FLARE SURVEY: 4%4
Should the Confederate 32% flag be banned from public display? 32
64
64%
22 people chose to participate in this Facebook survey. Here are the results. I don't care what people do with the flag. No, people should be64% allowed -toItshow it wherever theybe choose. should only displayed in places that inform It should only be displayed in places that inform people of its historical context, such as a museum.
people meta-chart.com of its historical context. 32% - No, people should be allowed to show it wherever they choose. 4% - I don’t care what people do with the flag.
No one surveyed chose these options: • Yes, it should be fully banned from public use. Jessica Carrington / THE FLARE • It should be banned from public display, but should still be used to teach about the Civil War in schools.
See page 7 for Our View, Your View
The Flare
Friday, September 18, 2015 Vol. 79 No. 3 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Constructive Criticism Upheaval on campus calls for patience with renovation project KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor
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tudents returning to KC from summer break, familiar with the layout of the campus and their routes to and from classes, found themselves faced with complications as they began the new school year. Construction on the Randolph C. Watson Library and Lee Mall area has been underway since the beginning of August, and will continue into the spring semester. Plans to renovate the area were first proposed at a KC trustees board meeting on March 23. KC President Bill Holda said the cost would be “about $2 million for the library and $1 million for the mall.” He said the mall would be completed in “about six months” and the library in “about seven or eight months.” Over the summer, the Lee Mall area was completely fenced off and the grass removed. The front of the library was also
fenced off to ensure no students would mistakenly go in as renovations began. The sidewalks in front of the library continuing on to the west side of Old Main to the bridge were also fenced off to improve the concrete. Signs were put in place to let students know the easiest route to the various buildings on campus. On the first day of the fall semester, students found themselves having to reroute their usual paths and navigate their way around. This has caused problems for many students , including Krystina Jones, Gladewater freshman. “The construction is a nuisance,” Jones said. “It constricts certain ways of getting to and from class. For me personally, I’m pregnant, and that’s really hard because I’m having to walk around everything to get anywhere. I think they need to hurry up and get it done.” “Everyone’s been wondering, why this was not done over the summer, or at least half of See CONSTRUCTION on Page 3
Kaelie Wike / THE FLARE
Transet Co. has been contracted by KC to handle construction of the Central Mall and the Randolph C. Watson Library. They are expected to complete renovations by the spring. Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
Ag students grow, sell class produce DUSTIN TAYLOR Staff Writer Locally grown food is now accessible for KC students and faculty because of the effort put in by the KC Ag classes. “Whenever we harvest, we take it up [to campus],” said Dustin Law, the farm manager who has been with the college for more than three years. “They typically send out an email when we take up fresh produce to all faculty and staff. But students are also welcome to purchase things up there as well.” From eggplants to banana peppers and jalapenos, a variety of veg-
etables can be purchased from the biology workroom on the first floor of the Engineering Science building. The agriculture classes, along with the animal science classes, take place in Overton on 448 acres that are rented from the Bruce McMillan Jr. Foundation for a dollar each year. “It’s a very old program for Kilgore College,” said Dr. Karl Steddom, an instructor for agriculture and biology who has been with the college for more than four years. “Over the years, it’s done a lot of different things.” Since Steddom and Law came to
KC, growing vegetables has become a part of the program where previously the focus had been on cattle. With the produce being available for sale, Steddom wants to make the students more aware of the produce. The agriculture department is expanding slowly but surely. Two years ago, Ag Industry was added to the courses offered at KC with Law hoping that an equine class can be added some time in the future. KC currently offers four agriculture classes. “Students have an opportunity to see what sort of occupations or careers there are in agriculture,
beyond what folks would normally consider to be agriculture,” Law said, referring to the new Ag Industry class. The class shows careers fields in the agriculture industry such as using GPS systems that map out topography, graphic design, and technology designs. “Everything that we do out here is…for teaching purposes and so we employ student workers,” Law said. “That kind of affords us opportunities to teach those students a greater amount of hands-on detail.” To find out when produce is available for purchase, contact Steddom at ksteddom@kilgore.edu.
