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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, January 27, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALLow Crude Prices Reduce Conoco Quarterly Profits Low Crude Prices Reduce Conoco Quarterly ProfitsPR Newswire HOUSTON — Conoco, which recently completed the largest initial public offering in U.S. history at $4.4 billion, today announced 1998 net income before special items of $721 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, down 29 percent versus a record $1.60 per share in 1997. Fourth quarter net income before special items was $34 million, or $.05 per diluted share, compared to $.32 per share last year. “The combined effect of 25-year-low crude oil prices, warm weather and weak international demand had a tremendous impact on the global petroleum industry this past year,” said President and CEO Archie W. Dunham. “Prices and margins were weak throughout the year and eroded even further in the fourth quarter. The company’s integrated operations helped mitigate the effects of the lower price environment.” In particular, he cited “continued progress in Conoco’s downstream operations and significantly higher worldwide gas production. Overall, 1998 was an exciting year for Conoco with many important accomplishments.” Special items, including charges involving the company’s IPO, totaled $271 million or $.43 per share for the year, and $.47 per share in the fourth quarter, compared to gains in the prior year of $.13 and $.03 per share, respectively. Other 1998 charges were for write-downs of inventories and upstream assets resulting from low prices, accruals for restructuring and employee separation costs, partly offset by gains on property dispositions. Net income including special items for 1998 was $450 million, or $.71 per diluted share, down 59 percent from 1997. On the same basis, the company recorded a net loss for the fourth quarter of $263 million versus a gain of $221 million last year. After-tax operating income (ATOI) before special items was $793 million for the year, down 23 percent versus 1997. Fourth quarter ATOI before special items was $95 million versus $200 million in the same quarter last year. “Despite difficult economic conditions, the company moved aggressively toward its long-term growth objectives,” Dunham said, noting the following successes during the year: * The return of Conoco as a publicly held company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. * The completion of and first production from the giant offshore Britannia gas field in the United Kingdom. Britannia produced 195 million cubic feet of gas per day in the fourth quarter, its first full quarter of operation. * First production in Venezuela from the giant heavy oil field operated by Petrozuata, the company’s 50-percent joint venture with PDVSA, the state-owned oil company. * The start-up of the company’s 100,000 barrel-per-day joint venture refinery in Melaka, Malaysia, in which Conoco has a 40-percent interest. * Increased U.S. natural gas production resulting from aggressive development of the company’s South Texas gas fields. * The launching of the ultra-deepwater drillship, Pathfinder, now on site in the Gulf of Mexico. * Significant increase in the company’s exploratory and appraisal drilling program that recorded its best performance in 15 years with 12 potential commercial discoveries. * The acquisition of Canadian Petroleum U.K. Limited’s interest in three producing fields in the U.K. sector of the Southern North Sea. The following commentary compares results for the full year and fourth quarter 1998 with the full year and fourth quarter 1997, respectively, after excluding the earnings impact of special items. Full Year 1998 Significantly lower prices caused revenues to decline 12 percent from last year to $23.2 billion. Downstream revenues were off $2.8 billion, or 14 percent on lower product prices. Worldwide crude oil prices for the year averaged $12.37 per barrel, 33 percent lower than last year. Worldwide natural gas prices fell $.20 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) to $2.24 per mcf. In the U.S., natural gas prices averaged $1.96 per mcf, down 10 percent, while internationally they remained strong at $2.72 per mcf. Crude oil volumes were down 7 percent to 315,000 barrels per day (bpd). International crude volumes, which comprise over 80 percent of the company’s oil production, were down 5 percent to 265,000 bpd due to asset dispositions and natural production declines. Natural gas volumes rose 17 percent to 1,411 million cubic feet per day. In the U.S., gas volume increased 22 percent, while international volume was up 9 percent. Total refinery production was up 6 percent to 823,000 bpd, as the company’s refineries operated at record levels throughout the year. Product sales of 1,049,000 bpd were approximately the same as in 1997. Upstream Upstream earned $491 million, down 33 percent from last year. In the U.S., earnings of $233 million were down 41 percent, as lower prices were partially offset by higher gas volumes and gains on property sales as part of the company’s on-going portfolio optimization program. International upstream earned $258 million, down 24 percent. Lower crude oil prices were partly offset by increased gas volumes from Britannia late in the year and proportionately lower exploration costs. In addition, although crude production was down, higher production from lower-taxed, higher-margin countries continued to soften the decline in earnings. Downstream Downstream earned $376 million, up $2 million from last year. U.S. downstream’s earnings fell 13 percent to $208 million on weaker refinery margins, which were partly offset by record refinery runs, lower feedstock and operating costs, and higher marketing margins. Internationally, downstream earned $168 million, up 24 percent on higher European market- (See CONOCO, Page 6B) Rural Water Line Under ConstructionBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Work is well under way on the 8.5 mile water line that will provide city treated water to rural residents in Osage County. More than 6,500 feet of water line has been laid on the Ponca City side of the Arkansas River. The water line is currently being laid on Central Avenue near the city water treatment plant. Next the line will be laid on Pecan Road before its taken under the waters of Arkansas River via a “directional bore.” Ultimately, the water line will connect both the Braden and McCord Rural Water Districts to the City of Ponca City water system. According to the general contractor, the seven month project is going smoothly. “This and the directional bore are the hardest part of the job, but things are going real well,” Lee Evans of Evans & Associates said. PC Water Treatment Plant Sludge Solution Gets ApprovalBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer A solution is in sight for the city’s “sludge drying problem” at the City Water Treatment Plant as city commissioners cleared the way for improvements to one of the plant’s three drying beds Monday night. The sludge drying problem began with the recent $9.3 million upgrade at the treatment plant which included a lime softening process. The