Vol. 81, No. 9 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
November 10, 2017
No place like home Veterans room would bring benefits to campus NELDA MILLIGAN-TURNER • Staff Writer
KC
veterans have not been able to locate a place to have meetings and without that, veterans have nowhere on campus to
call their own, according to KC Veterans Club officials.
“It would be nice to have a place on campus for veterans to go and talk with other veterans and be able to sit and have coffee when they become stressed during a class,” said Kenneth Rhoades, KC Veterans Club president. “Most of them leave campus when they feel stressed. This leads to declining grades and veterans giving up on an education and dropping out. They feel forgotten, ” In the fall of 2016, the Veterans Club met in the library, but talking about multiple combat deployments proved inappropriate. They later tried the cafeteria where they received free meals. However, this locale was deemed “too busy” to talk about combat experiences or post-traumatic stress disorders brought on by military service, according to Chris Reed, KC Veterans Club faculty sponsor. “We first need our own room for weekly meetings. The veteran’s club membership is at an all-time low and not one meeting has been held this year because of lack of a facility,” Reed said. “We really can’t begin to help our veterans unless we first have a meeting room to grow from. We have about 500 veterans and legacy recipients at KC this year.” The Veterans Club is not the only student organization struggling with space issues, according to Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development.
“Unfortunately, most all of our student clubs and organizations are in this situation,” Jenkins said, via email. “While we have a good-sized campus, we simply don’t have the available space for each of our student clubs and organizations to have a dedicated location. As a result, we encourage groups to use classroom space or meeting/conference rooms in the library or the student center for their meetings. We also welcome student groups to use the TV room in the student center as a meeting space.” However, a designated veteran’s meeting room could have even more benefits to the college than most clubs. Rhoades, who served in the U.S. Navy and has a son who recently graduated from KC under the Legacy Program, has visited veteran centers at nearby colleges, including Northeast Texas Community College, Tyler Junior College and University of Texas-Tyler. “If a veteran center can be set up at KC it will be eligible for grants and corporate sponsorship from local corporations. Corporations are hesitant to donate supplies such as books and computers without knowing they are intended for veterans at KC,” Rhoades said. We have a list of grants to apply for and corporate sponsors to contact if KC had a designated veterans center.” See ROOM on Page 3
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
YOUR VIEW
How do you feel about KC not having a designated veterans room?
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
“I think they should have a room. They are a club like every other one here. The veterans deserve our respect.” Paxton Jones Kilgore sophomore
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
Dina Robinson / THE FLARE
Mary Williams-Smith / THE FLARE
O. Rufus Lovett / Special to THE FLARE
“I believe that KC should have a veterans room for meetings and such.”
“If the Comic Book Club can have a room, why can’t the veterans, as well? Seems pretty dumb.”
“I think that they should have one.”
“Our soldiers who fought or served for our freedoms should have an area to relax at while on the campus.”
Kevin Francisco Henderson sophomore
Esdgar Layola Longview freshman
Tatiana Williams Longview sophomore
Lisa Harris Longview sophomore
THE FLARE
PAGE 2 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017
FACE IN THE CROWD
Alli Holt Hometown: Longview Age: 18 Major: General Studies What is the best single day on the calendar? May 12, because it is my granny’s birthday. What age do you wish you could permanently be? I would be 8 because I would have no responsibilities or 24 because I would be in my prime.
Mary Williams Smith / THE FLARE
What is your claim to fame? My high school marching band went to state U.I.L. competition and won.
Game Club raffles Games2go gift card NELDA MILLIGAN-TURNER Staff Reporter KC Gaming Club holds “Holiday Gift Card Raffle” for $100 to “Games2go” in Kilgore near Wal-Mart. The gift card will make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer. “Tickets are $1 or 5 for $4, winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 7,” Lisa Parks, Officer of Gaming Club said. About 150 tickets will be sold. Tickets can be bought from any gaming club officer including Josh and Lisa Parks, Micah McSwain, Cody Jewell, Kori Stroud and Kenneth Turner, at the gaming club meetings from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday in the Devall Student Center, TV room on 1st floor, by email at kcgameclub@ gmail.com or via their Facebook page www. facebook.com/KCGC2016.
What takes up too much of your time? Listening to and playing music (guitar and clarinet).
What do you wish you knew more about? More in-depth knowledge of U.S. presidents. I am a history buff.
What song(s) have you completely memorized? “Clint Eastwood” by the Gorillaz
What city would you most like to live in? L.A. – everyone there seems to be going somewhere.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Elvis Presley. I love his music and would love to have a conversation with him.
What fictional place would you most like to go to? Neverland.
Hot Stuff
Chili Cook-off Nov. 30 at Mike Miller Plaza JAMIE HWANG Staff Writer KC Ranger Ambassadors will hold their first “Chili Cook-off ” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Mike Miller Plaza. The cook-off features organizations who will bring a pot of chili to dish it out for the competition. KCPD will judge and first and second winners will get gift cards. Those who would like to participate in the competition need to sign up and pay $25 for competitor’s fees. The registration deadline is Nov. 10 and two entries per club or organization are allowed. Students and staff are encouraged to come and enjoy the chili. Cost is $2 or 2 cans of food for all you can eat chili. Rachael Lindsey, Kilgore freshman, Student Ambassador, said, “Everybody gets to come around, eat chili, have a good
BSM gives back to children
time, and get some full bellies in because that’s hard to come by being a broke college student. But it’s $2 or two canned goods and it’s all you can eat.” Ranger Ambassadors will have a condiment bar and there will be Fritos, lettuce and other items that go well with chili. There will be music playing at the Plaza as well. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Devall Ballroom. Julianna Jernigan, Kilgore freshman, Student Ambassador, said, “It’s a chance for organizations and groups to come together and hang out. Whether they like chili or not, it gives them a chance to do something else around campus instead of just class and dorm so I think it’s really nice.” For more information, see Callie Blakeley, the sponsor for the Ranger Ambassadors at the Registrar’s Office, or call 903.983.8216.
DID YOU KNOW? Since 1993 Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 146 million shoe box gifts to children in more than 160 countries and territories. n
Shoe boxes are collected from U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain, New Zealand and Japan. n
There are nearly 500,000 volunteers worldwide with more than 150,000 of these in the U.S. and 5,000 drop off locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eight distribution centers are located in the U.S. n
In 2017, OCC hopes to collect enough shoe box gifts to reach another 12 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine with 11.5 million gifted worldwide in 2016, and more than 9.1 million from U.S. n
Alma Cedillo / THE FLARE
The Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) had a packing party on November 7 in preparation for Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child.” Students filled 292 boxes after enjoying a lunch.
O. Rufus Lovett /SPECIAL TO THE FLARE
By The Numbers
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n Event time 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview. KC students can talk to University representatives about transferring schools.
n Second event time 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Devall Student Center in the first floor hallway. KC students can talk to University representatives about transferring schools.
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16
n A “Day in the Life” seminar will be held 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Watson Library with Tina Rushing discussing career opportunities in counseling.
KILGORE SCREEN PRINTING CO.
n KC will host a Cultural Awareness Day event beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov.16, in the Devall Student Center.
WE PRINT T-SHIRTS & MORE
601A E. MAIN (903) 983-1480
Locally the goal for 2017 is 16,441 boxes from the Sabine River Area, which includes all or parts of Gregg, Rusk, Harrison, Panola and Upshur counties. n
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017 n PAGE 3
DID YOU PHOTO WORK ON DISPLAY
KNOW?
n With the Fall 2017 semester coming to an end, there are many important dates for KC students to be aware of regarding drop dates and spring registration. Monday, Nov. 13, marks the beginning of spring registration and advisement for all students. Friday, Nov. 17, is the last day to drop classes or withdraw with a “W”. Wednesday, Dec. 6, is the spring registration payment deadline; Thursday, Dec. 7, is the date that all unpaid classes for the fall semester are dropped.
O Rufus Lovett’s photography students put their best artistic work on display in the hallway of the Communications/ Automotive Building.
n Campus closes 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes resume Monday, Nov. 27, even if you eat too much. O. Rufus Lovett / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE
They’re F1RST TRiO celebrates first-generation college students with ceremony, speakers LUCAS STROUGH Digital Content Editor Students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education were recognized at a ceremony Wednesday night in the Devall Student Center Ballroom. The “I’m F1RST” recognition ceremony was intended to celebrate the achievements of TRiO members who are first-generation college students while also helping those in attendance to develop their social skills and to grow their peer networks. This event, the first of its kind at KC, was also acknowledged around the country as other colleges and universities took part in the First-Generation College Celebration. In addition to honoring first-generation students, this event also coincides with the anniversary of the passage of the Higher Education Act (HEA). This act was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson as part of a set of programs called the “Great Society” plan, which was intended to improve the quality of life for disenfranchised Americans. Among other initiatives, the HEA created the National Teachers’ Corps, increased the amount of federal money allotted to universities and provided financial assistance to students who were pursuing higher education. More than 50 years after its passage, the HEA continues to help students create a bridge between their aspirations and their economic situations. As students gathered in the DSC Ballroom, images of students who have participated in the TRiO program were flashed on a screen, including notable figures like Michelle Obama, Jimmy Carter, CEO of Starbucks Howard Schultz and musicians Common and Ludacris. Refreshments were provided by the TRiO administrators as students greeted one another and talked enthusiastically. The event began when two speakers, Roy Golden and Dylan Davis, introduced themselves as representatives of the program “Paradigm Shift.” This Oklahomabased company specializes in leadership training and development through interactive activities and motivational speeches. After introducing themselves, Roy and Dylan wasted no time in getting the crowd of students and
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Brandon Williams, Longview sophomore, signs in at the TRiO “I’M F1RST” table in Devall Student Center. faculty off their feet and meeting one another. Everyone was asked to introduce themselves to as many people as possible in one minute and later were instructed to describe themselves and their educational goals to total strangers. What was once a room filled with strangers quickly became a community of new acquaintances and friends. The speakers discussed these activities in the context of an idea they called “Challenge by Choice,” explaining that students could make the decision to challenge themselves in order to grow personally and academically. The TRiO organization emphasized the significance of first-generation college students by handing out a flyer listing some of the benefits of higher education among this student group. For example, students who graduate find better jobs, higher earnings and are also more active in their communities in activities including volunteering and educating their
children. Those who attend college are also less likely to pick up unhealthy habits like smoking and lifestyles that lead to obesity. The goal of the evening’s event was to help students develop a support system as they moved on in their academic and professional careers. “What I hope the students get tonight is to develop their communications skills, be better networkers and how to get along with their peers,” said Bindy Tice, KC’s Director of TRiO Student Support Services. A group of students, united in their status as first-generation college attendees, came together in one moment to find common ground from which to develop their interpersonal relationships and increase their appreciation for the opportunities for which they had worked so hard. As motivational speaker Roy Golden said, “Wherever you are, be all there.”
Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
Sophomore Dillon Hall talks with Heidi Everett, TRiO learning specialist, about the benefits of enrolling in the TRiO program for first-generation college students, including academic advising and transfer counseling.
Room: Veterans struggle to find a place to call their own From Page 1 A center specifically intended for KC veterans would also provide needed support in the classroom, according to April Pettigrew, KC’s Veterans Benefits Coordinator. “A designated center will let students donate textbooks at the end of each semester and have bookshelves for veterans returning to college after several years, or on the Hazelwood Act, which pays for 150 hours of college once a veteran’s GI bill runs out for Texas citizens,” Pettigrew said. Under Hazelwood, veterans are not eligible to buy books with any of that money. “I would love to have a library for veterans who are unable to get books because if they are on certain programs then books aren’t included, and I would love to be able to loan them books or calculators,” she said, adding that she plans to start soliciting book donations as early as this semester, even if storage space is a challenge. While finding (and financing)
such a space might be a logistical issue, KC employees are still open to the possibilities. “At this time this item has not been brought to my attention,” according to Jeff Williams, Construction and Facilities manager. “I have heard that this has been discussed among other KC staff members, but I do not know of the exact details that were discussed.” “The creation of such an area would certainly be welcome and would show our appreciation to our veterans for their services,” Williams added. Fred Peters, KC’s grant writer agreed. “The possibility of a veterans’ center has been mentioned to me and I have searched for grant funding that could assist with the establishment of a center,” he said. “If a funding source were identified and the staff members who work with veterans were to submit a Grant Funding Request Form to pursue that funding, I would take the request to the
Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for consideration.” “No grant opportunity may be pursued at Kilgore College without the authorization of the ELT. The same process would apply for corporate sponsors,” Peters said. KC lost its rating on the “military friendly” college list in 2016 after four years due to the rating forms becoming more complicated and a lack of access to certain information needed for the forms, according to Pettigrew. Also in 2016, KC helped Tyler Junior College write an application for which they received a grant of $1.18 million from the U.S. Department of Education which states that Priority 2 is supporting military families and veterans. “KC did help in writing the grant application and the person who was involved at KC in this process in 2016 is no longer at KC,” according to Dennis Cliborn, assistant director of TRiO. “If KC veterans were willing to travel to the west side of Tyler, they are
supposed to have access to some of those services.” “Personally, I would like to see veterans have a center at KC and I would like for those veterans with service dogs to have space to feed, water and allow the dogs to walk around,” Cliborn said. “At this time no such space is available on the KC campus.” There have been some changes at KC intended to facilitate better services for veterans. For example, Pettigrew, who used to be part of the financial aid office, has now adapted her position on campus so that she deals exclusively with veterans. “As the veteran population has grown, they have restructured my position so that I can spend my time being better able to facilitate the veterans with all of their needs,” Pettigrew said. “It is really wonderful to see them come in not knowing how to even get started and then get so excited when I help them get started and they are actually in class.”
Veterans at KC are eligible to receive benefits but filing to receive them can be a complicated process. However, help is currently available on campus. “There are extra steps like duplicate papers to file in order to receive benefits and many veterans on campus including faculty will be glad to help,” added Reed. “We always find a few at the beginning of the semester who did not file the duplicate paperwork to receive benefits.” Rhoades hopes to see some changes for the Veterans Club this school year and looks forward to action being taken on this issue before he graduates in August. “There are so many of the faculty ready to help KC veterans,” Rhoades said. “We just need to coordinate them, and first that takes a center dedicated to veterans.” For more informaton on the Veterans Club and/or VA benefits, contact April Pettigrew at 903-988-7420 or Chris Reed at 903-983-8141.
PAGE 4 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017
THE FLARE
84 Lady Rangers vs. Paul Quinn College JV 41
Perfect opening Lady Rangers knock off PQC in first home game of season ALEC REYES Staff Writer The KC Lady Rangers tipped off the home portion of the schedule by defeating the Paul Quinn College JV Tigers 84-41 in Masters Gymnasium on Tuesday night. The victory now gives KC an undefeated 2-0 record for the season. After falling behind briefly, the Lady Rangers found their groove and never looked back. With a potent offense and stout defensive play, KC was unstoppable on every phase all night. Offensively for the Lady Rangers, Jade Thurmon led the charge by scoring 16 points, making one assist, and four rebounds. Richelle Velez scored 13 points with six assists. Hennesy Handy with 13 points, three assists and five rebounds, also contributed for KC on the night. On defense, the Lady Rangers forced 32 turnovers. Paula Esteban led with four steals, and Alicia Mardis came up with three steals, five rebounds, and two blocks. Thurmon also contributed defensively for KC by coming up with three steals and three rebounds. The Lady Rangers will travel to Tyler on Friday, November 10 to play in the annual Holiday Inn Classic this weekend. They will face Hill College on Friday, Nov. 10, with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m., and will then face Arkansas Baptist on Saturday, Nov. 11, with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m.
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
Patience Idoko drives through Paul Quinn College JV defenders in an attempt to make a basket.
2017-2018 Women’s Basketball
Alma Cedillo / THE FLARE
Jade Thurmon goes for a layup as a Paul Quinn College JV defeder attempts to block the shot.
ON THE AIR
Follow the game on KDOK with the following frequencies in the East Texas area: 1240 AM/105.3 FM in Kilgore, 101.9 FM in Longview and 107.9 FM in Henderson.
Kilgore College Sports broadcasts also will be streamed live on the internet at www.kdokradio.com, www.tsrnsports.com and the TuneIn Radio App.
DATE
VERSUS
LOCATION
TIME
Nov. 7
Paul Quinn JV
Home
5:30pm
Nov. 10
@ Tyler Classic
Tyler
3pm
Nov. 11
@ Tyler Classic
Tyler
3pm
Nov. 12
Crowder Col.
Home
Noon
Nov. 18
@ Paul Quinn
Dallas
2pm
Nov. 21
San Jacinto
Home
5:30pm
Nov. 24
@ Collin Classic
Allen
Noon
Nov. 25
@ Collin Classic
Allen
Noon
Nov. 29
@ Blinn
Brenham
5:30pm
Dec. 2
Coastal Bend
Home
2pm
Dec. 8
Jacksonville
Home
2pm
Jan. 2
@ BPCC Classic
Bossier City
5pm
Ranger softball gains eight new signees on Signing Day From Staff Reports The KC softball team signed eight high school seniors for the Fall 2018 season during a ceremony held Nov. 3 on campus. KC will begin its sixth softball season in school history in January under head coach Leslie Messina. The team’s most successful season came last year when they went 3323 overall, 19-9 in conference play. The Rangers earned a berth in the Region XIV Conference for the first time in program history during Spring 2017, but lost to Blinn and Tyler Junior College in double elimination. For more information on the KC softball program, visit www. kilgore.edu/softball.
Signees included: Felicia Aguirre: Sealy High School, third base/utility Andrea Decarreau: North Forney High School, middle infielder Brooke Goynes: Longview High School, outfield Allie Houchens: Maud High School, pitcher Nicole King: Graham High School, catcher Ella Ortiz: Gregory Portland High School, third/first base Bria Tovar: Foster High School Richmond, outfield Amanda White: Lockhart High School, pitcher Diana Castillo / THE FLARE
KC softball coach Leslie Messina introduces the new signees at a ceremony held on campus on Friday.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017 n PAGE 5
THE FLARE
Fiction versus Fact
Student provides insight on distinguishing between what is real and what is fake in the media
O
n November 2, dictionary publisher Collins announced that “fake news” would be the official word of the year for 2017. This means that Collins, which has chosen a “word of the year” annually for several years, will add “fake news” to their dictionary which will be printed in 2018. Collins defines “fake news” as “false, often sensational, i n f o r m a t i o n LUCAS disseminated under the guise of news STROUGH DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR reporting”. This choice is hardly surprising. However, as a journalism student with dreams of making a career as an investigative reporter, it is very disheartening. Some of my literary heroes include Nellie Bly, Ernest Hemingway and Hunter S. Thompson, all of whom used a pen, paper and incredible bravery to penetrate dark, mysterious or dangerous corners of the world in order to change society. From mental hospitals to biker gangs to battlefields, these journalists risked their lives to tell stories that were too important to ignore. We’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t
we? Not so long ago, journalists used the power of language to expose corruption in the Catholic Church and to topple a president who broke the law. These days, anyone with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection can call themselves a journalist. There is no longer a barrier of entry to the field of news gathering and reporting. In some ways, that’s a very good thing. It means that anyone with a strong work ethic and moral convictions can dig up the truth behind important issues. However, it also means that unscrupulous individuals who want nothing more than clicks and shares can rise to the top of the news cycle. In last year’s election, fake stories about every candidate in the race were circulated rapidly on Facebook and Twitter. It has recently come to light that many of those stories were created and placed by interlopers from Russia who were hoping to, at the very least, disrupt the electoral process. Of course journalism isn’t dead, despite what some people might say. Real, honest journalism is still in practice every day — from major national papers on down to local outlets with only a few hundred subscribers. The real issue is that journalism as a career has become the object of scorn and distrust for many. More so than ever before,
KC THEATRE’S NEW PLAY
‘Greater Tuna’ opens Nov. 16 at Van Cliburn The Kilgore College Theatre Department will present the Texan comedy, “Greater Tuna,” Nov. 16 in Van Cliburn Auditorium. The play is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 16-18, with a matinee performance 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for KC students with a student ID. Discounted ticket-pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. This play is rated PG. Children under the age of 8 will not be admitted. Late arrivals will also not be admitted. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kilgore. edu/drama or by phone at 903-983-8126. For more information e-mail the KC Theatre Box Office at boxoffice@kilgore.edu. About the play: Greater Tuna is a Texas comedy about the third smallest town in Texas where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. In this hilarious send-up of small town morals and mores, they are all among the
Cast of Greater Tuna: Alphalia Gonzalez - Didi/Shariff Givens Laurenzo Fields - Bertha/Pearl Madison Gable - Chad/Vera Camp Amber Driver - Little Jody/Charleen/Ronnie Raymond Robinson - Thurston/Hank Hunter Ballard - Petey/Couch Bucky VanDoren- Leonard/Harold Dean Lattimer Griffin O’Neal - Reverend Spikes/Stanley Ian Kirkpatrick - Elmer/RR Skyler Yarbrough - Arles/Phinas Crew of Greater Tuna: Jordan Duren - Concessions Cole Williams - Front of House Quayln Stark - Box Office Andrew Littleton - Usher Thomas B. Thornburg - Props Michael Rojas - Lighting Design Kaitlyn Hampton - Wardrobe Hayli Hughes - Sound Lazarus Salinas - Projectionist Hannah Garner - Costume Design Patience Lane Evans - Light Board Operator
upstanding citizens of the fictitious town of Tuna, Texas, located about halfway between San Angelo and Hell. The play is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
REVIEW
Thank You For Your Service stirring cinematic experience SARAH REDFORD News Editor “Thank You For Your Service” is the first movie former actor Jason Hall has directed (he was also a screenwriter, along with David Finkel.) Starring roles go to Miles Teller as Adam Schumann, Haley Bennett as Saskia Schumann and Beulah Koale as Solo. The film is set in America after Schumann and Eaita return from a tour of duty in Iraq and chronicles their journey as they wade through veteran’s services and deal with PTSD. The drama won “Truly Moving Picture” award from an independent film festival, Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. It also received “Best Adapted Screenplay from BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Art.) It has been nominated for the same award by the Academy Awards. The film opens with a scene in Iraq and goes on to the soldiers on a plane on their way home. The sense of family, of brotherhood really shines through. As the movie progresses, it alternates between periods of stress on the battle field in flashbacks and heartwarming times with family. There are parts of the movie that are hard to watch. They bring home just how veterans suffer, how they are over looked and seemingly not cared about by those in authority and in civilian life. The battle scenes are well done. They are chaotic and intense but not over the top. There is blood in a scene with a head shot, but little gore and they strived to keep it as true to real as they could. The PTSD flashbacks are as equally well done. In one scene, Solo is playing a first-person shooter video game and you just know it is not going to end well. It doesn’t but again, it was well done and not filled with gratuitous violence. There is a bridge underpass that is featured throughout the movie. It is dirty
and has homeless people living there. It is a dark and lonely place that is not a part of any place. I thought it perfectly symbolized how the soldiers seem to feel. Alone in a place where they didn’t seem to belong. In my opinion this movie is a must see. It will open your eyes and bring to light just how soldiers can suffer, not only from the sights, sounds, smells and experiences that no one should have to go through but can be necessary at times, but also from the apathy with which a lot of Americans view these problems. “Thank You For Your Service” might be hard to watch at times, it might make you cry, it might make you think, but it will change you.
Americans are getting their news from sources which can be less than reputable. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2016 found that 57 percent of Americans now mainly get their news from TV and 38 percent get their news primarily from digital sources. Think about that for a moment. Have you ever watched TV news from mainstream outlets? You can flip between coverage of a major news event by Fox News and MSNBC and get two entirely different portrayals of the same occurrence. If a mass shooting occurs, MSNBC will declare that now is the time for gun control reform while Fox News insists that the government is coming to take your firearms. The trouble with much of TV and digital news is that there is no nuance and no detail. Print news and thoughtful reporting takes time to produce and distribute and so is naturally more carefully planned. TV and digital news must be fresh and current in order to attract viewers and advertising revenue so they focus on rapid delivery of new content. While this is useful for staying current with the news, it means that some facts and a portion of the truth can be lost in the rush to get things on the screens of viewers. Even worse, it means that some people will take advantage of the constant demand for
news updates to trick readers and viewers. In 2016, National Public Radio, which is funded by donations and therefore has less motive to follow a particular agenda, tracked down a man named Jestin Coler. Cole was responsible for creating multiple websites that specialized in promoting completely fabricated stories and he employed over 20 writers to fulfill this task. Though he claimed he initially started creating these stories to prove that the altright was easily fooled, he claimed that it was possible to make up to $30,000 a month in ad revenue by creating and distributing completely fake news. This makes my stomach hurt and my head spin. How can I hope to have a successful career as a journalist if people can get rich by making up total nonsense and passing it off as the truth while getting rich in the process? To be honest, I don’t have an answer to that at the moment. All I can do right now is study hard, work hard, improve my writing and interviewing skills and set my sights on the one thing that all journalists should pursue and that a few of them disregard: the truth. Lucas Strough is a sophomore Journalism major from Longview.
Piano Duet program Thursday The Piano Duet Program will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at in Room 103 of the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Building. This free recital will feature student pianists Stephanie Bassett and Cassandra Saucedo playing duets by Beethoven, Andre’, and Debussy.
Concluding the program will be Mr. Jonathan Kaan (piano instructor) and Dr. Mary Heiden (chair of the Music Department) performing four “Hungarian Dances” by Johannes Brahms. - submitted by Moises Ela Nchama
THE FLARE
PAGE 6 n FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017
The Student Newspaper of Kilgore College Since 1936
Vol. 81 • No. 9 Friday, November 10, 2017
Executive Editor Allison Taliaferro Page Editors Lisa Harris Kaitlin Mitchell Sarah Redford Lonnie Ross Lucas Strough Copy Editors Whitney Ervin Kendall Hurtt Gabriel Wade Yasmine Wilson Staff Writers Moises Ela Nchama Jamie Hwang Nelda Milligan-Turner Alec Reyes Chris Williams
Count your
Photo Illustration Kaitlin Mitchell / THE FLARE
Blessings
“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”-W.J. Cameron “I’m thankful for my family. They support me in everything
“The opportunity to pursue higher education to change my life for the better.
that I do, and they are the reason why I am eager to succeed
The ability to distinguish between fair weather friends and true friends.
in life.”
The fact that I live in close proximity to people who are amazing cooks.”
-Alec Reyes
-Lucas Strough
I am thankful for having both of my parents still alive, togeth-
“I am thankful for being alive, because in 2003 I was given up by the doctors and my family
er, and forever in love; and for the people who have kept me
being called in because I was told that I wouldn’t make it through the night. That was 14 years
uplifted.”
ago.”
-Whitney Ervin
-Mary Williams-Smith
“Thanksgiving is the only holiday where everyone is thankful.” -Lonnie Ross
“Having a network of supportive people around me and understanding teachers. I am also thankful for learning how to be patient because I am usually not and this year has been all over the place for me with one tragedy after another.” -Kaitlin Mitchell
“I am thankful for modern medicine, education/books, electricity, bees, and my family.” - Sarah Redford “Even though school stresses me out sometimes, I’m thankful for being able to get a good education and meet a lot of nice people here at Kilgore College!” - Jamie Hwang “I am thankful for my friends. They support me and love me unconditionally. I can always count on them to be there.” -Allison Taliaferro
I am thankful for: my family, my friends, my education and most importantly, God. - Lacey Bunn “I am thankful for my family, my pets and Kilgore College.” - Grant Worley “My God, my family, loving and supportive people, great teachers, being able to get a great education, clothes and shoes, being stabled, the small things and the big things, and most of all being here. Also things I take for granted and being well rounded.” -Savannah Sturdivant I am thankful for an able mind & body. -Lisa Harris
“I am thankful for Balance and everything I take for granted.” -Kendall Hurtt
“I am thankful for health, my family and sunshine.” -Diana Castillo
“I am thankful for God, my family and music and food. These are all things that keep me sane when life gets tough!” -Yasmine Wilson
“My kids, my caring husband, good friends, my grandkids and peanut butter M&Ms.” -Dina Robinson
Easy as pie
Pecan Pie - 25%
Adviser Rachel Stallard Photography Adviser O Rufus Lovett
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 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.
What is your go-to Thanksgiving dish? Turkey- 35% Stuffing /dressing- 39% Cranberry sauce- 5% Other- 21%
What is your favorite Thanksgiving pie?
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Apple Pie - 15%
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Sweet Potato Pie -15%
Other - 12%
More food for thought
Photographers Lacey Bunn Diana Castillo Alma Cedillo Taliayah Clark Brooke Harris Grace Garcia Tiffany Johnson Elizabeth Lumpkin Mason Myers Dina Robinson Grant Worley Mary Williams-Smith
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Pumpkin Pie - 33%
How do you spend Thanksgiving evening? Black Friday shopping-20% Spending time with friends or family- 44% Watching football- 25% Other- 11% Do you travel for Thanksgiving? Yes- 69% No- 31% 112 KC STUDENTS POLLED
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