Vol 9 No 2 by Texan News Service

TEXAN News

QUALITY STUDENT JOURNALISM

Grassburr distribution numbers decline; Student Publications aims to increase awareness

Check out our homecoming week photo essay|Page 4|

VOL. 9, NO. 2 October 17, 2019

texannews.net

A PRODUCT OF TEXAN NEWS SERVICE

Local woman’s death raises questions in community

BY SARAH HAYNER Al Steele shared a pohistory. Associate Producer litical photo on FaceAccording to records book at 3:03 a.m. on obtained by Texan Three months after a The Grassburr has News, an average toJuly 6, the morning he been the official year- tal of $75,000 is spent 69-year-old, Erath coun- worked the hay baler book of Tarleton State each year producing ty woman died in a hay that crushed his wife. He University since 1916. the Grassburr. These re- baler accident, questions called 911 at 6:27 a.m. Students are encouraged cords also showed that linger about what hap- and told the police that to pick up their Grass- last year 3,168 copies pened. his wife was crushed in Sandra (Sandy) Steele burr each year. Recently, were printed and only the hay baler they were the number of students 1,185—less than half— was killed in an accident using, according to the picking up their copy were picked up. De- with a hay baler that her call for service report. has declined. The Office pending on how many husband, Al Steele, was The report states “Wife of Student Publications copies are left over, operating on July 6 at caught inside hay baler, hopes to increase these Student Publications re- the couple’s farm. Al unknown if conscious/ numbers so that more cycles some yearbooks Steele, 72, was the only breathing.” person with her at the students will take adHours after his wife time of the incident. vantage of owning their died, Al Steele changed Continued on pg 6 No autopsy was perown piece of Tarleton his Facebook to reflect formed, according to that he was “widowed.” Judge Bart Greenway. Later that day, at 2:26 The case is now closed p.m. he is posted another on the Sheriff’s Office political photo on Faceend, according to Erbook. ath County Sheriff Matt A day after the acciCoates. dent with his wife, Al Members of the comSteele was commenting munity have questions on another Erath Counabout the details of the ty resident’s Facebook incident. The Grassburr costs about $75,000 to print each year. post, calling 33-year-old

BY ARYNN TOMSON Art Director

Photo by Arynn Tomson

Women stalked, followed at local grocery stores BY ARYNN TOMSON Art Director

Multiple women who were shopping alone or with small children have been targeted at the Stephenville Walmart and H-E-B. Many have taken to social media to share their frightening experiences while shopping after dark and are warning others to be safe. These incidents have usually occurred in the evening and when the victims are alone. Many of the stories describe seeing one or more men following them around the store or out in the parking lot. Some of

Sandra Steele’s gravesite. Photo by Sarah Hayner

family friend Shaquintha Lata, who has since changed her last name on Facebook to Williams, “my milk chocolate.” Three days later, he shared Lata’s profile picture. Lata said that she had no idea that Sandra Steele had died.

“Is this a joke? I’m about to lose it. Why would he be likeing [sic] my photo as if everything is ok? He didn’t even tell me,” Lata said. Lata said that she received several Facebook messages from Al Steele

Continued on pg 7

Beans and Franks to open new location Oct. 18 BY SARAH HAYNER

Associate Producer

Beans and Franks, a local coffee shop, is opening a second location in Stephenville on Washington Street or Highway 377 going towards Dublin. The first Stephenville Walmart has been one of the targeted locations for these incidents. store, located on Wash Photo courtesy Stephenville Walmart ington Street across these women have post- Erath County Breaking basically chased, by from Tarleton, has been ed about the incidents of News page that she was [three] men,” Herget’s open for eight years by owners Jeff and Jodi Facebook and Twitter to targeted at Walmart in post stated. warn the public. Stephenville. Herget said she asked Weyers. “We are going to keep Facebook user Tiffa“I just got followed at ny Herget posted in the Stephenville Walmart, Continued on pg 7 both locations. We are not going to close the

other one down,” Jeff Weyers said. “The location, over by Tarleton, primarily serves a higher percentage of college students. This new one will act to serve and give access to this side of Stephenville. We still want college students there.” The shop roasts all its beans in-house, something that makes it distinct from other Stephenville coffee shops.

Continued on pg 4

Two Tarleton students in the running for National FFA Office BY HALEY BARNETT

Multimedia Journalist

Sophomores Cahlen Cheatham and Will Cornelius are running for National FFA (Future Farmers of America) office. Both students were elected by their respective states to be candidates for national officer positions. Cheatham is a doublemajor in Agribusiness, with a concentration in Agricultural Economics, and Economics. Cheatham is a Texas native but moved to Maryland his freshman year of high school. He was involved in FFA in Texas and his

mother pushed him to continue his involvement in the organization after their move to Maryland. He was the State Vice President for Maryland FFA. He recalled attending Greenhand Camp, a camp for first-year FFA members, and the lasting impression it made on him. “I was like, you know, it would be so cool to be a chapter officer,” Cheatham said. “I thought they were so cool. They do so many great things for agriculture and other students.” From there, Cheatham found a home in FFA.

