LOCAL

Board Positions, Bonds, Mill Levies On Today’s School Election Ballots
Standing Bear Trails Project Gets Commission Approval

Area Boy Scouts Receive Eagles From Astronaut
Anderson Building Renovation Gets School Board Approval

Board Positions, Bonds, Mill Levies On Today’s School Election Ballots

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Ponca City residents are at the polls today deciding between board candidates, the mill levies, the proposed $9.95 million bond issue, and the two building mills at Pioneer Technology Center. Local voting precincts are reporting a steady turnout for the 1999 school elections.

At 11 a.m. precincts in Ponca City were reporting anywhere from 100 to 180 voters. Polls will be open until 7 p.m. tonight.

The ballot in Ponca City includes two board positions being sought by incumbent Andrea Morriss and Don Nuzum for Office 1 and incumbent Marvin Clark and Donna Larrison for Office 5.

Also on the ballot today is the proposed $9.95 million bond issue (Phase III) to invest in educational facilities and programs for students.

In 1999 a total of $2.5 million would be spent on renovating the Mid-High, $1.5 million on renovating the Middle School, $500,000 to renovate the high school, and a $2.8 million technology lease until 2002.

The year 2000 would see another $1.5 million on more renovations at the Middle School, and $350,000 on purchasing three 65-student passenger buses, purchasing one activity bus and purchasing one special education bus.

In 2001 a total of $800,000 would be spent on renovating Washington Elementary.

The annual local, emergency and building fund levies are also on the ballot. The mills are currently at 10.22 for local, 5.11 for emergency and 5.11 for building.

Area residents will vote on two building mills to expand and offer new programs at Pioneer Technology Center. This one-year-vote would generate about $415,000.

Standing Bear Trails Project Gets Commission Approval

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

A $1 million Standing Bear Trails Enhancement project made another step towards reality Monday as the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved authorization of an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the project.

Approval was needed with ODOT to pull in Federal Surface Transportation Program Funds to be used to provide 80 percent of the project.

By doing so, the agreement further states that the City of Ponca City will bear the sole responsibility for the expenditure of the funding in accordance with state and federal law.

“This is a big change in the previous projects with ODOT, in that instead of ODOT bearing the responsibility, the project becomes the obligation of the city to see that it is carried out,” finance director Marc LaBossiere said.

The city is named as the sponsor for the project, with a co-sponsor being the Ponca City Native American Foundation. As a result of the agreement, $800,000 will be provided through federal funds with the remaining 20 percent coming from the Standing Bear Foundation ($180,000) and the city ($20,000).

LaBossiere and city engineer Randy Lauritsen explained how the funding would be broken down for the commissioners.

Construction of the entire Standing Bear Trail project from these funds would include $724,000 for construction, while preliminary engineering would cost $90,000 and construction engineering $61,000. The functional trail design would cost $25,000 bringing that total to $900,000. There will be $100,000 going to the Ponca City Trails Master Plan, split evenly by the city wide trails master plan and functional plans for identified trails.

In another presentation during the regular session of the commission at the Public Safety Center Monday, the board received a report concerning a surge protection program from Charles “Rusty” Edwards, general manager electric of public utilities.

Utilizing an enhanced media system to help explain the program, Edwards noted that “electricity is a powerful servant, but it can be dangerous if not treated with respect.”

He also explained there were many ways for a power surge to happen, and that by the city presenting ways to prevent the surges, homeowners and businesses could benefit greatly as a result of the electrical usage for appliances continues to increase.

He said that frequency of lightning strikes that cause surges is estimated around “50 times during the year,” according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. There are many other reasons for power surges, including birds, animals, trees interfering with power line and vehicle accidents. However, he said those are momentary surges, and sometimes hardly noticed or isolated in various areas.

Edwards explained too that surge protection devices would be leased to customers. The initial cost for implementation of the program would be $10,596. Edwards noted that a recent customer survey conducted by a professional firm for Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, of which Ponca City is a member, revealed that 78 percent of those surveyed indicated a probable or definite interest in participating in such a program.

The program was approved by the commissioners following Edwards’ presentation.

Also during the meeting, commissioners approved a request of the Classic Car of Ponca City, to block East Grand Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street June 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a special event.

The purpose of the street closing would allow drivers of classic motor vehicles to “cruise” Grand Avenue. The proposal had been tabled from a previous meeting, with a shortened “cruise” area and “time” of the event as approved by the Ponca City Police Department.

The consent agenda was approved, including an acceptance of material bids for Jan. 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999 as presented.

Other items in the consent agenda included a change order for the heating-air conditioning project at the Public Safety Center amounting to $1,280.32; and authorization for Mid-America Fence and Door to become an agent for the city on the city garage hydraulic slide gate project.

Also approved was an agreement for state and local assistance in accepting a grant of $28,581.17 from the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management. Funds amount to the same as a year ago, and are used to support the administration of the program of emergency management.

Authorization was approved for Mayor Tom Leonard to notify Mark Hilyard, golf professional at Lew Wentz Municipal Golf Course, that his contract would be renewed for a period of a year, ending Jan. 31, 2000.

In the Ponca City Utility Authority meeting, commissioners approved the consent agenda along with the authority’s needed approval on the implementation of the surge protection program.

The consent agenda included:

A best bid for two 61000 GVW Fleet Side pickup trucks from Jack Bowker Ford, amounting to a total cost of $31,082. The trucks would go to the meter reading division of Public Works, replacing two that have an excess of 100,000 miles on each that require considerable maintenance to keep them running.

Authorization was also given for the disbursement of funds for the wastewater treatment plant improvements amounting to $191,333.87.

Also in the PCUA consent agenda was a recommendation to award a bid to Rusty Eck Ford of Wichita for a sludge dump truck amounting to $78,831. The vehicle would be used at the wastewater treatment plant.

The PCUA consent agenda approved also included a best and low bid on five transformers from T&R Electric Supply Company amounting to $22,840. The approval would allow the stock of certain transformers which has been depleted to be replenished.

Area Boy Scouts Receive Eagles From Astronaut

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Seventeen Kay County Boy Scouts received the highest rank of Scouting from Astronaut Capt. Charles Brady Jr. Saturday evening at the 60th Annual Will Rogers Council awards banquet in Stillwater. Several Ponca City area Scout leaders also received awards and were active in the evening’s program.

Following the pledge, invocation and dinner, Master of Ceremonies Jeremy Sparks welcomed the group and recognized three special attendees who each had more that 50 years in service to the Boy Scout program. The recognition included Dr. Alton Lindsey who joined Boy Scouts in 1919 and had more than 80 years of service. Dr. Lindsey, a botanist/zoologist had traveled with Admiral Bird on his second expedition to the North Pole in 1933 and is now the only survivor from the Byrd expeditions.

John Mihm, area No. 3 BSA president conducted the Council and district officer installation and Stuart Tate, Council president, presented the state of the council report. He told the audience the Will Rogers Council made up of three districts, contains 69 quality units with 42 of them qualifying for double national awards.

