From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
February 5, 1996
LOCAL
Two Killed in Car-Van Collision
Chisholm Blazed Trail Through Indian Lands
Tiger Cubs Take Flight
Local Horse Trainer Teaches Horse and Rider Partnership
Po-Hi Graduate With Ambasssadors Choir
Calendar
'Borrowing Back' the Bluff Creek Bluffs
Two Ponca City Barbecue Teams Take High Honors
Municipal Filing Ends Today
Lawsuit Filed Over Pyramid Scheme Losses
Fate of Cultural Center on Ballot
History of First Marland Mansion Reminds Ponca Citians of Many Different
Phases
Chamber Prepares For Annual Banquet
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
First Lutheran School Hosts Interim Day
Bridge Rebuilding Project Site Clarified
DEATHS
Paul Clarence White
Gerry Robbins
Marino Leonetti
George E. Macneal
Obituaries
Agnes Lee Lehenbauer
Services Pending
Angela Kay Kent
Marian May Stone
Lola C. Hamblet
John L. Miller
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Jennifer Buxton Is 4-H Delegate
Mandy Lynn McClaskey Marries Cory Ryan Gann
Noon Popular Workout Time
Name Was Incorrect
Little News
SPORTS
Injury-Ravaged Wildcats Fall to Sapulpa
No. 2 Lady Chiefs Turn Back Po-Hi Girls, 69-49
Red 8th Girls Coast
PC Runner Gives Up First
Top 5 15-K Finishers
Wentz Ace
Grapplers Get Early Mat Time
Junior High Sports Update
Blues Turn to Gold for Guess
Two Ponca City woman died Tuesday at the scene of an accident 4.5 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177.
Marian Mae Stone, 77, was pronounced dead from massive internal injuries, according to the investigation of Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Steve Warlick. In addition, Angella K. Kent, 33, also died at the scene from a broken neck and massive internal injuries.
Garland Kent Jr., 39, was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by a Ponca City ambulance and admitted in stable condition with arm, leg, head and trunk internal injuries, according to the trooper's report.
Apparently, Stone was heading north on U.S. 177 and went left of center at approximately 2:20 p.m. Her 1985 Ford LTD collided with a 1994 Dodge van, traveling south.
Kent, driver of the van, was ejected out of the driver's door and pinned under the LTD. According to Warlick, both drivers were pinned for approximately 1.2 hours.
The trooper reported that Stone was wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident.
The Old Chisholm Trail
I'm up in the mornin' afore daylight
And afore I sleep the moon shines bright.
No chaps and no slicker, and it's pouring down rain,
And I swear that I'll never night herd again.
Oh, it's bacon and beans most every day
I'd as soon be eatin' prairie hay.
I went to the boss to draw my roll
He figured out I was nine dollars in the hole.
-
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
GREENFIELD - On a high bluff in an obscure corner of Blaine County near Left Hand Spring - a branch of the North Canadian River - the trail ended for Jesse Chisholm.
The famous trail maker, who is credited with breaking a trail from deep in the heart of Texas, through the wilds of unsettled Indian territories to the breadbasket of Kansas, died there in 1868 at the age of 63.
A Scotch-Cherokee trader, Chisholm developed a trading route that after his death became known as the Chisholm Trail. The cattle artery started in San Antonio, Texas, and originally wound up in Abilene, Kan.
Cattle herds numbering as high as 10,000 were driven over the trail sometimes less than 10 miles apart. Chisholm had forged the path of the least resistance, with easy river and creek fordings as it wandered northward toward railroad shipping points. Chisholm was basically an Indian trader and sought routes that could be accessed by wagons, hauling his wares.
The cattlemen, who also had chuck and supply wagons found the trail accommodating for driving their cattle herds and transporting supplies.
This year denotes the 130th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail and celebrations are set at towns along the time honored roadway recognizing the importance of the trail and founder Jesse Chisholm.
A number of activities have been planned from border to border in Oklahoma. These functions will be highlighted by the burying of a time capsule at the Kingfisher Chisholm Trial Museum.
Chisholm's Grave
The grave site can be reached by coming in to Geary on Highway 270 then following the east side road as directed by the blue roadside arrow markers. This trail to Chisholm's grave is accessed by traveling north and east for a few miles and crossing over an antique iron bridge. At the east side of the bridge a brown Oklahoma Historical Society sign with the shape of Oklahoma sends one north on an all weather road.
After a few miles on the somewhat graveled road, a lofty sign sends the wanderer searching for the grave westward. Here the road becomes a trail frequented by cattle, but passable by car.
At the top of a hill near a pitched roof hay barn the trail ends. So one looks to the north to the newest marker designating the grave of the famous trailsman to be nearby.
A sturdy granite marker erected by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1976, probably as a bicentennial project, marks the site. Not only is Chisholm recognized but on the other side of the marker his friend Arapaho Indian Chief Left Hand is chronicled. The old cement marker was damaged in 1973 by vehicle. So the stone is protected by a pipe railing.
The bluff provides a peaceful and scenic setting as one looks toward the farm cows grazing in the valley and more visible bluffs in the distance. As one stands on the high ground they can almost hear the squeaking of wooden wagon wheels, the pounding hooves of the past and the bawling of cattle echoing down the rich valley.
The grave is not on the main Chisholm Trail, as that particular trail was about 25 miles to the west going through Kingfisher. However it was a part of an earlier trial frequented by Chisholm. Legend has it, according to Dave Awtry of Ponca City, a former Greenfieldite, (the marker is not far from Greenfield) that Chisholm had diverted to the Left Hand land because of the flooding of a creek on the other trail.
When he died there, Chisholm was buried on Left Hand's land. There is also a creek on the property that the bluff overlooks. Awtry, who recalls bailing hay there on the bottom land as a youth, said another legend has it that a wagon load of gold sunk into the quicksand of Left Hand Creek.
The land was once a part of a earlier Chisholm Trading Post. This trading post drew Indians for hundreds of miles, according to "Great American Cattle Trails." Chisholm at that time was doing a lot of business with the Wichitas. He later followed the Wichitas when they moved to another location.
Many folks thought that Chisholm was a primarily a cattleman, because the cattle drovers followed his wagon trail. But Chisholm was first and foremost a pioneer trader engaged in commerce with the Indians. His traders route was good enough that the railroad followed it years later as did the highway system.
Grave Lost
For many years the exact location of the Chisholm's grave was lost.
But in 1930, some six decades after the road explorer's death, the grave was located by Alvin Rucker, an Oklahoma historian, and Texas University dean of engineering T.U. Taylor. They found the grave by reading the memoirs of Jim Meade, a good friend of Chisholm, according to the "Great American Cattle Trails" book by Harry Sinclair Drago.
First marker was a crude one of boards that simply told the trail maker's name and date of death.
In 1930, a wooden cross to mark the grave was put up by some high school students at nearby Greenfield High School. Some nine years later, after the base of the cross was in a state of decay, a concrete tombstone, made from the sand and water at Left Creek Spring, was to designate the grave site.
The inscription read:
JESSE CHISHOLM
Born 1805
Died March 4, 1868
No One Left His Home
Cold or Hungry
When the Oklahoma Historical Society choose to enshrine the grave area over a century later the legend of the circumstance of his death was etched on the stone.
The red and gray granite stone tells the story of Chisholm's life and his rather bizarre death. According to the annals of historic legends, Chisholm died because he ate bear's grease cooked in a brass kettle, which then became poisonous.
For 15 years the Chisholm Trail was the best known route between Texas and Kansas and several million head of Longhorn hoofed their way northward between the years of 1867 and 1881. The cattle traffic peaked between 1871 and 1873.
In the beginning the cattle herds went to Abilene and later to Newton and Wichita. A cutoff on the Cimarron River let the cattle be driven to Dodge City. In the later years the drive would end at Caldwell, Kan.
According to information published by the Chisholm Trail Museum at Kingfisher, the trail drives diminished considerably due to a variety of circumstances - a cattle disease known as Texas fever and a blizzard that wiped out most of the range cattle diminished the herds. Plus the opening of central Oklahoma to white settlement in 1889. This closed the land to cattle drives.
In Oklahoma the Chisholm Trail that is recognized by most authorities follows the Highway 81 route from Texas to Kansas. There are some offshoots with the trail going through Yukon and Anadarko.
Chisholm Trail Celebrations
Several of the towns along the Chisholm Trail have planned special events for year-long anniversary celebration. The first event will be the exchanging of proclamations between Oklahoma and Texas at the Red River with riders on horseback on March 1.
On March 8 there will be an exchange of proclamations at the Kansas/Oklahoma border.
Yukon has slated Chisholm Trail Days for the first weekend in June. Sponsored by the Chisholm Trail Historical Preservation Society Inc., events are set to be held at the historic Kirkpatrick Homestead.
Events include living history reenactments, arts and craft show, children's games, traders camps, live entertainment, gun fights cowboys poets, storyteller and food booth.
On June 6-8 there is a trail ride scheduled from Terral, Okla., to Caldwell, Kan. The public is invited to take part in this historic drive stopping at communities along the trail for entertainment, meals and sight seeing.
All forms of travel are encouraged including horseback, RVs and bicycle.
Chisholm Trail Museum
Sitting square on the Chisholm Trail at Kingfisher is the Oklahoma Historical Society's Museum, named for the trail marker. The courtyard of the museum features a bust of Jesse Chisholm. And the well- kept museum is accessed through wagon wheel gates.
A myriad of events are slated for the 130th Celebration of the Chisholm Trail, according to Renee Mitchell, manager. These events kick-off with reenactments and demonstrations are slated for March 22 from 9 a.m., to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Chisholm Trail Museum and the Gov. Seay Mansion, a variety of encampments are planned. These range from basket weaving, to a medicine man show, outlaw encampment, chuck wagon cooking, sun bonnet treasures, trick roping and shooting.
Others are arrowhead making, blacksmith shop, horse powered corn mill, Hepburn Gun demonstration, fur and mercantile traders, cowboy encampment, tatting and quilting.
The museum ground includes an old fashioned bank, church, school house, log cabins and an open air jail.
Time Capsule Burial
On June 28 the Chisholm Trail Time capsule will be buried on the museum grounds. This will allow all towns along the trail to preserve their history. The capsule will be placed in the time capsule to be opened in 2067.
Master of ceremonies for the day will be Blake Wade, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. City mayors or a representative will present their town's history to be placed in the time capsule.
Programs to be presented through the day include "As He Knew The Country," Jesse Chisholm, Indian Territory, and the "Trail North," by Dr. L.G. Mose, Oklahoma State University.
"Cowboy Poetry and Songs," by Guy Logdson, Oklahoma Historical Society; "Equipment From Horse to Bed Roll," Living History of Texas Trail Drover, along with his cow pony and the equipment needed, by Tom Ward.
"The Chisholm Trail," History of the Chisholm Trail presented by historian Bob Klemme, Oklahoma Historical Society.
"Cavalry Escort," which will escort the wagon carrying the "History from all towns participating," Jimmy Johnson.
Twelve members of the Tiger Cubs, Pack 17, Woodlands School, visited Kaimana Aviation recently and learned about flight training and aerobatics. They were also given a free airplane ride in the Young Eagle Program by two pilots of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1046 of Ponca City.
The Young Eagles Program has been developed by the EAA Aviation Foundation to introduce young people to the exciting world of aviation. The program centers around a free airplane ride with a pilot and airplane that has been certified by the FAA.
The Ponca City Chapter 1046 will sponsor the third annual Young Eagle Rally in June, where all Ponca City area interested youth will be given free airplane rides. For more information about the Young Eagles Program call Gene Sigle 762-7427.
Group leaders of Pack 17 are Cathie Gilliland and Tina Riedinger.
By S. L. Dickey
Freelance Writer
A thousand imprints of horseshoes lie in the soft dirt of the round pen. Round and round its perimeter Sam Smith works a bay horse.
Smith owns and operates Sam Smith Quarter Horses located on Highway 60 just east of Ponca City. As a horse trainer, Smith buys, trains and sells horses. Cushy job? Think again. Smith's day starts at daylight and ends after sundown. The horses must be fed, groomed, exercised and trained - every day. The luxury of Saturdays and Sundays are non-existent for this cowboy and his family.
Riding a horse sounds like a simple thing, but as with most things, those that are good at it make it look easy. Smith says, "There are four beats in a walk, two in a trot, three in a canter." As he explains the cadence, I watch the horse and the rhythm unfolds.
Bicycles, jet skis, snow sleds, wagons, inline skates, homemade stilts, skateboards, even cardboard down a hill - I can ride those, quite easily, I tell Mr. Smith - but they are all inanimate with no brain, no mind of their own. A horse is a living, breathing, thousand-pound animal.
Smith says, "An individual has a picture in their mind of horseback riding. The horse is blind. He must be taught the picture in Braille." Trainers first and foremost must form a partnership with their horses. Rider and horse both depend on each other and must trust each other.
"Most horse and rider problems are 99 percent the rider's fault," Smith simply states. The trainer must issue cues to his partner and constantly consider the response - it's all about subtlety. The position of the hands, feet and legs communicate to the horse the response the rider wants.
Through observation, mental and physical, the rider knows whether his message was received or not. The horse may not speak but he says much and the rider must pay attention. Trainers that use absolute force and gimmicks in getting desired results only show their ignorance. The horse must be trained through patience, correct cues and repetition to express himself in the desired response of the rider.
Smith says, "Often a rider expects a horse to do calculus when he hasn't learned 2+2 yet. It's a progressive thing and the horse must be taught all the steps." It takes much patience to make the horse understand what is asked of him.
As Smith works the horse, the connection between rider and beast is amazing. Smith demonstrates an overwhelming array of techniques including reining, right leads, left leads, collection, control, stops, backing and lateral movement. The horse trusts Smith's cues and works as a partner to get the job done.
Through riding lessons, Smith is able to educate riders (the human element, the 99 percent of the problem) in giving the right cues to the horse. "I teach the pieces of the puzzle to the rider and they assemble them to make the picture they've envisioned. Then we must teach the horse the puzzle," Smith says with a twinkle in his eye. One piece at a time, Smith keeps creating new puzzles.
Sam Smith Quarter Horses is open year round. For more information call 762-6014.
S.L. Dickey is as freelance writer. Other's interested in submitting articles of local or area interest may contact Lisa Phelan, P.O. Box 1149, Ponca City 74602-1149.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The world-known Ambassadors of Faith choir will be performing in a free concert in Ponca City Saturday at the Poncan Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited.
Assistant director for the Ambassador Choir is Sandra D. Thompson, a 1971 graduate of Ponca City High School. Sandra joined the Ambassadors Concert choir in 1983 and has served in several capacities in the choral organization. She directed the popular "The Amen Corner," produced by that group in 1994. She also currently serves on the board of directors and as pianist for the group.
A student and the University of Oklahoma, Sandra is working on a doctorate of musical arts in conducting. She is co-owner of a gospel music store, has a weekly gospel radio show, and teaches private piano lessons in her home.
The public is invited to hear Sandra and this versatile group, whose repertoire includes a diverse program of exciting opera numbers, "fun" jazz, gospel, and Broadway tunes. The concert is sponsored by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco Inc. and The State Arts and Humanities Council.
Membership in the choir was, and still is, based totally on ability to sing different styles of music in pitch with harmonious blend along with their availability for rehearsal, says Thompson.
The choir includes in its membership school teachers, church musicians, professional performers, ministers, housewives and the common man. Their first recording contract was made with Angel Recording Company, a division of EMI Records. Video, compact disc, and cassette recordings of this performance are now available in major record stores throughout the world.
In 1988, the choir performed before the Joint Session of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate. This performance was greatly received by the Oklahoma Legislature. Also in 1988 The American Salute Series featured a Salute to Duke Ellington, "I Love You Madly." Selections were taken from The Duke's series of Sacred Concerts.
In 1990 the State Arts Council of Oklahoma sponsored the choir on a tour of the State of Oklahoma. The musical excellence of the choir reached a new plateau during this tour and an interest in the classics was initiated within the cities and communities that heard the choir.
The Ambassadors performed in concert in the new ballroom at the Oklahoma Cowboy Hall of Fame, for the Oklahoma Christian Businessmen's Association in November 1994, and in January 1995 Gov. Frank Keating invited the Ambassadors to sing during his inaugural prayer service. Another new musical plateau was reached when the Choir closed their 1995 season by staging the Broadway Musical, "Amen Corner."
The choir also recently performed on the national television broadcast of the first Memorial Commemoration of the bombing of the Alfred Murrah Federal Building.
Thompson's background is rich in musical experience. She taught in Fort Towson Enid, Edmond and Putnam City schools before joining the faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1988. She has appeared in the production of "Ain't Misbehavin" produced by the Black Liberated Arts Company and in numerous productions with the Lyric Theater Company in Oklahoma City. She has also conducted several productions at OCU, Lyric Theatre, Carpenter Square Theatre, and others. She completed her master's degree in music at UCO in 1984.
Sandra is the daughter of the late James A. and Mary Morris Thompson, Ponca City, and the mother of a new son, James Morris Thompson.
Through February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
Through February 28
Southern Plains Council of Camp Fire Annual Candy Sale, look for members out selling, or call 765-1644.
February 6
Terwilliger and Cooperstock violin and piano duo concert, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City, free, open to the public, sponsored by Oklahoma Arts Council and Ponca City Federated Music Club.
February 7
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
February 8
Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to Children and Youth Activities.
88.7 FM Contemporary Christian artists Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean, with special guest Chris Willis concert, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, tickets the Master's Touch, $10, call 767-1400 for more information.
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge, Ponca City.
February 10
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Mrs. Mac Bradley "Travel Tours for Seniors,", First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
February 11
Kay County Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m., OCAW Hall, 1202 West Ponca Avenue, Ponca City.
McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Kountry Kitchen, east on U.S. 60.
Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60.