Cahlen Cheatham and Will Cornelius are nominated for a national intercollegiate FFA Officer position. Photo courtesy Cheatham and Cornelius

“FFA gave me a place to belong and helped me find my niche and passions,” he said. Cornelius, an Agricultural Education major, grew up around FFA.

“My dad was my ag teacher, so I always kind of tagged along, went with him to chapter FFA meetings and hung around there until I was actually able to get

into it in the sixth grade when I started showing livestock,” Cornelius recalled. “From there, it kind of really took off; I fell in love with the organization.” Cornelius was State FFA President in Mississippi, his home state. His role as president taught him life lessons. “Being a State FFA Officer has definitely taught me how to work with other people because we are constantly put in situations in daily life where we have to work and communicate with other people,” Cornelius said. Cornelius found out

about Tarleton while at the National FFA Convention. He met Agricultural and Consumer Sciences Associate Professor David Frazier while at the convention and quickly fell in love with Tarleton. “Me majoring in Agricultural Education, this is the best place to be because it’s no doubt the best agricultural education program in the country, so why not learn from the best?” Cornelius said. Cheatham chose Tarleton for proximity to

Continued on pg 5

October 17, 2019

TEXANNEWS.NET

PAGE 2

OPINION

Benefits and concerns of going Division I Tarleton announced on Sept. 30 that it received an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference, which would make Tarleton a Division I school. The Texan News Service staff is excited for the potential of Tarleton moving to Division I. The move to Division I will give Tarleton more media coverage and increase university awareness, which in turn helps students. When a student or alumni tells a potential employer they attend or attended Tarleton, the name recognition will possibly help the student get a job. The move to Division I will make a degree from Tarleton worth more and will make Tarleton alumni and students more competitive in the job field. Becoming a Division I school will also help Tarleton expand. The university’s enrollment will increase, hopefully welcoming more students from all around the world. Tarleton’s main campus, as well as outreach locations, will become larger and more accommodating to all types of majors, sports and activities. Graduate programs will grow so Tarleton can offer their

undergraduate students a smooth transition into higher education. One concern Texan News shares is the rising cost of going Division I. Tarleton President James Hurley says that tuition will not go over what the A&M System requires it to be. If the A&M System requires a tuition raise in order to help Tarleton expand, some students may not be able to attend Tarleton. The increased fees and the possibility of raising tuition could be a problem for some students. Another concern is that Tarleton Sports will most likely go through growing pains. We are currently a big fish in the small pond that is the Lone Star Conference. Tarleton will have four years to recruit and get ready to compete for championships at the Division I level, but what if we cannot compete with these schools? Will our athletics teams suffer because of it? Overall, Texan News Service is excited about the possibility of changing divisions and Tarleton growing. After all, as Hurley said, “Do we really want to be the best kept secret?”

Tarleton State University released this statement from President James Hurley about the school’s invitation.

Photo courtesy Tarleton Athletics

Tarleton Athletic Director Lonn Reisman, A&M Chancellor John Sharp, WAC commissioner John Hurd, Tarleton President Dr. James Hurley, and Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Ryan Cox.

This editorial was written by the Texan News Staff

Texan News Staff Makenzie Plusnick.............Editor-in-Chief Samuel P. Tucker...........Sports Writer

Hannah Mabry................Managing Editor Kel Jones.....................................MMJ Arynn Tomson.......................Art Director Whitley Combs..........................MMJ Rachel LaCroix..........TTV Exec. Producer Diana Valdez...............................MMJ Sarah Hayner............TTV Assoc. Producer Tierra Mauney...........................MMJ Haley Barnett.........TTV Assoc. Producer Deandre Hogg......Graduate Assistant

Faculty Advisers Dan Malone

Kathryn Jones Malone

Mail: Box T-0230, Stephenville, TX 76402

Phone: (254) 968-0519

Opinions expressed in Texan News are not necessarily those of Tarleton State University or the student body.

@texannewstsu

/texannews

Photo courtesy Tarleton Athletics

October 17, 2019

PAGE 3

A PRODUCT OF THE TEXAN NEWS SERVICE

SPORTS

The Presidents Cup: An unknown tradition BY SAMUEL P. TUCKER Sports Writer

The Presidents Cup game between Tarleton State University and Texas A&M UniversityCommerce is this Saturday. The Presidents Cup, a tradition that began in 2010, is a travelling trophy that goes back and forth between the two schools depending on the game winner. Tarleton is four and five in the Presidents Cup, with their most recent win coming in the series last year when the Texans beat the Lions 47-21. Ben Holmes, the Texans’ starting quarterback, was not aware the game was played for a trophy. “I honestly didn’t know we played for a trophy…I don’t think anyone really cares

about a trophy, we just care about getting a win,” Holmes said. Though Holmes did not know the game was played for a trophy, he did say that there was some bad blood between the teams. “We just don’t like Commerce and they don’t like us,” Holmes said. According to Holmes, the team doesn’t like Commerce because they are good. “We’re both trying to get to the top of the mountain,” Holmes said. Though the two teams have mutual dislike for one another, Holmes The Presidents Cup, a tradition that began in 2010, is a travelling trophy which goes back and forth between the said they all respect two schools depending on the game winner. Photo by Michael Barera each other. Holmes said the They’re going to play Saturday, it will not only season win. “We have respect The game, which doufor them, they have re- matchup this Saturday tough. We have to be even the score in the prepared for a battle,” Presidents Cup, but it bles as the homecoming spect for us but at the against the Lions was Holmes said will also be the Texans’ game, is at 6 p.m. in Meend of the day were not going to be tough. If the Texans win this 17th straight regular morial Stadium. “It’s Commerce. friends,” Holmes said.

James Dearth: A Tarleton legend BY SAMUEL P. TUCKER Sports Writer

James Dearth came to Tarleton in 1996 after leaving the University of Tulsa to marry his wife. In his time as a Texan he was able to snag 77 receptions for 992 yards and nine touchdowns, according to Tarleton Sports. Tarleton left the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1994 to join the Lonestar Conference (LSC) in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). Until Dearth, Tarleton had yet to produce an NCAA All-American. Dearth was named to the NCAA Division II All-American team and received first team AllLSC South Division honors in both 1997 and

1998. In 1998, Dearth received the LSC Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Dearth did not know he was the first NCAA All-American for Tarleton. “The thing I wanted to do was be the best player I could possibly be, and be the best teammate I could possibly be,” Dearth said. In 1999 Dearth was selected in the sixth round of the National Football League (NFL) draft by the Cleveland Browns. Dearth was shocked when the Browns called to say they were going to draft him. “I didn’t have words,” Dearth said. The Browns brought Dearth in to compete for the tight end spot, and also made him into a deep snapper. The

Browns eventually cut Dearth. He went on to talk with the Tennessee Titans and was fairly set on going to Nashville when his agent talked him into taking a meeting with the New York

“Just meeting [Herm Edwards]…I said a quick prayer…and I just felt like that’s where I needed to be.” His feelings were proved right when he signed an eight-year

Jets, Dearth played in every game from 2001 until 2009. After his eight-year contract was up following the 2009 season, the Jets decided not to resign Dearth. The Washington

“I would have never dreamed to have been recognized in such a manner that Tarleton would put my picture on the stadium! I am very proud to call Tarleton State University my family and my home and also representing them in wearing the purple and the white.” Jets, a meeting which Dearth said he went into rather skeptically. “New York was a little too big for me…I told my wife…I just don’t think that’s [going to] happen,” Dearth said.

James Dearth’s photo is one of six player photos on the side of the new Memorial Stadium.

contract with the Jets, the longest in NFL history to that point. “The biggest thing for me was stability. I’m not a money guy,” Dearth said. In his time with the

Redskins signed and cut him in Aug. of 2010. After that it was off to the San Diego Chargers for Dearth where he would injure his foot in September 2010 before being able to play a game

for the Chargers. Then, in 2011, in the span of a week, the New England Patriots signed and cut Dearth. Dearth made the decision to retire. Dearth was inducted into the Tarleton State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. His face is one of six on the newly renovated Memorial Stadium. “I am overwhelmed and grateful to have been honored by Tarleton State University in this way,” Dearth said. “I would have never dreamed to have been recognized in such a manner that Tarleton would put my picture on the stadium! I am very proud to call Tarleton State University my family and my home and also representing them in wearing the purple and the white.”

Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

TEXANNEWS.NET

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October 17, 2019

Organization Spotlight: The Organization of Latinx American Students BY HANNAH MABRY Managing Editor

Tarleton State University has many organizations. Each organization has its own reasons for existence. OLAS, the Organization of Latinx American Students, is designed to assist Hispanic and Latino students on Tarleton’s campus. “OLAS strives to promote diversity among Hispanic/Latino students, while supporting and building relationships on campus and the surrounding community,” Samantha Hernandez, OLAS President, said. “We strive to be a space where our members can express themselves freely and find a sense of belonging at a place away from home.” Before this semester, OLAS was called the Hispanic Student Organization, or HSO. “We changed our name to Latinx, which is a gender-neutral term, to be more inclusive geography wise, but also in the sense of identities,” Hernandez said.    Hernandez says that

before she found OLAS, she didn’t feel comfortable on campus and went home many weekends. OLAS is one of the reasons why she stayed at Tarleton. “It was hard looking around my classroom and only seeing one, if any, people that looked like me,” Hernandez said. “Once I found OLAS, I found a familiar environment. I was able to make lifelong friends and found a supportive community. OLAS has provided me with so many opportunities that I never would have imagined having when I came into college. It is truly another family that I have away from home.” Now as president of OLAS, Hernandez is the official representative for the organization. Hernandez takes this role seriously for the sake of OLAS members. “I have an amazing executive team and advisors that I could do nothing without,” Hernandez said. “As president, I always have this one quote in the back of my head that I believe was

