Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Marcus Rogers

Marcus Rogers, Reporter

Hello, my name is Marcus Rogers. I am from Greenville, Texas and I'm studying agricultural media and communication with a minor in political science. I'm a senior and I'm a fan of any tea, but my favorite is Water Still.

All content by Marcus Rogers
Marcus Rogers stands in front of the West Texas A&M University sign with the First United Bank Canter in the background. (Nov. 1, 2022)

Opinion: Leaving WT

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 30, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. I am finally graduating, and after four and half years, I am leaving...

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Local leaders from rural Texas sit down with the Texas Tribune on the campus of Texas Tech University for a discussion about the future of rural Texas. (From right to left, Amarillo mayor Ginger Nelson; Lufkin mayor Mark Hicks; City Councilman from Lubbock, TX, Steve Massengale and editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune, Sewell Chan.)

Amarillo Mayor talks about the future of rural Texas

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 28, 2022

  On Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, Steve Massengale, City Councilman from Lubbock, TX; Ginger Nelson, mayor of Amarillo, TX and Mark Hicks, mayor of Lufkin, TX, sat down with the editor-in-chief of the...

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Going down the escalators of Union Station in Chicago to the rail lines from street level is the Amtrak sign that passengers pass by on their way to the train, Nov. 22, 2022.

Opinion: Save time at the airport, take the train

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 23, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. MILWAUKEE- The most significant travel times of the year occur from...

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Renee Padilla, a junior animal science major from Hereford, is the 2022 WT Intern of the Year for his internship with Cargill.

WT Intern of the Year helps prevent additional loss of food

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 16, 2022

Every year the West Texas A&M University intern of the year is selected from a pool of several worthy contenders. Internships are essential for the college experience as they give students applicable...

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The Minneapolis skyline is the second best in the Midwest, and they are the city hosting the Minnesota Vikings NFL team. (Nov. 13, 2022)

Opinion: I fled Texas, and I am okay with it

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 16, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. In 2021, 8.2% of the 332 million Americans moved. The numbers for 2022...

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Rihanna to revive her music career

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 14, 2022

The announcement of the Barbados singer and Savage X Fenty founder Robyn Rihanna Fenty headlining Super Bowl LVII sent the fans of the 2000’s singer into a frenzy. Rihanna’s last addition to the...

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Everest Cannabis Co’s billboard sits just above S U.S. Hwy 87, driving into Canyon, Tx. (Marcus Rogers/The Prairie News)

Why is there a dispensary advertisement in Canyon?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 7, 2022

In the last couple weeks of October 2022, several new billboards for Everest Cannabis Co. have popped up along the Interstate 27 corridor and even coming into Canyon. This advertising campaign is promoting...

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Washington, DC – May 18, 2021: Demonstrators marching along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House to encourage the Biden administration in ending its support of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

US chooses to interfere in Haiti, again

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
November 2, 2022

  Haiti, the country that holds the world’s only successful slave-revolt, has been the target of colonial and exploitative powers since its inception. Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, was...

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Editorial: Guidelines for WT persons publishing an Opinion piece

Editorial: Guidelines for WT persons publishing an Opinion piece

Here at The Prairie News, we are the oldest organization on the campus of West Texas A&M University. We are a student-run workplace to help inform students and the WT community about the happenings...

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Whataburgers iconic table tents, number 22, sits in the Prairie Newsroom.

Students’ thoughts about a Canyon Whataburger

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 26, 2022

Several social media graphics and rumors around town say that a Whataburger is coming to Canyon. The claims state that Whataburger is moving into the space on 23rd ave. at the location of the now-closed...

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Fatigue and upset woman touching nose bridge feeling eye strain or headache, trying to relieve pain.

Depression or Infection, what is going around campus?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 26, 2022

We are in the midst of flu season, and people are dropping like flies in our classes. However, is this because of an infection, or is it a more underlying issue, such as depression? “So with a chronically...

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Ashlynn Lester, right, poses with a friend at their Perryton Highschool graduation in 2019 and wearing a traditional Hawaiian Lei.

Opinion: Why you should not visit Hawai’i

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 24, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press.  All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU.  The Kingdom of Hawai’i is a group of islands in the middle of...

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We the people, the beginning of the preamble to the United States constitution.

What’s a Constitutional Convention?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 20, 2022

Within the United States Constitution lies Article V, a pathway to bypass the federal government to add amendments directly to the U.S. Constitution by a constitutional convention. 19 states so far have...

