W E L C O M E
T O
K I L G O R E
C O L L E G E
Board announces 2017 budget MEAGHAN MORTON Executive Editor Most of the 20 spectators in the room at August’s KC Board meeting were waiting on the proposal of the new fiscal year budget. Dr. Brenda Kays presented her first budget as college president by stating, “We are living within our means. This budget will allow us to stay true to our mission.” Taxes were not increased and there will be no mid-year tuition rise; consequently, instructor salaries will not be raised. “No tax increase is pretty much an impossible task,” said Joe Carrington, board trustee. Trustees Larry Woodfin and Brian Nutt also expressed their appreciation for the new president’s diligence. One of Dr. Kays' first acts as president was to create a strategic plan that would guide the college and create progress. The priorities include: Improve student learning and success; enhance college resources to adequately support student learning and success; provide students with safe, wellmaintained and accessible environments
that foster student achievement and engagement; and provide instructional programming that enables students to achieve marketable credentials that provide a living wage by focusing and aligning workforce curriculum with service area standards and needs. “The strategic plan sets a road map for the next three years,” Kays said. “It isn’t enough to just talk the talk; you have to walk the walk.” Much of the budget was centered around this plan. “We’ve reallocated our dollars to reflect the mission of the institution, our priorities and our goals,” Kays added. Over the summer break KC was designated as a Leader College by the Achieving the Dream Foundation. This recognition was based on developmental math completion when the department introduced Modular Math. Completion of developmental math classes rose across the board in all groups including gender, ethnicity and See BOARD MEETING, Page 3
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
KC President, Dr. Brenda Kays, answers questions for Gwendolyn Boyd and Mary Runnels, mothers of new fall students, at a crowded late registration on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
The Flare
Monday, August 22, 2016 Vol. 80 No. 1 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Library begins new chapter ‘Party on
the Plaza’ planned for public LEAH BRYCE Page Editor
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
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enovations to the Randolph C. Watson Library are complete at the start of the fall semester. New additions include lounge area and coffee shop.
LIBRARY HOURS MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. FRIDAY 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. SUNDAY 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Free food, drinks and prizes await all those who want to “Party on the Plaza” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23, at KC. The event at the recently dedicated Mike Miller Plaza, will join forces from Baptist Student Ministry, Christian Campus Center, the Wesley Foundation and KC Student Activities department. It is open to all students, faculty and family members. Illusionist/comedian Jared Hall and Christian rap artist DJ Ced Enough will perform, with Raising Cane’s and Chick-Fil-A providing food. The back-to-school bash is the brainchild of Jaymi Blankenship, BSM director. When he came here two years ago, he noticed there was no welcoming party to ring in the new academic year. “My heart kind of broke and I started entertaining the idea of building a positive first impression for the students as they got here,” Blankenship said. “That is kind of the heartbeat for Party in the Plaza, to mesh the community and school together, so they have a great first impression and a great college experience.” Campus clubs and organizations will join community groups to represent almost 50 booths. Guests can register to win an array of prizes ranging from IF YOU GO iTunes gift cards to flat screen WHO: Jared Hall, TVs and mini comedian/illusionist; Ced Enough, Christian refrigerators. This is one Hip-Hop Artist; about 50 of the few campus and community events that the organizations three campus WHAT: Block Party in m i n i s t r i e s Mike Miller Plaza, KC c o o r d i n a t e campus together with WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m. each providing Tuesday, Aug. 23 v a r i o u s provisions and connections from their own background to add to the event. “We wanted not only to be a ministry from us to the students, but also to the school,” Blankenship said. “I think that every student who comes will just have a great, positive impression,” Blankenship said. “Whether they’re a returning student or a student for the first time, they have the impression, the first week of school, that this is going to be a great year — that they are truly blessed to be in a great environment, with people who are going to love on them and encourage them. Hopefully to where students can really sprout their roots and grow.” This year’s event will also feature a party tent to help with the Texas heat. Due to the success of last year’s event featuring Derek Minor, no school events will be taking place at the same time (with the exception of Tuesday evening classes). Further proof that this event enjoys the support of the college came when Shalie Day, assistant director of student life, sent out a plea to club sponsors to consider looking at this event as a possible organization fair. “The Back-to-School Bash is family friendly and we encourage you to bring your family and have a good time,” Day said. Blankenship believes this event will continue to grow in the years to come.
