Issue 14 2-14-14

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Laura Hernandez / THE FLARE

Icicles line the rails of the pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of campus over Hwy. 259.

The Flare

Friday, February 14, 2014 Vol. 77 No. 14 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Come and get

it

CAMRON PORTLEY • Staff Writer

Students devour hundreds of pounds of food daily at Ranger Café

E

ach day, the Ranger Café in the Devall Student Center serves 600 students.

Over three meals, they devour 75 pounds of meat, 20 pounds of vegetables, and wash it all down with 225 gallons of fountain drinks.

Gary Crouch, director of food services, has been working for ARAMARK, the company that operates the Ranger Café, for 25 years.

Laura Hernandez / THE FLARE

Tealia “Tina” Hooper has been the head cook of the Ranger Café for 6 years.

He served at Oklahoma State University until 2008, and has been at KC since then.

Crouch said he enjoys what he does.

“I love to cook and being around food,” he said.

If he was not serving students, Crouch said he would enjoy doing something

in information technology or data analysis.

Crouch’s day usually starts at 7:30 or 8 a.m., except on Thursday when it starts at 4:30 in the morning. His 30 employees work about 10 to 11 hours a day, five to six days See CAFÉ on Page 3

Stressed out?

See “Counselors give tips to avoid stress” on Page 3

comes down Page 6

Brandon Feagans / THE FLARE

Brandon Quincey, Lancaster freshman, has his hands full after going though two different lines at the Ranger Café.

Laura Hernandez / THE FLARE

Vegetable shish kabobs are being prepared in the kitchen before students arrive for dinner.

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

FACE IN THE CROWD

The Flare

2

PA G E

NOTEBOOK

Feb. 14 – March 2

FRIDAY, FEB. 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 SATURDAY, FEB. 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, FEB. 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

Cameron Kelley What is your dream job? Something that I don’t even consider work. So, that could be nothing other than succeeding in my efforts to become an established writer of fiction... or becoming famous in a rock band. Whatever comes first.

How did you decide to study your major? What influenced you? My teachers and professors. The majority of my English instructors were all so enamored with the works they were studying, and busy writing their own pieces of literature, that it really made me appreciate the art and want to be a part of it all.

Why did you choose KC? I have so many friends who graduated from high school that attend KC, so it kind of feels like I’m back with my old pals again.

Not to mention it’s very affordable, especially in-district.

What are some of your other interests/hobbies/talents? I’ve always had a passion for music, particularly anything to do with singing. People say I have a nice voice, so I’ve tried to put it to work with several bands during my

initial college years. I’m also fascinated by technology and enjoy following the cutting-edge of all sciences. I’ve won a few awards online for my short stories, though I’ve never really attempted to publish anything. I’m something of a perfectionist when it comes to my writing, so I’d only be comfortable submitting my very best.

Who is your favorite author/ inspiration and why? My favorite author is Mark Twain, by far. His wit and satire have always impressed me, and I especially appreciate the pieces he developed later in his life.

If you are transferring, where do you plan to go and why? Unless Harvard changes their mind about me, I’ll more than likely return to the University of North Texas.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I’m too laid-back to plan 10 years in advance. I have no idea. Alive and enjoying whatever I end up doing, hopefully.

Age: 20 Sophomore Major: English Hometown: Marshall Sara Holmes / THE FLARE

Health occupations job fair March 4 JORDAN BAIRD Staff Writer KC is hosting a Health Occupations job fair from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 in the Devall Student Center ballroom.

The job fair offers students the opportunity to meet employers, ask questions about their companies/ facilities and see what jobs are available.

If students have resumes with them, they could end up with a job,

or at the very least, an interview.

Students will also have the opportunity to fill out applications for the jobs they are interested in.

All students attending the job fair can get help with their resumes from the Career Services & Service Learning Office in Student Support Building 111.

“Our health occupation programs have a great reputation, partly because of the quality of students graduating from them,” Candace Heezen, support specialist in career

services, said. “This is the perfect opportunity to show prospective employers that this year is no different.”