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Homecoming series, Gage Urias the star player

Homecoming series, Gage Urias the star player

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 20, 2022

On Saturday, Oct. 1, West Texas A&M University Buffs played the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons for the 2022 Homecoming game. In an intense 4th quarter, the Buffs won 28-27 with four seconds...

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Several books line the shelves of Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Laura Mueller. One such book that we talked about is the Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant.

A limit to books is a threat to humanity

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 17, 2022

2022 has seen a large increase in the number of book bannings in public libraries and schools in Texas, more than in any other state in the country. Canyon ISD and Amarillo ISD groups are being impacted...

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Shops on Fifth Avenue has a new location, Mickeys Place, that offers Italian food in Canyon.

Modern Italian food comes to Canyon

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 12, 2022

Over the past three years Canyon has been seeing a revitalization in their historic downtown and in the entire community from the optimism of new businesses and incoming people. Mickey's Place, a new addition...

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A view of Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is located 5 miles south of Umbarger and Hwy 287 towards New Mexico.

Indigenous Peoples Day at WT

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 10, 2022

Oct. 10, 2022 marks Indigenous Peoples Day. This holiday falls on the second Monday of Oct. and has since replaced Columbus Day for a number of reasons. The major reason is that Columbus Day signifies...

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Members of the Prairie News sit together during a training while advisor Nancy Garcia and WT staff, Rick Andersen, work to fix some technological difficulties. From right to left: Blass Guerrero, Jolina Lopez, Kaylee Jo Neeley, Filiberto Avila and Jeanine Fabri.

Opinion: People deserve respect

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
October 3, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press organization. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. In light of further questions surrounding the recent...

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A pedestrian oriented street offers new ways for the game sims to interact without the need for cars. The new large glass pavilion provides a third place for the sims to relax.

Cities: Skylines, get a new perspective

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 28, 2022

In our modern world of gaming, Cities: Skylines sets the standard for city simulations and the new Plazas and Promenades DLC (downloadable content) re-centers people as the foundation of your city. Developer...

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Ronny Jackson, representative for WT and Texas Congressional District 13 speaks during CPAC Texas 2022 conference at Hilton Anatole. (Aug. 6, 2022)

Opinion: WT and the support of a white supremacist, in 2022

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 26, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press.  All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU.  On July 19th, 2022, the House of Representatives voted on H.R.8404,...

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Brian Enevoldsen, the managing director of the WT Enterprise Center, shares information about the Enterprize challenge in his office after a recent orientation.

Local businesses compete for a share of $500,000

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 21, 2022

The Enterprize Challenge is a competition that gives local businesses a chance to compete for a share of $500,000 to grow their business. Now in their 26th year, the competition, hosted by the WT Enterprise...

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Andy Rivas stares at the camera.

Agriculture is Diversity

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 14, 2022

Throughout the 21st century, American society has progressed leaps and bounds more inclusively and diversely when compared to the past 100 years. The agriculture industry, a rural profession, is a path...

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Amarillo runs on Coffee

Amarillo runs on Coffee

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 12, 2022

The Amarillo Metro area includes 264,345 people and yet there are over 38 coffee shops. This is 1 coffee shop per 6,956 people, not including the fast food locations and coffee shops in gas stations around...

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(Dr. James Calvi visited the Flight 93 memorial recently and is posed next to West Texas A&M Universities name at the Visitor Center Complex.

WT’s remembrance of 9/11 engraved in stone

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 9, 2022

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. West Texas A&M University helped memorialize the attacks by donating $100,000 for the building of the Flight 93 memorial in Stoystown,...

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Tearanee Lockhart (right) poses with the Black Student Union float for the 2021 Homecoming parade.

[Video] Behind the major with Tearanee’ Lockhart: Communication leads to the breaking of barriers

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
September 7, 2022

Tearanee’ Lockhart is a senior broadcast journalism major from Amarillo. Lockhart’s passion lies with the connections she makes with other people. Being involved and surrounded by people is where Lockhart...

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The Harrington Academic Hall, Amarillo Center sits on Tyler street in Downtown Amarillo as the meeting place for the Continuum of Care committee meeting location. (Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022)

Unhoused people feel the impact of WT

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
August 31, 2022

West Texas A&M University’s, Meg L. DeJong-Shier is helping serve the most often underlooked individuals in society, unhoused people in the Amarillo area. Amarillo, Texas is often forgotten in...

