LOCAL

Girl Scouts to Host Campaign Rally
State Legislation Could Affect Dress Code Enforcement
Amtrak Success Has Lawmaker Seeking Funds
Oklahomans Opposed to Riot Reparations
Man Makes Hobby Out of Collecting War Memorabilia
State Parks Gross Revenue Increases

Girl Scouts to Host Campaign Rally

Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council will host a kick-off rally tonight at 7 p.m. for the Kay County portion of the $1.18 million Council-wide campaign to find “Partners for the Future.” The event will take place at the prospective site for the new Kay County headquarters at 1900 North Union street in Ponca City.

The keynote speaker for the evening will be Kim Lynch, Bluestem Council Executive Director, who will provide the attendees background information of the Capital Campaign and training to achieve Kay County’s campaign goal of $253,000. Patricia Romines, President, will share success stories of the campaign to motivate the key volunteers. Kay County Campaign Co-Chairs, Diana Mills and Marilyn Andrews, will also provide encouragement at the event.

The Capital Campaign was launched in 1997 in order to meet the needs of the quickly growing council. The number of girls participating in Girl Scouts in Kay County has doubled since 1992. There are currently over 40 active troops in the area.

“The capital campaign will provide excellent facilities and opportunities for girls in the Kay County area that have been previously unavailable to them,” said Eric Kurtz, Campaign Steering Committee member and Council Board member. “The number of Girl Scouts in Kay County has grown tenfold in the past 15 years, and our current facilities are seriously inadequate to handle the growth. The purchase of our new facility will allow the Girl Scouts to hold more local events, consolidate storage and provide more convenient leader training and building access. The $125,000 that we have received to date from an individual and an anonymous donor has jump started our capital campaign, and we now need to complete the goal.”

The success of this campaign will have a significant direct impact on the Girl Scouts of Kay County. Several projects within the Council-wide campaign are specifically targeted to serve girls in this area. A new, permanent Girl Scout Center will be established in Ponca City, and local transportation and outreach programs will be made possible. Programs emphasizing leadership and life skills will be delivered, with the initial expenses of paid leadership, supplies, uniforms and membership being paid by the Council.

For more information about the campaign to find “Partners for the Future,” contact Katie Johnson, Fund Development Director, at 800-457-GIRL (4475).

State Legislation Could Affect Dress Code Enforcement

Ponca City School Officials Not Concerned

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Schools officials worry that the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature may have inadvertently taken away their authority to adopt student dress codes.

Education groups, including the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administration, are asking lawmakers to repeal a provision of House Bill 1759, which outlines dress code guidelines to local boards of education.

The controversial provision gives boards the authority to adopt dress codes but says they ‘‘shall not censure the political opinions of the students or unreasonably interfere with common clothing fads of students.’’

While some educators expressed concerned, Ponca City officials were not upset about the possibility.

PC superintendent Dr. Bill White said, “The intent of the legislature was to protect free speech and the first amendment allowing students to express their feeling through dress.

“We have not, at this time, changed our dress code...if it is profane or promotes illegal substances...it is not allowed.”

Dr. White added, “I think the legislators were a little hasty in their writing and passing this bill, and taking away the right of local school boards to regulate dress codes..

He emphasized, however, that local educators will “give it some time to be corrected” before actively becoming involved.

The problem, officials say, is defining what is a common clothing fad.

‘‘That section has really muddied the water,’’ says Randall Raburn, executive director of the CCOSC.

‘‘The language is vague,’’ says Larry Lewis, an attorney for the organization. ‘‘What is a common clothing fad? We already have the power to require dress codes; to require modesty, for example. We really do not need the statute.’’

Officials say there has been widespread concern expressed by school administrators that they could wind up in court over the law.

‘‘The concern is whether or not it has taken away the schools’ authority to adopt a dress code,’’ says Julie Vogt, attorney for the Oklahoma School Boards Association.

‘‘It appears that anything can be deemed a common clothing fad by students,’’ she said, citing such fads as skimpy spaghetti tops worn by young girls.

Several years ago, she said, a fad developed in some areas of the country where girls, mimicking the entertainer, Madonna, were ‘‘running around with just bras for shirts.’’

‘‘We don’t want that going on in our schools,’’ Ms. Vogt said.

Then there are security problems caused by loose-fitting clothes sometimes used by students to smuggle in drugs or weapons.

‘‘The majority of schools have already banned half-shirts, which students wear with the bellies exposed, and those big baggy jeans where the crotches of their pants go down to their knees,’’ Ms. Vogt said.

‘‘In some school districts, that is how gangs are identified and how they get contraband into schools. You really can’t see the contraband because the jeans are so loose fitting and it is very hard to tell whether there is anything they are concealing.’’

Raburn says he thinks the best course is to repeal the entire section, while Ms. Vogt said lawmakers should at least do away with language on clothing fads.

The dress code controversy is one of several side issues linked to the debate over education, which is expected to dominate the 2000 Oklahoma Legislature, which convenes in February.

Rep. Dale Wells, D-Cushing, said he has heard the dress code complaints and will offer legislation to answer school officials’ concerns.

Another House member, Rep. Tim Pope, R-Mustang, says he will file a bill to require that students use ‘‘respectful’’ terms, such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ma’am or Sir, when addressing school personnel. He said a similar law has been adopted in Louisiana.

‘‘I know this proposal can’t solve all of the world’s ills,’’ Pope said. ‘‘But requiring children to show some respect for authority figures would establish a habit that would continue as they grow older.’’

Sandy Garrett, state school superintendent, said it is an election year so she expects several school-related bills to be filed.

But she said they should not obscure what she considers the top education issues — namely raising teacher salaries and funding school reforms already adopted, many in H.B. 1759, by House Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick, and Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore.

‘‘Those are my top priorities,’’ she said.

(Editor’s Note: News reporter Patti Carmack contributed to this story.)

Amtrak Success Has Lawmaker Seeking Funds

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Bolstered by the success of Oklahoma’s Heartland Flyer passenger rail service, a state lawmaker said he plans to push his proposal for a 1-cent gasoline tax to expand the service and include a link between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Sen. Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, said a public vote is required to get the tax.

‘‘I don’t see any money for rail programs without the 1-cent gas tax,’’ he said. The tax could generate $18 million a year, Herbert said.

Officials say Amtrak ridership between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, is exceeding expectations.

The Heartland Flyer had more than 38,000 riders from June to November, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Officials had said ridership of 25,000 in the first year would be considered successful.

The route opened in June and drew 3,812 riders. Ridership soared to 10,988 in July but had dropped to 5,676 in November.

‘‘I think there is just a very strong desire and demand for that type of transportation in Oklahoma,’’ said Joe Kyle, the Transportation Department’s rail programs division manager. ‘‘It was surprising to me to see how strong the interest is and how it continues to be very strong.’’

Amtrak officials are ‘‘very, very happy with the Heartland Flyer,’’ said Kevin Johnson, an Amtrak spokesman.

Oklahomans Opposed to Riot Reparations

TULSA (AP) — A majority of Oklahomans oppose paying reparations to survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race riot, a poll shows.

The Oklahoma Poll found that 57 percent of Oklahomans don’t think the state should pay reparations. The strongest opposition came from Tulsa at 62 percent.

The poll, sponsored by the Tulsa World and conducted by Tulsa Surveys, surveyed 750 people statewide in late December. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The Tulsa Race Riot Commission, which was appointed by the state Legislature, must submit a final report on Feb. 7 and can make a recommendation on whether reparations should be paid.

At the commission’s last meeting, a committee recommended reparations that ranged from scholarships to payments to survivors.

‘‘We felt from the start this whole subject of reparations would be the most contentious,’’ said commission member Pete Churchwell. ‘‘If we go this far ... if we don’t do something meaningful in terms of reparations ... if we walk away from it at this point, I would be very sad.’’

Historians are still trying to piece together exactly what happened. But some estimate that as many as 300 people, mostly blacks, were killed when white mobs attacked and burned the city’s black business district.

Asked to choose from among three options on their feelings about reparations, about 12 percent of those polled favored making restitution with tax dollars, 26 supported restitution if no tax dollars are used and the majority thought no restitution should be paid at all.

Fifty-two percent of those in Oklahoma City and 57 percent in the rest of the state felt no preparations should be paid.

If reparations were to be made, 42 percent said it should only go to actual survivors.

There is little legally that would compell the state or the city to pay anyone anything. The statute of limitations for almost all offenses ran out long ago.

But Alfred Brophy, an Oklahoma City University law professor who is advising the commission, said Oklahoma could sue the city of Tulsa for expenses incurred by the National Guard to quell the riot.

‘‘The evidence is quite strong that people were deputized and sent out to get black people,’’ said Brophy, whose assertions are based on a civil suit decided in 1926 by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. ‘‘Many of those doing the burning wore badges I think the evidence is quite strong that the city was involved.’’

He estimates that the expenses would come to about $10 million with interest. But he acknowledges that such a lawsuit is unlikely.

Man Makes Hobby Out of Collecting War Memorabilia

STILLWATER (AP) — Of the millions of shells that pockmarked Europe during two world wars, some were gathered by soldiers and civilians alike to create keepsakes. Some of those keepsakes are reverently kept by a Stillwater ex-Marine who has become an avid collector of war memorabilia.

Wayne Pettyjohn, retired head of Oklahoma State University’s geology department, lines the walls of his home with the keepsakes made from shell casings and other remnants of war that became ‘‘trench art.’’

In his kitchen, shelves gleam golden with the mugs and vases made by amateur and professional artists. Flowers, scenes and insignias are delicately etched into the brass sides of the shells.

Though his collection spans both world wars, much of his collection is from World War I, probably made commercially at the end of the war by jewelers who were out of work, he said. They were also made by soldiers in their free time, sailors on ships and those who worked at munitions posts and had easier access to tools.

Trench art pieces from the Spanish-American and Civil wars can be found, but are rare. Many of the shell casings were made into large, flutelike vases.

Pettyjohn is especially fond of those with Marine Corps memorabilia. A large, heavy mug made from a casing carries the emblem from the hat of a Marine in the 1890s; its handle, the gently curving figure of a dragon, suggests its origin is probably Chinese. Two more mugs made from American shells sport German belt buckles.

A shallow dish-like object made by a Marine has gooney birds carefully cut out, a reminder of the Battle of Midway in 1942. Another dates to the very first years of World War I, bearing the emblem of one of the first Marines sent to France.

Every piece tells a story: one Marine’s plaque, for instance, doesn’t stand out until its history is known. The plaque was given to a Marine before he left China in 1941 to go to the Philippines, where every one of those who went were later killed or captured.

Pettyjohn said such memorabilia often ends up in the garbage heap, its stories of American and world history unappreciated.

‘‘It’s interesting that to some people it’s just a bunch of war junk that doesn’t mean anything,’’ he said.

Trench art alone comprises much, but not nearly all of his collection. Dummies wearing old uniforms, including that of Prussian origin dating from 1910 and a canvas Marine uniform from the 1800s, stand in stiff formation above his kitchen cabinets.

His home is a mix of war memorabilia turned into ‘‘practical’’ furnishings; here, the remnants of the past have been crafted into pieces for future generations to keep. A round glass-covered table is actually a porthole from a ship; shell casings have been turned into everything from lamps to shot glasses to bookends and picture frames. What was once a bomb is now a lamp; day clocks taken from an aircraft are made into mantelpieces.

Pettyjohn’s collection began when he was around 5 years old, when a great-uncle gave him a shell casing. He has really increased his collection during the past 20 years, with the help of friends and family who give them pieces they find, or even old uniforms they used to wear.

State Parks Gross Revenue Increases

With the first half of the fiscal year on the history books, Oklahoma State Parks, Resorts and Golf Courses are making a little fiscal history.

Gross revenues are up across the board. The fiscal year for Oklahoma Parks, Resorts and Golf begins July 1 and ends June 31 each year.

Oklahoma State Parks’ gross revenue shows a healthy increase during the first half of FY2000. Revenue from July 1 through December 31 totaled $5,601,837, an increase of 20.6 percent over last year.

Oklahoma’s five state resorts have grossed $4,718,760 from July 1 December 31. That’s an increase of 2.05 percent over the same period last year. The increase was spurred by a whopping 22.17 percent increase in the month of December.

“The weather certainly has a great deal to do with our revenue increases” says Jane Jayroe, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “We had a cooler summer and a mild winter, and that’s brought more people out to the parks and resorts.” She continued, “We’re seeing more people out in the parks with their recreational vehicles than we normally see in December. Usually, by this time of year, they’ve put the RVs up for the season.”

The weather and some recent additions to the Oklahoma Golf program helped boost golf revenues during FY2000 also. Oklahoma Golf revenues for the first half of the fiscal year totaled $2,406,913, up 27.76 percent over the previous July through December revenue cycle. Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course at Lake Texoma and Grand Cherokee, a 9-hole course, near Langley added to the Oklahoma Golf coffers. Roman Nose Golf Course, near Watonga, has increased its revenues more than 146 percent since expansion to an 18-hole course earlier this year.

Recreation is a seasonal business and very dependent on the weather. The scorching summer of 1998 actually caused Parks, Resorts and Golf revenues to fall. Jayroe is keeping her fingers crossed. “Spring is just around the corner,” she says. “If Mother Nature is nice to us until then, we could be heading for a record fiscal year.”

DEATHS

Mattie Ellen Brandenburg
Dorothy Leona Nelson
Alvin Roy Charboneau
Sadie L. Barnett
Cleda L. Edwards
Thomas S. Dodson
Charles Hall
Alpha O. Kemmer

Mattie Ellen Brandenburg

PAWNEE — Mattie Ellen Brandenburg, resident of Ralston, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2000, in her home. She was 85.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2000, at Riverside Cemetery in Ralston with the Rev. Joe Hambright officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Poteet Funeral Home of Pawnee.

Mattie Ellen Brandenburg was born on Sept. 18, 1914, at Doggie Camp west of Fairfax, the daughter of Richard Drake and Amanda Ellen Chapman Drake. She married Merrill Keith Brandenburg on Feb. 13, 1932, in Fairfax. She moved to Cedaridge, Colo., from Mulberry Island in Osage County sometime after 1934, and then to Ralston. She was affiliated with the Church of the Firstborn.

Survivors include two daughters, Joy Benson of Ponca City and Janice Lynn Grubbs of Missouri; three sons, Richard Clark Brandenburg of Oklahoma City, Glenn Dale Brandenburg of Ralston and Tommy Joe Brandenburg of Ponca City; one sister, Noma Meyers of Arkansas City; and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two daughters, Marjorie Brandenburg and Rita Johnson; and four sons, Donnie Brandenburg, Marshal Brandenburg, Robert Brandenburg and Verlon Brandenburg.

Dorothy Leona Nelson

TONKAWA — Dorothy Leona Nelson, longtime resident of Tonkawa, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2000, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 74.

The funeral will be Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2000, at 2 p.m. in the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa with Mike Marsters officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

Dorothy Leona Nelson was born Jan. 15, 1925, in Longdale, Okla., the daughter of Charles and Carrie (Simpson) Nelson. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Tonkawa.

She is survived by one brother, Archie Nelson of Tonkawa. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Alvin Roy Charboneau

BLACKWELL — Alvin Roy Charboneau, longtime resident of Blackwell, died early Sunday, Jan. 9, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 68.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor of the Tabernacle Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. The casket will be closed noon Wednesday.

Alvin Roy Charboneau was born March 15, 1931, in Seiling, Okla., the son of Merle and Goldie Inez (Sumpter) Charboneau. He grew up and attended schools in the Seiling area. Following his schooling, he worked on a ranch near Seiling before moving to Braman, where he was employed with Hiatt’s Dairy for several years.

He married Bonnie Stone, and they settled in Blackwell; she preceded him in death. He later was employed as a butcher for the Snow White Meat Market in Blackwell. He married Dian Sharon Sillers on Dec. 26, 1969, in Blackwell, where they settled. He was later employed as a butcher for Harvey’s Grocery Store in Blackwell, where he was employed at the time of his death. He was a member of the Tabernacle Church in Blackwell.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters Rebecca Reyes of Newkirk and Susan Allen of Hillsboro, N.D.; one son, Delbert Shirley of Carmen; three sisters, Shirley Hunter, Elnora Evans and Elmeda Conner; five brothers, Don Charboneau, Roger Charboneau, Frances Charboneau, Merle Charboneau Jr. and J.N. Charboneau; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parent; his first wife; two daughters, Roxanne and Tenna Charboneau; and a sister, Romona.

Casket bearers will be Josh Tucker, Justin Tucker, Russell Nickles, Steve Varner, Steve Eastman and Dennis Rahlf. Honorary bearers will be Gary Tucker, Harvey Tucker and Bob Wynn.

Services Pending

Sadie L. Barnett

Sadie L. Barnett, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2000, at the Tender Heart Health Care of Ponca City. She was 83. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Cleda L. Edwards

Cleda L. Edwards, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning Jan. 10, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 84. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Thomas S. Dodson

Thomas S. Dodson, Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening Jan. 9, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 72. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Charles Hall

Charles Hall, Ponca City resident, died early Monday, Jan, 10, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 90. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Tuesday

Alpha O. Kemmer

Graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Lancaster, Ohio. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Friends of the Wildcats — Friends of the Wildcats are holding a meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. Help bring competitive sports back to Ponca City and attend the meeting. Everyone is welcome. For additional information, call Bob at 765-5573 or 765-4294.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Burglary — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:51 a.m. Saturday that a burglary had occurred at PC Sports, 205 East Grand Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Look Younger in one hour. Hair stylist JoAnn Watkins is working on Fridays. Call for appointment. 765-5055. adv.

Burglary — A woman from the 700 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:52 a.m. Saturday that her vehicle had been burglarized and the garage door left open. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

All Christmas merchandise 60% off. Ms. Brown’s Attic. Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:52 a.m. Saturday that a two-vehicle injury accident had occurred at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Ash Street. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a report was taken. Both vehicles were towed from the scene and a Ponca City Fire Department ambulance took one victim to the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:12 p.m. Saturday that a vehicle was on fire in the 500 block of South Fourteenth Street. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and the fire was put out.

Bicycle Stolen — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 9:02 a.m. Sunday to report that a bicycle had been stolen three months ago at Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

75% Off all Christmas through Wednesday. Includes wreaths, Christmas skirts, socks, greenery, angles, santas and ornaments. Christy’s 3005 North 14th. adv.

Shoplifters — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:35 a.m. Saturday from Global Connection, 1043 North Union street that two juvenile shoplifters were in custody. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and handled the situation.

Accident — An accident on the west side of the parking lot of Wal-Mart was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:42 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:10 p.m. Saturday from a woman in the 1600 block of South Tenth Street that someone was trying to take her child. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a 31-year-old woman was held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.

Threat — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:30 p.m. Saturday from a resident in the 2100 block of North Osage Street that a man was in the front yard threatening to assault another person. Two officers were assigned and the information was logged.

Subjects Nabbed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:34 p.m. Saturday that a burglary had just been discovered at PC Sports, 205 East Grand Avenue and that two subjects had ran. Two other officers responded, located the subjects at East Cleveland Avenue and North Second Street, and took into custody a 16-year-old boy for second degree burglary and a 15-year-old boy for second degree burglary. A report was taken.

Burglary — A man from the 600 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:28 p.m. Saturday that the back door of the business had been broken into and several items had been taken. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Threat — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:38 p.m. Saturday that a threat was being made at the Lazy K Motel. Two officers were assigned, and a citation was issued for a minor in possession of tobacco.

Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:01 p.m. Saturday that an assault had occurred in the 1700 block of Hudson Drive. Two officers were assigned and information was logged about a large party. A report was taken.

Beer Missing — A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:23 p.m. Saturday that two males had taken two 30-packs of beer without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A man from the 500 block of West Central Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:44 p.m. Saturday that he had hit his girlfriend and wanted to be arrested. An officer responded and took into custody a 22-year-old man for domestic assault and battery.

Subject Held — A woman from the 400 block of North Elm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:53 p.m. Saturday that two subjects were in the back yard with two 30-packs of beer. An officer was assigned, located one subject, a 16-year-old boy, who was held for public intoxication. The juvenile was released to a parent.

Subject Held — A request for a Ponca City Police Department officer in the 800 block of North Pine Street at 10:13 p.m. Saturday found two officers responding and taking into custody a 23-year-old man for domestic assault and battery.

Threat — A person from the 800 block of North Birch Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:24 p.m. Saturday that a note had been left on the door threatening the family. Information was logged that a man chased three men out the backyard. An officer was assigned and an extra patrol was requested. A report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A man requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 10:37 p.m. Saturday reporting that a subject on Grand Avenue had thrown a beer bottle at a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Bicycle Abandoned — A motorist reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:26 p.m. Saturday that a man jumped off a bicycle at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Fresno Avenue and left it in the roadway. An officer was assigned, located the bicycle, and information was left for Animal Control to pick up the bicycle.

Purse Missing — A woman in the 200 block of South Second Street was at the Ponca City Police Department reporting at 12:55 a.m. Sunday that a purse had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken. The purse was returned at 10:15 a.m.

Subject in Custody — The Communications Center received a request for assistance from Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 1:26 a.m. Sunday that a pursuit of a vehicle with a subject carrying a gun. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded, and the vehicle was stopped at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Whitworth Avenue. The vehicle was towed from the scene and a report was taken. Information was logged that the gun was unloaded.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Pine Street and West Grand Avenue at 11:42 a.m. Sunday that a 49-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license and not using a seat belt.

Problem — A man from Lazy K, 205 South Fourteenth Street, requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 2:17 a.m. Sunday with subjects in a vehicle causing a problem in the parking lot. Two officers responded and a destruction of private property report was taken.

Subjects Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Palm Street at 7:37 a.m. Sunday that a 30-year-old man was being held for actual physical control and a 38-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Rock Damages Residence — A person from the 100 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:37 a.m. Sunday that a rock had been thrown through a window at the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subjects Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:15 a.m. Sunday requesting assistance with two subjects. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 23-year-old woman was held on a city warrant for failure to pay and giving false information to an officer and a 25-year-old woman was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Threats — A person from the 800 block of North Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 p.m. Sunday that some death threats and harassment had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Pine Street and West Overbrook Avenue at 1:13 p.m. Sunday that a 24-year-old man was being held on four counts of resisting arrest and two counts of assault. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:55 p.m. Sunday that a 25-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Suspicious Activity — A woman reported from the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue at 5:02 p.m. Sunday that three men in a vehicle had yelled obscenities at her and her small daughter, drove off, stopped and one got out and exposed himself. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 5:03 p.m. Sunday that a 14-year-old boy was being held on three counts of burglary.

Threat — A man from the 1000 block of West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:14 p.m. Sunday that he had been threatened. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicles Damaged — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 6:06 a.m. Monday that three vehicles in the 1400 block of Holbrook had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken..

LIFESTYLES

University Women To Meet Jan. 15 At Country Club
Cultural Affairs Board Session Set Wednesday
Little News

University Women To Meet Jan. 15 At Country Club

The American Association of University Women will meet on Saturday, Jan. 15 at IO a.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Board members will meet at 9 a.m. Everyone who is interested is welcome to attend.

The program will be “Quiet Waters” with Elaine Armstrong. She will be showing some of her paintings and discussing her passion for painting. Ms. Armstrong is an artist and teacher.

AAUW is an organization vitally interested in education and advancement of women. Every member is required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. AAUW seeks a diverse membership to achieve its educational goals.

The next meetings of the special interest groups are:

Book Discussion Group in the home of Joan Walker-Ratliff, Monday, Jan. 17. The discussion will be led by Marjorie Dew on the book “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw.

Bridge in the home of Doris Jones-Johnson, 528 Virginia, on Monday, Jan. 24.

The “Out to Lunch Bunch” will be meeting on Friday, Feb. 4 at Enrique’s.

If you would like to know more about any of these meetings, call Bette Lee, 762-2000, or the branch president, Grace Chism, 765-3519.

Cultural Affairs Board Session Set Wednesday

A report from the Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation Inc. will be reviewed by the Cultural Affairs Commission at its regular meeting on Wednesday. The session will be held at 11:30 a.m., in the Cultural Center Sun Room.

Sandy Graves will be presenting the agenda item from the friends group, and is expected to include information on historic rooms and porch furniture.

In other business, the panel will hear committee and staff reports including collections, office remodeling, the boiler situation, exterior repairs including gutters and wood, and a five-year capital plan on the Cultural Center. There will also be information on Hutchins Memorial that will include lighting.

Other business will include discussions on relocation of individual museums, including the Indian Museum, D.A.R. Museum and Historic Rooms.

There will be a report from the director Kathy Adams and comments from the chairman and board members. A financial report is also expected to be available.

Little News

Noel Marie Lawver is the name chosen by Megan and Timothy Lawver, 2001 North Fifth, for their daughter born at 4:33 p.m. Dec. 20, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 3/4 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Mike and Theresa Butt of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Tim Lawver and Cheryl Sinner of Carney, Neb.

Great-grandparents are Hubert and Therese Butt of Ponca City, Florence Behara of Newkirk, Stan and Oma Lawver and Ray and Margaret Wood of Carney, Neb.

SPORTS

Minnesota Ends OSU Mat Streak
Big 12 Prestige Goes on Line
OSU’s Webber Shines

Minnesota Ends OSU Mat Streak

STILLWATER — It took 1,430 days, but third-ranked Oklahoma State’s 73-match unbeaten streak ended as the fourth-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers knocked off the Cowboys 19-15 Sunday in Gallagher-lba Arena.

Oklahoma State moves to 4-1-1 with the loss; the Golden Gophers improve to 7-0 on the season.

In the final match of the dual, Minnesota’s top-ranked 285-pounder Brock Lesnar scored a takedown against eighth-ranked Dave Anderton in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Lesnar then earned a reversal before pinning Anderton in 3:48 to give Minnesota the victory.

At 125 pounds, OSU's Jeff Ragan used a takedown with :47 seconds remaining in the second period to draw within one point of second-ranked Leroy Vega at 5-4. An escape to start the third period tied the match at 5-5, only to see Vega score a takedown with :03 left in the match. Ragan escaped at :01, but fell 7-6,

Minnesota took a 3-0 advantage into the 133 pound weight class where OSU’s eighth-ranked Charles Walker held a 1-0 lead in the third period and was riding UM’s No. 13 Brett Lawrence when he was penalized for the second time and Lawrence was awarded a penalty point. Lawrence escaped :05 later for a 2-1 lead and the eventual win

Jamill Kelly, OSU’s fourth-ranked 141-pounder, fought off a late charge by 17th-ranked Chad Erikson of Minnesota and decisioned him 7-5. Reggie Wright followed with a 11-4 decision to even the match at 6-6.

In a surprise move at 184 pounds, OSU head coach John Smith replaced the Cowboys' regular starter Pat Popolizio with newcomer Billy Gabel. Gabel, a junior transfer from the University of Nebraska, was major decisioned by second-ranked Brandon Eggurn of Minnesota, 20-9, in his first varsity action as a Cowboy

Mark Munoz barley missed a major decision when Minnesota’s Owen Elzen escaped with :03 remaining in the match. However, Munoz walked away a 13-6 decision and put the Cowboys ahead, 15-13, heading into the long-awaited match at 285 pounds.

Minnesota 19, Oklahoma State 15

125 — Leroy Vega (UM) dec. Jeff Ragan (OSU), 7-6

133 — Brett Lawrence (UM) dec. Charles Walker (OSU), 2-1

141 — Jamill Kelly (OSU) dec. Chad Erikson (UM), 7-5

149 — Reggie Wright (OSU) dec. Jared Lawrence (UM), 11 -4

157 — Shane Roller (OSU) dec. Luke Becker (UM), 3-2

165 — Ty Wilcox (OSU) dec. John Hardy (UM), A-2

174 — Brad Pike (UM) dec., Tony Gansen (OSU), 8-3

184 — Brandon Egigurn (UM) rn. dec. Billy Gabel (OSU), 20-9

197 — Mark Mufioz (OSU) dec. Owen Elzen (UM), 13-6

265 — Brock Lesnar (UM) pinned Dave Anderron (OSU), 3:48

Big 12 Prestige Goes on Line

By The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A big slice of prestige will be on the line tonight for the Big 12.

No. 17 Texas, the Big 12’s defending champion featuring player-of-the-year candidate Chris Mihm, is at No. 2 Connecticut. If the Longhorns pull off the upset starting at 8 p.m. on ESPN, it would give the league’s ranked teams a clean sweep of Saturday-Monday games.

Everybody but Texas and Baylor got their conference seasons under way on Saturday. No. 9 Kansas had a big second half to swamp Colorado 84-69 for its 1,700th all-time win.

No. 20 Oklahoma outshot and outrebounded youthful Texas A&M and pounded the Aggies 78-53. And No.17 Oklahoma State showed off its depth by whipping Texas Tech 55-47.

Elsewhere in the Big 12 Saturday, Kansas State had a hot hand and sailed past Nebraska 97-79 and Iowa State tied a school record with its 10th straight win while beating hapless Missouri 86-81.

Kansas beat Colorado for the 21st straight time and joined Kentucky and North Carolina as the only schools in major college basketball with 1,700 wins.

‘‘That means there’s been a lot of winning going on here,’’ said forward Nick Bradford. ‘‘There’s a lot of tradition. And it feels good to be a part of that.’’

The Jayhawks trailed by four at halftime, but took control quickly in the second half as Jeff Boschee scored all 13 points after intermission.

One of Kansas’ primary defensive goals was to stop Colorado guard Jaquay Walls, who totaled 45 points in two meetings last year with the Jayhawks. Walls could hardly have had a more miserable shooting night, going 0-for-9 from the floor and finishing with nine points.

Colorado was led by Jamahl Mosley and Kyle Williams, each with 16 points.

Oklahoma State showed off what coach Eddie Sutton said may be its greatest asset — depth. The Cowboys got only three points from leading scorers Desmond Mason and Glendon Alexander, who has been averaging nearly 14 points off the bench. But Brian Montonati came through with 14 points and 14 rebounds, his sixth double-double of the season. Alex Webber, who was in danger of losing his starting job because of recent poor play, had 11 points.

‘‘They did what a great team will do,’’ Tech coach James Dickey said. ‘‘They had four guys in double figures and when their stars were not scoring, they had other people step up.’’

Oklahoma forced 24 turnovers from the young Aggies, who start three freshmen. But one of those, Bernard King, had 18 points.

‘‘Oklahoma’s pressure really wore us down,’’ A&M coach Melvin Watkins said. ‘‘They played a physical game. We had a hard time handling their pressure.’’

Iowa State’s Stevie Johnson scored 20 points and Marcus Fizer added 18. But it was Jamaal Tinsley who stole the show, getting 12 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds for the second triple-double in school history.

‘‘I was just doing the things that I am supposed to do,’’ he said. ‘‘Rebound, pass and make open shots.’’

The Cyclones raced to a 17-3 lead as Missouri — which lost early in the week to Winthrop — hit only two of its first 15 shots. The Tigers never got closer than four points but were led by Clarence Gilbert’s 26 points.

In Manhattan, Galen Morrison saw his career-high 27-point performance against Nebraska coming.

‘‘I was feeling it in warmups,’’ Morrison said. ‘‘After the first shot fell, I knew. Tonight everything was falling. Every time I got the ball I felt like it would go in.’’

Morrison, a transfer from Iowa Western Community College and an Omaha native, made 10-of- 13 shots.

‘‘We didn’t prepare to have a team hit every shot,’’ Nebraska guard Cary Cochran said. ‘‘I have known Morrison for several years and I knew how explosive of a scorer he was and you could see that fire in his eyes. He hit every shot.’’

OSU’s Webber Shines

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Alex Webber, for one game at least, responded to a simple edict from Oklahoma State’s coaches: Play better or sit down.

Webber, threatened with losing his starting spot in the Cowboy lineup, had 11 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes Saturday as No. 16 OSU opened Big 12 play with a 55-47 victory over Texas Tech.

‘‘We talked to him and pulled out some film of the way he played against Wichita (State) and the way he played last year late in the season,’’ coach Eddie Sutton said. ‘‘We really just did some counseling with him and told him that he’s a lot better player than what he’s been playing.’’

Webber’s double-figure performance was his first since scoring 20 against Wichita State on Dec. 1. He followed that with seven games in which he averaged just 4.5 points.

Meanwhile, Fredrik Jonzen was playing well off the bench and making a move to dislodge Webber.

‘‘I didn’t expect to start,’’ Webber said. ‘‘I probably shouldn’t have started, either, with the way I’ve been playing lately. I haven’t been focusing on my job and my role on this team.’’

Webber and the rest of the frontcourt played well against Tech. Brian Montonati had 14 points and 14 rebounds — his sixth double-double of the season — and Jonzen had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Their play helped offset a bad showing by the Cowboys’ best player, Desmond Mason. Mason was just 1-of-9 from the field with three points, his lowest output since being shut out in a loss to Nebraska three years ago.

‘‘They did what a great team will do,’’ Tech coach James Dickey said. ‘‘They had four guys in double figures and when their stars were not scoring, they had other people step up.’’

The Cowboys (12-1) shot a season-low 36 percent, but held Tech (8-3) to 35 percent. They also outrebounded the Red Raiders 42-34.

‘‘Holding a team to 47 points, when they are a very good offensive team, is saying a lot about our defense,’’ guard Joe Adkins said. ‘‘We struggled a lot offensively, so we depended a lot on our defense.’’

In Norman, No. 20 Oklahoma had its defense on display Saturday in a 78-53 victory over Texas A&M in the conference opener for both schools. The Sooners (13-1) held A&M to 37 percent shooting and came up with 24 turnovers.

‘‘Defense can carry you a long way in January, February and March,’’ coach Kelvin Sampson said. ‘‘I thought our pressure was really good. Taking other teams out of their offense is something we’ve really worked on.’’

Oklahoma also got a strong performance off the bench by Kelly Newton, who scored 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Newton was to have been a starter a year ago, but a knee injury ended the season before it began. He also has been battling a back problem.

‘‘Kelly is just getting to the point where he can practice three straight days and not have the knee swell up or a have a back problem,’’ Sampson said. ‘‘Kelly can play. If I were to put my best five players on the floor, I’m not sure he wouldn’t be one of them right now.’’

Eduardo Najera had 14 points, J.R. Raymond scored 13, and Jameel Heywood had 12 rebounds for the Sooners, who continue conference play Tuesday night at home against Baylor.