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February 14, 2019 | Vol. 93, No. 18

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NEWS NEWS THE MUR R AY STATE

February 14, 2019

VACANT

Presidential Search Committee

1:37PM Sexual abuse was reported on campus in the residential halls after unwanted sexual contact by an acquaintance at 2 a.m. The investigation is still open.

5:33PM

Rape was reported on campus after it happened on Oct. 31, 2018 in the residential halls. No criminal complaint was received.

8:05PM A parked vehicle was struck by a vehicle that left the scene in the Waterfield Library parking lot at 6 p.m. The investigation is still open.

10:13PM Marijuana and paraphernalia were found in a room in Elizabeth College.

A citation was issued for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

2/09

students, but also for adult and distance learners, including regional campus and online. In addition, my ideal mcarpenter4@murraystate.edu president is politically connected, sup portive of both faculty and staff, visible

The Student Government in the 18-county service region, and Association passed a resolution on is committed to enrollment growth Wednesday, Feb. 12 supporting Interim all while maintaining quality programPresident Bob Jackson for Murray ming that is continually nationally recState’s next president. ognized for academic “Dr. Bob Jackson excellence.” has proven himself Some students as an effective leader hope to have a preswho supports the stuident similar to fordents at Murray State mer President Bob University by providDavies. ing the tools necessary

“Davies was so for them to succeed,” much fun and cared according to the resso much about his olution. “The Student students,” Krystan Senate at Murray State Proctor, junior from University encourMurray, said. “I hope ages Dr. Jackson to the new president continue his support does the same.” of Student Affairs and Other students hope Student Government the new president Association if selectwill bring a more ed as permanent diverse background President of this instito campus. tution.”

“I would hope for The final SGA vote the next president was 32 votes in favor to just be open and to 2 votes opposed accepting of everywith 6 abstentions. one, no matter where “I am proud of the Nick Bohannon/The News they come from, Student Senate for their backgrounds Oakhurst, the University president’s home, remains vacant. taking a stand on an or their ideals,” Edie issue that directly Greenberg, sophomore from Louisville, May. affects our University and the stuKentucky, said.

A nine-member committee was dents enrolled,” SGA President J.T. appointed by the chair of the Board of The Committee will meet again on Regents to help the search.

March 4 to identify at least two candidates to recommend to the Board of “The search will be national, confiRegents. dential in deliberations, public at the time finalists are identified and will Interim President Bob Jackson will honor the University’s commitments be among the finalists. The Board of Lisa Rudolph (Chair) to nondiscrimination and equal opporRegents voted 7 to 4 at the Dec. 7 Vice Chair of Board of Regents tunity,” according to Murray State’s meeting to allow Jackson to be one website. of the finalists. Jackson submitted his Katherine Farmer application on Monday, Feb. 4.

The application process started on Faculty Regent Feb. 1.

“I did submit my application because “The University is seeking an expethis institution is very important to me Marion Hale rienced higher education leader with and my family,” Jackson said. “I have President of Staff Congress the vision and leadership qualities to enjoyed being interim president. This build on the institution’s reputation is my alma mater. I think I can do some Dan Kemp and take it to even higher levels of acagood here and my work isn't complete Regent demic excellence and student success,” just yet, but that is ultimately up to the according to the Murray State job listBoard of Regents.”

Tim Miller ing page.

The designated finalists will be President Emeritus The applicants should possess acaasked to meet with the campus comdemic credentials, such as a doctormunity for various forums, one being J.T. Payne al degree or an equivalent terminal open to faculty, staff and students. A Student Regent/SGA President degree. The individuals must underprocess will be structured to allow the stand the central role of faculty, staff Board of Regents to receive feedback Heather Roy and students and demonstrate this by on the clients from the forums to help having senior-level leadership experiin their decision.

Dir. of Madisonville/Henderson Campuses ence in higher education.

“The elected president will have “I am advocating for a president an opportunity to lead the University Don Tharpe to higher levels of success, partnered looking for a long-standing career with Regent with a dedicated group of faculty, staff Murray State University who honand students and be active within the ors the traditions of the past while Randal Wilson Murray State community,” according embracing the changing landscape Assistant Professor and Ed.D. Director to Murray State’s website. of higher education,” Heather Roy, Madisonville/Henderson campus The newly-appointed president is Milli Cecil /The News director, said. “For not only traditional expected to take office in summer 2019.

Staff writer

11:51PM

2/10

Payne said. “I am honored to represent the student body on the Presidential Search Committee and will definitely consider students’ input when making decisions. I appreciate Dr. Jackson’s hard work as interim, and today the student body showed they do as well.”

The Presidential Search Committee hopes to name the next president by

Miranda Carpenter

2/08 2/07

SGA backs Jackson for next president

10:40AM Terroristic threatening was reported after subject threatened another person on Feb. 9.

During a traffic stop, a driver was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, failure to utilize headlights and possession of an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

2:15PM

Theft was reported in Franklin College after laundry was taken on Feb. 8.

4:31PM

Subject was reported for being under the influence of alcohol in a public place at Hester College.

11:45PM A fire was reported in Lee Clark College after there was an accidental stove fire on Feb. 9. There were no injuries or deaths.

The Police Beat is compiled with material provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Not all dispatched calls are listed.

Colton Colglazier/The News

News

February 14, 2019

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Student scores free tuition for a semester

Ciara Benham Staff writer

cbenham@murraystate.edu

A Murray State student won a free semester of tuition after shooting a half court shot during a basketball game on Feb. 7.

Peyton Cadwell, freshman from McCracken County, Kentucky, won a scholarship that covers tuition for the fall 2019 semester by completing a series of basketball shots.

The promotion, called “Shoot for Scholarships,” is sponsored by Leon Owen, president and CEO of Swift & Staley out of Paducah.

Devan Maki, Racer properties general manager, collaborated with Owen to create the promotion.

Students have 30 seconds to complete a lay-up, free throw, three-pointer and a half-court shot. For each shot made, the student receives a certain amount of scholarship money to be directly applied to their student account.

Maki said the promotion is a tactic used to benefit the businesses that work with the athletics department as well as the students that attend the games.

“As athletics can serve as the window into a university, it is important that we create a great experience for all that attend and watch our events,” Maki said. “The fact that we can show prospective students that they can win prizes such as a free semester’s tuition, and cause the entire crowd to get extremely excited and create a contagious environment that a student will want to be a part of.”

Just two hours before the game, Cadwell heard about the opportunity through a friend, who was in charge of picking a student to participate in the promotion.

Cadwell said he wasn’t feeling very confident about the promotion during his 20 minute practice prior to the event.

“I got to the game right as they were announcing starting lineups and they took me to the practice gym where I spent about 5 minutes going through the shot sequence that I would be doing,” Cadwell said. “At that time it wasn’t looking very good for me, I made one half-court shot and was very inconsistent with the other ones.”

However, once the event

took place, Cadwell completed the series of shots and was awarded the scholarship.

Cadwell said he was more in shock at the result than excitement, and his parents were equally surprised.

“My parents couldn’t believe it,” Cadwell said. “My dad’s reaction was just complete surprise, like I don’t think he believed it at first. My mom’s phone was dead when it happened but when she got it back on, she went crazy and called me. Both of them were just very happy.”

Despite an injury, Josh Young, junior from Princeton, Kentucky, won $500 on Feb. 9 for making a layup, free throw and 3-pointer.

“I had previously separated my AC joint in my right shoulder a few weeks earlier on a snowboarding trip,” Young said. “I was hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure if my shoulder would be able to shoot since I hadn’t shot anytime after the accident.

But, I found some ibuprofen and toughed it out.”

Participants must be from Kentucky, attending Murray State the following semester and are randomly selected at Racer basketball games.

Photo courtesy of Peyton Cadwell

Peyton Cadwell poses with scholarship sponsor, Leon Owen, president and CEO of Swift & Staley.

MCHS shooting civil lawsuits heard in court

Keith Jaco Staff writer

rjaco@murraystate.edu

Families of the victims of the Marshall County High School shooting were in court Tuesday, Feb. 12, for the first time since filing civil lawsuits, even though accused shooter Gabriel Parker doesn’t have an attorney for the cases.

Although Parker currently does not have an attorney in the civil suits, Marshall County Circuit Court Judge, Jamie Jameson said Parker will be appointed a guardian ad litem, a court-appointed representative for a minor.

The first case was brought forth by Jasen and Secret Holt, Bailey Holt’s parents, as well as the parents of three students injured in the shooting: Gage Smock, Mary Bella James and Dalton Keeling. The suit targets five school board members,

Superintendent Trent Lovett, Principal Amy Waggoner, four assistant principals, a counselor and Director of Security and School Resource Officer Ray Chumbler. In addition to the school district officials, the suit also named Parker, as well as his stepfather and mother.

Brian and Teresa Cope, the parents of Preston Cope who were in attendance Tuesday morning, filed a separate civil lawsuit against accused shooter Gabriel Parker as well as his mother and stepfather.

Despite not representing Parker in the civil lawsuits, his criminal attorney Tom Griffiths was in the courtroom Tuesday.

“All we filed in this case was a notice,” Griffiths said.

“That’s not a motion; that’s not a request. It’s really just a heads up. We filed that to make sure that in the civil case people didn’t do things

Stephanie Anderson/The News

Tom Griffiths, criminal attorney for Gabriel Parker, talked to reporters after Tuesday’s civil lawsuit hearings. that upset the apple cart in the criminal case.”

Griffiths said he and the Commonwealth are going through a large amount of discovery for the criminal case, the most he has ever

seen in his career.

“The last thing in the world we need is somebody coming in and messing with witnesses, messing with evidence, trying to interview my client when they know they

shouldn’t,” Griffiths said. “Just to be clear, I am not saying that they would have done any of that. That’s why I filed it on day one, just as a notice, a heads up, that we are invoking all privileges and that they

shouldn’t do anything in the civil case that’s going to upset the criminal case.”

The attorney in the first civil lawsuit, Sheila Hiestand, who represents the families of four students, filed a response to Griffiths’ notice.

“That was not his case,” Jameson said. “It was not appropriate for him to file the motion that he filed.”

Griffiths said he was concerned about his client being interviewed and his medical records being pulled in the civil lawsuits before Parker was appointed an attorney.

“I have no problem with what the judge said,” Griffiths said.

He said he didn’t want civil counsel to interfere with the criminal case.

Jameson did not set the next court appearance for the civil lawsuits. However, Parker will be back in court in the criminal case on March 8.

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News

February 14, 2019

Nearly 5 inches of rain caused water damage on campus Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu

Heavy rains caused flooding or water damage on Feb. 12 in buildings on Murray State’s campus.

Murray experienced 1.16 inches of rain on Feb. 10, 3.11 inches on Feb. 11 and 0.58 inches on Feb. 12, according to the National Weather Service. After the rainfall, the Racer Room at Roy Stewart Stadium was flooded and the Robotics Lab in the Engineering and Physics building was also impacted by water leakage, damaging two computers.

Jonathan Clark, Baptist Campus Ministry campus minister, said the rain from Feb. 11 also caused the basement of their facility to flood about an inch and a half. The flooding created fissures in the flooring as well. To help the water flow, they drilled holes along the bottoms of the walls.

“I brought water vacuums from home, and my wife also went and bought more materials needed to clean the basement,” Clark said. “It was a family effort.”

BCM has dealt with flooding in the past. Last February, they had to replace the carpet with hardwood floors

Fissures were created in the flooring because of the flooding.

to manage the water damage more efficiently.

Puddles on campus are also an issue that students are concerned about.

Yasmin Zarate, freshman from Milan, Tennessee, said she would like to see better irrigation on campus to help with the puddles.

“It has affected me every day walking to class,” Zarate said. “The water is unbearable. The sidewalks are made to be walked on, but you can’t because there are puddles of water that are ankle deep.”

Shawn Touney, director of communication, said the rainfall within the past week has impacted Murray State, but the University is trying to combat the issues.

“Naturally, due to the consistent and high volume of rainfall that has fallen, storm drains and ground surfaces can only take so much,” Touney said. “The University’s Facilities Management team has continued to take a proactive approach in responding to specific areas of campus.”

Students who notice any water damage in their residential halls should notify their hall’s front desk staff.

Those who work on campus should notify their supervisor.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Jones

Do you want to be a 2019 Great Beginnings Leader?

Great Beginnings Leaders (GBLs) are the first people to make a positive impression on our new students and their families as they join the Racer Family.

