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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN On the 12th class day, KC tallies and sends in the number of enrolled students and contact hours to determine how the school will be funded. Check in the next issue of The Flare to see the final headcount.
Block Party and KC Kickoff inside on Page 6.
The Flare
KC student and faculty enjoy a picnic on the lawn at the KC Kickoff in the Mike Miller Plaza, Thursday September 1st.
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
Friday, September 9, 2016 Vol. 80 No. 2 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
The Write Stuff ’Rettes DVD set for release ALLISON TALIAFERRO Staff Writer The Rangerettes have captured the hearts of many over their 75 years of high kicks. So it was of no surprise that one day these tenacious women would receive their own documentary. “The film does a great job of showing the audience many aspects of the Rangerette lifestyle and the tryout process,” said Hilary H a g l u n d - W a l k e r, Rangerette Forever and film producer. The Sweethearts “Being a Rangerette DVD cover taught me about hard work, dedication, and determination. The experience taught me how to focus on a goal and not give up just because things get difficult.” Chip Hale, director of the film Sweethearts of the Gridiron, received inspiration for the inspiration for the film after being a Rangerette manger in 1995-1996. Hale moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and started making films, and has returned to KC on a few occasions to host The Revels. See SWEETHEARTS, Page 3
Renovations in the works at Quads LEAH BRYCE & ANGELA MCFARLAND Managing Editor & Staff Writer
Cheyanne Huntsman / THE FLARE
The Letters from Home table is located on the second floor of Watson Library. Students are encouraged to write letters to soldiers overseas.
Community given opportunity to send letters overseas KAITLIN MITCHELL Staff Writer
T
he KC community has the opportunity to send personalized letters to deployed troops, wounded warriors, as well as veterans and new recruits. A letter writing station is located on the second floor of the Randolph C. Watson Library. The letters are collected and delivered once a month, but the letter campaign is active all year. “Letters from Home” was in place last year, but the program did not get a very large response, according to Susan Wilson, public service librarian. “It’s a shame so little students knew about it. Not only are you learning about yourself as you write but it’s a simple way to support our people in service,” Wilson said. She got the idea from a letter she had received from someone in Kilgore and because
she grew up writing letters. Stationery and envelopes are provided; however, everyone is encouraged to add their own personal touch. Pictures and drawings are always great things to add. It has been requested politics and religion not be discussed in too much depth out of respect for those receiving the letters. There is no way of knowing who the letter is being sent to until it has already reached its destination. Participants should write about their daily life, hobbies and interests, along with any gratitude they might have toward our military. “People don’t understand what a simple piece of paper with some words on it means to someone in the service” said Tommy Nettleton, a U.S. Marine in active duty currently stationed overseas. See LETTERS, Page 3
Echos of hammers ringing against nails filled the air surrounding the 700 Block Quads throughout the summer, as the men’s honors dorms were being refurbished. KC President Dr. Brenda Kays set out to make the residence halls a more acceptable living environment as one of her first acts as president. This project includes new paint, new floors and new furniture. “The strategic goals associated with this priority include: Improve campus safety and security,” Kays stated in her yet-to-beapproved strategic goals for the college. “Provide well-maintained learning and living environments for KC students and provide accessible learning environments for students.” Edward Williams, director of residential life, took the initiative on this project to improve the conditions for incoming students, in particular American Honors students attending KC for the first time. At this time, the Quad units are housing 19 students in a 10-room block. “I’m in the honors program and I knew I was going to live on campus and they said that they were re-doing the Quads,” said Toby Palmer, Diana freshman. See QUADS, Page 3
‘Everyday Heroes’ descend on Kilgore Kilgore’s Special Abilities Family Fun event returns Saturday, Sept. 17 It’s not too late for KC organizations to get involved with SAFFE Day, according to Johnny Bellows, Kilgore’s fire chief. As the fifth annual event approaches, Bellows hopes more students and citizens will reap the benefit of coming together in downtown Kilgore and celebrating the special abilities of neighbors. “I think it’s been a very good awakening for everyone that’s involved,” he said. The free event is open to the public and designed to help people overcome barriers and fears, as they see how special each individual is. The Special Abilities Family Fun Event is on the lookout for Everyday Heroes — special needs children and adults, their families and caregivers — to visit downtown Kilgore from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and find a slew of activities specially-tailored for them to
enjoy. Set near Kilgore’s World’s Richest Acre (100 S. Commerce St.), people with special needs and abilities find SAFFE Day is custom-fit for their ‘normal.‘ “SAFFE Day is a day for people with special needs, young and old, to come and enjoy activities and events that are specifically geared toward them, with a focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot do,” said Kristi Simpson, KFD Administrative Assistant. The community-funded event includes a variety of games, challenges and opportunities for people with or without special needs. Everyone is welcome to #BeAHero as they enjoy free food, drinks, entertainment and more. This year SAFFE Day‘s organizers will continue spreading the word through a red-carpet premiere of the documentary “Everyday Heroes” at 6 and 8 p.m.
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The National Football League’s season kicked off Sept. 8. It is not too late to draft for your fantasy football league team.
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Thursday, Sept. 15, at Kilgore’s 4-Star Cinema (1607 U.S. Hwy. 259). Shot by director Chip Hale and his crew from Overton Films in Fall 2015, the 40-minute film features volunteers, firefighters, special needs guests and others to tell the SAFFE story. It was nominated for Best Documentary Short at the Austin Revolution Film Festival. The 2016 Special Needs Ambassador –11-year-old Ryan Bailey – will be on-hand at the 7 p.m. Red Carpet Event, along with superhero mascot, Blazze, Tickets to the Thursday night event can be reserved by calling Simpson at 903-988-4112. Admission is free but SAFFE Day organizers are accepting donations throughout the events. Anyone interested in donating to the nonprofit 501(c)3 can contact Simpson at 903-988-4112 or by e-mailing kristi. simpson@cityofkilgore.com.
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 It has been 15 years since the terrorist attack on Sept. 11 that destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City.
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On this day in 1939, audiences in California are treated to a special preview of the movie “Gone with the Wind.”
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Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates
FACE IN THE CROWD
Stay alert with Ranger Reminder YASMINE WILSON Staff Writer Ranger Reminder is now available through KC Blackboard. Its purpose is “to keep all of KC informed and to help our students be successful,” said Kasey Nisbett, student success learning specialist. It consists of weekly notices of important dates, resources, events and deadlines — delivered in a format students are already using. Students are already finding the new feature beneficial. “It is very helpful to know what is going on at KC and knowing what to plan for in the upcoming week,” said Sydni Borders, Kilgore freshman. “Using student resources can become very important to being successful at KC.” Ranger Reminder acts as an ongoing orientation to keep every student updated and enlightened. It can be very helpful and come in handy for students who aren’t certain about events happening on campus. Reminders are also sent out via email.
Christian ministries kick off fall CAM WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Sam Rodriguez / THE FLARE
Tealia Hooper What is your favorite part about working at the KC Brew? I get to interact with the people and the students. Over there I couldn’t interact with the students. [While on the serving line] Here I can hear a lot of good input from the students. How long have you worked at KC? October 22 will be 12 years. What is your favorite kind of music? I like gospel music. I don’t really have a specific favorite song, but ‘My Eyes are on the Sparrow,’ that’s a good one, but I like all gospel. What is something about you not a lot of people know? I’m just a really straight forward person. I’m an open book. I have no secrets. There’s nothing that nobody doesn’t know about me. What is one of your hobbies? I like to go fishing. What is your favorite kind of fishing? My favorite kind of fishing is catfishing. Do you clean and eat the fish afterward?
Hometown: Kilgore Classification: Supervisor of the KC Brew Well sure! Why not? That is the only way to do it. Who got you into fishing? I’ve been fishing for a long time. You know, my grandmother and my aunts took us and they fished. It was just something that we did. What is your favorite drink to make at The Brew? My favorite drink to make is a Caramel Macchiato on ice. What is your favorite drink to have for yourself ? My favorite drink to have is a Tazo Passion Fruit Sweet Tea. What are some of the comments you have received about the KC Brew? They are excited we are here. They never thought they would see a Starbucks here and they enjoy it.
Now that the fall semester is in full swing, so are the on-campus Christian ministries. One thing the three Christian ministries on campus have in common is free lunch for KC students. The Baptist Student Ministries serve at 11 a.m. Tuesdays; Wesley Foundation is 11 a.m. Wednesdays; and Christian Campus Center is 11 a.m. Thursdays. The Christian Campus Center has many opportunities for students. Weekly events have rebooted for fall, including Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Tri-C took 15 students on a mission trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to aid flooding victims. They worked with the South Baton Rouge Church of Christ and with hundreds of other volunteers from across the country. “It was not only just a working experience, but it was a real good spiritual experience for them,” said Britt Davis, campus minister. “One student said ‘Look at all the trash on the road’ and I had to correct him and say ‘That’s not trash. That’s someone’s life.’ And it was hard to describe, to see that someone’s life was out on the street now, just reduced to a pile of rubble.” “Some of it was really heartbreaking,” added Kendra Bounds, Kilgore freshman. “Everything they worked for, everything they grew up around, it’s just gone.” The Baptists started their yeary with a BSM Fantasy Football League live draft party. “I’m personally looking forward to the glory of victory. I’m not so much in the long-term; I just like the bragging rights game-to-game, especially if I beat Tyler [Andrews],” said Petar Badzic, Longview sophomore. “For me it’s just about friendly fun and bantering and just casual fun.” The BSM also recently hosted an International Club welcome party and are looking for students to join the ISC committee. The Wesley Foundation is kicking off prayer and Bible study from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
NEWS
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
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BEGINNING OF SCHOOL TIPS
It’s been two weeks since the start of the fall semester. Here are some tips from KC Police Chief Heath Cariker to help students operate more efficiently and get along well on campus.
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n Be careful in KC’s parking lots.
n Drive defensively.
n Observe all traffic signs.
n Park in the student parking lot.
n As a pedestrian, be careful, and watch for cross-traffic as you’re crossing the street.
n Don’t leave your valuables visible in your car.
In addition to these tips, Chief Cariker reminds students that both Elder and Laird Streets are now two-ways. Also, the speed limit on all campus streets is 20 miles per hour. KC Police Department on the main campus has also recently extended its office hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. KC-Longview has security present during the campus’ regular hours. Call KCPD at 903-983-8650 for service — non-emergency or otherwise.
QUADS: Renovations make for better living conditions Edwards said that seeing the students reaction to the new look reaffirmed his faith about this project. “From what I hear, the other dorms are not near as nice,” Palmer said. “They don’t have full-sized beds, they don’t have new furniture and they just don’t have a lot of the stuff we have in here.” Williams was able to accomplish many of the improvements through his connections in the industry. Although living on campus is not mandatory for all honor students, the remodel offers a chance for them to have better living conditions. According to Palmer the news of the remodel helped him decide to live on campus, instead of commuting. “I grew up in Diana, but I wanted to live on campus so I could have that freedom, yet could also have that safety net of going to a nearby school,” Palmer said. “So far, I’ve met a lot of my
Before (left) and After (right). The Quads are now open for more residents. friends from living in the dorms.” The 700 Block Quads are not the end of KC’s dorm remodel. According to Williams, the goal is to remodel all the Quads and open them to students beyond the honors program. “We hope that it grows to fill after more renovations and expansion,” Williams said. “Also, that the guys feel good about those rooms that have already been filled up.” Photos by Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
SWEETHEARTS: ‘Forever’ produces movie From Page One Haglung-Walker was an officer on the 57th line. She said the film expresses what most Rangerettes have to go through. “The hard work and long hours it takes to create a perfect performance on the field, or stage as a Rangerette teaches you (many things) and every Rangerette you meet, no matter her age, had a similar experience.” Hale wanted to maintain his relationship with the Rangerette program, the directors and its legacy. Hale’s time with the Rangerettes left such a lasting impact on his life that in 2011 he pitched the idea for a documentary. The idea received a large amount of feedback, and in 2013 Hale began
filming. The Rangerettes’ hard work was Hale’s motivation behind making the film. After spending years helping hundreds of Rangerettes, he wanted to show the world how dedicated these women are. “Knowing how hard these young women work to try out for the team and then how hard they work once they make it, if anything was motivation enough to make this film,” Hale said. “The Sweethearts of the Gridiron” gives the audience insight into the process of becoming a “World-Famous Rangerette.” Look for the DVD and digital downloads available at Wal-mart, Amazon and iTunes.
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LETTERS: ‘You felt like a person again’ “Receiving a package or a letter in Boot Camp is like nothing you have ever felt before. You’re sitting there on the quarter deck, waiting to hear your name, and praying that you receive any sort of mail. When you finally had that letter in your hand from home you felt like a person again.” If the person writing would like a reply,
all they need to do is include their official mailing address and/or email on the front of the envelope. Anyone may write a letter, it is not only open to students, but if it is a child, personal information cannot be listed. For more information about programs like this visit www.operationgratitude.com.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
SPORTS
Rangers to battle Buffaloes in Little Rock KC Rangers come off of long break, head to Arkansas Baptist ELIJAH BANKS Sports Editor After a long bye week, the Rangers look forward to stepping back on the field to face the Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes. In last year’s meeting, KC came out victorious 54-14. The Rangers dominated all facets of the game averaging 447 total yards while allowing the Buffaloes to gain 193. This time around the Rangers will look to feed off of their performance against the Tyler Junior College Apaches in which they showed promise in a game shortened by lightning strikes. Just before the TJC game was stopped, Anthony
Thomas, Montgomery freshman, bolted down the field for a long kickoff return touchdown, putting the Rangers in front 17-14. KC’s run game was also a strong point with a 66yard touchdown scored by tailback Tyreik Gray, Houston freshman. Kickoff time for Saturday’s game has been changed. It will now start at 6:30 p.m. in Little Rock, Arkansas. The pre-game report will start at 6:15 p.m. on KDOK Radio, along with the Kilgore College Sports Network. The other broadcast connects are www.kdokradio.com, Kilgore Cable Channel 2 (audio only), and the Tunein Radio App.
KC College Round Robin
Round Robin Saturday, September Saturday, September 10,2016 10 @ Stream-Flo Field
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
9 a.m. KC vs Jarvis Christian College
ABOVE: Tailback Marquis Broussard, Edna freshman, lowers his shoulder against a Tyler Junior College defender.
11 a.m. KC vs Mountain View College
LEFT: Quarterback Chandler Eiland, Canton sophomore, hands the ball off to the tailback.
1 p.m. Eastern Oklahoma vs Jarvis Christian College 3 p.m. Mountain View vs Jarvis Christian College 5 p.m. Mountain View vs Eastern Okla. 7 p.m. KC vs Eastern Okla. Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
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YOUR VIEW
Practice what you
PREACH
Diana Castillo and Baylor Roberson / THE FLARE
Why is it important to have high moral standards for your community leaders?
“It’s very important to have high moral standards for your communities because we need more role models in today’s society.”
Allie Hicks Gladewater freshman
“It is important because our leaders have high expectations for us as citizens and our community leaders work very hard to satisfy what we want our community to be like.”
Jordan Scott Magnolia, Arkansas freshman
Illustration by Diana Castillo / THE FLARE
F
rom the time we are in grade school the definition of a leader is repetitively taught to us. A leader is someone who is strong, thinks of others, has the greater good in mind and follows the rules. Though these thoughts are drilled into our head, somewhere along the way we lose sight of that. In the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” a character begs the question, “Are you a politician, or does lying just run in your family?” At some point our views of leaders shift from respectable worthy citizens to liars and untrustworthy people. Community leaders should be held to the same standard as those that they govern over, but in recent situations they fall short of a citizen’s ideal leader. A negative light has been shed over law enforcement, politicians and lawyers. Since they are constantly in the public eye, it is up to them to follow the laws and morals which they enforce. Scandalous stories erupt about government leaders who have a double life or do not share the same values as they preach. This is an issue that causes citizens to doubt
the trust and capabilities of their leaders. Our ideas of leaders shifted at some point from respectable citizens to the viewpoint that they’re all corrupt. The leaders of our nation and community do not wear the great white hat of the protagonist, but are now governing the population wearing all black with their fingers crossed behind their backs. As a country that is supposed to be a democracy, it is on us to elect leaders who are worthy of our original idea of what a leader should be. A change must be made; either the leaders we have now must rededicate to the notion of being responsible and worthy of their office, or citizens must take up for what they believe in and vote for the leaders we need. Before you vote to swear someone into office, know who you are voting for, their values and how they expect you to live and compare that to how they live their life. If you want community leaders to step up and lead as we were taught in grade school, then it is up to you to vote for the true leaders.
“As a community we build everything on morals. We want a person who will represent well and teach future generations what is right and wrong. We want somebody who has strong and high morals to show and teach others.
Mya Hicks Gladewater freshman
“If our community leaders don’t have high moral standards, then how will they expect citizens to be accountable to anyone or respect their authority?
Melissa Lee Overton freshman
Get to know who you idolize I
n the past 10 or so years superhero why you should not idolize Harley movies have emerged as a leading Quinn, it actually is. genre in the box office. Not too After the good doctor fell for her long ago Suicide Squad premiered deranged patient, she broke him and leading up to this, Harley Quinn out of the asylum. Again, this could fandoms sprung up everywhere. be forgiven, but what came next While this is nothing new, it does not so much. From that moment bring into question if people should on, their relationship became more Leah Bryce really be idolizing this character. about abuse and control than of Harley Quinn is a DC villain most Managing love. Once he threw her into a vat known for being the infamous Joker’s Editor of acid, she became his personal girlfriend. Unless you do research doll. All of a sudden she was no over her or you read the comics, the longer an intelligent, independent entirety of their relationship is unknown. In woman, but a ditzy blonde that would not all actuality, this relationship is horrifying just die for The Joker, but also live for him. and not something that should put on a Countless times he demands that she kills mantel and glorified. Originally known as for him, steal for him and even do sexual Dr. Harleen Quinzel, she was an intelligent favors to other men in order for him to gain psychiatrist, that worked at Gotham’s what he needs. insane asylum, Arkham Asylum. The Joker DC presented Harley Quinn as a model is a genius manipulative sociopath, and he of what not to do, however this scenario used this talent to make Dr. Quinzel fall happens to countless women. Harley in love with him. While this part of the does know that the abuse is happening, backstory does not seem that important on but chooses to believe that their love
The Flare
overpowers that and she makes excuses for his treatment toward her to be acceptable. However, this begs the question to be asked, can The Joker really love? Through the eyes of the comics it does not seem like The Joker can love, at least not Harley. Every time she begins to rediscover who she was before he overtook her mind, he gives a centimeter of attention to her and she reverts back to her devotion to him. I know some people are thinking that she was weak before and that’s why he was able to start controlling her, but her characteristics as a psychiatrist overrule that. They created her background to prove the point, and the warning that it does not matter your personality or issue in life, anyone is susceptible to emotional manipulation. Even though she reaches this point of living for this man, his manner toward her never changes. He constantly beats and berates her and right after explains his love for her. This double act only adds to her desire to please him for the reward of praise
VOL. 80, NO. 2 n Friday, September 9, 2016 Copyright 2016, The Flare. All rights reserved.
2016 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2016 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2016 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meaghan Morton Managing Editor Leah Bryce SPORTS EDITOR Elijah Banks
ADVISER Rachel Stallard PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett
STAFF WRITERS Kendall Hurtt, Yosef Ibitayo, Angela McFarland, Kaitlin Mitchell, Richard Nguyen, Allison Taliaferro, Kayla Terrazas, Da’JahThompson, Gaberiel Wade, Cam Williams and Yasmine Wilson PHOTOGRAPHERS Tiffany Johnson, Tina Marie Reed, Cheyanne Huntsman, Elizabeth Lumpkin, Sam Rodriguez, Diana Castillo Baylor Roberson and Richard Nguyen
instead of abuse. An abusive relationship is not something to praise, nor is it something to look down your nose at. If you choose to be a fan of Harley Quinn, make sure it is for the right reasons. Unlike a large number of DC characters, she has far more depth than is typically shown for her. While she is a phenomenal fighter, she also has a natural intelligence that she tries to hide, but every now and then it slips past her facade. When she is not around the Joker, no one’s opinions matter to her which is an admirable quality. So before you go out and buy your Daddy’s Lil’ Monster shirt, understand that the relationship you are glorifying is a horror show; behind that mask of a ditzy villain lies a confused, manipulated intelligent woman that got stuck in a situation of loving the wrong man.
Leah Bryce is an English/journalism major from White Oak
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 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
F E AT U R E S
Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
Fun awaits for all students and faculty standing in line at the Mike Miller Plaza.
WELCOME Large crowds fill Mike Miller Plaza for semester-opening extravaganzas
BACK
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
Above: Coach J.J, Eckert introduces the KC football team. Right: Sidney Boyd, freshman from Longview shares a look at the food served during KC Kickoff
Cheyanne Huntsman / THE FLARE
Above: DJ KC performs at the KC Kickoff Left: Sophomore Jisela Rosales of Longview, looks forward to her grape snowcone on a hot day at the KC Kickoff in the Mike Miller Plaza Thursday September 1.
Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
Left: Charles Woods from Commerce enjoys Jared Hall’s show.
Right: Daylon Jefferson, Conroe sophomore hits envelopes, unsure which one contains his phone upon a request by Jared Hall, comedian/illusionist request.
Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE