OPEN SEASON
The Panthers prepare to begin the 2015 football season with Thursday’s game against Western Illinois University.
SUPER SENIORS
Students talk about the struggles of having to claim senior status for longer than the standard four years.
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D aily E astern N ews
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015
“TELL THE TRUTH AND DON’T BE AFRAID”
C E L E BRATI NG A CE NTUR Y OF COV E RA GE
19 15- 201 5
VOL. 100 | NO. 8 W W W . D A I L YE A S TE R N N E W S. C O M
Annual step show to showcase NPHC talents By T’Nerra Butler Multicultural Editor | @DEN_News The National Pan-Hellenic Council will be strolling to the Dounda steps for its annual “Meet the Greek” at 5:30 on Thursday. Majarrie Marshall, the NPHC public relations chair, said meeting the Greeks on campus is important to help new students learn more about them. She said most students are not aware of what Greek life really is. “This is a great for them just to preview without having to pay,” Marshall said. “I remember when I was a freshman, my pockets were kind of low so I had to pick and choose what I spent my money on.” Marshall said when she went to “Meet the Greeks” her first year it sparked her interest to be involved more. She said it also helped her see the Greeks open up to new people. “Some people put Greeks on a high pedestal, but we’re just people, and this makes us seem more human when we do stuff like this, it makes people realize that.” Marshall said it is important to have events like “Meet the Greeks,” to make students feel included. “Especially with our culture, we want to have people feel at home at college,” Marshall said. “That’s why I think any type of program that welcomes students is what all Greeks and leaders around campus should be focused on.” Maliya Smith, NPHC first vice president, said she wants to create a fun atmosphere for those who attend. She also said the Greeks who are participating have been practicing before the summer. Smith said this provides an event for Greeks without any competitive edge. She said it helps everyone relax before a huge
FILE PHOTO| THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS
Marvin Collins, a senior Pre-Medicine major, and Jerome Montgomery, a senior Pre-Medicine major, represent their fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc by stepping during the Yard Show on the steps of the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Aug. 29, 2014.
event like the Black Student Reunion. “In BSR you’re graded upon how you’re costumes flow,” Smith said. “With any other competitive shows it’s stressed, but for ‘Meet the Greeks’, it’s more of a fun venue.” Shavon Francis, the president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, said “Meet the
Greeks” gives students a chance to see what they are all about. “Don’t sit in your room; come out and have a little entertainment and also come out because you can gain something, “ Francis said. She also said there will be a learning segment
where the president of each organization will say what they stand for.” T’Nerra Butler can be reached at 581-2812 or tabutler@eiu.edu.
New owner plans for Marty’s bar renovations By Tony Komada Online Producer | @SergeantPope Marty’s bar and apartments have undergone new management and ownership, which will include renovations and upgrades. The Jackson Family of Dealerships in Decatur and Sullivan purchased Marty’s bar on the corner of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue in June and opened the bar two weeks ago. Mark Jackson purchased the bar and apartments from previous owner Dave Kinnaird. Renovations will include raising the ceilings to 17 feet, installing new bars and extending the building. The bar was recently renovated in 2009, which is when the apartments were built. Extending the original Marty’s building will make it more handicap-accessible. New speakers, DJ booth equipment, club lighting and portable payment systems will be added to the bar in the upcoming months. Tyson Sledge, general manager of Marty’s, said he does not want to change the essence of Marty’s. “We want to keep Marty’s history, with a fresh look,” Sledge said. The bar will also add a new kitchen with a greater focus on their lunch menu. Additional changes will be made during the semester for some project during winter and summer break and for larger projects like a ceiling upgrade.
The apartments neighboring Marty’s bar were sold as a package deal with the bar and will also get minor upgrades they are expected to be full for next fall by the end of next month. The family owns two car dealerships, car washes and apartments, but this is their first bar purchase. Sledge said the improvements should be done in the spring or sometime next summer. The security will also be upgraded and parking will be easier for guests said Sledge. Marty’s will also be open during the summer. “People don’t have to worry if they show up and we’ll be closed,” Sledge said. “(Marty’s) always has somebody watching.” He is also not worried about citations for serving anybody underage because the bar typically two has sets of eyes checking IDs. Sledge said the panther on the corner is almost like a landmark, and they will dress it up during special events throughout the year. The bar opens at 11 a.m. daily, with lunch ending around 4 p.m. Closing time on weekends will be 2 a.m., with the bar closing slightly earlier on other nights. Bar hours were set to 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a recent City Council ordinance that was extended by Mayor Brandon Combs. Tony Komada can be reached at 581-2812 or tskomada@eiu.edu
TONY KOMADA | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS
Tyson Sledge, general manager of Marty’s, stands in the outside walled off area in front of the bar last Thursday, August 27th. The silver towers on either side of Sledge are heaters that will keep those eating and drinking outside warm during cooler days.