From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, February
27, 1998
LOCAL
Three Suspects Have Bond Set In Drug Case
Celebrating Vision for Tomorrow
Shaving Head and Seconds
Parental Involvement Union's Key To Better Reading Scores
District Court
Oil and Gas Report
Berline, Friends Coming To Poncan on Saturday
Hospital Phone Lines Out Thursday Night
DEATHS
Services Pending
Ella Hayman
Leona B. Lane
Callie Mae DeVilbiss
Mary Ellen Wehrle
NEWS BRIEFS
EDUCATION
PC First Lutheran Prepares For National Lutheran Schools Week
Scholarships Available For Graduating Seniors
Ponca City News Opens the World To Local Students
Kay County Council Offers Scholarships
School News
LIFESTYLES
AAUW Names Deadline Date For Scholarships
Co-Educational Exercise Class At Unity Gym
Eta Delta Plans Exemplar Ritual
Little News
Baptist Miriam Class Will Meet March 16
World Day of Prayer
RELIGION
Hartford Avenue Schedules Bible Classes
Presbyterians Set All Day Retreat For March 7th
Old Town Gospel Concert Scheduled Saturday Night
World Day of Prayer Scheduled for Friday, March 6
Newkirk Methodists Set March 8, 9 Preaching-and Teaching Mission
Crestview Baptist Hosts Singer Albert Brumley Jr. Sunday
Church Briefs
SPORTS
Cats Face Unknown Tonight
Lady Cats Can't Top No. 4 Team
Mavs Take Bi-State West Title
Lady Mavs Gain Berth Hard Way
Heading for State
CCCA Ends Season Well
Bond has been set for three local residents arrested on drug charges Tuesday in Ponca City.
A $150,000 bond was set in district court for 62-year-old retired Arkansas school teacher Pierson Tyler, arrested for trafficking cocaine. Pierson was arrested late Tuesday night in the 700 block of South Twelfth Street.
A $20,000 bond was set for Dana and Robert Creamer, both age 29, who were arrested for possession of a controlled and dangerous substance from the 300 block of South Peachtree.
The arrests resulted from separate drug raids involving law enforcement officials from the Ponca City Police Department as well as the North Central Major Crimes Task Force.
Officers obtained a search warrant for a safe deposit box at a local bank were additional evidence was seized.
It was the second drug bust in Ponca City in less than a week. However Police Chief Raymond Ham says that does not indicate an increase in local drug activity. "These busts were an accumulation of an on-going investigation," Ham explained. "We brought them down and did it all at once."
The 68-member Ponca City High School Chorale performed a variety of selections for the large crowd gathered for Ponca City Tomorrow's Vision Unveiling Thursday evening at the Poncan Theatre. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
IN AN EFFORT to shave seconds off his qualifying times, Po-Hi swimmer D.J. Nuzum (left) is buzzed by teammate Chris Kana in preparation for state competition today. Shaving their hair reduces resistance as a swimmer streamlines through the water and often results in faster race times. See photo of qualifying team members in the Sports Section. (News Photo by S.L. Dickey)
Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles on the Ponca City Schools' Site Improvement Plan. This article is on the improvements at Union Elementary.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
A goal was set in August 1997 that students will show progress in demonstrated reading skills at Union Elementary. Since August that goal has become a realization due in part to raising reading scores on tests. Because Union's plan focuses on reading, literacy is embedded in all of their efforts. Union is striving to increase reading comprehension, parental involvement and higher levels of thinking with school-wide enrichments.
All of Union's data at the time of goal setting indicated a need to continue focusing on reading skills, specifically comprehension. Union's Iowa Test of Basis Skills (ITBS) scores increased in all areas, including reading. The test also showed that well over 75 percent of the school's third graders were scoring at grade levels in all areas except for vocabulary, reading and maps/diagrams.
The reading goals set at Union had four basic principles:
-Students will demonstrate a minimum of one year's growth annually using the STAR assessment.
-All third through fifth grade students will attain up to 140 words per minute or show at least a 30 word per minute yearly gain based on curriculum-based assessment for fluency.
-75 percent of third graders will score at a grade equivalent of 3.7 or higher on the ITBS.
-At each grade level, students will be assessed for mastery of the grade-level objectives through teacher observation, portfolio artifacts, daily assignments and tests.
The goal of Union Elementary is also to provide school-wide activities that enrich and accelerate all students including those identified as gifted. Union has held various activities throughout the year to ensure that this goal becomes a reality. Activities include Discovery Days, Brown Bag Seminars, Enrichment Days, Chat & Chew, HOTS Lab, Union Leaders, Product Fair and a Fine Arts Festival.
The parental involvement goal at Union is for parents and guardians of students to become actively involved in the school improvement process, helping the school to reach its goal of improving reading achievement.
Stay Home and Read Evenings (SHARE) is a new incentive program at Union designed to encourage families to read together three times weekly. Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading (STAR) is a computer software program that enables teachers to produce reports up to five times a year to parents which will provide the feedback necessary for parents to see growth, feel that their efforts through SHARE are beneficial, and know how to effectively help their child improve in reading comprehension.
Union has two proud parent assemblies honoring parents for their involvement in their child's education. Students receive awards, but they are accompanied by their parents for helping them at home. It is Union's hope that these assemblies will become more important each year as the home-school connection is strengthened.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
James R. Lane vs. Joyce Elaine Lane.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
John Robert Ropp vs. Mari Ann Ropp.
LaVerne Wilson vs. Loyd Wilson.
Shelly Ann Shaw vs. William Robert Shaw.
Tammy Joyce Risinger vs. Ernest William Risinger.
Larry A. Weems vs. Shelly L. Weems.
Divorces Granted
Denise Adele Scott vs. Loren Earl Scott.
Jamie Lynn Carlson vs. Todd Darrin Carlson.
Debbie Ann Goodno vs. Larry Joe Goodno Jr.
Kimberlee Lane Moore vs. Scott Allan Moore; plaintiff restored to former name Kimberlee Lane Cain.
Myriam J. Mayfield vs. Alfred B. Mayfield.
Civil Proceedings
Shannon Collier vs. Leslie Diann Lockhart; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Carolyne Colberg vs. Gwendolyn Lorain Daniel; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Ponca City Surgical Clinic, Inc. vs. Dianna L. Lewis; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,262.
Ellen Louise Grover vs. Evans T. Moseley; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Farmers Insurance Company Inc. vs. Anthony Sigler; plaintiff seeking judgment for $7,456.83.
Allied Group Mortgage Company vs. Gary D. Foster, et al; plaintiff seeking judgment for $19,548.03.
