Issue 3 9-19-2014

2014 Homecoming Court announced Jon Vashey / Special to THE FLARE

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he votes have been counted and the Homecoming Court has been announced.

Here are the six candidates for king and queen: Women: Justice Lewis – Cheerleading; Haley Martin – Phi Theta Kappa; Taylor Walker – KC Rangerettes Men: Delvante’ Fluellen - KC Chorale; Camron Portley – The Flare; Josh Newsham – TRiO The top vote getters will be named Homecoming King and Queen at the Homecoming football game against Northeast Oklahoma A&M College at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.

The annual Homecoming Pep Rally will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the tennis court parking lot.

Justice Lewis

Haley Martin

Taylor Walker

Delvante Fluellen

The Flare

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Josh Newsham

Camron Portley

Friday, September 19, 2014

It’s a challenge. It’s like stepping in the future when you are from the past.

”

– Johnny Flowers, Marshall sophomore

Vol. 78 No. 3 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Fees await late apps for grad ceremony Applications required for those not walking VICTORIA WHITWELL Staff Writer Wednesday, Oct. 1 is the deadline to apply for the Fall 2014 graduation fee free.

Fall graduates must have completed all required courses or be enrolled in their remaining classes to be eligible for graduation.

Students must apply to receive DON’T their degree or MISS OUT! certificate even if Late applicants not participating in the graduation will be charged a $75 fee, which ceremony.

A p p l i c a t i o n s goes up to $150 must be on Nov. 1. No c o m p l e t e d applications will online through be accepted Campus Connect. after Nov. 30.

Students will receive a confirmation of their graduation status through their KC Ranger email once the application and degree audits have been received by advisers. Students eligible for multiple certificates do not need to complete an additional application.

Students missing the Oct. 1 deadline can apply during the late application period. Any student applying between Oct. 2 - Oct. 31 will be required to pay a $75 application fee and any student applying between Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 will be required to pay $150 application fee.

No application will be accepted after Nov. 30.

Fall graduation is scheduled 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Dodson Auditorium.

Texas voter registration available Deadline looming for November election CHRISTINE RITTER Features Editor Tory Van Blarcum / THE FLARE

Johnny Flowers, 65, plans to give back to his community upon graduating from KC’s welding program.

Sparking a fresh start Marshall man welds his past to the future

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DEVIN BROOKS Sports Editor

he famous Nike slogan that has been propelled around the world can be inspirational in itself.

“Just Do It.” There is no going around it, over it, or under it. Just Do It. That slogan can be used in so many ways, but for 65-year-old Johnny Flowers that slogan is used for going back to school.

Flowers is a native of Marshall, and he is in love with welding.

That is one thing he has always enjoyed doing throughout his life. Flowers worked at Grubb’s Pottery Plant in Marshall until it shut down a couple of years ago. While there Flowers was able to do a lot of work that enhanced his skills to make things with his hands. After the plant shut down he saw it as a blessing in disguise.

“I’m not regretting it at all. It gave me a second chance to come back to school, and get my certification,” Flowers said.

Flowers’ goal is to earn his Associates Degree in Welding so he can become a welding instructor and help younger people do what he has always enjoyed doing.

“I just want to be able to help somebody else.

There are plenty of kids out there that want to weld and want to become a welder and I just want to be there to help them on their journey.”

Flowers said.

Flowers knows there is plenty more to

welding than just running the rod through the metal, and that it’s going to take some time for students to get the hang of it, but he is definitely up for the challenge.

“Welding can take people far, it can get these kids a great job where they are making great money,” Flowers said.

“Welding on a pipeline is great, but there’s so much more that can be done with welding that can produce big money. The opportunities are out there, and I want to help the kids get them,” Flowers said.

Flowers attended technical school in Marshall, but opted to come to KC because he felt like that KC’s program was more experienced while Marshall’s was just in the beginning stages.

Flowers has been at KC since Spring 2013. He is taking core classes such as math and English while earning his degree to teach in welding. It may be hard, but he is making it look easy.

