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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Thursday, January 04, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS SPORTS GARDENING LOCALPonca City Woman Dies After Suffering Fall on Ice Ponca City Woman Dies After Suffering Fall on IcePonca City has suffered its first weather-related death of the year, according a report from the State Medical Examiner’s Office. Ruth McCallister, 72, apparently slipped on the ice in front of her residence in the 2500 block of Rice Street while trying to retrieve her newspaper Tuesday morning. She died from hypothermia. “This weather has been very difficult, especially on the elderly,” said Ponca City Police Chief Raymond E. Ham. “If you know an elderly resident or shut-in, please give them a call and offer to help in anyway you can.” The call may just save their life. According to Sherry Bowers, police information officer, police first received a call reporting the death at 8 a.m. This notification came from a neighbor. Bowers said Dr. M.V. Farquharson, Kay County Medical Examiner, along with officers from the Ponca City Police Department, Kay County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. “This happens anytime there is an unattended death reported,” she explained. No foul play was believed to have been involved. “The body was taken to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City where the results of the autopsy listed the cause of death as hypothermia,” said Bowers. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday at the First Christian Church in Ponca City with Rev. Charles M. Heyer officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Robbery in Sand Springs Results in Local ArrestsBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer According to Ponca City police, three men were arrested Wednesday night in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at a convenience store in Sand Springs. Tulsa police reported the crime to local police after learning a vehicle identified in the robbery was registered to a 21-year-old Ponca City man. The call came at 8:10 p.m. Two of the men, a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old, were taken into custody in the 700 block of South Waverly Street around 11 p.m. following an altercation in the parking lot of a local convenience store. The vehicle’s owner was arrested at the intersection of Oak Street and Grand Avenue after a traffic stop a short time later. Officers from Tulsa and Sand Springs are expected to travel to Ponca City today to continue their investigation into this crime. The suspects could face formal charges following the investigation. According to Sherry Bowers, police information officer, Tulsa police notified the Communications Center of the armed robbery just after 8 p.m. “From a license plate number provided by a witness, Police discovered the vehicle was registered to a Ponca City resident,” she explained. Officers were patrolling the area where the vehicle’s registered owner lived when two calls reporting a fight in progress and shots fired were received by the Communications Center, cited Bowers. A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, placed the call. An ambulance responded to the scene and a 19-year-old man was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries received in the altercation. He was later arrested for fighting in public and public intoxication. A second 23-year-old man was also arrested for fighting in public, public intoxication and an outstanding city warrant. Later police learned the two men were forced out of the vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery after the driver fired a single gun shot into the air. The two men then continued their argument in the convenience store parking lot where one of them was injured. “Patrol Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale spotted the suspect vehicle traveling near the intersection of Oak and Grand and initiated a traffic stop,” said Bowers. The driver was arrested for concealing a firearm and on an outstanding city warrant. A female and child who were also in the vehicle were released unharmed. In addition to being arrested on local charges, the men matched the descriptions of suspects believed to have been involved in the armed robbery in Sand Springs. Andy Davis Earns Eagle Scout AwardOn Sunday, Andy Davis, son of Paul and Cathy Davis, will receive the rank of Eagle Scout. Andy began his Scouting career as a first grader in September of 1992 at Pack 6 chartered to McCord PTM. He advanced through all the Cub Scout ranks from Tiger Cub to the Arrow of Light. Andy earned all 20 of the Webelos activity pins. In February of 1997, he joined the Boy Scout Troop 90. He earned 29 merit badges as a Boy Scout. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow, and he completed all of the requirements for Eagle in November of 2000. His eagle project was building a brick patio at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. During his scouting career, Andy earned the God and Me, God and Family, and God and Church awards. He is a freshman at Ponca City High School. All Scouters are invited to attend his Eagle ceremony at 3 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Blackwell Native Selected To Direct FEMA for BushAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — President-elect Bush on Thursday tapped longtime adviser Joe Allbaugh to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the department that responds to natural disasters and other domestic crises. Bush announced the nomination at the governor’s mansion, along with the appointment of Karl Rove as senior White House adviser. Allbaugh, a native of Blackwell, Okla., was manager of Bush’s presidential campaign and Rove was its senior political strategist. The third member of Bush’s so-called “Iron Triangle” of loyal Texas advisers, Karen Hughes, was named White House counselor shortly after the hotly contested election. “It’s a wonderful pleasure to announce the triangle has been completed,” Bush said. “He is one of the reasons I was elected governor and one of the reasons I was elected president,” Bush said of Rove. “He will bring good judgment, good humor and good advice to the White House.” He called Allbaugh, 48, a “loyal and strong friend.” If confirmed by the Senate, Allbaugh would be the highest-ranking Oklahoma in Washington in years. He would replace James Lee Witt, a close ally of President Clinton credited with reviving the agency. FEMA is best known as the agency that provides emergency assistance in the wake of such disasters as floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. It also administers the National Flood Insurance Program and Project Impact, an effort to develop storm and flood-resistant communities. FEMA includes the Federal Insurance Administration, which provides flood insurance to property owners, and the U.S. Fire Administration, which operates fire prevention and education programs. FEMA is not part of the permanent Cabinet, but each president can elevate it and other agencies to Cabinet-level status. Bush did not say whether he was putting Allbaugh in the Cabinet. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Allbaugh began his career in politics while still in school. His reputation as a no-nonsense campaign manager caught Bush’s attention in 1994, when the Texas was running for his first term as governor. Later, Allbaugh served as Bush’s chief of staff and remains one of Bush’s most trusted advisers. He played a key behind-the-scenes role for Bush in Florida after the post-election controversy erupted. Bush was giving Rove a huge portfolio, including the White House offices for politics, public liaison and strategic initiatives. Officials said Bush was close to making several other appointments, including: —Nicholas E. Calio, a Washington lobbyist, expected to be the White House’s top congressional liaison. —Albert Hawkins, who served as budget director for Bush in Texas, slated to be Bush’s liaison to the Cabinet. —Margaret D. La Montagne, senior education adviser for the campaign, the front-runner to be domestic policy adviser. The director of the CIA also has been a Cabinet-level officer. One senior Bush adviser said Thursday that the president-elect intended to keep the current top spy, George Tenet, for a brief period while he determines who will replace him. In a related matter, FBI Director Louis Freeh will stay for at least the remaining two years of his term. “We don’t expect people to leave until their terms expire,” spokesman Ari Fleischer said. “He’s staying.” The selections came as Bush closed out his economic summit in Austin, Texas, with a powerful roster of high-tech industry leaders expressing concerns about what they consider too much government interference. Bush’s tax-cut proposal also figured to be on the agenda when the president-to-be and 15 “new economy” executives gathered at the University of Texas for an extension of Bush’s wide-ranging economic meeting a day earlier. Nearly NewsThe Po-Hi Class of 1973 would like to challenge other Po-Hi classes to match a donation of $400 to the band for the trip to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of George W. Bush. Meeting the challenge to contribute to the band’s trip are members of the Po-Hi class of 1960, and they issue a challenge to meet their $250 donation. DEATHSAda Catherine Gamsjager Ada Catherine GamsjagerNEWKIRK — Ada Catherine Gamsjager, longtime Newkirk resident, died Monday night, Jan. 1, 2001, in Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 90. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, in St. Francis Catholic Church with the Rev. Richard Beckman officiating. Burial is to follow in Resthaven Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Ada Catherine Gamsjager was born Sept. 24, 1910, in New England, W.Va., the daughter of Bernard Henry and Augusta Catherine (Lieber) Schulte. She grew up and received her early education in the Parkersburg, W.Va., area. She graduated from the DeSales Heights Academy at Parkersburg and then attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing at Parkersburg where she was class president. She graduated and was registered in 1933. She also attended Will’s Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and received a degree in ophthalmology nursing. On Aug. 17, 1942, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a medical surgical nurse. She received the Battle Star for serving in the China, Burma and India Theater. Following the war, she was transferred to the army reserves. On Sept. 13, 1970, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, she was transferred to the Retired Reserves in recognition of honorable service and continued interest in the defense of our nation. On Jan. 7, 1946, she married John Mathias Gamsjager in Newkirk. They settled on his dairy farm, operating the business until 1960 when they sold the business. In 1976, they moved into Newkirk. She worked at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for a number of years. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. She had been a member of the VFW Auxiliary 4979, serving as president three times; she had filled all chairs and presidency while in the Veterans of World War I Auxiliary 2252; she had filled all department chairs and presidency to Department of Oklahoma Veterans World War I; she was appointed as National Americanism chairman for the VWWI Auxiliary for 1977-78 and 1983-84. She had also been a member of the American Nurses Association, the Oklahoma Nurses Association and the Retired Officers Association. She is survived by two nieces, Joanne Schulte Baker of Little Hocking, Ohio, and Janice Schulte Balderson of Washington, W.Va.; and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 10, 1979, her parents, and two brothers. Ruth M. McAllisterRuth M. McAllister, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, 2001, at her home. She was 72. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan, 6, 2001, at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Ruth M. McAllister was born April 21, 1928, at Red Rock, the daughter of Emmett A. Snodgrass and Estelle Mae (Eschliman) Snodgrass. She married Donald Dean McAllister on March 28, 1946, in Winfield, Kan., with the couple establishing their home in Ponca City. She was a homemaker and had worked several years in the Ponca City school cafeteria. She was a member of the First Christian Church and, in earlier years, was active in community service. She enjoyed traveling and quilting. She is survived by one son, Don McAllister Jr. of Stockbridge, Ga.; one daughter, Konda DeLancey of Tulsa; two sisters, Maude Spangler and Mae Evans, both of Marland; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Nov. 3, 1988; one grandson; one sister, Irma Dunfee; and three brothers, Herschel, Bill and Harvey Snodgrass. Casket bearers will be Kenneth Evans, Mickey Robinson, John Pullium, Richard Rennie, Pat Snodgrass and Roy Snodgrass. Honorary bearer will be Danny Spangler. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Ruth Charlotte RussellHORTON, Kan. — Ruth Charlotte Russell, former resident of Ponca City, died in the Horton Community Hospital in Horton, Kan. She was 90. A graveside service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton. Ruth Charlotte Russell was born Nov. 15, 1910, in Jefferson, Kan., the daughter of Charles Emmett and DeLilah Belle Davidson Wheeler. She married Raymond C. Russell in February of 1937 in Ponca City. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a stepson, Larry Allen Russell of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Hazel Meerpohl and Mae Smith, both of Horton, Kan.; a brother, Walter “Pete” Wheeler of Tulsa; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1977; her parents; two brothers, Ernest Wheeler and Henry Wheeler; and two sisters, Mary McLenon and Mildred Lockwood. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Tri-County Manor, c/o Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, 909 Central Avenue, Horton, Kan. 66439. ObituariesHazel MiddlebusherHazel Middlebusher, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, 2001, in the Newkirk Nursing Center. She was 91. The funeral will be held graveside on Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery at 10 a.m. The Rev. Chuck Heyer, minister of First Christian Church of Kaw City, will officiate. Burial will be under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, where friends may visit until 9 p.m. Thursday evening. Born Hazel Gertrude Middlebusher on May 14, 1909, in Ponca City, she was the daughter of William Arvel and Mary Gertrude (Romary) Middlebusher. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City, graduating in 1928. She then went to the Ponca City Business College and graduated in 1930. She went into business for herself and operated the Middlebusher Laundromat and had also worked as an accountant. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church where she had taught the four-year-old Sunday school class for over 50 years. She was a member of the CWF Guild and enjoyed sewing and reading. She had also served for a number of years on the election board. She leaves behind to cherish her memory one niece, Lavera Middlebusher of Ponca City; two great nieces, Jana Rinehart of Ponca City and Lana Schilling of Fort Smith, Ark.; one great nephew, Terry Middlebusher of Ponca City; three great-great nieces, Melissa King, Lacy Middlebusher and Kristi Anderson, all of Ponca City; two great-great nephews, Mark McLain of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Tracy Rinehart of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, Marjorie and Nellie Middlebusher, and one infant sister. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Christian Church, 210 N. Fifth Street, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Services PendingDavid Lee NelsonDavid Lee Nelson, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at his home. He was 55. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Genevee ErwinGenevee “Gen” Erwin, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001, at her daughter’s home. She was 63. Local survivors include her daughter, Karen Spears. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Dott LaneNEWKIRK — Dott Lane, longtime Newkirk resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001, in the Newkirk Nursing Home. She was 94. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Home. Jesse Lynn WatsonTONKAWA — Jesse Lynn Watson, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 78. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa. FuneralsFriday Mary A. Lechtenberg BellinghausenMary A. Lechtenberg Bellinghausen — Funeral at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tonkawa. A rosary service at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Trout Funeral Home. Almeda Shaw IvansAlmeda Shaw Ivans — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the First Christian Church under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Stillwater. NEWS BRIEFSSingles Connection — The Singles Connection will meet at 3 p.m. Saturday at North Park Theaters to take in a movie prior to going out to eat. For additional information, call 765-9562. Come visit with Michelle for a Manicure or Pedicure today. Hair Ect. 418 South 14th or call for an appointment. 762-4247. adv. Accident — A non-injury accident at the intersection of Redbird Drive and North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The Vintage Cottage and Jan’s Korner 1401 North Union now offers Klondike Gold necklaces and earrings. Monday through Saturday 10 to 5:30. adv. Accident — A Ponca City Animal Control officer in the 2100 block of Jane Street reported to Ponca City police at 8:42 a.m. Wednesday being involved in an accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Broadway Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 9:51 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. New Ownership-Dave’s Tire and Auto is under new ownership. We offer Goodyear and other brands of tires, along with friendly and complete auto care. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 2900 block of North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 10:38 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you can eat, $11.95. Friday, 5th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Fire Run — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a diesel spill to the Communications Center at 4:59 a.m. Thursday. Engine one with the Ponca City Fire Department handled. About 10 gallons had spilled. Child Abuse — A man in the 800 block on North Elm Street reported to Ponca City police at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday his wife had abused their child. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. After Christmas Sale! 40% off entire stock. Mel’s Clothing and Shoes, 2008 North 14th. adv. Accident — A minor backing accident in the 500 block of South Ninth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 10:59 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Head Country all day Friday special All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. Accident — An accident in the 100 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Accident — An accident at the intersection of South Tenth Street and Edwards Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:26 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary — A woman reported to Ponca City police at 2:14 p.m. Wednesday someone had broken into her vacant rental property in the 700 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — An accident in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A non-injury accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 34-year-old man was taken into custody from the Kay County Sheriff’s Department in city warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday. Subject Held — An officer in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 37-year-old man was taken into custody on Garfield County warrants at 5:39 p.m. Wednesday. Accident — A resident in the 400 block of West South Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 5:41 p.m. losing control and hitting a sign on the median. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A non-injury accident at the intersection of North First Street and Highland Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 7:09 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of South Fourteenth Street reported a 46-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 12:19 a.m. Thursday. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a $5 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 2:35 a.m. Thursday. A description was given of the suspect and vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. GARDENINGDiggin’ in the Dirtby Kathy Zehr Time To Order Seeds Welcome to 2001! Even though we’re having more than our share of cold, snowy, dreary days this winter, Ponca City gardeners know it’s only a very short time until we will be diggin’ in the dirt and checking daily for little sprouts to peek through the soil. At least a half-dozen beautiful seed catalogs have arrived at our house this week, and needless to say, it takes a lot of discipline to concentrate on “ho-hum” daily chores. In spite of the extreme weather, I keep dreaming of how the yard and garden will soon look with new varieties of veggies and flowers pictured in the catalogs. I make a big black X near new varieties or plants I couldn’t order last year. I’ll have to be choosy though — my dreams are always bigger than yard space or budget every year! We try to buy seeds and plants locally when they are available, but many of the new, unusual or heirloom varieties are only available from the seed catalogs or on the Internet. Seeds, plants and good growing advice are available at most nursery websites and several favorites will be listed at the end of today’s column. Mail Orders For those of you who do not “net,” mailing addresses or 800 numbers where you may order free seed catalogs are also listed. Over the years we have found that most mail-order nurseries are very reliable and stand behind generous guarantees for their products. Mail orders need to be placed this month if you want to start your own plants from seeds indoors. Some plants, especially cole type veggies, (cabbages, kale, etc.) and light frost tolerant plants should be started indoors in February. If ordering live plants, nurseries will not mail them with seed orders, but will send them later when it is safe to plant in northern Oklahoma. Now is also the time to check your home seeding supplies to make certain you have everything needed. Be Experimental! If you keep a gardening log, check your notes to avoid ordering seeds or plants that did not do well in your yard last year; but, don’t be afraid to experiment with new things. Let me inject a word about failures here. Even the best of gardeners have failures. Some species just do not do well in the widely fluctuating temperatures of northern Oklahoma, or because of the particular soil in your yard, or for a dozen other reasons. My neighbor grows great carrots — and mine are always a joke! Right across our fence, her soil is a light sandy loam and mine is heavier, even though we’ve continued to amend it over the years. Our soil grows plants that do not do well in hers. We just enjoy the diversity by exchanging the fruits of our successes! Free seed catalogs, phone numbers and websites: Gurney’s Seed and Nursery, 110 Capital Street, Yankton, SD 57079, 1-800-824-6400, website at mySEASONS.com. Park Seed, 1 Parkton Ave. Greenwood, SC 29647-0001, 1-800-845-3369, website at www.parkseed.com. Wayside Gardens, P.O. Box 1, Hodges, SC 29653-9990, 1-800-845-3369, website at www.waysidegardens.com. Plant Delights Nursery 9241 Sauls Rd. Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-772-4794, website at www.plantdel.com. Smith and Hawken, P.O. Box 6900, Florence, KY 41022, 800-776-3336, website at smithandhawken.com. Also Burpee Co., 300 Park Ave., Warminster, PA 18974, 800-888-1447, or website at www.burpee.com. Michigan Bulb (also has other perennials) 1950 Waldorf, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49550. Dutch Gardens, P.O. Box 200, Adelphia NJ 07710-0200, 800-818-3861, website at www.dutchgardens.com. Antique Rose Emporium, 9300 Lueckemeyer Rd., Brenham, TX 77833, 800-441-0002, website at www.antiqueroseemporium.com. Jackson and Perkins, 1 Rose Lane, Medford, OR 97501, 800-292-4769, website at jacksonandperkins.com. Other specialty catalogs are available. If readers do not find catalogs suitable for their needs they may call me at 762-5931 for more help. Little Sprouts Little Sprouts can make some interesting gardening projects while cooped up in the house this winter. Adult supervision is advised for today’s first suggestion. Let your little sprout make a decorated clay flowerpot with tile adhesive, rocks, shells or small tile squares. Apply a thick coat of tile adhesive to the clean pot and let your little sprout press small rocks, shells or small tile squares into it until the design is complete. For a smoother look, fill in holes between rocks or tile with tile grout. Wipe off all excess adhesive and grout with a wet sponge and let dry. For a simpler project, let your little sprout plant radish seeds or leaf lettuce in a pot to grow on a windowsill. He can watch them grow and donate the veggies for a dinner salad in a few short weeks. SPORTSOklahoma is More Than OK Oklahoma is More Than OKMIAMI (AP) — Case closed. The Oklahoma Sooners are more than OK, they’re national champions. A smothering defense shut down Florida State and Josh Heupel generated enough offense to give No. 1 Oklahoma a startling 13-2 victory in the Orange Bowl on Wednesday night and its first national title in 15 years. “To be honest with you, we fully expected to play that way,” said Sooners coach Bob Stoops, whose team was a 10 1/2-point underdog. “And as a team, we expected to win.” Oklahoma (13-0) completed a perfect season and made the issue of a split title a moot point. Finishing as the nation’s only unbeaten team, the Sooners were automatically crowned national champs under the Bowl Championship Series format. Oklahoma awaited The Associated Press media poll’s release early Thursday, confirming the Sooners as undisputed champs. “Our players recognize that the history of Oklahoma is winning championships,” Stoops said. “We already had six, now we have seven. We have a great history in the Orange Bowl.” No. 3 Florida State (11-2) was hoping to become the first team to repeat as national champions since Nebraska in 1994-95. Had the Seminoles won, No. 2 Miami (11-1) would have staked a claim to a share of the title. “When I look at it now, I think it should have been Miami and Oklahoma,” Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden said. “We didn’t look like we belonged here.” Heupel more than made up for his runner-up finish to Florida State’s Chris Weinke in the Heisman Trophy race by outplaying him in the biggest game of his life. The left-hander from Aberdeen, S.D., completed 25 of 39 passes for 214 yards and kept the Seminoles’ defense off balance all night. Tim Duncan kicked two field goals and Quentin Griffin scored the clinching touchdown on a 10-yard run up the middle with 8:30 to play. Florida State avoided its first shutout in 12 seasons when Stanford Samuels tackled Oklahoma punter Jeff Ferguson in the end zone for a safety with 55 seconds remaining. Florida State got the ball back on the ensuing free kick, but Weinke’s 29-yard pass into the end zone was intercepted by Dontei Jones with 16 seconds left and the celebration began. After Heupel took a knee and the clock ran down, The Pride of Oklahoma Band broke out in yet another rendition of “Boomer Sooner” and the players and fans converged on the field to celebrate. For a flustered Florida State, the loss added another chapter to its list of blown title opportunities. Three times in the last five years, the Seminoles lost a bowl game that could have given them a championship. “It was a good season, but we were lousy tonight,” Bowden said. The Seminoles offense was a mess. Without All-American receiver Snoop Minnis, suspended for failing grades, and offensive coordinator Mark Richt perhaps preoccupied with his new job as Georgia’s coach, Florida State generated just 301 total yards — 248 under its average. For the 28-year-old Weinke, this may have been the poorest performance of his record-setting season. He was 25-of-51 for 274 yards and two interceptions and a fumble. He did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. “We simply could get nothing going offensively,” Bowden said. “They did a great job of confusing us defensively.” Led by Orange Bowl MVP Torrance Marshall, the Sooners time and again forced Weinke into bad decisions. At least a half dozen passes were in the hands of Sooner defenders but dropped. Marshall finished with 11 tackles, one interception and one batted ball. With Oklahoma ahead by only 6-0 in the fourth quarter, All-American linebacker Rocky Calmus made his presence felt. He knocked the ball out of Weinke’s hands, safety Roy Williams recovered and two plays later, Griffin ran for his touchdown. After the game, Stoops thrust his fist in the air and hugged players and assistants after Oklahoma clinched its seventh national title. “It’s easy to say Oklahoma is back!” Stoops said. Stoops is the reason. He spent seven years working for Kansas State coach Bill Snyder and spent three years running the defense for Florida under Steve Spurrier. He learned his lessons well as the Sooners’ defense nearly handed Florida State just its third shutout in Bowden’s 25 seasons. It was obvious both teams were coming off long layoffs. The Seminoles last played 45 days ago; the Sooners 32 days ago. Surprisingly for two high-scoring offenses, the mistake-filled first half ended with the Oklahoma ahead 3-0 on Duncan’s 27-yard field goal 7:44 into the game. The opening 30 minutes featured three turnovers, a missed 30-yard field goal by Florida State’s Brett Cimorelli — wide right, naturally — and eight penalties. Weinke and Heupel each threw an interception, and Sooners receiver Andre Woolfolk fumbled after a 22-yard reception, with Clevan Thomas recovering at the OU 47. On the next play, Weinke’s pass was intercepted by Marshall. Oklahoma drove 44 yards in seven plays before the left-footed Duncan kicked his field goal. Florida State, averaging 42.4 points per game, was shut out in the first half for just the second time this season. Miami led Florida State 17-0 at halftime en route to a 27-24 win over the Seminoles on Oct. 7. The Sooners’ remarkable return to prominence began in 1999 when the 40-year Stoops took over a program that was 12-22 under John Blake from 1996-98. First, he plucked a group of assistants from schools where he had worked. For example, he took his brother, Mike, from Kansas State to run the defense and Steve Spurrier Jr. from Florida to coach the receivers. Then he drilled a winning attitude into his players, insisting that if they worked hard and followed his plan, Sooner magic would follow. When Heupel showed up from Snow Junior College in Utah to run a new wide-open passing attack, Stoops had his field general. OU went 7-5 in ’99 and his players became believers This season, the Sooners were No. 19 in the preseason poll, easily won their first four games and then faced perhaps the toughest October schedule in the nation — No. 11 Texas, No. 2 Kansas State and No. 1 Nebraska. Not a problem as the Sooners pounded the Longhorns 63-14 in Dallas, beat the Wildcats 31-14 at Manhattan, Kan., and shut down the Cornhuskers 31-14. It appeared as though Oklahoma hit the wall in November, but rallied to win at Texas A&M 35-31 on Marshall’s interception return for a late score. Then it held off Oklahoma State 12-7; and clinched its Orange Bowl bid with a 27-24 win over K-State in the Big 12 title game. In the weeks leading to their game against Florida State, the Sooners were given little chance of winning. “We’ve been underestimated the whole season,” Williams said before the game. “We’re used to it. We’re not worried about it. It’s motivation.” It worked. Baker Records Triple Double In OSU WinSTILLWATER (AP) — Maurice Baker became only the second Oklahoma State player to ever record a triple-double in an 88-63 win over Texas-San Antonio Wednesday night. Baker had 19 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and Þfive steals to lead four Cowboys in double Þfigures. “I just wanted to be active early in the game, to make a statement,” Baker said. “I just told myself to try to do everything to try to make us win tonight.” Baker reached the triple-double with 59 seconds left when he fed freshman Jack Marlow for a layup. Joe Atkinson was the only other Oklahoma State player with a triple-double. He had 10 points, 11 rebounds and a school-record 10 blocked shots against New Orleans on Jan. 5, 1985. “It’s amazing that with all of the great players that have come through this institution - boy we have had a lot of them - that’s only the second triple-double,” OSU coach Eddie Sutton said. “He is a special player. I’ve been really impressed with his intensity, even in practice, with how he goes to the offensive boards and how he handles the ball,” the coach said. Oklahoma State (8-2) shot 45.6 percent from the Þfield, while holding Texas-San Antonio (4-6) to a 33.8 percent effort. Victor Williams had 17 points for the Cowboys, while Fredrik Jonzen and Melvin Sanders had 16 each. Devin Brown led Texas-San Antonio with 14 points. Kay County Winter Home To Bald EaglesBY TRACY L. DANIEL Oklahoma Game Warden It’s time to head back to Kaw Lake. Not quite for skiing, swimming or Þfishing, but for the chance to see our national symbol. Oklahoma is an important wintering area for bald eagles, consistently ranking among the top 10 states for numbers of birds. Thousands of eagles migrate south each winter from their nesting areas in southern Canada and northern United States. The birds take up residence wherever they Þnd open water and an ample food source of fresh Þfish. During severe northern winters, 800 to 1,500 eagles may gather in our state. Kaw Lake is usually the lake of choice for many of those eagles. More than 300 have been counted in past winters using Kaw and the Arkansas river for winter hunting grounds. Eagles began arriving in Oklahoma in November and early December. Their numbers peak in January and February, and most birds leave for their northern breeding grounds by the end of March. In contrast to their territorial behavior during breeding season, bald eagles become quite sociable in the winter. They roost communally at night in trees near their food source, and often use the same roost trees year after year. Usually eagles feed early in the morning on both live and dead Þfish. Their primary food source on Kaw Lake is gizzard shad which Kaw literally produces by the millions year after year. Eagles also constantly look for injured waterfowl which they readily take. Neither can they pass up making a meal out of the carcass of dead livestock if located. Some of the very best areas to view bald eagles around Kaw Lake are below the dam in the Fishermen's Bend or Sandy Park areas. Look for eagles sitting in the large cottonwoods along the river to the south. Often times eagles can be seen in the boat ramp areas of Osage Cove and Burbank Landing. Further up the lake, many eagles spend the winter with the residents of Kaw City. Good viewing areas include Pioneer Beach, Sarge Creek and the rip rap area on S.H. 11 as it crosses the lake. The north end of the lake offers great opportunities as well, particularly in the Bear Creek and Washunga Bay areas. A drive worth taking is Silverdale Lane from its juncture with River Road, 5 miles east of Newkirk. Driving north up Silverdale Lane, white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys and an abundance of other wildlife can be seen. Additionally, this is just a very scenic area as the upper Arkansas river parallels the road until it reaches the Kansas border. Ponca City residents may want to take a look around for eagles in the area of the old river bridge on the Pecan Road extension. I counted seven eagles sitting in the cottonwoods on south bank last week. Be prepared before going eagle watching. Wear appropriate clothing boots, coats and gloves. Be sure to take along a good pair of field glasses or a spotting scope. Also, don’t forget the camera and field guides to help identify other wildlife that might be encountered. OSU Cowgirls Fall to Baylor In Big 12 OpenerWACO, Texas — Baylor’s Sheila Lambert scored a game-high 32 points as the Lady Bears defeated the Oklahoma State Cowgirls, 81-69, Wednesday night in the Big 12 Conference women’s basketball opener for both schools. OSU’s Kara Faulk had a team-high 16 points in the losing cause. Oklahoma State trailed by just two points at 17-15 six minutes into the game as both teams were shooting above 70 percent. However, Baylor scored five-straight points and led by 11, 44-33, at halftime. The Lady Bears took control of the ball game in the second half, forcing 18 Cowgirl turnovers. BU led by as many as 20 at 69-49 before OSU went on a run of its own, led by a barrage of three pointers and eight points by Jessica Spinner. It was not enough, however, as the loss broke a Cowgirl four-game winning streak. Oklahoma State shot 42.2 percent from the floor, compared to 49.2 percent by Baylor. The Cowgirls out-rebounded the Bears, 36-24, but could not overcome a 7-of-14 shooting performance from behind the line by BU. The Bears also made 10 more trips to the free-throw line. OSU had a balanced scoring attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Along with Faulk’s 16 points, Spinner scored 13 points, and Jessica Bates and Chantoya Hawkins each pitched in 10 points. Oklahoma State (8-4 overall, 0-1 Big 12) will host the Texas Tech Lady Raiders (9-2, 0-0) Saturday, at 7 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Baylor improved to 12-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12. Youth Leagues Begin Friday At Ponca BowlYouth leagues at Ponca Bowl begin Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m.. There are three divisions. Bumpers, ages three to eight, bowl two games for $2.50. Preps, eight to 11 years old, bowl three games for $6. Juniors, 12 - 21 years old, bowl three games for $6. Membership fee is $12 per year. For more information, contact Mary Lampe at Ponca Bowl. Dugout Club MeetingThe Dugout Club will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m., in the Ponca City Library Basement. Come meet first year coach Justin Timmerman
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