Kaelie Wike / THE FLARE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANGERETTES FROM THE FLARE STAFF Come celebrate the Rangerette’s 75th birthday with us at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium
KC Visual Arts Club seeks new members MEAGHAN MORTON Staff Writer The KC Visual Arts Club is looking for new members to attend meetings at noon every Friday, in Room 203 in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center. Vice President Sarah Hooten said they are specifically seeking out artists or people that want to grow or make a living in doing art, but anyone at KC is allowed to join. Art club meetings will consist of the planning of upcoming events, such as the KilGogh Arts Festival
that celebrates the birthday and artwork of artist Vincent Van Gogh, and other plans for the current semester and next. To fund events and outings, the club will soon be having a fundraiser. “We are for sure going to be selling Art Club t-shirts,” Hooten said. “Anyone can buy a shirt and the price has not been set in stone, but should be around $20 to $25 to make up for materials used and save funds for the art club.” Hooten said the funds will also be used to take trips to art museums in Dallas. “This is something that
“We want to kickstart the attention to the fine arts at Kilgore.” — Sarah Hooten Art Club vice president the president [Cherry He] and I have been talking about over the summer,” Hooten said. The sale will take place as long
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According to website wallethub. com, KC was ranked 8th best community college in the state. n
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as He and Hooten are heads of the club. “This will be our last year at KC, so we’re hoping to raise the Art Club to new heights since
last year we kept losing people,” Hooten said. “We want to kickstart the attention to the fine arts at Kilgore.” Another art related event KC students can attend is the Longview Art Walk on Oct. 1 in Downtown Longview. Students will be able to sell their artwork as prints. Students can show up at meetings to join and introduce themselves or join the KC Visual Arts page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ groups/kcvisualarts.
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
The 20th class day is Monday, Sept. 21. It is the last day for refunds on any and all drops. More information can be found in KC’s course catalog. n
1851
Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates
The first issue of The New York Times was published on this date in 1851. It has won 117 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news organization. n
SSA scholarships
FACE IN THE CROWD
available KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor Members of the Secular Student Alliance were made aware of four $2,500 and four $1,000 scholarships that are available for members at their first meeting. It was held last Friday. Eight people attended the meeting, and pizza was served. Attendees discussed their reasons for attending the meeting, including their various beliefs and backgrounds. Various educational pamphlets were on display containing information about skepticism, humanism, atheism and other topics related to secularism. Stickers and pins were also available for students to display their support for their beliefs. KC SSA President Mary Ferrell made attendees aware of the SSA scholarships. The application deadline is Sept. 30. Winners will be announced by Oct. 31. The group discussed future volunteer work in parternship with East Texas Atheists Helping the Homeless. Donations such as clothes, toiletries and other necessities will be given to the homeless of Longview on Highway 80. Information will be given about the Freethought 2015 convention to be held Oct. 3 at SFA. This year’s speakers include Matt Dillahunty, Beth Presswood, JT Eberhard, Heina Dadabhoy and comedians Hugo and Jake. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www. freethoughtconvention.com. The SSA’s next meeting will be noon, Friday, Sept. 25, in OM 210. For more info, visit the SSA’s Facebook page.
15th annual Miracle Walk comes to KC KAYLA TERRAZAS Staff Writer
Troy Townsend How many hours have you earned? I am a sophomore. I have 67 credits as of this semester,but I have to have 90 before I am eligible to transfer to my 4-year college. How did you get to KC? I was born in Visalia, Calif. However, my family moved to Texas before I was old enough to have any memories of the place. I grew up in Longview, but I graduated from Sabine High School. If I had to choose my hometown, I would definitely choose Kilgore. What made you want to be a Chiropractor? This is actually a hard one to answer. On my last deployment, I was on a ship. I literally woke up one day and thought, “I want to be a chiropractor.” I guess if I had to say what influenced my decision, it would be my family. My whole family works as physical laborers. My dad started framing houses when he was 16 years old, my uncle works for Trinity, my grandpa was a mechanic, one of my brothers was a mechanic for most of his life, and my other brother works for Trinity also. I see how much of an impact going to Chiropractors has made for them, and I want to be that person for other people… and maybe save my family some money too. What do you like about Kilgore College? I really really love the instructors. I have not had an instructor yet that I did not like. Some classes are more enjoyable than others, but the instructors have made it really easy to comprehend the material.
Jessica Carrington / THE FLARE
Hometown: Kilgore Age: 24 Classification: Sophomore
What’s an interesting fact about you being in the Marines? I started as a basic infantry rifleman, and after my first deployment all of our mortarmen were either separating from the military, or transferring to different units. So they pulled the Marines from each platoon that had the highest scores on the ASFAB, as being a mortarman is considered one of the more technically difficult jobs in the Marines, and volunteered them to be mortarmen. I was one of the first infantry riflemen lance corporals to go through an all mortarman formal school for sergeants. I was also awarded a CertCom, Certificate of Commendation, for directing the firing of more than 400 rounds of live ammunition and scoring higher than all the other mortarmen in a specific event called 03XX. If you could move to any city in Texas, which city would it be? I don’t really have an answer to this question. As long as I’m in Texas, I’m happy. What is your favorite sport? Soccer. Definitely soccer. Do you have any pets? Unfortunately, I have no personal pets.
