North Texas Daily 9/7/17

Students stage walkout to protest Texas’ ‘anti-sanctuary city’ bill PAGE 3

VOL. 111 No. 2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Trump Jr. gets $100K for Kuehne speech

By Sarah Sarder Senior News Writer

Donald Trump Jr. will be paid $100,000 to speak at the University of North Texas’ Kuehne Speaker Series on Oct. 24, according to executed contracts between UNT and Trump Jr. obtained by the North Texas Daily through a public information request.

The university has not yet executed a contract for the venue, although the contract lists the location as AT&T Stadium.

The Kuehne Speaker Series is supported by private donors and sponsors, including the Office of the President and over 20 other UNT institutions. The series’ website states it was

established to provide a forum to engage in conversation about topics of national and global relevance.

UNT spokesperson Kelley Reese said the university welcomes and supports differing points of view when asked about Trump Jr. speaking at the event.

Reese also noted the Kuehne Speaker Series is supported by donors, and the payment for the event does not include state appropriations or student tuition and fees.

“As a university, we present a number of speaker series,” Reese said. “We bring a wide array of speakers and events into the institution as part of our educational mission.”

NTDAILY.COM

DACA REPEALED

Students and residents gather for rally to save DACA on Denton Square Top: Denton residents gathered Tuesday on the Square to protest against the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation. DACA protects undocumented immigrants and affects about 800,000 citizens in the U.S. Kelsey Shoemaker | Staff Photographer Bottom: Residents from all over Denton gathered on the Square to protest the removal of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Around 100 people attended the protest. Cameron Roe | Staff Photographer

SEE TRUMP JR. ON PAGE 3

UNT, Denton aid in Hurricane Harvey relief

By Jackie Guerrero Staff Writer As Hurricane Harvey hit the southeast region of Texas on Friday, Aug. 25, Denton locals helped raise and collect donations for the victims. Harvey is recorded as the most extreme rain point in U.S. history, according to the Washington Post.

From a report on Sept. 1, 27 trillion gallons of rain have fallen from Hurricane Harvey, according to Patch, a community-specific news network. There have been 258 shelters with over 42,000 victims, set up all throughout Texas, including the Dallas area, for evacuees to stay.

SEE HARVEY ON PAGE 3

Engineering senior Amy Amaon’s car was full after receiving donations from a local feed store. She collected donations for her hometown of Rockport, Texas after Hurricane Harvey. Madison Gore | Staff Photographer

By Devin Rardin Staff Writer About 100 people gathered on Tuesday at the Square to participate in a rally to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The protest was in response to President Donald Trump announcing the end of DACA, a program that protects undocumented immigrants from deportation. The Pew Research Center estimates the program protects roughly 800,000 people who were illegally brought to the U.S. as children by their parents.

“I’m here to represent my community and represent myself as a Dreamer,” Heriberto Garcia, an attendee, said. “I want to show that even though everyone might be scared, if we fight together we can accomplish big things.”

SEE DACA ON PAGE 3

North Texas looks to snap losing skid against SMU

By Matthew Brune Senior Sports Writer Another chapter in the Southern Methodist University-North Texas rivalry will be written Saturday night at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The two teams are coming off 45 and 44-point home wins, respectively, in week one.

The rivalry In their 36 previous meetings, SMU had a massive edge on the Mean Green with a 30-51 series record. The Mean Green have only won once in 25 tries on the road.

Some players said it’s just another game, while others admitted squaring off with the Mustangs has been a focal point in practice leading up to the game. “[They’re our] cross-town rival,” junior cornerback Nate Brooks said. “Our cross town rival, the big guys in Dallas. We also have friends who play for SMU too, so we talk smack throughout the year.”

The home-field advantage The Mean Green have not played well in Dallas against the Mustangs historically. UNT is aiming to neutralize that advantage by bussing students to the game for a small fee.

Maybe this year is different. SMU was defeated at home four times in six games last season, including losses to the University of Memphis and University of South Florida.

While this North Texas team is not young by any means, it will be interesting to see if they can win a big game on the road under head

coach Seth Littrell.

Courtland Sutton This guy gets a whole subhead to himself.

The 6-foot-3-inch Courtland Sutton eviscerated the Mean Green secondary last year, finishing the game with 162 yards and three touchdowns on just four receptions. As a projected lock to go in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft in April 2018, Sutton will

undoubtedly have all eyes on him as soon as he steps on the field.

Junior Nate Brooks will most likely take the responsibility of covering Sutton when the Mean Green go man-to-man, but Littrell knows they’ll have to change it up and stay sharp against the Mustangs’ top receiver.

SEE FOOTBALL ON PAGE 7

Aquatics for Autism

By Amy Roh Senior Arts & Life Writer At Bright Mosaic, nature lives outside and inside.

Out in the yard, a garden flowing with leafy greens and trellised flowers are abundant. Okra, tomatoes, spinach and sweet potatoes are present abound. Inside, among a gaggle of kids, is an apartment of microgreens living under a magenta LED light. A begrudging tilapia named Spike swims nearby in his tank.

Bright Mosaic, run by Denton resident Christopher Brown, is an autism therapy center that focuses on an unique approach to learning. The center focuses on the common ABA therapy while also incorporating practices of tending to a backyard garden, planting microgreens and preparing food into their curriculum. The garden utilizes the aquaponics method, a system that uses fish waste to supplement the plants outside. In turn, the plants purify the fish’s water in a sustainable cycle.

“It’s like a little jungle, and the kids really enjoy running through it.”

“It seemed like more of an interesting way to grow food,” Brown said. “We have a school now where the kids are very interested and the garden is pretty wild. It’s like a little jungle, and the kids really enjoy running through it.”

Before starting Bright Mosaic in 2014, Brown went through countless trials and errors to find the right prototype for the center.

With it, the garden could act as a sensory landscapes for the kids while engaging them with different experiences.

“The more we can get them involved in the process of where food comes from, the better,” Brown said. “The hope is that knowing the processes would help them get more interested in trying new

Then-freshman quarterback Mason Fine (6) runs down the sidelines against Southern Methodist University.

Courtesy | Mean Green Athletics

SEE AQUATICS ON PAGE 5

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS

ARTS & LIFE

SPORTS

OPINION

Denton City Council members host town halls for new budget proposal pg 3 Denton City Council members host town halls for the city budget to promote financial transparency and inform citizens about where their money goes.

Life in color pg 5 A Denton watercolor painter trades in her background in biology studies for detailed watercolor paintings, which can be found on her Instagram.

Wilson sets sights high in final year pg 6 Jeffery Wilson is one of the top running backs in North Texas history. After battling injuries in the past, Wilson is healthy and ready to roll as the Mean Green look to return to a bowl game this season.

Colin Kaepernick is doing what people wanted and we are not talking about it pg 8 Colin Kaepernick is living up to his promise of donating $1 million to organizations geared towards social justice, so why aren’t we talking about his pledge?

NEWS Page 2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

NTDAILY.COM

stage walkout in protest of ‘anti-sanctuary city’ bill North Texas Daily Students Sarah Sarder Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Reece Waddell @ReeceWaddell15 ReeceWaddell@my.unt.edu News Editor James Norman @JamesTNorman_WL JamesNorman@my.unt.edu Arts & Life Editor Abby Jones @abbyfjones28 AbigailJones3@my.unt.edu Sports Editor Brady Keane @BradyKeane BradyKeane@my.unt.edu Visuals Editor Colin Mitchell @CJHMitchell ColinMitchell@myunt.edu

Senior News Writer

UNT and Texas Woman’s University student organizations staged a walkout this past Friday, although the subject of their protest, Senate Bill 4, was blocked by a Texas court on Wednesday. The bill, often referred to as “anti-sanctuary city,” was set to go into effect Friday before it was halted.

About 40 UNT students gathered in the Willis Library Mall around 11 a.m., with many holding signs and chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, S.B. 4 has got to go.” The students began marching towards the Square after 20 minutes of various chants surrounding a white banner that read, “Power to the people, no human is illegal” in Spanish, Arabic and English.

“We feel S.B. 4 is a racist law based on profiling,” economics junior Isaac Davis said. “Our banner includes Spanish and Arabic because people from Arabic and Spanish-speaking countries are profiled the most.”

Davis is also the tabling coordinator for International Socialist Organization (ISO) at UNT. S.B. 4 is a law enabling police officers to ask legally detained individuals about their immigration status.

The bill would allow for punishing local entities who

refuse to coordinate with federal immigration officials with potential jail time and fines exceeding $25,000.

In essence, the bill would forbid local authorities from creating “sanctuaries” for undocumented immigrants by not enforcing federal immigration laws.

The Aug. 30 decision put a temporary stop to S.B. 4 with a preliminary injunction when U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia declared key parts of the bill in violation of the fourth amendment.

