LOCAL

Big Blue Band Ready for Parade
Fake IDs Result in Seizures

Big Blue Band Ready for Parade

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The 138-member band representing Ponca City High School and the state of Oklahoma have stayed busy the last two days touring the nation’s capitol.

Following the 22-hour bus ride, members of the Big Blue Band finally arrived, tired and exhausted, but eager to see some of the sights.

On Wednesday, the group visited the American History Museum, toured the monuments and had dinner at Planet Hollywood. Thursday, the group visited Mount Vernon, participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, toured the Ford Theater and danced the night away on a dinner cruise.

The Big Blue Band raised over $84,000 in two weeks, allowing them to represent Ponca City and the state during the inaugural parade.

Saturday George W. Bush and Dick Cheney will be sworn in as president and vice president of the United States in the nation’s 53rd Inauguration.

During Cheney’s inauguration events, a musical prelude will be provided by the U.S. Marine Band. Remarks will be given by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), chair of the Joint Congressional Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies. Cheney’s invocation will be given by the Rev. Billy Graham with musical selections by the Performing Arts School Choir of Louisville. The Oath of Office will be administered to Cheney by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.

During President Bush’s Inaugural Address, the benediction will be provided by Rev. Kirbyjon H. Caldwell of the Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston. The National Anthem will be provided by Staff Sgt. Alec T. Maly and the U.S. Army Band.

During the inaugural parade, scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m., the Po-Hi band will march in the 78th position out of 102 entrants.

Cable-available network channels with carry the inauguration events and the parade.

Starting at 6 a.m., MSNBC Channel 54 will begin coverage, KOCO Channel 5 and KTUL Channel 8 will start at 9 a.m., and OETA Channel 13, KJRH Channel 2, CNN Channel 29, KSNW Channel 3, KFOR Channel 4, KOTV Channel 6 and KWTV Channel 9 will all begin coverage at 10 a.m.

Fake IDs Result in Seizures

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City police seized several computers and other items this morning after search warrants were issued at two local residences where occupants are believed to have been making fake ID’s.

The warrants, which were the result of an investigation that began on Jan. 11, were issued at a residence in the 700 block of South Tenth Street and a residence in the 3600 block of Mistletoe Drive. Four computers and other equipment plus a small amount of marijuana at one of the residences, were seized as part of the investigation.

According to police, a computer forensic expert with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation will analyze the hard drives of these computers in an attempt to retrieve any evidence that may have been deleted by the suspects.

No arrests have been made at this time.

According to Sherry Bowers, Ponca City police information officer, the investigation first began on Jan. 11 when Patrolman Jim Armstrong responded to a disturbance call at the Ponca City VFW. While Armstrong was interviewing witnesses of the disturbance, he made contact with two underage females at the club who had fake ID’s. These ID’s were poorly made, and looked as if they had been manufactured on a home computer.

“Armstrong referred this information to Detective Sgt. Fred Marshall who, after conducting interviews and obtaining evidence, was able to secure search warrants” for both residences, said Bowers.

The owners of the equipment, a 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old-man, could face charges of being in possession of a counterfeit state license or ID card, presenting a false ID to mislead a peace officer and creating or manufacturing a state license or ID. All three felonies are punishable by a maximum $10,000 fine and/or seven years in prison.

DEATHS

Homer Dodge Caine Jr.
Mattie Elizabeth Harney Taylor
Vincent Joseph Stead
Edward Layton Stout
Walter R. Pride
Freeman Arkeketa
Ivy Anna Hardy
Dale Alan Parks

Homer Dodge Caine Jr.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Homer “Bud” Dodge Caine Jr., former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, in Oklahoma City. He was 83.

The funeral was scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, in the All Soul’s Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cremation Society.

Homer Dodge Caine Jr. was born May 29, 1917, in Mangum, the son of Homer Dodge Caine Sr. and Lena Myrtle Ely Caine. He was a musician. At the age of four, he was playing piano, and, at the age of 12, he was giving violin lessons.

As a youth in Ponca City, he was selected by the sculptor, Bryant Baker, as the child who most resembled the young man in the Pioneer Woman statue.

He attended schools in Newkirk, Ponca City and Arkansas City, Kan., graduating from high school and junior college in Arkansas City. He was enrolled at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kan., and graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree in music. He joined the Navy during World War Ii, where he played in the Navy band in Hawaii and with the Eddie Peabody’s orchestra. During the war and after, he played in several orchestras.

Following the war, he was a member of the Griff Williams Dance Orchestra for several years until he joined the American Broadcasting Company in Chicago. He received a master’s degree from Kansas State University in 1957. He taught in several elementary and high schools in Kansas and California until 1966 when he became a professor in the music department at KSU, where he retired in 1987.

He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Phi Delta Kappa, the American Legion, and AARP.

Survivors include his wife, Alice Holmes Caine of the home; a son, Homer Dodge Caine III of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Candace L. Rouse of Lakeland, Fla., and Veronica Caine of Kansas City, Mo.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Mary, Evelynne and Dorothea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Homer Dodge Caine Scholarship Fund, Department of Music, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. 66506.

Mattie Elizabeth Harney Taylor

TONKAWA — Mattie Elizabeth Harney Taylor, a longtime Tonkawa resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001. She was 86.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, in the First Presbyterian Church of Tonkawa with the Rev. Rich Redinger officiating and the Rev. Joe Kreger giving the eulogy. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Mattie Elizabeth Harney Taylor was born Sept. 12, 1914, in Bliss near Marland, the daughter of George L. and Mattie O. Riley Harney. The family then moved to Salt Fork and, ultimately, to the family farm southwest of Tonkawa. She attended Fountain School, University Preparatory School and Phillips University. Later, she taught at Fountain School and other local school districts before marrying J. Rodney Taylor in 1935. They farmed, owned farm implement, automobile dealership and motel business in north central Oklahoma before retiring in Enid.

After her husband’s death in 1970, she returned to work for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, retiring in Tonkawa. She was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tonkawa, enjoyed playing bridge, maintained her interest in the teaching profession and was devoted to her family.

Survivors include her son, James R. Taylor of West Covina, Calif. and Tonkawa; her daughter, Leah Beth Barkett of Fairview; five grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Guy Harney, Roy Harney and Andrew Harney; and two sisters, Zeta Smotherman and Georgia Jones.

Vincent Joseph Stead

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Vincent Joseph Stead, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2001, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was 78.

The funeral was held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colorado Springs with the Rev. Don Brownstein officiating. Burial was in the Mountain View Mortuary.

Vincent Joseph Stead was born July 23, 1922, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Walter J. Stead and Merl Schaf Stead. He attended school at St. Mary’s Elementary and David City High School in David City, Neb. He then went on to Notre Dame University, graduating in 1942. He entered the U.S. Air Corps where he served from 1943 through 1945. He had owned a jewelry store in David City, Neb.

He married Dorris Eberly on April 18, 1944, in David City, Neb. He was employed with Continental Oil Company in Denver, Colo., and in Ponca City from 1962 through 1985. While in Ponca City, he was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Susan Denison of Garden Grove, Calif., and Melissa Pickens of Norman; one grandchild; and some nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903.

Edward Layton Stout

BLACKWELL — Edward Layton Stout, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 17, 2001, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 75.

The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Rick Longcrier officiating. Burial will follow at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Inc.

Edward Layton Stout was born on Aug. 1, 1925, in Tulsa, the son of Ralph and Demi Rains Stout. As a child, he grew up in the Mannford, Drumright, and Oilton areas. In 1940, he moved with his family to Blackwell. He later entered the United States Army serving during the Korean War. Following his discharge on Jan. 2, 1953, he returned to Blackwell and began working for the Santa Fe Railroad as a section foreman. He later began working for Singer Steel Company. He returned to Blackwell in 1976 and returned to work for Ponca Iron and Metal, retiring in 1987. He married Patricia Reidle on June 29, 1977, in Fayetteville, Ark., settling in Blackwell. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell and was an avid raccoon hunter.

He is survived by his wife of the home, two daughters, Juanita F. Thomas of Guthrie, and Rebecca L. Gardner of Oklahoma City; three sons, Jay Wiggs of Yugelman, Texas, Wayne Stout of Guthrie, and Billy Stout of Blackwell; four stepdaughters, Dora McAlister, Barbara Bible, and Linda Moorman, all of Blackwell, Michelle Hopper of Linn, Mo.; two stepsons, Ronald Fankhouser of Dallas, Texas, and Robin Smith of Wichita, Kan.; eight sisters, Martha Panell of Blackwell, Pat Epperly of Tonkawa, Lois Allan of Ponca City, and Mabel Clark, Shirley Crosson and Debbie Adams, all of Kingfisher, Jeannie Bobek of Blackwell; four brothers, Lloyd Stout of Union City, Calif., Jay C. Stout of Ponca City, R.W. Stout and Alfred Stout, both of Tulsa; 32 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be Rodney Bible, Ronald Fankhouser, Shawn Stout, Pat Thomas, Ronnie Moorman, and Lyle Kelly. Flag presentation will be by Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorial contributions can be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation-Heart Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Walter R. Pride

SHIDLER — Walter R. Pride, resident of Shidler, died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, at his home. He was 73.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, 2001, at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Walter R. Pride was born Feb. 26, 1927, at Greensville, Texas, the son of John Pride and Louise Thrett Pride. He served 23 years in the United States Navy. He had been employed for the Texaco Oil Company and in earlier years was a carpenter.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Pride of Galveston, Texas; one son, Robbie Miller of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Dolly Milton of Tyler, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Obituaries

Freeman Arkeketa

Freeman Arkeketa, life-long Ponca City resident, died early Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.

Evening prayer services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The traditional funeral feast will be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The Rev. Ted Freeman will officiate, and burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Freeman Roe Arkeketa on Aug. 24, 1920, in Pawnee, he was the son of Charles Byron and Ella (Little Standing Buffalo) Arkeketa. He spent some of his boyhood on the Otoe reservation among many tribal relatives. Later he moved to White Eagle area with his parents and as a young adult. He participated in rodeos, baseball and basketball, having played on an all Indian pro-basketball team that toured the United States. In the early 40s, he and Myrtle Roy were united in marriage in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church and made their home in the Kay County area. In younger years, Freeman enjoyed riding horseback. He was a proud member of the Ponca tribe of Oklahoma and had attended the Ponca Indian Baptist Church.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters, Peggy Harris and Melissa Cornell, both of Tonkawa, and Marcella Morgan of Ponca City; two sons, Anthony Arkeketa of Ponca City and Freeman R. Arkeketa Jr. of Hinton; 26 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives.

His wife, Myrtle; two sons, Charles Eddy Arkeketa and Freddy Arkeketa; one grandson; two brothers, Calvin Arkeketa and Alfred Arkeketa Sr.; and one sister, Marcella Hairyback, preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Alfred Arkeketa Jr., Bennett Arkeketa, Eddy Arkeketa, Garland Arkeketa, George Cornell and Gordon Fox.

Honorary casket bearers will be Louis DeLodge and Bobby Joe Howe.

paid obituary

Ivy Anna Hardy

KILDARE — Ivy Anna Hardy, longtime Kildare resident, died Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at St. Francis Hospital of Wichita. She was 89.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Chapel in Fairfax with the Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church, officiating.

Mrs. Hardy was born Dec. 21, 1911, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of John Nelson Berger and Mary Maude (Tullis) Berger. She was the next to youngest of 10 children and spent her early years in Osage County. On April 30, 1927, she married Phil D. Hardy in Washington County, Ark. Mrs. Hardy and her husband worked for awhile as ranchers on the Drummond Ranch in Osage County. They then moved to Los Angeles during World War II, where she worked as a riveter for Boeing.

After returning to Ponca City, she was employed as a cook for the Ponca City schools and for many years as a cook for the Kildare schools. In recent years she has continued to work at the voting polls in Kildare during elections.

Grosse, as she was called by all her grandchildren, was an excellent cook and enjoyed quilting, reading, gardening, bird watching and spending time with her grandchildren. She had a terrific sense of humor and always found something positive to say about anyone and anything. Her laughter and generosity were contagious to all around her.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Jesse Stewart of Ponca City; five grandsons, Marshall Stewart of Tulsa, David, Jeff and Kenneth Lee Stewart, all of Ponca City, and Philip Stewart of Kildare; nine great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her husband and only daughter, Ida Mary, and one infant grandson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma, Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, P.O. Box 458, Pawhuska, Okla. 74056.

The family will be at 3205 Kingston.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Dale Alan Parks

ODESSA, Texas — Dale Alan Parks, resident of Odessa, Texas, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001, in the John Medford Medical Facility in Lubbock, Texas. He was 40. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

NEWS BRIEFS

PCSEA “Super Bowl” Bingo — PCSEA will hold its January bingo Saturday in the Conoco Atrium with a Super Bowl theme. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. followed by bingo at 7 p.m. Come and support your favorite team.

Jimmy Wynn will be back at Blue Lite, Saturday January 20, at 7:00 pm. adv.

Subject Held — A booking officer at the police department reported a 23-year-old woman was taken into custody on two Kay County warrants for forgery and conspiracy to commit a felony at 7:56 a.m. Thursday.

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.

Want To start your own business? Pioneer Tech’s Self-Employment training program can show you how to start for less cash. This program can also help you determine the feasibility and legal requirements of starting your business. Evening classes begin February 8. Call 762-8336, Ext. 262 for enrollment information. adv.

Miscellaneous — A woman in the 300 block of South Flormable Avenue asked to talk to a Ponca City police officer at 8:59 a.m. Thursday about a case concerning distributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office was advised.

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

White “Dash” clothing sale. Twice as Good. 209 South Second. Starts Friday. Prices 10˘, 40˘, $1.00. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 51-year-old woman was court committed into police custody on Kay County warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay and a 43-year-old man on Kay County warrants for failure to appear and violation of a protective order at 2:03 p.m. Friday.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Fire Run — A resident reported a pile of leaves were on fire in the 600 block of South Seventh Street to the Communications Center at 4:12 p.m. Thursday. Unit one with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Theft — An caller in the 700 block of East Grand Avenue reported a stolen wallet to Ponca City police at 5:08 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 24-year-old man was being transferred in from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office on a city warrant for failure to appear at 4:18 p.m. Thursday.

Poverty’s Children will be at

The V Saturday, January 20th. $3

cover charge. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 600 block of East Emporia Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 4:55 p.m. Thursday. A vehicle had struck a gas meter. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department and Oklahoma Natural Gas also responded to the scene.

Just In new shipment of armories, coffee tables, buffets and

much more. Come see us at Pandoras on the corner of 14th and

South Avenue. adv.

Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you

can eat, $11.95. Friday, 19th. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

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.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Ninth Street and East Grand Avenue reported a 20-year-old man was taken into custody for false pawn declaration, failure to pay, application to revoke a suspended sentence for assault with a deadly weapon and an application to revoke a suspended sentence for conspiracy to commit a felony at 6:10 a.m. Friday.

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

Domestic — A woman in the 500 block of North Twelfth Street reported a domestic argument was in progress to Ponca City police at 12:44 a.m. Friday. Four officers responded to the scene. An 18-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication.

75% Off all Christmas now at Carla's Hallmark, 405 East Grand,

Downtown. adv.

Theft — A caller in the 200 block of North Third Street reported some items had been stolen from a residence to Ponca City police at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 900 block of North Fifth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 10:19 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Ponca Bowl Saturday night glow bowl will begin at 10 pm on January 13th and 20th due to men’s city tournament. adv.

Eagle Watch Month — January is Eagle Watch Month. Come to the Ponca City Library and learn about eagles and other birds of prey from Shawn Silliman of the Chaplin Nature Center, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the programming room of the library. For more information, call Mary Colvin, 767-0345.

RELIGION

Thanksgiving During Prayer Topic of Service
Citian Awarded Presbyterian Honorary Life Membership
Paul Krueger Celebrates 20 Years at Woodlands Church
First Baptist Names Keynote Speaker
Church Briefs

Thanksgiving During Prayer Topic of Service

“High Touch People in a High Tech World” will be the title of the Rev. Tom Ramsey’s sermon at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday.

The sermon follows the month’s worship theme on kindness. The Senior choir will sing the anthem “Take Now My Voice” at both services, and Holy Communion will be celebrated.

At the 6:30 evening service, the thanksgiving aspect of prayer will be the topic of discussion. During that time, suggestions will be made in that area, and then actual application will be made. The singing of praise songs always begins the service. The Praise Band will lead the singing at he evening service on Jan. 28.

Anyone is invited to the church’s services. If additional information is needed concerning the church or services, contact the church office at 762-1111.

Citian Awarded Presbyterian Honorary Life Membership

Dorene Klos was presented an honorary life membership in Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (USA) at the Jan. 11 coffee at the First Presbyterian Church. A pin and certificate were presented to Klos by Gloria Harris, the 1996 recipient and Bonita James, the 1999 recipient.

The honorary membership is given annually to women who have given outstanding service both in the Presbyterian Women group as well as in their communities.

Klos currently serves as the Child Development Center chairperson for the Presbyterian Women and as the Lilly Jackson Circle chairman. She has also served as the vice moderator of the Presbyterian Women. She has served the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City as deacon and is presently an ordained elder.

The program for the January coffee was presented by Carol Bouldin on Community Opportunities. Bouldin elaborated on many of the civic activities the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce is involved in to revitalize Ponca City..

Hostesses for the coffee were the members of the Elisabeth Reynolds Circle with Frances Waldron as chairperson. Table decorations consisted of a collection of snowmen provided by Virginia Brown. Mary Ruckel asked the blessing, and Billie Wright gave the devotion.

Paul Krueger Celebrates 20 Years at Woodlands Church

The Rev. Paul M. Krueger, senior minister at Woodlands Christian Church, will celebrate 20 years of service this Sunday, January 21. Following the worship service, an all-church dinner will be held in his honor.

Krueger was called to Woodlands on Jan. 18, 1981. He came to Ponca City from Thomas, Okla., where he had served the First Christian Church of Thomas since 1976.

He grew up in Oklahoma City, the son of a Disciples of Christ minister, graduating from Crooked Oak High School in Oklahoma City, Phillips University in 1973, and the graduate seminary at Phillips with a masters of divinity degree in 1976.

He is married to Becky Krueger, a Phillips University graduate and fifth grade teacher at Trout Elementary. They are the parents of five children — Amy Barr of Kansas City; Jenna Barr of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Chad Krueger, a student at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater; Erinn Barr, a student at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.; and Paula Krueger, a freshman at Ponca City High School.

During Krueger’s 20 years at Woodlands Christian Church, the church budget has increased 400 percent and average church attendance has increased by 50 percent. He has received 471 new members, by either transfer or baptism, and has officiated at 107 funerals and 68 weddings. He is a strong supporter of youth and children’s programming at the church, and helped organize and travels with the church’s senior citizen group, the Woodlands’ Wanderers. He also sings in the church choir each Sunday.

Under Krueger leadership, the church is ready to embark on a $750,000 building renovation to begin this spring. The pastoral staff has grown to include a part-time associate minister, a part-time youth minister, a part-time minister of pastoral counseling, and a part-time minister- at-Iarge.

Away from the church, Krueger enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, doing yard work, grilling and taking expert care of his automobiles.

While in Ponca City, Krueger has served as a Ponca City police chaplain, chairman of the Planning Commission, on the Parks and Recreation board, and as chairman of the Hospice board.

“Paul is a wonderful friend to everyone in our congregation and is always willing to help others whenever needed,” according to Lynda Fox, chairman of the Pulpit Committee who called Krueger in 1981. “We are blessed to have Paul and his leadership here at Woodlands,” she continued.

The community and friends of the Kruegers are invited to share in this milestone in Krueger’s life.

First Baptist Names Keynote Speaker

A Transformational Conference is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 22, at First Baptist Church. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Gene Wilkes, pastor of Legacy Drive Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

Wilkes will be teaching his book, “My Identity In Christ,” during an afternoon seminar, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Having pastored Legacy Drive Baptist Church for the past 14 years, Wilkes is a featured speaker across the nation. At 7 p.m. he will lead a brief worship time and then teach a second seminar based on another book, “Jesus On Leadership,” beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Following the worship time, 10 additional conferences will also begin at 7:30 p.m. — (1 age-group conferences for those who work with preschool, children, youth and adults and (2 specialty conferences such as marriage enrichment, discipleship, leadership skills. The purpose of each seminar, based on Romans 12:2, is to encourage, equip and enrich teachers/leaders in the local church. ... be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind .

This regional conference is jointly sponsored by Kay Baptist Association, comprised of 25 churches and two missions in four Oklahoma counties and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, representing over 1,400 Southern Baptist churches across the state. Dr. Chester Ward, director of missions for KBA, invites the public to attend this Transformational Conference.

Church Briefs

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, 2800 Turner Road, will celebrate the third Sunday after The Epiphany with Holy Communion. The theme will be Christian Unity — what it means for the church to be the one body of Christ. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. and the worship service at 10 a.m. Bring any good used clothing to church by Sunday to be donated to the Salvation Army. Visit the website at www.princeofpeacechurch.net.

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s Word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. There are classes for all ages. Visitors are invited to lunch in the fellowship center following worship. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channels 5 or 8; this week’s topic is Gospel Is Good News. The Bible thought for the week is from James 1:22 — “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

International Gospel Hour

The Newkirk Church of Christ helps sponsor the Search program seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. from Wichita, Kan., and 8 a.m. from Oklahoma City. It is seen on 170 cable systems each week. Mac Lyon is the speaker. The church also sponsors the International Gospel Hour heard each Sunday on KSOK 95.9 FM at 8:30 a.m. The speaker is Winford Claiborne.

Faith Tabernacle Youth

The youth group of Faith Tabernacle, Reflections of Christ, is holding a fund raiser this evening, Parents Night Out. It will be held at Kids Kastel from 6 to 11 p.m. and is a drop-and-go event.The cost is $10 for one child, $18 for two children of the same family; $25 for three children and $32 for four children. The cost includes unlimited play, a drink and pizza. Children must be picked up by 11 p.m. For additional information, call Kim Mayhall at 765-0192. `

EDUCATION

Superintendent’s Corner
Scholarship Available From St. Joseph’s
First Lutheran School Lists Fall Honor Rolls
Students Honored This Month at West School
Schools Form Holiday Partnership
School News

Superintendent’s Corner

by Dr. Bill White

Ponca City Superintendent

The recent increase in natural gas prices has hit the public schools very hard. The district spent $130,000 for the entire 1999-2000 school year for natural gas at the twelve school sites.

The bills for November and December this year were $150,000. For December alone, the bill was $102,000 compared to last year’s $27,000 for one month of heat. We anticipate the heating bill for the entire year will approach a half million dollars. Where does the district get that much money?

For all practical purposes, the unprecedented utility cost increases will be paid from money intended for classroom supplies, books, and computers. The state aid formula that generates nearly 40% of the money to educate our children was recently increased because we have a few more students than last year. All of the increase will be consumed by the higher utility bills, leaving the purchase of books and materials out in the cold.

The average expenditure per child in American education is approaching $7,000/per year, while in Ponca City the average is $4,800. Personnel costs for the salaries of 740 district employees takes 88% of the district’s $28,000,000 budget. Utilities, gasoline, insurance, and building maintenance uses another 8%, leaving less than one million dollars for textbooks, library books, teaching supplies, paper, computer equipment, and staff training for the 400 classrooms. If the utility rates remain at record high levels, the already shortage of teaching supplies will become critical. The Board of Education has joined the Oklahoma Education Coalition in asking the state legislature for additional funding for public schools. We need money to better pay our support staff and teachers as we face a shortage in all staff areas. Now, we must ask for more money to keep the heat on in the classrooms.

Scholarship Available From St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph Medical Foundation, Inc. is now accepting applications for its 2001 Auxiliary Scholarship, which provides financial incentive to a Kay County area high school senior pursuing a career in a healthcare-related field.

The $1,000, non-renewable scholarship was established in 1997 to commemorate the SJRMC Auxiliary for its 40 years of service and to help area students.

Applications are available through high school guidance offices or the Foundation office and must be received by March 1, 2001.

Contact Sandy Gearhart, 763-0872, for more information.

First Lutheran School Lists Fall Honor Rolls

The first semester honor rolls for First Lutheran School have been announced.

Those students receiving a 4.0 are listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll. They are Marissa Belzer, Kelsey Hill, Mackenzie McDaniel and Sagar Patel, fourth graders; Joey Adams, Melissa Bacher, Heather Goddard, Kristen Kepka and Reema Patel, fifth graders; and Andrew Benyshek, Eric Brunkow, Brian Eyster, Hillary Harpster, Kasha Kurtz, Dylan Powell, Jefferson Powell and Wesley Young, sixth graders.

Also, Meredith Inselman, Kristina Kirsch, Misti Lackey, Maddie McDaniel and Shannon Rickman, seventh graders; and Caroline Brown, Sam McDaniel, John Penewitt and Chris Vaughan, eighth graders.

Fourth graders listed on the Teacher’s Honor Roll were Trent Banister, Megan Cope, Andy Elliott, Kristina Gardner, Cameron Lincoln, John Lawrence, Kelsie Penewitt, Cash Putnam, Madi Swinehart, Dalton Tapp, Dustin Tapp, Tatum Turney and Troy Young. Fifth graders were Jonathan Grimes, Spencer Helton, Sarah Kelle, Leah Krottinger, Dara Marlar, Jenny Masters, Mason Meeks, Brett Renken and Ryan Smith. Also, Sherri Beier, Casey Cashon, Kammi Frazier, Sarah Graham, Caitlin Owens, Tacie Penewitt, Lindsay Roehl, Chelce Rouse, Caleb Silkey and Kirsten Webster, sixth graders. Seventh graders were Brian Masters, Anna McElhaney, Jeffia Pan, Jenna-lyn Piel, Jordan Piel, Ryan Schwanke and Blair Turney. Eighth graders included Micah Allyn, Amy Fahrney, Rachel Homp and Eric Stephen.

Students Honored This Month at West School

West Middle School started the new year with Student On a Roll (SOAR) on Friday, Jan. 12.

Students are honored from their advisory class for something special, not necessarily academic. Their parents are invited to join them and some of the faculty in the cafeteria for a short ceremony, where they receive a certificate. Juice, coffee and donuts were provided by Albertson’s, West’s PIE Partner.

The students honored were D.J. Stoddard, Isaiah Blueback, Dillion Edwardson, Edward Powell, Bret Bachar, Wacee Walker, Andrew Gray, Aimee Akers, Aria Lieb, Roxanna Pando, Ian Freeman, Amber Peeples, Tannor Shelton, Josh Veltman, Mitchell DeRoin, Andrew Scribner, Jesse James, Kelly Williams, Allison Steele, Rachel Stanton, Leslie Sanders, Alisa Parks, Kenet Morgan, Whitney Welborn and April Scott.

Those students honored today were Kristen Jennings, Phillip Hudson, T.J. Huston, Doug Dunn, Chris Mouton, Heather Chamberlain, Kasie Bradley, Amanda Fletcher, Chris Smith, Erin Carlson, Hutch Didlake, Neil Mitchell, Vanessa Donaldson, Nicholas Hall, Lisa Otto, Frank James, Ashley Walters, Shawne Lloyd, Travis Stone, Koree Hanck, Ryan Blackwell, Holly Taylor and McVallerie Wood.

Schools Form Holiday Partnership

What goes up must come down especially when it comes to Christmas decorations!

Students from Pioneer Technology Center, the Leo Club, and Ponca City schools, gathered last Saturday, at Marland's Grand Home, formerly known as the Cultural Center, to take down the thousands of Christmas lights and decorations that brightened the holiday season.

According to Kathy Adams, Festival of Angels Director and director of Marland's Grand Home, the decorating of the home was a student project from start to finish. “The decorating began with help from the students from the Ponca City Honor Society and ended with PTC students and the Leo Club,” said Adams.

“It usually is a lot more exciting decorating for the holidays than it is taking it all down, but with this project it was hard to tell in either group. They were all very enthusiastic about helping! I am so pleased to have these young people involved. They have been great to work with.”

Robert Howard, who is currently serving as Marland's Grand Home Superintendent, spends a great deal of time and effort to help ensure the decorations are all in place for the holidays and then taken down after the holidays. “There is a lot of work that goes into this,” said Howard. “I thought it would be great to have Pioneer Tech students involved in this, so I called on Mike Swinehart, PTC's Student Services Director for his assistance. Brandi Combs from the Leo Club also provided some help with several members from the Leo Club. It truly was a student project from start to finish. I really appreciate the student participation and above all, the camaraderie of all involved.”

Students participating in the Saturday project included, Chanel Roland, PTC Business and Computer Technology; LaDella Dowell, PTC Business and Computer Technology; Shastina Abernathy, PTC Horticulture; Miranda Patterson, PTC Business and Computer Technology; Lacy Newman, PTC Business and Computer Technology; Jeri Wright, Ponca City High School; Jandy McGuire, PTC Child Care; Deena Martin, PTC Medical Assisting; Ginny Veal, PTC Medical Assisting Instructor; Dean Myers, PTC Horticulture Instructor, and Amber Barclay, Ponca City West Middle School.

According to Adams, Marland's Grand Home is in the process of being totally remodeled. They are about seven months into the remodel project and have added a brand new central air conditioning to the 85 year-old home. Other renovation plans include exterior repairs, roof, storm windows, interior repairs which include carpet removal and some restoration of the original hardwood floors. A large Native American display is also underway. Adams added that most of the renovation is being funded through grant money.

School News

Newland Makes Honor Roll

David Newland, son of Dennis and Judi Newland, has been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at Colorado School of Mines where he is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.

No School

No school will be held in Ponca City on Feb. 9. The end of the second trimester will be on Feb. 22. Also, no school will be held on Feb. 23 for Parent/Teacher Conferences.

White Graduates

1997 Po-Hi graduate, Kerri White, graduated first in her class and was awarded Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA from Oklahoma Baptist University. White received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. White has returned to Deer Creek Middle school, where she attended school, to teach sixth and seventh grade math and eighth grade pre-algebra. Kerri is the daughter of Pat White, math teacher at West Middle School, and Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet
Fear of Weight Gain Prevents Many From Quitting Smoking

Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet

XI Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Susan Henshaw for the Jan. 8 meeting.

Officers met for an executive board meeting preceding the regular chapter meeting. Dorothy Leonard, president, called the meeting to order with nine members present.

Pat Schissler, recording secretary, read the minutes, and Patsy Hastings, treasurer, gave the financial report. Donation was made by the chapter to the Ponca City Band for their trip to Washington.

Pam Palmer, Valentine Queen, will be crowned at the Beta Sigma Phi Valentine dance on Feb. 19 at the American Legion. Last year’s queen, Lisa Mena, will crown Pam. The chapter is in charge of the guest book and publicity for the dance.

Scrap Book chairman, Pam Palmer, had a meeting in her home for committee members to work on the chapter’s scrap book. The book will be presented to the chapter president at the Founder’s Day Banquet in April.

Dorothy Leonard will host an “all girls night out” in her home on Jan. 20. Patsy Hastings gave a program on the holidays and how “we survived them with group participation.”

The traveling basket was won by Pat Schissler. Refreshments were served by Susan Henshaw and co-hostess Jody Sanford. The next meeting will be on Jan. 22. in the home of Patsy Hastings.

Fear of Weight Gain Prevents Many From Quitting Smoking

Each year, a national “smoke-out” campaign urges people to stop using tobacco products. Many smokers realize the damage tobacco causes and the huge health benefits that quitting can reap. Others are prevented from trying to quit by the fear of gaining weight or failing. But healthy habits can make a difference in overcoming those potential problems. And research has now identified ways to make quitting more successful.

Health experts urge people to stop smoking for good reason. Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and emphysema, and 80 percent of lung cancers are linked to tobacco. And that’s not all. Smoking is also responsible for significant proportions of cancers of the mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, colon and pancreas.

Fear of weight gain discourages many smokers who would like to quit, but this problem does not affect everyone who stops smoking. A study in Health Psychology, for example, reports that only 36 percent of women who tried to quit smoking gained weight.

Although some studies show average gains of 10 to 20 pounds, a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association notes an average weight gain of only five pounds for a group of 20,000 ex-smokers. Such a small weight gain is unlikely to pose any health concerns and could be tackled later, if desired.

Two major factors should be considered to prevent weight gain when you stop smoking. First, nicotine tends to raise the body’s rate of calorie-burning, so fewer calories are needed to maintain weight after quitting. Second, people often substitute eating for smoking, and the extra food can lead to weight gain.

A study from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas reports that people who tend to eat when they are stressed or in a negative mood have the most problem with weight gain.

Several simple steps can counteract these weight-gaining influences. Keep your hunger satisfied with foods that are less concentrated in calories. Make low-calorie vegetables and fruits a major part of every meal.

To help you deal with stress or negative feelings without turning to food or tobacco, adopt other strategies, like turning to an engrossing book, taking up a new hobby, or reorganizing closets or files.

Exercise may be one of the best weapons. Physical activity not only bums calories, it’s also a great stress reliever and mood enhancer. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who exercised vigorously three times a week did not increase their calorie and fat consumption, and they were less likely to gain weight than those who remained sedentary.

Exercisers also became more fit and were more likely to remain non-smokers a year later.

Don’t let fear of failure stop you either. Eating small amounts of food several times a day instead of three main meals helps some people. They find the urge to smoke is easier to handle if they don’t let their blood sugar drop too low. But focus on balanced snacks, not just sweets.

Mindset is important, too. Remember that, although nicotine is a highly addictive drug, it’s heartening to know that withdrawal symptoms - anxiety, irritability, lack of concentration peak during the first one or two days after quitting but decrease rapidly over the next few weeks.

Some people are haunted by feelings of failure because of unsuccessful earlier attempts to quit smoking. Yet studies show that for many people, several attempts are needed to achieve success. Examining past efforts might offer some encouraging insights and help you “psyche up” for another, successful try.

SPORTS

Wildcat Matmen Win District Crown
Wildcats Missed Their Chances In Tournament
Wildcat JVs Fall to Alva In Tourney
Wildcat Swimmers Win at Muskogee
8th Grader Breaks Leg During Game
Eighth Red Girls Beat Emerson

Wildcat Matmen Win District Crown

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

“When the season started, I thought we would be a good team in a year or two,” Ponca City wrestling coach Todd Steidley said after his Wildcats wrapped up the district title with 40-18 win over Stillwater in a raucous dual in Robson Field House Thursday night.

“ Now, I think we’re a pretty good team now.”

Not satisfied with just winning the district and a berth in the Dual State Tournament for the second year in a row, Steidley and the Wildcats now aim for one of the top seeds.

“If we can beat Sand Springs (there Saturday) we’ll be the No. 2 seed (from the East in Dual State),” Steidley said.

The dual with Stillwater was supposed to be close as the two long-time rivals — in or out of the district — clashed. It was probably closer than the score indicates as the wrestlers and crowd heated up in the battle.

But the Wildcats had the answer. They got three falls to one for the Pioneers and added points on an injury default. They also won the majority of the close matches.

“We owned the third period of the matches,” Steidley said.

Stillwater came in determined to upset the Wildcats.

In the first one-point match of the night, Pioneer 103-pounder Mike Boggs held off Ponca City’s Kevin Davis, 9-8.

But then the Wildcats took control.

Brian Womble collected a 3:26 fall at 112 to start a string of four straight wins by the Poncans.

Shawn Lee took a major 15-6 decision at 119 pounds, MiMi Miller topped Stillwater ace, Luke Elmore, 6-3, at 125 breaking p a scoreless battle with a second-period reverse and takedown. Steven Windler then collected a pin at 130.

That put the Wildcats up 19-3 before Stillwater recovered.

The Pioneers won a pair of one-point decisions at 135 and 140, where they were heavily favored.

Matt Littleton put a stop to the rally with a 3:19 fall at 145 pounds.

Po-Hi 142-pounder Jasper Lockett was leading 11-2 when Stillwater’s J.D. Prado suffered a knee injury in the second period and was unable to continue.

Cody Pappan got a near fall early in his 160-pound match and went on to a 9-3 decision.

At 171, Jason Leavitt escaped with 35 seconds left in the match to edge Jake Duke, 6-5.

That gave the Ponca Citians an unbeatable 37-9 lead.

Stillwater’s Jerry Hughes got Stillwater’s lone bonus points with a fall at 189.

But James Arburtha closed out Ponca City’s scoring with a 9-4 win at 215 pounds.

Stillwater’s Foster Fryer used a third-period penalty point to nudge Wildcat heavyweight, Tyler Fezer, 4-3, in the final bout of the night.

“I though going in we could win the dual,” Steidley said. “But I though it would be just by a few points. The kids wrestled hard.

“I have never been more proud of a team I’ve had than this one.”

The dual at Sand Springs is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

RESULTS

Ponca City 40, Stillwater 18

103 — Boggs (S) d. Davis, 9-8

112 — Womble (PC) p. Wilson, 3:26

119 — Lee (PC) md Waflauger, 15-6

125 — Miller (PC) d. Elmore, 6-3

130 — Windler (PC) p. Phillips, 3:50

135 — Balai (S) d. Brooks,1-0

140 — Weatherford (S) d. RedLeaf, 3-2

145 — Littleton (PC) p. Welch, 3:19

152 — Lockett (PC) won inj. def.

160 — Pappan (PC) d. McGregor, 9-3

171 — Leavitt (PC) d. Duke, 6-5

189 — Hughes (S) p. Childers, 4:51

215 — Arburtha (PC) d. Beckham, 9-4

Hwt — Dryer (S) d. Fezer, 4-3

Wildcats Missed Their Chances In Tournament

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Ponca City Wildcats lost the first round of the January Jam 51-49, to the Kansas’ No. 4 ranked Class 6A team, Junction City.

The Wildcats committed 23 turnovers, but still had two opportunities to tie or win the game within the final seconds.

Junction City Blue Jay Justin Rose went to the line for two free throws. He made the first, but missed the second.

With 10 seconds remaining in the game, the Wildcats were down by two, 51-49. Tim Frick rebounded the ball and drove coast-to-coast. During the entire trip down court, coach Ron Arthur signaled for a time out.

The Blue Jays appeared more concerned about preventing a 3-point shot and a loss at the hands of the Wildcats, especially from Billy Broughton, who made three-of-three treys in the fourth period.

Frick took advantage of the situation and in a heads-up play, continued down court for an uncontested layup to tie the score.

In the meantime, Arthur still called for a time out.

Frick made his move. A step away from the goal, an official granted the time out an instant before Frick’s shot went in the basket.

Ponca City retained possession. Frick inbounded the ball to Blaine Petrie under the basket. The 6-foot-6-inch senior was wide open for the bucket. Petrie must have hesitated, because Rose, a 6-1 senior, closed in fast and prevented Petrie from making the basket.

The officials called it a clean block.

But, had it not been for the turnovers, 10 in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats wouldn’t have been in that kind of situation.

“You can’t turn the ball over 23 times and expect to win,” Arthur said.

He said the Blue Jays came out in the third quarter much more aggressive than in the first half. The Wildcats turned the ball over twice in the first period. Both teams turned the ball over seven times in the first half. The Blue Jays committed four turnovers in the first quarter and three in the second.

The Wildcats have taken care of the ball in the last four games, but gave it up five times in the second quarter. Ponca City also gave up the lead and trailed, 24-22, headed into the third period.

The Wildcats got out of sync early in the period with the stepped up pressure from Junction City. By the time the third period ended, the Wildcats had settled down.

“We made some bad decisions and there were four or five trips when we didn’t even get a shot off,” he said. “When we did get one off, it was a very good one.”

Ponca City found itself down by 10 points at one point in the third, but closed to within five at the beginning of the fourth.

The tournament’s No. 2 seed, Junction City, is the two-time defending champion of the Wichita tournament that is in its thirteenth year. Ponca City is the No. 7 seed team and has lost in the first round for the past two years.

Junction City raised its record to 10-2 for the season, but it is not a team without problems. The team only shot 28 percent during the first half of its previous game.

The Blue Jays shot 19-51 from the field for 37 percent against Ponca City. The Wildcats shot 18-41 for 43 percent. However, Junction City made 17 of 38 from 2-point range and 2 of 13 treys. Ponca City made 14 of 30 and 4 of 11. Ponca City went to the line 16 times and made nine for a lackluster 56 percent. Junction City only shot 52 percent, but they went to line 21 times and converted 11 attempts.

The leading scorer for Ponca City was Billy Broughton with 14 points. He made 11 in the fourth quarter, including three 3-pointers. James Anno had a good scoring game with nine points. Blaine Petrie and Tim Frick each put in six points. Frick also did some intangibles on both ends of the court that won’t show up in record books.

Kyle Geheb scored four points. Kris Upchurch and Jared Brashears each scored three points, while Josh Pitts and Devin Anderson scored two apiece.

Junction City was without three of its top players for the game. Coach Felix Grimmett suspended Lechon Trammer and Jumar Jones for one game after violating team rules. Jeremie Walker, the sixth man, did not play due to illness. Trammer, who averages 20 points-per-game, leads the team in scoring and is considered a Division I prospect.

Justin Rose, who averages 10 points for the Blue Jays stepped up with 17 points and Adrian Mitchell scored 14.

Joining the two teams are six other top Kansas high schools: No. 1 seed, Goddard; No. 3, Kansas City-Schagle; No. 4, Wichita North; No. 5, Shawnee Mission North; No. 6, Valley Center and No. 8, Blue .

Ponca City defeated Blue Valley in overtime at the Blue Valley Invitational during the first week of December.

Wildcat JVs Fall to Alva In Tourney

TONKAWA — The Ponca City junior varsity Wildcats lost the first round of the North Country Invitational Basketball Tournament to the Alva Goldbugs, 65-51.

Coach Joe Matlock said the sophomore team gave him a good effort and from a coaches standpoint, he couldn’t be happier with the team’s performance.

“They are a bunch of sophomores playing in a varsity tournament and I think nerves had something to do with it,” Matlock said. “From a coaches’ standpoint, I couldn’t be happier.”

The JV Wildcats were down 31-28 at halftime to the Goldbugs. The Alva team is rebuilding after losing all but one starter from last year’s state tournament team, Trevor Meier, a 6-foot-5-inch senior who averages 17 point a game.

“I thought their coach might have challenged Meier because he came out and scored 13 points in the third quarter,” Matlock said.

The Goldbugs outscored the Ponca City junior varsity team 25-11 in the third to effectively put the game out of reach.

The sophomores didn’t quit. They came back in the fourth to out score Alva’s varsity team, 12-9.

Chance Hunt led the scoring for Ponca City with 14 points. He was followed by Kyle Megenity with 12. Steven Morris and Cameron Moore each had six points and Chance Coldiron made five. David Miller and Nathan Macy each scored two points and Justin Evans put in two.

The JV Wildcats plays Pawnee at Tonkawa High School at 6 p.m.

Blackwell beat Pawnee 65-37. Blackwell and Alva tip-off at 6 p.m. in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College.

In other boys’ games. Tonkawa defeated Pawhuska 58-50. Pawnee beat Newkirk, 37-36, in a thriller that went undecided all the way down to the last second.

Tonkawa and Pawnee tip-off at 8:40 at NOC. Pawhuska and Newkirk are at Tonkawa High School.

On the girls’ side, the Tonkawa Lady Bucs beat Blackwell, 35-33.

Tonkawa outscored Blackwell in the first quarter, 7-4, but lost the lead in the second and went into the locker room at the half trailing, 16-13.

Tonkawa pulled back to within one after three, 24-23, then pulled the game out with a 12-9 fourth quarter.

Keyonna Hornbuckle led the Lady Bucs with 13 points. Kari Daniel and Jillian McIntyre each contributed six points.

Carrie Adams and Tara Greer each scored in double figures with 13 points each for Blackwell.

Tonkawa and Alva will play at 7:20 p.m., at NOC.

Alva beat Pawhuska 62-35; Newkirk nudged Frontier, 30-29 and Washington defeated Pawnee 48-30.

Washington and Newkirk have the early 4:40 game at NOC, while Pawnee and Frontier play at Tonkawa High School.

Wildcat Swimmers Win at Muskogee

The Wildcat swimmers took a long trip Thursday for a dual meet at Muskogee. The Muskogee Roughers are not as strong as they were a year ago and Wildcats used it to their advantage. The girls team won 76-47 and the boys came away with a 57-41 win.

The Lady Cats were missing key individuals who took the trip to Washington, D.C., with the Big Blue Band, that is performing in the inaugural parade.

“Even though we were missing three state qualifiers and three other swimmers out ill or with the band, we still swam well enough to win,” swim coach Dave Strah said.

Lindsey Mersman, Maria Brown, Elizabeth Tucker, Catherine Sonnichson and Andra Nuzum were all winners in their individual events.

For the boys, Ben Dickey and Eric Whitebay both won their individual events.

“The inauguration fell on a good weekend,” Strah said. “We knew Muskogee was going to be an easier meet for us.

“With missing kids and swimming tired after a week of intense aerobic work this past week, we needed an easy meet,” Strah said.

All the swimmers will return next week for a tough meet in Enid.

“We’ll swim a little more rested next week,” he said. “We hope Mersman, Tucker, Nuzum and Goodno can pick up some state times.”

He said the teams have trained hard this year and it’s time for them to swim their best, especially, with conference and state right around the corner.

8th Grader Breaks Leg During Game

ENID — The Ponca City eighth grade boys’ red team lost Aaron Auld in a freak accident Tuesday in a game against Emerson Junior High.

Coach David Wright said Auld was approaching the basket for an uncontested layup on a fast break. Auld’s takeoff leg snapped when he planted his foot to complete the shot.

Auld underwent surgery at a local hospital in Enid. He is expected to be on crutches for six to eight weeks.

The Red varsity team eventually won the game 48-33 to improve its record to 8-4.

The Red team led the entire game. It was close in the first quarter with Ponca City emerging with a 12-11 lead. In the second period, the red team opened up a more comfortable lead in the second period with a 27-18 lead going in to halftime. The third period was more of the same as Ponca City out scored Emerson 13-8 and entered the final period with a 40-26 lead.

Josh Williams scored 13 points for the Red team. Ryan Waters followed with 12. Sam Rogers put in eight points and Kyle Upchurch knocked down six points. Auld made four points before his season ending injury.

Paul Vjornen contributed three points and John Wheeler added two.

The Red varsity plays at Enid Waller next Tuesday.

The Red varsity played .500 ball last week by losing to Stillwater 47-45 on Tuesday and defeating Blackwell, 64-16, Thursday.

The junior varsity lost to Stillwater ,30-16, but turned around and beat Blackwell, 36-7, on Thursday. The junior varsity record is 3-3.

Eighth Red Girls Beat Emerson

The girls’ eighth grade Red team beat Enid Emerson in its first home game of the season Tuesday, 36-29.

The girls play Enid Waller at 6 p.m., next Tuesday at East Middle School.

The red team led all the way with a 10-2 lead to finish out the first quarter. Ponca City opened the second half with a 21-7 lead.

Coach Penny Surber said the girls had a lapse in the third and their lead dwindled to only eight points, 27-19.

Surber said the girls enjoyed playing in the lead.

“They aren’t used to playing in front,” she said. “I think that’s what happened to them in the third quarter.”

Erin Pickering had14 points to lead the team in scoring.. Laci Starnes scored 10, and Patton Theobald, 5. Savanah Morin and Nicole Overman each scored four points.