Jimmie,
If you go to this loaded version
oscpro.com
it has a working version of the newsesk in it which I use, currently have over 12000 artilces in the DB and it works fine, give it a bash. Also I have some search code that you can add to this version to make the newsdesk searchable.
$50 US but worth every cent and the Captain is a guru, has given me so much support and help to set up my site, he knows the oscommerce system inside out.
Check this site to see it in action.
www.centreforavaition.com
Anymore questiosn ask.
Luke