*Minimum qualifications of 2.5 GPA is required. Deadline for Application: March 15, 2019 To apply and learn more about becoming a GBL go to: www.murraystate.edu/GBL An Informational Session will be held in The Curris Center Stables on February 20, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Jones

February 14, 2019

News

Student Government Association applications are available at www.murraystate.edu/sga or in the Center for Student Involvement office, 111 Curris Center.

Positions:

President - must be: Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Executive Vice President - must be: Junior by fall semester, 2.7 gpa Vice President of Administration - 2.7 gpa Vice President of Finance - 2.7 gpa Senator At Large – 8 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Business – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College Education & Human Services – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College of Humanities & Fine Arts – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa College Science, Engineering & Technology – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa Hutson School of Agriculture – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa School of Nursing & Health Professionals – 3 positions, 2.0 gpa RCA President - 2.7 gpa RCA Vice President – 2.7 gpa RCA Secretary/Treasurer, 2.7 gpa Residential College Senators, 2.0 gpa (2 per Residential College) **ALL RCA officers must have lived in residential college 1 year prior to election Applications due MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2019 at NOON in the CSI office.

MANDATORY CANDIDATES MEETING Curris Center Theater, 3rd floor, 4 pm Elections: ON-LINE VOTING, MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019 AT 12:01 A.M. THROUGH TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2019 AT 11:59 PM Senate Chair: Elections/Ways & Means – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Public Relations, 1 position, 2.0 gpa University Affairs – 1 position, 2.0 gpa MultiMedia – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Government Relations – 1 position, 2.0 gpa Diversity & Inclusion - 1 position, 2.0 gpa Enrollment Management & Student Success - 1 position, 2.0 gpa Chief of Staff - 1 position, 2.0 gpa Applications due TUESDAY, APRIL 2 at NOON in the CSI office.

Judicial Board – 10 members, must be a Junior by fall semester, 2.0 gpa Applications due TUESDAY, APRIL 2 at NOON in the CSI office.

Campus Activities Board – 12 chair positions, 2.0 gpa Applications due TUESDAY, APRIL 2 at NOON in the CSI office.

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Editorial Board Ashley Traylor Editor-in-Chief 270-809-6877 atraylor@murraystate.edu Bryce Anglin Production Manager 270-809-5874 zanglin@murraystate.edu Daniella Tebib News Editor 270-809-4468 dtebib@murraystate.edu Sara Howell Features Editor 270-809-5871 showell6@murraystate.edu Blake Sandlin Sports Editor 270-809-4481 bsandlin1@murraystate.edu Megan Reynolds Opinion Editor 270-317-0304 mreynolds12@murraystate.edu David Wallace Chief Copy Editor 270-809-5876 dwallace15@murraystate.edu Connor Dame Ad Sales and Circulation Manager 270-809-4478 cdame2@murraystate.edu Brock Kirk Photography Editor 270-809-5878 jkirk11@murraystate.edu Kalea Anderson Chief Videographer 270-809-5878 kanderson29@murraystate.edu Dr. Stephanie Anderson Adviser • 270-809-3937 sanderson37@murraystate.edu 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 msunews1927@gmail.com Fax: (270) 809-3175

TheNews.org

NEWS OPINION THE MUR R AY STATE

February 14, 2019

DeVos wreaks havoc on Title IX Betsy DeVos and the Trump administration have brought a new storm down upon themselves as they suggest controversial new changes to Title IX. Trigger warning: this article contains mentions of rape and sexual harassment. Those of our readers who have suffered these encounters should know that they have our support and are encouraged only to read on if they feel that it will not harm them.

Title IX is the amendment that defends students against sexual harassment.

Title IX is the amendment that has at least started building a barrier between those who are broken and those who do the breaking.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as we know it now, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities.

Students know this amendment well, going through training on it each semester. Incoming freshmen must attend presentations defining and explaining in depth the ideals and protections critical to Title IX. But what happens now that DeVos wants to change nearly everything about it, specifically sections that deal with sexual harassment?

The Students Active for Ending Rape have made it clear what they think will happen. In a formal letter to DeVos, SAFER wrote that they believe these changes will lead to a decrease in reporting sexual harassment, an increase in university cover-ups of sexual harassment and make it more likely that sexual predators go unpunished for their crimes.

Perhaps the biggest change that sparks this worry is the redefining of sexual harassment.

Under the Obama administration and Title IX as it is now, sexual harassment is “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, nonverbal or physical contact of a sexual nature.”

This could be any type of sexual rumor-spreading, gestures, groping, comments and et cetera.

The definition as we know it now covers quite a bit of ground.

Sexual harassment as defined by DeVos and the Trump administration would be “unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity.”

This leaves a lot of gray area – gray area that can lead to an excruciating amount of cover-ups, condescending talks down to victims, and brush-offs of crime.

With this potential change in definition, repeated devastating comments and rumors that will ruin reputations could be brushed off simply because they are deemed “not severe enough.” It will make it hard to claim that anything is sexual harassment because victims will have to prove the severity of their encounter.

This also brings in the potential for retraumatization. Students who are suffering rape may be forced to go through the violating experience of getting a rape kit done in order to prove the severity.

Sparing the horrible details, a rape kit is a complete medical examination of the victim’s body as close to right after the incident as doctors can get it. While this is one of the most definitive ways of getting proof, it is also one of the most invasive ways.

That is why the Obama administration referred to it as a method of retraumatization.

The sad fact of the matter is that, with the new definition of sexual harass-

Autumn Brown/The News

ment, victims could be forced to go through this just to prove that they’ve gone through encounters severe enough to even be defined as sexual harassment.

Despite all this havoc, there is still hope. The changes are not set in

Cheers to the season of love!

Treat yourself and your loved ones to some discount chocolate this weekend!

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 atraylor@murraystate.edu.

stone. Standing together, in one unified voice, we can tell DeVos that what she is proposing is wrong.

These suggestions are dangerous and harmful and will only end in disaster. We can tell DeVos to end this before it even starts.

Jeers to all the flooding!

Lake Lizo has returned, the BCM is under water, the Racer Room is drowning… It leaves us wondering, “What’s next?”

Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News.

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 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 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.

Opinion

February 14, 2019

Spider-Verse swings in at No. 1 Megan Reynolds Opinion Editor mreynolds12@murraystate.edu

On Christmas Day 2018, Sony released “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” a SpiderMan movie with revolutionary style and unheard-of success in the Spider-Man world.

With the Marvel wave that’s been crashing over theaters since the release of Iron Man in 2008, superheroes have been a very hot topic.

