The Flare
Monday, August 25, 2014 Vol. 78 No. 1 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Playing her
own tune
Ranger Band member has tuba-lar outlook on life TORY VAN BLARCUM Issue Editor
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s a young girl Kellsie Ruiz didn’t want to fit in. “I wanted to be different,” she said. With a passion for music she joined the band in the sixth grade playing the clarinet but felt it wasn’t for her. She asked her band director to switch instruments but was denied. The next year she asked him to play the tuba, but was once again denied. In the eighth grade things were looking up for Ruiz. She was finally allowed to play her instrument of choice, the tuba, because there were no other tuba players. “My favorite part of playing the tuba would be the challenge,” she said. Ruiz graduated from Sabine High School in 2013 and is starting her second year as a member of the Ranger Band. Ruiz earned first chair and
section leader honors during tryouts last spring and is now over 11 tuba players. As the only female in her section, she will continue to stand out while marching. “I really want to explore and experiment with vocals this year,” Ruiz said, “Maybe look into musical theatre.” In addition to playing the tuba, she also has a strong singing voice. Oftentimes she can be seen singing, dancing or a combination of both. Ruiz plans to transfer Texas A&M University - Commerce and earn a degree in musical education. WANT TO JOIN THE BAND? It’s not too late to be part of the largest Ranger Band in nearly a decade, said Glen Wells, band director. Scholarships are available and band members have several performance opportunities throughout the year. Stop by the Band Hall behind Masters Gym and talk to Wells or call him at 903-983-8272.
Sara Holmes
THE FLARE
– Kellsie Ruiz
Registration remains steady; fluctuation likely Contact hours also an important factor FROM STAFF REPORTS
THE FLARE
KCPD Lieutenant Tony Means
As of Thursday morning, KC enrollment was 5,453. This number includes all students who have been dropped for nonpayment. At this same time last fall (2013) KC had 5,573 students which is a 2.1 percent decrease if compared fall-to-fall on the same day. “Each year, this initial enrollment count after Late Registration drops fluctuates. Enrollment will go up between now and the first class day. How far, we’re not sure yet,” said Chris Gore, director of admissions and registrar. “We’re expecting enrollment
to be either close to the same as last fall or a small decrease. We’ll have a better picture the first week of school.” After Late Registration drops last spring, KC had 5,282 students enrolled and ended up with a certified Spring 2014 enrollment of 5,534. “The real number that we’ll be looking at soon will be the number of contact hours,” Gore said. “Enrollment is important, but the contact hours are what really matter as far as state funding for the college.” Enrollment will not be final until the 12 class day, Sept. 10, and will not be certified by the state as official until October.
Animal Science now Core Complete class
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2014
The Flare
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TORY VAN BLARCUM Issue Editor
Tory Van Blarcum / THE FLARE
Animal Science is now available as a core-complete class for interested students. Labs will be held at the Agricultural Demonstration Farm in Overton.
KC’s agriculture program has added animal science and it is now offered for any core-complete students. Non-science majors are now allowed to take animal science instead of agronomy, geology, chemistry and biology. “We want students to know their options,” said Aimee Law, instructor. The students will take part in hands-
PTK puts parking spot up for grabs
FACE IN THE CROWD
NOTEBOOK
Aug. 25 – Oct. 9 MONDAY, Aug. 25 FIRST CLASS DAY ADN PROGRAM STUDENT ORIENTATION 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Devall Student Center Ballroom SCHEDULE CHANGES 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. TUESDAY, Aug. 26 SCHEDULE CHANGES 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
FRIDAY, Aug. 29 CAMPUS CLOSES AT 2:45 P.M.
Tired of fighting for a parking spot? Phi Theta Kappa will raffle two parking spaces during the first two weeks of school. One spot will be near the library and the other is near the Business Administration Building. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at any of the raffle stations or from the PTK officers or advisers. Students are asked to select which spot would best work for them. The drawing will be on Monday, Sept. 8. Also the first PTK member meeting will be 5:15 p.m. today, Aug. 25 in CommunicationsAutomotive Room 108. Pizza and drinks will be provided. PTK now has a display cabinet located in the Old Main hallway. Stop by it to learn what PTK is about and its benefits. For questions contact Michele Daniels at 903-983-8621 or mdaniels@kilgore.edu or Paul Buchanan at 903-983-8253 or pbuchanan@kilgore.edu.
SATURDAY, Aug. 30 RANGERS VS. ARKANSAS BAPTIST 1 p.m. Little Rock, Ark. MONDAY, Sept. 1 CAMPUS CLOSED Labor Day THURSDAY, Sept 2 KC KICKOFF 11 a.m., Lee Mall Area SATURDAY, Sept. 6 RANGERS VS. GEORGIA MILITARY 1 p.m., Milledge, Ga. SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL TBA, Stream-Flo Field TUESDAY, Sept. 9 SERVICE FAIR 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Devall Student Center Ballroom WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 12TH CLASS DAY THURSDAY, Sept. 11 SERVICE FAIR 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Devall Student Center Ballroom
College adds 17 to faculty, staff
SATURDAY, Sept. 13 RANGERS VS. TEXAS A&T 7 p.m., R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL TBA, Stream-Flo Field
TORY VAN BLARCUM Issue Editor KC has added 17 new employees this fall:
TUESDAY, Sept. 16 25% REFUND PERIOD BEGINS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 17 RANGER SOFTBALL VS MURRAY STATE 1 p.m. & 3 p.m., Tishomingo, Okla. FRIDAY, Sept. 19 RANGER SOFTBALL VS TJC SOFTBALL COACHES ALL-STAR EVENT TBA, Pasadena SATURDAY, Sept. 20 COMMUNITY CONCERT “The Vocal Majority” 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium RANGERS VS. TRINITY VALLEY 7 p.m., Athens MONDAY, Sept. 22 20TH DAY OF CLASS Last day for refunds EXCELLERATE COURSES BEGIN 12-week courses for adults at KC-Longview WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24 FALL REFUND DATE Scholarship and Pell balance funds available SATURDAY, Sept. 27 RANGERS VS. NAVARRO 7 p.m., R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium RANGER SOFTBALL VS. LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY Noon & 2 p.m., Longview WEDNESDAY, Oct. 1 PEP RALLY 11 a.m., Masters Gym FALL GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE SATURDAY, Oct. 4 RANGERS VS. NEO Homecoming 3 p.m., R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium RANGER SOFTBALL VS. UT - TYLER TBA, Tyler Wednesday, Oct. 8 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. GRAYSON COUNTY 2 p.m. & 4 p.m., Denison Thursday, Oct. 9 STUDENT LOAN REFUNDS 1st disbursement for
on work with horses and cattle. Several field trips are planned throughout the semester with the labs. Aimee Law will instruct and classes are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays. The class will consist of a lab and lecture. The lectures will be from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and the labs will be on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. All lectures will be on campus in ES 127 and the labs will be at the ag farm. The Agronomy classes will also be held at the ag farm and will be taught by Dr. Karl Steddom.
Sara Holmes / THE FLARE
Dr. Mike Turpin Vice President of Instruction How long have your been at KC?...31 years. Why did you come to KC?...I wanted to teach higher education versus public education. Did you teach anywhere before KC?...Gladewater ISD. When you first came to KC what did you teach?...I taught music and was assistant band director. What are your duties as Vice President of Instruction?...to oversee the instruction program of the college What is your favorite thing about KC?...Overall the atmosphere and we have faculty and staff that care about students. It would not be a fun place to be if that was not the case. What is something most people don’t know about you?...In 1974 I was a senior in high school and I was in the McDonald All-American High
School Marching Band. We performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. I got to play with the world famous musician and trumpist Doc Severinsen. What are your hobbies outside of KC?...Taking care of the home and yard, reading and various music events and playing the saxophone. What is the best advice you can give students at KC?...Keep going! Have a goal, get help when you need it, but keep going. Tell us about your family... I’ve been married for 34 years and have two sons. Both of which attended KC and then went on to Texas Tech and now they both work in Dallas. My oldest son married in December. I was offered the job at KC before my oldest son was born and started when he was three months old.
Jody Bush, industrial maintenance technology instructor Joseph Cassin, police academy instructor Charles Childers, diesel technology instructor Nick Dobler, assistant football coach Angela Falcone, dance instructor Brenda Galindo Micah Gooding, theatre instructor December Hill, support specialist, purchasing/AP Kristi Kleinig, physical therapist assistant Alex Knox, admissions counselor Rukmani Kuppuswami-Earhart, chemistry instructor Julie Lewis, math instructor William Massey, professional Rachel Stallard, interim communications instructor, Flare and Ranger adviser Jonnie Stice, grants accountant Kathy Stone, support specialist Adam Wiggins, assistant manger,
Rangerettes select 36 women for platinum line TORY VAN BLARCUM Issue Editor On July 18, the dreams of 36 young women came true at the annual Rangerette sign drop event that announces the new members. The hopefuls went through a week of pre-training and tryouts before finding out who made the line. They were named to the 75th line of the Rangerettes to join the 74th line and make a team of 72. Their next performance will be Saturday, Sept. 13 at the football game. The new members of the 75th Rangerette Line are listed by hometown as follows: Allen – Ashley Hibbs Austin - Daniela Kayser, Emily Shymkiw, Jenna Gerwels, Shivani Naik Beaumont - Alaina BergenHenengouwen, Mary Williford Belton – Samantha Stapper Caldwell – Morgan Van Dresar College Station – Sarah Higgins
Dallas – Bess Detar Deer Park – Kyley Kornegay Diboll – Elsi Hernandez Fort Worth – Breanne Gardner, Britney Gardner Frisco – Emily Bovshow, Madeline Doerr Grapevine – Haley Thompson Highland Village – Melonie True Huntington – Samantha Wafer Kilgore – Morgan London Kingwood – Hannah Marucci Longview - Katharine Parkhurst Lucas – Samantha Fink Magnolia – Kierstin Dornak Midlothian – Camille Funk Parker - Korinne Majarres – Brooke Luna Plano – Kelsey Moore Port Neches – Brianna Georgie Richardson – Madelaine Cothrun Rowlett – Maryelle Stephenson Temple – Haley Spencer Texarkana – Kristen Crawford Troup – Alexandrea Marin Tyler – Emily Hawk
’RETTE-ROSPECTIVE IN GALLERY O. Rufus Lovett, KC photography instructor, celebrates the Rangerette’s 75th anniversary with an exhibit of photographs from his book, “KILGORE RANGERETTES,” in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery from August 25 through September 26.
O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
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THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2014
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THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2014
SPORTS Softball squad opens season with invitational
RANGER FOOTBALL
Road trip awaits Rangers
FROM STAFF REPORTS
FROM STAFF REPORTS The Kilgore College Rangers will begin the 2014 football season unranked in the national polls but are expected to battle for one of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference’s four playoff spots. The Rangers, coming off a 4-5 season a year ago (3-3 in the SWJCFC), open the season with back-to-back road games outside the state - visiting Arkansas Baptist College on Aug. 30 and then trekking to Milledgeville, Ga. to take on No. 5 ranked Georgia Military. Kilgore’s first home game is set for 7 p.m. on Sept. 13 against Southeast Prep at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. The Rangers opened the 2013 season with back-to-back losses before defeating eventual SWJCFC champion Trinity Valley on the road (24-19). KC then went 1-2 over the next three games before closing out the season by winning two of its final three contests – defeating Northeastern Oklahoma on the road (35-21) and Southeast Prep at home (5813). Kilgore ended the season with a 42-12 loss to arch-rival Tyler. Coaches at SWJCFC Media Day back in July picked Trinity Valley as the preseason favorite. The Cardinals finished the 2013 season with a 10-2 record, defeating Blinn and Navarro in the SWJCFC playoffs before earning a 72-23 win over Mesa in the Heart of Texas Bowl. Navarro was picked second by the coaches, followed by Tyler, Kilgore, Blinn, Northeastern Oklahoma and Cisco. Trinity Valley (No. 4), Navarro (No. 8) and Tyler (No. 13) are all ranked in the preseason NJCAA poll. Kilgore head coach J.J. Eckert will be starting his eighth season as head coach of the Rangers. He has compiled a 37-34 record, leading the team to a pair of eight-win seasons during his tenure. KC finished 8-3 under Eckert in 2012, earning a berth in the first Brazos Valley Bowl played at Kyle Field in College Station. As a program, Kilgore has a 471-276-14 record, winning national championships in 1966 and 1978. KC has played in 19 bowl games, carving out an 11-8 record.
Michael Brown / THE FLARE
Top: Head coach J.J. Eckert instructs players in a recent practice. At bottom: Ranger tailback Cory Davis, of Gladewater, carries the ball in practice. The Rangers open the season Aug. 30.
The KC softball team will open its 21game fall schedule with four games at home on Sept. 6 at Stream-Flo Field when KC hosts the Kilgore College Invitational. Kilgore will play games at 10:30 a.m. (vs. Orange Crush), 12:30 p.m. (vs. GT SOFTBALL Shockers), 4:30 p.m. (vs. MC Elite) and SCHEDULE 6:30 p.m. (vs. GT Sept. 6, Shockers). Kilgore College Orange Crush will Invitational at face MC Elite at 2:30 Stream-Flo p.m. at Stream-Flo Field in Kilgore. Field. Two games Opening game are scheduled at at 10:30 a.m. the KYBA field, Ranger games with Bossier Parish continue at 12:30 meeting the GT p.m., 4:30 p.m. Shockers at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and taking on Orange Crush at 4:30 p.m. The Ranger The following Invitational is weekend, the Rangers scheduled to will host the Ranger begin when KC Invitational back at Stream-Flo Field. 10 a.m., Sept. That event will 13, at Stream-Flo feature five games Field. on Saturday, Sept. 13 beginning at 10 a.m. when Kilgore takes on Sneaky Cleats. KC will meet the Dallas Tigers Hernandez at noon, followed by the Dallas Tigers Murphee vs. Sneaky Cleats at 2 p.m. The Rangers will close things out by taking on Dallas Tigers Hernandez at 4 p.m. and Dallas Tigers Murphee at 6 p.m. Kilgore’s fall schedule will include contests against several four-year schools, including Murray State, LeTourneau, UTTyler, Houston Baptist and Stephen F. Austin State University. KC will begin its third season of softball on Jan. 30 at the Galveston Tournament. The Rangers finished 9-32 overall and 3-15 in conference play last season after carving out a 20-34 record overall and an 8-12 mark in the program’s first season in 2013. Kilgore will compete in the Region XIV Conference along with Tyler, Paris, Bossier Parish, Northeast Texas, Navarro and Trinity Valley. Tyler will be a first-year program in 2015.
OUR VENDORS Alzheimer’s Assn. of East Texas • American Red Cross • ARC of Gregg County • Boys & Girls Club of Rusk County • Cigna-HealthSpring • City of Kilgore • City of Longview Housing/ Comm. Dev. • Community Healthcore - Help for Vets • Depot Museum • East Texas Aging/Disability Resource Center • East Texas CASA • Eden Place Apartments • ETCADA • Habitat for Humanity - Kilgore • Hospice of East Texas • Humane Society of Northeast Texas • Kilgore Helping Hands • Longview Alateen • Longview Habitat for Humanity • Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network • Longview Wellness Pointe • MADD • Maximus R4 QC Tech & Outreach • Refuge of Light • Region 3 MCNA Dental Plans • Rusk-Panola Children’s Advocacy Center • Special Health Resources for Texas • Special Olympics Texas • Texas Dept. of Family/Protective Services • TX Dept. of State Health Services • Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center • Women’s Center of East Texas
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THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2014
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Helpful Some helpful reminders on where to look for things around campus
hints
holds the game room, book store, Ranger Cafe and holds several computer labs, study areas, magazines and books for researching.
Department.
holds a full weight room, indoor track, swimming pool, basketball and racquetball courts.
is the easiest way to travel from each side of possible accidents to life or limb.
is home to TRiO, The Zone and Career Services and Service Learning. These are great resources for providing student assistance.
holds the Flare Lab.
Career Services & Service Learning
Please visit our website http://www.kilgore.edu/student_jobs.asp for Career Services or http://www.kilgore.edu/servicelearning.asp for Service Learning. – Assistance with your career choice. –We are here to help you with your service learning needs. — We can help you in creating résumés and cover letters and prepare you for the interview process. – Kilgore College Virtual Career Library — The Virtual Career Library is a 3D career library that delivers digital career information. Career Coach – Obtain regional salary and labor data and also view job postings. Follow us on:
– We host: Health Occupations Job Fair Spring Job Fair Service Recognition Assembly Service Fair in the Fall
Read the latest news online at: 903.983.8678 SS111 & SS112
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KILGORE STREET STORE FRONTS AND THE WORLD’S RICHEST ACRE PARK IN THE BACKGROUND
Downtown Dining ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARA HOLMES
From lattes to tacos, local FROM STAFF REPORTS
L
ocal flavor awaits those who hunger. Downtown Kilgore offers several options for every meal, snack and caffeine craving in the space of just a few blocks. Located within walking distance of campus (really), the heart of downtown rests just north of campus, with several restaurants resting mainly on Kilgore and Main streets. Following are some local eating options in the downtown area. Make sure to ask about student discounts and specials. • Edgar’s Big Taco #2: Like the name says, tacos are their specialty. Variety of ingredients and other options available. 216 E. Main St. 903-984-3800 • Napolis Italian Restaurant: Wide variety of Italian cuisine ideal for big lunches and dinners. Spacious dining. 210 E. Main St. 903-984-1815
EDGAR’S BIG TACO #2
• Downtown D’Lites: Frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings, variety of sandwiches and wraps with other menu options available. Also check out the baked potatoes. 103 N. Kilgore St. 903-987-0737 • Star City Cafe: The former Nanny Goat’s, of Restaurant Impossible fame. Under new ownership, offering familiar menu items and new fare. Lunch and dinner menus. 107 N. Kilgore St. 903-218-5686 •Goodday Coffee: Kilgore’s only fullservice coffee shop reopened earlier in the year, offering various snacks and food items. 111 N. Kilgore St. 903-984-3100
STAR CITY CAFE • Char-Burger Stockade: A fixture of downtown dining for decades. 206 N. Kilgore St. 903-984-7646 • Restaurante El Trebol: Variety of Mexican food with authentic flavor and big servings. 1107 N. Kilgore St. 903-984-2605 • Charlie’s Sno-Balls & Seasonal Tanning: Snowcones with a variety of flavors. 1019 Kilgore Plaza. 903-986-8402
DOWNTOWN D’LITES
GOODDAY COFFEE CHAR-BURGER STOCKADE
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