From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
February 12, 1997
LOCAL
United Way Volunteers Raise $30,000 More in 1996-97 Drive
Coeds Vie For Miss NOC Scholarship Title
Area Calendar
Accounting Procedures In Place for EDF Revenue
Kaw Lake Board Meets Thursday For Travel Show
Letters Say:
City's Only Ladder Truck Needs Considerable Work
Satisfactory Evaluation Rating On Treatment Plant
SJRMC Gets Notification Of Collection Site Status
P.C. Man Recovering From Crash Injuries
David Clifton To New Post At Edwin Fair Health Center
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
YMCA Sets Fund Drive
Police Give Warning On Phone Solicitations
Ponca City Man Held On Federal Warrant
DEATHS
Lorettia Eliza Rollins
Hazel Vivian Vecera
Velva G. Griffith
Tresa Louise Looney
Services Pending
Emily J. Sherrod
Hazel E. Long
Inez L. Bussey
Mildred McConnell
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
MS Club Meeting In Arkansas City
Newcomers Club Slates Meeting
Little News
Couple Plans Tulsa Vows
Valentine Lunch Honors Couples Wed 50 Years
Legislative Day Planned For Women
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Plans Several Events
SPORTS
Bentley Puts PC On Top
Lady Cats Suffer Home Court Loss
Trojans Run Over Outmanned Cats
JV Boys Fall After Hot Start
JV Girls Go Cold in Loss
Junior High Basketball
Fishing Changes Approved
Tackle Show Due Three-Day Run
Sophomores Top Newkirk
Sports Notes
The kick-off
On September 21, 1996, families gathered in downtown Ponca City to join the United Way and it's 17 member agencies - kicking off their 60th annual campaign drive.
"The United Way of Ponca City is an institution in our community," says Eric Kurtz, 1996-97 fund drive Chairman and incoming president. "The citizens of Ponca City have raised over 15.5 million dollars in the last 60 years to help serve the needs of our community."
The 1996-97 campaign theme was "Keep The Flame Alive For United Way" and through the efforts of hundred of volunteers the United Way rallied to raise needed dollars and "Keep the Flame Alive" to assist the 17 agencies supported by the United Way.
This year's campaign planning began with a reunion luncheon of past campaign chairman who gathered to reminisce about times gone by and share their campaign successes.
Charles Casey, 1981 campaign chairman told the group that "It's always been an honor to be a part of Untied Way and if we all work together we can make a difference for our citizens."
"The reunion team played a major role in the success of this year's campaign," said Eric Kurtz.
What is United Way?
United Way is a spirit!
"It's the idea of everyone pitching in to help others. It's you and your neighbors and your co-workers giving a little to make sure that quality programs and services are available those who need them," says Helene Schwartz, United Way Executive Director.
She explains, when you support United Way of Ponca City, you support a network of 17 local human service agencies and organizations working year-round to bring about positive changes in Ponca City.
"United Way dollars are at work preventing family violence; combating the spread of drugs and helping those dependent on drugs, alleviating hunger and homelessness, building good leaders for tomorrow, impacting the lives of children and adults through sports, leisure and character building activities, providing activities for our teens and elderly in a safe environment and being there to serve the emergency needs of the community," she continued.
Where does your contribution go?
Who decides how the funds are distributed?
Each spring the participating United Way agencies submit a request for allocation budget to be reviewed by the Allocations Committee. This committee is made up of volunteers representing a cross section of citizens who are actively concerned with the quality of life in Ponca City.
These volunteers scrutinize the budgets, make site visits, talk to agency staff and volunteers, then recommend which agencies should be funded and the level of funding they should receive.
This recommendation is contingent on sufficient funds raised in the annual campaign. To date, this year's campaign volunteers raised $565,700 which has been allocated to the 17 participating United Way agencies. This figure represents a $30,000 increase over last year's campaign, says Kurtz.
"Everyone in the community is affected either directly or indirectly by United Way through the programs it serves, by giving of your time, utilizing its services for you, your family or someone you know, or by having the security of knowing the services are there when the need arises, said Teresa Smith 1996-97 president.
Annual Meeting Held
The 1997 annual meeting and awards luncheon was held Feb. 7, at E.W.'s Restaurant and Smith recognized board and committee members, campaign loaned executives, cabinet members and presented gold, silver and bronze awards to the following companies for outstanding support: Conoco, First National Bank, Boatmen's Bank, Pioneer Bank, OK Natural Gas and The Ponca City News. She then turned over the gavel to incoming president Eric Kurtz and he in turn presented Smith with a framed print.
"Hundreds of volunteers delivered packets and worked directly with businesses to secure pledges, and were credited with the success of the program. Employees within many of the major companies worked with United Way loaned executives to insure a successful drive in their business. Most importantly, the individuals who contributed to help their fellow citizens, we say thank you. With the help of all of us, the flame still burns brightly in Ponca City," said Kurtz.
The United Way Of Ponca City supports 17 member agencies within the Ponca City community: American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts Of America-Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline, Inc., Hospice Of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern OK Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, RSVP, Salvation Army, And the YMCA. These agencies provide vital services to our community and the dollars raised from the 1996-97 campaign will enable these agencies to continue quality services to all Ponca Citians.
TONKAWA - Eight contestants will compete for the title of Miss Northern Oklahoma College during the 12th annual scholarship pageant Thursday at NOC. The young ladies will be appearing in this, the preliminary to the Miss America Scholarship Pageant, at 7:30 p.m. in the Northern Performing Arts Center with Dino Lalli, KOKC Channel 5 entertainment editor, as master of ceremonies.
Also scheduled to appear are Miss Oklahoma 1996, Amy Duncan; Miss NOC 1996, Kristi Kirkpatrick; and Junior Miss Dance of Oklahoma, Sara Reed.
Contestants are Jodi Rosewitz, Ponca City, Kathryn Conaghan, Tonkawa; Molly Hall, Edmond; Veronica Hughes, Blackwell; Fachaitte Kinslow, Dover; Stacie Krienke and Katie Thompson, Enid; and Cindy Miller, Mooreland. The pageant of talent, evening gown and physical fitness in swimsuit competitions is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Jodi Rosewitz, Ponca City, is the daughter of Kenneth and Alice Rosewitz and Jim and Susan Kirkpatrick, all of Ponca City.
A 20-year-old sophomore majoring in accounting, Miss Rosewitz attends NOC on a cheerleading scholarship. She sang with the Ponca City High School Chorale three years and has sung with the College Choir two years. For her talent presentation, she will sing "Birth of the Blues."
A cheerleader in high school, Miss Rosewitz was listed on the principal's honor roll and in "Who's Who Among Students in American High Schools." She was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Drunk Driving, Literacy Council, D-FY and FLC organizations. Her senior year she was chosen Homecoming Queen. That same year she received the Laubach Literacy Action Tutor Certificate.
At Northern Miss Rosewitz is an honor student and active in FCA and in Wesley House. She is a floor representative for Threlkeld Residence Hall and was a 1996 Homecoming Queen finalist. She is in her second year as a Northern cheerleader. A two-year member of the Ponca City Literacy Council, she currently works in the volunteer tutor program.
Miss Rosewitz enjoys dancing, singing, cheering, working out and playing cards in her leisure time. She plans to transfer to the University of Central Oklahoma next fall. Her long-range goal is to earn a doctorate in accounting and find employment as a CPA for an executive company.
Her pageant platform concerns illiteracy. She feels there is no single skill or ability that is a better predictor of success in life than the ability to read and comprehend what one has read.
Kathryn Conaghan, Tonkawa, is a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in social science. She has played clarinet in school bands for a total of nine years and will perform a clarinet solo, "Cantabile" by Noel-Gallon, as her talent.
Miss Conaghan likes to read and write poetry. Some of her work has recently appeared in Lyrical Heritage, an anthology published by the National Library of Poetry. Her ambition is to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor for youth.
