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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, February 15, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALPonca City Teachers Heading to Capitol Ponca City Teachers Heading to CapitolBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Wednesday will be the day state and local educators have been looking forward to. A day when educators ask our state government to put education on top of the state’s financial priority list. Thousands of Oklahoma educators are expected to attend the “Put Education First Rally” Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at the state capitol. School will be canceled tomorrow in Ponca City. The missed day was made up last Friday. Ponca City Superintendent said he expects several local teachers to participate. “I believe many local teachers and administrators will attend the rally. We don’t have any way of knowing how many will attend from Ponca City because it [the rally] is not mandatory,” White said. To date, more than 200 school districts have rearranged school calendars to allow all staff to attend, while more than 100 additional school districts are sending representatives to the rally. Approximately 150 buses of educators are expected from Tulsa alone with at least that many coming from Oklahoma City. White said local teachers will not travel to the rally in a bus. “I strongly recommend our teachers and administrators go, but they will have to find their own means of transportation.” The Oklahoma House has already passed a $167 million teacher pay raise bill that will give $3,000 annual raises to teachers. The Senate unanimously passed the same measure Monday. The final passage by both houses is expected tomorrow. Organizers say the rally will be the biggest since the teacher demonstrations that preceded passage of the education reform measure known as House bill 1017, a decade ago. The rally will last about 45 minutes with seven scheduled speakers representing parents, school boards, teachers and businesses. They are: Carolyn Crowder, president of the Oklahoma Education Association and chairperson of the Coalition; Steven Crawford, superintendent of Roff Public Schools; Keith Ballard, executive director of Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA); Debbie Thompson, president of the OSSBA; Jo McCord, president of the Oklahoma Parent Teacher Association; John Rex, president of American Fidelity Assurance Company; and Mitsuye Conover, 1999-2000 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. City Financial Structure Gets High GradeBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor The city financial structure received a high passing grade from audit officials following the audit of the 1998-1999 fiscal year. Information was available at the Ponca City Board of Commission meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center, and both city officials and audit firm officials were pleased with the results. Finance Director Mark LaBossiere reported that the city had met all of the recommendations from the audit firm, Baird, Kurtz and Dobson of Enid. “We invited a panel of citizens during the year to ask questions about the audit when it was to be done, and we also received a real favorable report from them,” LaBossiere said. One of the panelists, John Bohannon was present at the commission meeting, and praised the understanding of the auditors for their work on the city financial structure. While not an accountant, Bohannon said he was pleased to be able to ask questions about the audit and get answers that were understandable. Doug VanMeter, senior officer in charge of the audit, also made a presentation and was available to the general public in an open house an hour prior to the commission meeting in the Public Safety Center Monday. VanMeter noted, “in our opinion, the general purpose financial statements referred to the city of Ponca City, in all material respects, the financial position as of June 30, 1999, and the results of its operations and the cash flows of its proprietary fund types and nonexpendable trust funds for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.” Animal Control Fees Hiked It will cost more for the impoundment and boarding fees of animals brought to the Animal Control Center now. Commissioners gave full approval of the fees as outlined in a report from Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham, spokesman for the Animal Control Advisory Board and in charge of Animal Control. “It’s been 13 years since these fees have been increased, but it is now necessary to do so,” Ham told the commissioners Monday. Increase of the impoundment fees include $10 to $20 for first offense, $20 to $30 for the second offense and $35 to $50 for the third offense. Also, the board fees were increased, for small animal, from $4 per day to $10 per day; medium animal, $5 per day to $15 per day and large animal, from $6 per day to $20 per day. The ordinance as written by City Attorney Kevin Murphy also includes a fee of $50 charged for the impoundment of horse, cows or pigs, per head. Commissioners also approved engaging Lewis and Associates of Hollywood, Fla., to represent the city in the area of cable television permit fee compliance verification covering the period of four years, from Jan. 1, 1996 through Dec. 31, 1999. The city will also provide a concept of a skate park built on city owned property to be chosen from a list of city properties available. Main proposals for the park would be to have adequate lighting, accessibility for the general public, parking area, and restroom facilities. Proposed areas that were chosen earlier were already committed or had areas of drainage that would not allow proper use of the facility sought by those represented by the Park and Recreation Board. Three rezoning requests were approved by the commission. They were: •A tract of land located at 3510 “AA” Street from R-1 single family residential to RMHP. •Real property located at 413 East Emporia Avenue, from R-1 single family residential to R-3, multi-family residential. •A tract of land located in the 3600 block of B, C and D Streets from R-1, single family residential to RMHP. The consent agenda was approved as presented and includes granting of $2,040 to the K-9 Dog Training Club to be used for promoting and advertising the Obedience and Agility Trials to be held April 29-30. Also approved on the consent agenda was a resolution designating certain city employees as purchasing officers. And, authorization was given for the mayor to sign the lease agreement between the city and Ponca Bowmen Inc. for the Archery Range from Feb. 1, 2000 to the last day of January 2002. A change order for the new No. 1 Fire Station amounting to $11,004.80 was approved. Also, authorization was given for M.L. Young Construction Corporation to act as agent for the city in the Lake Ponca Dam spillway improvements project. Commissioners also approved the Ponca City Utility Authority consent agenda, allowing release of funds for the Airport Industrial Park water pump station enhancements project to Ratliff Inc., amounting to $142,238.75 and a payment request to Bluestem Construction Inc. for work performed on the Overbrook Avenue sanitary sewer repair project amounting to $42,322.50. The PCUA also approved a contract with Camp Dresser and McKee Inc. for the completion of preliminary engineering design study/report for the extension and expansion of water distribution system to serve the new Conoco Carbon Fiber Plant in the amount of $21,000. Kay County Patriots Review Kansan Information on ZoningDwight Burneson of Wichita, Kan., provided what might have been the highlight of the Kay County Patriots meeting held at Conestoga Restaurant west of Tonkawa on Saturday. A Wichita and Sedgwick County group Burneson is part of has been challenging zoning regulations in unincorporated areas of the county. After researching Kansas statutory mandates, they composed a letter that framed several questions for the Sedgwick County board of commissioners. The commissioners turned the questions over to the county attorney, who responded with a letter stating that the county does not have to comply with Kansas statutes. The letter was circulated so individuals in the predominately Oklahoma group could see the bizarre claim. Dan Meador of Ponca City gave the major part of the program, which included updates on new research and litigation in various parts of the country, Y2000 objectives for the Meador Legal Fund and the three Oklahoma constitutionalist groups, and an overview of application of statutory authority for any given government. Report updates included notice from David Bosset, president of Bosset Marketing of Clearwater, Fla., that companies in two other U.S. internal revenue districts have successfully employed his strategy to check their corporations and employees out of the Federal income tax system. The Bosset approach is based on gross income source criteria. Thurston Bell of California, Larken Rose of Pennsylvania, and various others are credited with foundation research that determines proper application of Subtitle A income tax authority. Meador also accounted for research in the last week to ten days that clarifies proper application of Federal personnel and Social Security tax authority in Subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code. Most of the program was dedicated to teaching elements and use of the syllogism to present administrative and judicial positions. The syllogism is the basic construct of formal deductive logic. Meador used a set of three concentric circles to demonstrate elements necessary to prove government agency or judicial venue and jurisdiction. Primary objectives for the three Oklahoma groups operating under umbrella identification as Oklahoma Constitutional Advocates will be production and distribution of nontechnical pamphlet-sized booklets and audio and videotapes suited for mainstream Americans who may not presently be versed in constitutional issues. Tim McCrory of Blackwell verified that the Y2000 prospectus has been posted on the Law Research & Registry web site. (www.LawResearch-Registry.org). Meador said that there should be a simple giveaway newsletter available to the three Oklahoma groups some time in March. The next Kay County Patriots meeting will be 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Conestoga Restaurant, located west of Ponca City and Tonkawa at the U.S. 60 and Interstate 35 junction, Exit 214. The next open Oklahoma City meeting will be Saturday, Feb. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Skyline Restaurant, located east of Interstate 35 on Southeast 15th Street. The next open Tulsa group meeting is Friday evening, Feb. 25, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Hardesty Library in southeast Tulsa. Informational Amtrak Meeting Set ThursdaySen. Paul Muegge has announced there will be an informational meeting held for interested parties concerning support for future expansion of Amtrak services through Northern Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m., Thursday at the Walcher Center in Tonkawa on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College. Muegge said, “As you may know, adequate rail lines are currently in place for service to be extended north from Oklahoma City to intersect existing service in Newton, Kan. “Communities along these existing lines stand to benefit in numerous ways, therefore the public’s participation and support will be essential.” DEATHSAlfred William Darwin Alfred William DarwinBLACKWELL — Alfred William “Al” Darwin, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday evening, Feb. 12, 2000, in Tonkawa. He was 69. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. The Chikaskia Lodge 109 will perform Masonic rites at the cemetery. Alfred William “Al” Darwin was born on April 17, 1930, in Killdeer, Dunn County, N.D., the son of Theodore William and Rose Louise (Kukla) Darwin. He grew up on the family ranch near Killdeer and attended rural schools, completing his education by correspondence. He then worked on his father’s ranch before joining the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean War, Following his discharge, he moved to Kansas City, Mo., and attended Universal Technical School where he studied electronics. While in school, he worked as an apprentice for one year at AALCO Electronics Service in Kansas City. He then furthered his education by taking correspondence courses through the University of Kansas. He moved to Blackwell in September of 1953 and established Al’s TV and Repair Service, which he currently owned and operated. He married Marian Hutcheson on Aug. 15, 1954, in Blackwell. He was a lifetime member of the Blackwell VFW. His memberships also included the Chikaskia Lodge 109, Akdar Shrine and the 32nd Degree Mason in Guthrie as well as the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 51. He was affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell and was active in the Blackwell Junior Chamber of Commerce and then the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce. He also was appointed by President Gerald Ford to serve on the Kay County Selective Service Board. Survivors include his wife of the home; his mother of Killdeer, N.D.; two daughters, Susan Croasdale of Oklahoma City, and Sara Darwin of Fort Worth, Texas; his son, Alfred W. Darwin of Owasso; three sisters, Evelyn Opsal of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Phyllis Mittelstedt of Portland. Ore., and Delores Stroh of Helena, Mont.; two brothers, Edward Darwin of Killdeer, N.D., and Teddy Darwin of Cassellton, N.D.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Casket bearers will be Jim Booth, Garry Gibson, Max Ebert, Charles Inmon, Dennis Coufal and Warren White. Honorary casket bearers will be Jim Tickel, Bill McKenzie, Aubrey Kelle, Leroy Ray, Bobby Williamson, T.C. Bonner, Roy Lively, Jack Jeffries, Chuck Sprague, Charlie Lucas, Louis Gose, Raymond Simons, Bill Massey and Jon Anderson. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First Presbyterian Church — Goodland Boys Home, Bridge and “A” Street, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. Leona J. TannerFAIRFAX — Leona J. Tanner, longtime Fairfax resident, died Sunday morning, Feb. 13, 2000, at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa. She was 62. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax. Leona J. Tanner was born June 1, 1937, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Martin Haynes and Leona (Walker) Haynes. She attended and graduated from Calumet High School in Chicago. On May 5, 1959, she married Irvin E. Tanner in Chicago. The couple moved to Ralston in June of 1967 and to Fairfax in 1979. After her husband passed away, she attended and graduated from Pioneer Area Vo-tech where she became an LPN and was employed by Fairfax Manor Nursing Home. She was a member of the Nursing Association and she enjoyed caring for the elderly, spending time with her grandchildren, woodworking and crafts, and collecting Santa Clauses. Survivors include three daughters, Catherine Hall of Ralston, Linda Eileen Tanner-Moody of Fairfax, and Leona Lillian Richardson of Hulbert; six sisters, Daisy Wolfe of Warsaw, Tenn., Eileen Edwards of Carlsbad, N.M., Evelyn Styx of Inverness, Fla., Marion Mitch of Carlsbad, N.M., Betty Bouck of Phoenix, Ariz., and Laverne Harris of Carlsbad, N.M.; one brother, Bob Haynes of Oaklawn, Ill.; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Howard Haynes and Ross Haynes. Casket bearers will be Lloyde Kendrick, Ted Smith, Barney Moore, Caleb Kennedy, Royce Bradsher and Bill Bennett. Services PendingEugene D. SmithEugene D. Smith, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 92. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Francis J. FultonFrancis J. Fulton, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, at Westminster Village. He was 93. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Jennie Lee JonesGUTHRIE — Jennie Lee Hamand Jones, longtime resident of the Newkirk and Ponca City area, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, in the Logan Hospital in Guthrie. She was 93. Local survivors include a daughter, Jessie Irene Piel. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Guthrie. Scott Alan BrownfieldScott Alan Brownfield, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Feb. 14, 2000, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 30. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFSLunch in Kaw City — The Kaw City First Christian Church is holding an all you can eat lunch (chili, Frito pie, stew, dessert and drink) for $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 and under, on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Also a bake sale and crafts will be available. All proceeds go to finish the new parking lot at the church. Everyone is invited to attend. 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. 765-9689. adv. Serving in South Carolina — Army Pvt. Cresta R. Hockert has entered basic military training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the eight weeks of training, the soldier will study the Army mission and will receive instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history and traditions, and special training in human relations. Hockert is the daughter of Robin J. and Ponca C. Warrior, 727 South Albany in Ponca City. 50% Off Sale! Five tables of sale items. See are new antique shipment. Christy’s 3005 N. 14th. adv. Daffodil Days — The deadline for ordering flowers for the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days is noon Thursday, Feb. 17. For ordering call 765-9913 or 762-5889. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 10:16 a.m. Monday that a large grass fire was burning at the fifth house past McCord Road. The McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded and information was logged that the fire had been knocked down at 10:31 a.m., and that firefighters were hitting hot spots of the area. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue at 12:01 p.m. Monday that a 27-year-old woman was being held on two city warrants for failure to appear. Accident — The Communications Center received several 911 calls at 12:28 p.m. Monday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street. Cellular Phone Found — A man from the 800 block of East Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:37 p.m. Monday that a cellular phone had been found. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Theft — A man from the 300 block of East Emporia Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:06 p.m. Monday that a cat trap had been stolen. Animal Control was notified to handle the situation. Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:13 p.m. Monday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 29-year-old man was held for petit larceny. Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 3:50 p.m. Monday that a two-vehicle accident, with one overturned in a ditch had occurred three miles west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified. Information was logged that no one was injured and all were out of the vehicles. Theft — A person from the 500 block of Virginia Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:03 p.m. Monday that carpenter tools had been stolen from a work site on Virginia Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:04 p.m. Monday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 15-year-old boy was held for petit larceny and later released on a promise to appear. Trash Blowing — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:16 p.m. Monday that someone had put property out on a lawn in the 400 block of South Palm Street and trash from the property was blowing. Information was logged that a citation was issued. Bicycle Abandoned — A man from the 2700 block of McKinnley Place reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:23 p.m. Monday that a bicycle had been abandoned on the front porch. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Theft — A clerk at a business firm in the 1500 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department that two men had taken an item without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Theft — A woman from the 700 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:33 p.m. Monday that a bicycle had been stolen from the residence. Information was logged. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue at 5:56 p.m. Monday that a 46-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. Youngster Treed — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 6:08 p.m. Monday that some dogs had forced a juvenile up a tree in the 1900 block of North Fifth Street. An officer was assigned, got the juvenile down, and Animal Control responded. It was logged the owner of the dogs signed them over to Animal Control to take care of. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1300 block of North Ash Street at 9:36 p.m. Monday that a 21-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue at 2:14 a.m. Tuesday that a 47-year-old man was being held for DUI, failure to obey a traffic device and driving under suspension. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Need Assistance — The News Briefs column is the place for any item. Call 765-3311. LIFESTYLESThe Neighborhood Chef The Neighborhood ChefLooking for an Old Favorite?by Sherry Muchmore Last week I received a call from Janet of Red Rock, who was looking for a recipe for Orange Slice Cake (recipe below). She also wanted to know where she could find the recipe for a cheese soup containing an assortment of vegetables with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots that she’d eaten while attending a Land of Country craft show several years ago. That same afternoon I was sitting in a committee meeting and asked the ladies if they knew about this soup. Sure enough, everyone knew of it. Its called California Medley and is purchased frozen in bulk through Jeff Denton of the Ponca City Schools. When I spoke with Jeff, he said this soup would be easy to replicate. It is prepared by adding the above vegetables into a simple cream base. If anyone out there has a good recipe for your version of California Medley, please let us hear from you. Orange Slice Cake1 cup butter or margarine, softened (2 sticks) 2 cups sugar 4 eggs, beaten 1 pound orange slice candy, cut in thirds 8 ounce flaked coconut (2 cups) 1 8-ounce package pitted dates, chopped 2 cups chopped pecans (can use 1 cup black walnuts for part of the nuts) 2-3 teaspoons grated orange rind 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup buttermilk (several variations had buttermilk from 1/2 to 1 cup - but most were 1/2 cup) 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups flour Place 1/2 cup of the flour in a large bowl, add orange slices, dates, nuts, coconut and orange rind and toss mixture. Set aside. In another large bowl cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating till each is incorporated in batter. Mix the soda into the buttermilk and add to the egg mixture. Stir in the salt and flour. When this is all well blended, stir in the candy, nut, dates and coconut flour mixture. Bake at 300 degrees for approximately 1 to 2 hours in a greased and floured tube or 12-cup Bundt pan or 3 loaf pans. Make one of the following glazes by bringing the ingredients to boil in a sauce pan over medium heat. Boil until all sugar is dissolved. Poke holes in the cake and pour over the cake while both are still hot. Let the glaze soak into the cake overnight. Glaze I 1 cup orange juice 2 cups powdered sugar (can substitute with cup granulated sugar) Glaze II 1/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 butter ( stick) 1/4 cup granulated sugar Optional: Add orange liqueur to taste after glaze has boiled and removed from heat. Leslie says this is one of her son’s favorite and most asked for meals. He loved this as a child and makes it for himself as an adult. Something said for good old home cooking when a gourmet cook such as John, Jr. still loves the down home goodness from Mom. Upside Down PizzaLeslie Rardin, Ponca City, OK Filling: 1 pound ground beef 2 cups Ragu Spaghetti Sauce 1 small can mushroom pieces 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, in slices Topping: 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Lightly grease with baking spray a 9 x 13 baking dish. In a medium size skillet, brown the ground beef and pour off grease. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and mushroom pieces and pour into your prepared dish. Next evenly place cheese slices over the meat mixture. Prepare topping by combining eggs, milk, oil, salt and flour in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and pour over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake in a 425 degree oven until puffy for 25 to 30 minutes. Approximately 6 servings Note: This is one of those recipes that can be personalized by adding onion, bell pepper, jalapenos or anything you might fancy to the meat mixture. Use your favorite spaghetti sauce, spice it up or tone it down; all up to your imagination. What a dream. A subtle though rich flavor combined with such a creamy-moist texture. Each bite a delight. The following recipe gives you two varieties to try, one using Honey Nut Cream Cheese with almond extract flavoring, the other original with vanilla flavoring. Both are delicious. And, along the way, we found a chocolate version. You wont go wrong with any of them. This combination of ingredients is sometimes called a Neiman Marcus Cake. Cream Cheese CakeSuzanne Zanardi Mix and press into the bottom of an oil sprayed 9 x 13 pan: 1 package Yellow Butter Cake Mix 1 stick butter or margarine (softened)( 1/2 cup) 2 eggs, slightly beaten Combine, mix and spread over above layer: 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened) (Substitute with: Honey Nut Cream Cheese in the tub) 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 pound box Powdered Sugar (reserve about 1/2 cup to sprinkle over hot cake) 1 teaspoon vanilla (Substitute with: Almond Extract) Sprinkle the nuts over the cream cheese layer: 1/2 cup chopped pecans Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Sift the reserved cup powdered sugar over the cake hot from the oven. Cream Cheese Chocolate Cake1 box chocolate cake mix 1 stick butter or margarine ( 1/2 cup), softened 2 eggs, slightly beaten Press into pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped pecans or peanuts. Mix and spread the following over the nuts: 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened) 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 pound box Powdered Sugar (reserve about cup to sprinkle over hot cake) 1 teaspoon vanilla Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 cup chocolate mini-chips over cream cheese mixture and more nuts, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Sift the reserved cup powdered sugar over the cake hot from the oven. Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.) Use Leftover Ham To Make Hearty Soups, Stews and Various BreadsSoups and stews served with hearty breads are a great way to use up leftovers. The following recipes have been provided by The Honeybaked Ham Company. Cauliflower, Cheddar and Ham (or Turkey) Chowder2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 1 /2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 2 cups cauliflower, cut into small pieces 2 cups water 1/4cup butter 1/4cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 cups ham, chopped or 2 cups roasted turkey breast, chopped salt and pepper to taste In a medium saucepan, sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in the olive oil until tender. Add the cauliflower and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the vegetables to a blender or food processor and puree. Return the puree to the pot and stir well. In another large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for 3 minutes. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly. Stir and cook until bubbly and thick. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Add the cooked vegetables and the chopped ham or turkey and heat gently while stirring. Adjust the seasonings and serve hot. Serves four. Potato, Roasted Garlic and Ham Bisque1 head garlic 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, chopped 1 baking potato, peeled and diced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme 3 cups chicken broth 1 10 oz. can nonfat evaporated milk 2 cups ham, chopped 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped salt and pepper, to taste Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the top 1/4 off of the head of garlic and rub with the olive oil. Wrap the entire head in aluminum foil and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly and unwrap. Squeeze garlic from the head and mash with a fork. Set aside. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in the butter until tender. Add the potatoes and thyme and cook for I minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until potatoes are very tender. In batches, puree the potato mixture in a blender or food processor and return to the pot. Add the nonfat evaporated milk and the ham and heat gently. Adjust the seasonings. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley. Ham and Crushed Lentil Soup2 tablespoons olive oil 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 1 leek, white end only, sliced and washed well 2 garlic cloves, minced 12 ounce can diced tomatoes, with juices 3 cups chicken broth 1 cup red lentils, washed and carefully picked over 1/2 teaspoon oregano 2 cups ham, chopped salt and pepper to taste In a large saucepan, sauté the carrots, celery, onion and leek in the olive oil until tender. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the lentils and oregano and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Using a potato masher, crush the lentils and vegetables slightly to thicken the soup. Add the ham and heat through. Adjust the seasonings and serve hot. Harvest Pumpkin and Ham Stew1/4 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 cup tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced with juices 2 cups pumpkin, mashed, or canned puree 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup orange juice 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 2 cups ham , chopped 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked salt and pepper, to taste In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, celery and carrot in the butter until tender. Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook 1 minute. Add the pumpkin and tomato paste and cook-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and orange juice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, add the bay leaf and thyme, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Add the chopped ham and the cooked pasta and heat gently. Adjust the seasonings and serve hot in shallow bowls with crusty bread. in cellophane for gift giving. Biscuits will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Re-warm gently in a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes. Potato, Ham and Cheese Scones2 potatoes, large, peeled 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1 cup flour 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded 1 cup ham, finely chopped Boil the potatoes until tender and drain well. Push the potatoes through a seive or a ricer into a bowl. Season with salt and beat in the butter. Gradually and gently mix in the flour until just incorporated. Add the ham and cheese. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 thickness and cut into 21/2 rounds, squares or triangles. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add I teaspoon of vegetable oil. Cook the scones for 2-3 ) minutes per side until golden. Serve warm or cool and wrap in cellophane tied with a ribbon for gift giving. Scones will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes before serving. Ham and Herb Pinwheel Bread1 package frozen bread dough, thawed according to directions 2 eggs 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 cup ham , chopped salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil Thaw the bread dough and allow to rise in a large greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size. In a large bowl combine the eggs, cheese, herbs and garlic and combine well. Add the ham and mix again. Season and set aside. Punch down the dough and knead gently a few times. Roll the dough into a long, narrow rectangle, approximately 6xI5- inches on a lightly floured surface. Brush the dough with olive oil and spread the herb and ham mixture down the center. Roll up tightly, jelly-roll style, and place the roll seam side down on a baking sheet. Cover the roll with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake the roll in a 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly and slice warm or cool completely and wrap in cellophane for gift giving. Bread will keep 3-4 days in refrigerator. Pumpkin and Ham Buttermilk Biscuits1/4 cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, canned 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 1/2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 pinch salt 1 cup ham, finely chopped 1 tablespoon butter, melted for glaze 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl and stir in the pumpkin. Add the egg and buttermilk and beat well. Sift the dry ingredients together and add to the creamed mixture, folding gently. Add the chopped ham and scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round and, with a floured 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut as many rounds as you can out of the dough. Place the rounds on an ungreased baking sheet and brush each with the melted butter. Sprinkle the parmesan over the tops and bake the biscuits in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes until golden and springy. Serve warm with honey. Serves 6. Confetti Corn and Ham Muffins1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2cups milk 1/4cup vegetable oil 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon honey 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup corn kernels 4-ounce can green chilies, drained and chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 cup ham, finely chopped Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the milk, oil, egg, and honey until well blended. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients Just until mixed. Fold in the cheese, corn, green chilies, red bell peppers and ham. Spoon the batter into 12 greased muffin tins and bake for 20-23 minutes until golden and puffy. Cool slightly and serve warm with butter. BUSINESSPioneer Tech Program Offers Opportunity to Start Business Pioneer Tech Program Offers Opportunity to Start BusinessBy Janet L. Taber Pioneer Technology Center So you want to go into business for yourself and you think you have a service or product that will go over well, but how do you get started? A lot of people have found a good place to start is the Business and Industry Services (BIS) division at Pioneer Technology Center. Programs like Self-employment Training (SET) and Small Business Management (SBM) offer a variety of services for individuals who want to start and operate a small to mid-size business. “Operating your very own business can be a great experience, but it can also be very frustrating if you don’t know what all is involved,” said Pam Dickerson, SBM Coordinator. Arnos Landers, Landers Window and Exterior Cleaning owner, said he didn’t when he decided to open a window cleaning business in 1990. “Since it was my first time to own a business, I wanted to start out part-time," said Landers. “There was so much to learn about operating a business, that I decided to enroll in the SET program with Larry Atteberry. That is where I learned how to actually get started. After getting my feet on the ground, I then moved on to the SBM program with Pam Dickerson.” Today, Landers Window and Exterior Cleaning Company cleans thermal pane, storm windows, and French windows. Landers also specializes in glass restoration and in addition to that include gutter, masonry, cement brick, fence, deck, and awning and power washing. He offers flexible monthly or yearly scheduling for residential, commercial, and high rise. In the SBM program, Landers receives training and one-on-one assistance. He, along with his staff, has access to lecture sessions and training for a yearly fee of $150. Some of the session topics include marketing, customer service, retirement planning, drug and alcohol detection skills, front desk security, advertising, small business taxes, workers compensation, and collections. “Although my business is doing good, I still want the expertise and ongoing support that is given through the SBM program,” said Landers. The SBM program gives me the option to pick and choose what classes and workshops pertain to my business. “With my business gearing up for a $200,000 expansion, I felt it was very important for my employees to go through the customer service training that Pam’s program was offering. The SBM program provides a lot of flexibility and really works to my advantage.” Landers is a member of the International Window Cleaning Association, [IWCA] where he is working to promote membership within the association. Right now, he is working with teammate, Doug Robinson, from Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. in helping him get a good start with his new business. The two were paired together because of the size of their businesses and services they offer. “One of the first things I recommended to Doug was to stay involved with the vocational technical school in his area,” said Landers. “They can really help you and the success of your business. Besides keeping you current on licenses and tax laws, they can provide you access to a variety of workshops, seminars, and services throughout the year. I even told him about the Bid Assistance program that I also rely on as a resource for bidding on federal, state, city, county, and private sector contracts. A neat thing about the Bid Assistance program is that the coordinator, Teresa Smith will send me a detailed profile of potential bids that are out there. My wife Pat will be working more with Teresa as soon as our expansion gets under way.” All of the services and most of the classes and workshops offered by the SBM are available for $150 a year. With the recent addition of the new BISeminars series, clients can send themselves, along with all of their employees, to a variety of computer and lecture courses by paying a flat fee. The cost of the BISeminars program is $200 for a semester or $300 for the fall and spring semesters. Most of the SBM seminars and assistance take place at PTC, but Dickerson will also visit clients at their businesses. For more information and assistance on starting a new business or small to mid-size business, call (580)762-8336, ext. 275. Workforce Development Council To Allow PC DestinyBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor “It will let us take charge of our own destiny,” Jan Jarrett, Executive of Ponca City’s economic development,” said at the meeting of the Local Workforce Development Council. Ken King, technical consultant for the Workforce initiative northern region, was the speaker for the meeting held last Tuesday at the Program Room of the Municipal Library. The welcome was given by Mayor Tom Leonard, who acknowledged there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get the program to this stage. Kay and Noble counties were defined as the local labor market. Ponca City is the lead city in this endeavor. King said that Oklahoma is the only state in the nation with this type of council. He said the Local Workforce Development Councils, in the Oklahoma Model, focus on creating systems that align people with employment opportunities. King explained that the focus is local because employment opportunities exist in local markets, there is less bureaucracy, the system is more agile and adaptive, service providers are local and the ownership of opportunity and solution. Serving locally are Linda Brown, Garry England, Roger Shelton, Tom Quillin, Debbie Fralix, Cheri Vassar, Iris Wehrle, Maxine Richards, Sally Downey, Mary Scott, Dr. Joe Kinzer and Jarrett. A number of others were present at the meeting. A local board is in the process of being appointed. A number of representatives from industry, business and industry were in attendance. Those involved as service providers are Workfoce Investment Act [WIA] Title 1, employment security, human services, local education entities, vocational rehabilitation, adult basic education, and national programs. The industry sectors include, manufacturing, services, transportation, communications and utilities, finance, insurance and real estate, mining, construction, agriculture, wholesale trade, retail trade and government entities. The state has created a centrally guided but locally focused governance structure for this new workforce development system. The Oklahoma Workforce Development board, with its mandated majority being business leaders, had been created to advise Gov. Frank Keating on the creation of this locally focused system. Units of general local government, individually or in consortia, have sought designation as having been appointed the local councils, which have the strategic responsibilities for the design of the Local Workforce Development system in that area. Responsibilities of the Local Workforce Development Council are to collect and analyze local labor market data; document resources available to support employer workforce needs; develop a local workforce development system plan; oversee the implementation of the new local workforce system; measure system partners performance related to the plan; develop and oversee the budget for the local workforce system; provide input into the selection of local workforce center operator; guide selection of WIA Title 1 Service Provider in the local labor market; negotiate and ensure the meeting of local performance measures and coordinate with the local economic development strategy. OSU-Tulsa Business Forum Speaker NamedTULSA — Harvey Mackay, New York Times best selling business author is the guest speaker for the second Oklahoma State University Tulsa Business Forum set for Thursday. Mackay will speak at a luncheon at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. A nationally syndicated columnist, Mackay is one of America’s most popular and entertaining business speakers. He was a key player in bringing the 1992 Super Bowl to Minneapolis. Best sellers include “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” and “Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt.” Sponsored by the Oklahoma State University college of business administration, the forum is a sold out event with over 850 participants. Since 1987, it has brought prominent national and international figures to Tulsa as a part of a joint effort between the academic and business communities. Mackay’s first two books have been translated into 35 languages and distributed in 80 counties. Both books, besides being number one best sellers, were listed by the Times among the top 15 inspirational business books of all time. His third book, “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need,” made the New York Times bestseller list 12 days after its release. Mackay’s most recent book, “Pushing the Envelope,” cracked the New York Times top 10 list after its released in January 1999. Mackay, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executives Program is Chairman and CEO of Mackay Envelope Corporation, an $85 million company he founded when he was 26. Along with his role in bringing the 1992 Super Bowl to the Twin Cities area, he helped obtain an NBA franchise, the Minnesota Timberwolves and was pivotal in getting the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome built and helped to bring in Lou Holtz to coach the University of Minnesota’s football team. The final speaker in this year’s Tulsa Business Forum series, is Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives on April 12. Notes/QuotesMorton Attends Travel ConferenceKate Morton, Prime Time Director of Pioneer Bank and Trust, recently attended BankTravel 2000 National Conference for Bank Senior Program Directors, held in Gatlinburg, Tenn. While at BankTravel 2000, Kate Morton attended professional seminars on database management, escorting tour groups, customer program options, marketing and other topics. Delegates also took part in Meet the Banker, a computerized travel market place for bankers, and BankTravel’s Bankers Electronic Response Forum, a research program that yields national data on bank travel programs across the nation. Istook Honors Hobby Lobby OwnersWASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Ernest Istook recently congratulated Oklahomans David and Barbara Green, owners of the Hobby Lobby stores, for their leadership in honoring the Ten Commandments. The Greens were honored by the National Clergy Council in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. for their principled decision to close the doors of their chain of over 200 stores on Sundays. The closings risk the loss of tens of millions of dollars from Sunday sales, but permit employees to focus that day on families and their lives. ProCuts Aids Leukemia SocietyProCuts hair shop in Ponca City are offering customers a free NBA-regulation basketball as an incentive to support a fund raising drive for the Leukemia Society of America. ProCuts will donate 50 cents for each basketball that is sold or given away during its “Slam Dunk” promotion, which runs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 26. Pipe Liners MeetTULSA — Edward Wiegele, Vice President of Business Development for the Pipeline Division of M.J. Harden Associates, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., will be the guest speaker for the Monday meeting of the Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa. He will present a program about pipeline Geographic Information Systems. The social hour begins at 5:15 p.m., dinner at 6:15 followed by the program. Reservations should be made no later than noon Friday by calling (918) 585 -9121. Pioneer Tech Offers Programs On TECHknow Night ThursdayIf you are interested in a new career, additional job training or college credit, then visit Pioneer Technology Center's (PTC) TECHknow Night Feb. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Instructors from all of the daytime programs will be available to answer questions about program requirements, career opportunities, and potential job earnings. The daytime programs include business technology, construction trades, cosmetology, childcare, electronics, health science technology I &II, medical assisting, practical nursing, respiratory care, marketing, machine tool, welding, transportation technology, horticulture, and food service. Two new programs being considered for next school year at PTC are the Microcomputer Systems Engineer (MCSE) and the Heating and Air Conditioning program. An instructor or representative is scheduled to discuss the new curriculum and certifications that will accompany these programs. Consortium representative, Mary Jo Crawford, will be available to answer the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why” of earning college credit at PTC. Crawford will also have information available about the current articulation agreements with Cowley County Community College (CCCC), Oklahoma State University (OSU)-Okmulgee campus, and Northern Oklahoma College (NOC). The articulation process, which links a vocational-technical and college course, is available in all of the PTC daytime programs. The Career Counseling Center (CCC) will be open for parents, students, and even eighth graders who are interested in finding out about admission requirements, career plans, career counseling, tuition, financial aid, and scholarships. Special support programs that will be on hand include the adult short-term training program, Adult Basic Education/GED program, New Beginning, Supported Employment, Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance (NOCA), and Project Share. For more information about this free and open to the public event, please contact Janet Taber at 762-8336, ext. 225 or Vicki Mallory at 762-8336, ext. 300. Ponca Citian Promoted District Leader in Primerica ServicesMaxine Anderson has been promoted to District Leader by Primerica Financial Services. In making the announcement, John A. Addison, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Primerica, stated, “I am pleased to announce that Maxine has joined this exceptional group of leaders. Maxine’s success is a barometer of the number of people that she has helped prepare for a more secure financial future and that’s what we’re all about. “Thanks to dedicated professionals like Anderson, Primerica is an industry leader, providing real financial solutions to more than three million families across North America.” While Anderson is elated by this honor, she added that what she really enjoyed about Primerica is that she has helped her family financially by showing other families how to do the same. “It is gratifying to be a part of something that can really help people achieve financial security,” said Anderson. Her local office is located at 205 North Third. Primerica is North America’s largest financial services marketing organization with approximately 140,000 representatives. Primerica serves over 3.5 million families, offering a variety of financial solutions, including debt consolidation loans, life insurance, long term care insurance, mutual funds and variable annuities. Primerica and its affiliates are subsidiaries of Citigroup, a global leader in financial services, providing a broad array of products and services to 100 million consumers through operations in 100 countries. New Business Is Real Colors PhotographyA new business located at 118 North Second is Real Colors Photography, owned by Gary and Nadine Owen. Nadine has been a free lance photographer for five years. She began by photographing her daughter Angela. She specializes in photographing women and girls and feels her best work is portrait photography. She has displayed her work at the Art Center and has photographs in the Kaw Lake flyer. She won Editor’s Choice award from the International Library of Photography and has done photography at Ponca Playhouse Productions. Owen is active in church and is a strong supporter of animal right. Her photographs have also won state photogenic and profoio awards. Gary has worked for Conoco for 25 years and enjoys sport photography. He has photographed high school football and basketball games. He won Editor’s Choice award for outstanding achievement and is published in Dreams to Remember. He is active in the Playhouse and is a church elder. Hiring Tips Set For Breakfast Of Champions“Tips on How to Hire Employees for the Long Term,” will be the subject of the Feb. 24 Breakfast of Champions, according to Debbi Weatherly, chairman of the “Give Ponca the Business” Retail Committee. Members of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and their employees are invited. A panel discussion is to be held with representatives from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Personnel Staffing, Inc., and Temporary Personnel, Inc. The event is slated at Golden Corral, 2300 North Fourteenth, with breakfast being served beginning at 7:15 a.m., followed by the program at 7:30. Admission is $5 per person and includes breakfast bar, juice and coffee. Reservations are required and will be taken on a first come basis. For reservations call 765-4400. Advance Planning Session To Be Held By Main Street GroupMichele Jean, executive director of Ponca City Main Street Authority, announces an “Advance Planning” session scheduled for March 1 from 9 a.m., to 1 p.m., at the Ponca City Main Street Authority office. The group will come together to set long and short range goals ensuring the continued revitalization of the heart of Ponca City, an ongoing and vital process, according to Jean. Jim Watters from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Main Street Division will facilitate discussion to cover a variety of subjects. These include identifying and analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and also the driving forces, and discussing “macros” of the organization including, demographics, economics, political factors, technological factors and others. For more information contact Jean at 763-8082. SPORTSLady Mavericks Are Now Even In Conference Lady Mavericks Are Now Even In ConferenceALTUS — Northern Oklahoma’s Lady Mavericks are now even in Bi-State Conference Western Division (3-3) and have a chance to finish the regular season at near .500. An 80-76 win over Western Monday night, pushed the Lady Mavs to 12-15 on the year with two home games remaining — against Seminole this Thursday and against Eastern the following Thursday. In Monday’s game, the weary NOC women grabbed a 44-34 halftime lead and then had to fight off Western down the stretch. “This was our third game in five days,” NOC coach Greg Krause noted, “and its a four hour trip to Altus. We weren’t able to use our starters as long as we usually do.” However, the Ladies’ bench proved to be enough as a total of 10 players reached the scoreboard. Morrison freshman Lindsey Shiever came through to pace the Lady Mavericks with 19 points. “That’s her second good game in a row,” Krause said of his 5-8 guard. Newkirk sophomore Suzi Eisenhauer was also in double figures with 13 points while Chenise Robinson, Oklahoma City sophomore, had 12 and Oklahoma City freshman, La Queisha Dickerson had 11. B.J. Homer, Moore freshman, finished with nine points while Pawnee freshman, Reva Howell had six; Red Rock freshman Denise Jake three; Drummond sophomore Stacie Scott three; Deidra Dick, a freshman from Cordell, two and Tia Andrew, Oklahoma City freshman two. Northern built a 15-point lead early in the second half but then Western came back, tying the score at 68. From there it was a battle down to the wire. A number of the good Northern plays didn’t show up in the score book, according to Krause. “We were up by three when Homer blocked a 3-point shot and we got the ball.” the coach recalled “Then we were nursing a two-point lead and had just missed two free throws, but Dickerson went up and got the offensive rebound.” Thursday’s game with Seminole is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in Foster-Piper Field House, with the men’s game to follow at 8. Lady Wildcats Try To Extend Winning WaysBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Lady Wildcat coach Dana Pulley insists she hasn’t found a shooting pill. But suddenly the Po-Hi girls, whose shooting average for much of the season was anemic, are suddenly shooting in the 40 percent range. That has helped them win three of their last five games. The Lady Cats have hit their stride at just the right time. Now 5-15 overall and 4-10 in Frontier Conference play, they close out the regular season at home this week, playing Broken Arrow tonight and hosting Stillwater on Friday. Then its on to the regional playoffs. The Poncans have had to reset their sights in post season play. At first scheduled to play Tahlequah (17-2) in the first round on Feb. 24, the Lady Wildcats are now pitted against Jenks (also 17-2). Despite the longer trip to Tahlequah, Pulley wishes the OSSAA had left thing as they were. The OSSAA computer originally had Jenks ranked No. 1 in the east region with Jenks N. 2. They later reversed that seeding. Both are good teams, but Pulley feels her girls would just as soon see a new face (Tahlequah) in the playoffs. “We haven’t played Tahlequah and we have lost three time to Jenks,” Pulley notes. Another drawback is that Jenks knows well what the Ponca Citians do, “and how to beat it,” Pulley said. The Po-Hi coach is also somewhat unhappy that the OSSAA set the deadline last week for records to be used in the seeding. She points out that hurts teams who come together late — like her team appears to be doing. However, the Cats must concentrate on first things first. To continue their roll, the Ladies will have to beat two good teams this week. Broken Arrow is 14-6 overall, 9-5 in the conference with the top offense in the league. The Lady Tigers are averaging 58 points a game. Despite the recent surge, the Lady Cats are scoring at a 38-points-per-game pace. Stillwater (10-8, 6-6) is scoring 48.2 points an outing. The boys’ game tonight finds the Wildcats trying to find their track. At 6-14, 3-11, the Po-Hi boys would like to get something going before starting the playoffs against Tulsa Union on Feb. 25. Both game this week are winable. BA is 11-9 overall and 7-7 in the conference. Stillwater is only slightly better at 12-6, 7-5.
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