@TheVista1903 thevista1903 The Vista SEE RETIREMENT ON 8 The University of Central Oklahoma’s Student Voice Since 1903
Monday, July 11, 2016
Regional University Systems of Oklahoma Regent to Face Indictment
Eriech Tapia @eriechtapia95 Reporter
Charges were announced on Thursday for a member of the University of Central Oklahoma’s governing board after he allegedly embezzled funds for personal use from the Choctaw Electric Cooperative. Terry Matlock, 53, of Garvin, has been a regent for the Regional University Systems of Oklahoma since June 2009, and former state representative. Matlock is being indicted by the fifteenth Oklaho-
ma Multicounty Grand Jury after 18-months of investigations on possible crimes committed in the state. The charges came after he served as the CEO for the electric cooperative from 2002 until 2014, all charges are related to his time while there and are expected to be delivered this next week. He was indicted on nine felony counts of embezzlement, two misdemeanor counts of embezzlement, and one felony count of engaging in a pattern of crimiTerry Matlock, member of the RUSO Board of Regents, is facing indictment on 12 charges. nal offenses, according to court Matlock may be looking at up to 51 years in records. prison. (Photo provided by ruso.edu.)
Matlock could face up to 51 years in prison and fines exceeding $70,000 for all counts, if he is charged by the courts. “Over the past 18 months, this group of jurors has conducted exhaustive investigations and ensured Oklahoma laws are enforced,” Scott Pruitt said in a statement, Oklahoma Attorney General. The indictment states that Matlock used company employees and equipment to work on his personal property, which occurred in Choctaw and McCurtian County between 2008 and 2014. SEE REGENTS ON 4
Oklahoma State Department of Health warns Locals about Waterborne Diseases
Olympics Bring Potential Threats to Rio
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has urged Oklahoman’s to take caution when swimming in natural bodies of water which may contain waterborne diseases. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
Students wearing masks burn flares during a protest demanding better education and protesting the money spent on the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Katie Standlee @KkkkkatieMarie
Queila Omena @queilaomena Managing Editor Photo Editor
Reporter
The Oklahoma State Department of Health sent out a reminder in a press release several days ago urging Oklahomans to take precautions when swimming in natural bodies of water, stating that the water is untreated and could potentially be harmful. Untreated water can have waterborne diseases that can cause illnesses such primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM),
norovirus, skin reactions and infections from blue-green algae, and E. coli. The chances of these increase in late summer due to the heat. Rachel Clinton, epidemiologist for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said, “The risk of illness for a person comes when they have contact with what we call natural bodies of water, or water that’s not treated.”
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The Summer Olympics Games were supposed to be Brazil’s big moment, but unprecedented political and economic crises, along with other occurring problems posed the question if Brazil was ready for the Summer Games altogether. From corruption scandals, to health and security issues, Brazil is facing one of the hardest time in their history. Brazil’s economy is in its
longest recession since the 1930s, triggered by a widespread corruption scandal involving Brazil’s oil company Petrobras. Since its transition to democracy more than three decades ago, Brazil is facing its greatest recession in 100 years, leading a potential global health crisis. The largest economy in Latin America has now shrank 5.4% in the first quarter of this year.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS STAFF NAME AND POSITION
3 ..........................................................................CAMPUS NEWS 4 …………….................................LOCAL AND WORLD NEWS 5 ................................................................................OKLAHOMA 6 ......................................................................................FEATURE 7.............................................................................TECHNOLOGY 8..........................................................................................SPORTS
Kateleigh Mills Queila Omena Ike Wilcots Cara Johnson Taylor Michaud Eriech Tapia Elisabeth Slay Megan Prather Katie Standlee Elizabeth Spence
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter
Ryan Naeve David Terry
Photographer Photographer
Teddy Burch
Advisor
Eric Hemphill, Kandice Talbert, and Ben Zimmer pack bags with food and clothes during the Hunger is a Drag Help Us pack a Bag event on Friday, July 15. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista. Advertise with the Vista: The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer, and fall semesters In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads. Email your questions to: ucovista.advertising@gmail.com
Campus has seen an uptick in daily population due to the new app Pokémon Go. Students gather near Broncho lake for Pokéstops and a Pokémon Gym. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
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. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to vistaeditorletters@gmail.com.
UCO’s Brock sits outside of the library and is repainted every few weeks by organizations on campus. Photo by Ryan Naeve, the Vista.
CAMPUS NEWS Queila Omena @queilaomena
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Rio de Janeiro
Managing Editor
Currently, there are 11.4 million unemployed Brazilians, up nearly 20% from a year ago, according to CNN. “We are facing a strong financial and political crisis, so now it’s not the best moment to host this kind of event,” said Renan Melli, Brazilian native and former UCO student. Congress has started an impeachment trial against President Dilma Rouseff that suspends the her from any work for a period of six months. The interim President Michel Temer is not having any luck, as three of his ministers have resigned because of corruption allegations. “Brazil is going through a hard time right now. Beyond having our economy tank due to corruption scandals, our president is currently being tried for impeachment processes and that only worsens our economical stand in the world,” said Barbara Lacerda, Brazilian native, and Political Science graduate from UCO. In a short amount of time, the Brazilian dollar lost its value, business was shut down, and crime has increased. Brazil has a long reputation for muggings and kidnappings, but terrorism threats have been made to Rio de Janeiro, after the attacks in Turkey, Bangladesh, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. “We worry about the security of the people who are coming to see the Olympics. We know that this kind of event is a potential target to terrorism and, at the same time, I believe that we are not ready to deal with this situation,” said Melli. One member of ISIS has tweeted after the Paris attacks in November 2015, saying Brazil would be the next target. Several ISIS members also have launched a Telegram channel in Portuguese, Brazil’s official language. According to Brazil’s Intelligence Agency, the number of those influenced by ISIS ideology has increased in recent months. VEJA, a Brazilian newspaper, has displayed a report of intelligence illustrating that in a scale from 1 to 5, Brazil is placed on 4
Passengers walk past a banner that reads “Welcome to hell” and two dummies in the likeness of dead policemen during a police protest, demanding their payments and better labor conditions, at the Tom Jobim International Airport, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
when it comes to potential terrorist attacks. Recently, police officers have voiced their inability to protect visitors. With a banner at entrance of Rio’s airport, one of the busiest cities in the world, police officers wearing black are protesting. “Only in 2016, the unreported civil war in Rio de Janeiro has killed 60 police officers. The others remain unable to ensure your stay. Police and firemen without payment! Welcome to hell. Police and firefighters don’t get paid, whoever comes to Rio de Janeiro won’t be safe.” According to Amnesty International, Brazilian police rank among the world’s most deadly, being responsible for 1 in 5 homicides within the city of Rio in 2015. Fear, insecurity, and instability surrounds Brazilian police officers, and firefighters. Gedeon de Souza e Silva, a retired police officer from Rio, has stated his frustration with the wages being cut, and not fully paid. According to Silva, young police officers are lacking basic needs such as toilet paper, pens, and paper. A lot of police officers bring those items from home due to the shortfall, he said. Police officers are currently paid in installed wages, where
they have to wait a period of time in order to get their full check. The country plans to deploy 80,000 police and military officials in order to secure games, nearly double the number who worked for London Games in 2012. Even though police officials are not getting fully paid because of the lack in national money, billions are being spent to implement new infrastructure in Rio. Brazil has spent over R$36.7 billion for the Summer Games in Rio, surpassing the estimated price calculated in January of this year and has increased over R$500 million, outweighing the costs of the World Cup held in Brazil by 43%. “What is going to happen with all the infrastructure that has been created to the event? Is it going to be turn into benefits to our community?” questioned Melli. Concerned Brazilians believe they will not have access to the new infrastructure as it was made for visitors, and not residents of the city. The poorer areas are not being invested, but being hidden from tourists and athletes instead. Walls and buildings were placed to separate the poor area, and to keep visitors from entering the other side of town.
“It is definitely not a good time for my country, but I believe we have the potential and the people to get through these hard times,” said Lacerda. Complications with constructions have also been expressed as the game approaches and subway lines along with several Olympics sites are still under construction. A subway that will transport athletes is set to be ready on August 1, only four days before the Olympics. The few other projects completed for the Olympics don’t aspire too much confidence, as a newly built bike path along Rio de Janeiro’s seashore collapsed in April, killing two people. Homes around Rio’s Olympic Park were also demolished to make way for the Games, upsetting locals. In the midst of chaos and turmoil, Brazilians are still hopeful for a good summer, along with successful games. Families are planning parties and gatherings to watch the games, and despite of all, some are proud to host the games in Rio. “My feeling is that Brazilians always understood that Rio’s Olympics was going to be different, after all Rio is a land of huge contrasts.,” said Victor Silva, Brazilian Native and UCO graduate.
LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
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Katie Standlee
Possible Waterborne Diseases
@kkkkkatiemarie Reporter
Swallowing untreated water can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. There are precautions in place to try and avoid these things. Some of those precautions include plugging your nose when you jump in the water, wearing swimming goggles and ear plugs and checking the water conditions before going swimming. Water conditions can be found on the Travel Oklahoma website under Oklahoma lake conditions, but remember to check for signs around the area before swimming and look at the water in general for a quick inspection. Erin Hatfield, Public Information Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, said, “You want to stay away from an area where water
Eriech Tapia @eriechtapia95 Reporter
The allegations also state that he instructed an employee to refurbish his 1980 Ford Bronco, using a company credit card and employee for purchasing parts between 2008 and 2009. In February 2009 he approved the Ford Bronco to be worked on
is stagnant and warm, or there is floating debris, scum and certainly if there is a dead fish in the area. You also want to avoid swimming near storm drains.” Once out of the water, Hatfield also said it is important to wash off with water and soap to get any bacteria off that could have remained on you from being in the water. Hatfield said that it is important to take precautions to help with spreading diseases. For example, if you are swimming with children, it is important to take them to the bathroom frequently, use swim diapers on babies and rinse off before getting in the water. Also, if you are sick it is not a good idea to swim in the water. Kris Kneifing, Water Resources Superintendent for the City of Edmond said that Ed-
Officials say to take precautions such as plugging your nose, wearing goggles and earplugs, and checking water conditions before swimming in natural bodies of water. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
mond’s water does come from Lake Arcadia, as well as 56 water wells and also said that the water is safe to drink. “We know that our water is safe through multiple rounds of testing. We test it every four hours to make sure the influent quality,
which is what we are drawing from the lake, and what we’re sending out is meeting the water quality standards,” Kneifing said. According to Lake Arcadia officials, there have not been any recent reports of waterborne diseases in the lake at this time.
RUSO Regent by a body shop in Hugo, Okla., totaling to $3,325.80. The Bronco also received repairs and other parts which totaled over $5,700 and occurred over several incidents, though the indictment said Matlock willingly approved and knew about each incident.
Matlock approved a company check for $67,444.59 to buy two John Deer tractors for personal use on Nov. 10, 2008. He is believed to have used the tractors for clearing brush on his personal property. Matlock is also believed to have used the employees from the electric company in separate occasions to clear brush and other tasks with a company John Deer bulldozer in 2014. He was fired in 2014, once the investigations by the jury began, along with most of the co-op board members resigning as well. “He is still a regent,” Sheridan McCaffree said, executive director The Regional University System of Oklahoma hBoard of Regents is made up of eight members. for the Regional UniverRUSO oversees six different Oklahoma universities, including UCO. Back row, from left to right, Mark Stansberry, Connie Reilly, Susan Winchester, Joy Hefmeister, Gary Parker. Front row, from left sity Systems of Oklahoto right, Micheal W. Mitchell, Terry Matlock, Jeffrey Dunn, lake Carpenter. (Photo provided by ruso. ma. “It is an indictment, edu.) not a conviction.”
She said she will have to look over state statutes before any word is given on whether he will continue to be a regent. The Regional University Systems of Oklahoma is the governing body over the six regional universities in the state that provides legal structure for collegiate level education, sets policies and evaluates progress of those colleges. There are currently nine regents. Matlock was chosen as a distinguished alumni from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Valliant, Okla., according to his bio on the Regional University System’s website. During his time as a Democratic state representative, he served LeFlore and McCurtain counties. The Choctaw Electric Cooperation supplies power to the residents of Hugo, Okla. and was established in 1940.
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OKLAHOMA NEWS Katie Standlee
@kkkkkatiemarie Reporter
Oklahoma City Black Lives Matter Rally Brings Thousands Together
Oklahomans march for change in the Black Lives Matter rally in OKC. Protestors held up signs to show their support for the cause while marching through downtown. (Photo provided by Erick Perry.)
Thousands of people showed up July 10 to the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest rally in Downtown Oklahoma City near the Harkin Theater to come together to have their voices heard. The rally went peacefully, but it could have been disrupted if an Edmond man had not been arrested that day. Police arrested Brandon Lara, 24, on charges of terrorist hoax complaints after police found eight commercial grade smoke bombs in Lara’s backpack. There was a march at the rally with people holding up signs with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and many other things while chanting their main points of focus for the rally. A vigil was also held at the rally for those who attended to mourn those who have been killed.
University of Central Oklahoma student Aaren Serraile said, “I chose to go to the rally because I wanted to feel like my life is important and I wanted to be a part of history.” Several UCO students and faculty were present at this rally and took to social media to share their experience. UCO student Ashlyn Barnett said, “I went to show that we do have a problem in our justice system and to let it be known that everybody deserves equality.” After what happened at the rally in Dallas many people were concerned about the rally in OKC. Many police were seen at the OKC rally protecting those expressing their voice in the movement. Barnett said, “I hate to say this
but I expected the worst. . . I didn’t really know how the rally was going to go, but they proved me wrong, it was really good. It was good to see all of these nationalities coming together, it was amazing.” Many have commended the police that were present at the rally for their friendly and protective presence. There were people seen at the rally hugging and fist bumping the police. There have been rallies all around the nation for the Black Lives Matter movement and the movement has even spread to Europe with rallies taking place in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Serraile said, “I want to be able to feel safe when I walk in the street and I want to feel safe even though I’m black. I want everyone
to feel safe.” The Black Lives Matter movement started about three years ago with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. This brought attention to the police brutality problem and somethings were adjusted such as body cameras that police are required to wear. The movement is continuing to try and diffuse the brutality problem and to give people a voice to express why this brutality is a miscarriage of justice and why there needs to be a change. Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Meshawn Conley said, “This is the time to listen to the voices that feel the need to cry out in this movement and have serious dialogue about what is going on.”
Protestors hold up signs reading “WHITE SILENCE = WHITE CONSENT” during the Black Lives Matter Rally. Protestors came to support the cause and join together to ask for peace and equality. (Photo provided by Erick Perry.)
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Jade Braun
@jadeAbraun Contributing Writer
FEATURE
Wheeler District Welcomes Historic Ferris Wheel
Oklahoma City continues to grow as a new district known as the Wheeler Riverfront Plaza develops along the Oklahoma River. Although the area seems a bit bare right now, a new attraction installed along the river has locals ready to visit. As the nation celebrated another year of independence on July 4, the Wheeler Riverfront Plaza had its grand opening for the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. Fireworks above the OKC skyline were seen from the Ferris wheel by more than a thousand visitors in its first day. Although the attraction is new to OKC, its beginnings date back to the early 1900s. What was once the iconic Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel is now Oklahoma City’s own Wheeler Ferris Wheel. The installation of this histor- The Wheeler Ferris Wheel, which once belonged to Santa Monica, is now an iconic destination for residents and visitors of OKC. Photo by David Terry, The Vista. ical piece has made it possible for Oklahoma City to enjoy a little same in Santa Monica. Visitors can enjoy the ride in the Wheeler portion of the West Coast. Seen in films like The Ferris wheel found its way to OklahoRiverfront Plaza Monday through Thursday Iron Man, Titanic, A Night at the Roxbury, ma after it was purchased off of eBay by Grant from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from and Forrest Gump, the Wheeler Ferris Wheel Humphreys in 2008. Since its purchase, the 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. attraction brings a bit of Hollywood to the Wheeler Ferris Wheel has been completely The opening of Wheeler Ferris Wheel is Midwest. refurbished and enhanced. the first step in the growth of the Wheeler Locals can take pride in knowing that Nearly 6,000 incandescent bulbs with over Riverfront Plaza in Oklahoma City. It may just when they see the Wheeler Ferris Wheel lights 100,000 programmable LED lights were added be a couple buildings and a Ferris wheel, but spinning against the Oklahoma City skyline, onto the iconic attraction. Wheeler Riverfront District has big plans for the iconic Forrest Gump once experienced the the area.
Ferris wheel operator TJ Mosley is in charge of starting the wheel and monitoring the gondalas as they go around. Mosley is one of several operators working at the wheel. Photo by David Terry, The Vista.
Project Developer Blair Humphreys said in a statement, “The opening of the Ferris wheel is just the first step towards a much broader vision for a new urban neighborhood on the south bank of the Oklahoma River.” Wheeler Riverfront Plaza is just a small piece to a much larger plan for the Wheeler District. The district plans to build a neighborhood and open many businesses. With developments of the new neighborhood starting in the Fall of 2016, Oklahoma City locals look forward to watching the growth of this new district. “We are grateful the incredible interest and support we have received from our neighbors, city leaders, and the broader Oklahoma City community. We are excited to get started on the next phase of development,” Humphreys said.
