LOCAL

Senate Acquits Clinton
State Education Standards Need To Be Raised Higher
Dozens of Flowers, Lots of Cards Go To Sweethearts This Weekend
Nearly News

Senate Acquits Clinton

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate today acquitted William Jefferson Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice, ending a 13-month drama that catapulted an affair with a White House intern into only the second presidential impeachment trial in history. The vote allows the 42nd president to finish his term in office.

‘‘It is therefore ordered and adjudged that William Jefferson Clinton be and hereby is acquitted of the charges in the said articles,’’ Chief Justice William Rehnquist declared.

Senators voted 50-50 on the impeachment article accusing Clinton of obstruction of justice, far short of the two-thirds required for conviction. Earlier, senators rejected the charge of perjury by a 55-45 vote, as 10 Republicans joined the Democrats.

Both charges would have required 67 votes for conviction, a threshold that senators have known for weeks would not be met.

Shortly after the votes, Rehnquist banged his gavel to end the five-week trial. Senators then rejected an effort by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to force a vote today on her recommendation to censure the president for ‘‘shameful, reckless and indefensible’’ behavior.

Her proposed censure, which Democrats may try to resurrect after a mid-February recess, would rebuke Clinton for giving false or misleading testimony and ‘‘impeding discovery of evidence in judicial proceedings.’’ The symbolic effort was a reminder that, acquittal aside, Clinton remains forever tarnished as only the second president in history to be impeached.

Clinton was in the White House residence during the vote but did not watch it on television. The White House press staff watched on TV, displaying no emotions. The votes were broadcast by the networks to a nation long since weary of the proceedings.

Ms. Lewinsky, who testified earlier this month by videotape, watched on television, according to associates.

In defeat, the lead House prosecutor said his team had nothing to be ashamed of, rejecting any idea that the GOP House’s impeachment effort — which proceeded despite public opposition — tarnished its credibility. ‘‘All Americans can take great comfort,’’ Rep Henry Hyde, R-Ill., said. ‘‘Congress has strengthened, not weakened the ties that bind our nation together.’’

After the vote, the second and third floors of the Senate side of the Capitol were evacuated by police checking a bomb threat, officials said.

Senators relished the opportunity to end the unpopular trial and return to legislative business. They ended two final hours of closed door debate on Clinton’s transgressions this morning shortly before noon.

‘‘Senators, how say you? Is respondent William Jefferson Clinton guilty or not guilty?’’ Rehnquist said to a hushed chamber, beginning the vote.

One by one, senators rose from their seats and declared ‘‘guilty’’ or ‘‘not guilty.’’

The Republicans who voted against conviction on perjury were:

—Slade Gorton of Washington, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, John Chafee of Rhode Island, James Jeffords of Vermont, Richard Shelby of Alabama, Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, Ted Stevens of Alaska, Fred Thompson of Tennessee and John Warner of Virginia.

GOP senators opposing the obstruction article were:

— Collins, Chafee, Jeffords, Snowe and Specter.

The Senate chamber doors, mostly closed for the last four days, were opened for a final vote shortly after noon EST. Before the votes were taken, the articles of impeachment were read for a final time. Lott declared it was time for senators to fulfill their ‘‘obligation under the Constitution.’’

The final outcome of the votes was known for days as five moderate Republicans announced in advance that they planned to vote against both articles.

Senators thanked the chief justice for presiding over the trial and presented him with a gavel on a plaque. He said he was leaving the Senate chamber a ‘‘wiser but not a sadder man.’’

House managers exited the chamber, shaking hands with senators of both parties.

Even with the inevitable acquittal, senators wanted the public to know they abhorred the president’s conduct in concealing his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

‘‘While it may not be a crime, he exploited a very young, star-struck employee whom he then proceeded to smear in an attempt to destroy her credibility, her reputation, her life,’’ said Sen. Collins, who today became the fifth Republican to announce an intention to vote for acquittal.

Democrats also had sharp words for the president. ‘‘The president’s self-indulgent actions were immoral, disgraceful, reprehensible. History should — and, I suspect, will — judge that William Jefferson Clinton dishonored himself and the highest office in our American democracy,’’ said Sen. Bob Graham of Florida.

State Education Standards Need To Be Raised Higher

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma schools need to raise the bar on standards to better prepare students after high school graduation, education leaders say.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said Thursday that progress is being made in many districts but the state is still not above the national average in some categories.

Ms. Garrett was one of four education leaders that met with members of the Oklahoma Education Coalition as it looked for ways to improve educational excellence in Oklahoma’s classrooms.

Floyd Coppedge, state secretary of education, said higher standards in schools would eliminate remedial courses asked for at many universities in the nation.

‘‘Universities are not in the business of remedial education,’’ he said. ‘‘They should be in the business of higher education.’’

Mind power is the premium product wanted by employers, said Hans Brisch, chancellor for the state Regents for Higher Education. Schools should concentrate on allowing more students to be competitive, he said, ‘‘no matter where they stop.’’

Ms. Garrett said standards are at stake when Oklahoma still rates 48th in the nation on funds spent per capita on students. The low number is based partly on the increase of 45,000 students in the 1990s, Ms. Garrett said, but more money is needed.

With administration costs among the lowest nationally, Ms. Garrett said the state is being accountable with the funds the Legislature has given out.

Coppedge said top managers at Microsoft and other major companies look for effective communications skills and the ability to work in groups in prospective employees.

He said the proposed four-by-four graduation requirements, which makes students take four units of English, math, social studies and science, is not a college preparatory proposal.

‘‘It’s to prepare them for what follows all kids,’’ he said, which includes vo-tech and the work force.

Ann Benson, interim director for the state Department of Vocational and Technical Education, said vo-tech’s role is many times forgotten when education is mentioned.

She said she applauded Gov. Frank Keating’s push to have a third of state residents earn a college degree, but said that leaves two-thirds who still need a quality education.

‘‘Choice is important when we are talking about standards,’’ she said.

Ms. Benson said the calls for workers with technology knowledge are not being answered by public schools, but at vo-techs. She said she sees vo-tech’s role in the state as the economic development branch of education.

Teachers and school officials at the seminar later identified changes they believed would help make educational excellence a reality in Oklahoma.

Funding mandates, higher teacher pay and more involvement from parents were among some of the top suggestions. One group also wanted to cut extracurricular activities during the school day and shorten the due process needed to fire bad teachers.

Dozens of Flowers, Lots of Cards Go To Sweethearts This Weekend

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Cards, cologne, carnations and candy — it is Cupid’s favorite time of the year and as passionate Ponca Citians plop down cash for their sweetheart, local florists are flourishing amidst the annual flower frenzy.

As the big day rapidly approaches florists have stocked up on roses and are busy working overtime in an attempt to fill the onslaught of Valentine’s Day orders.

