From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, January
13, 1998
LOCAL
Andrews Won't Seek Third Term as Mayor
Reserve Deputies To Patrol as 'Trash Cops'
City Has Snow, Ice Removal Manual in Place - 'Let It Snow'
Former Resident Dead From Shot
No Immediate Plans To Sell Lincoln Center
EDAB Gets Report On Some Prospects
Fourteenth Street Speed Limit Now Consistent Throughout
First Lutheran School Geography Bee Held
Daffodil Days Provides Funds To Fight Cancer
Payne County Genealogy Society To Hear Newspaper Project Director
First Baptist Invites Students To 'Disciple Now'
DEATHS
Ray Sikes
Cecil O. Wood Sr.
Bettie Jane Brewer
Services Pending
Thomas A. Martin
Margaret Felsenthal
Funerals
James I. Trimble
Goldie Olive Rosenberry
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Magazine Features Thorn Apple Valley
Kids Kastle Provides Indoor Entertainment
Tonkawa Chamber Presents Awards
AARP Volunteers Will Assist With Income Tax Preparation
OSBDC Plans Visit to Area On Jan. 21 for Counseling
China Dynasty New Restaurant In Econo Lodge
Building Permits Total $290,000
Johnny Western Special Guest For Kaw Chamber
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Writers Meet Thursday At Ponca City Library
SPORTS
Cagers Face Struggling Sandites
Lady Mavs Have Enough of Rank
Mav (14-3) Could Get Even Better
Matmen Seek Dual State Bid
Junior High Basketball
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
It was during Monday night's city commission meeting and during the agenda item titled "Communication from mayor and commissioners" that the rumors were stopped and speculation ended as Mayor Marilyn Andrews, nonchalantly and without emotion, announced she would not be seeking another term as the mayor of Ponca City.
Continuing to the next agenda item, she didn't miss a beat, stop to notice any reactions or take the time to gaze into the camera as she gave the answer to the question so many had wondered and so many had asked.
The reaction was one of shock, more over the timing, than of the announcement itself. It had been speculated for weeks that the two-term mayor would not seek re-election to a position she has held for the past six years. "I was shocked," Commissioner Lyn Boyer said of the announcement. "I have heard others talking about running and have wondered who would actually run."
The mayor explained that she would be out of town for several days and felt it was necessary to make the announcement as soon as possible, putting to rest the wondering and waiting for those interested in running for the position.
In an interview after the meeting, Andrews had this to say about her decision not to seek another term:
"There is never a place to start and stop when you are in the political arena," she said. "The opportunities have been phenomenal and we as a community have accomplished so much.
"I want to stay until all the projects are completed but in politics that is not possible. There is a stopping point and I have another life and who knows what that life will hold for me."
Her accomplishments and contributions are as lengthy as her tenure as mayor. Andrews was elected to the position in 1992. Prior to that she was a city commissioner, chairman and member of several city boards and commission including the Park and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, the Ponca City Master Plan Committee and the 911 Advisory Board. The United Way, Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center and Poncan Theater Company are among the many community boards on which she has served.
It is not only the city she has been involved with. Her contributions reach state and national levels. Andrews has served on the Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors, was co-chairman of the Programs Committee for the National League of Cities and participated with many other organizations state and nation-wide.
Her colleagues admire and respect her and her contributions. "I appreciate all she has done and admire her tenacity throughout her term," Commissioner Chris Hand said. "She has been a great ambassador for Ponca City and we will miss her."
"I told her that it would be very difficult to leave 15 years of service behind," Commissioner Tom Leonard stated. "She has had an exceptional career in public service."
Without question it was Commissioner Dick Stone that had the most to say, being both a colleague in public office and a neighbor at home. "It would be hard pressed to find a citizen to give to this community what she has given as a planning commissioner, a city commissioner and a two-term mayor," Stone said. "She represented the city in the state and in the nation beyond what citizens recognize or even appreciate and any honor this city can bestow will be under what she has provided through her leadership and service. It will not seem like Ponca City without Mayor Andrews in the forefront with her winning personality and positive attitude.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The County Commissioners this week took another step toward fighting illegal trash dumping in rural areas by handing the county's new "Trash Cop" program to the sheriff's reserve deputies.
The board said the county would pull from a new $10,000 grant from the state Association of County Commissioners (ACCO) and provide $300 each month into the reserve sheriff's deputy fund for the reserve's assistance.
ACCO assistant executive director Bob Packer last month presented a $10,000 grant to the county to start a "Trash Cop" program that would fund an officer to identify and arrest violators who dump their trash on rural roadsides.
Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen on Monday told the board the sheriff's reserve deputies would like to take the project. And with 15 reserve deputies on the force, the program would get more coverage than if the county hired a specific person, he said.
The commissioners each agreed the program would be good for the reserves, but they have still to determine a "penalty phase" of the program for Kay County.
In Muskogee County, where the trash cop program is already successful, violators reportedly are ordered to serve 200 hours of community service and pay a $200 fine and another $200 to a reward fund.
Packer told the board such fines can perpetuate a county's program past the original $10,000 and make it self-sustaining.
The sheriff's suggestion was timely for the commissioners, who late last summer joined with the Kay County Conservation District to find ways to stop people from dumping trash on rural roadsides.
Soil Conservationist Dick Zetterberg told the board the district had received enough complaints about rural trash dumps to elevate the issue to one of the district's top priorities.
With some kind of control, the county could get its first real handle on the widespread problem.
In response to an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality request, the commissioners prepared a solid waste plan in 1996, with OSU Extension Director Larry Fleck identifying some 18 major dumping sites across the county.
District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven said the county was required to make the solid waste plan, "but didn't have to implement it" at the time.
The board said the county's previous fight against trash dumping - which usually means having the sheriff's department make violators come and pick their trash back up - hasn't been too effective.
Leven said trash dumpers currently can face $1,000 to $2,000 fines, "but you've got to catch them first."
In roadside trash sites across the county, old refrigerators can lie face up in a creekbed, clogging the normal drainage along with old shingles, paint cans and mounds of litter, and the discarded carcasses of dogs and farm animals are sometimes decomposing at the side of a thoroughfare.
Sofas and stuffed chairs that have sat for months can typically be strewn with brand-new garbage.
District One Commissioner Dee Schieber said some of the illegal roadside dumping probably results from residents not wanting to pay the $12-per-truckload required at the city landfill.
But a lot of it is just laziness, too, he said.
Zetterberg told the board the conservation district's role is probably to provide education and information programs so people can realize the far-reaching problems caused by indiscriminate dumping of trash, beyond just the unsightliness.
He said Tulsa County has seen success with informational signs, such as by posting "Do Not Dump Oil" signs near storm drains.
"You don't just dump. There's a right way to do it," Zetterberg said.
"I wanted to do an experiment and go to a real clean site and put up a "No Dumping" sign - I wonder how long it would take before people started dumping there."
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," for city crews are ready, willing and able to handle the snow when and if it comes. The City of Ponca City has had a snow and ice control manual in place for years. The manual details operating procedures and the specific areas targeted for snow and ice removal.
According to the manual, snow is plowed only on major streets and at all school entrances. The city will not plow residential streets, driveways or sidewalks. Under the manual and according to city policy there are four priority routes where snow and ice will be removed - major and secondary arterials, business districts and schools.
The major arterials include but are not limited to sections of First Street, Fourth Street, Fifth Street, Hartford Avenue, Highland Avenue, Prospect Avenue and Union Street. The secondary arterials include portions of several streets and avenues throughout the city including Industrial Blvd., and Kygar Road. The business district includes the downtown area and a square block from Central Avenue to Cleveland Avenue and First Street to Fifth Street.
There are several conditions in which the city initiate plowing and/or salting applications. According to Public Works Director Ken Parr salt and sand are applied when roads become icy and plowing is initiated when snow accumulations are 4 inches or more.
It is a mixture of both sand and salt that is now used on icy roadways. Previously only salt was applied. However due to complainants of drivers, unable to see the salt, the city opted to use the more visible mixture of both sand and salt. The mixture is applied on major streets, intersections and stopping areas to control slick spots.
The ODOT is responsible for the highway system inside the city limits which includes several sections of major roads and streets within the city limits, including but not limited to Fourteenth Street, Grand Avenue, South Avenue and Waverly Street. Because ODOT's equipment is limited, the city occasionally assists ODOT with their efforts.
The city has 21 employees, three salt/sand spreaders, two motor graders, four vehicles equipped for snow removal, seven dump trucks and three front end loaders "ready for action."
In addition, the Park Department has 20 employees for snow and ice removal of city properties such as the police station, city hall, library and the lake areas. Park Department employees are charged with the responsibility of clearing snow and ice from both parking lots and sidewalks of all city properties.
There is also a policy and snow removal procedure in place for the Ponca City Municipal Airport. The airport is usually closed if accumulations are more that 4 inches. Plowing begins with the runway and then proceeds to the taxiways, terminal ramp, sidewalks to the fire station ramps and then to the hangar ramps. "We have plowed almost every year," Airport manager Don Nuzum said. "The airport closes only long enough to clear the runway then it reopens."
There is even a policy in place for snow and ice removal at the Marland Mansion. But then it only calls for maintenance employees to remove the freezing liquid from the sidewalks and parking lots during a light snow and to contact the street department for heavy snow removal.
The plans are in place but where is the snow? Street crews were busy this past weekend spreading salt/sand on major intersections when the wet streets became a thin layer of ice. But how often is all this utilized in this city? "Not much," says Parr. "Only once in the last three years have snow depths been deep enough to plow."
But then when you are not prepared is when the snow would surely fall and fall at record amounts. With the temperatures forecasted to continue falling and the end to winter not yet in sight, drivers can rest assure that whether ice or snow the city is prepared because "it is better to be safe than sorry."
A former Ponca City resident died Saturday afternoon from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Kay County Sheriff Marion VanHoesen, Jimmy Eugene Russell, 45, of Stilwell, was pronounced dead at the scene of his ex-wife's house in the 2500 block of West Hubbard Road at 12:28 p.m. Saturday.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The possible selling of the old Lincoln Elementary School, now known as the Lincoln Center, prompted students, police officers and concerned citizens to speak at Monday night's regular school board meeting.
Dominique Teichmer, student in the Alternative Education School, said, "Not only does the Lincoln Center offer the courses required in order to graduate, but the teachers show us exactly how much we really need the courses in real life. At the Lincoln Center everyone is equal and given equal opportunities, and no one is threatened or intimidated by teachers or other pupils. Regardless of whether you want to see it or not, it happens every day at Po-Hi right under your nose. If you sell our school you will be taking away the education you promise and smashing dreams."
Ponca City Police Officers Tom Burg and Brad Fultz also spoke on behalf of the center. The officers told the board that they have formed a relationship with the alternative students, and that by selling the building self-esteem levels might go back down. Officer Burg said, "These students want to learn and they want to go to school."
Byron Tribble, prevention specialist, said, "You can walk down the halls of many schools and find hidden messages, by that I mean kids putting their mark on something. At the Lincoln Center there is no graffiti or markings of any kind. This shows me pride, responsibility and respect for themselves and their school."
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, responded to the comments saying there was no immediate plans to sell the building.
The matter had come up during the public comments time of the regular session, and board members spent about two hours listening to the comments.
Buses and Band Uniforms
Quotes for new buses, band uniforms and band equipment from the 1997 bond election money were approved.
The purchase of the new buses was authorized by the passage of the 1997 bond election. Quotes were sought for the purchase of four buses that would carry 65 students. Specifications were developed and quotes were sought that would allow the outright purchase of four new buses or the purchase of four new buses less the trade-ins of four older buses.
Jerry Lee, Transportation director, recommended that the board accept the quote from Mid-West Bus Sales of El Reno for four 65 passenger buses for $185,516, less the trade-ins of four old buses of $4,800, for a total cost of $177,716. Upon approval, the buses will be delivered in June or July of 1998.
New band uniforms and instruments were approved. They were:
- Total band uniforms from Fruhauf for $92,210.72,
- Marching Mellophones from Sailed Music in the amount of $24,136,
- Marching percussion from Lone Star for $8,961.63,
- Computer equipment from Computer City for $4,150.28,
- $535.75 for the purchase of computer software from Gooden's,
- $8,470 to purchase a Baby Grand Piano from Jenson's, and
- $1,170 to purchase a portable P.A. System.
The total purchase price is $139,634.39. All instruments also include the trade-in price.
Budget Revisions
Approval was given to revising the 1997-98 budget due to current year funding. Current year funding will add $235,000 to the district revenue this spring. Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, recommended that the budget be amended to expend $145,000 on the following line items:
- Instructional supplies (10 percent cut) for $35,000
- Technology equipment (10 percent cut) for $10,000
- Testing and assessment for $30,000
- SASI software for $40,000
- Top step stipend for $30,000 ($500 each for certified and $300 to $500 for support)
Forty-one teachers and five administrators on the top step did not get a step raise. Twenty-four teachers and four administrators will receive an insurance stipend of up to $480. To give everyone a $500 stipend less, the insurance stipend takes approximately $15,000.
Fifty-four support employees are on the top step and did not receive a step raise. Twenty-five will receive the insurance stipend. To give each employee a stipend equal to the amount of going from the ninth step to the 10th step, not to exceed $500 less the insurance stipend, takes approximately $15,000.
The budget also needed to be revised to reflect that several positions remain vacant, and the personnel expenditure can be cut $100,000. The board's budget for property reassessment will also be increased by $20,000. With these two items, the budget will be fully balanced with a 7 percent fund balance (reserve). Spending $145,000 of current year funding will increase the fund balance to approximately 7.4 percent at $1,680,000.
Other Agenda Items
The 1998-99 school calendar was approved. The new calendar adds three days of classroom instruction and deletes one school improvement day in the spring. The teachers are obligated for 182 days, which is one less than the contract maximum of 183.
A lease agreement with Home National Bank for the purchase of a copy machine for Ponca City Middle School was unanimously approved. There is difficulty in securing parts to repair the old copier used by staff at the middle school; therefore, a recommendation was made to lease purchase a new copier using middle school instructional monies.
A Toshiba 2860 copier was selected with the help of Kay Office Equipment Company, and an educational discount was arranged. The total cost of the copier and needed accessories is $3,582. A lease purchase agreement with Home National Bank for a three year lease purchase agreement will have a total cost of $3,662 with a 5.3 percent interest.
Dr. White also recommended that two separate Activity Fund Accounts be established for the Instrumental Music Department. After approval was given, one of the accounts will be for cash for the annual upcoming spring trip, and the other one will be for other "new" Activity Fund revenues and expenditures.
The purpose for these new accounts is to isolate specific accounts for the trips and start over with a clean slate for instrumental music funds, while designating monies from the existing account to be distributed for the original intentions.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. White told the board that a decline in enrollment numbers continues, but there is some good news. Before the Christmas break, 24 students graduated mid-year, and six more students started during the month of January compared to last year. The total enrollment number as of Jan. 9 was 5,565.
A special board meeting was set for Jan. 16, at noon to go over the bids received for the Commons addition, Howell Building remodel and the Fine Arts Canopy Project.
Presentations and Comments
Pioneer Bank and Trust of Ponca City presented Ponca City Public Schools with eight pieces of art work to be distributed in the Conference Training Room at the Administrative Center. Carl Renfro, Pioneer Bank chairman of the board and CEO made the presentation.
The January Employees of the Month and Friend of Education Awards were awarded to: Elaine Harman, Certified Teaching Award; Jan Maddox, Support Teaching Award; and Roberta Stuckey, Friend of Education Award.
Stan Hollis address the board representing the Class of 1948 regarding the War Memorial located on the south side of Po-Hi.
Superintendent's Contract
After returning from executive session at 11:40 p.m., the board approved the contract of Dr. Bill White, superintendent, for another three years.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Economic Development Advisory Board's (EDAB) Tuesday agenda consisted of routine committee reports and other planning activities as the new board gears up for the coming year.
Jan Jarrett, executive director, told of working prospects including a warehousing distribution operation. He told about a future appointment with a manufacturing company that is about a $3 million operation and on receiving a positive report from a German manufacturing company he has been talking with.
Gerald Hall, regional representative of the Department of Commerce based in Stillwater, announced a new program that began Jan. 1 which is a Small Employers Quality Jobs Program. In the past the Quality Jobs Program had been basically for larger employers.
Linda Brown, EDAB chairman, called on various committee chairs for reports including Tim Burg, Communications; L.J. Chaufty, Incentives; Larry Atteberry, Funding; David Mills, Regional Activities; Carl Renfro, New Industry; George Ferguson and George Paczkowski, Existing Industry, and Brown, Policies.
Paczkowski announced his committee is seeking nominations for the Large and Small Industry Awards that will be presented at the annual Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet slated for Jan. 30.
Burg told about efforts to establish a speakers' bureau and speak to various civic clubs. He also told about what can be done on a Home Page on the Internet and reminded the group this is "our link" to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Renfro announced that Dr. Joe Kinzer has been added to his New Industry Committee.
Brown set a work session to be held after the regular Feb. 10 meeting. The work session is slated from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and could be extended. The committees are all to have met by then and set priorities. Jarrett asked that each of the committee chairs send a list of priorities to him before the meeting.
It was noted that some of the committees may be overlapping and these could be combined. This work session is designed to bring "focus" to the committees by defining duties and setting goals for 1998. At the March meeting the budget will be discussed.
Jarrett commented that in terms of expenditures that trade shows and face to face meetings are more effective than dumping a lot of money into advertising.
He passed out two handouts, one from the Governor's Economic Development Team on "Winning Strategies in Economic Development: the Site Consultants' View," and another from John Reid, Office of Business Recruitment, Department of Commerce, on information from a Conference on Urban and Economic Development.
Jarrett encouraged the board members to attend the OSU Economic Outlook Conference in Oklahoma City on Jan. 21. He also announced the State Chamber's Legislative Reception is set for Feb. 11. A future trip is planned to visit the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
It is official and soon to be consistent. City Commissioners unanimously approved increasing the speed limit on sections of Fourteenth Street from 35 mph to 40 mph. Both ODOT and the traffic commission had recommended the change allowing the existing 40 mph speed limit to become consistent throughout the entire length of the major thoroughfare.
Traffic Engineer Mike Lane explained to Commissioners that he had requested ODOT to conduct a spot study to determine if the change should be made. "The study showed 82 percent of the drivers traveled at 42 mph, " Lane said. "People traveling near the same speed makes it safer and reduces the number of speed violators."
City Commissioners also approved an amendment to the city code which prohibits commercial trucks, trailers, buses and recreational vehicles having more than two axles and/or 18 feet or more in length from parking on residential streets except for immediate loading or unloading. However, the amendment does allow tractors for semitrailers to be parked on residential driveways or other hard surfaces.
Previously the code only prohibited such vehicles from parking on residential streets during the night. According to Lane, the change was initiated by the police department due to the danger the large vehicles caused in sight distance and safety for area residents.
Mayor Marilyn Andrews, Commissioner Dick Stone and Lyn Boyer all stated they had received several calls in favor of the change in the city code. "This problem is very irritating for residents for a lot of reasons," Commissioner Stone said. "I would like to see us put 'some teeth' into the enforcement of this."
Violation of the new amendment could result in a $200 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
And what should have been a short and sweet commission meeting turned into a long and bittersweet meeting as a debate between two city residents, city staff and the city commission ensued. The debate centered around the city granting a 20-foot access drive easement on city property to an area resident.
Home owners Jim and Cheryl Moon had requested the city grant an easement for permanent access to their property located at 1405 Pioneer Road.
Adjacent property owner, Clyde Behrens, who at one time leased the easement and surrounding city lake front property, objected to the city staff's recommendation that a 20 foot easement be granted and insisted the commissioners grant the 10-foot easement which the parties had agreed upon during mediation.
"We agreed on a 10-foot easement and that is what should be granted," Behrens said at the meeting. "They do not need that much of an easement and they might mow the extra footage at a different time than I mow my yard, making it look like you know what."
City staff explained the reason the additional five feet on either side of the drive was recommended. "The extra footage gives adequate room for the Moon's to maintain their roadway and also gives them room if any repairs are needed without going onto the other's property," Parks and Recreation Director Jim Sindelar stated.
After a long debate and rehashing of an argument that had been previously been heard by commissioners, a motion which granted an easement the width of the driveway was approved by a margin of 4-1.
Commissioner Leonard voted against the motion. "I am voting against the motion only because I feel we will be back here again on this matter."
The sale of an old fire tanker was also approved by commissioners Monday night. A bid of $16,775.99 from Linker Mountain Fire Department of Dover, Ark. to purchase the 1970 model tanker was accepted. The bid was the only one received, however it was above the minimum $15,000 bid acceptance.
With one vote the commissioners approved the consent agenda and among those items approved was $3,000 in grants for advertisement for several up-coming events scheduled to be held in Ponca City including $1,000 to Soroptimist International to advertise their antique show to be held in April and another $2,000 to Quail Unlimited for advertising their March national dog competition. The tourism authority had made the request because of the "economic impact on the community and tourism" the events bring.
And for the first time ever drag boat races will be allowed on Lake Ponca. City Commissioners approved a contract between the City and H2O Sports Marketing Inc. (HSM) allowing the races to be held June 27 and 28. The contract gives HSM exclusive rights to all drag boat races for a period of five years. According to the contract the City will receive ten percent of both gross ticket sales and concessions sold during the event.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority and as a consent item, the commissioners approved over $232,000 in payments for the wastewater treatment plant improvements and over $100,000 for the landfill project.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Samuel Garlett, a student at First Lutheran School, won the school-level competition of the National Geography Bee and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the tenth annual National Geography Bee. The Bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Sylvan Learning Centers, the nation's leading provider of supplemental education services to students at all skill levels.
Other students participating at First Lutheran were: Clint Goodger, fourth grader; David Eyster, Ryan Scott, and Polly Morris, fifth graders; Sarah VanArsdale and Heather Marlar, sixth graders; Amanda Lewis and Sean O'Grady, seventh graders; and Eric Ellenwood and Asha Patel, eighth graders.
The school winners, including Garlett, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state and territory will be eligible to compete in their state Bee April 3.
The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and their teacher-escorts to participate in the National Geography Bee national championship on May 19-20. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship.
Alex Trebek, host of "Jeopardy!" will moderate the national finals on May 20. The program will be produced by Maryland Public Television and will air on PBS stations.
The National Geographic Society developed the National Geography Bee in response to a growing concern about the lack of geographic knowledge among young people in the United States. A 10-country Gallup survey conducted for the Society in 1988 and 1989 found that people in the United States ages 18 to 24, the youngest group surveyed, knew less about geography than young people in any of the other countries in the survey.
Paul Schatte, principal of First Lutheran, said, "We're very proud of Samuel's accomplishments in winning the Geography Bee. We wish him well with his written examination, and hope he makes it to the state level. I am also very proud of all the students that competed this year. They made a tremendous effort to learn geography."
A collaboration between Mother Nature and the Kay County Unit of the American Cancer Society (ACS) will be available here in late February. It's called Daffodil Days.
Mother Nature will be providing thousands of beautiful, yellow daffodils to the American Cancer Society's Kay County Unit in an effort to raise money for cancer research, education, and service for local residents.
A corps of volunteers of the Kay County Unit will be taking donations for these daffodils at Wal-Mart, K-Mart and United Supermarkets on Feb. 20 and 21. The bright and beautiful yellow flowers will be available in bouquets or in larger quantities through advance orders.
Buying a bouquet will serve two purposes. "Putting a breath of Spring in your home will help to raise your spirits and making a donation to the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days special event will help raise the hopes of many cancer patients and the residents of our community," Betty Tautfest, Chairperson of Daffodil Days says.
Churches, banks, businesses and individuals can all help raise money for the fight against cancer by purchasing a bunch of the beauties. To place an advance order or for more information call Betty Tautfest at 765-2404.
STILLWATER - Mary Huffman, who has directed the Oklahoma Newspaper Project since its inception in 1992 for the Oklahoma Historical Society, will address the Payne County Genealogy Society at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Stillwater's City Hall.
Huffman will describe the Oklahoma Newspaper Project, which cataloged Oklahoma's more than 3,500 newspaper titles published in all 77 counties and increased the Oklahoma Historical Society's collection. Included, she said, will be a description of the more than 70 titles that have existed in Payne County.
"We are excited to hear from Mary Huffman, because the Oklahoma Historical Society's newspaper collection is so important to us," said Lorinda Curd of the Payne County Genealogical Society.
A major accomplishment of the project, she said, was to add more than 30 years of the Cushing Citizen missing issues and more than 20 years of Cushing Daily News issues to the Historical Society's collection. They were loaned by David and Myra Reid of the Cushing Daily Citizen to be microfilmed.
Huffman supervised public services in the Oklahoma Historical Society's Research Library before taking on the Oklahoma Newspaper Project. She wrote the grant proposal and became director of the project, which was funded by $834,311 in grants from the national Endowment for the Humanities.
Huffman earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She taught four years before earning her master's at the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in special libraries.
The Oklahoma Historical Society has more than 85 percent of all newspapers ever published in Oklahoma on microfilm, Huffman said, including more than 3,500 titles. The titles have been cataloged on the Online Computer Library Center and in a printed Union List of Oklahoma Newspapers.
As a result, the Historical Society now has a complete list of all existing newspapers throughout the state. In addition, the project identified another 518 titles published in Oklahoma, bringing the known number of titles published in Oklahoma since the 1840s to 4,018.
For more information, call Huffman at (405) 522-5249.
The student ministry at First Baptist Church, Ponca City, invites all students 7th grade through college to attend "Disciple Now," Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 1998. This year's theme will be "Jesus."
Leaders for the event include Mickey and Ronda Ary, currently working with the Evangelism Department in Missouri. The Arys are former Ponca Citians while he was student minister at First Baptist Church here. Other leaders will be Cary Hilyard, another former student minister in Ponca City, currently attending Seminary; Tim and Kara Smith of Baptist Temple in Oklahoma City; Mike Duncan of First Baptist Church in Woodward, and Lance Whaley of First Baptist Church, Fort Cobb.
Cost will be $40 for the three-day event which will be teaching basic
Christian discipleship and spiritual disciplines. To sign up, please call
the office of First Baptist Church at 765-4427. Limited space is available,
so call as soon as possible and "put Jesus first in 1998."
DEATHS
Ray Sikes, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday morning, Jan. 11, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 74.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ed Coy Light, pastor, and the Rev. Craig Dietert, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. The casket will not be opened at the church, however, friends may call at the funeral home until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Mr. Sikes was born March 13, 1923, in Clayton, to Beecher Ray and Ada Mae (Williams) Sikes. He grew up in Antlers, and attended schools there. Sikes served as a training instructor in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After being discharged, he moved to Ada, where he completed his high school education.
On Aug. 2, 1948, he was married to Betty Jean Owens in Ada. Mr. Sikes was employed as a theater manager with Video Theaters, Inc. for 33 years. In 1977, he came to Ponca City from Ardmore and served as manager for the Poncan Theatre and the Ponca Plaza Twin until retiring in 1979. At the time of his death, Sikes was employed as a salesman for the Roger A. Smith Plumbing Company. He was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church, and loved fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Betty of the Ponca City home; two daughters, Cheryl Lyn Johnson of Seymour, Texas, and Lisa Diane Brown of Ponca City; one brother, Douglas Sikes of Chickasha; three sisters, Jean Nelson, of Castro Valley, Calif., Johnnie Iams of Willow, Okla., and Dell Love of Walla Walla, Wash.; and four grandchildren. His parents and a brother, Shelby Sikes, preceded him in death.
Casket bearers will be Nelson Myers, Neil Lamb, Floyd Wells, Derek Johnson, Donnie Johnson and Jim Owens.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sikes' name to St. Paul's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1904 North Pecan, Ponca City, OK 74604.
The family will be at 1200 Coronado.
BLACKWELL - Cecil O. Wood Sr., former Blackwell resident, died early Monday morning, Jan. 12, 1998, at his home in Pawhuska. He was 93.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Roberts Funeral Home chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Kenneth Romines of Henryetta will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.
Cecil O. Wood Sr. was born Sept. 10, 1904, in Spencer, Iowa, the son of John E. and Anna E. (Omundson) Wood. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Omega, where he grew up and attended schools and worked on the family farm.
On Jan. 21, 1929, he was married to Mary Jane Czerny in Oklahoma City and the couple established their first home on a farm east of Kingfisher. In July 1929, they moved to Blackwell, where Wood began employment with National Refining Company before opening his own service station. During War II he worked at Blackwell Zinc for two years, then returned to private business. In 1947, Wood was employed as an agent for Modern Woodmen of America Insurance Company, where he was promoted to district manager. He retired from the insurance company after 40 years and continued to live in Blackwell until June 1993, when he and his wife moved to Pawhuska. Wood was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Blackwell Oddfellow Lodge. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Blackwell Senior Citizens Center.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Wood of Pawhuska; one son, Cecil O. of Pawhuska; one sister, Bonnie J. Worden of Tucson, Ariz.; two brothers, Eugene A. of Enid and Ellis E. of Watonga; one granddaughter and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Glen and Gerald; and three sisters, Hanna Hale, Gladys Rasp, and Rose Wood.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Wood's name to the Osage County Help Workshop Inc., c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
TULSA - Bettie Jane Brewer, former Ponca City resident, died Friday, Jan. 9, 1998, in Tulsa. She was 78.
A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Stanley's Funeral Service Chapel in Tulsa.
Bettie Jane Brewer was born Nov. 25, 1919, in Ponca City. She had retired from Conoco Inc. in 1983 after 30 years of service. Mrs. Brewer enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, and spending time with her family. She moved to Tulsa in 1989 to live near her family.
Survivors include one daughter, Cathy Knapp of Tulsa; one granddaughter; one grandson; and two great-grandsons.
Thomas Andrew "Toby" Martin, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1998, at his home. He was 66. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. The family will be at 3227 South McCord Road.
Margaret L. Felsenthal, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998, in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 77. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Wednesday
James I. Trimble - Funeral at 2 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Service Chapel in Winfield, Kan. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, north of Arkansas City, Kan.
Goldie Olive Rosenberry - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Roberts
Funeral Home Chapel, Blackwell. Burial will be in the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery.
NEWS BRIEFS
Meeting Canceled - The Ponca City Title IX meeting scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. has been canceled. The meeting will be rescheduled.
Sign Down - A report of a downed street sign in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street was received at the police station at 8:11 a.m. Monday. Traffic Engineering was notified.
Attempted Break-In - At 9:23 a.m. Monday a woman reported that someone tried to break into her rental house in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street. A report was taken.
Building Rammed - Police received a call at 10:24 a.m. Monday regarding a vehicle that had run into the Sav-A-Trip building at 207 East Highland Avenue. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 27-year-old man was arrested at 10:45 a.m. Monday from South Ash Street and West Central Avenue for driving under suspension, no insurance and no seat beat.
Fight - At 12:17 p.m. Monday a motorist reported a fight in front of the Middle School to police. The school handled the matter.
Car Fire - One fire engine responded to a car fire in the 1000 block of North First Street at 12:43 p.m. Monday. It was extinguished.
Phone Theft - At 2:55 p.m. Monday police received a call from a man reporting that his cellular phone was stolen from Ponca Bowl, 2000 Lake Road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - A man in the 300 block of North First Street advised police at 3:26 p.m. Monday that his license plate and a wheel had been stolen. A report was taken.
Runaway Tire - At 3:28 p.m. police received a call advising of a truck tire in the road at East Park Avenue and North Second Street. The street department was contacted.
Arrest - A 20-year-old man was arrested at 3:47 p.m. Monday in Newkirk on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Juvenile Arrest - Police arrested a 16-year-old boy on two counts of burglary at 3:55 p.m. Monday.
Missing Papers - At 4:56 p.m. Monday a man in the 400 block of South Peachtree Street reported to police that important papers of his had been stolen.
Juvenile Arrested - At 5:36 p.m. Monday police arrested a 17-year-old boy on two counts of burglary.
Shoplifters Arrested - Police arrested a 29-year-old woman and 24-year-old woman at 6:05 p.m. Monday for grand larceny after Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported shoplifters in custody.
Pole Hit - At 6:09 p.m. Monday a woman in the 200 block of North Elm Street reported that a pickup truck had hit a light pole and then left the scene. The driver was located and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a man at 9:58 p.m. Monday from the 2100 block of North Union Street for domestic assault and battery.
Assault - At 11:17 p.m. Monday a woman reported to police that she was assaulted in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - At 2:06 a.m. Tuesday police were notified of a burglary in the 1200 block of South Thirteenth Street. A report was taken.
Vehicle Fire - Police were notified of a vehicle fire at 3:58
a.m. Tuesday in the 3500 block of Springwood. The owner of the vehicle was
located and the fire was determined to be an electrical short inside the
vehicle.
BUSINESS
Thorn Apple Valley's general plant manager Glenn Perkins and Mike Rozzano, vice present of processed meats operations, are featured on the cover of the December issue of "Meat Processing." The cover story is entitled "Thorn Apple Valley's (Fat) Free Lunch."
The story tells that Thorn Apple Valley's new Ponca City state-of-the-art facility produces 100-day shelf life premium fat-free lunchmeats.
Joel Dorfman, president and CEO of Thorn Apple Valley, is quoted as saying, "As the demand grew our projections indicated that additional plant capacity would be necessary in the near future."
The 170,000-square-foot lunchmeat and ham processing plant went into operation in 1995. The plant produces premium sliced four-by-six lunchmeats, spiral hams, boneless hams and bone-in hams.
Operating at 75 percent of the plant's capacity, the plant produces about two million pounds of product a week. A number of suppliers contributed ideas for the new plant which is unparalleled in the industry.
Perkins is quoted as saying, "We asked them to take the blinders off and try to think towards the 21st century. A number of suppliers contributed ideas. The management team skimmed off the cream and then we melded ideas from different concepts into something that is now a very viable operation."
The magazine gives two full pages of coverage to Thorn Apple Valley and basically centers on the Ponca City plant.
Other information of interest in the magazine says that Ponca City is in the heartland amid plains of wheat, cotton and prairie grass with grazing sheep and cattle. It is home to more than 30,000 people and offered Thorn Apple Valley a growing industrial base to service the mid- and western United States, an area they had targeted for growth.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
If the kids are bored, or its raining and they can't get outside, there is a new entertainment center where they can work off that energy and have a good time.
Targeted for youths 2 to 14 years-old, Kids Kastle is located at 729 North Fourteenth, Suite 102. The indoor playground center offers "fun" experiences with a giant two-story, 10,000-cubic-square-foot unit designed for bouncing, sliding, climbing and diving.
The colorful plastic and rope play unit is the biggest one in Oklahoma with the next largest in Kansas City. Additional attractions with the big recreation unit are a "fun forest," two super-slides, a "spider web" and a spectacular gyro-copter.
Keeping with the castle theme, the trash containers are castle shaped. The two huge party rooms, available for birthdays and other special occasions, have a throne type chair for the honoree.
The party aspect has proved so popular that eight birthday celebrations were held there Saturday. Two party packages are available, one with food and one without.
Other attractions are several redemption games for kids and adults, for which tokens can be purchased. Those who win tickets can redeem them for prizes. Other attractions are a special castle ride and a toddlers corner.
The main hall is outfitted with seats and also picnic tables for the youths and the adults who accompany them. Children must be accompanied by their parents or someone 18 years of age or older.
There is a concession stand and Kids Kastle T-shirts are available.
Admission for unlimited play time Monday through Thursday is $4.75 and Friday through Sunday is $6. A Royal Court Pass is also available for $45. This is a punch pass that allows 10 visits. The card can be interchanged for kids. For example if grandmother wants to take the grandchildren she could take different ones on the same pass. The card also provides a discount on the day-to-day and weekend admissions.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Fridays, noon-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays, 1-7 p.m.
With advance notice Kids Kastle is available to day care centers. "Moms and Tots" takes care advantage of the facility on a regular basis.
One requirement is for the kids to check their shoes individual baskets when they go on the playground unit. The playground area is well ventilated and the balls in the ball pit are sanitized every three days.
How It Happened
Howard and Vicki Graves had the idea for Kids Kastle for a long time and when Brian and Holly Harpster heard about it they had also been thinking of some type of entertainment for kids.
So the couples formed a limited partnership and the idea began to take shape in a building owned by Harpster. There were some modifications to the building and other construction chores. These were all done by local contractors.
Howard Graves is the active managing partner and runs the day to day operations.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA - The annual Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce banquet honored an employee of the year, an outstanding citizen, a Tonkawa Pride honoree, a lifetime recipient and recognized those who promoted recreation.
During the event the chain of command was passed from outgoing president Kent Bilyeu to incoming president Brandt Harris.
Presenting the "Employee of the Year Award" was Marilyn James, last year's recipient. Receiving the award was Susie Morris, who is employed with Jack and Brandt Harris Furniture and Tire.
The outstanding citizen award was presented by Larry Swords substituting for last year's recipient Sandy Linton. The honor was conferred on MariLee Helton.
Jim Corbin presented the lifetime award honoring Jim Carver. Joe Kreger presented the Tonkawa Pride Award. Gene Dougherty was named as the recipient.
A new recreation award was presented to John and Debbie McIntyre, owners of Dorsett's IGA, and Kim and Sherri Hall of Sonic. The presentation was by Kim Frazier.
Master of ceremonies was Bob Smith, Tonkawa High School principal. Chamber representatives in attendance were from Newkirk, Blackwell, Ponca City, Shidler, Kaw City and the Kaw Lake Association.
Dignitaries included Sen. Paul Muegge; Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle; County Commissioner Rex Purdy; Cheryl Fletcher of Sen. Don Nickles' office; Tonkawa Mayor Evelyn Coyle; Northern Oklahoma College President Joe Kinzer; Dr. Brian W. Kovacs, Ministerial Alliance, who gave the invocation and benediction, and Ron Hodges, superintendent of Tonkawa Schools.
Retiring directors were Charles Conaghan, Lonnie Gray, Pat Howard and Dianne Strecker. Current members of the board are Teresa Appleman, Dale Beall, Norman Foster, Lance Glasgow, Brandt Harris, Carol Diemer, Marilyn Gravel, Jerry Hook, Bob Smith, Darla Tharp, Mary Allan, Joseph Brining, Rod Carr, Melinda Glasgow and Connelly Wade. Chamber secretary is Cristy Crumrine.
The program was by Joe Kreger, cowboy poet, who recently published his first book "Lookin' at Life." Kreger entertains around the country and is a popular speaker at farm and ranch functions. Other entertainment was by Yona Wade and Lori Thomasson of Tonkawa High School and Sarah Fiscus of NOC, accompanied by Linda Fiscus.
Dinner was by Northern Management Services, with members of the basketball team serving. NOC provided the facilities and the decorations committee was chaired by Mary Allan. Theme of the banquet was "Stars in Our Horizon."
For many, the New Year brings the annual dread of filing income tax forms. But there's help, thanks to a couple of Ponca City volunteers in the AARP Tax Aide program. Genie Turner, former radiologic technologist, and Ross Pittman, an exploration geophysicist with Conoco, will serve as counselors for Ponca City.
Each year, Tax Aide provides help to elderly and low income taxpayers in preparing federal and state tax returns. Pittman has been doing this for 10 years. Turner has been a teacher and counselor for five years. Both recently completed three days of instruction on new rules and changing forms for filing 1997 returns.
The class prepared the Ponca Citians to instruct new volunteers. Anyone wishing to become one of 350 volunteers who will assist over 20,000 Oklahomans with their returns should contact Daryl Koon (580) 734-7507 regional coordinator in Enid.
Turner got into the program when she was seeking assistance for her own tax returns. Now, her greatest reward is being able le to assist patrons in receiving refunds or learning they do not have to file.
"I had an 89 year-old who came for help. But she had done it her own way and was pretty quick and accurate in telling you how you were wrong." Turner concludes that it has been both rewarding and helps "keep me alert."
Pittman got into volunteering at the insistence of friends and fellow employees. He finds clients "who can't believe we do this for nothing."
His reward comes from helping those who are fearful of the IRS. His fear of not being able to complete all tax returns was overcome by experience and the fact that most clients were so appreciative of "our work."
A representative from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) will be Tonkawa and Blackwell Jan. 21 for one-on-one counseling for individuals interested in starting a new business or to existing business owners needing assistance.
From 9 a.m. to noon the representative will be at Kay Electric in Blackwell and from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Administration Building on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa.
Questions concerning the "how-to" establish a business or problems relating to marketing, advertising, inventory, cash flow, and personnel will be discussed.
Information about loan programs available through the United States SBA can also be addressed. The OSBDC network is funded in part by the United States Small Business Administration and the State of Oklahoma. The northwest regional office is located on the campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.
Clients will be seen by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or receive additional information, call (405) 327-8608.
A new restaurant, China Dynasty has opened at 212 South Fourteenth Street, adjacent to the Econo Lodge motel.
The restaurant, which is open seven days a week, is owned by Tang Pei Ming of Parsons, Kan., and John Chiang of Ohio. The restaurant facilities have undergone some recent renovation including new carpet.
The restaurant serves breakfast in the grill from the menu, a lunch buffet and a dinner buffet or menu meals during the evenings in the dining room. The buffet includes the salad bar and drinks and features both American and Chinese cuisine.
Breakfast is served in the grill from 6 to 11 a.m., and the luncheon buffet is served 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The evening buffet and menu orders are served from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Two commercial building permits were issued in December, according to building inspector James Brown. The total valuation was $290,000.
In the area of housing there were no new single or multi-home permits issued. There were three remodeling permits issued at a total valuation of $88,000. There were eight miscellaneous permits issued with a valuation of $41,800.
There were 17 electrical permits issued and 73 inspections made by Earl Whittaker's electrical department. Buddy R. Osborn, plumbing inspector, issued 13 permits and 25 inspections were made.
Osborn, also mechanical inspector, issued 12 permits and 24 inspections were made.
The total building inspection revenue is $1,528.
KAW CITY - Johnny Western, Wichita KFDI radio personality, will be the guest speaker for the 21st Annual Kaw City Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The event is slated for 7 p.m. Monday in the Community Center.
Western is a recording artist and composed "The Ballad of Paladin," ("Have Gun Will Travel" television program theme song); recorded "Bonanza" with Johnny Cash as the theme song for the TV program by that name and also toured with Cash.
Johnny Western was under contract with movie star Gene Autry at the age of 21. He has appeared in Las Vegas, Tahoe and at Carnegie Hall.
Tickets are available at any Kaw City merchant or Kaw City Chamber of Commerce member.
Hosts Broadcast on Roth IRA
Gene Hines and Joe Alcott, local Edward Jones investment representatives, will host a live satellite broadcast on the Roth IRA. This broadcast is set for Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.
The Roth IRA was created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The broadcast will focus on who can contribute to a Roth IRA, tips on selecting the appropriate IRA, the advantages of both the traditional and Roth IRAs and conversions from the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Broadcast live from Edward Jones' headquarters in St. Louis, this program will reach Edward Jones branch offices nationwide via the firm's private satellite network. Following the presentation, viewers will be invited to phone in questions about Roth IRAs.
The broadcast is free, but space is limited. For more information or to register for this program, contact the Ponca City office at 765-6651.
Attend Regional Rally
Recently Pamela Wilburn, Jana Wilburn and Colleen Paterson of Ponca City attended BeautiControl's Regional Rally along with more than 700 other skin care and image consultants. Jana Wilburn was recognized as the No. 1 recruiter and No. 2 in sales, as a consistent seller and a team leader.
Pamela Wilburn was recognized as a consistent seller (average of at least $750 in sales each month) and as a team leader. She also won her registration to Celebration in Nashville in August, worth $175.
Hot Line for Environment
DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 has established a toll-free hotline for citizens to obtain information about their environment. The number is 1-800-887-6083 for Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
The line is answered weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.. At other times, callers may leave messages along with their area codes and phone numbers and EPA staff will return their calls the next business day. Employees fluent in Spanish are available to assist callers.
Hotline callers are referred to the correct agency and person, making it easier for citizens to get the latest information.
Pipe Liners Meet
John L. Kennedy, editor-in-chief of The Oil & Gas Journal, will be the guest speaker for the January meeting of the Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa. Kennedy has traveled extensively during his Journal career, reporting on oil and gas operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and the former Soviet Union.
The social hour will begin at 5:15 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:15. Reservations may be made by calling the Hot Line at (918) 561-6031 by noon Jan. 16.
Newkirk Chamber Banquet
Newkirk - The annual Newkirk Chamber of Commerce Banquet is set for 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26, at the Newkirk Elementary School Cafeteria.
The theme of the banquet is "Tie the Community Together."
Tickets are $10 and those attending are asked to wear a tie or "something
knotted."
LIFESTYLES
Members of the Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths, a writers' group, will meet 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Ponca City Library. The informal get-together for those people who enjoy writing, the meetings are regularly scheduled on the third Thursday of each month. Interested persons are invited to attend.
Meetings consist of an exchange of information such as conferences and
contests, current items of interest and an opportunity for critique of individual
work. A monthly newsletter, edited by Maj. George Collins, enables members
to publish work.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
After going 2-1 in the Ada Tournament last weekend, the Wildcats resume district play tonight, taking on a winless, but probably underrated, Sand Springs.
Also, the Lady Cats face their first conference foe without a winning record, an NCAA Div. I signee, or even a player averaging 20 points a game.
The Lady Cats' tip-off is scheduled for 6:15, while the boys' game will begin at 7:45. Play-by-play for both games will be carried live by WBBZ, 1230 AM.
Ponca City Wildcats (2-6)
at Charles Page Sandites (0-6)
The Wildcats may not be winning many games this season, but lucky for them they have a coach who knows how to keep things in perspective.
"Kids tend to forget losses a little quicker than coaches," says coach Ron Arthur, "they make you step back sometimes and look at it like a game. When it stops being fun, something's wrong."
Still, the Wildcats' confidence may have taken a blow last weekend, as they finished sixth in a tournament they were favored to win. At 2-6, they're a team in need of a few big victories to swing the emotion around.
But the Cats do have two wins, including one over arch-rival Stillwater, while Sand Springs is dead last in the conference at 0-6. While the Cats may be hungry, the Sandites are near starvation.
"I'd imagine we're a little more upbeat," says Arthur.
But can the team in the better mood can prevail over the team with the stunning athletes? The Sandites' basketball team looks a lot like their outstanding football team. Anchored by 5-11 junior Marc Brown, who averages 12.3 points per game, and assisted by former backfield attendants Keith Hooks and Mark Mallory, the Sandites have their share of talent.
Maybe more than their fair share, according to Arthur.
"They're the most athletic team in the conference. Brown's been a starter since his freshmen year, and Hooks is lightning fast. They've just played a lot of good teams, like Sapulpa and Jenks. They're definitely better than 0-6."
Then again, the Cats are probably better than 2-6. Offensively, they're averaging about 12 points more per game than Sand Springs, while Sand Springs is allowing about five less on defense.
Which could, if the Cats contain the Sandites' big guns, make for quite a battle.
Because this one's not just for the statistics - it's for emotion.
P.C. Lady Cats (3-5) at
Charles Page Lady Sandites (2-4)
The most basic tenant of basketball - namely, the launching of a ball through a hoop - may be clear to the Lady Cats, but in practice it hasn't worked as well as they had hoped.
Offensively, the Lady Cats are next to last in the conference, scoring just 41 points per game. That all comes down to one thing - they've only made 31 percent of their shots.
Actually, until their final game of the Ada Tournament, Saturday, the Lady Cats were making steady improvement, hitting on 15, 22, 24, and 30 percent, consecutively, over their last four games. None of those figures are anywhere near the minimum 40 percent head coach Dana Pulley says they need to shoot to have a chance, but it did represent improvement.
But Saturday's 7-of-36 (18 percent) outing sent the Lady Cats back to the proverbial drawing board.
"Today we're going to work on shooting," said Pulley, before Monday's practice, "we can run and run but it doesn't mean anything if we're not shooting well. If we can get some consistency, we can surprise people."
What they need, says Pulley, is someone to back up Natasha Anderson, who's been averaging 11.8 points per game. While several other players have decent averages, too, they come at the expense of on again-off again performances.
"I'd like to have three players consistently in double figures," Pulley concludes.
The Lady Cats will go in search of the Holy Grail of 40 percent again tonight. With near-even records, and with the Lady Sandites only one notch ahead of Ponca City in the offensive standings, Pulley expects a good match up.
The Lady Sandites are led by 6-1 senior Korie Williams, who's been averaging just shy of 13 points per game, as well as 5-10 senior Maggie Hall, who averages about ten.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TONKAWA - After taking on the nation's 18th ranked team, Northark, on Saturday, the Lady Mavericks of NOC got no relief Monday, succumbing to the nation's No. 3 team, Connors State, 85-55.
Though the Lady Mavs (7-9) kept it close to start, the Cowgirls' full court pressure began to take its toll early, and with a forcing a plethora of turnovers, methodically built a 44-30 half time lead.
The second half was more of the same. Melissa Threadgill and Athena McCoy dumped in a combined 48 points for the Cowgirls,18 of those coming off third quarter 3-pointers that made any idea of a NOC comeback improbable.
For Northern head coach Greg Krause, it wasn't the fact that they were routed by the nation's No. 3 team that was disappointing, it was the fact that his girls didn't handle the pressure better. Or even handle it at all.
"They looked like they didn't even know what to do at times," Krause said, "they were short arming shots and missing passes - typical things when you're nervous.
"You gotta go out and compete. No doubt Connors is good, but do we have to be that fearful of playing head to head? You gotta go out and play to have fun. We looked like we were taking a trip to the dentist.
"We have to develop some toughness, which is the hardest thing to coach."
Still, through all the sloppiness, Krause says he can still see the potential in his team - the potential, even, to beat the No. 3 team in the country.
"I know that's hard to say when you get beat 85-55, but it's true."
Also, Krause points out that they're record is relatively meaningless until the beginning of conference play, which begins Jan. 26, because conference records determine tournament seedings.
For the game, Shannon Hands - coming off a 43 point game - led the way again with 17 points, followed by Lyndsey Warrior with six. Cathy Rogers and Mandy Perkins each had five, while Brandi McClellan, Jennifer Williams, Ritha Moro and Jessica Garner each had four.
The Lady Mavs hit the road to Hutchinson on Wednesday, and return home on Monday, taking on NEO.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
TONKAWA - The strange thing, according to Northern head coach Mick Weiberg, is that his Mavericks basketball team could get even better.
As it is, the Mavs (14-3) did little wrong in downing perineal conference powerhouse Connors State for the second time this season, 76-71, reinforcing their image as the team to beat this year in Region II.
With a variety of man-to-man and zone defenses on one end, combined with a 34 point blitz by Deshawn Denson on the other, the Mavs had their arch-rivals on their heels for most of the game.
"Our defense had them stumped," said Weiberg. "They just couldn't get any motion going. And Deshawn had a great offensive night, he's got a nice touch."
The Mavs, after bolting out to a 10 point lead to start things off, resided there through most of the game. But it was the Cowboys with the eleventh hour rally.
With less than a minute left to play, the Cowboys' Shannon Long came up with a steal and a bucket, and teammate Kenny Dye added another two to draw within four of the Mavs, 71-67.
After the Mavs failed to convert on the other end, the Cowboys moved down the court, looking to narrow the lead even more.
Instead, point guard Kyle Dean stripped the ball from Long, was fouled, and hit a free throw to give the Mavs some breathing room. In the last 25 seconds, Denson and Joe Patmon sunk 3-of-4 from the charity stripe to assure the Mavericks the win.
"I really liked our effort," Weiberg continued, "for us to come off the road and beat Connors is saying something. But this team's not as good as they're gonna get. And they're willing to get better. We just have to continue to pull the strings."
Denson's 34 point scoring bonanza included 13-of-19 shooting from the field, and 5-of-7 from the line. He also posted three steals.
Following up that performance were Patmon and Marlon Towns with 12 apiece. Patmon also had four blocks, while Towns had six rebounds - four offensive.
The only other Mavs with scoring numbers were Dean and Zach Cazzelle with nine apiece. Cazzelle matched Towns with six rebounds, as well.
For the Cowboys, Dye and Long led the way with 27 and 20 points, respectively.
After seven days of much-needed rest, the Mavericks play at home again on Jan. 19, taking on NEO.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat wrestlers will try to lock up another trip to Dual State tonight when they host Edmond Santa Fe in the third and final district dual.
With the JV team scheduled to take part in the Pawnee JV Triangular tonight. the action at Robson Fieldhouse will start at 7 p.m.
The Wildcats have mauled their first to district foes, topping Edmond Memorial 48-22 and Enid 57-13.
Santa Fe is not expected to give the Cats much more of a challenge. But Po-Hi coach Pay Young warns that the Timberwolves do have some good individuals, especially in the lower and middle weight.
"And Santa Fe has a full lineup," Young reports.
That in itself is a little unusual. Memorial and Ponca City traded forfeits in the first two weights back in December and Enid gave up three forfeits in its dual here on Jan. 6.
Young will put his dual lineup on the mat at the fieldhouse tonight.
That means Phillip Brotherton will go at 103 pounds with Phillip Gelino moving up to 112, Josh Bailey at 119, Willie Ivie at 125, Mark Dodgen at 130 and Matt Dodgen at 135.
Lorenzo Jones will be at 140, Michael Osborn at 145, Kyle Duren at 152, Toby Redleaf at 160, either Darrin Smith or Marciano Villarruel at 171, Jay Bentley at 189, Nick Steichen at 215 and Jason Nuenberg at 275.
That lineup will "probably" remain the same for the dual against Bartlesville here Thursday, Young said. However, the tournament lineup will be back for the Sapulpa Tournament this weekend.
Ninth Grade Girls
Ponca City Varsity 30, Stillwater 24
Ponca City's ninth grade varsity girls finally got rid of one of their top challengers, but it took some doing Monday night.
The Lady Cougars held off Stillwater 30-24 in the mid-high gym. The win left the Poncans (7-2 overall) with a perfect 5-0 mark in the conference. Just as importantly, it was their second win over Stillwater this season.
"That gets them out of the way," Ponca City coach John Maddox said, with some relief. "They came out with beating us on their minds. The game was really close for three quarters (the score was tied at 16 entering the final period)."We finally got ahead in the fourth quarter and held on for the win. They gave us everything we wanted. They came in well prepared.
"But we got a complete game scoring with good balance. And we hit 7-of-13 free throws, which for us is real good."
Gina Birdsong had 9 points for the Lady Cougars, Jessica Plageman 7, Cara Cusick 6, Kendra Love 4, Aubry Kelly 2 and Angela Kana 2.
The Ponca Citians get a bit of a break, returning to action next Monday at Ark City.
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Eighth Grade Girls
Stillwater 28, Ponca City Blue 21
Stillwater pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to hand Ponca City's eighth grade Blue girls a 28-21 setback here Monday.
The Blue Lady Cougars trailed just 16-15 after three quarters in the low scoring contest. But Stillwater outscored them 12-6 in the final period to drop the Ponca Citians to 8-3 on the season, 3-2 in the conference.
Mallory Hodge paced the Poncans with 9 points while Lindsey Lessert had 7, Monica Sawyers 3, Kathleen Larrison 1 and Jamee Neal 1.
The eighth graders are back in action tonight against St. Mary's in the middle school gym.
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Norman Irving 41, Ponca City Red 36
Ponca City's eighth grade Red Lady Cougars finished second in the Edmond Central Tournament over the weekend, falling to Norman Irving, 41-36, in the finals.
The Reds held a 17-15 lead at halftime but couldn't hold off Norman in the second half.
Courtney Birdsong paced the Ponca Citians with 12 points while Amanda Ingram had 9, Gena Wedd 8, Jamie Leach 3, Nichole Chance 2, Keisha Kizer 2 and Nikki Sells 1.
The Reds do not play again until Jan. 20 when they travel to Enid Emerson.