LOCAL

Three Killed in Wreck Thursday
Icy Weather Closes Schools, Keeps Area Roads Dangerous
Gammon Has Long Experience With Security at Special Events
Nearly News
PTC Building Mill Levies, School Bond Issue Viewed
Snappy Woody Allen Film Shows at Poncan Theatre
Three Teens Held by Police For Burglaries
Osage County Residential Fire Causes Damage

Three Killed in Wreck Thursday

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

An early evening accident Thursday in Osage County killed three people, including a 5-year-old child.

Rescuers, using the “jaws of life” worked to free the occupants of the two vehicles, who were pinned for approximately one hour. However, Pawhuska residents 26-year-old Nicole Drummond, her 5-year-old son Jacob and Wilfred Dommer, 57, of Edmond, were all declared dead at the scene.

According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred when — for unknown reasons — the westbound vehicle driven by Drummond went left of center and struck an oncoming vehicle on U.S. 60 near Burbank.

The oncoming vehicle, driven by Dommer, happened to be a hearse transporting a body.

Icy Weather Closes Schools, Keeps Area Roads Dangerous

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Residents of Ponca City and northern Oklahoma woke to a wintry blanket of ice, snow and sleet this morning. It was a mixture that caused havoc on the roadways and prompted school closings throughout the area.

Classes at all of Ponca City schools, both public and private, as well as those at the Pioneer Technology Center were canceled as the cold temperatures and dangerous driving conditions continued early this morning.

“We were pretty sure last night that we would have to close the schools this morning and after checking with the transportation director at 4 a.m. this morning that decision was confirmed,” said Ponca City School Superintendent Dr. Bill White. “We would rather our students be safe than to risk one of our school buses getting stuck on a country road.”

White added that the day would not have to be made up due to the fact that there are several weather days included in the school calendar.

At the Oklahoma Highway Patrol office in Pawnee — which serves Pawnee, Payne, Noble, Osage and Kay counties — reports of accidents flooded the switchboard, causing a “patrolmen shortage.”

“Our officers are responding to one accident scene after another and people are having to just wait for our troopers. We have more accidents than patrolmen,” said Lt. Shawn Lockwood. “Basically everything north of U.S. 40 east and west is in terrible condition and iced over. Travel is not advised at all!”

Both local and state crews were at work early, sanding the icy roads, streets and highways but continual sleet hampered efforts.

“State crews are still out working but as soon as they clear an area the freezing drizzle begins again and it re-coats with ice — it is an ongoing deal,” Lockwood said.

Ponca City street crews began sanding the frozen roadways at 2:30 a.m. today in an effort to prevent drivers from “slip sliding” around town during their morning drive to work.

“We had the roads pretty well sanded by 7 a.m. this morning,” said Public Works Director Ken Parr. “Crews are still driving the roads and will be spot sanding as the need arises.”

Local refuse service was canceled for the day as driving — and walking — conditions were considered too dangerous.

“We canceled service due to the ice conditions and for the safety of the employees who would have to walk on ice while carrying cans and bags of refuse,” stated Solid Waste Superintendent Ken Wilson. He added, however, that priority containers would be collected.

Fortunately, the layer of ice that mounted throughout the morning was not thick enough to disrupt local electrical service.

“We had some problems in Osage County early this morning that have been weather related but overall the ice has not caused us any problems here in Ponca City,” Electric Utility Manager Rusty Edwards said.

The cold temperatures are expected to continue throughout the weekend, however the precipitation should end by this afternoon.

Gammon Has Long Experience With Security at Special Events

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Saturday night’s Inaugural Celebration for Gov. and Mrs. Frank Keating, will be just another routine high profile occasion for “Corky” Gammon.

For more than two decades Gammon has worked major events starring such notables as governors, lieutenant governors, former U.S. presidents, U.S. senators, congressmen, a Miss America and heads of major corporations.

Guests arriving will see his familiar face as he directs parking for this statewide event. Over the years Gammon has parked or protected these luminaries and thousands of the public attending events at the Marland Estate.

Gammon, who has logged some 43 1/2 years of service with the City of Ponca City, is superintendent of City Streets. And for almost as long as the City has owned the Marland Estate, he has worked security or parking at prestigious events.

He signed on with the first executive director of the Marland Estate, Charles Hepler, now the executive for the Greater San Antonio Home Builders Association. Hepler told The News today, “Corky was the most dedicated loyal employee a person could ever have.”

Through the years Corky, whose real name is Edward, has been employed as security, for parking and other duties by all of the executive directors.

For the last three big events — the Oktoberfest, Christmas Gala and the Inaugural Celebration —Gammon has been engaged by the sponsoring committees.

After the Renaissance Ball and the meeting of the Ozarks Regional Commission in 1980, featuring out-of-state governors, Gov. George Nigh presented Gammon with a “Territorial Governor Award.” This hangs proudly on Gammon’s wall.

One of the most colorful characters Gammon remembers during his service was “Red” Adair the famous Houston oil well firefighter, who was here to receive the “Extinguished Service Award.” “He was something else, he was a lot of fun, he was a firefighter and a sparkplug himself,” Gammon said.

Gammon feels a devotion to the Marland Estate, saying it is a special place. Whether working inside or outside, Corky knows the place like the back of his hand. He had a close relationship with the late Paul Prather, who had spent many volunteer hours or restoration projects.

Growing up in Marland, Gammon was active in high school basketball. He began his civil service with the City of Ponca City in 1955, sweeping streets — by hand.

Parking Team

Carl Renfro, chairman of the Inaugural Celebration and past chairman of the Marland Estate Commission, said of Gammon, “I’ve had the opportunity to

Nearly News

To put on an event the magnitude of the Inaugural Celebration set for Saturday night at the Marland Mansion it takes about 50 volunteers. Among those involved in the occasion are the National Honor Society students, who will be handling the coat check, according to T.L. Walker, who is in charge of volunteers.

For who have just made up their minds as to whether they want to go to the Inaugural event on Saturday evening at the Marland Mansion, tickets at $35 each will be available at the Marland Estate Conference Center until noon Saturday.

Just a reminder from Jerry Cathey that Friday, Jan. 15, is the deadline for art entries in this year’s Iris Festival T-Shirt logo design. Contestants may take their entries to the Main Street office, 117 North Third Street by the 15th. Participants may call 762-8082 for more information about the contest.

For those readers of the garden page who thought we were labeling a photo of a Nandina as American Holly — we weren’t — just giving an example of some of the many plants with berries in the area. The foliage for the two plants is very different as we have printed before. Our apologies for any confusion.

PTC Building Mill Levies, School Bond Issue Viewed

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The two building mill levies at Pioneer Technology Center and the proposed $9.95 million bond issue for Ponca City Schools were discussed at the Second Friday Forum this morning at Pioneer Technology Center. Residents will vote on the two issues Feb. 9.

Larry Cannon, board member, gave a brief report on the proposed mill levies at PTC. This one-year-vote will generate approximately $415,000 to build and expand the health programs and possibly house the Math and Science School.

One of the proposed new programs is called a 1+1 program, which means awarding an associate degree in physical therapy and occupational therapy. Students would attend PTC for one year and then Northern Oklahoma College for another year. The program would be a collaborative effort between the two schools.

Talk has also been made on bringing a Math and Science School to PTC. Accelerated Kay County students would be able to attend the school without having to move to Oklahoma City.

Cost of the mills would mean about $.30 more per month in property taxes for a $25,000 home. The money would not be generated to PTC until the year 2000.

Ponca City Schools

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, also addressed the proposed $9.95 million bond issue. Phase III, which is a multiyear project for the next four years, will cover renovating Po-Hi, Mid-High, Middle School, Washington Elementary, transportation costs and technology leases.

If passed next month the mill levies would go from 16.4 to 20 mills. That means about a $20 per year increase in property taxes on a $60,000 home. During the year 2000-2003 the mills would then go up from 20 to 22 mills (an increase of $.03 more cents per day).

“I think the interest level is of concern because this bond doesn’t have a lot of passion behind it like the previous bond issues did. Phase I was passed in 1995 for $10 million, Phase II was passed in 1997 and now we need to continue the progress. Many people have simply said to me that I told them Phase III was coming and they knew to expect it,” White commented.

White also stated that students will have to use each of the facilities for another 20 years. “Take Roosevelt, for example, the school was built in the 1930s and things are different today (electricity, plumbing, etc.). My recommendation in 2003 is that we demolish the current school and build a new one in its place.”

Phase IV in 2003 will include the renovations of Roosevelt, Garfield and Union Schools. A $3 million technology lease will also be a part of that bond issue.

Also on the agenda next month will be the annual local, emergency and building fund levies. The mills are currently at 10.22 for local, 5.11 for emergency and 5.11 for building.

Snappy Woody Allen Film Shows at Poncan Theatre

The new film “Celebrity” stars Kenneth Branagh and Judy Davis. It shows Woody Allen’s remarkable ability to get fine talent into his films. The cast also includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Melanie Griffith, Bebe Neuwirth, Joe Montegna, and Winona Rider. “Celebrity” is currently playing at the Poncan Theatre in downtown Ponca City.

“Celebrity” is a “very entertaining” film, full of “wit and verve,” according to ABC. The film, like most Woody Allen films, is a comedy about the fragility of modern urbanites. This is an unusual Allen film because the author-director doesn’t star in it. But Branagh plays Lee, the Allen character, a fidgety writer of celebrity profiles who dresses in a rumpled corduroy jacket. His career is challenging for him, always trying to schmooze his way into the presence of stars. His ex-wife Robin, played by Judy Davis, is rebuilding her life after the divorce by trying anything new, from religious retreats to plastic surgery.

There’s the irony. When Robin goes to the plastic surgeon, she finds that a star television reporter is doing an expose of plastic surgery. He notices that Robin is an attractive woman who doesn’t really need the surgery. He puts her on television. By this coincidence, Robin is surrounded by celebrities on TV, and her ex-husband can only drool at the access to stardom which she has.

The cinematographer for “Celebrity” is the fabulously successful Sven Nykvist. He has worked with Allen many times and was the principal cinematographer for Ingmar Bergman. He also was cinematographer for an astonishing variety of films including “Chaplin,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” and Allen’s award winning “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” The film is shot in black and white. Roger Ebert writes that Allen is a “rare and valuable director” in part because he sometimes insists on working “in the format that is the soul of cinema,” praising him for his black and white choice. It places the emphasis on body language and dialogue, according to Ebert, rather than to the background and environment. ABC says Nykvist’s work is “snappy,” a “welcome departure” from recent films.

Some of the secondary roles are handled very cleverly. Leonardo DiCaprio is praised for his work. ABC says he “limns a fully committed, encyclopedically scathing portrait of a showbiz King of the World.” Time Magazine calls his performance “chilling.” Allen brings young, rising stars into the film also. Charlize Theron is “genuinely witty” as a supermodel and Famke Janssen is “terrific” as a literary agent, according to ABC. The cast also includes a number of cameo appearances by celebrities, including Donald Trump.

For “Celebrity” show times, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre Office at 580-765-0943. “Celebrity” is rated R.

Three Teens Held by Police For Burglaries

Two recent Ponca City burglaries have been solved with the arrest of three teenagers. A 15-year-old local boy was arrested in the connection to a Jan. 3 residential burglary in the 400 block of Redbird Drive.

According to police the teenager was arrested as he attempted to leave the house after he reportedly forced his way into the residence and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

Two others were arrested in connection to an unrelated Jan. 1 burglary of a business. The 15-year-old and 17-year-old boys allegedly stole clothing items from the business located in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue.

A jacket has been recovered. Police are attempting to recover the remaining missing items.

Osage County Residential Fire Causes Damage

The State Fire Marshal’s office has stated that it will not be investigating an Osage County house fire.

The fire, which occurred early Thursday morning in the 8300 block of Indian Hills Road, caused an estimated $20,000 damage.

Initial reports indicate the fire was from an electrical source. The McCord and Osage Cove volunteer fire departments responded to the call at 7:45 a.m. Thursday.

According Ponca City Fire Department Training Officer Gary Reed, Ponca City fire department responded to the scene with an engine in a support capacity only.

DEATHS

Lloyd V. Moore
Cora May Hopkins
Maria Gray
Norma J. Buchholz
Harold VanArsdale
Walter Monroe Bunch
Leonard M. Edmonds

Lloyd V. Moore

Lloyd V. “Popo” Moore, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Sunset Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Lloyd V. “Popo” Moore was born May 30, 1919, in Garber to Wilfred and Emma (Griffin) Moore. On Sept. 9, 1939, he married Olive Ann Harman in Garber, where they made their first home before moving to Ponca City in 1943. Moore entered the U.S. Army Dec. 7, 1944, and served tours of duty in Japan and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged April 20, 1946, and returned to Ponca City. He was employed with a bakery in Tonkawa before beginning a career with Cities Service.

Moore retired from Conoco in June 1981, after 38 years of service. His wife, Olive Ann, preceded him in death on August 17, 1995, and on May 16, 1996, he married Helen H. Moore in Bella Vista, Ark. He was a member of Sunset Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the Senior Adult Choir and the Amen Sunday School Class. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Esther Lataine) Sutterfield of Lawton, Mrs. Truman (Nedra Sue) Stiner of Blackwell, and Mrs. Frank (Elvesta Ann) Wicks, Jr. of St. Louis, Mo.; four stepsons, Donald D. Kilpatrick of Ponca City, Howard Lee Kilpatrick of Bella Vista, Ark., Harry C. Kilpatrick of Arkansas City, Kan., and Kenneth F. Kilpatrick of Ponca City; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Russell (Billie) Aday of Ponca City; three brothers, Raymond Moore of Barling, Ark., Alfred Moore of Van Buren, Ark., and Gordon Moore of El Cajon, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 15 step-grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife and parents, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Bob Guinn, Glen Griffith, Alfred Bishop, Fred Reeder, Fred Hurst, James York, Karrol Ramsey and Coy Brewer. Honorary bearers will be Richard Hudson Jr., Robert Hudson, Mrs. Roselynn Macias, Mrs. Raylene Richardson, Jacqulynn Sutterfield, Mrs. Stella Hinkson, Charles Sutterfield, Elizabeth Stiner, Ray Stiner, Mrs. Rachel Locke, Grace Wicks and Bethany Wicks.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Senior Adult Fund, c/o Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Cora May Hopkins

Cora May Hopkins, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 74.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Steve Harden, pastor, Southside Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Cora May Hopkins was born Oct. 2, 1924, in Dighton, Kan., the daughter of Ira Clarence and Daisy Violet (Lord) Potts. She grew up in Ponca City and received her education in the Ponca City schools.

She was married to Walter A. Hopkins in Oklahoma City on March 17, 1951. To this marriage a son, Allen Leroy Hopkins was born. Mrs. Hopkins was a homemaker and attended the First Free Will Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Allen Leroy Hopkins of Watauga, Texas; three sisters, her twin sister and husband, Lora Fay and Eithel Morland of Ponca City, Ruby Marie Krulic of Ponca City, and Bonnie Mundell of Concord, Calif.; three brothers, Alfred Leon Potts, of Blackwell, Leonard Leroy Potts, of Escandido, Calif., and Avery Potts, of Ponca City; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ira; and a sister, Polly.

Casket bearers will be Jim Sindelar, Jared Sindelar, Don Clinton, Don C. Clinton II, Clyde Roland, and Gary Porter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children, 3800 North May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

The family will be at 1019 South Ninth Street.

paid obituary

Maria Gray

Maria F. Gray, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Wednesday afternoon Jan. 6, 1999, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 103.

An evening vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. John J. Michalicka as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Maria Gray was born Nov. 24, 1895, in Ottawa, Ill., the fourth of nine children of Joseph J. and Gertrude (Conrady) Leven. The family moved to Blackwell in 1905 before moving to Ponca City and then settling in Newkirk where they farmed for many years. After completing her high school education she went on to nursing school at St. Frances Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She graduated as a registered nurse in May of 1923.

She was married to Lyman Gray on Dec. 27, 1923, in Newkirk. He preceded her in death in June of 1948. When her children were grown she moved to San Antonio, Texas, to keep house for her brother Bishop Stephen Leven and for Msgr. Martin. She was employed there until the age of 80, when failing eyesight forced her retirement. She returned to Ponca City in the 1970s.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Helena’s Guild, Benedictine Oblates, and the Legion of Mary House in San Antonio, Texas.

Surviving are five children, Gertrude Yanora, of Wichita, Kan., Betty Jean Darling, of Mountain Home, Idaho, L.D. Gray, of Vinita, Stephen A. Gray and John Joe Gray both of Ponca City; 55 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Joe, Stephen, and Frank; and three sisters, Gertrude, Katy and Rosa.

Casket bearers will be Donnie Gray, Stephen L. Gray, Paul Gray, Mike Gray, Tommy Gray, and Greg Gray. Honorary casket bearers will be grandchildren of Mrs. Gray.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s School Foundation P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Norma J. Buchholz

Norma Jean Buchholz, Ponca City resident, died early Thursday morning at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 49. Survivors include her husband, Bernard, of the home. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Monday at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.

Harold VanArsdale

Harold L. VanArsdale, 1021 North Birch Street, died early this morning, Jan. 8, 1999, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Vernadine of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Saturday

Walter Monroe Bunch

Funeral at 1 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Monday

Leonard M. Edmonds

Funeral to be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Grace Memorial Chapel. Other arrangements will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Pi Phi Meeting Canceled — The Pi Beta Phi alumnae club’s annual “Collegiates and Moms” brunch scheduled for Saturday morning has been postponed due to icy road conditions. Area Pi Phi’s who would like to be added to a mailing list for future meeting notifications, should call Kathleen Thomas, alumni club president, at 762-9566.

Free Dryer with wash. Union North. Tuesday thru Sunday, 7

a.m.-9 p.m. Grand Opening. 1904 N. Union. 762-7124. adv.

Accident — A three-vehicle accident in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue was reported to police at 6:39 a.m. Thursday. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department and two vehicles from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. One vehicle was towed from the scene and a report was taken.

Tyson Is back! World Heavyweight event, Tyson vs. Botha

coming to Pay Per View. Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m., $45.95.

Call Cable ONE for your ring side seat, 762-6684. adv.

Sale 20-50-70% savings, Kids/Her Review.adv.

Ditched Vehicle — At 7:13 a.m. Thursday police were alerted of a vehicle in a ditch south of Hubbard Road on U.S. 77. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris-

ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Injury Accident — A four-vehicle injury accident 4.5 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 was reported at 7:35 a.m. Thursday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat

beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215

South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Accident — At 7:47 a.m. Thursday a vehicle was reported in a ditch south of South Avenue on U.S. 77.

Half Off green tag sale, 15% off new clothes. Bearly New, 1804

North 5th.adv.

Minor Accident — A minor accident at 7:56 a.m. Thursday was reported at North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 8th.

For reservations, call 765-5460.adv.

Accident — At 10:03 a.m. Thursday a minor accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — Police responded to a parking lot accident at 11:11 a.m. Thursday in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

First Pool Tournament of 1999

at Blue Lite Lounge, Saturday 1-9-99, 7:00 p.m. Guaranteed 100% pay out plus house percent added. adv.

House Fire — At 12:20 p.m. Thursday fire units responded to a report of a house fire in the 200 block of Blue Elk. However the fire was out upon arrival of two Ponca City Fire Department units.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items. Spring

open, Saturday, February 13th. adv.

Accident — A man in the 20 block of Stoneridge Road advised police at 12:35 p.m. Thursday he was involved in an accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. Drivers had exchanged information and the information was logged.

Carpet Need cleaning? Confused about who or what to use?

Call Floorcraft 762-8381, let us help you make the right choice.

Call Mr. Clean at Floorcraft.adv.

Prowler — A man in the 800 block of North First Street reported a prowler at 10:07 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned.

