The Flare Vol. 76 No. 16

Serving Kilgore College since 1936

Friday, March 1, 2013

Photo Illustration by Gabriel Espinosa and Marci Wells / THE FLARE

SPRING BREAK 2013

Van Cliburn dies at 78P

ropelled to international fame with his 1958 triumph at the Tchaikovsky

International Competition in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold

War, KC alumnus Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn Jr. changed the face of his

hometown forever. Cliburn died Wednesday in Fort Worth.

“He was a once-in-a-lifetime musician who in many ways was bigger than life,” said

Dr. Bill Holda, KC president.

See Story, photos Page 8

Wild adventures are waiting for you to enjoy right here in East Texas. A rich, colorful world of wilderness and natural beauty is closer than you

think. There is more to do on Spring Break than your standard

clichéd beach trip. The state parks of the Piney Woods provide plentiful options for branching out and exploring this colorful region of the state. Staying close to home will not only help you save some hard-earned cash this Spring Break, but it can give you a level of excitement you might not even realize was possible. This year change it up, broaden you horizons and explore the wild side of East Texas.

Get your break rolling with tips,

directions and moreTURN TO PAGE 10!

JONATHEN RUESCH & JORDAN MOSS • Staff Writers

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

FRIDAY,MARCH 1, 2013

NOTEBOOK

FRIDAY, March 1

Q SPRING GRADUATION

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Q SPRING THEATRE

PRODUCTION

“The Exonerated” 7:30 p.m., Van Cliburn AuditoriumQ SOFTBALL REGION

XIV ROUND ROBIN

TOURNAMENT VS. BLINN

& ANGELINA

2 p.m. & 6 p.m., Lear Park, LongviewQ EAST TEXAS

REGIONAL SCIENCE

FAIR 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., DSC Ballroom/Dodson Auditorium

SATURDAY, March 2

Q LADY RANGER

BASKETBALL VS.

ANGELINA COLLEGE

4 p.m., Masters GymQ RANGER BASKETBALL

VS. TJC 4 p.m., TylerQ BACH FESTIVAL

CONCERT 7 p.m., Van Cliburn AuditoriumQ SOFTBALL REGION

XIV ROUND ROBIN

TOURNAMENT VS.

ALVIN, SAN JACINTO &

GALVESTON

1 p.m., 5 p.m. & 7 p.m., Lear Park, Longview

SUNDAY, March 3

Q SPRING THEATRE

PRODUCTION

“The Exonerated” 2:30 p.m., Van Cliburn AuditoriumQ SOFTBALL REGION

XIV ROUND ROBIN

TOURNAMENT VS.

COASTAL BEND &

LAMAR 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Lear Park, Longview

TUESDAY, March 5

Q HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

JOB FAIR 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., DSC BallroomQ KC WIND SYMPHONY

CONCERT

7:30 p.m., Dodson Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, March 6

Q MEN’S BASKETBALL

REGION XIV

TOURNMENT, UT TylerQ INTRAMURAL GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Carpeted Gym

TUESDAY, March 7

Q MEN’S BASKETBALL

REGION XIV

TOURNMENT, UT-TylerQ WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL REGION

XIV TOURNMENT

UT Tyler

FRIDAY, March 8

Q MEN’S BASKETBALL

REGION XIV

TOURNMENT, UT Tyler Q WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL REGION

XIV TOURNMENT

UT TylerQ CAMPUS CLOSES AT

2:45 P.M. FOR START OF

SPRING BREAK WEEK

SATURDAY, March 9

Q MEN’S BASKETBALL

REGION XIV

TOURNMENT, UT TylerQ WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL REGION

XIV TOURNMENT

UT Tyler

SUNDAY, March 10

Q MEN’S BASKETBALL

REGION XIV

TOURNMENT, UT Tyler

MONDAY, March 18

Q CLASSES RESUME

Q QUEST II COURSES

March 18-May 10

WEDNESDAY, March 20

Q KCEOPA MEETING

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., DSC BallroomQ INTRAMURAL GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Carpeted Gym

THURSDAY, March 21

Q BLOOD DRIVE

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., DSC Ballroom

SATURDAY, March 23

Q KC CHEER TRYOUT

CLINIC

9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Aerobic Floor

TUESDAY, March 26

Q JOB FAIR

9 a.m. - 11 a.m., DSC BallroomQ KC CHAMBER

ENSEMBLE

7:30 p.m.,Van Cliburn Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, March 27

Q INTRAMURAL GIRLS

VOLLEYBALL, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Carpeted Gym

March 1 – March 18

Sonia Garza / THE FLARE

The FlareFACE IN THE CROWD

Sunny CountsAge: 18 Hometown: Kilgore

Classifi cation: freshman Major: General Studies

Today deadline for May graduation

ASHLEY MORALESPage Editor

Seven KC Baptist Student Ministry students will be headed down to South Padre Island to spend their week ministering to Spring Break celebrators.

Since 1980 thousands of Christian college students have traveled to this island from all over the country to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through creative ministries.

Mostly BSM students from different states participate, but similar organizations on their campus or church-based college ministries also help out with the missions.

"We meet the needs of the people there in a tangible way to show the love of Christ," said Stephanie Powell, White Oak sophomore.

The week consists of sand sculptures on Coca-Cola Beach, (a popular South Padre Spring Break gather spot), free breakfast, prayer and worship, free rides and midnight breakfast.

On the first day, the BSM students pass out cards featuring an advertisement on the front for a hotline that provides free transportation.

As Shelly Webb, BSM director, drives the students to their destination in a van, they share their faith with Spring Breakers.

"Most of the people we pick up are drunk," Powell said. For Sharon Brown, Hallsville sophomore, this will be

her third year to participate in Beach Reach. "The best thing is witnessing the love of Christ and

what it is capable of," Brown said. "It is an extraordinary experience to see the love of God in action rather than it be spoken to you on a daily basis."

There are times when students come across partiers who only call for a ride.

"Not everyone is receptive to the message. They don't want to say anything or be talked to by anyone in the van," Brown said. "They would rather be ignored as if no one was in the van but them, so we give them their space because you can't minister to a brick wall."

The back of the card has a verse from the Rolling Stones song "Satisfaction" and then below scripture from Isaiah 55:6-7.

"The song talks about not having satisfaction and we ask the question how a person finds satisfaction in life," Webb said. "It's part of the message we're trying to send that you can find satisfaction in Christ."

The cost to attend Beach Reach is $400 per student. The BSM helps students raise money through fundraisers and writing letters to churches.

"Several students do not have any money to go and they feel called to go," Webb said. "They are depending on fundraisers and money from churches to provide a way to go."

Students will be participating March 9-15."Beach Reach is an amazing experience because lives

truly get changed," Brown said.The students go through five sessions to prepare them

to serve during the trip.

Reach through beachStudents from the Baptist Student Ministry show the cards they will distribute while participating in their mission trip during Spring Break on Padre Island.

Lauren LaBoyteaux / THE FLARE

BEACH REACH

FORE! The third annual Forever Classic Golf Tournament, hosted by the Rangerette Forever Alumni Association, is set Saturday, April 13, at the Meadowbrook Country Club in Kilgore.

The tournament will be a two-man scramble and will be limited to 30 four-man teams.

The entry fee for each team is $150 or $75 for a single player, which includes a cart, lunch, beverages and 18 holes of golf.

Applications can be found in the Gussie Nell Davis Rangerette Residence and are due by April 1. Applications can be turned in at the front desk.

Lunch will be provided after the tournament and beverages will be provided throughout.

Flight award trophies will be presented after the tournament.Organizers of the event are looking for hole sponsors, people or businesses that would like to contribute food, beverages and awards. Last year, the tournament raised approximately $8,000 and this year’s goal is to exceed $10,000.All proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Rangerettes.

“This has turned into a great event that I look forward to help plan each year,” said Erin Oian, Rangerette Residence manager. “The Forever Board members really work hard together in finding sponsorships and players and we hope each year continues to grow.”

For more information on how to register or sponsor the event, contact Oian at 903-239-2844 or eoian@kilgore.edu.

~Maegan Mitchell

Giving a little goes a long way and the KC fire and police academies need your help.

The Kilgore College Fire Academy and the East Texas Police Academy are joining forces to collect non-perishable foods to donate to the Hi-Way 80 Rescue Mission in Longview.

Donations are being accepted until March 15 and can be dropped off in designated boxes outside the classroom doors in the Woodruff Adult Education Center (across from Sonic), Rooms 141 and 108.

~Maegan Mitchell

JASMINE CHAPPELLStaff Writer

Join the Student Government Association 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in the Devall Student Center Game Room for airbrush or rub-on temporary tattoos.

The event is free and students and employees have the option to pick from more than 100 airbrush designs

which feature full multi-color rub-on tattoos, a selection of airbrush colors by on-site trained technicians.

Temporary tattoos last two to three days or a week, depending on the type of tattoo and level of care.

The event is to have “people get a visual idea of what it would feel like to have a tattoo on their body,” said Tashia Adams, SGA president.

SGA hired Smith Agency from

Grand Rapid, Mich., to work the event.

SGA and the Smith Agency will also be handing out brochures concerning tattooing and/or piercing one’s body.

“We hope to encourage pro-health and pro-thought,” said Kyle Fisk, entertainment consultant. “Think before you act because [a real tattoo] is a permanent procedure.”

SGA to host free airbrush tattoo event March 5

Fire, Police academy collecting for homeless

ASHTON JOHNSON Co-Executive Editor

Today 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.

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 for students meeting the March 1 deadline.

There is a late fee of $75 for all students applying between March 2-31. The fee increases to $150 April 1-30 and no applications will be accepted after April 30.

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.

BSM students to spend Spring Break ministering at South Padre

NEWS IN BRIEF

Signup under wayfor golf tourney

What’s it like having your parents own Country Tavern?... It me feel privileged to be a part of one of the most legendary restaurants in Texas.How long have they owned

it?... My dad, Toby, opened the second Country Tavern in Shreveport, La., in 1997. He became the sole owner of the Kilgore Country Tavern in 2003. Toby is third generation Country Tavern owner. What is Country Tavern?...

A barbecue restaurant that was established in 1939, that became famous for its ribs. It has served numerous celebrities and presidents.What is your favorite thing

about the Country Tavern?... I love the atmosphere, the food and knowing I get to be involved in such a great Texas

tradition. What is your favorite thing

to eat there?... It’s so hard to just name one thing, but if I had to choose I’d say the ribs, or the beans, maybe the chopped beef sandwich. OK it would be the turkey. Honestly, I can’t choose; it’s all so good. What is it like working

for your parents?... I started working there when I was 12. Although working for my parents has its challenges, I wouldn’t change it for the world. They expect more, and I have the opportunity to learn more from them. Who/what inspires you the

most?... I would have to say my mother is an inspiration. I know many people say that, but she truly is. She has taught me to be strong, independent and life is truly what you make it.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Q Don’t forget to turn your clocks

forward at bed-time on Saturday,

March 9. Daylight Saving Time begins 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10.

FUNDRAISERA garage sale is also scheduled 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. March 2 at the BSM. Baby items, electronics, books, sound equipment and household items will be some of the sale items.

N EWS 3PAGETHE FLARE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

Four ! le for Board spots

PTK INDUCTEES

Flame of knowledge

50th science fair on campus today

Lauren LaBoyteaux / THE FLARE

New members of KC’s Gamma Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, including Reve Gaelle Anderson of Longview (above), light candles as part of Monday’s induction ceremony. Thirty-two students participated in the ceremony. Jimmy Rieves, director of student development and athletics, was the featured speaker for the event. PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible for PTK, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA and completed at least 12 hours toward a degree, excluding developmental classes.

Ryah Al-AjlaniReve AndersonNoor BilalVictoria BlakeCallyeon BristowLea ChildressCotina DotreyLane DuncanDaniel GallegosJason HarrisJacklyn Hillin

Sara HolmesKelsey JohnsonLana KoonceWilliam MasseyAlissa McClainPatricia McDonaldJohn MillerMonica MundenJessi PerotElizabeth PowerMarcos Raxtun

Ashley RayCaroline RobertsLinda RobinsonRachel RodgersJaycob SimmonsJountia SmithBradley Van WertKylie WatkinsAshley WestJustin Witthaus

MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

Two new candidates and two incumbents have filed for places on the KC Board of Trustees.Three seats are open for re-election this

spring: Joe Carrington, North Zone; R.E. “Sonny” Spradlin, Central Zone; and Robert D. Heath, South Zone. Brian Nutt, pastor at Grace Fellowship

of Kilgore, has filed for the Central Zone, which represents Kilgore Independent School District. Nutt’s children, Colin and Emily Nutt, are in high school, and he believes they will attend KC just as his wife did.“I have a strong desire to serve my

community. I teach the importance of service at Grace Fellowship and believe it is healthy for Christians to be involved locally,” Nutt said. “This seemed like a fitting time for me to run because it would lead up to the time that my children would attend.”Marion Turner, of Kilgore, also filed for

the Central Zone. Turner was a member of the board six years ago, but chose to resign when his son, Russell Turner, was offered a job at KC as an AC technician.“I chose to run again because I thought I

could contribute on a different level. I have been a student and an employee,” Turner said. “I feel as though I have different insight on the needs and concerns here at Kilgore College.”Both Carrington and Heath have filed for

re-election. As of noon Thursday, Spradlin had not filed to run for another term. The application process will remain open

through Friday, March 1. For a place on the ballot, application forms can be picked up in the Assistant to the President’s Office, or in the Office of Institutional Planning in the McLaurin Administration Building on the Kilgore campus. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, and 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Early voting starts April 29 and runs

through May 7. Election day is Saturday, May 11.

DAWN DEARIONStaff writer

Twenty-four students graduated from KC-Longview’s Cosmetology Program Feb. 21.

The students completed one of three programs, with either a cosmetology, facial specialist or nail technology certificate.

Cosmetology is the art and science of beautifying hair, skin and nails. The main goal of the cosmetology program is to prepare students to pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) examination.

Students receive preparation and salon experience through the

program’s salon facilities and its clientele.

“I love that my teachers focused most on preparing us for the state board exam and that we got to experience dealing with clients and doing hair,” said Vianney Castro. “After finishing the program, I learned that no matter how tired of

school you are, don’t give up chasing your dreams. I started the program during high school, and now I am finished and can start my career before a lot of other people.”

Joyce Magner serves as the program director with Vicki Buchanan and Lillian Jones, instructors.

TORY VAN BLARCUMStaff Writer

KC is hosting the 50th Annual East Texas Regional Science Fair today in the Devall Student Center Ballroom.

Students from grades 5-12 are participating in the event. They are divided into two divisions, Senior Physical and Senior Biological for grades 9-12 and Junior Physical and Junior Biological for grades 5-8.

Judges are looking for creative ability, scientific thought, thoroughness, technical skill and clarity in each of the projects.

Trophies will be awarded to students for first, second and third places in each of the four categories.

Students who place in the top 10 percent will qualify for state, and the Best Senior will win a trip to the International

24 receive certi! catesin cosmetology program

Sydney Hammonds / THE FLARE

Science and Engineering Fair. Juniors who place in the top 10 percent qualify for Boardcom Masters, a nationwide competition.

Qualifiers from all over the U.S. are then narrowed down to the top 400 semifinalists. From these 400, the top 40 will win a trip to Washington, D.C., along with their parents for the finals.

In addition, there are specialty awards for water projects, Army and Navy awards, engineering awards and more.

Spectators are welcome to view the exhibits from

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. today in the Devall Student Center Ballroom at no cost.

KC Chemistry 1412 students are staging a chemistry magic show from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in Dodson Auditorium while the projects are being judged.

“Our hope is that all the participants gain insight into actually doing science,” said Dave Bugay, chemistry instructor and science fair coordinator.

Ana-Lab provides part of the funding, and Halliburton furnishes liquid nitrogen for chemistry demonstrations.

Sensira BrownCheley BryantVianney Castrocatherine CollettErin GrayChere HallJenny HendersonDulce HernandezKaye Hodges

Lindsay JordanBetty James Jammie KnoxSlripat KumiangngamCatlin McClendonLexy MullikinTina PardsRusti-Lena Ramsay

Lisa RennerTraci SharpShelby SLoanJoshua TurnerSally TurnerFlorence WestWhitney Williams

SPRING GRADUATES

N EWSTHE FLARE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 20134PAGE

‘Rangerette Express’ tickets on sale March 20

‘The Exonerated’ highlights fate of death row inmates

Adjunct artwork

Corrosion technology to host clay shoot March 30

Paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures on exhibit this month

This painting by Ellen Herbert, KC dual credit art history instructor, is one of many on exhibit in the Turk Fine Arts Gallery. This month’s exhibit features artwork by KC adjunct instructors through March 28. The gallery is free and open to the public. Note: The original painting is in color.

DEZIRAE BURNETTStaff Writer

Back by popular demand, “The Book of Luke” is returning to KC for seven encore performances, beginning 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Performances will run through March 30 in Van Cliburn

Auditorium in the Turk Fine Arts Center.

“The Book of Luke” is a two-man show by former Texas Shakespeare Festival company actors Meaghan Sullivan and Matthew Simpson. The two actors have memorized half of the book of Luke. The show consists of the performers reciting

the parables from memory while acting out the different characters involved. Most of the entries are from the New International Version of the Bible; however, the story of Christ’s birth is taken from the traditional King James Version.

The show runs about 80 minutes, and tickets cost $25. Groups of 25

or more can purchase tickets at a discounted price of $20. This show serves as a fundraiser for the TSF.

More information regarding the show can be found at TexasShakespeare.com or by contacting John Dodd, TSF managing director, at 903-983-8119.

HUNTER HUGGINS Staff Writer

Artworks created by KC adjunct instructors are on exhibit in the Turk Fine Arts Gallery through March 28.

The gallery is a “wonderful variety of works showing various approaches and techniques,” said Carolyn Fox-Hearne, KC art instructor.

The works include paintings, drawings, photos and sculptures.

Fox-Hearne regards these artists as professionals who know what they are doing.

The artists participating in the exhibit are: Frank Herbert, art appreciation instructor; Ellen Herbert, dual credit art history instructor; Sue Duran, art appreciation instructor; Jim Egner, digital imaging

instructor; and John Goodding, introduction to computer graphics instructor.

It is “always good of the students to see the work of their teachers, showing the great amount of talent we have in the faculty at Kilgore College,” Fox-Hearne said.

The gallery is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

MAEGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

All aboard! It’s that time of year again. The Rangerettes proudly present Revels, “The Rangerette Express.”

The annual variety show is scheduled 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, April 10-13, in Dodson Auditorium with a matinee at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13.

This year’s show is dedicated to Deana

Bolton-Covin in celebration of her 90th birthday as well as to mark her 20th year of retirement from being Rangerette director.

Tickets cost $20 each, but are free for all KC students who present a current KC ID.

Students with IDs may attend a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night performance free, but must pick up a ticket in order to attend. All seats are reserved.

Tickets will be available March 20 through

April 12 at the Revels box office located downstairs in the Rangerette Gym south entrance. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Tickets may also be picked up at the box office in Dodson Auditorium an hour before showtime.

Telephone ticket orders require a credit card and may be placed by calling 903-983-8179.

The show features the prestigious 70-member Rangerette dance-drill

team performing solo and group dance numbers, as well as singing and music. This production is the focus of the spring semester for the internationally renowned Rangerettes.

“The girls look forward to this performance because it is the highlight of their year. They perform all their different styles of dance,” said Dana Blair, director. “They work very hard and we can’t wait to see everyone there.”

JESSICA TOLLEStaff Writer

KC Theatre Department’s performance of “The Exonerated” continues 7:30 tonight and concludes with a 2:30 matinee Sunday in Van Cliburn Auditorium in the Turk Fine Arts Center.

The play, by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, is a documentary about six individuals who were tried, convicted and sent to prison. They all spent time on death row, ranging from two to 22 years. Eventually they were proven innocent and their convictions were reversed.

Every word in the play is taken from actual interviews, letters and court records.

Since the time of the interviews in the summer of 2000, more than 200 people in the U.S. have been released from death row on wrongful convictions.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for all KC students and $4 for students with a KC ID.

For reservations call Kathy Barber, director, at 903-983-8126. The box office will open one hour prior to each performance.

Michael Atkins is the set/technical director for the production.

Barber said this play contains adult themes with adult language and she suggests no one under age 14 attend.

Children under age 6 and late arrivals will not be admitted.

Talking and/or texting will not be permitted.

There will not be a Saturday performance due to the Bach Festival scheduled in the auditorium.

‘! e Book of Luke’ back for Easter performances

Two shows remain for spring play

ELLEN REIDStaff Writer

The 2nd Annual KC Corrosion Technology Sporting Clay Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, at Prairie Creek Ranch in Gladewater. Proceeds will be used to buy equipment and supplies for the corrosion technology program. This event is open to everyone and every skill level.

The gates will open at 7 a.m. with registration following at 8 and shoot off at 9.

Free lunch, door prizes, team and individual awards will be given. Two raffle drawings will feature a Mossberg gun and a Yeti cooler.

All shooters must provide and wear their own gun, ammunition and eye and ear protection.

Individual shooters are welcome and will be assigned to a team. Golf carts and side-by-sides are

welcome, but no ATV’s. To rent a golf cart, call Janet

Brown at Prairie Creek Ranch at 903-845-6431.

To participate, call Kenya Ray, lead corrosion technology instructor, at 903-576-0994 or 903-983-8165, or email kray@kilgore.edu.

ART GALLERY

F E AT U R E 5PAGETHE FLARE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

MAEGAN MITCHELLStaff Writer

Chuck Clemens has proved it is never too late in life to chase

after a dream.At 51 years old, Clemens is a

father of six, ages ranging 6 to 36 years old, the grandfather of five and a loving husband of nine years.

Upon graduating from high school in his hometown of Phoenix, Ariz., Clemens was given the opportunity to hire on with the Phoenix Fire Department, but because he had the mindset of a typical 18-year-old, the drive just wasn’t there.

He soon found himself back in the walls of burning buildings when he became part of the Daingerfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, but there were a few obstacles along the way.

On March 19, 2012, while battling a structure fire that had spread to a carport, Clemens and two men were injured along with one other man who was trying to save them. Crushing three discs in his spine as well as breaking his ankle, Clemens was no longer able to fight fires. Several weeks of walking on crutches with a broken back and one surgery later, he was back on his feet.

“The hardest part wasn’t walking on crutches, but instead the fact I couldn’t work fires. When I was able to come back, I didn’t think about my pain. When you’re helping others your pain becomes minimal,” Clemens said.

When Clemens returned to work for Daingerfield, several of his co-workers had attended KC Fire Academy and suggested he should enroll into the course. His response – “Why not?”

Despite his life-changing injuries, Clemens conducts himself as a student who maintains a 96 percent average and has more determination now than ever.

“It’s a passion – you have to have the drive to help people. That is something that can’t be taught,” Clemens said.

Most of the curriculum covered at the academy have been a refresher for Clemens. Everything he has learned leads up to the 12th week, consisting of live fire drills which, by this point, should be

second nature.“When the tones go off, you have

to immediately know what to do – whether it’s a fire, medical or rescue call,” Clemens said.

In high school, he was a mediocre student who did only what it took to get by, but today Clemens is a much more ambitious student. He dedicates his all to every aspect of this academy.

“Being a C- student isn’t good enough here. You are learning how to save lives so you have to be fully knowledgeable,” Clemens said.

One of the biggest challenges Clemens has faced returning to

school at such a nontraditional age is learning how to study again. The last time he was in school was 1980, so the way a student retains information, takes tests and covers material is quite different due to modern technology.

“I was at a disadvantage,” Clemens said. “It had been years since I studied, and most everyone

here is straight out of high school. They already knew how to study effectively.”

The most enjoyable part for him is getting up early and doing his station duties. He also enjoys packing his sack lunches.

“The sack lunches I used to pack for my kids, I now pack for myself. Back to sack lunches,” Clemens said.

He also enjoys working out each night as he feels he has to do extra work to keep up with the pace of the younger guys.

The hardest part of the academy has been Rescue Randy, a 185

pound dummy that simulates an unconscious victim.

“My biggest struggle has been Rescue Randy, but I think I have overcome that. If I were to go out there and drag him today I could do it without a problem,” Clemens said. “I can’t say without any problem though because he is always going to wind you.”

When working on condition skills, Clemens has to try harder to keep up with the younger students.

“There are timed events that I have to get done in the same amount of time as the youngest 18-year-old guy has to,” Clemens said.

During this 12-week course, Clemens is staying at the Elderville/Lakeport Fire Station 3, where he earns his stay by doing common everyday chores. Even though it is not required, Clemens goes on calls with the other firefighters.

“When the tones go off, it’s in my blood. I’m standing at the truck ready to roll,” Clemens said.

Being the oldest student at the academy has earned him the title of “Father Time.” It was given to him because there is only one student who is older than his oldest child.

After completion of this 12-week course, Clemens hopes to hire on with a fire department, but there is only one problem. Most stations have an age cap of 36, meaning that after the age of 36 you cannot be hired to work for pay. If Clemens is unable to find a station that will accept his age, he will continue with his education in hopes of earning his OSHA certifications which will allow him to be a safety supervisor for many fields. He will also continue to work as a volunteer firefighter for his hometown.

Clemens attributes much of his success to his wife because without her most of it would not be possible.

“She has picked up 90 percent of the slack. She has a job and takes care of the house. She has been my biggest support,” Clemens said.

Whether it’s rolling hose, dragging Rescue Randy or keeping up with all of the youngsters, Clemens enjoys every aspect of the academy.

“Chuck is an outstanding, dedicated and hardworking student. He is more mature than most of them. He knows what he wants and he is going to go get it. I admire him for that,” said Mike Fennell, instructor.

Burning Passion

Lifetime learningof

Fire academy

student living

out dream

Editor’s Note: This is the second story in a series featuring the lives of non-traditional students.

Chuck Clemens, 51, rekindled his dream of becoming a fi refi ghter after more than 30 years.

Sydney Hammonds / THE FLARE

It’s a passion

– you have to

have the drive

to help people. That is

something that can’t

be taught.”

Chuck Clemens, from Daingerfi eld

“

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Lady Rangers shot down by rivalsKC hopes to end its six-game losing streak and close the season out on a good note against Angelina

Rangers softball starting conference play

Former Ranger QB impresses scouts at NFL draft combine

Kaitlyn Hipsher pushes her opponent out of the way as she makes it to base safely in the doubleheader against McLennan Community College Wednesday. The Rangers start conference play this weekend in the three-day Region XIV Round Robin Tournament at Lear Park in Longview.

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

JEREMY GARZAStaff Writer

Lane Johnson, listed at 6 feet 6 inches, 330 pounds, ran the second fastest 40-yard dash of all offensive linemen, clocking in an official time of 4.72 seconds.

Last weekend collegiate athletes showcased their skills at the National Football League Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Oklahoma offensive tackle and former KC quarterback Lane Johnson showed up and definitely impressed scouts with a steller performance.

According to NFL.com, scouts saw potential from Johnson’s

growth throughout the 2011 and 2012 seasons due to his athleticism, strength and solid technique despite his lack of experience.

Now Johnson will have to get ready for the interview process. It was reported he met with the Cincinnati Bengals this week and that he received a random assortment of questions. He told The Mighty 1090 radio in San Diego it was the weirdest meeting he has ever been in asking him to remember an assortment of numbers and repeat them in reverse order.

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25 and Johnson may well be shaking hands with NFL commissioner Rodger Goddell on national television.

SHENIECE CHAPPELLSports Editor

The Lady Rangers duked it out in a 58-56 loss against their rivals the Lady Apaches of Tyler Junior College Wednesday night at Wagstaff Gym in Tyler.

The loss moved the Lady Rangers to 10-13 overall and 5-10 in conference. The team is on a six-

game losing streak and just cannot seem to bounce back.

“We need to play our game and stop letting others dictate how we play,” said shooting guard Amanda Lawson.

Going into halftime the score was 30-28, in TJC’s favor. The game was a tight race and came down to final seconds.

Leading the Lady Rangers in scoring with 13 points was

Gabrielle Jackson. She was one of three Lady Rangers in double digits for the night. Victoria Billingsley and Kiera Phipps added 12 and 10, respectively.

Lawson contributed eight points and led overall in assist with seven. Bladine N’goran also had eight points. Jackson had four assists and Phipps had three.

There were 11 lead changes and seven ties in this match-up. The

Lady Rangers had 25 turnovers and shot for 33.9 percent from the field, making only 20 of 59 attempts. They were 13 for 16 at the free-throw line and three for 14 in three-point range.

“We are giving our all and I believe we are the best team in conference,” Lawson said. “The teams don’t beat us; we beat ourselves.”

The Lady Rangers are currently the No. 5 seed and are tied with

Paris Junior College in the Region XIV standings. They will close out the regular season against Angelina College 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in Masters Gym.

“Preparing for Saturday’s game we are getting in the gym and working as a team,” Lawson said. “I am very confident about getting a win out of this game.”

The Lady Rangers lost 47-42 earlier this season to Angelina in Lufkin.

MILES MARABLE & KEIRA PHIPPS

Staff Writers

Ranger Softball is 7-18 in non-conference play and will compete in the three-day Region XIV Round Robin Tournament at Lear Park in Longview today through Sunday. The tournament also marks the start of conference play.

“I’m hoping for consistency and a winning record,” said head coach Leslie Messina. “We have to just play one pitch at a time.”

Going into the Round Robin Tournament Messina said her confidence level is at a 10, but the team still has things to work on.

“We still have to work on a few fundamentals along with our swings and bunting,” Messina said. “The team is starting to click together and each week we learn things that will benefit us.”

After playing in the three-day tournament, the Rangers will get some time off before returning to action. They will travel to Gainesville 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, March 14, to take on North Central Texas in a doubleheader.

The Rangers will return home to host Trinity Valley in a doubleheader 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and Paris Junior College 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 20.

The Rangers lost a hard-fought doubleheader Wednesday against McLennan Community College. In the first game, KC got out to a slow start down 7-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. KC finally got on the board when freshman Lakin Kerby drove in two runs with a single that put the score at 7-2. KC struck again in the top of the seventh inning with a triple by Kaitlyn Hipsher and KC pulled within two. KC fell just short of a historic comeback, losing the first game 7-5.

After scoring five unanswered runs in the first game, KC looked to carry that momentum in the second game scoring first in the second inning with a single by freshman Alex Aguilar. KC led 1-0 in the bottom of the third until McLennan freshman Kady Crow hit a home run to tie the game at one a piece. From then on neither team could score again in regulation, so the game went into extra innings. The Rangers gave up two runs in the extra inning and trailed 3-1. Sophomore Heather Bunn drove in a run with a single that put KC within one. Bunn’s run was not enough as the Rangers fell short once again in a very competitive game, 3-2.

SaturdayThe KC softball team went 2-1

Saturday on the second day of the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth.

In the first game against Independence Community College, KC caught fire scoring five runs in the top of the third inning including a three-run homer by sophomore Heather Bunn. The Rangers won the game 9-2. The

winning pitcher, sophomore Jessica Simon, had 13 first-pitch strikes and 10 strikeouts.

In the second game against North Central Texas College, the Rangers found themselves down 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, until a pair of singles by sophomores Kaitlyn Hipsher and Tricia Hock put KC on the board. Despite the hard effort, the Rangers fell short, losing 5-2.

In the final game, KC won against Northern Oklahoma College, 4-1. After falling behind 1-0 early, the Rangers scored four unanswered points to finish 2-1 on the day.

The Rangers finished 3-3 in the Cowtown Classic with a non-conference record of 5-14 in their inaugural season.

The Rangers traveled to Fort

Worth Friday to participate in the Cowtown Classic Tournament at Gateway Park. In Friday’s first game KC fell short to Midland College, losing 2-11. In game two the Rangers came together with

Laura Martinez who went 2-4 at the plate to pull off a 7-2 victory over the Lady Racers of Murray State College.

KC went on to end the first day of tournament play, losing 3-6 against

Weatherford College. The Rangers previously lost in a face-off against the Lady Coyotes in the McLennan College Tournament (Feb. 15-16). KC rallied hard but lost a close decision to the Lady Coyotes, 3-6.

KC softball pitcher Jessica Simon, Longview sophomore, was named Pitcher of the Week in the Region XIV conference.

Head coach Leslie Messina said Simon is a big part of their oɈ ense.

Outfi elders Laura Martinez, Rosenberg sophomore, and Alex Aguilar, Richmond freshman, were also selected as Region XIV Players of the Week earlier this season.

“They are all hard workers and I am very proud,” Messina said.

Martinez was selected for the week of Feb. 5, when she was 17-28 from the plate with seven runs batted in and a batting average of .607 from her leadoɈ hitting position. She was also 2-2 in stolen bases.

Aguilar was selected for the week of Feb. 12, when she was 8-16 from the plate scoring three runs. Aguilar also reached on an error and stole three bases.

“It’s kind of an honor for my coach to nominate me,” Aguilar said. “It helped boost my confi dence since I’m a freshman.”

Because this is KC’s inaugural season of softball, Martinez and Aguilar are the fi rst two Rangers ever to be selected for Players of the Week.

~Miles Marable

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

LAURA MARTINEZOutfi elder

ALEX AGUILAROutfi elder

JESSICA SIMONPitcher

S POR T STHE FLAREFRIDAY, MARCH 1, 20136PAGE

It was Oct. 24, 2009. Alabama was leading Tennessee, 12-10. Daniel Lincoln, Tennessee’s

kicker, lined up to attempt a 44-yard field goal with hopes of creating an upset and the chance to knock the Crimson Tide from the No. 2 spot in the Bowl Championship Series standings.

My dad, brother and I anxiously paced back and forth in the living room not knowing what was about to happen. Were the Crimson Tide’s dreams about to be crushed? That was a question we were all about to find out. Alabama had an undefeated season and a chance to play for a national championship. Everything was on the line with only four seconds left in the game.

With three timeouts left, Nick Saban, Alabama’s head coach, used his first in an attempt to ice Lincoln. I looked to my dad and said, “This is do or die. We need a miracle.”

Now, I must remind you, there are only four seconds left in the game, which makes this the final play.

As both teams headed back on the field after the timeout, you could hear the beating hearts of the Alabama fans. Or maybe that was mine.

The referee blew the whistle to start the play clock.

“Blocked again. Cody again. Oh my, Alabama wins,” were the words of CBS announcer Verne Lundquist. I could not believe my eyes of what just happened as the crowd went wild. That was the day my love for sports became official.

It was not until my junior year in high school when I decided that I wanted to major in communications with hopes of becoming a sports broadcaster. After making that decision, it was hard sticking to the idea of being on the sidelines interviewing. That was mainly because the guys I went to school with always said women know nothing about sports.

I strongly disagree with them and everyone else who agrees with them. We women know just as much as men do, and some of us probably know more.

Jane Chastain was one of the first women to make it on the sidelines. She was the first woman to serve as a sports commentator on a Major League Baseball field and in the NASCAR pits.

Cheryl Miller was the first African American woman to broadcast in sports. Miller is a former college basketball player and coach, and now reports from the sidelines. She is also the sister of former National Basketball Association star and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, so I am pretty sure she knows what she is talking about.

Then again, your background does not make you good at something. Although this job looks easy, it takes hard work as well as research to be a sports commentator.

If you love something and enjoy doing it, then nothing should get in your way from being your best.

The love I have for sports can not be put into words. I am not going to let the “you’re a girl so you don’t know anything” attitude stop me from becoming a sportscaster.

Instead, I am going to use those words as encouragement and motivation to prove people wrong.

As I continue to complete the steps of accomplishing my dreams, I am going to have fun. For future reference you will see me on the sidelines. Better yet, you will see me at the round table.

Sheniece Chappell is a sophomore communications major from Houston.

SHENIECE CHAPPELLSports Editor

Rangers send dogs packing

Sports: no longer a man’s world

Chinedu Amajoyi drives to the hoop in the intense 88-78 win over Region XIV leader Navarro on Saturday in Masters Gym. The Rangers moved to the No. 1 seed in the Region XIV conference after Navarro’s loss to Tyler Junior College Wednesday night. KC will close the regular season against TJC 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at WagstaɈ Gymnasium in Tyler.

Kris Dobbins / THE FLARE

JORDAN MOSSStaff Writer

The No. 20 KC Rangers toppled Region XIV North Zone-leading Navarro 88-78 in front of a rowdy home crowd Saturday afternoon, improving to 22-4 (13-4 conference).

The Rangers avoided the dreadful start they had last time they met Navarro, keeping the game much closer from the start. Navarro led the majority of the first half and took a 39-37 lead into the half.

Navarro outshot KC from the field 52.2 percent to 44 percent in the first half. Going 4 for 9 from three-point range helped the Bulldogs maintain the advantage. KC stayed close by shooting an impressive 14 for 18 from the foul line.

The game remained a close physical affair throughout the second half. With 10 minutes left to play, Quinton Upshur drained a three-pointer to put the Rangers up 58-55, a lead they would not relinquish.

Maruice Taylor led KC in scoring with 27, while Upshur added 23. Lonnie McClanahan had 14 points while shooting 10 for 12 from the charity stripe. Toney Foster dropped 28 for the Bulldogs, and Jamar Goodwin was the only other Navarro player in double figures with 11.

The game saw tensions escalate between fans of both teams.

After the game, Navarro players attempted to exit the locker room and return to the court. According to KCPD reports, officers felt threatened and pepper sprayed the team. An investigation is under way.

Head coach Brian Hoberecht acknowledged the tension, but was pleased his players stayed out of the post-game incidents.

“I think tonight was a very emotional game,” Hoberecht said. “I think it was very high strung on both teams’ part because it was one and two in the league, and both programs have a lot of pride in what they’re trying to put out on the floor.”

Hoberecht believes the game will prove to be valuable experience for the Rangers as they prepare for post-season basketball.

“I think it was great experience for us because it was a playoff atmosphere,” Hoberecht said. “I thought our guys competed extremely hard.”

KC has one game remaining in its regular season. The Rangers will be in action 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, when they visit Tyler Junior College.

With a win KC will be named regular season conference champions earning a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament in Hutchison, Kansas.

Pepper spray incident still under investigation

JORDAN MOSSStaff Writer

Following Saturday night’s emotional basketball game between KC and Navarro, tensions ran high leading two KCPD officers to pepper spray the Navarro team.

After the Rangers’ victory, KC students made their way to center court and began loudly celebrating.

This did not sit well with some of the Navarro fans who verbalized their disapproval.

According to KCPD police reports, the Navarro players entered their locker room before trying to come back out onto the court. Officers directed the players to return to the locker room. A second attempt to go back out on the court resulted in Corporal Charles Horton and Lieutenant Tony Means pepper spraying the team.

Martin Pessink, KCPD chief, is looking into the

incident.“I will be doing an

evaluation of the officers’ control measures to make sure that they were in compliance with department policy and state law,” said Pessink.

According to KCPD reports, a Navarro player removed his shirt and made threatening comments to an officer.

The use of pepper spray may have actually prevented further escalation.

“The officers had to use control measures to get this situation under control before it escalated into a riot,” Pessink said.

Outside Masters Gym fans from both teams exchanged unpleasant words while KCPD officers directed the crowd. No physical incidents occurred between fans.

The investigation into the use of pepper spray is ongoing.

No KC players, coaches or fans were involved.

Saturday, March 2

Lady Rangers vs. Angelina College4 p.m. Masters Gym

KC BasketballMORE SPORTSCheck out our sports highlights online!For quicker access to scores and complete game coverage and for more action photos see thefl areonline.com/category/sports

I think it was a great experience for us because it was a playoɈ atmosphere. I thought our guys competed extremely hard.”

-Brian Hoberecht, head coach“

Rangers @ Tyler Junior College4 p.m. WagstaɈ Gymnasium, Tyler

S POR T S THE FLAREFRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 7PAGE

Top: Van Cliburn with Mme. Rosina Lhevinne, Juilliard

teacher. Cliburn attended Juilliard at the age of 17.

Above left: Cliburn with his parents, Rildia Bee O’Bryan

Cliburn and Harvey Lavan Cliburn. Cliburn’s mother, also a

talented pianist, helped to develop his musical talent from

a young age.

Above right: Cliburn with Soviet Premier Khrushev.

Left: Cliburn signs autographs after a performance. He

performed in sold-out performances all over the world.

Photos special to THE FLARE

S PO T L I G H TTHE FLARE

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 20138PAGE

BRITTANI PFAUCo-Executive Editor

He was a small town East Texas boy – a one time KC student who later became a world-renowned classical

pianist, one who would capture audiences and be hailed by millions.

Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn Jr., a resident of Fort Worth since 1986, died Wednesday at the age of 78.

“Kilgore College cherishes the long and warm relationship we have enjoyed with him through the years. His legacy and his music will continue to endure for many years henceforth,” said Dr. Bill Holda, KC president. “We extend our love and sympathy to the many individuals who have not only been affected by his life, but also with his death. “

Cliburn was not only a talented musician, but was also a great benefactor to KC. He was always interested in investing in the lives of young musicians and promoting music education.

“He loved to encourage young musicians. He loved to hear them. He was a wonderful, wonderful audience,” said Annette Morgan, financial aid officer and close friend of Cliburn. “He would say, ‘I am the best audience a young musician can have because I so want them to do well. I love it so much and I want them to hear what others can do and how they can play. I am the best pair of ears a young pianist can have.’ But it wasn’t just about him. He wanted to perfect his art but he wanted others to do well.”

Cliburn was born on July 12, 1934, in Shreveport, La., to Harvey Lavan Cliburn Sr. and Rildia Bee O’Bryan Cliburn. The family moved to Kilgore when he was 6 years old. Cliburn attended summer classes at KC in 1951 and 1952.

“He grew up here. He made a lot of friends here. He went through all of the Kilgore schools: Kilgore Elementary, Kilgore Junior High and Kilgore High School,” Morgan said.

When he was 12 years old, Cliburn won his first piano competition. In 1945, he won the prestigious Edgar M. Leventritt Foundation Award granting him the opportunity to play with the New York Philharmonic and four other major American orchestras. Cliburn was the first winner since 1949. The Leventritt was held annually but no prize was awarded unless the judges considered a candidate worthy. Three years later, in 1948, he performed at New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall as the winner of the National Music Festival Award.

In 1966, KC’s Applied Arts Building (later named the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center) opened with a state-of-the-art auditorium named for Cliburn.

“Van Cliburn is among the most distinguished alumni of Kilgore College. He was a once-in-a-lifetime musician who in many ways was bigger than life. Whether on the musical stage or the international political stage, he was a signature individual,” Holda said.

Cliburn’s musical talent was apparent at a young age, due in no small part to the fact that his mother was also an accomplished pianist and teacher. He later attended The Juilliard School in New York at the age of 17.

“He gives her credit for his ability and his sensitivity and his education in the Russian style of playing. She was his musical guide; that’s what he called her,” Morgan said. “What fascinates me about her is that she recognized at the age of 3 he had this incredible gift. In order to guide a gift like that, you yourself would have to be so incredible as a teacher. You would have to be so aware of what they need. It (his musical talent) was never exploited. They just worked and developed and did it very wisely and steadily. When he went off, he was ready. When he got with the big boys, he was ready and he quickly became known at Juilliard.”

Six years later, at the age of 23, fame beckoned. Cliburn won the 1958 Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow, Russia.

“There are no political barriers to music. The same blood running through Americans also runs through the Soviet people and compels us to create and enjoy the same art,” said Cliburn of his time in Moscow. “I have become more aware of this since I have been in Russia. What has thrilled me so much is the great spirit of musical unity achieved here at the Tchaikovsky Competition by the different peoples of the world whose governments are at political loggerheads.”

Upon his return to New York City, Cliburn became the first classical music artist to be honored with a ticker-tape parade.

“When he won that competition we were thrilled. We were beside ourselves,” Morgan said. “Time magazine sent people here and they all crowded into Mrs. Cliburn’s small house taking pictures of everything. All of a sudden, Kilgore became this big deal.”

After winning the competition, Cliburn was featured in front-page news nationwide, including the cover of Time magazine. His triumph helped thaw relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Dubbed by Time, “The Texan that Conquered Russia,” Cliburn’s performance of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 became the first classical recording to reach

platinum recording status with more than three million copies sold.

“He said that it was the other way around. Russia conquered his heart. The fact that he was an American knocked down walls and transcended boundaries. No one expected an American to win. It was assumed that a Russian would win,” Morgan said. “His personality, charisma and genuine love of the Russian people became a catalyst in addition to his playing. None of that would have mattered had he not been able to play so beautifully.”

Morgan and her family knew the Cliburn’s well. At a young age, Morgan received piano lessons from Mrs. Cliburn and continued these lessons for the next 10 years.

“I was 5 when I began taking lessons with his mother. He was 18 at the time. He would come in from New York at times and that’s how I came to get to know him,” Morgan said. “We never did lose contact which is a blessing. Van was not just my friend. He was friend of my family’s. My mother was good friends with his mother.”

Morgan says Cliburn’s parents were

instrumental in shaping his musical talent and character.

“This was a quote from Van’s mother: ‘Musical inspiration is a gift from God. Use it with the purest motives. Aim high and consider yourself capable of great things. Lend your talents to the world to make it better,’” Morgan said. “I think Van embodied that. He was just a unique individual with a talent that only comes along once in a century. He tried to use that talent to make the world a better place.”

Legacy of musicInternationally famous pianist dies at 78

One night of carelessness is all it takes to forever change the course of your life. Just one

mistake can shatter dreams and take lives.

When I was charged with a DUI on St. Patrick’s day of 2012 it cost me a lot. Let me first tell you nobody is ever proud to make a call to his parents asking them to come pick him up from jail. It was without a doubt the most embarrassed I have ever been in my life.

The monetary damage that it does to one’s bank account can be just the tip of the iceberg. When I got my DUI I was lucky that nobody was hurt. I walked away from the incident with a $500 fine, 90 days with no driver’s license, 15 months probation, 12 months of having an interlock breath system in my car at $80 a month, 80 hours community service, court costs and three years of license surcharges of $2,000 to pay off. I went to jail for the night, and paid big financial penalties, and that’s sadly the best case scenario for a DUI.

I have known two women in my life who were not so lucky. The first of these women had that oh so familiar cliche of “her whole life ahead of her.” One fateful night in San Antonio permanently altered her future.

My friend had graduated near the top of her high school class, earning a scholarship to Arizona State University. The night before she was to leave we had a going away party for her. The phone call I awoke to the next day was the worst of my life.

My friend had been driving home late from the party, crossed over to the opposite lane and collided with a truck. She was thrown from the vehicle and had minor injuries. The driver of the truck was dead.

Instead of heading off to college, my friend ended up heading off to prison after a long legal process that hurt her family financially and emotionally. To this day she still cries around the holidays. Knowing she took someone’s family member away from them is just too much for her.

I actually met the second woman years after her ordeal. Similar story, similar tragic result. This other friend lived in Ohio and one night after drinking she collided with another vehicle. The man she injured didn’t die immediately; he remained in a vegetative state for years.

When I met her she told me her story of being in prison in Ohio for more than a year, of the rift it caused between her and her father with whom she had been very close. When the man she hit was removed from life support it reopened all the pain she had inside her.

These two women were good people. They made one mistake and it cost them so much from their lives. The pain they live with from knowing somebody is dead because of their actions haunts them daily.

Even knowing their stories, I still went out the night I got my DUI drinking and driving like it was no big deal. I had gotten comfortable being stupid and didn’t think about what is at stake every time you drive impaired. I know a lot of people drink and drive nightly, thinking nothing of it. What I want you to take away from this is that it only takes one night to change the course of your life forever.

I’ve learned my lesson the hard way, I hope that those of you who read this will think not only of your bank accounts, but the fact that drinking and driving is gambling with your life and the lives of others. No matter how many times you get away with it, it can only take one time for your entire world to change for the worse.

Jordan Moss is a sophomore journalism major from San Antonio.

How many more reasons do you need not to drive drunk?

JORDAN MOSSStaɈ Writer

Some mistakes can’t be undone

OUR VIEW

YOUR VIEW Online Results • 100 Polled • 61 YES, 39 NO

Chris Moore Kilgore sophomore

Lauren Cabrera Pharr freshman

-Megan

-Amy

-Jeffery

-Emily

YES. “My cousin was killed in a drunk driving accident last year, so it became very personal, and it always makes me weigh my options before I take a drink, anytime, anywhere.”

Do you know someone who was involved in a drinking and driving accident? If so, how has it aɈ ected you?

YES. “After what happened to one of my friends, I feel a lot stronger about drinking and driving.”

OP I N I O N THE FLAREFRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 9PAGE

Many of you may have gotten away with it, but drinking and driving is one of the most stupid things you can do.

The penalties for a DUI in Texas are costly. A first offense carries a fine of up to $2,000, up to six months behind bars, a driver’s license suspension of up to one year and an annual fine of $1,000 just to keep your driving privileges. It gets even stiffer with a second DUI. The fine can

double in cost up to $4,000, jail time can reach up to one year, you can kiss that license goodbye for up to two years, and those annual fines to keep the right to drive hit $1,500.Want to try it a third time? That fine can reach $10,000,

you face two to 10 years in jail, up to a two-year loss of your license and annual fines of $2,000 to keep driving are heading your way. Does loss of money, driving rights, and your freedom

not scare you enough? The potential for life-changing injuries during a wreck, such as paralysis or even being left comatose increase when driving drunk. Not

to mention the chances you will hurt another person. Intoxication assault penalties in Texas can range between two to 10 years of jail time and a fine up to $10,000.Do not forget you are gambling with your own life

when you get behind the wheel drunk. According to www.alcoholalert.com, Texas led the nation in drunk driving fatalities with 1,450 in 2011. Even if you remain unshaken at the prospect of losing your own life, how would you like to live with taking someone else’s life? Intoxication manslaughter in Texas carries a sentence of two to 20 years in prison and guilt that can last a lifetime. If you think any of these penalties are different

on the water, think again. A BUI (boating under the influence) in Texas carries the same repercussions as driving a motor vehicle on land. Do you really need more reasons to get behind the

wheel impaired? Do yourself and everyone else a favor and be smart, not just over Spring Break, but for the rest of your life.

Photo Illustration by April Procell / 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 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, Hunter Huggins, Travis Hull, Miles Marable, Mason Mehrens, Maegan Mitchell, Kade Morrison, Jordan Moss, Ellen Reid, Jessica Tolle and Tory Van Blarcum

PHOTOGRAPHERSKris Dobbins, Sonia Garza, Cody Hand, Cara Herbert, April Procell, Jonathen Ruesch, Dylan Thomas and Randi Vinson-Davis

VOL. 76, NO. 16 Q Friday, March 1, 2013 Copyright 2013, 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

“I used to always think that it could never happen to someone like me until someone I knew died from it and it was just an eye-opener.”

“I was hit by a drunk driver. I still fl inch every time I go through a stoplight. I was known to drive “buzzed” before the accident, but never again do I do that.”

“Because of [my friend’s] accident, it made me realize that no matter how much you’ve had, or how much you think you can handle, there is still a risk of getting in trouble and getting hurt.”

“Well, I am not sure if I ever would be a drinker, but I was in an accident with my mother and brother when I was a young teenager. Our vehicle fl ipped a few times but we were luckily all alive with minor injuries. I do not drink, but I would never drink and drive if I did. Drivers who drink and then drive not only put their lives at risk but they also put others at risk.”

Continued from Page 1

Where to go

DON’T FORGET THE GEAR!

Illustrations by Jonathen Ruesch

/ THE FLARE

S PO T L I G H TTHE FLAREFRIDAY, MARCH 1, 201310PAGE

Clear SpringsAlong the shores of Wright Patman Lake nestled within the piney woods of Northeast Texas, Clear Springs features a boat ramp, playground and a swimming area, providing fun for families, boaters, anglers and hunters alike.

Activities and Amenities: Accessible boat ramp, flushing toilets, basketball courts, beach, boating, drinking water, dump station, fishing, horseshoe pit, hunting, pay phone, playground, showers, swimming and volleyball courts.Hours: Campground gate is locked from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., but a lock combination will be given to visitors upon check in.Prices: Daily/Nightly fees are standard non-electric are $12, campsites with standard electric are $20-$32, group campsites featuring standard electric are $80 and group picnic areas are $60.Phone Number: 903-838-8781

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Caddo LakeNestled against the border of Texas and Louisiana, Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas, according to Texas Park and Wildlife. Home to 71 species of fish and 225 species of birds, Caddo Lake National Park is popular among anglers and bird

watchers. Activities and Amenities: Hiking, paddling trails, picnicking, nature study, photography, fishing and boating.Hours: Open seven days a week year round. There is no gate. Prices: You must pay the daily entry fee of $3 for every day that you are at the park as well as the fee for your facility. Campsites with water are $10 a night or $60 a week; campsites with water and electricity are $15 a night or $90 a week; campsites with water, electricity and sewer are $20 a night or $120 a week, though the full hook-up campsites do not permit tents. Cabin prices can be found online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/caddo-lake/fees-facilities/cabins.Phone Number: 903-679-3351Phone Number for Reservations: 512-389-8900

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Alley Creek CampFound on the northern shore

of Lake O’ the Pines, Alley Creek Camp features 67

campsites. The temperate climate makes boating,

fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing popular year-round. Activities and Amenities:

Accessible flushing toilets, boat ramp, boating, drinking water, dump station,

fishing, playground, showers, swimming, water skiing and wildlife viewing.

Hours: Visitors of campers must leave by 10 p.m.

Prices: Tent only without electricity sites are $12-$16 a night. Sites with standard

electric range from $22-$42 an night.Phone Number: 903-755-2637

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Brushy CreekOn the opposing side of Lake

O’ the Pines, Brushy Creek is home to many species of birds, such as Brown-headed Nuthatchers and

Great Black-backed Gulls, along with fish such as bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish.

Activities and Amenities: Accessible flushing toilets, boat ramp, boating,

drinking water, dump stations, electric hookups, fishing, playground, showers,

swimming and water skiing.Prices: Tent-only non-electric sites range

from $14-$16 for their daily/nightly rate while tent-only with electric sites are $18.

Phone Number: 903-777-3491

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Lake TawakoniWith 376 acres and more

than five miles of shoreline and a variety of activities,

Lake Tawakoni National Park also offers a variety of

educational opportunities. This national park is 60

miles northwest of Tyler and is known for the largest spiderweb ever

documented.Activities and Amenities: Swimming,

fishing, boating, mountain biking, geocaching, hiking and birding.

Hours: The gate is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Prices: You must pay the daily entry fee of $5

for every day that you are at the park as well as the fee for your facility. Campsites with water

and electricity are $20 a night; ADA accessible campsites with water and electricity are $24 a night; premium campsites with water and

electricity are $22 a night; premium campsites with water, electricity and sewer are $24 a night; and the group camping area is $42 a

night. Phone Number: 903-560-7123

Phone Number for Reservations: 512-389-8900

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ShelterTentTarpExtra stakesMat for tent entranceBroom headRubber Mallet

BeddingSleeping bagSheets/blanketsPillowAir mattress/sleeping pad/cotAir pumpUtility bags for storage

CookingLarge water jug & water bucketStove with fuel/propaneMatches/lighterCharcoal/fi rewoodDutch ovenFire starters/newspaperPlates & bowls/paper plates & bowlsSilverware/plastic silverwareMeasuring cupsHeavy-duty aluminum foilPaper towelsTrash bagsDish soapPot holders/oven mittsPots and frying pans with lidsCooking utensilsTongsSkewers/grill forksCan opener/bottle openerCupsMixing bowlCutting boardDish panDish rags/towelsScrub pad/BrilloSeasonings and condimentsKnife

ClothesShoes/bootsJeans/pants/beltShortsT-shirtsSocksHatBandanaSweatshirt/jacketUnderwearSleep clothesRain gearSwim suit/towelLaundry bag

PersonalShower shoes/fl ip fl opsTowels/washclothSoap

Spring Break is around the corner. People are looking to do something entertaining and possibly memorable,

though the presence of alcohol may make it more memorable for some than others. Why not spend it out in the woods? Camping, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, hiking and fishing are just a few of the opportunities that the great outdoors has to offer. East Texas has plenty of places to go camping, some right next door. Literally, go ask the neighbor with the 20-acre property.

Now, for those who want a more official place to stay, plenty of places are not that far away. So, plan ahead, pack up and take a walk on the wild side.

Tooth brush/tooth pasteDeodorantComb/brushRazorToilet paperPersonal medicationsSunscreen/ChapstickLantern with fuelExtra batteries/bulbsCompass/GPSBug repellentWhistleWater fi lters/purifi cation/treatmentCameraBooks/magazinesCandlesMaps/directionsBackpackFishing gearFishing licenseRadioCamp chairsSunglassesTissuesSaw/axePark map/guidebooks/trail mapsLantern pole or hangerMarshmallows, Graham crackers, Hershey bars (S’mores)FlashlightPocket knifeBinocularsRope/clothes lineCanteen/water bottle/coɈ ee potBungee cordsCards/games/toys/golfDuct tape/electrical tapeNotepad/penReservations info/confi rmationCell phone/charger2-way radios/walkie talkiesSmall shovelSafety pinsMoney/ID/credit card/quartersTravel alarm clockWork glovesHand wipesSmall sewing kitFire extinguisherHot chocolate/tea bags/coɈ eeScissorsWatch

Basic First Aid KitRoll bandagesAdhesive tapeAntiseptic wipesSterile gauze padsCotton swabsTweezersSafety pinsScissorsBee sting kitSinus medications

Sterile compressesSplinting materialsPersonal information/contact personFeminine productsIpecacRazor bladesPlastic bagsSmall bottle of waterBlanketSmall mirrorTriangular bandagesMisc. Band Aides/bandagesAnti-acidsAntibiotic creamAspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/NaproxinHydrogen PeroxideAce bandagesSunburn lotionBurn ointmentSnake bite kitEye dropsPoison ivy cream/cleansersHeat/cold packsLatex glovesAntibacterial soapThermometerAntibiotic soapButterfl y bandagesTwineMole skin for blistersRoad fl aresFirst aid manualCPR mask

Tips&Tricks

Q As romantic or adventurous as sleeping under the stars may sound, it’s not going to be as much fun when it starts to rain. Don’t buy a two-man tent whenever there’s going to be two of you going. The tent company doesn’t seem to know exactly how big people are and tend to forget that yes, people bring gear.

Q For cold weather, bring a thermal sleeping bag. Too hot for a sleeping bag? It’s never too hot for a sleeping bag. Temperatures drop at night, don’t forget that there’s dew and if your sleeping bag can double as a sauna, use it as extra padding.

Q Not a “hard-core camper” who likes to “rough it” by sleeping directly on the fl oor of your tent? Make sure you bring something to alleviate your back from extra aches and pains in the morning.

Q Big hint you guys. Make sure your tarp is smaller than the bottom of your tent so that when you set the tent up on top of the tarp, you won’t see the tarp. Why? When it rains, you really don’t want that tarp to catch the water and send it right underneath your tent and pooling up in places.

Q Dogs bark, air mattresses leak; these are facts. So, unless you want to be breathless before you even begin your trip, you might want to bring an air pump. Otherwise, pucker up and get to it.

Q See if your designated camping area has a nearby shower, and see if it requires you to buy shower time. Yes, sometimes you have to pay a few quarters for so many minutes in the shower.

Q Tell someone of your plans – give details of where you are going and when you expect to return. Give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, SheriɈ Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in.

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