Farmers Insurance Company vs. Shannon D. Barnes; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,800.76.
Parsons Engineering Corp. has revealed plans to drill a 4,250-ft. developmental well in the North Middleton Field, Kay County. The operation will be designated as the No. 17-1 Blanche. Drillsite is 2.8 miles west of Chilocco.
Section 17-township 29n-range 2e-nw-se.
Drillsite has been staked for the No. 1-12 Mother Hubbard, a 3,950-ft. developmental well in the Hubbard Field, Kay County. The operation will be located southwest of Blackwell. Zinke and Trumbo Inc. is the operator
Section 12-township 26n-range 2w-ne-nw.
Kay County's Tonkawa Field gained a new producer when the No. 2 Site was completed two miles west-northwest of Three Sands.
The well showed ability to flow 11,000 CF gas per day.
Gary E. Roth is the operator.
The company took the well to a new 448-ft. bottom.
Section 33-township 25n range 1w-nw-sw.
Two wildcat wells are planned by Vector Exploration Inc. in Noble County, 8.5 and six miles northwest of Perry.
The wells will be known as the No. 2-36 Hay and the No. 1-31 Scholz. Both will seek production in the Herington Formation, with total depths projected to 800 feet.
Section 36-township 23n-range 2w-se-se.
Section 31-township 23n-range 1w-nw-sw.
Vector Exploration Inc. has revealed plans to drill a 700-ft. developmental well in Noble County's North Happy Star Field. The operator has designated the venture as the No. 1-6 Stehno. Drillsite is four miles west-southwest of Three Sands.
Section 6-township 24n-range 1w-sw-sw.
Ronald C. Blubaugh has posted first production data for the No. 3 Thralls, a newly completed wildcat well in Noble County.
The well flowed 85,000 CF gas per day.
Bottomed at 710 feet, the well will produced from perforations at 639 to 649 feet into the hole.
Location is 1.0 miles northwest of Perry.
Section 35-township 23n-range 2w-ne-ne.
Donald D. Blubaugh has plugged and abandoned an unsuccessful wildcat well in Noble County, 8.5 miles northwest of Perry. The well was spudded on Oct. 8 and was known as the No. 1 Bernice. Total depth was unavailable.
Section 2-township 22n-range 2w-ne-se.
Home Stake Royalty Corp. has given up on its efforts to make a producer out of the No. 1-28 Karen in Noble County's Southeast Asp Field. Location was six miles south of Perry. It was spudded on Nov. 22. Total depth is not available.
Section 28-township 20n-range 1w-se-ne.
A new producer has been brought on line in Noble County's Orlando Field, with Three Sands Oil Inc. as the operator.
Located five miles south of Perry, the well is designated as the No. 1-97 Don.
It pumped oil at the rate of 22 barrels per day.
The well bottomed at 1,200 feet and will produce from a perforated interval at 1,100 to 1,108 feet into the hole.
Section 20-township 20n-range 1w-nw-nw.
At a location 5.3 miles northeast of Wynona, Marmac Resources Co. has finaled a new oil producer in Osage County's Pershing Field.
The well is designated as the No. 11 Marmac. It showed ability to pump oil at the rate of seven barrels per day plus 15000 CF gas.
Bottomed at 2,123 feet, the well will produce from the Bartlesville Sand Formation.
Section 9-township 24-range 10-c-nw.
When Byron Berline comes to the Poncan Theatre with his traditional bluegrass and western swing, he brings more than his three national championship trophies with him. He brings some of the best bluegrass musicians you can find anywhere. The Byron Berline Band plays at the Poncan Theatre Saturday at 7:30 pm.
The band includes some of Berline's friends from past and present. The banjo player, legendary John Hickman, is regarded as one of the great masters of the instrument. Hickman has a 20-year collaboration with Berline. The two met in a Santa Monica fiddle shop in the early 1970s and they've played together ever since. Hickman has also played with bluegrass greats like Red Allen, Frank Wakefield and Earl Taylor's Stoney Mountain Boys.
Jim Fish plays the guitar in Berline's Band. He says his greatest inspiration came from one of Berline's old music buddies, the late, great Clarence White. Fish has played with The Henry Paul Band, The Hillbilly Love Gods and Panhandlers. Like several of the members of the band, Fish names some great rock bands among his early influences. Like John Hickman and bass player Richard Sharp, Fish particularly names The Beatles. He also was influenced by The Byrds, a group that Berline himself has played with.
Richard Sharp is most at home on the left handed upright and electric bass. His list of recording sessions is longer than your arm. He brings a nice variety to the band by his showmanship and vocal work. As a youngster, he loved listening to all kinds of music from rock to Hank Williams and Bill Monroe.
The drummer, Steve Short, played in his parents' family band. Now he is the most popular recorded drummer in the area, having recorded with almost every major artist imaginable. He spent three years with Reba McIntire. Steve is also an accomplished recording and sound engineer.
Berline's own recordings are very impressive. His credits include work with The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, The Band, The Byrds, Elton John, Alabama, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Rod Stewart, Earl Scruggs, Emmylu Harris, Tammy Wynette, Mason Williams, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Vince Gill. He has also performed in several films, including Star Trek, Blaze, Back to the Future III, and Basic Instinct.
Byron Berline's Band plays at the Poncan Theatre on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The event is free, because of the sponsorship of the Oklahoma Arts Council, Conoco, and the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council.
Folks trying to call St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Thursday night between 9 p.m. and midnight, were unable to reach the facility due to failure in the internal telephone system.
Garry England, president and CEO of the facility, explained that the internal power that manages the system failed. There is an emergency system in place that cares for internal communication, and that system went into effect, but communication with the outside world was not possible until repairs were made around midnight.
England said the hospital facility regrets any inconvenience to the public.
DEATHS
Ella Hayman, longtime Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Feb. 27, 1998, at Westminster Village. She was 93. Survivors include two daughters, Harriette Kleinhofs of Crossett, Ark., and Merry Sue Nolen of Houston, Texas. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Leona B. Lane, 834 North Third Street, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 93. Survivors include a daughter, Roseanne Rhodes of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Callie Mae DeVilbiss, longtime Ponca City area resident, died early Thursday morning, Feb. 26, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 81. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Mary Ellen Wehrle, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening,
Feb. 26, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80. Arrangements
are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Southside Neighbors - A meeting of the Southside Neighbors will begin at 7 p.m. March 3 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Mayoral candidates will present a brief outline of their platform. If you plan to attend please RSVP to Jan Erhart, 765-8623, by Sunday.
Please help ... I'm a little lost dog! - A small dog was found on East Highland Avenue last night between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you lost your dog, please call 767-0343 or 762-5290.
Suicide Survivors Meet - Family members and friends of victims who have died as a result of suicide are invited to meet at the Ponca City Library programming room Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m., to organize a local support group. Children are also encouraged to attend. Betty Smith, State Suicide Survivors Support Coordinator will be present.
Dance for Bowling Event - The benefit dance for the Thunderbird Bowling Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, at the Ponca Tribal Community Center has been postponed due to deaths in the tribe. The event will be announced for later.
Juveniles Held - An employee at Albertsons reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:56 a.m. Thursday that three subjects were in custody for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and two juveniles were brought to the police department and parents notified.
Arrest - A 22-year-old man was arrested by Ponca City police at 10:39 a.m. Thursday at a residence in the 1500 Block of South Ninth Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Vehicle Burglarized - A woman from the 2000 block of Joe Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11 a.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been burglarized Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - The Communications Center received a report at 11:24 a.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred in the alley of the 300 block of South Palm Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Hit and Run - The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 12:47 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred in the parking lot of Po-Hi. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that one vehicle had left the scene.
Injury Accident - The Communications Center received a call from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 1:38 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred near the hospital and that victims were in the emergency room. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A vehicle accident involving a motorcycle in the 2900 block of North Union Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:45 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Collision - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and West Liberty Avenue at 2:55 p.m. Thursday that an accident had occurred. The information was logged.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue at 4:10 p.m. Thursday that a 25-year-old man was being held for DUI, transporting an open container and having no driver's license. A report was taken.
Juvenile in Custody - A Ponca City patrolman advised at 4:18 p.m. Thursday he had a 12-year-old youth in custody in connection with two counts of vandalism. A report was taken.
Grass Fire - The Communications Center received a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol at 5:15 p.m. Thursday that a grass fire was occurring 5.5 miles south on U.S. 177 near the White Eagle clinic. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation.
Bicycles Stolen - A person from the 1400 block of North Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:44 p.m. Thursday that two bicycles had been stolen. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.
Structure Fire - The Communications Center received a 911 call from two businesses at 6:15 p.m. Thursday that a residence was on fire in the 700 block of North Elm Street. Ponca City Fire Department sent six units and a fire marshal was requested. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department assisted in the incident.
Car Fire - A motorist advised the Ponca City police at 8:06 p.m. Thursday of a vehicle on fire in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 near the Fountain Road exit near Tonkawa. Dispatchers contacted the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Beer Missing - An employee of Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department that two male subjects had taken a 30-pack of beer and other items at 8:38 p.m. Thursday and headed west on U.S. 60. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.
Youth in Custody - Ponca City police stopped a 14-year-old boy at 12:52 a.m. Friday who allegedly was driving a vehicle in the 100 block of West Albany Avenue with a basketball goal believed stolen. The youth was taken into custody for grand larceny, curfew violation, running a stop sign and driving without a license. The owner of the basketball goal was notified to pick it up later at the department.
Youth Arrested - Ponca City police had a 17-year-old boy in custody
at 2 a.m. Friday from the 100 block of West Albany Avenue for grand larceny
and curfew violation.
EDUCATION
National Lutheran Schools Week will be recognized at First Lutheran March 2-8. "Celebrating God's Love: A Present for the Future," is the theme for this years observance. According to Paul Schatte, principal of First Lutheran, special activities will take place throughout the week.
On March 1, eight staff members will have service anniversaries honored. Members to be honored include: Stan Hoffmeyer, music director for 35 years; Janet Goll, teacher for 25 years; Shelly Schatte, teacher for 15 years; Tom Ramsey, pastor for 10 years; Horst Kannenwischer, teacher for 10 years; Denise Jones, band instructor for five years; Linda Groth, secretary for five years; and Ruth Smith, head cook for five years.
Other activities planned for the week include swimming at the YMCA, bowling at Ponca Bowl, and time at Kid's Kastle.
The annual eighth graders verses teacher volleyball game will be played on Friday. A special worship service will be held March 8, with students singing at 8:30 a.m.
The local Lutheran School was started in 1953, with a kindergarten class as an intentional ministry to proclaim Jesus Christ to the children, Schatte said. Grades one through six were added and by 1959 the school was accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. First Lutheran now offers education for three-year-olds through eighth grade. Day Care is also available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Currently, 283 students are enrolled in the school. Principal Paul Schatte anticipates an enrollment of 300 students next year.
First Lutheran School is one of 2,296 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This is an increase of 33 new schools from last year. Over 256,000 students attend the schools of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
The Kay County Panhellenic Association is offering a scholarship to any graduating senior girl who plans to attend college in state or out of state and who plans to go through sorority rush.
The second half will be given at the beginning of the second semester after initiation and upon receipt of proof of enrollment. The applicants must have a 3.25 GPA.
The number of scholarships given and the amount will be determined by the scholarship committee. Applications are available from school counselors or you may contact Sandy Hudack at 762-5820. All applications must be received no later than March 5.
Ponca City teachers and parents are accustomed to hearing their students discuss current issues intelligently. That's because Ponca City News helps our young people learn and understand educationally significant news through our NewsCurrents Newspaper in Education Program (NIE).
Newspaper in Education programs are receiving special attention during Newspaper in Education Week. This year's NIE is March 2-6.
The Newspaper Association of America recognizes NIE Week as a time when schools and newspapers focus attention on the value of the newspaper as an educational resource.
Currently, The Ponca City News provides the NewsCurrents NIE Program to schools in Ponca City. Each week, local schools receive NewsCurrents, a revolutionary current events program that takes an in-depth look at the week's most important news stories.
An accompanying teacher's discussion guide is written on three comprehension levels, enabling students in grades three through 12 to participate in informed current events sessions.
The Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center Scholarship applications are available for Kay County students.
The scholarship will be awarded to a Kay County resident qualified as a junior, senior or graduate student in special education or a related field such as physical, occupational or speech therapy.
Applicants must be attending an accredited college and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours. Scholarship amount is $500 cash ($250 each semester) for one year. Applications must be in by June 1 and are available at the Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union or from scholarship chairman, Nala Watkins. Those who would like to have a copy mailed should call 765-3710.
Candidates should have a 3.0 grade point average throughout college work. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the committee. A resume should include college honors, interests and activities, also work experience and job history. A short narrative should describe the applicant's future career plans and how it relates to the application.
Applicants should also list any personal work experience.
Local Merit Finalists
National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC) has now determined which of more than 15,000 Semifinalists named in Sept. 1997 have met all requirements to qualify as Finalists in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards to be offered in 1998. Students from Ponca City High School named as Finalists are Sarah Armstrong, Elizabeth Bednarski, Jeremy Marzuola and Matthew Szabo.
Come and Go Reception
A reception for Janet Goll, Chris LittleCook and Mike Kruck will be held March 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building. The regular March board meeting will immediately follow.
SC Top Scholars
Top scholars at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., have been announced with the release of the Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 1997 semester. Becky Myers and Christina Williams, both of Ponca City, Okla., are included on this list.
Stalcup Makes List
Sam Ross Stalcup of Ponca City was named to the Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 1997 semester at Abilene Christian University.
OCU Honor Rolls
Amber Clark and Misha Stephens, Ponca City, have been named to the Oklahoma Christian University Honor Roll for the fall 1997 semester. Clark is the daughter of John and Charlotte Stafford and Stephens is the daughter of Gary and Rebecca Stephens.
Parent/Teacher League
The Parent/Teacher League at First Lutheran School will have it's next
regular meeting on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the school gym. This is an informative
meeting for anyone who is attending the school or is interested in more
information about the school. The classroom teachers will tell what activities,
field trips and special events occur in their classrooms. This is part of
the enrollment activities for next fall. For more information call the school
office at 762-4243.
LIFESTYLES
Members of the local branch of the American Association of University Women met Feb. 21 at the Ponca City Country Club with Kathy Tippin, president, presiding. Among the business topics discussed were The Woman of the Year banquet and a review of the by-laws. Members were also reminded to submit recipes for the AAUW cookbook to Jimmie Smith as soon as possible.
The "Out To Lunch Bunch" reported that their next meeting would be the second Friday of March at Godfrey's Restaurant. On March 9 the Book Discussion Review is scheduled at the home of Joan Walker-Ratliff. The novels of Pat Conroy will be the subject.
Betty Bales reported that AAUW will sponsor a candidate for Girl's State. Rosalie Bolene, Scholarship chairman, announced that she had placed applications at Po-Hi for a $300 scholarship for a high school senior girl and March 2 is the deadline. Forms for women needing financial help for schooling have been placed at the Ponca City Library and at Northern Oklahoma College. Deadline for this $300 scholarship application is March 30.
Announcement was made that Norma Casad will host a bridge benefit for scholarship funds April 18. Tickets are available for $5 per person.
Guest speakers for the meeting were Mayoral candidates Richard Stone, Tom Leonard and Carl Balcer. A question and answer session followed their presentation.
Individuals interested in joining the organization are invited to attend the monthly branch meeting the third Saturday of each month at the Ponca City Country Club. For more information contact Kathy Tippin, 765-8043, Barbara Miller, 762-3867 or 765-6697, or Bette Lee, 762-2000.
The Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a co-educational exercise program at the Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodlands. Classes will be held Monday-Wednesday-Friday 10-11 a.m. Cost of the program is $21 or $35 for couples. Classes will begin March 2 and conclude on March 30.
"Fit for Life" is an exercise program for those with special needs or the "young a t heart." The routines are choreographed and set to "motivating" music using exercise physiology and aerobic concepts. The "follow-the-leader" format will consist of a warm-up, 30-minute segment plus a toning segment.
The low impact class is a good choice for exercise beginners. During class participants will use low-poundage weights and x-ertubes for toning. A chair workout is incorporated during toning routines. Stretching exercise is an important part of this class.
Participants can expect benefits of improved flexibility, agility, coordination, strength and improved metabolism and is recommended for the "young at heart." Those attending should wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. The Park department will provide the x-ertubes. Participants are asked to bring their own low poundage weights.
For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department or Mary Gray at 762-4928.
On Feb. 22, Suzie Allen hosted the regular business meeting for Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority with 12 members present. It was announced that an Exemplar Ritual will be held in March for Julie Collins, Sylvia Smith and Nancy Taylor.
Marilyn Jouret announced a tentative date of March 29 for a Soup Social. Members will be meeting to finalize decoration plans for Founder's Day which will be held April 21 at the Marland Mansion.
Ms. Allen presented an informational program on the current "Beanie Baby" fad. Cecelia Schieber won the door prize. Wanda Sheehan will host the March 9 meeting and Judy Branch will host the March 27 meeting.
Steve and Dana Pulley announce the birth of a daughter at 8:52 a.m. Jan. 20, 1998 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8-pounds, 8-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. She has been named McKenna Lynn Pulley. Her sisters and brother are Kaylyn, 7, Kyndal, 18 months, and Connor, 4.
Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Charlene Vap of Kildare and paternal grandparents are Ava and Gene Pulley of Newkirk.
Tom and Rachel Shreffler of Stillwater announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Abigail Erin. She was born Feb. 18, 1998 and weighed 7-pounds, 4-ounces.
Grandparents are Mary Sue and Kirby White of Gun Barrell City, Texas, Joyce Shreffler of Ponca City and Don Shreffler of Leawood, Kan. Great-grandmother is Gladys Peterhans of Clarendon Hills, Il.
Members of the Miriam Class of the First Baptist Church met at the Williamsburg Parlor for the regular monthly meeting. Fran Smith, Outreach leader, opened the meeting with prayer. Ramona Minter gave the devotional on a "Formula for Living" and "Trust and Obey." Among her comments was to "base our thoughts on Jesus and to faith add virtue and to virtue knowledge and include temperance, patience and charity."
Refreshments were served by Odell Watson and Ms. Minter. The next meeting of the class is planned March 16 at the parlor and all members are urged to attend and bring a guest.
Church Women United will sponsor World Day of Prayer observance with
the program "Who Is My Neighbor?" presented at 9:30 a.m. March
6 at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.
RELIGION
Don Huddleston, minister, Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, announces the Spring Bible Classes for adults at the church. Classes with this quarter's theme, "Practical Christianity", will begin the first week in March.
Sunday morning Bible classes begin at 9:30, with morning worship service at 10:30, and Sunday evening worship at 6 o'clock. Wednesday evening Bible classes are at 7 p.m. weekly.
Bible classes are also provided for nursery through high school on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. A nursery is provided for all services.
Classes on "Practical Christianity", theme of this Spring Quarter study are scheduled on Sunday mornings and Wedneday evenings, beginning March 1.
Sunday
* Through the Bible - Part II, taught by Don Huddleston in Room 113. This is a continuation of a yearlong study through the Bible, using F. LeGard Smith's "The Daily Bible," which is a chronologically arranged edition of the New International Version. Class sessions include topical discussions based on the text, as well as time-line study and application lessons.
* The Gospel of John, taught by Greg McElfresh in Room 112. John's gospel is unusual. Unlike the other three gospels, John's account was written to verify the claim that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. This study will take you on a journey through this special book, which contains many proofs and parables not contained in the other accounts. Studying this gospel will strengthen your faith.
* Great Prayers of the Bible, taught by Dennis Betterton in Room 111. Join in this study to look at a very important aspect of Christianity - prayer. You will closely inspect many of the more than 600 prayers in the Bible. You will study the time, purpose, and answer to these prayers and learn how to improve your own prayer life.
* Twelve Steps to a Closer Walk with God - Part II will be taught by Dean Patterson in Room 103. In life's journey, many things keep Christians from walking as closely to God as they truly want to walk. "Recovery Groups", seeking to apply a Twelve-Step program of Biblical principles have been very effective in helping people deal with their obstacles. Biblical principles plus practical ways to apply these to our everyday lives will continue to be examined.
Wednesday
* Practical Christianity _ Two special classes will be held during this quarter, one for the men, and one for the women. These classes are planned not only to explore the scriptures and issues related to being Christian men or women, but also to draw the men closer to one another, and the women closer to each other.
* Women's Study in Fellowship Center. In the second chapter of Titus, Paul instructs the "older women" to teach the "younger women". This class will honor that instruction. There will be a wide variety of topics covered. These thirteen Christian women will serve as teachers and discussion leaders: Kathryn Maples, Linda Speight, Mary Harms, Jan Young, Janice Wilcoxson, Trudy Hall, Lynna Summers, Margeretta Beam, Gretchen Priba, Liz Blumer, Billie Kirchenbauer, Nan Parsons, and Becky Patterson.
* Men of Purpose in Room 113. This study will help develop and strengthen men as spiritual-minded men and leaders in their homes. Understanding and working out the spiritual purpose in life will be the theme of the class. John Summers, Don Huddleston, Paul Priba, Bob Gibson, and Dean Patterson will share the teaching responsibilities. One of the objectives will be to help each man develop his own spiritual purpose statement.
On Saturday, March 7, the women of First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City, will gather for an all day retreat to be held in the home of Fran Mathews. The speaker for this event is Marion Young Adell, M. Phil., professor at Phillips Theological Seminary.
Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by Pat Keast. The retreat will begin on Saturday, at 8:30 a.m. and conclude Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Theme for the event is "Image Bearers of God, Women into the 21st Century".
The program will feature lecture, discussion and small group sessions in a relaxed atmosphere. Marian Adell is an enthusiastic teacher who is committed to the church and seeks to integrate proclamation and worship in both the traditional and the social realities of today. She has taught at Bergen Community College, NJ; Drew University Graduate School, and the Cleveland Area and Springfield City Schools. She is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served as Chaplain, Interim Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Pastor since the spring of 1984.
She is currently a candidate for Doctor of Philosophy, The Graduate School, Drew University where she completed a Master of Philosophy degree in 1989. She has a Master of Divinity from Goshen Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., and a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio.
Area folks are welcome to the Old Town Gospel Concert scheduled for Saturday night, Feb. 28 in Kaw City, headlined by Corkey Buckmaster of Shidler with "Spirit Wind" - Marty Millard of Fairfax, Bill Horsley and Kevin Adkins, both of Ponca City.
Playing and singing from 6 to 7 p.m. will be Cozetta Hand of Ponca City and The Gang - Bud and Phyllis Jones, Jay and Melissa Fletcher and Chris Johnson of Ponca City; Bob and Wanda Robinson of Newkirk, Judy Hagan of Arkansas City and Ray and Cindy Russell of Kaw City.
Cliff Johnson of Blackwell will be emcee for the evening. Others assisting will be Marty Millard, lighting effects; Bill Horsley and Bob Robinson, sound techs, and Bob Robinson, stage manager.
Headliners for the program will be Kristy Russell, Ann Gardner and Gabrielle Gardner, all of Kaw City; Jan Johnson of Fairfax, Tod Johnson of Ponca City, Cindy Russell of Kaw City, and Judy Hagan of Arkansas City.
Other scheduled events during the spring will be Mark Love and daughter, Shannon, with "Spirit Wind" on March 28; Whitestone with Randy Hall on April 25 and Crossfire, from Skiatook - Bluegrass at its best on May 30.
Everyone is welcome to attend these concerts - free of charge.
Why would anyone pause to pray on Friday, March 6 - World Day of Prayer?
Basically to join millions of women and men around the globe from 170 countries and islands in the largest grassroots, ecumenical, international worship service. This year's 111th annual World Day of Prayer was written by Christian women from Madagascar on the theme "Who is My Neighbor?" The observance will take place in this community at Albright United Methodist Church on Friday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m.
Madagascar is the third largest island in the world, situated in the Indian Ocean on the Southeast of Africa. It has a tropical climate and is known for its precious stones, spices, such as vanilla and cloves, and a unique wildlife. Its population is a mixture of Asian and African in a number of tribes, speaking a common language. Over the years, Christianity has become the dominant religion, but its acceptance was not difficult for the Malagasy people for their culture already encompassed a belief in God as holy, a creator and provider.
The concept of "Fihavanana" is also an important element of the Malagasy tradition. Fihavanana is the bond between people, a unity, a sharing of sorrow and happiness. The writers' question for the World Day of Prayer, "Who is MY Neighbor?" is easily answered by them and demonstrated in their proverbs and sayings, such as "Whichever hand is cut, the whole body feels the pain" and "However little food we have, we share it" and "It is better to lose money than friendship." Solidarity and honesty are also virtues valued by the Malagasy people. They have much to teach us.
In the worship service, the Biblical references used are closely tied to their traditional beliefs. Romans 12 speaks about being in one body, while the parable given by Jesus in Luke 10 refers to loving your neighbor as yourself. Those attending the service will be invited to participate in an anointing service, declaring to another person, "I am your neighbor". People may take part in small groups, sharing their ideas about being a good neighbor in the midst of singing Malagasy hymns.
Joyce Appleman, CDC Representative and Lynita Jerrell, President of Albright UMW are in charge of the program. Nursery facilities will be provided, if needed.
A portion of World Day of Prayer offerings will be given to grants for projects in Madagascar.
First United Methodist Church in Newkirk will hold a Preaching-Teaching Mission at their facility, 7th & Walnut March 8 and 9, it was announced this week, featuring the Rev. Bill Crowell of the Chemical Dependency Services, Oklahoma United Methodist Conference in Oklahoma City.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., with a youth meeting at 6 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday. Also on Monday a Fellowship Breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. for the men of the area and a luncheon at noon for the ladies.
