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@MurrayStateNews March 31, 2022 | Vol. 96, No. 21

NEWS

OPINION

SPORTS

LIFESTYLE

Students report store to Animal Control

Senate GOP questions SCOTUS nominee

Men’s basketball announces new coach

Farm donates horse to University at Regents meeting

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Photo courtesy of @murrayadpi on Instagram Sophomore public relations student Kaitlyn Shoulders of Madisonville died on March 19.

Vigil set to honor life of Murray State student

Dionte Berry

Editor-in-Chief dberry11@murraystate.edu

A candlelight vigil is planned for a Murray State student who died during Spring Break. Kaitlyn Shoulders was a sophomore public relations student from Madisonville, Kentucky. She was also a member of Murray State’s Alpha Delta Pi sorority chapter. Shoulders died on March 19. Alpha Delta Pi posted on Instagram on Sunday, March 27 about Shoulders’ death, informing the campus body about her death. “[Shoulders] was kind, compassionate, invol ved and her bright smile will always hold a special place within our chapter,” the Instagram caption said. President Bob Jacks on sent a message on Monday, March 28 to the campus body about Shoulders’ death. “Murray State University is one Racer family and this loss is felt deeply by all of us,” Jackson said. For those who want to honor the memory of Shoulders, the candlelight vigil will be held on Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Quad. Candles will be provided.

Students protest downtown Confederate statue Photo courtesy of Libby Gerdes Students in College Democrats protest the location of the Robert E. Lee monument, holding signs above that read, ‘Honk to remove Robert’ and ‘Robert E. Lee was a traitor.’

College Democrats ask for relocation of monument Emery Wainscott News Editor ewainscott@murraystate.edu

Murray State College Democrats engaged in multiple protests over the past years for “Move the Monument,” referring to the downtown statue of Robert E. Lee, recently revamping the movement with a hours-long protest on March 13. President of College Democrats Cady Stribling said the support for the monument is too strong in the broader Murray community, which disappoints her because she views the statue as a symbol of hate. “ Th is is a mo vement , not a moment,” Stribling said. “… Ye t, th is a re a is a product of history and hate being carried through over generations, and our corner of western Kentucky has an especially horrific

Photo courtesy of Jessica Naber Professor of Nursing Jessica Naber acts as lead researcher in the project, which focuses on ‘blue zones.’

p a s t w h e n i t c o m e s t o t re a t ment of the Black community.” At the March 13 protest, the group faced backlash in res p on s e t o a c h a l k d r a w i n g o f a rainbow on the sidewalk. C h a i r o f t h e Ac t i v i s m C o m mittee Libby Gerdes said one of t he count er-prot est ors i nterpreted this as LGBT-related and wrote, “Hate the gays” on the sidewalk in response. “Most passersby ignore us, some show obscenities and fewer honk in support,” Gerdes said. “It seems like a greater population of the student body supports us, but a large portion still oppose moving the monument.” I n o rd e r f o r t h e m o n u m e n t to be moved, city officials will have to vote on its relocation. At the last vote, the officials v o t e d t o k e e p i t i n i t s p l a c e.

Stribling said their main defense is while it is technically on city property, it is owned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who would have to request to remove it themselves. “ W hen tr y ing to garner invol vement and energ y in this movement, we are really looking inward toward our fellow students and community members who want the best for our town,” Stribling said. “ This movement is not possible without the power of the people, so we need every supporter to step up in whatever capacity they feel comfortable.” In 2020, former Volunteer Assistant Foot bal l Coac h S her man Neal II began discussion of moving the monument and revisited “Move the Monument.”

see PROTEST, page 2

Faculty publish health data in community-based site r Ava Chuppe Staff Writer achuppe@murraystate.edu

Aiming to share their research on life longevity and offer lifestyle advice to local residents, faculty from the nursing, exercise science, nutrition and psychology departments recently published a website. The website focuses on “blue zones,” or regions with some of the world’s longest life expectancies. These areas include Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; a n d L om a L i n d a , C a l i f o r n i a . L on ge v i t y re s e a rc h e r s f rom National Geographic identified

commonalities between the blue zones, including plantbased diets, moderate consumption of red wine, religious affiliation and a sense of purpose. Jessica Naber, a nursing professor and a lead researcher in the project, said the website was established to provide ideas and recommendations based on the habits obser ved in blue zones. “Our goal in creating this website was to compile health-related information from multiple resources into one easy-to-access place for community members,” Naber said.

see WEBSITE, page 3

News

March 31, 2022

Biology students report local store to Animal Control Emery Wainscott News Editor ewainscott@murraystate.edu