“We are swamped,” said a frantic Creative Flowers employee Amy Boyer. “We have loads of orders for today and Saturday so we’ll be busy the entire weekend.”

The words may differ but the sentiment was the same at a florist down the street.

“This is the busiest day of the year for us,” says Doris Smith owner of Honey Bee Floral Design. “We have extra staff that will be working into the wee hours of the next few mornings.”

While it may not be “the” busiest day for other area florists it certainly ranks among the top.

“Everyone has a mother, not everyone has a sweetheart so Mother’s Day is our busiest day and Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day,” says Carol Anne Blackwill, owner of Victoria's Garden.

Although the most popular Valentine’s Day present is still the traditional dozen red roses, price has some seeking other alternatives.

“We are selling a lot of mixed arrangements. Guys seem to like the colorful mix bouquets with the red, pink and purples,” says Carriage House Flowers owner Sonja Van Hoesen.

No matter what part of the city, state or nation, one thing is certain — millions of petals will be passed this Sunday and “stocking up” is the key to a successful Valentine’s Day for the merchants pushing the posies. Area florists say they are not expecting any shortages as they have prepared early and ordered big.

“We ordered plenty of stock for Valentine’s Day. We normally bring in about 125 roses a week, but for this week we have 2,000,” says Mike Cook, co-owner of M&M Family Flowers. “We have been pretty busy and busier than last year. The fact that it falls on a weekend is good for everyone because it’s spread out over the weekend and there’s not a constant rush but more of a steady flow.”

Some view the fact that the heart-felt holiday falls on a Sunday as a positive, others see it is a negative.

“We cut down on our purchases because in the past when Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday it is not as busy,” said Blackwill. “When it’s on a weekend people tend to go out of town or out to dinner to celebrate.”

Whether the weekend date is good or bad will not be totally determined until Monday when the rush has ended and the florist have had a chance to catch up on lost hours of sleep, all in the name of love — and money.

Consumers should be prepared to pay big bucks for sending a message via roses, compliments of those that raise the thorny beauties.

“Growers raise the cost of roses the week before Valentine’s Day and so that is then passed along to the consumer,” Smith says.

On average in Ponca City the cost for a dozen red roses is $55.

If the cost of sending flowers seems extreme there are other, less expensive ways to send that special message.

Local card shops are reporting a rush on both the printed and edible types of Valentine’s Day presents.

“We’re running low on candy and cards too — we have had a real rush in the last two days on those specific items,” says Wendy Martinez, manager of Dwyer’s Hallmark Shop.

And specific cards are selling quicker than others according to one shop owner. “Because the men tend to wait longer, we have had mostly women shoppers so far. Cards for men are already picked over,” says Carla O’Neill, owner of Carla’s Hallmark Shop.

Stuffed animals and figurines are also popular items for the generous Romeos and Juliets and there is some advice for those still pondering over the perfect present.

“Because we expect four times more traffic in our store this weekend we’re expecting to run out of some specialty Valentine’s Day items,” O’Neill said. “So for a better selection and in order to avoid the traffic people should shop early — and shop local.”

Nearly News

For those readers interested in contacting the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers group as suggested in the Feb. 3 Ann Landers column, a correction needs to be made. In this instance, The News was not in error. The information came from the Landers column and the AAML organization. Correct number is 1-877-The Kids. NN finds a renewal of hope as it is proved once again that “we are all only human and mistakes sometimes happen in spite of the best intentions.”

DEATHS

Charles McQuirk
Lois Lousie Marcom
Isaac Lynn Clubb

Charles McQuirk

DENISON, Texas — Temple Charles McQuirk, son of Lorene Gingerich of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999, at the Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. He was 62.

The funeral was to be held graveside at 3 p.m., today, Feb. 12, at the Georgetown Cemetery with the Rev. Lonnie Traweek officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home, Denison, Texas.

Temple Charles McQuirk was born Nov. 18, 1936, in Pampa, Texas, the son of Temple O. and Lorene (Hodges) McQuirk. He had served in the U.S. Navy and was retired. He married Patricia Bata on June 1, 1982, in Ponca City. Mr. McQuirk was a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia McQuirk of Denison; one son, Matt McQuirk of Denison; five daughters, Lawna Pettit of Durant, Tempest Timmons of Longview, Texas, Regina Zimmer and Joyce Kempf, both of Denison, and Angleia Esponosa of Farmington, N.M.; his mother, Lorene Gingerich of Ponca City; one brother, Brent McQuirk of Hermleigh, Texas; one sister, Patricia Cheoeatu of Ponca City; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Dawna Martin.

Services Pending

Lois Lousie Marcom

Lois Louise Marcom, former Ponca City resident, died early Wednesday, Feb. 9, 1999, in Eugene, Ore. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Saturday

Isaac Lynn Clubb — Funeral will be graveside at 2 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

NEWS BRIEFS

Vehicle Stolen — A woman from the 300 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:37 a.m. Thursday that her vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The vehicle was found in the 800 block of East Chestnut Avenue at 7:05 a.m. Thursday and information was logged that it had a broken window.

Want To start your own business? Two out of three business-

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in your favor. Pioneer Tech is now accepting enrollment for

evening classes to start in February. Class size is limited. For

more information, call Larry Atteberry at 762-8336, ext. 262. adv.

Abandoned Bicycles — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:44 a.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the 300 block of North First Street and another in the 300 block of South Lincoln Street. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycles.

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.

Vandalism To Building — The manager of Pecan Place Apartments reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:23 a.m. Thursday that some vandalism had occurred at the building. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windows Damaged — A man from the 2200 block of Jane Street reported to the Ponca city Police Department at 12:49 p.m. Thursday that the windows of the residence had been shot with a BB-gun. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Item Missing — An employee at J.C. Penney’s reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:18 p.m. Thursday that a subject had taken an item from the store without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Missing Checks — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 1:55 p.m. Thursday to report that some checks were missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only

local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week-

end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled

Friday, February 18th, and Saturday, February 19th, starting at

5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for res-

ervations and information. adv.

Attempted Car Theft — A person from the 500 block of South Pine Street reported at 9:34 a.m. Thursday that someone had attempted to steal a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Fire Units Respond — An alarm at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 10:11 a.m. Thursday sent all Ponca City Fire Department units to the scene. The incident was logged that the alarm had been set off by a welder.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items. Spring

open, Saturday, February 13th. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fifth Street and East Otoe Avenue at 12:47 p.m. Thursday that a 28-year-old man was being held for no driver’s license, expired tag, and having no insurance.

Vandalism — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:28 p.m. Thursday to report that someone on a bus Tuesday afternoon at North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue had thrown a rock out of the window of the bus and damaged her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A man at Dempewolf Storage, 2101 North Union Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:42 a.m. Thursday that someone had caused vandalism to the lights and building. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp Dinner, $11.95. Friday, February

12th. For reservations. 765-5460.adv.