False Alarm — At 3:20 p.m. Thursday fire units responded to a report of a house fire in at El Camino Street and Hartford Avenue. Fire units responding to the scene reported the incident was a dryer vent problem.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Arrest — A 47-year-old man was arrested at 8:52 p.m. Thursday from the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay and public intoxication.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 18-year-old man at 11:23 p.m. Thursday from South Waverly Street and West South Avenue on a Kay County warrant for first degree burglary.

“Clubby” Retires (beanie baby) in February. Get your Club Mem-

bership at Christy’s and send off for him. Before February 15th.

Christy’s, 3005 North 14th. Open everyday. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Event To Feature Students
AARP Plans Meeting
Glaucoma Awareness Month

Event To Feature Students

Kathy Cripps and Karen Stokke will be the featured soloists at the Ponca City Music Club Silver Tea on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. in the home of Brian and Holly Harpster. The event is by invitation only, and invitations may be obtained from Ponca City Music Club members or by calling Suzi Lenhart, 762-9895. The purpose of the tea is to raise funds for the Ponca City Music Club Scholarship fund, and to enjoy the music of these “talented” musicians

Kathy Cripps, a sophomore at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, is pursuing a major in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Pedagogy. She is the piano student of Mrs. Sandra Meyer, an associate professor of music in the Warren M. Angell College of Fire Arts at OBU. While attending school in Ponca City, she was the student of Kathy Wimberley and Suzi Lenhart.

A 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School, Kathy actively participated in the vocal, band and orchestra programs. She also was a participant in the National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Music Festivals for many years, winning the Senior Piano Play-offs in Ponca City in 1997. She was the 1997 winner of the Ponca City Music Club-Ruth Minor-Memorial Scholarship. At OBU she has continued using her talents in various church, campus and community activities. Kathy is the daughter of Ray and Karen Cripps of Ponca City.

Karen Stokke is a 1996 Ponca City High School graduate. She is currently a junior at the University of Oklahoma where she is a violin performance major studying with Felicia Moye. This past summer Karen studied violin with Jennifer John while participating in the Aspen Music Festival. Karen was the 1996 winner of the Mary Crowder Hess Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Olaf and Vicki Stokke of Ponca City.

Ponca City Music Club annually awards three scholarships to area high school seniors who will be taking at least one music class in college. Applications for the scholarships are available at the high school counselor’s office.

AARP Plans Meeting

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Chapter 437 met Jan. 5 at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center.

Discussion was held on the upcoming session of the Legislature. The gathering also discussed their monthly meeting date and changed the meeting to the second Tuesday of each month. In other business, committee chairmen were announced for 1999.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 9 at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians is urging those at risk for glaucoma to get regular dilated eye examinations to help detect this blinding eye disease. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians is teaming up with the National Eye Institute and more than 30 other organizations to highlight the importance of eye care and regular exams.

“People at risk for glaucoma often believe that if their vision if fine, there is no need to be concerned. It is only when they notice vision loss that they take action,” said Len Hart, O.D., president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. “Unfortunately, vision lost from glaucoma is lost forever.”

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States and affects about three million Americans. It is estimated that up to one-half of this number may be unaware they have the disease. High risk groups need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years:

— everyone over age 60

— African-Americans over the age of 40

— people who have a family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases, leading to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result. The best way to detect glaucoma is with a dilated eye exam. During an eye exam, drops are placed in the eyes to dilate the pupils. This allows the optometrist a better view of the eye’s optic nerve to look for early signs of glaucoma.

When early signs of glaucoma are detected, treatment is designed to control the eye’s pressure as a means of slowing or stopping the disease’s progression. Many new medications have become available in the past few years to help treat glaucoma by either enhancing fluid drainage or decreasing the eye’s production of aqueous humor, a clear fluid occupying the space between the lens and the cornea of the eye.

“While glaucoma medications and treatments, including eye drops and laser surgery, have improved in the last few years and can prevent further vision damage, they cannot reverse the damage already caused,” said Dr. Hart. “The best way to prevent blindness is to detect and manage glaucoma before damage occurs.”

Doctors of Optometry, who provide the greatest percentage of total eye care, are primary healthcare providers who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions, injuries and diseases of the human eye and visual system. For more information about glaucoma or other eye diseases, contact the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, (405) 524-1075.

EDUCATION

OSU-Okmulgee To House County’s Regional Center for Advanced Math
Freshmen Present Annual Christmas Program
Vo-Tech To Receive Technology Funds
Oklahoma City School Looks to Hillsdale Model
Oklahoma Education: More Non-Teachers Than Teachers

OSU-Okmulgee To House County’s Regional Center for Advanced Math

OKMULGEE — Okmulgee County high school students will have the opportunity to study advanced mathematics and science next fall at an Okmulgee County Regional Center of Oklahoma’s School for Science and Mathematics.

The innovative program will be housed in special facilities set aside on the centrally located OSU-Okmulgee campus.

A proposal drafted by a consortium of public school educators and administrators from Green Country Area Vo-Tech School and Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee has been funded to assist with planning for the regional center.

Scheduled to open for the fall, 1999 school year, the new center will provide classes in advanced science and mathematics previously unavailable locally for area high school students, according to Dr. Bob Klabenes, OSU-Okmulgee provost.

Each of the eight public school systems in Okmulgee County is supporting the pilot project.

Oklahoma’s School for Science and Mathematics was founded in 1990 by the State Legislature to provide an enriched environment for advanced studies for high school students. OSSM has its own educational facilities in Oklahoma City where students study and reside during the school year.

“While several Okmulgee County students certainly meet requirements to attend the Oklahoma City school, many have been reluctant to leave their home school, friends and families to move to a dormitory environment in Oklahoma City,” Dr. Klabenes explained. “Our regional center of the OSSM will assist qualified students to receive the advanced courses they deserve while, at the same time, allowing them to remain in their local high school and participate in regular school activities.

“One of the strengths of our proposal, I believe, was the additional educational resources OSU-Okmulgee can offer these students,” Dr. Klabenes explained. “Our proposal focused upon allowing these students to utilize the college’s Learning Resources Center, career and academic profiling services and advanced telecommunications capabilities. Students attending the Okmulgee County Regional Center will be able to link electronically through satellite transmissions or the state’s OneNet system to participate in specialized programs being conducted at the Oklahoma City facility.”

Students selected for the new program will attend class about three hours daily at the regional center. They will attend classes at their home high schools for the remainder of the school day.

Freshmen Present Annual Christmas Program

The Ponca City Mid-High Freshmen presented their annual Christmas Concert at the Ralph Lester Auditorium on Dec. 11. The program included “It Feels Like Christmas” from the Muppet Christmas Carol; “Somewhere in My Memory” from Home Alone; “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as recorded by Mariah Carey; “Who Would Imagine a King” from The Preacher’s Wife; “Caroling, Caroling” from Forever Christmas; “Christmas Is,” “Chestnuts Roasting” and “Santa’s Frosty Follies.”

Narrators were Caitlin Bearskin, Lauren Vaughn, Lacey Pendergraft, Allison Powell, Audry Conley, Kelly McNeese, Emily Wiswell, Christina Anderson, Mikel Montgomery, Molly Smith, Kathleen Larrison, Robin Maril, Meghan Deathe, Kristi Bradley, Michael Bright and Sidney Carnes.

Vocal solos were sung by Robin Maril, Caroline Buck, Kathleen Larrison, Courtney Hoover, Emily Day, Lindsay Knox, Teri Chambray, Sean Cochran, Stephanie Council, Keli Ramsey and Myha Wilson. A vocal duet was sung by Christy Garton and Emily Jack, and a flute duet was played by Meg McDaniel and Lauren Vaughn.

Character parts were played by Steven Windler as Santa, Joe Hein as Frosty, Lakeysta Tipson as Rudolph, and Tina Cochran as Suzy Snowflake. Elves were Jason Jump, James Barnett, Micah Johnson, Susan Galvin, Stephanie Dyer, Emily Smith and Amanda Summers.

Actors were Darcy McConnell, Brei Sober, Elizabeth Butt, Angela Owen, Emily Kent, Melissa Bradley and Laci Cromwell.

Choreography was done by Errin Rutherford, Susan Galvin, Courtney Hoover, Kristen Brett, Nicole Sledge, Loren Copeland, AliceAnn Combest, Emily Thompson, Whitney Talbot, Lindsay Knox, Beth Dester, Sherina Wood, Nicole Austin, Amanda Ingram, Ashley Ford, Elizabeth England, Christy Cowan, Charley Daniel, Lisa Lechtenberg, Jennifer Cowan, Lauren Detton, Kelly McNeese and Audry Conley.

Carolers were Brandy Jester, Myra Rodriguez, Jaimee Neal, Jennifer Matlock, Elizabeth Case, Diana Grant, EllyMay Matsumuro, Amanda Wiles, Tory Hazen, Trista Hanon, Jennifer Daetwiler, Angelita Rhodd, Amanda Brown, Ashley Stovall, Kunti Acosta, Deidre Stephenson, Sheena Joiner, Philis Kellert, Anita Bilyeu, Brenna Reed and Amber Westerman.

Ensemble singers included Nathan Kellert, Matt Ramagli, Joe Hein, Emily Jack, Christy Garton, RaeAnna Wiles, Rachel Kellert, Caroline Buck, Robin Maril, Janine Cox, Courtney Hoover, Jaime Pettigrew, Lauren Vaughn, Amber White and Sean Cochran.

Other chorus members were Kyle Bogner, Calvin Bookout, Jordan Brown, Bobby Crisler, Jordan Davis, Travis Hayes, Casey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, Tasha McNeely, Kyle Newlin, Lonna Sisco and Dede Truyzen.

State lights were done by Emily Wiswell and Caitlin Bearskin, and spot light was done by Brittany Wilson. Sound and stage set-up was done by Jim Armstrong and Andrew Kellert.

Vo-Tech To Receive Technology Funds

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett announced recently that Pioneer Technology Center will receive $7,325.15 in the second wave of discounted telecommunications services under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Education Rate, or “e-rate.” The district is one of 40 public school districts to share in more than $1.2 million in round two telecommunications discounts.

“This is the largest e-rate funding distribution yet,” Garrett said. “This second wave of funding will allow even more schools access to telecommunications service that may not have otherwise been available to them before.”

The school districts now join the list of 26 other districts who were awarded $631,696 in wave one discounts in November.

Under the provisions of the e-rate, awardees pay for a portion of their telecommunications services. The percentage not paid by awardees is paid to the local telecommunications service provider through the federal Universal Service Fund.

Oklahoma City School Looks to Hillsdale Model

Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Brandon Dutcher and appeared in “Perspective,” a public policy journal from the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Tucked away in a quiet, leafy neighborhood in the 18th wealthiest of Oklahoma’s nearly 700 zip codes, the sixth graders in their khaki twill pants, oxford-cloth shirts, and pleated plaid skirts are studying Odysseus’ journey home. They’re studying French and fractions and Newton’s laws of motion.

These students met fairly stiff academic criteria to gain admission to this Oklahoma City school, and now they must abide by the school’s academic, discipline, and behavior policies.

Yet surprisingly, the students are a fairly diverse lot, drawn from 44 of the 65 elementary schools in the school district. Three in four ride the bus to school. And their parents — many of them single parents struggling to make ends meet — don’t pay tuition. Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School is a public school.

BIEMS opened its doors in the fall of 1998 after some local parents — unsatisfied with middle schools marked by violence, lagging academic performance, and a school culture more suited to Homer Simpson than to Homer — decided to start their own. Oklahoma doesn’t have a charter school law, but “enterprise schools” are Oklahoma City’s version. BIEMS is an enterprise school chartered by the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

BIEMS is one of a growing number of private, public, and home schools throughout the country modeled after the Hillsdale Academy, a successful private K-8 school (affiliated with Hillsdale College in Michigan) committed to traditional education and the values it instills. More than 220 schools are now using all or part of the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide, a resource designed by Hillsdale College professors for educators wanting to emulate the Hillsdale Academy methodology.

“At Hillsdale Academy we get back to basics,” the schools says, “because the basics have never been more important than they are right now.”

Hillsdale believes “schoolchildren today are not only deficient in basic factual knowledge, but they also rarely develop the discipline necessary to learn.”

“So-called ‘progressive’ teaching methods and oversimplified textbooks make it difficult for students in most schools to acquire the mental discipline that ‘traditional’ instruction once cultivated. Modern educators stress ‘learning skills’ and ‘self-esteem,’ but they do not acknowledge that students acquire these elements by addressing tangible facts, considering logical concepts and using intelligent language.”

At BIEMS, principal Kaye Hicks learns on the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide “as much as possible” in her attempt to deliver a traditional, values-centered education in a safe, orderly learning environment. The Guide features, among other things, curriculum outlines, a reading list, a list of textbook publishers, and a parents’ handbook. The reading list includes E.D. Hirsch’s Core Knowledge books; BIEMS, like many other schools using the Hillsdale model, stresses the Core Knowledge curriculum.

Hillsdale Academy’s success isn’t in question: the composite average of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills puts the school in the 97th percentile nationally.

Oklahoma Education: More Non-Teachers Than Teachers

“Forbes” magazine reports (“Top-heavy,” Nov. 2) that Oklahoma is one of only seven states to “achieve the wretched distinction of having more personnel outside the classroom than in it.” To repeat: Oklahoma’s public education system employs more non-teachers than teachers.

Oklahoma is next to last (only Michigan ranks below us) in the percentage of education employees who are actually teachers. Out of 100 educators in Oklahoma, only 47 are teachers. The remaining 53 come from the ranks of state bureaucrats, district administrators, instructional coordinators, school administrators, counselors, etc. (Some in Oklahoma have questioned “Forbes’” figures, yet their best retort is that 49 out of 100 are teachers).

Overall, “Forbes” reminds us, “salaries and benefits consume more than four-fifths of educational spending,” with non-teaching personnel earning more, on average, than classroom teachers.

All of which calls to mind a recent statement from U.S. Sen. John Kerry, a liberal Democrat from Massachusetts who gets a perfect 100 percent rating from the NEA. “We can’t afford to be uncritical apologists for public schools that work for our bureaucrats, but not for our kids,” says Sen. Kerry. “There are school boards larded down with decades worth of bureaucracy,” he says. “You won’t find accountability there because it’s been fractured and scattered in hundreds of different offices and titles. We’re left with a system where no one is held responsible for our kids.”

RELIGION

Presbyterian Women Plan Noon Meeting
Ministerial Alliance Sets Meeting
Church Women United Board Sets Installation
Presby Men Plan Meeting
New Sunday School Class Beginning at First UMC
Wesleyan Bible Church Sets Instruction
Woodlands Christian Says ‘Thanks’ to Merle
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Mormons Planning Open House
Pastor’s Notes
First Lutheran Church Plans Epiphany Services Sunday
‘Friday Nite Live’ Service Slated

Church Briefs

Presbyterian Women Plan Noon Meeting

The Presbyterian Women will meet Thursday, Jan. 14 at noon. Hostesses for the day will be the Lily Jackson Circle with Billie Wright as dinner chairman, and Ginny Cagley, dining room chairman. Please call Billy at 765-7638 for reservations.

The Minute for Mission will be given by the Lily Jackson Circle continuing the study, “Uprooted! Refugees and Forced Migrants.” The Blessing will be given by Bernice Baxter and the Devotional Thoughts by Bernice Walker. “No Small Thing” is the title of the program which applies biblical experience to contemporary life. Portraying the biblical Ruth will be Marcia Black and the contemporary woman, no name, will be Cecil Nanni.

The author has written a series of monologues suitable for use in Presbyterian Women’s gatherings. Moderator, Bonita James, invites all Presbyterian women to this meeting.

Ministerial Alliance Sets Meeting

The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will meet Thursday, Jan. 14 at noon in the basement of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Bob Innis of Word of Life will speak to the gathering on “How Will You Respond to Y2K”. All area ministers are urged to be present for the meeting.

Church Women United Board Sets Installation

Church Women United Board will meet on Monday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh (meeting in the building south of the main church facility). The occasion will be the installation of 1999 officers.

Presby Men Plan Meeting

The Men’s Monday Morning Prayer and Bible Study Group of First Presbyterian Church is studying Galatians, “Freedom of a Christian Man.” The group meets on Monday mornings at the Rosestone Inn at 6:30 a.m. for fellowship, prayer, support, Bible study, an occasional joke/story or two, and a light breakfast.

The Saturday Men’s Breakfast will be Jan. 9 at 7:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. After breakfast and a short devotional, the group will help take down the Christmas decorations around the church.

New Sunday School Class Beginning at First UMC

A new Sunday School class at First United Methodist, initially led by the Senior Minister, Denny Hook, will begin this Sunday in the Educational Building. The class will be for those who would like to learn the basis of the Christian faith, it was announced.

Those new to the faith or those who feel they really know very little about the Methodist faith are encouraged to attend. The class will use a workbook entitled, “Get Acquainted with your Christian Faith,” by Kent Millard.

This is a seven week course to be followed by other courses of Christian study. If interested, please give the church a call at 762-1681.

Wesleyan Bible Church Sets Instruction

Come learn about two works of grace that the Bible instructs us in for dealing with the sin problem, invites the Wesleyan Bible Church.

The church is currently studying about the seven churches of Revelation on Wednesday nights, starting at 7 p.m. ­ the Parables of the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. and Prayer on Sunday evenings starting at 6 p.m.

“Come, let us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Pastor Terry Jackson, invites. He may be reached at 765-7212 for more information.

Woodlands Christian Says ‘Thanks’ to Merle

Members of Woodlands Christian Church will say “thank you” to the Rev. Marilyn Merle for sharing her life and ministry with them for the past 10 years.

This Sunday morning, the Pastoral Relations Committee at Woodlands asks the congregation to join them in saying thank you for her 10 years of serving the church as Associate Minister. All Sunday school classes will meet long enough to take attendance and an offering, then dismiss to the back of the sanctuary from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. for a reception honoring Marilyn.

Everyone in the church is invited to come early for the reception, and participate in an “Appreciation Card Shower.”

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels - nursery through adult.

“Elisha sent a messenger to him saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean’” 2 Kings 5:10.

The Bible records some spectacular events, such as God parting the Red Sea or bringing down the walls of Jericho. As Elijah discovered, God most often reveals himself quietly (I Kings 19:12). Naaman was a valiant warrior whom God had given many victories. Naaman expected the prophet Elisha to do something sensational to cure his disease. He did not expect Elisha to send a lowly servant to tell him to go bathe in the Jordan. After Naaman finally obeyed God, God came to him quietly and healed him.

Mormons Planning Open House

A Missionary Open House is being planned at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for Feb. 21, it was announced this week.

The event is being planned by the missionaries who are currently serving in Ponca City.

Watch the Religion page in the next few weeks for more details.

Pastor’s Notes

There is a truth, which comes with the Christmas story that comes when one looks beyond the baby, and the glitter our world creates. It is that God never gives up on us, it is the central message we discover in Scripture’s story. God never gives up and is always opening new doors and new possibilities for his people.

Christian history is, quite literally, a record of men and women who had to make new starts after hearing the good news of God. The disciples and Paul, Mary Magdalene and Zacchaeus had to pick up the pieces of their wrongness and begin traveling a different road. They were nice people but were out of step with God. The great leaders of the church, from Augustine through today, have had to travel the road of a new beginning. But first they had to personalize salvation’s story. God has done all this for me!

God continues believing in us. He never gives up, either. You’ve undoubtedly seen the poster/bumper sticker “Be patient — God is not finished with me!” God is not finished with any one of us. God goes on believing we will be what we can be, writing for us to turn and trust God. The Apostle Paul said: ‘I considered the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18) Remember every heart bears some mark, feels the need, and it’s good to know we can have a new beginning. Grace and Peace to you!

Dr. Monty Fey, pastor

First Presbyterian Church

First Lutheran Church Plans Epiphany Services Sunday

The word “Epiphany” means “revelation, or showing.” Both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Jan. 10 will center around revelations made about the newborn Christ. The Old Testament reading from the book of Isaiah, which is also Pastor Ramsey’s sermon text, prophesies about Christ, the Son of God. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Wedded for Witness: Lighting, Opening, Freeing, Releasing.” This Sunday marks the beginning of the new worship subtheme “Wedded for Witness.” The year’s theme is “We Are Jesus’ TEAM.” In this portion of the year activities will focus on our common purpose in life as a Christian: being a witness of, to, and for Jesus Christ.

An important part of Sunday’s service will be the installation of the newly elected church officers. Following are the offices and individuals elected: President, Nick Wolfe; Vice President, Brad Brunkow; Secretary, Jean Hoffmeyer; Assistant Secretary, Carla McGregor; Treasurer, David Krottinger; Assistant Treasurer, Randy McDaniel; Elders, John Brackett, Anthony Peters, Ron Wells, Lloyd Gelmers, David Helton, Dan McGregor, Eric Kurtz, Jerry LeBaron, Earl Krieg, Glenn Bacher, Ray Hasselwander, and Glen Hoecker; Board of Stewardship, Jim Hinton, Bill Doering, Herb Hinkle, Jane McKinzie, and Dave Mueller; Board of Evangelism, Bob Deitrick, Linda Groth, Gary Zemp, Lily Strickland, and Andy Anderson; Board of Parochial Education, Ron Roehl, Cecile Johnson, Don Kelle, Jana Krottinger, Jim Deitrick, Don Matthews, and Dave Chason; Board of Parish Education, Jennifer Hoak, Carol Lawler, Becky Lane, Codie Wolf, Kathryn Horton, and Susie Cashon; Board of Youth Ministry, Kelli Tucker, Steve Vaughan, Josette Kelle, Peggy Ramsey, and Janet Goll; Chairman of Property Administration, Danny Hurd; Board of Care Ministries, Marilyn Laramy, Clara Hasselwander, Mildred Treiber, Beverly Roedel, and Don Matthews; Parliamentarian, Dick Laramy; Chairman of the Church Foundation, Aaron Gard; Chairman of the School Foundation, Marilyn Laramy.

Once again the members of First Lutheran invite anyone to worship with them to become better equipped to be a witness for Christ.

‘Friday Nite Live’ Service Slated

Friday Nite Live will be held next Friday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at Word of Life Christian Center. This special service will be led by Evangelist Dave Martin. Martin has ministered extensively throughout the United States and in many countries on the African Continent. By following the leading of the Holy Spirit, he relates, many revivals have been conducted with significant healings recorded. A great joy accompanies the move of the Spirit to the point that those “slain in the Spirit are accused of being drunk.”

Martin is currently conducting revival and outpouring services in Wisconsin and will be in the Phoenix, Ariz. area the week after the meetings here. He is also scheduled to return to Africa the first two weeks in March.

Pastor Bob Innis invites the community to come and hear of the latest move of God, not only the U.S., but the freedom flowing toward those in third-world countries.

Word of Life is located at 3401 North Union here in Ponca City.

SPORTS

PC Lady Cats Lose Monkey
Blackwell Tops PC Matmen
Wildcats Have Right Broom

PC Lady Cats Lose Monkey

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

ADA — Seen running through Ada Thursday afternoon: one large monkey looking for a new home.

It was the monkey off the (1-5) Lady Wildcats back as they picked up a much deserved win number one, thundering past the Broken Bow Lady Savages, 47-28, in the first round of the East Central Oklahoma Classic.

“It was a long time coming,” said a relieved Lady Cat coach Dana Pulley. “It is fun to win, but if you play hard that’s what happens.”

Despite suffering from bus-lag after a three-and-a-half hour ride from Ponca City, and with just a few minutes to stretch their legs before tip-off, the Lady Cats were in control most of the game.

Though the Lady Savages broke to a 7-0 lead to open the game the Lady Cats ripped off an 8-3 run to close the first period. Laura Sudbury — who came close to a double double with 9 points and 13 rebounds — ignited that run with two straight baskets, followed by one each from Tia Williams and Gina Hile.

The Lady Cats took over in the second quarter nailing 7-of-14 shots from the field to outscore their foes 20-9. Kami Schieber had four straight points in that period and Desiree Cries For Ribs chipped in seven more including 5-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe.

“We started playing in the second quarter. Our shots were falling,” said Pulley. “And the rebounding was great. Anytime you can hit the board like that things are going to happen — you’ll create things. Laura did a great job rebounding.”

For the game the Lady Cats dominated the boards by a 37-23 margin with 18 of those rebounds coming on the offensive end. Though they were just 16-of-51 from the field, the Lady Savages got far fewer shots off and hit less, finishing 9-of-38.

After a seven point showing for both teams in the third quarter, the Lady Cats won the final stanza by a 12-2 margin, hitting 8 of their last 12 shots from the free-throw line to put the game away.

Cries for Ribs led a balanced scoring attack with 10 points followed by Sudbury with 9. Jennifer Caughman had 8, Aleena Ames had 5, Alana Smith had 4. Hile and Williams had 2 each while Jessica Plageman had 1.

Wasfiah Bates led the Lady Savages with 8, followed by Lana Woods with 4.

The Lady Cats will take on Ada, Thursday winners over Atoka, today at 7 p.m.

“We’re going to celebrate this win and enjoy it but we’ll have to play out of our heads to beat Ada,” said Pulley.

Game Notes — The Lady Cats were 14-of-24 from the line, Broken Bow was 10-of-17. . . Turnovers were even at 24 apiece. . . Boys coach Ron Arthur, Pulley’s biggest supporter (and vice versa), threatened before the game to dump ice water on Pulley should the Lady Cats win — he didn’t.

Blackwell Tops PC Matmen

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Things are not always what they seem, just going by scores.

Wildcat wrestling coach Todd Steidley was unhappy with his team’s 45-30 win at Enid Tuesday. He was much more pleased with the Cats’ 45-26 loss to Blackwell here Thursday.

And he’s not unpleased with the Poncans having to pass on the Geary Tournament this weekend because of slick roads. That will give the Poncans a chance to pick up another tournament later in the season when he feels they will need it more.

It’s not that Steidley likes losses, even to Class 3A power Blackwell.

“I’m always disappointed in a loss,” he said following Thursday’s renewal of an old rivalry. “If a couple of close matches had gone the other way we had a chance to win the dual.

“But the kids wrestled hard. I was very pleased with the effort. The match was much closer that the score indicates.”

In fact, Ponca City, after spotting the Maroons a 27-9 lead, closed the gap to 27-26 before Blackwell won the final three matches by falls.

On paper, before the dual, Steidley figured the Wildcats could win four, maybe five matches. They wound up winning six.

But the difference came in bonus points. Blackwell had seven falls while the Wildcats had two and one technical fall.

Ponca City gave notice they would not go down easily to the No. 3 ranked Maroons right off the bat.

At 103 pounds, Wildcat Phillip Brotherton pinned Blackwell’s Matt Taylor in just 1:48.

But Blackwell’s defending state 112-pound champion John Koehler evened the score with a 1:35 fall in the second match of the night.

In the 119-pound match, Blackwell’s Brandon Blay got a late takedown and two-point near fall to edge Ponca City’s Shawn Lee 12-6.

Blackwell won at 125 when Wally Schatz overcame a 3-2 second period deficit when he reversed Josh Bailey onto his back for a third period fall.

In one of the more exciting matches of the night, Wildcat 130-pounder Clint Stafford got a takedown with 32 seconds left in the overtime period to nudge Tyler McNamara, 3-1.

But Blackwell won falls at 135 and 140 to build its biggest lead.

That lead crumbled as the Cats won the next four matches.

Matt Littleton started the Ponca City rally with a 21-5 technical fall over Travis Harris at 145.

Michael Osborn followed with a 2:37 fall at 152 pounds.

Blaine Empting took Blackwell’s Travis Harris to his back early in the first period at 160 and finished with a 7-2 win.

Tony RedLeaf brought the Poncans to within a point in the team scoring at 172 pounds with a 4-1 decision over Brian Ward.

But then the Blackwell heavier weight strength took over as Justin Campbell (189), Clayton Freeman (215) and Jeff Albers (heavyweight) all won falls to pad the scoring.

“We’re still giving up too many bonus points,” Steidley said. “But Blackwell is a great team. I feel they are the second-best team we face this season.

“Unfortunately, we still have two of our starters out with injuries. It would be nice to wrestle a dual with everyone healthy.”

With the Geary Tournament iced out, the Poncans will be able to pick up another tournament and coach Steidley is planning to enter the Wildcats in the 17-team Tulsa Bishop Kelley Tournament Feb. 5-6.

Steidley had been concerned the Wildcats had just one dual in the two weeks preceding the regional tournament. The Bishop Kelley tournament will give the Cats some needed action in that time period against some of the same teams they’ll face in the regional tournament.

———

Mat Notes — Wildcat 215 pounder Jason Neurenberg was not the Wildcat 215-pound wrestler who lost by a fall at Enid Tuesday and threw his headgear down, costing the Poncans a team point. Jeff Strange was substituting at that weight in that dual.

Blackwell 45, Ponca City 26

103 — Brotherton (PC) p. Taylor, 1:48

112 — Koehler (B) p. Arbona, 1:35

119 — Blay (B) d. Lee, 12-6

125 — Schatz (B) p. Bailey, 4:26

130 — Stafford (PC) d. McNamara, 3-2 (OT)

135 — Parker (B) p, Steichen, 1:52

140 — Miller (B) p. Sharon, 2:41

145 — Littleton (PC) tf Harris, 21-5, 5:45

152 — Osborn (PC) p. Mata, 2:37

160 — Empting (PC) d. Whayler, 7-2

172 — RedLeaf (PC) d. Ward. 4-1

189 — Campbell (B) p. Leavitt, 1:14

215 — Freeman (B) Neurenberg, 2:25

Hwt — Albers (B) p. Burns, :35

Mat Stats

Takedowns — Ponca City 15, Blackwell 8. Escapes — Blackwell 10, Ponca City 3. Reverses — Ponca City 3, Blackwell 3. 2-Near Falls — Ponca City 3, Blackwell 2. 3-Near Falls — Blackwell 2, Ponca City 0

Falls — Blackwell 7, Ponca City 2. Technical Falls — Ponca City 1, Blackwell 0. Decisions — Ponca City 3, Blackwell 1.

Wildcats Have Right Broom

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

ADA — A three-game sweep in the Oklahoma Classic is just what the Ponca City Wildcats are looking for this year and — if the first game is any indication — they have the broom to make that sweep a clean one.

Paul Broome that is. Thursday afternoon the 6-3 senior nailed a 3-pointer and then hit both ends of a one-and-one free throw with 26 seconds left to propel the Cats past the class 4A No. 10 ranked Broken Bow Savages, 65-61. Broome also led the Cats scoring attack with 15 points.

This squeaky win was nothing new to the Cats. Now 4-2 on the year, the Poncan’s victory margin totals a scant 12 points. “We made the plays down the stretch,” said Coach Ron Arthur. “We believe now when the game is on the line we can win. We have that confidence — the players and the coaches.”

Eastland Conference scoring leader Romar Crenshaw finished with a whopping 30 points for the Savages and had a chance to tie the game late. After Broome’s free throw put the Cats up by four, Crenshaw drove the lane and dumped in two on the other end. The 6-O senior then came up with the ball at mid-court after the Savages forced a turnover, and was fouled on an attempted layup.

Crenshaw then went to the line to shoot two to tie the game with five seconds left. After missing the first, Crenshaw tried to bounce the ball off the backboard. Though he got the rebound the ball never touched the rim and possession reverted to the Cats.

Kris Shores was then fouled with three seconds left and hit both ends of a one-and-one to re-ice the game.

Playing in a near empty gym in the early afternoon, the Cats did take awhile to warm up, falling behind 7-0 in the opening minutes.

Jeff Furnas ignited a Ponca City run from there, however, scoring eight points in a 13-4 run to get the Cats into the game. Tom Engle, who finished with 11 points and 6 steals, had two steals and a 3-pointer in that run.

“This was definitely a character builder and it was definitely a team effort,” said Arthur. “Everyone on this team has a responsibility, even on the bench, to be a cheerleader. Everyone contributed and the bench play was very important.”

Aside from the opening minutes, Broken Bow’s biggest lead in the game came early in the second half as they went up by five, 33-28.

The Cats stormed right back as Shores got two straight buckets and Broome scored seven points in an 11-2 run to put the Poncans up, 39-35. Though the Savages came back to take a two point lead at the end of the third quarter, four straight buckets by Jeremiah Payne, Craig Thilsted, Nathan Zimmerman and Shores put the Poncans up, 51-45.

For the Cats, Shores was 5-of-7 from the field to match Engle’s 11 points. Scott Larrison had a good game off the bench scoring 9 points, including a three point play late in the fourth quarter to put the Cats up by 3, and grabbed 9 rebounds. Furnas had 8 points, Payne and Zimmerman had 4 each while Thilsted had 3.

Cam Williams followed up Crenshaw’s 30 with 7 points for the Savages.

The Cats are now on the happy side of the bracket and take on Lawton, winners Thursday over Latta, today at 5:40 p.m.

Game Notes — Crenshaw, just 6-0, had two dunks in the game. . . The Cats were 26-of-60 from the field while Broken Bow was 25-of-55. . . The Cats forced 29 turnovers from the Savages while giving up.