LOCAL

Teachers Have Their Say
Legislature Approves Teacher Raise
Marland Estate Panel Receives Several Good News Fund Items
Band Performs on Friday
Pioneer Tech Information Is Noon Lions Program
American Legion Post 14 to Honor Marine Corps
Voter Registration Deadline Friday for Municipal Election
Letter - Time for Legislators To Do Their Job
Letter - Not Everybody Agrees with Fred

Teachers Have Their Say

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

OKLAHOMA CITY — They came from all parts of Oklahoma — the Panhandle city of Guymon, tiny southeastern Atoka and even Ponca City. They carried signs and sang chants, proclaiming “Put Education First.”

Nearly 17,000 Oklahoma educators, including at least 50 from Ponca City, mobbed the steps of the capitol Wednesday for the first annual “Put Education First” rally.

They carried placards stating ‘‘First in Education, Last in Funding,” ‘‘Will Work 4 Pencils’’ and “Dead Last.” They were demanding more money for technology in the classroom, school counselors and teacher salaries.

Diane Bull, marketing teacher at Ponca City High School, said local teachers were at the rally to support education.

“Oklahoma teachers, not just ones from Ponca City, are here because we care for the future of every child,” Bull explained.

Washington Elementary counselor Gini Carey agreed. “Teachers are here because [we] care. The rally isn’t strictly for salaries. All schools need more money to educate children.”

Steven Crawford, superintendent of Roff Public Schools, said the needs of educators must be met.

“Oklahoma teachers are here because we demand change,” Crawford said. “Last year, Texas received a 17.7 percent increase in education and Oklahoma only received a one percent increase.”

Crawford said several educational mandates must be met including the teacher retirement bill with a price tag of $28 million. “This is not a walk out! It’s a walk in,” he said.

Carolyn Crowder, president of the Oklahoma Education Association and head of the Oklahoma Education Coalition, said many things need to happen regarding education.

‘‘We don’t want this pay raise to be the only positive thing to happen in education in the next 10 years. It’s been 10 years since we’ve had an investment in education,’’ she said.

In 1990, House Bill 1017 raised $230 million a year in new taxes for teacher salaries and a variety of education reforms.

‘‘You can’t wait 10 years. You have to have it each and every year,’’ said Crowder, who described the rally as the ‘‘largest ever organized field trip at the Oklahoma State Capitol building.’’

Educators derided unfunded mandates in education reforms and called for changes in a reform bill passed last year, House Bill 1759, that dramatically increased high school curriculum standards.

Jo McCord, president of the Oklahoma Parent Teacher Association, said Oklahoma spends about $20,000 a year to keep each of its state prisoners behind bars, but spends only about $4,000 a year on each public school student.

‘‘We urge our state government to make children the No. 1 priority,’’ she said as teachers yelled, ‘‘Put more money in our schools!’’

Keith Ballard, executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, was heartfelt while speaking at the rally.

“Oklahoma is near the bottom in per-student expenditures. We need more programs like summer programs, alternative measures and after-school and before-school activities,” Ballard said.

He was outraged at the amount of money Oklahoma teachers are presently making. “Oklahoma is near the bottom for salaries. That is totally unacceptable,” he said.

Shortly after the rally ended, the House passed a $3,000 across-the-board pay raise by a vote of 98-1.

When the rally concluded, teachers and parents formed lines outside state senators and representatives’ offices. Many were waiting to see Rep. Bill Graves of Bethany, the lone negative vote to the pay raise bill from the House.

Governor Frank Keating, who claimed he would sign the new bill this week, was also flooded by questions from teachers.

A rival education group, the Association of Professional Oklahoma Educators, questioned the need for the rally because of the pay raise bill’s sure passage.

The group questioned holding the rally on a school day, causing unnecessary hardship on parents and children. The group also said that some teachers have been improperly pressured to attend the rally.

Teachers from Bartlesville were not permitted to attend the rally. The Board of Education voted 4-3 this week not to permit their teachers to attend.

Claremore teachers brought 450 signs to represent Bartlesville teachers with the signs saying “Wish We Were Here.”

Legislature Approves Teacher Raise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — In only its second week, the Oklahoma Legislature has passed a $167 million bill that will give each of Oklahoma’s 46,000 teachers a record $3,000 pay raise.

The salary issue was decided on Wednesday, with thousands of teachers on hand to celebrate the action.

Now the debate will shift to changes in the education system, including a drive to alter a 1999 school reform bill that many educators contend is replete with unfunded mandates.

House Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick, said approval of the bill sends a message to neighboring states that ‘‘you’re not going to be able to raid teachers from Oklahoma anymore.’’

House Bill 2563 passed the House, 98-1, as up to 17,000 teachers demonstrated on the Capitol’s south steps in a ‘‘Put Education First’’ rally that had been planned for months. The bill later passed the Senate, 47-0.

‘‘You get to make history and pass the largest teacher pay increase in state history, going back to 1907,’’ Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, said in an explanation of ‘‘a very simple, straightforward bill.’’

‘‘We’re going to stop the brain drain to Texas,’’ added Hobson, chairman of the education appropriations subcommittee.

Gov. Frank Keating, who has clashed with the state teachers’ union in the past, is urging lawmakers not to water down curriculum requirements placed in last year’s bill.

The governor will act on the bill, ‘‘as soon as possible,’’ probably by the end of the week, said John Cox, Keating’s press secretary.

Rep. Bill Graves, R-Oklahoma City, was the only lawmaker to vote against the bill. Graves said cutting taxes is the key for raising salaries of all Oklahomans, including teachers.

Marland Estate Panel Receives Several Good News Fund Items

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

The Marland Estate Commission got a lift Tuesday evening after hearing Conoco is going to renovate the Petroleum Museum, a bequest from the Madyalene Peel’s Estate, and an insurance payment for damage to the front gates of the Estate.

Other good news came with Mike Grimes representing the Ponca City National Honor Society, gave a $115 contribution back to the Marland Estate from the students. The Honor students had worked at the Gala and returned the money as a contribution.

The biggest announcement was made by Eldridge Manering, volunteer coordinator at the Petroleum Museum. He announced that Conoco wants to renovate the Museum as a part of its 125th anniversary. This was unanimously approved by the Estate Commission, chaired by Phyllis Kennedy.

Kathy Adams, executive director, announced the insurance for the truck drive, which wiped out the front gates will pay the entire $22,000 it will cost to repair the damage. She also announced that Mrs. Peel had left $10,000 to the estate.

During the committee reports, Gerald Nield said that he and Doyle Worstell are working on a budget to be submitted to the City.

Jon Kennedy reported that the work on the garage to Lydie’s cottage is moving along in the area of renovation. Heating and air-conditioning work and plastering are in the works, and a security system is expected to been installed soon. This area, which was a four-car garage and the patio in front will be rented out for functions, such as wedding receptions.

The Collections Committee Chairman Karen Furman, said the pictures of the Petroleum Hall of Fame honorees, hanging on the lower level of the Mansion, will be hung in the Petroleum Museum. Oriental rugs, which have been found in storage, will be hung on the walls of the hall.

Furman said the rattan furniture in the Mansion will be moved to Lydie’s Cottage. She told that the paintings of the late Walt Harris, which were featured in the Bicentennial “Bride of the Morning Star” video are being reassembled and displayed in the Artist Studio. She said they had consulted with Gloria Harris and Truman Smith on the matter.

Sherry Muchmore, of the Grounds Committee said that a grant for landscaping is under review by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and a representative will in Ponca City on Friday to review the matter with Candy Thomas, Ponca City grant writer.

Kennedy announced that the Marland Estate Foundation has set a meeting for April 18th. She said the Foundation expects to set goals, and discuss ways to increase funds, deferred giving and endowments.

Currently the Foundation has a balance of $56,606 and a Certificate of Deposit at $51,325.

Furman told about the Boomer Affair event slated on May 27. The event includes moving the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission [IOGCC] marker at the Pioneer Woman Museum grounds to the Marland Estate. Manering said he had made contract with IOGCC and that organization will pay the expense of moving the monument. The Foundation approved an allocation of $1,500 for the Boomer Affair, which is to include a reception and a dinner.

Adams told of items submitted on a five year capital improvement plan. She said that the television program Discover Oklahoma will be shooting at the Marland Mansion Thursday.

Band Performs on Friday

No tickets remain for tomorrow night’s one-time-only Ponca City performance of the award-winning United States Air Force Band of the West.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.

Officials directing the performance ask that all patrons attending please be seated by 7:20 p.m. They also request that any tickets not being used be returned to The Ponca City News office.

People wanting to attend who do not have tickets may be seated -- if space is available -- after 7:20 p.m.

There is no charge for admission. The program is sponsored by the News and poncacity.net.

Pioneer Tech Information Is Noon Lions Program

When the Noon Lions Club met Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the American Legion, Dr. Sally Downey of Pioneer Technology Center gave the program. Downey stated that the four program formats are short term classes (such as computer basic classes and including cyber seniors Internet classes), business industry, and services to the community and daytime programs.

Downey introduced Sallie Niemann and Angela Bradley with the TANT (Temporary Aid to Needy Family) program. TANT works with clients to help them get funding for tuition and books, and the program teaches life skills necessary to have a new beginning. The clients are limited to one year with the program.

Heather Bennett and Mike Taylor told about the new Respiratory Therapy Program, which is in its first year at the technology center. In this program, students work with the technology center and Northern Oklahoma College to become certified respiratory therapist CRT, and they are eligible to attempt the advanced level examination that will earn them the registered respiratory therapist RRT credential. This two-year program will train therapist to work with all ages from infants to the elderly. There is a great demand for these trained technicians in hospitals and clinics, and with doctors in private practice and specialty areas.

Guests included John Chatfield and student Leo, Sunita Chahar who is a junior at Po-Hi. Chahar plans to go to Rice University and become a doctor. She is a member of the swim team and the band. Planned Leo activities include providing Valentines for nursing homes, dog walking for the Humane Society, and a clothing drive for the Salvation Army.

Announcements included: a board meeting at noon Monday, Feb. 14, at Head Country, The Perkins Boys Ranch trip to deliver and set up two computers on Thursday, Feb. 10, and The Plummer Family Show on April 6 (contact John Stanley for tickets at 762-5651).

American Legion Post 14 to Honor Marine Corps

To commemorate a special, proud day in Marine Corps history, Post 14 of the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, invites all area Marines to attend a corn bread and bean supper Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.

The event began on Feb. 19, 1945, when Marines landed on Iwo Jima. On Feb. 23, 1945, Marines raised the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi, Battle of Iwo Jima.

If you are presently active duty or have served your country in the past in the U.S. Marine Corps, please plan on attending. Lots of stories will be told.

Sgt. Wallace, USMC recruiter from Stillwater, will provide films and information about today’s Marine Corps. A number of Corps items will be given away, plus a display of weapons and uniforms from different era’s involving the Corps will be there for viewing.

For more information or to make reservations, call the American Legion or Chuck Gregg at 765-1367. Semper Fi.

The next reunion will be for the U.S. Navy on March 22 at the American Legion Post 14 in Ponca City.

Voter Registration Deadline Friday for Municipal Election

The last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Presidential Preferential and the Ponca City Municipal Election is Friday, Feb. 18, according to Kay County Election Board secretary Carol Stafford.

Stafford said that persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma and at least 18 years old may apply to become registered voters.

Persons who have never been registered to vote before or who are not currently registered in the county of their residence and persons who are registered but who need to change their registration information may apply to register or to change name, address or political affiliation by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight Friday, Feb. 18, 2000.

Stafford said that applications postmarked after that time still will be accepted and processed, but the applications will not be approved until after March 14, 2000.

The County Election Board will respond in writing to each person who submits an application for voter registration. The response will be either a Voter Identification Card listing the new voter’s precinct number and polling place location or a letter that explains the reason or reasons the application for voter registration was not approved. Stafford said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the Kay County Election Board office.

Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located in the Kay County Courthouse. Stafford said that applications also are available at the following locations in Kay County.

•Ponca City Tag Agency, 2101 North Fourteenth Street.

•Blackwell Tag Agency, 111 West Oklahoma.

•Newkirk Tag Agency, 101 North Main Avenue.

•Tonkawa Tag Agency 100 East Grand Avenue.

Letter - Time for Legislators To Do Their Job

Once again we hear and read the reports that teachers are going to go to the state capitol to ask the legislature for more money for education and raises in teacher salaries. Some of the reporters seem to be giving a commentary asking why should these teachers be allowed to take time from school and not be doing their jobs. Parents are reported to be trying to find volunteers to keep schools open so they won’t have to find babysitters for their children.

I suggest these same people take a different approach to this situation. Let’s ask our legislators why they have not done their job and provided funds to have quality education and top salaries for our schools. If parents are so concerned let them be the ones to go to the legislature and push for more money for education. Then the teachers can stay in the classroom and do the job they want to do. Having lobbied for education several times I can assure you that this not the first choice of teachers. They want to teach. Who do you think pays their expenses to go to Oklahoma City? They do! Who cares for their children who will not be in school? They have to find babysitters like everyone else. This is not a vacation day for teachers — the time must be made up. They will honor their contracts to work the required number of days.

To answer the next question which always comes, “How will we know our children will benefit from any money voted for education?” The answer is — get more involved in school, insist on better education. Instill in children the respect for school and teachers that we all once were taught. The public receives the education it demands. Just as in the seventies parents insisted on lowering standards of grading when teachers did not want to now parents can insist on raising those standards and they will be raised.

Elaine Hughes

Letter - Not Everybody Agrees with Fred

Dear Mr. Hilton:

This letter is in regard to your column which ran in the Feb. 14 edition of the Ponca City News under the Monday Evening Quarterback section of the sports pages.

Turning to the front page of the sports section one does see a photograph of two young wrestlers and several sentences telling of the 600 entrants and that it was taken during the Northwest Regional Tournament. The coaches, parents and kids who are associated with the Ponca City Kids Wrestling Club will look closely and notice that the picture does not include a Ponca City boy, this despite the fact that 40 Ponca City boys were entered in this tournament and all wear a distinguishing royal blue singlet with a large Wildcat on the front.

At any given time during the morning session, which is apparently the session you attended given your comments, there was a Ponca City boy either on the mat wrestling or waiting behind the tables to begin his match so why would the local newspaper not run a picture of a hometown boy?

We have been associated with this sport for six years and while the incident you describe of the child crying alone does happen occasionally it is most certainly not the norm. Who among us has not seen the professional athlete sit alone with his head in his hands after losing “The Big Game.” These are people who have made sports their careers and have been in the business for years yet they still feel the pain of pouring themselves into their sport and giving of their entire being for the moment at hand only to lose to another. Did you only stay long enough to take a picture of out-of-town boys and witness one child crying? Why else would you not mention in your column the fine examples of sportsmanship that can he seen at any Oklahoma Kids Wrestling tournament, the boys that lose that championship match and still hold their heads up, shake the victors hands put an arm around the winners shoulders and say “Good job, you wrestled a fine match.”

These boys practice at least 3 times a week and no matter what the age they are dedicated to this sport as are the parents dedicated to the boys. Contrary to your theory that the parents are to busy or tired to attend these Saturday tournaments most boys have both parents in attendance along with siblings and sometimes grandparents. These boys are making friendships and learning lessons that will stay with them long after they are through wrestling. The hard work, effort, and heart that these boys pour into this sport is comendable and while they may earn individual awards this is very much a team sport with all points earned going toward a total team score.

The coaches for the Ponca City Kids work with the boys not only on their wrestling techniques but also on their attitudes and their sportmanship. I, as a parent appreciate all their efforts to encourage and uplift the spirits of each child under their tutelage and never once have I seen one of them walk away from a dejected child who may have just lost a match.

In conclusion Mr. Hilton after reading your article I find that I do not agree with most of what you said. I have seen firsthand what this sport can do as a confidence builder and the making of a team player in a young persons life. You have stated your opinion and are entitled to it, as are we all, the only difference is your position allows you to print your opinion for public knowledge while those of us involved with this sport see things from a completely different perspective.

Kelly Fansler

Parent of Ponca City Kid Wrestler

DEATHS

Gordon Vanest Kirkbride
Clyde Roy Wolfe
Francis J. Fulton
Neoma Nicholson Cole
Melody Ann Campbell

Gordon Vanest Kirkbride

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — Gordon Vanest Kirkbride, formerly of Newkirk, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, in Wichita, Kan. He was 75.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000, in the First United Methodist Church in Valley Center, Kan., with the Rev. J. Tal Tittsworth officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Newkirk Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center, Kan.

Gordon Vanest Kirkbride was born Aug. 17, 1924, in Newkirk, the son of Myron Harold Kirkbride and Ila Ann Blake Kirkbride. He was employed as a truck driver.

He is survived by two sons, G. Eugene Kirkbride and Robert D. Kirkbride, both of Wichita, Kan.; two daughters, Letrice D. Lewis of Norwich, Kan., and Llona L. Veasey of Wichita, Kan.; one sister, Betty Taylor of Burden, Kan.; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Clyde Roy Wolfe

PAWNEE — Clyde Roy Wolfe, resident of Pawnee, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, in Pawnee. He was 59.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2000, in the Pawnee Tribal Roundhouse with the Rev. Bruce Pratt officiating. Burial will be in the North Indian Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee.

Clyde Roy Wolfe was born March 21, 1940, in Pawnee, the son of Floyd David Wolfe and Laura (Howell) Wolfe. He married Marian Meyers on June 23, 1967, in Phoenix, Ariz. In June of 1979, the couple moved from Phoenix to Pawnee. He was a member of the VFW Post 63 in Tucson, Ariz., the Pawnee Indian Veterans where he has been the treasurer, and the Pawnee Indian Housing Authority. He was proud of his Indian heritage and was a member of the Loyal Band in the Shawnee tribe and the Skidi Band of the Pawnee tribe.

He is survived by his wife of the home; one son, Frank of Gowanda, N.Y.; two daughters, Shawn of Norman and Brenda Wolfe of Broken Arrow; two sisters, Jessie Romeo and Katy Pena, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Obituaries

Francis J. Fulton

Francis J. Fulton, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, at Westminster Village. He was 93.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2000, at the Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Francis was born Dec. 26, 1906, in Trading Post, Kan., to Earl and Maude Ina Church Fulton. He was united in marriage on June 15, 1929, in Olathe, Kan., to Dorothy Lee McDonald. Dorothy preceded Francis in death Feb. 21, 1970. He later married Mildred Armstrong in Enid. Francis was employed with Conoco Pipeline and retired in 1969.

Francis was committed to his family as a husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. His unconditional love, compassion and support encouraged each one of us to grow and flourish in our own lives. Grandpa loved to fish, travel and was an avid gardener, always sharing the fruits of his labors with others. The hats he wore always fit his personality to a T. He never met a man he didn’t like or wouldn’t help. From the stranded motorist on the road to foreigner on a cruise ship, his feisty character and wit charmed everyone who crossed his path in life. He became a world renowned “grandpa,” and this is the title he was most proud of.

Grandpa had a never-ending supply of energy, enthusiasm, generosity, kindness and compassion. His love for his fellow man has always been demonstrated in his ability to give himself to others. He was a man of few needs, but always illustrated a huge desire to give, and did so unconditionally. From putting on a new roof or digging a storm cellar for his friends and neighbors, he was always there to help. Grandpa was truly innovative and creative. He made everything from handmade footballs to the world’s best stilts, plus the water skis he made and still skied on until he was age 75. If he didn’t have the right tool, he’d make it. He quietly went about creating many things to please everyone around him in so many ways.

We will all miss his beautiful smile and the twinkle in his eye, but our hearts will always be warmed by the precious memories of this kind and gentle man.

Survivors include three daughters, Betty Sanders and husband Jay D. of Ponca City, Jo Harrisberger of Virginia Beach, Va., and Donna Miller and husband Bill of Las Vegas, Nev.; six grandchildren Glenn Sanders of Wichita, Kan., Steven Sanders of Ponca City, Lynn Harrisberger of Virginia Beach, Va., Lea Pateman of Guildford, England, Jill Valiant of Joshua Tree, Calif., and Brent Miller of Crescent; five great-grandchildren, Anthony Sanders, and Charlie Pateman, Chris Pateman, Emma Pateman, and Sasha Pateman of Guildford, England; a niece, Lynda Thompson of Evergreen, Colo.; and nephew, Larry Fulton of Evergreen, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, and one brother.

Casket bearers will be Lynn Harrisberger, Steve Sanders, Jill Miller, Brent Miller, Larry Fulton and Lynda Fulton.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 6465 S. Yale Street, Suite 318, Tulsa, Okla. 74136.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.

paid obituary

Neoma Nicholson Cole

EASTLAKE, Ohio — Neoma Nicholson Cole, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, in Wickliffe Country Place in Wickliffe, Ohio. She was 89.

The funeral will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2000, at the Monreal-Brickman Funeral Home in Eastlake, Ohio, with the Rev. Barbara Bartholomew of the Boulevard Presbyterian Church of Euclid, Ohio, officiating. Burial will be at a later time in the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Ponca City.

Neoma Nicholson Cole was born in Pittsburgh, Okla., on May 25, 1910, the daughter of Thomas and Ophelia (Cantrel) Nicholson. She grew up in Ponca City where she and her twin sister Leona were known as the Nicholson twins. She was a teacher in both Oklahoma and Ohio for 40 years, retiring in 1982. She was a member of the Cleveland Teachers Union and active in the Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Euclid, Ohio.

Survivors include her son, Thomas A. and wife Nancy Cole of Wickliffe, Ohio; two grandchildren, Correen and Aaron Schall, both of Wickliffe, Ohio; and her niece, Beverly Frazier of Ponca City.

She was preceded in death by her parents and twin sister, Leona LoPresti.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to John D. Rockefeller Elementary School, 5901 Whittier Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103.

paid obituary

Melody Ann Campbell

Melody Ann Campbell, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000, at her home, 1409 Clarke Street, following an illness. She was 37.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Central Baptist Church in Ponca City with the Rev. John Waterloo officiating. Funeral details were being arranged by Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska, Mich., with burial to be in Kalkaska’s Evergreen Cemetery.

A Ponca City school system employee until her recent illness, she was born Jan. 23, 1963, in Midwest City, the daughter of Richard and Patricia Argyle.

She moved with her family to Kalkaska, Mich., at an early age and was a 1981 graduate of Kalkaska Public School. On July 11, 1981, she was married to Ron Allen Campbell in Burns Flat, Okla.

The couple and their four children moved to Ponca City in January 1998, and she worked as a bus driver for Ponca City schools. She was active in her church and in the Awana program, and was involved in gardening and in her children’s education.

Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home; two sons, Ronny and Lucas Campbell, and two daughters, Melissa and Rachel Campbell, all of the home; her father, Richard Argyle of Coyle; her mother, Patricia Argyle of Kalkaska, Mich.; two brothers, Jeffrey (and wife Robin) Argyle and Jimmy (and wife Rhonda) Argyle, both of Kalkaska, Mich.; four sisters, Valerie (and husband Danny) Tracey, Kalkaska, Mich., Jennifer (and husband John) Koscheski, Colorado Springs, Colo., Pamela (and husband Shane) Hoffman, Arlington, Texas, and Cindy Argyle, Kalkaska, Mich.; 20 nieces and nephews, and one great-niece.

Memorial contributions can be made to the building fund at Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Airman Smith Graduates — Air Force Airman Robinson R. Smith has graduated from the aerospace maintenance apprentice (C-5 aircraft) course at Dover Air Force Base, Del. He is the son of Suzan L.R. Franks of 42 Cathedral Circle in Nashua, N.H., and Roger Smith of 44 Hillcrest Drive in Ponca City. After completing the fundamentals course at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, Airman Smith was transferred to Dover AFB to receive additional training in technical orders, general occupational safety hazards; airframe, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, landing gear, flight control systems; engines, auxiliary power unit, and utility systems; and ground handling principles relating to the C-5 heavy-cargo transport aircraft. Smith is a 1996 graduate of Nashua Senior High School in New Hampshire.

50% Off Sale! Five tables of sale items. See our new antique shipment. Christy’s 3005 N. 14th. adv.

Tickets Needed — If you have tickets to the USAF Band of the West concert to be held at the Hutchins Memorial, Friday, Feb. 18, and you are unable to attend, please drop your tickets by The Ponca City News, 300 North Third. The News has a waiting list of individuals that would like 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.

Threats — A woman from the 400 block of North Peachtree Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:06 a.m. Wednesday that she had been harassed while at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95 Friday 18. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 9:18 a.m. Wednesday that an accident had occurred in the parking lot of a business in the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and it was logged that the parties involved had exchanged information.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance at 1:17 a.m. Thursday with a pursuit in the 400 block of South Lake Street. Another officer was assigned and the vehicle was stopped and a 31-year-old man was held for DUI, speeding and attempting to elude.

Theft — A man from the 2000 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:36 a.m. Wednesday that a gun had been stolen from his residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Assault — A man from the 300 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:43 a.m. Wednesday that he had been the victim of an assault. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad,

and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Hit and Run — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 11:02 a.m. Wednesday that a vehicle had hit some signs on North Fifth Street by Ponca City High School and left the scene. An officer was assigned and information that officers were able to stop the vehicle and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:12 p.m. Wednesday that some property in the area of Harding Avenue and Lucas Street had been spray painted. The information was logged.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of North Osage Street at 1:46 p.m. Wednesday that a 36-year-old woman was being held on Kay County warrants.

Bicycles Found — A man from the 3000 block of Kingston Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:09 p.m. Wednesday that two bicycles had been found at the residence. Animal Control was contacted to handle the situation.

Theft — A man from the 300 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:43 p.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Shoplifter — An employee of Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:21 p.m. Wednesday with a shoplifter in custody. An officer was assigned and a 13-year-old boy was held for grand larceny.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1600 block of Ann Street at 4:56 p.m. Wednesday that a 22-year-old woman was being held on three felony warrants from Washington County.

Items Found — A person from the 500 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday that some items had been found in their garage and requested they be picked up. An officer was assigned and the items were brought to the police department.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Second street at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday that a 41-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of City View and Tapp Road was reported to the Communications Center at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday. The information was transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 7:36 p.m. Wednesday that a fire was burning in the Coon Creek Cove area. Kaw City Volunteer Fire Department was notified to respond to the scene. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office also responded as a result of the incident being suspicious of arson.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 10:11 p.m. Wednesday that grass fire was burning one-half mile north of the Burbank Landing Road in Osage County. The Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department was notified, and McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded also with five personnel with a grass rig.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:12 p.m. Wednesday that a 22-year-old woman was being held on city warrants for failure to appear.

Suspicious Activity — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 2:51 a.m. Thursday that some suspicious activity was going on in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a juvenile boy was held for public intoxication, curfew violation, minor in possession of tobacco. A 24-year-old man was held for having no driver’s license, transporting an open container, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and contributing to the curfew violation. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

GARDENING

Area Forester Discusses Erosion Problem in State
Diggin’ in the Dirt
Don’t Let Weather Interfere With Gardening Activities
Gardeners Often Overlook Houseplant Care

Area Forester Discusses Erosion Problem in State

Erosion is taking big bites out of Oklahoma says Al Myatt, Central and Western Area Forester. “It might cross your path on the way to your car: an oozing muddy trickle resulting from an afternoon downpour. Something to step around — an inconvenience, but so what? Believe it or not, that little inconvenience can be a very large so what — symptom of a much larger problem, wreaking havoc all over the state,” said Myatt.

In Oklahoma and throughout the nation, erosion is constantly chewing away at two of our most precious natural resources: soil and water. According to Melissa Pearson, Oklahoma’s Community Action Forester, forestry professionals have always known erosion is the enemy. “And, we also know trees are incredibly effective in slowing its progress.”

Dr. Robert Miller, who is considered by many to be Oklahoma’s leading expert on gully and road erosion, says thousands of gullies are in various stages of development, creating serious problems for hundreds of miles.

Remember a few years ago when houses in the Twin Lakes community north of Oklahoma City fell in the river after a flash flood? Dr. Miller acted as a consultant to the devastated homeowners.

Among his suggestions for combating erosion problems like the ones affecting Twin Lakes is a multi-pronged approach using a system of old tires anchored with steel cables and interplanted with trees.

“If trees are included, the soil has additional protection because the tires are anchored in by tree roots,” he said. In areas along the Washita River in Carter and Johnson Counties, service forester Kevin Keys consulted with three different landowners, who partnered to develop more stable riverbanks by planting approximately 3,000 willow posts along targeted areas.

Stream Bank Stablization

“Because willows root easily and grow rapidly, they are often recommended for stream bank stabilization,” Keys said. So are black locust trees. In a forest stewardship program near Enid, forester Dan Stidham recommended to landowners along the Cimarron River that they plant black locust along the top of the bank.

Stidham says the trees live approximately 25 years, growing quickly, to provide rapid protection for tortured soils. Because they are so short-lived, he recommends cutting black locust at age 20 before severe disease sets in. Trunks will begin sprouting soon afterward and the new trees will grow much faster, because of the extensive 20-year old root system already in place.

In urban areas, we have special problems with erosion as a result of the extensive coverings of asphalt and concrete. Storm runoff picks up speed and volume over these surfaces. Without trees and vegetation to slow the process, erosion can become rampant.

The water carries everything we have spilled or applied: oil, gasoline, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. The result is often a straight shot into our waterways and possibly our drinking water.

Improve Water Quality

Communities that increase the number of trees and other vegetation can greatly improve the quality of their water. The impact from rainfall is reduced allowing the soil to absorb and store water. Tree roots and ground cover often do an excellent job of catching potentially harmful pollutants. One of the best indicators for nonpoint source pollution is muddy water. Lakes can become weed-choked, rivers may flood more frequently and fewer fish will show up at your favorite fishing spot.

Sediments from farm fields, construction sites, roadways, and stream banks cloud the water, making it difficult for fish to see and feed properly. Sediments also damage fish gills and destroy the feeding and breathing processes in insects, which are fish food.

Many fish and water insects lay their eggs on gravel beds. When sediments are deposited on the stream bottom, they cover this spawning habitat.

Sediment build-up causes streams to become shallower and wider-increasing flooding. It oozes in, filling up areas used for boating, swimming and fishing. Fish and waterfowl can ingest the toxic materials carried to our waterways.

As the pollutants accumulate in their bodies, illness, birth defects and even death may result. If we eat these fish or birds, we can incorporate these contaminants into our bodies.

Sadly, each of us contributes to erosion and pollution. It is not an urban versus rural problem. The good news is that one of the best ways to combat the challenge is through effective tree plantings. That’s where Oklahoma Forestry Services can help. The OFS provides seedlings for erosion control in rural areas and can assist landowners in establishing stewardship programs.

For more information call the OFS office at 1-800-517-3673.

Diggin’ in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

February Chores

I truly enjoy 70-degree February days when gardening chores are beginning to accelerate! It’s the season when neighbors occasionally call over the fence to see if we’re dead when they see us lying in the grass, soaking up the warm sun and nursing our aching backs. In late February, things seem to start with a bang, and it’s time to fertilize fruit and nut trees and shrubs, plant bare rooted bushes and trees, and finish pruning shade trees and summer flowering shrubs and hedges. If we want pretty blooms however, we wait until after flowering to prune spring bloomers such as forsythia, spirea and others.

Time to Spray

If you usually apply dormant soap-oil spray to bushes, plants and trees, it’s time for a late-winter application to control mites, galls, and overwintering aphids, (detailed information about the safe, inexpensive homemade spray in the Oct 28, 1999 Diggin’ column). Do not use oil sprays on evergreens.

Peach and nectarines should be sprayed with a fungicide for prevention of peach leaf curl. Apply before the buds begin to swell. A broadleaf herbicide may now be used on dormant Bermuda grass for winter weed control (see package instructions for the right temperature to apply). For the most effectiveness, apply sprays only on non-windy days and be a good neighbor by preventing any drift into neighbor’s yards.

Plant Spring Garden Veggies

Later this month and into early March (Feb. 20 -March 10), several vegetable gardeners in the area will get out a bottle of rubbing liniment for their backs and begin a 9-month labor of love. They till the garden soil into a fine loose texture and plant various cold crops including cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, onions, green peas, spinach, turnips and Irish potatoes.

Many plant by the sign of the moon and keep an eye on that guide for proper dates. Those who observe the phases of the moon usually wait until the last few days of any moon phase in the spring and in the fall plant at first light of a moon phase to avoid freezing cold snaps in Oklahoma’s whimsical weather.

Starting Warm Weather Plants

For those who want to start their own plants from seed for the warm weather crops instead of buying them at the gardening supply in April and May, it’s now time to plant those seeds in flats indoors. Seeds you may have saved in your fridge for stratification can now be removed and planted and/or placed in a warm place to sprout. Keep them evenly moist but not wet. After sprouting, place then in the sun or under strong lights (see detailed information for growing seeds and plants in Diggin’ columns published Nov. 4, 11, 1999, and Jan. 6, 13). Check other cuttings or layering propagation efforts you may have attempted, and see if they are sprouting and/or need moisture.

What to Plant — Where?

Are you confused about what to plant — where? Each year we want to add new permanent perennial shrubs, trees and vines to the landscape to replace something that did not work or we did not like. We often waste a lot of time and money on plants that don’t grow well in our yards. I recently purchased a new book designed to help gardeners choose the best plants for all their needs, wants and whims. It is “The Southern Gardener’s Book of Lists,” by best-selling author Lois Trigg Chaplin. She calls it a workbook.

Most of us trudge off to the nurseries or gardening centers without a shopping list and, since it is impossible to know the ga-zillion species and their needs, haven’t a clue for buying the right ones. Unfortunately, the advice from a clerk is sometimes poor also. This new publication contains more than 200 lists that end costly plant-choice mistakes, including names of trees, perennials, annuals, vines, shrubs, roses, azaleas, ferns, ground covers, bulbs, ornamental grasses, wildflowers and tropicals proven to work in our area.

Recommended by the Master Gardener Program through Oklahoma State University, for less that $20, it fills in the gaps in the home gardener’s search for the best plants for a particular landscape (Oklahoma is included). According to Chaplin, “this book can help you sort the plants and related information so you won’t feel like an earthworm in an ant bed when you get there.” This former 13-year gardening editor for Southern Living acknowledges the help of dozens of gardeners and professionals to compile the helpful book. One chapter also lists numerous other books helpful to gardeners in this area.

Don’t Let Weather Interfere With Gardening Activities

By LEE REICH

(AP) — With each spell of mild weather, spring seems just around the corner. But the coldest time of year is still with most of us. So what’s a frustrated gardener to do? Outside, during nice weather, continue any general cleanup that you did not complete last fall of dead stalks and leaves. Saw up dead limbs for firewood or for recycling as chips. As long as you have saw in hand, why not also do some pruning?

Start with overgrown honeysuckles and lilacs, as well as any dead or misplaced branches on trees. Next, move on to pruning butterfly bush, rose-of-sharon and other shrubs that bloom in late summer. Wait to do regular pruning of spring flowering shrubs until after their blossoms fade, or you’ll end up cutting off part of the show.

If the weather turns cold, dash into the garage to get tools ready for the season. Scrape and file the business ends of tools to get rid of rust and to sharpen them. Rub some oil on naked metal and reapply or oil worn wooden handles. Bitter cold can drive you farther indoors, into your home where there are always gardening books, magazines and catalogs to peruse.

Get comfortable and thumb through garden catalogs and books to plan for beautiful, fragrant and tasty plants to grow in the coming season. Think about vegetable and flower seeds that need to be purchased. Get out that shoebox full of seed packets and inventory what you have and what you need. Then go back to the catalogs to decide what to buy. Perhaps this is the year to try something a little different such as white marigolds or red sweet corn, as well as stock up on old standbys like Golden Bantam sweet corn and Heavenly Blue morning glories.

Enticing seed displays are starting to appear in local hardware stores, garden centers and supermarkets. Just about anything you cant find on local seed racks you can find through the mail. As Henry Saier, who once owned a seed company selling more than 18,000 different kinds of seed, said: It is really a wonderful thing to merely write a letter and get some rare treasure that grows in some distant part of the world.

Gardeners Often Overlook Houseplant Care

By Diana Carney

Copley News Service

Houseplants get no respect. We shove them in dim corners, stick fertilizer sticks in the dirt and occasionally douse them with a cup of water. Who needs the hassle? Then again, who needs houseplant guilt?

When they die, “you can’t blame it on the rain or the wind,” said Sharon Yisela, who consults on houseplant care. Yisela is a horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

Houseplants can be more work than the dog and kids, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The first rule is to stop buying indoor potted plants on impulse.

“A lot of people see a pretty plant and they say, ‘I want that one,’” Yisela said.

Houseplants should be given the same consideration as outdoor plants. Where will the plant go? Is the room dark or light? What is the humidity like in your house?

“Every plant is a little different,” Yisela said. “When you buy a plant, know what it wants in terms of light and water. Buy a plant to fit the room.”

Overwatering a Mistake

When a plant starts looking punk, the first inclination is to water … and water … and water. That’s the biggest mistake plant owners make.

“We end up giving them too much attention, and we may water too much,” Yisela said. “It’s a matter of feeling the soil. If the soil feels dry a 1/2 inch down, you’ll want to water thoroughly. That’s a good rule of thumb.”

When a plant receives more water than it needs, oxygen can’t reach the plant’s roots. Eventually, the roots rot and the plant dies. Underwatered plants tend to produce limp or wilted leaves. Overwatered plants produce leaves that are yellowed and curled.

“How often should I water?” is a question Jennifer Brennan often hears. Brennan works in the Plant Information office of the Chicago Botanic Garden. “The real answer is whenever the plant needs it, but people don’t want to hear that. They want a set answer.”

Some plants need more water than others, and a new season may alter the watering schedule, Brennan said. However, there are general guidelines.

“The No. 1 horticulture rule is to have drainage in your container,” Brennan said. Also, don’t let the plant sit in water, which suffocates the roots.

Water in the morning, never in full sun. Cut back on watering in the winter when growth is slower. Also, save repotting and pruning for early spring when plants are growing and can rebound better, Yisela said.

Difficult Growers

Some plants are more difficult to grow than others. Flowering plants, like the kind seen around the holidays, are particular about humidity, for instance.

“Our homes in winter tend to be hot and dry, and these plants tend to want to be in a cooler room, with bright, indirect light,” Yisela said.

Many houseplants, in fact, prefer a temperature of about 65 degrees. “When we had the energy crisis a few years ago and everyone turned their thermostats down, houseplants flourished,” Brennan said.

Other plants are particular about light and movement. Popular African violets may need direct fluorescent light to help them bloom. A desk lamp about 18 to 30 inches over the plant should produce consistent blooms.

If you like to rearrange your rooms frequently, don’t buy fig trees. “They’re comfortable in one spot,” Yisela said. “They don’t like to be moved around.”

Looking for easy?

“There is an ivy called potbos. It will grow anywhere and withstand anything,” Brennan said.

Spider plants, dieffenbachia, bromeliad and most cactuses and succulents are hardy. For the best results, keep your plants out of drafts and away from heat sources.

Before buying a plant, check carefully for pests, Yisela said. When you bring a new plant home, separate it from other plants for a few days. Watch for pests that you missed or that have hatched from eggs, Yisela said.

Plants with smooth, shiny leaves can be washed off gently with a damp cloth or under a gentle shower spray. Most importantly, follow the instructions that come with the plant.

When buying houseplants, choose plants with a robust look and good, green color.

Don’t feel too badly, though, if your beautiful plant dies within days of coming home. Plants grown in ideal conditions, with the proper temperature, watering and humidity, often can’t make it at home where conditions are variable.

“Many plants are forced to bloom out of season,” Yisela said. So it’s no wonder they can’t survive without superhuman effort.

“People have to give up the guilt,” Brennan said. “I have a horticulture degree, and I’ve killed plants.”

Christmas cactuses and poinsettias are good gifts for people who don’t have a green thumb, but gardenias and azaleas need more pampering.

And watch out for the colorful Jerusalem cherry - the fruits of the plant are poisonous.

SPORTS

Mavericks Try To Nail Down Division Title
PCCC Tennis Tournament This Weekend
Freshmen in Tourney
Ponca City Kids Wrestling Mat Results
Texas Muscles Past Cowboys
Cyclones Stand Alone as Big 12 Leaders

Mavericks Try To Nail Down Division Title

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College’s Mavericks will be attempting to nail down the Bi-State Conference Western Division title tonight when they host Seminole.

The men’s game is schedule for approximately 8 p.m. in Foster-Piper Field House, following the women’s game, which starts at 6.

The Mavericks are 6-0 in conference play, 21-7 overall, and have two game remaining — tonight against Seminole and next Thursday at home against Eastern. Each of the other division teams, except Seminole, has at least two losses.

“I believe Seminole just has one loss in the conference,” NOC coach Mick Weiberg said this week. “So, they’ll come in here knowing they have to win to win the division.”

The Trojans may also have a little revenge in mind. That one loss came at the hands of Northern (70-62) last month at Seminole.

“Seminole is definitely the most athletic team in the league,: Weiberg warned. “They have players who are 6-10, 6-81/2 a and 6-8. They are tough.”

But Northern apparently has its game fine tuned.

The Mavericks set up this showdown by besting Western, 83-60 in Alva Monday.

“We put some kind “D” on ‘em,” Weiberg said of the game at Western. “We ran off to an 18-4 lead. We let them have a mini-run and they came back to cut the lead to 18-12, but that was as close as they got.

Northern led 33-21 at halftime and maintained a 10 to 15 point lead the rest of the way.

The Mavericks were again hot from outside, hitting 5-of-14 3s. But the Mavs continued to have on and off nights at the free throw line. Against Western, they were 8-of-15.

Once again NOC’s Larry Reid showed why he may be the best guard in the region. Reid had 25 points, nine assists and seven rebounds on the night.

“Reid just had an excellent game,” Weiberg said.

Scott Prater finished with 12 points while Jeff Newby hit on 3-of-4 3s and had 11 points.

Richie Myers and Sherman Rochell each had 10 points while Akil Gay hit for five and Josh Nichols, Chris Arledge and Felix Deajardins had four points each.

PCCC Tennis Tournament This Weekend

The Ponca City Country Club’s Men’s Pro-Am Tennis Tournament will be held this weekend.

The tournament will start Friday evening and run through Sunday. There are two divisions, one with four teams and one with five. Both divisions will play a round robin format with the two top teams in each division advancing to Sunday’s finals at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m..

The pros include OSU players Matt Prentice, Erin Lyndon and Fran Krepelka along with former Cowboy Martin Dvoracek. Also Dean Clower and Larry Wicks of the Tulsa area and Scott Sisson and Jim Everett of Winfield, Kan.

Freshmen in Tourney

Ponca City freshmen boys and girls are the top seeds in the Northern Conference Tournament which started today in Enid.

The Lady Cats finished the regular conference season 10-0 (15-1 overall) while the Wildcats were 9-1, (12-2 overall). The boys grabbed a share of the conference title with Stillwater after beating Woodward twice last week, 57-54 and 52-39.

The girls completed a perfect league season with cold-shooting 20-15 win over Woodward.

The Lady Cats played Enid Emerson this morning in the first round of the conference tournament while the Cats took on non-conference foe Blackwell early this afternoon.

Ponca City 20, Woodward 15 (girls)

Ponca City — Kristina Huddleston 4, Jamie Prado 4, Kristen Nicks 3, Kelli Wedd 2, Melissa Fore 2, Ann Ziegenhain 2, Chelsey Hill 2, Lauren Cartlidge 1

Ponca City 52, Woodward 39 (boys)

Ponca City — Bradley Turvey 11, Justin Evans 10, Nate Macy 6, Casey Megenity 6, Kyle Karnish 6, Chance Coldiron 4, Chance Hunt 2.

Ponca City Kids Wrestling Mat Results

PONCA CITY KIDS WRESTLING

CUSHIING TOURNAMENT

Division I

40 — Cody Primeaux, 2nd

43 — Parker Loveall, 3rd

49 — Shelby Krout, 3rd

Division II

52 — Grant Loveall, 1st

55 — Drew Angle, 2nd

58 — Brett Reedy, 1st

61 — Christopher Thomas, 3rd

67 — Leonard LeClair, 3rd.

90 — Shawn Keating, 3rd

Division III

80 — Joshua Fansler, 1st

110 — Mikie Keating , 3rd

Division IV

67 — Trey Branscum, 1st

70 — Trey Branscum, Ist

73 — Delano Kemble, 1st

Hwt — Sonny Biggoose, 1st

BARTLESVILLE TOURNAMENT

Division III

90 — Chas Wilson, 1st

100 — Jesse Powell, 1st

SALLISAW TOURNAMENT

Division I

49 — Jacee Bowlin, 3rd

Division II

49 — Jacee Bowlin. 2nd

MIDWEST CITY TOURNAMENT

Division I

49 — Jacee Bowlin, 2nd

Division II

43 — Chase Hess, 1st

Divsion III

131 — Justin Kremeier, 1st

VINITA TOURNAMENT

Division III

80 — Joshua Fansler, 1st

100 — Jesse Powell, 2nd

PONCA CITY KIDS WRESTLING

NORTHWEST REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Division I

37 — Ivan Fry, 5th

40 — Codv Primeaux, 5th

43 — Parker Loveall, 5th

49 — Jacee Bowlin, 3rd; Shelby Krout, 6th

Division II

43 — Chase Hess, 2nd

49 — Grant Loveall, 2nd; Marcus Grimm, 4th

52 — Drew Angle, 2nd

58 — Brett Reedy, 1st

61 — Christopher Thomas, 3rd

64 — Tyler Bohon, 5th

75 — Andrew Schmauch, 4th

90 — Shawn Keating, 2nd

Division III

80 — Joshua Fansler, 2nd

90 — Chas Wilson, 3rd

100 — Jesse Powell, 4th

110 — Mikie Keating, 1st

110 — Torran Compala , 4th

120 — Reno Redleaf, 1st

131 — Justin Kremeier, 1st

Division IV

67 — Trey Branscum, 1st

73 — Delano Kemble, 5th

100 — Daniel Morrison, 3rd

105 — Chase Littlecook, 6th

120 — Bradley Plunk, 4th

130 — Derrick Hock, 2nd

HWT — Sonny Biggoose, 2nd

Division V

75 — Marcelle Miller, 4th

82 — Kyle Cremers, 4th

101 — Dexter Morin, 5th

101 — Scott Oatman, 6th

145 — Aaron Brooke, 2nd

145 — Kelsey Empting, 6th

157 — Cody Pappan, 2nd

157 — Trent Goldsmith, 4th

DIVISIONS II, III, and IV all won second place trophies.

Texas Muscles Past Cowboys

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gabe Muoneke can live with some personal frustration so long as No. 17 Texas keeps winning.

Texas is thriving with the senior forward playing as a reserve, even if it sometimes bothers a player who until last week had started every game since his sophomore season.

‘‘On a selfish level, it’s difficult for me,’’ said Muoneke, Texas’ most emotional — and volatile — player. ‘‘I can’t say I love it to death.’’

But the Longhorns love Muoneke’s production in his new role. Although he didn’t start, he logged 32 minutes Wednesday night and scored 17 points to power Texas to a 68-57 win over No. 8 Oklahoma State.

He scored eight straight in a critical stretch of the second half that broke the game open for Texas.

‘‘I like him off the bench,’’ Texas coach Rick Barnes said. ‘‘I know what Gabe is going to bring. Gabe is such a great player. The last couple of games, he’s gone in and really changed the game.’’

Barnes first benched Muoneke to discipline him for a flare-up in practice. He had scored just six points in a blowout loss at Oklahoma.

Since then, Texas (18-6, 9-2 Big 12) has won three straight and positioned itself to defend its conference title. Barnes said he’s tempted to keep using Muoneke as a reserve for no other reason than it is working.

‘‘The thing I don’t like is that people think this is disciplinary from three games ago, and that’s just not true,’’ Barnes said. ‘‘It takes a big person to do what he’s doing, but winning means as much to him as anything.’’

Said Muoneke: ‘‘I’ll never question what he’s doing. He’s come through for me in every situation.’’

Muoneke’s size was a big factor against the Cowboys, an athletic team that didn’t have the muscle to stop him near the basket. Texas led 40-33 early in the second half when Muoneke went on his scoring spree, forcing his way inside for short jumpers and layups for a 48-35 lead with 13:55 left to play.

‘‘At 250 pounds, if you get half a step on somebody, there’s not much they can do about it,’’ Muoneke said.

‘‘Muoneke just got aggressive all of a sudden,’’ said Desmond Mason, who led the Cowboys with 12 points. ‘‘He got the ball down deep, and once he gets it that deep, he can’t be stopped.’’

Mason supplied his own surge with seven points in two minutes as the Cowboys pulled to 48-44. Muoneke answered with a dunk, and Texas quickly pushed the lead to 54-44.

Mason, who scored 30 points when Oklahoma State beat Texas 73-65 in January, was 4-of-13 from the field in the rematch.

‘‘I think Texas came out more aggressive. They played more physically and we didn’t react the right way,’’ Mason said.

The Cowboys closed to 61-55 on a 3-pointer by Glendon Alexander before Chris Owens hit one of two foul shots for Texas and Longhorns center Chris Mihm grabbed the miss and brought the crowd of 15,525 to its feet with a two-handed dunk with 1:58 to play.

Mihm had 15 points and 16 rebounds for Texas, which also got 14 points from Darren Kelly. Texas shot 47 percent from the field against the Big 12’s best defense.

The Longhorns also outrebounded the Cowboys 39-25 and limited Oklahoma State to just seven offensive boards.

The victory tied Texas with Oklahoma State (20-3, 9-2) for second place in the Big 12, a game behind No. 14 Iowa State. Texas, the defending Big 12 regular-season champion, and Oklahoma State both play at Iowa State next week.

No. 17 TEXAS 68, No. 8 OKLAHOMA ST. 57

OKLAHOMA ST. (20-3) 

Montanati 4-7 3-4 11, Mason 4-13 4-6 12, Jonzen 2-5 0-0 4, Adkins 3-12 4-6 10, Gottlieb 4-6 0-0 8, Alexander 3-6 2-2 10, Williams 1-1 0-0 2, Webber 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 21-51 13-18 57.

TEXAS (18-6) 

Owens 1-4 5-6 7, Mihm 7-13 1-1 15, Wagner 3-9 0-0 9, Williams 0-1 0-0 0, Kelly 6-14 0-0 14, Muoneke 8-12 1-3 17, McColpin 0-0 0-0 0, Clay 2-4 2-4 6. Totals 27-57 9-14 68.

Halftime—Texas 29, Oklahoma St. 27. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma St. 2-12 (Alexander 2-3, Gottlieb 0-1, Montanati 0-1, Adkins 0-2, Mason 0-5), Texas 5-15 (Wagner 3-6, Kelly 2-5, Mihm 0-1, Williams 0-1, Muoneke 0-1, Clay 0-1). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—Oklahoma St. 25 (Jonzen 12), Texas 39 (Mihm 16). Assists—Oklahoma St. 13 (Gottlieb 5), Texas 13 (Wagner 4). Total fouls—Oklahoma St. 15, Texas 18. A—15,525.

Cyclones Stand Alone as Big 12 Leaders

By The Associated Press

Late into the game, it looked as though struggling Kansas was about to shake off its recent troubles with an upset victory over No. 14 Iowa State.

But then a series of untimely turnovers dashed the hopes of the wildly enthusiastic Allen Fieldhouse crowd. And when it was all over, the Cyclones emerged with a 64-62 victory -- their first over the Jayhawks in Lawrence since 1982.

That, coupled with Oklahoma State’s upset by Texas, leaves Iowa State alone at the top of the Big 12 conference standings. The Cowboys are 10-1, with Oklahoma State and Texas, which both have to play the Cyclones at Ames next week, tied for second at 9-2.

Marcus Fizer led Iowa State with 15 points, including a key basket with 6 seconds to play. At Austin, Gabe Muoneke came off the bench to score 17 points in leading No. 17 Texas past No. 8 Oklahoma State 68-57.

In other Big 12 action Wednesday night, Baylor beat Texas A&M 63-54.

‘‘This is monumental,’’ Iowa State’s second-year coach Larry Eustachy said after his 22-3 Cyclones triumphed in Lawrence after having lost 17 straight games there. ‘‘For us to come in here and do it, it tells a lot.’’

He said the Kansas crowd was the loudest he’s heard all season.

‘‘We just performed in spite of it,’’ he said. ‘‘It was a game of spurts, and we had a spurt at the end.’’

‘‘We turned the ball over three consecutive times and they capitalized on all three,’’ said Kansas coach Roy Williams, struggling through his worst season in 11 years with the Jayhawks (18-7, 7-4.) ‘‘We lost our poise down the stretch.’’

The No. 24 Jayhawks opened an 18-11 lead in the first half but saw it shrink to 26-25 at halftime. After missing the first 13 shots he took, Jeff Boschee hit a 3-pointer that put Kansas ahead 57-48 with 4:41 left in the game. Iowa State closed the gap to four points, but Boschee’s two free throws put the Jayhawks ahead 59-53 with 3:06 remaining.

Then the turnovers enabled the Cyclones to tie the score at 59, and they went ahead 61-59 on Michael Nurse’s two free throws with 1:11 left.

‘‘Those last three turnovers were mental turnovers,’’ said Boschee, who made only two of the 17 shots he took. ‘‘I thought we were close to putting them away. Then they made some big shots.’’

Fizer’s off-balance jumper just ahead of the shot-clock buzzer gave Iowa State a 63-59 lead before Boschee made another 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds to go.

Paul Shirley hit a free throw in the final second to clinch the win and give the streaking Cyclones their first road victory over a ranked opponent since 1987.

Muoneke, taken out of the starting lineup last week, scored eight straight points in a critical stretch of the second half that broke the game open for Texas in its victory over Oklahoma State.

Baylor’s Tevis Stuke scored eight of his 20 points in the last 4:30 in the victory over Texas A&M

Stukes, playing with back spasms, hit five of six free throws and a timely 3-pointer down the stretch, leading the Bears (12-10, 3-8 Big 12) on a 15-1 run to close out the game.