Issue 13 2-7-14 by The Flare

Putting it on the line TDEA awards Wayne with Lifetime Achievement Award ELLEN REID Staff Writer Shelley Wayne, assistant director and choreographer of the Rangerettes, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Dance Educators Association. The award is given annually to a dance educator with at least 15 years of service who exhibits a true dedication toward the advancement of dance/drill team. Wayne, a native of Houston, attended KC and was a Rangerette from 1985-1987. She served as a lieutenant and a member of the Swingsters. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in 1991, Wayne directed a high school drill team for one year before accepting the job at KC in

1993 as the assistant director and choreographer for the Rangerettes — a job she has held since. Other dance successes for Wayne include teaching National Cheerleaders Association Superstar Drill Team, an elite dance group (1985-1993); Starmakers Dance and Performance Camps (1994-2003); and co-owning Encore Creative Productions, a dance/drill team company specializing in private instruction, summer camps and leadership training. Wayne earned her master’s in education in 2000 from the University of Texas at Tyler, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012 and is a member of the Rangerettes Forever alumni organization. Wayne will be honored at the 2015 TDEA convention for her accomplishment.

The Flare

Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE

Shelley Wayne has been given the Lifetime Achievement Award from TDEA.

Friday, February 7, 2014 Vol. 77 No. 13 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

A cut above TORY VAN BLARCUM • Features Editor

Cosmetology department offers free hair, nail and face treatments

n need of a fresh set of nails, pedicure or new hairstyle but can’t afford it? One solution could be one of KC’s best kept secrets – the cosmetology department on the Longview campus. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations ranks the school number one in the state of Texas for cosmetology schools, according to Joyce Manger, director of the cosmetology program. The department offers free haircuts, hairstyles, manicures and pedicures to any student, faculty or staff member. To receive services, appointments must be made. Perms, relaxers and hair coloring are also offered at a discounted price. Senior discounts are given to people age 62 and over who are not students, staff or faculty. The department is offering a Valentine’s Day special. Students, faculty and staff can bring in a friend and get the same service for the price of one. The lab is fully stocked with every kind of chemical, polish, relaxer and anything else cosmetology students would need for treating someone’s hair, skin or nails. The lab area has 60 stations along with a wash station, manicure area, pedicure area and a room for skin care. Students going through the program have to complete a total of 1,500 hours before graduating. The first 500 hours (three months) are spent in the classroom learning all the basics of hair, skin and nails. Although students are only required to take 150 classroom hours by the state of Texas, Magner wants her students well prepared. “We want students to have confidence in themselves,”

Magner said. Every hairstylist is trained to do hair, facials, manicures and pedicures. Students are required to recognize all chemicals and skin diseases, along with performing practicals on mannequins. There are a total of 103 students currently enrolled, with nine instructors teaching and guiding them. There are also 34 high school students from surrounding schools taking the courses as a dual credit. Although they are in high school, the dual credit students still go through the same process as college students. Before students go to the actual department, they must participate in the precosmetology program, which offers five courses to teach them how to manage and work in a salon. “It’s nice, and makes them aware of the seriousness of being a professional,” Magner said. The classes students go through are usually businessoriented that relate to cosmetology. See HAIRCUTS on Page 6

Tory Van Blarcum / THE FLARE

Joe Jones, Longview sophomore, works on a client’s buzz cut during lab hours. Services are available Monday through Friday.

SPORTS UPDATE PAGE 5

Rangers defeat TJC to go to 11-2 in conference. Lady Rangers fall short to TJC, 65-60.

ONLINE

Get the latest scores, schedules, news and video online at

The Flare

Holda receives 3-year contract but not without opposition MAEGAN MITCHELL Senior Writer KC President Dr. Bill Holda will remain with the college until at least 2017 after his contract was extended by a 6-3 vote at the Jan. 13 meeting. “I really didn’t choose this. This summer, during the board retreat, I was asked if I would accept a three-year contract if it was offered to me,” Holda said. “I said yes.” Holda is in his 39th year at KC, 18 of which he has served as president. However, the three-year contract renewal was not passed without opposition from three trustees: Joe Carrington, Carlos “Scooter” Griffin Jr. and Brian Nutt. “It is my understanding that Dr. Holda has requested a one-year contract for the past 18 years,” Carrington said. “I did not feel comfortable voting for a three-year contract until I actually could review the document itself since this was such a big change from prior years.” In an email interview, Holda stated all nine

trustees received a copy of his current contract. The Longview News Journal quoted Holda as saying the only change that was made to his contract was the end date for his presidency. Additionally, Holda has never asked for a longterm contract for any of his 38 renewals. Trustee Griffin also voted against the renewal for a similar reason. “I had not seen evidence compelling me to vote otherwise as the motion read along with the discussion heard,” Griffin said. Nutt, who also voted against the contract, declined to respond. “I do not feel comfortable responding to questions regarding Dr. Holda’s contract renewal,” Nutt said. “My reason for voting ‘no’ are numerous...” Holda said board members have been invited to submit changes they would like to see to the contract, which will be sent to the college’s attorney who will manage the process. “One or two of the trustees said that they wanted See HOLDA on Page 6

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

The Flare

PA G E

NOTEBOOK

Feb. 7 – Feb. 22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 KC ART SYMPOSIUM 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom/Van Cliburn Auditorium KC SOFTBALL CLASSIC; RANGER SOFTBALL VS. ELLSWORTH 2 p.m., Stream-Flo Field SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 KC SOFTBALL CLASSIC; RANGER SOFTBALL VS. MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m., Stream-Flo Field LADY RANGERS BASKETBALL VS. PANOLA COLLEGE 2 p.m., Masters Gym RANGERS BASKETBALL VS. PANOLA COLLEGE 4 p.m., Masters Gym SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 KC SOFTBALL CLASSIC; RANGER SOFTBALL VS. INDEPENDENCE 1 p.m., Stream-Flo Field KC SOFTBALL CLASSIC; RANGER SOFTBALL VS. CISCO COLLEGE 3 p.m., Stream-Flo Field MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 EXCELLERATE COURSES (12 WEEKS) Feb. 10 - May 9 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 TEXAS TECH RECRUITER VISITING 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Devall Student Center RANGER SOFTBALL VS. HILL COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Hillsboro RANGER BASKETBALL VS. TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 7 p.m., Athens

FACE IN THE CROWD

Chelsea Irving What is your dream job? Definitely something artistic like a designer or an actress. I was in a play with Artsview Children’s Theatre last semester and I sort of caught the acting bug! What do you think you might like to study? Well, since I am undecided, I’m not sure! But I know since I am an artist at heart, I want to major in some sort of art. I’m just not exactly sure what yet. How did you choose KC? Since I grew up and graduated from high school here, it was sort of a no-brainer. But I wanted to stay close to home and save money as well. If you transfer, where will you transfer to? I am definitely leaning toward going to UT-Tyler because, like I said earlier, I want to stay close to home. But I am not opposed to other options as well! What are some of your other interests, talents and hobbies? I love all things musical. I sing all the time (and probably annoy

people around me). Literally anywhere. I am not opposed to embarrassing myself in public. I also love dancing and acting. I love film, though. Movies are my passion. That’s probably why I’ve worked at a theater for almost three years now! It’s been an amazing experience. I love it. What is something not a lot of people know about you? Something not a lot of people know about me is I love to be alone. I am a very independent person and it’s when I feel most like me. I love having a night to myself and light a few candles, just chill. Maybe watch a movie or two. It’s very therapeutic for me. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself married (hopefully!) and having a job that I love. That’s more important to me than having tons of money. Happiness is the key to life. And I hope to have a few little ones running around as well! Children are the epitome of happiness. That would be my perfect future.

Age: 20 Undecided

Sophomore Kilgore Sara Holmes / THE FLARE

Blackout: Officials have plan DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor A campus-wide power outage on Jan. 14, left students without power for around four hours. According to Rick Murphy, who is in charge of physical plantmaintenance, a bracket that fell off of a piece of equipment at the AEP power substation, located south of the bowling alley on Hwy. 259 south, caused an electrical short and subsequently cut off power to a large part of the city of Kilgore, as well as the entire KC campus. The

power remained disconnected from 7:52 p.m. until just after midnight. The Rave Alert System, which is intended to warn KC students of pending or current emergencies, was not put to use. According to Mike Jenkins, vice president of student development, sending out a Rave Alert message without having sufficient information about when the power would be back on would have “simply stated the obvious,” that the electricity was out. Officials decided such a message was unnecessary. In response to the blackout, KCPD

increased patrol around the campus, and staff members of residential life were available to offer assistance as needed within the residence halls. If such an occurrence happens again, and perhaps for a longer amount of time, KC officials do have a plan of action. For long-term power-outages, and in cases where residential halls experience building damage, the Devall Student Center Ballroom and Masters Gym would be utilized as temporary housing. Parks Fitness Center would be accessible for used for showers and restroom facilities.

