Issue 19 - 04-20-2012

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The Flare

Friday, April 20, 2012 Vol. 75 No. 19 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

SPECIAL REPORT See pages 4-5

Showdown at Mount Carmel

Police arrest weapon suspect Women’s .LOJRUH PDQ IDFHV IHORQ\ FKDUJHV SULVRQ WLPH KATIE KUYKENDALL Staff Writer An 18-year-old Kilgore man remains in the Gregg County Jail on a $25,000 bond after charged with carrying a handgun on campus (a place where weapons are prohibited) April 4. Johaun Deriare Dupree was charged with a third degree felony and

a call reporting that someone with a gun was around the male dormitories. After KCPD and the Kilgore Police Department searched the area with K-9 units and a helicopter, the suspect was not found. A Kilgore police officer identified Dupree on KCPD’s security video. A warrant was granted after two witnesses chose Dupree’s photograph out of six random individuals who matched the suspect’s description.

faces prison charges from two to 10 years and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000. KCPD’s Lt. Tony Means took Dupree into custody without incident on Monday. Dupree is not a KC student. “Given all of the circumstances, the investigation was successful,� said Martin Pessink, KCPD chief. Around 9:20 p.m. on April 4, KCPD received

softball proposal at bat

$GGLWLRQ RI PRUH IHPDOH DWKOHWHV FRXOG KHOS HQVXUH 7LWOH ,; FRPSOLDQFH JESSICA STOVALL Staff Writer

In order to comply with federal Title IX mandates, KC is looking to find a place in the athletic program for a women’s softball team. Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development, presented the softball idea to the KC Board of Trustees in April, and the proposal will be considered for approval at the next Board meeting May 14. Title IX guarantees exclusion of sex discrimination under education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. KC currently offers football and basketball for men and basketball for women. Not having another sport offered for women causes an imbalance in the population of student athletes. “Almost 13 percent of our athletes are women, while almost 63 percent of the student body is female,� Jenkins said. “Beyond legal compliance, it is important to offer participation opportunities to women coming from the high schools and communities of our service area.� Players will be recruited based upon the new coaching staff ’s discretion. “The recruitment process will be handled by the coach. I would imagine that there will be a lot of local as well as statewide recruitment, based upon the network of contacts the coach has established,�Jenkins said. The college will also need to hire a coaching staff. “Typically, we post all job openings and accept applications from anyone interested. Generally, a search process can take one or more months to complete. Given that we are well into the recruiting season, there is some concern of going through a full search process and delaying student-athlete recruitment until June or later,� Jenkins said. “Under certain circumstances, the president can authorize the appointment of an interim to serve. So that is a possibility as well.� The softball team will be a part of the Region XIV Athletic Conference. The conference is split into two

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Photo illustra tion by Elizabe th Wisdom and Kasi Dickerso n/ THE FLARE

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Editor’s note: This is the second part of a three-part series highlighting family dynamics. Names of student sources have been changed to ensure honest discussion on these sensitive issues.

KASI DICKERSON Executive Editor

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t disguises itself as a harmless bottle or a one-time hit of fun. It begs for just one taste – one hit – and promises to take you to the ultimate high where stress disappears and worries drift into smoke. It becomes your best friend, your mentor, your soulmate. Or so you think.

Before you realize it, you become its slave entrapped into a self-destructive cycle. Addiction promises to be a one-night party, but when the celebration doesn’t end, your life deteriorates and families suffer. Drug and alcohol abuse are two forces cracking the traditional family foundation. More than 28 million Americans are children of alcoholics and nearly 11 million are under the age of 18, according to Hope Networks.org. The National Council See ADDICTION on Page 6

See SOFTBALL on Page 6

Preview Day features sessions, tours for prospective students KRISTINA KUEHN Staff Writer The Office of Recruitment Services is hosting Ranger Preview Day 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, with registration from 9 - 10 a.m. in Dodson Auditorium. “Preview Day provides high school students who are exploring their higher education options an opportunity to find out what Kilgore College has to offer,� said Eloise Ashley, associate director of admissions and recruitment. Ashley said transfer students, parents and friends are also welcome to attend this free event. Prospective students will participate in

an academic fair sessions to explore areas of interest. Instructors from the college’s departments will be on hand to answer questions prospective students might have. Information sessions will inform students about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, testing, residential life and how to navigate Campus Connect. Students will receive a T-shirt and free lunch in the KC Cafeteria and view a skit from the Ranger Ambassadors. Students can also tour KC housing. Register for “Ranger Preview Day,� online at kilgore.edu. For more information, contact Recruitment Services at 903-983-8290 or email Ashley at eashley@kilgore.edu.

PREVIEW DAY SATURDAY

Schedule Q Registration/Check In 9 - 10 a.m. Dodson Auditorium Q Welcome and Overview 9:30 - 10 a.m. Dodson Auditorium Q Academic Fair Session (1) 10 - 10:30 a.m. DSC - Ballroom Q Academic Fair Session (2) 10:30 - 11 a.m. DSC - Ballroom Q Academic Fair Session (3) 11 - 11:30 a.m. DSC - Ballroom

Information Sessions: Q Admissions 10 - 11:30 a.m. Devall Room Q Financial Aid/ Scholarships 11 - 11:30 a.m. Game Room Q Campus Connect 11:30 - 1 p.m. Devall Room Q Campus Tours 11:30 - 1 p.m. Center Court Cafe Q Housing Tours 1- 2 p.m. Q Open House: Petroleum/Process Technology Program 1 - 2:30 p.m. ATC Bldg.

Bre a k i n g n ews, videos an d exten ded cover age at www.thef lareonline. com

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FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

FACE IN THE CROWD

Dima Chudinov

The Flare

NOTEBOOK April 20-27 FRIDAY, April 20 Q Relay for Life 7 p.m.- 7 a.m. Kilgore’s Youth Sports Complex

SATURDAY, April 21 Q Ranger Preview Day 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Dodson Auditorium/ DSC Ballroom

MONDAY, April 23 Q Administration Assistant Appreciation luncheon 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. DSC Ballroom

TUESDAY, April 24 Q Goodbye Party for Margarita TalaveraHoferer, Spanish instructor 1:30 p.m. Devall Room Q Sigma Kappa Delta

induction 6:30 p.m. DSC Ballroom

Age: 21 Hometown: Overton *SHZZPĂ„JH[PVU! Sophomore Major: Business and Management

Who got you involved in Boy Scouts? ... Greg Warren, my brother-inlaw. He signed me up as soon as I came to the U.S. from Russia at the end of 2002. Which Boy Scout troops and Venture crews have you been in? ... Troop 495 and Crew 777. What is your favorite part of scouting? ... Camping and fishing. What positions have you held in scouting? ... Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. What are you most excited about when it comes to working at Camp Pirtle this summer? ... The waterfront. I can’t wait to water-ski. Which year has been your favorite year to work at Camp Pirtle? Why? ... 2008, because of the great staff members. What merit badges

Randi Vinson/ THE FLARE

Annual Relay for Life begins tonight JIMMY WARWICK Staff Writer Relay for Life is having a celebration starting 7 tonight, and ending 7 Saturday morning at the Kilgore Youth Sports complex. The event celebrates those who have fought against cancer and remembers those whose fight is over. The relay has teams from the area

walking around a track all night and into the next morning as a statement that cancer never sleeps. The event starts with a survivor walk, where the survivors of cancer do the first lap followed by the care givers’ lap then the team laps start. Current and former employees all fighting for cancer awareness and cancer research make up the KC Relay Rangers team. “It’s a very close cause for all of us;

that’s why we always do it year after year. We are all affected by cancer in some way–either you have cancer or know someone with cancer,� said Jeannie Butler, administrative assistant for residential life. KC has been active in the relay for 10 years. The team not only participates in the relay, but also raises money during the year with an annual baked potato sale. This year the sale raised $1,425.

Q KC Choir

7:30 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview

Former dean, athletic director Campbell dies

WEDNESDAY, April 25 Q TRIO Spring banquet 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. DSC Ballroom

THURSDAY, April 26 Q Retirement Party for Latane Speer, government instructor 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. DSC Ballroom Q KC Symphonic

Band Concert 7:30 p.m. Dodson Auditorium

FRIDAY, April 27 Q NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE

STUDENT SUCCESS TIP

– Mariann Baker Department Chair/ Instructor, math, engineering, physics

Symphonic band concert Thursday The KC Symphonic Band will present a concert 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, in Dodson Auditorium. This concert will feature nine numbers and admission is free. Glenn Wells, KC Ranger Band director, is directing the concert. “We have a lot of fun music. The kids are enjoying it,� Wells said. “We encourage students who need recital music credit to come.� Kevin Ogilvie, assistant band director, will also participate in the concert. ~Kasi Dickerson

At 9 p.m. all of the lights will be turned off and the only light will be from Luminaria surrounding the track. Each Luminaria is dedicated to someone who is a cancer survivor or someone who has fallen to cancer. The relay is open to the public, and Luminaria can be purchased with proceeds funding cancer research and awareness. To join a team or to donate money, contact the American cancer society at 903-597-1383.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Masterworks Concert

“As an instructor of mathematics, it is extremely important that students come to class regularly and keep up with the assignments. They need to be proactive learners, that is, when they don’t understand a problem, they need to ask the instructor or someone in the Math Learning Center. They should not be discouraged if they don’t understand material immediately. Sometimes it takes WYHJ[PJL [V Ă„UHSS` understand a concept. Mathematics is cumulative so concepts build on other concepts, so I would say to students: don’t get behind in math class.â€?

will you be counseling this summer? ... BSA Lifeguard. What is your favorite merit badge? ... Swimming. Who motivated you to become an Eagle Scout? ... My family. What year did you become an Eagle Scout? ... Feb. 19, 2008. It’s a great achievement; many are called, but few are chosen. What is the most important thing to remember about scouting? ... The Scout Law. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, brave, clean and reverent. Who has been the most influential person in your scouting career? Why? ... Gerald Walker, my first Scoutmaster, and Will Sudweeks, my second Scoutmaster. They got me to realize my full potential.

Anup Bhandari/ THE FLARE

Denzel Victor, Port Arthur freshman, observes a sculpture featured in the spring art exhibit in the Turk Fine Arts Gallery.

50 art pieces on display 6WXGHQW DUW VKRZ IHDWXUHV ˔QH DUW JUDSKLF GHVLJQ SKRWRJUDSK\ VICTORIA KELLEY Staff Writer The Turk Fine Arts Gallery is featuring the spring collection of student art. The student show presents 50 pieces of various forms of art, including photography, graphic design and fine arts. The photography selection includes 12 photographs to form an exhibition called ‘12x12’ (12 students, 12 images). “These photographic selections are from the photography illustration and photo digital Imaging classes offered in the photography program at Kilgore College,� said O. Rufus Lovett, photography instructor. “Architecture, still life, editorial portraiture and surreal photomontage are represented themes explored in the photography curriculum.� Seven graphic design illustrations have been chosen to demonstrate matte paintings of a dream like world.

“I was stunned at the quality of work in the illustration techniques course this year. The student matte paintings using Photoshop 5 are thrilling,� said Larry Kitchen, chairman and visual arts instructor, “With the latest software and the trained artistic eye, our visual arts students created new worlds for everyone to explore.� The selected fine art pieces are created in a variety of mediums, including egg tempera, encaustic, oil, acrylic, pen, ink, Sharpie, Prisma color, charcoal, watercolor and mixed media. “I am so proud of the students and their work in this show. As a whole, I feel this is one of the best student shows we’ve ever had. It is a great combination of painting, photography, sculpture and graphic arts. It would rival any professional show,� said Carolyn FoxHearne, fine arts instructor. Gallery admission is free and open to the public 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday- Friday.

Choir concert Tuesday in Longview 2U˓ V ‘&DUPLQD %XUDQD’ IHDWXUHV WDOHV IURP WKH WK DQG WK FHQWXULHV DILLON SANDIFER Staff Writer The KC choirs will present a special concert in Longview featuring the performance of Carl Orff ’s “Carmina Burana.� This concert is a public event and part of the Trinity Episcopal Church Concert Series and is free and open to the public. The annual Masterworks Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview,

located at 906 Padon St. The concert will feature the KC Masterworks Chorus – comprised of the KC Chorale and the East Texas Community Chorus – accompanied by two pianists and a percussion ensemble. Carmina Burana tells tales told by 12th and 13th century goliards on the subjects of fate, the beauty of spring, life in the tavern and romantic desire. “Its music is earthy and primitive, and appeals to lovers of both classical and popular music,

sharing similarities to works of Stravinsky,� said Jim Taylor, director of choral activities. “This arrangement is wonderfully effective in communicating the power and majesty of this remarkable score.� Featured performers include Alyssa Marshall, soprano; Ryan Landis, tenor; and Doff Procter, baritone. Pianists will be Vicki Conway and Mary Tidwell. For more information, contact Taylor at 903-983-8122 or jtaylor@ kilgore.edu.

KC is mourning the loss Jim Campbell, who served as the college’s athletic director and dean of student services from 1980-1998. Campbell, 76, died Sunday, April 15, at his residence in Kilgore. Graveside services for Campbell were held Thursday, April 19, at Kilgore’s Danville Cemetery with the Rev. Darwood Galaway officiating. KC President Dr. Bill Holda said that Campbell will always be remembered for his many years of faithful service to the college. “Jim was devoted to athletics, to student life and organizations, and to students in general,� Holda said. “We extend our condolences as a Kilgore College family to his wife and children and we will miss him greatly.� Campbell was born in Chicota, Texas, on Aug. 19, 1935, to the late Daymon Campbell and Katie Hunter. He is a member of the Kilgore College Athletics Hall of Fame and the Paris Junior College Sports Hall of Fame and was the only person admitted as both a player (basketball) and coach (baseball). He served as the NJCAA Regional Athletic Director and also coached basketball and baseball at Paris Junior College, coached basketball and baseball at Bee County College and baseball at Wharton County Junior College. ~Staff Reports

ECC to honor children, families The KC Early Childhood Center will celebrate Week of the Young Child April 22-28. This annual celebration is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of the WOTYC is to focus public attention on the needs of young children, their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. “It is a fun week filled with lots of activities,� Janet Baxter, ECC administrative assistant said. The ECC will host a number of special guests, including the KC Twirlers and cheerleaders, firemen, policemen, musicians and guest readers. The KC TRiO Club will be collecting new children’s books to donate to the ECC. Donations can be dropped off in the TRiO Lab in the Student Services Building by Wednesday, April 25. Festivities will close Friday, April 27, when the center hosts its 19th annual family picnic and silent auction. “The family picnic is a wonderful time of food and fellowship with families and staff,� Baxter said. ~Ashton Johnson

NEWS

THE FLARE

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

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Sophomores named most representative BRITTANI PFAU Assistant Editor Sophomores Chelsi Borders of Kilgore and Brandon Demings of Dallas have been named KC’s Most Representative students for 2012. “It feels amazing to be named most representative for Kilgore College because it shows that all the hard work that I have done is paying off,� Demings said. “I didn’t even know that I was a candidate for this award until somebody told me.� The recognition is given

annually to one female student and one male student. These students are voted on by the faculty and staff. Qualifications call for fulltime sophomores who have at least a 2.0 GPA. “I was very honored to be named most representative and very shocked,� Borders said. “I was not expecting it at all.� Borders is involved in Ranger Ambassadors, Orientation Leaders, Phi Theta Kappa and Dance Club. She plans to attend Texas A&M University. Borders became involved

with KC organizations after graduating from Kilgore High School. “Being from Kilgore, I was just expecting to go to school then go home, but that didn’t happen. I’ve known Coach (Jimmy) Rieves for a while and he got me and a few other graduates from Kilgore High involved in County Ducks Unlimited. I also had admired the Ranger Ambassadors and I went for that. Phi Theta Kappa came with the grades and Dance Club came with ballet class.� Demings is involved in TRIO, Ranger Ambassadors,

Diversity Alliance and is a Resident Assistant and Student Government Association president. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. “Student Government Association would be my favorite because I really put my all in this organization to be what it is right now and to make an impact as the student body representatives,� Deming said. “Being the student body president for a year and a half, I really worked hard to assure success for those who follow behind me.�

Ranger Ambassador applications available KRISTINA KUEHN Staff Writer Ranger Ambassador applications for the fall semester are available in the Office of Recruitment Services in the Devall Student Center and are due 3 p.m. June 1. “The Ranger Ambassador program is a student organization that represents Kilgore College as a whole by assisting prospective students through the admissions process and conducting campus tours,� said Deirdre Mullins, recruitment specialist and Ambassador adviser. “Some of the benefits of being a Ranger Ambassador is getting to meet new people regularly and being involved on campus.� The application process starts at the end of the spring semester and goes into the summer. The Ambassadors are trained in August. The Ranger Ambassadors’ job consists of answering calls from perspective students at the visitors desk and knowing department information, registration dates, drop dates, financial aid refund dates, the

O. Rufus Lovett / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

Chelsi Borders and Brandon Demings received the most representative award. The award goes to two sophomore students who best represent the college.

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general reasons for testing and how to conduct campus tours. They must also work at the visitors desk four hours a week, assist with on and off-campus events, such as college fairs and Preview Day. To participate they must exhibit enthusiasm, energy, sincerity, have knowledge of KC and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. Ambassadors conduct many types of fundraisers for their own activities, including car washes, raffles and bake sales; plus they always donate to one local community organization. Sophomore Ambassadors are: Kaycee Berry, Kountze; Brandon Demings, Duncanville; Miguel Falcon, Overton; Brent Fleming, Overton; Bria Jones, Humble; Chelsi Borders, Kilgore; and Joshua Medlock, Overton. Freshmen are Heather Barr, Arp; Bailey Boudreaux, Longview; Nicole Fryman, Mount Enterprise; Logan Rhoades, Overton; and Jackson Threadgill, Henderson. For more information, contact Mullins at 903983-8216 or email her at dmullins@kilgore.edu.

Victoria Baker / THE FLARE

Students chow down VU JYH^Ă„ZO K\YPUN [OL MV\Y[O HUU\HS JYH^Ă„ZO boil Wednesday. Bottom right: Jessica Verdin and her dad, Hervin Verdin, enjoy the meal. The event was sponsored by the 6MĂ„JL VM :[\KLU[ 3PML HUK ARAMARK.

New math rule in effect A new rule is in effect for students enrolled in developmental Math 0308. Starting this semester, students who make a D in Math 0308 are eligible to take the Quick THEA test in order to advance to Mathematical Topics (MATH 1333) or Elementary Statistics (MATH 1342). Students must score 230 or higher on the Quick THEA in order to be college ready or TSI complete. Students must still make a C in MATH 0308 in order to

advance to college algebra (Math 1314). The rule does not allow students to take the THEA in order to enroll in college algebra. Mariann Baker, math department chair, said transfer students need to check with their adviser at KC or the university to which they are applying to know which math courses they need for their major. For more information, contact Baker at 903-983-8645. ~Brittani Pfau

Anup Bhandari / THE FLARE

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PTK honors former advisers NICOLE DISEKER Staff Writer The Phi Theta Kappa Texas Region honored several long-time advisers for their service to Phi Theta Kappa by presenting them with a certificate acknowledging the placement of an engraved brick in the Alpha Courtyard at the Center For Excellence in Jackson, Miss., the home of the international honor society of the two-year college. In the East Texas area, the award was presented to Anita Neeley, retired adviser of KC’s Gamma Omicron Chapter, and Judy Turman, retired adviser of Alpha Omicron at Tyler Junior College at the PTK Spring Induction Ceremony at TJC April 2. Neeley said Gamma Omicron has a rich history, receiving many awards and members who served as officers at the district, regional and international levels. “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve 30 years as adviser to the fantastic members of Gamma Omicron,� Neeley said. “My very dear friend, Dr. Mary Hood, served as the Texas Regional coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa until she lost her battle with cancer last year.� Ethan Witthaus, Gamma Omicron president, presented Neeley with one of the pink cancer pins, engraved with “Dr. Mary Hood ~ Leaders of Promise�.� Gamma Omicron attended the PTK National Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Gamma Omicron sold PTK pins and T-shirts and raised approximately $600. Michelle Daniels, PTK co-adviser, said the last general session of the convention was like the Olympics and the Academy Awards all in one. “It was amazing. I remember stepping back, looking around, and feeling completely engulfed by all of it. I kept thinking that these were students who want, throughout their own determination and self-perseverance, the same things,� Daniels said.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

SPECIAL

THE FLARE

‘It was a bad and long-winded deal’ .&3' &KLHI UHPHPEHUV GHDGO\ VWDQGR˓ LQ :DFR KASI DICKERSON Executive Editor

N

estled in a Central Texas field where chirping crickets replace the roar of highway traffic, a small white church stands overlooking a U-shaped white gravel driveway. It is about six minutes off of Loop 340 in Waco and its hidden location is serene with lush green grasses, blooming dandelions and draping trees. Standing in front of the church today a visitor wouldn’t realize the history of the area and the war zone it once was. Nineteen years ago a religious group called the Branch Davidians led by Vernon Howell, who later changed his name to David Koresh, occupied this area of Mount Carmel. The group believed Howell was Christ and that the end of the world was coming in a cataclysmic confrontation between the Branch Davidians and the government. At about 9:30 a.m. Feb. 28, 1993, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) began to execute an arrest warrant for David Koresh and a search warrant for the Branch Davidian compound. Kilgore College Police Department Chief Martin Pessink was working in special operations (SWAT) for the Waco Police Department at the time of the raid. He explains his side of the story based on his first-hand observations and information he received. “What led up to the warrant was that UPS had received packages to deliver out to their compound and one of the boxes fell and broke open and it spilled out a bunch of fragmentation hand grenades,” Pessink said. “This was not in the city of Waco; it was out in McLennan County so they notified the sheriff ’s department. That’s what prompted the investigation by ATF and the sheriff ’s department.” When ATF tried to serve the warrant on Feb. 28, 1993, the agents came under immediate gunfire, according to the “Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas.” “That morning my wife woke me up and said ‘You better come see what’s on the television,” Pessink said. “It was on Channel 10 and what we saw was live footage from the Branch Davidian compound of a shootout between the Branch Davidians and officers with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms uniform that were trying to serve the warrant.” Pessink immediately strapped on his gear– a handgun, extra magazines, a utility knife, tear gas– slipped on his bulletproof vest, military-style black battle dress uniform and Kevlar helmet. He then waited for his pager to buzz calling him to duty. Within an hour of seeing the TV report, he was called into his office. Waco PD had no knowledge of the situation before officers were briefed on the scene. “We pulled up on a driveway of an adjacent ranch probably about 500 yards away from the Branch Davidian compound and there was a large water tower in the center of the compound, and the ATF agent there that was briefing us pointed to the tower and said there was a guy up there with a Barrett .50 caliber rifle. These things have an accuracy of up to a mile for hitting a man’s set target so we all ducked behind our truck,” Pessink said. There are differing viewpoints on who fired the first shots; however, Pessink explains the tactics the ATF used in the raid. “When ATF was getting ready to plan this raid they were at Texas State Technical College. Somehow someone involved out there, not associated with ATF, knew one of the reporters from Channel 10 and called him and said, ‘They’re staging for a warrant and I think they are going to the Branch Davidian compound.’ He (the reporter) was there and ineffectually alerted the Branch Davidians by his presence that someone was coming so they prepared ahead of time,” Pessink said. “The tactics that ATF used in serving the warrant have been questioned for 20 years, but one of the things you do in a tactical operation is try and establish an element of surprise. If you can go through with surprise, rapid response and fast control of a situation in most cases you can do it without firing a shot which has happened time and time and time again and that’s what they (the ATF) were relying on.” ATF officers had planned on hiding in a covered cattle trailer to serve warrants to Koresh and the compound. “Since this was a ranching area, a large truck pulling a cattle trailer was not going to appear unusual unless somebody had dropped a dime (made a phone call) and told them that they were coming, which is what happened,” Pessink said. “So when the truck pulled through the gate the guy with the Barrett .50 put in a round at the engine, killed the engine, blocked the truck, stalled it and opened fire on the trailer. He blew one guy’s head off, shot another through the vest. They were just killing these agents.” The agents who exited the trailer and started making their approach to the house encountered machine-gun fire coming through the walls, through the windows from the house itself, Pessink notes. “These folks were armed with grenades, machine guns, high-powered rifles and the argument from the Second Amendment bunch is the right to keep and bear arms and stuff like that, but there are limitations to what type of arms,” Pessink said. “Of course, machine guns, grenades and high explosives are not included in that unless you pay the taxes.” Four ATF agents and six Branch Davidians died in the initial raid. Even though Mount Carmel was essentially outside of Waco, the Waco PD still had officers out there trying to help get the situation under control on Feb. 28. “The intelligence we were receiving said Vernon Howell was threatening to shoot their way out of the compound and go into town and take over one of our hospitals,” Pessink said. “We put out SWAT team officers on the exit of the roads that were leaving out of the compound.” After they returned to town the next day, however, the city administration said its city officers would not go back to the

Randi Vinson / THE FLARE

Jamie Maldonado and Kasi Dickerson / THE FLARE

scene. They did, however, secure the hospital one more day. Pessink says that a year before the raid, his SWAT unit trained in an abandoned house on an intersection between the highway that led to the compound and the loop on the East side of Waco. This house stood beside a mechanic’s garage. “We didn’t know that the mechanics running the garage were Vernon Howell’s lieutenants and at that date they went out there and told them ATF was out there so they barricaded themselves then,” Pessink said. According to the “Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas,” Howell confirmed on March 2, 1993, that there were 43 men, 47 women and 20 children inside the compound. Before given this head count, ATF officers and other law enforcement agents on the scene knew there were innocent victims inside the compound. Negotiations immediately followed the initial raid. “Our negotiators were working with the county’s negotiators trying to get those kids out,” Pessink said. “We stayed there for 24 hours. That’s how I spent my 33rd birthday, laying in a ditch out at Mount Carmel.” The ATF raid ended when FBI took over negotiations, but a 51-day standoff followed. Negotiators tried to compromise with Howell many times to get him to surrender peacefully. The FBI and Hostage Rescue Team teams used many tactics to force those inside the compound to come out – like playing loud noise to induce sleep deprivation. They also allowed Howell to record an hour-long audiotape where he preached about his special knowledge of the Seven Seals and the end of the world according to the Book of Revelations and his promise to surrender peacefully after the tape was broadcast. The tape was broadcast nationwide over the Christian

Broadcast Network and in Texas over KRLD. Howell did not surrender as promised because he said God had spoken to him and told him to wait to surrender. Over the course of the standoff, 38 Davidians either escaped or were released by Howell. Some releases were part of FBI’s negotiations. On April 19, FBI executed plans to end the standoff by inserting tear gas into the compound. The FBI attached aerosol canisters of tear gas to the booms of the tank recovery vehicles. Before injecting the gas, FBI called inside the compound and warned that gas was about to be introduced and it was not an assault so no one should fire any weapons. Two minutes after the gas plan was initiated the Davidians began shooting the vehicles. FBI then inserted gas into the entire compound. The compound caught fire shortly after. There are differing views on who started the fire. The “Report to the Deputy Attorney General on the Events at Waco, Texas,” says “the Davidians started fires at three separate locations within the compound.” Pessink agrees. “Vernon Howell was going to make his prophecy come true. Regardless of the situation he had a prophecy of death by fire and he was going to make this happen,” Pessink said. “The conspiracy theorists tell us that FBI burned this place down, but they burned themselves up. There were recordings at one time from inside the building saying that ‘the fire is lit, the fire is lit, the fire is lit’ and that’s never been really made public for whatever reason, but that was provided in the Intel briefings for law enforcement that was involved in this after the fact.” Nine Davidians survived the fire; Koresh was among the dead.

Kasi Dickerson / THE FLARE

David Koresh’s philosophy and photograph are posted inside the chapel.

Memorial plaques sit just inside th ATF raid and 51-day siege.

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Elizabeth Wisdom / THE FLARE

Clockwise from bottom left: The rusty remains of a school bus the Davidians used as a bunker to stockpile food and ammunition lies half-buried at the center. The New Mount Carmel Center as a church and historic site includes a chapel that is open to the public. KCPD Chief Martin Pessink responded to the Branch Davidian shootout on Feb. 28 1993, while working in Special Operations (SWAT) in Waco. Although the chapel is new, the doors are the original ones from the compound. A Davidian brochure illustrates the original Mount Carmel Compound.

Kasi Dickerson / THE FLARE

“Folks find it hard to believe that 78 people allowed themselves to be burned up in a building, but in Jonestown, Guyana, 900 either drank the Kool-Aid (poison), took an injection if they didn’t want the Kool-Aid or somebody shot and killed them,” Pessink said. On April 19, 1993, the compound burned. On this day, Pessink was 35 miles away securing a local hospital, but he could see the mushroom clouds go up from the explosives inside the compound. He explains that the Davidians had more than just grenades stockpiled because there is a difference in a fire plume and an explosive plume. He also says that most of the children who they found in the aftermath had bullet holes in their heads where somebody had shot them before the place burned. “It was a bad and long-winded deal,” Pessink said. “Before that happened no one know where Waco, Texas, was. After it happened everyone knew where Waco was.” April 19, 2012, marked the 19th anniversary of the “Waco event.” For many, this day is a day of mixed emotions and remembrance. “I still get a little antsy when the anniversary comes around, especially on April 19. That seems like a rally day for things to happen,” Pessink said. “Even though Waco is a large city, it has a population of over 100,000, we always had that small town, rural, it can’t happen here, type of belief. I think the change with everybody is that anything is possible. Things like this are not isolated to other areas. Things like this can happen in your town too. Don’t get caught unaware. This probably changed everybody involved to some degree. The tragic loss of life that was involved in that situation, in both law enforcement and civilian– everything that took place out there– just makes you stop and reflect.”

Jamie Maldonado / THE FLARE

he center’s gates to pay tribute to the Davidians who died during the

Who are the Branch Davidians? BRITTANI PFAU Assistant Editor

V

ictor Houteff founded the Mount Carmel Center near Waco in 1935. After 1962, Benjamin Roden and his followers were removed from the Houteff ’s church. By 1978, Lois Roden, Benjamin’s wife, had taken control of the sect; known as the Branch Davidians. Lois’ installment as the new prophet brought a major division between the church. One of Lois’ major opponents was her son, George. Vernon Howell joined the group in 1981. Two years later he began an association with Lois Roden. Howell shared Bible passages that he believed God had revealed to him. The executive council and other members came to accept him as having an inspired message from God and he became co-leader with Lois for six months. In 1984, he married the 14-year-old daughter of a prominent member. Howell and George Roden struggled for power throughout Lois’ leadership. Howell and his wife were forced out of Mount Carmel and moved to Palestine. Members began to forsake Lois Roden’s teachings and moved from Mount Carmel to live under Howell’s leadership. In late 1987, the growing conflict between Howell and George Roden ended in a gunfight when Howell and several armed men made a night raid on the compound where Roden was living. Roden had earlier illegally exhumed a corpse, placed the body in the chapel and challenged Howell to resurrect the body. If Howell could do so then he would become the next leader. Howell refused and his followers notified the McLennan County Sheriff ’s Department, but officials demanded proof before taking action. Howell and seven of his followers were arrested and charged with attempted murder. Roden said that the group was trying to kill him. “When Vernon Howell and his sect moved from Palestine to Waco to take over that compound they got into a shootout with each other. The sheriff ’s department responded at that time and everybody said King’s X (time out) and put their guns down,” said Martin Pessink, KCPD chief. “When they went to trial in the McLennan County Courthouse, these folks (the Davidians) dug up one of their prophets out on their property and carried this casket into the rotunda of the court house–which tells you what kind of folks you’re dealing with.” Howell and his men were later set free, but Roden was given a six-month jail sentence for violating a restraining order and for contempt of court because of a series of legal actions he filed filled with profanity and threats against the justices of the Texas State

Supreme Court. He was later sent to a psychiatric hospital. When Roden was sentenced, Howell took control of Mount Carmel. In 1990, Howell changed his name to David (after King David of the Israelites) Koresh (after the Babylonian King Cyrus. Koresh is Hebrew for Cyrus.) He later renamed Mount Carmel, “Ranch Apocalypse,” because of his belief that the final encompassing battle of Armageddon mentioned in the Bible would start at the Branch Davidian Compound.

The front page of the Waco Tribune published Feb. 27, 1993.

Koresh’s Beliefs that dominated the church: Q God has provided a prophet whose pronouncements are on par with the Bible. Q The “lamb” mentioned in Revelation 5:2 is not Jesus Christ, but David Koresh. The lamb is to open up the Seven Seals and trigger the sequence which ends the world. Q After the breaking of the seals, Christ would return to Earth. The members alone would ascend to heaven to be with God. Q Following his “New Light” doctrine, Koresh persuaded married women within the group to join him as “spiritual wives.” All but Koresh and his spiritual wives were required to remain celibate. Q Koresh is the only one who can interpret scripture and led them to believe they could only gain understanding through him. Q The King James Version is the only true and uncorrupted translation of the Bible.

~ Information was found on more than one website including www.the2Branches.org, www.religioustolerance.org, www. watchman.org and nickross.com/reference.

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THE FLARE

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

“

Addiction: Students reflect on childhood FROM PAGE 1

of Child Abuse and Family Violence

reports that more than 8 million children live with parents who are substance abusers. Emma is one of these 8 million children who lived with parental substance abuse. “My father sold marijuana growing up. He sold large quantities of it, in fact,” Emma said. Emma remembers how her father had a drug dealer who would come to her house and give him large quantities of marijuana to sell. This was a time before cell phones and her dad used a pager to receive his orders. “People who he sold to would be given his pager number and an enter number like an address,” Emma said. “My dad didn’t have a driver’s license so we bicycled everywhere. My dad would take me and my sister with him because it looked less suspicious to have a man and his two children riding their bikes around town rather than some scary-looking guy. We were little decoys.” As a child she was not only exposed to marijuana, but also other drugs. “I was probably 10 or 11 the first time my parents did crack,” Emma said. “It wasn’t obvious to us that there was more than just marijuana until I was 13 or 14. My dad would come over and be real secretive. They kept locked doors, had odd behavior and items like TVs came up missing.” At age 15 Emma gave birth to a son, and her parents then quit smoking marijuana and crack. Emma was taught that marijuana was natural since it comes from the earth so its use was not condemned. As a young adult, her views on the drug are different. “I am very opposed to personal drug use; however, I do know a great many people who smoke pot so to each their own. I don’t want it around me. I did try it as a teen because my friends did it. I didn’t enjoy that and I instill that in my kids as much as possible,” Emma said. “The harder drugs I do have an issue for anyone doing them.” Emma’s family never lived as a “fourperson family” because of this abuse. There is no perfect solution for families dealing with substance and alcohol abuse. This type of abuse affects families in different ways. It can cause disharmony, insecurity or chaos. In fact, parents who abuse alcohol or other drugs are more likely to be involved with domestic violence, divorce, unemployment, mental illness and legal problems, according to the Center on Addiction and the Family. While Emma still has some form of relationship with her parents today, Stephanie, another victim of substance and alcohol abuse, has essentially been on her own since she was 17. “I was living in (deep East Texas) when my mom went crazy on drugs,” Stephanie said. “Me and my brother were walking down to the road to go to the convenience store and she honked as she passed with my little brother in the car and she said ‘I love you’ and that was the last I’d seen her and she ran away to Arizona. My big brother was thrown in jail right after that and my stepfather was thrown in the penitentiary.

7OV[V 0SS\Z[YH[PVU I` 1HRL :JHYIVYV\NO THE FLARE

KC Student Survey

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zones, East and South, and has 14 colleges already participating in women’s softball. KC would be in the East Zone, which includes Lon Morris, Navarro, TVCC, Texarkana, Paris, Northeast Texas and Bossier Parish (Louisiana). “Region XIV allows a maximum of 18 scholarships,” Jenkins said. “Other schools carry 15 to 19 players. I recommend an-18 player roster.” Funding would be needed for the

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I actually finished my 11th grade year without anyone there.” While on her own Stephanie didn’t have any water or electricity and the only way she could deal with the pain was by turning to God. “I was all by myself in the dark with a candle and praying to God,” Stephanie said. “God saved me and I’m not extremely religious because my mom didn’t let us go to church.” Before her mom ran away, Stephanie lived in a home where her mother used drugs and alcohol every day. “She had mental issues and did not take medicine and so she self-medicated herself with pills, marijuana and methamphetamine and what not,” Stephanie said. Stephanie’s relationship with her mother is characterized by hatred. Raised without a role model, Stephanie had to grow up a lot quicker and was unable to experience many things other children did. “My mom wouldn’t let anyone come to my house because she was doing ice and stuff like that so she thought all of my friends were vampires and devil worshipers. I didn’t get to make lifelong friends because we would move every year,” Stephanie said. “It hurts because nobody else had to go through stuff I had to. I know people have their own trials and tribulations but it’s weird because I don’t ever talk about it. I guess I put up this strong facade that nothing could hurt me because I’ve been through enough.” Scott also experienced similar trials as his mother was in prison because of drug issues for the majority of his childhood and his father was an alcoholic. “I lived with my dad who was a functioning alcoholic, meaning he worked and took care of bills and always provided food and everything but he was very aggressive, abusive and drunk all the time,” Scott said. In families where alcohol or other drugs are being abused, behavior is frequently unpredictable and communication is unclear, according to the Center on Addiction and the Family. Scott’s dad is a prime example of one whose addiction controlled his behavior. “Some days he would be really, really happy and then the next day he would be angry. I don’t know for what reason. He would be frustrated and take that out on me,” Scott said. “I was real quiet growing up because I was afraid to say something that would trigger anger from him.” Alcoholism is a disease. An alcoholic can disrupt family life and cause harmful effects that can last a lifetime. “I struggled with ‘Does my mom love drugs more than she loves me? Does my dad love alcohol more than he loves me?’ because he wouldn’t quit. I would mention it sometimes and I would get in trouble,” Scott said. The invitation to join the addiction party may seem appealing at first, but for those family members who have to clean up the mess afterward, the celebration is anything but fun.

Next Week: Part III, Divorce

Softball: Board to vote on proposal May 14 FROM PAGE 1

F E AT U R E

scholarships, which are to be initially based on nine full scholarships. KC will be looking at a $15,000 estimated start-up cost and $105,000 estimated annual non-salary costs. An estimated $72,933 will be spent on full-time faculty, coaching and a graduate assistant. The college is hoping to utilized existing playing fields in Kilgore. “Preliminary discussions with the high school suggest that we will be able to work out a shared use of Stream-Flow Park for games and most practices,” Jenkins said.

“The Kilgore Softball Association’s fields on Hwy. 135 north of Kilgore may serve as an alternate practice location.” Location of an on-campus locker room and equipment storage space are yet to be determined. “Softball is the best fit for Kilgore College because it would not cause conflict with the use of the gym,” Jenkins said. “There is strong community interest, and it provides a spring sport.” Women’s softball could begin as early as fall.

View the 2012 Ranger online at

issuu.com/kcstudentpublications

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

SPORTS

Heart for the game

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JESSICA STOVALL Staff Writer

“A

rrogant,� “big muscles� and “jock� are all words that typically describe star athletes, but this 6’3� basketball player is hardworking, quiet and humble – refreshingly different from the norm. “I was taught to play with heart and never back down from a challenge,� said Travis Betran, Harlem sophomore and guard for KC men’s basketball team. Betran was born in Harlem, New York, and was adopted by his aunt as a young, mac-and-cheese eating 4-year-old. The game of basketball has always played a role in his life. His cousin, whom he considers his older brother, was his first coach and the most influential person to lead Betran’s footsteps to where they are today. “My brother is the reason I started to ball,� Betran said. “I strive to make him proud.� His brother has been able to guide him through the game and provide him a strong shoulder to lean on. “The way my brother coaches me is inspirational because he tries to pick me up when I am down on the court,� he said. Not only did Betran’s cousin play the role of his older brother, but he stood in as a father figure and guiding light when needed. “My brother is my biggest role model because we’ve been through a lot together and through it all he still manages to be strong and take care of his family,� Betran said. His sophomore year was the first time he found himself getting serious about the game of basketball. At that time, Betran was attending Murry Bergtraum High School in New York. To finish high school and play basketball more seriously, he transferred to Atlanta, Ga., to Covenant Christian Academy where he would find himself becoming a better all-around player. “The Academy gave me a better opportunity to increase my skills and to focus,� he said. “The coaches at Murry weren’t pushing me to reach my full potential.� Transferring didn’t take away from the friendships he still maintained and continues to maintain back at Murry. “My friends would visit me from time to time, and we would play video games and just chill,� Betran said. “Now, when I go back we link up and go hoop. Sometimes they’ll text me to see how I’m doing.� Hard work always had a place in Betran’s

life and he has never let distractions muddy his vision of the dreams and success his brother helped him create. Keeping a strong work ethic every minute of practice, and making sure to take everything his coaches tell him to heart, help Betran to better his minutes on the court that really count. His 74 percent success at the free throw line is enough to back that up. “Travis is well-rounded, quiet and looking to a bright future,� said Brian Hoberecht, head coach for the Rangers. Hoberecht got a call from Division I school, Mercer University, which had been looking to recruit Betran. The coaches at Mercer decided he would benefit more from a junior college route and have a better opportunity to shine and make it to the big leagues, knowing he would focus and use his full potential. Knowing he didn’t want to ride the bench anywhere, Betran decided to attend KC. “I knew I had a good opportunity to find myself on the court and get playing time,� he said. Hoberecht believes Betran has done nothing less than what was expected from him during his time at KC. “He’s developed in every way on the court,� Hoberecht said. “Travis has really grown as a person. He takes care of his business and utilizes time off.� Being so far from home, Betran has become close to two teammates that share the guard position, Tanodrio “Nardi� Bogues and Tre Potter. “I’ve known Nardi for a while. I put up 40 points against his team in high school,� Betran said. Betran is only looking to continue what he has learned from Bryant’s game-playing, as well as his brother’s inspirational coaching. “I want to play Division I when my time is up at Kilgore,� Betran said. “I want to visit schools and then decide because I don’t want to choose a school and not like it.� Weber State, Central Florida, Rutgers and Sam Houston have all been recruiting Betran. He does not have a preference, yet, but will be looking for the school that will increase his knowledge of the game and abilities on the court. “I want to go somewhere that will push my limits and help me to become my best,� he said. He has every intention of pursuing his dream, dedicating himself to that end, where he will continue on an humble path into a hard-working, bright future. “In five years, I see myself hopefully playing for money somewhere in basketball,� he said.

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

Travis Betran sports an NBA T-shirt which features his goal future. Betran was the leading Rangers’ scorer with 448 points and was named to the First All-Conference Team and to the Second All-Region XIV Team.

Athletic dept. announces Hall of Fame honorees SHENIECE CHAPPELL Staff Writer The KC Athletic Department will once again honor former standout athletes and contributors at its annual Hall of Fame weekend, Oct. 26-27. A benefit golf tournament will be held Friday, Oct. 26, and the Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, during a luncheon in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. Inductees include Michael Wright (Football player 197778), Darnell Losak (Football player 1965-66), Wayne Barginear

(Football player 1961-62), Ronnie Monks (Men’s Basketball player 1961-63), Shanna Clayton Johnson (Women’s basketball player1984-86 and assistant coach from 1988-97), the 1961-62 and 1962-63 basketball teams and Archie Whitfield (Contributor–longtime KC employee). Hall of Fame members will also be recognized during halftime at the KC versus Tyler Junior College football game at 3 p.m. the same day. “I always looked forward to this event because it is one of the most inspirational and motivational events of the year,� said Jimmy Rieves, athletic director. “It is

such a hard task to narrow down all of the great student-athletes and contributors who have come through our doors over the years.� The golf tournament will be a two-man scramble at Southern Hills Golf Course in Gladewater, sponsored by KC and Trinity Mother Francis Hospital. All proceeds will benefit KC athletics. KC is also looking for hole sponsors for the golf tournament or any business that can donate door prizes. For more information, contact Gail Jackson, athletic administrative assistant, at 903988-7537.

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THE FLARE

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

ADVERTISEMENT

OPINION

THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

PAGE

9

Comics not all funny business C

Photo Illustration by Randi Branson / THE FLARE

Call

OUR VIEW

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tudents are trying anything to overcome the inevitable challenge of staying awake. Twenty-four hours are not enough when you have to cram for tests, finish art projects, juggle work and school schedules or manage any semblance of a social life. To make up for this lack of time, students are resorting to consuming energy drinks and prescription drugs. This trend is harmful to the body and it needs to be stopped. Energy drinks are popular for students who need that extra edge to stay awake in class. Even though the side effects such as a crash or fatigue may be minor to some, really how dangerous are energy drinks? The Nutrition and Health Info-Sheet For Health Professionals defines “energy drinks” as beverages that promise consumers extra energy and contain caffeine in combination with other ingredients such as taurine, guaranine and vitamin B. Energy drinks contain between 70 to 200 mg. of caffeine. “An 8 oz cup of coffee contains 110-150 mg. for drip, 65-125 mg. for percolated and 40-80 mg. for instant,” according to energy fiend.com. A Dr Pepper has 41 mg. of caffeine while Coke has 34 mg. A RockStar energy drink contains 160 mg. of caffeine. While caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by essentially jump-starting the body, it can raise heart rate and blood pressure and dehydrate the body. Ingesting more than 200 mg. of caffeine can cause people to have sleeplessness,

heart palpitations, headaches, nausea and the jitters. Many of these energy drinks also have high sugar content, which can trigger a sugar high. This is unhealthy and causes problems such as excess calorie consumption, diabetes, cavities, obesity and an upset stomach. Students are turning to prescription drugs as another source of energy. The Higher Education Center explains that prescription drug abuse, like any other drug usage, is shaped by social, physical, economic and legal environment. Adderall is a common prescription drug students use to stay focused and help them pull all-nighters when they need the extra time to squeeze in studying. Some common side effects to using Adderall are anorexia, dry mouth, chronic thirst, the development of sleeping disorders, chronic headaches or migraines. There are also more serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions. So, now that you’ve gained all this knowledge of how potentially bad these drinks and drugs can be to you and your body, why not find other ways to stay focused in a pinch? Walking or jogging, keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water or taking a power nap are all healthy alternatives. Wake up students! Your doses of energy are doing more harm than good.

YOUR VIEW

Photos by Courtney Jackson / THE FLARE

omic books, in the mind of the general public, are superhero stories for children. This would be true if it were not such a hopelessly flawed misconception. Comics are a robust and vibrant literary medium, but the misconception that they are kids books sticks because superheroes are the cash cow of the comic industry in the DANIEL GUY same way summer Staff Writer blockbusters are for the movie industry. Ever wondered why superhero movies are released in the summer? They are big, splashy and eye catching, that’s why. Now there is nothing wrong with superheroes, but looking past the spectacle and the men in tights there is an entire medium that doesn’t get a whole lot of exposure. There are as many themes being explored through comics as there are facets of the soul. For example, the comic “Maus” is about a Jewish man documenting his father’s experiences during the Holocaust. “Sandman” is about a character who personifies dreams, (called, interestingly enough, Dream) and his dysfunctional family of Endless (other personifications of ideas), including a punky younger sister named Death. If that sounds confusing, its because its supposed to be. It is a bazaar comic. “Habibi,” released just last year, is a massive 700-page magnum opus that uses the central device of a love story set against a modern, yet mythical Middle East to explore themes such as masculinity versus femininity, sexuality, abuse and even the very nature of storytelling itself. Yet even in the realm of super heroics there are books like “Watchmen” which deconstruct the entire notion of costumed vigilantes in a bleak, contextually layered fashion that starts out as a murder mystery but quickly becomes something far more sinister. All four of these comics are particularly inappropriate for children by the way, especially the hyper-violent “Watchmen,” but one can actually find comics for children too. An abundance of material is available for all tastes and its a shame that comics don’t get the exposure they should. The KC Watson Library has a small selection of comic book trades but it would be more robust if more people showed interest in them. Comics are words and pictures telling a story. They are certainly nothing to be afraid of. Daniel Guy is a sophomore undecided major from Longview.

Do you use energy drinks to stay awake?

RESULTS

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES 23% NO 77%

“Don’t need it. Because I’m fit and get lots of sleep.”

“Nothing’s wrong with a little energy to boost yourself up.”

“Because they taste good and keep me up if I am cramming.”

102 POLLED

Julian Torres

Brittany Hicks

“Because they get my body and mind in motion to cram for tests!”

Brittany Simpson

Kiley Tillek

Longview sophomore

View more responses from students H[ [OLÅHYLVUSPUL com

Karnack freshman

Longview freshman

“YES. I use 5 Hour Energy and Monster to give me an extra kick. It keeps me alert and has very limited side effects if used in the correct amounts. ” -Jackson Threadgil, Henderson freshman

The Flare

VOL. 75, NO. 19

Q Friday, April 20, 2012

Copyright 2012, The Flare. All rights reserved.

2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association 2011 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors – Non-Daily College-University Division

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kasi Dickerson

ARTIST Ashley Forrestier

MANAGING EDITOR Ashton Johnson

LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado

ASSISTANT EDITOR Brittani Pfau

ADVISER Bettye Craddock

WEB EDITORS Jonathen Ruesch

PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

VIDEOGRAPHER Kade Bittick

Longview sophomore

ADVERTISING MANAGER Betsy Foreman STAFF WRITERS Melissa Aouad, Jessica Blake, Jasmine Chappell, Sheniece Chappell, Nicole Diseker, Daniel Guy, Victoria Kelley, Kristina Kuehn, Katie Kuykendall, Mollee McFarland, Dillon Sandifer, Jessica Stovall, Kyle Swearingen, Jessica Tolle, John Walsh and Jimmy Warwick PHOTOGRAPHERS Victoria Baker, Anup Bhandari, Matthew Blanchard, Randi Branson, Kris Dobbins, Ali Henderson, Courtney Jackson, Katie Kuykendall, LaTosha Morgan, Chellie Sparks, Heather Sims and Randi Vinson

Pantheon Books

A promotional image for “Maus” by Art Spiegelman. The Pulitzer Prize winning Holocaust story is required reading in some college classes.

LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to ;OL -SHYL )YVHK^H` 2PSNVYL ;? VY LTHPSLK [V! RJFÅHYL'`HOVV JVT

DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. *VTTLU[Z HUK ]PL^Z L_WYLZZLK PU ;/, -3(9, YLÅLJ[ [OL [OV\NO[Z VM [OL PUKP]PK\HS ^YP[LYZ HUK KV UV[ ULJLZZHYPS` YLÅLJ[ [OL ILSPLMZ VY VWPUPVUZ VM V[OLY Z[\KLU[Z Z[HMM TLTILYZ MHJ\S[` TLTILYZ HKTPUPZ[YH[P]L VMÄJLYZ VY [OL )VHYK VM ;Y\Z[LLZ

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

KILGORE

ART FESTIVAL FILM

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remiering at Four Star Cinema on highway 259, the Kilgore Art Film Festival will be highlighting six films that would not normally be shown in the area. The festival begins on April 25 with weekday performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Weekend performances are scheduled for 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $8, senior tickets are $6 and matinee tickets are $6. The movies presented at the film festival are as follows:

Q “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” rated

R, and shows April 25 - April 28. Based on a novel of the same name by john Le Carre´, centers around Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service agent George Smiley (played Garry Oldman) trying to capture a Soviet double agent.

Q “Albert Nobbs,” rated R, shows April 29 - May 5. Stars Glenn Close as a woman impersonating a man, working as a hotel waiter, in order to live and make ends meet. Q “A Dangerous Method,” rated R, shows

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May 2- May 5. Focuses on a young doctor Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) who takes up a challenging case of a beautiful woman (Keira Knightley) on the eve of World War I.

THINGS TO KNOW Q Showings from April 25–May 17 Q $8 ($6 for seniors and matinees) Q Festival is biannual Q :P_ ÄSTZ MLH[\YLK Q Located on Highway 259 next

to Patterson Chevrolet

Q No season passes available

Q “A Separation,” rated PG-13, shows May 6 - May 8. This drama, set in Iran, encircles a dissolving marriage and the conflict that stems from the husband hiring a caretaker for his elderly father. Q “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” rated PG-13, shows May 9 - May 12. The comedydrama portrays the inspirational passion of a British man, Fred Jones (Ewan McGregor), expert in fisheries, who believes salmon fishing can help the people of Yemen. Q “Pina,” not rated, shows May 13 - May 17. From legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders, “Pina” focuses on the life of Pina Bosch, a legendary choreographer, through interviews with her intercut with excerpts from her most-noted dance pieces.

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