LOCAL

City to Seek Consultant for Insurance Issue
Play Opens On NOC Stage Friday Night
Local Artists Displaying Works at P.C. Art Center

City to Seek Consultant for Insurance Issue

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Continual escalation in the city health insurance is prompting city officials to seek outside advice in correcting the financial problem it is creating.

City commissioners will be asked at the next city commission meeting to approve a request to hire a consultant to review the current health insurance policy.

“We are wanting a professional consultant, who specializes in health care, to review our policy and recommend options,” City Manager Gary Martin said. “Everyone is experiencing increased health care costs so this is not a problem unique to Ponca City.”

Health care costs for the city have escalated in the past year, especially in the last several months. According to reported figures costs have increased four times the normal average. In one week alone claims totaled a whopping $225,000, which included a $150,000 catastrophic claim.

“Health costs are up 40 percent over last year. Every category including pharmacy, dental, doctor visits, surgery and hospital claims is increasing,” says Finance Director Marc LaBossiere. “We do have a policy in place which works as a cap but this is the largest, consistent increase I have seen in last five years.”

Currently the city is self-insured, which means that a certain amount of money is budgeted every year to cover the cost of medical claims submitted by city employees and their dependents covered on the policy.

The exorbitant and continual rise in city health care costs — paid by taxpayer dollars — is causing the city to supplement the budget as expenses are far exceeding the projected amounts.

“We will exceed our budget and are therefore having to supplement the budget,” LaBossiere explained.

The problem may lead to an end to a perk city employees now enjoy — “free” medical insurance — which resulted from low city wages.

“You have to remember that this evolved over many years,” LaBossiere says. “It began at time when health costs were low and so were city wages. So the city decided to pay for insurance to make up for the low salaries.”

Options to lower the increasing costs range from benefit manipulation to cost sharing and may include a number of alternatives in between.

Although a disappointment, the fact city employees may soon have to pay for health insurance comes as no big surprise to some.

“It’s not surprising because we have known since last year that by July 1, 1999, we would more than likely have to pay for part of our health insurance,” one city employee said.

“We have been luckier than most in having such a good policy and not having to pay for it. It’s an excellent health care policy so it wouldn’t bother me to pay something to keep the benefits we currently have.”

City officials are hoping that the consultant will be able to make suggestions to “nip the problem in the bud” before health care costs cause financial havoc on the city coffers.

“We need to correct the problem and ensure that we don’t encounter this type of budgetary problem in the future,” Martin said. “Even if city employees have to pay a little towards their insurance cost they will still have a great health care policy.”

Play Opens On NOC Stage Friday Night

TONKAWA — “Belles,” the Northern Oklahoma College spring play, opens Friday, for a two-weekend run in the Northern Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is 8 p.m. for performances Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. A matinee performance is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Playwright Mark Dunn has constructed an interesting character study of six sisters, according to John Michael Warburton, director. The two-act comedy-drama takes place in 45 phone calls over one weekend as the sisters attempt to communicate family news from their homes throughout the United States.

Appearing on stage are Trisha Challis, Ponca City, as Aneece Walker, a troubled loner; Cynthia Kohlman, Tonkawa, as Peggy Reese, caretaker of the sisters’ mother; and Andrea Nelson, Enid, as Roseanne Johnson, a harried mother.

Dru Heffington, Tulsa, is Audrey Hart, an aspiring ventriloquist; Michael Anne Jones, Perry, is Sherry “Dust” Walker, a dreamer; and Bridget O’Shea, Edmond, is Paige Walker, a graduate student.

The play is produced by the theater department of the Northern Fine Arts Division by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Local Artists Displaying Works at P.C. Art Center

Local artists and members of the Ponca City Art Association are displaying their art work at the Art Center, 819 East Central. Eighty-nine works of art were entered into the association membership show and will be on display through Feb. 28. According to a Ponca City Art Association spokesman, the talent shown by the members of the art association is quite remarkable, and members of the community should take the time to come see the exhibition.

Pat Wilson won Best of Show honors with her pottery piece entitled “Nature’s Beauty.” Carole Ranney, president of the Watercolor Society in Wichita, adjudicated the show and awarded prizes to the members of the art association.

