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Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Savannah Wesley

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief

My name is Savannah Wesley and I am the Editor-in-Chief for The Prairie News. I am a broadcast journalism major and a senior from Tulia, Texas. I want to become a journalist for a major magazine or online newspaper when I earn my degree and work my way up to an editorial position.

All content by Savannah Wesley
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” - Jack Canfield

The Other Side of Fear: Senior Reflection

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief November 3, 2020

College was always a no-brainer to me. The fear of becoming an adult is one of the primary reasons as to why and also the fact that I was conditioned by my parents and teachers that there really was no...

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[Video] Coming back to school amid COVID-19

Jonah Dietz, Senior Reporter September 18, 2020

“Your engagement in—and outside the classroom is key to the ultimate college experience,” says the official West Texas A&M University website, as it describes how its faculty are always looking...

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Step 2: Fill out sections 1-4. This is personal information such as your name and address.

How to apply to vote by mail

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief September 10, 2020

For the 2020 Elections, many states are offering voters the option to vote by mail in light of the pandemic. Texas is one of six states that are not allowing their citizens to vote this way with a...

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Shuttle Services was almost cut from WTAMU this year due to budget cuts mandated by the state but was taken over by Panhandle Community Services and is here to stay.

Community partnership saved shuttle buses

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief September 8, 2020

With the budget taking a state-mandated hit from the effects of COVID-19, Shuttle Services was going to be cut from West Texas A&M University, forcing commuter students who park at the First United...

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Non-profit buys books for kids

Non-profit buys books for kids

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief March 1, 2020

Pennies for Literacy is a campaign run by non-profit organization Give More HUGS (GMH) that aims to provide children with resources and facilitate a positive learning environment at Title I elementary...

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Walk Across Texas is an event held to encourage students to live a healthier life.

Students encouraged to “Walk Across Texas”

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief February 23, 2020

Students have the chance to put all their steps to use by participating in “Walk Across Texas”, a health encouragement walking challenge put on by WT Health and Wellness Promotion and Residential Living. “Walk...

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WTAMU students enjoy Breakfast for dinner in overflow in FAC 177.

WTAMU students enjoy Breakfast for dinner in overflow in FAC 177.

(From left to right) Freshman agricultural education major, freshman agricultural business and economics major Brenley von Reyn and freshman agricultural education major Makenzie Knipe attended COMM Week's Breakfast for Dinner event in the Live Lounge.

(From left to right) Freshman agricultural education major, freshman agricultural business and economics major Brenley von Reyn and freshman agricultural education major Makenzie Knipe attended COMM Week's...

The event was held in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex in the Live Lounge.

The event was held in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex in the Live Lounge.

Students enjoyed southwest style burritos.

Students enjoyed southwest style burritos.

Fruit salad was a popular item at Breakfast for Dinner which was held at 6 p.m.

Fruit salad was a popular item at Breakfast for Dinner which was held at 6 p.m.

Student signed in before enjoying the breakfast buffet.

Student signed in before enjoying the breakfast buffet.

This gray fox was found napping in a tree outside one of WTAMU's buildings and some students are able to capture this animal on video having a peaceful rest.

What does the fox read?

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief February 9, 2020

Earlier in the semester, I received an email from Dr. Trudy Hanson, Head of the Department of Communication, about a potential story for The Prairie News to cover. In Hanson’s email, she told me about...

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Listed are the rates for residential halls on WTAMU's campus ranging from $3950-$7680 a year.

Perceptions of living on campus

Savannah Wesley, Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2020

Living on campus can have many upsides such as the sense of belonging in a community, having a source of food within walking distance and being independent while still being supported by the Residential...

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Illustration by Savannah Wesley/The Prairie News

Is Chick-fil-A changing their tune?

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor December 3, 2019

Everyone loves a good spicy chicken sandwich, especially those of us here at West Texas A&M University who often frequent the Chick-fil-A satellite in the Jack B. Kelly Student Center. Chick-fil-A...

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Illustration by Savannah Wesley

Free Speech Zones

Savannah Wesley November 12, 2019

Interpretation of freedom of speech often leads people to think that they can say whatever, whenever, and wherever they want and however they want to. Contrary to that belief, there are limitations...

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Savannah Wesley/The Prairie News

How to stay safe and warm during the winter

Savannah Wesley October 29, 2019

Panhandle weather is commonly known for its temperamental and sometimes unpredictable stages so it is important that students be aware of how to plan for colder weather to avoid accidents due to snow and...

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The evolution of The Prairie: From print to web

The evolution of The Prairie: From print to web

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor October 21, 2019

On October 20, 1919, the first edition of The Prairie was published at what was then West Texas State Normal College. The newspaper was four pages long, published twice a month, mostly text based and featured...

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Start By Believing is a program used by WTAMU to assist those who have suffered from domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month at WTAMU

Savannah Wesley October 15, 2019

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and West Texas A&M University provides resources, supported by https://www.paultolandlaw.com/domestic-violence/ to those who want or require assistance...

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"Our Town" brought to WTAMU

“Our Town” brought to WTAMU

Savannah Wesley October 8, 2019

“Our Town”, a play released in 1938 by Thorton Wilder, gives the viewer insight into the lives of what was considered a simple time and is one of the productions featured at West Texas A&M University...

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[Video] A momentous occasion

Ceasar Escalante September 17, 2019

A Naturalization Ceremony took place at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum’s  Hazelwood Lecture Hall on this past week, culminating the naturalization process for more than 71 individuals from...

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Photo Courtesy of YourLocalSecurity.com
Out of 41 colleges, WTAMU was named the second safest campus. Listed are the top 10 safest campuses in Texas.

WTAMU named second safest campus in Texas

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor September 3, 2019

On August 20, Your Local Security released a report revealing West Texas A&M University as the Second Safest College Campus in Texas. “To help future college students make safety-driven decisions,...

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Esteban Ponce/the Prairie
Dr. Eric Meljac brings a whole new perspective to "finding the hidden meaning" as an illusionist and magician.

Beyond the 9 to 5: metaphors and magic

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor April 18, 2019

Students may find literature confusing enough, but Dr. Eric Meljac brings a whole new perspective to “finding the hidden meaning” as an illusionist and magician. “[Meljac] has an amazing energy...

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Photo Courtesy of Career Services
Student Employment Week is a campus wide celebration of student workers at WTAMU.

WTAMU Student Employment Week 2019

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor April 17, 2019

Student Employment Week (SEW)  is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the student workers across the university for all their hard work throughout the year. Student employees are large contributors...

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Esteban Ponce/the Prairie
Biochemistry professor Dr Nick Flynn teaches at WTAMU and appreciates his hobby of homebrewing and the chemistry that goes into the practice.

Beyond the 9 to 5: beakers and brewskies

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor March 27, 2019

Chemistry and brewing go hand in hand, and Dr. Nick Flynn, professor of biochemistry at West Texas A&M University participates in the hobby of homebrewing. “As of 2017, there are an estimated...

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(From Left to Right) Vice President Scout Odegaard, Chief Justice Colton Bourquin, and President Elise Tolley.

The role and impact of Student Government

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor March 7, 2019

Student Government takes action on concerns students have and has a large impact as to what is going on at West Texas A&M University. “We are elected officials who represent each and every...

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Student creating layout for newspaper on computer.

Challenges faced in journalism

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor February 22, 2019

Today’s general public may be unaware of the challenges of journalism and the fact that professional journalists abide by a code of ethics that ensures a free exchange of accurate and fair information. “Most...

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Photo by Savannah Wesley/the Prairie
Students would partner up with one wearing noise cancelling headphones and try to guess the phrase their partner was saying.

COMM Week 2019 Game Show

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor February 18, 2019

2019 Communication Week was kicked off by the annual Game Show. This year is themed “COMM Factor” where students can “imagine a world where their greatest hopes become reality.” Students competed...

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Seek Then Speak implemented on WTAMU campus

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor February 6, 2019

West Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) is taking a new approach to reporting sexual assault crimes using the program offered by SeekThenSpeak.org. "We want [victims and survivors...

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Student Press Freedom Appreciation

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor January 30, 2019

 Everyone is aware of others wanting to express their right to free speech in protests, on social media and in the press however, not everyone might know what that entails. The freedom of speech is...

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Expect VERO center to open in August of 2020

Savannah Wesley, Features Editor January 23, 2019

WTAMU student population expected to continue to increase with the addition of new Veterinary Education Research and Outreach center (VERO) in 2020 attracting current and future pre-vet majors. “Over...

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Review on “A Star is Born”

Savannah Wesley, Senior Reporter November 30, 2018

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut moves audiences with his rendition of “A Star is Born” featuring himself and popular musician Lady Gaga. ‘Marvelously unexpected’ is a way to describe the...

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WTAMU forensics team showed their appreciation for the McKee family at the endowment reception.

Pak-A-Sak gifted Forensics team $100,000

Savannah Wesley, Senior Reporter November 26, 2018

The McKee family donated $100,000 to establish the McKee Forensics Scholarship Endowment, which will provide financial support to the students on the West Texas A&M University forensics team. The gift...

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Is Nike Inc. capitalizing on past controversy?

Savannah Wesley, Senior Reporter October 21, 2018

“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything” was displayed on an image of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do it” movement.  Mostly...

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WTAMU is put on the map by the opening of the New Agricultural Sciences Complex and celebrated by the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House.

WTAMU opens new Agricultural Sciences Complex

Savannah Wesley, Senior Reporter September 21, 2018

Good fortune showered on West Texas A&M University on Friday, Sept. 7, just like the much needed rain that fell during the ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the opening of the new Agricultural...

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