KC’s youngest students will collect donations on their annual “Miracle Mile Walk” to raise money for the St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The Early Childhood Center will host the event at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Staff and children will walk to buildings around the KC campus collecting money in cans designed by the children. St. Jude’s mission is to “advance cures and means of prevention” for children “through research and treatment” in a place where race, religion or a family’s financial state is not a factor. The St. Jude’s research hospital is a non-profit organization where “approximately 75 percent of the budget costs are covered by public contributions.” “The mission of the Early Childhood Center is to teach the children about helping those in need at a very early age” said Katie Moses, director of the Early Childhood Center. This is the Early Childhood Center’s 15th year to do the “Miracle Walk.” Last year the walk raised more than $1,000. If you are interested in contributing to benefit St. Jude’s, the children will make stops around campus. Donations can also be made 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 25, at the Childhood Center across the street from the Shakespeare Garden. An email will be sent to KC employees with the locations of the stops.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
NEWS
PTK rounds out Awareness Week More than 250 invited to join PTK this semester, parking spot winners also named KATHRYN AGEE & AJANI MCCOY
Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
Ashton Boone, Henderson freshman and KaSandra McCarty, Son Shine Lighthouse resident from New London exchange a highfive during their conversation about how the facility has changed McCarty’s life.
CONSTRUCTION: Holda: some fences may be down in few weeks FROM PAGE 1 it,” Naina Kishore, Henderson sophomore. “Right now, we’re really having problems walking from one class to another where now it’s taking more time than usual. Some of it needs to be done as soon as it can.” Students not wanting to walk the extra amount to get to their classes is a common problem. “I don’t like it because I have to walk further to class,” said Amber Soliz, Longview freshman. “I heard it’s going to be a park, but personally, I don’t think anyone’s on campus enough to even go to it.” Although the construction may be burdensome, it is being done for the betterment of the college. After the September KC board meeting, Holda said, “What I’m excited about is that we’re trying to find more ways to create student/ faculty engagement. The way the library is going to be constructed downstairs is going to be wide open with a lot of study pods and study group areas. So what I’m hopeful for in the library situation is that once it opens that faculty will actually take their groups of students over there, sort of get them going in study groups that will be really active. I really see a possibility of that library being a cultural and environmental catalyst
KC SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS n Student Spotlight winner Troy Townsend was recognized for his achievements in the classroom and campus organizations by math instructor Brandon Walker.
for more student/faculty engagement.” Holda sees a cultural future for the Lee Mall area as well. “The plans have been pretty much drawn up,” Holda said. “There will be a central area of the mall. We haven’t really figured out all the seating and all that yet, but there will be a central, circular plaza where if you had a group performing, like a band, they could perform. You can see where they’re sculpting two hill areas. They could be like mounds people can sit on, like a natural amphitheater, and can watch whatever is going on in the area.” Construction on the library and Lee Mall are will continue at least until the end of the fall semester. Holda hopes the project will be finished before Christmas break. “What’s going to happen on the short term is as soon as they fix this one area where they’ve had to knock up the concrete and redo it and they get the rest of the concrete poured, then a lot of this fencing will come down and the students will be able to walk the way they’re used to. There won’t be a fence separating Old Main on this side. I think in two weeks, a lot of fence is coming down and it will be a lot better.” For more information on this story, including a rendering and interviews, visit theflareonline.com
KILGORE SCREEN PRINTING CO.
n Employee Spotlight recognized 10 KC employees who are taking the lead on the Jenzebar software conversion. n Dr. Staci Martin presented a student success update highlighting graduation rates, which were 19.5 percent for first time, full time students who were in school from 2011-2014. n Dr. Julie Fowler presented a rendering of improvements to the KC Longview campus, including a restaurant for culinary arts students. n Tax rate for 2015 was increased to 17.5 percent. The rate had previously not been raised in seven years. n Audio recordings of the board meetings, as well as the minutes, will now be availiable online. “I think It’s a good move. It’ll be a good thing to have out there for the public,” said board president Larry Woodfin. n KC Presidential search “now officialy open,” said trustee Karol Pruett.
WE PRINT T-SHIRTS& MORE
601 A E. MAIN (903) 983-1480
Phi Theta Kappa Awareness week began Monday, Sept. 14 and wraps up today. PTK is a National Honor Society. According to their website, their mission is to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. PTK was founded in 1918. There are more than 1,285 chapters around the world. To be eligible for membership, students must complete 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an associate’s
degree and a grade average of 3.5. KC’s PTK organization added 251 new members this semester. Invitations to join have been sent out. If you have any information about the qualifications or if you met the qualifications and didn’t get a invite, contact Michele Daniels or co-adviser Dr. Paul Buchanan. At last week’s meeting, the PTK parking spot rafffle winners were announced. They are Todd McDonald, Longview sophomore and Shelby Martin, Henderson sophomore. The next meeting will be 5:15 pm Monday, Sept. 28 in the CA Building. Pizza and drinks will be served.
S.A.F.F.E. Day fun for everyone Kilgore Fire to host Special Abilities Family Fun Event this weekend KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor The fourth annual S.A.F.F.E. Day will be held today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in downtown Kilgore. S.A.F.F.E. stands for Special Abilities Family Fun Event. S.A.F.F.E. Day will focus on people with special needs and abilities enjoying fun, family-oriented free activities. It is hosted by the Kilgore Fire Department.
On Friday, performing artists Richard Hight and Chagy the Clown will perform at First Baptist Church Kilgore. Hight is a visual artist and will create two pieces of original art during his presentation. Chagy the Clown has performed everywhere from churches to stadiums. The show is free and open to all special abilities participants and their family and care givers. It will be held in the fellowship hall in the church.
KC POLICE BEAT 9/7/15 - 9/14/15 Kilgore College Police Department is a 24-hour, fully licensed police unit dedicated to serving and protecting the students, faculty, staff and visitors of KC. For assistance at any time, call 903-983-(8650). These are some of the issues KCPD responded to this week. n 9/7/15 – KCPD responded to an argument between roommates. The incident was turned over to KC administration. n 9/12/15 – Shots were fired off campus, but in the nearby vicinity. KPD investigated the shots with KCPD lending a hand.
On Saturday, the events will be mostly fire service and safety oriented. These include hose spraying to put out fires, rides in fire trucks, safety puppet shows and fire obstacle courses. Other events include face painting, free food and other entertainment. Last year, about 2,500 people attended. All events are modified so that everyone, no matter what their ability, can participate in some way. Former Kilgore resident
and filmmaker Chip Hale will be filming the event for an upcoming documentary. The Student Government Association will also be attending and volunteering. Event sponsors include Ambucs of East Texas, Martin Midstream Partners and Region 7 Education Service Centers For more information, contact the Kilgore Fire Department administration at 903-988-4112 or on the S.A.F.F.E. Day Facebook page.
THE FLARE ONLINE Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @theflareonline www.theflareonline.com
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
NEWS
‘...A man’s man...’ Former oilfield hand finds calling as KC cosmetology student LUCY LOPEZ Staff Writer Twenty years ago, it would have been hard to convince Adam Smith he would ever trade his tool belt and work boots for scissors and hair clippers. But after working in construction and the oilfield for years, Smith has now joined the cosmetology department to pursue a barber-ship. He is one of three male students in the program this year. “Getting older, my body started wearing down,” Smith said. “I’ve been cutting people’s hair for the last couple of years. One day I was walking away from cutting someone’s hair and I heard God tell me ‘this is what I want you to do with your life’.” Despite initially facing some obstacles before enrolling at KC, Smith was not deterred from pursuing his calling. “I applied to a couple of schools and they were really expensive, even with grants and loans,” Smith said. “Doors kept on being shut in my face until I wound up here.” Although Smith only planned to study men’s haircuts, he has found himself learning a variety of other things within the cosmetology field. He now plans to dwell in women’s haircuts as well. “Right now, we are learning how to braid and it is tough,” Smith said. “Some of it is not my thing, like working with nails, but I enjoy working with different aspects. I think it will be a very good learning process for me to have a better allaround understanding of a person’s head, feelings, and what really is Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE
involved in doing a woman’s hair. I had no idea it was so involved.” While speaking about his experience in the program, Smith offers insight into the different perspective he brings to the plate, being one of the few male students. “I’m completely a man’s man and coming here, trying to do braids and learning to be delicate is a whole different world for me,” Smith said. “I painted a woman’s nails the other day and that was the first time I had ever picked up nail polish. The women can see that I am so brand new and green at this, and understand that it is not so easy. It takes time to get used to. The whole interaction and process is really an art.” Cosmetology director Joyce Sperlich encourages male students out there who may be hesitant to not be afraid of joining the program. “There are more males out there than what we realize,” Sperlich said. When we go out to hair shows and things like that it is usually the male that is up on stage. I feel like it is a plus to have a male in the department. It takes them a full year to graduate and we have seen the good bad and the ugly, but we are here to encourage them.” As for Smith, he plans on continuing his career in cosmetology for as long as he is able to, after he graduates from KC. “I will probably work six months to a year at someone’s salon and then eventually go into opening my own shop,” Smith said. “I would like to open a shop maybe somewhere in Dallas and move out there. I do love Longview as well, and if God tells me to stay, I will.
Adam Smith trades his toolbelt for clippers after deciding to pursue a new career path through the cosmetology program at KC-Longview.