Beans and Franks Continued from pg 1 “Everything is roasted fresh, ground and brewed within four days. A lot of times quicker than that,” Jeff Weyers said. Beans and Franks is a successful familyowned business. Jeff Weyers credits the success to the employees and giving back to the community. “I think the success of our business, number one, is the employees that we hire. We actually meet friends, and make friends with our employees,” Jeff Weyers said. “We are very local,

and we give a lot of donations back to the community. We do that with Tarleton, and we are very happy to do it. A lot of times I think that’s what makes a business succeed in a small town is giving back.” Jodi Weyers says that she wants people to feel like they are at home when they walk into the shop or come through the drive-thru. “For me, one of the goals for Beans and Franks is that I always want people to feel like they are coming into my home when they come into my business,” Jodi

originally said by Dana Brownlee that I like to work towards. She said, ‘Just remember that the best leaders aren’t the ones who excel as an individual but the ones who make those around them better.’ We are trying our best to make OLAS a space where our members feel comfortable so that they can excel in everything that they do.” Hernandez oversees all meetings and events, including a Ballet Folklório, a Dolores Huerta documentary showing and a discussion over Afro-Latinx identity. OLAS volunteers at different places in the community such as the Oakwood Assisted Living and Memory Care and Chamberlain Elementary, where members read in Spanish to students. “We put on a lot of social events to give our members opportunities to bond, and to enjoy their college experience,” Hernandez said. “We love supporting our fellow Tarleton organizations by attending their events and helping Weyers said. “So many people are away from home. I am a mom, it’s one of my biggest passions and callings in life, so hopefully that carries over in the way that we run our business.” Jodi Weyers shared her excitement for the new menu choices that will soon become available. “This is the first time we have opened a second store, and we know what we are doing, but for the ease of the transition and how we trained our employees, for right now, the menu is going to stay exactly the same,” Jodi Weyers said. “However, in

The  University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Ballet Folklórico performs in the Tarleton Fine Arts Auditorium at an OLAS event. Photo by Victoria Villaseñor

where we can.” Tiburcio Lince, director of Diversity, Inclusion and International Programs, and Suzanne McDonald, senior International Student Adviser, are co-advisers for OLAS. Lince says he provides guidance when needed, but that the group is very driven and needs little guidance or support. “The Organization of Latinx American Students serves as a space where all individuals on campus can come and learn about, celebrate and explore the Latinx culture and identity,”

Lince said. Lince added that there are three important reasons for OLAS: identity affirmation, education space and advocacy and service. “Identity affirmation (because)…our students who identify as Latinx have a…place of comfort and support… The education space (because)…education on variance of Latinx identity is a big component…Advocacy and service (because) this space has served its own members or members of the community since its inception.” Hernandez says that

anyone can join OLAS, no matter if they speak Spanish or are Hispanic/ Latinx. She encourages students to check out OLAS. “When you have a support system nearby, you can achieve greatness,” Hernandez said. “Come be a part of our familia!” OLAS general meetings take place every other Tuesday at noon in Math 221. The next meeting will be Oct. 29. For more information on how to join OLAS, attend a meeting or email olastarleton@gmail. com.

The storefront of the second Beans and Franks, located on Washington Street, has outdoor seating. Photo by Sarah Hayner

a short amount of time, the menu will start expanding.” The Weyers are grateful to the Stephenville community and the sup-

port they have been given. “I would like to say thank you for supporting us for the past eight years,” Jodi Weyers

said. Beans and Franks’ second location’s grand opening target date is Oct. 18.

Differing viewpoints, civil discussion BY HANNAH MABRY Managing Editor

Every Monday at 9 p.m., a group of students gather outside of the Dining Hall to discuss all kinds of topics in a civil way. This group calls itself Open Room, and it was founded by senior Communications major James Bessler. “We talk about controversial things, non-controversial things, ethical dilemmas. Things that kind of get peoples’ blood boiling, things that a lot of people argue about,” Bessler explained. “The goal of Open Room...is to teach each other how to have a civil discussion about something even if we’re on polar opposite ends of the spectrum.” According to Bessler, everyone at Open Room

has different beliefs. There are conservatives, liberals, moderates and more. “I just try to get everyone to see that, ‘Ok, well maybe they have a point there and I have a point here and where can we discuss it?’” Bessler said. “And if we can’t agree, instead of screaming at each other and pointing fingers, how do I go, ‘Ok, I don’t agree with your point but that’s okay.’” At each Open Room, Bessler leads the conversation by bringing up different topics and students work through the topic until they’ve exhausted it. Last week, they discussed the sentences that were given out for three different crimes. Bessler asked discussion questions like if the justice system

should get rid of minimum sentencing and if past crimes should be factored into sentencing. “It’s what’s relevant in the news, what’s happened here on campus, on a state level, a national level. Sometimes we talk about what’s relevant in each of our member’s lives,” Bessler said. “Everyone has my number. They can text me and be like, ‘Hey, this happened in my life, can we talk about this or something like it?’ I’m taking an ethics class right now so the dilemmas that we’re presented in there spur really good conversation. I bring those ideas in and we discuss those. It’s a whole mix of things.” Justin Esposido, junior Computer Science major and member of Open

Open Room meetings take place every Monday at 9 p.m. outside of the Dining Hall. Photo by Hannah Mabry

Room, says he goes to Open Room to share his thoughts and grow as a person. “Not everywhere on campus can I...get a nice, social outing where I can understand and learn where other people come from and where other people build their beliefs,” Esposido said. “It helps me get a more diverse aspect, the thought of how

other people think and helps me become a better person.” Open Room member Nathan Mulholland, junior Animal Science and Business major, says that he has fun at Open Room and that while the debates get pretty heated, he sees Open Room as a group of good friends. “As much as I may yell at them and call them

traitors or whatever, I do enjoy them and they’re all a wonderful group of friends,” Mulholland said. “It’s an enjoyable experience. I get to hear different opinions and get my own opinions challenged.” For more information about Open Room, attend a meeting or email Bessler at james. bessler@go.tarleton. edu.

