JASMINE CHAPPELLStaff Writer

A 10-member student delegation will represent KC at the biennial Community College Day Tuesday in Austin. The event will include meetings with area state legislators and a tour of the House and Senate Chambers.

Dr. Bill Holda, KC president and board chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, will also participate.

Community College Day gathers students from Texas community colleges and allows them to discuss their overall educational experience.

According to the Texas Junior College S t u d e n t G o v e r n m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n , students will have an opportunity to voice their concerns about increased tuition and topics such as grants and scholarships that have not kept pace with costs and why community colleges should be adequately funded due to increased enrollment.

More than 750,000 students were enrolled in Texas public community colleges during Fall 2012, compared to the 560,000 students at public Texas universities and 123,000 students at independent colleges and universities, according to the TJCSGA website. These figures represent 52 percent of all Texans enrolled in post-secondary education.

Seventy percent of all first-time college students in Texas begin their college education at a community college.

Community colleges are known to be more convenient and affordable, but with state budget cuts some students are prolonging their education because they cannot keep up with the costs.

“Some students cannot afford the same opportunities as other students who attend universities,” said Tashia Adams, Crowley sophomore and KC Student Government Association president. “Community colleges can help students transfer to universities without putting their education on hold.”

The TJCSGA has created a Texas Association of Community Colleges five-point campaign for the 83rd Session of the Texas Legislature that assures students will become transfer and workforce ready.

“The decisions made in Austin will impact the costs and quality of education students receive at community colleges,” said Edward Williams, residential life director. “I hope the students realize that their involvement in the political process matters.”

The Flare Vol. 76 No. 12

Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Friday, February 1, 2013

Breaking news, videos and extended coverage at www.theflareonline.com

Students to voice opinions in Austin

Inaugural ceremony rescheduled

Freshman Lakin Kerby warms up with a couple of catches. The Rangers will kick oɈ their inaugural season 12:30 p.m. Monday at Stream-Flo Field.

See Page 8See Page 6

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

KEIRA PHIPPSStaff Writer

Due to wet conditions at Stream-Flo Field, Wednesday’s inaugural softball ceremony and game were postponed until 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, when the Rangers will face North Central Texas College.

This year KC introduces the college’s first softball team in school history.

The Rangers’ inaugural season opener was scheduled for a doubleheader against Grayson County College. Despite the cancellation, KC will play over the weekend and return home Monday for their first home game and festivities.

The inaugural ceremony will begin with the introduction of

the team and remarks from KC President Bill Holda and Board of Trustees President Will Roberson, followed by Holda throwing out the first pitch.

“I’m sad that we didn’t get to play as scheduled,” said Jalla Johnson, Elkhart sophomore. “We were all excited and I know everyone was ready to come out and support us, but Monday it will be awesome and I know we’ll be ready to play.”

Rangers head coach Leslie Messina is the former head coach at Texarkana College (2005-2012). At TC Messina led her teams to five conference championships, two regional championships and earned the school’s first two appearances at the National Junior College Athletic Association National

Tournament. Since TC dropped all intercollegiate sports last year, KC will take TC’s place in the Region XIV North Division.

“We are so excited to begin a new tradition of athletic excellence with women’s softball,” said Jimmy Rieves, athletic director.

The Rangers travel to Galveston this weekend to participate in the Galveston College Tournament. KC will go head-to-head with Blinn College today at 9 a.m. followed by a 3 p.m. match-up versus Western Texas College.

Saturday the Rangers continue tournament play facing University of Houston Victoria at 9 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. game versus Alvin College. KC will end the tournament batting up against San Jacinto College.

Forged in

FlamesFlames

SUPERSUPERBOWLBOWL XLVIIXLVII

Rangerettes in D.C.

Q Tashia Adams – Crowley Q NaKeya Callaway –Mesquite Q Kris Dobbins – Kilgore Q Jessica Espinosa – Overton Q Ashton Johnson –Kilgore Q Dustin Kincaide – LongviewQ Carnelius Lewis - Carthage Q Sammie Jo Oller -Gilmer Q Jackson Threadgill - HendersonQ Morris Williams II - Antioch, Tenn.

Q Edward Williams - residential life directorQ Ross Costanzo - student life assistant director

KC’S CAPITALDELEGATION

“! at’s how we roll.”Garrett Ballard, le" , and Zack Smith high-# ve a" er completing a training exercise. KC Fire Academy students learn to put their lives in coworkers’ hands and become a family. See Page 4

Randi Vinson-Davis / Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARETHE FLARE

FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1,

2013

NOTEBOOK

FRIDAY, Feb. 1Q High School Art Symposiumnoon- 3:30 p.m. DSC Ballroom/ Dodson AuditoriumQ Softball Galveston College Tournament9 a.m. and 3 p.m.., Galveston

SATURDAY, Feb. 2Q Twirler Clinic 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Masters GymQ Softball Galveston College Tournament9 a.m. and 1 p.m., GalvestonQ Lady Rangers vs. Blinn College4 p.m., Masters Gym

SUNDAY, Feb. 3Q Super Bowl XLVII, 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY, Feb. 4Q Inaugural Softball Celebration, Stream-Flo Field, 12:30 p.m. Rangers vs. North Central Texas College 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

TUESDAY, Feb. 5Q 25 percent refund for dropped courses or withdrawal from schoolQ Community College Day in Austin

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6Q Softball vs. Temple College 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. TempleQ Rangers vs. TJC7:30 p.m.Masters GymQ Lady Rangers vs. TJC 5:30 p.m., Masters GymQ Intramural Girls VolleyballCarpeted Gym

FRIDAY, Feb. 8Q NEXT ISSUE OF THE FLARE

SATURDAY, Feb. 9Q Lady Rangers vs. Panola College 4 p.m., CarthageQ Rangers vs. Panola 6 p.m., CarthageQ Softball Tournament6 p.m., Carthage

MONDAY, Feb. 11Q 20th class day- last day for any refundQ Full Throttle Courses beginQ Softball vs. Hill1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Stream-Flo Field

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13Q Lady Rangers vs. TVCC 5:30 p.m., Masters Gym Q Rangers vs. TVCC7:30 p.m., Masters GymQ Intramural Girls VolleyballCarpeted Gym

THURSDAY, Feb. 14Q Valentine’s DayQ KC Retirees Valentine’s Luncheon 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., DSC Ballroom

FRIDAY, Feb. 15Q KC Foundation Board Meeting 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., DSC BallroomQ McLennan Community College Softball Tournament TBA, Waco

SATURDAY, Feb. 16Q McLennan Community College Softball Tournament TBA, WacoQ Rangers vs. Paris Junior College 4 p.m., Masters GymQ Lady Rangers vs. Paris Junior College2 p.m., Masters Gym

Feb. 1 – Feb. 16

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

The Flare

Carter BloodCare hopes to draw crowd

Private pilot ground school starts Feb. 4

AARP o! ering tax help at KC-Longview

FACE IN THE CROWD

Kristen & Tina StephensDaughter and Mother

How’s it like going to school with your mom? ... It’s great that she’s going back to school. Is it every kids’ dream to attend school with their parents? No. But I’m proud of her and what she’s accomplishing.What is your major? .. I

might major in sports medicine or something in that general direction and minor in some business area.Where are you going after

KC? ... I think I’ve got my mind set on UT Tyler, but if I have another option it’s probably A&M. What made you decide to

go to college? ... I decided to go back to college after I got a divorce, and my daughter Kristen graduated high school. I wanted to go back to work, but didn’t have necessary skills

needed to get a good-paying job.What held you back before?

