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November 14, 2019 | Vol. 94, No. 11

Student highlights professor’s dedication Addison Watson Staff Writer awatson25@murraystate.edu A Murray State professor received words of praise from a student he has in class after driving nearly two hours from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, through dangerous road conditions.

Source: Human Rights Campaign

Colton Colglazier/The News

University celebrates Trans Awareness Week Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu Emily Shepherd Contributing Writer eshepherd2@murraystate.edu Isaac Ash Contributing Writer bash2@murraystate.edu Transgender Aware ness Week is celebrated the second week of November, leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance which memorializes victims of violence. The purpose of Transgender Awareness Week is to educate about transgender and gender-nonconforming people and the issues associated with their unique identity. “Trans Awareness Week is the week leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance where we remember those whose lives were lost as a result of anti-transgender violence and bring attention to the high rate of violence

News Opinion Sports Features

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All semester, [Karabas] has proven to be a very talented and caring professor, but today he said something that puts him above and beyond any professor I have had.

ro a d c o n d i t i o n s a n d plummeting temperatures from the night before, classes before 11 a.m. would be cancelled, and classes scheduled for after 11 a.m. would resume as scheduled. Generally, professors are given the option to cancel all of their classes for the day in the event they cannot commute to campus safely. Going the extra mile, Ismail Karabas, assistant professor of marketing, drove nearly two hours down a treacherous highway so that his afternoon classes would resume as scheduled. One student of his took notice of his dedication to make it to the University so that he wouldn’t have to cancel his classes. In an email sent to David Eaton, interim dean of Arthur J. Bauerfeind College of Business, a student praised Karabas by giving him a special shoutout. “All semester, [Karabas] has proven to be a very talented and caring professor, but today he said something that puts him above and beyond any professor I have had,” the student said. Karabas started one of his afternoon classes off by asking his students why they came to class knowing that he doesn’t generally take attendance

committed against transgender people, especially transgender women of color,” MC Lampe, Office of LGBT Programming coordinator, said. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day to honor transgender people and remember the violence they have faced throughout history. “[It] is a day to remember all of the trans people that were killed in anti-trans violence each year,” Kearby Stiles, president of the LGBT Alliance, said. “It brings attention to the fact that discrimination and extreme levels of violence are real things that this part of the queer community faces.” While transgender visibility is increasing, they face discrimination and violence in their everyday lives, from health care to housing and from restaurants to interactions with law enforcement. “A lot of people don’t know about how many trans people are murdered every year, or that

it is totally legal in most of Kentucky - and in 28 other states - to fire some one or deny them housing because of their gender identity,” Lampe said. “Bringing awareness to those issues is the first step in changing them. LGBT Programming will be highlighting individuals who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence this year through a social media campaign throughout the week.” Stiles said as an ally, one should learn the basic terminology surrounding the transgender community. There are so many resources for people to learn more about the community and be supportive. “When people are informed, open-minded, and accepting of others it helps a lot,” Stiles said. “Trans Awareness Week helps to bring the trans community to people’s attention, and remembering those whose lives have been lost is important.”

University honors Veterans Day

Public schools prompt students toward college

Giustino sets program record for most kills

‘The Moth Radio Hour’

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see TRANSGENDER page 4

- One of Karabas’ students

Icy winter weather conditions struck Murray State’s campus and surrounding areas on Monday, Nov. 11. As many of the region’s public schools closed, Murray State elected to operate on a half-day schedule, opening the University at 11 a.m. Murray State officials came to the conclusion that due to deteriorating

see PROFESSOR page 4

David Wallace/The News The University was delayed on Nov. 11 because of snowfall.

News

November 14, 2019

Photo courtesy of Jeremy McKeel

Flags adorn the Quad to commemorate the 111 Kentucky servicemembers who have died in combat since 9/11.

University honors Veterans Day Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu On Nov. 11, Murray State celebrated Veterans Day by honoring the Armed Forces with a ceremony and remembrance display. The veterans’ ceremony occurred in the Curris Center Theatre at 3 p.m. The Reserve Officers Training Corps Color Guard started the ceremony with the presentation of colors while the Racer Men’s Choir sang the National Anthem. Tim Todd, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, opened the ceremony by remembering his father, a veteran who served in Germany between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He presented the flag that was draped over his father’s casket to serve as a reminder of all of the veterans who have since passed on. “I am very proud of my dad and also very proud of all the veterans,” Todd said. “I want to thank everybody in the audience [today] that are veterans. Thank you for your service.” Todd then introduced Eric Fretz, Michigan selective service state director, professor at the University of Michigan and veteran, who served 20 years as

a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Fretz spoke not only on those who have been lost, but of the veterans who live, work and go to school at Murray State. His main topic was the social needs of veterans and the ability of universities like Murray State to create a veteran community on or around campus. He believes veteran student organizations should be about friendship and engagement, becoming an enjoyable time rather than an obligation. “There is able research of the critical importance of affiliation, belonging and friendship in terms of good mental health and long life,” Fretz said. “Building a vibrant veteran community on campus is [the] number one thing [you can do] to help them. It is my personal opinion that the most important task a veteran has is to find their tribe or tribes and build those supports.” Fretz has also been working to ensure that those who have served in the military recognize themselves as veterans. There is no state or federal definition of who can be called a veteran, but some who have served feel they have not earned that distinction. “The number one problem I face in my veterans’ treatment work is

identifying justice [system] involved veterans,” Fretz said. “When those who have served are asked in jail [if they are] a veteran, they say no because they [believe] that they don’t meet the definition of a veteran.”

It is important to me because I have veterans throughout my family tree and many have passed now, but it’s good to know that people still remember them and what they did [to protect] our country. - Michaela Scott, senior agronomy major

Fretz told the audience that being a veteran is not about the length of time served, but about the choice to make the sacrifice to leave behind family and friends for their country. “I would encourage everyone to develop a broad and inclusive definition of [the term] veteran,” Fretz said. “A veteran is one who signs up to serve. Waste

no time or energy here or anywhere trying to exclude a veteran or trivialize the service of another veteran. Be ferocious in speaking up for veterans who often get marginalized, such as our sisters in arms because women are playing an ever greater role in the Armed Forces, but they still go to the VA and get asked [about their] husband.” Fretz stressed that developing bonds with fellow servicemembers is the first step toward integrating back into civilian life. “There are a lot of veterans,” Fretz said. “All of them have been changed by their service and sacrifice in ways large and small. Some struggle in a way that is visible to the public, and some struggle in a way that is invisible. All can benefit from the value of regaining their tribe. Social affiliations are powerful forces that improve veterans’ lives. We should relentlessly seek to maintain and expand those sorts of structures where they exist and build them where they don’t.” Ac t iv i t i e s w e re a l s o available for students to remember and honor family and friends who have served in the military. On the Quad, flags and signs w e re p l a c e d t o h o n o r those who have served.

“Veterans Day is important because it’s one of the few days out of the year that [we] as a nation celebrate and honor our veterans,” Michaela Scott, senior agronomy major, said. “It’s important to me because I have veterans throughout my family tree and many have passed now, but it’s good to know that people still remember them and what they did [to protect] our country.” Empahsis was placed on the 111 Kentucky service members who gave their lives to protect America’s freedoms since the 9/11 attacks. “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for more than 100 years, we have celebrated and honored those who have served in defense of our nation,” the sign read. “Today we continue this tradition, remembering the 111 Kentuckians who sacrificed all in the defense of our nation since Sept. 11, 2001, but we also honor those who have served and continue to serve. On this Veterans Day, show your support and thank a veteran. Let us continue this tradition for another 100 years.” The Murray State University Office of Veteran and Military Student Success can be reached via phone at (270)809-5343 or email msu.va@murraystate.edu.

News

November 14, 2019

Students winterize cars as temperatures drop Sarah Yeckering Contributing Writer

syeckering@murraystate.edu

Lauren Morgan/The News Students prepare for winter as temperatures drop and snowfall begins.

With western Kentucky setting record low temperatures earlier this week, now is the time for students to winterize their vehicles to avoid damage, ensure safety and prepare for the possibility of being stranded. Kevan Paluso, owner of TSA Auto in Murray, said vehicle safety is important during winter weather conditions. He said regular and routine maintenance is important for all vehicles but especially crucial when the temperature drops below freezing. “Winterizing a vehicle helps ensure liability not only for the driver, but for the vehicle as well,” Paluso said. “It’s ideal to have a vehicle winterized in the fall, before the temperatures get below freezing. Some of the obvious and not-so-obvious maintenance includes making sure your vehicle has good wiper blades, proper antifreeze in the coolant and to always check your tire tread to see if your tires will provide good traction.” The frequent change in temperature can often

lead to a significant drop in tire pressure. Students should regularly monitor the tire pressure in their vehicles and add more air if needed. Paluso said with winter weather, it is important to have good tires with tread to grip the snow and ice. Installing new wipers and keeping the washer fluid full is another simple tip Paluso had for students. “I recently put new wipers on my car because of all the rain we’ve been having,” Coral Bray, senior from Murray, said. “Soon enough it will turn into snow; it’s definitely a good investment for everyone to make.” Ready.gov urges drivers to stay off the roads if at all possible during a winter storm. “If trapped in your car, t h e n s t a y i n s i d e ,” a c cording to the Department of Homeland Security’s website. “Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia.” In December 2004, Kentucky saw one of the worst snowstorms in history, just days before Christmas. On Dec. 22, 2004, Paducah,

Kentucky was blanketed with 14.2 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service’s website. Other snow totals from the region ranged from 5 to 13 inches. Blustering wind created snow drifts up to 5 feet deep, which only added to the treacherous driving conditions. Interstate 24 had a 29mile long traffic jam from Lyo n C o u n t y t o T r i g g County, Kentucky, that stranded nearly 1,000 motorists overnight. Murray State alumna Abby Dew was traveling home to Shelbyville, Kentucky, for winter break, a drive that normally takes about three and a half hours. “We weren’t stranded [overnight] but it did take 7 to 8 hours to get to Shelbyville,” Dew said. She said having an emergency roadside kit equipped for winter would have been helpful had she been one of the stranded drivers, but luckily she was able to make it through the storm with the items she had in her car. For more information on winterizing your vehicle visit TheNews.org.

DRIVER’S GUIDE FOR WINTER PREPARATION Winter Car Care Checklist

Source: aaa.com

Emergency Road Kit Essentials

Battery and Charging System

A Bag Of Abrasive Material

Battery Cables and Terminals

Snow Shovel

Drive Belts

Flashlight With Extra Batteries

Engine Hoses

Window Washer Solvent

Tire Type and Tread

Ice Scraper With A Brush

Tire Pressure

Jumper Cables

Air Filter

Extra Warm Clothing

Coolant Levels

Blankets

Lights

Warning Devices

Wiper Blades

Drinking Water

Washer Fluid

Non-Perishable Snacks

Brakes

First-Aid Kit

Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids

Basic Toolkit

Colton Colglazier/The News

News

November 14, 2019

TRANSGENDER From Page 1

The owners of Lucky’s Grill and Pub applied to obtain their tavern license.

Lauren Morgan/The News

Lucky’s owner applies for tavern license Emily Shepherd Contributing Writer eshepherd2@murraystate.edu Addison Watson Staff Writer awatson25@murraystate.edu The owners of Lucky’s Grill and Pub applied to obtain their tavern license to both the city and state government. Established in 2017, Lucky’s Grill and Pub is a local restaurant located directly across from Wilson Hall on 15th Street. Their menu carries a variety of food options and a broad array of alcoholic beverages to order. Chelsea Dreher, the owner of the establishment, currently operates under a license that requires her food sales to equal 50 percent of her total month’s revenue. A restaurant must maintain 50 percent food sales from its total food and alcohol sales, according to Alcoholic Beverage Control of Kentucky. This was part of a legislative update in 2017. “Right now I have an NQ2 license, which is a limited retail drinking license,” Dreher said. “This means I have to sell 50 percent alcohol and 50 percent food.” The NQ2 (non quota) license allows for higher than 50 percent food sales, but alcohol sales must remain at or below 50 percent. “I can be higher on my food sales, but I can’t be higher on my alcohol sales,” Dreher said. “This gets difficult in an industry controlled simply on impulse.” Purchasing the license is not cheap. It comes at a hefty price every time Dreher renews it. “It is around $1000 for each license,” Dreher said. “You renew it in December of every year, but there are different time

frames for the licenses. You can buy a half a year license or a full year.” By obtaining a tavern license, Lucky’s Grill and Pub will be able to operate and have a higher percentage of alcohol sales than food sales. Being in a college town, this will allow Dreher to focus on college students, who she believes is why Lucky’s in business. To obtain the license, Dreher has to go through a process where her business credentials are examined, and her business is checked to see if it is in good standing with ABC in Kentucky. “It is a two-part process. I hold a local (Murray) license and then a state (Kentucky) license,” Dreher said. “I have to [have] both simultaneously. I fill out the application, get a background check, have the premise certified, and my LLC is checked to make sure it is in good shape.” Tap 216 is a neighboring restaurant also located on 15th Street next to the University. They operate under an NQ2 license as well, but will now have the option to obtain their tavern license also. Dreher said making the 50 percent food sales can be difficult. One time, her fryer was out of service for nearly two months. This caused her to be unable to cook 70 percent of her menu, so she relied on alcohol sales to make up the loss of revenue. “I couldn’t sell 70 percent of my menu for a month and a half,” Dreher said. “I still had to pay the bills, so I pushed alcohol sales. I got in trouble with ABC, but I got through it.” Murray has not always been a wet city. Up until 2012, alcohol sales were forbidden in Murray. This meant that anyone wanting to purchase alcohol would have to go to a

surrounding county where alcohol was allowed to be sold. According to the Murray Ledger and Times, only 53 percent of voters who participated in the option-election answered yes, signifying that they were in favor of the sale of alcohol in Murray. Since the election in 2012, several Murray restaurants have opened and closed, but Dreher is confident her business has survived the hardest times and will be around for years to come. “The Big Apple Grill has a NQ4 license, a tavern license, where they don’t have a percentage that they have to hit.” Dreher said.“They just have to report their alcohol sales and pay their taxes on that total. Their food is completely separate from their alcohol sales. That’s the license that I’m moving toward acquiring.” Thursday nights draw a large crowd from the college community that want to visit Lucky’s Grill and Pub. Often times, there are students waiting in line outside the front door because the building is at capacity. James Hayworth is a senior attending Murray State who frequently dines at Lucky’s Grill and Pub. “This bar has a really nice atmosphere,” Hayworth said. “The bartenders are always really nice and friendly too.” Another student attending Murray State, Andy Johnson, prefers Lucky’s Grill and Pub over other establishments be cause of the building’s ambience. “This place has a holein-the-wall kind of vibe if that makes sense,” Johnson said. Dreher expects to obtain the tavern license by the end of November and will begin pushing alcohol sales shortly after.

Transitioning students on campus can reach out to the LGBT Programming Office for resources and support groups. “When it comes to resources it really depends on what students need,” Lampe said. “The Office of LGBT Programming is always available as a support resource for transgender students on campus. Through the office, we have a confidential support group for trans students. The group has been on hiatus this semester but will start back next semester. If anyone is interested in that they can contact the LGBT Coordinator for more details. We are also working on creating a trans resource closet to support students who are building up their wardrobe or want to try out a new look.” Simon McNeal, senior studio arts major, is one of many transgender people in Kentucky and at Murray State. “If you are someone who is out, it never hurts to ask,” McNeal said. “Many professors are very good at changing pronouns, changing names, referring to you in a particular way. Professors are even good at keeping that distance for people who are out [by referring] to themselves by their preferred gender identity in class but [using