‘The Last Picture Show’
A retrospective exhibition by O. Rufus Lovett FROM STAFF REPORTS This presentation embodies selections of photographs from 40 years of one photographer’s interpretations of the human condition, portraiture, the still life and the landscape. Encompassed are selected photographs from three major books, “Weeping Mary,” “Kilgore Rangerettes” and “Barbecue Crossroads” all published by The University of Texas Press in 2006, 2008 and 2013, respectively. Images from Lovett’s stays in China, recent landscapes and still lifes are included spanning the media of film, photo digital imaging and recent iPhoneography. Lovett often subscribes to a
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The LVN program held a sock drive for children in need and collected two boxes of socks, one box of blankets and many other needed goods for the Truman Center. n
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quote by Francis Bacon, “The contemplation of things as they are, without substitution or imposture, without error or confusion, is in itself a nobler thing than a whole harvest of invention.”
Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery n
Open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Friday.
August 22 - September 23
THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016 During Summer graduation, 251 degrees were earned by KC students. n
400
The Latinos in Acciὀn Club sold over 400 home made tacos to students and faculty during late registration. n
Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates
Theatre auditions begin KELSEY GONZALEZ Staff Writer Open auditions for the KC Theatre Department’s first production of the semester will be held for cast and crew from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31 in The Van Cliburn Auditorium. KC Theatre Department will have opening night for the play “The Miracle Worker” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 also in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. To be part of the performance that Director Micah Goodding said “will shine a different light on the known story of Helen Keller,” you do not have to have any acting experience. Anyone interested is able to audition for the production. Although it is not required to do so, copies of the script will be available to check out for your advantage beginning Aug. 22 in Goodding’s office in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Building. Casting directors are looking to fill seven female and seven male roles. The department is also looking for people to be a part of the crew. Four to seven people will be chosen to help with lights, sound, makeup, clothing, carpentry and many other jobs. The production “The Miracle Worker” will be “interesting, observing, and moving,” Goodding said. This production will take you from when Helen Keller first learned how to communicate with others, to her becoming an activist and having an impact on early twentieth century politics. For any other information involving the audition process, contact The KC Theatre Department at drama@kilgore. edu or call (903) 983-8126.
FACE IN THE CROWD
Phi Theta Kappa to conduct meeting Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
Dr. Mary Heiden What has been your favorite concert piece you have performed and why? It’s hard to choose. Perhaps “Fireworks” by Claude Debussy – the title says it all. If you could see anyone in concert who would it be? Pianist Martha Argerich. What is your favorite hobby and why? I love to play water volleyball. (Hint: I can be very competitive!) If you could invite anyone to a dinner party what ten people would you have? It would have to be a music party from across the centuries: J.S. Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Dvorak, Debussy, Stravinsky… I know that’s eleven, but the great thing is that some of these composers knew each other (or were even good friends). Since the majority were keyboard players, we could really discuss how keyboard music evolved and who influenced whom. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Germany always calls to me – it’s a music thing and a “roots” thing.
Hometown: Genoa City, Wisconsin Classification: Department Chair of Music and Dance What has been your most memorable performance? Probably conducting Mozart’s “Requiem.” It’s hard to top that. What do you hope to gain out of this occupation? I love seeing how students develop as musicians. Why did you choose to come to KC? It’s such a great community. I love being back. What is a unique fact about you? Once a Green Bay Packer fan, always a Packer fan! Who is your favorite musician and why? I really don’t have a favorite – there are just too many to choose from. Who are you most inspired by and why? My husband, Chris. He’s a true supporter of the arts (even when it’s hard to live with). Why did you choose to play the piano? It was just kind of natural. We had a piano, I liked to noodle around on it, so it made sense to take lessons. The great thing was, I always liked to practice!