Molly Hall, Edmond, is an 18-year-old freshman majoring in music. She will present an operatic vocal solo, "Adele's Laughing Song," as her talent. A veteran of numerous musicals in high school and in college, Miss Hall is currently a member of the Roustabouts, Northern's traveling show troupe.
Molly hopes eventually to obtain a master's degree in music education and church music. Her goal is to become a minister of music in a church with an option of teaching music in a school.
Veronica Hughes, a graduate of Skiatook High School currently residing in Blackwell, will interpret "The Lord's Prayer" in sign as her talent. She learned signing from her sister, Pam McCleary, a paraprofessional working with mentally handicapped children in the Blackwell School system.
Miss Hughes enjoys reading and working with animals and is especially concerned with saving animals on the verge of extinction. She is an 18-year-old freshman planning a career in computer work.
Fachaitte Kinslow, a 20-year-old sophomore at Northern and a graduate of Dover High School, has had extensive training in piano and will play "Hymne" by Vangelis as her talent. Miss Kinslow is a two-year member of the NOC College Choir, Roustabouts, Jazz Band and Jazz Combo and performs with the Baptist Student Union music ministry team "Voices." She is majoring in social science with plans to obtain a doctorate in sociology and counsel abused women and children.
Stacie Krienke, Enid, is a 19-year-old freshman majoring in elementary education. A three-year member of the "Rhythm and Blues" Enid High School Show Choir and a current member of the Roustabouts, Miss Krienke will sing "Someone Like You" as her talent.
She enjoys singing, reading, dancing and participating in her church youth group, where she plays volleyball and softball. As a prospective elementary school teacher, she believes the most important gift she can give her students is a positive outlook on life.
Cindy Miller of Mooreland was first-runner up in the Miss Mooreland Pageant and a participant in the 1996 Miss Redbud Pageant. A 19-year-old freshman majoring in drama and mass communications, Miss Miller has studied speech for four years and acting for two years.
Cindy will perform a cutting, "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You" from "The King and I." Her future goal is to open an acting studio and to have her own television show.
Katie Thompson, Enid, is an 18-year-old freshman majoring in psychology. As a student at Enid High School she participated in show choir for two years and in chorus for three years. She earned a superior rating in vocal solo at the 1996 state contest.
At Northern she participates in Roustabouts, mixed chorus and Madrigal Singers and studies private voice under Mariann Priboy. As her talent, she will sing "Can't Help Lovin' That Man." Miss Thompson's future goal is to help troubled children overcome their problems in life.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students and children, according to Sally Nesselrode, executive director of the pageant. Tickets are available from Boatmen's Bank, Third and Grand, Ponca City, and from the Tonkawa and Blackwell Chambers of Commerce. They will also be available at the door. All seats are general admission. Souvenir programs will be available for purchase at the door.
January 29-February 22
February 1-28
February 12
February 13
February 14
February 17
February 20
February 20, 21, 22
February 21
February 21-22
February 23
February 27
February 28-March 1
March 1
March 4
March 8
March 9
March 15
March 27, 28, 29, 30
March 29
April 5
April 12
April 14
May 17
June 9
June 14
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The city has confirmed that accounting procedures and controls are in place to manage revenue provided by the Economic Development half-cent sales tax.
Leda Conner, City Controller, made a presentation to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday on how the sales tax revenues were tracked. She said the Oklahoma Tax Commission wires sales tax funds to the treasurer's operating account and then the funds are wired to the Bank of Oklahoma Sales Tax Account, who is the trust agent for the Thorn Apple Valley bond.
Afterwards, the money is distributed into two trust-principal accounts. Assistant City Manager Tom Short, Conner and a representative from the Bank of Oklahoma all confirm the amount of revenue taken in.
On the expenditure side, a purchase order is completed, documentation is submitted, an authorized signature is obtained, a check is cut and the general ledger is updated, Conner said.
"It has been a very time-consuming job," said city Manager Gary Martin. "The way things are set up, the city does not even handle the funds."
By 2004, the city expects to have a surplus of $2.7 million. Until 2002, when financing for Sykes is paid off, the funds are tied up in the collateral account. The City Manager said there may be an opportunity to negotiate with the bank to free up some of the funds.
"We have an excellent industrial park," said Martin. "We have leveraged our money and improved our streets.
Martin reminded citizens that people approved the appropriation of $165,000 from the general fund through a contract prior to the passage of the sales tax. Also, he confirmed the Economic Development Foundation is not a part of the city.
"It is a separate and stand alone foundation," he said.
EDF chairman Pat Mulligan also addressed the commissioners. He reviewed EDF's five-year goals, reporting that of the 1,500 jobs they planned to bring into the community within five years, 1,100 have already been created. Five hundred additional jobs are possible, he said.
Additionally, $20 million is now being brought into the community through payroll with the potential of $30 million.
"I want to point out that work and investment has put our economy in a much better situation than what we had before," the chair said.
Martin confirmed that 96 open meetings were held related to spending the sales tax revenue. According to the summary of Economic Development Sales Tax Activity Report, the city collected $3.9 million from April of 1994, through January of 1997. An additional $26,123 was collected from interest earning trust accounts.
Currently, $417,533 has been collected in excess of expenses are set aside in a collateral account and not available until the 1995 debt is retired.
Project incentives for Thorn Apple Valley currently total more than $9.6 million. The incentives include:
- $6.5 million in job credits for 10 years, assuming the business provides an average of 433 jobs per year.
- $228,500 in soil stabilization costs.
- $105,000 for 42 acres of land purchased.
- $2.9 million in financing.
Additional revenue will be required to pay future financings.
Sykes Enterprises, Inc. was allocated $1.5 million in project incentives for the building, with the agreement that 70 jobs will be provided for 10 years. Financing and issuance fees shared with the Unitherm Project total $204,031.
In addition, a total of $452,085 was awarded to Unitherm to purchase a facility, make building improvements and for an environmental study.
Soil testing, aerial photos and engineering fees for the West Highland Industrial Park Development totaled $9,826. Also, $301,928 was spent for the Airport Industrial Park Development, which comprises land appraisals, engineering fees, soil testing, 108 acres of land and the associated fees.
Due to Thorn Apple Valley and Sykes, the city was able to acquire federal and state grant money to support the infrastructure of the industrial park, according to Short.
Though utilities were extended to these businesses, costs will be recouped through their utility usage, the city officials confirmed.
Sales tax receipts in 1995 were more than $1 million and increased to $1.4 million in 1996, according to the summary report.
The Kaw Lake Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Golden Corral Restaurant, followed by a one-hour orientation for travel show volunteers.
Board spokesperson Betty Rutz said there will be time to eat following the business meeting, and the travel show seminar begins at 7:30 p.m.
The seminar, called "How to Work a Travel Show," is designed to help those who work or are interested in volunteering for the various shows the KLA attends each year, she said.
Persons interested in the association or the seminar can call Marilyn Harmon at 405-363-1260.
(Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News. Letters will be accepted only with written signatures and must include address and phone number of writer. Unsigned letters will be discarded. All letters submitted become the property of The News. No letter will be returned. We reserve the right to reject or to correct letters considered unsuitable. Letters may be edited to conserve space. We specifically decline letters for or against candidates for office.
Editor, The News,
It was my privilege to speak before the Ponca City DAR Chapter on Jan. 17.
Arriving in Ponca City about two hours before the meeting was scheduled to begin, I had the opportunity to tour your Cultural Center - the former Marland downtown mansion - which I had not visited in more than 20 years.
The priceless exhibits were both neatly displayed and very well identified, and I marveled that Ponca City has such a beautiful and appropriate building to display them. I cannot tell how fortunate Ponca City is to have such a classic historic building for a cultural center and museum.
Pendleton Woods, President
Oklahoma Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Oklahoma City
Editor, The News,
Millions of lives and millions of taxpayer dollars have been saved during the past two years as a result of the hard work of volunteers across the country.
This has been accomplished because of a unique program in which people representing a variety of organizations and interests have worked cooperatively toward solving a problem. The lives saved are those of our "best friends" - cats and dogs - and the savings to each community's taxpayers will average $18 in 10 years for each $1 spent today.
