From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
January 29, 1997
LOCAL
Local Participant Aids Philmont Ranch
Area Oil and Gas Report
Area Calendar
Post Office Mural Artists Selected
NOC Sets Preview For High Schoolers
Outstanding Conoco '96 Sparks DuPont to Record
Central-Fifth Area Closed Few Days
Lake Ponca Dam Inspection Reveals Numerous Problems
Delta Company Honors Several From Annual Training in 1996
Power Uses May Cause Outages
Cancer's Daffodil Days Begins Feb. 23
Eagle Scout Court of Honor For Andy Cooper Set Sunday
Rotary Announces Wooden Train Winner
Rural Development Accepts Preservation Grant Applications
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Police Honors Three Employees
Domestic Violence Shelter Facility Dedication Friday
Blackwell, Electron Officials Air Opinions at Town Meeting
DEATHS
Raymond Joe Wear
Regina Faye Comer
Frieda L. Roach
JoAnne M. Crain
Services Pending
Lucille Teichmer
Fay Paisley Cook
Funerals
Velma Lucille Bynum
Clifford George Honick
Obituaries
Claudia Round
Peggy Rider
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Water Walking Session Starting
State Quilt Guild Slates Meetings
Mary Sheik Celebrating 90th Birthday
Soroptimist Group Helps With Shelter
Pioneer Area Quilters Meet Monday; Program To Be 'Square in a Square'
Recipe Contest Address Listed
Little News
SPORTS
Lady Cats Enjoy Free Throw Line
Pioneer Guard Too Tough for Wildcats
JV Girls Pull Away Late
JV Cats Run Past Pioneers
Ninth Grade Basketball
Group To Study Prairie Chickens
ODWC Sets Access Fee For Area
Bobcats Still Need Tags
Eighth Red Girls Stop Enid Waller
Frontier Girls Win
Editors note: The information about camps in the back country, the famous Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. and in particular the mining camp at Camp Baldy was submitted by Mona Schermerhorn, mineral leasing specialist at the Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State office at Santa Fe and publicist/assistant to BLM's national minerals outreach coordinator. She recently filmed and participated in the experience. Recently the Bureau of Land Management has recruited volunteer instructors to teach mineralogy, geology and environmental classes at the camps. More than 20,000 Scouts from across the country attend Philmont each summer. A local participant and volunteer is Tim Mulligan, 1313 Cookson.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The following quote by Chip Harraden, geologist, sums up the feelings of the Bureau of Land Management's first mineralogy instructors who volunteered their time and talent to the professional, educational program, a collaborative partnership between the Philmont Scout Ranch and the DOI's Bureau of Land Management, which began in 1993.
"From the top of Baldy Mountain (12,441 ft. elevation) you feel you are sitting on top of the world. From here you can, I swear, see forever."
The geologist goes on to tell the story of a crew of Scouts, who conquer the climb to the peak, sit down to rest, drink some water, and marvel at the vast landscape stretched out before them. The grandeur of the open spaces, combined with the exhilaration of hiking the challenging trail of Baldy's rocky slope, form a memory which will remain with them forever, said Harraden.
"A bearded geologist in a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) uniform greets them with a smile and fields questions about the geology extending as far as the eye can see.
"A Scout from New York asks, 'What is the BLM and what do you guys do?' The geologist explains the concept of Public Lands (an unheard of concept in New York) - the Bureau's mission to administer and protect these lands, and his role as a petroleum geologist. After refueling, the crew heads down the trail to their next destination. Soon, another crew has endured the hike to the top of the peak. The BLM geologist's smile greets them and the lesson begins again..." That first summer, all the volunteer instructors used one word to describe their Philmont experience: 'Magic.'"
Stu Carlson, as BLM's national minerals outreach coordinator, implemented the project as a pilot program with the staff of the Philmont Scout Ranch located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Cimarron, New Mexico. The grounds at Philmont (known worldwide among Scouts as the Big Bang in Scouting) covers 214 square miles of wilderness. It is the nation's largest high-adventure camp.
Every summer some 20,000 Scouts hit the trails at Philmont for back country camps, each camp offering a different wilderness experience/challenge, all centered around particular themes. For example, mountain men activities give lessons in black powder muzzleloading rifles and hatchet throwing; technical skills camps teach rope climbing, map reading, and orienteering; and historic mining has Scouts visiting abandoned mines with mining relics.
In the mining camps, they are taught how gold ore was processed from placer and lode deposits and are given a chance to try their luck at gold panning. In each of these camps, Philmont camp directors dress in interpretive clothing depicting the time in which these activities were a reality. Cabins are replicas of earlier times and are equipped with authentic tools used by original wilderness inhabitants.
Mineralogy instructors are natural counterparts to Philmont's camp directors: While the latter give history lessons, professional instructors are role models for career options open to them in earth sciences - for camp directors as well as the younger Scouts. Philmont program directors, constantly changing their programs to keep up with today's enlightened youth, eagerly welcome this collaboration.
In spite of updated changes, Scouts, after completing a Scouting program at Philmont, have been exposed to Scouting's basic mission (the same today as it was 75 years ago) and to Philmont's goal: building character and citizenship, and making youth mentally, morally, and physically fit.
The general public is surprised to learn that Philmont, founded in 1938 as the largest Boy Scout camp in the world, opened its gates to high school age girls in the Exploring program a few years ago - an attestation to Philmont keeping up with the times.
Taking note of the high caliber of female mineralogy instructors volunteering at a Girl Scout camp a short distance from Philmont (a similar BLM partnership), Philmont program directors requested that female instructors be placed in Philmont's back country camps. A new challenge employed this summer. Would it work?
Their presence and instruction is particularly meaningful to Girl Scouts: Non-traditional career fields are opened to them. Since 1993, female volunteer instructors at the Girl Scout camp, Camp Elliott Barker, and Angel Fire, have included geologists, mine engineers, a geohydrologist, an environmental engineer, a metallurgist and a paleontologist - from federal and state governments, the private sector, and retirees from across the nation. Each summer, 700 Girl Scouts are exposed to career opportunities in earth sciences.
Schermerhorn says, "The program has developed into a full-blown flame. It continues to spread. From its beginning, and as assistant to the BLM's national minerals outreach coordinator, I saw the possibilities through conversations with a Philmont Camp Director, Hunter Seim.
"BLM professionals have shown me where I want to go with my career," Seim said. His agency of choice was the BLM. "I like the caliber of the guys I've met here with the BLM - what they stand for, their integrity," he said. I assisted him in completing his application for employment and was happy to hear he was employed by the BLM in California.
This summer, a new challenge was met: Female mineralogy instructors were placed in back country camps for the first time.
"On a Monday, we dropped two geologists off at a remote site, Cypher's Mine, which was once a producing gold mine and now is an underground mine experience for Scouts. All week long we wondered how they were faring. On Friday we drove out to pick them up and were relieved and thrilled at what we saw: They had become a 'family' with the camp directors and were not anxious to return to society. The camp directors had painted and erected a crudely constructed sign that graced the front of their tent: 'HOTEL BLM.'"
The same feeling was expressed by a husband/wife team, exploration and mine geologists with the Phelps Dodge Corp., Morenci, Arizona, who had been instructing at Camp Baldy. (Baldy Town was once a flourishing gold mining community.) They were determined to climb the highest peak at Philmont, Baldy Mountain, along with the Scouts. They did it!
Schermerhorn said, "Remember that 'magic' feeling expressed by the first volunteers in 1993? Like the script in 'City Slickers,' I experienced that 'one thing' this summer.
"It was my last trip to Baldy to meet a volunteer. Doug Palmer, Philmont's associate director of back country programs, drove me out, along with a film crew from Dallas. I watched history being made: Scouts along the trails shouted their joy and enthusiasm for the cameras.
"We stopped at a mountain men camp, where a Scout Troop from New York was receiving tomahawk-throwing lessons from an "Indian." (The camp directors were all dressed in mountain men interpretive clothing.) No one - not the instructor, the older Scouts, or members of the film crew - was able to hit the target, an uprooted tree stump. Not even close.
"One young Scout was told to 'visualize.' As he took aim, he whispered, 'be tomahawk' over and over. No luck. The Scouts began chanting their Scoutmaster's name - 'Mr. Brown! Mr. Brown!'
"Brown was on the spot. He stepped forward, grasped the handle as instructed, wound up the tomahawk and hurled it toward the target. Bull's-eye! Not only did he hit the stump, he sank that thing dead center! Absolute magic!
"That was my 'one thing:' The magic of Philmont was mine.
"From the roaring crowd, I heard a small voice yell, 'Hey, Dad!' A young Scout, waving his arms, wanted the world to know the hero belonged to him.
"At the cabin, I also came full circle. While the Scouts were learning to shoot black powder muzzle-loading rifles, I photographed the camp directors. Checking the names they had written down, one stood out: Spencer Seim.
"Seim," I said. "I met a Seim here three years ago. Hunter Seim. Are you related to him?"
"Yes ma'am," the young man said, then proudly exclaimed, "He's my Big Brother! He went to work for BLM," - "and he loves it!"
For information on the professional volunteer instructor program call Bill Wagner, BLM's National Minerals Outreach Coordinator, Utah State Office at 801-539-4062 or Mona Schermerhorn, in Santa Fe, at 505-438-7515.
The film referred to is being produced by Outdoor Life Network, Chris Brock, Irving, Texas, 1-800-395-2452, and will be titled: "Scout Challenge." A segment will include a volunteer instructor explaining the collaboration/partnership between the Philmont Scout Ranch and the BLM. It will be aired nationally this year on television on the "Outdoor Life Network."
Independent operator Harry E. Spring has filed for permit to conduct a re-entry for extended pay at the No. 1 Palovik in Noble County's South Lone Elm field. Location is 9.2 miles southwest of Sumner. Currently bottomed at 2,200 feet, it will be seeking production in the Hoover Formation.
Section 21 - township 20n - range 1e-se-ne.
A 1,300-ft. Noble County wildcat is scheduled for spudding by Blackcat Oil Co. in a lease 5 miles south of Perry. It will be known as the No. 1 J.R. Production. The Sams Sand Formation will be the target.
Section 20 - township 20n - range 1w-sw-ne.
Three Sands Oil Co. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended well life at the No. 1 Dauman in Noble County's South Gansel Field. Drillsite will be about one-quarter mile southwest of Lake Perry. With current bottomhole at 4,955 feet the well now will be seeking production in the Big Lime Formation.
Section 12 - township 20n - range 2w-nw-ne.
Bogo Energy Corp. has recompleted an 11-year-old oil producer in the South Lone Elm Field, Noble County.
Designated as the No. 3 Lone Elm, it pumped three barrels of oil per day from new perforations at 4,686 to 4,768 feet into the wellbore.
Located 6.2 miles southeast of Perry, the well originally was drilled to 5,321-ft. TD.
Section 25 - township 20n - range 1w-ne-nw.
Noble County's Part of the Polo Field will see more developmental action when J.O.C. Operating conducts a recompletion at the No. 2 Stoops 4.3 miles northwest of Perry. Currently bottomed at a depth of 3,393 feet, the well has production in the Herrington Formation as a new target.
Section 3 - township 21n - range 2w-ne-nw.
Harry Spring is preparing to make hole for a 5,800-ft. Arbuckle Formation test in the Southwest Perry Field, Noble County. The location is about 2.5 miles south of Lake Perry. The well will be known as the No. 1 Juanita.
Section 18 - township 20n - range 1w-sw-se.
Blackcat Oil Inc. has modified the surface location of the No. 1 Thelma, a 1,300-ft. developmental try in Noble County's sector of the Orlando Field. Drillsite remains about 6 miles south of the Perry city limits. Production in the Sams Sand is the objective.
Section 20 - township 20n - range 1w-sw-ne.
January 29
Annual Meeting, Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 (Braden), 7:30 p.m., Braden Community Center, voter registration begins 7 p.m., each participating member entitled to one vote, two board members will be elected, in case of inclement weather, meeting will be Feb. 5.
January 29-February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
January 31
Chili Supper, Veggie Soup, Hot Dogs, Corn Bread, Cake, Drinks, $4.50 (all you can eat), 5-8:30 p.m., Parish Hall, St. Mary's Church, Ponca City, sponsored by Troop 5, BSA, Cub Pack 15.
February 1
15K (9.3 miles) Groundhog Day race, and 5K fun run, 9 a.m., Lake Ponca Park, race day registration permitted, Entries obtained at Conoco or Bob Kammiller, 405-765-7855 or Don McGovern, 405-762-6106.
American Kids local auditions for Kay, Osage, Payne, Pawnee and Noble counties, 10 a.m., Ponca City Middle School, 1401 West Grand Avenue.
Robert Bluestone, classical guitar concert, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
February 4
Sleep Support Group, for anybody with sleep apnea or family or friends, 7-8 p.m., Conference Room B, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
February 6
Terwilliger and Cooperstock violin and piano duo concert, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City, free, open to the public, sponsored by Oklahoma Arts Council and Ponca City Federated Music Club.
February 7
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
February 8
Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to Children and Youth Activities.
88.7 FM Contemporary Christian artists Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean, with special guest Chris Willis concert, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, tickets the Master's Touch, $10, call 767-1400 for more information.
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge, Ponca City.
February 10
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Mrs. Mac Bradley "Travel Tours for Seniors,", First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
February 11
McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Kountry Kitchen, east on U.S. 60.
Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60.
Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.
February 17
Ponca City-Stillwater Ostomy Meeting, speaker Lavenia Hutchinson, 7:30 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.
February 20
Kaw Reservoir Authority, 10 a.m., Ponca City.
February 21
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
February 27
Environmental Trust Authority of Northern Oklahoma Board of Trustees, 11:30 a.m., City Manager's Office, 221 West Blackwell, Blackwell.
Alzheimer's Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room D, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
March 1
Liberty PTA Sixth Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Liberty Elementary School, information call Natalie 767-1429 or Lorinda 762-0459.
March 4
Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, with Children's Chorale, conducted by Cathy Byard, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre.
March 8
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the Rehab Fund.
Church Women United Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Unity Gym, Ponca City, to benefit Child Development Center, call Tina Barrett 765-3613 for more information.
March 9
Community Concert "Rhythm in Shoes," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
March 15
"The Oklahoma City Philharmonic," Poncan Theatre, time to be announced, tickets required.
April 5
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the Rehab Fund.
Laurette Willis "The Nutty 40s Radio Show," Poncan Theatre, free.
April 14
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Blackwell Police Department "Scams," First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
Ponca City's Post Office Mural project has moved ahead with the selection of artists interested in painting the mural for the lobby of the building.
Seven local artists have answered the call to paint panels for the Ponca City Post Office Mural, according to Jerry Cathey.
The artists are Marian Goodwin, Cherokee; Gene Dougherty Tonkawa; and Margaret Yates, Ruth Loucks, Donna Flood, Bobby Holroyd and Dale Coons.
The artists have about four months to complete their portion of the ten panel mural. Some of the artists will paint two of the panels. Dedication is slated for May 3, as a part of the Iris Festival.
There is no commission for painting the historic panels, but the artists can sell prints or post cards of their renditions.
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College will host a high school preview day Feb. 3 for area juniors and seniors interested in attending Northern or who have not yet decided upon a college.
Students will meet at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 3, in Olin Walcher Conference Center for information on admission requirements, enrollment procedures and how to apply for financial aid. Parents are also welcome to attend.
Guided tours of the campus will be provided. A complimentary dinner will be served in Maverick Cafeteria, and free passes to the Northern-Seminole basketball games in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse that evening will be available.
For more information, contact Sheri Snyder, director of college relations, at 628-6668.
HOUSTON - Fueled by higher upstream prices and improving downstream margins, Conoco reported today the second highest annual earnings in the company's history.
Conoco's underlying earnings of $901 million for 1996 were 36 percent more than 1995's $664 million. Including non-recurring items, Conoco's 1996 earnings were $860 million, $241 million (39 percent) more than 1995.
Archie W. Dunham, Conoco president and chief executive officer, said, "1996 was an outstanding year for Conoco and the results reflect the hard work of our employees worldwide. Upstream earnings were a record high for the third consecutive year. We were positioned to take advantage of stronger crude oil and natural gas prices, which together with higher international volumes enabled us to overcome generally soft industrial margins in our downstream business.
Coupled with Conoco's success, strong chemicals and specialties volumes in the second half of the year sparked parent-company DuPont to record fourth-quarter and full-year earnings per share.
John A Krol, DuPont president and chief executive officer, said, "This was another strong year for DuPont and the third consecutive year of record earnings. Upstream petroleum results increased 46 percent to $706 million and were a major contributor to our earnings growth."
Fourth quarter 1996 earnings per share of $1.52 were 39 cents higher than the fourth quarter 1995, marking the 11th consecutive quarter of record earnings for comparable quarters. Excluding 1995 recurring charges of 15 cents a share, earnings for the current quarter were up 19 percent from $1.28 per share earned in the fourth quarter of 1995.
Full year earnings were $6.47 a share, compared to $5.61 in 1995. Excluding nonrecurring items from both years, 1996 earned $6.65, up 14 percent from $5.81 in 1995.
Of Conoco's good report, Dunham said, "Fourth quarter earnings benefited from the higher upstream prices and gradually improving downstream margins, which enabled us to achieve our sixth consecutive quarterly earnings increase."
He said that during the quarter the lube hydrocracker at the Lake Charles, La., refinery was brought on line on schedule and significantly under budget. Start-up costs associated with the unit, refinery turnarounds and downstream facility shutdown costs, as well as higher exploration costs, reduced the improvement in earnings during the quarter, Dunham said.
Dunham added, "Our performance in upstream reflected not only the improved market conditions, but also the excellent work over the past several years to strengthen our business. We have also made significant progress to similarly position our downstream operations to take advantage of improving conditions."
Krol said of the success of DuPont for the year, "The double-digit chemicals and specialties volume growth in the fourth quarter gives us momentum moving into the new year. Petroleum is also well positioned, given major refinery upgrades completed in 1996 and reasonably strong upstream market conditions. On balance, we expect 1997 to be another strong year."
DuPont today declared a first-quarter common stock dividend of 57 cents a share, payable March 124 to stockholders of record Feb. 14. The dividend is the same as that paid in the fourth quarter of 1996.
Regular quarterly dividends of $1.125 per share on the $.50 series preferred stock and 87.5 cents a share on the $3.50 series preferred stock also were declared, both payable April 25, 1997, to stockholders of record April 10.
Motorists need to avoid the entire intersection of Central Avenue and Fifth Street Thursday, due to work on Phase 2 of the Northwest Water Transmission Line Project.
According to Steve Shea, from Ponca City's Engineering Department, work is scheduled to be completed within a few days, weather permitting.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Engineer's 1996 Annual Inspection Report on the Lake Ponca Dam, was presented to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday. Chapman, Parr and Gill, Inc. prepared the report.
According to Public Works Director Ken Parr, the Oklahoma Water Resource Board requires the dam to be inspected annually. The problems identified in last year's inspection must still be addressed. The bottom of the spillway continues to be the most pressing need due to its poor condition, said Parr.
Chad Morris of the engineering firm, performed the inspection on Dec. 6, 1996. The narrative summary of the inspection indicated the gabion installation was severely damaged in the summer of 1995 and is nearly useless. The gabions (cylinders used in constructing dams) were sheared where the end sill is cut to allow water to flow through the center of the stilling basin. It is likely that quite a bit of scouring has occurred beneath the basin and the remaining gabions.
The engineers recommended correcting some of the design flaws in the stilling basin, before costly repairs are made downstream, to ensure that future damage does not occur. In the interim, concrete should be placed in any holes then the washed out gabion rock and/or rip-rap with filter fabric should be placed in the area where the gabions were washed out.
Work Needed Soon
The report also indicated the concrete slab next to the east edge of the gabion installation continues to be undermined. The situation should be corrected before the entire section of concrete is lost, according to the engineers.
In addition, erosion continues to be a problem downstream. The flow of debris from the spillway is collecting in the center of the outlet channel and is bending the channel around it. Therefore, recommendations are that the city remove the pile of debris and install rip-rap with filter fabric or some type of slope protection to save the banks.
Though the spillway remains in overall good condition, the city should reseal all cracks and construction joints yearly. Although many were resealed prior to the last inspection, others now require resealing.
Also, the city needs to maintain the concrete baffle piers. At least three of the baffles have experienced some severe spalling and should be fixed.
Several of the slabs north of the stairway at the south end of the east spillway dike are displaced, which indicates voids under the slabs. The displacement should be monitored as part of the yearly monitoring program, the report advised.
Additionally, several joints between slabs on the west dike were leaking water. They need weep holes installed to prevent movement of the slabs or further loss of joint material due to hydrostatic pressure.
East dam is considered in fair condition with a few exceptions. Two seepage areas located below the downstream slope of the right half of the dam had standing water. The city plans to install a weir below the culvert to monitor the seepage.
The downstream slope of the east half of the east dam was overgrown with tall weeds and small trees. However, the growth is not thick enough to tightly hold the soil on the steep slope. Minor erosion caused by water runoff channelized from the road surface has occurred.
Furthermore, severe erosion was observed on the downstream slope of the west half of the east dam. The slope needs to be smoothed out, reseeded and mulched. Thereafter, the city should mow the slopes just after the beginning of the growing season to eliminate erosion and to encourage new growth. The trees and brush located on the upstream slope of the northern abutment and the eastern abutment need to be removed.
Seepage Problems
Seepage was also recorded at the bottom of the downstream slope at the west end of the west dam, just east of the spillway. The flows created a large hole near the outlet channel for the intake tower that should be filled with flowable fill.
The weir that used to monitor these flows has been damaged and is expected to be replaced.
In addition, the downstream slope of the dam was overgrown with weeds and brush and should be cleared and maintained similarly to the east dam.
Rip-rap sized to handle the anticipated wave action should be placed at various places on the upstream slope, according to the engineer's inspection.
The channel immediately downstream from the discharge point continues to erode. A rip-rap should be installed to control further erosion.
The severe erosion adjacent to southwest abutment of the bridge has continued to worsen. A concrete wall and the fill material behind it has been lost from under the northeast abutment. Immediate steps should be taken to eliminate these serious problems, the report recommended.
The existing piezometers (used to measure pressure) have not been maintained properly enough to be used with accuracy. They should be capped, marked and have concrete pads poured around them so they may remain permanent until the city can rehabilitate them.
Furthermore, the city should then begin monitoring the wells on a monthly basis and maintain a permanent record of the readings.
Funds Lacking
"With any structure, after a certain age, the problems will be generated that require major work," said Parr. "The dam and spillway will eventually wear down due to major storm events. Large expenditures are needed, but due to lack of funds, repairs have not been made."
"There is no danger with the bridge and the spillway is not in danger of failing at this time," the Public Works director said. "We will attempt to break the main areas to be addressed into sub-projects and spread the costs over several budget years."
City Manager Gary Martin reported, the city has performed maintenance on a regular basis, but the money has not been available to catch up on what needs to be done.
Eight members of Delta Company 1/179th Infantry Battalion of Ponca City were officially recognized recently for outstanding performance of their duties during annual training in July and August 1996.
Staff Sergeant Tony Marlar and Sergeant Jerry Sweet received the Army Achievement medal. Staff Sergeant Richard Bright, Specialist Benny Chaney, and Specialist Jonathan Humphrey each received the Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement.
Specialist Scott Officer, Private First Class Alton Horne, and Private First Class Jackey Walker received Battalion letters of appreciation.
Delta Company Commander Capt. Clay Pearce presented these awards and stated, "It is always a proud moment when I am given the opportunity to recognize consistent outstanding performance from members of Delta Company."
Winter weather can be harsh and unpredictable, especially in Oklahoma.
Phil Johnston of the Electric Department offers the following suggestions to be prepared in case severe weather causes a power outage:
First, check to see whether the neighbors are also without power. If not, the problem may be in your home only. With too many appliances drawing power, the breaker may have been tripped, he said.
Also, make sure fresh batteries are accessible for flashlights and radios. Keep them in a convenient location so they can be found in the dark. Turn off all lights, but one, after a power outage.
Additionally, unplug appliances and lower the thermostat. If there are too many appliances drawing electricity when power is first restored, the system could overload, causing the power to go out again, Johnston said.
In addition, residents should put on heavy clothing early, if an alternative heat source is not available when the power goes out. Pull the drapes to save existing heat and do not open windows or doors unnecessarily. Keep the heat in the house.
Furthermore, stay away from downed lines or tree limbs on power lines. Most downed lines are still live and can electrocute an individual if touched.
According to Johnston, the most important thing to remember is to call the utility department first.
"We need to know where the problems is so we can begin work immediately," he said. "We want to get the power back on quickly and safely," he concluded.
The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Daffodil Days Feb. 23 through March 1.
According to Kay County Crusade Chairman Mike Mott, anyone can purchase daffodils. They are sold in bunches or by the box. One bunch of ten daffodils costs $5, whereas a box of 50 bunches costs $250.
Daffodils are the "first flower of spring and the first flower of hope, representing the hope of cancer victims. Additionally, spring is a time of renewal.
Funds raised from Daffodil Days goes to support local programs of the society and its research initiatives. Local programs include youth tobacco, nutrition and skin education, breast cancer awareness programs, services to patients and free materials to physicians and individuals.
ACS is the nationwide community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer.
To order daffodils contact Betty Tautfest, Daffodil Days church coordinator for Ponca City, at 762-1354 or 765-2404. Individuals may also contact Vicki Morton at 762-0288 or 762-6614.
Andy Cooper, a Ponca City freshman, will receive the rank of Eagle Scout at a special Court of Honor Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Christian Church, Fifth and Cleveland.
Andy's parents are Howard and Sharon Cooper. His grandparents are Robert and Louise Willison of Ponca City and Herbert Cooper of Argonia, Kan.
Cooper began his scouting career in 1988 in first grade as a Tiger and then Wolf Cub in Pack 16 at Lincoln School. Bill Palmer was the scoutmaster with Sandy Gaylord as the Tiger leader and Marvin Clark and Sharon Cooper as Wolf leaders. He then moved to Pack 53 at Trout School where Terry Bull was Scoutmaster. He completed the Bear rank with den mothers Jane McDaniel and Diane Bull, and Webelos under the leadership of Howard Cooper and Phil McDaniel. During his fifth grade year, he earned his Arrow of Light and God and Family emblem.
In 1993, Andy joined Boy Scout Troop 90 sponsored by St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene where Steve Whitney is the Scoutmaster. He has advanced through the scouting ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life, and has held various leadership positions in the troop. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow and has attended Pine Tree Leadership Training.
Cooper has attended scout camps at Will Rogers Scout Reservation, both as a scout and as a staff member of Webelos camp. He has also participated in a Philmont fall adventure trip.
A community service project must be completed as an Eagle requirement. Cooper organized and coordinated the volunteers that worked to assemble and disassemble Safety Town. He also led in the drawing and painting of new town scenes. Safety Town is a miniature city designed to teach 3- to 5-year-olds about pedestrian and vehicle safety.
All friends and fellow Scouts are invited to attend the event on Sunday.
The Rotary Club of Ponca City held a drawing in December, for a hand-made wooden train created by Frank Wolfe. Wolfe made the decoration prior to his death.
Approximately $550 was raised from the event and donated to Domestic Violence. Ponca City businessman Steve Carberry held the winning ticket.
The Rural Housing Service, an agency of Rural Development, announced that it is soliciting competitive applications under its Housing Preservation Grants (MPG) program according to Charles P. Rainbolt, State Director of Rural Development.
In the Jan. 7, 1997 Federal Register, the agency announced it would accept preapplications for HPG funding from Jan. 7,1997 to April 7, 1997. "This 90-day period will be the only time during the current fiscal year that interested organizations may apply for this program," Rainbolt said.
The objective of the program is to repair or rehabilitate individual housing, rental properties, or co-ops owned and or occupied by very low and low-income rural people. Successful grantees will provide eligible homeowners, owners of rental properties, and owners of co-ops with financial assistance through loans, grants, interest reduction payments or other comparable assistance for necessary repairs and rehabilitation.
"Eligible entities for these competitively awarded grants include state and local governments, non-profit corporations, federally recognized Indian Tribes, or groups of eligible entities," said Rainbolt.
The terms of the grant can vary from 1 to 2 years, depending on the available funds and demand. While no maximum or minimum grant levels have been set, the HPG program regulations state that no grantee receive more than 50 percent of the state allocation which is $100,000.
Applications from organizations will need to indicate whether the proposal is to assist individual homeowners, rental properties, or cooperative housing projects. Applicants may not combine proposals to assist both homeowners and rental properties.
Interested organizations may apply at the USDA - Rural Development District Office. They are located in Atoka, Hobart, Stillwater, and Woodward.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
Two Ponca City police officers and one city employee received honors from Police Chief Raymond E. Ham during the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday.
Steve Miner, Animal Control officer, received a plaque for Civilian of the year. Ponca City police officer Jimmie Sherron and officer Dale Henshaw received Officer of the year honors.
"The common link between all three of these employees is their dedication to serve and protect the citizens of Ponca City. In addition, they were all involved in an arrest that ended a crime spree in October 1996.
Miner received praise for the many times he assisted police officers. According to Ham, Miner has been put on stand-by during felony drug raids to secure vicious dogs prior to officers entering the premises. One officer nominated Miner for his help in resolving a cow/vehicle accident, which allowed a citizen to be compensated for damages to his vehicle.
Addressing officers of the year, nomination letters noted that Sherron demonstrated high moral character and family values both on and off duty. Henshaw received appreciation for his numerous presentations to community groups and his professional manner in representing the department.
Featured speaker for the new Domestic Violence Shelter facility dedication will be first lady of Oklahoma Cathy Keating.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., Friday at the Marland Estate Chapel, 901 Monument. Mayor Marilyn Andrews will also be a participant in the dedication ceremony.
Mrs. Keating is a wife, mother, businesswoman and volunteer. She has three children, two daughters in college and one son in high school.
Her business activities include serving as an officer of the National Speaker's Forum, a Washington D.C. lecture firm, a consultant to U.S. News and World Report and an owner of a home restoration company. As a volunteer she participated in leadership roles for a number of organizations.
Funds for the new Domestic Violence Shelter were basically raised within the community. The shelter has been built at an undisclosed site and will not be on tour for the general public, but the reception featuring Mrs. Keating at the Marland Estate is open to the public.
The new shelter, designed by architect Perry Schauvliege, is a 5,100 square foot facility that includes beds for 24 women and children, kitchen, dining, play, storage and office space with state of the art security systems and secured parking.
Perry Schauvliege Associates, AIA, is from Kansas and was reared in Oklahoma and is professionally registered in both states.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
BLACKWELL - A special town meeting here to discuss alleged utility-rate juggling between the city and one of its biggest employers ended up distinctly one-sided Tuesday night, with no vocal members of a previously critical group in attendance.
In response to an apparently political squabble, some 200 residents became a standing-room-only crowd as Mayor Louis Gose welcomed city leaders, power utility spokesmen and officials from the Electron Corporation to what was publicized as a chance for both sides to clear up their differences.
It was unclear how many of the visitors were Electron employees but most were obviously Electron supporters, as they applauded loudly a 437-signature petition of support presented by Angela Kennedy, executive director of the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce.
As determined from the meeting, part of the controversy is that Richard Hicks, who has been the manager of Blackwell's Electron plant since 1990, has since campaigned for and been elected to a City Commission post.
A perceived conflict of interest between his two roles has subjected Hicks to "abuse" from an opposition group called Citizens for Honest Government, according to Electron president Mike Norwood.
Norwood, visiting from the company's home office in Colorado, said he decided "it was time to try to look into this" and to clear up some misunderstandings.
He said members of the critical group had accused Hicks of using his influence with the city to commit improper acts such as changing the foundry's power bills. Norwood said his own investigation of the accusations proved them "absolutely false."
He said in his earlier meetings with members of the group, they assured him they were not attacking Electron but rather their "beef" was with the city. Norwood said the publicity however has "significantly affected our public image."
Hicks' position as a city leader actually is a disadvantage to Electron, Norwood said, because Hicks backs away from voting on any city issue that pertains to the company, which means one fewer potential vote that could benefit it.
He added he has not necessarily been supportive of Hicks' decision to involve himself in city government.
Norwood said the company has been in Blackwell for 23 years and contributes $20 million a year into the regional economy and wants "all of our transactions to be honest and above board." Of the company's 500 employees, more than 200 are in Blackwell.
Furthermore, the firm is planning a $10 million expansion that would immediately add 40 jobs and ultimately 80 jobs within two years, he said, and Blackwell is one of the cities being considered.
As the company shops for the appropriate city to locate the expansion, Blackwell "wins or competes well" in all desirable categories such as rail service availability, labor availability, quality of life and competitive electrical power, Norwood said.
Another speaker, Michael Moore of an engineering firm that investigated billing irregularities between Electron and the city, said Electron is a very large customer - "so large it's the kind of customer the utilities drool over."
Moore said Electron power usage generates revenue of $1.3 million a year for the city, and with such a large customer paying for power, it actually helps keep residential rates lower.
Their audit of two years' worth of Electron utility bills showed a few instances of billing errors, totaling $15,834, such as when the foundry was billed at the lower winter rate in fringe months of May and October when they actually should have been paying the summer rate, Moore said.
However, when compared to the $1.3 million the company spends annually on power, the billing difference "did not strike us as an inordinate amount of money," Moore said.
The billing errors did not appear to have any connection with Hicks.
Moore said the records show the Electron Corporation actually has been smart in its energy consumption and "incredibly successful in not using power" during peak usage periods when rates are higher.
Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority spokesman Harry Dawson said Blackwell has the lowest electricity rates in the OMPA, "at least 10 percent below our average." He reminded the group that utility companies and city governments also typically try to negotiate good rates to attract and keep large industries.
A few members of the audience told the panel they hoped the controversies
generated by the opposition group were resolved.
DEATHS
Raymond Joe Wear, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 69.
The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor, as celebrant. A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Father Michalicka, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Raymond Joe Wear was born March 18, 1927, in Wetumka, the son of Arthur W. and Dorothy (Richardson) Wear. He moved to Ponca City at age 12, where he grew up and graduated from Ponca City High School. During World War II he entered the U.S. Army, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict.
On Sept. 25, 1955, he was married to Josephine J. Peters at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ponca City. He graduated from A&M Technical School, Stillwater, in 1958 and was employed with Boeing Aircraft Co., for 12 years. In 1963, he moved to New Orleans, La., where he was employed as production planner with NASA, a subsidiary of Boeing, until 1970. He moved back to Ponca City briefly, then was employed as production planner for Pascagoula Ship Yard in 1971. A year later he return to Ponca City, where he was employed as inventory controller with Mertz until 1984.
Wear was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, target practice with guns, working on cars, and fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Josephine, of the home; two sons, Adam of Ponca City and Mark of Fort Worth, Texas; two daughters, Teresa Epperson and Janice Archer, both of Ponca City; his mother, Dorothy Wear of Houston, Texas; one sister, Doris Ann Darsey of Houston, Texas; one brother, Jack, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wear's name to the Parkinson's Disease of Oklahoma, Ponca City Chapter, P.O. Box 743, Ponca City, OK 74602.
Friends may visit with the family at 905 North Oak.
Regina Faye Comer
Regina Faye Comer, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Jan. 27, 1997, at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City. She was 45.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City. The Rev. Tom Estes, Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church and the Rev. Randall Ivie of Marland, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Regina Faye Krulic Comer was born April 30, 1951 at Ponca City, the daughter of Joseph and Bertha (Fansler) Krulic. She attended St. Mary's Grade School and Ponca City High School.
She was married to David Paul Comer on June 20, 1968, in Ponca City, where the couple established their home. Mrs. Comer was employed with the Albertson's Store at the time of her death. She was an associate member of the Vietnam Veterans of American. Mrs. Comer enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, collecting Garfield memorabilia and her cats.
Survivors include her husband, David; one daughter, Jeanie Faye Shenold of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Cathy Singletary of Ponca City and Janis Krulic of Newkirk; one brother Paul Krulic of Ponca City; two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son James Comer; and her parents.
Honorary casket bearers will be members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 750, Ponca City.
The family will be at the home, 815 North Birch.
Frieda L. Roach, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 26, 1997, at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 76.
The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today at the Trout Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Buddy Bolin, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Frieda L. (Jones) Dougrey Roach was born Oct. 21, 1920, in Asher, the daughter of Fred Roscoe and Anna Bertha (Hughbanks) Jones. She received her education in Shawnee, graduating from Shawnee High School in 1939. After graduation she moved to Denver, Colo., to live with a sister during World War II.
She was married to John M. "Jack" Dougrey on April 1, 1945, in Denver, Colo., and the couple moved to Troy, N.Y., where she was active as a den mother in Boy Scouts, an active member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church as well as the Troy women's society. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1961. Mr. Dougrey preceded her in death in 1978. Mrs. Roach was employed at Montgomery Ward, White's News Agency, and as secretary at Mistletoe Express for 10 years. She was later employed with the Kay County Assessors Office for 10 years, retiring in 1983.
On Aug. 12, 1983, she was married to Frank. L. Roach in Shawnee, and the couple made their home in Farmington, N.M., for three years before returning to Ponca City in 1986. Mrs. Roach was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Frank L. Roach, of the home; two sons, John M. Dougrey Jr. of Houston, Texas, and David F. Dougrey, Oklahoma City; one daughter, Mrs. Dale (Patricia Ann) Wood of Yukon; one sister, Mary Jane Wimmer of Ockelata; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her first husband, parents, and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Roach's name to the Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Casket bearers were Brandon Anderson, Ron Wimmer, Duff Turner, Ross Bailey, Don Crosson and Bill Farmer. Honorary casket bearers were Greg Roach, Tom Gaden, and Max Stokesberry.
The family will be at 1521 West Broadway.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - JoAnne M. Crain, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1997, at Medicalodge East in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 66.
The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Southern Baptist Church in Arkansas City, with Mr. Jim Littlefield officiating. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City, under the direction of Hawks Funeral Home, Arkansas City, Kan.
JoAnne M. (Brown) Crain was born July 18, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Hobart O. and Dora Eaton Brown. She graduated from Ponca City High School and the Blackwell School of Nursing in Blackwell.
She was married to Keith Melvin Crain on June 11, 1950, in Blackwell. The couple moved to Arkansas City, Kan., in May 1955, where they opened the Crain Tile Company and operated it for several years. Mrs. Crain had also been employed as an LPN for several years at the Arkansas City Memorial Hospital. and had most recently worked as a Unit Sales Leader for Stanley Home Products.
Mrs. Crain was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, Spencer Ralston VFW Post 1254 Ladies Auxiliary, and the Shelton Beaty American Legion Post 18 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking.
Survivors include her husband, Keith, of the home; two daughters, Cathy McAdoo of Elko, Nev., and Debbie Stubbs of Tulsa; five brothers, Robert Joe Brown, Richard Owen Brown, Otis Brown, Jerry Brown and David Brown, all of Ponca City; 10 sisters, Bessie Taylor, Frances Smith, Betty Wright, Edith Atkins, Jackie Schoonover, Judy Fox, Sharon Hodges all of Ponca City and Lena Auld of Orlando, Fla., Willie Racho of Stockton, Calif., and Elizabeth Dale of Kaw City; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by one daughter, Sally Denise Crain; her parents; and one brother, William Ewen Brown.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Crain's name to the First Southern Baptist Church, c/o Hawks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
RALSTON - Lucille Brock Teichmer, former Ralston area resident, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 1997, in Billings, Mont. She was 89. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday in the Ralston Bible Church. Other arrangements will be announced later by Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Fay Paisley Cook, lifelong Ponca City area resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 18, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 85. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Thursday
Velma Lucille Bynum - Funeral at 2 p.m. at Blackwell First Christian Church. Burial will be in Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Clifford George Honick - Funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Claudia Round, 2205 Cardinal, died Monday, Jan. 27, 1997, 1:40 a.m. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87.
The funeral service will be Thursday, 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Jesse Manering. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mrs. Round was born July 26, 1909, in Hennessey. She was the daughter of the Rev. A.G. Smith and Jessie (Chatt) Smith. She grew up in Enid and graduated from Enid High School in 1925. During her three years at the University of Oklahoma, she was an outstanding member of the women's basketball team.
While at OU she met her future husband, Clarence B. Round. They were married June 22, 1930, in Ponca City. Mrs. Round was active in the Fidelis Club and Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church in Ponca City and the Design Group of the Ponca City Women's Club. During the 1960s the Rounds lived in Denver and Houston and returned to Ponca City for retirement in 1969.
Mrs. Round especially enjoyed sports, sewing, and sharing her husband's hobbies of fishing and traveling. Perhaps she derived her greatest pleasure from doing favors for family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and by four brothers and one sister.
Survivors include one daughter, Coleen George, Issaquah, Wash.; one son, Clark Round, Pearl River, La.; three grandchildren, Debra Ryan, William George and Amber Round-Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Tiffany Kay Ryan and Richard Blake Ryan; one sister-in-law, Lorene Clark, Ponca City; several nieces and nephews; and her longtime caregiver, Margaret Miller.
Casket bearers will be Jack Round, Gene Hines, Francis Miller, Don Round, Hank Hull and Greg Gregson. Honorary bearers will be Ron Carey and Delmar Dixon.
Memorials may be made to the charity of choice.
The casket will not be opened following the service, however friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until noon Thursday.
paid obituary
Peggy Rider, 1214 South Fourth Street, died Monday afternoon, Jan 27. 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 85.
The family graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1997, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
She was a member of the Albright United Methodist Church and the Women of the Moose Lodge. She leaves a loving family, many dear life-long lodge members, friends, neighbors and fellow bingo buddies.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Twanda and Tom Holliday of Ponca City; two granddaughters and their families; Christie, Larry, Chelsey and Cassidy Hill of Ponca City; and Sholly, Dennis, McCoy, McCain and McCallen Campbell of Owasso. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville O. Rider, one sister, and four brothers.
Woodcarvers Seminar - The woodcarvers of Ponca City will sponsor a carving seminar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the meeting room at Pioneer Drive-in Bank, Lake Road and Monument for beginning as well as experienced carvers. Cost of the seminar will be $35 and includes the cost of a blank. Persons interested in attending the seminar should call Sam Johnson at 765-5889 for more information and/or to enroll.
Club Holds Tournament - The OoKeeHee Club will be sponsoring an All-Indian Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday- Saturday at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. There will be a 12 team limit with a double elimination. The entry fee is $100 and there are no refunds. Entry fees should be mailed to Henson Lena, c/o OoKeeHee Indian Club, 129 S. Birch, Ponca City, OK 74601. For information about the tournament, please call him at 765-0858.
Pool Closed - The Community Pool will be closing early Thursday of this week due to the High School Swim meet. Evening lap swim, Aqua Jog and Aqua Fit will be canceled.
Steppers Mini Clinic - The Po-Hi Steppers are sponsoring their annual Stepper Clinic for pre-school through sixth grade. The clinic will be taught by members of the Po-Hi Steppers and will include instruction in basic dance, stretching, poise and projection. Practice dates will be Feb. 3-6, with performance during the basketball game on Feb. 7. Registration for the clinic will be taken on Feb. 3 from 5-7 p.m. in the Old Boy's Gym. For more information, please call 765-3182 after 5 p.m.
Hand Game Thursday - Ponca Indian American Legion Buffalo Post 38 will sponsor a hand game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at White Eagle. Delbert Cole, commander, invites everyone to come and enjoy the evening. There will be refreshments, cake walks, games and traditional songs.
Completes Basic - Army Pvt. Jamie E. Gunter has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood at Waynesville, Mo. Gunter is the daughter of Jim and Lynda Gunter of Grayhorse Road, Fairfax, and granddaughter of Leatta and Clearance Groves of Choctaw. She is a 1996 graduate of Woodland High School, Fairfax.
Returns From Deployment - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel J. Dickinson, son of Daniel J. Dickinson of Ponca City, recently returned from a six-month deployment aboard the fast combat support ship USS Supply. Homeported in Norfolk, Va., Dickinson was one of more than 550 sailors aboard the ship who traveled more than 38,000, miles while operating with the USS Enterprise Battle Group. Dickinson's ship is the first-ever ship of her class and was designed as the world's largest gas turbine ship. During the deployment he visited Bahrain, Greece, Italy, Oman, Sicily, Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. He is a 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Vehicle Fire - A 1986 Nissan Maxima caught fire in the 1800 block of Holbrook Street at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday. The Ponca City Fire Department responded within three minutes to extinguish the fire. According to the fire report, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Estimated damage to the car is $1,400.
Truck Fire - Tonkawa Fire Department was advised of a truck fire on Interstate 35 and U.S. 60 at 7:04 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Ponca City Police Department.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at East Hartford Avenue and North Fifth Street at 7:58 a.m. Tuesday.
Vandalism - A resident in the 1500 block of North Seventh Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 9:41 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle was vandalized. An officer took a report.
Juvenile Arrested - An 11-year-old boy was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Anchor's Day Treatment, 2320 West South Avenue, at 1:42 p.m. Tuesday for assault with a deadly weapon.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident without injuries in the 500 block of West Liberty Street at 3:20 p.m. Tuesday.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of forgery at Big A Auto Parts, 208 South Second Street, at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday.
Vandalism - A resident in the 600 block of South Second Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 5:26 p.m. Tuesday to report a vehicle vandalized.
Slashed - A Ponca City police officer took a report of three tires
slashed on a vehicle in the 100 block of North Osage Street at 5:57 p.m.
Tuesday.
LIFESTYLES
Water Walking, an aquatic program held at the Community Pool, begins a new session Feb. 2. The class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:15 a.m. according to Deena Marazas, YMCA Aquatic Director.
Ms. Marazas says water walking is a fun, safe, and effective program for all ages and is perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. "In the water, your body is submerged anywhere from waist to chest deep" and the "privacy" creates a non-competitve environment in which you can move at your own pace," she said.
According to the director thirty minutes of water walking is equivalent to two hours on land. "This workout is great for those who enjoy working out in the early morning before they start their day," she said. More information may be obtained by calling the YMCA, 765-5417.
The Central Oklahoma Quilt Guild has announced speakers for the February and March meetings. The guild meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at Central Presbyterian Church, 5101 North May, Oklahoma City. Morning meetings begin at 10 o'clock and the evening meetings at 7:30.
The Jan. 23 speaker was Gail Valentine whose program was "Mirror Possibilities." The Feb. 27 speaker is Mardene Matthews whose topic is "Wedding Quilts As You Go." Anita Murphy will speak at the March 27 meeting. Her lecture is titled "Do You Have Lemons in Your Closet?'"
Mrs. Mary Sheik will celebrate her 90th birthday at a "come and go" reception Sunday, 2-4 p.m., at St. Francis Parish Hall, 202 South Academy, Newkirk. The honoree requests that there be no gifts.
Friends and family are invited to attend and the family would appreciate written memories or pictures of the honoree and her family. Hosting the occasion will be her children and their families, Robert and Helen Sheik of Weatherford, Irvin and Sandra Sheik, Kenneth and Janet Sheik, all of Newkirk.
Members of Soroptimist International of Ponca City met Jan. 22 at the Crown and Rose. The guest speaker for this month was Carmelita Wesbrook, Director of Peachtree landing. She explained the many ways in which the shelter meets the needs of the homeless in this area. In addition to the more obvious need for food and shelter, Peachtree Landing also provides job counseling, family counseling, medical referrals, continuing education workshops, and transportation. All services and assistance are directed towards enabling the individual or family to become self-sufficient members in the community.
In December members donated articles to fill six baskets with food and other items for distribution to elderly citizens. They also decorated the Domestic Violence shelter for Christmas. Each year, Sorortomist International recognizes the United Nations' Dec.10 Human Rights Day. Donations to the project are raised by giving the amount of money each member would have spent on snacks or beverages that day. The money raised benefited the Mines Advisory Group in Laos, which conducts training and community awareness programs on the removal of landmines in that country.
An ongoing project nearing completion is the furnishing of one room in the new Domestic Violence shelter. Soroptimist members have contributed beds, bedding, desk, chair, storage and accessories to decorate the room. A tentative workday to put everything in place is scheduled Feb. 8.
Upcoming events include an informational brunch for prospective members on Feb. 8. Winners of the annual Youth Citizenship Award and the Training Awards Program will be honored at the Jan. 29 meeting of the group. The meeting will be at the Crown and Rose. The YCA is awarded to a female high school senior in recognition of that person's outstanding contributions to their home, school, community or country. TAP is given to a mature woman who is head of the household to assist her in upgrading her employment status by seeking further skills and training.
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild will meet Monday at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand. Registration for the meeting will be 11:30-12:30 and the business meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by the Show and Share and monthly program. Stitch and Assist will be 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Serving as greeter will be Colleen Miller. Hostesses will be Mary Lou Winter, Christine Schiltz and Mary Catherine Detten.
Jodi Barrows from Liberal, Kan. will present a "Square in a Square" trunk show and will demonstrate a new technique to accomplish accurate, sharp points and smooth flat work which can be achieved by every skill level of quilter.
The Trunk show will include a variety of quilts, new and old, large and small.The demonstration will include tips on using the new ruler and there will be a question and answer session. Among the speaker's many credentials is the composition of a quilt for the Liberal Air Museum and a quilt hanging in the National Quilt Museum in Ellicott City, Md. She is owner of "Quiltingly Yours" in Liberal.
Following the meeting a Jodi Barrows "Berry Baskets" workshop will be held from 3-8 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring snacks and drinks as well as basic sewing materials, including a sewing machine. Advance preparation instructions may be obtained from Joyce Eagan, 762-9719.
Announcement has been made of upcoming programs. In March Oklahoma Quilt Works from Oklahoma City will present the program. In April Betty Gilliam is slated to present "Things My Grandma Never Taught Me." The May program will be a Spring luncheon and review of quilts made by members of the Pioneer Area Quilters Guild. "Your Quilts" is the name of the program and will include all work done for the year as well as previous years.
Members are reminded that the "Birdhouse Block Party" is due Feb. 3. The newsletter deadline is Feb. 17 and hostesses are needed for the May meeting. Those wishing to serve as hostess should call Oletta Demaree, 765-6964. All members are also encouraged to bring their quilted items to show and share.
Members are asked to contact Mary Catherine Detten, 765-9864, by Friday for babysitting reservations. Other guild information may be obtained by contacting Jerry Moore, president, 765-4185, or Cindy Wilson, vice-president, 765-6911.
Bay English Muffins has announced a recipe contest. A trip to France is the first place prize for "Build a Better Benedict" contest winner.
Entrants are invited to submit their original Benedict recipe using one or more Bays English Muffins. Recipes will be judged by a panel of food experts on the basis of taste, appearance, imagination, practicality, appropriateness for an English muffin and fit with the Benedict theme. The contest opened Jan.1, and all entries must be received by March 31, 1997.
Entrants may submit more than one recipe, but each must be mailed separately with entrant's name, address and daytime phone number, plus one top label from a package of Bays English Muffins. Entries should be sent to: Bays "Build A Better Benedict" Recipe Contest, 225 W. Ohio Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60610. Recipes must be submitted on 8-1/2" X 11" paper. All entries become the property of Bays Corporation and will not be returned.. Void where prohibited. Open to U.S. residents ages 18 and older. Subject to complete official rules.
Official rules are available by writing to Bays "Build A Better Benedict" Recipe Contest, 225 W. Ohio Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL, 60610, calling 1/800-FOR-BAYS, or visiting the Bays web site at http:\\www.bays.com.
Eric and Julie (Watt) Hoelscher of Raymondville, Tex. announce the birth of a son, Kurt Nicholas, born at 8:18 a.m. Jan. 8 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlengen, Tex. He weighed 8-pounds, 12-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. Kurt Nicholas has a brother Zachary, 2.
Grandparents are Judy and Marion Watt of Ponca City and Charles and Cecilia
Hoelscher of Houston, Tex.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
The only thing that slowed down Ponca City's march to its sixth win of the season here Tuesday night was a combined 75 foul shots. But the Lady Cats benefited from all the fouls to score 31 points from the free throw line in a 57-41 victory over Stillwater.
The Lady Cats ended up 31 of 50 from the free throw line (15 of 20 in the fourth quarter alone) while Stillwater was 17-for-25.
All those free shots made for a long game but an enjoyable one for Ponca City head coach Larry Rehl.
"This was a nice win for us," Rehl said. "I don't think there's another team the girls like to beat as much as Stillwater."
The Lady Cats improved to 6-8 overall and 3-5 in the Frontier Conference while Stillwater dropped to 5-8 and 2-6.
In the first meeting between these teams in Stillwater Dec. 10, the Lady Pioneers won 35-26.
After a sluggish start, an 8-0 first-quarter run by the Po-Hi girls put the Lady Cats up 10-6.
Twin towers Lyndsey Warrior (6-3 senior) and Tiffani Essary (5-11 junior) combined for nine of those 11 points and even though the Cats ended up the quarter just 3-for-15 from the field they had eight offensive rebounds.
Stillwater senior post Stacy Wyatt, a 6-footer herself, closed out the period with two straight buckets for the Pioneers, though, and the game was tied at 10 after one.
Neither team could pull away in the second quarter although the Cats would have if not for poor free throw shooting. Ponca City was just 4-for-9 from the line in the quarter and two of those misses came on the front end of one-and-one opportunities.
But Warrior continued to be a big factor. She scored Po-Hi's first four points on two baskets and ended the period with six straight points and Ponca City led 24-21 at the half.
Ponca City finally assumed control of the game after Stillwater forged a 24-all tie. At the 7:14 mark of the third period Keesha West hit a jump shot as Po-Hi went on a 10-0 run.
The lead grew to 12, 38-26, after Natasha Anderson hit a pair from the line with 22 seconds left. But Wyatt ended the quarter with a three-point play to slice the margin to nine, 38-29.
Stillwater scored first in the final stanza to get to within nine points but then the Cats began to get hot from the line. After making just 16 of 30 free throws through three quarters, Ponca City hit 13 of its first 14 free throws in the fourth to seal the win.
Warrior ended with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals to lead Ponca City in all three of those categories. Anderson had 14 points, all coming from the line where she was 14 of 17 (82.4 percent).
Essary had 9 points, Tee West 6, Keesha West 2, Desiree Cries For Ribs 1 and Tia Williams 1.
Wyatt topped Stillwater with 22 points.
For the game, the Cats were just 13-for-43 from the field (30.2 percent) but Stillwater also struggled, converting on just 12 of 43 (27.9).
An aggressive Po-Hi defense also forced Stillwater into 22 turnovers. The Lady Cats had just 13.
Ponca City is now off for a week before traveling to second-ranked Sapulpa Tuesday, Feb. 4.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Ponca City head coach Ken Chronister has maintained for several years now that senior point guard Phillip Owens is the key to the Stillwater Pioneers. No one will argue that point after Ponca City's 70-40 loss to the fourth-ranked Pioneers Tuesday night in Robson Fieldhouse.
Owens broke out of the gate well with 13 first-quarter points on 5-for-5 shooting, including three treys. He finished with a game-high 28 points and ended up making six of Stillwater's seven three-pointers in the contest.
In the first meeting between these two teams, Owens was held to 14 points and Stillwater won by just two, 41-39, at the buzzer.
With Owens at his dominating best, the Pioneers needed no buzzer-beaters this time.
The Cats hung tough in the early going and led 9-7 after Micha Alexander hit a pair of free throws with 4:18 on the first-quarter clock. Stillwater closed out the period with a 12-2 run highlighted by a driving layup and two treys by Owens, however, and the Pioneers led 19-11 after one.
Another 9-2 Stillwater run to begin the second quarter had Ponca City on the verge of collapse but the Poncans fought back.
Ryan Meyer hit a three-pointer, Alexander made a free throw and Jason Shelton ended the half with two inside buckets to cut Stillwater's cushion to nine points at the break, 30-21.
"The kids fought so hard," said Chronister afterwards. "But Owens was just too tough. I've never seen him shoot as well as he did or play as well as he did. He's just on another level when he's on like he was tonight."
A three-point play by Josh Holiday and a trey by Owens upped Stillwater's lead back to 15 at 36-21 and that's the margin the Pioneers held going into the fourth, 43-28.
Owens then took charge with 10 points in a four minute span as Stillwater settled the issue.
The absence of senior point guard Andy Parsons was again evidenced by 29 Ponca City turnovers. Parsons, who badly injured a shoulder a week ago, may not return this season, according to Chronister.
"If he comes back he could do really serious damage to the shoulder if he falls on it again. I've told him it's up to him and his family but really the risks may not be worth it (coming back)," Chronister said.
When the season began, Parsons and swingman Sawyer Blackburn were the only two seniors on the team and the only two with varsity experience. Blackburn was lost for the season with a knee injury prior to the Sand Springs game Jan. 14 and now Parsons' future is in doubt.
With those two out, the burden has fallen on the younger guys and the Frontier Conference is not a very kind league to youthful, inexperienced players.
Sophomore guard Kris Shores and junior Meyer each scored 8 points against Stillwater to lead Po-Hi. Juniors Alexander, Shelton and Wesley Swygert had 6 points each, sophomore Tom Engle had 4 and junior Ryan Treadway scored 2 points.
In addition to 28 for the quick-footed Owens, Holliday had 10 points and Alan Epplin 6. Eight other Pioneers also reached the scoring column.
Ponca City slipped to 4-10 overall with its fifth straight defeat and 2-6 in the Frontier Conference. Stillwater improved to 11-3, 6-2.
Ponca City ended up 13 of 36 from the field (36.1 percent) and 12 of 17 from the line (70.6). Stillwater was 26-for-46 from the field (56.5) and 11 of 17 from the line (64.7).
The Wildcats get a little time off from game action now before traveling to fifth-ranked Sapulpa Tuesday, Feb. 4.
It took a while for the Lady Wildcat JV girls to find the basket. Stillwater never did.
The Poncans broke open a low-scoring game with 13 points in the fourth quarter to top Stillwater 23-9 here Tuesday.
The basket appeared to have iced over for the first three quarters as the Lady Cats struggled to a 10-4 lead. But the Poncans found the range, at least from the free throw line, in the fourth quarter. They hit on nine charity tosses in the final period.
"It was a defensive struggle," Ponca City coach Mark Huster grinned. "Actually, we played pretty good defense but we missed a bunch of shots we shouldn't have missed."
Julie Schiltz finished with 10 points for Ponca City while Gina Hile had 6, Shari Winters 5 and Emily Smith 2.
The JV girls, now 3-5, are scheduled to join the varsity in a trip to Sapulpa Tuesday.
Ponca City's JV boys basketballers turned a slim five-point lead into a 53-36 runaway victory over Stillwater here Tuesday night by outscoring the Pioneers 21-9 in the fourth quarter.
The JV Cats led 12-10 after one, 23-20 at the half and 32-27 after three before blowing the game open in the fourth.
Brad Brewer led the Poncans' balanced scoring effort with 11 points while Paul Broome had 10, Mat Stewart 9 and Scott Larrison 9. Also scoring were Jeremiah Payne, 6; Nathan Zimmerman, 6; and Tom Engle, 2.
Helping Ponca City earn the victory was good free throw shooting. The Cats were 9 out 10 in the first half and 12 out of 14 in the second half for a total of 21-for-24 (87.5 percent).
Ninth Boys 48, Enid Waller 38
Ponca City's ninth grade boys rallied from a three-point deficit in the fourth quarter to preserve their unbeaten conference record, topping Enid Waller 48-38 Tuesday.
Down 32-29 to start the final period, Ponca City outscored Enid 19-6 to up their conference record to 6-0. The Cougars are 8-2 overall.
"The kids really got after them in the fourth quarter," coach Keith Chronister said. "We had a great crowd and the fans were really behind the kids. Our pressure defense worked great."
Blake Geubelle and Barry Chance paced the Poncans with 14 and 12 points while Ricky Lee had 5, Jeff Furnas, Barry Gehab and Evan Rupp all hit 4 points each, Brett Skaggs and Wes Crossen had 2 each and Aaron Sattre had 1.
The Cougars have a fast close to their season next week as they are scheduled to play Blackwell Monday, Enid Longfellow Tuesday and Enid Emerson on Thursday. The conference tournament starts the following week.
Ninth Girls 19, Enid Waller 17
Ponca City's ninth grade girls got off to a slow start but rallied in the fourth quarter to top Enid Waller 19-17 Tuesday.
Down 15-14 entering the final period, the Lady Cougars changed defenses and that made the difference as they took the lead with about a minute to go and held on.
The Lady Cougars are now 5-1 in conference play, 9-2 overall.
"Claire Winterrowd had a key steal and converted on it in that fourth quarter," coach Lela McCracken said. "We didn't do a very good job of running our offense, but did a good job on defense."
The Ponca City girls trailed 16-9 at halftime but used a strong 3-2 zone defense to close the gap in the third quarter.
The Lady Cougars are scheduled to play Blackwell Monday.
Ninth Grade Boys JV 39,
Enid Waller 37
Ponca City's ninth grade boys' JV team wiped out a 21-4 halftime deficit to beat Enid Waller 39-37 Tuesday.
The Poncans exploded for 23 points in the third quarter to get back in the game and kept the rally going in the fourth period.
Jason Beguin and Barry Gehab each had 8 points, Greg Dewberry and Ricky Lee 7 each, Kyle Lindsey 5, Fred Schooley 3, Derek Schneider 1 and Michael Williams 1.
The lesser prairie chicken is a unique grassland bird of the sand-sage prairies in western Oklahoma, southeast Colorado and southwest Kansas as well as areas of shinnery oak in western Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle. and eastern New Mexico.
"Today, the lesser prairie chicken exists in greatly reduced numbers across its entire habitat," said Russ Horton, central region game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Although absolute numbers are difficult to determine, some studies suggest a population decline in excess of 90 percent."
In August, 1996, a group called the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Interstate Working Group (LPCIWG) was formed so a region-wide conservation strategy could be developed for this species. The core group consists of state wildlife agency personnel from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are cooperating with this group.
Horton added that the LPCIWG and the Service have begun working on an initiative entitled "High Plains Partnership for Species at Risk". This initiative involves a diverse number of stakeholders in wildlife conservation issues on the High Plains. In putting together this initiative, the LPCIWG is forming partnerships with a diverse number of interests, including landowners, agricultural organizations, and conservation groups.
Recently, the LPCIWG, the Service and the High Plains Partnership of the Western Governors' Association joined forces to submit a grant proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on behalf of the High Plains Partnership. This proposal focuses on the lesser prairie chicken.
The High Plains Partnership for Species at Risk will initially focus on implementing on-the-ground conservation measures that will benefit the lesser prairie-chicken. Included in the initiative are a series of demonstration projects in lesser prairie-chicken range, a program for technical and financial assistance to landowners for implementing conservation management practices, and applied research into the relationship between prairie chicken habitat needs and range management practices.
"The Service's involvement in the issues concerning lesser prairie chickens has intensified since the Biodiversity Legal Foundation of Boulder, Colorado, petitioned the Service to list the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act." said Noreen Walsh, wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tulsa Office.
Walsh stated that in accordance with the Endangered species Act, the Service is normally required to issue an initial finding on a petition within 90 days. The petition review process was held up last year when Service funding for review of such petitions and other listing actions was substantially reduced. Although the Service has issued new guidance to establish priorities for working through the backlog of such reviews, a final date for the initial finding on the lesser prairie chicken has not yet been set.
Although this backlog of action still exists, the Biodiversity Legal Foundation recently filed suit in a Denver Federal court over the Service's failure to issue an initial finding within the prescribed time frame.
In working on a regional conservation strategy for the lesser prairie-chicken. the LPCIWG will strive to bring together all the stakeholders to begin the process of devising solutions to aid in the recovery of declining wildlife populations. The LPCIWG and the Service believe that such solutions must begin with those who live and work in the High Plains region. By working together and respecting the needs of all affected parties we can turn the tide for the lesser prairie-chicken.
For more information on the initiatives under way, write U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 222 S. Houston, Tulsa, OK 74127 or write Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, C/O Game Division, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
As of Jan. 1, a special access permit is required of anyone using Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma. Only residents under 18 years of age or those 64 and older are exempt.
Last year the Wildlife Department entered into a cooperative agreement with John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company to provide public access to John Hancock's 215,000 acres of timberland for hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding and other forms of outdoor recreation. Those timberlands, located in Pushmataha and LeFlore counties, have been named Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Department will partner with Hancock to actively manage the fish and wildlife resources on the new wildlife management area.
"Part of the impetus for this agreement came from the growing trend in southeast Oklahoma to lease large tracts of timberland to private individuals for recreation," said Alan Peoples, assistant chief of game for the Wildlife Department. "We wanted to ensure continued public access to this beautiful area, and thankfully for outdoor enthusiasts, John Hancock did as well. And with funding from the access permit and through a working partnership with Hancock, we can accomplish a great deal of wildlife and habitat improvement work."
All funds raised from the access permits, which cost $16 for residents and $25 for nonresidents, will be spent on developing and managing the wildlife resources and habitat on the area. An area manager and a wildlife technician have already been hired.
Peoples said that Honobia Creek WMA access permits are available through the Department's universal licensing system at sporting goods stores and license dealers statewide. Maps of the area are available by writing to the Department at 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Oklahoma hunters and trappers know that they have to get any bobcats they harvest tagged with a special permanent tag, but many do not know why the tags are required.
"A few years ago, an international convention of wildlife professionals was held which dealt with harvesting species that are endangered or threatened in some countries but common in others," said Mike Shaw, wildlife research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "As a result of that convention, strict tagging and registration procedures were created which provide protection for animal populations which are threatened, while allowing harvest of those same animals in places where they are abundant."
"Bobcats are plentiful in Oklahoma, so plentiful in fact that beginning next year, we have extended the harvest season and increased the bag limit," Shaw said. "This year, the daily limit is two, with a season limit of eight. Next year there will be no daily limit and the season limit will increase to 20. Beginning next year the bobcat harvest season also will continue through February."
ENID - A good second half lifted the Ponca City eighth grade Red girls to a 27-22 victory over Enid Waller here Tuesday.
Ponca City trailed 12-10 at the half but went up three after three periods and outscored Waller 10-6 in the fourth thanks to 10-for-11 free throw shooting in the quarter.
"We had a pretty good second half," said coach Calvin English, who saw his squad improve to 9-3. "We really came alive and played good defense, shutting down their big girls. Our fourth quarter free throw shooting was also impressive. We were 13 of 17 for the game and that's a good accomplishment for the girls."
Jena Birdsong led the Reds with 9 points, followed by Kendra Love with 6, Lyndsi Frederick 4, Jessica Windom 4, Cara Cusick 2 and Jacee Shepard 2.
The Reds are at Blackwell Monday beginning at 4 p.m.
LAMONT - Frontier's girls broke the game open with a 22-5 run in the second quarter to post a 59-32 win over Deer Creek-Lamont Tuesday night.
Mindy Williams and Elizabeth Sober paced the Lady Mustangs with 12 and 10 points. Sarah Jake had 8, Carolee Bible 6, Denise Jake, Jennifer Miller and Kaley Dunham each had 5, Stephanie Romero 4, April Vap 2 and Billie Bryan 2.
The win took some of the sting out of the 54-40 loss to Newkirk in the
consolation finals of the North Country Tournament.