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September 19, 2019 | Vol. 94, No. 4
eSports club looking to expand on campus
Richard Thompson/The News
Murray State eSports Club will hold its first tournament on Saturday, Sept. 21. Nick Kendall really getting involved... my mind Staff Writer was actually sort of blown away at nkendall1@murraystate.edu what esports is doing on campuses.” Soon after, university funding was created for the program. Room IT 224 After two years of planning and a in the College of Science, Engineering 16-page proposal, esports at Murray and Technology is now the lab for State is finally a reality. esports. Mitchuson and his crew were Jesse D. Jones College of Science, also able to buy heavy-duty gaming Engineering and Technology faculty equipment for the team. members Sean Mitchuson, Brandon “Four computers are part of the new Dixon, Randall Joyce and Duane equipment along with keyboards, Dycus highlighted in their proposal headsets and we have some mice that esports on campus was crucial for coming as well,” Mitchuson said. recruitment and retention. “It’s probably about $30,000 worth of They took it straight to Danny equipment, so we’re really happy to Claiborne, the chair of the institute of have it and we’re really trying to take engineering, who agreed that esports a lot of good care of it.” is exactly what the University needed. The new lab and equipment “At every level all the way up to the have more uses than just gaming. president, we’ve had very positive Claiborne is allowing the Department support for esports,” Claiborne said. of Computer Science and Information “Then when I met Sean and started
Systems and the cyber security classes to use the lab so funding can be further supported. “We’re going to use the lab for academics through the day and when they’re not in use for students and students’ study then the esports will be able to use it for social clubs and our varsity team,” Claiborne said. “We will use the spaces together. Therefore, the academic funding can support both activities.” With the new equipment, the esports club wants to expand, but Claiborne is holding back because of its quick growth. “We anticipate that this will grow an incredible rate,” Claiborne said. “We are already, by September, where we thought we would be in May at the end of this year. Esports is growing at a pace that we are currently not
prepared for, but we’re excited about where we’re headed.” Junior club captain Cole Fletcher wants to drive home that everyone is welcome. “We make sure that people know it’s not just competitive, it’s suppose to be casual too,” Fletcher said. “We have our competitive teams, but for the most part our Discord channel is for casuals. Most of our members there are casual players, so it’s nothing necessarily serious. We want it to be a fun place for everybody to just join in, have fun, meet new people and socialize.” The esports club plays many games as of now, including Overwatch, League of Legends, Apex Legends, Call of Duty and more.
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Gameday experience enhanced for students and fans Nick Kendall Staff Writer nkendall1@murraystate.edu
The Murray State athletic department has partnered with Racer Dining to improve gameday for students. Athletic Director Kevin Saal wants to bring convenience to students who attend games. “Collectively, Racer Dining and Murray State Athletics want to provide a first-class gameday experience,” Saal said. “Convenience is one small way we can do so… in this particular case, we have the technology and infrastructure available to
News Opinion Sports Features
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provide this service to our students and made the decision to proceed forward.” Currently, students can only use Flex at Roy Stewart Stadium and the CFSB Center, but Saal and the respective departments are working to expand that to other locations. “As we work toward our other events, doing so requires necessary equipment and infrastructure that doesn’t currently exist at all athletics venues,” Saal said. “However, in our comprehensive facility master planning process, we will work to prioritize and provide this equipment and infrastructure at all our events, in an effort to make it convenient and
accommodating for students.” Saal wants to make the gameday athmosphere better not only for students, but the student-athletes as well. “Our student-athletes feed off the great environments and crowds we experience in all our venues and the students are critically important to that effort,” Saal said. “Studentathletes enjoy performing well in front of their peers and our goal is to make it more convenient and accommodating for students to attend athletics events.” Saal expects many more promotions similar to this to help bring not only student attendance up but over-
all attendance up in every sport. “Collaboratively between Racer Dining and Murray State Athletics, we are providing high-volume hawking service and concessions delivery program to the new 600+ Racer Reserve seats in Stewart Stadium,” Saal said. “In addition, we offer a catered food menu for the Racer Reserve Infield Boxes. Highly efficient and good quality food and beverage service is a critical component of our gameday experience and between Racer Dining and Murray State Athletics we will continue to explore new initiatives to further improve our service framework at events.”
Board votes to dissolve Accelerate U!