Win cash for smashing pumpkins DUSTIN TAYLOR Staff Writer The annual event that sees pumpkins flying through the air is almost upon us. Kilgore College
Chunkapaloo za P u m p k i n C h u n k i n g Contest is set for 2 p.m. on October 10 for its third year. “Chunkapalooza started off a pumpkin
c h u n k i n g contest,” said Dr. Karl Steddom, instructor at KC who came up with the idea to hold the event. “But it’s also a pumpkin patch, an opportunity
for students to show off some of the things they’ve been working on.” Last year, early education offered face painting for children that attended the
event. This year, hayrides and other sources of entertainment will be offered. “We’ll have people from Texas A&M that will be doing demonstrations,”
Steddom said. “We’re hoping to get culinary arts out this year to do some cooking demonstrations with fresh herbs. We’re trying to get as many people from campus
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
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SPORTS
Rangers take down the Drillers KC thrashes Texas A&T 49-14; now ranked 15th in polls DEVIN BROOKS Sports Editor The KC Rangers rebounded from last week’s 42-28 loss to Georgia Military College, by thrashing the Texas A&T Drillers 49-14. KC couldn’t afford to go 1-2 in the first three games of the season and they made sure that they wouldn’t. This win moves the 15th ranked KC Rangers to 2-1 on the young season. KC wasted no time getting on a roll. The KC defense forced a punt on their first possession giving the Rangers good field position
to start the game. The KC offense took full advantage of it. Backup quarterback Josh Bolfing got the start for the game, but Cameron Martin would also get his time later in the game. After Bolfing led the offense down the field, he hooked up with reliable receiver Joe Lewis for a 29-yard touchdown. Jack Rodgers was in for kicker Troy Duran and he made the extra point making the score 7-0 with 10:53 left in the opening quarter. KC would score again late in the first quarter when running back Martinez Syria rumbled
into the endzone for a four yard touchdown making the score 14-0. KC would score three more times in the second quarter making the score 35-0. The most impressive of the three scores happened midway through the second quarter when Demontrai Lewis sacked Texas A&T quarterback Jamil Golden for a huge loss, while he was in the process of bringing Golden down he fumbled the football and linebacker Eric Harrell scooped up the fumble and ran it 20 yards into the end-zone for a KC touchdown.
Markell Sprigner scored the other two touchdowns in the second quarter with two and 14 yard touchdown runs. Texas A&T had a chance to score before the half, but the KC defense stopped them dead in their tracks on the goal-line just before the quarter expired. KC led at halftime 35-0. Both teams scored twice in the second half. KC scored on two rushing touchdowns courtesy of quarterback Martin and running back Syria making the score 4914. KC ran the ball most of the second half and it worked out just like they
predicted. The KC defense played a key role in the victory. It sacked the Texas A&T quarterbacks seven times during this game. Ladarrin Anthony, Lewis, Dequentin Osbourne, and Harrell are some that got to the quarterback all throughout the game. They also held the Texas A&T passing attack to 76 yards. The KC offense played a very solid game. The rushing unit had 35 carries for 190 yards and five touchdowns. Syria had 10 carries for 53 yards and two touchdowns while Springer had 11
carries for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterbacks Bolfing and Martin combined went 23-30, 235 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and one rushing touchdown. KC will host Trinity Valley Community College in it’s first conference game of the season. TVCC is 2-2 on the season, but are very capable of turning that around in a flash. KC looks to avenge the two losses that they suffered versus TVCC last season, Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
ABOVE: Running back Martinez Syria hangs in the air after he leaped over multiple Driller defenders. Syria rushed for 53 yards on 10 carries and two tough touchdowns during the game.
LEFT: Sophomore Wide Receiver Joe Lewis extends over a Texas A&T defender to catch a 29-yard touchdown pass that was thrown from backup quarterback Josh Bolfing. After the game the KC Rangers moved up one spot in the national polls. The team is now ranked 15th going into the Trinity Valley Community College match-up.
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
Saturday Night Lights Rangers to take aim at Cardinals RICHARD NGUYEN Page Editor Coming off their most convincing win of the season, the Rangers look toward their 96th meeting against the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. The Cardinal’s highpowered offense is leading the National Junior College Athletic Association in yards per game, passing yards, and points scored. They average 62.5 points per game in its first four games, second only to Nassau Community College. TVCC quarterback Jerod Evans has tossed a NJCAA leading 15 touchdowns and will lead his team against a stout Ranger defense. Evans was the backup quarterback for TVCC last season to Kyle Postma. Evans played in the playoff game vs KC and destroyed the Ranger defense. He went 20-30 with 311 yards and threw for six touchdowns. He also ran for 80 yards. Evans is a more seasoned quarterback now, but so is the Ranger defense and they will look to put a top on him.
The Ranger defense stands by its front seven to make big plays for them. Eric Harrell, Ricci Simmons, Demontrai Lewis, and Dequentin Osbourne have had a huge impact on the defensive side if the ball this season. Leading the back end of the defense is sophomore corner Jerrell Skyes who is tied for second in the country with three interceptions. This game will be the third time the two teams have met in the past two years with the advantage to the Cardinals 2-0. However,
both games played last s e a s o n were played in Athens on the Cardinals home turf. Despite t h e Cardinal’s q u i c k s t r i k e offense, t h e i r defense has given up an average of 56.8 points a game. This bodes well for a KC offense that has struggled all year to find a consistent groove. The Cardinals started the season 0-2 losing to Nassau Community College 66-56 and Tyler Junior College 71-64. They countered those two losses by getting two wins in the last two weeks. They were victorious against Navarro College with a score of 72-50 and they beat Cisco College 5840. One thing TVCC seems to do well this season is score. Their lowest scoring output this year so far is 56
which is a score that teams don’t surpass very often in a single game. The Rangers will look to establish their run game early with their two-headed running attack led by Martinez Syria and Markell Sprigner. Syria and Springer both scored two touchdowns last week against Texas A&T. The Rangers have used the run game as their main source of offense, scoring a NJCAA leading 17 times on the ground this year. The Cardinal offense has turned the ball over twice all year. This will test a ballhawking Ranger defense that has forced a turnover in every game this year. KC’s offense will have to limit its conference leading 11 turnovers against TVCC if they want to keep up with an offense that seemingly scores every possession. This game is set-up to be an important contest between two teams with playoff aspirations. KC was defeated by TVCC last season 52-35 during the regular season and 55-35 in the playoffs. The Rangers will look to ride the ship and get a monumental win at home this Saturday.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
6
E N T E R TA I N M E N T ‘Doctor Who’ in theaters brings sci-fi excitement
I
Photo from Google Images
SEPTEMBER CONCERTS AT THE BACK PORCH n LANDRY AND CO - Fri., Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
n WHAT THE FUNK!? - Fri., Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
n CODY WAYNE AND WESTBOUND 21 Sat., Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
n LADY CHAZZ AND THE TRAMPS - Sat., Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
n RIO- Wed., Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
n KEITH REA - Wed., Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor
have been a Whovian, a fan of BBC cult television show “Doctor Who”, for a decade. Naturally, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see the show’s season eight two part finale, “Dark Water/ KATHRYN AGEE Death in Heaven,” in Executive 3D at Regal Cinemas in Editor Longview on Sept. 15. When I first watched the show, it impressed me with its cool visuals, weird storylines and charismatic star David Tennant as the Doctor. It was exciting, interesting, funny and glouriously sci-fi. I was hooked. Little did I know what a wormhole of fandom I had been sucked into. “Doctor Who” is the longest running science fiction show ever, the first episode premiering in 1963. It follows the adventures of an immortal time traveler called “The Doctor” because of the use of his powers to help others. The show instantly became a part of British pop culture. In 2005, the show was updated with a bigger budget and new creative control. It was shown on BBC America and the Sci Fi channel in the U.S. After 40 years, it became not only a mainstay of British culture, but American as well. Because of this, Fathom Events decided to show the season eight finale episodes in theaters, along with a short season nine prequel clip and an interview with stars Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, hosted by Wil Wheaton. Before going to the theater, I brushed up on my Whovian fandom by watching season eight. I only had enough free time to watch the first episode. I got worried. If I went to see the finale in theaters, would I be able to follow the plot? I decided to take my chances and catch up on the rest of the season later. Before the film, triva and facts about the show were displayed on screen. There were about 40 people in the theater, and with tickets costing $20, there were definitely more attendees than I expected. I sat down with my popcorn and Coke and waited for the show to start. After a message saying to put on the 3D glasses, the show began. It was worth attending just to see the amazing title sequence of the show in 3D. Layers upon layers of gears and clocks and time vortexes
made the already intricate intro look amazingly epic. One of the great things about the show is that although each individual season has an arc that ties the episodes together, a person can start with any episode and will still be able to follow the plot and relate to the characters. My worries of not being able to understand what was going on were quickly forgotten. One thing that defines the character of the Doctor is his ability to regenerate when near death, changing the look of his body and personality. This allows the show to recast the character when necessary. Season eight is the first season to feature actor Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. Many people had reservations when he was cast in the role, as actor Matt Smith had popularized it in the U.S. The attendees in the theater seemed to have no problem with Capaldi or his portrayal of the Doctor, and neither do I. He brings a seriousness and intensity to the role, yet still comes across as a concerned and caring friend to his time traveling companion, Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman. In the first few minutes of the episode, their long friendship is tested. The amount of kindness and forgiveness the Doctor shows Clara is heartwarming, and made his portrayal of the character one of my favorites. Coleman as Clara is spunky and fierce, both challenging the Doctor and bringing out his hesitant compassion. Unfortunately, the next season will be her last on the show, and will be missed by many fans. Michelle Gomez is both hilarious and frightening as Missy, a woman destined to keep the Doctor and Clara together. She uses her mystique to lure and frighten the Doctor. Her personality and looks resemble a psychotic version of Mary Poppins. Fans will be surprised and delighted by this finale. It brings back old foes, including the menacing Cybermen, cyborgs whose metallic suits resemble a gray version of Iron Man’s. It’s hard to say much else without spoiling the whole season, but any “Doctor Who” fan will love it, and those who have never seen one episode of the show will be pleasantly surprised any possibly find a new show to binge-watch. “Doctor Who: Season Eight” is available on DVD, blu ray, and can be streamed on Netflix. Season nine will premiere at 9 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 19 on BBC America.