PROFESSOR From Page 1 and given the conditions outside. Several students offered why they came to class, but afterward, Karabas was asked the same question by a student. Many of Karabas’ students know he commutes from Hopkinsville daily. K a r a b a s ’ re s p o n s e showed his dedication to his students. “It is going to sound nerdy, but I came today to teach,” Karabas said. “It took [me] about an hour and 45 minutes to get here this morning. We saw four wrecks, but being here and teaching you all makes the ‘risk’ well worth it.” Karabas understands the worth and value of obtaining a college degree; he has earned his doctorate. More than just the value of a college degree, the cost of tuition was also a driving force in his decision to commute to Murray to teach for the afternoon. “He said [Karabas] understands that we as students pay thousands of dollars for an education and he did not want to disappoint us,” the student said.

their birth name in] academic things or regarding their home life or parents. It never hurts to ask, and it never hurts to get in touch with the [LGBT Programming] office or MC [Lampe]. Trans people are everywhere, you are not alone. It might be hard, to try and reach out to people, but there is a community and we are here for you.” The LGBT Programming office is also available to students who wish to be further involved with advocating for transgender students and increasing inclusivity on campus. “I would love to see groups and departments on campus other than just the LGBT Programming Office hosting programs or events that support our transgender campus community,” Lampe said. “My office is always here to support and provide resources but getting the whole campus community involved would send a great message. If we recognize trans people, the lives they live, and the specific challenges they face as a result of transphobia and anti-trans hate, we can begin taking steps to create change.” Murray State’s Office of LGBT Programming serves as a support group for the LGBT+ student community and provides services and educational programming. The Office of LGBT Programming is located in Blackburn Science Building Room 243. “He said that this class was the only reason he came to Murray today. He drove an hour and 45 minutes to Murray and back for a 75 minute class.” When the email sent by the student hit Eaton’s desk, he forwarded the email to Karabas for him to read himself. Eaton also sent it to President Bob Jackson, Interim Provost Timothy Todd and Heath Keller, chair of Karabas’ dep artment. The student ended his email by wanting to put Karabas in the spotlight for his actions. “Professors that dedicate and care so much about the students,” the student said. “I’m not sure if you all do some sort of spotlight or something, but he definitely deserves some praise.” Faculty Regent Melo ny Shemberger, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, loves the faculty of Murray State and often uses Twitter to tweet about the accomplishments of faculty. “It’s an incredible example of #RacerFacultySuccess,” Shemberger said in a tweet. “Faculty at Murray State love our jobs and our students.”

Opinion

November 14, 2019

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

Public schools prompt students toward college Kentucky’s education system pushes the importance of a higher education with 60 percent of students enrolled in college after graduating from public high schools, according to the 2016 Kentucky High School Feedback Reports. This somewhat contrasts withformerGov.MattBevin’s unpopular stance of wanting to make Kentucky a center ofengineeringandmanufacturing in the country. In a speech to the Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship he called to eliminate programs that don’t graduate students who are able to fill high-paying and in-demand jobs. Bevin said universities shouldn’t be “maintaining something that’s not an asset of any value, that’s not helping to produce that 21st-century educated workforce.” Obtaininganundergraduate degree should not focus on training individuals to fit the jobs available in society. Receiving an extensive education is the value in obtaining a college degree. Of course, many majors do not have a lot of flexibility in termsofcareerschosenafter graduating. But college isn’t for everybody, and not everyone in college knows what workforce they will enter after

Cade Utterback/The News

graduating. Gettingahighereducation should have more of a focus on learning and becoming knowledgeable about the field the student chooses. The idea that Kentucky universities should produce people to be mindless machines is absurd. High schools propel students to attend college and earn a degree, and many don’t see that they have other options. Many career choices are still available without degrees, and skilled

trade workers are just as important. President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Aaron Thompson discussed taking the nontraditional path and how the importance of a higher education still comes into play. “But if you want to learn a skilled trade with real earning potential, like plumbing or welding, you will need some education or training beyond high school,” Thompson said. Thompson refers to com-

munity and technical colleges, which people pursuing a profession in trade skills often need to attend. To acquire a job in Kentucky associated with trade skills, studentsmustattendcommunityandtechnicalcollegesto receive training catered to their trades. For those who do not pursue vocational career paths, college might be the better route. It isn’t likely that most people will have the same college dropout success stories as Bill Gates and Mark

Zuckerberg. A college degree, no matter the major or area, will help the average person earn a higher income. Careers that accept only a high school diploma are disappearing as time passes. Employers are looking for a higher education of some sort, especially as the hiring processbecomesmorecompetitive. College is costly, and for many it isn’t worth the debt. Students question if the post-graduation income will eventually pay off. A recent study from Georgetown University found that, on average, college graduates earn $1 million more in earnings over their lifetime. Pew Research Center found the average annual income gap between high school and college graduatesisaround$17,500. Thompson said associate degree holders in Kentucky earn about $4,500 more a year than high school graduates. Kentucky might be pushing high schoolers to get a college education, but the nation is not following the same patterns. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported that higher education institutions of all kinds have 2 million fewer students now than they did in 2009.

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

Editorial Board

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

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 cstribling1@murraystate.edu.