Louis Wolfe, Ponca City, was awarded the Master Wood Carver award and he in turn presented his handcrafted Extra Miler award plaques to 11 leaders and volunteers who qualified for the honor. Dorothy Leonard and Bill Palmer from Ponca City were among those receiving the plaques.

Seventeen boys who earned the 1998 Eagle Scout rank from Kay County and several from other areas in the Council were awarded Eagle Scout certificates, a Citation of Congratulations from the Oklahoma State Senate and the Governors Citation. The Scouts were recognized and congratulated by Capt. Brady, who also carries an Eagle Scout rank. The citations and certificates were presented by Stuart Tate, Jay Johnson, Senator Paul Muegge, Senator Mike Morgan and Astronaut Brady.

Recognized from Kay county were Robert Scott, John Derick Hermes, Aaron Lewis, Scott Lewis, Matthew Bond, Ben Dickey, Dick Engle, Eric Hisey, Matthew Meyers, Nick Kruckeberg, Chip Combs and Jacob Bull from Ponca City; Chris Butler of Tonkawa; Kevin Miller and Matthew Quirey from Blackwell; Curtis Conner and Leo Ring Jr. from Newkirk.

Special guests introduced for the evening were retired U.S. Attorney John Raley and Rep. Jim Newport, both from Ponca City, Sen. Muegge from Tonkawa, OSU president Dr. James Halligen, and Sen. Mike Morgan.

The Silver Beaver award, the highest rank attainable by an adult Scout volunteer for distinguished service to youth was presented to Steven Leonard of Ponca City and Nancy Rogers, Jeanie Findahl and J. Scott Martin from other areas in the Council.

Astronaut Brady spoke at length to the Scouts and guests about his flight, what is good about the United States, and Scouting. Capt. Brady was selected by NASA in March 1992 to fly STS-78, the longest Space Shuttle mission to date.

He first thanked the citizens present for allowing him to “borrow” their STS-78 space shuttle in March 1992, for his 18 day, 281 orbit, 405 hour, mission around the earth. Brady, who has also earned his Eagle Scout rank, talked about the disaster of the Challenger and said he would give his life for very few things but Scouting was one of them. He also said he knew what pure hearts and goodness looked like, and told the group “I am looking at it tonight.” He also told the audience that the heart of the country is here - in Scouting.

Anderson Building Renovation Gets School Board Approval

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

A contract with Lambert Construction of Stillwater for $492,600 for the Anderson Building remodel was unanimously accepted Monday night during the regular meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education.

Ninth grade students will move up to the high school next year and be housed in the Anderson Building. The money will be used to add and repair lockers, renovate the restrooms and gym and other areas of concern.

A total of $250,000 will be pulled from the building fund and the remainder of the money will be used from interest on the bond money and other leftover funds.

A proclamation declaring March as Youth Art Month for Ponca City Public Schools was accepted.

Youth Art Month is an annual observance to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. The school plans to display youth art work all over the Administration Building for the entire month of March. The board would also like to have a “State of the Arts” address at the March board meeting giving an update on arts programs in the schools.

March 2, 1999, will be designated as “Read Across America Day.” “Read Across America” is a national celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday that promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of students. The proclamation states, “Ponca City Public Schools enthusiastically endorses literacy and recommits our district to engage in programs and activities to make Ponca City children the best readers in the world.”

Other Agenda Items

Change order eight for the Commons/Howell Remodel Project with Lambert Construction Company for $248 was accepted. The new contract price is $2,814,852.

Board members approved a permanent utility easement for the City of Ponca City at the Ponca City Middle School. This easement is the result of the new softball lighting at the Middle School. The City is requiring a utility easement in order to provide power to the lighting system.

A contract with Southwestern Bell for phone systems was awarded. This contract was necessary to apply for E-Rate for the 1999-2000 school year. The contract is basically the same as the current one, but it has to be approved each year for E-Rate applications.

The contracts of Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and development; Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of operations; and Jeff Denton, district chief financial officer and director of child nutrition; were all accepted.

Certified extra duty for sports officiating for Todd Kimrey, Jerry Hill, and Johnny Woody were accepted. All seventh grade certified extra duty was also approved.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent, presented awards to Beverly Rehl, Certified Employee of the Month; Willma Robertson and Betty LaRue, Support Employees of the Month; and Rog Allen, Friend of Education.

Discussion Topics

Mike Kruck, board member, gave an update on the Curriculum Committee. He emphasized that drivers education legislation has changed. The law now allows students to receive credit for classes taught on a tuition basis outside the school day with the school receiving some reimbursement.

Plans are to seek credit for students retroactive to the fall 1998 semester. Reimbursement can only be received for the current semester and going forward. The program costs will be evaluated to keep it revenue neutral.

He also reported that English as a Second Language (ESL) can compete for a one-year federal grant through Title VII. This grant would allow for seed money for one year to develop a strong foundation in ESL tailored to the needs of Ponca City.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, gave an update on enrollment during the Superintendent’s Report. As of Feb. 1 the school system maintains an enrollment of 5,701 students. That number is up 164 students from this time last year. White said the numbers have changed primarily because of the four-year-old and Share programs.

White also reported on the Teacher of the Year Luncheon on March 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

DEATHS

James Lindsay Grant
Samuel Earl Hill
Doris Lillian McPherson
Mildred Allmon
Ivery Lee Jones
Sally Northcutt
Robert L. Moore
Ouida Lee Nash
Maxine Hilton

James Lindsay Grant

FAIRFAX — James Lindsay “Jim” Grant, died Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, at the Fairfax (Okla.) Memorial Hospital. He was 83.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

James Lindsay “Jim” Grant was born May 13, 1915, in Bellshill, Scotland, the son of John and Elizabeth (Lindsay) Grant. He moved with his family to Chicago, Ill. at age eight, and graduated from high school there. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy from June 1943 to March 4, 1956.

He and Freda DeNoya were married on March 23, 1946, in Oklahoma City and made their first home in Chicago. While living in Chicago Grant played in a band. They later moved to Wichita, Kan. where he was employed as a inspector for Cessna Aircraft from 1950 until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the Christian Church and the Fairfax VFW. He enjoyed music, reading and playing golf. After his health prevented his playing golf, he enjoyed walking on the golf course.

Survivors include his wife, Freda of the home; two sons, Fred J. Grant and John D. Grant, both of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Nancy J. Stockton of Wichita, Kan.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Ruby Pauling and Janet White.

The family will be at the Grant home in Fairfax to receive friends and family.

Samuel Earl Hill

Samuel Earl Hill, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday evening, Feb. 5, 1999 at his home. He was 41.

The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 9, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating. Burial was to follow in the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Samuel Earl Hill was born Dec. 30, 1957, in Arkansas City, Kan. to Lloyd Sam Hill and Luvina (Jordan) Hill. He was a 1976 graduate of Ponca City High School. While in high school he participated in the Drama Club. Hill was employed as a jewelry salesman at Alexa Jewelers in Oklahoma City before ill health forced his retirement. He attended the Methodist Church, and enjoyed designing and making quilts, bowling and fishing.

Survivors include his mother, Luvina Hill of the home; one sister Nancy Duncan, Los, Angeles, Calif; five uncles; one aunt; one nephew; and other friends and family. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Casket bearers will be David Nelson, Leo Brien, Chris King, Ray Laughrey, Charles Cole and Gary Jordan.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hill’s name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Doris Lillian McPherson

Doris Lillian McPherson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Feb. 7, 1999 at her home. She was 100 years old.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Doris Lillian (Massie) McPherson was born on Aug. 18, 1898, in Grant County to John and Mable (Kerr) Massie. She attended North Star country school in the Deer Creek area.

She was married to Otway McPherson about 1915, and the couple spent most of their married life in Welston, where she was a homemaker. She then took nurses training and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in California for more than 20 years, before retiring and moving to Ponca City in 1972. She enjoyed sewing and fishing. She was a member of the Church of Christ Broadway and Osage.

She is survived by two brothers, Cliff Massie of Ponca City and Everett Massie of Yale; one sister, Irene Turnbull of Hutchinson, Kan.; several grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, one son, four brothers, five sisters, and one grandchild.

Mildred Allmon

Mildred Allmon, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, at the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital, Ulysses, Kan. She was 91.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday afternoon, at the Eastern Heights Christian Church. Mr. Harold Prough, pastor, will officiate, assisted by Mrs. Allmon’s nephew, the Rev. Robert Allmon, pastor of the New Life Fellowship Church in Crane, Mo. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Born Sept. 6, 1907, in Bush, Ark., she was the daughter of Onis Clifton and Francis Pearl (Taylor) Willhite. She attended schools in Missouri.

On Oct. 15, 1924, she was married to Willis M. Allmon in Aurora, Mo. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1969. Her husband preceded her in death on June 18, 1995. She was a member of the Eastern Heights Christian Church and enjoyed fishing, needlework and gardening.

Survivors include two sons, Eugene M. Allmon of McNeal, Ariz., and Billy Allmon of Ulysses, Kan.; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son Leo Allmon; two daughters, Reba and Rebecca; and a granddaughter, Linda Allmon.

Casket bearers will be Harold Waggerman, Don Myers, Eyvind Logan, Wayne Kraft, Farrel Eaton and Russell Olds.

The family will be at the Trout Funeral Home, Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8 p.m. to receive friends.

Ivery Lee Jones

Ivery Lee Jones, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Feb. 6, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 74.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Robert L. Palmer Sr., pastor of St. John Baptist Church, Ponca City, officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairfax (Okla.) Cemetery.

Ivery Lee (Bennett) Jones was born Dec. 30, 1912, in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of Mac Kinley Bennett and Amy (Williams) Bennett. She graduated from Bride Stevens High School in Rotan, Texas, in the early 1940s.

In 1949, she was married to John L. Jones Sr. in Palestine, Texas. Mrs. Jones was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Church. She enjoyed being with her family, fishing and playing cards.

She is survived by one son, John L. Jones Jr. of Bartlesville; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one sister, Lois Bennett Lee.

Casket bearers will be Tywon Jones, Larry Lee, Michael Lee, Rick Lee Sr., Ronnie Rogers and Gene Smith.

The family will be at 809 South Ninth Street.

Sally Northcutt

WICHITA, Kan. — Miss Sally Northcutt, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, in Wichita, Kan. She was 56.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Cochran Mortuary in Wichita, Kan. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ponca City.

Miss Northcutt was retired from Inter-Faith Ministries, where she had served as special projects coordinator.

Survivors include four cousins, Pat Routh of Wichita, Kan., Susan Simonson of Mathews, N.C., Terry McVeigh of Austin, Texas, and Bob Northcutt of Oklahoma City.

Memorial contributions may be made in Miss Northcutt’s name to the Salvation Army Homeless Services or the Wichita Children’s Home, c/o Cochran Mortuary, 1411 North Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214.

Services Pending

Robert L. Moore

Robert L. Moore, DDS, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, at his home. He was 83. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel. There will be no viewing; however, the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ponca City Humane Society, P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, OK 74602. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later.

Ouida Lee Nash

Ouida Lee “Johnnie” Nash, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday Feb. 8, 1999, at her home. She was 67. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel and will be announced later.

Maxine Hilton

Maxine Hilton, Ponca City resident, died Monday Feb. 8, 1999, at her home. She was 84. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Garnishing With Flowers — SR&T Garden Club will meet at the Cann Garden Home 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Susan McMonigle will be the hostess assisted by Barbara Gowan. The program, Garnishing with Flowers, will be presented by Jannie Ross. Cheryl Smith and Susan McMonigle will lead the Serendipity table. For additional information, call Mary Ann Potter, 767-1956.

De La Hoya faces his toughest opponent Ike Quartey. Don’t miss

this one on Pay Per View, Saturday, February 13th, at 8:00 p.m.

Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 for your ring side seat! adv.

Family Resource Center — The Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway, will be hosting a Make and Take a Valentine Day on Wednesday with sessions from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Parents are invited to come and create a special valentine with their preschool age children. All materials will be provided. For information call 767-9509.

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 call the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building at: 762-8104. adv.

80th Birthday — Benjamin Earl Demaree, 1609 Hathaway, will mark his 80th birthday Feb. 12. Friends and former Conoco employees are invited to send cards to him at the listed address.

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.

Accident — An accident in the 3500 block of Springwood was reported to police at 7:36 a.m. Monday. A report was taken.

WWF St. Valentine’s Day Massacre! Don’t miss this action-

packed extravaganza. Coming to Pay Per View Sunday, February

14th at 7:00 p.m. Order early, call Cable ONE at 762-6684. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 37-year-old woman at 9:39 a.m. Monday from West Cherry Avenue and South Franklin Street for harboring a runaway.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and

Central. adv.

Graffiti — At 9:42 a.m. Monday graffiti in the 1300 block of Princeton Avenue was reported to police. An officer was assigned.

Dry, Winter skin?? Free sample of facial moisturizer to fit

your skin type from Estee Lauder or Clinique at John’s Apparel,

downtown Ponca City. 762-2763. adv.

Abuse — At 9:59 a.m. Monday police officers were called to the Lincoln Alternative Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, to investigate possible child abuse.

1/2 Off-Winter at the new location: men’s, plus, maternity, kids,

retro too- Back on the Rack, 3rd and Grand. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 17-year-old man at 8:33 p.m. Monday from Wal-Mart, 1011 East Prospect Avenue, for embezzlement.

Theft — A woman in the 3500 block of Springwood contacted police at 10:14 a.m. Monday regarding the theft of a vehicle tag.

Valentine Salad luncheon, Thursday, February 11, 11:00 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m. First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Adults

$5. Preschool $1.50. Public invited. adv.

Cigarette Theft — At 10:25 a.m. Monday police were advised that a woman had stolen a pack of cigarettes from Conoco, 1613 West South Avenue.

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.

Arrest — A 51-year-old man was arrested at 12:18 p.m. Monday from Grant County on two city warrants for driving under suspension.

Rental Property — At 3:22 p.m. Monday police were requested at Froggie’s Appliance, 207 South First Street, after a customer failed to return rental property. A report was taken.

Threats — A resident in the 200 block of North Lake Street called police at 3:47 p.m. Monday reporting threatening phone calls.

Stuck Girl — At 4:19 p.m. Monday fire rescue units responded to a call regarding a small girl stuck in a tree in the 1000 block of West South Avenue. However the girl was down from the tree upon arrival of the rescue units.

Stalking — A woman in the 2100 block of El Camino Street contacted police at 4:28 p.m. Monday regarding a stalking. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Shoplifter — At 4:36 p.m. Monday a 17-year-old boy was reported in custody at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for shoplifting.

Drain Damage — At 7:11 p.m. Monday the fire department was called to the south end of Ames Avenue after it was discovered that someone had poured gasoline into the storm drain.

Burglary Alarm — At 9:44 p.m. Monday police responded to a signal from a burglary alarm at Locke Supply, 501 North Fourteenth Street. Police reported that it appeared as if someone had attempted to enter the building from the ceiling.

Smoke — Fire units responded to a report of smoke from a furnace in the 3600 block of B Street at 9:46 p.m. Monday. However no smoke or fire was discovered.

Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 11:34 p.m. Monday from the 700 block of South Waverly Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Noises — At 4:48 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 800 block of North First Street called police regarding noises outside her house. An officer was assigned.

LIFESTYLES

Food Important When Celebrating Chinese Holiday
Professionals Today Name 1999 Officers
Anthropological Meeting
Little News

Food Important When Celebrating Chinese Holiday

(AP) — For more than 5,000 years, people have been celebrating the Chinese New Year. The two-week festival marks the start of the Chinese calendar and is the most important of Chinese holidays. Its many rituals include visits to ancestral shrines, parades and fireworks and feasts with traditional foods.

Food customs include:

— offerings to the Kitchen God, made before the end of the lunar calendar.

— a “harmony tray” of nine snacks symbolizing wealth, good fortune and family unity.

— gifts symbolizing wealth and good fortune, such as tangerines for good luck, candies in the shape of gold coins for wealth, flowers or homemade pastries.

— Won tons, representing blessings such as good fortune and wealth.

— A family feast to reaffirm kinship and pay respect to heads of households.

A whole fish, signifying prosperity and placed pointing to the guest of honor, is often the centerpiece of the meal and the last dish to be served.

Tofu, pork, roast duck and chicken may also be served, as they, too, represent good luck. Asian noodles, especially long, whole noodles, are served because they represent long life.

Among Chinese dining customs:

— families often dine elbow-to-elbow at round tables to create a circle symbolizing unity and caring.

— The head of the household sits facing the doorway, to greet newcomers.

— The most senior diners are served first; children generally serve their elders.

— Before a meal can begin, each child must invite the elders to eat.

— Chopsticks are never placed across the bowl or vertically in it, because that symbolizes death and bad fortune.

— Knives are not set on the table as they are considered cooking utensils. You might cut off your fortune if you use a knife on New Year’s Day.

Professionals Today Name 1999 Officers

Professionals Today approved the 1999 budget during the Thursday meeting. This included the finance, hospitality, membership and community service budgets.

The meeting, held at the Golden Corral, had a Valentine motif, under the direction of Hospitality Chairman Donna Morgan. The Valentine prize was won by Bobbie Smith.

President Ruth Capshaw encouraged the group to enlist new members for the year. Deanna Lowther is Membership Chairman.

Participating in Roses and Raspberries were Lynda Fox, Lillian Taylor, Sally Niemann, Ann Bandy, Bobbie Smith, Ruth Capshaw. and Karen Furman. Niemann, Bandy and Suzanne Zanardi participated in “Face Tag.”

Those celebrating February birthdays were Karen Furman, Loretta Leathers, Karen Smith-Hunter and Louise Abercrombie.

Sue Lunsford, president-elect, announced that the next meeting program, set for Feb. 18, will be on the Citizen’s Academy with Pixie Rowland and Clayton Johnson.

Committee chairmen for the Annual Cook-off will meet Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m., at co-chairman Karen Furman’s, 2304 Cardinal. Loretta Leathers is chairman.

Capshaw requested any members having past records of the club turn them in at United Way for historian Louise Abercrombie to compile.

The treasurer’s report was given by Capshaw in the absence of Liz Hubbard. Carol Ann Blackwell, secretary, read the minutes.

Anthropological Meeting

The Kay County Chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth. Speaker will be Lois Albert, staff archaeologist for the Oklahoma Archeological Survey. Her topic is entitled “Survey of Early Historic Cherokee Sites.”

Little News

Jenni Dawn and Dana Charles Fisher II of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 1:20 p.m. Jan. 22, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Darrian Dawn-Marie Fisher weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 22 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Brad and Dawn Piel of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Dana Fisher of Ponca City, and Pamela Fisher of Guthrie.

Maternal great-grandparents are Corrine Wasson, Kent and Betty LeMaster, and Bill and Jessie Piel, all of Ponca City, and the late Fred Wasson. Paternal great-grandparents are Danny and Doris Fisher, and Lois Gates of Ponca City, and Mr. and Mrs. Beard of Guthrie.

BUSINESS

Main Street 101 Place To Learn Of Program
Motivational Speaker At Blackwell Banquet
Ziegenhain Named President of Bank
Chamber Vice President Completes Course at OU
Group One Inc., Century 21 Joining Forces
Mongold Awarded
Sheik Honored
Local Travel Agent Certified As Princess Cruises Expert

Main Street 101 Place To Learn Of Program

Oklahoma City — Main Street 101 is the place to discover what 37 Oklahoma communities already know about downtown economic revitalization.

The Oklahoma Main Street Program will conduct classes at the Westin Hotel, One North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Feb. 25-26. Class attendance is encouraged for all those interested in community development.

Oklahoma Main Street Director Les Hall said that the nationwide program is a proven method to bring about downtown revitalization. “Since 1986, Oklahoma towns and districts of all sizes have invested over $200 million in their downtowns. A recent commerce department Study showed that tile Main Street Program has a definite tangible economic impact,” said Hall.

“Our Communities have shown net gains of 1700 businesses and 5200 jobs since joining the Main Street program. The impact can be measured not only by increased quality of life but also by a quantifiable increase in retail sales. With a strong local commitment and resources from the state level, Main Street can have a real economic impact on a local economy,” Hall added.

The conference will feature nationally known speakers Jon Schallert and Sylvia Allen, who will share ideas on creating retail destinations and sponsorships. Since 1983, Jon Schallert has been working with downtown merchants, and independent retailers to improve sales and profitability.Located in Sorrento, Fla., Schallert heads a consulting group, Schallert and Associates Inc., that conducts seminars and marketing training nationwide.

Allen leads the nationally respected marketing communications firm, Allen Consulting Inc. based in Holmdel, N.J. Allen specializes in securing “event” sponsorships for her clients and conducting seminars on sponsorships for the American Management Association

Contact the Oklahoma Main Street Office at 1-900-TRY-OKLA (800-879-6552) to register for the conference. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and classes will begin at 9:30. Payment for the $75 registration fee may be made by check, money order or company purchase order. If four or more people from the same town register, a group discount is available at $50 each.

Motivational Speaker At Blackwell Banquet

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

BLACKWELL — “Leaders manage the dream,” leadership motivational speaker Bill DeForrest told the capacity crowd at the 105th Blackwell Chamber of Commerce Annual banquet. The event was staged at the Kay Room, Kay Electric Cooperative.

Currently the senior vice president of development for Lane Hotels, Inc., DeForrest assists in acquisitions of strategic assets and third party management contracts. He is based in Chicago.

DeForrest was an instructor at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge for six years, featuring management and supervisor training and development. In 1990 he was vice president of sales marketing and hospitality management at the Copper Mountain, Colo., Resort.

DeForrest told the group that some of the qualities of leadership are to search for change, inspiration of a shared vision, the ability to enable others to act, being an example for others, enjoy small wins and work from the heart, but celebrate as a team.

DeForrest, who had worked with Blackwell executive director Shea Erickson at Copper Mountain, was well received. He is well known across the nation as a speaker.

Incoming Chamber President Fern Lively told of the goals for 1999. These included a Kids Mainstreet program and some ongoing programs. She encouraged participation by members.

Awards

The Outstanding Citizen Award, presented by last year’s recipient Sally Norris, honored Lee Reames, who for many years was executive director of the Blackwell Chamber. Reames was honored for her many contributions throughout the years to the community.

Three new awards were given this year. The President’s Award, presented by outgoing president Bruce Dale, went to Herb Lucas. Dale also presented the Business of the Year Award to Hutton Pharmacy Inc. Postal Employee Jerry Oard was named Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented by Shea Erickson. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Rita Sells by Erickson.

Officers for the year in addition to Lively are Brett Barr, president-elect, and Janice Lawhon, vice president. Members of the board are Joel Dyer, Bob Fletcher, Marie Caldwell, Scott Sprague, Sally Downey, Kirk Boersma, David Pennington, Cassie Leatherman, J.D. Soulek, Herb Lucas, LouAnn Hutchins, Marilyn Harmon, Larry Laughlin and Bill Simpson.

Retiring directors are Becky Hutton, Carla Sandy, Chris Chenowith and Steve Hart.

The evening was an elegant affair with the head table decorated with lace tablecloths, fresh flower arrangements and candles.

The banquet tables were decorated with fresh flower arrangements and candles. Not often does a Chamber banquet have a program by candlelight. However the speakers were spotlighted during their presentations.

Dinner music was by the “Old Strings” trio. The invocation was by the Rev. Daryl Donovan.

The banquet committee consisted of Marilyn Harmon, Becky Hutton, Cassie Leatherman, Fern Lively, Shea Erickson and Chrystal Winterhalter.

Ziegenhain Named President of Bank

NationsBank officials have announced Charles M. Ziegenhain is the new president of NationsBank Ponca City. Ziegenhain replaces Frank Kennedy who is transferring to NationsBank Muskogee as president in that market.

“Charles has done an outstanding job for us in Ponca City,” said Roger Whaley, president of NationsBank Oklahoma. “We’re very fortunate to have the depth of leadership that we have in this market. Charles’ leadership combined with our experienced and professional associates already in Ponca City provides the strength and expertise to deliver the highest quality financial services in the area.”

“Charles is a good banker and a very dedicated and active community leader,” adds Kennedy, “And, he will be a great leader for our NationsBank team in Ponca City.”

Ziegenhain is a 24-year veteran of NationsBank and its predecessors. He has a strong background in commercial lending and has served as senior vice president of commercial loans since 1989.

A native of Ponca City, Ziegenhain received a bachelor of science degree in finance from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, in 1975.

Civic involvement has included serving as director and finance committee chairman of the American Business Club, director and building committee chairman of the Kay County Council for Retarded Children, director and finance committee chairman of the YMCA, and director and chairman of the economic restructuring committee for the Ponca City Main Street Authority.

He was a trustee of the Ponca City Economic Development Foundation Inc. and a team leader for the United Way. He has served as chairman of the Presidents’ Club and chairman of the Ambassadors’ Club for the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.

Ziegenhain serves on the New Industry and Finance Committees of the Economic Development Advisory Board and as a director of the Salvation Army. He is a graduate of the first Leadership Ponca City class.

Ziegenhain and his wife, Patti, and children are members of the First Christian Church, where he has served as board treasurer and vice-chairman of the Permanent Fund Trustees.

NationsBank is part of the new Bank of America, formed through the merger of NationsBank Corporation and BankAmerica Corporation.

Bank of America, with $618 billion in assets, is the largest bank in the United States. It has full-service operations in 22 states and the District of Columbia and provides financial products and services to 30 million households and 2 million businesses.

Chamber Vice President Completes Course at OU

Lisa Coy, vice president-general manager of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, recently completed a week-long program of study with the Institutes for Organization Management, held Jan. 17-22 at the University of Oklahoma, Norman.

The institute is a professional development program specifically designed to address the unique challenges facing chamber of commerce and association executives.

Participants learn the latest techniques in membership development and retention, strategic planning, volunteer leadership development and non-dues revenue enhancement, among others. Prior to attending, enrollees complete prereading assignments and a home-study examination.

The institute is nationally recognized by the chamber and association communities for its standard of academic excellence. Graduates receive a certificate of chamber or association management and earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive or Certified Association Executive designations.

Courses are taught by recognized leaders within the chamber and association profession, as well as academics and top consultants. Institute’s rigorous “core” curriculum provides a firm foundation in the essentials of organization management. Elective courses allow participants to tailor the program to meet their individual interests and career needs.

The University of Oklahoma Institute is one of eight programs held each year at U.S. college campuses. Founded in 1921, Institute is made possible through the Center for Leadership Development, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. More than 2,200 individuals attend Institute annually.

For more information, contact Institute headquarters at 202/463-5570; write to: Institutes for Organization Management, 1615 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20062-2000, or visit the Institute web site at http://www.uschamber.org/iom.

Group One Inc., Century 21 Joining Forces

Group One Inc. Realtors has announced joining forces with Century 21, the largest real estate company in the world.

“In doing so, Group One has gained a valuable partner who will be providing us the latest in real estate technology, improved marketing strategies, enhanced programs for the consumer and excellent training programs, all designed to provide the customer or client with total satisfaction, previous owners,” Bob and Faye Askew, commented.

Johnny Leonard, president of Century 21 PorCorps in Tulsa, is the new owner of the Ponca City office. He operates four Century 21 offices in the Tulsa metropolitan area.

Leonard said, “We are very excited to have the top real estate company in Ponca City become part of our system. I believe that with our programs and the quality of agents and management at Group One, we will provide a service to the Ponca City real estate market that cannot be matched.”

Leonard stressed that all associates and brokers will remain intact and will continue doing business at the same address.

Notes and Quotes

Mongold Awarded

Chester W. Mongold with the New York Life Insurance Company has recently been awarded the National Quality Award. The National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), located in Washington, D.C. confers this award to promote and recognize excellence in client and customer representation.

The National quality Award was created in 1944 and recognizes an agent’s ability to provide long-standing insurance products and service to clients. Only tent to 15 percent of the nation’s insurance agents receive one of these annual prestigious industry award. NALU is affiliated with the Stillwater Life Underwriters Association.

Sheik Honored

NEWKIRK — Sandra Sheik, Newkirk, was honored for outstanding leadership of young people during 1998 as director of the local Modern Woodmen of America Junior Service Club.

Sheik led the group to merit status, an honor given by Modern Woodmen to recognize leaders of youth clubs for top-level performance. Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal life insurance headquartered in Rock Island, Ill., serving nearly three-quarters of a million members nationwide.

Local Travel Agent Certified As Princess Cruises Expert

Helen Wilson of Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel Agency recently completed Princess Cruises’ Expert Training Program, certifying that she is a graduate of the most comprehensive travel agent training program in the cruise industry.

Wilson became a Princess Expert by completing a six-month series of courses published by the cruise line. Six lesson plans cover Princess’ renowned Grand Class Cruising and the company’s many cruise destinations, including Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Exotic destinations.

“Princess Experts have proven they are among the most knowledgeable agents in the cruise business,” said Rick James, Princess’ senior vice president of customer service and sales. “Travelers can feel an extra level of confidence when booking through them.” Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel Agency is located at 323 East Grand Ave. in Ponca City.

SPORTS

Mavs Drop First Loop Loss in OT
Lady Cats Stun T. Union
Lady Mavs Lose Bid For Lead
Swimmers 4th, 6th In League
Cats Not Quite Equal Of State’s Top Teams
OSU Mat Streak Reaches 66 Wins
Sophs Seek Wins
Junior High Basketball

Mavs Drop First Loop Loss in OT

TONKAWA — The Mavericks of NOC dropped their first game of conference play, Monday, falling to the Seminole Trojans in overtime, 83-82.

Larry Reid led the Mavs with 24 points, including a bucket in the final second six seconds to send the game into overtime tied at 72-all.

Up by one in overtime, the Mavs missed a pair from the line with nine seconds left. The Trojans then drove down the court, and after a quick miss, Spencer McLeod got a tip-in with a fraction of a second on the clock to send Seminole into the lead.

To NOC coach Mick Weiberg, it wasn’t the final seconds of overtime that cost his Mavs the game — it was the first half of regulation.

“We didn’t play well the first 20 minutes of the game, and we had no excuse to be there (in overtime),” he says. “That first half dictated the outcome of the ballgame, without a question. We got down 15 or 16 and had to come back, and you can’t do that against a good team. And Seminole is a pretty fine team.”

The Trojans and Mavs are now tied for first in the Bi-State West, at 4-1. The Mavs are 20-5 overall.

The Mavs shot a stellar 47 percent (18-of-38) from 2-point range, and a full 52 percent (10-of-19) from 3-point range. But the Trojans answered that call by burying 11-of-23 from long range, including 5-of-7 shooting from McLeod, who finished with 24 points.

The Mavs also got outrebounded 15-8 on the offensive boards, and gave up 20 turnovers.

“You can’t give up 15 offensive rebounds to any team,” says Weiberg. “Most of those came in the first half.”

The Mavs will have a shot at redemption on their home floor on Thursday, as they host Rose State.

“It’s that time of year that we don’t take graciously to losing one,” Weiberg concluded. “We just have to get tougher, and you would expect these guys to recover.”

Josh Regnier had 13 for the Mavs, Jeff Newby had 11, Latarvis Norman 8, Sherman Rochell and Ron Banks 7 each, Tyler Barnard 6, Ryan Williams 5, and Shere-Khan Jones 1.

The Mavs tip off at 8 on Thursday.

Lady Cats Stun T. Union

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Say that again?

In what will likely prove to be the biggest upset in the Frontier Conference this season, the 1-win Lady Wildcats held on for a 53-48 victory over conference leading, and undefeated Tulsa Union, Monday.

In rankings released today in the Tulsa World, the 9-1 (13-3 overall) Lady Redskins are ranked No. 5 in the 32-team Class 6A, while the Lady Cats are 24th. The Lady Cats’ (2-11, 5-13) only other conference win this season was Jan. 29, against No. 22 Bartlesville.

“My heart is beating 100 miles per hour,” said a beaming coach Dana Pulley, whose team was run over by Union, 61-46, on Jan. 19. “I’ve been trying to tell these girls that on any given night anyone can beat anybody.

“If we don’t win another game for the rest of the year, I’ll be satisfied with that win.”

Jennifer Caughman scored for the Lady Cats on their initial possession, and powered by a season best, 49 percent (17-of-35) shooting effort, the ladies in white never trailed in the game.

Desiree Cries For Ribs and Aleena Ames each had 14 points to lead the Lady Cats’ 4-quarter assault. Laura Sudbury chipped in 9 points and had 8 rebounds to muster what proved to be a rebounding drill against the Lady Redskins. The Lady Cats out-boarded their foes 30-17.

As opposed to the last time these two teams met, the Lady Redskins were challenged on nearly every shot, as the Lady Cats held the lethal Unionites to 39 percent (19-of-49) from the field.

“What a game,” Pulley continued. “This was a total effort. We put the ball in the hole, and we had them frustrated (on defense) — you could see it on their faces. The crowd, and the bench were really behind them.

“It was just an awesome game. We shot 50 percent. We’ve never shot 50 percent.

“But we know what we can do now.”

Though the Poncans went up by as much as 12 points, midway through the second quarter, the Lady Redskins closed that gap in the second half, pulling to within one point with 3:55 left to play.

With 49 seconds left, and with a narrow, 2-point lead, the Lady Cats turned the ball over. But Jena Birdsong grabbed a huge rebound after an equally huge miss by the Lady Redskins, was fouled, and hit 1-of-2 in the double bonus.

Alana Smith, who hit 3-of-4 clutch free throws in the final three minutes, then picked off a pass by the Unionites with 20 seconds left

Pulley recognized that play as the clincher in the game.

“I knew the game was ours after that. I wasn’t comfortable until then.”

Forced to the line, the Lady Cats hit 2-of-4 to hold the lead, while Union missed a desperation 3-pointer.

Smith, who finished with 7 points (5 in the fourth quarter), got a steal and a layup in the first quarter to give the Lady Cats a 7-point lead, 14-7.

Ames — who averages 3.1 points for the Lady Cats — ignited at the end of that period and into the second quarter, scoring eight straight points in a 13-3 run that gave the Poncans their biggest lead of the game, 31-19.

The Lady Cats led 31-23 at half.

“Aleena’s been playing well in practice and she did just an awesome job off the bench tonight,” said Pulley. “She hit the shots when we needed them and got the rebounds when we needed them.”

The Lady Redskins crept back in the third quarter, pulling to within two, 38-36. But a 3-pointer from Birdsong to end the quarter, and a shot from Smith to open the fourth spread the gap again.

Birdsong, the Lady Cats’ lone sophomore starter, finished with 7 points as point guard.

“She’s really handling the pressure well,” says Pulley.

Caughman finished with 2 for the Lady Cats.

Kelli Anderson and Casey Nalley had 10 each for the Lady Redskins, while Lauren Henry and Andrea Parker had 9 each. Union scoring leaders Tara Edwards and Courtney Bennett, who both average around 10 ppg, had just 2 and 7 points, respectively.

The Lady Cats were up to their old tricks from the free throw line, however, shooting just 13-of-25 (8-of-16 in the fourth), and had 19 turnovers to Union’s 15.

The Lady Cats will host Sapulpa on Friday, in their final home game of the year.

Lady Mavs Lose Bid For Lead

TONKAWA — The Lady Mavericks fell in a battle for sole possession of the Bi-State West, Monday, tumbling hard in a second half surge by the Seminole Belles, 85-45, Monday.

Though they led by just nine, 30-21, at halftime, the Lady Belles squashed the Lady Mavs’ threat in the second period, 55-24.

After a 4-0 start in league play, the Lady Mavs were sent back to the proverbial drawing board with the loss.

“We just didn’t do anything,” said a highly discouraged coach Greg Krause. “It was very disappointing. I can live with missed shots, but I cant live with a lack of toughness and aggressiveness.

“There are things we’ve got to address on this team. We’ve got to play with more toughness, more emotion. We didn’t have it, and we’re going to address it today and tomorrow.

“There’s a lot more to this game than talent. There’s got to be something within.”

Kacey Whitworth led the Lady Mavs with 11, Lyndsey Warrior had 8, Lorraine Rice and Jessica Garner had 5 each, Ranada Collins, Suzi Eisenhauer, and Chenise Robinson had 4 each, while LaTonya Douglas and Jennifer Williams had 2 each.

For Seminole, Osborn had 18, Grant 16, Myers 13, McQueen 12, Bernard 8, Keeton 5, Brown and Davis 4, Lowry 3, while C. Brown had 2.

The Lady Mavs will try to get back on the winning track on Thursday, hosting Rose State.

Swimmers 4th, 6th In League

JENKS — The Po-Hi swimmers had a number of nice showings in the Frontier Conference swimming and diving meet, held Friday and Saturday at the Jenks high school pool. The Wildcat swimmers placed fourth, while the Lady Cats were sixth.

Jenks’ boys and girls teams won the meet.

Rory Peterson led the way for the boys, taking the conference championship in both the 100 fly and the 500 free. Ryan Ives and Lucas Elmer both qualified for state — Ives in the 50 free, and Elmer as a diver.

Eric Chambray placed second in diving, while Elmer was third.

The Cats also placed strong in relays, with third place finishes in the 200 and 400 free, and a fifth in the 200 medley.

“We had some close calls (for state qualifying times),” said coach Dave Strah. “Eric Whitebay just missed in the 200 free, Patrick Tucker in the 50 free, and Greg Dunham in the 100 fly.

“But they’re looking good, two weeks from the state meet.”

Shannon Mersman led the way for the Lady Cats with a fourth place finish and a personal best time in the 100 back. Sunita Chahar was fifth in the 100 breast, while Megan Tomek came in 7th in the 100 fly.

Junior Jennifer Roth dropped five seconds in the 100 free, to place 10th, and placed ninth in the 100 back.

Some of the Po-Hi swimmers will travel to Jenks again, Thursday, for a last-chance qualifying meet before state.

“I think we can still qualify two or three more kids,” says Strah. “This has been a great season for the teams, especially the boys. And I know both teams are going to be ready to swim at state.”

Cats Not Quite Equal Of State’s Top Teams

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

The Wildcats once again proved themselves to be nearly the equals of an elite state team.

One point from equal.

Despite a remarkable run in the fourth quarter, in which they outscored their foes 21-12, the Cats fell in the final seconds to the Tulsa Union Redskins, 58-57.

After three straight misses by Union (9-1, 12-3) on the front end of a 1-and-1, and unlike most of their narrow losses this season, however, it was the Cats who had the chance to win it, late.

Nathan Zimmerman posted up on 6-10 Union giant Jack Marlow to pull the Cats within one, 58-57, with 14 seconds left.

With six seconds left, Tom Engle drove hard into the lane, split a pair of defenders, and lofted the ball into the hoop. A deafening roar from the crowd nearly drowned out the official’s whistle, however — Engle was called for a travel, and the winning bucket was negated.

Paul Broome’s desperation 3-point attempt — after another miss at the line by the Redskins — was just off the back of the rim as the buzzer sounded.

“It’s tough to have to give the same speech after however many — 8 or 9 games — like that,” said coach Ron Arthur. “It’s a shame, an injustice, when these kids work so hard.

“They deserved tonight’s victory. That’s about as well as we could play.”

Ten players scored for the Cats, led by Broome and Scott Larrison with 9 each. Broome was 3-of-6 from 3-point range to lead a 7-of-16 effort from the arc. Zimmerman had 8 points, most of those coming 1-on-1 against Marlow.

For the Redskins — fresh off their first loss in 26 straight conference games — scoring leaders Marlow and Jon Shepherd had 18 and 17 points, respectively. Ralph Charles had 11, while just two others scored as the Unionites had to scramble to stave off the lightly-regarded Poncans.

The Cats also out-boarded the Redskins 34-30.

“That was a hard fought 17, and a hard fought 18 points for those guys,” said Arthur. “We held those guys to their average. We know they’ll get points, but it was a dog fight. Every game we have a game plan, and tonight we stuck to it.”

The Redskins raced to a 15-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Cats came right back in the second, getting 3-pointers from Brett Skaggs and Jeff Furnas to pull to within three, 20-17.

The Redskins again zipped to a 28-21 lead, but consecutive post-up moves by Zimmerman and Craig Thilsted led to just a 3-point deficit for the Poncans at halftime, 29-26.

A 3-point play by Furnas pulled the Cats to within two, 34-32, in the third quarter, but eight straight from Marlow (including three post-up dunks) sent the Redskins sailing ahead again.

Kris Shores and Broome hit consecutive 3-pointers to open the final stanza, and sparked a 12-4 run to pull the Cats within two, 50-48. Shores also had a layup, and Zimmerman and Larrison added fading jump shots over Marlow’s long arm to complete that run.

“It was still a fantastic game,” Arthur concluded. “We’re playing well right now, and the message we’re trying to send these kids is that things will happen if they continue to play well.

“We talked about the Regional (after the game), and said if we can play with the No. 4 team in the state we can play with the No. 2 team.”

The Cats shot 40 percent (23-of-57), while the Redskins were 26-of-54, for 48 percent. The Cats had 18 turnovers to the Redskins’ 15.

Shores and Furnas had 7 each, Engle had 5, Thilsted had 4, Skaggs had 3, while Jeremiah Payne and Blake Geubelle had 2 each.

The Cats, now 3-10 (5-14 overall) will host Sapulpa — the team that beat the Redskins on Friday — on Friday.

OSU Mat Streak Reaches 66 Wins

STILLWATER (AP) — Top-ranked Oklahoma State ran its dual winning streak to 66 Monday night with a 31-4 victory over No. 20 Michigan State.

Top-ranked Eric Guerrero started the night with an 8-3 victory over third-ranked Pat McNamara at 133 pounds. Charles Walker followed with a decision over Isaac Miller at 141.

Reggie White then dominated his 149-pound match against Mike Castillo, winning 23-10 and starting a run of four major decisions in five matches. The others came from Ty Wilcox at 165, top-ranked Mark Smith at 174 and Mark Munoz at 184.

Smith remains unbeaten on the season and is now 27-0. Munoz has now won six matches in a row.

The only victory for Michigan State came at 197, where Nick Muzashvili beat Josh Cruzan, 12-4.

The closest match of the night came at 285 where OSU’s Dave Anderon nipped Matt Lamb, 3-2. Anderton scored the winning takedown with three seconds left in the match.

Oklahoma State is now 21-0 while the Spartans fell to 4-8.

Oklahoma State 31, Michigan State 4

133-Eric Guerrero (Oklahoma State) dec, Pat McNamara, &3

141-Charles Walker (Oklahoma State) dec, Issac Miller, 6.4

149-Reggis Wright (Oklahoma State) m. dec. Mike Castillo, 23-10

157-Jimmy Arias (Oklahoma State) dec, Cory Posey, 2-1 ot

165-Ty Wilcox (Oklahoma State) m. dec. Kevin Spiess. 13-3

174-Mark Smith (Oklahoma State) m. dec. Will Hill, 15-5

184-Mark Muftz (Oklahoma State) m. dec, Nik Fekete. 16-6

197-Nick Muzashvili (Michigan State) m. dec. Josh Cruzan, 12-4

285-Dave Anderton (Oklahoma State) dec, Matt Lamb, 3-2

125-Jeff Ragan (Oklahoma State) dec. Chris Williams, 9-7

Sophs Seek Wins

With the season winding down, Ponca City’s Wildcat sophomores are still looking to put together four quarters of good play on both ends of the court.

On Thursday the Cats travel to Blackwell looking to finish on a high note. They play host to Broken Arrow on Feb. 15 and complete the season Feb. 18 against Sand Springs in Robson Fieldhouse.

Last Thursday, the Cats played evenly against Stillwater for the first half, were still within striking distance after three quarters but then saw Stillwater pull away for a 64-46 win.

“Again, I thought we played well on both ends of the floor until we broke down defensively in the fourth quarter,” coach Jerry Orr said.

“When we get those defensive mistakes corrected in practice, we’re going to get back on the winning track,” Orr said. “In the last two or three games we have had one bad quarter of shooting the basketball. We only had one field goal in the third quarter (against Stillwater).

“The other quarters have been pretty productive. We need to average between 12 and 17 points per quarter to win in seven minute quarter games.”

The sophomores trailed just 33-19 at halftime and were behind 45-34 despite the cold shooting third quarter. But Stillwater outscored the Poncans 19-12 down the stretch.

Anthony Dewberry was the only Ponca City player in double figures with 16 points. Billy Struble, Kris Upchurch and Travis Delaney had 5 points each.

Stillwater 65, Ponca City 46

Stillwater 11 22 12 19 — 64

Ponca City 16 13 5 12 — 46

Ponca City — Anthony Dewberry 16, Billy Struble 5, Kris Upchurch 5, Travis Delaney 5. Matt Bond 4, Tim Rathburn 4, Mark Parsons 3, Matt Meyers 2, Michael Martin 2.

Stillwater — Kelly 11, Neal 8, Gray 8, Shaw 7, Savcerman 6, Mitchell 5, Conrad 4, Gibes 4, Flack 2, Mueller 2, Patmon 2

Junior High Basketball

Ninth Grade Girls

Ponca City Red 37, Woodward 22

Ponca City’s ninth grade Red girls finished the regular season with a perfect 15-0 record with a 37-22 win at Woodward Monday and now look to gain the Northern Oklahoma Conference title this week.

The Conference tournament is Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Stillwater.

“It was a long trip and it was Monday,” Ponca City coach John Maddox said of the somewhat uneven play by his team. “I like the result, but I don’t like the way we got there.”

The Ponca Citians vaulted to a 19-6 halftime lead but couldn’t keep the pace in the second half, scoring just three points in the third quarter.

Things got really sloppy in the fourth quarter, according to Maddox.

“We went to the line 12 times in the fourth period and hit seven of them. Woodward was 11-of-22, and that was all in the fourth quarter,’ Maddox moaned. “In the first three quarters we were 1-for-5 Woodward was 3-for-7

“Woodward had just one field goal in that fourth quarter and we had four.”

Jenna Wedd again paced the Lady Cougars’ scoring with 11 points. Amanda Summers and Mallory Hodge each had 6 points, Jamie Neal 4, Courtney Birdsong, Amanda Ingram and Vickie Hadley-Howe had 2 apiece while Kristen Seiver and Monica Sawyers had 1 each.

Seventh Grade Girls

Ponca City Red 40, Braman 24

Ponca City’s seventh grade Red girls took third place in the Frontier Tournament with a 40-24 win over Braman.

The Red girls finished the season with a 14-3 record.

“The girls played great considering this was an eighth grade tournament,” said coach Penny Surber. “We expect these girls to accomplish great things next year.”

Janna Green paced the Red scoring with 11 points. Hanna Garrison had 9, Monica Cardwell 82, Rudonna Barden 4, Hillary Wright 3, Jordan Lunsford 2, Machaela Cavener 2 and Jennifer Jenkins 1.

Ponca City Blue 27, Billings 23

Ponca City’s seventh grade Blue girls won the consolation championship of the Frontier Tournament, squeaking past Billings 27-23.

“These girls came alive the last two games of this tournament,” said coach penny Surber. “The played outstanding defense and worked the ball well on offense.

Megan Bonee led the scoring with 10 points while Jamie Trout had 5, Chelsey Cobb 4, Hope Simpson 4, Kathie Girardi 2 and Jennie Cowan 2.

The Blue girls finished the season 6-3.

Seventh Grade Boys

Ponca City Red 46, Frontier 43

Ponca City’s seventh grade Red boys won the Frontier Tournament championship by nudging out Frontier 46-43.

Devon Anderson and Antoine English led the Cougars’ scoring with 12 points each. Justin Walker finished with 9 points, Matt Drouhard 7 and Scott Hartman 6.

The Ponca City Reds were undefeated on the season.

Ponca City Blue 63, Lutheran 27

Ponca City’s seventh garde Blue cagers took third place in the Frontier Tournament with a 63-27 win over Lutheran.

Justin Bush led the assault with 21 points while Blaine King had 10, Joe Theobald 9, Patrick Collogan 8, Jacob Todd 5, Derrick 4, Daniel Nimmo 2, Tyler 2 and Lee Coburn 2.