From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
January 7, 1998
LOCAL
Nickles Advocates Overhaul Of Internal Revenue Service
Farmers Union Electors Select Bathurst President
Dazzling Duo In Concert Here Friday
State Legion Conference Set Jan. 9-10
District Court
Current Economic Boom in State Drives Cost of City Projects Up
Early Enrollment for Spring Art Classes Being Advised
School Election Registration Deadline Jan. 16
Medicare Beneficiaries Must Obtain Accurate Information
NOC Enrollment Hours Extended
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
County Assessor Now Making Maps Engle Says Accurate New Mapping Service
Should Benefit Everybody
1997: A Whirlwind Year for Local Businesses
United Way Progressed During 1997
1997 Schools in Review Education Gained Support
Area Calendar
1997: News Across City Had Ups and Downs
County-Wide Wrapup: 1997 Events
1997 Sports Roundup: (Mostly) Awesome Year Locally
PTC's 1997 in Review
1997 in Review Standing Bear Park Keeps Growing
DEATHS
Naomi M. Wright Townsley
William Edward Haney
Forrest E. Lagle
Goldie Marie Bowden
Services Pending
Thelma Mitchell
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Kay County Mounties 4-H Meets Saturday
Xi Beta Tau Meets
SPORTS
Survival Seminar Slated
Two Eagle Viewing Tours
Trout Like Cold Weather in State
Instructor Workshop Scheduled State Anglers Can Teach Kids to Fish
ODWC Thanks Hunters, Anglers
Wildcat Wrestlers Slam Enid
Big Guns Unload On Lady Cats
Rams Slow Down Potent Cats
Junior High Basketball
Prep Scores
Sports Note
Lady Cat JV Fall Hard to Owasso
Lady Mustangs Still Undefeated
Sophomores Up Record to 3-0
Soph Girls Top Guthrie, 53-38
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Don Nickles said here this morning that he is advocating legislation to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service to make the agency more accountable and more service oriented.
Nickles said this would include a "taxpayers bill of rights" and that people would have "fair treatment and management by the IRS." He said, "The IRS won't have quotas or goals. They won't be able to tell their agents to go out raise so much money. That is too much of an incentive to get more taxes out of people."
Nickles commented that this is against the law now, but there have been cases that have actually happened in Oklahoma. "We also want to make sure there is a procedure for disciplinary action for people who are violating the law and trying to make even more clear that the IRS stands for service.
"In addition to reforming the IRS, which has 102,000 employees, a lot of us are going to be working to try to fix the overall problem, which is the tax code.
"Even law abiding people that want to comply it is very difficult to handle and understand if you are doing things right because of the complications of the tax code. That is partly Congress' fault."
He indicated the reform could involve scrapping the existing code and coming up with something that is fairer and less complex. Nickles said he was hopeful the reform would pass by April 15.
Commenting on the strides made by Congress last year in tax relief, he said that families will now get a $400 tax credit for each child under 17, increasing to $500 next year; the tax on capital gains was reduced from 28 percent to 20 percent; estate taxes were reduced and in the area of education there is up to a $1,500 tax credit for the first two years for families with college students.
Nickles spoke here at a breakfast at Pioneer Technology Center, hosted by the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. He was well received in his hometown and was polished and at ease as he joked with members of the crowd.
Chamber Chairman Scott Dean introduced Nickles. Seated at the head table with Nickles and Dean were Mayor Marilyn Andrews and Dr. Sally Downey, Pioneer Technology Center superintendent.
Oklahoma's senior senator covered a number of topics ranging from disapproval of U.S. military troops in Bosnia to the weakened national defense to the stringent regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency and others including Medicare and Social Security.
During the course of the 45-minute session, which included remarks by Nickles and questions from the audience, the senator was applauded several times.
The audience expressed appreciation for his stand on Bosnia, his ideas on Social Security and on reforming the IRS.
He skillfully danced around the question of whether he would be one of those Republican candidates for president. Nickles did leave the door open saying that for the upcoming election there is no predetermined Republican candidate. He predicted there would be some congressmen and governors entering the race.
Although Nickles said he is happy doing what he does now as assistant majority leader working with Majority Leader Trent Lott, he hinted he might take a look at the possibility of a run for higher office in the future.
During his remarks, Nickles paid tribute to the vo-tech system in Oklahoma and Pioneer Technology Center in particular noting that "it just keeps getting better and better."
He called attention to State Rep. Jim Newport in the audience. Nickles appeared at a fund raiser for Newport Tuesday evening.
An expanded version of Sen. Nickles' remarks is planned for Sunday's issue of The News.
BLACKWELL - To local farmer Elmore Bathurst, the bureaucrats in Washington can have far more effect on Oklahoma agriculture than Mother Nature does.
It was with that viewpoint that Bathurst was elected Tuesday as president of the Kay County Farmers Union Local 005 at a reorganizational meeting attended by state president Phil Klutts.
Local members also elected Jim Johndrow of Ponca City as vice president and area Farmers Union agent Janice Bellinghausen as secretary/treasurer.
Klutts, attending with his wife Josephine, praised the group for its interest to sponsor and promote such Farmers Union programs as scholarships, youth summer camps and young-couple retreats.
He said the state organization, which funds its activities by providing home and auto insurance for its members, has been growing at a rate of $5 million a year in insurance premiums so it's becoming easy to overemphasize the group's "insurance side."
Therefore, it's now critical to achieve "a real balance" with the group's "farm side," pushing issues such as labeling groceries with their country of origin and getting various agricultural industries to work together, Klutts said.
It's now important, he said, to "revitalize the part of the Farmers Union that represents its members."
Klutts said the national union, with 111,000 members, is strong enough to effect genuine results for the welfare of Oklahoma residents. Furthermore, Oklahoma - with its 35,000 members - and North Dakota "are really the bulk" of the national membership, he said.
Johndrow, Bellinghausen, and local members Charlene Bathurst and Steve Shea were appointed as delegates to the state convention to be held Feb. 13 through 15.
Bellinghausen said the Local 005, along with Kay County's other Local 708, provides Farmers Union members a chance to voice their opinions about social issues at the state level, carried then to the national level.
At the county level, Farmers Union president is Bill Jeans of Ponca City.
The dazzling duo of Michael Maguire and Debbie Shapiro Gravitte whose act is known around the world as "Direct From Broadway" will entertain Community Concert members Friday at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
"Direct From Broadway" is a salute to American musical Theatre featuring the music of Berlin, Bernstein, Lerner and Lowe, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more of the most popular music written for Broadway.
Lara Teeter, former Ponca City resident and graduate of Ponca City High School directs and stages the popular Tony Award winning talents of Maguire and Gravitte.
"Powerful singing, dazzling stage presence and irresistible charm make this handsome couple two of the most passionate singers on stage today," says Teeter.
The concert is the third in a series of four concerts presented to members of the Ponca City Community Concert membership for the 1997-98 year. The fourth concert "Vancouver Wind Trio will be presented on Jan. 31 at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
Community concert memberships are available to Ponca City area residents during the membership drive each March. New residents to the area may contact Mary Lois Nield at 762-5156 for more information about membership.
The American Legion of Oklahoma will hold its annual Mid-Winter/Rehabilitation Conference on Jan. 9-10 at the Radisson Inn, I-40 and Meridian, Oklahoma City. Registration begins at 9 a.m. each day.
Special emphasis this year will be on serving the Gulf War Veterans, with representatives from the Department of Defense attending the conference to explain and assist these veterans with the knowledge of what health and information programs are available. Included will be Outreach programs for Gulf War veterans.
Heading up the Pentagon's efforts to assist ailing Gulf War veterans is Dr. Bernard Rostker. Helping with this conference will be Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Vasser and Lt. Col. Joe Gordon.
A special panel from the Veterans Administration, Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs, the American Legion Washington D.C. office and the Oklahoma Claims and Appeals Office will be available to answer questions pertaining to veterans issues. Another panel will be available for American Legion questions.
All veterans are invited to attend and there is no requirement to be a member of the American Legion as this information is available to all veterans.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Tanya Lynn Watson vs. Barry MacWayne Watson.
Carol S. Hall vs. Larry D. Hall.
Civil Proceedings
Central National Bank and Trust Co. of Enid, Okla., Blackwell Branch, vs. Howard L. Wayman, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $13,259.65.
Edward and Donna Ross, et al., vs. Harold Johnson and Jerod Johnson, plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Professional Credit Collections Inc. vs. Barbara Hudson; plaintiff seeking judgment for $9,078.79.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The current economical boom in Oklahoma is both good news for some and bad news for others. The architect for several city projects, including the fire station, reported to City Commissioners Monday afternoon that the economy may be the cause for the actual costs of several city projects to be higher than originally estimated.
The police station improvements is one such project. Cost estimates associated with the heating and air conditioning of the police station are higher, 10 percent higher, than expected and may cause the project to come in over budget.
"Construction has been robust and very busy over this past year," Troy Lewis of Lewis Associates Architects told the Commissioners. "General contractors are still beating the bushes but the sub-contractors - the actual laborers - are very busy and therefore costs are up."
The costs of the improvements of the police station have increased and Lewis explained that it is due to the cost of the heating and air conditioning unit. Originally estimated at $1,700 per ton, actual costs are closer to $2,100 per ton. With 52 total tons, the increase cost has caused the actual cost of the project to increase by almost $20,000 from $166,500 to $180,900.
The problem lies in the fact that the total costs figures are now estimated to be $14,000 over budget. However, City Finance Director Mark LaBossiere says that the additional funds are available through the capital projects improvement fund.
Remodeling and renovation of the No. 1 fire station is also predicted to be higher than originally estimated, however the increase costs will not effect the overall total cost of the entire project.
The original fire station cost estimates included a 15 percent contingency for just such instances. Due to the market swing and the predicted increased costs the contingency has now been lowered to 12 percent as the square footage costs increased by a total of $115,000. With the changes in the contingency the total cost remains at $2.7 million.
According to Lewis costs increases are being experienced state-wide and could continue for the next two years. "Costs are going up and going up a lot," Lewis explained. "This is now and I can't predict what will happen when this project is actually bid."
Its as if the architect, by the very nature of their profession, is the bearer of bad news and seemingly receives the blame. However, Dick Anderson the Executive Director of the Association of General Contractors of Oklahoma verified that construction costs are truly increasing and increasing state-wide. "There is more construction in process now than ever before," Anderson said. "Prices and costs associated with construction are definitely up and may go up even more because prices are not yet where they should be."
According to Anderson there are several problems associated with estimating costs in the public bidding process. Those problems involve both market changes and the process itself.
"First of all architects are only estimators, conceptual advisors, not builders" he explains. "They do not deal with daily costs and the changes of those costs in the market places."
As an example of changing prices and costs involved in construction Anderson said steel prices changed four times last year and the cost of cement changed three times in the last 18 months.
Secondly, Anderson explains that the bidding process itself and the time frame involved with it makes accurate estimating difficult, if not impossible. "Estimates and budgets can be 18 months old before the job is actually bid on," Anderson says. "Architectural estimated costs are based on past data and changes can and do occur, therefore that data doesn't deal with the every day real data needed for the actual bid."
Enrollment for spring art classes sponsored by the Ponca City Art Association is now open. Interested students may enroll at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Most class sizes are limited so early enrollment is advised.
Classes offered, teachers, times and fees, and lists of necessary supplies are available at the art center, along with other information. A list of most of the classes follows.
Beginning Jan. 28, Elaine Armstrong will be teaching a class in watercolor florals from 9 to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday for 10 weeks. Fee for the class is $50. The class will not meet during Spring Break on March 18.
On Feb. 2, Ray Cantwell is starting an evening oil painting class to meet each Monday for eight weeks from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fee for the class is $100.
On Feb. 3, Cantwell is also beginning an eight-weeks daytime class in oil painting from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Fee is $100.
Beginning Feb. 5, Ruth Loucks will teach a watercolor class each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. The fee for the six-weeks class plus a make-up class is $50.
Ongoing youth art classes taught by Cindy Rasche and Anna Adams are taught each Wednesday after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Youth, ages seven and up, are encouraged to participate.
A variety of classes are taught throughout the year in the continuing classes, including pottery, sculpture, painting with acrylics, drawing, collage´ and mixed media, sculptural clay, some art history and use of many art tools. Two separate mediums are offered by Adams and Rasche each month and fees are due the first of each month. January classes include pottery or sculpture. February offers drawing or painting with acrylics. No experience is necessary. Parents or grandparents are encouraged to take the classes with their children as well.
All students must be members of the Ponca City Art Association and annual family memberships are available at $10. The annual membership may be purchased with enrollment in a class and is active through September 1988.
All classes are held at the Ponca City Art Center.
NEWKIRK - The last day to register to be eligible to vote in the annual school election and the statewide election to be held on Feb. 10, is Friday, Jan. 16.
Carol Stafford, Kay County Election Board Secretary, urges any voters with questions about their eligibility or about the location of their polling place to contact the Kay County Election Board at (580) 362-2130.
A person must be 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Oklahoma to be eligible to register to vote. Persons who have been convicted of felonies are not eligible to register until a period of time equal to their original judgment and sentence has expired or unless they have received a full pardon. Persons who are under adjudication as incapacitated persons or as partially incapacitated persons prohibited from voting may not register.
Some voters who already are registered may need to update their registrations. Voters who have moved within the county may need to change their address of registration. Others may want to change their political affiliation or name.
Stafford said all types of registration will be conducted at the County Election Board Office, located at the Kay County Courthouse. In addition, persons may register or update their existing registration at any of the following registration locations: Ponca City Tag Agency, Tonkawa Tag Agency, Blackwell Tag Agency, Newkirk Tag Agency and the Kay County Election Board Office.
There has been an influx of calls and letters from confused and worried Medicare beneficiaries on changes in their health care options, said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John P. Crawford.
Recent passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, allows Medicare beneficiaries to obtain medical services from physicians who have chosen not to receive Medicare payments. This becomes effective this month (January 1998).
"There is a lot of discussion regarding freedom of choice issues and 'rationing' of Medicare. It is critical that Medicare beneficiaries have accurate, unbiased information before making important decisions related to any Medicare changes," said Crawford, whose department runs Oklahoma's federally-funded program for Medicare counseling. It is known as the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHICP).
Prior to 1998, anyone treating a Medicare patient for Medicare covered services had to file a claim with Medicare. Non-Medicare physicians - those who chose not to enroll in Medicare - did not complete the necessary paperwork to submit claims to Medicare. These physicians generally refused treatment of Medicare patients for Medicare covered services.
Medicare patients have always paid for services excluded by Medicare such as routine physicals, hearing aids and cosmetic surgeries. Medicare patients could go to any physician for excluded services. Under the new law, physicians may enter into private contracts with beneficiaries to provide services that are normally covered by Medicare. These contracts allow the physician to furnish services that are normally paid by Medicare, without having to file claims with Medicare.
This means: If a physician signs a private contract with any Medicare beneficiary, the physician cannot submit a claim to Medicare for any service or item furnished to any Medicare beneficiary for the next two years.
-The Medicare beneficiary is free to go to Medicare physicians for any Medicare covered services and those physicians are still required to file claims with Medicare.
-The Medicare beneficiary is still free to go to any physician for non-covered Medicare services. Beneficiaries continue to pay for any services that Medicare does not cover out of their own pockets. In these situations, a private contract is unnecessary.
-When the service is normally a Medicare covered service and furnished by the private contract physician, no claims will be filed and Medicare will make no payments.
-The Medicare beneficiary who signs a private contract agrees to be responsible for payment of the entire amount charged for the services furnished by this physician. No limits would apply to the amount charged i.e. it is not limited to Medicare's approved or limiting charge amount.
-When Medicare is not making a payment, Medicare supplement insurance policies will not and other health insurance policies may not pay for such services.
Five Important Points About Private Contracting Under Medicare
1. Most physicians will still be filing Medicare claims for beneficiaries as they always have. Before you visit your physician, ask if the physician will be filing your claims with Medicare.
2. If you receive services under a private contract, then it does not prohibit you from seeking other services at any time from another Medicare physician. The patient is free to pay for services Medicare does not cover whether received from a Medicare or a non-Medicare physician. The private contract must inform the patient of this right.
3. These private contracts apply only when a physician sets up a contract with a beneficiary and provides services that are normally Medicare covered services.
4. It is the physician who signs the private contract who can not file any Medicare claims for a period of two years. The two year limit does not apply to any other claim for the beneficiary.
5. Non-Medicare physicians have more freedom to treat any beneficiary. They can remain a non-Medicare physician and provide services to Medicare beneficiaries under private contracts.
Don't get fooled, get the facts! Oklahoma's program is one of 53 health insurance counseling programs nationwide that provide information and assistance to educate older Americans about health insurances coverage benefits and consumer rights. For more information contact Janet Jordan, 521-6628 or toll free, 1-800-763-2828 at the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
TONKAWA - Hours for student enrollment in spring semester classes at Northern Oklahoma College have been extended, according to Wanda Webb, registrar.
Saturday, Jan. 10, the Registrar's Office will be open for enrollment from 9 a.m. to noon. The office will extend enrollment hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Jan. 12-15, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 19-20.
Faculty may enroll students through their offices during the scheduled extended enrollment hours; otherwise, they will enroll students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday will be in effect in the Registrar's Office throughout the semester.
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.
NEWKIRK - It hasn't been so long ago since official changes to Kay County maps were hand-written and hand-drawn.
It was until recently that official maps were already obsolete by the time they were completed and sent back from the print shop.
County Assessor Tresa Engle said it's taken a year to implement the office's newest service, but the assessors now produce real-time maps.
Mandated and funded by the state, the new operation required a shift in responsibilities for several of the deputy assessors, who suddenly found themselves paying attention to the finer points of cartographic software, not to mention getting some valuable training.
The office already has started generating useful multicolored maps, including current ones for fire departments, ambulance workers and other 911 emergency personnel.
The office also now can produce customized property maps for homeowners and real estate people, and the fees from such maps will generate a little more revenue for the county, Engle said.
"The big advantage is it helps us here in the office to have the most accurate assessments because we can verify locations and property owners," she said.
In the future, the office will develop plat books and other types of maps.
"It's advanced technology that is moving us toward the information highway," Engle said. "But we want to emphasize the service it provides to the public as well as to private individuals."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The economy of Ponca City was stimulated somewhat in the latter part of the year with Conoco's turnaround at the refinery resulting in millions of dollars in investment.
The operation contributed not only to the economy of Ponca City but to the well-being of the refinery. The turnaround was accomplished in the refinery's South Plant units and the alkylation unit.
During the five-week span, more than 300,000 person hours and millions of dollars were invested in maintenance and capital improvements on several of the refinery's process units.
The project also helped fill hotel and motel rooms, as well as proving a boon to restaurants.
Computer Sciences Corporation
In June DuPont announced the start-up of its global information technology (IT) alliance with two of the world's leading management and technology consulting firms - Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) and Andersen Consulting.
Under the alliance about 400 DuPont Information Systems employees were transitioned to Andersen Consulting and 2,600 to CSC.
Andersen Consulting provides chemical business solutions designed to enhance DuPont's manufacturing, marketing, distribution and customer service.
CSC operates DuPont's global information systems and technology infrastructure and provides selected applications software services.
A number of jobs were saved at the Conoco Complex through this alliance. This came about largely from the diligent work of Conoco executives encouraging the firms to keep the jobs here.
New Economic Executive and Board
Economic development has taken a different tact with Jan Jarrett as the new executive for both economic development and the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The roles have been combined with Jarrett devoting the lion's share of his time to economic development. The City of Ponca City is helping fund the economic development operation on a contract with the Chamber.
Another change is the Economic Development Foundation (EDF) has been dismantled and in its place is the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). Since there is little incentive funds until after the turn of the century, the Advisory Board and the new executive is charged with finding other means of attracting industry.
Linda Brown heads the board and other members are L.J. Chaufty, Bill Rodgers, Carl Renfro, Larry Atteberry, George Paczkowski, Tim Burg, George Ferguson and David Mills.
Assets of the former EDF between $45,000 and $50,000 were transferred to the Chamber of Commerce to be kept in a separate account.
In other economic development news, Gerald Hall of Stillwater was named the North Central Regional Representative for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Hall has been here for several events including a presentation of the Building Blocks for the ODOC, a Tribal Economic Development Conference and another event was a briefing by ODOC Gary Miller director of Corporate Site Division and staff.
Sykes had asked the old EDF for $2 million in incentives for locating another facility here and this was eventually turned down by the City Commission because there was no money available until the last two years of the 10-year-tax sales tax voted in 1993 for incentives.
Sykes continues to have a full work force and the building is filled to near capacity.
Thorn Apple Valley's meat processing plant started a new production line here in June thus bringing the boneless ham operation here from Council Bluffs, Iowa, adding about 70 jobs.
Building Highlights
Highlights of the 1997 business year have included the construction of Leach Paper, Center Line, U.S.A. Bottling, St. Joseph Cancer Center, Summers and Holloway Halls at the American Legion Children's Home.
Other construction or improvement investment was in the Domestic Violence Center, a new Skate World facility, the remodeling of Homeland grocery for Albertson's Food and Drug, revamping of the Higdon/Harpster building for First Bank of Oklahoma, the doubling of the size of Toni's Westside Drug, building a new Super Sonic on North Fourteenth, and major investment in remodeling the facilities at Holiday Inn.
O'Reilly Auto Parts opened a second store on North Fourteenth and in the same general area on North Fourteenth a Super Conoco Station and Car Wash opened.
In the outlying area south of Ponca City, was Technical Propellants' building, the completion of Ponca Iron and Metal's facilities, the addition of Throop Lawn and Garden Equipment. While on the north side of town there were the new buildings of for Keeler Equipment and Ron Clarke Construction.
On Ash expansions have included Mid-America Door and Precision Tool and Die.
In the education arena, the Ponca City High School the new math and science building and the weight facility were finished. While in the elementary category, Lincoln School was completed.
Communications
Fiber Optic transmission lines were installed by Post Newsweek Cable TV customers at a cost of half a million dollars.
The Ponca City News became an Internet service provider. This service is the second fastest growing business in America.
The U.S. Postal Service installed automated mail sorters to speed up the sorting process.
Ponca City has a new area code shifting from 405 to 580. The split of the 405 area code geographically was approved by the Corporation Commission in June.
Also another prefix has been added by Southwestern Bell Telephone. In addition to the existing 762, 765 and 767 prefixes the prefix 718 has been added.
Real Estate Sales
Real Estate sales through Dec. 30, for 1997 shows that there were 375 listings, with the total sales price of $29,833, 896. The average price was $79,557 and the median price was $68,900. The average days on the market were 108.
Currently there are 152 active listing with sales price totaling $11,163,399. the average price is $73,444 and the median price is $49,900.
There are 44 listings currently under contract with sales totaling $3,111,225. The average price is $70,710 and the median price is $57,950.
There are 152 active listings totaling $11,163,399, with the average price at $73,444 and the median price at $49,900. There are 152 active listings.
Currently there are 44 listings under contract with total sales price of $3, 111,225. The average price is $70,710 and the median price is $49,900.
Building Investment
According to building inspector's report for Ponca City shows that new housing continues to be at a low ebb with six housing permits being issued for the first 11 months of the year with a total valuation of $383,000.
Commercial building led the way with an investment of $1.683,166 valuation invested in 43 commercial ventures. There were 15 permits issued for remodeling and the total valuation was $393,036.
Sales Tax Returns
Sales tax returns from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the city remained fairly steady with about half the year's returns being up and the other half down only slightly.