FROM STAFF REPORTS Phi Theta Kappa will hold its first meeting 2:15 p.m. today, Aug. 22, in the Communications-Automotive Building, Room 104, in order to welcome back members and introduce new officers. Refreshments will be available. “This is a great way for members to become aware of PTK opportunities and for non-members to understand what we’re all about,” said Tina Marie Reed, vice president of public relations. The second meeting on Monday, Aug. 29, will feature more discussion on scholarship opportunities, service opportunities, projects and upcoming conferences. Some of the benefits of joining PTK are: scholarship opportunities, leadership development, academic recognition, conference networking. Meetings will be held every Monday through the end of November (except Sept. 5, and Nov. 21). Members can enter raffle for prizes at each meeting. Newsletters will be sent to students’ KC e-mail address per policy changes with the new year. Prospective members and current members can also follow KC’s PTK chapter at www. facebook.com/GammaOmicron. For more information, contact co-adviser Michele Daniels at 903-983-8621 or at mdaniels@kilgore.edu.
NEWS
THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
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Plaza dedication brings crowd Library tour, special guests mark reopening FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE
A Rangerette stands at attention while observers of the Mike Miller Plaza dedication look on to the speaker.
Built in 1967, the library underwent a $2 million redesign and renovation over the last year with Transet Co. serving as project manager. Designed to transform the role and function of the traditional library, the bottom floor of the Watson Library now has computer pods, lounge areas with new furniture and a coffee shop. Upstairs now contains the traditional book area with large glassed-in rooms for group study and two large computer labs. Maximum guaranteed prices for the library project and renovations of the Lee Mall area were unanimously approved by the KC Board of Trustees at their July meeting in 2015. The board also approved roughly $1 million to construct a park area in the central portion of campus where the Martha Pfaff Ivan Liberal Arts Building was located prior to demolition in 2014. Money for construction of the Mike Miller Plaza and new plant garden area was donated by Mike Miller upon his death in 2007. It features a star design in the center of campus and a new plant garden located on the west side of the new park. Miller, originally from Henderson, attended KC where he began a long and distinguished relationship with the college and the Rangerette organization.
Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE
Shrubs and trees line the walkways of the new plaza.
Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE
Dr. Brenda Kays welcomes guests to the dedication of the new plaza students will be able to enjoy while walking around campus.
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KC presents Eastman with inaugural Blue Ribbon FROM STAFF REPORTS Kilgore College celebrated a long and distinguished relationship with Eastman Chemical Co. by presenting the company the inaugural Blue Ribbon Medal for Student Success Aug. 11 at summer graduation. Mark Bogle, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s Texas operations, was at the graduation to accept the award on behalf of Eastman. Eastman was chosen for the award because of its 10-year partnership with KC in the development and continued advancement of the Process Technology and Industrial Maintenance Technology programs at KC. Additionally, Eastman’s partnership and generosity has enabled the creation of KC’s newest workforce development program in robotics, Instrumentation and Electrical Technology, which will begin this semester. “Mr. Mark Bogle’s support and the support of his team at Eastman has been phenomenal,” said Dr. Brenda Kays, KC president. “They have pledged to make this program a reality for the college and for our community. That pledge means that the new robotics program will be launched whose graduates can expect to earn more than $50,000 as a starting wage.” Since 2006, Eastman Chemical has awarded 130 scholarships to KC students enrolled in process technology, industrial maintenance, welding technology and corrosion technology – almost $470,000 worth of scholarships. “These numbers do not include the scholarships awarded to area high school
students, many who we see segue into our workforce education programs,” Kays said. “Eastman Chemical serves as one of the best recruiters that the college has for its technical programs.” During its 10-year partnership with KC, Eastman has hired 63 KC graduates and has provided internships for 104 KC students. Eastman has also donated more than $350,000 worth of equipment and supplies to KC for its technical programs and has established a $15,000 endowed scholarship awarded annually to process technology students. Eastman employees also serve on KC advisory committees and provide validation of the college’s technical programs, assuring that program quality and rigor are parallel with industry training standards. “I liken this validation to a stamp of approval by Eastman that gives students enrolling in technical programs at Kilgore College assurance that their educational experience will produce many opportunities and open many doors,” Kays said. About the award: The Blue Ribbon Medal of Excellence for Student Success is presented at graduation ceremonies to celebrate and honor the partnerships formed between the institution and community members or businesses dedicated to the furtherance of KC’s mission. Taking from pride in KC’s school colors, the award features a blue ribbon and a silver medallion to symbolize the important ties and generous contributions KC’s community partners provide to ensure student success.
Board Meeting: ‘Living within our means’ financial status. Although completion levels have risen, the amount of students taking developmental classes have lowered due to the fact more students are able to take college level math courses, according to Dr. Staci Martin, vice president of institutional planning. The creation of the Kilgore College Alumni Association was also announced during the meeting. Paula Jamerson, alumni relations, said those who join could receive discounts on campus services and products. Alumni, students and “anyone who is interested in being recognized as a friend of KC,” is welcome. Dues are $25 a year or $250 for a lifetime membership. Services a member can save on include: Athletic games, admission to the East Texas Oil Museum, the Parks Fitness Center, KC Brew Coffee Shop, the Ranger Cafe, KC Bookstore, Cosmetology services and theatre productions not
including the Texas Shakespeare Festival. The Alumni Association is also planning to host a tailgate party during homecoming. Two individuals recognized for their service at KC were student spotlight, Jeremy Swingler, and employee spotlight, Mrs. Bobbie McGee-Benson. Swingler previously worked in the KC bookstore and decorated the windows with recycled items. McGee-Benson has dedicated 33 years of her life to KC students helping them succeed in a college career and has been recognized on a national level for her work to improve adult education in our area. The next board meeting will be held in September on the second floor of the Stewart H. McLaurin Administration Building. The specific date has not yet been announced.
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THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
SPORTS
Rangers take it to the turf Football team looks to regain momentum after successful 2015 season RICHARD NGUYEN Staff Writer
T
he defending Southwest Junior College Football Conference Champions Rangers kicks off their season against long-time rival Tyler Junior College at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 27, at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler. The last time the two teams faced off the Rangers pulled out a 23-17 overtime victory to spring KC into the playoffs. The Rangers will play a nine game regular season this year, facing TJC twice, while adding a new opponent to their schedule. The New Mexico Military Institute Broncos join the SWJCFC this year after previously playing in the Western States Football League. NMMI finished with a 6-5 (5-3 conference) record last season. The Broncos bring a more pass centric offense to the table averaging over 270 yards passing last season on top of 31 touchdown passes on the season. The Rangers will travel to Roswell, New Mexico this year to play the Broncos on Saturday, October 8. The Rangers enter the season with a slot in the preseason rankings sitting at 17. Navarro (9), Trinity Valley (3), and TJC (13) are also ranked in the preseason top 20. KC finished last season winning four of their last five games earning the team a bid to the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl where they fell to East Central Mississippi 35-21. Head Coach JJ Eckert returns a host of players on both sides of the ball including both starting quarterbacks, Josh Bolfing and Cameron Martin. Bolfing and Martin combined for over 1,500 pass yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The key returning player for the Rangers on offense is tight end Jarod Wood, Kilgore sophomore. Wood had a team high seven touchdown receptions last season along with 23 catches. KC will bring a new look defense to the table this year after losing 10 starters to transfer. The coaches will look to sophomore defensive end Brian Scott and defensive back Will Smith to lead the way for a Ranger’s defense that only gave up 25.9 points per game, a conference best. KC enters its 79th football season with a target on its back as defending conference champions. The Rangers will play five home games and four road games this year.
Softball field construction continues despite rain Efforts in full swing to see team take home field for spring season ELIJAH BANKS Sports Editor
Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
Wide Receiver Cameron Fisher, Bay City sophomore, catches a pass during a rainy day practice. The Rangers will open the season against one of their biggest rivals, the Tyler Junior College Apaches, on Saturday, Aug. 27, in Tyler. The Rangers are ranked 17th, behind TJC at 13, in pre-season polls.
