The O'Colly, Friday, June 28, 2024

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Friday, June 28, 2024

OSU hosts Purple Heart Medal ceremony for Cpl. Vanover

Oklahoma State University held a ceremony on Tuesday to posthumously honor U.S. Army Cpl. Elmer Vanover with the Purple Heart Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin presented the medal to Vanover’s family. Vanover served in the 200th Coastal

Artillery during World War II. Vanover was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for the injuries he sustained after being taken prisoner on the Philippine island of Luzon on April 9, 1942. He not only survived the Bataan Death March, a nine-day march that led to the deaths of an estimated 5,500 to 18,650 American and Filipino soldiers, but also survived another three years and four months as a prisoner of war until he was released in August 1945.

When he moved back to Vinita, Oklahoma, after the war, Vanover’s in-

Boomer Lake sun deck to be removed

other infrastructure projects such as roadways and park bathrooms, she said.

juries had left him more than 70% disabled, yet he continued to work for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority until he retired. He was a beloved Oklahoman, state employee, husband and father.

In Vinita, you can find a dedicated portion of U.S. Route 66 to Vanover. The sign reads “Bataan Death March Survivor Elmer ‘Red’ Vanover Memorial Highway.” Vanover’s son, Tim, has spent 10 years attempting to obtain the Purple Heart for his father after he passed away in 1990.

In attendance was OSU/A&M

Board of Regents Chairman-Elect Jimmy Harrell, a friend of the Vanover family. “I am pleased to honor such an extraordinary man and his family on OSU’s campus today,” Harrell said. “The sacrifices Cpl. Vanover and his family have made cannot be overstated, and we are privileged to be a part of this momentous occasion and show support for our veterans and their families.”

The Stillwater sun deck is no more.

The deck, located on the west side of Boomer Lake will be removed because of safety concerns. It was closed in spring 2023 for safety concerns, and never reopened. It was estimated the deck would cost $600,000 to rebuild, according to a statement from a City of Stillwater spokeswoman. The city will instead focus the money on

An outside structural and civil engineering firm discovered the concrete piers supporting the deck had deteriorated, making the safety concerns more dire than the damage to the decking and guardrails, which was initially recognized.

The City of Stillwater will obtain permits to remove the deck.

More information on the deck’s removal will be available at one of the two City Council meetings in July. The City Council will meet July 1 and July 15.

Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “The honorees make us proud, and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating their accomplishments.”

Oklahoma State University

will honor two individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.

Ronald Elliott and Harvey Schroeder are the 2024 Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recipients. They will be recognized during the OSU Agriculture Honors ceremony on Oct. 11.

“These individuals embody the ideals and mission of OSU Agriculture and support our rich tradition and history of improving the quality of life for Oklahomans through science-based research,” said Jayson

Established in 2011, the Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who are not graduates of the Ferguson College of Agriculture but have brought distinction to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The division is comprised of the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU Extension and OSU Ag Research.

Learn more about each honoree below or visit OSU Agriculture Honors online.

Courtesy of OSU News
U.S. Sen. Mullin presented a posthumous medal to a WWII veteran’s family.
See Purple Heart on 2
Photo
The Boomer Lake sun deck is in the process of being removed.
Kennedy Thomason Editor-in-Chief

Oklahoma State University held a ceremony on Tuesday to posthumously honor U.S. Army Cpl. Elmer Vanover with the Purple Heart Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Purple Heart . . .

Continued from 1

The ceremony began with Vanover’s great-granddaughter, Elise Vanover, performing the National Anthem for attendees.

Mullin spoke about the importance of honoring veterans and acknowledged Vanover’s sacrifice during his time in the Army.

“This is somebody that truly defines the greatest generation, someone that came back and built this country after fighting for it,” Mullin said.

After Mullin spoke, Tim Vanover accepted the medal on behalf of his father and said a few words about what acquiring this medal meant to their family.

“It’s all emotional. It’s hard to talk about my dad and not be emotional,” Tim said. “I do appreciate Oklahoma State University, the best university in the state, for letting us hold this meeting here … We want to thank you all for making this a very memorable day for us. After 82 years, everything has come full circle. I know Dad’s resting in peace, but now I can rest in peace, too.”

OSU became Oklahoma’s first Purple Heart University in 2016 and the 25th university nationally to be honored with the distinction. A Purple Heart University is an academic institution recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart for its support of military-affiliated populations.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU News

Ronald Elliott, Stillwater Elliott received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1973 and 1974, respectively, and his doctorate in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University in 1981.