A graduate student and an undergraduate student reported Aquatic Life, a store that sells reptiles and fish, to Animal Control after witnessing on Feb. 1 underweight animals and unclean habitats. Animal Control responded, saying they will try to press charges, and if all else fails, they will try to educate the owner on proper care. The two students wish to remain anonymous and will be referred to as John Smith and Jane Doe. Smith is a senior wildlife bio l o g y m a j o r. S m i t h h a s d i f ferent leadership roles in the biology department working specificall y with reptiles. Doe is a graduate student studying general biolog y. Both students said they have z oo keeping experience. Aquatic Life originally opened on Nov. 11, 2020, as an aquarium store but started housing reptiles before fall 2021. The owners, in response to a Facebook post accusing the store of animal abuse and improper care of their reptiles, said they do not personally have experience with reptiles but hire employees who know the proper husbandry and who care deeply about the animals. However, Doe said whenever they ask the employees questions about the animals, the employees lack answers and refer to other employees. Smith said it seems like they do not have employees that know the proper procedures to take care of reptiles. “The starvation was one of the immediate things [I noticed],” Doe said. “I have a gecko and immediately could tell their dishes hadn’t been changed out in way longer than it should have.” In a picture posted on the aforementioned Facebook post, the store’s ball python is depicted with its head in the water, presumably because of exhaustion from

illness. Doe said this animal reportedly has mites, which is not directly confirmed on Facebook, but Aquatic Life said in the comment section that the snake is sick and has been receiving care. As a result of the sickness, the snake’s nutrition has been depleting to the point where its spine and skull are visible. Doe said the store has claimed the snake has been fed regularly, even attempting to force feed the animal. “[This is] the opposite of what you should do,” Smith said. “It’s really stressful for the animal. They can’t digest food that quickly. Nor do they have the heating to digest if they are feeding them that often.” S mith s a id one of t he animals seemed to have an injur y to its ribs, and overall, the a n i m a l s w e re v e r y l e t h a r g i c . Another one of the animals, a reticulated python, grows to about 17 feet during its lifespan. The reticulated python at Aquatic Life is in a tank too small for its growth, Doe said. Doe said its tank does not seem to be heated, and the only decoration is a water bowl. “They say they handle it every day [as if ] that excuses the need for a proper enclosure,” Smith said. “Like, ‘It doesn’t need the basic care to survive because we play with it all the time.’ It’s like if you had a dog and you never fed it or watered it or gave it a bed or toys … ” On Facebook, the owners respond with hostilit y to comments that criticize the store. “This is not a review to harass the owners,” a comment from a community member said. “I am literally begging you to feed your snakes and geckos … This is animal abuse, and I will be happy to leave my full length review on BBB and call Animal Control.” In the pictures attached, she shows the ball python with its skull visible from being underweight, as well as lying in the water, a behavior unusual for the

Photo courtesy of Facebook A ball python in the care of Aquatic Life is shown with its spine and skull visible.

way snakes usually drink water. She also attached a picture of a food bowl in a gecko enclosure, which shows what the poster said is rotten fruit and crickets drowned in the water bowl. The owners responded by c laiming that the commenters were all connected and tr y ing to hur t the store. “I have already explained that the snake refused to eat, whether it be live or frozen,” the owners of Aquatic Life said. “If you’re so disgusted with the store, don’t come back … I actually prefer [the comments] to show that not every animal comes in healthy and some need more care to thrive … I have weekly visits from people with more power than a mouthy review that would shut us down if the best possible care wasn’t given to the animals that we have.” Smith and Doe said they saw t wo a l m o s t e i g h t - m on t h - o l d ball pythons, at least one adult re t i c u l a t e d py t h on , fi ve re d eared sliders, several turtles, a

at the protest to the point of physical and verbal assault. “We peacefully protest, and supporters of the monument consistently bombard our members with hate, threats and targeting,” Stribling said. “We are college students facing these grown adults who have put us in scary situations.” As a result, College Democrats shifted their focus to writing letters to state legislators and educating the public on why they believe the statue should be removed.

PROTEST, from page 1

Thi s w as b e f o re t h e B lac k Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020, but Stribling said after that movement, the national attention caused “Move the Monument ” to kick off in Murray. Around this time, College Democrats protested consistently at the monument and held a few larger Black Lives Matter protests. College Democrats now protest a couple times a semester rather than weekly. Stribling said the passion and care is still there, but protesting alone will not move the monument— this will take electing city officials who will vote to remove it.

History has a place and time — and it’s not on city property, in the heart of downtown, in the year 2022. Let’s do better.

... Supporters of the monument bombard our members with hate, threats and targeting. We are college students facing these grown adults who have put us in scary situations.

— Cady Stribling, president of College Democrats

Another reason why the protests have been less frequent is because of intense backlash. At the time of Neal’s actions, Stribling said he faced threats from counter-protestors, and College Democrats has received the same treatment, including dangerous and uncomfortable environments

tegu lizard, two crested geckos and at least one gargoyle gecko. One of the geckos was missing a tail, which Smith said is a sign of stress. Another one was partially blind. Smith said this is most likely because of a genetic defect. Doe said all of the sick animals were for sale. Ultimately, Doe said they want the store to be shut down and for the animals to be rehomed. S mith said the store should re t u r n s o l e l y t o s e l l i n g fi s h . “Bottom line, they need to stop selling reptiles and amphibians,” Smith said. “I mean, the owner admits she doesn’t know how to take care of them, and she’s not willing to learn, it seems like.” The two students have contacted both Animal Control and the Murray Police Department for welfare checks, as well as a worker at Animal Health and Wellness. The News reached out to Aquatic Life but no response was received. No updates from Animal Control were available at publication.

Photo courtesy of Libby Gerdes The ‘Move the Monument’ protest on March 13 involved students holding signs in front of the monument.

