LOCAL

Albright UMC Sets Cook-Off
State Vets Awareness Day Feb. 9
Ponca Citian Key Player During Recent American Legion Conference
Influenza Hits Warning Stage in Oklahoma
Long-Time Noon Lion Leaving Ponca City; Club Hears From Po-Hi Athletic Coaches
Gospel Music Singing Star Here Sunday for Concert

Albright UMC Sets Cook-Off

The Albright youth will be holding their annual chili cook-off for the congregation immediately following worship service on Sunday, Feb. 7. To broaden the tastebuds, stew has also been added to the menu this year.

Members of the church have been asked to enter their prize winning recipes and bring their favorite pot of chili or stew. Prizes will be awarded. The cost of the meal will be donation only and all proceeds will go for youth summer camp and a mission trip.

Feb. 7 has also been designated Youth Sunday. Many of the youth will be participating in various aspects of the worship service. Everyone is encouraged to dress “western” and come for worship, fellowship, and a great meal after church.

State Vets Awareness Day Feb. 9

All Oklahoma citizens are encouraged to participate in the 1999 Veterans Awareness Day Ceremony and celebration at the Oklahoma State Capitol from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Feb. 9. A formal ceremony will be held in the House of Representative Chambers beginning at 9 a.m.

Veterans may join other veterans groups in formally addressing the Oklahoma House and Senate and afterwards may visit their elected leaders to discuss issues and legislation of particular interest to veterans and veterans families.

Gov. Frank Keating will be keynote speaker with House of Representative Speaker Loyd Benson; President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor; Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Sam Helton; and House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman, Rep. Ron Kirby, delivering additional remarks.

Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Phil Boatner said, “Veterans Awareness Day is an important day to all Oklahoma veterans. It allows them to address their elected officials and express their concerns and opinions about veterans issues.”

Ponca Citian Key Player During Recent American Legion Conference

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Roselynn Utech of Ponca City was a key player in the American Legion Membership and Post Activities Conference held Jan. 9-10, at Legion National Headquarters here.

Utech joined 35 other key Legionnaires from across the United States at this special membership planning session to develop leadership strategies that will carry the nation’s largest veterans organization with 2.8 million members into the new millennium.

“The purpose of this weekend was to fine-tune our membership recruiting and training strategies to increase our membership,” says Utech. “It’s through the strength of our membership that we can provide the support that our veterans, their families and communities need.”

Currently, The American Legion sponsors programs in Scouting, Flag education, high school oratorical competition, American Legion baseball, Boy’s State, school awards, teenage suicide prevention, child health, and the McGruff Safe Kids program across the country. Localized programs of support for a community can range from fund raising for Scout troops to entering partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce to answer special needs of the community.

The American Legion has been and still is the driving force in the fight for veteran entitlements since its creation in 1919. Programs such as Veterans Home Loan, Veterans Job Preference and the Montgomery G.I. Education Bill were initiatives of the Legion. Equally aggressive are the American Legion’s efforts to build youth and family programs in the communities.

Utech, special consultant to the Legion’s National Internal Affairs Commission, said, “I am definitely going to let our community and our local veterans know how the American Legion can be of service right here (in Ponca City). The ALNIA Commission oversees membership and post activities for 2.8 million members.

For more information about the American Legion, contact Utech at (580) 765-5479.

Influenza Hits Warning Stage in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Influenza Alert! Influenza has hit the warning stage in Oklahoma, and surveillance network is tracking severe outbreak using first flu diagnostic, it was noted this week.

The National Flu Surveillance Network (NFSN) has declared the state of Oklahoma is at Influenza Warning stage due to a marked increase of flu in the area this first week of February. Influenza Warning indicates that influenza is being reported to NFSN flu sites daily and at increasing numbers.

The NFSN surveillance sites in Oklahoma are reporting peak levels of influenza in February after seeing flu cases steadily rise in January. Influenza was first reported to the NFSN in Oklahoma in mid-November when an early outbreak put the state on influenza Watch status. NFSN put Oklahoma on influenza Alert status in early December when flu cases became sporatic.

Contact the NFSN website at 222.flu-alert.com for real-time flu updates. The NFSN is a network of physicians around the country using the latest technology in influenza diagnosis to give real-time access to the spread of flu. ZstatFlu is the primary testing component of the NFSN. This test is the first rapid point-of-care test to diagnose all strains of influenza A & B in the doctor’s office with a simple throat swab.

NFSN categorizes the spread of influenza into three outbreak classifications: Influenza Watch indicates the first two confirmed cases of flu detected in a region, Influenza Alert is issued when cases of influenza occur at a site every other cay, and Influenza Warning is issued when daily positive flu tests occur at a surveillance site.

Any person who thinks they are coming down with influenza symptoms should immediately contact their personal physician for evaluation. This will ensure they get the best influenza treatment, which may be anti-viral medications. Antibiotic medication is of no use in the treatment of influenza unless complications are suspected by the patient’s physician.

Influenza is a potentially fatal illness, especially among individuals most at risk for complications, including the elderly, children, individuals with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. It is estimated that more than 10,000 influenza-associated deaths occur on average each year in the U.S. In 1994, an estimated 30 million people contracted influenza nationwide and cost nearly 70 million lost workdays.

In the U.S., influenza season typically runs from November to April. It is spread by simple casual contact and is most contagious in its early stages, before infected individuals are even aware they are carrying the virus. The incubation period for influenza is a short 1-4 days. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches and weakness.

ZstatFlu positive tests are 99 percent accurate in diagnosing both influenza A and B. The test is very simple requiring no more than 60 seconds of hands-on time in the lab with results in 30 minutes at the point of care, usually while the patient is still in the doctor’s office. Previous influenza laboratory tests took several days to several weeks to render a diagnosis. In that time a patient’s flu had either gone misdiagnosed, run its course, or grown into a serious life threatening illness. Without proper diagnosis influenza is often mistaken for a bacterial infection and antibiotics are over-prescribed. (Antibiotics have no impact on influenza). And while antibiotics are being over-used, anti-viral medications, which can slow influenza, are being underused.

Long-Time Noon Lion Leaving Ponca City; Club Hears From Po-Hi Athletic Coaches

By MAX STOKESBERRY

News Staff Writer

Dr. Evans T. Moseley bade farewell to his fellow Noon Lions, and the head coaches of three Po-Hi athletic teams spoke at last week’s club meeting in the American Legion Hall.

Only Todd Steidler and his wrestlers have more victories than defeats at this stage of the season but, like Steidler, basketball coaches Dana Pulley and Ron Arthur remain proud of their Lady Cats and Wildcat hoopsters. They continue to be enthusiastic and look to each contest as an opportunity to improve their win column numbers.

Athletic director Rusty Benson introduced the coaches and also spoke briefly. In answer to a question from the audience Benson said Po-Hi’s enrollment ranks it No. 21 among the state’s 32 largest schools (Class 6A). The largest school is Broken Arrow with about 4,300 students, and another Ponca City opponent, Tulsa Union, has 3,200.

Rev. Moseley announced that he and his wife Frances are moving to Harrodsburg, Ky., and expect to leave Feb. 12.

Except for four years in Shawnee, where he held high positions in the administration of Oklahoma Baptist University, Moseley has called Ponca City home since 1954. He brought his family here from Kentucky and was pastor of the First Baptist Church for 10 years. His first wife, Emma Lee, died in 1997.

An Army chaplain in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Moseley transferred his Lions membership to Ponca City. He served the local club as president, and his Thanksgiving season messages were traditional Lions fare until recent years.

Roy Kennedy celebrated his birthday Jan. 27 by personally presenting each Lions member with a penny. These coins were minted prior to 1983 and, thus, are pure copper. He said the one-cent pieces are now made of aluminum with a copper coating.

Sam Sheehan, program chairman for January, contracted with Danny Thompson to update the club on its eyeglass assistance program. Starting in 1993, when he became club president, Thompson has been one of the leaders in this project. He reported that 27 children and 12 adults have been assisted in obtaining glasses since last July and about 400 people have been helped in the past five years.

Dr. Bill Stuever, an optometrist and Lions member, is among the other active volunteers. In order to expand the program, adults are now being asked to pay a part of the expense, when able to do so. Students needing glasses, and unable to pay for them, are assisted by school nurses in making application. Thompson said the After Five Lions have joined with the Noon club in the program.

Guests at this meeting were Terry Long and Mayor Tom Leonard. The mayor explained the Blue Card being made available to city residents, to be used in submitting complaints or concerns about services and programs of the city.

Susan Ladner introduced Michael Montgomery, president of the Mid-High Leo Club, and Jessica McCauley, a member. They reported on service projects in which the Leos have been involved.

Charles Pittman was presented a key member pin by club president Johnnie Hollingsworth for sponsoring two new members.

Gospel Music Singing Star Here Sunday for Concert

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Albert E. Brumley Jr., a household word in Gospel Music and former Nashville and Branson area recording artist will be in concert at Crestview Baptist Church, Ponca City, Sunday at 6 p.m. The public is invited.

Albert Jr. will be singing many of the old favorite Gospel and folk songs written by his father Albert Sr. including, “I’ll Meet You in the Morning,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “This World is Not My Home,” and others.

According to Crestview Baptist Church pastor Virgil Swift, Albert Jr., will also share 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.

Brumley grew up in a world of music located in the Missouri Ozarks and like his dad, proved to be a ‘natural.’ He began making regular personal appearance and singing professionally on radio and television at an early age.

After a hitch in the U.S. Navy, Albert Jr. returned to his music and for 14 years performed on a daily TV show in Bakersfield, Calif. He also recorded for Capitol Records and worked with country music stars Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Tommy Collins, Tommy Duncan and Rose Maddox. Eventually Brumley moved to Nashville and performed with Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, Sonny James, Larry Gatlin and Barbara Mandrell

Feeling the call to pick up where his father left off he returned to the Ozarks and now performs at the world famous “Precious Moments” gift shop collectible figurines and tourist park at Carthage, Mo. He performs three shows per day except Wednesday.

Albert Jr. is dedicated to preserving the famous songs written by his father. Albert E. Brumley Sr., was a member of the Nashville songwriters Hall of Fame, Ozark Hall of Fame and one of the first inductees into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The legendary composer also has a highway named in his honor in Missouri.

In addition to the Gospel songs, some Brumley favorites include “Flowers In The Wildwood,” “Little Pine Log Cabin,” “Rank Strangers,” “My Mother’s Mansion,” and “Did you Ever Go Sailin?”

Brumley songs have been favorites for recordings by a variety of artists including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, The Boston Pops Orchestra, Blackwood Brothers, The Florida Boys and the Chuck Wagon Gang, to name a few.

The public is invited to hear “Brumley sing Brumley” at Crestview Baptist Church, Sunday at 6 p.m. The church is located east of Ponca City at Indian Hills Road, and U.S. 60, (four miles east of the new river bridge).

DEATHS

Leo H. Garriott
Francis D. Hatten
Julia Chloe Rhoads
Wesley Wilda

Leo H. Garriott

Leo H. Garriott, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening Feb. 3, 1999 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 60.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Don Stanton, pastor, Faith Tabernacle Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Leo H. Garriott was born April 17, 1938, in Cherryvale, Kan., the son of Ancil Lee and Amelia C. (Phieffer) Garriott. At an early age he moved to Ponca City and attended Lincoln Elementary School before attending the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, graduating from there in 1959.

He worked for Groendyke Trucking for a few years before going to work for the City of Ponca City in the Sanitation Dept. He worked for the City for 27 years until his retirement due to failing health.

On Dec. 19, 1975 he was married to Lucille Kizziar at the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk. The couple made their home in Ponca City. He enjoyed playing Bingo.

Surviving are his wife, Lucille, of the home; a son, Larry Garriott, of Ponca City, two daughters, Teresa Garriott of Medford and Shiela Hanning of Seminole, Texas; three stepsons, Leon Kizziar, Clyde Kizziar, and Billy Kizziar, all of Ponca City and one stepdaughter, Dorothy Horinek, of Ponca City; a sister, Sharon Mora, of Ponca City and his twin brother, Lee Garriott; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Honorary casket bearers will be employees of the Ponca City Sanitation Dept.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Intensive Care Unit, c/o Sandy Gearhart, P.O. Box 1270, Ponca City, OK 74602.

The family will be at 2900 North Union, No. 121.

Obituaries

Francis D. Hatten

Francis D. Hatten, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday Feb. 3, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 89.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Jan. 26, 1910, in Summerfield, Kan. He was one of four children born to Adelbert and Mary Ardella (Anderson) Hatten. The family moved to Ponca City when he was in elementary school. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Ponca City Junior High and High School. Two years ago he was recognized as the oldest alumni attending the Lincoln School Reunion.

On May 17, 1933, he was married to Mildred Day in Ponca City. The couple had been married more than 65 years. Mr. Hatten was employed by Miller Markets in Ponca City for 31 years, retiring in 1973. Following his retirement he worked for the Elks Lodge for a number of years. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge.

Surviving are his wife, Mildred, of Ponca City; a daughter, Patricia Baughman of Tulsa; a sister, Neva Smith of Grand Prairie, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Harold Baughman, Frances Newberry, Glen Baughman, Roger Baughman, Sarah Clay, David Newlin, Debbie White, Melanie Haywood, Lori Watson, Chandra “Charlie” Hatten, Bill Dewayne Wiggs, and Charlie Wiggs; 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three children, Norma, Barbara and Delbert; and three grandchildren, Della Lourene and twins, Jana and Christopher; and two sisters, Cecil and Myrtle.

Honorary casket bearers will be great-grandchildren, Jason Newlin, Kevin Newlin, Devin Newlin, Kurt Crowder, Kyle Crowder, Clint White, Cassie Crowder, Stephen Clay, and Ruth Ann White.

The family will be at 839 North Birch.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Julia Chloe Rhoads

Julia Chloe Rhoads, former White Eagle resident, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999, at Parkview Hospital in El Reno. She was 67. Survivors include her husband, Arleigh Rhoads. Prayer services will be held today and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church, White Eagle. A traditional Indian feast will be held at noon, Sunday, Feb. 5, at the church, followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Wesley Wilda

Wesley Wilda, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 82. Local survivors include his wife, Dorothy of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Newkirk Church Announces Service — New Mt. Olive Church in Newkirk will be sponsoring a fellowship service on Sunday, Feb. 7 with the Rev. Jimmy Jones of Pawhuska as the special guest speaker. The service will begin at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items. Spring

open, Saturday February 13th.adv.

Item Missing — A man from the 700 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:30 a.m. Thursday that a construction tool had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma Tax Commission Office (tag of-

fice) will be closed Wednesday, February 10, 1999. If you should

have any questions please cal the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building at:

762-8104. adv.

Wrong Area Code — An incorrect area code was given for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Alva in a story on Wednesday concerning a representative being in the Kay County area on Feb. 3. The correct number to call for an appointment is (580) 327-8608.

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.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and Hartford Avenue at 1:34 p.m. Thursday that a 45-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension, having an expired tag, having no insurance and not wearing a seat belt.

Singles Activities Told — Singles Connection Network plans a Sock Hop on Saturday at the Elks Lodge at 8 p.m., and on Tuesday they plan to meet at the American Legion for a shrimp dinner at 5 p.m., followed by dance lessons.

February Sweetheart deal. Big pool tournament at the Blue Lite,

Saturday, February 6th, 7 p.m. Guaranteed $100 payout. Entry

starts at 6 p.m. 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. Call 762-1429 or 765-0157 to order for delivery or for more information.

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.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of North Elm Street at 12:59 p.m. Thursday that a 36-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to obey.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 5th.

For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a report of an accident six miles west of Waverly Street on West Highland Avenue at 9:29 a.m. Thursday. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and one subject was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Ponca Tribal Meeting — A Ponca Tribal community meeting will be held concerning the submittal of a proposal application to the Health and Human Service Administration for Native American (ANA) for funding for a Ponca Tribal Language Project, Phase II in fiscal year 1999. The meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, at noon at the Jules Valdez Social Service building conference room, White Eagle. The purpose of the meeting is to solicit public participation in developing this year’s ANA Language Phase II proposal application. All interested tribal and community members are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Phyllis Rush at Ponca Tribal Housing Authority (580) 762-3009.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Elm Street at 1:09 p.m. Thursday that a 21-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension and having no insurance.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat

beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215

South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Vehicle Stolen — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:01 p.m. Thursday to report his vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris-

ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Items Missing — A clerk at Conoco, South Waverly Street and West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:03 p.m. Thursday a man had taken a carton of cigarettes without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Beer Stolen — A clerk at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported a teen-age boy had stolen a 30-pack of beer and ran south in the alley. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that most of the beer was recovered near a dumpster.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

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

Vehicle Damaged — A person from the 300 block of South Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:33 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been hit sometime during the evening while parked in front of the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

R&G Style Shoppe, Newkirk. Will be closed February 5-8, for

remodeling. adv.

Purse Found — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 10:05 p.m. Thursday that a subject had found a purse in the 500 block of East Bradley Avenue. The Communications Center had received a 911 call at that time also that the owner of the purse had just reported a vehicle broken into while at the YMCA and the purse was missing. A report was taken.

John Deere -Free pickup and delivery in Ponca City area for

spring tune-ups on John Deere equipment. Offer good month of

February only. Call early for appointment. Throop Lawn and

Garden Equipment. 765-3645. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:29 p.m. Thursday that a 26-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Daffodils for Cancer — Daffodils either by the bunch at $5 or the Box (50 bunches) for $250 may be ordered now from the Kay County Unit of the American Cancer Society. The bright yellow blooms will arrive in Ponca City in time for Daffodil Sunday, Feb. 21, and are excellent for church alter flowers, handouts by local businesses, or as memorials or gifts for victims of cancer. Call Debbie at 765-9913 or Brad at 762-6614 to place orders. All proceeds used to promote cancer prevention education or provide services for cancer victims.

Citation Issued — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 2:18 a.m. today that a subject had been driving in the area of 2100 block of North Union with loud exhaust pipes. An officer assigned was unable to find the subject, but at 3:35 a.m., two other officers responded to a similar call in the area and a citation was issued to the driver.

Purse Missing — A woman from the YMCA reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:24 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been broken into and a purse was stolen. An officer was assigned, and a report was taken that the purse was found in the 900 block of North Seventh Street belonging to the woman, however contents were missing.

Disturbance — An officer requested assistance at 5:27 p.m. in the 300 block of South Second Street concerning a disturbance. Three other officers responded and a 29-year-old man was held for public intoxication, and a 33-year-old woman was held for obstruction of an officer.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:12 p.m. Thursday that a 37-year-old man was being held on a city warrant.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:18 p.m. Thursday. Four officers responded as did three units from the Ponca City Fire Department. An ambulance took two subjects to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. A report was taken.

Cattle Struck — A driver of a truck reported to the Communications Center at 4:08 a.m. Friday that some cattle in the roadway 10.5 miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 had been struck. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Osage County Sheriff’s Office were notified to handle the situation.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:25 p.m. Thursday that a house was on fire in the 100 block of Roadrunner. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation, which turned out to be a grass fire.

Altercation — An employee at the Ponca City High School requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:24 a.m. Thursday concerning an altercation on Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Second street at 12:06 a.m. today that an 18-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for destruction of private property.

Abandoned Bicycle — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:24 p.m. Thursday that someone had abandoned a bicycle in the 300 block of East Walnut Avenue. Animal Control was contacted to handle the situation.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 3:21 p.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 3:46 p.m. Thursday that a minor accident had occurred in the parking lot of Pioneer Technology Center. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglarized — A woman from the 100 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:58 p.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been broken into and some items were missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:24 a.m. today that an accident had occurred in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street. Two officers responded and a report was taken. A vehicle reportedly had left the scene but was located in the 700 block of North Fifth Street and was towed from there.

Caution on Monday — The first phase of the project widening at the intersection of North Waverly Street and Industrial Boulevard will begin Monday. Crews will be working on the east half of the road. The intersection will remain open, but motorists are asked to use caution in the construction area and obey the traffic signs for the safety of the construction workers and other motorists.

LIFESTYLES

Luxury of Homes, Casualness Redefined
Bits and Pieces
Eden Alternative Topic for Xi Zeta Lambda

Luxury of Homes, Casualness Redefined

By BARBARA MAYER

For AP Special Features

Americans are credited with inventing the casual way of life.

But how is casual defined in 1999?

“A new casualness in American decorating can take many forms,” says Mike Strohl, author of “New American Style”

It can mean using luxurious fabrics like brocade or damask in a family room, or placing a formal antique next to a piece of furniture from a flea market.

“Touches of gold show up often in casual rooms as a fabric element, in paint or on wall covering.” Strohl says. “In some cases, you might even see a gilded chair, which is not ‘over the top’ if it is paired with low-key furniture.”

Luxury and casual are being turned on their heads in home furnishings products.

Chinese takeout containers and place mats are featured as “affordable luxuries” in Elements, a Spiegel mail-order catalog. But the containers are porcelain and the place mats are velvet, with matching napkins.

And what is defined as appropriate furniture for the dining room, living room and kitchen is changing, says Irene Wilson, vice president of trend forecasting and consumer behavior at Spiegel Catalog.

‘‘A year ago, we did a study that asked our customers what items were actually in their various rooms,’’ she says. “We found telephones, answering machines and fax machines were in the dining room. Only 2 percent of our customers were eating regularly in their dining room.”

And as the dining room is being filled with electronics, the kitchen is becoming the place for accessories like chandeliers, area rugs and soft window treatments — “the kind of products formerly associated with the living room,” she says.

Ken Gruskin, architect and partner in AGM Architecture of Union, N.J., says luxury used to be something everyone recognized.

“Some older clients still think of luxury as pampering and dressing up,” he says. “But baby boomers have a new definition of luxury focused more on people defining themselves as individuals. ‘‘What’s luxury to one person may mean absolutely nothing to anyone else.”

Typical of recent unique “luxuries” that AGM Architects have designed for clients: a secret door that leads to a small, private home office and an indoor basketball court for an attorney with hoop dreams.

“Home spas and elaborate master bedroom suites are very common requests, as are whirlpool tubs, steam showers and lots of closets,” Gruskin says.

Peter Hunsinger, publisher of Architectural Digest magazine, says today’s consumers are motivated by design, not status. “A recent example of successful design is the new Volkswagen car, which is not expensive but a radically different design.”

“Good contemporary design is the attribute that distinguishes successful brands,” he says. “Luxury also has to do with comfort. People want to be able to sit comfortably in their living room, whether they’re dressed in blue jeans or a tuxedo.”š

Bits and Pieces

The First Lutheran Woman’s Guild will be sponsoring its Valentine Salad Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The luncheon will be held in the First Lutheran Fellowship Hall and a variety of salads will be available, including the traditional hot chicken salad. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from members of the guild or from the church or school offices. Proceeds from the luncheon will go towards the church organ fund.

Eden Alternative Topic for Xi Zeta Lambda

Members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Jan. 14 at the home of Cassandra Kifiak.

Jill Sims presented video, handouts and discussion regarding the Eden Alternative — a revolutionary approach to a long-term care facility. The Eden Alternative is an alternative to people in nursing homes dying of loneliness and boredom.

The core concept is strikingly simple — to see nursing homes as habitats for human beings rather than as institutions for the frail and elderly. The Eden Alternative seeks to eliminate the three plagues of long-term care institutions — loneliness, helplessness and boredom and replace with plants, companion animals and children. The process has been proven highly successful, resulting in decreasing staff turnover rates, use of medications, infection rates, and resident mortality rates.

Dottie Johnstone, president, called the meeting to order and members stood for the opening ritual. Doretta Jackson, secretary, took the roll and read the minutes, and Judy Mallory gave the treasurer’s report.

Members voted to donate to the endowment plan and approved all current charities. Cookbook Contest entries are due March 1. Everyone was reminded Valentine Dance to be at the Elks on Feb 13. Next meeting will be held at Jackie Hall’s home, and Sue Robertson will be in charge of the program. The social committee will be planning the pre-party to honor our Valentine Queen, Jill Sims. The party will be at the home of Terri Whiting. Items are being gathered for the scrap book, and a working sessions will be Tuesdays at 7 pm. The service committee will meet Feb. 28 to make favors for Valentines Day for meals on wheels recipients. The chapter will participate in the Exemplar Ritual for Eta Zeta chapter on Feb. 2.

RELIGION

First Lutherans Announce Plans
Church Briefs
POP Lutherans Set One Service
Local Free Lutheran Church Joins in Mission Effort

First Lutherans Announce Plans

Jesus says in the Gospel Lesson for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany that Christians are to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” At First Lutheran Church on Feb. 7 Pastor Tom Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Wedded for Witness: Active in the Local Community.” The sermon will be based on the Gospel from Matthew 5 which is a part of the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus speaks of how His followers are to provide a “Flavor enhancer” to the earth. Christ’s obedient servants are to witness as they are active in their everyday life in the community.

The Senior Choir’s anthem "Ye Servants of God” speaks of proclaiming His message to all. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. Included in the liturgy will be a litany for the Mite Box in which prayers will be offered for the blessings upon the mites to help students preparing for full-time service in the Church.

Feb. 14 will be “Friends and Family” Sunday at First Lutheran. The Fitz Family, a Lutheran evangelistic team, will be in charge of both morning services. They will use skills of juggling and balance in their presentation of the Gospel message. A pot-luck dinner will be held in the school gym following the second service. The community is invited to attend this special type of worship and fellowship.

Church Briefs

Woodlands Christian Sets Laity Sunday

Laity Sunday will be observed this Sunday at Woodlands Christian Church, planned by the Worship Ministry Team, and will be led by lay members speaking on the theme, “The Journey Now”. Speakers will include Patty Ladd, Ken Smith and Merle Rozell. The Chancel Choir, directed by Marilyn Merle, will sing “A Servant in His House” and the offertory music will be “Traumerie”, a piano solo by Linda Catlin. Others participating will be Marty Ladd, Regina Smith, Vera Bateman, Steve Petersen, Terry Boring and Mary Ann Lincoln. Also participating will be Marty Ladd, Regina Smith, Verna Bateman, Steve Petersen, Terry Boring and Mary Ann Lincoln. Also, LaWanda Springer, Andrea Haynes, Debbie Turner, Teri Guss, Harley Harger, Fay Nix and Scilla Drake. Georgianna Adams will direct the choir and Nancy Kruckeberg will be the musician.

Pentecostal Church of Ponca City Sets

‘Special Singing’

A special singing guest, Mark Green, will be at the Pentecostal Church of Ponca City, 523 South Waverly, Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited to come and hear Mark.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m. and Wednesday 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult.

“Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, ‘We shall hear you again concerning this.’” Acts 17:32.

Paul’s preaching in Athens proved once again that people commonly respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ in one of two ways. Some criticize the message or scoff at the messenger. Others want to learn more, because they see some truth in the teaching. They want to ponder what they have heard, ask some questions, hear some more, and then decide whether to change their lives based upon the truths they have learned.

Ministerial Alliance Sets Meeting

The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will meet at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Conference Room A on Thursday, Feb. 11 at noon.

The meeting will include a free luncheon and short talk by Gary England, CEO at the hospital. All area ministers are urged to be present.

St. Paul’s UMC Spud Dinner and Youth Slave Sale Set

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church youth are cooking potatoes and auctioning themselves off to the highest bidders at 12 noon on Sunday, Feb. 14. This fund-raiser supports St. Paul’s youth program.

Please come and enjoy good food and purchase a youth to do a household chore, rake the yard, or baby-sit! St. Paul’s is located at 1904 North Pecan.

Ark City Church Plans Special Service

A celebration of Black History is scheduled for St. James AME Church in Arkansas City where J.P. Taylor is pastor. Special guest for the service will be the Rev. J.O. Lang of Emmanuel Church of God in Pawhuska.

A Soul Food Snack will be served following the service, it was announced, and folks planning to attend are asked to were old-fashioned clothing. Worship time is 6 p.m. and everyone is invited.

Bible Meetings Scheduled

Bible Meetings (non-denominational) have been scheduled at the Ponca City Pioneer Motor Bank, 14th and Lake Road, and everyone is welcome. The meetings are set for Sundays, Feb. 7, 21 and 28 at 3:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m., and all the Fridays in February at 7:30 p.m. For more information, you may call Yvonne Stephens or Lavina Swenson at 580-363-4532. Everyone welcome.

POP Lutherans Set One Service

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner Road, returns to one worship service this Sunday, Feb. 7 with Sunday School set for 9 a.m. for ages pre-school through adult. Worship service commences at 10 a.m. followed by a fellowship hour. A nursery will be available during Sunday School and church.

The Women’s Bible Study meets Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Renaissance at 1 p.m. Church Council is set for 7 p.m. the same evening.

Junior and Senior confirmation instruction convenes Tuesday and Wednesday at 4 p.m., respectively. “Jesus Little Sprouts”, a youth group for children grades 1-6 gathers on Wednesday evening, Feb.10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children are invited to bring a friend. For more information, call Tammy at 767-1648.

Anyone interested in serving on the Evangelism committee is encouraged to attend the meeting Thursday , Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Zimmerman’s. Jim and Jannie Ross will host a church gathering on Saturday, Feb. 13. Watch the church bulletin for more details.

Anyone seeking a church family is invited to attend Prince of Peace. Pastor Keck is available for pastor care by calling 762-7698.

Local Free Lutheran Church Joins in Mission Effort

A recent mission trip to Mexico and South Texas was a joint project of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ponca City; Calvary Free Lutheran in Arlington, S.D., and Christ the King in Pipeston, Minn.

Those from Ponca City were Pastor Tim Hurley, Karen Ley, Tammy Stewart, Seth Stewart, and Jacob Stewart.

January 7, the two groups from South Dakota and Minnesota met and spent the night here in Ponca City, and on Jan. 8 the groups were joined by Good Shepherd Lutheran and traveled south to San Juan, Texas. The following week was filled with many rewarding experiences as the mission team got opportunities to minister in Mexico with the giving of Bible and money.

The mission team stayed at The New Life League in San Juan, Texas. This also gave them an opportunity to purchase Bibles on the property, as they have a border ministry with a printing press which prints Bibles and other religious material to be used all over the world.

End of the Road Ministries, run by Pastor Ralph Morales, is a homeless shelter and drug and alcohol rehab center. The group had an opportunity to work for this mission — painting the shelter and clearing a lot for a building to include classroom for Victory Temple Youth Church. This is a high risk gang neighborhood, according to Morales, who is doing great work through Christ in working with the people in his area, according to the Ponca City group’s report.

The group had an opportunity to hear testimonies from three people who have gone through his program of rehabilitation. Tammy Stewart of Ponca City, a member of the local team, said, “God surely does work miracles and it is so wonderful to see what He has done and be a part of it!”

EDUCATION

Honor Rolls Listed at Frontier School
Students Receive Tutoring from Rotary Club
Mid-High Mathcounts To Participate at Regionals
Early Childhood Conference Set
Mid-High Principal’s Honor Roll Released
Roosevelt Students Named State Champions
Local Share Students Receive Diplomas
Oklahoma School Enrollment Still On Rise

Honor Rolls Listed at Frontier School

The first semester honor rolls have been announced for Frontier School.

First grade students on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll include Jamie Adcock, Gavin Burk, Bailey Coble, Carlie Evans, Hope Conneywerdy, Josh Gum, Jeremy Haley, Angel Huff, Cale Jackson and Teonna Wardlow. Also Brandon Crenshaw, Sasha Keys, Jessica Kodesh, Justine Kodesh, Brandi Lane, Adelina Ramirez, Kirsten Thompson, Angel Ochoa and Naomi Roubedeaux, all second graders.

Third graders on the honor roll are Jamie Andrews, Angela Cook and Dustin Ratliff. Also Jack Graves, fourth grader.

Students included on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for the fifth grade are Holly Buxton, Royce Forte’, Damien Goodman, Bret Jackson, Jillian Kodesh, Jenna Plumley, Travis Potter, Janell Root, Stacey Weckstein and Leah Wilkerson. Sixth graders include Diane Kodesh and Jessica Valdez. Also Shannon Andrews, Regie Weekstein and Megan Williams, seventh graders, and Courtney Burgess, Jene’ Miller and Alicia Petty, eighth graders.

High school students are Jenna Root, freshman, Brenda Kodesh, Lidna Kodesh and Donald Sanders, sophomores, Marty Williams, junior, and Dani Norman and R.T. Shotton, seniors.

Principal’s Honor Roll

First grade students on the Principal’s Honor Roll include Aaron Cain, Jordan Cook, Justin Cook, Dustin Driggers, Tori Dummer, Robert Enloe, Cameron Evans, Amber Gooden, Josie Harrington, Shaylena Harrison, Jewell Horinek, Casey Leiding, Darrion Morgan, Clarissa Pritchett, Virginia Ramirez, Devin Ratliff, Breanna Ross, Chris Wolf and Tanner Young. Second graders are Morgan Black, Ophelia Botone, Ashley Gooden, Steven Graves, Shane Kimbrell, Miranda O’Dell, Alex Ramirez, Justin Riddle, David Spires, Kailey Sullins and Erik Williams.

Third grade students include Adam Beck, Bill Bible, Appearing Buffalohead, Michelle Cline, Tyler Cook, Dustin Crenshaw, Ashley Dent, Julia Moore, Kyle Page, Lowella Rhodd and Jake Wilkerson. Fourth graders are Ryan Blackwell, Juanita Delodge, Sharon Forte’, Melissa Hamilton, Franny Hopper, Brian James, Tracy Jones, Ashley Potter and Christina Ramos.

Also Jamee Black, Dwayne Driggers, Joshua Harrington, Tiana Harvey-Toahty, Kasey Ingmire, Jerry Reyna, Lance Sisco and Elsie Whitehorn, all fifth graders, and Jeremy Brewer, Sarah Cain, Colby Clouse, J.R. Grass, Mayla Hamilton, Annmarle Kelly, Kaelyn Potter, Cody Williams and Jennifer Williams, sixth graders.

Seventh graders include Stephanie Black, Trina Burk, Jessica Case, Eugene Coble, Michelle Forte’, Layla Hubbard, Jerad Kelly, Vanessa Ramirez and Beth Sharp. Eighth graders are Katie Lawson, James Page, Joshua Pratt, Phillip Price, Yexenia Ramirez, Williams Sanders and Sherry Sharp.

High school students are Amy Beck, Julie Case, Bethany Dunham, Lacey Kelly, Hallie Tubbs, Emily Wilkerson and Natalie Wallace, freshmen, and Matthew Clouse and Layne Kelly, sophomores. Juniors include Kaley Dunham, Sarah Jake, Winifred Ramirez and Donald Wyckoff. Seniors are Dewayne Buxton, Jennifer Buxton, Shannell Dent, Heath Harman, Denise Jake, Johna Milliner, Scott Kodesh, Stephanie Romero and Terry Sharp.

Students Receive Tutoring from Rotary Club

The Rotary motto of “service above self” is clearly in practice as twelve Rotarians from the Ponca City Rotary Club tutor students at Woodlands Elementary. The 17 students, first through sixth grades, return to school each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. for help in reading and language development.

When asked how the tutoring has helped her, Woodlands student Kylie Himes stated, “The tutors have really helped me with my word pronunciation.” All of the students questioned stated that the extra help they are receiving has really increased their reading skills as well as being fun.

Literacy has been the service focus the past two years of Rotary International. The local club has partnered with Woodlands each year to provide volunteer tutors. “The results are exciting,” says Sharon Scroggins, school principal. “Having another adult just listening to them read is a big support for our students. The volunteers come each week and kids learn that practicing reading is important to becoming good readers. I think the Rotarians are gaining as much as they are helping the children.”

Rotarian tutors are Dick Stone, Raj Phansalkar, Linda Powers, Kelly Kay, Dr. John Scroggins, Dr. Bill White, Max Berry, Walter Beam, Monty Fay, Lanny Officers, Lisa Vaughn, Greg Gregson, Helene Schwartz, Bill and Jennel Ichor and Kathy Adams.

Mid-High Mathcounts To Participate at Regionals

Parents and teachers count on a nationwide math competition to do more than improve children’s math skills.

About 500 local competitions for seventh and eighth grade students take place from Feb. 6 through 27. The Mathcounts contests include both team and individual events, plus written and oral rounds that stress problem solving, creative thinking and analytic skills.

The local team from Mid-High will attend their competition in Enid on Feb. 13.

Competitions are designed to excite students about mathematics. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a fun, challenging mathematics experience outside the classroom. Local competitions frequently include special speakers on math-related topics, lunch for participants, tours of university or corporate facilities, awards and other gifts (such as T-shirts) for participating students.

Winners progress to state level competitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense, Northern Mariana Islands, as well as the Department of Defense and State Department school systems worldwide. From the state level, four individuals will earn an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. this spring for the National Competition.

Approximately 7,000 schools nationwide are expected to participate in the local competitions. More than 350,000 students have been using the Mathcounts materials at the school level throughout the fall to prepare to compete.

Mathcounts local competitions are conducted entirely by volunteers, many of whom are members of the National Society of Professional Engineers, one of Mathcounts’ national sponsors.

Early Childhood Conference Set

The Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma will hold its annual Spring Leadership Conference this year on Feb. 20 at the Clarion Meridian Conference Center in Oklahoma City.

Two early childhood experts are featured presenters: Pam Schiller, Ph.D., vice president of the Early Childhood Division of McGraw-Hill Learning Materials, will speak on Brain Development Research; also Mike Rutherford from the Mayerson Academy for Human Resource Development will address “Designing and Leading High Performance Adult Learning.”

The conference is open to anyone but will be of special interest to child care teachers and administrators.For more information contact Patricia Williams at (405) 691-0868.

Mid-High Principal’s Honor Roll Released

Editor’s Note: The following is a corrected reprint of the Mid-High Principal Honor Roll.

The Principal’s Honor Roll for the fall semester at Ponca City Mid-High has been released. Ninth grade students on the honor roll include Sharnice Alexander, Tiffany Almack, Stephanie Beier, Chelsea Bland, Byron Blazek, Kyle Bogner, Robert Bushaw, Elisabeth Case, Meena Chahar, Teri Chambray, Audry Conley, K.C. Corn, Stephanie Council, James Cullin, Charley Daniel, Emily Day, Martin Doerksen, Ashley Ford, Amber Foy, Sonia Fry, Susan Galvin, Kara Hardy, Tory Hazen, Breann Herard, Jaime Hereford, Mallory Hodge, Kacey Hogan, Bethany Honick, Daniel Hunget, Derek Hunt, Aaron Jones, Jessica Jorgensen, Elizabeth Ladd, Kathleen Larrison, Ty Larue, Aaron Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Benjamin Loney, Zachary Loney, Robin Maril, Jennifer Matlock, Jeffrey McCall, Meg McDaniel, J.D. McElhaney, Morgan Mongold, Elizabeth Newman, Jaime Pettigrew, Michael Proctor, Andrew Romine, Errin Rutherford, Amanda Sells, Kristen Sievert, James Sinton, Emily Smith, Kevin Stauffer, Amanda Summers, Robert Trant, Lauren Vaughn, Creighton Weber, Jenna Wedd, Gilles Weingart and Phillip Wingender.

Eighth grade students on the Principal’s Honor Roll include Jae Anderson, Tiffanie Bachar, Michael Bales, Megan Baugh, Serenity Becker, Jeremy Beguin, Courtney Bickel, Kathleen Blake, Garrett Bowers, Kera Brown, Cortney Burns, Courtney Calvert, Lauren Cartlidge, Alicia Casey, Clifford Chao, Chance Coldiron, Kassandra Coldiron, Brittany Cook, Leslee Cooper, Trevor Copple, David Corn, Kyle Correll, Jenny Cowan, Josh Culver, Chelsy Delaney, Sarah Denny, Bradley Dexter, Gracin Dorsey, Austin Drumm, Katrina Emmons, Kaci Epperson, Jennifer Ernst, Maria Favela, Mackenzie Fender, Jenna Fisher, Allison Ford, Melissa Fore, Zachary Gales, Katelyn Galloway, Joshua Gilliland, Ryan Goodman, Cherokee Gossage, Jennifer Hambleton, Darci Hamrick, Heather Hanson, Garrett Hardy, Graden Hardy, Leah Harris, Brian Harrison, Donald Hazlewood, Lance Highfill, Chelsey Hill, Lisa Hover, Kristina Huddleston, Allison Hugnagel, Chance Hunt, Janeann Huston, Gavan Jenkinson, Amanda Jones, Kyra Jones, Kyle Karnish, Danielle Keim, Jennifer Kiser and Jeffrey Kruck.

Also Ann Kruckeberg, Linn Kruckeberg, Drew Lancaster, Erin Land, Jeffrey Lanham, Kristy Lau, Susannah Lee, Bethany Lewis, Joey Luis, Sean Lunsford, Cody Mather, Justin Mathews, Hilary McKay, Morgan Meister, Stephanie Mester, Kayla Mills, Janessa Mitchell, Shannon Muchmore, Stacy Murray, Michael Naden, Lindsay Niemann, James (Jay) Norris, Lisa Norris, Sarah Parker, Kenda Payne, Eric Peeples, Ebony Phillips, Angela Pitts, Stephanie Powers, Brent Purkaple, Patrick Quinn, Candice Robinson, Katherine Roland, Jennifer Rupert, Corey Shafer, Christina Sneed, Jennifer Spielbusch, Laura Sphrehe, Lindsay Stafford, Rebecca Stephen, Amanda Stone, Mark Strange, Tyler Street (Mayse), Ryan Sullivan, Heather Summers, Molly Tomek, Kristan Trepton, Bradley Turvey, Aaron Upshaw, Ajay Vaidya, Cecil Villines, Colette Wade, Chad Walker, Ryan Waters, Kelli Wedd, Brittany Wilson, Jamie Winslow, Rachel Yeakley and Ann Ziegenhain.

Roosevelt Students Named State Champions

On Jan. 20, the fifth and sixth grade academic team from Roosevelt Elementary competed in the Knowledge Master Open contest. Facing 100 tough questions to answer on the computer, the Roosevelt team was judged for the speed and accuracy of its answers. The team’s score earned them first in the state.

The contestants answered questions covering academic areas such as American history, world history, government, geography, current events, English, literature, math, physical science, biology, earth science, healthy and psychology, the fine arts, and one trivia question.

A total of 795 teams from 43 states and seven foreign nations were entered in the contest with a total of 10,340 contestants. Along with ranking number one in Oklahoma, the team members placed 26th in the overall competition. Also, in the enrollment division of schools with 201-500 students, Roosevelt placed fourth overall.

Roosevelt’s team for the 1998-99 school year is comprised of Samantha Foster, Thomas Hawley, Charlcy Hermanson, Kim Jennings, Ian Kilpatrick, Cari Lehman, Heather Orr, Skyler Skaggs, Laura Stangeland, Abbie Williams, Becky Emmons, Anthony Kent and Meghan Liles. The annual participation in the Knowledge Master Open is part of the Gifted and Talented Program at Roosevelt.

Local Share Students Receive Diplomas

Pioneer Technology Center’s Share program recently held a ceremony to recognize students for their successful completion of credits toward a high school diploma.

Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of Pioneer Technology Center, began the ceremony by congratulating the students for their successes. Eight students received their diplomas and others were also honored for the completion of required credits and other accomplishments.

Holly Fristoe was recognized as this quarter’s “Perfect Attendance,” and Lisa Barten was noted as the “Student of the Quarter,” an award based on attendance, attitude, and completion of assignments.

According to SHARE instructor, Traci Thorpe, “Since the beginning of the school year, the entire class combined has completed over 133 of their required credits.” Thorpe also added that, ‘Besides the waiting list of students trying to get into the program, the program is currently serving approximately 50 students.”

The Share program is a dropout recovery program that gives individuals ages 16 to 19 an opportunity to earn their high school diploma. The program is in its first year at Pioneer Tech and it works to combine the academic classroom with specific vocational training. The program offers life skills training, personal and career counseling, job shadowing, and mentoring from business and community leaders.

Oklahoma School Enrollment Still On Rise

OKLAHOMA CITY — State School Superintendent Sandy Garrett announced that public school enrollment in Oklahoma continues to rise. October 1 enrollment for the 1998-99 school year increased to 628,476, up 4,795 from the previous year.

“Since 1989, we have seen nearly 50,000 more boys and girls enroll in our school system,” Garrett said. “Without a doubt, there is much confidence in our public schools across the state. To me, this means our citizens know our schools are improving and, in turn, want to support them.”

October 1 enrollment numbers are gathered from individual school districts by the State Department of Education’s Accreditation/Standards division as part of the local accreditation process. According to the data, Tulsa Public Schools remains the state’s largest school district with 42,836 students. Oklahoma City trails as the state’s second largest with 39,373 students.

Locally, Ponca City has 5,714 students, Blackwell at 1,799 students, Tonkawa with 829 students and Newkirk with 762 students. Other schools include Peckham with 81 students, Kildare with 104 students, Kaw City with 51 students and Braman with 140.

“This enrollment information gives us a good indication of what we will need in school funding next year,” Garrett said. “With the influx of even more students into the public school system, we must be provided revenue accordingly to ensure our boys and girls receive a proper education.”

SPORTS

Cagers Look for Double Dose of Inspiration Tonight
Matmen Slam Sapulpa
Mavericks Alone at Top
Lady Mavs Survive 6 Seconds
Junior High Basketball
Women Bowlers Will Induct Pair

Cagers Look for Double Dose of Inspiration Tonight

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Are the Po-Hi cagers sharing a muse? Or is it a curse?

The Wildcats, after playing in the Frontier Conference stratosphere for nine games, have since fallen into a lousy, 2-game rut. The Lady Cats, after searching their souls through nine games, have suddenly found enlightenment, and look like the Cats once looked (bitterly close losses included).

Tonight, the Cats and Lady Cats will go for a double dose of inspiration, hosting the Charles Page (Sand Springs) Sandites.

The Sandites are 1-9 (6-10 overall), while the Lady Sandites are 2-7 (6-9 overall). Both teams lost to Union on Tuesday. The boys’ game will start at 6:15, while the Lady Cats will tip off at 7:45. WBBZ’s Phil and Craig will be there for the broadcast.

Charles Page Lady Sandites (2-7, 6-9)

at P.C. Lady Wildcats (1-10, 4-13)

The Lady Cats have reanimated, recharged, and repaired to the point where they’re fun to watch again, the coaches are smiling, and the oooh’s are outnumbering the argh’s.

“I’m looking forward now to seeing what they can do,” says coach Dana Pulley. “Before, it wasn’t much fun.”

While the Lady Cats’ foibles have at times made them into one, big Achilles Heel this season, they’re currently in the midst of a remarkable, 5-game transformation. In those five games:

* They’re shooting better, 39.1 percent — nearly 10 points above their old average.

* Their 3-2 and 1-3-1 zone defenses are doing the job. Aside from a bunch of points given up to score-at-will Jenks, the Lady Cats have held 4-of-5 teams to an average of 43.5 points, way below their old defensive average of 51.

* They’re competitive. Though they’re just 2-of-3 in those five games, two of those losses have been by a total of eight points.

Now for the not-so-good news: the Lady Cats are still banging the basketball off the rim at the free throw line, a lot, averaging a ghastly 49 percent. Even worse, a number of those misses have been in the crucial, late minutes of tight ball games. Tuesday, the Lady Cats were just 4-of-7 in the waning moments against Owasso — two of those misses coming on the front end of a 1-and-1.

Though Pulley is quick to note that those shots are magnified with respect to all the missed shots, sloppy rebounding, and turnovers earlier in the game, she still shakes her head at that one, glaring statistic that doesn’t get any better as the season progresses.

“One of our preseason goals was to hit 70 percent of our free throws, which is very reasonable,” she says. “We’re not anywhere close. It’s a mental thing, mostly, but it takes practice, too — just getting out there and going through the same motion.”

The last time the Lady Cats played Sand Springs, they went just 10-of-29 from the line in a 64-53 loss. Those misfires were an anchor on a season best (at the time), 38 percent effort from the field, and a fabulous defensive showing. The Lady Cats forced the Lady Sandites into 27 turnovers.

Lady Cat Notes — Alana Smith, still in some pain after suffering a contusion — a deep bruise — on her shoulder a week ago against Bartlesville, is expected to return to the starting lineup tonight...the Lady Sandites and Lady Cats are Nos. 8 and 9 in the conference, respectively...5-7 senior Amanda Kelin leads the Lady Sandites with 10.6 ppg, and had 11 last time around; Jeanna Kelly had 16...Desiree Cries For Ribs leads the Poncans with 11.2 ppg.

P.C. Wildcats (3-8, 5-12)

at Charles Page Sandites (1-9, 6-10)

Coaches, for all the heartache that comes with a losing season, never fail to point out: kids forget about losses a lot faster than coaches.

Coaches have trouble sleeping. They wake up in a cold sweat, wondering what went wrong, what they could have done differently, who they should have played more. The kids, meanwhile — after the requisite mope-around — are ready to go at it again.

Though the Cats have currently taken a turn for the worse in their last two games, including a 51-36 loss to Owasso on Tuesday, who’s counting? Definitely not the players.

“These kids are resilient,” says assistant coach Joe Matlock. “They get over it pretty quick. We had a good practice yesterday; we had a little scrimmage and it got pretty competitive — they were talking trash back and forth...

“They’ll be fine. And they know they can win this one (tonight). They’ve beaten them once already.”

In the Cats’ last conference win, Dec. 18, it was the Sandites bearing the brunt of the Cardiac Cats’ last second win-formula, 72-69. Tom Engle had 16 points, including a game winning drive on the baseline that gave the Cats the final lead.

Tonight, the Cats would like to resurrect their old moniker (the “cardiac” part), stop a few hearts and get back on the winning track.

“We gotta do what we did last time,” says Matlock. “Hang on and win it at the end.”

Unlike Owasso’s slow-down style, the Sandites run a Cat-like motion offense. That bodes well for the Poncans.

“They’ll run; they’ll push the ball up the court like we do,” says Matlock. “They’ll want to keep up with us which helps us out. We just have to slow down (6-4 Zach) Trimble, because if he gets hot he’s hard to stop.”

On Dec. 18, the Trimble wasn’t much of a factor. However, solid guard play from guard Ryan Brumbaugh (21 points) and a command shooting performance from sophomore Justin Clemmous (19 points), did cause some havoc.

The Cats also overcame a 17-4 deficit in that game, and shot 16-of-17 from the line.

Cat Notes — The Sandites played Union to a 32-32 tie at halftime, Tuesday, before falling hard in the second half...Brumbaugh leads the Sandites with 11.1 ppg...Paul Broome leads the Poncans with 10.7 ppg...the Cats gave up 26 points last time around, but just three in the fourth quarter.

Matmen Slam Sapulpa

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

SAPULPA — Ponca City’s wrestlers closed out their dual season with an impressive 54-19 win over Sapulpa Thursday.

The Wildcats finish off the regular season this weekend in the Tulsa Bishop Kelley Tournament. That tournament started this afternoon with the semifinals tonight at 7 p.m. The second day of the tournament starts at 1 p.m. Saturday with the consolation finals at 6 and the championship finals at 7.

The Cat matmen impressed even coach Todd Steidley with the manner in which they defeated Sapulpa’s Chieftains.

“On paper, and I admit I gave them (the Chieftains) all the breaks, I figured the score would be 36-30 us,” Steidley said after the dual. “But they (the Wildcats) came here to take care of business and that’s what they did.”

The Wildcats and Chieftains wrestled evenly through the first six matches with the score tied at 16-all.

But the Cats, with help from two Sapulpa forfeits, won seven of the next eight matches to blow the Chieftains away. And they did it decisively. Ponca City got bonus points in all 10 wins.

It started at 103 pounds where Ponca City’s Phillip Brotherton avenged a close loss to Sapulpa’s Brandon Hale in the semifinals of the Sand Springs Tournament with a 3:18 fall on Thursday. That started the pin parade that saw the Poncans gain five falls and three major decisions in addition to the forfeits at 145 and 189 pounds.

“Phillip managed his weight much better this week,” Steidley said of Brotherton’s revenge win which will go a long way toward getting Brotherton seeded in the regional tournament in two weeks. “That was the key for him.”

Sapulpa came back with a fall at 112 points. Ponca City went back in front with Shawn Lee’s 5:03 fall at 119 pounds, coming back from off his back just a minute earlier in the third period.

Sapulpa got a major decision at 125 but the Wildcats countered with a 15-3 major by Jacob Bailey at 130 to go in front, 16-10. Sapulpa tied the score with a fall at 135 pounds.

But that was Sapulpa’s last hurrah as the Poncans pulled away.

Matt Littleton won a major 11-3 decision at 140, getting a takedown and near fall in the final seconds to secure the bonus points.

Sapulpa gave Michael Osborn a forfeit at 145 and Blaine Empting started to distance the Wildcats from the Chieftains with a 3:02 fall at 152.

Kyle Duren, fighting a stomach virus, won a 12-3 major at 160 and Toby RedLeaf collected a quick 1:37 fall at 171.

Following a forfeit to Jeremy Leavitt at 185, Sapulpa slowed the bleeding with a close 7-2 decision at 215 pounds.

But Wildcat heavyweight Justin Burns capped the Wildcat win with a 2:54 fall.

“This was a good win for us,” Steidley said. “I was very pleased with the way the guys wrestled tonight.”

The Wildcats finished 9-5 on the dual season with four of those losses coming against top 10 opponents in three classes.

Ponca City, Sand Springs, Union, Jenks and Owasso top the 16-team field at Bishop Kelley.

The other teams include Berryhill, Cleveland, Tulsa Rogers, Tulsa McLain, Tulsa Washington, Tulsa Edison, Bishop Kelley, McAlester, Pryor, Oolagah and Durant.

RESULTS

Ponca City 54, Sapulpa 19

103 — Brotherton (PC) p. Hale, 3:18

112 — Lucas (S) p. Castello, 1:22

119 — Lee (PC) p. Peters, 5:03

125 — Chambers (S) md Stafford, 9-0

130 — Bailey (PC) md McCarty, 15-3

135 — Dunn (S) p. Steiber, 1:21

140 — Littleton (PC) md Leslie, 11-3

145 — Osborn (PC) fft

152 — Empting (PC) p. Jones, 3:02

160 — Duren (PC) md Daniels, 12-3

171 — RedLeaf (PC) p. Whisenhunt, 1:37

189 — Leavitt (PC) fft

215 — Brown (S) d. Neurenberg, 7-2

Hwt — Burns (PC) p. Herji, 2:54

Mat Stats

Takedowns — Ponca City 14, Sapulpa 11. Escapes — Ponca City 9, Sapulpa 7. Penalty Points — Sapulpa 1, Ponca City 0. Reverses — Ponca City 3, Sapulpa 1. 2-Near Falls — Sapulpa 3, Ponca City 2. 3-Near Falls — Ponca City 7, Sapulpa 1.

Forfeits — Ponca City 2, Sapulpa 0. Falls — Ponca City 5, Sapulpa 2. Major Decisions — Ponca City 3, Sapulpa 1. Decisions — Sapulpa 1, Ponca City 0.

Mavericks Alone at Top

TISHOMINGO — Being all alone isn’t always a bad thing.

The Mavericks of NOC remained the lone unbeaten team in the Bi-State West division, soaring past Murray State, 85-65, Thursday.

Point guard Larry Reid, after being down with the flu for a week, dumped in 18 points, and Ron Banks added 16 more to lead the Mavs (4-0, 20-4) in a game that was decided mostly in the second half.

The Mavs led by just six, 41-35 at the break. But three quick buckets by Banks and a 3-pointer from Reid to open the second period propelled them into the lead, and they never looked back.

“We didn’t play well in the first half,” said coach Mick Weiberg. “Murray’s a hard team to beat, and it’s a hard place to play. You look at them and they don’t look all that impressive out there warming up, but they run their stuff as well as anyone.”

The Mavs, who average a so-so 67 percent from the free throw line, had another so-so night, hitting 15-of-21 for 71 percent. They also gave up 17 turnovers, and were outrebounded 13-10 on the offensive glass.

“Murray rains a lot of 3’s, and those are big rebounds,” Weiberg continues. “But you have to make adjustments. The second half we did much better.

“And we continue to play hard, and the score reflects that.”

The Mavs excelled from the field, dumping in 60 percent (33-of-55), including 4-of-10 from 3-point land. While the Aggies were 53 percent from 2-point range (21-of-40), they were just 4-of-22 from outside.

Murray State (1-3, 6-17) had 19 turnovers, were 10-of-19 from the line, and were outrebounded by the Mavs 32-28.

Ryan Williams had 14 points, Sherman Rochell 10, Garrett Pelton and Josh Regnier 7 each, Jeff Newby 5, Latarvis Norman 3, Nathan Gregory and Shere Khan Jones 2 each, while Josh Nichols had 1.

For Murray State, Kelley had 13, and Austin-Ezell had 12.

The Mavs will return home for a blockbuster showdown, Monday, taking on 3-1 Seminole, the No. 2 team in the Western Division. Tip off is at 8 p.m.

Bi-State East Note — No. 3 nationally ranked Bacone (3-1, 21-2) suffered a 77-76 loss to Westark (3-0, 12-10), Thursday. Bacone’s only other loss this season came at the hands of Rose State (1-2, 10-13). “It’s going to get interesting,” says Weiberg.

The Region II Tournament is March 4-7.

Lady Mavs Survive 6 Seconds

TISOMINGO — Plan on catching a Lady Mavericks game? Don’t forget your nitroglycerin tablets.

After an overtime win on Monday, the Lady Mavs of NOC upped their Bi-State West record to a perfect 4-0 on Thursday, nipping the Lady Aggies of Murray State, 73-72.

After getting fouled on a drive to the hoop, Shaneta Lewis nailed both ends of a 1-and-1 free throw with 6.5 seconds left to put the Lady Mavs in the lead. The Lady Aggies then managed to get the ball past the Lady Mavs’ defense, got off a running jump shot, grabbed the rebound and took another shot that rimmed out of the hoop.

“A lot happened in six seconds,” said coach Greg Krause. “Some people in the stands were screaming for them to start the clock, but I don’t know. I didn’t see it.”

Down by 10 at halftime, the Lady Aggies (0-3, 5-18) poured in four three pointers — including three in a 3-minute span — to close the gap in the second, and took a 1-point lead with 16 seconds left.

Though the Lady Aggies had just five field goals in the first half, they did go 18-of-19 from the free throw line.

“There were a lot of bad fouls,” said Krause. “We should have been up more than 10 (at halftime). In the second half they just shot well, and inched back on us.

“But it’s good to win. It’s good to be 4-0.”

Lewis came off the bench to lead the Lady Mavs with 12 points. Chenise Robinson and LaTonya Douglas had 11 each, while Kacey Whitworth had 10. Robinson and Douglas both had a trio of 3-pointers, while Douglas had two.

Jessica Garner and Suzi Eisenhauer each had 8, Lyndsey Warrior 7, while Lorraine Rice, Ranada Collins and Jennifer Williams had 2 each.

The Lady Aggies were led by Walton with 19, while Scott and Anderson each had 15.

The Lady Mavs, now 10-12 overall, will take on Seminole — the only other unbeaten team in the western division — Monday. Seminole pounded Rose State on Thursday, 87-59.

Junior High Basketball

Ninth Grade Girls

Ponca City Red 42, Enid Emerson 28

Ponca City’s ninth grade Red girls gave coach John Maddox a perfect birthday present — a perfect Northern Oklahoma Conference record and the championship.

The Lady Cougars beat back Enid Emerson 42-28 on Maddox’ birthday Thursday, giving the Poncans an 8-0 conference record, 14-0 overall.

“They wrapped it up in a pretty red ribbon,” Maddox said of the championship.

“Now our goal is to win four more games and finish 18-0.”

The Ponca Citians play at Woodward Monday in the regular season finale and they enter the conference tournament at Stillwater next Thursday.

But the varsity freshmen girls had to work to make their conference season perfect.

“Emerson had upset on their minds,” Maddox said as the Enid girls hung close for three periods before Ponca City finally put the win away.

Ponca City managed a 20-14 halftime lead but couldn’t shake loose from Emerson and led 28-22 entering the final period.

But the Lady Cougars outscored Emerson 14-6 down the stretch

Jenna Wedd and Mallory Hodge were the main guns for the Poncans, pouring through 14 and 12 points, respectively. Amanda Ingram and Monica Sawyers each had 4 points while Courtney Birdsong, Amanda Summers, Jamie Leach and Vickie Hadley-Howe each had 2 points.

“We usually have pretty balanced scoring with everybody getting five or six points,” Maddox said. “But Jenna and Mallory are our go-to girls and last night they came through.

“Emerson played very well and were well coached. We had a few more mental errors and turnovers than we usually do. But you have to credit Emerson, they made their shots.”

Eighth grade boys

Ponca City Red 51,

Enid Emerson 38

The 8th grade boys’ Red team finished off their season in fine form, blowing past Enid Emerson, 51-38, Thursday.

Brad Turvey scored 14 points in leading the Reds to a 26-17 lead at halftime, and a 39-27 lead after three quarters. Drew Lancaster had 12 for the Poncans.

After starting their season 3-8, the Reds finish 7-8.

“It was a good season,” said coach John Spore. “After splitting up the eighth grade and trying to play everybody, we nearly finished .500. I think we won all the games we should have won.”

Kyle Karnish had 9 points, Nate Macy and Lance Highfill had 4 each, while Jeremy Beguin, Jason Jones, Jon Keppenich, and Matt Miller all had 2.

Women Bowlers Will Induct Pair

The Ponca City’s Women’s Bowling Tournament will start Saturday with the induction of two long-time local bowlers into the Ponca City Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

The inductees are Trela Mattocks for her bowling skill and Mary Lampe in the service category, especially for her work with the youth bowlers.

The ceremony will begin at noon in the Ponca Bowl. The public is invited.