Elliott began his academic career in 1981 as a faculty member in the OSU Department of Agricultural Engineering, later renamed the OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. He taught and conducted research for 29 years and was department head from 2001 to 2010. During his tenure as department head, Elliott played a major role in fundraising for departmental scholarships and helped to increase the number of scholarship recipients from 15 to 45 per year.

Elliott also co-founded and provided ongoing leadership for the Oklahoma Mesonet, a world-class network of environmental monitoring stations, operating for more than 30 years. A partnership between OSU and the University of Oklahoma, the 120 Mesonet station sites throughout Oklahoma’s 77 counties send more than 2,500 atmospheric and subterranean observations every five minutes to the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The data and many value-added products are used for agricultural applications, weather forecasting, education, emergency management, wildland fire management, scientific research and more.

In retirement, Elliott remains active with the biosystems and agricultural engineering department. He and his wife established the Ron and Judith Elliott Endowed Scholarship to continue supporting students. Elliott also fosters OSU relationships through involvement with the department’s donor and alumni relations activities.

Harvey Schroeder, Stillwater Schroeder, formerly of Frederick, Oklahoma, attended OSU but graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1969. Following graduation, he taught high school chemistry, physics and general science for six years in Davidson and Tipton, before deciding to pursue farming full-time. A Tillman County native, Schroeder began farming at age 14 and was a diversified farmer and rancher until his retirement. He was elected to the Oklahoma Cotton Council and served as executive director for 18 years. During his time on the council, Schroeder worked with the state legislature as an advocate for cotton farmers, diversified farms, gins and cotton warehouses. His

work was pivotal in establishing a National Committee for the Advancement of Cotton. Schroeder spent 17 years as an advisor to the National Cotton Council, and he served 14 years as an alternate delegate to the Board of Cotton Incorporated. The Oklahoma Cot-

Council recently honored Schroeder for his lifetime achievement and contributions to the cotton industry. Because of his industry experience and knowledge, he was regularly invited to participate in National Cotton Council meetings and other boards and groups. Schroeder served five

years on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Committee on Trade for Cotton, Tobacco and Peanuts meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and staff in Washington, D.C. He was also chair of Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur’s Pesticide

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm

Advisory Committee for seven years. As an agricultural advocate, supporter and policy expert, he served on the OSU Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council under Thomas Coon and the late Robert Whitson.

ton
Ronald Elliott and Harvey Schroeder are the 2024 Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recipients. They

Stillwater to host 30th annual Fourth of July celebration

Stillwater will have its own firework show for July 4. For the 30th year, Boomer Blast and GRDA’s Fireworks Show and Celebration will bring fun to the holiday. The celebration will be at Washington Street and Lakeview Road, with food

trucks opening at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Community Programs Manager Stephanie Kinder said she is excited for this year’s event in a statement.

“We will have food trucks, music, the Payne County Health Department’s comfort station, extra restrooms, additional roadway lighting, light-up swag (quantities are limited) and incredible fireworks,” Kinder said.

Parking will be available at Stillwater High School, with sidewalks and paths leading to the destination.

Handicap parking will be available at Lakeview Road and Washington Street, as well as Lakeview Road and Husband Street. Parking will be first come, first served. Temperatures are expected to be high on July 4, and the Payne County Healthy Department will be on the west side of Boomer Lake near the playground.

Emergency Management Director Rob Hill said in a statement that he hopes attendees pay attention to the weather.

“Temperatures could be as high as triple digits, so we ask attendees to take proper precautions,” Hill included. “Wear light colored and loose fitted clothing, seek shade areas, if possible, and remember – hydration, hydration, hydration. We look forward to the community interaction and are excited for the holiday.”

No vehicles will be allowed in Boomer Lake’s park after 4 p.m.

Courtesy of City of Stillwater
Parking will be available at Stillwater High School, with handicap parking at Lakeview Road and Washington Street and Lakeview Road and Husband Street.

OSU football sells out season ticket allotment for second straight year

Oklahoma State

college football season,

second consecutive

after last year’s sellout, OSU’s first in a decade.

The Cowboys are coming off a 10-4 campaign in 2023, which featured the program’s second Big 12 championship game appearance in three years – an eventual 49-21 loss to Texas – a triumph against rival Oklahoma in the final Big 12 football game — and the program’s eighth 10-win season under head coach Mike Gundy. OSU ended its season with 31-23 victory against Texas A&M in the TaxAct Texas Bowl.

The Cowboys return 21 starters from a season ago, including start-

ing quarterback Alan Bowman, wide receivers Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens, and reigning Doak Walker Award winner, running back Ollie Gordon II.

OSU opens its 2024 campaign at Boone Pickens Stadium on Aug. 31 against reigning FCS national champion South Dakota State at 1 p.m. The Jackrabbits are winners of their last 29 games but haven’t beaten an FBS opponent since 2021, which came against Colorado State on the road.

The Cowboys play six home games this year, beginning with SDSU

and ending with Texas Tech on Nov. 23. Arkansas, Utah, West Virginia and Arizona State also compile OSU’s home slate. Single-game tickets will be available for purchase July 19 at 9 a.m. for POSSE members and at 5:30 p.m. The remaining tickets for mini-plans and single-game tickets are returned visiting team tickets and as such, are in the visiting team areas of Boone Pickens Stadium.

Former Arkansas left fielder Jones transfers to OSU baseball team

Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday has attained his fourth transfer portal addition of the offseason, and it’s a good one.

Former Arkansas left fielder Jayson Jones announced his commitment to OSU out of the portal on Wednesday evening, giving Holliday his first non-pitching transfer this heading into next season. Jones joins former Hawaii starting pitcher Harrison Bodendorf, Saint John’s starting pitcher Mario Pesca and Jacksonville reliever Tommy Allman to make up the Cowboys’ current portal class.

Jones was a blue-chip recruit coming out of high school, being rated as Perfect Game’s No. 35 overall prospect in the 2022 class before foregoing the MLB Draft and opting to play for head coach Dave Van Horn at Arkansas.

As a sophomore for the Razorbacks in 2024, Jones logged a .194 batting average to go with four home runs, a .301 on-base percentage, a .403 slugging percentage and a .704 OPS through 22 appearances.

As a freshman in 2023, Jones batted .196 with just two homers, a .403 on-base percentage, a .370 slugging percentage and a .773 OPS through 18 appearances.

Offense wasn’t Jones’ strong suit, however, he was widely regarded as one of the premier defensive outfielders in the SEC over the past two seasons. Not to mention, a fresh start could be all Jones needs to find his footing offensively.

Just look at shortstop Lane Forsythe with OSU this past season. Forsythe transferred in after three seasons with Mississippi State’s, playing a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ College World Series cham pionship run in 2021. He was a renowned defender in the SEC; however, Forsythe hadn’t logged a batting average better

than .275 his first three seasons of college baseball – .226, in 2025, Holliday will need to fill the likely voids of two-way and Co. likely have their starting outfield slots filled come

SATURDAYS IN JULY SATURDAYS IN JULY

THURSDAYS IN JULY

THURSDAYS IN JULY

THURSDAYS IN JULY THURSDAYS IN JULY

OPEN YOUR HEART TO GOD!

“Open your heart and let him in. God will remove all your sorrow and sin. He may not pass this way again, so open your heart and let him come in.” These are words from an old hymn.

Many struggle so hard to take this step, not wanting to give up their independence; not wanting to humble themselves before God. In the Psalms, David said: “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all the day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (32:3-5 NLT)

It seems so simple, and it is! Yet, so many

struggle with honesty and humility. These qualities are of great importance with God. The truth is another has paid the penalty for your sins and mine. That is the good news! What we could not do (get rid of our sins), Jesus did by dying in our place. Therefore, “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven,whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Ro.4:7-8 NIV)

Again, blaming friends or relatives will not help; getting religious does not help, thinking you are among the “better” people does no good. Trust what God has done for you through Christ. Get honest and humble yourself before God. Confess your sinfulness, and God will freely forgive. You will be free of guilt and stand innocent before God. Then you can begin a lasting and fruitful relationship with this great and loving God.

THURSDAYS IN

THURSDAYS IN

Bryson Thadhani
Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday added Jayson Jones, the fourth transfer this offseason, to his 2024-25 roster.

Former West Virginia forward Suemnick commits to Oklahoma State basketball

With only three scholarship spots remaining, Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz stayed in the Big 12 to fill one of them.

Patrick Suemnick, formerly of West Virginia, announced his commitment to Lutz’s Cowboys Wednesday morning. Suemnick had committed to

DePaul in late April before he decided to flip to OSU. He’s the eighth player to commit to OSU via the transfer portal.

Suemnick has taken an interesting path to get to this point. After beginning his career at Robert Morris, Suemnick spent a season in the JUCO ranks after eventually finding his way to WVU.

During his junior season in Morgantown, Suemnick played 14 minutes per game, averaging just over four points and two rebounds.

Suemnick becomes the latest commitment for OSU in what is turn-

COPPER CREEK NOW LEASING

ing into a solid first transfer portal class for Lutz. Suemnick rounds out a forward rotation that also brought in Robert Jennings from Texas Tech and Marchelus Avery from UCF.

Lutz has emphasized stocking the forward spot with players who have Big 12 experience thus far and with only two scholarship spots remaining and only one center committed via the portal, it will be interesting to see if Lutz goes small or if he adds additional depth in the front court.

Suemnick could fill in as a small ball big for Lutz due to his stature (6’8,

235 lbs) and his lack of shooting (averaged 0.2 threes per game last season). Suemnick’s primary strength is his rebounding ability. In his limited minutes at WVU last season, he averaged over one offensive and defensive rebound per game. Suemnick’s role is yet to be crystalized with two spots left to fill, but he likely projects as an energy forward off the bench for the Cowboys to start the season.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Connor Fuxa
Patrick Suemnick became the Cowboys’ eighth player from the transfer portal for the upcoming roster Wednesday morning.

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Cowboy Calendar

Friday, June 28

An ArtFull Decade: Celebrating 10 Years @ 11a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/an-artfull-decade.

html Art below the Equator: The Art of Oceania Art Camp @ 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Prairie Arts Center

Admission: $150 for ages 6-14

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/youth-classes/artcamp/1360-the-art-of-oceania-june-11th-14th

Benjamin Harjo Jr Exhibit @ 11 a.m. -4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/past-exhibitions/2018/benjamin-harjo.html

Karaoke Fridays @ 9 p.m.

Location: The Midnight Bar Kids’ Bowl Free @ Open - 6 p.m.

Location: Frontier Lanes Bowling Alley

Admission: Free, but you must register Ages 2-15 https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_ id=3664re-camp

Lake McMurty June 2024 Adventure Camp @ 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Location: Lake McMurty

Admission: $225/Week

https://www.lakemcmurtry.org/adventure-camp. html

OSU Museum of Art: Friday Flix @ 2 - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/

Picturing Resilient Communities at OSU Museum of Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: OSU Museum of Art

https://museum.okstate.edu/art/picturing-resilientcommunities.html

Showstoppers 40th Dance Recital @ 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Stillwater High School Performing Arts Center

https://showstoppersdancestudio.com/ Theater Below The Equator: Summer Theatre Camp @ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: The Seretean Center for the Performing Arts

Admission: $325

https://artscenter.okstate.edu/youth-classes/artcamp/1355-theatre-below-the-equator-summertheatre-camp

A Musical Odyssey: Celebrating 50 Years of Culture in Stillwater @ 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (06/28/24). This year favors quiet backstageproductivity.Explorationsyieldtreasurewithdisciplinedefforts.Resolvingprofessionalchallengesthissummerrevealsexcitingnewdirectionsforautumnexploration. Shiftingwinterdomesticcircumstancesrequireadaptation, leadingtodelightfulspringtimecreativity,communications andnetworking.Followyourintention,intuitionandheart.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 6 — Take it easy. Postponetraveloroverstimulatingenvironments.Review recent events and make practical plans for what’s ahead. Organize your thoughts. Rest and recharge.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Social events are especially delightful today.You’re more powerful together.Benefitsarisethroughteamworkandcooperation. Keep things simple. Have fun with friends.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Work takes priority.Unravelaprofessionalchallenge,threadbythread. Gather information. Tap into hidden resources. Get team support. Extra advancement is possible.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Make plans to get away.You’re especially inventive and creative. Get inspiredbyanother’sadventure.Getoutsidetofeelthewind and sun.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Brainstorm with yourpartnerorteamforlucrativeideas.Abrilliantinsight couldshatteranillusion.Abandondead-endprojects.Develop those with maximum potential.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Get creative with your partner. Have fun with collaborative projects. Shareyourideasandinspiration.Makeplansforthefuture. Romance is a distinct possibility.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize your health,workandfitness.Physicalactiongetsresults.Discoversolutionsinconversation.Getsupportfromcoaches, trainers or doctors. Nurture your body.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Another can get through where you can’t. Connect and ask around. Solutionsarisefromunlikelysources.Takeadvantageofa romantic lucky twist.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Pool resources to improve your family’s domestic situation. Prioritizepracticalities.Youcangetwhatyouneed.Clean, cook and enjoy domestic arts. Create harmony.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Find solutions in your social networks. Connect to exchange ideas. Edit a fantasy down to a realistic plan. Previously locked doors now swing open.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Costs may be higher than expected; income could rise too. Set a juicy goal and go for it. You’re creative and efficient. Track results.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Focus on personalpriorities.Illusionsorfantasiescoulddistractfrom the job at hand. Keep an open mind.As you gain strength, you gain options.

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