Museum successful OMHF looks for volunteers for future tours and teachings.

See page 6

Hamby strives A look inside the life of an aspiring local musician and radio personality.
See page 13

Vo l u m e 1 0 3 , I s s u e 2 3 | Tu e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 1 , 2 0 1 2 | Ta h l e q u a h , O k l a . 7 4 4 6 4

Upgrades continue Heart Walk helps local families

Jordyn Jorgenson
Tne WriTer In 1999, the American Heart Association set a bold 10-year goal to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. The American Heart Association achieved the reduction in deaths ahead of schedule and made substantial progress against three of the six risk factors in heart disease. Because of this success, the Board of Directors approved a 2020 Impact Goal. This new goal looks beyond helping people reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke by focusing on helping them build stronger health and a better quality of life. This April, NSU students will help the American Heart Association achieve their new goal. The Tulsa Heart Walk is one of the largest fundraisers for the American Heart Association, said Jaime Christensen, exposure chairman for NAB. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women over 25. It kills more women in Oklahoma than any form of cancers combined. According to their website, heartwalk.org, The Tulsa Heart Walk is a 5k walk for families and people of all ages that will start and finish at the ONEOK Field. I originally signed up because I enjoy walking and felt that it was even more of a bonus to walk for a cause, said Rachel Gentges, Bartlesville junior. I also hope to gain some event planning experience for my major, which is a BBA in hospitality and tourism management and learn more about heart disease so I can educate people with the obtained knowledge. Two years ago, NAB took a trip to Texas over fall break to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race continued on page 2

Jon Dallis/TNE Campus improvements continue at the Second Century Plaza. A talented university worker welds a new decorative archway.

Students consider November elections

Amy HoWe
Tne WriTer With the November presidential elections drawing ever nearer, NSU students are beginning to consider their various voting options. Oklahoma is just one of the many states to be a part of the Super Tuesday primary. This year, this primary will be held on March 6. Some students are already set on their candidate. I could write volumes on why I support Ron Paul, said Steven Tyler English, Broken Arrow freshman. Ron Paul is the only candidate running who has been consistent on his message for the past twenty years. The same cannot be said for the other candidates. Students who have already selected their candidate are quite passionate about their choice. I support Ron Paul as president because I support the idea of freedom, said Kendra Lizama, Tahlequah senior. He is the only candidate totally committed to individual liberty - socially and economically. He has never flipflopped on issues. According to the Oklahoma State Election Board website, www.ok.gov/elections, while there is no polling location on NSUs campus, there is a wide array of polling place throughout Tahlequah. Students also have the option of absentee voting and early voting. This gives students many opportunities to vote. It is especially important for young people to vote right now. We have the most at stake, said Lizama. The issues facing the country directly affect us today. It is our money, our jobs, and our futures in jeopardy. According to the most recent census, young people ages 18 to 25 statistically have the lowest average of voter turnout in every election. Some students are hoping to encourage others to counter this unfortunate statistic. I believe it is important for young people to become involved in the political process, said Paul Watson, Broken Arrow sophomore. We are blessed to live the comfortable lives we do and in such a great nation, but if we carelessly throw away our responsibility to preserve those things, we will surely lose them. Many see voting as more than just a spe- continued on page 2

To err is human. To fix it is TNE Policy. Corrections can be found on Page 4. To report a correction call 918.444.2890. TNE Web site: www.nsunews.com

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NAB to participate in Tulsa Heart Walk

continued from page 1 for
the Cure. This was the closest NAB has ever come to doing an event similar to the Tulsa Heart Walk. This year, however, the participants will not be asked to pay an entry fee. We are coming together as a team and setting a fundraising goal, said Christensen. We are always taking donations and pledges. Christensen said they sold Crush cans and candy grams as a Valentines Day fundraiser. In the future, they hope to have a dunk tank on the U.C. lawn, and put on a red dress fashion show. There are 12 students participating in the Tulsa Heart Walk with NAB looking to better the community and the population, and they hope to recruit more members once other students see all that they are doing to bring attention to the cause. I signed up for the Tulsa Heart Walk because I know its a healthy thing to do and not only do I benefit from it, I am also helping others in return, said Christine Cox, Locust Grove freshman. I hope to lose the last few pounds I have been trying to lose, and know deep down that it is also helping me prevent heart disease. Students participating in the Tulsa Heart Walk are helping a cause that hits close to home. On Jan. 4, a fighter was born. His name is Ryker Mullinax, and he was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, Hypo plastic Aortic Valve, Hypo plastic Mitral Valve, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, ASD, large PDA, mild aortic insufficiency along with Pulmonary Hypertension. Mullinax has undergone four surgeries and will undergo his next surgery around six months of age, with his final surgery being around two years of age. We have decided to name the NSU student team participating in the Tulsa Heart Walk Team Ryker in honor of Ryker Mullinax, said Christensen. He is just over a month old and already been through four surgeries, which is amazing. The Tulsa Heart Walk is making it easy for students to participate raise money for their cause. According to their website, they have a mobile app to help fundraise on the go. This app includes fundraising messages for texting, Facebook and Twitter updates and emails. It links to phones contacts so users can skip the contact list upload. Ultimately I hope to provide an opportunity for other students to become involved in charitable cause that they normally wouldnt have been able to, said Christensen. It provides an eyeopening experience while benefiting many people. Knowing what a great impact we can be making

Courtesy Photo Ryker Mullinax is an inspirational infant, having undergone four heart surgeries since his birth a little more than six weeks ago. Ryker is successfully recovering every day.

on others lives through simple actions makes the work worthwhile. Giving back to the community provides a rewarding sense of pride especially while carrying a full school load. This is an excellent opportunity for students to start their lives serving others. The Tulsa Heart Walk takes

place April 21, from 8 a.m. until noon. All proceeds go to the American Heart Association. Students, faculty and staff interested in donating can contact the Student Activities office at 918.444.2526. For more information, email jorgenso@nsuok.edu.

Voting encouraged
privileged. It is a duty for all Americans to be performed proudly. Unfortunately, people do not vote because it is a hassle or a waste of time. That is so far from the truth, its ridiculous, said English. People should vote not only for this reason, but they should also care about what is happening in this country. The public is as good as herded sheep when voter turnout is so very low. Several students who have never had the opportunity to participate in an election are excited for

continued from page 1 cial

the chance to make their voices heard. When you vote, you are telling your party what you want to see more of, said Watson. So voting is the peoples voice telling the government what to do. Registration for voting is still available in preparation for Super Tuesday. Students can go the Oklahoma State Election Board website for a printable application. These can be turned in at the local county election board, the post office, or a tag agency. For more information, email howe01@nsuok.edu

The Northeastern

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RHA offers safe activities for students on campus

Amy HoWe
Tne WriTer A large number of students here at NSU live on campus in various forms of student housing. What many do not know is there is an organization designed to make dorm living a little bit easier. Residence Halls Association is made up of a group of students who have come together to stand up for those who live on campus. We work extremely close with housing to provide educational programs, said Heather Emery, Poteau graduate student and former president of RHA. They are also free and safe alternatives to off campus activities that sometimes can occur. According to the RHA Facebook page, every resident who lives in campus housing is automatically made a member of RHA, and a small portion of housing costs for students go directly to the budget for the organization. This alone is a reason for on-campus students to be a part of RHA. They have a decent programming budget to host fun and informative events based on what the residents want, said Leslie Byrd, a hall manager for university housing. Administrators frequently solicit RHA for advice and opinions on things such as the renovation of the cafe and other items that affect students. Many campus residents are already familiar with some of the events hosted every year by RHA. Our biggest event is The Luau, which is held beginning of the fall semester, said Risa Sugiura, Japan and treasurer for RHA. We provide opportunity to students, student organizations and faculties to experience campus involvement. In the past, RHA has made many outstanding leaps forward for on-campus students, including transforming the same-gender residence halls to co-ed dorms. The organization has also helped to improve safety standards in the residence halls, like the cameras and card locks. When I was in RHA from 2004 to 2008, we were able to get the halls to be co-ed, we got the fitness center to be free for residents and we got the laundry to be free as well, said Byrd. We even had an even called Bed Races, where we had teams sign up and we used old housing beds to race down Lewis St. RHA also has many different services for students, from professional development to social and personal services for a wide variety of student issues. RHA also serves as the voice of residents and can connect students to the proper people when they are having difficulties adapting to college life, whether those issues are personal, complaints about facilities and work orders, said Emery. It also fosters a community to create future leaders within the residence halls. Some of the invaluable programs sponsored by RHA are not only fun and informative. They also help to promote health and responsibility among students. We host We Gotcha Covered, which is a safe sex awareness program, as well as the breast cancer awareness campaign, and the alcohol awareness program. said Sugiura. RHA is continuing to listen to residents and encourage them to become more involved with their individual lives on campus. It is a fairly intimate group of invested and empowered students that are always looking for new faces to help freshen up the agenda, said Byrd. RHA general meetings are held in Leoser 126 on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. All students are encouraged to attend and stay posted on upcoming RHA events. For more information, email howe01@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

OPINION

Page 4 February 21, 2012

School spirit should be priority among students

This past weekend members of our writing staff had an opportunity to work hands on with an area high school. While working with these young students we realized they had an extraordinary amount of school spirit. These teens expressed themselves in a way that not only showed their personality, but also showed the world exactly how they feel about their school. We began to think about our university, how well do students, alumni and members of the NSU community really show their spirit? Occasionally during sporting events and campus wide planned events such as homecoming, the community comes out showing their appreciation and love for the university. But what about the months in between? Is it the fact that people just simply dont want to participate anymore? Or maybe students are just doing too much in their daily lives that they dont have time to show pride for their university. We need to come together and support our faculty, staff and RiverHawks. In conversation one student said people care more about OU or OSU than they do about NSU. Universities such as OU have the support of people from all over the country. Their fan base is phenomenal and their support at events is nearly mind blowing, but why cant NSU be similar. NSU is a century old institution with a rich history of educating generations of students. Our university has Courtesy photo left its mark on Rowdy the RiverHawk always exibits his school spirit. Students, faculty and the community staff are encouraged to show their school spirit every day. by working with the people who live in it. It may not be as popular or as big as some of the other colleges in the state but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. It is the nature of journalism that newspapers must report the good and the bad and on occasion we print things that may not always paint the school in a positive light. This can sometimes create a false sense that we just want to stir up trouble for the university. On the contrary. The staff at TNE recognize the opportunity to have access to such a great learning tool in an environment where we get a chance to tackle some real world issues. Having a student newspaper gives us just another way to promote NSU and the many activities surrounding campus life and the university. So in the slow months between big games and graduation, consider why you attended NSU and what you hope to gain from your time here. NSU may not be perfect, but its a good school that still has a lot to offer.

Adviser: Editor in Chief: Layout Editor: Senior Staff Writer:

Cassie Freise Jonathan Dallis Amber Covington Kimberly Doyle Misty Grady Daniel Talbot Kira Coker Amy Howe Mike York Stephanie Girdner Kyle Eubanks Erica Jones

ext. 2874 ext. 2890 ext. 2890

Staff Writers:

Stacie Guthrie Jordyn Jorgenson ext. 2890

Ad Manager: Senior Ad Rep: Ad Staff: Webmaster: Circulation Managers: TNE Official Mascot:

Chihiro Abiru

Daniel Talbot Greyson Freise

Kyle Eubanks

POSTMASTER: Send PS from 3579 to NSU, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. The Northeastern (USPS # 395-580) is published weekly throughout the year except college holidays by Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 74464-2399. Periodicals postage paid at Tahlequah. Postmaster: send address changes to Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., 744642399. For more information about advertising, classified or display, call 444-2890, seven days in advance of desired publication date. Editorial statements in The Northeastern and readers letters reflect those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of The Northeastern, its editors, staff, adviser or the administration of NSU. The opinions and comments therein do not necessarily reflect the policies or beliefs of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges or the regional universities and that the student newspaper is not an official medium or expression of the Board or the regional universities. The Northeastern is a public forum. All submissions become property of The Northeastern. This publication was printed by The Muskogee Phoenix and issued by NSU as authorized by House Bill 1714. Four thousand copies were printed at a total cost of $695 for 32 pages. The Northeastern is a member of the Associated College Press Association, Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association, Society of Collegiate Journalists and College Media Advisers. e-mail address: tne@nsuok.edu.

Letters to the Editor

The Northeastern accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be relatively short and to the point, and must include your name, and contact information in case we need to contact you about your submission. We also encourage submission of any story ideas or pictures. Email letters, stories or pictures to tne@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

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Sony PlayStation preparing to launch Vita

sTAcie guTHrie Tne WriTer The mark of the next handheld system is upon the gaming community and the date is approaching fast. Many of the PlayStation mobile gamers have long awaited the release of the Vita on Feb. 22. There are those who ordered the First Edition Bundle, which includes the 3G/Wi-Fi model Vita, 4GB memory card and other items. Those diehard fans received their PS Vita a week in advanced. I got my Vita a week early and I would say that the best improvement is the sheer power of the Vita, said Colten Boston, Hulbert freshmen. The Vita is getting close to producing PS3 quality graphics, something the PSP could only dream of. I believe my favorite function will be the new style of gaming but I have yet to decide. This device was obviously built for the hardcore gamer and that is where it shines. New features for the PS Vita include the new and improved 5-inch OLED display, which is said to be superior to the iPhones screen. In addition to the front touch screen, located on the back of the Vita there is a second touchpad decorated with Sonys usual triangles, circles, squares and crosses. The back of the Vita also has a rear-facing camera, alongside a front-facing camera. One of the more hyped features of the Vita is the new form of Dual-Joysticks. These are not the flat circle pads as on other handheld systems they are raised joysticks like those, which would be found on console controllers. Im excited about the Vita because I will be able to play PS3 games when the TV is unavailable, said Aaron Christie, Tahlequah freshman. There are some minor flaws, as with other systems. The Vitas battery life is not the most outstanding and if the battery fails, there is no way the user can replace it. The Vita also requires the user to purchase a separate memory card to even be able to play certain Vita games. The cameras are lower resolution than most smart phones but they work perfectly for augmented reality. According to a review on destructoid.com, As far as memory sticks go, my biggest issue with them is just how small they are compared to the size of the games on offer. For a game system that tries to push digital distribution, this is a real issue. Advertising has not been heavily utilized with the Vita. For an individual to actually learn more about the Vita they will have to The PS Vita will make a statement on the gaming industry. In time they will see if all of their hard work has paid off. Having

Courtesy photo The Vita has some tough coupetition as far as electronics go. With competetion ranging from the PSP, Nintendo DS series and even smart phones which are game friendly and have many of the same features as the Vita.

to compete with smartphones, which are infringing on the gaming industry will be a challenging

task for the Vita to overcome. For more information, email guthries@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

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OMHOF welcomes student volunteers

KirA coKer
Tne WriTer Students who enjoy volunteering, having fun or looking to volunteer somewhere on Saturdays consider the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame located in Muskogee. If they love music, being around people and they want to have a fun way to volunteer this would be that perfect opportunity, said Penny Kampf, executive director of OMHOF. Also, possibly get to meet some great musicians. Students will be able to assist with tours and will be given the chance to learn about the inductees at the OMHOF and information about Oklahoma music history. Volunteers do training before for a better understanding of museum and its contents. I dont want students to think, well I dont know a whole lot about it so I dont want to do it, said Kampf. That is why we want to have a training program and for them to ask questions. The volunteer hours are flexible and can be used towards an internship. I would like to have them on set times and dates, said Kampf. I would like for them to be able to commit to at least two days a week. We would love to do some internships, but we do not have the ability to do a paying internship. Students who are interested in volCourtesy photo The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is open for the public to tour on Saturunteering should call and to make an days.Many outstanding performers have been inducted over the years, inappointment with cluding NSUs own Carrie Underwood and Kristin Chenoweth, who is from Broken Arrow. Kampf. I believe anyone who is a part name to put on a rsum, said at the OMHOF and has a big of OMHOF will not only have a ONeal. influence on the students when it great chance to learn, but a great Ronald Boren is the tour guide comes to giving the tours. He is so knowledgeable about our inductees and Oklahoma music, said Kampf. Boren, who has been giving tours at the museum for the past four years, helps teach the volunteers about Oklahoma music history. We try to teach them our vision, said Boren. We walk them through the state, nation and world wide and show them the staggering impact Okies have had on music. The museum has a new children exhibit that is located in an old caboose and volunteers are needed for this area. I believe that once they are here and have volunteered for a while they will have gained a new appreciation and knowledge of Oklahoma music, said Kampf. For more information email stevensk@nsuok.edu

The Northeastern

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February marks return of annual Stompdown

an evening of new events and to see a show in person and not just in movies. Stomping in fraternities and sororities started over a hundred years ago and is a way for students to express history through movement. It started with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorporated in December of 1906, said Little. They use it in a way to present their history and principals to the general public. Just because there might not be someone participating that students know it will give them a chance to see something that does not come around everyday. I do not know anyone actually competing in the competition,said Jorgenson. However, that may be a good thing because it should ensure that I am rooting for the best competitor. NSU has not been apart of this event and this gives students a chance to attend Stompdown. Students might be able to look forward to some kind of step competition like this in the future. We are looking into hosting one next year and inviting other schools, said Medlock. The doors will be opening at 7:30 p.m. and the event will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in the UC basement Student Activities office or $20 at the door. Students will provide their own transportation, said Medlock. That way they have the option themselves to stay the night or drive back. This years event will be taking place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. The grand prize is $1500 and will go to the top male and female step team. Sign ups are in the Student Activities office or call (918) 4442526 for more information on Stompdown 2012. For more information, email stevensk@nsuok.edu

Courtesy photo The annual stompdance competition is a regional step show held at the University of Oklahoma, but competition is not limited to OU students. Any Greek or non-Greek organization from any other campuse that would like to participate in Stompdown is welcomed and encouraged.

KirA coKer
Tne WriTer The 30th annual Stompdown show has finally arrived and is going to be the largest and livest step show according to the ou.edu/ stompdown website. It is basically a competition between fraternities and sororities that step, stomp and stroll, said Ashley Medlock, graduate assistant for multicultural and diversity programming in student activities. Student Activities is promoting this event for Black History month. Students are able to buy tickets on campus or at the Stompdown event that takes place on Feb. 25. NSU students can buy tickets in the Student Activities Office, UC Basement, until the day before the event which is Feb. 24, said Medlock. Stompdown picks a different theme every year and the fraternities and sororities use that theme to get their message across. It is educational as well be-

cause they let people know about their fraternities and sororities through their stepping, said Shirlanna Little, Okmulgee senior. Students are looking forward to

The Northeastern

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Page 8 February 21, 2012

Bingo fundraiser aids Special Olympics

Bingo Event to Raise Money for Special Olympics Team A fundraiser held by the Public Relations Campaigns Organization of NSU will provide funding needed for the local Tahlequah Public Schools Special Olympics. Tahlequah, Okla. The Special Olympics team of Tahlequah Public Schools will soon begin practicing for their upcoming competitions. Expenses for necessities such as shoes, uniforms, room and board is about $200$300 per student for each competition. The Tahlequah Public School Special Olympics Team is completely self-sufficient through fundraising events. To help cover the cost, the Public Relations Campaigns Organization of NSU will hold a silent auction and bingo event on April 7 from 2-5 p.m. All of the money we raise goes to the kids and we want the best for them, said Ruth Poteete, cohead coach for the Tahlequah Public Schools Special Olympics team. We want them to stand out, look sharp and feel good about themselves. We dont receive any funding through the school so fundraisers are necessary and hopefully well have a full house. The Special Olympics provides athletic competitions where everyone has the opportunity to perform and excel to the best of their ability. Students from third grade to graduation who suffer from an intellectual disability are eligible to participate. Marjie Dowling, co-head coach, views the job as a reward. Special Olympics is like no other experience- everyone cheers for each athlete and it is one of the few sports where even your competitor wants you to win, said Dowling. This upcoming fundraiser will be fun for everyone and it will help support the 29 students we have on this years team. Special Olympics is a sports training and competition program for persons with intellectual disabilities. Approximately 9,500 children and adults participate in Special Olympics Oklahoma. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type

Courtesy photo The Special Olympics helps children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities. The athletes find a place where they are welcome regardless of there abilities or disabilities.

sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Ruth Poteete has been

with the program for 18 years. Marjie Dowling has been working with the team for 23 years. Who: The Special Olympics Team of Tahlequah Public Schools What: Silent Auction and Bingo Fundraiser Where: The University Center Ballroom, NSU

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Internships offer students real-world experience

JAmes cobsy
Tne conTribuTing WriTer

Many people find themselves overwhelmed when beginning a new job. One of the main problems they face is adjusting into the fast pace of a business. Internships and shadowing positions are just two ways students prepare for becoming part of a new team or business. Blair Taylor NSU senior and public relations major recently interned at Diane White Public Relations and Events. Having an internship gave me that real world experience I needed, said Taylor. Internships and shadowing positions can be more beneficial than some may think. You can learn a lot by going to class three days a week, but until you apply that knowledge in a career setting it is difficult to truly grasp what it is you will be doing on a daily basis, said Taylor.

Some people are hands-on and some people need to see it written, but both can benefit. I feel as if I have learned more in the past few months through my internship than I have in the past year of classes, said Taylor. Lindsey Bark, NSU senior and journalist major is currently doing an internship at the Gaduwa Cherokee News newspaper for the United Keetoowah Band in Tahlequah. Barks internship is a fantastic opportunity for her to get a taste the life she will be living after graduation. My interning is helping me see how the journalism world works, said Bark. Students need to learn from their internships, soaking up the positive and negative aspects of the real world company. I wrote for The Northeastern for about a year and now I am writing for the Gaduwa News, said Bark. Its very different.

An internship can be a great way to develop individual skills and even socail skills. I am not only learning how to write stories, but also write press releases and take photographs, said Bark. Internships alone have many positive benefits, one must not forget about shadowing positions. Shadowing is a way of following a professional throughout their daily routines so that a student may learn the life of the profession. Ashley Cosby, NSU junior and pre professional health major has been training to be a dental hygienist. While shadowing at Green Country Dental Arts in Pawhuska, I learned many great tech-

niques in operation and in communication with staff and patient, said Cosby. I learned the differences and uses of many dental tools and received hands on experience with some of the less dangerous ones. Internships and Shadowing positions have helped millions to

become more proficient before entering their profession. I would recommend an internship or shadowing position to anyone in any career, because it really makes a difference, said Cosby. For more information, email cosby@nsuok.edu.

The Northeastern

TCH reports benefit VITA prepares taxes

During difficult economic times, times when more people are struggling to make ends meet, community members rely on Tahlequah City Hospitals long standing tradition of providing needed emergency care. Year to date, Tahlequah City Hospital has provided more than $10 million in community benefit programs and services to the City of Tahlequah and surrounding service area communities, said Brian Woodliff, President and CEO of TCH. The provision of these services represent Tahlequah City Hospitals long-term commitment to meet the health needs of individuals and families, providing a medical safety net for many, assuring access to medical care broadly and for the regions most vulnerable residents. For Tahlequah City Hospital, our Community Benefits program is a way to leverage our resources with local community members and organizations to produce some great results, said Woodliff. As a result of these partnerships the benefits of health and wellness are extended to thousands of people. These programs help us move out beyond the walls of the hospital, said Woodliff. Community benefit totals surge when one considers the impact of patient care for which the hospital is paid a discounted fee, less than the patients cost of providing that care, or nothing at all. Thousands of patients last year received free care or discounted charges because of their low household incomes, said Gary Chapman, Tahlequah Hospital Foundation Chairman. Charity Care at Tahlequah City Hospital has been rising substantially in recent years as the economic recession deepens. The combined total of our Community Health and Wellness programs, Charity Care and unpaid Medicaid expenses becomes Tahlequah City Hospitals total Community Benefit amount of $10,048,407, said Chapman. Tahlequah City Hospital, and the rest of Oklahomas not-forprofit hospitals, are major contributors to the health of the community, its economic well-being, and provide a vital safety net to local resident who have nowhere else to turn. In order to help area residents with their taxes, representatives of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program are available at Northeastern State Universitys Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. Federal and state tax forms are prepared for free to people grossing less than $60,000 a year. Volunteers from NSUs College of Business and Technology are certified to prepare basic tax returns. The service, sponsored by NSU and Community Action Resources and Development of Coweta, is open to the campuses and surrounding communities. By offering taxpayers free preparation assistance, VITA allows us to help the community, said Dr. Justin Halpern, professor of accounting at NSUBA. The service is open on both campuses through April 16, but is closed March 19-24 for spring break. Hours of operation at Broken Arrow are 5:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays in the Library Building (BALB), Room 118. Visitors can park in the east lots. The service is offered at Tahlequah on Mondays and Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m., in Room 121 of the Business and Technology Building. Student preparers volunteer their time and receive credit hours in accounting. Each student working for VITA has completed 16 hours of training and passed all required exams. Our students get practical experience preparing tax returns and a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom, Halpern said. Filers should bring W-2s, W2Gs, 1099-Rs, interest and dividend statements from banks and any documents stating furnished to the IRS. Also required are a photo ID and physical copies of Social Security cards ers should For more information on the Tahlequah VITA service call Dr. John Yeutter at 918-444-2968.

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The Northeastern

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Page 12 February 21, 2012

Campus construction makes progress

Chelsea Moser/Contributing Photographer Workers pour concrete at the corner of Garrison and Lewis in the center of the NSU Tahlequah campus. As the concrete sets, students are excited to see the finished outcome.

Chelsea Moser/Contributing Photographer The building of the additional parking has been in motion since December. Most students are hoping the new structure will be for commuter parking.

Parking has been an issue at NSU. The addition of the new parking lot could be the answer students are looking for.

Chelsea Moser/Contributing Photographer

Chelsea Moser/Contributing Photographer There should be minimal parkinglot closings during the time it takes to build these lots. The additional parking will be a benefit for students.

The Northeastern

Page 13 February 21, 2012

A&E

Local musician works to build music career

miKe yorK
Tne WriTer NSU without a doubt has numerous outgoing students in every department; one such student is Tahlequah senior Steve Hamby. Hamby is focusing on a degree in mass communication, performs music and is a DJ for a radio station. My music isnt for everyone I guess, its mainly roots country with a dab of blues thrown in, said Steve Hamby. Hamby frequently performs live shows in the Tahlequah and Muskogee area. He also has a solo album out titled Floyds Revenge, which released in 2010. You can find my first solo album on iTunes and online music stores, such as cdbaby.com, said Hamby. Its not my best effort to date, but there are some really great songs on it and Im proud of the fact that I did it. I took the first step to doing what I really love to do, make a living making music. Hamby currently has a new album in the works, which he hopes to finish soon. The album I am working on right now is about 80 percent finished and it promises to be a little bit of something for everyone, said Hamby. Hamby also said he may incorporate some more commercial sounding tracks along with a gospel song or two. Ive had a lot of fun writing the material, but it has really been a labor of love in the studio, said Hamby. By that I mean I decided to produce, engineer, and play multiple instruments on this album. I wanted to have full creative control without outside influences controlling how the finished product sounds. For Hamby to do this he had to actually go out and buy a studio. It hasnt been easy, but it really has helped me now that Im also playing on other singers albums, said Hamby. Being an indie artist definitely has challenges and Hamby fully agrees. Being an indie musician is a bit more work than most people think, said Hamby. Its not all booze and chicks throwing bras on stage. It requires a lot of time and effort. On top of being the artist, Hamby wears many hats to chase down his dream. I have to maintain an online presence for myself, said Hamby. By the way, follow me on Twitter @TheSteveHamby and like me on Facebook at facebook.com/ stevehambymusic. Hamby not only keeps a positive, growing web presence, but he also does a fair amount of the business end of his music. I take care of the business side by myself, said Hamby. That means hours on the phone booking gigs, coordinating musicians, designing and selling merchandise, repairing instruments and equipment, and spending time with fans. On top of his performances and music Hamby also work as an on air personality for Lakes Country 102.1, in Tahlequah. I am the host of The Big MidDay Show, which airs Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Hamby. Hamby also enjoy doing voice over and pre-recorded work. Hamby hosts The Corner Jukebox on Classic Country KTLQ 1350 , which he said is more in his wheelhouse musically speaking. It takes me back to my childhood, listening to good old country music with my grandpa while we were checking cows, said Bagwell. I try and tune in whenever he is on. Hamby said life goals are important to him. For now it seems like everything is really starting to roll in the right direction, said Hamby. I just have to focus on balancing my goals with being a single father of an awesome four-year-old boy named Boyd, while making sure I graduate. For more information, email york01@nsuok.edu

