W E L C O M E
T O
K I L G O R E
C O L L E G E ! Vol. 81, No. 1 Serving Kilgore College since 1936 www.theflareonline.com
August 28, 2017
The truth is in these files ... KC Student,
A
s you approach this semester of college, you might have a few questions about this mission.
The Flare - Files have been supplied to guide you through your endeavors at KC. This guide includes everything from upcoming events (Page 2), declassified info on parking, emails, and finding your way through campus (Page 3), to information about our athletic teams (Page 4). Covet this top secret information; it could save your life. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands. Photo Illustration by Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
THE FLARE
PAGE 2 n MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
FACE IN THE CROWD
Byron Robinson
Hometown: McKinney Classification: Sophomore Age: 20
How would you describe yourself to others? I am a leader. What is a goal that you have for the future? I have always wanted to be a football coach. I am really passionate about the game and I feel like I could set a great example for kids. Would you ever go pro? If I ever had the opportunity to, I definitely would. Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Who is your favorite NFL team? The Dallas Cowboys. Has being on the KC football team taught you discipline? Would you say it has helped your college experience? It has taught me a lot about time management and to have things planned out each hour. Being on a team helps you develop a type of brotherhood and you become like a family. It’s helped because one person might have a weakness in a particular area and another might have strengths in that area.
Do you plan to continue your education outside of Kilgore? I am undecided, but my dream school is Oklahoma University. [Sooners] If you could bring back any musician that has passed away, who would it be? Definitely Michael Jackson. What is something that people would be interested to know about you? I have a fraternal twin brother.
Miller Plaza events kick off year Party in the Plaza, KC Kick-Off, offer food, activities, entertainment LONNIE ROSS Staff Writer
Jamie Maldonado / Special to THE FLARE
The five new Rangerette officers selected to lead the team in 2017-2018.
Rangerettes name officers, 36 freshmen FROM STAFF REPORTS The world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes named new officers after tryouts Aug. 18 at the annual Rangerette Show-Offs. Twenty-one sophomores tried out for the coveted five officer positions in front of a packed house at Dodson Auditorium. When the Rangerettes began in 1940 as a vision of the late Gussie Nell Davis, the organization created a unique combination of dance moves and precision drills that quickly earned them the reputation not only as the originators of dance/drill teams, but as the best in the world. Known for their high kicks and the jump splits, the organization has traveled around the world, entertained millions and spurred a multi-billiondollar dance/drill team industry worldwide. FRESHMAN RANGERETTES: Sara Aguillard - Mount Belvieu Cameron Ballenger - Rockwall Cierra Birmingham - Leander Madison Blalock - Mt. Pleasant Haley Carlile - Lufkin Kenedie Casares - Edinburg Lauren Casey - McKinney Kennadie Drews - Caddo Mills McKenna Fairbanks - North Richland Hills Ashlyn Fleet - Tyler Lindy Foster - Austin Ashley Fuertes - Deer Park Kyra Gaskill - Arlington Rachel Green - Austin Kaitlyn Harvey - Nederland Penelope Heth - Flower Mound Haley Hockenberry Nacogdoches Lexie Kieschnick - Fort Worth Julia Kimberlin - Plano Allison Klima - Port Neches Courtney Knight - Kingwood Kelsey Little - Abilene Abigail Lyon - Rhome Blaine Miller - La Porte Michelle Miller - Katy Sydney Mooty - Lewisville Alyssa Moreno - Houston Alyssa Rivera - Dripping Springs Bailee Scott - Port Neches Franklyn Stamps New Braunfels
RANGERETTE OFFICERS The five officers selected to lead the team for 2017-18 are: Captain: Sara Denman Garland Right End Lieutenant: Baleigh Williams - Austin Right Middle Lieutenant: Andress Zepeda - Deer Park Left Middle Lieutenant: Natalie Poss - Longview Left End Lieutenant: Alexa Blair - Longview Veronica Sundin - Tyler Kandace Tuttle North Richland Hills Nicole Vickers - Flower Mound Ryan Wayne - Kilgore Lucille White - Dallas Alyssa Zertuche - Deer Park SOPHOMORE RANGERETTES: Amanda Alaniz - Donna Jordan Allred - Hallsville Monica Baez - Pasadena Sarah Barns - Tyler Alexa Blair - Longview Myah Brown - Midlothian Tori Buschow - Highland Village Jadyn Champagne - Plano Jensine Dalfrey - Tomball Laurel Darwin - Huffman Kasey Davis - Carrollton Sara Denman - Garland Gabrielle DePau - Houston Erin Ellis - Austin Ana Espinosa - Mesquite Diana Espinosa - Mesquite Bailey Ferguson - Kingwood Kristen Hill - Porter Taylor Hobbs - Georgetown Jenna Judkins - San Marcos Kaitlyn Kelly - Austin Madeleine Lindholm Richardson Kristin Lopez - Houston Lana Louis - Round Rock Monica Mata Perez - McKinney Madi Minard - Hewitt Natalie Poss - Longview Shelby Reynolds - Tomball Oddalys Salcido - Round Rock Sarah Salinas - Corpus Christi Natalie Sassaman - Magnolia Victoria Soderman - Kingwood Isabel Sorto - Caldwell Baleigh Williams - Austin Lindsey Witt - La Porte Andress Zepeda - Deer Park
KC welcomes the new semester with two celebrations during the first week of school. Party in the Plaza takes place 6 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, in Mike Miller Plaza. The event is in its third year. It is hosted by KC Bible chairs – which are Baptist Student Ministry, Christian Campus Center, and the Wesley. “Party in the Plaza gives students a welcome to our community and to pull our community together,” said Jaymi Blankenship,
BSM Director. There are 60 booths this year consisting of school organizations, local businesses in the community. Some groups will have booths, including Choir Club, Latinos in Action, International Students, BSM, Tri-C, Wesley, Comic Book Club, to name a few. Each booth will have sign up sheets to participate in raffle drawings for great prizes. Attendee can catch the performance of Comedian Jason Earls from Dallas. Earls is a self-described nontoxic comic, who knows how to navigate through life. Blankeship
said all are invited. BSM would like to have students volunteer for setup and clean up. If you would like to participate contact Jaime at 903-4454218. KC Kick-Off is at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 31, at the Mike Miller Plaza to start the new season for KC Sports. “The KC KickOff is going to be super exciting” said Ashley Mason, with the Housing Department. A fire baton performance from feature twirler Abby Rhoades will kick off the event. The Ranger Football, Basketball (men and women) and
IF YOU GO n Party in the Plaza will be 6 - 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 29. 50 booths are scheduled to be set up. n KC Kick-Off takes place 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Softball teams will be in attendance. On-air personality Hot Boy Yoshi from 103.7 The Beat in Shreveport is providing music and Rodney the Ranger will make an appearance. Food will be served at 11:30 a.m. and provided by Aramark.
Open auditions Sept. 6 for ‘The Crucible’ FROM STAFF REPORTS KC Theatre will hold open auditions for aspiring actors or technicians from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Van Cliburn Auditorium, located in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts
Center on the east side of Hwy. 259 crossing bridge. Anyone interested in being involved in the production of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, should apply. In addition to stage hands, light and sound technicians and
costumers, they will need 10 actors and 10 actresses to fill the cast of this full length dramatic classic. The play, written in 1953, focuses on the Salem witch trials that took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during 1692/93.
Miller wrote the play as an allegory for McCarthyism, when the U.S. government was ostracized people for being communists. For more info on auditioning, contact Micah Goodding, theatre instructor, at 903-983-8126.
CLUB NEWS Instructional Student Support at KC—Longview will lead several 15 minute Power Sessions in the North Zone Building with the goal: Let Us Empower You to Succeed! Sessions will take place at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Study Smarter, Not Harder, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 30-31: Students will be empowered with practical success tips. Know How To… Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 5-6: Students will be empowered with active learning skills. Test-Taking Skills, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 12-13: Students will be empowered with strategies
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to manage test anxiety and improve test scores Continue in your Success, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 26-27: Students will be empowered with strategies for self-management, motivation and stress For more information, contact Ebony Dennis, ISS director in KC-Longview North Building, 300 S. High Street. Call 903-236-2030, or e-mail her at edennis@ kilgore.edu. Latinos En Accion Meets every Friday and is open to all students. The first meeting will be noon, Sept. 8, in the Old Main Building, Room 121. Phi Theta Kappa The first meeting will be
held at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, in Communication / Automotive Building, Room 104. The next one will be 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. Visit PTK’s information booth at Party in the Plaza and KC Kick-off to learn more; or check its Facebook page: Phi Theta Kappa Gamma Omicron - Kilgore College - PTK Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) – English Honor Society Meets at 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Randolph C. Watson Library. Check its Facebook Group: Upsilon Delta: Kilgore College Chapter of Sigma Kappa
Delta Free Lunches Baptist Student Ministry (on Nolen Street) serves lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday. Aug. 29, they will be serving hot dogs. The Wesley Foundation (on Broadway Avenue) serves lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. The Christian Campus Center serves lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. They also serve fresh cookies at 10 a.m. every Monday. Their first lunch will be Sept. 7; and on Sept. 14, barbecue burgers will be served in Mike Miller Plaza. – Compiled by Lonnie Ross
THE FLARE
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017 n PAGE 3
These secrets and tips can be the difference between success and failure. Use them wisely. How to access MyKC & Final Dates nFrom myKC homepage, click Academics, Student Information, Dashboard. n The Bookstore is now accepting online orders that can also be paid with available student financial aid. n August 28-29: Kilgore campus extend bookstore hours to 6 p.m. n September 1:BookStore closing at 2p.m. , due to campus closing early at 2:45p.m. Last day for full refunds/exchanges Refunds after the 1st, will only be accepted with the documentation of a dropped course slip until the Sept. 13. n September 12: Last day to use financial aid for purchasing items and books from the store. n September 13: Official Reporting Day n September 25: Last day for Refunds on Any/ All Drops By: Whitney Ervin
Parking and Disability services n KC students with documented disabilities may be able to receive help in making their time at KC a success. Student Disability Services can offer such services as deaf interpreters, accommodations in class, taped texts and note takers. Students interested in talking with a Special Populations Counselor should call 903-983-8682. n Nurse is located on KC campus for those students who feel ill. The office is located in the Parks Fitness Center. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. until noon Monday-Friday The Parks Fitness Center can also offer emergency first aid by from of the athletic trainers. n Parking on KC campus’ can be confusing. There are lots marked with an “E”, “S” or an “R.” there are handicap slots and no parking zones. Following a few simple guidelines will keep you from getting a ticket. Lots marked with an “E” are for employees. Those with an “S” are for students and the “R” lots are for residents. All vehicles must have a parking permit. n Students and faculty with handicapped placards and/or plates may park in any handicapped designated parking space, regardless of the lot designation. By: Sarah Redford Photo Illustration by Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Finding your way through campus n Coffee and snacks - KC Brew serves Starbucks and treats east of the entrance to the Randolph C. Watson Library from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. KC—Longview has a Provisions On Demand convenience center located in the west end of the main building. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. n Protection, IDs and parking permits - KC Police Department is located in the front of the Devall Student Center (look for the tall red pole then turn right). Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays. An officer is always on duty, even after-hours. Call 903-983-8650 for a police escort to your vehicle, locked keys in the car or dead battery. On the Longview Campus, KCPD is open during the operating hours of the campus. You can pick up IDs and parking permits there also. n Textbooks and supplies - the KC Bookstore is located in the Devall Student Center (east end) and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The KC-Longview Bookstore is open from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. n On the Kilgore campus, vending machines of assorted items are available when the bookstore is closed or you’re not close by. Check out the Old Main building on the west side of Hwy. 259 and the Porter Business Administration Building on the east side for items such as pens, highlighters, flash drives, batteries, headache and stomach medicine, index cards, stapler, headphones and Scantron sheets. n Take a test or get help with homework The Kilgore testing center is located on the second floor of DSC, down the hall from the Registrar’s counter. For free tutoring, visit The Zone in the Student Support Building, Room 119 on the Kilgore campus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. on Fridays. A KC ID is required. At KC-Longview, the Instructional Student Support North Zone Tutor and Computer Lab is located in Longview-North Building, Room 100. Tutoring is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Fridays by appointment only. The first week of school, North Zone staff will be available to assist students with web-based login activities for all classes. I.e. Blackboard, Pearson, McGraw, Email. By: Lisa Harris
ID cards carry big discounts WHITNEY ERVIN Staff Writer There are advantages to being a student, with an official student identification card, that people fail to take advantage of. From buying technology, to spending on entertainment and travel, there are so many companies that offer discounts and freebies as a reward to students pursing their education. Technology plays a major role in success during a student’s college journey. Having available discounts from some of the top retailers gives students savings to take advantage of with their shopping. Microsoft gives free subscriptions to students using their student email address. Apple gives discounts on products and Apple Music Sony has a Student Store Membership available to save on purchases Other discounts include products from Adobe, Dell, and Norton. Communication is important, and Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint offer student discounts. Shopping can get expensive. Some retailers offer students discounts when they present their ID cards during their purchase transactions in store or student email address online. Levi’s, Sally Beauty Supply, Banana Republic, Dockers, Champ Sports, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, JoAnn Craft and Fabric Stores are only a few that honor student discounts. Use student discounts on your next trip to the movies with Cinemark Movies and Regal Cinemas. When attending sporting events, take advantage of discounts on MLB, NHL, and all college sports game tickets. There are Student Advantage Discount cards for Choice Hotels, Greyhound, Amtrak, and some public transportations offer student savings also. Entertainment Weekly, NY Times, Wall Street journal and discounts Economists all offer student Do yourself a huge favor and keep those grades high. Insurances companies like Allstate, Geico, State Farm, Farmers, Travelers, and Nationwide will give discounts with proof of good grades. To learn more about who has student discounts available, do the research. It makes a difference saving money while in school. More details on these discounts can be found at this link. www.thesimpledollar.com
PAGE 4 n MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
THE FLARE
Rangers tackle new football season Meet the players who make things happen on the field After coming off a successful season ending with a bowl berth, the KC Rangers are looking to expand on last year’s momentum with a bevy of talented signees and 19 returning lettermen. Under 11th-year head coach J.J. Eckert, KC returns three offensive and three defensive starters this season. Last season, KC defeated its rival closest in proximity, Tyler Junior College, twice — once in the regular season finale, and the next week in the first round of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference playoffs. The Rangers lost in overtime to Trinity Valley Community College in overtime the following week in the conference championship game, but KC’s 6-4 record paired with a top-20 national ranking earned them a trip to play East Mississippi Community College in the Mississippi Bowl. The Rangers lost to EMCC, 2717, but finished the 2016 season ranked 11th in the nation with a 6-5 overall record. This season, the Rangers will look defensively to the leadership of returning linebacker Troy Burnett. Burnett, from Missouri City, racked up 167 tackles last season (99 solo and 68 assists) and was ranked first in the nation in tackles per game, averaging 15.2.
He was selected last season as an honorable mention NJCAA All American as a freshman and had the most returned interceptions for touchdowns in the nation with two. Also returning on defense is Kerenzo Credit (Wylie) who had five interceptions, 27 tackles and 13 assists last season for KC. Defensive end Matthew McClellan (Ferguson, Missouri) and defensive back Edward Hayes (Coldsprings) also return for KC. As a freshman, McClellan recorded 24 tackles and 11 assists. Hayes had 23 tackles and 16 assists last season. Quanterius Turner (6’2”, 305, Gladewater) returns this season for KC after recording 22 tackles and 13 assists last season. Other returning lettermen on defense for KC include linebacker Ty Hayter (Garrison), defensive back Byron Robinson (McKinney), defensive lineman Ken Fagens (Kilgore), defensive end Quinton Edney (Pittsburg) and deep snapper Dillon Hall (Diana). Last season, Hayter recorded one tackle and four assists, Robinson recorded six tackles and two assists and Edney had three tackles and eight assists. At receiver, KC returns four receivers who compiled a combined 618 receiving yards last season. Zach Newbell (Spring)
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
The Ranger football team practices recently at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore. The Rangers opened its season Saturday, Aug. 26, in a home contest against East Texas rival Tyler Junior College. led the way with 14 receptions for 301 yards. Anthony Thomas (Montgomery) compiled 196 yards receiving with 20 catches. Thomas was also a returnspecialist for KC with 22 kickoff returns last season for 583 yards, averaging 26.5 yards per return.
2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 26
Tyler Junior College
7 p.m.
Sept. 9
Arkansas Baptist College
7 p.m.
Other receivers returning include Zecharius Nash-Kelly (Round Rock) and D.J. Hicks (New London). On the offensive side of the ball, returning lettermen include linemen Israel Allen (6’3”, 350 from Baytown), Jaime Davis (6’2”, 340,
Montgomery), Anthonie Thomas (6’7”, 325, Montgomery) and Justin Torres (6’3”, 330, Castroville). Quarterback Dontre’ Thomas (Silsbee), who played in one game last season, also returns. — KC Press
2017 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE 9 13
Sat Wed
SEPTEMBER KC College Round Robin TBA Hill College 1/3
Kilgore Kilgore
TBA --
THE FLARE
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017 n PAGE 5
“Access to college changes self esteem. Completion of college changes life.”
The Student Newspaper of Kilgore College Since 1936
Vol. 81 • No. 1
—Martha M. Ellis, Ph.D., Director, Higher Education Strategy, Policy, and Services at Dana Center, University of Texas at Austin, and Leadership Coach for KC’s Achieving the Dream Program, during Monday’s KC Staff Convocation.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Editor Allison Taliaferro Staff Writers Whitney Ervin, Lisa Harris, Kaitlin Mitchell, Sarah Redford, Lonnie Ross, Lucas Strough Photographers Grace Garcia, Grant Worley Adviser Rachel Stallard Photography Adviser O Rufus Lovett
LETTERS O Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
Longview freshman Athletic Training major Ashanti Blake with her daughter during KC registration, waiting to register for the fall semester.
Never too old to start over Student makes second attempt at higher education
M
y first day at KC was a singular experience. I was finally out on my own, I had a scholarship and I would soon be studying subjects which excited and motivated me. That was 12 years ago. When I finally earned my Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Texas in 2010, things were looking a bit different. Optimism had guided a generation of my peers through an academic gauntlet, only to be met on the other side by an economic recession and an unforgiving job market. I spent my post-graduation days driving around Denton, turning in job applications and listening to economic reports from NPR detailing the abysmal job prospects for new college graduates. I was facing a tough choice: should I take on more student debt to enroll in grad school or take my chances trying to find steady work? I sent out hundreds of resumes and received only a few calls from employers. Like many others in my situation, I struggled to find my place for years in one unfulfilling job after another before making the decision to reenroll in college to pursue a career in journalism. If you are in a similar situation, you may be worried that you’ll feel out of place when you get
back on campus after re-enrolling. Fear not, fellow student. I have some statistics to share with you. Any college student who is aged 23 or older meets the definition of a “nontraditional” student and the available data indicates that there are many of LUCAS these students STROUGH throughout the STAFF WRITER country. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were just over 7 million college students in the U.S. who were aged 25 and older in 2005. By 2014, there were nearly 8.2 million. By 2025, that number is projected to increase to over 9.5 million. Data from the NCES also shows increased enrollment among students in all age ranges. There were about 5.2 million more college students enrolled in the U.S. in the fall of 2016 compared to the number of students enrolled in 2000. This indicates that, as overall college enrollment rates go up, a greater number of non-traditional students
are enrolling as well. More people from all walks of life are choosing post-secondary education to improve their life circumstances. This isn’t only a nationwide trend. Right here at KC, the student body is made up of a diverse range of people who are pursuing higher education for a variety of reasons. Statistics from the KC Fact Book indicate that in Fall 2016 only 18.9 percent of the student body was composed of new students who were enrolling in college classes for the first time. The Fact Book also shows that in Fall 2016, 48.8 percent of students were classified as returning students. This indicates that nearly half of the student body at KC includes students who are reenrolling or who may have taken some time off from their studies. Additionally, our campus data indicates that 32.1 percent of the student body in Fall 2016 was comprised of non-traditional students. If the data from the NCES is any indication, we may expect the number of non-traditional students here at Kilgore to continue rising into the future. Earlier this year, KC experienced an overall spring semester enrollment increase of nearly 7 percent over the number of enrolling students in 2016.
As overall enrollment increases, KC’s student body should become even more diverse. The “traditional” American college student population is becoming increasingly non-traditional for a variety of reasons. Re-enrolling students may want to complete a degree left unfinished, change the course of their career or enhance their professional skill set. Whatever your reason, rest assured that you are not alone. If you’re feeling nervous about returning to college, make an effort reach out to other students and faculty members. You may be able to provide advice to first-time students and you’ll likely meet others who are in situations that are similar to yours. I have already met several students here at The Flare who have life stories and experiences similar to my own. This has not only made me feel welcome on campus as I pursue my career change, it has also boosted my confidence in my own abilities. It may not be our first attempt at higher education, but it is an investment in our future. Let’s make it count. Lucas Strough is a sophomore journalism major from Longview.
Anorexia survivor warns about ‘To The Bone’
I
n 2012, I skipped my first meal. Skipping that first meal led to skipping several meals. I was inspired to start skipping meals after a friend referred to me as a “fat little troll.” My disorder controlled me. All I could think about was counting calories, doing sit-ups and analyzing myself in the mirror. I became my disorder. I dropped from 125 pounds to 98 within a four-month span. I have since recovered to a healthier state, but still remain in danger of relapsing. Streaming giant Netflix has released a show called “To the Bone,” about a 20-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa. Although the film is educational to those who don’t know much about the eating disorder, it has the potential to be harmful to those recovering from it or battling it. During the worst of my struggle, nothing tasted as good as skinny
felt. I was dropping weight rapidly, only consuming around 400 calories a day, which is not even enough food to sustain a 10-pound baby for a day. Over time, I started eating right again. I was gaining weight and had what one might refer to as a “healthy body.” I still watched ALLISON what I ate and TALIAFERRO o v e r a n a l y z e d EDITOR calories, but at least I was consuming three meals a day. As someone recovering from this disorder I think it’s wrong of Netflix to profit off of the subject. Although the movie did come with a viewer warning, the graphic images of the overly skinny young woman could jeopardize someone’s recovery if they decided to endure
the film. “To The Bone,” has sparked debates throughout social media. Without a parent or other adult to provide context, children could get the wrong message and aspire to be as thin as the main character in this film. Earlier this year, Netflix released a series called “13 Reasons Why,” where the main character leaves behind taped clues as to why she committed suicide. Although the show aimed to teach viewers to be kind, it inspired a real life copycat suicide. According to People Magazine, Peruvian teen Franco Alonso Lazo Medrano “took his own life and left behind recordings, apparently inspired by the breakout Netflix series ‘13 Reasons Why.’” Curiosity about suicide also took a jump, according USA Today’s reporting about findings published in the medical journal, JAMA
Internal Medicine. According to Stat, an online publication of Boston Globe Media, searches indicating suicide ideation rose dramatically in the weeks after Netflix posted the series. These searches differ dangerously from searches about suicide prevention or curiosity about facts. The release of “13 Reasons” not only inspired a suicide, but inspired the audience to research suicide, maybe inspiring future heartbreak. Netflix clearly didn’t learn any lessons. The release of “To the Bone”, could cause many viewers to pick up old habits, or aspire to look just like the main the character. This eating disorder is something I still struggle with to this day. It is not something to glamorize or handle carelessly. It is a day-to-day battle. Allison Taliaferro is a freshman journalism major from White Oak.
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 CommunicationsAutomotive 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.
Copyright 2017, The Flare. All rights reserved
THE FLARE
PAGE 6 n MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
Campus carry goes into effect SARAH REDFORD Staff Writer As of Aug. 1, the Texas Legislature approved the concealed carry of handguns by those with licenses on community college campuses, with provisions and exemptions in place ahead of time, . The licensing statute, Chapter 411, Government Code, requires that the handgun be “concealed,” meaning that the handgun’s presence is “not openly discernible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person.” There are areas where a handgun may not be carried. These areas will be clearly
marked with permanent signs. “Exclusion zones will have signage that prohibits handguns and is compliant with Penal Code 30.06(c)(3,” said the KC website. These places include, but are not limited to: The KC Police Department, KC Testing Centers, sporting events on KC’s campus and the Health Science Center. Areas where it may be temporarily illegal to carry a concealed handgun will be clearly marked with signs as well. Open carry is prohibited in any area of KC campus. According to Heath Cariker, KC police chief, a handgun must be holstered at all times.
“A license holder who carries a handgun on campus must carry it in a holster or other secure weapon case that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area. The holster must have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected jostling,” he explained in a Monday convocation to employees. KC desks and filing cabinets are not be used to store a handgun. “If a student is licensed to carry a handgun, and wants to keep a concealed handgun in his or her dorm room, they must request a gun safe from student housing. The gun safe will be provided by the student housing
department,” Cariker said. “Residents may not provide their own personally owned safe for the purpose of handgun storage.” Cariker stressed that failure to comply with this rule will result in removal from campus housing and subject the student to the college student conduct process. Additionally, fines and jail time are on the table for anyone who open carries or is not discreet about having a concealed weapon. If anyone sees a situation that makes them nervous, Cariker encourages students and staff to contact KCPD at 903-983-8650. The full handgun policy can be found at: www.kilgore.edu/KCPD/KC-ConcealedCarry-Policy.pdf
Board approves $42.8 m budget ALLISON TALIAFERRO Editor The KC Board of Trustees approved a $42.8 million budget on Aug. 14, and also agreed to enact a program aimed at giving students a more efficient path to success. The $42.8 million budget and a spending plan will keep the tax rate at the same effective rate. The tax rate remains at 17.5 cents per $100 of property valuation. The rate falls below the districts effective tax rate, or the rate that would raise the same amount of money as the previous year’s tax rate. “I think it is a solid budget, that will help us achieve our goals associated with this plan,” said Dr. Brenda Kays, college president. In other business, trustees gave they approval to continue with the program Guided Pathways, which aims to increase student success. Administrators hope Guided Pathways will help students reach career goals without excess hours. The program helps KC maximize fundings and students overall success. “Guided Pathways will facilitate increased student success by providing clear pathways to achieve educational and career goals, while minimizing excess hours earned and decreasing time to degree,” said Dr. Staci Martin, vice president of institutional planning. Jeff Williams, College Construction, Safety and Maintenance Manager presented the facilities update regarding McKinstry. The independent company is conducting an energy infrastructure audit across the entire campus to identify opportunities that may lead to cost savings. Other items discussed included investment reports and updates on the KC Foundation Board.
By The Numbers
12
n As of press time Friday afternoon, Hurricane Harvey continued to intensify and will likely be the nation’s first Category 3 landfall in almost 12 years, according to The Weather Channel.
30
n More than 30 campus organizations are open for students to find a way to engage with others. If you have talents in Band, Choir, Theatre or Journalism, classes are still available to help you get college credit while doing what you do best.
28
n On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I have a dream speech” addressing civil rights march at Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
Working through the registration process are, from left: Maranda Welch (and Stella), Kilgore sophomore, Gabriela Alvarez, Texarkana sophomore, and Jackie Johnson, Kilgore sophomore, fill out forms upstairs in the Devall Student Center. Late Registration was held Tuesday and Wednesday last week.
Late Registration Day Enrollment topped 5,300 as of press time
L
ate registration was
at KC
held August 22 and 23 on the Kilgore
and Longview campus. Students lined up early in the morning to sign up for classes. Sno-cones and tacos were available as students braved lines to complete the registration process. Latinos en Accion sold 631 tacos over a
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Karen Rea prepares tortillas for Latinos en Accion’s taco sale, Aug. 22 outside of the Devall Student Center. The student club sold 631 selling tacos to hungry Late Registration participants.
two-day span to raise funds for their club activities. Look for more enrollment information when The Flare publishes its next issue on Friday, Sept. 15.
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Hope Billings, Longview freshman, (center) discusses her best options for the new school year as she registers for classes upstairs at the Devall Student Center.