The Rev. Mr. Crowell will be looking at the issue of chemical dependency from the standpoint that the disease of addiction is a disease of the body, mind and spirit.
The Rev. Mr. Crowell's sermons will look at many issues including addiction, family dynamics, and codependency. He will address the body, the mind and the spirit in his sermons during the two-day event.
Crowell is an ordained elder in the Methodist Church, and has a Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School and a B.A. in History and Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University.
Crowell has served with The Ark Homeless Shelter in Oklahoma City, overseeing operations for a 14-unit temporary shelter for homeless families; been Audience Development Director for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, served as minister for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Enid and as Youth Minister for the United Methodist Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City, developing the entire youth program and overseeing a very active program ministering to the needs of over 100 junior highs and senior highs.
Anyone interested in the needs of area youth is invited to attend this two-day event in Newkirk. For more information you may contact the church at 405-362-2256.
Crestview Baptist Church will host Albert E. Brumley Jr. in concert this Sunday evening at 6 o'clock, according to Pastor Virgil M. Swift.
The church is located four miles east of the New River Bridge on U.S. 60 at Indian Hills Road.
Brumley, considered a "natural", began making regular personal appearances and singing professionally on radio and television as a boy. After a hitch in the Navy, he returned to his music and, for 14 years, did a daily TV show, moving to television and then to Nashville.
He is dedicated to preserving the famous songs written by his late father, Albert E. Brumley Sr., a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Ozark Hall of Fame and one of the first inductees into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. This legendary composer also has a Highway named in his honor in Missouri, the Albert E. Brumley Parkway and has gone down as one of the most prolific songwriters in the world.
Albert Jr. is bringing to the forefront such Brumley favorites as "I'll Meet You in the Morning", "I'll Fly Away", "Turn Your Radio On", "This World Is Not My Home", as well as numerous folk/sentimental tunes like "Flowers in the Wildwood", "Little Pine Log Cabin", "Rank Strangers", "My Mother's Mansion" and "Did You Ever Go Sailin'?".
The Rev. Mr. Swift points out that when Albert Jr. performs, he also shares some of his own beautiful compositions. His smooth voice and gentle personality endears him to many fans each year from small country churches to great concert halls.
The revival of his father's well-known songs is being praised by long-time fans, and winning over today's youthful generation, Pastor Swift pointed out.
The public is welcome to attend this musical evening with Brumley. For more information, you may call 765-6730.
Annual Albright UMC Pancake & Sausage Supper Set
If you like pancakes and sausage, Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, is the place to be Friday, March 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.! The annual Pancake and Sausage Supper will be held in Fellowship Hall at the church and is sponsored by the Homemakers Class.
The cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. The proceeds
will be used for a church project. Class members invite the public to come
on over for a delicious "all-you-can-eat" meal and an opportunity
to visit with friends and neighbors!
Woodlands Christian Sets Missionary Event, Dinner
Pam Todd, member of Woodlands Christian Church, will share her November missionary trip to Romania with fellow church members on Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m.
Pam her invited some of her travel companions to join her in sharing testimonials, a short video, pictures and other memorabilia with fellow church members. Her guests will be Jeff and Camille Denton, Dixie Brown, Mark and Kitty Russell, and Sybil Hager.
Each church family is asked to bring one or two covered dishes to serve
at the Fellowship Dinner following the Missionary Event. Pam says she will
share a Romanian salad that she serves to her family often.
Albright UMC Plans Pancake Supper
A Pancake and Sausage Supper is scheduled at Albright United Methodist
Church, 128 South Palm on Friday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. All you can eat
for $4, adults and $2 for children. Everyone welcome.
Together in Hope and Prayer
North Central Oklahoma area will unite in Concerts of Prayer for spiritual awakening and world evangelism, it was announced this week.
Sponsored by Ponca City March for Jesus and the Love Station KLVV 88.7 FM, this will be televised from the Municipal courtroom on Channel 22 on March 6 at 7 p.m.
The public is invited to join local pastors in the prayer of agreement,
in the courtroom or in your own living room.
First Presbyterian Sets Lenten Studies
During Lent, the Midweek program time at First Presbyterian Church will focus on "Seeking Clarity In Our Faith: How Do I Know What to Believe and How Do I Say It?"
Dr. Monty L. Fey will lead these special Midweek reflect times and present the topics. The first, on March 4, will be "Presbyterianism: Belief is Personal Only After It Is Public".
Also during Lent, Monday through Friday there will be daily prayer services
ices continuing through the Lenten season. Come for lunch at 11:30 or stay
after prayer to eat. Lunch will be available from 11:30 to 1 p.m., it was
announced.
Grace Episcopal Sets Soup and Stations for Lent
Soup and Stations is scheduled every Friday evening during Lent at Grace Episcopal Church. A simple meatless soup, bread/crackers and a drink will be served in the parish hall with Stations of the Cross following at 6 p.m.
Hostesses for the suppers will be Sandra Harris, Evelyn Casto, Andrea
Schmauch, Laura Hines, Phyllis Leslie and Suzy Bivin.
First Nazarenes Prepare for Convention
In preparation for the coming Missionary Convention March 6 and 7, the youth of First Church of the Nazarene will present a skit this coming Sunday morning entitled "Sixty Dollars a Minute".
The skit, focusing on the Convention theme "The Light of the World"
is designed to encourage the support of missions to other nations. Missionaries
who will be present for the Convention, as speakers, will be Norman and
Joana Howerton, native Oklahomans who have served as missionaries to Argentina
since 1965. Pastor Bierly extends an invitation to the public to attend.
St. Paul's UMW Plans Annual Supper
The combined day and evening UMW groups at St. Paul's United Methodist Church will meet on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in fellowship hall of the church. Those attending are asked to bring either a salad, relish tray or a dessert.
Following the meal, Tom and Mavis Burton will present the program on
the recent Volunteers in Mission trip to Mexico. Babysitting is available
by arrangement.
Asbury Methodists to Hear Bishop's Wife Sunday
Karen Blake, wife of Bishop Bruce Blake of the United Methodist Church, will be speaking on the Lydia Patterson Institute at Asbury United Methodist Church Sunday at 10:45 a.m., making UMW Day.
Lydia Patterson Institute is the only United Methodist-related predominantly Hispanic educational institution remaining in the United States. It is located in El Paso, Texas.
Mrs. Blake has chosen as the titled of her talk, "LaLydia, A Place of Hope." Since she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Institute, she has a unique insight into the opportunities for education presented at the Institute, which is fondly called "LaLydia" by the students.
A special offering will be taken during the service for the Institution,
according to Pastor Buddy Bolin, and a potluck dinner will follow in the
Fellowship Hall with the youth of the church hosting.
Friendship Feast Planning Spaghetti Dinner
Friendship Feast is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser on Friday, March 27 to be held in Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church. Mark your calendars, and plan to take part.
The menu includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, fresh-baked bread,
plus dessert and drinks. Kay Motz is cooking. The doors will be open from
4:30 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 6.
The tickets may be purchased from any Friendship Feast Board member of at
the door.
'The Big IF' Title of Worship At First Lutheran
Worship services at First Lutheran Church on March 1 will center around the theme "The Big IF." This comes from the reading about Satan's temptation of Christ. Satan tempted by saying, "IF you are the Christ...." The service points out how we must meet Satan's temptations today. Pastor Thomas Ramsey will continue his sermon series "Jesus Christ at the Radical Center" with a sermon entitled "Jesus is Savior."
Special activities at First Lutheran will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the school gym. A lunch is being given to honor church and school staff members celebrating special anniversaries of years of service in their ministry. Those being honored are Linda Groth, school secretary; Denise Jones, band instructor; and Ruth Smith, school cook - 5 years; the Rev. Thomas Ramsey, 10 years; Shelly Schatte, teacher, 15 years; Janet Goll, teacher, 25 years; and Stan Hoffmeyer, music director, 35 years. A short program will follow the meal.
The second Lenten service will be on March 4 at 7 p.m. The theme of that
service is "Christ's Forgiving Love." The soup supper, which begins
at 6 p.m in the Fellowship Hall, will be served by the LWML. The menu will
feature sausage soup with dessert and drinks.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The Ponca City Wildcats (8-14, 5-11) head into unfamiliar territory tonight, facing off against the No. 8 ranked team in the state, Green Country Conference powerhouse Tulsa Memorial (17-4, 7-3), in the first round of the regional playoffs.
And though it may be a heady assignment for the underdog Cats, they - as they've done many times this season - aren't about to roll over in the face of adversity.
"We're going in thinking we can win," says head coach Ron Arthur. "We're not fearful, but we are respectful. It's an uphill battle, but it's something we can accomplish."
While hard to compare other teams to those in the preeminent Frontier Conference, the Chargers would appear to be a match for the best teams, anywhere. With four players averaging in double figures, they better even Frontier juggernaut Tulsa Union, which has three.
Led by 6-2 sophomore Jason Parker (20 points per game), 6-9 senior Mike Rainey (15.3 points per game), 6-2 Jay Miller (15.1 points per game), and 6-0 Aric Gaines (10.3 points per game), the Chargers are an offensive force to be reckoned with. They average 71.6 points per game as a team, just off the breakneck pace set by Frontier's Union.
"They like to penetrate," says Arthur. "We have to play good help defense, and we have to rebound. They're really athletic and fundamentally sound, so we have to play smart."
If the Poncans have one big thing going for them it's momentum. After winning their last three regular season games, including last Friday's upset of Bartlesville on their home floor, the Cats should be feeling good. According to Arthur, his team is peaking at the right time, and aside from a weak fourth quarter against the Bruins, played about as well as they have all season. Also, he notes, competing in the Frontier Conference has toughened them.
"These seniors don't want their season to be over," he says. "And right now it's all about execution. We've taught them all we can, we've had a good week of practice, and now we have an opportunity to knock off a good team."
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
BROKEN ARROW - The third time wasn't a charm for the Ponca City Lady Cats, as they fell to the Broken Arrow Lady Tigers, 68-44, to make a quick exit from the regional playoffs, Thursday night.
For the third time this season, the Lady Tigers (18-5, 13-4) exhibited the resources of a top state-ranked team against the Lady Cats (7-16, 3-14), overcoming the defensive schemes of the Poncans and dominating the offensive boards by a 2-1 margin.
Though the Lady Cats again limited quick draw Kristen Brady to almost half of her 21 point average (12), and kept 6-0 Christie Baugess - a thorn in the Poncans' side in their previous two meetings - in check, it was sophomore guard Octavia Holmes stepping up to pour in a phenomenal 27 points and lead the Lady Tigers to the first-round playoff victory.
After slapping down a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter, the 5-9 Holmes gave notice to the Ponca City bench that they had - perhaps - taken the wrong player out of her game.
"We keyed on Baugess and Brady," said head coach Dana Pulley, after the game. "But what makes a great team is someone else can step up. We had to change to a man to man after she hit those three's, and it took us out of our game plan a little."
Still, despite the machinations of Holmes, the Lady Cats did some firing of their own, getting a productive first half from senior leader Natasha Anderson, who nailed two 3-pointers of her own en route to claiming half of the Poncans' first half points.
Though they were within one, 19-18, early in the second quarter, three Ponca City turnovers wrought an 11-2 run by the Lady Tigers to close the first half on top, 30-20.
In the half, the Lady Cats went without a free throw attempt, while Broken Arrow took eight trips to the line. For the game, the Lady Tigers took 27 trips, the Lady Cats just eight.
"That's just a lack of aggressiveness on the offensive end," said Pulley. "The free throws make all the difference in the ball game. We should've taken the ball to the hole more."
After trading off points to open the second half, Anderson - the Lady Cats' leading scorer - took a hard fall, and after several, anxious moments, limped off the court with barely two minutes gone by in the period.
Perhaps sensing their chances, the Lady Tigers went on an 11-5 run to close the third quarter and expanded their lead, 43-29.
"Natasha is a leader, and when she went out I think it really went took the wind out of our sails," Pulley said.
And though Anderson hobbled back into the game near the end of the third period, and played through most of the fourth, the Lady Cats suffered a second casualty when junior Romi Foreman went down with an ankle injury at the 3:17 mark of the final quarter, and left the game for good.
With the bench in to close out the game, then, the curtain fell on the Lady Cats' season.
"It's been a tough season," said Pulley. "We had to play tough teams like Owasso and Sapulpa, ranked 1-2 in the state, and when you're an average team it's hard to compete. If you look at our record, we don't look very successful, but for what these girls got out of basketball, and the things they learned this season, it was very successful year."
For the Poncans, Anderson finished with 14, followed by Desiree Cries For Ribs with 8, Tia Williams, Lesley Schieber, and Jennifer Caughman with 4 each, Alana Smith and Foreman with 3 each, while Julie Schiltz, Stephanie Blochowiak each had two.
By BOB PATTERSON
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA - A power surge in a two-minute span was all the Northern Mavericks needed. They got it, and as a result went from a tight, tie game, to a championship finish beating Seminole 74-62 and thus were cutting down the nets at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse here Thursday night.
The victory pushed the Mavericks to a 7-3 Western Division record, while the loss saddled the Trojans at 6-4 and second place.
The Mavericks, of Coach Mick Weiberg, sputtered throughout the first half on a shortage of power but stayed close to the Seminole Trojans trailing at the end of the first 20 minutes 37-33. But the Mavericks swung into high gear to open the second half to gain a tie at 41-41 with 17:02 left.
But for the next 10 minutes, it was going to be anybody's ball game as the two teams matched each other almost point-for-point - the Mavericks on top or tied most of the time. After 6-5 Tim Garrison of the Trojans tied it 56-56 with 7:10 to go, NOC power man Marlon Towns, also 6-5 and playing his final game in front of a packed fieldhouse home crowd knocked down two free throws at the 6:38 mark, the Mavericks started the power surge.
It came from five different hands, including the two frees by Towns, as NOC displayed the team work that has carried them through the 24-6 season to date and the Western Division championship of the Bi-State Conference. Big Joe Patmon at 6-7 got a stick-back, and then it was DeShawn Denson doing the same for a 62-56 lead.
When the Mavericks rebounded a missed Seminole free throw, it was Medford sophomore Kyle Dean snapping the net from the corner for a trey and then, on a turnover and fastbreak by the Mavericks, Jared Weiberg did the same at the 4:42 mark culminating the 12-point power surge to a 68-56 lead.
Oddly enough, the scoring almost ended there, as the two teams really put the defense on the floor. Both teams were able to score but six points apiece in that final 4:42 and the Mavericks just kept answering any offense that Seminole could come up with.
The Mavericks had early control, but lost it. After Seminole got a trey to start the game, Zach Cazzelle, 6-4 Stillwater sophomore, answered and then it was Towns with an old-time three scoring on a shot in the lane and a free throw for a 6-5 lead. Seminole went on a 7-0 tear, and then it was Cazzelle with a pair of free throws and a goal to pull NOC within two at 12-10.
But that's when another power surge hit, one from Seminole with the help of a technical on Coach Weiberg, who desperately tried to get an explanation of a "no call" on what appeared to be traveling by a Trojan during a score. End result was an eight-point surge by the Trojans that put Seminole up 20-10 ahead of an equally fashioned surge by the Mavericks when Towns and Denson added four apiece.
Around a pair of free throws by Dean, Seminole pushed ahead again 28-20 and kept the lead to the end of the first half despite the Mavericks cutting it to three at the 4:00 mark, 30-27, on a Weiberg three and two free throws by Cazzelle.
The Mavericks had four players in double figures, including Towns with 20 and Cazzelle with 15. They were followed by Denson with 12 and Dean with 10 while Weiberg added 9, Patmon got 6 and Chris Beech had 2.
Seminole was led by a pair of 13s, Eric Whisenant and Garrison. Whisenant had popped three treys in the first half en route to an 11-point effort, but was saddled throughout the entire second half. The Trojans lost Tajai Young, 6-5 sophomore early in the second half to an injury, and he finished with 4 points. Others included Derale Wilson and Kevin Overton each with 9, Jamion Prewitt and Atif Williams, each with 5 and 2 each by Adrian Anderson and Aaron Cullen.
By BOB PATTERSON
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA - Facing a team that very much wanted to gain a tie in the Western Division of the Bi-State Conference, the Lady Mavs of Northern Oklahoma were unable to derail the co-division seeking Seminole Belles.
Despite nabbing the opening tip and finishing it off with a bucket by Danielle Monie for a 2-0 lead, the Lady Mavs were unable to match the Belles as Seminole went on to an 87-76 win.
As a result, the Lady Mavs finished the regular season at 4-6, but have received a big gift from another area of the state, when Rose State notched its first win of the division, 60-51 over Western Thursday night. That dropped Western to a 3-7 mark and left the Lady Mavs tied at 4-6 with Murray.
And while the Belles got the 11-point win, the actual outcome became seriously in doubt in the final three minutes despite a flurry by the Lady Mavs. The Greg Krause-coached Lady Mavs had been down by as many as 23 midway through the second half, 66-43 and 68-45 but outscored the Belles 31-19 to get closer at the end.
NOC actually got within nine a few seconds ahead of the final buzzer.
Leading the flurry were Shannon Hands and Jessica Garner. It was Hands, mostly at the free throw line in the second half with 13-of-16 and finishing with a total of 14 to go with a trio of buckets and a trey for 23 points. Garner worked inside the paint, and after being held scoreless in the first half, the non-starting freshman from Colcord ended with 20 points.
Bethany freshman Stephanie Stovall had a trio of treys and a pair of buckets for 13 to give NOC three players in double figures but the remainder of the scoring came from Jennifer Williams 7, Mandy Perkins with 6, Sarah Roughface with a trey and 2 each by Monie and Joey Mount.
The Lady Mavs kept the score rather close in the first half, trailing at the most, by 12 near the end of the half, 35-23. Perkins and Williams contributed heavily during that time, but Hands and Garner took over in the second half for the most part.
Seminole was led by the 24 of Shawnta Vanzant, who hit six 'threes' and Mary McQueen, a 6-2 inside gal with 19. Kim Phillips added 14 and then it was Alisha Meyers with 9, followed by Barbora Jandova, 6-5 Czech, with 8. Others included Jennifer Fryar with 6, Trina Carpenter 4 and Misty Bruner 3.
PO-HI SWIM TEAM members carbo loaded prior to leaving for their state tournment today. Qualifying swimmers are front row (left to right) Shannon Mersman, Jessica Leung, Melissa Alcantra, Megan Tomek, Chris Kana, Ben Dickey. Back row (left to right) Sunita Chahar, Andra Nuzum, Eric Whitebay, Eric Chambray, Carol Stauffer, Ryan Ives, Greg Dunham, D.J. Nuzum. Not pictured is Rory Peterson.
The Cornerstone Christian Academy Saints finished out their season with a stellar record of 19-3, beating the Wichita Invasion recently, 51-45.
With four players out due to injuries and illness, the Saints had some difficulty making adjustments and took a narrow, 23-21 half time lead. But a 19-10 advantage in the third quarter gave them the lead for good.
Josh Walcher led the way for the Saints with 24 points (and 18 rebounds),
followed by Josh Mercer with 12 points, Tanner Ladd with 9, Justin Johnson
with 4, and Shaun Floyd with 2.