TRiO has slots for qualified students

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 LIFE LINE SCREENING 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., DSC Ballroom FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 KILGORE COMMUNITY CONCERT (“BACH TO THE FUTURE”) 7 p.m., Dodson Auditorium KC RETIREES’ VALENTINES LUNCHEON 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom RANGER SOFTBALL (MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT) TBA, Waco

First-generation, low-income, disabled eligible DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 TWIRLER CLINIC 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., various buildings LADY RANGER BASKETBALL VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 2 p.m., Paris RANGER BASKETBALL VS. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 4 p.m., Paris RANGER SOFTBALL (MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT) TBA, Waco WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. GRAYSON COUNTY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Denison LADY RANGER BASKETBALL VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 5:30 p.m., Masters Gym RANGER BASKETBALL VS. BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 7:30 p.m., Masters Gym THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 TRIO - THE CLASSIC MURDER MYSTERY 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., DSC Ballroom 20TH CLASS DAY LAST DAY FOR REFUNDS ON ANY AND ALL DROPS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 RANGER SOFTBALL CLASSIC VS. TBD Noon, Stream-Flo Field STUDENT SERVICES STAFF PLANNING DAY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 RANGER SOFTBALL CLASSIC VS. GRAYSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE 11 a.m., Stream-Flo Field RANGER SOFTBALL CLASSIC VS. HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m., Stream-Flo Field LADY RANGER BASKETBALL VS. PANOLA COLLEGE 4 p.m., Carthage RANGER BASKETBALL VS. NAVARRO COLLEGE 7 p.m., Corsicana

The KC food service provider, Aramark, also has contingency plans for such instances, which include providing the campus with non-cooked meals such as sandwiches, chips, etc. and/or providing hot foods from nearby college campuses where Aramark provides services. “Overall, we were fortunate that the power was only out a few hours,” Jenkins said. “Additionally, all reports indicate that our students stepped up and faced the inconvenience in a mature manner.”

TANKS FOR NOTHING

Sonia Garza/ THE FLARE

PTK raffles parking spots for fundraiser CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer Finding a place to park before class can be a hassle, leaving some students late to class. Parking spots fill up quickly, and students have to park further away if they do not show up early. Phi Theta Kappa will be raffling off a guaranteed parking spot

near the Bonnie Porter Business Administration Building and another one beside the Randolph C. Watson Library. Funds will go toward the PTK budget for their semester activities, such as scholarships and transportation to leadership conferences. Tickets can be purchased from PTK officers. Students can also buy tickets from

PTK holding holiday bake sale CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer Phi Theta Kappa will be holding a Valentine’s Day bake sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 12-13 in the Devall Student Center. The sale is a great place for last minute gifts or sweet treats. Baked goods, cards and carnations would be for sale.

Baked items and cards will cost 50 cents. Carnations will cost a dollar. Funds from the sale will go toward PTK activities throughout the semester, such as scholarships and transportation to leadership conferences. For more information contact Michele Daniels at 903-983-8621, or Paul Buchanan at 903-983-8253.

Michele Daniels, speech instructor, or Paul Buchanan, geology instructor. Tickets are $1 or six tickets for $5. PTK will be selling additional tickets during its bake sale, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 12-13 in the Devall Center. They will hold the drawing for winners on Valentines Day. For more information contact Daniels at 903-983-8621, or Buchanan at 903-983-8253.

Retiree lunch Feb. 14 JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer KC’s annual retirees Valentines Day luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 14 in the Devall Student Center ballroom. It is open to all KC retirees and their guests. Reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations call Jamerson at 903-983-8182 or email pjamerson@ kilgore.edu.

Openings are available in the TRiO program. Students who are firstgeneration college students, disabled and/or meets the financial “low income” bracket are eligible for membership. In addition to meeting one or more of the above qualifications, TRiO is looking for students who also will graduate from KC with their associates and transfer to a university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, and are eligible to enroll in O306, or higher, classes. Because the program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, eligible students must also be U.S. citizens, or permanent U.S. residents. The grant funds TRiO to support 160 students. There are currently 20 open positions. TRiO services include transfer counseling and campus visits to four-year universities, free tutoring, trips to cultural events, assistance with applying for federal financial aid, career counseling and mentoring, student leadership, workshops and individualized academic advising. The program also offers residential summer bridge classes for incoming freshmen. Acceptance into the program also opens access to a computer lab, sound recorder, graphing calculator and textbooks loans and study skill workshops to help with student success. Scholarship opportunities are available for TRiO members who are PELL grant recipients. Applications can be found online at http://www.kilgore. edu/trio.asp. Once applications have been submitted, students will be notified, via email, regarding their acceptance status and provided with the necessary steps to completing the registration process. For questions or more information contact TRiO director Bindy Tice at 903-9887590 or btice@kilgore.edu.

NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Adviser hopes to revive SGA soon CAMRON PORTLEY Staff Writer Even though Student Government Association is no longer active, Ross Costanzo still hopes to continue the program in the near future, and maybe even make way for bigger and better things for students. Costanzo, assistant director office of student life and the

adviser for SGA, believes the program can still be revived. The program has been inactive as of spring 2013, after former president Jerome Thomas left to join the Navy. “The purpose of SGA is to create a good environment for students, and make people want to come to KC,“ Costanzo said. But Costanzo needs more students who are willing to

dedicate time, interest, maintain a 2.5 GPA, ideas and a leader mentality. Not only are these students going to receive a great learning experience, but they could also receive scholarships and something valuable to put on their résumés. Costanzo not only wants to revive SGA, but also wants to start a class that would be taught by Scott Sellers, Kilgore city manager, who

was is willing to teach the class for free. The class will teach students basic marketing and business skills. Costanzo said he wants the class to be fun, but also teach the students important things they need to know. These plans are still in the works, but Costanzo still hopes to see these plans get accomplished. Costanzo is still looking forward

to finding students who show interest in SGA. He is willing to help the students any way he can, but he also wants students to come up with more ideas on their own. Costanzo said he does not want to leave KC until he has made an impression on the college or on students. To contact Costanzo call 903-9887504 or email rcostanzo@kilgore. edu.

Twirler workshop Feb. 15 ELLEN REID Staff Writer The eighteenth annual KC twirler workshop will be 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 15 at KC’s campus. Registration starts at 1 p.m. in Masters Gym, with kindergarten-12 grade able to attend. The cost is $40 per person at the door, or $30 per person with advanced registration, including tuition, a snack and a workshop T-shirt. In order to register in advance, go to the KC website and click on twirlers under the athletics and organizations tab. The deadline for advanced registration is Feb. 7. The attire asked to be worn is a T-shirt, shorts and aerobic tennis shoes only. Instructors for the workshop will be current and former KC twirlers, with the classes being in Masters Gym, the P.E. complex and the fitness center. Parents are welcome to attend the workshop showoffs at 4 p.m. in Masters Gym with demonstrations from all classes and the KC twirlers. For more information on the workshop call 903-983-8182 or email sransom@ kilgore.edu.

Students make their way into the Devall Student Center on a cold, rainy day. Temperatures are expected to warm slightly through the weekend.

SNA raising funds for trip DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor Members of the Student Nurses Association will be attending the 66th Annual SNA Convention in San Antonio, Feb. 13 through Feb. 15. The KC SNA is currently fundraising money to be donated at the convention. All money raised will benefit Guide Dogs of Texas. “What they do at

convention is called ‘Penny Wars’ between four regions of Texas: Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western. This year they are doing silver coins: quarters, nickels, etc.,” said Julie Blundell, faculty adviser for the SNA. “Our students have been saving coins and have a collection jar in the AT Building.” The convention features four main sessions, which all cover topics to help the attendees to be both better

POLICE REPORT

KCPD issues theft and trespassing warning CAMRON PORTLEY Staff Writer KCPD Chief Heath Cariker provided the following police reports: • On Jan. 28 a student reported his tuba mouthpiece was missing and possibly stolen. David Harris was the responding officer, and the mouthpiece has not been found.

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

JUST ANOTHER RAINY DAY

• On Jan. 30 a criminal trespassing warning was issued to a visitor. The visitor was reported harassing people in the Financial Aid and Counseling offices. Cariker, Lieutenant Tony Means, Corporal Charles Horton were the responding officers. The visitor was released with no charges and without further incident.

students and future nurses. Students will learn about parliamentary procedure and how to vote on newly proposed laws, as well as hear from guest speaker Mary Elizabeth Mancini. The new SNA state officers will also be elected at this time. Hospitals and healthcare organizations from across Texas will participate in the convention’s career walk Friday, Feb. 14 to conclude convention festivities.

Correction The story last week concerning Dr. Gerald Stanglin’s retirement should have stated that he and his wife stopped “going to church in our community,” not

altogether. Further the article should have stated that he wished to become involved with a “regional university.” The Flare regrets the errors.

Photographers Name / THE FLARE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

SPORT S

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Rangers win 63-56 over Apaches

No. 10 team faces Panola Saturday FROM STAFF REPORTS The KC Rangers improved to 11-2 in conference and 20-2 on the season with a 63-56 win over Tyler Junior College on the road Wednesday night. KC took a narrow 34-33 into the locker room at halftime but opened it up in the second half to take the victory. Kalif Wright had a strong night with 18 points, followed by

Jamarcus Weatherspoon with 12, including two three-pointers. Chris Gracela added eight points, while Jonathan Milligan, Tom “Bush” Wamukota and Aaron Dailey each had six points. Weatherspoon dominated on the boards with nine rebounds, while Wamukota added six. The Rangers face Panola at 4 p.m. in Masters Gym on Saturday in a conference match.

Rangers rally in second half to beat Lee, 77-71 BRANDON PEARL Staff Writer The KC Rangers beat Lee College on Feb. 4 in Masters Gym, 77-71. KC was down at halftime 34-31, shooting 13-38 from the field and hitting 3 of 12 three-pointers. Lee College was 14-31 from the field and 1 of 4 from the three-point line. The Rangers came out in the second half shooting 12-27 from the field. Lee College was 10-22 from the field, but the Rangers held on to the 77-71 win. Jonathan Milligan led the team in scoring with 18 points followed by Kalif Wright with 17 points. Wright led the team in rebounds with 10 followed by Chris Gracela and Aaron Dailey 5 rebounds. “It was a good win for our team at home. We made some good adjustments at halftime and we played better in the second half ” Coach Brain Hoberecht said. “We play TJC on Wednesday, and they play a lot of zone defense

too we will need to make some adjustments but not changes to our whole process.” |———| Here are the cumulative team leaders through Feb. 3. Stefan Moody leads the team in scoring averaging 18.1 points a game, followed by Jamarcus Weatherspoon with 14.6 points a game. Moody also leads the team in three-pointers with 47 of 128. He is followed by Chris Gracela with 31 of 85 three-pointers. Tom Wamukota leads the team in rebounds with 135 followed by Kalif Wright with 134 rebounds. The Rangers are shooting 51.3 percent from the field this season and 37.1 from the three-point line. Their opponents are 39.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from the three-point line. The Rangers have 821 rebounds on the season and average 39.1 a game while their opponents have 559 rebounds on the season and average 26.6 a game.

Kristopher Dobbins / THE FLARE

Stefan Moody goes for a layup against Lee College in Masters Gym. The Rangers face Tyler Junior College on Friday.

Lady Rangers lose on road Wednesday to TJC, 65-60 FROM STAFF REPORTS The Lady Rangers fell short Wednesday night in a road game to the Tyler Junior College Lady Apaches, 65-60, despite taking a four-point halftime lead. The loss drops the Lady Rangers to 5-7 in conference play and 11-10 on the season. TJC outscored KC 40-31 in the second half to secure the victory. Four Lady Rangers were in double-digits in scoring. Imaobong Akpan led scorers with 13 points, followed by Danesha Richardson with 12; Alexis Hill with 11 and Pre’Franz Dominick with 10. Akpan added nine rebounds while Richardson had eight boards as did Macy De’Gruy. Da’Moneyco Spivey and Hill each had three steals. Malena Washington led TJC players with 16 points. The Lady Rangers return home at 2 p.m. Saturday to play Panola in Masters Gym.

KC splits pair in action last week DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer The KC Lady Rangers split the two conference games that they played in the past week. They defeated the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners, 61-52, and lost to the Blinn College Lady Buccaneers 92-88 on Saturday. KC played Blinn Saturday, and were unable to complete a nearly impossible comeback. They ended up losing by just four points, but were behind by double digits with under 10 minutes to play in the game. Blinn easily made their way into the paint, making the KC defense look unsteady at times. It was hard for KC to ever make a run at Blinn, because it seemed like they just kept on scoring. Blinn overshadowed KC, because they did not have a bad night statistically. KC shot 44 percent from the field for the game, but their three-pointers just would not

Michael Brown / THE FLARE

Danesha Richardson drives to the basket against Blinn College. fall. They only shot 11 percent from three-point distance. Point guard Sha’Georgia Williams recorded 21 points and three assists on the game. Imaobong Akpan had 17 points and six rebounds while post Dominick had 11 points and ripped down nine rebounds. KC made a run at Blinn towards the end of the game, but they just ran out of time. In last Wednesday’s game, KC outlasted AC. They made the plays in the end that they needed to get the win. AC had a very tough time finding the basket. They shot 38 percent from the field and 18 percent from the three-point line. KC did not shoot much better from the field, shooting 36 percent, but they shot 38 percent from the long-

range and 89 percent from the free throw line. KC capitalized on AC’s turnovers, scoring 18 points off their mental blunders. KC’s bench came alive as they scored 15 bench points and their defense made plays down the stretch getting 47 defensive stops. KC also out rebounded AC 43-30. Point guard Williams recorded 16 points and 3 assists shooting 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from distance. Shooting guard Imaobong Akpan had six points and ripped down 10 rebounds in the process. Freshman post Pre’Franz Dominick added 11 points and eight rebounds while forward Danesha Richardson scored eight points and pulled down eight rebounds as well.

Softball team opens season in tourney DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer The KC Lady Ranger softball team opened up their spring season last weekend in the Galveston College Tournament. KC played five games and won two of them. KC played the University of Houston Victoria their first game on Friday and lost 14-12. The bats were on fire for both teams as they combined for 24 hits and 49 total bases in the game. Head Coach Leslie Messina was pleased with the offense of her team, but not the defense. “We had too many errors down the stretch of the game. We struggled defensively all throughout the game, and we caused our pitchers to throw more pitches than I really wanted them to. Our offense was great. We had no problem with scoring, but we needed some defense to get the victory,” said Messina. Third baseman Lakin Kerby had a great opening game. She went 2-4 at the plate with two home runs coming in the fourth and seventh innings. She also had two RBIs and scored two runs. First baseman Lexi Lopez homered one time in the seventh inning and added two RBI’s and scored two runs in the process. Catcher Mariah Goguen made the biggest play of the weekend. She hit a grand slam in the fourth inning capping off a seven-run inning for KC. She also scored a run in the process. In KC’s second game on Friday they played Vernon College and beat them 13-5 earning their first win of the season. Goguen and Lopez both had three hits and 2 RBI’s each. Second baseman Marisa Ledkins led the team with RBI’s with three. Center Fielder Jalla Johnson added on to the hitting spree as she had two RBI’s . On Saturday KC played San Jacinto College and lost 4-1. Kerby had one RBI single that scored shortstop Bianca Van Vlerah for KC’s only point of the game. Pitcher Kayla Calvert pitched all six innings and allowed four hits on seven walks and retired two batters. KC next picked up a win against Alvin Community College with

a score of 8-3. KC got off to a slow start. They were down 3-0 going into the fourth inning, but by the seventh inning they were well ahead of ACC. They scored seven runs in the seventh to run away with the win. Outfielder Mallory Ford went a perfect 3-3 from the plate tallying a RBI and scoring a run of her own. Outfield er Alex Aguilar had a two-run single while Goguen had a two-run double and Kerby had two RBIs, all coming in the seventh inning where KC did their damage. Pitcher Kara Courtney pitched four shutout innings with no walks, five strikeouts, and only surrendered five batters. KC dropped its last game 8-4 agaisnt host team, Galveston College. Messina wanted her team to be more disciplined and be more active on defense in this game. “I felt like we chased too many pitches when we were at the plate. We were not that disciplined this game. We chased and swung at pitches that would’ve been balls if we have stayed patient. That is something that we have to be is patient,” Messina said. “Our defense has to get better. Our defensive philosophy is ball first. We have to keep our eyes on the ball and make sure it doesn’t get out of our reach. We have to have that ball first mentality. Defense has to be solid for us to win games. KC offense had no problem putting runs up. “Our offense was able to move runners and took advantage of runners being in scoring position. Our offense is there, we just need better defense,” said Messina. Kerby went 3-3 with one RBI and one single and scored a run of her own. Johnson had two RBI’s and two singles. Calvert pitched all six innings surrendering 10 hits, giving up three walks, and struck out five batters. KC game against Temple College was cancelled due to complications with the field and inclement weather conditions. The first game of the KC Tournament against Ellsworth College has also been cancelled for KC. So KC will open up its tournament on Saturday Feb. 8, and it will run through Sunday Feb. 9 at Stream Flo Field.

NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

ECC preschoolers celebrate Chinese New Year with parade

Tory Van Blarcum / THE FLARE

Wenjuan Yao and daughter Emily teach the preschool class how to count to 10 in Chinese at the Chinese New Year celebration.

Students of the preschool class at the Early Child Center pop bubble wrap for their

Laura Hernandez / THE FLARE

Jaylah Robinson, Lainey, and Emily taking part in the parade around the playground. Charity Mezzell / THE FLARE

HOLDA: Plans for future FROM PAGE ONE some changes in the contract... however, they were not specific regarding what changes,” Holda said. Holda currently earns $200,520 annually, a $900 monthly phone stipend and annual deferred compensation. The president’s new contract will allow up to $23,000 in deferred compensation. “Salary amounts for contracts are not finalized until after the budget is approved in August, so it would be difficult to have a final version [of the contract] before then,” Holda said. Holda also stated that three-year rolling contracts are the industry standard for college presidents and public school superintendents. “They provide the institution with a stability and predictability and tend to promote long-term balance for colleges,” Holda said. According to Holda, the college will be unable to hire

the next president without a contract structured in this manner. Over the next three years, Holda has several items on his agenda which he hopes to accomplish. “I hope to see great improvements in student success... raise significant funds to jump start the facility’s master plan,” Holda said. “I hope to see some radical adaptations in our instructional delivery, including a significant increase in hybrid classes. I want to leave KC in the very best shape for my successor.” Holda is the longestserving KC president and believes this will be his last contract renewal. “In some ways, I didn’t imagine working beyond 2017; however, if things are going well and I am still highly motivated in moving the college forward, I could work longer,” Holda said. Charlie Hale and Will Roberson also were contacted via email regarding Holda’s threeyear extension, but neither trustee responded.

HAIRCUTS: Free services FROM PAGE ONE “Manicures I feel confident, not yet cutting hair,” Lourdes Martinez, Kilgore freshman said. Students going through the classroom portion of the program say they are excited to work on clients but still nervous about cutting clients hair. “Instructors check all services before the client walks out,” Magner said. “The department has an average of three complaints a year and few unsatisfied customers,” Magner said.

When working on the skin, such as facials, the students are always watched over by an instructor. “My favorite part is meeting new people,” Kris Mapps, Henderson freshman said. The cosmetology department is located at the KC-Longview campus at 315 South Center Street in downtown Longview. To set up an appointment call 903-753-7730. The hours for services are: Monday and Tuesday: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OPINION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Give from the heart, not the wallet

Illustration by Cody Davis / THE FLARE

How many hours do you spend on school work outside of school and why?

“About 5 hours a day because I need to get all my homework done.”

“Four hours because of work”

Elizabeth Coti Longview freshman

Cody Ferguson

“Ten hours of studying, to get my welding degree.”

“Six to eight hours per day because I am in nursing school; it takes a lot of time and dedication.”

Chris Bess

Bianca Woolridge Marshall sophomore

Kilgore sophomore

Photographs by Karyn Sage / THE FLARE

YOUR VIEW

Valentine gifts don’t have to break bank

Gladewater freshman

ccording to CNN.com, in 2013 the average person spent an estimated $130.97 on Valentine’s Day. On candy alone, it was estimated that $1.6 billion would be spent, and another $1.9 billion on flowers. As a college student, it is rare to have $130 of chump change lying around. With the increasing commercialism and growing materialism of Valentine’s Day, it is difficult to go against the status quo, and not take part in the holiday by buying your significant other candy, stuffed animals, jewelry or flowers. We believe what is being lost in the material aspect of the day is the sentimentally from which it originates. A day meant to celebrate love and relationships has turned into a race to see who can buy the most expensive, impressive gift for his or her partner. As students on budgets, it is time to get back to the fundamentals of Valentine’s Day. It may be cliche to say the best gifts are those from the heart, but in most cases this stands true. Rather than

buying your girlfriend a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, and the diamond stud earrings she has been asking for, make her a memory jar. Fill a Mason jar with strips of paper with your favorite memories together written on them. Make a compilation CD of songs that remind you of her. Cook her dinner. These things are just as appropriate a gift as anything store-bought and will mean more because you spent time putting them together. Instead of buying your boyfriend the video game he wanted, or concert tickets, or five boxes of his favorite candy, make him a coupon book filled with “coupons” for date nights that you will pay for. Rent his favorite movies and grab his favorite take-out food and watch the movies in his back yard. Make him a photo album of your favorite pictures together. These gifts are also affordable, as well as heart-felt. Valentine’s Day does not have to break the bank. This year, do not give in to the card companies and the candy stores. This year, give from the heart. Your wallet (and partner) will thank you.

A deep frustration stirring in student these days

o you ever feel persecuted as a Christian these days for speaking the words from the Gospel instead of the words of Miley Cyrus’s new song? Or being told you’re judgmental by others because you said you didn’t agree with what someone else believes? One of the best responses around this issue was spoken by Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” after being asked about his antihomosexual views. He said: “Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.” First of all, Phil Robertson did not voice his opinions out of frustration; rather, he was asked for his opinion on this particular topic. I don’t know why people were surprised. After all, they asked the out-spoken, Godfearing West Monroe, La. native a question that is clearly backed by his faith. The majority of people who have heard

of the hit show “Duck Dynasty” knew the family patriarch’s faith is a major factor. Surely by now, we all know Robertson and the entire cast of “Duck Dynasty” have centered the hit series on their beliefs in ducks and faith. I have a deep frustration stirring in me these days because of this topic. I am all about freedom ELLEN REID of speech and letting your Staff Writer voice be heard, but the problem Christians face in today’s society is after differing views have been presented, the views presented from a biblical stance are neglected. That’s just not fair. For example, I witnessed someone venting through Facebook, although I may agree, how vulgar they thought Phil’s remarks were, and that they believe in gay rights. I totally get that. But then at the end they go on to say that everyone who stands with Phil needs to shut up. That, my friend, is the feeling that feeds the rapidly growing sense of persecution

