University of Central Oklahoma
The Student Voice Since 1903
"...There are other things that are more critical."
Damaged sidewalks pose hazards at UCO
—Don Powers
Director of Safety and Environmental Management
THURSDAY June 20, 1996
around the area to prevent future incidents until the hole could be fixed. At press time, this area had not been repaired. "It has to get in line with all of the other work orders," said Don Powers, director of safety and environmental management at UCO. "There are other things that are more critical." Despite the accident she made it to class although she left early for her home in Oklahoma City. She then walked a full block to the bus stop. That one block walk took her 15 minutes, Higgins said, adding that it took 20 minutes to walk a 1/2 block home after she got off the bus. At Power's advice, Higgins went to a hospital where she was told she had broken her foot. After spending four hours in Saint Anthony's Hospital in
By Joel Reagan Staff Writer
collapsed sidewalk on A campus that led to the injury of a 54-year-old student
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will remain in its sunken condition for the time being, said a university official last Wednesday. The damaged portion of the sidewalk near the music building that measures 2 1/2 inches gave Carolyn Higgins, an elementary education major, a first hand lesson of the danger this sidewalk poses. Higgins tripped on the sidewalk last Tuesday morning while walking to class. Campus police officers were nearby and helped Higgins to her feet, she said. Two days after Higgins' accident, barricades were put up
Officials say that damage to sidewalks, like this one behind Old North and the one that injured a UCO student are not a top priority.
V See Sidewalks, Page 5
Campus leaders condemn burnings, urge unity By Joel Reagan Staff Writer
A string of burnings at predominantly black churches throughout the South and recently in Enid, Okla. has prompted campus and religious leaders to condemn the action and call for unity of the races. This alleged arson occurred eighty miles northwest of Oklahoma City the Associated Press reported last Thursday. To date, 35 suspicious fires at churches have been reported since early 1995.
"I was surprised," said Barry Lofton, coordinator of Multicultural Student Services at UCO. "But, then again I wasn't surprised." Lofton said that while Oklahoma was not considered part of the "deep south," a recent church fire in neighboring Texas brought out the possibility in Oklahoma. He said that blacks have been used as a "scapegoat" in many of America's problems. "Something is ready to happen," Lofton said. "It's a terrible act by
anybody to burn a church." "Why would anyone burn a church?" he asked. Baptist Student Union (BSU) Associate Director, Suzanne Lillard, agreed saying that the incident was "sad." "It's time for all Christians to unite and try to show brotherhood and unity," Lillard said. The BSU is operated by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma which is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention. Delegates at the
predominantly white denomination had an offering and raised $282,000 to assist the churches affected throughout the nation. "The strength of the believers has always been their love," Lillard said. "This is a time for all believers of all races to show their love and support." Several years ago the BSU tried to initiate fellowship for black students. Black pastors from Oklahoma City spoke V See Churches, Page 3
INSIDE TODAY INDEX Editorial 2 Sports 7 Around Town 6 Around Campus 8 Classifieds 12
IN TRAINING The UCO police force get new patrol bicycles. See inside for more details.
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SPORTS
Dax Johnston added the Player of the Year Award to his impressive resume.
CHAPEL OF LOVE June is known as the month of marriage. UCO students now have more places to tie the knot.
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