LOCAL

Farm Bureau Week Being Observed
Ponca City Truck Driver Dies Following Collision With Train
Motorists Shown Graphically How Speed Compares to Limit
Voters Wishing To Vote Absentee Need To Apply to Election Board
Nearly News
Letters
Not Enough Respect
NOC Division of Business Chair Honored
Separate Labyrinth Workshops Slated
Main Characters Lift Spirits Of NOC’s ‘Man of La Mancha’

Farm Bureau Week Being Observed

Farm Bureau members throughout Kay County, Oklahoma and the nation are currently observing National Farm Bureau Week.

The observance continues through Friday.

Farm Bureau through the years has become the voice of most of the producers involved in agriculture. More than four out of every five farmers and ranchers are members of Farm Bureau.

It is an independent, voluntary organization of farm and ranch families who united to analyze their problems and act together to find solutions. Farm Bureau is totally controlled by its members through majority decision and is financed by voluntary membership dues.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau has more than 127,000 member families from the 77 counties in the state. There are 3,000 members of the organization in Kay County served by offices in Ponca City and Blackwell. It is affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation, which has a membership of about 5 million member families in more than 2,800 counties in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Policies that guide Farm Bureau originate at the grass roots level, with each producer-member given an opportunity to participate. The policies are adopted after discussion and exchange of ideas at the county, state and national conventions each year.

That structure assures membership control. Members originate policies, and through their delegates, control state and national policy formulation and the election of officers and directors.

Members get action on their policies by expressing their desires to their elected political representatives. Legislative staffs in Oklahoma City and Washington, D.C., keep lawmakers informed on Farm Bureau’s policy, and call for membership action when necessary.

Here are some of the major accomplishments of Farm Bureau:

— Guarding against increases in ad valorem taxes on agricultural land.

— Increased funding for rural roads and bridges.

— Exemptions from state sales tax for machinery, feed, seed and fertilizer.

— Reform of inheritance and gift tax laws.

— Improved feed, seed, fertilizer and insecticide laws.

— Organized oil overcharge refund effort for farm users, resulting in millions of dollars returned to the farm community.

— Better animal health programs to help reduce losses from brucellosis, screwworms and other diseases.

— Quashed an attempt to change label and handling requirements of anhydrous ammonia which would have restricted its use and greatly increased costs.

— Strong support for private property rights measures and litigation.

— Strong support for state and federal funds for agricultural research and education.

— Alleviation of some burdensome regulations on health, safety and environmental standards, including a DOT attempt to require farmers to have a commercial driver license.

— Opposed establishment of an annual $1 billion federal trust fund to acquire farmlands.

— Worked for legislation to extend and expand tax deductions on health insurance premiums paid by farmers and other self employed individuals.

— Played a lead role in the agricultural community in enacting the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which removes many trade barriers with Mexico and Canada.

Ponca City Truck Driver Dies Following Collision With Train

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

A 26-year-old Ponca City man, Brandon D. Hunt, was killed Tuesday afternoon after the tractor trailer truck he was driving collided with a train in Noble County. Troopers say Hunt failed to yield at a railroad crossing prior to the 12:24 p.m. accident on U.S. 177, one mile north of U.S. 64.

Hunt was pinned in his vehicle for approximately 45 minutes while rescuers from the Perry and Stillwater fire departments worked to free him. Hunt was then taken by ambulance to Stillwater Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from massive injuries.

“Other motorists, who were witnesses, say the arms were down on both side of the track, the lights were blinking and the train whistle was blowing at the time of the accident,” said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Derek Sosbee. Sosbee, who was unsure as to the reason the driver failed to yield, was one of four officers to investigate the accident.

The trooper also said the train operators reported they “saw him coming and got on the brakes when they saw he wasn’t going to make it (through the crossing).”

Hunt was traveling southbound at the time of the accident and the first of the Burlington Northern train’s three engines, heading westbound and pulling 81 cars, struck the tractor trailer’s cab in the driver’s side door, pinning him inside until rescuers could free him from the wreckage.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Trout Funeral Home of Ponca City.

Motorists Shown Graphically How Speed Compares to Limit

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Were you one of the many area residents on your way to work Monday morning surprised to discover on South Fourteenth Street that even though you weren’t monitoring your speed, someone, or something else was?

If you were, then you weren’t alone. In fact, you were likely among hundreds of others getting their first glimpse of the Ponca City Police Department’s newest speed deterrent — a new $9,000, radar controlled speed trailer.

The trailer, which consists of a typical police radar unit, a display monitor and a speed limit sign mounted to a small two-wheeled trailer, was purchased earlier this month with a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) to help police curb speeding in low compliance areas.

Even though the trailer has only been used a handful of times since its purchase, police say even this limited application has already started to pay off in a big way.

“I think it’s a very nice way of saying, ‘Slow down,’” said Police Chief Raymond E. Ham.

Ham also suggested the speed trailer should serve as a “high visibility reminder” to motorists. “It’s meant to let people know we have speed limits established in those areas,” he said. It should also make people “consciously look down and check their speed” as they pass by, he added.

“There are areas — like Fifth Street, Prospect Avenue, Fourteenth Street and some residential areas — where you just can’t hardly work traffic” with a police vehicle, he explained. The new speed trailer is expected to help deter speeders in those areas.

According to Sgt. Don Ray, Ponca City Police Department’s armorer who maintains the trailer, the speed trailer is as accurate as the radar units in a police vehicle.

“I have to check its calibration every morning with a tuning fork,” Ray said. The tuning fork, which vibrates at 35 mph when struck against a stolid object, is placed in front of the trailer’s radar antenna to verify its accuracy. “If it doesn’t test accurate, then it will be taken to be repaired,” he explained.

According to Ray, the unit, which is brought in every night to protect it against vandalism, will be moved to a new and random location each morning. Usually it will be set up in areas where a lot of complaints have been received by the department concerning speeders. “We won’t actually know where we’re going to place it until that morning,” he said.

The speed trailer has already demonstrated its effectiveness, say officials. It was set up in the southbound lane of the 2200 block of North Fifth Street in conjunction with a speed-strip test conducted by the Traffic Engineering department last week. Test results revealed that during the two days prior to the speed trailer’s placement, speed compliance hovered around 40 percent. When the trailer was brought to the area, the compliance rating jumped to a startling 76 percent.

