The "Voice" speaks to Lions

Manny Almanza talked about KTPB and his new job at KC. Manny Almanza, coordinator of marketing and outreach for Kilgore College, talked about his new position after leaving KTPB.

Almanza said KTPB is still broadcasting and will do so until the final agreement is reached with the FCC and ownership is turned over.

"KC is working to extend its contracts with service providers that are currently providing access and broadcasting services for KTPB," said Almanza

However, he said, KC sports programs will be broadcast over KZQX. "The coverage area will be smaller, but the quality of the coverage will be even better with the use of the internet," said Almanza. "Not only will Ranger games be broadcast over the internet, but video will also be broadcast live."

The video is offered by Summitt Sports and is available as a package. "We will not only be broadcasting football on video but basketball as well," said Almanza.

Almanza said sports is now only a part of his new position. "My new boss, Bill Gibbs is great to work for," said Almanza. "I will now be doing marketing and recruiting for KC."

He said enrollment for KC is slightly down for the fall semester and believes the cause is the good economy. "When jobs are plentiful people are working, but when the economy is bad people go back to school, change professions or decide it is time to finis their degree," said Almanza.

The Kilgore Lions Club honored students and teacher of the month for Sept. at Thursdays meeting. (left to right) Jared Smith, Davi Case and English teacher Amy Bates. When asked about the Rangers this season, Almanza said he believes it comes down to experience or lack of in this case.

"We have a lot of talent, but it's freshman talent and it will take Coach Rieves time to mold that talent into a winning team," said Almanza. "The games have been close and the Rangers are still in the hunt for the playoffs."

In other action at the Kilgore Lions Club meeting, Lion Bobby Wheeley introduced the teacher and students for the month of Sept. "It is great to be able to recognize these individuals starting this school year," said Wheeley. "These individuals are not picked by me but a board made up of five teachers."

Wheeley presented Amy Bates, English teacher, and students Jared Smith and Davi Case with plaques and a gift for their accomplishment.