Courtesy photo Steve Hamby, local musician, is his own manager and books every gig he plays. Hamby, like many other musicians is learning what it takes to make his name known in the music world.

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Page 14 February 21, 2012

RiverHawks basketball faces defeat throughout season

Pete Henshaw/University Photographer Ethan Anderson, Cleburne, Texas junior, dominates UCO defender Shane Carroll, Mustang senior. The RiverHawks mens basketball team suffered a 72-54 loss to the University of Central Oklahoma Broncos.

Pete Henshaw/University Photographer Jack Miller, Flower Mound, Texas sophomore, drives the lane against the UCO Broncos. The Broncos stampeded the RiverHawks for the third time in season play. The RiverHawks look for revenge against the Broncos in the fourth match up Wednesday. The RiverHawks are struggling with a current 5-19 record for the 2011-2012 season.

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Technology advancements aid coaches

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Tne WriTer Universities around the country are implementing a new wave of modern technology on and off the field. This technology has enhanced the performance of the game and the ways that coaches and recruiters scout future players. Coaches and players are able to keep one step ahead of their opponent through the use of computer programming. I started in this profession over 30 years ago when you had one copy of 16 millimeter film and would get your cutups by cutting and splicing the film together, said Kenny Evans, RiverHawks head football coach. My second year at Oklahoma University we paid a computer guy from Florida State to write us a program so we could input info on our opponents and get these long printouts of our opponents tendencies. Computer information technology has come a long way in the last three decades. There was no computer data base for recruiting and emailing and texting was not an option, said Evans. Now football utilizes every technological advantage it can in all areas. Its hard to believe how far we have came in only 30 years. Game plans have also progressed a long way in the last 30 years. Game Plans are based now on what the computer tells you what your opponent will do, its not quite Madden Xbox, because we still have the human aspect involved, said Evans. Scouting and recruiting is done at record speed and the area and scope is unlimited in what you can do and how you can recruit a potential student-athlete. Computers and video equipment has made big strides in past few years. When I started no one was using computer scouting programs and no one was utilizing film breakdowns to the extent they are today, said Evans. Recruiting was more regional and more at a personal level. We didnt have cell phones, computers and there was no Internet. Coaches are looking forward to seeing where technology is going. Just as in every aspect in our lives, technology has changed us tremendously, said Evans. I cant even imagine what is to come in the next 30 years. Mike Barela, RiverHawk football offensive line coach said new technology has definitely changed the game. The ways that technology has changed the ways of university scouting, recruiting, and game planning can be summed up in one word, Efficient, said Barela. It has saved time and has allowed more information to be processed, but at the same time made all this information readily available and more streamlined to your specific needs. Scouting and recruiting has improved greatly mainly because of technology. Now I can access a recruits game film faster than in the past, said Barela. I can pull up his game film from my home or office even before I step foot into his school or home. Not to mention I am not walking away from 10 high schools with 50 or more DVDs. Barela said modern technology allows people to be very specific with the data they process in a short amount of time. This allows you to get a leg up on the competition, said Barela. Coaches in 2012 and beyond have to be able to use a computer program and video data in everyday game planning. Now everything is on a computer, the film, the data and recruiting, said Barela. When I started, very few coaches were using the computer, now you have to use it or you are behind. As technology and recruiting evolves, so does the game. For more information, email york01@nsuok.edu.

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