Monday, May 8, 2023

Monday, May 8, 2023

Cowgirls’ offense ‘couldn’t make it happen’; Sooners sweep OSU

one more hit than OSU, but the Cowgirls didn’t capitalize with runners on.

Oklahoma’s need for courtroom interpreters

At the age of 10, Edgar Escalante interpreted for a family friend speaking with an attorney about a workers’ compensation case.

Now 35 years old, Escalante is one of 85 registered court interpreters in Oklahoma. Court officials said Oklahoma doesn’t have enough interpreters. Having an interpreter in court is important to the criminal defendant who

‘Man, I

needs one but to the judges, too. A Payne County judge said it is vital to be able to communicate with the court when the defendant is not able to speak English.

“There must be an interpreter present to ensure a truthful and accurate dialogue between them,” Associate District Judge Michael Kulling said.

This year, to better reach candidates in the northwest part of the state, the Certified Courtroom Interpreter Program added a spring training program in Woodward on March

look

From start to finish, OSU just couldn’t get it done.

The No. 7 Cowgirls fell to No. 1 Oklahoma 5-1 on Sunday, suffering a series sweep and dropping to 41-13 on the year and 10-8 in conference play.

Offensive woes continued for OSU, as it had just three hits up until the sixth inning. The Cowgirls didn’t plate their only run of the day until the bottom of the sixth inning, when Micaela Wark delivered an RBI-double down the right-field line to score Chyenne Factor.

The Sooners had just

“I felt like we could have scored runs here today,” OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said. “We just didn’t get enough put together. We had some chances but just didn’t couldn’t make it happen.”

The missed opportunities started early. In the second inning, Wark and Morgyn Wynne hit consecutive singles, giving the Cowgirls two runners on with no outs. It was quickly followed by a bunt from Katelynn Carwile, who reached base, but OU instead took the force-out at third to prevent Wark from advancing.

See Offense on 3

24. There is fall training program on October 4 through 6 in Tulsa.

Interpreters who com

plete the training and pass the exam are registered with the state office. Interpreters can also become certified, which means they are more proficient in both languages. Escalante’s name and contact information is on the Registered Courtroom Interpreters list made available to the state’s district court clerks. He is registered in Spanish.

See Interpreters on 5

like a dumbass now’

OSU’s Gajewski discusses pitching change in Bedlam loss

Gabriel Trevino Sports Editor

Entering the top of the seventh, the Cowgirls and freshman pitcher Kyra Aycock looked to shutout the No. 1 Sooners for the first time since 2019.

Aycock to that point pitched six clean innings only allowing three hits and two walks against the best offense in the country.

But after two hard hits, a run scored and another runner on, OSU coach Kenny Gajewski gave the ball to Kelly Maxwell to preserve the lead.

She didn’t, and after three more runs would score off Maxwell, the Sooners completed a rally and defeated OSU 4-2 in the second game of the Bedlam softball series in Stillwater on Saturday.

The night before, Maxwell tossed 3.1 innings and allowed four runs in a loss, but Gajewski was still confident in her to close the game.

See Bedlam on 2

File Photo

“I felt like the swings were changing,” Gajewski said

“I made that move, and it backfired on us. Obviously.”

Luke Tolbert

OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said he should have left in freshman pitcher Kyra Aycock to finish out the seventh inning of OU’s 4-2 comeback win Saturday evening.

Brylee Smith

O’Colly Contributor

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Bedlam...

Continued from 1

Maxwell and Lexi Kilfoyl — who allowed two runs in 2.2 innings on Friday — warmed up, but with two lefties in OU’s lineup due up, Gajewski wanted Maxwell. Maxwell hit OU’s Rylie Boone with a pitch as she attempted a bunt, then, Tiare Jennings smashed a two-RBI double to left-center and Cydney Sanders hit a single to left, bringing in Jennings.

Aycock threw 105 pitches with only one run before being pulled, and while she returned to get the final out of the inning, the damage was already done.

“Man, I look like a dumbass now,” Gajewski said, “I should have just left her in and see what happened. But we’re gonna do what we think is best, we know our team, and it backfired on us here.”

In six games against OU in her

career, Maxwell has a 6.03 ERA in 23.2 innings while allowing 27 hits and 19 walks.

In 2022, Maxwell established herself as one of the best pitchers in the country with a 1.22 ERA in 189.2 innings and struck out 313 batters. This year, she’s still OSU’s ace, but has taken a step back, with a 1.78 ERA in only 117.2 innings and 193 strikeouts.

“(I told her after the game) to keep her head up, this program is in the spot that we’re in because of her,” Gajewski said. “She’s a prideful kid, so she shoulders everything. So, she’s pretty down, I get it. I feel for her. But I think she’ll bounce back. She’s a tough kid. She’s still having an incredible year. Maybe not as much as last year, but it’s tough. They’ve seen her a lot, it makes it hard.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Luke Tolbert

Kyra Aycock returned to finish the seventh inning of Saturday’s game in place of Kelly Maxwell, who gave up two earned runs in 2/3 innings.

Offense...

Continued from 1

The missed opportunities started early. In the second inning, Wark and Morgyn Wynne hit consecutive singles, giving the Cowgirls two run-

ners on with no outs. It was quickly followed by a bunt from Katelynn Carwile, who reached base, but OU instead took the force-out at third to prevent Wark from advancing.

Then, Tallen Edwards reached base, before Carwile and Wynne each were out on the play. Just like that, having runners on with no outs was put to rest with nothing to show for it.

Lexy Kilofyl got the start in the series’ final game and pitched six innings in the loss. She recorded five strikeouts, walked four batters and surrendered seven hits. Three of the Sooners’ five runs were earned. The Cowgirls didn’t have one of their typical defensive outings, either. They had a couple errors and didn’t capitalize on opportunities to make plays.

Chase Davis

“Our defense right now is not very good,” Gajewski said. “That’s a frustrating thing for me, (we) can’t give postseason runs, and this is like a postseason match here. And so those are things that we can go back and forth on, but we have some hitters that are grownups and going through some good stuff.”

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The Cowgirls didn’t score their first run until the sixth inning of Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Oklahoma.

Sooners overcome early OSU boost, keep Cowgirls in slide sports

Sam Hutchens Staff Reporter

Steadily, the Oklahoma Sooners sapped whatever energy senior OSU outfielder Chyenne Factor jolted into Cowgirl Stadium with a mighty swing in the first inning.

Factor electrified the 1,602 fans — a Cowgirl Stadium record, thanks to the recently installed metal grandstand in right field — with a go-ahead three-run blast off OU’s Jordy Bahl in the bottom of the first.

But the Cowgirls would not bat with a lead again. The No. 1 Sooners, with the calm, relentless attack expected from a team entering the game with a 46-1 record, slowly overwhelmed OSU.

Oklahoma beat No. 7 OSU 8-3 on Friday evening in Stillwater.

“I felt good about what we were doing,” OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said. “We just couldn’t keep the momentum at any point.”

The Cowgirls (41-11, 10-6 Big 12) would not score after Factor’s home run.

“We got runners on early but it kind of plateaued after that,” Factor said. “You’ve got to keep scoring on them. We can’t score three runs and think we’re OK. They’re gonna score. They scored every inning but two.”

Sophomore OU infielder Cydney Sanders ensured the Cowgirls’ lead was short lived.

Batting with two runners on in the top of the second, Sanders hit a three-run home run off OSU starter Kelly Maxwell. Despite racking up five strikeouts in her three innings of work, Maxwell struggled with control. She walked five

Sooners and pitched high-stress innings. Runners on the bases were a constant plague for her to deal with.

The Cowgirls walked 12 batters.

“Obviously when you give 12 free passes to the best offense in the country that is what’s going to happen,” Gajewski said. “Kind of ugly. I can’t remember a game when we pitched like that in a long time here. Unfortunate that it happened here tonight in front

of a huge crowd and an opportunity to do some great things.”

Lexi Kilfoyl entered the game in Maxwell’s stead midway through the third inning. The Sooners (47-1, 15-1 Big 12) scored two runs on her and two on junior pitcher Ivy Rosenberry, who closed the game in the seventh.

Each of the OSU pitchers and OU’s Bahl, the Sooners’ star sophomore, dealt with the small strike zone of home plate umpire Mike Burwell.

Gajewski said the strike zone was a factor, but it didn’t favor either team.

“Do you want me to comment on that? Keep my job or get fined?” Gajewski said with a smile.

The Cowgirls have lost eight of their last ten games and have scored three or less runs in eight of those games.

Senior Morgyn Wynne, who joined Factor as the only other Cowgirl to get an extra base hit when she hit a double,

said she felt the Cowgirls’ offense made some strides from where it was last week but still needs to improve.

“We came out executing on the other team’s mistakes,” Wynne said. “Balls left down the middle and things like that. On the back half I think we started to get a little too greedy with balls in the dirt and balls over our head.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

The Sooners erased a 3-1 deficit and beat the Cowgirls 8-3 on Friday night.

Oklahoma also has 17 certified interpreters. Their languages include Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Indonesian, Marshallese, Romanian, Persian and Portuguese. With 77 counties in the state and many of these interpreters living outside Oklahoma, there are not enough interpreters with credentials available.

Registered interpreters must complete a two-day training program and pass language exams for both English and the foreign language they

speak. After becoming a registered interpreter, one can take an oral exam to become a certified interpreter.

“We need qualified candidates to come and go through the credentialing process,” Charles said. “It’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be easy. We need skilled language professionals on the roster, to make the spoken record in the courtroom. We don’t have enough. We are hoping to grow every year.”

When a certified or registered interpreter is not available, state law allows someone without those credentials to be used.

When Payne County needs a credentialed interpreter, but one isn’t available, the court clerk calls OSU’s

International Students and Scholars office. ISS Director Tim Huff sends over a staff member or graduate student who is proficient in the language that needs interpreting.

“We try to make sure it’s either staff or faculty, or students that have been here for a while and understand the English language and American culture,” Huff said.

Escalante moved to the United States from Mexico when he was 8 and interpreted for his parents frequently. As a child, he did not enjoy interpreting because it was time consuming. After he moved out of his parents’ house at 18, his interpreting skills were not used. But at his younger

brother’s funeral, he helped his family understand what his brother’s Englishspeaking friends were saying during the memorial service.

“After that I thought, ‘I have this skill set, how do I put it to use?’ and that’s when I started researching,” Escalante said.

During COVID, he started taking online classes to understand how the legal system works. He is finishing his Associate of Applied Science in Spanish/English Interpreting. He plans to take the certified interpreter exam during the next round of testing in September.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Gun violence in the US News

How it’s impacting the local community

Landon Bethea and Sam De La Paz O’Colly Contributors

In 2017, injuryfacts. nsc.org recorded 14,542 gunrelated homicides in the United States.

Since then, that number has spiked to nearly 21,000 in 2021. Gun violence is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States in the last six years. Homicide numbers are near the top of gun-related deaths each year.

Even in smaller communities with less gun violence than the big cities, citizens are becoming more afraid.

Lance Reece is a Stillwater resident concerned with the uptick in gun violence.

“I feel a little more fear,” Reece said. “It’s so hard to watch what feels like every day there’s another mass shooting. It almost feels normal. It sounds kind of messed up but that is the reality of the world we live in. I hate that it feels normal – but it does.”

Reece noted a lot of his fear stems from having children.

“It changes your life,” Reece said. “You’re more fearful about anything when you have kids.”

While there is concern about gun violence, there are people who don’t let it impact them.

Truett Fowler, a junior engineering major at Oklahoma State, doesn’t feel as worried.

“I mean it’s tough,” Fowler said. “While, yes, these things happen and it should be talked about, I don’t think it’s any type of way to live your whole life afraid. I’m just go -

ing to keep living my life and hope for the best. It’s all you can do.”

With both ends of the spectrum in the community, law enforcement wants to do the best it can to ensure public safety. Police officer Colt Chandler is at the forefront of the issue, serving as the Operations Captain at the Oklahoma State Police Department.

Chandler recognizes the community’s concern when it comes to gun violence.

“Regardless of your position or stature in your community, you feel like there is a fear associated with gun violence,” Chandler said. “I think it all depends on people’s experience, their upbringing, their background and their perception about the events that go on in society that help shape

that fear.” Chandler believes that it is OSUPD’s job to make sure people feel safe.

“What we want people to understand is that we take the community’s concerns and fears at heart and we are constantly trying to evaluate our measures to make sure they’re the most appropriate and relevant to our community,” Chandler said.

“With the perception of gun violence by community members, we want them to be confident in our approach and in our methods of response.”

Part of serving the community is having systems in place for citizens to use when there is a threat.

“On the OSU campus we have a great tool called the Rave Guardian app,” Chandler

said. “The Rave Guardian app allows you to communicate with our dispatch terminal either anonymously or via text message or phone call.”

“The unique thing is that behind the scenes, that app is allowing us to capture your location, if you enable it, allowing us to capture your location so that we don’t have to rely on the information you’re providing us,” he said.

Having the app in place is one of the many measures the OSUPD takes to ensure safety of the Stillwater community and public.

“We continually try to make sure that our officers are relevant in their efforts and that they’re fully prepared with equipment, resources and training to make sure that they can respond to any type

of situation that’s unfolding,” Chandler said.

“We want them to handle it to the best of their ability with professionalism, and make sure that the community trusts our ability to respond to those types of events.”

Even with the large gunrelated homicide numbers, law enforcement’s safety measures are not going unnoticed by the public.

“I know several police officers and I know that they work very hard and diligently every day,” Reece said. “They have one of the toughest jobs you could possibly imagine so I – we – most definitely appreciate everything they do for us.”

Courtesy of Tribune

In 2017, injuryfacts.nsc.org recorded 14,542 gun-related homicides in the United States.

What’s happening to the bees?

hundred years.”

The bee population in the United States is decreasing at a worrying pace and scientists have identified one condition responsible for this trend.

Colony Collapse Disorder is a phenomenon where worker bees do not return to the hive after collecting nectar and leave the colony to starve to death. Wyatt Hoback, professor of entomology at Oklahoma State University, notes a disturbing trend in how frequently this event occurs in the United States.

“Starting in the 90s, beekeepers have started losing between five and 30% of their colonies every year,” Hoback said. “It’s very possible to see the bee population die out in the next

In 2021, California, the state with the most commercial bee colonies in the United States, lost around 13% of its colonies. In the first quarter alone, over one in every five colonies suffered collapse.

Scientists have found several causes for Colony Collapse, but they have identified no primary cause. Insecticides, parasites, viruses and a lack of food variety are the most common causes.

Without the bees to pollinate certain plants, crops like almonds, apples and tomatoes would become more difficult and expensive to grow.

Brandon Henriquez, a graduate student at OSU studying entomology, notes the negative effects of these losses.

“If you were to start losing your main pollinators like bees, then polli-

Graphic Designers Wanted

nation would still occur, but you would lose a lot of biodiversity when it comes to plants,” Henriquez said. “Bees basically solo the pollination of almonds. If you lost them, no more almonds.”

“The more we lose bees, the more we lose fruits that are pollinated,” Hoback said. “Apples, oranges, almond trees; if we lose 20% of the bees, we lose 20% of the pollination and 20% of the production of those fruits.”

The two current solutions to this situation are importing or renovating new bee colonies. Renovation is when keepers give abandoned colonies enough resources to survive and repopulate.

Other nations, like Canada, Australia and most of Europe have banned the use of certain insecticides. Walmart is also attempting to solve this problem by making “robotic bees”

to pollinate crops in the place of real bees. Hoback said the United States is still using 38 pesticides that have been banned in most of the world.

“If Walmart is that worried about this, then we should all be at least paying attention that we got to fix stuff or it’s going to be bad,” Hoback said.

People often underestimate the severity of the situation involving Colony Collapse Disorder. When Marci Strait, a Stillwater resident, was informed about the phenomenon, she was shocked by the deaths caused by it.

“I knew that the bees were dying, but I didn’t know it was this bad,” Strait said. “The fact that millions of bees die every year because they don’t go home is terrifying. It’s crazy.”

The O’Colly Media Group is now hiring Advertising Designers for our ad and marketing departments. Duties include working on layouts, designing ads and assisting marketing department with media campaigns. Must be able to work part-time during the summer. Remote work hours possible. Hours are flexible, we will work around your class schedule. For more information contact Lori@ocolly.com or call 405-744-7355.

Courtesy of Tribune

Colony Collapse Disorder is a phenomenon where worker bees do not return to the hive after collecting nectar and leave the colony to starve to death.

Luke Presley O’Colly Contributor

The Perfect Swan

‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’

Michael Clark Staff Reporter Review

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe slowly fizzles out and collapses in on itself, it’s easy to forget about what made these films so great to begin with.

There hasn’t been a Marvel movie with real heart and soul since “Avengers: Endgame,” which was nearly half a decade ago.

Thankfully, James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” has reminded me of what I used to love about Marvel. It isn’t just the best Marvel movie since Phase 3, it might just be the best Marvel film ever made.

“Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” has the titular Guardians going on one last ride to save a friend from certain death. The entire movie plays with themes of mortality and handles the concept of death with the tenderness and emotion that the MCU has long been missing. The banter is funny, the characters are lovable, and the film is full of emotional moments.

James Gunn did not pull a single punch with this one, for better or worse. It’s a violent and dark film in that regard. With that darkness comes a unique tone and atmosphere that the MCU has been too scared to capture for many years. There is genuine dread and intensity here.

The movie left me on the edge of my seat through its

entire runtime, not just because of how depressing it can get, but also because I truly love these characters. Despite this, the sheer intensity of some of these scenes make it a bit hard to rewatch. Especially if you’re an animal lover.

Chukwudi Iwuji plays The High Evolutionary, and he acts every line perfectly, making for a truly intimidating and terrifying presence. Iwuji delivers easily one of the best performances the MCU has ever had.

Unfortunately, the tone is also very inconsistent. There is a scene where a character is on the floor seizing violently, and the very next scene has characters bantering casually as if nothing happened. It makes for a tonal whiplash that doesn’t bring the film down too much but is noticeable. What this film falls short of in consistent tone, it makes up for in every other department. The story is brilliantly written and sends off each and every character perfectly. The

Advertising Executives Needed

The O’Colly Media Group at OSU is now taking applications for advertising executives to work in our expanding Media operation. Duties include contacting clients and providing them with advertising options for print editions, online editions, special editions and advertising bundle specials. Applicants should be able to work office hours and meet clients at their businesses. Salary includes base pay, commission and bonuses. To apply come to room 106 in the Paul Miller Journalism office or email Lori@ocolly.com

ending is downright cathartic and I’ve been thinking about it nonstop since I left the theater on opening night. The movie feels like it really is directed by a person, unlike most Marvel movies with bland cinematography. There are clever shots, interesting uses of color and space, creative action sequences, and visual spectacles. It takes risks with its characters and challenges the audience in ways we have never seen in the MCU. It is a breath of fresh air in every extent.

All in all, what truly makes “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” so meaningful is how much heart it has. The movie loves its characters just as much as you do. It’s a satisfying, emotional, and hilarious send off to one of the best trilogies in recent memory. Sadly enough, it might just be the last big hit the MCU ever has. But if this is the end, at least it went out with a bang.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Tribune

Dave Bautista, left, and Pom Klementieff in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown

Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Spacious 1100 sq. ft

2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood

floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route. 405-372-7107.

Business Squares Business Squares Company Coming?

Check out “Cowboy Cabin”

550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium

Airbnb.com/h/cowboy-cabin

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (05/08/23). Reconnect with purpose this year. Consistent teamwork can realize dreams. Creativity, planning and organization blossom this spring. Adapt your partnership for summer circumstances, before autumn revitalizes your health, work and fitness. Refine your personal brand to shine next winter. Chart your course for the future.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most chal lenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Stick to practical professional priori ties. Conditions favor excellence that leads to rising influence projects for inspection. Don’t share unfinished work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Pursue new ideas without forgetting the basics. You can advance a long-distance connection. Avoid risky conditions. Adapt and pivot to get ahead. Investigate clues.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Maintain a philosophical attitude about money. Don’t gamble or worry. Monitor conditions. Stay practical. Communication unlocks a financial door. Pull together for common gain.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Creativity and romance blossom. Passions may run high. Extra patience pays a bonus. Support each other around a challenge. Provide stability and listen.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Practice your moves for ease and strength. Adapt methods, technologies and techniques for current conditions. Focus on what you know works. You’re building endurance.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — Breathe deeply and focus on what you love. Things may not be going as planned. You can see clearly what’s important. Prioritize practicalities.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Cleaning house erases mental cobwebs and potential arguments. Contribute extra effort for family harmony. Bake or cook up something delicious. Enjoy domestic comforts.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially brilliant. Propel a creative dream by inviting others to participate. Edit and tailor your message. Clean messes. Strengthen foundations. Listen and learn.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Financial illusions evaporate. Simplify to adapt to a shortfall or unexpected expense. Consider hidden long-term costs. Choose from practical options that conserve resources.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Dress for success. Focus on practical personal priorities. Pretenses fade. Clean messes and restore integrity where missing. Take extra care of yourself to recharge.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Enjoy private time to contemplate recent events. Research reveals interesting potential, under a mess. Consider your moves several steps ahead before making them.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Advance shared dreams through collaboration. Tackle a group project addressing messy circumstances. Find innovative solutions and new connections. Invite participation. Provide encouragement and leadership.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited

by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

By Katie Hale

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

5/8/23

5/8/23

35 Revolutionary Guevara

36 Hymn ender

37 A flat or B sharp

38 Squirreling away

40 Tilt

43 Root vegetables such as Detroit Dark Red and Bull’s Blood 45 Infant’s bodysuit 46 Belgium locale

48 More than sometimes

Word on a library poster

Solution to Saturday’s puzzle

5/8/23

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk