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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Monday, January 17, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALGov. Keating To Speak At Jan. 27 Luncheon Gov. Keating To Speak At Jan. 27 LuncheonGov. Frank Keating will be the guest speaker here at a luncheon on Jan. 27, sponsored by the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is set at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street. The luncheon is set from 11:30 a.m., to 1 p.m. Raj Phansalker, Chairman of the Chamber’s Legislative Review Committee said, “We are pleased that Governor Keating is taking time to visit Ponca City to visit personally with us about critical issues facing Oklahoma. “By being better informed, all of us as citizens can be more effective in playing an active role in the legislative process which directly affects both the business community and the public at large.” It is anticipated that Keating’s remarks will cover a broad range of topics, including issues facing the upcoming session of the Oklahoma legislature and strategic issues affecting the continued growth of Oklahoma’s economy. Following the Governor’s presentation, there will be time set aside for questions from the audience. A light lunch will be served during the meeting. Reservations for lunch are necessary and should be made by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at [580] 765-4400. Cost is $5 per person and reservations for lunch should be made no later than Jan. 26. The public is cordially invited to attend and there is no requirement to eat lunch, according to Jan Jarrett, Chamber President. Nearly NewsNearly News has been informed that a native Ponca Citian, Steve Raulerson, is in the movie “On Any Given Sunday.” Raulerson, 1964 graduate of Ponca City High School, plays the priest in the movie, showing at Northpark 4 Theaters. Deadline Now Jan. 31 for ULC Masters in Education StudentsBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Deadline for those interested in earning a Masters in Education Administration from Oklahoma University has been extended to Jan. 31, according to Dr. Brenda Stacy, University Learning Center [ULC} director. “Students can attend classes in Ponca City at the University Learning Center and received a Masters in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma with OU faculty delivering the courses on-site beginning in May [summer 2000] ending in Summer 2001,” according to Dr. Stacy. Interested persons should call the center at [580] 762-2856. She noted that the class schedule format has been revised to better meet the needs of this community. In Summer 2000, students will attend three courses that run for two weeks each Wednesday 5 to 9: p.m., Thursday 12:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Friday noon to 7 p.m., plus four hours of group or individual work logged at the ULC. In Fall 2000, students will enroll in two courses that meet three weekends (Friday 12:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 - 5-30) and one course that meets five Saturdays 8:30-5:30. Similarly, in Spring 2001, students would enroll in one course that meets three weekends (Friday 12-30-6:30 and Saturday 8:30-5:30) and one course that meets five Saturdays 8:30 a.m., to 5:30 p.m. In addition, students will participate in a three credit hour Internship in which 150 contact hours are logged with an administrator. The last semester, Summer 2001, would be the same schedule as Summer 2000. Applicants will be invited to attend a Financial Aid Meeting with representatives from OU to be held in February at the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma. Stacy said that interested persons should call today to learn more about this great opportunity. Application packets are available at the ULC. Enter the Conoco Complex at Gate F from South Avenue in Ponca City and tell the attendant you are visiting the ULC. Letter - Affordable Housing ShortageI read with interest on the front page of Sunday’s The Ponca City News that Ponca City has a shortage of affordable housing in the $50,000 to $125,000 price range. I counted 52 houses advertised for sale in the same edition in that price range. It appears to me that the EDAB and Chamber of Commerce may be putting the cart before the horse; “If you build it, they will come,” works in movies, but not in reality. Let’s don’t do anything foolish which will lower the property values of the people who already live here and pay taxes and purchase goods and services from the members of the Chamber of Commerce. A number of years ago, after the oil boom in Houston turned into a bust, people were abandoning recently built homes. Many of these homes were eventually razed. The housing industry is, for the most part, self regulating with respect to supply and demand. Let’s don’t encourage creating an over-supply where there is no demand. It’s just not good business! John D. (Dave) Lewis Letter - Millennium Celebration Winners ImpressedWhat a wonderful surprise to have won the Millennium Celebration Promotion that was sponsored by the Ponca City Tourism Authority. My husband, Rex, found the entry form on the Internet when he was looking for information about motocross races. Since the promotion was for 4 people we asked our friends, Brad and Lilly Mathison to join us for the celebration. After checking into the Pioneer Woman Guest House our first mission was lunch. None of us had eaten at Head Country Bar-b-que and we were all very impressed. Even Brad, who doesn’t care all that much for barbecue, cleaned his plate. We then went to the Marland Estate Mansion. This was not the first time for the four of us had visited the mansion. But it was a first to be able to see Lydie’s Cottage. When we were in Ponca City this past summer it was still under renovation. We ran into Missy Morland, Tourism Coordinator, and she showed us the big kitchen and the tunnel at the mansion. These were definitely the highlights of our trip. What a treat to receive a limo ride to Jack’s Downtown Grill where we had a scrumptious dinner. We then walked around the corner for the “100 Years of Broadway” at the Poncan Theatre. What an enjoyable show. And the theatre itself is a real treasure. Your community is so lucky to have preserved the theatre. The ball drop and fireworks were the perfect ending to a lovely day. The weather couldn’t have been nicer. There were things we didn’t have time to do, but we all agreed that we will come back to Ponca City again this year. Ponca City, thank you so much for the memorable trip. Jack and Rex Brown Tulsa, Oklahoma DEATHSDave Lawson Dave LawsonCOALGATE — Dave Lawson, resident of Coalgate, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000, in McAlester. He was 88. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, in the Coalgate Baptist Church with the Revs. Paul Cunningham and Matt Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Cairo Cemetery under the direction of Jim Epperson Funeral Service of Coalgate. Dave Lawson was born May 11, 1911, in Gerty, the son of John B. Lawson and Florence Stockton Lawson. He married Bernice Reid in Coalgate on Feb. 9, 1935. He was employed as the custodian at Coalgate public schools for 33 years and at the First Baptist Church for 25 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Ruthy Haworth of McAlester, Kay Smith of Duncan, and Brenda Hickman of Coalgate; two sons, Jimmy Lawson of Ponca City, and Michael Dewayne Lawson of Durant; two sisters, Winnie Burkhart and Bea Jones, both of Ada; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Casket bearers will be Bill Spears, Gary Breger, John Linton, George Newberry, Ronnie Poindexter and Kenny McDonald. Honorary bearers will be Tommy Barnett, Jack Shirley, Louis John Sandman, Paul Hooe, J.D. Smith Jr. and Jim Welch. Ramona Mabel HoustonARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ramona Mabel “Mona” Houston, resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000, at the Medicalodge East Health Care Center in Arkansas City. She was 76. A graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Ramona Mabel Houston was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Uncas, the daughter of Alfred Hoit and Bessie Francis (Wilson) Pilcher. She was reared and educated in Uncas and Kaw City. She married Forrest V. Houston on Jan. 15, 1946, in Winfield, Kan.; he preceded her in death on July 24, 1981. She was employed as a parachute rigger at Strother Field from 1952 to 1955. She and her husband later managed the Cherokee Strip Supper Club in the late 1960s. Survivors include nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and three sisters. ObituariesIda BryanIda “Peggy” Bryan, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000, at Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 88. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000, at Community Christian Church with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Peggy was born on Jan. 31, 1911, in Perry to William and Constance (Briggs) Mieir. She was raised in the Perry area and graduated from Perry schools in 1928. Her first husband, Roy D. Rankin, preceded her in death in June of 1948. She married Clifford M. Bryan in Ponca City in 1962. He preceded her in death on July 18, 1994. The couple made their home in Ponca City where Peggy was a homemaker. She was a longtime member of Community Christian Church and held several offices in Christian Women’s Fellowship. She also delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly for many years. Among her pastimes are needlework, fishing, gardening, visiting, and bible study. She is survived by one sister, Wilma Florence Mieir Harkins of Kaw City; four brothers, Albert W. Mieir and Donald H. Mieir of Ponca City, Phil Mieir of Iowa Park, Texas, and Charles Mieir of North Carolina; nephew and niece, Mike Culver and Kay VanMeter, whom she helped raise; and several other nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Mieir and Teddy Mieir; and one sister, Dora Lee Mieir Culver. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Services PendingGladys Esther CarpenterTONKAWA — Gladys Esther Carpenter, resident of Tonkawa, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2000, in the Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City. She was 91. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. L. Levern MerrifieldDr. L. Levern Merrifield, long-time Ponca City resident and internationally recognized orthodontist, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000, at his home following an extended illness. He was 78. Survivors will include his wife, Jan, of the home. Friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until 9 p.m. Tuesday. Other arrangements are pending. Mary E. AndersonMary E. Anderson, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 70. Local survivors include her son, Rusty Davis. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Helen Elizabeth DoyleHelen Elizabeth “Nickles” Doyle, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000, in Denver, Colo. She was 84. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Floda M. HickeyFloda M. Hickey, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000, in The Woodlands, Texas. She was 79. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFSBusiness Damaged — An employee at B & B Automotive, 433 South Pine Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:58 a.m. Saturday that a brick had been thrown through a window. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Area Vandalized — A woman from the 2200 block of El Camino Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:17 a.m. Saturday that her mail box had been knocked down. An officer was assigned and while checking the area noted that several houses had been toilet-papered and street signs at several intersections damaged. Information was logged and traffic engineering contacted. Tag Stolen — A woman from the 700 block of McFadden Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:33 p.m. Saturday that a tag had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Refrigerator Stolen — A man from the 400 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:40 p.m. Saturday that a refrigerator had been stolen from rental property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Palm Street at 1:13 a.m. Sunday that a 33-year-old woman was being held for failure to yield from a private drive and DUI. Look Younger in one hour. Hair stylist JoAnn Watkins is working on Fridays. Call for appointment. 765-5055. adv. Vehicle Damaged — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:22 p.m. Sunday from a man in the 1100 block of North Ash Street that his vehicle had been hit by another that left the scene. Two officers were assigned and information was logged on the suspected vehicle that left the scene. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Hazel Avenue and North Oak Street at 1:57 a.m. Monday that a 48-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and a Kay County warrant for failure to pay. Item Missing — A man from the 200 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:33 a.m. Sunday that a bag was missing from a bicycle while parked in the area. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken. Beer Stolen — A clerk at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:45 a.m. Sunday that three men had taken a 30-pack of beer and a 12-pack of beer without paying and ran south on Oak Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 2500 block of Honeywood at 2:31 a.m. Sunday that an assault had occurred. Two officers were assigned and the information was logged. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Osage Street and West Highland Avenue at 3:47 a.m. Sunday that a 38-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and resisting arrest. Cabin Fire — The Kildare Volunteer Fire Department informed the Communications Center that a fire Saturday night one-quarter of a mile east on Cooncreek Road from Enterprise Road had burned a log cabin to the ground and was still smoldering. The information was logged. Abandoned Bicycle — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 4:47 p.m. Saturday with a bicycle that had been abandoned at her residence in the 300 block of South Elm Street. The information was logged. Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a report at 4:50 p.m. Saturday that a grass fire was burning on the side of a road four miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the situation. Residence Burglarized — A man from the 200 block of South Ash Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:31 p.m. Saturday that the back door of his residence had been kicked in. Two officers responded and a burglary report was taken. Beer Missing — A clerk at Ronny’s Westbury, 2911 North Union street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:16 p.m. Sunday that a man had taken a 30-pack of beer without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of South Fifth Street at 6:37 p.m. Sunday that an 18-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay, two Kay County traffic warrants and a Tulsa warrant for cruelty to animals. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourth Street and East Central Avenue at 10:58 p.m. Sunday that a vehicle was being towed from the scene for having an expired tag. Assault — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 8:25 p.m. Saturday reporting that an assault had occurred. An officer took a report that there had been an assault with a deadly weapon. Purse Stolen — A woman at K-mart reported to the Ponca city Police Department at 9:47 a.m. Sunday that her purse had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A man from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a minor accident had occurred in the parking lot at 12:29 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Burglarized — A man from the 1200 block of West Broadway Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:49 p.m. Sunday that his vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Property Recovered — An employee at Sight and Sound reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5 p.m. Sunday that a subject had taken two radios and left north bound in a pickup. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. A subject matching the description was located and the 38-year-old man was held for grand larceny. The property was recovered. Kitchen Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:59 p.m. Sunday from a woman in the 300 block of North Elm Street that her kitchen was on fire. Units from the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 Fire Stations responded and handled the situation. Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:57 p.m. Sunday that a vehicle was on fire in the 500 block of North Elm Street. Units from the No. 1 Fire Station responded to the scene and handled the situation. Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with subjects at the intersection of North Oak Street and West Highland Avenue at 2:05 a.m. Monday. Two other officers responded to the scene and a vehicle was towed from the scene. Taken into custody wee a 37-year-old woman for DWI and failing to stop at a stop sign, a 46-year-old woman for public intoxication, a 33-year-old woman for public intoxication, a 21-year-old man for public intoxication, and an 18-year-old woman for interfering with an officer. LIFESTYLESItalian Chef Shares Recipe for Roasted Pork Italian Chef Shares Recipe for Roasted PorkNEW YORK (AP) — Nick Stellino calls Roasted Pork Loin With Fennel, Peas and Parmesan one of his favorite recipes. “Look at the photo we have in the book,” he says, delighted to point out what the casual reader might not notice. “I made sure it was set up to look just like my grandma’s table” — with simple kitchen forks and platter on the bare wood. The recipe’s use of fennel is a familiar seasoning practice for Italians, he says, much less so for American cooks. “The roast is cooked over fennel, then you finish it with the sauce of cream, peas and cheese. This elevates it to the point when your tongue starts to dance a tarantella!” — referring to the sprightly traditional Sicilian dance. The roasted pork is a dish to share with guests. Stellino writes that he learned from his father “that sometimes you just have to put business on hold, invite friends over for dinner, make some great food and drink some fine wine. These recipes may take time, but it is worth every minute.” Don’t be afraid it is too complicated to try. In his presentation of his recipes, Stellino says, “I aim to bring people to this level of cooking by a series of very simple steps, calling for no special tools, to build their courage and confidence.” Roasted Pork Loin With Fennel, Peas and Parmesan(Maiale Arrosto con Finocchio al Sugo Parmigiano) 3 pounds boneless pork loin, in one piece 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup finely diced celery ( 3 medium stalks) 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 medium) 1 cup finely diced white onion ( 1/2 large) 4 to 5 ounces pancetta or bacon, finely diced 1 cup white wine 1 to 1 1/2 pounds fennel, bulbs only (stalks and feathery ends removed), cleaned, cored and cut into eighths 10 whole cloves garlic, peeled 1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock (recipe follows) 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 325 F. Season the pork on all sides with the salt and pepper. In a large, deep saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, brown the roast on all sides, at least a few minutes per side so it gets nice and brown. Remove to a plate and set aside. In the same pan, saute the celery, carrot, onion and pancetta over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the wine, stirring well to dislodge any browned food bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking to reduce liquid for about 4 to 5 minutes. Line the bottom of a small roasting pan with the fennel, garlic, stock and cream. Add the pork and pour over it the mixture from the pan; use a spatula to remove any good little bits of chopped vegetables and pancetta. Roast in the oven for about an hour, turning the meat every 15 to 20 minutes to keep it moist. When the meat is done, it should be slightly pink on the inside (see note). Remove the roast and fennel, and set aside. Let the roast sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Put the roasting pan on a stovetop burner over medium heat. (If the pan cannot be placed on a burner, transfer the contents to a saute pan or saucepan.) Bring the contents to a boil, then simmer, reducing to a saucelike consistency, for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the cheese until melted. Remove from heat. Slice the pork, no more than 1/4-inch thick, and lay overlapping slices on a platter or on individual plates. Spoon the sauce on top, making sure to include bits of chopped vegetable and pancetta. Surround the meat with fennel, peas and more sauce. Makes 6 servings. Note: Measure the temperature with a meat thermometer, and remove the pork from the oven when the internal temperature is 165 F to 170 F. The meat will continue to cook as it stands waiting to be carved. It should be slightly pink inside, with a juicy consistency. Homemade stock is an overnight affair, but the time and effort required will be rewarded whenever you taste a recipe that calls for it, Stellino says. Chicken Stock(Brodo di Pollo) 3 to 3 1/2 pounds chicken, cut in pieces 3 medium carrots, peeled and quartered 3 celery stalks, quartered 2 medium white onions, peeled and quartered 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried 1 1/4 tablespoons whole black peppercorns 3/4 tablespoon salt 1 1/2 cups white wine 3 1/2 cups water 3 egg yolks, beaten 3 egg whites (see note) Place all the ingredients except the egg whites (keep these, covered, in the refrigerator) in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 1/2 hours, skimming the foam from the top every 30 minutes. After the 2 1/2 hours, turn off the heat and remove the chicken; reserve for other use. Strain the stock through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate, uncovered, overnight. The next day, when the fat has floated to the top and hardened, skim off and discard. Bring the stock to a boil. While it is cooking, beat the egg whites with a whisk or an electric beater until fluffy. Add to the boiling stock, reduce heat to simmer, and stir well. The egg white will harden and entrap most of the impurities in the stock. Strain the stock again through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth. The stock is ready to use now, or it may be frozen, for up to a month, for later use. Note: The addition of the egg whites will result in a clearer and more flavorful stock. If you don’t mind a cloudy stock, you may omit this step. The Best Desserts Require A Proper Balance of Flavor(AP) — Baked Meringue Vesuvius is a delicate-seeming dessert sparked with a surprise touch of spice and pepper. Blistering Brittle also has a dash of pepper in the recipe, to similar effect — to balance its sweetness. As the great pastry chefs of the world know, sweetness in a dessert is not all. One of the secrets of good cooking is balance, and that’s one reason why these subtly piquant desserts are so pleasing. The Baked Meringue Vesuvius is an airy confection of low-fat egg whites, ice cream, marshmallow and sweet apricot preserves, plus allspice and pepper sauce. The Blistering Brittle is a variation of a longtime favorite — peanut brittle — with a peppery lift. Both are easy to make, but note that instructions for the Brittle are based on use of a microwave. Baked Meringue Vesuvius2 tablespoons apricot preserves 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 4 individual sponge cake cups 1 pint (2 cups) ice cream 3 egg whites at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme 4 strawberries, cut into fans Combine apricot preserves and 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce in small bowl. Place sponge cake cups about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Brush with apricot mixture. Place 1 scoop ice cream on each sponge cake. Freeze until firm. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, allspice and marshmallow creme, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue evenly over ice cream and sponge cake cups, covering completely. Freeze. To serve, heat oven to 500 F. Remove meringue-covered sponge cake cups from freezer; bake for 3 or 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Garnish each with a strawberry fan and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Blistering BrittleCooking spray 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1 1/4 cups dry-roasted peanuts 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Lightly coat spatula and large baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Combine hot pepper sauce and allspice in large bowl. Add peanuts and toss well. Combine sugar and corn syrup in 2-quart microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100 percent) for 4 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir thoroughly. Add peanuts; stir again. Microwave again on HIGH for 5 minutes until light brown. Remove bowl from oven. Add butter and vanilla. Blend. Microwave again on HIGH for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove bowl from oven. Gently stir in baking soda until well mixed and foamy. Pour onto greased baking sheet. Cool; as brittle cools on baking sheet, stretch it into thin sheets by pulling candy with two forks (stretching will help make it crisp). Break into pieces. Makes about 1 pound. Note: Recipe was tested in large, full-power microwave oven (600-700 watts). SPORTSMonday Evening Quarterback Monday Evening Quarterback“To cheer or jeer. That is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous language, or take up arms against a sea of students.” With apologies to The Bard, the question really is: Is the cheers and jeers that rise through college and high school gyms really helpful to the home team? Coaches answer an emphatic YES! Administrators wonder. Administrators must endure complaints from visiting fans and parents about the language used by student fans to describe opposing players’ abilities and possible parentage. It must be noted that the severity of complaints seems to be directly tied to the numbers on the scoreboard at the end of basketball games and wrestling matches. The current slogan by Po-Hi student fans (which will not be repeated here) which is chanted at opposing teams is about to appear on the backs (or fronts) of T-shirts. It is rather mild compared to slogans, chants, etc., at other high school sites and especially in college gyms. Home coaches love it, Opposing coaches hate it. Maybe that’s the idea. “One coach told me he hates to come to Robson Fieldhouse because the students are so loud and rowdy,” recalls Wildcat basketball coach Ron Arthur. “Then he said he wished the students were that way at his place.” Wrestling coach Todd Steidley, who coached Bixby to perennial success before coming here, says Ponca City wrestling fans are the best in the state. “There is a lot of them, they’re loud and they’re knowledegible,” he says. “I think it’s great,” Steidley says of the comments from the student gallery. “As long as there is no profanity or throwing things.” “Coaches rarely hear or pay attention to comments from the stands,” says Lady Wildcat coach Dana Pulley. “And players who let it get to them are not paying enough attention to the game.” But the coaches also admit there is a psychological element to all that noise. Oklahoma State proudly proclaims Gallagher-Iba Area as the “rowdiest arena in the country,” The coaches there believe that gives there teams a distinct advantage during games. Ponca City coaches want that kind of advantage, but warn that what goes around comes around. Robson Field House is by no means the only rowdy high school gym in the state. Arthur and Pulley cite the fans in Bartlesville and Stillwater as having possible effects on a game. Ponca City wrestling fans would add Blackwell to that list. “It’s because the fans are so close to the court in Bartlesville and Stillwater,” Arthur notes. “They can be heard a lot more.” Pulley notes that while the Ponca City students are situation at one end of the court in Robson, the field houses in Bartlesville and Stillwater have and entire section along the sidelines for students. “That way the players get it up and