Not all the marchers were students—some were Denton residents concerned about the bill. Dawn Marter, 53, learned about the walkout from a community-organizing meeting by Indivisible Denton.

“I’m here because America is made of immigrants and this hate is really disturbing to me,” Marter said.

“For a middle-aged white woman to be here says a lot, I think.”

UNT students were met with marchers from TWU at the Square, where Cosecha Denton introduced speakers from Mueve, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, ISO, Denton Residents Against S.B. 4 and others.

“It’s crazy that in 2017 we’re fighting laws that allow

Opinion Editor Clay Massey @Clay_FC ClayMassey@my.unt.edu

Production Team Design Editor Julia Contarelli @ContarelliJ JuliaPaschoal@my.unt.edu Copy Chief Kayleigh Bywater @kayleighnic0le KayleighBywater@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Circe Marez @CirceMarez CirceMarez@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Kayla Davis @kaylajeann19 KaylaDavis@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Kelly Fox @kellythefox1 KellyFox2@my.unt.edu Social Media Manager Alec Spicer @Spicer_Alec AlecSpicer@my.unt.edu Illustrator Theresa Sanchez @Theresas_here TheresaSanchez@my.unt.edu

Business

Director Adam Reese 940-565-4265 Adam.Reese@unt.edu

Faculty Adviser Gary Ghioto 940-891-6722 Gary.Ghioto@unt.edu

To pitch a story, or contact the Editor-in-Chief, please email northtexasdaily@gmail.com

Correction In the Aug. 31, 2017 edition of the North Texas Daily, we printed a story, “As textbook prices continue to rise, students seek cheaper options,” that contained outdated and erroneous information. The story has been removed from our website and will be republished at a later date. The Daily regrets the error.

racial profiling,” said Rachel Herrera, a 20-year-old TWU student. “I think we should work together and make our congressmen listen to us because it’s a law of hate.”

Speakers talked about their personal stories as immigrants, specific individual rights in police encounters, details of S.B. 4 and more in Spanish and English.

“This walkout had been planned before the injunction,” said Cristal Benitez, Cosecha Denton member and UNT senior. “We wanted to continue with the event because this fight isn’t over, this is just a small victory.”

Organizers ended the event around 12:30 p.m. with a call to action, asking attendees to participate in local events and to join a Dallas celebration of the injunction at Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge that evening. A registrar was also on hand to register people to vote after the event.

Garcia ruled the “detainer” portion of the law unconstitutional, a provision which would require local authorities to turn over individuals subject to deportation to federal agencies upon request. He also struck down the provision requiring local officials to cooperate with federal immigration agencies.

The portion of the bill allowing law enforcement to ask legally detained individuals about immigration status remains intact.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill in May 2017-- after months of protests throughout Texas. Opponents of the bill said it would encourage racial profiling and erode relationships between Hispanic communities and police officers.

Shortly after Abbott’s signing of S.B. 4, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a complaint about declaratory judgment, asking a US District Court in Texas to declare the law constitutional in order to get ahead of potential legal challenges. The lawsuit requested that the judge declare the law not in violation of the fourth and 14th amendment, relating to search and seizure and due process respectively, and not preempted by federal law.

Judge Sam Sparks dismissed the lawsuit in August, leaving opponents of the bill focused on Garcia as the last chance for a stay. Garcia’s decision followed a lawsuit filed against Abbott and Paxton in San Antonio.

Plaintiffs included the cities of Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

The injunction is not a final decision on the bill, but halts it from going into effect while the case continues.

Students and protesters chant words and phrases written by Sanctuary UNT at the Sept. 1 S.B.4 Walkout. The chants included phrases welcoming immigrants and rejecting racism. Sarah Schreiner | Staff Photographer

@sarderrr

Water fountains on Denton’s Confederate monument likely once functional Sarah Sarder Senior News Writer Denton resident and religious studies junior Jessica Luther challenged Denton County Judge Mary Horn on her statements that the water fountains on the Confederate monument on the Square had never been functional in a Denton County Commissioner’s Court meeting Tuesday night.

Beliefs that the fountains had never been connected to water lines played a major role in decisions to let the fountains remain off, contrary to the wishes of some local activists.

Luther referred to an issue of the Denton Record Chronicle (DRC) from Sept. 8, 1919 in which the newspaper reported that the water fountains were functional, writing in a news brief that “the water connections with the drinking fountains on the Confederate monument at the court house were completed and the water turned on.”

Luther’s statement, made during the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, drew applause from the crowd, some of whom also carried printouts of the 1919 edition of the DRC. “I was very surprised because all our research up to that point indicated that water lines had never been connected,” Horn said. “Newspapers do get things wrong from time to time, so I’ll be excited to see what the research comes up with.”

There have been protests in Denton surrounding the monument recently calling for the removal of the statue.

Willie Hudspeth, 71, has been protesting the Confederate monument on and off since 1999, with varying goals. While Hudspeth initially wanted the statue moved into the Courthouse museum, in 2005 he instead asked the city to allow him to repair the fountains so everyone could drink from them, as opposed to what he said was their

original designation, “whites only.”

In response to an email from Hudspeth and Bryce Goodman, Horn said, “I know for a fact that the memorial has never had an operable fountain — there is NO water line from the building to the memorial and never has been.” The response was sent Tuesday morning.

Horn said more research is being done and previous DRC issues are being reviewed to learn more about the status of the fountain. She said researchers have found one article from the DRC which reported that the sewer lines still needed to be connected. Horn was unsure whether the article was from an issue before or after the Sept. 8 issue, but said they had been printed within a couple months of one another.

“I’m quite sure there are no pipelines to the fountain at this point in time, nor is there anything connected to a sewer line,” Horn said.

Horn denied that the fountains were ever operational, telling the North Texas Daily in 2015 that the Texas Historical Commission had “strongly recommended” against restoring the fountains because it would require dismantling the monument to install plumbing.

In 2015, the DRC reported that “the Denton County Office of History and Culture has no record of the fountains ever being plumbed for use.”

“I’m not convinced one way or another at this point,” Horn said. “More research needs to be done.”

Around 30 Denton residents offered their thoughts on the monument during the public comment section of the meeting Tuesday night. Most encouraged Judge Horn to put the monument on the agenda and many were return commenters from the

previous week.

The first speaker, Lisa Hancock, said the soldiers who fought in the Civil War had no choice but to fight.

“They had no more choice...than the destitute poor in New York,” Hancock said. “I am for keeping the Confederate soldier monument. I am for repairing the water fountains so we can all use them and I would like to see more education about slavery.”

Nonprofit founder Diana Leggett spoke in favor of having it moved to a museum. “[In a museum], it’s put in an appropriate context so that the citizens

of this county can have an overall view of the history of this incredible place,” Leggett said.

John Goodman, a Denton resident, quoted Judge Horn from a previous meeting, where she said it’s about the soldiers.

“I agree it’s about the soldiers,” Goodman said. “But these soldiers cannot be separated from the Confederate cause when the monument says, ‘Our confederate soldiers.’ The Confederate cause to preserve slavery was self-serving, morally wrong and does not deserve a public monument.”

@sarderrr

The Confederate monument sits in front of the Denton County Courthouse. The monument reads “Our Confederate Soldiers” with a statue of a Confederate soldier. Zoee Acosta | Staff Photographer

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS Student-run restaurant to provide students with business experience The university’s student run-restaurant, The Club, located inside the Gateway Center at 801 North Texas Blvd, will open on Oct. 2. The Club will give students real business experience, according to a press release from UNT. Tickets to eat at The Club are $10 and dine-in guests will receive a full three-course meal. The Club will be open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Guests can make reservations via phone call or email.

UNT releases more than 100 free e-books through their library The National Endowment for Humanities gave a $95,599 grant to the Humanities Open Book Program, giving UNT’s libraries the opportunity to release over 100 free e-books to students, according to a press release from UNT. All the e-books are related to either Texas or Oklahoma history and are available at the UNT Portal to Texas History and Gateway to Oklahoma History.

UNT sets up emergency fund for sudents affected by Hurricane Harvey

UNT set up an emergency fund for students who are need of immediate assistance from events like Hurricane Harvey, a press release from UNT stated.

The funds can be used to purchase items such as textbooks, supplies, travel expenses and personal items but can not be used to pay tuition bills, fees or any other payments going to UNT.

New Director of UNT College of Engineering’s PACCAR Technology Institute named The UNT College of Engineering has named Anupama Kaul as the new director of the PACCAR Technology Institute, according to a press release from UNT. PACCAR is a non-traditional center for research and educational excellence. Kaul left the University of Texas at El Paso and started her role at UNT on Monday, Sept. 1. She will be a professor in engineering and in the Departments of Materials of Science and Electrical Engineering.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

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Students and residents rally to save DACA on Denton Square DACA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 People of all ages stood in the courthouse lawn to listen to 23 speakers. They held signs with written phrases such as “Save DACA, protect our American dream.” Attendees at the rally also had U.S., Texas and Mexican flags.

Clayton Cummings, a speaker at the rally, advocated for the Bridge Act, which he said is a modified Dream Act. He urged the audience to pressure their representatives into supporting the bill.

Joan Green, an attendee, called the repeal of the program cruel and said it shouldn’t happen.

“What the president has done is wrong,” Green said. “The DACA people are here and they deserve to be here. I’m hoping that Congress does something about it.”

Matt Farmer, former UNT student and UNT tutor, discussed his plans to run for seat 64 in the Texas House of Representatives and expressed his disagreement with Trump’s actions with DACA. Throughout the rally, people participated in six different chants. “Say it loud say it clear immigrants are welcome here,” and, “United we stand together we fight migration is a human right.” One of the chants was in Spanish and translated to “Trump we are in the fight.”

The protest ended after attendees held hands during a moment of silence.

Angie Cadena, a UNT professor and candidate for Denton County Democratic Party Chair, said she supported the students who spoke during the protest.

Cadena said they could have been arrested at the rally,

which would result in them losing their DACA status.

“I like to see students standing up,” Cadena said.

“They are putting more on the line than they really should have to. Those students that protested at Trump tower got arrested. They could have been arrested here.”

Despite the protests, some do not agree with DACA. Connie Hudson, the vice chair of precinct chairmen of the Denton County Republican Party, said she would have given immigrants three months rather than six to go back to their country of origin.

“They’re not legal in the first place,” Hudson said.

“I think three months is an act of kindness.”

Others who oppose DACA argue it could be unconstitutional.

The program was introduced by then-President

A UNT student shares his personal experiences with DACA to the Denton community and tells how they have shaped him into the person he is today.. Dana McCurdy | Staff Photographer

Barack Obama in 2012. Those against the program argued Obama acted outside of his jurisdiction, as the president is allotted as much power regarding immigration as Congress gives him.

In June of last year, the program made it to the Supreme Court, which ended up in a 4-4 deadlock since they only had eight of their nine judges.

Once DACA is repealed, it could leave hundreds of students at UNT uncertain about their status in the country. Manuel Segura, a business marketing sophomore, came from Venezuela when he was one year old. He said while it’s something he expected, it wasn’t until the announcement he thought of the consequences.

“In six months I’m not going to be able to work in the U.S. anymore,” Segura said. “My card is going to expire and that’s when it really hit me.”

Another student, an interdisciplinary studies junior who prefers to remain anonymous to protect his status, said he was surprised the program didn’t end sooner. Nevertheless, he’s been involved in trying to inform people on the issue.

“I’ve been part of demonstrations and protesting,” the student said. “We need a large mass of people to get anything done. There’s a lot of work put into this.”

Trump’s announcement on DACA caused UNT faculty members to take action as well.

An online petition is circulating to have members of Congress pass legislation to support DACA students.

The petition will go to Texas Representative Michael Burgess and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. The petition states many UNT students are in the DACA program and faculty members are trying to protect those students.

As for what DACA provides, public relations junior Alejandro Cortez, said DACA has given him a job and allowed him to pay his bills.

“It’s still a struggle,” Cortez said. “But it’s definitely easier and better than going to school and working illegally.”

On Tuesday, UNT President Neal Smatresk released a statement supporting DACA and undocumented immigrants. It mentioned how the university will be assisting students affected by the program’s roll back.

“I want to make it clear that I unequivocally support DACA, undocumented and other students who are overcoming significant barriers,” Smatresk stated in the release. “This action is a blow to the aspirations of hundreds of thousands of ‘Dreamers,’ including some of our students and alumni.

@DevinRardin

Denton community comes together after Hurricane Harvey HARVEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Amy Amaon, mechanical and energy engineering senior at UNT left to Rockport, Texas early in the morning on Aug. 31 morning to visit her home and to check up on her animals stationed there.

Before leaving for Rockport, where the Hurricane first touched down, Amaon started a relief drive immediately after she heard the news of Hurricane Harvey hitting her hometown.

“I told my boss I wanted to do this drive on campus,” Amaon said. “I know a lot of people are probably going to want to help.”

Soon after Amaon got in touch with a student organization, the UNT Country Western Dance Club, which she is a member of. They started the “Relief for Rockport” drive.

They used technology and social media as tools to spread their message. Amaon sent out emails, facebook and text messages to everyone she knew and made flyers with a phone application.

Trump Jr. contract released TRUMP JR. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Reese said the series has the aim of presenting timely and stimulating perspectives on the world in regards to national security, the economy and topics of interest to the university.

Reese also noted the Kuehne Speaker Series is supported by donors and the payment for the event does not include state appropriations or student tuition and fees.

Trump Jr. will mark the first speaker for the 2017-2018 year for the Kuehne Speaker Series.

The other guest for this year is Melissa Francis, who is an anchor and host for the FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel. She has spoken at the series in the past and will speak in March 2018.

Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, will be speaking at the event for 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session.

The contract includes stipulations for Trump to attend a dinner on Oct. 23, a V.I.P. breakfast and photo op the next morning and a V.I.P. reception and photo op before his speech. Questions for the Q&A will be provided to Trump Jr. ahead of time.

UNT could not produce documents regarding sponsors of the 2017-2018 series at the time of this story.

The university contributed a total of $132,500 for the 2016-2017 series as sponsors.

According to the contracts, along with his payment, Trump Jr. will receive lodging, meals and travel accommodations on behalf of UNT at a maximum total cost of $5,000.

@sarderrr

Relief for Rockport received about 30 bags of cat and dog food, bottled water, school supplies, clean up equipment and food. Amaon sent out messages to people affected by Harvey and personally visited each person to send them what they requested whether it was food for their pets or bottled water.

Data collected from CoreLogic, a property analytics firm, said they predict anywhere between $25 billion to $37 billion worth of damages across southeast Texas. They also estimated 70 percent of these damages will not be covered by insurance because many homes are not covered by rain or flood waters damages.

Mary Nelan emergency management and disaster science assistant professor said if a person wants to help storm victims they should send cash money donations. These are good for people to buy things such as water and food.

“Money helps the local economy,” Nelan said. “You

can send gift cards from stores like Walmart and the Home Depot if you are hesitant about donating.

Another alternative is going to a smaller organization you can trust.”

Big businesses, including Apple and Amazon, together have donated around $157 million, according to CNN Money. Athletes and celebrity figures have raised millions too, many joining Houston Texan J.J. Watt’s fundraiser which has reached $17 million so far.

The City of Denton sent down 17 firefighters to assist with recovery efforts. As of Aug. 31, they were located in Vidor, TX and had rescued approximately 2,000 people and 300 dogs, according to a city press release.

The boxes are located inside the University Union and are designed for donations for the victims coming to Dallas from the South Texas area. The UNT offices are not involved with the donation collection.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, Chief Executive Officer Craig Pettigrew of Upventur, a Denton-based social startup of outdoor enthusiasts, went down to Houston with his boat to help people in need of assistance. So far, as of print at least 50 people have died from the storm and the death tolls keep rising, according to the New York Times.

Pettigrew got in contact with friends, business partners and companies via email Thursday, Aug. 31 asking if they could donate to their office in Denton.

He had given people the options of money, clothes, water, and more. Pettigrew and a couple of others from Upventur took the donations they received down to Houston.

“I gave [the donations] to Red Cross…we are still collecting,” Pettigrew said. “I plan on going back in a week or two to work with hands-on-work.”

@gagaart1

City council hosts towns halls for new budget proposal Julia Falcon Senior News Writer

The new budget proposal for the City of Denton is in the works, and city council members are trying to get residents on board with the new plan.

City council member Sara Bagheri campaigned with an emphasis on transparency and wants citizens to know how their tax dollars are being spent.

Recently, Bagheri, council member John Ryan and Mayor Chris Watts took part in a town hall meeting regarding to the city budget.

Aug. 28 marked the first of two town hall meetings open to residents to speak about what they wanted the budget to look like and pose any questions for the council members who were present.

“There were only minor questions of clarification at the town hall,” Ryan said about the town hall he hosted on Aug. 21.

Denton resident Jennifer Lane said she attends these meetings so she could learn more about the tax

freeze.

“I had worked so hard to try to prevent the senior tax freeze,” Lane said. “So, I wanted to better understand the effective rate freeze.”

Bagheri said it is important for residents to attend these town halls so all their questions are not left unanswered.

“It is a good idea for people to understand where their tax dollars are going,” Bagheri said. “The more they’re aware, the more they can advocate for it.”

At the first meeting, the 17 different funds in the budget were discussed with the 20 residents in attendance. More specifically, the electric, general and street funds were discussed.

One big change to this year’s budget is the addition of the new city manager, Ryan said.

“This is the first budget under the new city manager, so there will be new cost efforts in this budget,” Ryan

The Denton city budget provides information to residents so they can be aware of the five Key Focus Areas, which include a safe, live-able and a family-friendly community. Sarah Schreiner | Staff Photographer

said. “An example of this would be compared to last year, there was one city manager and four assistant managers. This year, there is one city manager and two assistant managers.”

The overall Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget for all funds is $1.14 billion. Of these funds there is the general fund, debt service fund, enterprise funds and internal service funds, special revenue funds and the funds within them.

The Strategic Plan in the proposed budget addresses five Key Focus Areas, organizational excellence, public infrastructure, economic development, a safe, livable and family-friendly community and sustainable and environmental stewardship.

This budget began its process with the city staff in late spring, then was handed to city council in June after each department approved the breakdown of their budget.

The Denton City Council meets two times a month and held work sessions June through August, meeting a total of 15 times to discuss the budget.

“The emphasis for this year’s budget process has been cost containment through reducing inefficiencies, duplication of services and management consolidations,” the proposed budget on the City of Denton website states.

The effective tax rate, which is the average rate an individual or entity is taxed, is also known as the “no new tax rate.”

This no new tax rate, or tax freeze, means that if property taxes go up, the rate stays the same and the government collects more tax dollars. What the tax freeze will do is keep the same tax rate for residents no matter how much appraisals go up.

The city has experienced a tax freeze vote before for the elderly, which passed by a margin of less than three percent in May. The next town hall meeting has yet to be scheduled, but will take place before the budget is approved on Sept. 12.

“Taxes should stay the same,” Bagheri said. “The whole council is on board, which I am happy about. We want people to understand it.”

@falconjulia22

ARTS & LIFE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Page 4

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Autism center uses water ecosystem for interactive learning AQUATICS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 things.”

The entire system is named Greenfinity Farms and is a supplement to Bright Mosaic. It stays eco-friendly by conserving water while also helping kids feel more comfortable with similar senses when they encounter them in the real world.

“They have that ability to connect with nature and with anybody, that helps,” therapist Trista Estill said. “So them being able to go out there, play with the leaves and smell everything [is] just going to bring more senses out of them and bring more and more interaction.”

Bright Mosaic currently has eight kids, ranging from 3 to 11 years old, along with eight therapists for a 1:1 ratio. It’s housed in a two-story Victorian house on the corner of Locust Street and University Drive.

Despite its success now, the road to Bright Mosaic has been an unexpected one for Brown. After graduating UNT with a degree in psychology and philosophy, Brown found himself working an undemanding job at CVS. His career path began to change when his coworker told him about an autism center that was offering higher pay. What he stumbled upon was a passion for teaching and helping children with autism.

Soon enough, the center promoted him to construction project manager, allowing Brown to tour the country flipping old houses into new autism centers.

“My job was going into new properties [and] just staying there while renovating and creating new centers,” Brown said. “That was a key part that lent itself to starting my own [center].”

Brown said the trigger to start Bright Mosaic was from the end of his previous company.

“I probably would have worked

there forever if I hadn’t found out about some shady operations, which ended up getting [them] shut down,” Brown said. “I whistle blew on them and got fired, so that’s what motivated me to start my own center.”

This started years of developing an autism center that fit Brown’s vision. His background with therapy and constructing new buildings proved to be assets for Bright Mosaic.

“I knew that here, actual ethical principles would be practiced,” Estill said. “I knew that we were going to be doing real ABA that was going to be effective, and [now] our kids actually progress really well and very quickly.”

Bright Mosaic has offered their kids a space that is accepting and open, which is very reassuring to parents.

For mother Erin Gutierrez, the center helped her find a right path for her son Adrian. After learning her husband’s insurance

didn’t cover ABA therapy, which is common, Gutierrez said she desperately searched for a school that could help.

“I called Bright Mosaic in tears, right after learning that my husband’s employer insurance doesn’t cover ABA,” Gutierrez said.

“I was desperate to find a place that would work with us and be a good fit for Adrian. Christopher answered the phone and talked me down from the ledge [and] immediately helped me set up a game plan and a time to meet. The rest is history.”

With its approaches to teaching, Gutierrez said she feels Bright Mosaic is like a home for her child.

“Although [it’s] still considered a ‘clinical model’ of ABA, there is nothing clinical about Bright Mosaic,” Gutierrez said. “It’s set in a home with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their natural approach to health and nutrition really appeals to the tree-hugging hippie in me.”

Spike the tilapia hangs out in his tank that is connected to several micro green trays and a large garden. He provides the only means of fertilizer through a hybrid aquaponics system designed by Brown. Kady Shirley | Staff Photographer Brown hopes to expand to another location in the future, with a full farm and more space for the kids to explore. Although the road

here has been surprising, Brown is confident in the seasons to come.

@rohmyboat

Communications student fights, wrecks and tumbles into stuntman career

By Slade Meadows Staff Writer Connor Cross and two of his friends gathered in his small apartment in the late hours of a Friday night. The furniture in the living room had been pushed against the walls in order to create a fighting space. Dillon Burns and Brandon Paulk stood in the middle of the room, fists raised.

They began to choreograph the fight sequences for the stunt reel they would create over the weekend.

Cross is an aspiring stunt performer and a communications senior at UNT. He attended the International Stunt School in Seattle, Washington over the summer, where he trained to become a stunt performer. The International Stunt School has been training stunt performers for 25 years and is the only licensed stunt school in North America, giving students the opportunity to work with studios such as Marvel Universe Live, The Walt Disney Co., Universal Studios and Mirage Entertainment.

“I just always wanted to do it,” Cross said. “I found myself the No. 1 stunt school, I applied, I got in and I went.”

Before attending stunt school, Cross had no former training. He began teaching himself tumbling at five years old and has been practicing ever since.

“I think performing for a crowd is why I’m interested in stunts,” Cross said. “I played football and danced my whole life, and I always played way better when I had to

perform. I guess stunts always got me really hyped, just coming alive for a crowd.”

Cross became friends with fellow stunt performers Burns and Paulk at the International Stunt School where they trained together.

“The experience was amazing,” said Paulk, a 23-year-old originally from Fort Worth. “We did many things that most people can’t imagine doing in their lives, or that they want to do, but never pursue.

I can never truly find the words for that trip simply because every time I describe it, it always comes out in a different way. Even though it’s accurate, it still comes out

“

I got set on fire.

It was pretty lit.

different.”

“I got set on fire,” Cross said laughing. “It was pretty lit.”

After graduating from the International Stunt School, the three friends decided to meet up over a weekend and create a stunt reel in order to advertise their skill sets.

Cross, Paulk and Burns spent an entire Saturday and Sunday filming choreographed fight scenes, jumping out of cars and falling down flights of stairs.

“That’s what they told us to do in stunt school,” Cross said. “They said the first thing you need to do is

get head shots, make your resume and then work on your stunt reel.

If you don’t have a stunt reel it’s like applying for a job without a resume. How are they going to know what you can do unless you can show them? That’s what I’m working on right now.”

While the stunts may look extremely dangerous from an outside perspective, the stuntmen only perform skills that they have practiced extensively.

Cross excels in tricking, tumbling, fighting and wrecking, which is essentially being beat up.

The stunt reel only showcases the actions the performers execute best and excludes the actions that aren’t in their repertoire.

“All stuntmen are not the same, even the people who went to the same school,” Cross said. “We all have different skill sets. You have to act the action. [Famous stuntman] David Boushey has a quote on a shirt that says, ‘Sell it, goddamn it’ because you have to sell it or it’s not going to look real.”

The three stuntmen filmed through rain, mosquitoes and police who were called because onlookers believed that the choreographed fights were, in fact, real fights.

They were bruised and exhausted by the end of the weekend, but they had a complete reel.

“We work together exceptionally well because we know how each other works and we are similar in various ways,” said Burns, 19, from Lampasas. “I drove three and a half hours to UNT, and the drive was full of traffic, but in the end

Communications senior Connor Cross choreographs stunt fighting with another friend he met at stunt school. Cross attended a stuntman school during the summer in Washington state. Kelsey Shoemaker | Staff Photographer it was worth it to get every shot we needed.”

Cross will graduate from UNT at the end of the semester.

He has also worked extensively with the camera on projects with Busta Rhymes, O.T. Genasis, Nickelodeon, ESPN, a television show called “The Librarians” and several North Texas TV shows.

“Communication is in all aspects and all walks of life,” Cross said. “Of course it is good to know how to communicate within the industry. Communication is key every day, not just in the film industry.”

He plans to use the skills he’s acquired from his degree and film experience to further his stunt career.

“Understanding cinematography and everything that goes into it, as in like camera lenses and the angle of what the lens puts out, [is important],” Cross said. “Understanding where the camera is allows you to sell each action a bit better.”

Cross’ post-graduation agenda is to either work with Mirage Entertainment in China or move to California and live with his fellow stunt performers.

However, he doesn’t plan on moving alone.

“I did meet my girlfriend in stunt school,” Cross said. “I actually punched her in the face on accident during a Marvel audition, but we finished the fight and everything was good. Everybody knows what goes into it. Everybody gets punched, and everybody gets hurt when you are out there. But I mean, it’s all part of it.”

@SladeSe7en

Entrepreneur brothers bring Brazil to Dallas one popsicle at a time

By Amy Roh Senior Arts & Life Writer Picolé Pops wants you to think creamy instead of crystallized and soft instead of an icy reminder to call your dentist.

The new Deep Ellum popsicle shop, owned by brothers and UNT alumni Adrian, Andrés and Jorge Lara, is set to open with a Brazilian flair to its menu. To them, that means smoother, milk-

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based popsicles with unique flavor combinations.

“You take a bite out of that popsicle, and it is a texture that is very hard to bite,” Adrian said.

“In Brazil, [the consistency] is very soft. It’s not a popsicle that’s going to crystallize.”

Its first location will open in Deep Ellum this month, and another shop will open in Bishop Arts later this year.

Customers can choose from 30 flavor varieties, including waterbased fruity popsicles and infused popsicles with tasty fillings like Nutella. Those in Deep Ellum can enjoy alcohol-infused pops for an extra kick. “[Deep Ellum] is more of a young hipster crowd, so we want to lead the alcohol-infused [popsicle] in Deep Ellum whereas Bishop is more family friendly,” Adrian said. “In Bishop, there will be the essence of alcohol but not actual alcohol.”

Picolé comes from the Portuguese word for “popsicle.” As the shop’s name implies, the Lara brothers wanted Brazilian culture to be the essence of their establishment.

Picolé Pops is still in its early

stages, but the brothers’ story goes way back—specifically to their grandparents’ own popsicle shop in Mexico.

“It was called Manhattan,” Adrian said. “It’s a weird name, but this was back in the ‘60s. We were going through a lot back in Mexico and it was growing financially as well. Anything that sounded like or resembled English was popular.”

It wasn’t until the brothers traveled to Rio for the 2014 World Cup that they began to follow in their grandparents’ footsteps.

Everywhere they looked, popsicles had creative and different flavors that were very different than what they grew up with.

They returned to their office jobs after the trip, but the idea kept popping up.

“We all had our careers, but we just kept going back to that time saying, ‘Hey, you remember that time when we went to Brazil?’”

Adrian said.

The rest was history.

They combined their previous work experience in the financial sector and learned their grandparents’ recipes, which explains the Mexican flavors hinted throughout their menu.

“The possibility of innovating is always exciting,” Andrés said.

“There is nothing wrong with traditional popsicles, but we want to redefine popsicles.”

But with running a small business also came the reality of running a real business.

“In developing Picolé, we ran into several headaches with city planning, developing and permitting,” Andrés said.

“Financing is always tough for any startup, and going to a bank is challenging if you don’t have at least two years worth of financial statements. Banks nowadays opt for a zero risk policy as they have become too conservative with lending to small businesses, which makes it extra difficult.”

Inside the shop, there is a wall nicknamed the “The Selfie Wall.”

It’s multicolored and vivid, meant to resemble “favelas.” Favelas are synonymous with run down neighborhoods in Brazil that have grown in popularity with tourists due to their colorful appearance.

“In order to not seem so awful to people who were wealthy, the government started painting all those neighborhoods so they wouldn’t have something horrible

to look at,” Adrian said. “So a lot of them were very colorful, and it actually catches your attention.”

Color has been a big way for the brothers to connect the shop to their cultural identity through the exterior, inside and even the logo itself.

“I used yellow, blue and green for all of the identity, with different combinations with those colors,” graphic designer David M. Parres said. “The idea was to have a really bright, happy and colorful brand and bring some Brazilian culture to Dallas.”

Despite the newness of the everything, the Lara brothers say they have faith in each other to shake up the industry. “[My favorite part is] being part of a business that doesn’t always have all the answers or know where we are heading,” Andrés said.

“What we do know is that we a have great group of people that are not afraid to speak out, take chances or be wrong because we all know that when things are done with passion, great things can happen.”

@rohmyboat

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 5

LIFE IN COLOR

By Kayla Henson Staff Writer

Yandira Jester freehands a watercolor painting of a fresh floral bouquet in her home studio. Jester prefers watercolor paint because it allows more freedom and versatility to her personal painting styles than acrylic or oil paints. Sarah Schreiner | Staff Photographer

Local artist trades in practicing medicine for painting murals Cloaked with a vibrant cardigan and a welcoming smile, local artist and UNT alumna Yandira Jester sinks comfortably into a wooden chair at West Oak Coffee Bar. When she is not mixing paints or creating images with simple brush strokes, Jester sits in coffee shops, spends time with her family and finds new ways to share her love of art.

“I think we all have a story that we can express visually somehow,” Jester said, her eyes twinkling.

Now known for her floral watercolor prints on Instagram, the 29-yearold’s story had a bit of an unclear beginning.

She first began at UNT as a self-proclaimed “unorthodox” pre-med student who desired to be a pediatric oncologist. Taking a few art classes sprinkled in with her difficult science ones, Jester began to stand out among her fellow students in the science program.

“I didn’t want to be like every other pre-med student that majored in biology or chemistry,” Jester said. “I still wanted to major in something that I loved. I’ve always felt that I was going to be an artist, but I went through a lot of different career choices. Like, I wanted to be an anchorwoman and an artist. A lawyer and an artist. A doctor and an artist. It was never one or the other.”

After taking a leadership position on a mission trip to Mexico her sophomore year of college, Jester realized her passion to help children was more artistic than medically-related.

The two different tugs of life pulled Jester to drop pre-med and switch to studying both visual art studies and studio art with a concentration in watercolor, despite many familial pressures.

“My mom was born and raised in Central America and came to America really poor and sacrificed long work hours for us to come to school,” Jester said. “I think it’s really important to her that I am successful and have some type of job title. I think it took a long time for her to come to the reality that I wasn’t going to pursue medicine.”

After graduating in 2012, Jester spent a brief time working at Communities in Schools of North Texas, an after-school program for students. She then became a full-time art teacher at McMath Middle School for four years.

During this time, she incorporated both art and life skills into lessons

for her students.

“It was the most rewarding experience ever to bring forth creativity in students that they didn’t know existed,” Jester said. “Usually, art was a means [to an end]. But the real hidden curriculum was to make my students realize how valuable they were. And after they saw the value of their own worth, they would see the value of others. That was my goal.”

Now a stay-at-home mother, Lester relies on H20Hue, her in-home art studio, to keep her dream alive while still sharing it with others and enjoying her personal life.

“H20Hue was birthed out of a desire to continue teaching art knowing that my ultimate goal was to stay at home with my son,” Jester said.

Directly translating to “watercolor” and inspired by a former UNT watercolor studio, Jester’s studio is designed for all ages with the purpose of teaching art to both novice and professional artists.

The studio also donates 10 percent of every class session towards the International Justice Mission, a social justice organization that sheds a light on topics such as on slavery, sex trafficking and police brutality.

To keep the artistic spark alive, Jester warns her current art students to not give up on an art degree and lifestyle .

“I wasn’t aware about all the different jobs you could pursue with art,” Jester said. “There’s so many. Like, you don’t have to just teach art. You can actually make money in the career of art. You could even doodle the logos on the Google homepage if you wanted. People get paid for that.

Nearly everything you see with art on it, someone is getting paid for it.”

Communication design freshman Kayleigh Kowaleski is optimistic that the job field for artists is a growing one.

“I’m open to wherever the market takes me, whether that be perhaps in advertising or working for a firm or company,” Kowaleski said. “I think the job field for aspiring artists is growing, and the mindset of society is shifting to one that can really appreciate and value the arts as a career.”

Studio art senior Emily Sides said artists can be found in any field, even the ones most people don’t think of.

“Musicians, dancers, poets, chefs—anyone that continues and constantly creates is an artist,” Sides said. “Through that I find solace knowing that whatever I decide to create in the future, even if that field has not yet been created, I have the ability to create for myself. That’s the

Painter Yandira Jester freehands a watercolor painting of a fresh floral bouquet in her home studio. Jester enjoys having her newly set up home studio to create and focus on her paintings while being able to stay home and take care of her 21-month-old son.

Sarah Schreiner | Staff Photographer most powerful thing an artist can do.”

Though the switch from medicine to art was initially shocking to everyone around her, Jester is content that in the end.

Pursuing art was always in the cards for her.

“I would have regretted staying pre-med,” Jester said. “I’m so much happier now. It might sound scary to pursue something different, but if it’s something that you are passionate about, it will always show through.”

Radio station transmits Denton’s diversity to airwaves

By Mazie McDonald Staff Writer

Although its broadcasts are recorded in a small building near the Square, Denton’s newest radio station delivers a large range of content inspired by the melting pot of the community.

KUZU 92.9 is a low power FM, nonprofit, non-commercial station that launched on July 22. The station provides a community-based alternative to larger stations that have turned away from local broadcasts in favor of nationally syndicated content.

KUZU only covers a 3-mile radius, but it hopes to provide locals with a voice that can be felt throughout Denton.

“Part of our mission is educational, so we don’t want to be playing hits,” said Peter Salisbury, chairman of the board that runs KUZU. “We want to

challenge people and challenge their ears. We want the community to express themselves but also to support the local scene.”

The station runs 24/7 and can be accessed with any internet streaming device or from one’s own radio as long as the listener is within range.

The station is for the community by the community, so anyone is qualified to be on the show by filling out a simple application provided on the website homepage. Salisbury said there are around 100 applications from people who expressed interest in volunteering or producing a show that have not yet been reviewed.

Despite its humble resources, KUZU has over 40 different shows playing at

Mateo Granados, host of KUZU’s “Meriwether Hour,” plays local bands during his show. KUZU is Denton’s newest radio station featuring local music, interviews and talk radio. Sara Carpenter | Senior Staff Photographer

various time slots during the day. Since all of the hosts are volunteers, the slots are catered to the hosts’ availabilities.

Many of the hosts work regular 9-to-5 jobs, which is why most of the shows are live during the evenings.

The style of the content ranges from 1950s rockabilly and early techno to hip-hop and experimental avant-garde.

Many of the shows aim to give local bands exposure, interview artists and review band discography.

Each host provides highly-vetted and curated content for listeners to enjoy.

Hours of work go into creating each set.

Some even go as far as writing out their playlists by hand and posting them on social platforms for the community to access.

“You can tell that each playlist is curated with a lot of love and that the people behind them have a lot of passion for sharing,” said Sarah Ruth Alexander, host of “Tiger D” on KUZU. While most of the hosts view the process of being on air and producing their shows as an enjoyable experience and privilege, several did not anticipate how difficult it would be to comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations. A slip-up in that regard could bring hefty fines that could jeopardize the station’s existence.

“Any one of our hosts could potentially bring [the station] down,” Salisbury said. “We’re working on a shoestring budget. We are trying to make our rent every month, so it’s a lot of responsibility.”

The content is not limited to just music and artist interviews, but is also

fluid to any sounds that might move or inspire the listener. During the “Tiger D” set, Alexander can sometimes be found playing live soundbites of her cat purring to “calm listeners.”

Another show called “Hot Rod Hour,” hosted by Sean Starr, features predominantly rockabilly music that was played and celebrated during a time in history where hot rods were being raced and worked on. It also educates listeners about local vintage car events and the general history of that culture.

Embracing and giving back to the community is at the core of the station’s essence. Aside from exposing listeners to sounds that they would have otherwise never heard before, KUZU also hopes to further embrace the community by informing the public and acting as a mode of education.

In the future, the station would like to have more talk shows featuring segments focusing on local government concerns, senior citizens and even a show hosted by children.

A city rich in music and culture now has a community radio station to represent it, and the station hopes to continue to be a platform that provides a voice for Denton.

“It’s imperative that community radio exists,” said Lily Taylor, host of “Bandwidth TX” on KUZU. “It’s something that’s been missing and that we have been needing.”

@mazie_mac

@kayla_hensonn

Denton Event Radar September 7, 2017

Denton County Farmer’s Market Where: Denton County Historic Park 317 W. Mulberry St. When: 7 a.m.

Free

September 7, 2017

Art Workshop: Cake Decorating Where: Jade Eagle Ballroom When: 5-9 p.m.

Free

September 8, 2017

Tom’s Two Year Anniversary Where: Tom’s Daquiri When: 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Free

September 11, 2017

UPCinema: Baby Driver Where: 122 E. McKinney St. When: 4-8 p.m.

Free

September 12, 2017

Mario Kart Tournament Where: Mulberry Street Cantina When: 9-11:45 p.m.

Free

September 13, 2017

Fine Arts Series Presents: True Conviction Where: University Union Lyceum When: 7 p.m.

Free

SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Page 6

NTDAILY.COM

Wilson sets sights high in final year

By Matt Brune Senior Sports Writer As a sea of green uniforms jogged into the locker room prior to kickoff of North Texas’ opening game of the season, a lone man trailed the pack – senior running back Jeffery Wilson.

With beads of sweat from the pregame workouts rolling off his body and falling onto the turf, Wilson trotted over to the goal post on the far side of the field and took a knee, closed his eyes and rested his head on his hand.

There, he said a quick prayer. He did so again on the 50-yard line, still as the only player left on the field. He completed his routine with one last prayer on the goal post closest to the home locker room.

Wilson began his trek back to the locker room to rejoin his teammates, but not before stopping at the bronze eagle statue, turning around to warn both end zones.

“I’ll be back,” Wilson said.

The No. 9 leading rusher in North Texas history learned the routine from his father, Jeffery Wilson Sr. After being born in Palestine, Texas and eventually moving to Elkhart at a young age, Wilson grew accustomed to the small town life he was surrounded by throughout his adolescence.

According to the 2010 census, Elkhart has a population of 1,371. Elkhart High School is classified as 3A by the University Interscholastic League with 369 students and was a place that felt right at home to Wilson – especially on Friday nights.

“It’s really kind of cool,” Wilson said.

“You come out at the game and you know everybody in the stands, all the families, you know people coming from the nearby towns. It’s a town where it gives you a lot of glory, but you have to be humble and the humbleness translated over to college for me.”

In two seasons at Elkhart, Wilson

posted an eye-popping 5,078 yards and 59 touchdowns. The video game-like numbers gave Wilson a few choices at the college level, and he ended up with four offers on the table.

Former North Texas coach Dan McCarney and his staff were able to seal the deal in the recruiting process.

While Elkhart’s status as a small school may have left some athletes uneasy about a lack of exposure to college coaches, Wilson’s father helped shape his career from the very beginning.

“Like my dad always told me, you put up the numbers and they’ll come find you,” Wilson said. “I stuck by that through high school and now I’m here at North Texas.”

He was right.

In Wilson’s time at North Texas, he’s been one of the most accomplished running backs to come through the program’s doors. Just one game into his final season, the senior has cracked the Top 10 in both touchdowns and yards.

But entering this year, there was some concern as Wilson was coming off his third consecutive season where he missed two or more games due to injury.

To combat those issues, Wilson said he worked through the offseason like never before. Head coach Seth Littrell was quick to point out the change in his physique.

“He’s done a good job in the weight room getting bigger and stronger,” Littrell said. “He’s got more explosion and he’ll be more durable. I think he’s a whole new man this year.”

Beyond Wilson’s improvement on the field, his leadership outside the white lines has grown as well.

After every practice, Wilson talks to everyone he sees and does so with an aura of energy that is infectious to those around him. He had a similar personality last season, but Littrell said his star player is more focused on trying to bring others up to speed and be the senior leader the

North Texas senior running back Jeffery Wilson (3) runs through a hole against Lamar University on Sept. 2, 2017. Colin Mitchell| Visuals Editor offense needs.

“He’s done a great job in understanding what he needs to improve on, not only to be a good leader but a great teammate,” Littrell said. “He has a lot of influence in the locker room and he has to use it in a positive way. He’s gotten much better as he grows [at doing that].”

The heir apparent to Wilson’s throne in the Mean Green backfield is redshirt freshman Nic Smith, who has been one of the primary recipients of Wilson’s increased leadership role.

As Smith has emerged as one of the primary backups to Wilson, he continues to rave about the senior’s impact on the growth of a younger stable of running backs.

“For me coming in, redshirting my freshman year, he was the one who gave me the most support,” Smith said. “He’s

one of the guys that I really leaned on for support. He’s a great guy, he’s one of my mentors but he’s more like an older brother.”

Being a real leader is an arduous task, but it’s one Wilson has taken and ran with in similar fashion to one of his 385 carries for the Mean Green.

“I would like to say my role is a leader,” Wilson said. “That’s something I’ve worked for and I want to give the [younger guys] the tools they need to be as great as they can possibly be.”

Wilson’s role as a leader and star running back is put on display in front of a crowd at Apogee typically hovering almost 20 times greater than the population of his hometown in Elkhart.

Like the other changes he’s recently made to his game, getting used to the spotlight was a big adjustment at first.

UPCOMING GAMES

But now it feels like home for the former small town star who’s in his final season at North Texas.

“This is a memory that I’ll have for life,” Wilson said. “Obviously, this is my last year, so I want it to be the best one.”

@mattbrune25

Jeffery Wilson Stats Career rushing yards: 2,165 Career rushing touchdowns: 19 Average yards per carry: 5.6 Career-high: 188 yards on 10/8/2016

MEAN GREEN QUICK HITS

Friday •Men’s Golf: Wolf Run Intercollegiate (Zionsville, IN) – All Day • Volleyball: vs. Oregon State (North Texas Challenge) – 6:30 p.m.

•Soccer: vs. Weber State – 7 p.m.

Saturday • Men’s Golf: Wolf Run Intercollegiate (Zionsville, IN) – All Day • Football: @ SMU – 6 p.m.

• Volleyball: vs. New Orleans (North Texas Challenge) – 11 a.m.

• Volleyball: vs. Campbell (North Texas Challenge) – 7 p.m.

Sunday • Men’s Golf: Wolf Run Intercollegiate (Zionsville, IN) – All Day • Soccer: vs. Indiana – 12 p.m.

Monday • Women’s Golf: Minnesota Invitational (Woodbury, MN) – All Day

Running backs shine in win over Lamar Jeffery Wilson kicked off his senior year in dominating fashion, rushing for 176 yards and three touchdowns on just 121 carries last week. But the Mean Green showed their depth in the backfield as redshirt freshman Nic Smith went for 136 total yards and a touchdown while true freshman Evan Johnson added 98 yards on the ground.

That depth behind Wilson should pay major dividends throughout the season as coach Seth Littrell looks to keep his star fresh.

Tuesday • Women’s Golf: Minnesota Invitational (Woodbury, MN) – All Day Wednesday • Volleyball: vs. Abilene Christian – 6 p.m.

Volleyball hovering near the top of C-USA statically It’s only six games into the season, but the Mean Green volleyball team ranks among the Conference USA leaders in several statistical categories. North Texas is top three in hitting percentage (.271), assists (13.95 per set), kills (15.09 per set) and blocks (2.91 per set). Amanda Chamberlain leads the conference with a .570 hitting percentage.

Fine shows improvement Sophomore quarterback Mason Fine didn’t show any signs of a sophomore slump in the season opening win over Lamar, going 15-21 for 224 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to throw the ball down the field was a dramatic improvement, as Fine connected on deep passes to Quinetin Jackson, Michael Lawrence and Jalen Guyton. Fine’s deep ball adds a new dimension to the offense this season.

Freshman Peters records hat trick Freshman Berklee Peters scored a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Houston Baptist Sunday, helping Mean Green soccer improve to 3-2 on the season. Peters came off the bench to make a big impact on the game, backing up a strong start to the game by junior Taylor Torres. Torres scored the first two goals on assists from Tori Phillips and Natalie Newell to set the tone for the rest of the day.

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NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

UNT transporting 1,000 students to SMU rivalry game

By Matt Brune Senior Sports Writer Going into the fourth game of a 10-year series with Southern Methodist University, UNT is using a bus system to transport 1,000 students in 18 buses to Gerald J. Ford Stadium Saturday evening.

This is not the first time North Texas has made a move to bring students to Dallas for a game, though. Two years ago, the same mission was accomplished with an even bigger crowd.

“Two years ago we took about 1,400 students to SMU for the game,” associate athletic director Jamie Adams said. “We had a great time, so we wanted to recreate that and do it again.”

Trimming it from 1,400 to 1,000 was simply to make things more manageable for everyone involved, Adams added.

The tickets, which include a T-shirt, lunch and ride to the game totals just $22. Athletic director Wren Baker sees it as a reasonable option for students to attend the game. “[The goal] is to provide a safe, economical option for students to get to the game,” Baker said. “We have a [ticket deal] we were able to get working with SMU. [The food, shirts and ride] is something we were able to partner with student affairs and the president’s office to offer our students.”

The deal is an appealing one to several students who either don’t have a mode of transportation or don’t want to fight the Dallas traffic or parking near the stadium.

Adams assures the cost is not to benefit the athletic department, but is only for the benefit of the students and the team.

“To pay for all this, it took a lot of different departments,” Adams said. “Selling the tickets is to help offset the cost.

When it’s all said and done we’re not going to make money but that’s not the point. The point is to get a great student crowd at SMU.” In their first road game of the year, having 1,000-plus Mean Green faithful in attendance will certainly make life easier for the North Texas players. Head coach Seth Littrell knows the factor of being on the road won’t affect the team too much because of the increase in fans as well as the lack of effect on preparation from the short trip up I-35.

“It’s no different [for us to play on there],” Littrell said.

“Going to SMU, on the road, it’s pretty much like a home game for us in the sense that we do everything pretty routinely. Not much is different other than it’s a different venue.”

Baker, Adams and company have done their job of supplying students with an opportunity to support their team – now it’s on them to make the commitment of going.

If the game two years ago was any indicator, the Mean Green fans will fill the buses and negate at least some of the Mustangs’ sacred home field advantage.

“The last time we did it, SMU fans and our fans commented that when students went through the tailgating area they were loud and proud,” Adams said.

“It was eye-opening, so [this year] we’re hoping to do the same thing.”

@mattbrune25

Behind Enemy Lines Editor’s note: Before Saturday night’s rivalry game between North Texas and SMU, the North Texas Daily went behind enemy lines with Nikki Chavanelle, publisher of SMU Rivals.com and Olivia Pitten and Jacob Prothro, Sports Editor and Sports Writer at SMU’s The Daily Campus to get an inside scoop on the Mustangs.

Here are some highlights from Chavanelle (NC), Pitten (OP) and Prothro (JP).

1) Who is SMU’s most important player and why?

NC: SMU has a lot of offensive weapons, but the make-or-break factor for SMU is going to be quarterback play all season long.

SMU’s run game was really effective against Stephen F. Austin University while the Lumberjacks shut down the Mustang receivers, but that’s not going to be the situation every game. If Ben Hicks can connect with Courtland Sutton, Trey Quinn, James Proche and all the other offensive weapons – that’s going to be the difference maker.

OP: On a team of 85 players, success is a team effort. It’s hard to name just one guy as the most important. On SMU’s team, the quarterback, Ben Hicks, is an integral key player to completing successful plays. Courtland Sutton has been an obvious standout in the previous seasons. His decision to return to play, instead of the NFL Draft, was a significant decision and we’re all anxious to see his performance on the field this year.

JP: Courtland Sutton is probably SMU’s most important player. He’s a tall receiver that has game-breaking speed and athleticism. He is projected to be a first round pick and is on several preseason All-American lists.

He can make plays on offense that nobody else can, and is generally a mismatch for every defense SMU faces. If Hicks can get him the ball often, then the passing game is

usually stout and running lanes open up for speedy Braeden West and Xavier Jones as the defense starts to back off the line to play the pass.

2) What is SMU’s biggest weakness?

NC: Unfortunately, SMU’s biggest weakness is their pass defense. While the defensive line had a very solid game against SFA, the Mustangs’ linebackers are still untested for the most part and the secondary is very young, starting three sophomores.

The Mustangs gave up nine yards per reception against the Lumberjacks and it’s worrisome to think about what could happen when SMU plays teams with more firepower than Jake Blumrick.

OP: SMU’s offense and defense are looking incredibly strong this year. After the missed extra point last week, I think special teams is the area they could always improve on.

JP: Judging by last week, it’s special teams. SFA was able to return two kickoffs past the 50, and our kicker missed an extra point. Against an offense like North Texas’, you can’t give them good field position to start a drive.

3) Have the Mustangs finally solidified their quarterback position?

NC: Ben Hicks is SMU’s starter and will remain the starter unless he makes some really bad mistakes.

Hicks has the best grasp of the Mustangs’ offense and he has the most game experience. He’s not as mobile as D.J. Gillins or as accurate as Rafe Peavey but the team and the coaching staff is fully behind him.

Not to mention that he has the most chemistry with the starting receivers.

OP: Although all three quarterbacks got playing time in the game against SFA, Ben Hicks will remain the starting quarterback against North Texas.

JP: To put it simply, no. Ben Hicks will get the start against North Texas,

North Texas (1-0) @ SMU (1-0) Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 but he looked inconsistent against Stephen F. Austin. He finished 9-19 for 112 yards and two TD’s but lacked the touch that you’d expect. He also threw a pass that should’ve been intercepted, but James Proche was able to make a fantastic catch to save him. Behind him are D.J. Gillins and Rafe Peavey. Gillins didn’t look great throwing the football, but is an elite scrambler. Peavey looked solid, completing all three of his passes and extending plays with his legs. At this point, it’s Hicks job to lose, but the gap is closing.

4) What are the keys to the game for SMU? NC: All SMU needs to do to win the game against the Mean Green is stay sharp on offense and not make mistakes. If Hicks can complete passes and the offensive line can hold up and protect him, like they did really well against SFA, then they should be able to put enough points on the board to counter the Mean Green run game and hopefully, the defensive line can get after Fine and cause some disruption.

OP: For SMU, key components to success on the field include running the ball effectively, controlling the line on both sides and dominating control of the ball. With the inconsistencies present in SMU’s QB spot, it’s imperative the offensive line remains strong and their running game develops.

JP: SMU has to get their running game going to take pressure off of their QB. With the way Hicks played last week, you don’t want him throwing the ball more than 30 times.

Defensively they need to stop the pass and force the Mean Green to run the ball into their big defensive line.

5) Game prediction NC: SMU wins 34-20. I think the Mustangs are going to get off to a hot

start and never look back. The Mean Green have the run game to answer with a few scores, but SMU’s receivers are all hungry for a bounce back game after being shut down last week.

OP: SMU wins 35-21. After SMU’s powerful presence and overall dominance last week, I think SMU will handle North Texas.

JP: SMU wins 45-31. The Mustangs just have too many weapons for North Texas to on offense contain, and that should prove to be the difference.

Mason Fine

Sutton poses challenge FOOTBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “It’s a great challenge,” Littrell said. “He’s a special player and our guys know that. Obviously our coaches have to make sure we put [our defense] in the position to have success. I know our guys are excited about the matchup, and it’ll be a great challenge.”

Then-junior safety Kishawn McClain (23) tackles a Southern Methodist University ball carrier last season. Courtesy| Mean Green Athletics

X’s and O’s Littrell and his players said they saw a lot of similarities between the Mustangs’ offense and their own on film. This should make it easier to prepare, especially since these two teams are so familiar with each other’s personnel.

SMU will likely pass the ball much more than the Mean

Green on Saturday.

With redshirt sophomore Ben Hicks in his second year and coming off a season where he had 422 attempts, the expectation is that he will reduce his interceptions significantly from 15 and be much more efficient.

North Texas running back Jeffery Wilson and the offensive line will be able to control the clock and have a solid game rushing, but sophomore quarterback Mason Fine will need to make good decisions for North Texas to pull it out. Fine was 15-of-21 with three touchdowns a week ago and appeared much sharper and more comfortable than last year.

Both teams will be coming off

games where their starters did not have to do much. With dominant wins over FCS opponents and will be facing their first test on Saturday. Whoever adjusts to the speed first will likely be in a good position to win.

While SMU is favored, there are several ways North Texas can pull this out. The Mean Green will have to win the turnover battle and hold Sutton in check if they want a chance to win.

“It’ll be an exciting game and we’re excited about the challenge,” Littrell said. “It’ll be fun.”

Score prediction: SMU 31 North Texas 27

@mattbrune25

OPINION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Page 8

NTDAILY.COM

Texas thoughtfully outlawed texting and Colin Kaepernick is doing what people driving, but will find it hard to enforce wanted and we are not talking about it

By Jade Jackson Staff Writer

Illustration by Theresa Sanchez

By The Editorial Board We have all been guilty of texting while driving – admit it.

You have used your phone while driving in the city of Denton. You have broken that city law before.

But now, the entire state of Texas is jumping on the train. As of Sept.

1, Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 62 into law banning texting while driving statewide.

First-time offenders can be fined anywhere from $25-$99 while fines for offenses beyond that will range from $100-$200, but offenders will not have any points added to their driving record. Texas is the 47th state to outlaw texting while driving statewide. The law does not supersede stricter cell phone bans like the city of Denton has.

Denton outlaws all use of a handheld communications device while operating a vehicle in Denton city limits. It is considered a Class C misdemeanor.

With House Bill 62 comes another addition. One in five crashes in Texas are caused by distracted driving. Over 100,000 crashes in 2016 were caused by distracted driving and 455 of those resulted in a fatality.

A distracted driving crash that results in death or serious bodily injury of another person can be

met with a Class A misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $4,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year.

But how will officers enforce this?

It is very important to note House Bill 62 only outlaws “reading, writing, or sending electronic messages” with a “wireless communication device.”

It is legal in most cities to use a cell phone for GPS navigation.

How can an officer prove you are texting while driving?

Subsection G of the law states an officer who stops a vehicle suspected of a violation “may not take possession of or otherwise inspect a portable wireless communication device in the possession of the operator unless authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Penal Code, or other law.”

If an officer may not take your phone and look at your text messages, again, how can they prove you are texting and driving?

Denton police have faced this issue while trying to enforce handheld communication device bans since the city implemented it, according to public information officer Shane Kizer.

“It is incumbent on the officers to see them texting,” Kizer said.

“You have to be able to distinguish

that from using your device for something else. It makes it tough on the officer. [Officers] have to be safe while driving themselves.”

The law is a thoughtful one, and a step in the right direction.

Texting while driving should absolutely be outlawed in Texas, and hopefully one day nationwide.

Distracted driving is one of the biggest issues of the technological age.

But the enforcement of this law will obviously need work. As police departments across the state prepare to deal with this rampant issue, we can only hope a better way to distinguish whether a driver is texting while operating a motor vehicle will come about.

It will be a learning experience for departments across Texas even those like Denton who have had this in place. Kizer agrees, and has a partial solution.

“There’s a way to enforce in a better way,” Kizer said. “Twoman patrol and have that type of enforcement. I’m sure there will be other things that come up as this law is being enforced across the state. Right now, it is what it is.”

Do not text and drive.

But if you do, you probably will not get caught.

@ntdaily

Colin Kaepernick has been living up to his promise to pledge $1 million to organizations fighting for oppressed communities. A lot of people told him to put his money where his mouth is if he wanted to take a knee, and he has.

Where is this being discussed?

Kaepernick has reached over $800,000 of the $1 million he is raising to help organizations for social justice. People believe he shouldn’t have taken a knee a year ago because he’s rich, meaning he is not oppressed and therefore should not act on issues he “cannot” relate to.

This could not be more ignorant.

Stating that rich people can’t empathize or stand up to what they feel is wrong in this country because of their money does not correlate. Kaepernick was not rich before he joined the NFL and he is

Colin Kaepernick. File

black in America.

Being black in this country brings about its own discriminatory experiences no matter how much money you have.

Kaepernick stated this is not for him and it is not a selfish act he is seeking attention for. In fact, Kaepernick started his protest without much buzz from his end.

Only when inquired by a reporter did he openly answer the question why.

Yet because of the domino affect of what came after and people claiming he needs to be about action if he really wants to make a difference, Kaepernick pledged to organizations commuting to social equality.

He has quietly been pledging his money, and it has fallen under the radar.

As the protest continues to spread across the NFL nearly a year later, there has been no widescale discussion of Kaepernick living up to what most of his opposers wanted him to do now that he’s actually doing it.

He even helped an organization in our own backyard.

Mothers Against Police Brutality, based out of Dallas, received $25,000 from Kaepernick. Press advisory Sara Mokuria noted that Mothers Against Police Brutality was one of the first to receive a donation from the former 49ers quarterback. He left a message for the women saying he supported what they were doing.

“He has been one of the most personable and giving athletes we’ve had in a long time,” Mokuria said. “Put him in the category of

[Muhammad] Ali and others in term of their commitment to justice and fighting for our community.”

Kaepernick donates to larger organizations, but he also wants to help on a more personal level.

He reached out to the family of Jordan Edwards looking to help. Edwards was the 15-yearold black boy who was shot by police officer Roy Oliver in Balch Springs in April.

A breakdown of his donations is available on his website. Even in light of public controversy, Kaepernick’s humble quest is making big differences across the country for those communities.

It is impossible to deny that Kaepernick has been quiet about his dealings. He is not worried about it being well known, he does not need that. He is just concerned about the impact it will have.

Kaepernick’s fame, funds and football stats are the main topic in the media when his good deeds are discussed. In the end, the people of the communities he is helping are benefited the most.

For many Americans who say they are proud Americans, Kaepernick taking a knee for the national anthem was disrespectful. Compare it to the college sit-ins of the 1960s. A silent protest that made waves. All they did was silently sit, wanting to be served equally.

Kaepernick feels as if the flag does not represent what he stands for. He silently kneels until there’s change. Kaepernick is putting his money where his mouth is as asked. Why are we not talking about it?

@IAMJADETHEGREAT