From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, February
25, 1997
LOCAL
Computerized Mail Sorters To Be Installed at Post Office
Home Destroyed
Workshops, Clinics Set For Teens
Use of Defensive Tactics Help Officers Get Control
City Drops EDF Agreement
Sooner Construction Named Builder of Weight Room Facility
Mid-High Debate, Theater Class Presents Play
'Dances With Wolves' Star Here for Saturday Program
County Officials Eye Fire Protection Plan
Second Half Of County Taxes Are Due April 1
Retiring Judge Welch's Reception Set Friday
DEATHS
Caleb L. Baker
Carrie Elizabeth Baker
Audrey Muriel Thomas
Patricia J. Marshall
Ida Neff Franklin
Theodore White Jr.
Obituaries
Sharon Kaylene Hamilton
Services Pending
Elwood Aynes
D.I. Kelly
Funerals
Mabel B. Otto
Delmer Rademacher
Delorous V. Welsh
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
City Sales Tax Collections Up In December
Presley Says Rules Change in Business
Planning Session For Coalition To Be March 4
Safety Training Helps Students Prepare for Jobs
Through the Lens Wins Honors at State Event
Notes and Quotes
New Skate World Could Be Open By Late Spring
Bagel Business Now Downtown
LIFESTYLES
YMCA Class for Arthritis Exercise
Sylvia Smith Eta Delta Valentine Queen
Phone-A-Thon For Domestic Violence Funds
Desk & Derrick At 6 p.m.
SPORTS
Lady Cat Rally One Point Shy
Lady Mavs Go Small To Pluck Rose
Home Demons Strike Northern Men, 84-70
No. 7 BA Too Much For Po-Hi
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Post Office is going on line with four computerized sorters, capable of sorting a total of 160 pieces of mail an hour. According to Postmaster Jack Weatherford, the new equipment will already have the mail sorted for the route carriers - saving office time and giving carriers more time on the street.
Normally the postmen "case" the mail for delivery for their routes. At the first of March trainers are expected to arrive to train Ponca City postal workers. The automation equipment came here from Elk City and Sapulpa.
Ultimately the automation will result in reduction of routes, but will not mean loss of jobs - any reduction would come from attrition, according to Weatherford.
In order make room for the new equipment, some of the mail is to be "staged" on the dock area and at the rear of the Post Office. The rural carriers' parking area has been moved to a parking lot the Post Office owns across the street to the southwest. Also a trailer has been ordered for storing equipment.
"We are preparing to bring the Post Office into the 1990s. We are going ahead with a progressive program to keep Ponca City as a key player in the area for getting the mail moving," Weatherford said.
As a part of the update, Terry Haynes of Oklahoma City will be coming in to be the manager for clerks and automation. Marlene Kleinmann, who has been manager of clerk operations, has been named postmaster at Shidler. She will remain as the 911 representative for the U.S. Postal Service to Ponca City and post offices in the service area. "She has done an outstanding job and will be missed," Weatherford said.
Ponca City services 16 other area post offices and the next step is to automate the sorting for the rural areas.
In an effort to be more "user friendly," the Post Office continues to try to make doing business with the Post Office pleasant, according to Weatherford. A television has been installed in the lobby and is usually tuned to CNN or the weather. An effort has been made to make the lobby more attractive instead of just looking like an institutional building.
Weatherford is pleased that a private surveyor team came through unannounced recently and rated the Ponca City Post Office in the top three in Oklahoma in the areas of customer service, friendliness of window clerks and cleanliness of the building.
FLAMES GROW out of control Monday as Ponca City firefighters spent more than two hours at a residential fire in White Eagle, reportedly started by children playing with matches. Reports say the fire, which caused an estimated $30,000 in damages, began in the garage. A second home to the west sustained some $300 in damage. (News Photo by Laura Treadway)
Teens will have an opportunity to attend monthly free mini-demonstrations, workshops and clinics of special interest at Grand Central Station, beginning Thursday at 4 p.m. The presentations are geared for junior and senior high students. Parents are also welcome to attend. Many workshops or demonstrations will have hands-on activity.
The February workshop will be presented Thursday from 4-5 p.m. by Karen Howard, who will demonstrate how to "glaze cookies."
Two workshops are scheduled in March including one on March 6 by Jannie Ross, who will present "Everything Chocolate!" The second workshop will be March 13 by Gaytha Sebor and will cover the hobby of "rubber stamping." Both sessions will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. at the teen center.
According to Jan Merrifield, director of the ProTeens sponsoring group, the workshops have proved popular in the past and she has had numerous requests to continue the activities.
"We are also looking for crafters and persons with special talents and hobbies to share special interest programs with the teens," said Merrifield. "I would appreciate anyone who has something along those lines to contact me at 767-TEEN (8336)."
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Cadets of the Ponca City Citizens Police Academy learned that officers must sometimes use defense tactics to gain control and custody of subjects.
Patrolman Glynn Moore said, there are times when officers must use force to protect the community and the officer, however, not all use of force is lethal.
Officers learn defense tactics which have been state certified, according to the police department. An officer is trained to choose the proper use of force based on the level of his vulnerability as well as danger to the officer or others.
According to Moore, cooperative subjects respond to verbal direction, which includes persuasion, advice and/or a warning. Uncooperative subjects, not controlled by authority, may require pain compliance techniques, techniques to cause temporary reflexive inhibition, mechanical control or use of chemical spray.
For example, if a subject resists verbal commands, the officer will firmly take hold of the subject and tell the subject to "come along." Use of force may accelerate for an uncooperative subject who actively resists in a defensive manner.
Furthermore, an officer may apply an arm bar take down, defensive moves and countermeasures, or impact weapons to an aggressive subject who does not have a weapon but is likely to harm others.
"Officers use practical or applicable use of force," Moore said. "We're dictated by what the subject makes us do. We just want to get the person into custody and control," he emphasized. "Once the subject complies, my job is completed."
"For their safety and ours, no technique is applied that hasn't already been experience by an officer," Lt. Don Dickerson said. "There are laws and rules that apply to everyone," he continued. "As police, we have to win the confrontation so the system doesn't break down. If a subject won't conform to the system, we must protect everyone else," said Dickerson.
Capt. Clayton Johnson reported that 27 Ponca City officers were assaulted, in 1995. The captain confirmed that offenses must be serious to be reported.
"Although we live in a nice town, the citizens need to be aware of the potential for hazard to officers," Johnson said. "And, physical skills are used much more often than weapons," he concluded.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners voted Monday not to reconfirm its agreement with the Economic Development Foundation. The board authorized Mayor Marilyn Andrews to notify EDF and the Chamber of Commerce, that the city intends to contract with the Chamber for economic development services beginning July 1. The contract with EDF expires June 30.
According to City Manager Gary Martin, a committee of city staff, business leaders and various board members determined the move would reduce costs and allow the Chamber to hire a combination Chamber CEO/Economic Development person.
In other new business, commissioners authorized the Ponca City Utility Authority to obtain permanent financing of the $5.6 million SRF interim construction note from the Oklahoma Water Resource Board (OWRB) for Phase I of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Allan Brooks, with Fagin, Brown, Bush, Tinney & Kiser of Oklahoma City, is the city's bond counsel. He told the board that the debt is a refinancing, not new money, and all expenditures are in place.
"The city can now realize the benefits of the program. The city will receive up to 40 percent or $1.7 million of the money at zero percent interest rate and obtain permanent financing for $3.07 million," he said.
The notes will be secured by a pledge of revenue from water, sanitary sewer, electric and garbage systems. The board's approval allowed OWRB notification that the city wants to convert the interest rate to a fixed rate. Brooks also said that $1.1 million would be deobligated to the OWRB.
In addition, the board accepted the balance of the Community Development Block Grant Program for $451,080, and a $250,000 loan. The funds will provide for the additional lateral expansion of the city's landfill. The city applied for a $750,000 grant and $250,000 zero percent, 20-year loan from the Regionalization/Multijurisdictional set-aside of the CDBG. Funds are needed to meet additional federal mandates. Ken Parr, Public Works director, said that 50 landfills around the state had already shut down as a direct result of the new rules, which increased the cost of expanding the landfill from $15,000 per acre to $150,000.
Furthermore, commissioners agreed to sell property in the 200 and 300 block of East Hartford Avenue. Both properties were originally purchased for additional right-of-way for an underpass at the railroad tracks. Selling the property will reduce the operating costs, according to Martin.
Moreover, approval was given to sell city land to Mitchco for $11,560. There are no incentives involved, the City Attorney confirmed. Also, the board authorized paying $1,342,908.46 in city claims processed from Feb. 6 through Feb. 20.
Consent Agenda
Sober Brothers was awarded the bid for Lowes Sanitary Sewer Line, for $234,499.70. Throop Construction bid $320,011.45 and Ram Engineering proposed $291,995.20. The project covers tools, materials and labor and the work necessary for constructing 3,127 linear feet of 15-inch sewer line, 1,400 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line and all appurtenances. The city has acquired easements with the exception of one. A notice to proceed will not be issued until all easements are obtained, according to staff. The company was also authorized as an agent for the city to purchase materials for the contract, exempt from sales taxes.
In other business, Randy Lauritsen, city engineer; Rob Dick, Public Works, and Suzette Venturino were approved to be purchase officers for the city. Also, Jim Fairbanks, LaWanda French, Debbie Robinson, Sherri Irving and Joel Mahnken were deleted from the authorization list.
Furthermore, commissioners approved a change order form for the Lyde Marland House. Director Ken Parr indicated the change order consists of two items:
- Basic plans to construct a drainage trench along the front of the south carriage doors which are located on the north side of the east wing of the house, to eliminate a drainage problem, did not include the installation of a grating. The grating would eliminate a possible safety hazard.
- The original brick paving located just north of the south carriage doors had severely heaved due to roots from a tree. The displacement of bricks would not allow the carriage doors to be opened and also created a safety hazard.
Ponca City Utility Authority
Commissioners reconvened as the Ponca City Utility Authority to award contracts on sludge handling and disposal equipment from D&C Equipment, in Pryor, subject to OWRB concurrence;. A 175 horse-powered, four-wheel drive tractor in the amount of $107,717 will be used to relocate sludge. A heavy duty disk in the amount of $19,780, will also be purchased to attach to the tractor to disk the sludge into the ground, said Kirby H. Crowe, construction coordinator for FHC, Inc.
On the consent agenda, commissioners approved a monthly summary report of financial information be submitted to OWRB as part of the loan agreement. In addition, the board agreed payment of $15,092.12 to FHC Inc. for work on the Eastside Sewer System Evaluation, ($11,760.60); sludge handling and disposal equipment-design, ($1,301.30), and sludge equipment procurement-bidding and construction ($2,030.22).
Furthermore, the board approved the final payment of the Phase 1 project for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements in the amount of $160,700 for sanitary sewage sludge handling and disposal equipment.
Ponca City Development Authority
The board reconvened as the Ponca City Development Authority to enact an addendum agreement with Encompass Mold. The addendum forces reduction of their promissory note down to $125,000 and provides for amortized payments over 18 months. The last payment is due Feb. 15, 1999. However, PCDA will enter into a mortgage modification agreement with Pioneer Bank and Trust Company (lender), whereby PCDA extends security obligation for another two years.
In other business, the board sold three acres of real estate to USA Bottling Co, Inc., for $45,000, or $15,000 per acre. The purchase allows four percent of payroll for 10 years to be applied against the balance. According to the City Attorney, an option to purchase two additional acres, within two years, at $15,000, was included.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
A Ponca City firm has been named as the successful bidder for the construction of a new weight room facility at Ponca City High School. Sooner Construction of North Central Oklahoma submitted the successful bid of $109,902.
The Ponca City Board of Education approved the firm Monday night at its special board meeting following discussion of several financial issues relating to the project.
Troy Lewis of Lewis Associates Architects, and Coach Rick Sodowsky, were at the meeting Monday and among information presented by Lewis was the possible shortfall of $8,000 that would be needed to include a new heating unit to meet city code enforcement.
Information received by the board from Lewis included that $30,000 had been donated from citizens and the board would use $7,800 in bond money from 1989; $25,000 from the current bond money; and $43,000 from the Gifts and Endowment Fund, to construct the new facility.
Lewis said the construction should be completed in 140 days, with a projected completion date being July 1, 1997.
In other activity preceding the bid announcement, John Young was re-elected to another term for president of the school board by a vote of 5-2. Andrea Morriss was also nominated for president and received 2 votes.
Michael Kruck was also named the new vice-president of the school board by a close vote of 4-3. Morriss was also nominated for the position and received 3 votes. Previously, Steve Stalcup held the position of vice-president and told The News that he felt the board members should take turns serving Ponca City.
Mary Ladd was also re-elected to serve as the clerk by a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Kyle Keffer, Stalcup and Young also took the oath of office and were reinstated to the board. On Feb. 11, Ponca City residents elected Stalcup for a four-year term over David Kinkaid. Keffer and Young did not have opponents during the election and were automatically re-elected. Keffer will serve a three-year term and Young will serve a four-year term.
During public comments, a few concerned citizens of Ponca City spoke to the board about the OASIS program at the Mid-High. After public comment was over, the citizens spoke with Dr. John Scroggins, Curriculum Director, about possible steps the administration can take to help with the adjustment of the students.
Jerry Putnam, district auditor, gave reports on the annual audit report of the 1995-96 school year. The report was handed to the board members just prior to the meeting and Putnam told the board that he would return to another meeting to answer any questions. According to Putnam, the report was clean except there were no fixed assets on the financial sheets.
The board convened into executive session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss reassignment, resignations, employment of personnel, and confidential conversation with the board's attorney. The board returned at 9:30 p.m. and then adjourned without taking any further action.
The Ponca City Mid-High Debate and Theater class is presenting their 1997 production, a one-act version of the full length play, "I Never Saw Another Butterfly," written by Celeste Raspanti.
Being directed by Carolyn Berry, this play is the true story of Raja Englanderova, a young Jewish girl among hundreds of children to survive the Holocaust.
Starring in the lead role will be Alana Cervantes as Raja Englanderova. Jenny Pollet plays Irena Synkova, a teacher looking after the children. Honza Kosek, played by Chris McCool, is a young man, a friend to Raja. The youth of Terezin come alive with Ashley Root, Michael Leonard, Heather Trice and Andrea Thomas. The booming voice of the loudspeaker belongs to Daniel Wages.
Technical support is provided by Tamra Banks, state manager; Jenni Nelson, lighting technician; Tara Hock and John Hartman, sound management; Joan Penarubia, spotlights; and Cody Smith, art director.
Other backstage assistants are Jessica Boutwell, props; Andrea Thomas, Alana Cervantes and Ashley Root, costumes; Alana Cervantes and Andrea Thomas, hair and makeup; and Ashley Root, public relations.
The production will be open to the parents and families of the cast and crew Thursday at 7 p.m. The public is also invited, free of charge. A second performance for the students will be Friday at 8:25 a.m.
Rodney Grant, Native American film star of "Dances With Wolves," will visit Ponca City on Saturday to present a special program for young people.
The event entitled, "Lunch with Rodney Grant" will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street in Ponca City. Admission is free, including lunch, and door prizes will be awarded.
Grant has traveled across the country making personal appearances, giving speeches and working with young people. Having dealt personally with the problems of dependency, he believes very strongly in setting a positive example and providing a responsible role model for the younger generation, especially his son Walter.
"We want young people in the area to join us and spend an informal afternoon with Rodney Grant," said Gael Hancock, event chairman. "Here is someone who had a vision, pursued it and made it come true. It's not everyone who can decide 'I want to be a movie actor' and goes out and does just that!"
Grant grew up on the Omaha Tribal Reservation near Winnebago, Neb., with his two brothers and two sisters. After high school he joined the Marine Corps, completed a tour of active duty and returned to Lincoln, Neb., where he worked as a furniture mover and day laborer.
One evening while watching a non-lndian play an Indian's role on television, Grant decided to try his hand at acting. His first role was as villager/hunter in the documentary, "We Are One." Playing the acclaimed, Wind In His Hair, in "Dances With Wolves," won him many other parts including roles in "Wagons East" John Candy's last film and "Geronimo: An American Legend."
A western saddle and bareback rider, Grant is also skilled in billiards, basketball, softball and football. He is well versed in Native American culture and spirituality plus he has a broad knowledge of the Lakota language and tribal songs.
This event is a project of the Ponca City Native American Foundation and Community Health Promotions and is sponsored by Oklahoma Natural Gas, Ponca City News, Phillips University, and Enid News and Eagle.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The county commissioners took a step Monday to develop county-wide fire protection. As a result they nodded their acceptance of a newly conceived map presented by area fire officials to simplify the coverage areas of the individual fire departments.
Fire department representatives from all corners of the county met with the board to discuss a proposed mutual-aid system of firefighting and a future fire-protection finance board that will serve both city patrons and rural patrons.
The finance board, comprised of fire officials and one or more county commissioners, ultimately could gain county financial support via a vote of the people, with equipment purchases handled by the county, they said.
District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven said he agreed "something needed to be done," adding he was impressed by the unity achieved by the individual departments, and he said the idea requires some research to do it right.
"We don't want to create another monster, but we want it to be legal," Leven said.
The officials said they would return in two weeks.
In other business, the board approved a four-year lease purchase for a motor grader for District Two, accepting a low bid of $68,500 at 5.4977-percent interest submitted by Frontier Equipment. The agreement was for a 1985 140G grader to be leased through the local Eastman Bank at $1,593 per month for 48 months.
Three other companies had submitted higher bids.
The commissioners also opened bids to purchase medical equipment (a colposcope) for the district attorney's office.
Once the bids were opened, commission chairman Rex Purdy said the action would be tabled until next week so District Attorney John Maddox could review the two submitted bids - one for $19,895 from Circon and another for $14,895 from Vess International.
And in a bid consideration tabled since last week for a remodeling project at the Kay County Health Department facilities in Ponca City, the board this week awarded the contract to low bidder Rick Scott Construction Co. of Ponca City for $41,900.
In that action, the commissioners advertised and opened bids as a formality for the health department, which reviewed four submitted bids last week and made its recommendation Monday.
NEWKIRK - Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber said statements were mailed Monday to taxpayers for the second half of taxes, now due for payment.
She said to avoid being delinquent and having a penalty charged, the second half of the tax must be paid before April 1, and a postmark of March 31 will be accepted.
For taxpayers who have not paid the first half of their taxes, delinquent statements also were mailed out and those taxes are now subject to penalty on the full amount, she said.
Tax collection is proceeding well, the treasurer said, and the percentage of taxes collected so far this year has exceeded the percentage of tax collected by this time a year ago.
Schieber said her office also is still getting calls about personal property tax and she reminds taxpayers that household personal property was voted out last year in Kay County.
Unless the taxpayer has a mobile home, farm equipment or leased land improvements, they would no longer be subject to personal property tax, she said.
Schieber said anyone with questions about issues such as tax billings, payments or delinquent taxes can contact her or her staff at the office in the courthouse or they can call 405-362-2523.
NEWKIRK - A retirement reception to recognize the Honorable Donald C. Welch for his years of service to the citizens of Kay and Noble counties will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Kay County Courthouse here.
Special District Court Judge of Kay and Noble County, Welch's retirement marks a 40-year career working as an assistant district attorney, in private practice and ultimately from the bench.
The reception will be hosted by the Kay County Bar Association and the
Kay County Court Clerk's staff.
DEATHS
FAIRFAX - Caleb L. Baker, son of Rita Baker, Fairfax, and Dale Baker, Tulsa, died Thursday evening, Feb., 20, 1997, near Skiatook. He was 21.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the First Assembly of God Church in Turley with the Rev. Charles H. Matlock and the Rev. David Reddick officiating. Burial will be in the Ethel Reese Cemetery in Barnsdall under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Caleb Lee Baker was born March 27, 1975, in Oklahoma City, the son of Stewart Dale and Rita Lee (Watson) Baker. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on Sept. 5, 1995, and was a Seaman Apprentice with the Coast Guard Group Astoria of Astoria, Ore.
He was united in marriage to Carrie Elizabeth Bryant on July 20, 1996 in Fairfax and the couple made their home at Seaside, Ore.. He was a member of the Seaside Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed fishing and watching the Discovery TV channel.
Survivors include his parents, Dale Baker of Tulsa and Rita Baker of Fairfax; one brother, Stewart Dale Baker II of Kuwait City, Kuwait; three sisters, Cynthia Renea Caho of Tulsa, Marion Lindsay Baker and Rita Marina Baker, both of Fairfax; his paternal grandfather, Royce Baker of Ponca City; paternal grandmother Hazel Baker of Oklahoma City; one nephew and two nieces. His wife, Carrie Elizabeth, also died in the same automobile accident that took his life on Feb. 20, 1997. He was preceded in death by one grandfather and two grandmothers.
The family will be at the Rita Baker home.
Casket bearers will be members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
FAIRFAX - Carrie Elizabeth (Bryant) Baker, died Thursday evening, Feb. 20, 1997, near Skiatook. She was 21.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the First Assembly of God Church at Turley with the Rev. Charles Matlock and the Rev. David Reddick, officiating. Funeral and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Carrie Elizabeth (Bryant) Baker was born Aug. 30, 1975, in Burlingame, Calif., the daughter of Richard Dennis and Patricia Carolyn (Wood) Bryant. She enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on Feb. 14, 1994, and was currently serving as a 3rd Class Petty Officer assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Cowslip with the Coast Guard Group Astoria of Astoria, Ore.
She was married to Caleb Lee Baker on July 20, 1996, in Fairfax, and the couple made their home in Seaside, Ore. She enjoyed music and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her father, Dick Bryant of Rapid City, S.D.; her mother, Patricia Bryant, Santa Rosa, Calif.; two brothers, Harley Bryant of Rapid City, S.D. and Robert Bryant of Santa Rosa, Calif.; her step-father, Fortino Morales of Santa Rosa, Calif.; her paternal grandmother, Beth Wood and maternal grandmother, Betty Jones; one aunt; and one uncle. Her husband, Caleb L. Baker also died Feb. 20, 1997, in the same automobile accident, which took the life of Mrs. Baker. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Richard Bryant and her maternal grandfather, Robert Wood.
The family will be at the Rita Baker home.
BLACKWELL - Audrey Muriel Thomas, Blackwell resident, died Sunday evening, Feb. 23, 1997, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 83.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Blackwell Mausoleum at the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Buddy West, Tonkawa, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Audrey Muriel (Ridgeway) Thomas was born Sept. 4, 1913, in Beaver County, the daughter of Bennie and Sylvia Mae (Rancier) Ridgeway. She attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1930.
She was married Ray Elijah Thomas on Feb. 17, 1935, in Ada. Mrs. Thomas had been employed at the Hazel-Atlas Glass Plant in Ada. They later moved to Blackwell, then to Tonkawa, where Mrs. Thomas was employed as a cook at Northern Oklahoma College. She retired in 1992, and moved back to Blackwell in 1993. She was a member of the Blackwell First Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include three sons, Danny Ray of Chester Township, N.J., Rodney Earl of Texas, and John Russell of Oklahoma City; three daughters, Glenda Ailey of Tonkawa, Donna Lou Vaughn of Hartshorne, and Charlotte Graham of Grove; two brothers, Earl Ridgeway of Iola, Kan. and Kenneth Ridgeway of Anaheim, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Sidney Lee; her parents; one brother, George Thomas; and one sister, Juanita McPheters.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
FAIRFAX - Patricia J. Marshall, former Fairfax resident, died Thursday, Feb. 20, 1997, at Columbia Western Plains Regional Hospital in Dodge City, Kan. She was 63.
A funeral was held Feb. 23 at Burkhart Funeral Home Chapel in Dodge City with the Rev. Connie Phillips officiating. A Funeral Mass was also to be held today at 1 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax, with Father Kenneth Lewis presiding. Burial was to be in Fairfax Cemetery.
Patricia J. (Tall Chief) Marshall was born March 17, 1933, in Fairfax, the daughter of Alex and Juanita (Roan) Tall Chief III.
She was married to James R. Marshall Sr., in Fairfax, on July 13, 1957. The couple moved from Gahanny, Ohio to Dodge City in 1981. Mrs. Marshall was a homemaker and a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Who So Ever Welcome Church in Dodge City.
Survivors include her husband, James R. Marshall of Dodge City; four sons, Paul and Peter, both of Dodge City, James Jr., of Larned, Kan., and Patrick of Fort Hood, Texas; three daughters, Elizabeth Barnett of Spearville, Kan., and Linda Marshall and Juanita Marshall, both of Dodge City; her mother, Juanita (Roan) Tall Chief; one brother, Alex Tall Chief IV of Fairfax; one sister, Nettie Vickers of Louisburg, Kan.; and three grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Marshall's name to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, c/o Burkhart Funeral Chapel, 1901 North 14th Avenue, Dodge City, KS 67801.
FAIRFAX - Ida Neff Franklin, Fairfax resident, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23, 1997, at Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 83.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax, with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Burial will be in Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. today.
Ida Neff (Kirk) Franklin was born Nov. 7, 1913, in the Grayhorse Community, the daughter of Wilson and Edith (Barnard) Kirk. She attended Fairfax schools. She was married to Frank B. "Skinner" Neff on June 15, 1929, in Pawnee.
She later married Joseph H. Franklin on May 24, 1975, in Skiatook. Mrs. Franklin was an accomplished seamstress and ribbon work artisan. She was the last living charter member of the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph Franklin of the home; one son, Joe Neff of Skiatook; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Neff; one son, Franklyn Osage Neff; one daughter, Clara Mae Ward; her parents; twin grandchildren; two sisters, Laura Betts and Rose Pipestem; one brother, Charlie Kirk; and her step-father, Ben Harrison.
Casket bearers will be John Neff, Franklyn Neff II, Jason Neff, Russell Neff, Will Mitchell and Charlie Primeaux.
The family will be at the Joseph Franklin home.
COLLINSVILLE - Theodore "Ted" White Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Feb. 24, 1997, in Tulsa. He was 73.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, in The Veteran's Field Of Honor, Phase II at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow.
Theodore "Ted" White Jr., was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Ponca City. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and worked for many years as a counselor for drug and alcohol abuse. He was married to Gleanise Harjo, who preceded him in death.
Survivors include a daughter Phyllis Van Deusen of Collinsville; and numerous other relatives and friends.
BLACKWELL - Sharon Kaylene Hamilton, Blackwell resident, died west of Ponca City as the result of an automobile accident, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997. She was 19.
She was born Jan. 23, 1978, in the Blackwell hospital, to James William and Evelyn S. (Stevens) Hamilton.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell, with the Rev. Andy Jobe, Topeka, Kan. and the Rev. Roland Briggs, Immanuel Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Johnny Jones, Greg Osburn, Steve Eastman, Ryan Fedderson, Drew Williamson and Seth Murray. Honorary bearers will be Justin Hightower, Carl Kennedy, Tye Pameticky, David Olmstead and T.C. Hamilton Jobe.
Sharon attended Blackwell schools and while at Blackwell High, excelled in competitive speech. She won first and second place in several awards including first and second place in A Monologue and a plaque for "Most Improved Speech Student" in the 1994-95 Awards Assembly.
Sharon also was a volunteer at the Blackwell Public Swimming Pool, where she served as a Water Safety Aide and taught young children to swim. She also served as a Cheerleader during her eighth grade year in school. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church and had attended Falls Creek Church Camp.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father, James William Hamilton; two uncles, Edwin "Eddie" D. Stevens and John Theodore Stevens; one aunt, Victoria Christine Stevens; and two grandfathers, Edwin T. Stevens and Edgar Gobel.
She is survived by her mother and father, Evelyn and Larry Jobe of Blackwell; two sisters, Angel Christine Hamilton of Blackwell and Sabrina Blaser and husband, Jimmy, of Lamont; two brothers, T.C. Hamilton Jobe of Blackwell and the Rev. Andy Jobe and his wife, Dustie, of Topeka, Kan.; two grandmothers, Ila Stevens and Lula Gobel; one niece, Mindy Kay Blaser of Lamont; one nephew, Dakota Jayde Hamilton of Blackwell; and special friend, John Dean Colvin of Blackwell.
Memorial contributions may be made in Sharon Hamilton's name to Anchors Day Treatment Program for troubled children and their activities. A container will be placed at the funeral chapel for donations and the family will appreciated donations instead of flowers. It would be greatly appreciated for these children. Those who cannot attend Sharon's funeral may want to contribute by sending donations to the Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
paid obituary
Elwood Aynes
Elwood Aynes, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 1997, at the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 91. Survivors include a daughter, Vera Lawrence, Oklahoma City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
D.I. Kelly
D.I. Kelly, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Feb. 24, 1997, at the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 79. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Thursday
Mabel B. Otto - Funeral will be at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ponca City. Wake service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Trout Funeral Home. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Delmer Rademacher - The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. in the St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk. Burial will be in Newkirk Cemetery. Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan.
Friday
Delorous V. Welsh - Funeral to be held graveside at 10 a.m. in
the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home,
Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
Bean Dinner Set - The Vo-Tech Employees Association is sponsoring a fund raising Bean Supper on tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Pioneer Technology Center cafeteria. They will be serving beans with cornbread, dessert and drink or hot dogs, chips, dessert and drink for $3 adults, $1.50 for children 12 and over, and free to children two and under. For tickets call 762-8336, Extension 273, or see any Vo-Tech employee.
Pink Flamingo - Order your pink Flamingo today for the front yard of your friends. Sponsored by the Okay AMBUCS, more information may be obtained by calling Kathleen Kelly, 762-9137, or Jan Snow, 765-2579.
Crafters Wanted - Wildlife related inside craft booths are available for Newkirk's Wild Game Feast and Outdoor Festival on April 12. For more information contact Jerry Evans, 362-3588, or Bob Coffee, 362-3958, or the Newkirk Chamber of Commerce, 362-2155.
Journalism Workshop - Members and visitors from Kay County FCE groups will gather information when they attend a journalism workshop Friday at 2 p.m. at the FCE Building in Blackwell. Among the participants will be a representative from The Ponca City News.
Abandoned - The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 7:55 a.m. Monday that two bikes were abandoned in the 800 block of North First Street. Telecommunication officers advised the Animal Control Department to pick up the bikes and bring them to the stockade at the police station.
Accident - Two Ponca City police officers responded to a non-injury accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 12:21 p.m. Monday.
Warrant Served - A 20-year-old woman was taken into custody at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:10 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a forged check at Lowe's, 3500 North Fourteenth Street, at 2:56 p.m. Monday.
Attempted Burglary - A resident in the 1000 block of Riviera Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4:22 p.m. Monday to report someone tried to steal the truck, the ignition wires were hanging down. An officer took details of attempted burglary.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at Fairview Avenue and East Hartford Avenue at 5:02 p.m. Monday.
Youth Arrested - A Ponca City police officer took a 16-year-old boy into custody at the police station at 5:26 p.m. Monday for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Wreck - An accident occurred in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue at 5:32 p.m. Monday, according to Ponca City telecommunication officers. An officer responded and took a report.
Subject Held - A 14-year-old boy was taken into custody at the Ponca City Police Department at 7:10 p.m. Monday for giving false information to an officer.
Accident - Ponca City telecommunication officers took a call of an accident .25 miles north of Hubbard Road on North Waverly Street at 7:16 p.m. Monday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a forgery report at Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, at 7:45 p.m. Monday.
Destruction - A resident in the 500 block of South Lincoln Street
notified the Ponca City Police Department at 11:38 p.m. Monday that a brick
was thrown at the vehicle. Two officers checked the area and took a report
for destruction of private property.
BUSINESS
Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during December shows that Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $871,258 up from $828,204 for the same time frame in Dec. 1995.
Statewide, the February distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $78,807,822 The disbursement to 481 cities and towns showed an increase of $585,261 from the return distributed 480 cities and towns in December one year ago.
City Dec. 96 Dec. 95
Barnsdall $11,835 $12,925
Bartlesville 1,242,871 1,185,055
Billings 9,185 8,743
Blackwell 104,761 157,250
Braman 1,712 1,502
Burbank 514 265
Deer Creek 593 968
Enid 1,517,403 1,495,057
Fairfax 15,010 16,984
Kaw City 2, 455 2,730
Lamont 2,016 1,814
Marland 813 649
Medford 13,096 13,278
Morrison 4,355 3,281
Newkirk 26,616 23,089
Pawhuska 64,200 65,040
Pawnee 29,689 32,961
Perry 43,809 41,043
Pond Creek 5,778 5,874
Ralston 1,261 989
Red Rock 167 1,554
Shidler 2,340 2,104
Stillwater 1,061,679 1,029,374
Tonkawa 43,853 42,661
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Dr. Leo Presley, executive of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, told the Breakfast of Champions crowd that the rules of business have changed since the 1960s.
He said in 1960s era there were three rules of business and if you got two out of the three right you were successful. The rules were faster-better-cheaper.
"In the 1960s if you wanted to be competitive you could decide you wanted to be faster and better - but wouldn't be the low price producer. Or you could be better and cheaper than the competition - but probably wouldn't be first in the market place. Or you could decide you were going to be faster and cheaper - but you weren't going to be the top quality in the marketplace."
Presley said, "It is the '90s and it is no longer faster-better-cheaper. In the 1990s I would submit to you it is faster, better, cheaper and newer."
He mentioned the computer industry as an example, which has a shelf life of six months. Presley said it is not good enough to have three out of the four anymore, but all four faster-better-cheaper-newer.
Presley said the question is, can you be faster with the highest quality, and the best price and keep coming with the newest innovations with the greatest degree of frequency? This is the changing environment in the world in which we operate from the standpoint of doing and conducting business.
He said that Compaq, in one of its presentations, compared it to a sporting event. At any type of event there are certain givens that constitute a ticket to the game. Then there are certain criteria you have to have if you want to be a player and certain criteria if you want to be a winner.
Compaq said in the pre-1980s the given in the market place was to have the right product. A right product was something that aligned with a consumer need. That was a given, you weren't even in the football stadium if you didn't have the right product.
Now if you wanted to be in the stadium and be a player you have to have the right product at the best cost value received for price paid. And if you wanted to be the winner in the 1980s you had to have the right product with the lowest cost with the best quality.
In the late 1980s the rules changed. The right product isn't mentioned anymore. The given shifted to cost. To be a player in the arena you not only had to have the best cost but the highest quality. That was the quality for winning earlier. To be a winner you had to be the fastest in the market place with it.
In the 1990s it changed again. In the '90s the givens were cost and product quality. If you didn't have the best cost and highest quality you didn't get into the ball game. If you wanted to be a player you had to be the fastest deliverer faster-better-cheaper-newer.
Presley said, "If you want to be the winner in the '90s you have to be able to figure out total customer value. This is different than customer service."
The speaker gave an example of a Lexus owner, whose tape player chewed up a tape while he was driving. He called the Lexus 800 number with his car phone. The Lexus folks asked where he was and then told him to go to the nearest dealer about three exits down the highway.
He did and the service folks were waiting for him. The dealership service department pulled the tape player and radio out, replaced it while the customer waited in the lounge, They even checked the radio stations and tuned the new radio to his programmed stations. Then a couple of weeks later a copy of the tape he had ruined arrived in the mail from Lexus. That was an example of total customer value, Presley said.
Presley, always a dynamic speaker, and often visitor to Ponca City, was popular with the capacity crowd at Pioneer Technology Center, where the breakfast was held, sponsored by the Give Ponca the Business committee.
BLACKWELL - On March 4 the Far North Central Coalition of the Oklahoma Rural Development Council will hold a Planning and Visionary Session.
The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kay Electric Cooperative's Kay Room, 300 West Doolin in Blackwell.
Facilitator for the meeting, Sherri Smith-Gray of Tulsa, will guide the group in making plans for the future, and help attendees turn visions into realities for their communities.
The newly-formed coalition's purpose is to encourage a cooperative effort among those interested in maintaining and expanding rural development opportunities in Far North Central Oklahoma.
There is no registration fee, and lunch will be provided. Preregistration is requested by Feb. 28. To register call Marilyn Harmon or Rich Cantillon at Kay Electric (405) 363-1260.
Anyone interested in the growth and future of North Central Oklahoma is encouraged to attend.
A comprehensive safety training program has been implemented this school year at Pioneer Technology Center to help educate and inform employees and students on workplace safety and prevention of on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
The training program covers six safety courses on back safety, hazard communications, first-aid awareness, blood-borne pathogens, emergency procedures and fire extinguishers.
The back safety course, taught by Harold Fisher, covered safe lifting techniques and how to take care of one's back. In hazard communications, employees were taught chemical risk factors and reading and understanding the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) by Steve Szabo. First-Aid awareness emphasized knowing what to do can help save a life or help prevent further injury and relieve pain. The blood-borne pathogen training stressed awareness of the presence of pathogens and how to handle them in case of exposure.
Tom Montgomery, Ponca City Emergency Management, taught students the importance of planning ahead for emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and fires. The proper use of fire extinguishers, where they should be used and the different types of extinguishers were also covered.
The six safety courses taught at Pioneer Tech meet the OSHA standards and are the same courses taught in business and industry. "By completing these courses, our students are more marketable," said Bob Wallace, industrial training director at Pioneer Tech. "Employers will save time and money by hiring PTC students because they will already have been safety trained as required by OSHA and more importantly, the employer will be hiring a safe worker."
Wallace also emphasized to the students to do their jobs carefully, avoid shortcuts and to know the equipment and how to use it.
Randy Ross and Kelle Casey-Ross of Through The Lens Photography Studio in Ponca City were among the top award winners for the second consecutive year at the 1997 Professional Photographers of Oklahoma print competition held in Tulsa.
The pair was presented the Judges' First Place Trophy in the Family/Group category for the second year in a row for a portrait of the Sherry Rutledge family. A portrait of the Jimmy Greenhagen family received the highest numerical score of any family portrait. A portrait of Cayln Snell was honored with the Judge's First Place trophy in Women's Portraiture.
The studio was also given honorable mention for Children's Portraiture. Additional honors received was a Judge's Choice award and the coveted Kodak Gallery award. A total of 29 merits were awarded among 340 photographic entries of which the Ross's won four.
The considerable number of awards given Through The Lens puts them among the top winners in the entire state at the 1997 print judging. The PPO brings the state's top photographers together to honor the finest examples of professional photography produced in the state for the calendar year. The photographic print entries were judged by a panel of five judges on the basis of technique, lighting, subject interpretation, composition and presentation.
Through The Lens opened in 1993 and specializes in family, high school senior and children's environmental portraiture. Award winning photographs by each of the studio's photographers were published in the Professional Photographer of Oklahoma magazine's most recent two issues. The Ross's also hold the distinction of being the state's first husband and wife Certified Professional Photographer team.
CPA Certification
OKLAHOMA CITY - Jack Short, chairman of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board, announced that Katherine J. Congram, 1000 Kygar Road, Ponca City, is among 179 persons who will receive certificates as Certified Public Accountants from the examination held in November 1996.
The Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City will be the setting for presentation of the CPA certificates by the board on April 26.
Johnson Joints Carlson
Jane Johnson, travel counselor formerly with Embassy Travel, has joined the professional staff at Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel, 323 East Grand. Johnson is experienced in many phases of family, groups and individual travel and has directed tour groups in many travel venues.
In addition to Johnson's efforts in counseling and arranging travel for clients of Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel, she is following and coordinating the current travel portfolios of Embassy travel's clients, which by mutual agreement between Embassy Travel and Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel are being managed by Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel.
Monthly Luncheon
Pioneer Bank and Trust's monthly Board of Directors' luncheon was hosted recently by Carl R. Renfro, chairman of the board and chief executive officer; Tom Quillin, president and, Charles Casey, director.
Attending this month were Jerry Evans, owner, Evans & Associates; Ike Glass, owner, Glass Wholesale; Larry Felix, chairman, Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce; Danny Head, owner, Head Country Bar-B-Q; Craig Myers, president, Monumental Enterprises; Don Rowland, owner, Buy For Less, and Louise Abercrombie, business editor, The Ponca City News.
The new Skate World, which is being built on Knight Road, will feature 15,000 square feet of skating surface, a concession area, a professional shop, three birthday party rooms and a separate game room.
Owners of the skating facilities are Norman and Lynne Drake. The Drakes have owned Skate World since 1979. The former facility was located at 3600 North Fourteenth, where the new Lowe's Home Building Center is located.
The new recreational skating Center is slated to open in late spring or early summer depending on the weather during construction.
Skate World will be open 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday there will be two sessions from 7 to 9 and 9 to 11 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday sessions are slated form 1 to 3 and 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday evenings are reserved for private skating parties. Skaters may rent shoe skates or bring their own.
A new business locating at 307 East Grand Avenue is Bagels ETC., which is proving to be popular with the downtown area. Owned by Vicky Bell, the business specializes in a variety of bagels, and cream cheese toppings.
Bagels ETC. is open 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m., on Saturday.
The eatery also offers cinnamon rolls, meats for sandwiches by the pound and seven different kinds of sandwiches and soup of the day. A newly added specialty is a salad.
Ms. Bell said she had wanted to get downtown for sometime. She said the merchants and customers have been "wonderful."
The building has been remodeled and there is a seating capacity of 32.
LIFESTYLES
The Ponca City YMCA continues to offer Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Exercise classes at the Community Pool at 7th and Grand. Currently there are classes offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11-11:50 a.m. with Susan Henning and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-10:50 a.m. with Amy Allen. Both instructors are certified lifeguards and certified by the Arthritis Foundation.
