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The Student Voice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 1903
September 6, 2007
STATE CRIME LAB RECEIVES FUNDING by Nelson Solomon Staff Writer-
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's new Forensic Science Center recently received a $390,000 grant from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, officials said. The lab is currently under construction across the street from UCO, between Central Plaza and Fink Park. The lab will benefit both the OSBI and UCO's Forensic Sciences department, as the facility will include instructional space for students in the department. The City of Edmond also had a hand in bringing the new lab to its current location. "The OSBI and UCO have always had a close working relationship, with respect to the Forensic Science Program at the school," said Charles Curtis, Criminalistic Services Division directorfor the OSBI. Curtis added that many practicum students from UCO spend a semester rotating through each laboratory or working on a project in a specific area to give them experience in forensic science and an opportunity to see what a forensic laboratory is like. "When the funding became available to build a new Forensic Science Center, UCO and the City of Edmond identified the present site and assisted the OSBI in obtaining the land," Curtis continued. Curtis explained that the grant through the Noble Foundation was established to provide classroom furnishings for the two classrooms and common areas in the admin-
by Vista photographer Chris Otten
The new OSBI laboratory undergoes constant construction as building crews finalize the last steps of the layout.
istrative wing of the facility. "Also, there are training laboratories present next to the classroom," said Curtis. The grant also provides for a genetic analyzer, real time PCR system, microscopes, and a gas chro-
done in the main laboratory that is used for case work. "Again, students gain practical experience, the OSBI benefits from the completed research or validation; and the process doesn't tie up instrumentation used for casework
matograph/mass spectrometer, according to Curtis. Curtis emphasized that the training labs can be used by students to do research or complete validation studies but students will not get in the way of any work
"Fall is Coming"
or interfere with normal laboratory activities," said Curtis. Additionally, Curtis noted that some of the funding is also for reference materials that can be used in research and also for audiovisual equipment for the classrooms.
The Oklahoman has reported the OSBI plans to move into the building by November.
Nelson Solomon can be reached at nsolomon@thevistaonline.com.
Craig reconsiders resignation by AP Writer
by Vista photographer Chris Albers
A single fallen leaf lays in front of Old North Wednesday, September 5. Fall is corning.
News Central Channel 6 Mon. & Thurs. at 5 p.m.
Sen. Larry Craig sought the dismissal of a Senate ethics committee complaint on Wednesday and relayed word that he will resign his seat only if he fails to withdraw a guilty plea stemming from an airport men's room sex sting by Sept. 30. "He said he is going to try and get the case in Minnesota dismissed," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Senate Republican leader, telling reporters he had heard from the Idaho lawmaker earlier in the day. McConnell spoke several hours after Craig's lawyers appealed to the ethics committee to dismiss the .complaint against him, saying it stemmed merely from personal conduct, and did not relate to his official duties. The Idaho conservative was arrested in a men's room of the Minneapolis airport on June 11. An undercover police officer stationed in the restroom said Craig had exhibited behavior consistent with seeking sex. Craig's defiance _ he announced on Saturday he intended to resign on Sept 30 _ left Republican leaders quietly dismayed. McConnell twice declined to answer when asked whether he believes Craig should quit
"Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what's right." —Isaac Asimov
AP Photo
Idaho's Senior U.S. Senator Larry Craig takes a moment before he announces his resignation from the senate Sept. 1.
his seat. "My view remains what I said last Saturday. I thought he made the difficult, but correct decision to resign. That would still be my view today," he said. McConnell told reporters that Craig had told him that if he fails to have his guilty plea dismissed by Sept. 30, "it is his intention to resign from the Senate." If he does win the dismissal of the guilty plea, "it would be his intention to come back to the Senate to deal with
the ethics committee case ... and try to finish his term." It • was not clear when Craig's attorneys intended to file papers in Minnesota to have his plea withdrawn. The senator pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct on Aug. 1. McConnell and the rest of the Republican leadership last week asked the ethics committee to look into Craig's case, part of a concerted effort to push him into resignation.
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