Tag Stolen — An employee at Honest John’s, 3212 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:58 a.m. Thursday that a tag had been stolen. 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.

Embezzlement — A man at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:56 p.m. Thursday that an embezzlement had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:01 p.m. Thursday that a 27-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for assault and battery.

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.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report of a two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Second Street and East Highland Avenue at 3:10 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Now Available onion plants and onion sets and seed potatoes.

Also available packaged and bulk garden seed. Keathley Nurs-

ery, 2448 Bridge Ave., Ponca City, OK 74604. adv.

Knife at School — An employee at Ponca City Middle School requested an officer at 3:25 p.m. Thursday concerning a student that had a knife at school. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gold Plated golf balls $9.95. Can be used on the putting green.

Great Valentine gift for him or her. Christy’s, 3005 North 14th.

Open every day. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:36 p.m. Thursday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the north bound lane of the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. However an injured subject was taken to the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by privately owned vehicle and a report was taken.

Pamper Your Valentine and give her a lasting memory of your

love. See our selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and other

fine jewelry. Also, we carry heart-shaped soaps, candles, and

other fragranced Sweet Home products. Create your own gift

basket. Call or come by Her Majesty’s Gems, 420 South 14th, 762-

2466. Hours Tuesday-Friday 11-2, Sunday 1:30-3:30. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — An employee at Sav-A-Trip, 201 East Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:43 p.m. Thursday that a subject had left without paying for $13.02 worth of gas.

Vandalism — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 3:39 p.m. Thursday that several vehicles in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue had been scratched by a juvenile. Two officers were assigned and a juvenile was located and matter was settled by the father and juvenile contacting the owner of the vehicles. It was also logged that the juvenile had torn up a bag of bird seed at Jay’s Farm and Ranch Supply, 307 West Grand Avenue.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 8:05 p.m. Thursday that a 40-year-old man was being held on two city warrants.

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.

Leaves Without Paying for Meals — An employee at El Chico’s, 900 East Prospect Avenue, reported at 9:02 p.m. Thursday that a couple had walked out without paying for their meals. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Winter Blowout sale at the Caboose. 118 S. 1st Street. adv.

Subject Held — A woman in the 600 block of McFadden Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:48 a.m. Friday that a subject was banging on the door. Three officers were assigned and a 29-year-old man was held for actual physical control, and a vehicle was towed from the scene.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 3100 block of Glasgow Road was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:35 a.m. Friday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to take a report and McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded to handle a gas spill.

Treated for Assault — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:37 a.m. Friday that a subject was being treated for an assault that occurred in the 300 block of North Third Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Special Needs — If you have a special need for announcing a sale or an event, the News Briefs section in the Ponca City News is the perfect spot for that. Just call 765-3311 and you can find out how many times it can be announced, or even if the item can be announced for free, at least one time.

LIFESTYLES

Little News
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Meets
Baptist Women Hold Meeting
Eta Delta Names Valentine Queen
Busy Bee Club Meets

Little News

John and Lori Schiltz of Ponca City announce the birth of their third son, Johnathon Lee Schiltz, at 7:41 a.m. Jan. 25, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7 pounds and measured 20 inches long. Johnathon’s brothers are Nicholas, 11, and Adam, 8.

Grandparents are Flora Nash, Don and Colleen Schiltz, all of Ponca City, and the late Elza Nash. Great-grandparents are Molly Ryan of Blackwell, and the late Lucia Schiltz, and the late Alfie Nash.

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Meets

Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 9 at the home of Toni Hogan. Transferee Lynda Voss was introduced as a guest. Members stood for Opening Ritual, and President Darlene VanDeburgh conducted the business meeting and read a letter from International regarding the Endowment Fund, thanking the chapter for its contribution. An e-mail from Delorus Patterson was also received.

Ms. VanDeburgh asked that the charms needed by the chapter be ordered from International now, and LaRannah Bartlett read from "The Book of Beta Sigma Phi" regarding dues and fees.

Juni Parks reported that she had a pledge training session with Pam Sober. The Valentine Dance pre-party will be at 7 p.m. at the Elks, with each member bringing an hors d’ouerve. Leora Simmons will crown the chapter queen, Jane Culver. Tickets to the dance were distributed. Donna Ross announced a scrapbook committee meeting for Feb. 18 at her home at 7 p.m. Mary Rickords is taking a leave of absence from the chapter.

The next meeting will be Feb. 23 in the home of Juni Parks, who will present the program. The March 9 meeting will be a “Grandma” shower for Delorus Patterson in the home of Leora Simmons. The March 23 meeting will be at Jane Culver’s home, with Jane giving the program. Juni Parks announced chapter birthdays for February.

Ms. VanDeburgh reported that the chapter is responsible for door prizes and baskets for Founder’s Day, April 20. It was decided to have the chapter meeting following Founder’s Day.

A secret sister for Lynda Voss will be assigned. Cindy Russell announced that her sister, Bobette Guddeck, has been named Oklahoma D.H.S. Employee of the Year. The business meeting was adjourned, and members stood for Closing Ritual and Mizpah. The hostess served refreshments, and Jane Culver presented the program. She gave humorous examples of family behavior at the bedside of hospital patients, and advised the group what not to do when visiting a hospital patient. She also reported information from the Mayo Clinic Women’s Healthsource newsletter regarding the dangers of excess weight. She distributed forms and instructed members how to determine their body mass index, or percentage of body fat.

Baptist Women Hold Meeting

Baptist women at First Baptist Church met Feb. 4 for a general meeting. The meeting opened with prayer and refreshments were provided by the Current Missions group. Imogene Vineyard, president, conducted the business session and Maisie Russell reported that the Bible study group had met at the home of Jerri Boyer with eight members present, and Fern Suess reported that Current Missions group had also met.

The Mission Action group meets each month to make lap robes to be distributed where needed. Various mission projects were discussed and Jerri Boyer named plans for the next Friendship Feast. Viola Reynolds read the Prayer calendar and Martha Christensen presented the Mission program. She reported on an area in Africa and some of the crops raised there. The next general meeting of the Baptist Women is scheduled March 4.

Eta Delta Names Valentine Queen

Carol Mounts hosted the Feb. 8 meeting of Eta Delta Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, with Wanda Sheehan presiding over the meeting.

Eighteen members and guests attended the pizza party on Jan. 30. Julie Collins was named the chapter’s Valentine Queen for 1999. She will be honored at the City Council Valentine Dance on Feb. 13.

Sylvia Smith reported the City Council Founder’s Day dinner will be held April 20 at the Ponca City Country Club. Marilyn Jouret, scrapbook chairman, gave members their assignment. Announcement was made that Peachtree Landing, as the February service project, will receive a $50 donation.