Ultimately, Stribling said the group advocates to move the monument to a more appropriate location, which has always been the message of the movement. “We understand that many people in the area care about the Confederate monument and view it as a town symbol and historical monument,” Stribling said. “While we heavily disagree, we do not advocate to tear it down or damage it in any way. History has a place and time — and it’s not on city property, in the heart of downtown, in the year 2022. Let’s do better.” Fo l l o w t h e C o l l e g e D e m ocrats Instagram @msucollegedems for updates on more u p c om i n g “ M o ve t h e M on u ment ” protests this semester.

March 31, 2022

WEBSITE, from page 1

Psyc holog y prof essor Esther Malm also is helping analyze data and develop content for the evolving website. “ We w a n t t o p r o m o t e a h e a l t hy phy s i c a l , m e n t a l a n d emotional wel l-being f or the people around us,” Malm said. Malm said she hopes the impact of the project extends beyond scholarship to inter vention and prevention. “ We ’ r e h o p i n g t h e s t u d y will be longitudinal, so we can continue de veloping tips and guidelines to educate community members,” Malm said. Blue zones are usually assoc i a t e d w i t h d i e t i n g. H o w e v er, Naber said there is more to longevit y than a healthy diet.

We want to promote a healthy physical, mental and emotional well-being for the people around us. — Esther Malm, psychology professor and researcher

“Moving naturally rather than using other methods of transportation is a big one, ” Nab e r s a i d . “ Ta k i n g t i m e t o b e with friends and family ver y

News/Opinion

the resource website, cond u c t i n g a s u r ve y o f 2 0 0 p a r t i c i p a n t s a c ro s s mu l t i p l e a g e groups in Calloway County and interviewing residents aged 90 and older to determine their habits. Fo l l o w i n g t h e c o m p l e t i o n of these goals, the researchers plan to present their findings in local elementary schools. “ S o f a r, we h a ve s h a re d t h e website information via social media, newsletters and televisions in our buildings on campus,” Naber said. “Once the other results are published, Photo courtesy of murraystate.edu we hope to do more publicity.” Esther Malm, professor of psychology, is also part of the project, helping to analyze data and develop content. The other participating o f t e n , l a u g h i n g t o g e t h e r … r e s u l t s o f t h i s r e s e a r c h w i l l f a c u l t y m e m b e r s a re t h e A s t h e s e a r e a l l i m p o r t a n t . ” be published on the website.” s i s t a n t D e a n o f t h e S c h o o l The website provides tips o f N u r s i n g a n d H e a l t h Pr o and resources in four catfessions and Director of the Moving naturally egories: movement, rest, Exercise Science program, rather than nutrition and connection. Amelia Dodd; the Director other methods of Naber said she and her colo f t h e Fa m i l y N u r s e Pr a c t i leagues also are compartioner progr am, Janice Thur transportation is a big ing the habits of Callomond; Nutrition Program [part of longevity]. w a y C o u n t y r e s i d e n t s w i t h Taking time to be with D i r e c t o r, L a u r e n R o b e r t h o s e o f b l u e z o n e re s i d e n t s . s o n ; a n d A s s i s t a n t Pro f e s s o r friends and family “ We h a v e s t u d i e d b l u e of Occupational Safety and very often, laughing zones by traveling to Health, Oluwabunmi Dada. together ... these are some of these areas, readThe website is updated regall important. ing and researching,” Naularly and can be found at — Jessica Naber, nursing professor b e r s a i d . “ We a l s o h a v e sites.google.com/murrayand lead researcher gathered information s t a t e . e d u / c o m mu n i t y v i t a l i t y. about what barriers peoAnyone with questions ple in Calloway County The research plan has sever- c a n e m a i l m s u . c v p r o j h a v e t o h e a l t h y l i v i n g . T h e al parts, inc luding developing e c t @ m u r r a y s t a t e . e d u .

Mikki Kendall details those the movement forgot

Dionte Berry

Editor-in-Chief dberry11@murraystate.edu

lthough the feminist movement fights toward equality across all genders, the movement often forgets about some women, like those of color. In her book “Hood Feminism,” Diversity Consultant and feminist Mikki Kendall focuses on the additional struggles women of color face that feminism fails to address and the overall lack of intersectionality in the movement. Intersectionality refers to those who have more than one social identity that can be root for discrimination. Kendal l ref ers to the exper iences of Blac k women as a space of intersectionality that is a blind spot in the feminist movement, which has historically been led by white women. S he explains the shor tcomings of feminism through sharing personal and cultural anecdotes about the obstacles she has faced, as well as obstacles that Black women face as a whole. She offers a glimpse into the livelihood of Black women that only a Black woman would know, telling stories that speak to experiences people outside of this demographic do not face but play a major role in Black women’s lives. Reading “Hood Feminism” was refreshing and eye-opening. I was reading about topics such as workplace discrimination based on hair, the lack of sympathy toward Black women and the violence they face which I have obser ved in society, but Kendall was able to thoroughly explain them in an understandable way. The book acts partly as a memoir, but with every personal story, Kendall broadens the topic and explains the societal implications. The book has 18 brief chapters ranging mostly around 20 pages. The chapters address a wide range of topics, such as workplace discrimination, Black motherhood, poverty, gun violence, fetishization and much more.

