The Vista September 15, 2020 by The Vista

the

Volume 118, Issue 4

VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, September 15, 2020

UCOSA change may yield less transparency

INSIDE

UCO addresses food insecurity on campus UCO’s Central Pantry, and Oklahoma’s regional food bank team up to raise awareness on hunger. See Pg. 3

From left: Members of UCOSA Emma Sawyer, James Limbaugh, Dillon Rasberry meet with the group in 2019. UCOSA represents both graduate and undergraduate students at UCO, and addresses concerns and improving the student experience. (Vista Archives)

Edmond church helps clean after hurricane Henderson Hills Baptist Church, of Edmond, Okla. traveled to help with the damages in Louisiana due to the recent hurricane. See Pg. 7

Around Campus

Events are happening all over campus this week! Stop by the Nigh to participate in “Resumania”! See Pg. 2

Sarah Hite Editor-In-Chief

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association has recently removed a large portion of language from its congressional bylaws in an apparent attempt to circumvent state laws. UCOSA has been a frequent violator of state law in the past. The two key rules that were removed detail UCOSA’s legal obligation to follow state law regarding the Open Records and Open Meetings acts. According to UCOSA President James Limbaugh, the removal of these two rules also removes the association’s legal binding to adhere to them. “VI. The UCO Student Congress is a component of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, and as

such it and its members shall abide by all Oklahoma State Laws. Specifically, the UCO Student Congress shall fully abide by both the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and Oklahoma Open Records Act. “ “VII. The Official Bulletin Board of the UCO Student Congress shall be the OrgSync platform. As such, any and all documentation that is to be considered open to the UCO Student Body shall be uploaded to this platform.” Limbaugh mentioned the removal of this language in a recent interview with The Vista. “We’re in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the OMA -- we try to be in accordance with. This past year we changed our constitution bylaws and statutes and we actually took out

all the wording from the OMA,” Limbaugh said. “So technically, if you want to get technical with it, we’re no longer literally required by our bylaws, but I chose to follow it. For my leadership, under my presidency I want us to still follow that standard even though it’s not necessarily something that has a death grip on us,” Limbaugh said. However, UCO Mass Communication Media Law professor Mark Hanebutt stated: “Whether it’s in their bylaws or not, if they fail to follow the OMA, they are in violation of state law. They are a governing public body that receives and uses state funds. They also need to keep and post minutes of their meetings and post Continued on Pg. 4

2 | The Vista

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 Resumania: Employer Resume Critiques: Monday through Friday, from 1-4 p.m. employers will be available virtually to assist students with resumes and tips to prepare for the Virtual Fall Career and Internship Fair. Register for employer sessions on Handshake. Different employers will host different days. Select the one-on-one time you are available to meet with your preferred employer. SPB Info Session: Join SPB outside Starbucks in the Nigh University Center from 9:45-11:30 a.m. for a chance to answer survey questions and get some free swag. SPB Member Meeting: Join SPB via Zoom from 7-8 p.m. for their regular member meeting. Meetings consist of fun activities, learning leadership skills, and brainstorming possible events for the student body. SPB has open membership. Interested students can join at any time. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 BronchoThon Trivia Challenge: Join BronchoThon from 6-7 p.m. for a Registration Push Day triv-

September 15, 2020

ia challenge! Learn more about the cause and compete to get on the podium and win prizes! If unable to participate in-person, a link will be posted to join via Zoom. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 LatinX Heritage Month Kickoff: Join ODI via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon for the annual kickoff event for LatinX Heritage Month. Event will include a keynote speaker. The theme for LatinX Heritage month this year is “Este es nuestro momento,” (This is our moment). Viral Before the Internet: Join UCO Peer Health Leaders from noon to 1 p.m. in the Cherokee Room of the nigh University Center to test your knowledge of HPV, the most common STD in America, and learn the facts from OU Physicians and the Student Nursing Association. Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 Brisch Center: A Moment to Reflect: Join The Brisch Center for Historical Performance from 11 a.m. to noon at the Chickasaw Amphitheater, next to Old North as it presents a free public concert. International artists will celebrate the

Around Campus

fact that we are here and remember those who are not. Folk songs and instruments from Norway, China and early America will be featured. Adopt-A-Street Cleanup: Come volunteer with the International Student Council from noon to 2:30 p.m. as they clean up trash on Ayers Street. Meet at the West Entrance of West Hall. College Democrats of UCO Meeting & Guest Speaker: Join the College Democrats of UCO from 5-6 p.m. for a virtual meeting via Zoom. Anatasia Pittman, former State Senator and Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2018 will be joining to share her experiences and talk to students. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 Alternative Weekend: Join Community Engagement from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. as they partner with the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum to prepare for the annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Participants will take time to experience the OKC National Memorial and Museum and the day will end in service with the Memorial Marathon staff. Lunch will be provided.

To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.

the

VISTA

Staff

Sarah Hite CiCi Simon JaNae Williams Jacob Silva Tanner Laws Cynthia Faulkner

Editor-in-Chief Photo Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photographer Adviser

Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 National Recovery Week Kickoff: Join UCO Health Promotion from 9-9:30 am as they kickoff National Recovery Week programming that will take place Sept. 21-25. Programming will focus on de-stigmatizing language about addiction and recovery, providing information on the use of opioids, alcohol and other substances and recovery resources. Follow @ucohealthpromo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information. UCOSA Weekly Congress: Join the UCO Student association from 4-5:30 p.m. via Zoom for its weekly congressional meeting. All students are welcome to attend. UCO Jazz Ensembles II & IV in Concert: UCO’s Jazz Ensemble II under the direction of Jeff Kidwell and Jazz Ensemble IV under the direction of Zac Lee will present a livestream concert at 7:30 p.m. This will be a great evening of big band jazz music featuring a wide variety of student talent.

Clarification: A quote by Adrienne Nobles about the COVID-19 reporting tool in the Sept. 8 issue contained outdated information. For more information visit ucentralmedia.com.

UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 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.

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, EDITORIALS clarity and space, or to eliminate Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, statements of questionable taste. reviews and commentaries represent The Vista reserves the right not to the views of the writer or artist and publish submitted letters. not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department ADDRESS LETTERS TO: of Mass Communication, UCO or Editor, The Vista, the Board of Regents of Oklahoma 100 N. University Dr. Colleges. The Vista is not an official Edmond, OK 73034-5209, medium of expression for the or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Regents or UCO.

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the

Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.

Prevention/Hunger

September 15, 2020

The Vista | 3

UCO acknowledges Suicide Prevention Month

Listed above are steps the National Institute of Mental Health states one can take if they believe they or someone they know are under mental duress. All of September is recognized as “Suicide Prevention Month” in the United States. (Provided/NIMH)

Jacob Silva Sports Editor

September is recognized as “Suicide Prevention Month” across the United States. The CDC lists suicide as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. 48,000 lives were lost to it in 2018. In that same year, 10.7 million adults thought about suicide, 3.3 million formed a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide. The University of Central Oklahoma is taking its own steps to show support to those who struggle with their mental health. Throughout the month of September, UCO will host various events promoting suicide prevention and mental

health awareness. These events will highlight tools available to those who need them. On Sept. 8, UCO held an event in the Nigh University Center titled “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: See the Red Flags - Athletics Suicide Prevention”. The mental health of athletes at times can be a taboo subject, but professional players like Kevin Love, DeMar Derozan, and Dak Prescott have all played parts in normalizing the subject. In a time where sports have been taken away from the majority of student-athletes across the country, addressing that mental toll has been pertinent.

Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott, recently went public about his struggles with anxiety and depression during the pandemic, saying in an interview on the show “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” that his older brother Jace committed suicide this year. With that, Dak added that he had experienced depression and anxiety in the aftermath of his brother’s death and that being cooped up in his house from quarantine had made things worse. “I think that is important to be vulnerable, to be genuine and to be transparent,” he said. “That goes a long way when you are a leader and your voice

tage of the pantry. Blevins stated, “This is something new, and it’s only starting to pick up more steam.” The pantry was established Nov. 17, 2012, after UCO Community Engagement had conversations with the food pantries throughout the OKC community and was informed of the high number of UCO students utilizing their services, according to the pantry

website. From posts on campus social media and having other organizations reach out for donations and help running food drives, the UCO Central Pantry is there to help those who are scared to ask for it. While it’s only a supplementary pantry, meaning they do not have meats or dairies, sometimes the pantry has to point in the direction of other re-

is being heard by so many and you can inspire.” Dak opened up about his mental health on Suicide Prevention Day. A big deal for the quarterback of “America’s Team”, the Dallas Cowboys. On that same day in reaction to Dak’s comments, the host of the debate show “Undisputed”, Skip Bayless, vehemently struck down the remarks. Skip said that Dak cannot show weakness as the quarterback of an NFL football team, and that depression and anxiety were being used as a way to excuse mistakes on the field: “I don’t have sympathy for him going public with, ‘I got depressed,’ ‘I suffered depression early in COVID to the point that I couldn’t even go work out.’ Look, he’s the quarterback of America’s team …’”. Fox Sports, the channel behind “Undisputed”, released a statement following the backlash Skip’s comments received, “We are proud of Dak Prescott for publicly revealing his struggle with depression and mental health. No matter the cause of the struggle, Fox Sports believes Dak showed tremendous courage which is evident in both his leadership on the Dallas Cowboys and in his character off the field. We do not agree with Skip Bayless’ opinion on Undisputed.”

Central Pantry offers resources to those fighting hunger Adrian Mack Contributing Writer

One out of every six Oklahomans face food insecurity and the University of Central Oklahoma food pantry and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma are working together to raise awareness and bring attention to those in need. September kicks off Hunger Action Month and last week Old North was lit up with orange lighting for an evening to raise awareness of food insecurity in the state. In the past, UCO has partnered with many associations to raise awareness to causes such as poverty and breast cancer. President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar is also on the Board of Directors at the Oklahoma Food Bank. The food bank at UCO is called Central Pantry. Brian Blevins, coordinator of community engagement, helps manage the pantry along with two student workers. Blevins said, “My job is to help with keeping donations and inventory on track, plus pick up donations on Fridays.” Homeland, various churches and a variety of donors provide donations. This is an issue college students everywhere face, and many students on campus are encouraged to take advan-

University of Central Oklahoma students Joel Richardson and Seth Williams volunteer at the Central Pantry. The pantry recently marked a year of service to campus. It provides non-perishable food and hygiene items to any student, faculty or staff member in need. (Provided/Central Pantry UCO)

sources for the ones that need it. Blevins believes the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more people to step forward and not be afraid to ask for help. Adrienne Nobles, vice president for communications and public affairs said, “the drive to raise awareness for the cause is a great thing.” “UCO is a part of this community, and being able to come together and raise awareness is a cornerstone for success on campus or the community,” Nobles said. Community engagement is what UCO and the pantry mutually strive for and being able to get students to invest in the resources will help lighten the load. Blevins said it has helped reflect community struggles, as well as personal struggles. He believes that it has taught him to be more patient and understand why people choose to use the resources. The Central Pantry is located in Room 151 on the first floor of the Nigh University Center. If there is not a volunteer available in the Pantry, visit Community Engagement in Room 141 of the Nigh University Center for assistance. Masks are required at all times in the Nigh and in the pantry. Remember to socially distance as well while shopping.

4 | The Vista

September 15, 2020

UCOSA

UCOSA change may yield less transparency Continued from pg. 1

meeting times and places.” The association is held to the same legal standards as any other entity at this university regarding the OMA. The OMA is triggered when a “public body” has a “meeting.” The “public body” and “meeting” are both defined by statute. According to the Student Press Law center, “The attorney general has said that a Student Congress and residence hall association are sub-entities of a board of higher-education that have actual or de facto decision-making authority and must hold open meetings”. The law requires an agenda 24 business hours before a meeting and the association has not done so in the past. The meeting minutes for the first meeting of fall semester last week are not available online, nor are they posted outside the UCOSA offices. The OMA and ORA state the meeting agendas are to be posted at the principal office, if no office exists, posted at meeting location. The public body should post regularly scheduled meetings on its website, but website posting is not an adequate substitute under the OMA. 74 O.S. § 3106.2. According to the attorney general and Oklahoma state law, the agenda and time and place of the meeting needed to have been posted Friday morning. It has to be 24 hours before 4 p.m. Monday, whenever the meeting is scheduled, weekend days are excluded. According to the most recent documents available to the public, the April 2018 bylaws first chapter had seven rules covering the authority and establishment of UCOSA. As of 2020, there are three. These are not publicly available, but were provided to The Vista by Limbagh upon request. UCOSA are prior and persistent offenders of OMA obligations. The Vista has covered these occurrences over the past two years. In 2018, UCOSA would regularly and incorrectly record minutes or fail to announce the meetings within the appropriate time. According to the Student Press Law Center, the Oklahoma statute for Open Meeting Act is as follows: “Okla. Stat. tit. 25, secs. 301 to 314 (2009). The statue opens the meetings of the governing bodies of the state and its political subdivisions and bodies that are supported by or administer public funds, including all committees of and subcommittees of public bodies. The statute specifically lists “boards of public and higher education” as public bodies. The state’s supreme court has said the statute ap-

plies to the admissions board of the University of Oklahoma. Carl v. Bd. of Regents, 577 P.2d 912 (Okla. 1978). The court also held that the law applies to any subordinate entity that exercises actual por de facto authority. Int’l Ass’n of Firefighters v. Thrope, 632 P.2d 408 (Okla. 1981). The attorney general has said that a student government and residence hall association are sub-entities of a board of higher education that have actual or de facto decision-making authority and must hold open meetings. Op. Okla. Att’y Gen. No. 79-134 (June 18, 1979).” Despite the fact that UCOSA does fall under state law as a de facto public body, Limbaugh claimed removing the language from the bylaws means the association is no longer required to follow the OMA. “It’s something I still want to follow so we can make sure students do have an opportunity to catch up and do have an opportunity to see our legislation ahead of time because I don’t want to be a part of any kind of student government that isn’t in touch with what the students want and is out of touch with the students concerns are,” Limbaugh said. “So I want to make sure that any kind of thing that we have going on in UCOSA, that students have the time to react to. Because if we’re posting our minutes and our legislation 20 minutes before the meeting, there is no time for student concern to come about it or information to come out about it to maybe stop it if something is wrong with it,” Limbaugh said. The Oklahoma Attorney General website, 25 O.S. § 311(B) cites Haworth Bd. of Ed. v. Havens, 637 P.2d 902, 904 (Okla. Civ. App. 1981) in stating, “Agendas [must] be worded

in plain language, directly stating the purpose . . . The language used should be simple, direct and comprehensible to a person of ordinary education and intelligence.” The governing body cannot take action if the action is not on the agenda and cannot be vague. The meeting minutes listed on the website for the April meeting are not thorough or detailed as described by the Oklahoma Attorney General site. For example, in the minutes for the April meeting in which the OMA language was removed, there is no clear record of what was removed or what was said during the meeting. Nor is there a record of who voted and how they voted. Another cause of concern is the timing of the removal happening while school was all virtual. The public — including the student body — was unable to attend the meeting when this motion was voted on. Therefore, was unable to be there and weigh in on the association’s decision. “It’s really, we’re walking on thin ice, where this is an opportunity where if we wanted to we could slack off but under my leadership we’re totally up to that standard because it is important,” Limbaugh said. On Monday, Emily Grim, Liberal Arts Senator told The Vista that the removal of the language did not remove the obligation. “Essentially, with this update of the bylaws, we wanted to make sure that it was clearer and more to the point so that it was easier to understand for all students, not just those of us who already have an understanding of UCOSA and time to read through all of it. We just removed the explanation of what the OMA is from our bylaws, which doesn’t remove us from our

obligation to it. The same way that we don’t have “don’t litter” or “don’t speed on the roads around campus”, that doesn’t mean that we still aren’t held to those rules already in place,” Emily Grim, Liberal Arts Senator stated. Limbaugh told The Vista on Monday, there was a committee made up of student UCOSA members and Jarrett Jobe, executive director of student leadership at UCO, Cole Stanley, assistant vice president for student affairs and executive UCOSA officer and representatives from the International Student Council and Diversity Roundtable. The committee spent about a year making the changes to the bylaws and statutes and presented to the association in April. The decision was unanimous and the changes were approved. “For example, we also have to follow campus rules to reserve rooms for our events a certain amount of time in advance, but we don’t put it in our bylaws to tell our officers to do so because we hold ourselves to that standard, and we are accountable to our students that we are meeting with and for to do so. To ensure that all of our bylaws as well as campus and state-level rules and regulations are followed, we have an Accountability, Reform, and Transparency committee and chair who meet once a week and bring all concerns to our congressional meetings, and a student concerns section every Monday in case any students have an issue with access to that information,” Grim stated. Limbaugh said he would speak with the association about being more thorough with the meeting minutes and agendas in the future. UCOSA meetings are scheduled for Mondays at 4 p.m.

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association Office located in the Nigh University Center Room 143. UCOSA is required to post meeting agendas 24 business hours prior to all meetings under the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act. (CiCi Simon/The Vista)

Parents

September 15, 2020

The Vista | 5

Parents in college struggle to find balance

Teaching assistant Samuel Lavi helps out with an online class at the Valencia Newcomer School, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Phoenix. Communicating during the coronavirus pandemic has been trying for parents and students at the Phoenix school for refugees who speak a variety of languages. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Logan Long Contributing Writer

College students, who are also parents, are struggling to balance their own studies along with helping their children with virtual school. Edmond Public Schools resumed classes on Aug. 20 after nearly six months away from the classroom, but things are still far from normal. On Tuesday, July 28 the Edmond Board of Education approved the 2020-2021 school year reopening plan for students. The board voted that students who were not enrolled in Virtual Edmond, which is a fully online option that will be provided to K-12, would start the school year by attending in-person classes two days a week and take remote learning classes three days a week. Known as the blended model of instruction, this learning option aligns with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, SDE, School Safety Protocols. The district is also altering its transportation schedules for the 2020-2021 school year. To help alleviate overcrowding on the buses, the district has added a middle school route which will require a change in start time at the middle schools from 7:50 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. Middle schools would dismiss at 2:15 p.m. instead of 2:40 p.m. to give bus drivers time to transport students home before returning to pick up high school students. College nursing student and mother, Katelin Speers, talks about the

struggles of trying to complete her degree while helping with her 8-yearold son’s virtual school. “It’s something that I never thought I would face,” she said. “As a mother, you always plan your schedule around your kids, and that normally includes them being gone to school from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday.” Public education is something that is required for all children in the United States, and therefore, it is not something that parents ever imagine having to add to their parental duties. “The most difficult part is the time constraints,” she said. “Not only have I had to help my son more with his more studies this year, but I also have to make sure I am around to feed and watch my child. If I can’t be there because of class or work, I have to find a babysitter, and that isn’t always easy to do.” COVID-19 has also made things more complicated when it comes to finding a babysitter. “I am trying to limit the amount of people my son comes into contact with, for his sake and others,” she said. “But on some days, I just can’t be at home, so it puts me in a tough position.” The struggle is not limited to students, faculty also faces some of these same challenges. In an email with The Vista, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Organizational Leadership degree, Trevor Cox explained some of the stresses his family experiences.

“I have four kids and two of them are doing online school three days a week. My wife works Tuesday / Thursday so I will have to work from home, which can be difficult with toddlers (the other two kids) and trying to help with school. It was incredibly difficult to keep my head above water in the Spring when we were working entirely from home,” Cox stated. The courses Cox teaches are online anyway, and would usually only meet twice in a semester pandemic or not. However, having his children at home in addition to his courses is what causes the extra stress.

“At least now I can go to the office a few days a week and get things done. But even then I try not to do much outside of the office so I don’t have to worry about catching anything. I know many of my students face the same challenges and have extra anxiety they bring with them to the classroom and that shows up even online,” Cox stated. Currently, Edmond Public Schools are still offering the blended model of instruction, but if there is a large increase in COVID-19 cases it may force them to go fully virtual.

Katie Dahlinger, left, sets up her account for online learning while her daughter, Harper Dahlinger, talks with her kindergarten teacher, Jillian McGough, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, in Moscow, Idaho. Geoff Crimmins/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP)

6 | The Vista

September 15, 2020

Scholarship/Football

Award named for two-star General Steven Reese

Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies established a new scholarship last summer in honor of an esteemed alumna. The Elementary Education Endowed Scholarship is named to honor Major General Rita Aragon who was a student at UCO. Aragon received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Bryan Duke, a CEPS associate dean said the scholarship is very important for students who want to go into teaching. “Our state is in a severe and extremely critical teacher shortage,” Duke said. “So, we’re doing everything we can to recruit and retain future teachers.” Aragon served in the U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force. An additional 25 years in education led to the scholarship established in her name. She worked for Oklahoma City Public Schools as a teacher, principal and counselor. Rachel Baugh, coordinator of communications and public relations for CEPS, praised Aragon for giving back to the university. “We are grateful for the generosity of Major General Aragon and for the impact that she will make in countless students’ lives,” Baugh said. “Our college strives to ensure that our students feel valued and supported. Scholarships allow us the ability to recognize all of their hard work.” Duke said the scholarship will pay out roughly $500 a year. Qualifications include admission to the education program and being an elementary education major. Students must also plan to teach in Oklahoma after graduation. “$500 may not sound like this gigantic scholarship, but $500 makes a difference,” Duke said. “It helps students pay for certification tests, background checks, or the things they have to do in order to complete the degree.” Applications for the scholarship will be available online January 2021.

Wantland Stadium is the home to the University of Central Oklahoma football team during regular seasons. UCO was recently selected by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletics Association to host the 11-man high school football championships for the next 3 years. (CiCi Simon/The Vista)

UCO selected for HS football championships Preston Poole Contributing Writer

The University of Central Oklahoma was selected by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletics Association to host the 11-man football championships for the next three years. So while Wantland Stadium won’t be used by the Broncho football team for games this fall after the MIAA postponed the season, it will still see some play. “Last year was a very successful two weeks of football championships for our association,” said OSSAA Associate Director Mike Whaley. “Our membership and the schools that par-

ticipated in the 2019 championships thought the folks at UCO made the event special and memorable for all the students who took part.” Bronchos Athletic Director Stan Wagnon wasn’t at UCO for last year’s event. “We are glad the OSSAA decided to extend the contract for the next three years. Although I wasn’t here last year, I do know it was a success,” Wagnon said. “The opportunity to showcase our campus to so many Oklahomans is a major benefit of this and we are very glad for that.” “So many people agreed a centralized location for championships makes the experience so much bet-

ter,” Wagnon added. “We aim to make everyone’s experience at UCO a good one and a memorable one and we look forward to doing that again this year and in the years to come.” The OSSAA chose UCO over the University of Oklahoma, due in part to the success of the 2019 state championship held at Wantland Stadium. UCO provides a central location in the state of Oklahoma for teams to converge upon during the championships. With championships scheduled to begin in early December, Wantland Stadium will have to wait for official football games to resume inside.

Hurricane Laura

September 15, 2020

The Vista | 7

Edmond church aids Hurricane Laura clean up

Singer Baptist Church, in Singer, La., opened its building for volunteers to set up supply stations. While volunteers from Henderson Hills Baptist Church, of Edmond, Okla., served lunch and dinner in a drive-thru line, two women handed out goody bags with personal care items and other supplies like powdered Gatorade. (Gretchen Houk/The Vista)

Gretchen Houk

Contributing Writer

Hundreds of people in Singer, La., and the surrounding area are still without power after Hurricane Laura ripped through their small community of 320 people on Aug. 27, but an Edmond church partnered with Singer Baptist Church to feed those in need. Henderson Hills Baptist Church sent two teams to partner with Singer Baptist and provide over 1,500 hot meals from Sept. 2 to Sept. 6. Many residents are not able to cook

for themselves or are using barbeque equipment since they do not have electricity. High winds from the hurricane caused damage to power lines, which could take around six more weeks to fix. Singer Baptist Church, Singer High School and the Singer Fire Station have set up to offer supplies and food to the community, as they rebuild homes and buildings. Singer is located about 70 miles inland, and is one of many communities in the Beauregard Parish, located in

The Singer Feed & General Store in Singer, La. still has damaged goods in their parking lot almost two weeks after Hurricane Laura made landfall. The roof of the store blew off due to the high winds, and some of their products sustained water damage. (Gretchen Houk/The Vista)

western Louisiana. They previously had two stores, Singer Feed & General Store and Singer Food Store, but Singer Food was destroyed by the hurricane. A large number of people are not able to work because their buildings are damaged or lack electricity. Many residents work at the DeRidder Paper Mill, but it has not been operating due to the power outages. Singer Baptist Church is now set-

ting up to be an official cooling station after the National Guard stepped in and provided two large generators to power their building and fellowship hall, where they are distributing supplies. Singer residents as well as those from neighboring communities will be able to come from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as of Sept. 7, to cool off from the heat and eat meals provided by the National Guard.