Betty Wyatt is hosting the Feb. 22 meeting when Velma Case will be guest speaker. Carol Mounts received the Beta Bud Basket and Janet Hughes won the door prize. Secret Sisters exchanged Valentine gifts and a craft program was given by Carol Mounts.

Busy Bee Club Meets

Members of the Busy Bee Club met Feb. 3 at the home of Helen Taylor, 1308 Donahoe. She led the group in the salute to the flag and “The Lord’s Prayer.” Viola Haley gave the devotion “Not Beautiful but Still Beautiful” by Fred Bauber. Roll call response was “something interesting.”

Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report and Ruby Harvey conducted the business meeting. Future projects were discussed and members reminded to save Campbell soup labels, Betty Crocker points, and aluminum cans.

Games were played with prizes going to Viola Haley and Helen Hiskett. Vivian Davis won the mystery prize. The Feb. 17 meeting will be at the home of Ms. Davis, 1043 North Third.

RELIGION

Kaw City 1st Christian Church Plans Fund-Raiser
Grace Episcopal Holds Annual Congregational Meeting
First Presbyterian Starts Parenting Study This Month
First UMC Afghans Still Available
St. Paul’s UMC Plans Special Pancake Feast
First Lutherans Plan Special Program Sunday

Kaw City 1st Christian Church Plans Fund-Raiser

Kaw City’s First Christian Church is in need of a new addition to their church facility ... so their folks are going about the job of getting it done. The brick work for the addition is finished on the outside, and members are busy raising funds to finish the job.

Currently they are planning a chili and Frito pie dinner with dessert and drink for only $4 for adults and $2 for children — Saturday, Feb. 13. They are also planning to include a bake and craft sale with the dinner, all to be held at the church, located across from the Post Office in Kaw City. All proceeds from this day’s work, which will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m., will go to the church’s building fund.

Folks in the area will agree that the First Christian building is a beautiful church building, and the dream of adding on to it is now becoming a reality, according to Glenny Stevens, who has been a member of the church since 1960. With donations from the parishioners and others in Kaw City and environs, the addition to the church facility is almost complete.

Kaw City Christian Church had its beginning in 1903, following a grove revival meeting which gathered 15 into an organization, with the following officers: H.E. Guy, elder; W.T. Ragsdale, M.C. Conklin, deacons; Mrs. D.R. Cron, clerk and M.C. Conklin, treasurer. Through the efforts of Mr. Guy, preaching was secured for the group at intervals on week nights by F.D. Wharton of Newkirk, who came about once in two or three weeks to preach.

The building of Kaw Dam necessitated the removal of the church’s congregation to the New Kaw City in 1972. The congregation at that time purchased a partially constructed building and volunteer labor has done the finishing during these past years. The new addition is being made to the back of the current church building.

Ponca Citians are encouraged to participate with the folks in Kaw City to make the chili and Frito pie dinner on Saturday a huge success.

Grace Episcopal Holds Annual Congregational Meeting

Communicants of Grace Episcopal Church met for their Annual Congregational Meeting following an early 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning Eucharist, Feb. 7, with the rector, The Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, presiding.

Following a sandwich luncheon, the yearly business of the church family was conducted with the election of junior and senior wardens, vestry members and delegates to the state convention.

John Gardner was named Senior Warden for the upcoming year and Jon Kennedy, Junior Warden for the same period. New vestry members are Charlie Cole, Linda Clark and Warren Dick, 3 year terms; Jane Simmons and Linda Cowley, two year terms.

Yearly reports were heard from the various church departments and organizations, and a report from the long range planning committee was presented by Dr. Bill Hamilton. The long range plan involving a series of projects, which, it was suggested, be carried out from 1999 through 2006. The plan covers changes in the present Parish Hall on North Thirteenth, which would ultimately include spaces for vocal/handbell choirs, administration, enlargement of the Great Hall, additional ground level storage for Episcopal Church Women and Altar Guild, and handicapped accessibility, including new restrooms.

Fr. Armstrong reported the church’s centennial year has been one which has seen completion of the church’s goal of providing first-class space for children and youth ministries and church school classrooms for all ages. “It has also been a year in which we have begun formulating plans for expanding our programs and ministries of evangelism, outreach, fellowship, and service to others as we move into the next hundred years of our parish’s life,” Fr. Armstrong reported.

He also announced he has been designated by the James Mills Fellows to receive the Chilton Powell Sabbatical Scholarship, and, with the vestry’s permission, he will be studying at St. George’s College in Jerusalem, the Anglican Centre in Rome and at St. Deniol’s Residential Library in Wales during the months of May, June and July this year.

First Presbyterian Starts Parenting Study This Month

The Young Adult/Family Ministry class at First Presbyterian Church started in the month of February the Growing Families International study “Growing Kids God’s Way”. This is a study of how parents can raise children of all ages in a moral and positive atmosphere. Tremendous support, from those participating in the class, and guidance, from the curriculum and the leaders of the course, can be garnered so that all will gain essential help in moving children and youth through their formative and growth years. Sample chapters in the curriculum are: How to raise a moral child, Character Development: Respect for parents, Discipline with encouragement, Consequences and punishment, and Building a Healthy Family.

The class will be meeting at 11:30 each Sunday morning, following worship, for discussion on the various issues of growing children. The tapes which go with this course are being shown during the church school hour at 9 am. or can be viewed at the church during the week, at any time, through availability in the church library. The sessions are designed to not exceed one hour and generally will be 45 minutes. There is childcare available and a lunch can be provided for the children, if necessary.

The main idea is to get a great group of people to help each other raise children in today’s environment. It doesn’t matter what age your children are, we can all help each other with our unique experiences. You do not have to attend every class, but we hope to enjoy this chance to share ideas with each other. We all need help being the best parents we can be and we can learn from each other as we go. Anyone in the community is invited to join the learning and fun experience. Call First Presbyterian at 762-2431 for more information.

Church Briefs

First UMC Afghans Still Available

The Pioneer Woman Afghans, are still available from the women of First United Methodist Church. They 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.

Bible Meetings Scheduled

Bible Meetings are scheduled Sundays Feb. 21, 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. at the Pioneer Motor Bank, 14th and Lake Road — drive through east of 14th.

For more information call Yvonne Stephens or Lavina Swenson at 580-363-4532.

First Christian Announces Ash Wednesday Observance

Ash Wednesday will be observed on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at First Christian Church, with time for prayer and meditation in the Chapel.

Communion will be available in the Chapel during the day on Wednesday. The Imposition of Ashes will be at 6:30 p.m. — reminding the congregation of the beginning of Lent, asking for God’s forgiveness and healing.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites folks 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. The church has classes for all age levels — nursery through adult.

“For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God has done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed.” Joshua 4:23.

God goes with us and helps us from beginning to end. God parted the Red Sea and did not let its waters drown the Egyptian army until every last Israelite had safely crossed. God parted the Jordan River when the toe of the first priest carrying the Ark touched the water, and the flood waters did not overflow their banks until after the last memorial stone had been placed and the heel of the last priest had touched the dry bank. God increased the Israelites’ faith so they would have the confidence to settle their promised land.

First UMC Plans Fat Tuesday Event

There’s fun afoot at First United Methodist for Fat Tuesday next week. The menu calls for a traditional meal of Red Beans and Rice with a King Cake for dessert. Immediately following dinner, the children will be dismissed to a Mardi Gras party to make masks that will be used in the parade; also scheduled is the crowning of a King and Queen. The fun starts in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m.

Fat Tuesday leads into the season of Lent — a time of soul-searching and self-denial in preparation for remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross — opening with Ash Wednesday, a time for reflection and remembrance, scheduled Wednesday evening at 6:30, following a meal of Dutch Potato Soup at 5:30 p.m. These two ministry events at First UMC serve to enhance the preparation for a meaningful time of accountability for the church, it was noted.

Community Christian Sets Valentine Song-Fest

Community Christian is planning a Valentine Song-Fest and Potluck Dinner this Sunday evening — great food, love songs and joyous fellowship at 5:30 p.m. in fellowship hall of the church. For the dinner, the Congregational Vitality Team (formerly known as the Membership Committee) is asking that folks bring a favorite pot-luck dish, and they will provide the bread and beverages.

For the entertainment, the talents of Tisha Creech and Tommy Crouch singing a duet and soloists Angie Edward, Larri Ann Halbrook, Paula Hart, Krista Hembree, Dawn Jackson, Angela Kana, Wayne Majors, Sharon Majors, Matt Maxey, Terra Maxey, Madi Swinehart, and Kendra Teichmer all singing songs to celebrate this evening of love and friendship. Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring friends and family and join in this fabulous evening!

POP Lutherans Announce Plans

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner, invites anyone looking for a church family to attend Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. and Sunday School classes — nursery through adult — preceding the worship at 9 a.m. Installation of the Church Council members will be Sunday, Feb. 14. WELCA is scheduled for Feb. 15. A food basket will be filled for a needy family, and contributions may be made to this project.

Other projects for the week include serving Friendship Feast at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at First Christian Church, and volunteers are needed — call the church office; Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17. “By My Hand, for My Sake,” will be presented in monologue format.

The Prayer Circle will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Zimmermans. Also Work Day volunteers are needed from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the church for Spring cleaning projects.

Jesus’ Little Sprouts, a youth group for children grades one through six, meets weekly on Wednesday evening — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and children are encouraged to bring a friend and join the fun.

St. Paul’s UMC Plans Special Pancake Feast

St. Paul’s United Methodist will host a “Fat Tuesday” Pancake breakfast Feb. 16, the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent. Serving from 6:30 to 9 a.m., the men of the church will continue the traditional last feast before the beginning of Lenten denial, with the breakfast open to the public. Donations to help cover cost of the meal are welcomed.

An Ash Wednesday Service will be held the following evening at 6 o’clock in the Sanctuary. This service offers an opportunity for people of faith to make a commitment to their sacrifice and service for the six week season of Lent. The palm branches from last Palm Sunday are burned for the imposition of ashes in this very traditional service of preparation for Lent.

During Lent the church will have a Lenten Luncheon each Tuesday at 11:45 in the fellowship hall. A brief devotional and study led by one of the ministers of the church will be part of each lunch.

First Lutherans Plan Special Program Sunday

Sunday, Feb. 14 will be “Friends and Family Sunday” at First Lutheran Church. A unique program has been planned, it was announced.

The Fitz Family will be in charge of both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. The Fitz Family is a Lutheran evangelistic family that travels the nation spreading God's Word in a very special manner. It is very rare to see someone juggling or riding a unicycle in a church sanctuary, but that is exactly the means this family uses to preach the gospel message. People of all ages will be thoroughly entertained and inspired by Mom and Dad Fitz and the three children, who give their dad “fits.”

The services will be held in the main church sanctuary as usual. A pot-luck dinner following the second service will be held in the school gym. The Fitz Family will speak more about their mission activities at that time. The community is urged to join the members of the congregation for this very special service.

Ash Wednesday services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. The theme of the six week Lenten series will be “Questions from the Passion.” On Ash Wednesday the question will be “Lord, where are you going?” based on John 13:36. That service will include the imposition of ashes and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Also this service will be the first appearance for the new Cantate Choir.

A soup supper will be held before each Lenten service in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6 p.m. The first supper will be hosted by the Lutheran Women’s Guild and will feature chicken noodle soup, cake, and beverage. Anyone is invited to join in the passion pilgrimage through the solemn service each Wednesday evening during Lent. Join us also for the fellowship time during the soup supper.

EDUCATION

NOC Announces Fall Honor Roll
Readying Children for Reading

NOC Announces Fall Honor Roll

TONKAWA — Among 473 freshmen and sophomores earning recognition on Northern Oklahoma College academic honor rolls for the fall semester are 115 Ponca City students.

President’s Honor Roll lists students who have completed a minimum of 12 hours during the semester with a perfect grade point average of 4.0 and with no incomplete grade recorded.

Appointed to this roll from Ponca City are Kristin Bute, Robbi Coffelt, Tina Combes, Daniel Edwards, Koby Fleck, Kristal Gauger, Daniel Hall, Perry Hanson, Michelle Helms, Lyndsi Hilbert, Ashley Hollingsworth, Tammy Hopkins, Amanda Hraban, Mandy Hudgins, Janet Hurley, Lisa Lessert, Martha Margliotti, Fred Seamans, Jason Stillwell, Jeremy Stillwell, Charlene Warner and Christina Whiles.

Dean’s Honor Roll lists students who maintained a 3.0 (B) or higher grade point average in a minimum of 12 hours (full-time student) during the semester with no incomplete grade recorded.

Ponca City students appointed to this roll are Christina Aday, Nasiba Adilova, Linda Allie, Julie Backhaus, Benjamin Bales, Christopher Barnes, Anna Beard, Rachel Beguin, Marie Beyer, Michael Beyer, Bert Blumer, Trisha Challis, Tamarika Champlain, Shawn Clark, LaJuana Cowan, Gregory Cunningham, Elise Davis, Daniel Denny, Brook Didlake and Jeremy Dye.

Also Kahle Eberle, Jason Elmer, Eve Engle, Tiffany Faire, Olawunmi Falokun, Jeffery Fisher, Geoff Forbes, Larry Fry, Brian Gabbert, Kelly Garroutte, Don Gelwick, Cassandra Gomez, Jeremiah Gratias, Justin Gray, Margaux Griffith, Louenda Hadley, Charles Hanger, Melissa Harger, Angie Hargraves, Daniel Hisey, Doralyn Hobbs, Melissa Jacobs, Aaron Johnson, Tiffany Johnson, Jennifer Jones, Tammy Jones, Teresa Jones, Bradley Keirn, Louis Kindler, Tamara Klinger, Christopher Koenig, Martin Kruk, Cynthia Lanham, Winston Lindsay, Dina Malcolm, William McCarver, Ryan Meyer, Tessa Mitchell and Rachel Monger.

Others include Damon Myers, Derrick Myers, Michael Novotny, Sara Nunn, Matthew Orr, William Rice, Amber Richardson, Christine Riff, Misti Rochelle, April Roland, Jason Ross, Jason Schneeberger, Samantha Schultz, Robert Scott, Becky Sells, Andrea Sharp, Jason Shelton, Kevin Skinner, Andrew Smith, Rhonda Steichen, Paulynda Stevens, Shelly Sullivan, Al Summerfield, Shane Swords, Amber Throop, Chance Throop, Kiril Todorov, Shelly Tompkins, Rayna Turner, Leigh Turvey, Mari Wellington, Jason Winters, David Wittmer and Diana Woods.

Blackwell and Braman

Blackwell students on the President’s Honor Roll include Susanne Faussett, Heather Landers, Bonnie McClarnon and Josh McMartin.

Dean’s Honor Roll include Anthony Byers, Amy Cassady, Jill Colwell, Melissa Corn, Emily DeBoard, Fred Durbin, Sarah Fiscus, Daron Grossardt, Leila Hanks, Patricia Kincaid, David Kindred, Todd Lawhon, Donald Mayden, Kristin Moon, Seth Murray, Kristi North, Kyle Reser, Tiffany Richmond, Andrew Schweitzer, Justin Stuever, Lisa Vandermeer, Holly Waycaster and Allison Whaylen.

Braman students on the Dean’s Honor Roll were Bryan Coons, Jeffrey Frieouf, Amanda Ray and Joy Turner.

Newkirk and Tonkawa

President’s Honor Roll from Newkirk include Suzi Eisenhauer, Keri Golay, Suzanne Johns, Jerrilyn Kahle, Bethany Scott, Tamara Sherrill, Melissa White and Kacey Whitworth.

Dean’s Honor Roll includes Jacob Free, Wendy Gordon, Jill Martin, Kelli Merhoff, Christina Smith and Tyler Whitworth.

Students on the President’s Honor Roll from Tonkawa are Marcela Colwell, Jasper Davis, Jason Estes, Tanya Golubeva, Kari Johnson, Evangelina Keeton, Angella Ogle, Kyle Owen, Renee Reese, Angie Reisch and Timothy Soucek.

Dean’s Honor Roll includes Scott Ackerson, Dondee Epperson, Jennie Evans, Rachel Gardner, Juanita Graves, Yakouba Hema, Josh Long, Kami Main, Delinda McMurtrie, Ardis Meyers, Darcie Prelesnick, Tara Robbins, Julie Robison, Summer Williamson and Keiko Yoshida.

Other area students on the President’s Honor Roll include John Burk, Teresa Burk, Jennifer Miller and Charly Tautfest of Marland, and Olivia Williams of Red Rock.

On the Dean’s Honor Roll are Kristina Nash, Kaw City; Valerie Clark and Cindy Lichti, Nardin; Justin Petty and Jeremy Williams, Red Rock; and Janice Hosack and Britton Wehunt, Shidler.

Readying Children for Reading

(NAPS) — While fairy tales and favorite stories remain a fun way to enrich children’s reading skills, the importance of non-fiction books, say a growing number of educators, is now getting its fair share of attention.

If most of what adults read is non-fiction, reason the experts, why not use this type of reading to improve children’s learning skills and strategies.

“In this ever-increasing information age, children need to be introduced to non-fiction learning in the preschool and kindergarten years. Since the majority of school reading that students engage in is informational, we believe that now is the time to begin to introduce young children to the world around them through non-fiction text and encourage authentic learning,” said Susan Canizares, editor-in-chief, Scholastic Early Childhood Division.

Non-fiction books can be as easy to learn reading with as fiction books. With colorful illustrations or interesting photographs they can capture children’s attention — especially if they are about subjects children love.

By encouraging children to explore a subject they are interested in, non-fiction books created especially for the emergent reader, such as Scholastic’s Non-Fiction Emergent Readers, can encourage a sense of discovery and help children feel more confident.

Illustrated with photographs, the series is built around three areas that interest young children and help them observe the world around them.

Early Science favorites bring the world to children with titles such as “Where Do Insects live” and “Spider Names.” Other science books explore the world, like “Rainforest Colors” and “Polar Bears.”

Popular books in the Social Studies collection are about children and families all over the world, like “Babies On the Move” and “Two Can Do It.”

Titles in the Learning Center collection can inspire dramatic play with favorites such as “First Aid” and “Pet Care.”

SPORTS

Senior Cagers To Bid Farewell Tonight Against Sapulpa
Mavs, Lady Mavs Hold Off Rose State
Junior High Basketball

Ninth Grade Boys

Conference Tournament

Woodward 66, Ponca City Red 47

Senior Cagers To Bid Farewell Tonight Against Sapulpa

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

So long, seniors.

Po-Hi fans will get a chance to bid adieu to 14 seniors tonight, as the cagers host Sapulpa in their final home game of the season on the hardwood of Robson Fieldhouse.

The No. 3 ranked Chieftains are 11-3 (17-3 overall). Though they upset previously undefeated Union last Friday, and in a true testimony to the parity that exists in the Frontier Conference this season, unranked Stillwater turned around to shock the Chieftains on Tuesday, 46-41.

The Chieftainettes aren’t quite as imposing at 5-9 (6-10 overall), but did pull off a minor upset of Stillwater on Tuesday, 43-40.

Also, in post season pairings released Thursday, the Lady Cats have been assigned to play No. 11 Jenks, on Jenks’ home floor, Feb. 25. No. 2 ranked Putnam City North will host the Cats, Feb. 26. Both games will start at 8 p.m.

Tonight, the boys will tip off at 6:15, while the Lady Cats will start at 7:45 with senior introductions being held between the two games. WBBZ seniors Phil Turney and Craig Vannest will be on hand for the broadcast.

Sapulpa (11-3, 17-3) at P.C. Wildcats (3-10, 5-14)

After a 1-point loss to 9-1 Union on Monday, the Cats proved once again that they can play with any team in the Frontier Conference, and probably the state.

The problem is, the Cats are imbued with nearly as much bad luck as prime talent this season.

With a little good fortune, the Cats could very easily be 8-11, or 9-10, or even 10-9 this season.

Tonight, the Cats can draw some inspiration from another team that hasn’t had many games go their way this season, the Stillwater Pioneers. Tuesday, the 4-8 Pioneers became giant killers.

Stillwater, a team the Cats will meet in the final game of the regular season, jumped up and bit the mighty Sapulpa Chieftains. Though Sapulpa led 34-32 after three quarters, the Pioneers won the fourth quarter by a decisive, 14-7 margin.

So take heart, Wildcats.

Brian Cardwell, the fourth leading scorer and arguably the best player in the conference, is still the Chieftains’ biggest threat — on offense and on defense. As opposed to Tulsa Union’s chunky 6-10 center, Jack Marlow, the lanky 6-10 Cardwell can move. Besides averaging 17.3 ppg, Cardwell works the lane on defense like a human flyswatter, and his fans run a “Cardwell Block-o-Meter,” to record every rejected shot. When the Cats played on Sapulpa’s floor, Dec. 11, the meter was up around 12 at the end of the night.

Cardwell finished with 23 points in three quarters of play, including a three consecutive 3-pointers, in December’s 78-54 win for the Chieftains.

The Baker twins, Aaron and David, are also both Conference scoring leaders, at 11.3 and 11.1 ppg, respectively. The two combined last time around for 23 points.

Sapulpa Chieftainettes (5-9, 6-10)

at P.C. Lady Wildcats (2-11, 5-14)

Just call her the Oracle of Robson Fieldhouse. Dana Pulley is a prophet.

After a tough, 49-41 loss to Sapulpa on Dec. 11, a loss that dropped the Poncans to 0-4 on the season, the Lady Wildcat coach uttered this bit of prophesy:

“Our shots will start to fall,” she insisted, of her sub-30 percent shooters. “We’re going to win one. I’m not sure when, but...it will come.”

Unfortunately, four more conference games came and went, and the Pulley Oracle started to look bad. Despite three token wins in two different tournaments, the Lady Cats floundered in conference play.

Then, redemption. The Lady Cats turned in a season-best performance in an emotional road win over Bartlesville, Jan. 29.

The Pulley Oracle was correct. Still, Bartlesville was easy — a team the Lady Cats were expected to compete well against. What they really wanted was a win for the home fans, against a team that no one expected them to beat.

And the Lady Wildcats got just what they wanted, on Monday. They shot 49 percent from the field to dump the Lady Redskins off their pedestal of invincibility, 53-48.

The last ranked team beats the top ranked team — there’s no upset bigger, and it earns, by default, designation as the biggest Frontier upset of the year.

Lady Cat Notes — For Sapulpa, 5-6 guard Cherie Shaw is the second leading scorer in conference, at 14.9 ppg, while 5-10 Lindsay Hall averages 9.4 ppg. Hall had 11, while Shaw had 7 the last time the Lady Cats’ met them — Missy Ballard had 10 points.

Mavs, Lady Mavs Hold Off Rose State

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

TONKAWA — With the game on the line the Mavericks of NOC nearly lost it from the line, missing three straight free throws in the final seconds against the Rose State Raiders, Thursday.

As it were, the Mavs got an offensive rebound on one of those missed free throws, and came up with a blocked shot on the defensive end to compensate, holding on for an ugly, 73-70 win. The squeaky victory comes on the heels of an agonizing 83-82 overtime loss to Seminole, and leaves the Mavs tied for first place in the Bi-State West at 5-1 (21-5 overall).

Though they led by as much as 12 points the entire game, the Mavericks couldn’t put the game away until the final buzzer, largely due to an aberrant night from the charity stripe. The Mavs — who shoot over 70 percent as a team — hit just 56 percent (14-of-25), and clanged 3-of-4 in the final 9.7 seconds to make the game close.

“We’re just happy to be out of there with a win,” sighed coach Mick Weiberg. “Right now we’re fighting ourselves. The kids are questioning their own abilities.

“But that’s what happens on a freshman dominated basketball team, and this is a freshman team.”

The Mavericks were also just 46 percent from 2-point range (13-of-28), and were outrebounded on the offensive boards by a whopping 12-4 margin. They also gave up 20 turnovers.

Salvation came in the form of Jeff Newby, however, who dropped in six 3-pointers on 6-of-8 shooting to lead all scorers with 22 points. Josh Regnier chipped in 18 more, including four 3’s.

The Mavs finished the game 11-of-17 from long range.

Larry Reid, the Mavs’ leading scorer, finished with just nine points, but had 12 assists.

“We’re playing scared, and it’s a blessing we won after that loss (to Seminole),” Weiberg continued. “Still, I don’t care how bad we think we played, that win is going to help us.”

Up by six with just under two minutes left in the game, the Mavs committed two straight turnovers that led to four straight points from Rose.

A miss by the Mavs with 22 seconds left then gave the Raiders a chance to tie the game, but Shere Khan Jones got a clean block on a shot by the Raiders’ Derrick Lang, sending the ball back to the Mavericks’ end of the court.

With 9.7 seconds left Reid missed two straight free throws. Sherman Rochell grabbed the rebound on the second shot, however, and Newby drained 1-of-2 from the line with 5.6 seconds left to put the Mavs up by three.

The Raiders then missed on a desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

As opposed to their loss on Monday, the Mavericks looked good at the tip-off, taking an early, 15-9 lead on two 3-pointers from Newby.

The Raiders drew to within three, 26-23, late in the half, but a 9-0 run by the Mavs opened their lead to 12. Reid sparked that run, and after two fast break buckets by Latarvis Norman and Regnier, Newby capped it with another long bomb.

The Raiders belted off a 5-0 run before the buzzer, however, narrowing the Mavs’ lead to just seven, 35-28.

To Weiberg, the up-and-down lead didn’t bode well.

“It was the same situation as Seminole,” he said. “We were kinda spurty. The worst thing that can happen to a team is to come out of the chute hard, then relax. (Tonight) we’d get up, get the lead, and then quit doing what we were doing.”

The Raiders, behind a 9-2 run, actually tied the game, late in the third quarter at 45-all. In that run the Mavs missed two straight shots on the front end of a 1-and-1. A timeout by Weiberg led to an 8-0 run by the Mavs, however, as they took control again.

Rochell, Norman and Jones each had 7 points, Ron Banks had 2 and Nathan Gregory had 1.

The Raiders were led by Toby Harmon with 19, Danny Jeune with 13 and Armand Etame with 11. The Raiders had 18 turnovers, and finished 43 percent from the field (22-of-51).

The Mavericks have four games left in conference action before the Region II Tournament in Shawnee. Monday, the Mavs will travel to take on Eastern.

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

TONKAWA — She may be gone, but Stephanie Stoval is doing what she can to make sure no one at NOC forgets her name.

The Rose State Lady Raiders hit five 3-pointers in the final five minutes — including three from the former NOC freshman Stoval — to keep Thursday’s match up with the NOC Lady Mavericks close.

The Lady Mavs, however, made the clutch 2-pointers, and got the defensive stops when they needed them to hold on for a 74-70 win.

Stoval finished with 17 points off the bench, including 14 in the second half.

“I asked her after the game, ‘what’s the deal pulling off all those shots?’” said NOC coach Greg Krause, who speaks fondly of his former player. “I asked her if she remembered these rims.

“I’m glad to see her playing well.”

The Lady Mavericks also recovered from a dismal, 85-45 loss to Seminole on Monday, and remain in possession of second place in the Bi-State West, at 5-1.

Kacey Whitworth led the Lady Mavs with 18 points, including a trio of 3-pointers in the first half, and hit both ends of a 1-and-1 with 32 seconds left to give the Lady Mavs a seven point lead.

Stoval responded to that with a line-drive 3-pointer with 19 seconds left, but a couldn’t connect again after an NOC miss.

Jennifer Williams dumped in 15 points for the Lady Mavs, including two big buckets in the final three minutes to fend off a persistent long-range attack by the Lady Raiders. Williams also grabbed the rebound after Stoval’s last 3-point miss to put the game away.

The Lady Mavs led 33-28 at halftime, and stretched that lead to nine with a 7-0 run, early in the second half. Jennifer Williams sparked that run with a bucket, Kacey Whitworth nailed a 3-pointer, and Jessica Garner capped it with another shot to up the Lady Mavs’ lead to 45-36.

The Lady Raiders inched back, however, and pulled off a 7-0 run to pull to within four, 54-51, early in the fourth quarter.

“We just could break away,” said Krause. “We couldn’t make the big shots. They were always nipping at our heels, and we were having a hard time stopping them, defensively.

“But they shot well — 25, 17 and 15 points (from the Lady Raiders’ leading scorers) is pretty nice.”

Rose’s Terri Young had 25 points to lead all scorers, including 8-of-8 shooting from the free throw line in the second half.

Stoval beat the shot clock by bouncing in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to pull her team to within one, 59-58, with a little over three minutes left in the game.

After Williams answered with a bucket, Whitworth got a steal and a layup, then stole the ball again on the inbounds pass, was fouled, and hit both shots of a 1-and-1 to put the Lady Mavs up by seven, 65-58.

Consecutive 3-pointers from Tara Adkins, however, and another from Stoval narrowed the Lady Mavs’ lead to two, 69-67, with 1:25 left.

LaTonya Douglas, who finished with nine points on a trio of three pointers, banged one down after that, and after a turnover by the Lady Raiders, Whitworth hit two more free throws on a 1-and-1 to put the game away.

Suzi Eisenhauer had 8, Chenise Robinson, Ritha Moro and Jessica Garner had 5 each, Lyndsey Warrior had 4, Shaneta Lewis had 3, while Ranada Collins had 2.

Adkins had 15 for the Lady Raiders, all on 3-pointers.

The Lady Mavericks were also able to overcome a bad night at the free throw line, as they went just 10-of-20. The Lady Raiders were a stellar 18-of-21.

The Lady Mavericks will resume play on Saturday, traveling to Crowder for a non-conference match up.

Junior High Basketball

Woodward 66, Ponca City Red 47

STILLWATER — Despite an incredible shooting performance from Matt Ellis, the Mid-High freshman Cougars fell in the first round of the Regional Tournament to Woodward, 66-47, Thursday.

Ellis exploded from the 3-point arc, knocking down 8-of-12 — including five in the first quarter — to lead all scorers with 27 points. The Ponca City freshman accounted for all of the Cougars’ 17 first-quarter points.

“It was unreal,” said coach Brad Parent. “He was just on fire. I just wish we had two or three other guys who could have done that.

“For the rest of the game we didn’t look like we knew what we were doing — except for Matt.”

Though Woodward trailed 17-14 at the end of the first, they went on to outscore the Cougars in each of the next three quarters to take the win.

Woodward also hit 22-of-31 from the line, including 16-of-20 in the fourth quarter.

Two of the Cougars’ starters, Kyle Geheb and Jeremy DeNoya, saw limited playing time due to lingering injuries suffered at the end of the regular season. Another major contributor, Matt Moore, didn’t play at all due to a cracked bone in his thumb.

Trevor Viljoen had 6 points, Geheb had 5, Joe Rower had 4, Lucas Hudson had 3, while Joe Oswalt had 2.

Due to a 7-team field, the Cougars got the benefit of a bye, and will play in the consolation bracket, Saturday, taking on either Enid Waller or Enid Longfellow. Tip off is at 1:30.

Last week, the Cougars closed out the regular season with a pair of losses, falling 57-54 to Enid Emerson on Thursday, and 65-41 to Woodward, on Friday.

The Cougars finish the regular season 9-6.

In Thursday’s final home game, Geheb paced the Cougars with 13 points, including a game-tying layup with 2 minutes left. Geheb also hurt his ankle on that play and was forced to leave the game. DeNoya had 2 points before leaving with a sprained ankle in the second quarter.

Ellis had 9, Viljoen 8, Oswalt, Joe Yaffe, and Moore 5 each, Hudson 4, and Rower 3.

Friday, in Woodward, Viljoen had 11, Hudson and Robert Bushaw 7 each, Jaffe and Drew Shelton 4 each, Ellis 3. DeNoya and Geheb didn’t play.

Eighth Grade Boys

Ponca City Blue varsity 46,

Enid Waller 45

Trailing by 12 points (28-16) at halftime, Ponca City’s eighth grade Blue varsity boys stormed back to beat Enid Waller, 46-45 Tuesday on a last second shot by Chance Hunt.

The come-from-behind win allowed the Cougars to finish the season above the .500 mark at 8-7.

Waller broke up a 10-10 first quarter tie with an 18-6 second-period run. But the Poncans trimmed the lead by four points in the third quarter and outscored Enid 15-6 down the stretch.

Hunt finished with 8 points to trail Steven Morris and Chance Coldiron, who had 12 and 18 points, respectively. David Sikes also threw in 8 points while Michael Baker had 6 and Kyle Megenity 2.

Enid Waller 39,

Ponca City Blue JV 23.

Tied 14-14 at halftime, Ponca City’s eighth grade Blue boys’ JVs couldn’t find the basket in the second half, dropping a 39-23 decision to Enid Waller Tuesday.

Brad Dexter, Matt Allen and Josh Gilliland all had 6 points for the Poncans while Brad King finished with 1.