Issue 13 2-8-13

Rangers rack up win, field house funds Positive debut for coveted softball program KEIRA PHIPPS Page Editor The Rangers were a hit at their inaugural softball season opener against the North Central Texas College Lions Monday.

The newly formed team split a doubleheader against NCTC at Stream-Flo Field.

Inclement weather last week postponed the inaugural ceremonies until Monday.

“Today represents the culmination of a dream that started a decade ago,” said Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development.

The inaugural ceremonies included a $25,000 donation by Mike Clements, active officer of Energy Weldfab, which manufactures oil and gas production

“

equipment and fabricates custom vessels, piping and structural steel.

Clements said he and his family made the donations to help jump start the fundraising for the Rangers’ softball program. Clements encouraged others to help with the cause and also donate to KC softball program.

The Rangers jumped out to a 3-1 lead early in the first match-up, before NCTC pulled ahead with a fifth inning rally.

The Rangers fought back and pulled ahead 7-4.

The lead did not last, and the Lions clawed their way back to an 8-7 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Two runs from KC in the bottom of the See SOFTBALL on Page 5

Marci Wells / THE FLARE

Athletic director Jimmy Rieves (right) accepts a $25,000 donation from Mike Clements during the softball inaugural celebration. Clements and his family made the donation to help jump-start fundraising for the Rangers’ softball program.

The Flare

Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 Vol. 76 No. 13 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

The community colleges are a powerful force in this state.”

Dr. Bill Holda, KC President

Charlie Hale / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

Dr. Bill Holda, KC president and board chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, addresses students, faculty and administrators at the opening of Community College Day in Austin Tuesday. Holda’s address marked the opening of a day filled with tours and door-to-door visits with state senators and representatives.

1,500 rally for community colleges Students urge legislators to recognize importance of community colleges in higher education ASHTON JOHNSON Co-Executive Editor

M

ore than 1,500 students, faculty and administrators from community colleges around the state converged on the Capitol steps Tuesday hoping to grab lawmakers’ attention.

Hosted by the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Texas Junior College Student Government Association during the legislative session, Community College Day is an opportunity for students to voice their concerns to local legislators and to learn about the legislative process.

KC sent a 10-member student delegation to take part in the effort.

“We are the voice of community colleges,” said Ross Costanzo, assistant director of student life. “Our voices were heard and it was an overall great experience.”

The 10 a.m. rally on the Capitol steps featured several speakers, including an opening statement from Dr. Bill Holda, KC president and board chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Students were also able to observe proceedings in the Senate chamber and

travel door-to-door to speak with lawmakers and their staffs before being treated to lunch on the Capitol lawn.

“A lot of times we get really tired and frustrated as we try to promote and advocate for the community colleges, and seeing our students, faculty, staff, sponsors, trustees and administrators really affirms what we believe in and that’s for which we advocate,” Holda said during his opening statement.

“As the single largest enroller of students in higher education, we know that you all are really our future and we want to prepare all of you for success in life by offering great educational opportunities, all of which have high quality, great value, easy access and community focus. The community colleges are a powerful force in this state.”

According to the Association of Community Colleges, community colleges serve a broad cross section of Texans helping our state in “Closing the Gaps” to make college accessible for more Texans.

Senator Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo said 75 percent of the people who start higher education in the state of Texas start with community colleges. By the time that they See AUSTIN on Page 3

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

State senator and chair of senate finance Tommy Williams (center), answers question for Flare co-executive editor, Ashton Johnson, as press secretary Gary Scharrer takes notes. See story on Page 3.

Candidates file for board vacancies Application process ends March 1, early voting begins April 29, election May 6 MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer Two of the three current KC Board of Trustees members who are up for reelection have filed: Robert D. Heath, Voting Unit 1, Place 7, in the South Zone, and Joe Carrington, Voting Unit 2, Place 8, in the North Zone.

The third candidate up for re-election is R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin, a five-term Board of Trustees member. Spradlin holds the ninth Place in Voting Unit 3 in the Central Zone.

Brian Nutt, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church of Kilgore, has turned in his application to seek Spradlin’s seat.

Spradlin declined to say whether or not he would be filing again.

“I could even wait until the last day to decide,” Spradlin said.

All three of these members’ terms expire in May. The application process will remain open through Friday, March 1. Voters in the Kilgore College District will elect three people to the nine-member board in the May 11 election.

Early voting will be Monday, April 29, through Friday, May 7.

Applications for a place on the ballot can be picked up in the Assistant to the President’s Office, or in the Office of Institutional

Planning in the McLaurin Administration Building on the Kilgore campus.

Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday.

To receive forms by mail, call Nancy Law at 903-983-8101 or Micheal Turpin at 903-983-8207.

Voting Unit No. 1 consists of the Overton and Leverett’s Chapel independent school districts and the West Rusk County Consolidated Independent School District.

Voting Unit No. 2 consists of the Gladewater, White Oak, and Sabine independent school districts.

Voting Unit No. 3 consists of the Kilgore Independent School District.

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

Valentine’s Day: A guide for all you single pringles SEE PAGE 8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

The Flare

Age: 20 Hometown: Kilgore Classification: Sophomore Major: Nursing

February 9 – 23

MONDAY, Feb. 11 20TH CLASS DAY LAST DAY FOR ANY REFUND FULL THROTTLE COURSES BEGIN SOFTBALL VS. HILL 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Stream-Flo Field KC BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 6:30 p.m., McLaurin Administration Building WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13 LADY RANGERS VS. TVCC 5:30 p.m., Masters Gym RANGERS VS. TVCC 7:30 p.m., Masters Gym

Mariah Phillips What sets you apart from most students at KC? ... My hair.

