Lifting off: Balloon Roundup Soars High

by Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor

It was just after dawn, and more than 20 balloons took to the air as the South West Regional Balloon Club kicked off its second South Plains Balloon Roundup.  

The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the South Plains Food Bank, and local marines joined the club as sponsors for the event, which benefited the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 

 The Balloon Roundup was held as part of Wolfforth’s annual Harvest Festival, with more than 20,000 people watching the balloons take flight.  Spectators began arriving before dawn and after the weather was tested, the balloons were set up.  The weather had to be tested to make sure that it was safe for the balloons to launch. 

Nation Unites for Hurricane Relief  Effort

by Kevin L. Mayer, co-news editor

Imagine all possessions lost, being trapped with thousands of others without electricity, food or water for days.

That was the situation in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Reporters became imbedded as if they were in a war zone. Civilians protected themselves during the chaos with anything from knives to guns. From a child holding a sign, to a man leading a chant with the same phrase, “HELP US!” Anyone could tell the situation was dire.

Texas Campaign Warns Against Couples Rights Restrictions

by Ray Buffington, editor-in-chief

When any type of tragedy occurs in the United States, the attention of every American is drawn toward that certain event, their patriotism seizing their hearts and compelling them to help out the cause.

While the damage that Hurricane Katrina has created in Louisiana deserves the attention and support from those who care, people must not let the evil creature known as politics have an opportunity to slip out from under their radar and create its own type of destruction without their knowledge or awareness.

Focus on Your Safety

by Jennifer Conlee, co-news-editor

With the start of a new school year, it’s time to play it safe. 

From traffic to drugs, from theft to alcohol, there are many things that can affect your school year.  These are things that need to be observed when concerning your own safety, as well as the safety of your fellow college students.

South Plains College is under the protection of fully-trained police officers, and there are regulations that have been set up to protect the students.  However, disregarding  the police and the rules can lead to injury, suspension, expulsion and even death.

Fortunately, the school does not have a history of murder, rape or deaths, but thefts can happen, and drunk driving can, and will, cause problems.

Potter Casts Spell On Readers

by Margot Gonzales, staff writer

It's hard to tell why people of all ages like Harry Potter so much.

What can be so intriguing about a boy with dorky glasses, and a coincidental scar?

 That alone was hard enough for me, a loyal fan, to spit out.  For some it is the thrill, and for others it is just a small interest. But there are those who consider themselves fanatics.   Earlier this summer, I read “Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. “ 

This experience was just like the release of every other Harry Potter book, except this time there was an extra line or two.  Walking into Barnes and Noble, it isn't only young faces I see, but faces that look just like my parents.

New Math Instructor Creates Fun with Numbers

by Pricilla Casanova, staff writer

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to Levelland, Kim Peterson. This is her first year here at South Plains College. Kim, who prefers to be called by her first name rather than Professor or Ms. Peterson is a math professor , she teaches on the Levelland and Reese campuses.  She previously taught at Texas Tech University, where she was a part-time instructor as well as a graduate student.  When asked what the greatest difference between each campus was she replied- “ South Plains is a lot more concerned with it’s students , Tech is a good school but there students are only numbers.”  Although she received her bachelor’s degree at George Fox University in Newberge, Oregon, she is originally from California. She had always planned to stay at school in Fresno, but then she realized “ I could go away if I wanted too.”  How did she decide on George Fox U.? A huge scholarship and a free laptop computer ( every incoming freshman received one. )  After receiving her bachelor’s degree she wasn’t really sure she wanted to continue with grad school. 

New Math Instructor Creates Fun with Numbers

by Jennifer Moore, staff writer

The history of the Llano Estacado runs deep, and the Hockley County Historical Commission, in partnership with the Cochran County Historical Commission, is putting together a tour that will allow participants to dig into the past.

On Sept. 24, the first Ranch Heritage Tour will take place, as three buses of history-lovers will have a chance to see first-hand the historic Spade, Mallet and Yellowhouse ranches of Hockley County and the Slaughter, Surratt and Duggan ranches of Cochran County.