M y f a vo r i t e c h a p t e r i s “ O f # Fa s t Ta i l e d G i r l s a n d Fr e e dom,” which highlights the sexualization Black gir ls face. In this chapter, Kendall discusses how the physical maturation of Black gir ls evolves into a policing of their bodies by those around them, such as parents and family, to protect them from being perceived as jezebels. Being told not to be a “fast tailed girl,” or “fast” for short, is seen as a type of protection, but it is also a product of how Black victimhood is perceived. Black girls are perceived as more precocious and less innocent; therefore, if they are a victim of harassment or assault they receive less sympathy from the public. Families find it easier to police their daughters rathe r t h a n w o r k t o w a rd c h a n g i n g h ow t h e wo r l d p e rc e i ve s them in order to allow them to do what is natural at their age. Kendall describes how her grandmother told her not to be fast and learned that at the age of 12 that her adolescent body was enough for her to be seen as fast in the eyes of some people. Before reading this section I was already familiar with the term “fast” and its prevalence in the Black community, but I didn’t know the implications it had. After reading some of the chapters, I would talk to my friends who are Black women about the b o ok a n d t o ge t h e r we wo u l d have eye-opening moments. Along with the sexualization of Black girls, Kendall writes about the idea of the “strong Black woman” and how it acts as a veil to disguise the unfairness Black women face. Although it seems like a compliment and can be, the phrase is used to avoid actually addressing the societally incongruent struggles Black women face. Instead of addressing the workplace discrimination a Black women has to work through, it is easier to just compliment her strength. Another stand out chapter is “Gun V iolence.” Kendall

Photo courtesy of mikkikendall.com Mikki Kendall’s ‘Hood Feminism’ addresses intersectionality and feminism’s failure to support women of color.

discusses the lack of perceived victimhood given to Black women when it comes to gun violence. Instead, Black women are seen as protectors or witnesses to the gun violence Black men face. Kendall further addresses that feminism tends to ignore gun violence which is an issue that incongruently affects Black woman in low income communities. Kendall brings serious and unacknowledged topics to the table in “Hood Feminism,” and it’s concisely written. I give “Hood Fe m i n i s m” a n i n e o u t o f 1 0 .

“Hood Feminism” is for everyone and has a conversational tone that feels as though a friend is telling you a story. Kendall relays this deep and societal-defining information with its sociological and philosophical implications in such a personal format that it is refreshing. Most literar y mater ial with such deep societal implications tends to be presented in rigid research formats that often rely on abstractions, but instead of abstractions, Kendall shares stories of her own life.

Opinion

March 31, 2022

Our View: Senate GOP interrogates SCOTUS nominee

s Americans, we expect leaders to be put in positions of power that will benefit us to the fullest extent. Supreme Court Justices are no exception. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was introduced in late February 2022 and sat through a series of confirmation hearings to determine her competency as a potential Justice. Jackson’s legal experience includes: Supreme Court clerking, public defense work, U.S. Sentencing Commission membership, serving as a District Judge and currently as a judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals. She would be the only person on the entire current Supreme Court with all of these qualifications, making her confirmation that much more impressive. Despite her many years of experience in the courtroom, many senators and politicians are going to great lengths to prove her inability to act on the Court. Many viral videos demonstrate these efforts, such as Fox news host Tucker Carlson mispronouncing her name on national television before asking about her Law School Admissions Test score. This news clip about her LSAT score was particularly humorous because of Jackson’s placement at the top of her class at Harvard and her 8 1/2 years on the U.S. District Court. Another example is Sen. Ted Cruz continually questioning her about a children’s book titled “Antiracist Baby.” Jackson was not the author of this book, but it remained a hot topic for Cruz. He asked her several times about it, and she answered that it was not a judge of her ability to act on the Court, nor would curriculum be part of her purview. These two instances, while humorous to the everyday viewer, are prime examples of the treatment of Jackson. They seem absurd, and that is because they are. In typical hearings, nominees are questioned about their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, their prior writings, decisions or research and their education. Judge Jackson’s hearings have included some definite tests of

Cade Utterback/The News

knowledge, but overall they contain the idea that these senators and politicians try to present her as incompetent. At The News, we believe Jackson is being subject to misogyny and implicit racism in her hearings. As a Black woman Jackson will have to go the extra mile to prove her qualifications in comparison to a nominee like Amy Coney Barrett. Both are women; however, Barrett was confirmed very quickly and was not subject to ineffective questioning from her GOP counterparts. It appears they did not feel it was necessary to question her as harshly as they have Judge Jackson. Although she has more education and experience than any current Justice on the Court, Jackson is being made to appear as if she is “less than” through the impossible standards given to her. She has more than proven herself, but she is still being torn down at every opportunity by politicians trying to

belittle her because they feel like they can. We at The News also believe she has continually been asked questions that differ from those that could be considered constructive. Jackson was interrupted and disrespected by Cruz numerous times throughout her hearing. It was obvious that he was not there to find out how much she knew about necessary legal topics, but to find out just how far he could push her. She was asked about topics like “antiracist babies” and her definition of a woman. These topics were blatantly being used to distract her from the ultimate goal of placement on the Supreme Court. Despite the intimidation tactics used by Cruz, Jackson is still on track to become the new justice. Overall, Jackson has proven herself. She managed to answer the trivial questions gracefully and did not falter.

She has maintained her composure and respect despite being disrespected at every turn by politicians and leaders. Her leadership ability speaks for itself and should not go unrecognized. As followers of the American government, we have to have expectations for our leaders. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a prime example of a leader worth listening to, because she has proven that she is willing to listen. Rather than offer a legitimate concern, leaders and influential figures like Cruz and Carlson insult our intelligence with nonsense. These hearings have shown us now more than ever that sexism and racism still persist in our country and have been allowed to show in our politicians. If we can’t put trust in our leaders to facilitate change, we will become a dying country. We certainly can’t claim to be “the greatest country in the world” if our citizens feel misrepresented and discriminated against at every turn.

THE

Murray State

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The Murray State News

Dionte Berry Editor-in-Chief dberry11@murraystate.edu

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Sports

March 31, 2022

Dave Winder/Racer Athletics Steve Prohm was named the 17th head coach in Murray State histroy on Monday, March 28.

Men’s basketball announces new head coach Steve Prohm named 17th head coach in Murray State history Jakob Milani Sports Editor jmilani@murraystate.edu Former Iowa State Head Coach Steve Prohm will be returning to Murray State men’s basketball as the team’s 17th head coach. Prohm’s return was announced at a press conference on March 28, following the departure of former Head Coach Matt McMahon, who was announced as Louisiana State University’s new head coach a week prior. “It’s great to be back in this gym and it’s great to be back as your coach,” Prohm said at the press conference. “Obviously, it’s a different challenge going to the Missouri Valley Conference, but I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be here.” Prohm was an assistant coach for the Racers from 2005-2010 before becoming the head coach from 2011-2015. After leaving Murray State, he spent the

next six years at Iowa State and the last year as a free agent. Many notable people from Murray State spoke before Prohm at the press conference, including Murray State University President Bob Jackson. Jackson praised Prohm as a coach and was excited to have him back at Murray State “Steve Prohm is one of the finest coaches in this country and one of the finest coaches ever at Murray State,” Jackson said at the press conference. Jackson said he and Athletic Director Kevin Saal and his staff had been working for many days on end to find a new coach and then upon deciding on Prohm to bring him in. Saal went on to detail what the search process was like for his staff. “We envisioned an ideal profile for our next basketball coach” Saal said. “Stepping into a new conference, it became very clear it would take someone

who had a proven commitment to character, integrity, student athlete development, community, family, and excellence.” With all but one scholarship player from Murray State entering the transfer portal or declaring for the draft over the last week and a new conference on the horizon, Prohm may have a big challenge ahead of him as the Racers’ new head coach. Saal said it would take a lot of determination for the new head coach. “It was important for us to identify not just a proven and accomplished coach, but one that could embrace the incredibly high standards here at Murray State,” Saal said. “Steve Prohm represents these and many other qualities. His skill set, experience, and genuine love for Murray State will effectively guide our program as we enter this new journey.” In his time as a head coach at both Murray State and Iowa State, Prohm has mentored eight

different NBA players, including Murray State’s Isaiah Canaan. He has won 62% of games in over a decade of experience as a head coach, winning 78% as head coach at Murray State. He also has seven seasons as head coach with 20 or more wins. As a head coach, Prohm has won five conference regular season and tournament championships and has coached in four NCAA tournament wins, an NIT quarterfinal and a CIT Championship. He has also been named Coach of the Year twice in his career. “I’ve been very fortunate and had a lot of success,” Prohm said. “Very pros to elite point guards to Big 12 titles, OVC titles, long winning streaks, postseason berths. But that’s all behind me. It’s time to refresh. This program embodies success and for the last decade, it’s been elite,” Prohm said. “The standard hasn’t changed. It expects to compete and win championships as we move forward.”

Sports

March 31, 2022

Softball win streak hits 14 straight games Jakob Milani Sports Editor jmilani@murraystate.edu A two-game series sweep over the Austin Peay Governors on Tuesday, March 29, pushed the Murray State softball team’s win streak to 14 straight wins. A walk-off single in the first game and a shutout pitching performance in the second game was enough to give the Racers the series win over the Governors. GAME ONE Junior right-handed pitcher Hannah James took the mound for the Racers in game one. She entered the game with an 8-11 record on the season and started 27 games on the season with 149 strikeouts up to that point. James was quick to strike in the first inning as she struck out all three batters in the top of the first. The Racers were unable to capitalize as they left two runners on base in the bottom of the second, including senior right fielder Logan Braundmeier who hit a single up the middle to start the bottom half of the inning. James continued her dominance on the mound with three more strikeouts in the top of the second inning and another two batters in the top of the third inning, bringing her strikeout total to eight for the game. It wasn’t until the fifth inning that the Governors made their first hit of the series with a single from graduate shortstop Brooke Pfefferle. She was then thrown out at second on the following play when junior third baseman Gracie Osbron threw a ground ball over to junior second baseman Lindsey Carroll.

Jesse Ordunez/Racers Athletics Freshman infielder Erin Lackey hit a walkoff single to give the Racers the win in game one against Austin Peay.