Each class period will include exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles for each joint of the body, while improving range of motion, flexibility, and muscle endurance. Due to the buoyant properties of water participants have a 90% reduction in the impact to joints compared to exercising on land. The warm water relaxes muscles and helps reduce the pain of stiff joints, while at the same time improves circulation, and in turn, lowers the heart rate at which cardiovascular benefit can be gained.
The resistance of water serves the same purpose as weight bearing exercises on land. In fact, water exercise serves to better work opposing muscle groups for muscle balance around the joint. Studies conducted at Temple University have shown halts in bone loss due to osteoporosis by participating in water exercise on a weekly basis. Water supports the body and may eliminate the need for walking aids while in the water.
"We encourage students to work at their own pace and pay attention to their body's signals on what is a good workout for them." says Susan Henning, "It isn't a competitive class. In fact the class offers as much of a social benefit as the physical benefit." No swimming skills are required for the class. Water depth of the pool is 3 1/2 to 5 feet. Most students don't even get their hair wet. Check to see if your insurance company will cover the cost of the class if your doctor prescribes this type of exercise. For more information or to enroll for the class in March call the YMCA at 765-5417 or feel free to drop by and observe the class to see if it might be beneficial for you.
Sylvia Smith was named Eta Delta Chapter's Valentine Queen for 1997 at a recent meeting. The chapter is affiliated with Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Cheryl Ramey served as hostess and gave a reading entitled "A Humorous Look at 1996 News." Paula Harryman received the Beta Bud Basket.
Pat Sipe was the hostess for the first meeting in February and showed a video titled "Read To Me." She stated how important it was for people to read to children. Thank you notes to the group from Hospice and International were also read.
Announcement was made that Eta Delta chapter would be responsible for the raffle at the Valentine Dance held Feb. 15. Cecelia Schieber reported to the group about Founder's Day scheduled April 22 at the Marland Mansion. Ms. Smith received the Beta Bud basket and the door prize. The Feb. 24 meeting was planned at the Crown and Rose.
The planning committee for the 11th annual Domestic Violence Program Phone-A-Thon met Feb. 12 and announced that plans were well underway for the yearly fundraising event. The date for the phone-a-thon has been set for May 1, 6-9 p.m. Over 30 volunteers are scheduled to contact community residents for donations. All funds raised will be used for client operations costs at the shelter including the purchase of children and women's clothing, medications and supplies.
Committee members include Christy Dulick-Williams, Lynna Boss, Margaret Goldman, Sherryl Perry, Jackie Hunsuker, Helen Wilson, Julie Brown, Leanna Rexford, Janette Lewis, Alice Duncan, Marsha Spangler and Michele Jean.
For more information about the upcoming event contact Margaret Goldman, 362-2571, or Sherryl Perry, 765-3321.
March is Desk and Derrick Awareness Month and members are making plans
for its observance. The March meeting for the Ponca City club will be at
a new time, 6 p.m., at the Pecan Place Clubhouse.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
BROKEN ARROW - Ponca City's Lady Wildcats fell behind Broken Arrow by as many as 10 points in the second half here Monday night before rallying to within a point twice late in the game. But Broken Arrow held on for the 30-29 win when a last-second driving shot by junior Natasha Anderson was off target.
Ponca City ended the regular season with a mark of 9-13 overall and 6-10 in the Frontier Conference, good for sixth place in the nine-team league. Broken Arrow finished 13-9 and in a three-way tie for second in the conference with an 11-5 record. Union and Owasso also ended 11-5. Sapulpa won the league with a perfect 16-0 record and Jenks was fifth at 9-7.
After a terrible first half that saw the Lady Cats miss 20 of 23 field goal attempts, Ponca City trailed 16-8. Broken Arrow went up 18-8 early in the third and still led 20-10 before the Cats scored six straight.
Senior wing Tee West converted a driving layup, senior post Lyndsey Warrior scored inside and junior post Tiffani Essary scored inside off a Broken Arrow turnover to cut the lead to 20-16 and BA called time with 5:21 left in the period.
Senior Nikki Nichols came out of the timeout with a three-pointer and that sparked the Lady Tigers on a 7-2 run and a 27-18 advantage.
Warrior, who led Po-Hi with 17 points in the game, ended the quarter with a bucket and the Cats went into the final stanza down seven, 27-20.
During the first 30 seconds of the fourth quarter Warrior added two more baskets and a foul shot and BA's lead was trimmed to 27-25.
Five straight field goal misses followed, though, before Warrior scored again with 2:57 left, making the score 28-27 in Broken Arrow's favor.
Nichols hit a jumper for Broken Arrow's only field goal of the period with 1:39 left but Warrior answered 15 seconds later to cut the gap to 30-29.
Ponca City had two chances to win the game in the final 45 seconds but both shots missed.
Warrior failed to convert on a breakaway layup at the 41-second mark and then the Cats got the ball back following a BA turnover with 33 seconds left. That set up the final sequence.
The Lady Cats patiently worked the ball downcourt and then let the time get away from them. With just four seconds left, Anderson drove inside from the top of the key and looked to get bumped as she threw up the final shot at the buzzer. No foul was called, however, and BA had the win.
In addition to Warrior's 17 points, Essary had 4, Julie Schiltz (starting in place of Desiree Cries For Ribs who missed due to a death in the family) scored 4, Anderson had 2 and West 2.
Nichols and 6-foot senior Sabrina Shanta led Broken Arrow with 9 points each.
Ponca City ended up 13-for-49 from the field (26.5 percent) and 3-for-5 from the line (60.0) with a season-low 5 turnovers.
BA was 13-for-40 from the field (32.5), 3-for-4 from the line (75.0) and had 13 turnovers.
The Lady Cats now have two days to prepare for Tahlequah and Thursday's first-round regional game. Tahlequah finished regular season play with a 12-8 record and finished fifth in the seven-team Metro Lakes Conference, of which Tahlequah is the only 6A school.
Ponca City and Tahlequah will play at 6:30 p.m. in the Tulsa Union gym. The loser is eliminated while the winner will advance to play Saturday at 3 p.m. for the regional championship. The top two teams from each regional advance to area play.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
TONKAWA - Sometimes smaller is better.
With three of his tallest players on the bench with three fouls, Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavericks' coach Gregg Krause went to a small lineup in the second half against Rose State in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse Monday night.
The smaller Lady Mavs blew past the Lady Raiders 83-60 to all but secure at least the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Region II Tournament. The NOC women are 8-1 in the Bi-State Conference Western Division and 19-10 overall. They are tied with Seminole for the division lead and both teams close out the regular season this week. Northern travels to Murray State Wednesday while Seminole takes on Rose State.
If those two front runners finish in a tie, Seminole will get the tournament's No. 1 seed from the West because of a better overall record.
The Region II Tournament starts Friday, March 7 at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
In Monday's game, the taller NOC women started well, building a 12-point (23-11) lead. But Rose State started to go around the bigger Lady Mavs and tied the score at 34 with 2:13 remaining. Jennifer Whittet and Kiesha Hopkins hit a pair of late baskets and Mandy Perkins added a free throw just before the half to give Northern a 39-34 lead at the intermission.