Do you like that you are known for your crazy hair styles? ... Yes. I definitely think people know me as the girl with the crazy hair. I choose to do these crazy hair styles because it shows my personality.

What is your favorite crazy style? ... I style it different every day. I really don’t have a favorite, but if I had to choose, I love my curls. Especially when they are different colors.

When did this all start? ...

In elementary school I became intrigued by colors. One day I decided to put them in my hair.

My mom has always supported me and my style.

What helps you decide what style you’re going to wear for the day? ... It depends on different things: the weather, my mood, my outfit.

Do you ever go a day without fixing your hair? ... Some days

NOTEBOOK SATURDAY, Feb. 9 LADY RANGERS VS. PANOLA 4 p.m., Carthage RANGERS VS. PANOLA 6 p.m., Carthage SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT 11 a.m. vs. Vernon and 3 p.m. at Lear Park in Longview

FACE IN THE CROWD

April Procell / THE FLARE

May graduation deadline March 1 ASHTON JOHNSON Co-Executive Editor March 1 is the deadline to apply for May graduation.

Students must submit a graduation application through Campus Connect by the specified deadline to receive a degree or certificate.

Applications may only be completed online. To complete an application, log on to Campus Connect by using your school I.D. number and personal four digit pin. Then go to the “student

information” drop down menu and click on “graduation application.”

Students need to complete the graduation survey and submit the application.

Students must be registered in their remaining courses before submitting a graduation application.

Students completing their graduation requirements in Summer I cannot graduate in May. “We used to allow Summer I grads to participate in May,” said Registrar Staci Martin, “but discontinued this

practice last year due to many of those students never completing their graduation requirements.”

Students who graduate do not have to participate in the graduation ceremony.

All graduates who indicate a desire to participate in the ceremony on their graduation applications will receive instructions by student email approximately one month prior to the graduation ceremony.

There is no graduation fee; however, those participating in the ceremony

Carpeted Gym

THURSDAY, Feb. 14 VALENTINE’S DAY KC RETIREES VALENTINE’S LUNCHEON 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom FRIDAY, Feb. 15 KC FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom McLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT TBA, Waco NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE

JESSICA TOLLE Staff Writer

SATURDAY, Feb. 16 McLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT TBA, Waco RANGERS VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 4 p.m., Masters Gym

2 p.m., Masters Gym MONDAY, Feb. 18 SOFTBALL VS. UTTYLER JV 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Tyler WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 RANGERS VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 7 p.m., Bossier City, La. LADY RANGERS VS. BLINN 5:30 p.m., Brenham SOFTBALL VS. GRAYSON COUNTY 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Sherman INTRAMURAL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Carpeted Gym FRIDAY, Feb. 22 STUDENT SERVICES STAFF PLANNING DAY, TBA SOFTBALL COWTOWN CLASSIC TBA, Fort Worth REGION VI UIL BAND SOLO & ENSEMBLE 1-8 p.m., Dodson Auditorium NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE SATURDAY, Feb. 23 RANGERS VS. NAVARRO COLLEGE 4 p.m., Masters Gym LADY RANGERS VS. JACKSONVILLE COLLEGE 4 p.m., Jacksonville SOFTBALL COWTOWN CLASSIC TBA, Fort Worth

must purchase a cap and gown.

Caps and gowns can be purchased through the bookstore beginning about two weeks before the ceremony until 3 p.m. on graduation day.

Diplomas are not awarded at the graduation ceremony, but will be mailed when the Registrar’s Office certifies that all graduation requirements have been met.

The Spring 2013 commencement ceremony is set for May 10 in Dodson Auditorium with two ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Spring play opens Feb. 26

GRANT DONATION

GIRLS INTRAMURAL VOLLEYBALL

LADY RANGERS VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE

I don’t fix it because I don’t feel good or because I woke up late.

On average, how long does it take for you to fix your hair? ... 10 -15 minutes What are the must-haves when it comes to fixing your hair? ...

My flat iron, comb and brush.

How often do you change the color in your hair? ... At least once a month.

Do you like the attention it brings? ... It brings all kinds of attention, negative and positive and honestly, I don’t do it for the attention. I do it for myself.

How do you handle the negative attention? ... I just smile and keep on going.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Do you think your crazy hair will stay around? ... I see myself working in the ER of a hospital. Do I plan to keep the crazy hair around?

Yes. Do I plan to keep it as crazy?

No. I will keep some color in it if I’m allowed.

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

Jo Betsy Norton (center), vice president of public a airs for Texas Mutual Insurance, presents a $100,000 check to Dr. Gerald Stanglin, vice president of instruction and chief academic o cer, and Martha Woodru , director of work force development and continuing education. This year marks the sixth consecutive year for Texas Mutual to fund the KC Risk Management Institute.

Check for safety Texas Mutual awards $100,000 to KC Risk Management TAMEKA BULLARD Staff Writer

KC

Risk Management Institute accepted a $100,000 grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company Monday. This is the sixth year the program has received funding from Texas Mutual to continue the safety courses KC provides.

Texas Mutual Insurance is the state’s leading provider in workers’ compensation insurance created by the Texas Legislature in 1991 to provide affordable coverage for the state’s employees.

Since 1999 Texas Mutual has given $3.1 million to three community colleges: KC, Midland College and College of the Mainland located in Texas City. The funding allows KC to further educate students on ways to prevent-work related accidents.