Freshman designated hitter Kylie Campbell was the first to score in the top of the fifth inning after a single from junior left fielder Kendyl Weinzapfel brought her to the plate to give the Governors a 1-0 lead. James managed to strike out the last batter of the inning though to bring her strikeout total for the game up to nine. The Racers left more runners total on base in the fifth and sixth innings, leaving five runners on base through six innings. As the game went into the final inning, the Governors starting pitcher, senior right-hander Harley Mullins, had just one strikeout but had held the Racers scoreless. Singles from sophomore catcher Taylor Jackson and freshman outfielder Isabella Wilson, who was in to pinch hit, set the Racers up to tie the game. But, freshman infielder Erin Lackey, who was batting .133 on the season,

put enough power on the ball to bring both runners home and give the Racers a walk-off 2-1 victory. James struck out nine batters in the her ninth win of the season. Despite leaving five runners on base in the game, Lackey’s third hit of the season was enough for the Racers’ win. GAME TWO Game two saw a seven-inning pitchers’ duel between the Racers and the Governors. Sophomore right-hander Kamryn Carcich took the mound for her eighth pitching appearance of the season, boasting a 1.33 ERA heading into the game. The Governors were quick to shake Carcich with a double from senior third baseman Lexi Osowski, but Carcich forced the last batter into a line out in center field to end the top half of the inning. Austin Peay’s starting pitcher, sophomore right-hander Jor-

dan Benefiel, took the mound for the 20th time this season, sporting a 3.05 ERA. Her first inning of play saw a strikeout and two groundouts, leaving Murray State hitless after the first inning. Carcich allowed another hit in the top of the second when senior first baseman Emily Harkleroad singled to left field. Carcich then walked sophomore catcher Mea Clark before ending the inning with a popout and leaving two runners on base. The bottom of the second inning was where Benefiel started to struggle as she allowed a double from Osbron followed by hitting Jackson and sophomore first baseman Lily Fischer with pitches. With the bases loaded, Wilson stepped up to the plate and got her eighth hit of the season to bring in Osbron and Jackson, giving the Racers a 2-0 lead. Those were the only runs the Racers needed as sophomore right-hander Jenna Veber took over in the fourth inning and held the Governors scoreless for the remainder of the game. Despite striking out six times and leaving five runners on base, the Racers defeated the Governors by a score of 2-0. Veber and Carcich combined for the win, striking out just three batters and allowing three hits between the two pitchers. The Racers had just three hits in 21 plate appearances, with those hits coming from Wilson, Osbron and Fischer. Murray State improves to 24-8 on the season and 8-0 in conference play. The Racers will travel to Eastern Illinois to take on the Panthers in a three game series on Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3.

Lifestyle

March 31, 2022

Horse donation advances equine education Erinn Finley Staff Writer efinley@murraystate.edu

barn near Chicago donated a 12-year-old thoroughbred named Duncan to the Murray State Equestrian program last year. Sue Robinson is a coordinator of riding, coach and lecturer in the Hutson School of Agriculture. She said they use Duncan for hunt seat riding and jumping classes and the equestrian team rides him in competitions. “He has made an excellent horse for us,” Robinson said. “I use him in my basic hunt seat class, and he is used by the teams. We took horses to MTSU when we went there and rode, and he was one of the fence horses we took. He did a really good job.” Hunt seat is a style of riding that requires a specific type of saddle. Robinson said it is the style of riding seen in the Olympics. Robinson said Duncan was trained for hunt seat riding before he came to the University, but he was still green. She said he has come a long way and is now no longer green. Robinson said the equestrian center staff is selective about which horses are accepted into their program. She said when horses are offered for donation, the equestrian staff will keep the horse for a trial period of 30 to 60 days to see if the horse is sound and can fit into their program. “Not every horse will take multiple riders and stay sane,” Robinson said. “Some horses will do fine with one rider … all the time, but if you change

riders and abilities on them, they don’t do well.” The IRS requires a donated horse to be kept for three years if the person is claiming a donation, and Robinson said this is part of the reason they are selective about which horses they accept for the program at Murray State. Robinson said Duncan was energetic and in need of a more advanced rider when he first came for his trial period, so they kept him longer than the usual time. She said they need horses that can handle both inexperienced riders and advanced riders. Robinson said the program has received multiple donated horses over the years. They received several this past spring and a high dollar dressage horse and a reining horse, several years ago that recently did well in the semi-finals. Robinson said they have just under 50 horses for student education purposes. Students are not allowed to ride the horses outside of class without specific approval from the equestrian center staff, who keep charts to ensure the horses are not overworked or overridden. The equestrian program includes beginning riding classes, basic western and hunt seat classes, intermediate riding classes and an advanced class in either western or hunt seat is offered every other fall. Robinson said they also have a special class in which a student is given a project horse to ride regularly. These horses are not ready to be ridden in basic classes and students will further

Erinn Finley/ The News Twelve year-old thoroughbred, Duncan, was donated to the Hutson School of Agriculture.

the horse’s education under the guidance of an instructor. Robinson said beyond this class, some of the advanced equestrian team riders will have a project horse to ride regularly and help train. One such student, current Racer 1 jockey Madison Kirby, worked with Duncan over the summer after he was donated. Kirby, a sophomore agriculture education major, said she enjoyed her time working with Duncan. Kirby said the first step when they get a horse is for a coach to ride the horse to ensure the horse is safe, after which the students then begin working with the horses. “We just start them back on

basics, see what they know, see what they don’t know and just work really slowly to see how they’re comfortable in our program,” Kirby said. Kirby said she came four times a week during the summer to ride Duncan, who at first took off a lot, changed his canter leads without permission and did other things the rider didn’t want him to do. Kirby said Duncan was her first project horse at Murray State. “When I was riding him at the beginning, I really liked him,” Kirby said. “He wasn’t ever dangerous. He was eager to learn and wanted to learn. We just had to learn what buttons to push and not to push to make him happy here and figure him out.”