... Taking care of my kids and money. I was also a little intimidated of going since I’m a lot older than most kids.What’s your major? ...

Business; forensic accountingHow is school treating you?

... I’m really enjoying school very much. I was a little scared at first, but made the transition smoothly. I’ve made new friends and the teachers are very helpful. I even made the Dean’s List for Fall 2012.Do you ever see your

daughter around school? ... In the library or passing on the way to class. Sometimes we eat lunch together but our schedules do not allow for that every day.Where are you planning to

transfer? ... UT-Tyler

HUNTER HUGGINS Staff Writer

High school senior art students are showcasing their best artwork at the KC Art Symposium today. The symposium is a 30-plus year tradition at KC which gives East Texas students the opportunity to submit their portfolios with a chance to win a KC scholarship, including the L'Louise Graham Scholarship for $2,000 and the Jeanne Velde Scholarship for $1,600. These scholarships are named for former KC instructors.

Art instructor Carolyn Fox-Hearne estimates that beginning at 8:30 a.m. today 300 to 500 friends, family and art lovers will gather in the ballroom of the Devall Student Center to view the various types of art, ranging from colorful paintings, photography, to even pen and ink drawings.

Two art professors from Stephen F. Austin State

University are judges. Peter Andrew is a member of the New York Society of Illustrators, and Runcie Tatnall has been a professional in the art world since 1995.

The judges will also give a presentation about themselves and their works 10:25 a.m. today in Dodson Auditorium. Their paintings are also on exhibit in the Turk Fine Arts Gallery.

At 1:15 p.m. the 10 best portfolios will be announced. Then just 15 minuets later, the winner of the $1,600 scholarship will be declared, followed by he grand prize winner of the $2,000 scholarship.

Other scholarships include the KC Vsual Arts Scholarships, ranging from a four-semester total of $800-$1,200.

Professional presentation portfolios will be awarded to the top five entries, and 10 Regional Certificates of Accomplishment will be awarded.

This event is free and open to the public.

ASHLEY MORALESPage Editor

The Baptist Student Ministry will be hosting a Bible study 7 p.m. every Monday this semester.

"The Gathering" study will focus on of the book of James.

Anyone can join the study and it will be led by students or Shelly Webb, director of the Baptist Student Ministry.

"The book of James is a practical book that deals with things like anger, prayer, the power of tongue and how to apply our faith in everyday life," Webb said.

For more information, con-tact Webb at swebb@kilgore.

Art Symposium todayRoss Stroud (left) and Carly Hedrick view artwork by SFA art professors Peter Andrew and Runcie Tatnall on exhibt in the Turk Fine Arts Gallery. Andrew and Tatnall are judges for this year’s Art Symposium.

Kris Dobbins/ THE FLARE

KC ART SYMPOSIUM

DEZIRAE BURNETTStaff Writer

Members of the Wesley Foundation will be traveling to the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, located just outside of Palestine, to take part in “Pursuit,” an all-campus weekend retreat for United Methodist Campus Ministries, Feb. 15-17.

The retreat offers students an opportunity for fellowship, fun and spiritual reflection. Participants of the retreat will also be given the opportunity take part in workshops such as “Why Are Guys Like That?” “Four Secrets about Men” and “Finding Biblical Truths in our Pop Culture Films.”

Reservations must be made by noon Monday, Feb. 4, with $25 paid at this time.

Students who cancel are asked to either find a replacement or pay an additional $60 to cover what the Foundation has already paid in order to lower the price of the retreat.

WHITNEY HOWARDStaff Writer

This upcoming week, KC will once again offer the Private Pilot Ground School, a 16-week course over the basics of aeronautical knowledge.

For those interested in a career as a pilot, the course is the basic ground school for the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Certificate. It is required to know these

fundamentals to obtain a private pilot certification.

Students will be instructed by Alan VanDoren, a certified flight instructor who introduced the idea to KC last year. VanDoren was also the director of flight at LeTourneau University beginning in 2008.

Students will cover the principles of flight, radio procedures, weather, navigation, aerodynamics and Federal Aviation Administration regulations

and will be offered Monday evenings Feb. 4 through June 3.

The course costs $450 and the students will have PowerPoint and assignments available to them online. Students will receive a book and supply list at registration.

For more information, call Jan Washburn, administrative assistant for the dean of publice services/audit and records coordinator, at 903-983-8677.

TwirlingworkshopSaturday

BSM hostingBible studies

WHITNEY HOWARDStaff Writer

Beginning Feb. 4, American Association of Retired Persons Tax Aides will provide income tax preparation help to low-income residents and retirees.

Tax help will be given 1-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the KC-

Longview campus Hendrix Building, Room 107.

KC has provided aid for tax preparations for about 20 years and has given volunteer tax aides space to do their work. Volunteers are well-trained professionals, including CPAs, who give up their time to do customers ‘tax returns at no cost.

According to Julie Fowler, executive

dean of education at KC-Longview, the volunteers sometimes take their work home with them in order to maintain time-efficiency. It makes for a quicker service because the information can be sent in the same day.

While the service is set up for the low-income, Fowler also said, “I’ve seen them take in just about anybody… It’s really a wonderful service for them.”

JASMINE CHAPPELLStaff Writer

Save a life by donating blood from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the west end of the Devall Student Center parking lot.

Carter BloodCare will be sponsoring the event and all students and employees are welcomed. Last semester Carter BloodCare received 29 units of blood surpassing its goal. This semester the center hopes to

meet or exceed that amount. Every donor will receive a Dallas

Star hockey puck and be entered into the Dallas Stars experience drawings that includes luxury suite tickets complete with complimentary food and beverages. Donors will also receive two mezzanine seats to a Dallas Stars game for the price of one.

To be eligible to donate blood, one must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs. and bring a valid Texas

I.D. Donors cannot give if currently taking antibiotics for treatment.

Before giving blood, donors should eat a low-fat meal within two to four hours, drink lots of water or juice before and after donating and also avoid alcoholic beverages for 12 hours before and after donating.

