LOCAL

Millage Levies Permanent Following Tuesdays Vote
Frederick Elected To Full Board Term
Pay Raise Vote Topic of Forum Thursday at PTC
County Conservation District Announces Banquet for March 6
Ponca City Food Service Presents Six Mile Bridge Concert Saturday
Kay County Republicans Meet March 3
Po-Hi Senior Night Set for Friday
P.C. Schools Want To Provide Best Education

Millage Levies Permanent Following Tuesdays Vote

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

County schools are celebrating today after all mill levies, and votes to make them permanent, were passed.

In a light turnout, blamed partly on the rainy weather, only 7,572 of the 34,786 registered voters showed up Tuesday to vote in the annual school elections.

In Ponca City, the emergency (1,645-685 ), local support (1,638-713) and building levies (1,666-687) for the local district were all passed. Also passed was the vote to make them permanent (1,438 to 867).

For Pioneer Technology Center, the five building mills passed by a vote of 2,430-1,308. The special question, which would make the levies permanent, passed by a vote of 2,066-1,655.

Other Kay County Results

In Blackwell, Micki Adams defeated Larry Webster 328-183. The emergency levy passed 385-127, the local support levy passed 380-135 and the building fund levy passed 370-139. The three question making the levies permanent passed 345-167, with 347-164 for the second question and 352-160 for the third question.

In Braman, all levies passed as well. The emergency levy passed 49-4, the local support passed 47-6 and the building levy passed 47-7. The permanent levies passed 45-7.

The levies in Kaw City also passed. The emergency levy passed 47-3, the local support levy passed 44-5 and the building levy passed 47-4. The permanent levies also passed.

In Kildare, the levies passed: emergency levy (35 -12), local support (35-12) and building levy (38-18).

James E. Schaefer won Office 1 for Newkirk schools. He received 152 votes compared to 125 for Craig Free and 27 for Polly Redford. The levies also passed in Newkirk. The emergency levy passed 229-73, the local support levy passed 225-74 and the building levy passed 223-69. The three separate questions making the levies also passed.

The mill levies passed in Peckham. The emergency levy passed 27-11, the local support levy passed 25-13 and the building levy passed 28-10. The permanent levies passed 25-13.

In Tonkawa, Jim Corbin beat Tony D. Ross 241-130. The levies passed in Tonkawa as well. The emergency levy passed 281-83, the local support levy passed 272-92 and the building levy passed 278-84. The levies will become permanent in Tonkawa by a vote of 227-131.

Other Results

Steve Kienholz will remain in office at Frontier schools. He received 196 votes compared to 64 for Travis W. Young, 46 for Casey Camp-Horinek and 19 for Thomas Butch Butler. The levies passed at Frontier as well. The emergency levy passed 247-74, the local support passed 244-79 and the building levy passed 244-76. The special question making the levies permanent passed 215-101.

In Morrison, the emergency levy passed 261-21, the local support levy passed 260-21 and the building levy passed 264-17. The levies will become permanent by a vote of 246 to 27 and the bond issue passed 252-22.

In Burbank, the emergency levy passed 27-9, the local support passed 28-8 and the building levy passed 28-8. The special question passed 28-9.

At McCord, the emergency levy passed 55-8, the local support levy passed 55-7 and the building levy passed 57-5. The levies will also become permanent at McCord.

Joyce Davis beat Mary Mashburn for Office 2 of the Shidler Board of Education 174-17. The levies also passed in Shidler (emergency got 149 to 41, local support passed 145-44 and the building levy passed 150-40).

In Woodland, Randy Corley defeated Terry Mason Moore 171-157. The emergency levy passed 261-68, local support levy passed 253-73 and the building levy passed 257-70 .

Frederick Elected To Full Board Term

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

There will be no recount between Norris Frederick and David Kinkaid.

Winning by 346 votes, Frederick defeated Kinkaid to remain in Office 6, a four-year term, for the Ponca City Board of Education.

Frederick received 1,346 votes compared to 1,000 votes for Kinkaid.

Frederick beat Kinkaid in all precincts, except 527, where Kinkaid received five more votes.

Frederick had been filling the position since last February when the board appointed him to fill the position of Steve Stalcup.

This morning, Frederick was thrilled with the election results.

“I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support I received during this election. People I haven’t heard from or seen in years came to me to show their support,” he said. “I really appreciated that.”

Frederick also said the board is doing great things. “We have taken steps to implement some great things. I believe the community is noticing this,” he said.

“There have been several exciting developments in our school system in the recent past; the new trimester concept, construction of new facilities and renovation of others. We are about to enter into a period where it will be imperative to get the community involved, namely the Middle School concept and the shuffling of children to facilitate this endeavor,” he said.

Since being named to office last February, Frederick said he has tried to set a good example. “I’ve tried to lead by example. I think people have noticed my dedication to the board,” he said.

“I am aware of the board’s practices and policies. I believe in showcasing our kids and displaying what’s good in our schools,” he said.

Pay Raise Vote Topic of Forum Thursday at PTC

A public forum set for Thursday 8-9 a.m. at Pioneer Technology Center will feature speakers on the upcoming city election question as to whether the firefighters should receive a 10 percent raise.

This question is to be on the city election ballot on March 6. Moderator will be Raj Phansalkar, chairman of the Legislative Review Committee. Announced speakers are Skip Jump of the firefighters and Mayor Tom Leonard. The Chamber routinely sponsors forums on elections and other community issues.

The public is encouraged to attend. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

County Conservation District Announces Banquet for March 6

The Kay County Conservation District has announced their annual awards banquet is set for March 6 in the Blackwell High School Study Center. The meal will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the much anticipated awards ceremony.

Special guests at the event will be Darrel Dominick, state conservationist, and Mike Thralls, executive director for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

District officials indicate the high school’s south doors will be open for the banquet, and parking will be available north of the new field house and south of the south wing of the school.

When you receive your invitation, you are asked to call the district office to be eligible for the R.S.V.P. cash drawing. There will also be a drawing for other door prizes at the banquet.

For more information, contact the Kay County Conservation District office at 580-362-2438.

Ponca City Food Service Presents Six Mile Bridge Concert Saturday

On Saturday, the Ponca City chapter of the American School Food Service Association will present in concert at the historic Poncan Theatre Six Mile Bridge, an Irish group.

The concert will be a fund raiser for the Ponca City School Food Service Association and begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

This five-piece band combines traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs and tunes. The band has received acclaim for its performances which have been called rollicking, silly and rough, up-close and personal and Celtic bold and old. Its debut performance was at the 1998 Milwaukee Irish Fest. The band has also played at the Potomac Celtic Festival and at Connolly’s in New York City for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The line up includes over 20 instruments and vocals and has a reputation for “blowing the house down.”

The American School Food Service Association is an organization dedicated to the enrichment of knowledge for the members and is deeply committed to child nutrition. Members represent all aspects of child nutrition such as cooks, directors, cashiers, administrative assistants and nutritionists. The Ponca City chapter uses funds raised by its various fund raisers to send its members to state and national conventions. The local group hopes to someday have the means to offer a scholarship to a Ponca City High School senior who plans to further his/her education in food service or a related field such as nutrition, dietary science or hotel and restaurant management.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or advanced by calling 767-8027. Cash or checks only will be accepted payable to PCSFSA.

Kay County Republicans Meet March 3

Plans for the Kay County Republican Convention were announced today by Dave White, County Chairman.

The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the Walcher Conference Center on the Northern Oklahoma College campus in Tonkawa.

Delegate registration begins at 1 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brenda Reneau Wynn, Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor. Delegates to the County Convention, selected at the party’s precinct caucus meetings held Jan. 29,, will in turn elect county party officials and select delegates to the State Republican Convention, which is to be held in Oklahoma City on April 7.

In announcing plans for the county convention, White said, “Visitors are welcome to attend, but only registered Republicans selected as delegates by the precincts may take part in the convention business. But I also want to encourage participation in the county party. If you were not able to attend a precinct caucus meeting and want to be a delegate to the county convention or if you would like to participate in the convention planning, call me.”

For more information call White, County Chairman at (580)762-0103 or e-mail at daw@poncacity.net

Po-Hi Senior Night Set for Friday

Senior members of the Ponca City High School Ladycat and Wildcat basketball teams will be honored at Robson Fieldhouse during Senior Night on Friday immediately following the boys junior varsity game at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Varsity games will follow with the girls team playing at 6:30 p.m. and the boys at 8 p.m. This will be the last home game of the season. The teams will play Broken Arrow.

Also recognized that evening will be the senior members of the cheerleaders, Hi-Steppers, pep band and trainers.

Senior members of the Po-Hi basketball teams are:

John Abel is the son of Charles and Carol Abel. He has played basketball for nine years, attaining All-Conference his freshman year. He is on the Principal’s Honor Roll, received third in state in academic testing over Oklahoma History, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. He is a member of the Spirit Club, Science Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Life Scout and received the God and Country Award. He plans to attend OSU, become an English teacher at the high school level and would like to coach.

James Anno is the son of Phil and Cindy Anno. He has played basketball for 10 years and is a two-year letterman. He is an honor roll student, a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Boys State Delegate and Student Council Secretary for 2000-2001. After graduation, he plans to attend OBU and major in pre-medicine.

Jena Birdsong is the daughter of Virginia Birdsong and Larrell Birdsong. She has played basketball for nine years, attaining All-Conference her freshman year, and is a member of the Ladycat softball team. She was chosen as attendant for Queen of Courts during her sophomore and senior years. Jena has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years, is a member of the National Honor Society, Who’s Who, Foreign Language Club and a Girls State representative. She plans to study law, sports broadcasting or journalism in college.

Jared Brashears is the son of Stephen and Tonya Treat. He has played basketball for 10 years and is a two-year letterman. He was a state qualifier in track and a member of the Wildcat football team. Jared is an honor roll student, a member of Who’s Who and serves on the Senior High Leadership Committee of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After graduation he plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Billy Broughton is the son of Mitchell Broughton and Cindi Smith and has played basketball for 10 years. He was All-Conference as a freshman and All-Conference/All Tournament as a junior. He was awarded the Norris Frederick Award in 1999-2000 and was chosen for this year’s King of Courts. Billy is a past member of the Wildcat football team and qualified for state his junior years as a member of the track team. He plans to attend college and play basketball.

Tara Cries for Ribs is the daughter of Ivan Cries for Ribs and Sandra Lay. She has played basketball for nine years earning All-Conference as a freshman and is a two-year letterman. Her honors include Who’s Who, Outstanding Native American, Johnson O’Malley Award and is this year’s Queen of Courts. Tara plans to attend college and major in child psychology.

Raisa Durrani is the daughter of Javaid and Nancy Durrani. She has been involved in the basketball program for four years working as manager for the Po-Hi Ladycats this year. Raisa received the National Merit Commendation 2000, Academic All-State nomination, National Council of Teachers of English Writing Award and AP Scholar 2000. She is on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and National Honor Society and is a member of the Foreign Language Club, track team and is a tutor for the Ponca City Literacy Council. After graduation she plans to enter Harvard University.

Lyndsi Frederick is the daughter of Norris and Sue Frederick. She is a two-year letterman for the Ladycats and was senior attendant for Queen of Courts. After graduation, she plans to attend Oklahoma Christian University and major in child care.

Tim Frick is the son of Steve and Penny Frick. He has played basketball for 10 years and is a two-year basketball letterman. He is also an award winning member of the Wildcat tennis team. He is on the Principal and Superintendent’s Honor Roll, a member of Who’s Who, National Honor Society and was selected as a Boys State Delegate. Tim is a member of the Foreign Language Club, Student Council representative and was sophomore and senior attendant for Queen of Courts. After graduation he plans to attend OSU majoring in business finance.

Blaine Petrie is the son of Linda Petrie. He has played basketball for 10 years, is a two-year Wildcat letterman and was senior attendant for Queen of Courts. He was a member of three AAU basketball teams and has played in three National Tournaments. Blaine is a member of Who’s Who and is active in the Northeast Baptist Church Youth Group and Young Life. He would like to continue playing basketball at the college level and plans to major in marketing or business.

Josh Pitts is the son of Ron and Cheryl Pitts. He has played basketball for 10 years and is a two-year letterman. He is also a three-year letterman of the Wildcat tennis team, earning numerous awards, and is a two-year letterman in cross country. Josh is on the Principal and Superintendent’s Honor Rolls, National Honor Society, Who’s Who and a Boys State Delegate. He is a member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Youth Group. After graduation, he plans to attend either Oklahoma Christian University or the University of Oklahoma.

Kris Upchurch is the son of Mike and Kim White. He has played basketball for 10 years. He is also a member of the tennis team and a three-year letterman on the cross country team, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention. Kris has earned an academic letter and plans to attend college after graduation.

P.C. Schools Want To Provide Best Education

Editor’s Note: This is second in series on the Ponca City Summit’s education initiative. A task force to promote seamless and improved education in the area is being chaired by Dr. Joe Kinzer, president, Northern Oklahoma College; and co-chaired by Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools; Dr. Brenda Stacy, director of the University Learning Center; and Dr. Doug Majors, CEO of Pioneer Technology Center.

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

“The real success to what Ponca City is going to achieve in the future is because we are not going to have an excuse, we are not going to allow ourselves to say ‘oh we look like everybody else or we are satisfied where we are.’ We are going to point out to the kids they can get the very best education here,” said Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools.

An indication that the schools are headed in the right direction came from Archie Duhnam, Conoco CEO, who when he was here recently praised the educators for the improvements.

Dr. White, who was named “Superintendent of the Year” in Oklahoma last year, said, “Obviously we want to be a world class school system. We want our students to do the very best and in some small ways we are doing that. Each year our students are accepted into the finest universities — unfortunately not enough of our students are achieving at that very top level.”

However, Dr. White noted, “What we are seeing with the Board’s requirement to increase graduation levels is that our test scores will begin to reflect these new requirements . We want those higher scores, we want our kids taking advance math and science — not just taking the minimum just-get-by levels. We want our students reaching the very best preparation for going to college and not having to take the remedial classes. So we are insisting that our kids do better in school.

“We have a C or better in the core curriculum. We do not allow students to get credit for the English, math or science courses in high school if they haven’t made at least a C. We are raising the standard to say ‘you need to know more and you need to be able to produce more and you need to be able to demonstrate that you’ve mastered those subject areas.’”

White said that the students are taking more math and science and enrollment in chemistry is at all time high, as well as physics. “Students are taking those advanced courses and it is increasing. We are increasing our graduation rate. Kids are staying in school longer primarily because of the Alternative School.

“The Alternative School is for kids that have not learned well in our traditional environment but are being successful in the Alternative School. But we have to keep the expectations high. It is not a watered down degree, they still have to make their subject area, even though they may do it in a different setting.”

The other big issue, according to White, is getting students started off well. “We have a huge emphasis on literacy. There are similar emphasis in mathematics, making sure that our students are successful at every grade level.”

“We have instituted reading programs through seventh and eighth grade that requires students to read on grade level — not just pushing them through school because they are a year older. There are similar emphasis in mathematics.”

White said, “There are big cultural changes going on within the system to require more of our students.”

He added, “The other thing we are doing is to extend the school day and the school year for those students who are not having success. We are intervening with those students and requiring them to go to summer school and require them to get additional tutoring after school, where they might have preferred to just continue to make low grades.”

The other big emphasis is preventing those learning problems by having quality programs at the preschool level. We have more students in four year old programs called pre-K than any school our size. We have all of our students in all-day kindergarten.”

White continued, “One of the biggest challenges for public education across the U.S. is overcoming poverty. Poverty is an indicator of poor academic performance. We can look at the family income and pretty well predict what a student is going to be able to do academically. That is not a hard and fast rule, because kids overcome poverty many times, but in large part where we see a concentration of economically disadvantaged students we see poor test scores. We see poor performance, and much higher drop out rates. We have got to overcome that. We’ve got to intervene earlier, we’ve got to help those children develop their reading ability and math skills and we are doing that with numerous initiatives coupled with our Great Expectation schools and our extended day schools and volunteer host programs.”

Editor’s Note: Dr. White explains more about the improvements in the next story.

DEATHS

Makaila Alexis Klinger
Darla Jean Glasgow Wesbrook
Melvin N. Shupe
Velma Rosa Johnson
Ludi Marie Robinson Maples
Reina Okla Kent Allen

Makaila Alexis Klinger

Makaila Alexis Klinger, infant daughter of Larry and Stephanie Klinger, died on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2001, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, in the Grace Memorial Chapel with Rev. Leon Grider, pastor of Osage Heights Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park.

Survivors include her parents of the home in Ponca City; paternal grandmother, Bernice Young; maternal grandparents, Stephen and Martha Lawson; numerous aunts and uncles; and a host of other relatives.

Makaila was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, John Klinger Sr.

Obituaries

Darla Jean Glasgow Wesbrook

Darla Jean Glasgow Wesbrook, former resident of Ponca City, died Sunday evening, Feb. 4, 2001, at her home in Treasure Island, Fla. She was 65.

A memorial service was held in Treasure Island, Fla., for family and friends.

Darla Jean Glasgow Wesbrook was born on Nov. 25, 1935, in Blackwell, the daughter of Clyde and Maye Glasgow. She attended school in Burbank and graduated from Ponca City High School. Darla and her family bred and raced thoroughbred race horses for many years across the country and finally settled in Florida in 1970. She later became a licensed real estate broker. Photography and computers were her hobbies but most of all she enjoyed her time at her home on the beach.

She is survived by her mother, Maye Glasgow of Ponca City; two sons, Randy Ross and wife Kelle of Ponca City, and Mike Wesbrook and wife Tina and granddaughter Melissa, all of Treasure Island, Fla.; one sister, Carol Hamrick and husband Darrel; two nephews, Brett and Kevin Hamrick and families.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Glasgow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Florida Sun Coast, 300 East Bay Drive, Largo, Fla. 33770.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Melvin N. Shupe

NEWKIRK — Melvin N. Shupe, longtime Newkirk resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 13, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 88. Funeral arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Velma Rosa Johnson

FAIRFAX — Velma Rosa Johnson, longtime Fairfax resident, died late Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 96. Local survivors include a daughter, Billie Jones of Shidler. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Funerals

Thursday

Ludi Marie Robinson Maples

Ludi Marie Robinson Maples — Funeral at 1 p.m. in the First Baptist Church worship center. Burial to follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace memorial Chapel.

Friday

Reina Okla Kent Allen

Reina Okla Kent Allen — Funeral at 1:30 p.m. in the Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

MS Support — Dr. Krishna Vaidya will be the speaker for the Feb. 19 meeting of the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel at Westminster Village, 1601 Academy.

St. Paul’s spaghetti dinner and silent auction, February 16, 5-7 pm. Adults $5; children $2.50. adv.

Recital Planned — Kathy Cripps, a student at Oklahoma Baptist University, will present a music recital at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in the First Baptist Church Worship Center. The public is invited to attend.

Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv.

PCCWC Luncheon — All area women are invited to attend an “Everything’s Coming Up Sweetheart Roses” luncheon. The Feb. 21 event is sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club and will be held 12:30-2 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Cost is $8.50 and reservations for the luncheon and childcare should be made with Jeanette, 765-8427.

Glass Negative has 101 Ranch Calendars for sale. 104 North 1st. adv.

Pvt. Jones Graduates — Pvt. Michael E. Jones, son of Shannon Rainville and Richard Jones recently graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Theft — A man in the 1500 block of East Walnut Avenue reported a stolen chainsaw to Ponca City police at 1:01 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Redd Promoted — Cadet Lt. Mack Garrison Redd has recently been appointed to the position of Cadet Second Lieutenant to Alpha Company. 2nd Lt. Redd has been chosen for this position because of his outstanding leadership and academic abilities. St. John’s wants to congratulate 2nd Lt. Redd on his recent promotion and thank him for all of his hard work.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported finding an accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 7:39 a.m. Tuesday. A report was taken.

Fuller Brush, Watkins and Vision for Life products available at 300 West Highland, (Ponca Glass building). 762-6522. adv.

Fraud — A man in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue reported finding a gun that had been stolen from him to Ponca City police at 10:23 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Friday Bingo!! February 9, 2001 at the Disabled American Veterans, 401 South Lincoln, 762-3851. Early’s start at 6 pm. Don’t forget our Monday night and

Tuesday afternoon bingo. Please come and help out our Disabled Veterans. adv.

Vandalism — A man in the 300 block of North Stephen Street reported to Ponca City police at 11:37 a.m. Tuesday someone had loosened the bolts on the wheels of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Oak Street reported an 18-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for possession of marijuana at 9:36 p.m. Tuesday.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident with injury in the 1200 block of North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:21 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Engines one, two and three, rescue one and two ambulances from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a shoplifter was being held to Ponca City police at 3:20 p.m. Tuesday. Two officers responded to the scene and a 17-year-old boy was taken into police custody for grand larceny.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 900 block of North Seventh Street was reported to Ponca City police at 3:27 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vege-tables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am un-til gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue reported an 18-year-old woman was taken into custody on two Kay County warrants for forgery at 3:59 p.m. Tuesday.

Theft — A clerk at Stop-N-Go, 501 West Highland Avenue, reported a 13-year-old was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 5:56 p.m. Tuesday. An officer responded to the scene and the girl was taken into police custody for petit larceny.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in Wal-Mart parking lot, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, was reported to Ponca City police at 6:32 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Sheaffer Recital Canceled — A scheduled recital featuring W. Michael Sheaffer, tenor, set for Friday at the First Christian Church has been canceled as a result of illness.

Accident — A motorist reported to Ponca City police at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday seeing a vehicle jump a curb at the intersection of North Osage Street and North Palm Street and hit a yield sign. An officer was assigned and a note was left for Traffic Engineering to repair the sign.

Burglary — A man in the 900 block of Darr Park Drive reported his pickup was burglarized to Ponca City police at 12:17 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor backing accident in the 1900 block of North Seventh Street was reported to Ponca City police at 6:56 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Professionals Today Group Plans Meeting
Little News

Professionals Today Group Plans Meeting

Guest speaker for the Thursday noon meeting of Professionals Today at Royal China Buffet, Fourteenth and Bradley, will be Tricia Salyer with Americorps. She will be speaking on the “Gear Up” program which deals with volunteer tutors for the junior and senior schools.

Members are encouraged by Pixie Rowland, president, to bring prospective members as guests to the program meeting. This year the emphasis will be on membership-retention and new members; getting to know each other better; networking; making a difference in the community; and having fun according to Rowland.

Karen Furman, last year's “P.T. Member of the Year,” will attend the AAUW Women’s Day Banquet on March 6 with Sue Lunsford, immediate past president. This special banquet honors outstanding women.

Members celebrating February birthdays are Loretta Leathers , Louise Abercrombie and Karen Hunter.

Announcement will be made that the organization made a $250 contribution to the Po-Hi Big Blue Band for their trip to Washington, D.C.

Little News

Ian Daniel Malicoate

Todd and Angela Malicoate of Stillwater announce the birth of their first child, Ian Daniel, Jan. 15, 2001, at the Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Daniel and Kathleen Emerson of Perkins, and great-grandparents are Warren and Letha Moore of Enid. Paternal grandparents are Ben and Diane Cavett of Ponca City, and Joe Malicoate of Enid.

SPORTS

Lady Cats Top Bruins On Last Second Shot
At Least Cats Caught Number of That Truck
OSU Football Schedule Set
Cowgirls Top Aggies, 83-63
ODWC Adding Fishing Trips To Its Auctions
New Deer Regulations Pass
Several Bills Will Affect Wildlife
Game Thief Receives Fines

Lady Cats Top Bruins On Last Second Shot

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

BARTLESVILLE — It might not compare to the thilla in Manilla, but Ponca City Lady Cat fans will not soon forget the thrill in Bartlesville. Ponca City knocked out Bartlesville 44-42 on a last chance jump shot.

Sophomore Jamie Prado hit a 2-foot jump shot just to the right of the basket with 3 seconds remaining to land the final blow that put the Lady Bruins away.

Tuesday’s game was a continuation of the knock-down-drag-out earlier in Robson Fieldhouse that ended with a four point 39-35 win for the Lady Bruins.

In Bartlesville, the Lady Cats was on the ropes. The host team led the entire game, but the visitor Lady Cats stayed close and kept taking whatever the Lady Bruins hit them with.

“They just fight, fight, fight. Adversity doesn’t bother these girls,” coach Jamie Burtner said of her team.

Freshman point guard Jenna Green and Prado, a sophomore, stepped up and delivered against the taller Lady Bruins. Green was inserted into the lineup due to a season ending injury to Courtney Birdsong.

Throughout the first half and most of the third, the Lady Bruins passed the ball inside for the majority of the host team’s points. The Lady Cats were content to try scoring from the outside, but had little success and trailed 7-6 after the first quarter and 14-10 at the half.

But, Bartlesville and Ponca City are not about scoring points. The Lady Bruins are first in defense in the Frontier Conference and the Lady Cats are second. Bartlesville gives up an average of 40 points, and Ponca City gives up 42 points-per-game.

In the locker room at halftime, Burtner said she talked to the girls about not letting the other team penetrate and to apply more pressure on the guards.

“We switched to man-to-man in the fourth quarter and caused them to turn the ball over,” she said. “They played aggressive. They played smart. They played as a team.”

Burtner said she was happy with the defense during the game and forced the Lady Bruins into 24 turnovers, while committing only 15.

But, she said, the team has to score points.

“We did that in the second half,” she said. “But we knew it would be a defensive struggle going into the game.”

Green led the team in scoring with 13 points. Ten of her points came in the fourth quarter. Her last three points came on a 3-point shot from the top of the key with 29 seconds remaining in the game to tie the score at 42.

The Lady Cats made 9-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter. Prado, who struggles from the line, hit 3-of-5.

Tara Cries For Ribs scored 6. Sophomore Melissa Fore, 6; Jena Birdsong, 5; Lyndsi Frederick, 3; Kristina Huddleston, 2.

Amanda Warehime led the Lady Bruins with 15 points.

The Ponca City team has played with adversity the entire season. The team began the season learning a new system under first year coach Burtner. In December, junior center Jenna Wedd, the go-to-player for the Lady Cats was lost for the season with a torn ACL in December.

Junior Mallory Hodge left the team in January.

Junior point guard Courtney has been playing hurt since Jan. 23 when she injured her knee at Owasso.

Wedd and Birdsong both sat on the sideline together before the game against Bartlesville last night. Birdsong is out for the rest of the season with torn ligaments and a fracture. A MRI revealed a torn ACL, PCL, LCL and a fracture.

At Least Cats Caught Number of That Truck

By DAVIDF DAVIS

News Sports Writer

BARTLESVILLE — The Ponca City Wildcats know how deer feels when they are caught in headlights.

Wildcat coach Ron Arthur did get the number of the truck that ran over his team 76-57 in Bartlesville Tuesday.

It was number 12.

The name of the driver was Scott Blakemore.

“That’s about it,” Arthur said. “No one else had a particularly good night against us. He had a career night.”

Blakemore scored 32 points. At halftime, he was perfect from 3-point range by making 7-of-7 attempts. He made 1-of-2 field goals and also missed 1-of-2 free throws for 24 points.

The Wildcats contained him in the second half, but the damage was already done.

Ponca City led 10-8 in the first quarter before Bartlesville went on a 10-0 run and finished the first quarter leading, 18-10.

The Bruins extended the run to 13-0 before Blaine Petrie scored for the Wildcats with 6:40 remaining in the second period.

Despite the 38-27 deficit at halftime, the Wildcats showed signs of life. Senior Kris Upchurch hit two 3-point shots and a couple of free throws in the closing two minutes of the first half.

However, each time Ponca City got to within 10 points, Blakemore turned on his headlights and fired off another 3-point shot that hit squarely on the Wildcats’ No. 9 ranking.

The third quarter began with Ponca City pulling to within six points, 38-32. Two minutes later, with 3:31 showing on the clock, the Wildcats were down 15 points, 49-35.

The third period ended with the score of 55-38.

Arthur said they got solid play from their point guards.

”They turned the ball over sixteen times, but most of those were late in the ball game,” he said. “They didn’t turn it over when we needed them to turn it over.”

Arthur said the Wildcats will have to regroup and put this one behind them.

Upchurch led the Wildcats in scoring with 14 points. Petrie had 13; Tim Frick, 12 and Billy Broughton, 11.

The Wildcats had nine offensive rebounds and 10 defensive boards. Bartlesville had six offensive and 20 defensive boards. Ponca City shot 9-of-16 from the free throw line. The Bruins made 11-of-19.

The next game for both Wildcat teams is Friday win Ponca City hosts Broken Arrow in the final regular season game. It is also senior night.

OSU Football Schedule Set

STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State opens its first season under new coach Les Miles with a road game against the team that started the Cowboys’ downhill slide last year.

OSU on Tuesday announced its 2001 football schedule, which features six bowl teams and a Division I-AA opponent.

The Cowboys open their season Sept. 1 on the road against Southern Mississippi, which beat the Cowboys 28-6 in Stillwater last season. It marked the start of a seven-game slide for OSU, which finished the season 3-8.

Oklahoma State’s first home game is Sept. 8 against Louisiana Tech, followed the next week by a visit from Division I-AA Northern Arizona.

OSU opens Big 12 Conference play on Sept. 22 at Texas A&M.

OSU’s homecoming game is on Oct. 27 against Colorado.

Other conference home games for OSU are Missouri, Texas and Texas Tech. The Cowboys travel to play Iowa State and Baylor and play Oklahoma in Norman on Nov. 24.

Cowgirls Top Aggies, 83-63

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Kara Faulk scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds Tuesday night as Oklahoma State defeated Texas A&M, 83-63.

Faulk was one of four Cowgirls to score in double figures. Jessica Bates had 16 points and six rebounds, and Chantoya Hawkins and Shelby Hutchens scored 10 each.

Texas A&M (12-11, 2-10 Big 12) went into halftime with a 31-30 lead, but made only 31 percent of its shots in the second half and was outscored by 21 points.

Oklahoma State (13-10, 5-7) also dominated the Aggies on the boards, grabbing 52 to Texas A&M’s 35.

Jaynetta Saunders led Texas A&M with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Saunders was the only Aggie in double figures.

OKLAHOMA ST. 83, TEXAS A&M 63

Oklahoma St. (13-10)

Spinner 3-5 0-0 8, Hutchens 3-8 3-4 10, Faulk 5-16 10-12 21, Roberts 3-6 0-0 6, Skibbe 1-2 2-2 4, Osborn 0-1 0-0 0, Bates 7-13 2-2 16, Stuber 2-5 0-0 6, Hawkins 5-9 0-1 10, Lawrence 1-3 0-1 2. Totals 30-68 17-22 83.

Texas A&M (12-11)

Williams 3-9 0-0 7, Derrick 1-3 0-0 2, Jones 3-13 1-2 8, Saunders 14-31 1-2 30, Classen 3-6 0-0 6, Rose 3-8 0-0 8, Johnson 0-2 2-2 2, Washington 0-1 0-0 0, Mason 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-73 4-6 63.

Outdoors

ODWC Adding Fishing Trips To Its Auctions

This year's auction items offered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) are again headlined by a bull elk hunt, but offered for the first time will also be a fishing package for two.

Approved by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, the ODWC's governing body, at its regular February meeting, the two packages are being offered to the highest bidder through a sealed bid system. All bids must be received at ODWC headquarters in Oklahoma City by Friday, March 23.

As in the past two years, the Department is offering one elk hunt at Cookson Hills Wildlife Management Area, a rugged 13,650-acre area in northeast Oklahoma's Ozark country. The hunt, which generated $10,100 last year, is a guided three-day hunt anytime in September, October or November. The hunter can choose to use a bow and arrrow, muzzleloader or modern rifle. Past auction hunt high bidders have harvested a 7X8 bull in 1999 and a 6X7 bull last year.

“In the final 21st Century Deer Stakeholder Committee Report, presented to the Wildlife Conservation Commission several months ago, committee members recommended using some of the proceeds to issue a challenge grant to raise funds for the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program,” said Greg Duffy, executive director of the Wildlife Department.

“Depending on the auction results, we may look at bringing the suggestion before the Commission for their consideration.”

Last year, the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program provided some 250,000 meals for needy residents. In the past, funding for the Program has not been able to meet the demand.

The other auction hunt package being offered is a special fishing package that includes overnight accommodations for two and guided trips for trophy striped bass on the lower Illinois River, Ouachita smxallmouth fishing on the upper Mountain Fork River, trophy largemouth bass fishing at McGee Creek Lake and topwater striped bass fishing at Lake Texoma. Specific accommodations include:

— A June 13, 2001, trophy striper trip on the lower Illinois River with guide Delmer Shoults. Lodging provided for the night of June 12 at the MarVal Trout Camp, located on the banks of the lower Illinois trout stream.

— The one-day Ouachita smallmouth trip on the upper Mountain Fork River can be taken anytime, but prime floating dates are April to June. Guide Ethan Wright and ODWC Stream Biologist Paul Balkenbush will provide on-the-water guiding, while lodging will be provided by the Whipporwill Cabins at Broken Bow. Breakfast also will be provided.

— Trophy Bass Guide Chuck Justice will provide a day of largemouth fishing at McGee Creek, one of Oklahoma's most noted trophy bass lakes. Lodging provided by Firefly Hollow. Trip can be booked anytime, but the best time will be between April and June.

— A day of chasing surfacing striped bass at Lake Texoma with Chub Anderson, the ODWC's lake maintenance supervisor, and Paul Mauck, southcentral region fisheries supervisor. Peak surface fishing times are between April 15 and May 15. Lodging provided by Bob's Lake Country Motel.

Winning bidders will be notified Monday, March 26, and payment must be received within 10 days of notification. Bidding is open to individuals and organizations, and permits may be transferred one time by the successful bidder. Dates are subject to availability and scheduling between sportsmen and guides.

For more information, log on to the Department's website -

www.wildlifedepartment.com. Bids can be submitted by sending a sealed envelope to: Auction Hunts, ODWC, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Be sure to specify bid price and package.

New Deer Regulations Pass

At its regular February meeting, held Feb. 5 in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to implement a slate of deer hunting regulation changes. On a 4-3 vote, the Commission also voted to keep the annual combined buck bag limit at three.

The deer proposals, several of which were discussed at length between members of the Commission and the audience, were mainly derived from a year-long planning process involving stakeholders representing numerous special interest groups. Most recently, the proposals had received public input at a series of eight hearings throughout the state, and through a special comment sheet that could be downloaded from the Department website - wildlifedepartment.com.

Of the 17 individual proposals, Commission members voted to adopt 13 and reject four. All of the regulation changes were approved for this year's deer season.

Specifically, the Commission voted to:

— Increase the total annual combined bag limit from five deer to six.

— Keep the total annual combined buck limit at three.

— Establish a Jan. 1-15 antlerless-only archery season statewide.

— Reduce the annual archery bag limit for bucks from three to two (archers will now be allowed four deer per year, no more than two of which can be bucks).

— Allow hunters to use an unfilled buck permit to harvest an antlerless deer on the last day of the muzzleloader and gun seasons.

— Increase from one to two the antlerless bag limit during muzzleloader and gun seasons indesignated zones.

— Create an additional antlerless deer gun season in designated management zones anytime between Dec. 15 and Jan. 6, and other times as approved by the Wildlife Commission.

— Prohibit the harvest of antlerless mule deer during the modern gun season.

— Create two levels for properties enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP): Level 1 is from 1,000-4,999 acres; and Level 2 is 5,000 acres and more. The cost for Level 1 will be $200, while the Level 2 cost will be $400. Requirements for both levels are the same, and include requiring cooperators to conduct spotlight counts and collect a variety of biological data when checking deer in.

— Allow the Department to issue deer depredation permits based on a history of previous crop damage.

— Make antlerless deer taken under Damage Control Assistance Program permits bonus.

Commissioners voted to reject several proposals, including measures intended to provide expanded hunting opportunities for properties enrolled in the Deer Management AssistanceProgram and additional antlerless hunting opportunities for private landowners and lessees whereby bonus doe permits would be issued based on acreage owned or leased.

Wildlife Division Chief Alan Peoples said he expects to present specific Department recommendations regarding additional antlerless gun hunts and changes in the antlerless bag limits, by zone, for muzzleloader and gun seasons to the Commission at its regular April meeting. Biologists need time to analyze this past year's harvest statistics before determining which management zones warrant recommendations for increased bag limits or additional management hunts, he said.

Several Bills Will Affect Wildlife

The 2001 legislative session is underway, and a wide array of bills have been introduced that could affect hunters, anglers and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the agency responsible for managing the state's fish and wildlife resources.

Of the 13 Senate and 13 House bills introduced, none may be more important than House Joint Resolution 1008 and Senate Joint Resolution 9. Both measures call for a vote of the people to establish a one-and-half cent sales tax increase on certain hunting, fishing and wildlife watching equipment sales with the proceeds going to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to improve the state's wildlife resources.

HJR 1008 by Dale Smith of the House and Frank Shurden of the Senate passed from the House Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb. 7 and now awaits action by the full House. SJR 9 by Shurden is assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The concept of increasing the tax hunters and anglers pay on sporting goods purchases and directing the funds to the Wildlife Department was one of several suggestions by a special funding taskforce that included House and Senate members, state agency representatives and citizens appointed by the Governor.

Other bills introduced as a result of the funding taskforce include:

Senate Bill 478 by Frank Shurden and House Bill 1261 by Dale Smith. The two bills would permit the Wildlife Conservation Commission to increase license fees annually to adjust for inflation in an amount not to exceed that year's change in the Consumer Price Index or five percent, whichever is greater. Effective date would be Nov. 1, 2001. SB 478 has been assigned to the Senate Wildlife Committee and HB 1261 has been assigned to the House Administrative Rule Review Committee.

Senate Bill 480 by Frank Shurden authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to impose a $5 processing fee for special use permits for controlled hunts.Bill would be effective immediately. It has been assigned to the Senate Wildlife Committee.

Several other measures could have long-lasting impacts on the hunting and fishing scene in Oklahoma.

Senate Joint Resolution 12 by Frank Shurden of the Senate and M.C. Leist of the House calls for a vote of the people to establish a constitutional amendment providing citizens the inherent right to pursue occupations and engage in hunting, fishing and other sporting events which involve livestock, fowl, fish and other animals. It would give the Wildlife Conservation Commission and the State Department of Agriculture the power and authority to approve methods, practices and procedures for hunting, trapping, fishing and the taking of game and fish. Further specifies that no method, practice or procedure which is lawful on the effective date of the adoption of this amendment shall ever be disapproved by the Wildlife Conservation Commission or the State Department of Agriculture. The measure has been assigned to the Senate Wildlife Committee.

Senate Joint Resolution 16 by Stratton Taylor specifies that no laws shall be enacted that limit the privilege of properly licensed citizens to hunt and fish in this state; provided, however, all hunting and fishing shall be in accordance with rules promulgated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. It has also been assigned to the Senate Wildlife Committee.

House Bill 1375 by Bob Plunk and House Bill 1402 by Randall Erwin would both require a two-thirds super-majority vote by the Legislature to enact any future laws restricting the privileges of hunting and fishing within the limits of the laws and rules set by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Bill would be effective immediately. HB 1375 has been assigned to the House Wildlife Committee and HB 1402 has been assigned to the House Rules Committee.

Other introduced bills would:

— Increase fines for trespassing;

— Change posting laws;

— Require anyone using the Blue River WMA either possess a valid hunting or fishing licenses or purchase a Blue River WMA Access Permit.

— Authorize the Wildlife Conservation Commission to establish a special use permit for privately owned land leased by the Department in tracts less than 4,000 acres.

— Authorize the Wildlife Conservation Commission to promulgate rules to sell hunting and fishing licenses via the Internet.

— Authorize the Wildlife Conservation Commission to create an urban fishing license which would act as both a state fishing license and municipal access license. Also would authorize the Commission to enter into agreements with municipalities to issue urban fishing licenses.

— Make hunting and fishing licenses good for twelve (12) months after the date of issuance.

— Set quail season dates as Dec. 1 through Feb. 28 for all areas east of the Indian Nation Turnpike and south of Interstate 40.

— Establish nonresident active duty military personnel who are stationed at an Oklahoma military base as residents for the purposes of buying hunting and fishing licenses.

— Limits landowner liability when allowing recreational activities to occur on his or her land.

Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee in the house of origin. From the committee, the bill can be tabled, modified or passed on to the house of origin for a vote.

If the house of origin passes the bill, the bill then proceeds to the opposite house, where it is assigned to a committee.

The committee can table, modify or pass the bill to the floor for a vote. If the bill passes both houses in its original form, it goes to the Governor for approval or veto. If it has been modified by one of the houses, the other house can accept the changes or ask for a conference committee. The conference committee contains members from each house. If the conference committee agrees on how a bill should read, it is sent to both houses for a vote. If passed by both houses it goes to the Governor for action.

Game Thief Receives Fines

A Payne County man recently convicted of five counts of illegal possession of wildlife received $3,800 in fines and court costs, will lose his lifetime hunting and fishing license for three years, and received a 150-day suspended jail sentence.

Harley Gene Brandon of Yale, pled guilty on five counts of illegal possession of white-tailed deer in Payne County Court. Game wardens Jon Cunningham and Captain Randall Reigh investigated the case, which began with a tip from a concerned citizen.

“We're making more of these cases because more citizens are coming forward when they know someone is breaking the law in the manner Mr. Brandon did,” said Reigh. “Most hunters are law-abiding citizens who follow the rules and conduct themselves with the utmost reverence and respect for wildlife. Unfortunately, there will probably always be a select few who simply do not feel the laws we have in place to conserve our resources and provide opportunities for the future apply to them.”

Reigh said that for anyone thinking of disregarding the fish and game laws, there can be a high penalty to pay. In this case, he said, the punishment fit the crime.

“All five of the bucks were killed before last fall’s deer seasons even began,” he said.

“Based on the sentence, I think it is safe to say the judge was also troubled by Brandon’s lack of regard for the law.”

Anyone with information regarding a potential fish and wildlife violation is encouraged to contact their local game warden or call the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-522-8039. Hotline hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and callers do not have to give their name. A listing of game warden phone numbers is in the 2001-2002 Oklahoma Hunting Guide and Regulations, available at sporting goods stores statewide