Issue 14 2-13-15

Board acts on asbestos abatement

Awareness, police training recommended as incident thrusts Longview into national spotlight

Rally calls for ‘Justice’

Reinvest your refund for max benefits

Renovation OK’d

Protesters demonstrate outside of the Longview Police Department in downtown Longview last Saturday in support of the family of Kristiana Coignard, a 17-year-old girl shot by police officers at LPD in late January. The demonstration drew about 50 attendees ranging from local citizens to members of the hacktivist group, Anonymous.

PROTEST OVER POLICE ACTION

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

The Flare Vol. 78 No. 14

Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Friday, February 13, 2015

CHECK THEFLAREONLINE.COM FOR SCHEDULES AND ACTIV IT IES!

KATHRYN AGEEExecutive Editor

Protesters were making their voices heard at the Longview Police Department on Saturday, Feb. 7. The majority of the protesters were there to spread

awareness of the events surrounding the shooting of 17-year-old Kristiana Coignard. Three people were there to support the Longview Police Department.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Coignard walked into LPD brandishing a knife. She was confronted by three police officers in an ensuing scuffle and shot. The officers involved were placed on paid leave and the

Texas Rangers are currently investigating. Coignard’s father has since hired a lawyer.

On Thursday, LPD spokeswoman Kristie Brian said “We definitely appreciate all the support, but ask [police supporters] to stay at home and say a prayer for us. For the safety of our citizens, we just ask them not to come out.”

The protest in support of Coignard started at noon. There were about 50 attendees, including protestors, police and members of the media. Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds were represented. A gray fence blocked off people from the front of the police station where officers monitored the events. On the police station steps were blue balloons, police tape,

American flags and signs that read: “Back the Blue.”

A man who asked to remain anonymous was standing by the fence with a wooden rifle. He said he was there to support the movement. “Cops need to know it’s not OK to kill kids, no matter the case. They did not follow protocol. They need more training on handling the mentally ill.” He has three daughters, one in attendance at the protest. She said, “Someone should have seen a cry for help. They need to train officers better.”

By 12:30 p.m., there were about 65 people there. Many members of the hacktivist group Anonymous were in attendance, wearing their signature Guy Fawkes masks to show solidarity.

The Anonymous members carried signs with messages written on them, such as “At what age did you lose compassion?” “Stop lethal force on children,” ”Justice for Kristiana Coignard,””Arrest don’t shoot,” ”Stop police brutality,” ”Respect existence or expect resistance”, “Pro-cop, anti-murder,” “Mentally ill lives matter,” and “We come in peace.”

They also started chanting, “Don’t kill kids,” and “Kristiana didn’t have to die.” One Anonymous member shouted, “Why didn’t God stop Kristiana from being killed?” as a man stood nearby preaching scripture.

Matthew Sherman of Longview said,

See PROTEST on Page 10

NICK SHELLEYStaff Writer

The time of year has come for students to be refunded for classes that they decided not to take.

Students must spend their refund money wisely. It is best for students to spend the money on causes that would benefit them in the long run, rather than just spend all the money in a week on short-term pleasures.

KC hopes that its students will use the funds for educational purposes in the future.

Borrowed funds put more pressure on students to spend their funds wisely, as the money will need to be paid back. Students could also save the money.

Through a survey conducted among 182 students, a majority of the students plan to spend the money on bills or to buy groceries. A number of other students plan to save their money for summer classes.

The remaining students in the survey plan to spend their money on other needs, educational or not, such as to buy books or to go to the state basketball tournament.

KATHRYN AGEEExecutive Editor

The proposal for a long-term asbestos abatement plan was unanimously approved by the KC Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Monday night.

The proposal was submitted by Larry Snodgrass of ERI Consulting as an answer to allegations of unsafe asbestos removal brought forth at the end of the fall semester. The plan will include inspections and maintenance of all buildings on the KC campus, five buildings on the Longview campus, the Fire Academy Range buildings, and the Farm buildings. The project looks to be completed before the Fall 2015 semester, citing a 150-day target date.

ERI will work on a plan for each building in order to: prevent release of asbestos

due to accidental disturbance; inform maintenance staff of the presence of asbestos that may be encountered; provide guidance to KC trustees for budgeting future renovations; and allowing the public ready access on asbestos-containing building material in KC facilities. The management plan will take about 150 hours of field work and 80 hours of report preparation and peer review. The fees on the project will be $24,000.

In other action, the board unanimously approved a new Trustees’ Procedure Manual. This version, revised by trustee J. Karol Pruett, changed some of the wording in the manual and added information on how the Board should conduct themselves when being interviewed or interacting with the media.

The board also unanimously approved

the resignation of former board member Carlos “Scooter” Griffin, Jr. Griffin resigned in December, and board president James Walker called the official action, “a courtesy to a former board member,” lauding Griffin as, “always financially supportive of the college.”

The board met in executive session for an hour and a half to discuss Dr. Bill Holda’s annual evaluation, as well as legal and real estate issues, pursuant with Texas’ Open Meetings Act. When they emerged, the board voted 7-1 to approve Holda’s deferred compensation amount of $24,000, per his contract. Brian Nutt, representing Place 9, was the dissenting vote.

In discussion items, the board heard proposals by Holda and Duane McNaney,

See TRUSTEES on Page 3

VICTORIA WHITWELLManaging Editor

The board authorized the administration to proceed with a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the renovation of the Randolph C. Watson Library and Lee Mall area. The “library for today’s learners” will have extensive electrical renovations in order to allow more computers inside the building.

At nearly 50 years old, the library is planned to have “little exterior work and more interior work,” according to Dr. Mike Turpin, vice president of instruction. Some of the proposed renovations include first-floor restrooms and a coffee bar in what is being consided, “the interactive floor.”

See LIBRARY on Page 3

FLARE FINANCIAL AID SURVEY182 students who qualified for Financial Aid were asked how they planned to spend their refund money. Here are the results.

n Save it for summer classes. 24.2% (44)n Save it for future long semester classes. 14.4% (28)n Spend it on books and other educational needs. 22% (40)n Buy groceries or pay bills. 25.3% (46)n Pay down credit cards or other loans. 7.1% (13)n Buy yourself something nice/go on a vacation. 6% (11)• 12 gave answers that were not applicable.

1513 1981THIS WEEKBY THE

NUMBERS

n Number of years since the last original Peanuts comic strip was published, one day after creator Charles Schulz’s death.

n Researchers estimate up to 13 percent of the U.S. population believe in the superstitions associated with Friday the 13th. The fear is thought to have come from the Biblical Last Supper.

n The year in which Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon sets the record for most consecutive weeks on the Billboard Album charts. It debuted in March 1973 and didn’t leave until April 1988, after 724 weeks.

