October 16, 2017

kentuckykernel Monday, October 16, 2017

est. 1892 | Independent since 1971

THE SUN STILL SHINES UK SWIMMER MADISON WINSTEAD RISES TO CHALLENGES | PAGE 6

ARDEN BARNES I STAFF

www.kykernel.com

Monday, October 16, 2017

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contact us KENTUCKY KERNEL

Paidin Dermody Editor in Chief paidin.dermody@uky.edu

Rick Childress Assistant News Editor rochildress16@uky.edu

Chase Campbell Assistant Sports Editor chase.campbell1@uky.edu

Katherine Manouchehri Managing Editor katherine.manouchehri@uky.edu

Mckenna Horsley Enterprise Manager Opinions Editor mgho232@g.uky.edu

Arden Barnes Photo Editor asba243@g.uky.edu

Madison Rexroat Social Media Editor madisoncrexroat@gmail.com

Kelsey Mattingly Assistant Opinions Editor kelsey.mattingly@uky.edu

Carter Gosset Assistant Photo Editor carterg16@gmail.com

Connor Corcoran Assistant Social Media Editor cac.corcoran@gmail.com

Tre Lyerly Lifestyle Editor trelyerly@uky.edu

Daria Smith Designer dmsm232@g.uky.edu

Bailey Vandiver News Editor beva223@g.uky.edu

Odele Liff Assistant Lifestyle Editor liff.odele@uky.edu

Jillian Jones Designer jillian.e.jones@uky.edu

Michael Ayers Assistant News Editor michael.ayers123@gmail.com

Chris Leach Sports Editor chrisl2027@gmail.com

Miranda Reaves Designer mmre228@g.uky.edu

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kernow

Monday, October 16, 2017

Safety provided for those studying Trial delayed, death penalty under review abroad during international tension

By Bailey Vandiver news@kykernel.com

By Miya Leykauf news@kykernel.com

In recent years, terrorist attacks have plagued major cities around the world, causing fear and chaos.

Studying abroad is an opportunity that many students want to take advantage of; however, the fear of being abroad during conflictual times can alter the traveling state of mind.

UK works hard to provide students with a safe and life-changing experience.

Miko McFarland, the Executive Director of Education Abroad & Exchanges, said that while he understands that students may feel nervous when traveling abroad, the necessary protection plans are in place.

“We try to be proactively responsive to student and parents’ concerns by informing them of our processes, the necessary precautions

and providing resources so they can make informed decisions,” McFarland said.

In addition to providing that information, the UK Education Abroad Office supplies students with phone numbers, including McFarland’s personal cell number.

This past spring, the office held a webinar for parents who were concerned for the safety of their students.

“UK’s main priority is students’ health and safety so, now more than ever, we are prepared to effectively respond to our students abroad,” McFarland said.

While these precautions aim to keep students safe while abroad, they cannot prevent incidents like the terrorist attack on the Westminster Bridge in London from happening.

UK senior Garrett Goolsby was completing an internship less than a mile away when the attack hap-

pened. She said she intently watched the news with her coworkers, waiting for any updates on the events that were unfolding so close to her.

“I wasn’t particularly scared while I was at work, but I was a little apprehensive when I had to leave work and take the tube home,” Goolsby said.

She was later contacted by UK to reply to an email to ensure her safety. Although she endured this terrifying experience, she said it will not affect her future international travels.

While this was a scary situation, I won’t let it deter me from traveling or doing what I have always wanted to do,” Goolsby said.

UK junior Whitney Barber studied abroad in Ecuador during the summer of 2017.

Barber had a trip that lacked

See ABROAD on page 8

The trial for the alleged murderers of the former Kernel photo editor is delayed while a decision is made about the constitutionality of the death penalty for those under 21.

Efrain Diaz, Justin Smith and Roman Gonzalez allegedly killed Jonathan Krueger in April of 2015.

Gonzalez was 17 at the time of the crime and was automatically ineligible for the death penalty, but the other two men were over 18.

In September, however, Judge Ernesto Scorsone took the death penalty off the table for Diaz and Smith as well, said prosecutor Andrea Mattingly Williams.

Scorsone made the decision related to the case of Travis Bredhold, who is now 21 but was just over 18 when he was charged with murder and robbery, according to the Herald-Leader.

Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney Lou

Krueger

Anna Red Corn, the prosecutor in the Krueger trial along with Williams, made a statement after the judge’s decision in August. She said she will appeal Scorsone’s order “because it is contrary to the laws of Kentucky and the laws of the United States,” the Herald-Leader reported.

Williams said the prosecutor’s office has appealed that decision to the Court of Appeals, with the he lp of the office of Kentucky Attorney Genera l Andy Beshear.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a circuit judge has ruled that the death penalty statute is unconstitutional as it applies to defendants who are less than 21 years of age,” said Terry Sebastian, head of the

attorney general’s Office of Communications. “As such, the ruling warrants a review by an appellate court.”

The prosecutor’s office has made a motion to transfer the decision of constitutionality to the Kentucky Supreme Court, Williams said.

The death penalty was reinstated in Kentucky in 1975, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In 2005, the United States Supreme Court decided in Roper v. Simmons that the execution of offenders under the age of 18 at the time of the crime was unconstitutional because of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.

Williams said the prosecutor’s office does not know how long the appeals process might take. In the meantime, she said, those involved in the trial will try to make what progress they can while they wait for this decision.

Mary Krueger, mother of the victim, declined to comment about the specifics of the trial but said she hopes to see the trial go forward.

Current photo editor receives scholarship in memory of Jonathan Krueger

By Bailey Vandiver news@kykernel.com

Arden Barnes had been assistant photo editor for the Kentucky Kernel for a few months when she noticed and read the many notes pinned on a bulletin board in the newsroom.

She asked then editor-in-chief Marjorie Kirk what the story behind them was. The notes were from student newspapers, personal relations employees and more from all over the country, offering comfort to the Kernel staff after it lost one of its own.

Jonathan Krueger was shot and killed in April of 2015. He was the Kernel’s photo editor at the time.

The Jonathan Krueger Memorial Scholarship was created by Kernel Press Inc. Most of the funds come

Barnes

from a GoFundMe account created by former Kernel photographer Jonathan Palmer and his wife, Danielle, according to a past Kernel article.

The GoFundMe account began with a goal of $10,000. The fund reached $30,201, allowing the creation of an endowed scholarship for one Kernel photographer each year.

This is the third year of the scholar-

ship.

Barnes is currently the photo editor for the Kernel an was chosen to receive this year’s scholarship.

Mary Krueger, mother of Jonathan, said she cannot express how much it means to his family for this scholarship to be named in his honor.

She said she is “forever thankful” to Palmer and all those who donated.

“I’m still writing thank you notes,” she said. “I still get a handful of gifts for the scholarship; some are strangers to me.”

Mary said she is a faithful Kernel reader.

“I’ve been watching Arden’s work,” she said. “I saw some great photos that she did at the new barn, beautiful pictures.”

Barnes said she became serious about photography during her sophomore year at Lexington Catholic

High School. She commuted from Cynthiana to attend school there.

“I took a photography class as an art requirement, and they told me I had a talent for it,” she said. “I eventually starting practicing more and started taking more photos, and I realized I really liked it and had a passion for it.”

Barnes orginally came to UK as a human health and sciences major.

She switched majors after a year “because I’ve had that passion for photography for forever,” she said.

Barnes said that while she wants to be a photojournalist, she is not exactly sure of the specifics.

“The wide range of Kernel assignments helps me figure out what I want to do,” Barnes said. “I really like working for the Kernel and everything it entails.”

Kernel photo adviser and lecturer

David Stephenson said Barnes perfectly continues Jonathan’s legacy.

“Arden’s talent, attitude and leadership perfectly reflect the qualities we look for in our leaders at the Kernel,” Stephenson said.

Mary said she remembers the day Jonathan called her about his first visit to the Kernel office, when he got his first photo assignment.

“I think Jonathan would be tickled to see that there are still students coming in the door that want to pursue photography,” she said.

The recipient of the scholarship is chosen by the Kernel board’s executive committee and is worth $1,000 each semester.

Fittingly, Barnes plans to use the money to buy a new camera lens.

fall 2017 | 3

Monday, October 16, 2017

Gerrymandering court case can effect Kentucky voters

By Sydney Nash news@kykernel.com

Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments on a case that has the potential to change the way America votes.

The court case revolves around voter redistricting, specifically gerrymandering. The case itself is complicated. Talk surrounding the case is full of legal jargon, mathematical equations and computer algorithms.

Gerrymandering is the practice of redistricting along partisan lines.

This is achieved by two different methods: cracking and packing.

Cracking is the practice of splitting an opposing party’s voters into different districts to lessen the impact of their votes. Packing involves cramming voters of the opposing party into as little districts as possible to heavily concentrate their votes away from other districts.

After every census, states are re-

4 | kentucky kernel

quired to redraw the legislative districts in order to make the voting districts more democratic, at least in theory. The redistricting, therefore, falls in the hands of the party in power in the state legislature.

While the severity of gerrymandering varies from state to state, it is a common practice for legislatures to redraw districts in a way that is most beneficial to the majority party. It is expected, even.

In Gill v. Whitford, Democrats from Wisconsin brought a case against the Wisconsin Election Commission, arguing that current voting districts in the state were drawn to give Republican candidates an unfair advantage during elections.

In 2010, Republicans regained control of the Wisconsin legislature and had the task of redrawing districts following the census that same year. Using different resources, such as data and computer models, Republicans drew

up a new map. In the two following elections, Republicans retained majority in the assembly. According to statistics from the Wisconsin Election Commission, in 2012,

If the court upholds the decision in Gill v. Whitford, many states will have to answer for current legislative districts that fall under scrutiny. Kentucky will not be exempt.

Democrats won a majority of the votes but only received 39 of 99 seats. Their Republican opponents won 60.

The plaintiffs in Gill v. Whitford argue that this was an example of gerrymandering. By using new technology and voter data, Republicans in Wisconsin were able to draw up a map that would essentially guarantee that Republican candidates would win. At the core of the case is the question: Is gerrymandering constitutional? The plaintiff argues that it is not, citing that Wisconsin’s partisan redistricting violated voters’ constituational rights under the first amendment and the Equal Protection Clause (part of the 14th amendment).

The Equal Protection Clause guarantees each individual “the equal protection of the laws.” The plaintiff argues that current legislative districts violate this clause because they essentially make democratic votes worthless in elections.

At the same time, it is argued that gerrymandering in Wisconsin violates the first amendment by punishing democratic voters because

of their affiliation with the party.

The defense argues that not only is gerrymandering constitutional but that it is a common and accepted practice. At the same time, the map drawn in 2010 is very similar to a map drawn in 2002 where Republicans won only a slight majority of the vote. The defense also questions the plaintiff’s legal right to challenge the map, because Whitford lives in a district where Democrats have historically won and therefore, is not affected by the alleged gerrymandering.

The Supreme Court must decide whether or not to uphold the lower court’s ruling that the Wisconsin Election Commission’s practices are unconstitutional. While there is no clause that explicitly states that partisan redistricting is unconstitutional or illegal, the court must decide whether it is a federal issue. Gerrymandering along partisan lines is an issue that has come to the Supreme Court in the past,

Monday, October 16, 2017

but the court has never ruled against it. The one question that the court faces is this: can a measurement be devised that can be applied in all states that can determine a threshold where voter redistricting becomes gerrymandering, and therefore, illegal?

With the new lawsuit comes new technology, and many arguments and solutions have been put forth to the Supreme Court on the plaintiff’s part. Many are hopeful that this case will be strong enough to finally tip the court in favor of ruling against gerrymandering along partisan lines.

If the court upholds the decision in Gill v. Whitford, many states will have to answer for current legislative districts that fall under scru-

tiny. Kentucky will not be exempt. The state faces its own questionable legislative districts, and Fayette County is one of them. While nowhere near the extreme of Wisconsin’s districts, Kentucky still faces questions about how to redistrict each census in a bipartisan way.

The Kentucky League for Women Voters held a meeting about gerrymandering and redistricting Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Lexington Public Library. 21st Senate district representative Albert Robinson (R) and 56th House district representative James Kay (D) spoke on the panel along with Kentucky League for Women Voters member Susan Weston.

During the meeting, Weston admitted that, “Kentucky redistributing can be tangled.

Counties are so polarized, it’s hard to draw lines that don’t skewer districts.”

The last time districts were redrawn in Kentucky, the legislature was controlled by the democrats. One idea surrounding gerrymandering today is that representatives are choosing their voters more than voters are choosing their representatives.

When asked if he saw any truth to this statement, Representative Kay said, “I essentially think that’s what it is. The political class is trying to entrench themselves in power, and one very effective way to do that is gerrymandering.”

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in June of next year.

A student’s guide to the pension crisis KAT MANOUCHEHRI| news@kykernel.com

Kentucky operates two defined benefit pension systems, which are “retirement plans that promises its recipients a set level of benefits, generally for life,” according to Kentucky Chamber’s website. The two main systems are the Kentucky Retirement System and the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System, which provide benefits to public employees during retirement. Pension benefits are based on an employee’s final salary, the benefit factor and the length of service. Currently, Kentucky has 31.4 percent of the funds to fulfill pension benefits, the second worst amount of allocated funds in the country besides New Jersey.

How does the pension crisis affect my generation?

“As retirement of baby-boomers continues, the shortage in contributions to the pension needed to finance the pensions of retirees must be made up from other sources, either by increased contributions of current public employees, higher taxes on the general public or reductions in spending elsewhere... If the state opts not to raise taxes or cut benefits for retirees the funds must come from somewhere else. As higher education is a big share of the state budget, it may well be adversely affected.”

- Professor William Hoyt, Chair of the Economics Department and Gatton Endowed Professor Does the fear of knowing your pension may not be there affect education majors?

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KYKERNEL.COM

“It does not make me reconsider my career choice at all. I didn’t choose my major with a pension in mind,” Makenzie Mentzer, elementary education junior, said. “I mean, the whole thing sucks, but I want to teach because of my love for kids, and I really want to make a difference in their lives. To be honest, I did not think about a pension whatsoever when declaring my major.”

Are Kentucky’s benefits too generous?

“Kentucky’s pension benefits, while higher than the average state, are not at the very top. The typical full career state government employee in Kentucky has a combined social security and pension replacement rate of approximate 88 percent of pre-retirement earnings (pension + social security = 88 percent of pre-retirement annual earnings), while at least 15 states have higher replacement rates.”

- Professor William Hoyt, Chair of the Economics Department and Gatton Endowed Professor fall 2017 | 5

Monday, October 16, 2017

THE SUN STILL SHINES

S

By Curtis Franklin sports@kykernel.com

ophomore backstroke swimmer Madison Winstead is no stranger to rising to the challenge.

As a freshman last season, she record-

ed a sub-minute time in the 100-meter breaststroke, the first UK swimmer to ever do so. But Winstead’s accomplishments in her first season as a Wildcat didn’t come without challenges – challenges unlike any that her competition or her teammates had to face. Winstead’s biggest challenge was one that went well beyond the swimming pool.

An article done in April 2016 by Guy Ramsey of UK Athletics told the story of Winstead, then a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington and a UK signee, gaining clearance from the NCAA to swim in Kentucky’s Blue-White Intrasquad Meet in the spring so her mother could see her swim at the

PHOTOS MICHAEL REAVES I STAFF

Shane Winstead holds back tears as she watches her daughter, Madison Winstead, swim for the first time in a UK cap during the UK’s “Sun Shall Shine” Blue and White meet on April 22, 2016. Winstead was granted a one-time waiver by the NCAA to swim in front of her mother who was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in June of 2015.

UK signee Madison Winstead checks the time of her team on the score board during the UK’s “Sun Shall Shine” Blue and White meet on April 22, 2016.

UK head coach Lars Jorgensen hugs signee Madison Winstead after she swam the 100 meter breaststroke during the UK’s “Sun Shall Shine” Blue and White meet at Lancaster Aquatic Center in on April 22, 2016.

UK signee Madison Winstead hugs her mother, Shane Winstead, during the UK’s “Sun Shall Shine” Blue and White meet on April 22, 2016.

6 | kentucky kernel

Monday, October 16, 2017 watch the sun rise on the day of the meet. It’s her way of connecting with her mother and knowing that she is still with her and watching over her.

“It’s weird that the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises are always the day before meets or the day before travel days, so it’s just kind of my thing to go do because it’s meant so much to me,” Winstead said.

She admits that it’s hard not seeing her mother in the stands at meets anymore, but it’s been her teammates who have helped her in and out of the pool that has made the biggest of differences.

“In my hard times they supported me, and they let me have that time and they held my hand through it all. But then when it was time that I was like, ‘Okay, let’s get back in the water, let’s get back in shape,’ they were really good about helping me focus on swimming,” Winstead said.

The team chemistry was a major factor in Winstead choosing UK, which she says had better chemistry than any ARDEN BARNES I STAFF Madison Winstead swims the 100 yard breaststroke during the ‘Sun Shall Shine’ Blue-White intrasquad swim meet on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, in Lexington, Kentucky. The White team won 301 to 286.

collegiate level.

man Team honors following her first year as a Wildcat, which

Winstead’s mom, Shane Winstead, had been diagnosed

she says is both an accomplishment and motivation heading

with stage four colon cancer with liver metastases in January

into her sophomore season. Another motivation for herself

2015, and the Winstead family had no idea how much longer

and her teammates, she says, is the memory of her late mother,

they may have with her. Swimming in the meet would be a

who the team honors through the phrase, “Sun Shall Shine.”

way to ensure that Shane would get to see her daughter swim collegiately as a Kentucky Wildcat, a goal that Winstead had spent countless hours working toward.

Shane Winstead passed away later that year after her al-

With the start of the season rapidly approaching in November, Winstead had her own doubts on whether she could still focus on swimming and compete at a high level through it all.

“After even thinking about going home and trying again the next year because it was just so much at one time, I just pushed through it, kept swimming, and did incredible and I was so proud of myself,” Winstead said.

Winstead received All-SEC Second Team and All-Fresh-

giving her the push she needs to be able to reach the heights she’s capable of reaching in the water.

“I could not, honestly could not, have done it last year, gone through the whole year, without them,” Winstead said.

Heading into her sophomore season, Winstead’s personal goals are the same of any great teammate: helping the team in

before travel days, so it’s just kind of my thing to go do because it’s meant so much to me.”

Madison Winstead

high school to college athletics wasn’t hard enough, Madison during this time as well.

helping Winstead through a difficult time in her life, while still

“It’s weird that the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises are always the day before meets or the day

most two-year battle with cancer. As if the transition from would have to fight through the pain of losing her mother

other team she’d been around. Now, that same chemistry is

“Sun Shall Shine” was the mantra for Shane Winstead’s battle with cancer, coming from a text message from two of Shane’s friends who were watching the sunset in Florida when they learned of her diagnosis.

The saying has even grown to have its own logo, which Winstead has tattooed along her left side. It serves as a constant reminder, she says, of everything her mother taught her throughout the years.

Watching sunrises and sunsets has also become somewhat of a pre-meet ritual for Winstead, who says she and her roommate always go watch the sun set the night before a meet or

any way she can. Despite her outstanding freshman season, Winstead knows that she’s capable of doing more.

“I hope that I only continue to get better and do more for this team and score more points, so that’s the goal… I have so many more points I could score at SEC, and that’s the goal – to score more points, help my team out, so that we could get third again or even move up and keep going,” Winstead said.

As Winstead sets out to accomplish her goals this year, she can only be reminded of how proud her mother was of her every time she set foot in the water. Her presence is like an eternal glowing ray of sunshine, guiding Winstead in what she truly loves to do. fall 2017 | 7

lexstyle Monday, October 16, 2017

Usher in a new semester with free movies

By Megan Brown

features@kykernel.com

Going to the movies has become a commodity that few college students can afford due to overpriced tickets and bank breaking concession prices.

According to the National Association of Theater Owners, the average price for a movie ticket in 2017 is $8.95 and this number fails to include the exuberant prices of popcorn, candy and sodas. With those prices and college student’s tight budgets, it may be difficult to find the money to go see a movie. However, The UK Student Center provides a service for students that offers free movies throughout the semester.

The Late Night Film Series gives students a free, front row seat to new and classic movies alike. Since the fall of 2015 Memorial Hall (located on Funkhouser Drive) has provided students, facility and even guests a diverse range of movies for free. The movie theater-like atmosphere and big screen gives students the feel of being in a movie theater without the expensive price tag. Movies happen between 7 and 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights, but periodically there

ABROAD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 any type of fear of terrorism, but she still prepared herself for any situation.

“I read the websites that had been recommended to me by my program leader about the area in which I was entering, and I took a class on Ecuador, so that I would

8 | kentucky kernel

underground uk will be showings on days other than these.

The series also provides students with an incentive program to encourage them to come to movies. When going to their first movie, students will receive a punch card and will be given a hole punch for every movie they attend.

After three movies, students will be awarded a free snack and after six movies students can get one of three t-shirts.

The designs in the fall collection feature a squirrel and other symbols that are iconic with cinema like a movie reel, popcorn and ticket. The series also sometimes does giveaways at certain movies such as Wonder Woman exclusive posters. For students who do not have three hole punches, they can buy traditional movie theater snacks for a dollar.

The movie schedule is feel more prepared on what was going on in general – not just with attacks,” Barber said.

This type of preparation is essential when traveling internationally, whether or not the information is useful to you while there. UK offers many forms of communication for those who ever feel nervous.

“I had a program leader

posted online at the beginning of each semester. Some highlights of movies this semester include, “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” Oct. 6, “IT,” Nov. 16 and “Office Christmas Party,” Nov. 30. The full schedule of movies can be found online at https://www.uky.edu/studentcenter/lnfs. More information on what movies are playing and giveaways can also be found on The Late Night Film Series Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Finally, there are posters located around campus that explain what movies are happening and when.

The Late Night Film Series will be moving into the new student center once the renovations are done in 2018.

The theater will feature state of the art equipment such as surround sound, stadium seating and 4K resolution and will be “among the best in the region,” according to Zach Lamb, the Late Night Film Series Lead Coordinator.

Being in college does not mean students should have to give up one of their hobbies because of the price. The next time students want to go out to the movies they should consider the Late Night Film Series to usher in savings.

that stayed with us the entire time of the program, so there was never a point where I was out of touch,” Barber said.

While each student had different experiences, they both said they agree that terrorism should not affect someone’s decision to travel and see the world.

todolist Monday, October 16

Graduate and Professional School Showcase, Memorial Coliseum, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, October 17 Rainbow Conversation: Agging LGBTQ* Population Needs, UK Martin Luther King Center, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Great Pumpkin Patch, The Grey Goose, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, October 18 Board Game Night, The Rusty Scabbard, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Latte Art Throwdown, Daily Offerings Coffee Roastery, 6:30 p.m.

Charlie Parr, The Burl, 7 p.m.

Thursday, October 19 Love Your Body Week Button/Mirror Making, Bowman’s Den, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

College of Law Corn Hole Tournament, Bosworth Hall Lawn, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Colter Wall, The Burl, 9 p.m.

Friday, October 20 College Scholarship Day, Keeneland, 11 a.m.

Vintage Market Days, Kentucky Horse Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thru Sunday.

Saturday, October 21

LexPlay 2017 gaming convention, Lexington Convention Center, 10 a.m., Thru Sunday.

Brunch Benefit for Puerto Rice, Brasabana, 11 a.m.

Foo Fighters, Rupp Arena, 7:30 p.m. .

Sunday, October 22

Wildcat Service Dogs Fall Pet Wash, Pet Paws Self Serve Pet Wash & Grooming Salon, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Humming House, Cosmic Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

McKenna Horsley | STAFF

opinions Monday, October 16, 2017

KENTUCKY KERNEL EDITORIAL

Kentucky pension crisis must be taken seriously

Since 2016, Kentucky has faced one of the worst pension crises in history. The current problem has been a buildup over several administrations, and now Gov. Matt Bevin and his crew are taking the brunt.

Several somewhat controversial concepts have been proposed to solve the pension crises, but while Kentuckians wait. Let’s discuss why this is such an issue.

Politics aside, Kentucky state employees have been promised retirement money that is now in jeopardy. In other words, these employees have given up a portion of their paycheck for years with the promise the state would match it in their retirement. The system is currently short $39 billion and this

begs the question: where did all of tucky state employees were promthat money go? ised money in their retirement that It did not go anywhere because the government is now struggling the money did not exist. For the to come up with. Bevin’s attacks on past 20 or so years, the teachers, specifically, has Kentucky General Ascaused even more outsembly and various adrage regarding the topic. ministrations did not In August, Bevin accused propose plans to continteachers of threatening to ue funding pensions. Adretire because of the penditionally, the last time sion crisis. At the time, pensions were fully fund20 percent of Kentucky’s ed in the 1990s, pension educators were eligible Bevin benefits were increased to retire, yet were still without the means to acshowing up to work. tually fund them. Essentially, more Bevin claimed teachers should was promised than could be ac- reevaluate why they were in the counted for and the rapid decline of classroom and that their motives Kentucky’s pension system began. for wanting to retire should be The moral of the story is Ken- questioned. At the end of the day,

those educators were promised an amount of money in exchange for their dedication to students across Kentucky. Their outrage at Bevin’s remarks regarding the pension crisis were justified and should have been met with support from their governor rather than disdain.

Whether at fault or not, it is now the responsibility of Bevin and his administration to remedy the pension problem in Kentucky. Government workers across the state are fearing for their retirement, and rightfully so, because rather than presenting reasonable solutions, Bevin has attacked their motives and ability to do their jobs.

With the state of retirement in limbo, it has left Kentuckians won-

dering where exactly the money will come from to make up for this massive deficit. For one, the state’s decision to spend $73 million on the Ark Encounter is a mere drop in the bucket in the grand pension scheme. However, that money could have easily been used on something that benefits Kentucky workers rather than the religious beliefs of a few.

Will the arguably biggest pension crisis in America be solved or will bankruptcy and back and forth arguments overshadow broken promises? If Kentuckians can’t count on the word of their government, what can they count on?

Email opinions@kykernel.com.

Kentuckians should worry about gerrymandering ANSLEY MCLELLAN Opinions columnist

Every 10 years, congressional districts are redrawn following the U.S. Census.

These districts determine who gets elected to provide a voice for constituents. The concept is fairly simple: districts are redrawn to accommodate growing populations within every state. Changing boundaries ensures equal population to representative ratios. The party in control of the state legislature has the power to draw the boundaries. However, a concept called gerrymandering taints this process.

Coined in 1812 and named after Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry, Gerrymandering is the process of dividing districts in such a way that

one party holds a distinct advantage over the other.

Legislators use this method to protect incumbents

The minority party in the legislature seems to be the one most upset about redistricting difficulties... even though it isn’t the fault of one party or another. and ensure a party’s win by compacting opposing voters into one district or spreading them out to dilute their votes, often leaving many counties without an impactful voice in the state government.

The minority party in the legislature seems to be the one most upset about redis-

tricting difficulties, and they often direct their disapproval toward the opposite party, even though it isn’t the fault of one party or another.

Since the conception of the Constitution, state legislators from both sides of the aisle have abused the power of redistricting, making this method familiar and habitual. The system is flawed, not the majority party. While some citizens actively try to fix what was broken in the 1800s, others believe that not much can be done to repair the system.

Steven Voss, associate professor and publicity director of political science at UK, shared his beliefs about what can and should be done about gerrymandering in Kentucky.

“Some states have experimented with non-partisan commissions and turned drawing of districts over to them. I am pessimistic about how much of a differ-

ence those make,” Voss said.

“There is no such thing as a politically neutral map.”

Many people agree that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to appoint a group to create politically neutral districts.

The League of Women Voters of Lexington is one group adamant about being involved in government policy. At a panel they hosted last week, member Susan Weston presented valuable information concerning the injustice of gerrymandering in Kentucky. She explained that the process of redistricting happens too quickly and secretively for the public to be enmeshed. She believes “democratic engagement,” letting the general public participate somehow, is the answer. State Rep. James Kay (D), also present at the panel, agrees that public involvement is important.

“If the people get behind this issue, then the politi-

cians have to get behind it,” Kay commented. He and State Sen. Albert Robinson

It is vital that college students understand the structure of government and its impact on their lives.

Gerrymandering is wrong.

(R), who was also present at the panel, both proposed bills concerning redistricting that were not heard in committee.

As a young voter, gerrymandering and its effects are extremely prevalent. It is vital that college students understand the structure of

government and its impact on their lives. Gerrymandering is wrong. It isn’t likely that much can be done about this infringement of democracy immediately, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discuss it. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t express our opinions to government officials. That doesn’t mean we can’t spread awareness.

Hopefully, with the help of time, the discussions, opinions and knowledge will bring about change.

Even though disagreements exist about what can be done, the most important message to take away is to enact the hand of democracy.

Take the advice of Senator Robinson, who said, “Get involved. Be involved. Stay involved.”

To learn more about the League of Women Voters of Lexington, visit their Facebook page.

Email opinions@kykernel. com.

fall 2017 | 9

Monday, October 16, 2017

5 myths you know about studying abroad CATHERINE HEREDIA

MADISON REXROAT

Kernel Blog Contributor

As an ambassador for education abroad, I get asked many questions about studying abroad that are based upon misconceptions. This article will bust the top five myths, and soon enough you will be packing your bags for a semester abroad!

Myth #1: Certain majors cannot study abroad Reality: All majors can find a program to suit their studies.

There are many different subjects offered in study abroad programs from engineering to art history. Even majors with strict requirements can find programs that will earn applicable credit. All students in any field will benefit from their study abroad experience.

Myth #2: “Studying abroad will put me behind” Reality: If you plan, studying abroad will not put you behind graduation, but will help you! Studying abroad has earned me credit towards my major and has advanced my studies. I studied abroad twice and I am still going to graduate in four years. My friends that studied abroad for an academic year and will still graduate in four years.

Myth #3: “I have to speak the language” Reality: While speaking the language of your host country may be helpful, this is not a requirement. Many classes offered abroad will be taught in English. Do not be discouraged from studying abroad in a country

10 | kentucky kernel

kernelpop 6 ways to save on your electric bill this fall KRNL Fashion editor-in-chief

CATHERINE HEREDIA I STAFF Catherine Heredia is an ambassador for education abroad at UK and has participated in study abroad trips.

where you do not know the language. If this is the case, this is a great opportunity to learn a new language!

Myth #4: The best time to study abroad is junior year Reality: Students can study abroad at any time that’s best for their schedule. There are summer, semester, winter and year-long programs. I studied abroad during the summer after my freshman year and again the next summer.

Myth #5: “There is no way to fund my program” Reality: The cost of the program depends on the program provider, length and location. Some study abroad programs can be compara-

ble to tuition at UK. Many scholarships available are for studying abroad. The UK Education Abroad website has a list of all the UK scholarships available. Additionally, there are outside scholarships that you can apply to.

Generally, scholarships and financial aid that you have for the semester apply to semester-long study abroad programs. Be aware of early deadlines.

Studying abroad will provide you with new cultures, languages and friends. Not only does studying abroad make you more marketable to future employers, but it will give you an unforgettable experience.

Kentucky weather can be harsh, but it can be even harsher on your electric bill.

With the constant ups and downs of the temperature and the very real chance of having less than energy-efficient appliances, simple steps can make your electric bill less of a burden– and you might save the earth along the way.

1. Check that your appliances are working properly.

If your dryer or refrigerator are using too much heat to operate, they can run up your electric bill and should be replaced.

2. Make sure your thermostat is at the right temperature. Staying in the low 70s will save energy and money. Any lower or higher can cause other problems, though, so don’t get too crazy.

3. Try to conserve energy.

Take shorter showers, wash your clothes in cold water, unplug things when you’re

MADISON REXTROAT I STAFF

not using them, and hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. Even small changes can save you money each month.

4. Open your blinds during the day. Not only is natural light always better, but it’ll also help heat up your room, saving you from raising your thermostat temperature.

5. Wear layers and invest

in blankets and throws. The less you have to change your thermostat, the better. Insulation is key.

6. Have lots of holiday parties. Not only does alcohol make you warm– if that’s the kind of party you’re throwing– but each person also generates heat. The more the merrier.

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Monday, October 16, 2017

the sc

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UK Football looks to become bowl eligible against Mississippi State Bulldogs

By Roman West sports@kykernel.com

The Kentucky Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs will face off in their 45th all-time meeting Saturday when the Wildcats head to Starkville. The game will serve as a rubber match with the series knotted up at 22-22. The Wildcats won last season’s matchup 40-38.

Last season’s game against the Bulldogs was a thriller, coming down to a last second field goal by UK’s current all-time leading scorer, Austin MacGinnis. The game featured a fourth quarter that saw two defensive touchdowns and Kentucky losing command of a ten-point lead.

Stephen Johnson was able

to lead the Wildcats 46 yards down the field in just over a minute to put MacGinnis in position to kick the game-winning, season-long 51-yard field goal as time expired.

Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald was able to control Mississippi State’s offense last season with 107 yards rushing with two touchdowns to go along with 81 yards in the air. Fitzgerald also threw the 7-yard go-ahead touchdown pass for MSU with 1:09 left to play.

The Bulldogs are 1-2 in SEC play heading into the game, while the Wildcats are 2-1. Mississippi State won their lone home game against LSU, while losing their two road games against Georgia

and Auburn. Kentucky went on the road to beat South Carolina, while splitting their home games with a loss to Florida and a win against Missouri.

A win over the Bulldogs would make the Wildcats bowl eligible for the second year in a row. Kentucky has not gone to back-to-back bowl games since they went to five in a row from 20062010.

ADDISON COFFEY I STAFF Kentucky kicker Austin MacGinnis connects on a game winning 51 yard field goal to give the Wildcat’s the 40-38 win over Mississippi State on Oct. 22, 2016, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Why UK Football won’t win the SEC East

By Chase Campbell sports@kykernel.com

MICHAEL REAVES I STAFF

University of Georgia wide receiver Blake Tibbs high fives fans during the second half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Nov. 8, 2014, in Lexington. Kentucky.

12 | kentucky kernel

Georgia.

Georgia is the short answer to the possibility of UK Football contending in the SEC East. However, finishing second or third is not far-fetched for this year’s Cats team.

While the Bulldogs sit pretty as the most talented team in the East, the fight for second and third is being contested currently by Florida, UK and South Carolina.

There are several scenarios that could take place as the Cats finish the season out.

Scenario 1 The Cats pay homage to the 2014 season by losing the last six games. No bowl. No rival victories. Just leaving a sea-

son that began with so much promise heading into the bye week with nothing but a bitter taste in the mouths of UK fans.

Scenario 2 On the other, equally ridiculous side, the Cats win out the rest of the season, toppling the mighty Bulldogs and defeating in-state rival Louisville en route to their first apparent shot at a conference championship since 1976. Even in this made-up scenario, I can’t bring myself to write the possibility of the Cats beating Alabama.

Scenario 3 This is the scenario that I’d put money on. The Cats beat Tennessee at home, then go to get demolished by the Bulldogs in Athens. The Cats

finish with a 6-2 SEC record, one game ahead of Florida

Planning is the most vital step in traveling and planning early is key. This is where everything ties together and can be what makes or breaks a trip.

for second place. That’s assuming, of course, that the Gators also lose when they host Georgia on the 28th.

Scenario 4 This is the next most like-

ly scenario that the Cats can face. They drop the game in Athens, and then lose another embarrassing matchup to either Tennessee, Ole Miss or Vanderbilt to finish third ahead of South Carolina. This scenario still assumes, of course, that Georgia steamrolls the rest of the conference.

It’s hard to deny that the Cats have a good thing going.

While they seem to win all their games by the slimmest of margins, they still have a good number of wins and seem to be heading to a bowl this postseason. A high finish in the SEC East isn’t very far-fetched for this team that likes to keep the fans waiting until the last possession to decide the game.