Connor Dame Brock Kirk Ad Sales Manager Photo Editor cdame2@murraystate.edu jkirk11@murraystate.edu John O’Neill Dr. Stephanie Anderson Online Manager Adviser joneill4@murraystate.edu sanderson37@murraystate.edu

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

November 14, 2019

Send a letter to The News at cstribling1@murraystate.edu

In the past, there were a lot more trees and forests. Trees use photosynthesis to pull CO2 out of the air, and trees contain a huge amount of carbon. Presently, there are fewer trees around the world, so trees are not pulling as much CO2 out of the air now. Our oceans contain a lot of water, and water can dissolve a small amount of gas. Our oceans have been dissolving a lot of CO2 out of the air in recent decades, keeping atmospheric levels lower. But they can’t dissolve CO2 out of the air now, as they are virtually saturated with all the CO2 that they can hold. The oceans have really been helping us out in the last century. That our oceans have become acidic could be a whole new topic. But only CO2 put into the air now will stay in the atmosphere, accumulating year after year, decade after decade. This is why CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing. A short time ago, scientists discovered that melted ice water on top of ice sheets form cracks in the ice. More ice melting makes the cracks go down deeper. Eventually, the ice crack of water will go all the way to the bottom of the ice, reaching the surface of the earth that the ice sheet is lying on. When more melts, water is added, and a pool of water forms below the ice. This pool of water conducts heat from the warmer ground below to the ice around it, melting it. A river is then formed, slowly creeping downhill. Eventually, at the juncture of land, ice, and ocean, water that started out miles away on top of the ice sheet, flows out into the sea. Remarkable. This surprised the scientists. The ice sheets are melting from the bottom up. This is bad news, and alarms scientists as it means that the ice sheets are not melting slowly, as previously thought. Geologists and climate scientists agree. Another mass extinction will occur soon. There are no doubts among the scientists. They only disagree on whether it will occur in 50 or 100 years. Oil companies, committees formed by oil companies (no geologists), U.S. Presidents, and some conservative politicians have worked hard to keep us from knowing about global warming. The stories of individual scientists whose work was severely censured can be found in books at Waterfield Library and Amazon.com. Because we have been deceived for 30 years,

the time is very late. Greta Thunberg continually states that people should look at the science and not her. Amazingly, critics of global warming only focus on and criticize her. What they are intentionally doing is trying to draw attention away from the science. What can be done to prevent global warming and prevent the next mass extinction from occurring soon? Greta Thunberg says we should act as if the house is on fire. First, the most obvious thing we can do is plant a lot of trees. And of course, we should turn our thermostats to 65 or lower at night when we are asleep when its winter, and up to 75 in the summer all day long. Another thing we can do is DRASTICALLY cut down our use of cars. Carpooling and hitch-hiking should become common. Riding bicycles would be good in the spring, summer and fall. Bicycles have improved remarkably in the last 30 years and are the most efficient form of transportation. Roller skates are number two. Buses also need to become common, frequent and more comfortable. Lastly, airplanes use a huge amount of energy, and plane flights should be kept at an absolute minimum. Video conferencing, high speed trains and luxurious buses should become the norm. Another important thing is that people should live in the smallest indoor space possible yet still comfortable. Construction is a whopping 20 percent of energy usage. Dining rooms and spare bedrooms are unnecessary. Large living rooms can double as a bedroom at night. Most houses are really too big for us, and perhaps can be converted to duplexes or bedrooms can be rented out. We really waste indoor living space in our houses. Frances Moore Lappe wrote in her “1975 Diet for a Small Planet” that growing grains and vegetables is 10 times more efficient than growing food for livestock or allowing livestock to graze on the land. Also, how we treat cows, pigs and chickens would be immoral from anyone’s standpoint. Plus grains and vegetables are cheaper than meat, and fruits and vegetables contain nutrients we too rarely consume. People need not change everything tomorrow. We can start trying to carpool and make fewer trips places. Over the next 6 months or year, we can think about how to do without a

car or sharing our car. Changing our eating habits can start slowly, too. The first week, we can change one meal. The second week, change two meals. After that, just change two more each week. Our leaders knew about the dangers of global warming and strove to discredit the idea (scientists’ autobiographies about being censured are in Waterfield Library with other global warming books) for 30 years. This is why Greta Thunberg is so sad and angry. Because nothing has been done for 30 years, the threat of mass extinction is very real. Now, drastic measures must be taken if mankind is to survive. Simply stated, people shouldn’t be having kids now. A billion is already way too many people for this earth to sustain. In 1500, the population of the world was 250 million. In 1800, it was 1 billion, and in 1950, it was 3 billion. The world’s population has increased by almost 5 billion in the last 60 years. The painful truth is that the population of the earth must go down if mankind is to survive. We must act now. In 5 years, it will be too late, as the climate situation will not be able to be changed. More CO2 added to the atmosphere will trap more heat around the earth. Some ice melting will cause more ice to melt, as less ice means less heat is reflected back into space. If the ice melts above the solid methane in the Arctic, the earth will heat up another 10 degrees. One step causes the next. That’s why it’s urgent we must slow the warming now. We must begin to act now.

~John Alsman

Cheers to the basketball season!

Jeers to the melting snow!

Grab your popcorn because the Racer basketball season has begun.

If the winter wonderland melts, then no more delays or snow days.

Sports

November 14, 2019

Giustino sets program record for most kills Jon Dunning Staff Writer jdunning1@murraystate.edu Senior outside hitter Rachel Giustino added to an already astounding performance this season by setting a new Murray State volleyball record for most kills in a career on Friday, Nov. 1, in Murray as the Racers defeated SIU Edwardsville 3-1. Giustino scored 28 kills against SIUE, putting her at 452 kills for the season and 1,606 kills during her career. Previously, outside hitter Scottie Ingram held the record when she finished her Murray State career in 2016 with 1,598 kills. Ingram and Giustino played together on the 2016 team. After setting the record, Giustino shared her thoughts on her record-breaking accomplishments and overtaking Ingram’s record. “It’s just an honor to help my team like that,” Giustino said. “I played with Scottie my freshman year and she was an incredible player, and so to be up in that caliber is just really an honor for me.”

Murray State Head Coach David Schwepker was impressed by Giustino’s record-setting night. “That’s absolutely incredible,” Schwepker said. “I mean, Murray State volleyball has been around forever. The fact that Scottie Ingram broke the school record a few years ago… and now we have another girl breaking that record, that’s just unbelievable. Rachel’s just a special, special player and we’re so proud of her and she’s worked to get where she is and she’s done a lot for this program and is still going to do a lot for this program. So, we’re happy, very happy for her.” On Nov. 2, Giustino scored 20 kills against Eastern Illinois University to push her to 472 kills this season, beating her career-high last season of 470 kills. She ranks third in total kills this season in the NCAA. Moreover, Giustino now has 1626 kills for her career, with at least five matches left to play. Giustino and the Murray State volleyball team will face Morehead State University on Saturday, Nov.16, at 4 p.m. at Racer Arena to wrap up the regular season.

Rachel Giustino prepares to spike the ball in Racer Arena.

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Sports

November 14, 2019

Once a Racer, always a Racer

Rydecki makes impact off the field at alma mater Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu A former Murray State football player, Brock Rydecki, now makes his impact off the field as the assistant athletic director for facilities and game management. Rydecki, a former offensive lineman for the Racers from 2008 to 2012, has been working with the athletic administration since 2016. He oversees virtually every aspect of any home game, from parking to security and everything in between. Officiating, ushering and cleaning are all aspects of making for a smooth athletic experience and are therefore Rydecki’s responsibilities. Rydecki admitted Murray State wasn’t at the forefront of his colleges of choice during his recruitment. However, when he came to visit the campus, he fell in love with the city and the school. “[It] reminded me a lot of home,” Rydecki said. “Small town feel, close to lakes and wildlife. [I] just kind of fell in love with the area.” As a student-athlete, Rydecki found everything he was looking for from the fans, coaches, teammates and professors that helped guide him through his collegiate career. “It was awesome,” Rydecki said. “The family atmosphere here at Murray is something that I really relish. [It’s] something that

is still a part of this community today that we preach with our student-athletes.” After getting his degree in exercise science, Rydecki remained with the Racers as an intern while he worked toward earning his Masters of Science in human development and leadership.Whenhegraduated, he wound up at Trinity High School in Whitesville, Kentucky, as the school’s athletic director. At the high school level, Rydecki got a feel for many different venues of athletic administration. When given the opportunity to return to work for the administration he played under, he took it with great enthusiasm. Murray felt like home to Rydecki and his wife, who he met when the two were students. The time Rydecki spent both as an intern and an administrator at the high school level prepared him for his work at Murray State. “It’s a lot different coming back where it’s not one person doing everything,” Rydecki said. “Having that experience for three years and having my hand in every pot just really helped me grow. [It] helped me develop my career.” The decision to return was an easy one for Rydecki and his family. He had already had his first child, and with his family growing, he saw the return as an opportunity to become involved once again with Division I athletics. “It was a combination of

Brock Rydecki walks off the field after a defensive stop for the Racers.

having the opportunity to go back to D-I athletics,” Rydecki said. “[It] was my lifelong goal to be at Division I and get to the highest level. [It was also] taking that step and coming back home to the great community of Murray, the opportunity to work for the administrators that I had trained under.” As far as Rydecki’s concerned, the decision to return to his alma mater has proved to be one of the

best he has ever made. “It’s fun,” Rydecki said. “I feel like I don’t work a day. We have fun, and it’s a good team to be a part of. We have a really good operations team. We have a lot of people that wear many hats. We have a lot of people that come in and work many areas. We all jump in and help.” Rydecki’s goals here are to do everything in his power to make sure the Murray State Athletics Department

Brock Rydecki watches the ESPN+ livestream to make sure everything is functional during a Murray State men’s basketball game.

Photo courtesy of Brock Rydecki

is the best that it can be. “We want to be the school that everyone wants to be,” Rydecki said. “We want to be the top. We want to be the best that we can be. I want to prepare daily to help our department rise. [It] doesn’t matter what the task is. [I] just try to be a team-oriented person that does whatever he can to make the department rise and provide the best student-athlete experience we can.”

Photo courtesy of Brock Rydecki

November 14, 2019

Sports

Rocky Top troubles

Racers’ second-half struggles lead to Vols win Gage Johnson Sports Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu Despite holding the lead for the vast majority of the game, the Murray State men’s basketball team’s offensive woes in the second half led to a 82-63 loss to the University of Tennessee. It was a back-and-forth affair for the first 11 minutes of the game. However, after the Volunteers tied things up at 18, the Racers went on an 8-0 run kickstarted by a three from sophomore forward KJ Williams. A layup from senior forward Anthony Smith with 33 seconds left in the first half gave the Racers their largest lead of the night at 44-33. Thanks to a pair of free throws from freshman forward Olivier Nkamhoua, Tennessee was able to cut the Racers lead to nine, giving Murray State a 44-35 lead going into the locker room. The Racers were unconscious on the offensive end in the first half, shooting 50% from the field. Sophomore guard Tevin Brown (4-for-5) and senior guard Jaiveon Eaves (2-for-4) and Williams (2-for-3) also helped Murray State go 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. Murray State carried its lead into the second half, leading by as much as 11. Nonetheless, the Volunteers weren’t going away. After the Racers claimed a 51-43 lead, Tennessee went on a 7-0 run

and cut their lead to one. Then with 10:36 left to play, senior guard Jordan Bowden hit his fourth three of the night to give the Volunteers their first lead since 2-0. Bowden made it rain from deep in the second half, going 6-for-8 from beyond the arc. Add that to 4-for5 free throw shooting and an overall 8-for-15 shooting performance, Bowden led all scorers with 26. While Bowden clearly excels at shooting the three at a high rate, it was his work away from the ball and his approach on the offensive end that McMahon thinks makes Bowden so tough to guard. “Most people would probably point to the shooting, but I think [it’s] his ability to move without the basketball,” McMahon said. “He does a nice job of reading screens and if you get caught trying to cheat one, he makes you pay. At his size with his length, he’s able to raise up and knock down shots. He hit some big ones, especially in the second half.” Tennessee began to run away with things in the last seven minutes of play. The Racers offense had become nonexistent and the Volunteers took advantage, ending the game on a 16-0 run. The Racers first half 22-10 rebound advantage completely vanished in the second half, as the Volunteers outrebounded them 25-12. Add 12for-22 shooting from three to that and Tennessee had more than enough to

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics Senior guard Jordan Bowden attempts to drive by sophomore guard Tevin Brown.

come away with an 82-63 victory over Murray State to extend its home winning streak to 28 games. While the Volunteers were extremely efficient offensively, McMahon didn’t think poor defense was the reason for their high shooting percentages. “In the first half, I thought we were late on a few close-outs to [Yves] Pons,” McMahon said. “In the second

half, we weren’t scoring and they were able to get out in transition. I really have to give a lot of credit to Tennessee. I thought they hit a lot of shots that were contested from beyond the arc.” Murray State men’s basketball team will now return home, as they are set to take on Brescia University at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the CFSB Center.

Racers set for matchup with Devils and Bulldogs Gage Johnson Sports Editor gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

University of North Alabama so far this season.

Mississippi State

Murray State women’s basketball will head to the Magnolia State this week as they take on Mississippi Valley State University and No. 8 Mississippi State University.

Murray State The Racers are coming off a season-opening 76-40 road loss to the No. 9 University of Louisville. While Head Coach Rechelle Turner and company came out on the wrong side of a blowout, they had a few bright spots, including the performance from sophomore guard Macey Turley. Turley went for 18 points of 6-for-14 shooting, 3-for-6 coming from three. Turley also added four assists and five rebounds to her statline. Turner also felt that the Racers defense did very well, but they just have to close out possessions by boxing out. “Twenty-four points [was what] they actually scored in the halfcourt,” Turner said. “I didn’t think our defense was bad. I thought we got to people, talked and did some things really well, but they shot until they scored most of the time because we didn’t box out.” Despite the outcome, Turner views the contest with an ACC powerhouse

Gage Johnson/The News Macey Turley follows through her jumpshot and watches it sail toward the rim.

as a great learning experience for her young team. “We want to give our kids these experiences,” Turner said. “What an amazing venue to play in front of this many people. It’s about the experience. Regardless of the score, our players got an opportunity to play at the Yum! Center. They got to play the No. 9 team in the nation and last time I checked they were in the Final Four two of the last four years.”

Mississippi Valley The Devilettes are coming off a season in which they finished 6-24, with a 5-13 record in the SWAC. Mississippi Valley is looking to snap a two-game losing streak when the Racers come to the Harrison HPER Complex. The Devilettes have taken on the University of Mississippi and the

The No. 8 ranked Bulldogs are coming off a season that was ended by the eventual National Champion Baylor University in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Mississippi State finished the season 33-3, with an SEC-leading 15-1 conference record and added an SEC Championship to the program in the postseason. The Bulldogs have defeated the University of Southern Mississippi and Murray State’s OVC opponent UT Martin in their two games leading up to their matchup with the Racers. With Mississippi State’s top-two scorers graduating, the Bulldogs have had a well-balanced offense in terms of scoring. Five players scored in double figures against Southern Miss and three scored in double figures against UT Martin, with two players one point shy of double figures.

Game info

Murray State will take on the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes first at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Harrison HPER Complex and will then take on the No. 8 Mississippi State Bulldogs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Humphrey Coliseum.

Features

Students rock at Rock-A-Thon Alpha Gamma Delta hosted its 15th annual Rock-A-Thon for their philanthropy to end world hunger. The sorority partners with Meals on Wheels, Feeding America and local charities. AGDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of the year. Greek organizations perform and are judged by senior AGD sisters who watch performances from rocking chairs located on the stage. In the main event, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Phi won first place. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Champion was Sigma Phi Epsilon Brock Kirk/The News

November 14, 2019

Features

November 14, 2019

‘The Moth Radio Hour’ Professor to make storytelling debut Dionte Berry Contributing Writer dberry11@murraystate.edu

James Mattson is a Murray State creative writing professor and soon-to-be “Moth Radio Hour” storyteller, taking the mainstage in Fargo, North Dakota. “The Moth”, a podcast, began in 1997 and “The Moth Radio Hour” began in 2009. The premise of “The Moth” is to tell stories in real time without a script. The show often features stories from around the world. “The Moth Radio Hour” came across Mattson’s content and sent him an email. “There was no application process, the creative director found me by my website,” Mattson said. “They emailed me one day and asked if I would be interested, I said yes.” Following his acceptance of the storytelling role, Mattson has been creating a story to share with the audience, but one catch is that the storyteller is not allowed to use any notes. “I am terrified because it’s in a big theater with a bunch of people who paid a good amount of money and it’s being live recorded,” Mattson said, concerning the no-notes policy. To combat this challenge Mattson has been going over his notes and working with “The Moth Radio Hour” director for around three weeks to tie up the story. Mattson started his writing career in his early twenties. “I thought that I could take a stab at writing in my early twenties and so I did,” he said. “It took a long time to make a life from it, but that’s how I started.” Mattson developed a love for creating stories through his passion for reading books. He enjoys reading and writing fiction. Mattson’s favorite part about creating a story is

Friday, Nov. 15: The Kentucky Heritage Tourism Cocktail: Add a Dash of Archaeology to Bourbon and Stir @ 1:30 p.m. at Blackburn Science Building Room 320

Sunday, Nov. 17: Joint Senior Recital for Chloe Frisby and Taylor Davis

@ 3:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

Senior Recital for Tyler Casey

@ 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Tinsel Town

@ 7 p.m. in Curris Center Theatre

Fall Trombone Choir and Chamber Concert

Brock Kirk/The News James Mattson is writing a story that he will share at The Moth Radio Lab.

being able to leave reality behind. “I enjoy being able to enter a world that’s not this one,” Mattson said. He also enjoys using literature to inhabit other people’s perspectives. Now a published author, Mattson is challenging himself by storytelling instead of story writing, which he is much more familiar with. “I do like to tell stories, I just haven’t done it until now,” Mattson said.

Brock Kirk/The News Mattson teaches creative writing and English when he isn’t writing.

Mattson is familiar with “Moth Radio.” He recalls listening to some of its past stories. “It’s a really great thing, and what it does is allow people to tell different stories from all walks of life,” Mattson said. After expressing his admiration for “Moth Radio Hour,” Mattson went on to reflect upon his soon to come storytelling hour. “I’m really honored that they chose me to take the mainstage, so I’m just hoping I don’t screw it up,” Mattson said. Mattson will be on the mainstage at the Fargo Theater in Fargo, North Dakota. The live storytelling will begin at 7:30 p.m. Central Standard Time and those interested can stream the storytelling at themoth.org and click on the story library tab after it has aired at the Fargo Theater. You can find “The Moth Radio Hour” on iTunes, Spotify, RadioPublic or any podcasting apps.

@ 7:30 in the Performing Arts Hall of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

Wednesday, Nov. 20: Spanish Conversation Table

@ 3 p.m. in Waterfield Library Gallery

Jazz Percussion Quartet Concert

@ 7:30 in the Performing Arts Hall of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

Thursday, Nov. 21: German Coffee Table

@ 3:30 in Collins Industry and Technology Center Conference Room 206

Fall Trombone Studio Recital

@ 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

“The Pirates of Penzance”

@ 7:30 in the Robert E. Johnson Theatre

If you would like to see your event featured in the Calendar of Events, email the features editor at csmith110@murraystate.edu. Colton Colglazier/The News

Features

November 14, 2019

Murray State siblings start scholarship Grant Dillard Staff Writer gdillard@murraystate.edu

Siblings and Murray State graduates Tony and Tim Brannon have collaborated to create a new scholarship for agriculture majors at Murray State. Tony Brannon was a student at Murray State from 1977 to 1982. While at the university, he was an active member of FFA, serving as a Tennessee state officer from 1978 to 1979. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, along with several other accolades, Tony taught at Peabody High School in Trenton, Tennessee, for four years before earning his Ed.D. degree at Oklahoma State University. In 1988 Tony returned to his alma mater as an assistant professor in agricultural education, eventually becoming the dean. “As a graduate of Murray State with a degree in agriculture, I have always been very aware that my education was an excellent one that has served me well throughout the years,” Tony said. Tim Brannon graduated from Murray State in 1976, and was also an active FFA member during his high

school years at Henry County High. After student teaching at Hopkinsville High School, Tim worked with Allis-Chalmers in Memphis, Tennessee, and eventually served as a district representative in Louisiana. In 1978, Tim returned home to Henry County and became co-owner of the local Allis-Chalmers dealership, B&G Equipment, which he still owns and manages today. Both Tony and Tim Brannon

As we lost our parents, we shifted the honor to cover the entire family. -Tony Brannon,

dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture initially started giving out annual family scholarships in honor of their grandfather, Pap. “As we lost our parents, we shifted the honor to cover the entire family,” Tony said. “Tim and I began our

foundation in agriculture on the family farm, continued through FFA at Henry County High School and culminated our education with agriculture degrees from Murray State.” Those who would be considered eligible for the scholarship are graduates from Henry County High School who attend Murray State, with graduates from Calloway County also currently being considered. Applications will be judged by the Agriculture Scholarship Committee based on grades and test scores, as well as on activities, awards and honors. “Through this endowment, in memory of our parents and grandparents and in honor of our entire family, we wish to give back to support FFA and Murray State.” Tim said. Tony hopes this scholarship will attract more students to Murray State. “Certainly enrollment in agriculture has grown exponentially over my time at Murray State, but enrollment growth is still a major objective,” Tony said. “Hopefully this scholarship will help minimize the effects of crossing the state line and attract more good students to attend MSU and study agriculture.”

Claudia Kern/The News

Photo courtesy of Murray State PR The Brannon family poses at the Hutson School of Agriculture.