The Vista Jan. 30, 2018

Volume 116, Issue 3

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Depression Targets College Students UCLA Fights Back With Free Screenings

Depression often begins in young adults, which places college students in range to suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. The University of California, Los Angeles has launched a Grand Depression Challenge including a free screening to determine whether or not a student is suffering from mental illness. Photo Illustration. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)

Dylan Brown

@DylanTaylorBro Reporter

As part of a new long-term initiative to fight depression, the University of California, Los Angeles launched voluntary, free mental health screenings for students to determine the state of their mental health and begin any needed treatment.

“These interventions are long overdue. Depression is the leading cause of disability,” said Jonathan Flint, professor of psychiatry and bio-behavioral sciences at UCLA’s Brain Research Institute. “There hasn’t been enough done to try to alleviate the burden on those suffering from it.”

The screening is part of the school’s Grand Depression Chal-

OKLAHOMA NEWS

Wildfires Engulf Oklahoma Counties on pg. 8

lenge, a campus-wide endeavor to reduce the impact of depression globally by 50 percent by the year 2050. It was initially announced in Sept. 2017 by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and originally targeted freshmen and transfer students with the intent to expand to the entire campus.

UCLA’s initial screening of 2,000 students reported that 82 were at risk

for severe depression, 79 reported symptoms of manic behavior and 82 reported suicidal thoughts.

“The majority of people will experience at least one major depressive period in their lifetime,” said Audrey Woods, staff therapist of Edmond Family Counseling. “It’s one of the most common problems that people have to face and it doesn’t have to continued on pg. 3

BRONCHO SPORTS

UCO Baseball On Deck on pg. 13

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Jan. 30, 2018

the

VISTA

CONTENTS

Advertise with us!

College Depression..............................................................3

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters.

Around Campus...................................................................4 International Enrollment/ Scholarship Deadline.....................5 Student Engagement/PGM...................................................6 Turnpike Construction...........................................................7 Oklahoma Wildfires/Immigration Proposal.........................8-9 Humor Column....................................................................11

Contents

In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads.

For information or questions contact at: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

Men’s Basketball/Baseball..............................................12-13 Women’s Basketball/Bucking Broncho.............................14-15

On Cover: Left: A man watches nearby as a wildfire burns grass and trees. Many Oklahoma counties have fallen victim to wildfires with the recent dry weather. (Provided/ Pixabay) Right: Senior Jake Dyer, No. 4, runs for first base during a Feb. 22, 2017 game against Southwestern Oklahoma. (Photo Archives)

STAFF Cara Johnson Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Ryan Naeve Megan Thele Peter Agnitsch

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor

Christian Tabak Vy Luong Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist

Michelle Pennza Gerald Leong` Teddy Burch

Graphic Designer Photographer Adviser

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO

students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

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College Depression

Jan. 30, 2018

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Depression Targets College Students Continued From Page 1 be as an extreme case like suicidal thoughts. It could be that you’re not enjoying things as much as you used to. It’s a lot of isolation. You spend most of your time in your room sleeping or watching TV. Maybe you used to be a really social person, but you don’t like going out anymore.”

Depression and anxiety often begin in young adults, prompting UCLA to institute these screenings to identify and treat students for mental health issues and possibly provide new insights into how and why psychiatric diseases originate in younger people.

“Think of it like this, if you scrape your knee, your body heals itself. But what if you kept scraping at it? Then it’s never going to heal,” Woods said.

“So you might need someone to help you stop scraping at it or give you a Band-Aid or ointment. Now, this doesn’t mean that it’s their fault, it just means that it’s not something you can just get over.”

The screening is a first step in a much larger project involving more than 100 UCLA faculty members

Dr. Nelson Freimer is leading UCLA’s Depression Grand Challenge, a first-of-its-kind initiative bringing together more than 100 faculty members from over 20 academic departments to better understand the causes of depression and develop better treatments.

(Provided/UCLA)

from more than 20 academic departments. The researchers are working to uncover the biological causes of depression and develop innovative treatment options.

“It can be very easy to look around the world in a lens that says ‘everybody else is happy, why am I so sad,’” Woods said. “With prescribing medication, that’s where it gets a bit tricky. There’s tons of research that does prove that medication with talkbased therapy together is the most effective treatment for depression.

Now, that doesn’t mean that everybody needs medication. Some people

might be able to bounce back with just talk-based therapy.”

The student screening program is unique in both size and scope. UCLA leaders hope it creates a template for other universities in the U.S. and abroad.

Woods said that one major distraction that could hinder the healing process of depression is social media.

“So many people suffer from depression and it’s only exacerbated by social media,” Woods said. “You can look at a person’s social media account and think ‘they’re so happy.’ No one takes pictures of them

being alone and sad. They only want to show you the happy stuff and the pictures they look phenomenal in.

And that’s normal for social media, but that’s not normal for everyday life. Nobody does that.”

For help here on campus, The University of Central Oklahoma’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being offers free counseling to students as well as numerous support groups during the week for varying mental and physical health. The center can be found in Nigh University Center Room 402.

IT’S NOT JUST A PHASE. Depression

is a debilitating problem that isn’t stopping soon. If we don’t understand it, we won’t know how to help ourselves or our loved ones.

Those afflicted experience problems concentrating, remembering and making decisions, as well as changes in sleep and appetite.

By 2030, it will be the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease.

The symptoms make ordinary daily activities seem impossible. People suffering from depression feel sad or hopeless for an extended time.

In 2010, worldwide deaths from suicide outnumbered deaths from war, natural disasters, and murder.

Depression worsens the outcome of other common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

50% of people treated tend to remain depressed even after their initial treatment.

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Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 The Vagina Monologues Auditions: Open auditions are held for the Vagina Monologues between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. Students may audition in Nigh University Center Room 113, or make an appointment by contacting woc@uco.edu.

SMART Recovery: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being hosts a meeting for those in recovery to learn tools for coping with urges and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

The meeting takes place at 12 p.m.

Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation.

UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday.

Connections Group: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being will hold a Connections Group from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402 to help students increase communication and social skills in order to connect more easily on campus.

Be Your Best Self: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting a group for those looking for a positive change in life. The group focuses on self-improvement, relationship building and other skills to improve mental health and wellness. This group meets at 4 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.

Bisexuality Panel: From 7-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Carl Albert Room (300), the Student Alliance for Equality is hosting a panel to discuss issues, resources and opportunities related to bisexuality.

Bronchos Got Your Back: Bringing in the Bystander Training: In the Nigh University Center’s Carl Albert Room (300), the Bringing in the Bystander workshop teaches students community responsibility, being an active bystander and the importance of consent. The training begins at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 The Vagina Monologues Auditions: Open auditions are held for the Vagina Monologues between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. Students may audition in Nigh University Center Room 113, or make an appointment by contacting woc@uco.edu.

UCO Annual Health Professions Fair: At 10 a.m. in the Howell Hall Atrium, students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from regional medical, dental, optometry and other health programs to learn more about preparations for a successful application.

Jan. 30, 2018

Central Perk Promotion: Students can learn about Central Perk and performer Angie Keilhauer in the NUC Food Court from 11-1 p.m.

Stages of Change: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have a support group designed to help students learn how to make and clarify goals and begin lasting changes in their lives.

The group begins at 12:30 p.m.

Non-Traditional Student Support Group: The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402.

Give Back Night at Panda Express: From 5-9 p.m., students can visit Panda Express on Bryant Ave. to help BronchoThon raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

NASA Cultural Speaker: Significance of Traditional Native American Names: The Native American Student Association is hosting a speaker presentation to educate students on the importance of traditional Native American names. The presentation will take place in the Nigh University Center Room 201 at 5:30 p.m.

Werewolf Wednesday: Fandoms Anonymous is hosting a game of Werewolf at 7 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Cafeteria. This strategic game splits players into two teams, Villagers and Werewolves, for a night of deduction, bluffing and survival.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 The Vagina Monologues Auditions: Open auditions are held for the Vagina Monologues between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. Students may audition in Nigh University Center Room 113, or make an appointment by contacting woc@uco.edu.

Mindscape: The Subjective Realism of Steve Breerwood: The Melton Gallery is exhibiting a series of paintings by Steve Breerwood, all relating to a relationship with his inner-self. The exhibit will be open through Feb. 22 during the Melton Gallery’s normal hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This Month with SPB: From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., SPB will be at the Nigh University Center Activity Table for students to stop by and learn about February’s events.

Black History Month Kick-Off: The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is kicking off Black History Month in the Nigh University Center Ballroom A at 2 p.m. with keynote

Around Campus

speaker Representative George Young. This year’s theme is Roots of Excellence.

Trauma Recovery: This workshop addresses topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.

Stress Paws: UCO offers students a chance to take a pause from daily stress and visit with therapy dogs on campus. Each week, Stress Paws will be held in Nigh University Center Room 402 from 3-5 p.m.

Two-Stepping FTK: At 7 p.m. in the International House Ballrooms, BronchoThon is two-stepping to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Anyone is welcome and tickets are $5 each.

Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 Anger Tamers: From 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402, students can learn to identify their own anger triggers and gain tools to help reduce conflict in their lives.

The free and confidential group is hosted by the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being.

Central Perk Promotion: Students can learn about Central Perk and performer Angie Keilhauer in the NUC Food Court from 11-1 p.m.

Grief Group: From 11 a.m.-12 p.m., the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is holding a grief group for anyone grieving. Group and individual session will be in the Nigh University Center Room 402.

Lunch and Learn: Ice Breakers: The Student Organizations Office hosts a monthly Lunch and Learn session for students to come and learn how to be a better leader. The lunch takes place in Nigh University Center Room 202. Reserve a spot by RSVPing on OrgSync.

College of Liberal Arts Faculty Book Talk and Signing Event: In the Nigh University Center’s Cherokee Room (213), the College of Liberal Arts is featuring five new books by faculty authors with a panel discussion. The discussion will be monitored by Dean Catherin eWebster and students will learn about the scholarly projects of faculty as well as the process of preparing a manuscript for publication.

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 Miss Black UCO Pageant: At 7 p.m. in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall, the Miss Black UCO Scholarship Pageant is showcasing students educating the UCO community on African American culture. A winner will be chosen at the end of the night for the scholarship and the reigning title of Miss Black UCO 2018.

UCO

Jan. 30, 2018

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International Enrollment Goes Downhill Alejandro Gonzalez @A_Gonzalez_17 Reporter

While the University of Central Oklahoma’s student population continues to increase at a fairly constant rate, UCO demographics show that international student enrollment has dropped over the last several semesters.

“When I started working here, we had over 300 students from Japan and now we are at 20,” said Aaron Wheelbarger, assistant director of International Admissions. “We had more than 400 Saudi students. The new king comes, oil prices change, the political climate changes and so [do] our demographics.”

International student enrollment rates began decreasing when President George W. Bush took office in 2001. At the beginning of his administration, 10 percent of UCO’s total population were international students, according to UCO’s Demographics Books. More than 1,600 students from all over the world enrolled in the Fall of 2001. In 2009 it dropped to 800, only 5 percent of

Drummers perform during the 2017 Asian Moon Festival held annually at the University of Central Oklahoma. UCO holds several events such as this one every year to celebrate the campuses diverse student body. International enrollment rates have decreased in recent semesters. (Vista Archives)

the total student population.

“It would be good for us to have 10 percent of our total population as international students,” Wheelbarger said.

Wheelbarger has been reviewing and determining international

students’ admissibility into UCO academic programs for the past 14 years.

“Coming to the United States is always expensive. Our prices and programs at UCO tend to be suitable for international students comparing

it to other universities in the state,” Wheelbarger said. “The university does not lack accreditation and that’s what makes it a good option for international students.”

Although the international student population on campus increased significantly during Barack Obama’s presidency, it declined again in fall 2016. During the 2016 Presidential Election, many conservative ideas on immigration came to light.

“We’ve seen a drop all around since 2016,” Wheelbarger said. “We can [claim] it to be because of the presidential election, but that is not clearly defined as the reason for the change in our demographics.”

The highest international student population was during fall 2014 with almost 1,500 students from all over the world. President Donald Trump’s first year in office witnessed a steady decrease of students, nearing similar rates to 2009.

In the fall 2017 semester, almost 16,000 students enrolled at UCO. Only 1,000 of those were international students, which is a significant drop.

Scholarship Deadline Extended Vy Luong @vy169 Reporter

University of Central Oklahoma’s scholarship application portal opened last Thursday after being delayed for more than three weeks due to technical difficulties within the portal.

The scholarship application deadline was extended to Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. to give students extra time to complete and submit applications, according to Anne Holzberlein, vice president of University Development and president of the UCO Foundation, in a press release.

The UCO Foundation announced in December that the portal would open on Jan. 2 and close on Feb. 2, allowing students a month to complete their scholarship applications.

Due to the delay, students now only have 13 days to prepare and apply, even though the deadline was extended.

Khuyen Bui, a UCO graphic design major, said she wished the deadline may have extended more, especially when students are getting busier with

class.

Bui said that with students getting busier with class, she had hoped the extension would have been longer to give them more time to finish the applications.

“Some scholarships in my department require [personal artist statements], essays [and] letters of recommendation,” Bui said. “Many students will not be able to gather all documents or produce well-written papers.”

The UCO Foundation will award about $1 million in scholarships this year with the contributions of alumni and donations through the years.

Depending on the scholarship, each application will be reviewed by either the department committee or an appointed scholarship committee.

UCO Foundation statistics state that 2,172 students submitted over 8,100 scholarship applications last year.

Bui said students in the art and design department only get a few scholarship opportunities compared to other majors. “[It might be] because art and

design is not considered as necessary as science, business and education,” Bui said.

The College of Math and Science and College of Education and Professional Studies have scheduled workshops to help students with the application process.

The College of Math and Science workshops take place on Jan. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on

Feb. 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Howell Hall 208. The College of Education and Professional workshops are on Feb. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Education 206 and on Feb. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Education 214.

Students can also visit the UCO Foundation office in Room 101 of Evans Hall for assistance and any further questions.

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Jan. 30, 2018

UCO

Two Become One: Student Engagement Megan Thele

@1bigtimenicole Copy Editor

The offices of Campus Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life have combined their staff and office space to officially become Student Engagement to better serve student organizations and programs at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“We have been functioning as one unit under the same director since June 2014, but this year we were able to do some physical office shuffling that allowed us to truly combine to one staff and one title,” said Kay Robinson, senior director of Student and Community Engagement.

Unofficially, the offices have been Student Engagement since January 2017, but officially switched Jan. 2, 2018, after approval from Vice President for Student Affairs, Myron Pope.

“Because we have been acting as one office for so long, [switching] was actually pretty easy,” Robinson said. “We just need to get new signage.”

Robinson said the main difference would be the physical space on the Nigh University Center’s fourth floor and a unified website. Four staff members were moved to help blend the offices, which had separate spaces until renovations began late last year.

The Fraternity and Sorority Life space was converted from two offices and a cubicle to three full wall offices and space for graduate assistants.

“It took away the ‘Campus Activities’ and ‘Fraternity and Sorority Life’ offices and made a Student Engagement office,” Robinson said.

Despite the physical changes, the programs, advisers and leadership opportunities will not change. Robinson said the staff’s responsibilities will remain the same and already have some programming crossover.

One change that is still in the works is combining the Campus Activities Council and Fraternity and Sorority Life Council, which allocate funding to programs and organizations.

“We are proposing to UCOSA, at their next council change, to combine CAC and FSLC into one council, but we aren’t there yet,” Robinson said.

“The change may not come until the [2019-2020] academic year.”

Racks of golf club covers are on display at the 2008 Professional Golf Association Merchandise Show in Williamsburg, Florida.

Students from the UCO Professional Golf Management Program traveled to Florida for the 2018 show in order to make connections, find internships and view new merchandise. (Provided/Flickr)

PGM Students Make Connections in FL Evelyn Stewart @evelynn

Reporter

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Professional Golf Management students traveled to Florida for the biggest Professional Golf Association event of the year from Jan. 23-26.

The PGA Merchandise Show has multiple well-known golfers, such as Michael Breed, John Daly and the whole cast of the golf show “Morning Drive”. It hosts golf companies that display new products and holds seminars for learning opportunities and finding new trends and innovations in the industry. It also provided PGM students with opportunities to network and gain internships.

“It has gotten me different internships where I got to go places like Colorado and North Carolina,” said Griffin Grubb, PGM student and professional golfer. “The places I’ve interned can help me find a place to work when I graduate.”

Grubb said the PGA event helps students figure out what to do and where to go when they become professionals.

“It can really change the future of students in the PGM program,” Grubb said.

The PGA event also gives students a chance to see new innovations for golf, as well as the chance to try new products on the market.

“It’s really cool to see all the stuff and learn about the new technology or trends that are impacting the business,” said PGM student Garrett Marler. “I think it helps us keep a pulse on what we can excel at and what can set us apart from other students to help get an internship or job.”

UCO’s PGM students have been able to attend the merchandise show since 2009. Although the ticket price for the show is $400 and not necessarily for the public, the UCO PGM students were able to attend at no cost other than the plane ticket and hotel fees due to being PGA Apprentices.

“I met a guy there [at the PGA event] once and went to Pinehurst for a six-month internship,” Grubb said.

Marler said there’s more to PGM than simply running a business.

“The PGM [program] is a way to

become a PGA Pro,” Marler said. “A lot of people think that we are going to play golf professionally when we graduate, but actually we are just going to be running golf courses, teaching lessons or numerous other things in golf as a business.”

Grubb said that his goal is to teach people how to play golf or improve their golf game.

To get into the PGM program there are a number of expectations to be fulfilled, which include being a 12 handicap, a golfer’s average score, or less. A PGA professional needs to write a letter of recommendation to the program for certification. During the program, students have to pass the Player’s Ability Test, which determines if a person has the skills to teach golf.

The program is directed by Bob Phelps and is one of 18 programs accredited by the PGA of America.

PGM is a 4.5-year plan with two major components in Bachelor of Business Administration and PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management Program with a 100% job placement, according to the program’s website.

Turnpike Construction

Jan. 30, 2018

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Turner Turnpike Turns Toward the Future

Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter

The eastern end of the Turner Turnpike continues construction to expand from four to six lanes, stretching from Bristow to the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, due to an increase in traffic volume, accidents and fatalities.

“It will end sometime in 2021.

That’s when we anticipate the final project to be completed,” said Jack Damrill, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority spokesperson.

Damrill said the project began in the middle of Aug. 2017.

According to Damrill the project is going to cost $300 million.

“We saw traffic volumes starting to increase significantly over the last five to six years between Bristow and Tulsa,” Damrill said. “Sometimes we would see double digit increases every year on that section. At the same time, we saw an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities in that section.”

The end result of the construction, from Bristow to the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, will expand the turnpike from four to six lanes, widen the shoulder of the road and add lighting down the center median, much like the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

“We wanted to light the whole thing to increase the safety aspect,” Damrill said. “We wanted to give drivers at nighttime a better view of what they’re coming up on.”

Right now, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is looking at options for the same construction to take place on the other end of the Turnpike from the Wellston or Chandler area

A construction crew works on a road to expand the shoulder. The Turner Turnpike has begun similar construction to expand the turnpike, widen the shoulder, and implement lights along the center median of the road. (Provided/Pixabay)

to Oklahoma City, but Damrill said there is not a time table on that.

The construction is also a part of a current program called the Driving Forward program to improve the Oklahoma highway infrastructure.

“It’s part of our Driving Forward program that we have going on,” Damrill said. “The governor announced it in October of 2015 and this is one of six projects that we are doing.”

The Turnpike Authority is also replacing the asphalt on the turnpike with concrete. According to Damrill, concrete lasts longer than asphalt and limits the number of repairs that have to be made over the years.

One cause of the traffic increase is due to residents of places such as Bristow and Tulsa traveling to Tulsa for work. This is most likely because Tulsa is continuing to expand, Damrill said.

“This is commuter traffic that is commuting into Tulsa on a daily basis and vice versa at the end of the day,” Damrill said.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority asks people to be patient as sections are under construction, because the end result of the construction will be something that people are extremely happy with, according to Damrill.

“This is a major project undertaken in Oklahoma in quite some time, transportation and construction wise,” said Damrill. “It’s a really massive project.”

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s website provides information on current traffic and road conditions.

The construction may cause some reductions in speed through those areas, as well as roads being closed.

“There’s a science to building roadways and keeping them around for 50 years,” Damrill said. “That’s

“This is a major project undertaken in Oklahoma in quite some time transportation and construction wise” how you build a roadway. You build it 50 years down the road, not for today.”

The Turner Turnpike opened 65 years ago, and big construction like this project has not been done in 50 years, according to Damrill. This will be the first time that the base of the roadway has been touched since the turnpike opened.

(Provided/Pixabay)

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Jan. 30, 2018

Oklahoma Wildfires

Wildfires Engulf Oklahoma Counties Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter

Wildfires continue to ravage Oklahoma at a fast rate this year as the dormant season hits its peak, catching some Oklahomans off guard and unprepared.

“We’re at kind of a critical level and there’s a number of factors that play into that,” said Mark Goeller, Assistant Director Fire Chief at Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Some factors that cause these fires are lack of rainfall, lightning, roadside fires and power lines continuously colliding during a storm. Although rare, even cigarettes thrown on the ground can start a fire.

Goeller was unable to provide an exact number of wildfires that have happened this season “They are happening every day and we are having some large fires,” Goeller said.

Last year, there were several wildfires in Oklahoma. However, Goeller said this year is worse and he is very concerned.

The dormant season, or winter season, happens when most things in nature are dead and dry. The growing season won’t begin until the spring comes and things begin to green up.

There are possibilities for fires in both seasons, but the dormant season is the primary time that fires are consistent, Goeller said.

Being prepared before a fire starts and knowing what to look for will reduce the likelihood that a home or property will catch on fire and will reduce the need for evacuation.

Two firefighters are covered by the haze from wildfires. Due to the dry weather and numerous wildfires in Oklahoma, several counties have initiated burn bans. (Provided/Pixabay)

Oklahoma Forestry Services’ website provides information on county burn bans, as well as a daily situational reports that give updates on the entire state. It also shows where the highest fire danger is, as well as the area conditions.

“Things to look at [are] what kind of fuel accumulation do you have around your home? Do you have things there that could catch on fire?” said Goeller. “Most of them [fires] don’t start from the flame burning up

and getting to the structure.”

What usually causes a structure to burn are embers blown by the wind.

The embers blow into voids of construction and get in much like a snow drift said Goeller.

In the event of a fire, there is a notification system in place that will alert people of a fire warning. Much like the severe weather notifications, it will give the specific location of the fire letting people know when and where to evacuate.

“Here in Oklahoma we have probably the best notification system anywhere,” Goeller said.

In Eastern Oklahoma, there is a full-time fire protection and firefighting force. Right now the Oklahoma Forestry Services is short on hands due to budget cuts, but when they are fully funded there are about 84 forest rangers, all together making it 100 people protecting Oklahoma from fire danger, according to Goeller.

“We have mutual aid agreements with 13 southern states, called The Southern Forest Fire Compact,” Goeller said. “We don’t stand alone in this fight.”

There is a lot of protection equipment, such as, aircrafts that are used that have fire suppressants and capabilities to drop large amounts of water on the fire.

For home and landowners, firewiseusa.org gives more suggestions and information on ways to decrease the chance of a home burning in a wildfire.

A firefighter watches from the edge as a wildfire engulfs the grass. Oklahoma has been experienceing a number of wildfires across the state, prompting numerous burn bansfor counties in danger. (Provided/WikimediaCommons)

Immigration Proposal

Jan. 30, 2018

9

Trump Releases New Immigration Proposal Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter

The White House released a new immigration proposal Thursday outlining a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.8 million undocumented immigrants that were brought to the U.S. as children.

The path to citizenship proposal would last for 10 to 12 years and would require undocumented immigrants to meet requirements for work, education and “good moral character.” It also claims to contain clear eligibility requirements to prevent fraud and allowing revocation of protected status in cases of criminal conduct or national safety concerns.

“If they’ve worked hard, if they’ve done terrifically, whether they have a little company or whether they work or whatever they’re doing, if they do a great job, I think it’s a nice thing to have the incentive of after a period of years being able to become a citizen,” President Donald Trump said.

Intended to replace the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act that the Trump administration ended in September, the new proposal would expand protections to more than one million immigrants that were not previously covered under DACA. While the administration called the proposal a concession to Democrats, it also calls for increased border security and changes to the current framework for legal immigration.

It would allocate $25 billion for an 800-mile border wall along the

In this Jan. 25, 2018, photo, President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump’s loyalists are lashing out against his proposal to give path to citizenship for nearly 2 million “Dreamer” immigrants. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

southern U.S. border and appropriate funds to add new immigration enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges.

The reforms to current legal immigration include restricting family sponsorship to only spouses and children under 18 as opposed to allowing sponsorship for extended family.

Listed as a provision to “protect

Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is interviewed by reporters following final votes for the week, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. President Donald Trump has given Congress until March to come up with a plan to protect the nearly 700,000 young people who had been protected from deportation and given the right to work legally in the country under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Trump announced he was ending DACA last year. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

nuclear families,” the move has been criticized by the American Civil Liberties Union for what it claims would reduce legal immigration to levels not seen since the 1920s.

“The crisis facing Dreamers and their families is urgent, but addressing it must not come at the expense of using immigrant youth as bargaining chips, devastating border communities with harmful, wasteful walls and agents, or taking this nativist screed seriously,” said Lorella Praeli, ACLU director of immigration policy and campaigns.

The proposal comes ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline for the federal government to pass legislation to fund government agencies and operations.

Partisan gridlock over immigration reform discussions led to a brief shutdown that began on Jan. 20 and ended on Jan. 22, when Democrats agreed to a three-week funding proposal that did not include a resolution for DACA. The Democrats’ decision to move ahead without a clear agreement has been considered a defeat for many advocating for clear protections for current DACA recipients, including local immigration advocacy organization Dream Act Oklahoma.

“Even though we lost this battle, we can still win this and we will win

this,” said Jose Rubio, DAOK advocacy and outreach coordinator. “We are on the right side of history and this is the civil rights movement of our time, therefore, we have to win and we will.”

With nearly 7,000 undocumented immigrants protected by DACA in Oklahoma, DAOK has been an active force in working with campuses such as the University of Central Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma in hosting educational forums on immigration and contacting state legislators in support of DACA. While state Democrats have criticized the plan for its funding of a border wall and reductions to legal immigration, state Republicans have expressed support for the proposal’s framework for decreasing new illegal immigration and funding border security.

“I applaud the White House for offering a solid framework for immigration reform that provides a responsible solution for DACA, border security and other immigration issues,” said Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford. “This framework provides certainty for families, enacts common-sense reforms to nuclear family sponsorship policy and protects our nation.”

Humor Column

11

Jan. 30, 2018

Dylan’s Guide to Surviving a Super Bowl Party The Super Bowl is quickly approaching and let's face it, some of us have no clue what's going on in sports. At the same time, you want to hang out with your friends and seem cool by going to one of their 'Super Bowl parties.' That is why I have compiled a guide to fitting in at one of these parties and seeming like you know what's going on without actually knowing what's going on. So, I'll pass you my Super Bowl Party Guide and you can score a touchdown for the home team.

THE SPORT IS FOOTBALL.

THE FOCAL POINT IS FOOTBALL.

Just remember, the sport everyone is watching is called football.

So, every now and then, shout out how much you love the sport of football. Also, say the word 'football' any chance you get. This lets the guys know you're super cool and that you are no fool to what sport you are watching.

Yes, there are thousands of other things going on in the world to concern yourself with other than football; don't. Who cares where our country is headed, what North Korea is up to or who Cardi B is. This day is about football and football only. Come prepared with facts about football that you can tell the group whenever there is a silence. The group will thank you for knowing so much about the wonderful sport of football.

DON’T SLAP BUTTS. I know this is a weird one but, you will see the coach tend to slap the butts of the players on the field when they've done well.

Don't do it to your friends. A football coach, a football player and parents of small disobedient children are the only people that are allowed to slap butts in this world. If you find yourself wanting to slap a butt at the party, turn the other cheek, my friend.

SHOW EMOTION WHEN APPROPRIATE.

A football lies on an empty field. A ball similar to this will be seen at your Super Bowl party, thrown between players in the game and maybe even party attendees in the living room. (Provided/WikimediaCommons)

A couple times during the game, everyone will stand and cheer for a touchdown. You will need to pay close attention to the moment they do. It's a make-or-break situation. If you don't stand and cheer with them, they will test your allegiance by asking you questions for which you do not have the answers. So keep your eye on the group and when they cheer, you cheer.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION. This is one way to surely fool the group into thinking you know all about football; wear a jersey.

Just make sure that you are wearing the same jersey as the loudest person in the group. When people start to doubt your alliance with your team, you can just cast your eyes to that loud person and they will have your back. This is a 'buddy technique' that will prevent any complicated questions which might come your way.

No matter what, remember that football is a team-based sport and so is partying with your friends.

Coming prepared shows that you care. So toss the pig-skin, sack a quarter and have a baller time on the court. Just make sure you don't foul up because that would give the other team the chance to penalty kick against you.

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Jan. 30, 2018

Sports

SPORTS Bronchos Comeback Falls Short Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor

A 61-point first half from Missouri Southern State University led to the University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team’s sixth loss of the season.

UCO moved to 14-6 on the season and 7-4 in conference play.

After trailing 61-36 at the end of the first half, the Bronchos slowly started to chip away at the Lions lead. With just under five minutes remaining in the game, Jordan London grabbed an offensive rebound and hit a 3-pointer. UCO, who had trailed by as many as 27 points, was now down just three.

“We just started playing with a lot more passion and a lot more purpose,” UCO Head Coach Tom Hankins said. “In order for us to be really good, which we can be, we’ve got to bring it every minute of every game.”

Marqueese Grayson hit a 3-pointer with 22 seconds left to pull the Bronchos within two. The crowd started to roar, trying to give UCO the energy to get just one more stop, but after a failed attempt at a steal, the Lions hit their free throws from the intentional foul to seal the game, winning 95-89.