The Career Services and Service Learning office is still receiving RSVPs from the companies who will be attending the job fair. This is only a partial list.

Company Names: Community Healthcare Synergy Care

FRIDAY, FEB. 21 NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE RANGER SOFTBALL CLASSIC VS. TBD Noon, Stream-Flo Field STUDENT SERVICES STAFF PLANNING DAY

SUNDAY, FEB. 23 RANGER SOFTBALL CLASSIC VS. EASTERN OKLAHOMA 3 p.m., Stream-Flo Field

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26 RANGER SOFTBALL VS. MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., StreamFlo Field LADY RANGER BASKETBALL VS. ANGELINA COLLEGE 5:30 p.m., Lufkin FRIDAY, FEB. 28 NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE REGION XIV CROSSOVER TOURNAMENT TBD, Lear Park Longview SATURDAY, MARCH 1 SPRING GRADUATION APPLICATION DEADLINE BACH FESTIVAL 7 p.m., Van Cliburn Auditorium KC CHEERLEADER CLINIC 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Parks Fitness Center REGION XIV CROSSOVER TOURNAMENT TBD, Lear Park Longview RANGER BASKETBALL VS. TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE 4 p.m., Masters Gym LADY RANGER BASKETBALL VS. TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE 2 p.m., Masters Gym SUNDAY, MARCH 2 REGION XIV CROSSOVER TOURNAMENT TBD, Lear Park Longview KILGORE COMMUNITY CONCERT “THE DIAMONDS” 2:30 p.m., Dodson Auditorium

For additional information contact Candace Heezen at 903-983-7543 or email cheezen@kilgore.edu.

Tickets on sale for spring play

THURSDAY, FEB. 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

SATURDAY, FEB. 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

Epic Health Svcs. – Pediatric Therapy Clairmont Longview ET Council on Alcoholism/Drug Abuse The Willows Exceptional Home Care UT Health Northeast Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehab, Inc.

JORDAN BAIRD Staff Member

Brandon Feagans / THE FLARE

Daniel Eaton, bookstore employee, displays a backpack, one of a number of new items for sale in the KC Bookstore.

Small store, big selection DEVIN BROOKS Staff Writer

T

he KC Bookstore has a variety of items waiting to be bought, but not many people realize just how extensive a selection is offered.

The store is not very big, but it can help many students in a lot of ways throughout the semester.

Most students need books of course, but they may also need other items that can carry them a long way throughout the semester.

Scantrons, laptops, tablets, backpacks, paper, pencils, and much more can make the difference in a student passing or failing a semester.

The Spring Semester has brought plenty of students into the KC bookstore, manager Martin Cobb said. New merchandise abounds, especially in the back. Students are being enticed with KC apparel such as jackets, sweats, T-shirts, and more.

The most popular piece of clothing that students wear around campus is the new KC hoodies, helping students keep warm during these cold winter days.

The KC hoodies come in the KC colors, of course, with numerous designs and the KC logo on the front.

Cost is between $45 and $60.

All the T-shirts, hats and backpacks are a big deal with the students as well this semester.

The bookstore also has plenty of school supplies that can get any student through the semester, and most importantly it will not take that much money out of your pocket.

The bookstore has an large variety of journals, folders, writing utensils and much more.

For entertainment it also offers movies, blockbuster hits, and all different genres of music on display. They also have headphones, phone cases, speakers, and more items to entertain the students.

Cobb loves the new merchandise that has arrived this semester.

“We actually have a new merchandise manager for this semester. He has helped us reshape the merchandise that we had, and has brought a lot of new stuff in for people to buy,” Cobb said. “The one thing that students don’t know is that we have plenty of laptops and tablets. We sold over 200 laptops and tablets during Rush Week, and that’s why we have plenty of laptop cases so they can have something to put it in. We have sold plenty of Scantrons and blue books. Whatever the students need we have it.”

The KC theatre department’s first spring production is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” adapted by Ian Wooldridge beginning Feb. 25 in Van Cliburn Auditorium.

The play will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 25 and runs through Friday, Feb. 28, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 2.

General admission will cost $6 for adults and $5 for students.

The cost is $4 for KC students with an ID. Reserved tickets may be picked up from the box office table beginning one hour prior to each performance.

Late arrivals and children under the age of seven will not be admitted.

For reservations contact Micah Goodding, theatre instructor, at 903-9838126 or mgoodding@kilgore.edu.

Tri-C hosts ‘Little Italy’ Feb. 17 CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer Things are going to get cheesy at the Church of Christ. At 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 students will be able to make their own pizza.

“They can put on everything they want, as much or as little. They can pack it and we bake them up,” said Britt Davis, Tri-C director.

Toppings include pepperoni, sausage, salami, cheese and olives.

Pizzas will take 8-10 minutes to bake, and while students wait there will be Italian trivia and games.

TRiO hosts event to die for 300-plus students invited DEZIRAE BURNETT Assistant Editor TRiO and the Office of Student Life will be hosting a classic murder mystery night beginning at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Devall Student Center ballroom.

The scene will be set at the James D. Murder High class of 1985 reunion.

It is the first time seeing everyone in the class since graduation.

Finally the time has come to see what people have made of themselves over the years, both old friends and enemies alike, but when a murder is committed at the reunion it becomes the job of

the class members to stray from socializing in order to bring the killer to justice before the evening is through.

Each KC student in attendance will have a part to play in the event.

Spots are limited, with only about 15 left.

Students interested in participating must sign up in the TRiO office, located in the Student Support Building, Room 123, by Monday, Feb. 17.

All participants are encouraged to wear ’80s attire.

For more information, contact Dennis Cliborn at 903-983-8220 or dcliborn@kilgore.edu.

to join PTK; meeting Feb. 21 CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer Phi Theta Kappa has sent out invitation letters to more than 300 new candidates this week.

If students believe they meet the criteria but have not received a letter, they can contact Dr. Paul C. Buchanan at 903-983-8253 or Michelle Daniels at 903-983-8621.

An orientation meeting about PTK will be at noon on Feb. 21 in the Communications/Automotive Building Room 104.

Eligibility for membership in the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Kilgore College requires: developmental academic courses in the long semester preceding induction OR have a total of 12 hours over the as a part-time student. grade point average (based on a 4.0

NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

3

Counselors give tips to avoid stress CHRISTINE RITTER Staff Writer Due dates and first exams are fast approaching. As assignments are piling up, so are students’ stress levels. How should students deal with it all?

Here are some helpful hints to remember before the time crunch comes down.

“It’s always success and failures; there’s going to have to be some failures, in where you have to back up and realize ‘I need to change some approaches’,” Dennis Cliborn, assistant director of TRiO, said If students are not doing well, they should look at what they have been doing wrong. If a student knows he or she cannot focus while studying in a residence hall room, go to the library to work.

Jennifer Quine, counselor, said the top thing that trips students up is time management, so students should get in the habit of managing their time and planning ahead. They do not have to cram for everything and rush.

Getting a student planner is the first step in managing time. The Student Success Department is giving them out for free.

There are even more helpful homework hints inside.

After writing the assignments down, students have to work on them. They should put time aside to work on homework every day. Block that time off to work on what is due or to study.

Having a set time to do school work gets

students in the habit of working every day, so once they are done they do not have to think about it.

Non-traditional students could try asking relatives to look after the kids if they need to, so they could do homework or study for a test.

When making a to-do list it is also useful to put each item into a categories; urgent, important and normal. Urgent homework should be done right away and important things could be planned out more. Students can decide if they want to do the normal assignments today or wait until tomorrow.

Students should not wait too long to work on something. Due dates come up fast, and if students wait too long everything becomes urgent.

“Procrastination is a big contributor to creating stress, because everything becomes last minute and you have to get five projects done in one night instead of working on it over time,” Cliborn said.

When students get overwhelmed they should talk to their instructors. They can work with a students’ schedule and give them advice on what to do.

“Students forget they can talk to the instructor,” Quine said.