Murray State supports students
Athlete of the Week
ROTC participates in advance and basic camp
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News Accelerate U! set to be dissolved
September 19, 2019
financially the University just could not sustain it. “The idea behind Accelerate U! is a very good idea,” Provost Tim Todd said. “The issue is on the fiscal side for Murray State.” While the Accelerate U! Program will be dissolved, Todd told board members there are already other programs in the works to meet the needs of these students. “Our tremendous partnership with WKCTC is only going to be enhanced as we move forward,” Todd said. “Meetings are already set up with their academic affairs officer, all kinds of other activities behind the scenes of this program that are going to continue and enhance the partnership with WKCTC.” The University will continue with the program through the end of the spring semester, officially dissolving it on June 30, 2020. “There has to be a more cost-effective manner to do this,” Jackson said. “It’s important work, it’s important we continue to assist the at-risk students.”
Stalking was reported on campus.
A fire was reported at White College after a stove caught fire.
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Harassing communications were reported on campus after unwanted communication occurred.
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Voyeurism was reported at Elizabeth College after a subject viewed another person’s genitals without that person’s consent on Sept. 8.
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A parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle that left the scene in the CFSB Center parking lot.
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Theft was reported in the Dorm Circle after bicycle parts were removed without the owner’s consent on Sept. 2.
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Charles Leon Owens of Paducah, Kentucky, was sworn in on Friday, Sept. 6, by Circuit Judge James Jameson to the Board of Regents after being appointed by Gov. Matt Bevin. Owens is a Murray State alumnus and president of Swift and Staley Inc., a contracting service based in Paducah with branches located in Washington D.C. and Ohio. Owens earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in business administration from Murray State. His term on the Board expires in 2025. “Everyone holds him in the highest regard,” Trey Book, Student Government Association president, said. Owens said he has always been a part of a team and wants to take the same approach with the BOR. “I’m honored that the governor felt me worthy of this appointment,” Owens said. Owens’ main focuses are the students and faculty, and how the board positively impacts those involved, Melony Shemberger, faculty regent said. “I honestly have benefitted from my two years
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Photo courtesy of Swift and Staley
Alliance and is a former member of the Paducah Citizens Advisory Board and of the presidential-appointed advisory board on Radiation and Worker Health. He is a sponsor of the athletics department’s “Shoot for Scholarships” promotion as well. Owens was appointed to fill the vacancy after Susan Guess retired. “He will do an amazing job,” Susan Guess, marketing director for Paducah Bank and former BOR chair said. Guess’ term on the BOR expired in June, leaving the vacancy that Owens filled. Owens said he has a love for Murray State and its students and he hopes the community will continue to grow.
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Marijuana was found on Gilbert Graves Drive after police observed a vehicle parked with a strong odor of marijuana in it. A citation was issued for possession of marijuana.
12:43PM
A parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle that left the scene in the Regents College parking lot. The investigation is still open.
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Multiple crimes were reported in Hester College. Marijuana, drug paraphernalia and alcohol were found in a room. A citation was issued.
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eshepherd2@murraystate.edu
at Murray State,” Owens said. “It was an outstanding experience. I’ve always had individuals that supported me, so I wanted to give back.” Owens held the positions of human resource manager, operations and maintenance manager, corporate development manager and chief operating officer before being appointed president of Swift and Staley. “He’s a success story himself,” Sandra Wilson, president and CEO of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, said. The company is 100 percent employee owned and was presented with a Governor’s Safety and Health Award in May 2018 for 814,133 production hours worked without a significant injury. Swift and Staley employs 165 people. “He has a great fondness for the University, and he’s supporting President Bob Jackson and his programs wholeheartedly,” Wilson said. Owens serves as a board member for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce and Paducah McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency. Owens said he’s most excited about building relationships with faculty, advisers and students. Owens is vice president of Portsmouth Mission
Theft was reported in Faculty Hall after a poster was stolen on Sept. 8. Two subjects were arrested for the theft. Criminal mischief was reported after a bulletin board was damaged in Elizabeth College on Sept. 6.
