THE
November 21, 1985 Vol. 84, No. 21
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VI
STA
Thursday Edition
Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Fraternity house gives fire fighters hands-on training
A rookie fire fighter (clockwise from top left) prepares to enter the old Sigma Tau Gamma house to test his ability to use an "air pack" in simulated circumstances; Two fire fighters practice
Vista photos by Dan Hoke
using ladder and hose; Simulated fire spreads to upper floor, which is extinguished by both rookie and veteran personnel.
By Curtis Killman Editor Some people burn their bridges behind them when they pick up and move from one place to another. But, very rare is it when somebody actually does it. Well, in a way, a CSU fraternity has done just that. On Wednesday, six Edmond recruit fire fighters used the old Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity house at 321 N. Boulevard to test their skills. In one of the tests, fire officials produced smoke by burning diesel fuel in small pans in the kitchen of the house. This allowed the recruits to test their ability to use oxygen tanks or "air packs" that are strapped to their backs. The test was made a little harder than expected though. According to officials, the control fire ignited with combustible materials which caused the fire to spread to the upper floors. The unplanned blaze had the rookies hopping for a few minutes. "The fire (downstairs) got a little bigger than anticipated," said David Barnes, chief training officer, "but we had plenty of seasoned personnel on hand to assist in putting it out. The fire never was out of control." The result? Just a good training exercise for the recruits, Barnes said. That exercise marked the halfway point of an eight week
academy that aspiring fire fighters must go through at the advent of their careers. In addition to the hands-on experience, rookie fire fighters are to be drilled, for example, in the classroom on such topics as public education of fire prevention. Barnes said the six men will be required to pass the tests with a score of at least 70 percent. It doesn't stop there though. Fire fighters are also required to take continuing education courses throughout their careers. Since fire fighting is the most hazardous occupation a person could choose, Barnes said the practical experience will be what the rookies will need the most. When asked if the recruits received a good test Wednesday, Barnes replied with a smile: "You bet. The best." In about two weeks, the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity will provide yet another unintended civic function. The one-story frame house just east of the main fraternity residence will be burned to the ground, according to Barnes. The boarded up structure has been vacant since the fraternity relocated to 911 Washington during the summer. What once used to house a few Sigma Tau Gamma members will become just another testing ground for six rookies to hone their skills.
Lawmaker warns of budget problems By Curtis Killman Editor Oklahoma's higher education system is headed for tougher times if some changes aren't made soon, according to an Edmond lawmaker. Oklahoma Sen. Phil Watson said some solutions to the pending budget problems would be to lower workman's compensation insurance premiums, collect all the delinquent taxes and up the tuition for students in higher education. Watson spoke on the financial 0 outlook for higher education at a
meeting of the American Association of University Professors Tuesday at the University Center. The 13-year-veteran senator, who co-chairs the legislature's higher education committee, said that high insurance compensation premiums are hurting colleges and universities throughout the State. Watson said excessive premiums scare away prospective industry and hurt those that already operate in Oklahoma. "It affects our ability to generate enough economy to provide a tax base to support higher education," said Watson.
In this issue. . Campus police attend seminar...page 3 Prof plans to test students...page 4 Teacher helps deaf students...page 5 New program formed...page 6 Intramural swimming featured...page 7 Bronchos regain top spot...page 8
Tax cheaters are also causing a problem for the State, according to Watson. "We've got to do something with the tax commission," Watson said. The commission needs more staff to round up the delinquent taxes. But, he said the public cries "wasteful" when the legislature tries to appropriate more money to upgrade the tax commission's staff. "We've been sending boys out to attack bears with straws," said Watson. Watson also believes that students need to pay a bigger percentage of the cost of their education. "Every year since I have been there (in the legislature) I have offered an amendment to give the Higher Regents the authority to run, as they see fit, tuition costs up to 25 percent of the cost," Watson said. Nine years ago, student's tuition accouted for 25 percent of the cost of education, according to Watson. "But, during all this time of prosperity we allowed that to fall to 17 percent," he added.
"I think students ought to pay 25 percent of the cost," said Watson. "We cannot economically support what we've got to support. We ultimately are going to have to decide how much free education we owe (the students)." Watson also believes that CSU would benefit by having their own board of regents. CSU currently is under the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges who governs five other regional institutions around Oklahoma. "Here we are at the top... academically, every way that you can think of compared to our five sister institutions," Watson said. "You've got Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University hitting you over the head with a sledge hammer from the top and you've got your five sister institutions tugging at your legs from the bottom. "That's why it (CSU) can't get up. "The quality of representation of Central State University to the higher regents would improve overnight if we had our own board. "Anything contrary to that as
Phil Watson
far as I'm concerned has to be out of selfish motivation on somebody's part. It cannot be what is in the best interest of this institution." As far as possible budget cuts are concerned, Watson said he doesn't anticipate the legislature having to cut this fiscal year's budget because of adequate funds in reserve. But, the 1986 and 1987 fiscal budgets will probably have to be cut back, with the 1986 budget reduced by a "conservative" seven percent figure, Watson said.