PAGE TWO THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates

Kelsea Briscoe

Ash Wednesday services set at campus locations

VICTORIA WHITWELLManaging Editor

Check-in for Ranger Preview Day starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in Dodson Auditorium. Bill Holda, president, Wade Cates, admissions counselor, and Ranger Ambassadors will welcome potential KC students.

Prospects will learn about admissions, campus life, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, various organizations at KC will have a chance to present themselves to preview day participants at the Academic and Organization Fair taking place in the carpeted gym and the Fitness Center.

Campus tours led by Ranger Ambassadors will also be available for potential students and their parents.

This year,be your ownvalentine

TIFFANY GRIGGStaff Writer

While Valentine’s Day is reserved for couples to measure their love for their partner in ounces of chocolate and dozens of roses, the following day can be enjoyed by those not in relationships under the title, Singles Awareness Day.

Singles Awareness Day is a chance for single people to get together with their friends and be happy. Since Valentine’s Day is all about love, spend the upcoming weekend loving yourself ! Below are a few ideas and events in the local area to ensure your holiday is a blast!

• Singles Awareness Day Party at Club V in Longview at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. • Indulge yourself. Go shopping, get your hair and nails done, or just watch some of your favorite movies.• Buy a dozen roses and go to a public place and hand them out to people who look sad; you might brighten someone’s day. • Bake heart-shaped cookies and hand them out to your co-workers or classmates.• Find a love for something, whether it be a new craft, activity or hobby.• Try out a new recipe and treat yourself to a nice dinner.• Invite your girlfriends over for a night of wine and Lifetime movies.• Invite your guy friends over for a night of sports and video games.• Go out and meet new people.Although Valentine’s Day is

commercialized to be about couples, view it as a day about love. Something everyone can relate to. If you’re single, focus on the love for your friends, your family, your pets and most importantly, yourself.

Age: 22 Hometown: White OakClassification: Sophomore

Sara Holmes/ THE FLARE

Why did you decide to come to KC? It’s close to where I live, it’s cheap and I get a scholarship for band.Why did you choose to play the clarinet?I play the clarinet because that is what I started playing in the sixth grade. I’ve been playing for about 10 years so I’m pretty tired of it. I’d like to play percussion or something cool like that.What is your major? Why?My major is fine arts because I can draw. I usually draw metal and kind of steam punkish stuff. It helps me focus in classes like Art History with Mrs. Fox-Hearne I would draw the buildings we had to remember. It actually helped.If you could be any fictional character who? Why?Walter White from Breaking Bad because he’s cool and gets crap done.What is your favorite thing about KC?Friendly people. The teachers are friendly. Mr. Kitchen or Mrs. Fox-Hearne are probably my favorite teachers, because they are both really cool and they are nice and understanding. They talked me into changing my major to fine arts.If you could change anything about KC what would it be?Classes would go from an hour to thirty minutes. Yeah, I would make classes shorter.What is the best way you’ve learned to study?To not to, or to cram thirty minutes before the test. I never study and if I do it’s usually cramming, but I make pretty OK grades.What do you plan to do after KC?Sit on a beanbag chair and eat Cheetos. Just kidding. Get a real job.What is your favorite day of the year?Christmas, obviously. Santa is real. I get presents from him and I’m 22. Santa is like Jesus — he forgives. Forgive and forget.How do you feel about Mondays?Actually, I look forward to Mondays, because I work doubles all weekend. Which is sad, but getting up this early really sucks. So

I guess better than most people, but I still don’t like them. If you do like Mondays then you’re pretty freakin’ weird. If you were a sea creature what kind of sea creature would you be?Probably a shark, because everyone likes and hates you at the same time. Then I’ll eat your arm off, like I am not scared. They are the best sea creatures.What is your dream pet?Like a liger, which is half lion and half tiger. I also want the mini dragons from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” The ones they pull out of the bag that chooses who they have to battle.If you could go anywhere, where you would you travel?Australia, because they have all the cool animals. It has all the zoos and stuff and it’s surrounded by water. I used to love The Crocodile Hunter and he has his own zoo there so I want to go there. I will not wear Crocs to this zoo. Maybe boots made out of crocodile skin, but Crocs are horrible.What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten and who was it by?My high school shop teacher, Mr. Caster used to say ‘Don’t do wrong, bad’ or ‘Sit down and do number B,’ or maybe my dad when I was like 12 and he said ‘You should wear deodorant.’” What is your favorite movie and why?“The Boondock Saints,” because it is amazing. You should watch it, it’s awesome. They kill bad people like they kill murderers and it’s ironic. It’s just really cool and they’re saints.If you had a pet unicorn what would you name it?Sugar Farts.

KEVON PRICEStaff Writer

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Christ the King Catholic Church will be holding events on campus to recognize Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18.

The Rev. Debbie Daigle of St. Paul’s will be at Lee Mall from 10 to 11:15 a.m. She will be providing more information about Ash Wednesday and giving out ashes to go. They will also hold a service at noon and 6 p.m. at their church. St. Paul’s is located at

314 N. Henderson Blvd, Kilgore. For more information, call 903-984-3929.

Christ the King Catholic Church will celebrate Mass with the distribution of ashes at noon and 6 p.m. They will also be providing a service in Spanish at 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Christ the King is located at 1407 Broadway Blvd. on the southwest corner of the campus. For more information, call 903-984-3716.

Every Friday after Ash Wednesday, Christ the King will also provide Lent services. This service will cover the 12 stations of Jesus

Christ’s journey on his way to be crucified, in celebration of the Easter tradition.

Ash Wednesday is the start of a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence in celebration of Lent season. On Ash Wednesday, Lent-believers are blessed, and then have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. The practice originated by the Roman Catholics somewhere around the sixth century. In the Old Testament, ashes were used for two purposes: As a sign of humility and mortality, and as a sign of sorrow and

repentance for sin.The Wesley Foundation will leave their

chapel open for students who wish to receive prayer sanctions. They also will provide their usual free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The Baptist Student Ministry and the Christian Campus Center will not take part in Ash Wednesday services, but will continue their free meal services this week. The BSM hosts lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Tri-C hosts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays.

Preview Day aims to lure future students

FACE IN THE CROWD

VICTORIA WHITWELLManaging Editor

Kramer Entertainment’s “Save A Life Tour” is coming to KC Mon., Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. tp 3 p.m. in Dodson Auditorium.

“Save A Life Tour” is a national alcohol awareness program that provides “state-of-the-art, interactive drunk driving simulation that truly shows how alcohol impairs driving skills” along with videos and stories of people who have lost loved ones to drunk driving.

A “texting while driving” simulator will also be provided for participants. For more information, go to www.savealifetour.com or call 1-888-655-7263.

Alcohol awarenessfocus of ‘Save A Life Tour’

Drilling a new futureTatum freshman leads in his first KC theatre production

GCHM honors Black History Month with Music and Arts through February

N E W S THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 3PAGE

VICTORIA WHITWELLManaging Editor

Taylor Farrell, Tatum freshman, is preparing

for his time to shine in the KC Theatre Department’s upcoming show, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” To his own surprise, Farrell will be playing the lead role of Rosencrantz in his first KC production.

“I didn’t know what to think of [being cast as Rosencrantz] until the first rehearsal started. I have a lot to get down in a certain amount of time. I really didn’t believe I had gotten the part,” Farrell said. He says he was in awe for about three days after he found out his role.

Feeling “a little bit of pressure and doing [his] best not to fall behind,” Farrell anticipates finishing Act III in rehearsals this week. Vocal projection, memorizing lines and blocking have been some challenges, but Farrell said he made these theatre fundamentals his priority. All pressure aside, Farrell is confident in his decision of switching his major from Automotive Technology to Theatre Arts.

“Automotive technology was something I wanted to try out, but halfway through the semester, I realized it just wasn’t for me. My mom told me theatre is what I should have been doing the whole time,” Farrell said.

Farrell ended up dropping his classes in the fall semester and going into the oilfield to work. With his focus still on graduating college, Farrell used his earnings from the oilfield to pay for classes in the spring semester. This time he knew he wanted to major in theatre arts, so he signed up for four theatre classes along with other curriculum required to graduate that added up to 17 credit hours worth of courses. Farrell said

he hopes his new major will take him far. Some of his goals include Farrell playing a broad range of characters and eventually being a part of the annual Texas Shakespeare Festival.

As for this production, Farrell says he didn’t know much about the show or the part of Rosencrantz when he first began. Farrell also said he isn’t very familiar with Hamlet, the play that “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” derives from. In researching his character, Farrell sees Rosencrantz as “intelligent but chooses not to act like it” and sees this role as a complement to the other lead, Guildenstern. A play known to have many philosophical themes, Farrell believes Guildenstern is more of the philosophical character, and Rosencrantz is the one in deep thought taking in what is being said.

Though opening night will be Farrell’s first time on KC’s stage, he is not inexperienced in theatre. Since his junior year of high school, Farrell has played the roles of Danny Zuko from “Grease” in a Broadway medley, Cinderella’s Prince in “Into the Woods, Jr.” and Henry Fielding in “The History of Tom Jones.” He credits his year-and-a-half of theatre experience as “more fun than the four years of sports” that he played in high school.

His advice for anyone who wants to be in theatre is, “You have to have a passion for it. When you have a passion for something, then whatever comes with it won’t phase you.”

Farrell’s run will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, through Friday, Feb. 27, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, in Van Cliburn Auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for KC students with a student ID.

The play is appropriate for

From Page 1

vice president of administrative services, concerning possible tuition increases for the next year. KC’s tuition is the fourth lowest in the state, and increasing tuition by a few dollars per course could increase revenue to the college by $400,000, they said.

The consent agenda was approved and various KC employment changes were accepted.

At the end of the meeting, Walker recognized and complimented Dr. Julie

From Page 1

The board was asked to approve the project at this meeting so prep work could begin and renovations could get started by the end of the Spring 2015 semester. The planned end-date for renovations is December 2015, but the board believes that Spring 2016 is a more realistic deadline.

“We’re just fine-tuning on the architect’s plans, so we could get something everybody’s going to be

proud of,” Turpin said. “Heating, air conditioning, and electrical installation for the computers should be the most expensive part of the renovation process.”

Additionally, the Lee Mall area, including where the Liberal Arts Building once stood, will be landscaped, with benches being added and the concrete “from Broadway to the bridge” being replaced as it is currently a hazard, Turpin reported during his presentation to the board.vation plans.

LIBRARY: Renovations slated

TRUSTEES: Tuition spikes discussion

all ages; however, children under the age of 7 will not be admitted. Late arrivals will also not be admitted. The box office will

open one hour prior to each performance. For reservations, call (903) 983-8126 or email the KC Theatre Box Office at

[email protected]. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour before the performance.

KATHRYN AGEEExecutive Editor

The Gregg County Historical Museum in downtown Longview is hosting a free Black History Month exhibit Feb. 1 to the 28.

This year’s theme is “There is Music in the Air.” The exhibit has photographs, artifacts, and documents celebrating and honoring the African-American community’s contribution to the music industry. It is sponsored in part by the City of Longview’s Cultural Activities Advisory Commission.

On Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m., former band directors John Samples and Gene Parker will be talking about their musical experiences within the African-American community, their music inspirations and their love of music.

John and Bobby Samples will also be playing a variety of musical selections.

The Gregg County Historical Museum is located at 214 N. Fredonia Street. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 903-753-5840.

Fowler, executive dean of KC-Longview, on her success with various programs on her campus.

Holda was positive about the evening. “I’m

optimistic about the board moving forward,” he said. “Considering all of the items on the agenda, I thought the meeting went very well. I was pretty pleased.”

Taylor Farrell will take the stage as Rosencrantz in KC Theatre’s upcoming production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”E’lexus Hodge / THE FLARE

Grand slam gives Rangers edge

Rangers lose two in heart-breaking fashionKC drops double-header against Temple at home by combined 3 runs

Jordyn Rogers winds up a pitch in her shutout victory against McLennan.O. Rufus Lovett / special to THE FLARE

S P O R T STHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 20154PAGE

LOGAN HOLLOWAYStaff Writer

The KC Rangers hosted the KC Invitational softball tournament on Saturday and finished the day with a 1-1 record.

The day's early matchup left Kilgore nursing a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Cisco. Renee Jones and Bianca Van Vlerah both singled in the loss while Keambria Hunter tripled. Jones was handed the pitching loss.

Suffice it to say, the Ranger's day could only get better after their humbling hiccup to start the tournament, and better was on the way thanks to the deterring devastation they inflicted upon the McLennan Highlassies to finish the day off.

Hayley McCullers set the tone for Kilgore in victory, fueling a five-run explosion of a second inning with a grand slam. Marisa Ledkins, Mallory Ford and Morgan Woodruff each earned a hit, while Mariah Goguen, Lexi Lopez and Jones combined to drive in four runs off their three singles to finish McLennan off 8-0. Jordyn Rogers earned the shutout, pitching the entire game and allowed only two hits and had six strike outs.

Show up to our job fairs prepared with help from Career Services.

We can assist you in preparing your resumé at our office in the

Student Support Building, Room 111.

Or call or e-mail us to talk about other ways we can help you take a solid first step on your chosen

career path. 903-983-8678 or [email protected]

Let us help you look

ready to work!

RICHARD NGUYENAssistant Sports Editor

The KC Rangers softball team fell short in a double header against the Temple College Lady Leopards on Wednesday, Feb. 11. KC kept both matches close losing by a combined 3 points dropping the first game 8-6 followed by a 6-5 heartbreaker.

The Rangers took an early lead in the first matchup behind Melina Sanchez’s huge performance. Sanchez homered, singled, and drove in four runs. The Lady Leopards answered back with three runs in the top of the second inning. The Lady Leopards pulled away scoring a run in three innings in a row. Sara Ralston had three doubles and brought home a

run for Temple. Hayley McCullers, Ledkins, and Kelsey Ancelote all tacked on a hit for the Rangers.

In the later game, the Lady Leopards took an early 5-0 lead over KC before they answered back behind the bats of Lexi Lopez and Marisa Ledkins. Lopez hit the Ranger’s second homer of the day along with driving in two runs. Ledkins hit two doubles and drove in two runs. Temple’s Lexi Smith would throw 16 strikeouts in a complete game clinching a 6-5 victory for the Lady Leopards. KC travels to Waco as they take on McLennan and Temple in the McLennan Tournament Friday and Saturday. The Rangers open the tournament against McLennan at 11:30 a.m. and face Temple at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Marisa Ledkins slides in for her second double of the game in a loss against Temple College.

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

Brilliant pitching as Rogers blanks Highlassies in 8-0 win

Lady Rangers injuries cripple playoff chances

Shaq Keith maneuvers around Jhaustin Thomas for the tough basket. Keith led KC in scoring with 17 points.

Not in the Cards

Down for the count

Rangers come up short against first place TVCC

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLAREDeshawnta Lyday tries to avoid the block and score the basket against a BPCC defender.

RANGERS 60 • CARDINALS 68

O. Rufus Lovett / special to THE FLARE

S P O R T S THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 5PAGE

RICHARD NGUYENAssistant Sports Editor

The KC Rangers were fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 14 Conference entering Saturday’s matchup against the first place Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals. The Cardinals pulled out the victory over KC at 68-60.

KC struggled to get anything going early in the first half, going down 6-0 before Shaq Keith put some points on the board at the free-throw line.

Keith would have a big day for the Rangers, scoring 17 points and dishing out 6 assists coming off the bench.

The Cardinals were led behind the play of guard Dedrick Basile. Basile led all scorers with 21 points, along with nine assists and four steals. The biggest steal Basile had was right before half time when he intercepted a pass thrown by Quantez Brown and scored a lay up with less than 2 seconds in the half. This play put the Cardinals up 31-30 at the half.

KC was able to out rebound the Cardinals 34-22, 19 of which were offensive rebounds. Despite the large number of offensive

rebounds, the Rangers were only able to score nine points off their second chance opportunities.

The Cardinals shot 55 percent from the field throughout the game, but they really showed their shooting abilities in the second half, shooting 13-17 from the field and 2-4 from behind the arc.

KC’s Bakari Copeland had a big day for the Rangers defensively along with pulling down 11 rebounds, scoring nine points, and tacking on four assists. Despite the Rangers being down by as much as 12 points, at one time they were able to pull within 3 points of the Cardinals in the closing minutes when Copeland connected with Keith from behind the arc.

The Cardinals proved to be too much for the Rangers in the closing seconds when Basile took a 15-foot jumper that gave the Cardinals a two-possession lead with under a minute to go.

Rangers 72, BPCC 63KC won on the road against Bossier Parrish Community College. The Rangers were led by Bakari Copeland – 18 points and eight rebounds – and Michael Thomas – 13 points and six rebounds.

DEVIN BROOKSSports Editor

The KC Lady Rangers were defeated by the two-time defending national champion Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinals 71-54.

This loss gives them a 3-11 conference record and a 6-15 overall record for the season. The TVCC Lady Cards are unblemished this season in conference play with a 14-0 record and a 22-1 overall record while the KC Lady Rangers are clinging to life at the bottom of the conference. They can still make a push toward the post season, but it has to happen now.

KC hung tight with TVCC the first half only trailing 30-25 at halftime. However in the second half TVCC ran away with the game outscoring KC 44-26. KC was out rebounded once again 41-23 during this game. They shot 32 percent from the field the entire game and 26 percent from behind the arc.

Guards Imabong Akpan and Darreion Clark posted double-digit point totals. Akpan scored 15 points and blocked two shots while Clark scored 12 had four assists.

KDOK RADIO/KC BASKETBALLBROADCAST SCHEDULE

SPRING SEMESTER 2015

Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Panola College @ Kilgore Women 5:20 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Panola College @ Kilgore Men 7:20 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21 - Kilgore Women @ San Jacinto College 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28 - Navarro College @ Kilgore Men 3:50 p.m.

All broadcasts are available online.www.kdokradio.com and www.kdok.com

Texas Sports Radio Network – www.tsrnsports.comNJCAA-TV/iHigh.com – www.njcaatv.com/njcaatv/

Score by half 1st H 2nd H Final

KC Rangers 39 33 72

Bossier Parrish Cavaliers 29 34 63

Score by half 1st H 2nd H Final

KC Lady Rangers 27 18 45

Bossier Parrish Lady Cavaliers 28 34 62

Lady Rangers 45, BPCC 62

KC trailed by one point at the half against Bossier Parrish Community College but ended up losing on the road. The Lady Rangers only have six available players due to injuries. Imaobong Akpan had 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Lady Rangers – 15-51 FG (29 percent), 4-22 3-pt (18 percent), and 29 rebounds. Lady Cavaliers – 25-54 (46 percent), 2-9 3-pt (22 percent), and 36 rebounds.

KC – 24-51 FG (47 percent), 3-13 (23 percent), and 37 reboundsBPCC – 24-56 FG (42 percent), 4-19 (21 percent), and 23 rebounds

Culinary arts studentcooks up time for 23 hours of classes

Family inspires others to adopt pets

Multi-talented student dances around classes

Ann and Terri York are the center of attention in their adopted family of dogs.

Jennifer Bassett practices during a Tuesday afternoon ballet class on campus. Bassett juggles 23 hours of classes, including time-intensive Culinary Arts coursework.

E’Lexus Hodge / THE FLARE

E’Lexus Hodge / THE FLARE

F E AT U R E STHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 20156PAGE

TEXAS STAR RESCUE749 Etheredge Road

Longview, 75602 903-660-2035

CORGI & CRITTERS N.E.T.RESCUE, INC.181 Velma Drive Kilgore, 75662903-918-3352

HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTH-EAST TEXAS

303 Enterprise Street Longview, 75604

903-297-2170

PETS FUR PEOPLE1823 County Road 386

Tyler, 75708 903-597-2471

SPCA OF EAST TEXAS5318 Old Bullard Road

Tyler, 75703 903-596-7722

TSR LOUISIANA BABYMOMMA’S

8856 Youree Drive Suite D Shreveport, La. 71115

318-797-8523

Local Animal Rescues

LEAH BRYCEFeatures Editor

Peering out from between the metal bars of their cages, rows of puppies, kittens and senior pets attempt to draw each person’s attention who walks through.

Eyes filled with sorrow, the abandoned animals beg for new homes with caring families. These animals come from the side of the road and families that cannot, or will not, care for them any longer.

One of these caring families is KC’s own York household. The York family has rescued countless animals from being homeless and have either accepted them into their family or most commonly found families for the abandoned animals to go to.

“Over the years I’ve lost track of how many animals we have rescued,” Terri York said. “One year we rescued nine animals that were left on our property because people just dumped them.”

Rescuing pets after they are left runs in the York family, going on three generations. Animals are most often abandoned by people, because of disciplinary issues, age, new litters and pet disabilities.

“My parents took care of animals so I take care of animals and now Ann (her daughter) takes care of animals,” Terri said.

Humane societies are not always open to taking in all the animals when they are overflowing or with animals that are known to have behavioral issues, like pit bulls. These animals are hard for them to adopt out, along with senior pets.

“We tried to give a cat to the Humane Society and they told us they couldn’t take anymore cats,” Terri said. “They had too many. If somebody else that you know won’t take them in, then there is a chance they will be killed and so that’s why we have so many.”

Although the Yorks try to adopt the newly abandoned animals out they often have difficulty finding owners to take them. Pet rescues that adopt animals out offer services that pet stores do not such as: pet chipping, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, deworming and a lower total cost. However, they, like the York family, often have difficulty adopting out.

“We rescued a bunch, but my mom kept seven and I have three,” said Ann York, Kilgore sophomore. “Some of them just showed up at our house, and no one claimed them so they just stayed. They’re just so grateful and happy every time you come home.”

Local pet shelter, Texas Star Rescue, travels every Saturday to PetCo and PetSmart in Longview from 10 am to 2 p.m.

“I adopted the cat from the Texas Star Rescue,” Ann said. “They had them at PetCo and so I was like ‘oh my gosh I need that cat’ and so I adopted it.”

Both animal shelters and the Yorks use social media as a form of reaching out to society with hopes of sealing adoptions. Kilgore, Longview and Tyler all have animal shelter pages on Facebook that Facebook users can Like for information on adopting pets.

“I put it on Facebook and I won’t give it to them if I don’t know them,” Ann said. “I made that mistake once and I texted him checking up on the dog and he told me she ran away. My mom does the same thing with Facebook and she puts it through the school.”

Although having animals can be a blessing there are also burdens that come

MAX CERVANTESStaff Writer

While most of us at 17 were still in high school trying to figure out our lives, Jennifer Bassett,

Longview freshman, is miles ahead of the rest of her peers. At 17, Bassett is taking 23 hours of classes at KC. Instead of personal drama, a lot of her time is taken up with dance and culinary arts.

Bassett’s day begins when she wakes up at 5 a.m. to go to an early morning seminary class in Henderson. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, after her seminary class she gets ready for trigonometry at 8 a.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she has choir at 9:30 a.m. During her day, she has a couple of hours between classes to do homework. Then, her culinary arts class starts at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until 7:30 or 9:30 p.m.

The class that takes up most of her time is culinary arts. “Culinary arts is a back-up plan,” Bassett said. “The culinary degree will be if I need to be making a lot of money to support my family when I grow up. I love making all kinds of desserts and I like making Italian food.”

Although Bassett takes many classes, dancing is her real passion. “I’ve been dancing around for fun since I was little,” Bassett said. “I just fell in love with dance.” She is currently taking ballet at KC.

Her favorite type of dance is ballroom dancing. This summer, she will be attending BYU as a visiting student and will take some ballroom classes in order to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a dance instructor.

Bassett credits her involvement in

numerous things to home schooling. There are about 2.2 million home-educated students in the United States. There were an estimated 1.73 to 2.35 million children (in grades K to 12) home educated during the spring of 2010.

Home schooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 15 percent of home schooling families are non-white and non-Hispanic. “I like the freedom that home schooling has,” Bassett said. “If I had gone to public school, I would still be in high school right now. Public school just wastes time sometimes.”

One of Bassett’s biggest inspirations is church. “Church has kept me out of trouble,” Bassett said. “I don’t go hide things from my parents that I shouldn’t be doing because of what we believe in our church.” Her parents also inspire her. “My dad has a reputation for being smart and having a good memory. He’s pretty much in charge when somebody asks a question and nobody knows the answer,” she said.

Other activities Bassett does in her free time include reading, playing the piano and working on cars with her dad. “Sometimes it’s frustrating to be out there when its

freezing cold. I don’t like the oil dripping on me, but sometimes it’s fun to just think other people don’t get this opportunity in a classroom and I get to have hands on learning,” she said.

“One thing that’s fun to think about is that they say you shouldn’t judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes. For me, it’s kind of funny because, which shoes?” she asked. “I have so many different sides of me and most of them have their own pair of shoes – dancing shoes, kitchen shoes, walking shoes and warm shoes for early in the morning when it’s cold.”

with them. A lot of animals are dropped off because apartment complexes won’t accept tenants with certain types of dogs. A large portion is due to a weight limit or bad reputations for their breed. They also have a quantity limit varying between one and four animals.

According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) a large portion of animal abandonment can be controlled by spaying or neutering animals. There are many places that offer this service, however there is a fee. Veterinarians and shelters are the leading places that perform this service.

“A big part of pet rescue is just spaying/neutering your pets and the main argument about that is always how expensive it is,” Terri said. “The Animal Protection League does them quite a bit cheaper than vets. I think that if we can get that out there, that there is a cheaper way to do that than people will be more likely to do it.”

Microchipping is offered when you adopt from most animal shelters and veterinarian offices. This prices range from $20-$40 at local veterinarian offices. These microchips provide the owner’s name and number not, as it is commonly believed, a GPS system. However animals purchased from pet stores do not offer this service.

“If someone wants to buy one from a pet store that’s fine, but I didn’t put it together until someone told me that if you continue to buy from them the puppy mills will continue to produce them,” Terri said. “I

would recommend trying to find a good home for it and if you can’t, then take it to the Humane Society, but either is better than leaving them to wander.”

“They all have their own little personalities and they all want love,”

Terri said. “That’s it really, they all just want love and affection. It makes you more compassionate and understanding when you think about no one wanting them. People don’t think they have emotions or feelings, but they do.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 7PAGE

Upon arriving in Tulsa, I realized that the town reminded me of Austin in the sense that it is very lively and casual – a great environment to throw yourself into when you know nothing about the place, actually. By a stroke of luck, I had booked the Doubletree hotel two nights for the price of one, which saved me $130, and that is always a positive. I checked in, put down my things, and made my way to Cain’s Ballroom, the venue the show would be held at for the night.

At 7 p.m. the doors opened and I got my first look at the inside of the venue. People rushed inside to ensure they got optimal spots to stand for the show while others made their way to the bands’ tables to buy shirts and albums — but I took a minute to say my hellos to the TEAM* camp and wish them a good show. Shortly after, the band headed backstage to relax and get ready for their performance, so I hung around their table with their merchandise guy, Tim O’Sullivan, and their tour manager, Evan “Sprout” Brussel.

The lights went down and people started screaming. It was time for the first opener. “Hey Tulsa, we’re Driver Friendly from Austin, Texas and we’re going to play some rock ‘n’ roll for you guys,” says frontman Tyler Welsh as he ran out in front of the crowd. While “rock ‘n roll” is not exactly the title I would give their music, I found it to be quite interesting. For a band that claims to be “pretend pop punk,” they did a pretty good job of mixing the two genres together, while also having a trumpet player on stage full time. The band played songs such as “Ghosts,” “Messidona” and “Stand So Tall.” They even covered Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” Overall, Driver Friendly meshed well with each other for as chaotic as pop punk bands can get. I was fairly impressed.

As the band said goodnight, the stage lights went down and the house music came on. Fans made their way to the bar or to Driver Friendly’s table to buy their merchandise. At this point, stagehands tore down Driver Friendly’s equipment and started setting up for TEAM*

After having the drums, amps and guitars set up, and the microphone and sound

levels set, TEAM* took the stage, singing an a cappella rendition of “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt,” a clever segue into their energy-packed, earworm “Say My Name,” which quickly became a sing-a-long. The band then played their song “Come to My House,” a groovy, danceable track that inspired Verizon to use the song for a 2014 mobile campaign. Next came “The Man in a Suit with His Eye to the Sky,” a song filled with heartfelt conviction, which was followed by a stage banter about touring with Third Eye Blind, prompting a mass chant of “Jumper.” TEAM* proceeds to play the songs “I’m Just Like You (When You Turn Out the Lights),” “Sinking,” a heartstring-pulling song about a love gone wrong and “Alone in My Room,” a slow, folksy confessional about the feeling of isolation. Turman took a breather and addressed the crowd for a moment, while drummer Rico Andradi took a photo of the crowd from behind the kit. It was then time for a curveball – TEAM* did a cover medley of “Me and My Arrow,” a psychedelic pop gem that had been hidden from my knowledge until Friday night, and “Barbara Ann” by The Beach Boys. Yet the guys put a spin on the songs that reminded me of something between old-school rock ‘n’ roll and early punk rock. I would be lying if I said I did not feel better about humanity once I heard everyone singing “Ba-Ba-Ba, Ba-Barbara Ann.” TEAM*’s set comes to an end as they played their vibey, radio-rotated single “I Like It,” and close with “All the Time,” a cut from their newest release, “Good Morning Bad Day.” I may be slightly biased, but TEAM* put on an incredible performance.

I had been curious to see how Motion City Soundtrack would hold up, considering they are playing an entire 15-song album from start to finish every night, and Justin Pierre, vocalist and rhythm guitarist, did not disappoint; in fact, he was a trooper. Bursting with energy, Pierre and company steamrolled through the first track “Attractive Today.” Next came the instant crowd pleaser, “Everything is Alright,” that became so much of a sing-a-long, it became hard to tell where Pierre’s vocals ended and the crowd’s began. Following

“Everything is Alright” was “When You’re Around,” another sing-a-long track about a tainted love. At this point, I feel like calling these songs sing-a-longs is a bit redundant because, for a 10-year anniversary tour of an album, it’s expected that the fans are going to sing their hearts out to every single song, especially the hits, which in my opinion, is most of the album. For example, “Make Out Kids” may not be the most purchased song from the album on iTunes, but it has a very catchy melody. Like “Make Out Kids,” “L.G. Fuad” and “Better Open The Door” are both extremely catchy, but tend to be more popular cuts. Motion City Soundtrack brought their show to a very strong close with “Together We’ll Ring in the New Year,” “Hangman” and “Hold Me Down,” provoking fans to crowd surf all over the venue. With show number one completed I spent some time with the TEAM* camp, said my goodbyes and explored the scenery a little before going back to my hotel where I would end up sleeping away most of my Saturday.

Sunday was a race to get to Dallas as soon as possible to get to the show on time. Like many performances, especially fast-paced, high-energy tours, the banter and set lists tend to be slightly scripted for the sake of time and charisma, which is OK because you cannot expect a band to experience something new and share-worthy every day of tour. There are, however, other variables in the formula that can change a show. For instance, there’s an entirely new crowd of people who could react completely differently than the crowd before them, or in this case, the bands could change what they do for a night. There was a lot of talk about the Grammys, considering the awards show was the night of the show. Driver Friendly had another great set, getting decent crowd involvement and feedback. The Katy Perry cover worked in their favor that night, possibly gaining them new fans. TEAM* once again worked their magic and gained new fans, playing their cover songs again, as well as originals. Upon recording their song, “Sinking,” for a friend, a security guard was nice enough to remind me that I was not allowed to record by flashing an LED flashlight in my face. I’m blind enough already, sir. I think this incident caught Turman’s attention, because immediately after the song, he took a moment to dedicate a song to me and acknowledge my support for the band, which was greatly appreciated. Their set once again ended with high energy. Motion City Soundtrack put on an amazing performance as well, with Pierre fighting a lost voice, determined to deliver the show his fans paid for. Pierre gave so much of himself that, by the time I got to talk to him and congratulate him on a great show, his voice was completely gone, earning me a bow, a hug and a few mouthed thank-you’s.

The Commit This to Memory Tour proved that both Driver Friendly and TEAM* have huge potential for growth, and Motion City Soundtrack can deliver a stellar performance and make a decade-old album feel new again.

Friday morning started what would turn out to be one

of the most entertaining weekends of my life. I had

woken up at my usual 8:45 a.m., gone to my only class

of the day and made my way to Tulsa for the first of

my two-night mini-tour for Motion City Soundtrack’s “Commit

This to Memory 10-Year Anniversary Tour.” I knew the five-hour

drive from Kilgore to Tulsa would be long, so I got myself through

it with the help of Jack Link’s beef jerky and a playlist of Motion

City Soundtrack’s “Commit This to Memory” and the 17-song

discography of my friends and their opening act, TEAM*.

I believe karaoke is an art form.

It is embraced by people from all walks of life. Who doesn’t want to perform their favorite song,

belting into a microphone, with friends cheering them on? Even if you say you don’t, you really do. Chances are, you’re just nervous.

The best thing about it is the people. Oh my goodness, the people…

There are the timid, shy singers who you can’t hear at all. Usually, a nice, more confident singer in the crowd will come up and help them get through the song. No one laughs or makes fun of these performers because everyone there understands it takes a lot of effort to get up there and try.

Then there are the people who sing or perform so strangely that it becomes captivating and entertaining. They usually will pick a song and just put their own spin on it, or get highly emotionally involved with the performance. It’s always fun to watch these singers and get just as caught up in the song as they do.

You have those who just happen to be at a bar on karaoke night and decide to work up the courage – with the help of liquid courage – and belt out Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” off key. Usually they’re with a group of their friends, and are unfamiliar to most “regulars”.

Regulars...that doesn’t just mean regulars of that particular bar. In the karaoke scene, it means regulars of that particular bar on that particular night, specifically to display their karaoke skills. They take karaoke very seriously.

I was one of the regulars for a couple of years at McCann St. Grill in Longview, Texas.

Karaoke was on Thursday nights from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. I always would have to get up and go to work the next day at 5:30 a.m. It was always worth the lack of sleep for me to spend time with my friends and sing.

I had (and still have) a list of my karaoke standards I use. I sing these songs when I’m in a new place that does karaoke, when wanting to sing a song to warm up my vocal chords, or when there is a big crowd I want to get a good response from. I have performed, practiced, and recorded versions of these songs over and over, so I have less of a chance of messing these songs up and embarrassing myself. My go-to songs include Self-Esteem by The Offspring, What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes, and Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd.

The song I am best known for performing at karaoke, however, is Ch-Check it Out by The Beastie Boys.

For those unfamiliar with the song, it’s a rap song that has parts rapped by each of the three members of The Beastie Boys. Each one of them has a very distinct rapping style, flow and sound from any other member of the group.

I had been a huge Beastie Boys fan for a long time, and practiced it over and over again before attempting to perform it in front of people. I memorized and mimicked every part of the song, and put my own improvements and spin on it where I needed to.

The first time I performed it, everyone in the audience was shocked. They didn’t know I could rap that well. The DJ requested that I do more Beastie Boys songs, so I performed their songs “Sabotage” and “Intergalactic” that night as well, and was surprisingly good at them. That’s how I got my karaoke nickname: Beastie Girl.

Now, everywhere new I go to perform karaoke, that’s always one I use to impress people or get the crowd energized. It surprises most people when I get onstage, especially the ones who know me to be introverted and quiet.

I feel most comfortable on a stage in front of a lot of people. I think I can express myself better through music and signing than just talking. Being in front of a crowd gives me a rush of adrenaline and energy that cannot be matched. I love it when people respond to something I do creatively such as performing. It makes me feel great that people can be entertained and have a good time while I’m doing something that I love to do.

Kathryn Agee is a Journalism major from Longview.

KATHRYN AGEE

Karaoke enthusiastembraceslicense to ill

Sara Holmes / THE FLARE

E N T E R TA I N M E N TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 20158PAGE

Executive Editor

Roadrecollections

“It surprises most people when I get onstage, especially the ones who know me to be introverted and quiet.”

Flare Entertainment Editor hits road with Motion City Soundtrack, othersHUNTER LOHR • Entertainment Editor

America needs to take lead as global Vaccination Nation

Photo Illustration by Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

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 staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers 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: [email protected]

LETTERS

DISCLAIMER

The FlareADVERTISING MANAGERDavid McCartySTAFF WRITERSElijah Banks, Max Cervantes, Julianna Kendall and Nick ShelleyPHOTOGRAPHERSMichael Brown, Rain Cohn, Jessica Easley, E’Lexus Hodge, Sara Holmes, Tiffany Johnson, Jon Nieto, Tina Walls, Kaelie Wike and Maria Zapata

VOL. 78, NO.14 n Friday, February 13, 2015 Copyright 2015, The Flare. All rights reserved.

EXECUTIVE EDITORKathryn AgeeMANAGING EDITORVictoria WhitwellFEATURES EDITORLeah BryceCOPY EDITORDustin TaylorOPINION EDITORJordan Baird

SPORTS EDITORDevin Brooks

ASSISTANTSPORTS EDITORRichard NguyenDESIGN EDITORTory Van Blarcum

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORHunter Lohr

2013 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • 2014 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Community College Journalism AssociationSpring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors

LAB MANAGERJamie Maldonado

PHOTO ADVISERO. Rufus Lovett

ADVISERRachel Stallard

Phot

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by C

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THE

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Ra’shaad EdwardsKilgore freshman

Andrew Garcia Longview freshman

Laura Cardenas Longview sophomore

Alexia BerrymanMarshall freshman

“Yes, don’t want measles.”

“Yes, because most schools require you to be vaccinated in order to be accepted.”

“ Yes to prevent them from future sickness.”

“Yes, I would want them to be healthy.”

OUR VIEW

YOUR VIEW Would you vaccinate your children?Why or Why not?

Would you choose your health care provider based on the artwork he

displays in his office? Although he has his doctorate, graduated top of his class in medical school, has had zero patients die under his care and has also been recognized as being in the top ten percent for his career field in the nation, that tacky portrait of a vase of flowers hanging over his desk is just too much to handle and you must find a different doctor.

Just as this sounds like completely absurd reasoning,

the same can be applied to employers who discriminate against tattooed people, despite their qualifications to execute the job they are applying for.

Discrimination against people for their race, gender, and sexuality is grounds for a lawsuit.

The same should be said for those that choose to be inked.

Anti-supporters might argue that no one chooses their race, gender, or sexuality, but people choose to be inked and if they choose that then they are accepting the possibility of not finding employment. However, it is also unlawful to discriminate against people for their religion, which IS a choice people make. Therefore, people should not be discriminated against for choosing to display their artwork on their bodies.

Society’s perception of tattoos is outdated. Tattoos seem to

still be primarily associated with gangs, inmates and other miscreants of the world, despite many successful, well-liked, people going under the tattoo gun. One example is Johnny Depp, who has been quoted as saying, “My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.”

For the anti-supporters, don’t get me wrong. I understand employers needing to have some sort of guidelines for tattoos being displayed in the workplace. These guidelines should of course prohibit the display of

offensive, racist, X-rated tattoos, but should not go to the extreme of having all ink covered entirely. Just as there is no harm in showing a portrait of a vase filled with flowers, there’s no harm in showing the same thing someone’s forearm.

If it’s not offensive to anyone and the tattooed person meets all qualifications, they should be hired and allowed to show their ink while on duty.

Tiffany Grigg is a freshman Mass Communcations major from

TIFFANY GRIGGStaff Writer

Personal body art taste no excuse for job discrimination

O P I N I O N THE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 9PAGE

Recently an outbreak of measles has infected the United States. The outbreak began in “Ohio

Amish country, where 383 people fell ill after unvaccinated Amish missionaries traveled to the Philippines and returned with the virus,” according the Associated Press. Eventually, the virus spread to Disneyland, a place that receives tens of thousands of visitors a day. The virus is now susceptible to spread beyond the U.S. borders. The outbreak seemed to come unexpectedly, as measles-stricken patients have not been common cases in the last few decades. A virus thought so little of nowadays, measles has become rare for people to get.

Along with measles, pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has also spread quickly throughout California. In fact, it is considered “a bigger health problem” than measles for California, according to the AP. Last year, two babies died of pertussis whereas no recorded deaths have derived from measles in the United States since 2003.

A more common virus is the flu. On average, flu viruses cause about 24,000 deaths in America a year, according to the AP. Though this year’s total head count has not been made, more than 60 children in America have died so far from a flu infection, and this year has the highest record of flu-related hospitalizations of people 65 and older. The reason for such high numbers is due to the flu viruses’ abilities to constantly mutate. Researchers, however, are constantly working to improve these vaccinations to keep up with the flu strains.

Flu viruses are not the only infections that can be prevented by vaccinations. Vaccinations for measles and pertussis are more effective because these viruses don’t mutate like the flu strains.

There are many personal reasons for the opposition of getting vaccinated such as religious beliefs, philosophical grounds, and

the theory that vaccines have a tie to causing autism.

Since last week, the California administration has been aiming to “eliminate personal belief exemptions” towards vaccinations. Some people would say such action is unconstitutional, but these laws would be made specifically because of the severity of people’s health that are at risk to being infected. If the law is passed, the only exception to getting vaccinated would be if getting the vaccination was a danger to one’s health.

Celebrity Jenny McCarthy has reportedly been an outspoken advocate against vaccines because of her belief that multiple vaccines given at the same time caused her son’s autism. Even she, however, has recently said, “I believe in the importance of a vaccine program and I believe parents have the right to choose one poke per visit. I’ve never told anyone to not vaccinate,” as reported to Time Magazine science editor Jeffrey Kluger. “People have the misconception that we want to eliminate vaccines.”

Measles vaccinations have proven themselves to be effective. The virus has been in submission to most Americans due to past adamant campaigns supporting vaccines. Measles is a very common disease in many foreign countries and normally comes to the U.S. by American travelers who have not been vaccinated, If these travelers had been vaccinated, outbreaks in America could have been prevented and society would have not been in danger.

“Vaccines save lives and are the best way for parents to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization director.

Vaccinations are the safe route to take seeing as scientific research has proven they do more good than harm. If the opportunity of preventing life-threatening viruses is available, then it’s the people’s responsibility to take the measures to do so.

Get thePoint

The Longview Police Department is adorned with American flags, blue balloons, and signs saying “We support Longview police” and “Back the blue.”

Protest attendees talk outside of Longview Police Department on Cotton Street. Protesters chanted “Don’t kill kids,” waved signs, and gave peace signs to cars driving by.

Lacy Storar / THE FLARE

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

S P O T L I G H TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 201510PAGE

Longview Police Officers stand watch to ensure no violence occurs during the protest weekend.

Attendees of the protest share an emotional moment.

Protesters sporting Guy Fawkes activist masks demonstrate in the public parking lots of downtown Longview this weekend as part of the hacktivist group, Anonymous.

Longview native LaRonda Angelo displays her homemade protest sign. The other side says, “Jesus heals Kristiana’s broken heart and heals her wounds.”

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

Tiffany Johnson / THE FLARE

Lacy Storar / THE FLARE

Lacy Storar / THE FLARE

FROM PAGE 1

“This was nothing but a mistake by man. There’s somebody in there who could have talked to that girl. Why should we have to be scared of the law? She’s a young girl, she may have been lost.”

Sherman said there had been an injustice done regardless of age, sex, or circumstance. “Police took an oath. Murder is not the first thing they were trained to do. The justice system exists for a reason. The government does not give a damn about any of us out here.”

Ron, an Anonymous member from Longview, said he was there in support of all the children whose lives have been cut short. He was holding an “Arrest, don’t shoot” sign. “There’s good cops, just like there are good people everywhere,” he said, “But it could have been handled differently.”

Harvey and Sharon Blackshear of Paris were there in support of the LPD. They were holding signs that said “Emergency - Who you gonna call?” and “We love the LPD.” The Blackshears have six children who all work in community service, and support everything they do. “They deserve a face that says we appreciate what you do,” said Harvey. “I have complete confidence in what they do.”

At about 12:45 p.m., about 15 of the protestors lined up and began shouting things toward the police department such as “We don’t hate the police, we just hate your actions,” ”Stay out of the donut shops and get better training,” and “Krispy Kreme is not your friend.”

“This is my first protest,” said LaRonda Angelo, a 50-year-old mother and a lifetime Longview resident. “I’ve been overcome, held at gunpoint, and I was able to get out of the situation. If I can do that with wisdom and Jesus, why can’t they? They are supposed to serve and protect. Why did they have to shoot her multiple times?”

Angelo was in California when she found out about the shooting. “I was shocked, upset and embarrassed,” she said. “I’ve been feeling the Holy Spirit grieving over this.” She spoke of how she is a Christian but does not attend church, as she believes modern churches are focused on hate and greed and “the scripture is just being used to make money.”

She was holding a sign that read: “Jesus heals Kristiana’s broken heart and heals her wounds.”

“Religion is man-made,” she said. “That’s not God, that’s not Jesus. Christians are pushing everyone away from Jesus. Jesus was a liberal. Christians relish in being trigger happy, where the last option should be violence.”

Angelo said police officers “should be fit, and have IQ tests. Most police have an attitude of wanting to get back at people. In high school, they were either bullies or bullied themselves and looking for revenge. The police need to learn how to think creatively in emergency situations.”

By 1:15 p.m., the protestors had moved from the LPD parking lot to both sides of Cotton Street in front of the police department. Many people driving by gave peace signs to the crowd or waved.

Don Bates, Libertarian activist and former Senate candidate for District 2, was also in attendance. He helps speak for Anonymous North Texas as an “approachable face.”

“If they find you guilty, there needs to be an appropriate level of justice. Social media offers a type of jury,” he said, referring to Anonymous’ hacktivism. “Social media reached out to everybody.”

“The real issue is the actions that took place up to the shooting,” he said. “Why did [the officer] walk in the door when backup was three minutes away? Why did he not cuff her?”

“Regardless of what side you are on, it is important for opposing views to come together. We have to have disagreement to move forward. Truth and honesty will move you forward. We can all stand together and fight tyranny.”

Bates added that he had a message for the students of Kilgore College. “Question everything. That is the most significant action you can take. Question why officers threw her down. Question why [Coignard] walked into the building. Apply that to life and you may see less control over your life,” he said.

“Anonymous have done more good than organized religion does, than Christian churches who are supposed to turn the other cheek,” Bates added. “KC students, find a path that makes you a good person and allows you to question life.”

PROTEST: Anonymous North Texas aimsto raise awareness regarding lethal force

“Everyone who knew Kristiana will remember her as the person she was and never forget our friend. People who didn’t, will see her as the girl that started the necessary change this world needed.” – Dobin Howe

Friend of Coignard