Alumnus appointed to Board of Regents Emily Shepherd Contributing Writer
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The Board of Regents voted unanimously to dissolve Accelerate U!, a pilot program aimed at preparing West Kentucky Community and Technical College students to become full Murray State students. The program, which began in fall 2018, served 36 students last academic year and currently has 50 enrolled. Students take first-year courses at WKCTC and Murray State, but do so on the University’s campus while living in the residential colleges. AU! students are provided additional support in areas such as writing, reading and math. With a successful completion of the first year, students are then admitted as full Murray State students. “These are not Murray State students technically, [they are] WKCTC students,” President Bob Jackson said at the Sept. 6 BOR meeting. Since they are not Murray State students, the University
is unable to collect financial aid such as KEES money, Pell Grants or student loans, which is creating a financial burden. “At the end of the spring, auditors looked at the books and there was approximately $100,000 in unpaid housing and dining for that core of students,” Jackson said. That’s because the University has to bill students directly for housing and dining and is not receiving the funds. As of the Board meeting, Jackson said that number had grown to $148,000 and he anticipates an additional $100,000 in losses for this academic year. He said Murray State had an agreement with WKCTC that any overages in regards to financial aid would be passed on to the University to offset some of the losses. “The problem is with a lot of these students there is no money available from their KEES, Pell Grant, students, whatever the case may be student loans,” Jackson said. While the program was productive academically,
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Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu
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Possession of alcohol by a minor was reported in Springer College.
Police Beat is compiled with material from the Murray State Crime and Fire Log. Not all dispatched calls are listed. Colton Colglazier/The News
News
September 19, 2019
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Hester’s Phoenix Day remembers life of Minger Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu
Hester Residential College hosted its annual Phoenix Day on Sept. 18 to remember the life of Michael Minger. Hester caught fire on the fourth floor on Sept. 18, 1998 at 2:38 a.m. An hour following the fire, Michael Minger, sophomore from Niceville, Florida, was pronounced dead at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. Another student, Michael Priddy, was also critically injured in the fire. Investigators determined the fire was arson. As a result, the University offered a full scholarship and a $30,000 reward for information. Jerry Wayne Walker Jr. was charged with arson, manslaughter, assault and wanton endangerment following the fire. The first trial ended in a hung jury and he was acquitted in the second. In 2012, Walker Jr. struck a plea deal that stipulated a
diversion of sentencing with no jail time. He pleaded guilty to six counts of tampering with evidence as part of the agreement. After an incident relating to his role as assistant principal at Paducah Middle School, in Paducah, Kentucky, Walker Jr. was sentenced to three years in prison. According to a 2016 Murray Ledger & Times article, he was also given five years of probation for violating the diversion agreement. His probation is set to end in 2021. Kenny Fister, Hester College head, said the members of Hester host Phoenix Day annually to memorialize Minger, the other injured students and first responders. The residents of Hester raised $600 for the Murray Fire Department. Fister said the event was named Phoenix Day because despite the damage to the building and loss of Minger, the Hester community still remained strong. “Hester came up with the name of ‘Phoenix’ since the
Friday, Sept. 20
Mackenzie O’Donley/The News
Hester College Head Kenny Fister leads residents in Phoenix Day ceremony.
also makes them realize even though it seems like something we only ever see on the news, we want to be careful and make sure to keep everyone and themselves safe.” To prevent future fires, Fister said various fire safety improvements were made, including the additional sprinklers implemented in each building. Several laws have also been passed, including the Minger Act, to address
Saturday, Sept. 21
Clara M. Eagle exhibits 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 6th floor Fine Arts PROOFS Photography Exhibition 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wrather Museum Mr. MSU pageant 7 p.m. Lovett Auditorium $10 at the door Cinema International Film: “The Architects” 7:30 p.m. Curris Center Barkley Room
phoenix rose from the ashes,” Fister said. “The rest of that semester the residents were dispersed to various other buildings and houses in the community, despite that they continued to host activities and meet. They even participated in the Homecoming Parade a few weeks later. It further illustrated that the Residential Colleges are more than a building, but the community of students, both residents and commuters, along with the faculty and staff that are assigned to each.” Amelia Comper, residential director of Hester, said the event is important for the community to remember because it can happen to anyone. “I think some [students] are not aware that this happened, because it was quite a while ago and some people weren’t even alive back then,” Comper said. “I think they kind of realize this was something that is possible and it can happen, so it makes them take fire safety a little more seriously. It
Sunday, Sept. 22
Welcome packet & ticket pick-up 7 a.m. - 9:30a.m. Roy Stewart Stadium
Women’s soccer vs. SIUE 1 p.m. Cutchin Field
Racer 5k 7:15 a.m. – Wellness Center
Wellness Center Open to Families 3 p.m. – 1 p.m. Cutchin Field
Residential College reception 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Residential College lobbies
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campus safety. The Michael Minger Act is a state law that requires postsecondary institutions to report campus crimes on a timely basis. Murray firefighter, Johnie Yarbrough, gave residents advice on what to do in case of a fire. “Take the fire alarms seriously, get out of the building and have a plan of action,” Yarbrough said.
Family lunch Noon – 2 p.m. Great lawn between Alexander Hall and Science Complex Hall of champions tours 4 p.m. - 5:45p.m. North side of CFSB Center Football game vs. Morehead State 6 p.m. Roy Stewart Stadium
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Opinion
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September 19, 2019
Poverty: not just a city issue The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. Poverty is a universal problem; while it is more visible on a global scale, it is present in Murray as well. In 2015, all 193 member states of the United Nations aimed to end poverty and hunger by passing the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of the agreed 17 goals was to improve the economic and social welfare of people and implement sustainable practices for the earth. The first goal states, “End poverty in all its forms everywhere,” and the second states, “End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.” Some other goals include ensuring the availability of water, raising employment rates, reducing inequality in all forms and protecting rainforests. The Gates Foundation keeps an annual scorecard of progress toward the SDGs. The foundation recently showed that progress is being made, however the goal of ending poverty by 2030 is not on track. In terms of immediate care for human beings, it makes sense that poverty and hunger rank as the top two. The pair forms a constant cycle; poverty hardly exists without hunger and vice versa. A person that lives below the poverty line or suffers from chronic hunger struggles with many things that others take for granted. Poverty often correlates with issues such as increased infant mortality, chronic diseases and poorer nutrition
Autumn Brown/The News
and growth. It’s also more difficult to get into and graduate from college. Additionally, impoverished people are at a higher risk for mental health issues. Kentucky has the fourth highest poverty rate in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. According to Data USA, 8,500 people were employed in Murray in 2017, and the median household income was $27,282. This is significantly lower than the national median of $60,336, but -- on a positive note -- the median income grew 11.4 percent from 2016 to 2017. In Murray, 35.1 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, which is much higher than the national average of 13.4 percent. The community offers a variety of support options to Murray residents, especially those who live below the poverty line. Needline is a philanthropic food bank that runs on food donations and volunteers. It offers a backpack program for children who won’t receive a meal after school and one day per month, food is given solely to senior citizens. They also provide toiletries, diapers and shower supplies. Soup for the Soul, another philanthropy in Murray, provides a freshly cooked dinner every weekday and also relies on volunteers and food donations. Twice a week in the summer, they offer lunch to children out in the county.
Olivia Robison, Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at Soup for the Soul, said Murray’s community is made up of countless nonprofits, churches, agencies and individuals who see the need and want to help. “I have spent time volunteering, interning, and now working with many of those living in poverty in Murray,” Robison said. “During this time I have learned about both the hardships faced and benefits offered for the population in this area.” Robison said the main hardship that she sees is the illusion of the “small town college” atmosphere that can easily mask the fact that poverty is an overwhelming issue. In Murray, the top two largest demographics living in poverty are females aged 18-24, followed by males in the same age group as of 2017. Often, people do not realize that many students around them come from impoverished families. Many students living in poverty would prefer that their peers do not know. Murray State provides great accommodations for students living below the poverty line. Career Services has a Career Closet that offers slightly used business professional clothing. The clothes are in all sizes, and students can keep the clothes free of charge. The Women’s Center recently opened a bra closet for students in need. Racers Helping Racers is a food pantry for students located in Blackburn Science Building.
Poverty rates are more likely to increase for younger age groups in college towns due to student loan debt. Student debt is a major issue nationally; according to Forbes, the total student loan debt in the U.S. is $1.5 trillion. Students in Murray are no exception. Although Murray State is one of the more affordable universities in the state and does a great job of helping students financially, the University continues to increase tuition and fees. The Board of Regents approved a 2.8 percent tuition and fee increase for the 2019-20 school year. Breaking it down, residential college costs increased at a rate of 2 percent, and meal plan costs rose by 2.63 percent. In-state tuition for students admitted after summer 2016 totals $9,084. Many students utilize campus counseling services due to finance-related stress. Perhaps a counseling program that specifically targets low-income students could be implemented by the university to assist with financial stress. Some students are forced to work multiple jobs while juggling school in order to afford their education. In general, there aren’t enough opportunities with federal student aid or work study. This is an issue that extends past the University and is applicable across the nation. Nonetheless, it is a substantial problem.
Megan Reynolds Daniella Tebib Claire Smith Gage Johnson Cady Stribling Editor-in-Chief News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor mreynolds12@murraystate.edu dtebib@murraystate.edu csmith110@murraystate.edu gjohnson17@murraystate.edu cstribling1@murraystate.edu
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Bryce Anglin David Wallace Production Manager Chief Copy Editor zanglin@murraystate.edu dwallace15@murraystate.edu Kalea Anderson Elizabeth Erwin Chief Videographer Public Relations Manager kanderson29@murraystate.edu eerwin1@murraystate.edu
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September 19, 2019
ESPORTS From Page 1
The team already has players who are nationally ranked in their respective games. Freshman Mason Purcell is one of the top Magic: The Gathering players in the nation. The team is currently preparing for an Overwatch tournament, run by Blizzard Entertainment, here at the University in room IT 224 and the Freed Curd Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 21, at noon. Fletcher admitted that the signup was a little confusing only because of complications with Tespa, a collegiate gaming association.
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“Our first email we got back was, ‘You’re not eligible for it,’ and then not even three minutes later, we got an email saying, ‘Hey, guess what, you’re invited to qualifiers and can potentially be in our varsity series later on,’” Fletcher said. “It was pretty much just, we signed up and got lucky, I guess.” Mitchuson hopes to have a nice crowd there to watch the event. “We will have two shout-casters, Monty Kennedy and Seth McDaniel,” Mitchuson said. “They will be announcing everything as it happens live in Freed Curd for Family Weekend and anybody that wants to come by and check it out.” Any student that is interested in esports can visit murraystate.edu/ esports for more information.
THE MURRAY STATE NEWS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK For her performance at the UIC Invitational, Giustino was named OVC Offensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row. Giustino tallied 74 kills in three matches for an average of 5.69 per set while hitting .279. Along with three service aces and five blocks, Giustino was responsible for 79.5 points during the Invitational.
Rachel Giustino Senior Outside Hitter Volleyball
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Features
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September 19, 2019
ROTC participate in Advance and Basic Camp Claire Smith Features Editor csmith110@murraystate.edu
Every U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet must go through Advanced Camp. The camp is designed to prepare cadets to become officers. Basic Camp introduces cadets to the Army and is geared toward freshman cadets and lateral entry cadets, who joined the ROTC program during their sophomore year. Both camps are hosted out of Fort Knox, Kentucky, and are attended by cadets from all over. ROTC Basic Camp takes place over the course of 31 days. Travis Tack took a semester off before returning to ROTC during his sophomore year. “The skills that you learn at camp, whether you’ve been introduced to them or not before prepare you for life as a soldier and a future army officer and I feel like those will stick with you for the rest of your life,” Tack said. Each cadet participates in a ruck march where they carry 35 to 40 pounds on their backs. The longest ruck march at Basic Camp
was six miles long. “You could tell at the end of that march, right when we were coming back to the barracks that the mood just shifted and you knew it was over,” Tack said. Basic Camp gives commissioned officers insight into the enlisted side of the military, something they otherwise wouldn’t get. Enlisted soldiers take an oath to join the military whereas commissioned soldiers are in an ROTC program at a university. “In a different perspective like a military academy or something you are seeing a lot more of the officers’ side whereas with ROTC you get a mix and it’s important because those relationships in the future are crucial,” Tack said. Advance Camp spans 37 days and offers a variety of different training programs for cadets. Carson Thomas is in his senior year and is hoping to join the branch infantry. “My biggest worry going into Advance Camp was definitely my confidence,” Thomas said. “Although it was my biggest worry I didn’t have a single issue with it.” At camp Thomas saw his confidence and ability to
Photo courtesy of Ashley Matlock
Basic Camp is geared toward freshman cadets. work under pressure grow. “You spend so many days with people laying out in the woods, you know them having your back and you having theirs you can’t help but stay close with them,” Thomas said. There were 36 people in his platoon and he’ll talk to at least 10 of them daily. “There wasn’t a single person that I met, that was in my platoon that I wouldn’t
be perfectly fine working with,” Thomas said. Advance Camp is broken into four phases: reception and staging; integration; deployment and field training; and redeployment and reintegration. “It was during the PT test that I knew I had it a little bit more, I had a little bit more than I thought I could give and it kicked about the mile and a half mark of the two
miles,” Thomas said. Thomas achieved a perfect 300 on his physical fitness test. He said most people coming from school typically see their test scores go down. “If I can accomplish this minor goal right from the very beginning then (I’ll) let that high take me through the rest of camp,” Thomas said. Read more at TheNews.org.
September Specials @
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Chocolate Chip Frosted Organic Italian Roast
Thank you to the Murray State community for voting Pi Kappa Alpha as Best Fraternity for a second consecutive year! Go Racers!
Turmeric Bliss Tea
September 19, 2019
Features
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Residential College Day 2019 The University held the 2019 Residential College Day on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Faculty, staff and students from each of the eight Residential Colleges set up outside the Carr Health Building around lunch time. There were a number of games to play, food to enjoy and art on display. With social functions, group activities and academic guidance, the Residential Colleges provide the ultimate college experience. Brock Kirk/The News
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Brock Kirk/The News
2019 Best of Murray Winners
Tattoos of Murray
Best Donut
Best Staff Member Best Faculty Member
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Best of Murray
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September 19, 2019
Best Coffee
Best Fast Food
Best Pizza Place
Best MSU Sport
Shaffer Coffee Co.
Cook Out
Matt B’s Main Street Pizza
Basketball
Best Mexican Food
Best Grocery
Best Boutique
Best High School
Los Portales
Kroger
Ribbon Chix
Best Asian Food
Best Tattoo
Best Apartments
Jasmine Thai and Sushi
My Reality
Campus Evolution Villages
Springhill Suites
Best Bar
Best Homecooked Meal
Best Get-Away Spot
Best Place to Take Family
Lucky’s Bar and Pub
H.R.H. Dumplin’s
Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes
Best Hangover Cure
Best Tanning Salon
Best Place to Study
Best Entertainment
Cook Out
Campus Tan
Waterfield Library
Cheri Theatres
Best Liquor Store
Best Place of Worship
Best Beer on Tap
Best Bakery
Global Wine and Spirits
Hardin Baptist
Tap 216
Sammons’ Bakery
Best Breakfast
Best Bank
Best Campus Nap Spot
Best On-Campus Event
Cracker Barrel
CFSB
Hammocks in the Quad
All Campus Sing
Best Clothing Store
Best Ice Cream
Best Sandwich Place
Best Place to Work Out
Ribbon Chix
Dairy Queen
Dumplins
Susan E Bauernfiend Wellness Center
Best Consignment Shop
Best Hair Cut
Best Golf Course
Best Student Organization
Goodwill
Profiles Salon and Spa
Murray Country Club
Alpha Omicron Pi
Best Fraternity
Best Car Service
Best Taxi Service
Best Staff
Pi Kappa Alpha
Harlan Automotive
Mama Nancy’s
Tressa Ross
Best Sorority
Best Book Store
Best Date Place
Best Faculty
Alpha Omicron Pi
University Book Store
The Alley Steakhouse
Best Donut
Best Food Delivery
Best Late Night Snack
Murray Donuts
Domino’s
Cook Out
Murray High School
Best Hotel
Bob Valentine
The Murray State News would like to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their service to the Murray community.
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Best of Murray
September 19, 2019
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Best Pizza Place: Matt B’s Main Street Pizza
Wynn said. “We are still using recipes that were brought over by the Pagliai family.” The winner of the 2019 Wynn worked his way best pizza place, chosen through college at Truman by Murray residents, is University and the University Matt B’s Main Street Pizza. of Iowa with the Pagliai Located on 1411 Main St, family. He decided he the establishment is prized wanted to open his own for its pizzas, salads and pizzeria. relaxing atmosphere. Wynn said the pizza ingre Pizza is the comfort food dients are fresh, which is that everyone loves. It’s the exactly how people want it. perfect combo of baked “The ingredients are farm dough, savory tomato sauce to table,” Wynn said. “We and warm cheese. are the only ones that still It’s difficult for Murray res- use no processed meats. idents to determine the best Everything we have is pizza when each restaurant fresh.” offers great food, wonderBaldy’s Grill, located on ful service, and an interest- 605 C S 12th St, is not a sit-in ing background. restaurant but offers great Murray offers a large selec- pizza, nonetheless. Delivery tion of pizzas. The town has is free of charge, and it is pizza from both well-known the only establishment that pizza chains and unique fam- delivers all the way to the ily-oriented restaurants. county line. Pagliai’s Pizza and Italian “We have the cheapRestaurant is a long-time est pizza in town,” Austin Murray favorite that cap- H a r r i s , p i z z a c o o k a t tures the style of a pizze- Baldy’s, said. “Everything ria. Chuck Wynn, owner is cruelty free, actually.” of Pagliai’s since 1972, Other pizza restaurants in expanded the restaurant Murray include Mr. Gatti’s from having 80 seats to 330 Pizza, Mister B’s Pizza & seats. Wings, Mugsy’s Hideout, “We are the last of the Godfather’s Pizza, Domino’s, basically old-style pizzerias Papa John’s and Tap 216. in all of western Kentucky,” Cady Stribling Opinion Editor cstribling1@murraystate.edu
Mackenzie O’Donley/TheNews Sammons’ Bakery is located at 974 Chestnut St.
Best Bakery: Sammons’ Bakery
Gage Johnson Sports Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
For the second-straight year the students, faculty and citizens of the area have voted Sammons’ Bakery the best bakery in Murray. Originally named Allen’s Bakery, the hole in the wall located on 974 Chestnut St. opened nearly 50 years ago. After Allen’s Bakery was passed on, Gene Sammons eventually became the owner of the home of the “World’s Best Hamburger” before being given to current owner Patty Dedmon. “We actually worked for him,” Dedmon said. “So when he got in bad health and was ready to retire in 1995, he just sold it to
us because we’d already been working here.” Since then, the bakery has become a hit in Murray. They are a cash-only restaurant— there’s an ATM in the Pockets gas station next door if needed— and they offer a multitude of donuts, custom cakes with twodays notice and many other items including homemade hamburger buns for their sandwiches. The Sammons’ staff comes in at 11 p.m. the night before they open to make sure the donuts are fresh each day. They have your typical glazed and chocolate donuts, but also specialty donuts such as their popular ‘barnyard’ donut which is a large donut with cinnamon and glaze. “We make our own donuts
here,” Dedmon said. “We do make a homemade hamburger bun that we use here for our sandwiches.” While there are multiple bakeries in town, the business’s uniqueness and quality food keeps bringing customers back. “We’re just hometown girls,” Dedmon said. “We’ve lived here our whole lives. Everything is handmade, we don’t have any fancy equipment in the back. We do it all by hand, so that makes us a little different. We’re cash only. We’re old school, so everything is like it was 50 years ago.” If you’re interested in any of the handmade items listed above, Sammons’ Bakery is open from 5 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.
TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE AND THE CARS THEY DRIVE
WWW.HARLANAUTOMOTIVE.COM 408 NORTH 4TH ST MURRAY, KY | 270-767-0101
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Best of Murray
Tattoos of Murray
Photo Courtesy of Violet Hayes Hilt Tattoo by Jeremiah Swift at Gallery X.
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Lyn Derby Tattoo by Nick at My Reality.
Photo Courtesy of Lace Anna Gilger Tattoo by Jason Agee at Ain’t That Art.
To see a full gallery of photos submitted visit TheNews.org.
September 19, 2019
September 19, 2019
Best of Murray
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Best of Murray
Best D nut
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Claire Smith Features Editor csmith110@murraystate.edu
Glazed donuts are a classic but several donut locations in Murray have some unique options. Murray Donuts came in first place as best donut voting with Dunkin’ Donuts coming in second place. Both stores have special donuts, be they store specific or seasonal. Murray Donuts offers a wide variety of donuts but around the city they’re known for their maple bacon donut. KirstyAnn Cole, a senior from St. Louis, Missouri, said her favorite donut from Murray Donuts is a tie between maple bacon and glazed. “There is something about a nice fluffy plain glazed donut that tells you that a donut shop is top-notch,” Cole said.
September 19, 2019
Murray Donuts allows you to hang out with friends or use the drive-thru if you’re on the go. “I think it’s cool that you can chill with a bunch of friends at the tables they have downstairs or up in the loft area,” Cole said. Murray Donuts is located at 201 N 12th St. next to Cold Stone Creamery. Dunkin’ Donuts changes their donut specials with the weather. Levi Crossley, employee of Dunkin’ Donuts, said the restaurant has seasonal donuts to celebrate the fall season. “Right now we have pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts,” Crossley said. “The cinnamon donuts are also a big seller during the fall season.” Classic donuts like the glazed and chocolate glazed remain fan favorites throughout the year. Dunkin’ also sell Munchkins, the chain’s version of donut holes. Dunkin’ Donuts is located at 300 N 12th St.
Murray Donuts is located at 201 N 12th St. next to Cold Stone Creamery. Dunkin’ Donuts is located at 300 N 12th St.
Mackenzie O’Donley/TheNews
Best of Murray
September 19, 2019
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Best Faculty Member: Robert Valentine Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu
Robert Valentine, senior lecturer in advertising in the department of journalism and mass communications, was voted best faculty member. Valentine arrived on campus in the fall of 1974 as a member of the speech communication faculty. After taking a brief hiatus to star in a one-man show on Thomas Edison and to serve as the director of the National Storytelling Project for the National Scouting Museum in Murray in the 1980s, Valentine returned in 1998 as a full-time professor of advertising. He said he was originally drawn to Murray State because of the people and traditions. “I came to Murray State because I knew the reputations of people like President Constantine Curris and my first boss, Dr. Ray Mofield, who was then chairman of the department of communication,” Valentine said. “My strongest connections are with the people and the traditions: Homecoming, Elizabeth College, Murray State Theatre and the communication organizations, from WKMS-FM to The Murray State News. People such as the late Doc McGaughey, Dean Tim Todd, my colleagues in JMC and friends all over campus, and at least one Murray State graduate - a lovely Sigma who was kind enough to marry me.” Throughout his time on campus, Valentine has been an instructor in speech, director of reader’s theatre, director of forensics, senior lecturer in
mass communication, college head of Elizabeth College and faculty adviser to several student organizations including Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha and Sigma Chi. Jordan Lowe, senior from Frankfort, Illinois, said he believes Valentine deserved this award for numerous reasons. “He is a teacher that really wants his students to see how the material he teaches applies to the real world,” Lowe said. “The amount of care he puts into his students really shows. He makes class feel more like we are working together, rather than just giving us assignments and he grades them. Dr. Valentine is definitely one of my favorite professors I have had at Murray State University.” Evan Sanders, senior from Evansville, Indiana, also said Valentine is one of the best professors on campus. “He’s active with his students, like he actually talks to them and shows he cares,” Sanders said. “When he talks with students, he isn’t condescending. He really gets on the students’ level.” Valentine said he is extremely humbled by winning the best faculty member category. “You have to remember that few people know as well as I do how many outstanding, dedicated teachers there are at Murray State,” Valentine said. “I have served with them on committees and projects, work with them daily and represented them as head of college at Elizabeth for seven years. I know without a doubt that there are better faculty on this campus than I and, if nothing else, this recognition gives me a platform from which to say so.”
Richard Thompson/The News Robert Valentine was voted best faculty member for the second year in a row.
Best Staff Member: Tressa Ross Ciara Benham Staff Writer cbenham@murraystate.edu
After 17 years at Murray State, Tressa Ross from the College of Education and Human Services was voted best staff member. Ross teaches EDU 101, a transitions class for incoming education majors, and serves as the coordinator for the College of Education and Human Services Recruitment and Retention Center.
Teaching and working with students to be their best is the greatest job. - Tressa Ross, recruitment and retention coordinator for the College of Education and Human Services
Richard Thompson/The News Tressa Ross, Murray State Alumna, was voted best staff member.
“I love working with students and student-loving faculty and staff,” Ross said. “Teaching and working with students
to be their best is the greatest job.” While Ross didn’t always plan to work for the University, she has always had a connection to Murray State. “I came to MSU because my job as a marketing director for a cable company was involving more travel and my daughter was in early elementary school and I wanted to be with her,” Ross said. “I love MSU and have always been a part of campus. I have both of my degrees from MSU. Fun fact: I attended University School (elementary school once on campus) and my home was the former housing office, which was located where new Clark is today.” Aside from working with education majors, Ross is also the advisor for Alpha Gamma Delta and the COEHS Student Ambassadors. Ross said both these organizations are made of amazing students and leaders and she loves spending time with them both. In her spare time, Ross loves to read and spend time with her friends and family. Ross was very grateful for this acknowledgment and wanted to thank the students that voted for her. “This is an honor that I am very proud of,” Ross said. “I often tell my students that they are their own best advocate but I’m their second best. Thanks for thinking of me!”
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Best of Murray
September 19, 2019