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West Texas A&M University blvd. covered in winter frost. (Feb. 9, 2021)

OP/ED What every Freshman should know

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
August 29, 2022

Making the choice to move away from home and onto a University campus is a major life choice to make. There are quite a few things students should know when coming to college. Here are a couple things...

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[Video] How will New Mexico’s free college impact WT?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
May 3, 2022

Around the U.S., there is currently $1.75 trillion in federal and private student debt. New Mexico recently became the first state in the nation to offer tuition-free college to its residents. West...

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Visitors walk around the WT section of the Student/Faculty Exhibition on the second floor of the Amarillo Museum of Art. Photo taken April 16, 2022.

Op/Ed: Visiting AMoA helps reduce stress during finals

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
April 20, 2022

With finals around the corner, breaks are a necessity to keep your sanity. The next time you’re in need of a break, consider visiting the Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA). Amarillo College and West Texas...

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Students’ union shows potential for change

Students’ union shows potential for change

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
April 20, 2022

A set of promising moments for labor unions are currently in progress around the U.S. At West Texas A&M University, a professor advocates for a new sector of political involvement on campus. Over...

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The epidemic of vaping

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
April 13, 2022

Vaping has become a serious problem on college campuses. According to a recent survey, over 75% of college students reported using e-cigarette products during the Fall 2021 semester. West Texas A&M...

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View of passenger vehicles in the south and northbound lanes of Interstate 27 from East Country Club Road in Canyon.

America continues to expand its automobile dependance with interstate highways

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
April 3, 2022

On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed into law a bill that extends local Interstate 27 from Raton, New Mexico to Laredo, Texas. Congressman Jodey Arrington for Texas’ 19th Congressional District,...

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On March 23, 70 school districts from around the area visited with students and other attendees at the 2022 Educators EXPO in the First United Bank Center.

WT helps with the teacher shortage

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
April 3, 2022

Texas has been facing a shortage of teachers for a few years now. West Texas A&M University helped bring students into contact with school districts at the Educators EXPO, which was held at the First...

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Student Body President Bryan Garcia (left) gives a speech on September 2, 2021 in front of the Engineering and Computer Sciences Building at the announcement of the One West Campaign with Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations (center) and WT President Walter V. Wendler (right).

Turmoil in the Student Government Association

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
March 16, 2022

Disclaimer: March 17, 2022 All members of SGA were advised by the SGA advisor to not speak with WT student media. All information was obtained from the affected party, Bryan Garcia, and the SEES email...

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Katelynn Kenyon reviews work at the Testing and Tutoring Services in the Classroom Center. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

WT receives millions in endowments while student workers miss out

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
March 10, 2022

Private investments to West Texas A&M University and its buildings have been released regularly this spring semester with the $2.5 million endowment for the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building, $5...

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From left to right: Jonathan Arthur and Ryan Riggins do homework while waiting for students to come into the Writing Center. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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From left to right: Jonathan Arthur and Ryan Riggins do homework while waiting for students to come into the Writing Center. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

Writing Center employee Emily Hinds offers feedback on a students story that they are working on for a class. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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Writing Center employee Emily Hinds offers feedback on a student's story that they are working on for a class. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

Aidan Driscoll with Which Wich Superior Sandwiches pulls a hot sandwich off a conveyor belt to wrap and give to students. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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Aidan Driscoll with Which Wich Superior Sandwiches pulls a hot sandwich off a conveyor belt to wrap and give to students. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

Psychology graduate student Allexa Zwinck with Counseling Services reviews appointments. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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Psychology graduate student Allexa Zwinck with Counseling Services reviews appointments. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

From front to rear: Dominique Ellis and Hannah Womack prepare burrito bowls at Pony Express Burritos. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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From front to rear: Dominique Ellis and Hannah Womack prepare burrito bowls at Pony Express Burritos. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

Mason Lafferty with the JBK Information Desk reviews room reservations at the university and the JBK. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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Mason Lafferty with the JBK Information Desk reviews room reservations at the university and the JBK. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

HUB employee, Zyna Juma, gives information to fellow student Filiberto Avila about where to find the closest printer on campus. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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HUB employee, Zyna Juma, gives information to fellow student Filiberto Avila about where to find the closest printer on campus. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

From left to right: Yotam Balbul and Nickolas Gallegos man the phones in the HELC. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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From left to right: Yotam Balbul and Nickolas Gallegos man the phones in the HELC. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

Victoria Fatiregun completes a service request at the Hastings Electronic Learning Center. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

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Victoria Fatiregun completes a service request at the Hastings Electronic Learning Center. Photo taken March 9, 2022.

[Video] WT’s multipurpose leader: Leroy Aleman II

Jennifer Tuttor, Former Assistant Editor
March 4, 2022

Leadership is an attribute some college students crave or learn. For others, it is an inherent attribute. Leroy Aleman II is a junior political science major who is involved in student government as a...

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Here lies the ‘Stranger Things’

Here lies the ‘Stranger Things’

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
March 1, 2022

Perhaps one of Netflix's most successful shows, “Stranger Things” had an official release date drop for its fourth installment. Netflix announced that “Stranger Things,” a sci-fi drama created...

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Buc-ee’s coming to the High Plains?

Buc-ee’s coming to the High Plains?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
March 1, 2022

On Feb. 8, 2022, the Amarillo City Council, with unanimous support from all members, approved an economic development agreement to bring the Buc-ee's convenience store chain to eastern Amarillo. The...

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Student Press Freedom Day 2022

[Video] Student Press Freedom Day 2022

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 24, 2022

Journalists around the world face threats for shining light on controversial topic. People not involved with news do not always know how stories are covered and reported on to the public–it's a process. Student...

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The Randall County Justice Center, located at 2309 Russell Long Blvd., Canyon, Texas, is the perfect location for students to vote. This location offers early voting and Election Day voting a short walking distance from campus.

Primary elections are here

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 22, 2022

Early voting for the primary election in Texas started on Feb. 14, 2022 and ends on March 1, 2022. Residents and other eligible Texans can vote in the 2022 primary elections in the counties they...

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The Red Deal: Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth, is a guide to Indigenous liberation and the fight to save the planet. (Photo/Marcus Rogers)

How to not get lost in climate doomerism

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 16, 2022

“The Red Deal: Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth,” by The Red Nation, is a 150-page culmination of honest history and directions to help pull the people of the world out of a constant cycle of despair...

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McNair Scholars pose at the Buffalo Fountain. From left to right: Annalee Noel, Jose Duenas, Kassandra Razo, Maliyah Mendoza, Tuyizere Sandrine, Lizbeth Lopez, Jazmyn McGuire, Daniela Cervantes, Madeline Kleinschmidt, Madison Shuck, Ashley Oakes, Ashlynn Lester, Gabriel Martinez and Omar Garcia.

[Video] McNair Program gives students money for research

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 10, 2022

The McNair Scholars Program is a research opportunity for underrepresented students that helps applicants pursue graduate school. The application deadline is coming to a close on March 1, 2022. The...

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WT Opera production crew dims the lights of the Branding Iron Theater before the start of Magic Flute.

Night at the Opera

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 1, 2022

WT Opera production crew dims the lights of the Branding Iron Theater before the start of "Magic Flute".

A student barista contracted under Aramark Corporation, prepares a specialty iced drink for WT students during a drink rush in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center.

One way to improve workplaces: Coffee

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
February 1, 2022

Eversince the Starbucks location in Buffalo, N.Y., shocked the corporate world in Nov. 2021 by being the first unionized Starbucks since the 1980s, 60 more starbucks location have filed for a union election...

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OP/ED: What’s that smell?

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
January 25, 2022

If you have walked around the Great Plains, you've probably encountered the “smell of money”, as the local community calls it. The smell permeates from 130 concentrated animal feeding operations...

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WT students and Brianna Jarrett, a mix of skiers and snowboarders, throw up the Buffs hand sign after an enjoyable trip at Wolf Creek Ski area, Pagosa Springs,CO.

WT Rec Sports gives students the opportunity to try winter sports

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
January 18, 2022

During winter break, West Texas A&M University students visited the close by Rocky Mountains for the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding as part of a trip organized by WT Recreational Sports. Winter...

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200 ways to stay warm for the winter

Marcus Rogers, Reporter
January 13, 2022

Beta Sigma Phi, a non-academic sorority, provided around 200 articles of clothing for students to pick up anonymously around the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughn Pedestrian Mall for the first day of...

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[Video] WTAMU’s musical theatre genie: Nolan Quintanilla

Jennifer Tuttor, Former Assistant Editor
December 5, 2021

Named after the baseball star Nolan Ryan, Nolan Quintanilla is a junior musical theatre major at West Texas A&M University. Coming from a Spanish-Mexican root, Quintanilla grew up in Amarillo and is...

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