The Flare EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ashley Morales ASSISTANT EDITOR Dezirae Burnett WEB EDITOR Kassidy Taylor FEATURES EDITOR Tory Van Blarcum

SPORTS WRITER Devin Brooks ILLUSTRATOR Cody Davis LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado ADVISER Gary Borders PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

VOL. 77, NO. 13

felt by so many people today. If an individual is able to stand up for what they believe is right, they should extend that same right to another individual. I am not saying there are not judgmental Christians out there, but it hurts feeling like you’re lower than someone because you sin in a different way than they do. I can’t speak for them, but out of an understanding heart I can honestly say, and I hope other Christians would as well, that Christians did not come up with these guidelines on their own. These guidelines lay a foundation for how to live, what words to speak, sex, and beliefs because our creator and source of salvation has laid out a loving parameter that is meant to be followed and demonstrated by displaying love for each other. I am a sinner just like everybody else, and by no means am I a role model on how to handle this problem. However, I try to be as understanding and outspoken as I can. One of my best examples is when my friend told me he was gay. I told him I did not agree with his choice because of my beliefs in the Bible found in Leviticus

Friday, February 7, 2014

ADVERTISING MANAGER Sonia Garza SENIOR WRITER Maegan Mitchell STAFF WRITERS Christine Ritter, Jordan Baird, Brandon Pearl, Camron Portley and Ellen Reid PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Brown, Kristopher Dobbins, Sonia Garza, Laura Hernandez, Sara Holmes, Charity Mezzell, Karyn Sage and Maria Zapata

Chapter 18; however, do not misinterpret my disagreement with their lifestyle as condemnation. I will continue to love them the same. I do not continue to bring up my feelings toward that subject to them again because they know my thoughts and trust me. They do not want my beliefs shoved down their throat. While many Christians need to work on this problem, the thought of profiling all Christians, such as Phil Robertson, as being a belligerent Jesus freak who condemns those whose beliefs disagree with theirs is ridiculous. As a Christian I want to be heard in this world. I am sure just as Muslims and Buddhists feel judged by Christians, we Christians are feeling persecuted. The world needs love, respect, and people courageous enough to still stand up for what they believe in. Just like Phil explained to us, you don’t have to hate someone because of their belief, or agree with them to not hate you. Understanding one another is key. Ellen Reid is a sophomore journalism major from Kilgore.

LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to

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.

SPOTLIGHT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Valentine’s Day Gift ideas for those on a budget CHRISITNE RITTER Staff Writer

alentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you are on a budget and need quick, easy, yet cute gifts I am here to help. Here are a few ideas that will have your significant other happy along with your wallet.

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Bucket of worms Show your loved one that you’re hooked on them with a bucket of gummy worms.

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Bubbles and lollipops Have a lot of friends to give Valentines to? Bubbles and lollipops both come in packages. Just tape a lollipop to a bubble container.

Roses and candy You can’t go wrong with the classic roses. Along with a box of candy, it would make a great gift.

Chocolate covered strawberries Is the box of chocolates too traditional of a gift? Try chocolate covered strawberries. You can make them yourself or buy them pre-made.

Movie set Want an excuse to cuddle on the couch on Valentine’s Day? Make them a movie basket. It’s super cheap and easy to make. Get a cheap movie, box of popcorn, candy and fuzzy slippers, than throw them into a picnic basket.

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Mug full of candy Budget really low this Valentine’s day? Get a coffee cheap candy.

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Residence hall package If your loved one lives on campus, a residence hall package could make their stay more comfortable. Put in useful items such as room freshener, surge protector, pillow and posters. They’ll think of you every time they use them.

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Scarf, beanie, gloves Is it getting too cold? Want to keep your loved ones hands warm when you’re not around? Give them a scarf set. Along with a set of candy, it’s sure to warm their heart.

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Gift card and candy Unsure what to give or just don’t want to give the wrong thing? A gift card to a favorite store is a nice gesture.

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Homemade coupon book This can be a gift by itself or an addition to a bigger gift.

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Travel mug and instant coffee Is your loved one always on the go? Make sure they have the energy to get there. A travel mug and instant coffee packets would be perfect for on the go.

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