Carter BloodCare covers approximately 60 counties and more than 200 hospitals and medical facilities with nore than 1,100 people benefiting from the donation of

blood. Around 30 blood drives are hosted a day.

“It takes us all to work together,” said Charlotte Jordan, recruitment consultant.

Jordan noted donations this month have been slow due to the weather and people affected with the flu and viruses.

“We encourage people to donate blood to help save a life because there is no synthetic substitute for blood,” Jordan said.

ELLEN REIDStaff Writer

Saturday, Feb. 2, the KC Twirlers will host the 17th annual twirling workshop for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Registration is $40 at the door and includes tuition, snack and a T-shirt. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in Masters Gym.

Showoffs, open for family and friends, will begin at noon in Masters Gym.

For more information, call 903-983-8182 or email sransom@kilgore.edu.

Wesley retreatset Feb. 15-17

DEZIRAE BURNETTStaff Writer

The search is on for the new members of the 2013 Texas Shakespeare Festival Company. Since December, actors from across the nation have been auditioning for one of 22 available spots with the group. Each year, close to 1,500 men and women, from New York to Kilgore, each prepare two Shakespeare monologues and one song to perform for a five-minute audition. The auditions in Memphis, Tenn., from Feb. 8-11 are expected to see nearly 1,000 auditions alone.

Eleven men and four women are selected as actors with each performing in three or four major roles in the four plays produced by the Festival. The productions for this performing season include “Comedy of Errors,” “The Winter’s Tale,” “Camelot” and “The Foreigner.”

“My job is to look for training that has versatility,” said TSF Artistic Director Raymond Caldwell.

The actors cast for these plays must be talented in all areas of performance. They must be able to sing, dance, act and speak without a discernible dialect. These skills are necessary because of their not being cast in a single role, but many roles.

Caldwell said they must be able to adapt quickly and effectively to the other personas they will be portraying.

An additional seven actors will

become part of the company as interns, who will act in smaller roles of the major plays. These interns will also serve as the sole actors of the children’s play which has yet to be determined.

After hiring lighting technicians,

costume designers, the actors and the remaining members of the production staff, the TSF Company will consists of approximately 85 members.

Performances begin in late June and continue for five weeks.

N EWS 3PAGETHE FLARE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Graduation application deadline March 1

Vanessa Sterling and Nick Henderson act in “Measure for Measure” during last year’s Texas Shakespeare Festival.

TSF PHOTO

TORY VAN BLARCUMStaff Writer

The KC Ag Department is getting a new look this year. The courses, faculty and look of the farm are all in the process of changing. The Ag Club has changed its name to the Agricultural Student Association. Dr. Karl Steddom, a Texas A&M University plant pathologist, is now in charge of department.

“There are big changes coming and lots of hands-on work,” Steddom said.

The ASA plans on planting its first organic and conventional crops next week. The crops will be planted at the KC Agricultural Demonstration Farm in Overton. With the fruits and vegetables they grow they would like to sell shares of the crops to students and faculty.

The department also invites students to come out to the farm and help out with the crops for some fruits and vegetables as their pay.

Other projects going on at the farm include new fences, refurbished classrooms, a lot of cleaning and changing the look.

Steddom has trimmed the curriculum to four courses to better prepare students for a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. The first is intro to agriculture that is taught in one unit in the classroom. Next is animal science which consists of four units, including labs and lectures. The labs are taught at the Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The next course is agronomy also taught at the research center.

Steddom teaches the final course called horticulture, which is mainly taught at the A&M Research Center. Steddom plans on a lot of interaction in the area and a lot of hands-on work.

The ASA has been busy recruiting lately and trying to rebuild the program.

For more information, contact Steddom at 903-983-8656 or email him at ksteddom@kilgore.edu

MASON MEHRENSStaff Writer

A free tutoring lab, called The Zone, is available to students who struggle with various subjects. Tutoring is available 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the Student Support Building, Room 119. Students must show their KC ID to use the lab. Tutoring is available

in mathematics, science, reading, English, social studies, speech and most core curriculum courses.

“We try to have a tutor in every subject,” said Kasey Nisbett, lab coordinator.

A computer lab is also available for use. Printing is allowed and the first five copies are free. Every copy after that is 10 cents a page.

Appointments can be scheduled and walk-ins are welcomed.

The Zone was created by Sarah Keith in 2001 when she was the director of student development.

Tutors are not available on Fridays; however, students can still come in and take advantage of the computer lab.

For more information, contact Nisbett at 903-988-7491.

ASHTON JOHNSON Co-Executive Editor

March 1 is the deadline to apply for May graduation.

Students must submit a graduation application through Campus Connect by the specified deadline to receive a degree or certificate. Those completing graduation requirements in Summer I may participate in the May graduation ceremony.

Applications may only be completed online. To complete an application, log on to Campus Connect by using your school I.D. number and personal four digit pin. Then go to the “student information” drop down menu and click on “graduation application.” Students need to complete the graduation survey and submit the application.

Students must be registered in their remaining courses before submitting a graduation application.

Students who graduate do not have to participate in the graduation ceremony.

All graduates who have indicated a desire to participate in the ceremony on their graduation applications will receive instructions by student email approximately one month prior to the graduation ceremony.

There is no graduation fee; however, students participating in the ceremony must purchase a cap and gown.

Caps and gowns can be purchased

through the bookstore beginning about two weeks before the ceremony until 3 p.m. on graduation day.

Diplomas are not awarded at the graduation ceremony, but will be mailed when the Registrar’s Office certifies that all graduation requirements have been met.

The Spring 2013 commencement ceremony is set for May 10 in Dodson Auditorium with two ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

! e Zone o" ers tutoring, printing services

More than 1,500 audition annually for summer Shakespeare festival

TSF seeks actors, interns Big changes for Ag Club,including new name

Where there is smoke there is fi re. Where there is family there is love.

Chuck Clemens, 51, carries a hose toward the fi nish line in the SCBA training drill at the KC Fire Academy training fi eld.

Gabriell Wise prepares her SCBA gear to be worn during step two.

Zach Smith, JeɈ Adamo and Jonathan Mize race to complete step one.

Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

S PO T L I G H TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 20134PAGE

T he KC Fire Academy is certified and well recognized. Currently the students have

completed the first three weeks of the academy with nine more weeks to go.

Mike Fennell, lead instructor and 30-year Longview firefighter now retired, strives to teach the men and women who attend to learn how to work together as a team and create certain tasks that mirror those of a real station.

“Here at KC we strive to put out the best firefighters possible,” he said.

He requires the students to do certain tasks at the end of each day, such as emptying the trash and vacuuming the floors.

The Texas Commission of Fire Protection mandates that during the course of these three months each student must complete 470 hours of training. The students are at school from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, even some Saturdays, and are required to attend classes as well as run drills.

At the beginning of each course, Fennell divides his students into different engine companies, similar to a real fire station’s shift groups, to help them learn teamwork.

“They learn to laugh together, cry together, sleep together and bleed together,” he said.

Each student at the KC Fire Academy is unique in his/her own way, but Chuck Clemens is by far the most nontraditional. At 51-years-old, Clemens is the oldest student in the academy.

After high school he was given the opportunity to enter into a fire academy, but didn’t pursue it. This opportunity came around again and he has more drive now than ever before. Many of his friends are firefighters which lead to the rekindling of his interest in becoming one himself.

Due to his age, Clemens will not be able to hire on with a station after completion of this course because each station has an age cap, but this isn’t stopping him.

Though Clemens believes firefighting is much harder than an 8-5 job, he is unrelenting. He is determined to serve his community. After graduation, Clemens plans to become a safety officer with OSHA certifications as well as fire certifications and volunteer in his own time. His favorite part of the training exercises thus far is Rescue Randy, a 185-pound dummy that simulates the rescuing of an unconscious victim.

This dummy helps the students learn to remove a victim from any situation that the real-life scenarios may throw their way. Clemens believes that this class is not only one that helps build individual strengths, but also the ability to develop strong bonds, turning coworkers into a second family.

“This is a brotherhood and a sisterhood. You leave the station together and come back together,” Clemens said. His pride in his accomplishments is evident.

Among the students are four individuals who came a very long way to attend this academy. Jeff Adamo, class president, drove approximately 2,450 miles from Vancouver,

Students from Engine Company 3, from left, Sean Bassham, Ryan Baird, Chuck Clemens, Ty Ottaberry and Gary Rai walk to step three of a four-part obstacle to drag Rescue Randy, Rescue Reggie and fi ve hoses over a length of approximately 50 yards in less than two minutes and 30 seconds.

Randi Vinson-Davis / THE FLARE

Forgedin Flames

Canada. At 29 years of age, Adamo has already worked for his hometown fighting wildfires for six years. He felt that the KC Fire Academy was the next step in his career and was drawn here because he has a very strong interest in structural fires. Adamo’s favorite part of his training is the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus drills. SCBA drills are conducted in order to condition and build stamina for the soon-to-be firefighters as they are required to put on 40-50 pounds of safety gear.

When Adamo returns home, he plans to work for the Vancouver Fire Department. Like his classmate, Adamo believes that this course brings each student into a brother-sister bond.

“It’s a brotherhood and because there are women, a sisterhood. Everyone has your back and you have everyone else’s backs,” Adamo said. “It’s hard to compare this job to any other normal job because you have your partners’ as well as victims’ lives in your hands. You essentially look after one another the way siblings would.”

Gabriell Wise, 19, is the only female attending the academy this semester. As a little girl she would ride along with her father, uncle and brothers to many fire scenes and sit in the truck to observe. She has always been like one of the guys so it feels normal to be the only female.

“It is harder for me than the guys, but I have no plans to quit. The guys are very good at encouraging me and we all feel like family,” she said.

She has volunteered in Hawkins, her hometown, for approximately two years and has had the same type of relationships with her coworkers that she has here.

Recently, Wise attended the A&M SCBA training camp and felt that the KC Fire Academy was the next step because it is much more in-depth.

Wise said she has an opinion when it comes to her favorite drill. “Well, Rescue Randy is not my friend,” she said, jokingly.

Her long-term goal is to be on a large city fire department.

“I love volunteering in my hometown, but I want to be in a big city. The population in Hawkins is like 1,200 people, so I want to go somewhere like Tyler,” she said.

She eventually wants to be an arson investigator, a specialized firefighter that is called to a scene when an intentional fire is suspected. This certification will require her to go to EMT school as well as the police academy.

In addition to the on-site academy, students can become certified online. Students are required to read chapters and pass online tests in order to attend the two-week on-site portion of this course. Fire Academy director Ronnie Gothard, teaches these students all of the skills the state requires to become a certified firefighter.

The Texas Commission of Fire Protection has certain requirements and expectations of each fire academy in Texas, all of which KC meets or exceeds.

At the end of this three-month course,

all students are required to take a test to become certified which will make them eligible to hire on with any fire department of their choosing.

The KC Fire Academy is very well spoken of, drawing on average 7-12 students from Canada each year.

“Students come from all over and we are thankful and proud of that,” said Jason Barnes, instructor.

Many things are expected of each student, such as completion of safety drills, Personal Protective Equipment drills, SCBA drills completed under one minute, dragging and unrolling hoses as well as live fire week. Each one of these drills has its own purpose and teaches the students how to conduct themselves in live events like rescue and hazard situations.

In addition to the academy teaching so many skills and producing firefighters, graduates learn two important things: trust and teamwork. Over the course of just three months, these men and women learn to put their lives into their coworkers’ hands and become a family. To some, even Rescue Randy feels like a brother.

MAEGAN MITCHELL Sta! Writer

JEREMY GARZAStaff Writer

The big uglies working the offensive line aren’t always the most appealing players in the NFL Draft, but tell that to Oklahoma Sooner offensive tackle and former

KC player Lane Johnson who impressed scouts during this past week’s Senior Bowl.

Johnson played one year at KC back in 2008 and his only involvement working with the offensive line was standing under center as a quarterback.

During his quarterback campaign at KC, Johnson was listed at 6’6 230 pounds. According to the official University of Oklahoma athletic website SoonerSports.com Johnson has put on necessary weight, now coming in at 303 pounds.

Johnson completed 32 of 61 attempts, at KC, throwing 510-yards and three touchdowns. He also had the opportunity to run the ball,

rushing for 24 yards in 17 attempts and one TD.

During KC’s 2009 spring off-season, Johnson was moved over to tight-end until he transferred to Oklahoma where he played multiple positions. The Sooners lined him up as a tight-end, defensive end, right tackle his junior year. His senior year he found a home at left tackle.

This year Johnson was named

Third Team All-American by CBSSports.com, All-Big 12 Second Team by coaches and Academic All-Big 12 First Team.

CBSSports.com has Johnson as No. 11 in its Top NFL Draft Prospects and No. 3 of all offensive tackles behind Texas A&M’s Luke Jockel, who is predicted to be this year’s No. 1 overall pick, and Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher.

S POR T S THE FLAREFRIDAY, Feburary 1, 2013 5PAGE

Rangers feelBulldogs’ bite

Johnson predicted to go in the fi rst round

Former KC Ranger o! to NFL Draft

Rangers to host football tryouts Saturday, Feb. 9

Lady Rangers hope to recoup after tough lossLady Rangers to host Blinn with hopes of bouncing back from 47-42 loss to Angelina

Rangers point guard Lonnie McClanahan drives in the paint with hopes of putting up two points for KC. The Rangers went on to beat Bossier Parish, 67-56, Saturday.

O. Rufus Lovett / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE

SHENIECE CHAPPELLSports Editor

Down 42-40 with only a minute left in the game, the Lady Rangers just could not get over the hump.

“I don’t fault their effort, but I do fault their mentality,” said head coach Roy Thomas.

With two opportunities to tie the game and possibly win, the Lady Rangers failed both times by missing shots and fell to the Angelina College Lady Roadrunners, 47-42 on Jan. 26.

“All through the game we played like we were behind instead of taking control,” Thomas said.

The Lady Rangers had 31 turnovers in Saturday’s game. They also shot 59 percent at the free-throw line making 13 of 22 attempts.

“I’m not satisfied; I’m a long way from it,” Thomas said. “We play like we’re a summer league team.”

Gabrielle Jackson was the lead scorer of the game with 13 points. Victoria Billingsley was close behind with eight points.

“I want to get more out of our post people, Bladine N’Goran and Maria Leaks,” Thomas said.

N’Goran and Leaks each added five points to the Lady Rangers’ scoreboard. They had a combined 10 rebounds, two steals and three assists.

Cieara Jimmerson and Amanda Lawson put up four points apiece and Keira Phipps had three. The Lady Rangers shot 35.9 percent from the field, making 14 of 39 shots. They were one for eight from 3-point range. “This season is frustrating,”

Thomas said. “Our decision -making isn’t great and we

haven’t grown as a team.” “The Lady Rangers’ toughest

opponents are themselves,” Thomas said. “There’s no reason for us to not finish in the top three or four at the least. These last two losses were games we should’ve won.”

Despite being their own worse enemy, Blinn and Angelina are also competition for the Lady Rangers.

“Blinn has one loss and Angelina has two,” Thomas said. “Then there’s Jacksonville knocking on the back door.”

The Lady Rangers are a little over the halfway point in the season and will host the Blinn Lady Bucs 4 p.m. Saturday in Masters Gym.

Guard Tanisha Winston said the team has been working all week for this game.

“We are very prepared,” Winston said. “We just need to play what we practice.”

Playing at home with its home crowd cheering them on can be an advantage for the Lady Rangers.

“We haven’t lost a conference game at home yet,” Thomas said. “My motto is always win at home and try to on the road.”

Going into Saturday’s game everyone is active to play. There are no major injuries so far this season.

“I can handle winning and losing but not how we’re playing,” Thomas said. “I hope they take what we learn and apply it to the game and keep doing what we’re doing.”

The Lady Rangers will face rival Tyler Junior College 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Masters Gym as the first game of a double header.

MASON MEHRENSStaff Writer

Students will have an opportunity to show their skills and make the KC football team on Saturday, Feb. 9. Registration for the combine will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.

The combine should last a couple of hours and will begin immediately following the registration. Head coach J.J. Eckert said KC will be looking for

players at all positions. Participants are required to

bring their own cleats, workout clothes and shoes.

This tryout will provide the opportunity for athletes to showcase their abilities to the coaching staff and possibly earn a football scholarship or walk-on position.

“In the past, we’ve offered scholarships to players who have done well,” Eckert said.

A $20 fee is required to compete in the combine.

JORDAN MOSSStaff Writer

KC vs. NAVARRO

KC headed into Wednesday night’s contest ranked No. 18 in the nation with an 18-3 record (8-3 conference). The conference-leading Navarro Bulldogs (17-4, 9-1 conference) were not ranked, but after defeating KC 69-59 there was little doubt they should be.

The Bulldogs started fast on an 11-0 run preventing the Rangers from scoring their first point of the evening until 4:36 had burned off the clock. Navarro led at the half, 36-19.

In the second half KC managed to fight within seven with only 1:06 to play; however, Navarro made sure they would not be overtaken.

The Rangers shot 62 percent from the from the free-throw line, going 31 of 50. Most of the successful free throws came in the second half; the first half saw KC shoot only 12 for 24 from the line.

Sophomore Lonnie McClanahan led KC in scoring with 17, including 13 for 17 from the line. Fellow sophomore Maurice Taylor also had a solid night for the Rangers, contributing 13 points and seven rebounds. The Rangers as a team shot 13 for 39 from the field for 33.3 percent.

KC has played well all season but head coach Brian Hoberecht knows there is still work to be done.

“That was a playoff game tonight; that was a really good playoff game tonight and we’re still learning,” Hoberecht said.

The game should prove a valuable learning experience for the Rangers since Navarro is a good indicator of how tough tournament competition will be.

“There’s some patience involved in developing this thing,” Hoberecht said.

With seven games remaining before the Region XIV Tournament the Rangers will be looking to finish the regular season strong.

“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves,” Hoberecht said.

KC now sits at 18-4 (8-4 conference) and will have a bye this Saturday but returns to action 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Masters Gym as the second part of a double header against rival Tyler Junior College. The game will decide who takes possession of second place in the North Zone of Region XIV.

KC vs. BOSSIER PARISH

The KC Rangers bounced back from Jan. 23 loss with a 67-56 victory over the Bossier Parish Cavaliers on Saturday. The win at home improved KC’s record to 18-3 on the season (8-3 conference).

Sophomore guard Quinton Upshur led all KC players with 26 points, including two late three-point shots to help seal the win for KC.

“He (Upshur) gave us a calming effect…with his playmaking abilities,” Hoberecht said.

KC led for the first 10-plus minutes of the game before Bossier Parish went up 16-15 with 8:10 remaining in the half. The Cavaliers’ advantage was short-lived as the Rangers regained control of the game, taking a 31-26 lead into halftime.

The opening six minutes of the second half saw KC go on an 11-2 run to take control of the game. Bossier Parish showed it would not go quietly and fought back to regain the lead 48-47 with 8:26 to play.

With 3:38 on the clock Upshur hit a three-pointer putting KC up 57-56.

The Rangers did not trail again, finishing the contest with a hard-earned 67-56 victory.

“I thought we did some good things. I thought we played a lot better than we did last Wednesday night,” Hoberecht said.

KC vs. PARIS

The KC Rangers headed into the Jan. 23 game at Paris Junior College with a 17-2 record (7-2 in conference) ranked No. 15 in the nation. They left with a tough loss, falling 62-58 to the Dragons.

Paris started fast with a 7-0 run in the opening minutes of the contest and never trailed. Sophomore guard Quinton Upshur led the Rangers with 18 points. The Dragons out-rebounded the Rangers 40-30, something head coach Brian Hoberecht contributed to being a reason for the Rangers’ defeat.

“Tonight they (Paris) controlled the aspects of the game that had to be controlled,” Hoberecht said.

The Rangers managed to close the gap to 27-25 at the half; however, Paris opened the second half on an 8-0 run. Kilgore fought hard and closed within two, 60-58, following a three-point shot by Upshur with 19 seconds remaining on the clock.

The Rangers were forced to begin intentional fouling to prevent Paris from running out the clock. In the end the Dragons hit their free throws and held on for a tough victory.

The Dragons were 16 for 22 from the charity stripe while the Rangers went 14 for 26.

Rebounding and free throw issues plagued the Rangers.

“This is going to give us something to get better at and hopefully we take advantage of it,” Hoberecht said.

Freshman Rangerette blogs about her time in D.C., performs at presidential inaugural ball

Lone Star shines bright in capital

The Black Tie & Boots Presidential Inaugural Ball is presented quadrennially by the Texas State Society. This was the Rangerettes’ fourth performance at the ball.

Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert, above, addresses the Rangerettes before they perform, right, at the Black Tie & Boots Ball Inaugural Ball.

All photos by Jon Vashey / Special to THE FLARE

DEZIRAE BURNETTStaff Writer

Editor’s Note: Rangerette and Flare staff writer Dezirae Burnett, Huntington freshman, travelled to Washington D.C. to perform Jan. 19 in The Black Tie & Boots Presidential Inaugural Ball. This is an excerpt from her online blog which can be seen at thefl areonline.com.

JANUARY 17

As our plane made its descent into the Washington D.C. area,

clouds enveloped the entire aircraft. It looked as if we were drifting through snow.

When at last the clouds broke, the aerial view was breathtaking. I immediately took notice of the Washington Monument and the Capitol shortly thereafter, looking all powerful sitting atop its hill over looking the town.

After navigating through the various terminals and inner networkings of the airport, I claimed my lone suitcase and took my first steps out into our Nation’s Capital, where I was immediately met by a gust of crisp D.C. winter air.

The town is cloaked in gray from overcast skies as we drive to our hotel. It is misting. Everywhere I look, I’m faced by some historic building or monument. I’m completely amazed.

It’s interesting to be surrounded by such old buildings nestled right alongside modern architecture.

The streets and sidewalks are narrow and bustling. Everyone seems to be in the biggest hurry.

Surprisingly, the Metro itself and the station are fairly clean.

Metro riders are very self-absorbed, paying no mind at all to the other riders.

The Metro took me to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The museum was both dark in lighting and in mood. Before the self-guided tour began, I chose an identification card that represented an actual Holocaust victim. The moment I read her name I got chills, chills that remained throughout the entire exhibit. My tour and my card took me on her journey through the persecution of her people and her time in encampment.

The images, the stories, the artifacts and the possessions of the victims were absolutely haunting. I was overwhelmed by the cruelty of man and how real it all was.

Near the end of the tour, there was a breezeway lined with thousands of shoes of concentration camp victims.

To paraphrase a quote from the wall there, because they were made of fabric and leather and not of blood and flesh, they escaped the flames of the crematorium.

My Holocaust victim was killed in a concentration camp at age 65. I concluded my tour by taking a moment of silence in her memory in the candle-lit, domed-ceiling remembrance room.

JANUARY 18

The air isn’t so cold on my second day here in D.C. We are riding the Metro to Mt. Vernon, the last stop on the route. We have switched trains twice. It is funny how I can be amused by such little things as emerging from the train tunnel and seeing the Potomac flowing beneath me, or all the tall, skinny houses all smashed together on a

street like a larger-than-life accordion. Virginia is a new world. Bus stops are

much less clean than D.C. It seems that everywhere I look is uphill. I love how it looks like winter here; fallen leaves litter the lawns of every home.

It’s no surprise why President Washington was so fond of his Mount Vernon plantation. The landscape is absolutely beautiful. The Potomac is as smooth as a pane of glass as seen from the back porch of the main house. The tour is like stepping back in time, with all the rooms furnished with authentic period pieces.

On the second floor of the house, my small tour group looks into the private bedchamber of George and Martha Washington. The room still serves as home to Martha’s original writing desk, as the room served as her office, as well as the bed that she had made for herself and the President – the bed where he later died. It was eerie to be in such close proximity to where he took his last breath.

My experience at Mt. Vernon concludes with a stroll through the various gardens and rolling, pale green pastures. Before finally making my way back to the bus stop, I pause and stare out over the vast plantation, committing yet another piece of our rich history to memory.

This evening we took a night tour of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. We stopped at each memorial. The air had a frigid bite to it as we made our four-hour trek through history.

The magnitude of just how many brave souls have lost their lives to protect the very way of life I too often take for granted is still unbelievable even with seeing each of the thousands upon thousands of individual names etched forever into the granite wall before me.

I stood captivated at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, in awe of its majesty. Inside the memorial itself, I couldn’t help but wonder what the permanently placed look on the 16th President’s face was. Was it pride? Concern? Concentration? Perhaps it was a mix of all three.

JANUARY 19

I welcomed the trip’s first rays of sunshine in the morning as I embarked on the day’s journey to Arlington National Cemetery.

Within the walls of the massive cemetery, the endless sea of white headstones held me

transfixed by the sheer magnitude of just how many souls had been laid to rest there.

I walked somberly down the pedestrian paths, taking note of the dates on each grave marker and the battles in which each person bravely fought.

At 11 a.m., I witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was completely silent on the hill on which the tomb sits, overlooking the city, except for the occasional clicking of a camera shutter.

It was as if time had joined the tourists in pausing out of respect for tradition, as the second Marine took the place of the one before him. The sun continued to smile down upon the Marine guard as he assumed his position in front of the tomb, before taking exactly 21 steps to the opposite side. His face was completely void of any emotion despite the sadness surrounding him and the bitter wind. And that was how we left him … pacing monotonously in front of the sacred tomb.

The Capitol was more grand than I could have ever imagined. The marble steps leading to its entry beckoned for me to come inside and experience another chapter from the history books.

Our tour, led by Congressman Louie Gohmert, took us throughout the halls of the Capitol. I felt honored to sit in the very room where just weeks from now, the President of the United States would address our country with the State of the Union. The dimly lit room hardly seemed fit to house such important events in history.

In the Senate, we were told that the sleek varnished desks were the very same desks used by President John F. Kennedy himself.

As we exited the Capitol, by way of the same path to be taken by the President on the day he delivers his State of the Union address, I was proud to have just explored the place where so many ground-breaking decisions were made that constructed my way of life as it is today.

JANUARY 20

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (where the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball is held) was just minutes away.

I stared, with my mouth agape, at the vaulted ceilings of the main lobby. I felt like a princess entering the finest of palaces. The ballrooms were filled with Texas decor: giant cowboy boots and greenery. Guitars dominated the floor space of the spacious

main ballroom entrance.In uniform, the Rangerettes lined the

staircases and greeted guests. Cameras flashed in every direction as elegantly dressed women and regal-looking gentlemen each fought for a picture with the young women in the red, white and blue.

Upon our entrance there was a collective gasp from guests all around us and whispers of “it’s the Rangerettes” spread around the room. The first beats of our music rocked through my body and caused a rush of adrenaline to pulse rapidly through my veins.

Taking the floor was a feeling like none other. From the crowd’s reaction, one would have thought that we were Justin Bieber.

The applause was thunderous as we exited, a smile more than a mile wide plastered on my face. My next two hours were spent on cloud nine as I glided from ballroom to ballroom taking pictures, meeting people and talking about my life as a ’Rette. I felt like a celebrity straight off a red carpet. If only they had asked for an autograph …

The magical evening was drawing quickly to a close but we had yet another surprise in store for us. Just as we were lining up to leave for our final performance, the one and only Josh Abbott Band rounded the corner and headed straight toward us.

Naturally picture taking ensued. It was surely a memorable moment as all 70 women crowded around the few band members, smiling like we had won a million dollars.

Finally, we approached the doors to the Maryland Room, where we were welcomed with an uproarious cheer. Spectators surrounded the dance floor and our music once again began.

The performance was made even better as we fed off the crowd’s intense energy. I left the ballroom to the sounds of hundreds of Texans clapping to “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

Tears of joy pricked my eyes as I gathered my belongings for the bus ride back to our hotel. I had never been so proud to wear the Rangerette uniform.

JANUARY 21

The shrill ringing of my alarm drug me from my sleep and brought me face to face with the early morning darkness of departure day.

Had it already been six days since I first arrived?

With my luggage safely stored in the undercarriage of our charter bus, we pulled away from the curb in front of the hotel. The sights of Georgetown slid past my window as our bus wove down the narrow streets of DC to the airport. Hundreds of inaugural parade participants were already at their posts, waiting patiently for the ceremony to commence.

Little did we know when we arrived that the airport had in store for us over an hour of waiting in line to check in our baggage, yet another 30 minutes to go through security, and a whopping 4 hours of waiting in the lobby in front of gate 32 before we finally began boarding.

When at last the nose of the plane lifted from the runway, I gazed longingly out the window to my right already eager to return once more to our Nation’s great Capitol.

ONLINERead Dezirae Burnett’s full blog entries, beginning with Day 1, at:http://tinyurl.com/rettesindc

At top, Crowds gather at the Capitol on the day of the president’s Inauguration. Above: The Rangerettes pose for a group picture on the steps of the Capitol.

S PO T L I G H TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 20136PAGE

YES. “If they are trained.”

M!"#

Let’s be honest. Who

doesn’t want to live like a

rock star? The fame–the

money–the endorsements–the

lavish splendor–the opposite

sex throwing themselves at you

constantly (or same sex for the

Ricky Martin or Lance Bass fans)

appeals to just about every person

chasing the American dream. In

fact, living the life of a rock star

may be the closest definition of

the American dream in itself.

The Australian rock band AC/

DC coined the phrase, “It’s a

long way to the top if you want

to rock ‘n’ roll,” and I am here to

tell you, dear readers, that they

couldn’t have said it any better.

Trying to be in a successful rock

band is absolutely romanticized

by the media, probably because

if people knew the nitty-gritty

details of what actually goes on

behind stage, fans

would flee as fast

as possible.

I have been

playing in bands

since high school

and have even

gone on tour with

one. To be able to

entertain people

with your music

you must be very

well rehearsed.

This means spending countless

hours in the practice room

writing, recording and reviewing

songs with the same dudes. I

spend more time with these guys

than my own girlfriend, but don’t

tell her that.

Eventually, your creative juices

produce enough material to

play a live set. To do this, you

have to have literally thousands

of dollars invested in guitars,

amplifiers, microphones, drums,

transportation, a trailer and

merchandise.

Don’t stop there, though! Not

looking like a complete dork on

stage is ridiculously important,

and that takes hours of practice

on its own. With that said, not

looking like a complete dork OFF

stage is equally critical, if not

more so.

In the band life if you are not on

stage, you are networking at the

venue. Most bands have to load

in equipment at the bar they are

playing at many hours before they

actually play, so there is plenty of

time to talk to other bands, club

owners, musicians or fans. In

reality, that is all there is to do.

I toured with a country band

once. It was our job to do this

every night. We would play for

two to three hours at a bar, find

food wherever it was available,

which would usually end up being

fast food (fat food), load/unload

gear and merchandise then sleep

in the van on the way to the next

gig while taking turns driving.

We would be lucky to find a

shower if we didn’t make enough

money to rent a hotel room. It is

truly a nomadic way of life, and

if your soul enjoys the comfort of

home, this is not the life for you.

However, if this is your cup of

tea, it can be the most rewarding

and liberating experiences that

can’t be found anywhere on earth.

Even though I may as well be

dating three other men and have

gone days without bathing just to

play some dumb songs in other

parts of the country, I wouldn’t

trade it for the world. Being

able to express myself through

rock music is where my soul

harmonizes with the rest of the

universe.

It is more than my calling; it is

simply me.

Travis Hull is a sophomore general studies major from Henderson.

Look at alternatives to arming instructors

TRAVIS HULLStaɈ Writer

Rock ’n’ roll lifestyle less glamour, more nitty-gritty

YOUR VIEW

OUR VIEW

Jesse KingstonLongview sophomore

Sandra PittmanLongview freshman

Michael J. Brown Longview sophomore

Sterling Sheppard Shreveport, La., freshman

YES. “At least one person should be able to have knowledge on what to do in a gun threat situation.”

Do you support arming teachers with guns in the classroom?

NO. “I don’t believe violence is the way to change anything.”

NO. “I don’t think teachers should have weapons.”

THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

All people holding editorial staɈ positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE refl ect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily refl ect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staɈ members, faculty members, administrative oɉ cers or the Board of Trustees.

THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_fl are@yahoo.com

LETTERS

DISCLAIMERTHE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by

the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

All people holding editorial staɈ positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE refl ect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily refl ect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staɈ members, faculty members, administrative oɉ cers or the Board of Trustees.

THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_fl are@yahoo.com

LETTERS

DISCLAIMER

The Flare2012 Sweepstakes Winner in Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association

2011 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors – Non-Daily College-University Division

STAFF WRITERSTameka Bullard, Jasmine Chappell, Dezirae Burnett, Dawn Dearion, Jeremy Garza, Kelly Gillit, Kelsey Hansen, Khandice Horn, Whitney Howard, Hunter Huggins, Travis Hull, Miles Marable, Mason Mehrens, Maegan Mitchell, Kade Morrison, Jordan Moss, Ellen Reid, Jessica Tolle and Tory Van Blarcum

PHOTOGRAPHERSKris Dobbins and Randi Davis-Vinson

VOL. 76, NO. 12 Q Friday, February 1, 2013 Copyright 2012, The Flare. All rights reserved.

CO-EXECUTIVE EDITORSAshton JohnsonBrittani Pfau

WEB EDITORJonathen Ruesch

ILLUSTRATORKelly Gillit

ADVERTISING MANAGERJonathen Ruesch

SPORTS EDITORSheniece ChappellPAGE EDITORSAshley MoralesKeira Phipps LAB MANAGERJamie MaldonadoADVISERBettye CraddockPHOTO ADVISERO. Rufus Lovett

OP I N I O N THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 7PAGE

With recent, and not so recent, tragedies

involving shootings on campuses

around the country, Americans have

found themselves dividing and subdividing

over who has the right to protect themselves

and how. A bill is currently in the process

of becoming a law or being vetoed by Texas

Gov. Rick Perry to remove the restriction of

concealed carry (handguns) on a college or

university campus. We do not believe this

will solve the problem of shootings on school

campuses. However it seems that Texans are

already preparing for guns on campuses.

“I’m not a betting man, but if I were, I would

bet the bill passes,” said KCPD Chief Martin

Pessink. He also added that the Kilgore Police

Department is already preparing to provide

training for teachers. “Just having the

license does not mean one has the training

in how to operate the weapon, let alone the

judgment making skills,” Pessink noted.

This refers to the difficulty in shooting and

possibly killing another human.

If an armed student or teacher draws a gun

to defend himself, Pessink says it would also

be difficult to determine who the assailant

really is, and that police officers are trained

“to respond to a drawn weapon.”

Our society does not teach us how to cope

with murder in self-defense like we are

taught to deal with anger or depression, so

why should we expect our teachers to face

the responsibilities of owning and operating

a tool that was designed to kill or maim a

living organism?

Bolstering already trained individuals

around our nation’s colleges may be the

best overall option instead of obligating

academic-minded teachers to become the

first line of defense. More officers of the

law could be hired and strategically placed

in buildings to make sure security measures

are kept in line.

Guns are designed to stop, injure and/or

kill. They don’t have personalities or motives.

They are tools, and like any other tool, they

are to be used by people to accomplish tasks.

Unfortunately, the tasks for which they are

intended come with many stipulations.

Using a gun for anything besides responsible

recreation usually comes with a felony

charge and perhaps even injury or death.

The first option should be to rely on the

campus police that are already trained and

on campus.

Another idea is to find alternative, non-

lethal, solutions to classroom security.

Letting teachers carry close or medium-

range tazers, which require a minimum

amount of training, could stop someone

without the fear of killing him. Wasp or

pepper spray is easy to use and a large

percentage of the population already carries

it.

No one wants to walk through a metal

detector at every entrance of every building,

and no one wants to have his personal

identification card checked multiple times

during the day, but as American citizens we

must ask ourselves: How far are we willing

to go to allow anyone to obtain a firearm?

Does violence not beget violence?

It seems certain that desperate times will

always call for desperate measures.

Poll Results:Yes - 59%

No - 41%

103 PolledL#

$$ %$

Illustation by Kelly Gillit / THE FLARE

S PO T L I G H TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 20138PAGE

COLIN KAEPERNICK, QBCOLIN KAEPERNICK, QB

RAY RICE, RBRAY RICE, RB

UNDERRATEDUNDERRATEDRaven’s Jacoby Jones was

picked up by Baltimore as a free

agent in the offseason and is now

their number three receiver. Last

year with the Houston Texans,

Jones became the number one

receiver after injured Andre

Johnson was sent to the injured

reserved list. Jones experience will

give Baltimore’s offensive attack a

more reliable options.

49ers’ LaMichael James was

drafted into a crowded 49ers

backfi eld in the second round of

the 2012 NFL Draft. Beginning of

the season James was the number

four running back in the depth

chart, but due to injured Kendall

Hunter and Brandon Jacobs,

James will see quite a bit of action

behind Frank Fore. A quick and

nimble James could be a great

change of pace for the 49ers

defense.~Jeremy Garza

They took the Har-WayThey took the Har-WayQ First brothers to Coach against each other in the Super Bowl.

Q Brother-in-law, Tom Crean, is the head coach of the Indiana men’s

basketball team.

Q John is 15 months older.

Q John was a backup defensive back at Miami (Ohio).

Q Jim made a cameo appearance on “Saved By the Bell.”

Q Ray Lewis’ fi rst NFL career sack was on Jim Harbaugh.

RAVENS KEY TO WINNINGIn Ray Lewis’ last career football game, he and his linebacking core

will have a busy night. The Ravens have allowed an average of 350.9

yards per game while the 49ers have offensively averaged 361.8 yards

per game. The linebackers will not only have to be able to contain

Colin Kaepernick and the read-option, but will also have to worry about

plugging in the gaps against Frank Gore’s running game.

~Jeremy Garza

49ERS KEY TO WINNINGQuarterback Colin Kaepernick has been a big talk for the 49ers offensively,

but tight-end Vernon Davis could be the biggest key moving the ball down

the fi eld. In the NFC Championship game, Davis had fi ve receptions for 106

yards and a touchdown. If he can fi nd open gaps around the defense he

could surely be a major factor in winning.

~Jeremy Garza

DEFENSEDEFENSE

OFFENSEOFFENSE

�8 million pounds of guacamole and 14,

500 tons of chips consumed on Super

Bowl Sunday

�6 percent of people call in sick the

Monday after the Super Bowl

�A 30 second Super Bowl spot is $3.5 Million

�Each player on the winning team

receives $88,000

�49.2 million cases of beer sold

�35 percent rise in pizza deliveries

�125 million chicken wings sold

Bowl FactsBowl Facts

Joe Flacco 22.4 22 10 87.7

Colin Kaepernick 130.9 10 3 98.3

(Rushed 75.6 YDS/G)

YDS/G TD INT RATE

Ray Rice 1,143 4.4 9 71.4

Frank Gore 1,214 4.7 8 75.9

YDS AVG TD YDS/G

Ravens

Ravens

49ers

49ers

Quarter Backs

Running Backs

COACH JOHN COACH JOHN HARBAUGHHARBAUGH

COACH JIM COACH JIM HARBAUGHHARBAUGH

Football Schedule / Flickr Creative Commons

Keith Allison / Flickr Creative Commons

www.sportslogos.net

Keith A

llison / Flickr Creative C

omm

onsKeith Allison / Flickr Creative

Commons

www.sportslogos.net

facts gathered from www.newsday.com

facts gathered from www.statisticbrain.com and advertising.about.com

statistics gathered from ESPN.com