Rural Water District No. 1 Annual Meeting, 8 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road., three board members will be elected, board meeting follows.
School elections. Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
February 17
Ponca City-Stillwater Ostomy Meeting, speaker Lavenia Hutchinson, 7:30 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.
February 20
Kaw Reservoir Authority, 10 a.m., Ponca City.
February 21
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
February 21-22
"Noises Off," Ponca Playhouse production, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
February 23
"Noises Off," Ponca Playhouse production, 2 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
February 27
Environmental Trust Authority of Northern Oklahoma Board of Trustees, 11:30 a.m., City Manager's Office, 221 West Blackwell, Blackwell.
Alzheimer's Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room D, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
February 28-March 1
"Noises Off," Ponca Playhouse production, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
March 1
Liberty PTA Sixth Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Liberty Elementary School, information call Natalie 767-1429 or Lorinda 762-0459.
Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths (writer's group), 9:30 a.m.-noon, Basement Program Room, Ponca City Library.
101 District 1997 Scout Show, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue, Ponca City. Tiger Cub Raingutter Regatta 10 a.m., District Pinewood Derby 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 4
Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, with Children's Chorale, conducted by Cathy Byard, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre.
March 8
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the Rehab Fund.
Church Women United Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Unity Gym, Ponca City, to benefit Child Development Center, call Tina Barrett 765-3613 for more information.
March 9
Community Concert "Rhythm in Shoes," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
March 15
"The Oklahoma City Philharmonic," Poncan Theatre, time to be announced, tickets required.
March 27, 28, 29, 30
Annual Easter Pageant, "He's Alive," 7 p.m., presented by First Baptist Church, Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, tickets free but necessary, available at First Baptist Church office, Master's Touch, KLVV, Guy Lyall Insurance in Tonkawa or Eastman National Bank in Newkirk.
March 29
Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m., Football Field, Shidler School, sponsored by the Shidler Area Chamber of Commerce.
April 5
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the Rehab Fund.
Laurette Willis "The Nutty 40s Radio Show," Poncan Theatre, free.
April 12
"Trash Off Day, Clean Highway 11, sponsored by Shidler Area Chamber of Commerce.
April 14
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Blackwell Police Department "Scams," First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
Erosion Experts Now Say: Think 'Vegetatively' To Save Croplands
By Mark Galvin
News Staff Writer
BRAMAN - Mapmakers have yet to catch up with a phenomenon that occurred almost 25 years ago in the far northwest corner of Kay County.
But farmers up there have become very familiar with it.
It was 1973 when the waters on a bend of the appropriately named Bluff Creek northwest of Lake Blackwell finally eroded through its steep creekbanks enough to carve a quicker route to the Chikaskia River.
Then, with its new confluence point farther upstream - scarcely a half-mile now from the Grant County line - the creek abandoned almost three miles of shallow, winding old creekbed that formerly converged with the river a half-mile northwest of the lake.
Water that previously had meandered lazily on that now-abandoned stretch of Bluff Creek began emptying into the Chikaskia sooner and, because of the river's lower elevation, much more quickly.
Conservationists say the Chikaskia tolerated the change well enough, but the new momentum of water along the still-flowing part of Bluff Creek has been rapidly changing the topography in the area upstream.
The accelerated water flow steadily batters the bottoms of the steep bluffs along the bends in the creek, weakening their foundations and, as the bluff edges crumble, farmers have watched their croplands atop the bluffs diminish and wash downstream.
Traditional engineering methods to fight such erosion have included the placement of large rocks and other objects such as old car bodies on creek and river banks to try to lessen the impact of the flowing water.
The ecological rethinking of erosion control lately tries instead to deemphasize the man-versus-nature approach in favor of cooperative-partnership techniques, according to research done by Dick Zetterberg of the Kay County Conservation District.
Zetterberg said with the assistance of environmental engineers such as Russ Dutnell of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, the approach to stabilizing croplands along rivers and streams "is shifting from an engineering-type solution to a ecosystem-based solution."
He said when he recently discovered a service offered by the commission to approach problems such as the Bluff Creek issue, his request brought Dutnell to Kay County to meet with land owners for possible long range solutions to their erosion problems.
Dutnell arrived last week and accompanied a conservation district crew to tour the Bluff Creek area and listen to farmers.
And his immediate input was radical in its simplicity - farmers' crumbling croplands were not caused, as they had perceived, by tilling the soil on top of the bluffs or by planting wheat too close to the edges.
The Bluff Creek problem was between the edge of the bluff and the edge of the water, he said.
Dutnell explained the primary place to stabilize a bluff is at the water's edge and upward, and the quickest way to stabilize it is with root action from plenty of hardy, fast-growing trees.
It was a way to work with nature, not against it, he said.
Zetterberg's office already knew the value of planting trees, he said, but the engineer's suggestion generated some enthusiasm.
"It just makes sense," he said. "If you're going to plant trees, plant them along the water's edge."
He said the conservationists "have kind of dabbled" with this approach prior to Dutnell's visit, advising farmers to plant trees such as black locusts or willows along the edges of bluffs to build fringe areas beyond the planted areas.
However, you apply new ideas as you learn them:
"After probably 75 years of farming the land, these ideas are starting to get our attention," Zetterberg said.
"You have to plant trees on that raw bank and just hope they grow. You take your chances sometimes - it's something you sort of have to work at each year," he said.
Wheat farmer Matt Moreland, whose land overlooks one of the final bends in Bluff Creek, took similar advice last year and planted more than 1,000 locust trees in a sloped area that had begun washing out into the creek. He already has seen some progress.
"When he planted those black locusts they were a foot tall. With one year's growth, a lot of them were six or seven-feet tall," Zetterberg said.
"You order the trees from the Oklahoma Forestry Division as just seedlings. You use a sharpshooter to start a hole, then you put them in and they just take right off because they are very hardy.
"Black locust trees are determined to grow. You plant one, and the roots will sprout. They're adapted to dry, sandy ground and the roots are very fibrous and they spread," he said.
With trees planted below a bluff's edge, the roots will stabilize portions of the bluff that otherwise would be inclined to fall, he said.
Zetterberg added for a steep bank to become stable, the bank is probably ultimately going to have to get a slope.
So the farmer could still start planning ahead and stop farming up to the bluff's edge, as the tree roots below begin to stabilize the terrain.
"Natural things are happening in that area. That river system is trying to make itself bigger because it has to handle more water now.
"When water speeds up, it has energy. When it has enough energy, it can move dirt - it can take a bridge out. It can move a house," he said.
"We're at a point where we need to start slowing down that process to a more natural rate. If you're trying to fight what's being done by Mother Nature, it's a losing battle. You can't beat her," Zetterberg said.
"You've got to work with Mother Nature every chance you get. If you're good to her, she's going to be good to you in the long run."
Ponca City continues to make a name for itself as a barbecue capital thanks to the efforts of local barbecue competition teams. During the recent Kansas City Bar-B-Q Society New Year's party and awards ceremony, two Ponca City teams received top honors. The event took place Jan. 25 in Kansas City.
Each cook-off season, teams accumulate points toward the KCBS Overall Grand Champion title. Points are awarded based upon how well teams cook at each contest entered. Overall points are given in pork ribs, chicken, pork shoulder and brisket categories.
Paul Schatte, Head Country Bar-B-Q II competition team, walked away with an armful of trophies including third place overall team. His efforts bested 535 other teams from across the nation registered with KCBS. Individual awards given Schatte included overall fourth place chicken, third place brisket and first place pork shoulder.
A new honor society debuting this year in the KCBS "180 Point Club" The highest score judges can give a team is 180 points. Entries are judged according to taste, tenderness and appearance.
Both Danny Head's Head County I and Schatte's Head Country II earned charter memberships. Head scored a perfect 180 with brisket at the American Royal International Invitational Bar-B-Q Championship in Kansas City. Head Country II received four perfect scores from efforts throughout the 1996 season including two in brisket, one in pork shoulder and one in sausage.
Ponca City and Professionals Today annually host the official KCBS Oklahoma State Bar-B-Q Grand Championship. The Cherokee Strip Cook-off will be help Sept. 19-20 at the Marland Mansion.
Kansas City Bar-B-Q Society lists over 2,000 members interested in barbecue as an industry or hobby.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Filing for various municipal offices ends at 5 p.m. today.
Three candidates have already filed for two available positions on the Ponca City Board of Commissioners, according to the Kay County Election Board Office. Interested citizens still have time to file for position No. 2 or No. 4 at the Kay County Election Board office in the basement of the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk.
The two seats are set for the April 1 city election. Dick Bird, who currently fills the Commissioner No. 2 position, has filed for re-election. Businessman Chris Hand has also thrown his hat into the ring.
Commissioner No. 4 is currently occupied by O.E. "Greg" Gregson, who has preannounced his intent to seek re-election. Additionally, Tom Leonard, Ponca City attorney, filed as a candidate for the position. City commissioners serve three-year terms.
Mayor Marilyn Andrews will serve on the commission until May of 1998. The terms of Commissioner Dick Stone and Commissioner Lyn Boyer will expire in 1999.
