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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, January 31, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALCrash Investigation Could Take Months Crash Investigation Could Take MonthsSTRASBURG, Colo. (AP) — Investigators of a plane crash that killed 10 people linked to Oklahoma State University’s basketball program warned it could take months to pinpoint a cause. “We’re getting into a very painstaking part of the investigation,” National Transportation Safety Board investigator Robert Benzon said Tuesday. “There won’t be any big ‘eureka’ announcements for quite a while.” Keith Holloway, an NTSB spokesman in Washington, D.C., said most investigations take at least nine months to a year to complete. Two flatbed trucks hauled the burned wreckage from a field about 40 miles east of Denver to a hangar in Greeley, where a mock-up of the plane will be constructed. A large section of the Beechcraft King Air 200’s fuselage, with some of the tail numbers visible, was moved along with pieces small enough to be carried by hand. “Everything’s there,” Benzon said. “It’s kind of like a jigsaw puzzle with no picture on the box to look at.” Firefighters planned to look for any missed pieces after the snow melts. Maintenance records dating to 1990 and 1999 for parts of the plane were retrieved from Oklahoma City and will be reviewed in Washington, D.C., Benzon said. Investigators were waiting for more recent logs. Interviews with possible witnesses and pilots who flew near the Jefferson County Airport at the time of the crash Saturday also continued. A pilot of a similar plane who landed at the nearby Front Range Airport before the crash reported no significant problems with turbulence or icing, Benzon said. Investigators have not found conclusive evidence explaining why the plane went down. Both of the plane’s propellers were turning when it hit the ground. Investigators speculated the transponder could have broken or the electrical system could have malfunctioned. A computer model was being used to determine whether icing was a factor in the crash, NTSB spokesman Paul Schlamm said. The plane had gone straight from a warm hangar to the runway without being de-iced before taking off in light snow. Records from the Federal Aviation Administration showed that before 1986, the plane had problems with engine parts falling off, malfunctioning systems and window cracks, The Daily Oklahoman reported. Records indicated that in 1986, part of the right engine cooling system fell off during a flight. In 1981, the plane’s air conditioning parts had blown up twice, once while the plane was approaching takeoff, which caused substantial damage to the aircraft. Inspections found cracks in the windows in 1980 and 1986. The problems were reported to the FAA under “service difficulty reports.” There were no other reports from 1986 for service difficulty, but a code enforcement violation on the plane was reported to the FAA last April. The violation was listed as “airport surfaces/ safety areas” and cited the flight engineer for the violation. It occurred at Buchanan Field in Concord, Calif., on April 12. Among the victims of Saturday’s crash were Oklahoma State players Nate Fleming and Daniel Lawson, sports information employee Will Hancock, director of basketball operations Pat Noyes, trainer Brian Luinstra, and student manager Jared Weiberg. So far the bodies of Fleming, broadcaster Bill Teegins, co-pilot Bjorn Fahlstrom, and broadcast engineer Kendall Durfey have been positively identified, the Adams County Coroner’s office said. According to FAA records, the plane was registered to North Bay Charter LLC of Reno, Nev., but Benzon said the owner was Richard Davis, of southern California. Mills was its operator. Oklahoma City businessman Dick Bogert said he paid for the plane as a donation to the school’s foundation. -—— On the Net: Oklahoma State: http://pio.okstate.edu NTSB: http://www.ntsb.gov FAA: http://www.faa.gov Stone Cable One Agree To Drop Counter ClaimsCable One Inc. and Jerald Stone, the former system manager of Cable One’s Ponca City cable television system who resigned in February 2000, have resolved their claims against one another amicably, and all legal proceedings are to be dismissed. In April, Cable One filed suit against Stone in federal court in Oklahoma City seeking to restrain Stone from engaging in the cable television business in those communities in Oklahoma where Cable One provides cable and related services. Stone thereafter asserted a counter claim alleging that Cable One representatives had slandered him. Although the allegations and claims were made in good faith in the course of litigation by each side, the parties have determined that further litigation of their claims would not be productive and have therefore agreed to drop their claims against the other, without any admission of wrongdoing by either party. According to the joint news release, “The parties can now devote their full energies to pursuing their legitimate business interests without the burden and expense of court litigation. This settlement puts an end to all litigation between the parties.” The parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement will be confidential and that, except for this joint press release, neither party will comment further on the settlement. ‘High Zone’ Residents To Get Higher PressureBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Residents living in the Homestead, Kyme Drive and Blue Stem Road area, known as the Ponca City water system’s “high-zone,” could see an answer to their water pressure woes as early as August, according to city officials. This answer comes in the form of planned improvements to the area’s pump station, known as the Meadows Pump Station, and the addition of a new 16-inch water line. These improvements are expected to boost the area’s sagging water pressure, which can dip to as low as 15 psi during periods of peak summer usage, to as high as 75 psi. Normal water pressure is considered somewhere between 45 psi and 50 psi. Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners heard an update on the status of these improvements during a regular work session Monday afternoon. One of the items discussed by commissioners at the meeting was the project’s overall cost, which could be as much as $157,000 more than originally expected. “We’re trying to fast-track the completion of this project so we have substantial completion sometime in August and final completion sometime in September,” said Chad Morris, Ponca City’s Environmental Services director. “If we get final approval at the Feb. 12 city commission meeting, we will begin advertising for bids at that time.” Morris noted the Meadows Pump Station improvements were part of the city’s 5- and 10-year plans for modernizing Ponca City’s water system. “The master plan is to remove some of the older and smaller pump stations and replace them with a few newer and more modern ones,” he said. Improvements to the Meadows Pump Station include installing two new pumps and adding a 16-inch water line feeding the city’s “high zone” area. The new water line, according to Morris, will run beneath Donner from Kingston Road to Turner Street, which makes up the bulk of the additional $157,000 in costs associated with the project. “The money (for the project) was budgeted in the water fund,” said Morris. “The rest will have to come out of the fund balance.” Top Students Will Appear In NOC Honors ConcertTONKAWA — Top junior high and high school band members from area schools will appear in concert Saturday in the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center. The Junior High Honor Band, directed by James Nance of Parryton (Texas) High School, will lead off the program at 3 p.m., followed by the High School Honor Band, conducted by Ed Huckeby of Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow. The high school program will include works by Huckeby, a published composer. According to Dineo Heilmann, Northern Fine Arts Division chair and Honor Choir coordinator, first chair members in each band will receive certificates and outstanding brass, woodwind and percussion players in each band will receive awards at the concert. Band members from Blackwell, Deer Creek-Lamont, Morrison, Newkirk, Perkins-Tryon, Ponca City, Shidler, Stillwater and Tonkawa are expected to attend a two-day clinic conducted by Nance and Huckeby on the college campus preceding the concert. Junior high band members were selected by previous audition at Ponca City High School. LettersGive Firemen a Raise I would like to express my feelings concerning the firefighters proposal for a 10 percent raise. It will be four years this May when I made the almost fatal decision that heart attacks happen to other people and not to me. I live in the Osage and by the time that I got to the house and called 911 considerable time had passed before they could get the ambulance to me. I do not remember a lot about the trip to the hospital except the care and concern that the two young men showed and their attempt to get me there alive. I have a special feeling for Dr. Michelle Moyer who saved me after the lights went out. I can’t imagine what it must be like to save someone’s life or the disappointment when you don’t. I have a son and a son-in-law who have children and what they must go through when they have to go on a run where children are involved. What it must be like to search lakes and swollen creeks for children that have drown, or go to a fire and search for children that you know are in the house realize that you can help them when you get the call to go to a car wreck and hope that there aren’t children involved and the thought that it just might be your family. I believe that the people of Ponca City deserve the best people, the best equipped and the best trained that we can have. Right now the firefighters, if they want extra training like the deep-water rescue have to do it on their own time, and that tells me that we have the right people but you also have to pay them. A football coach, if he can get the right people in the right position and win, can collect over a million dollars but we don’t want to give the people that save our lives a decent raise. Let’s give them the 10 percent and pay the best what they are worth. A grateful heart attack survivor Ron Cremers Firemen Say Thanks The holiday season has concluded for yet another year. The Ponca City Fire Department conducted a record setting year, hosting Toys for Kids. Over 2,000 gifts were donated this year. The reason I’m writing this letter is to thank the countless organizations, groups, businesses, and private citizens for the donations. Gifts were brought to the stations in incredible amounts. The people of Ponca City generously donated thousands of gifts including toys, books, games, bicycles, stuffed animals, scooters, balls, and dolls. Children hold special places in the hearts of firemen. It is truly a privilege for us to see a child’s eyes light up when they open their gifts. The citizens of Ponca City enabled hundreds of children in Ponca City to enjoy a Christmas that otherwise might not have been possible. The true meaning of Christmas was demonstrated through the power of teamwork of everyone who assisted in donating, wrapping, sorting, and distributing the gifts. I wish everyone who donated could see a small child’s face smile with joy, realizing Christmas really is a special time of year. Once again, we the fireman have the enviable position of handing out these presents and seeing those smiling faces. Thank you, Ponca City! Michael Gronigan Firefighter, PCFD Grateful for Help I wish to express my grateful and deep appreciation to the people who are involved with the number 911, the ambulance service and the Emergency Center at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. My first experience happened Tuesday, Jan. 16 near 6 p.m. The 911 call was answered immediately. The ambulance arrived quickly, the courteous attendants entered our home and did their work with knowledge and thoroughness. On the way to the hospital with siren blowing, cars pulled to the side and stopped. We were in the Emergency Room within a few minutes. The way those who were involved in getting my husband to the help he needed was like a miracle to me. A friend called our minister and others asking for their prayers. How thankful I am to all! Is Ponca City a great place to live? Yes! Eleanor Smith New Community Advisory Board Named for NOC-NWOSU at EnidENID — Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College have agreed to the formation of a nine-member joint Community Advisory Board to serve the Enid campuses of both institutions, according to the presidents of the two schools. The action, announced by Dr. Tom J. McDaniel of Northwestern and Dr. Joe Kinzer of NOC, is designed to bring the two institutions and the community into a closer working relationship to enhance higher education opportunities in Enid and the surrounding area. This new Community Advisory Board will replace separate advisory entities used by both institutions. “Our institutions share the responsibility for higher education in Enid, and it makes sense that we work closely together to meet the needs of the city and its students,” Kinzer said. McDaniel echoed Kinzer’s sentiments. “This advisory board will help us work together on student advisement, shared resources and a joint scholarship drive, to ensure that area students are provided a quality college experience in a user-friendly environment.” The Community Advisory Board, which met for the first time on Jan. 24, includes the following Enid leaders: — Brud Baker, president and chief executive officer, Central National Bank; — Stan Brownlee, certified public accountant and partner, Baird, Kurtz and Dobson; — Michael Cooper, area manager, Southwestern Bell Telephone; — Dan Dillingham, chairman and chief executive officer, Dillingham Insurance; — Douglas Frantz, mayor, City of Enid; — Harold Hamm, president and chief executive officer, Continental Resources; — Bert Mackie, president, Security National Bank; — Col. Douglas Raaberg, commander, Vance Air Force Base; and — Tom Rogers, director of governmental relations, City of Enid. Kinzer and McDaniel will serve as ex-officio members of the board. Pianist Will Perform Community Concert Sunday AfternoonRichard Glazier, pianist, will perform at Community Concerts on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Glazier has earned many top honors including the Pro Musicis International Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition and the Deutscher Akademischer Austashdiesnt (DAAD) grant, the highest academic honor award by the German government. He is also a recipient of a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission in recognition of his artistic achievements. Acclaimed as a recitalist and soloists with orchestras throughout the United States, he performed with Byron Janis in a work for one piano four hands at the Pro Musicis 30th anniversary gala at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. He has performed in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, performed all-Gershwin concerts at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The Cleveland Institute of Music and the Chautauqua Institution. Most recently he appeared on Classic Arts Showcase and appeared on WFMT Chicago. Additionally, Glazier has been a frequent guest on NPR’s Performance Today, and in honor of the Gershwin Centennial, he recorded an all-Gershwin project for the Piano Disc Company’s Artist Series. Glazier’s debut recording on the Centaur label entitled “Gershwin: Remembrance and Discovery” includes several rare transcriptions that Glazier discovered at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Glazier’s connection to the music of Gershwin goes beyond his superb performances of the composer’s music. He has the distinction of having once played George Gershwin’s personal piano. As a young boy, he began a correspondence with Ira Gershwin which led to an invitation to the lyricist’s Beverly Hills home. A former student of Leonard Hokanson at the Indiana University School of Music, Glazier earned the doctor of musical arts degree in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is a Steinway artist. He is currently on the rosters of Community Concerts and Siegel Artist Management. Glazier has recently completed volume 1 of the complete piano music of Scott Joplin for Centaur Records and is touring with his new program, Ragtime and Romance: Joplin and Gershwin. Community Concerts is a subscription series with membership renewal each spring. Any new Ponca City resident who was unable to purchase a season membership last spring may do so now by calling Leslie Rardin at 765-3971 or Mary Lois Nield at 762-5156. Season ticket prices are: adult $30, student $15, family $75 and single parent family $45. Tax deductible contributions are also accepted to support the season. DEATHSFannie May Dunn Fannie May DunnFannie May Dunn, longtime Ponca City resident and former Tonkawa resident, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, in her home. She was 96. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City with the Rev. Dr. Michael Kear, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Fannie May Dunn was born March 28, 1904, in Bentonville, Ark., the daughter of Amos Rotramel and Canzadie Karr Rotramel. On Dec. 23, 1923, she married Basil C. Dunn in Drumwright. She was a homemaker all of her life. Survivors include two sons, Forrest L. Dunn of Ponca City and Gary Gene Dunn of Seven Points, Texas; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sons, Darryll Dunn, Basil Dunn Jr. and James E. Dunn; one daughter, Delta Lindkugel; three brothers, Lee Rotramel, Buster Rotramel and Jim Rotramel; and three sisters, Mattie Robertson, Effie Hulse and Bula Sprow. Albert Wesley HoltBLACKWELL — Albert Wesley Holt, resident of Blackwell, died Monday evening, Jan. 29, 2001, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 86. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, in the chapel of the Roberts Funeral Home in Blackwell with the Rev. Andy Jobe of the Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Braman Cemetery. Albert Wesley Holt was born on March 10, 1914, in Caddo County, the son of Alfred Wesley and Clara Florence Edwin Holt. He grew up in Caddo County area and moved with his family to Braman as a young man. He was employed on various farms in the Kay County area as well as his employment for the city of Braman. Survivors include a sister, Winnifred Chitwood of Blackwell, and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Zelma Newman, Hattie Baylor, Anna Coyer, Dora Smith, Beulah Hodges and Lavina Andrews; and four brothers, Alva Holt, Dave Holt, George Holt and Braman Holt. Casket bearers will be Roger Andrews, C.M. Chitwood, Leon Holt, Virgil Smith and Weller Smith. Services PendingJames W. CagleyJames W. “Bill” Cagley, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, in St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. Survivors include his wife, Jane, of the home, 116 Virginia. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Ruth EbbessonRuth Ebbesson, mother of Dr. Berno Ebbesson, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, 2001, in the Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 86. The family will be at 2801 Homestead North. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. O.M. HeartsillO.M. “Milt” Heartsill died early this morning, Jan. 31, 2001. He was 77. Survivors include his wife, Aline, of the home, 717 Red Oak. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. John W. HenlineJohn W. Henline, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 92. Local survivors include his wife Grace Henline. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Hazel QuerryTONKAWA — Hazel Querry of Tonkawa died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, in Oklahoma City. She was 99. Services are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. Juanita StevensJuanita Stevens, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, at her daughter’s home in Cleveland, Okla. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home. FuneralsThursday Jared Grant WeibergJared Grant Weiberg — Service at 2 p.m. in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. Joseph Delmer LarssenJoseph Delmer Larssen — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with burial in the Newkirk Cemetery. Elizabeth TottenElizabeth Totten — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the Woodlands Christian Church. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Saturday Carrie PhillipsCarrie Phillips — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the parlor of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home with burial in the Fairfax Cemetery. NEWS BRIEFSScout Chili Supper — Boy Scout Troop 5 holds its chili supper from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the parish hall at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. On the menu are chili, vegetable soup, cornbread, cakes and drinks for $5; children six and under eat free. Cub Scout Pack 15 will sell nachos for $1. Tickets can be bought at the door. Kay-9 Dog Training Club regular meeting. National Guard Armory. Thursday, February 1st, 7p.m. There will be an agility demonstration. Public welcome. adv. Help Someone Read — Help someone learn to read. Training for anyone interested in teaching someone to read will be held Feb. 12 and 13 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the Programming Room at the Ponca City Library. Call the Ponca City Area Literacy Council at 767-0351 for more details. Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv. Burglary — An employee of a business in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a burglary to Ponca City police at 7:49 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Fuller Brush, Watkins and Vision for Life products available at 300 West Highland, (Ponca Glass building). 762-6522. adv. Burglary — A woman in the 3500 block of D Street reported to Ponca City police at 12:26 p.m. Tuesday she believed someone had been inside of her residence. An officer was assigned and advised there was no sign of forced entry or any items missing. A report was taken. Soccer sign up. Saturday, February 3rd. From 9a.m. to 1p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Februrary 5th, 6th, 7th. 4p.m. to 8p.m. Register at Quantum Computer Service 312 East Grand. 762-9056. adv. Accident — A four-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Fire Run — A grass fire in the 3300 block of Merrifield Road was reported to the Communications Center at 3:32 p.m. Tuesday. The McCord Volunteer Fire Department was advised. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 22-year-old man was court committed on a city warrant for failure to pay and on a Kay County warrant and a 21-year-old woman on a city warrant for failure to pay at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday. Floorcraft pre-inventory reduction sale continues. Includes all in-stock carpet, vinyl. 5th and Hartford. adv. Accident — A minor accident in the 700 block of South Fifth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Liquidation Auction- Marland Estate Conference Center, Hotel Restaurant- 9a.m. Saturday February 3rd. 901 Monument, Ponca City. Nicholson Auction Co. 767-1236. adv. Accident — A minor backing accident in the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. 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. Subject Held — An officer in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street reported having a pick-up order from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office for a 16-year-old girl for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle at 3:47 p.m. Tuesday. Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vege- tables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767- 8304. adv. Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 38-year-old man was transferred in from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office on city warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay at 4:36 p.m. Tuesday. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Overbrook Avenue and North Union Street reported a 34-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 11:36 p.m. Tuesday. Fire Run — A grass fire on I-35 at mile marker 231 was reported to the Communications Center at 3:45 a.m. Wednesday. Both Blackwell Fire Department and Braman Fire Department were advised. Accident — A coach at Robson Field House, 1024 North Seventh Street, reported a hit-and-run accident involving a juvenile to Ponca City police at 9:57 p.m. Tuesday. The coach said the juvenile had fallen down in the parking lot and a vehicle had backed out and driven over the juvenile’s ankle and then left the scene. The victim did have scrapes and slight swelling to the right ankle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv. Accident — A non-injury accident involving a semi-truck 7 miles north of Newkirk on U.S. 77 was reported to the Communications Center at 6:01 a.m. Wednesday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised. LIFESTYLESAlumnae Chapter Meets Alumnae Chapter MeetsThe Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter, Delta Lambda Delta, met recently in the home of Fran Mathews. Co-hostesses for the meeting were Joan Clark and Virginia Cronin. Guests at the meeting were Marilyn Andrews and Iris Brooks. Tammie Barham, president, conducted the business meeting. Verna McKenzie and Julie Lawrence gave officer’s reports. Sandy Hudack, Panhellenic representative, reported on the Christmas House Tour. She said the amount and number of scholarships to be given in the spring would be decided at the February Panhellenic meeting. Proceeds from the tour are used to fund these scholarships. Ms. Barham announced that she had received the forms for the Alumnae Chapter Awards to be announced at Leadership Conference in July. The chapter will qualify for several of the awards and the forms must be completed and returned to National Headquarters by March 31. She will schedule a meeting for the committee chairs who will need to complete the forms. She also asked that anyone interested in the position of Province Alumnae Chairman contact her by next week. Members were asked to turn in names of legacies to Melinda Glasgow by the February meeting so they could be sent to Gamma Epsilon at Oklahoma State and Psi at Oklahoma University. Members were also reminded to be saving personal items for the Easter baskets given to the Domestic Violence Shelter. These will be collected at the March meeting. Cindy Grubb of “Grubbies” gave the program. She gave the history of the company and told how she was “inspired to create the calendar and other items in the line.” The next meeting will be Feb. 27 in Tonkawa. Joe Kreger will give the program. Rho Chapter Hears ReportsDawn Pruitt was the hostess for the Jan. 24 meeting of Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Nine members and four pledges answered roll call. Announcement was made that the state convention would be held June 22-24 in Oklahoma City. A request for recipes for the 2001 sorority cookbook was reported from International, and the treasurer’s report was given by Debbie McClaskey. Tickets were purchased for the upcoming Valentine dance. Rho chapter members will meet at the American Legion at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 to decorate for the dance. A thank you note was read from a family chapter members assisted during Christmas. Susan Seales won the mystery gift, and the traveling basket went to Rhonda Beliel. Pledge training was held, and members made valentines for Pepperettes to deliver to nursing home residents. The Feb. 7 meeting will include a 6:30 p.m. dinner at the Amarillo Grill to honor the chapter’s Valentine queen. The Jan. 10 meeting of Rho Chapter was held in the home of Carol Neilson with Jan Leach, president, calling the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by 10 members and three pledges. International communication included a request for a chapter vote concerning financial aid to fund scholarships, endowment, loan fund, disaster fund, and breast cancer research. Rho chapter approved all of the items and made a donation to the breast cancer research. Additional funds were allotted by Rho chapter for aiding a family in need. The group also discussed the Feb. 10 Valentine dance. Carol Neilson is the Valentine Queen for Rho Chapter. The chapter members are responsible for decorations for the event. The mystery gift was won by Gail Walcott, and the traveling basket was given to June Jackson by Andrea Morriss. The meeting concluded with pledge training. Bliss Homemakers Group Meets in Marland ChurchDenise Kienholz, president, called the Bliss Homemakers HCE group meeting to order Jan. 10 at the Marland Methodist Christian Church. Pennies for Friendship and monthly quarter drill was held before the Homemakers Creed, which was read in unison. The devotional was given by Marilyn Balcer, “If We Had the Time,” from Leaves of Comfort. The 16 members in attendance answered the roll call, “The way I save money the best is...” The seat belt survey was taken with all reporting wearing their seatbelts, and all reading, either to themselves, or to someone else during the last month. Janell Harman, vice-president, introduced Kaye Tipton, Noble County Extension Educator, who gave the lesson “Making Money Grow with Investment”, sharing many interesting facts to gain knowledge concerning sound investment decisions. A note was read from Noble County HCE President Debbie Woods, thanking the group for the table decorations at the county luncheon and meeting in December. Mrs. Woods also sent Christmas mementos for Bliss Homemakers HCE members. Arleta Pulliam gave the treasurer’s report. Members voted to give money to Frontier Booster Club for the “Jack-Pot pig show.” New handbooks were distributed and the months were filled in with hostesses and lesson readers for 2001. The February spelling bee was discussed, and those volunteering to help were Melanie Williams, Linda Short, Burdettya Linn, Janell Harman, Denise Kienholz, Maxine Tautfest, and Catherine Robinson. Additional volunteers would be welcome. Perry School will host the county spelling bee the week of Feb. 26. Dental month is in February, and Denise Kienholz told the group she had completed the Tooth Fairy Pillows, which will be distributed to 23 kindergartners at Frontier School. Shelly Cook shared a brochure for “Dental Month” and asked about purchasing and giving toothbrushes. The group discussed the “Born Again Card Recycle” project for St. Jude Ranch, and golden books for new babies in the community. Gifts were exchanged as the group’s Christmas event was canceled due to poor weather. Kaye Tipton received the hostess gift. The next meeting will be Feb. 21 at the Marland Methodist Christian Church. Reception PlannedAmy Brooks and John Ditmore are planning a Feb. 10 wedding. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception, 4-8 p.m., Feb. 10, in their honor at Marland’s Grand Home, formerly known as the Ponca City Cultural Center, which is located at 1000 East Grand Avenue. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. William Brooks of Fort Smith, Ark., Jack and Bernadine Terry of Ponca City, and the late Mackey Ditmore. Little NewsDylan Reed Claybaker Kendall and Stan Claybaker of Blackwell announce the birth of a son at 7:36 a.m., Jan. 9, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Dylan Reed Claybaker weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. The baby has a brother, Trenton Neal Claybaker, 30-months-old. Grandparents are Joe and Joan Bartlett, Joe Jr. and Mary Colby, all of Ponca City, and Max and Dorothy Claybaker of Blackwell. Great-grandparents are Willis and Louise Franke and Joe Colby Sr., all of Ponca City. SPORTSSutton, Players Vow To Move Forward Sutton, Players Vow To Move ForwardSTILLWATER (AP) — Eddie Sutton has been through some dark times in his 64 years. He acknowledges having a drinking problem while he was coach at Arkansas, and his tenure at Kentucky ended amid an NCAA investigation that landed the school on probation. “I felt like in both of those experiences, I became a better man and became stronger,” Sutton said Tuesday. “But I’ve never been faced with a situation as tough as this.” He was speaking of a plane crash in Colorado on Saturday night that killed two of his players and the other eight people aboard. The plane was one of three returning to Stillwater following a game. In his first meeting with the media since that night, Sutton said his players are determined to move forward with the season and with their lives, and so is he. “I hope I’m strong enough to get through this and say and do the right things with my players and that when we do get, not completely healed up, that we’ll all be better people.” he said. Sutton defended the use of small airplanes for team travel, saying they are safe and that the pilots who fly the team are first rate. Throughout Sutton’s 11 years as coach, Oklahoma State has used planes provided by alumni and friends of the program. It’s something Sutton said saves hundreds of thousands of dollars that can in turn go toward the school’s non-revenue sports. The plane that went down was a Beechcraft King Air 200. “I’ve flown thousands and thousands and thousands of miles in King Air, and anybody that knows airplanes, King Airs are probably the safest planes you can get in,” Sutton said. “Much safer than a jet, assuming the plane’s in good shape. “And that man that was piloting that plane, of all the people I ever would trust, Denver Mills was the best. He would never take a chance.” Reserve players Dan Lawson and Nate Fleming were killed, along with sports information employee Will Hancock, director of basketball operations Pat Noyes and trainer Brian Luinstra. Also killed were student manager Jared Weiberg, broadcast engineer Kendall Durfey, KWTV broadcaster Bill Teegins, Mills and co-pilot Bjorn Fahlstrom. “I told our team that life is so precious and sometimes we take it for granted,” Sutton said. “One thing they must understand is they better live every day like it might be the last. They certainly understand that. “Out of this may come something that will help all of them, and that is to be a better person, do a better job in playing basketball or their studies or whatever it might be.” Sutton, wearing an Oklahoma State warmup suit, looked tired but spoke in a firm voice throughout the 35-minute news conference that followed a closed practice. It was the team’s first workout since the crash, and Sutton said it went well. “I thought it was a very spirited practice, one of the best practices we’ve had in a long while,” he said. “The guys really focused in. I think we are making progress.” Sutton was joined by players Fredrik Jonzen and Andre Williams, who also were composed throughout. “I think these past three days have been like a long nightmare for all of us,” Jonzen said. “It feels like every day, you’re going to wake up and Nate and Dan is going to be there. “I think the most important thing right now is to get back in our normal routine. It was great to be back in practice.” Williams shared an apartment with Lawson and said it’s difficult knowing his roommate won’t ever again walk through the door. But he said the team must move forward. “I think everybody’s starting to realize, we’ve got to make it work,” he said. “We’ve got to get through it.” The Cowboys’ game Tuesday against Texas Tech was postponed indefinitely. OSU was to return to the court Saturday at home against Missouri, but that game has been pushed back to Monday night. Sutton said Luinstra’s funeral is planned Saturday, and he didn’t feel it would be possible for his team to attend the funeral and play a game on the same day. Oklahoma State’s next road game is Feb. 7 at Nebraska, after being pushed back one day. “It’s going to be a while before any one of us want to get on a smaller plane, I think,” Williams said. Sutton said that if players feel strongly about not flying, they may travel by bus. But he said he intends to fly. “I hate driving,” he said. “I feel much more secure getting in a King Air airplane than I do getting behind the wheel of an automobile.” Lawson and Fleming originally were scheduled to fly back from Colorado on one of the two small jets that made the return trip without incident. They were moved to the King Air so assistant coach Kyle Keller and radio color man Tom Dirato could fly on the jet, which is faster. Sutton noted that Dirato was suffering back pain, and that he wanted all the coaches on one plane so they could get back and begin working on the next game. He also said there seldom are trips made where plane changes don’t occur. “I have no guilt about that,” Sutton said. “If that was the first time we ever done it, I would. But we have done that numerous times, where we’ve switched people around.” A public memorial service is planned Wednesday. Sutton and Williams will be among the speakers. “I’m not sure exactly what I’ll say,” Sutton said. “I want it to be something that they understand these people were wonderful human beings. And being a Christian, I believe they are with God right now. “At the same time, I want everyone to understand life goes on. We have to pull ourselves together and go forward and become stronger.” Wildcats Step Up to Fourth In Frontier Conference PlaySAPULPA — The Ponca City Wildcats stepped two games above .500 in the Frontier Conference with a 45-39 win over Sapulpa Tuesday. The win also put the Wildcats at 9-9 for the season. Ponca City is 4-3 on the road. “It isn’t easy to win on the road,” coach Ron Arthur said after the game. “Teams are more comfortable at home. They play harder and more aggressive.” The win puts the Wildcats in fourth place in the Frontier Conference behind Broken Arrow, 13-2 (8-1); Union 13-3 (8-2) and Jenks 12-4 (8-2). Ponca City is 9-9 (7-5). Sapulpa slides to 6-10 (4-6). The state’s third leading scorer in Class 6A, Darieon Davis was out of the lineup due to illness. It wasn’t an easy win, even with the absence of the 6-foot-2-inch sophomore, who averages 18.3 points per game. The game was give-and-take all the way. The Wildcats took a one point advantage into the second period, 11-10. The second quarter was no different. The Wildcats clung to a slim one-point lead and entered the third quarter with the score, 21-20. It looked like the kind of game that would go down to the final buzzer unless something changed. But nothing did. The score entering the fourth period was 32-30. But, 28 seconds into the final quarter, something did finally change. As he has done so often, senior Kris Upchurch hit a timely 3-point basket to give the Wildcats a 35-30 lead. Thirty seconds later, Kyle Geheb worked his way inside for two points to put Ponca City up, 37-30. Then, Brett Nightingale put in a three with 6:18 remaining. There wasn’t much scoring in the next few minutes as the contest became a full contact event in the fourth period. Game officials stood idly by as if they were silent witnesses trying to avoid a police investigation into a series of muggings. But, at least the whistles didn’t sound on either end of the court. Nightingale hit a 3-pointer with 6:18 remaining. A minute later, Sapulpa scored again to close to within two at 37-35. With 2:30 seconds remaining, James Anno scored to push the lead to four, 39-35, but 15 seconds later, Nightingale hit two free throws to force Arthur into calling a time out. At the two minute mark, trailing by two points, the Chieftains began fouling. It worked the first time as Tim Frick missed a free throw. However, Sapulpa failed to convert on the other end. At the 54 second mark, Josh Pitts went to the free throw line and hit two to make the score 41-37. With 32 seconds remaining, Frick went to the line again. That time, he was successful and pushed the lead to 43-37. With less than 20 seconds remaining, Billy Broughton blocked a shot and took the ball the other way for a layup to put the finishing touches to the game. Sapulpa inbounded and drove the ball the length of the court, uncontested, to make the final score 45-39. “We couldn’t put them away in the fourth quarter,” Arthur said. “You’ve got to give them credit. “They could’ve folded but they didn’t. “They are going to be a good team the next couple of years because all these sophomores they have are getting varsity playing time now.” Sapulpa has two seniors and one junior on its roster. The rest are sophomores. Tim Frick led the Wildcats with 12 points. Nightingale led all scoring with 20 points. The Wildcats face the Stillwater Pioneers Friday at Robson Field House. Ponca City won the first game between the two schools played earlier in the season in Stillwater. Free Throws Help Lady Cats Defeat Sapulpa by 13 PointsSAPULPA — As they have so many times this season, free throws were significant on the outcome of a Ponca City Lady Cat basketball game. Instead of winning a 2-point squeaker, the Cats won by an impressive 13-point margin. The ladies defeated Sapulpa 46-39. Tara Cries For Ribs has been flirting with a double-double for several games. Last night, the senior Lady Cat hit 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Her season average has quietly risen to 11.6 points. Jamie Prado leads the team in rebounds. Through 17 games, the 5-foot-8-inch sophomore had 91 boards. Stats from last night’s game will probably put her over 100. The ladies are second in defense behind Bartlesville. Ponca City gives up 42.8 points-per-game, but score less than two points more than opponents. The game last night was different from other games in the past when the hometown girls shot free throws like they were shooting bullets in the sky during a New Year’s Eve celebration. Tuesday, freshman Janna Green hit 4-of-4 late in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for coach Jamie Burtner. “That’s great! Eleven of sixteen from the free throw line,” she said. “That’s great. “Janna Green hit four in a row and Tara made one out of two late in the ball game.” The Sapulpa Lady Chieftains used the age-old tactic of fouling late in the game to regain possession. Previously, the maneuver made opposing coaches appear to be brilliant strategists, but Tuesday, the tactic backfired. The Lady Cats looked very good. “They gave an awesome effort,” Burtner said. “The girls blocked out well inside and crashed the boards. “We cut down on our turnovers.” The Lady Cats turned the ball over seven times while forcing Sapulpa into 19 mistakes. The Cats average 14.8 turnovers, but for opponents into 19.4 mistakes each game. Ponca City led 8-0 after the first quarter. But things changed in the second period as the Lady Chieftains pulled to within three, 18-15. Ashley McMunn, a 5-foot-2-inch sophomore entered the game in the second quarter and immediately lit a 3-point match under the Lady Chieftains that sparked two other reservists into action. Caitlin Morsey (5-10, junior) followed with a 2-point bucket. Sharice Mitchell (5-4, sophomore) picked up a steal and two points as a result of Sapulpa’s full-court press. The Lady Cats went back to work in the third and led going into the fourth by nine, 30-21. But, with 4 minutes remaining in the game, the Lady Chieftains were within two points, 29-27. Then, Cries For Ribs hit a 3-pointer to put the Lady Cats ahead by five. Sapulpa turned the ball over to Green. She drove the length of the court for a layup to extend the lead to seven. Sapulpa failed to score on their next possession. Cries For Ribs took advantage of the Lady Chieftains and hit another three to pull the Lady Cats ahead by 10 points, 37-27. Sapulpa never pulled closer. Jamie Prado made two layups off a steal and a blocked shot. Prado also scored on a layup in the third quarter. Melissa Fore had the ball at about the top of the key when she saw Prado in the paint to her right. It was a smooth bounce pass that Prado took to the basket. Prado had a good night on offense. She made only 1-of-4 from the free throw line, but she’s getting closer and looks more comfortable. Jena Birdsong had 8; Janna Green, 6; Melissa Fore, 3 and Courtney Birdsong, 2. Courtney played the game with a brace on her knee. Sophomore Twiggy McIntyre led the Lady Chieftains in scoring with 16 points, five points less than her Class 6A leading 21.6 point average. By defeating the Lady Chieftains, Ponca City evened its record at 9-9 and 6-6 in the Frontier Conference. The Lady Chieftains’ record is 9-7 overall and 5-5 in the conference. The ladies play Stillwater in Robson Field House Friday at 6 p.m. Seniors Pace Cats’ Mat Win Over UnionBy Fred Hilton News Sports Editor With their three seniors being honored, the Wildcat wrestlers proved there would be no letdown in their drive to reach the top 5 in the state rankings by slamming Tulsa Union in their final home dual of the season Tuesday night. Senior 119-pounder Shawn Lee, Matt Littleton, at 140, and Joe Childers, 189, were all winners, but so were nearly ever other Wildcat in a 59-9 blitz. “The guys really got after them,” Po-Hi coach Todd Steidley said after the dual in which the Cats were heavily favored for one of the few times this season. “They were going for pins.” And they got seven falls — five in a row during one stretch. Approperatedly, Lee started the pin parade by flattening Union’s Aaron Moore in 3:35. In quick succession, MiMi Miller pinned Adam Morgan in 3:26 at 125 pounds, Steven Windler felled Mike Pinalto in 2:15 at 130, Aaron Brooke topped Jared Winler in 1:02 at 135 and Roman RedLeaf took just 24 seconds for his fall at 140 over Mike Hen. By that time, Ponca City led 37-0. Littleton made it 40-zio with a 7-2 decision over Ky Krusemark, who was ranked No. 5 at 145 pounds. With back-to-back falls by Jasper Lockett at 152 and Cody Pappan at 160, along with a major decision by Jason Leavitt at 171, the Wildcat lead ballooned to 56-0 before the Wildcats gave up a forfeit at 189, moving Childers up to 215, where he won 8-5. Union’s only other win was a 5-3 decision at heavyweight. Most of the matches weren’t close. Keith Davis took a major 13-3 to start the night at 103 pounds and Brian Womble won 11-4 at 112 to start the avalanche. The victory was especially sweet for Steidley, an alumni of Tulsa Union. “Although they may not invite me back for my next reunion,” the coach quipped. The Wildcats wrap up the regular season Thursday at Sapulpa and then prepare for Dual State on Feb. 9-10 at the Union Intermediate School. The Wildcats should be seeded No. 3 from the East, behind Broken Arrow and Sand Springs — and in front of Muskogee. According to Steidley. the Poncans will probably be paired against Westmoore in the Dual State Tournament’s first round. Ponca City should also do well in the seeding for the regional tournament at Jenks High School, Feb. 16-17. The State Tournament, at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds, is set for Feb. 23-24. RESULTS Ponca City 59, Tulsa Union 9 103 — Davis (PC) md Sharon, 13-3 112 — Womble (PC) d Snodgrass, 11-4 119 — Lee (PC) p. Moore, 3:35 125 — Miller (PC) p. Morgfan, 3:26 130 — Windler (PC) p. Oinalto, 2:15 135 — Brooker (PC) p. Winkler, 1:02 140 — RedLeaf (PC) p. Hen, :24 145 — Littleton (PC) d. Krausemark, 7-2 152 — Lockett (PC) p. Barnes, 3:56 160 — Pappan (PC) p. Ite, 1:32 171 — Leavitt (PC) md Brown, 11-1 189 — Roberts (U) fft 215 — Childers (PC) d. Taugren, 8-5 Hwt — Rooney (U) d. Fezer, 5-3 - OutdoorsTrappers Due Higher PricesHunters and trappers wanting to sell their furs will have an opportunity Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Agri-Civic Center in Chandler, and based on initial market reports, prices will be better than last year. The auction, sponsored by the First Oklahoma Trappers and Predator Callers Association, begins at 9 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. The building will also be open from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, for sellers to bring their furs and register. “Fur markets change daily, but the trend is for higher demand, and better prices, especially on the top-end furs,” said Bill Jackson, auction coordinator. “The colder weather has also helped, making furs primer and more marketable. Stablilization of financial markets in China, Russia, Korea and Japan have also helped create higher prices.” Results from a fur auction held in Kansas in mid-January provide a reasonable baseline for what hunters and trappers might expect from the Chandler sale. Average and top prices for pelts sold in Kansas were as follows: Bobcat: $25 average and $43 high; Raccoon: $9 average and $21 high; Skunks: $8 average; Beaver: $10 average and $20 high; Coyote: No furs offered. Jackson said furs may be sold stretched or green, but that all sellers must have a valid hunting or trappinglicense from Oklahoma or their respective state. All bobcats must have an export tag affixed to the peltbefore it can be sold. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation personnel will be on hand to tag bobcats. Bobcats from other states must have export tags on the pelts before entering Oklahoma. For reservations or more information on the auction, contact Jackson at 918/336-8154. Wildlife Departments Answers QuestionsWhy is culling not allowed for stripers, hybrids, trout and paddlefish? These species stress easily and will die after being held in a livewell or on a stringer. Once you keep one of these species you cannot release it. Can I still catch a northern pike at Lake Etling? Although management surveys still show a remnant population of northern pike in the lake, it will be very rare if an angler catches one. However, the lake offers great angling for walleye, hybrid striped bass, trout (in season) and black bass. Do I need a boat to fish Lake American Horse? No, there is plenty of bank access around American Horse. Boat anglers will find the lake easy to fish also. What is the best largemouth bass lake in northwestern Oklahoma? Lake Watonga's largemouth bass population has bloomed since trout were first stocked in 1987. Five to eight pound largemouth bass are common during spring surveys. Fish brush piles with weedless lures. Since the government help pay for flood control lakes across the state, doesn't everyone have a right to fish in them? Watershed lakes, or flood control ponds, dot the Oklahoma landscape from border to border. But some anglers mistakenly believe that the public is entitled access to these ponds, which can create conflicts between landowners and envious anglers. Because they are on private land, these flood control ponds are not open to public access. Most watershed reservoirs were, and still are, built with technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Primarily constructed to prevent downstream flooding, these mini-reservoirs allow for increased agriculture and other land use opportunities. Fisheries development is not a primary consideration when building or planning a flood control pond and, if there happens to be good fishing in one of these ponds, it is because the landowner has taken efforts to make it happen. Permission to fish one of these ponds is entirely at the landowner's discretion. If asked, many will allowresponsible anglers to spend a day fishing their pond, but always ask first. If I get fish for my farm pond from the Wildlife Department, do I have to let anyone who wants to, fish my pond? No. It's a common misconception that landowners who receive fish from the Wildlife Department must let everyone fish in that pond. The only requirement, after the pond is stocked, is that the landowner must allow an ODWC Game Warden access to check fishing licenses on the pond. However, the Department urges landowners who receive fish to allow people to fish.Remember that the Wildlife Department only stocks new or reclaimed ponds of 1/4-surface-acre or larger and that the land owner must have a current Oklahoma fishing license. Check with your local Game Warden or Fisheries Division Office for details. Someone told me to stock hybrid bluegill in my pond. I would like to have bigger sunfish. Hybrid bluegill, available from several of the state's commercial fish producers, do have the potential for producing larger sunfish. However, it is strongly recommended that hybrid sunfish not be the only prey species when stocked with largemouth bass. Hybrid sunfish produce a higher proportion of males when spawning, ultimately limiting the food supply to bass. If your pond already has an established bluegill population, stock the hybrid bluegill at a rate of about 30-50 per surface acre to produce a supplemental supply of potentially larger sunfish. You don't want to over-stock a pond with any kind of sunfish. If it's a new pond with bass, stock straight bluegill and consider a hybrid bluegill introduction after several years. Remember that no fish will grow to a quality size if there is not enough food or favorable habitat present, regardless of it's hybrid advantage. I caught a bass with worms or something in the flesh and testines. Is it safe to eat that fish? Although some parasites of North American fish can be infectious, the vast majority will not develop in man even if eaten raw. All are killed by thorough cooking, pickling or freezing. There is no danger of eating an infected fish if they are properly prepared. Even though some anglers shudder at the thought, fish containing such parasites are still good table fare. My pond goes dry or nearly dry every summer. Obviously I can't keep fish in it under these conditions. What can I do? If your pond drops more than 4-5 vertical feet during a normal year, then you may suspect that water loss due to something other than evaporation is taking place. Seepage through the dam is the most common culprit. Trees on the dam, muskrats and insufficient compaction during construction will cause a dam to leak. Pond bottoms without enough clay will also lose water. Many pond owners have had good luck in sealing leaking pond with bentonite clay, even with water still in the pond. Bentonite (purchased in 50-100 lb. sacks) is used as drilling mud in Oklahoma's oil fields. One sack will cover about an 8' X 8' bottom area and will not adversely effect fish in the pond. If the leaks are serious, you may have to drain the pond and compact large amounts of native clay in order to seal it sufficiently.
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