From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
January 28, 1998
LOCAL
Glenn's 'Reentry' Renewing NASA's Appeal
Area Calendar
County Taxpayers Like New Tax Statements
Conoco Has 'Fantastic Year'
DuPont Has Record 4th Quarter
Hospice Receives Large Gift
Nearly News
Newkirk Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Banquet
Fund Raiser Commemorates Tet Offensive Anniversary
Money Managing Seminar at NOC
Cholesterol Screenings Feb. 5-7 at Wal-Mart
Editorial
Warren Family Exhibit Set To Open at P.C. Art Center
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild To Meet
Fifth Street Job Completion Depends Heavily on Weather
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
ACT Prep Class Offered at NOC This Saturday
Phyllis Worley MCs Chamber Banquet
NG Will Honor Three for Support
Po-Hi Homecoming Set for Saturday
Murder Suspect Arrested Here
'Shadows' Expected For Groundhog Day
DEATHS
Donald L. Bland
George David Earl Tubb
Johnny Chester Pameticky
Charles Conrad Watson
Mary Eunice Sibley
Obituaries
Lloyd E. McGee
Services Pending
Elizabeth A. Williams
Funerals
Hazel M. McDaniel
Milo Watson
Waneta Eileen Russell
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Newcomers Club Planning Guest Event in February
Rural Health Grants Open
SPORTS
'Dez' Not Enough For Girls
Cats Beat Pioneers
NOC 15th In Juco Poll
Sophomores Top Braman
Sophomore Girls Lose
Junior High Basketball
CCCA Boys Top Crescent Academy
Lady Cat JVs Win, 38-22
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Renewed interest has been sparked in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space program with the announcement that pioneer astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, will be going on another mission.
Thirty-six years after he first blasted off for the record setting mission, Glenn, 76, will again be breaking a record as the oldest person to go on a shuttle mission.
The announcement of Glenn's mission has generated interest from around the world and applause from the senior citizen sector in particular.
The aging astronaut is to be a payload specialist doing geriatric research on the tentatively set October shuttle mission. In the spirit of professional golfer Jack Nicklaus winning the Masters at August at an advanced age for golfers, and former president George Bush sky-diving, senior citizens are giving "two thumbs up" at the prospect of Glenn's return to outer space.
Space Administrator Don Goldin, in making the announcement, said it is not just science that Glenn will be flying for but it is inspiration, which is part of the American psyche.
Glenn, who first orbited the earth in 1962 aboard the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7, is quoted as saying, "I've always wanted to go back up."
Among the experiments that Glenn will be involved with are muscle deterioration and sleep disturbances, which affect both space and earth travelers.
A card-carrying member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Glenn will be representing over 35 million Americans during the research mission.
Prior to going on the mission Glenn, who has already had two extensive physical examinations, will be required to complete a training program that is expected to test the limits of his body's strength and agility.
Senator John Glenn
After 23 years of distinguished service to his country, Glenn retired from the Marine Corps in 1965. He took an active part in politics and early environmental protection efforts in Ohio while pursuing a career as an executive with Royal Crown International. He won his Senate seat in 1974, carrying all 88 counties of Ohio, and was reelected in 1980 by the largest margin in Ohio history.
Ohioans returned him to the Senate for a third term in 1986, again with a substantial majority and in 1992, he again made history by being the first popular-elected Senator from Ohio to win four consecutive terms.
He announced that he will retired and not be a candidate for reelection to the Senate in 1998. In his retirement statement he said, "Although my health remains excellent, and my passion for the job burns as brightly as ever, another term in the Senate would take me to the age of 83. For that reason and for that reason alone, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for reelection."
NASA
With Glenn's rejuvenation into the space program, the interest in the space program becomes intriguing to the senior citizens, and space has always been fascinating to youngsters.
At the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston there are a number of attractions for both adults and youths. The Manned Spacecraft Center opened in 1963 with laboratories and training facilities. (The Center was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973.)
The first flight to be controlled from Houston was the Gemini IV flight in 1965. At that time the center became highly productive with the goal being to put a human on the Moon.
This center had the attention of the world four years later as Neil Armstrong landed on the moon and from the surface announced "Houston, the Eagle has landed." Later Armstrong made his first historic step onto the Moon's surface and declared "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Space Center Houston
Adjacent to JSC is Space Center Houston, which is an educational center, and the NASA tram tour is a great place to start a stay at the JSC and the Space Center Houston.
This is a popular attraction and sometimes the wait to ride the tour is as long as 45 minutes. On this day there were about four Boy Scout Troops from the Long Horn Council going through the cabled waiting channels.
A favorite pastime while waiting is reading the T-shirts. These ranged from "Laurel and Hardy," to "Sweetie," and of course the usual Eskimo Joe and Houston Rockets logo shirts.
The tour leaves from the Space Center Houston with as many as 100 passengers on the open-air trams. This sojourn lasts about 90 minutes and includes Mission Control, where shuttle shots are monitored continuously. The features of this facility include the Space Station's Operations Control Room, and a glassed observation theater, where guests can watch not only the operators but three giant television screens. One screen is devoted to shuttle flight and observers can see the space vehicle at all times and listen in on the transmissions between Mission Control and the astronauts.
On the Sunday this reporter visited Mission Control there were several of the control operators on duty preparing for a shuttle rendezvous with the Mir Space Station. This shuttle was due to be launched on Jan. 22 to exchange the American astronaut Andy Thomas for Dr. David Wolf, who has been on the station for four months.
Another space project under way is the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, which was recently maneuvered into orbit around the moon, as a part of a high-altitude scientific study.
This Lunar explorer is searching for evidence of frozen water at the moon's shadowy poles, plus looking for verification of minerals or gases. The exploration is being managed at NASA's Ames Research Center in California.
A joint effort of the U.S. and Russia will be the International Space Station, which is to be launched early this year.
Puddy, "The Voice" of Houston.
Local senior citizens will also remember that former Ponca Citian Don Puddy, was the flight controller in charge of the lunar module system, when American landed Neil Armstrong on the moon nearly 29 years ago.
After the moon shot experience, Puddy became flight director of all ground forces for Apollo 16 including the skylab and the unmanned flight and the Apollo test in 1975.
During that era of the space program, Puddy's voice was known over the world as he was not only flight director for the space shuttle launches but also "the voice" of the Space Center in Houston.
Simulator Center
Another stop along the way was at the simulation center to visit the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory, the Mock-Up and Integration Laboratory. At the Simulation Laboratory tools and other equipment is tested in a mammoth vacuum.
In the Mock-Up and Integration Laboratory, the visitor can see the large full-size shuttle models that are used by the astronauts to train in preparation for upcoming shuttle flights. The laboratory is a huge three or four-story building.
Also there was a stop at the Weightless Environment Training Facility. Here astronauts train in a huge pool. The trainees add weights and floats to their suits until they become neutrally buoyant. This means they neither float to the top or sink to the bottom.
On the way to and from the Space Center there is Rocket Park, where the engines of Little Joe II and the Mercury Redstone are displayed. An overwhelming exhibit is the large Saturn V rocket, the type that propelled man to the moon.
Education Center
For the young and the young at heart there is the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation and Space Center.
This facility displays artifacts and models. It is a facility designed to show youths that math and science classes can pay off with a career as a spacecraft designer or astronaut. Money for this facility was raised with the formation of the Manned Space Flight Foundation.
When it was created, experts from Walt Disney Imagineering were brought in to do the design and master planning. These experts used the ideas that would become Space Center Houston.
Funding came from a number of corporations, plus tax-exempt bonds were sold to the public. Daily operations support the center with modest admission fees. The center is designed to appeal not only to the intellectual level, but the emotional level as well. This has been accomplished with hands-on displays and live demonstrations with volunteering being part of the program.
Space Center Attractions
Space Center Houston is the official visitors center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, and is funded by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, Inc., and there are no federal government funds involved.
One of the popular attractions is the IMAX Theater. This five-story theater features a variety of films throughout the year. Before entering the theater, visitors are encouraged to view the displays of actual space suits worn by the space explorers and to also browse the portrait gallery that includes color photographs of all of the American astronauts.
Another "fun" experience for future space travelers is the challenge of living and working in space during the live presentation of the feel of space.
Here guests find out how astronauts handle routine earthly activities such as eating, sleeping and showering while living and working in space.
One can also test their steering skills on the "Land the Shuttle" simulator. Another activity is the MMU Trainer, which is a chair-like device, that uses the same principle as a hovercraft to show the difficulties of repairing a satellite in the frictionless environment of space. Here guests can also try on helmets from different areas of space.
The youths get a kick out of Kids Space Place. This interactive module is geared towards kids and young astronauts in training so they can experience the space program themselves. From strapping themselves into an Apollo module, to weighting themselves on Saturn, the youths are amazed and sometimes inspired to set their goals for space exploration.
Starship Gallery
Shown in the Starship Gallery are the successes of America's manned space flight program in "On Human Destiny," a film created from historical NASA footage. The artifact gallery displays the real Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules, along with the Skylab trainer.
The Mercury capsule was flown by Gordon Cooper, the Gemini V was piloted by Pete Conrad and Gordon Cooper, and the Apollo 17 Command Module carried Gene Cernan, Ronald Evans and Harrison Schmitt to the Moon.
Other displays feature mock-ups that were used for astronaut training. These include the Lunar Rover Trainer, the Skylab 1-G Trainer and the Apollo-Soyuz Docking Module Trainer.