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TECHNOLOGY
Pokémon Go catches on in OKC Ryan Naeve
@itwasryan Photographer
A wild Bulbosaur appears in front of several people in Will Rogers Park. Some other Pokemon known to inhabit the area are Zubats, Rhyhorns, and Pidgeys. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
Cara Johnson
@cara_johnson_ Photo Editor
Game Freak, Inc.’s latest creation is causing quite the buzz across the world and OKC has caught on to the trend. The city hosts a number of hubs for gamers, including Will Rogers Park in northwest Oklahoma City. Pokémon Go, released by Game Freak, Inc. in the United States on July 6, brings the original 1996 game to life in any iPhone or Android. It allows you to hunt, battle and capture Pokémon wherever you go, hosting Pokéstops, where you can stock up on Pokéballs and other hunting necessities, in wellknown and historical spots around most cities. The game also encourages players to get out and walk to destinations that cannot be reached by car. Not to mention, the more you walk, the more eggs you can hatch, and the more Pokémon you can stock up for your next battle.
Jon Yarbrough shows off a Dratini that he caught in Will Rogers Park. It took Yarbrough a total of four days to catch a Dratini, and even his mother, who is a Pokemon novice, caught one before him. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
Many Pokémon can be found in their “natural” habitats. i.e., water Pokémon can be found near lakes and ponds, grass Pokémon can be found in parks and grassy areas, and so on. While this may seem silly to some, Nintendo, owners of Game Freak, have announced at least an $11 million hike in value of the company since the release of the game. The 90s kid
game has turned in to quite the hype and quite the profit. It is important, however, that players remember to check their surrounding while playing the game, and not play while driving. The game is very interactive, and brings Pokémon to life right in front of all old and new Pokémasters out there.
Danny Rockey shows his son, Dax how to catch Pokemon in the new app, Pokemon Go. Rockey has been spending lots of time playing Pokemon Go with his son, who loves any kind of mobile game. This is the first Pokemon game that the two have ever played. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
Daniel Jarvis collects items from a Pokestop in Will Rogers Park, Oklahoma City. Jarvis is a member of Team Mystic, one of three teams that Pokemon Go players have the choice to join. Jarvis said he chose team Mystic because he likes their mascot, Articuno. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
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SPORTS
UCO Assistant Athletic Director Announces his Retirement
Des’Ree Glover @ImJustFooly Contributing Writer
“Once a Broncho, forever a Broncho.” -Mike Kirk
Mike Kirk has been the Assistant Athletic Director for the University of Central Oklahoma for 28 years. His retirement party was held on Friday, July 15 at Wantland Stadium. Photo by Ryan Naeve, The Vista.
The University of Central Oklahoma had a retirement reception to celebrate the 28-year-career of Sports Information Director for Media Relations, Mike Kirk, last Friday, July 15, at Wantland Stadium. As Assistant Athletic Director, Kirk, 45, was in control writing of all the UCO sports content and to put it on the website bronchosports.com. Kirk felt that time was finally right for him to hang it up as Assistant Athletic Director. “It’s a grind job writing for almost 29 years, I just felt it was finally time,” Kirk said. He was in charge of writing various stories, press releases, updating rosters, and statistics from all 15 varsity sports at UCO over the past years. The school has yet to hire a replacement Kirk, but are in the proces of doing so before the Fall. “I tried to give my notice at proper time so that the school could hire someone before August so that they could be prepared for football, soccer, cross country, and volleyball,” Kirk said
Kirk was present for every game and tournament so that he had the correct and up-to-date statistics for the UCO website. “I go to all the home games, and I did not miss a football game for 20 years,” Kirk said. He has also witnessed many great sports memories at UCO. “I have seen a lot of games over the years, but the first Division II National Wrestling Championship in 1992 was a great moment,” Kirk said. Kirk mentioned that he has seen over 4,000 games at UCO, but his other two favorite sports memories were the football conference championship in 1998 and the softball national championship in 2013. Before working at UCO, Kirk received a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Oklahoma State University. He was also a sports writer there for five years and realized that was what he ultimately wanted to do with his career after graduation. Kirk was also the chair of the Division II National Collegiate
Athletic Association Wrestling Championships Committee in 2012-2014 and held the position for five years. “I love all sports, but wrestling has always been a passion of mine, and it was a big deal in Perry, Oklahoma,” Kirk stated. He mentioned that his father, Jess Kirk, was a wrestler at UCO in the 1940s. The National Wrestling Hall of
Fame in Oklahoma has acknowledged Kirk for his lifetime service. Kirk wrestled and played football in 7th and 8th grade while growing up in Perry, Oklahoma. He went on to graduate from Perry High School. After retirement Kirk said that he will be spending time with his family. Kirk met his wife Debbie Kirk, 50, on Halloween, two days before working at UCO. They have a son, Alex, 24, and a daughter, Jessica, 21, who is currently a senior at the University of Oklahoma. Kirk said that he will still come to UCO to help out and maybe even be a freelance writer for sports. “I will always support our teams; once a Broncho, forever a Broncho.”