Voters Wishing To Vote Absentee Need To Apply to Election Board

NEWKIRK — According to Kay County Election Board officials, voters who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the March 6 Ponca City Municipal Election should apply now.

Although the election board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, officials urge absentee voters to apply early. These forms are available at the Kay County Election Board office in the county courthouse in Newkirk.

According to Carol Stafford, Kay County Election Board secretary, at least two mail transactions must be made for the ballots. “The county election board must mail the ballots to the voter and the voter must return the voted ballots by mail,” she said. These ballots must be in the hands of the election board by 7 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

Stafford said any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote. A voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district’s or municipality’s election.

It is not necessary to give a reason or excuse for voting absentee. “While anyone can vote absentee without giving a reason, the law still provides several excuses and it is to the advantage of some voters to use one of them,” stressed Stafford.

Stafford explained that by stating one of the following reasons on their applications, voters can activate some special conditions that make it easier for them to use absentee ballots. These reasons are:

— Voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for physically incapacitated persons who cannot be left unattended may vote absentee. They may apply only by mail, fax or telegraph.

— Voters who are confined to nursing homes in the county may vote absentee. An absentee voting board actually goes to the nursing home a few days prior to the election, sets up a small polling place and allows these persons to vote under circumstances similar to those at a regular precinct polling place. They may apply only be mail or fax.

— Military personnel and residents of the county living overseas and the spouses and dependents of each group are eligible to vote absentee without being registered. These voters may apply only by mail or fax.

Military personnel should contact the voting service officer in their units for application forms and additional information. Residents of Oklahoma living overseas can obtain the same material from any U.S. military installation and from U.S. embassies and consulates.

Nearly News

If the name of Dr. Steve Bohannon seemed familiar in the stories about the tragic death of NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt, it is because you might have heard of him before and for sure you have probably heard of his parents, John and Mary Bohannon of Ponca City. Steve grew up in Houston but he did attend the fourth and fifth grades at Trout Elementary. Dr. Bohannon is the medical director of Daytona International Speedway and an emergency physician with Halifax Medical Center. He rode in the ambulance to the hospital with Earnhardt, according to his dad. Steve has made numerous television appearances in connection with the accident and has been quoted in numerous news articles. See an interview with Dr. Bohannon on page 1B of today’s News.

-——

For those who may not be able to attend Friday morning’s Mayoral Forum at Pioneer Technology Center, Cable One will be televising the hour-long debate. Manager Danny Thompson said the program will be televised on channel 11 beginning at 8 a.m.

Letters

Supports Firefighters

Let me start by saying that I am the wife of a firefighter and feel strong , about this issue. My husband is a lieutenant with the P.C.F.D. He has been with the department for 22 years. My father also was a fireman and retired after 20 years of service. I agree that all city employees are needed to make the city run smoothly and all jobs are important.

There are some facts though that I think the taxpayers should know.

First: The new fire station had to be built because raw sewage was backing up in the basement and the Department of Health had the building condemned. Something had to be done so these men would have a safe and healthy work environment. The fire department isn’t the only department to benefit from this. Every city employee that works in the city administration office’s also benefited.

Second: My husband makes $12.27 per hour after 22 years of service. A rookie policeman makes $12.68 per hour starting and with the same pension benefits. A rookie fireman starts out at $8.42 per hour. Traffic Engineering department starts out at $10.84 per hour. These are just a few examples of the pay differences. Let me make it clear that my husband works extra jobs on his days off in addition to the 55 hours a week he works for the fire department to keep our household budget going.

Third: The $350,000.00 response truck was funded partially by the Federal Government. The City of PC paid only 10 percent. It also should be known that it belongs to the P. C. Airport and is only used for airport emergencies.

My husband drives a 17 year old fire truck with 107,000 miles on it and numerous mechanical problems. These men work under stressful circumstances saving our homes and lives, not to mention being short handed and working with faulty equipment. I realize it is better than in years past but still have far to go.

In closing I would like to say that this pay issue was first addressed in March of 2000 with no agreements made. It is now going to a vote of the people. I hope this issue will be voted in favor of the fireman who respond to our calls for help whether it be to save our homes or families Everyone should be paid a fair wage for the work they do. Our firefighters/EMT’s should not be the exception. They should be paid appropriately

Kelle Wilson

Not Enough Respect

I can’t say as though I remember when a civil servant was well respected and treated fairly and with the amount of gratitude they deserve. Being only 17, I myself didn’t live in that era.

I can, though, say I remember the days of my childhood where we, my friends and I, would look forward anxiously to the day when the firefighters would pull up to our school in those big red trucks and teach us how to be safe in our homes and then as soon as that bell rang we would rush home to tell our parents what Matches and Sparky had taught us that day.

I, on the other hand simply rushed home to tell my father that his co-workers had been at school that day, or I would rush home to my mother and tell her that daddy had been at school as I beamed with pride that my father was my hero.

In the recent past I have started listening to my parents’ conversations at the dinner table and I have realized that the days of fire fighters receiving the respect they deserve for all their toils of protecting this city have passed. I have tried to keep abreast of the goings on as well as an impartial outlook but often find myself amazed at how easily the people of this town dismiss the men that work so hard to protect their property and save their lives.

There have been, to my knowledge, few people willing to stand behind the firefighters in their struggle to get a pay raise. And I have noticed that very few letters from the firefighters’ point of view have been printed in the city paper, however, more opposing letters have been printed. And from what information I have gathered, not all the fact are being brought to the light.

Seventeen years may not seem like a long time, but in the life of a firefighter’s child it’s forever. I only wish that the people of Ponca City would take the time to learn as much as they can about both sides of the issue before they go to the polls.

Any information as to firefighters salaries can be obtained at the Ponca City Library or the city financial office.

Caitlin Bearskin

Daughter of

Lt. Dennis Bearskin

P.C.F.D No. 15

NOC Division of Business Chair Honored

TONKAWA — Judy Colwell, Northern Oklahoma College Division of Business Chair, will long remember Valentine’s Day 2001.

On that date she was recognized as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs 2001 Region 6 Winner for Teaching Excellence. She was chosen from nominees submitted by two-year ACBSP member colleges in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

The announcement of her selection came with a dozen long-stemmed red roses from Dr. Timothy Reeves of San Juan College, Farmington, N.M., who chaired the ACBSP Region 6 Teaching Excellence Committee. Dr. Ed Vineyard, Northern vice president for development and former president of ACBSP Region 6, presented Colwell with a plaque naming her as the Region 6 winner and citing her for innovation, creativity and community involvement.

Criteria for the award includes classroom teaching, institutional versatility, curriculum development, professional development and community involvement, of which classroom teaching is the most important.

Nominated by Vineyard for the award, Colwell said she was thrilled to be chosen for the honor. She is among eight regional winners who will compete for the ACBSP National Teaching Excellence Award to be presented at the organization’s annual conference in New York City this summer.

Colwell, a Northern alumna, has been a member of the business division faculty since 1990 and has chaired the division since 1996. She oversees four major areas on the Enid and Tonkawa campuses: business, computer science, computer information systems and multimedia and digital communications. In addition, she teaches from 12 to 15 hours of accounting and computer concepts each semester.

As a certified public accountant and a former business teacher at South Haven (Kansas) High School, Colwell feels that her background adds to her ability to be flexible and to do “whatever works” to be an effective classroom teacher, keeping students engaged, excited and responsible for their own learning. She makes every attempt to include relevant experiences and relay real-life information to her students. For example, each spring her accounting students are involved in the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The versatile instructor was extensively involved in the development of Computer Concepts, Northern’s institution-wide computer proficiency course. She was instrumental in the development of a computer proficiency examination that could be administered to meet a state mandate for all students to demonstrate proficiency before receiving a degree.

As a member of Northern’s Internet course development committee, she is currently involved in designing a multi-disciplinary on-line degree program. “I like to be a part of new and challenging developments within the institution and the business division,” she said. “I want to be involved in providing the best possible curriculum for preparing our students to be successful in the business world.”

Colwell is one of five accounting faculty selected from the state to participate in the Technology 2000 Initiative of the Oklahoma Faculty Cooperative Curriculum Development Committee. Colwell serves on advisory committees for North-West Technology Center in Alva and for North-West Career Alliance of Oklahoma. Currently she is a program evaluator for schools seeking ACBSP Accreditation, chair of the Region 6 Strategic Planning Committee and Region 6 president-elect.

Her many professional honors include Outstanding Teaching Excellence Award of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Strathmore’s Who’s Who for Individuals Who Have Demonstrated Leadership and Achievement in Their Profession and Who’s Who in American Education. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Northern, a Bachelor of Science degree in business education from the University of Central Oklahoma, a master’s degree in business administration from Phillips University and a CPA certificate.

The ACBSP was the first specialized accrediting body to be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Northern was the first two-year member in Oklahoma to be accredited and is still the only two-year member accredited in the state.

Separate Labyrinth Workshops Slated

Two separate labyrinth workshops will be held the end of this week.

Participants will have the opportunity to walk a labyrinth and learn about fascinating labyrinth history and current uses.

The first workshop will be this Friday from 2-4 p.m. at the Pioneer Woman Museum. The second workshop will be this Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon, also at the Pioneer Woman Museum.

For more information contact Gael Hancock, 762.6244.

Main Characters Lift Spirits Of NOC’s ‘Man of La Mancha’

By Jacquelynn Schroeder

News Guest Reviewer

Don Quixote lives on ... for at least another week.

The Northern Oklahoma College Music Theatre Department will continue with its brilliant performance of “Man of La Mancha.”

With characters only Tye Palmer of Perkins, Shannon Lee of Norman and Ryan King of Oologah could deliver, opening night was worthy of the standing ovation it received. Every line was executed with perfection. Every song was carried out with vigilance. The stage came to life in the era of the Spanish Inquisition under the direction of Mariann Cook Priboy.

The musical opens with Don Miguel de Cervantes (Palmer) and his manservant (King) being thrown in prison for crimes against the Church. In order to protect his meager possessions the actor/poet and his faithful manservant propose a performance of his incomplete manuscript of “Don Quixote.” The rapscallions in the dungeon, who wish to destroy Cervantes' belongings, are the rest of the makeshift cast.

The story progresses despite occasional disruptions by the Spanish guard to the point where the manuscript is unfinished. Thinking quickly, Cervantes finishes the play with the help of Aldonza (Lee) and Sancho (King).

“I think the performance went beautifully,” Priboy said. “The three leads handled their parts like professionals. [”Man of La Mancha” is] one of the best performances we’ve ever done.”

In the pit, music director Dineo Heilmann conducted the orchestra providing the music for the show. “I think the orchestra does great,” said Priboy.

“Man of La Mancha” will play at 7:30 p.m. in the Northern Performing Arts Center on the Tonkawa campus Thursday through Saturday.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

And for three more nights the cast and crew of “Man of La Mancha” will reach for that reachable star of perfection.

DEATHS

Brandin Wayne Howe
Gladys Pearl Avers
Billy E. Davis
Steven W. Hardman
Darla Elaine Selvey
Brandon Hunt
Opal Fern Bateman
Gene D. Addington

Brandin Wayne Howe

Brandin Wayne Howe, brother of Jarrett Svoboda of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, Feb. 18, 2001, at his home in Tulsa. He was 20.

An evening prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The traditional funeral feast will be at noon Thursday, Feb., 22, 2001. In case of inclement weather, the feast will be at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church with the Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Brandin Wayne was born on Aug. 8, 1980, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Eric Eugene and Charlotte DeCorah Howe. He grew up in Ponca City and attended schools in Ponca City, Winnebago, Neb., and Tulsa. He furthered his education in the Technical School of South East Missouri and in Tulsa, studying auto mechanics. He enjoyed video games, videotapes, listening to music, working on cars and the martial arts, in particular Tae Kwon Do.

Survivors include his mother of the home in Tulsa; one sister, Kelli Dawn Weaver of Joplin, Mo.; three brothers, Reign Howe of Oklahoma City, Jarrett Svoboda of Ponca City and Sam Snake Jr. of Tulsa; his grandparents, Eve Waters of the home in Tulsa and Gene Howe and Blanche Cries for Ribs of Ponca City; and numerous other relatives.

Brandin was preceded in death by grandparents, Earl and Vivian Howe and father.

Casket bearers will be Jeremy Whitehorn, Reign Howe, Sam Snake Jr., Jarrett Svoboda, Earl Howe III and Hank Cornell.

Honorary bearers will be DeForrest Pappan, Thomas Pappan and Charlie LeClair Jr.

Gladys Pearl Avers

Gladys Pearl Avers, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Feb. 19, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 89.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb., 23, in the Resthaven Memorial Park. Captain John Poff of Salvation Army will officiate. Burial is under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Friday.

Gladys Pearl Shelton was born April 11, 1911, in Cheyenne, the daughter of James Monroe and Ida Ellen Blosser Shelton. She grew up around the Chickasha-Anadarko area in the Raydon District schools. She married Frank M. Paxson on Oct. 10, 1952, in Kansas City, Mo.; he preceded her in death Dec. 3, 1960. She was a member of the First Christian Church but had attended the Salvation Army and was also a member of the Handicap Club and Salvation Army Home League. She enjoyed helping people, embroidery and utilizing her interior decorating skills.

Survivors include one sister, Matt Stewart of Topeka, Kan.; two brothers, George Shelton of Ponca City and Raymond Floyd Shelton of Alexander, La.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and three sisters.

Billy E. Davis

BEAVER — Billy E. Davis, father of Waldon Davis of Ponca City, died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, at his home in Beaver. He was 78.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Overton Cemetery near Beaver with Joey Hambright officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Brothers Funeral Home in Hooker. Visitation will be at the Church of the First Born in Beaver from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday.

Billy E. Davis was born Dec. 27, 1922, in Bald Knob, Ark., the son of J.W. and Odra Love Wells. He attended school and grew up in Burbank, graduating from high school in Wichita, Kan. He married Wilma Jeanie Davis 33 years ago. They moved to the panhandle in 1974 from eastern Oklahoma and to Beaver in 1979. He worked for the Beaver schools in maintenance. He enjoyed his family, building sheds, working on his home, fishing and all outdoor activities.

Survivors include four sons, Waldon Earl Davis of Ponca City, Michael Eugene Reed of Thompson, Ga., and Joseph Earl Davis and Henry C.R. Davis, both of Beaver; two daughters, Beverly Osborn of Skiatook and Ruth Hawkins of Bartlesville; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

Steven W. Hardman

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Steven W. Hardman, resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, at the Medicalodge East in Arkansas City. He was 51.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City. Cremation has been effected.

Steven W. Hardman was born April 24, 1949, the son of Melvin and Nila Matthews Hardman in Arkansas City, Kan. He was educated in Arkansas City where he graduated from the high school in 1967. He later attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He worked at Medicalodge East in Arkansas City in the 80s as the assistant administrator.

Survivors include his son, Kraig Wigley of Arkansas City; his daughter, Shannon Wendt of Geuda Springs, Kan.; brother, Jerry Hardman of Arkansas City; sister, Maureen Boyd of Roanoke, Va.; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tom Hardman.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice Care of Kansas, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 E. Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City. Kan. 67005.

Darla Elaine Selvey

Darla Elaine Selvey, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 38.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in the IOOF Cemetery. The Rev. Toby A. Blackstar of Victory Tabernacle will officiate. Burial is under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 10 a.m. Friday.

Darla Elaine Maudlin was born July 27, 1962, in Lackland, Texas, the daughter of Don Maudlin and Patsy Mary Mae Eleene Maudlin. She grew up and attended schools in Braman, graduating with the class of 1980 from the Braman High School. She married Michael Duane Logan on Dec. 5, 1981, in Newkirk, and the couple made their home in Ponca City. She was a computer tech at Sykes. She married Marvin D. Selvey on March 15, 2000, in Arkansas City, Kan. She enjoyed her friends and family as well as reading, listening to music and doing craft kits.

Survivors include, her husband of the home; two daughters, Patricia Logan and Lacy Logan of Ponca City; one son, Jason Logan of Ponca City; her father; step-mother, Carol Maudlin of Braman; two brothers, Calvin Maudlin of Boise City, Idaho, and Del Maudlin of Tulsa; and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her mother and her first husband on Feb. 1, 1999.

Honorary casket bearers will be Shawn Mackey, Mark Denning, Bill Plunk, Austin Voegle, Bobby Fulter, Lynn Nickerson and Nick Hilton.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Services Pending

Brandon Hunt

Brandon Hunt, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001. He was 26. Survivors include his parents, Ron and Pauletta Hunt, 4112 Sherwin Avenue. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

Opal Fern Bateman

Opal Fern Bateman, resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, 2001, at her home. She was 81. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Thursday

Gene D. Addington

Gene D. Addington — Funeral at 2 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh with burial to follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

NEWS BRIEFS

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of South Osage Street reported a 34-year-old man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for domestic assault and battery at 1:21 p.m. Tuesday.

If you are interested in saving the buildings on the Marland Estate, come to The Elk’s Lodge Monday the 26th of February at 5:30. 3612 Lake Road. adv.

Pageant Planned — The 2001 Miss Oklahoma American Pageant will be held June 8-10 in Tulsa. The American Coed pageants are for females ages 3-18. For more information contact pageant personnel at 1-800-655-9390 or visit the website at www.smiles2u.com

Theft — A man in the 800 block of North Elm Street reported a theft to Ponca City police at 2:02 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Spiritual Renewal 2001 — Eastern Heights Christian Church will sponsor a three-day renewal this weekend lead by Darel and JoAnn Boston, evangelists from the Christian Church in Junction City, Kan. Friday at 7 p.m. the topic will be “Renewal? Why Bother?”; Saturday at 7 p.m., “Renewal? How Does It Happen?”; Sunday at 10:30 a.m. will be “Renewal? When?”; and Sunday, 6:30 p.m., “Renewal? Is What?” Special music will be presented each session to include Southern Praise Band, Sky Pilots, Griffins and Bostons and Shafer Gospel Quartet. The public is invited to attend.

Modern Appliance, all Whirlpool, KitchenAid and RCA products on sale. 116 North 4th. 765-9847. adv.

American Legion — The regularly scheduled meeting for the American Legion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the post on South Avenue.

The correct phone number for Chuck Van Cleave in the Ponca City Christian Academy ad is 762-9684. adv.

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

Winter Dance — The Pepperette Winter Dance will be held Saturday, Feb. 24 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial. Tickets are $8.50 per person and $15 per couple. Tickets will be sold during lunch periods through Friday. The Promenade practice will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. All Pepperette officers must attend. If you cannot attend, please contact Debbie Evans at 762-8824 or Taunia Allton at 762-1749. Girls should bring their shoes Saturday morning to practice walking the stairs. For those planning to promenade, please be at Hutchins no later than 7:10 p.m. Saturday.

Pauline’s Hot beef sandwich, $7.95. Wednesday night, February 21st. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Cemetery Association — The Billings Union Cemetery Association will hold the annual business meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at the home of Robert Matthiesen, association president. Among the business to be discussed will be the re-hiring of the current groundskeeper, additional improvements to the pavilion, and election of 2001 officers and directors. All interested individuals are urged to attend this meeting.

Texas Sweet Onion and five other varieties of plants. 99 cents a bundle. Onion sets, strawberry plants, five varieties of seed potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and collards. Bulk seed and burpee seed. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Theft — A man in the 900 block of South Eighth Street reported to Ponca City police at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday a ladder had been stolen from his yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fake Bake for the Winter Dance. Two- minute tanning. No streaking or orange. We’ll demon-strate! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

Disturbance — Someone in the 400 block of South Ash Street reported to Ponca City police at 12:01 p.m. Tuesday an intoxicated man was wanting to take his child. The caller advised the man and the child’s mother had been having problems. Two officers responded to the scene and a 38-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication and on two counts of destruction of city property. The man’s vehicle was towed from the scene.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1000 block of West South Avenue reported a 19-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for running a stop sigh and possession of marijuana at 9:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported three juvenile girls were being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 6:48 p.m. Tuesday. A 13-year-old, 15-year-old and an 11-year-old were taken into police custody for grand larceny, then later released to their parents with a promise to appear.

Governer Keating has signed a proclamation designating February 19-23, 2001, as “Farm Bureau Week” in Oklahoma. adv.

Burglary — A woman in the 1000 block of Brentwood reported to Ponca City police at 12:02 p.m. Tuesday someone had tried to break into her residence while she was away. An officer was assigned and an information report was taken. An extra patrol was also requested for the area.

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

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue reported a 48-year-old man was taken into custody on city warrants for failure to appear at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday.

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

Accident — A two-vehicle, minor injury accident at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and North First Street was reported to Ponca City police at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the drive-through at McDonald’s Restaurant, 2124 North Fourteenth Street, was reported to Ponca City police at 6:12 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Theft — An employee at K-Mart, 2608 North Fourteenth Street, reported a shoplifter was being held to Ponca City police at 10:07 p.m. Tuesday. The business refused to press charges. An officer was assigned and a 29-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication and on a city warrant.

LIFESTYLES

Family Mediation Skills Course Training Offered
Kildare HCE Members Meet
Xi Beta Tau Chapter Hears Report

Family Mediation Skills Course Training Offered

A four day course designed to train individuals to mediate family and divorce matters will be held in Ponca City March 1-4. The course meets the training requirements for professional mediators to qualify under the new District Court Mediation Act.

Family judges throughout Oklahoma are referring disputes to mediation in the hope that couples might resolve matters on a voluntary basis and avoid a bitter and expensive legal battle. Individuals who complete the course will be equipped to assist couples involved in divorce matters, disputes over child custody and other family matters.

The course is sponsored by the Mediation. Institute,and will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. all four days. Preregistration is required. For more information about the course call Jim Stovall at (888)528-1121.

Kildare HCE Members Meet

Members of the Kildare HCE group met Feb.. 14 in the home of Brenda Schneeberger. Karen Overman, president, called the meeting to order, and Margaret Hoepfinger led the group in the salute to the flag, and “The Lord’s Prayer.” Brenda Schneeberger read a devotional from the Cowboy Bible, and Helen Janda led the group in singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

Six members answered roll call with “How did you meet your sweetheart?” Moni Neville was a guest. Mrs. Janda read the minutes and committee reports were given.

Announcement was made that the county association meeting will be Feb. 26 at the HCE building in Blackwell. A memorial will be given for deceased members of the Kildare group, Marie Ewy and Iva Lee Harris. A covered dish luncheon is planned for noon and each member is to exhibit a homemade article.

The Northwest District HCE meeting will be held March 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Woodward. Brenda Schneeberger announced that Kay county 4-H members were asking for donations to Ronald McDonald homes. The Kildare group donated one dollar per member.

Members filled out the February lesson on “Character Counts.” Trustworthiness was listed as one of the six pillars of good character. A Valentine card exchange was conducted and game prizes were won by Elsie Johnson and Melba Irwin.

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Hears Report

Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 12 at the home of Terri Buesing. Preceding the meeting the group ate homemade fajitas prepared by Mr. Buesing.

Jan Ellison called the business meeting to order and June Miller, secretary, called roll. Official communication reports noted that Terri Buesing was eligible to advance to Laureate level, Jan Ellison and Cindy Wardlow to Exemplar level.

Cindy Wardlow gave the financial report, and Terri Buesing read the City Council minutes. Founder’s Day was discussed with Xi Beta Tau members responsible for arranging tables and seating with name cards, and setting up a scrapbook table. Founder’s Day will be observed April 26 with a 7 p.m. dinner at the American legion Post.

A ritual of Jewels ceremony for JoAnn Ferguson and a pledge ritual for Patti Braden is being planned. Members were reminded of the Taste of Home School in Stillwater on March 15. A “sisters” retreat is scheduled March 16-18.

The traveling basket was given to June Miller by JoAnn Ferguson. Ms. Miller also won the mystery prize. Lois Coats gave each member wrapping paper and tissue paper. Members also held a Valentine gift exchange.

Patti Braden gave the cultural program. She is a volunteer with Hospice of Ponca City. She described the many benefits of the program. The speaker said volunteers were needed to help with mailing newsletters, sending bereavement booklets and cars, as well as computer work. Others are needed to help deliver flowers, run errands, and assist with special events. She gave details of the Hospice program.

SPORTS

Ex-Maverick Now Cool Cat
Former PC Resident Tried To Save Earnhardt
Mavericks Top Murray Eye Norse
Super Wildcats Being Formed
Youth Wildlife Camp a Taste Of OWD Career
Quick Fox Off ‘Candidate List’
February Great Time to Fish In Oklahoma
Bobcats Must Be Tagged

Ex-Maverick Now Cool Cat

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

There is an old saying that generally states: Pay attention to the quiet man who keeps his intentions to himself. The loud, boisterous one tells everyone, but no one knows what the quiet man is going to do.

Watch Larry Reid.

Off the court, he is a quiet young man who must be watched by opposing Big 12 basketball teams.

On the court, he is the point guard. He sets the Kansas State University offense in motion. Maybe 30 times a game, Reid quietly tells some of the best college basketball players in the nation that he, or one of his teammates is going to score.

Stop us — if you can.

Reid’s been stopped on the court and off.

He wasn’t recruited by Division I schools out of Midwest City High School because he didn’t put up the numbers.

“I knew my numbers weren’t good enough,” Reid said. “And that kind of depressed me.

“I wasn’t mad at any schools for not recruiting me.

“I was mad at myself.

“I knew I had the talent and could play better than I did.”

Though Reid was stopped, he didn’t quit.

Northern Oklahoma College coach Mick Weiberg visited Reid and convinced him to play for the Mavericks for two years on the junior college level.

“Coach Weiberg promised me that if I played two years of juco ball, then he would help me get into a D-I school,” Reid said. “He came through on his promise.”

He said Weiberg taught him a lot of things he didn’t know.

“He’s a great coach,” Reid said. “I had a good high school coach in Terry Evans at Midwest City High School, but then had an even better one at Northern.

“Coach Weiberg was like a guidance counselor who helped me with any problems I had.

“I could always talk to him anytime I needed to.”

Weiberg said Reid is quiet and is not one to promote himself.

“He came here as a freshman to learn and did so,” Weiberg said. “He made himself better his sophomore year.”

The Mavericks were undefeated Reid’s sophomore year. The team won its conference and earned a spot in the 1999 National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament for the first time in school history.

The Mavericks made it to the final four. Reid was selected as a first team All-American.

“We’ve been fortunate to have good guards pass through here.” Weiberg said. “Larry has just been the best one of the bunch.”

He was heavily recruited out of Northern Oklahoma by Long Beach State, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, Texas Christian and Oklahoma.

Instead, he chose Kansas State where coach Jim Wooldridge penciled him into the lineup almost immediately.

Weiberg said Reid is not one to brag or put himself on a pedestal.

“If he said he went to Kansas State because he thought he could help rebuild the program,” Weiberg said. “Then he genuinely thought that he could make a difference.”

He has made a difference. Kansas State doesn’t have a successful program, yet. But, Reid is a successful point guard.

Twice, he has been named Big 12 Rookie of the Week.

Reid averaged 24.0 points and 4.5 assists in the Wildcats’ 3-point loss to Nebraska and against Iowa State. He scored a game-high 30 points in K-State’s near upset of the Cyclones, one point less than his career-high 31 points, notched in the Wildcats’ 86-78 upset of then No. 19 Iowa on Dec. 23.

Reid said he had his A-game that night against Iowa.

“That was the first ranked team we played against and I was really pumped,” he said. “I felt like I could hit from anywhere.

“I was free.”

Reid also posted a game-high 18 points (5-of-9 FGs) in the Jan. 30 loss to Nebraska. In the Nebraska and Iowa State games, he recorded four steals and turned the ball over only twice in 37.5 minutes of playing time in each game.

In the 84-78 loss to the Cyclones, Reid connected on 10-of-16 shots from the field, including 7-of-9 three-point attempts, and all three of his free throws. Reid’s seven 3-pointers tied him for fourth on the KSU single-game three-point chart. They are the second most ever posted by a Wildcat in a road game, trailing only Steve Henson’s eight at Iowa State on Feb. 17, 1990.

Askia Jones owns the K-State and Big Eight record with 14 against Fresno State in the 1994 National Invitational Tournament. On the season, he averages 11.1 points and 4.1 assists in a team-high 34.7 minutes per game.

Reid is this season’s third multiple winner as the top rookie. He joins Maurice Baker of Oklahoma State, who has earned the award three times and D.J. Harrison, who has been tabbed twice.

“I struggled in the beginning of the season,” he said. “But, now I’m running the team and playing better in a lot of areas.

“I’m getting the team into the offense earlier. I have more confidence and am a better (floor) leader.

“I’m trying to get to the free throw line more often,” Reid said. “I’m playing more aggressive.”

The junior college route worked for him. Whether it works for anyone else who is not recruited by a major university depends on how hard the individual wants to work. Work is one thing he wants others to understand.

“I’m not a model of success or anything like that,” Reid said. “I kept working for the chance to play at this level. But, I haven’t done anything anyone else can’t do.”

In spite of his success, Reid is still overwhelmed when he walks into the large coliseums of Division 1 schools.

“Sometimes, I still can’t believe it,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.”

Kansas State plays Stillwater, Saturday. It will be his first trip to Oklahoma in a Kansas State uniform.

“It will be interesting to see what kind of reception I get down there,” he said. “To see if they boo me or not.”

Former PC Resident Tried To Save Earnhardt

By FRED HILTON

By The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — “It was just the way he hit.”

That was the only explanation Dr. Steve Bohannon, an emergency room physician and Medical Director at the Daytona Raceway, could give after the relatively routine crash that took the life of racing legend Dale Earnhardt near the end of the Daytona 500.

Dr. Bohannon said that Earnhardt died from a skull fracture and neck injury. The driver also had fractured ribs and a broken foot.

“It didn’t look all that bad,” the former Ponca City resident said as he witnessed the wreck from across the track.

“In fact, there was a much more spectacular crash right in front of me earlier in the race. That wreck took out 12 cars, but most of the drivers walked away. One driver was transported to the hospital and he had a separated shoulder.”

Bohannon lived in Ponca City for two years, attending the fourth and fifth grades at Woodlands Elementary School until his family was transferred to Houston. His parents, John and Mary Bohannon have since moved back to Ponca City.

Dr. Bohannon is the emergency room physician at Halifax Medical Center where he has treated numerous injuries resulting from wrecks at Daytona, including former racing legend Richard Petty. He became Medical Director at the track just a year ago.

“We build these cockpits in the cars real well to protect the driver’s bodies,” Bohannon said. “But we haven found a way to protect them from head and neck injuries.”

One attempt to give race car drivers more protection is the Head and Neck System (HANS). That device is designed to cradle the driver’s head and neck, but Bohannon says it has been slow to catch on with NASCAR.

“It restricts the movement of the head somewhat,” he says. “And a lot of drivers want to be able to look behind them.”

But after Earnhardt’s fatal crash, more drivers are starting to look at HANS.

“I understand that Michael Walthrip (the Daytona 500 winner and a driver for the Earnhardt team) is not going to use it in the next race ( at the North Carolina Raceway), but he is going to test it out after that,” Bohannon said.

Bohannon said medical personnel were at Earnhardt’s car minutes after the crash.

“We have four ambulances with two EMTs in each ambulance stationed around the track,” he explained. “We have 10 more outside the track to take care of the spectators.

“There is just nothing more we could have done.”

Mavericks Top Murray Eye Norse

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports information

TONKAWA — In what Northern basketball Coach Mick Weiberg said is one of the hardest places to play, his Mavericks traveled to Murray State on Monday and came home with their fourth straight win.

The Mavs downed Murray 70-61 in a close game.

Weiberg is looking for that win to give his etam a boost as the Mavericks play NEO’s Norsemen toniht in Piper-Foster Fieldhouse.

Richie Myers led scoring for the Mavericks with 19 points and 11 big rebounds Monday.

“Myers and Prater are the rock of this basketball team,” Weiberg said. “They continue to dominate the boards and come up with the baskets when we need them.”

Scott Prater earned 16 points and 10 rebounds on the night.

Weiberg said his team had a tough start offensively.

“We tried to force the ball too many times in the Þrst half,” he said.

Freshman Phillip Knowlton gave the Mavs an eight-point halftime lead when he launched a 45-footer at the buzzer for a big three.

“That really sent us in at the half with some Þre,” Weiberg said.

Guards Greg Wilson and Merrill Andrews ended with 12 points each on the night.

“Wilson started driving the lane in the second half and made some things happen,” Weiberg said.

Merrill Andrews had six assists on the night and fouled out, as well as drawing a technical foul that handed over four points to the Murray team late in the game.

“Merrill did a good job but I hope he learned a valuable lesson,” Weiberg said.

The Mavericks now stand at 15-12 on the season with a 10-7 conference record.

Northern will try to avenge an early-season loss to Northeastern tonight.

“NEO has been a very tough team defensively,” Weiberg said. “They are a guard oriented team that likes to shoot the three and we are a team that relies on our big men inside. This should be the best game of the season.”

“We need our fans to show up and cheer us on,” Weiberg said. “This will be a great game and an interesting one because it will be a battle of tactics between two teams that look at the game in a different way.”

The Lady Mavericks will tip off on in Tonkawa at 6 p.m.. The men are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m..

Super Wildcats Being Formed

By David Davis

News Sports Writer

The two little boys sat close together in the dugout as they waited for their mentors to arrive at the high school baseball field. Each of them looked down at their hands that were folded on their laps. The older boy, 12-year-old George DuBois, played baseball part of last year. His younger brother, 11-year-old Daniel has never played, but already knows he wants to be a pitcher.

Why?

Like a natural born third base coach, he signaled the answer with a shrug of his shoulders. The sign meant there are just too many reasons why he wanted to be a pitcher. The reasons are so numerous, that most 11-year-old boys can’t verbalize them. Instead, a shoulder shrug is the universal answer. But, that kind of explains it all.

Who’s your favorite player?

Another shrug.

You don’t have one?

He shook his head, no.

“His favorite player is Mark McGwire,” George, who must have been cut from managerial cloth, said.

George, who’s your favorite player?

“Babe Ruth.”

Who’s your favorite player who is playing now?

“Sammy Sosa.”

What position do you want to play?

“Outfield.”

Are you going to be a Super Wildcat?

“If I can.”

“My foster mom said I could,” Daniel said.

So there it was.

With a simple shoulder shrug Daniel explained it all And with a six -word simple statement, he said it all.

On Friday, the Ponca City Wildcats varsity baseball team will conduct a basic training camp for kids six to 14 years old. The youngsters will learn the basics of fielding, hitting and throwing from the high school coaches and players. They will be assisted by Dugout Club members.

After the camp, each Super Wildcat will be assigned a high school varsity baseball player, who will act as their mentor.

“We’re going to show the younger kids mostly the basics of baseball and techniques we use in high school practice.” Wildcat rightfielder Kyle Soutter said. “Then when they need help with a swing or something, they’ll call us up during their season,” the high school junior said. “We’ll come up here and try to help them out.

“It’s kind of like a big brother type of deal,” which he said makes him feel good to know that someone is looking up to him.

During a time when professional athletes are struggling with their identity as role models, the Wildcats are volunteering to carry the mantle.

Senior Wildcat Buddy McCoy has been playing baseball for 13 years. He’s the younger brother in his family. The responsibility of having a “little brother” is a little intimidating to the Wildcat catcher, third baseman and pitcher.

“It’s really a compliment that they look up to us for pointers. To be able to help them gives us satisfaction,” he said.

For a $30 donation, each Super Wildcat receives a T-shirt, and a certificate signed by the 2001 varsity Wildcat baseball team, and free admission to all home high school baseball games while wearing the Super Wildcat T-shirt and accompanied by a parent. Lunch will be provided.

The camp is scheduled for Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. It will be rescheduled in case of rain.

Outdoors

Youth Wildlife Camp a Taste Of OWD Career

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is offering a week long camp to youth interested in wildlife, fishing and law enforcement. The Oklahoma Wildlife Law Enforcement Youth Camp will be held June 10-15 at Camp McFadden near Ponca City. It is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16.

“This is a perfect opportunity to provide youth who think they might be interested in a wildlife related career a better exposure to the outdoors,” said Tracy Daniel, Kay County Game Warden for the Department. “They will learn a great deal about the state's wildlife and fisheries resources and what it takes to manage and protect those resources. We hope those who participate in the camp will come away with a stronger desire to pursue a wildlife-related career and a greater respect for the Wildlife Department and Oklahoma's natural resources.”

The camp will be conducted by professionals including game wardens and biologists and will offer participants courses in firearms handling, wildlife law enforcement, and wildlife and fisheries biology. Other courses will include water safety, orienteering and map reading, survival, outdoor cooking, archery and techniques for fishing, hunting and trapping.

The camp is free of charge but will be limited to 35 participants. Those interested in participating must submit an application and a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from the person of their choice.

The application deadline is April 15. Applicants should be interested in wildlife law enforcement and must turn 14 before June 10. Additionally, applicants must have been enrolled in school during the 2000-2001 school year.

To obtain applications, contact the Wildlife Department's Law Enforcement Division at 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, or by calling 405/521-3719.

Applications may also be available from local wardens or from the Wildlife Department's web-site at: www.wildlifedepartment.com. Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay and letter of recomendation.

Quick Fox Off ‘Candidate List’

Based on new biological data from several states, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently removed the swift fox from its “candidate list,” a list of animals being considered for threatened or endangered species protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The swift fox is the smallest member of the dog family, weighing only four to six pounds on the average.

Wildlife biologists have found healthy populations of swift foxes throughout much of the animal’s historical range, which includes northwestern Oklahoma. The findings led to the species being removed from the candidate list.

“This decision is a victory for wildlife conservation in Oklahoma and elsewhere, because work was done early enough to prevent the need for a threatened species listing,” said Julianne Hoagland, natural resources biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Moving forward, our efforts will concentrate on managing existing populations and determining barriers that may prevent natural dispersal of swift fox into uncolonized suitable habitat.’

Hoagland is the chairperson of a multi-state Swift Fox Conservation Team that was formed after the 1995 placement of the swift fox on the candidates for threatened species list. The Conservation Team is composed of representatives from federal anzd state wildlife agencies, as well as land management groups. Team members have been working to determine the distribution and abundance of the swift fox throughout its range.

“The swift fox was found to be more abundant than originally believed, and to use a greater variety of habitats,” Hoagland said. “Now we plan to help landowners develop better range management methods for the benefit of the swift fox and other Great Plains species.”

The swift fox originally inhabited a huge area of prairie that stretched from southern Canada to west Texas, but currently occupies about 40 percent of the original area. The loss of native prairie has been the majorfactor in the decline of the swift fox, and accidental trapping, shooting, and poisoning aimed at wolves andcoyotes has also contributed to the decline of the species.

In the short and mixed-grass prairie habitats that it inhabits, the swift fox eats rabbits, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, mice and insects. The swift fox is the most ‘subterranean’ species of fox, using a den year-round for protection and raising its young. For more information about swift foxes or their conservation status visit http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/mammals/swiftfox/, or call the Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Diversity Program at (405) 521-4616.

February Great Time to Fish In Oklahoma

Businesses wish they had the same guarantee Oklahoma anglers have when it comes to success during the first quarter of every year - the first three months always offer some of the state's best fishing action.

Evidence of this annual springtime phenomenon was verified by fisheries crews with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation during the last week of January, when fisheries personnel caught, and released unharmed, what would have been a new state record walleye. The crew was surveying the lower Illinois River and although they didn’t have a scale to weigh the fish, it was longer and had a larger girth than the current 12-pound, 10-ounce record.

“February and early March are top months for catching walleye,” said Hutchie Weeks, northeast region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “It won’t be long until anglers will be seeking out their favorite spot for the annual white bass (sand bass) run, either. The spawning run begins in early March and continues through April in Oklahoma. During these annual runs, the fishing is fantastic.

“Most creeks, streams and rivers that flow directly into a major reservoir offer good fishing for sand bass during these early spring runs. Visit any local coffee shop or fishing tackle store during these months, and you will hear numerous tales about the incredible fishing.”

The first few months don’t usually just produce limits of fish, they also produce a good number of state records, said Weeks. “In fact, almost half - 18 of 40 - of Oklahoma’s rod and line record fish were caught during the first quarter. Anglers who brave the sometimes cool weather in February, March and April have the best shot at catching a state record and filling their baskets with limits of fish.

Although there weren’t any rod and line records broken last year, the springtime fishing was still good and anglers can expect another good spring this year.

Bobcats Must Be Tagged

Oklahoma has experienced more than its share of cold, harsh winter weather leading many hunters and trappers to spend more time chasing furbearers, including bobcats.

The 2000-2001 Oklahoma bobcat season will close Feb. 28, and the WildlifeDepartment wants to remind anyone who has harvested a bobcat that they must haveit tagged by March 14, 2001.

“We are required by international law to tag bobcats harvested in Oklahoma,” said Dennis Maxwell, law enforcement assistant chief for the Wildlife Department. “All bobcats must be tagged by an authorized Wildlife Department employee or at a bobcat tagging station to verify its legal harvest. The tags need to be on the pelt within 10 working days of the close of the season.”

Bobcats are very common in Oklahoma, and pelts from cats harvested in the state may be sold on a worldwide market. But, bobcats are not as common in other parts of the nation. Therefore, an international law was developed to keep track of where animals were harvested. The law was known as the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and it was created in 1975.

“The law requires states which allow the hunting or trapping of bobcats to monitor their harvest and document their origin of take. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may use the tags to detect if a species is being overharvested and where problems with trade may occur,” Maxwell added. “By meeting the law’s requirements, our hunters and trappers are able to enjoy one of the most liberal bobcat seasons available.”