Changing Bank Picture
The banking picture changed somewhat. Boatmen's Bank officially became NationsBank. First National Bank changed its name to Home National Bank and installed a new drive-up ATM. First National Bank of Oklahoma opened at the corner of Fourteenth and Grand. Bank of Oklahoma opened a branch in Albertson's Food and Drug.
Pioneer Bank and Trust became the first bank in the state to make rural economic loans and Jerry Evans of Evans and Associates was named to the bank board. Pioneer hosted a community day featuring Gov. Frank Keating and other dignitaries
Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce hosted Second Friday Forums throughout the year featuring local legislators, local issues such as school bond and city sales tax elections. Prominent speakers for Chamber events included Secretary of State for Oklahoma Tom Cole, Secretary of Transportation Neal McCaleb, State Auditor and Inspector Scott Clifton and others.
Gov. Frank Keating was the featured speaker at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet. Leadership Ponca City made a field trip to the state capitol and were hosted to lunch there by Keating and Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin. Both Mary Fallin and First Lady Cathy Keating made several appearances here.
The handshake days when members of the Ambassadors, the Chamber board and others made goodwill calls on Chamber members, the Shop Ponca City First promotion and the Chamber Bucks program were deemed successful.
During the year the Chamber promoted Business After Hours events held at various businesses and the Presidents Club officiated at 31 ribbon cuttings. The Chamber is reaching out to become more regional including a field trip to the campus of NOC for a Board meeting.
Jack Shilling served as interim CEO until Jan Jarrett came aboard as the new executive. Lisa Coy was promoted to vice president.
Tourism
Tourism continues to grow in the Ponca City area and Marland Mansion was named the number one tourist attraction in the state at the Governor's Conference on Tourism.
A recent added attraction are the new Postal Murals at the Ponca City Post Office, which has become a new attraction. Area artists drew and painted the murals.
The Ponca City Tourism Authority received permission from the City Commission to move the information center to the Cultural Center on East Grand.
The Festival of Angels drew tour buses to the area and the new information office for the Standing Bear Memorial was erected near the memorial. Other events drawing large numbers of visitors were the Moto Cross, Oktoberfest, Cherokee Strip Cook-off and the Iris Festival.
A major building project started in 1997 was to revamp and expand the Pioneer Woman Museum, with reopening this summer.
Downtown
The complexion of downtown changed somewhat with the opening of several antique malls and shows. Among them were Antique Mall, Grand Ole Mercantile and Grand Galleria. Also Crafter's Mall is located on Grand. Joanne's Hallmark became Carla's Hallmark and moved across from the Post Office.
Personalities
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey became the superintendent of Pioneer Technology Center; former mayor and U.S. District Attorney John Raley returned to Ponca City to practice law; Pat Mulligan former plant manager for Ponca City's Smith International Plant joined Equitable; Frank Kennedy became president of Ponca City Boatmen's/NationsBank; L.J. Chaufty was selected president of Bank of Oklahoma; Ray Shaffer was named president of First National Bank of Oklahoma.
Changing Scenes
Other changes or moves include the change of Hardee's to Carl's Jr. on North Fourteenth; David Zimmerman, owner of Rose Stone Inn, purchased Pioneer Inn; Nutri-System moved to Prospect; International Tours moved to North Fourteenth and Bud's Discount Store closed on North Fourteenth.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City United Way moved ahead in a positive mode under the leadership of Director Helene Schwartz in 1997. With the organized help of hundreds of volunteers, the agency surpassed its 1997 fund raising goal and applied and received a grant for a community service AmeriCorps Program.
The United way campaign fund drive followed the theme "Keys to a Caring Community" and with hundreds of United Way volunteers, and thousands of local contributors. It surpassed the 1997-98 campaign goal of $585,000 by $16,000.
Schwartz and Board members hosted a victory celebration for all volunteers and contributors at Grand Central Station Teen Center in November.
The campaign, dedicated to former United Way President Larry Hughes, was basically conducted in a three month period from September through November. Under the leadership of Brad Dickey, vice president and campaign chairman, and Eric Kurtz, president, the United Way moved toward the accumulation of funds to assist 17 local member service agencies.
Other officers, donating hundreds of hours to lead the campaign in the community, include Steve Keller, treasurer, Bob Frankenfield, allocations chairman, Tanya Wilson, public relations, and Teresa Smith, past president.
Board members, also working many hours behind the scenes are Ann Kinsinger, John Pennewitt, Kevin Karpe, Martin Smith, Don Young, Sandy Murphy-Driggers, Bob Askew, Carl Balcer, Pam Dickerson, Leanna Felix, Gary Hughes, Troy Lewis, Roylene Mayse, Pat Morris, Steve Struble, Ken Rupard, Jim Sindelar, Mike Mott, Tom Sipe, Debra Whitener, and Kim Youngblood. Larry Hughes also served on the board until his death.
Also added to the United Way service to the community in 1997, was the creation of an AmeriCorps Team which provides employment, educational grants and an opportunity for community service to interested local individuals. Ruslyn Hermanson was hired as AmeriCorps Program Director.
Nineteen local residents are training under the special grant to serve at various local service agencies focusing on public safety, education, human needs and environment. Also included in the grant for the workers are education awards. The workers recently attended special training schools in Oklahoma City and will continue the training from time to time throughout the year.
The Americorps volunteers have already established work responsibilities with the American Red Cross, Child Development Center, Bluestem Girls Scout Council, Domestic Violence Program, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, Ponca City Schools Title I Program, Salvation Army and the YMCA.
Schwartz said, "We are proud to have an Americorps program in our community, a federally funded program, so our tax dollars are returning from Washington, D.C. to help our own community."
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
1997 will be known as the year when local residents banded together to support education, electing a new board member, passing Phase II of the Capitol Improvement Plan for $3.5 million, and seeing the finished products of a new elementary school and a high school addition.
The fate of the controversial School-to-Work program was de-cided Oct. 13 when Ponca City Board of Education members agreed to continue career education programs already in place at local schools, but rejected $35,900 in federal funding.
The framework, unanimously approved, was first introduced to the board with the title of "Framework for School-to-Work (STW) Proposal." The board decided to change the name to "Career Education."
Phase I of the Capitol Improvement Plan was passed in September 1995 for $10 million and included construction of a new elementary school and a new addition to the high school.
In October, residents passed the $3.5 million bond issue for Phase II of the Capitol Improvement Plan by 72 percent. Phase II includes remodeling three elementary schools and the Commons area at the high school, building an athletic track with facilities, and buying band and vocal music equipment and new buses.
Decline in Enrollment
Enrollment numbers continued to plunge when the next school year started. According to Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, enrollment numbers are growing in the elementary levels, but declining in the secondary schools (especially the high school). White commented that Po-Hi lost 22 students in six weeks alone.
Enrollment numbers were:
- 2,771 in the elementary schools (this number includes the 73 students in the Four-Year-Old Program)
- 1,487 enrolled in seventh through ninth grade (513 in the seventh grade, 465 in the eighth grade and 509 in the ninth grade)
- 1,262 in grades 10-12 (510 in the 10th grade, 382 in the 11th grade and 370 in the 12th grade)
- 17 students enrolled in the Training Skills Lab.
Here's a look back at the year:
January
Jan. 14 - Jeff Lieb, Higher Education Indian Tribe, addressed the Ponca City Board of Education concerning the equality of all Native American students. Lieb was concerned about how federal money was spent toward Native American education and about the high drop-out rate.
Jan. 14 - The Math/Science/ Business Center was 30 percent complete, while the new Lincoln Elementary School was 40 percent complete. The estimates for the new Weight Training Facility were shown with an approximate cost of $147,000.
February
Feb. 10 - Citizens and students spoke to the board concerning the future of the OASIS program and the resignation of the program's teacher, Kathleen Stoeckley, at Ponca City Mid-High.
Feb. 10 - Linda Thompson, School-to-Work coordinator, gave a presentation on School-to-Work at the board meeting. Thompson pointed out that Project Partners was being put together by local people to build educational opportunities started by local teachers.
Feb. 11 - Residents of Ponca City elected Steve Stalcup to serve on the Ponca City Board of Education. The three mill levies were also passed in Ponca City.
March
March 10 - Ponca City Board of Education unanimously approved that all components that fall under the School-to-Work category be approved by the board.
March - The board approved renovations to the exterior of the Howell Building and the Howell Auditorium. Renovations included: the Howell Auditorium house lights, stage lights, curtains, sound systems and interior paint. The exterior of the Howell Building will also be painted.
March - Dr. John Scroggins, Curriculum and Development assistant superintendent, inform-ed the board that new phases will be developed for the Mid-High and Middle School math courses.
March 12 - An open meeting was held at the Mid-High with principal Steve Nida and OASIS teacher Roxanne Denton concerning the future of OASIS.
April
April 7 - Board of Education approved change orders for the new Math/Science/Business Center and Lincoln Elementary. As of April 7, the MSB was 58 percent complete, with Lincoln at 60 percent complete.
April - The 1997 Summer School Program schedules were approved except for geography and keyboarding, with the district offering summer school programs for grades 9-12. Also approved: a child nutrition summer food service program and an agreementt with First Lutheran School to offer eighth grade athletics.
April 10 - Ponca City High School Athletic Director Rusty Benson announced that longtime Lady Wildcat head coach Larry Rehl would not be offered a coaching position next season.
May
May 4 - The community and school employees combine to clean up massive vandalism that occurred at the Middle School.
May 12 - A new program called "Great Expectations" was discussed during a board meeting. Ron Arthur and Dana Pulley were hired as new basketball coaches at Po-Hi. The Math/Science/Business Center was 65 percent complete and the new Lincoln was at 75 percent. The foundation was also started at the new Weight Training facility.
May - Ponca City Board of Education voted to cut 12 1/3 positions and certain programs (like drivers education) from the school system to reduce the budget.
June
June - A Lincoln Elementary open house and reunion was held at the old school located at 700 West Broadway. The event was attended by more than 700 former and present students, staff members, teachers, PTA officers, parents and many friends of Lincoln School throughout the years.
June 11 - The board of education voted to donate the property of Union Street in front of Union Elementary for an easement to make a public roadway.
June 23 - Board members hired Allan Goodwin as the new high school band director. Goodwin replaced Steve Workman, who retired in May.
July
July 14 - Board members voted to reduce the budget by another $550,000 by cutting 10 support positions, a 10 percent reduction in curriculum and instruction and reducing two methods and resources teaching positions.
July 14 - The resignations of Steve Nida, principal at Ponca City Mid-High, and Chuck Bayha, assistant principal at the high school, were accepted. Several concerned parents addressed the board regarding the drivers education program.
July - The new Weight Training Facility was named the "Penninger Wildcat Training Room." The new Math/Science/Business Center was 80 percent complete, and the new Lincoln Elementary was 87 percent complete.
July - A Great Expectations seminar was held at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah to instruct teachers about the Great Expectations program. Seventy Ponca City teachers attended the seminar, with the Friends of Education, Ponca City, paying $14,000 for them all to attend.
August
Aug. 11 - Ponca City School Board denied all requests to offer drivers education at Po-Hi. The new Math/Science/Business Center was 98 percent complete, the new Lincoln Elementary was 99 percent complete and the new Weight Training Facility was 98 percent complete.
Aug. 21 - Classes were held in the new Math/Science/Business Center and new Lincoln for the first time since construction began.
Aug. 28 - School administrators came up with a way to offer drivers education. This new class will be offered at Po-Hi after school on a voluntary basis only and will be taught by Larry Rehl.
September
Sept. 8 - A request was made at the board meeting concerning fighting and random acts of violence at the schools. Andrea Morriss, board member, was elected to serve as the State Legislative Network Member for the school year.
Sept. 21 - An open house was held for the new Lincoln Elementary School and Math/Science/ Business Center.
Sept. 23 - A School-to-Work (STW) public comment meeting was held for parents of all K-12 students, both public and private. The most common comment heard during the meeting was, "I am so confused!"
October
Oct. 7 - The High School PTSA sponsored a parent-to-parent discussion group on School-to-Work.
Oct. 13 - Board of Education accepts the framework for the continuation of the career education programs in the Ponca City Public Schools, but denied accepting $35,900 from Project Partners.
Oct. 14 - Ponca City residents pass the $3.5 million bond issue to continue Phase II of the Capitol Improvement Plan.
October - The total estimated source of revenue for FY 98 was set at $22,697,046.52.
November
Nov. 10 - Ponca City Board of Education members set Feb. 10, 1998, for residents to elect new members and to vote on the local school levies.
November - Board decided to table bids for the Fine Arts canopy projects due to the high cost.
December
Dec. 3 - Incumbent Mike Kruck and Ann Kinsinger filed for board candidacy in Office No. 2. Christopher LittleCook filed for Office No. 4, currently held by Janet Goll.
Dec. 8 - Board members tabled the bids for the Howell Building renovation and construction of the Commons Area at Po-Hi due to high bidding.
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April 14
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
This past year was the same for the City of Ponca City as for the citizens which reside in the city. It was a year filled with good news and bad news, sadness and happiness, and successes and failures.
The seven-year battle over a new fire station ended in November with the passage of a half cent sales tax increase - the proceeds of which are to be used for the renovations and remodeling of the No. 1 Fire station.
It was a year the firemen of Ponca City found themselves flooded out, run out and just plain "out of" a home. On July 22 a flooded, sewer-infested basement at the fire station forced the evacuation of the building leaving the firemen without a home.
Fire Officials Homeless
Although the firemen were temporarily housed in the Emergency Operating Center in the basement of the police station, the fire chief and assistant fire chief remained homeless for more than four months until City Commissioners approved the rental of office space in the Commercial Federal Bank Building. On Dec. 1 the fire chief, assistant chief and administrative personnel moved to their new offices.
Meanwhile the No. 1 Fire Station was permanently "temporarily" relocated in October to the security building at Conoco. The No. 1 Fire Station would remain there until the renovating and remodeling of the fire station, at its original location at the civic center, were completed in 1999.
City projects were beginning, ending and continuing throughout the year. On Sept. 5 the $9.2 million newly remodeled and upgraded water treatment plant was dedicated. March saw the beginning of the $1.5 million Fifth Street project which included connecting Hartford Avenue and Prospect Avenue via the extension of Fifth Street.
Construction of the new one mile four lane road and the Bradley Avenue connection to Fifth Street continued throughout the year. In July the $1.7 million 12 acre landfill expansion began. Construction began in September on the sidewalk project which involved connecting sidewalks on several major street and adding handicap ramps throughout the city.
The year ended on a sad and tragic note with an apparent homicide in Kaw City. The mother of two, Shirley Kay Clinton, was killed in an early morning house fire that was ruled arson and is being investigated by the sheriff's office as a homicide.
Monthly there was also something exciting to read about whether good, bad or ugly.
January
City Commissioners approved a 5.8 percent rate reduction for PCUA customers as part of a $1.2 million reduction throughout the next fiscal year. New rates were effective Feb. 1.
Police searched, not only for a suspect, but also a victim of an apparent homicide that occurred on Jan. 14. After interviewing witnesses and seizing evidence police were able to determine that a homicide did occur in the 900 block of East South Avenue. And although a body was never recovered, police identified the homicide victim as 30-year-old Martin Zamora Briones, aka Briones Martinez, and the suspect as Juan Carlos Alvarado Duarte.
Businessman Chris Hand announced he would run for City Commissioner District 2, a position currently held by Dick Bird, and attorney Tom Leonard announced he would run for City Commission District 4 as incumbent Greg Gregson also announced his intent to seek reelection.
February-March
· The Top Stories in February included:
Randy Lauritsen is hired as the new city engineer after 30 years as an engineer for Conoco.
During a routine traffic violation Ponca City Police captured two fugitives, wanted in Somerset, Pa. for jumping bond, on charges of conspiracy to commit a homicide and aggravated assault.
· March proved to be a somewhat violent month in Ponca City.
On March 4 three juveniles were held in connection with a drive-by shooting on Feb. 28 in the 100 block of North Elm Street and two boys, ages 14 and 15, were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
March 5, a 16-year-old Ponca City boy was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Medical Center after sustaining a bullet wound in the arm. The wound was the result of an altercation between occupants of a residence in the 500 block of West Ponca Avenue and the occupants of a vehicle. A 17-year-old boy also sustained minor injuries. On March 13, a 28-year-old man was arrested in Nowata County on assault and battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting.
On March 6 a 15-year-old boy, driving his grandfather's stolen truck, was injured after leading police on a six-hour pursuit. The chase ended at 6:30 a.m. when the truck the boy was driving hit a car and rolled over. The boy was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released. He was later arrested and then released to his parents.
Then on March 10, a 15-year-old Ponca City boy was arrested on attempted strong-arm robbery and three counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after trying to rob an elderly woman who was leaving her car to attend church. The 73-year-old woman was left lying in the parking lot and suffered minor injuries from the fall. The juvenile was arrested after being identified by the victim.
On March 14, a 34-year-old local woman died from a self-inflicted gunshot, and a 21-year-old man was killed in a house fire in the 400 block of South Elm Street.
Immigration and Naturalization agents arrived in Ponca City on March 19, apprehending 77 undocumented aliens in Ponca City and Blackwell.
On March 21, a 18-year-old man was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after a 25-year-old man received multiple stab wounds during a fight in the 400 block of South Perry.
On March 31, a 32-year-old man was arrested for armed robbery as police search for a second suspect in the robbery that reportedly occurred in the 1600 block of Bradbary Lane.
April-June
· The April election saved the Cultural Center, saved the streets and saw the defeat of two city commissioners. Voters defeated the question to sell the Cultural Center, approved renewing the one-half-cent sales tax in order to maintain the street improvements. Tom Leonard defeated incumbent Greg Gregson and Chris Hand unseated and replaced Dick Bird as City Commissioner.
On April 28 City Commissioners approved the move of the Tourism Authority to the Cultural Center from the Chamber of Commerce Building. The new offices opened June 30.
· During June, City Commissioners approved the 1997-98 budget with no reduction in city services and also approved a water, solid waste and wastewater fee increase which went into effect July 1. For residents there was an 8 percent increase in water rates, an estimated 29 percent increase in waste water and solid waste was 4.3 percent increase.
July-August-September
· July brought torrential rains and flooding throughout the area. As of July 20, Ponca City recorded 9.7 inches, 6.15 inches more than normal.
Assistant City manger Tom Short resigned to accept the position of city administrator in Carthage, Mo., July 29.
· In August a section of the Fifth Street project, from Hartford Avenue to Williams Avenue, was opened to local traffic.
· September brought with it two new state-of-the-art fire trucks - Engine 1 and Engine 3 replaced the outdated 1969 and 1975 models.
Preparations began on the $1.9 million four-lane widening project of Union Street from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue as crews laid water main and relocated gas lines.
The Ponca City Utility Authority named Rusty Edwards as new electric manager of electric utilities for the city of Ponca City.
October
· In October the new Westside project, aimed at lowering crime and improving officer-citizen communication on the west side of the city, began.
The first week of October was National Fire Prevention Week and activities were in full swing throughout Ponca City.
City Commissioners voted to restrict left turns from Patton onto Fourteenth Street.
On Oct. 25, Floorcraft was involved in a late night fire which caused an estimated $150,000 in damage.
November
· November brought a new telephone area code and with it inconveniences for area businesses.
It was announced that Fifth Street extension from Hartford to Prospect Avenue would be delayed due to the erection of retaining walls - postponing the opening of the new section of Fifth Street until late January or February.
On Nov. 6 city officials abandon their previous vote to move city offices from the civic center to Commercial Federal and opt to install portable heaters and make necessary repairs for the city offices to be inhabitable.
December
· December brought different crime sprees to Ponca City. Several mini storage facilities were robbed in mid-December and a string of vandalism - more specifically windows being shot and broken out throughout the City - kept the police department busy.
Officials stayed busy across Kay County during 1997. The following wrapup recalls some of the significant events:
January 1997
Jan. 2: Four incumbent county officers were sworn in by District Judge D.W. Boyd during a courthouse ceremony. After winning the November elections, Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson began her fourth term, District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven started his third term, Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen began his second term, and County Clerk Pam Goodno marked the start of her first full term.
Jan. 15: A Kay County jury recommends a 200-year prison sentence against a Ponca City man convicted of exposing himself to a 5-year-old girl. District Attorney John Maddox' office said the jurors showed "a lot of courage" in their decision against Raymond Joe Wood, 39.
Jan. 22: Using road graders and radios, members of District Three County Commissioner Rex Purdy's road crews thwart a rural house burglary near Blackwell, tracking the suspect on back roads until sheriff's deputies could arrest him near Braman.
February 1997
Feb. 3: Kay County Commissioners form an addressing board to standardize the physical addresses of all county residential and business structures for emergency response. Led by emergency preparedness director Patrick Zehr, the new board includes postmasters, emergency workers and members of County Assessor Tresa Engle's office.
Feb. 28: Special District Judge Donald Welch steps down from the bench at the Kay County Courthouse, concluding five decades of public service, including 31 years as an assistant district attorney. He was sworn in as a judge in 1989.
Feb. 28: Sheriff's deputies assisted by Ponca City police and others raid an alleged illegal gambling casino in the Bois D'Arc community. Five are arrested.
March 1997
March 3: Special District Judge Robert Galbraith is sworn in by District Judge D.W. Boyd to replace retiring judge Don Welch. Galbraith was previously assistant district attorney for John Maddox.
March 4: Former Blackwell police chief George Morgan and former state senator Ray Davis collect enough votes to face each other in a runoff election for Blackwell's finance commissioner post.
April 1997
April 1: Carol Purdy, a deputy for County Assessor Tresa Engle, is elected as Newkirk's first woman mayor, outpolling incumbent mayor Bob Coffee.
April 1: Former Blackwell police chief George Morgan defeats former state senator Ray Davis for the office of finance commissioner on the Blackwell city council.
April 14: New assistant district attorney Chuck Bloeser is sworn in District Judge D.W. Boyd to handle juvenile cases and other legal matters for District Attorney John Maddox.
April 15: A multi-county grand jury brings conspiracy and racketeering charges against two men previously arrested in connection with an alleged illegal gambling casino operation in the Bois D'Arc community. Charges also are filed against two other men, including a sheriff's deputy.
May 1997
May 1: A Kay County jury decides Thorn Apple Valley still owes $6.3 million to a contracting firm that built the new plant in Ponca City in 1995. TAV general manager Glenn Perkins said he was very disappointed but the company "remains committed to Ponca City."
June 1997
June 25: Area farmers are completing a wheat harvest that for many was the best ever, especially after a late April freeze had them worried. Some elevator operators reported astonishing yields, with some at 80 bushels or more per acre.
July 1997
July 10: The cemetery board of the Ponca City Odd Fellows Lodge vote to sell the century-old cemetery to a Canada-based corporation, causing a protest from other local business people and residents.
July 10: District Judge D.W. Boyd launches a county version of a national child-advocate program to help judges determine what's best for children in the foster care system. The Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) project attracts several civic leaders and volunteers.
August 1997
August 25: The Kay County Conservation District and the county commissioners begin a mutual effort to find ways to prevent illegal rural trash dumping.
September 1997
Sept. 9: The 80th annual Kay County Free Fair kicks off at the fairgrounds in Blackwell.
Sept. 9: Blackwell voters approve a $1.75-million school bond issue to build and equip a high school field house.
Sept. 26: District Attorney John Maddox announces his appointment of Newkirk attorney Phil Ross as his first assistant district attorney.
October 1997
Oct. 1: OSU extension specialists confirm what many people already suspected - a quite decent cotton crop for the year - especially in an area of the state where cotton production is still relatively new.
Oct. 14: Law enforcement teams serve several misdemeanor and felony warrants, mostly for drug violations, in Blackwell, Newkirk and Ponca City, completing a three-month investigation by District Attorney John Maddox' major crimes task force.
Oct. 15: Kay County cotton producers join producers across the state approve a boll weevil eradication program that could revitalize cotton growing, particularly in the Southwest.
Oct. 16: The Kay County Excise Board approves a $2.8-million appropriation for the annual budget, achieving the 90-percent operating ratio that had eluded the county for a few years.
November 1997
Nov. 3: Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber's sister, Elaine Webster of Deer Creek, is sworn in as treasurer of Grant County, one county west of here. In what may be a first in Oklahoma, both sisters expected to run for full four-year terms this year.
Nov. 4: Two weeks before his death, Kay County's outspoken Undersheriff Sid Cookerly brands Oklahoma's new Truth-in-Sentencing law "a masterpiece of fraud" that will infuriate Oklahomans when it goes into effect next July 1. Another fierce opponent calling for the law's repeal is Ponca City native Willard Driesel, now a district judge in southeast Oklahoma.
Nov. 11: State Rep. Jim Newport, who represents Ponca City area, becomes one of the first legislators to decide the state's new Truth-in-Sentencing law should be repealed, saying the lawmakers were misled.
Nov. 17: The three Kay County Commissioners disapprove the sale of Ponca City's Odd Fellows cemetery to the Canada-based Loewen Group, citing the proposed buyer would make substantial changes to the cemetery's method of operations.
Nov. 19: Area and state law enforcement officials mourn the death of Undersheriff Sid Cookerly. Enid attorney Steven Jones delivers the eulogy.
December 1997
Dec. 15: The Ponca City Odd Fellows Lodge appeals the county commissioners' decision to deny the sale of the lodge's cemetery to The Loewen Group, leaving the board to review the proposal and render a decision within 60 days.
Dec. 22: Kay County Commissioners issue a resolution to support the repeal of Oklahoma's new Truth-in-Sentencing law.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
From the record-setting Po-Hi baseball team to the football team's inglorious 3-7 season, Ponca City had its share of sporting highlights in 1997.
No, there was no one taking a bite out of anyone's ear, and no coaches were choked or threatened with death. There was no illegal betting on sports teams, no referees were head-butted, and no one had their kneecaps broken. There weren't even any scandals involving deviant members of the sports media.
Thank God.
But there was an amazing baseball team, a pole vaulter named Jump, the dominating Dodgen Twins, and a softball team that refused to quit. And that's just the beginning.
Chronologically, the most noteworthy sports stories of 1997 are as follows:
A Lack of Baskets Case - For Wildcat sports fans, the year started off rather ominously. After a promising 4-5 start, the Wildcat basketball team went on a 13-game losing streak and finished their season with a forgettable 4-18 record, tied for last in the Conference. Injuries took their toll on the Wildcats - "the most I have ever seen on one team, anywhere" - according to exasperated coach Ken Chronister.
The Lady Cats also had a ho-hum season, finishing 9-13 for sixth place in the conference.
In the regional playoffs, the Wildcats were vanquished by Jenks, 68-37, while the Lady Cats - shooting just 19.6 percent from the field - fell to Tahlequah, 41-30.
The Super Twins, and Friend - Two years ago, Mark Dodgen won a state title in wrestling. In March, brother Matt, in the 125 lb. division beat Broken Arrow's Chris Forbes, 4-2 in overtime, to claim his own. Mark, however, lost his bid for a repeat, losing a controversial match to Matt Holman of Choctaw.
Along with Stocton Graves, who placed third in the 160 pound division, the three-man squad placed a remarkable seventh place at state. Many teams below them had substantially larger rosters.
Not since 1991 have the Cats had three state medalists, and it was the first time anyone could remember brothers winning back-to-back state titles. Matt was also named Frontier Conference Wrestler of the Year, and Graves was named to the All-State squad.
Graves has graduated since then, but the Dodgen Dynasty remains. All that's left to make their choke hold on state wrestling competition complete is to both win in the same year.
And that could happen, a few months from now. Stay tuned.
Even Thinner-clads - Moving up 12 places from the year before, the Wildcat swim team finished in 12th place at state in March, while the Lady Cats - in one of their best efforts of the season - finished 17th. In February, both teams finished fifth at the Conference Championship meet.
Rory Peterson, still just a freshman, sent notice to his largely upper-class foes, finishing fourth in the 500 free and fifth in the 200 free. Both were the fastest times ever recorded by a Ponca City freshman in the two events.
"If we can just move up 12 more places next year, we'll be fine," coach Dave Strah said of the boys.
Surprise, you're fired! - In a move fraught with rumor and innuendo, Lady Cat basketball coach Larry Rehl was fired in April, leaving both basketball teams helmless (the other position vacated by Ken Chronister in March).
The move caught many by surprise, not least of whom was Rehl himself.
"This comes as a complete shock to me," he said, "I was never informed of any dissatisfaction with anything or in any area over the past two years.
"I've given my heart and soul the past 11 years to build this program."
Though the Lady Cats had struggled over the past three years under Rehl's watch, going a combined 31-42, he had guided them to their first state championship (1987), had two state runners-up (1988 and 1990), was 192-95 (.669) in 11 years, and was Oklahoma Girls' Coach of the Year in 1990.
Rehl was also 449-188 in his 25-year career, was Frontier Conference Coach of the Year seven times, and made a state record 12 consecutive appearances in the state tournament.
"It's sad for this community that this could happen," Rehl concluded, "I don't think I've gotten due respect and there had been no due process."
Story of the Year? - In terms of accolades and records broken, the 1997 Po-Hi baseball team is a hard story to beat.
One might guess that a team containing an All-stater, two All-Conference players, six All-Conference Honorable Mentions, as well as the Frontier Conference Coach, Player and Pitcher of the Year could be capable of some impressive play. And they were.
After winning more regular season games (24) than any team in Ponca City history, the Cats went on to win the Regional tournament - a feat that hadn't been accomplished in 23 years.
Though the entire team was riddled with talent, two players had downright phenomenal seasons.
Pitcher Rocky Hughes broke a 39-year-old school record for the most pitching wins, finished off the regular season at 12-0 with an ERA of .95, and was named Frontier Conference Pitcher of the Year. Hughes was also Ponca City's first baseball All-Stater since the early '70s.
Also, big swinging first baseman Josh Shafer finished the season with a team-best .444 average, led the team in most major hitting categories, and was named Conference Player of the Year.
It was the first time in Conference history that one team contained both Pitcher and Player of the Year, and to finish off the hat-trick, coach Roydon Tilley was declared Coach of the Year.
First a Stadium, Now a Day - May 7 was declared Earl Sullins Day - first by mayor Marilyn Andrews, and seconded by Gov. Frank Keating.
Sullins, former Po-Hi coach and athletic director, was honored in a two-hour ceremony at Robson Fieldhouse, which included a special appearance by University of Nebraska football coach and veritable icon Tom Osborne.
Awards to coach Sullins included a large plaque engraved with the names of 200 friends and former players, nomination into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame, and a number of written tributes, read by former Wildcat Coach Keni Ray.
Osborne said that his own high school football coach, Earl Appleby of Hastings, Neb., who had been a large influence in his life, was a student of Sullins'. He called Sullins a "coach's coach."
Surprise, You're Hired! - In a nod to the younger generation, the school board voted in May to hire 26-year- old Ron Arthur as the new boys' basketball coach, and 30-year-old Dana Pulley as the girls'.
It's the first high school head coaching job for both.
"They'll more than make up for their lack of experience with their work ethic and enthusiasm," said Po-Hi athletic director Rusty Benson.
Arthur, who had worked as a varsity assistant and sophomore coach for the past five years, said the nomination was the "biggest thrill" in his life thus far. Also, on the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, Arthur became the first black head coach in Ponca City High School history.
"I'm a coach and a teacher," he said, "I don't see myself as a black coach and a black teacher. But this is a major accomplishment, and I'm proud to be the first."
Pulley, a 1994 Po-Hi graduate, was the first girl from Ponca City to win All-State basketball honors. From high school, she went on to play with both NOC and OSU, before returning to Ponca City as an assistant varsity coach and ninth-grade head coach.
Four for Orr - Po-Hi golfer Casey Orr became an All-stater in May after leading the Cats to their ninth straight appearance in the state tournament, where they finished a respectable tenth.
It was Orr's fourth trip to state, where he shot an 81-82-79 - 242 on Oklahoma City's Twin Hills course, good enough to finish among the Top 15 individuals.
On the Net - After winning the first regional team championship since 1987, the Po-Hi girls' tennis team made a valiant run at the state tennis title in May.
Romi Foreman and Melissa Collogan placed second in doubles, while Natalie Lindsay and Abbie Frick took third. In singles competition, Michelle Means had a third place finish, while Ashley Roussel - unseeded in the tournament - finished ninth.
Overall, the Lady Cats finished third in the state.
"They played their hearts out," said coach Don Lambring.
We Miss Our Seniors - Two years ago, the Wildcat soccer team came within a game of a state championship. Last May, after struggling through a 5-10 season, they succumbed in the first round of the playoffs to a tough Broken Arrow team, 5-0.
The girls' team also had a disappointing season, finishing 3-7-1, and were also eliminated in a first round playoff game against Broken Arrow.
Thinclads Taste the Big Time - In May, the Wildcat track team placed fourth in the Frontier Conference meet, while the Lady Cats finished fifth. Six of the boys also qualified for state.
Pole vaulter David Jump, who won the regional championship, finished in a tie for third at state with a vault of 13 feet, six inches - a full foot short of his conference best. Paul Paschal placed sixth in the 1600 meter run, while the 3200 meter relay team of Paschal, David Metzger, Chad Niemann, and Sam Stalcup notched their second best time of the season, to place sixth. In April, that team broke a school record in the 3200 relay by a full seven seconds, in at 8:07.84.
Digging For a Living - In one of the most exciting yet unheralded sports in Ponca City, the Lady Cat Volleyball team patched together 10 wins against 15 losses last year.
In October, they competed in the single-elimination regional tournament, and going against a top-ranked Bartlesville Bruin squad, lost straight sets, 5-15, 8-15.
Girls Can So Throw - The Wildcat baseball team wasn't the only team glittering on the diamond last year. The Lady Cat Softball team - in a rebuilding year, some thought - piled up a 31-19 season, won the regional tournament, and made their third state appearance in four years.
From there, the Cinderella-story Lady Cats went on to draw to within one game of playing for the state title - losing a heartbreaker, 3-0, to Yukon.
An avalanche of post-season accolades ensued. Pitcher Julie Schiltz, who hobbled through half the season with an injury, finished 15-5, upping her career record to 60-29 - a new Po-Hi record for most wins. Schiltz also led the team with a .412 batting average, and was named to the All-Region II, All-Conference, and All-State teams.
Joining Schiltz on the All-Region team were Robbi Coffelt, Christan Hinman, Marie Wilson, Courtney McChristian. Also named to the All-Conference Roster were Lendsi Boyd, Shawntia Feathers, and Alana Smith - with ten others drawing Honorable Mentions.
Coach Roydon Tilley was also declared East All-State Coach, as well as Region II Coach of the Year.
Like Gump, But Smarter - Once you start to recognize him, Wildcat Harrier Paul Paschal becomes a ubiquitous feature on the Ponca City landscape.
And all that running paid dividends for the Po-Hi junior, when on Nov. 1 he turned in an All-State performance at the state cross-country meet, finishing 6th in a 119-man field. It was the second top-10 finish for Paschal, and barring injury, a third seems likely this year.
A Gridiron Graveyard - Not to press salt into a still-fresh wound, but the Wildcat Football team slid into oblivion last year, finishing a disappointing 3-7 overall, and 1-6 in Class 6A-5 - one of the toughest divisions in the state.
Though their roster included a number of highly talented players, the Cats were afflicted by a number of things - injuries and grades among them - which led to inconsistency on the field. The Cats couldn't seem to put a game together on both sides of the ball - one week the defense would click, while the next it was the offense. A sole win against Tulsa Washington was all that kept the Cats out of the division basement.
But with a talented Sophomore and Junior class, and an impressive group of kids percolating up behind them, all is not lost. Hope springs eternal for the Wildcats.
Hey! Did You See That? - If economics is the "dismal science," then golf - for everyone who's ever struggled with the quotidian elements of the game - is definitely the dismal sport.
Still, 12 holes-in-one were reported to The News last year, giving hope to the weary and downtrodden golfing community. The first was on Feb. 3, by Aaron Hill, the last reported by Jason Snyder on Dec. 26. If you weren't one of the other 10, well...
There's always this year.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Dr. Sally Downey became the superintendent, classes reached near-capacity levels and a board race for the first time ever evolved all during Pioneer Technology Center's 1997 school year.
Here's a look back at the year:
January
Jan. 10 - Former superintendent Velta Reed-Johnston was cleared of all charges against her in a special audit of records. State Auditor and Inspector Clifton Scott reported finding nothing to negatively reflect on the service of Reed-Johnston, Dr. Sally Downey or Dr. Janet Cox. The audit was performed in 1996 in conjunction with the OSBI's interviews of individuals claiming to have information to support the allegations.
Jan. 12 - Superintendent Velta Reed-Johnston resigns to take a new job in Guthrie as program manager for vocational training.
Jan. 15 - Dr. Sally Downey accepts the job of interim superintendent.
March
March 3 - Stan Brown was honored for his service at PTC. Brown became a board member in 1992 and has held various offices.
March 11 - Pioneer Tech decides to possibly change insurance carriers from Anthem Health to ProOklahoma.
April
April 8 - Jan Watkins, business manager for PTC, resigns.
May
May 13 - Details given on the future of School-to-Work during PTC's board meeting. Linda Thompson, coordinator for STW, said that STW had a $40,000 grant to be spent on expenses. She also informed the board that each school in Ponca City had a coordinator to oversee STW projects.
May - The board decided to keep the insurance carrier, Anthem Health.
June
June 9 - Teachers from Ponca City, Tonkawa, Kildare, Blackwell, Tonkawa and other Kay County schools, attended the Project Partners School-to-Work Summer Institute.
August
Aug. 14 - The PTC board appoints Glenda Council as the treasurer for PTC and Stacey Rush as the deputy treasurer. Bids go out for the construction of the technology filtration system.
August - A new foundation at PTC was selected and named Pioneer Technology Center Foundation Inc. Six-member committee establishes the tax-exempt foundation, believing education is the main investment and student achievement the bottom line.
September
Sept. 9 - Dr. Janet Cox, assistant superintendent, explains Support Employment to the board. Cox said that the program is for adults with problems finding jobs due to their special needs. The board also discussed having a new Paramedic class.
November
Nov. 11 - Pioneer Tech board sets Feb. 10, 1998, as the date that residents will vote on a new board member and mill levies.
November - The estimated operating budget for PTC was approved in the amount of $5,610,220.26.
November - PTC received a new dropout grant for $100,000 from now until the end of June, and $150,000 for the two years after that. The grant will help identify young people who have dropped out of school.
Nov. 19 - Board members clarified the definition of Zone 1 for the upcoming board election.
December
Dec. 3 - Incumbent Mary Rigdon and Zane Barham file for Office No. 1 of the board. This was the first time in school history that a board race will take place.
Dec. 8 - Dr. Sally Downey, PTC superintendent, informs the board that PTC's Transportation Technology program needs improvement due to the decrease in enrollment in the program.
Standing Bear Park saw several enhancements during 1997 as the Native American Foundation and committee members moved into Phase II of the park projects.
During Phase I, the 63 acre Standing Bear Native American Park was acquired, landscaping effected and the 22-foot bronze monument of Chief Standing Bear erected.
Oreland C. Joe, creator, was guest of honor at the Standing Bear Monument dedication in October 1996. Also a parking area, wide paved walkways, an arrowhead shaped reflection pond and a viewing plaza were constructed. Limited numbered maquettes of Standing Bear in both 18 and 32 inch sizes, were offered as a fundraiser for the project.
Phase II includes the planning for construction of a large Native American Cultural Center/Museum for the exhibit of Native American crafts, a pow-wow arena, educational facilities, and other enhancements.
During 1997, Project Director Betty Durkee acquired some special grants to aid with the 1997 Standing Bear Powwow and for other enhancements at the park.
She continues the application process for further grants for the new building.
Added to the park during the year were large bronze plaques bearing the names of major donors to the Standing Bear Park Project, a brush arbor for protection for the guides, native grasses, tourist information stations, a large tram to transport visitors from the front gate to the monument area and the viewing plaza, and construction of a new temporary headquarters/visitors center.
The Visitor Center is located near the front gate of the Park and is manned each day from 1 to 5 p.m. and at other times when volunteer help is available.
Several local Native American crafts are available for sale, as well
as Standing Bear bolo ties, maquettes, prints, and other information is
available at the new center.
DEATHS
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Naomi M. Wright Townsley, Arkansas City, Kan., area resident, died Monday, Jan. 5, 1998, at Medicalodge East in Arkansas City. She was 89.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Arkansas City with the Rev. Billy Hughes, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery at Arkansas City. Friends may visit at the Hawks Funeral Home until 9 p.m. today and the family will receive friends there from 6 to 7 p.m. today.
Naomi M. (Brentlinger) Wright Townsley was born March 23, 1908, in South Haven, Kan., the daughter of Charles Kenny and Rosetta Pearl (Havener) Brentlinger. As a child, she moved with her family to Hardy, where she attended grade school. The family then moved to Arkansas City, Kan., where she graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1927.
She was married to Harvey Marion Wright on Oct. 4, 1932, in Newkirk and the couple made their home in Arkansas City. Mr. Wright preceded her in death on March 1, 1943.
She was married to Mike Irving Townsley on July 17, 1944, in Independence, Kan. and the couple made their home in Arkansas City. In 1968 they moved to Drury, Kan., then returned to Arkansas City in 1987. Mr. Townsley preceded her in death on March 14, 1988. Mrs. Townsley had been employed at the Kress and McClellan Stores in Arkansas City, then in the food service department at Arkansas City Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She moved to Geuda Springs in 1995 to live with a daughter, then moved to Medicalodge East in 1997. She was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Ladies Circle.
Survivors include three sons, Charles Harvey Wright and Michael Earl Townsley, both of Arkansas City, and Joseph Lee Wright of Winfield, Kan.; one daughter Dorothy Fayann Morse of Geuda Springs, Kan.; 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both husbands; her parents; one son, John Richard "Herky" Wright; one sister, Dorothy Pearl Dixon; and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Townsley's name to the St. Paul United Methodist Church, c/o Hawks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
William Edward "Ed" Haney, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 1998, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. He was 76.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Thursday at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Buddy Bolin, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
William Edward "Ed" Haney was born June 19, 1923 in Plainview, Ark., the son of William Sam and Harriat Rozella (Likens) Haney. As a child, he and his family moved to Dale where he grew up and attended schools. In 1960 he moved to Ponca City and was employed as a butcher and delivery driver for packing companies.
On Aug. 4, 1961, he was married to Ruth Garrett in Ponca City. In addition to his trade as a butcher, Haney also worked as a roofer and assisted his wife with her wallpaper-hanging business. He retired in 1988 and enjoyed gardening, fishing for catfish, and hunting squirrels and rabbits.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Garrett Haney of the home.
Forrest E. Lagle, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 1998, at the Perry (Okla.) Nursing Home. He was 84.
The funeral will be held graveside Saturday, Jan. 10, at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Perry.
Forrest E. Lagle was born April 8, 1913, in Douds, Iowa, the son of Walter and Estelle (Brown) Lagle. He graduated from high school in Ames, Iowa.
He was married to Mildred Kaminski and the couple lived in Ponca City from 1950-62, then in Kansas City, Mo., from 1962-76. He moved back to Ponca City in 1976. While living in Ponca City he was zone manager for Investors Diversified Services and was also in the investment business while living in Kansas City.
Lagle was an award winning poet. He won the State of Oklahoma Poetry Contest in the men's division in 1993. He also taught Sunday School at the Baptist Church and enjoyed playing golf.
Survivors include five daughters, Audrey Branson and Rebecca Dark, both of Perry, Winnie Bushey of Edmond, Marsha Webb of Blackwell, and Dorothy Grabow of Kingfisher; two sons, Johnathan Forrest Lagle of Kansas City, Mo., and Paul Lagle of Gladstone, Mo.; one sister, Bonita Bowman of Ponca City, 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sons, one brother and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Lagle's name to Hospice of Ponca City, or to the Judith Karman Hospice, c/o Brown Funeral Home, 1010 Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077.
FAIRFAX - Goldie Marie Bowden, Fairfax resident, died Monday night, Jan. 5, 1998, at Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa. She was 75.
The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home chapel in Fairfax with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Heights Cemetery, Cleveland, Okla.
Goldie Marie (Bennett) Bowden was born June 20, 1922, in Cleveland, Okla., the daughter of James E. and Ora Vesta Kelso Bennett. She attended Cleveland schools.
She was married to James B. Bowden on June 11, 1961, in Winfield, Kan. and the couple made their first home in Sand Springs. Mrs. Bowden was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Church. She enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include her husband, James "Jim" B. Bowden of the home; two step-daughters, Jan Flores of Sand Springs and Cheryl Beeler of Collinsville; two brothers, Richard Bennett of Fairfax and Jerry Bennett of Pawnee; four sisters, Juanita Miller of Fairfax, Patricia Scott of Pawnee, Wytonya Riddle of Tulsa and Delores Berens of Newton, Kan.; four step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Onalee Anthony and Johna Riddle; and two brothers, Delbert Bennett and Herman Bennett.
LAMONT - Thelma Mitchell, Lamont resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1998,
at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 81. Arrangements
are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
NEWS BRIEFS
Church Women United - The annual meeting of Church Women United will be held Friday at the St. John's Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh, at 9:30 a.m. Annual reports will be heard and elections and installations of 1998 officers will be held.
Auxiliary Meeting - The Ponca City American Legion Auxiliary will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue.
Meeting Set - The Ponca City Historical Preservation Advisory Panel will meet Friday at noon in the Ponca City planning offices, located on the third floor of the Commercial Federal Building, 400 East Central.
Education Meeting - Members of the Education Committees for Ponca City Tomorrow and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce plan to discuss the local Partners In Education program (PIE Partners) in a meeting Thursday at 11:45 a.m. at the Chamber offices. Citizens interested in education are invited to attend and participate.
Writer's Group To Meet - Wordsmith writer's group will meet Jan. 15, downstairs in the Ponca City Library, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All writers are invited. Bring some of your work to read if you desire.
Democrats to Meet - Kay County Democrats will meet Thursday, at 7 p.m. in the Courthouse basement in Newkirk. For more information, contact Andrea Morriss at 765-6260.
Possible Gunshots - At 6:38 a.m. Tuesday a woman reported that she heard gunshots in the area of South Birch Street and West Oklahoma Avenue. Police responded but were unable to locate anything.
Vandalism - A man in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to police at 8:08 a.m. Tuesday that the tires on his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - An officer was assigned to a two-vehicle, non-injury accident at 8:14 a.m. Tuesday in the 1500 block of North Fifth Street. A report was taken.
Damaged Fence - At 9:07 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported damage to a fence. An officer was assigned.
Theft - At 11:51 a.m. Tuesday police received a report of a cable box stolen from a vehicle in the 400 block of South Palm Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Threat - A woman in the 1500 block of East Prospect Avenue called police at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday reporting that she had been threatened by a person. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 43-year-old man at 1:17 p.m. Tuesday from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street on a Butte County, S.D., warrant.
Hit and Run - At 4:35 p.m. Tuesday a man in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street reported that his vehicle had been hit by another car while it was parked.
Bike Found - At 5:08 p.m. Tuesday police were notified of a bike found in the 600 block of West Grand Avenue.
Minor Accident - A minor injury accident in the 300 block of East South Avenue was reported to police at 5:21 p.m. Tuesday. An accident report was taken.
Vandalism - At 7:47 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 200 block of North Osage Street reported that someone had driven through her yard. An officer was assigned.
Possible Prowler - Police received a 911 call at 8:56 p.m. Tuesday from a woman in the 2200 block of Jane Street reporting that a prowler that had been knocking on her door. An officer was assigned but a prowler was not found.
False Alarm - At midnight Wednesday all fire stations responded to a reported apartment fire in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. However it was not a fire but a vent head that had shorted out.
Assault Victim - Police received a call at 12:08 a.m. Wednesday from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reporting an assault victim they were treating. A report was taken.
Gas Spill - At 12:51 a.m. Wednesday a fire engine responded to a gas spill at the Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street.
Vandalism - A man in the 800 block of Gray Avenue reported to police at 5:46 a.m. Wednesday that the tires on his vehicle had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Minor Accident - An accident in a parking lot in the 2900 block
of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 4:04 p.m. Tuesday.
Information was exchanged between drivers.
LIFESTYLES
The Kay County Mounties 4-H Club met at the Blackwell Nursing Home Dec. 10 for the regular meeting. The group sang Christmas carols and gave out candy canes and the story of "how the candy cane came about." The group also collected food and clothing for a needy family in Blackwell. The 4-H group concluded their evening by going out for pizza.
The next meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the home of Earl Alley, leader. Included in the discussion topics will be the Oakwood Mall workshop, the County Rally and the Feb. 14 Horse Judging School at Oklahoma State University. Placing in the county Bread Show were Shawn and Devin Skaggs, Daniel and Shawn Alley.
Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Dec. 15 at the home of Patsy Bray following a Christmas dinner at Godfreys. June Miller led the opening ritual and four members were pinned. The City Council was given and Jan Ellison was selected Valentine Queen.
The Exemplar Ritual will be Jan. 26 at the home of Sammie Coats. A "guys
and gals" night out will be held Jan. 17 at the Crown and Rose followed
by a gathering at the Coats home. The traveling basket was given to Ms.
Miller by Mrs. Bray and the mystery gift was won by Mrs. Coats. Secret Sister
gifts were exchanged.
SPORTS
Would you know what to do if you got lost while hunting? Could you survive getting caught outdoors during a lightning storm? Do you know what to do if you're stranded and your car quits?
All of these questions and many more "survival truths" will be presented at a free seminar on outdoor survival Friday evening, Jan. 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The seminar is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Environmental Training Center at Rose State College.
"Survival Truths" will be presented at Rose State College in the Auditorium of the Tom Steed Building (at I-40 and Hudiburg Rd. in Midwest City). The seminar will be directed by Peter Kummerfeldt, owner and chief instructor for the Survival Consultant Group, an organization that conducts wilderness safety skills seminars and survival training programs throughout the United States. Kummer-feldt is renowned for his informative programs and highly developed skills in the area of wilderness safety training.
"Anyone who hunts, backpacks, camps or enjoys outdoor excursions should know basic outdoor survival skills," said Luann Waters, education specialist with the Wildlife Department. "This seminar will cover many of the basic survival truths, and I would encourage anyone interested in the outdoors to make plans to attend."
Waters said that additional information on Kummerfeldt and the Jan. 23 seminar is available by calling her office at (405) 521-4636.
There are two eagle viewing tours scheduled for Kaw Lake this month.
The first will come Jan. 17 when the Payne County Audubon Society will feature a tour of eagle nesting sites around the reservoir and down stream on the Arkansas River.
The Audubon Tour, which is open to the public, will meet at the dam about 9 a.m. and start the tour from there.
John Couch, President of the Payne County Audubon Society, said this tour, which has been going on for about 10 years, will be looking for eagles and other birds of this area.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority will join forces with the city of Ponca City and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a presentation and tour on Jan. 24.
That second tour is open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. until about 2 p.m. The Wildlife Department will present an educational program which includes a film on eagles at 10 a.m. in the Kaw City Community Center.
At about 11:30, OMPA staff members will serve refreshments at the Kaw Hydroelectric plant at the dam, The ODWC, OMPA, city of Ponca City, the Kaw Lake Association and the Corps will have displays set up in the powerhouse.
Park Ranger Kelly Van Zandt and ODWC biologists will provide information on the American bald Eagle. Guest speaker Phil Henderson will then give a natural history lessons on the golden eagle. His golden eagle, Ebony, will be part of the presentation.
There will be viewing of eagles south of the dam. One eagle roosting area is immediately downstream from the dam.
Participants are asked to bring viewing equipment and dress warmly.
Ron Folks of the Wildlife Department said approximately 20 eagles are wintering in the Kaw Lake area presently.
"We'll need some much colder weather to bring more eagles down," Folks said. "When we have a real colds winter, we have approximately 200 birds around the lake."
The small bobber twitched, then slowly disappeared in the clear, blue water. The excited angler paused, then swept his spinning rod upward. After a brief tussle, he held a colorful rainbow trout in his hand.
With winter's cold setting its sights directly on the Sooner State, most anglers have traded their fishing rods for VCR remotes. But unlike many warm-water species, trout favor cold water and will actively attack an angler's bait this time of year. And with six wintertime and two year-round state-designated trout areas, there are good trout fishing opportunities within an easy drive of most anglers.
"The newest trout area is Pawhuska Lake, located in Osage County," said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries in charge of management for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Pawhuska is a clear-water lake with good bank fishing access. This new area should be especially attractive to Tulsa-area anglers and those who live in north-central Oklahoma."
Bolton said that the Department also has adjusted its stocking strategy this winter and will be incorporating some large (14- to 24-inch) rainbow trout into its stocking schedules for each area. Complete details on the Wildlife Department's trout areas, along with season dates, regulations, fishing tips and area maps are printed in the 1998 Oklahoma Fishing Regulations. Regulation booklets will be available at hunting and fishing license dealers and sporting goods outlets throughout the state around the first of the year.
"We certainly encourage anyone who enjoys fishing to give one of our trout areas a try this winter," Bolton said. "It's a fun activity and can really help cure cabin fever."
Anglers are reminded that anyone fishing in a designated trout area must have a trout license.
It has been widely said that there is no greater joy in life than teaching someone a lifelong skill, and in January Oklahoma anglers wanting to experience the thrill of seeing a kid catch their first fish have an opportunity to become a certified aquatic education instructor and make that happen.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold a volunteer instructor workshop Jan. 20 and 21 at the Department's headquarters in Oklahoma City. The six-hour workshop covers how to set up a fishing clinic, how to teach the different educational stations and where to get materials for hosting a clinic. Once certified, workshop participants will be eligible to teach at fishing clinics sponsored by the Wildlife Department.
The instructor workshop runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-4603.
"For those who love the sport of fishing, there is no greater feeling than that which comes from passing your knowledge and skills on to the next generation," said Omar Reed, an aquatic education volunteer for the Wildlife Department. "There is more demand than ever for volunteers to pass along our outdoor heritage. If you enjoy fishing and want to do something really worthwhile for the sport, you should consider becoming an aquatic education instructor. For those with a love of the outdoors, it's a great opportunity to make a difference."
Reed said that kids who attend an aquatic education clinic learn how to tie knots, identify fish, cast, select tackle and be safe and ethical anglers. Adults 18 years of age and older are eligible to become instructors, provided they attend a six-hour training workshop.
"The gift of instructing others is one of the highest forms of giving possible, and it's also one of the most rewarding," Reed said.
With 1997 now in the history book, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently said "Thank You" to state hunters and anglers for their continued support of the agency.
"The Department is responsible for managing all of the state's fish and wildlife resources, but we do not receive any general state tax revenues to do so," said Greg Duffy, Department director. "The majority of our funding comes from hunting and fishing license sales and special federal taxes on hunting and fishing equipment."
Duffy added that with license sales being such a critical component of the Department's operating income, he was especially appreciative of the many sportsmen and women who religiously purchase the necessary licenses and permits to enjoy Oklahoma's wildlife.
Annual hunting and fishing licenses, which expire each year Dec. 31, cost $12.50 each. A combination license covers both hunting and fishing and costs $21. Separate permits are required for hunting deer turkey and other species. All license requirements and costs are in Oklahoma's Hunting Regulations and Fishing Regulations.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The Wildcat wrestlers got a bit of a slow start here Tuesday night, but then scored points by the bucket full in the middle weights to slam Enid 57-13.
It was the second district win for the Cats, leaving just Edmond Sante Fe standing in the way of their seventh trip to the Dual State Tournament. They should take care of that next Tuesday when they meet the Timberwolves in Robson Fieldhouse.
For all of two matches it looked like the Plainsmen might give the Wildcats a battle.
Enid won a decision at 103 pounds and Wildcat 112-pounder Phillip Gelino needed a reverse in the final 30 seconds to eak out a 4-3 decision over Shawn Isaacs.
But then the dominoes started to fall. Josh Bailey got a 3:23 fall at 119 pounds and Willie Ivie collected a 14-9 decision at 125.
Enid then gave up forfeits to Mark and Matt Dodgen and Lorenzo Jones to balloon the score to 30-3.
But the Poncans kept scoring with Michael Osborn, Kyle Duren and Toby Redleaf getting pins at 145, 152 and 160, respectively.
Enid stopped the bleeding with a fall at 171.
Ponca City's Jay Bentley won a 15-2 major decision at 189, Enid won a major at 215 and heavyweight Jason Nurenberg closed out the rout for the Poncans with a 19-2 technical fall.
The Wildcats improved to 5-2-1 in duals and had coach Pat Young looking for an 11-win season.
It's been a while since the Wildcats have had this many duals. But attending the Jenks Quad, where the Cats went 1-1-1 against some of the better eastern region teams, has given them a chance for the new marker.
Following the dual with Santa Fe, the Wildcats play host to Bartlesville on Jan. 15 and visit Stillwater Jan. 22. They close out the regular dual season at home against Sand Springs (Jan. 30), Sapulpa (Feb. 5) and Tulsa Union (Feb. 10).
Young admits the final four duals will be the toughest for the Cats.
Stillwater is much improved as witnessed by the Pioneer's 59-15 crushing of Bartlesville Tuesday, Sand Springs and Sapulpa are always tough and Union has a better than average team.
But first, the Wildcats have to concentrate on getting past the Geary Tournament this week. That tournament annually draws some of the best talent in the state, especially from the western region.
The Ponca Citians also have the Sapulpa Tournament, scheduled for Jan. 16-17, in addition to the duals.
RESULTS
Ponca City 57, Enid 13
103 - Seals (E) d. Brotherton, 6-0
112 - Gelino (PC) d. Isaacs, 4-3
119 - Bailey (PC) p. Farraet, 3:29
125 - Ivie (PC) d. Buthman, 14-9
130 - Dodgen (PC) fft
135 - Dodgen (PC) fft
140 - Jones (PC) fft
145 - Osborn (PC) p. Sheack, 3:34
152 - Duren (PC) p. Choate, :47
160 - Redleaf (PC) p. Caywood, :45
171 - Batterman (E) p. Smith, 3:29
189 - Bentley (PC) md Brunfield, 15-2
215 - Dekock (E) md Steichen, 16-5
275 - Nurenberg (PC) tf Imrich, 19-2 (6:00)
How They Scored
Takesdowns - Ponca City 15, Enid 11. Escapes - Ponca City 4, Enid 9, Reverses - Ponca City 4, Enid 1. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 7, Enid 0. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 5, Enid 2. Penalty Points - Ponca City 1, Enid 22
Forfeits - Ponca City 3, Enid 0. Falls - Ponca City 4, Enid 1. Technical Falls - Ponca City 1 Enid 0, Major Decisions - Ponca City 1, Enid 1, Decisions - Ponca City 2, Enid 1.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
OWASSO - The Po-Hi Lady Cats (1-4) had another straight uphill battle Tuesday night, taking on the No. 8 state ranked Owasso Lady Rams and a pair of scoring giants, 6-2 Jessica Bates and 6-1 Sarah Reese.
Bates finished with 23 points, while Reese added 26 en route to downing the Lady Cats, 63-40. No other player for the Lady Rams had more than four points.
Without the Lady Rams' go-to girls - who they went to, a lot - the Lady Cats would have had more than a fighting chance. With just 13 turnovers, and showing off a new-found aggressiveness on the offensive end of the court, the Lady Cats came to play. But poor shooting (14-of-53 from the field), combined with an inability to stop the Rams' big guns, inside, doomed the Poncans.
After going down by just four in the first quarter, during which Natasha Anderson banged out a pair of three's to keep things close, the Lady Rams outscored the Poncans 11-20 in the second period to open things up. From there, they didn't look back.
"We just couldn't match up," said head coach Dana Pulley, "our game plan was to box their big girls in, deny them the inside. But they'd just wait until they got behind us, and once they got it to one of them, they'd score."
The Lady Cats, who shot just 15 percent against Jenks in their last game before the holidays, made some improvement, hitting on 26 percent. But that figure includes a dismal 6-of-33 shooting from 2-point land, tempered by stellar shooting from the 3-point line. Natasha Anderson was 3-of-7 from that range, while Desiree Cries For Ribs was 4-for-9, and Gina Hile added another to make it 8-for-20 on the night.
The Lady Cats also hit just 4-of-19 from the free throw line.
Cries For Ribs paced the Cats with 16 points, and Anderson followed with 11. Hile finished with five, Lesley Schieber had three, Stephanie Blochowiak had two, and Julie Schiltz had one.
The Lady Cats will be in Ada Thursday through Saturday for the East Central Oklahoma Classic, a round-robin tournament for the girls (the boys' is a bracket tournament). Thursday the Lady Cats will face Broken Bow at 2:40 p.m., followed by Idabel on Friday at noon, and Carl Albert on Saturday at 5:20 p.m. All games will be broadcast on WBBZ.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
OWASSO - The Ponca City Wildcats dropped to 1-4 on the season Tuesday night, falling to the Owasso Rams (3-2), 59-47.
Making an argument for a high school shot clock, the Rams gave little opportunities to the potentially potent Wildcat offense, which had been averaging 60 points an outing.
With a game-plan that seemed to run mostly in slow-motion, the methodic Rams used good shot-selection in the second quarter to build an eight point lead and never relinquished. Indicative of the game's careful-mode was in the turnovers column - the Rams had ten, while the Cats had just nine.
The Cats, though they pressed Owasso mercilessly, couldn't seem to break the Rams out of their slow-down style offense.
Not to say they didn't try. In the early going, the Cats had the Rams running. After a three-point play by Alfred Delancy to close the first quarter, the Cats were down by just one, 13-12.
But the Rams opened things up by slowing things down even more in the second quarter, going on top by six, then burying 6-of-6 free throws before halftime to take a comfortable 31-23 lead.
After single digit scoring by both teams in third quarter, the Cats did manage to cut the Rams lead to six - briefly - with minutes remaining.
But once again, the painfully patient Rams held their lead like misers, and with the Poncans forced to foul, hit 10 of their last 12 free throws to secure the win.
Though the Wildcats showed definite improvement in their first game of the New Year, the Rams' style made it hard to show.
"It's hard to come back on a patient team like that," said head coach Ron Arthur, after the game, "we were still giving ourselves a chance, even late, but they just spread the floor out.
"By the same token, if we could have taken the lead early on, that same style of play would have made it hard for them to come back."
Still, Arthur seemed pleased with his team's effort, and says they're making progress.
"We need a win to show it," he continued, "and we'll win some if we keep playing like that. And we can't agonize over one defeat too much. There are a lot of games left to play."
Once again, Micha Alexander led the Cats with 15 points, all on 3-pointers. Alfred Delancy followed up with 11, plus nine rebounds, and Tom Engle also had a good game, coming in with eight points and five rebounds. Ryan Treadway also had eight points.
Rounding out the Cats scoring were Scott Larrison with three and Ryan Meyer with two.
The Cats now have one day off before heading for Ada for the East Central Oklahoma Classic, Thursday through Saturday. In that tournament, in which they're seeded first, the Cats will meet Atoka in the first round, Thursday at 1:20 p.m. WBBZ will carry all the Wildcats' games.
Other teams competing are Ada, Idabel, Lawton, Broken Bow, Latta and Carl Albert.
Ninth Grade Girls Varsity
Ponca City 18, Enid Waller 13
Ponca City's varsity ninth grade girls shook off a slow start by outscoring Enid Waller 8-2 in the third period en route to an 18-13 win in the mid-high gym Tuesday.
The Poncans were nursing a 7-6 lead at halftime of the low scoring game when they finally found the range, except from the free throw line.
"We were 4-for-12 in free throws," groaned coach John Maddox. "We have struggled from the free throw line all year. But Enid didn't do any better. They were 3-of-12."
Still, it was enough for the girls to improve to 5-2 on the season, 4-0 in conference play.
Jessica Plagman led the Ponca City scoring with 4 points while Cara Cusick had 3. Jena Birdsong, Tara Cries-For-Ribs, Candace Benson and Erica Wiles all had 2 apiece. Kendra Love had 1.
The Poncans will host Stillwater Thursday.
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Ninth Grade Girls JV
Ponca City 17, Enid Waller 10
Ponca City's ninth grade JV girls broke in front 12-6 at halftime and pulled away in the second half to post a 17-10 win here Tuesday,
Beth Miller paced the Ponca City scoring with 6 points and had an outstanding game, according to coach Penny Surber. Lindsey Frederick had 4 points while Jenni Nimmo, Jesscia Windom and Jennifer Hutchinson all had 2 points each and Tara Trenary had 1.
The JV freshmen are now 4-3 on the season.
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Ninth Grade Boys JV
Ponca City 43, Enid Waller 23
Ponca City's freshman JV basketballers exploded for a 20-3 first quarter lead and cruised in for a 43-23 win over Enid Waller here Tuesday.
"From the very beginning the kids hustled," coach Steve Larimer said. "They were diving after every loose ball and they ran their breaks well."
Kris Upchurch and Josh Kirkpatrick led the Ponca City scoring with 8 points apiece, Andrew Kana, Travis Delaney and Dustin Borden each had 6 points, Michael Hudson had 5 and Mark Parsons and Squire Lawrence each had 2.
The freshmen JVs, now 3-5, travel to Stillwater Thursday.
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Eight Grade Girls Varsity
Ponca City 44, Enid Waller 22
Ponca City's eighth grade varsity girls broke open a close game with a 18-4 run in the third quarter to post a 44-22 win over Enid Waller here Tuesday.
The Poncans led only 14-10 at halftime, but smoked Enid in the second half.
Courtney Birdsong had 10 points for Ponca City while Amanda Ingram had 8. Janice Vedd, Kesha Kazzar and Jamie Leach each had 6 points while Nichole Chance had 4 and Nikki Sells and Stephanie Dyer each had 2.
The eighth graders, now 4-3, 2-1 in the conference, will play in the Edmond Tournament Thursday, going against Oklahoma City Hoover in the first round.
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Eight Grade Girls JV
Enid Waller 21, Ponca City 15
Ponca City's eight grade JV girls fell behind early and could never catch up, losing to Enid Waller, 21-15, in their first game of the season here Tuesday.
The Poncans got off to a horrible start and trailed 12-3 at halftime. They improved in the second half, but not enough.
Christy Cowan and Meredith Veal each had 6 points for the Poncans while Stephanie Dyer had 3.
By The Associated Press
Tuesday's Games
BASKETBALL
BOYS
Blackwell 60, Tonkawa 54
Frontier 64, Newkirk 46
Jenks 62, Sand Springs 50
Morrison 75, Glencoe 64
Owasso 59, Ponca City 47
Pond Creek-Hunter 44, DC-Lamont 41, OT
Sapulpa 66, Bartlesville 45
Stillwater 64, Broken Arrow 52
GIRLS
Blackwell 57, Tonkawa 32
Broken Arrow 60, Stillwater 49
Frontier 41, Newkirk 26
Jenks 52, Sand Springs 46
Morrison 58, Glencoe 30
Owasso 63, Ponca City 40
Sapulpa 63, Bartlesville 39
TOURNAMENTS
Mulhall-Orlando Tournament
Cashion 62, Billings 61
Coyle 80, Mulhall-Orlando 77
Cashion 68, Billings 49 (girls)
Mulhall-Orlando 52, Coyle 38 (girls)
Shidler Invitational
Carney 54, Shidler 49
Prue 90, Tyro Christian, Kan. 35
Braman 62, Tyro Christian, Kan. 17 (girls)
Carney 30, Prue 23 (girls)
WRESTLING
Ponca City 57, Enid 13
Blackwell 39, Cushing 26
T. Union 35, Owasso 33
Stillwater 59, Bartlesville 15
STILLWATER (AP) - A stress fracture in his right thigh will keep Oklahoma State forward Scott Robisch on the sidelines for at least a month.
The injury was diagnosed after a bone scan Tuesday morning, said Dr. Donald Cooper, team physician.
Robisch began feeling the effects of the injury last month. He missed the past two games but had played in six of the previous nine games.
OWASSO - The Lady Cat Junior Varsity dropped to 2-3 on the year Tuesday, falling to Owasso's JV, 37-25.
After scoring just four points in each of the first two quarters, and being blown out, 16-6, in the third, the Lady Cats were never really a match for the much bigger Owasso squad.
"Our movement was good, we didn't have that many turnovers, and we did well on the press at times, but they had the definite height advantage," said head coach Brad Larimer. Also, the Lady Cats connected on just 3-of-16 from the free throw line. "That'll kill you all the time," said Larimer.
The Lady Cats got good production from the bench, with eight of ten players scoring, but it wasn't enough to equal the 21 points dumped in by the Lady Rams' 6-0 Autumn Weant.
For the Lady Cats, Gina Hile led the way with eight, Alana Smith followed with four, while Laura Sudbury and Aleena Ames both had three. Romi Foreman, Jennifer Caughman and Kristl Richardson each had two, while Allison Stotts had one.
NEWKIRK - Frontier's girls took up where they left off in the first semester, scoring early in a 41-26 win over Newkirk Tuesday.
The Lady Mustangs, now 10-0, jumped in front 11-4 in the first quarter. They expanded on a 17-10 halftime lead by outscoring the Lady Tigers 15-4 in the third quarter.
Stephanie Romero and Carolee Bible paced Frontier with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Suzi Eisenhauer and Stephanie Peace each had 6 points fore Newkirk.
Frontier 41, Newkirk 26 (girls)
Frontier 11 6 15 9 - 41
Newkirk 4 6 4 12 - 26
Frontier - Romero 14, Bible 10, D. Jake 7, S. Jake 4, Sober 3, Miller 2, Deroin 1.
Newkirk - Eisenhauer 6, Peace 6, Beardon 4, Pappan 4, Beck 2, Leming 2.
Using both good shooting and a solid defense, the Wildcat sophomore boys blew past Guthrie 52-42 here Monday.
The Po-Hi cagers held Guthrie to single-diget scoring in each of the first two periods to build a 26-12 lead at the intermission.
Evan Rupp drew praise from coach Jerry Orr for his defensive play against Guthrie's Sam Morgan, who hit for 20 points in the first meetings between the two teams. Morgan had 8 points Monday.
The Poncans also had the range in their shooting, especially from then free throw line where they hit 16-of-19 chances.
Blake Guebelle and Jeff Furnas each had 10 points for the Ponca Citians. Rupp and Bret Skaggs each had 8 points while Barry Chance had 7, Aaron Sattre 6, Wes Crossen 2 and Matt Morris 1.
The sophomores, now 3-0, play at Bartlesville Thursday.
Ponca City's sophomore girls reopened their season with a win here Monday, downi