Oil Museum director stakes new claim White retires as director, but takes new role at East Texas Oil Museum Christine ritter Features Editor Joe White, the only director in the 37-year history of the East Texas Oil Museum, will retire and a new director will take his place. Although White is retiring, he won’t leave KC for good. His office will move to the M. Kenneth Whitten Applied Technology Center and he will continue to work with the Oil Museum, writing
a history of the museum along with documenting artifacts and raising money. White has worked with the museum even before it was built. “I remember the day they bulldozed and hauled off the debris from the filling station and then leveled it with sand, and hauled in the clay for the foundation,” White said. Before White came to KC, he taught history at Stephen F. Austin State
University as a graduate assistant, and then taught government at Blinn College before coming to KC in 1971 to teach history, government and economics. Placid Oil Company approached the city of Kilgore about building a museum on campus. Paramour, the principal artist, needed someone local who had working knowledge of the oil field. White’s name was suggested because he had published an article in graduate school, and had been hired to do historical research and retrieve artifacts for the museum. As the museum was nearing completion, the college advertised for a director, but couldn’t find someone
The Flare
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn meets KC president, Kilgore Mayor
willing to work weekends and holidays. “Lynn Welch, the job site secretary at that time, suggested I apply and I put my letter of interest in the mail,” White said. White interviewed with KC President Stewart McLaurin three different times, totaling five hours, because he had so many questions. “I was talking about giving up a career in the classroom for the unknown,” White said, “No one really knew what this museum might do, and I didn’t want to give up the assurance of having a teaching job.”
JOE WHITE Retiring from East Texas Oil Museum
See RETIRE on Page 3
Friday, September 12, 2014 Vol. 78 No. 2 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Also congratulates STEM program aimed Rangerettes on drill team’s 75th anniversary workforce development
Senator’s East Texas trip includes campus stop Cornyn’s visit focused on STEM program Dustin taylOr Web Editor
U
pon arriving at KC, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was greeted with a smile. He met the Rangerettes, whom he presented with a letter, congratulating them on their 75 year anniversary. Cornyn then sat down to have a discussion with college faculty, the Kilgore mayor, R.E. Spradlin III, and other leaders from the Kilgore and Longview area. The subject of the day was Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Cornyn, a supporter of the STEM program, wanted to see what KC’s two-year programs were offering in the field, as well as what kind of job opportunities they afford. “Congress just passed a workforce training reauthorization bill, recognizing that there are about 4 million jobs that employers are looking for trained work force,” Cornyn said. “So there’s work to be done, but not the people with the skills to do them.” With so many job openings, KC is trying to help fill that void with technical classes. An experienced high-end welder with a 2-year degree has plenty of opportunities in East Texas. There are 200 job openings, starting off at $25 an hour, according to Bill Holda, KC president. KC offers degrees in welding, diesel technology, and corrosion. STEM is a program aimed at trying to fix the gap in the technical side of the workforce. With so many employers in need of workers but a severe lack of them, some high schools are preparing more students for a field of study. Students who take part in the program take courses with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and science. They also get a more hands-on approach with how they are taught, allowing them to be well
Maria Zapata / THE FLARE
Dr. Bill Holda and U.S. Senator, John Cornyn discuss work force training opportunities at the two-year college level. versed in the practical use of the knowledge. “This is really exciting. This is the common-sense answer to, ‘How do you improve people’s wages and income?’ The answer is to help them to learn new skills that will result in them earning a good salary,” Cornyn said. “So I think that this is, to me, one of the most exciting
things in education because you have young people who necessarily do not always see the tangible benefit of their going to school or seems to abstract that you learn things like chemistry and physics, but this shows how those principles that you learn in school can be applied to preparing people to earn good money and well-paying jobs.”
“
So there’s work to be done, but not the people with the skills to do them.
”
– John Cornyn, U.S. Senator
Stadium scores giant jumbotron DeVOn BrOOKs Sports Editor A new football season always requires changes. R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium is shared by the Kilgore High School and KC, and now both teams will be able to enjoy the brand new state-of-theart jumbotron scoreboard. The scoreboard was installed during the summer and it’s almost impossible to miss. Its measurements are 32’W x 24’H x 8”. The digits on the scoreboard will be presented in red and the custom striping will be cardinal red. The biggest feature on this scoreboard is the Custom Video Display.
Its measurements are 13.01’ H x 22.02’ W 20mm. (192 x 336 pixel matrix). The video display will replay game action and will also display names and pictures of the players throughout the game. Other features include a nonilluminated sign, Decorative Truss, Decorative Truss Backlit Logo, and a Custom XSB-10 Sound System. All the features that go along with the scoreboard itself, except for the sound system, was provided by NEVCO, which is the Integrated Display and Scoring Solutions Company. The jumbotron scoreboard cost
an estimated $300,000. It was paid for by supporters from the Kilgore community. According to athletic director Jimmy Rieves, eight businesses bought advertisement for static signage that will always remain on the scoreboard to help pay for it. Opportunities exist for video commercial advertisements to generate revenue every year. “It brings a new way to bring the experience closer to the fans,” Rieves said. Both teams will get to try their hand at the new scoreboard this Friday and Saturday when they take the field for the first time at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.
Special to THE FLARE
Dion Burns, left, and Charlie McGinnis of Texas Scoreboard Services, Conroe, install the new scoreboard at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore. The scoreboard contains a large LED video display.
CHECK THEFLAREONLINE.COM FOR SCHEDULES AND ACTIVITIES!
Drama Department casts production ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are VICToRIA WHITWell Staff Writer Rehearsals are underway for KC’s Theatre Department’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” The play’s director, Micah Goodding, believes this show to be accessible to all audiences. “I think anyone is going to enjoy the show. You will learn something and not even realize it,” Goodding said, “I want people
to leave entertained but also with a discussion on their mind.” Michael Atkins, set designer, is making the play’s set versatile for the actors. The audience can expect to see the set as a ship’s dock in one scene transform into a stage within the stage for another scene. Prior to choosing this show, Goodding said he had about six others in mind. Sword fights, unique costumes and cultural
attributes are what inspired Goodding to choose “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” Auditions took place the first week of school. About 30 students attended this open audition. Goodding said he started the auditions with improv games that showed the hopefuls’ quickthinking abilities and people skills. Goodding then called back 20 of the 30 people that auditioned to cold read. The following day, the cast list was posted. With new talent making its debut, Goodding said his goal was to instantly assess the cast and also improve their talent at
the same time. From Oct. 7-12, the cast of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead will perform in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for KC students with a student ID. For reservations, call 903-9838126 or email the KC Theatre Box Office at boxoffice@kilgore.edu. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour before curtain on the day of the performance. The KC Theatre Department can be found on Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.
PAGE T WO THIS WEEK BY THE NUMBERS
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See story on Page 5.
Check
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A CLOSER LOOK WHO: KC Theatre Department WHAT: “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard. WHEN: Oct. 7-11 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 12 at 2:30 p.m. HOW: General admission tickets for adults are $10, $7 for students and $5 for students with KC ID. Call the KC Theatre
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The 25 percent refund Tuesday, Sept.
for live updates
Bible chairs receive facelift KeVoN PRICe Staff Writer This fall students came into a brand new kitchen in the Wesley Foundation and Tri-C Bible chairs. The remodeling of the Wesley took place mid-July. Students will notice a more spacious Wesley. The serving window in the hallway to the kitchen has been removed. The kitchen received an upgrade in the amount of space added on. New light fixtures also bring extra light to the room. The kitchen and the cafeteria will be resurfaced with tiles and is expected to be completed around early October. The Rev. Amy Hodge, Wesley Foundation director, said she was excited to see the progression of the Wesley and how well the ministry has come along. “It has been an incredible blessing from the time I have been here to see the ministry improve both in the number of students we are reaching and in the quality of our facility,” Hodge said. The Tri-C got to experience a remodeling job of their own. Not only did their kitchen get upgraded, but the facility itself got some new features inside and out. The kitchen also received a greater amount of space. The rest of the facility received a makeover which includes restrooms, computers, new tile for the floor and new chairs. A fence and a patio for students to relax, eat and have a good time have been added in back. “I’m overwhelmed because of the spiritual growth of the campus and myself,” said Britt Davis, Christian Campus Center director. The Wesley and the Tri-C invite students to come hang out and join their activities. Visit them at the corner of Broadway Blvd. and Nolen Street.
FACE IN THE CROWD Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE
Kristopher Dobbins Born: Longview. Raised: Greenville, S.C. – Moved to Kilgore in the 9th grade. How long have you attended KC? I’ve been at KC for two years now; I just recently graduated in the spring of 2013. What made you want to come to KC? I originally wanted to join the Army, but when my ship date got pushed back I went to KC to get my general studies taken care of. How did you get involved in Photography? I honestly didn’t even know that photography existed as a job. My cousin was murdered over the summer and I was sitting in the CommunicationsAutomotive building when Rufus [Lovett, KC photography instructor] offered to lend me a camera over the summer to help keep my mind off my cousin’s death. It really meant a lot, so I kind of stuck to photography What are your plans after you leave KC? I accepted a scholarship to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. I will be pursuing a bachelor of fine arts. My main goal will be
Age: 21 Major: getting more clients and getting published more. How did it feel to win the TIPA Photojournalist of the Year award? The award honestly didn’t mean too much to me. It was just nice that my work got recognized. What are some hobbies you have aside from photography? I love music, movies and fashion. I love thrillers when it comes to movies; my favorite artist right now is The Weekend. Do you have any tips for new photographers? Never think that you’re too good to take advice. Who are some of your favorite photographers? Rufus is one, and others are: Annie Leibovitz, Mert and Marcus, Inez and Vidooh and Terry Richardson. I love the way they can tell a story through their photographs. The emotion is key.
Big bubbles, Blaze DJ, part of Residential Life plans RICHARD NGUYeN Staff Writer Don’t be alarmed when you see students rolling around in huge plastic bubbles playing soccer. It’s all part of activities planned by the department of Residential Life. 102.7 FM The Blaze’s DJ KC (DJ Kansas City) will be live on campus in the Lee Mall area from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. The event will be free to all KC students and staff. Ross Costanzo, assistant director of Residential Life, has set up some exciting activities to go along with the great music.
NEWS
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
PAGE
Grand old time at ECC picnic
PTK, KPD to collect stuffed animals From Staff Reports
Thao NguyeN Staff Writer In honor of National Grandparents Day Sunday, September 7th the Child Development Center set up their 8th annual grandparents’ picnic outside on their front lawn last Friday. “Our annual Grandparents’ Picnic is a celebration to honor grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, or whoever fills this important role in the lives of our children,” said Janet Baxter, support specialist. Everyone was provided with a sack lunch and people sat on the blankets on the ground. Elexus Hodge / THE FLARE
TOP: Cindy and John Kulak and grandson Carson Cooper enjoy their lunch at the annual grandparents day picnic. AT LEFT: Grandparents enjoy the weather while having lunch with the children at the ECC last Friday.
PTK is now collecting stuffed animals through Wednesday Sept. 17, with a box in the Devall Student Center. There is a box in Devall Student Center. New and gently used stuffed animals are appreciated. They will be delivered to the Kilgore Police Department where they will be passed out to children in crisis situations. In other business, two students won the Phi Theta Kappa’s parking spot raffle this fall. Michelle Miles won the personalized spot in front of the Student Support Building. Meyika Farmer received the spot in front of the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center. The scholarly organization has set their regular meetings for 5:15 p.m. every other Monday in the CommunicationsAutomotive Building, Room 104. The next one will be Sept. 22.
Tory Van Blarcum / THE FLARE
RETIRE: White recalls search for museum items FRom Page 1 Finally, McLaurin asked if White wanted the job or not and he said yes, but only if he could take Welch as his secretary. On July 1, 1980, White was hired as the first museum director with three months to prepare for the museum opening. Hyman Laufer and White worked together to gather artifacts for the museum. Laufer would ask for donated artifacts and White would use his truck to gather them. White has many memories
working with the museum. Such as getting a call from Clint Eastwood’s secretary and having breakfast with Robert Duvall, who came to tour the museum for information for a movie he was working on. A unique memory he recalls involves a family friend, Hazel Jackson. She called White to donate a doll to the museum. She received this doll when she was 6 years old and had no children to give it to. When White arrived at her house, he spotted a box of old photographs in wood frames. White said they were
obviously museum quality items. Before the trash truck could reach the house, White grabbed the items and put everything in his truck. “If I hadn’t rescued these things, they would be out in the landfall under 20 feet of dirt,” White said. As Jackson showed White the doll, he explained how he had recovered the pictures from outside. At first she didn’t want the picture in the museum because people would see her baby pictures. White insisted that if they were going to take the doll,
the pictures were going with them. Jackson agreed and today the doll and the pictures are on display in the museum. White had other more experiences like this. During a tour, three couples pointed out the lack of tea china, and then offered to donate a set. Two weeks later, they came back with the china. White does not know the value of the pieces but it’s
an example of the sharing he has experienced over the years. “It’s like (Ms.) Jackson, it exhibits the kindness and sharing of the people with the museum,” White said. “That’s what made this museum what it is,” White said, “It is the kindness and the sharing of people’s personal artifacts so that others by the thousands can enjoy them.”
Library turns a new page KaT agee Staff Writer Library director Kathy Fair is working, “to bring this 1970s library into the 21st century,” she said. Her mission is now being fulfilled as KC’s Randolph C. Watson Library undergoes some major changes. At some point this semester, the library will be moving temporarily into the M. Kenneth Whitten Applied Technology Building, while the original building on the west side of campus is being renovated. Four main rooms in the AT will be utilized for library space. A normal library room will house circulation and reference books. A computer lab will hold 30 computers for student use. Another will be a book room, holding stacks of books on varying topics, popular reads and essential books for classes. The last room will be used for tech services, cataloging and processing. Watson Library has been
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in its original location since 1967. Back then, they did not have the electronic resources we do now. Because of this, Fair said the building needs to update its look, technology and electrical capacity. Currently, fuses are being blown because of the lack of power. The air conditioning doesn’t work in the summer and the heat doesn’t work in the winter, Fair said. After the library is renovated, the building will have more wiring and more computers to accommodate the technological needs of KC’s students and faculty. Fair also highlighted the “Get a Grip” program, which has the library stocking up on popular books such as graphic novels and Stephen King books, in an attempt to encourage students to read more. As the library is in transition, Fair expects to see students turning to more online sources, but she said hard copies will still
be available. “We expect to send someone back to pick up books from the library about once a day,” she said. “So don’t worry if there’s something you need. We can still get it.” Fair hopes to host the newly renovated Watson Library’s Open House/ Grand Opening by Fall 2015. Because of the prominence of online resources, the new design will host mostly computers and social settings on the first floor (or “the noisy floor” as Fair called it). The second floor will house books and study areas. The physical book library will shrink significantly with many books going into storage or being sold at auctions. While in the AT Building, the library will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday. For more information about the library’s upcoming transition period, contact Fair at 903-983-8639 or kfair@ kilgore.edu.
The Ranger Ambassadors are accepting applications for new members. Pick up applications in the Devall Student Center at the Visitor Center and submit by 2 p.m. Sept. 18.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
NEWS
9/11 responder speaks to new firefighters Fire Academy No. 92 graduates 10; commemorates terrorist attack victims Tiffany M. GriGG Staff Writer
I
n the wake of tragedy, the world relies on the bravery of ordinary men and women willing to step up and be extraordinary. Thirteen years ago, tragedy struck American soil during the 9/11 attacks and thus these brave men and women came forward to answer their nation’s call. One such man was Jason Vallery, Longview Fire Department captain, who responded to the terror attacks along with 71 others on the Texas Task Force, as the youngest on the force and the only person from East Texas. “The World Trade Center site was the most dangerous site I have ever been on,” Vallery said. “It was a sad and surreal event and [I] just wanted to be helpful and work as hard as [I could].” Given his expertise and his involvement with the upcoming anniversary of 9/11, Vallery was chosen to provide a speech to the KC Fire Academy No. 92 graduates
at their graduation ceremony this past Wednesday, Sept. 10. Vallery shared with the graduates his personal experiences, such as 9/11 and ocean rescues, as well as emphasizing two main points. “I want to emphasize two things tonight to [the] graduates,” said Vallery. “One is: know that you can be called to [do] anything at anytime; and two is that you can never train too much.” Vallery closed his speech with an address to the 10 graduates. “I want to congratulate you young men on graduating from the fire academy tonight,” said Vallery. “This is the starting point of your careers and I wish you the best of luck.” The KC Fire Academy No. 92 graduates are: Adam Wagh, of Austin; Thomas Trotter, Beckville; Joshua Haynes, Bullard; Jonathon W. Beasley, Gilmer; Mason Barrett Grand and Joshua Mims, Grand Saline; Kurtis Langstraat, Lindale; Taylor Mayfield, Longview; Jake Howardson, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada; and Hunter Robinson, McKinney.
O. Rufus Lovett /Special to THE FLARE
Mike Fennell, KC Fire Academy instructor, makes introductions at the Fire Academy Graduation and commemorates 9/11 at the event.
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It was a sad and surreal event and [I] just wanted to be helpful and work as hard as [I could].
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– Jason Vallery, Longview Fire Department captain
Read back issues online at
O. Rufus Lovett /Special to THE FLARE
Longview Pipes and Drums of the Longview Fire Department Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Fire Academy Graduation.
and
perform on
SPORTS
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Down South Victory: DEVIN BROOKS Sports Editor The KC Ranger Football team took its show on the road for the second week in a row, and they came back home with another victory. The Rangers traveled to Milledgeville, Ga. and defeated the Georgia Military College Bulldogs 28-19 in a down south showdown. GMC was ranked number four in the nation. The game was a defensive battle early. Neither team could get their offenses flowing in the first quarter. Both teams were evenly matched and it showed throughout the game. GMC’s star running back Javon Robinson fumbled early in the first and a host of Rangers was able to recover the fumble. However, KC did not capitalize on the turnover and was forced to punt on the next drive. The first score of the game came
with 10:41 left in the second quarter and it was courtesy of sophomore quarterback Javelle Allen when he threw a pass up the middle of field to receiver Jeremiah Baines, who evaded GMC secondary to take it all the way to pay dirt. That gave KC the 7-0 lead. The next possession GMC’s quarterback Tyler Herman threw a pass downfield and Ranger cornerback Kevin Wharry picked off the pass. KC’s offense did not score on their next possession even though they had good field position. KC’s defense forced another fumble and was able to recover on the 39yard line. On KC’s next offensive possession quarterback Averion Hurts tried to force a pass downfield on second down and a GMC defender intercepted it. Defense ruled in the second quarter, with both teams forcing
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Rangers defeat national No. 4 Georgia Military; face Southeast Prep at 7 p.m. Saturday
turnovers. GMC tied the game up with Robinson jumping over the KC defensive line for a one-yard touchdown on fourth down. The game was knotted up at 7 with 1:25 left in the first half. KC’s offense came alive as Allen led the team on a seven-play 60-yard touchdown drive as he connected with receiver Joe Lewis in the back of the end zone. That gave KC a 14-7 lead going into halftime. After a couple of three-and-outs by both offenses KC drove the ball down the field to set up a scoring drive at the goal line. Running back Keevon Aldridge was in the process of running towards the end zone when he was stripped of the ball and GMC recovered it and ran it back to its own 35-yard line. Then KC received one of 20 penalties on the day that gave GMC extra yardage. GMC wasted no time scoring after
that play as Herman connected with his receiver, Dominique Taylor, on a 20-yard touchdown pass. GMC kicker Nicholas St. Germain missed the extra point and the score remained 14-13 with 13:51 left in the 3rd quarter. On GMC’s next possession Herman threw the ball downfield for the big play and Nick Fisher intercepted his pass. KC drove the ball from the 40-yard line all the way into the red zone where they were stopped short and forced to kick a field goal. The GMC defenders blocked kicker Luis Sanchez’s field goal and they tried to pick up the football and run with it. A GMC defender fumbled the pickup and the ball rolled into the back of KC’s end zone. KC’s receiver, Lewis, was able to fall on top of the ball resulting in a bizarre touchdown that gave KC a 21-13 lead with 9:28 left in the fourth quarter. On the next KC offensive
GO TO THE GAME of the season, and will also debut their new video jumbotron scoreboard in the process, when they take on Southeast Prep p.m. Saturday, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. possession running back Corey Davis caught a 16-yard touchdown pass to give the Rangers a 28-13 lead with 4:17 left game. That ultimately sealed the win for the Rangers. GMC scored again on a touchdown pass by Williams, but it was a case of too little too late. Allen went 16-22 for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Running backs Eddie Smith and Aldridge combined for over 100 yards on the ground.
Michael Brown / THE FLARE
Back in
Business The KC Ranger Softball team played in their annual Kilgore College Invitational this past weekend. They played four games and won two, defeating the Orange Crush Select Team 10-2 and the GT Shockers Fast Pitch Select Team 6-0. However, they lost to the Shockers the second time around 4-2 and they lost to the MC Elite Select Team 5-4. KC will host the Ranger Invitational this Saturday. Sept. 13 they
Pictured above base to avoid the tag. Pictured left is pitcher Bailey Day, New Boston sophomore, winding up for the pitch and looking for the big strikeout.
Michael Brown / THE FLARE
Opening Day Massacre:
KC wins season opener DEVIN BROOKS Sports Editor
The KC Ranger Football team opened up its season in Little Rock, Ark. and left victorious with a score of 45-7 over the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes. The Rangers dominated the game from start to finish showing off their new and improved offense and defense in the process. The game started off with Patrick Brown, Henderson freshman, returning a 71-yard kickoff for a touchdown. That gave KC the early 7-0 advantage. KC scored three more times before the end of the first half courtesy of quarterback Averion Hurts. Hurts had an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brown, a
21-yard touchdown pass to Corey Davis, Gladewater sophomore, and a fake field goal pass which ended up being a 24-yard touchdown to wide receiver Michael Watson, Monroe, La., freshman. That gave KC a 28-0 lead going into halftime. The second half was much more of the same. Javelle Allen sophomore quarterback connected with receiver Louis Dailey for his first touchdown pass of the year, extending KC’s lead to 35-0. KC scored on two more drives in the 3rd quarter. Allen rushed for a fouryard touchdown and Hurts threw a 68-yard bomb to Watson who ran it in for the touchdown. ABC managed to score one touchdown during the third quarter, but by then, the outcome was
already settled. Kicker Luis Sanchez connected on a 42yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to make the final score 45-7. KC’s offense racked up 301 total yards, including 119 rushing yards by the KC running back core. The defense came to play as well. They only allowed seven points in the game and they had eight sacks for a total of 70 yards, and 11 tackles for loss totaling to 39 yards. Hurts went 8-10 with 155 yards and four touchdowns, while Allen went 4-6 with 27 yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Running back Eddie Smith had six carries for 108 yards and defensive end Ricci Simmons had seven total tackles and one big sack.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
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OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
PAGE
Chill out, Chip in
Are Ice Bucket Challenge participants really helping ALS for the right reasons?
T
he ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is undeniably a huge hit. As of Sept. 8, the challenge has raised more than $111.1 million to help fight ALS, a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. But like all good things in life, there are cons. You may not hear it from most, but there are some people who speak critically of the challenge. Many people who “take the challenge” are not donating, but rather just helping bring attention to ALS. Some critics claim that this is a way of avoiding giving a donation. Other critics of the challenge say that while the donations that are being given are great, the challenge itself is actually not helping people to become aware of what ALS truly is. Rather than teaching people what ALS is and helping them to actually know what people with ALS deal with, it is getting people to donate money to a cause because it is “the in thing,” as caused by the hype around the challenge. Many people donating aren’t doing it because they care, but
YOUR VIEW
because it makes them feel better about themselves. It’s selfgratifying indeed, but is that necessarily a bad thing? Does it really matter as long as you’re giving to a good cause? Like Livestrong and Kony 2012. Some would say yes, some would say no. Since ALS is now garnering more attention, it could be impacting other charities in need. As ALS gets more and more attention, what happens to the charities that were already less known? Does ALS need funding as badly as other maladies such as heart disease or cancer? It’s a horrible disease, there’s no denying that fact, but there are many diseases that affect far more people than ALS, both on a more local and global scale. So, if you have or plan on completing this ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donate for the betterment of the people who have ALS. Maybe even go out on a limb and create “the next in thing” for another foundation to spread awareness. If you wish to donate to a worthy cause, health related or otherwise, go to: http://www. charitynavigator.org
No. No. “I am not sure exactly how to donate.”
Longview Freshman
Tatum Sophomore
No. No. “No reason, too cold.”
No. Yes. “Because it’s a good cause.”
Kilgore Freshman
Advice: Don’t pass over overpass
I
f you are a current or former student of KC, there is a fat chance you have crossed the concrete bridge that goes over Highway 259 at least once. You may have had to endure the winding ramps that seem to go on forever, and walk across the flat strip that towers over the busy highway. And don’t lie – you may have had the temptation JORDAN to spit on the BAKER cars as they pass down below. Once you get to the other side, you have to go down another winding ramp that does seem a little easier than going up. Sounds pretty simple, right? But for some people, it’s just a waste of time. Many of the students who attend KC have been seen crossing U.S. Hwy. 259 without using the crosswalk. Despite the city ordinances and signs posted right by the highway, students ignore them and prance across the highway before the 10-second pause gets cut short by a brigade of traffic led by a Kenworth, a jacked-up Silverado and a beat-up Cavalier. Most of the rebellion usually occurs in the mornings when students who are parked by the East Texas Oil Museum are in a hurry to make it to their lab in the Porter Business Administration Building. Forget about using the crosswalk; they’d rather venture into a near-death experience. According to witnesses, a “guesstimated” count of 40 to 50 people cross Hwy. 259 daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. While I was sitting at the plaza of the Van Cliburn Auditorium at 9:30 one morning, I noticed nearly 50+ cars and trucks going up and down the highway. So if you’re a “crosswalk cheater” and you cross the highway, let me remind you of this: If you get caught trying to cross the highway, don’t ask your parents to give you money to pay off your citation when you could have fixed it by taking a few minutes out of your time to walk up the crosswalk. It’s not my problem if you have tardies. At least you’ll get there safely. And another thing – if I can get up that thing in my wheelchair, then you can too.
Have you done the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Have you donated to ALS? Why or Why not?
No. Yes. “I Don’t like ice and would rather give.”
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Jon Nieto / THE FLARE
Kilgore Sophomore
Jordan Baker is a freshman journalism/broadcasting major from Big Sandy.
Freshmen have no fear, survival tips are here I
t’s a few weeks into the Fall 2014 Semester at KC and college freshmen are finally settling into their new lives… but are they really? College life is a completely new transition, and it can get a little hectic at times. As a sophomore at KC, I am not one to say I have all the wisdom in the world because then I would be lying to you. However, I (along with the other sophomores at KC) know enough information to make college life a little less frustrating. Here are some tips to make college life more awesome. 1. Recycle and Reuse School Supplies – It may sound ridiculous at first, but college becomes expensive quickly. Save whatever was not used in the first semester over the break so you will have school supplies for the second semester. Reuse the binders, notecard holders, and so on to save time and money. 2. Use Your Resources – KC has a library and tutoring sessions for a reason. If you are struggling with a class or just need some peace, don’t be discouraged. It is better to save your grade than fail and have to retake the class and repay for it.
KC’s library hours are Sundays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Zone offers free tutoring Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to noon in SS 119. 3. Be Mature – You’re legally an adult so be responsible for VICTORIA your actions. WHITWELL Maintain your grades, go to class, and hold yourself accountable as a college student. There is nothing more humiliating than having to go back home to your parents because you made dumb choices. Know your limits and respect them. Understand the purpose of everything you do. When someone doesn’t know the purpose of what they are doing, some kind of abuse will take place. 4. Have an Open Mind – You’re now a student at KC. However, you are not the only student enrolled. Students from all over the world
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are enrolled and reside at KC. Cultural differences are inevitable. Be patient and really listen to what the person has to say. You don’t have to agree with anything, but hearing other viewpoints is vital when it comes to growing as a person. Having an open mind opens a door to a changed and maybe even improved perspective, or it can simply strengthen what you already believe in. 5. Get to Know Your Teachers – The saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” plays a huge role in college. Thousands of students are enrolled at KC, so it can be easy to become overlooked by some instructors. Simple actions such as asking questions, sending emails and sitting in the front of the classroom are what make a teacher notice you. No one likes to waste time, and it is rewarding to the teachers to know their students are engaged. Not only will you acknowledge your teachers’ efforts, but if they know who you are, then they are more susceptible to work with you when it comes to absences, grades, etc. 6. Join a Club or Organization
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– Try new things! If you think you might have interest in something, then go for it! There is no harm in seeing if you like art or volunteering or student government. Keep an eye out for billboards around campus posting information about the various clubs KC offers. It is a great way to make friends, experience new things, and learn more about yourself. 7. Swallow Your Pride – Countless times I hear negative connotations about KC. If you don’t like something, make an effort to make change. Trust me, I speak from experience. KC was not my first choice for college, but I am so grateful for being a student here. I saved money, the classes are more personal, and I have become better prepared to transfer. Make the best of whatever situation you are in! Instead of complaining about how bored you are, be productive! Learn a new task, clean your room, send your grandma a card, whatever! You never know what you could gain from simply changing your perspective and attitude toward KC. 8. Bring a Jacket – Yes, it is
Texas and it is hot. The classrooms, however, are not. 9. Choose Your Friends Wisely – Unfortunately, you are who you hang out with. Never be judgmental of others, but do not be surprised if you hear rumors just because of the friends you decided to hang around. Be wise when it comes to trusting people. It’s sad to say, but not everyone will have your best interests at heart. 10. Be the Best You – Apply yourself ! Fulfill your potential! College is a time to discover who you really are and understand why you do the things you do. No human on earth has the true ability to hold you back. Stand for what you believe in and don’t pay any attention to the negative comments. Excel and be an example to others. If people think you are weird, then that just shows the jealousy they have of you to be comfortable in your own skin. Be you and be amazed at what you’re capable of becoming. Victoria Whitwell is a sophomore mass communcations major from Kilgore.
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
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Holloway, Hunter Lohr, David McCarty, Richard Nguyen, Thao Nguyen, Kevon Price and Victoria Whitwell
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