way of spending their Saturday and Sunday mornings. Gobble, gobble. Imagine waking up to the dark starry sky, rushing to beat a hunter that is after the same bird as you. You wait until it’s the perfect amount of sunlight to locate that 4-year-old male turkey. He gobbles a long way off, and you start hiking after him. You sneak along the dewy green grass trying not to spook any turkeys near. You spot a tree that’s perfect for the day’s hunt, set your gun in your lap and cover every inch of skin that could possibly make you visible. Easing your call out of your vest, you try and be as discreet as you ever have. You’re ready for that big gobbler to sound off once more. You yelp like a female turkey a few times: Gobble, gobble, gobble. It’s the best thing you’ve heard all year. You feel your heart shake due to it beating so hard. You catch a glimpse of that bulging red head and you start trembling. Each time he gobbles, as he gets closer, you feel it in your chest; you can’t understand how that gobble isn’t shaking the leaves off the trees. Praying he comes close enough to shoot, you gently ease your gun up to shooting position. The big tom turkey lurks in the thicket nearly 25 yards away, and you have promised yourself when he clears that brushy areas, he’s yours. He takes his last gobble as a 4-year-old turkey. Boom. All you see is this huge bird flopping on the ground just steps away. You jump up off the tree you’ve been sitting next to for the past few hours to look at the prize you’ve just won. This is how NWTF students spend their weekend, waiting for that turkey. “Turkey hunting is something I was introduced to as a kid and have been addicted ever since,” said Brad Pike, fisheries and wildlife biology major from Mabelvale. Brad is the former president of the Arkansas Tech University chapter of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation. Tech’s chapter of NWTF has existed since 2013. There are about 20 members every semester here at Arkansas Tech University. According to the NWTF mission statement, they are dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting heritage. NWTF gives hunters the opportunity to save the habitat for turkeys across America, so the turkey population will continue to grow, and they can still enjoy the hunt. “By the early 1900s, turkeys had been
eliminated from large areas of the state. Regulations protecting turkeys were implemented, but turkey numbers continued to decrease. Turkeys probably reached their lowest point in history during the 1930s,” said the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Since 1973, when NWTF was founded, they have conserved over 350,000 acres of land, invested more than $15.5 million, spent more than $500,000 on conservation education projects for women and youth and facilitated the acquisition of over 2,000 acres of public hunting land and improved habitat on over 30 Wildlife Management Areas. The NWTF’s 10-year initiative is to conserve and enhance 4 million acres of critical upland habitat, recruit 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 additional acres for hunting, according to the NWTF website. With only being around for a few years, this organization on Tech campus has done several community projects. They hold trash pickups and habitat improvement projects with the National Wildlife Turkey Federation and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They also volunteer time during the youth hunts to take young children hunting. They share the passion they have for turkey hunting with the children, hoping that one day the children will love it just as much as they do. Recently, there has been a new ATUNWTF president that has taken office: Trey Broker, fisheries and wildlife agriculture major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He is “anxious to be a good leader in helping make Arkansas turkey hunting better every year.” “My goal as president would be to raise money and help make the turkey a more populous species here in Arkansas,” Broker said. In February of 2017, the ATU-NWTF held their once a year banquet in order to raise money for the conservation and habitat for Arkansas turkeys. With over 60 people attending the banquet, they raised over $5,000. The NWTF club wants other college students at Tech to join and help save the Arkansas turkey. “Joining the ATU-NWTF chapter was a great way for me to surround myself with likeminded individuals interested in turkey hunting, conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage,” former president Brad Pike said. The ATU-NWTF chapter revolves around connecting and exposing more people to the opportunities, experiences and heritage that hunting and conservation must offer. Broker said, “Save the habitat, save the hunt.” To find out more information about ATU-NWTF, go online to their Facebook page, “ATU-NWTF.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ATU-NWTF FACEBOOK
ABOVE: Current members of ATUNWTF at the 2017 banquet. LEFT: Fisheries and wildlife biology major Brad Pike's turkey on the ice chest. BELOW: Pike's turkey hung with pride by the ATU-NWTF sign.
Semi-Annual Clearance Sale
1/2 of 1/2 OFF
NOW IN PROGRESS Selected Footwear and Apparel All Sales Final.
Est. 1983
9:30-6:00 Mon.-Sat. • (479) 968-6464 2320 W. MAIN, Russellville
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
PAGE 6 | Entertainment
Nelson’s new single sets tone for album RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer
AMAZON.COM
The sound is unmistakable. Once you hear the haunting of that Martin classical guitar with a Baldwin pickup accompanying a jazzy, nasally voice, you know right away that you’re listening to Willie Nelson. Nelson proved his importance to the music world early in his career, so at this point, he doesn’t owe anyone anything, and he certainly doesn’t have to make any more records. So when he chooses to release new music, you can bet that it’s something he truly wanted to do. On April 28, “God’s Problem Child” will add to Nelson’s incredibly long list of releases. Though the musical direction of the album has been kept pretty vague, the first single, “A Woman’s Love,” sets the tone for what is likely to be another great album. Though the song was written by Mike Reid and Sam Hunter, Nelson makes it his own. His iconic vocal delivery and guitar playing convey a raw emotion like no one else could do. There’s a lot of warmth and space in the recording, putting Nelson right in the center, just as it should be. “A Woman’s Love” is one of six covers that Nelson chose for the album. Another that I very much look forward to hearing is his recording of Gary Nicholson’s “He Won’t Ever Be Gone,” a tribute to Nelson’s friend, the late Merle Haggard. Even with his unbeatable catalogue of original music, Nelson continues to write new songs. This record will feature seven songs co-written by Nelson. With titles like “Still Not Dead,” a humorous response to several death hoaxes about Nelson, it’s clear that the country legend still has fun with the creative process.
One shift, 12 hours, the life of a nurse AMBER APPLEBY
Copy Editor
AMAZON.COM
Nelson and his beloved guitar, Trigger, have been together through a musical journey that has spanned decades. Both have stories to tell about life, love, pain and the other emotions and experiences that we go through as human beings. And though it’s inevitable that one day the stories will come to an end, it’s comforting to know that we get to listen for just a little longer. For more information, visit www.willienelson.com.
'Before I Fall' leaves nothing to remember GABBI CALABRESE
Staff Writer
Some teen movies manage to capture the essence of growing up in a way that feels timeless and universal. Other teen movies, well...don’t. Unfortunately, “Before I Fall,” directed by Ry Russo-Young, falls into the latter category. I wanted to be blown away by this film, seeing as it is based off one of my favorite books by Lauren Oliver, but I was left with the feeling of being utterly unimpressed. “Before I Fall” introduces us to Samantha Kingston, a high school nerd-turned-popular girl, and her three best friends. They’re condescending, spoiled, and just plain rude to anyone who isn’t as attractive as them. One night, on their way back from a party, the girls get into
a horrible car crash. Samantha wakes up the next morning only to find that she is reliving the previous day over and over again, and nothing she does seems to help her. We follow Sam as she uncovers all the flaws hidden beneath her seemingly perfect life and learns how to be a decent human being again. Everything about this film feels superficial, even the parts that aren’t supposed to. With this plot, there’s so much room for depth and important questions about life, but none of those possibilities are addressed in a satisfying way. The story is more focused on making sure the protagonist makes out with the right guy before she must restart her day. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the romantic aspect, because I did. The sweet, innocent
JOBLO.COM
romance was probably my favorite part of the movie, but it shouldn’t have been. There were other scenes in the movie that I enjoyed (Sam snapping at her friends and flirting with a teacher and spending quality time
with her sister) but nothing that really stayed with me once the credits started rolling. Also, the ending is much too abrupt for my liking. Everything just seems to happen without sufficient explanation or closure. The whole movie is working toward this epic epiphany and heroic moment, but we don’t get the proper build-up as it’s happening, and suddenly, the movie is over. “Before I Fall” isn’t a bad film. There are entertaining bits and some amusing dialog. There is character growth. There are interesting relationship dynamics. However, “Before I Fall” is a forgettable film. I have a feeling this movie will not be considered a poignant tale of young adulthood. In fact, in ten years, I’m sure very few will remember this film exists.
Taylor Bennett steps out of his brother's shadow BRITTANY WALKER
Staff Writer
At 21 years old, with four years in the music game, Taylor Bennett has shown his ability to stand out as his own artist and not just as Chance the Rapper’s lookalike. Chance the Rapper is a GRAMMY award-winning artist and Taylor Bennett’s brother. There are a lot of similarities between the two brothers, but Taylor took “Restoration of an American Idol” and made it his own by using EDM beats with summertime feels and piano-fused songs that complete his low octave vocals. On their track together, “Grown Up
Fairytales,” you can hear the little differences between the two as Chance takes a higher pitch in his voice while Taylor’s vocals are much lower. All of this creates a great balance. One of my favorite things about this project is that all of his songs sound like he used real instruments to record with. The intro, “The Kid’s Alright,” starts with a guitar and chorus sung by Mindless Behavior’s Princeton, and Taylor Bennett comes in rapping with a 32 bar verse. After that, Taylor slows it down to talk about a love he once had on “Roof Gone” which has another keyboard-fused sound and vocal lead. This is the
only song he does with no features and seems to be an experimental track that ended up good enough to put on the mixtape. Taylor grabbed quite a few people for this mixtape, like KYLE, STRO, from America’s Got Talent, Raury and the new face of Sprite, Lil Yachty, to add a different feel to the songs. On “Favorite Colors,” KYLE and Taylor are at each other’s level lyrically and that gives the song a gentle vibe. When “New York Nights” comes on, it sounds like something that plays on radio. It’s another keyboard-fused song that features STRO’s verse in the very beginning rapping about his ac-
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
HIPHOPDX.COM
complishments and the love of where he’s from which is the same thing Taylor does, but as a Chicago native he adds his own flair to the New York titled track. My favorite song “Nobody Tell a Name” is an amazing track because of how it starts with just a simple pat-
tern. I don’t know if it’s a sample or not, but it sounds amazing to my ears. This is probably the best song on the whole mixtape. I give this project a 7.5 because this is just his second mixtape and he is still experimenting and trying to find his sound.
I first saw this book when I still worked at Hastings. We were in the midst of closing down, and I happened to stumble upon it in a returns bin. I was immediately attracted to the novel because the cover has a quote by Anne Lamort of “People” saying, “It’s this summer’s ‘Gone Girl’.” I loved “Gone Girl,” so I obviously had to read “The Silent Wife.” Unfortunately, I lost the book and couldn’t find it anywhere, but I finally ordered it online. I was super excited to read it, and it definitely did not disappoint. “The Silent Wife,” by A.S.A Harrison, is a psychological thriller novel. The story is told in alternating points of view: Jodi and Todd. The two are at a rough point in their relationship. They aren’t married, but have been living as man and wife for several years. That is until Jodi murders Todd. I know. Everyone just freaked out, but I promise I didn’t spoil anything. You learn that Jodi’s going to murder Todd on page two of the novel. So now you’re asking, “What’s the point in reading it then?” You get to find out why Jodi murders him and how she does it. As the omniscient reader, you get to watch this slow build of anger and resentment. You watch Jodi go from meek, mild housewife to a woman who takes control of her own life. To be completely honest, I didn’t like Jodi. I had a hard time getting behind her because often she was too forgiving and too willing to ignore things when they were right in front of her face. She seemed more content to just go on living a farce of a life instead of standing up for herself. Todd is just an idiot, and a horrible person, throughout the novel. That doesn’t ever really change, but the reader does eventually feel some sympathy with Todd. Especially during the murder. Read this and watch Jodi’s transformation and Todd’s slow downfall. I have read several comments online that say that they are completely behind what Jodi does and that Todd deserves it. After you read the novel, shoot me an email at arkatech@atu. edu and let me know what you think.
Sports | PAGE 7
Wonder Boys make history Currently sitting in first place NOAH DELASHAW
Contributing Writer
The Wonder Boys baseball team are 9-0 in Great American Conference play for the first time in program history, after sweeping the Ouachita Baptist Tigers this past weekend. The Wonder Boys will face the Henderson State Reddies on Friday, March 10. The first pitch is scheduled for Tech Field at 7 p.m. The Wonder Boys, 12-6 and 9-0 in GAC play, will challenge the Reddies, 12-4 and 7-2 in GAC play. The Wonder Boys currently still hold the top spot in the GAC and are the only team that is still unbeaten in conference play. The Reddies currently sit in a tie for third, and are coming off of a 3-0 sweep against the Harding Bisons. The Wonder Boys finished this past weekend with a sweep of the Tigers. “We had a lot of timely hits,” said Dave Dawson, head baseball coach. “We had
some situational hits trying to hit behind some runners, and our guys did good,” Dawson said. The Wonder Boys won the first of three games with a score of 6-3. An early double from Mark Vaughn, from Salina, Kansas, gave the Wonder Boys their first lead of the game. Korey Thompson, from Bryant, had his first three hit game of the season, along with his first multiple RBI game, raising his batting average from .308 to .379. The Wonder Boys took the lead later in the game when Vaughn hit a single in the eighth inning. Kyle Wilson, from Flagstaff, Arizona, pitched seven innings with five strikeouts and two hits. In the two remaining games, the Wonder Boys won 17-1 and 3-2 against the Tigers. Kyle Gibbs, from Phoenix, Arizona, hit his first home run of the season. Gibbs finished the first game of the day with 4 RBIs. Trent Armstrong, from Waxahachie, Texas, pitched seven innings, allowing only
Golden Suns open play at Chartwells with wins MATTHEW EMERY
Sports Editor
The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns will look to continue their success in against the Great American Conference with a fourgame series starting on Friday, March 10, at 4 p.m. in Arkadelphia against the Henderson State Reddies. The Golden Suns are currently in a tie for second place in the GAC with the Harding Bisons. They are trailing only the Southern Arkansas Muleriders, who
are still undefeated in conference play at 8-0. Last weekend, the Golden Suns opened play at home, as they took on the Ouachita Baptist Tigers in a four-game series, winning three straight after dropping the opener of the series. After dropping game one with a final of 6-4, the Golden Suns bounced back in game two of the series, winning 6-3. Last week’s Arka Tech Player of the Week, Jalissa Gum, from Red Rock, Oklahoma, followed up
her historic weekend with another impressive weekend, collecting two wins, 19 strikeouts, and three runs allowed. The Golden Suns sparked a rally at the end of game two, as Sarah LaChance, from McKinney, Texas, hit a solo home run over to left field, bringing the Golden Suns back into the game and tying it at three. Sarah Coronado, from Frisco, Texas, followed shortly after with an RBI single, giving the Golden Suns the lead, which they
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Chris McKeehan from Denton, Texas sends a pitch plateward in recent GAC action. one hit and five strikeouts. In the final game, the Wonder Boys were held to only five hits, but they took the lead with a triple from Zack Klockowski, from Tinley Park, Illinois, in the third inning. “My job is to drive them in and I was
able to hit,” Klockowski said. Geoffery Birkemeier. from Papillion, Nebraska, pitched five innings allowing two runs. Branden Bohuslav, from Mansfield, Texas, and Jesse Harbin, from Jacksonville, each pitched one and a half innings, allowing no hits.
RICCI LOGAN RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Jalissa Gum from Red Rock, Oklahoma collected two wins last week for the Suns. held for the remainder of the game. Megan Goodnight, from Cabot, helped lead the Golden Suns in the final two games of the series, collecting a total of five
RBIs, going 4-6. The final game of the series ended early, as an RBI double by Coronado would put the Golden Suns up by eight runs, 9-1, ending the game.
Wonder Boys season continues in NCAA RICCI LOGAN
Sports Writer
The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys will face the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs in Maryville, Missouri in the first round of the NCAA Central Region Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament on Saturday, March 11. The Wonder Boys defeated the Southern Arkansas Muleriders 7268 in the first round of the Great American Conference Tournament last weekend.
In the second round, the Wonder Boys fell to the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils, 88-79. In the first half, the Boll Weevils jumped out to a six-point lead. The Wonder Boys countered, outscoring the Boll Weevils 2311 through eight minutes to claim a 23-17 with 8:31 left in the first half. The Wonders Boys pushed their lead to go up by 11-points, 32-21, on a jumper by Alex Brown, from Vernon, Florida. Brown scored 14 points in this game,
shooting 7-10 from the floor and grabbed 8 rebounds. The Boll Weevils fought their way back to cut the lead down to 38-34 in the closing minutes of the first half. Montrell Williams, from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, hit a 3 pointer to put the Wonder Boys up by seven, 41-34, at the half. Williams scored 10 points in this game going 3-11 from the floor, and 1-5 from the 3-point line. The Wonder Boys came out at the half and pushed their lead to
Chance at redemption in NCAA
RICCI LOGAN
Sports Writer
The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns have been selected to the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Golden Suns are the seventh seed in the Central Region and are slated to face Harding in round one, a rematch of the Great American Conference Championship. The first round will start Friday, March 10. Last week, the Golden Suns traveled to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to play in the GAC Tournament. The Golden Suns defeated the Ouachita Baptist Tigers, 69-57, and the Southwestern Oklahoma Savage Storm, 9660, to advance to the championship. In the championship, the Golden Suns fell to the Harding Bisons, 75-73, on a second chance lay-up in the closing seconds. The Golden Suns claimed an early lead, 12-8, through first four minutes into the first quarter. The Golden Suns led by eight points
Golden Suns hit the road for matchup
with 53 seconds in the first quarter, but the Bisons cut the lead to four, 26-22, at the end of the first. In the second quarter, the Golden Suns extended their lead to six, 32-26, with 7:25 to go before halftime. The Bisons went on 6-0 run to tie the game and eventually took the lead, 45-39, going into halftime. The Bisons’ hot streak rolled over into the third quarter as they took an eight-point lead. The Golden Suns were able to rally back, cutting the lead to one point, 52-51, on a basket by Cheyenne North, from Gallatin, Tennessee. North scored 15 points, going 7-17 shooting from the floor and also blocking four shots. Going into the fourth quarter, the Bisons had the lead, 60-58. The Bisons controlled the game the entire quarter until the Golden Suns took the lead, 73-69, with 1:27. Harding went on 6-0 run to end the game, securing them the GAC Championship.
nine points, 54-45, after Brown made a layup with 14:14 remaining. At the 13:47 mark, the Boll Weevils went on a 14-3 run to claim a two-point lead, 62-60,with 8:33 to play. Grant Prusator from Rochelle, Illinois, tied the game up, but the Boll Weevils went on a 16-5 run to take a double digit lead. The Wonder Boys would pull within two points seven times down the stretch but would not overcome the Boll Weevils scoring attack.
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Danielle Frachiseur from Wickes battles for possession of the ball with defenders.
Sports Writer
The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns will go on the road to Springfield, Missouri, for a non-conference match against the Northwest Missouri State Mustangs on Friday, March 17. The Golden Suns lost to the Dallas Baptist Patriots, 5-3, this past Saturday, March 4, at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex. SINGLES COMPETITION (No. 1) Macarena Sedano Acosta (Tech) def. Ana Marija Banic (DBU) 6-3, 6-4 (No. 2) Tamara Bell (Tech) def. Mikayla Rinker (DBU) 6-0, 0-6, 6-4 (No. 3) Lacey Sprinkel (DBU) def. Teresa Sanchez (Tech) 6-2, 6-4 (No. 4) Skylar McDonald (DBU) def. Annabel Rowlands (Tech) 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 (No. 5) Kami Ward (Tech) vs. Liz Slaughter (DBU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-6 (unfinished) (No. 6) Bianca Tijerina (DBU) def. Haeleigh Long (Tech) 7-5, 6-4 DOUBLES COMPETITION (No. 1) Macarena Sedano Acosta/Tamara Bell (Tech) def. Ana Marija Banic/Lacey Sprinkel (DBU) 8-3 (No. 2) Liz Slaughter/ Mikayla Rinker (DBU) def. Teresa Sanchez/Annabel Rowlands (Tech) 9-8 (3) (No. 3) Skylar McDonald/Bianca Tijerina (DBU) def. Vandella Suico/Haeleigh Long (Tech) 8-1
This week in Tech sports FRIDAY 3/10/17
SB @ Henderson State. Arkadelphia. 4 p.m. SB @ Henderson State. Arkadelphia. 6 p.m. BB vs Henderson State. Tech Field. 7 p.m.
SATURDAY 3/11/17
SB @ Henderson State. Arkadelphia. Noon. BB vs Henderson State. Tech Field. Noon. WTEN vs Northwest Missouri State. Springfield, Missouri. 1 p.m. SB @ Henderson State. Arkadelphia. 2 p.m.
SUNDAY 3/12/17
WTEN @ Drury. Springfield, Missouri. 11 a.m.
MONDAY 3/13/17
MGOLF @ Dave Falconer Classic. Danville. All Day.
TUESDAY 3/14/17
MGOLF @ Dave Falconer Classic. Danville. All Day. WTEN @ John Brown. Siloam Springs. 1 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
PAGE 8 | Community
WALKING THE MILE Photos by Ricci Logan
TOP: Red flags mark the walkway where the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes march begins. LEFT: Nate Palmer, business marketing management major from Little Rock, shows support as he strides comfortably in his red high heels. ABOVE: Daniel Nehus, mechanical engineering major from Little Rock, puts on his high heels while sporting ecentric socks. RIGHT: Glen Poole, theater major from Fort Smith, pets Jerry, the campus ambassador, who is wearing his own red shoes.
Tahmid Shantanu, sociology major from Bangledesh, carries a red flag to show his support during the men's march.
Arkansas Tech students gather at Hindsman Bell Tower to wear read high heels in support of "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence."
Ross Pendergraft Library sidewalk was decorated as the starting point of the walk.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017