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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, February 11, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALWork on Highway 177 Slated to Begin Soon Work on Highway 177 Slated to Begin SoonBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor The last treacherous 3.3 mile strip of U.S. 177 Highway south of Ponca City connecting the finished north and south sections is on the comptuer screen of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, according Rep. Jim Newport. Newport announced Thursday that the preparatory dirt work contract has been awarded for widening that portion of U.S. 177 in Kay County, paving the way for its completion. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded an $942,399 contract recently to United General Contractors to do the dirt work on the two new lanes. Bill Lundeen, chairman of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Infrastructure Committee, said, “This is one of the needed highway upgrades identified for the Ponca City area. Overcoming all the right-of-way and legal issues necessary to get this section of road worked started has been very difficult and time consuming. “I really commend the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and our area state legislators because they worked extremely hard to make this a reality. This will be a tremendous improvement once construction is complete.” For several years, the traveling public enjoyed completed sections of U.S. 177 towards Stillwater. However, the unfinished 3.3 miles required tedious negotiating as the road was squeezed to a narrow two lanes, often resulting in a traffic bottle neck. This has been particularly stressful for Ponca City students commuting to Oklahoma State University, as well as collegiate football, baseball and basketball fans. The three-mile plus stretch been tied up due to the right-of-way owned by Ponca Tribal members. However, their issue has been resolved legally and the project is on track. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation [ODOT], the eventual pair of new lanes (with shoulders) is to be graded parallel to the existing two-lane highway, starting about four-tenths of a mile north of the Kay/Noble county line and extending north for 3.3 miles to the end of the four-lane section south of Ponca City. The design plans indicate the new lanes will be 12 feet wide with 10 foot-wide outside shoulders and four-foot inside shoulders. Newport said the second phase of the project will be contracted to pave the two new lanes, and a third project will repave and add shoulders to the existing lanes. When finished, the new route will be a four-lane divided section. The signing of the contracts could be completed within the next two weeks and construction is expected to start in six-to-eight weeks. The project will require an estimated seven months to complete, Traffic volume on U.S. 177 just north of the Noble/Kay county line numbers approximately 4,000 vehicles per day, but is projected to more than double within the next 15 years, ODOT reported. At one point, a traffic survey revealed that transport trucks from local — industries including Continental Carbon and Conoco — were detouring to I-35 to avoid this section of highway. As a result, the vehicle count could increase once the section is complete. Vandalism At Local ChurchWorkers at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ found two windows at the church had been broken upon arriving at the church today. Ponca City police were at the scene investigating the vandalism, which is estimated at $250 to $300. In addition to the windows, several of the church’s outdoor storm drains were vandalized and removed from the spouts. Any information about this vandalism can be reported to CrimeStoppers at 762-5100 and you can remain anonymous. PC Attorney Seeking Gag on Nichols’ TrialOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The lead attorney for bombing conspirator Terry Nichols contends prosecutors are making unethical comments about the Oklahoma City bombing case. Attorney Brian Hermanson of Ponca City wants a gag order for Nichols’ trial on state charges stemming from the bombing. He has said Oklahoma County District Attorney Bob Macy is trying to manipulate the media and fuel hostility toward Nichols and his lawyers. But Macy says he has already suggested a gag order to the defense. ‘‘We want a gag order,’’ Macy said. ‘‘We need to try it in the courtroom, not in the paper.’’ A hearing about the gag order, which would prevent attorneys from talking to the media about the case, was scheduled today before Associate District Judge Robert M. Murphy Jr. Nichols, 44, was brought to Oklahoma City on Jan. 31 from Colorado, where he was serving a life prison sentence after being convicted of federal charges of conspiracy and eight counts of involuntary manslaughter. He is charged in Oklahoma with 160 counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of victims other than eight federal agents who were the focus of his federal trial. Bombing co-conspirator Timothy McVeigh was convicted of murder at his federal trial and sentenced to death. Today’s hearing is the first of several pretrial hearings Murphy has scheduled. A Feb. 18 hearing has been set on requests by media attorneys on the issue of cameras in the courtroom. A March 3 hearing is scheduled on motions fighting subpoenas by the defense for copies of stories carried in newspapers and on television and radio about the bombing. No date has been set for a preliminary hearing. DEATHSLetha Jane Todd Letha Jane ToddLetha Jane Todd, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2000, at her residence. She was 80. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000, at Sunset Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor of Sunset Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in the Welch Cemetery in Welch, Okla., with arrangements by the Trout Funeral Home. Letha was born April 30, 1919, in Meeker, Colo., to Charlie and Lura May (Randall) Oney. She was united in marriage to Elliott M. Todd Jr. on Aug. 1, 1942, in Miami. They moved to Ponca City in 1954. She was a homemaker and loved gardening, crochet, sewing, and weather watching. She was a member of the Sunset Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. Survivors include one daughter, Janice Ramsey and her husband Karrol of Ponca City; one son, Paul Todd of Earlsboro, Okla.; two grandchildren, Rylee Zaragoza of Bartlesville and Michael Ramsey of Earlsboro; one great-grandson, Jaden Zaragoza of Bartlesville; three brothers, Walter Oney of Edna, Kan., Leroy Oney of Afton, and Arlend Oney of Holts Summit, Mo.; two sisters, Iona Reavis of Welch and Erma Guinn of Chetopa, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elloitt Todd Jr. on July 7, 1980; and one sister, Isabell Guinn. Memorials may be made to the Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. paid obituary Morgan Lewis WilliamsWINFIELD, Kan. — Morgan Lewis “Mickey” Williams, resident of Grainola, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000, in the Cedar Vale Hospital in Cedar Vale, Kan. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000, at the Grainola United Methodist Church in Grainola. Burial will be in the Cedar Creek Cemetery west of Cedar Vale, Kan., under the direction of Swisher-Taylor-Morris Funeral home of Winfield, Kan. Friends may call Friday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Wheeler Funeral Home in Cedar Vale, Kan. Morgan Lewis Williams was born April 25, 1912, in Purcell, the son of Schyler Lewis and Florene (Suddith) Williams. He married Ruby Ellen Custer on Feb. 16, 1935, in Barnsdall. They moved to the Grainola area in 1935, where Mickey farmed and cowboyed for Bud Franks for 20 years and several other different ranches. He was a member of the Grainola United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Ellen of the home in Grainola; two sons, Morgan Leon Williams and Charles “Leb” Williams, both of Grainola; three daughters, Louise Pontious of Shidler Mary Ellen Harvey of Hewins, Kan., and Dora Florena Atherton of Wichita, Kan.; four half sisters, Bettie Barnhill of Meridian, Miss., Alma Rose Dixon of Moore, Roma Jean Woodward of Kerrville, Texas, and Gayle Dean Feeney of Palm Springs, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. paid obituary Tresia Kay MustainPRYOR — Tresia Kay Mustain, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2000, in the Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa. She was 55. The funeral was scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Feb. 11, 2000, in the First Baptist Church of Adair with the Rev. Ralph Hiney officiating. Burial will follow in the Graham Memorial Cemetery in Pryor under the direction of Key Funeral Home of Pryor. Tresia Kay Mustain was born Dec. 10, 1944 in Olney, Texas, the daughter of W.A. and Viola (Bradshaw) Kincy. She grew up in Ponca City, where she attended school. She married William Darrell Mustain on Aug. 30, 1963, in Ponca City. They made their home in Adair where they lived for the past 25 years. She was a member of the Adair Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of the home; one brother, Phillip Kincy of Nocona, Texas; one sister, Jenice Foster of Colleyville, Texas; her mother, Viola Haley of Ponca City; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father. Clark Arthur WilliamsPERRY — Clark Arthur Williams, former resident of the Red Rock area, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000, at his home in Perry. He was 75. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2000, in the chapel of Brown-Sisson Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Red Rock Cemetery in Red Rock. Clark Arthur Williams was born on Dec. 27, 1924 in Crescent, the son of Arthur and Beatrice (Clark) Williams. He was a graduate of Red Rock High School. On July 3, 1948, he married Dorothea Lola Foote in Ponca City. He was a farmer-rancher in the Red Rock community and was employed by the Perry Livestock Sale. He was a 10-year member of the Red Rock Board of Education and a member of the Red Rock Christian Church. He enjoyed farming and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of the home; one daughter, Melva Hoskins of Perry; two sons, Marvin Williams of Morrison and Paul Williams of Red Rock; two sisters, Maxine Morgan of Ponca City and Gearldine Judd of Stillwater; a brother, M.H. Williams of Ceres; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen. FuneralsSaturdayIona W. WoolleyGraveside service at 10 a.m. at Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Freeda Kenyon HuntMemorial service at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with a private burial in Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFSValentine Bingo — The PCSEA bingo for February will be held Saturday in the Conoco Atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Bingo starting at 7 p.m. The theme will be Valentine Bingo. The public is invited. Reunion Meeting — The Ponca City High School graduating classes of 1943, 1944, and 1945 will have a reunion planning meeting Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in the program room of the Ponca City Library. All classmates are urged to attend. The reunion is slated June 2, 3 and 4. For more information contact Bruce Davis, 765-9870, or Pauline Deffner Miles, 762-5866. New VFW Post Commander — Paul Littlevoice was appointed the new commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9145 in Marland. Littlevoice received his appointment by the state commander of Oklahoma and the district commander at a Wednesday evening post meeting. Deer Hit — The Ponca City Police Department was notified at 7:07 a.m. Thursday that a deer had been hit by a car at the intersection of Lake Road and Pecan Road, but that the deer ran into the woods. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — An accident in the 900 block of North Seventh Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:50 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary — A Ponca City Police Department officer reported at 8:32 a.m. Thursday that a burglary of a pickup in the 1200 block of South Sixth Street had occurred. Tools and a CD player were among items reported taken. Burglary — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 8:50 a.m. Thursday that a burglary had occurred at a vehicle in the 1100 block of South Seventh Street. Information was logged. Items Found — A man from the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:55 a.m. Thursday that a bag full of marijuana seeds had been found. An officer was assigned and brought the items to the police department to be destroyed. Vehicle Stolen — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 9:31 a.m. Thursday that a pickup had been stolen from the 1200 block of South Sixth Street during the night. A report was taken and it was logged that keys were not in the vehicle. Burglary — A woman from the 1600 block of South Tenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:55 a.m. Thursday that a purse had been stolen from her vehicle within the last ten minutes and keys to her vehicle were in the purse. A request was made for an extra patrol and a report was taken. Shoplifters — A man from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police department at 11:52 a.m. Thursday that two shoplifters were in custody. An officer was assigned and two 23-year-old women were held for grand larceny. Accident — An accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Cleary Drive was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:18 p.m. Thursday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Dumpster Fire — The Ponca City Fire Department responded at 2:53 p.m. Thursday to a dumpster on fire in the 2100 block of North Ash Street. Burglary — A man from the 1200 block of South Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:10 p.m. Thursday that someone had entered his truck and had taken cloths from the truck. Information was logged. Park Vandalism — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:39 p.m. Thursday that two juveniles on motorcycles were tearing up the park at the intersection of Fairway Place and Kingston Road. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Property Missing — A woman from the 600 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:57 p.m. Thursday that some property was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:01 p.m. Thursday that someone had driven off without paying for $25.59 worth of gas. The information was logged. Suspicious Activity — A resident reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:04 p.m. Thursday that several barricades with flashing lights on them had been found in a garage in the 900 block of North Oak Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The items were removed from the scene. Grass Fire — The Ponca City Fire Department responded to a grass fire at 6:53 p.m. Thursday at an area just south of the Standing Bear statue and U.S. 60. Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the southbound lane of the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Cleary Drive was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:08 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Shoplifter — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 8:52 p.m. Thursday that someone had left without paying for some beer from a firm in the 500 block of West Highland Avenue. Information was logged. LIFESTYLESJennie Olson Will Present OSU Concert Jennie Olson Will Present OSU ConcertPonca City resident Jennie Olson, soprano, will present a program of songs and arias in the Seretean Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University where she serves full-time on the voice faculty. The concert, scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, will include songs by Rorem, Argento, and Bizet; arias by Arne, Scarlatti, Puccini and Verdi, and a composition written for Ms. Olson by Carolyn Bremer, currently the composer in residence at the University of Oklahoma. Jennie Olson’s performances with symphonies and festivals throughout the Southwest have gained her regional praise as an artist of distinction. Her most recent orchestral performances include Mozart’s “Requiem,” Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” and Handel’s “Messiah,” among many others. Her recent opera credits include Galatea in Handel’s “Acis and Galatea,” the title role in Delibes’ “Lakme” and the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” Ms. Olson is a past winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Regional Artist Award, as well as many other awards and honors. She is currently working on a CD recording of Lute Songs that will be released later this year. Ms. Olson will be accompanied by Dr. Joey Martin, who serves on the faculty of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Also featured on the program will be Lawrence Stomberg, cello, and Karl Sievert, trumpet. Stomberg is a full-time member of the string faculty at OSU, and Sievert recently joined the faculty at the University of Oklahoma. All interested persons are welcome to attend. Admission is free. AMBUCS Auction To Help KidsPreparing for the Ponca City Noon AMBUCS’ charity lingerie auction and couple’s dance this Saturday is Ana Webster and Kurt Ikard. Ikard said the organization’s Valentine-style event, which is scheduled at “The V” Nightclub on East Prospect Avenue, will raise funds to provide scholarships and tricycles to disabled children. Along with lingerie modeled by OSU coeds, items on the auction block from Ponca City merchants are expected to vary from jewelry and old coins to free oil changes and gift certificates. The night will begin with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. and auctioning will begin at 8 p.m. Ikard said the auction “is an event where you have to bring your wife, because the wives may be doing some of the modeling.” The V nightclub is in the basement of the VFW Building. Tonkawa Eastern Star To Host District DeputyTonkawa Eastern Star will host Sherrie Price, District Deputy No. 4, Feb. 14, as she makes her official visit. All area members are invited to join the 7:30 p.m. meeting and participate in the salad supper which will follow. Beginning Watercolor Classes OfferedBeginning watercolor classes taught by Ruth Loucks will begin Feb. 17 at the Ponca City Art Center. The classes will be held for 6 weeks on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Mrs. Loucks teaches ages 16 and up. Maximum class size is seven students, so there will be lots of individual attention given each student. All students must be a current member of the Art Association. Family memberships cost $10 and Louck’s class costs $60. There will be a makeup class on March 30. The Art Center is located at 819 East Central. For further information, call Ruth at 762-5477 or the Art Center, 765-9736, between 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Maverick Bench Pounds Murray Maverick Bench Pounds MurrayTONKAWA — There was just too much firepower in the hands of the Northern Oklahoma Mavericks for the Murray State Aggies here Thursday night, much of it in the hands of a pair of Mavs off the bench in a 76-42 win. The two non-starters that contributed heavily to the offense for the Mavericks of Coach Mick Weiberg were Jeff Newby, 6-3 sophomore from Gate, and Tyler Barnard, 6-2 sophomore from Woodland of Fairfax. Each fired in five treys apiece, with Newby getting an additional bucket for 17 points. The Murray State Aggies were struggling throughout the contest, despite opening with a pair of treys that had a brief 6-5 lead. Northern got a trey by Larry Reid, 5-11 Midwest City sophomore, and a dunk off a fast break by Sherman Rochell, 6-5 sophomore from Oklahoma City to a 5-0 lead prior to the two treys of the Aggies. Then, after another Rochell score to regain the lead at 7-6, it was up to Newby for a pair of treys to make it 13-8. Reid got another trey for a 20-11 lead and two more by Reid made it 27-17 and then 32-17 prior to the halftime score of 32-23. In the second half, the Mavericks just kept pouring in the points, with a big rebounding job by Rochell and inside work. Midway through the second half, Barnard hit his first of five treys in the second half. The Mavericks were up by 20, 55-35 when Barnard began cashing three-pointers. Four in a row upped the lead to a 67-37 score and his final trey got NOC to a 72-40 lead. Besides Newby with 17 and Barnard with 15, other double figure scoring came from Rochell with 13 and Reid with 10. Richie Myers, a 6-7 freshman from Edmond had eight, Felix Desjardins, 6-7 freshman from Montreal, had five and Spencer Lazosky, 6-5 freshman from Billings, Mont., had four. Two each were scored by Chris Arledge, 6-5 sophomore from Krum, Texas, and Akil Gay, 6-10 freshman from Trinidad. The Mavericks are in the driver seat of the Bi-State conference with a 5-0 record and now own a 20-7 overall mark heading to Altus Monday for that second game of the double date with the Lady Mavericks. Lady Mavs Too Much for MurrayBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor TONKAWA — Balanced scoring led by the double digit effort of B.J. Homer, 5-7 freshman from Moore, keyed the Northern Oklahoma Lady Mavericks to a Bi-State conference win of 61-37 over Murray State here Thursday night. The Lady Mavericks of Coach Greg Krause shot to an early lead, but were tied at 8-8 by the Lady Aggies in a rather low scoring first half, that saw NOC move on to leads of at least nine points. Homer was at her best in the second half, after popping a trey in the first 20 minutes of the game. She cashed two more treys, hit five of seven free throws and a two-pointer en route to a 16-point effort on the night. It was a matter of too tough a defense by the Lady Mavericks in the first half, despite Murray State sticking around for a close contest by the end of the first 20 minutes. Northern enjoyed a 27-19 lead at the end of the first half and allowed only 18 points in the second half. Homer and BaBa Robinson, 5-4 sophomore from Oklahoma City, slammed Murray State with three straight treys early in the second half, and that got leads of 13, at 34-21, 16 at 37-21 and 15 at 40-25. From there it was a matter of too much other offense for the Lady Mavericks as they ended the game with a 24-point bulge, 61-37. Eight other Lady Mavericks scored during the contest, led by Homer’s 16. Deidra Dick, 5-9 freshman from Cordell, had nine and LaQueisha Dickerson, 5-10 freshman from Oklahoma City notched seven. A trio of Lady Mavs had six each, including Robinson, sophomore Suzi Eisenhauer, 6-0, of Newkirk and Tia Andrew a 6-2 freshman from Oklahoma City. Others scoring were Ranada Collins, 6-1 sophomore from Oklahoma City with five, Lindsey Shiever, 5-8 freshman from Morrison with four and Denise Jake, 5-8 freshman from Red Rock with a bucket. The Lady Mavs will be at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse on Saturday against Crowder College of Neosho, Mo., and return to conference action on Monday at Altus against Western State, opening that double date with the men, at 6 p.m. JV Girls on RollSeeking to continue their winning ways. the Lady Wildcat