LOCAL

More Snow In Forecast For Tonight
Office Staffers Contemplate Super Bowl Options
Ryder Starts Casually, But Better Be Prepared
Frozen Pipes Preventable
Girl Scouts Broke Ground at Camp

More Snow In Forecast For Tonight

By KRISTI HAYES

News Staff Writer

Old Mother Nature wreaked havoc on parts of Oklahoma, closing numerous schools and dumping over a foot of snow across parts of the state.

Locally, snowfall in the Ponca City area ranged from three to five inches. Roads conditions are still listed as snow-packed, slick and hazardous.

The storm that dumped snow across the entire state moved to the east today, but forecasters say another system is moving into Oklahoma tonight and could produce an additional one to two inches of snow.

All area schools, including Ponca City, were closed today.

Ponca City school superintendent Dr. Bill White broke with policy in making the decision Thursday afternoon to close school on Friday.

“Typically, we don’t make the decision to close school the day before. We made an exception this time because we felt the road conditions would not improve,” White said.

He said the decision of other school districts in the county decided to cancel affected his thinking. “I talked with other school districts and they closed school, so it was a county effort,” said White.

He said the decision to close the night before often helps parents when they try to find child care. Today, the YMCA is offering all-day child care at Union Elementary with various activities planned.

The Ponca City wrestling tournament will still be held, providing the schools scheduled to compete make the decision to attend.

Ponca City police reported several non-injury accidents Thursday. One minor injury accident was reported near the high school.

The Kay County courthouse was closed today after staying open yesterday during the storm.

Office Staffers Contemplate Super Bowl Options

‘What Are Their Colors?’

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

“What are their colors?” was the response to a question asked around the office Friday as folks were polled about who they would root for in Sunday’s Super Bowl XXXIV.

The answer more or less indicated that a lot of folks didn’t expect either the Tennessee Titans or the St. Louis Rams to make the “big” game. But true sports fans know that the St. Louis used to be the Los Angeles Rams, and the Titans are old Houston Oilers.

Other office answers ranged from going fishing to watching the game with friends to indulging in the traditional party snacks and liquid refreshments.

Around The Ponca City News office, most of the folks who plan to watch the highly-hyped game plan to root for St. Louis. The one who wanted to know about the colors? She’s cheering for the Titans.

One real football fan said he would be supporting the Rams because of Ponca City’s close ties to St. Louis.

That’s St. Louis (baseball) Cardinals, who have been on local WBBZ radio for years. This fellow said he would be cheering particularly for Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, who is making the NFL minimum (about $200,000). Our office fan said, “I like it that he is doing his job and saying all the right things. I like what he stands for.”

Then there’s the couple who plan to go antiquing ... if the weather clears.

“We plan to get on Highway 60 and head east antiquing,” the wife said. She indicated they didn’t watch football because it’s “a waste of time to watch a bunch of grown men bump into each other and fall down.” She added that the felt the event is over commercialized and she didn’t want to spend four hours listening to “stupid sports commentators.”

Another News worker said she would be fixing a meal for her husband and “kid” and sew as she watches the game. Another said she and a friend would be going walleye fishing below the dam and could “take or leave football.”

One fellow indicated he would probably be channel surfing trying to find something else to watch. One guy wasn’t sure if he was going to watch the game and — if he did — he thought maybe he would support the Rams.

It is no coincidence that city and area department stors and chain stores do a land office business on Super Bowl Sunday, as do the movie theatres. And, the Ponca Playhouse has a performance set for that very afternoon.

Ryder Starts Casually, But Better Be Prepared

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

The Ponca Playhouse production “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder” opens tonight at the Poncan Theatre under the accomplished direction of veteran actor Paul Armstrong. This Playhouse production, however, is not the usual love story, mystery, musical, or comedy Ponca Playhouse audiences have become accustomed to seeing from local actors.

Definitely geared for adult audiences, with more than a smattering of gutter language and several sexual situations or innuendoes, the production either kept viewers at Thursday night dress rehearsal glued to their seats in fearful silence or giggling nervously to hide runaway emotion.

As I watched, the well-directed performers adroitly drew me into the story, which takes place in a little overnight diner in a small town in New Mexico. Fear, anger, shame, disgust, shock, embarrassment and occasional boredom with the characters left me drained at the finale, which, of course, speaks volumes for the success of the talented director and actors.

The production starts out slowly as young Joshua Sroufe as Red Ryder bores us to tears with his character’s meaningless life and soured disposition. He is joined in the diner by a cheerful Toma Foster (Angel) who really cooks breakfasts on the grill, pours numerous cups of coffee, sets tables, and remembers all her lines at the same time. Two characters, bossy Ron Hernandez (Mr. Clark) as owner of the café and level-headed Royce Caldron (Lyle) owner of a motel/gas station across the street, wander in and out of the café on business. They are about the only thing that keeps us from falling asleep as we learn about the characters involved.

The worn old diner takes on a higher air as an affluent couple, Dave Jefferis (Richard) and Marlys Cervantes (Clarisse) stop in for a quiet Sunday breakfast.

I found nothing to cheer, boo, or clap, with all these “ordinary characters,” and they very quietly “snuck up” on my trust. I relaxed and felt comfortable with them!

However, it only took a few minutes to lose that warm glow of complacency and trust when magnetic Dave Guinn (Teddy) arrived and dominated center stage as a psychotic Vietnam vet and drug runner. Not long after entering the diner, he and his girl friend Kimberly Veltman (Cheryl) began terrorizing my trusted characters. Uninhibited with his sexual advances and cruel with his assessment of each character’s weaknesses, Guinn’s character dominates with emotional fear and a gun. Excellent interaction on stage between Guinn, Jefferis and Cervantes kept me on the edge of my seat as I found anger and disgust unwittingly pulling me into the scenes as a player.

It is a powerful emotional roller coaster ride with Guinn at the controls!

As usual, the lighting, sound, properties, costumes, props, and other enhancements are first-class, and Ponca Playhouse is still the best in the state.

The old country-western music of Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter, Frankie Laine and themes from old western movies playing on the juke box brought back a lot of nostalgic memories of southwest “greasy spoons” I have known.

The very realistic 1960s diner set, also designed by Armstrong, is situated so we can see the face of every actor on stage at all times. I especially liked the old black friction tape patching the red diner stools (mature ladies in the audience may remember ripping their hose or getting stuck to it back in the 50s-60s).

Thanks to corporate sponsor Cable One and the Oklahoma Arts Council, “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder” will open tonight and be presented again at 8 p.m. on Jan. 29, and Feb. 4, 5. A Sunday matinee on Jan. 30, will begin at 2 p.m.

The Playhouse box office (phone 765-5360) is located at 105 East Central and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Frozen Pipes Preventable

Next to hurricanes, frozen pipes are one of the most costly insurance-related disasters. And usually, the trouble can be prevented.

To protect your house or apartment from frozen pipe damage, Allstate Insurance Company recommends:

• Disconnect all garden hoses and cover all outside faucets.

• Keep the temperature of your house at 65 degrees or warmer.

• Open inside cabinet doors around sinks and other plumbing to allow heat to enter and circulate around pipes.

• Wrap pipes nearest exterior doors and crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.

• Find the main water valve on your water beater and be prepared to turn it off.

• Find the main water valve to your house. If pipes do freeze or burst, shut off your main water valve and call your local water department.

• After you shut off the water, do what you can to prevent any further damage by moving furniture and other personal items away from the path of leaking water. Don’t forget to look under the beds for photo albums or personal keepsakes.

• Call your insurance agent to report the damage.

Remember — a pipe doesn’t necessarily burst the first time that it freezes. Sometimes, it takes several freezes and thaws before damage occurs.

Girl Scouts Broke Ground at Camp

Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council broke ground Saturday, Jan. 22, for the new shower house and infirmary at Camp Wah-Shah-She, west of Bartlesville. Gorman Construction received the bid to build the addition which was designed by Randy Weatherly of Ambler Architects.

The addition will be funded by the Council’s ongoing $1.18 million Capital Campaign. The facility was provided by generous donations from the Ponca City D.I. Kelly Trust and from the E.H. (Ted) and Melody Lyon Foundation.

As the architects began laying out this facility, they developed a plan to join the shower house with a separately designed new infirmary. An infirmary was badly needed to replace a current facility, and was originally conceived as a portable unit to save cost. This combination of the two structures allowed the Council to achieve some economics, avoid a portable unit and improve the usefulness of both facilities.

The combined unit will have separate entrances but will share a single roof. Between them a covered breezeway will allow small groups to conduct outdoor activities in bad weather. The infirmary will have eight beds and can double as a troop camping unit. The shower house will include eight indoor and eight outdoor showers, and nine flush toilets.

The 524-acre Camp provides a troop house, dining hall, campsites, three tent-units, a conestoga wagon unit, a swimming pool, archery and rifle ranges, and a ropes course. The Lodge Conference Center, built in 1990 with assistance from the Lyon Foundation, provides a significant source of outside income to the Council and is an asset to the area.

In addition to the planned shower house and infirmary, improvements at Camp include the development of the high elements ropes program and enhancements to sports facilities to support girls’ growing interest and involvement in sports. The Camp is available to Girl Scouts within the Council as well as available for rent to community organizations, businesses and other interest groups.

Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council serves almost 3,000 girls in 16 counties in northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. The number of girls participating in Girl Scouting in Ponca City and Kay County has doubled since 1992.

Girls Scouts of the U.S.A. is the world’s preeminent organization for girls, with a membership of more than 3.5 million girls and adults.

Today, as when founded in 1912, GSUSA helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults. In Girl Scouting — and its special girl-only environment — girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together.

DEATHS

George L. Whitehorn
Marvin McCarty
Ursula L. Bischkopf

George L. Whitehorn

George “Blackhawk” L. Whitehorn, resident of Red Rock, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 16, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 74.

An evening prayer service will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center. The traditional funeral feast will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 29, 2000. A graveside service will follow at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery with the Rev. Toby A. Blackstar of Greater First Deliverance Temple in Oklahoma City officiating. Military honors will be presented by Ponca Indian Buffalo Post 38 of White Eagle. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

George L. Whitehorn was born April 20, 1925, on the Otoe-Missouria reservation, the son of George Whitehorn Jr. and Louise (Collins) Whitehorn. He grew up on the Otoe-Missouria reservation and attended Pawnee Indian schools and two years at Haskell Indian Institute of Lawrence, Kan. After graduation from Haskell, he was employed as a machinist with Boeing of Wichita, Kan., where he made his home. He was born of the Eagle clan and the Otoe-Missouria tribe and was a member of the Church of the Firstborn, Otoe-Missouria Chapter of the Native American Church. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Otoe-Missouria veterans. He enjoyed playing semi-professional baseball in Wichita, Kan., as well as the great outdoors.

Survivors include two daughters, Ulyssa Whitehorn of Red Rock and Linda Hudson of Ponca City; one son, Wiley Richard Whitehorn of Ponca City; one brother, Richard Whitehorn of Red Rock; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.

Casket bearers will be G.K. Bassett, Herman Bassett, Jeff Littlecrow, Rick Pratt, Mark Whitehorn Jr. and Randy Whitehorn. Honorary bearers will be Wilson Adkins, Beau Biggoose, Joe Dent, Douglas Hudson, Richard Hudson Jr. and Charles Littlecrow.

Obituaries

Marvin McCarty

McALLEN, Texas — Former resident of Ponca City, Marvin “Mac” McCarty entered eternal rest Jan. 19, 2000. Mac was born March 19, 1922, to Ethel Reed McCarty and Frank McCarty in Ponca City. He was 78.

Surviving him are his wife Norma of McAllen Texas; son Steve (Dodie) McCarty of Las Cruces, N.M.; two sisters, Jo (Bill) Conway of Tulsa, and Joyce Nichols of Wichita, Kan.; three granddaughters, Kim (Glenn) Kendall of Dallas, Texas, Jennifer Wallin of Albuquerque, N.M., and Shannon (Tim) Kern of Dallas, Texas; one grandson, Ray (Amy) McCarty of Las Vegas, Nev.; and one great-grandson, Griffin.

The McCartys moved to McAllen, Texas, in 1956, at which time Mac was associated with National Cash Register Co. In 1960, he became a career agent with Southwestern Life Insurance. A few years later, he joined AFLAC Association.

Mr. McCarty was a 32nd degree Mason and had belonged to various civic clubs. Mac had a lively sense of humor, and a favorite pastime of his was visiting with friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Bill; a brother, Wayne; and his parents.

Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen, Texas. Mr. McCarty was a donor for the Legacy of Life Foundation. Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society, 211 Daffodil, McAllen, Texas 78501.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Ursula L. Bischkopf

NEWKIRK — Ursula L. Bischkopf, longtime resident of Newkirk, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000, at home in Newkirk. She was 76. Services are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident — A non-injury accident was reported at Fourteenth and Hartford at 8:14 a.m. Thursday. The vehicles were towed.

Due To fire Randy’s Harris Furniture and Melindas Gift Gallery, 114 West Grand, Tonkawa temporarily relocated behind store in warehouse, 105 North Main, Tonkawa. 1-580-628-3330 or 1-580-628-2897. adv.

Report Taken — A report was taken at 8:47 a.m. at First and Broadway for a non-injury accident.

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.

No Injuries — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported a minor accident at Hartford and Union Street at 9:55 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken.

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

Minor Accident — A non-injury accident was reported from the 2200 block of Turner Road at 10:14 a.m. Thursday.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 28th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Hit and Run — A report on a hit and run was taken at 10:32 a.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of North Fourteenth.

Budget Bride. Taking consignment wedding dresses and formals. We need larger size dresses. 200 West grand. 718-9934. adv.

Student Bit — A resident in the 1300 block of Summers Place reported a student had been bit at 11:50 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken.

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

Accident — At 2:07 p.m. Thursday a report on a non-injury accident was taken in the parking lot at Hutchinson Memorial.

Concealed Weapons class. Sunday, January 30 at 1pm. 500 S. Rockcliff Road. For information call 765-6677 or 761-4447. adv.

Theft — A bicycle was reported stolen to Ponca City police at 2:29 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken.

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

Arrest — A 37-year-old male was arrested at 2:37 p.m. Thursday from court on a city warrant for failure to pay.

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.

Report Taken — A report was taken by an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 4:23 p.m. Thursday on a non-injury accident in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth.

Mary Engelbreit kitchen collection now at Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv.

Accident — At 4:36 p.m. Thursday an officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at Bradley and Fifth Street on a minor accident.

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

Minor Accident — A two vehicle non-injury was reported in the 1900 block of East Hartford Avenue at 7:55 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken by an officer of the Ponca City Police Department.

Injury Accident — It was reported to police at 4:55 p.m. Thursday that the local hospital was treating someone injured in an accident in the Po-Hi parking lot.

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

Throwing Snowballs — Police were notified at 6:06 p.m. Thursday of two males throwing snowballs at cars in the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department said the subjects were gone on arrival.

Gold ‘N Treasures Jewelry -- quality 14K gold and sterling silver jewelry, 762-7273, corner of Prospect and 14th. adv.

Possible Fire — A resident in the 200 block of Westbury reported a garage full of smoke with no flames showing at 6:32 p.m. Thursday.

Antique Shipment- Small oak tables, Pub tables with cast iron base and round oak tops. Dressers, Chests, Chairs, Tea trolleys, and Wardrobes. Super Bowl tasting party through Saturday. Introducing “Stage Coach Dip”. Christy's 3005 N. 14th, Open everyday. adv.

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.

Stolen Wallet — A stolen wallet was reported from WalMart at 6:43 p.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Virginia. A report was taken.

Reckless Driver — A reckless driver was reported at Liberty and Union Street at 6:57 p.m. Thursday. Police were also notified the vehicle has struck a gas meter. A report was taken.

Drug Possession — Police arrested a 20-year-old male for possession of drugs and an 18-year-old female for possession of crank and a controlled dangerous substance at 3:23 a.m. Friday.

LIFESTYLES

Wah-sha-she Club Reviews Community Service Projects
Kirby Logan Gives Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Program
Little News

Wah-sha-she Club Reviews Community Service Projects

Members of the Wah-sha-she Club met in the home of Betty Herard for their first meeting of the year. Lou Penoi read the devotion, and roll call was answered by eight members with “How I spent New Year’s Eve.” Connie Mullenax gave the treasurer’s report.

An election of officers was held with Betty Herard elected president; Peggy Delaney, vice president; Ellen Neely, secretary; and Connie Mullenax, treasurer.

Ms. Herard read some of the things that the club had done during 1999, such as donations to Domestic Violence program, 57 tooth fairy pillows for McCord and Garfield schools, centerpieces for the McCord Senior Citizens Center, treats for the 4-H Spring Show in Pawhuska, cakes, pies and cookies for the volunteer firemen benefit at McCord School, and helping with the 4-H carnival at McCord.

Members also made crafts for the McCord Craft Fair, and toured the candle factory and Frank Phillips home in Bartlesville. They also toured Pawnee Bill’s Museum and ate at Miss Lillie’s Tea House in Pawnee. Members also bought backpacks and school supplies for Mission children as well as making a cash donation for the Mission for various uses. Members also peeled and bagged 18 gallons of apples for the Mission, made items for the Osage County Free Fair, winning 37 ribbons.

Club members purchased 20 mats for McCord kindergarten students, helped with a party for the Volunteer Fire Department, purchased tablecloths for the McCord Senior Citizens Center, and donated four turkeys to the Mission. Members also worked at the McCord craft fair, and made and donated baked goods for the Cody Wilde Benefit.

Wah-sha-she club members voted to make tooth fairy pillows in February for the McCord first graders. Members will attend a “learning to quilt” workshop at 7 p.m. Feb. 3. The group will make Valentine treats for the McCord Senior Citizen Center.

Members also voted to bring paper products to the February meeting to give to the McCord Volunteer Fire Department. In March club members will bring toys for the Accelerated Readers Program at McCord.

Connie Mullenax gave the lesson on gift wrapping and mailing, and members were asked to think of ways to help the community. Secret sister gifts were also exchanged. For more information about the club call Betty Herard, 762-7797, or Ellen Neely, 767-1376.

Kirby Logan Gives Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Program

Lila Logan was hostess for the Jan. 20 meeting of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority with 12 members present. Before the meeting Lila Logan introduced Kirby Logan, a Oklahoma Highway Patrolman, who gave a presentation about Automobile Safety.

Cassandra Kifiak conducted the meeting, and Jill Sims called the roll and read the minutes. Doretta Jackson gave the treasurer’s report.

Judy Watt requested members of the social committee meet at her home on Jan. 24 to make plans for the Valentine’s Dance pre-party for the chapter.

Francie James gave a report on the decoration committee for the Valentine dance, which will be held on Feb. 6.

Phyllis Pledger gave the scrapbook committee report. She said a theme has been planned and the committee will be meeting regularly to work on the book to be finished by Founder’s Day in April.

The Friendship Basket was won by Judy Mallory. The next meeting will be Feb. 3 at the home of Terri Whiting. The Silver Circle Ritual will be held for Judy Watt, Melva Keen, Nida Austin, and Cassandra Kifiak.

Little News

Makenzie Lauren Meyer is the name chosen by Randy and Donetta Meyer, 2424 Kingston, for their daughter born at 2:12 p.m. Jan. 17, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Grandparents are Arthur and Roberta Meyer of Ponca City, and Donald and Sandra Lockwood of Newkirk. Great-grandparents are Harold and Lucille Cline of Newkirk, Mary Schmitz of Springdale, Ark., the late Tony Schmitz, the late Everett “Doc” Lockwood, and the late Helen Lockwood.

EDUCATION

Social Promotions
PTC Named Gold Star School
Oklahoma Colleges, Universities Offer Tips on Getting Financial Aid
Study Reveals How Students Spend Time Away from Home
Transfer Request Deadline Set for PC Schools
Job Shadow Day Set for PTC

Social Promotions

By Dr. Bill White, Superintendent

Social promotion is generally defined as promoting a student to the next higher grade based on age, regardless of academic performance in the current grade.

The debate on promotion or retention has taken on new life as governors and legislatures from across the country enact laws to eliminate social promotion. The answer seems simple: keep the student in a grade until he/she is able to demonstrate mastery of the academic material for that grade.

That has been the prevailing policy several times during the history of public education. After each period of the “no social promotion” policy, the pendulum swings on the heels of research that shows retention seldom helps a child reach and maintain grade level.

Periods of “no social promotion” are accompanied by higher dropout rates and increased reports of school violence usually credited to the “older and bigger kid” who failed.

The pendulum of educational reform swings back to promote the child to keep him with his age peer group while providing remedial instruction for the student who cannot do the class work of “watered-down curriculum,” declining test scores, and a renewed cry for higher standards and greater accountability for teachers and administrators to do something to raise test scores.

What Role Can

Retention Play?

The research on retention is consistent in showing young students retained in kindergarten or first grade usually benefit from repeating the grade provided the parents support the decision to retain their child.

In Ponca City, about one in five children are one year older than their grade peers. They have taken an additional year to master the material covered in the early grades. Retention from second grade through the eighth grade occurs less frequently.

Retention dramatically increases in high school on a course-by-course basis. Students who have very poor reading skills, math skills, or study skills find the high school curriculum extremely difficult. Those students promoted to the high school with low grades almost always fail in high school.

Required to repeat the high school course in order to gain enough credits to graduate, the failing student usually succumbs to the desire to quit school and becomes a dropout.

Approximately 150 students leave Ponca City High School each year without completing the requirements for the diploma. Nearly 100 of these students are 16 years of age or younger.

Although many dropouts have been retained at least once in their school career, they still cannot complete academically at this level. Many of the students have reading and math skills equivalent to an elementary age student.

PTC Named Gold Star School

Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) has received notification that they have again satisfied all of the requirements for being a Gold Star School.

The Gold Star School Award, sponsored by the Oklahoma Vocational Technical Education Council (OVTEC) provides recognition to districts with exemplary programs that are designed to meet a broad spectrum of community needs.

For six consecutive years, PTC has met and even exceeded the rigorous standards required in student retention, placement, quality program instruction, recruitment and guidance, assessment capabilities, and diverse business and industry training programs.

"Even though this will be our sixth year to be recognized as a Gold Star School, it is still just as exciting as the first year," said Dr. Sally Downey, PTC Superintendent.

"With the high standards that are required to obtain this type of recognition, it is comforting to know that PTC is doing the right things. When only five of the thirty technical schools in Oklahoma received this recognition last year, it is truly reassuring to see the solid commitment PTC continues to make to our students, clients, and community."

Gold Star School applications are submitted the first part of April and evaluated by the Gold Star committee that consists of the president of the Technology Center Superintendents' Association, president of OCVA, a retired vo-tech administrator appointed by the State Director, and two board members appointed by the president of OVTEC. The Assistant State Director for the Technology Center and Business and Industry Services also serves as an ex-officio member or this committee.

Gold Star School recognition is for one year and the application must be re-submitted each year. The award, sponsored by the OVTEC will be presented during the Annual Oklahoma Vocational Association (OVA) Awards program in August.

Oklahoma Colleges, Universities Offer Tips on Getting Financial Aid

Oklahoma students can better their chances of receiving financial aid for college by following 10 easy steps, according to Oklahoma college and university officials.

“Oklahoma colleges and universities are among the most affordable in the nation,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch, noting that the combined cost of tuition, fees and room and board at state universities was lowest in the nation in 1997-98, the latest year for which data is available.

“However, higher education is sensitive to the financial pressures that these costs may place on some students and their families and have made more financial aid available than ever before,” Brisch said.

He noted that in 1996-97 state colleges and universities distributed 250,970 financial aid awards and loans valued at more than $487.4 million to 106,225 students, or 50.1 percent of all Oklahoma students attending college, the largest percentage ever of Oklahoma college students receiving aid.

To help students take advantage of financial aid opportunities this year, higher education officials offer the following guide to applying for state and federal financial aid.

1. Determine which colleges and universities to apply to and request their admission and financial aid information.

2. Request necessary application forms from colleges and universities, counselors and organizations offering scholarship or grant opportunities.

3. Apply early by submitting all applications as soon as possible after January 1. More grant money is available to early applicants, and early application will enable the financial aid office to have the financial aid awarded and in place when the student actually begins classes.

5. Read the instructions on the financial aid package forms carefully and fill them in as neatly and accurately as possible. Send applications promptly and remember to keep a copy.

Study Reveals How Students Spend Time Away from Home

(PX) - Parents wondering how their children are spending their first time away from home as college freshmen will find some revealing information in a comprehensive new survey.

Meet Generation 2001 — or at least a fully, nationally representative cross section of 2,001 freshmen from this generation - all from 101 colleges and universities around the country who participated in a recent survey conducted by Louis Harris and Associates. The unprecedented survey was commissioned by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.

Called “Generation 2001: A Survey of the First College Graduating Class of the New Millennium” — the study provides the first bona fide glimpse into what's going on in the hearts and minds of this newly named generation, says Deanna L. Tillisch, director of the study.

Logically, sleeping tops the list, with an average of 44 hours spent per week in bed. “However, that's only a little more than six hours of sleep a night,”" says Tillisch. “This, from the same group of teenagers who, right up to the school year, appeared to want to sleep until noon virtually every day. At least, I'm sure that's what most parents would lament.”

Perhaps more in line with what the teenager parents remember, socializing comes in second on the list at 26 hours per week, or almost four hours a day.

Parents might find some room for encouragement when they contrast these hours with class time ( 17 hours) and studying and homework ( 15 hours). for an average of 32 hours per week, or a little more than four-and-a-half hours a day. “That is. until they learn that these are precisely the same things - studying, homework and going to class — that freshmen would most like to cut down on.” Tillisch says.

Transfer Request Deadline Set for PC Schools

Due to new legislation, families outside of the Ponca City School district must file an application for open transfer at this time for the 2000-2001 school year. The deadline for accepting open transfers is Feb. 1.

Persons affected by this deadline are families who live outside of the district who desire a transfer into the district.

Examples of this would be families who reside in Newkirk, Burbank, Blackwell or Kildare who want their children to attend Ponca City schools.

Also included in this transfer deadline would be children who are already attending this district from dependent school district’s in Osage County (McCord, Burbank or Shidler) and Kildare or the Kaw City area.

The deadline does not affect persons living inside the district who may want to transfer from one elementary school to another. In-district transfers can be filed at a later date.

Decision regarding in-district transfers are made after the final enrollment totals are determined prior to the start of school next year.

If you have questions regarding the transfer application process, please contact Dr. Joe Surer or Karen Branum at the Ponca City Public Schools, 767-8000, ext. 244.

Job Shadow Day Set for PTC

Unlike the Groundhog, employees at more than 50 area businesses will definitely see their shadows on Feb. 2.

More than 140 students from Pioneer Technology Center will spend one day shadowing scientists, bankers, floral designers, teachers, lawyers, government workers, mechanics, graphic designers, and workers from numerous professions in order to experience the workplace firsthand.

“Job Shadow Day provides a unique opportunity to make the world of work come alive for students,” said Sheila Foxworthy, Pioneer Technology Center's Business Technology Instructor. “It allows them the opportunity to see how academics and skills are applied in the workplace and be inspired and motivated by successful adults.”

Foxworthy also added that job shadowing is a great opportunity to demonstrate the link between the school and the workplace, and it really give students a hands-on experience of what it takes to succeed in a profession.

If you are interested in participating by allowing students to job shadow at your business at another time, please call Linda Thompson at 762-8336, x244 or your local School-to-Work Coordinator.

RELIGION

OBU’s Bison Glee Club to Perform Here Feb. 27
Woodlands Christian Names 2000 Board
Christian Music Talent Search
Cross Training Set at First Baptist
First Christian Plans Study of Revelation
St. Paul’s VIM Team Going to Mexico
First Christian Hosting In Sync Drama Company
Word of Life Plans Series on Personal Finances
Prince of Peace Lutherans Announce Services
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Free Seminar on Parenting Planned at First Christian
First United Pentecostal Planning Super Sunday Afternoon Services
1st United Methodist UMW Holds First Meeting of New Millennium

Church Briefs

OBU’s Bison Glee Club to Perform Here Feb. 27

The First United Methodist Church, 200 South 6th, will host the Oklahoma Baptist University’s Bison Club, a select men’s choral ensemble, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Feb. 27, it was announced this week.

Dr. C. Randall Bradley, OBU associate professor of music, directs the Bison Glee Club at this time. The group was founded in 1938 by Dr. Warren M. Angell, dean emeritus of OBU’s Warren M. Angel College of Fine Arts.

The group performs various types of music, including sacred, classical and popular, and performs for churches, conventions, civic groups and school events. Their 2000 tour consists of concerts in Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.

Woodlands Christian Names 2000 Board

Karen Adams was named Chairman of the Official Board at Woodlands Christian Church for the Year 2000. Vice chairman will be Derric Drake; treasurer, Nancy Kruckeberg; financial assistant, Dave Bryan and secretary, Scilla Drake.

Other leaders are: Laneta Going, Christian Education chair, Richard Himbury, vice-chair; Trelma Sullivan, Evangelism chair; Regina Smith, Membership chair, Becky Cooper, vice-chair; Marie Vaughn, Outreach chair, and Patricia Leonetti, vice chair; Ken Smith, Property chair; Dennis Lincoln, vice-chair; Lynda Fox, Stewardship chair; Joquita Wallen, Worship chair; John Merle, Elders’ Chair; Tony Wyatt II, Diaconate chair and Paul Hosman, vice-chair; Terry Watson, Personnel Chair; Lori Boring, Bob Case, Linda Catlin, Jill Dale, Mary Ann Lincoln, Karen Adams, committee members; Velma Case, CWF President; Paul Hosman, CMF President, plus Trustees, Elders, Diaconate Members, Chi Rho & CYF Leaders.

Christian Music Talent Search

Embassy Music of Nashville, Tenn., is conducting its 6th Annual Artist and Song Search.

“The Ultimate Talent Search” will offer over $50,000 in prizes, it was noted, including a recording contract for the grand-prize winner in the artist’s division. The grand-prize winning song will be recorded and distributed nationwide to Christian radio. Entry forms are now available , and all entries must be received no later than Feb. 29, 2000

To receive entry information, visit www.embassymusic.com or call the Ultimate Hotline at 615-846-1700.

Cross Training Set at First Baptist

CROSS Training, “Committed Regardless of Severe Sacrifice”, set this weekend at First Baptist, is a special weekend for parents and their children. It is a sequel to a similar program presented last year, and the goal is to challenge parents and their children to live godly lives which are totally lined up with God’s standards and values.

Young people from third through tenth grades and their parents will meet on Friday evening for praise and worship music with Ryan Smith, then meet separately — mother and daughters with Kerri White and learn about “You are a Princess.” The boys and their dads will meet with K.C. Maddox and discuss “Sold Out for Christ!”

Saturday classes will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Leadership is being supplied by Sarah Ano, Maria Conchos, Vickie Dodson, Dan Gilliam, Pat Gladd, Christy Gonterman, David Land, Troy Lewis, Terry Long, K.C. Maddox, Terese Purkaple, Danny Ringer, Cheryl Snyder, Mary Spore, Becky Vanater, Rick Vanater, and Gayle Young.

First Christian Plans Study of Revelation

The seven-week study of the Book of Revelation, planned at First Christian Church, will begin on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 9:30 a.m. in the church gym, it was announced. Christians who miss its original message in their haste to apply it to contemporary events have abused the Revelation of St. John the Divine more than any other book in Holy Scripture, the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor, points out.

This study of Revelation will be led by Dorsey, focusing on the meaning and message to its original first century audience. This class is targeted to members and guests who are not currently participating in an adult Sunday School class.

St. Paul’s VIM Team Going to Mexico

A VIM (Volunteer in Mission) Team from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will be leaving Ponca City Feb. 5 for Nuevo Progreso and Rio Bravo, Mexico, border towns near McAllen, Texas where they will stay at Methodist Camp Thickett. They will do mission work that will include things such as construction of block houses, fixing up houses in a poor area, after-school religious classes for children, working on the medical clinic, distributing clothing, painting and cooking for the VIM Team.

Those participating at this time will be Norma and Burton Casad, Mavis and Tom Burton and Ruth Ritter.

First Christian Hosting In Sync Drama Company

In Sync Drama Company will present “Deep Dark Secrets” here Friday evening at 7 o’clock at First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth.

“What’s Hiding In Your Closet?” — the youth of the city are invited to attend this powerful, impacting, and hilarious presentation that will rock young people to the core!

It’s free — just a love offering will be taken. In Sync Drama Company is a traveling Drama Team through the Kevin Delp Ministries.

Word of Life Plans Series on Personal Finances

“Crisis or Opportunity” is the title of a series of teachings on personal finances beginning this Sunday morning at the 10 a.m. service at the Word of Life Christian Center. Pastor Bob Innis has developed a series of four teachings on financial concepts to assist a person in managing their finances with a vision.

The first teaching deals with “Earnings, and the Attitudes Behind the Paycheck.” Word of Life also meets at 6 p.m. for “Millennium Prayer” on Sunday. Wednesday evening services and Youth With a Vision begins at 7 p.m. “E-Quake”, a video teaching by Jack Hayford on the book of Revelation is currently underway in the main auditorium. Nursery and Children’s Church are available at all services, Pastor Bob Innis pointed out. For more information call the church office at 762-4376.

Prince of Peace Lutherans Announce Services

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, will celebrate the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany with communion, as they continue to proclaim the Gospel of God’s great love to humankind.

The Children’s sermon this Sunday will focus on knowledge and love. Pastor Bruce Keck points out, “We know that all possess knowledge, but whereas knowledge puffs up; love builds up. Anyone who loves God is known by Him.”

The invitation is “come and join us this Sunday as we celebrate God’s love for us, as He feeds us with His Word and Holy supper.”

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.

‘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 are set for 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 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.

Don Huddleston, pulpit minister for the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, announces the beginning of a city-wide Bible class. The class will be an expository and applicational study of Romans, one of the most influential books in Christian history. The one-hour class will be held at 6 p.m. each Sunday, beginning Feb. 6.

Free Seminar on Parenting Planned at First Christian

First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland, will offer “Parenting with Love and Logic,” a free seminar to nurture parents who nurture families. Leadership for the sessions will be provided by two highly experienced professionals, Lesa Ward, Principal to Blackwell Middle School, and Janet Langdon, Principal to Huston Elementary Center and Director of Special Services for Blackwell Public Schools.

Ward and Langdon have shaped their families and their schools with the wise insights of this course based on the teachings and writings of Elementary Teacher Jim Fay, and Psychiatrist Dr. Foster Cline.

Classes are open to the community and will meet over five Wednesday evenings from Feb. 2 through March 1. Each evening session will begin with a light supper for the whole family at 5:30 p.m. and conclude by 7:30 p.m. Childcare activities will be provided. Class sessions are a mix of video presentation, discussion, personal sharing and questions and answers — all in a spirit of prayer.

To register your family for this special course or for further enrollment information, please call First Christian Church at 762-1666.

First United Pentecostal Planning Super Sunday Afternoon Services

Pastor Rick A. Hughes of First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford, announced that this Sunday, Jan. 30, the church will host a Super Sunday Afternoon Service beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Lawrence Morrison, Pastor of New Birth Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Tulsa, will be the guest speaker. Come expecting to receive something from God in this exciting afternoon service, where you will find there’s more to shout about than the Super Bowl!

Pastor Hughes explains “You will find apostolic Pentecostal fellowship to be fulfilling, the worship to be exciting, the preaching powerful, and the doctrine to be Biblically sound. Come see why the United Pentecostal Church is one of the fastest growing faiths in the world today. Experience your personal Pentecost!” First Pentecostal extends a warm welcome to the public to visit this special service. For more information, contact Pastor Hughes at 767-1482.

1st United Methodist UMW Holds First Meeting of New Millennium

The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church held a unit meeting, their first of the new millennium, Thursday, Jan. 20 in Fellowship Hall.

Guest speaker, Kenna Jackson, Youth Director at First United Methodist in Blackwell, addressed the group, discussing strengthening families and communities through the scouting ministry. Kenna has a long history with scouting, and was especially pleased to report the recent announcement of the agreement between GSUSA and the United Methodist Church to be a National Sponsor of Girl Scouts.

She talked about how Girl Scouts help cultivate values and self-esteem in young girls while teaching them skills for success in the world. Cookie sales begin Jan. 28, and cookie revenue helps fund program and camp costs for the Girl Scouts.

The business meeting was called to order by President Mary Lou Ferguson. Eleanor Coates gave the treasurer’s report. Vice President Diana Mills presented the slate of programs and activities set for 2000. Child Development Center representative, Betty Whitteberry, reported tickets for the Chili Supper were distributed, and invited all who could to attend.

Mary Ruth Leatherman reported sales on the new multicolored Ponca City afghans, a significant missions project, were excellent. Alice Bland encouraged United Methodist Women to participate in God’s mission by enrolling in the reading program. Many of the suggested reading materials can be found in the church library at First Methodist.

Nancy Tindel explained the groups’ gift card program whereby a card is purchased for $5 or more honoring an individual. Folks may wish to say “thank you” or “congratulations,” to recognize a person “In the Service of Christ,” or acknowledge a special birthday, anniversary, etc., or may wish to send a gift in memory. Ultimately the gift donations are given to the Women’s Division General Board of Global Ministries. Mary Lou explained the Oklahoma Conference United Methodist Women will be providing tubs of items needed to help the Child Share program for Circle of Care. This is a means of supporting both the children in foster care, as well as the foster parents. Tubs are to be delivered in March.

UMW dates to remember include Jan. 29, Effective Leadership Training at First UMC in Stillwater; Feb. 16, Prayer and Praise Dinner Hosts; Feb. 20, Girl Scouts Cookie Creations Fund Raiser, and Feb. 27, OBU’s Bison Glee Club Men’s Choir Dinner.

United Methodist Women of FUMC are off to a good start, President Ferguson pointed out, “Celebrating the Millennium ... Reaching for the Stars.”

SPORTS

Wildcat Mat Tourney Has Different Look
TU Reaches 20-Win Mark
Junior High Wrestling
Ponca City Kids Wrestling
NOC Lady Mavs Basketball
Lady Cat JV Meets Jenks
Ninth Grade
Eighth Grade
Seventh Grade

Wildcat Mat Tourney Has Different Look

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

The Big Four-Plus Four wrestling tournament is not quite that, but with all of the things that have gone on in the past couple of days it was a major accomplishment that the two-day tournament got under way at all this afternoon in Robson Field House.

Six teams will vie in the tournament title which Ponca City coach Todd Steidley revived. They are Ponca City, Blackwell, Perry, Bristow, Tonkawa and a “Mystery Team.”

The action started at noon today with a second session at 6 p.m. The semifinals will be at noon Saturday. There then will be a break to clean the mats and the championship and consolation finals will start about 2:30.

“That will allow these folks to get home a little earlier,” said Athletic Directorf Rusty Benson.

Tonkawa stepped in last week after Tulsa East Central backed out. Then the recent snow stormed caused Tulsa Union, Tuttle and Stillwater to stay home.

That left a five-team tournament. To even out the bracket, the coaches came up with a “Mystery Team,” which is composed of Ponca City, Blackwell and Perry JV wrestlers.

The scoring for this tournament will also be a little different with no advancement points given.

“That should keep the scoring pretty close,” Steidley said. “There are some very good wrestlers and some very good teams in this tournament. It should be exciting.

“It will be worth the effort for fans to come out and watch.

TU Reaches 20-Win Mark

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Tulsa coach Bill Self says the reason is depth. Guard Tony Heard says it’s hard work during practice.

Those factors and others have lifted Tulsa from the preseason No. 2 pick in the Western Athletic Conference to No. 13 nationally. And Thursday night, the Golden Hurricane became the first Division I team to win 20 games this season.

Heard, who scored 16 points in the 89-71 victory over Texas-El Paso, says he’s glad expectations for the team were low: ‘‘We can sneak up on the rest of the country,’’ he said.

Added David Shelton, who led with 21 points: ‘‘We’re on an emotional roller coaster ride right now, and we feel we can compete with anyone in the country.’’

Self, who in his third season as Tulsa coach has compiled a 62-23 record, said depth has been a key factor.

‘‘It’s a different guy every night,’’ he said.

Eight Tulsa players played at least 17 minutes, while UTEP had six who played at least 25 minutes. Rico Nelson of the Miners, who was averaging 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds a game, sat out with a sprained ankle.

‘‘UTEP is very dangerous and has a lot of quickness, but their lack of depth was tough to overcome,’’ Self said.

With Eric Coley adding 14 points and Greg Harrington scoring 12, Tulsa (20-1, 5-0) extended its winning streak to 13 games. Shelton was 7-of-12 from the field, 6-of-8 from the free throw line and pulled down eight rebounds as the Golden Hurricane won by 18 points, just off their 20.5 average margin of victory which leads the country.

Duke was last season’s first 20-game winner, reaching the figure on the same date as Tulsa with an 89-77 victory over North Carolina that gave the Blue Devils a 20-1 record.

UTEP (10-8, 1-4) got as close as 56-50 with 10:52 left in the game, but missed 11 free throws in the second half and committed a total of 16 turnovers.

Jarvis Mullahon had 18 points for UTEP, which shot 52.4 percent from the field, while Brandon Wolfram added 14 and William Smith had 13.

Jose Escobedo of UTEP went 1-for-6 from the line in the second half.

Tulsa finished with a 29-24 rebound advantage.

No. 13 TULSA 89, TEXAS-EL PASO 71

TULSA (20-1) 

Coley 6-7 0-1 14, Kurtz 2-7 0-0 4, Harrington 3-6 6-6 12, Hill 1-2 3-4 6, Heard 4-9 4-5 16, Davis 0-0 0-0 0, Swanson 2-3 1-1 7, Reed 0-1 0-0 0, Hooper 0-0 0-0 0, Shelton 7-12 6-8 21, Johnson 3-5 1-1 7, McDaniel 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 29-53 21-26 89.

TEXAS-EL PASO (10-8) 

Smallwood 4-6 2-4 10, Smith 4-6 4-8 13, Wolfram 5-12 4-6 14, Mullahon 6-11 2-2 18, McRae 2-5 4-6 9, Escobedo 1-2 5-10 7, Mendoza 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-42 21-36 71.

Halftime—Tulsa 42, Texas-El Paso 32. 3-Point goals—Tulsa 10-19 (Heard 4-8, Coley 2-2, Swanson 2-3, Hill 1-2, Shelton 1-2, Harrington 0-1, Reed 0-1), Texas-El Paso 6-14 (Mullahon 4-7, Smith 1-1, McRae 1-2, Escobedo 0-1, Wolfram 0-3). Fouled out—Kurtz, Smallwood, McRae. Rebounds—Tulsa 29 (Shelton 8), Texas-El Paso 24 (Smith 6). Assists—Tulsa 17 (Harrington 5), Texas-El Paso 11 (Smallwood, Wolfram, McRae 3). Total fouls—Tulsa 26, Texas-El Paso 23. A—9,506.

Junior High Wrestling

Carmen Classic

Pawhuska

75 — Marcel Miller, 4th

95 — John Pearson, 4th

108 — John Womble, 4th

115 — Justin Letterly, 4th

120 — Daniel Cottman, 3rd

157 — Cody Pappan, 1st

175 — Jason Leavitt, 4th

Hwt — Tyler Fezer, 4th

Ponca City Kids Wrestling

Ponca City Kids

CHOCTAW NOVICE STATE

Division I

40 — Cody Primeaux, 3rd

43 — Parker Loveall, 4th

Division II

43 — Chase Hess, 1st

49 — Marcus Grimm, 1st

TULSA NATIONALS

Division I

49 — Jacee Bowlin, 6th

55 — Devin Aguirre, 3rd

Division II

58 — Brett Reedy, 5th

Division III

Lt. Hwt — Reno RedLeaf, 2nd

Divison IV

Hwt — Sonny Biggoose, 6th

YMCA STATE TOURNAMENT

BLACKWELL

Division I

40 — Cody Primeaux, 1st

43 — Parker Loveall, 2nd

49 — Jacee Bowlin, 1st

49 — Shelby Krout, 3rd

55 — Devin Aquirre, 1st

Division II

43 — Chase Hess, 1st

49 — Marcus Grimm, 2nd

52 — Grant Loveall, 1st

55 — Drew Angle, 1st

58 — Brett Reedy, 1st

58 — Kenny Jennings, 2nd

58 — Quentin Wasson, 4th

61 — Christopher Thomas, 4th

64 — Ben Wilson, 4th

67 — Leonard LeClair, 2nd

75 — Andrew Schmauch, 2nd

90 — Shawn Keating, 1st

Division III

85 — Joshua Fansler, 3rd

90 — Chas Wilson, 3rd

100 — Jesse Powell, 1st

110 — Mikie Keating, 1st

131 — Justin Kremeier, 1st

Division IV

67 — Trey Branscum, 1st

70 — Trey Branscum, 1st

73 — Delano Kemble, 3rd

105 — Chase Littlecook, 2nd

120 — Mandell Wehr, 2nd

130 — Derrick Hock, 1st

130 — Justin Kremeier, 2nd

HWT — Sonny Biggoose, 1st

Division I received the 2nd place team trophy

Divisions II, III & IV received 1st place team trophies

NOC Lady Mavs Basketball

TONKAWA — With Thursday night’s games against Western State snowed out, the Northern Oklahoma Lady Mavericks are hoping the weather and the roads clear in time for Saturday’s outing against Crowder Community College in Neosho, Mo.

The NOC men’s and women’s games against Western in Foster-Piper Field House have been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 6, at 2 and 4 p.m..

The next day, Monday, Feb. 7, the NOC cagers are at Eastern State in Wilburton for another Bi-State Conference, Western Division game.

The Lady Mavs lost their conference open at Murray State Monday, 78-68.

“We wanted to start on a better note than we did but, Murray State played well,” NOC women’s head coach Greg Krause said about the loss to Murray State.

The Lady Mavericks brought their score up in the second half and took the lead but were unable to hold on in the end.

“In the second half we played a full court zone press and took the lead, but we could never build it to more than three or four points and that’s where it stopped,” Krause said. “We just ran into a wall again.”

“We need to be more aggressive offensively and defensively. We need to be more in their face,” Krause added.

La Queisha Dickerson, Oklahoma City freshman, led the Mavs with 20 points and B.J. Homer, Moore freshman, followed closely behind scoring 16. Suzi Eisenhauer, Newkirk sophomore, shot 13 and BaBa Robinson, Oklahoma City sophomore brought in eight points. Red Rock freshman Denise Jake, still coming back from a previous knee injury, put six points through the hoop and Oklahoma City sophomore Ranada Collins netted another five points.

Lady Cat JV Meets Jenks

Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat JVs battled back to send their game against Jenks into overtime, but then lost in sudden death, 38-36, Tuesday

Down five points, 18-13, at halftime, the Po-Hi girls fought back to tie the score 36-36 at the end of regulation play.

Due to time constraints, the overtime was sudden death and Jenks got the first basket for the win.

Jenna Wedd poured in 12 points for the Lady Cats while Lyndse Frederick had nine, Angela Kana eight, Amanda Summers five and Jenni Nimmo two.

“The girls gave great effort,” said Ponca City coach Dana Bright. “This team beat us by 26 earlier this year.”

Ninth Grade

Ponca City 36, Enid Waller 20

Continuing to advance toward a conference title, the Ponca City ninth grade Red girls topped Enid Waller, 36-20, Tuesday.

The freshmen girls, now 10-1, 6-0 in conference play, were slated to play today against Woodward in the East Junior High gym.

“We came out in a full court press from the beginning and hurt them,” said coach John Maddox. “We got a big lead and then played everyone. Waller is a tough place to play, but the girls answered the call and played well in all areas.

“Our rebounding was much better,” he continued. “Kelli Wedd, Kristen Nicks and Ann Ziegenhain hit the boards hard. Melissa Fore had a good game on defense.”

Kristina Huddleston finished with nine points while Chelsey Hill had eight, Gerri Eddinger five, Laura Sprehe four, Jamie Prado four, Lauren Cartlidge two, Ziegenhain two, Wedd one and Fore one.

Eighth Grade

Ponca City Red 50,

Enid Waller 40 (boys)

Ponca City’s eighth grade Red boys came from six points down at halftime to top Enid Waller 50-40 here Tuesday.

Waller wiped out an early Ponca City lead to go in front 22-16 at halftime. The Red Cougars cut the margin to one in the third period, then outscored Waller 18-7 in the fourth quarter.’

Justin Waller had 24 points to lead the Red scoring as the Cougars went to 10-3 on the season.

Last week, the Cougars led from start to finish to down Enid Emerson, 49-38.

Waller had 13 points in that game as 11 Ponca City players scored.

Ponca City Red 50,

Enid Waller 40 (boys)

Ponca City 11 5 16 18 — 50

E. Waller 9 13 11 7 — 40

Ponca City — Justin Waller 24, Scott Hartman 9, Antwon Moore 6, Justin Bush 6, Trey Brewer 4, J.C. Hankins 1

Ponca City Red 49, Enid Emerson 38

Ponca City 12 10 14 13 — 49

E. Emerson 7 10 9 12 — 38

Ponca City — Justin Waller 13, Doug Flett 6, Scott Hartman 4, Justin Bush 4, Harry Blueback 4, Layne Keathly 4, Noah England 3, Antwon Moore 2. H.C. Noll 2, Trey Brewer 2, Jordan Bailey 2.

Ponca City Blue varsity

Stillwater 56 (boys)

Ponca City’s eighth grade Blue varsity boys broke to a 30-23 halftime lead and then held off Stillwater for a 59-56 victory Tuesday.

The Blues, now 10-2, had three players in double figures. Devin Anderson had 16, Antwon English 15 and Matt Drouhard 13.

The Blue junior varsity team lost a 33-31 decision to Stillwater.

Ponca City Blue 59, Stillwater 56 (boys)

Ponca City 16 14 15 14 — 59

Stillwater 13 10 19 14 — 56

Ponca City — Devin Anderson 16, Antwon English 15, Matt Drouhard 13, Pat Collogan 4, Kevin Bradley 4, Blaine King 3, Charles Alexander 2, Derek Viljoen 2.

Stillwater 37,

Ponca City Blue varsity 27 (girls)

Ponca City’s eighth grade Blue varsity girls fell into a 12-3 first-quarter hole against Stillwater Tuesday and spent the rest of the night trying to climb out, but fell short 37-27.

The Lady Cougars cut the Stillwater lead to 28-24 in the third quarter, but could get no closer.

Jana Green led the Blue scoring with 11 points.

The Ponca City JVs lost 32-11 to Stillwater.

Stillwater 37, Ponca City Blue 27 (girls)

Ponca City 3 11 10 3 — 27

Stillwater 12 6 10 8 — 37

Ponca City — Jana Green 11, Jordan Lunsford 7, Jennifer Jenkins 5, Jamie Trout 4.

Stillwater 32, Ponca City 11 (JV girls)

Ponca City — Lindsey Thomas 3, Amanda Bachelor 2, Sarah Hart 2 Janna Leach 2, Emily Thompson 2

Seventh Grade

Blackwell 15,

Ponca City White 12 (girls)

The seventh grade White team from West Middle School opened its season against a more experienced Blackwell team, losing 15 -12.

The Lady Cougar took an early lead in the game and held on at the halftime break. The second half found the Lady Cougars fighting a seesaw battle with the visitors. Blackwell broke on top in the last few minutes to win.

Leading the scorers for the Lady Cougars was Jessica Brown with six points. Rounding out the scoring was Cari Lehman, Hollie Davis and Amanda Backhaus. each with two points.

The While team is coached by Bill Schutte.

Enid Emerson 29,

Ponca City Red 22 (girls)

The Lady Cougars seventh 'grade Red team traveled to Enid Emerson for it's first game of the season last Tuesday, losing 29-22 in a close game.

Enid took a commanding halftime lead. The Ponca Citians fought back to within two points but the Enid ladies pulled away late.

The offensive comeback for Ponca City was led by Katie Farmer with nine points and Tawny Lena with seven. Also scoring for Ponca was Adriana Hodges and Amanda Wilson with two points apiece and Charicy Hermanson and Haley Schauvliege with one point each.

The Red team is coached bv Luther Moore