After two years, Tater Day returns to Benton Luke Wood Contributing Writer lwood10@murraystate.edu

hen one goes through Benton, Kentucky court square on the first Monday in April, they will be greeted by a nearly 200-year tradition. The Tater Day Festival dates back to the mid-19th century. It was a three-day festival, farmers market style, that happened on the county court square. However the normally annual festival has not happened for the past two years due to COVID-19. At the 2022 Tater Day Festival there will be vendors at the Artisan Market with an array of goods for sale along with a wide range of activities for attendees such as carnival rides, a demolition derby, a dog show and much more. Tater Day began as an event for townspeople to celebrate spring and trade sweet potatoes, but it eventually evolved into a celebration to honor the sweet potato as well as the people who grew them. It is the only festival in the world meant for the celebration of sweet potatoes. The festival became an annual tradition expanding further from the original idea of the farmers market and into the carnival theme. The festival continues to adapt and change over time. “Although the meaning has changed over the years, the idea of celebration, as well as uniting as a county, has continually stayed the same,” local resident Helen Wood said. Marshall County residents

are excited for this year’s festival, considering the last two years Tater Day has been unable to occur because of COVID-19 protocols. Being a gathering of a large group of people in a confined space broke every protocol they had. “I am looking forward to having Tater Day this year as much as anyone, but we must follow the guidelines set in place for everything to run smoothly,” City of Benton Mayor Rita Dotson said. The county will not require masks, but will encourage them to be worn, as well as watching the CDC guidelines and state and national regulations. Along with Tater Day’s festivities local political figures use the festival window for campaigning purposes, as well as a meet and greet with the public. “Marshall County thrives off Tater Day, and as a political figure in this county, I depend on it to advance my platform,” County Commissioner Monti Collins said. “I also use this to my advantage when it comes to advertising my locally owned real-estate business.” In a year in which COVID-19 has halted so many public activities, some people feel as if this is a step back to normalcy. “We must fight back and take steps into getting back to normality,” local preacher Robert Chandler said. “I feel as if there is no better way than us going forward with having Tater Day.” For those interested the full Tater Day Festival schedule, it can be seen at explorekentuckylake.com/events/taterday.

Photo courtesy of Tater Day Facebook event page Tater Day will be held in Benton Kentucky from April 1-4 and will feature many vendors and activities.

Featuring April Flavors Now! Bunny Punch Tea Key Lime Pie Shake Carrot Cake Shake with Fat Reducing Frosting April Showers Tea

Lifestyle

March 31, 2022

Nominees line up for 52nd annual Ms. MSU title Hannah Foote Contributing Writer hfoote@murraystate.edu

hough traditionally held in Lovett Auditorium, the Ms. MSU Pageant will take place in the Johnson Theater this year. The Campus Activities Board branch of the Student Government Association hosts the pageant. Each spring, the Board chooses a new Ms. MSU to represent the University. The student chosen as Ms. MSU will go on to represent Murray State in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in May for a chance to be crowned queen of the festival by Gov. Andy Beshear, as well as represent the University at other community events and parades. The currently reigning Ms. MSU, Hannah Irvin, said she is thankful for her time as Ms. MSU. “The Ms. Murray State University scholarship pageant is a beloved tradition of the University that I am so honored to be a part of,” Irvin said. Ms. MSU will not be able to qualify for other state or national pageants, but will receive a scholarship. In the fall, registered student organizations had the opportunity to nominate women to represent their organization. This year, the Board considered around 50 nominees. The Board interviewed the nominees to determine the 15 advancing to compete in the pageant.

The pageant starts with the Top 15 performing the opening dance and giving introductions. Then, they will complete a formal walk in a ball gown of their choice. Afterwards, the judges will choose the Top 5 to continue. The Top 5 will complete a one-minute speech portion. From there, the overall scores will be determined to decide the next Ms. MSU. Ms. MSU has functioned as a spokesperson for the University since its founding in 1922. Her duties include: riding in the Homecoming Parade, meeting incoming students at orientations and acting as a role model on and off campus. The role has undergone changes over the years, as well as name changes. At one time the role was held by members of the cheerleading squad. It wasn’t until 1970 that the Student Government Association took over Ms. MSU. Previous Ms. MSU winners have gone on to compete in other pageants on their own accord, winning local and state pageants. For example, former Ms. MSU Jackie Taylor held Miss Kentucky USA in 1986. “The Top 15 contestants competing in the pageant this weekend were selected based on their outstanding commitment and representation of the MSU campus,” Irvin said. “While it has been such a joy to represent this university both on campus and in the community, I am so excited to crown

Photo Courtesy of @murraystatesga Instagram The annual Ms. MSU pageant will be hosted on Saturday, April 2nd, in Johnson Theater.

the 2022 Ms. MSU and watch her own journey begin this weekend.” Ms. MSU must be academically driven and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Other than this, judges look for someone who is a skilled public speaker. Those involved with the pageant hope to promote self- confidence and reward outstanding students. “In truth, the Ms. Murray State

Pageant this is not just about pageantry, but it is about empowerment, self-esteem, self-confidence and so much more,” according to the Student Government Association’s page on Murray State’s website. The pageant will take place on Saturday, April 2nd at 7:30 p.m. There will be no general admission due to limited seating.

