The Murray State News

The Murray State News TheNews.org

February 8, 2013

Vol. 88, No. 20

Packaged sales could begin today

$11 other $50 home decor $9.6 convenience

Meghann Anderson || News Editor manderson22@murraystate.edu

$20.7 groceries

Discretionary spending for college students topped off at $120 billion last year. Here’s where the nation’s student’s spent their money (in billions).

Source: Re:fuel Media

A penny saved.

$13.7 dining out

Budget woes hurt students

$4 personal care

$5.5 alcohol

$5.5 appearance

Lexy Gross || Assistant News Editor cgross2@murraystate.edu

$417 billion.

College student spending takes up almost half a trillion dollars of the U.S. economy a year.

While a large amount of this money goes to college tuition, room and board and school expenses, $120 billion is purely discretionary.

BY THE NUMBERS: Sources: Re:fuel Media, Murray State and The Huffington Post

15,620 3,560 number of city parking tickets Murray State issued last year

number of students with commuter parking tags in red zones on campus

That means groceries, alcohol, dining and appearance are among the several categories of spending increases in college students every year.

Megan Dolan, senior from St. Charles, Mo., said she spends most of her money on gas driving to campus everyday, even though she lives less than five miles from campus.

She has used a credit card since her first year at Murray State and decided recently to acquire one under her name.

“I always pay my minimum payments and I’ve never missed one,

see PENNY, 3A

190

71

46

6

number of students who work for the University work study program

percent of Murray State students who are enrolled full-time

percent of students nationwide who purchase books online

number of electronics the average student owns at one time

Board intends to hold closed committee meeting on contract A SPECIAL REPORT: Austin Ramsey || Editor-in-Chief aramsey5@murraystate.edu

T Austin Ramsey/The News

An ad-hoc Board of Regents committee intends to hold a presidential contract review meeting in closed session next month in the Jesse Stuart Room of Pogue Library, above, where the board meets quarterly.

he Murray State Board of Regents’ committee charged with reviewing President Randy Dunn’s employment contract was met with scrutiny this week regarding intentions to hold a meeting in executive session.

The board created the ad-hoc contract review committee at the Dec. 14

quarterly meeting. Board Chairman Constantine Curris, Vice Chair Marilyn Buchanon and board member Stephen Williams comprise the three-person committee.

In unofficial minutes from that meeting, provided by the president’s office, the board passed a resolution including the committee’s intention to hold an executive session with the full board to discuss the presidential contract and issues surrounding it.

That resolution states that the

meeting will be held during the scheduled March 15 Board of Regents meeting. Then, at the May 10 meeting, the ad-hoc committee will present its findings to the Regents.

This week, Dunn said he believes the meeting should not be held closed to the public because it violates an existing state legal opinion.

Assistant Attorney General James Herrick issued an opinion in 2012 that found the Martin County Board

see CONTRACT, 3A

Clymer sentences Jackson to 60 days in county jail Lexy Gross || Assistant News Editor cgross2@murraystate.edu

The five-month trial of former men’s basketball guard Zay Jackson came to an end Monday in Paducah, Ky. McCracken County Circuit Court Judge Craig Clymer approved an agreement after Jackson pled guilty to two felonies. The charges stem from an incident where Jackson struck Jason Clement and endangered his wife, Alia, both of Paducah, Ky., with his car in the Murray Walmart parking lot.

Jackson was given five years in jail for a Class C felony of second-degree assault and five years in jail for a Class D felony of first-degree wanton endangerment.

Jackson will serve 60 days total for

both felonies.

Since he served 11 previously for the same crime, he started serving the final 49 days Monday afternoon.

After his 60 days are served in the Calloway County Jail, Jackson will Jackson begin a three-year probation program. On this program, probation officers may randomly drug test or check Jackson for alcohol use.

If Jackson disobeys the terms of his probation, he will return to jail for the remainder of the three years.

see JACKSON, 3A

James Crisp/The Associated Press

COMMONWEALTH ADDRESS: Gov. Steve Beshear, left, shakes hands with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer Wednesday evening shortly before Beshear gave his sixth State of the Commonwealth address in the House of Representatives Chamber in Frankfort, Ky. Beshear’s address highlighted the importance of keeping education at the forefront of legislative deliberation. Several state university presidents attended the address, including Murray State President Randy Dunn.

WHAT’S

FLU SEASON

STAFF OPINION

INSIDE

University treats 19 cases, expects more on the way, 5A

Pony Express a welcome addition, Strong start and raining threes restaurant preferred, 4A help Racers defeat Belmont, 1B

BASKETBALL WIN

Packaged liquor is set to hit local shelves in the coming weeks.

After much deliberation on July 17, the residents of Murray voted to make the city wet and allow packaged alcohol sales. On Oct. 22, the first transactions of packaged beer were made in the city and now liquor may be available for sale as early as today in two stores.

City Alcohol Beverage Control Administrator Kendra Clere said there is a possibility of liquor being in stock, by today, in the Rite Aid at 12th and Main streets and Friendly Liquors at 4th and Sycamore streets.

“The rest (of the liquor) won’t be here until later,” Clere said, “maybe the first of March.”

No stores are being built, but renovations are taking place in several locations before they will be open to sell packaged liquor.

The licenses were issued earlier in the week and they all expire on March 31.

“You can buy a license either by half year or full year,” Clere said.

“They all expire March 31, 2013 and must be renewed no matter when they are activated.”

Locations that have received state licenses will still have to meet codes and city approval before they can start selling.

Now, six months from the initial vote, the following list of establishments have been issued retail liquor package licenses by the state: All In Good Spirits at 1203 Chestnut St.; The Cask Wine & Spirits at 1304 South 12th St.; Rite Aid Pharmacy at 1200 Main St.; L & C Package Liquors & Boulders Smokehouse Deli & Catering at 317 Chestnut St.; Friendly Liquor Wine & Beer at 401 Sycamore St.; Thoroughbred Spirits at 521 South 12th St. and Cellar Door Wine & Spirits at 1310 N. 12th St. Greg Poteete, store manager of Westwood Wines and Liquors in Paris, Tenn., said he thinks his store will feel some impact from liquor now being in Murray.

“With having the largest selection of spirits, craft beers and fine wine in the area, coupled with our low prices and great customer service, I feel it will be minimal,” Poteete said. “We

see ALCOHOL, 3A

Car strikes visiting Tennessee Tech student on U.S. 641 Staff Report Tennessee Tech student Brittany Taylor was struck by a pickup truck traveling on U.S. 641 around 8 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Traffic was halted in both the north and south bound lanes and was diverted to the side of the road following the incident.

The Murray-Calloway County Ambulance Service and the Murray Fire Department assisted the Murray Police Department to handle the scene.

Taylor was taken to Murray-Calloway County hospital and later transported to Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

Taylor was visiting Murray State to compete in the annual speech championship hosted by the debate team.

She was not in the confines of the tournament at the time the incident occurred.

Crystal Coleman, coach for the Murray State speech and debate team, said Taylor came Murray in the past competitions.

Coleman said she was told by Tennessee Tech’s debate coach that Taylor was in stable condition at Vanderbilt hospital.

ANNUAL LECTURE Spike Lee stresses education at presidential series address , 4B

The News

News

2A

Police Beat Jan. 31 10:56 a.m. A caller reported an animal complaint at the Ryan Avenue east parking lot. Officers were notified and the animal was gone on arrival.

12:29 p.m. A caller reported an accident without injury at Roy Stewart Stadium. Officers were notified and took an information report.

Feb. 1 8:04 a.m. A caller reported an assault at The Olive. Officers and the Murray Police Department were notified and the incident was referred to another jurisdiction.

1:51 p.m. Officers issued a citation to Joshua Sviben, freshman from Mayfield, at White Residential College for the possession of marijuana.

Feb. 2 1:26 p.m. A caller reported the smell of cigarette smoke in a room. Officers were notified and took an information report.

2:18 p.m. A caller reported an accident without injury at the Residential Circle parking lot. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

Feb. 3 12:14 a.m. The Murray Police Department requested assistance with a large crowd at the 15th Street parking lot.

10:29 p.m. Racer Patrol reported vandalism at Racer Arena. Officers were notified and a report was taken for third-degree criminal mischief.

Feb. 4 12:11 a.m. A caller reported smelling marijuana in

Franklin Residential College. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

4:25 p.m. Officers issued a citation to Daniel Horton, senior from Melber, Ky., for reckless driving at the Calloway Avenue parking lot.

Feb. 5 9:06 a.m. A caller reported theft of property to the Public Safety Building. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

4:51 p.m. A fire alarm was activated at Hester Residential College. Officers, Central Plant, the Murray Fire Department and the state fire marshal were notified.

Officers took a report.

Feb. 6 10:45 a.m. A caller reported theft of property at the Business Building. Officers were notified and took a report for third-degree burgulary.

10:06 p.m. A caller reported the smell of marijuana in Hart College. Officers were notified and took an information report for negative contact.

Call of Fame Feb. 1 – 1:3 6 p.m. A caller reported a person asleep in their vehicle at the 16th Street parking lot. Officers were notified and the person was gone on arrival.

Motorists assists – 0 Racer escorts – 8 Arrests – 0

Lexy Gross, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety. Not all dispatched calls are listed.

February 8, 2013

Proposals increase 15.8 percent Chris Wilcox ||

Defined terms

Chief Copy Editor cwilcox2@murraystate.edu

Through the Office of Sponsored Programs, Murray State’s faculty and staff have applied for 15.8 percent more grant proposals and contract submissions than were applied for in fiscal year 2011.

During the fiscal year which runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, there were 139 grant proposals and contracts submitted, totaling almost $14.9 million in requested funding. In the fiscal year which ran from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, 161 grant proposals and contracts were submitted. The 161 submissions were submitted to request almost $33.9 million, an increase of more than 128 percent from the previous fiscal year.

While $33.9 million worth of grants and contracts were applied for, there is no defined amount the University is guaranteed to receive.

John Roark, director of Sponsored Programs, said the office was a tool for the faculty and staff to more easily navigate the channels, which would result in grant

grant noun |grant| An agency awards a grant when it presents a broad problem and someone offers a viable solution. The award depends on the proposal and the budget required to complete the work.

contract noun |ˈkänˌtrakt| A contract is established when an agency wants a specific goal accomplished. The agency decides what it wants, what the end product will be as a result of someone’s work and generally dictates the budget for the work.

proposals and contract submissions.

“If you never buy a lottery ticket, you are not going to win,” he said. “The same thing applies for proposals. If you don’t apply, you wont be awarded.”

He said the University, not the faculty or staff member, submits the proposals.

“We take no ownership of the awarded grant or contract,” he said. “It belongs to the University

and faculty or staff member who came up with the idea. We are merely a guide for people; we help them with the complex process.”

Kristi Stockdale, grants manager of Sponsored Programs, said it was the faculty and staff members who had to come up with the original proposal idea. She said from that point, the office could help up until final submission.

“The whole process, if they come to us with the idea, can take up to two or three months,” she said. “Our unofficial tagline is ‘Full Service for You.’” She said approximately 25 percent of the faculty and staff have taken advantage of the office’s resources.

While faculty and staff make up the larger portion of those served by the office, Stockdale said the office provided the same services to administrators and students.

In March of 2012, the National Science Foundation awarded Scot Peterson, a graduate student within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, a fellowship that provides him with three years of financial support, including salary and tuition expenses.

Peterson’s proposal was focused on researching the biodiversity of western streams in an effort to allow land managers to more easily restore streams and surrounding watershed.

Stockdale said Peterson’s award and the BioMaPS (Biology and Mathematics Population Studies) program were two of the office’s student success stories.

Extreme weather sweeps city Rebecca Walter || Staff Writer rwalter@murraystate.edu

Weather conditions in Murray were anything but normal this past week, with the community experiencing a tornado warning and snowfall within a three-day period.

Several students were woken up late on Jan. 29 to the sound of sirens as a tornado warning was issued in the area.

Justin Holland, rainfall for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said weather conditions last week were perfect for tornadoes, and the area of Murray is located in what is known as “Tornado Alley.”

“We have been experiencing very odd weather these past few years,” Holland said.

Holland said there is no reason to believe Murray will be out of this severe weather pattern any time soon.

The region also experienced odd temperatures, with highs reaching the 70s on Jan.

29, then dropping back down to 19 degrees on Jan. 31.

Holland said he encourages students to purchase a weather radio, which can be tuned to give updates on what the weather conditions are in Calloway County.

“The tornado sirens on campus are not made to warn people who are inside the buildings, but rather warn those outside,” Holland said.

The safest place for students to go in the event of extreme weather is the lowest level of a building and away from any windows, Holland said. Bathrooms, closets or basements are the safest areas to go. Holland also said students should also take precautions when extreme weather conditions affect the area by driving slowly on roads and allowing extra time to get to where they need to be.

Students are also finding it difficult to stay healthy with the unusual and constant

weather changes the region has been experiencing.

Olivia Deppen, sophomore from Louisville, Ky., said the repeated weather shift has caused her to get sick and has affected schoolwork.

Judy Lyle, interim associate director of Health Services, said although they have seen a slow start in the amount of illness on campus so far this semester, they have been seeing some weather-related symptoms among students.

Lyle said students can attempt to avoid illness by washing their hands frequently, getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly, eating healthy food and, of course, staying away from those who are already sick.

On Dec. 7, the National Safety Council will designate the University as a Safe Community. Murray State is the first public university to be recognized as an international Safe Community.

The News

News

February 8, 2013

3A

JACKSON

PENNY

From Page 1

From Page 1

Anger management counseling, payment of the Clements’ medical bills pertaining to the incident and the surrender of driving privileges for 30 days are also components of Jackson’s sentence.

“The key is not to punish someone because of their notoriety,” Clymer said in open court. “But the public has to have confidence that the court is taking a serious crime seriously.”

Clymer was appointed a special judge on the case after Calloway County Judge Dennis Foust recused himself from the trial. At the time, the charges had been lowered from two charges of second-degree assault to two charges of first-degree wanton endangerment.

A plea deal giving Jackson 30 days in jail to be served on weekends was turned down by Clymer, who then offered Jackson a one-year sentence with possible shock probation.

Jackson and defense attorney Gary Haverstock decided to reject the oneyear agreement and take back the guilty plea Jackson had entered into.

After appearing before a grand jury, one charge of wanton endangerment was raised to assault.

Last week, Haverstock and Commonwealth Attorney Mark Blankenship developed a final plea deal, which reduced the assault charge back to wanton endangerment. This dropped one felony charge for Jackson from a C to a D. “I didn’t care whether it was a C or a D felony, it’s the same penalty,” Blankenship said.

The Clements, however, were not satisfied with Jackson receiving a lowered felony charge.

“I think he deserves a C felony,” Alia

but I’ve definitely collected debt,” Dolan said. “When I quit my job, I had no way of paying it off.”

According to a study performed by Sallie Mae, a college-financing company, an average student with at least one credit card will graduate $4,138 in debt. The study also says 84 percent of students own at least one credit card.

In 2012, Time Magazine reported fewer than 10 percent of students pay their balance in full every month. Only 15 percent know their interest rate, and 92 percent of students surveyed were business majors.

Chris Johnson, relationship banker at BB&T, said students do not seem to understand how detrimental credit card debt can be.

“It may not seem that important now, but when (students) get out of college and want to buy a car, their credit is coming back to bite them,” Johnson said.

Although studies show three out of every four college students have jobs, it may not be enough to pay off credit card and student loan debt. Dolan said she had to quit her job when it started interfering with her grades.

As part of discretionary spending, many students also overindulge when it comes to food. The Huffington Post reported 20 percent of students often eat at dining halls, while another 20 percent prefer eating out.

The average student in 2011 spent $765 eating off campus.

Nearly a fourth of all enrolled Murray State students are currently on the unlimited meal plan at

Lexy Gross/The News

Defense attorney Gary Haverstock, left, discusses plea options with defendant Zay Jackson during Monday’s hearing in Paducah, Ky.

ALCOHOL From Page 1 value the students and other customers from western Kentucky that make the drive south and look forward to seeing them in our store again soon.”

Two of the seven liquor licenses issued are for existing businesses. While Rite Aid will sell packaged liquor,

Clement said. “I mean, you’ve seen that video. I have nightmares about it.”

Jackson agreed to the terms of a Class C felony, understanding a violation in his probation could mean a trip to prison.

“I know what goes on in college,” Clymer told Jackson in court. “If you drink a beer or get caught smoking a joint, or doing much of anything, it subjects you to the possibility of paying the rest of the five years as a prison term.”

According to Blankenship, Jackson has already raised $3,000 in restitution to cover the victims’ medical bills related to the incident. Jason Clement is currently visiting an orthopedic institute in Nashville, Tenn., with complaints of the loss of feeling to one of his arms. The Clements’ do not have medical insurance.

Jackson will pay $350 per visit Clement makes to the institution.

When Clymer asked Haverstock if Jackson had a job to pay these expenses, Haverstock sited a rule of the NCAA stating players with scholarships are not allowed to have one.

Blankenship said when Jackson was robbed at gunpoint two weeks ago, he was worried the restitution money had been taken. “(Jackson) said $300 was taken from him,” Blankenship said. “I believe Zay on that one. He had nothing to gain in that situation.”

At the end of the final trial in the Jackson case, Haverstock spoke on behalf of Jackson’s personality.

“This was certainly something totally out of character for him,” Haverstock said. “He’s going to continue at Murray State and hopefully attain his degree with a GPA above a 3.0.”

Blankenship said he thinks Jackson has learned his lesson and understands the serious nature of his actions. He also said he hopes Jackson will uphold the responsibilities he will have when on probation in the near future.

Before leaving the courtroom to head back to Calloway County, Jackson shook hands with the Clements’ – apologizing for his actions.

“I really hope he gets the help he needs,” Alia Clement said. “I’m still living with it every day of my life.”

Boulder’s is planning to change its business model from a dine-in restaurant to a catering business in the near future.

Destiny Walls, freshman from Princeton, Ky., said she is against alcohol.

“I think it is bad for the body,” Walls said. “People always drink way more than they should.”

Walls said even with the revenue coming into the city, she thinks it is going to make the community worse because of the effects it can have on a person.

Out of the seven establishments selling packaged liquor, two are in walking distance of campus.

Michael Griffin, senior from Madisonville, Ky., said having packed liquor in Murray means no more trips south to Paris, Tenn.

“This will help me save a ton of money on gas since I can literally walk to the liquor store rather than drive for 45 minutes,” Griffin said. “I think this will really help the city in creating funds and keeping money in Murray.”

CONTRACT From Page 1

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Associate Professor of Business Administration Department of Management, Marketing, and Business Admin.

Email: jroach@murraystate.edu

Informational Meeting Monday, Monday, February 18th at 4:30 P.M. P.M. in BB 252

of Education (eastern Kentucky) in violation of the Kentucky Open Meetings Act because discussion of whether or not to renew the superintendent’s contract was improperly held in closed session.

Gary Ball, editor of The Martin County-Tug Valley Mountain Citizen, issued the complaint to the attorney general’s office, arguing that the contract extension discussion was not protected

by KRS 61.810(1)(f). That state statute legalizes closed session meetings by government officials only when they concern appointment, discipline or dismissal. The attorney general’s office held that no damage could be done to either party by holding the meeting in open public session. The attorney general opinion explains the reasoning behind the existing KRS law and why the Martin County Board of Education’s decision does not apply.

The statute states that when several individuals have applied for a single position, all but one must be eliminated because they are less qualified. That provides the opportunity for reputational damage to one or more. But Herrick found that no potential reputational damage to either parties existed when only a single individual’s contract was under discussion. “… such potential does not exist where the discussion concerns a mere attempt to secure the continued employment of an existing employee,” he stated. “Therefore, the board’s discussion of a new contract for the current superintendent did not relate to the ‘appointment’ of an employee.”

The finding goes on to state that even though there exists the potential for what could arguably be considered a dismissal, in that the contract would not be extended, a true dissolution of employment would only occur if the board terminated the contract for any reason.

Dunn said he believes that opinion can be applied to the board’s voted intention to allow the contract review committee to meet in closed session – away from the public eyes and ears. “(The board’s resolution) indicated (the adhoc contract review committee) was for the purpose of determining – as implied by the name – whether or not to extend the contract,” Dunn said Tuesday. “As I see the attorney general’s opinion, I don’t see a lot of wiggle room in the fact that extension of a contract is a topic that has explicitly been stated should be done in open session.”

He said he believed it would only be legal for the committee and board to meet for the purpose of reopening a presidential evaluation.

The University president undergoes annual checklist evaluations, and every four years, the board conducts a comprehensive, 360-degree performance assessment. The board finalized

Winslow Dining Hall. The bronze package with 385 flex dollars is the second-highest purchased meal plan at the University.

The students who tend to purchase high-flex dollar packages are those commuting to campus. Commuters at Murray State usually only eat one meal, if that, on campus.

Kathy Kopperud, a real estate agent in Murray, said students must consider several factors before deciding whether or not to live on campus. At Murray State, in-state students must spend their freshman and sophomore years on campus.

“Students need to be careful to find out what utilities might cost before committing to a rental because an older home or poorly insulated apartment could range into several hundred dollars,” Kopperud said.

Kopperud said the average Murray apartment costs $375 a month, with some of the utilities already paid.

While an apartment may be cheaper monthly than a Murray State residential college room, transportation to campus can often fill that gap.

According to the Huffington Post, students spend an average of $1,082 a year on gas used driving to campus.

Students also tend to gain parking tickets frequently, which add up tremendously over time. Last year, Murray State gave away 15,620 parking tickets of $15 or $30 values.

The $15 tickets are given to students who park in the wrong zone, while the $30 dollar tickets are given to students who park in the wrong zone without a parking pass in their rearview mirror.

If only a fourth of the tickets given out last year were $30, the rest $15, Murray State gained $300,000 just from parking violations.

the results of its evaluation of the president almost exactly a year ago, and Dunn said he had had the narrative conclusions for more than 10 months.

Curris spoke to The News via email Wednesday. He said he was not in a position to discuss legal issues. “… I am not an attorney and do not comment on legal issues,” the email states. He directed further questions to Jill Hunt, the president’s executive coordinator and board secretary. Curris told WKMS, Murray State’s NPR affiliate, that the committee-board meeting was still planned to be held in closed session.

Repeated attempts to contact University Counsel John Rall were unsuccessful.

Dunn’s existing contract is set to expire on June 30, 2014 – about three years and nine months since the board’s last presidential contract negotiations in 2010. According to Curris, and as indicated in the unofficial minutes, the terms of the contract outline a resolution to finalize a decision on whether or not to renew Dunn’s contract by June 30 of this year.

Neither the contents of Dunn’s contract, also obtained from the president’s office, nor any existing board policy, however, prohibit a contract decision prior to that date. Dunn said he had hoped the Regents would have entertained the possibility of an early contract extension in March when the comprehensive evaluation report was given to him.

He said he understands if the board intended to see if he had implemented the suggestions outlined in that document. A year later, though, the timeline for renewing his contract ebbs ever nearer.

Much of this discussion would not take place had it not been for the negotiations that took place in 2010 surrounding the pure evergreen clause in Dunn’s first contract in 2005.

That clause stipulated that as long as the board made no action to end Dunn’s contract, it would be renewed – essentially, there was no need for a “yes” vote. But during the latest contract negotiations, Dunn said the board showed interest in removing the clause, and he traded the removal of that clause for additional vacation days. He said he had no reservations about the board’s wish to remove the clause at the time.

“I thought it was a fair trade,” he said. “It’s not like I’m crying about it now, because I knew what I was getting in to. Had I known it would play out quite this way, I may have rethought it.”

In October, Dunn was named one of two finalists for the position of Missouri State University president. Then, only days before the Dec. 14 board meeting late last year, Dunn was interviewed by the Florida State Board of Education for the vacant commissioner of education spot.

Dunn has said he and his wife Ronda wish to remain at Murray State, but he has no choice but to make preparations for employment elsewhere should the board fail to renew his contract.

4A

February 8, 2013

The News

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Devin Griggs Phone: 809-5873 Twitter: MSUNewsOpinion

Born in the U.S.A.

Our View

As millions of Missourians went to work Wednesday morning, their representatives met in the state house for a hearing. The hearing concerned the possibility of making Missouri the nation’s 25th Devin Griggs right-to-work state, Opinion Editor following the footsteps of moves made by the legislatures of Indiana and Michigan last year.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) likewise introduced a bill Monday that would turn the entire U.S. into a right-to-work state.

Just what is a right-to-work law, and what happens when a state adopts one?

Well it might sound like a right-towork law would be a good thing – of course as a good Rooseveltian liberal I am kind of partial to the idea that everyone should have the right to a job.

But that’s not what right-to-work is all about.

What right-to-work actually does is undermine the right of workers to collectively bargain. Right-to-work isn’t about giving anyone a job. These laws simply mean that a citizen of a right-towork state is entitled to all of the benefits of being in a union without having to pay any union dues.

Unions under a right-to-work regime are forced to represent non-union workers in collective bargaining contracts and defend non-union workers on the job (thus straining their budgets).

Without required dues, the ability of unions to organize and offer their members better pay and benefits is undermined. It is like not paying for a lawyer and then the state stepping in to compel the lawyer to defend you pro bono at every turn.

You would not be far off in asking what that means for you. Most Americans are unfamiliar with the collective bargaining process as they are with unions, the members of which now make up a historically low percentage of the American workforce. But just because you might not be in a union doesn’t mean this kind of thing won’t affect you in one way or another.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average worker in a rightto-work state makes $1,500 less than a similar worker in a non-right-to-work state. That means less money for workers to spend, which means less money going into the economy and providing the kind of stimulus we need to exit the Great Recession.

Assuming that you’re a Missourian and this bill passes, that means your neighbor can expect to make less money, and with less money spend less on products that you make or you sell.

This could lead to you getting laid off or let go – and is just one reason that you, union or not, should be concerned about the future of the labor movement in this country.

The Economic Policy Institute’s research indicated that if just 10 percent more of the American workforce was unionized, it would add $1,479 to the average middle-class household (union or not) each year.

The decline of unions in the last four decades is directly linked to the decline of the postwar middle-class society that organized labor helped forge in the midst of the Great Depression.

Until we recognize that, and until an effort is made to enhance the bargaining power of American workers, we will not have the kind of economy that can produce stable growth and shared prosperity.

If you are a Missourian, please give your state legislators a call and advise them to vote against right-to-work-forless. The job you save may be your own.

Evan Watson/The News

Right-to-work wrong for workers

Adding Pony Express to menu The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

another addition to our palette of food options and it will be a welcome extension of Dining Services to the academic side of campus – but why is it that we simply cannot build another sit-down, brick and mortar establishment on the academic side of campus for students?

The argument might be that Murray State is hurting financially at the moment and that a food truck is simply the cheaper option if we are to serve commuters and students who spend a majority of their time on the academic side of campus.

While that argument has some appeal, we should note that nearly a year ago, at a time when the University was also in a bad spot financially, the administration was pushing for another library.

Color us skeptical at best and cynical at worst whenever the administration starts talking dollars and cents.

Or maybe the argument could be that there might not be adequate demand on the part of students for another dining establishment on campus.

If the number of students that frequent The Burrito Shack and Matt B’s are any indication, that too seems like a suspect argument. Murray State is missing out on a huge opportunity to make more money while servicing students’ need to feed before and after class.

Rumbling stomachs are a common sound on campus as students move between classes, or from their classes to their cars. We’ve all been there – in a rush to get from home to class, waking up late and making the choice to skip breakfast at the risk of missing a quiz or test.

Unless you live on the residential side of campus, make a trip to the Curris Center or have a class in the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business the options for a quick meal or even a place to sit down, relax and grab a cup of coffee are slim.

That is the case now, but it won’t be in the future. Early next semester, students across campus will be serviced by a food truck that will go far to fill in some of the gaps in student access to a quick and quality meal on campus.

With The News residing in Wilson Hall, we’re certainly glad to see an option that will not require a trek across campus to the Curris Center, a stop in at Waterfield Library or a walk over to the Business Building and we applaud the University for its effort to make dining more accessible for more students at Murray State.

We do however have some constructive criticism in way of the food truck. The Pony Express as it will be known, will be

Cheers to ... liquor finally coming to Murray! Residents will soon Cheers & Jeers is written by be able to wet the Opinion Editor. their whistle at Questions, concerns or com- seven different locations. ments should be addressed to Too bad we’ve had to dgriggs@murraystate.edu wait six months for it to finally get here ...

Cheers & Jeers

Jeers to ...

Sen.Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and the seven other senators who voted to block the Violence Against Women Act. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Opinionated Tweets We sift through the muck so you don’t have to.

This week: #ICouldHaveBeenARepublicanBut

Devin Griggs is vice president of finances for the Murray State College Democrats. dgriggs@murraystate.edu

and #ICouldHaveBeenADemocratBut Want to see your tweet in this section?

Hit up @MSUNewsOpinion with your thoughts on anything from construction on campus to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the hashtag #RacerThoughts and you might see it here!

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The News 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 email: msu.thenews@murraystate.edu Fax: 809-3175

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Kyser Lough Interim Adviser • 809-3937

A new addition to Dining Services on the academic side of campus would be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Students who don’t live in the residential colleges or who don’t have the time to stop at Starbooks or Winslow Dining Hall would have a place to stop to grab a quick bite to eat on their way to class.

Murray State would be able to raise money from the subsequent sales and be able to use the money to shore up its overall finances or expand existing programs (or maybe give a raise here or there to the hardworking people who work at Dining Services – here’s hoping).

It also goes without saying that the people of Murray would have an opportunity to help build such an establishment.

But this of course is a suggestion and a suggestion only.

Dining Services hasn’t announced anything beyond the Pony Express coming to campus and changes to both Winslow and the Thoroughbred Room – but that doesn’t have to be the end of it.

Last week we editorialized on the need for students to become active and to get involved on campus.

This is a prime example of what student organization could get done – if you want something like this to happen, if you want to see more options for dining on campus, get organized and make it happen!

Cheers to ... the return of the 1990s. We are actually kind of excited about the return of Destiny’s Child and Justin Timberlake.

Send back the Furbies, please.

Jeers to ...

Spike Lee’s non-press conference before his lecture. He sure talked a lot about the crticial thinking while dodging it. Do as I say, not as I do ...

andy lassner

MONICA

@andylassner #ICouldHaveBeenARepublicanBut I think women do just fine making decisions about their own vaginas 11:05 a.m. Feb. 5

@LeMarquand #ICouldHaveBeenADemocratBut my God can't be replaced by science, and he saved me from your enlightenment!

1:56 p.m. Feb. 6

Jaru Rascus James

G@88y 5c#u12

@SonofRascus #ICouldHaveBeenARepublicanBut I think it is better to pay to give children 12 yrs of education than to pay for 20 yrs or incarceration!

7:24 p.m. Feb. 6

@VomitingLarry #ICouldHaveBeenADemocratBut then realized electoral politics was a ruse to legitimize a hideous broke system based on the violence of empire 6:00 p.m. Feb. 4

Mary York

Joseph Kurt

@00Mary #ICouldHaveBeenARepublicanBut I want no part of helping this country be owned and operated by the 1% #UniteBlue 2:26 p.m. Feb. 4

@JosephKurt1 #ICouldHaveBeenADemocratBut I'm not afraid of YOUR gun.

4:59 p.m. Feb. 4

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The News

News

February 8, 2013

5A

Flu season going strong NEWS PULSE Information and photos from The Associated Press Compiled by Ben Manhanke

OBAMA TO VISIT NETANYAHU On Tuesday, the White House confirmed President Obama’s plan to visit Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which would be his first visit since becoming president. The trip will be a chance to further talk about peace between Israel and Palenstine.

Meghann Anderson || News Editor manderson22@murraystate.edu

Students across campus are starting to feel the affects of the constantly changing weather in Murray. Flu season has begun and Health Services is starting to see more students visit them with cases of the flu.

Judy Lyle, health educator in Health Services said students, faculty and staff and were confirmed with flu screening swabs: Since November, Health Services has treated 19 students for the flu.

“There have been a few client visits that were diagnosed as having flu without laboratory confirmation,” Lyle said. “Sometimes the symptoms are just so pronounced that we treat based on the symptoms.”

The normal flu season runs from December until the end of March.

She said the dynamics of flu season is random, due to the severity of the virus.

Some years will be moderate, while other years have high flu counts.

Lyle said students should be aware of the differences between a cold and the flu.

A cold usually has a low-grade fever or none at all, with some aches and a runny nose; flu symptoms are more prominent.

Flu symptoms include a fever of 100-102

degrees, headaches, achiness, extreme fatigue, stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throats and chest discomfort. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain can also be flu symptoms.

Health Services is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and is closed Wednesday afternoons.

Lyle said visits to Health Services in the spring and fall for allergy-related symptoms are also very common and frequent.

She listed many ways for students to reduce the effects of pollen: maximize time outdoors when pollen counts are lowest and wash hands frequently to reduce the pollen collected on your skin.

Lyle said it is important to note that hand-washing is the prime measure to prevent not only the flu but also most illnesses.

“We gave approximately 100 flu vaccines to students and about 160 to faculty and staff (last fall),” Lyle said.

Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, said students need to be aware that the University has a very comprehensive health service on campus and they should take advantage of their help.

“At the earliest sign of not feeling well they need to get help,” Robertson said. “It can save them money and help them get better.”

Kylie Townsend/The News

The staff at Health Services are encouraging students to take precautions to prevent getting the cold or flu during the winter.

University police hire new captains, officers Ben Manhanke|| Staff writer

which gives officers so much freedom to pick where they want to work in the country.

“One reason we see such fluidity and movement is Joining the ranks of the Murray State Police are that all officers in the state are certified,” he said. “Offour new officers, hired at the beginning of January to ficers can all transfer anywhere in the state and befill recent vacancies in the force. cause our academy is nationally accredited our The officers hired include two new captains- Bob officers are accepted almost anywhere in the counBringhurst, a 30-year veteran of the try in a snap. There’s no probLouisville Police Department and Roy lem transferring to another Dunaway, retired from the Nashville Being a man short is not a crit- state.”

Davidson County Metropolitan Police DeThe Murray State Police ical issue with me; the most partment- and two new patrol officersattend the same law enforceimportant priority for me is ment training academy and James Mayes, retired from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department in Memphis, having these four guys who receive the same Department Tenn., and Steve Robinson, retired from of Criminal Justice training have come from Louisville, as both the Murray City Pothe Murray Police Department.

These new hires bring the Murray Nashville, Memphis and Murray lice Department.

State Police force to 15 sworn officers.

University officers work for David DeVoss, Murray State chief of to get them acclimated to Mur- the mayor and the city counPolice said the new officers were replac- ray State University policing. cil, the Murray State Police ing two officers who retired and two who work for the Board of Regents –David Devoss transferred to serve in different towns. and the University’s president.

“There is always someone leaving and The Murray State Police Murray State Police Chief we’re quite often in the position to reprovide a number of unique place officers,” DeVoss said. “The Uniservices to the University versity has authorized us to have 16 positions, so if community including issuing citations and arrest someone resigns or retire then we fill that position warrants to students and providing security for the as soon as we can.” many events put on at Murray State.

DeVoss said officers stay at the Murray State PoThe Murray State Police are also often called upon lice and transfer so often due in part to the nationto help the city police, as the organizations’ jurisdically accredited training officers receive in Kentucky tion is shared. An increase to the University’s force bmanhanke@murraystate.edu

BRITAIN FAVORS GAY MARRIAGE British lawmakers in the House of Commons voted 400 to 175 Tuesday in favor of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The bill, strongly supported by Prime Minister David Cameron, must survive further parliamentary debate before becoming a law.

”

REMAINS OF KING FOUND Scientists from the University of Leicester announced Monday that human remains found underneath a parking lot in central England last August are the remains of King Richard III.

means more officers and resources that can be lent to the city as well.

“The University police have county-wide jurisdiction,” DeVoss said. “We can go anywhere in Calloway County and have police authority and so we back the city and county up quite a bit. We can take on any role that’s necessary.”

Before being hired to the University’s police force officers must go through a stringent background examination, after which DeVoss decides if he will make his official recommendation to the University on whom to hire.

“Our investigators do an extensive check on every person we hire to be a police officer,” DeVoss said.

“We investigate their background, their work, they have to submit to a drug screen, both psychological and suitability screens and a polygraph examination.”

He said their entire background history is checked before they are hired.

With the staff now at 15, there is still one more vacancy to fill. DeVoss said they are in the process of reviewing applications for the position of investigator and it will take one to two months before they pick a suitable candidate.

“My focus is not trying to fill that last position, it’s training those guys that have transferred in,” Devoss said. “Being a man short is not a critical issue with me. The most important priority for me is having these four guys who have come from Louisville, Nashville, Memphis and Murray to get them acclimated to Murray State University policing.”

Greek Life

USPS TO CUT SATURDAY MAIL The U.S. Postal Service plans to save $2 billion annually by cutting back its delivery service from six days a week to five, omitting Saturday. This new policy would affect only mail such as letters and magazines. This re-evaluation came after the Postal Service suffered a $15.9 billion loss the past year.

Meghann Anderson/The News

IFC BID ACCEPTANCE: Interfraternity Council bid acceptance was held Monday night in Wrather Auditorium.

Jason Hinson-Nolen, interim Greek life coordinator, said numbers were up 150 percent from last spring’s recruitment. By Wednesday afternoon, 42 of the bids had been formally accepted.

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The News February 8, 2013

February 8, 2013

Section B

The News

Sports

Sports Editor: Jaci Kohn Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUNewsSports

A GAME OF THREES Return of emphatic 3-point shot helps Racers top Bruins Jonathan Ferris || Staff writer jferris2@murraystate.edu

When the top two teams in the conference meet on a nationally televised stage, in front of 7,100 enthusiastic fans, fireworks are sure to ensue.

Such was the case Thursday night as Belmont - the top team in the East - squared off against Murray State - kings of the West - in a conference battle for the ages.

In an environment which Head Coach Steve Prohm said reminded him of the record setting sellouts of a season ago, the Racers and Bruins battled to the final buzzer in what many called the game of the year in the OVC. Murray State played arguably its best half of the season in the first 20 minutes, racking up a 36-26 halftime lead. Seniors Stacy Wilson and Brandon Garrett led the charge, while Isaiah Canaan sank two 3-pointers, ending his four game shooting slump.

Throughout the first 15 minutes of the second half, the Racers matched Belmont’s every move, holding the lead between 10 and 15 points.

With five minutes left in the game, however, the Bruins mounted a 7-0 run, cutting its

Kylie Townsend/The News

Senior forward Stacy Wilson scored 16 points against Belmont Thursday, making him the second highest scorer. deficit to seven. After free throws from Wilson and Ed Daniel, Belmont drained backto-back 3’s, cutting Murray State’s lead to four.

Canaan drew two fouls, and sank all four free throws, extending the Murray State lead to six with 1:23 to play. It was-

n’t enough, however, as backto-back 3’s from Belmont’s standout senior guard, Ian Clark, tied the game at 74.

Not to be outdone, Canaan responded. After bringing the ball up the court, Canaan dribbled left and rose up, knocking down the heavily contested 3

with 35 seconds to go, sealing the game for the Racers.

“I always believe the next shot I take is going to go in,” Canaan said. “I took what the defense gave me. They backed off of me and I took it.”

Senior forward Latreze Mushatt raised one finger in

the air, as the clock expired on a 79-74 Murray State victory.

“We needed this game, we really did,” Prohm said. “We needed this game to test us and see where we’re at, and they responded like I thought they would ... It reminded me of last year with the crowd and the energy and the emotion.”

Canaan finished the evening with 26 points, while sinking 15 out of 17 free throws. Wilson added 16 points of his own and Garrett chipped in 13.

“I felt like the team that played the best won the game,” Belmont Head Coach Rick Byrd said.” ... “They got after us. They screened better than we did, they rebounded better than we did and they shot it better than we did.”

The Racers remain in control of the West Division, with a four-game lead. The victory moves the Racers to within a game and a half of Belmont for the regular season conference crown.

It happened last year, so I’m not worried about it,” Canaan said. “They’re a new team with a new coach and I know our coach is going to do a great job getting us ready for them.”

The Racers and Tigers tipoff Saturday night at the CFSB Center at 7 p.m.

Football signs 19 on National Signing Day Staff Report National Signing Day was Tuesday, which means a brand-new class of Racer football players are headed to Murray State in the fall to begin their collegiate careers. In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Head Coach Chris Hatcher was pleased to announce the signing of 19 high school and junior college athletes. Paired with five players who signed toward the end of last year, the incoming football class features a total of 24 athletes.

Hatcher and his coaching staff worked hard this year to ensure much of the local and regional talent stayed close to home.

Several of the new signees call western Kentucky or Tennessee home. The Racers also swept the local talent pool, snagging five of the top players from the Mayfield and Murray areas.

Jonathan Jackson, a 5-foot-11-inch linebacker from Mayfield High School, headlines the Racers’ local findings. Jackson was ranked No. 121 on scout.com’s top 300 list and received interest from numerous schools including Eastern Kentucky, UT Martin, the University of Louisville, Louisiana State (LSU) and the University of Kentucky.

The Racers also signed Murray High standout LaBront Scott. The 6-foot-2-inch defensive end logged 45 tackles in just four games for the Tigers during his senior season. Playing at Mayfield High School his junior year, Scott amassed 99 tackles, 16 sacks, one interception and three blocked punts.

Scott was ranked No. 156 by scouts.com and given a three star rating by ESPN. Hatcher and his staff face a tall task in improving a defense which ranked last in nearly every statistical category last season. While the offense led the conference, putting up 39.2 points per game, the defense allowed 41.4 points. Highly rated incoming players like Jackson and Scott will challenge returning players for starting positions in the fall on a defense which needs improving.

Other highlights of the Racers’ recruiting class include: Jedidiah Vivio (nicknamed ‘Jedi’ by Hatcher), a 6-foot-5-inch, 270-pound offensive lineman from Goodpasture Christian School in Springfield, Tenn.; Koty Hix, another offensive lineman from Fort Campbell, Ky.; Demetric Johnson, a running back from South Pittsburgh, Tenn.; and Warwick Marsh, a 305-pound defensive lineman from Clarksville, Tenn.

In his fourth season at the helm of the Racers, Hatcher will look to capture a conference championship, which has eluded Murray State since sharing the title with Eastern Illinois in 2002.

Kristen Allen/ The News

The women’s basketball team drill layups before the game. This win gives the Racers a record of 15-7.

Women win six straight, defeat New Orleans 69-56 Staff Report The Racers added on to a now six game winning streak and ended the non-conference schedule with a 69-56 victory over the University of New Orleans on Wednesday.

The win put Murray State (15-7, 7-3 OVC) at an 8-4 non-conference final record, its best since the 2007-08 season.

Senior guard Mariah Robinson led the team with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds, resulting in her second consecutive doubledouble and fourth of the season.

Her performance exceed her season average of 17.5 points.

The Racers started with a strong run in the first half and never looked back, leading by as much as 23 with 3:56 left before the buzzer.

In a rushed attempt to take the lead the Privateers left the court

on an 11-0 run, including three consecutive 3-point shots.

Returning for the second half, UNO stepped up to a comparable pace with the Racers, cutting the lead to eight.

Though the energy levels changed immensely from the first half for the Privateers, Murray State kept a firm hold on the lead.

The Racers more than doubled their offensive momentum in the second half, shooting for 64.7 percent from the field and 62.5 percent beyond the arc.

Offensive rebounding was key for Murray State, resulting in 17 second-chance points to secure a strong advantage over a New Orleans team shooting 36 percent.

The Privateers never led. The UNO offense relied mostly on guards Keri Thomas and Mirjam Sipos, who finished the game with 21 and 19 points, respectively.

They were the only two players

WHAT’S

LATREZE MUSHATT

INSIDE

Senior forward returns after Rifle finishes second to Jackbattling a tendon injury, 2B sonville State, 3B

OVC CHAMPIONSHIP

on the roster to finish with double digits in scoring.

In an attempt to contain an offensively dominant Racer team, four UNO players faced foul trouble early into the second half, forcing them to defend cautiously.

Junior guard Erica Burgess continued to be a bench leader for the Racers, finishing the game with a 10-point contribution.

Junior forward Jessica Winfrey got 10 reboards and two points.

After sitting out for the Austin Peay game due to a minor injury, freshman forward Kelsey Dirks returned to the court to defend the post.

She earned two points, four rebounds, a block and a steal in her 20 minutes of action.

The Racers will continue with their conference schedule when they tip off Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. against Tennessee State at the CFSB Center.

Full Court Press An Unconventional Team There was not a single tennis court in the town where I grew up.

So, the thought of playing tennis never crossed my mind. At least, it didn’t Ryan until I came to Richardson Murray State.

Online Editor That’s where I met Howl Deese Bean, II, one of my best friends to this day. An avid tennis fan, Howl invited me to play, during which time he explained all the rules. I could instantly tell why he loved playing.

Tennis at first seemed to be a very individualized sport, as I relied only on my own reactions and skills.

It was one-on-one, Howl against me. I had only myself to blame for each loss or congratulate for every victory.

While having a team is great, there is something special about playing as an individual. Maybe it is the sense of pride that comes with each win, or maybe it is the adrenaline that comes when you realize you have to put everything on the line to prove yourself.

Whatever the reason, I pushed myself to become better. I hated losing match after match, so I focused on the weak parts of my game.

I changed my grip, changed my serving motion and played farther back on the court.

I did all this on my own, because I thought I was playing as an individual.

It was just recently that I decided tennis is actually a team sport, and not just because players can compete as doubles.

Sure, Howl and I have played more than one hundred singles matches in the past three years, but that does not mean we don’t have a team.

We are on each other’s team.

My definition of a team may not adhere to the most traditional interpretation of the word, but a tennis player cannot develop his skills without the help of at least one other person.

Take Novak Djokovic, the No. 1 tennis player in the world. I’m sure he has spent countless hours practicing on his own, but he could never have made it to the top without help.

Aside from his coaches and trainers, his opponents are the most important team members he has.

They exploit his weaknesses, build his stamina and help him develop the techniques to defeat even the most formidable competitors.

Though they play on the opposite side of the net, they make him a better player.

That is how Howl and I are. He beat me with ease in the beginning matches, but he gave me advice on what to change. That, along with my own observations during matches, eventually helped me win.

I soon started winning most of the matches, so it was my turn to help him. After all, that’s what teammates are for.

Now when we play, we often have long rallies and multiple tiebreakers.

Our career record against each other hovers around .500, so it truly is tough to win a match these days. Still, though, we help each other. We point out weaknesses and compliment strengths.

While it is true that we play against each other and winning is still important, the most important thing is having someone who can help make you better.

We do compete as individuals, but we get better as a team. Each day, after all the broken rackets and injured body parts, we leave the court just a little bit better than we came. mrichardson5@murraystate.edu.

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Choose from four gifts to make your Valentine, 5B

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The News

Sports

2B

February 8, 2013

Basketball

Mushatt returns to court

#Racertweets 6 new Tweets

Jonathan Ferris || Staff writer jferris2@murraystate.edu

When senior forward Latreze Mushatt fell to the ground July 10 during a game of pickup basketball, he knew something was wrong.

“As soon as I hit the ground, you know I yelled a little bit,” Mushatt said. “And then the first thing I said was, ‘I snapped my Achilles.’”

Mushatt’s self-diagnosis was spot-on. The Saginaw, Mich., native suffered a torn Achilles tendon, forcing him into surgery two days later to repair the injury. Doctors told Mushatt the recovery period might cost him his senior season.

“Once (team trainer Eric Frederick) told me what it was I almost cried like a baby,” Mushatt said. “I also told him I’d be back before the season was over with. Nothing else was an option. I was determined to get back out there and I had faith and kept believing.”

As the season began, Mushatt was working hard with team trainers and doctors to successfully rehabilitate the surgically-repaired tendon. Head Coach Steve Prohm hoped the senior could return, perhaps in time for the end of conference or tournament play. Sitting on the bench watching his teammates proved difficult for Mushatt, but he said the support of his team and coaches kept him motivated.

“The rehab was tough at times, but I was so determined that I couldn’t let it set me back,” Mushatt said. “It kind of made me a better person, just being able to watch and see things and understand that basketball is not all I have. It humbled me a lot more. I’m glad I had great teammates and a coaching staff to pick me up through it.”

Much to Racer Nation’s delight, Mushatt progressed through his rehabilitation more quickly than expected. He began practicing with the team in early December, participating in non-contact drills and slowly working his way back into game shape.

Mushatt achieved his goal of getting back on the court Jan. 3 in the Racers’ first conference matchup against UT Martin. Coming in to the game late with a sound Racer lead, Mushatt logged seven minutes without registering any points or rebounds. Since his return, Mushatt has slowly worked his way back into the regular lineup.

His minutes have increased in each of the last four games, culminating Saturday against Austin Peay. Mushatt played 28 minutes, providing a key spark off the bench for the Racers. He logged season highs in both points

Tj Sapp @TjSapp1 Had to make that run to Zaxby's again!!

Men’s Basketball

Lydia Orf @Lydia_Orf Since when do I get caffeine headaches? The struggle is real. #coffeeaddict Volleyball

Ty Stetson @TyWoooo37 Football ootball otball tball ball eball seball aseball baseball. Baseball Season Baseball

Casey Brockman @realWildHorse The Ravens won the Super Bowl, cool..... but how about that Clydesdale commercial!!

Football

File photo

Senior forward Latreze Mushatt defends his basket during the game against Eastern Illinois on Jan. 17.

(14) and rebounds (8) in the Murray State victory.

“I’m feeling good,” Mushatt said. “I’m not close to 100 percent, probably 75, but it’s coming along, and it’s a blessing to be able to be out there with my team helping them out.”

While Saturday was his best game thus far, Mushatt hopes to see his role continue to get better in the final weeks of the season.

“I see my role continuing to expand a lot,” Mushatt said. “I can see me doing multiple things out there. Whatever (Prohm) wants me

to do, I’m down to do it. It’s all about the team and I just want to win.”

With just seven regular season games remaining and the team in the thick of the conference championship race, Mushatt’s leadership and experience on the bench could prove invaluable.

Regardless of his role going forward, Mushatt assures Races fans of one thing.

“People haven’t seen the best of me yet this season,” Mushatt said. “I’m just working hard and doing whatever it takes to win. That’s all I’m focused on.”

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The News

Sports

February 8, 2013

3B Swing and a Drive The Murray State Tradition Part 4

Rifle

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Freshman Tessa Howald from Ozark, Mo., takes her stance before taking a shot during the OVC Championships at Morehead State in Morehead, Ky.

Rifle shoots, scores at OVC Laura Kovarik || Staff writer lkovarik@murraystate.edu

Well-placed efforts and execution placed the Racers second at the 2013 OVC Championships.

The No. 11 Racers were one of six teams competing. Leading the pack from day one, Jacksonville State was able to hold on to its lead and clench a first-place title.

The top three teams were Jacksonville State, Murray State and Morehead State, with team top aggregate scores of 4,653, 4,587 and 4,540 respectively.

The relatively young rifle team has had its fair share of challenges and triumphs along the road to the championships. Consistency and patience have been two major components of the Racers’ training regiment. The team was able to finish on a high note thanks to several key shooters.

The Racers shot their season best at Alaska Fairbanks in January.

The positive trend and increase in scores prevailed throughout the spring season.

Sophomore Kelsey Emme has led the team through the 2012-2013 season, and championships were no exception. Emme shot a 569 in smallbore and a 585 air rifle, and she was the only Racer to be named to the All-OVC Air Rifle First Team.

Freshman Tessa Howald stepped up and shot a solid 555 in smallbore and a 578 air rifle. Howald was named OVC Rifle Freshman of the Year, made OVC All-Newcomer Team, and was selected second team All-OVC in air rifle.

Teammates, senior Caroline Barber and junior Mikey Burzynski were also selected as second team All-OVC in air rifle. Burzynski and Barber shot a 579 and a 582 in air rifle respectively.

Howald said controlling emotions and remaining calm during the competition is something the team has been working on all year.

“I think overall we struggled with different things, but we were able to persevere,” Howald said.

Freshman Kaitlyn Wilson made AllNewcomer teams in both smallbore and air rifle.

Burzynski and junior Bill Harvey were also named to the All-OVC Smallbore Second Team in smallbore alongside teammate Emme.

Rifle not only takes extreme mental focus but it is also physically exhausting, Howald said.

“It’s all about being a smarter shooter, not necessarily better,” Howald said. “Having the same mental and technical effort in each position is important, and trying not to let my emotions override everything else.”

Head Coach Alan Lollar was complimentary of all his shooters and their hard work this season.

With this year of experience under its belt, the team will continue to mature and improve, Lollar said.

“The past season has been pretty up and down, and we haven’t been as consistent as we need to be,” he said.

“I think we’ve gotten a lot better along the way and gained experience. This is a really good bunch of shooters.

They are just all young at the same time, and they’ll all mature in their technique and skills together and be very good.”

Lollar looks forward to finishing up the rest of the spring season strong.

The coach also has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“We’re always pushing to try to shoot matches like the way we train,” Lollar said. “Patience has probably been the biggest challenge over the course of this season. Understanding that it takes time to figure things out and adapting to college.”

The Racers will travel to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers Feb. 5. NCAA qualifiers are just around the corner and they will be held at the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range on Feb. 16.

Track & Field

Racers hope to achieve higher position Lexy Gross || Assistant News Editor cgross2@murraystate.edu

Head Coach Jenny Severns said the upcoming meet in Allendale, Mich. is the final chance for Murray State to gain a quality position in the OVC Championships.

The Grand Valley State meet is the last indoor meet the Racers will attend this season. After the meet today and Saturday, Severns said the coaching staff will determine who goes to the championships.

“We know a handful of people who are going,” Severns said. “But it’s not definite yet who will go to the OVC.” Severns said only 25 Racers will attend the championships for indoor track events. Because the GVS meet provides competition on all levels, Severns said younger athletes will have a chance to gain high marks in their events.

Alexis Love, senior from Palmetto, Fla., recently named the OVC’s Adidas Track and Field Athlete of the Week, said there is some pressure on the team to do well at the GVS. “This meet itself is intense for most of the girls,” Love said.

Since the meet is one of the last for many schools, Severns said most teams will be motivated to reach national qualifying times. The team has been focusing in practice on maintaining a

strong composure and tolerating pain.

“Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is absolutely necessary,” Severns said.

Several athletes will be under the spotlight this weekend as the Racers compete in Michigan. Love said she is looking forward to her last regular-season meet.

“I’m using Grand Valley as a confidence boost,” Love said. “I know where I’m supposed to be and so this meet will let me know what I need to work on.”

At the Niswonger Invitational in Johnson City, Tenn., Love placed first in the 200-meter dash and second in the 60 meters. She also received a 400meter title with a time of 57.36 this season.

Love said if athletes are going to change or improve any aspect of their event for the OVC Championship, the GVS meet is where it needs to happen.

Her personal goals for the GVS meet are becoming more aggressive, getting off of the block faster and being stronger in the four-by-four relays.

Severns said many other athletes have demonstrated tremendous promise this season, which she knows will carry over to the GVS meet. Sharda Bettis and Tonia Pratt also received titles this season and broke several personal records. Pratt has not competed in a week, but receives high points for her throws.

LaShea Shaw, Emma Gilmore and Ashley Conway are also expected to do well at the GVS meet.

Though there are plenty more stories to tell, this will sadly be the last Murray State basketball icon I’ll discuss in my column.

This gentleman has quite Jonathan the story, howFerris ever, beginning Staff writer at a tiny high school in Cuba, Ky., in 1952.

Cuba High School, tucked away in southern Graves County, was the home of roughly 100 students in 1952. This is where Howard ‘Howie’ Crittenden played high school basketball.

The Cuba Cubs took far western Kentucky by storm, making an unlikely run to the state title game in 1951 where they lost the championship to much larger Clark County, Ky. A team of primarily juniors, Crittenden and his teammates vowed to return to the title game the following year and win it. They did exactly that.

In what many people claim to be Kentucky’s version of ‘Hoosiers,’ the Cuba Cubs made one of the most improbable runs in high school basketball history.

As if getting back to the championship game wasn’t enough, the Cubs upset duPont Manual, fourtime state champion and one of the largest schools in the state, to complete the magical run.

After Crittenden led his team to the state championship, he decided to play college basketball close to home, attending, you guessed it, Murray State. Crittenden broke nearly every scoring record during his four years at Murray. Averaging 19.4 points per game over his career, Crittenden graduated as the all-time leading scorer, with 2,015 points – a mark which is still good for fifth on the all-time list (Isaiah Canaan may catch him, as he currently sits at 1,815).

His best season came in 1953-54 when he averaged 20.4 points per game. To put that number in perspective, Isaiah Canaan is currently averaging 21.0. This year’s team scores 72.1 points per game.

In Crittenden’s day, basketball teams rarely broke the 70 point mark. In his senior season, Crittenden led Murray State to the Kentucky Invitational Tournament championship.

After leaving Murray State, Crittenden played five seasons in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) before becoming a high school basketball coach. He spent the majority of his professional career as a high school principal.

Crittenden was inducted to the Murray State Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. Crittenden’s name and number currently hang from the rafters of the CFSB Center. jferris2@murraystate.edu

Beamer Barron/ The News

Members of the track team run sprints at a recent practice at Roy Stewart Stadium.

Gilmore, freshman from Locks Heath, England, is expected to focus on the 600-and-800-meter dashes, according to Severns.

Love said the realization of the GVS meet being her final regular-season indoor event has not affected her yet.

“I know this is my last indoor meet, but I’ve been trying not to focus on that,” Love said. “I’m sure when I warm up it’ll all hit me.”

Courtesy of Sports Information

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4B

February 8, 2013

The News

THE

Features

“Entertainment news sure to spice up your lunch conversation”

WATER COOLER

Features Editor: Anna Taylor Assistant Features Editor: Savannah Sawyer Phone: 809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

Information and photos from The Associated Press Compiled by Anna Taylor

the director’s cut Lee directs audience to follow dreams ALICIA KEYS TO SING AT NBA ALL-STAR HALFTIME Singer Alicia Keys is scheduled to be the halftime performer at the NBA All-Star Game.

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, among others, will be playing.

The game is Feb. 17 in Houston, Texas, and will be broadcast live on TNT.

GLORIA ESTEFAN, HUSBAND PLAN BROADWAY Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, are developing a Broadway show based on their lives, the show's producer said on Tuesday.

Emilio is a music, television and film director.

BIEBER IS YOUNGEST ARTIST WITH FIVE NO. 1 ALBUMS Canadian pop star Justin Bieber became the youngest artist to have five chart-topping albums in the U.S. on Wednesday.

His most recent record, "Believe Acoustic," debuted on the top of the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

The singer was previously tied with Miley Cyrus with four chart-topping albums, all before turning 19.

Bieber will celebrate his 19th birthday on March 1.

Savannah Sawyer || Assistant Features Editor ssawyer@murraystate.edu

Students, faculty and community members packed Lovett Auditorium Monday night, lining the back walls, as director Spike Lee took the stage for the Presidential Lecture Series.

The lecture series has roots at the University dating back to 1983. Last year, the University was able to bring James Carville and Mary Matalin to speak to the students and residents of Murray about their views on politics and, what was then, the upcoming election.

In past lectures, Murray State has hosted guest speakers such as Ben Stein, Desmond Tutu, Richard Norton Smith, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Benazir Bhutto, Lech Walesa and F.W. DeKlerk.

Many were curious about what Lee’s role in the Presidential Lecture Series would be. The point of the lecture was not about politics, but was a way for the University to offer another perspective on today’s world and current issues.

Prior to the lecture, however, a scheduled press conference was canceled by Lee himself. The University was not overcharged for this aspect of the contract but paid the contracted amount for what it received, said Joshua Jacobs, chief of staff.

“Mr. Lee chose not to participate in the planned press conference prior to the lecture,” Jacobs said. “However, his decision to forgo the press conference certainly didn’t detract from an excellent lecture experience for a capacity crowd. Spike was generous with the scope of his comments and time spent answering questions and meeting with fans after the lecture.”

Soon after the lecture began, the audience realized Lee really wasn’t there to talk about what is going on in the world of politics right now, which many assumed he would, considering the title of the lecture series.

Throughout the lecture, Lee seemed to drive home the point about education and following dreams.

“Parents will kill more dreams than anybody,” Lee said.

“They think they can look at their child’s heart and tell what path they want to take.”

He then encouraged all of the students in the crowd to stand up to their parents or whoever else is bringing them down, if that is the case.

“I know it’s hard to stand up to your parents, but you have to,” he said. “You don’t want to be in a dead-end job doing something that you hate.”

Dana Ballow, senior from Paducah, Ky., said Lee’s message really spoke to her.

“I feel that the lecture was relevant to where I am in my life at the moment,” she said. “I liked that he reached out

and talked about how you should be doing what you like.

And no matter your race or what part of your life you’re in, if you do what you love, you’ll be successful. He was inspiring us to be proactive.”

Lee also took the time during his lecture to praise the liberal arts schools such as Murray State for allowing students a wide array of options.

“The great thing about liberal arts schools is, when it works, you are exposed to various things,” Lee said.

At the start of the lecture Lee, made what might be taken as a slight jab at a fellow film director, which was subtle enough that it could have easily been looked over.

When addressing the subject of education, Lee began listing things that have been preached in schools that need to be taken even more seriously.

“I don’t care what movie comes out,” Lee said. “There is nothing funny about slavery, nothing funny about the holocaust – no matter who makes the movies.”

Film director Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his sometimes comedic take on past serious historical events in his films, was assumed who Lee might have been referencing.

Lee and Tarantino have a long running feud over the usage of the N-word in Tarantino’s films. Lee once told Variety magazine, “I’m not against the word. And some people speak that way. But Quentin is infatuated with that word.”

In recent news, Lee has voiced his opinion on Tarantino’s most recent work, “Django Unchained.”

“All I’m going to say is that it’s disrespectful to my ancestors to see that film. That’s the only thing I’m gonna say,” Lee said to VibeTV. “I can’t disrespect my ancestors.

I can’t do it. Now, that’s me. I’m not speaking on behalf of anybody but myself. I can’t do it.”

For the duration of the lecture, the subject of politics really did not come up. The subject was not brought up until the question and answer session, which was held after the lecture.

Again encouraging students to open their minds to critical thinking, he asked the crowd to reflect on the recent presidential election.

Lee said, the last presidential election was filled with old white men telling women if and when they could have an abortion, making decisions for Hispanics about immigration and other important issues facing people in American society.

This year the Presidential Lecture Series was not all about politics but rather a way of encouragement to get ahead in life by simply doing what one loves.

Said Lee: “For the students here tonight, I hope and pray that you find something you love. Because when you find something you love, it’s not work.”

Kylie Townsend/The News

Music

String orchestra participates in conference Hunter Harrell || Staff writer hharrell@murraystate.edu

BEYONCE’S OUTFIT LEAVES PETA IN FRENZY Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is accusing pop-singer Beyonce of being out of touch with shifting fashion trends.

Her halftime performance outfit was designed by Rubin Singer and was made with strips of python and iguana.

“Today's fashions are trending toward humane vegan options, and Beyonce’s outfit missed the mark on that score,” a PETA spokesperson said.

Quoteable “RadioShack plans to close more than 500 stores by the end of the year.

While its remaining stores will just continue to look like they’re closed.”

–Jimmy Fallon from NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Tuesday

The Murray State music program has many groups who perform for the campus and community. One of these groups, the Murray State String Chamber Orchestra, was selected to perform at the Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference today in Louisville, Ky. The KMEA Professional Development Conference is for music teachers pre-school through college level and students participating in all-state bands, choruses and orchestras.

Those who attend the conference can participate in sessions, hear performances and browse exhibits which display the vast array of resources for music teachers.

“I applied the last six years to perform,” said Sue-Jean Park, assistant professor of violin and viola and leader of the String Chamber Orchestra. “I was very honored to be selected.”

The orchestra left for the conference on Tuesday, although the official conference began on Wednesday evening with performers registering and rehearsing. They will be performing today at 4:55 p.m.

The String Chamber Orchestra will perform “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi. Park will be the featured soloist.

The program is constructed of

four concert numbers, each representing a season. They are titled “La Primavera” (Spring), “L’estate” (Summer), “L’autunno” (Autumn) and “L’inverno” (Winter).

The Murray State String Chamber Orchestra was established in spring of 2007, one year after Park started teaching at Murray State. The group is currently composed of 11 members, each in categories by their instruments.

Violinists include Rachel Brown, Jaeyoun Cho, Kelsey Booth, Brittany Young, Amber Wade and Peter Ney. John Perdue is the only violist.

Colton Burge plays double bass and Brett Chrittenden plays keyboard.

Celloists are Jinhee Han and Megan Rosbury.

“There is no limited number for orchestra,” Park said. “I select advanced students from the University orchestra, so every year we have a different number.”

This ensemble meets on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and typically only performs once a year in the Performing Arts Hall located in the Doyle Fine Arts building.

Their acceptance into the KMEA conference allows them to showcase the talent the String Chamber Orchestra possesses.

The string program at Murray State features various opportunities to study including private lessons, symphony orchestra, string chamber orchestra, chamber

Photo courtesy of Sue-Jean Park

The Murray State string orchestra performs “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi. groups and string pedagogy.

“It is a great chance to advertise the Murray State string program,” Park said. “It is also a very rare opportunity that 100 percent of the audience will be music majors, music students or teachers.”

Pamela Wurgler, chair of the department of music, agrees. She believes performing at the conference promotes Murray State’s program in all areas of music.

“Our appearance at KMEA lets the music teachers in Kentucky know that Murray State has a dynamic string program with many performance opportunities,” Wurgler said. “It tells these teachers that Murray State

is a good place to come to study music – not just band and choir, but also orchestra.”

The performance also pushes the orchestra and string program to better itself because they are representing Murray State as a whole, according to Wurgler.

Said Wurgler: “A conference appearance for any ensemble means that students and their director work extra hard to polish a program that will be recorded. A program like this pushes them to be the best they can possibly be. The rewards came first, by being selected to perform, and later in being recognized by the audience.”

The News

Features

February 8, 2013

5B

DIY

Pop Culture Savvy

Four homemade gifts to give on Valentine’s Day

‘Gone with the wind fabulous’

Dates in a Jar 1. Buy a pretty, decorative glass container at the local Walmart or craft store along with scrapbook paper and scrapbook sticker decorations. It would be best if the sticker decals fit the love and Valentine’s Day theme.

2. Either print or handwrite a variety of romantic dates for you and your significant other on various pieces of scrapbook paper.

Make sure the dates are things that can actually be done together, and make them as thoughtful as possible.

3. Cut out, fold and decorate each different date idea, and fill the decorative container with them.

4. Using the remaining decals, decorate the outside of the container, making it as personalized as possible.

5. Give the date jar to your significant other, and enjoy the gift that keeps on giving.

Six-Pack of Sweets

One in a Million 1. Buy a regular mason jar, thin ribbon and something with which to make a simple tag.

Also buy enough gumballs of one color to fill the jar, as well as one mismatched gumball.

2. Fill the jar entirely with the gumballs of one color, then add the one mismatched candy, being sure the mismatch can be easily seen.

3. Place the top on the mason jar and use your ribbon to tie on a tag that reads, “You’re one in a million.”

1. Buy any root beer or cream soda that is sold in a six-pack of glass bottles with screw tops.

2. Drink them all, saving the caps, bottles and pack they came in.

3. Wash the bottles out and remove all outside labels, leaving only a clean glass bottle to work with.

4. Buy your significant other’s six favorite candies, ribbon, decorative paper, letters and glue sticks.

5. Fill each of the six bottles with a different candy, then screw the caps back on.

6. Decorate each bottle with a ribbon tied around the top.

7. Continue to decorate the gift by covering the sides of the six pack container using the glue, decorative paper and ribbon.

8. Finally, spell out a personal message with the letters on the sides of the six-pack to bring the six-pack of sweets together.

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

Students create fun twitter accounts Kelsey Randolph || Staff writer krandolph3@murraystate.edu

Twitter has an endless amount of parody accounts. In Murray, students have become drawn to accounts specific to the area. The popular @MKYprobz, @WatchMSU and @MurrayAsian are just a few of the Murray-related accounts.

The @MKYprobz account has been popular since its first week. The account started in the summer of 2011 by

Cole Emerson, nonstudent from Murray, and his co-tweeter Michael D’Elia, from Murray. In a week, they went from 85 followers to more than 400.

Their mission has been to keep their tweets clean and funny for everyone to enjoy them, they said.

“The account was created out of sheer boredom on a road trip and has evolved into what it is today,” D’Elia said. “It’s a way for people who are lovers and who aren’t lovers of Murray to point out funny things about our town. Our direction is to in no way bash our city, yet make light of that which makes us who we are.”

The students and community of Murray may find light in some situations they see tweets about. @MKYprobz said some of the funniest tweets they have sent are those who tweet pictures of parking jobs gone wrong.

Some of these tweets could also show up on another popular Twitter account, @WatchMSU. This account is devoted to the people watchers of Murray.

“We found ourselves soaking in the people of Murray State,” said the anonymous @WatchMSU account owner. “There is so much going on at Murray. It’s interesting to just stop and see what’s around. Everyone this age is consumed with social networking, and we knew of other anonymous accounts, so we decided to add our perspective of Murray State on the Twitter world.”

The @WatchMSU account owner said they did not need to promote much, and it didn’t take long before other Twitter accounts began to catch on to the idea. They said it did, however, take a lot of following other Murray-related accounts to get attention from Twitter users.

“Winslow is generally our favorite place to people watch,” said @WatchMSU. “With a lot of the face paint and ridiculous outfits, Halloween was prime.”

Similar to @WatchMSU, there is a Twitter account aimed at the Asian community on campus, @MurrayAsian.

@MurrayAsian was started in April 2012 as a joke among a group of friends. They also said it did not take much to promote their account because they began to follow Murray State students and received followers in return.

“I pretty much get a play-by-play of what all the Asian students are doing on campus, from pingpong competitions in the Wellness Center to the abundant umbrellas on sunny days,” the @MurrayAsian user said.

It is no secret Murray has some interesting people. It has just recently become popular in the last two years for people to retweet and popularize the city’s people.

“I follow these accounts because, as a Murray State student, their tweets are relatable and funny,” said Jake Krish, freshman from Louisville, Ky. From following the Asian population to tweeting about the face paint at Winslow, there are Twitter accounts for many different types of entertainment on Murray State’s campus.

Out This Week

See It

Friday, Feb. 8

Directed by Seth Gordon, “Identity Thief” stars Jason Bateman as Sandy Bigelow Patterson, a man whose identity is stolen by a woman named Diana played by Melissa McCarthy. The film follows Patterson as he travels from Denver to Miami to find the person responsible for stealing his identity. “Identity Thief” is rated R for sexual content and language.

PUZZLES Want to sponsor Sudoku Puzzles?

Call our Advertising Department at 809-4478 to find out how. connect. attract. grow.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Starring Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is the film adaptat ion of Stephen Chbosky's 1999 novel. He also wrote the screenplay and directed the film, centered on Charlie (Lerman) and his first year in high school. It is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, drug and alcohol use and sexual content including references and a fight.

Hear It

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Blending grunge with punk and British rock, the Virginm ary’s first album, “King of Conflict,” brings fans the sounds they've come to love from the band’s EPs. Band members Ally Dickaty, Danny Dolan and Matt Rose's work brings a sound that compares to rock legends Led Zepplin, The Who and Nirvana.

The Virginmarys has won accolades from Classic Rock and Rolling Stone magazines.

Read It

Tuesday, Feb. 12

“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Brandi Glanville takes no prisoners in her new memoir, “Drinking & Tweeting: And Other Brandi Blunders.” The book details her high-profile divorce, her move from the ghetto to Hollywood and other events in the star's life. Glanville's memoir is sure to be a hot one on the Hollywood gossip circuit for some time to come.

Play It

Tuesday, Feb. 12

“Aliens: Colonial Marines” puts the player in the shoes of a colonial marine named Christopher Winter on a mission to destroy the aliens from the Ridley Scott film franchise. Players can use weapons from the “Aliens” franchise in their quest to eliminate the alien threat. “Aliens: Colonial Marines” is rated M for blood and gore, strong language and intense violence.

SOLUTIONS AT THENEWS.ORG

SUDOKU

Rent It

Photos courtesy of Amazon.com

Written and compiled by Shannon MacAllister, Staff writer

If Super Bowl Sunday proved anything, it wasn’t only that the Ravens beat the 49ers, but that nearly everybody, male and feSavannah male worship Sawyer the ground BeAssistant yonce walks on.

Features Editor I feel like the public has always admired Beyonce because she has been a wonderful role model for women everywhere.

Just take a look at the list of achievements my girl B has accomplished.

She has received 16 Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards and a Billboard Millennium Award, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with the members of Destiny’s Child.

During her solo career, she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best selling music artists.

But that’s not all. In 2009, Billboard named her the Top Female Artist as well as the Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s, and she was ranked No. 4 as the Artist of the Decade.

Believe it or not, her list of accomplishments goes on further than that. In fact, I think if I listed them all in this column, I would run out of room.

I think what makes her so real and such a role model is just how down to earth she seems.

Beyonce is confident in the way she looks, and it shows. She may not be a size zero like every other celebrity claims to be, but I think she’s more beautiful because of it.

Personally, I have never had a great level of self-confidence. It varies day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year, but even at my highest point, there were still moments of self-doubt.

But seeing strong women like Beyonce who are confident in themselves brings a whole new inspiration for me.

I hate to admit it even though I know a lot of women out there are going through the same thing I am. But that is exactly why I don’t want to admit it. I don’t want to be characterized as someone who has self-body issues even if that is what I have.

The point of this column is not about self-doubt or body issues, but rather it is about believing in yourself and finding someone to look up to. It won’t solve all of your problems, but it will certainly help when you’re having an off day.

Beyonce is such a great role model to me because she is so fierce and fearless. She believes in herself and it shows. That’s something I want to strive for. ssawyer@murraystate.edu

Features

6B

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’?

TODAY •6-8 p.m. Alpha Kappa Psi Capture the Flag rush event, Carr Health •7:30 p.m. Cinema International presents “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” Curris Center Theater •9 p.m. Stupid Cupid sponsored by PRSSA, El Mariachi Loco •10:30 p.m. SGA presents “Skyfall,” Curris Center Theater

T U E S D A Y

The News

•10 a.m.-1 p.m. A Better Weigh, Curris Center Dance Lounge •6-8:30 p.m. Mardi Gras Celebration, Richmond College Common Room

S A T U R D A Y

•10 a.m.-4 p.m. Valentine’s Day Sale, Murray Art Guild •6-8 p.m. Alpha Kappa Psi Invitation Only Smoker, Curris Center •7 p.m. Racer Basketball vs Tennessee State, CFSB Center •7:30 p.m. Cinema International presents “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” Curris Center Theater •8-10:30 p.m. Paducah Jazz Ensemble Sweetheart Dance, Robert Cherry Civic Center in Paducah, Ky.

•All Day Ash Wednesday •10 a.m.-6 p.m. Student Government Association sponsors Blood Drive, Curris Center Dance Lounge •Noon SGA sponsors Pet Therapy, Curris Center Rocking Chair Lounge •4-8 p.m. Chinese New Year celebration, Winslow Dining Hall

February 8, 2013

If you would like an event to appear here or on thenews.org, email us at features@thenews.org. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.

SUNDAY •All Day Chinese New Year •Noon Racer Tennis vs UT Chattanooga, Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts •1-2 p.m. Sweetheart of a Sweatshirt Sale, University Store

•All Day Valentine’s Day •8 a.m.-4 p.m. Kiss for Kash, University Bookstore •10 a.m.-6 p.m. SGA sponsors Blood Drive, Curris Center Dance Lounge

WEDNESDAY

T H U R S D A Y

M O N D A Y

•8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free HIV and STI testing and condoms, Health Services, 136 Wells Hall •10 a.m.-1 p.m. A Better Weigh, Curris Center Dance Lounge •4-5 p.m. High Intensity Cardio Class, Wellness Center •5-6 p.m. Water Aerobics, Wellness Center •5-6 p.m. Zumba, Wellness Center •7 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs Tennessee State, CFSB Center

5 things...

singles can do on Valentine’s Day

1

Go out with friends. Don’t make Valentine’s Day a thing only couples can celebrate. Enjoy a fun night out.

3

Saturday

Have a night in. Fix your friends up with a homemade dinner, drinks and a movie marathon. Just avoid anything based on a Nicholas Sparks book.

Go shopping. Even if you don’t actually need it, it’s still fun to reward yourself with a new outfit.

Have a spa day. Go get yourself pampered. If you don’t feel like spending money, just have a DIY spa at your residential college or apartment.

Racer basketball

5

File photo

2

4

Go on a date. Ask a single friend, classmate or colleague out for dinner. It’s Valentine’s Day, what’s the worst they can say?

Compiled by Anna Taylor

Faces&Places

Sophomore skater rolls over competition Hunter Harrell || Staff writer hharrell@murraystate.edu

Life in the fast lane Photo courtesy of Erich Budeshefsky

Kiaya Young, sophomore from Paducah, Ky., participates in The Western Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers roller derby team.

Faces & Places is a weekly series that profiles the people and places of Murray. Every person and every place has a story. Let us tell it.

On the outside, Kiaya Young, sophomore from Paducah, Ky., is just the typical college student. However, when Young is not in class, helping visitors at the Curris Center information booth or participating in PRSSA, she spends her time at Kingsway Skateland in Paducah, Ky. Young doesn’t skate for leisure. She skates for competition. She is a member of a roller derby team called The West Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers. A team that prides themselves on being athletes, professionals and a group.

Roller derby is a team sport played on roller skates and a flat, oval-shaped track.

During each game, or bout, the object of the blockers is to prevent the jammer, marked by a star on her helmet, from passing through. Scoring starts when the jammer gets through the blockers once and passes as many blockers of the opposing team again as possible.

Young said she was never much of a skater, but after watching the sport in action, she was hooked.

“I had skated when I was little, but I thought I might as well try it,” Young said.

“I watched a few games of roller derby and then a lady I used to babysit for started a team in Paducah, so I decided to try it out.”

Young said starting out she learned all the basics of roller derby, including how to skate, block and fall properly.

“You take a lot of hits, but the sport is moving away from what people call showboat hits,” she said. “Showboat hits are the

moves people do just to kind of show off.

Instead, people are moving more toward positional blocking or booty blocking.”

The Western Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers team practices a couple of times each week and compete in roughly eight bouts each year.

“It does involve a lot of travel,” Young said. “We can travel anywhere from one to five hours to compete, and we travel to Paducah twice a week for practices.”

Despite the traveling, Young does have a favorite aspect of the sport and acknowledges the difficulties as well.

“I love the competition and I love to skate fast,” she said. “You have to be very driven and you have to push yourself. You also have to realize you are not competing against your teammates. It takes a lot of dedication to your team and the sport.”

Young, however, has no problem with dedication. Instead, she struggles with another aspect of the sport.

“Personally, I have a hard time hitting,” Young said. “I’m not an overly aggressive person, so it’s not my first instinct to go out and hit. For other people, hitting is the easiest part.”

Roller derby is an ever-growing sport, and most major cities have acquired a team. Teams often have 20 to 25 members, including both skating and non-skating positions.

The sport tends to be a female sport, although men often coach and referee.

Recently, however, men’s leagues have been popping up in areas such as St. Louis, Mo. “Some people think it’s a women’s empowerment sport and would rather men not join,” Young said. “But I am one of those people who just wants everyone to love roller derby as much as I do.”