LOCAL

Lawmakers Face Difficult Special Session
Clinton Set To Deliver State of Union Address

Lawmakers Face Difficult Special Session

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Nothing is ever simple in the Oklahoma Legislature proponents of an oil tax cut discovered after getting Gov. Frank Keating to call a special session to address the oil industry crisis.

Keating has summoned lawmakers to the Capitol on Wednesday to begin the process of cutting oil severance taxes and taking other steps to help producers and royalty owners.

The tax-cut plan has broad-based support among lawmakers and its passage in some form is virtually assured.

That’s the easy part.

The hard part, legislators say, will be cutting budgets to pay for the $29 million tax cut. Lawmakers are proposing a modified across-the-board approach to budget cuts, and are awaiting input from agencies on how they will handle the reductions.

Last week, House and Senate appropriations chairmen sent agency directors a letter informing them how much their budgets would be whacked for the last four months of the fiscal year.

They also gave guidelines on what not to cut.

‘‘We expect budget recommendations will have the least possible impact on important services,’’ said Sen. Kelly Haney, D-Seminole, and Rep. Bill Settle, D-Muskogee, appropriations chairmen.

They do not want the reductions to cause layoffs, while urging officials to leave vacant any unfilled jobs unless they are critically needed.

Keating says he thinks it will be relatively easy to reach a budget agreement, although the collapse in oil prices ‘‘hit us in the wrong pocket at the wrong time.’’

Nonetheless, there is expected to be a lot of complaining about the cuts when agency officials go before appropriations subcommittees.

The special session comes less than two weeks before lawmakers will reconvene in regular session, leading some to question whether it is necessary.

Keating says it is for two principal reasons — No. 1, it will assure that any oil tax-cut plan will not be sidetracked in negotiations on other issues and, No. 2, it will be a shot-in-the-arm — although not a fix — for a demoralized domestic oil industry.

Oil prices dipped to $8 a barrel in late December, lowest since 1931, when adjusted for inflation.

In addition to a tax cut, Keating has proposed moving up the date when refunds can be claimed on ‘‘at-risk oil leases.’’

The special session game plan calls for legislation to start in the House, which will convene at 10 a.m. The House has a full committee schedule in swing, arguably cutting down on what is normally a $100,000 cost for a week of a special session.

Senate plans also are to convene at 10 a.m., but to then recess, perhaps reconvening Jan. 25 to consider any House-passed proposals.

Many lawmakers do not believe there will be enough time to get agreements on budget cuts and enact legislation prior to the regular Legislature reconvening Feb. 1.

So why bother to have a special session?

‘‘Obviously, the timing aspect of that is pretty much gone in terms of getting an expedited tax cut, but Oklahoma will still have the mantel of being the leader in addressing the crisis,’’ said Mickey Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, who began urging a special session in late November.

Keating announced the special session call during a one-day organization meeting of the Legislature on Jan. 5, about two weeks after the price of oil per barrel dipped to $8.

To make way for the three-tiered tax cut, the budget-cut schedule outlined by Haney and Settle will mean a 3.6 percent reduction in agency budgets for the last four months of the state’s fiscal year, which ends June 30.

The schedule spares education, except in the area of administration.

The Department of Human Services, the state’s largest agency, will be cut $4.1 million. The Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority will each see their budgets reduced $3.9 million. Next are the Department of Transportation, $3 million; The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, $1.5 million; the Department of Juvenile Affairs, $1.2 million; Health Department, $802,302, and Department of Public Safety, $739.356.

Lawmakers want agency directors to honor contracts with local governments and other providers of critical services.

Under the tax-cut plan, the current 7 percent gross production, or severance tax, would fall to 4 percent when the price of oil drops to between $14 and $17 a barrel. The tax would decline to 1 percent when the price dips below $14 a barrel.

Whatever is passed, it will add to the difficulty of budget-writers in the regular session.

The Oklahoma economy is still growing overall, but the loss in revenue will mean a stagnant state budget for the next fiscal year, according to the Equalization Board.

And lawmakers still have to pay for a lot of commitments made in the past two years, especially in the areas of highways and prisons.

The tight budget is leading to speculation that the Legislature will again tap the emergency rainy day fund, even though the fund is not expected to receive a deposit this year.

Clinton Set To Deliver State of Union Address

WASHINGTON (AP) — Conceding that families with only one breadwinner need tax relief too, President Clinton is proposing a credit to offset costs borne by parents who choose to stay home and care for their children.

Clinton’s budget proposal for fiscal 2000 will include a tax credit of up to $500 per child age 1 or younger, according to a White House official who spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity. It is expected to cost $1.3 billion over five years, allowing for an average tax credit of $178, the official said.

Clinton is expected to outline the proposal in his State of the Union address Tuesday night before a joint session of Congress.

The proposal is part of a larger child care package that seeks a total of $18 billion over five years to aid working poor and middle-class families.

Last year, the president put forth a $22 billion child care package that was tied to revenue from the proposed tobacco settlement. The proposal went nowhere because Republicans said it failed to address parents who do not work outside the home.

With this plan, the White House hopes to deflate that argument and give GOP leaders what amounts to a political dare.

The child care package is the latest policy item to be previewed from Clinton’s speech. Others have included plans to reduce violence against children, improve military readiness and food safety and meet Americans’ long-term health care needs. But the White House has revealed little about how the president would ensure that Social Security remains solvent as the huge baby boom generation retires.

In yet another proposal expected to be in the speech, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala told The Washington Post in an interview in today’s editions that Clinton will call for $1 billion over five years to improve health care for many of the nation’s 32 million uninsured adults. The money would be used to encourage community clinics and hospitals to work together to keep track of patients and make sure they get needed treatment. The administration has now made health proposals that would cost about $10 billion over five years.

White House officials said today the president also plans to propose restructuring $20 billion in federal education money to require school districts to meet standards such as ending social promotions, better informing parents of school performance, enhancing teacher training and improving classroom discipline. If they do not, they could risk losing some or all their federal assistance.

Clinton spent much of Sunday practicing his delivery of the State of the Union address. He rehearsed into the night, testing and retesting themes that are likely to resonate with members of Congress and the 70 million to 80 million Americans expected to watch on television.

DEATHS

Prudence Marie McKinley
Mary Sue Heagy
Tom W. Bay
Alvena Marguerite Elledge
Delbert Garrett
Paul E. Burton
Mary Kline-Welch

Prudence Marie McKinley

FAIRFAX — Prudence Marie “Prudie” McKinley, longtime Fairfax resident, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 78.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the church with Father Ken Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax until service time.

Prudence Marie “Prudie” McKinley was born July 23, 1920, in Fairfax the only child of Brownie and Agnes (Curry) Haskell.

She was married to Alfred McKinley on Dec. 22, 1945, in Sedan, Kan., and the couple made their first home in Fairfax. During World War II, Mrs. McKinley worked at Boeing Aviation in Tulsa. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was active in the Altar Society. She was also a member of the Pah-Su-Lee and War Mothers. Mrs. McKinley enjoyed playing golf until her health prevented it.

Survivors include one son, Franklin Alfred McKinley of Pawhuska; two daughters, Sharon Kay Long of the home, and Linda Sue Jackson of Fairfax; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 27, 1980, and her parents.

Casket bearers will be Alfred McKinley, Marvin Lasley, Isaih Lasley, Brad Burris, Keith Colburn and Jeff Lunsford.

Mary Sue Heagy

PAWNEE — Mary Sue Heagy, longtime Pawnee-Osage County resident, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999, in Ponca City. She was 77.

A graveside memorial service has been set for May 8, 1999, at the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.

Mary Sue (Staton) Staggs Sneed Heagy was born May 8, 1921, in Osage County to James and Dora (Leamon) Staton. She was first married to Onis Staggs and later to Calvin Sneed, who both preceded her in death.

She was married to Emmett Heagy in January 1969 in Ponca City and the couple made their home in Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Heagy died in March 1988. Mrs. Heagy attended the Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Lillian McDaniel of Duncan, Ariz., Eva Beyer of Ponca City and Geraldine Martin of Fairborn, Ohio; one brother, Gen. William Staton; two sisters, Leatha Dixon and Nadine Glaze; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to three husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, three brothers and two half-sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Heagy’s name to a charity of choice.

Tom W. Bay

BLACKWELL — Tom W. Bay, Blackwell resident, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 16, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 90.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Resthaven Cemetery in Wichita, Kan. Mr. Chad Knappier, minister of the Blackwell Church of Christ will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Tom W. Bay was born April 27, 1908, in Corwin, Kan., one of nine children born to Thomas W. and Mary (Bradford) Bay Sr. He moved with his family to Elk City, Kan., then to Leavenworth County, Kan. and graduated from Lansing (Kan.) High School.

On Sept. 26, 1927, he was married to Hazel Elva Prouty in Derby, Kan. and the couple lived in California where Bay worked on the Colorado River pipeline construction project to Los Angeles. He also was employed as a welder for the Vornado Co., in Wichita, Kan. for several years until the company closed. He then worked as a cattle buyer with his father at the Wichita, Kan., stockyards. He retired from the stockyards in the mid-1970s. Bay was active with the Senior Citizens group in Blackwell and enjoyed, gardening, working in his yard and creating things from scrap iron.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel in 1981; his parents; three brothers, and five sisters.

Alvena Marguerite Elledge

BLACKWELL — Alvena Marguerite Elledge, longtime Blackwell resident, died Saturday morning, Jan. 16, 1999, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home. She was 79.

The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Alvena Marguerite (Bornholdt) Elledge was born Nov. 22, 1919, in Norwich, Kan., to Herman Ellis and Phreda Belle (McNees) Bornholdt. She lived in Norwich until age 11, then moved with her family to Blackwell. Following graduation from Blackwell High School in 1937 she began employment with the Blackwell Kress Store.

She was married to Matthew Clark Elledge on Nov. 15, 1940, at her parents home in Blackwell. The couple established their first home in Blackwell and a year later moved to their rural residence. Mrs. Elledge was a member of the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church where she served as church elder. She was past-president of the Women’s Fellowship in Ponca City and held memberships in the Eastern Star, ALKO group, Delphi, Betta Sigma Phi, Loyal Neighbors, Praview View and the Blackwell Book Review Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Nanci Kincheloe and Kathy Bringham, both of Blackwell; one brother, Calvin Bornholdt of Fontana, Calif.; one sister, Dorothy Perlick of Davenport, Iowa; four grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and two brothers, Robert and Henry Allen Bornholdt.

Casket bearers will be Kay Kincheloe, Josh Kincheloe, Bret Bringham, Bron Bringham, Chuck Sprague, and Stan Glenny. Honorary bearers will be Charles Inmon, Ray Glenny, Steve Webb, R.C. Bechtel, Max Randall, Richard Randall, and David Ward.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Elledge’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Delbert Garrett

PERRY — Delbert Garrett, former 101 Ranch employee, died Sunday morning, Jan. 17, 1999, at the Perry Nursing Home. He was 94.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Brown-Sisson Funeral Home Chapel in Perry, with the Rev. Ginny Hathaway officiating. Burial will be in the Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Delbert Garrett was born April 27, 1904 on a Noble County farm north of Perry. He attended the 4-D School in Noble County. He was a lifelong resident of Noble County and had helped take care of the livestock on the 101 Ranch while the 101 Wild West Show was on the road.

He was married to Arelia Willhelmns on Aug. 21, 1934, in Enid, and the couple farmed and ranched in the Perry area all their married life. Garrett was a member of the Methodist Church, Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, American Quarter Horse Association and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association.

Survivors include his wife Arelia, of the home; three daughters Leona Grim, Iva Henke and Dolly Brown, all of Perry; one brother, Chauncey Garrett of Perry; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Casket bearers will be Wayne Castee, Van Wayne Dickson, Duane Dickson, Mark Miner, Harlan Clark and Rex Brown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Garrett’s name to Oklahoma Medical Foundation, Arthritis Research, c/o Brown Funeral Home, 1010 Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077.

Obituaries

Paul E. Burton

Paul E. Burton, longtime Ponca City resident died Friday evening, Jan. 15, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 88.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor of First Christian Church, officiating. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Paul was born on Oct. 25, 1910, in Milam, Mo., to John Wesley and Dorothy Melvina (Johnston) Burton. He attended schools in Milam and graduated from Milam High School.

On March 18, 1934, he married Eleanor Belle Willis in Milam, Mo. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening and writing poetry. He was very interested in protecting the environment.

Survivors include his wife Eleanor of the home; one daughter, Mary Ann McGrew; one son, Paul W. Burton; seven grandchildren, Tony Bartlett, Cathie Huddleston, Connie Faulks, Paul W. Burton Jr., DeeAnn Meyer, Ale’ Burton and Todd Burton; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters.

The following was a special poem to Paul; “Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond’s glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning rush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.”

paid obituary

Mary Kline-Welch

Mary Kline-Welch, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1998, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She was 57.

A memorial service will be held at the Trout Funeral Home chapel at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20. A graveside service was held Saturday, Jan. 16, at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg, Ill. Arrangements in Galesburg were under the direction of Watson Funeral Home.

Mary Kline-Welch was born April 3, 1941, in Galesburg, Ill., to Samuel and Dorothy Byers Harris. She was a nurse and had been employed for more than 10 years at St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. In 1978, she moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she continued nursing. She moved to Ponca City in 1981 and was employed at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

She was married to Michael Welch in 1986 in Ponca City. Mrs. Kline-Welch was a member of the Day Lily Society, American Iris Society and the Water Garden Club, all in Ponca City.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Welch of the home in Ponca City; four daughters, Loretta Kline of Greenville, Mich., Michelle Kline of Peoria, Ill., Renee Kline of Escondida, Calif., and Jennifer Williams of Temecula, Calif.; one step-daughter, Brandy Welch of Savannah, Ga.; one brother, Jim Harris of Knoxville, Ill.; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a step-grandson, Aaron Williams.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Kline-Welch Memorial Nursing Program Fund, c/o Pioneer Technology Center Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 844, Ponca City, OK 74602.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Weigh Down Group to Meet — The Weigh Down Group at First Church of God will hold a 12-week seminar to encourage people to lose weight and draw closer to God. Orientation will be Jan. 18 (tonight) at 7 p.m. at the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand. If you have questions, call Genelle Smith at 765-8767 or Ann Stanton at 580-362-3563.

WWF Royal Rumble coming to Pay Per View Sunday, January

24th at 7:00 p.m. Catch all your favorite WWF superstars battle to

the end! Call to order Cable ONE, 762-6684. dv.

DAV Auxiliary to Meet — The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Auxiliary Room of the DAV Building, 401 South Lincoln Street.

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.

Vehicle Burglary — A man in the 2000 block of North Sixth Street contacted police at 6:39 a.m. Saturday to report the burglary of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Clean Carpet. Top of line equipment. Best trained people. Quality service. Reasonable prices. Call Floorcraft. 762-8383.

adv.

Equipment Vandalism — At 7:46 a.m. Saturday Evans and Associates, 2225 North Union Street, advised police of equipment vandalism. A report was taken.

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.

Vandalism — A woman in the 1400 block of McGraw Drive reported vandalism to a room in her home at 9:21 a.m. Saturday.

Pauline's Every Monday Night Special. Fried Chicken Only- all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Dog Theft — At 9:48 a.m. Saturday a man in the 1600 block of South Ninth Street reported the theft of his dog. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Assault — A woman in the 600 block of South Fifth Street contacted police at 10:47 a.m. Saturday regarding a complaint that her son had been assaulted. An officer was assigned.

Vehicle Burglary — At 11:06 a.m. Saturday a man in the 1200 block of South Ninth Street reported a vehicle burglary.

Burglary — At 11:26 a.m. Saturday a man in the 600 block of South Thirteenth Street advised police that his home had been burglarized.

Unit Hit — A man in the 500 block of South Twelfth Street contacted police at 1:04 p.m. Saturday complaining that a contractor had run into his air conditioning unit. An officer was assigned, and the information was logged.

Juvenile Arrest — Police arrested a 13-year-old boy at 2:08 p.m. Saturday at Drug Warehouse, 2211 North Fourteenth Street, for grand larceny.

Objects Thrown — At 10:50 p.m. Saturday police were informed that several juveniles were throwing objects through a window in the 600 block of East Walnut Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Break-In — At 2:14 p.m. Saturday a resident in the 1000 block of North Sunset Street reported a break-in at their home. An officer was assigned.

Theft — Police were informed of a theft at 2:18 p.m. Saturday in the 100 block of South Lake Street.

Stolen Bike — At 3:28 p.m. Saturday a woman in the 1600 block of Cookson Drive contacted police after her son’s bicycle was stolen.

Vehicle Vandalism — A man in the 60 block of Elmwood Avenue reported vandalism to his vehicle at 4:22 p.m. Saturday.

Gas Drive-Off — At 4:59 p.m. Saturday a gas drive-off at the Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, was reported to police. A report was taken.

Accident — Police were notified at 7:42 p.m. Saturday of a two-vehicle accident at Old Highway 60 and Waverly Street. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Extra Patrol — Extra police patrol was requested in the 300 block of North Oak Street at 8:45 p.m. Saturday due to a recent burglary.

Beer Theft — Police were called to the Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, at 9:59 p.m. Saturday after two men reportedly stole a 30-pack of beer.

Arrest — Police arrested a 23-year-old man at 10:30 p.m. Saturday from the 700 block of North Osage Street on two city warrants.

Car Theft — A woman in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue contacted police at 10:53 p.m. Saturday after she discovered her car was missing. It was later recovered.

Arrests — A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman were arrested at 11:34 p.m. Saturday from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street for possession of stolen property.

Stolen Mower — At 12:43 a.m. Sunday a woman in the 100 block of West Albany Avenue reported the theft of lawn mower. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor accident in the 2000 block of Thorn Apple Valley Boulevard was reported to police at 7:49 a.m. Sunday.

Embezzlement — At 8:47 a.m. Sunday police were informed of an embezzlement at the Triple T, 201 West Hartford Avenue.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 2200 block of John Street reported the theft of his vehicle at 8:59 a.m. Sunday.

Skillet Attack — A woman in the 300 block of North Osage Street called police at 12:51 p.m. Sunday after she reportedly hit her “intoxicated” husband with a skillet and knocked him unconscious. Police then arrested the 38-year-old woman for assault with a deadly weapon.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 9:10 a.m. Sunday a man in the 300 block of North Peachtree Street reported vandalism to his vehicle.

Arrest — Police arrested a 47-year-old woman at 4:21 p.m. Sunday from L.A. Cann Drive for driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

Gas Drive-Off — At 4:12 p.m. Sunday a $12 gas drive-off at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, was reported to police.

Arrest — Police arrested a 53-year-old man at 11:49 p.m. Sunday from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue for driving under the influence and no driver’s license.

Arrest — A 19-year-old woman was arrested at 12:25 a.m. Monday from the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Burglary — At 12:25 a.m. Monday a burglary in the 400 block of North Union Street was reported to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Yard Vandalism — At 9:11 p.m. Sunday a man in the 1100 block of West Greenwood Avenue contacted police regarding motorcycles being ridden though his yard. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — A 21-year-old woman was arrested at 3:38 a.m. Monday from West Cleveland Avenue and North Oak Street on a county warrant for embezzlement.

Attempted Theft — A man in the 1400 block of Donahoe Drive contacted police at 12:04 p.m. Sunday reporting the attempted theft of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglary — A man in the 1600 block of McGraw Drive reported the burglary of his vehicle at 1:57 p.m. Sunday.

Shoplifter — At 4:08 p.m. Sunday police were informed that the Conoco Convenience Mart, 3305 North Fourteenth Street, had a juvenile shoplifter in custody.

Beer Theft — Police were informed of the theft of one case of beer at 11:06 p.m. Sunday from the 200 block of East Highland Avenue.

Beer Theft — At 2:27 a.m. Monday the theft of two 12-packs and one 30-pack of beer was reported in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Gamma Chapter Enjoys Santa Sculptures

Xi Gamma Chapter Enjoys Santa Sculptures

Rhonda Waters of Enchantments by Rhonda presented her Santa scultures to the members of Xi Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi at their recent meeting. A Santa head in progress was brought and she explained the process, demonstrated how she achieved the finished product and displayed several completed Santas. She explained her start in sculpturing, and displayed her materials and tools. .

Xi Gamma Chapter met in the home of Leora Simmons. Members stood for Opening Ritual, the roll was called, and minutes were read and approved.

Darlene VanDeBurgh, president, read cards from former members Delorus Patterson and Betty Thorpe, an e-mail from Betty McLaury, and a thank you from the family the chapter sponsored for Christmas.

A letter from International regarding the Endowment fund was read. Sue Waggerman moved we contribute to the Endowment Fund; it was seconded and passed.

Changes in by-laws and standing rules made by the chapter in were approved by International. The treasurer announced that second half dues were due.

Cindy Russell read from the “Book of Beta Sigma Phi” regarding the rules for members on leave of absence.

Leora Simmons, social chairman, reported there would be no chapter Super Bowl party planned. The scrapbook committee will meet Jan.19 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Donna Ross, chairman. The next chapter meeting will be Jan. 26. in the home of Jane Culver, with Barbara Feil giving the program. A social for January is being planned.

The Valentine Dance will be at the Elks Club Feb. 13. Cost of tickets is $5 a couple and $2.50 single. A check from the chapter is due at the next city council meeting. Founder’s Day will be at the Ponca City Country Club on April 20th; the cost is $11.75.

Sue Meek thanked everyone for her surprise birthday party. Ms. Waggerman proposed a grandma shower for Delorus Patterson, and Ms. Feil will talk with Ms. Patterson about a time. Members stood for Closing Ritual, and refreshments were served.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
Cowboys Show Up This Time
OSU Grapplers Win National Duels

Monday Evening Quarterback

They have been in effect only a few days, but the new rules on high school wrestling weights seem to have the approval of the coaches at the Sand Springs Tournament over the weekend.

That’s important because most of the power teams in three classes were in that tournament. How they are affected by the rules, which limit wresters from bouncing around in weight during the last half of the season while giving them a two-pound break in making weight, will determine if the rules remain intact.

As of Thursday, state high school wrestlers must have established a minimum weight at which they will wrestle the rest of the season. And they are not allowed to bump up more that one weight class.

“Now you know where the wrestlers will be,” said Alan Karstatter, coach of the host Sandites, Class 5A’s No. 8 team, which finished fourth in the tournament. “It will cut out all the jumping around by wrestlers just before the regional tournament.”

Steve Dunlap, coach of No. 1 ranked Broken Arrow, which ran away from the prestigious field, hinted there might be some fine tuning of the rules, but said basically he was in favor of having high school wrestlers prevented from dropping weight just before regional tournaments.

“You know a wrestler will be at a certain weight, unless he goes up one weight.

“I am a member of the advisory committee so I want to wait until the end of the season to see what the coaches say,” Dunlap said. “There are always some minor changes that may be made.”

Broken Arrow showed why they are the top rated team in Class 5A by dominating the tournament. The Tigers sent nine wrestlers into the championship finals and won seven championships. In all, Broken Arrow placed 11 of their 14 wrestlers in the top four.

Broken Arrow finished with 253.5 points, far in front of Muskogee (196), Bristow (173), Mustang (169) and Sand Springs (167.5).

Ponca City finished eighth with 74.5 points, in front of Tahlequah, Sapulpa, Bartlesville and Sallisaw.

Led by Josh Bailey, who finished second at 119 pounds, the Wildcats placed six wrestlers in the top six. Phillip Brotherton was fourth at 103 pounds, Toby RedLeaf fifth at 171, Matt Littleton sixth at 140, Blaine Empting sixth at 160 and Justin Neurenberg sixth at 215.

The results confirmed Ponca City coach Todd Steidley’s feeling that the Wildcats are getting close to joining the state’s elite, but having trouble getting over the hump.

In Saturday’s medal matches (championship, consolation finals and fifth place) the Poncans managed just one win in six bouts and frustratingly, four of those losses came by two points or less.

Broken Arrow’s Dunlap pointed out that while his Tigers appeared to win the tournament easily, it was only because his team won the tight matches.

“We scored a lot of points,” Dunlap said afterwards, “But there were a lot of close matches in there.”

Four of Broken Arrow’s champions won by three points or less, including Clint Wartluff’s 4-3 decision over Ponca City’s Bailey.

Steidley concedes that part of the problem for his young Wildcat team is experience.

“Also we haven’t been able to get any consistency in our lineup,” Steidley said, noting that two starters have been out with injuries for most of the season.

Steidley, who doesn’t like for his wrestlers to have to cut much weight, also hinted that may have to be more controlled next season.

“You’ll notice that most of the people we wrestle are bigger than we are,” he said during the tournament. “In that respect, I think the two-pound allowance hurts us more than it helps.”

The Wildcats are back home for duals this week, facing a couple of area rivals. They host Class 2A power Perry Tuesday and then face Stillwater on Thursday. The varsity matches for both duals start at 7 p.m.

Cowboys Show Up This Time

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Adrian Peterson and Desmond Mason made sure the Oklahoma State Cowboys had something positive to show for a difficult week.

Peterson had seven points and Mason scored four of his game-high 24 in a late 15-6 spurt as No. 22 Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech 69-55 on Sunday. The victory came five days after the Cowboys shot 28 percent from the field in an embarrassing 54-43 home loss to rival Oklahoma.

‘‘We played better defensively in the second half,’’ Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton said. ‘‘It was refreshing to me that we did a much better job of execution. It was one of the best halves we’ve had this season.

‘‘We were able to get better looks at the basket and our defense forced some turnovers that let us get down and get some easy baskets.’’

The late run allowed the Cowboys (12-4, 4-1 Big 12) to take a 65-51 lead with 2:57 left. They have won seven of their last eight.

Rayford Young led Texas Tech (10-8, 2-3) with 13 points. Johnny Phillips added 12 points for the Red Raiders, who have dropped three of their last four games.

Oklahoma State, which shot 57 percent from the field in the second half and 45 percent for the game, led 23-20 at halftime.

The Cowboys were up 44-34 after Mason’s layup with 11:43 left, but Texas Tech responded with a 9-4 burst. Stan Bonewitz had a 3-pointer and a layup, and Mario Layne also had a layup to cut the deficit to 50-47 with 6:58 to go.

‘‘When the game was on the line, they just elevated their defense and their offense,’’ Texas Tech coach James Dickey said. ‘‘They bowed up and hit big shots. They just really executed. They went to their stars and they delivered.’’

Oklahoma State never trailed in the second half and responded with 15 points in a four-minute span. Mason hit a short jumper, Peterson converted a 3-point play and added two more baskets that put Oklahoma State up 59-49.

Mason and Glendon Alexander each scored again in a span of 12 seconds and Doug Gottlieb capped the surge with two free throws that gave Oklahoma State a 14-point lead with less than three minutes left.

The Red Raiders committed 25 turnovers. Texas Tech pulled within three points twice through the first 13 minutes of the second half, but struggled against the Oklahoma State defense for much of the game.

No. 22 OKLAHOMA STATE 69,

TEXAS TECH 55

OKLAHOMA STATE (12-4) 

Peterson 9-18 3-3 22, Mason 10-20 3-6 24, Webber 2-4 2-4 6, Adkins 2-5 0-0 5, Gottlieb 2-4 3-5 7, Alexander 2-6 0-1 5, Jonzen 0-2 0-0 0, Montonati 0-1 0-2 0. Totals 27-60 11-21 69.

TEXAS TECH (10-8) 

Owens 2-4 2-2 6, Kennard 2-4 0-0 4, Phillips 3-4 6-8 12, Young 6-15 0-2 13, Bonewitz 2-6 2-2 7, Ware 0-2 0-0 0, Banks 1-4 0-0 2, Layne 3-6 1-2 7, Mitchell 0-3 0-0 0, Ellis 1-4 2-3 4. Totals 20-52 13-19 55.

Halftime—Oklahoma St. 23, Texas Tech 20. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma St. 4-14 (Mason 1-1, Adkins 1-3, Alexander 1-3, Peterson 1-6, Gottlieb 0-1), Texas Tech 2-11 (Young 1-4, Bonewitz 1-4, Ware 0-1, Banks 0-1, Mitchell 0-1). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—Oklahoma St. 36 (Mason 8), Texas Tech 36 (Ellis 8). Assists—Oklahoma St. 15 (Gottlieb 10), Texas Tech 10 (Bonewitz 3). Total fouls—Oklahoma St. 15, Texas Tech 19. A—7,775.

OSU Grapplers Win National Duels

By GREG SMITH

Associated Press Writer

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — For one day at least, Jimmy Arias made a believer out of Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith.

‘‘He has struggled in the past to get that takedown, to get that victory,’’ Smith said.

Not on Sunday. Arias scored a huge upset over No. 1-ranked Chad Kraft and the top-ranked Cowboys blanked No. 2 Minnesota in the first five matches en route to their 20-17 victory to the finals of the Cliff Keen NWCA National Wrestling Duals.

‘‘I just bore down ... and said I’ve got to get this takedown, and luckily I did,’’ Arias said following his 3-2 decision at 157 pounds.

The Cowboys (14-0) won their 59th straight dual dating back to 1996 and gave Smith his 100th career victory while winning the tournament for the fifth time.

Oklahoma State — which skipped the tourney last year but won it in 1997, 1994, 1990 and 1989 — dominated the lower weights and held on to beat the defending champion Golden Gophers (7-2) for the second time this season.

The Cowboys eked out a 21-17 decision at Minneapolis last Nov. 29.

‘‘It was a good win for us. It was an important win for us,’’ Smith said. ‘‘We made some things happen. It’s rewarding to know we wrestled Minnesota and that we beat Minnesota.’’

Minnesota coach J Robinson said his team should have stopped the Cowboys early to arrest their momentum.

‘‘We’ve just got to hang on to the things that we did well,’’ Robinson said. ‘‘We did good. It doesn’t define who wins the national tournament. It just tells you where you are.’’

Oklahoma State completed a sweep of the first five bouts after Arias’ upset of Kraft, who sustained his first loss of the season after 12 straight wins.

‘‘There wasn’t any particular strategy,’’ Arias said. ‘‘I knew if I pulled off the win, then basically it might put the meet out of reach.’’

The victory avenged Kraft’s 3-1 overtime win in their first meeting and gave the Cowboys a 16-0 lead following wins by top-ranked Teague Moore at 125, No. 1-ranked Eric Guerrero at 133, Charles Walker at 141 and Reggie Wright at 149.

Moore downed Leroy Vega 5-3, Guerrero went 13-0 on the year with a 12-4 major decision over Pat Connors while Walker scored a takedown with two seconds remaining to beat Chad Erikson 3-1. Wright also stayed unbeaten, 14-0, with a 4-2 decision over Troy Marr.

Josh Holiday, a 14-6 winner over Ty Wilcox in November, again beat his old high school teammate from Fountain Valley, Calif., taking a 12-6 decision at 165 to cut OSU’s lead to 16-3.

Mark Smith, the Cowboys’ other top-ranked wrestler, extended OSU’s lead to 20-3 with a 13-5 major decision over Matt Kraft at 174.

The win put Smith at 19-0 on the year and gave the Cowboys all the points they needed to withstand Minnesota’s edge in the higher weights.

Top-ranked Brandon Eggum improved to 13-0 with an 8-4 win over Mark Munoz at 184 while Tim Hartung, ranked No. 1 at 197, posted a 24-9 technical fall over Josh Cruzan to run his record to 18-0.

That chopped Oklahoma State’s lead to 20-11 and the Golden Gophers rounded out the scoring when heavyweight Brock Lesnar pinned Dave Anderton.

‘‘We just needed to win in the early rounds, that’s all we needed,’’ Lesnar said. ‘‘It’s hard to come back, to bounce back, after a team wins five straight. They had a good day.’’

In the consolations, No. 3 ranked and third-seeded Iowa defeated Iowa State, the fourth seed, 32-7 for third place.

The Cyclones were fourth, followed by Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arizona State and Central Michigan.

Central Michigan’s Casey Cunningham was named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler.

Cliff Keen NWCA National Wrestling Duals

Sunday’s results

Championship

Oklahoma State 20, Minnesota 17

125—Teague Moore (O) dec. Leroy Vega, 5-3.

133—Eric Guerrero (O) maj. dec. Pat Connors, 12-4.

141—Charles Walker (O) dec. Chad Erikson, 3-1.

149—Reggie Wright (O) dec. Troy Marr, 4-2.

157—Jimmy Arias (O) dec. Chad Kraft, 3-2.

165—Josh Holiday (M) dec. Ty Wilcox, 12-6.

174—Mark Smith (O) maj. dec. Matt Kraft, 13-5.

184—Brandon Eggum (M) dec. Mark Munoz, 8-4.

197—Tim Hartung (M) tech. fall Josh Cruzan, 24-9, 6:21.

HWT—Brock Lesnar (M) pinned Dave Anderton, 3:54.

Third Place

Iowa 32, Iowa State 7

125—Ben Kritsonis, (I), dec. Jesse West, 11-4.

133—Eric Juergens, (I), dec. Cody Sanderson, 6-4.

141—Doug Schwab, (I), dec. Benjie Winegarden, 26-7, 7:00

149—T.J. Williams, (I), dec. Cole Sanderson, 9-3.

157—Jamie Heidt, (I), dec. David Maldonado, 2-1 (2 OT).

165—Joe Heskett, (IS), dec. Ben Uker, 6-3.

174—Gabe McMahon, (I), pinned Ben Perkins, 1:56.

184—Cael Sanderson, (IS), maj. dec. Paul Jenn, 10-2.

197—Lee Fullhart, (I), won by forfeit.

Hwt—Wes Hand, (I), dec. Mark Knauer, 9-7. Fifth Place

Oklahoma 31, Nebraska 12

125—Shane Valdez, (OK), won by forfeit.

133—Todd Beckerman, (N), dec. Dane Valdez, 6-3.

141—Michael Lightner, (OK), pinned Jose DeAnda, 1:12.

149—Jared Frayer, (OK), dec. Dusty Morris, 6-4.

157—David Kjeldgaard (OK), dec. Billy Gabel, 15-9.

165—Rodney Jones, (OK), maj. dec. Josh Henson, 10-2.

174—Michael Barger, (OK), dec. Charles McTorry, 6-1.

184—Tom Grossman, (N), won by forfeit.

197—Scott Munson, (N), dec. Waymon May, 4-0.

Hwt—J.R. Pleinis, (N), pinned Gary Barber, 2:47.