UPCOMING FATHOM EVENTS AT REGAL CINEMAS IN LONGVIEW n TCM PRESENTS PSYCHO - Sun., Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wed., Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
n THE MET OPERA: OTELLO - Sat., Oct. 17 at 11:55 a.m. and Wed., Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
n SAN FRANCISCO BALLET: ROMEO AND JULIET - Thurs., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.
n ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER - Thurs., Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
n JUST LET GO: A NIGHT OF FORGIVENESS - Mon., Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
n TCM PRESENTS DRACULA DOUBLE FEATURE - Sun., Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wed., Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
n ROGER WATERS THE WALL - Tues., Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. n THE IRON GIANT: SIGNATURE EDITION - Wed., Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 4 at noon n RIFFTRAX: MIAMI CONNECTION Thurs., Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. and Tues., Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. n THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY EXTENDED EDITION - Mon., Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. n THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG EXTENDED EDITION - Wed., Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. n THE WHO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. n THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES EXTENDED EDITION Tues., Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. n NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: HAMLET Thurs., Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.
n CHONDA PIERCE: LAUGHING IN THE DARK - Tues., Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. n THE MET OPERA: TANNHAUSER - Sat., Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. and Wed., Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. n THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - Tues., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. n THE MET OPERA: LULU - Sat., Nov. 21 at 11:30 a.m. and Wed., Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. n TCM PRESENTS ROMAN HOLIDAY Sun., Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Tues., Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. n RIFFTRAX: SANTA AND THE ICE CREAM BUNNY - Thurs. Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.Tues., Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. n THE MET OPERA: THE MAGIC FLUTE Sat., Dec. 12 at 12:55 p.m. n TCM PRESENTS MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET - Sun., Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wed., Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Hunter Lohr/THE FLARE Country music singer/songwriter Chris Colston performs his music on Saturday night at The Back Porch.
“Netflix and chill”: Entertainment on our own terms MEAGHAN MORTON Staff Writer
V
ideo streaming websites have become more popular since 2007, when Netflix began to stream television shows and movies that are able to be viewed from a personal computer. Netflix has become so popular that just saying the internet meme “Netflix and chill,” is the same as asking a person to come over and watch a movie. According to CBS News, Netflix has over 62 million users, roughly 56 million MEAGHAN more than competing MORTON video streaming site Hulu. Staff Writer According to a survey taken by CBS News, more than 2,000 U.S. consumers spent more of their time watching Netflix than traditional television. But why do people, “Netflix and chill?” Entertainment.
Some of the first entertainment that involved media with sound or visuals were the very first movies introduced in the 1890’s. Movies were under a minute long and could only be seen in theaters. Most of the time consumers would go to the movies to escape the realness of the world around them, just like consumers do today. Movies and chill? Ever since the discovery of communication with radio in the 19th century, and it eventually being broadcasted and used for entertainment and information purposes, families have gathered around to listen. Technically, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s popular Fireside Chats could be considered, “radio and chill.” Soon, stations that broadcasted commercial television began to emerge, giving families moving pictures to watch in their own homes. Furniture was now moved from facing the middle of the room to facing the television. People with televisions back then believed that television time was family time. Unlike many families today, that believe it is quite the opposite.
Then the internet came into play. With this new technology, there were vast amount of possibilities. Almost anything can be done on the internet including shopping, coming up with new craft ideas and touring a building. One of the most popular things to do is stream video with services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and many others. Out of these, YouTube is the most popular. YouTube is known for its short videos that usually last around 5 minutes and give viewers as much entertainment, if not more, than some movies. Although you are able to purchase and watch movies on Youtube, Netflix, is known for having several seasons of favorite shows and many classic and recent movies. Some would say that comparing the two sites is impossible. One of the biggest differences between Netflix and Youtube is user interaction. On YouTube, users are able to communicate with the video makers directly on the video by commenting or posting a video response, where on Netflix you cannot. While YouTube is more popular in site
visits and usage, you never hear the term, “YouTube and chill,” or, “television and chill.” “Netflix and chill” is a staple of the current generation and shows how much media influences the lives of its younger consumers.
Photo from Google Images
OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
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Uncensored History Do you find the Confederate flag offensive? Photos by Kaelie Wike / THE FLARE
YOUR VIEW
“No, because it is a part of history, and the blood and tears shed. It’s America!” Megan Lohr Gladewater sophomore
“No, because it represents rebelling [against] the government.” Everett Fears Longview freshman
“No. I don’t take part in politics.”
“I find the confederate flag offensive because to me it represents the oppression and destruction of my ancestors.” Makayla Means Longview freshman
Tiffany Johnson/ THE FLARE
H
Mason Myers Winona sophomore
eritage and hatred. Two words most people associate with the Confederate flag. After its tumultuous history, is the flag necessary anymore? The Confederate battle flag was never used as an official flag for the Confederacy. It only came into prominence after the South lost the war, when it was used to commemorate Confederate veterans and fallen soldiers. In 1948, it became the symbol of the Dixiecrat party, a segregationist group, and was used by the Ku Klux Klan. After integration, the flag has morphed into a pop culture icon representing the South and Southern culture in general. The hatred behind the flag has been forgotten to most who associate it with Southern heritage. According to a 2011 Pew Research Center poll, 58 percent of Americans feel neutral about the Confederate flag’s display. However, the poll showed that African-Americans and the highly educated were more likely to perceive the flag negatively. The controversy over the display of the Confederate flag is not new, but has been a staple of the media since this June, when gunman Dylan Roof killed nine African-Americans at a church Bible study in Charleston, SC. Pictures surfaced of Roof embracing the flag, which led to activists calling for the flag’s removal from Capitol grounds.
Facebook exploded with posts of those supporting both the display and the ban of the flag. Online retailer Amazon removed Confederate flag merchandise from its site. The show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ was pulled from TV Land’s schedule. It seemed as if parts of history and pop culture were being censored and erased, like in the novel ‘1984.’ The Confederate flag is a part of Southern history and heritage, but that does not mean it is always a legacy to be proud of or embraced. This also does not mean that the history behind it should be forgotten or ignored. The flag should be viewed in a historical context and should not be banned outright. People should be able to learn about what the flag originally stood for and symbolized, how its use changed throughout history and pop culture, and then decide for themselves whether or not they support the display of it. If we live in a world where Lynyrd Skynyrd album covers have to be censored, we have gone too far. Context is everything, and anyone can take a symbol that means something to others and use it negatively or positively. The issues surrounding the Confederate flag are varied and complex, and mean different things to different people. Only continuing education and awareness of the history of the flag will determine whether or not it will be banned someday.
God Bless Texas and Whataburger Chicken Biscuits
I
am not from Texas. If you cant tell by my overuse of “like” but lack of “y’all” and dislike of sweet tea, I am from California. I may do and say some things differently, but after living in Texas for seven years, I consider myself an honorary Texan. Let me be completely TAYLOR honest. I love California, but STEWART Staff Writer there is no way I would move
The Flare
back. Mainly because of one thing. That one thing is called a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit from Whataburger. I mean, how can you not love Whataburger? It’s open 24/7, so you can get fast food at any hour. I also love Inn-Out Burger (totally a California thing), but to me, they are total opposites. There are plenty of other reasons, of course. You won’t ever hear a “yeah” or “nope” from Texans. You almost always hear a “yes ma’am” and “no sir”. Texas pride is an entirely different story. If you mess with Texas, those “yes ma’am/no sirs” will turn into a “bless your heart,” one of the most
intense insults of the South. How about this Texas CULTure called football? Don’t get me wrong, I loved the Friday Night Lights in high school, but with that being said, how come football is so popular here and not in other states? Also, in California, we had homecoming dances. Not bring a date to a football game with a “mum” bigger than your head celebrations. You should have seen my reaction as an 8th grader when someone asked me if I had a date to a “special” football game. Ask any child in a Texas school to draw the state flag. I guarantee they can do it. Perfectly.
VOL. 79, NO.3 n Friday, September 18, 2015 Copyright 2015, The Flare. All rights reserved.
2013 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • 2014 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kathryn Agee
PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett
PAGE EDITORS Hunter Lohr Richard Nguyen
ADVISER Rachel Stallard
SPORTS EDITOR Devin Brooks
ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Stewart STAFF WRITERS Elijah Banks, Max Cervantes, Madeline Greene, Alex Jacobo, Lucy Lopez, Ajani McCoy, Meaghan Morton, Nick Shelley, Taylor Stewart, Dustin Taylor and Kayla Terrazas PHOTOGRAPHERS Tiffani Branch, Michael Brown, Lacey Bunn, Jessica Carrington, E’Lexus Hodge, Tiffany Johnson, Hunter Lohr and Richard Nguyen. Tina Reed, Kaelie Wike
Mainly because there is a Texas flag on almost every corner in every town. There is even a Pledge to the Texas flag; I had to learn that when I first moved here. Every morning in class, you did the pledge of allegiance followed by the pledge to the Texas flag. It was kind of refreshing knowing how much pride Texans have. I love Texas. I love everything about Texas. I am so glad I moved here. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. God Bless Texas.
LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
F E AT U R E S
Grandparents enjoy annual Early Childhood Center Picnic
Lacey Bunn / THE FLARE
Tina Reed / THE FLARE
Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
Carla Nault, Blakely Nault, and Pat Nault, take a selfie at ECC picnic.
Gabe Arp, shares a sack lunch with aunt Tracy Herron and baby-sitter Susie Halbert.
Tina Reed / THE FLARE
Harper Warner shows her grandmother, Theresa Rhodes, the paper heart she made for her. Tina Reed / THE FLARE
Easton Henry counts as his friends hide during a game of hide-and-seek.