Despite the recent rains, work is still on target to complete the KC Commons softball complex in time for the Spring 2017 season, according to Jimmy Rieves, athletic director. “Construction will still begin soon and the field will be nice,” Rieves said. “We were mostly concerned about getting the grass growing, but it should be warm enough.” Work has been progressing steadily over the past month as Kilgore Heights Elementary school is almost completely torn down. Things really took off following the June 30 ground-breaking ceremony when representatives from Herring Bank presented a $10,000 check to assist the funding for the complex’s new scoreboard. The project also scored big when Energy Weldfab president Mike Clements made a $25,000 contribution. More than $100,000 has already been raised by the KC Athletic department through donations. “Not one penny of college money is going toward this field,” Rieves said. “The board gave us the land and their support, but the athletic department is paying for everything else.” Rieves is confident “a generic ballpark” will be ready for play in time. Further improvements could come with future donations. However, a field of their own is still an improvement over sharing time with the Kilgore High School at Stream-Flo Field near historic Driller Park. “It will be amazing to have our own field and facilities,” said Leslie Messina, head softball coach. “The new field will greatly enhance our recruiting efforts and will be a landmark facility that will instill a sense of immense pride in the college and the Kilgore community.”
OPINION
THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
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Broaden
Your Horizons Get involved, Make most of college experience MEET THE FLARE STAFF
“I’ve been training 19 years of my life to be an adult and I still can’t get it right. At least I am trying though.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you around campus and getting photos for The Flare. If you see me, say “hello,” but don’t look at my camera!”
Meaghan Morton Executive Editor Trinidad sophomore
Tina Marie Reed Photographer Longview sophomore
“I get confused when I speak, so I just write. Plus I like musicals and monkeys.” Leah Bryce Page Editor White Oak sophomore
“I’m the gentle giant that’s all things sports and fitness.” Elijah Banks Sports Editor Dallas sophomore
Illustration by Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
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ne of the most monumental mistakes a community college student can make is to go to class and immediately drive back home. Even though KC is mostly a commuter school with a minuscule percentage of students living on campus, a student can still make the most of their time while they are here. Becoming more involved in school activities can promote happiness, form lifelong friendships and create networking opportunities. Due to the stress of finals and the gloom of other major exams students can become depressed and unhappy. Being involved helps you find friends in an area where you have never been before. A prime example of a club promoting happiness would be the Happiness Club at Penn State. Students go out of their way to do nice and helpful things for others. Another benefit of joining a club or student activity is forming lifelong friendships you will have for the rest of your life. Although not everyone can join, the Rangerettes are a great example of people at KC forming life-long friendships. Even though diversity is to be celebrated, it is proven humans find friends with people who have similar interests and who are almost exactly like them. If a student is new to an area and does not know anybody,
it is easier to find friends in a club with like-minded people. Everybody has a niche and it helps if you find it early on. Yes, meet new people outside of that realm, but it is easier at first to meet within it. If you were ever slightly intrigued by a subject as a hobby, then college is the perfect time to explore these other realms. For instance, if your major is math, but you have always had an interest in art then this is the time for you to join the Art Club. When it comes to joining a club, generally your major is not taken into account. Many clubs and activities help students gain experience in the real world and can eventually help with networking possibilities. People who apply for a job will most likely be hired if they have previous experience in the field or if they know somebody who already works there. Networking within an organization will help you get to know people in higher places and could eventually land you the job you have always wanted, or send you in that direction. There are many KC clubs and activities students can participate in. Some are class specific and others are open to anybody who would like to join. For a full list of clubs, log on to www.kilgore.edu/ campus-life/student-clubs.
Bring home a new best friend, adopt today D uring my angsty, hormone induced, middle school life I was never really a dog person. They were too loud, smelled bad and got spit everywhere; that really was not my thing. The dark and macabre is what fueled me and I leaned more toward the nonchalant attitude of a cat. While I still love cats, I grew out of being dreadful and eventually grew to love dogs. (I think it all started with the internet sensation, “Doug the Pug.”) While my love of furry animals grew, I also became aware of the situations many animals have to live in and go through. Quite recently I adopted a dog from the shelter; a poodle named Snickers. He is the most loving and caring dog, and I could not imagine why he was in such a place. Turns
out his owner had passed away and he was handed around family member to family member, eventually being sent to doggy prison. This is not always the case though; many dogs are abused, over-bred and treated inhumanely before coming to a shelter. That is why I believe instead of buying a puppy for $400, MEAGHAN you should adopt a pet from MORTON the shelter. Now, I have Executive nothing against puppies, Editor but why would you create another life by breeding an animal and not rescue a life that desperately needs your help? Maybe you look the other way because an animal is old or has a noticeable
The Flare
VOL. 80, NO. 1 n Monday, August 22, 2016 Copyright 2016, The Flare. All rights reserved.
2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meaghan Morton
PAGE EDITOR Leah Bryce
ADVERTISING MANAGER Tiffani Branch
WEB EDITOR OPEN
ADVISER Rachel Stallard
STAFF WRITERS Kelsey Gonzalez, Richard Nguyen
SPORTS EDITOR Elijah Banks ILLUSTRATOR OPEN
PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett
PHOTOGRAPHERS Tiffany Johnson and Tina Marie Reed
injury? Older dogs have already developed a personality and will be predictable. You never know if a puppy is going to turn out to be too high strung for you or super destructive. Yes, I realize that puppies are naturally inclined to be this way, but guess what? Older dogs usually are not. If a dog happens to have a noticeable injury such as a missing eye or leg, that gives them more character and personality. They are not broken or gross. It would be just like a human with the same case, and no matter what, they still deserve love. All of the little puff balls in their cages want to give and receive love, and they should not be denied that. Unfortunately, because of the lack of adoption and the amount of animals that go through the shelter system, many have to be euthanized.
Shelters and rescues try extremely hard to clear the shelter by holding adoption events and advertising as much as they can, but this does not always work. I encourage everyone looking for an animal to adopt. Look around local shelters and make some calls. Rescue an animal that needs your help and will love you forever. Even if you are not looking to add a lovely new family member to your home, donate your time, money or supplies to your local shelter or humane society. They need all the help they can get. Also remember, like Bob Barker always said, “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.” Meaghan Morton is a journalism major from Trinidad
LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.
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THE FLARE MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
NEWS
STOPS AROUND KILGORE • Kilgore City Library • Donald Duck Bike Whataburger • The bust in the Shakespeare Garden • Kilgore College Welcome Sign • Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes Church • Kilgore College Baptist Student Ministries • Christian Campus Center • Gussie Nell Davis Oil Derrick • Rangerette Fountain • East Texas Oil Museum • Oil Derrick Time Capsule • Rangerette Showcase • Christ the King Church • Our Lady of Guadalupe • Lutheran Church Steeple Cross • Christ the King Catholic Church Foundation
Pokémon GO experience rich in Kilgore, campus
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s soon as the game was released in Australia the rest of the world took it upon themselves to find ways to download Pokémon Go ahead of time. Servers were down and people who disliked the game and called it childish, who we will refer to as Team Rocket, made the sensation of a game almost impossible to play. Many would agree while turmoil was going on in the world, Pokémon was a release. Pokémon Go, created by Niantic, encourages exercise, sportsmanship and learning about your community by sending you on a search to “Catch ‘em all” around neighborhoods with Pokéstops around various historical markers, local shops and places of interest. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your Pokémon Go experience around campus. Maybe you too can “be the very best, like no one ever was.”
Search for Pokémon in groups especially at night. Especially after the new update, safety became a concern for Niantic.
Carry an extra battery charger for your phone. Plug-in or portable, it is always helpful when your phone is on one percent and you run into a level 2,000 Gyarados.
To level up faster, save all of your evolutions until you can activate a Lucky Egg. Doing this will increase the experience you earn as a trainer.
If you are just starting the game, you have one more option than just the three starter Pokémon. As soon as the three starters show up, walk away from them four times. After you do this, a Pikachu should appear.
If you spin the Pokéball before you throw it, you can earn a curveball bonus. Also, wait until the circle around the Pokémon is at its smallest. This increases the chance you will catch it.
Remember to have fun. Encourage others on their quest to “catch ‘em all.” Do not discourage children because you think their team choice is not the best.