Those eligible must register by Monday Oct. 6, to vote in the Nov. 4 general election. In Texas, voters must register 30 days before the election if they plan to vote.

INSIDE O n l i n e a p p l i c a t i o n s Check out our can be found at Election coverage sos.state.tx.us/ on our Opinion elections/voter/ Page. reqvr.shtml, but SEE PAGE 7.

must be sent in the mail to be official.

The website can also be used to check if you are already registered with a driver’s license, voter ID or full name.

You are eligible to register if: •You are a United States citizen.

•You are a resident of the county where you submit the application •You are at least 18 years old on Election Day. •You are not a convicted felon.

Students not from Texas can cast an absentee ballot in their home state.

To learn more, check here for each state’s guidelines at brennancenter. org/student-voting.

See FLOWERS on Page 3

CHECK THEFLAREONLINE.COM FOR SCHEDULES AND ACTIVITIES!

Financial Aid takes steps to help recipients KATHRYN AGEE Staff Writer Annette Morgan, Financial Aid director of KC, wants to “see more students stay in college and succeed.”

For that to happen, students need to be aware of how the system works.

The Financial Aid department is focusing on educating students about keeping their financial aid.

In order to receive any financial aid, a student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, or FAFSA. In addition to receiving a Pell Grant, a student may have the option of taking out a loan.

There are two types of loans, subsidized and unsubsidized.

“If students have to have a loan, the subsidized loan is by far the

better loan because interest is not accruing on that loan while they are receiving it. [An unsubsidized loan] is a great way to come to school, but interest is accruing, just like on a car note, house note or personal loan,” Morgan said.

Students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above and not drop below 75 percent of their classes to keep their financial aid. If the student fails to do this, they will be put on warning for the next semester.

“Many students don’t realize as they are completing a semester that they are actually now on warning,” Morgan says. “It is a red flag to us because that means they have one more chance to use financial aid and receive any refund due to them.”

Financial Aid is taking an

aggressive approach where they work with instructors and counselors to keep students on track.

The “Red Alert System” lets instructors report to Financial Aid when students have low grades or attendance, so they can help students earlier when they struggle.

Financial Aid’s main goal is in helping students so they can be prepared to go into the workforce or transfer to a university.

Morgan wants students to understand that there’s a life waiting for them after KC. Since four-year universities such as University of Texas at Tyler and Stephen F. Austin are much more expensive than KC, with a class costing about “three times” as much as a KC class, the Financial Aid

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BY THE NUMBERS

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Number of Ranger Softball players to play at Texas Junior College Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game. See PAGE 4

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office works with students to best use their loan money now so they will be able to receive better loans when attending a bigger school.

To try and help students more, Financial Aid is working very closely with the Counseling Center.

The Financial Aid office lets them know if a student is on warning.

Counselors can then visit with students and let them know whether they can repeat courses or change their career paths.

“The point is to catch it before the year is over,” Morgan said.

When a student drops a class paid for by a loan or Pell Grant, the class becomes more expensive when they have to retake the class. “[We do not] want students accumulating large amounts of debt

with no movement through their academic work,” Morgan said Morgan recommends first-time borrowers, “try to get the subsidized loan only. If there is a way to attend, use a payment plan.”

If a Pell Grant is available, “resist loans if at all possible.”

Monday, Sept. 22nd, the 20th class day, is the last day for refunds on drops.

Students should know how dropping classes will affect their financial standing, not just with KC, but in the long term as well.

Knowing how the financial aid department works allows students to better realize how their awarded money is being spent.

For more information, contact Morgan in the Devall Student Center.

THE FLARE

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the Northern Hemisphere at the autumnal equinox. In

FACE IN THE CROWD

story above?

SGA wants you RICHARD NGUYEN Staff Writer The Student Government Association is looking for leaders to be a part of their team.

The organization invites students to their meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the TV Room, located next to the Game Room, in the Devall Student Center for a chance to become a part of SGA or to apply to become an officer.

“It gives you an ‘I made a difference’ feeling,” said Edward Williams, Director of Student Life. “You just need that one person to take a step,” The SGA seeks those who want to make changes happen around campus and be a part of a group that aims to do that.

For additional information, contact Williams or Ross Costanzo at 903-9887520.

Roll in from Longview on Ranger Ride TIFFANY GRIGG Staff Writer

THE FLARE

Alex Bridges When did you start twirling and how long have you been practicing it?

I fell in love with twirling when I was 12. The sport really found me as a fan watching the Christmas Parade. I saw the beautiful, collegiate twirlers leaping past and said, “I want to do that!” and my wish was heard. Because I started so late, I have to practice every day to catch up to everyone else. I enjoy it so much though, I really don’t mind the extra practice.

Why do you enjoy twirling?

There really isn’t one answer. God has made me unique and I truly believe He gave me the passion to twirl. The sport has helped me make friends all over the state and given me my coach Janice Jackson. She’s taught me perseverance, dedication and leads each of her girls with the motto F.R.O.G. – forever rely on God! How does it feel to be KCT feature twirler as a freshman?

I feel honored and blessed. I am so thankful to represent KC! As a feature twirler, what all do you have to do to prepare for a performance?

The band practices every day, so I work with the KC director of band, Mr. [Glenn] Wells, and other band members to find the best way to feature the band. Then the twirlers practice and all along our wonderful sponsor, Paige Keitt, is creating and critiquing.

After that, there’s only practice, practice and more practice!

Who inspires you to continue to twirl?

The Ranger Band, my fellow KCTs, my coach Janice Jackson and of course my supportive family. My dad is assistant coach as we practice together every chance we can, while my mom creates

Age: 18 Hometown: Rockwall Freshman my costumes. Through twirling, we have really become a team.

Why did you choose KC? There seems to be a thousand reasons! One is family ties as my grandfather, Bob Davis, taught computer science at KC for over 30 years. My mother attended for a time and was friends and roommates with former KC Drum Major, Vicki Bowden Mobbs.

My aunt was a Rangerette and my uncle, who was a drummer, fell in love here. Other than that, KC has some of the kindest faculty members I have ever met. The distance from home is perfect blend of near and far, and I came for the band of course! The real question is why not!

Where do you plan on transferring after your done at KC? Boy, would I like to know! For now, I have faith that everything will work out and that my time at KC will give me a great start to my major and wonderful friends to keep for a lifetime.

What are your future plans?

Also still in the works but I am hoping to someday become a university feature twirler! Besides that, I want to be happy and make a difference in the world.

Being a feature twirler at KC is a dream come true. Entering the field at my first game was when reality hit me. I thought to myself, “Wow, here I am getting to do what I love for a school filled with people I love. My life is awesome!” My dream is even better than I could have ever imagined.

For KC students who commute to and from school, there is good news. The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) Rural Transit District provides Ranger Ride, a shuttle service to and from KC and KC-Longview campuses for students.

Ranger Ride is free to all KC students with current student IDs and costs $2 per trip for non-KC students.

Students must show their ID to earn the free ride. Additionally, the shuttle is airconditioned and handicapped accessible.

The service is offered Monday – Friday during both fall and spring semesters. For the daily schedule, visit www.kilgore.edu and find Ranger Ride under the Student Services tab. For more information, call 800-590-3371.

Phi Theta Kappa extends invitations KATHRYN AGEE Staff Writer Invitations for this semester’s Phi Theta Kappa membership have been sent out.

To be eligible for a membership, a student must have a GPA of 3.5 and attend 12 hours as a full time student, or 12 hours over two semesters.

For more information on qualifications, see PTK’s website: www.ptk.org If a student did not receive a letter but believes he or she meets the membership requirements, contact Michele Daniels or Dr. Paul Buchanan as soon as possible.

Prospective members can also attend one of two orientation meetings set for 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 29; and noon, Friday, Oct. 24.

PTK regularly meets every other Monday at 5:15 p.m. in the Communication/ Automotive Building, Room 104. Their next meeting is set for Sept. 22.

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Bennie Hall residents broaden their horizons VICTORIA WHITWELL Staff Writer

THE FLARE

Aaron Manchack and Louis Wilson

Radio DJ has a ball Bubble Soccer, ‘zorb ball,’ RICHARD NGUYEN Staff Writer KC students and staff flowed to the Lee Mall area for some music and activities arranged by Ross Costanzo, Assistant Director of Student Life.

DJ KC (Killa Cutz) from The Blaze headlined the event.

DJ KC was enthusiastic about coming to KC. “Y’all are awesome! It’s all about the students, and I just want to reach out to more East Texas colleges,” he said.

DJ KC reached out to Costanzo and came out to help promote student life for free.

Nutri Shop also had a booth for students to taste some of their products. They gave out accessories such as towels and T-shirts to students.

Costanzo organized activities to complement the music. Students suited up in bubble suits to play a game of bumper soccer, while others were strapped into huge “zorb balls” and raced across the lawn.

THE FLARE

DJ KC

Correction: In the article “Library turns a new page” pubs

THE FLARE

KC students

Hort classes grow, sell fresh produce JORDAN BAKER Staff Writer Many things have been happening in Dr. Karl Steddom’s classes at the KC Agricultural Demonstration Farm in Overton.

“My horticulture students have started growing squash, cucumber, tomato, beans, carrots and onions,” Steddom said. “My biology students have started

organic lettuce and greens.

These won’t be ready to harvest until later this semester.”

In the past, Steddom’s students have grown different varieties of crops, such as peppers, watermelons, cantaloupes, and strawberries.

The harvested crops have been taken to the Canterbury Engineering and Sciences Building at KC to be sold to the public.

Right now, there is very little produce for sale, but more produce will be available later on in the semester.

The annual Chunkapalooza Pumpkin Chunking Contest and Pumpkin Patch, hosted by Steddom, will be held on Oct. 18 at the Demonstration Farm in Overton.

“Our pumpkin patch is quite large and includes a number of winter squash

The Zone tutoring lab that is located in the Student Support Building.

“The Zone is a great place to study and the people in here have helped me get used to this college work a little better,” Flowers said.

“I’m learning how to be a better speaker, writer and better teacher. I’ve got to want it for myself and I have to be sincere. That’s the only way that I’m going to get results. I will not hold back.”

He has a wife and four children. He has also been

a preacher since the 1970s.

As pastor of the Howell Town Church of Christ in Jefferson he knows God is the only reason he is able to cope with the challenges that college throws at him.

“I love God, and I love being a preacher. It’s something that I have always loved and I really enjoy it,” Flowers said.

Flowers preaches every Sunday and everybody knows who he is. Flowers is a living testimony that nobody is ever too old to learn.

Flowers FROM PAGE 1 “It’s a challenge, it’s like stepping in the future when you are from the past,” Flowers said.

“All my friends told me that they couldn’t do what I’m doing at the age I am, and that I am special. It’s hard to learn all this work all over again and learn how to use the computer again, but it’s what I have to do,” Flowers said.

Flowers spends the majority of his time in

CORRECTION

Check us out online at:

in addition to six different varieties of pumpkins,” Steddom said.

The pumpkin chunking contest is open to all KC and high school groups.

There is a $20 entry fee that is due by Tuesday, Sept. 30.

For more information, contact Steddom at 903983-8656 or at ksteddom@ kilgore.edu. Visits to the farm can be arranged.

It is located at 2211 Texas Highway 135 in Overton.

A multi-cultural community is sweeping KC. Students from Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Spain and Ukraine recently came together to meet at the new private dorm Bennie Hall, located off campus. Some events they discussed participating in will offer a taste of Texas (barbecues and rodeos were thrown around).

Residents at Bennie Hall also have the opportunity to seize internships working at Bennie Hall in order to gain experience on their resumés.

The gathering of the diverse students also included a tour. Residents and prospective residents were able to see all Bennie Hall has to offer. The dormitory includes highspeed internet, a game room, a lounge room, a community kitchen, designated parking, a laundry room and much more.

Among the materialistic aspects, Bennie Hall ultimately will give KC’s international students a sense of community.

Many of these students come to KC not knowing anyone and are an ocean away from their families, so the dorm allows its residents to relate to one another and know that they are not alone in this transition of their lives.

So far about ten people live in Bennie Hall, but more are expected. Fire Academy students from Canada are expected to move in very soon, along with other international students who have recently decided to move there.

Nooriel Bilal, Iraqi sophomore, is the residential assistant of Bennie Hall. She said living in Bennie Hall has been a real eye-opener for her.

“Everyone is learning about each other, and we all have a newfound respect for one another,” she said. Like many other international students, Bilal plans on going back to her country after she receives her education.

Some of the residents’ majors are: aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, corrosion and culinary arts. “Most people come across the country not to do what is easy back home. We major in things that we wouldn’t be able to major in our countries,” she said.

Nursing students also reside at Bennie Hall.

Bilal said she sees the nursing students as really helpful because they are able to teach the residents

about American culture.

International students turn to nursing students to help them improve their English skills, but also for help with issues such as shopping at local grocery stores.

“We moved here to know more about [the American] culture. We want to learn about Americans because we are in their country. I want to learn things like what food [Americans] eat and what [Americans] like, the way people dress, there are so many things,” said Bilal. “It’s about culture.

We just want to share each other’s culture. That’s the most important thing.”

Angela Mace, English for Speakers of Other Languages instructor, said the goal of the Bennie Hall meeting is to make the international students feel at home. She added that her department is currently reaching out to East Texas Baptist University and LeTourneau University for students to visit. The Wesley Foundation also welcomes the international students to participate in upcoming service projects.

Nearby business, The Back Porch, and the KC faculty are becoming more involved with residents at Bennie Hall, which helps to build a community within the mixture of cultures.

“Our international students are such a precious commodity. They bring so much and really broaden our horizons,” Mace said.

“I learn from them more than they learn from me!

To have Bennie Hall here is a great opportunity for our students to have that instant connection with one another and know that there are students just like them who are in a new place. They are here for an education, but we also want them to have an experience.”

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

SPORTS

NFL players need to treat women respectfully

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he NFL is widely known as the National Football League, but lately nobody has been talking about the NFL from the football perspective. It’s been more about how certain players are doing stupid things on and off the field that has the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on very thin ice.

Last week the NFL world was rocked with TMZ’s video footage DEVIN that showed former BROOKS Baltimore Ravens Sports running back and Editor team leader Ray Rice brutally spitting on and punching his then fiancé Janay Palmer Rice in a elevator in Atlantic City, N.J. Palmer later married Rice even though he hit her so hard in the face that she was left unconscious. Rice proceeded to drag her out of the elevator by her legs like a big sack of groceries. This incident happened three months ago.

Rice was suspended for two games for this action, because the NFL didn’t have any footage of the video that I just described.

When I saw this video last week, I almost shed tears. It made me feel so sick. I hate to see any woman get hit like that, so what Rice did to Palmer made me very angry.

The only footage that the NFL claimed they possessed was the video of Rice dragging his wife out of the elevator.

Rice was arrested, but got bail and he was checked in to a special facility to help him with his abusive side and he issued two public apologies to the press with his wife present with him. Rice was scheduled to practice with the Ravens last week until the video surfaced of what happened inside the elevator that led to Rice dragging his now-wife out like a piece of trash. The NFL acted very poorly on this. If it were me, whether I saw the whole video or just the last part of the video, Ray Rice would have been suspended the whole season without pay. The Baltimore Ravens released Rice and he was suspended from the NFL indefinitely, and he was terminated from multiple endorsement deals that he had.

Despite these actions, the NFL should have acted strictly about the situation the first time instead of just assuming that this was all handled. No matter who you are, or what you do it is never OK to put your hands on a woman if you have intent to injure her. No excuses whatsoever. A real man doesn’t put his hands on a woman, and a real man doesn’t try to lie or hide around the fact that he put his hands on a woman.

Ray Rice was my second-favorite running back behind Adrian Peterson who is currently involved in a child abuse situation that prevents him from practicing or playing football at this time. Rice has lost all my respect. That video was cruel and NFL’s judgement on the situation was cruel. Shame on everybody. Furthermore, the NFL Players Association is appealing Rice’s indefinite suspension, because the NFL didn’t have the authority to suspend him on multiple accounts. Roger Goodell and the NFL failed big time on this situation.

The NFL’s identity is tarnished just because of 60 seconds of stupidity on Rice’s part and the management’s part.

Their actions and poor judgment on this situation could lead to Rice being reinstated to play in NFL in the future.

The worst part about this is Rice isn’t the only NFL player that is in this situation. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald and Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy are both still under investigation for domestic violence and domestic criminal charges. Which really means they both were hitting their girlfriends with the intent to hurt them. Hardy is currently deactivated from the Panthers and his case is still being investigated while McDonald has been cleared to play this Sunday for the 49ers. All these domestic violence charges are being handled the wrong way.

I understand you have to have proof of the act before you take action, but all this is really getting out of hand. Hardy was accused of choking and trying to kill his girlfriend before he called the police and said she was trying to hurt him, which was clearly not the case.

McDonald is accused of hitting his girlfriend. Hardy, Rice, and McDonald should all be in jail right now honestly.

The NFL is too soft today. They let big things go when they should really hammer down and set an example. I will admit I have been upset at girls before, but I have never thought about punching one or kicking one. That’s just not me. No woman deserves to be punched,slapped or kicked for any reason.

NFL players need to learn how to treat a women right, then maybe they will not feel the need to slap one around. Real men don’t abuse women – they support them. Be a man. Not a chump.

Devin Brooks is a sophomore Journalism major from San Augustine

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

Hayley McCullers goes for an out at third base on the Rangers’ way to an undefeated record at the Ranger Invitational.

Making a statement KC goes undefeated in Ranger Invitational LOGAN HOLLOWAY Staff Writer The KC Rangers softball team hosted an Invitational Tournament on Saturday and was able to celebrate three victories to give them a 5-2 record so far this fall.

A 12-1 victory over Sneaky Cleats got the day started, with Bailey Day earning the pitching win. Leadoff hitter Hayley McCullers led the way for the Rangers with three hits while scoring four runs. Taylor Sieber and Lexi Lopez were each able to earn two hits in, driving in two runs and one run, respectively.

Day finished the game with three strikeouts and allowed only the one run.

Two games against Dallas Tigers Hernandez also yielded

victories for the Rangers, who came away with 3-2 and 7-6 wins over the visiting team. Jenna Johnson and Keambria Hunter were each able to drive in a run in both the first and second games.

Taylor Sieber added two RBIs and one hit in the second game.

Marisa Ledkins, Morgan Woodruff, Hayley Vavra, and Hunter were each able to earn two hits apiece for the second game. Renee Jones earned the pitching win for the first game with seven strikeouts while allowing only four hits. Laura Lewis was the winning pitcher for the second game with ten hits allowed and three strikeouts.

Coach Leslie Messina was happy to single out sophomores Bianca Van Vlerah, Lexi Lopez and Mallory Ford, who will all be competing in the Texas Junior College Softball Coaches Association Sophomore All-Star games today (Time TBA).

From left: Bianca Van Vlerah of Austin, Lexi Lopez of Midland, Head Coach Leslie Messina, Assistant Coach Kristen Breaux and Mallory Ford of Liberty City will attend the Texas Junior College Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game today in San Jacinto.

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

5 SPORTS Rangers look to defeat No. 3 Trinity Valley THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

KEVON PRICE Staff Writer The Rangers will travel to Athens this weekend to battle with the No. 3 team in the nation, Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals.

KC (3-0) is looking to improve by stealing a win from TVCC which is coming off a 77-28 win over Cisco Community College.

This game looks to be a hardfought defensive battle from both teams. The Rangers defense is looking stellar in the early season by surrendering 41 points through three games, an average of nearly 14 points per game this year. While TVCC’s defense has given up 103 points through their first three games this season which averages out to 34.3 points per game.

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The defense is led by defensive lineman Cliff Butler and D.Q Osborne. The offense is looking potent this season by racking up a total of 125 points in three games at an average of 41 points per game. TVCC’s offense has had no problem scoring. They average 67.3 points per game, and they have scored 202 points in their previous games this season. The Rangers’ defense will have to find

a way to contain TVCC’s highpowered offensive attack.

Helping round out the KC offense are two dual threat quarterbacks in Javelle Allen and Averion Hurts. The offense also features receiver Patrick “Monsta” Brown, and running backs Eddie Smith and Corey Davis.

Both the offense and the defense for the Rangers is the main reason why they are still undefeated

after three games. Head Football coach J.J. Eckert isn’t phased by TVCC’s success coming into this game. “ No different than any other game,” Eckert said. “ The schedule has been set and we have to find ways to improve.

I see it more as a big game on the schedule and it’s the biggest game of the season because that is who we are scheduled to play.”

Rangers 11th in nation after crushing Spartans Up-and-coming KC blows past Southeast Prep 52-15 after slow start DEVIN BROOKS Sports Editor The Rangers improved to a 3-0 record after defeating the Southeast Prep Spartans 52-18. Trinity Valley Community college and KC are both undefeated going into this game.

SEP scored the first touchdown of game courtesy of quarterback Stedman Bell who bullied himself into the end zone from the one-yard line on 4th down. This gave SEP the early 7-0 advantage with 10:38 left in the opening quarter.

KC answered with a touchdown of its own coming from running back Eddie Smith who ran nine yards in for the score. The game was deadlocked at seven with 7:51 left in the quarter.

After KC tied the game they went on to take control of the game. The Rangers scored two more times in the first quarter. Running back Corey Davis ran in a nine-yard touchdown and receiver Patrick Brown easily ran back a 67 yard kickoff return for a touchdown making the score 21-7.

KC continued the rout in the second quarter. They scored three more times including a 29-yard pass from quarterback Averion Hurts to receiver Joe Lewis in the back of the end zone. The defense was able to sack the quarterback twice, courtesy of sophomore linebacker Sherodic Russell’, and cornerbacks Kevin Wharry and J’Marcus Rhodes were able to intercept two passes as well during the quarter. KC led SEP 38-7 going into halftime.

KC started off the half with a bad snap that went through quarterback Javelle Lewis’ hands and ended up in the back of the end zone for a safety.

That made the score 38-9 early in the third quarter.

Smith rushed for a nine-yard touchdown late in the third to increase KC’s lead to 45-9. KC and SEP scored one touchdown each in the fourth quarter, along with multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Quarterbacks Allen and Hurts combined for 15-28 passing attempts with 239 yards and two touchdowns while the running back core combined for 28 carries on 197 yards and three touchdowns. KC’s defense was active. Linebacker Russell had two sacks while corners Rhodes, Wharry, Jerrell Sykes and Nick Fisher had one interception each.

KC will play their first conference game against undefeated Trinity Valley Community College. That game will kickoff at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in Athens.

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

Sophomore running back Eddie Smith

Quarterback Javelle Allen charges up the middle during KC’s victory over

Shelby Ragland / THE FLARE

KC fan

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

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Jamarcus Williams Sophomore

Yes. “Because if I’m going to

Yes. “It is important to me because I believe every vote

opinion on the government I

Jake Jordan Kilgore Freshman

Alleana Ware

Photographs by Elexus Hodge / THE FLARE

YOUR VIEW

Enthusiasm for gubernatorial election pales to Scotland independence vote

T

o vote or not to vote, that is the question. One could easily point out that voting is a privilege that many in the world are not offered – that every one should vote because countless men and women have fought for that very right.

But instead, let’s talk about a different reason for why you should.

At the time of this article being written, a fierce debate going on just across “the pond.” Scotland, the land of haggis, kilts, sheep and William Wallace, is split almost down the middle on a vote that could change everything.

Approximately 51 percent of the people registered to vote support Scotland remaining a part of Great Britain while the other 49 percent wishes for Scotland to become a free and solitary state. That is a massive choice. No matter which way the vote goes, the relationship between Scotland and Great Britain will forever be changed.

It is estimated that 97 percent of adults in Scotland have registered to vote, the highest number they have ever seen.

The Scots obviously are taking this vote seriously.

For Scotland, the vote has obvious implications. But back here in the “colonies,” our next major vote isn’t quite so clear. With our gubernatorial

elections approaching, how many Americans will register to vote? In the 2010 Texas election, the voter turnout rate was less than 38 percent. That is quite lower than 97.

Over the centuries, Americans have come to look at the government voting process as being a waste of time, or simply a hindrance to their busy schedule. Compared to the Scottish vote, our election for governor is plain and seems like the affect it will have upon us is minimal, but that’s not so.

While our vote for governor may not have as clear-cut of repercussions, those repercussions are still there nonetheless. Each hopeful governor brings something different to the table. They could change things to the extreme, or not do anything of note.

Either way, the vote for governor is just as serious and important as the one that Scotland currently faces.

Research the nominees, see which ones tickle your fancy and go out and vote.

If this hasn’t been enough to change your mind, then how about this one: If you don’t vote, then you have no real right to complain about the results.

Do your part. Register, vote and see what a difference you can make with such a privileged ability.

Unknown ancestor influences great-granddaughter H

as someone you have never met ever been an inspiration to your life?

Most people would have instantly thought of a TV star, their favorite actor/actress or maybe even a music artist. For me, this person is my greatgrandmother.

Mattie Marie Hutto Overstreet was born Nov. 4, 1915. She grew up during The Great Depression and had 11 brothers and sisters in her family.

Growing up, I was told many stories about my greatgrandmother.

My mom had the great pleasure of getting to know this outstanding

individual. Some of her fondest memories from her childhood were spent with my great grandmother.

My mom’s f a v o r i t e memories were JORDAN of the holidays that they spent BAIRD together in the Opinion Editor kitchen.

“She was the best cook ever,” my mother said.

“She cooked everything from scratch and that inspired me to do the same thing for my family.”

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person and never thought badly about anyone. Don’t get me wrong though, she would always stand up for the people she cared for in an instant.

My mom also told me that she never saw Mattie leave the house without looking her very best. She was able to take pride in herself and that is a hard trait to have sometimes as a woman.

I think the one thing that I wish she could have taught me, is how to never give up on myself. My mom said that she would always try no matter how difficult the circumstances were.

I cannot help but to be intrigued and overly inspired by a women

with such strong values and self confidence.

Even though I never got the chance to meet this woman, I know that she is such a rich part of my heritage.

My mom always reminds me to remember the things that Mattie taught her and to not get caught up in today’s society.

I hope that her legacy can carry on and that one day my children will be able to feel inspired, just as I was, by someone whom they will never get to meet either.

Jordan Baird is a sophomore journalism major from Magnolia.

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Maddie was not only a great cook, but she was a great mother and wife, too.

At the age of 20, my mom had to watch her biggest inspiration pass away from a ruptured aorta on Jan. 31, 1990.

The last words that Mattie told my mom were, “Whatever you do, be a good wife.”

My mom admired the way that she loved her husband and all the care that she gave to her family.

I know that my mom took those things into consideration because she brought those values into our home.

Mattie was always a strong individual. She was a very positive

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

SPOTLIGHT

Healthy

upgrade PHOTOS BY SARA HOLMES

The Allegiance Specialty Hospital has opened its doors to KC students.

Clinical instructor, Dawn Miller, teaches sophomore surgical tech (summer grads).

CEREMONY TO FEATURE TOURS The Health Science Center will host a ceremony where KC President Dr. William Holda and Laird Foundation members will speak at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in the student lounge.

After the ceremony, four groups will be guided through the newly refurbished facility. Instructors from all four areas will be present for information or questions.

The Nursing, Radiological Technology, Surgical Technology and Physical Therapy programs use the facilities.

Krystina Head participates in the simulation lab with nursing level 3 students.

Kristi Kleinig Patient Care Skills.

Nancy Lamouroux instructs freshmen in radiology lab.