LOCAL

Oklahoma’s 2000 Teacher of the Year Selected as Finalist
Authorities Mull Move of Thacker
Vandals Damage Pawnee Historical Site
Prospect To Be Closed For Repair

Oklahoma’s 2000 Teacher of the Year Selected as Finalist

oklahoma city — State Superintendent Sandy Garrett was not that surprised when Mitsuye (mitt-sue) Conover, a Bartlesville Public School teacher, was chosen as one of the four finalists for the 2000 National Teacher of the Year. It has happened three times in the last four years.

“Mitsuye is the third Oklahoma Teacher of the Year selected as a finalist to compete for the position of the National Teacher of the Year. This certainly speaks about the quality of our teachers, their ability to compete with the very best teachers in this nation and Oklahoma’s support of the Teacher of the Year program,” Garrett said.

“Mitsuye personifies what is right about education in Oklahoma -- ingenuity, hard work and perseverance. We are proud of her accomplishments and also of the public and corporate sponsors which have made our program the best recognition program in the nation.”

The four finalists will journey to Washington D.C. in early March for interviews with the national selection committee. The winner of the 2000 National Teacher of the Year award is scheduled to be announced in April.

Last September, Garrett announced Conover as the 1999-2000 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year at the State Fair in Oklahoma City. Conover is a junior Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher. She said she was motivated to become a U.S. History teacher because of her experience as a child in a Japanese relocation camp in California.

In 1997, George Abshire, a math teacher from Jenks Public Schools, was one of the four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. In 1999, Lynn Peacher, a fourth grade teacher also from Jenks Public Schools, was also selected as a finalist for the national honor.

Oklahoma has had only two National Teacher of the Year recipients since the program began 48 years ago: Edna Donley, a mathematics and speech teacher for Alva Public Schools in 1959, and Lawana Trout, an English teacher for Sand Springs Public Schools in 1964.

The announcement from the Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastic, Inc. noted that the fiftieth national Teacher of the Year will be selected from among Conover of Oklahoma, Marilyn Whirry of California, Margaret Holtschlag of Michigan and P. Brett Smith of Minnesota.

Authorities Mull Move of Thacker

PRYOR, Okla. (AP) — The process to return a suspected triple killer to Oklahoma has begun, but officials worried about the condition of the Mayes County Jail are considering housing him elsewhere.

Steven Ray Thacker could be extradited to Oklahoma within a week or so, Gene Haynes, district attorney for Mayes, Rogers and Craig counties, said Thursday.

Thacker, 29, is charged with fatally stabbing three people during a multi-state crime spree beginning with the abduction of Laci Dawn Hill, 25, from her Bixby home on Dec. 23, police said.

She was found dead six days later in a remote Mayes County cabin. Hill was a native of Ponca City whose parents still live in the community.

‘‘Anytime you handle an individual like that, there [are] some security issues brought up,’’ Berry said.

Thacker is scheduled to be jailed in Pryor, Berry said. But, the sheriff noted, ‘‘Once the court has seen him and he has entered his plea, if there is going to be a time lapse before he is to appear in court again, then I may hold him at another facility.’’

Jails in Tulsa and Ottawa counties are possible sites, although Berry said he has talked to no one other than Haynes about those options.

A new 100-bed, $3.2 million county jail in Pryor is scheduled for completion around March, Berry said.

‘‘If this case doesn’t dissolve before then, I’ll get to hold him in the new jail,’’ the sheriff said.

Vandals Damage Pawnee Historical Site

PAWNEE (AP) — Authorities believe the same group of young adults twice vandalized the historic bath house in Pawnee and knocked down rock bannisters built by workers in the Works Progress Administration.

Loren Zweiacker, district conservationist with the National Resources Conservation Service, said officials discovered the latest incident Jan. 4. Zweiacker said they don’t know when the damage occurred.

The facility sits atop a hill at Pawnee Lake. The bath house and surrounding area are to be the home for the Pawnee Environmental Education Center, where children will be able to observe wetland ecosystems and collect water, plant and animal specimens for classroom study.

Zweiacker said 10 to 12 feet of the bannister was knocked down. About 20 feet of the rock railing was knocked off on Nov. 1.

The damage last fall was covered by insurance. City officials had received bids to repair the project and they were waiting on good weather to do the work.

Zweiacker said rock that was salvageable was stored. He said it may be hard to get enough rock to salvage this time.

‘‘Because when it falls over the side, it lands on top of concrete and pretty well shatters,’’ he said. ‘‘The previous work we got enough rock that we could go back, but I don’t know about this time.’’

He said plans are on hold right now.

‘‘We’re looking at some different alternatives at what to do there,’’ he said.

Prospect To Be Closed For Repair

The railroad crossing approaches on Prospect Avenue will begin Monday and the street will be closed to all traffic at the railroad crossing west of North Fifth Street.

Ron Clark Construction of Ponca City will be under contract with the City of Ponca City to remove a portion of the street on both sides of the crossing and place new concrete pavement, adjusting the elevation of the street to smooth the transitions into the crossing.

The street will be closed for a period of approximately three weeks, barring any delays due to bad weather. Construction signing and barricades will be in place and traffic will be detoured, around the construction on North Union street and North Fifth Street to and from Hartford Avenue.

The work is the second and final phase of construction scheduled for the Prospect Avenue crossing location. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company installed new concrete crossing surface and upgraded the tracks at the crossing in December 1999.

Any questions concerning the project may be directed to the City Engineering department at 767-0333.

DEATHS

Ernie Bliss
James Rogers Barber Sr.
Francis Florene Girardeau

Ernie Bliss

NORMAN — Ernie Bliss, formerly of Ponca City and Newkirk, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, in Oklahoma City. He was 63.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at the Riverside Church in Norman with Mr. John Stitt officiating. Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.

Ernie Bliss was born Aug. 10, 1936, in Ponca City, the son of Harmon Edward and Erma C. Parks Bliss. He graduated high school from Newkirk in 1954. He attended Oklahoma State University for a short time. He worked as a farmer and rancher for many years and then became a cattle buyer, which he continued to enjoy for many more years. He then moved to Norman and owned and operated Mar Con, Inc. for a number of years. The last five years of his life he worked as a field service engineer for Bliss Industries.

Ernie married Joyce Hess on Dec. 27, 1986, in Norman. He was a longtime and active member of the Riverside Church. Ernie loved helping people, especially children of a single parent household.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Doug Bliss of Fort Worth, Texas; a daughter, Christi Ann Lindsay of St. Louis, Mo.; stepson, Ian Hill of Norman, two stepdaughters, Julie Tryggestad of Broken Arrow and Laura Kammerlocher of Norman; a sister, Alcina Grell of Blackwell; two brothers, Donald Bliss of Annville, Pa., and Bill Bliss of Newkirk; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harmon Bliss Jr. and Francis Bliss.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Riverside Church, c/o Ernie Bliss memorial fund for scholarships for single parent children, 2300 SW 24th, Norman, Okla. 73069.

Obituaries

James Rogers Barber Sr.

James Rogers “J.R.” Barber Sr., resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000, at his home. He was 57.

A memorial service will be held today, Jan. 21, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Baggerley Funeral Home in Edmond. A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Sudan Cemetery in Sudan, Texas.

James Rogers Barber Sr. was born July 14, 1942, in Vernon, Texas. He was the son of Henry and Gladys (Martin) Barber. He grew up in Sudan, Texas, and attended school there. After entering the United States Air Force on Nov. 5, 1959, J.R. was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He received an honorable discharge Feb. 3, 1961. J.R. was employed as a cross-country truck driver for Transcon out of Oklahoma City for 10 years, and he was a member of the Oklahoma Capital Patrol for 14 years. He retired from the Oklahoma Capital Patrol in January 1996.

J.R. also attended Oscar Rose Junior College in Midwest City from August 1981 until June 1985, working towards a bachelor’s degree in business/real estate. J.R. was a collector of firearms and loved horse racing. His most proud accomplishments were being the chief executive officer of the Lucky B Corporation and being a member of the Oklahoma City Patrol. His hobbies included fishing, going to the firing range, and spending time with his family. Due to poor health, he moved to Ponca City in October of 1996 to be closer to his family.

Survivors include two daughters, Laurie Ann Collinsworth of Konawa, and Tammy Lynn Bounds and husband Jimmy of Ponca City; a son, James Rogers Barber Jr. and his wife Marie of Konawa; a sister, Dorthy Hill of Sudan, Texas; two half sisters, Roxanne Rogers and Shelby Long; 10 grandchildren, Jarrod Collinsworth, Zack Collinsworth, Sonny Collinsworth, Crystal Bounds, Jennifer Bounds, Nicholas Bounds, Shay Barber, Kassady Barber, Miranda Barber, and Ashley Barber; two step grandchildren, Tim and Michael Freeman; and one great-grandson, Billy Collinsworth.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Barber; mother, Gladys Barber; and grandmother, Laura Martin.

paid obituary

Francis Florene Girardeau

Francis F. Girardeau, formerly Francis F. (LeClair) Crane, Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She was 76.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Toby Blackstar officiating. The service will include a special tribute by a nephew, Forrest Kendrick, of Arkansas City, Kan. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Francis Florene LeClair was born on Jan. 1, 1924, in Marland. She was the daughter of Silas Sylvester and Laura (Christy) LeClair. She was a member of the Ponca Tribe. Francis and Earnest E. (Gene) Crane were married in 1947 and lived in Arkansas City, Kan., where they raised four children. In 1968, Francis moved to Tucson, Ariz., where she met Jack T. Girardeau. They were married on December 7, 1968. Following Mr. Girardeau’s retirement from the Air Force, the couple moved to Marland before settling in Tonkawa.

She was active in the Association for Family and Community Education (formerly Extension Homemakers) where she was of New Creations FCE and a past president of the Kay County FCE. Francis was also a past president of the Tonkawa VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed fishing, crafting, baking, and spending time with her family. At the time of her death, Francis was an active participant and exhibitor at the Mercantile Co-op (formerly the Grand Olde Mercantile) In Ponca City where she enjoyed meeting people and sharing her interests in antiques and crafts.

She is survived by her husband Jack, of the home; two sons, Ronnie L. Crane of Tonkawa and Bill R. Crane, of Mulvane, Kan.; two daughters, Janice E. Price and Joyce A. Crouch of Ponca City; a step daughter, Dannette M. Russell of The Dalles, Ore; a sister, Dolly Mae (Dot) Cain of Rio Vista, Calif; a brother, Charlie L. LeClair of Emporia, Kan.; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Bobbie Joe LeClair and Henry S. (Hank) LeClair; and one sister, Julia Jean (Judy) Hearne.

Casket bearers will be grandson, Ronnie L. Crane Jr. and James E. Allen III, and grandsons-in-law, Donald Montano, Steve Kelso, Jimmy Smith, and Toby Baugus.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Francis Girardeau Memorial Milk Fund, c/o Tonkawa Elementary School, P.O. Box 10, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653.

Following the committal service, the family will be at Believers Fellowship, 206 West Grand in Ponca City, where dinner will be provided by members of the Kay County FCE.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

PCSEA Bingo — PCSEA bingo for January Saturday in the Conoco Atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 7 p.m. The theme will be Millennium Bingo.

Productive Hair salon for sale. Amazin’ Hair People, 108 North Fifth, Call 762-6813. adv.

Leapin’ Lizards! — The musical “Annie” will be at the Rose State Performing Arts Theater in Oklahoma City Feb. 15-20. For Information and tickets, call (405) 297-3000.

Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv.

VFW Dinner — The VFW Post 1201 and auxiliary will meet for a family dinner at 1 p.m. Sunday at the post home. Fried chicken will be provided, and members are asked to bring a vegetable or dessert dish.

Buy More, Save More! Big sale through Sunday. Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv.

Traffic Hazard — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:39 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle just north of Highland Avenue on Virginia Avenue was a traffic hazard. An officer was assigned and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Suspicious Item — An employee at a business in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:54 a.m. Thursday that some marijuana had been found in a restroom. An officer was assigned and information was logged that it was brought to the police department.

Concealed Hand gun class. Jan. 29th, 8:00 am to finish. For more information call 765-6589. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue at 9:15 a.m. Thursday that a 42-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for petit larceny.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Harassment — A woman at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center requested assistance at 10:38 a.m. Thursday from the Ponca City Police Department on a harassment matter at the hospital. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken on a violation of a protective order.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of North Palm Street at 10:40 p.m. Thursday that a 21-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and two Kay County warrants.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:49 p.m. Thursday that a grass fire was burning in the 1400 block of North Longwood. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle it.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a report of a grass fire in the 500 block of South Sixth Street at 3:17 p.m. Thursday. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded, but were called to disregard while en route. However, one of the units did spot a small grass fire at North Fifth Street and East Maple Avenue and handled that situation.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95 Friday the 21st. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Dog Picked Up — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 4:57 p.m. Thursday from the 700 block of North Osage Street that a dog was loose and would not allow anyone out of their vehicles. An officer and Animal Control responded to the scene and the dog was picked up.

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

=

Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:22 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle was on fire 1.5 miles west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road. A unit from the No. 2 Fire Station responded and put the fire out.

Sale! 20%/50%/70% savings. Kids/Her review. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Lake Road and Pecan Road at 8:48 p.m. Thursday that a 23-year-old man was being held on two Kay County warrants, a city warrant, and driving under suspension. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 200 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:39 p.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been stolen. 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.

Requests Assistance — A Kay County Sheriff’s Officer requested assistance at 10:54 p.m. Thursday three-quarters of a mile north of Ponca City on U.S. 77. An officer was assigned and an 18-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Burglary — A man from the 600 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:46 a.m. Friday that two subjects had entered the residence and took some items. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Hit and Run — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:10 a.m. Friday that a hit and run accident had occurred one mile south of Newkirk and one-eighth of a mile west. The information was transferred to the Kay County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:15 a.m. Friday that a woman had been hit on the head with a baseball bat while in the 700 block of South Tenth Street. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department took the victim to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. A suspect was located in the 1300 block of West Otoe and taken to the police department and information was logged that the incident had been part of one that had started when vehicle tires were slashed.

LIFESTYLES

Upcoming Events Are Announced By BSP Chapter
Local Music Club Piano Workshop Members Meet
Texas-Style Chicken-Fried Steak

Upcoming Events Are Announced By BSP Chapter

Lynda Voss was the hostess when 17 members of Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Jan. 11. Peggy Cookson, president, conducted the business meeting and led the group in the Opening Ritual. Correspondence was read, and Leora Simmons read from “The Book of Beta Sigma Phi.”

Ms. Cookson gave the city council report, and reported that the Valentine’s Dance will be held Feb. 5 at the Country Club. The chapter’s April 25 meeting will be moved to April 27 in conjunction with the Founder’s Day dinner.

The next meeting will be Jan. 25 in the home of Glenda Brown, and members will prepare baskets for the Valentine’s Day event. January’s social will be “Crazy Bridge.” Julie Kirchenbauer and Kim Vap, guest speakers, presented a program about hormone therapy and natural versus chemical alternatives.

Local Music Club Piano Workshop Members Meet

Members of the Ponca City Federated Music Club piano workshop met in the home of Bobbie Motz on Jan. 18 with Bernice Baxter assisting as co-hostess.

Following the social hour, Lois Rence, workshop chairman, presided at the business meeting. She read greetings from former members Barbara #Brown, Halide Smith and Rhoda Young, who have all moved from Ponca City.

The Feb. 15 meeting will be at Westminster Village with Francis Wood Thompson hosting, and Marge Howard assisting. The theme will be “South of the Border” with Kathleen Chambers giving the lesson, and Bobbie Motz arranging for the musical numbers to be presented.

The theme for the January meeting was centered around composers whose works members would like to hear performed more. Presenting numbers were Katy Anthony, Kathy Wimberley, Alice Crowder, Elma Robson, and Barbara Manering.

Texas-Style Chicken-Fried Steak

Made Low-Fat, Still Delicious Tasting

(AP) — Texas-style chicken-fried steak, french fries and batter-dipped onion rings, glazed chocolate doughnuts and golden fried chicken. Dieters’ daydreams?

No, they are just a few hot and crispy reasons to rejoice at the recent release of “Guilt-Free Frying: All of Your Favorite ‘Fried’ Foods With No Muss, No Fuss, and Almost No Fat” (HP Books).

The book from best-selling authors Barry Bluestein and Kevin Morrissey features 160 recipes that are a fried-food junkie’s dream come true.

According to Bluestein, “We wanted to prove to people who have given up frying that you can enjoy all the flavor, all the crunch, with none of the fat.”

Bluestein says the secret to lard-free crunch lies in high-temperature, high-speed baking, sometimes combined with an unexpected ingredient — like the potato starch in the chicken-fried steak, which would be gummy if made of flour alone.

Even the novice can get perfect results, he says, by following a few rules. First, always preheat the oven for 20 minutes, and use an oven thermometer to be sure the temperature is right before putting the food in the oven. To brown foods evenly, rotate the pan from back to front when you open the oven to turn the food over.

This mouthwatering chicken-fried steak boasts a hefty 31 grams of protein with just 6 grams of fat and 290 calories per serving.

Texas-Style Chicken-Fried Steak

Cooking spray

1 pound boneless beef round

sirloin-tip steak

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/3 cup potato starch (see note)

1 large egg white

1 tablespoon evaporated skim milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Gravy

1/2 cup defatted chicken broth

1/2 cup evaporated skimmed milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Put a heavy-gauge nonstick baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475 F. Trim and quarter steak. Pound quarters with mallet until about 1/4 inch thick.

On a large plate, mix flour, garlic powder, mustard, salt and pepper. Sprinkle potato starch onto another plate. In a large shallow bowl, beat together egg white, evaporated milk and Worcestershire sauce.

Dip pieces of meat in potato starch, shaking off excess. Dip next into egg mixture, then coat evenly with flour mixture. Spray preheated baking sheet with cooking spray, place steaks on baking sheet and spray them lightly. Bake for five minutes, turn over and bake until very well browned, about five more minutes.

Meanwhile, make gravy by combining broth and evaporated milk in microwave-safe container and heating on high until just steaming, (about 1 minute.) Toast flour in nonstick saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. Whisk in heated broth mixture, then cook, stirring frequently, until gravy is thick and bubbly, about eight minutes. Stir in salt and pepper, drizzle over steaks. Makes 4 servings.

Note: Potato starch is available in baking or kosher-food sections of most supermarkets.

EDUCATION

Northern College Student
Recent Survey Shows All States Deserve a ‘C’ for Improved Efforts
New Report Indicates State Among 22 Best in Nation
Roosevelt Student Wins School Geography Bee
BOE Meetings Now Seen On Local Channel

Northern College Student

Receives New, Prestigious George Nigh Scholarship

TONKAWA — Audrey Lester, Northern Oklahoma College freshman from Tonkawa, has been awarded the prestigious George and Donna Nigh Public Service/Leadership Scholarship.

The award includes a $1,000 scholarship for the Spring 2000 semester and an opportunity to attend a two-part leadership academy with members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate.

Established this year by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education as authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature, the scholarship is awarded through the George and Donna Nigh Scholarship Fund, administered by the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Institute. The goal of the institute is to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service.

Students receiving the scholarship must be enrolled full-time in a degree program leading to a career in public service and must have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement.

Nominated by Northern, Lester is among 36 students in Oklahoma institutions of higher learning to receive the scholarship.

A graduate of Tonkawa High School, Lester is majoring in nursing/pre-medicine. After receiving her Associate of Science degree from Northern, she intends to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at Oklahoma State University before earning a master's degree in nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. She plans a career as a nurse practitioner.

Lester is a freshman representative to the Northern Student Senate and serves as reporter of Bell Honors Residence Hall. She is currently employed in the college Office of Student Affairs.

In high school, Lester was a member of the National and Oklahoma Honor societies and was listed in "Who's Who among American High Schools Students and on the Superintendent's Honor Roll. She served as secretary of the Future Homemakers of America and as yearbook editor.

Other activities included membership on the Blackwell Regional Hospital Student Governing Board, volunteering at St. Joseph Medical Center in Ponca City, and tutoring with the Ponca City Literacy Council. Lester is a member of Community Christian Church.

She is the daughter of Troy and Cathy Lester and the granddaughter of C.E. and Pat Lester and Bob and Faye Waldron of Ponca City.

Recent Survey Shows All States Deserve a ‘C’ for Improved Efforts

By ARLENE LEVINSON

AP National Writer

Despite promises to do better, the 50 states overall deserve a ‘‘C’’ for efforts to improve America’s classrooms, in particular for dragging their feet in pursuit of the best teachers, say authors of a survey released recently.

“You wouldn’t be happy if your child came home with a C,” said Virginia Edwards, editor and publisher of Education Week, which produced Quality Counts 2000, its fourth annual state-by-state look at public schooling in grades kindergarten through 12.

“It’s only a mediocre system,” Ms. Edwards said. “Efforts need to be made to bring that grade up.”

For instance, the survey found that while 39 states require prospective teachers to pass basic literacy and mathematics tests, 36 of those states let some who fail slip through loopholes.

Education policy analyst Amy Wilkins, who hadn’t seen the report, agreed with the general assessment but said it was too mild.

“A tremendous increase in rhetoric” promising to boost teacher quality has been little more than lip-service, said Ms. Wilkins, at the nonprofit Education Trust in Washington, which promotes raising student achievement. “I wouldn’t say children are experiencing any benefit as a result of all the talk.”

There has been little change in Education week’s grading of the states since the first survey in 1997.

Per-pupil spending rose in 43 states between 1997 and 1998, the survey found. And 44 states adopted standards in the core subjects of English, social studies, mathematics and science, up from 31 in 1997. In 21 of those states, students are tested to see that standards are met.

Although the survey did not rank any states as best or worst, Connecticut stood out.

With the nation’s highest per capita income — $37,700 in 1998, based on latest federal estimates — Connecticut invests in finding and keeping the best teachers and monitoring the results in student performance.

Reflecting a push since the mid 1980s, Connecticut’s schools pay teachers the highest average salary in the nation, $51,727 in 1998, the latest year available. Mentors are assigned to first-year teachers, who are hired only after passing tough tests for teacher certificates and subject mastery. Teachers must renew their certificates every five years by taking courses that advance their skills and knowledge.

Unlike other states, Connecticut forbids waivers for teachers who flunk its tests. “If you fail that, you don’t teach,” said Tom Murphy, state Department of Education spokesman.

While many states have adopted programs to upgrade education, they’ve been slow to use them, the survey found.

It said 27 states have scholarship and loan-forgiveness programs but only 18 use them to address shortages in subjects, such as science or special education. Just 10 states use those programs to draw teachers to less desirable urban, rural or low-income and poorly performing schools.

New Report Indicates State Among 22 Best in Nation

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett forwarded to legislators, the governor and members of the State Board of Education the results of an annual study of states’ curriculum standards by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). It notes that Oklahoma’s core curriculum has seen significant improvement in the four core subjects especially when compared to previous years’ evaluations by AFT.

“The ‘Making Standards Matter 1999: Update on State Activity’ says Oklahoma is one of only 22 states which meets AFT’s criteria for high-quality standards,” Garrett said. “As such, we are sending a copy of this study to various Oklahoma policymakers for their information and use in their evaluations of Oklahoma’s state core curriculum, the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS).”

The 22 states cited as having curriculum standards which are “clear and specific enough to meet the AFT criteria” are: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia.

In “Making Standards Matter 1999,” the “State-by-State Analysis,” notes:

— The English standards are significantly stronger than the previous standards document and are clear and specific at all three (elementary, middle and high school) levels.

— The revised math standards are also stronger than the previous standards document and are generally clear and specific at all three levels.

— The science standards are also significantly stronger than the previous standards.

— The social studies standards are also a significant improvement over the previous standards document. The civics and U.S. history standards are generally clear and specific at the elementary level. The authors cited a lack of world history content at some grade levels, something which Superintendent Garrett noted in Oklahoma’s response “must have been overlooked or ignored” by the reviewer.

“There may still be work to be done but in 10 of the 12 components of AFT’s analysis, our standards were rated as ‘clear, specific and grounded in content,’” Garrett said.

Garrett mentioned the foresight of the framers of House Bill 1017 in 1990 as providing the mandate to not only establish state curriculum standards but to review that curriculum every three years and revise as needed.

Roosevelt Student Wins School Geography Bee

Damon Smith, a sixth grade student at Roosevelt Elementary, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 12 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.

The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 12th annual National Geographic Bee. The competition is sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

The kick off for this year’s bee was the week of Nov. 29, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Damon, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scores in each state and territory will be eligible to compete in their state bee April 7.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and their teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee National Championship on May 23 and 24. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship.

Alex Trebek, host of “Jeopardy,” will moderate the national finals on May 24. The program will be produced by Maryland Public Television and will air on PBS stations. Check local listings for dates and times.

The National Geographic Society developed the National Geographic Bee in response to a growing concern about the lack of geographic knowledge among young people in the United States. A 10-country Gallup survey conducted for the society in 1988 and 1989 found that people in the U.S. ages 18 to 24 — the youngest group surveyed — knew less about geography than young people in any of the other countries in the survey. TheNational Geographic Society, with 9 million members, has as its mission to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge.” In addition to the National Geographic Bee, the society sponsors a number of other geography education initiatives, including summer geography institutes for teachers and the Geographic Alliance Network, which is currently working in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.

BOE Meetings Now Seen On Local Channel

It’s official! The Ponca City Board of Education is on the air. That’s right, all regular board meetings can e seen live from the comfort of your living room on local cable channel 11.

A survey was conducted of employees and patrons asking if they would like to see board meetings televised. The survey results were overwhelmingly “yes” they would like the opportunity of having board meetings televised.

All regular board meetings are the third Monday of each month with the exception of March.

Tune in Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and be a part of the meetings.

RELIGION

Souper Bowl Set Sunday Jan. 30th
Providence Baptist Invites Community to Open House
Pioneer Bible Church Members Return Home from Mission Trip
Hartford C of C Appoints New Deacons
Pastor’s Notes
Where Was the Jerusalem Temple Located?
‘Sanctity of Human Life’ Sunday at Word of Life Christian Center
Prince of Peace Lutherans Receiving New Members Sunday
Albright UMC Slates Planning for Year 2000
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

Souper Bowl Set Sunday Jan. 30th

Local church folks are revving up for the annual Souper Bowl Sunday, scheduled to take place on Sunday, Jan. 30 — and Ponca City’s youth are making plans to do some collecting. The News church editor has learned that the youth of First Christian are inviting all area church young people to help them raise money and goods for Friendship Feast as a Souper Bowl project. Friendship Feast is a free meal service provided Monday through Thursday to anyone who needs a meal.

The fruit of a single prayer, the Souper Bowl began in 1990 when the Youth Fellowship of a single South Carolina church began recruiting others. Last year $2.5 million was raised to help hurting and hungry people across the country.

And that coincides with the mission of Friendship Feast in Ponca City — feeding hungry people — honoring the “dignity of life” for all individuals who come to the meals.

The youth at First Christian will be joined by the young people of Community Christian and Woodlands Christian, collecting paper goods and money for Friendship Feast, and First Christian is asking all churches in Ponca City to help by collecting pocket change from worshipers. They suggest if you feel more comfortable giving paper products, Friendship Feast can use plastic knives, plastic spoons, plastic forks, styrofoam small bowls, styrofoam compartment plates, styrofoam dessert plates, styrofoam coffee cups, paper napkins and paper towels.

Kelli Tucker of First Christian points out “The mission of Friendship Feast is to feed hungry people. We will provide food and care in a way that honors the Dignity of Life for all individuals who come to the meals. We will provide a balanced diet of nourishing and healthy food. We will strive at all times to be fair to everyone. We will always seek to give generously and freely from the heart and to operate cost effectively to reap the most benefit of the time and effort given by volunteers.”

The young folks at Community Christian are planning to participate in an effort to glorify God and care for “the least of these our brothers” by encouraging folks to give $1 each as they leave worship on Jan. 30. The money will be collected by the youth of the church following worship and will go to Friendship Feast, it was announced.

At Albright United Methodist, the youth of the church will be collecting money for the Souper Bowl of Caring, also.

The young people at St. Paul’s United Methodist have been reminded by their leaders that over 34,000 young children around the world will die due to malnutrition and preventable diseases. In the U.S. alone, eight million young people under the age of 18 — each handcrafted by God — live in poverty.

The St. Paul UMC young people will join with the youth of First Christian in bringing the things needed for the kitchen and dining area of Friendship Feast, along with their canned goods.

This program began in 22 churches in South Carolina in January of 1990. Last year the program generated a record $2.5 million and, it was pointed out, all money collected in Ponca City will stay in Ponca City. Albright youth are trusting their church friends will have an extra dollar in their pocket on Souper Bowl Sunday.

Community Christian has announced they will be joining their fellow Christian churches to raise money and goods for the local Friendship Feast during this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring. They also suggest the “Souper Bowl of Caring” is an effort to glorify God by encouraging people to give $1 each as they leave worship on Jan. 30.

Other churches in the Ponca City area will be participating on Jan. 30 to glorify God and care for “the least of these our brothers” by encouraging people to give $1 each as they leave worship. The 1999 effort generated a record $2.5 million!

Nothing collected on Souper Bowl Sunday goes to overhead expenses, it was noted. This grassroots initiative has one part-time staff person, uses homemade letterheads, is guided by an ecumenical Council of Stewards, and is thankful for the thousands of ordinary people who, with God’s help, are teaming up to do “extraordinary” good.

Providence Baptist Invites Community to Open House

With a new location, new facility, and a new name, the former Southside Baptist Church opened its doors Dec. 5 at 1301 Bradley as Providence Baptist Church. The church recently purchased the former Elks Lodge building and remodeled it into a worship facility. This Saturday, Jan. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., the church welcomes the community to attend an open house, so that those who are interested can see the changes that have been made.

Visitors will notice not only the major renovations made to the inside, but the new pitched roof and steeple over the covered drive entrance. Additional changes to the exterior include new fencing, and the replacement of pavement on the east end with grass for the children’s playground area.

In addition to the open house, the community is invited to attend the dedication services scheduled for Jan. 21-23. Following is the schedule for specific activities:

Friday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. James Still, Lance Quinn and Jim Elliff will be speaking.

Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:30 a.m. Men’s breakfast and inaugural meeting of the Dead Theologians Society — Subject: John Calvin presented by Lance Quinn.

2 to 4 p.m. Community Wide “come and go” Open House.

6:30 p.m. Doug Shivers, and Jim Elliff will be speaking.

Sunday, Jan. 23, 9:15 a.m. Ernest Ashcraft and Jim Elliff will be featured during this time.

10:45 a.m. Morning Worship

12 p.m. Fellowship Meal

2 p.m. Dedication Service

Featured speakers for the dedication will include former pastors Doug Shivers, Ernest Ashcraft, and James Still, as well as Lance Quinn, pastor of “The Bible Church of Little Rock” and Jim Elliff, the director for Midwestern Center for Biblical Revival at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Southside Baptist Church began in 1955 as a mission outreach of First Baptist Church. The church first met in a home, and later built their former building at 1518 South Fifth Street. In 1998 the facility was sold and the congregation purchased the building on Bradley, and since that time, the church has met at the Marland Mansion Conference Center while construction was completed on the new facility.

Local ministries of the church include AWANA JV and AWANA Varsity, programs designed to disciple junior high and high school students through Scripture memorization, group activities, and service projects.

The church has a program of visitation and teaching in several nursing home including weekly services at Shawn Manor. They also support several missionary efforts, including a ministry that provides clothing, food and support to churches and orphanages in Romania. The congregation has recently “adopted” the Fulani people in Africa. A “Fundamentals Class”, designed especially for those who have questions about the Bible or Christianity, will begin soon.

Anyone needing further information about the dedication or the class may call the church at 762-2762.

Pioneer Bible Church Members Return Home from Mission Trip

Recently, three members of the Pioneer Bible Church, located at the corner of Third and Chestnut streets, joined with a team from Scope Ministries in Oklahoma City to conduct a week-long seminar in western Kenya, Africa.

The group ministered under the auspices of ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) based in Dallas, Texas with offices in Nairobi, Kenya. While east Africa is considered to be one of the most aggressively Christian regions in the world, it has great breadth but lacks depth according to Celestin Musukura, Director of ALARM. For this reason, ALARM seeks to bring good Bible teaching to the African churches.

The Oklahoma group taught a course called “Biblical Solutions to Life’s Problems” to 400 women from western Kenya and neighboring countries. These women were sent as representatives of their local church to return and share the principles learned in this conference. Although this was not an evangelistic effort, 150 women came to a personal relationship with Christ through learning the principles taught to them.

The members from Pioneer Bible Church — Dannie and Diane Clarida, Tracie Biedermann — left before the holidays and spent two weeks in Kenya. They also enjoyed a two-day safari in the Massai Mara before returning to Ponca City.

The Rev. Larry Harris said, “As a church we were grateful to have this kind of representation at such an important conference. This fulfills one of our corporate goals to have greater involvement of our members in foreign missions through short-term missionary service.”

Hartford C of C Appoints New Deacons

Hartford Avenue Church of Christ announces the appointment of four new deacons and reassignment of deacons’ work areas.

At the Jan. 9 morning worship service, Steve Hamm, Mark Pritchard, Ron Stangeland, and Daryl Taylor were appointed as deacons. These men were selected by the congregation according to the criteria found in I Timothy 3:8-13. They join the 16 deacons currently serving. John Summers, elder, reported, “We are excited with the addition of these four men to our already outstanding team of special servants.”

The elders, deacons, and ministers met Saturday, Jan. 15 to begin planning the work of the church for the next two years. The various work areas were discussed, then work assignments were selected.

The areas of work and deacons in charge is, as follows: Benevolence: Distressed, Denny Gearhart and Dennis Betterton; Clothing Center, Don Jesch; Food Distribution, Don Jesch; Children’s Homes/Bible Chairs, Stacey Lobaugh.

Edification: College Age, Ron Stangeland: Communion, Greg McElfresh; Family Life/Marriage Enrichment, Daryl Taylor, Denver Gearhart, Dennis Betterton; Fellowship, Ralph Wilcoxson; Involvement, Rick McCumber; Ladies’ Programs, Ralph Wilcoxson; Library/Audio Visual/Tracts, Mark Pritchard; OMAHA, Melvin Schoonover; Shut-In Visitation and Communion, Rick McCumber; Singing Group, Steve Hamm; Single/Single Again, Steve Hamm; Visitation, Steve Hamm; Worship Coordinator, Greg McElfresh; Young Married, Daryl Taylor, Denver Gearhart, Dennis Betterton; Youth, Ron Pitts, Ron Stangeland.

Evangelism: Cuba Missions, Lyle Harms; Jamaica Missions, Bill Young; Spanish Missions, Yung Lee; Sioux Falls Mission, Martin Stone; Medical Missions, Bill Young.

Support: Accounting and Finance, Jim Kinney; Building Maintenance, Paul Lawrence; Communication, Joe Smock; Contribution, Rick McCumber; Custodial Services, Melvin Schoonover; Grounds Maintenance, Melvin Schoonover; Insurance, Paul Lawrence; Printing, Jim Kinney; Support/Office Manager, Ron Pitts, and Transportation, Mark Pritchard.

Pastor’s Notes

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a helpful adage in those situations where the person speaking the injurious words has no authority or credibility. In those situations where the person speaking is already credible as a friend, family member of co-worker, we are sometimes left scratching our heads. I was in grade school when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courageous colleagues provoked a national discussion abut civil rights for blacks and other minorities. At age 10 I heard racial slurs, racist jokes and prescriptions for race questions ("send ‘em back to Africa” and “the only good Indian ...”etc.) from people I knew and respected. My mother must have known how confusing it is for a child to sort out bad information received from good people (family members, family friends, teachers, church goers, etc.). in the presence of a racist comment, she often learned over and whispered in my ear, “you are no better and no worse than any other person.” As a lover of democracy and student of Holy Scripture I have found that her words, which inoculated me from the disease of a racist society, also summarized many of the good words of the U.S. Constitution, the national debate over civil rights and even Holy Scripture.

Sadly, children in 2000 are still witnessing many of the bigoted attitudes, words and actions I witnessed as a child in 1965. From the right person words can hurt, but they can also heal. This is the day in which our nation celebrates the vision and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am also giving thanks for the many people I know who have acted out the vision of racial harmony by offering the right word at the right time. Their work is not done but they need to be reminded of its importance.

The Rev. Kent Dorsey

First Christian Church

Where Was the Jerusalem Temple Located?

By RICHARD N. OSTLING

AP Religion Writer

It lays claim to being the holiest place on earth, visited by countless Jewish, Muslim and Christian pilgrims.

Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), is not just a destination for 20th century believers. The Jerusalem Temple stood at the center of the largest religious complex of classical antiquity. It was five times the size of the Acropolis in Athens.

In A.D. 70, the temple was destroyed by the Romans, never to be rebuilt. And since the seventh century Muslim conquest, the beautiful Dome of the Rock has dominated the site.

Today, Jews gather continually to pray at the Western or Wailing Wall along the edge of the vast stone platform where the Muslim dome sits. Many pious Jews will not enter the Temple Mount, however, for fear they might step on the spot where the temple’s Holy of Holies once existed.

That would change if we knew exactly where the temple had been. There’s also interest in the location among those Jews and Christians who believe the temple will be rebuilt someday — an alarming prospect for Muslims.

Two theories are currently in contention. Asher Kaufman, a Hebrew University physicist, thinks the temple was on the northwestern area of the mount, near the present-day Dome of the Spirits. If so, the temple could be rebuilt without disturbing the Dome of the Rock.

But Leen Ritmeyer, an architectural draftsman for Hebrew University excavations of the area, is convinced the temple was right where the Dome of the Rock now sits.

A third theory is proposed by David Jacobson in the current issue of Biblical Archeology Review of Washington, D.C. Jacobson, a materials scientist who recently completed a University of London doctoral thesis on the temple, argues for a site just west of Ritmeyer’s location.

What’s new with Jacobson is that he works from the geometric layout of the over-all Temple Mount, particularly the walls. It’s a circumstantial case, but one worth pondering.

Today’s Temple Mount has four irregular sides. But Jacobson believes that as it was built in ancient times under King Herod, the now-missing northern wall formed a straight rectangle with the western and southern walls; only the eastern wall was slightly askew.

Jacobson found that when he drew a diagonal line from his projected northern edge of the western wall across to the southeast corner, there was a 60 degree angle between the diagonal and the southern wall. And, he calculated, the ratio between the length of the southern and western walls was 1-to-1.73.

Turns out the identical 60 degree angle and 1.73 ratio occur at the rectangular enclosure that King Herod built around the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The 60-degree scheme is also common elsewhere in Roman architecture, including the banqueting hall at Herod’s desert fortress at Masada. It was the architects’ signature, Jacobson believes.

Three streets that run north of the temple area are parallel to each other and to the southern wall. So Jacobson concludes it’s likely that the original northern wall was exactly parallel to those ancient streets and to the southern wall.

Once he positioned the four ancient walls, Jacobson drew east-west and north-south lines to fix the center of the ancient Temple Mount. The lines met right at the small structure known to Muslims as the Dome of the Chain, just east of the Dome of the Rock.

Jacobson figures this center point would have been the logical location for the altar of sacrifice, the focus of Israel’s public worship in ancient times, putting the temple itself slightly to the west.

Next question: What’s the modern equivalent of the ‘‘cubit,’’ a biblical measurement? Estimates range from 17 inches to 20.5 inches. Using a conventional 18-inch equivalent, Jacobson found that early material in the Jewish Talmud specified the distance from the midpoint of the altar to the midpoint of the temple was 134 feet.

Behold: The distance from the midpoint of today’s Dome of the Rock to the midpoint of the Dome of the Chain is 127 feet.

If Jacobson is on the right track, Jerusalem’s Muslim pioneers knew the revered sites of the Jewish temple and altar and preserved them when they built their own holy places.

Church Briefs

‘Sanctity of Human Life’ Sunday at Word of Life Christian Center

Perhaps you know of a single woman who is pregnant or perhaps an elderly person who’s been incapacitated by illness. First, it was the unborn babies that relieved personal inconvenience via abortion, and now, our society has progressed further down a slippery slope of denigration of human life to practice euthanasia and physician-assisted suicides, points out Pastor Bob Innis of Word of Life Christian Center, in announcing his emphasis for Sunday

Pastor Innis addresses these issues, and others that are critical to our present day culture this Sunday at the Word of Life. In this special service, testimonies of God’s healing power and grace will be given. Word of Life is located at 3401 North Union. Inquiries on service times may be directed to the Church Office at 762-4376, Pastor Innis advised.

Prince of Peace Lutherans Receiving New Members Sunday

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, will celebrate the third Sunday after the Epiphany, with the theme, “Peter’s Cross; Fishers of Men.” Focus this Sunday will be on how Jesus uses the common experience of fishing and turns it upside down. Each baptized Christian, born in God’s gracious sea, is called to fish for people, Pastor Bruce Keck points out. “We are given the net of God’s love and mercy, as we are called to discipleship.”

Also, on this day, the church will receive new members into the church family, and Pastor Keck has issued an invitation for folks to join them for study, worship and fellowship.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 2800 Turner Road, Ponca City. Sunday School is at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., followed by fellowship.

Albright UMC Slates Planning for Year 2000

Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, announces that members of the Administrative Council and Program Committees will meet Sunday afternoon, Jan. 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. to implement the visioning as planning for the year of 2000 and beyond is begun.

Special areas of attention will be worship, education, mission, family life, and evangelism, according to the pastor, Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s Word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening service 6 p.m. and Wednesday service 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on TV Channel 5 or 8.

On Jan. 15, 2000 the Bible class teachers, past and present, were honored at an appreciation banquet in the fellowship center. Steve Parker, minister for the Church of Christ in Chickasha, Okla. was the guest speaker. There were about 80 persons present to enjoy the good food and good fellowship.

SPORTS

Matmen Win District Thanks to PC Fans
Wildcat Bid Runs Afoul
Lady Cats Fall

Matmen Win District Thanks to PC Fans

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

STILLWATER — Ponca City’s Wildcat wrestlers won the district championship in a big way Thursday night — and had some big help.

A large contingent of Po-Hi students and fans jammed one side of the bleachers in the Stillwater field house to root the Wildcats on. They did such a good job, the Cats won 47-27, sewing up a berth in the Dual State Tournament in Yukon.

The Cat grapplers could use some more help Saturday as they host No. 6 ranked Sand Springs.

“This match will be for the No. 2 seed in Dual State,” Wildcat coach Todd Steidley said of the match with the Sandites. “But no matters what happens, we’re in and seeded no lower than fourth.”

The Wildcats turned what was supposed to be a nip-and-tuck battle with Stillwater into a major win and Steidley credited as lot of the Cats’ success to the large following of fans.”

“We’re dedicating this victory to the fans,” the coach said after the dual. “I’ve never seen anything like it, You come over into the opposing team’s gym to fight for the district title and you have more fans in the stands than the other side does. It’s great. We have the best high school fans in the state.”

The Wildcats won nine of 14 match in the dual and got bonus points in seven of those victories, including five falls.

Stillwater coach Todd Chesbro attempted to outguess Steidley by putting a newcomer in at 103 pounds against Ponca City’s Josh Short and moving unbeaten Mark Perry up to 112.

The ploy seemed to be working when Short fell behind 9-4 in the first period. But the Poncans’ better shape came into play later in the match as Short came from behind to gain a 2:56 fall.

“That was a huge win,” Steidley said afterwards. “Our shape made the difference. The (Stillwater) kid just ran out of steam.”

Perry did get a fall at 112 pounds, but that only tied the score at 6- 6.

Po-Hi 119-pound MiMi Miller promptly untied the score with a pin in 3:07.

Then came the key 125-pound match between Clint Stafford and Ryan Bellitti.

“We had beaten (Bellitti) in a tournament,” Steidley said, “but he is a tough kid. Clint did a good job.”

The two appeared evenly matches, but shape again appeared to be in the Cats’ favor as Bellitti drew three stalling warnings and that was enough for Stafford to win, 2-1.

The Wildcats got their fourth win in five matches at 130 as Steven Windler finished strong for a 5-1 decision, giving the Cat an 18-6 lead in the team scoring.

The Pioneer started to come back with a fall at 135 pounds and a major 17-9 decision at 140 to narrow the gap to 18-15.

At 145, Michael Osborn, who had been out of the lineup for two weeks with an injury, faced Noah Weatherford.

Weatherford raced to a 7-0 lead before Osborn turned the table to narrow the gap to 7-5. The Wildcat finally went in front with a second-period takedown for an 8-7 lead.

Weatherford escaped to tie the score, but as he did the Pioneer stumbled backwards onto the mat. Osborn quickly jumped on top and got the fall in 3:35.

“I felt a little sluggish early in the match,” Osborn said. “But then I was able to come back and when he slipped, I just tackled him.”

That fall moved the Poncans in front 24-15.

But they kept stacking up bonus points as Jasper Lockett won a 16-1 technical fall at 152 pounds and Kyle Duren collected his team-leading 10th fall of the season at 160.

When Blaine Empting added a 2:17 fall, the Poncans had put the dual on ice. The Wildcats led 44-15 with just three matches left.

Stillwater got falls at 189 and at heavyweight. But sandwiched between those two Jason Neuerburg gave out lessons in pressure at 215.

Pushing Stillwater’s Steve Arteberry hard, Neuerburg built a 7-1 lead through three period and got a near-fall early in the third. That was apparently too much for the Pioneer as he ignored three stalling warnings and was disqualified with 58 seconds left in the match.

Wildcat Bid Runs Afoul

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — There were too many flying hornets here for the Ponca City Wildcats in the first round of the Valley Center Invitational as the host team broke open a close game after intermission and rolled to a 74-49 win.

The loss by the Ponca City Wildcats dropped the Ron Arthur-coached Wildcats to the losers bracket against a Wichita North Redskins team at 5 p.m. Friday.

Several factors led to the Wildcats inability to move into the winners bracket semifinals.

Fouls were more closely watched, with hand-checking a no-no unlike the play the Wildcats were used to in the rough-and-tumble Frontier Conference.

Lane violation was noted on the Wildcats, one of which found a questioning Po-Hi coach receive a technical just for standing up with arms spread, and asking “What?”

The Wildcats became so frustrated in the second half, that turnovers plagued them.

The fouls were very much a key to the situation, when starting post Blaine Petrie received his second before three minutes were played in the game. At that point, the Wildcats had a 6-0 lead, and had still missed a couple of opportunities to be in front by double digits and possibly heading for a blowout. Bret Skaggs, Billy Broughton and Blake Geubelle had scored for the Wildcats, while Jeff Furnas and Petrie saw attempts at the bucket spin in and out.

But Petrie took a seat, and the Wildcats took off from scoring as Valley Center got the next 10 points in a span of three minutes to lead 10-6 at the 2:19 mark.

It was 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and Valley Center maintained the lead prior to Broughton cashing a trey and a bucket to pull Ponca City in front 18-17. That’s about the time the technical foul interrupted play, and Valley Center took the cue to go in front and stay there the rest of the contest.

Geubelle scored late in the first half to pull the Poncans within two at 30-28, where the halftime ended play.

Broughton matched a Hornet score to start the second half, but the Poncans allowed nine straight points before Furnas hit a trey, and then Broughton followed suit to pull the Wildcats within seven, 43-36. But Valley Center used several key turnovers by the Wildcats to make it 52-38 just prior to a trey by Blake Pearson put Valley Center up 17 at the end of the quarter.

The same story was unfolding in the fourth quarter, as Valley Center refused to play as a perfect host and outscored the Poncans 19-11 to win by 25, 74-49.

Broughton led the Poncans with 14, while Furnas had 10. But the Wildcats missed the strong double-digit scoring from Petrie, who got but a single bucket, that in the second quarter. The Wildcats also missed the rebounding of Petrie and finished on the short end of that statistic also.

“We can’t give up the boards game, and expect to do well. We have to get the ball off the defensive board and keep it, rather than let it slip away or get tossed away going down court,” Arthur said after the game.

“And we can’t put them (Valley Center) on the free throw line like we did. It’s a matter of adjusting.”

Valley Center did go to the free throw line, with Jared Ensey hitting 12-of-14. The Wildcats got to the line but 13 times in all, hitting only six. Valley Center as a team had 32 trips to the stripe and hit 26, 82 percent, great for any college (or pro, for that matter) team.

The Hornets were led by the 21-point effort of Ensey, 12 from the free throw line; and 20 points by Pearson, who had a 14-point third quarter. The Wildcats held three other Hornet starters to a combined seven points, but Valley Center bench strength picked up the slack, getting a total of 26 points. Ponca City’s bench did admirable with a total of 15 points, including Tim Frick with five, James Anno and Jared Brashears each with four and Derek Colvin with a bucket.

Valley Center, by winning the contest, moved into the semifinals of the tournament for an 8:30 p.m. Friday date with No. 2 seed Junction City, an 80-55 winner over Wichita North in an earlier game on Thursday.

Goddard, the No. 1 seed defeated Derby 53-50 in the final game Thursday and will go against Blue Valley-Stilwell in the other semifinal game at 6:45 p.m. Friday. Blue Valley took the measure of Enid 71-27 in the first round Thursday, sending the Plainsmen also to the losers bracket, facing Derby at 3:15 p.m. Friday. Winners of the two losers bracket games on Friday will play for fifth place at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, while the losers face each other for seventh at 2:30 p.m.

Lady Cats Fall

JENKS — Ponca City’s Lady Wildcats never quite got their game going Thursday as they dropped a 60-28 decision to No. 3 ranked Jenks in the first round of the Jenks Tournament.

The Po-Hi girls were to play Tulsa Washington, a 64-48 loser to Putnam City Thursday, in the consolation round this afternoon.

In Thursday’s game, the Lady Cats were held to single digit scoring in all four quarters as the Lady Trojans controlled both ends of the court.

Jenks led 15-4 after the initial period and 29-11 at halftime.

Jenna Wedd paced the Poncans City scoring with seven points while Courtney Birdsong had five, Mallory Hodge four, Laura Sudbury four, Alana Smith two, Jena Birdsong two, Lyndsi Frederick two and Aubrey Kelley two.

In the other tournament games Thursday, Tulsa Bishop Kelley topped Muskogee 57-48 and Norman beat Bixby 64-42.

Today’s other consolation game, Muskogee played Bixby. In the winners’ semifinals, Kelley faced Norman and Jenks went against Putnam City.