down the whole floor,” she says. For the most part the noise is limited to the game. Just as wrestlers try to twist each other into pretzels and then shake hands at the end of the match, fans usually leave their feeling about the other team in their seats when they leave, even joking with each other as they go out the doors. Like nearly everything else, there are exceptions. Fans’ actions and reactions in the heated wrestling rivalry between Ponca City and Blackwell cause that series to be discontinued for a while. The rivalry returns this season with officials hoping time has cooled some of the hotter heads. From time to time student fans cross the line and school officials are quick to show those offenders the door. Referees have the power to toss offending spectators and have done so on more that one occasion. While jeering the other team is part of the game for spectators, cheering for the home team is even more important. Steidley credits the Wildcat wrestlers’ comeback win over Tulsa East Central last week in no same measure to fan support and noise. “The kids just fed off of it,” he said. “Saturday night is the first time I’ve seen a crowd here come to their feet in support of the team,” Arthur recalls. “We had just made a couple of great shots and the Sapulpa coach had to call a time out. That brought the fans to their feet. “The players just loved it.” Big 12 Referee SuspendedKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — In a rare move by the Big 12, the head official at the Texas A&M-Texas Tech game was suspended Sunday for his handling of the controversial ending of the game. Referee Charles Range will not work a game for the rest of the season or the postseason, Commissioner Steven Weiberg said. Weiberg left open the possibility that Range would return in the future. A&M won at Tech on a basket at the buzzer. The basket was first ruled good, then officials said after watching a television replay that it had come after the buzzer. The call was reversed after A&M coach Melvin Watkins refused to allow his team to return to the court to play overtime. Weiberg said the victory would stand. ‘‘It is conference policy not to comment on judgment calls of game officials,’’ Weiberg said in a statement. ‘‘In this game, however, referee Charles Range failed to follow appropriate protocol in the postgame situation. Officials make judgment errors and that is not in and of itself grounds for disciplinary action. ‘‘However, the failure to follow proper protocol and game administration is inappropriate and compels further action on the part of the conference.’’ In the bizarre aftermath of Texas A&M’s 88-86 victory, everybody could agree on one thing — nobody expected this game to command national attention like this. Watkins wouldn’t let his players come back onto the court, declaring, ‘‘We’re gone.’’ After everybody stood around for about a half hour, the officials said the game was over and Texas A&M had won. The Aggies left so quickly, they forgot to take their radio crew. Watkins held his post-game news conference from a cellular phone on the team bus. Elsewhere in an otherwise routine weekend for the Big 12, No. 8 Kansas had a workmanlike 97-82 victory over Nebraska; No. 15 Texas beat No. 16 Oklahoma 79-66 behind Gabe Muoneke’s 30 points; Missouri downed Kansas State 73-56 as Clarence Gilbert put in 25 points; and No. 14 Oklahoma State won at Baylor 56-41. On Sunday, Iowa State beat Colorado 86-72 for its 12th victory in a row. At Austin, Muoneke scored 20 points in the second half alone. The Longhorns’ powerful forward was 12-of-14 from the field and 6-of-9 from the free-throw line. Oklahoma’s Eduardo Najera, locked in a scoring battle with Muoneke most of the night, led the Sooners with 28 points. It has been an up-and-down season for the emotional Muoneke, who has been known for rough play and emotional outbursts. ‘‘It means so much to him,’’ Texas coach Rick Barnes said. ‘‘People have no idea what this game means to him. To the point, that he thinks he can make every single shot. That’s just his nature. I told him not to hurt himself with his body language. I told him even if he doesn’t say anything, the way he looks can say something.’’ Oklahoma State’s Doug Gottlieb, who leads the nation in assists, celebrated his 24th birthday by hitting all but one of seven shots from the field as Oklahoma State beat Baylor in its Big 12 road opener. ‘‘It was about as pretty as a train wreck,’’ said Gottlieb. ‘‘But we’ll take it.’’ Luke Axtell scored a game-high 15 points for Kansas, which avenged the two games it lost to the Huskers a year ago. The Jayhawks used a 17-2 run at the end of the first half to put the game out of reach. ‘‘We had one great spurt before the half and that was it,’’ said Kansas coach Roy Williams. The Huskers are 1-16 in their last 17 trips to Allen Fieldhouse. ‘‘We were just trying to stay in contention and avoid the Kansas runs,’’ said Nebraska coach Danny Nee. ‘‘We had three turnovers in a row in the first half and that killed us — boom, boom, boom.’’ At Columbia, another Big 12 star was also celebrating his birthday. It was No. 20 for Gilbert, whose 25 points were just one short of his career-high. ‘‘The guys knew I was feeling it,’’ Gilbert said. ‘‘But I always feel it.’’ In his last three games, Gilbert has hit 24 of 44 shots, including 17 of 28 3-pointers. ‘‘It’s like a dog smelling blood,’’ Kansas State’s Kenyatta Dix said of Gilbert. ’’ Said Kansas State coach Tom Asbury, ‘‘Unlike most guys in college, if you contest his shot, he can still make them.’’ Marcus Fizer scored 24 points as Iowa State won its 15th straight at home and its 12th in a row overall. The Cyclones are 15-2 overall and off to their best start since the 1994-95 team opened 17-2. Stevie Johnson and Jamaal Tinsley each finished with 13 points and Brandon Hawkins came off the bench to score 12 points, all in the second half. Mavs Trying To Rebound Against NEOBy TED ATCHLEY NOC Sports Information The Northern Oklahoma College Maverick basketball teams will face off against NEO at home tonight in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse in Tonkawa. The women take the court at 6 pm and the men’s game will follow. Northern is hosting Physican's Night tonight, which will include special introductions during halftime of the men’s game and a reception between the men and women's game in the Harrison Room of the fieldhouse. The Athletic Training Program at Northern will also be touted. Men’s head coach Mick Weiberg said he wants his team to control the tempo of the game, something that eluded his squad Saturday during a road trip whicht ended in a 102-79 defeat at the hands of Carl Albert. Weiberg said that Saturday’s game started poorly for the Mavs, leaving them with a nearly insurmountable halftime deficit of 60-31. “I've been in this business a long time and Carl Albert came about as close to having a perfect half of basketball as I have ever seen,” Weiberg said. “The first half killed us. It was almost impossible for us to carry ourselves out of that.” Carl Albert standout Steve Geary bombarded the Maverick defense with 7-of-7 3-point goals in the first half and ended with 33 points on the night. The Carl Albert team managed to garner 36 points in the first half on 3-point shots alone. “We made too many turnovers and let them take control of the game,” Weiberg said. Sophomore Larry Reid led the Mavericks with 16 points, Sherman Rochell had 14, Jeff Newby 12, Scott Prater 10, Chris Arledge 9, Spencer Lazosky 6, Richie Myers and Josh Nichols added 5 each, and Akil Gay dropped one in for 2 points. Grapplers In Tough Dual SlateBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca City’s Wildcat wrestlers failed to have a championship finalist in the Sapulpa tournament Saturday, but they did come on strong to place nine of the 11 grapplers who entered the tournament. In addition, four Wildcat underclassmen placed at the Grove Tournament and three freshmen placed at the Perry JV tournament, “That’s the best we’ve wrestled all year,” enthused coach Todd Steidley, “I was very pleased with the way the kids are coming along. They’re getting some confidence back. That’s the good news as the Cats head into the teeth of their dual schedule. The Poncans take on Class 2A’s No. 1 Perry Tuesday, go against Stillwater for the district title and a berth in Dual State on Thursday and then take on nationally ranked Sand Springs in a rare Saturday afternoon dual here. The bad news is they won’t be a full strength. Matt Littleton, 140-pounder, was injured in the Sapulpa Tournament won’t wrestle against Perry and probably won’t be 100 percent Thursday against Stillwater. Michael Osborn, 152, is also hurt and probably won’t wrestle at Perry. ‘We’d love to beat Perry and still can,” Steidley said. “But its going to take a great effort. “Right now we are concentrating on Thursday’s match and getting to dual state.” At Sapulpa, Roman RedLeaf (12-6) and Kyle Duren (19-2) placed third at 136 and 160, respectively. Josh Short, (5-7 at 103), Phillip Brotherton (7-9 at 112), Clint Stafford (13-5 at 125), Jeremy Leavitt (6-11 at 189) and Jason Neurenberg (5-11 at 215) all placed fifth. Blaine Empting (12-7 at 171) was sixth. Osborn did not wrestle in the consolations, but metaled. Jasper Lockett (125) and Marcus Miller (135) took first places at Grove, Sergio Villarruel was second at 152 and Shawn Lee was third at 125 in the Grove Tournament. Mimi Miller, Daniel Cottman and Tyler Fezer were all second at Perry.
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