“The funding is significant and allows us to provide free safety training on topics pertinent to the needs of our areas businesses and industries,” said Dr. Gerald Stanglin, vice president of instruction and chief academic officer.

KC began the Risk Management Institute in January 2008 and since then the Workforce Development Department has offered hundreds of safety classes focusing especially on OSHA’s 10 and 30-hour general industry and construction cards needed by businesses for East Texas employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to help employers and employees reduce job-related injuries, illnesses and deaths through national compliance initiatives in safety and health.

Kilgore has served more than 700 companies from 76 Texas counties. More than 250 work place safety classes have been taught with more than 3,000 attendees, 900 receiving OSHA certifications.

“One thing that really stands out is the collaborative effort of this college and the broad support,” said Jo Betsy Norton, vice president of public affairs for Texas Mutual insurance.

Members of Texas Mutual as well as KC staff make it possible to ensure the ongoing success of the Risk Management Institute.

“We have people all over this campus who have stood behind us to help us get this program off the ground,” said Martha Woodruff, director, workforce development and continuing education. During the presentation Woodruff recognized some of the KC staff involved in the program, including coordinators, administration and instructors.

“If it hadn’t been for the kindness, the camaraderie, the teamwork of the KC family, I’m not sure how well we would have done,” Woodruff said.

Norton emphasized Texas Mutual’s dedication to help prevent accidents and injuries in the work place.

“We found that investing in work place safety is just a sound investment for us,” Norton said.

Trinity Rail is the nation’s largest railcar manufacture and leading builder of inland barges, highway guardrails and metal components. Trinity Rail has five locations including a plant in Longview which has participated in the KC Risk Management Institute. Among the 1,800 local employees there are 15 safety personnel who have attended one or more of KC’s safety classes.

“With the help of Kilgore it’s been relatively easy to register for these classes and the financial benefit has been great,” said Randy George, manager of environment health and safety Trinity Rail Longview. The Risk Management Institute provides information to students, covering a wide range of topics and has increased the knowledge base of Trinity Rail safety personnel.

“I like the fact that there’s a not limit to the classes you can take and there’s no limit to the people I can send,” George said.

Dr. Charles Whiteside, founder and president of AnaLab Corporation, was instrumental in bringing risk management to KC. “I believe this is the cooperation between two of the finest institutions I have ever had any business with,” Whiteside said. “I love Kilgore College and I love Texas Mutual Insurance.”

Spring 2013 safety classes schedule and registration form have been posted to www.kilgore.edu/risk_management. asp.

For more information, call Eva McClellan, training and development coordinator, at 903-988-7426.

The KC Theatre Department will perform “The Exonerated,” written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, as the first and only play of the spring semester.

The play is a documentary that incorporates interviews, letters and court records focusing on the true experiences of six individuals who had been convicted and sentenced to prison, then later proven innocent.

Kathy Barber, director and theatre instructor, said she chose this play because it “exemplified a specific genre [the students] study and it also allows for a mixed-race cast.”

Performances will run 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, to Friday, March 1, followed by a 2:30 p.m. show on Sunday, March 3, in the Van Cliburn Auditorium.

CAST Kerry - Christian Livsey Sunny - Brandi Farrell Delbert - Demarcus Armstrong Robert - Questin Allen David - Brian Johnson Gary - Ben Bolin Man #1 - Cody Carson Man #2 - Dustin Kincaide Woman #1 - Cheyenne Hortman Woman #2 - Yolanda Taylor Woman #3 - Kaycee Counts Woman #4 - Sarah Aldredge Farmer

CREW Stage Manager - Cody Carson Assistant Director - D.J. Martelly Sound and Light Boards - D.J. Martelly and Jay Williams

SGA makes plans for Mardi Gras, Valentine’s A Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras celebration is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Devall Student Center Game Room.

Thursday, Feb. 14, SGA will host a Valentine’s Day bake sale, Valentine’s Day dinner, basket raffle and a candle making class in the DSC. Thursday, Feb. 28, a Black History Month meal will be served in the cafeteria. ~ Jasmine Chappell

NEWS

THE FLARE

3 Senator Williams reflects on KC, job

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

PAGE

ASHTON JOHNSON Co-Executive Editor

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

Texas Community College All-State Band members (from left) James Thomas, Callyeon Bristow, Brandon McFarland and John Wells practice for their upcoming performance scheduled in San Antonio next weekend. David Wilson was also named to the band but is not pictured.

All-state concert nears ELLEN REID Staff Writer

F

ive students from the KC Ranger Band have been selected to the Texas Community College All-State Band: Callyeon Bristow on French Horn, John Wells on trombone, James Thomas on clarinet, Brandon McFarland on French Horn and David Wilson on trombone. Wilson will not be able to attend. Thomas and McFarland also made the All-State Band last year.

In order to be selected, students send in a recorded CD to be judged. Submissions come from all over the state. KC Band Director Glenn Wells said there are strict rules regarding the recordings, including a ban on any enhancing technology.

“In other words, you can’t record multiple times and take the best parts of each

recordings and dub them together,” Wells said.

The students will travel to San Antonio on Feb. 13 to re-audition for chair positions and begin rehearsals. The band will rehearse about two and a half days and perform 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

The Community College All-State Band Concert is held during the Texas Music Educators Conference. The program includes showcasing musicians from middle school, high school and college bands. Last year was the first time in more than 10 years the Ranger Band had attended.

“I am very proud of our students who have put forth the additional effort to work up extensive music to audition,” Wells said. “I truly believe that this tryout and performance opportunity is an advantage for them and the Ranger Band as well.”

10 art winners gain KC scholarships HUNTER HUGGINS Staff Writer Pine Tree High School dominated the KC Art Symposium Feb. 1.

Out of the 10 finalists, Pine Tree made up 60 percent of the winners. The winners of the top KC scholarships were all from Pine Tree.

“I’m so proud of my students,” said Pine Tree art teacher Marry Graham.

Symposium judge Peter Andrew, professor of art at Stephen F. Austin State University, said he judged the art on skill and the power of the message the artwork sent. Maturity was

SYMPOSIUM WINNERS Nakari Sanders, 1st place winner of the L’Louise Graham Scholarship for $2,000 Caroline Smith, winner of the Jeanne Velde Scholarship for $1,600 Lindsey Sutton, $1,200 scholarship Rachel Schulik, $1,000 scholarship Ellen Austin, $1,000 scholarship Giselle Galvan, Longview High School, $800 scholarship Alexander Pearson, Kilgore High School, $800 scholarship Spencer Pearson, Henderson High School, $800 scholarship Elise Pope, Pine Tree High School, $800 scholarship Stephen Lindsay, Arp High School, $800 scholarship Honorable Mentions were awarded to Jesse Rodriguez from Hallsville; Miguel Ramirez from Henderson and Leah Scott from Whitehouse.

also a key factor in judging the work.

Judge Runcie Tatnall,

assistant professor of art at SFA, praised KC on being a very welcoming institute.

Austin: College students take initiative FROM PAGE 1 community colleges. By the time that they get out of the community college they have an associate’s degree, certificate or go on to a college that has as good of higher education as you can get and is just as competitive in price as anywhere in the country.

TACC statistics show community college transfers succeed at universities and community college students are more likely to graduate and are more likely to graduate in less time.

“You [students] are the cornerstone of a workforce and the future of the economy of the state of Texas,” Seliger said.

Students were able to discuss topics such as financial aid, transfer articulation, dual credit, campus safety and workforce training with State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview.

“One of the good things I think that has happened is that community colleges

have reached down to high school students and so you have better use of time and money with dual credit and students getting a lot done in the 11th and 12th grades,” Simpson said.

Simpson is also a firm believer in allowing students and college employees to bring guns on campus.

Campus carry has been a controversial topic for multiple sessions and has come back into the spotlight as a bill for Texas colleges

after several recent tragedies.

“I believe that like the First Amendment, we have the unalienable right to defend ourselves,” Simpson said. “It shouldn’t be a student can’t defend themselves zone.”

He wore a white buttondown shirt, a navy and yellow striped tie and sat comfortably in the chair at the end of the conference table.

His expression revealed one of a very long day, but he was enthusiastic as he began to answer questions from anxious reporters.

Texas Senator and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands) was born and raised in Marshall. He attended KC in the fall of 1974 after graduating from Marshall High School.

“I was 17 when I graduated from high school and I don’t think my mother wanted me going off until I was 18,” Williams said.

“Kilgore has a great reputation and I think that was important. I think it was a good decision and I got off to a good start thanks to Kilgore.”

Williams attended KC for one semester before transferring to Texas A&M University to major in accounting. After graduating from A&M in 1978, Williams began a career in industry and public accounting prior to entering the insurance and financial services field in 1983.

Williams is now the president of Woodforest Financial Services in The Woodlands.

Dr. Bill Holda, KC president, asked Williams about transferring credits back to KC to receive his associate’s degree.

“If it’s important to Dr. Holda, I will think about doing that,” Williams said.

Not only is Williams a Texas Senator and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he also serves as a member of the State Affairs Committee, Administration Committee and Open Government Committee.

“If you aren’t a little intimidated by this job as the person who got it, then you probably don’t

know what you’ve gotten yourself into. It’s a big job and like so many things in life I can only do it because I’ve got great people that support me,” Williams said.

“I’ve got a great staff that get the job done and I have a great committee of 14 other members who are all very experienced legislators, who are very interested in public policy and doing the right thing.”

Williams and 30 other Senators are spending countless hours in the

Capitol to ensure decisions are made and action is taken.

“When you stop and think about what we do here, it’s pretty surprising in 140 days and we spend a lot of time on the front ends getting ready,” Williams said. “We couldn’t do our jobs if it were not for all those people who support our efforts. We, as Texans, can be very proud of the way that is set up.”

NOTE: Tommy Williams is the brother of Edward Williams, KC director of residential life.

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4

THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

SPORTS

Play

Ball!

New year, new team, new wins

Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE

Mike Clements (left), the donor of $25,000, and Will Roberson, KC Board of Trustees p+resident, throw out the first pitches of the KC Rangers’ first home game.

Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE

Kat Lambert embraces her teammates to celebrate a 9-8 win over North Central Texas College in their home debut Feb. 4. The team’s next game will be Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lear Park in Longview. The first game starts at 11 a.m. against Vernon College and KC will face Angelina College at 3 p.m.

Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

Jessica Simon winds up the pitch against the North Central Texas College Lions. The Rangers now have an overall record of 2-7.

Third baseman Lakin Kerby makes an out at the top of the 4th inning against North Central Texas College.

Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE

Ray Aguilar (left) shows his team spirit while supporting his twin daughters at the KC softball team’s home debut. Also sporting a blue wig is Rene Martinez.

Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE

SPORTS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

PAGE

5

Rangers dominate rivals MEN’S BASKETBALL

Rangers shoot down Apaches JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer The KC Rangers headed into action Wednesday, with a record of 18-4 (8-4 conference) and walked out with an impressive victory over a tough Tyler Junior College (18-4, 9-3 conference) squad 54-45, snapping TJC’s nine-game win streak in the process.

TJC jumped out to an early 7-2 lead within the first five minutes of play. The Rangers then surged back with a 9-0 run to grab the lead, which they never relinquished.

The first half ended on a high note for KC with Quinton Upshur (Norfolk, Va.) draining a threepointer with just seconds left to send KC to the locker room up 2820 at the break.

Upshur led the Rangers in scoring with 14 points. Maurice Taylor (Toledo, Ohio) had 11, and Lonnie McClanahan (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) added eight points.

KC shot 35.4 percent from the field as a team, while hitting 17 of 25 from the line for 68 percent. The Rangers also added 17 points off of turnovers and won the battle for points in the paint with 17 to TJC’s eight. KC controlled the boards as well as out rebounding TJC 39-29.

Coach Hoberecht was pleased with the way his team bounced back from the 69-59 loss to Navarro.

“I thought we played a lot closer to what our identity has been for the majority of the season tonight,” Hoberecht said. “But even more importantly we just played better.”

TJC managed to close the gap to 40-36 with 8:36 to go in the second half with a 7-0 run over a span of 1:24. KC responded with poise and toughness to maintain the lead.

“I thought our guys showed a lot of resolve tonight,” Hoberecht said.

Six games remain for the Rangers before the Region XIV Tournament begins, an event which is sure to be hotly contested this year.

Hoberecht knows there is still work to be done for his team.

“You want to be playing your best basketball during this time of the year,” Hoberecht said. “We’re consistently every day trying to reemphasize the things we think are important work on the things we think are important, and give us the best chance and opportunity to win each individual game.”

One statement the head coach made best sums up the attitude of this KC squad: “We’re just trying to stay humble and trying to stay hungry as we go down the stretch,” Hoberecht said.

KC will be in action 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9, when they travel to face Panola (8-14, 0-12 conference) in Carthage.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Lady Rangers end losing streak SHENIECE CHAPPELL Sports Editor The Lady Rangers defeated arch rival Lady Apaches of Tyler Junior College, 88-58, Wednesday night in Masters Gym. Coming into this game the Lady Rangers were aiming to bounce back from a two-game losing streak. They fell 58-47 Saturday to Blinn College and 47-42 to Angelina College the week before.

“We made up our mind as a team to get back on our winning streak,” said point guard Tanisha Winston.

“We played hard and most of all together.”

The Lady Rangers managed to play without their head coach Roy Thomas. He was suspended for the game after picking up two technicals and being ejected from Saturday’s game against Blinn.

“It was awkward not having him out there with us scowling at us on every mistake made,” Winston said. “We surely missed his presence.”

Four minutes into the game the Lady Rangers were up 12-3 and were just getting started. After grabbing the lead the team held on to it throughout the game. They went into halftime leading 40-23.

Amanda Lawson led the Lady Rangers in scoring with 22 points.

Close behind were Victoria Billingsley scoring 16 points and Gabrielle Jacks with 15 points.

Keira Phipps, Winston, and Bladine N’goran added 11, 10 and eight, respectively.

The team made 33 out of 57 shot attempts, shooting 57.9 percent from the field. The Lady Rangers also accumulated 30 assist, seven blocked shots and 18 steals all in one night.

The game was sealed at the threeminute mark with a score of 84-48 in KC’s favor. There was no coming back for the Lady Apaches at this point.

Guard Gabrielle Jackson said

the key to winning this game was teamwork.

“We were all on one page and that was to win together and prove to coach that we can do it when he’s there and when he’s not there,” Jackson said. “Losing and being at the bottom motivated us to go get this win.”

The Lady Rangers will travel to Carthage to face Panola College 4 p.m. Saturday.

Going into Saturday’s game Jackson said the team will have to prepare like they prepared for the TJC match-up.

“The team will have to have a winning mentality like we did tonight,” Jackson said. “People think we are underdogs. That’s our motivation to sneak up behind the spectators and prove who we truly are.”

KC will host No. 1 in the conference Trinity Valley 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday in Masters Gym. Both of these upcoming games are conference games.

KC VS. BLINN The Lady Rangers fell 58-47, to the Lady Bucs Saturday, Feb. 2 in Masters Gym. At halftime the Lady Rangers were down 31-16 and were not able to come back. They made 18 out of 65 field goal attempts shooting only 27.7 percent. The leading scorer of the night was Lady Ranger Amanda Lawson with 15 points.

Gabrielle Jackson had 10 points.

Jackson also had four assists, three steals and two turnovers.

“We weren’t playing as a team,” said guard Keira Phipps. “We let them dictate the game instead of controlling the tempo.”

Bladine N’goran added six points to the Lady Rangers’ scoreboard and Phipps and Victoria Billingsley each had two points.

Tanisha Winston, Maria Leaks and Cieara Jimmerson all added four points, respectively.

Hoops player dismissed JORDAN MOSS Staff Writer The KC Rangers men’s basketball team has dismissed a player after he was arrested Jan. 31 on charges of possession of marijuana less than two ounces in a drug-free zone.

Andre Jamal Horne (Newark, Del.), a freshman guard, was arrested following a random residence hall check conducted by the assistant director for student life.

Horne played in 16 games and

started in three, averaging 9.1 points per game, and shot better than 50 percent from the field, including over 40 percent from the three-point line.

“Team rules were broken,” said Chris Craddock, coordinator of public and sports information.

“They followed procedure and he’s no longer a member of the team.”

Head coach Brian Hoberecht had no comment on the incident.

Horne was released from the Gregg County Jail Feb. 2 on a $1,000 bond.

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

Maurice Taylor shoots in tra c against KC’s arch rival Tyler Junior College Apaches in the Rangers’ 54-45 conference win Wednesday in Masters Gymnasium. KC travels to Carthage to face Panola College 6 p.m. Saturday.

National Football Signing Day scatters Rangers across nation JEREMY GARZA Staff Writer The first Wednesday in February could be considered a national holiday for college football fans.

That’s right, National Signing Day. It’s more than just choosing a new team, but a new home, new friends and new campus.

For the KC football team, that means losing many of their key players from its 8-3 2012 team.

Wide receiver Ed’Marques Batties, who was a NJCAA Second Team Offensive All-American, signed with Middle Tennessee State.

“I felt at home there,” Batties

said. “I enjoyed the coaches and they make their team feel like a family.”

Cornerback James Jones, who was a NJCAA All-American honorable mention, will be taking his talents about 160 miles west to the University of North Texas in Denton.

He is one of four KC football players who have signed with Football Bowl Subdivision schools.

The other two FBS signees include tight end Steven Borden with the University of Kentucky and defensive lineman DeAngelo Brooks, who will head across the state border to Louisiana Tech University.

One of the biggest mysteries was linebacker Charles Woods, who decided to sign with Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Woods was named NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year for 2012 and was named to the NJCAA First Team All-Defense Team.

Other notable players who signed were safety DeMarcus Armstrong (Minot State University); defensive lineman Paul Brown (Midwestern State University); quarterback Ty Chapa (Northwestern Oklahoma State University); offensive lineman Greg Lunceford (Southeastern Oklahoma State University); and offensive lineman Tramon Shead (Lamar University).

Softball: New era opens with victory FROM PAGE 1 seventh sealed the deal as the Rangers would win 9-8.

KC’s Tricia Hock, Heather Bunn and Lakin Kerby all drove in a run apiece, with Molly Mackey and Hock doubling for the Rangers. Alex Aguilar, Laura Martinez and Hock all collected two hits.

There would be no comeback in the second game of the doubleheader, though, as the Rangers fell 11-5.

NCTC utilized three huge innings to cripple the Rangers.

KC scored a run in the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but it wasn’t enough as the Lions scored three in the top of the first added by a five-run fourth, and another three in the top of the seventh.

Makey, Aguilar, Bunn and Hock all drove in a run; Hock and Bunn both doubled. Martinez finished with two hits.

www.theflareonline.com

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

SPOTLIGHT

Googoo for

Gaga

Student camps out to see his queen musician

Y

Gabriel Espinosa / THE FLARE

Striking her signature pose between “Bad Romance” and “Judas” Gaga throws up her claw to her little monsters and they return the gesture.

Gabriel Espinosa (17) and his friends show o their wristbands they were given to mark their place in line.

The first 100 people in line received free entry to the concert.

During the distribution, of wristbands fans became emotional. The realization that they were about to witness Lady Gaga in concert left them speechless.

Gabriel Espinosa / THE FLARE

ASHLEY MORALES Page Editor

ou would camp out to see your favorite artist ever, right?

Gabriel Espinosa, Longview sophomore, camped out for three days at the American Airlines Center in Dallas to see his favorite musician, Lady Gaga.

Espinosa had waited two years to see his “mother monster” for the second time.

His plan was to meet up in Dallas with two friends from Argentina and two from Tampa, Fla. who were flying in just for the camp out.

Planning to be the first in line so he could meet Lady Gaga, Espinosa arrived at the center on Jan. 26 and waited by the door all day by himself.

As the night dragged on he didn’t want to sleep alone outside so he went to a hotel and planned to be back as first in line early the next morning.

Before he arrived he got a call from one of his friends telling him there were already people waiting outside the center.

Espinosa rushed to the center where his friends were waiting for him and he became 17th in line.

Waiting fans received wristbands to reserve their space in line, allowing them to leave to get food and use the restroom.

Espinosa spent the next two days with other fans eagerly awaiting the day of the concert.

They explored the Avenue and waited for the tour buses to arrive.

“Lady Gaga’s tour bus came at 2 a.m. and we all were freaking out and waving, but she was probably asleep,” Espinosa said.

The day of the concert a tornado warning sounded an hour and a half before the doors were supposed to open and the fans were allowed inside during the harsh weather.

Once the gatekeepers allowed the fans that had been waiting for days to go into the pit, they all started running.

“I got to the front of the stage and was so happy,” Espinosa said. Lady Starlight and Madeon opened the show. Then it was time for Gaga.

“I was crying when she came on,” Espinosa said. “The first minute of the show she was on a unicorn and was just looking at all the people in the pit.”

Espinosa was sporting a sign that read

Gabriel Espinosa / THE FLARE

Gabriel Espinosa wears the outfit it took him two months to create for the concert, an inspiration from Gaga’s song “Americano.”

“Immigrants are people too. I am Americano.”

About 10 minutes into the show Lady Gaga looked at the message and into Espinosa’s eyes.

“She blew me a kiss and I was crying. Everyone around me was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” Espinosa said.

For the last song, “Marry the Night” Lady Gaga picked a fan from the crowd to go on stage. She ended up picking one of Espinosa’s friends from Argentina.

“She was so excited because she came all the way from Argentina just for the concert,” Espinosa said.

When the performance was over and Gaga was walking off stage she grabbed Espinosa’s hand and squeezed it as she looked into his eyes.

“That was the best part of the night,” he said.

OPINION

THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

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E

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Something’s OUR VIEW

YOUR VIEW

Kevin Tubbs

Cibolo sophomore

NO. “Because I am married.”

Mae McDonald Harpers Ferry, W.Va. sophomore

NO. “Because of the dangers it has.”

YES. “Just to find something new.”

Haley Oller

Ziggy McAlister

Gilmer sophomore

Tatum freshman

Photographs by Sonia Garza, April Procell and Jonathen Ruesch / THE FLARE

NO. “There are a good bit of creepers out there. You never know how people are unless you meet them.”

No - 82%

others online to view their location. It used to be that kidnappers would lurk around for their next victim, but today we make their task easier. Supplying others with private information can compromise our well-being.

To stay on the safe side, disable the GPS on your phone to keep information private or pick and choose carefully about the locations you display.

Although online is not for everyone, if you decide to proceed with an online relationship, there are a few procedures you can take to improve your safety.

1: If exchanging numbers, ask your romantic interest to send you a photo in a specific color shirt to verify their existence.

2: Check to see if their occupation is what they say it is. It is OK to do a background check--it does not make you look crazy.

3: Talk on the phone for a while to get used to their voice. Make it a habit to have phone conversations that will eventually lead to casual visits.

4: If meeting in public, agree on a wellpopulated public place. A refusal should be considered a red flag.

5: Last, but certainly not least, notify someone that you are talking to someone online so if anything goes wrong, your friend or family member knows where to look.

Do not stop there with the strategies until the relationship is more than a message you receive in your inbox.

Also, use these steps and be cautious in any relationship. Your safety is not guaranteed unless you take matters into your own hands.

Remember there is no love like having the real thing in arm’s reach.

Revelation from man on street sent from man above

M

any times in my life, God’s handiwork has made its presence evident.

As I waited my turn to pull away from the Walmart parking lot on 4th Street in Longview, I passed a dirty homeless man with his loyal, but emaciated, four-legged friend.

His sign read “Need food for my dog.”

He had obviously not showered for quite some time and appeared to be hungry and tired himself.

How selfless he was to care for his dog first.

The dog’s bones were protruding just as the cheekbones of the man’s unshaven face were.

My saddened gaze was suddenly broken. A honk from a few cars back reminded me there were people behind me with their own

schedules to keep.

I assumed I had sat there for only 15 seconds, but for these too-busyto- care drivers, it was 13 seconds too long.

I pulled out, turned around and pulled back into Walmart’s parking lot. I was overcome with a feeling in the pit of my MAEGAN stomach.

MITCHELL I quickly ran Sta Writer into Walmart for my second time, grabbing several items: peanut butter, bread, plastic silverware, water, a dog bowl, dog food and a small bag of treats.

As I left the building, the overwhelming feeling became less

The Flare

VOL. 76, NO. 13

intense.

I had done the right thing.

Passing my car on foot, I walked the 200 some odd yards where the man and dog were still standing.

I felt in my heart this man deserved to be given these things directly instead of hurriedly through a semi-opened car window.

Startled by my voice, the man’s saddened eyes met mine.

Both man and animal had that certain look. The look of longing.

The man’s gaze made its way to my hands that were cramping from the weight of the bags.

He finally realized why I was there.

He rushed to relieve me of the heavy plastic bags and his hardened face began to soften as

Friday, February 8, 2013

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

CO-EXECUTIVE EDITORS Ashton Johnson Brittani Pfau WEB EDITOR Jonathen Ruesch ILLUSTRATOR Kelly Gillit ADVERTISING MANAGER Jonathen Ruesch

SPORTS EDITOR Sheniece Chappell PAGE EDITORS Ashley Morales Keira Phipps LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado ADVISER Bettye Craddock PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

STAFF WRITERS Tameka Bullard, Jasmine Chappell, Dezirae Burnett, Dawn Dearion, Jeremy Garza, Kelly Gillit, Kelsey Hansen, Khandice Horn, Whitney Howard, Hunter Huggins, Travis Hull, Miles Marable, Mason Mehrens, Maegan Mitchell, Kade Morrison, Jordan Moss, Ellen Reid, Jessica Tolle and Tory Van Blarcum PHOTOGRAPHERS Kris Dobbins, Gabriel Espinosa, Sonia Garza, April Procell, Jonathen Ruesch, Randi Vinson-Davis and Marci Wells

he examined the contents of the bags.

Suddenly, the bags fell to the ground and as I began to bend down to gather the scattered items I was met with a surprising gesture.

I had been embraced in a genuine hug. I hugged him back.

After a brief period, he released me, glancing into my eyes with a look that can only be described as heart-felt gratitude.

He then gathered the dog bowl, filled it with food and water and sat it on the ground as his excited friend began to gobble up every last morsel.

As I walked back to my car, the man called out to me, “God bless you, young lady.”

The whole experience taught me

two things: 1) No matter how hard things are, true friends stick by your side and 2) The simple things in life that many people take for granted are the things many pray for.

God placed that man and his loyal companion in my path for a reason.

As I drove away watching the man eat his peanut butter sandwich as he pet his dog, I had a revelation.

I was compelled to help a complete stranger not only because it was the right thing to do, but also because I knew I had been called upon to do the work of God. Maegan Mitchell is a sophomore journalism major from Longview.