A PRODUCT OF THE TEXAN NEWS SERVICE

October 17, 2019

PAGE 5

Fun at Lone Star Family Farm business, Lone Star Family Farm, was born. Josh Ritchey grows his pumpkins at his farm or has them sent over from other farms that primarily grow pumpkins. “Due to Texas climate, pumpkins are difficult to grow here,” Josh Ritchey said. The Ritcheys only sell their pumpkins at their farm. “We stay here on the farm,” Josh Ritchey said. “We don’t go to other markets to sell (pumpkins) because our value and business is getting people out here to enjoy.” The pumpkin patch is only one part of the Lone Star Family Farm. There is also a corn maze, campfires for groups, Flashlight Nights, pig races and more. Students, locals and people from out of town are encouraged to come and take advantage of the many activities the farm has to offer. “We love to see new faces and returning faces come out to the farm this time of year,” Josh Ritchey said. The attraction that Josh Ritchey is trying

to advertise the most right now is the pig races. They have them every hour-and-a-half during their business hours. Their pigs are named Notorious Big, Troy Oinkman, and Sir Oinks-A-Lot. The pigs race around a track to win a cookie. “Some of the names I come up with and others I’ve stolen. They are just too good to pass up on and we love to get a laugh out of people,” Josh Ritchey said. The most popular attraction for students is the campfire spots that groups like sororities and fraternities use. Groups can enjoy the attractions and afterwards, wind down by their own private campfire. This family-owned business is also on Handshake, Tarleton’s hiring system. They hire around 30 students every fall. “All they have to do is go on Handshake and apply. We are usually quick to reply so any hard workers are welcome,” Josh Ritchey said. The Lone Star Family Farm is open Friday

through Sunday in October and only on Saturdays in November. The price for the general admission pass is $12.50 plus tax. Children two years and under get in free with a paying adult. For more information on hours and other group

options, go lonestarfam- at lonestarfamilyfarm@ ilyfarm.com. gmail.com. The Lone Star Family Farm is located at 4199 Highway 67 or 1.5 miles east of Hard Eight BBQ. Got a news tip? You can connect with Email us at them through Facebook, editor@texannews.net contact them at 682498-3276 or email them

wanted to go. I thought maybe TCU, maybe A&M,” Cheatham said. “I came to Tarleton because it’s close to my Continued from pg 1 dad and I fell in love. I love the faculty, I love his family. “I was actually born in the students, I love the Stephenville… I wanted tradition.” Both students exto come back to Texas. pressed the impact that I didn’t know where I Frazier has had on them

during their time at Tarleton. “Frazier is a great mentor and a great person to learn about life with and just talking to him motivates me to do better,” Cornelius said. Both students will go through an interview process from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2. If they are

elected as National FFA Officers, they will take a year off of school to serve members of FFA. They will travel over 300 days in that year to meet partners and sponsors of FFA, as well as spend time with FFA chapters. Cheatham and Cornelius are excited to have

been elected to be candidates and hope to have the opportunity to make an impact on the future of FFA. They emphasized that they want to see more diversity within FFA and hope that all students feel welcome in FFA. “The biggest thing is you are there to serve

BY ARIEL SANCHEZ Guest Writer

Fall is here and Josh and Ashley Ritchey have opened Lone Star Family Farm to the public for its seventh season. Josh Ritchey began his college career at Tarleton State University where he met his wife. “After two years I transferred to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas,” Josh Ritchey said. Josh and Ashley sold cantaloupes and watermelons in the Lubbock area until they found a you-pick pumpkin patch. They worked there for two seasons and ended up back in Stephenville in 2013 to recreate that business here. “Back in Lubbock, we had a similar concept of the Lone Star Family Farm,” Josh Ritchey said. “It was a you-pick pumpkin patch. We later had to move because the land was going to be sold to a big box company and came to Stephenville. My wife is from here.” This is when their

National FFA

Sunset view of the “Pumpkin Patch” sign leading into the patch grown by Josh Ritchey. Photo courtesy of Lonestar Family Farm’s Facebook

Decorative pumpkins can be seen throughout the farm. These are the pumpkins you can choose to take home or paint at the farm. Photo courtesy of Lonestar Family Farm’s Facebook

the students, that’s what is important,” Cheatham said. “I think that is one of the important things that national officers strive to do is serve their membership and also bring progressive ideas so the organization can move forward in the best light.”