County Filings
No new filings occurred in Blackwell. George Morgan and Ray Davis filed for a three-year term as the Commissioner of Finance. However, in Braman, Pam A. Kelle filed for a trustee position along with Rusty Partee. These are two-year terms.
In Kaw City, fillings remain as reported Tuesday. Five, four-year positions are available. Brian S. Buckbee has filed for Ward No. 1 and Gary Kellam has filed for Ward No. 2. In addition, Doris A. Samuel filed for position Ward No. 3 and Gerald D. Loney will run for Ward No. 4. Winfred Myers officially seeks the city treasurer position.
In Tonkawa, Kenneth Vogt has filed for Ward No. 1 and Wayne Duvall has filed for Ward No. 2. These positions are for four-year terms.
Area Candidates
In area filings, Red Rock posts remain untouched. In Grant County, Don Bowman has filed for Ward 1 council member. Gary R. Bowen filed for Ward 2 council member at-large post. Randy Cowger and Donna Frazier filed for Ward 3 council member. Additionally, Mark Bramlett filed for Ward 4 council member and Mike McDonald filed for four-year council member at-large post.
No additions in filing occurred in Pond Creek. Michael F. Cook filed for Ward 3 council member post, which is a two-year unexpired term. Two candidates - Glenda Prochaska and David Scott - have filed for Ward 4 council member post, a four-year term.
In Lamont, Ida Camille Mack filed for the board of trustees post. Additionally, Jeraldine Evans and Mark Brady filed for board of trustee post in Wakita.
In Noble County, Incumbent Marland trustees Louie D. Leving and Bobby Kihega have filed for a new four-year terms. Incumbent clerk-treasurer Sally Buxton has also filed for another four-year term. Tuesday, Sequoyah E. Trueblood filed for trustee, a two-year unexpired term.
In Osage County, four candidates filed for two Fairfax trustee slots - Dennis Kennedy, Carl W. Daley, Lee Shea and Willie McInturf. Tommy L. Smith filed for treasurer.
In Shidler, Todd E. Roe filed for Ward 2 Seat 2 council member and Bertha Adair filed for the treasurer position.
Four filings for Burbank's clerk-treasurer include Cheryl Self, Mary Massey, Pat Willard and Cathy Ingram. Bobby L. Calhoun has filed for Burbank trustee.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
BLACKWELL - A Blackwell couple has filed suit against another resident over money allegedly lost in an illegal pyramid scheme - apparently the same activity condemned lately by District Attorney John Maddox.
Joe A. Ball III and Stacie L. Ball filed suit in District Court this week against Brad Bechtel, alleging him to be a promoter and a participant in "an illegal pyramid promotional scheme."
The suit says the couple paid $4,000 in cash to Bechtel as part of the scheme and now declare the transaction void. They are seeking a judgment against Bechtel for $4,000, plus interest. The attorney filing the suit is James L. Menzer.
Maddox, whose office was buried last fall with phone complaints and questions, urged people last fall to stay away from money-making schemes, termed pyramid practices.
At the time, promoters were falsely claiming they had the district attorney's blessing, he said.
The schemes, with names like "Friends Helping Friends," recruit investors to put up thousands of dollars so their money purportedly will multiply as additional investors are recruited.
Such schemes are illegal in all 50 states because pools of potential investors deplete quickly, and people frequently say goodbye to their savings.
Associate District Judge Leslie D. Page said the outcome of such civil cases depends upon the original agreement between the parties.
He said such suits depend upon factors such as whether the transaction was a "free-choice" gift, or a knowingly illegal scheme, or a gambling act such as a bet on the Super Bowl.
Judge Page said he was not familiar with the civil suit filed this week, but he mentioned that citizens cannot seek relief from the courts to help "rescue them from a gambling debt," for example.
But, he added, "I think it's too bad people didn't heed the district attorney's warning."
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Facing the reality that the city cannot afford to maintain all its historical buildings, Ponca City Commissioners will ask voters to determine the fate of the Culture Center on April 1.
The question of whether to sell the center came up first in April of 1976, when a local real estate agent asked whether the property was for sale. In response, citizens contacted the city offices with the desire to keep the center for the public, according to then Mayor Kenneth E. Holmes. Due to the extensive public use at that time, the center was retained.
However, the center no longer remains the attraction it once was and its expense cannot be justified, especially when its costs have always exceeded its revenues.
The last study, conducted in 1994, confirmed that 6,370 tourists visited the facility. Of that number, about 4,350 were non-Ponca Citians, according to Martin.
Annual operating costs of more than $40,000 are hardly offset by the approximately $9,000 in revenues, based on figures provided by the city.
The idea to sell the Cultural Center came about from a recommendation from the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee. The committee, comprised of 36 citizens, studied the needs of the Center, in addition to other city facilities. The building was analyzed and alternatives discussed in an open forum.
From discussions, committee members determined the best option was to sell the Cultural Center. The committee also talked about leasing, band-aiding and bringing the building up to code and compliance. During the process, members kept in mind what was essential for the city to provide. In July of 1996, the Ponca City Board of commissioners adopted the Blue Ribbon Committee's recommendation.
The city could do a better job maintaining the Marland Mansion, if funds didn't have to be spread so thin, said City Manager Gary Martin.
A potential buyer has already expressed interested, should voters decide to sell the Cultural Center. Martin said, a local realtor contacted the city regarding a former Ponca Citian who wants to acquire it. If the property is sold, the City Manager said the new owner would be asked to preserve its historic value, but would be free to remodel the inside.
"Nothing will be done until we get the direction of the citizens," said Martin.
"We are not going to talk about future funding, or second guess the citizens," Martin confirmed. "It's a beautiful building but there is not sufficient funds for us to support all the buildings we own. We wish we could, but we don't have increased revenues," he continued.
"Citizens feel if we have buildings, we should maintain them. Therefore, the citizens must decide if we have too many historical mansions; very few cities even have one mansion," said Martin.
The city estimates that the 2.85 acres surrounding the 6,521 square foot home could sell for approximately $300,000. However, if kept, more than $215,000 would have to be invested into the facility, not including the annual operating funds.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The first Marland Mansion was purchased by the city as another cultural center and reminder of Ponca City's fabulous early years. The property at the southeast corner of Tenth Street and Grand Avenue was purchased for $85,000 in 1967, from the home's second owner Mrs. Jay G. Paris.
The Cultural Center was constructed by the late E.W. Marland, Ponca City oil man, former Oklahoma governor and philanthropist. The home boasts the first indoor swimming pool in Oklahoma, a built-in vacuum system, air conditioning, a kitchen exhaust fan, a hanging staircase and a three-car attached garage. These features are unique for a home built in the early 1900s.
Additionally, the Cultural Center is listed in the Oklahoma Landmarks publication as one of Oklahoma's outstanding architectural accomplishments and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Though none of the original furnishings remain in the house, the light fixtures are thought to have been installed at the time the home was built. The marble in the fireplace of the living room is said to have originated from the Mexican Palace of Maximillian.
Also, the marble tile floor and wrought-iron chandelier in the sun room are original. The French doors on the east open onto the large terrace now used for social events. Original black walnut paneling and handpainted wallpaper decorates the dining room, which provides the setting for many receptions and celebrations.
Historical Dates
- The long, white stucco home of 22 rooms with a red tile roof was completed in 1916.
- The home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Jay G. Paris, in 1940.
- The city purchased the home in 1967 for $85,000.
- The formal opening and dedication of the Cultural Center and the Indian Museum was held May 26, 1968.
- In 1968, the head of the school of architecture at the University of Oklahoma selected the cultural center as one of the 50 outstanding buildings in Oklahoma, from an architectural point of view.
- In 1971, the Bryant Baker Studio was established.
- In 1972, a Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial Museum was established on the third level.
Museums
The Indian Museum, established in 1936, is one of four separate museums housed at the center. Materials from the Ponca, Kaw, Otoe-Missouria, Osage and Tonkawa tribes are displayed. In addition, Ponca tribal flutes, rattles and drums are preserved.
Furthermore, relics from Fernandina, an early French, Indian Trading Post, said to be the first white settlement in Oklahoma, dating from 1719, remain displayed on the second floor.
On the lower level and second floor, ethnological and archaeological materials of numerous other tribes are exhibited, including a vast collection of Pre-Columbian materials, Navajo, Jopi, Quiliute, Klamath and Tlingit. Two historically significant relics are original peace treaties signed by the U.S. Army and the Kanza Tribe in 1815 and 1825.
The 101 Ranch Room, also on the lower level, contains memorabilia from the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch. Some of the items include saddles, ropes and other western relics used at the ranch.
Furthermore, honoring the designer of the Pioneer Woman Statue, the city purchased the contents of Baker's New York Studio to establish a museum. Additionally, the Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial Museum contains relics and artifacts that date back to the birth of the United States. A 13-star U.S. flag, picked up on a Revolutionary War battlefield, is just one item on display. The museum is located on the third floor.
The Cultural Center has been acclaimed as fostering and preserving the culture of Ponca City and the surrounding area. Meeting rooms for clubs and social events are available for a fee. The center has been the setting for teas, receptions, weddings, and art displays. Exhibits of contemporary arts and crafts are displayed throughout the year.
If citizens vote to sell the Cultural Center, artifacts and collections currently in the center would be distributed to other museums in town, according to City Manager Gary Martin. Nothing will be moved at this time.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 103rd banquet Friday with the state's chief executive officer Gov. Frank Keating as the program.
Entitled "An Evening With the Governor the Honorable Frank Keating," the event will feature an informal setting with Keating answering interesting prepared questions by the Chamber of Commerce officers, the banquet committee, Roosevelt School fourth and fifth graders and the news media.
Gov. Keating said, "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with the citizens of Ponca City. One of the responsibilities as governor I enjoy most is getting away from the State Capitol and visiting chamber of commerce banquets all across Oklahoma.
"Oklahoma must develop into a strong player in the world marketplace and opportunities like these give me a chance to explain how my aggressive economic development agenda will move our state into that marketplace and improve the qualify of life for all Oklahomans," Gov. Keating said.
The banquet will be staged at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m., with Rep. Jim Newport as master of ceremonies. Dinner music will be by the Davanzati Duo and the meal will be served by Pioneer Technology Food Service under the direction of Steve Ellenwood. The invocation will be by the Rev. Kent Dorsey of First Christian Church.
Members of the banquet committee are Tim and Linda Burg, Larry and Leanna Felix, Scott and Karen Dean, Dave Mueller, Connie McAbee and Lisa Coy.
Those in charge of decorations are Karen Dean, Leanna Felix, Leslie Throop, Danys Self and Pat Morris.
Awards to be presented include the Large Industry and Small Industry Awards. These awards will be presented by Pat Mulligan, chairman of the Economic Development Foundation. The Ambassador of the Year award will be given by Connie McAbee. Carl Renfro, last year's recipient of the "Outstanding Citizen Award," will present that award. Renfro will also present the new Community Service Award.
Ushers for the evening will be members of the Presidents Club and the Ambassadors Committee.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
First Lutheran School hosted its fourth annual Interim Day on Jan. 23. Adults from Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas were asked to come and share careers, hobbies and other interests.
This year 23 instructors provided special classes with the students, who selected four topics they wanted to participate in.
This year's panel of instructors included: Danny Head, Gene Daugherty, drew two pictures which he donated to the school; Jeff Boily, showed all the equipment required to do bookkeeping; LeRoy and Vineta Peters, talked about their 17 years of African experiences.
Also, Captain Jane Morris, Pilot for United Airlines; David Cashon, hosted a tour of his casting plant; Connie Shones let the students make donuts at the Donut Shop; Game Warden Tracy Daniel, talked about Oklahoma's animals; Jack McNeice, shared his World War II experiences as a paratrooper; Bill Doering, let the students decorate cakes and cookies.
Plus, Mike DeKrey, showed how to make arrowheads; Stephanie Cole demonstrated wool spinning and dyeing; Don Young, talked about how Thorn Apple Valley produces their own hams; Stan Johnson, demonstrated dutch oven style cooking; Paula McDaniel, led a sewing class.
And, Melodee and Becky Gibson, talked about caring for horses; Martin Trenary, brought in many different kinds of non-poisonous snakes for the students to handle; Alan Coats, discussed model airplanes; and Bob Plagmann demonstrated how to make stain glass windows and lamps.
In two weeks, county roads will be closed for several months for a $346,000 bridge rebuilding project south of Ponca City.
The bridge, which spans Bois D'Arc Creek, is located three miles south of U.S. 60 on Oklahoma 156 and a mile east. County Commissioner Dee Schieber said crews will close the roads at the city landfill and at Oklahoma 156.
The project calls for 150 working days, with dirt work by Evans &
Associates, and the bridge work itself by OBC Inc., according to Schieber.
DEATHS
Paul Clarence White, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Feb. 3, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 84.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ed Coy Light, St. Paul's United Methodist Church officiating, assisted by the Rev. Craig Dietert. Burial will be in the Longwood Cemetery, east of Ponca City.
Paul Clarence White was born Nov. 6, 1912, in Cowley County, Kan., the son of Charles Edward and Cora (Warden) White. As a child, he moved with his family to the Yale area where he attended Quay Grade School. He was married to Elsie McCullough in 1933, and she preceded him in death in 1947.
He was married to Gertrude Virginia Zang on Aug. 10, 1948, at Newkirk and the couple made their home in Ponca City. White was employed as a middle division trackman with the Santa Fe Railroad Company for 30 years before his retirement in July 1974. He enjoyed gardening and small engine repair.
Survivors include two children, Zang White and Lois Marie Challis, both of Ponca City; one sister, Rozella Dobbs of Tyrone; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both wives; one son, Bobby Gene White; and his parents.
Casket bearers will be Ed Fowler, Jack Willis, Grant Challis, Lee Fredrick, Dennis Brock and Larry Lamm.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. White to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 1508 Cedar.
SULPHUR, La. - Gerry Robbins, former Ponca City resident, died Friday, Jan. 31, 1997, at St. Patrick Hospital, in Lake Charles, La. She was 64.
The funeral was held Feb. 2, 1997, at Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Thomas, Ponca City, officiating. Burial was in Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Sulphur.
Gerry Robbins was born Aug. 26, 1932 in Ponca City, the daughter of Coy and Maude (Seal) Richardson. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School.
On Aug. 5, 1950, she was married to Frank S. Robbins and the couple moved to Louisiana in 1956. Mrs. Robbins retired from Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., in Sulphur, after 30 years in the benefit services department. She enjoyed gardening and flowers.
Survivors include her husband, Frank S. Robbins of 1319 East Houston River Road, Sulphur, La. 70663; two sons, Stuart Robbins of Houston, Texas, and Gary Robbins of Sulphur; two sisters, Faye Richardson and Betty Bible, both of Ponca City; and one grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Robbins' name to the American Cancer Society Kay County Unit, First National Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602.
CORTEZ, Colo. - Marino "Gino" Leonetti, father to Greg Leonetti of Ponca City, died unexpectedly Jan. 26, 1997, at Southwest Memorial Methodist Hospital in Cortez, Colo. He was 69.
A memorial service was held Jan. 30, at the United Methodist Church in Dolores, Colo., with the Rev. Jeanne Redshaw officiating. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Marino "Gino" Leonetti, was born Jan. 14, 1928, in Denver and had been a resident of the Cortez-Dolores, Colo., area for 17 years. He was a retired opera singer, and still occasionally sang for special events in the area. He had served as Grand Marshal of the Escalante Days Parade in Dolores. Leonetti was a member of the Montezuma Lodge 145 AF&AM and was a 32nd degree Mason. He enjoyed animals and being with people.
Survivors include his wife, Pat, of Dolores, Colo; two sons, Michael of Dolores, Colo., and Greg of Ponca City.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Leonetti's memory to the Shriners Hospital, c/o Centennial Savings Bank, 796 Railroad Ave., Dolores, CO, 81323.
George E. Macneal, resident of Littleton, Colo., relative of several Ponca City residents, died Monday, Jan. 27, 1997.
Memorial services were conducted Friday, Jan. 31 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary in Littleton.
George E. Macneal was the son of the late James W. and Helen M. Macneal. He graduated from Baltimore City College in 1942, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He and Mary Dean Robins of Ponca City were married in June, 1947.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Dean of the Littleton home; a daughter, Pam and one grandson, all in Denver; also a brother, James of Baltimore, Md. and several other relatives in Ponca City.
Agnes Lee Lehenbauer, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Monday, Feb. 3, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 90.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 1997, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Larry Heslip, minister of education, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at the First Baptist Church Williamsburg Parlor between 1 and 2 p.m. Thursday.
Born in Paynesville, (Meade County) Kentucky, Nov. 29, 1906, she was the daughter of Salmon Saxton and Agnes Earl (Ashcraft) Richardson. She was educated there and graduated from the Meade County High School at Brandenburg, Ky. She attended Bryant and Stratton Business College in Louisville, Ky., and graduated from Seymour Business College at Seymour, Ind.
She came to Ponca City in 1941 and was married to Orlow E. Lehenbauer at the First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Nov. 5, 1949. He died June 25, 1972. Mrs. Lehenbauer was a longtime employee of Frontier Federal Savings and Loan, having retired after 34 years of service on May 15, 1979. She was secretary to the chairman of the board and corporate assistant secretary.
She was an active member of the First Baptist Church and a member of the Naomi Sunday School Class. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, The National Society of Magna Charta Dames, Daughters of the American Colonists, Colonial Dames XVII Century, the Huguenot Society of Oklahoma, and Dames of the Court of Honor. She was an active member of the Pioneer Genealogical Society of Ponca City, having served on a number of committees and the board. She also was a member of a number of other genealogical and historical societies. She holds the Commission of Kentucky Colonel on the staff of the Governor of Kentucky.