Spider-Man, however, has been a motion picture since long before Tony Stark ever popped up on society’s radar.

Most know of the 2002 “Spider-Man” movie starring Tobey Maguire; it was the first big Spider-Man movie and would be followed by not one, but two sequels (the final one including some glorious dancing and finger guns from an edgy Peter Parker).

Then came “The Amazing Spider-Man” in 2012, starring Andrew Garfield. Another origin story followed by a sequel with a not-so-hot success rate.

The most recent live-action installment in the world of Spider-

Man brought an interesting change to the scene.

Produced by Marvel rather than Sony, Tom Holland was brought in to star as the young character in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.” A refreshing new take, audiences were excited when the story started in the middle of the hero’s known comic book beginning. Rather than an origin story, audiences got an excited 15-yearold, learning to use his powers and striving to be an Avenger.

Tom Holland is still Marvel’s Spider-Man, showing up in several movies outside of his own stand-alone series, so why did Sony feel the need to release yet another Spider-Man film last Christmas? And why was it so effortlessly revolutionary?

Simple, yet undeniably complex; “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” features a brand new storyline to audience members who aren’t familiar with the comics, while bringing in a form of art that has never been seen in animated motion pictures ever.

To many, it’s the new storyline that is drawing in viewers. People

are tired of the same old Peter Parker story we’ve had since the first “Spider-Man” television series aired in 1967. We’ve been hearing about nerdy, beat up Parker for literal decades.

But now, we have a completely new character. Miles Morales is a wicked smart Hispanic/ African-American middle schooler who really just wants to show the world his art. Then, his world flips upsidedown and we as the audience are taken on this wild ride with him.

It’s new and it’s exciting.

Certainly, the storyline is a large part of what has made “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” by far the best SpiderMan movie they’ve made yet, but the art is what puts it over the top.

This movie pulls in multiple types of animation, a very difficult task for artists and animators. From anime to comic book to cartoon to noir, it’s all there and it’s all perfectly done.

The cinematography of the picture blew minds everywhere, and rightly so. Dean Gordon and Patrick O’Keefe, the

film’s two art directors, not only made a point presenting the separate art forms, but blending them.

Sure, the different Spider-People are presented in their respective animative forms, but Gordon and O’Keefe blended the forms together in certain scenes.

To get proper motion effects, the two had their artists bring anime techniques into the comic book art form.

There were moments where, as a 2D film, the characters seemed to leap right off the screen.

The comic book effects came to life on the big screen, “KAPOWS!” and “SMACKS!” leaping out of the film.

The Spidey-Sense was one of the fan favorites, with colorful lights emanating from the SpiderPeople each time their sense swung in.

While the movie may be out of theaters, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” will be on DVD and Blu-ray in no time! Feast your eyes upon one of the greatest artistic feats the world of cinema has seen in a long, long time.

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Spider-Man Rotten Tomatoes Scores Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Rotten Tomato meter: 97% Audience score: 94% Spider-Man: Homecoming Rotten Tomato meter: 92% Audience score: 88% Spider-Man (2002) Rotten Tomato meter: 90% Audience score: 67% The Amazing Spider-Man Rotten Tomato meter: 72% Audience score: 77%

mreynolds12@murraystate.edu

Savannah Jane Walton/The News

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News

February 14, 2019

Murray State students rally for higher education Cady Stribling Contributing writer

Brock Kirk/The News

Murray State’s Student Government Association traveled to Kentucky’s capitol, Frankfort to discuss bill proposals.

Brock Kirk/The News

Students from Murray State and other universities gave speeches in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda.

Brock Kirk/The News

SGA President J.T. Payne and senators Allie Morgan, Hannah Daab and Jessica Stoner sat down with legislators to advocate for Murray State.

cstribling1@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s Student Government Association joined students from across Kentucky at the state capitol to rally for higher education.

Murray State specifically advocated for the Kentucky Employees Retirement System Pension Rate Freeze. During the 2018 session, the Kentucky legislature gave a rate freeze for employer contributions with KERS. The employer contribution rate will increase on July 1 if current legislation does not stop it.

SGA President and Student Regent J.T. Payne discussed the KERS pension rate freeze at the rally with Kentucky State Rep. Rob Wiederstein, D-District 11.

Murray State currently pays $6 million per year in KERS rates at 49 percent. SGA advocated on behalf of Murray State to freeze this rate. If it is not frozen, on July 1 it will increase to 84 percent, which will bring the total to $10.4 million. Payne said this is a $4.4 million increase and a financial strain for the University.

Low enrollment rates could also be to blame for financial strains at Murray State.

“We’ve had almost 14 percent of decreased enrollment over four years,” Payne said. “We’ve gone from almost 11,000 students to about 9,300 over a period of time.”

Wiederstein said he speculates the “pension debacle” played some part in the enrollment drop.

SGA also advocated against House Bill 194, which would allow anyone with a valid concealed deadly weapons license or temporary gun permit to possess a concealed weapon on campus.

“With both representatives, they made sure to understand where our concerns came from with increasing funds that the University has to pay, as well as Bill 194,” Jessica Stoner, senator for Elizabeth College, said.

“They were sure to further look into those issues for us and be sure to be there for us if we ever need anything in regards to any more information on those bills.”

Rep. Tim Moore, R-District 18 sponsored HB 194.

Regardless of where one falls

on the political spectrum, Payne said most universities across Kentucky are against the bill.

Wiederstein shared his experience as a judge regarding HB 194. He had the option to carry a concealed weapon in the courtroom. But, he said that because he wore a robe, he knew that there was no real possibility that he could be helpful in a situation that would require a gun; therefore, understood the concerns regarding the bill.

“Let’s see what happens… let’s see if it gets to the floor,” Wiederstein said in regard to the bill.

Many students gave speeches in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda. Maggie Moore, junior from Paducah, Kentucky represented Murray State.

“It was a great experience, and I was honored that J.T. would ask me to take on that role,” Moore said. “I’m a Senator at large. I’ve been doing this since fall 2018 semester. We’re all passionate about our higher education, we’re all passionate about politics… The rally part was just about hyping everybody up and getting excited to go and meet with different legislators and go to our meetings.”

Hannah Edelen, SGA President at Northern Kentucky University, organized the rally.

Alongside Northern Kentucky University, Murray State had the largest turnout.

“I am really, really proud of our Murray State students and how well they conducted themselves and how professional they were and how passionate they are for higher education,” Payne said. “We had one of the greatest turnouts that we have ever taken on this trip. Also, this year we had one of the greatest turnouts of any institution in the state of Kentucky, and we were definitely the furthest away and had to get up the earliest. So, I think that shows the persistence of Murray State students and the dedication that we have even in the far western part of the state.”

Payne said he believes attending the Higher Education Rally was necessary for SGA in order to show that what happens in legislation affects universities everywhere.

“Higher education is facing some major decreases in state appropriations, but also some policy changes that would definitely have a huge negative financial impact on university,”

February 14, 2019 Payne said. “The negative financial impact in turn affects students, it affects our tuition rates, it affects our meals and dining costs, it affects the amount of money we have to do student programming.”

Payne’s experiences were positive. The legislators were glad to hear from the group, Payne said.

This wasn’t the case for every Murray State group, but Payne believes it was a great experience.

“I think it was an excellent experience for students,” Jeanie Morgan, student government and organizations adviser, said. “So many of our students have never had the opportunity to see the capitol building or to meet with a representative of the state, and I think it was very beneficial for them as well as for the university as a whole.”

Students interested in getting involved with SGA can attend their meetings held in the Curris Center’s Barkley Room at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

News

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Brock Kirk/The News

SGA President J.T. Payne sat down with Rep. Chris Freeland, R-District 6.

Brock Kirk/The News

SGA visited the capitol to discuss funding for higher education.

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NEWS SPORTS THE MUR R AY STATE

February 14, 2019

Rifle’s reign: Lollar continues to breed success Keenan Hall Staff writer khall16@murraystate.edu

Alan Lollar inherited the Murray State rifle program in 2007, and wasted no time in continuing to build on the illustrious legacy that has defined it since its inception in 1956.

Lollar is currently in his 12th season as head coach for the highly-decorated rifle program. Before he took the position, the Racers had already won eight OVC titles and two NCAA championships. The Racers have now won six OVC championships since Lollar took over. Most recently, the team won the OVC title on Feb. 3 with a 4685 score.

He has also been voted OVC Coach of the Year seven times, and was named the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2016.

Lollar has coached 22 AllAmericans and eight OVC Rifle Athletes of the Year.

The seasoned coach is quick to credit his success to his phenomenal athletes, but while athletes have come and gone, the prestigious level to which Murray State rifle holds itself has remained the same.

Lollar did not always envision himself as a collegiate rifle coach, but he knew he could be the right man for the job. He has been part of the Racer family since the early 1990s as an athletic trainer for former rifle Head Coach Elvis Green.

“I started helping him with the championships since I was already there as an athletic trainer,” Lollar said. “That’s where I started to learn about the sport, through him, the athletes and from the other coaches.”

Despite the prestigious accomplishments, he had no idea that he would be the head coach 20 years later. The knowledge Lollar gained as an athletic trainer gave him a unique perspective into the sport. His past experience with coaching made his transition from trainer to head coach seamless.

“I’ve always coached,” Lollar said. “I coached summer baseball when I

Brock Kirk/The News

Head Coach Alan Lollar instructs junior Shelby Huber during Murray State’s morning practice last week. was in college, and I helped with high school basketball as well. I had the vocabulary, but there was a lot of stuff I had to learn and I am still learning every day.”

Since joining the team in the summer of 2007, Lollar continued to be an athletic trainer, but now for his own team.

“I was an athletic trainer for 30 years; I still am,” Lollar said. “I take care of our team and I really enjoy doing that. I have been at Murray State for 25 years.

I love this school; I care about the community.”

When Lollar joined, he went from a former athletic trainer to becoming the head coach of a sport he had no experience in. Lollar had experience shooting rifles, but a collegiate rifle match was a whole different ball game.

Fortunately, the coaching philosophies he developed coaching baseball, as well as the instruction he acquired as a trainer, helped ease the transition.

“Coaching was not a

big jump,” Lollar said. “I have always done that, and shooting wasn’t a big jump because I’ve always enjoyed that. The two coming together isn’t as strange as it might seem to some folks.”

Entering the coaching

“

He’s a great person. He tries really hard to individually coach us and not just have a blanket statement that fits everyone.

”

-Alathea Sellars, senior

ranks, Lollar combined three things he loved to do: train, mentor and shoot.

His background tailored to sports has helped him enjoy what he does every day.

“Every now and then it’s nice to have a change of pace,” Lollar said. “It’s even better when you change to something you really enjoy.

Before coaching I knew about a different type of shooting, so it was an easy transition for me.”

Racer rifle has been dominant all season and has parlayed their consistent shooting all the way to the NCAA Championships.

Murray State has only been outscored by highly-ranked opponents in just three of its 15 matches this season.

Lollar credits the team’s perennial success to the relationships he has forged with his athletes. The Racers are preparing to contend for their third NCAA championship.

“It’s great to show up every morning with a bunch of people that are committed to working hard and trying to do things in the right way, and are working together to accomplish a common goal,” Lollar said.

This year’s group of seniors have achieved a slew

of success at Murray State under Lollar. Racer seniors Alathea Sellars, Eric Sloan and Barbara Schläpfer said they couldn’t have asked for a better person to guide them through this phase in their lives.

“He’s a great person,” Sellars said. “He tries really hard to individually coach us and not just have a blanket statement that fits everyone. He works really hard with us in everything from mental states to our positions. He’s really a great coach.”

Sellars said Lollar makes the team feel comfortable before matches and attempts to help get rid of pre-match jitters.

“When I was a freshman I got really frustrated one match,” Sellars said. “Coach Lollar just walked up to me and he said shooting 10s is like chasing cats. I looked at him like he was crazy, and I laughed, and then everything was better.”

Sloan said he knew Lollar was a great person when he first met him. He said

Lollar was a mastermind at helping him prepare mentally for his matches.

“He made me feel welcomed,” Sloan said. “His prematch jokes and quotes he would use to try to make us forget about being nervous were really helpful.”

Lollar gives a lot of credit to his team and his leaders who showed up every day. No matter the outcome of the NCAA Rifle Championships in March, or any match in the future, Lollar will always find his identity and purpose in the effect he has on his athletes.

“They’re some truly special young people, and I am just waiting to see what’s the last chapter they write,” Lollar said. “When they call and tell you they got their first job, or have their first child and you know that they’re OK is the best part about being a coach. Knowing that they have grown and matured and are ready to go out to the ‘real world’ probably is as good a memory you could have.”

Sports

February 14, 2019

Page 11

Racer baseball prepares to take the field as underdogs Gage Johnson Senior writer gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

Spring slowly creeping up on us means one thing: it’s time for Murray State’s baseball team to take the field, this time with expectations much higher in the organization.

The Racers are coming off a year where they finished 27-29, continuing the trend of sub-.500 baseball teams at Murray State that has existed since 2010.

The preseason OVC polls have the Racers projected to finish ninth, and no players were selected to All-OVC teams. However, with a plethora of personnel changes within the organization, the losing seasons could very well disappear in time.

The first major change came in the summer when Dan Skirka was hired as the new head coach to replace former Head Coach Kevin Moulder, after he compiled a career record of 99-128.

Obviously with a brand new coach at the helm of the organization, building team chemistry is crucial, and Skirka said the transition has been seamless.

“We’ve got a great group of kids that are hardworking, very coachable; they’re very hungry,” Skirka said. “It’s been a smooth transition I think.

We came in with some things we wanted to do

and it aligned with what they were looking for, so we’ve had a good relationship and had good energy all fall. I’m looking for that team chemistry to keep building in the spring.”

The roster will also be revamped, as the Racers lost four major offensive contributors from last season. Power-hitting first baseman Ramsey Scott graduated along with All-OVC member Brandon Guntzler, All-OVC third baseman Davis Sims transferred to Western Kentucky and OVC Freshman of the Year Grant Wood transferred to Missouri State after a short stint at Jefferson College.

With a roster comprised of multiple transfers, a slew of upperclassmen and very few returning from last season, Skirka believes they have a lot of players that can fill the shoes of the players lost.

“We’re young as far as at-bats and innings, but we have a lot of juniors on this team and a lot of older guys, so there’s a lot of guys I look forward to stepping up,” Skirka said. “Then, we have some newcomers that I think are going to step up and help those guys and give us some depth.”

Junior outfielder Ryan Perkins is a player Skirka thinks will bounce back from a sophomore slump.

Perkins has been putting

Trevor McMurray winds up to pitch in the Racers’ intrasquad scrimmage. in the work to get back to the success of his freshman season when he was named a Freshman All-American by the Collegiate Baseball News.

“I’m just not putting as much pressure on myself,” Perkins said. “These guys have helped me with my swing a lot, and just trying to have my approach ready for the season. So just getting back to what I did in high school and just being relaxed and knowing it’s baseball and it’s fun.”

Pitching was a weak point for the Racers last season, as they placed second-to-last in the OVC in team pitching. Junior pitcher Trevor McMurray led the team in most of the pitching categories last season, but expects more arms in the Murray State bullpen to help the team this season.

“I think this year our depth through and through is way better,” McMurray said. “I think we have 16 or 15 pitchers and I believe

one through 15 can all get the job done in a different way. I feel like this year it was a lot more competitive in the fall, which fostered a lot more development. I think we’ll definitely have one of the best pitching staffs we’ve had at Murray State in the last five or six years.”

While most may see this season as a rebuilding year, Perkins and company have high expectations for the season ahead.

“My expectation is to

make a regional this year,” Perkins said. “I know the OVC polls probably came out already and we’re probably at the bottom as usual, but this year we definitely have a shot to win the OVC and take our talents to a regional.”

The Racers will step between the lines for the first time this season when they hit the road to take on Oral Roberts University.

First pitch is set at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at J. L. Johnson Stadium.

The London Bridge leads to Murray

Gage Johnson Senior writer

gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

England is home to the Premier League, professional soccer’s most prestigious league in the world.

But for women’s basketball’s Evelyn Adebayo, she chose the hardwood over the turf growing up in London, England.

The junior forward did play soccer growing up

through primary school and even some in college at England. However, basketball was always her main focus. After a PE teacher spotted her in secondary school, she took it to the next level.

“Ms. Charles, she kinda spotted me in my first PE class when I was in year seven (sixth grade in U.S.),” Adebayo said. “She wanted me to tryout for the school team, and from

there I just kept playing.”

From there, Adebayo continued to play for her school team before joining a club team and then was chosen to play for Great Britain in the U20 European Championships.

It was with the national team that Adebayo realized she could come to the United States to play collegiately.

“The first year I played for the national team I was

playing against a lot of people that were playing college basketball too,” Adebayo said. “So everyone was telling me it was a possibility for me too.”

With help from her college coaches in England and a connection with the Gardner Webb University’s Head Coach Rick Reeves, Adebayo was offered a scholarship.

After two years with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, Adebayo

decided on a change of scenery.

Shortly after learning of Adebayo’s transfer request via email, Head Coach Rechelle Turner and staff jumped at the opportunity to bring her to Murray State.

“We immediately contacted her and began the recruiting process,” Turner said. “After talking with her and developing a relationship, we brought

her on a visit. We instantly connected with Evelyn and convinced her to join our Racer family.”

While Adebayo sat out last season, she came to the conclusion that she had taken for granted the opportunities she received. With the changes she has made, she has shaped herself into one

,

see EVELYN page 12

Page 12

EVELYN From Page 11

of the best players in the conference this season.

“I think since I’ve been here I just flipped the switch and been more engaged and focused,” Adebayo said.

“Realizing what I have and what I can do, and to just use my talent and do something with it.”

And Adebayo has used her talent extremely well.

The junior forward leads the OVC in scoring at 18.3 ppg while also leading the conference in rebounding at 11.7 rpg. She has become a double-double machine, earning 15 double-doubles to this point in the season.

With these astounding statistics, it’s fair to say

Sports Racers meet Govs, Colonels this weekend

February 14, 2019

Adebayo is one of the frontrunners for OVC Player of the Year. All this isn’t lost upon Adebayo. She credits her teammates and her faith as inspirations behind her success. “[OVC Player of the Year] would be amazing,” Adebayo said. “It’s honestly all by God’s grace.

Whatever he has planned for me, I know it’s something great. I should be very thankful especially for teammates and coaches for believing in me. It would be an achievement I’d be very proud of.”

While Turner always knew what Adebayo was capable of as a basketball player, she’s undoubtedly proud of the growth she has made on and off the court.

“From the time she has

arrived on campus her work ethic has definitely improved,” Turner said.

“One of the things I am most proud of is Evelyn’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and getting involved with the community. She is very active in volunteering with the youth at Journey Church.”

With her long journey to Murray State, Adebayo is happy for the opportunity to play and go to work with her teammates and coaches to have a solid year.

“Realizing the opportunity I had, I just wanted to make the most of it and do whatever I can for the team to have a successful season,” Adebayo said.

And if Adebayo has anything to say about it, they will.

Keith Jaco Staff writer rjaco@murraystate.edu

Last season, the ‘Battle at the Border’ games between Murray State and Austin Peay were relatively lopsided, with the Racers leaving victorious each time.

This year, a matchup between the Racers and the Governors will exhibit two first-place teams vying for a chance to stay atop the OVC.

Blake Sandlin/The News

Looking Back

Ja Morant plays the air guitar after draining a three against EIU.

Murray State basketball is back in a comfortable position, posting a 3-0 record following losses to Jacksonville State and Belmont.

The Racers took care of business last week in front of two packed crowds at the CFSB Center, securing victories over Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville.

Junior forward Darnell Cowart continued to impress in the win over EIU, scoring 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting to go with 12 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Ja Morant led the way for the Racers in their blowout win over SIUE, tallying 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting with six assists and five rebounds.

Looking Ahead

Gage Johnson/The News

Murray State will face another tough OVC opponent on Thursday night in Clarksville, Tennessee, as they meet with the APSU Governors for their first matchup of the season. The Racers have experienced consistent success against the

Junior forward Evelyn Adebayo assumes the triple threat stance at the CFSB Center.

Governors in recent years, sweeping the season series last season and going 8-2 in their last 10 meetings.

Head Coach Matt McMahon and his team will be tasked with handling sophomore forward Terry Taylor on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Taylor is averaging 19 points and 8.3 rebounds a game for a Governor team that has gone 4-1 in their last five.

With a chance to stay atop the OVC with a rivalry win over Austin Peay, Cowart believes sticking to the same routine will be in the best interest of the team.

“Everybody knows the situation and we just want to approach it as another game,” Cowart said. “We have to prepare the same way, prepare to win and have three great days of practice.”

The Racers will look to put their OVC-best 3-point field goal percentage defense up against Austin Peay, the conference leaders in 3-point field goal percentage.

Following the road matchup with APSU on Thursday night, the Racers

will travel to Richmond, Kentucky, for a second meeting with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels Saturday evening.

Murray State pulled out a 97-85 victory over the Colonels on Jan. 5 at the CFSB Center. Morant and Colonel senior forward Nick Mayo went back and forth in this contest as Morant finished with 34 points and 10 assists, while Mayo finished the night with 36 points and nine rebounds.

While EKU may be 1-4 in their last five games, parts of their game pose serious threats to the Racers. The Colonels rank second in both scoring offense and possess one of the best scorers in the OVC in Mayo. The Racers will look to tame Mayo and expose EKU’s league-worst scoring defense and put up big numbers on Saturday night.

Murray State will face Austin Peay at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, in Clarksville, Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, in Richmond, Kentucky.

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M

NEWS FEATURES THE MUR R AY STATE

Page 13

The romance that revolves around the shoe tree Claire Smith

Contributing writer csmith110@murraystate.edu

Equine classes, $600 phone bills and more. These are just a few of the ways Murray State alumni found love on campus.

The shoe tree has been a tradition at Murray State since the 1960s. The rumors about how the tree came to be range from a student art project to someone abandoning shoes they didn’t want to take home.

The tree now symbolizes the love between two people who met on campus.

When you are married, it is a tradition that you and your spouse come back to campus and each nail a shoe to the tree.

Charlton Story, a Murray State graduate who resides in Puryear, Tennessee, met his wife Keri Story during an equine class in 2012.

Story and his wife were partners during the class when Keri got trapped between two spooked horses.

“I ran in and wrapped my arms around her and put my body between her and the kicks from the horses and drug her out to safety away from the horses,” Story said.

The couple began dating in 2013 and were married on Nov. 10, 2018. They hung their shoes on the tree where they also took their engagement photos.

Barns aren’t the only places to fall in love.

Ashlee Rosa graduated in 2018 and resides in Louisville, Kentucky. She met her husband, Robert Rosa through Campus Outreach, a Christian outreach group on campus.

Before they became a couple, Ashlee and Robert would go to McDonald’s where they would read and discuss the Lord’s teachings. After a summer spent in different states and keeping in touch as friends, the couple went on their first date.

“I still liked Robert and had no idea that he felt the same way until one night at McDonald’s he asked me on our first date,” Ashlee said.

In March 2018, Ashlee returned home from a trip where Robert surprised her

at the airport with a bouquet and a plane ticket.

“While I thought he was just welcoming me home, I started to read the plane ticket and the boarding pass read from ‘McDonald’s to Eternity,’” Ashlee said.

The couple married on July 28, 2018.

“After graduation on Dec. 8, we hung our shoes on the shoe tree, packed our things, and headed to Louisville,” Ashlee said.

Some alumni met their spouses before they become students.

Amy Waggener met her husband Pen Waggener during the Governor’s Scholars Program in 1988.

“After we graduated high school, he went to Western, and I went to Murray,” Waggener said. “Two years later, he transferred to MSU, after a $600 phone bill month.”

The couple married in July 1993 and recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They hung their shoes on the tree two years ago. They have three children and live in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Some couples met their significant others in their residential colleges.

Mallory Ackles, a May 2017 graduate who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, met her fiancé Jacob Ketcherside in Old Franklin.

Mickey Miller was their former college head and organizational communications professor. His class posed the question that got Ackles thinking that she may be falling for Ketchersode.

The couple got engaged on Jan. 27, 2018; that spring they asked Miller to officiate their ceremony.

“Saying yes to Jacob’s proposal was the easiest decision ever and deciding to ask Mickey to marry us was the second,” Ackles said.

Ackles and Ketcherside plan to come back to Murray after they are married to hang their shoes.

Murray State’s campus has brought people together and hanging shoes on the tree is just another way to showcase lasting love.

Richard Thompson/The News

Couples who meet on campus and get engaged nail their shoes to the shoe tree.

Saying yes to Jacob’s proposal was the easiest decision ever and deciding to ask Mickey to marry us was the second, -Mallory Ackles, Murray State alumna

Photo courtesy of Mallory Ackles

Ackles poses with her fiancé at his graduation ceremony.

Features

Page 14

February 14, 2019

Rosalyn Churchman & Milli Cecil

Milli and Milli and Milli and that your could.