Gene Dougherty won first place in the category of professional oil paintings, with Rhonda Johnson winning second, Margaret Yates taking third, and Berenice Johnson claiming honorable mention.

In the category of advanced oils, Mary Ann Avery captured first place, Norma Jensen was awarded second, Cerita Helt third, and Dee Enevoldsen won honorable mention.

The student oil category was won by Bobbie Steele. Second place was taken by Chad David, Fay Johnson captured third and honorable mention was awarded to Edna Trent.

Gene Dougherty again took first place in the professional watercolor category with Shirley Peterson second, Elaine Armstrong third, and honorable mention going to Milt Fusselman.

In the advanced pottery and sculpture category, Diane Harris’ entrees won both first and second places and Donna Royse was awarded both third place and honorable mention.

Jim Watson captured first place in the professional pottery and sculpture category, Pat Watson captured second place, Steve Correll won third place, and honorable mention went to Rhonda Waters.

Advanced graphics and pastel category was won by Florence Riesen, with Robin Barnes taking both second and third prizes.

Professional graphics and pottery first place was awarded to L. Kent Rous. Milt Fusselman was awarded second place, Margaret Yates awarded third place and honorable mention went to Janet Stalcup. The Ponca City Art Center is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The membership exhibition can been seen through Feb. 28. For additional information, contact the Art Center at 765-9746.

DEATHS

James Mitchell
Luther Willard Moore
Peggy J. McKey
Katherine Officer
Clifton R. Larison
Allen Cyril Sheridan

James Mitchell

COLLINSVILLE — James Mitchell, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Feb. 14, 1999, in Collinsville. He was 76.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at The Community Church in Collinsville with the Rev. Rick Brinkley and the Rev. Robert Delk officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Collinsville Funeral Home.

James Mitchell was born March 22, 1922 in Nevada, Mo. He grew up and attended schools in Ponca City. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army.

He was married to Viola Haynes and the couple made their home in the Ponca City area for many years. Mitchell was an employee in the sanitation department with the City of Ponca City for 35 years. He had also worked for ranchers in the area. Mitchell attended the Assembly of God Church.

Survivors include his wife, Viola Mitchell of the home in Collinsville; one son, Darrell Macy of Collinsville; two daughters, Barbara Webster of Sperry, and Ester Romines of Sand Springs; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-granddaughters.

Casket bearers will be Brandon Romines, Carol Webster, Danny Hanson, Larry Dedmon, Chris Bryant, and Arnold Thurman. Honorary bearers will be Bill Delk, Bobby Delk and Danny Gaither.

Luther Willard Moore

LAVERNE — Luther Willard “Jim” Moore, father of Luther Moore of Ponca City, died Sunday, Feb. 14, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 82.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Assembly of God Church in Laverne with the Rev. Wesley Peterman, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Laverne Cemetery under the direction of Seeger Funeral Home.

Luther Willard “Jim” Moore was born on the family homestead in Beaver County on March 10, 1916. He was youngest of nine children born to Luther Woods “Boone” and Ida Sloma (Smith) Moore. He attended a country school in the area.

On Sept. 19, 1934 he was married to Florence Beulah Murphy in Buffalo by Judge B.C. Knouse. To get married, he sold his horse for $25 and spent $5 for Florence’s dress and shoes, $5 for the ring, $5 for the license, gave the judge $5 and had $5 to live on.

In 1941, the couple purchased the family homestead, where they raised their seven sons. Moore’s life revolved around the family and farm. He and his wife were avid sports fans and attended most of their sons sporting events over the years. They continued to support and attend the Laverne sports programs as long as health permitted. In 1996, they moved into Laverne to live with a son, Alfred, and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Laverne Senior Citizens Center. The Moore’s had lived in Ponca City the last two years.

Survivors include his wife, Florence, of Ponca City; seven sons, George of Woodward, Harold of Las Vegas, Nev., Richard of Lefors, Texas, Alfred of Brownsville, Tenn., Dean of Woodward, Dillard of Oklahoma City and Luther of Ponca City; one sister, Ida Taft of Laverne; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Ora, Arthur, Herbert and Clarence; two sisters, Sally Valentine and Lena Jeffries; one half-brother, Ralph; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Moore’s name to the Laverne Senior Citizen’s Center, or the Laverne Assembly of God Church, c/o Seeger Funeral Home, 421 South Broadway, Laverne, OK 73848.

Peggy J. McKey

WAGONER — Peggy J. (Forth) McKey, former Kaw City area resident, died Friday afternoon, Jan. 29, 1999, in Okmulgee. She was 67.

The funeral was held Feb. 2, 1999, at the Shipman Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner with the Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Burial followed in the Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner.

Peggy J. (Gose) Forth, McKey was born March 29, 1931, in Dodge City, Kan., to Harry and Velma (Smith) Gose. She graduated from Kaw City High School.

She was married to Wallace R. Forth who died in 1984. She had lived in Tulsa for a time where she worked in the clerical department at Dillards Department Store. She then moved to the Rocky Point Community in Wagoner where she lived for more than 30 years. She had been employed in Wagoner with Jeffer’s Federated, Rocky Point Grocery and Shipman Funeral Home. Mrs. McKey recently moved to Okmulgee to live close to family members. She was a homemaker and enjoyed working in her flower garden, reading and attending garage sales.

Survivors include five children, Iris Roper of Morris, Ricky Forth of Copan, Russell Forth of Barnsdall, Steve Forth of Fresno, Calif., and one step-daughter, Karen; one brother, Dan L. Gose of Bixby; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Obituaries

Katherine Officer

Katherine Officer, 533 Virginia, died Sunday evening, Feb. 14, 1999, at Westminster Village after an extended illness. She was 62.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Worship Center with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck and the Rev. Larry Heslip, officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born July 13, 1936 in Ponca City, she was the daughter of Ralph B. and Hazel E. Cavett Goodwin. She attended Ponca City schools, graduating from Po-Hi in 1954 and then attended Northern Oklahoma College.

On Aug. 26, 1956, she married Lanny D. Officer and the couple made their home in Ponca City. For several years Katherine worked for Security Bank and Trust, and then at First Baptist Church Day Care Center until ill health forced her retirement. Katherine loved The Lord and was an active member of First Baptist Church. She had accompanied her husband on a mission trip to Alaska in July of 1987. She was also a member of Eastern Star and the Order of Rainbow. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, and traveling.

She is survived by her husband, Lanny of the home; a daughter, Debra Marie of Yukon; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Kari Officer of Ponca City; grandchildren Ryan James and Tyler Nicole; two brothers, Ralph Goodwin of Commerce, Texas, and Tom Goodwin of Spring, Texas; and a sister, Margaret Roland of Edmond. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Casket bearers will be John Davis, Jim Lee, Don Williams, Gary Aldrich, Keith Hunter, and Guy Anderson. Honorary casket bearers will be Jim Dressen, Ed Dawson, Don Clinton, Chip Hardy, Paul Northcutt, Ernie Taber, Don Frantz, and members of the Deacon Council of First Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Kids Camp Scholarship Fund, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at the home, 533 Virginia.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Clifton R. Larison

Clifton R. “Cliff” Larison, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 16, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 59. Local survivors include his wife, Zedie Larison of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Wednesday

Allen Cyril Sheridan

Funeral is set for 1 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Longwood Cemetery. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Free Smoke Alarms — Operation S.A.F.E., free smoke alarms for elderly, homebound, handicapped and hearing-impaired within the city limits in need of a smoke alarm or a new battery for an existing alarm, will be Saturday. If eligible, or know of an eligible person, call Family Resource Center at 767-9509, United Way at 718-0288, or Helpline at 765-5551 by Wednesday to sign up. The service is provided by the Ponca City Fire Department, the Fire Prevention Advisory Council, AARP and AmeriCorps.

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

es will fail in their first two years! Learn how to turn the odds

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.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Ninth Street at 6:40 a.m. Monday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for assault and battery.

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.

Burglary — An employee at Yazzo Wood, 1501 West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:01 a.m. Monday that a burglary had occurred at the wood working shop. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

WCW/NWO Superbrawl IX only one will take home the belt! Sun-

day, February 21st at 7:00 P.M. Only on Pay Per View, call Cable

ONE at 762-6684 for your ring side seat! Cable ONE, the one you

count on! adv.

Vehicle Burglarized — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:01 a.m. Monday that a report had been taken on a vehicle burglary from the 1500 block of West South Avenue.

Lost: French Bulldog. White, male. Lost in vicinty of Fourth

and Highland. Reward! 765-7180. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:03 a.m. Monday that an accident had occurred at North Fifth Street and East Fresno Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Grass Fire — The Burbank Volunteer Fire Department requested assistance at 11:26 a.m. Monday with a grass fire on 9 Mile Road. Osage Cove and McCord Volunteer Fire Departments were both contacted to assist in the situation.

Tag Stolen — A woman from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:30 p.m. Monday that a tag had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Treated for Stab Wound — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:33 a.m. Monday that a subject was being treated for a stab wound to a leg. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the incident occurred Sunday.

Former Young Life club members or those interested in start-

ing a club for our High School Students in Ponca. Please call

Vivian 762-1364, leave name and phone number. adv.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 11:34 a.m. Monday with a shoplifter. An officer was assigned and a 29-year-old woman was held for grand larceny.

Kids Win a bike every Tuesday at Golden Corral. Drawing at 7

p.m. Fun activities for the kids. Must be present to win. adv.

Vehicle Vandalized — A man from the 800 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:22 p.m. Monday that his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Spring Soccer for boys and girls age four and one half and

up. Sign up Quatum Computer Service 312 East Grand, February

20, 22, 23, 24. Every child must sign up during this time. Call 762-9056. adv.

Graffiti — An employee at a physician’s office in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:28 p.m. Monday that some graffiti had been discovered on the wall. 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.

Burglary — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:48 p.m. Monday that a burglary had occurred in the 2700 block of Ames.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:15 p.m. Monday that an adult shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and an 18-year-old man was held for grand larceny and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglarized — A woman from the 300 block of South First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:39 p.m. Monday that her vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to the Communications Center at 2:14 p.m. Monday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Ryder Truck Rental is back. Now located at Dempewolf Mini-

Storage. 2101 North Union 762-616 adv.

Assault — A person from the 1000 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:22 p.m. Monday that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Every Wednesday đ price clothes and shoes, except priced

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

Central. adv.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:17 p.m. Monday that a grass fire was burning along the 1100 block of Old Country Road. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the situation.

Traffic Hazard — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 4:49 p.m. Monday that a crossing plank was on top of the railroad tracks on Hubbard Road. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and the crossing plank was put back in place. The railroad was notified.

Item Missing — A man from the 200 block of North Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6 p.m. Monday that a floor jack had been taken from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Shed Burglarized — A person from the 400 block of East Detroit Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:05 p.m. Monday that a shed had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglarized — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:50 p.m. Monday that his vehicle behind a business in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Lake Street and West Oklahoma Avenue at 10:34 p.m. Monday that a 27-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and having defective equipment.

World Day of Prayer — Church Women United World Day of Prayer, 9:30 a.m., March 5, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty. “God’s Tender Touch” is the theme and ladies from the Hispanic Baptist Church in Ponca City will sing during the service

LIFESTYLES

American Legion Home, Auxiliary Honor Veterans

American Legion Home, Auxiliary Honor Veterans

The Ponca City American Legion Auxiliary V.A. and R. chairman Evelynn McCutcheon was accompanied by her great-grandchildren, Stephan and Amber Cowan of Wichita, Kan., and Betty Brown, auxiliary president, during a recent visit to veterans residing in Ponca City nursing homes.

The veterans received valentines created by children at the American Legion Children’s Home, Valentine “goodies” from the local auxiliary, and calendars from Home National Bank. Lisa McGee, Americanism chairman, assisted the children with the cards, and Joyce Chrisler decorated the treat containers with poppies, white rosebuds, red metallic hearts and curly ribbon.

According to Mrs. Brown, the sentiments expressed in the cards included “thank you for your bravery,” “thank you for our freedom,” and “we will not forget you.”

Members of the auxiliary recently assembled with local Legion members to welcome John Morris of Houston, Texas, national vice commander; Jim Anderson, state commander; and other officials visiting here.

The auxiliary assisted Legion members with a bean supper Feb. 11 held in conjunction with the Veterans Medical Benefits Clinic. Announcement was made that the auxiliary Past Presidents Parley has completed a collection of 1999 calendars to be sent to the Sulphur Veterans Center.

BUSINESS

U.S. Postal Service Offers First Local Jobs in Six Years
TAV Employee Incentive Plan Offers Rewards for Suggestions
Hargis Named Senior V. Pres. Of Local Bank
Nicholson Named To State Board
Theme Basket Silent Auctions Set as Woodlands Fund Raiser

U.S. Postal Service Offers First Local Jobs in Six Years

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

For the first time in six years the U.S. Postal Service is announcing job opportunities for processing, distribution and delivery positions in the Ponca City, Enid and Woodward registers.

Applications must be submitted between March 1 and March 12. Applications will not be accepted before 8 a.m. on March 1 or after 4 p.m. on March 12.

The job choices covered by the announcements are processing, distribution and delivery positions. The salary for a city carrier ranges from $13.61 to 18.92 per hour and clerk wages are announced from $13.88 to $19.29.

To qualify for postal employment, an applicant has to be drug-free. This is determined through the use of a urinalysis drug screen test. Applicants who qualify on the examination and are in the area of consideration for employment will be scheduled for the drug test, according to Mark Rhodes, HR specialist, Oklahoma City.

Applicants will be required to take a written examination. The examination and completion of forms will require about two hours and 15 minutes.

Application/Admission Cards are available from and can be submitted to any of the post offices listed for all three open registers.

The Ponca City Register includes the Post Offices in Ponca City, Fairfax, Newkirk, Red Rock and Tonkawa. The Enid Register includes, Enid, Alva, Canton, Cherokee, Covington, Dover, Fairview, Garber, Hennessey, Kingfisher, Medford, Okarche, Okeene, Pond Creek, Watonga and Waukomis Post Offices.

Woodward, Buffalo, Laverne, Mooreland, Mutual, Shattuck, Vici and Waynoka are included in the Woodward Register.

TAV Employee Incentive Plan Offers Rewards for Suggestions

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Creative cost saving ideas are paying off for employees of one local company. Last week the first recipients of a new incentive plan were paid for their ideas which will save thousands of dollars for Thorn Apple Valley at their Ponca City state-of-the-art meat production plant.

According to plant general manager and vice-president Doug Moore, the incentive plan was introduced as part of the Thorn Apple Valley “New Level of Excellence Program,” a program which recognizes and rewards excellence.

“Instead of tooting our own horn, this program is designed to recognize excellence not only in our company but throughout our community,” Moore explains. “Sometimes people and their achievements go unnoticed and this is a way to reward people for their level of excellence.”

An idea which reduced rented storage space and saved the company $175 per month netted Shane Todd a check for five percent of the total annual savings. And Mark Mar’s idea involving environmental testing will save the company $11,236 annually and earned him a check for more than $500 while Aaron Hindman will receive a $500 check for his suggested change in the boxing of hams.

The cost saving incentive plan was introduced to employees in October and is considered beneficial for both management and employees.

“People tend to believe that it’s just part of their job and while it well may be this is a way to reward those that come up with innovative ways to save money and recognizes those ideas,” Moore says. “It is good for the employees and good for the company.”

The Ponca City plant opened in October 1995 with the ability to produce more than two million pounds of ham products per week. The company employs 700 and has an annual payroll of more than $12 million.

Hargis Named Senior V. Pres. Of Local Bank

Ray Hargis has joined the First National Bank of Oklahoma, 1324 East Grand Avenue, as senior vice president. Hargis comes to the bank with a wealth of bank lending and management experience.

He has background in all areas of banking including 23 years with Security Bank & Trust Company in Ponca City and six years as executive vice president and manager of Community Bank of Shidler.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Ray join our team here at First Oklahoma,” commented Ray Shaffer, president. “His knowledge and dedication will be a plus for our continuing efforts to provide personalized service to our customers.”

A native of Blackwell, Hargis has been active in the community through the United Way Board of Directors; Committee Chairman, Board Member, Ambassador of the Year and Ambassadors Club of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Ponca City Industrial Foundation; Leadership Ponca City graduate; Board Member, Will Rogers Council, Boy Scouts of America; American Legion Children’s Home Endowment Fund and Red Cross Board of Directors.

First National Bank of Oklahoma has branches in Ponca City, Tonkawa and Oklahoma City.

Nicholson Named To State Board

Ponca City auctioneer Homer Nicholson, of Nicholson Auction Company, has been named to the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association Board of Directors at its annual meeting in Oklahoma City.

During the three day meeting, the annual bid calling contest was held with Troy Lippard of Enid winning the coveted title of Oklahoma’s 1999 Champion Auctioneer. Professional training and educational seminars were conducted in addition to an awards banquet, and conducting the organizations annual business.

The OSAA is a professional organization for auctioneers promoting the auction method of marketing, ethical business practices, continuing education and business networking. The auction business is a $163 billion industry experiencing continued growth.

Theme Basket Silent Auctions Set as Woodlands Fund Raiser

Woodlands School PTA will be having a silent auction on Theme Baskets prepared by each class on Feb. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The money raised will go toward a new art room.

Each class has selected and donated items for their theme baskets. First graders in Beverly Schneider’s class prepared baskets entitled “Pet Pack,” and items in the basket include items such as dog treats, dog brush, rubber toys, cat or dog grooming certificate and others.

Phyllis Hill’s first grade class has prepared a “Road Trip Pack” Theme Basket including such items as an Atlas, flashlight, first aid kit, ice scrapper, snack food, car games, Kleenex, film, phone card and oil change certificate.

Valerie Fisher’s second grade homeroom basket theme is “Couch Potato Weekend” and includes items such as video rentals, microwave popcorn, house shoes, videos, liter of coke, candy bars and potatoes.

Second graders in Tanya Gibson’s class has a theme of “Chocoholic” and contains candy, hot chocolate mixes and hot chocolate mugs.

Cindy Watson’s third grade homeroom basket will be “Sleepover” and has items such as flashlights, popcorn, games, funny video movies, and pizza gift certificate.

The theme for Suzanne Robinson’s third grade class is “Nature Pack” and contains items such as bird houses, bird feed, bird guide book, binoculars and sketch pad.

The theme for Sherry Gibson’s third grade class is “Mexican Food” and has salsa, chips, “The Three Amigos” movie, Mexican cookbook and Mexican restaurant gift certificates.

Shelley Wilson’s fourth grade class is “Picture Perfect” and the basket has film, picture frames, portrait certificates and film developing certificates.

Doug Thompson’s fourth grade theme is “Protein Power” and the basket contains steak knives, tongs, beef certificates, barbecue sauce and steak sauce.

Fifth graders in Donya Gartside’s homeroom will be doing “Pamper Basket” including items such as bath and body lotions, slippers, pedicure items, perfumes, bath crystals and towel set.

Chawnte Sober’s fifth grade class will be doing “Italian Night” with various spaghetti noodles, olive oil, garlic, Biscotte, cotte, pasta bowls, red and white checked apron, Italian cooking, etc.

Other fifth graders in Sharon Cooper’s class will have a theme of “Fun in the Sun” with thongs, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, beach towel, Beach Boys compact disc, sun hats, goggles and summer park passes.

Susan Rhoads’ sixth grade class theme basket is “The NBA” and contains basketball, sports shop certificates, Gatorade, tube socks, Nike hat, blank video tapes and a sports bag.

The theme for Suzi Greenwood and Jinger Henley’s sixth grade class is “Coffee” and includes a coffee grinder, flavored coffee buzz beans, travel coffee mug, Biscotte, coffee beans, TV Guide and crossword puzzle books.

The public is invited and encouraged to support this project by coming to the silent auction and bidding on the basket of their choice.

If you have any questions please contact Barbara Miller at 765-6697 (day) or 762-3867 (evening), or Susan Jennings at 762-4345.

SPORTS

Cagers Look To Finish Strong in Last Week of Season
Mavs Stumble In 2 OT Loss
Shots Will Not Fall For Lady Mavs

Cagers Look To Finish Strong in Last Week of Season

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

These are, as they say, the End Days.

Signs abound: the gym is warming up, the baseball team is gloating in the glorious sunshine, and our fearless coaches are waxing fondly over the merits of a good golf game.

Still, before Dana Pulley and Ron Arthur can start polishing their clubs, there’s the little order of finishing out the regular season. Tonight, the cagers will travel to Broken Arrow, and complete the season on Friday, in Stillwater. Regional play starts Feb. 25.

For the Cats, currently buried at the bottom of the conference after a 9-game slide, this week will be a melancholy blast from the past, the happier days, the salad days of December, and — as it seems — the Month that Time Forgot, when the Cats were shaping up to be the Cinderellas of the Frontier Conference. The Cats jumped up and clawed both of their final foes before Christmas — beating both Broken Arrow and Stillwater by a total of four points.

So, while the Cats are ahead in the series, 1-0, they’re lagging behind in momentum. Also, while the scars they inflicted are old, they run deep, and both teams will be out for revenge.

In the girls’ games, don’t be surprised to catch Broken Arrow and Stillwater players stealing suspicious glances in the Lady Cats’ direction, as our local girls enjoy their newfound celebrity of mystique: So these are the brash upstarts who knocked off Tulsa Union? Didn’t we wipe the court with them in December?

Ah, delicious irony!

The No. 10 ranked Tigers are 6-8 (10-10 overall), while the Lady Tigers are 11-3 (14-6 overall). The Tigers lost to streaking Stillwater on Friday, however, in an offensive implosion, 41-25. The Lady Tigers overcame the Lady Pioneers, 55-49.

The Cats, as always, will tip off at 6:15, while the Lady Cats will begin at 7:45. WBBZ’s Phil and Craig will be there for the broadcast.

P.C. Wildcats (3-11, 4-15)

at Broken Arrow Tigers (6-8, 10-10)

At first glance, one might say the Cats give up too many points, and consistently give weak offensive teams a chance to shine.

But the Cats’ run-and-gun style allows for big point totals. The real problem, lately, has been on the scoring end. While the Cats led the league in offense for much of the season, they’ve since slipped to third place, at 55.9 points per game — down from over 61 at one point in the season.

In four of their last five games — against Union, Sapulpa, Owasso and Bartlesville — the Cats have averaged just 41 points, and shot barely 30 percent from the field.

To coach Arthur, it’s simple: “we have to score more points,” he says.

Tonight, that won’t be easy, against a Tigers team that’s just two points off Stillwater’s stingy pace (45.8) on points allowed.

Senior Rassan Hines, a 6-3 center, and 5-11 junior guard Bryan Burton are the Tigers’ big guns, and form a viable inside-outside threat. Hines, along with 6-2 Tony Smith, form an imposing scoring tandem on the inside.

“They try to set up a high-low post situation. The high post will dump the ball into the low post,” says Arthur. “It’s the hardest play to guard against in basketball.”

Still, Arthur is counting on a 2-game turnaround for his team, just in time for the Cats’ regional playoff against No. 2 ranked Putnam City North, Feb. 26.

“We need to get on a roll now, at the end,” he says. “Stay in focus, on the task at hand — Tigers.”

Wildcat Notes — Hines averages 13.0 ppg, while Burton averages 11.2...the Cats edged the Tigers on Dec. 9, 63-60...Smith was the leading scorer in that game, with 17, while Tom Engle had 16 for the Cats.

P.C. Lady Wildcats (3-11, 6-14)

at Broken Arrow Lady Tigers (11-3, 14-6)

The question is: if the Lady Cats threw a coup, would anyone be around to notice?

After pulling off one of the biggest, if not the biggest, insurrections in high school basketball this year — the dethroning of undefeated Tulsa Union — the response was tepid, at best.

Little-to-no mention was made in either metro-area paper of the Lady Cats’ trailblazing win, much less of Friday’s fabulous come-back win, in overtime, over Sapulpa — the defending state champion.

While other teams may have better records and longer winning streaks, the Lady Cats’ turnaround is mind-boggling, worthy of at least a paragraph or two.

Isn’t it?

“I’m sure a lot of people are thinking we just got lucky,” says coach Pulley. “Still, they have to be worried.”

Perhaps what the Lady Cats need to do is win-out over conference stalwarts Broken Arrow and Stillwater. That would put them 5-11 on the year, and quite likely at the top of the lower half of the Frontier Conference standings.

And while it’s not only possible, it’s what the New and Improved Lady Wildcats are expecting.

“We watched film of Broken Arrow (from Dec. 8) and we looked like a totally different team,” says Pulley. “We were so impatient. We threw the ball away, and made so many silly mistakes.”

If there’s one thing that Pulley says her team can do now that they couldn’t do then, it’s play effective defense.

“Half of (Broken Arrow’s) points came on layups. They were beating our press, and we weren’t getting back. But we’ve changed things defensively. We can mix it up now.”

Much of that defensive change has been from a predominately man-to-man scheme to a zone. While Pulley expresses a love of man-to-man defense, she realizes that it didn’t always work with this year’s version of the Lady Cats.

“We need to be smart to know if we can match up. We have to have the right artillery on the floor.

“We definitely have the confidence now,” she continues. “If we shoot like we did on Monday, and play with the fire in our eyes we had Friday, we can win.”

Mavs Stumble In 2 OT Loss

WILBURTON — The Mavericks of NOC dropped their second game in conference play, Monday, falling in a double-overtime heartbreaker to the Mountaineers of Eastern Oklahoma, 82-80.

Larry Reid brought the Mavericks back in regulation to tie the game at 68-all and force the first overtime period. A back and forth exchange was once again brought to a stalemate, this time at 73-all, as 6-11 Mountaineer Livan Pyform made an awkward two-handed shovel shot with 20 seconds remaining.

Reid again got off a last second jump shot, but the ball rattled out of the hoop.

In the second overtime period, with the score tied at 80-all, and with 13 seconds left on the clock, the Mavs turned the ball over on a traveling charge. The Mountaineers then made a running jumper as time expired.

“It just wasn’t our day,” sighed NOC coach Mick Weiberg. “I always say this game is a little luck. They had a little, and we had none.”

Like the Mavericks’ only other loss in conference this season — an 83-82 overtime loss to Seminole — Weiberg points to the Mavs’ early difficulties as making the difference in the game.

“We couldn’t seem to get untracked early again,” he says. “We had a lot of open looks and couldn’t hit ‘em.”

The Mountaineers, meanwhile, buried five 3-pointers in the first half to take a 43-30 lead into the locker room. While the Mavs quickly closed that gap in the second half, Weiberg points to the first half as making the difference in the game.

“We sucked it up in the second half and played hard (in the second half),” he says. “We did some good things in clutch situations, and we never quit. So overall I thought we played well.

“But our backs are against the wall now.”

Reid led the Mavs with 17 points, Ryan Williams had 16, Ron Banks 14, Jeff Newby 11, Sherman Rochell 9, Josh Regnier 6, Latarvis Norman 5, and Shere-Khan Jones 2.

Pyfrom had 23 for the Mountaineers.

The Mavericks also had just 14 turnovers in the long game, while the Mountaineers had 17.

The Mavs are now 5-2 in the Bi-State West, and continue play at home on Thursday, hosting Western Oklahoma. Game time is 8 p.m. Sunday, the Mavs will take on Murray State at 4.

Shots Will Not Fall For Lady Mavs

WILBURTON — The Lady Mavericks of NOC dropped to 5-2 in the Bi-State West, Monday, falling to the Lady Mountaineers of Eastern Oklahoma, 65-54.

The Lady Mavs trailed 38-28 at halftime, and though they closed to within three points mid-way through the second half, couldn’t make the comeback.

The Lady Mavs also pulled to within six with barely a minute left — and despite some open shots — couldn’t get the 3-pointers to fall.

“We just couldn’t hit our shots last night,” said coach Greg Krause. “There were a lot of point-blank shots in the post area we weren’t hitting, and we were a little sluggish to start. We could’ve capitalized on our opportunities.”

Ritha Moro came off the bench to lead the Lady Mavs with 11 points. Though Krause was pleased with that performance, he also recognizes it as being emblematic of his team’s difficulties.

“Ritha played well and worked hard, but it was an indication of our struggles,” he says. “It’s not normal for her to lead us in scoring.”

LaTonya Douglas had 9, Kacey Whitworth, Ranada Collins and Chenise Robinson 7 each, Jennifer Williams 5, Suzi Eisenhauer 4, and Lyndsey Warrior 2.

Eastern was led by Brianne Strickland with 13, Jennifer Lawley had 12, while Angela Young had 9.

The Lady Mavs also traveled to Crowder on Saturday for a non-conference match up and came out victorious, 68-66.

The Lady Mavs, in a tie with Eastern for second place in conference behind 7-0 Seminole, will host Western, Thursday, with tip-off at 6. Sunday, the Lady Mavs will host Murray State, at 2.