Grayson finished the game with 27 points on 8-16 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds “He really stepped up and wanted to win,” Hankins said. “That’s the guy, when we recruited him, we thought he could have some nights like that.”

Hankins credited Alex Ogunseye with helping lead the comeback.

Ogunseye played in one game prior to Saturday night, but he scored eight points in what Hankins said were some crucial moments.

It was energy that Hankins said helped the Bronchos come back, but it was also a lack of energy why they were down so much in the first place.

“We didn’t come out ready to play,” Hankins said. “[I'm] just disappointed in our effort in the first half.”

Hankins said it is easy for teams

Senior guard Marqueese Grayson, No. 10, dribbles in front of an opponent from Missouri Southern in Hamilton Field House on Jan. 27. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)

to play with a lot of effort when they are making shots, but the great teams play with effort even when their shots are not falling.

UCO missed two layups to start the game, while Missouri Southern hit three of their first four shots. The Bronchos fell behind 18-4 early and Hankins said the Bronchos poor rebounding efforts was one of the reasons.

UCO --the sixth best rebounding team in MIAA-- was unable to keep Missouri Southern off the glass in the first half, losing the rebounding war 28-12. Missouri Southern guard, Elyjah Clark had nine rebounds in the first period, which was just three shy of the entire Bronchos roster.

Missouri Southern’s 14 first half offensive rebounds, which lead to 23 second chance points, helped them get to the line 20 times in the first half, where they knocked down 16 of their attempts.

Hankins again brought up his team’s lack of effort when discussing why they were out-rebounded so heavily in the first half.

The Bronchos, who allow 66.3 points per game, allowed 61 points in the first half alone, with Missouri Southern shooting 58 percent from 3-point territory during the first half.

UCO travels to Warrensburg, Missouri on Thursday to play Central Missouri in another MIAA conference matchup.

Sports

Jan. 30, 2018

13

UCO Baseball on Deck Derek Parker

@D_Park2 Contributing Writer

With a roster full of upperclassmen, seven returning-position starters and renovations to their stadium, the University of Central Oklahoma baseball team is primed and ready to improve upon last year’s 37-21-1 record.

With the season fast approaching, head coach John Martin said he is excited to lead his team.

“I’m really excited for this season," Martin said. "We’re ready to get out on the field and start playing some games."

Martin and the Bronchos finished the 2017 regular season with seven straight wins and extended their winning streak to nine, with two postseason victories. The Bronchos rode their momentum to the Central Regional Finals, eventually losing to conference rival Lindenwood.

This year when the Bronchos take the plate, they'll be doing so on a new field. Chad Richison, a UCO alumnus and founder of Paycom, donated $4 million to the university in October to upgrade the sports facilities.

One of the projects the donation financed was upgrades to the baseball stadium, which include artificial turf and a new outfield wall, which are expected to be completed before the Bronchos first home game on Feb. 6.

The UCO Baseball team takes a minute to rest during the UCO vs Southwestern Oklahoma baseball game at the Wendell Simmons Field on Feb. 22, 2017. (Vista Archives)

For the 2018 season, UCO is looking to start right where they left off.

The team has 25 seniors, and Martin said he believes the veteran roster will be much improved offensively.

When the Bronchos take the new field for the first time, they will be lead by seniors Anthony Alvarez,

Kyle Miskovsky and Jake Dyer. All three were among the top hitters on the 2017 roster. Alvarez, the returning third baseman, batted .321 at the plate, third best on the team last season.

Miskovsky transferred from Northeastern A&M College last season and

Senior Justin Brown, No. 2, gets ready to bat at a Feb. 22, 2017 game against Southwestern Oklahoma at Wendell Simmons Field.

(Photo Archives)

is returning at second base. In his junior year he batted .311 and finished with a .493 slugging percentage.

Dyer led the team in hits while posting a batting average of .309. He earned All-MIAA honors in 2016 and 2017, and his 230 at bats last season were the third most in UCO history.

The Bronchos return seven positional starters from last season, a lineup which helped them finish fourth in the conference in fielding percentage.

J.D. Cameron, Tyler Culver and Ben Wusterbarth are a few returning pitchers for the Bronchos. Combined, this unit went 13-5 and held opposing hitters to a .255 batting average.

UCO landed several transfer students who could earn a spot on the mound this season and add depth to the Bronchos pitching. Senior transfer Ryan McCollough is among those looking to make an immediate impact. McCollough transferred from Oral Roberts University. In 12 appearances, McCollough had two saves, along with eight strikeouts for the Eagles.

The Bronchos begin their season Feb. 1 in Grand Prairie, Texas against Oklahoma Christian University.

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Jan. 30, 2018

Sports

Bronchos Thorn in Lions’ Paw Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg

Sports Reporter

The 16th ranked University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball team defeated Missouri Southern 75-65 to improve to 17-3 on the season and 8-3 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference.

"I feel like we had a few players really step up today and help us when a lot of players got in foul trouble," head coach Guy Hardaker said.

"Both teams had a couple of players foul out [of] the game and we were fortunate to have some girls step up."

Ireon Smith, Megan Hartness and Sadie Mason all played more than 11 minutes, due to the Bronchos foul trouble. Smith played 24 minutes, double her usual playing time, and delivered by scoring 12 points to go along with eight rebounds, three blocks and two assists.

"Ireon's getting better," Hardaker said. "She's the post of the future for us and she stepped up big."

Hartness added 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting and Mason notched seven rebounds and a block.

Melinda Murillo notched her 10th straight double-digit scoring game, pacing the Bronchos with 22 points on 7 of 13 shooting and six of six from the free throw line. She added four rebounds, three steals and two assists. All but six of her points came from the free throw line and midrange jump shots.

"That's her money shot," Hardaker said about Murillo's mid-range shot.

"She's shooting a good percentage from three, but the mid-range is her game and what she does best."

Jesheon Cooper added three points, three rebounds and a block, bringing her career total to 154, a new school record.

"It's pretty amazing that she did this in just two years," Hardaker said.

"The previous player that had the shot block record was a four-year player. She wanted to do it here at home and I'm glad she did."

The Bronchos drew four fouls in the first 3:50 minutes of the game, getting in the bonus midway through the first quarter, which helped them take a 17-16 lead. The second quarter was a back and forth affair as the lead changed eight times, with UCO taking a 31-25 half-time lead.

MSSU started the second half on an 8-3 run to tie the game at 34-34.

Jesheon Cooper, No. 42, reaches over other players to rebound the ball during the Thursday, Jan. 25 game at Hamilton Field House (Regan Rosson/The Vista)

The Bronchos then went on a 12-0 run to take a 46-34 lead late third quarter and a 49-37 lead into the fourth.

The Bronchos had an 18 point lead with six minutes left before two

MSSU 3-pointers cut the lead to 12. After missing five straight free throws, the Bronchos hit their last seven down the stretch to secure the win.

The Bronchos shot 39.3 percent

from the field and 74.2 percent from the free throw line while holding MSSU to 29.3 percent from the field.

The Bronchos are back in action Thursday as they travel to Warrensburg, Missouri.

Senior Melinda Murillo, No. 22, takes a free-throw shot after being fouled by a player of the opposing team at Hamilton Field House on Thursday, Jan. 25 (Regan Rosson/The Vista)

`

Sports

Jan. 30, 2018

15

Brady: the Best of the Bunch Tom Brady will compete in his eighth Super Bowl this Sunday, but no matter what happens in it, he will go down as the greatest football player of all time and the greatest athlete of his generation.

Brady has been the key to the Patriots dynasty for the past 17 years. He has thrown for over 66,159 passing yards and 488 passing touchdowns, ranking fourth and third, respectively, of all time.

The only quarterbacks that rank ahead of him are Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. Those quarterbacks may have better stats, though it might not be for long. Isn't winning the most important stat though? When you combine all three of their Super Bowl appearances, Brady still has been to one more Super Bowl.

He has been able to sustain his success by being able to adapt his game. Brady has shown this by winning two NFL MVP's and four Super Bowl MVP's. When the NFL changes, it seems that Brady is the one setting the trend.

Why do so many people seem to hate achievement, accomplishment, and greatness? The problem likely lies within you!

Brady, for most of his career, has made the best of what he has with having limited, true all-pro players around him like Randy Moss, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.

Before 2001, the New England Patriots had never won a Super Bowl and had only been there twice. Brady took a franchise that wasn't known for anything and turned them into a premiere organization. The Patriots now have 10 Super Bowl appearances, which is the most of all time and Brady's eight ties for the second most for an organization, let alone leading all players with the most appearances for a player.

Athletes from every other major sports league don't compare to what Brady has accomplished in the 21st century. Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant both have as many titles as Brady, but were not at the top of their games as long as Brady has been.

Brady and James have both made it to eight championships, with the

In this Feb. 1, 2004, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in Super Bowl 38 in Houston. The Patriots are 5-2 in Super Bowls with Tom Brady. (AP Photo/ Dave Martin, File)

difference being Brady winning two more championships than James.

What separates Brady's eight appearances is that he didn't need to be surrounded by all-stars like James to win championships.

The steroid era killed the legacy of most baseball players like A-Rod and Barry Bonds, so nobody in the MLB has come close to comparing to Brady's career. Lance Armstrong has had the same problem as most MLB

players with performance enhancing drugs destroying his chances at the title.

Tiger Woods' cheating problems derailed his life and ruined his golf career with him not being able to recover and tarnished his legacy.

Floyd Mayweather never faced top competition in their prime, but that's an argument for another day.

What really separates Brady from all other athletes of his era is his

ability to be clutch. There's a reason why he's called "the comeback kid".

Brady has 42 career fourth quarter comebacks and 53-game winning drives - something no other great athlete can compare to in his generation.

He proved again why on his game winning drive against the Jaguars in the AFC Championship game.

Yes, Brady has faults of his own too (cough cough, deflategate) but that was one game and he paid the punishment for it. Unlike others, Brady has come back stronger from his downfall by going to two straight Super Bowls.

Whether you agree that Brady is the greatest athlete of the 21st century or not, we need to appreciate the greatness of this once in a generation athlete.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts during the second half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)