June 23

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Isaac Dennis/ O’Colly

Military vehicle during Sea of Orange on Oct. 19, 2019, in downtown Stillwater.

OSU listed as top school for veterans Adam Engel Staff Reporter

In 2014, positioned in front of a desktop computer, staff sergeant Seth Duckworth concentrated on his online accounting test. He was about 7,500 miles east of Stillwater, at Fob Forward Operation Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Outside, helicopters and airplanes flew by and soldiers marched to the dining

hall. No Oklahoma State University orange in sight, just the camouflaged U.S. Army uniforms and the red, white and blue American flag. He was at war. But By way of online school, he remained connected to his university.

With 10 questions remaining on his exam, darkness immediately

filled the room. Duckworth didn’t panic. He’s been through this situation before. Blackouts like this, weren’t unusual, but a grim reminder of the sacrifices in the military.

“If somebody is killed, the base is shut down for a few hours,” See Veterans on pg.2

Birthday parties might have fueled COVID surges Tribune News Service Birthday parties might have fueled COVID-19 surges during the darkest days, a new study suggests.

Kiddie birthday parties, to be precise.

Researchers matched coronavirus statistics with data on birthday parties and found 15.8 more positive coronavirus tests per 10,000 people than in households where no birthday party was held, said researchers.

Adult birthdays were correlated with 5.8 more positive tests in the ensuing two weeks.

“There’s a natural inclination to not think that your family members or friends are potentially infected or that you could potentially spread to family members or your friends,” Dr. Chris Whaley, an author of the study and policy Tribune News Service

See Birthday on pg.3

Page 2 Wednesday, June 23, 2021

News Veterns...

Continued from pg.1 Duckworth said. “With the way the world works, there are scenarios where the family member of a solider would learn on social media rather than a formal notification from the Army.”

The test was unfinished because of a 45-minute limit, and after contacting his professor, Duckworth was able to retake.

As an undergraduate student enrolled in the Army Reserves in 2007,

Duckworth noticed OSU offered little investment in veteran affairs.

“At the time, OSU really wasn’t involved with veteran affairs,” he said. “I worked directly with the veteran affairs program and it was operated by two older ladies that seemed to be working out of passion.”

Through the years, Duckworth witnessed OSU’s improvements with student veterans and the efforts have been nationally ranked for the sixth straight year. According to the Military Times, OSU was recently listed as a top institution for student veterans. OSU, the top ranked Oklahoma school, appears at No. 92 overall, and No. 76 public school.

“In 2014, I still had some Army

benefits and took more classes with their families is an honor.”

OSU,” he said. “Coming back around, Rivera said OSU provides I got the vibe that OSU invested more education to 274 student-veterans and into veteran affairs.”

74-active-duty personnel with 177 According to a press release, reservists and National Guard memthe Office of Student Veteran Sucbers using educational benefits. Adcess assists military-affiliated studitionally, OSU employs 131 veteran dents transition in and out of school faculty members. through coordination on campus, in “The needs of students are ever the community and state and federal evolving,” Rivera said. “In order organizations. to keep up with this evolution, new “I will say this compliment programs, initiatives and support comes at a time when our university services are being developed for the had to change their approach to serv- Fall 2021 semester and beyond; and ing student veterans during a panthe office looks forward to moving up demic,” said Vincent Rivera, OSU’s the ranks of the ‘Best Of’ list in the Office of Student Veteran Success future.” coordinator. “To be able to remain a destination for student veterans and news.ed@ocolly.com

News Birthday...

Continued from pg.1

researcher at the RAND Corporation, told USA Today.

While the researchers didn’t count birthday parties per se, they used the birth dates of household members as a proxy for social gatherings and inperson festivities, they said in a statement. Familiarity could cause people to let down their guard, feeling as though their beloveds were “safe.”

However, that was rarely the case. And birthday parties are the exact type of social gathering that might have contributed during the pandemic’s height, the study found.

In counties with high rates of coronavirus infections, households with recent birthdays were 30% more likely than households with no birthday to test positive, based on data from health insurance claims.

“These gatherings are an important part of the social fabric that holds together families and society as a whole. However, as we show, in high-risk areas, they can also expose households to COVID-19 infections,” said study senior author Anupam Jena, the Ruth L. Newhouse Associate Professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School.

In more formal settings, people tend to take precautions such as wearing masks and social distancing, enforced by the venue.

“While people are doing a good job or a better job of social distancing or wearing their masks when they go to a supermarket,

when they get home they’re more likely to relax and not necessarily wear masks or social-distance,” Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles who was not involved with the study, told USA Today.

Health experts had long speculated that small, informal gatherings might have been one driving factor in the spread of coronavirus, but it was hard to measure risks linked to various kinds of gatherings, the researchers said, without massive contact tracing and diagnostic testing.

The team took a different approach, inferring a relationship between social gatherings and COVID-19 by studying whether infection rates increase in households in the weeks after a member had a birthday. This was based on the notion that such occasions often entail a get-together, and that birth dates are easy to obtain from medical and insurance records.

They analyzed 3 million U.S. households to find that over the first 45 weeks of 2020, households that had recent birthdays in counties with high COVID-19 transmission averaged 8.6 more cases per 10,000 people than households in the same counties without a birthday, the researchers said.

It wasn’t just birthdays that were the culprit.

“We were only able to examine a single kind of event that likely leads to social gatherings, but given the magnitude of the increased risk associated with having a birthday in the household, it’s clear that informal gatherings of all kinds played a significant role in the spread of COVID-19,” Whaley said. news.ed@ocolly.com

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A LITTLE WHILE! “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith…” (Heb.10:37-38 NKJV) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2Co.4:17 NKJV) Our calling as true believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus will be filled with challenges of different kinds. These difficulties drag on and on at times. We wonder “when will this come to an end?” Why doesn’t something happen?

Won’t this ever come to an end? Thankfully, trials do come and go.

It is easy to quote a scripture about trusting God; don’t lean to your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.(Prov.3:5-6) These are true and can minister to us in times of difficulty. Also, these two scriptures mentioned above, give a perspective of relating our times of challenge with the purpose of God that has eternal value.

The writer of Hebrews said to these Jewish believers who under real persecution from their countrymen; “Just a little while! Jesus is coming!” :To these believers it seemed “forever”, the hardships were dragging on and on. But, the apostle Paul, tells the Christians, “just a light affliction, which is but for a moment” I believe he used the word “moment” because of the great, eternal reward that coming to these believers as they stand fast for Christ in a hard situation. The Just (true believers) are to live by faith (trusting) God’s ways are right for us all and his timing is perfect.

From a little experience, I can say things look clearer after the trial has past. When Jesus comes, and he will come, we will all see and know things clearly. Now, we are to trust our faithful God and see how He works!

Page 4 Wednesday, June 23, 2021

sports

‘An opportunity to redeem ourselves’ OSU alumni team selected to TBT, $1 million on the line

Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor

Former Oklahoma State basketball players are chasing $1 million in July.

The Basketball Tournament announced its 2021, 64 team bracket on Monday, and the Stillwater Stars, a team of OSU alumni, was selected in the bracket.

“It means a lot to be accepted back into the field,” Jeff Barr, the general manager for the Stars said.

“We get an opportunity to redeem ourselves and spend time with a lot of our friends we haven’t got a chance to see with covid cancelling our annual basketball alumni reunion.”

The Stars were given the No. 8 seed in the Wichita region, and will play The Enchantment, the No. 9 seed. The Enchantment is an alumni team from New Mexico.

The Stars took part in the 2020 TBT, but lost in the first round. The Stars announced roster additions Sunday and Monday to add to an already star studded lineup.

The roster includes former Cowboys Jeffery Carroll (2014-18), Markel Brown (2010-14), Brandon Averette (2016-2018), Joshua Cleary/O’Colly

See Opportunity on pg.5

sports Opportunity...

Continued from pg.4 Marshal Moses (2007-2011) , Jonathan Laurent (2019-2020), Cezar Guerrero(2011-12), Brian

Williams (2011-14) and Chris Oliver (2015-16).

Two other players will join the former Cowboys from other schools, Michael Qualls (Arkansas) and Nate Grimes (Fresno State).

“I have high hopes for this year’s team, I think we have an underrated group that will surprise some people,” Barr said.

The Stars will be without Le’Bryan Nash, who was one the team last year, and led the team with 30 points in its game. Nash injured his achilles while playing overseas in Japan.

The Stars and Enchantment will play July 17 at 7 p.m. in Charles Koch Arena and all games will be broadcasted on the ESPN

family of networks.

“We look forward to representing OSU again,” Barr said. “We hope to win games and be exciting so that in the following years we can have more former cowboys want to participate in TBT.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 6 Wednesday, June 23, 2021

sports

Joshua Cleary

Boone Pickens stands tall outside his namesake’s stadium as students return to school for the first day of the semester.

Column: How does the Supreme Court

Shawne Alston waited seven years.

In 2014, the former West Virginia football player filed a lawsuit against the NCAA fighting for student athletes to be able to receive

educational compensation from universities.

On Monday, he received his verdict. The Supreme Court of the United States voted unanimously on the NCAA vs. Alston case in favor of student athletes and how they can be compensated by their respective universities.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the court’s opinion, stating the NCAA violated antitrust laws because of the restrictions they placed in regard to athletes receiving educational benefits from their universities.

The ruling allows schools

unlimited compensation to student athletes if it is related to an athletes education.

If they need a laptop for class, the school can give it to them. Study abroad? The school can now assist.

More scholarship money? Athletes can now accept it. Internships? Also covered now.

You get the idea.

It is a narrow win for athletes, but the ruling could be the first domino to fall toward them earning the right to make money off their NIL (name, image and likeness).

The State of California first

presented this idea by considering passing a bill allowing athletes to license their NIL, but schools quickly shied away from supporting this after NCAA President Mark Emmert said the organization would consider banning schools allowing athletes to profit off their NIL. The writing is on the wall now.

It hasn’t happened yet, but it is inevitable one day amateur athletes will be able to license themselves.

This legislation is the first big step in that direction. sports.ed@ocolly.com

See Opportunity on pg.5

FOR RELEASE JUNE 23, 2021

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

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ACROSS 1 Digital money 6 Welcomed at the door 11 “Happy little trees” painter Ross 14 Elder Obama daughter 15 Ad 16 Sci-fi vehicle 17 Netflix series about unintended consequences of new technology 19 Cal. airport not in its namesake city 20 Arcing shot 21 Like money in a poker game 22 Some “Rocky” settings 23 Historic chapters 25 “__ la France!” dread 27 Actors sans lines 29 Campground support 31 Google 33 Uses a needle 34 “__ out!”

35 Dutch colonist 37 Per __ 39 “Get a room!” elicitor, for short 42 Pants, briefly 44 Fashions 48 Part of a repertoire 51 Insignificant person 52 TV host with her “OWN” network 53 Fruity antacid 55 ROFL relative 56 Colorful cereal brand 57 Homes high up 59 Green prefix 60 Efron of “High School Musical” 61 On earth 63 Spacewalk initials 64 Image on some birth announcements 65 Hirsch of “Into the Wild” 66 Hibernation location 67 Itty-bitty 68 “Alas!”

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DOWN 1 Insignias 2 Some diet soda has one 3 College football powerhouse 4 [not my mistake] 5 Maori dance with rhythmic chanting

6/23/21

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

7 Gets in 8 Took a downturn 10 Postal motto word 11 Reason to skip lunch, maybe 12 How some candid comments are made 13 Enthusiastic supporter 18 “Jersey Shore” airer 22 __ check: test of character 24 Belgrade resident 26 Aver 28 Rusty nail liquor 30 Silly person 32 Munich address 36 Cheered for 38 Whimper 39 Was overcome with emotion, informally

©2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

40 Corrupt 41 Like some violets 43 Loan sharks 45 Draco Malfoy, to Harry Potter 46 Classic Lugosi character with an aversion to the ends of 17-, 29-, 48- and 61-Across

6/23/21

47 Cuddled, in a way 49 Line on many bills 50 Condescending 54 “Quiet on the __!”: 57 Pay to play 58 Sows, e.g.

61 Operate 62 Punk rock offshoot

Lori@ocolly.com

Daily Horoscope

Level 1

2

3

4

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (06/23/21). Rake in an abundant harvest together this year. Disciplined, coordinated efforts steadily grow valuable results. Summer introspection and contemplation inspire invention, leading to resolution of autumn challenges springtime. Teamwork pays high dividends.

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 an 8 — Focus on immediate study and research objectives. Meet a deadline. Gather the information you need. New possibilities stretch old boundaries. Don’t get sidetracked. or shortage. Wait on non-essential expenses. Don’t make wild promises. Handle basic short-term priorities. Postpone what you can. Relax.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Negotiations could get sticky. Don’t push into a brick wall. Focus on practical shared priorities. Give up something you don’t need. Small changes can reward nicely.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Slow to avoid accidents. Delays with and work. Wait for better conditions for physical action.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Words may fail to express how you feel. Let go of a romantic fantasy. The reality is better. Notice that with the ones you love.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Make improvements at home despite challenges. Clean messes and make repairs. Avoid gossip or controversy. Distractions abound. Prioritize practical family needs and comforts.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Expect misunderstandings. Patiently Listen more than speaking. Find common connections.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Your past work speaks well for you.

You’re paying your dues. Follow emotions as well as intellect. Listen carefully.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Focus on short-term personal objectives. Watch for hidden dangers. Resolve practical priorities before giving in to distracting temptations. Invent an optimistic interpretation and share widely.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Peace and quiet soothes and

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Share extra patience with your team. could cause delays. Get expert support when needed.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — A professional endeavor faces a challenge or test. Focus on immediate concerns and leave details for later. Keep written records. Maintain momentum. Satisfy customers.

6/23/21 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

Page 8 Wednesday, June 23, 2021

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