Feb. 25 marks the third annual "Spay Day USA," a national grassroots effort that takes place in communities throughout America such as Ponca City.
Millions of cats and dogs are euthanized each year because there are simply not enough good homes for them. This is a tragedy that Spay Day USA, sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Doris Day Animal League, is directly helping to overcome.
The results have been overwhelming. In 1995, more than 28,000 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered as a result of Spay Day USA. Last year, that number topped 51,000 animals nationwide. It's a win-win situation. Not only does Spay Day USA raise awareness about pet overpopulation, but it also encourages humane Americans everywhere to take action by having one cat or dog altered - their own, a friend's, or a shelter animal awaiting adoption.
Many of our local veterinarians, legislators, animal welfare groups, civic organizations and individuals have already joined the thousands of volunteers participating in Spay Day USA in February.
It is great that Ponca City recognizes its responsibility to solve a social problem that really does have a simple and humane answer. More volunteers and resources are needed, however, so everyone can help.
The Ponca City Humane Society is proud to have joined the effort for the third Spay Day USA. We hope other Ponca City citizens do as well.
As we approach the millennium, the end of the routine killing of millions of dogs and cats each year is in sight. Thank you Ponca City for your help and support.
Jean Barnes
Executive Director
Ponca City Humane Society
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Local citizens could be subject to ramifications if Ponca City firefighters retire the city's only ladder truck. According to Fire Chief Larry Mullikin, the current unit is a liability.
"We're in a no-win situation," he said. "I think we need to get rid of it and rely on Conoco's quint. As long as Ladder-1 sits here, the citizens will think it's a viable piece of equipment."
On Nov. 1, 1996, American Test Center (ATC) recommended taking Ladder-1 out of service and contacting the manufacturer for repairs. The inspection revealed that there were "twists" in each section of the ladder that exceed the manufacturer's specifications, according to a letter from Delmar Dahl, manager for Technical Services at ATC.
Originally, Mullikin thought Ladder-1 should be refurbished. However, costs could run from $50,000 to more than $100,000. Until the truck is inspected, the city won't know whether the entire ladder needs to be replaced or just certain sections.
In a letter written to Deputy Chief Dale Hicks, Peter M. Ulman, refurbish administrator for Seagraves, said if the test reveals any major defects on the aerial system not previously mentioned by the department or the American Test Center, the completion of the test procedure will not be possible without correction of all major defects found.
Additionally, Ponca City could lose its high Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which could raise insurance rates. Currently, Ponca City has 63 percentage points out of 100. Percentage points of 60-69 equate to a grade reading of 4.
"Aerial trucks, by themselves, are worth five points," said Mullikin. "If we don't have a serviceable ladder our ISO rating could drop."
The last rating occurred in April of 1991. ISO could show up any time to rerate the city, the chief said.
Short Term Solutions
Fire officials agree that refurbishment programs are short term solutions. The units can be repowered, but other problems, such as mechanical and electrical, will not be addressed.
Three years ago, Ladder-1 received three new cables and some rollers were replaced, Mullikin said. According to Doug Forsman, director of Fire Service Programs at Oklahoma State University, the discouraging part is that refurbishing will be required again within five to eight years. It is fairly common that a unit built in 1982 would need significant rehabilitation, he said.
"We could end up putting more money into the truck than it's worth," Mullikin continued. "The alternatives are to work with Conoco and pull our truck off the line. I plan to have further discussions with Conoco. In the past, they have been more than willing to bring their truck out of the refinery when needed."
Since the fire department did not have the money to fix the unit, the department originally requested $50,000 in a supplemental budget appropriation, to have the unit refurbished. The item was tabled at the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday.
Commissioner Dick Bird said the issue should go before the vote of the people. Bird said he thought the best choice was to look for a newer piece of equipment. Mullikin confirmed that if the unit were in good condition, it would only be worth $40,000.
If Ladder-1 is sent to Seagrave Fire Apparatus Division for proper repair, the company would test the ladder, turntable and hydraulics before disassembly. The PCFD would be notified of any major defects found that were not mentioned in the test report.
Subsequently, the ladder would be removed, disassembled, sandblasted and straightened, before it is reassembled using new cables, rung rubber, primed, painted and tested. An estimated 90-120 days would be required to complete repairs.
After repairs and installation of the ladder back on the truck, the unit would receive independent certification. Seagrave estimates the cost for repairs at $40,895, which does not include chassis repairs, transportation to and from their facility in Wisconsin, or any major repairs needed but not mentioned.
Transportation costs to the factory run $4,250. Additionally, the fire department recommended installing an "Aerial Hoist Holding Valve Kit" for $1,507. This is standard equipment on Seagrave aerials manufactured after 1983. The device improves the hydraulic hoisting circuit.
The holding valve is a pilot operated check valve that controls the flow of oil in and out of the bottom of the hoisting cylinders. If the ladders is subjected to an overloaded condition, the hoisting cylinder pressure becomes greater than the maximum relief valve setting of the hydraulic system. The valve prevents the reverse flow of oil out of the bottom of the cylinders which will keep the overloaded ladder in a stationary position.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Industrial Pretreatment Program received results of a compliance evaluation. An official from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave the facility a satisfactory evaluation rating.
Robert H. Reeves, a professional engineer in the EPA's Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Divisions, made the inspection on May 6 and 7, 1996.
Irving explained that the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Compliance Inspection Report is a "snapshot" of what an official observes during a visit.
"The report indicates the plant continues to have problems, which is why the facilities have been undergoing upgrades and rehabilitation since the early 1990s," said Assistant Public Works Director Sherri Irving.
Construction is expected to be completed in two years. Issues such as sludge handling and disposal should show improvement within two to four years, the assistant director said. She also confirmed that this was a typical inspection, which is usually performed by either the Department of Environmental Quality or EPA.
Reeves' report revealed that flow measurement was unsatisfactory. However, Irving said the effluent flow meter was out-of-service and a meter was on order. The part was received and has already been installed, meeting the requirements, according to Irving.
In addition, under the self-monitoring section of the evaluation, sample collection procedures were not considered adequate. It was brought to the department's attention that a larger container was needed to collect the effluent composite.
Irving points out that there are many procedures required. Of these, Reeves noted one step needed to be improved upon. Subsequently, a larger container was purchased.
Additionally, the inspector made a note that well-qualified staff needs to spend sufficient time on the program to insure that all requirements are met. Irving stated that this comment was directed at a new professional engineer, retired from DEQ, who began assisting with the pretreatment program on a part-time basis. At the time of the inspection, the employee had been with the department for two months.
"We have competent people who are responsible for overseeing the operations," said Irving. "Overall we have a good laboratory."
In Reeves summary of findings, he reported that both digesters were full of sludge and a high strength supernatant was being returned into the plant. Due to the lack of space in the digesters, there was four to five feet of sludge in the primary clarifier, he noted.
Aggravating the problem was the fact that the newly rehabilitated aerobic digester was not in use because the rotor in the old blower failed and had to be replaced. He also felt there were not enough sludge drying beds to handle the volume of sludge being produced. Polymer is being used to promote drying of the sludge on the paved drying beds, he reported.
In Reeves' observation, the sludge was not being turned over as it should have been because the horizontal auger attachment was worn out and the new one had not yet arrived.
"We're under construction because some units don't function as well as they could," the assistant director said. "Inspections provide the opportunity for improvement," she concluded.
The NPDES report was submitted to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center recently received notification that the National Association of Collection Sites has renewed SJRMC's certification for the upcoming year.
This certification distinguishes SJRMC as being committed to excellence in the collection site industry. Several local businesses and companies utilize SJRMC's services as a collection site for pre-employment, random, post-accident and for cause drug and alcohol screenings. This certification demonstrates the Medical Center's commitment to continuing to provide the highest degree of service to those customers.
Over the past year, NACS, based in Alexandria, Va., has worked to address industry issues facing collection site companies. As a member of NACS, SJRMC officials have participated in the process of developing the first industry-wide standards program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a "step in the right direction" for the collection site industry
Over the past year, there have been several changes in federal regulations for drug and alcohol testing. NACS has kept SJRMC informed of such changes with informational newsletters and other mailings.
SJRMC is also listed on the NACS industry directory and home page on the world wide web. Both sources are frequently used by drug testing professionals to identify certified collection sites.
"We're very proud of this certification," said Carla Hobbs, SJRMC Laboratory Director. "Working to build the occupational services we have here was definitely a collaborative effort by several department representatives. Receiving this certification is a true example of what can happen if people work together as a team, regardless of the walls that separate them."
Hobbs listed individuals in SJRMC's laboratory, marketing, outpatient surgery and admissions departments, and many other individuals who are in on-call positions, as being the keys to making this specialized service to the community a success.
A Ponca City man continues to recover from an accident which occurred 4.5 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 on Feb. 4.
Garland Kent Jr, 39, is listed in good condition at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, according to a hospital official. The victim suffered arm, leg, head and trunk internal injuries in the collision that killed his wife, Angella K. Kent, 33, and Marian May Stone, 77, last Tuesday.
The appointment of David Clifton to the position of Marketing Director at Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center was recently announced by Robert J. Hefley, Executive Director of the facility. Clifton will assume this position immediately.
Clifton will be responsible for marketing strategies for the five-county service area. In making this announcement, Hefley said, "We have searched for the right person for this position for some time and feel that promoting someone from within the agency with a background in mental health will be of benefit to the center."
Clifton joined the Edwin Fair Center in 1993, as a home-based counselor. His work has been primarily in Osage County, where his office is located at the Pawhuska Outpatient Clinic. He plans to continue using the Osage County office and will be traveling to the other counties.
A graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1987, Clifton has a Bachelor of Science Degree.
After service in the Marines, he returned to Pawhuska, where he resides with his wife, Susan, and their children, Allie, Lauren and Meighan. He is active in church and the community, serving on various committees and boards. Clifton also enjoys spending time with his family, reading, hunting, fishing and watching college basketball.
He can be reached at (918) 287-1175 or pager number (800) 771-0596.
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.
The YMCA of Ponca City has announced the kick off of its second yearly Community Support Campaign. This years' campaign goal of $50,000 was announced by campaign co-chairmen Mike Blackburn and Joe Rothbauer.
According to Rothbauer, the money is raised in order for the YMCA to remain Mission-focused. He said, "At the YMCA, within its financial capabilities, no person is refused program or membership privileges because of inability to pay. The money we seek now is to make sure that continues to happen."
Last year, more than 200 community families, adults and youth received some form of financial assistance. This included assistance for membership, youth sports, and summer day camp.
The community also benefited by the more that 600 participants of the free "Begin to Swim," "Senior Health Fair" and "Healthy Kids Day" programs.
Bart Miller, executive director of the YMCA, said, "We have a positive impact on the lives of people within our community. The YMCA nurtures the healthy development of children; encourages positive behavior in teens; and strengthens families. All of our programs feature a character development component emphasizing the four positive traits of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. I truly believe that providing programs that help children and families succeed is more cost-effective than offering remedial strategies after children and families are in crisis."
This Community gifts portion of the campaign runs until Feb. 27. Anyone who would like to help the YMCA by contributing financially or by volunteering time and talents, may call 765-5417.
Citizens are warned against donating to an organization calling itself the "Missing Children's Mission."
Lt. E.B. VanArsdale, of the Ponca City Police Department, has received several complaints regarding telephone solicitation from the "Missing Children's Mission." Police investigated by calling the Better Business Bureau in Tulsa, who reported no record of the charity.
Additionally, the Office of the Secretary of the State of Oklahoma has no record of a charity or corporation by this name, registered to do business in the state.
According to VanArsdale, consumers should use caution when responding to telephone solicitations for money.
"You should always receive a receipt bearing the name, address and telephone number of the charity for tax purposes," he said.
Ponca City police officers assisted Internal Revenue Service agents in serving an arrest warrant Tuesday.
A 50-year-old Ponca City man was arrested by an officer in the 400 block of East Detroit Avenue at 8:45 a.m. He was picked up on a warrant issued from the United States District Court in Oklahoma City.
According to the police department, the subject was taken into custody
without incident.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Lorettia Eliza Rollins, longtime Newkirk resident, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 11, 1997, at Hillcrest Manor, Blackwell. She was 77.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, in Christ's Church, Newkirk, with the Rev. J. Craig Ortwein officiating. A private family burial will be held later in the Newkirk Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Home. No viewing will be held at the funeral home.
Lorettia Eliza (Landers) Rollins was born May 16, 1919, in Rocky Ford, Colo., the daughter of Richard and Alice (Harper) Landers. She grew up and received her education at Montrose, Colo., then moved with her family to Oklahoma in 1935.
On May 2, 1977, she was married to Jess B. Rollins in Newkirk, where they established their home and lived their entire married life. Mrs. Rollins was a homemaker and had been employed as a domestic worker. She was a member of Christ's Church , and had taught Sunday School throughout her life.
Survivors include two brothers, Ralph Landers of Newkirk and Ernie Landers of Escondido, Calif.; two sisters, Velma Davidson and Jessie Lewman, both of Newkirk; 14 nieces and nephews; and a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess Rollins, on Oct. 8, 1985 and two previous husbands, Manney Mains, Jack Amrein; her parents; three brothers and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rollins' name to Christ's Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
BILLINGS - Hazel Vivian Vecera, former Billings and Arkansas City, Kan., resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1997, in the Ninnescah Nursing Home in Clearwater, Kan. She was 84.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Union Cemetery at Billings, Okla. The Rev. Dick Schmidt, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Belle Plaine, Kan., will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Hazel Vivian (Austin) Vecera was born April 10, 1912, to Charles and Lily (Bennett) Austin in Billings. She grew up and received her education in Billings, graduating from Billings High School.
She was married to Joe Vecera in Perry and the couple made their home in Arkansas City, Kan., from 1951-68. In 1970, she moved to Belle Plaine, Kan. and in 1972 entered the Lakeside Nursing Home in Wellington, Kan. Mr. Vecera preceded her in death in 1981. Mrs. Vecera was a member of the Arkansas City Baptist Church and Royal Neighbors.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Evans of Haysville, Kan.; one son, Bill Vecera of Pleasant Hill, Calif.; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
WILBURTON - Velva G. Griffith, mother of Betty Wyatt of Ponca City, died Monday, Feb. 10, 1997, at a hospital in McAlester. She was 80.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Wilburton (Okla.) First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Talbott officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens at Wilburton.
Velva G. (Goodson) Griffith was born June 30, 1916, in High Hill, Okla., one of 13 children born to W.L. and Frances Goodson. She was married to Roy C. Griffith.
Survivors include her husband, Roy, of the home in Wilburton; two sons, R.W. Griffith DVM of Wilburton and Emmett Griffith of Washington, Okla.; one daughter, Mrs. Tom (Betty) Wyatt of Ponca City; one sister, Dolly Hall of Caldwell, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and 11 brothers and sisters.
Casket bearers will be Buddy Griffith, Keith Griffith, Kent Griffith, Sharon Kay Little, Kelly Taylor, Tony Wyatt, Cheryl Wyatt, Karen Chrisman, and Lynn Cervantes.
FAIRFAX - Tresa Louise (Dillard) Looney, lifelong Fairfax area resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11, 1997, at the Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater. She was 62.
The funeral will be held at the Woodland High School Auditorium in Fairfax at 1:30 p.m. Friday with the Rev. George Weston officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Tresa Louise (Dillard) Looney was born April 9, 1934, in Fairfax, the daughter of Austin and Eunice (Goad) Dillard. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 1953.
On Dec. 19, 1957, she was married to Jack E. Looney and the couple made their home in Fairfax. Mrs. Looney was a homemaker and a member of the Fairfax First Christian Church. She had taught in the Beginners Sunday School Department for over 27 years and enjoyed helping others in the community.
Survivors include her husband, Jack, of the home; one daughter, Tamra Marie Miller of Shidler; her mother, Eunice Dillard of Fairfax; one brother, James Austin Dillard of Cleveland, Okla.; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Looney's name to the Akdar Shrine Crippled Children's Fund, 20 East 21st Street, Tulsa, OK 74100.
The family will be at the Jack Looney home in Fairfax.
NEWKIRK - Emily Jeannette Sherrod, longtime Newkirk resident, died early this morning, Feb. 12, 1997, at her home in Newkirk. She was 89. Survivors include two daughters, Juhree Vanderpool and Sandra Cline, both of Newkirk. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.
Hazel E. Long, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Feb. 11, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Longs' name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103 , Ponca City, OK 74601 or Ponca City Humane Society, P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, OK 74602.
Inez L. Bussey, longtime Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Feb. 12, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
LAMONT - Mildred McConnell, longtime Lamont resident, died early today,
Feb. 12, 1997, at Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 88. Arrangements
are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
NEWS BRIEFS
Club Luncheon - "A Time for a Change" luncheon will be held by the Ponca City Christian Women's Club Feb. 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. All area women are invited to attend and may call Cindy, 762-2151, or Karen, 765-9835, for reservations.
Soccer Meeting Set - Attention Adult Soccer Players! Cherokee Strip Adult Soccer Association Spring Season meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18 in the Programming Room 06 at the Library.
Office Closed Monday - The U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency office here will be closed Monday in observance of the Presidents' Day federal holiday, said J.D. Elwood, Jr., county executive director.
Auxiliary To Meet - The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion.
Pubic Forum - A public forum will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in the Enterprise Building of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. Discussion will be held on comprehensive long range goals and any development of economic development efficiency for the purpose of community involvement for an ANA environmental grant to be submitted.
Valentine Spaghetti Supper - The annual spaghetti supper at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Pecan Road and East Hartford Avenue, will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Supper includes homemade bread, salad, dessert and drink for $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Marine Reenlists - Marine Cpl. Rodney D. Nelson, son of Christine Farrington of Blackwell, has reenlisted for four years while serving with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The 1981 graduate of Portales, N.M., High School, joined the Marine Corps in July 1991.
Basic Training Graduate - Army Spec. Cynthia A. Lane has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo. During the training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid and Army history and traditions. Lane is the daughter of Willinda Sutherand of Newkirk and Robert Johnstone of Wichita. Her husband, John, is the son of Charlie Lane of Newkirk.
Shareholders to Meet - The next meeting of the Osage Shareholders Association will be Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth in Ponca City.
Warrant Service Continues - Sgts. Tom Cusick and Randy Empting continue to serve outstanding misdemeanor warrants issued by the Municipal Court. To date, 41 have been served and $18,829 has been collected through payment or time served in jail. More than 1,100 warrants are still unpaid.
Destruction - A resident in the 400 block of South Lake Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:36 a.m. Tuesday to report that a rock had been thrown through the window of the house. An officer took a destruction of private property report.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at East Highland Avenue and North Ninth Street at 7:52 a.m. Tuesday.
Wheels Stolen - An employee at John's Auto, 1421 North Union Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:49 a.m. Tuesday that wheels were stolen from a customer's vehicle. An officer took a report.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at South Fifth Street and East Houston Avenue at 9:07 a.m. Tuesday.
Forgery - An employee at Citgo, 200 East Highland Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday to report two forged checks. An officer took a report.
Failure to Pay - A Ponca City police officer took a 34-year-old man into custody at the police department at 10:43 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
County Warrant - A 23-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 500 block of South Third Street at 10:54 a.m. Tuesday on a Kay County warrant.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a burglary report at Turner Radiator, 417 South First Street, at 11:05 a.m. Tuesday.
Hiding Stolen Property - A 59-year-old woman was arrested at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:36 a.m. Tuesday for knowingly concealing stolen property.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 23-year-old man in the 300 block of West Emporia Avenue at 11:37 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for destruction of private property.
Forgery - An employee at Lowe's, 3500 North Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department of a forged check. An officer took a report at 12:42 p.m. Tuesday.
Minor Wreck - A Ponca City police officer responded to a minor accident at West Liberty Avenue and North Union Street at 12:43 p.m. Tuesday.
Vandalism - A resident in the 1300 block of Monument Road notified the Ponca City Police Department at 4:26 p.m. that the son's bike had been vandalized at school. An officer took a report.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer responded to a minor accident in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday. The drivers exchanged information.
Abandoned - The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday of an abandoned bike in the 1000 block of Brentwood Drive.
Quick Response - A 41-year-old man received minor injuries when his 1982 Ford Ranger pickup overturned as the result of an accident at South Oak Street and West Oklahoma Avenue at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday. Ponca City firefighters responded within two minutes to remove the rear window of the truck. This enabled the victim to remove himself from the truck. A Ponca City ambulance took the man to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where he was apparently treated and released, according to a hospital official.
Shoplifters - An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 8:53 p.m. Tuesday of two girls in custody for shoplifting. An officer issued citations and took the girls to the police department where they were released to the custody of their parents.
Truck on Fire - Ponca City firefighters extinguished a fire in
a pickup in the 1600 block of Hudson Drive at 10:49 p.m. Tuesday.
LIFESTYLES
The Senior Citizen's Center, 320 South A. Street, Arkansas City, will be the setting Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m., for the MS Support group. Families and friends are invited to attend. The agenda included two movies about MS. More information may be obtained by calling Dody, 442-0339, or Linda, 442-8295.
The monthly meeting for the Newcomers Club will be held Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Members are invited to bring guests to the event.
Entertainment will be provided by a group from the Northern Oklahoma College music department. Information about the Newcomers Club may be obtained by calling Joyce Fox, 762-9578 or Renee Young, 765-3615.
The Newcomers Club is a group designed for women who have recently moved to Ponca City and would like to meet other people. Activity groups available include bridge, crafts and Mom and Tots.
Mr. and Mrs. John Foulk announce the birth of their son, Levi Foulk, on Feb. 6. He weighed 7-pounds, 10-ounces and was 20 1/2-inches long. The baby was born at 7:10 a.m. at the Stillwater Medical Center.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shoulders of Henryetta announce the engagement of their daughter, Marcie M. Shoulders, to Joel V. Roth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Roth of Tonkawa.
The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of J. W. McAninch of Tonkawa and Mrs. Violet Roth of Tyrone.
The couple plans a March 8 wedding at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa.
The annual Valentine's Day celebration at Furr's Cafeteria here will honor couples who are celebrating 50 years or more of marriage. The special event will be at 2:30 p.m.
Last year Steve Woods and his management team paid tribute to 106 couples from Ponca City and surrounding area.
All couples who wish to attend must register at Furr's. In addition to the complimentary dinner for two from Furr's there will be door prizes provided by local sponsors.
On March 6 more than 275 women from across the state will attend workshops at the state capitol during the annual women's Legislative Day-Network for the 90's.
Joyce White, co-chairman of the day-long conference, said the "mission is to provide knowledge of and experience with the state legislative process by workshops, visits with legislators and familiarity with the state capitol building." She also said "we want to provide a networking opportunity for our state's women."
There will be a keynote address by Justice Alma Wilson on "Judicial Election Process." Justice Wilson was sworn in Feb. 17, 1982 and was the first woman to serve on the supreme court. On Jan. 5, 1995 she was sworn in as chief justice, the first woman to hold this position in Oklahoma.
An overview of legislation by Loyd Benson, speaker of the House of Representatives, will kick off the conference. The 14 workshops held during the day will include topics such as "Adoption Law Reform," and "Welfare: The Impact on Families."
State representatives and senators will meet with participants to discuss issues of particular concern to their areas of the state. Eight organizations are sponsoring this years legislative day. They are the American Association of University Women, Business and Professional Women, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Family and Community Leadership, League of Women Voters, National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Oklahoma Women's Political Caucus.
Pre-registration prior to Feb. 21 will be $15. Registration the day of the conference will be held at the fourth floor rotunda of the state capitol in Oklahoma City from 8-9 a.m. Charge for the full day of workshops plus lunch is $18. Individuals wanting to pre-register or wanting more information can call 405-387-5170.
Pauline's Supper Club was the site for the Feb. 6 meeting for members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. A dinner was held to honor Lila Logan, the chapter's Valentine Queen.
A business session was conducted by Melva Keen, president, who read correspondence from Beta Sigma Phi International concerning next year's cookbook and information about the Oklahoma convention slated June 6-8 at Tulsa.
Roll call, with 15 members answering, and minutes were read by Andra Kasselman. Judy Watt, treasurer, presented the financial report. Mrs. Keen announced that the executive board would meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 prior to the regularly scheduled meeting at the home of Jackie Hall. Mrs. Hall will also be in charge of the program.
Announcement was made of the City Council meeting which was held Feb. 3. The Valentine dance for the sorority will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Moose Lodge. The queen's rehearsal will be at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Those planning to attend the Founder's Day event April 22 were asked to confirm whether they would be going. Mrs. Keen asked those who had yearbook changes to contact her. Cassandra Kifiak, scrapbook chairman, said that her committee was continuing to meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Sue Robertson, service chairman, announced that a child in Blackwell was seriously ill and letters were needed to send to a pharmaceutical company that has discontinued making the necessary medicine. Those needing further information are asked to contact her.
Membership Chairman, Francie James, announced that Jeannine Gemmill would be eligible in April for the Exemplar Degree. Mrs. Logan, program committee member, gave a program "on the shelf" entitled "Healthy Heart." Jackie Hall won the traveling basket brought by Phyllis Pledger.
Following the meeting social co-chairmen, Judy Mallory and Doretta Jackson
held a committee meeting to plan the pre-party for the Valentine dance.
The party will be held in the Jackson home at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15.
SPORTS
BY FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
TULSA - Ponca City's Wildcat wrestlers got their bonus points to put themselves in a position to win, but it took an overtime decision at 189 pounds by Jay Bentley to seal Tuesday night's 30-27 win over Tulsa Union.
The Wildcats finished the dual season at 9-3 but this win wasn't pretty. Union won eight of the 14 matches but the Cats got extra points for two forfeits and falls by Matt Dodgen and Stockton Graves.
"We just didn't wrestle very well," said coach Pat Young afterwards. "We're a better team than this and if we don't improve in a hurry we're in trouble."
The Wildcats get over a week away from competition before the regional tournament at Jenks. But they won't be getting much rest.
"We'll be working our tails off," Young said.
The coach had been warning that Union was a much better team than their record showed. The Redskins have been chronically short on numbers, but the wrestlers they do have are good.
Despite giving up a forfeit to Mark Dodgen at 119 pounds and a fall to Matt at 125, the Redskins won seven of the first nine weights, building a 23-12 lead in team points. Marciano Villarruel stopped the bleeding with a narrow 8-6 decision at 160 pounds. A first period takedown proved to be the difference as Villarruel and Union's Jimmy Johnson battled evenly in the final two periods.
Graves went on the attack against Union's Brad Albright, building a 5-1 lead before taking the Redskin down to his back and getting the fall in 2:53.
That closed the team scoring gap to 23-21 with three matches left. The Poncans had a forfeit coming at heavyweight, but needed a win at either 189 or 215 to secure the win.
Bentley went against Dynasty Invitational champion Ryan Hall at 189. The two wrestlers sparred through a scoreless first period. Hall escaped to start the second stanza for a 1-0 lead. Bentley matched that with a third period escape just 35 seconds from the end of regulation.
The two nearly exhausted wrestlers staggered through most of the sudden death overtime before Bentley countered a takedown attempt by Hall and came out on top with just four seconds remaining in the extra period.
Union got a major decision at 215 but Cory Burkett took a forfeit at heavyweight for the winning points.
Union won a 6-5 decision at 103 pounds and a 12-2 major at 112 before giving up a forfeit at 119.
Matt Dodgen made quick work of Union's Kendel Westerman, getting a fall in just 1:23 at 125.
That gave the Poncans a 12-7 lead, but the Redskins went on a tear, winning the next four matches to build an 11-point lead. It wasn't enough.
Ponca City got bonus points in four of their six wins. Union managed three major decisions, but the other five wins were simple decisions as the Wildcats stayed off their backs, a problem that cost them last week in a loss to Sapulpa.
"A 9-3 dual record is not bad," Young said, pointing out that the three losses came to top 10 teams. "There are a lot of teams which would like to be 9-3. But we'll have to wrestle better than we did tonight."
RESULTS
Ponca City 30, Tulsa Union 27
103 - Douglas (U) d. Gelino, 6-5
112 - Moore (U) md. Bailey, 12-2
119 - Dodgen (PC) fft
125 - Dodgen (PC) p. Westerman, 1:23
130 - Armstrong (U) d. Jones, 8-5
135 - Martin (U) d. Scott, 3-2
140 - Holt (U) md. Hall, 13-5
145 - Lunsford (U) d. Smith, 8-2
152 - Lewallen (U) d. Redleaf, 6-0
160 - Villarruel (PC) d. Johnson, 8-6
171 - Graves (PC) p. Albright, 2:53
189 - Bentley (PC) d. Hall, 3-1 (OT)
215 - Trajillo (U) md Stiecken, 16-2
Hwt - Burkett (PC) fft
Mat Stats
Takedowns - Union 19, Ponca City 8, Escapes - Ponca City 15, Union 9. Reverses - Union 3, Ponca City 2. Penalty Points - Ponca City 1, Union 1. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 2, Union 1. 3-Near Falls - Union 4, Ponca City 0.
Forfeits - Ponca City 2, Union 0. Falls - Ponca City 2, Union 0. Major Decisions - Union 3, Ponca City 0. Decisions - Union 5, Ponca City 2.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
After back-to-back home victories in which fourth-quarter free throw shooting proved the key, Ponca City's Lady Wildcats came up short in that department here Tuesday night and ended up losing to Jenks, 46-37.
Ponca City took a 29-22 lead into the fourth quarter and quickly extended the advantage to nine points when junior forward Keesha West hit a short jumper with 7:26 left.
Jenks came back, though, and the Lady Trojans were aided by three straight Ponca City free throw misses. Then came what looked like a big break for the Poncans as Jenks head coach Mark Cyrus was whistled for a technical foul. Natasha Anderson made both foul shots and Po-Hi led 35-31 with 4:29 left.
But the game quickly shifted back towards Jenks at the 4:13 mark when senior post Lyndsey Warrior - mired in a terrible night - missed a short baseline jumper and yelled for a foul call. Instead, Warrior was whistled for a technical and had to leave the game with her fifth personal foul.
Jenks made one of two free throws and then got he ball back and scored off a Christy Williams jumper, slicing Ponca City's lead to 35-34 with 3:54 remaining.
After a lane violation on a Jenks free throw attempt, Ponca City's Tee West made one of two free throws with 2:43 showing for a 36-34 Po-Hi lead.
A bucket and a pair of free throws gave the Lady Trojans a 38-36 lead. The Cats then had a chance to tie with 2:10 left but Anderson could convert on just one of two free throw attempts and Jenks closed out the game on an 8-0 run to make the final score much more lopsided than the game really was.
In the last 1:37, Ponca City turned the ball over four times. The Lady Cats were 0-for-6 from the field after Tiffani Essary's jumper with 6:16 to play in the fourth and ended up 4-for-9 from the free throw line in the period - 6-for-13 for the game (46.2 percent).
Union, meanwhile, was 10-for-13 from the line in the fourth quarter and 7-for-15 from the field.
"There were two things, I thought, that cost us," said head coach Larry Rehl afterwards. "No. 1, it was the worst officiated game we had all year. But you can't let that effect you as a basketball player and we didn't do a very good job there. And second, we just had too many missed free throws."
Anderson and Desiree Cries For Ribs led Ponca City in scoring with 12 points apiece. Essary added 6, Keesha West 4, Warrior 2 and Tee West had 1 point.
Destani Kirkpatrick scorched the Poncans for a game-high 20 points with 8 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Briana Keeton also reached double figures with 10 points and also got 8 of her points in the final stanza.
It took Jenks just over five and a half minutes of the game to finally get on the board but when the Trojans did they only trailed 4-2. Both teams shot 3-for-15 in the opening quarter and Po-Hi led 7-6.
Jenks built a 12-10 lead in the second quarter as Kirkpatrick hit a pair of free throws and two baskets during a four and a half minute span but the Poncans closed with a flurry. Anderson hit a trey with 2:38 left and that started Po-Hi on a 9-0 run to close out the quarter.
Cries For Ribs, who had 10 points at the half, scored inside following Anderson's trey and then Anderson kept the run going with a driving layup at the 32-second mark. Keesha West ended the first-half scoring with a pair of free throws with just six seconds left and the Lady Cats led 19-12.
After Warrior started the second half with a quick bucket for a 21-12 Po-Hi lead, Jenks came back with 10 unanswered points to go up 22-21 with 3:31 left in the period. The battle of runs then turned Ponca City's way as the Cats went on an 8-0 tear to end the quarter.
Ponca City's 29-22 advantage could easily have been greater but during their closing run the Cats missed a free throw and had the front end of a one-and-one waved off due to a lane violation.
Ponca City fell to 7-20 overall with the loss and is 4-7 in the Frontier Conference. Jenks, ranked 13th, improved to 10-8 and 7-5.
For the game, Ponca City was 13-for-43 from the field (30.2 percent) with 23 turnovers. Jenks was 16-for-50 from the field (32.0), 14-for-20 from the line (70.0) with 17 turnovers.
Ponca City travels to Owasso Friday for its next game.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Jenks put together runs of 15-2 and 16-3 in the first half here Tuesday night to lead 37-21 at the half and went on to post a 70-52 victory over Ponca City's outmanned Wildcats before a sparse gathering in Robson Fieldhouse.
The Wildcats played without point guard Andy Parsons again and Wesley Swygert also did not suit up. Junior post Ryan Treadway returned to the starting lineup after missing two games but got into early foul trouble and ended up with just two points.
Micha Alexander, who finished with a game-high 19 points on 6-for-18 shooting with two treys, put Ponca up 2-0 and then Treadway hit a 10-foot baseline jumper for a 4-0 Wildcat lead. Then came Jenks' 15-2 spurt that gave the Trojans a 15-6 lead.
Sophomore guard Kris Shores ended the run with two free throws and Jenks led 15-8 after one.
After the Cats narrowed the margin to four points at 17-13 following a three-point play by Shores and a driving layup by junior guard Ryan Meyer, Jenks answered with its 16-3 streak to lead 33-16 with 1:40 left in the half.
Alexander halted that run with a trey and then drove baseline for another bucket to cut into the deficit but the Trojans came right back with two baskets for a 37-21 halftime margin.
Ponca City outscored Jenks 15-12 in the third quarter to keep the score respectable and twice cut the lead to 12 in the early stages of the fourth.
Alexander's three-point play with 6:53 left made the score 51-39 an gave the junior 19 points in the game. But he fell short of recording a third straight 20-plus scoring night as he misfired on his last four shots.
Meyer scored 6 points in the fourth quarter to end up with 11 points, Shores added 9, Jason Shelton 4, Tom Engle 3, Nathan Zimmerman 3, Treadway 2 and Scott Larrison had 1 point.
Grant Stone led Jenks with 17 points but 11 of those came in the fourth quarter after the game was decided. Three other Trojans also hit double figures. Mark Wolfard had 15 points, Matt Frazier 10 and Rocky Calmus 10.
Ponca City was just 16-for-49 from the field (32.7 percent) but did do well from the charity stripe, making 17 of 22 (77.3). The Cats also ended up with 18 turnovers.
Jenks was 29-for-59 from the field (49.2 percent), 8 of 11 from the line (72.7) and committed 12 turnovers.
Ponca City slipped to 4-13 with its eighth straight loss and is now 2-9 in the Frontier Conference. Jenks, ranked 11th, snapped a two-game skid to improve to 12-7 and 8-5.
The Wildcats travel to Owasso Friday for another Frontier Conference matchup.
Ponca City's JV boys got off to a good start against Jenks here Tuesday night but couldn't maintain their lead as they lost 52-41.
Ponca City led 12-8 at the end of the opening stanza but trailed 22-21 at the half. Jenks then pulled further ahead in the third period and led by seven heading into the fourth.
Paul Broome led Ponca City scorers with 12 points, Scott Larrison had 10, Mat Stewart 9, Matt Bolin 5, Nathan Zimmerman 4 and Brad Brewer had 1 point.
Friday against Union in Tulsa, the JV Wildcats had another good first quarter, leading 12-10, but lost the game in the second as Union outscored the Cats 19-10 in the pivotal period and went on to post a 49-37 win.
Ponca City trailed 29-22 at the half and Union extended the lead to 43-27 after three.
Zimmerman topped Po-Hi with 11 points and Broome added 9. Jeremiah Payne scored 5 points, Bolin 3 and Justin Ross, Stewart, Larrison and Brewer all had 2 points.
The JVs next travel to Owasso Friday.
Cold shooting in the second and fourth quarters cost Ponca City's JV girls as they dropped a 38-30 decision to Jenks here Tuesday.
The score was tied 4-4 after the first quarter, but Jenks went on a 16-4 spree for a 20-8 halftime lead. The Poncans came back to close the gap to 26-23 in the third quarter but managed just seven points in the fourth.
Tia Williams had 15 points to pace the JV scoring. Julie Schiltz finished with 4, Romi Foreman had 4, Aleena Ames 3, Shari Winters 2 and Leslie Schieber 2.
Tournament Set
Ponca City and Stillwater are expected to battle for the Northern Junior High Conference Tournament title as the tournament gets under way Thursday through Saturday at Robson Fieldhouse and the old boys gym at the high school.
Both Ponca City and Stillwater will field two teams. The other conference teams are Enid Emerson, Longfellow and Waller with Ark City invited to make an eighth team.
The Ponca City and Stillwater boys team tied for the regular season crown. They will meet each other - in a way - in the first round.
The Ponca City varsity takes on the Stillwater B team at 6 p.m. Thursday in Robson while the PC junior varsity team tackles the Stillwater A team at 3:30 in the old fieldhouse.
The 2 p.m. game in Robson pits Longfellow against Waller while Emerson plays Ark City at 4:40 in the old fieldhouse.
On the girls' side, the Ponca City JVs play Stillwater A at 2 p.m. in the old fieldhouse, Waller plays Longfellow at 3:20 in Robson, the Ponca City varsity takes on Stillwater B at 4:40 at Robson and Ark City plays Emerson at 6 in the old fieldhouse.
The double elimination tournament runs through Saturday with the girls championship finals at 5:45 and the boys' finals at 7:15. Both games are in Robson.
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8th Girls Win Title
Pushed hard by their sister team, Ponca City's eighth grade Blue girls wrapped up the Northern Conference title with a 27-18 win over Enid Waller here Tuesday.
The Blue girls finished with a perfect 8-0 conference record and were 15-2 overall. The Red girls had just one conference loss. Together the split Ponca City teams had a combined record of 26-5.
"These girls will play together next year and should have a great team," Blue coach John Maddox said. "They are a fine group of girls."
The Blues got off to a bit of a slow start and trailed Waller 11-10 at halftime.
"But we got it together in the second half," Maddox said. The Poncans outscored Enid 10-5 in the third quarter and 7-2 in the fourth.
Emily Kuchta, "who had a great game," popped through 11 points, while Jessica Plagman "had her best offensive game of the season," finishing with 10 points.
"Tayla Champlain came off the bench when Candace Benson got hurt and hit two free throws cold," Maddox recalled, "at a time in the game when we really needed the points."
Tara Cries For Ribs also scored 2 points while Aubrey Kelly and Jennifer Nimmo each had 1.
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8th Boys End Season
Ponca City's eighth grade Blue boys capped their basketball season by reaching the .500 mark here Tuesday with a thrilling 41-40 win over Enid Waller.
The win allowed the Blue boys to end their season with a 7-7 record.
It didn't look like the Blue boys would be celebrating after falling behind 12-4 at the end of the first quarter. But the Poncans rallied in the second period to take a 19-17 halftime lead.
Waller closed to within one after three but Ponca City was able to hold onto to its one-point cushion.
"The kids buckled down on defense and worked the offense well beginning in the second quarter," said coach Steve Larimer. "I was proud of the kids. They picked themselves up in the second quarter and maintained it the rest of the way. It was a fine way to end the season.
Jeremy Miller had a big game for the Blues with 17 points. Josh Pitts added 7, James Anno 6, Jacob Biby 4, Mark Parsons 3 and Michael Martin had 2 points.
In the B game, Waller won 44-28.
James Brashears had 10 points for the Poncans, James Anderson 6, Randy Novotny 6, Taylor Morgan 4 and Tim Rathbun 2.
The eighth graders also played a game at Stillwater Feb. 3, losing 66-33 and 60-33 in the B game.
The Blues led 13-10 at the end of the first quarter but Stillwater turned up the defensive pressure and outscored Ponca City 21-5 in the second period and 21-4 in the third.
Biby had 9 points, Anno 8, Pitts 7, Miller 6, Martin 2 and Kyle Henderson 1.
In the B game, Morgan scored 9 points, Matt Bond 7, Martin 4, Matt Caine 3, Anderson, Rathbun, Brashears and Stan Gaylord all had 2 points and Aaron Cohenour and Wes Day added 1 point apiece.
At the regular February meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, Commission members voted to approve a variety of fishing regulation changes for 1998.
The changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, 1998, include regulations dealing with size and creel limits at lakes Texoma, Hudson, McGee Creek and Skiatook. A number of other minor changes also were approved, including provisions modifying commercial turtle and mussel harvest and designating lake boundaries for purposes of clarifying fishing regulations.
In other action, the Commission voted to table a request to grant approval to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to purchase any additional land in McCurtain County for the Little River National Wildlife Refuge. Commission approval for the USFWS to purchase 2 971 acres of land from willing sellers will only be granted if the USFWS produces a management plan which addresses specific local concerns and makes the refuge land more accessible to sportsmen. Refuge personnel are currently in the process of formulating a comprehensive management plan for the Little River National Wildlife Refuge.
In his monthly report, Director Duffy reported that the state's next legislative session has begun, with a number of wildlife-related bills already working their way through the legislative process.
In personnel items, Law Enforcement Chief John Streich presented the Medal of Valor to Craig County Game Warden Keith Green. Green earned the prestigious honor for going above and beyond the call of duty and risking his own life to help rescue a man from a flooded vehicle. Warden Green was instrumental in the Nov. 29 rescue of Brett Kemohah from rain-swollen Pawpaw Creek.
Also recognized at the February meeting was a donation from the 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Fisheries Chief Kim Erickson said the 89er Chapter donated $600 for the Department's trout management efforts at the Lower Mountain Fork River. The donation will be used to help offset the cost of satellite water temperature monitors which have been installed at the Mountain Fork. The devices will aid in monitoring water temperatures and should help prevent temperature-related problems with water quality.
David Warren, information and education chief for the Department, presented a report to the Commission on the Department's town hall meetings. Warren said five meetings have been held, with limited public attendance. He added that the Department will be modifying its town hall meeting program to hold meetings in areas where issues are developing, not in arbitrary geographical areas. This should help the Department address issues as they arise.
Next month's regular Commission meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 9:30 a.m., in Oklahoma City.
The largest fishing tackle show in the Southwest opens on Thursday at the Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City with literally thousands of fishing, hunting and sports related items on sale.
Billed as the world's largest Fishing Store, the Oklahoma Tackle Show, presented by the Oklahoma Chevy Team, has over two hundred display booths where anglers can buy just about any brand or type of lure, rod, reel, tackle box or whatever. There are lots of hunting items, too, according to Hue Wiersig, show producer and director.
Approximately 80,000 square feet of fishing tackle takes lots of time to shop. Some people spend three or four days. Just imagine being able to visit leading retail shops, manufacturers representatives and others who will show the latest and newest items that have just been introduced.
Tommy Biffle, Chevy Truck Pro Staff, will be at the show on Sunday afternoon to conduct two fishing seminars. He is a BassMaster Classic "almost winner" several times, always fishing for a couple more ounces to make him the winner. Also, back-to-back B.A.S.S. Tournament winner, Mike McClellan, from Arkansas, will be at the show all four days. Ron Shuffield, Arkansas BASS Master Classic entrant will appear Friday and Saturday. Jimmy Houston, Oklahoma's own TV Fishing Star will be at the show Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will be doing seminars along with Chris Houston and Sheri Combs. Ken Cook former Classic winner will be at the Show Thursday only. Randy and Robin Howell from North Carolina both fish professionally (B.A.S.S and Bassin' Gals) will be there e Friday and Saturday. Don Wallace and fishing partner Pat will be there all day Saturday.
Those looking for Vacation plans will find lots of ideas, Lake Associations from Texoma, Eufaula, Tenkiller, Grand, McMurtry and Kiamichi Country, East Texas Tourism Suttle Information, MarVal Camp, Turner Falls and more have brochures and information that can help plan all summer.
There are a number of fishing and hunting guides from all over the area. There will be information and brochures on Canada, Alaska, Mexico and hundreds of places in the USA and all across Oklahoma plus Lake Fork, Ray Roberts, Beaver, the Texas Coast, Guerrero and many more. Hunters can find hunting information like at Panhandle Pheasant Hunts, from many of the guides and the Canadian resorts as well as the new Suttle Information book just published.
There are also taxidermy and antiques shops.
Kids or all ages can enjoy trout fishing in the big pond in Carriage Hall. The profits will benefit the Make Promises Happen, the summer camping facility in Guthrie for handicapped children and adults.
A professional fisherman will be doing demonstrations every two hours on the Skoal Outdoors Bass Tub, showing how lures works in the water. The live fish are furnished by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Dunn Fish Farms. After viewing people, the fish will return to their original homes.
The national Casting Kids contest will be held in the Carriage Hall all four days. The qualifying for the Oklahoma City area is Thursday through Sunday noon. The Oklahoma State Finals begin at noon on Sunday. Every year several kids qualify for the regional and can continue to the finals held at the BassMaster Classic. It's sponsored by Rubbermaid, Zebco, Chevrolet, BassMaster magazine and others
Ponca City's sophomores broke to a 14-8 first quarter lead and held off Newkirk's JVs 47-37 Monday.
Jason Green scored 12 points as the sophomores built a 27-20 halftime lead and outscored Newkirk 8-5 in a low-scoring fourth quarter.
Ron Tribble added 9 points, Jimmy Patterson had 6, Michael Galbraith 5, Justin Ross 5, Brian Geubelle 4, Tanner Ray 4 and Kevin Reese 2.
The sophomores are scheduled to play at Bartlesville Thursday.
Softball Meeting - The Ponca City Softball Association will have a general membership meeting open to the public Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in St. Paul's United Methodist Church, located at Hartford and Pecan.
Softball Tournament - A men's snowball classic open softball tournament benefiting the Ponca City Softball Association will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 at Willow Springs. The entry fee is $85 per team.
Tee shirts will be awarded for first and second place in the non-sanctioned event which will use ASA rules and the entry deadline is Feb. 24. For further information call Rick at 762-4377 or 762-4745.
State Placers - Three Ponca City wrestlers placed in the Junior High State Tournament in Oklahoma City over the weekend.
Eighth grader Kyle Duren took fifth place at 134 pounds while Matt Littleton,
also an eighth grader, was fifth at 128 pounds. Seventh grader Aaron Brooks
was sixth in the sixth and seventh grade division of the tournament.