Also featured in the gallery is the largest display of Moon rocks in the world. As a part of the hands-on attractions the visitors are allowed to touch a moon rock.
Current information on space programs are provided to the visitors by informed briefing officers at the Mission Status Center. Mission Status and the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control share information when astronauts are orbiting aboard the shuttle.
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Treasurer Says New Computer Allows Extra Data on Printouts
NEWKIRK - Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber said tax collections this year have gone nice and smooth, and taxpayers are also noticing something extra on their annual statements.
Following an upgrade last year to a new computer system, the county was able to begin storing tax data electronically, as well as speed up the mailings that begin in November.
Schieber said the office upgraded the computer because the courthouse's old mainframe computer, installed in the early 80s, was obsolete. The office needed to be compatible with County Assessor Tresa Engle's new office program provided by the state, she said.
Now the treasurer and assessor offices, which work closely together, are networked and the work is simpler, Schieber said.
"With the collection of taxes, we start by preparing and sending out thousands of tax statements. Our biggest rush in collecting tax is, of course, November, December and January.
"We then send out second-half statements in February and collect most of those in March and April," she said.
The side benefit to the new computerization is that taxpayers now can read on their tax statements a breakdown of where their money is being used.
Those taxpayers can determine whether any increases or decreases in their taxes each year are from changes caused by the government or from changes in their own property assessments.
Schieber, who described the move as "a giant step forward," upgraded the computer system a year ago and the office spent last summer keying in data from previous years.
She said because of the new system, the office's mail, which in the past has been backed up for weeks waiting to be processed, now moves faster without requiring extra help.
"We have been able to keep the mail very current and that means we can get a bigger amount of money out to the schools and other entities faster," Schieber said.
Modernization has also reduced the amount of time taxpayers wait in line at tax deadline time and the faster processing has even decreased the chances of their personal checks bouncing by the time they reach the bank, she said.
"We have seen a significant decrease in the amount of insufficient checks we've had since we have been able to process taxpayers' checks immediately," Schieber said.
The new system "also enables us to have the taxes posted to the accounts much earlier, so we are able tell taxpayers if their mortgage companies have paid their tax, or if we have received their personal check."
HOUSTON - Culminating a "fantastic year," Conoco wracked up a record fourth quarter to lead the way to record quarterly earnings for parent company DuPont.
"We had a fantastic year," Conoco President and CEO Archie W. Dunham said today. "Strong downstream product margins and increased refinery production, combined with improved gas prices plus higher international gas volumes contributed to the record performance."
Conoco reported record underlying earnings for 1997 of $1.074 billion, up $173 million or 19 percent from 1996. Fourth quarter underlying earnings of $215 million were $2 million higher than in 1996.
Including fourth quarter 1997 non-recurring items, Conoco's 1997 earnings were $1.068 billion, $208 million or 24 percent higher than last year, while the fourth quarter earnings were $209 million.
The fourth quarter reported earnings include a $55 million write-down of an office building held for sale in Europe and a $112 million impairment of certain international non- revenue producing properties. Largely offsetting these losses was a $161 million gain from the sale of North Sea producing and exploration properties.
Dunham said, "During 1997, we achieved many milestones which will positively affect the future of the company and allow us to achieve our goal of doubling in value by the year 2003."
He added, "Conoco's worldwide proved reserves were up about 38 percent at the end of 1997 versus 1996, as reserves added increased fourfold over production. This represents the largest net increase of reserves during a single year in the history of the company. The increase largely reflects reserves acquired in the South Texas Lobo gas trend and Conoco's equity share of the Petrozuata heavy oil joint venture in Venezuela."
Other significant achievements in 1997 included:
- Acquired an additional 17 deepwater blocks in the Western Gulf of Mexico lease sale, bringing the total to 161 blocks in the Gulf of Mexico in waters exceeding 1,000 feet. Worldwide, Conoco holds 50 million acres of deepwater properties.
- Signed a letter of intent to form two joint ventures with one of America's largest electric utilities, American Electric Power, to provide energy management and capital to industrial and large commercial customers.
- Produced first oil in the Ukpokiti field, located offshore Nigeria. Production from the field is currently flowing at 20,000 barrels of oil per day.
- Upgraded worldwide refining capacity and significantly improved plant operations as well as re-energized our U.S. marketing programs. (Continued From Front)
The following commentary compares results for the full year and fourth quarter 1997 with the full year and fourth quarter 1996, after excluding the earnings impact of nonrecurring items.
Full Year 1997 Sales for the year were $21.0 billion, up 4 percent from last year's $20.2 billion, as higher downstream prices and volumes, increased international gas volumes and stronger domestic gas prices more than compensated for lower crude oil prices. U.S. natural gas prices were up 15 percent to $2.18 and international gas deliveries increased 5 percent over last year. The company's net realized crude oil price averaged $18.58 per barrel, 8 percent lower than the previous year. Worldwide refined product sales were 1,048,000 barrels per day (bpd), up 5 percent versus 1996, due to higher refinery production from the new Lake Charles, La., hydrocracker and the Humber refinery's new vacuum unit in the United Kingdom. Worldwide crude oil and condensate production averaged 337,000 bpd for the year, up slightly versus 1996.
Conoco's upstream operations had record earnings of $775 million, up 10 percent from last year. U.S. upstream earnings totaled $404 million during the period, up 40 percent from $288 million in 1996, due to higher gas prices and gains from asset sales which more than offset lower crude prices.
International upstream earned $371 million, down 11 percent from last year, due to lower crude oil prices, partly offset by increased oil and gas volumes.
Downstream earnings were $299 million, up 53 percent from the $195 million earned last year. In the United States, downstream earned $170 million versus $107 million in the prior year, an increase of 59 percent. The improvement is attributable to very strong refinery margins, reduced operating costs and higher refined product sales. Internationally, downstream earned $129 million, up 47 percent, primarily due to higher European margins and increased refinery production.
The company generated almost $3.5 billion in cash, including proceeds from renegotiation of certain U.K. gas contracts, which funded an expanded exploration program and approximately $3 billion in capital expenditures, including the $929 million South Texas gas acquisition.
Fourth Quarter 1997
"Despite lower crude oil prices, we were able to deliver excellent results in the fourth quarter and extend Conoco's quarterly year-over-year underlying earnings improvement to 10 consecutive quarters," Dunham continued.
Fourth quarter earnings of $215 million were up slightly from last year and included $173 million for upstream, down 2 percent, largely attributable to delayed lifts caused by weather and other factors and $42 million for downstream, up 17 percent, on much stronger European marketing margins.
Sales totaled $5.43 billion, down 3 percent as a result of lower crude oil prices, which were down 23 percent. Worldwide crude oil production was flat. Worldwide natural gas deliveries increased 4 percent over last year's fourth quarter. U.S. natural gas prices were up 12 percent, averaging $2.49 per thousand cubic feet.
"Because of the tremendous role our people contributed to our financial success, Conoco will pay out $48 million in bonuses to 11,000 non-managerial employees around the world," Dunham said. "This is the highest award in the three-year history of the program."
"We are cautiously optimistic about 1998, even though crude oil and natural gas prices have significantly declined during the last sixty days. We are encouraged as a result of the acquisitions and other steps taken in 1997 to position Conoco for sustained growth. The 100,000 barrel-per-day Melaka refinery in Malaysia, the large Britannia gas field in the North Sea, and oil production at our Petrozuata joint venture are all scheduled to start up this year. In addition, the first of two drillships will be ready to commence exploration in our Gulf of Mexico deepwater blocks in 1998," Dunham concluded.
WILMINGTON, Del. - Bolstered once again by record earnings from Conoco, DuPont reported fourth quarter and full year 1997 basic earnings per share, before nonrecurring charges, of $.84 and $3.61, respectively, marking the 15th consecutive quarter and fourth consecutive year of record results for comparable periods.
On this basis, earnings per share versus 1996 are up 11 percent for the quarter and 9 percent for the year.
1997 Highlights Include:
- Fourth year of record earnings before nonrecurring charges overcoming 7 percent penalty from currency.
- Sales volumes in Chemicals and Specialties were up 7 percent - 5 percent in the United States, 7 percent in Asia and 11 percent in Europe.
- Conoco achieved record earnings while increasing reserves about 38 percent, a fourfold increase versus production.
- $7 billion in acquisitions were announced to strengthen position in chemicals and energy markets, while opening tremendous new potential in life sciences.
Including net nonrecurring charges totaling $.61 for the quarter, and $1.49 for the year, principally due to the write-off of in-process research and development related to acquisitions, basic earnings per share for the fourth quarter and full year were $.23 and $2.12, respectively. Earnings per share on a diluted basis were $.23 for the quarter and $2.08 for the year.
"DuPont's 1997 earnings per share grew 9 percent over 1996, even in the face of a 7 percent negative impact from worldwide currency fluctuation," commented DuPont chairman and CEO, John A. Krol. "1997 is our fourth consecutive year of record earnings on an underlying basis. In addition, we began a major transition to a 21st century DuPont, with a number of strategic acquisitions and alliances that strengthen our global materials and life sciences businesses."
Net income for the year before nonrecurring items totaled $4.1 billion, up 9 percent from the $3.7 billion in 1996. Sales were $45.1 billion, up 3 percent. Total year-end debt, net of cash and cash equivalents, was $11.1 billion, an increase of $3.1 billion from December 1996, reflecting $5.5 billion for strategic investments, partly offset by internally generated cash flow.
Chemicals and Specialties
The after-tax income, before nonrecurring charges, from Chemicals and Specialties businesses was a record $3.4 billion, up 5 percent, while finishing the year with a strong fourth quarter, up 16 percent. In addition:
- Sales for the year totaled $24.1 billion, up 4 percent on a continuing business basis, reflecting 7 percent higher volume offset by 3 percent lower selling prices. - Sales volumes were up 5 percent in the United States, 7 percent in Asia and 11 percent in Europe. - Prices in the United States were flat, while prices outside the United States averaged 7 percent lower, almost entirely attributable to a stronger U.S. dollar. - Key acquisitions/ventures include:
- A 20 percent interest in Pioneer Hi-Bred International combined with a research alliance and a new joint venture.
- Protein Technologies International, a leading global supplier of soy proteins.
- ICI's global polyester intermediates and resins businesses. (The acquisition of ICI's films and white pigments businesses are expected to close early in 1998. (Continued From Front)
Petroleum
Conoco, DuPont's energy subsidiary, reached record earnings of $1.1 billion, up 19 percent, before nonrecurring charges.
- Upstream operations earned $775 million, up 10 percent. Higher international gas volumes, up 5 percent, and improved average U.S. gas prices, up 15 percent, more than offset an 8 percent lower net realized average oil price of $18.58 per barrel.
- Downstream operations earned $299 million, up 53 percent due to a 5 percent increase in refined product sales and higher margins.
- Conoco achieved the largest net increase in reserves during a single year in its history. Worldwide proved reserves were up about 38 percent at the end of 1997 versus 1996, as reserves added increased fourfold versus production. This reflects reserves acquired in the South Texas Lobo gas trend and Conoco's equity share of the Petrozuata heavy oil joint venture in Venezuela.
"1998 will be a challenging year, particularly in the first half, given the economic situation in Asia and weaker oil prices," said Charles O. Holliday, DuPont president and CEO-designate. "In spite of those challenges, we see enough opportunities to deliver another record year. We anticipate volume growth in Chemicals and Specialties, favorable raw materials pricing and less impact from currency. In addition, we recently announced plans to streamline administrative work as part of our plan to significantly improve productivity throughout the company."
Segment Results
The following commentary compares results for the full year 1997 with the year 1996 for each industry segment, after excluding the earnings impact of nonrecurring items and adjusting sales for changes in business composition.
Chemicals segment earnings were $600 million compared to $584 million earned last year, up 3 percent, as higher earnings from specialty chemicals were partly offset by lower earnings from white pigments. However, white pigments prices improved throughout the year. Segment sales of $4.3 billion were 3 percent higher, reflecting 7 percent higher sales volume and 4 percent lower prices.
Fibers segment earnings of $980 million were 18 percent above the $834 million earned in 1996. This is attributable to improved results across all business units, with the largest earnings growth from "Lycra" spandex and nylon. Sales of $7.7 billion were up 7 percent as selling prices averaged 2 percent lower and sales volumes were 9 percent higher.
Earnings for the polymers segment were $924 million, up 8 percent from $854 million in 1996. Increased earnings were principally from packaging and industrial polymers, and automotive products. Segment sales of $6.8 billion were 5 percent above 1996, reflecting 7 percent higher volume and 2 percent lower selling prices.
Petroleum segment earnings were a record $1,074 million, up $173 million or 19 percent. Worldwide crude oil production of 337 thousand barrels per day and natural gas deliveries of 1.2 billion cubic feet per day were essentially flat. U.S. upstream earnings totaled $404 million, up 40 percent due to higher gas prices and asset sales, partly offset by lower oil and gas volumes and lower crude oil prices. Outside the United States, upstream earnings were $371 million, down 11 percent due to lower crude oil prices, partly offset by increased oil and gas volumes. Worldwide refined product sales were 1 million barrels per day, up 5 percent. U.S. downstream earnings of $170 million improved 59 percent reflecting higher refined product margins and volumes. Downstream earnings outside the United States of $129 million were up 47 percent reflecting higher European margins and increased refinery production.
Life Sciences segment earnings were $607 million, down 23 percent from $789 million in 1996. This principally reflects the absence of the favorable allocation of $186 million operating income to DuPont from the DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals joint venture last year. After adjusting for this, segment earnings were essentially flat. Agricultural products earnings were lower due to the stronger U.S. dollar, seasonal operating losses from our 20 percent ownership in Pioneer, and shutdown expenses associated with triazenes. Segment sales were $2.5 billion, up 2 percent and reflect 6 percent higher volume, partly offset by 4 percent lower prices.
Diversified Businesses earnings were $275 million, up 75 percent. This principally reflects lower operating losses from printing and publishing businesses expected to be sold early in the year, and medical products businesses now divested. Higher earnings were realized from photopolymers and electronic materials and coal. Segment sales were $2.7 billion, down 2 percent, reflecting 8 percent lower selling prices, partly offset by 6 percent higher sales volume.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Hospice of Ponca City Inc. is the recipient of a large gift involving 3,570 shares of common stock of NationsBank. The bequest comes from the estate of the late Joseph "Joe" S. Lewis and is valued at approximately $215,000.
The stock certificate presentation was made to Melody Lahann, administrative director of Hospice of Ponca City, by Sam W. Leonard, a personal representative of Lewis. Also present was attorney Tom Leonard.
A letter from Sam Leonard presented to Lahann with the stock stated, "It is my pleasure and privilege to transmit to you the testamentary bequest of Joseph S. Lewis to Hospice of Ponca City Inc."
The letter also states: "It is the practice of NationsBank to pay quarterly dividends last part of the months of March, June, September and December and they will be paid directly to your organization."
Another statement in the letter says, "This gift represents the special interest Mr. Lewis had in your particular organization."
Lahann said, "We at Hospice of Ponca City are overwhelmed by the generosity of Joe Lewis. Before his death we spoke of the growth of hospice care and the long-range plans of Hospice of Ponca City. Joe recognized the financial need for services we provide, and wanted to help assure we could continue to provide our care for the terminally ill."
Hospice Services
Lahann added, "Last year Hospice of Ponca City admitted 116 patients and cared for over 1,000 family members and friends facing the loss of a loved one. We do receive reimbursement from Medicate and insurance for our services, but over 20 percent of our patients have no funding source.
"Services we provide include skilled nursing, home health aides, medical social services, chaplain, bereavement care, medical equipment and prescriptions. We also provide grief support to anyone in the community who has the need."
Marland Oil Attorney
Lewis, former Marland Oil Co. attorney, died in 1996 at the age of 97. Approximately 99 percent of Lewis' sizable estate was left to 16 charities including several Masonic organizations. In November 1997, a presentation of 1,305 NationsBank shares were presented to Northern Oklahoma College to be used for college scholarships.
Born in Kansas, Lewis grew up in Oklahoma City and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with his juris doctorate degree in 1921.
Moving to Ponca City in 1929, Lewis became staff attorney for Marland Oil Company just before the firm merged with Continental Oil. He remained with the oil company until retiring in 1964.
Two years later he joined in law partnership with Joseph A. Wideman and later with the late District Judge Neal Beekman for 20 years.
Besides being active in the bar association, where he received the 75-year membership pin shortly before his death, Lewis was active at all levels of the Masonic Lodge and received numerous honors.
NN's face is red! We failed to give credit for a recent book review which ran in Sunday's edition. The book, "Choosing Medical Care in Old Age: What Kind, How Much, When to Stop," written by Muriel R. Gillick, MD was reviewed in The News by Marilyn Clarke, MSW, director of Social Service at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Our apologies to Marilyn for our oversight!
MAKING A POINT during his motivation speech at the Newkirk Area Chamber of Commerce banquet is Ponca City native Sherol Hovis (above), who was the radio voice of the Ponca City Wildcats football games for WBBZ during the 70s. Hovis combined his experiences - in history teaching, theology, business and broadcasting - to encourage the crowd to continue the courageous, selfless attitude that Americans held during pivotal points in U.S. history. Pictured at left is Newkirk's newest Citizen of the Year Sidney Spore, standing with last year's winner Janice Shinn (center) and chamber president Mary Austin. A former state champion athlete, Spore has been a longtime supporter of school activities and community events in Newkirk and has long been considered a special citizen there. County Commissioner Wayne Leven remarked afterwards that Spore "is a man who could have been Citizen of the Year any of the last 50 years." (News Photo by Mark Galvin)
Editor's Note: In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, the Vision AMBUCS and the Vietnam Veterans Association will hold a fund raiser dance Friday, 7-12 p.m., at the American Legion. Tickets are $5 per person with proceeds going to the "Wall." Advance ticket purchasers will be eligible for door prizes. "Poverty's Children" will provide the music. For more information contact Lee Keyes, 765-4748, or Kathy McLemore, 767-1507. The following is an account of the Tet Offensive:
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The war in Vietnam was coming to a head in late 1967. The North Vietnamese were worn down by years of fighting. North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, along with Gen. Giap, decided that a last ditch effort to regain control was the only answer.
They determined that an offensive by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) on civilian and military installations would bring a swift victory for the North. The offensive was to take place during the Vietnamese new year, Tet.
Their intent was to crush South Vietnam's military and to gain support of the South Vietnamese people. The North's strategy was to attack provincial capitals, airfields and bases and major cities.
On Jan. 31, 1968, the major offensive started. The most famous conflict was the Battle at Hue City, located in I Corps. During the 26-day siege, nine battalions of NVA and VC pounded the city. Defending the city were three U.S. Marine Corps battalions, four U.S. Army battalions and 11 Army of the Republic of Vietnam (AVRN) battalions.
At the battle's end, there were 482 killed in action from the combined U.S. and AVRN forces and 8,000 killed from the NVA and VC - a distinct victory for the U.S.
The other most noted battle was the siege at Khe Sanh, a fire support base near the border of Laos and near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It was occupied by 6,000 combined troops of U.S. Marines and ARVN Rangers.
During the 77-day battle a peak of 20,000 NVA surrounded the base.
During the siege, the defenders at Khe Sanh Base fired 158,981 rounds of artillery. The NVA fired approximately 150 rounds a day, with 1,307 rounds fired on Feb. 23.
In April 1968, the Marines broke out of Khe Sanh - another victory for the U.S. The Tet Offensive was a complete failure for the North Vietnamese.
TONKAWA - A three-part Successful Money Management Seminar is slated at Northern Oklahoma College in February.
The seminar covers basic personal financial planning topics such as investments, lowering your taxes, IRAs and other retirement plans, and developing a personal financial plan.
Those attending will receive a confidential personal financial plan, work book and home study materials. The seminar is designed for all ages, income levels and occupations, including retired individuals.
Instructors are professional financial planners from Clark & Associates. No products or services will be promoted or offered at the seminar.
The three-part seminar will be held on consecutive Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 10 p.m. starting Feb. 3. A $40 fee covers the cost of instruction and all materials for one couple or a singe individual. To register or request additional information, call (405) 628-6220.
Cholesterol screenings will be conducted from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Feb. 5-7 at the Ponca City Wal-Mart store. A fee is charged for the cost of testing. For more information contact 1-800-330-6223.
Total cholesterol, cholesterol-HDL and risk ratio and Lipid-profile tests will be done. A 12-hour fast is recommended for the total lipid profile. Results will be available in five minutes.
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease which kills 500,000 Americans each year. It has no symptoms.
Who'll Blink First?
Last night we saw Democratic President Bill Clinton, apparently thinking of us a children, propose that the Federal Government solve all of our problems, real or perceived. We then saw Republican Majority Leader Trent Lott, charge the American people with accepting responsibility for their own actions and conserving some semblance of city and state rights.
Clinton let the burning liberal inside come out in full bloom as he proposed legislation designed to protect us from ourselves and others. Those who voted for him should not complain, they knew what they were getting. One can hope that they don't really believe that the solutions all lie within the Washington Beltway.
There are a myriad of separate issue to discuss, but the basics leave us with this one overriding difference between the two sides. Clinton believes that with enough taxes and legislation we can take care of everyone and everything.
The other side believes we are responsible for our own lives and decisions. Or at least they give mouth service to the idea.
Fortunately, and unfortunately, neither side is really telling the truth. The State of the Union address and the rebuttal are purely political events at which the opposing sides give generalizations and blatant appeals to popular political fads in an attempt to gain some measurable impact on the various polls which are invariably run in their aftermath. The Democrats make platitudes to the idea that the government can provide for everyone. The Republicans talk a good game and then too often wilt when push comes to shove and opportunities for real reform and freedom go down the drain.
With the presidency at an obviously weak position, now is the time for the Republican majority in Congress to hold a tougher economic line with the Democrats.
The battle lines were as clearly drawn last night as they have been in years. We can all sit back and wait to see who blinks first.
The Ponca City Art Association is announcing the Warren Family Exhibit, scheduled to open at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, Feb. 1. A reception for the Warren Family - Guy and Maxine and daughter Alison - is planned for opening day, Feb. 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with the public invited to attend. The exhibit will run through Feb. 22, it was announced.
Maxine Warren is an active painter and printmaker with experience in many media, whose work evolves in a highly intuitive manner. Her work has been in national and international juried exhibitions for many years and recently a nationally distributed book, "The Best of Oil Painting," selected two of her oils on canvas for its publication; another book, "Creative Inspirations," will be published later this year with her paintings included. She has recently been recognized in both the American and World Who's Who of Women, and the International Biographical Centre in England.
She was chairman of the Ponca City Senior High Art Department until 1986, before taking early retirement to a full-time Studio and Art business. Her credentials include a BFA in painting and printmaking and a Master's degree, as well as much post-graduate work in visual art schools over the country. She was accepted to work with Nathan Oliveira and Paul Jenkins at the Santa Fe Institute of Fine Art in their masters course.
Growing up in Ponca City, she can't remember a time when art and reading were not her major activities. As a very near-sighted child, color became more interesting than image, and memory more connected to feelings than places. Well trained academically in drawing, she departed from this traditional direction early to express the emotional response she had to what she saw. A more abstract approach allowed an emphasis on creativity and personal meaning over detail and illustration. The color, blur and gestural motion we see in her paintings becomes visual poetry - her keen interest in the transparency of color and light, using thin veils and washes (whether oil or water-based, canvas or paper), try to speak to her reverence for light as a spiritual and healing energy in life ... a kind of light dance.
After re-reading T.S. Eliot poetry after many years, Maxine's paintings seemed to become an intuitive visual dialogue with Eliot, echoing her own concerns now with the pain and joy, the passion and the brevity of life.
She thinks she probably paints the "once upon a time" of younger years when time was more on hold, and life less complex, confronting a future that is vague and unclear, but hopeful. Her work seems to speak to the swiftness of our lives, the blur of a memory. And like music, it may also describe a cool breeze, a midnight river, or her Oklahoma grasses. She likes sharing these "private thoughts" in her painting.
At the Ponca City "High School Art Department" from 1971 to 1986, she tried to convince students that there is a way for each person to reach into that creative process if they will allow it, and the journey of discovery that can bring much growth and enrichment to life. And further, in education, she believes this discovery transfers to all fields of endeavor.
She found great joy in teaching high school students, and hopes many will drop by this exhibition for perhaps another conversation.
Maxine also hopes to find some time to offer some occasional course work soon at the Ponca City Art Center.
Almost a native, Guy Warren returned to Ponca City after service in the Marines and college, as a mechanical engineer with Conoco. Even though formally educated in Engineering and with keen interest in geometric design and architectural shapes, his talent and fascination - both visual and musical - began at McKinley School. Even in grade school art class, he remembers working on grid paper, developing various geometric forms that were pleasing to him.
The "Resolution of a Square" series of sculpture grows out of this remembered activity and reduces the complexity of engineering and mathematics theory to a simple elegant structure. The infinite possibilities of half-square divisions compared to differences in people in the world is an interesting metaphor to him. He states that the refined simplicity of the equal square areas creates a natural balance and resolution which appeals to his philosophy and temperament.
His "Sextus Recursion" series comprise six geometric steel plates welded together to form a continuous structure that returns to its point of origin forming a void between the six plates. A metaphor for life cycles, these recursions are (to him) like the different stages of development in your life ... which all return to yourself and are connected together by meaning.
These series continue to develop in diverse structures that can be interactive together in "large scale site-specific" environmental works for museum, civic, and industrial parks. As monumental works, he visualizes the welded steel sculpture as 20-foot to 30-foot high fabricated walls which would imply shelter and intimate spaces - an urban retreat, within their enclosure. The smaller sculptures in the current exhibition are maquettes for these proposed large structures.
In 1966 Whitte Memorial Museum accepted one of his sculptures, and he has continued his art education and exhibition for the past 30 years by study with well-known artists such as Beverly Pepper and Melvin Edwards in art schools all over the country whenever time allowed. His media has included sculpture in welded steel, plastics, glass, leather and wood, as well as serigraphy. A large "Sextus Recursion" sculpture was commissioned by the Oklahoma City Arts Council, and can be seen on their Arts Council grounds near Stage Center. This sculpture is also included in the Book "Architectural Arts & Sculpture" - the Architects Sourcebook 12.
Growing up in an artistic family has been a considerable influence in Alison Warren's development as an artist - she has been making art ever since she can remember. She has not concentrated on any one medium exclusively, but has used the media that seemed to best express her ideas at the time.
For graduate study she was accepted to Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where she obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in Design with a photography minor. Since that time, she has also attended numerous workshops.
Alison's work in this exhibition includes assemblage, soft sculpture and mixed media, photography and poetry. Her most recent work, the mixed media shrines and boxes, reflects her interest in working with humble materials and found objects which she "rescues". Her intent with these is to make something flawed yet beautiful, to be viewed as contemporary icons and retablos as well as objects of beauty. By using these humble materials in conjunction with religious imagery, she wants to convey that we are accepted even with our imperfections. That there is worth in the found object, hardware or the ordinary. With her art or her teaching she desires to change people's concept of themselves and the world, and raise their self esteem.
In the future she wants to construct larger sculptural work and do more work in photography.
Alison has worked as a space planner and designer for Phil Fitzgerald & Associates Architects. Earlier for another architect, Jack Brenner of Structures Unlimited, she designed the clinic at 419 Fairview for Dr. Jim Thomas. As assistant professor, Alison taught Design at OSU for three years and one year at OU; also briefly as adjunct faculty at NOC and Cowley Community College. She currently works at the Ponca City Library. In addition to Art and creativity, her broad range of interests include writing, psychology, holistic health and spirituality.
The Warren Family welcomes this invitation by the Art Center to exhibit all three of their family's artwork, and a gallery-slide talk about their work is currently planned for mid-February.
The Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild meeting will be Feb. 2 at Community Christian Church. During Stitch and Assist, 9:30-11:30 a.m., members are asked to assist with the bindings for the donation quilt and the museum quilt. The business meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by Show-n-Share and the monthly program.
Hostesses will be Lois Gray, Charla Viehe, Mary Butler, Rachelle Burleson and Emmi Lockard. Greeter will be Dorothy Bobbitt. For further hostess information contact Oletta Demaree, 765-6964. Cheryl Pritchett, pattern chairman, will distribute new blocks and conduct a drawing for the picket fence blocks.
Joyce Eagan, workshop chairman, will take reservations for the April 6 "Needle Turn Applique" event, 4-7 p.m., with a cost of $15 and for the April 7 workshop "4 point Mariner's Compass by Machine" 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with a $15 cost.
Fair plans are being made and the February program will be the "Keepsake Quilting" displaying winning "challenges." For babysitting reservations contact Michiel Landers, 765-0184 by Jan. 30. For other guild information call Cindy Wilson, 765-6911 or Linda Burg, 765-2532.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
It is all up to the weather as to whether North Fifth Street opens anytime soon. The project completion date, once scheduled for December, has once again been postponed.
According to the general contractor's vice president Glen Nickles of Evans & Associates Construction, the completion date is dependent on the weather.
When asked for an approximate date, Nickles merely replied "How many days will it snow this month?" explaining that the weather alone has caused delays in the construction.
"We have hardly been able to work since Thanksgiving," Nickles explained. "Our business is so susceptible to weather and it really does affect our business. That is why I can't give a specific completion date."
However, according to Casey Shell, ODOT Division 4 Engineering Manager, there are 22 calendar days remaining on the Fifth Street contract. "That is calendar days," Shell emphasized. "We give credit for days not suitable for work to be performed."
This time of year, credit days mainly involve the temperature. "We give a half day credit for days the temperature is below 32 degrees," Shell explained. "And a full day credit is given if the temperature doesn't rise above 32 degrees."
The entire Fifth Street project involves the four lane extension of Fifth Street from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue and includes the Bradley connection which, when completed, will connect Bradley Avenue to Fifth Street. Currently, Fifth Street is open to Young Avenue.
As of date, over 80 percent of the $1.6 million project has been completed. The curbs have all been constructed and all base layers of asphalt have been laid. However, the turning lanes on Prospect Avenue are still under construction and the final layer of asphalt has yet to be laid.
And it will take weather cooperation for that final layer asphalt to be laid. According to Public Works Director Ken Parr, the temperature must be 40 degrees and rising before asphalt can be laid.
The contractor is planning on laying the entire final asphalt driving surface at one time, in a consistent manner Parr says. "This is to eliminate 'construction joints,'" he explained. "That not only provides for a smoother ride but it is advantageous because long term, that is where problems are likely to occur."
When complete the "new" Fifth Street will host a heavy flow of traffic. Mike Lane, City Traffic Engineer, expects as many as 8,000 vehicles to travel the new section within a 24 hour period. Reports show the 20-year-projected traffic flow to be 11,700 cars per/24 hour period.
The project is being funded 50 percent by Oklahoma Department of Transportation grant and 50 percent by a local match from tax funds.
And although Mother Nature is the only one that knows for certain when Fifth Street will be open, Parr is predicting April 1 as the "realistic date" for the thoroughfare to be open to traffic. Is it merely a coincidence that date happens to be April Fool's Day?
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.
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College is offering an ACT prep class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Crowder Science Hall Room 108.
Cost of the class is $30 and enrollment is through the Registrar's Office. For information call 580-628-6220.
Instructors Debbie Quirey, Mary Perks and Dr. Bob Mattheisen will present tips to help high school and college students prepare for national ACT tests to be administered at selected sites this semester. Participants should bring two No. 2 pencils, paper and a calculator to the class.
The ACT Prep class should prove beneficial both for students planning to take their first ACT test and for students who want to increase their ACT scores, particularly students applying for nursing and other competitive programs.
Northern will administer national ACT tests April 4, in Harold Hall on the NOC Campus. An application form and $20 fee to take the test must be mailed to the national office postmarked no later than March 2.
Registration packets are available from high school counselors and from Northern Testing Coordinator Sue Fisher in the Vineyard Library.
Residual tests, administered to students planning to attend Northern may be taken at the Northern Testing Center by appointment with Fisher. A $25 residual testing fee will be collected. Call 580-628-6357 for an appointment with Fisher.
Returning to Ponca City to be the mistress of ceremonies for the 104th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet slated for Friday evening will be Phyllis Worley.
The banquet featuring Mike Boettcher NBC News correspondent and a native of Ponca City as speaker, is sold out.
Prior to receiving a promotion and transfer by Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG), Worley had been vice chairman of the Chamber, and area manager of ONG. She was promoted to Director of the Southern Region of Kansas Gas Service, which is also affiliated with ONEOK Inc.
Worley began her career with ONG in 1970 in Oklahoma City and has been part of the management team since 1987. In 1974 she was transferred to Tulsa where she worked for 20 years. Before moving to Ponca City in 1994 she held the position of manager-gas transportation services.
Worley was an active member of a number of local organizations including Professionals Today, Ponca City Rotary Club, Hospice, Domestic Violence, Marland Estate Foundation and Commission, Salvation Army, Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board and Humane Society.
She was a member of the Pioneer Bank Trust board, and involved in the Ponca City Native American Standing Bear Project and served on the steering committee of ONEOK Employee's Political Action Commission. She was a graduate of Leadership Ponca City Class IX and Leadership Oklahoma, Class X.
Employers and supervisors of military reservists and National Guard members from 15 communities have been honored with the "My Boss is a Patriot" award of the Oklahoma Committee of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve.
The award is given to individuals and companies in recognition of special support given to employees who are members of reserve forces and who are called upon from time to time for active military duty. Nominations for the award are made by members of the Guard and Reserve organizations.
Receiving awards for their outstanding support from Ponca City are Larry Kubitcheck of Hastings Co.; Dave Wise of Mertz, Inc. and John Stout of Smith Tool Co.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The 1997-98 Homecoming royalty will be crowned before the girls varsity basketball game Saturday night during Po-Hi's basketball game against Broken Arrow. Natasha Anderson is Homecoming Queen, with Micha Alexander as Homecoming King.
Her attendants are Romi Foreman, junior attendant, being escorted by Tom Engle; and Alana Smith, sophomore attendant; escorted by Blake Geubelle.
Anderson is the daughter of Vincent and Tonda Anderson. She has been involved in basketball for nine years, is a three-year letterman, was named All-Conference her freshman and junior years, awarded for best free thrower, best three pointer shooter and most steals.
She is a member of Afro-Americans, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Foreign Language Club. Anderson is a three-year letterman in soccer and made All-District and All-Conference last year. She is a member of the Po-Hi drill team and made All-American. She is undecided on college, but would like to play soccer somewhere.
Homecoming King is Micha Alexander. He has been in basketball for nine years and is the son of Mike and Shawn Alexander. He is a two-year letterman, was the leading scorer of three pointers as a junior, and finished sixth in the conference his junior year averaging 12.4 points per game.
Alexander has been on the honor roll for three years, and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Foreign Language Club. He is concurrently enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College and plans to attend college next year, major in finance and play basketball.
Romi Foreman, junior attendant; is the daughter of Gary and June Foreman. She has been a varsity cheerleader for four years, varsity tennis member for five years and is involved in the Foreign Language Club. She has been on the honor roll for five consecutive years and was named "Who's Who Among American Students" for three years. Foreman was also named the Outstanding Sophomore Girl. Her future plans are to attend college.
Romi's escort is Tom Engle, son of Ollie and Rickey Engle. He was named Hot Shot Champion and Best Defensive Player at the 1995 Wildcat basketball camp. He is a member of Post 69, Youth and Government and is a member of the Grace Episcopal Church. Engle plans to go wherever basketball takes him.
The sophomore attendant is Alana Nichole Smith, daughter of Alan and Judy Smith. She has been involved in basketball for six years and was an All-Conference player her freshmen year. She is vice-president of the sophomore class, and is also involved in softball and track. She has received several academic honors and is a member of the First Baptist Church. Alana plans to major in business finance in college.
Alana's escort is Blake Geubelle, son of Bill and Marianne Geubelle. He was named All-Conference his freshman year and is a football letterman. He is an honor roll student and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Flower girls will be Kaylyn and Kyndal Pulley, and the crown bearer is Conner Pulley. Their parents are Steve and Dana Pulley.
Ponca City Police have arrested a man wanted in Wellington, Kan., for attempted murder and aggravated kidnapping.
The man, Cody Davison, a 28-year-old Kansas resident, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at a local motel after police received a tip on his location. According to Lt. Bryan VanArsdale he was arrested without incident.
Authorities in Kansas were notified of the arrest and are in route to question Davison who is currently in the jail at the Kay County Sheriff Department awaiting extradition procedures. His bond has been set at $500,000.
While many adults will use this year's Groundhog Day to discover how many days of winter are left, thousands of Oklahoma students will use the day to help them find career direction.
On Feb. 2, more than 100,000 students across the country will "job shadow" with local community leaders and business people, according to Beth Cummins, program manager of Tulsa Junior Achievement, and a lead partner in Oklahoma's Groundhog Job Shadow Day events.
These activities are part of Groundhog Shadow Day, which has been organized by the National School-to-Work (STW) Office; General Colin Powell's volunteer organization, America's Promise; Junior Achievement; the National Employer Leadership Council and the American Society of Association Executives.
National organizations participating in the day of shadowing include BellSouth, Bell Atlantic, Microsoft, the Hospitality Business Alliance and others.
In Washington, D.C., Gen. Powell along with some cabinet and administration officials will host local students.
Oklahoma students will job shadow with key members of their local communities including businessmen, city council members and local media.
"These mentors-for-a-day have the chance to inspire the next generation," Moyer said. "They will be encouraged to emphasize the types of classes that will help students excel in the workplace."
Karen Leveridge, state chamber representative, also emphasized the importance of mentoring.
"The potential to have an impact on students is enormous. And businesses, too, can help develop their workforce while gaining greater credibility both within the community and with their peers," she said.
Additional information about Groundhog Shadow Day can be obtained by
calling Linda Thompson, STW coordinator, at 762-8336, ext. 244.
DEATHS
Donald L. Bland, Ponca City resident, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1998, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. He was 78 years old.
The funeral will be held at the Ponca City First United Methodist at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29th, with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating. Following the service committal will be held at Riverview Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kan., under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Donald L. Bland was born Nov. 13, 1919, in Lucas, Kan., the son of Ray and Jenny Brooks Bland. He grew up and graduated from high school in Lucas. Bland was a veteran of World War II.
He was married to Alice L. Mowrey on Aug. 1, 1946, in Ellsworth, Kan. They moved to Arkansas City in 1957 where Don owned and operated Ark City Lanes until the lanes burned in 1962. He later owned and operated Cherokee Lanes in Arkansas City. Bland moved to Ponca City in 1974, where he managed the Ponca Bowl before retiring in 1986.
In his retirement, Don was very active in the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and in the giving of time to the elderly. His hobbies included gardening and raising flowers.
Survivors include his wife Alice, of the home; three sons, Steven of Augusta, Kan., and Jon M. and Bruce both of Arkansas City; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will receive friends at Trout Funeral Home, Wednesday, from 7 to 8 p.m.
CANADIAN, Texas - George David Earl Tubb, brother to Charlotte Lembke of Ponca City, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 1998 in Canadian, Texas. He was 73.
A memorial service was held Jan. 26, 1998, at the Canadian First Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Stickley-Hill Funeral Directors, Canadian, Texas.
George David Earl Tubb was born July 11, 1924, in Canadian, Texas, to pioneer parents George and Dorothy (Michel) Tubb. He graduated from Canadian High School and Texas A&M University with a degree in animal husbandry.
During World War II he served four years in the U.S. Army. Tubb saw overseas duty with the 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division in France and Germany. He attained the rank of Captain and served as company commander prior to his 21st birthday. After his discharge he returned to Canadian and began farming/ranching operations with his father.
He was married to Pauline "Polly" Shepherd in 1951 in Pampa, Texas. Tubb was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, VFW, and American Legion.
He was an avid lifelong competitor in rifle shooting and supervised the construction of several rifle ranges while serving on the National Rifle Association boards. The finest 100 target highpower rifle range in the nation at Whittington Center in Raton, N.M. is named in Tubb's honor. He also competed and earned a spot on eight U.S. Palma Teams (International long range rifle competitions), in South Africa, Canada, Australia, England and the U.S. He also served on the board of directors of the NRA National Association for 10 years and as president of the Texas State Rifle Association and on the NRA's Whittington Center board of trustees at Raton, N.M. for 18 years.
Survivors include his wife, Polly, of the home; two sons, George David Tubb of Canadian, Texas, and Gary Earl Tubb of Amarillo, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Robert L. (Charlotte) Lembke of Ponca City; and six grandchildren.
LAMONT - Johnny Chester Pameticky, former Lamont resident, died at the Guthrie (Okla.) Retirement Center Monday evening, Jan. 26, 1998. He was 82.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel with the Rev. Tony Pameticky officiating. Burial will follow at the Morrison (Okla.) Cemetery. Casket bearers will be nephews.
Johnny Chester Pameticky was born Aug. 8, 1915, at Taloga to John F. and Marie (Jazek) Pameticky. As a young child he moved with his family to Morrison and in 1937 they moved to Lamont.
In the early 1960s he moved to Oklahoma City and lived at the Jetz Center for five years and worked for Goodwill Industries. He lived in various nursing homes in Oklahoma City and Edmond, moving to Guthrie about three years ago. Pameticky was a member of the Henderson Hills Baptist Church, Edmond.
Survivors include a sister, Hazel Boyd of Tonkawa; two brothers, Earnest of Ponca City and Harvey of Blackwell; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Libby Hutcherson; and two brothers, Lee and Edward Pameticky.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Pameticky's name to Goodwill Industries, c/o Hackler Funeral Home, 301 West Blackwell, Blackwell, OK 74631.
The family will be at the home of Harvey and Dee Pameticky prior to the service.
HOUSTON, Texas - Charles Conrad "Charlie" Watson, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday Jan. 18, 1998, in Houston. He was 62.
The funeral was held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 1998, at the HNC Chapel in Houston with the Rev. E.M. "Happy" Darneal officiating. Burial was in Houston National Cemetery under the direction of Claire Brothers Funeral Home, Houston.
Charles Conrad "Charlie" Watson was born in 1935 the son of Orris Ems and Aileen Ems Watson. He grew up in Ponca City, graduated from Ponca City High School in 1955, and was employed at Continental Baking Company. He was married to Estaleeta Aleen McVay on June 22, 1957, in Ponca City.
Survivors include his wife, Estaleeta Watson of 2925 Briarpark, Suite 1160, Houston, TX 77042; one son, Rick Watson of Houston; and one daughter, Conda Watson of Houston; his mother, Aileen Watson of Dallas, Texas; his step-father, Wesley Watson of Muskogee; two sisters, Rochelle Buice of Dallas and Karen Humphrey of Muskogee. He was preceded in death by his father, Orris Ems, and one infant daughter.
The family respectfully requests that friends and relatives not notify Aileen Watson of Dallas, because of her poor health.
BLACKWELL - Mary Eunice Sibley, former Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, 1998, at her home in Wichita, Kan. She was 91.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Charles Ryser, Blackwell First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be held in the Blackwell Cemetery prior to the memorial service.
Mary Eunice (McNeely) Sibley was born Dec. 30, 1906, in Ashland, Kan., to Reed and Louisa (Miller) McNeely. At age five, she moved with her family to Arnett, Okla., where she grew up and graduated from Arnett High School in 1925. She attended Northwestern State Teacher's College in Alva, earned her Lifetime Teachers Certificate, and taught in Ellis County district schools for seven years.
She was married to Francis Marion Sibley on June 1, 1933, in Cheyenne and the couple moved to Blackwell that same year. During her life in Blackwell between 1933 and 1994, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Kum Dbl Sunday School Class, Hannah Group PTA, Blackwell Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors of America, Top of Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Red Cross.
Survivors include one son, Rodney Mac Sibley of Payallup, Wash.; one daughter, Joy Marilyn Monigold of Wichita, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1977; her parents; three brothers, Earl, DeLeo. and Joe McNeely; and four sisters, Ruby Shelton, Deva Alexander, Wilda Hollaway, and Loree Miller.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sibley's name to Community Hospice, 1650 South Georgetown, Suite 160, Wichita, KS 67218 or to the Blackwell First Methodist Church, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Lloyd E. "Lefty" McGee, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Monday evening, Jan. 26, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 73 years of age.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998, at the Longwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Stevenson, presiding. Interment will be at the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Lloyd E. McGee was born March 1, 1924, in Ponca City, the son of Wallace McGee and Frances (Fosler) McGee. He received his education in Ponca City schools.
He entered the U.S. Army in September 1942, serving during World War II with the 101st Airborne, 506 Regiment. In 1944, McGee parachuted behind enemy lines at Normandy the day before D-Day and again in Holland 12 days later. He was wounded in action, and was honorably discharged in March 1946. He received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Battle Stars, two Presidential Citations, two Campaign Citations, two Major Invasion Arrow Heads, the Dutch Orange Lanyard, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theater Ribbon.
He was married to Dora Ellen Ellison on April 9, 1950, in Nowata. McGee was a member of the Longwood Baptist Church, the local DAV Chapter McKnight Printz No. 47, American Legion, and the VFW. He was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying baseball. He was the first Ponca City Legion baseball pitcher to lead his team to a State Legion Championship in 1940 and was a top professional baseball prospect before entering World War II.
He is survived by his wife Dora, of the home; one brother, Harold McGee of Wichita, Kan.; and one granddaughter, Danielle Perry of Kansas City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Vickie Lynn Perry in 1973.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2233 Northwest 39th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 74602, or to Disabled American Veterans, McKnight Printz Chapter No. 47, P.O. Box 2181, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at 912 North Oak Street.
paid obituary
TONKAWA - Elizabeth A. Williams, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 79. Mass of Christian burial will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Tonkawa. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Thursday
Hazel M. McDaniel - Funeral is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Elliott Funeral Home in Hutchinson, Kan. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park in Hutchinson.
Milo Watson - Memorial service at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Service, Perry.
Friday
Waneta Eileen Russell - Memorial Service at 2 p.m. at Blackwell
First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts
Funeral Home, Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
Miller Joins Army - Kenneth C.J. Miller has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Ponca City. The enlistment gives Miller the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $40,000 toward a college education. A 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School, Miller will report to Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., for basic training Feb. 3, 1998. He is the son of Duane N. and June Miller of 1711 Queens Avenue, Ponca City.
Newkirk Man Joins Marines - Marine Pvt. David P. Lambert, son of David L. and Peggy D. Lambert of Route 2, Newkirk, recently reported for duty with the Second Battalion, 7th Marines, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. His new assignment is an example of how the Navy and Marines Corps men and women are assigned to ships, squadrons and shore commands around the world. The 1997 graduate of Newkirk High School joined the Marine Corps in June 1997.
Fund Raiser Dance - The Vision AMBUCS and the VVA extend an invitation to the public to attend a fund raiser dance Jan. 31, 7-12 p.m. at the American Legion. Tickets are $5 per person with proceeds going to the "Wall." Advance ticket purchasers will be eligible for door prizes. "Poverty's Children" will provide the music. For more information contact Lee Keyes, 765-4748, or Kathy McLemore, 767-1507.
Young at Heart Dance Planned - The Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Ponca City every Wednesday. All seniors are invited to come and enjoy.
Square Dance - Chikaskia Valley Square Dance Special Fifth Friday dance will be at 8 p.m. Friday. The event will be held at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect. Caller will be John Gorski. Members are asked to provide finger foods.
Accident - At 8:11 a.m. Tuesday police were notified of a two-vehicle accident in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.
Window Broken - At 8:17 a.m. Tuesday police were advised that a window at Turner Radiator Shop, 417 South First Street, had been broken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tobacco Citation - At 9:04 a.m. Tuesday police issued a tobacco citation to a juvenile behind the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue.
Break-In - A break-in at Fort Knox Mini Storage, 1301 East Prospect Avenue, was reported at 10:43 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 11:30 a.m. Tuesday a man in the 400 block of West Otoe Avenue reported vandalism to his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fire Threat - A woman in the 2000 block of North Seventh Street reported to police at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday that a man had threatened to burn her house down. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 2:06 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 1700 block of Leslie Lane reported vandalism to her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was made.
Accident - At 2:06 p.m. Tuesday a non-injury accident at Grand Avenue and Union Street was reported. Information was exchanged.
Break-In - A break-in at Magnum Mini Storage, 800 East Hubbard Road, was reported to police at 2:49 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 43-year-old man at 3 p.m. Tuesday from the 300 block of South Eighth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Missing Money - At 4:15 p.m. Tuesday a man at Pioneer Auto, 3224 North Fourteenth Street, reported money stolen from the business. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Concrete Vandalism - Police were called to Fourteenth Street and Hartford Avenue at 4:27 p.m. Tuesday due to juveniles vandalizing freshly poured concrete.
Arrest - A 23-year-old man was arrested at 4:56 p.m. Tuesday from the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - At 5:42 p.m. Tuesday a two-vehicle, non-injury accident was reported in 2400 block of Juanito Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - A gas drive-off was reported at 5:48 p.m. Tuesday at the Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Arrested - A 11-year-old boy was arrested at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday on three counts of second degree burglary.
Arrest - Police arrested a man at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday from the 400 block of Lansbrook Road on a Kay County warrant.
Windshield Broken - A man in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to police at 10:47 p.m. Tuesday that the windshield of his vehicle had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - An assault was reported at 11:01 p.m. Tuesday in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Abandoned Bike - A man reported an abandoned bike at 5:52 a.m. Wednesday on West Broadway Avenue between Birch Street and Peachtree Street.
Arrest - A 20-year-old man was arrested at 5:56 a.m. Wednesday
on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay after a man reported that he
had been assaulted.
LIFESTYLES
The Newcomers Club of Ponca City began 1998 with the monthly dinner meeting at the Marland Mansion. Fifty-five members and quests were present at the catered dinner on Jan. 15.
Linda Mullikin, programs chairperson, introduced the guest speaker: Greg Armstrong from the Ponca City YMCA. Armstrong talked to the group about the Y's facilities and programs available as part of the membership package. After his talk Armstrong answered questions and invited members of the Newcomers Club to visit the Y for a tour.
Vickie Bishop, president, welcomed new members and introduced quests. She reminded the membership that dues for 1998 were now payable. All current Newcomer members are asked to send their dues to Newcomers Club of Ponca City, P.O. Box 1572, 74602-1572
The Newcomers Club has designated March as "Second Chance" month. Women who fit one of the following categories are invited to call for information on joining the Newcomers Club. Members who have let their membership lapse; women new to Ponca whom we have inadvertently missed, and those women who chose not to join Newcomers when they first moved to Ponca. Call Vicky Bishop, president, 765-4146 or Joyce Fox, 762-9578 for more information.
Following the introduction of guests and new members, Joyce Allen, Public Relations chairperson, drew names for the door prizes. Door prizes were donated by local merchants.
The Newcomers has several activity groups available to members, please call P. J. Polk, vice president, 762-0776 for more information. The next Newcomers Dinner will be Feb. 19 and will be a quest night. For information or reservations call Angela Blanton, 765-0957.
Rural Network Development and Rural Outreach Grants are available through the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy according to state commissioner J. R. Nida, M. D. "These grants are offered to provide funding toward expanded access to health care programs, including preventive and emergency services" he said.
Health care providers are encouraged to apply. Grant applications are
due Mar. 16 and can be obtained through the HRSA Grant Application Center,
1-888-333-4772. Callers should be prepared with an appropriate grant identifier
number which is 93.912A for Outreach and 93.912B for Network Development
Grant. More information is available through the Oklahoma Office of Rural
Health, 405-271-8750.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
STILLWATER - Desiree Cries For Ribs took on Stillwater, Tuesday - and lost.
The Lady Wildcats' 5-9 junior made all but one of the Lady Cats' 2-point field goals, went 5-of-9 on free throws, nailed 4-of-6 from 3-point land and racked up 29 points, but it wasn't enough as the Poncans fell, 55-48.
"Dez was phenomenal," said Lady Cat head coach Dana Pulley, "if it wasn't for her we would have been out of the game."
The faster the Lady Cats' ship sunk, the faster Cries For Ribs bailed. And it almost worked.
Down by nine, 45-36, in the opening moments of the fourth quarter, Cries For Ribs knocked down a basket. Tia Williams then came up with a steal on the other end, drove down the court and dished off to Natasha Anderson, who buried one from the 3-point arc.
Another Stillwater turnover led to a second Anderson 3-pointer, and the Lady Cats were suddenly down by just two, with 4:35 remaining.
The Lady Pioneers, however, led by 5-9 junior Shelby Hutchins - who had eight points in the period - banged out five straight points to stretch the lead again.
Though Cries For Ribs added three more points in the final two minutes, the Lady Cats could never get closer than four. Hutchins and sophomore Leslie Warner went good on 3-of-4-straight free throws for the Lady Pioneers to expand the lead to seven, and after the Poncans failed to convert on three field goal attempts in the final 28 seconds, the Lady Pioneers walked away with the win.
Though the Lady Cats gave up the ball just 14 times - compared to Stillwater's 17 - their old nemesis, shooting (or a lack of it) took its toll.
The Lady Cats hit just 30 percent of their shots, and went a disastrous 13-of-30 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Lady Pioneers were a shining 22-of-39 from the field, for 56 percent. Though they, too, failed to impress from the charity stripe, going 11-for-26, it hardly made a difference.
"It's the same old-same old," said Lady Cat head coach Dana Pulley, "when it comes down to crunch time, we gotta make our shots. Technically, they're all good shooters, but they shoot and don't think it'll go in. It's all attitude."
Still, Pulley knows her defense - combined with Cries For Ribs' dead-on shooting - did a remarkable job to keep her team in the game.
"We really wanted to win that," she says.
After a sloppy first quarter, in which both teams scored most of their points off turnovers, the Lady Cats found themselves with the early deficit, 17-14.
Down by nine in the second quarter, Cries For Ribs brought the Poncans back a little with a 3-pointer, followed by a bucket, 2-for-2 free throws, and - in the final second of the half - a 10 foot jumper to shave the Lady Pioneers' lead to six, 31-25, at the break.
After intermission, Cries For Ribs poured it on again, banging out four points to keep pace with the Lady Pioneers, and after Romi Foreman hammered a 3-pointer, the Lady Cats drew to within three, 36-33, with 3:15 left in the period.
From there, however, the Lady Pioneers went on a 6-1 run to enter the final stanza.
Aside from Cries For Ribs' career night, Anderson scored seven (including the two 3-pointers that gave the Lady Cats a chance, late), Keesha West and Foreman had four each, Aleena Ames had two, while Julie Schiltz and Tia Williams had one each.
The Lady Cats' homecoming is this Saturday, against Broken Arrow.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
STILLWATER - The season may only be half over, but one thing is certain - the Wildcats know how to beat Stillwater.
After grinding out their first conference win against the Pioneers Dec. 5, 76-67, the Cats went on the road and did it again, Tuesday, busting out with a huge fourth quarter to notch their third win in a row and up their season record to 5-10. Stillwater is now 5-8 on the year.
Ryan "Diesel" Treadway exploded in the final stanza for 14 of the Cats' 23 points. Lazer-like feeds from Tom Engle, Micah Alexander, and Ryan Meyer set Treadway up, and the 6-5 senior came through.
"He had guys coming at him from everywhere, and I guess his football intuition just took over," said Wildcat head coach Ron Arthur, "he made a lot of huge shots, late in the game, and that gave us the extra push."
After a physical, see-saw battle through three quarters, the Cats made their move early in the fourth, going up by six, 54-48, behind seven straight points by Treadway.
After a time-out by Stillwater, however, the Pioneers staged a comeback that culminated in a Ponca City turnover, an easy lay-up by Stillwater freshman Leonard Jones, and the lead cut to one, 56-55, with two minutes remaining.
Time to fuel up the Diesel.
Taking two brilliant assists from Engle and Meyer, Treadway - a tight-end on the Wildcats' football team - ironed out the Stillwater defenses under the hoop, turned one shot into a 3-point play, and gave the Cats a 61-57 lead with less than a minute left. In that same period, Stillwater stagnated on the line, bouncing 2-of-4 shots off the rim.
With 18 seconds left, the Pioneers made one final stab when Jones put back an offensive rebound to draw his team within two, but Meyer and deadly free thrower Kris Shores (sent in wisely by Arthur) went a perfect 4-for-4 from the line to give the Cats the victory.
"This is a huge win for us, to come down and beat them here," said an ebullient Arthur, "I'm so proud of these kids. They all stepped up and did what they had to do. They had that extra adrenalin, when it mattered."
Adrenalin did it for the Poncans in the fourth quarter, but turnovers by the Pioneers in the preceding three kept the game close. Actually, looking for causes of the Cats success of late, one might point to turnovers. Earlier in the season, the Cats were giving up the ball nearly ten times more per game, on average, than the opposition. Today, the disparity - while still in favor of the opponents - has been cut to just three.
Tuesday, the Poncans did a marvelous job of holding onto the ball, giving it up just 13 times. Stillwater, which has beaten two conference teams the Cats fell to earlier in the season (Broken Arrow and Owasso), coughed it up 23 times.
After a total of 13 lead changes in the first half, Stillwater held the narrow one-point lead, 33-32.
The Pioneers broke to a seven point lead, 39-32, to start the third quarter, but Alexander and Jason Shelton quickly got things going again for the Cats with a pair of quick baskets. Then, with Scott Larrison going good on a pair of free throws, followed by a coast-to-coast lay up by Meyer and a Shores jumper, the Cats completed a 10-2 run to usher in the fateful fourth quarter.
"I told them that this is where the game is won," said Arthur, "this is where they make the plays to win the game.
"These guys are feeling good about themselves. They're playing well, and this is the time of year we want to play well."
Treadway finished with a total of 18 points for the Wildcats, followed by Alexander with 12, Shores with ten, Meyer with eight, Alfred Delancy with seven (and eight rebounds), Engle with six, while Larrison and Shelton each had two.
Shooting, the Cats were 26-of-60 from the field, for 43 percent, and sank 12-of-24 from the line.
The Pioneers shot slightly better, at 46 percent, but died at the 3-point arc, going 0-of-9 on the evening.
The Wildcats now prepare for homecoming, Saturday, when they'll face off against Broken Arrow.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Northern Oklahoma College's Mavericks moved up to 15th in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Division I men's basketball poll.
The Mavericks, now 17-3, won the Bi-State West Conference opener Monday, defeating Murray (Okla.) State, 68-52.
NOC plays Rose State Thursday in its conference home opener.
The other top 20 teams in the NJCAA poll with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 27 and total points:
Record Pts
1. Indian Hills, Iowa (10) 20-0 128
2. Allegany, Md. (5) 22-0 104
3. Barton County, Kan. (1) 20-1 80
4. Tallahassee, Fla. 21-2 70
5. Dixie, Utah 19-2 62
6. Northland Pioneer, Ariz. 19-1 51
7. Kilgore, Texas 19-2 41
8. Bossier Parish, La. 19-2 36
9. Spartanburg Methodist, S.C. 15-2 30
10. Southern Idaho 19-2 29
11. Three Rivers, Mo. 20-3 24
12. Northwest, Wyo. 19-1 21
13. Vincennes, Ind. 16-2 18
14. Chipola, Fla. 8-3 17
15. Northern Oklahoma 18-3 15
16. Seward County, Kan. 20-1 14
17. Midland, Texas 16-2 13
18. Aquinas, Tenn. 16-3 11
19. San Jacinto, Texas 16-3 10
20. McCook, Neb. 17-2 9
BRAMAN - Ponca Cirty's sophomore boys ran their record to 6-1 on the season with a 65-59 win over Braman Monday.
"We played very well on both ends of the floor," coach Jerry Orr said. "But especially on defense. We forced several turnovers which made the difference in the game."
The sophomores blew to a 32-22 halftime lead and held off Braman down the stretch.
"This was Braman's 'Senior Night,'" Orr noted. "Their boys played with a lot of emotion. I thought we did a great job of taking that part of their game away."
Ponca City had four players in double figures.
Barry Chance finished with 16 points, Jeff Furnas had 12 and Blake Guebelle and Evan Rupp each had 10.
Sandborn topped Braman with 19 points while Head had 15 and Johns 13.
The sophomores play at Frontier, aganst the Mustangs' JVs, Thursday.
Ponca City 65 (soph), Braman 59
Ponca City 18 14 20 13 - 65
Braman 10 12 22 15 - 59
Ponca - Chance 16, Furnas 14, Rupp 10, Guebelle 10, Skaggs 7, Sattre 4, Morris 23, Williams 2, Crosson 1, Urioste 1.
Braman - Sandborn 19, Head 15, Johns 13, Locke 4, Miller 4, Grell 3, Gummow 1.
BRAMAN - In what coach Mark Huster termed "the most lopsided officiating job I've ever seen," the Lady Cat sophomores (4-3) were done in by the Braman Pirates' varsity Monday night, 53-37.
Getting whistled for 29 fouls, the Lady Cats sent the Pirates to the line 37 times, where they knocked down 22. How many fouls did the Lady Cats draw?
"One," says Huster, "and we went 1-of-2 from the line."
All that foul-calling hurt the Lady Cats' line up, with both Alana Smith and Laura Sudbury fouling out after limited playing time. Smith, whose aggressiveness the officials found especially distasteful, fouled out in about four minutes.
"Yes, we did have fouls," Huster says, "we were trying to play aggressively. But it's still pretty amazing. They had five buckets in the second half - the rest were free throws."
Leading the way for the Lady Cats was Kami Schieber with ten points, Allison Stotts with eight, Brooke Hines with five, Sudbury with four, Smith with two, Mea Alexander with four, Kelly Anderson with three, while Krystl Richardson had one.
The sophomores play again on Thursday, hitting the road to take on Frontier's junior varsity.
Eighth Grade Girls
Ponca City Red 36, Stillwater 35
Ponca City Red 41,
Enid Waller 21
Tuesday's 41-21 win over Enid Waller was a welcome relief for the Ponca City eighth grade Red girls' basketballers after a nail-biter 36-35 decision over Stillwater Monday.
The net results of the back-to-back games is that the Ponca City team leads the Northern Conference race with two league games remaining.
The Reds are 5-1 in conference play, 9-4 overall. They took over the conference lead Monday when Jamie Leach banged in a 3-pointer with three seconds left against Stillwater.
That capped a near miraculous comeback for the Lady Cougars who trailed 28-23 entering the fourth period and were down by eight points in the the final minutes.
But Gena Wedd, who finished with 16 points, drained two straight 3-pointers in that furous rally, setting up Leach's winner.
Leach finished with just 5 points in the game. Courtney Birdsong had 6 points, Amanda Ingram 4, Nikki Sells 3 and Nichole Chance 2.
The Reds had a much easier time against Waller, vaulting to a 29-8 halftime lead and were in front 38-12 after three periods.
Ingram led the scoring in that game with 12 points while Wedd had 11, Birdsong 6, Chance 4, Leach and Sells 3 each and Ashley Ford 2.
The eighth graders play host to Blackwell in a nonconference game Feb. 2, follow that with a league game against Enid Longfellow here Feb. 3 and finish against Enid Emerson here Feb. 5.
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Ponca City Red JVs 25,
Enid Waller JVs 35-12
The eighth grade JV girls also topped Waller's JVs Tuesday, 35-12.
Christy Cowan, Stephanie Dyer and Ford each had 6 points in that contest while Chance had 5, Merideth Veal 4, Ingram 3, Sells and Wedd 2 each and Leach 1.
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Ponca City Blue 29, Stillwater 24
The Mid-High Lady Cougars' eighth grade blue team continue to impress, topping Stillwater 29-24 on Monday to up their season record to 11-3.
Trailing by a narrow, one point deficit at halftime, 11-10, the Lady Cougars came up with a big third quarter, outscoring Stillwater, 13-7 to take the lead. The two teams then went neck-and-neck through the final stanza to the buzzer.
Leading the way for the Lady Cougars was Mallory Hodge with 12 points, followed by Jamee Neal with seven, Amanda Summers with four, while Monica Sawyers, Sonia Fry and Kathlene Larrison each had two.
The Lady Cougars go back into action Feb. 10, taking on Enid Waller, there.
The Cornerstone Community Christian Academy boys basketball team upped their season record to 12-2 recently, topping Crescent Academy, 60-55.
Behind a 28 point outing by Josh Walcher, and steady inside play from Kyle Gehab, the Saints overcame a seven point deficit in the first half to notch the win.
Following Walcher's performance were Kyle Geheb with 11, Mercer with eight, J. Johnson with six, T. Ladd with three, S. Craig with two, while J. Alcott and P. Walcher both had one.
The Saints next take on OC Christian Academy, Friday.
STILLWATER - The Lady Wildcat junior varsity upped their season record to 5-4 Tuesday, demolishing the junior varsity of Stillwater, 38-22.
Leaping to a 15-8 lead in the first quarter, the Lady Cats sustained themselves on just 10 points through the middle quarters before coming out in the fourth to bomb the Lady Pioneers, 13-2, to take home the win.
Leading the way for the Lady Wildcats was Aleena Ames with 12 points, followed by Jennifer Caughman off the bench with eight, Alana Smith and Laura Sudbury with six each, Lendsi Boyd with four, and Romi Foreman with two.
The Lady Cat JV next go into action Saturday, taking on Broken Arrow.