Ros are bad, Ros are good, Ros do things chick wish she

Richard Thompson/The News

Corvette Lanes offers a variety of activities to do on your Valentine’s Day date.

Last-minute destinations

Azher Farooq Contributing writer afarooq1@murraystate.edu

Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend and husband! I love you!

-Steph

Valentine’s Day is a dedicated day for lovers; it gives us a chance to make our beloved one feel special. Taking out your date is a great way to express how you feel about your Valentine.

The following is a list of places where you can take your significant other and create precious memories.

Tap 216 If you are looking for a perfect dinner this Valentine’s, then Tap 216 is the spot to go. Located right across from Pogue Library, this pub and food spot is a good place for couples; they offer a variety of pizza and pub food.

Treasure Golf An indoor miniature golf course lit by black lights,

Happy Valentine’s Day to my boo, my baby momma, my ride or die.

I love you Shawty!

- Bill Talmadge

Treasure Golf features 18 holes of golf, each with its own distinctive layout, obstacles and challenges.

The course also features the Cove Cafe, which has a full menu.

Corvette Lanes This is a bowling alley that features shoe rentals, “Glow Bowling,” a fully stocked pro shop, a game room and pool tables. The alley also offers competitive bowling leagues for adults.

Purple Toad Winery Located in Paducah, Kentucky, these wines are famous for their taste and quality. They offer various options ranging from sweet to dry. Made from blackberries and strawberries, people enjoy these wines with Kentucky-made cheeses. They have a wonderful sitting arrangement, which can create a romantic atmosphere for your

Valentine’s Day evening.

Olive Garden

Also located in Paducah, Olive Garden offers a variety of food options for you and your valentine. Enjoy soup, salad and even have your breadsticks brought to you in a bouquet.

Playhouse in the Park

If you want to amuse yourselves with live performances of artists, then take your valentine to Playhouse in the Park for a show. This playhouse is one of the oldest producing theaters in the country.

Although you should express love for your significant other every day, Valentine’s Day is a day just for lovers. Enjoy every single moment of this time and make memories with your valentine.

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Features

February 14, 2019

Page 15

Singles vs. Couples

Students offer differing views on Valentine’s Day Grant Dillard Staff writer gdillard@murraystate.edu

Valentine’s Day is here, and with it comes many people celebrating the day of love with their crushes or significant others. Though, is it truly an important holiday on par with other yearly traditions like Christmas and Easter?

Or is it an overrated time of year that some people are starting to get sick of?

Here’s what a few select individuals had to say.

Amanda Swift, junior from Bloomington, Illinois, said she sees both sides of the holiday.

“I think if you’re in a relationship, it’s useful to have a point in the year to focus on each other and on romance in whatever way you choose to celebrate it,” Swift said.

She also believes Valentine’s Day is overrated, but only in the sense that it holds such high expectations for everyone.

“At the core, Valentine’s Day is about love and should be used to celebrate all the people you love and care about,” Swift said.

Ryan Flaherty, junior from Louisville, Kentucky, is Swift’s boyfriend.

“Valentine’s Day is a useful holiday for both

single people and people in relationships,” Flaherty said. “I look forward to it more as a reminder to love and appreciate those I care about most because I don’t always dedicate time to giving them the love and appreciation they deserve.”

Flaherty said now that he’s in a relationship, Valentine’s Day brings a different kind of excitement that is new to him, and he’s really looking forward to the holiday this year.

Kassidy Maierhofer, graduate student from Seneca, Illinois, has a strong opinion on the holiday.

“I’m not sure that I would call Valentine’s Day useful,” Maierhofer said. “I think that it’s a great way to celebrate your relationship and love for your partner.

But I also think that you can do that on other holidays and every other day of the year.”

Maierhofer also said Valentine’s Day may not be exciting for everyone, based on years in her life where her relationship was rocky and how she and her boyfriend weren’t celebrating like she felt they should.

She said her mother would always have big Valentine’s Day plans for her and her sister includ-

ing heart-shaped pizzas and little gifts; so no matter what, she would always have someone to celebrate with.

“To an extent, I do think Valentine’s Day is overrated,” Maierhofer said.

“People do big extravagant things on Valentine’s Day and I think that’s over the top. And as I’ve said before, you shouldn’t need a holiday to show someone your love.”

Maierhofer said since Valentine’s Day does exist and people celebrate it, it’s nice to join in on the celebrations.

Kayle Adams, WKCTC freshman from Mayfield,

Kentucky, said she had conflicting views on the holiday.

“I don’t think Valentine’s Day is useful,” Adams said.

“While it’s a good way to show others you care about them, we shouldn’t have to have a day dedicated to that.”

Adams also said while Valentine’s Day may be fun for those in a relationship, the same can’t be said for those who aren’t in one.

“For those who have someone to celebrate with, it’s a great holiday,” Adams said. “On the other hand, people who are single are more likely to think it’s overrated.”

Valentine’s Day deals offered around Murray

Claire Smith

Contributing writer csmith110@murraystate.edu

Finding those Valentine’s Day deals and present ideas can be a bit tricky. This list can make gift giving a little bit easier. Here are five deals and festive ideas to win over your valentine.

Flowers and Candy If you’re looking to send your loved one more than flowers, A Festive Touch offers just that. While you can find your standard flower arrangements, you can also find succulents and cacti. If your valentine has a sweet tooth they also offer candy bouquets.

Festive Coffee Future Grounds is offering a holiday coffee for the month of February.

The drink is called “Love Potion.” It’s a coffee with dark chocolate and hazelnut, available hot or iced. You can also get the drink frozen.

Steak Date

If you’re looking for a date spot the Sirloin Stockade is offering a Valentine’s Day dinner deal. You and your date can each get an 8 oz sirloin, 2 sides and the salad bar for $25.99. The deal will run from Thursday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 17.

Pizza of Love Pizza is becoming festive at Papa John’s. You can get a one-topping heart-shaped pizza for $11.00. If you and your date crave a sweet treat, you can order the Valentine’s meal that comes with the heart-shaped pizza and a dessert.

Tumblers and Chocolate If your valentine is never caught without a tumbler, then this is the gift for them.

Southern Soul Boutique is selling tumblers filled with flowers and chocolate. You can purchase an arrangement complete with chocolate for $42 or a small arrangement without chocolate for $32.

Mackenzie O’Donley/The News

Tumblers and flowers make for nice Valentine’s Day gifts.

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February 14, 2019