Charli XCX embraces pop star persona in ‘CRASH’ Dionte Berry Editor-in-Chief dberry11@murraystate.edu

n her fifth studio album “CRASH,” Charli XCX takes inspiration from nostalgic pop bangers to work toward perfecting her sound. Charli XCX, known off stage as Charlotte Aitchison, released “CRASH” on March 18 and followed it with the deluxe version, which includes four additional songs, on March 25. On “CRASH,” Aitchison strives to elevate her pop sound. On her previous album, “How I’m Feeling Now,” Aitchison embraced hyperpop to describe the suffocating feelings of isolation during the pandemic, as well as the salvation of her romantic relationship. “How I’m Feeling Now” was well received by critics for its experimentation and personalization, as well as its transparent creation process, which took place in Aitchison’s home during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Unlike “How I’m Feeling Now,” “CRASH” is an album about relationships, breaking up and moving on, but there’s also a focus on loss with Aitchison dedicating “CRASH” to friend and fellow artist SOPHIE who died in early 2021. “CRASH” has an ’80s and 2000s pop influence that’s not only woven with nostalgia but is also a culmination of all her projects thus far. “My prior four albums and two mixtapes, those six bodies of work, encapsulates all the different things I think pop music could be,” Aitchison said in an Apple Music interview. “All of those things feel like the little puzzle pieces that I want pop music to be, and on this final album, I feel I have used all of the different puzzle pieces.” “CRASH” is also the final album Aitchison will be releasing as an artist under Atlantic Records label, with which she has had a complicated relationship. Aitchison also said in her Apple Music interview

that “CRASH” was an opportunity for her to utilize popular label music and financial resources. Starting the 16-track deluxe edition of “CRASH” is the title track “Crash,” which acts as an album intro, where Aitchison feels as though she is “about to crash.” Following “Crash” is “New Shapes,” featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polacheck. I love the zooming, bright synths, and Polacheck’s vocals are a clear standout in the song. “Good Ones” is the lead single and created the tone of what the album would become. It creates a edgy persona for Aitchison, in which she is letting go of someone who is a so-called good guy. “Beg For You” has an early 2000s influence in the chorus, drawing from the song “Cry For You” by September. The song features Rina Sawayama, but the song falls flat in creativity despite both artists having played major roles in recent pop music. “Baby” starts with a violin introduction which turns into a clicky-clackity beat with bass in the background. Overall, it seems like Aitchison wants to dominate a possible lover, almost like she is the devil on their shoulder, guiding them to indulge in their bad impulses. “Lightning” is a stand out ’80s reminiscent track. I enjoy how she uses a vocoder against silence that goes into a beat-drop moment with a lightning strike in the background. “Yuck” is a smooth breakup song with an amazing slithering synth throughout it. Aitchison highlights how another’s gestures of love and flirtation can feel overwhelming. “Selfish Girl,” “How Can I Not Know What I Need Right Now,” “Sorry if I Hurt You” and “What You Think About Me” are a part of “CRASH (Deluxe).” The four extra tracks are more reminiscent of the bright avant-pop of Aitchison’s past projects, such as her mixtape “Pop 2.” “CRASH” is an album into which

Photo Courtesy of @charli_xcx on Instagram The deluxe edition of Charli XCX’s fifth studio album ‘CRASH’ released on March 25 .

Aitchison channels her own personal experiences of love and loss, but she leaves it open for listeners to identify with the music and apply it to their own lives. Is “CRASH” groundbreaking compared to her most recent projects? No. But for music to be good, it does not have to be nuanced or totally innovative, and Aitchison knows this. Despite the mainstream sound, “CRASH” has solid and cohesive production. “CRASH” is more than just an album. It is a glimpse into how Aitchison feels about her role in the music industry. In her promotion of “CRASH,” Aitchison would make cryptic and satirical posts about what the music industry does to pop stars, such as selling their souls in order to succeed.

On “CRASH,” Aitchison embodies the mainstream pop route her label wanted her to take, but her dubious album promotion pulls the curtain back on the industry and allows the album to function as her vindication During the Zane Lowe interview, Lowe said Aitchison has changed the shape of music, and I agree with him. “CRASH” may have a radio essence to it, but Aitchison’s purpose with the album makes it an efficient and strong piece of work. For that I give “CRASH” a seven out of 10. After being in the music scene for nearly a decade and concluding her record label deal, I am excited to see what Aitchison has in store for the music world. For a rundown of each song go to TheNews.org for the full article.