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THE THEFLARE FLAREisisthe thestudent studentnewspaper newspaperofofKilgore KilgoreCollege Collegeand andisispublished publishedevery everyFriday Fridayby by the thejournalism journalismdepartment, department,except exceptduring duringexamination examinationperiods periodsand andvacations. vacations.First Firstcopy copyisis free, free,subsequent subsequentcopies copiesare areavailable availablefor for50 50cents. cents.THE THEFLARE FLAREisisaamember memberofofthe theTexas Texas Community CommunityCollege CollegeJournalism JournalismAssociation Associationand andthe theTexas TexasIntercollegiate IntercollegiatePress PressAssociation.

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Trustees.

101 Polled

I

t is easy to “find love” because the Internet has created a safety net and barrier between what is real and what is not.

No real commitment exists except for what we envision in our head. It is easier to imagine the perfect relationship with someone without actually putting forth the effort to maintain one.

Websites like eHarmony.com, Christian Mingle.com and Match.com dazzle us with the prospect of finding our one true match.

With more than 10 million users, how can you pick out the hopeless romantic from the creepy old man with the nice voice?

Technology makes connecting on a personal level even more difficult to build a genuine relationship.

How long will we continue to play along with the fake pictures, names and fairytale relationships?

The key to ending your shame of falling for a fake profile is to be more cautious of what you allow people to view online about your personal life.

Putting your photos and GPS locations online is one step closer to identity theft and attention from unwanted visitors. Try to make your photos private where no one can download them and only allow the people you accept as a friend permission to view them.

Pictures are great things to view but at what cost? MTV’s “Catfish” has displayed multiple people being fooled on Facebook by interesting conversations and great photographs. Yes, attraction is key, but when it comes to those you see online who are you really attracted to?

Another mistake people make is allowing

Poll Results: Yes - 18%

Safety concerns come hand-in-hand with online dating

Have you been in an online relationship?

Why or why not?

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 8, 2013

C

Day:

SPOTLIGHT

a guide for all you single pringles

ASHLEY MORALES • Page Editor

ouples. You see them holding hands when walking down the hall, posting cute pictures on Facebook and Instagram, tweeting how much they love each other, or you hear your friends talking about their boyfriend/girlfriend and what amazingly awesome plans they have on February 14th.

But what about all those other single pringles that will spend the day alone? Are they just supposed to cry in the corner because they don t have a significant other to buy them chocolate, flowers, spend the day with or any other Valentine-y gift?

NO! Here s a few ideas that you can participate in so you don t feel like you re #foreveralone.

What to do 1. Throw a Singles Awareness Party. Invite some of your single friends and have a Secret Santa in February. Set a max-min spending limit and this will ensure you get a gift of love this Valentine s Day. 2. Host a party where you invite your single friends and then your friends invite one of their single friends of the opposite sex.

Meet new people without the worry of their already being in a relationship, and if nothing else comes out of it, you ll have new friends.

3. Get a heart-shaped piñata to get stress‒I mean‒candy out.

4. Watch Sixteen Candles, Pretty Woman, Say Anything (you know the movie with the guy standing in the girls front yard holding the radio up to her window), The Vow, A Walk To Remember and lastly Valentine s Day! 5. If you feel like just chilling at the house or dorm, bust out the two men who will never leave you: Ben & Jerry and blast Beyonce s Single Ladies.

6. What better way to spend the day of love than spreading it through volunteer work? Go visit the local nursing home, hospital, animal rescue center or homeless shelter.

What KC is doing for Valentine s

7. They say all is fair in love and war, so why not have both? Gather a co-ed group of friends (including crushes) and duke it out in bowling, Putt-Putt or a video game competition.

What are your views on Valentine s Day?

Yovany Arvizu, Waxahachie sophomore: It s really not a big deal, but it is fun and brings couples together.

Gena Andrews, Kilgore sophomore: I think it s overrated.

People put too much of their feelings and emotions into it. I could definitely live without it.

Dylan Nixon, Kilgore sophomore: If you choose that one day to do something special for your girlfriend then you re not doing something right all the other days of the year.

What is your best Valentine s Day experience?

YA: Last year s because I was single.

GA: Last year, because my dad showered me with candy and gifts.

DN: When I surprised my girlfriend by getting off work early so I was able to spend Valentine s night with her.

Photo Illustration by Marci Wells / THE FLARE

What would you do if you were in a relationship?

YA: I probably would be going on a date somewhere nice with my lady friend.

GA: I d hope that my boyfriend would take me out to dinner, buy me roses and treat me like a queen.

DN: I would take her to eat wherever she wanted to go or maybe grill some steaks and then watch a movie at the house.

What are you doing for Valentine s Day?

YA: Going to class and then playing Ping-Pong.

GA: I am having a girl s day with all of my other single friends. We are going to buy a lot of candy and watch movies!

DN: Take my mom out for a nice dinner.

What is your worst Valentine s Day experience?

YA: Two years ago because I was in a relationship.

GA: Two years ago when I found out that my boyfriend was cheating on me on Valentine s, and Valentine s is the day we started dating my ninth grade year. How ironic.

DN: I don t usually have bad Valentine s days, I try to find a way to make them good.

ON VALENTINE S DAY If you have a special someone or crush, Art Club is selling colorful carnations in the Devall Student Center and in front of the Watson Library for $2.

PTK is also selling carnations with an attached card and Hershey s Kiss for $1. Members will be walking around campus selling the bundle.