LOCAL

New Fire Chief Spends First Day In Orientation, Getting Acquainted
Nearly News
Secondary School Renewal Conference Here Thursday
Main Street Authority Sets Slide Preview Wednesday
Police Arrest Suspect In Monday Burglary
No Place for Intolerance

New Fire Chief Spends First Day In Orientation, Getting Acquainted

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The first day on the job proved to be a busy day indeed for the new Ponca City Fire Chief, Gary Denny, who spent the day getting acquainted with his new position, the fire department personnel as well as the city itself.

In addition, Denny was given a tour of the No. 1 Fire Station renovations currently in progress.

“It was a very busy day,” Denny said. “I spent most of the day in meetings and in new employee orientation.”

The new chief comes to the city with more than 21 years experience in fire fighting, all in the Sedgwick County Fire Department where he climbed the ranks from firefighter to fire prevention captain and ultimately to the position of division chief of operations.

He left his position at the Sedgwick County Fire Department in December after accepting the “top job” at the Ponca City Fire Department.

Denny has had extensive and special hazardous material training as well as special management training. In addition, he was the initial incident commander at the DeBruce Grain Elevator explosion on June 8, 1998, in Sedgwick County.

The chief is married to Tammy, his wife of 23 years and has two children, 21-year-old Shanda and Daniel, who is 17 years old.

The first few days on the job are proving to be a different kind of challenge for the veteran firefighter.

“I feel kind of like a freckle without a face,” Denny said. “I’m anxious to get to the point where I will be doing a real benefit for the community and I’ll be working very hard to get there real soon.”

Nearly News

NN noted that Sunday’s Ponca City News was a hit for the family of Norman and Seneca Jones of Ponca City. Their youngest, Miriah, known to her friends as Mimi, a student at Garfield, was pictured on the front page with the Martin Luther King story, and brother Kris Shores, a Po-Hi senior, was pictured on the front page of Sports. The Jones family also has an older brother, Raschem, in Oklahoma City, working toward entering EMT School, and a daughter, Michaela, a student at Middle School, just received a certificate as a student showing the most potential. A talented family, and appropriate for Martin Luther King Day in Ponca City. Norman Jones is employed by McDonald’s Electric in Ponca City and wife, Seneca works at Ponca City High School. NN says “hats off” to the family of Norman and Seneca Jones.

Secondary School Renewal Conference Here Thursday

Ponca City Public Schools is hosting a conference on Secondary School Renewal, presented by Dr. John Lammel, Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the West Wing of the Administration Building located at 111 West Grand. The public is invited to attend.

John Lammel will present the program and facilitate the discussion of the issues related to restructuring the Secondary School based on the research report entitled “Breaking Ranks,” the compilation of four years of research on change in the American high school.

Dr. John Lammel is associate executive director and director for High School Services for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). In 1990-91 he was president of NASSP. Before joining the staff at NASSP July 1, 1993, John had been principal of Millard South High School in Omaha, Neb., for 26 years.

Dr. Lammel served as facilitator in the development of “Breaking Ranks: Changing an American Institution,” a NASSP report produced in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. He is also director of the National Alliance of High Schools, a division of NASSP, designed to assist high school leaders in implementing recommendations cited in “Breaking Ranks.”

Lammel writes regularly for the “High School Magazine” and serves as a resource to high school principals on a variety of topics related to their daily tasks and responsibilities. Lammel also represents high school principals and NASSP on numerous committees and boards.

Main Street Authority Sets Slide Preview Wednesday

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

In order to peek interest in the historical value of downtown Ponca City, the Main Street Authority will introduce a slide presentation Wednesday morning.

According to the Design Committee Chairman Bret Carter the “The Grand Tour” is a visual tour which will showcase the architecture of the Main Street District.

“We have a really wonderful collection of buildings downtown,” Carter says. “Our primary purpose in this presentation is to get people to notice them more — look up as they look around. In addition we’ll show the economical benefit of restoration.”

Through the use of slides from the 1920s and earlier, the presentation will recreate the experience of strolling down Grand Avenue about 1927, when most of the buildings were 20 years old or less. Some of the new slides will show the same views today, which will indicate that a lot has stayed the same.

The slide presentation will begin at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Poncan Theatre and a light breakfast will be served. Carter says that many of the slides will be historical.

“Through this program people will gain an understanding of the unique design of our downtown and understand why it is called Oklahoma’s premiere ‘Roaring 20’s’ downtown,” Carter said. “Through the slides people will see downtown as it was then and now and be able to compare the two.”

The committee has added a little mystery and fun to the morning event as well. Carter says that there will be a “mystery” building and a prize will be awarded to the person who is able to identify it correctly.

“The morning will be both educational as well as entertaining. It’s free and open to the public whether you are a downtown property owner, business owner or just interested in the historic heart of Ponca City we hope people will come over to the Poncan Theatre and take a step back into the past,” Carter says.

Police Arrest Suspect In Monday Burglary

Police have arrested a Ponca City man in connection to an early morning burglary Monday in the 1000 block of North First Street.

According to police the man entered a residence, pulled a knife on the owner of the home and demanded that she take her clothes off.

Apparently the man became startled and fled the scene after the woman said relatives would be arriving soon.

Based on the victim’s description of the suspect, police located and arrested him three hours later.

Charges of first degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted sexual battery are now expected to be filed.

“The officers did a thorough job and should be commended for their promptness,” Detective Captain Dwaine Vincent stated. “These are very serious offenses and we are all pleased to have this man in custody.”

Editorial

No Place for Intolerance

It’s disturbing that race relations are still such a sensitive issue to so many people. Ponca City is no different than other parts of the country in our treatment of the various races. Sure we are better than some areas but we are a lot worse than others, something most of us are unwilling to admit. Although it is the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is never too late to examine this issue.

You might point out that racial discrimination isn’t all that obvious and overt. The answer would probably be that you don’t notice the problem because you are white. It would be nice to say “put yourself in their shoes and see what it is like.” The truth is we can’t. Most of us will never have people refer to us as “you people,” or worse. We won’t get stares when we are “out of our place.”

We can say that our clubs and organizations are open to all races and creeds but, if we’re honest, we know it doesn’t work that way. People can tell when they aren’t wanted even if it is only by the attitude of a few.

These problems are caused by two basic attitudes. The first is the lack of acceptance of anything that is different. This intolerance includes more than just racial and religious differences, but it is most unacceptable in those forms. We have trouble accepting and interacting with anyone who is different than we view ourselves. To base that on color or belief has no place in our world.

This happens because of the second main attitudinal problem we have, stereotyping of groups. The Native Americans are this, the African Americans are that, the Hispanics are one way, the Whites are another and those of East Indian or Arabic ancestry are something else. We know it isn’t true, but we let our thoughts drift that way unconsciously. The truth is that all races have all of those types within our groups and we know it. Carry it further and it applies to the physically and mentally handicapped and others.

You can’t blame stereotyping on television or jokes or history. We each have the ability to choose how we view other people within ourselves. If you can’t look at each individual for his or her own merit then it is your fault and you can blame no one else.

Once we get rid of this tendency to lump people in groups we can work on the first and more insidious problem of intolerance. Intolerance ranges across all colors, creeds, and cultures; it applies to anyone who behaves other than what we view as normal.

Differences make the human race interesting. We need all types, they each contribute in their own way. Some of our greatest inventions and art came from people who were different in their own time. Whether for good or not, the main stream today would have suffered from intolerance centuries ago. Intolerance brought most of our early settlers to America, but somehow we didn’t learn the lesson.

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, the emphasis is on Black History and problems. King frequently championed all race relations and we don’t believe his dream should be limited. Intolerance should be fought on all levels and intolerance based on race or creed should disappear, now. Ponca City needs that as much or more than any other town.

TM

DEATHS

Ellis Gordon Overman
Jackqueline Faye Cornelson
Mildred Irene Barnes
Edwin Wayne McCoy
Lela Rackley
Harold Merl Buesing
Philip S. White
Delbert Garrett
Mary Kline-Welch

Ellis Gordon Overman

BLACKWELL — Ellis Gordon Overman, lifelong Blackwell area resident, died Monday morning Jan. 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 73.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Prairie Chapel Methodist Church near Ponca City. The Rev. Don Martin, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Ellis Gordon Overman was born Aug. 2, 1925, on a farm east of Blackwell to Herbert L. and Cora H. (Sawyer) Overman. He grew up in the Blackwell area, attended Pleasant Valley School, and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1943. Overman entered the U.S. Army and served on Okinawa and in Korea during World War II. Following his discharge, he returned to Blackwell and farmed with his father.

He married Willa Mae Frisch on June 2, 1946, in Blackwell and the couple established their present home northwest of Ponca City. In addition to his farming operation, Overman also worked in oil well pumping. He was a member of the Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, Excelsior School Board, VFW, Farm Bureau and a 50 year member of Western Grange.

Survivors include his wife, Willa Mae Overman of Ponca City; two daughters, Sharon Saulmon of Oklahoma City and Marcina Overman of Ponca City; one son, Harlan Overman of Ponca City; one sister, Marquita Spangler of Winfield, Kan.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be Scott Overman, Bryan Overman, Jay Tripp, Doug Miller, Blaine Spangler and Curtis Boyer.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Overman’s name to Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, c/o Roger Allen, 2281 East Tower Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Jackqueline Faye Cornelson

BLACKWELL — Jackqueline Faye “Jackie” Cornelson, Blackwell resident, died Monday morning, Jan. 18, 1999, at her home. She was 37.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Mr. Chad Knappier, Blackwell Church of Christ will officiate. A second service will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Carmen. The Rev. Kirk Board, Carmen First Christian Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Carmen.

Jackqueline Faye “Jackie” (Oakley) Cornelson was born, Sept. 1, 1961, in Spokane, Wash. to Jack and Loretta (Coslett) Oakley. She moved with her parents to Carmen where she graduated from high school in 1980.

She was married to Kelley R. Cornelson on Aug. 12, 1983, in Carmen and the couple made their first home in Alva. Mrs. Cornelson graduated from Northwestern State University, Alva, in 1985 with a degree in social work and physical education. The couple moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1986 and to Snyder, Texas in 1990. Mrs. Cornelson worked as director of social services in the Snyder area.

The family later moved to Finney County, Kan. where Mrs. Cornelson worked as a jailer at the Finney County Jail. They moved to Allison, Texas, then to Blackwell in 1997. Mrs. Cornelson worked with her husband at the Blackwell Golf Course. She was a member of the Carmen First Christian Church, Blackwell FFA Boosters, and the Blackwell Golf and Football Booster clubs.

Survivors include her husband, Kelley Cornelson of the home; four sons, Bax, Joshua, Seth and Cedeki, all of Blackwell; her parents, Jack and Pat Oakley of Jones and Rita and Bob Cole of Medford; two sisters, Karla Peterson of Tulsa and Kim Stelling of Alva; two step-sisters, Sharie Glass of Oklahoma City and Tammy Schmidt of Clinton; and her step-mother, Irene Rupert. She was preceded in death by a brother.

Casket bearers will be Rick Schollenbargar, Ray Doran, Patrick Herridge, Billy Nichols and Kraig Ritterbush.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Cornelson’s name to the Western Texas College GLT Student Scholarship Fund, 6200 College Ave., Snyder, TX 79549.

Mildred Irene Barnes

Mildred Irene Barnes, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Jan. 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 84.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1999, at 1 p.m. at the Duncan City Cemetery in Duncan. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.

Mildred Irene (Garnand) Barnes was born Sept. 15, 1914, in Trenton, Mo. to Roscoe and Lela (Scott) Garnand.

On Oct. 15, 1932, she married Russell U. Barnes in Gatalin, Mo. They moved to Duncan in 1943. After the death of her husband on May 3, 1982, she moved to Ponca City. Mrs. Barnes was a charter member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Duncan and attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Ponca City. She enjoyed reading, sewing, fishing and camping.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Jerri Barnes of Ponca City; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Norman T. Barnes and one sister.

Edwin Wayne McCoy

MEDFORD — Edwin Wayne McCoy, Medford resident, and brother-in-law to Lonnie and Marlene Wittmer of Ponca City, died Sunday morning, Jan. 17, 1999, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 75.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Renfrow (Okla.) United Methodist Church. The Rev. Elizabeth Brown and the Rev. Mark Ramsey will officiate. Masonic rites will be conducted by Steve Spleth. Burial will follow in the Caldwell (Kan.) Cemetery with military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of Hills-Ely Funeral Home, Medford.

Edwin Wayne McCoy was born Feb. 14, 1923, in Renfrow, to Albert Cecil and Martha Elizabeth (Dorman) McCoy. He attended Rock College Grade School and graduated from Caldwell (Kan.) High School. During world War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, on Tinian Island in the West Pacific.

On Nov. 21, 1946, he was married to Joyce Donnelle Lehrling by C.H. Schuermann in the Caldwell Methodist Church. McCoy was a farmer-rancher and had briefly worked at Boeing Air Craft Plant in Wichita. He was a lifetime member and had served on the board of the Renfrow United Methodist Church. McCoy was active in community service in the Renfrow-Medford area, serving as past master of the Medford Masonic Lodge 108, Grant County Chapter 99 of Royal Arch Masons; a 32nd degree Mason of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; secretary of the Caldwell Bowling League for 34 years; president of the Clyde Coop for several years; director of Production Credit Association in Enid; and member of Farm Bureau board, Renfrow Telephone Board and the Medford Lions Club. He enjoyed woodworking, bowling, and watching his grandchildren play basketball.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of the home; two sons, Gregg of Enid and Phillip of Medford; three sisters, Hazel Livingston of Phoenix, Ariz., Pauline Depue of Marion, S.D., and Louise Yunker of Wakita; five grandsons; and numerous friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Guy and Kenton; one sister, Gladys Beham; and a nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McCoy’s name to the Renfrow United Methodist Church or the Caldwell Alumni Association, c/o Hills-Ely Funeral Home, P.O. Box 280, Medford, OK 73759.

Lela Rackley

MOUNTAIN VIEW — Lela Rackley, mother of Freda Brisman of Ponca City, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 1999, in the Carnegie (Okla.) Hospital. She was 89.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Mountain View First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Brown, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetery under the direction of Hackney-Gish Funeral Home.

Lela (Morrison) Rackley was born April 9, 1909, in Archie, Ark., to John W. and Dora (Clutts) Morrison. She moved with her family to the Oney area in 1929.

She married Emmit Irvin Rackley on Jan. 1, 1933, in Gracemont. The moved to Mountain View in 1943. Mrs. Rackley was a member of the Mountain View First Baptist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Audie of Amarillo, Texas, Barton of Mountain View and Emmett of Stillwater; two daughters, Fred Brisman of Ponca City and Kathryn Garton of Mountain View; two brothers, Darius Morrison of Oklahoma City and Eunice Morrison of Anadarko; two sisters, Willie Pounds of Fort Cobb, and Fannie Patton of Anadarko; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 20, 1990; one daughter, Carolyn; her parents; and one brother, Ray Morrison.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rackley’s name to the Baptist Children’s Home, 3800 North May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506.

Harold Merl Buesing

BLACKWELL — Harold Merl Buesing, lifelong Blackwell area resident, died Monday morning, Jan. 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 70.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Blackwell. The Rev. Ernest Quillen, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Harold Merl Buesing was born Aug. 10, 1928, on a farm east of Blackwell to Charles Henry and Matilda Louise (Pomplun) Buesing. He grew up on the farm and attended West School and Blackwell High School. Following his schooling he began farming.

He was married to Mary Frances Ross on Dec. 12, 1949, in Newkirk and the couple made their first home on a farm south of Uncas. In 1958, they moved to their present home east of Blackwell and continued his farming operation. Buesing also drove a school bus for the Kildare School District for 18 years and in 1976 began working as a security guard at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. Buesing retired in 1991, but continued to help his son with the family farm. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Blackwell, where he was active in the men’s group.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Buesing of Ponca City; one daughter, Patricia Buesing of Oklahoma City; three sons, John of Blackwell, Gerald of Arkansas City and Fred of Oklahoma City; one sister, Hazel Colville of Ponca City; three granddaughters; three step-granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Charles Buesing, and his parents.

Casket bearers will be Calvin Holting, Stacy Simunek, Rex Mayer, Darrell Johns, Jim Turk and Jim Tickel. Honorary bearers will be Victor Kahle, Melvin Kahle, Carl Turk, John Miller and Marius Kahle.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Buesing’s name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Services Pending

Philip S. White

Philip S. White, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 55. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Wednesday

Delbert Garrett

Funeral at 2 p.m. at Brown-Sisson Funeral Home Chapel in Perry. Burial will be in the Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Obituaries

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

Title IX Meeting — The Title IX Indian Education Parent Committee will meet Wednesday at Hunans Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. All interested parents are invited to attend. For further information contact Garland Kent Jr. at 762-5509 or Jo Lessert at 767-9500, ext. 128.

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.

Literacy Council Reschedule — The Ponca City Area Literacy Council’s 10-hour workshop has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26, Saturday, Jan. 30, and Tuesday, Feb. 2. For additional information, please call the council office at 767-0351.

Beginning Monday 1-25-99 at 8:00 a.m. the road crossing Kaw

Dam will be closed 24 hours per day through Friday 1-29-99 at

5:00 p.m. There will be signs and warning flashers at Hiway 60 and

at the Corp of Engineers office alerting drivers of the closure.

This closing is taking place to install new equipment. Drive care-

ful! adv.

Spanish and English Classes — The Church of the Latter Day Saints will be teaching Spanish and English classes every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Classes are held at the church, 2408 East Hartford. Join any time. For additional information call Elder McKeon at 765-8943.

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. adv.

Mailbox Vandalism — At 8:12 a.m. Monday police were alerted to mailbox vandalism in the 300 block of Warwick Road.

Arrest — Police arrested a 52-year-old man from the 100 block of East Detroit Avenue at 11:05 p.m. Monday for driving under the influence and no insurance.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and

Central. adv.

Toy Gun — At 12:41 p.m. Monday a resident in the 3500 block of E Street contacted police regarding two boys playing with a gun. An officer was assigned and determined the gun to be a toy.

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.

Traffic Hazard — At 2:51 p.m. Monday police were notified of children rolling down a hill and into traffic in the 100 block of West Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and children were moved on.

Want to Start Your Own Business? Pioneer Technology Cen-

ter’s Self Employment Training program is enrolling now! The

Self-Employment Training program will show you how to start

your business for less cash, how to protect your current assests,

and every step you need to consider before opening the doors to

your business. To enroll or find out more about starting your very

own business, Call Larry Atteberry, 762-8336, Ext. 262. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 14-year-old boy was arrested at 2:55 p.m. Monday from Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, for petit larceny.

Beer Theft — At 10:45 p.m. Monday police apprehended a juvenile boy after police were alerted to an attempted beer theft from the Tripe T, 1301 West Highland Avenue.

Dry, Winter skin?? Free sample of facial moisturizer to fit

your skin type from Estee Lauder or Clinique at John’s Apparel,

downtown Ponca City. 762-2763.

adv.

Extra Patrol — A woman in the 900 block of East South Avenue requested extra police patrol at 3:09 p.m. Monday due to a prior burglary.

Clean Carpet. Top of line equipment. Best trained people.

Quality service. Reasonable prices. Call Floorcraft. 762-8383.

adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 28-year-old man at 3:25 p.m. Monday from North Fourth Street and East Highland Avenue for no driver’s license, failure to secure a child in a safety seat and expired registration.

Skate Boarders — At 4:02 p.m. Monday police were called to the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street to move skate boarders from a parking lot.

Vehicle Vandalism — Vandalism to a vehicle, parked in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street, was reported to police at 5:38 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a larceny report was taken.

Arrests — Police arrested two 18-year-old men at 5:54 p.m. Monday from the 700 block of East Chestnut Avenue for knowingly concealing stolen property.

LIFESTYLES

Lori Lynn Lively Bride of Harlan Dean Budde
Breast Cancer Becoming Treatable and Survivable
The Salt Shaker — How Much Salt Is Too Much?

Lori Lynn Lively Bride of Harlan Dean Budde

Leon and Linda Lively of Guthrie announce the recent marriage of their daughter, Lori Lynn, to Harlan Dean Budde, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Budde and the late Anadell Budde, of Midwest City.

The couple were married at The Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nev., on New Year’s Eve.

Grandparents of the bride are Jay D. and Ruby Womack of Ponca City, formerly of Deer Creek, and Eleanor Lively and the late Leland Lively of Blackwell.

The bride is a graduate of Deer Creek-Lamont High School and is currently employed at Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City. The bride-groom is a Midwest City native and serves as the director of operations for the Oklahoma Redhawks baseball team at the Bricktown Ballpark.

The couple resides at 1124 Woodcrest Drive in Midwest City. An open invitation is extended to family and friends to attend a casual reception honoring the couple on Sunday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Red Cross Building, 1313 W. Ferguson in Blackwell.

A-T Disease Was Topic of Laureate Phi Meeting

Ataxia-talangiectasia was the topic of the program given by Velma Case at the recent meeting of the Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Ms. Case has three grandchildren with A-T — a progressive, degenerative disease that affects a startling variety of body systems. A-T is called a recessive genetic disease because parents do not exhibit symptoms, but they each carry a recessive gene which may cause A-T in their offspring. The genetic path of A-T is impossible to predict. The recessive gene may lie dormant for many generations until two people with the defective gene have children.

A-T kids are born perfect and healthy with limitless potential until compromises are forced on them by this debilitating, deadly disease. A-T occurs at the rate of I per 40,000 births. Carriers are as common as 2 per 100 individuals of all races and ethnic origins.

A-T progressively affects coordination, predisposes children to lethal cancers, and severely compromises their immune systems. A-T kids are usually in wheelchairs by the age of ten and rarely live beyond their teens. A-T research is supported by BSP International, and 100 percent of all donations are used solely for research, symposiums, and the national A-T Clinical Center in Baltimore, Md. There are no paid employees; all work is accomplished by volunteers.

Ms. Case said that her oldest grandchild will soon be 18 and will become an Eagle Scout and graduate from high school before he resorts to using a wheelchair.

Erma Rusch, vice president, led 10 members in the opening ritual. Elsie Rosenbaum, president, presided at the meeting held in the home of Virginia Starks. Ballots for approval of International projects were collected, and Ms. Rosenbaum reviewed on-going projects. City Council minutes reported that the annual Founder’s Day banquet will be held April 20 at the Ponca City Country Club. Fran Smith was selected Valentine Queen.

Virginia Starks, social chair, announced that the chapter will meet for a Dutch Treat chili supper at Wendy’s 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25. The group will move to the home of Ms. Case for games and entertainment, and Ms. Rusch led the closing ritual and Mizpah.

Breast Cancer Becoming Treatable and Survivable

By REDBOOK

A Hearst Magazine

Exciting breakthroughs are making breast cancer more treatable and survivable, reported Redbook in an article in the January issue.

Just in the past year, scientists have discovered that one drug may prevent breast cancer in high-risk women, while another can arrest certain tumors. Surgical procedures are becoming less invasive and disabling. And new diagnostic tools are catching the disease earlier, when it’s more easily treated.

Tamoxifen, a drug that blocks the estrogen that makes breast tumors grow, has helped women who already have breast cancer. The big news is that the hormone may actually prevent the disease in otherwise healthy women who are high-risk because of a history of the disease in their families.

In a recent clinical trial of more than 13,000 women, the drug was so effective, researchers ended the study more than a year ahead of schedule so they could go public. The study, known as the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial, found that taking tamoxifen can cut the risk of developing cancer by 45 percent in high-risk women. Last fall, the FDA approved the drug (brand name Nolvadex) for this use.

How do you find out if you’re a candidate for this new treatment?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has taken the complex formulas used by researchers and created an easy-to-use computer program that helps a physician and patient decide whether to try tamoxifen.

Here’s how it works: Answer a few questions about your age, how old you were when you had your first period, if you have first-degree relatives who’ve had breast cancer, how many children you’ve had and the results of any previous breast biopsies. The program will calculate your chances of developing cancer in the next five years, critical for determining whether tamoxifen might be right for you.

This process of sorting out who really needs the drug is important because tamoxifen will be given to otherwise healthy women to prevent breast cancer and it can produce dangerous side effects. In the NCI study, women taking tamoxifen were more than twice as likely as those taking a placebo to develop uterine cancer and were also at increased risk for blood clots.

Another estrogen blocker called raloxifene shows even more promise in preventing breast cancer. This drug, now prescribed to reduce osteoporosis in menopausal women, has been found to lower breast cancer risk without the worst of the side effects.

Last fall, the NCI launched a new clinical trial with 22,000 postmenopausal women to test how tamoxifen and raloxifene compare in their side effects and their ability to prevent breast cancer. Stay tuned for the results.

A genetically engineered drug called Herceptin offers new hope to women with advanced cancer. About 30 percent of women with breast cancer have an excess of a protein called HER2. This protein makes tumors grow quickly — and decreases the chances a woman can be successfully treated. Herceptin, developed by scientists at Genentech in San Francisco, Calif., targets and kills cancer cells with excess HER2, leaving healthy cells alone. Herceptin, the first drug ever to target a specific cancer-spreading agent, may herald the start of a new era in treating cancer.

In national studies to evaluate the drug, Herceptin combined with chemotherapy reduced the size of tumors in 50 percent of the women whose cancer had spread to other organs; the response rate with chemotherapy alone was 32 percent. Even more dramatic, Herceptin by itself caused partial or complete remission in 16 percent of desperately ill women whose cancer had recurred in spite of chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants. Unlike other chemotherapy, Herceptin works without causing hair loss, nausea or dangerous drops in infection-fighting ability.

Approved by the FDA last fall, Herceptin is on the market two years ahead of schedule. For any woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or whose cancer has spread, there is a test that can be performed on breast biopsy tissue to see if she carries HER2. If she tests positive, Herceptin may be combined with other chemotherapy or, if the physician feels that there is time, tried first on its own to see if the cancer can be stopped without the devastating side effects of less-focused chemo. Studies are planned to see how well Herceptin works for women in earlier stages of cancer, reports Redbook, whose tumors have excess HER2 but have not yet spread to other organs.

The Salt Shaker — How Much Salt Is Too Much?

New York University School of Medicine

For AP Special Features

Salt lurks in practically all foods, even those that don’t taste salty.

Processed foods like cured meats, frozen dinners, canned soups and baked goods can be especially loaded. Some can pack up to one-half of the government’s daily recommended intake of salt.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association recommend that Americans restrict their salt intake to 2,400 milligrams of sodium a day, about 1 teaspoon of table salt. But most folks consume 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium daily.

Is salt bad for you?

For starters, it is the sodium in salt that is the primary issue because it plays a major role in determining where in the body fluid is distributed. Excess sodium will hold a larger than normal volume of fluid in the body’s blood vessels, which leads to high blood pressure, affecting every major organ, especially the heart, brain and kidneys.

Indeed, the relationship between sodium and high blood pressure is the basis for recommending cutting back on salt. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. While nearly everyone agrees that salt restriction will benefit some people, just who benefits is a matter of great debate. For people with kidney or heart disease, salt restriction definitely lowers blood pressure and prevents accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Likewise, salt restriction will lower blood pressure and possibly reduce the need for medications in some Americans with high blood pressure.

However, there is no clear answer yet whether restricting sodium will reduce the risk of developing hypertension over a person’s lifetime. And this ambiguity is fueling much of the current debate.

Medical research backs both sides of the controversy.

Some studies conclude that a general recommendation to reduce sodium intake would have little effect on blood pressure, and a few claim salt restriction is linked to a higher risk of death. Still others conclude that salt reduction safely lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Anyone would be confused by these contradictory reports. But it is important to remember that medical research depends on an accumulation of findings; one study rarely provides definitive answers to questions about a medical intervention.

Overall, there have been many more studies showing an association between high blood pressure and salt than none at all. Until there is more convincing evidence to prove a link between salt and hypertension, it would be prudent to reduce one’s sodium intake and increase servings of fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in our daily diets, which have been shown to have many health benefits.

BUSINESS

D&M Distribution In New Industrial Park Warehouse
Creation of New Industry Needed For True Economic Development
Housing, Extended Child Care Advancement Told to EDAB
State Ranked 4th Nationally In Work Force Training Effort
Conoco Signs Historic Gas Delivery Agreement
Conoco U.K. Unit Signs Pact To Increase Holdings
Team Radio Taking Control Of KLOR

D&M Distribution In New Industrial Park Warehouse

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

D&M Distribution Service Inc., a Dallas Miller Logistics Co., is up and “truckin’” in Ponca City. The company’s 70,000-square-foot distribution center located in the Airport Industrial Park is now operating, according to Ray Schreiber, senior vice president logistical services.

“We want to thank the City of Ponca City for its efforts and what they’ve done for us and the help they’ve been. Now we’re here to service the public,” Schreiber said.

Incentive package for D&M included the land. D&M is paying off the land in wages — sort of a local quality jobs deal. The company has a period of time to generate a certain amount in wages and if it doesn’t, the company picks up the note. There is enough land for the warehouse to double in size.

The building ended up costing about $1.2 million and was built by TNT Construction with mostly local subcontractors.

Currently the company employs about 15 and expects to expand the work force in the near future. The employees were hired locally and Ray Parks is the manager. Schreiber says he expects the work force to grow to about 20 within 60 to 90 days. Also connected with the business are 7 or 8 drivers. There is a fleet of more than 100 trucks and the firm will be bringing in out of state trucks.

The distribution center services Albertson’s, U.S.A. Bottling, Air Systems Components and others locally. Ponca City will be a “hub” for serving as far away as Enid, Oklahoma City, Kansas and Sand Springs.

He noted that seasonal products can be stored at the warehouse to leave the producing plants more space. Then the merchandise can be retrieved to be shipped during the correct season. This would also allow production all year in the plant and thus the ability to maintain an experienced work force.

Jan Jarrett, Economic Development director, said, “It has been a long term process of getting this project out of the ground because of the kind of weather we’ve had. But we’ve gotten done and they’re in business and I think both the company and community are going to profit from it.”

Schreiber said the company has a commitment for a product in Louisiana. “The way we are going to use this building is the product will be produced in Louisiana with the ultimate destination in Kansas. They’ll put it as close to the customer’s destination as they can and then we will service it daily. So this will become a hub for the product. We can hub it in Ponca City take in on into Kansas, pick up a load in Kansas City, come back to our Sand Springs operation, which keeps us operating in a loop.”

The warehouse inventory is computer controlled. The facility is a dry warehouse and does not include cold storage. Sixty percent of the warehouse storage will be rack storage. Basically the warehouse is to be staffed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Schreiber said the firm is customer driven and hours could be expanded to suit the clients. He said the facility could go 24-hours a day and that two of the company’s warehouses in Oklahoma City operate around the clock.

Schreiber said if the things go as expected the warehouse capacity can be doubled. The construction is such that it can be easily expanded. Schreiber explained that the way the building works, products can stay there for five hours, five days or five months. Pricing is based on customer usage.

Sometimes only handling is involved, such is the case of Albertson’s. D&M brings some of the merchandise from Albertson’s and repackages it and takes it back. Merchandise that is sold in big lots can be stored until the firm needs it.

Creation of New Industry Needed For True Economic Development

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

“We need to create an industry — not a company,” Arthur “Skip” Porter, secretary of Science and Technology Development, State of Oklahoma, told a group of civic leaders here.

Porter and Hans Brisch, chancellor, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, were in Ponca City to tour the new University Learning Center at Conoco’s North Tower, and the available laboratory space in the company’s R&D facility.

Dr. Brisch told about the creation of OneNet, a state-of-the-art telecommunications network which is a unique voice, video and data telecommunications network that allows the delivery of services within the state. Brisch said it is not just an educational tool but more of a state utility. The big question according to Brisch is how can we make this one of the most exciting opportunities for business and industry?

Currently, in addition to educational services, OneNet serves the state’s correctional facilities and the Department of Human Services.

Telling how this can make an exciting era for Oklahoma, was Dr. Porter, who serves as Southwestern Bell Chair, dean of Engineering, university vice president for Technology Development, University of Oklahoma.

“OneNet is the backbone that no other state has the equivalent of right now. This is the first year that more data has been transmitted over the phone lines than voices in the United States,” Porter said. OneNet transmissions use fiber optics.

“What I am looking for strategically for Oklahoma, is where do we have assets that we can apply that three to five years from everybody will say ‘if you are not in Oklahoma you’re not on the A Team,’” Porter explained.

Porter said that Oklahoma can become a test bed for tera bite transferring of data. “I have committed to create a laboratory for the advancement of advanced network research in the OU College of Engineering. This is a $1.5 million endowed chair to bring in a top person in network theory.”

Porter noted that the School of Engineering at OU is one of only three in the nation that requires students to have a laptop computer.

Porter said, “We have a shot at the technology that goes through the pipeline (OneNet).” He gave an example of how Conoco might use the technology to transmit data through three-dimensional imaging for exploration. Porter said instead of storing the information on tape, it could be sent directly and by the time the research team got to the office it would be on the screen.

Porter, commenting on the available laboratory space at the Research and Development complex, said he could see the space used for several companies in an incubator type arrangement or by several companies working on a common research project. He said the labs had possibilities for state, national or global usage.

He suggested visiting with the secretary of Energy of the United States and getting the Congressional delegation involved.

On both the Learning Center and laboratory space, Richard Severance, general manager, Conoco, Mid-Continent Business Unit, said that the space could be leased to industry, but that Conoco wants to do something to help Oklahoma and Ponca City.

Housing, Extended Child Care Advancement Told to EDAB

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Reports given at the Economic Development Advisory Board meeting recently indicate the organization is making some headway on priority items, including housing and extended hour child care.

A proposed apartment complex on Princeton with 96 affordable units is in the mill. The project has several “hoops to jump” before it is a done deal. If the funding comes through from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority it would be late May or June, and construction could possibly start in September. Construction time for the units is estimated to be about a year.

In regard to extended child care for shift workers and others, two child care facilities have submitted extended hour proposals. The proposals came from Tammy’s Playskool & Learning Center, Tammy Shorter, and Country Day School, Don Kinsinger.

The proposed additional hours would be 3:30-11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m.-11:30 p.m., on Saturday. Apparently the centers are willing to take on the project but need funds for additional personnel which could come from major employers.

Upcoming improvements affecting industry include the paving of Waverly from Highland to Industrial Boulevard, and paving of Industrial Boulevard to the Waverly intersection. Another proposal on the drawing board is the extension of the Thorn Apple Valley street within the Industrial Park area.

George Ferguson reported that the Large and Small Industry Councils had held a joint meeting with a workers comp speaker Chuck Shannon making the presentation.

Karen Furman of the Marketing Committee told about plans to meet with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Marketing Committee on Jan. 21. She mentioned the industrial signs have been ordered and the industries on Ash have contributed about $2,200, which is half the cost. The landscaping project on Highway 60 has been delayed until the Oklahoma Department of Transportation approves the boring for water to irrigate the greenery.

Carl Renfro, chairman of the New Industry Committee, told about the planned visit of Skip Porter, vice president for Technology Development at the University of Oklahoma. Porter was to tour the available facilities at Conoco.

Renfro reported on the higher education learning center to be located at Conoco. Jan Jarrett, Economic Development executive, said this center will be meaningful to the area.

Jarrett reported that he has been working with three new companies and a local expansion. Also he had been contacted by a high tech company, that would deal in assembling products. The company was mailed a copy of the incentive package.

Jarrett said that a grant has been filed for a $250,000 project that will involve connecting Thorn Apple Valley to Sykes Boulevard. The first phase of Waverly Street construction is expected to be completed in April.

City Manager Gary Martin said the City is forming a Contingency Committee to address Y2K concerns. Martin said the committee expects that when the year 2000 arrives that the business will operate as usual.

Martin also told the refinancing for the Sykes Loan through the Utility Authority has been approved. Tim Burg reported that D&M Distribution has applied for the Certificate of Occupancy from the City.

L.J. Chaufty, vice chairman, presided in the absence of chairman Linda Brown.

State Ranked 4th Nationally In Work Force Training Effort

OKLAHOMA CITY — According to a national magazine, Oklahoma ranks 4th in the nation with one of the best work force training programs.

Expansion Management magazine asked top site selection consultants nationwide to list the states with the best training programs.

In selecting their favorite states, consultants cited factors including minimal red tape and the flexibility of companies to choose how their employee training is conducted. The magazine said Oklahoma was one of the states listed as having training that helps companies get results on a consistent basis.

One Oklahoma Vo-Tech program that has made a difference helping companies decide to expand or locate in the state is the Training for Industry Program or TIP. TIP is designed to provide start-up work force training for new or expanding industries. Each program is customized to meet the specific need,. for each industry.

Vikki Dearing. Economic Development liaison with the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech, said Oklahoma’s Training for Industry Program has earned an international reputation by providing more than 1,100 businesses with a trained work force of more than 100,000 people. “Our goal is to make sure employers have a productive work force on day of operation. Companies that have used the Training for Industry Program say they’ve experienced lower turnover, absenteeism and downtime,” said Dearing.For more information on the Oklahoma Training For Industry Program, contact Dearing at (405) 815-5110.

Conoco Signs Historic Gas Delivery Agreement

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Conoco Indonesia Inc., other West Natuna Sea operators and Pertamina, the state oil company of Indonesia, and a consortium led by Sembawang Engineering and Construction Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, have signed all agreements required for the long-term delivery of natural gas from Indonesia to Singapore for the first time.

The project, to build the largest international natural gas supply and delivery system in Asia Pacific, also is expected to stimulate further demand for natural gas and the development of known natural gas reserves in the West Natuna Sea.

The signing culminates two years of planning to develop a project capable of delivering 325 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from Indonesia’s West Natuna Sea gas fields to Singapore by 2001. This will be the first international sale of pipeline natural gas from Indonesia and will provide Singapore with a clean burning fuel for future industry growth.

The gas, produced from West Natuna Sea fields operated under production sharing contracts by Conoco Indonesia Inc. (Block B), Gulf Resources (Kakap) Ltd. (Kakap Block) and Premier Oil Natuna Sea Limited (Block A), will be delivered through a 28-inch, 300-mile sub-sea pipeline to Pulau Sakra in Singapore. The gas will be used primarily to generate electricity in Singapore.

Conoco Indonesia Inc. will manage the construction of the pipeline and will be the operator when the system comes on stream.

“The finalization of this agreement is a milestone in the development and international commercialization of Indonesia’s natural resources,” said Rob McKee, Conoco’s executive vice president, exploration production. “Conoco played an integral role in bringing producers, suppliers and consumers together to make this visionary project a reality. Indonesia’s valuable, but currently under-utilized natural gas resources, can now be used as an economic fuel to power Singapore’s industry growth,” he added.

“The fact this project is moving forward despite the current Asian economic situation demonstrates the importance of the project to all parties and demonstrates Conoco’s commitment to maintaining a long-term presence in the region,” McKee emphasized.

McKee said the project was being designed to meet increased customer demand. “The pipeline’s capacity can meet anticipated demands and West Natuna Sea reserves are more than sufficient to meet market growth. We are confident that natural gas will play a major role in the growth of the region’s economy,” he stressed.

Construction of the 300-mile pipeline is expected to begin in early 1999.

Conoco Indonesia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Conoco Inc.

Conoco U.K. Unit Signs Pact To Increase Holdings

ABERDEEN, Scotland — Conoco (U.K.) Limited, the U.K. exploration and production affiliate of Conoco Inc., has signed agreements that will substantially increase its holdings in the U.K. sector of the Southern North Sea and enhance the company’s portfolio of natural gas assets in a core business area.

CUKL has agreed to purchase Canadian Petroleum U.K. Limited, the British subsidiary of Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd. of Alberta, Canada. The acquisition includes CPUKL’s interest in three producing gas fields, Caister (30 percent), Vulcan (7.88 percent) and South Valiant (12.5 percent). The acquisition will increase Conoco’s interest in all three fields. After the sale is complete, Conoco will own a 50-percent interest in both the Vulcan and South Valiant fields, which it already operates, and a 30-percent interest in the Caister field.

Conoco also will acquire an additional 15-percent interest in the Caister Murdoch System gas pipeline and a 10-percent interest in the Esmond Transportation System gas pipeline. Conoco’s ownership of the Caister Murdoch System will increase to 42.25 percent.

The agreement also includes the purchase of a number of long-term gas supply contracts and CPUKL’s interest in four discoveries and three exploration blocks.

Proved reserves included in the acquisition total 83 billion cubic feet of gas and production averaging about 35 million cubic feet of gas per day.

“Through this acquisition, CUKL is strengthening its existing asset base in the North Sea at competitive prices and continuing Conoco’s long-standing efforts to upgrade its assets portfolio,” said George Watkins, CUKL managing director. “It’s a win-win for both companies, allowing each the opportunity to focus resources on developing higher-valued natural gas assets and build for long-term business growth.”

Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries.

Team Radio Taking Control Of KLOR

Bill Coleman, chief operating officer of Team Radio, has announced that an application for transfer of control of KLOR-FM from Pioneer Communications Inc. to Team Radio LLC has been filed with the Federal Communications Commission.

The transfer is expected to take place in the next 90 days. Mary Jane Kelly, president of Pioneer Communications, said, “While I am sad about selling the station, I am glad that ownership of KLOR will remain with a Ponca City-based operation.”

Kelly also announced that Ed Smith, veteran broadcaster and former president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, has been hired as general manager of KLOR. Debbie Smith has also been hired by KLOR and is the new sales manager.

Coleman said, “This is a great opportunity for Team Radio. KLOR is a very fine station and we look forward to continuing its tradition of broadcast excellence.”

Team Radio’s properties include KPNC-FM, Ponca City, KOKB-AM Ponca City/Blackwell, KOSB-FM Stillwater/Perry and KOKP-AM Perry. Team Radio’s ownership is comprised of Coleman, Ken Greenwood and Patrick Walters.

SPORTS

For Cagers, Road Better Than Home
Matmen Hold Homecoming
Mavs Rally Past NEO
Lady Mavericks Play Better in Loss
Junior High Results

For Cagers, Road Better Than Home

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

What’s all this nonsense about home court advantage?

Hit the road, Cats.

Last week’s 2-game home stand was one to forget for the Po-Hi cagers, as they proved to be the unwitting fall guys of the Frontier Conference. The Cats and Lady Cats both went 0-2 against teams with a combined conference record (a week ago) of 2-14.

That, on the heels of a number of encouraging performances in the East Central Oklahoma Classic — in Ada. Both teams currently have better road records than home records.

What gives?

The cagers will bid farewell to the uncooperative confines of Robson Fieldhouse and head for Tulsa tonight, taking on Union. Thursday, the boys will venture into the Valley Center Invitational in Wichita, while the girls will take on a heady bunch of talent in the Jenks Invitational.

Tonight’s games will likely hold the toughest test yet of the cagers’ mettle. The Redskins — just like last year — are undefeated and lead the league at 4-0 (5-1 overall). The Lady Redskins also occupy the No. 1 spot, at 4-0 (8-2 overall).

The boys will tip off at 6:15, while the girls’ game will start at 7:45. Also, after both missing a game for the first time since their early days in vaudeville, WBBZ’s Phil and Craig will be back for the broadcast.

PC Wildcats (3-4, 4-6) at Union Redskins (4-0, 5-1)

Wildcat coach Ron Arthur has an uncanny ability to recover from devastating losses. Though Friday’s agonizing, 2-point loss to Bartlesville left him in a sad state, the Cat coach was in rare form, Monday.

“Why shouldn’t I be in a good mood?” he says, between joking with players, threatening retirement, and giving an impromptu lecture on the semantics of slang. “It’s only a game.”

Indeed. Still, on the eve of a showdown with Rudy Garcia’s Redskins, Arthur likely has a lot on his mind.

Last season, Garcia tumbled way off Arthur’s List of People To Like. Late in the fourth quarter of their second match up, with the game already a blowout, Garcia sent in his starting lineup. The reason? The Redskins were in danger of not getting to the century mark. With the Poncans simply holding onto the ball (and some semblance of dignity), the Unionites intentionally fouled, got the ball back, and scored a last-second basket to make the score an even 100 to 63.

Though the Union fans nearly burst a blood vessel — and followed it up by holding an FCA meeting — to everyone on the Ponca side, it was a kick in the teeth.

“I told the kids that they had just witnessed the lowest form of life they’ll see,” said assistant coach Joe Matlock, after the game.

While the Cats would love to exact some measure of revenge on Garcia this year, it won’t be easy.

The Redskins are ranked fifth in the state, and lead the conference in scoring, at 61.8 ppg. While the Cats are a close second, at 59.0 ppg, they also give up far-and-away the most on defense, at 65.6 ppg. Union is a surprising seventh, at 59.3 ppg.

“That’s uncharacteristic of a Union team,” says Arthur. “But they’re very patient on offense. They’ll emphasize getting the ball to the post players.”

One of those post players is huge, conference scoring leader Jack Marlow, who averages 18.8 ppg. The beefy, 6-9 junior center is known as “Little Country,” a nod to 7-1, former OSU standout Bryant “Big Country” Reeves, now a star with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Redskins also have a dangerous duo in 6-5 senior Jon Shepherd (15.0 ppg, “great offensive rebounder,” says Arthur) and 6-4 junior Ralph Charles (12.5 ppg, “aggressive, likes to drive to the hoop”).

So, while another buzzer-beating upset would likely make their season, just keeping the game close would be a minor victory for the Cats. To Arthur, there’s a 3-fold plan to make that possible.

“One, we have to keep the post from scoring. Two, we can’t give up the easy transition bucket. Three, we have to work for the high percentage shot,” he says.

And if there’s one thing the Cats have to do better than they did Friday, against Bartlesville, it’s rebound. The Cats were outboarded 47-23.

PC Lady Wildcats (0-7, 2-8) at Union Lady Redskins (4-0, 8-2)

As always, hope springs eternal for the Lady Cats.

Though they remain winless in the Frontier Conference, they’ve been tantalizingly close, and they know the Holy Grail is out there.

Still, if there’s a game to test the Lady Cats’ will to live, it’ll be played tonight.

The Lady Redskins are first in scoring, first in defense and first in the conference. They’re ranked sixth in the state, and have three players in the league’s list of the Top 15 scorers.

Is there any way short of divine intervention the Poncans could pull off the upset of the century? To put it bluntly, do the Lady Cats have a chance in heck?

“We always have a chance,” says head coach and infectious optimist Dana Pulley. “I think on any given night anyone can be beaten.

“What a great upset that would be. We may go down there and shoot 60 percent — if so, we can win.”

Sixty percent would be double the Lady Cats’ current average, but it’s not out of the question.

If the Poncans have one thing going for them, it’s a tendency to play up to better teams. Against powerhouse Ada last weekend, for instance, the Lady Cats shot 50 percent in the second half. Also, the Lady Cats led the Lady Redskins at halftime last season, 27-23, and lost only after a last-minute run.

Though the Lady Redskins are young, like everyone but the Lady Cats their bodies seem oblivious to the Earth’s gravitational pull. The Unionite’s roster lists no less than five (5) girls over six feet tall. They have nine over 5-10.

“That’s nothing new,” says Pulley. “Everyone is taller than us.”

The Lady Redskins’ three scoring leaders are 5-10 junior Tara Edwards (10.3 ppg), 5-11 junior Kelli Anderson (8.6 ppg), and 6-1 senior Courtney Bennett (8.2 ppg).

Matmen Hold Homecoming

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City wrestling coach Todd Steidley is reviving Homecoming for the matmen tonight in Robson Fieldhouse, but he picked a tough opponent for the celebration.

The Wildcats will host Class 2A’s No. 1 Perry Maroons in the dual scheduled to start at 7 p.m. It will proceeded by the junior high dual with Perry, starting at 6.

“We wanted to do something to honor the girls who support our program,” Steidley said of his bringing back Homecoming, “and maybe draw a bigger crowd.”

A crowd probably won’t be much of a problem as Ponca City-Perry is one of the longest wrestling rivalries in the state. It is also one that has often been heated.

It should be again.

Perry gave notice on how tough it is Monday night when the Maroons topped Edmond Memorial 38-20 at Perry. That was the same Edmond team that edged Ponca City, 35-31. back in December to knock the Poncans out of Dual State.

There is one other comparison score. Perry lost to Blackwell last week 34-30 and was without two starters, according to Steidley. Blackwell beat Ponca City 45-26 on Jan. 7.

“Perry was back at full strength against Edmond,” Steidley said, “and they will be at full strength against us.”

But Steidley is hopeful that being on their home mat will help the Wildcats tonight as they try to shake off the effects of the Sand Springs Tournament.

Perry is the defending State 2A champion and returns 10 starters from that team, led by 160-pound state runner up, Justin Stevens.

Comparing results against Blackwell, it appears that Ponca City and Perry match up pretty well. As they did against the Wildcats, the Blackwell Maroons won the light and heavy weight matches with Perry and Ponca City scoring in the middle weights.

The tentative Perry lineup includes Patrick Hodge at 103 pounds, Herbie Polk at 112, Rex Goldsberry at 119, Tris Adkinson at 130, Joel Marler at 135, Jeff Kinglesmith at 140, Bryan Bolay at 145, Russell Coldwell or Tony Kegin at 152, Stevens at 160, Jeff Knecht at 171, Matt Votaw at 189, Jason Hager at 215 and David Knecht at heavyweight,

Ponca City will probably counter with Phillip Brotherton (103), Patrick Castillo (112), Josh Bailey (119), Clint Stafford (125), Jacob Bailey (130), Scott Steichen (135). Matt Littleton (140), Michael Osborn (145), Kyle Henderson (152), Blaine Empting (160), Toby RedLeaf (171), Jeremy Leavitt (189), Jason Neurenberg (215) and Justin Burns (heavyweight).

Ponca City will also be at home Thursday against another old foe, Stillwater, in a 7 p.m. dual.

Mavs Rally Past NEO

MIAMI — The Mavericks of NOC stormed back for a big win over the Norsemen of NEO, Monday, prevailing in the final minutes, 72-66.

Currently in the midst of a 4-game road swing, the Mavericks got by Carl Albert, Saturday, 85-77.

Monday, Ryan Williams had 24 points to lead the Mavs, and nailed two free throws in the closing seconds to put the game away. Moments earlier, Larry Reid came up with a steal and dished off to Ron Banks for a breakaway dunk, putting the Mavs up by four.

“That was our third road game in a row, against good people,” said coach Mick Weiberg. “We played with a lot of heart, and got a lot of good contribution from the bench.”

The Norsemen jumped to an early, 12-point lead in the first half. Though the Mavs tied the game at 27-all before halftime, NEO leapt out again, holding the lead by a single-digit margin until the five minute mark.

The Norsmen edged the Mavs on rebounds, 33-31, but got 10 of those off the offensive glass — in the first half. The Mavs held their foes to just three offensive boards in the remainder of the game.

“Maybe we weren’t ready for it to be that physical,” said Weiberg. “That caught us off guard a little.”

In a major run, the Mavs raced to a 5-point lead in the final three minutes and never relinquished.

“We just wore ‘em down a little,” said Weiberg. “We did a great job trapping, and created some turnovers there in the last three minutes.”

Though the two teams were nearly equal on 2-point shooting, the Mavs took advantage of reckless shooting by the Norsmen from long range. NEO hit just four shots on 21 attempts. The Mavs were 3-of-12.

“That’s a major stat,” says Weiberg. “NEO likes to shoot the 3, but we were d’ing them up pretty well. Our numbers were just better than their numbers.”

Reid had 18 points, Banks had 13, Sherman Rochell had 9, Josh Regnier had 4, while Shere-Khan Jones and Nathan Gregory had 2 each.

The Mavs, now a stellar 16-4, travel to Rose State College on Monday for the start of conference play.

Lady Mavericks Play Better in Loss

MIAMI — In their last non-conference battle of the season, the Lady Mavericks of NOC fell to the Northeastern Lady Norse, 76-63, Monday.

The Lady Mavs (6-12) went down early and never recovered, with the Lady Norse taking a 37-30 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Lady Mavs fell behind by as much as 18 points, and though they made some recovery at the end, it was too little, too late.

However, following a 29-point massacre at the hands of Carl Albert on Saturday, the Lady Mavs did show signs of life.

“We had more intensity,” said coach Greg Krause. “We never let up, and that’s improvement. It’s a turnaround.”

Krause credited the improved play to the Lady Mavs’ veterans.

“We went with a more sophomore dominated lineup,” he says. “They showed good leadership, and maturity.”

The Lady Mavs finish up a 4-game road swing by kicking off conference play next Monday, taking on Rose State.

“We’ve been on the road a long time, and hopefully we’ll get some momentum to go home with — and get started on the right foot,” says Krause. “(Rose) is definitely a winable game. They all are. If we play with the same intensity we had last night we’ll do all right.”

Kacey Whitworth had 13 for the Lady Mavs, Jessica Garner had 10, Lyndsey Warrior and Jennifer Williams had 8 each, Lorraine Rice and LaTonya Douglas had 7 each, Shaneta Lewis had 5, Suzi Eisenhauer had 4, while Jessica Moro had 1.

Junior High Results

Ninth Grade Girls

Ponca City Red 41, Blackwell 15

Ponca City’s ninth grade girls’ Red team continued to roll past their opposition, beating shorthanded Blackwell, 41-15, here Monday.

The Lady Cougars, now 9-0 on the season, are home again this evening against Enid Emerson.

Ponca City broke to an 18-7 halftime lead Monday, blitzed Blackwell 12-2 in the third quarter and sailed in for the victory.

“We took things pretty easy and wanted to work on some things that we need to iron out,” coach John Maddox said of the game.

One of the things Maddox feels needs work is the Lady Cougars’ free throw shooting. The Poncans were 3-of-6 Monday, “which is not bad for us, but it could be better,” Maddox said.

Amanda Summers led the Ponca City scoring with 12 points while Mallory Hodge had 8, Jenna Wedd 6, Kristin Sievert 4, Vickie Hadley-Howe 4, Courtney Birdsong 2, Monica Sawyers 2, Jamie Leach 2 and Jamie Neal 1.

Eighth Grade Girls

Ponca City Blue 31,

Edmond Summit 16

Edmond Sequoia 26,

Ponca City Blue 12

EDMOND — The 8th grade girls Blue team (9-4) came up with a third place finish in the Edmond Tournament, Saturday, flying past Edmond Summit, 31-16.

On Friday, after benefiting from a forfeit from OKC Millwood that sent them back into the winners’ bracket, the Blues fell to host team Edmond Sequoia, 26-12.

Saturday, the Blues raced to a 20-7 halftime lead, and held on for the win.

“We had great defense; they really picked it up on Saturday,” said coach Calvin English.

Melissa Fore had 10 points, Jamie Prado had 6, Laura Sprehe and Leah Harris had 4 each, Kelli Wedd had 3, while Jerri Garza and Morgan Meister had 2 each.

On Friday, Sequoia held the Lady Cougars to just six first half points, and blanked them in the final quarter to take the win.

“That was a tough game,” said English. “We were greatly outsized. They had two girls about 6-1, or 6-2, and they just outrebounded us.”

Wedd had 6, while Garza, Prado and Fore had 2 each.

The Blues were also without one of their leading scorers, Chelsea Hill, who broke her foot playing soccer and will be out the rest of the season.

“We missed her a lot,” said English. “We want her to know that the players are thinking about her, and miss her.”

The Blues will travel to Enid Emerson, Thursday.

Eighth Grade Boys

Ponca City Red 55,

OKC Mayfield 43

Ponca City Red 53,

OKC Rodgers 56 (OT)

Seventh Grade Red 74, Eighth GradeBoys Red JV 25

EDMOND — The 8th grade boys Red team took seventh place in the Edmond Tournament, Saturday, blasting past Mayfield, 43-35.

On Friday, after getting thrown into the consolation bracket due to a weather forfeit a week earlier, the Reds fell to Rodgers in overtime, 56-53.

The Reds got scoring from all but one on their roster, leapt to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter and held on from there.

Brad Turvey and Casey McClaskey had 7 each, Nate Macy had 6, Kyle Karnish, Jon Keppenich, Drew Lancaster and Jason Jones had 4 each, Adam Joostin had 3, while Justin Evens and Lance Highfill had 1 each.

On Friday, Macy hit a 2-pointer to send the game to overtime, but the Reds couldn’t put the game away.

“That was a very tough game,” said coach John Spore. “It was nip and tuck the whole way.”

Macy had 18, Turvey had 14, Lancaster had 7, Evens, Jooston, and McClaskey had 4 each, while Karnish had 2.

Monday, the 7th grade Reds buried the 8th grade JV, 74-25, outscoring their elders 37-0 in the first quarter.

Ryan McCauley had 9, Shannon Rodgers had 6, Jonathan Chambrey had 4, Jacob Bahara had 2, Jacob Martin had 3, while KC Corn had 1.

The Reds play again today, hosting Enid Emerson at the Mid High. Tip off is at 4.

Mid High Wrestling

Perry Tournament

Mini Miller — 1st, 125

Roman RedLeaf — 2nd, 135

Jasper Lockett — 3rd, 145

Marcus Miller — 3rd, 115

Bartlesville 38, Ponca City 30

75 — Tyler Wilson (B) p. Brent Horton

82 — Kyle Cremers (PC) fft

89 — Scott Oatman (PC fft

95 — Brad Waltz (B) p. Dexter Morin

101 — Austin Brown (B) md Chris Johnson,13-1

108 — Daniel Cottman (PC) fft

115 — Brad Brown (B) p. Marcus Miller

125 — Brad Maddoc (B) p. Mimi Miller

135 — Roman RdLeaf (PC) p. Ben Collins

145 — Jasper Lockett (PC) d. Mark Carter, 2-0

157 — Jared Seat (B) md Jason Leavitt, 13-4

175 — Brandon Nash (PC) d. Ryan Nash, 12-5

Hwt — Chris Cordono (B) p. Jordan Heppler

Exhibitions

Cody Mathers (PC) p. Matt Truitt

Steven Windler (PC) p. John Jenkins

Josh Kelley (PC) p. Cody Hough

Dustin Bloxon (B) p. Cody Mathers