She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. F.R. (Lila Lee) Leonard, Caney, Kan.; a granddaughter, Mrs. Roy (Linda) Roper, Chanute, Kan.; two grandsons, Thomas R. Leonard, Bartlesville, and Mickey Leonard of Caney, Kan.; five great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; brother Homer Richardson, Brandenburg, Ky., and a sister, Mrs. H.V. (Lenora) Green, Norfolk, Va.; and 17 nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers and her parents.
A memorial has been established in her name to the First Baptist Church Library, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Casket bearers will be John Barr, Ralph Beaty, Buck Morgan, Boyd Christensen, William Richardson, and Sim Richardson.
paid obituary
Angela Kay (Knife Chief) Kent, died Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, 1997, in Ponca City. She was 33. Survivors include her husband, Garland Kent Jr., of the home. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today in the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center at Red Rock. Other arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
TONKAWA - Marian May Kihega Stone, former Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1997, south of Ponca City. She was 77. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa.
Lola C. Hamblet, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Wednesday morning, Feb. 5, 1997, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 98. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Hamblet's name may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
John L. Miller, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday morning,
Feb. 5, 1997, at his home. He was 87. Survivors include his wife, Nina Miller.
No public viewing or visitation will be held at the funeral home, and arrangements
for a memorial service will be announced later. Memorial contributions may
be made in Mr. Miller's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union,
Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
NEWS BRIEFS
Burnett Reports for Duty - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin D. Burnett, son of Jerry D. Burnett, 1 Acker Hill Road, Kaw City, recently reported for duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, homeported in Norfolk, Va. He joined the Navy in April 1995.
Ponca Citian Serving in U.S. Navy - Navy Airman Gordon L. Matzinger, son of Danny D. and Brenda H. Stolhand, 1709 Potomac, recently reported for duty aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship Essex, homeported in San Diego. The 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School joined the Navy in August 1996.
Southside Neighbors - The Southside Neighbors meeting will be Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. Mike Lane, Traffic Engineer, will give a City Street Sales Tax presentation. The public is invited to attend.
50s, 60s Sock-Hop - Ronnie Kaye, former platter-spinner and host of the 1960s-70s show "The Scene" on WKY-TV will be in Ponca City Saturday at the Elks Lodge from 8 p.m. to midnight for an old fashioned Golden Oldies Sock-Hop as a benefit for the Kay County Council for Retarded Citizens. Tickets for the Sock Hop are $12.50 and are available at the Opportunity Center or by reserving tickets at 765-6782. Admission is limited to 250, so early purchase is recommended.
Vandalism - An employee of 7-up Bottling Company, 1200 North Union Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:18 a.m. Tuesday to report subjects vandalizing vending machines. An officer took a report.
Packing a Gun - A Po-Hi student advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:31 a.m. Tuesday that a student was possibly carrying a gun in a back pack. Officers located the subject at the Hutchins Memorial and found a toy gun. A report was taken.
Abandoned - The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 9:21 a.m. Tuesday of an abandoned bike in the 800 block of North Ash Street.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street at 12:36 p.m. Tuesday.
Minor in Possession - A 20-year-old man was arrested at East Hartford Avenue and Fairview Avenue at 12:58 p.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension, no insurance, expired tag and minor in possession.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 49-year-old woman in Osage County at 1:13 p.m. Tuesday on a city warrant.
Theft - A resident in the 700 block of East Maple Avenue informed the Ponca City Police Department at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday of a stolen purse. An officer took a report.
Bike Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a report at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday of a boys' Murray 10-speed bike stolen from the 500 block of North Elm Street.
Not the Paper Boy - A resident in the 600 block of South Eighth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 5:34 p.m. Tuesday to report a boy, pretending to be the paper carrier, grabbed the resident's purse and ran towards Seventh Street. Four officers responded and a report was taken.
Under Suspension - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 30-year-old man in the 300 block of West Broadway Avenue at 6:51 p.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension, no insurance and transporting an open container.
Collision - A minor accident in the 2000 block of Thorn Apple
Valley Drive was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:01 a.m.
Wednesday. An officer
LIFESTYLES
Jennifer Buxton of Marland and Nicole Noteware of Perry represented Noble County as Oklahoma delegates to the 1997 Western 4-H Roundup, National 4-H Horse Classic-Western Division and National Western 4-H/FFA Meats and Livestock Judging held Jan. 9-12 in Denver, Colo.
Miss Buxton is an eight-year member of the Frontier 4-H Club where she serves as president. The 16-year-old is an honor student in the tenth grade at Frontier Public School.
During the Denver event the delegates participated in several workshops with a full schedule of activities including orientation, state huddles, various tours and entertainments.
Miss Buxton is the daughter of Karen Buxton of Marland and Howard Buxton of Ponca City. She is the granddaughter of Kenneth and Patty Evans of Marland, Margaret Buxton of Ponca City, and the great-granddaughter of May Evans of Marland.
Mandy Lynn McClaskey became the bride of Cory Ryan Gann in a December ceremony at Sunset Baptist Church. The double ring vows were officiated by the Rev. Ron Ledbetter.
The bride is the daughter of Harland and Debbie McClaskey and the bridegroom is the son of Laile and Julie Stagner and Gene and Jensi Gann, all of Ponca City.
Grandparents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Estal McClaskey, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Barnes, Mrs. Lora Gann and the late Mel Gann, Mrs. Katie Theobald and the late Joe Theobald.
Organist, Estelleta Kirchenbauer, aunt of the bride, played the traditional wedding march and accompanied John Green as he sang "The Lord's Prayer." Additional musical selections included "Unchained Melody" and "Because I Love You."
The bride wore a designer gown of white satin and embroidered lace with sequins and faux pearls accentuating the neckline, bodice and long sleeves, which formed a point over each hand. The Princess-styled bodice featured a high neckline and Basque waistline. The semi-cathedral length train was designed with illusion insets adorned with Venetian lace, sequins and pearls. The gown was edged with scalloped lace and detailed in back and at the sleeves with small satin buttons. The triple-tiered cathedral length illusion veiling with rolled edge was secured by a headpiece of sequined and pearl leaves with pearl loops. She carried a heart-shaped cascade of burgundy and white rosebuds intertwined with white iridescent roses, English ivy and heart-shaped pearls and illusion streamers. She also carried a Bible belonging to her father and followed the tradition of something old, new, borrowed and blue.
Serving as maid of honor for her sister was Darcy McClaskey. She wore a floor length Emerald green satin gown with full pleats and rounded Sweetheart neckline with the waistline accentuated by a green satin bow. She also wore matching satin formal length gloves and carried a bouquet of roses following the burgundy, green and white theme with seed pearl accents and white and burgundy streamers. Dressed identically to the honor attendant and carrying similar bouquets were the bridesmaids, Sidney Rouse of Richwood, Tex., Holly Irwin and Heather Sattre of Ponca City.
Candlelighters were Jennifer Correll, cousin of the bride, and Patten Theobald, cousin of the bridegroom. Their floor length burgundy satin gowns were styled with an Empire bodice and short sleeves. Abby Barnes, cousin of the bride was flower girl. She wore a burgundy and green dress and carried a heart-shaped basket filled with rose petals. Ringbearer was Jalen Hunt and Casey McClaskey, brother of the bride, and Kyle Correll, the bride's cousin, carried the cathedral length veiling.
Brandon Jackson served as best man and groomsmen were Brent Wilson, Ryan Trant and Kelly Garroutte, all of Ponca City. Serving as ushers were Ryan Helling of Colleyville, Tex. and Whit Theobald of Ponca City, all cousins of the bridegroom.
Serving at the reception in the fellowship hall following the ceremony were Tracy Perdue of Chandler, Jenny Jones, Lori Pruitt and Terri Sturgeon, all of Ponca City. Also assisting were Mrs. M. F. Craig, Marcia Engle and Eve Engle.
The couple is residing in Fairbanks, Alaska where they are stationed with the United States Army. Pre-nuptial events included a rehearsal dinner at the American Legion hosted by the bridegroom's family, a personal shower hosted by Darcy McClaskey, Holly Irwin, Heather Sattre and Bambi Correll, and a shower hosted by Dawn Pruitt, Cheryl Ramsey, Jan Leach, Terri Fry and Michelle Hunt. Also a shower given by LaDonna Craig, Donna Brown, Billie Edge, Bonnie Nimerick, Frances Basham and Tana Arrington.
Any time is a good time to come to the YMCA, but one of the most popular times is during the noon hour. While most people are out piling on the calories, others are sweating pounds away doing a variety of activities.
"We have several regular members who only come during the noon hour. Because people need time with their families, often, lunchtime is the only time busy people have to come and workout, said Bill Kenney, YMCA Program Director. "Because of this need, we plan several programs around this time of day. The crowd is light, the activities are plentiful, the temperature is a constant 72 degrees, and the fellowship is second to none," he added.
Along with the weightroom and fitness machines, some of the regular activities that are available during the noon hour are, basketball, racquetball, and lap swim. There is also a Crossline circuit training class that is held three days per week. Mr. Kenney also commented that there are current discussions of adding a 45 minute aerobics class during the noon hour . If anyone would be interested in attending or teaching this class, please feel free to contact him at the YMCA.