JVs will tackle Sand Springs in the early game at Sand Springs tonight. The JVs stormed from behind in the fourth quarter top beat Tulsa Union, 33-30 Tuesday night in Tulsa. Down 17-9 at halftime, the Po-Hi girls started their comeback in the third period and then buried Union in 15-7 fourth quarter run to pull out the win. “We played a pretty solid game with the exception of our scoring in the first quarter (one point),” said coach Brad Parent. Jenna Wedd led the Ponca City scoring with eight points while Angela Kana and Lyndsi Frederick each had six. Tara Cries For Ribs scored five, Aubrey Kelly four, Monica Sawyer two and Cara Cusick two. Ninth GradeDown 12 points at halftime, the Ponca City freshmen girls rallied late to post a 40-37 win at Woodward. The comeback let the Lady Wildcats finish 9-0 in conference play and 14-1 overall in the regular season. Next up for the Poncans will be Northern Conference Tournament at Enid Feb. 17-19. Woodward came out blasting away from 3-point range and exploded for a 16-2 lead before Ponca City cut the margin to 18-8 at the end of the first period. The Po-Hi girls were behind 24-12 at halftime. “It looked like a hole we couldn’t dig out of,” admitted coach John Maddox. ‘At halftime, we talked about chipping away at the lead, not trying to make it up all at once, while playing good defense. “That’s pretty well what we did, We made up six points in the third quarter and then finished them off in the fourth (outscoring Woodward 16-7).” Ann Ziegenhain had nine points and Melissa Fore eight to lead the balanced Ponca City scoring. Ponca City 40, Woodward 37 Ponca City 8 4 12 16 — 40 Woodward 18 6 6 7 — 37 Ponca City — Ann Ziegenhain 9, Melissa Fore 8, Kristina Huddleston 6, Jamie Prado 6, Chelsey Hill 6, Kristen Nicks 5, Lauren Cartlidge 2. Eighth GradePonca City 71, Enid Waller 33 Placing four players in double figures, Ponca City’s eighth grade Blue boys belted Enid Waller, 71-33, Tuesday. Antwon English had 17 points, Pat Collogan 15, Matt Drouhard 10 and Devin Anderson 10 while eight players scored for the Blue Cougars. The Blues, now 12-2, led 34-19 at halftime. The Blue JVs dropped a hard fought 40-34 decision behind a 14-point performance by Jared Yaffe and a 10-point game by Brian Felix, Trailing 20-12 at halftime, the Blue JVs rallied to tie the score at 26. But Enid pulled away in the fourth quarter . The Blue Cougars play at Blackwell Monday. Ponca City 71, Enid Waller 33 Ponca City 19 15 23 14 — 71 E. Waller 19 9 6 8 — 33 Ponca City — Antwon English 17, Pat Collogan 15, Matt Drouhard 10. Devin Anderson 10, Kevin Bradley 6, Charles Alexander 6, Blaine King 4, Todd Gingrich 1 Enid Waller 40, Ponca City JV 34 Ponca City 6 6 14 8 — 34 E. Waller 10 10 6 14 — 40 Ponca City — Jared Yaffe 24, Brian Felix 10, Omar Salama 8, Micah Tipton 4, King 2, Derek Viljoen 2 Seventh GradeThe Lady Cougar Blue seventh grade team defeated Perry, 42-8 the middle school gym. The Perry team brought down a large team and kept close to the Lady Cougars for the first quarter. In the second quarter the Lady Cougars started to pull away. In the third quarter, Ponca City's defense shut down the Perry offense which led to numerous fast break opportunities. The game ended with the Blue team scoring at will. The Ponca City scoring was well rounded, with every member of the team scoring. Leading the scorers was Crystal Foy with six points. Amanda Wilson and Jana Nesbit each added five, with Jessica Wright, Mindy Hamrick and Cheyenne Cartlidge scoring four points each. Scoring three points were Charlcy Hermanson, Tiffany Taiclet, Katie Behara and Megan Lampe with Anita Grantham scoring two points. EDUCATIONTwo Public School Employees Names to National Listing Two Public School Employees Names to National ListingDr. Joe Surber and Betty Tatum have been selected to be included in Who’s Who in America. Dr. Surber currently serves as the Assistant Superintenent of Operations for the Ponca City schools. Betty Tatum teaches 11th grade English at the high school. “Dr. Surber has served Ponca City for over 25 years,” stated Dr. Bill White, superintendent. “His knowledge in school facility management makes him a leader in Oklahoma education and this recognition by Who’s Who is well deserved.” Po-Hi Principal Jerry Winkle said, “She is a fabulous teacher. She does all the right things instinctively. I recently observed her working with a class of ninth grade students, and I was amazed at the talent she has of channeling hyperactivity into positive productive behavior. I look forward to going to her classrooms.” Dr. Joe Surber Dr. Joe Surber earned his bachelor’s degree in education at Northeastern State University, a master’s degree in education and hiis doctorate degree in educational psychology at Oklahoma State University. He has been an employee of the Ponca City schools since 1970, serving in many capacities including assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, director of special services, coordinator of special education, principal and counselor/teacher. Dr. Surber has been the recipient of many awards and honors including: Who’s Who in America Education (1988); Who’s Who in the South and Southwest (1999); one of three Outstanding Young Oklahomans (1976); and Leaders of American Secondary Education (1971). He has writen and published many articles and his booklet, “The Blue Book of Counseling: Concrete Tools and Techniques,” was published in 1976 and is very well known with educators. In addition to his writing talents, Surber has also been a prsenter and a leader in many state and local professional organizations. Betty Tatum Ponca City teacher, Betty Tatum, earned her bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Oklahoma State University. She started teaching for the Ponca City schools at West Junior High in 1972. In 1981, she moved to Sulphur, Louisiana, and taught there at Le Blanc Middle School utnil 1983. She returned to Ponca City in 1985 where she taught at West Junior High again until 1988 when she went tot he high school. During her years at the high school, sh has served on both the Executive Committee and been a Building Level Representative of the Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers. She currently serves on the Marketing Education Advisory Committee, National Honor Society Faculty Council, and the District Professional Development Committee. She has also been very involved in community as well as state and national professional organizations. Tatum has been the recipient of many awards and honors including: Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 1994, 1996, 1998-2000; Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Award of Excellence — Teacher Appreciation (1997); Who’s Who in the South and Southwest (1998); Who’s Who of American Women (2000). Who’s Who in America, established in 1899, is a publication that is recognized globally as the premier reference pertaining to notable living Americans. The editors of Who’s Who in America continue to strive to identify and chronicle the achievements of men and women who have become the leaders in our society’s political, cultural and economic affairs. Fewer than four in 10,000 people are included in Who’s Who in America. Selection is based solely on reference value. Individuals become eligible for listing by virtue of their positions and/or noteworthy achievements that have proven to be of significant value to society. An individual’s desire to be listed is not sufficient reason for inclusion. Similarly, wealth or social position is not criteria. Individuals are selected by the extend of an individual’s reference interest. Reference value is based on either of two factors: 1) the position of responsibility held or 2) the level of significant achievement attained in a career of noteworthy activity. PTC Teacher Selected To Receive HonorBeth Frantz, Pioneer Technology Center's Practical Nursing Coordinator, has been selected as the Outstanding Vocational Educator for the Health Occupations Division. Frantz received notification at the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education's annual Mid-Winter Conference held last week in Oklahoma City. This award recognizes vocational and technical educators who provide ongoing commitment to vocational technical education programs for youth and adults in their field, communities, and states. Award recipients must have also made significant contributions and improvements toward promotion and research and development. Since 1980, Frantz has been involved with both classroom instruction and program development for the Practical Nursing program. In 1987, she was instrumental in developing the Preceptor Program and soon followed with other improvements including: a mentor based preceptor program, quarterly scheduling, and the development of an elective clinical experience that works more closely with student interests and employment changes. Frantz has also been very active serving as the Health Occupations Students of America Advisor were she has helped students achieve first place in State and National skill competitions. Her most recent accomplishment includes being a trainer for the Master Teacher program at the Oklahoma State Department of Vocational and Technical Education. Frantz is also currently involved with the National Vocational Technical Honor Society, Oklahoma Practical Nursing Director's Association, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Frantz holds a Bachelor's Degree of Nursing from the Texas Women's University and is currently working on a master's degree in Adult Education. House Bill 2488 Would Set School Start Dates No Earlier Than AugustOKLAHOMA CITY -- Most school districts in Oklahoma would have to push back their starting dates if a measure by an Osage County legislator becomes state law. House Bill 2488 would require public school districts to establish their starting date on "any day during the last full week in August of each year," beginning with the 2002-2003 school year. Rep. Joe Sweeden, author of HB 2488, said public schools in Pawhuska, as just one example, opened Aug. 12. After many parents registered their concern, the school administration moved the start date next year, the 2001-2002 school term, back to Aug. 17, Sweeden said. "The day our daughter started school this year the thermometer registered 104 degrees," the Pawhuska Democrat said. "The grade school has an asphalt playground -- and every kid I know spends recess at a dead run." Even if classrooms are air conditioned -- "and not all of them in this state are" -- many buses are not equipped with air conditioners, Sweeden noted. In addition, schools want to pack in a full semester before Christmas and New Year's. "Kids don't want to have to study for semester exams over the holidays," Sweeden acknowledged. Also, the end of the school year is tied directly to the start of the term, since state law requires a school year to encompass at least 175 days of instruction. The dates of summer vacation "are a matter of great concern not only to parents and students but also for teachers and administrators, many of whom have summer jobs or enroll in education refresher courses," Sweeden said. "I realize all that. Nevertheless, we need some creative options --something other than starting school earlier each year." For example, he suggested, "We could have semesters of unequal length. Whoever said the fall semester has to be exactly as long as the spring semester? Why couldn't one be shorter than the other, so long as the school term spans 175 days of classroom instruction?" Starting the school year when the temperature is a hundred degrees or higher and the humidity is 80 to 90 percent "is just not practical or safe," the first-term lawmaker asserted. "I don't like the idea of imposing even more mandates on local school boards," Sweeden said. "However, my bill just might make their jobs a little easier by setting some guidelines." HB 2488 will be reviewed soon by the House Committee on Education, of which Sweeden is a member. NOC Having Great YearPRESIDENT'S COLUMN By Dr. Joe Kinzer President, Northern Oklahoma College This has been a great year at Northern. We have added several new and exciting programs to the curriculum. One of the innovative academic programs initiated this year at Northern is called Process Technology. Realizing that the demand for process technicians exceeds the supply, we feel that we can have a significant impact on the economic development of northern Oklahoma by offering training in this field. Northern is the lead institution in the state for providing Process Technology training. Students from other institutions will complete their degrees at Northern, either on campus or via ITV. Currently, we have 15 students, two of whom are women, enrolled in our program. These students range in age from 18 to 52. When they graduate in 2001, they will be employable at entry-level positions where they will receive site-specific training. Process Technicians can expect a median beginning salary of $30,000 and a probable salary of $50,000 within five years. This semester Larry Powell, a retired Conoco Process Superintendent, is teaching the technical courses "Safety, Health and Work Practices" and "Process Technology I - Equipment". Larry gives his students plenty of hands-on experience with equipment such as pumps, turbines, valves and controllers. He plans to construct a distillation unit to demonstrate principles of distillation used throughout refineries. Process Technology students have the opportunity study with professionals in the field, such as chemical and safety engineers. These experts, invited as guest lecturers, bring the real world into the classroom to complement textbook materials. In addition, three students will be selected for summer internships in Conoco's Research and Development West. The idea for the Process Technology Program originated two years ago when Conoco executives approached Northern about the possibility of setting up a program to train process technicians. Dr. Virgil Ackerson, head of the Division of Science, Mathematics and Engineering, Dr. Roger Stacy, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Brian Box, physics instructor, then attended the Gulf Coast Process Technology Alliance meeting in Houston and Clear Lake, Texas to gather information. Virgil and Brian designed the new program to provide students with concepts and skills needed to enter careers associated with process control technology. Our goal now is to provide the program to supply the demand of area industries for process technicians. Northern students holding a degree in Process Technology will be able to choose careers in petrochemical, refining or utilities plants. They can also choose to work in such areas as sales, vendor technician, industrial training and research. Although Process Technology is a world-class trade with international opportunities, a number of our graduates can seek employment closer to home with companies in the North Central Oklahoma region. We greatly appreciate Conoco's generosity in donating or lending equipment for the hands-on laboratory, for providing guest speakers and for hosting class field trips to the refinery. Conoco has also funded scholarships for Process Technology majors. Qualified students can apply for these scholarships through the Office of Student Affairs. At Northern we are proud to offer opportunities to enhance the quality of life for the community as well as for the individual person. RELIGIONFirst Methodists Hosting OBU Bison Glee Club Feb. 27 First Methodists Hosting OBU Bison Glee Club Feb. 27OBU’s Baptist University’s Bison Glee Club, a select men’s choral ensemble, will sing at the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. service of First United Methodist Church, Feb. 27, it was announced this week. The group performs various types of music, including sacred, classical and popular, and performs for churches, conventions, civic groups and school events. They have completed 16 commercial recordings, including “Let the Amen Sound,” in 1996, and the most recent, “Bison Glee Established in 1938,” released in 1999. The group also has performed several overseas concerts. Their 2000 tour consists of concerts in Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. Dr. C. Randall Bradley, OBU associate professor of music, directs the Bison Glee Club. Bradley earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Troy State University in 1981. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to OBU, he worked as assistant professor of church music at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Bison Glee Club was founded in 1938 by Dr. Warren M. Angell, dean emeritus of OBU’s Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts. First United Methodist invites visitors to attend these services. Lutherans Observe Scout SundayScout Sunday will be observed at First Lutheran Church on Feb. 13 at both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. The scouts will present the colors and lead the pledge to the American flag and to the Christian flag. They will also be participants in various other parts of the service. The Scripture readings for the day emphasize how the miracles of God help to spread the good news of the Gospel. The opening hymn, “Rise Up, O Church of God,” will be presented by the Jubilate Bell Choir. In the 8:30 a.m. service the Christ’s Kids Choir will sing the anthem “Spreading Your Love.” At the 11 a.m. service the Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Canon of Praise.” Pastor Ramsey’s sermon for both services will be entitled “Returning and Rebuilding” based on the account in Nehemiah telling of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The 6:30 p.m. evening service will continue the series on stress management with the topic “Acknowledge Your Weaknesses.” This timely topic was very well received last Sunday. Anyone who feels that they need help in the area of stress management is urged to attend these informal, discussion based services. If anyone has questions about the Lutheran doctrines or is interested in joining the Lutheran church, a pastor’s information class is now underway. Please call the church office at 762-1111 for more information. Prince of Peace Lutherans Focus on Compassion and Love of GodPrince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, celebrates the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, focusing on two stories of lepers cleansed of their disease. Naaman washes in the Jordan River, and Jesus stretches out his hand and touches a leper, who is made well. With our words and deeds, we touch others with God’s compassion and love, Pastor Bruce Keck points out. It is with that love that we will receive new members into our church family this Sunday, he said. We also invite all to join us for a very special program this Sunday evening, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m., as we welcome “Captive Free” who will present “Christ Shines on You”, sponsored by Youth Encounter. “Captive Free” is a youth relational musical ministry band, respected across the country, Pastor Keck pointed out. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church extends a warm invitation to all, to join us for Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. and our special evening program. We are located at 2800 Turner Road in Ponca City. Telephone 762-7698. Woodlands Christian Announces Theme for Laity Sunday MorningThe membership of Woodlands Christian Church celebrates Laity Sunday this Sunday, it was announced by the pastor, the Rev. Paul Krueger. The scripture I Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter will serve as reference for Laity speakers, Terry Watson and Becky Krueger, who will each share their experiences of Christian love at Woodlands. One Sunday each year is set aside for the membership of the church to step forward to share their talents and their message of how God has touched their lives. The theme for this year’s service “How Is Love The More Excellent Way at Woodlands?” will be shared by all participating in the service. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of the Rev. Marilyn Merle will present the anthem of the morning “Love Is The More Excellent Way” with soloist Reginia Smith. In addition to Watson and Krueger those participating in the service are Dick Bird, Patty Ladd, Hank Kruckeberg, Laneta Going, Linda Catlin, Leslie Hoover, Maynard Ullery, Ken Smith, LaWanda Springer, Ben Cowan, Derrie Drake and Trelma Sullivan. The Worship Ministry Team invites everyone in the community to join them in celebrating the love they have found in worshipping God and celebrating his love at Woodlands Christian Church, 14th and Hartford. Good Shepherd Hosting Guest SpeakerPastor Scott Jans, from Lord of the Harvest Lutheran Church of Fairbank, Iowa, will be the guest preacher at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church this Sunday morning, it was announced today. Pastor Jans, who has served a total of six churches across the United States in the past 30 years, is a graduate of Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Ill. His message this Sunday will be “The Church Commissioned” and will speak to the vision and goal of the Christian Church in proclaiming God’s message to the world. Pastor Jans is interviewing with the Good Shepherd Lutheran congregation with the possibility of serving as their future pastor. While serving in South Dakota, Pastor Jans was District Evangelism Chairman, and also served on the Evangelism Board for Iowa District East. He has taken evangelism training with Evangelism Explosion, attended Billy Graham School of Evangelism, and has evangelism training with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Pastor Jans and his wife, Nancy, have three daughters, ages 29, 27 and 18, and a 26-year-old son. Church services start at 9 a.m. and Pastor Jans will give a presentation with a question and answer session following the service. At 11 a.m., a Mexican potluck dinner will be served. Guests are invited. A congregational voters meeting will be held at the church at 5 p.m. Sunday. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is temporally located 3 miles north of Prospect, on U.S. 77, and .2 of a mile west. Church BriefsCity-Wide Bible Study Off to Great StartDon Huddleston reported a good start for the City-Wide Bible Class which began Sunday evening, Feb. 6. Meeting in the facilities of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ (1905 Joe Street), the study attracted over 160 students. The class, entitled “God’s Amazing Grace” is an in-depth study of the book of Romans. The study focused on the first seven verses of chapter one, and combined textual analysis with life applications. Students received lesson outlines and were offered additional study materials for personal, family or small group study. Two home study groups have already formed and are open to anyone in the community wishing to participate. Both the small groups and the Sunday night studies (6 p.m.) are open to anyone, regardless of their religious background or their present beliefs. There is no cost and there is an attended nursery available. For further information people may call 765-3610.
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