Professors change textbook policy to save students money BY WHITLEY COMBS Multimedia Journalist

Some professors on Tarleton’s campus are forgoing the mandatory purchase of textbooks and the overall use of textbooks. In previous years, it has been required for students to purchase a textbook or multiple textbooks if they wanted to pass the course. This trend is now changing in some departments on Tarleton’s campus. Christopher Gearhart, Department of Communication Studies Head and Associate Professor, is no longer requiring his students to purchase textbooks for his class. “The intended outcome was to reduce the increasing financial burden on the students,” Gearhart said. “Textbook costs have gone through the roof in the last decade or so with books regularly costing a hundred dollars

or more. I also try to give students alternative buying options such as renting, purchasing older editions and also loaning out my previous editions to help students have more affordable access to textbooks.” Gearhart says that other employees in Communications Studies are also making changes in this area. “As a department, Professor Jennifer Edwards and Assistant Professors Karley Goen and Tracey Holley are exploring the use of free, open resource textbooks for our core curriculum classes,” Gearhart explained. “Switching to this alternative would save costs for hundreds of our undergraduate students. As a department, textbook price is one of the most important factors we consider when choosing our core curriculum texts.” Jennifer Edwards, Communication Studies

professor, has not been requiring students to use textbooks for four years. She says she has seen a positive outcome for her students. “…I have actually observed a higher passing rate from students who are enrolled in classes,” Edwards said. “If students have access to the material they need for class without a financial barrier-affording textbooks—in addition to tuition-or a time barrierordering books from the internet—they are more prepared to succeed in college. To supplement the electronic resource articles, I also produce YouTube videos..., host livestreaming sessions, and remain in constant communication with my 100+ students through Twitter direct messages.” The hope is that students will be successful regardless of whether or not they are required to purchase a textbook

Some professors on campus are no longer requiring textbooks. Photo courtesy pixnio.com

for the course. Gearhart has conducted and published a study that analyzed student usage of online supplemental materials. The study found that students who were required to purchase the additional online materials fared only slightly better than students not

required to buy them. “Decisions to require a textbook take many factors into consideration including cost, student performance, student feedback, changes of editions, et cetera,” Gearhart said. “And there are many factors that also influence stu-

dent success, so it would be difficult to pin-point the requirement of a textbook to any specific student performance outcomes.” To view Gearhart’s study, go to https://files. eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ EJ1106331.pdf.

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John T Silver Bugle Hunt

October 17, 2019

Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

Student Body President Tyler Schuster and Blayklee Hurley. Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

The Hurleys read a question during Silver Bugle Hunt Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

Tarleton Cheerleaders get crowd excited for Midnight Madness Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

Dr. Hurley thanks the Plowboys for their work on the bonfire. Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

The men’s basketball team and Texan Cheer sing the color song. Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

Texan Stars perform at Midnight Madness. Photo by Makenzie Plusnick

Students write their goals on their duck before launch. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students with their goals written and waiting for the countdown Even furry friends came to enjoy the homecoming activities. Photo by Arynn Tomson Photo by Arynn Tomson

Texans came dressed in their most spirited purple attire. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students write their goals and dreams on their duck before launch. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students were given rubber ducks and sharpie pens to write their goals. Photo by Arynn Tomson

The Plowboys with the Hurley family getting ready to launch their ducks. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Each duck is left in the reflection pool all week as a reminder of everyone’s goals until students collect theirs. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Getting ready for Purple Out Picnic on the Dining Hall patio. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students gather for free food and music from spirit organizations. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Free tacos, cookies and drinks were served to all attendees. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students were lined up on Rudder Way to grab some free dinner. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Students gather outside the Dining Hall for the picnic. Photo by Arynn Tomson

Grassburr Continued from pg 1 and also keeps some in stock for future pickups. Grassburr Editor-inChief Omar Herrera says he thinks everyone should have a Grassburr, so they can look back on their younger years here at Tarleton. “As a person who always captured people’s memories in high school and college, I know the amount of joy that people get is indescribable. It is not easy to document every little thing that happens during your college experience and the Grassburr does that,” Herrera said. Emily Muhney, senior business major, has only picked up her free copy once in her four years at Tarleton. “The reason I waited this long is because this is my senior year of college and I felt like I didn’t need a yearbook every year since the photos are from our freshman orientation unless we went to the Texan Card office to change our photo,” Muhney said. Senior social work major Carly Tremewan says she picks up her copy every year. “I get mine to see how much I grow, and also like, why not? They’re in our tuition and fees. Even though our pictures are from our Texan Card, I enjoy looking through it,” Tremewan

said. Business administration graduate student Rachel Stanton thinks it is important for students to collect their yearbook. “I feel that it’s important because it’s memories of the past year. And it captures all of the traditions and events that have happened over the past year. It’s a great way to showcase and remember those things. And it’s another great tradition to continue for the students to come,” Stanton said. Every student classified as a sophomore, junior or senior pays for the Grassburr in their student bill, as a part of the university servicefee. Undergraduate students pay an average of $91 per credit hour and graduate students pay around $117 per credit hour toward their university service fees. An undergraduate student taking 18 hours would pay a little over $1,600 in university service fees. Stanton shares her opinion about students on satellite campuses and graduate students being charged in university fees for the Grassburr. “I always think about the satellite campuses and are those students getting the opportunity to pick up a Grassburr? And are they being charged for it? Same for graduate students as well. I believe there

needs to be a forum held to discuss it all but that’s hard to be fully for one side for me,” Stanton said. “I’ve been an undergraduate student at TSU, [I was] very involved and stand by everything that supports the school and traditions. Now as a graduate student at the satellite campus not being involved at all, I see how the students feel it’s more of just go to class and there are a few perks to it and…that you don’t have the same perks and benefits as the students at the main campus.” Both students and Student Publications say one of the reasons distribution numbers are so low is because many students are still unaware they have a yearbook waiting to be picked up. “Most people only learn about the Grassburr tradition during Duck Camp or orientation and then have a year to forget about it before they can get their yearbook,” Herrera said. “The Grassburr needs to be more advertised in order to get more students to pick up their yearbooks.” “Not all students can go to the Grassburr Fest, so I think advertising that they are available to pick up would help,” Tremewan said. “Possibly broadcast it better. I know a lot of students don’t even know what the Grassburr is. Have the office

The Grassburr by the numbers

only

e duat

56%

Gra

17 1 $ 2 $9 d

Undergra

redit per cour h

dit per cre hour

of students pick up their yearbook

e shing th of publiorated in eachity st o c e Th ers orp rr is inc the univ Grassbutuition, underes. s fe t’ s n e e d ic u rv st se

Printed

3,168

Distributed

2,700

2,128

2017

2,705 1,185

2018

602 2019

$224,523

(as of Oct. 9, 2019)

spent on production over the last three years

$121,108

worth of books that were recycled or are in stock

These statistics are based on records given to Texan News.

reach out to housing and have the RLs send out a message to their residents about it. Have more posters around school. Just altogether generate a buzz about it,” Muhney said. Muhney says another reason students do not pick up the Grassburr is that it’s not worth finding a day and time to pick it up. “A lot of people, myself included, have been able to find a number of issues and typos in the Grassburr and it becomes off-putting after a while,” Muhney said. Stanton, on the other hand, said that students should get the Grassburr.

“I liked how this year the Poo were involved with handing out the Grassburrs and signing books. I know a lot of people who were able to have that experience and I definitely think they should reach out more to the satellite campuses so they can have the wonderful Tarleton experience as well,” Stanton said. Herrera says the Grassburr staff has been collaborating with the JTAC to create distribution events and is also working on increasing their social media presence to keep students informed about the dates of when each publication comes out in order

Graphic by Arynn Tomson

to increase distribution numbers. “As more people become excited for them to come out and are happy with the ones we have now, more students will want them,” Herrera said. “I have made some changes in our book this year that I hope everyone will enjoy and I cannot wait to see how happy this will make people. I am hopeful in the future that people will enjoy the Grassburrs more and more.” Students can pick up their Grassburr at the Thompson Student Center, room 201, Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

October 17, 2019

Accident Continued from pg 1 six days after his wife’s death. “I am now single. I lost Sandy last Saturday,” Al Steele said in a Facebook message on July 12 at 4:23 p.m. Lata said she was shocked by the news. “…He barely tells me this July 12, and you had already hit me up before July 12, and told me what happened,” Lata said. “He didn’t have enough guts to come tell me that my friend Mrs. Sandy died.” Al Steele and Lata had this conversation over Facebook Messenger following his last message on July 12: “What? What happened?” Lata said. “She was killed on a farm accident Saturday morning,” Al Steele said. “What if in the future I need a chocolate kiss?” “How?” Lata said. “How what?” Al Steele said. “How was she killed in a farm accident what was she doing,” Lata wrote. “She was helping roll hay,” Al Steele said. “O [sic] wow I am sorry to hear that,” Lata said. “In a few weeks I might want some chocolate loving,” Al Steele said. “What do you mean?” Lata said. “Some nice hugs and maybe a kiss or two,” Al Steele said. “Mrs. Sandy was my friend I love her, you never helped me she did.

Walmart Continued from pg 1 to be walked out by a Walmart employee. Many people commented on her post that in order to protect themselves from these encounters, she needs to get a handgun and carry. “I took my pistol in when I had to go by myself … Been reading these stories about Walmart here. Can’t be too careful,” Facebook user Marissa Belcher commented. “Don’t go alone, late at night. Get a license to carry. Lipstick mace, a blow horn. Take some sort of self-defense class,” Hatch said. Another Facebook user, Jessica Lindsay, posted on her personal page that she was followed by two men inside H-E-B while shopping with her one-month-old daughter. “I noticed two men on every aisle I was on. Very aware of all the crazy things I have heard happening around, I started feeling uneasy,” Lindsay said. “I went to checkout and noticed one man went to the parking lot while

PAGE 7

A PRODUCT OF THE TEXAN NEWS SERVICE I will forever respect her,” Lata said. Lata said that prior to Sandra Steele’s death, she was very close to the couple. “They were like my second parents,” Lata said. “I spent holidays over there, I cooked in their kitchen, we made things, I cleaned for them. I did a lot of things with them, so I never even thought… She (Sandra Steele) always said shush him off. Everyone keeps saying the war, that it’s from the war, but now that this has happened, no.” Lata says that she had felt and does feel uncomfortable around Al Steele. “He just makes me too uncomfortable, I’m sorry,” Lata said. “And I know she would be like come to the house, let’s make sandwiches, and I’m like, ‘how I am supposed to break it to her that he makes me super uncomfortable?’” Lata never responded to any of Al Steele’s comments. “When he talks like that, I never feed it. I ignore it and just continue to talk about what I am talking about. I don’t have anything to discuss with him sexually,” Lata said. Coates isn’t convinced that Al Steele harmed his wife based on the Facebook messages. “Well, if that (the messages) actually happened, that is disturbing, but it doesn’t mean he killed her,” Coates said. “That just makes him a despicable person.” Jonette Sparks, a local resident of Erath County, the other stayed back, watching me. I made eye contact to let them know I was aware and asked someone to walk out with me. We got into the car and the men were in the truck parked next to us.” Lindsay was told by the manager that these men have been targeting young women and women with children that need to be buckled in. “I wanted to panic but remained calm, my dad is an ex-cop and talked me [through] situations like this, and [I] finished my shopping,” Lindsay said. “I made mental notes as to what each were wearing, body type...” In addition to getting followed inside the store, Tarleton student Briana Wilson was followed while she was driving home. Wilson also posted about her encounter with the men on Facebook. “My home is maybe [one] minute from Walmart and I was so scared of them knowing where I lived or getting my license plate number or anything, so I make many turns and weave in and out of lanes and

This page was created by an anonymous Facebook user after Sandy’s death.

shared screenshots from a Facebook page titled “Justice for Sandy.” The anonymous creator of the page claimed Al Steele has a “history of soliciting women, molesting and assaulting women by groping them and making nasty perverted comments.” The page was created for “seeking justice for our beloved Sandra Sue Bills.” “The facts do not add up; someone had been hired to bale the hay and was to arrive at 8 a.m.,” the anonymous page creator posted. “They did arrive but by the time it was too late... He said that he did not know she was there.” However, the page was deleted a few hours after it was created. Coates would not comment on the details of the investigation or

share where Sandra Steele’s autopsy was performed when asked back in July. “There is probably somewhere you can find it,” Coates said. Even though there wasn’t an autopsy performed. Greenway, who presided over the inquest into Sandra Steele’s death, said “there was no autopsy performed.” He said the death was “strictly accidental.” Dustin Paulson, the lead investigator on the case, said that the department does not have the hay baler involved in Sandra Steele’s death, an autopsy or any other physical evidence during their investigation. A press release from July 8 said the case was under investigation. As of the morning of October 17, the investigation has been confirmed

closed by Coates. Coates says he does not know when the case will be sent to the District Attorney’s office. He says he believes his team is doing everything possible on this case. “This is my personal opinion, even if he did it on accident, we are still going to do everything we can to make sure it was an accident,” Coates said. “I can tell you that Judge Greenway is pretty good as far as being able to determine whether there was an offense or not. But we still must do our due diligence. I can assure you that if we thought that there was a murder in this county, it wouldn’t be covered [up].” Sandra Steele worked as Basic Needs Ministry at the Graham Street Church. Those who worked with her said

Screenshot by Sarah Hayner

they do not know who made the Justice for Sandy Facebook page. Members of the family, including Sandra Steele’s siblings, daughter, and grandson, have been contacted by phone and/or in person. They declined to comment for this story. Texan News attempted to contact Steele through the phone numbers listed on the 911 police report and by visiting his house. The phone numbers were out of order and he did not answer the door. Texan News left a letter at his home and is waiting for a response. This story will be updated on www.TexanNews.net as more information becomes available. Additional reporting by Makenzie Plusnick and Diana Valdez.

Many Facebook users commented about the importance of owning and carrying a handgun for protection.

Screenshots by Arynn Tomson

eventually lose them at a light,” Wilson said. A few women have urged the city or the stores to do something in order to help stop these occurrences, such as officers present outside of the stores after dark. “It’s really not hard to see when someone is being followed,” Hatch said. “We have to be vigilant. I think patrol officers would probably put a halt on these occurrences,” Lindsay said. Many of the women who have had these ex-

periences think that the information about these incidents should be put into a database to help the police find the men responsible. “The police department should have a thorough database with pictures, vehicles, any and all data compiled together. To help with investigating sex traffickers and keeping up every statement they have had about it,” Hatch said. “That identifying these sick individuals would be easier on them. Or perhaps past incidents might spark a memory

to someone else. So it would have to be public. That way the whole community could help out!” Most of these posts have ended with a warning: be aware of your surroundings. The women posting hope to let others know how to be safe and encourage them not shop alone at night unless they absolutely have to. Many advise women to ask an employee to walk them out if they feel unsafe. “I would advise everyone to just be aware of their surroundings,”

Lindsay said. “If you feel uncomfortable about someone or something that is happening, speak up! These days, people are desperate and will do anything, anywhere, anytime.” “Never let your guard down, especially when you are alone. Just please be extra careful and pay attention to your surroundings,” Wilson said. “And if you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and get help! I have no idea what would have happened to me if I never noticed him or have gotten help.”

PAGE 8

October 17, 2019

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