Feb 11 by The O'Colly

Thursday, February 11, 2021

The spark plug By Chris Becker Tatum Sparks walked into her first college locker room during her visit to Oklahoma State in 2016 — a locker room she will call her own next year. Sparks signed with the Cowgirls on Nov. 11, but has been committed since her freshman year at Shawnee High School. Deciding what school to attend wasn’t hard for her. Sparks’ brother, Tanner, played baseball at OSU for two seasons, and she is an Oklahoma native, but neither of those were the main factor. It was the people at OSU. “It’s a huge place, it’s a Division I school, but it does not feel huge, it feels homey and it’s a great atmosphere,” Sparks said. “Everyone there was so nice. We visited the training table, where the athletes eat, and the football team was there and they were nice. Everyone was so friendly, and that’s what really made me want to go there.” Committing as a freshman allowed Sparks to do something most high school athletes don’t get the luxury of doing. Playing four years of high school withSee Spark on pg. 4

Courtesy of Tatum Sparks OSU softball signee Tatum Sparks has been committed to the Cowgirls since her freshman season in high school.

LASSO from afar:

Joshua Cleary Despite classes returning to in-person teaching style, tutoring that is provided through Oklahoma State remains online.

By Marcus Trevino Students have finally settled in at Oklahoma State, restoring life to its

formerly empty buildings and grounds. The same cannot be said for the LASSO Center. The LASSO Center hosts tutoring facilities and educational help resources for students in all classroom and education settings within the school. Every door in Class-

room Building’s basement is shut two hours prior to the building’s official closing time with the same posted note. “Our office is telecommuting.” The next morning, all but one door is closed. In it, a student tutor is helping a freshman understand how to calculate probabilities in Elementary Statistics. But they’re doing so virtually. Tutoring sessions are held almost exclusively online, just as they were last semester. Accommodations can be made for in-person appointments, but they are not preferred and are not encouraged. “This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees and students utilizing our services,” instruction coordinator Tashia Cheves said. Students can use the Star System to make an appointment. Appointments must be made 12 hours in advance. Students can locate the Star System through the student portal, and scheduling an appointment is similar to booking a time to

speak with your advisor. “Students can also simply connect with a coach in the open-drop in zoom,” Cheves said. Information regarding that feature can be found on the LASSO Center’s website. So for now, the LASSO Center’s doors will remain shut and its halls will remain empty. One student, in particular, feels disconnected and inhibited behind their computer screen. “I struggle with learning during Zoom classes and I feel the same way with online tutoring,” sophomore Robert Fisher said. “I wish it were different but I like getting the help anyways.” Every student is different though, and Tony Flores said he prefers online tutoring. “I don’t make appointments often, but when I do it’s so convenient,” Flores said. “I don’t have to drive to campus and walk over there. That would suck during a week (such as) this one.” News.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Thursday, February 11, 2021

NEWS/Lifestyle

Red and white dinners 5 Valentine’s Themed Meals to Spice Up the Holiday to be put in. Garlic bread or a side salad pair great with this meal that can be shared with family and friends or just yourself. By Sheyenne Mitchell-Brown

It’s February, and whatever relationship one has with the infamous Valentine’s Day, that shouldn’t keep anyone from still having a little festive fun. Food is a great way to do this, and there are several recipes out there that can help the novice chef or baker to the professionals have a smile this Valentine’s Day. Here are the O’Colly’s top picks this February:

Spaghetti and Meatballs: Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic, easy-tocook meal that is a staple in America’s pantry. The red sauce and optional yet delicious white parmesan cheese fit the holiday theme without much effort having

Chicken Alfredo:

This meal is just as easy as making spaghetti and just as cheap. The white sauce fits into the theme while also allowing room for a red side dish or other red table decorations. The chicken may be substituted for shrimp or just the cheese sauce. This meal is flexible for any dietary needs.

Pizza:

Sticking with the Italian style, pizza is another easy, cheap option for dinner this Valentine’s Day. The red sauce and white cheese allow even the most low maintenance celebrators proof to show they put in a little effort to celebrate the day. Pizza can be ordered, bought frozen or people can

buy kits to try to make it themselves. Cooking pizza with friends or a significant other is a perfect activity if everyone just wants to stay in for the night.

Strawberry Waffles: Breakfast for dinner is always a fun way to mix up the routine. Waffles are also cheap and easy. You can buy them pre-prepared in a box or frozen, or make them yourself with less than 10 ingredients. Once you have your waffles, top them with fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup or a strawberry compote to add some red to your Valentine’s Day meal.

sic dessert. Again, this dessert is easy, cheap and fun. All one needs is strawberries, a type of chocolate and a way to melt the chocolate. This activity can be a fun time with friends or family, or a romantic night with a significant other. It’s delicious and easy, and the red strawberries fit perfectly into the color theme of the holiday. Entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The list would not be complete without this clas-

Unsplash

Stillwater COVID-19 update: Feb. 10 By Ryan Novozinsky

O’Colly file photo.

Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

CHRIST’S CHURCH! I became a Christian in November 1956 in Japan while a member of the U.S. Air force. Shortly after, a friend and I traveled to visit some missionaries. While talking with one, I asked him; Which group or church should I join? There are so many. Which one is right? Wisely, he did not answer my question directly, but handed me a church card and said, I have heard that God is working in a wonderful way at this church. If you get an opportunity, it would be good to go by and visit. On my way back to my base, I prayed that the Lord would get me stationed near Waco, Texas if he wanted me to visit this church. My orders came in a few days later, I was stationed at Ft. Worth, Texas, 85 miles from Waco. I had a wonderful time there. Was it a perfect church? No! But God taught me many good things while there that

laid a solid foundation for my Christian life. The real church (Called out ones) is made up of individuals around the world who have responded to the gospel message. They have opened their hearts to Christ, put their trust in Him as their Saviour and Lord. Their sins are forgiven and they have a new life by the Holy Spirit. The church is growing in China and the Far east. Though persecuted, God is calling out people in the Middle East. The church is South America is expanding in many places. All over the World, people are responding to the call of Christ to trust and follow him. The meetings and outward forms vary, but the Lord is building his church. (Mt.16:18) God’s love gift, the good news, is still offered to all through Christ. Be sure it is yours! Come and follow Jesus!

The official Oklahoma coronavirus database on Wednesday reported 262 active cases in Stillwater. These new numbers bring the city’s total cases to 5,826 with 21 deaths and 5,543 recoveries. On the state level, the health department reported 1,660 new cases, bringing the total confirmed positive cases to 407,724. The state also reported 30 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total to 3,900. There have been 380,167 total recoveries since COVID reached Oklahoma in March. Oklahoma state officials are encouraging Oklahomans to wash their hands, stay away from sick individuals and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. The virus is primarily spread from person-to-person with symptoms usually appearing two to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms of the coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. News.ed@ocolly.com

Page 4 Thursday, February 11, 2021

OSU softball signee Tatum Sparks can play anywhere on the field for the Cowgirls.

Spark Continued from pg. 1 without wondering if they’re going to get an offer to play at the next level. That opportunity took

away some stress of high school sports for her to just have fun playing the sport she loves. “I already knew that is where I wanted to be,” Sparks said. “There was no use in trying to find other scholarships and stuff. I’m glad I did it.” Sparks ends her high school career as the No. 25 recruit in the country, ac-

cording to Extra Inning Softball. Sparks is listed as a utility player for the Cowgirls in the official signing day roster. She is a true utility player who can be put at any position on the field, and her coaches can trust that she’ll get the job done. Sparks has played all positions on the field including in the circle at some

Courtesy of Tatum Sparks

point in her playing career. “(OSU) is getting a tremendous athlete and a tremendous young lady,” Shawnee High School coach David Rolette said. “She’s just extremely smart about the game. I can put her anywhere on the field, and she’d probably be our best player.” Sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports Notebook: Cowboy baseball continues to prepare for season

Max Hewitt at bat during the Oklahoma State vs. Saint Louis baseball game on March 11, 2020 at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium.

By Jacob Sturm

ton State on Feb. 19, playing a three-game series against the Bearkats before returning home to open O’Brate Stadium. Here’s what we know so far.

Third base clarity

Baseball season is just around the corner, and the Oklahoma State Cowboys continue preparations for Entering the 2021 seatheir O’Brate Stadium debut. son, OSU will be searching OSU opens at Sam Hous-

for a replacement for Kaden Polcovich at third base. A solution to the predicament might already be known. Christian EncarnacionStrand. OSU coach Josh Holliday said there is nice competition for the infield spots, even with Encarnacion-Strand making an impression at third base. “I’d say Christian Encarnacion has played really well at third base,” Holliday said. “He’ll definitely be in the mix

Abby Smith

come opening day at third base.” OSU’s depth goes beyond the starters. The versatility within the infield gives Holliday more options to work with. “We’ve got some good depth at third, with Nolan Mclean and Jake Thompson as well as a couple of good freshmen infielders that can See Notebook on pg. 6

Page 6 Thursday, February 11, 2021

sports Notebook Continued from pg. 5 move around the infield, play multiple spots,” Holliday said. “So, I like our options there.”

Eric Walker progressing The Cowboys pitching rotation is coming together.

Parker Scott headlines the list, but LSU graduate transfer Eric Walker excites the Cowboys coaching staff. “I’m super rooting for Eric,” Holliday said. “He had a good early fall. He got a little bit sore late in the fall. He’s working through some of that soreness and trying to get back to full speed on the mound. His second semester work has been good to this point.” Walker suffered Tommy John surgery in the summer of 2017, missing the entire 2018 season at LSU. Holliday doesn’t doubt Walker can provide a positive im-

pact to the team when the Cowboys get him back 100% healthy. “If healthy, Eric is a very experienced, skilled pitcher who’s taken the ball and pitched in some of the biggest environments in College baseball and been awfully good at it,” Holliday said.

Max Hewitt will play catcher This past season, Max Hewitst alternated time between the catcher and sec-

ond base position. With this team, Hewitt will spend his time as the catcher. “Max is working 99% of the time at catcher,” Holliday said. “And that’s the position that, for this particular ballclub, he’ll be counted upon most to do his thing.” Hewitt played a lot of catcher over the summer when given the opportunity in Tulsa. He said he feels good about his preparation and that he learned a lot this offseason. Sports.ed@ocolly.com

Adam Luther

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Roommates Wanted Room for rent: $300/month includes bath, washer/dryer. Stillwater. 918-630-0319

Help Wanted

The O’Colly at OSU is now taking applications for student ad representatives. Duties include contacting clients and providing them with advertising options for print editions, online editions, special editions and advertising bundling specials. Students should be able to meet clients at their businesses.

To apply come to room 106 in the Paul Miller email Lori@ocolly. com

Business Squares

4pm-9pm you can get steak, a side of your choice, and a salad bar, all for only $10 at Freddie

of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come

Visit us for more information at http:// freddiepauls.com or give us a call at 405-377-8777. See ya there!

Shop located on 128 N. Main

Furniture Showcase is Furniture & Mattress Store! Located in Downtown Stillwater, we can help you design any room. Visit http://Stillwater FurnitureShowcase.com to see more!

Need some extra cash? Visit become a donor today! Located on Washington Street and open everydayeven weekends!”

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on Downtown Stillwater

Church Meetings Join us every Sunday for our live streaming services! Matins @ 8:50am and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00am.”

Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”

UKirk university group at First Presbyterian Church meets every week! Join us for

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Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.! For more information or for Zoom access, visit us at stillwaterfpc.com

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 Appreciate 6 Goat of the Alps 10 Fine cotton 14 Turing and Cumming 15 Resentful 16 Screen image 17 Security perimeter feature 20 Extraction by rescue copter, e.g. 21 Contented sighs 22 Helpful 23 Like the lawn at dawn 24 Camping gear retailer with an #OptOutside campaign 25 “Seasons in the Sun” songwriter 26 Formally begins, as a meeting 31 Clutch 33 Lightkeeper’s view 34 Afore 35 Successfully lured 38 High-intensity light source 41 “Much __ About Nothing”: “The Simpsons” episode 42 Have a good cry 44 Pocket bread 45 Navy Cross recipient, for one 50 “Buy It Now” site 51 Best-liked, online 52 Nearly here 56 “That’s enough!” 58 Peruse, with “over” 59 __-deep: very involved 60 Self-taught creators, in modern lingo, and a hint to each set of circles 63 Mystery writer Gardner 64 “The Hobbit” soldiers 65 Starts a pot 66 __ Inn 67 Pool strikers 68 So-so effort, in sports

2/11/21

By Chuck Deodene

DOWN 1 Used Juul pods 2 “__ Supreme”: classic Coltrane album 3 Old NBC legal drama 4 Street performer’s vehicle 5 PC key 6 Holy Land nation 7 [“You need new glasses, ump!”] 8 Low nos. for aces 9 Crossed (out) 10 Filch 11 Lukewarm “You hungry?” reply 12 Comfy shoes 13 German tennis player Huber 18 British peer 19 NYC division 25 Piglet’s dad 27 “Just __ water” 28 Sun __ 29 Humorist Bombeck 30 One ab crunch, say 31 Native Arizonans 32 In a luxurious manner 35 Sheep’s dad

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

36 Words of surprise 37 Easter lead-in? 39 EMT skill 40 Pride Rock monarch 43 Using coercion 46 Hieroglyphics birds 47 Filmmaker Jacques 48 Beset 49 At any time

2/11/21

53 App with pics 54 Order to a Western posse 55 “Siddhartha” author 56 Like dorms for men and women 57 Radiance 58 Lake Titicaca is partly in it 61 MRI interpreter 62 Browser window feature

Daily Horoscope Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (02/11/21). Bloom like a rose this year. Develop passocial turning point this spring, before summer love, family and fun delight. Navigate family changes next winter, before a sparkling phase with friends and community. Savor the spotlight. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Level 1

efforts. Celebrate breakthroughs in friendship, social networks and community following the Aquarius New Moon. Share love, support and appreciation. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Professional opportunities shine under the Aquarius New Moon. Develop projects from idea to reality. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Consider new perspectives. A new two-week phase favoring education, travels and exploration dawns under this Aquarius New Moon. Make long-distance connections and bold discoveries. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Find creative ways to grow your family nest egg. A lucrative phase dawns with this New Moon. Launch Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Begin a new chapter together. Support each other through change or transformation. Strengthen bonds and deepen roots. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — You’re physically energized for a few weeks. This New Moon sparks growing health and strength. Put your heart into your actions. Practice for strong performance. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — This Aquarian New Moon initiates a family, fun and passion phase. A romantic relationship transforms. It’s all for love and love for all. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Wrap your love around home and family. A blissful domestic phase arises with this New Moon. Seeds tions. Breakthroughs arise in conversation under the New Moon in Aquarius. Make powerful connections. Invite participation. Creative projects reach new heights. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Assume new levels of prosperity. Discover fresh markets and shift position to tap into a win-win situation. Begin a lucrative two-week New Moon phase. capacities and skills to new levels over two weeks with this New Moon in your sign. Begin a period of personal growth. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle in the dark of the New Moon. Dreams seem within

2/11/21

Solution to Wednesday’s puzzle

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 © 2021 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.