new and improved process involves treating water with lime in order to soften it. While the treated water then flows on, the lime by-product settles to the bottom of the treatment basins. So muddy and watery, the substance at the bottom of the basin — the sludge — isn’t even fit for mud pies. In order for the sludge to be disposed of the water must first be exacted. “The majority of the water is drawn out in the sludge thickening basin. The by-product is then pumped into drying beds so that the remainder of the water can be removed,” explains Public Works Director Ken Parr. The problem with the newly constructed drying beds is that they are Mother Nature dependent. “Right now the sludge is air dried and depending on the weather it takes up to 60-90 days before the sludge is dry enough for removal,” Parr says. “It takes longer if it is rainy, cold and/or damp.” After laying and baking in the sun for several months, the sludge is then dumped onto the ground nearby. “We dump it out there because we can spread and thin it out so that will be completely dry for removal,” Parr says. Parr says the current method of drying is inefficient and costly. “The sludge is hard to handle right now and it takes a lot of extra manpower and machinery to handle it the way it is,” Parr says. However hope is on the way. By the end of the summer the sludge problem may become a thing of the past as city commissioners approved an engineering contract for the upgrade of an existing drying bed. “We are going to convert one bed into a vacuum bed which will create a suction that will remove the water quicker and decrease the drying time from three to five days,” Parr says. From city employees to farmers, Parr says there are many that will benefit from the upgrade. “Eventually what we want to get to the point where farmers can use this to adjust the Ph levels of their soil,” Parr said. Gary Puckett at Poncan For Valentine ConcertGary Puckett, formerly with The Union Gap, will sing some of his great romantic hits at the Poncan Theatre when he performs in a special Valentine’s weekend concert. Kenn Wessel, director of the theater, says “Puckett is one of my personal favorites. I’ve always admired his voice, and I remember it as one of the great voices of the era.” The concert will be in the Poncan at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13. The group called “Gary Puckett and the Union Gap” burst on the national scene in the mid-1960s. With Puckett’s voice as its signature sound, the Gap struck gold time after time. From 1967 to 1969, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap had six straight gold albums, and six straight albums that hit the top five on the charts. The group’s best-known songs include “Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower,” “Woman, Woman,” “Over You” and many others. The songs sold more than 20 million albums. The Union Gap disbanded in the early 1970s, but Gary Puckett has continued on. He still performs nationally and internationally, often with some of the great stars of the era. Puckett was instrumental in forming the Union Gap. He was the group’s heart and soul, and their essential identity. Gary Puckett’s concert is sponsored by Pioneer Bank and Trust and by the Bowker Auto Group. “Once again, our corporate sponsors have helped us reduce ticket costs,” Wessel says. “Pioneer Bank and the folks at Bowker Auto were excited about supporting a fine entertainer like Puckett, and we all owe the sponsors a debt of gratitude.” Wessel says that “we all felt that Gary Puckett was a great romantic singer and a perfect voice to bring in for Valentine’s.” Wessel says that tickets are available now and they’re already hot. The Poncan Theatre accepts MasterCard and Visa. The office is open for ticket sales Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. The Poncan Theatre Office is located at 104 East Grand, and the number is 580-765-0943. Red Dirt RompWell, 1998 has to be considered a good exposure year for the distinctly Oklahoma-flavored style of folk music known as Red-Dirt music — at least for some of the artists most familiar to Ponca City area audiences. Red Dirt music is a style described as “a little folk, a little blues, a little country, but it might just be a label that’s been put on us Okies,” said Bill Erickson of Ponca City, whose summer ’98 release entitled “Blood Mixed With the Dust” seemed to start a surge of releases from area artists. The music style is known statewide already via recording artists such as Oklahoma City’s Red Dirt Rangers, as well as Stillwater’s Tom Skinner and Kildare’s Bob Childers. But 1998 was good because if artists such as Childers, Skinner, Erickson and Greg Jacobs didn’t actually see an individual CD release of their work already, they’re due for one any day. All four have recording contracts with the national label, Binky Records of Baton Rouge. The Farm Couple — Monica Taylor and Patrick Williams — also have a CD due any day from Stillwater’s Dust Bowl Records. Erickson said, “We (Red Dirt musicians) are finally getting our music exposed.” People who want copies of the artists’ releases mentioned here can check at record chains such as Hastings, in popular folk magazines such as Dirty Linen, or can even call Webb’s at 580-762-0050. Popular Pair-up Lately, all discussions of the current Red Dirt music scene must include the crowd-pleasing duo known as The Farm Couple — Patrick Williams and Monica Taylor — pictured here (at left and right) performing a few weeks ago at Webb’s World in Ponca City. A harmonious union of two singer-songwriters who started as solo acts, the couple sang their first song together — a Williams original called “Little Town” — at the annual bluegrass festival in Winfield, Kan., in 1996. Fellow Oklahoma performer Tom Skinner suggested they stay together, and he was right. Now, based out of their 160-acre cattle farm in the northwest corner of Oklahoma, the couple tours cross-country, showcasing their engaging on-stage personalities and their pretty songs about rural life. But the real appeal is the blend between Taylor’s vibrant country voice and Williams’ smooth tenor, which can lull listeners with love ballads and then shock them with stories of outlaws and the ways of mountain folks. Taylor has recorded duets and background vocals for Red Dirt artists such as Bill Erickson, Randy Pease, Bob Childers and Tom Skinner. Williams is perhaps best known for his songwriting — he co-wrote Erickson’s signature song, “Two Bits,” and contributed “Faith Can Turn the Tide” for Skinner’s latest CD, “Acoustic Skinner.” The two also expect their talent will translate to record sales with the release of their first CD from Stillwater’s Dust Bowl Records, which at press time was due out any minute. Harn Homestead Provides Century-Old PerspectiveBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer OKLAHOMA CITY — Tucked away a short distance from the State Capitol complex, the Harn Homestead and 1889er Museum provide a window on the past. A monument to life as it used to be, the homestead is located on a 10-acre tract in the heart of the east side of Oklahoma City. After William Fremont Harn and his wife bought the 160-acre claim in 1896, they set about making it a productive farm. The Harns would never have dreamed that a century later the home place would be bordered by residents or a main thoroughfare. Lincoln Boulevard is just a stone’s throw away. Four claimants made the land run into Oklahoma Territory and staked the original claim. It took six years to settle the claim and the land remained in Oklahoma Territory another 11 years before Oklahoma became the 46th state. The Harns purchased the land from the original claimant. Three years before statehood the Harns built a farmhouse of the Queen Anne style. The nucleus of the house was an earlier two-room home, which was a modification of the Eagan Cottage Plan published in 1891 by National Builder. Sometime after 1915 the Harns decided to an add another room and porch at the rear of the home. A niece of the Harns, Florence Wilson resided on the remaining acreage until about 30 years ago. At that time the Property was converted to a city park and the 1889er Museum. The example homestead is designed to give city dwellers and others a look at life in the territorial days. Operated by a private non-profit group, volunteers provide tours of the home beginning hourly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults and children under 12 are admitted for $1.50. Educational programs and group rates are available. The homestead is located at 313 Northeast Sixteenth Street. Stony Point School is another display on the homestead. The school appeared on the Logan County property rolls in 1897 as a country school near Guthrie. Another exhibit is the modern Exhibit Barn, based on the original Harn barn with an enclosed windmill. The stone wings of the barn house various exhibits of daily life at the turn-of- the-century along with early photographs of the Territory. Also on the acreage is the Shepherd House, built in 1890 by George Shepherd for his family who moved to the Territory from Kansas. Another display features a 1900s bungalow farm house and the Elmus L. Shinn family barn, a working barn. The barn and a large garden demonstrate the aspects of farm life in Oklahoma Territory. Area CalendarJanuary 27 Bingo Bash, 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. January 28 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. January 29 Crafts, sign up if interested, 1:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City. Child Development Center Chili Supper, 4:30-7:30 p.m., First Christian Church, North Fifth Street and East Cleveland Avenue, Ponca City, chili (or hot dog), home made bread, dessert and drink, adults $5, children $2. February 1 Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35, U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, 765-3164. February 4 Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, 762-9053 or 762-7360. February 6 Fourth Annual Ronnie Kay Sock Hop to benefit Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge, Ponca City, tickets from 765-6782. February 8 Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., First Methodist Church, 6th and Coolidge, Blackwell, program Luis Cantu, on AARP Social Security information. February 9 Rural Water District No. 1 Annual Meeting, two board members to be elected, all RWD No. 1 members invited, 8 p.m., board meeting to follow, Enterprise School Building on Lake Road. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60. February 10 Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. February 11 Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’, Ponca City. February 12 Byron Berline, Bluegrass Fiddler, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and Conoco, free admission. February 13 Bingo, Chili/Stew Dinner, 6 p.m., Burbank Town Hall, proceeds to help Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Expansion, sponsored by Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. February 15 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, call Beth Wright, 765-6738. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Speaker James Knight, Insurance and Medicare Issues for Ostomates, 7 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room. February 16 Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, Ponca City, interested citizens encouraged to attend. Kaw Lake Association Board of Directors, noon, Golden Corral. February 23 The Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra and the Ponca City Civic Chorus combined concert, conducted by Dineo Heilmann and Marie Beyer, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City. March 1 Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35, U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, 765-3164. March 4 Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, 762-9053 or 762-7360. March 9 McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60. March 11 Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’, Ponca City. March 16 Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, Ponca City, interested citizens encouraged to attend. DEATHSLeona M. Serrato Leona M. SerratoLeona M. (Faust) Serrato, longtime Burbank resident, died Monday Jan. 27, 1999, at the Fairfax Manor Nursing Home in Fairfax. She was 89. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday Jan. 28, at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Ponca City with the Rev. Danny Ringer, Ponca City First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Thursday. Leona Serrato was born Sept. 29, 1909, in Putnam, the daughter of Ora M. and Naomi (Butler) Faust. She received her education in the Putnam and Kaw City schools. She was married to Joe Serrato in Newkirk on Aug. 15, 1927. The couple moved to Burbank in 1940. Mrs. Serrato was a homemaker and enjoyed working in her garden, quilting and crocheting. Surviving are two sons, Gus Serrato of Burbank and Alfred Serrato of Perry; a brother, Charley Faust of Oklahoma City; three sisters, Opal Done of Riverside, Calif., Juanita Davis of Twin Falls, Idaho, and June Derringer of Oklahoma City; two grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; one brother, Leo Forrest; and one sister, Imildia. Earl Franklin ParkerBLACKWELL — Earl Franklin Parker, Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 86. The funeral will be graveside at 2 p.m. Friday at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home. The Rev. Dan Kennedy, Wesleyan Church, Blackwell will officiate. Members of the Blackwell American Legion and VFW will conduct the Flag Ceremony. Earl Franklin Parker was born April 21, 1912, in Beloit, Kan., to Homer Sylvester and Minnie Belle (Rathburn) Parker. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Blackwell, where he grew up and attended school. After his schooling he began employment on WPA projects and the CCC Camp in Tonkawa. He also worked for the Rural Electric Association. He married Ruth Geroldene Flick on Oct. 4, 1931, in Blackwell and the couple made their home in Blackwell. During World War II Parker served stateside in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge he began employed with Midwest Concrete Company in Blackwell and Tonkawa, retiring in the 1970s. He was a member of the Blackwell First Church of the Nazarene and the Blackwell American Legion. Survivors include one son, Harold Parker of Blackwell; three sisters, Gladys Sheffner of Roosevelt, Okla., Jessie Burkshire of Pomona, Calif.; and Vera Guthrie; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, Bus Parker; and two grandsons. Joe DanielsFAIRFAX — Joe Daniels, longtime Fairfax resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 1999, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 67. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax. the Rev. Robert Glasgow, pastor, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. Joe Daniels was born May 19, 1931 in Fairfax, the son of Anthony Lee and Rose Mary (Cox) Daniels and a full-blood member of the Osage Tribe. He attended schools in Fairfax. He was married to Charlene Drexil on Aug. 6, 1950, in Cleveland, Okla., and the couple established their home in Fairfax. Daniels was a retired rancher and a member of the First Osage Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing cards, golf, fishing and attending sports events. Survivors include his wife Charlene of the home; one son, Tony Daniels of the home; three daughters, Francine Harris of Temple, Okla., Sharon Damron of Fairfax, and Lisa Daniels of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Eddie and Tom Daniels, both of Fairfax; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Marvin Leroy Daniels. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Daniels’ name to the First Osage Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Fairfax, OK 74637-0217. The family will be at the Daniels home to visit with friends and family. William Ellsworth ElmoreWilliam Ellsworth Elmore, Ponca City resident, died at his home Saturday afternoon, Jan. 23, 1999. He was 61. The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. Chaplain Richard Robinson will preside. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. William Ellsworth Elmore was born Dec. 11, 1937, in Louisville, Ky., the son of John and Alice (Manning) Elmore. He grew up and attended schools in Peoria, Ill, graduating from Peoria Central High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Air Force from March 4, 1955 to March 2, 1959. On June 30, 1978 he was married to Delores Menifee of Topeka, Kan., where they made their first home and Elmore worked as a machinist at Santa Fe of Topeka. They moved to Ponca City in October 1996, where he was employed with Lindsay Manufacturing. He enjoyed fishing. Survivors include his wife, Delores of the home; two sons, William Kevin Elmore of Kentucky and Darrell Dwayne Levi of Kansas; two daughters, Shirley Menifee of the home and Valerie Hargrett; one sister, Carlotta Lewis of St. Louis, Mo.; a host of grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Lawrence Ray Tell; his parents; and one brother, John Elmore III. ObituariesJerry E. VanZantLong-time Ponca City resident and Arkansas City, Kan., native Jerry VanZant died Nov. 9, 1998, in Seattle, Wash., at the age of 65. He is survived by his spouse, Jewell P. VanZant of Claremore; and three married children, Jeff (and Tana) VanZant and their sons Chris (20) and Ian (5) of Seattle, Jill (VanZant and Bill) Webster and sons Joshua and Caleb of Claremore, and Janna (VanZant and Johnny) Anderson and son Matthew (5) and daughter Merrick (3). He is also survived by his sister, Georgialee Williams of Arkansas City, Kan. Born Jerry Eugene VanZant in Parsons, Kan., Aug. 3, 1933, to Ted and Cleota VanZant, Jerry grew up in Arkansas City and later attended Wentworth Military Academy. Graduating with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University in 1954, Jerry married his college sweetheart Jewell Mahan of El Dorado, Kan., in May of 1957. In 1960, he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and began a 28 year career with Conoco where he worked in central engineering until retiring in 1988. While residing in Ponca City, Jerry was active in the community and was a charter member of the Ponca chapter of the Oklahoma Alliance for Mental Illness (OAMI) and served for a period as president. While on vacation in Seattle in 1990 Jerry suffered a brain hemorrhage and remained for extensive medical after-care. A public memorial service is scheduled at the Ponca City Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Sunday, Jan. 31, at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements in Washington were under the direction of Cremation Society Northwest, Lynnwood, Wash. Memorial contributions will be used to dedicate a Thomas Kincade painting in Jerry’s memory at the adult family home for seniors which he had helped to start and where he resided for several years. Memorials can be made out and sent to: Tana VanZant, c/o Tender Care Cottage, 505 North 190th Street, Shoreline, WA 98133. paid obituary Services PendingNancy E. BrookshireNancy E. Brookshire, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 78. Survivors include her husband, Thomas, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFSSquare Dance — Chikaskia Valley Square Dance group’s “Special Fifth Friday” dance will be Jan. 29 at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect. Those attending are asked to bring finger foods. Pre-Rounds begin at 7:30 p.m. with George McElhoe as Cuer, and Squares start at 8 p.m. with Jacque Reid as the Caller. Camera Repairs previously at Graham Photo, now at Creative Photography. Call (580)767-1433. adv. Wanted — Babies and Toddlers — The First Baptist Day School has immediate openings for babies and toddlers. For additional information, call 765-3435. Sale 20-50-70% savings, Kids/Her Review. adv. Flu Shots Available — Flu shots will be available at the Community Clinic, 1215 East Hartford, on Thursday, Jan. 28; Tuesday, Feb. 2 and Thursday, Feb. 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shots are $10 and you must be nine years old or older to participate. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:38 a.m. Tuesday that a 46-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for disturbing the peace. Head Country, one half bar-b-q chicken with choice of vegeta- bles, $3.95, Thursday, 4-? p.m. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. Youngster Treated — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday that a 14-year-old girl was being treated for injuries from an assault that occurred earlier in the day at Mid-High. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. - Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue at 9:49 a.m. Tuesday that a man was being held for driving under suspension. Nettie Bailey’s Candles finally arrived! Grand Olde Mer- cantile, 209 East Grand Avenue. adv. Navy Airman Graduates — Navy Airman Apprentice Tina R. Luce, daughter of Medford D. and Denise E. Luce of Newkirk, recently graduated from the Aviation Maintenance Administration Course. During the course at the Naval Technical Training Center, Naval Air Station, Meridian, Miss., students receive fundamental instruction in record keeping and accounting systems used by aviation units. The course also covers aeronautical technical publications, aircraft inspection procedures, material management, and the upkeep of aircraft logbooks and associated records. The 1998 graduate of Braman High School joined the Navy in July 1998. Special Hours: Every Tuesday thru February open 10:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. The Jewelry Connection, 306 North 1st. 762-6732. adv. Vandalism to Fence — A woman from the 1100 block of Brentwood Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 a.m. Tuesday that some vandalism had occurred at a privacy fence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Rental Property Pawned — An employee at ColorTyme, 2709 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:25 a.m. Tuesday that some rental property had been pawned. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday that a 54-year-old man and a 26-year-old man were being held on individual city warrants for failure to pay. Young-at-Heart Dance Set — The Young-at-Heart Dance is held every Monday at the American Legion, 407 West South Ave. from 7 to 10 p.m. Snack and Hillbilly Night is held the first Monday of each month. Music by Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboy Band. Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, pa- tios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv. Investigate Possible Gas Leak — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:24 p.m. Tuesday requesting the Ponca City Fire Department investigate a possible gas leak in the 200 block of South Osage Street. Three units of the fire department responded, as did an officer of the police department, to find that everything was all right in the area. Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Subject Held — A woman from the 1200 block of South Ninth Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday to run herself in on a warrant. An officer was assigned and the 31-year-old woman was held on a city warrant for failure to obey. 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 Stolen — A man from the 900 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday that his vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. St. Mary’s Benefit Sale — Two-day St. Mary’s Benefit Sale to be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Clearance sale with clothing, shoes, collectables, housewares, and much, much more; 121 West Central. Antique Shipment: Whales, Scotland, Europe and America. Roll front Lincoln desk, two door wardrobes, Queen Ann drop leaf table, with matching chairs and chests. Christy’s 3005 North 14th. adv. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 10:08 p.m. Tuesday that three women had broken a window at an apartment in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a 20-year-old woman was held on a Kay County warrant. ProTeens Fund raiser for local teen center. Grand Central Sta- tion at El Chico. Monday, February 1, 5:00-10:00 p.m. adv Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:58 a.m. Tuesday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Glenside Avenue. An officer was assigned and 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. Vehicle Stolen — A woman from the 1000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:26 a.m. Tuesday that a go-cart had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Remodeling Sale 60% off pants sets, dresses and miscellaneous. R&G Style Shop. Newkirk. adv. Garage on Fire — The Communication Center received a 911 call at 12:33 p.m. Tuesday from the 700 block of North Palm Street that a garage was on fire in the alley. Units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene to discover that a subject was burning debris by the garage. Break-In — A woman from the 300 block of West Otoe Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:36 p.m. Tuesday that a subject had broken into the residence. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 700 block of South Tenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:42 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 5:51 a.m. Wednesday that two vehicles were south bound on Fourteenth Street at a high rate of speed and one had hit a sign in the median. Four other officers responded to the area, and one vehicle was stopped in the 700 block of North Seventh Street. The vehicle was towed from the scene and a 26-year-old man was held on two counts of leaving the scene of a property damage accident, reckless driving and DUI. Gas Tank Ruptured — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:53 p.m. Tuesday from the 1700 block of Sykes Boulevard that a truck crossed the railroad tracks and had ruptured a gas tank and a request was made for the fire department to wash down the gas. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation. A Ponca City Police Department officer and a Kay County Sheriff’s deputy went to the scene of Hubbard Road and the railroad tracks, where a railroad tie was put back in place. Gas Drive-Off — An employee at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday that a subject had driven off without paying for gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Forged Checks — A request was made at 7:13 p.m. Tuesday to the Ponca City Police Department for assistance at Miller Market at 904 South Fourth Street concerning forged checks. An officer assigned reported that three reports were taken on the incidents. Curfew Violation — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday that a juvenile was being issued a citation for violation of the curfew. LIFESTYLESSage, Rosemary and Thyme Club Making Herb Festival Preparations Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Club Making Herb Festival PreparationsSage Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club’s January meeting was held at Marlene Roth’s home and was a “Taste & Tell” event. Members brought something they canned or made, along with the recipe, to share for the program. Mary Anne Potter, club president and co-hostess, opened the meeting with The Gardener’s Creed. Plans for Ponca City’s sixth annual Herb Festival were discussed. Helen Widner, Herb Festival chairperson, reported that The Garden Tourist, now in its eighth year of publication, includes a calendar of the “best of the best” in garden events and describes top gardens and arboreta. The Ponca City Herb Festival has been listed in the publication. The guide is available at a discount price of $9.45 if six are ordered. Members were asked to call Ms. Widner to order. The web site for the herb festival is www.onlineshops.com/herbfest. Chairpersons for 11 festival committees were selected and plans are underway for an Herb Festival T-Shirt design contest to be conducted by club members Barbara Kegler and Maureen Danielson. Anyone volunteering to help at the festival will be able to purchase a T- shirt at cost to wear the day of the event. Missy Moreland of Ponca City Tourism received 500 festival flyers to distribute at the upcoming tourism trade shows. Mary Anne Potter reported that so far 170 vendors from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas will be contacted to attend. The upcoming event, sponsored by the garden council March 5, will be a trip to the Wichita Lawn and Garden Show, and the Sand Springs Herbal Affair will be April 17. The Feb. 10 meeting will be held at the Cann Garden Home with Jannie Ross giving the program “Garnishing with Flowers.” Susan McMonigle will be hostess, assisted by Barbara Gowan. The Serendipity Table will be led by Cheryl Smith and Susan McMonigle Xi Delta Chapter Members MeetXi Delta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Monday evening in the home of Shari Magee with 11 members present. Lisa Mena, president, conducted the business meeting and Linda Turner, recording secretary, called the roll and read the minutes. Patsy Hastings, treasurer, gave a report and reminded the chapter that the money for the Valentine Dance tickets is due before the next city council meeting on Feb. 1. The dance will be held at the Elks Lodge on Feb. 13. The chapter also voted to donate to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Pam Palmer gave a report concerning the family sponsored by the chapter for Christmas. The Santa Picture Project helped the chapter raise money to donate to the family at Christmas. Everyone is to bring finger food Sunday to the Super Bowl party to be held in the home of Lisa Mena. Ms. Turner won the traveling basket. Ms. Turner presented the program detailing the processing procedure of Medi-Claims when Medicare is involved in paying ambulance claims. The next meeting will be Feb. 2 in the home of Dorothy Leonard. Eta Delta Donates To Local ‘Lifeline’Twelve members of Eta Delta Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, attended the Jan. 25 dinner meeting at Amarillo Grill. Wanda Sheehan presided during the business session. As the January service project, the chapter will donate $50 to Lifeline of Ponca City. Members were invited to submit a favorite recipe for publication in the 1999 Beta Sigma Phi cookbook. The social this month will be a party at the Pizza Hut at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30. Several members and their husbands will be attending the City Council Valentine Dance on Feb. 13 at the Elks Lodge. Janet Hughes received the Beta Bud Basket and Linda Paulsen won the door prize. Carol Mounts will host the next meeting on Feb. 8. Soothing Beverage is Steeped in HistoryThe year was 2737 B.C. when leaves from a camellia tree branch fell into hot water being prepared for an emperor, giving rise to the first brew tea. Now the world’s most popular beverage, tea carries a lavish history steeped in distinctive traditions. From the Eastern tea ceremonies and their unique choreography to the rituals that inspired the craftsmanship of “teaware” used today, the traditions of drinking tea in Asia prove as diverse as the varieties of teas available. As January marks National Tea Month, experience tea fields, teahouses, and the legends and rituals of the four largest tea-producing countries — China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka — with “Tea in the East” (Hearst Books), by Carole Manchester. A virtual tour guide through the East and expansive geography of taste, the book describes the evolution and elaborate histories of this mystifying beverage, savoring one country at a time. The next time you’re craving a cup of tea, be it green, oolong or black, consider the following recipes — made with tea — as a savory complement to your soothing beverage. GREEN TEA-MARINATED CHICKEN SANDWICH Makes 2 sandwiches Marinade 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons green tea leaves 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each) 1 small Japanese eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Dressing 3 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 teaspoons Madras-style curry powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, tea and garlic. Add the chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 F. Remove the chicken from the marinade and scrape off the tea and garlic. Strain the marinade into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes. Set aside. Place the chicken breasts, eggplant and onions on a large baking sheet. Bake, removing each ingredient as it is done and transferring to a platter, cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Bake the onions until tender, about 10 minutes. Bake the eggplant, turning once, until golden brown, about 15 minutes, then brush with the marinade and bake until glazed, about six minutes. Bake the chicken breasts until firm when pressed in the thickest part, about 25 minutes. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients. To assemble the sandwiches, spread the dressing on the slices of bread. Top two slices with the chicken, eggplant and onion. Cover with the remaining bread. Cut each sandwich in half, and serve immediately. MARBLED TEA EGGS Makes 6 servings 12 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt, plus additional for serving 3 tablespoons loose Chinese black tea, like Orange Pekoe 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 star anise, broken into pieces 2 cinnamon sticks Place eggs in a saucepan. Pour in enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch and add the salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for five minutes. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water, reserving the cooking water in the saucepan. Let the eggs stand until cool enough to handle. Rap the shell of each egg all over with the back of a large spoon until the shell is covered with a web of cracks. Add the tea leaves, soy sauce, star anise and cinnamon to the water in the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Carefully return the eggs to the saucepan, cover and simmer gently until the eggshells have turned brown, about two hours. Remove from the heat. Cool the eggs in the liquid to room temperature. Cover the saucepan and refrigerate overnight. (The eggs will keep for up to four days, but will be best the first and second days.) Strain the steeping liquid through a fine sieve and reserve. Peel the eggs and cut crosswise in half. Serve chilled, with small bowls of the cooking liquid and coarse salt. SPORTSOSU Seeking Consistency OSU Seeking ConsistencySTILLWATER (AP) — Eddie Sutton wasn’t happy with his team’s defense in a loss to Texas last weekend, although there are concerns with the offense as well. Desmond Mason and Adrian Peterson have been solid most of the season and are the Cowboys’ leading scorers. But no one else has come through on a consistent basis. While Mason was scoring 24 and Peterson 19 against Texas, the other three starters were combining for 10 points. Joe Adkins had eight of those, but was just 3-of-10 from the field. Center Alex Webber had two points and took two shots. Point guard Doug Gottlieb had 11 assists but missed all five of his shots. ‘‘In order for us to continue to be a contender in the Big 12, we’ve got to find somebody that can help pick up the slack,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘Pete and Desmond certainly have done their job, but some of the other guys that we look to score points really haven’t been scoring like we felt like they would.’’ Brian Montonati played well against Texas, coming off the bench to score 10 points in 15 minutes. But that doesn’t mean the Cowboys can expect a similar performance tonight when they play a nonconference game against Southern Mississippi. ‘‘We see him every day in practice, and some days he comes out and plays like he did Saturday night,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘But there have been other times in practice sessions, and certainly during games, where he’s disappeared on us.’’ Southern Miss, a member of Conference USA, is 12-7 and threw a scare into No. 3 Cincinnati a few weeks ago, losing by just two. The Golden Eagles average 63 points per game and have held opponents to just under 58 per game. Neil Reed, who began his career at Indiana, averages 18 points per game and ‘‘is really a good shooter,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘If you leave him open, he’s going to hurt you.’’ It was Oklahoma State’s defense that had Sutton concerned after the 73-70 loss to Texas. The Longhorns shot better than 50 percent from the field and were especially good in the second half, when they outscored Oklahoma State 38-29. ‘‘Our defense had carried us in the previous few games,’’ Sutton said. ‘‘I thought our defense was disappointing in the second half because we gave them too many easy baskets.’’ The Cowboys (13-5) return to conference play Saturday, playing host to Texas A&M. Southern Miss also will be home Saturday, against Memphis. Tough Losses Mount for WildcatsBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer Tom Engle has the lucky number, 13. He’s also proving to be one of the premier players in the Frontier Conference, and Tuesday was his 18th birthday. Despite it all, however, no collusion of forces can seem to save the Po-Hi senior point guard and his Wildcat teammates from what has been their suffering fate this season. Tuesday, the Cats fell to the Jenks Trojans, 62-58, in yet another game that should have been. Of the Cats last five losses, four have been by six points or less. With 13 seconds left, Engle pulled up near the top of the key to bury a 3-pointer, pulling the Cats within two, 60-58. But the Poncans were forced to send point guard David Reed back to the line, and the Trojan responded by sinking both shots to put the game out of reach. So, instead of a birthday party on center court, Engle and the Wildcats were left struggling for answers after yet another last minute defeat. Engle led the Cats with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. “I told them after the game that I honestly believe that everyone in this room is doing what they need to do — the coaches and the players,” said Wildcat coach Ron Arthur. “There just seems to be a black cloud hanging over our heads.” That black cloud manifested this time in a Trojan free for all at the free throw line, as they knocked down 26-of-35, including 6-of-8 in the final minute of play. The Cats went to the line just 16 times, and hit eight. “We knew they were a good free throw shooting team,” said Arthur. “And when you put a team like that on the line that much, it’s hard to win.” Despite the agonizing finish, the Cats (3-6, 5-10) outplayed the Trojans — ranked as high as 8th in the state at one time — nearly the whole game. The Cats took the lead with the opening basket, and though Jenks (7-3, 10-6) tied it up six times, they didn’t lead until late in the third quarter, going up 44-42 on a shot by Robert Rademeyer. A bucket-for-bucket battle then ensued until the 1:00 mark, when Engle stole the ball on an inbounds pass and dropped in a layup to put the Cats within one, 56-55. The Trojans then took four straight trips to the gratuity tape, hitting four, and after a 3-point miss by the Poncans, hit 1-of-2 from the line to go up by five, 60-55, with 21 seconds left. The Cats led 30-25 at halftime, and with a 6-0 run raced to a 39-31 lead, three minutes into the second half. Nathan Zimmerman sparked that run, while Kris Shores — who matched Engle with 14 points — had back-to-back steals to score four straight points. The Cats also out-shot the Trojans, hitting 41 percent (24-of-57) from the field, though that figure is tempered by a dismal, 2-of-18 shooting from 3-point land. The Trojans shot 39 percent (18-of-46) from the field. The two teams were dead even on turnovers, at 21 each, while the Cats were edged in the rebounding column, 34-32. Paul Broome had 8 for the Cats, Scott Larrison 5, Zimmerman and Thilsted had 4 each, Billy Broughton 3, while Jeff Furnas, Jeremiah Payne and Blake Geubelle all had 2. Joe Lord and Lee Chinowth had 11 each for the Trojans, while Justin Roye had 10, and went 5-for-5 at the line. The Cats will travel to Bartlesville, Friday. Slow Starts Doom LadiesBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer Another slow start and a faltering defense doomed the Lady Wildcats, Tuesday, as a 14-0 deficit to start the game led to a 71-47 loss to the powerful Lady Trojans of Jenks. The Lady Cats (0-9, 3-12) did have a decent night offensively, shooting 39 percent (16-of-41) from the field, including four 3-pointers from sophomore Jena Birdsong. Laura Sudbury also fought hard throughout the game, matching Birdsong with 12 points to lead the Lady Cats. “I can’t complain about 47 points, but we can’t give up 71,” said coach Dana Pulley. “One of our goals is to hold teams to less than 45 — that’s probably our worst defensive effort of the year. The tallish Lady Trojans (8-1, 11-4) punished the Lady Cats under the hoop, getting some nifty moves from 6-0 bruiser Kim Chiconas (16 points) and 5-11 Allison Seal (9 points). Feisty, 5-3 point guard Lindsay Forsberg chipped in 13, many of those coming off turnovers by the Lady Cats. The Poncans finished with 27 giveaways, while the Lady Trojans had 12 — including just one in the first half. “That’s the difference in the game right there,” said Pulley. “We wanted to come out and play hard, but we had too many mistakes. “Still, the girls weren’t as down after this game. They know they got beat by a good team. (Jenks) is 10 deep, they love to get it inside, and that’s what they did. I think 75 percent of their shots were in the paint.” Desiree Cries For Ribs finally got the Lady Cats on the board at the 3:44 mark of the first quarter, scoring three straight points. Aleena Ames posted up with 15 seconds left for another bucket, but after eight minutes of regulation, the Lady Cats found themselves down by a bundle, 20-5. A 3-pointer from Birdsong sparked an 11-4 run by in the second quarter, as Sudbury dumped in two layups and went 4-for-4 from the line to pull the Lady Cats within 14, 34-20. “Laura had a good game,” says Pulley. “She was driving to the hole and doing the things we expect her to do. We moved Jena to a starting position because we need someone to handle the ball. She did a good job tonight.” Fourteen points would be as close as the Lady Cats would come to upsetting their 10th-ranked foes, however, as the Lady Trojans took a 40-23 lead at halftime, and held the Lady Cats to just seven points in the third quarter to go up 55-30. Birdsong dumped in back-to-back 3-pointers as the Lady Cats nipped the Lady Trojans 17-16 in the final stanza, but it was little consolation to the weary Poncans. “We just have to get over this one and get ready to play Bartlesville,” said Pulley. Ames finished with 8 points, Gina Hile and Cries For Ribs had 6 each, Alana Smith had 2, while Tia Williams had 1. Cries For Ribs also had five rebounds for the Lady Cats. The Lady Trojans had scoring from 11 players, and shot 58 percent (30-of-52) from the field. They barely edged out the Lady Cats in the rebounding column, however, 21-20. The Lady Cats will travel to Bartlesville on Friday. Junior High ResultsNinth Grade Boys Ponca City Red 51, Enid Waller 38 Ponca City Blue 45, Enid Waller 24 The Mid-High freshmen cagers swept Enid Waller, Tuesday, as the varsity (Red) team bombed to a 51-38 win, while the junior varsity (Blue) also won, 45-24. The Reds are currently 7-4 on the year, while the Blues are 3-7. The Reds broke a 20-all tie after halftime, coming back in the third quarter to outscore Waller 17-3 in the third quarter. “We went to a zone in the second half,” said coach Brad Parent. “It was the first time all year we’ve run the zone, and it seemed to help us out.” Kyle Geheb led all scorers with 16 points, Robert Bushaw 9, Lucas Hudson 7, Joe Rower 5, Trevor Viljoen 4, Joe Oswalt and Jeremy DeNoya had 3 each, while Matt Ellis and Matt Moore each had 2. The Blues held Enid to just two points in the first quarter en route to a 23-12 halftime lead. “They came out and hustled from the word go,” said Parent. “We had a lot of turnovers, but you have to expect sometimes with our style of play.” Kyle Soutter had 9, Matt Whittmer and Colby Payne had 7 each, Robbie Trant 6, Steven Wolff and Jeremy Luis had 5 each, Jeremy Roland 4, and Nick Hartman 1. Reds (varsity) team fell to a highly athletic Enid Emerson squad, 47-30, Jan. 19. Geheb and Bushaw led the Cougars with 9 each, DeNoya had 4, Oswalt had 3, Hudson and Shelton had 2 each, while Rower had 1. The Blues also fell last week, falling behind 22-1 after one quarter en route to a 48-29 loss to Enid Emerson’s varsity. “I was really proud of these guys,” said Parent. “They never gave up, and they did cut it to 12 points at one time.” Soutter and Byron LeClair had 8 each, Trant had 5, while Payne and Moore had 1 each. The Reds pounded Ark City, Jan. 18, 74-50. Geheb had a whopping 30 points, Yaffe 9, Ellis 8, Oswalt and Bushaw had 6 each, Viljoen and Shelton had 5 each, while Rower had 2. Jan. 18, the freshmen played Stillwater, with the Blues falling 81-44, while the junior varsity also lost, 62-46. The C team won, 66-22. Jan. 14, the JV team ran into trouble in the Pawnee Tournament, falling to Blackwell in round one, 47-34, and was eliminated by Hominy in round two, 46-33. The junior varsity and varsity played again Tuesday against Enid Waller. Ninth Grade Girls Ponca City Varsity 44, Enid Waller 17 Ponca City’s ninth grade varsity girls’ basketball team, blitzed Enid Waller 13-1 in the first period en route to a 44-17 win here Tuesday. “This was one of our best defensive efforts of the season,” coach John Maddox said after watching the Lady Cougars move to 11-0 on the season. “Our press worked very well in the first quarter. “And it was a pleasure to watch the girls run the offense. They found the open people and got the ball to ‘em.” Vickie Hadley-Howe paced the Ponca City scoring with 10 points while Mallory Hodge and Monica Sawyers each had 8. Jenna Wedd added 6 points, Amanda Summers had 5, Kristin Sievert 4, Courtney Birdsong 2 and Jamie Neal 1. “Hadley-Howe had her best all-around game of the season,” Maddox said, “And Hodge was unconscious in her shooting in the first half. Sawyers had a great game off the bench. She had several steals on defense and had a good offensive effort.” The Lady Cougars are back in action Thursday as they host Woodward in Robson Fieldhouse. The first of the two boys’ games start at 4 p.m. The single girls’ game will follow. Ponca City JV 28, Enid Waller 13 Ponca City’s ninth grade junior varsity girls broke open a relatively close game with a 19-5 third quarter to pound Enid Waller 28-13 here Tuesday. “We went out and ran our press in the second half,” said Ponca City coach Alaina Dingas. “We forced a number of turnovers.” Christi Rutledge led the balanced Ponca City scoring with 6 points while Nikki Sells had 5, Kathleen Larrison 4, Amanda Danek 4, Latoya Smith 3, Stephanie Beier 2, Chelsea Bland 2 and Diana Grant 2. The JVs play at Blackwell Monday. Eighth Grade Boys Enid Waller 47, Ponca City Red Varsity 32 After suffering through a scoreless first period, Ponca City’s eighth grade Red boys made a gallant run at Enid Waller, only to fall, 47-32. “We made it a close game,” coach John Spore said. “But we had to foul a lot in the fourth period to try to get the ball back. And they hit their free throws. Down 11-0 after Period One, the Cougars came back to close the gap to 19-15 at halftime. They still trailed by four, 28-24, entering the fourth quarter. Drew Lancaster paced the Red scoring with 10 points while Bradley Turvey had 9, Nate Macy 5, Justin Evans 4 and Casey McClaskey 4. Enid Waller 31 Ponca City Red JV 23 Enid Waller broke up a see-saw battle with a 13-3 run in she third quarter to top Ponca City’s eighth grade Red junior varsity boys, 47-32 Tuesday. Ponca City held a 10-9 lead at halftime. Adam Joosten had 7 points for the JVs while Shawn Carlton had 6, Matt Bone 4, Nick McKee 4 and Chad Tiede 2. The JVs play Stillwater Thursday at the mid-high gym. Eighth Grade Girls Ponca City Blue 29, Stillwater 22 Despite a scoreless second quarter, the 8th grade girls blue team took down arch-rival Stillwater, 29-22, Tuesday. Stillwater jumped to an 18-9 halftime lead after blanking the Poncans in the second quarter. The Lady Cougars responded, however, bombing their foes 11-1 in the third and 9-3 in the fourth to take the win. “To hold Stillwater to four points in a half is something,” said coach Calvin English. “We played great defense to get back into the game.” The Blues are now 6-0 in league play, and 12-4 overall. Stillwater is 4-2, giving the Blues a share of the league championship — regardless of next week’s rematch with Stillwater. Jamie Prado had 13 points, Kelli Wedd 7, Melissa Fore had 6, while Laura Sprehe had 3. Enid Waller 23, Ponca City Red 20 Enid Waller 27, Ponca City Red JV 11 ENID — The 8th grade girls’ Red teams suffered a pair of losses to Enid Waller, Tuesday, with the varsity falling 23-20, while the junior varsity went down 27-11. In the Varsity game, Enid went up 9-5 at halftime and held on for the win, getting 10 of their points at the free throw line. “It was a bad night all around,” said coach Tracy Scott. “It got really physical, and we weren’t ready for that kind of a game. It got out of control.” Christin Nicks had 11 points, Ann Ziegenhain 6, Jennifer Stone 2, while Kristina Huddleson had 1. The junior varsity fell to the Waller 7th grade varsity. “They were good,” said Scott. “In a big school like that the seventh grade can be pretty good.” Ashley Hendrickson had 4, Nicole Starnes 3, while Jennifer Kiser and Darci Hamrick had 2 each. The Reds will face Blackwell, Monday. Seventh Grade Girls Ponca City Blue 20, Blackwell 11 After taking the early lead, the 7th grade girls Blue team downed Blackwell on Monday, 20-11. Megan Bonee led the Lady Cougars with 9 points, Jenni Cowan had 4, Jessica Bushman, Lindsey Thomas, and Jamie Trout had 2 each, while Chelsey Cobb had 1. The Blues play again Friday, taking on the 8th grade junior varsity.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |