From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
February 11, 1998
LOCAL
Local Cattle Breeder Bound for China
OALP Alumni In Kay County
Area Calendar
'ANYTHING GOES '
Frontier Celebrates Homecoming Week
How They Voted
Two Teen-Agers Being Detained For Vandalism
Incumbents Reelected In Local School Races
Prayer Meeting
Po-Hi Concert Set Thursday
Lara Teeter Teaches Audition Workshop
District Court
Letters
Proceeds From Valentine's Day Outing At Elks Lodge To Hospice of Ponca City
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
DEATHS
Robert Randall Schafer
Phillip Moore
Obituaries
Charles A. Warren
Emma Jon Chandler
Funerals
Mary E. Isenberg
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Ombudsman Training Offered
Children's Day at Capitol
SPORTS
Seniors Shine In PC Mat Win
Wildcat Cagers Still Play Hard
Quail Flush
Jenks Jinx Holds
Cat JVs Fall Again, By 53-39
Jenks JVs Rally Past PC Girls
Sophomores Rally To Win
Youth Camp Due at McFadden ODWC Facing Cuts in Budget
QU Banquet Tops Projects
Bowhunters Set Banquet
Habitat Donor Patches Ready
Visit To Cap Off State's Elite Agricultural Leader Program
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Jeff Miller decided his own career path at the age of seven, when he got his first calf.
Now he will get to share his enthusiasm for livestock and agriculture with people on the other side of the world.
Miller, whose work now keeps him breeding better beef and dairy cattle, is among the latest of a select group of agricultural businessmen and women completing the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program.
And the program is taking Miller and 29 other participants to China - first to Hong Kong and then to the mainland - on a fact-sharing tour of a country that can benefit from U.S. goods and efficient, modern agricultural technology.
The American group - comprising financial and legal representatives as well as producers - will share their individual expertise with their hosts, while touring the country to meet grain bureau officials and visit facilities ranging from embassy buildings to noodle factories.
Miller said China, with so many mouths to feed, is "one of the biggest markets for what Oklahoma has to offer."
Agricultural technology - from pest-resistant grains and precise soil fertilization to cross-breeding for leaner meats - has advanced phenomenally since Miller's graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1983, he said.
As a graduate also of Blackwell High School and Northern Oklahoma College, he was delighted to realize from the OALP training how significant Oklahoma is to the world market.
Miller believes it's now smart agribusiness to trade with the Chinese.
He remarked, "People say we're selling ourselves down the river by giving away our technology, but if we expect to trade with countries, we have to be on more or less an equal basis and we have to be competitive.
"It's bound to benefit us because of increased trade and good will," he said.
He explained countries such as China could always shop elsewhere for their food products, even if the quality is poorer.
"So quality is great, if it's affordable."
After almost two years as an OALP student, Miller says he's emerging with a deeper appreciation and some stronger opinions in support of a livelihood he already thought was special.
"I learned that my opinion matters. I'm not afraid now to call a senator and give him my opinion, because they really need and want our input."
He said the leadership program motivates its participants to pursue ways to "close the vast void" between the agricultural producer and the consumer, especially with its emphasis of informational aids such as "Ag in the Classroom" to spark agricultural interests in youth.
"If we can get the kids interested in agriculture - if they know where their food comes from, it's going to close that gap," Miller said. "People are going to appreciate where their food comes from and how cheap their food actually is.
"We spend less of our take-home pay on food than anyplace in the world."
He says the agricultural advances during the last 10 years should fascinate any youngster who has even a remote interest in farm activities.
Because it's a far cry from the "straw-in-the-teeth" stereotype of the Midwestern farmer, he said.
"We're not just sitting around the feed store playing checkers."
With only 30 slots available statewide for the nationally recognized two-year Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program, Jeff Miller is only the 15th participant from Kay County since 1982, when the program began.
Previous graduates are listed below.
Class I
Jimmy Hiatt, Braman, and Don Schieber, Ponca City.
Class II
Jimmy Curl, Braman; Mark Detten, Ponca City, and Ross Hiatt, Braman.
Class IV
Steve Harden, Ponca City; Kent McAninch, Tonkawa, and Kent Meyerhoeffer, Blackwell.
Class V
Calvin Anderson and Mark Liegerot, both of Ponca City.
Class VI
J. Berry Harrison Jr., Ponca City; Rick Jeans, Tonkawa, and Jay Vaughn, Ponca City.
Class VII
Ralph Meade, Nardin.
February 11-February 28
February 11
February 12
February 15
February 16
February 17
February 19
February 20-21
February 21
February 22
February 24
February 26-28
February 28
March 1
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
March 8
March 9
Lively New Ponca Playhouse Production Starts This Friday
News Photos and Text
By S. L. Dickey
While the phrase "anything goes" may seem like an invention of the '90's, the idea is far from new. Play rehearsals are almost over for the Ponca Playhouse production of "Anything Goes," a Cole Porter 1930's classic. Friday, February 13, is opening night. Theater is filled with many superstitions but Friday the 13th doesn't rank with this cast and crew.
Nancy Vunovich, local resident, is the director for this Playhouse production. Vunovich is responsible for the artistic interpretation of the written play. She takes a writer's story and breathes life into its characters through the actors and actresses she directs. Vunovich is well-known for her ability to "dress a stage" - her verve in giving a wooden floor, decorated set and costumed characters the "je ne sais quoi" of theater.
Behind the director are two vital volunteer positions to the production of "Anything Goes" - producer Karen Rivers and stage manager Vickie Hart.
Rivers' job is coordinating all events and individuals to assure the tools are in place for a successful play production. She procures scripts, schedules auditions, handles civic promotion, coordinates set construction, costuming, printed programs, theater rental, budget requirements, to name a few of her responsibilities.
Hours of planning, phone calls and leadership in choosing excellent people for involved play tasks and overseeing their completion, describe the producer position.
Vickie Hart is this production's stage manager. A three-ring binder filled with the "Anything Goes" script is the lifeblood of Hart. In it she makes notes, comments, subtleties as to Vunovich's direction.
It is her job as the weeks of rehearsals progress to absorb Vunovich's vision for "Anything Goes." Once the curtain goes up on opening night the play is the sole responsibility of Hart. With headset donned, she calls curtain cues, scene, sound, lights, spots, etc., for the entire performance - Vunovich wouldn't even need to be there. The stage manager position requires confidence, coordination and the ability to infuse the cast with calmness as they execute Vunovich's interpretation.
This play was selected for the '97-98 Playhouse season by the Ponca Playhouse Play Selection Committee. A major musical such as "Anything Goes" might cost as much as $3,000 to secure the rights to perform. The typical cost for a comedy or drama usually runs about $400 to $500. The cost is determined by a variety of factors including how many shows will be performed, estimated attendance at performances, and how old the play is.
Once chosen, a play always begins with auditions for the cast. Director Vunovich picked all cast members. With a musical such as this, prospective cast members had to bring a prepared piece of music to their audition. A reading of dialogue was also required - the director likes to see how a prospective cast member handles a "cold" piece of dialogue (meaning never been seen before).
This musical also involves a tap chorus. In addition to singing and dialogue, dance auditions were also required. Highly skilled dancers, as well as individuals with no experience but a knack for rhythm, have been cast in this production.
Tap shoes come in many varieties and styles. Individual shoe preferences of cast members blend into a symphony of sound and movement that mesmerizes viewers. Choreography of all dance scenes is under the direction of Fran Norris of Fran's Dance and Gym.
Once cast members are selected, dialogue and score books are distributed to cast members. Cast members may pencil in instructions in their books - many however prefer to copy the entire play and then they highlight and mark their copy in any manner they choose.
Rehearsal schedules are determined by the director. Blocking is the term used for initial play practice and simply refers to stage movement - the manner in which the characters move on, over and off the stage. Based on the way the director feels the play is progressing, he or she may call additional rehearsals or cancel some.
In the rehearsal hall, masking tape is placed on the floor marking the set design. From the beginning, cast members must know the parameters of the set - tape on the floor defines the stage world.
Ruslyn Hermanson will costume the cast. Vunovich has final say in costume approval and her response will vary from "I love it," to "That's what I said I wanted but I don't like it." Hermanson will adjust costumes accordingly.
Costuming is critical to the overall aura of a performance. Before she begins costume selection Hermanson maps out color selection for every performer on stage. On a poster board she notes where every cast member is placed on the stage and plots the "stage dress" accordingly. She will not costume side-by-side characters in the same color or clashing colors.
The costumes are part of the painting Vunovich wants created on the stage. Hermanson and Vunovich make color ideas and style notes. Hermanson also researches the dress style for the particular era of the play and visualizes the look and feel. Then she starts to work in creating the vision.
A large costume room is located over the offices of the Ponca Playhouse and maintained by volunteers. Thousands of costumes hang from racks and are infinitely recyclable. Hermanson tells about pulling trim from one jacket and tacking it on another, to be used again in another way for a different Playhouse production in the future.
Additionally, Hermanson networks with local businesses in acquiring apparel. With one phone call she was able to find argyle socks and learned that although men's sock garters were no longer available she received instruction on how to simulate them.
In charge of props for this Playhouse production are Diane Malone and Loretta Wilson. With script in hand and direction from Vunovich, Malone and Wilson attack the job of locating just the right stuff to complete all actors personae. So far they have spent only $13.61 in acquiring props for the production. Wilson states, "We scrounge real good!" All joking aside, however, these ladies have worked really hard and used community resources to secure the props they needed.
Music is coordinated by Mel Arner, conductor for "Anything Goes." Arner has put together a combo of talented musicians to perform all melodies. Timing and individual vocal interpretation all factor into each performance of the musical numbers.
Cast members often bring books and homework to fill waiting periods during rehearsals. Food and drinks and thousands of cups of coffee keep them energized during long rehearsal sessions.
A production like "Anything Goes" requires thousands of volunteer hours and community-wide support. Play dates are February 13-15, and 20-21. For ticket information and reservations call The Ponca Playhouse at 765-5360. For additional information and more photos visit the "Anything Goes" website at www.poncacitynews.com.
Watching rehearsals and seeing the entire play evolve from words on a printed page to the magic that is theater is difficult to describe. The camaraderie and cohesion between cast members shows in their acting, singing and dancing. It's not just a play - it becomes a reality.
Frontier Homecoming Week started Feb. 2 with Garth Brooks Day. Team groups were asked to dress in western apparel, but not necessarily like Garth Brooks. For the noon activity, there was a hoola hoop pass, in which team members were to pass a hoola-hoop amongst each other.
Tuesday was Austin Powers Day, with team members dressing in a 60's-style fashion, inspired by the actual movie based on comedian Mike Myers' fictional character, Austin Powers.
The noon activity was the banana feed, where one team member is blindfolded while the other feeds the blind.
Wednesday was the day to dress as your favorite TV personality. Students dressed as their favorite character off a TV sitcom or drama series.
For the noon activity, there was the balloon pop, where a team member grabbed a balloon and popped it by sitting on it.
On Thursday it was Golden Girls Day. For the noon activity, there was the famous lip sync.
On Friday, as with Frontier tradition, team members dressed in school colors.
A pep assembly was held after lunch where students showed their school spirit.
Ponca City School Board
Here is how voters in the Ponca City Board of Education vote between Mike Kruck and Ann Kinsinger voted:
Kruck Kinsinger
Precinct Votes
Rural
402 0 0
410 0 2
412 5 8
413 294 190
414 8 3
415 12 15
419 92 112
420 32 50
421 5 1
Ponca City
503 196 191
504 184 145
507 134 143
516 69 100
517 73 100
523 81 143
527 217 177
530 184 125
532 476 285
533 158 128
534 351 207
Absentees 43 59
Noble County
104 0 0
Absentees 0 0
Osage County
303 36 59
Absentees 0 1
TOTAL 2,650 2,217
PTC Board
Here is how area voters voted on the Pioneer Technology board race between Mary Rigdon and Zane Barham
Barham Rigdon
Precinct Votes
Newkirk
001 16 272
002 23 146
Tonkawa
101 87 140
103 85 189
Blackwell
201 74 274
202 73 232
205 52 165
210 128 398
Rural
400 2 13
401 5 19
402 3 5
403 20 90
404 16 50
406 45 94
409 6 13
410 6 25
411 12 49
412 37 108
413 193 303
414 11 37
415 13 20
417 40 69
419 91 124
420 38 74
421 4 4
Ponca City
503 159 246
504 131 207
507 117 172
516 67 105 517 64 119
523 90 143
527 181 227
530 130 186
532 303 484
533 113 189
534 241 327
Absentees 49 121
Osage County
303 12 21
305 80 145
Absentees 1 3
TOTAL 2,817 5,608
NEWKIRK (AP) - Two Tonkawa teen-agers face second-degree burglary and destruction of state property charges in juvenile court.
First Assistant District Attorney Phil Ross said a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy have been detained and juvenile court proceedings will begin.
The two are accused of causing as much as $60,000 damage at Tonkawa's high school and middle school. Windows were broken, computer monitors and televisions were smashed and videocassette recorders were broken.
The weekend destruction was discovered by a janitor about 5 a.m. Monday.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
After two months of campaigning, school board candidates can finally go back to leading normal lives. Ponca City residents showed up in swarms Tuesday to voice their concerns on the future of local schools. In a heavy turnout, residents reelected incumbent Mike Kruck to continue for the Ponca City Board of Education and incumbent Mary Rigdon for the Pioneer Technology Center while passing all school mill levies.
County voters also went with the state trend and defeated State Question 672 concerning casino gambling by nearly a 2 to 1 margin.
In a very tight race, Kruck received 2,650 votes, while Ann Kinsinger received 2,217.
Kruck told The News this morning that he expected a close race because Kinsinger has done so much for the community.
He said, "I was very surprised with the voter turnout. I want to thank the community for getting out to vote. I appreciate their vote of confidence in reinstating me to the board for the next four years. I feel blessed by the Lord that he has led me to serve this community and the kids of the community. I want to be accountable for what I have told the community in refocusing our attention on the day-to-day classrooms so that kids can get a quality education."
The three mill levies were all passed in Ponca City as well. For the emergency levy, 2,647 votes for and 1,410 votes against. The local support levy received 3,504 votes for and 1,446 votes against. The building fund levy received a total of 3,579 votes for the levy and 1,405 votes against the levy.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, told The News this morning that he is very happy about the outcome of the mill levies.
White said, "We are extremely pleased with the outcome and the turnout for the election. It is always exciting to have that kind of interest in our schools. As I said prior to the election, I had faith that the Ponca City people could distinguish the difference between the millage issue and the State Question. This victory just proves that Ponca City has the education of our children as a top priority and want to help us continue our progress towards excellence."
Rigdon won the election for Pioneer Technology Center receiving 5,608 votes. Her opponent, Zane Barham, received 2,817 votes.
Rigdon told The News, "This was a very hard race. I appreciate the vote of confidence from everyone that voted for me. I also want to thank everyone who worked hard throughout this campaign and who supported me."
Kay County voters defeated State Question 672 by nearly a 2 to 1 margin with 2,684 for and 5,623 votes against.
Area Elections
Residents of Blackwell also passed the three levies and elected Mark Cordell to the school board. In the election, Mark Cordell received 1,257 votes while Tim Bradfield received 145 votes. The emergency levy received a total of 1,135 votes for and 314 votes against. The local support levy received 1,123 votes for the levy and 329 votes against the levy. The building fund levy passed with 1,132 votes for and 331 votes against.
Allen Miller won the school board election in Braman receiving 99 votes while his opponent Dale Luce received 24 votes. The three levies received the following votes: emergency fund levy received 111 votes for and 15 votes against, the local support levy received 109 votes for and 17 votes against while the building fund levy received 113 votes for the levy and 12 against.
In a very tight race for the Frontier Board of Education, Rexford Tautfest received 157 votes, Dennis Williams received 131 votes and Gary Watson received 64 votes. According to the Noble County Election Office there will be a runoff election between Tautfest and Williams because neither one of the citizens received 50 percent. The three mill levies passed in Frontier with 271 votes for and 88 votes against the emergency levy. The local support levy passed with 266 votes for and 88 votes against, and the building fund levy passed with 247 votes for and 107 votes against.
Shidler voters elected Francis Murphy to the board of education with 229 votes. Her opponent, Shelley Fields, received 55 votes. The emergency levy received 209 votes for and 75 votes against, the local support levy received 204 votes for and 79 votes against and the building fund levy received 217 votes for and 68 votes against.
At Woodland, Gary Madison received 394 votes and Gayle Edwards received 171 votes. The three levies passed with: emergency levy at 447 for and 126 against, local support levy at 428 votes for and 140 against and 449 votes for and 126 votes against the building fund levy.
In Newkirk, Tonkawa, Kaw City, Peckham, Kildare, Billings, Burbank and McCord, all the mill levies passed.
In Newkirk, the emergency fund levy received 423 votes for and 179 votes against, the local support levy received 417 votes for and 189 votes against and the building fund levy received 435 votes for and 179 votes against.
Tonkawa residents voted 461 for the emergency levy and 136 against, 450 for the local support levy and 145 against and 462 for the building fund levy and 143 votes against.
Kaw City residents included: emergency fund levy receiving 83 for and 46 against, 73 for and 56 against the local support levy and 83 for and 45 against the building fund levy.
Voters in Peckham passed the levies to include: 48 for and 16 against the emergency levy, 46 for and 19 against the local support levy and 47 for and 17 against the building fund levy.
At Kildare, the emergency levy received 112 votes for and 42 votes against, the local support levy received 109 for and 47 against and the building fund levy received 112 for and 47 against.
Burbank residents passed the levies to include: 65 votes for and 19 against the emergency levy, 61 for and 21 against the local support levy and 66 for and 16 against the building fund levy.
Billings voters voted 148 for and 17 against the emergency levy, 155 for and 20 against the local support levy and 160 for and 14 against the building levy.
McCord voters voted 156 for and 104 against the emergency levy, 160 for and 99 against the local support levy and 163 for and 102 against the building levy.
All of these election results are unofficial, but will be declared official at 5 p.m. Friday.
An prayer meeting will be held Thursday for Ponca Tribal member Pam Lieb, who is going to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for cancer treatment.
The meeting is being held by the Native American Church, Ponca Chapter, at the White Eagle Methodist Church.
All tribal members are encouraged to attend. The service begins at 7 p.m. and refreshments will follow.
The Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra will present a concert on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Hutchins Auditorium.
The orchestra will preview some of their upcoming contest literature. The concert will feature works by Rossini, Elgar, Rachmaninov, Faure and Shostakovich.
The orchestra is also busy making final preparation for their performance at the State Orchestra Contest, Feb. 25 which will be held at the Seretean Center on the OSU Campus in Stillwater.
The Thursday concert is free and the public is invited to attend.
The Po-Hi Orchestra is under the direction of Jeff Fox.
Former Ponca Citian Lara Teeter, now appearing on Broadway with Mickey Rooney and Eartha Kitt, recently completed teaching an Audition Workshop on how to audition dance and vocal at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He was there for two weeks to work with the Kaleidoscope Dance Company of which Kevin and Cara Kem from Ponca City are members.
While there, Teeter choreographed a dance piece for the group entitled "Preacher's Son." Participating from Ponca City were Marta Maril, Robin Maril, Meg McDaniel, Lara Teeter, Melissa Arambula, Mandy Bacher, Kevin Kem, Suzanne Kem, Cara Kem, Dana Poulson Nesselrode and Errin Rutherford.
Teeter, a 1973 graduate of Ponca City High School and Tony Award nominee, is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Bonner Teeter who resided in Ponca City during his high school years when the Rev. Mr. Teeter was pastor of the First United Methodist Church.
Lara began his acting career in the seventh grade speech course when he was required to do a three-minute pantomime, which he did, putting the class including the teacher, into hysterics. He later played the scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" and that was the where it all started.
He later attended Oklahoma City University as a theater major and was a student of Carveth Osterhaus, whom he credits with polishing his stage presence and appearance and honing his talents to become a professional actor.
Lara's specialty is musical comedy and he is particularly known as a song and dance man in casting circles.
Ponca City
Divorce Sought
Don Rowland vs. Louise A. Rowland.
Divorces Granted
Nancy June Hall vs. Chris Allen Hall.
Danny L. Bowhay vs. Linda S. Bowhay.
Debrah Jo Mardis vs. Jeffery Lyndon Mardis.
Civil Proceedings
Gail Lynn Hartl vs. Betty Good; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Tom and Paula Williamson, et al., vs. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma, Inc., et al.; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Aresco Inc. vs. Pioneer Coins & Jewelry, Inc.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,699.06.
Remmessia Coburn, et al., vs. Lori La-Ree Thomas; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
There's a Better Way
I received a notice from the County Commissioners a few weeks ago instructing me to dig a hole in my front yard, buy a 4-by-4 post, bury it and paint some numbers on it, so they could locate me in case I made a 911 emergency call.
I assume that tens of thousands of other rural residents also received the same order from the County Commissioners. But like me, I believe they don't work for the County either and might feel the same about receiving orders from the County Commissioners as I do.
Just to make sure, I talked with my neighbors and someone at the County to try and find out what was going on. I was told that a committee had been formed and they had gone to a lot of trouble to give names to all of the roads in the county and to develop an address system.
Why? We've already spent billions of dollars for an address system that's been in place for years. It's called GPS, Global Positioning Satellites System. There's not a place on earth that lacks an address. The U.S. military can deliver "mail" to anyone in the world - and deliver a second "letter" through the same hole.
For less than 200 bucks anyone can pick up a shirt pocket computer that can locate a one meter address in Baghdad or Braman.
Therefore, I hope others will join me in encouraging the Commissioners to get current before wasting any more time and money. They may wish to contact Mr. Wayne Brownfield who was in on the development of the GPS before his retirement with IBM.
Also for others who want to know where they are: Contact the Earth Resources Observation Systems. Search EROS on the World Wide Web. The Internet has many locator resources that also provide maps to personal computers.
As for me: They've changed my ZIP number, my Area Code number, and/now they want to change my address after more than 30 years. Well, I'm NOT going to change my mind!
Truman Smith
Thanks for Blood
As we near the end of National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, I would like to share my personal story of how generous blood donors and the Oklahoma Blood Institute helped my family.
In January of last year, my husband and I were devastated to learn that our 3-month old son, Alex, had been diagnosed with liver cancer. During the next several months, Alex received chemotherapy treatments, followed by transfusions of red blood cells and platelets from OBI volunteer blood donors. In May, doctors removed a portion of my son's liver, after which he received more treatments. Again, generous blood donors helped Alex regain his health following grueling treatments of chemotherapy.
As a result of Alex's wonderful doctors and the generosity of people who took valuable time out of their day to help someone, my son is a happy, healthy 1-year old. Doctors continue to evaluate Alex's progress, and we are hopeful that the cancer will not return.
I want to thank all of the donors that give so unselfishly of themselves to help patients like Alex. You have given our son a second chance at life! I now realize how important and easy it is to be a blood donor and to give the gift of life.
Every day, the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, helps give hope to patients in our community by providing blood to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma and the Outpatient Surgery Center.
My husband Dale, daughter Elisa and I invite everyone to help save the lives of patients like Alex by becoming blood donors today. There are so many patients in need of blood. If you would like more information on how to become a blood donor, I encourage you to call the Oklahoma Blood Institute in Ponca City at (580) 762-9488. Please remember, the need is critical!
Pam Erickson
(Editor's Note - Top 10 Valentine's Day gift suggestions: a box of chocolates, a dozen long stem roses, dinner for two, marriage proposal, tickets to a show, a one-night getaway, carriage ride, romantic picnic, all of the above, and getting married on Feb. 14 ... just suggestion, maybe?)
After you've indulged in some of the gifts mentioned in the top 10 list, bring your sweetheart to the Elks Lodge for a fun-filled evening of entertainment, drinks, dancing and fun. The Elks are hosting a Valentine's Day Party on Friday, Feb. 13, from 8 p.m. until midnight and donating all the proceeds to Hospice of Ponca City.
As Bill Murphy explains, "I just thought it would be a nice way to remember those loved ones that we have lost and a good way to support Hospice because everyone knows how much they have supported us."
A dinner will be served from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. for an additional cost of $8.95 per person. Carla Rodman of Headliner will be serving Chicken Cordon Bleu. Dinner reservations must be made by calling the lodge 765-4045 and leaving a message by Thursday, Feb. 12 at 12 noon.
Locally renowned, Poverty's Children Band will be performing classic rock from the 60's, 70's and 80's including some of your favorites from the Beatles, Jethro Tull, Led Zepplin and many more. A photographer will be available to capture those romantic encounters and planned rendezvous.
Door prizes will be given away - Sunday brunch at the Country Club, one night getaway, tickets to the Poncan Theatre, North Park movie passes, CD's from KIXR radio, dinner at El Chico and numerous Valentine gift packages donated by Wal-Mart. One lucky person will go home with a special gift donated from Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
John Taylor will be the guest host and everyone is guaranteed a wonderful, entertaining evening of fun. Tickets for the dance are $5 per person or $8 a couple and can be purchased by calling Murphy at 762-3363, or calling the Elks Lodge at 765-4045, and you can also buy them at the door that evening.
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.
DEATHS
Robert Randall "Randy" Schafer, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at the Pawhuska City Hospital. He was 44.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery. The Rev. Timothy Johnson, pastor of Johnson Temple Church of God in Christ, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until noon Thursday.
Robert Randall "Randy" Schafer was born April 18, 1953, in Vallejo, Calif., to Robert A. and Sally Ann (Hayse) Charlesworth-Schafer. He graduated from Redwood City (Calif.) High School in 1973. In 1985 he graduated from Crowder College, Neosho, Mo., with a degree in water and wastewater environmental services. In July 1986, Schafer began employment as a maintenance foreman with the Ponca City Water Treatment Plant.
He was married to Audrey Appel on May 26, 1995, in Ponca City, where the couple made their home. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Schafer, of the home; two sons, Colton Schafer of the home and Cory Schafer of Missouri; one sister, Lori, of California; his father, Robert A. Schafer of North Highland, Calif.; and his mother, Sally Ann Hayse of Cupertino, Calif.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Schafer's name to the American Diabetes Assoc., 6465 South Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, OK 74136.
Phillip Moore, Ponca City resident, died at his home Monday evening, Feb. 9, 1998, after a long illness. He was 49.
The funeral is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel in Blackwell. The Rev. Dan Kennedy will officiate. Burial will be in the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery.
Phillip Moore was born April 27, 1948, in Altadena, Calif., to Robert L. and Donna Lee (Bourne) Moore. As a child he moved to Blackwell, where he grew up and received his education. Moore served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-72 during the Vietnam War. After his discharge he moved to Bartlesville, where he attended Tri-County Vo-Tech and trained as a printer. He worked in Wichita, Kan., and Tulsa before moving to Ponca City in 1976.
He was married to Ji-Yun Zhang on July 19, 1991, in Newkirk. Moore was employed as print shop operator at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center from 1976 to 1996, and continued employment there until his death.
Survivors include his wife, Ji-Yun Moore of the home; his father, Robert L. Moore of Braman; one brother, Lannie Moore of Oxford, Kan.; one sister, Sandra Nelson of Braman; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and two brothers, Lyndell and Gary.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Hackler Funeral Home, 301 West Blackwell, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Charles A. "Chuck" Warren died Sunday, Feb. 8, 1998, at University Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 36.
The funeral service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Central Baptist Church with the Rev. John Waterloo, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born Aug. 9, 1961, in Ponca City, Chuck was the son of Art and Marjorie (Conrad) Warren. He attended Ponca City schools graduating in 1979.
He married Beverly Pruett on June 13, 1981, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Ponca City. Chuck was a member of the Central Baptist Church. He loved spending time with his family, taking his boys hunting, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed watching them play soccer almost every Saturday in the spring and fall, even if it meant driving several hours back home from work.
Growing up in Ponca City, Chuck played Kid League Baseball in grade school. In junior high and high school he was an amateur CB Radio operator. His handle was "Greyhound" and he was an active member of the R.E.A.C.T. team. After graduation, he became very interested in electronics and attended Pioneer Area Vo-Tech's electrical maintenance and wiring course taught by Earl Whittaker. From there he continued studies on his own. Starting as a hobby, he offered his assistance installing commercial radios for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
In 1989 he started his own business, Warren's Electronics. He soon became the area and regional dealer for several brands of radios and equipment. He supplied the needs for local and state businesses and emergency service groups including the surrounding volunteer fire departments. He became an honorary member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Chuck was a dedicated employee of the Ceja Corporation for 19 years, spending many hours setting up systems for security and well operations. He designed a sophisticated alarm system with callback features. He would be the first person to arrive when there was a problem.
He was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We will miss him very much.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Warren of the home; sons, Charlie Warren and Brian Warren of the home; parents, Art and Marjorie Warren of Ponca City; sisters, Patsy Warren and Judi Anderson of Ponca City; brother, Mike Warren of Hutchinson, Kan.; an uncle, Bob Conrad; and aunts Edith McArdle, Gloria Rybka, Dorothy Kerker and Mary Martin.
Also surviving are nieces Traci "Little Sis" Page, and Holly Anderson, both of Ponca City; nephew, Devin Anderson of Ponca City; great-niece, Savannah Page; and great-nephew, Van Page. His grandparents preceded him in death.
Casket bearers will be Kirby Logan, David White, Steve Little, Mark Cranford, Steve Warlick and Bob Deitrick. Honorary casket bearers will be field employees of Ceja Corporation; Darrel Adams, Dan Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Brian Bassett, Cindy Bassett, Sherry Davis, Mark Fagg, Kent Fisher, Rick French, Johnnie Higgins, Pete Horne, Jim Martin, James Morton, Terry Nelson, James P. Reed, Sam Sheehan, Wanda Sheehan, Burl Sheppard, David Spears, Bob Wilson, Eric Wilson, Larry Zimmerschied, and Randy Zimmerschied.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chuck Warren Memorial Fund c/o Albright Title and Trust, P.O. Box 1147, Ponca City, OK 74602; attn, Amy Kirby.
The family will greet friends at the funeral home, Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
paid obituary
Emma Jon (Ratliff) Chandler died Monday, Feb. 9, 1998, at her home following an extended illness. She was 71 years of age.
The funeral is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Sunset Baptist Church. The Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Cliff Fite. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
The casket will not be open at the church, but friends may call at the funeral home until noon Thursday. The family will be at her home, 1813 Potomac.
Emma Jon was born Oct. 26, 1926, the daughter of John Winston and Grace Inez (Thornton) Ratliff. Following the death of John, Grace Ratliff married his brother, Wellington Harve Ratliff, who adopted his brother's children. The family moved to Bowie, Texas, where Emma graduated from Bowie High School in 1944 and later attended North Texas State College.
On Dec. 24, 1945 she married Kenneth Price Chandler. He was employed with Continental Oil Company and the family resided in various towns in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Kansas before moving to Ponca City in 1966. A longtime member of Sunset Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School at one time, Mrs. Chandler was also a charter member of the Pioneer Genealogical Society. One of her greatest pleasures was researching family history and visiting with numerous people about the subject.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth P. "Doc" Chandler of the home; a son, Klem P. Chandler of Ponca City; a daughter, Marilyn Ward of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Wanda B. Phelps of Lawton; and a brother, John W. Ratliff of Fort Worth, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Lois Rockenbaugh.
Casket bearers will be Charles Whitlock, Don Streeter, Glenn Griffith, William E. Winterrowd, Richard Winterrowd and James Reedy. Honorary casket bearers will be J. Patrick Norris, Kenneth E. Holmes, Wayne Sherrill and Joe Anderson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary
Thursday
Mary E. Isenberg - Funeral to be held graveside at 11 a.m. at
the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral
Service, Newkirk.
NEWS BRIEFS
DUI School - State Certified DUI School is offered by Bridgeway Inc., Kay County's only local non-profit organization that offers both midweek and weekend DUI schools and assessments. Next scheduled school is Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, starting at 5 p.m. Also offered is a 24 hour DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information.
Veterans Benefits - Learn what your many unknown benefits are, and what a spouse's benefits are at a seminar beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue. All Vets encouraged to attend.
Legion Auxiliary - The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion. Those attending the meeting are asked to bring paper items or cleaning supplies for the Domestic Violence center and calendars to sent to the Veterans' Centers.
Trenary Receives Medal - Sgt. Justin Trenary, stationed with the 2nd Ranger Battalion in Fort Lewis, Wash., was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his accomplishments with the 2d Ranger Battalion. Sgt. Trenary is the son of Martin and Marie Trenary of Ponca City and a graduate of Ponca City High School. He is married to the former Lisa Bell Trenary of Ponca City.
Landers Joins U.S. Army - Nathan L. Landers has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. A student at Newkirk High School, Landers will report to Fort McClellan, Anniston, Ala., for basic training May 27, 1998. He is the son of Amos L. and Patricia A. Landers of 201 North Cedar in Newkirk.
Vehicle Hit - A man from the 2500 block of Industrial Road requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 7:38 a.m. Tuesday, reporting that a vehicle had been hit while in the parking lot Monday night.
Girl Bitten by Dog - An official at Roosevelt School reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:44 a.m. Tuesday that a girl had been bitten by a dog. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the girl did not require an ambulance and that animal control had been contacted and had taken the dog into custody.
Vehicle Vandalized - A woman on Elmwood Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:48 a.m. Tuesday that some vandalism had been done to a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Building Vandalized - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of North Union at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday that a building had been vandalized with paint balls.
Harassment - A woman from the 400 block of North Oak Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday to report that two subjects were harassing her. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday that a female had been assaulted in the 500 block of East Hazel Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Requests Extra Patrol - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday that Lincoln Center had been hit with paint balls. A request was made for an extra patrol of the area.
Horses Loose - The Communications Center received a call at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday that several horses were loose on the highway one-half mile south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.
Accident - A vehicular accident in the parking lot of a business at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue, was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:55 p.m. Tuesday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.
Vehicle Burglarized - A woman from the 1500 block of Riggs requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:02 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that someone had gone through the woman's vehicle while in the 1400 block of Donahoe Drive.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Robson Fieldhouse at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday that a 36-year-old male was being held on a city warrant for possession of marijuana.
Beer Stolen - A person at EZ Mart, Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, reported at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday that two male subjects had stolen an unknown amount of beer. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and information was logged.
Gas Drive-Off - A clerk of Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:10 a.m. Wednesday that a subject had paid for $2 worth of gas and pumped $11 and left south bound on Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and information was logged.
Building Vandalized - An employee at Watson Construction, 1034 North First Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:26 a.m. Tuesday that some vandalism had occurred at the building. Information was logged that windows had been broken out.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department
reported from the 1300 block of South Ninth Street at 6:068 p.m. Tuesday
that a 21-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having
no insurance, and a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.
LIFESTYLES
Loneliness and boredom are among the major problems we see in the aged, nursing home residents and shut-ins said Anna States, Ombudsman supervisor for Northern Oklahoma Development Authority.
In almost every area there are elderly persons living alone. There is probably a person or persons living right down the block from you that would fit in this category she said. And often the elderly in boarding homes, nursing homes and residential care homes have no personal visitors either.
Eleven out of every 100 Oklahoman's have reached age 65 according to Oklahoma Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. For the majority it means retirement, fun leisure time and new beginnings. Most of them are healthy and are doing the things they dreamed they could do in retirement. But, for some others the Golden years are not so Golden.
Isolation
Even though most of them have their physical needs met, some are isolating themselves for one reason or the other. The following is a personal encounter related by Ms. States.
As I was visiting a nursing home resident, I came upon a lady that looked sad. I asked her how she was, and she said, "well, I am mad." As I questioned her about that, she said she needed something but didn't know just what. So I sat down, touched her and began to talk to her about how could I help her, or what I could do. She said, "you have helped me already." "How's that?" I asked. She said, "you made me so happy because you came to visit me. You know, no one here has time or takes the time to talk to me." She said, "I am so lonely. I just have no one to talk to me." She soon was smiling and as I left I thanked her for letting me visit with her. Her response was, "oh Honey, you have made my day just beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. You have made my day. Thank you."
States says "it does not take much to make a lonely elderly person happy or at least put a smile on their face." The role of a friendly visitor is to bring friendship to the aged and provide for them a needed channel for personal human contact. A friendly visitor should be warm, pleasant, understanding, respectful and always be able to keep confidences.
Volunteers
An Ombudsman Volunteer needs to have the all the same qualities as the friendly visitor, but must also be able and care enough to work with the resident and the facility staff to resolve problems the resident of a nursing home or residential care home may have.
There will be an Ombudsman Volunteer training Feb. 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The training will be held at the NODA Conference room at 2901 North Van Buren, Enid. There is no obligation or charge for the training. The training will be of interest to any one that may have a friend or loved one in the nursing home or residential care home. Some of the topics to be covered are "Understanding Aging", "Communication Skills", "Federal and State Regulations", "Problem Solving Process" and much more.
If you are interested in becoming an Ombudsman Volunteer or would just like to know more about long term care homes you may be interested in attending the training. If you need more information you may call Anna States, Ombudsman Supervisor, at NODA, 237-2236 or 1-800-749-1149.
On Feb. 25 hundreds of child advocates are expected to attend 1998 Children's Day at the Capitol, sponsored by many of Oklahoma's child-serving agencies and providers. Children's Day at the Capitol is designed to be a day for citizens from across the state to visit with their legislators concerning policies and issues that affect children, youth and their families, and to be a voice for Oklahoma's most precious resource.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The days events begin with three advocacy training sessions from 9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. From 11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. a luncheon is planned in the rotunda area of the fourth floor so that advocates and legislators can visit about the issues. Boxed lunches are available by reservation only. Also, exhibits from various programs serving children and families will be on display from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
At 1 p.m. the Children's Rally will be held with Eva Carter as Master of Ceremonies. Ms. Carter is the Director of Government Affairs and Head Start Collaboration Project for the Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies. Girl Scout Troop #364 from Oklahoma City will lead in opening ceremonies and entertainment will be provided by youth. Featured speakers will include Allen Carson, Director of Development for Citizens,Caring for Children, and Terrie Endres, 1997-98 Miss Mvskoke (Creek) Nation.
Keynote speaker will be Jimmy Rogers, Director of III Star Agency in Oklahoma City, a youth program specializing in mentoring to promote positive behaviors and lifestyles. Rogers played football for the University of Oklahoma from 1974 - 1978 while earning a B.A. in Journalism, Public Relations, and Advertising. He continued his professional football career with the Edmondton Eskimo Canadian Football League in 1979, going on to play for the New Orleans Saints Football Club from 1980 - 1985. From 1986 through 1987 he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers Football Club, earning a NFC Conference championship.
Rogers has received recognition for volunteerism in establishing athletic leagues designed for youth, and has coached athletic clinics, Christian youth camps, and Special Olympic events.
All child advocates are urged to attend. For more information contact
OASIS at 271-6302 in the OKC metro area, or 1-800-42-OASIS (426-2747) .
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
It was Senior Night as the Wildcat wrestlers went up against Tulsa Union Tuesday in Robson Fieldhouse.
So it is appropriate that several seniors won key matches that gave the Cats a 40-21 victory for their 10th dual victory of the season.
"That was one of our goals, to have 10 wins," coach Pat Young said after the Poncans closed out the regular season at 10-3-1. "And we are unbeaten at home, 7-0.
"One of the other goals was to win the district and go to Dual State. We did that, too. Now we'll go down and see if we can win a Dual State match."
The Cats will face No. 3 ranked Mustang in the opening round of the Class 5A Dual State Tournnament at Moore Friday at 8 p.m.
Union gave the Wildcats two forfeits, but still made the Poncans' final home dual of the season a tough one. It fell to five of the six seniors who wrestled Tuesday to keep the Redskins at bay.
Seniors Mark and Matt Dodgen faced tough opposition at 130 and 135 pounds but came away with decisions to give the Wildcats an 18-6 lead through the first six matches.
Union was still threatening, trailing 28-15, when senior Matt Noonan got his first varsity win at 172 pounds, gaining three takedowns in a 6-3 win over Adam Cowler.
The win was no great surprise for coach Young.
"It may have been his first varsity win, but Matt has wrestled a lot of JV matches for us," the coach said.
Senior Jay Bentley then went down to the wire against Redskin Jimmy Johnson, gaining a takedown in the final 47 seconds on his way to a 6-5 win at 189 pounds.
Senior 215-pounder Nick Steichen made his final appearance before the home crowd a memorable one, pinning Union's Chris Bagwell in just 37 seconds to secure the win.
"Here is a kid who came out for wrestling only last year," Young said. "He didn't know a thing about wrestling. But he listened and learned and worked very hard,"
But the seniors weren't the only ones to gain crucial wins.
Junior Josh Bailey collected a 1:25 fall at 119 pounds to tie the team score at 6-6. It was the fourth straight fall in a dual for Bailey and in each case it brought the Wildcats from behind in the team scoring.
Another junior, Tony Red Leaf, at 160, won an 11-2 major decision after Union had cut the Ponca City lead to 24-15.
"We looked a little sluggish out there tonight," Young said. "But we'll take the win. A lot of teams out there would like to have 10 wins in a season.
Ponca City 40, Tulsa Union 21
103 - Remigro (U) d. Brotherton, 5-0
112 - Green (U) d. Gelino, 7-3
119 - Bailey (PC) p. Dixon, 1:25
125 - Stafford (PC) fft
130 - Dodgen (PC) d.Armstrong, 9-5
135 - Dodgen (PC) d. McIntosh, 5=0
140 - Littleton (PC) fft
145 - Caywood (U) p. Osborn, 3:12
152 - Holt (U) d. Duren, 3-1
160 - Red Leaf (PC) md Krausemark, 11-2
171 - Noonen (PC) d. Cowler, 6-3
189 - Bentley (PC) d. Johnsn, 6-5
215 - Steichen (PC) p. Bagwell, :347
275 - Zugelder (U) fft
How They Scored
Takedowns - Ponca City 14, Union 6. Escapes - Ponca City 4, Union 10. Revereses - Ponca City 32, Union 5. Penalties - Ponca City 1, Union 1. 2-Near Falls - Ponca City 0, Union 1. 3-Near Falls - Ponca City 2, Union 3.
Forfeits - Ponca City 2, Union 1. Falls - Ponca City 2, Union 1. Major Decisions - Ponca City 1, Union 0. Decisions - Ponca City 4, Union 3
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
JENKS - After a demoralizing, 100-63 loss on Friday to Tulsa Union, the Ponca City Wildcats could have easily called it quits on the season.
Instead, they showed up against No. 10 state ranked Jenks ready to play. And, though they eventually succumbed to the Trojans, 66-50, the score isn't indicative of the Cats' gutsy play.
Aside from a critical seven point swing to start the fourth quarter and poor free throw shooting down the stretch, the Poncans seemed to have more than a fighting chance against the highly athletic Trojans.
After a 10-4 run - including 3-pointers by Micha Alexander and Tom Engle - to close the third quarter, Ryan Treadway got a put-back to pull the Cats within seven, 40-33, to open the fourth. With a steal on the defensive end, the Cats then missed a scoring opportunity to pull within five, and the Trojans responded by rattling off six unanswered points to reassert their lead.
The Cats would never get closer than 12 after that.
"That was the turning point," said head coach Ron Arthur, after the game, "the momentum was going our way, you could feel it. But we didn't take advantage of it, and you're not always given that opportunity against teams like Jenks."
It was a surprise the Cats had any opportunity at all, playing against an on-fire Matt Frazier, who dumped in the Trojan's first 16 points, had all four of their 3-point goals, and finished with 24 points on the night.
Though the Cats were up by one, 14-13, early in the second quarter, the Trojans pieced together a 17-4 run to close the half on top, 30-18.
To Arthur, shot selection was the deciding factor in this game. The Cats went good on just 16-of-54 attempts, for 30 percent. And while the Trojans didn't shoot well, either, at 40 percent, they did go good at the line, hitting 20-of-28. The Cats were good on barely half, 13-of-24.
"We weren't shooting," said Arthur, "we were just throwing the ball up and hoping it would go in. We took a lot of bad shots."
Alexander paced the Poncans with 19 points, including 4-for-9 3-point shooting. Alfred Delancy followed up with 10 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Engle with 9 points, Treadway and Ryan Meyer with four each, while Jason Shelton and Jeff Furnas finished with 2 each.
Other than Frazier's 24 points, Justin Roye had 14 and Brett Butler finished with 10 for the Trojans.
The Cats will be at home Friday, taking on Owasso.
BOZ, a male English pointer owned by Ponca City QU chapter president Bob Schuster, flushes a Bobwhite quail in this photo by Paul Waffle. It is a scene recreated thousands of times for upland game hunters in north central Oklahoma. Regional quail hunters will gather Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Ponca City Elks Lodge for the 12th annual QU dinner and auction. See story Page 3B.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
JENKS - In two games against Jenks this season, the Ponca City Lady Cats have scored a total of 50 points, shot a combined 18-of-91 from the field, and given up the ball 51 times.
Not surprisingly, they're 0-and-2 against the Lady Trojans.
The last ignominious defeat was a 64-22 blowout Tuesday, which came on the heels of one of their best performances on Friday, against Union, and belied what has been an upwards moving season for the Lady Cats.
So, where were the Lady Cats on Tuesday?
"We can't seem to play with Jenks," said head coach Dana Pulley, after the game. "We play well against Owasso and Sapulpa, but we come in here and act like we've already been beaten when we step on the floor."
The Lady Cats, who were averaging less than 18 turnovers per game coming in to Tuesday's matchup, gave up 16 in the first half alone. The Lady Trojans fed on those miscues, bolting to an easy 33-12 lead at halftime.
With just two points for the Poncans in the third quarter, the Lady Trojans went up by 32, 46-14. The fourth quarter was basically a replay of the JV game, earlier, and though the lower end of the Lady Cats bench showed some life, they could do little to make the score respectable.
Just four points were provided by the Lady Cats' starting five.
"The lack of effort really bothers me," Pulley continued. "We need some attitude, some aggression. We gotta go into games like this thinking we're the best team on the floor."
Indeed, that lack of aggression led to a grand total of zero trips to the free throw line.
"They put a 1-3-1 trap on us and we just fell to pieces," concluded Pulley. "We have to be court smart, and quit rushing things when we get a little bit of pressure. We were just throwing the ball away."
The Lady Cats shot just 10-of-39, for 26 percent, while the Lady Trojans did well, hitting 29-of-56 attempts, for 52 percent. Jenks also beat the Poncans on turnovers, 28 to 16.
Senior Lesley Schieber and junior Lendsi Boyd, both off the bench, led the Lady Cats with six each. Schieber entered the game early to score half of the Poncans' first half points, while Boyd had consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to draw the Lady Cats to within - well - 30.
Desiree Cries For Ribs was the only starter with points, with 4, while Stephanie Blochowiak, Romi Foreman, and Aleena Ames all had 2.
The Lady Trojans were led by Briana Keeton, with 16, while 11 others also scored.
After a long time on the road, the Lady Cats will try to conjure up their lovable, aggressive selves of old for a home game, Friday, when they face off against state ranked No. 4 Owasso.
JENKS - It was another uninspired night for the Wildcat junior varsity, Tuesday, as they limped through a matchup with the Jenks Trojans, falling by 14, 53-39.
After a 26 point loss on Friday to Tulsa Union, in which coach Joe Matlock bemoaned his teams' lack of intensity, the Wildcats (6-9) could manage just 17 first half points on Tuesday, falling behind by 13, 30-17, at intermission.
To Matlock, something has come over his young team.
"I told them I didn't know who they were any more. I want to know what happened to that fun-loving bunch I had a few weeks ago."
For the Cats, Jeff Furnas finished with 13 points, followed by Nathan Zimmerman with 10, Scott Larrison with 7, Jeremiah Payne with 5, Kris Shores with 3, while Barry Chance had 1.
The Trojans were led by varsity standout Matt Frazier's brother Brian, who had 13.
The junior varsity are at home, Friday, taking on Owasso.
JENKS - After toying with the Lady Cat JV for three quarters, the Jenks junior varsity busted out with a 14-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter to top the Poncans, 26-13, Tuesday night.
After a see-saw battle through most of three quarters, the Lady Cats went up for the last time, 13-12, with an Alana Smith steal and basket. From there, the Poncans were shut out, while the Lady Trojans knocked down 14 straight points to notch the win.
"Our defense wasn't bad until the fourth quarter," said coach Brad Larimer, "we weren't getting back and they scored a lot on transition."
Smith led the Lady Cats with 4, Gina Hile had 3, while Lendsi Boyd, Jennifer Caughman, and Aleena Ames each had 2.
The Lady Trojans were led by 6-0 Lindsey Massey, who had 14.
The Lady Cat JV stay at home Friday, taking on Owasso
Ponca City's sophomores exploded for 26 fourth-quarter points to pull out a 55-49 win over the Braman varsity here Monday.
Braman was in front 21-17 at halftime and held a 34-29 advantage entering the fourth quarter
"We were not very aggressive defensively the first three quarters and our transition game was non-existent," Ponca City coach Jerry Orr said. "We did come up with a big fourth quarter, playing a little more aggressively. Also on a positive note, we were 12-of-14 from the line in what we call 'crunch time' late in the fourth quarter. That's something we haven't done all year. The free throws were the difference in the ball game."
Jeff Furnas finished with 17 points and Barry Chance had 14. Bart Skaggs and Aaron Sattre each had 7 points, Blake Guebelle 6 and Wes Crosson 4.
At its regular February meeting, Commission member Mark Patton presented the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission with an update on the Wildlife Department's financial status using projections for income and expenses. Using assumptions that reflect the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's current income, expenses and available interest from its lifetime license account, operating expenses will exceed revenue in 2001.
Patton said that the Depart-ment's previous license fee increase, which was projected to provide sufficient operating income through 2001, was cut in half before it was passed by the Legislature. That reduction in income, along with increased operations expenses, could lead to dramatic cuts in Department programs.
Possible solutions to the pending funding crisis include allowing the Commission to invest lifetime license funds in accounts that earn more interest, generating new revenues from non-traditional sources, a budget cut, a license fee increase, or some combination of options. The Department is already trimming budgets, having cut last year's operations budget by two percent, and is planning to do the same this year.
Other key points from the update on the Wildlife Department's financial status include:
- No funds are currently being budgeted for capital improvements or land acquisition for the next five years.
- The Department has actually been operating with a $3 million per year deficit since 1993, with interest from the lifetime license "rainy day" fund being used to make up the budget shortfall. The pool of interest funds available to draw from to overcome operating expenses will be completely used up by 2001, provided there are no significant changes to income or expense.
- Patton and Commission Chairman Bill Crawford will present recommendations on steps necessary to avoid the funding shortfalls at the Commission's April meeting.
In another informational report, Law Enforcement Chief John Streich told Commission members that the Department's Law Enforcement Division will be hosting the first Youth Law Enforcement Camp June 14-16 at Camp McFadden near Ponca City. The conservation education camp will be open to youths ages 14 to 16, with registration limited to 35 youngsters. The camp is being sponsored by a number of businesses and individuals, with Conoco contributing the cost of printing and distributing the brochure/application forms. The brochure will soon be available at all Conoco gas stations statewide.
Youth will be selected based on short essays and letters of recommendation. Streich added that although the Department's Law Enforcement Division is organizing the camp, plans are being made to involve other divisions in the scheduled activities.
As mostly a matter of housekeeping, the Commission voted to approve seven fishing regulation changes for 1999. None involve significant changes or new regulations.
In his monthly report, Director Greg Duffy told the Commission that 23 bills relating to fish and wildlife have been introduced in the Legislature. He said that many of these bills are duplicates or shell bills, adding that he would keep the Commission informed as to pending legislation throughout the upcoming session. He also said that former District Five Wildlife Commissioner H.B. Atkinson passed away last week.
The North Central Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU) will sponsor its 12th annual dinner and auction Thursday, Feb. 19, starting at 6 p.m. at the Ponca City Elks Lodge.
"For the past 12 years, friends of QU - hunters and nonhunters, alike - have gathered for this traditionally very popular annual banquet and auction to support our local chapter and the many activities it supports," said Bob Schuster, local QU chapter president. "The atmosphere is festive, but our mission is seriously dedicated to raising funds that underwrite the cost of many worthwhile local projects designed to protect the environment and enhance habitat conditions for all upland species in our region."
Schuster noted that the 1997 QU banquet fund raiser was the second-highest on record for attendance which resulted in one of the most successful fund-raising efforts in the local chapter's history.
The funds are used annually to underwrite the costs associated with a variety of area QU activities, including Kids for Quail, field-trial competition and food-plot development on public hunting lands near Kaw Lake.
Schuster said tickets for the annual event are $35 and cover the cost of annual membership, the banquet meal and a year's subscription to the Quail Unlimited magazine.
QU also is offering a sponsorship package for individuals or businesses who wish to make a substantial contribution to the North Central Oklahoma chapter.
"For a $250 donation, these QU supporters will receive an annual membership, 20 raffle tickets and a limited edition package of QU-endorsed items including a print, hat and other items recognized in QU's national magazine," Schuster said.
"We're anticipating another fantastic evening with raffles, door prizes and an exciting auction," he added. "Our chapter directors have assembled probably the greatest collection of prizes since the chapter was created in 1986."
He said that the always-popular auction again will offer a variety of attractive hunter-oriented items, including a Ruger Red Label 28-gauge shotgun (over/under), a browning "Golden Hunter" 20-gauge automatic shotgun, a Benelli Super 90 12-gauge automatic shotgun, a QU-engraved Frianchi 28-gauge automatic shotgun and a Ruger 7-millimeter stainless steel/composite rifle with scope.
For the young hunter, a Stoeger .410-gauge youth shotgun will be offered in a special raffle.
"We've also added a twist to our auction items," Schuster said. "This year, we've included several golf-oriented items, including fine collectable artwork, for the non-hunters in attendance."
He also noted that tickets purchased by Feb. 15 will qualify the ticket holder for a chance at several "earlybird" drawing prizes, including a new Mossberg 12-gauge Model 835 camouflage shotgun.
QU members unable to attend the annual banquet but who desire to renew their membership for 1998 are encouraged to contact any chapter director.
"Effective and rewarding fund-raising programs and active member participation have earmarked the success and growth of our local QU chapter for several years," Schuster added. "Because of that established level of involvement, the North Central Chapter continues to play a significant role in partnering with U.S. Corps of Engineer and local Oklahoma Department of Wildlife law enforcement officials in enhancing upland game habitat around Kaw Lake and in other areas of our chapter region."
He noted that local chapter members have a proud heritage of having spent thousands of dollars and nearly as many volunteer hours in establishing food and cover plantings, promoting children's involvement in YIELD (Youth Involvement in Educational Land Development), assisting state and federal officials in managing prescribed burns, sponsoring public education and raising funds for the purchase of needed, specialized equipment to support local wildlife law enforcement efforts.
But, Schuster explained, such programs are not possible without the support of local chapter members, community citizens who attend the annual local fund raiser and local merchants who generously underwrite or" donate many of the raffle and auction items.
Schuster explained that 60 percent of the funds raised by QU chapters are for local projects based on local priorities.
Of the remaining 40 percent, 20 percent is earmarked for state wildlife agencies, 10 percent goes to chapter development and the remaining 10 percent goes to national projects.
Schuster noted that the public is cordially invited.
QU is a 50,000-member national, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and reestablishment of crucial wildlife habitat essential to sustain healthy populations of quail and other upland species.
The 235-member North Central Chapter covers Kay and neighboring counties and includes members across the state line in Kansas. It is one of 350 QU chapters located throughout the United States and one of 22 in Oklahoma.
For more information about the North Central Chapter of QU, its many local projects or its upcoming dinner/auction, individuals may contact Schuster (762-1217), Bill Leming (762-1362) or Bob Wilson (762-6857).
The Bowhunting Council of Oklahoma will hold its 1998 Annual Meeting and Banquet Feb. 28, at the Kirkpatrick Museum (Omni-plex) in Oklahoma City. Chuck Adams, a world-renowned archer, will be conducting seminars and sharing his experiences from around the world.
Adams will hold seminars on hunting North American deer, bear and big-antlered animals such as elk and moose. Special reserved seating is being offered at $50 per person, which includes entrance to the seminars and the banquet. Reservations for just the seminars costs $10, while general seating for the banquet costs $15.
In addition to the seminars and banquet, archery manufacturers and distributors will be displaying bowhunting equipment and supplies. Contact Linda Brown at (405) 279-3717.
The 1998 Oklahoma Wildlife Habitat Donor patches and caps, featuring a canvasback duck, are now available at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices and by mail.
In addition to being collectibles, wildlife habitat donor patches and caps are the main funding source for the Department's Land Acquisition Program. The program, which began in 1986, was created to acquire public hunting and fishing access.
The program is funded through public donations. Anyone who donates $5 to the fund receives a collectible patch, while those contributing $10 receive a cap and a patch.
All contributions are earmarked for the Land Acquisition Program, money which can only be spent on obtaining hunting and fishing access in Oklahoma.
Caps and patches are available at the Wildlife Department's headquarters
in Oklahoma City, and at the Department's Tulsa Office, located at Expo
Square in the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Wildlife habitat donor patches and caps
also can be ordered by mail with patches costing $5 and hats costing $13
(which includes shipping and handling). To order a cap or patch, send a
check or money order to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,
1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.