Anyone interested in the YMCA is invited to drop in and look around. Kenney finished by saying, "We have something for everyone who is interested in getting in shape and staying in shape. Exercise increases energy, reduces stress, and boosts one's self esteem because they look and feel better. Come and give us a try." The YMCA is located at 702 E. Grand and the phone number is 765-5417.
The Lifestyles Editor regrets using the incorrect first name of a proud grandmother when running stories about the winner and runner-up in the recent Baby America and Little Miss of America contests. Hayley Kayne Curfman, winner of the Tiny Miss of America title is the daughter of Tracy and Shannon Curfman and Morgan Kristeen Hunter, runner-up for Baby America, is the daughter of Kitt and Kristi Hunter. Both youngsters are the granddaughters of Don and Lynn Curfman.
Paxton Auna LuAnn Irvin is the name selected by Wendy Irvin for her daughter
born at 11:23 a.m. Jan. 27 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center. The
baby weighed 6-pounds, 9-ounces and was 19 3/4-inches long. Maternal grandparents
are Robert and Nelda Irvin of Ponca City.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
SAPULPA - Ponca City's injury-ravaged Wildcats jumped out to an 11-1 lead over the heavily-favored ninth-ranked Sapulpa Chieftains here Tuesday night but in the end Sapulpa won out, 55-41.
Led by junior guard Micha Alexander, who scored all 11 of Po-Hi's first-quarter points, the undermanned and undersized Cats held a surprising 11-1 edge.
Sapulpa put the clamps on Alexander in the second quarter, however, and outscored the Cats 14-7 to pull within 18-15 at the half. After going 4-for-4 from the field with three treys in the first quarter Alexander was just 1-for-3 in the second with one trey and had 14 points at the half.
Ponca City needed a hot hand from someone, though, as the Cats entered the game minus three starters from the season opener - senior guard Andy Parsons, senior forward Sawyer Blackburn and junior post Ryan Treadway. To make matters worse, junior post Wesley Swygert (6-3) injured a leg with 4:56 left in the second period. Swygert tried to come back a couple minutes later but limped through only one possession before the officials called time and took him off the court.
He tried to come back once more as he started the third quarter, but left for good at the 5:06 mark after playing less than three minutes.
Treadway, a 6-4 junior, didn't even make the trip due to a knee injury. In other injury related news, Parsons has said that he will try to play Friday against Union. He injured a shoulder against Broken Arrow Jan. 21 and hasn't played since. Blackburn is out for the season with a knee injury.
Due to all the injuries, head coach Ken Chronister was reduced to only one true experienced inside player - 6-1 junior Jason Shelton. And he was going up against a towering group of Chieftains, like 6-7 sophomore Brian Caldwell, 6-8 senior Milos Colic, 6-7 junior Joseph Russell and 6-4 junior Eric Hall.
It was no contest. Sapulpa ended up blocking nine of Ponca City's 40 shots. Caldwell alone deflected seven.
With no room on the inside and Alexander bottled up on the outside, Ponca City scored just six third-period points. Sapulpa, meanwhile, had both the inside and outside phases of its game working as the Chieftains scored 21 points in the third to go up 36-24.
Senior guard Korey Williams and sophomore reserve guard Aaron Baker combined for 13 points in the period. Swingman Kyle Bake, a 6-2 senior, added 6 and Hall scored a bucket on a follow-shot.
All Po-Hi could produce in the period was a hook shot from Shelton, a jumper from Alexander and an inside bucket by sophomore guard Kris Shores following a steal.
Sapulpa scored the first six points in the fourth period to go up by 18, 42-24, before Ponca City made one last charge.
Shelton started an 8-0 run with 5:51 left with an inside basket, Alexander hit a free throw, Shores made both ends of a one-and-one and Alexander hit his fifth trey of the game. With 4:19 to play the Cats were still in the hunt, down just 10, 42-32.
Sapulpa then settled the issue with an 11-2 run to go up 19 with just a minute left.
Alexander finished with a season-high 20 points for the Cats, who also got 10 points from Shores, 8 from Shelton and a late three-pointer from sophomore Paul Broome. Alexander's point total marked the first time all season a Wildcat has scored 20 or more points.
Kyle Baker led a balanced Sapulpa attack with 13 points. Aaron Baker had 12 points, Hall 9, Cardwell 8, Williams 7, David Marshall 4 and Blake Oldham 2.
Ponca City lost its fifth straight game and now stands 4-11 on the season and 2-7 in the Frontier Conference. Sapulpa improved to 12-5 overall and 7-4 in conference play.
For the game, Ponca City was 15-for-40 from the field (37.5 percent), 5-for-7 from the line (71.4) and committed 14 turnovers. Sapulpa was 22-for-46 from the field (47.8 percent), 7-for-13 from the line (53.8) and had nine turnovers.
Ponca City will try to get back on the winning track Friday when fourth-ranked Union visits for Homecoming. The Redskins are coming off a 50-36 loss to second-ranked Stillwater at Stillwater Tuesday. In the last meeting between the Redskins and Wildcats Union took the season-opener between the teams by a score of 55-44.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
SAPULPA - Ponca City's Lady Wildcats fought back from an 18-point third quarter deficit to get within 10 of second-ranked Sapulpa here Tuesday night but the Lady Chiefs just had too much Mandy Nightingale and ended up winning by 20, 69-49.
Nightingale, a junior guard, scored a game-high 24 points and eight of those came in a two-minute stretch in the fourth quarter after Ponca City narrowed the Sapulpa lead to 10 points.
A 7-2 Po-Hi run to end the third period shrunk Sapulpa's lead to 50-37 entering the fourth quarter and the Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Chiefs 5-2 over the first three minutes of the final stanza to get within 10 at 52-42.
During that three-minute stretch the Cats had numerous opportunities to get even closer but missed three point-blank shots.
Poor shooting hampered the Cats all night. Ponca City connected on just 18 of 53 field goal attempts in the contest (34 percent) while Sapulpa shot 50 percent from the field (30-for-60).
Sapulpa's high shooting percentage is even more amazing due to the fact that the Lady Chiefs misfired on their first seven field goal attempts in the fourth quarter - three of those being three-point tries by senior guard Cheyenne Lierly, who was just 1-for-15 from the field in the game.
But then Nightingale (who was 10-for-10 from the field with two treys and 2-for-2 from the line) took over. Her three-point play with 4:14 left put Sapulpa up 56-42. After Po-Hi's Natasha Anderson countered with a three-point play of her own, Nightingale hit a trey and then another jumper with 2:40 left. Her last shot started an 8-0 run and Sapulpa had the win to improve to 11-0 in the Frontier Conference, 16-1 overall.
Ponca City, which was led in scoring by 6-3 senior Lyndsey Warrior with 18 points, slipped to 6-9 and 3-6.
Also scoring for the Cats were Anderson, 11; Tiffani Essary, 9; Desiree Cries For Ribs, 6; Keesha West, 2; Shari Winters, 2; and Tee West, 1.
Sapulpa's big three of Nightingale, Misty Bruner and Kara Faulk led the Lady Chiefs with 24, 19 and 15 points, respectively.
With Warrior sitting out the first nine minutes of the game for disciplinary reasons, Sapulpa bolted to a 21-8 first quarter lead and led 24-8 before Essary snapped the Lady Chiefs 11-0 run with a pair of free throws at the 6:15 mark of the second quarter.
Sapulpa upped the margin to 20 points at 30-10 before the Lady Cats finally got their offense in sync, scoring 12 points in the final 4:15 of the first half to get within 16 at the break, 38-22.
Ponca City opened the third quarter well as Warrior hit a bucket and two free throws and Cries For Ribs scored inside, pulling Po-Hi within 13 at 41-28. But a 7-2 Sapulpa run opened the gap back to 18 before the Cats came back with their final flurry.
Outside of the field goal shooting, the statistics were pretty even. Ponca City was 10 of 14 from the free throw line (71.4 percent) with 20 turnovers and 11 offensive rebounds. Sapulpa was 6-for-8 from the charity stripe (75 percent), committed 17 turnovers and hit the boards for nine offensive rebounds.
Up next for the Lady Cats is a Homecoming encounter with seventh-ranked Tulsa Union Friday at Robson Fieldhouse. The action begins at 6 p.m.
ENID - Ponca City's eighth grade Red girls broke loose from a 5-4 first-quarter lead to bury Enid Longfellow here Tuesday, 50-14.
The Reds outscored Longfellow 20-4 in the second quarter to begin the rout.
Jacee Shepard, Jena Birdsong and Kendra Love all led the Reds with 8 points apiece. Cara Cusick added 5, Abby Roth 4, Lyndsi Frederick 4, Robin Farmer 4, Alecia Allen 3, Jennifer Long 2, Jessica Windom 2 and Jessica Hubbard 2.
The Reds are now 11-3 and 6-1 in the conference. They end the regular season Thursday at Enid.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Distance runners are a competitive lot. They spend most of their free time training for their next run.
Distance runners also have a strong sense of justice. When success or failure is measures in seconds or fractions of a second, they like things exactly right.
Things did not go exactly right for Lawton's Aaron Walter in the Ponca City Groundhog 15-Kilometer Run on Saturday. Walter missed a turn on the final leg of the course, adding about five minutes to his time.
Ponca City High School cross country and track runner Paul Paschal crossed the finish line first in 54:57 with a frustrated Walter less than a minute behind.
Paschal immediately said he would surrender first place to the Fort Sill soldier. After a brief conference, race director Bob Kammiller agreed.
"Paul said Aaron was 400 yards ahead of him when Aaron took the wrong turn and he couldn't have caught him in the remaining 4-K," Kammiller said. "The awards are the same and I am going to declare Aaron the winner with a time of one second less that Paul's."
Paschal knows all too well the frustrations of a wrong turn. It happened to him in this race last year.
The corner where Walter missed the turn was supposed to be manned, but apparently was not at the time Walter went by. Kammiller notes the turn is clearly marked with turning arrows, "but some times a runner gets in a zone and misses a sign."
"It's only right that he (Walter) be the winner," Paschal said. "He was in front of me."
Paschal will be running in more distance meets this spring and fall.
"I want to be ready for next year (cross country season)," he said. "We lost some good senior runners so it is going to be tough next season."
While Paschal relinquished his first place finish, two other Ponca City runners were winners in the combined 15-K and 5-K runs.
Sandi Branderberger and Patty Kannenwischer were 1-2 in the women's 15K division, finishing in the time of 1:03:37 and 1:05:52.
Lori Badley was the winner of the women's 5-K division, finishing in 23:20.
The men's 5-K winner was John Cross of Enid, finishing in 16:08.
Other Ponca City finishers in the men's 15-K were Mike Joosten (1:01:44), Mark Oblad (1:08:18), Dan O'Neill (1:16:36), Brad Dickey (1:17:00) and Rick Baranegra (1:29:45).
In the men's 5-K, the Ponca City finishers included Jim Lindsay (21:12), Vic Fairbanks (21:21), Robert Mason (24:37), Bruce Oblad (25:03) and Bob Baumel (27:05).
Fran Clark was fourth in the women's 5-K in 27:18.
1 - Paul Paschal, Ponca City, 54:57
2 -Aaron Walker, Lawton, 55:29
3 - Roger Parman, Meeker, 56:51
4 - Steve Schmidt, Mustang, 1:00:05
5 - Alan Kebede, Stillwater, 1:00:07
Taking advantage of the spring-like weather, Aaron Hill got a big hit on the No. 6 hole at the Lew Wentz golf course Friday.
His drive carried 265 yards to the cup for his first ever hole-in-one.
Hill used a 3-wood to drive the distance.
He played with Darren Wright and Justin DeNoya.
The Ponca City-Sapulpa wrestling match will be the early show at Sapulpa Thursday but it won't be too early for two hungry wrestlers.
The Wildcats face the No. 8 ranked Chieftains at 4 p.m. Thursday on the Sapulpa mats, facing their last major obstacle in a bid for a 10-2 dual match finish.
It will be the first time at new weights for the Wildcats' Mark and Matt Dodgen. Mark will go down to 119 pounds with Matt at 125. They are scheduled to stay at those weights through the season finale at Tulsa Union on Feb. 11 and the regional tournament at Jenks Feb. 21-22.
Po-Hi coach Pat Young said either Jason Hall or Lorenzo Jones will move into the 130-pound weight for Thursday's dual.
The Wildcats destroyed two previously ranked opponents last week, Sand Springs 44-13 and Jenks 52-19. But the battle against Sapulpa worries Young.
"We don't match up well with Sapulpa, at least on paper," the coach said. "It's going to be a tough match. We'll have to wrestle well."
Ninth Grade Boys 37,
Blackwell 31
Ninth Grade Boys 48,
Enid Longfellow 35
Ponca City's ninth grade boys wrapped up the Northern Conference title Tuesday night with a 48-35 win over Enid Longfellow.
The Cougars still have a conference game left against Enid Emerson at the mid-high gym Thursday for the final game of the regular season, but no one can catch the 10-2, 7-0 Poncans now. They will have the top seed for the conference tournament here Feb. 13-15.
"These kids never give up," coach Keith Chronister said of his team. "That's why we are where we are. They just keep plugging until the shots start to fall."
No where was that more evident than in Monday's game against Blackwell. The Poncans got off to a slow start and trailed Blackwell 17-8 at halftime. But they exploded, 15-6, in the third quarter to overtake Blackwell and win 37-31 behind a 16-point performance by Barry Chance.
Chance, Wes Crossen and Jeff Furnas each scored 10 points in Tuesday's win over Longfellow. The Poncans led only 19-17 at halftime, but once again pulled away in the third period, outscoring Enid 19-11.
Brett Skaggs had 8 points, Blake Geubelle 4, Arthur Uriosle 3 and Aaron Sattre 1.
Ninth Grade Girls 57,
Enid Longfellow 16
Ponca City's ninth grade girls threw a defensive blanket over Enid Longfellow, allowing Enid just 2 points in the second half en route to a 57-16 win.
The Ponca City girls, now 11-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play, finish the regular season at Enid Emerson Thursday and then host the Northern Conference Tournament Feb. 13-15.
Against Longfellow Tuesday, the Poncans outscored Enid 20-10 in the first period but then changed defenses and shut down Longfellow the rest of the way.
Ponca City also had a dip in their scoring in the second quarter, leading 26-14 at halftime before taking off again in the second half.
Nikki Stuemky popped through 12 points for the Poncans while Mea Alexander and Alana Smith each had 8, Allison Stotts and Laura Sudbury each scored 6 points, Brooke Hines had 5, Claire Winterrowd, Krystl Richardson and Tami Schieber all had 4 points.
Smith and Hines each had 6 rebounds while Alexander had 5.
Going into the final game of the regular season, Ponca City and Stillwater are tied for the conference lead.
"It should make for a real interesting conference tournament," Ponca City coach Lela McCracken said.
Eighth Grade Red Boys 38, Blackwell 25
Ponca City's eighth grade Red boys got a quick start and scrambled past Blackwell 38-25 Monday at Blackwell.
Ponca City led 18-12 at halftime and pulled away in the second half.
John Able finished with 10 points while Casey Badley had 7, Billy Broughton 6, Tim Frick 5, Kris Upchurch 5 and Josh Kirkpatrick 6.
The Poncans are 6-6 on the season.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
There have been some blues in Marlon Guess' life for years - and he's glad. They're turning to gold now.
After becoming a Blue Chip prospect playing for the Blue and Red Wildcats, Guess is about to cash in on his talent playing for the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
The Wildcat cornerback-wide receiver signed a national letter of intent with TU today after committing earlier to the Hurricane.
Guess is very pleased with his choice, but it was not an easy one.
Guess reported he had 312 letters and inquiries by colleges from Indiana to Arizona, including the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
But Guess was looking for more than just a place to play football. He made just two recruiting trips, to Youngstown (Ohio) State and TU.
"I liked the coaches at TU," Guess said of his choice. "They talked to me about more than just playing football. They were also interested in me getting a good education."
Guess wants to major in Business Administration and Tulsa has one of the best Business Schools in the nation.
"I also like being close to home," Guess admits.
Wildcat coach Rick Sodowsky feels like Guess and TU are a perfect fit.
"It's close to his home," Sodowsky said. "But it's not so close that he'll have a lot of people looking over his shoulder.
"Marlon has something like a 3.2 GPA and did real well on the ACT, he made it on his first try. This will let him play for a major college and at the same time get a pretty darn good education."
Guess is scheduled to play cornerback for a team in the pass-happy Western Athletic Conference. That means he'll see plenty of action, which is just fine with Guess. He's used to it.
"We always had to put him on the other team's best player," Sodowsky said. "He went against some great kids who are going to be Division I players - like Stillwater's Marcus Jones, Booker T's Aaron Lockett and Enid's Donald Shoals.
"That's not a win-win situation. You win some of those battles and you lose some."
It will be an even tougher level of competition Guess and the Hurricane will face in the WAC. But maybe not this fall.
"TU redshirted its entire recruiting class last year," Sodowsky said. "And they want to do the same this year. It will probably be a good thing for Marlon to redshirt his first year. That will give the coaches time to work with him and teach him some things we (the high school coaches) didn't have time to work on. It will also give him a chance to bulk up some."
"The TU coaches said it would be up to me," Guess said of redshirting. "We'll wait and see after two-a-days."
Guess notes the Hurricane return both cornerbacks from last season and they have some good backups.
Guess had two interceptions last season with the Wildcats and was credited with breaking up five passes. He also had 33 tackles, 11 unassisted.
He admits the Cats' 5-5 record last year may have hurt his recruiting chances, " a little bit, but not that much."
"Marlon worked hard and is a good player," Sodowsky said. "His being a Blue Chipper and being a D-1 signee will help our program. It will bring us some recognition. I hope more young players will see that we have a good program going."
Guess thinks so.
"This program is getting better," he said. "We have some good coaches and the players will only get better."