Rose State cut that lead to 39-36 with a pair of free throws to open the second half. That foul sent 6-2 Sherry Butts to the Lady Mavs bench with three fouls. Within a minute 5-10 Lynetta Geter and 5-10 Whittet also picked up their third fouls.
That forced Krause to go with a shorter lineup. But it turned out for the best as the quicker NOC offense kicked in and the Lady Mavs moved to a 50-42 lead at the 16-minute mark.
Then the NOC defense took hold, forcing six straight Rose State turnovers to go on a 9-0 run.
Led by 5-8 guard Michelle Brown, who finished the night with 18 points, NOC added to the lead until it built to 28 points (76-48) with four minutes left.
"In the first half, with our big lineup in there, Rose State outquicked us to the basket," Krause said afterwards. "Also we did not play great team defense in that first half and had something like 16 turnovers. A lot of those turnovers were self inflicted."
Northern's women were able to cut the turnovers to six in the second half and proved more than a match for the Lady Raiders in quickness.
"We just matched up better with them in the second half," Krause said. "Also, our defense improved and we have to play good defense for our offense to work."
A total of 14 players reached the scorebook for the Lady Mavs. Following Brown were Geter with 15 points while Whittet had 9.
NOC 83, Rose State 60 (women)
NOC 39 44 - 83
Rose 34 26 - 60
NOC - Brown 18, Geter 15. Whittet 9, Rogers 7, Butts 7, Kliewer 5, Perkins 5, McClellan 4, Linsenmeyer 4, Myers 3, Hopkins 2, Humphreys 2, Monie 2.
Rose State - Castle 27, Hodges 8, Durham 7, Divine 78, Cook 6, Carter 3, Robin 2.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
TONKAWA - Whatever demons possess the Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse used Parents' Night to strike with a vengeance Monday and put the Mavs post-season plans in jeopardy.
The NOC men, who are 3-6 in the Bi-State Conference Western Division and 11-18 overall, have managed to win just one of five division home games. That streak continued Monday as Rose State bedeviled the Mavericks, 84-70, before a large crowd that included many players' parents.
It was not a happy night for coach Mick Weiberg.
"That is the worse I've seen us play," Weiberg said after his team committed 17 turnovers. "It could have been 27 the way the ball was bouncing around in there."
The Raiders' half-court trap seemed to confound the Mavericks guards, which confounded Weiberg.
"We practiced against the half-court trap and we talked and talked about it, because that's all Rose State does," Weiberg said sadly. "But this is a team we just haven't been able to get through to."
The Mavericks started out well enough. After the introduction of the sophomores and their parents, the NOC men started hot, pulling away from an early 5-5 tie to build a 13-8 lead.
But then the shots stopped falling and Rose State changed defenses. It completely confused the Mavericks, who committed six turnovers in the next 10 trips down the floor. By that time, Rose had a 25-17 lead and it was growing.
Only a conventional three-point play by Kyle Dean and a late basket by Eric Hurst kept the Mavericks within range, 37-30, at halftime.
Northern solved the Rose State defense for a moment to start the second half and cut the lead to 45-40 with 14:43 left. But the Raiders went on a 12-6 run which stretched the lead to 11 points with just over nine minutes remaining.
Again the Mavs came back, cutting the lead to 57-51. But again turnovers took their toll and Rose State went on a 9-2 run that all but ended the Mavericks bid to pull out a win at home.
Five Mavs finished in double figures, but they were low double figures. Bryan Stevens scored 12 points, Mark Passley had 11, Blake Sonne 10, Hurst 10 and DeShawn Denson 10.
Rose State's Keith Code, a 6-3 sophomore from Stillwater, poured through 25 points to lead the Raiders.
Northern finishes the regular season on a hopeful note - on the road at Murray State Wednesday.
The Mavs can still finish fourth in the Western Division, but even that would only give NOC a chance at a playoff game with the East Division fourth placer for a berth in the Region II Tournament.
Rose State 84, NOC 70
Rose State 37 47 - 84
NOC 30 40 - 70
NOC - Stevens 12, Passley 11, Sonne 10, Hearst 10, Denson 10, Campbell 4, Dean 3, Beech 2, Whitfield 2, Weiberg 2.
Rose State - Code 25, Campbell 14, Gallaway 9, Richardson 8, Foster 8, Crawford 5, Adamson 5, Miller 4, Smith 4.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
BROKEN ARROW - Seventh-ranked Broken Arrow just had too many weapons for a depleted Ponca City High School boys basketball squad to handle here Monday night in the regular season finale for both teams. The Tigers went on an early 15-point run and blitzed Po-Hi 77-44.
The Wildcats concluded regular season play on a 13-game losing streak after a promising 4-5 start. Injuries then began to take their toll and it was only fitting that the Cats experienced more bad news on the injury front against Broken Arrow. Junior starter Ryan Treadway, a 6-4 post, missed his third game of the season with an ankle injury. Late in the game, 6-1 junior Brad Brewer went down in a heap with a knee injury and had to be worked on for several minutes before being helped off the court.
"At this point you just have to laugh because there is nothing else you can do," head coach Ken Chronister said prior to the game when reporting Treadway's injury. "I've never seen a team hit with this many injuries."
Since the first roster was printed, seniors Andy Parsons and Sawyer Blackburn have been lost to season-ending injuries, junior Donovan Weems quit the team, sophomore Kris Shores has been suspended and Treadway and Wesley Swygert have both missed games due to injuries. All of the above except Weems started at some point this season. And now Brewer can be added to the injured list.
Against Broken Arrow, 6-5 sophomore Scott Larrison drew his first start of the season and his first shot tied the game at 2-2. Micha Alexander, again Ponca City's scoring leader with 19 points, followed Larrison's bucket with one of his own and the Cats led 4-2.
It was all downhill after that for the Cats, though. Broken Arrow went on a 15-0 run and led 20-6 at the end of the first period.
The hot-shooting Tigers, who closed the half by making 15 of their final 19 field goal attempts, outscored Po-Hi 18-11 in the second quarter and led 38-17 at the half.
Broken Arrow turned in some highlight reel plays in the third quarter and extended the margin to 34 points at the 3:11 mark of the period, 54-20. The Cats then showed their heart as they went on a 10-1 run to close the quarter.
But the Tigers were just too good and went on to win by 33, 77-44.
Alexander finished with 19 points to lead the Cats in scoring for the eighth straight game. Ryan Meyer had 8 points, Tom Engle and Larrison had 4 points each, Wesley Swygert and Jason Shelton scored 3 apiece as did Nathan Zimmerman.
Jon Belt topped 11 Broken Arrow scorers with 18 points. Bryon Flam added 12.
Ponca City closed out the regular season with an overall mark of 4-18 and finished tied for last in the Frontier Conference with Sand Springs at 2-14. Stillwater won the league race with a 14-2 record. Union was second at 12-3. Broken Arrow finished 16-6 overall and 10-6 in the league - tied for third with Jenks.
The Wildcats get to face Jenks next in the first round of the regional tournament Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Tulsa Memorial.