LOCAL

Challenges Develop In Area City Races
Nearly News
Nomination Deadline Set For Two Chamber Awards
Kaw Wellness Center Proceeding Nicely
British Pilot Trained Here
Area Calendar

Challenges Develop In Area City Races

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — By noon today, additional races were emerging for the April 6 election day as candidates continued filing at the election board here. The filing period was to end at 5 p.m. today.

For Blackwell’s only office up for election this year, incumbent Mayor Louis F. Gose filed for reelection for a three-year term to the position known as Commissioner of Public Safety. Challenging for the same position is James R. Day, who also filed since Tuesday noon.

A challenger also emerged in one of Ponca City’s two races when Marvin E. Rider filed for election to the City Commissioner Post No. 1 seat currently occupied by Richard E. Stone. Stone already had filed for reelection Monday morning.

Ponca City’s other campaigning commissioner, Lyn Boyer, who occupies Post No. 3, had already filed for reelection and was unopposed so far.

In Tonkawa, two races emerged, including one with two challengers but no incumbent yet.

For the at-large post currently occupied by Mayor Evelyn Coyle, challenger Johnny Thornburgh declared his candidacy Tuesday afternoon and challenger Ronnie Blubaugh had already filed. Coyle had not filed as of noon today.

And for Tonkawa’s Ward 3 post, voters will decide between incumbent Paul L. Wood, who had already filed Monday morning, and challenger John David Manley, who filed since yesterday.

In Tonkawa’s remaining post up for election, Grady A. Jarvis filed for the seat currently occupied by Terry White, and White had not yet been heard from. All three of the Tonkawa seats are for four-year terms.

Kaw City still only had one actual race, although several incumbents filed their intentions for reelection and no one had yet filed for the mayoral post currently occupied by Jack Rosson, a four-year term.

Incumbent Thelma Robinson filed for reelection to Ward 1, Seat No. 2; incumbent T. Don Ford filed for reelection to Ward 2, Seat No. 1, and incumbent Cindy L. Traffas filed for reelection to Ward 2, Seat No. 2.

Also in Kaw City, incumbent Larry D. Myers filed for reelection to Ward 3, Seat No. 2, and incumbent Walter I. Hare Jr. filed for reelection to Ward 4, Seat No. 2. With incumbent Misty Trueblood already declaring her candidacy for reelection to Ward 3, Seat No. 1, the only remaining seats with no filings as of noon today were the No. 1 seat in Ward I, now occupied by Arlyn Seidel, and the No. 1 seat in Ward IV, currently occupied by Debbie Taylor.

The only race so far in Kaw City was between incumbent City Clerk Carolyne M. Goodman and challenger Cheryl A. Vazquez, who both officially declared their candidacy on Monday for the four-year term.

For Braman, all three incumbent officers filed Monday for the three municipal positions scheduled for the ballot. On Monday morning, Rusty Partee Jr. filed for reelection to the Trustee No. 1 post and Braman Mayor Jerry Johnston filed for reelection to the Trustee No. 3 post. Incumbent city clerk Betty Evans filed Monday afternoon.

Nearly News

For all those quilters out there gritting their teeth about a caption in Tuesday’s Lifestyle section reporting the quilts from the Oklahoma Historical Society were ironed — they were not. Quilters have informed NN that quilts are never ironed. So we beg forgiveness for a wrong assumption. The quilts are being removed to make way for the Inaugural Gowns display of the First Ladies of Oklahoma. This display is to arrive soon. While the exhibition is being set up the admission will be reduced to $2 per person.

NN reports that some of us weren’t very good in geography. We certainly can understand being confused by similarities of certain large non-flying birds, but any of us who watch National Geographic programs should know that emus are from Australia while their distant relatives, the ostrich, are from Africa and Southwest Asia. The photo of the tall bird on Tuesday’s front page was an ostrich of African descent. Good thing we didn’t say that Big Bird was from Sesame Street.

Nomination Deadline Set For Two Chamber Awards

The Outstanding Citizens group has set Feb. 12 as the deadline for nominations for this year’s outstanding citizen to be awarded at the Ponca City Area Chamber Banquet slated for March 12.

All nominations should be mailed or delivered to the attention of Danny Head, Outstanding Citizen’s Chairman, care of the Chamber at P.O. Box 1109, Ponca City, 74602.

Criteria for the award is that the person must be a member of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and currently reside in the Ponca City area.

The recipient should have achieved significant and general recognition as an outstanding community leader, not limited to the year in which the award is made.

The person should be recognized for having made significant contributions to the community in more than one endeavor.

The current chairman staff of the Chamber, elected public officials including City, County, State or Federal will not be considered for selection.

Nomination forms can be picked up at the Chamber office. For further information call the chamber at 765-4400.

Community Service Award

The Community Service Award will also be given again at this year’s Chamber banquet. This award is designed to honor persons who have made significant contributions to the community during the last few years and is designed to acknowledge the hard work of individuals or those who have made distinguished accomplishments over a short period of time.

The Outstanding Citizens Committee will also accept nominations for this award. Forms for nominations for this award are also available at the Chamber with the deadline for applications being Feb. 12.

Kaw Wellness Center Proceeding Nicely

NEWKIRK — Seeing its health goals become a reality, the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma is on its way to a grand opening of its innovative Wellness Center at the White Plume community east of here.

The center, funded last year by the Department of Urban Development, is a direct result of a resolution in the early 1990s by the Kaw Nation’s Executive Council to establish health promotion and disease prevention/intervention as national goals.

The tribe concluded from its own comprehensive surveys in 1990 and 1992 that most of the self-reported health and social problems of tribal members were diseases and disorders related to lifestyle choices. Then, in 1995 and 1996, tribal leaders and members formally prioritized the development of a comprehensive health care system.

The Wellness Center, located between the Johnny Ray McCauley Community Center and the Kaw Nation Health Center at White Plume, will work in tandem with the new health center, their respective missions complementing each other — the health center delivering primary health care services and the wellness center concentrating on disease-preventive efforts.

Providing such services as a fitness room, therapy baths, an indoor pool and an educational services classroom, the center will meet an essential community need, directly serving 4,378 beneficiaries in the Kaw Nation Health System service area, of which 81 percent are low and moderate income, according to the block grant application.

Additionally, the Wellness Center will house rehabilitative programs that will accept referrals from the Kaw Health Center.

The rehabilitative services will be delivered by health professionals, including a physical therapist. These are new programs for which there is a documented need, but which have not been addressed adequately through traditional Indian Health Services.

The Kaw Nation’s community development block grant coordinator Bill Nuttle said the center will be “the only place in the area providing indoor aqua-therapy from referrals.

“It’s going to be good for the tribe and the community,” he said.

Nuttle “credits the vision of the nation’s executive council for designing a complex that will truly meet the goals established by the tribe.”

British Pilot Trained Here

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Members of the Royal Air Force training here at No. 6 British Flying Training School for World War II combat chose various careers in later life, but not Capt. Vincent Twomey of England.

Twomey, who died Sept. 16, 1998, on his 76th birthday at his home in Shropshire, pursued his love of flying which was ingrained here at the first class of No. 6 BFTS in 1941. Later he became a Spitfire pilot and was shot down over Yugoslavia on D-Day June 6, 1944, he was a Prisoner of War until being liberated in April 1945.

Continuing in the Royal Air Force as an auxiliary, he joined 610 Meteor Squadron. He continued with his aviation career flying Douglas DC60’s Britannias. As an airline pilot he eventually flew 707s with British Midland. Captain Twomey retired in 1975.

A record keeper of photographs, Twomey donated many of his photographs of the flying school to the Kirkpatrick Air Space Museum in Oklahoma City.

When he returned here for the 1991 reunion Twomey stayed with then Oklahoma State Rep. Jim Holt, a pilot of another era.

An interesting hobby of Twomey’s was his collection of cars. And this also had a connection with his aviation history. He developed a lifelong attachment to the engineering of Rolls Royce after his Spitfire was shot down over Yugoslavia. He claimed the power of the Spitfire’s famous Rolls Royce Merlin engine had kept the stricken airplane aloft long enough for him to be able to bail out to safety. With his wife Molly he began collecting the luxurious vehicles in the 1950s.

The first bargain came when during the Suez crisis in 1956 when he purchased a 1934 Rolls Royce limousine from a fruit merchant in London’s East End. Next came a 1935 Bentley tourer, followed by a rare Rolls Royce Wraith sport car.

He left as his legacy a collection of classic Rolls Royces, Bentleys, an American Packard, a Humber and other cars of the 1920s and 1930s.

The cars were kept in good condition and he drove them from Hertfordshire to his later home in Shropshire in 1970.

Until a few years ago Twomey had maintained the cars, then mothballed them in a large barn. A number of the cars were put on the auction block on Dec. 7, 1998, by Mrs. Twomey.

Some of cars were still able to run when Sothebys at Hendon sold 11 of them at auction. The sale attracted great attention and raised somewhat more money than the newspapers suggested.

The full collection had included eight Rolls Royce, three Bentleys, a Hummer and a 1938 Packard Super 8 limousine.

His wife Molly would like to hear from Ponca City friends. Her address is Mrs. V.H. Twomey, Bryn Glas, The Calvin Bishop’s Castle, Salop, SY95JG, United Kingdom.

Area Calendar

February 3

Opera A La Carte presents “The World of Gilbert and Sullivan,” 8 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, $5 adults, $2 students.

February 3-February 28

“Three Sculptors: Metal.Paper.Wood” art exhibit, 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during evening and weekend performances in the NPAC, free admission, Eleanor Hays Gallery of Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa.

February 4

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

February 6

Fourth Annual Ronnie Kay Sock Hop to benefit Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge, Ponca City, tickets from 765-6782.

February 8

Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., First Methodist Church, 6th and Coolidge, Blackwell, program Luis Cantu, on AARP Social Security information.

High School Preview Day for area seniors, 3:30 p.m., Olin Walcher Conference Center, Northern Oklahoma College Memorial Student Union, Tonkawa.

February 9

Rural Water District No. 1 Annual Meeting, two board members to be elected, all RWD No. 1 members invited, 8 p.m., board meeting to follow, Enterprise School Building on Lake Road.

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60.

February 10

1998 Cotton Crop Review by Oklahoma State University Extension Cotton Production Specialists, 1:30 p.m., Kay County Electric Cooperative Educational Room, Blackwell.

Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center.

February 11

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’, Ponca City.

February 12

Byron Berline, Bluegrass Fiddler, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and Conoco, free admission.

February 13

Bingo, Chili/Stew Dinner, 6 p.m., Burbank Town Hall, proceeds to help Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Expansion, sponsored by Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Gary Puckett Valentine’s Concert, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.

February 15

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, call Beth Wright, 765-6738 for additional information.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Speaker James Knight, Insurance and Medicare Issues for Ostomates, 7 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.

February 16

Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, Ponca City, interested citizens encouraged to attend.

Kaw Lake Association Board of Directors, noon, Golden Corral, Ponca City.

February 19-20

“Belles,” spring play, 8 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, $5 adults, $2 students.

February 20

Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to World War II Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C.

February 21

“Belles,” spring play, 2 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, $5 adults, $2 students.

February 22

Tall Grass Prairie Preserve Slide Show, 7 p.m., downstairs Ponca City Library, public invited, more information Mary McIntyre 918-585-1117.

February 23

The Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra and the Ponca City Civic Chorus combined concert, conducted by Dineo Heilmann and Marie Beyer, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.

February 25-27

“Belles,” spring play, 8 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, $5 adults, $2 students.

February 27

Northern Foundation Invitational Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Maverick Cafeteria, Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa.

March 1

Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35, U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, more information 765-3164.

March 4

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

March 9

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60.

March 11

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’, Ponca City.

March 13

Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to rehab program.

March 16

Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, Ponca City.

Kaw Lake Association, noon, Kay Electric, Blackwell.

DEATHS

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NEWS BRIEFS

Indian Taco Sale — The Ponca Indian United Methodist Church will be hosting an Indian Taco Dinner at the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Phone in orders must be made before 10 a.m. An Indian Taco, drink and dessert will be $3.50. Frybread can be purchased at $1. The church is located six miles south on U.S. 177 and 3/4 mile west.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Afghans Still Available — The Pioneer Woman Afghans make excellent gifts for any occasion and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, they are a great gift idea. The afghans are sold exclusively by the First United Methodist Women and are a fund-raiser for missions. They are available in four colors — burgundy, Hunter green, blue and navy blue. Call 762-1429 or 765-0157 to order for delivery or for more information.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and

insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Chili/Stew Dinner Set — The Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is sponsoring a Bingo, Chili/Stew Dinner, weather permitting, on Feb. 13, starting with dinner at 6 p.m. and bingo at 7 p.m. at the Burbank Town Hall. Proceeds go to help the Burbank Volunteer Fire Department expansion. $5 a card per person to play all night, concession stand available.

The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma Tax Commission Office (Tag Office) will be closed Wednesday, February 10, 1999. If you should have any questions please cal the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building at:

762-8104. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of North Birch Street at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday that a man was being held on a city warrant for domestic assault and battery.

Patriots Meeting — The Kay County Patriots will meet at Conestoga Restaurant, Interstate 35 and U.S. 60, from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. The group will discuss research pertaining to the constitutionality of courts, taxes and banking. For further information, contact Dan Meador, 765-1415.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Annual Cherry Pie Dance — The Chikaskia Valley Square Dance Club will hold its annual Cherry Pie Dance Friday at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect Avenue. Pre-rounds at 7:30 p.m., with cuer George McElhoe with squares starting at 8 p.m. with caller Don Main. Bring your favorite cherry pie or other cherry dessert to share throughout the evening.

Head Country, One half bar-b-q chicken with choice of vegetables, $3.95, Thursday, 4-? p.m. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Flight Breakfast — A flight breakfast, open to the public, is being sponsored by the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at building No 14 at Ponca City Municipal Airport. The cost of the buffet breakfast is $4.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — A vehicular accident at the intersection of South Ninth Street and East Central Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:21 a.m. Tuesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Threatened — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:41 a.m. Tuesday that she had received a threatening telephone call. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Area Youth Joins Army — Matthew S. Spielbusch has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to a year. The recruit also qualifies for a $7,000 enlistment bonus. Spielbusch will report to Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo., for basic training Feb. 18, 1999. He is the son of Joy L. Jackson of 3150 Tonkawa Road, and Richard L. Bell of 1512 Richway Drive, both in Ponca City.

Backstreet Boys in concert...Invite them into your home on Pay Per View! Saturday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m. Have them all to yourself for just $19.95. Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 to order early!

adv.

Senior High Night at GCS — Free Senior High Night at Grand Central Station Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. Music, movies, games and snacks. Call 767-TEEN for details.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Ponca Citian’s Son Joins Air Force — Air Force Airman Elbert E. Goodman has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. During the six week of training, he studied the AF mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. Goodman is the son of Mary Goodman of El Paso, Texas and Elbert E. Goodman Sr. of Tonkawa. He is a 1998 graduate of Sunset High School in El Paso.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:49 a.m. Tuesday that her vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Check Out Feb. winter blowout sale at Twice is Good Thrift Shoppe. 209 S. 2nd. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday that an accident had occurred one mile east of Ponca City on U.S. 60. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. One subject was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

1/2 off-Winter at the NEW location: men’s, plus, maternity, kids, retro too- Back on the Rack. 3rd and Grand. adv.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a vehicle at 1:25 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Broughton Road and Prospect Avenue. Three other officers responded and found items that had been stolen from Wal-Mart and a grand larceny report was taken. The vehicle was towed from the scene and a 24-year-old man was held for public intoxication and resisting arrest.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 1000 block of Riviera Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:09 a.m. Tuesday that someone had vandalized her vehicle. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Graffiti — An employee at Red’s Liquor Store, 2200 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:24 a.m. Tuesday that the building had been spray painted with graffiti. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Liberty Avenue and North Union Street at 11:34 a.m. Tuesday that a 43-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and not wearing a seat belt.

Camera Repairs previously at Graham Photo, now at Creative Photography. Call (580)767-1433. adv.

Vandalism — An employee at Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday that the building had been spray painted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:09 p.m. Tuesday that a 19-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Grass Fire — A man from the 5400 block of Higgins Road reported a grass fire to the Communications Center at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday. Three units from the McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Wallet Stolen — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday that a wallet had been stolen from her while at a business in the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Assault — A woman from the 100 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:41 p.m. Tuesday that she had been assaulted. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Harassment — An employee at Shawn Manor, 2024 Turner Street, requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:18 p.m. Tuesday with a person violating a protective custody order and harassing a patient. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Extra patrol of the area was requested.

Harassment — A person from the 3500 block of North Union Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 9:07 p.m. Tuesday concerning some harassment. Two officers wee assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1500 block of Clarke Street at 10:34 p.m. Tuesday that a 24-year-old man was being he for driving under suspension, illegal tint, and carrying a concealed weapon.

LIFESTYLES

Get Your Computer System Ready For the Year 2000
Little News

Get Your Computer System Ready For the Year 2000

By TRISHA GEDON

OSU Extension Service

STILLWATER — Many Oklahomans are looking forward to the turn of the century and already have made plans for ringing in the year 2000.

However, people need to make sure their personal computers are ready to handle the 21st century as well, said Glenn Muske, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension home-based and micro-business specialist.

“Your computer’s hardware and software both require accurate date processing in order to work correctly,” Muske said. “If your hardware doesn’t recognized the year 2000, your software won’t either. The same may be true for your programs.

So on January 1, 2000, there’s a good possibility some computers and computer-based equipment may not work correctly without some modification.”

Businesses who rely on computers can be affected by the turn of the century. The biggest concern is computers that recognize only the last two digits of a given year. A computer would recognize the double zero not as 2000 but as 1900. This glitch could cause an interruption in computer-driven data systems.

“There’s no single solution to any of the Y2K problems,” Muske said. “Preparing for the year 2000 requires a flexible and immediate plan of action.”

First, be aware of the potential for Y2K problems. Employees, suppliers, service companies, basically everyone with whom you deal should be aware of possible problems and what it will take to get the computer system in compliance.

Second, he suggests conducting an inventory of every automated system with which you work, including automatic feeders, irrigation systems, utilities, communications, accounting, conveyors, etc. Be sure to include hardware, software and embedded chips.

“After identifying your automated systems, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the system is Y2K compliant,” he said. “It’s a good idea to ask for written confirmation from the manufacturer it is compliant. If the system isn’t, request instructions on how to proceed to correct any potential problems.”

For those who are unable to get a letter of compliance, consider which areas of the business are most critical and in need of immediate attention. Set priorities and address them in that order.

There are three options for addressing non-compliant computer systems: (1) upgrade the system to the latest Y2K version, if it is available; (2) replace the system with one that is Y2K compliant; (3) fix systems by scanning all systems and programs to check for date routines or date storage fields and fix them to create compliance.

Muske said the next step is to allow enough time to test your system when developing the plan.

“To test properly, the system date on the computer should be reset to 01-01-2000 and run for an extended period of time,” he said. “Make sure your system calculates leap year correctly.”

While the future is uncertain, it is important to start planning now for all conceivable scenarios once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“Y2K not only impacts your business, but potentially your interaction with support services such as banks, supply warehouses and more,” Muske said. “A solid contingency plan is a must when considering the impact to your business.”

Little News

Scott and Tana Morgan of Ponca City announce the birth of their first child, a son, at 12:59 p.m. on Dec. 30, 1998, in the Stillwater Medical Center. Riley Paul Morgan weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are Harold and Linda Krout of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Buck and Janie Morgan of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Roy and Madelyn Wellington of Jamestown, N.Y.

SPORTS

Matmen Pin Newkirk
Comeback Cats Now Crumbling
Lady Cats Story Has Sad Ending
Soph Girls Still on Roll
Cat JVs Rally To Top Rams
Soph Boys Cold
JV Girls Hold On For Win
Junior High Basketball

Matmen Pin Newkirk

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City’s wrestlers pinned five falls on the undermanned Newkirk Tigers to go along with three forfeits in posting a 51-15 win in the Wildcats final home dual of the season.

The four wrestling seniors were honored before the dual, but only two saw action in their final home appearance.

Josh Bailey, at 119 pounds, was on the sidelines with a rib injury while 171 pounder Toby RedLeaf received one of the Newkirk forfeits.

The other two, 152 pounder Jonathan Schmauch and heavyweight Justin Burns, split their efforts. Burns crowned his home career with a 1:46 fall over Newkirk’s Tyson Morton.

Schmauch lost a close 7-3 decision to Tiger Jordan Ring.

Those two matches were a summery of the dual. Ponca City got all the bonus points while Newkirk won most of the close matches.

Besides Burns, the Wildcats got falls from Shawn Lee at 119 pounds, Michael Osborn at 145, Blaine Empting at 160 and Kyle Duren at 171.

Ponca City’s other win came at 112 pounds where Phillip Brotherton outlasted Tyler Morton, 10-7.

Despite the splurge of bonus points by the Poncans and the lopsided final score, fans at Robson Fieldhouse were treated to some exciting matches.

It started at 112 where Brotherton built and 8-0 lead over the younger Morton, only to have the Tiger reverse the Wildcat to his back near the end of the second period to close the gap to 8-5. The two grapplers exchanged reverses in the third period.

Lee pinned Drew Lockwood with just 38 seconds left in the 119-pound match after a close battle. Lockwood’s escape to start the third period tied the score at 5-4. But Lee got a takedown with 1:21 remaining and turned the Tiger to his back for the extra points.

At 125 pounds, the same scenario was set up when Newkirk’s defending state champion Brandon Parker escaped to start the final period to tie the score with Ponca City’s Clint Stafford at 4-4.

But this time it was the Newkirk wrestler who got the late takedown, with eight seconds remaining, and the back points, for a 9-4 win.

“In Clint’s defense, he is pretty beat up,” Po-Hi coach Todd Steidley said, citing injuries to Stafford’s knees and shoulder. “But still, that is the kind of match we need to win.

In another nail-biter, at 130 pounds, Newkirk’s Ben Vap got a takedown with just 12 seconds left to nudge out Jacob Bailey, 3-1.

After Newkirk forfeited at 135 pounds to Wildcat Scott Steichen, Tiger Brandon Weant held off Matt Littleton for a 7-1 decision.

At that point, Newkirk had won three of the five matches wrestled, but trailed in the team scoring, 21-9.

Ponca City 145-pounder Michael Osborn added to that score when he shocked Newkirk state qualifier Russell Schieber with a takedown to a fall in just 1:24.

Jordan’s Ring’s decision at 152 was Newkirk’s fourth decision, but did little to alter the score much.

Blaine Empting continued the pin parade for the Poncans at 160 pounds, catching Newkirk’s Billy Huster in a head lock for a 1:05 fall.

Ponca City’s Duren dominated Newkirk’s Kevin Cain at 171 before collecting the Poncans third straight first-period fall, in 1:59.

A Newkirk forfeit to RedLeaf, which upset Steidley and the Po-Hi senior, ran the score to 45-12.

But there was time for one more exciting match at 215 where Leo Ring moved up to meet Jason Neurenberg. Once again a third period escape, by Neurenberg, tied the score (8-8), but once again the Newkirk wrestler had the last word with a takedown and near fall near the end of the match for a 13-8 decision.

“I feel we wrested pretty well,” coach Steidley said of the dual. “I was very pleased that this is the first dual all season where we didn’t give up a fall.”

The Wildcats finish off the dual meet season Thursday at Sapulpa and enter the Tulsa Bishop Kelley Tournament Friday and Saturday with Steidley hinting he may give a couple of his grapplers a break to try to heal before the regional tournament Feb. 19-20.

RESULTS

Ponca City 51, Newkirk 15

103 — Swindall (PC) fft

112 — Brotherton (PC) d. Morton, 10-7

119 — Lee (PC) p. Lockwood, 5:22

125 — Parker (N) d. Stafford, 9-4

130 — Vap (N) d. Bailey, 3-1

135 — Steichen (PC) fft

140 — Weant (N) d. Littleton, 7-1

145 — Osborn (PC) p. Scheiber, 1:24

152 — Ring (N) d. Schmauch, 7-3

160 — Empting (PC) p. Huster, 1:05

171 — Duren (PC) p. Cain, 1:59

189 — RedLeaf (PC) fft

215 — Ring (N) d. Neurenberg, 13-8

Hwt — Burns (PC) p. Morgan, 1:46

Mat Stats

Takedowns — Ponca City 11, Newkirk 6. Escapes — Newkirk 7, Ponca City 5, Penalty Points — Newkirk 2, Ponca City 1. Reverses — Ponca City 3, Newkirk 2. 2-Near Falls — Newkirk 1, Ponca City 1. 3-Near Falls — Newkirk 5, Ponca City 4.

Forfeits — Ponca City 3, Newkirk 0. Falls — Ponca City 5, Newkirk 0. Decisions — Newkirk 5, Ponca City 1

Comeback Cats Now Crumbling

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

OWASSO — Maybe it’s the moon, but the Comeback Cats are starting to crumble.

The Wildcat cagers dropped their second straight no-contest decision, falling hard to the Owasso Rams, 56-31, Tuesday.

Richard Hardman poured in 30 points to lead the Rams (4-7, 8-9), including a pair of 3-pointers, and went 9-of-11 from the free throw line. The 6-5 junior, who averages 17.8 points per game, had 30 points in a Jan. 12 match up on the Poncans’ home floor, as well.

“He’s unbelievable,” said Ponca City coach Ron Arthur. “He’s inside, he’s outside — he’s probably the best player in the conference. And the worst thing about it is we’ll have to see him next year.”

Hardman had 10 straight points to open the game, and scored 13 of the Rams’ 15 first half points. The Cats (3-8, 5-12) didn’t get on the board until the 4:45 mark of the first quarter, and though Paul Broome had a 3-pointer to pull the Poncans to within two in the second quarter, 12-10, they fell back to trail 15-11 at the buzzer.

As opposed to the last time these two teams met, the Cats had a hard time adjusting to the Rams’ patient, slow-down style offense.

“They do a good job spreading the floor out and hitting the open man,” said Arthur. “We had a hard time chasing them. It’s hard to get back into it against a team like Owasso.”

Broome finished with 16 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers late in the third quarter to pull the Cats within three, 28-25. However, the Cats’ hottest shooter went down seconds later with a twisted ankle, and though he returned midway through the fourth, the game was already out of hand.

“He was getting hot, and it looked like we were going to get something going,” said Arthur. “(Broome’s injury) hurt us. But we’re just not shooting well right now, as a team. We’re knocking ‘em down in practice, but something happens to us when we get into a game situation.”

Indeed, the Cats shot a ruinous 22 percent (11-of-49) from the field, including just 6-of-28 from 2-point range. The Rams, meanwhile, shot 41 percent (16-of-39).

Hardman opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Cats quickly responded with a 6-0 run. Broome had two, Tom Engle got a steal and a layup, and Nathan Zimmerman added two more to pull the Poncans within one, 18-17 — the closest they would come for the remainder of the game.

The Cats fell behind again by seven, and though Broome pulled them back to within three, the Rams went on a 6-0 run to go up 34-25 at the end of the third quarter.

The Rams then outscored the Poncans 22-6 in the fourth quarter, hitting 14-of-19 from the line.

“We have to put a complete game together,” said Arthur. “We did a pretty good job defensively, until the end.

“But (Owasso) is a good team. They’re good fundamentally, they got the easy baskets in the fourth quarter and they hit their free throws.”

Engle, Zimmerman, Scott Larrison, and Jeremiah Payne had 3 each for the Cats, Craig Thilsted had 2, while Jeff Furnas had 1.

Wisdom Ledgerwood had 16 for the Rams.

The Cats had 19 turnovers to Owasso’s 16, and were outrebounded 26-24. The Rams hit 20-of-29 from the line, compared to just 4-of-9 for the Poncans.

The Cats will try to get back on track on Friday, hosting Sand Springs. The Cats beat the Sandites, 72-69, Dec. 18.

Lady Cats Story Has Sad Ending

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

OWASSO — A New and Improved Edition of the Lady Wildcats’ season saga is being written now.

But someone still needs to rewrite the ending.

Despite more late season improvement, and another highly impressive showing, the Lady Cats lost a gut-wrencher to the Lady Rams of Owasso, 47-45, Tuesday.

This time, it was the wrath of Ellen McElrath that came down hard on the Lady Cats. After five lead changes in the fourth quarter, the Lady Rams’ 5-6 guard hit a zero-trajectory 3-pointer with 16 seconds left to put Owasso up by two, 47-45.

Going for the tie, and the overtime period, the Lady Cats then missed a driving shot to the basket. Jennifer Caughman, the Lady Cats’ second best free throw shooter, was then dropped to the floor on an offensive rebounding attempt, and whistled for traveling.

“It’s hard to tell what’s going on under the basket in a situation like that,” said a diplomatic coach Dana Pulley. “I thought she got hammered, though.”

Despite the auspicious ending, the Lady Cats (1-10, 4-13) played with a remarkable sense of purpose. Desiree Cries For Ribs poured in 16 points, while Laura Sudbury had eight points and eight rebounds. Caughman finished with six, including four in the final 2:29 — both on offensive put-backs.

Brooke Long, 6-feet 2-inches long, finished with 13 for the Lady Rams, including eight in the fourth quarter.

Though not up to the level of several recent games, the Lady Cats still beat their average from the field, shooting 36 percent (17-of-47), had a measly 14 turnovers, and outrebounded the taller Lady Rams 25-22.

“You have to look at every aspect of the game, not just the (finish),” said Pulley. “I felt like we had the momentum from the beginning, and I hope this doesn’t burst our confidence. Things are coming around for us right now.”

The Lady Rams dumped in a trio of 3-pointers in the first half to go up 13-6, mid way through the second quarter. But a 3-pointer from Cries For Ribs, followed by two from Kami Schieber and four straight from Alana Smith led to a 9-2 run before halftime and a tie at the buzzer, 15-all.

Cries For Ribs scored eight points in the third period, including consecutive 3-pointers to put the Lady Cats up by four, 25-21. Though the Lady Rams came back to tie it, Jena Birdsong tossed in another long-range bucket to put the Lady Cats back on top, 32-29.

“It was a game you like to watch, and a game you love to coach,” Pulley continued. “We played hard and stuck with them, and we easily could have won tonight. It’s hard to lose by two when you know you should have won.”

The fourth quarter was definitely a thriller. The Lady Rams pulled out by three in the early going, 36-33, but Sudbury completed a 3-point play after a reverse layup to even the score.

The Lady Rams again opened things up, this time by four, 40-36, but a 3-pointer from Cries For Ribs and a put back by Caughman put the Lady Cats back in the lead, 41-40.

Again, the Lady Rams rattled off four straight points, but Cries For Ribs nailed both ends of a 1-and-1, and after Sudbury picked off a pass on the other end, Caughman got yet another put back to give the Lady Cats their final lead of the game.

Free throws may have cost the Poncans in the fourth quarter, as they went 4-for-7, two of those misses coming on the front end of a 1-and-1. The Lady Rams, meanwhile, were 3-for-4 in the fourth.

For the game, the Lady Cats were just 6-of-11 from the line, while the Lady Rams — who hit 22-of-24 the last time around — were 6-of-7.

Smith, who played just a few minutes due to a lingering shoulder injury, scored 4, Schieber had 4, Birdsong had 3, while Aleena Ames and Tia Williams had 2. Caughman had six rebounds, while Williams had back to back steals in the first quarter. Cries For Ribs also had an impressive block after running down a player on a fast break.

Kelley Scott had 9 for the Lady Rams, Tammy Rohrer and Laura Haws had 8 each, while McElrath had 6.

The New and Improved Lady Cats will put their winning prescription to the test on Friday, hosting Sand Springs. The Lady Sandites fell to Union, 64-43, Tuesday.

Soph Girls Still on Roll

Tara Cries-For-Ribs poured in a career high 26 points to lead the Ponca City sophomore girls to a 49-30 win over Enid here Monday.

Cries-For-Ribs had eight of the Poncans first 10 points as they moved in front 13-9 in the first quarter and never looked back.

“Cries-For-Ribs had the hot hand and other girls did a good job of getting here the ball,” coach Mark Huster said. “She hit four three-pointers on the night and was 6-of-7 from the free throw line.

“In fact as a team we were 13-of-17 in free throws, which is pretty good for us. We’ve been struggling with free throw shooting,” the coach said.

The sophomores built a 20-14 halftime lead and were aheaed 31-22 to start the final period when the ran off and left the visitors behind.

Jessica Plagaman finished with 8 points, Jena Birdsong had 5, Jenni Nimmo 4, Lendsi Frederick 2, Cara Cussack 2, Aubrey Kelley 1 and Tara Trenary 1.

The Ponca Citians have now won seven in a row and stand 8-3 on the season headed into Thursday’s game against Enid Thursday.

Ponca City’s sophomore girls won three straight game to close out last week’s busy schedule.

The Poncans popped Guthrie 51-31 on Thursday and then won two games at the Enid Festival Saturday, topping Stillwater 36-23 and Enid 31-24

The Poncans opened a 22-7 halftime lead over Guthrie and sailed in for the win,

Cries-For-Ribs paced the scoring with 11 points while Kelly had 9, Birdsong 8, J Plagaman 7, Erica Wiles 3, Abby Gebhart 2 and Cussack 1.

Against Stillwater, the sophomores led 15-11 at halftime, but broke fee with an 11-4 run in the third quarter.

Cries-For-Ribs had 13 points in that outing while Cussack had 7, Birdsong 6, Plagaman 6 and Kelly 4.

Against Enid, the Ponca Citians fell behind early, 12-6 but caught up with tough defense to grab a 15-14 halftime advantage and held on in the second half.

Cries For Ribs finished with 10 points while Birdsong had 9, Cussack 6 and Plagaman, Lindsi Frederick and Wiles all had 2 each.

Cat JVs Rally To Top Rams

OWASSO — The Wildcat junior varsity overcame a five point deficit in the fourth quarter to topple the Owasso junior varsity, 41-38, Tuesday.

Billy Broughton scored nine points, all in the second half, and James Anno added eight more to lead the Cats.

Down 36-31 after three, the Cats outscored the Rams 10-2 in the fourth quarter to take the win.

“We didn’t shoot well early on, but we turned it up in the fourth,” said coach Joe Matlock. “And we stuffed (Owasso). We used our half-court trap and match up zone in the fourth and ran it to perfection in the last three minutes.”

The Cats also overcame just 2-of-9 shooting from the free throw line. The Rams were 6-of-12.

Tim Frick had 6, Thad Cardwell 5, Jared Brashears 4, Josh Pitts 3, while Jason Beguin, John Abel and Derek Colvin had 2 each.

The junior varsity will host Sand Springs, Friday.`

Soph Boys Cold

Ponca City’s Wildcat sophomore ran into a cold shooting spell in the second half of their game against Enid Monday that developed into a near-freeze out in the fourth quarter.

The Poncans managed just one field goal in the final period to fall, 58-40, to the Pioneers.

“Again, we played well for three quarters,” coach Jerry Orr said. “But we did not rebound well on the defensive end,

“Overall I thought we played well enough to win. But we do have to shoot the ball better, especially late in the game,

Ponca City clung to a 21-20 halftime lead, but fell behind 39-33 at the end of three quarters. Then the basket froze over fore the Cats down the stretch.

Anthony Dewberry and Kris Upchurch paced the Ponca City scoring with 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Michael Martin and Tim Rathburn each had 7 points.

The sophomore will face Stillwater Thursday in Robson Fieldhouse, starting at 6 p.m.

JV Girls Hold On For Win

Despite just a 2-point effort in the fourth quarter, the Lady Wildcat junior varsity held on for the win over Owasso’s junior varsity, 30-25, Tuesday.

Down by ten, 28-18, to start the fourth quarter, the Lady Rams went on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to three. The Lady Cats got an insurance basket at he 1:44 mark, however, and held their foes scoreless from there.

Allison Stotts scored nine points, and three others had four each in the Lady Cat win. The Poncans launched to a 19-11 lead at halftime, and despite hitting just 4-of-12 from the line, held on for the win.

The Lady Rams were led by Jennifer West, with 13, and hit 5-of-10 from the line.

Jessica Plagman, Tara Cries For Ribs, and Lyndsi Frederick had 4 each, Nikki Stuemky had 3, while Cara Cusick, Brooke Hines and Aubrey Kelly had 2.

The Lady Cats will host Sand Springs, Friday.

Junior High Basketball

Eighth Grade Girls

Ponca City Red 30, Blackwell 7

The 8th grade girls Red team (12-4) bowled over Blackwell, Monday, 30-7.

The Reds held Blackwell to just one, first half point.

“Everyone got to play, and we played much better defensively,” said coach Tracy Scott. “They learned to jump to the ball, and a good defense is your best offense.”

Lauren Cartlidge had 7 points, Kelly Waddell and Ann Ziegenhain had 6 each, Christin Nicks 4, Kristina Huddleson 3, and Jennifer Stone and Nicole Starnes had 2 each.

The Reds will play again on Thursday, traveling to Enid Emerson.

Ponca City Blue 41, Stillwater 29

In a battle to determine the outright winner of the Northern Oklahoma Conference, the 8th grade Blues hammered Stillwater, 41-29, Tuesday.

The Blues finish a perfect 7-0 in league play, and 13-4 overall.

“I was so impressed,” said coach Calvin English. “We shot probably 60 or 70 percent, and played awesome in the first half. Our defensive pressure was great in the half court, too.”

Kelli Wedd had a trio of 3-pointers in the first half to launch the Blues to a 25-8 halftime advantage. The Blues also held Stillwater scoreless in the second quarter.

Wedd and Melissa Fore had 11 points each, Brittany Cook had 6, Laura Sprehe 5, Jamie Prado 4, while Morgan Meister and Chelsea Hill had 2 each.

Eighth Grade Boys

Stillwater 47,

Ponca City Blue 37

Ponca City’s eighth grade Ble boys were able to stay with Stillwater for the first half, but fell behind in the second half to lose, 47-37, Tuesday.

The score was tied 22-22 at halftme

Chance Coldiron had 11 points, Chance Hunt 6, Steven Morris 6, David Sikes 5, Kyle Megenity 5 and Michael Bales 2.