Sometimes students take too many course hours at one time. They might have underestimated how much work a class requires or something new might have come up.

“When the student realizes they are

doing poorly, that’s when I recommend they seek help.

We have a very late drop date in the semester,” Quine said. “If they seek help early enough they might be able to salvage the class.”

If a student is trying to get too much done at one time, it might be best to drop a class, so he or she can do well in a smaller number of classes rather then doing poorly in more.

Will Pritchard / THE FLARE When the Dalton May, Henderson freshman, uses the computer lab in The Zone. The homework is Zone is free to use and is located in the Student Services Building Room 119. done, it’s just If possible, students can schedule an as important to relax. Just as when scheduling study time, hour for watching movies, going online or indulging in a hobby. students have to also schedule free time.

It’s still early in the semester, so even if When studying for long periods of time, students should schedule a break in every students have been neglecting their school hour, so it will be easier to focus and produce work until now; with some effort it is not too late to turn the semester around. better work.

Preview Day set for Feb. 22 ELLEN REID Staff Writer

Tentative Agenda

Ranger Preview Day begins Saturday morning, Feb. 22.

“This is our largest spring recruitment,” Chris Gore, director of new student relations, said.

A change for Ranger Preview Day this year includes moving the event to February instead of April, because most seniors have already made their college decision before getting to visit KC. Also, New Student Relations is allowing attendees to experience the city of Kilgore outside the campus.

Many area businesses and restaurants plan to offer discounts to Ranger Preview Day attendees.

Auditorium New Student Ambassadors

Student Development Relations

a week. The meal times for students are 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for breakfast; 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch; and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for dinner.

Not surprisingly, the students’ favorites are pizza, burgers and fries.

Kemaune Anderson, Gladewater freshman, said he “enjoys the pizza and fried pork chops” while Nora Mitchell, Dallas freshman, said she “likes the pizza and the French fries.”

Ashley Haley-Varner, Arlington freshman, has a wider variety of favorites.

She said she, “enjoys the salad and fruit bar, breakfast,

campus news as it happens on Twitter.

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@

Ranger Ranger Ambassadors TBA

Auditorium

Additional Activities

director

CAFÉ FROM PAGE 1

and

pizza and hamburgers when they serve them.”

Crouch said he noticed the majority of the students like the chicken fried steak, brisket and roast.

He said he has noticed that the students’ least favorite meals include vegetarian meals such as tofu.

Crouch has planned a special Valentine’s Day dinner for the students.

The meal will include steak, chicken, a pasta bar, vegetables, and pizza.

The price for those who do not have a meal plan will be $6.29 plus tax.

For more information contact Crouch at 903-983-8280 or gcrouch@kilgore.edu.

For more information call Chris Gore at 903-988-7446 or email cgore@kilgore. edu.

Risk Management granted $100,000 ASHLEY MORALES Executive Editor Texas Mutual Insurance Company has funded KC’s Risk Management Institute with a $100,000 grant for the seventh consecutive year.

This allows KC to offer free safety education for employers, employees and the general public.

“We are grateful for the support that Texas Mutual continues to show Kilgore College and this safety institute, which provides a great value for East Texas employers and employees,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president.

Courses provided are set to the needs of area businesses and industries.

In last week’s article about the three-year extension of KC President Bill Holda’s contract, trustee president Dr. Charlie Hale’s responses were not included. Those responses follow: Hale voted for Holda’s contract to be renewed for three more years.

“I voted yes... because of his record of continuous outstanding achievements, service, contributions, genuine love for students and his outstanding leadership at Kilgore College,” he said.

“Dr. Holda is probably the most highly respected community college CEO in the State of Texas.”

Hale feels KC is very fortunate to have a president with good character and moral values.

“If it is not broken, why fix it?” Hale said.

Hale does not see anything he would like to change in the contract but said he is open to hearing any changes the other board members would like to see.

“If the president chooses to leave by 2017, I respect his decision,” Hale said. “On the other hand, he has done so much good for the college... I am open to working with him longer, if he chooses, to benefit the college.”

Hale said he is in favor of a three-year contract versus a oneyear contract.

In today’s environment the presidents of the 50 junior colleges and superintendents of independent school districts in Texas have at least a three-year contract and many have a rolling oneyear addition to the contract.

“Offering the president a three-year contract provides stability for this institution and positions us for the type of contract we will have to issue the next president,” Hale said. ~ Maegan Mitchell

Those offered periodically include accident investigation, OSHA training, Spanish for safety supervisors, defensive driving, fleet safety management and small business safety among others.

Since the inception of the Risk Management Institute in 2008, employees from more than 800 companies have traveled to KC from 79 Texas counties to participate in these free courses.

Over the past six years the Institute has hosted more than 290 workplace safety classes for approximately 3,600 participants and almost 1,100 individuals have received OSHA training cards.

“We are pleased to be able to offer

this and to serve the community,” Gem Meacham, assistant director of workforce development - continuing education department said. “[Texas Mutual Insurance Company] is a non-profit organization, underwrites workers comp insurance, and because they are not-for-profit they put the extra money they have from their shareholders back into safety instruction. We are one of four community colleges in Texas to have this opportunity and we are very proud to be part of this.”

The Spring 2014 schedule can be found at kilgore.edu/risk_management.asp.

For more information or to register call 903-988-7426 or email emcclellan@ kilgore.edu.

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SPORT S

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

Rangers drop match to TVCC Loss drops team to 12-3 in conference play; Paris next FROM STAFF REPORTS The KC Rangers dropped their third game of the season Wednesday night, losing on the road to the 10th-ranked Trinity Valley Cardinals, 65-59. The loss drops KC to 21-3 overall and 12-3 in Region XIV. KC took a slim 29-28 lead into halftime, shooting 45 percent, including five of 10 three-pointers. But the Cardinals were red-hot in the second half, making 16 of 21 attempts while KC shot only 31.3 percent.

Overall, the Cardinals hit

64 percent of their shots while KC went cold, shooting just 37 percent from the field.

Stefan Moody led the Rangers with 25 points, with seven buckets coming from three-point range. Kalif Wright added 14 points, while Jamarcus Weatherspoon had eight. Tom “Bush” Wamukota had seven rebounds while Weatherspoon pulled down six.

KC travels to Paris on Saturday for a 4 p.m. match, and then hosts Bossier Parish Community College at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

KC outpaces Panola at home Saturday, 71-54 BRANDON PEARL Staff Writer

O.Rufus Lovett / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

Chris Gracela looks to pass in a recent game.

Lady Rangers rebound from loss DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer The KC Lady Rangers rebounded from their heartbreaking loss to Tyler Junior College last week, and beat Panola, 60-47 last Saturday. KC played with poise and maintained their lead for most of the game to stage off sharp-shooting Panola.

KC was only leading Panola 27-20 at the half shooting only 38 percent, but they held Panola to only 30 percent shooting and a mere 22 percent from long distance.

Both teams had a difficult time finding the basket in the first half, which was very physical and very defensive minded.

In the second half, KC was sharper on offense and took it to Panola. KC scored 33 points in the second half

to Panola’s 27. They made more shots and had some key stops late in the game after it looked like Panola was going to make a lastminute comeback. KC did not have that much progress from their post play in this game, so they had to rely on guard play to lead them to victory. KC shot 38 percent for the game and 33 percent from the three-point line.

They also shot 85 percent from the charity stripe.

KC capitalized on Panola’s turnovers, scoring 27 points off them and had great bench production scoring 24 points in that department.

Head Coach Roy Thomas was pleased with his team’s production in this game.

“We had some bright spots in this game, we played well defensively and we improved on out rebounding and offensive execution throughout the

game,” Thomas said. “We have to do a better job with our control and our focus through the game, but I was pleased with the production we got in our game tonight.”

Thomas wants his team to be smoother on offense and use great ball fakes to have the defense on edge.

“There are no excuses from here on out; we have no excuses,” Thomas said.

“We have to play great every night to give ourselves a chance to win in the tournament.”

Point guard Sha’ Georgia Williams tallied 11 points and four assists for the game, while Imobong Akpan had 13 points and ripped down nine rebounds.

Forward Alexis Hill flirted with a triple double as she had eight points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Danesha Richardson and Macy De’Gruy both had

Softball squad 4-5 after split Rangers’ coach cites defensive improvements DEVIN BROOKS Sports Writer The KC Rangers played in their annual Kilgore Softball Tournament this past weekend, and split four games. They lost two on Saturday and won two on Sunday. That puts them at a record of 4-5 so far for the spring season.

KC played Independence Community College on Saturday and lost a nail biter, 3-2. KC scored one time in the first inning and one time in the seventh inning, courtesy of third baseman Lakin Kerby. She had an RBI in the first inning that scored center fielder Jalla Johnson and a timely solo home run in the seventh inning to keep KC in striking distance. Kerby went 1-3 for the game. Pitcher Kayla Calvert pitched seven innings with eight strikeouts, no earned runs, allowing six hits, and only two walks.

KC dropped its next game, against the McLennan Community College High Lassies, 4-2. Both teams had a hard time scoring runs, as neither team scored until the fourth inning. Mallory Ford and Ali Harvey had an RBI each that scored Hannah Tome and Lexi Lo-

pez. Pitcher Kari Courtney pitched seven innings. She gave up four walks and four hits and retired one batter.

KC continued play on Sunday with a double header against Cisco College. They picked up the victory in game one of the double header with a score of 5-4.

Lopez had an impressive stat line for the game. She had two RBIs off of two hits. She singled in the first inning and homered in the fifth inning. She was 2-4 from the plate for the game.

Alex Aguilar, Ford, and Mariah Goguen all had one RBI each while Bianca Van Vlerah had one triple. Calvert pitched seven innings and allowed four runs off six hits with five walks and nine strikeouts.

Game two of the doubleheader was a success for the Rangers as they won 9-8. Both teams’ bats were hot, but KC’s bats stayed hot for the longest to outlast Cisco. KC scored six runs in the third inning to keep the game afloat and in their control. Johnson, Asia Marshall, and Harvey all had two RBI’s apiece.

Johnson scored two runs while Marshall and Harvey scored one. Courtney pitched seven innings giv-

ing up eight runs on 15 hits with one walk and she retired four batters to get her first win of the weekend.

Head Coach Leslie Messina was happy with how her team bounced back from those two previous losses.

“Our pitchers gave us solid performances on Sunday, and our hitters bounced back from a rough day at the plate on Saturday. They were much improved on Sunday,” said Messina.

Messina wants her team to be solid on defense just as much as offense and even though they’re not where she wants them to be on defense, she sees the improvement.

“Defense is slowly making improvements. We didn’t have many errors at all this weekend and were getting better on the defensive side of the ball,” Messina said.

KC’s original game against Hill College on Wednesday was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. The game will not be made up. KC will travel to Waco to play in the McLennan Community College Softball Tournament this Friday and Saturday.

They will play Temple College at 11:30 a.m. Friday in Waco.

eight points each while De’Gruy added 4 assists along with her points.

The Lady Rangers cumulative stats follow: KC is shooting 41 percent from the field and 65 percent from the free throw line.

They have compiled 700 total rebounds on the year, including 33 boards a game.

They out-rebounded their opponent every game by 11.

KC is averaging 59 points a game. They have strong bench production, scoring 392 total bench points and 19 bench points per game. KC is 6-7 in conference play and are 22-10 overall. They’re in the middle of the standings in their respective region and in a good position to make the postseason tournament.

KC got a week off before they take on Paris Junior College at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in Paris.

The KC Rangers beat Panola College Saturday in Masters Gym, 71-54.

KC led at halftime 38-24, shooting 15-24 from the field and hitting six of 12 threepointers. Panola College was 7-26 from the field and missed six attempts from the three-point line.

The Rangers came out in the second half shooting 11-22 from the field. Panola College was 12-28 from the field, but the Rangers held on to get the win.

Stefan Moody led the team in scoring with 22 points, followed by Jonathan Milligan with 11 points.

JaMarcus Weatherspoon led the team in rebounds with 9 boards, followed by Chris Gracela’s five rebounds.

“We had a good team effort and each player contributed in the minutes that we played,” Coach Brian Hoberecht said. “We must continue to play good basketball and find ways to impose our style of play on the

opponents. We want to play good team defense, rebound, and get good shots.”

The win improved the Rangers to 12-2 in Region XIV and 21-2 overall. |———| Here are the cumulative team leaders through Feb. 10.

Stefan Moody leads the team in scoring, averaging 17.6 points a game, followed

by JaMarcus Weatherspoon with 14.3 points a game.

Moody also leads the team in three-pointers with 51 of 141. He is followed by Chris Gracela with 35 of 92 threepointers. Tom Wamukota leads the team in rebounds with 145, followed by Kalif Wright with 140 rebounds.

The Rangers are shooting 51.2 percent from the field this season and 37 percent from the three-point line.

Their opponents are 38.7 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from the threepoint line. The Rangers have 893 rebounds on the season and average 38.8 a game, while their opponents have 606 rebounds on the season and average 26.3 a game.

OPINION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

YOUR VIEW

Turn off the devices; it’s time to study

S

tudent enemy number one: procrastination.

As a college student it is more than easy to find yourself scrolling through Instagram pictures just minutes after starting on homework. The answer to why this happens is clear, and simple.

Instagram is entertaining; your homework is anything but, so with the social media universe screaming your name, you think, “I’ll only look for a few minutes, then I can get started.”

That few minutes quickly turns into an hour, and in another 30 minutes, you’re updating your Twitter about the pile of homework you are actively working to avoid. When Twitter has been informed of your negligence, you flip on the TV “just to see if there is anything good on,” and you end up watching the first and second Harry Potter movies, which you have invited some people on your floor to watch with you.

When the movie is through, all of you strike up a conversation which continues for another 45 minutes. By that point you are exhausted and you look to see what time it is. The clock reads 2:31 a.m.

Illustration by Cody Davis / THE FLARE

For most, the first thing that comes to mind is the rationalization that there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. In truth, the problem is not that there isn’t enough time in the day; the problem is that college students don’t know how to prioritize their time effectively.

So, how to solve the issue? When it comes time to study, put down the phone. Turn it off. Put it somewhere out of reach. Without the phone as a constant distraction, it could be surprising the amount of work that can get done. Another simple solution: Don’t turn the TV on, not even as background noise. Resist the urge until after your studying/ homework is complete, and even then, limit the amount of time that the TV stays on.

Maybe only watch one movie instead of two, or only an episode of your favorite show instead of the nightly marathon. Instead, use that extra hour of two to socialize with your peers, as opposed to doing so in the wee hours of morning.

By placing homework and studying at the top of your list of things to do, you will create more time for the things you actually want to do.

Valentine’s Day?

“I took him out for a picnic and surprised him, then gave him a card that I made.”

“I am getting my girlfriend some candy.”

Francia Catrone Haiti sophomore

Emiliano Zapata

“Jazz Festival tickets to go to New Orleans.”

“I am a single father and getting this bear for my son. It is a large bear with ‘I love you, Caysen’ embroidered on the heart.

Simone Weaver

Fort Worth sophomore

Photographs by Stormy Scott / THE FLARE

Let’s get around to ending procrastination

5

Gladewater freshman

Dustin Burdeshaw Tatum sophomore

Make a list, check it twice and other helpful hints

P

rocrastination can overcome even the best college students. After a long day of classes, working on homework or studying isn’t the most appealing way to spend an evening.

That is, until you walk into a class only to remember that homework was due, or are told to take out a Scantron.

Unlike high school, most teachers won’t remind you when homework is due until time to turn it in. Because of other obligations, such as a job or family, remembering when everything is due isn’t easy. With some helpful hints turning in homework on time would be easier.

• Make a list. The first thing on the list is a list. Making a to-do list sounds very obvious.

In fact it’s so obvious most people forget to do it, or worse, they don’t know how to make a good list. Most lists are made on a scratch piece of paper that is later forgotten or thrown away. It’s good to invest in a scheduler, or if you have a smart phone use a free to-do app.

Getting a schedule is just the first step. It’s

important to know how to write items down.

Got a report due next week? Don’t just write down “report due” on that day. Look into the steps that would need to finish it, such as the research and editing. That way you could take it one step at a time instead of doing everything last minute.

• Ask questions. The stupidest question is the CHRISTINE one you never ask. If RITTER there’s something you Staff Writer don’t understand, then ask the teacher, or stop by The Zone in the Student Support building, where free tutoring is offered. Trying to figure out something complicated on your own is counterproductive. It would take less time to ask somebody to explain then it would take to do it alone. It can be done, but it could take hours compared to just minutes asking a question. With other homework, who really has time to take an hour on a single problem?

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

VOL. 77, NO. 14

• Turn off all distractions. That is another very obvious tip. So much that it’s repeated hundreds of times. Five minutes of television could turn into an hour, then that hour could turn into a movie marathon. Even texting a friend could be very distracting. Stopping every five minutes to answer a text will just make the work time longer. It’s • Look at the results instead of time spent on it. Most times homework takes less time than you think. Instead of focusing on how much time is put into it, try to focus on how much work was done. An hour of undistracted work is better then two hours of unfocused work. Who wouldn’t want to cut their homework time in half ?

• Take five. Breaks are often seen as counterproductive when doing homework.

Instead of random breaks during study seasons, plan them out. Take a 15-minute break for every hour of studying or a 30-minute break for every two hours. If you don’t like being away from your phone for too long, take this time too check any messages you missed. Also take a five-minute break

Friday, February 14, 2014

before starting a new task. Doing so will allow you to recharge and start the task refreshed.

• Keep a clean room. Even if the whole room isn’t clean, try to at least maintain an organized work place. A lot of time could be wasted looking for a piece of paper. While a clean room is important for studying, cleaning shouldn’t take the place of studying. This doesn’t have to take long; even tidying up for 10 minutes a day could make a difference.

• Wake up early. Getting up early isn’t popular during college, although it gives one time to work on a homework assignment before class starts. If you don’t want to wake up at 5 a.m. to do homework due that day, then you better do it ahead of time.

These aren’t the only ways to be more successful in school but they are a good start.

The best thing to do is to try different things and see what works best for you.

Christine Ritter is a sophomore journalism major from Big Sandy.

LETTERS

SPORTS WRITER Devin Brooks

ADVERTISING MANAGER Sonia Garza

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

ILLUSTRATOR Cody Davis

SENIOR WRITER Maegan Mitchell

DISCLAIMER

LAB MANAGER Jamie Maldonado

STAFF WRITERS Christine Ritter, Jordan Baird, Brandon Pearl, Camron Portley and Ellen Reid

ADVISER Gary Borders PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett

Copyright 2014, The Flare. All rights reserved.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Brown, Kristopher Dobbins, Brandon Feagans, Sonia Garza, Laura Hernandez, Sara Holmes, Charity Mezzell, Will Pritchard, Karyn Sage, Stormy Scott and Maria Zapata

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.

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NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

A

fter years of delay, demolition of the vacant Liberal Arts building, which has been vacant for

much of the past decade, began last week.

Completion and removal of all debris will be finished by Spring Break. Plans for what will go in that space have not been announced.

Sonia Garza/ THE FLARE

Shadows of the demolition equipment create patterns on the rubble.

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

LA TORN

As of Wednesday afternoon, only one wall of the LA building remains standing.

Sonia Garza/ THE FLARE

A piece of heavy machinery tears into the former classrooms of the LA building.

AWAY

The fence blocks passersby from the demolition site.

Randi Vinson Davis/ THE FLARE

Demolition of the LA building began at the close of the Fall Semester.

Randi Vinson Davis / THE FLARE

Demolition of the LA building began last week.

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE