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Your updated guide to the 2018 primary election May 4, 2018 | Vol. 92, No. 29

Board of Regents discusses budget, Richmond plans

Two employees pass away on the same day

Elizabeth Erwin

Ashley Traylor

News Editor

Editor-in-Chief

eerwin1@murraystate.edu

atraylor@murraystate.edu

During a special meeting on May 1, the Board of Regents discussed the University budget for the upcoming academic year and approved the design plans for James H. Richmond Residential College.

The Murray State community is mourning the sudden loss of two employees on May 1.

Raymond Conklin, professor emeritus of trombone, 71, died at St. Thomas Hospital. Custodian Michael Whitlow, 65, died at Vanderbilt Medical Center from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Budget The meeting began with further discussion about public universities becoming more privatized. This was an idea originally presented by President Bob Davies at the community town hall in early April.

“We are here to serve the community, we are here to provide access, we are here to provide service, all of which are part of a public notion,” Davies said. “The privatized part comes into the element that our largest investors, our largest revenue sources, are becoming our students and their families.”

Directly affecting students and their families, the budget recommendations included a 3 percent increase on tuition, housing and dining plans.

Health Services Unchanged from the town hall, Health Services would not receive funding in the proposed budget.

However, Jackie Dudley, vice president of finance and administrative services, said the finance committee is working to identify an alternative option that would not be directly funded through the University.

Course Fees Fees for courses will also be affected by the recommendations.

The online web course fee for undergraduate students would increase by $10 per credit hour.

Meanwhile, the online web course fee for graduate courses would be set at a flat rate of $100 per credit hour.

This flat fee would replace the current 130 percent tuition formula that calculates graduate web course fees.

The recommendation would save graduate students $28 per credit hour for online courses.

Traditional course fees would also be impacted, with 700 courses potentially adding or increasing course fees.

“The course fees were designed to offset things,” Mark Arant, provost and vice president of academic affairs said.

“They were not intended to generate new revenue for the department. Course fees are allocated funds that are generated by the department for the department.”

Affecting the incoming freshman class, the transitions waiver that allows freshmen taking over 15 credit hours to take the required transitions course for free would also be eliminated.

Parking “We’re hoping to make some zone changes, and freshmen will have the opportunity to purchase a standard permit and will not be required to park at the stadium,” Dudley said.

It was proposed to the board to raise the parking pass price for the economy lot from $60 to $100. All other parking passes would cost $200.

Parking fee changes would also affect faculty and staff.

Currently, faculty members who have worked at Murray State for over 20 years re-

see BUDGET, Page 2

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Raymond Conklin

Nick Bohannon/The News

Zachary Wardrip, 19, was found dead in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house on Sunday, April 29. No foul play is suspected.

Photo courtesy of Huber Funeral Home

Teen found dead at fraternity house Elizabeth Erwin News Editor

eerwin1@murraystate.edu

An Evansville, Indiana teenager was found dead in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house on Sunday, April 29.

Zachary Tyler Wardrip, 19, was visiting a hometown friend, who is a member of Lambda Chi, last weekend in Murray.

Sources close to the situation said Wardrip and friends attended a party at the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house on Saturday, April 28.

Upon leaving the party, friends

took Wardrip to one of the units at the Lambda Chi house to sleep. His friends eventually returned to their residential college at the end of the night.

Murray Police Department Spokesman Sergeant Brant Shutt said they were called to the Lambda Chi house on Sunday, April 29.

“We do have an ongoing investigation into a death, but no foul play is suspected,” Shutt said.

Most members of the Lambda Chi fraternity were in Gatlinburg, Tennessee over the weekend for their annual formal.

Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, attended a Lambda Chi emergency chapter meeting on Sunday, April 29, where chapter members were briefed on the incident. Robertson said he has not yet spoken with the members of Pi Kappa Alphaw.

Robertson told The News the Murray State chapters of Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha have not received any disciplinary action.

“Right now it is being investigated by the city police so we will wait to see what those results are,” Robertson said.

“Depending on what the results are, we will determine what we need to do or not do,” Robertson said.

Murray State President Bob Davies sent an email to students, faculty and staff on Monday, April 30 expressing his condolences.

“I am very saddened to write this letter,” Davies wrote in the email. “On Sunday morning we learned that a friend of one of our students who was visiting him in Murray passed away at an off-campus fraternity house.”

see DEATH PAGE 2

Distracted Driving Awareness Friends of Murray State student and alumna killed in a November crash highlight the risks of distracted driving.

Paige Effinger Staff writer

peffinger@murraystate.edu

As Distracted Driving Awareness Month comes to an end, we remember students who lost their lives due to reckless driving.

In a fatal crash on Nov. 21, 2017, 20-year-old Murray State junior, Hailey Bertels and 20-year-old alumna Tori Carroll died in a semi-truck crash along with Bertel’s sister, Madisen and a fourth victim, Vivian Vu. The man behind the wheel, Mohamed Jama from Greeley, Colorado, was charged with four counts of reckless homicide and eight counts of reckless driving. Jama failed to slow down while driving through a construction zone, crashing into seven vehicles on Interstate 55 South in Hamel, Illinois.

Jama turned himself in earlier this month. Other people on the scene reported that Jama was driving an estimated 60 mph in the construction zone.

Distracted driving is a problem that continues to increase in the United States. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, nine people die every day from a distracted driving crash.

To those that knew Hailey best, Hailey was an amazing friend. Caitlin Murnane, senior from Paris, Tennessee, said she never felt unloved in Hailey’s presence. Murnane was a close

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Photos courtesy of Williamson Funeral Home

Murray State student Hailey Bertels and alumna Tori Carroll died from injuries sustained in a car accident on Nov. 21, 2017. friend of Hailey and a member of the same sorority.

“She was amazing, honest, hilarious, kind, caring, innocent and more pure than I have ever known a person to be,” Murnane said. “She was a regular person to many, but to those that knew her, she was so much more.”

Murnane described Hailey as never having a selfish moment.

She finds herself devastated thinking that we all have to live in a world without Hailey.

“I was blessed with every single joke, hug and smile,” she said.

Carroll graduated in just two years from Murray State after receiving her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. At the

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time of her death, she was studying at Northern Kentucky University Chase School of Law. Carroll was known for her infectious laugh. Christine Pickett, senior from Hillsboro, Missouri, worked with Carroll and they had many classes together.

“She was bubbly, outgoing, strong and confident,” Pickett said. “She could turn any bad day into a good one and make you laugh until you couldn’t breathe.”

Pickett said she misses pretty much everything about Carroll, but she especially misses the moments spent laughing.

“I miss her making me laugh the most,” she said. “Being

around her, you would never stop laughing.”

Distracted driving can range from changing the station on the radio to texting and driving.

However minor the situation may seem, the repercussions are serious.

According to the DMV, there are ways to prevent distracted driving.

Tips include cleaning your car before trips to prevent distractions, taking frequent breaks while driving, not driving while drowsy and preparing for your trip as much as possible beforehand.

Visit www.thenews.org to commit to not being another distracted driving statistic.

@MurrayStateNews

@TheMurrayStateNews

Mark Arant, provost and vice president of academic affairs, sent an email to faculty and staff informing them of Conklin’s death.

“Ray was an important colleague, friend and Conklin mentor to many music department faculty, staff and students,” Arant said. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family, students and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Dennis Johnson, director of bands and orchestras, said he and his colleagues are saddened by the sudden death of Conklin. Johnson said he had a great relationship with him and was “always proud to call him friend.”

“He was a tireless worker and recruiter whose students always progressed at a remarkable pace,” Johnson said. “His family meant ev-

see TWO PAGE 2

Alumnus and DJ to host family-oriented fundraiser for St. Jude Ashley Traylor Editor-in-Chief

atraylor@murraystate.edu

They’ve been friends for about a decade and now their families are banding together to host Hooping for Hope, a family-oriented event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Murray State alumnus, Jody Albright, his wife Nora and Murray DJ El Jas Aguirre brainstormed and coordinated the community event, which will take place Sunday, May 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Chestnut Park.

For the past four years, the Aguirre and the Albrights have hosted DJ Fest, but this year they wanted to help children in need.

“We came up with the idea for St. Jude, and I was like yeah that’s perfect,” Aguirre said. “Those kids are battling every single day. We can make a difference.”

Hooping for Hope combines Jody and Aguirre’s interests: sports and music.

The event will offer a 2-on-2 basketball tournament for a $20 entry fee, 3-point competition at $10 each, free throw and speed dribbling competitions, along with live music by 270 DJs of Murray, Aguirre’s business. There will also be arts and crafts, face painting and a bake sale.

To register to play in the basketball tournament or 3-point competition, contact Nora at 731-707-3587, or register to play the day of the event.

Nora is from California, and Jody said they pass the hospital in Memphis, Tennessee every time they travel to California.

see JUDE , PAGE 2

@MurrayStateNews

The News

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May 4, 2018

News

News Editor: Elizabeth Erwin Senior Writer: Destinee Marking Page Designer: Colton Colglazier Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

Community policing sparks conversation

Photo courtesy of Murray State Communications

Law enforcement officers listened to keynote speaker, Paducah Police Chief Brandon Barnhill.

Abbey Dickinson Contributing writer

adickinson2@murraystate.edu

This year the 34th annual Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series attempted to bridge the gap between law enforcement and their communities.

The event, held on May 1, focused on community policing. Discussion was led by a panel that included the Chief of the Paducah Police Department Brandon Barnhill, along with Kentucky State Trooper Jody Cash, crime analyst Michael Zidar, School Resource Officer Brandon Gallimore and Officer Trista Colson of the Murray Police Department.

Cash said community policing practices are proactive instead of reactive. It is when police interact with community members and take steps to prevent crimes before they happen.

“This is where police are identifying small problems before they become criminal problems,” Cash said.

However, the concept of community policing isn’t always easy to implement.

“Some of the challenges in community policing that I’ve seen, from a state police and state agency perspective, is that we cover such a large area and our troopers are

JUDE From Page 1 “Every time I go past St. Jude, I look over there and I see it,” Jody said. “[Aguirre has] kids of course and me and my wife have two kids.

Our kids are healthy today, but it takes one second for us to be right where those kids are and those families.

It just takes one second. We wanted to do something to help them out the best we can.”

Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, housing, transportation or food because according to their website, a parent’s only worry should be helping their child live.

“Without people helping and giving donations, they

usually pulled from one community to another,” Cash said.

“So it is really hard to establish that relationship versus police who are focused in a smaller area.”

Cash said when he was assigned to Calloway County in the past, he was able to develop friendships and relationships with people in the community.

“A good relationship with you all is how we can prevent future activity from happening, not just responding to the specific call,” Cash said.

The event was hosted by the College of Education and Human Services. Dean David Whaley said the topic of community policing aligns well with Murray State’s criminal justice program, social work and other areas.

Michael Zidar, crime analyst with the Paducah Police Department, said people have many misconceptions regarding community policing and law enforcement.

“People don’t look at us like human beings,” Zidar said. “I mean really, we may have a different job than most people in society, but we still go home to a family and are still regular people.

Whether we show it in our emotions or with a uniform on, but we, many of us, are still very caring and compassionate people.” can’t do what they’re doing,” Nora said.

Donations are welcome and all proceeds from the event go to St. Jude. It costs $2.4 million a day to operate the hosptial and 75 percent of the costs are covered by public contributions, according to St. Jude’s website.

“We don’t care if you guys can only donate a penny,” Aguirre said. “A penny can make a big difference.”

If Hooping for Hope is successful, Jody, Nora and Aguirre said they want to continue it every year, giving all the money to St. Jude.

After the event Sunday, they plan on hand-delivering the money they raised to the hospital.

“We are going to do everything we can to make this a great event,” Aguirre said.

Everyone is invited to attend the event on May 6.

Graphic courtesy of Murray State Communications and Luckett & Farley

Architectural firm, Luckett & Farley brought before the Board of Regents a new option for the Richmond renovation at the May 1 special meeting. The Board approved the new B/C option.

BUDGET From Page 1

ceive a free parking pass. The proposal would change it to where parking passes would be offered at half cost, or $100, to those faculty members.

Faculty

The current proposal also does not provide a cost of living increase adjustment for faculty.

The sick bank which allows faculty members to donate one of their paid sick days for an-

TWO

From Page 1

erything to him and they were very devoted to each other.”

John Fannin, assistant director of bands, also described Conklin as one of the best people he has known.

He said Conklin went above and beyond for his students and he was a strong leader in the music department for 45 years.

“Ray was a great advocate for students and colleagues,” Fannin said. “Ray was known throughout the world as one of the best brass teachers. He was a tire-

DEATH From Page 1

Davies reminded everyone that University Counseling Services is available for students who need it.

Known to family and friends as “Z,” Wardrip worked at Bud’s Harley Davidson in Evansville, Indiana. His obituary posted on the Huber Funeral Home website said “he enjoyed hunting, fishing, computer games, shooting matches, welding, UK basketball and tinkering in the garage with his papaw.”

According to the obituary, “Z” would go out of his way to help people and tell them they were loved by him.

other faculty member to use, will be capped at 20 days.

The current cap on the sick bank is 100 days.

Academic programs are still being evaluated to see what programs will be reduced, reorganized or eliminated.

Outsourcing

The University rental fleet which provides vehicles for employees and students to use for off-campus University business and conferences is planned to be outsourced to a third party.

Other services under consideration of being outsourced less champion of the needs of the music department.”

Michael Whitlow

Whitlow was heading to his home in Mayfield on Tuesday around 1 a.m. when sheriff’s deputies said he hit a tractor trailer.

It happened on Highway 1 21 North Whitlow in Graves County. Deputies said he did not see the tractor trailer that was backing into a driveway.

“Michael worked for the University for close to 12 years and served as a Building Services Technician for “He will be remembered for his big smile, his loving heart and his warm hugs,” his obituary read.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 2, at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel in Evansville, Indiana.

The Wardrip family requested those attending the visitation and funeral dress casual as Zach was “a country boy.”

Students who would like to speak to a counselor can contact Counseling Services at 270-809-6851. Faculty and staff who need assistance can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Program at 800-441-1327.

The News reached out to both the local chapters and national headquarters of Pi Kappa Alpha and Lambda Chi Alpha for comment but didn’t receive a response.

to a private third party include dining services, postal services and buildings and grounds.

As a result of expected outsourcing, 145 positions will be removed from the University payroll.

The Board of Regents will have a follow-up budget session during their May 11 special meeting at which time they will vote on the recommendations.

James H. Richmond Residential College

In the second part of the meeting, the Board of Regents approved the new design plan for James H. Richmond ResiFacilities Management,” Jackie Dudley, vice president of finance and administrative services, said. “We are deeply saddened by his loss and extend our condolences to his family, friends and coworkers.”

Whitlow’s car went off into a ditch and Whitlow was trapped inside until he was removed by Mayfield Fire and EMS. Initially, he was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center. Deputies said Whitlow died during the flight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Murray State President Bob Davies sent an email to the campus community on May 3.

dential College.

After receiving input from students, faculty and staff, architectural firm, Luckett & Farley presented a new design to the board that combined options B and C. The new design will include a balcony space on the second floor and an open lobby. The new building will also allow for the same number of beds that Richmond had before.

The Luckett & Farley representatives were confident about the construction process remaining on schedule.

The new building is projected to open in Fall 2019.

“As a community, we mourn the loss of our dear friends and colleagues,” Davies wrote in the email. “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know each of them and I know that they had a tremendous impact on many others with whom they interacted with daily on our campus.”

The visitation for Whitlow will be Friday, May 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Byrn Funeral Home located at 1020 Paris Rd. in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Visitation for Conklin will be Saturday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Murray. The funeral will follow on May 6.

Graduation Saturday, May 12, 2018 CFSB Center 9 a.m. - undergraduate 2 p.m. - graduate Tickets not required

The News

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May 4, 2018

Sports Editor: Blake Sandlin Senior Writer: Gage Johnson Page Designer: Rosalyn Churchman Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews

Sports

Turner recruits for next season Gage Johnson|| Senior writer gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

“We knew we needed winners. Winning is a habit. It’s not something you just do. You have to prepare and do whatever it takes to win, and then sustain that level of play.”

That was the mindset Murray State women’s basketball Head Coach Rechelle Turner had when embarking on the challenge of compiling her first recruiting class. The Racer women’s basketball team struggled last year, finishing the season 11-19 after an early conference tournament exit. Despite the shortcomings in her inaugural season, Turner made her mark on the recruiting trail in an effort to flip the script in her second season, securing seven new commitments for next season.

Turner kicked recruiting off with a big fall session, signing five future Racer athletes.

Before becoming head coach at Murray State, Turner was a decorated coach at Murray High School for over 21 seasons. Of the five incoming recruits she signed in the fall, three were former players of hers.

Those three former Murray High athletes consist of 1,000-point scorers in 5’7’’ guard Lex Mayes, 5’10” forward Alexis Burpo and standout 5’6” guard Macey Turley, who is also a member of the 500-assist club.

“We really feel that Macey Turley coming in at point guard is really going to change things for us,” Turner said. “She is the type of player that the bigger the game, the bigger the stage, the more she steps up.”

Turner’s two other fall commits were 6’0” forward Sadie Hill, a multi-sport athlete out of Perry Meridian High School, and 5’11” forward DeAsia Outlaw, a junior college transfer from Wabash Valley College.

Hill received accolades in track and field and volleyball to go along with her basketball achievements and was named all-county her junior year. Outlaw was ranked in the top 20 in the country with her 57 percent shooting percentage and was selected for the NJCAA Top 40 All Star game.

Turner added two more commitments to the original five in the second week of April in 6’1” forward Macie Gibson out of Owsley County High School and 6’0” center Cekeya Mack, a junior college transfer from Albany Tech.

Gibson received a myriad of accolades in her outstanding OCHS career, including the 2017 regional and district MVP, as well as being named a Miss Kentucky Basketball finalist after leading the state in scoring (31.2 ppg) and rebounding (17.2 rpg). Gibson finished her career with 3,169 points and 1,700 rebounds.

Mack earned a spot as a First Team

Courtesy of Dave Winder

Head Coach Rechelle Turner nabbed seven recruits for the upcoming season, including three of her former players at Murray High School.

All-Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association honoree after finishing sixth in the nation in rebounds (12 rpg), and 24th in the country in scoring (18.7 ppg). Mack’s 50 percent shooting also earned her an Honorable Mention All-American honor.

With junior forward Evelyn Adebayo sitting out last season after transferring from Gardner Webb University, the Racers will virtually have eight new faces out on the hardwood.

Turner is excited for the playing time battle between her players, while also focusing on forming top-notch team chemistry.

“When you have only six players returning, it’s very imperative that we build culture and team continuity from the beginning,” Turner said. “You have to create that competitive environment, but you also have to be able to be teammates and support each other.”

With newfound depth, Turner hopes to be

able to achieve the full-court pressure her team strived to implement throughout last season, among other things.

“I think that this class is going to be able to do a lot of different things,” Turner said.

“These kids are high-IQ basketball players as well, so I feel like we can play several different styles depending on who’s on the floor. We can go eight, nine, 10 deep next year and we wouldn’t miss a beat.”

Despite the growing pains that are sure to come with eight new players taking the floor, Turner expects that her team will only grow closer as the season wears on.

“We’re going to be young and inexperienced, but there will be no excuses made,” Turner said. “It takes time. We’re going to have to be patient and understanding, but I do believe that when it comes conference time we can surprise some people.”

Golf working for Wisconsin Keith Jaco || Staff writer rjaco@murraystate.edu

Murray State women’s golf team is in the midst of preparing for the biggest tournament of its season.

The team will be one of 72 squads looking to capture the NCAA women’s golf championship when they travel to their regional in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend. Last week, the Racers received one of 27 automatic bids given to conference winners across the nation.

The Racers will look to become the first mid-major program to win a national championship when they begin the first round of play next week. In recent years, the tournament has been dominated by power-five schools like Duke, USC, UCLA and last year’s winner Arizona State.

The NCAA tournament is nothing new to 25-year Head Coach Velvet Milkman. Milkman likes her team’s poise coming off their OVC Championship win two weeks ago.

“We’re in the best spot we’ve been all year,” Milkman said. “Obviously the win gave us a lot of confidence. They’re very excited about going to the next level; they’ve been there and they know what to expect and they’re very happy about going back.”

Preparation for the biggest stage of the year is no different than in years past for Milkman, as the Racers have spent most of the week working on their game at Miller Memorial Golf Course.

“Anna Moore, one of our seniors, said yesterday, ‘We need to stay in our routine; we need to still go to weights in the morning,” Milkman said. “The only difference is finals.

They have to take finals this week, but other than that it’s business as usual.”

Milkman expects leadership and solid rounds of play from not only her seniors but also from sophomores Lucila Puente Rodriguez de Austria and Raeysha Surendran.

Junior Linette Holmslykke from Vejle, Denmark will contribute valuable playing time for the Racers as well.

“I expect them to lead by example and lead in ways that they know how, but I expect them all to play well, whether they’re a sophomore, junior, senior or freshman, they know that when they put on that Murray State uniform and carry that bag they’re expected to play well,” Milkman said.

Senior Moa Folke will be playing in what may be her last event as a Murray State Racer next week.

“It will for sure be a special tournament for me,” Folke said. “It’s not going to be the last time I play golf so in that way it won’t feel all that sad, but it’s going to be special and a fun time.”

The Racers will look to send Folke and her fellow seniors out on a high note when Murray State begins first round play on Monday, May 7, at the University Ridge Golf Club in Madison, Wisconsin.

Springing into the Lodge era Adam Redfern

Contributing writer aredfern@murraystate.edu

With the Jeremy Groves and Harriet Withers era over for Murray State soccer, Head Coach Matt Lodge will look to take the team to new heights.

Groves’ departure at the conclusion of last season for an associate head coaching job at Mississippi State left Murray State soccer with a hole to fill. Lodge, who worked under Groves for four years, was the natural successor. With an in-house hire for head coach, the team responded well to the familiar face of Lodge.

“I think the transition is going good,” Lodge said. “Groves kind of groomed me in a sense that he knew I wanted to be a head coach.

Groves taught me the ropes and showed me what I need to do. I still talk to him now. He has been a great mentor for me. The girls have seemed to grasp it right from the start. I think I already had their respect. They enjoy playing for Jeremy and myself, and it is good I stayed a part of the program.”

Freshman Isabelle Heckman, a midfielder who played one season under Groves, mimics the words of her new head coach.

“Everyone seems to be taking the transition well,” Heckman said. “It helped that Lodge was the assistant coach beforehand.”

The Racer soccer team is in the midst of their spring season, where they have gotten the chance to practice, scrimmage teams and acclimate to new rosters in order to hone their skills for the fall schedule. Lodge said he’s pleased with his team’s performance and feels that his players have responded well to losing the all-time leading goal scorer in Withers.

“That’s part of the game, part of the job,” Lodge said. “We have got plenty of kids who can step in and help fill those shoes. I think it is going to help us in the aspect of spreading it out. I don’t think it is just going to be one player who can help, we have got Kubin,

Myah and several other people who can help.”

This spring the Racers have scored seven goals in three games and conceded just four, with all four coming in the latest scrimmage against SEMO on Sunday. Lodge was happy with the team’s performance early in the spring, but thinks the loss to SEMO will help to ground the team.

“The first couple of scrimmages we did well, we won both of them,” Lodge said.

“I thought we got outworked and got outfought. But I think it is always good to get kinda get knocked down a peg or two, to let you know you are not untouchable.”

Lodge said he’s proud of how the team has prepared this spring.

“We have had a very productive spring, I have been very happy,” Lodge said. “The spring is always long. You work them hard, and they are out here training in snowy conditions and rainy conditions. They have worked really really hard.”

With a 15-2-2 record in 2017, the Racers look to improve by adding new talent. The Racers are welcoming freshmen like Ellie Lewis, a fullback from Zionsville, Indiana, Lydia Grogan, forward from Murray, Kentucky, Arianna Mendez, midfielder from Louisville, Kentucky, Marley Hall, forward from Coral Springs, Florida, Cera Prather, keeper from Acworth, Georgia, Abby Jones, forward from Powell, Ohio, Joselle Morché, defender from Lawrenceville, Georgia and Katie Beckers, midfielder from Henderson, Kentucky.

With the 2018 regular season kicking off on Friday, Aug. 10 against Samford, Lodge said he’s excited to welcome the new group of girls to help the team repeat as OVC champions.

“We have got a lot of talent; we have eight kids coming in,” Lodge said. “I expect all of them to fight to play. The 2017 class was very good, every class we have had has been good.

The ‘18 class is the one I expect to not only add depth, but fight to get on the field right off the bat.”

Blake Sandlin/The News

Junior defender Karsyn Hasch sends the ball upfield in a scrimmage against SEMO on Saturday.

The News

Sports

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May 4, 2018

Racers get NFL chance Burns adds new life Two D’Montre Wade and Jordan Gandy get Gage Johnson Senior writer

calls from Chiefs and Eagles

gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

Murray State baseball is currently last in the OVC in eight pitching statistical categories.

One recruit joining Murray State next year will look to change that right away. That player is Caldwell County High School’s ace, the powerful lefty Shane Burns.

Burns burst onto the scene in Caldwell County when he joined the varsity baseball team as an eighth-grader. He continued to impress not only on the baseball field, but as a quarterback on the gridiron.

Burns was expected to succeed Caldwell County football’s Elijah Sindelar, who graduated from Caldwell County in 2015 before going on to lead Purdue University in touchdowns (18) and passing yards last season (2,099). In the end, Burns chose the ballpark.

“I wanted to go play college baseball,” Burns said. “It’s a dream of mine. I love football. I love going out on Friday nights and competing with my guys.

But when the opportunity came across at Murray, I felt it was necessary to prepare myself for the next level.”

Burns has set his opponents on fire this season on the mound.

Over 33 innings pitched, Burns has given up seven runs, none of them earned. He’s mowing a lot of batters down via strikeout.

His strong fastball is one major

Zach Scott Staff writer

zscott1@murraystate.edu

Photo courtesy of Todd Griffin at Princeton Times Leader

Burns has struck out 73 of the 132 batters he’s faced this season at Caldwell County. reason, as it has been registered around 90 mph. Burns has struck out over half of the batters he’s faced this season, retiring 73 out of 132 batters while averaging two strikeouts an inning. He also tossed a no-hitter against Lyon County in the Second Region All “A” semifinals, striking out 13.

Caldwell County Head Coach Bradley Stallins has been with Burns since he joined the team as an eighth-grader, and he attributes Burns’ competitive nature and work ethic to his success.

“He’s just a competitor. He’s not going to quit, he’s a bulldog and that’s what’s gotten him here today.”

Before heading to Murray State, Burns will pitch for the

Hoptown Hoppers in the Ohio Valley League, a collegiate wood bat summer league.

“I think this summer with the Hoppers will play a big role,” Burns said. “That will really get me immune to everything. To go out there and get a few starts before going to Murray will be huge.”

Murray State baseball Head Coach Kevin Moulder is ecstatic about Burns’ future as a Racer.

“He’s a competitor and a deceptively good athlete,” Moulder said. “He’s a guy that will have every opportunity to come in and earn some quick innings.

I’m counting on that. He’s a guy we’re really excited about and checks all the boxes.”

Giſts • Decor • Gourmet Coffees & Teas Pillows • Willow Tree • Wall Art • Inspirational Jewelry

Two Murray State football alumni have achieved the next step of their NFL dreams over the weekend.

D’Montre Wade and Jordon Gandy both received calls from NFL teams hoping to have the Racers become a part of their franchise.

Wade was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as a priority free agent, going undrafted despite being projected to be drafted between the sixth and seventh rounds in the 2018 NFL draft, while Gandy received a rookie mini-camp invitation from the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wade led the OVC in interceptions last year, tallying six over the course of the season.

He also recorded 33 tackles, two of which were tackles for loss, and broke up seven passes.

The 2018 All-American finished his career at Murray State with 10 interceptions and is the program’s all-time leader in pass breakups with 35.

Gandy wrapped up an impressive senior year for the Racers, hauling in 956 yards on 65 catches, including his Photos courtesy of GoRacers.com OVC-leading 10 touchdowns.

Wade The receiver said he is optimistic about the opportunity, and believes he has a legitimate chance of getting a roster spot on the team.

Throughout his career, Gandy was selected to the first team All-OVC twice and finished his career third in Racer football history in touchdowns.

Gandy is only the eighth player in school history to eclipse 2,000 yards in a career, totaling Photos courtesy of GoRacers.com 2,065 yards for Murray State.

Gandy

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May 4, 2018

May 22, 2018 Graphic courtesy of Colton Colglazier

The News

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May 4, 2018

CALLOWAY COUNTY SAMPLE BALLOT 2018 REPUBLICAN PARTY PRIMARY ELECTION

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY ELECTION

NONPARTISAN CITY BALLOT

1st Congressional District

1st Congressional District

City of Murray (Vote for one)

COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS

(Vote for one)

(Vote for one)

Joel H. STANSBERRY Kenny IMES ALL PRECINCTS

Alonzo PENNINGTON

Clifton F. DARNELL

3rd Magisterial District (Vote for one)

Greg MANSFIELD

Rodney DUKES

Paul W. RISTER

Tim STONE

WEST FORK BAPTIST CHURCH, CALLOWAY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, KIRKSEY BAPTIST CHURCH AND NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GLENDALE ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST, SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HAZEL BAPTIST CHURCH, LOCUST GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH, MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL, CALVARY TEMPLE CHURCH AND WESTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH

MAGISTRATE (DEMOCRAT) 4th Magisterial District (Vote for one)

Ralph ROGERS Deidre WILFORD Timothy Wade CUNNINGHAM

Bob ROGERS Fred J. MOORE

CONSTABLE

4th Magisterial District (Vote for one)

Ed DAVIS

Paul WALKER

ALL PRECINCTS

MAGISTRATE

MAYOR

Larry RYAN Vonnie HAYS-ADAMS Mitchell NESBITT

WEST FORK BAPTIST CHURCH, CALLOWAY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, KIRKSEY BAPTIST CHURCH AND NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COURTHOUSE, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, MURRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF CHRIST, GLENDALE ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST, PART OF CFSB CENTER, MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL, WESTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, CALLOWAY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AND NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CITY COUNCIL

City of Murray (Vote for up to twelve) Robert BILLINGTON JR. Jane BRANDON Kim TETREV Monty McCUISTON Rickie D. SPANN Deana WRIGHT Rose Ross ELDER Wesley BOLIN Barry Randall HILL Barbara COBB Ron “R.G.” GLADDEN Michael Shayne MORRIS Terry STRIETER Richard W. KNIGHT Donnie WINCHESTER Robert BARKER Pat SCOTT Jessica EVANS Danny O. HUDSPETH John Mark ROBERTS James “Froggy” GISH Jane SHOEMAKER Linda CHERRY David M. HORNBACK Patricia W. “Pat” SEIBER Alice J. ROUSE Jeremy BELL Tina GORHAM Dan M. MILLER Johnny BOHANNON Chris CHAPMAN Caitlin MURNANE Burton YOUNG Sue HOOD Graphic courtesy of Rachel Solomon

Source: Calloway County Clerk’s office

REFORM CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR FRED J. MOORE, WHERE I STAND The USA is not a democracy in which political power resides in all the people and is exercised by them directly. The USA has a republic form of government in which representatives of the people are elected by the people to conduct the affairs of the people for the people it serves. We are a nation of a hierarchy of laws to secure the rights of the people, insure the safety of the people, and define the power, responsibilities, and limits on elected government officials. The highest legal authority is the Constitution of the United States. All other lower (city) hierarchy laws must conform to this national legal document. The Constitution also defines the establishment of three separate branches of government: the executive, legislative, and justice. Each has its own definitive by law: powers, responsibilities, and limits. No branch in any form denominates the other two. But, Murray City government by form and law gives power to the executive branch to control the justice and legislative branches of government. Note, separation of executive branch from the legislative and justice branches limits the power of a micro-managing mayor, who may be a bully...

If you elect a mayor to merely replace the existing mayor, one must decide between administrative abilities and style of administration. I contend that three of the mayor candidates have the administrative experience and abilities to be mayor. Where we differ is our style of administration. The pendulum swings from micro-managing to managing by delegation. A micro-manager is self-centered and can do anyone’s job better than they can. They are the “I” people. A manager who delegates identifies an able person to do a job fully knowing no one is perfect, gives an outline of what he or she is to accomplish with defined resources and supports them to do their job. What they do must be transparent to the public. Our July 4th, 1776 Declaration of Independence identified the intent of our founding fathers. The Right given by GOD to the people governed to alter an oppressive government when abuses and usurpations of personal rights exist. The founding fathers then defined what those abuses and usurpations were. Here-in are defined some abuses and usurpations of the government of Murray, Kentucky in violation of the Constitution of the United States. (also Lk. 11:46) 1. In the executive branch, the mayor, presides over the legislative branch, the city council, and has a vote in legislation. He has the power to define who may make a presentation to the city council and how much time is allotted to the presentation. He has the power to table legal proposals and present them, when city council members opposed to his desires are absent, a bully’s domain.

2. Many of the ordinances, city laws, are designed to intimidate an accused violator by excessive late fees or fines in violation of the VIII Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. No revenue should be based on late fees and fines.

3. Paid violations boards with members appointed by the mayor, who have his personal biases, and approved by the city council in substitution for citizen impartial juries is in violation of the VI and VII Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Here the accused must pay $100 to just be heard by the violation board.

4. The process for MSU eligible student voters to vote in the primary election is burdensome and oppressive severally curtailing their right to vote. In violation of the XXVI Amendment.

The future of America depends on the quality of teachers and ability of our school graduates to compete in a rapidly changing domestic and international market. The annual cost of education has exceed national inflation yearly for more than two decades. Our teachers’ income to include their pension benefits is first to be cut. Judged by their past tax actions the government of Murray has no empathy for teachers, students, or the working poor. It is not just the amount of instituted taxes but, the form of the taxes, flat taxes. If a reform minded city council and I are elected, flat taxes will be replaced with graduated taxes modeled after the Federal income tax. The working poor and middle class should not be taxed at the same unit rate as high income. Those living in poverty will not be paying a city tax. “If we don’t vote for those who will stand for our rights, we fall to the level of our excuses.” (also James 2:14)

ABBREVIATED PUBLIC IDENTIFIED REFORM PROPOSALS FOR AN IMPROVED MURRAY CITY GOVERNMENT Qualifications: B.S. in Engineering, M.S. in Economics, 30 years experience in consulting for new business development. I am not a liberal; I am a constitutionalist.

1. Office term limits for the mayor and city council members. Majority of current members. A majority have served more than ten years; a few more than twenty years.

2. Current appointed violation boards replaced with unpaid, impartial citizen juries. Currently the accused must pay a non-refundable $100 fee to appear before a violation board. This is intimidation.

3. All city ordinances reviewed for current need or revision. Again, many are a means of coercion.

4. All city ordinance violations and late fees shall conform to the U.S. Constitution VIII Amendment.

E.G.s: grass over 10” in height or a recreation vehicle left in front driveway is a $700 fine.

5. There will be a reasonable minimum wage for all employees working in the city limits of Murray. Any minimum wage will have a differential for part time workers, those who work less than 40 hours per week, who receive no benefits. A higher minimum wage is required to compensate for no benefits.

6. City tax rates will be based on a January city council approved annual budget needs. The current practice of unlimited spending for both capital and operating costs then identifying the tax rates and revenues to cover the costs will be ended. Any new tax form must be approved by referendum.

7. All city taxes: wage taxes, business taxes, and property taxes will be equated in whole equally.

8. The $150 annual city business tax (all currently pay the same) will be graduated, reduced and substantially increased based on business size. Charitable and non-profit organizations will be exempt.

9. Where feasible taxes will have a tax rate increased as unit monetary value increases, fair graduated taxes.

Those who have the greater ability to pay will pay more. Like graduated Fed. Income tax.

10. No wage tax on individuals, families, or students living below IRS minimum living income.

11. A gender equality work compensation law will be enacted. For the same work women will receive the same pay and benefits and a right to return to the same position after maturity leave.

12. The mayor’s position will be redefined to provide separation from legislative and justice branches of government. The mayor’s primary duties will be to identify opportunities to improve the city functions and services then make the alternative recommendations for the city council to consider. The power to hire and fire city employees and contractors will reside only with the city council.

13. A professional city administrator hired by the city council will conduct the city management through the city department managers. He will provide a monthly activity and budget report for city council and public review. Mayors are often elected on charisma not management ability.

14. City council members will receive hourly pay not a salary. Hourly pay will not exceed the highest city employee’s pay. Hours will not be limited to two evenings per month but based on need.

15. The city council will be reduced to seven members in the 2020 election. Many cities have fewer.

16. For the 2020 election, Murray will be divided into 7 voting districts where-in a city council member will be an elected resident of each district. This will promote a more equal capital budget expenditures for each city district. Current capital expenditures are unequally distributed. Currently the city council is on a spending spree to buy your votes with your tax income.

17. When MSU faculty and students, who are eligible to vote in city elections, are disadvantaged by a conflict in school attendance schedule verses a voting date, the absentee voting procedure will follow the GI voting procedure or one similar, which provides an advanced time for absentee voting. We need to teach and promote eligible students to be responsible, active citizens not obstruct them.

These are not all the proposed reforms but, a few of the major reforms I agree with and will promote. Murray citizens have to-date identified 36 proposed needed reforms in structure, management, and conduct of Murray City government. There will be more as I meet with the voters. I do not agree with all of the citizens’ proposed reforms in part or whole. But, their voices should be heard and considered by the elected city council. As mayor, I will listen to our citizens and promote their ideas and needs. Don’t elect individuals, who are merely replacing like-minded officials with a belief that they are better qualified. A reform mayor is not enough. We need a reform-minded city council. I have endorsed twelve new city council candidates who are open minded, middle class workers, who are independent thinkers yet, open to considering needed city government reforms.

VOTE FOR FRED MOORE, MAYOR, AND THESE PERSONALLY-ENDORSED “INDEPENDENT” REFORM-MOTIVATED CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES ROBERT BARKER ROSE ROSS ELDER

BARBARA COBB TERRY STRIETER

JESSICA EVANS JAMES “FROGGY” GISH

MICHAEL SHAYNE MORRIS PATRICIA “PAT” W. SEIBER

Put this cutout in your billfold to refer to in the voting booth

ALICE J. ROUSE CAITLIN MURNANE

SUE HOOD KIM TETREV

The News

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May 4, 2018

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABSENTEE VOTING Request an absentee ballot from the County Clerk’s office *You can request an absentee ballot anytime before the election if you know you are eligible to vote absentee. *The deadline for applying for a mail-in absentee ballot is 7 days before the election. *The absentee ballot must be received in the County Clerk’s office by 6 p.m. on election day for the ballot to be counted. *If you receive a mail-in absentee ballot and then discover you will be in the county on election day and want to vote at your precinct, you must cancel your unvoted ballot by taking it to the County Clerk’s office at least 7 days before the election date. *There are no provisions in state law for returning an unvoted ballot less than 7 days before an election or on election day, unless you are a military or overseas voter.

To qualify to vote by mail-in absentee ballot, you must be: *Advanced in age, disabled or ill *Military personnel, their dependents or overseas citizens *A student who temporarily resides outside of the county *A voter who temporarily resides outside of Kentucky and who maintains eligibility to vote in Kentucky *Incarcerated but not yet convicted of a crime *Prevented from voting in-person at the polls on election day and from casting an in-person absentee ballot in the County Clerk’s office on all days in-person absentee voting is conducted because of his or her employment location Graphic courtesy of Colton Colglazier

Source: Commonwealth of Kentucky State Board of Elections

Candidates running for Murray City Council peaks at 34 Blake Sandlin Sports Editor

bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Murray voters will have no shortage of options on the ballot this election year with an unprecedented 34 candidates running for Murray City Council.

Throughout the history of the Council’s existence, there has never been as many candidates participating than the 34 running in the 2018 election. Previously, the largest class of candidates peaked at 26 in 2010.

The increase in civil engagement this election year can be attributed to a plethora of varying motives, but Murray Mayor Jack Rose contributed to the influx with the somewhat controversial payroll tax ordinance which was passed last August in order to provide additional funding for the city.

“It is an abnormally large number, so from that perspective I was surprised,” Rose said. “We had a very controversial issue with the occupational tax. I can’t get into people’s heads and know what they’re thinking, but I would think that that issue had something to do with it.”

The tax implemented “1 percent on gross earnings of an employee working and rendering services to an employer or business entity for compensation within the City of Murray.”

The ordinance, which replaced city stickers, passed on a 6-to-4 vote, yet has been the subject of much contention among Murray citizens. Rose, who has been a vocal proponent of the tax, said while many are divided on the issue, he hasn’t seen any current or prospective council members propose alternate revenue sources.

In response to the tax, the city recently voted to lower the insurance tax from 9.5 percent to 8.5 percent and the property tax from 42.6 to 31 percent, a 28 percent cut. Rose said the decrease of other taxes has prompted some candidates to re-evaluate their position on the payroll tax.

“I know two or three people who pretty much put their name in as candidates who were against the payroll tax, but have already been talking now about things that have happened and are saying, ‘Well, we’re already collecting it and we’re already reducing other taxes’,” Rose said. “So some of those people who came into it initially with the idea of trying to kill it have decided we need to look at this and see what’s best.”

Out of the 12 incumbents, 11 are running for re-elec-

tion. The lone member not seeking re-election is Jason Pittman, who has served on the council since 2005. In the last election, Pittman was one of 12 candidates running for 12 spots on city council.

While Pittman admits the payroll tax played a central role in motivating people to run for city council, he also attributes the aberration in participation to national politics.

“I think the attention that’s going on nationally motivates people to do things too,” Pittman said. “I believe there’s a lot of political unrest in our country. I think if you turned on the TV anyone would agree with that, whether you’re Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or whatever. I think that’s a big motivator because people see when those levels elevate, it motivates people to get involved.”

Pittman said he’s noticed engagement in national elections trickle down to municipal elections over the years. When he ran for the first time in 2005, a contentious national political landscape contributed to a rise in civic involvement.

The longtime councilman said he’s encouraged by the overwhelming participation in this year’s election, and that the diversity will help voters elect the best available candidates.

“I think having so many candidates offers a wide diversity pool,” Pittman said.

“I think you get good ideas.

I think the fact someone has the guts to step up and run is impressive to me. I’ve got a lot of respect for that. It’s really easy to sit on the sidelines and snipe and disagree and say they’re out of touch.

It’s a whole lot different whenever you go up there and pay your 75 dollar fee,

put your name on the ballot and you hang your name out there for everyone to talk about, criticise or vote for.”

And while the payroll tax has become a polarizing, hot-button topic among Murrayans, Pittman said he hopes those campaigning for City Council are doing so with the intention of changing Murray from top to bottom.

“I think most of [the candidates] have a vision,” Pittman said. “I know that there’s one candidate that’s running on one topic, and that’s the payroll issue. I think that’s a shame because that’s an individual that has an axe to grind, and if you’re running because you have an axe to grind, you’re running for the wrong reason.”

The primary elections will take place on May 22, which will narrow the race to 24 candidates before the general election.

Hello, I am Ed Davis, and I am asking for your vote on May 22!

Ed’s Platform To pursue a referendum so citizens can vote on whether they want a payroll tax or not To seek to repeal the Payroll Tax and replace it with alternative funding that will finance our city without placing a burden on our workers.

To set up escrows for individual funds paid into the City Sticker fund during the period of January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018, and apply funds received to individuals’ payroll tax accounts.

To listen to and work with all City Council members to accomplish these and other goals for our great city!

To see my other Platform goals, please go to my website: www.eddavis.info.

ELECT ED DAVIS FOR MURRAY’S MAYOR 2018 w w w. e d d a v i s . i n f o PAID FOR BY MARY M. DAVIS, TREASURER

The News

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May 4, 2018

VOTING PRECINCTS Calloway County Courthouse 101 S 5th St. CFSB Center 1401 KY 121 Elm Grove Baptist Church 6483 State Route 94 E. Cain’s Murray Auto Auction 749 Radio Road Hope Harbor Church 2725 State Route 94 E. First Baptist Church 203 S. 4th St. New Concord Church of Christ (Annex) 121 Artesian Drive East Elementary School (Gymnasium) 1169 Pottertown Road Murray Elementary School 111 S. Broach St. Good Shepard Methodist Church 84 Cherry Corner Road Poplar Springs Baptist Church 749 Poplar Springs Drive University Church of Christ 801 N. 12th St.

Glendale Road Church of Christ 1101 Glendale Road Southwest Elementary School (Gymnasium) 3426 Wiswell Road Hazel Baptist Church 101 3rd St. Locust Grove Baptist Church 1871 Locust Grove Rd Murray High School 501 Doran Road Calvary Temple Church 2685 US Highway 641 S. Westside Baptist Church (Around Back) 207 S. Robertson R. S. West Fork Baptist Church 5179 State Route 121 N. Calloway County High School 2108 College Farm Road Kirksey Baptist Church 301 Backusburg Rd. North Elementary School (Gymnasium) 2928 Brinn Rd.

Graphic Courtesy of Savanna Hatfield

To find your voting location, visit the Voter Information Portal at GoVoteKy.com

Mayor Jack Rose set to retire Destinee Marking Senior news writer

dmarking@murraystate.edu

After four years as mayor of Murray, Jack Rose will not be running for re-election this fall.

The Murray native and Murray State alumnus is leaving office proud of what he and the rest of the city have accomplished during his term.

Before running for mayor, Rose had different roles in the community. He was superintendent of Calloway County School District from 1976 to 1997, a professor at Murray State from 1998 to 2014 and dean of the

College of Education from 1998 to 2003.

While preparing to retire from teaching in late 2013, Rose said he was encouraged to run for mayor, but initially offered to find someone else to be a candidate.

“When I couldn’t find anyone, I told them I’d give it a try,” Rose said.

He said some accomplishments that stand out to him are the ongoing revitalization of downtown Murray, economic developments, enforcement of ordinances and the creation of the Mayor’s Committee to Review Needs, Expenditures and Revenue Sources.

Rose said these projects increase the effectiveness and the efficiency of the community, as well expanding employment opportunities.

“I’m proud that we have, I think, in place a revenue stream that is consistent,” Rose said.

The decision to not run for re-election, he said, was not a difficult one.

“I didn’t run to get reelected,” Rose said. “I am not a career politician.”

With newfound freetime, Rose said he will focus on spending more time with family, especially his grandchildren that live outside of Kentucky, as well as simply

taking time to relax.

“I’ve worked all my life since I was young,” Rose said. “I’d like to just wake up some morning and say, ‘I’m not going to do anything today, and I don’t want anybody calling me.’”

In the future, Rose said he hopes Murray will continue to grow and develop into a place where people of all different skill levels can succeed.

“I’d like to see Murray be what I call a safe and sound community,” Rose said. “If people don’t want to leave this community after they graduate high school or college, they don’t have to.”

Photo courtesy of Jack Rose

Mayor Jack Rose will not seek re-election in the 2018 election.

TERRY STRIETER

PUBLIC E DUCAT ION

MURRAY, KY CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE

FAIR WAGES

HEALT HCARE

SECURE COMMUNITIES CIVIL DISCO URS E

LISTEN TO THE VOTERS

EQUALITY

INFRASTRUCTURE grant opportunities, roads, sidewalks, bike paths, water treatment, explore solar panels on city buildings, maintain a livable city TRANSPARENCY revisit payroll tax & alcohol tax allocation CLOSER COOPERATION between MSU and City 270.227.7332 tstrieter@murray-ky.net

Strieter for City Council

Paul Walker, MSU English Professor, for

U.S. HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES

MAY 22 EARLY VOTING BEGINS MAY 4

VOTEPAULWALKER.COM -

The News

Page 9

May 4, 2018

Features Swing into spring

Features Editor: Sara Howell Page Designer: Rachel Solomon Phone: 270-809-5871

Amy Turner

Staff writer

aturner32@murraystate.edu

The historic Lovett Auditorium stage has hosted many performances.

On Tuesday, April 24, it was the location for the Swing into Spring Jazz Concert.

This event was broadcast live on WKMS, Murray State’s NPR radio station.

Directed by Todd Hill and Jonathan Nash, it featured the musical talents of the Murray State Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Band and both of the Blue and Gold Jazz Combos.

Vocal performances were also given by Kayla Marie Little and Melanie Davis.

The concert was presented as a 1930s-style live radio broadcast. Between performances both the live and listening audiences were entertained by the dynamic duo, Robert McGaughey and Robert Valentine.

The two worked together to provide comedy bits

throughout the show.

“We’ve been doing conferences, conventions and comedy clubs since back in the late seventies,” Valentine said. “So, we started developing some material from the old radio days.”

The crowd was encouraged to sit near the front and applaud loudly to help further the 1930s live broadcast environment.

Georgann Ingram and Tasha Norris held applause signs to help direct the live audience.

Swing into Spring featured “Cruisin’ for a Bluesin,” “When You Wish Upon a Star” and many other jazz favorites.

Allison Grace, freshman from Herrin, Illinois, attended the show to support her friends who were in it.

“Overall it was amazing… literally amazing,” Grace said. “I came from a school that did not have a jazz program, so I do not have a lot of interaction with it but this was super good.”

Nick Bohannon/The News

Kevin Kortz, sophomore and music education major, had the opportunity to perform at this semester’s Swing into Spring concert.

The vocal performances also earned high praise from the audience.

My favorite part was the jazz orchestra with Melanie Davis,” Grace said. “Her

voice is that old and retro jazz style. It was really good.”

Valentine mirrored Grace’s praise of the vocalists, complimenting their

ability to sing in the jazz style, which is very difficult.

“All of those musicians were marvelous,” Valentine said. “I thought it was terrific, the whole thing.”

Alpha Delta Pi celebrates 50 years at Murray State Bridgette McAuliffe Staff writer

bmcauliffe@murraystate.edu

On April 21, the Epsilon Omicron chapter of Alpha Delta Pi celebrated its 50th anniversary with a day-long celebration on the CFSB Center concourse.

Alpha Delta Pi was the first secret society for women, establishing its Alpha chapter at Wesleyan Female College in 1851 as the Adelphean Society.

In 1905 the Adelphean Society changed its name to Alpha Delta Pi and became a national organization.

Hannah Crawford, junior from Auburn, Kentucky, was part of the planning committee for the anniversary event. She was in charge of compiling a slideshow filled with pictures of current sisters and sisters of years past.

On the day of the event, Crawford was also in charge of setup and tear down during event changes halfway through the day, as well as giving campus tours to returning alumni.

“A lot of things have changed,” Crawford said. “I was in charge of making sure everyone was having a good time.”

The event started with ADPi’s annual Founder’s Day luncheon at which awards were given out to members of the

Photo courtesy Katie Gipson

From left to right: Renee Dufour, Madison Stallings, Katie Gipson and President Courtney Fisher attended the 50th anniversary celebration. chapter. In the evening, the chapter hosted a celebratory dinner for the 50th anniversary. Seven of the charter members were in attendance at the event.

“It’s cool to see women who went through 50 years ago

and compare the differences,” Crawford said. “It’s exciting to see how we started from something so small and grew to having such a big presence.”

The open motto of ADPi is “we live for each other.” Crawford said she loves trying to

live by that every single day.

Hannah Eubanks, Murray State graduate from Frankfort, Kentucky, is an alumna of the Epsilon Omicron chapter that returned for the celebration.

“It felt like being in college again, but it was also so good to

see the growth in the chapter,” Eubanks said.

She served on the executive committee when she was an active member .

“I think the thing I appreciate most about ADPi is how thoughtful and caring everyone is,” Eubanks said. “It’s amazing to know the organization has been thriving for this long.”

As the chapter continues to succeed, Eubanks said she hopes it continues to flourish by recruiting amazing women, being involved on campus and continuing the positive legacy that was started in the 1960s.

Diana Schweitzer, junior from Shelbyville, Kentucky, was the chairperson of the event.

“It was really great seeing alumnae come together,” Schweitzer said. “Even if we had never met before, you could just tell we were sisters. The love was definitely there.”

Schweitzer said being a part of a sisterhood that has such a presence on campus is empowering and she has met a lot of her closest friends through this sisterhood.

“I hope to see our chapter continue to expand and build friendships like I have,” Schweitzer. “I encourage sisters to become a leader for the sorority and the community.”

ROTC recognized as Top Manned Program Ashley Traylor Editor-in-Chief

atraylor@murraystate.edu

The Murray State Army Reserve Officer Training Corp.

(ROTC) program was honored at a recent ceremony as the Top Manned Partner in the region.

The program was recognized as the best extension program in the Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan region.

The event was held on April 12 in the Curris Center ballroom.

WHAT IS ROTC?

The ROTC is a college-based, officer commissioning program. The program is designed as an elective-curriculum that is taken along with required college classes.

HISTORY OF MSU ROTC

Murray State’s ROTC program began in 1952 when a

contract establishing ROTC at Murray State College was signed by Murray State and the Department of the Army.

According to its website, the first classes were held in Fall of 1953 and the first students were commissioned into the Army in 1956.

In the begining the program was mandatory for all freshmen and sophomore males.

The Board of Regents dropped the two year mandate in 1969 and then in 1972, the requirement was eliminated.

During those years, it was a common sight in the late afternoon to see hundreds of young men marching around campus in the Army Green dress uniforms.

TOP MANNED PARTNER

The Top Manned Partner honor demonstrates officers’ valuable contributions to the U.S. Army through a history of dedicated service.

“The award is a proud re-

flection of the continued standards and military tradition that have been a trademark of the Murray State program for the last 66 years,” Capt. Jason Payne said.

The award was presented by the Seventh Brigade Commander of the United States Army Cadet Command Col. Lance Oskey.

“This recognition honors the young men and women who have made ROTC a part of their Murray State experience on the way to serving our country,” Dan Lavit, interim dean of Murray State’s Regional Academic Outreach said. “The University community is proud of the leaders produced through our ROTC program.”

ROTC AT MURRAY STATE

Students who enroll in the program are contracted into the ROTC after taking MIL 301. It is then an 8-year commitment on active duty or reserve component.

Photo courtesy of Murray State Communications

Murray State’s ROTC program was named best in the region.

The eight years includes four years of active duty and four years of Inactive Ready Reserve and National Guard.

Reserves commitment is six years and two years IRR, according to its website.

ROTC cadets are required to set aside a few hours a week for class, physical training and leadership lab.

After graduation and com-

pletion of the ROTC program, cadets will serve their time in the Army in one of the many fields available including engineering, communications, logistics, aviation, intelligence, finance, medical or nursing, legal and various combat branches.

To learn more about the ROTC program visit www. murraystate.edu/rotc.

Miscellaneous Pursuits

College living

I began my Murray State career living on campus.

After going to my Summer O session in June of 2015, I was pretty excited Sara Howell to live in a Features Editor r e s i d e n t i a l college. I anxiously waited to find out which dorm I would get assigned.

A few of my friends got their information before I did and were going to be living in Franklin College. Though I hoped I would get that one as well, I ended up getting a room on the third floor of Springer College.

My friends and I were still able to do a lot of fun things together since our colleges were combined.

I ended up getting assigned a random roommate who turned out to be really cool. She was from Nepal and was one of the sweetest people I had ever met.

She actually went home with me for spring break and was able to meet my family and experience small town Dover life.

At first I was worried about living with a stranger but I am glad that life played out the way it did. Going into my sophomore year, I continued to live in Springer. When everyone had to move out because of issues with mold I moved into Franklin.

The roommate I was supposed to have ended up moving into another residential college so I was able to decorate this room however I wanted. I also loved that I got a lot more closet space. It was cool to be able to experience living on campus both with and without a roommate.

As the end of my second year grew closer, I was finally able to live off campus. My best friend Madison and I had already decided half way through the school year that we were going to be roommates for the upcoming year. Once the time came, I left home to live in Murray with her in a cabin on the lake.

Her family has owned this cabin since 2011. Once Madison decided she was going to school here, her dad let her stay in it. I was constantly over there before I moved in so it only made sense for it to really happen once I was able to move.

Living 20 minutes from campus was definitely something to get used to. I had to remember to wake up earlier than normal to give myself enough time to drive into town. As someone who loves sleep, that was rough.

Now, it is just all part of my routine. We have faced a few struggles here but I honestly learned a lot from them. I have had to help install a new air conditioner, learn how to get and keep a pilot light on a wall heater lit and figure out that is it best not to panic when you are having plumbing problems. Just ask for the help you need it, instead of wasting money on products you think will work.

Though there have been some bumps in the road, the great memories that have been made at this place make up for them. I know there will always be a spot in my heart for the cabin. When our friends come over they seem to fall in love with it as well.

It is the perfect place to relax and let your problems slip away for a bit. Plus, everyone loves our fluffy, orange cat Marvin.

He loves attention, so when people are over he is all for it. He is both an inside and outside cat so he thinks he runs the whole marina. He can be gone for hours outside and come back like there is nothing wrong about it. He is kind of a sass king.

I know a lot of people say that living with your best friend is not what you think it will be but since moving in together, Madison and I have just grown closer. I swear it is like sometimes we can read each other’s minds.

When I first came to college I was definitely scared of the unknown. Being able to experience all of these different living situations while in school has really helped me mature. I am learning how to handle adult situations successfully while making memories to last a lifetime.

The News

Features

Page 10

May 4, 2018

Sitting down with members of Maewyn Lindsey Coleman Contributing writer

lcoleman7@murraystate.edu

Last year marked the beginning of an era for five men in Murray. On Feb. 24, 2018, after months of hard work, the band Maewyn released their first single titled “Growing Pains” across all platforms, which has since garnered over 1,000 streams on Spotify.

The “ambient midwest emo” band is made up of McCall Key, Kyle Morgan, Bryce Clendenen, Aaron Clark and Zach Orr, who are as sarcastic as they are talented. Drawing heavily from bands like Balance and Composure, Brand New and Movements, the men of Maewyn have been recording and performing live shows in the western Kentucky area since September 2017.

Listeners can expect three demos this summer and shows on the weekends. On May 6 at 8 p.m., they will be playing a show at Terrapin Station.

I recently sat down for coffee with Morgan, guitarist and alumnus of Murray State from Huntingdon, Tennessee, and Key, frontman and junior from Murray. They told me of their endless antics as a band, which is ultimately a group of people who love the music they make just as much as they care about each other.

Coleman: How and when did Maewyn form?

Key: We can honestly say when I was born was when the concept was really conceived.

I was conceived and so was Maewyn.

Morgan: Maewyn was predestined.

Key: No, really, I was in a band in my senior year of high school into my freshman year of college. We were trying to do what Maewyn is now. We weren’t all on the same page. But in 2016, I started recording some stuff on my own and got Bryce, Aaron

and Kyle on board. We started playing shows several months after that.

Coleman: What inspired you to start a band?

Key: I was always just so interested and captivated by the creativeness of making music.

What all went into it, wondering how people made what they made. I was constantly amazed by all the genres and the creativity that people have. The way that not just through words, but chord structures and dynamics, how you can feel how the author of a song is feeling and how they can relate to you without knowing you at all. So many bands and people have had an impact on my life through music, and they will never know me. They will never know who I am and that is what they did for me, but I think it is super cool to do that for and with people.

Coleman: Where did the name come from?

Morgan: We were going through a list of old philosophers and theologians, and when we’d see one with a cool name, we’d write it down. We narrowed those down. We checked on them to make sure they weren’t some heretic or something or racist--we didn’t want that. We found a guy named Maewyn Succat, who is also known as St. Patrick, and he seemed like a pretty cool dude. Ireland was real weird, but he came in and brought Christianity, but not like the forceful kind, but more like, ‘Hey, Jesus loves you,’ and now we drink in honor of him.

Just like our band.

Coleman: Are you guys Catholic?

Morgan: We don’t do nearly enough good works to pretend to be Catholic. Don’t put that in there.

Coleman: What is the process like? Who writes your songs?

Key: Pretty much the first couple shows we played, I had

written every song, just because I had a lot of downtime. But over time, I made a base for the songs and wrote all the lyrics, and everybody else kind of put their own influence on it and made it what it is. I don’t think it would be nearly as good or as special if they hadn’t done the things they’ve done and put their own little touches on it. Now though, I handle all the lyrics, but it’s not always just me writing the stories. I think our best songs are the ones we wrote together. It’s partially because it was a group effort, and it’s more unique that way, but also because everyone is more emotionally connected to the song when they help build it from the beginning. It’s more meaningful.

Coleman: What’s the main message you guys want to share with your listeners?

Key: I’d probably say that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is number one. I’m sorry, he’s number two. Dale Earnhardt himself is number one. The spirit of Dale has gotten us this far. Honestly though, we are not a Christian band by any means whatsoever. To be completely honest, most of us believe in God as the Bible describes him. For me personally, the main thing I want to get out there without being too ‘in your face’ is that we are very sad, but underneath it all, I have a joy. I have a hope. No matter how bad all these things in these songs are, no matter what I’ve gone through, God is there to get me through it.

Morgan: For most of us in the band, we want to take a less-conventional approach. We never wanted to label ourselves as a Christian band. We’re not the type to throw it in someone’s face, but we’d love to have those discussions with people and listen to what people have to say.

Just because we believe in God doesn’t mean that we’re better.

We have the same struggles.

Key: We get sad. We’re not

Photo courtesy of Haley Morecraft

Pictured above are the members of Maewyn: Kyle Morgan, Zach Orr, McCall Key, Aaron Clark and Bryce Clendenen. perfect. We mess up all the time.

Coleman: What’s your favorite part of being in a band?

Morgan: The cuddle ‘seshes.’

McCall is the best little spoon this side of the Mississippi.

Key: Alright, well mine is I love the live shows and getting to go crazy and have a lot of fun.

Seeing people sing along has been super cool. That is the first time that’s ever happened to me in my entire life. We’re getting emails from people we don’t know, saying they listen to us.

Some lady named Lisa emailed us in all-caps, saying she heard it. I love the live shows, because I love the people. That’s really a big part of what it’s about - meeting people, being around them and just hanging out, but also I love recording. As a band, we can’t get away from each other, we all have to be there, so we just hang out and have a great time.

Morgan: Lisa, if you’re out there right now, we’re glad you

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is a Marvel masterpiece Grant Dillard || Staff writer gdillard@murraystate.edu

For over 10 years now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has continued to provide entertaining and action-packed superhero movies to hardcore comic book fans and casual moviegoers alike. From “Iron Man” to “Doctor Strange” to “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the MCU has managed to make surprisingly good movies revolving around characters who did not seem filmable at the time. In celebration of these successful films comes “Avengers: Infinity War,” which is the culmination of everything that has happened in the MCU since the very first “Iron Man.” Basically, everything has led to this, and the buildup was seriously worth it.

In the mid-credits scene of “The Avengers,” the villainous character known as Thanos (Josh Brolin) was introduced.

Throughout a series of teases and small appearances in the MCU, it was foretold that Thanos would track down and collect all of the Infinity Stones, allowing him to wipe out half the universe with just the snap of his fingers. Now that the time has come, the Avengers as well as the Guardians of the Galaxy will have to come together in order to stop Thanos and his quest for worldwide destruction.

The best way to describe “Infinity War” is simply one word: epic. Everything revolving around the film is simply epic, whether it is the huge roster of characters, the narrative structure, the different locations where some of the

film’s events take place or the action scenes. Really, this is the “Avengers” sequel that most audiences were hoping “Age of Ultron” would be; they just had to wait another movie later to get it.

Given the huge cast of characters, one might wonder how the film manages to give them as much relevance and screen time as possible. “Infinity War” does this by splitting the heroes into separate groups: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) teaming with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) with Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel), Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) with Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) with Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff). Some of the teams also end up meeting together or coming across other groups of characters altogether, which was a smart and clever way to showcase all the characters. Much like other “Avengers” films, it is a delight to see these characters interact and banter together.

All the credit in the world should go to the film’s directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously directed both “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War.” With those films, the Russo brothers had already proved that not only are they incredibly good at directing exciting action scenes, but they can also be given numerous characters and still find a way to make all of them rele-

vant or stand out. With “Infinity War,” they were given that responsibility again, only on a more massive scale. Despite handling characters that had been introduced and shaped by other directors and writers, the Russo brothers still made those characters feel and act like their personas in previous film appearances. Because of this, nobody on-screen feels out of character. While there were a couple of heroes who were not given as much screen time as some people might have preferred, specifically characters like Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), they were at least given one impressive moment that helped them stand out more.

After a few brief appearances throughout the MCU, Thanos finally arrived on the scene, and he is, without a doubt, the greatest enemy the Avengers have ever faced.

Based on his previous appearances, it may be easy to expect Thanos to simply be a one-note baddie who only wants to destroy the world just because he feels like it. That is far from the case here, as the Mad Titan had a surprisingly compelling motivation for his plans. Mainly due to a tragedy from his past, Thanos believes that wiping out half the universe is for the good of everyone, as it would perfectly balance the universe.

While he was dead set on completing his mission, there were a few moments in which Thanos did feel a sense of regret and sorrow. Thanks to the good writing, a blend of impressive facial animations and motion capture and Brolin’s fantastic performance, Thanos made for quite an amazing antagonist

that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

The great action scenes, fun character interactions and the menacing villain were all good additions, but what really made “Infinity War” a great film is the overall bleakness, as well as the big surprises and bold choices the film makes.

One could say this about any movie in general, but it is downright essential to go into this film completely spoiler-free, as the plot goes into some unexpected directions that one might not expect for a film in the MCU. “Infinity War” just might be the darkest film in the MCU, as the sense of danger and potential death has never felt more apparent until now.

The biggest example of bleakness and unexpected directions has to be the ending.

Without giving anything away, the film ended in a way that other films in the MCU have not. In fact, some audiences may not be happy with the way that this film concluded.

Either way, all viewers will feel the heavy weight of what happens even long after they walk out of the theater, and they will immediately want more. Where the MCU will go after this is unknown, at least until the fourth “Avengers” film comes out next year.

Overall, “Infinity War” was an engaging, bold and impactful film, as well as a satisfying 10-year anniversary of the MCU. Whether or not it was the best “Avengers” film is likely up for debate, but it is certainly the one that will leave the most impact and weight on audiences.

heard it. My favorite part is the shows, although they give me crippling anxiety because I have such stage fright. It’s cool to finally do something to overcome it. It’s really cool getting to go on stage and act a fool. You can just be yourself, and it feels like the world is quiet. For that 30-40 minutes, anything you were worried about disappears.

Going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do. There’s no other experience really like it.

The writing process and getting to learn new songs is fun too.

Key: When you’re on stage and getting to talk about the stuff we talk about in the songs, that’s really the only time that I get to say the things I don’t feel comfortable saying just in a normal conversation. You really get to let out a lot of aggression and emotion without being a whiny baby.

Morgan: I’ve cried at a show.

The realness of it is something we’d never want to change.

That’s something that even with

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people that are signed with labels, it’s pretty much synonymous with people across this genre.

Coleman: How do you describe your role in the band?

Morgan: I’m the mysterious one.

Key: I guess I’m the frontman, and I sing and play guitar.

Morgan: We balance a lot of roles. I play lead sometimes, and other times I play rhythms and ambience. We bounce around to keep each other humble, like Kendrick told us.

Coleman: That’s all the questions I have. So what do you think about climate change?

Morgan: Al Gore called it, man.

Key: Al Gore caused it.

Morgan: The bees are dying at an alarming rate, humans are depleting all the natural resources.

Coleman: Is it a lie from the liberals?

Morgan: Everything from the liberals is a lie. All newspapers are farses.

it’s ee

The News

Page 11

May 4, 2018

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Tyler Anderson Page Designer: Tori Wood Phone: 270-809-5873

Our View

The state of Murray State The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

Ashley Traylor Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 atraylor@murraystate.edu

Savanna Hatfield Production Manager • 270-809-5877 shatfield2@murraystate.edu

Elizabeth Erwin News Editor • 270-809-4468 eerwin1@murraystate.edu

Tyler Anderson Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 janderson49@murraystate.edu

Sara Howell Features Editor • 270-809-5871 showell6@murraystate.edu

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Rhiannon Branch Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 rbranch@murraystate.edu

Rebecca Mosella Chief Videographer • 270-809-5878 rmosella@murraystate.edu

Dr. Stephanie Anderson Adviser • 270-809-3937 sanderson37@murraystate.edu

The News

Murray State has always been a second home for thousands of educators, artists and sports stars. Students arrive on campus expecting to form lasting relationships and learn from the nation’s best, and few leave disappointed. Though the facilities may change and faculty come and go, the expectation to strive for excellence both in and out of the classroom has never changed.

However, public universities are very much in flux after years of financial hardships, and Murray State has not been immune to adversity. After such a turbulent year tempered by hope and excitement, analyzing the current state of the University is key to determining its future. Critical thought and student engagement are skills gifted to the student body by its educators; to neglect these skills at a critical apex of Murray State’s history would be doing our faculty and staff a disservice.

And we really do need to show our appreciation for the educators who have built up Murray State’s reputation. Without them, the student experience would be completely different; the university is enduring a period of stagnant recruitment, so driving away prospective applicants is the worst thing that could be done.

It’s impossible to understate the importance of faculty and staff members that make our education possible. While bad apples are unavoidable, it’s clear they’ve yet to poison the bunch. How universities market themselves is growing more important each year; focusing on the achievements and effectiveness of our educators would set Murray State apart from the crowd.

The health and wellness of educators and students goes hand in hand with success. Unfortunately, the only campus healthcare source is in danger of being eliminated.

Health Services had 9,572 visits from students, staff and program attendees throughout 2015, according to the Murray State University Fact Book. This means thousands depended on the university for STI testing, tobacco cessation information and various other services; said services have slowly dwindled as funding for Health Services fell by the wayside.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 initiative outlined the expectation for public universities to promote health and wellness. The elimination of a vital campus resource which does just that would

All of the 2018 graduates! No matter if it has taken you four years or forty, you’ve made it! I, myself, will be walking the line with many of you on May 12. It’s been an honor to serve the Murray State community. Here’s to many more years of Cheers and Jeers for The Murray State News.

- Tyler Anderson

TheNews.org

The News strives to be the university community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate.

The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies.

The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall.

But the student body finds as many reasons to come together in support of each other as they do to debate.

Though the explosion at James H. Richmond Residential College happened during summer 2017, student response was far from muted. Support shown for former Murray State residential director Dakota Fields, who was inside Richmond when the gas explosion occurred, was representative of the University’s spirit rising from the ashes with renewed vigor.

When tragedy struck again in October 2017, the campus community came together once more. Aaron Adams, sophomore from Cadiz, Kentucky, and Brooke Phillips, freshman from Slaughters, Kentucky, passed away after a pair of deadly car crashes claimed the lives of several people. It was a time reserved for mourning, but hope for better days brought students together.

Ultimately, the future of the University is largely dependent on its leadership. Murray State President Bob Davies is known for his charismatic campus presence and general likeability, but lack of transparency has dimmed his luster.

A proposal for a significant increase in his wife’s travel budget was kept largely off the radar, though it was eventually retracted. Cindy Davies is not a University employee, so the fact that it was proposed at a time when students are being asked to fork over more money is questionable to say the least.

Autumn Brown/The News Murray State will endure, but in what form is the question. The business of runfunding aren’t a boogeymonster created by the ning a university is just that, a business. And at a administration to scare us into paying more. State time when our business is in the red and prices funding is the real unicorn, stuff of myth which are going up, our motto of “Opportunity Affew have seen in person in recent years. forded” is perhaps becoming outdated.

Students have taken the relatively low prices Competing universities such as Western Kenfor parking permits at Murray State for granted, tucky University and University of Kentucky but proposed changes are likely to bring these arguably offer more student opportunities. As prices in line with offerings from other univerfunding decreases, so does the tuition gap besities. No, we’re not receiving valet or vehicle tween Kentucky’s public universities. The value detailing services for the increased price, but neiof the Murray State experience is shifting, and it ther is anyone else. And though the parking situwill take the whole of the community to figure ation on campus is not ideal, virtually all the lots out where it lies. are within a few minutes walk from class. Only At the end of the day, no one can predict the those with disabilities have a real reason to gripe future. But it’s up to us – students, faculty, staff about poor parking, and the rest must accept the and administration – to mold Murray State into situation as-is until funds become available to a competitive university which builds upon its make changes. tradition of excellence.

CHEERS TO...

2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 murraystatenews@icloud.com Fax: 270-809-3175

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the university. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Monday of each week via email to janderson49@murraystate.edu. Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News.

be flying in the face of reason. To say the administration might possibly have blood on its hands would be a sensationalized, but not inaccurate, statement if the proposal is approved.

What the University is catching is an underserved amount of flack for its tuition and parking permit price increases. The Murray State News has been diligent in its coverage of statewide college finances. Unfortunately, attendance costs aren’t likely to decrease at any public college in Kentucky in the near (or far) future.

It’s safe to say no one likes to pay more for the exact same service; when have you seen someone rush to sign up for Netflix right after a price increase? But it is a necessary evil. The deficits in

Looking Forward

Thin skin Tyler Anderson

Opinion Editor

janderson49@murraystate.edu

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was initially conceived in 1921 as a ceremony honoring the press and their dedication to their craft. After a few decades, it became tradition to honor college journalists with scholarships and other accolades. The dinner now functions as a presidential roast with a featured comedian doling out just desserts.

This year’s event was headlined

by Michelle Wolf, a previous contributor to “The Daily Show.” Not only did Wolf draw the ire of President Donald Trump (who didn’t attend for the second year in a row), but half the nation is now demanding an apology for jokes deemed insensitive. The situation has gotten entirely out of hand and, in response,

I have one thing to say: get over it.

When I first heard about Wolf’s “callous” jokes concerning Press Secretary Sarah Sanders’ appearance, I was a bit riled up. “Haven’t we moved beyond primary-school insults?” I wondered. Now, having dug a bit deeper, I realize this fiasco was ignited by a simple, yet brilliant joke about eyeshadow.

Had Wolf’s behavior been as disgraceful as reported, I might have sympathized with the allegedly injured parties. As it turns out, half the nation must have worn earplugs to the Correspondents’ Dinner, adlibbed the whole schtick, then ran to their Twitter accounts to announce their outrage.

If you haven’t read Wolf’s particular joke verbatim, go and do it now.

Then ask yourself this: why is everyone so mad?

I, for one, have not a single, soli-

tary clue as to how a jab at Sanders’ pattern of fibbing for the sake of Trump’s ego was an attack on her physical appearance. Wolf simply stated facts: Sanders, and the whole of the president’s cabinet (aka personal relations team), have an aversion to truth.

Perhaps everyone expected the jester to show up to the royal court and not earn her fill. Maybe the White House staff thought they’d hired a juggler and were too embarrassed to turn Wolf away when she arrived on their doorstep in full battle regalia, ready for a fight.

Or is it possible that the news media, having surrendered their champion and begun begging on their knees, has developed a thin skin?

To most, I’m considered a millennial, a typical liberal and, at my worst, a snowflake. But suddenly the

tables have turned and the liberal snowflakes, guardians of decency, have turned their might on their own.

I consider it a failure of these journalists to have crucified one of the few people confident enough to point her finger square in the face of the judge and jury, all for their sake.

This particular judge has been hurling insults indiscriminately since before being elected; why have we stopped holding him accountable for his vile tongue instead of burning the jester at the stake?

Perhaps this is the ugly side of the social justice movement that right-wing conspiracists have warned us about. The more probable cause, however, is that the news media caught a severe case of the wussies and deserted a valuable comrade to face the firing squad all on her own.

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