LOCAL

Board of Education Special Meeting Set at High School
Inhofe Indicates Shift of Repairs May Cost Tinker
March Morning On Main Street Set for Tuesday
Letter - Thanks to PC Noon AMBUCS

Board of Education Special Meeting Set at High School

The Ponca City Board of Education will hold a special board meeting Tuesday, March 7 at the Commons Area of the Senior High.

Dinner will be served to invited guests at 6 p.m. During the meal, each principal will give an update on the accomplishments of the site improvement plan, review CRT remediation process and literacy goals.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., individual board members will present a summary report of information received during dinner to the group.

The public is invited to observe the meeting; however, the school cannot include the public in the dinner.

Inhofe Indicates Shift of Repairs May Cost Tinker

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Sen. Jim Inhofe said he is concerned about a shift in repair work on Air Force planes and weapons to private contractors because it could eventually cost Tinker Air Force Base.

Private contractors are shouldering more of the workload because of the demand from military actions overseas and the closing of Air Force repair depots in Texas and California.

The Air Force informed Congress earlier this year that it might not be able to comply with a law requiring that at least half of its repair work on planes and other weapons be done in its own maintenance centers. One of the three depots is at Tinker.

‘‘Although I have been told that this is a one-time event, a result of increasing demand resulting from the Kosovo operations during the transition of workloads from the closing air logistics centers, I am skeptical,’’ Inhofe told The Daily Oklahoman.

‘‘I have seen too much evidence that the Air Force in particular continues to pursue the outsourcing of depot maintenance on new weapons systems for me to believe that it does not envision the eventual collapse of the public depots.’’

The Air Force has been increasingly relying on private contractors to do repairs, particularly on new planes.

Inhofe said the breaching of the 50-50 law is symbolically significant.

The workload splits are measured in dollars; and though the temporary contracts could add a small amount — $135 million — to the $3 billion paid to the Air Force.

Others are also skeptical, including the General Accounting Office, Congress’ auditing arm. David Warren, director of defense management issues, said that unless the Pentagon makes some key decisions about placing new repair work in Air Force depots, it will face ‘‘significant challenges’’ in complying with the 50-50 law over the next few years.

March Morning On Main Street Set for Tuesday

Ponca City Main Street Authority, in partnership with The Rose Stone Inn, 120 South Third, will host the March Morning’s on Main Street from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday. The community is welcome to attend.

“This is a great time for business owners, building owners and other individuals from the community to spend a little time together,” said Michele Jean, program director for PCMSA.

Mornings on Main Street is designed to provide an opportunity for all people interested in downtown to get together and share coffee and doughnuts while discussing local issues. It is also a time for individuals and merchants to get information about Main Street’s upcoming events. “We appreciate Rose Stone Inn owners, David and Shirley Zimmerman’s willingness to host the event,” added Jean.

For more information about Mornings on Main Street or the PCMSA, contact Jean at 763-8082.

Letter - Thanks to PC Noon AMBUCS

I would like to applaud the Ponca City Noon AMBUCs for their efforts with the “AmTryke.”

It is so easy for those of us with children who do not have disabilities to take for granted the simple joys of childhood, such as riding a bike. The AMBUCS are not only bringing this joy to those children who may not have otherwise had that experience, but they are also giving a very special gift to the parents of those children.

Ponca City has been blessed with many comparable organizations that have contributed so much to our community over the years.

To all of you, God Bless and Thank You.

Annette L. Hunt

DEATHS

Vernon Lee Irons
Twila Ilene Harris
Lloyd Garrett Bookout
Arthur C. Richeson
Ima Mae Ramhorst
Aaron S. Allen
Shirley Breece

Vernon Lee Irons

BLACKWELL — Vernon Lee Irons, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday, March 4, 2000, at the Blackwell Nursing Home. He was 83.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rick Longcrier, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Blackwell, officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. A flag presentation will be presented by the Blackwell VFW and the American Legion.

Vernon Lee Irons was born Jan. 1, 1917, in Ponca City, the son of Floyd and Josie (Hostetter) Irons. He grew up in Ponca City where he attended schools. He began working at a bakery in Ponca City and married Maxine Rose Flood on Oct. 5, 1941, in Lawton. He entered the United States Army March 6, 1941, and served his country during World War II. He was taken prisoner of war for 96 days before he was freed by forces of the U.S. Tank Corps. He served in Central European, Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns. After he was taken prisoner, he was also held prisoner in three work camps in Germany. He held the rank of corporal and was discharged from the service in 1945.

He returned to Blackwell, where he went to work for the Blackwell Zinc Company in the furnace department until the plant closed in 1974. He moved to Enid where he was employed with Bond Bakery for eight years. He retired and they enjoyed traveling and golfing. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell, the Men’s Sunday School class, the VFW, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Ronnie Irons of Blackwell; four brothers, Don Irons of Ponca City, Loren “Red” Irons of Tulsa, Jack Irons of Oklahoma City, and Roy Irons of Wichita, Kan.; and a grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maggie Moonie; and a brother, Joe Irons.

Casket bearers will be Karl Stone, Fred Heath, Newman Hicks, Olen Riley, Myron Smith and Doug Mercer.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Alzheimer’s Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Twila Ilene Harris

BLACKWELL — Twila Ilene Harris, resident of Blackwell, died Friday, March 3, 2000, at her daughter’s home in Plano, Texas. She was 82.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2000, in the First Baptist Church of Blackwell with the Rev. Rick Longcrier officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Twila Ilene Harris was born Jan. 28, 1918, in Braman, the daughter of Martin VanBuren and Edith Mae (Gilbert) Smith, and he attended schools in Braman. She married Vernon Russell Harris on July 21, 1934, at a farm home near Braman, and they settled in Perryton, Texas, for one year. They then moved to Hunnewell, Kan., to farm prior to moving to Braman. In 1940, they moved to Blackwell, where she was employed in the high school cafeteria. She was then employed as a sales clerk at C.R. Anthony’s and Hunt’s Department Store. When her husband died April 17, 1993, she stayed in Blackwell until August 1999 when she moved to Plano, Texas, to live with her daughter.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blackwell where she was involved in the Loyal Women’s Sunday School class, the Campers Club of Blackwell, the New Bethel Home Extension Group, neighborhood Bible clubs, the Scripture Bible Memory Association and the Scripture Memory Press. She worked as a camp counselor for these organizations and enjoyed teaching children about the Bible. She had also attended the Tonkawa Bible Church in Tonkawa and taught Sunday school for 20 years.

Survivors include three daughters, Wadonna Corn of Houston, Texas, and Carolyn Chaufty and Twila Frohock, both of Plano, Texas; two sons, Lindell Harris of Plano, Texas, and Danny Harris of Newkirk; two sisters, Fay Ford of Newkirk and Mary Lou Chrisenberry of Liberal, Kan.; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Thelma Carriger and Wilma Jean Vasser; and two brothers, Verlin Smith and Eldon Smith.

Casket bearers will be Steve Corn, David Corn, Mark Harris, John Horst, Jeff Harris, Russell Harris and Brian Frohock.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church or Scripture Memory Press, P.O. Box 24551, St. Louis, Mo. 63141.

Lloyd Garrett Bookout

BLACKWELL — Lloyd Garrett Bookout, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday, March 4, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 81.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Newland of House of Prayer in Blackwell officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Lloyd Garrett Bookout was born May 7, 1918, in Drumright, the son of Harvey Sylvester and Ethel (Damrell) Bookout. He grew up in Drumright where he attended schools. Following his schooling, he began farming. He married Edna Lorene Hart on Dec. 20, 1939, in Creek County. They settled in Drumright for a short time until moving to California in 1942. He entered he United States Army, serving during World War II.

Following his discharge, he returned to California where he was employed by Phillips 66 Refinery. He retired in the early 1970s and moved to Tonkawa in 1987. They lived in Tonkawa until 1996 when they moved to Blackwell to make their home. His wife preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 1999. He was a member of the House of Prayer in Blackwell.

Survivors include three daughters, Phyllis Morrison and Lorelei Schultz, both of Blackwell, and Brenda Felix of Leavenworth, Wash.; two sons, Leland Bookout of Concord, Calif., and Don Bookout of West Pittsburgh, Calif.; one brother, Don Bookout of Wichita, Kan.; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; five brothers, Lester Bookout, Billy Bookout, Everett Bookout, Elvis Bookout, and Charlie Bookout; one sister, Lennie Parkerson; and one grandson.

Casket bearers will be Leroy Wright, Jeff Hightower, Darrell Steelmon, Ronald Bookout, Duane Bookout and Mark Steelmon.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to House of Prayer, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Arthur C. Richeson

FAIRFAX — Arthur C. Richeson, longtime resident of Fairfax, died Friday morning, March 3, 2000, in Miami, Okla. He was 81.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2000, at the New Hope Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Bill Bray officiating, assisted by Henry Cook. Burial will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.

A.C. Richeson was born April 19, 1918, in Lone Oak, Texas, the son of Arthur Cliddy Richeson and Lela Ann (Keenum) Richeson. He joined the United States Navy in 1942, where he served in World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He married Lucille Chapman on March 2, 1945, in Borger, Texas. He enjoyed catfish noodling.

Survivors include a son, A.C. Richeson Jr. of Wyoming; a daughter, Edna Connors of Colorado; one sister, Dorothy McClellan of Fritch, Texas; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Luthur Richeson; and two sisters, Beulagh Spears and Nora Wittfield.

Casket bearers will be Marty Millard, Henry Cook, B.J. Collins and Ronnie Smith.

Ima Mae Ramhorst

BLACKWELL — Ima Mae Ramhorst, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday, March 4, 2000, at the Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. She was 79.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Tom Ramsey of the First Lutheran Church of Ponca City officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Ima Mae Ramhorst was born June 5, 1920, in Blackwell, the daughter of Alvin Monroe and Jessie Glyde (Morse) Lewis. She grew up in Blackwell, attending Blackwell schools and graduating from Blackwell High School in 1938. She was employed with Lenker Drug Store and S&H Kress Company following her schooling.

She married Albert Henry Ramhorst on March 3, 1951, in Blackwell, where they settled. She was employed with Paul’s Grill until the birth of her son, when she remained at home becoming active in Boy Scouts. She was later employed in the cafeteria of the junior high school. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Blackwell.

Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Kenny Ramhorst of Blackwell; one brother, Jack Lewis; and two grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marian Ann Lewis Orwen; and one brother, Arthur Lewis.

Casket bearers will be Jim Thomas, Marius Kahle, Arlan Tiemann, David Kahle, Rex Mayer and Ron Bersche.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Aaron S. Allen

TONKAWA — Aaron S. Allen, resident of Tonkawa, died Saturday afternoon, March 4, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 40.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at the Fort Oakland Tribal Center. There will be a noon feast preceding the services. Prayer services will be held 7 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday at the Tribal Center. Burial will be at the Fort Oakland Cemetery under the direction of the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Aaron S. Allen was born Nov. 8, 1959, in Enid, the son of Melvin Stephen Allen and Gloria Martha (Moncooyea) Allen. He received his early education in the Enid and Tonkawa schools. The family moved to Tonkawa in August of 1971. He was employed as a maintenance worker with the Tonkawa tribe. He enjoyed baseball.

Survivors include his parents of Tonkawa; one daughter, Teresa Ann Hampton of Maine; three brothers, Melvin Allen Jr., Charles Paul Allen and Sammie Allen, all of Tonkawa; four sisters, Joyce Marie Beard of Fort Worth, Texas, and Teena Allen, Reba Allen and Eva Allen, all of Tonkawa; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn Allen and Floyd Lee Allen; and one sister, Zoe Rose.

Casket bearers will be Troy Combrink, David Martin, Charles Lee Allen, Floyd Dean Allen, Gabriel Proper and Junior Flores.

Services Pending

Shirley Breece

BLACKWELL — Shirley Breece, longtime Blackwell resident, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, in the Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 64. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell.

NEWS BRIEFS

Free Clothing Tonight — Free clothing tonight to anyone with a need. Grand opening in a new location at 440 Fairview, formerly and still a ministry of the First Assembly of God Church. The new facility is located across the street west from the church. In case of bad weather, the giveaway will be canceled.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Suspicious Odor — The Communications Center received a call at 10:16 a.m. Saturday from the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue that there was a suspicious odor in the area. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and reported it was from Conoco and handled the situation.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 10:20 a.m. Saturday that a 28-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Threat — A man from the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:53 a.m. Saturday that a woman had tried to run him off the road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 11:25 a.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred in the 8900 block of Lake Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Theft — A woman from the 800 block of South Second Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:08 p.m. Saturday that someone had stolen her check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 12:50 p.m. Saturday that a 17-year-old man was being held on seven counts of burglary of an auto.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:12 p.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A man from the 600 block of East Hartford Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:55 p.m. Saturday that subjects had attempted to vandalize the building with graffiti. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Vehicle Stolen — A man from the 200 block of East Detroit Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:04 p.m. Saturday that his vehicle had been stolen.

Theft — A woman from the 2200 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Communications Center at 2:16 p.m. Saturday that someone had just stolen her horses. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded, the owner got her horses back and an extra patrol of the area was requested.

Vandalism — A man from the 1800 block of Holbrook Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:30 p.m. Saturday that flower beds were vandalized. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Special 40 lb. cow manure, 99 cents each. Limit 10 bags. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Ash Street and West Chestnut Avenue at 4:04 a.m. Sunday that a 17-year-old boy was being held for DUI.

Theft — A clerk from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:33 p.m. Saturday that a subject in a pickup had left south bound on Fourteenth Street without paying for $5 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A man from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:36 p.m. Sunday that a youngster had been hit in the parking lot of an apartment complex. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the youngster was not hurt.

Subject Held — An employee of Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:17 p.m. Saturday that a man was in custody for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and a 34-year-old man was held for petit larceny.

Auto Burglary — The Communications Center received a request for assistance at the tennis courts near Hutchins Memorial at 3:40 p.m. Saturday concerning a burglary. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report of auto burglary was taken.

Assault — An employee of the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:40 p.m. Saturday that a man had been left there by another subject. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on an assault with a deadly weapon.

Burglary — A man from the 300 block of East Park Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:04 p.m. Saturday that upon returning to the residence the back door had been kicked in. An officer was assigned and a 15-year-old boy was held for second degree burglary and returned to the Northern Oklahoma Youth Center.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Osage Street and West Highland Avenue at 11:25 p.m. Saturday that a 38-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension.

Vandalism — A man from the 200 block of North Elm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:37 p.m. Saturday that a vehicle and house had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A person from the 400 block of South Ash Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 10:53 p.m. Sunday when it was discovered that Ponca City Head Start had been broken into. Two officers were assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Vandalism — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street at 2:45 a.m. Sunday that a vehicle in a parking lot had been vandalized. A report was taken that windows of a vehicle had been broken.

Theft — A man from the 100 block of Viola reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:32 a.m. Sunday that a lawn mower left outside a garage had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Onion Plants, and sets, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, rhubarb, strawberry plant, bulk seed and bulbs now available. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A man from the 300 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:58 a.m. Sunday that some marijuana had been found in front of his house. An officer was assigned and brought the item to the police department.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 3:46 p.m. Sunday that a large grass fire was out of control threatening a trailer unit in the 5100 block of South Union Street. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and handled the situation.

Suspicious Activity — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of South Pine Street at 4:13 p.m. Sunday that a man had been reported exposing himself. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Union Street at 3:38 a.m. Monday that a 52-year-old man was being held for DUI and driving left of center.

Assault — A man from the 3500 block of B Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:42 p.m. Sunday that he had been the victim of an assault by two other men. An officer was assigned and a simple assault was taken.

Accident — A man reported to the Communications Center at 7:25 p.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred on the west side of Kaw Dam. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Purse Found — A woman from the 900 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:41 p.m. Saturday that a purse had been found under some bushes in her back yard. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1200 block of South Ninth Street at 12:58 a.m. Monday that a 21-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication and a city warrant. A 20-year-old man was being held for DUI, transporting an open container, resisting arrest, expired tag and running a stop sign. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717 N. 5th. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue at 2:15 a.m. Monday that a 22-year-old man was being held for DUI and transporting an open container.

Theft — A clerk at the Triple T, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:32 p.m. Sunday that a subject had left without fully paying for his bill. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Vandalism — A woman from the 2000 block of East Woodlands reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:24 a.m. Monday that several concrete parking blocks had been moved, reporting that one was in the mailbox, one on the stairs leading into the school. An officer was assigned and information was logged. A request was made for an extra patrol of the area.

LIFESTYLES

American Legion Auxiliary To Help Celebrate Event
‘Pre-Caddoan Mounds’ Topic for Club Program
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Plans Officer Election
Xi Gamma Sigma Group To Decorate For Founder’s Day
Unit I Donates To Westside

American Legion Auxiliary To Help Celebrate Event

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 met recently with Betty Brown, president, presiding at the business meeting. Joyce Fox, chaplain, gave the devotional and members gave the pledge to the flag and repeated the Preamble in unison. Cecelia Easky called the roll and read the minutes. Dora McGee gave the financial report. Members discussed the district meeting in Ames.

Chairmen reports were given for the Children and Youth Community Service, Americanism, courtesy, membership, legislative, V.A. and R. and canteen committees.

The March 8 meeting of the auxiliary will follow a 6:30 p.m. dinner at the post with legion members and families to celebrate the 81st birthday of the American Legion. All members and their families are urged to attend the event, and to bring a salad or dessert for the dinner. Meat, potatoes and vegetables will be furnished. Contributions for The Mission will also be taken.

Among those attending the recent legion and auxiliary convention in Ames were Chuck Gregg, eighth district commander; Marvin Rider, Post 14 commander; Ollie Heady, first vice commander; Glen Adkins, second vice president; chuck McCollum, finance officer; Onie Gregg, Evelynn McCutcheon, Clara McCollum, Cecelia Easky, and Betty Brown, Unit 14 members.

Joyce Chrisler, Unit 14 member, created the award-winning arrangements and corsages for the Poppy Contest at the district meeting in Ames.

‘Pre-Caddoan Mounds’ Topic for Club Program

Louis Vogel from the Tulsa Corps of Engineers will address members of the Kay County Chapter of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society at their March 9 meeting. His topic will be “Pre-Caddoan Mounds in Oklahoma and Arkansas.” The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse.

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Plans Officer Election

Eleven members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 2 in the home of Judy Watt. Cassandra Kifiak conducted the meeting, and Doretta Jackson gave the treasurer’s report. Jill Sims called the roll and read the minutes.

An election of officers is planned for March 16 and installation is scheduled April 20. Members will travel to eureka springs, Ark. May 5 to meet at the home of Tobie Neal.

Judy Watt asked members of the social committee to meet March 8 at 7 p.m. at the home of Dottie Johnstone. Phyllis Pledger reminded members of the Historian committee of the 7 p.m. March 9 meeting at her home.

The Friendship Basket was won by Phyllis Pledger., Judy watt gave the program on creating resumes. The March 16 meeting will be at the home of Francie James.

Xi Gamma Sigma Group To Decorate For Founder’s Day

Xi Gamma Sigma chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 8 and Feb. 22. Charla Vetter was a guest. Peggy Cookson, president, conducted the business meetings.

Members were reminded of the Founder’s Day Banquet to be held in April. Reservations should be made by March 28. The Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter committee in charge of decorations includes Jenny Ullery, Pam sober, Barbara Ashlock, Cindy Russell and Darlene Van Deburgh, Each chapter will also provide a door prize.

Members voted to sponsor Velma Case in the A-T Foundation walk in New Braunfels, Texas. Members signed a petition asking International to renew support of the research.

Programs for the month included an exchange of white elephant items, a discussion dealing with the inconsistencies in the English language, and attendance at the Valentine’s dance.

The next meeting and social will be march 14. Hostess for the meeting is Sue Meek, and members are to meet for dinner at the Golden Corral at 6:30 p.m.

Unit I Donates To Westside

Unit I of the Ponca City Mother’s Club met Feb. 25 at the Personalities Room at the Pioneer Technology Center for a luncheon meeting, with 16 members and one guest present.

Betty Snider, librarian, told the group about a book entitled “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” Members of the unit voted to contribute $50 to the Westside project.

Louise Willison and Wanda Butler were appointed to a nominating committee. Hostesses for February were Dixie Cortright and Louise Willison. Margaret Price gave the program “the Art of Jewelry Making.” She brought tools she uses to repair jewelry and discussed gemstones.

Serving as hostesses for March are Oval Krider and Jean Ziegler. The program for the March meeting will be “Ancient Healing Secrets.” It will be presented by Florence Whiting.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
Cowboys Crown Four Champions, 10 Go to Nationals
Loss to OU Has OSU Cagers Scrambling
NOC Again In NJCAA Tournament
ORU Advances Into Semifinals

Monday Evening Quarterback

Notes from tournament sites:

For the second time in three years Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks are headed for the National Junior College Athletic Asslociation basketball tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., next week.

For NOC head coach Mick Weiberg getting to this stage is all a matter of timing and growth.

His team matured a just the right time of the season while more favored teams fell by the wayside.

The Mavericks skated through the upset-strewn field in the Region II Tournament at Shawee, clinching the regional title and a berth at Hutchinson with a come-from-behind, 59-53 win over Bacone.

As the No. 2 seed, the Mavs were supposed to be in the tournnamnt finals. Bacone wasn’t. The No. 5 seeded Warriors tripped up No. 4 Westark 72-69 in the first round Friday. That was the same day Eastern, which wasn’t even supposed to be at Shawnee, stunned No. 1 ranked Carl Albert.

Eastern, the 10th seed in the 10-team tounament, started its Cinderella run four days earlier by upsetting Seminole in the qualifying round.

But Bacone ended Eastern’s improbable journey in the semifinals Saturday.

Trough all that, NOC sidestepped the chaos.

The Mavericks held off upset minded Murray State 78-63 on Friday. They then had to rally in the second half to get past Connors, 68-60.

Finally, they met Bacone and again had to win in the second half of the game.

NOC’s cagers were making noises like winners all season, but they were inconsistant. However, the Mavericks learned from their tough games and those lessons held them in good sted for the regional tournament.

Carl Albert was the odds-on favorite to win the tournament. They sailed into the regional with a 23-6 record and had beated Northern twice during the regular season.

Norther went unbeaten throught the Western Divivision of the Bi-State Confernce, but that was supposed to be the weaker of the two divisions.

At least three eastern division teams were picked to be better than Northrn.

The picksters hadn’t figured on Weiberg’s coaching or the determination of his players.

Weiberg know teams peak at certain times in a season. He had the Mavs at the top of teir game for the post-season.

“Carl Albert started out well,” the coach noted. “But then they stopped growing. That’s what cost they in the tournament. They hadn’t improved that much.”

The Mavericks did improve and Weiberg is hoping they will improve even more in the week between now and the natonal tournament.

“We’re thrilled to death to be going to Hutchinson again,”

Weiberg said. “that were are going speaks well of our kids.”

It will speak volumns to major college recruiters, who already eying the NOC sophomores.

———

The Frontier high school dynasty, which has seen the Mustangs reach the state tournsment finals sixth straight times, won’t go away following Saturday’s 80-76 overtime loss to Boynton in the Class B finals.

The Mustangs lose just two seniors. But they will leave some big shoes for the returnees to fill.

Gutsie Jeremiah Regneir, a 6-0 guard that constantly challanged bigger opponents on his way to the basket will leave with one more honor in his pocket, He was named to the All Class B State Tournament Team along with junior teammate Albert Plumley. Plumley averaged 24 points a game in the turment while Regneir scored at a 21.7 clip in those three games.

The second Frontier senior, Zac Clouse, was voted to the All-Tournament second team. Clouse is one of the Mustangs’s three-point specialists.

“Those two seniors are gong to hard to replace,” coach Bob Weckstein said. They are great players.”

But Weckstein and the Mustangs have a way of finding their way back to the “Big House.”

Cowboys Crown Four Champions, 10 Go to Nationals

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Big 12 wrestling title is returning to Oklahoma State for the third time in the tournament’s 4-year history.

The Cowboys ran away with the championship Sunday, finishing with 84 points and four individual champions.

‘‘We kind of missed it. I think we took it for granted a little bit,’’ said Oklahoma State 125-pounder Jeff Ragan, who got beat Oklahoma’s Quantres Bates 12-7 in the first championship match.

‘‘It feels good to be bringing it back to Stillwater,’’ he said.

The Cowboys, who sent seven wrestlers into the finals, had the team title locked up before the championship round began. Iowa State finished second with 68 points, followed by Oklahoma (65), host-team Nebraska (49.5) and Missouri (14.5).

The victory puts the Cowboys back in familiar territory as conference champion. Oklahoma State won the final Big Eight championship in 1996, then the first two Big 12 titles before being upset by the Sooners last year. The Cowboys have won 26 league titles.

‘‘This particular squad deserves good things. This is truely a blue-collar team,’’ Cowboys coach John Smith said. ‘‘It’s good that they see with hard work good things can happen.’’

Ragan was joined by teammates Reggie Wright (149), Ty Wilcox (165) and Mark Munoz (197), who also won conference titles.

‘‘I can’t think of a better way to do it. Well, maybe I would have liked a pin a little bit better, but I’m not going to get greedy,’’ Ragan said.

The Cowboys held a 60-37.5 lead over the Sooners after losing just two semifinals. By the end of the consolation matches, Oklahoma State had already clinched the team title with a 67.5-47 lead over Oklahoma.

The Cyclones, Sooners and Cornhuskers each placed four wrestlers in the finals, but had no chance at more than 20 points.

After falling behind 4-1 early, Ragan rallied for a 12-7 decision over Bates of Oklahoma. The Cowboys’ Wright successfully defended his 149-pound title by getting a takedown with 12 seconds left in a 4-2 decision over Nebraska’s Joe Henson.

Wilcox got a penalty point after the buzzer for an illegal hold by defending champion Joe Heskett of Iowa State in a 3-2 decision at 165.

‘‘Everything just worked out,’’ Wilcox said. ‘‘He was locking his hands and the end and I was real fortunate to get that call. Nine out of 10 times, I probably wouldn’t have.’’

Munoz won a thriller for the Cowboys at 197. In the second overtime with the score tied at 1-all, Munoz got a reversal just before the horn for a 3-1 decision.

The Cyclones won 3-of-4 championship matches. Cody Sanderson, last year’s NCAA runner-up, led Iowa State by pinning Nebraska’s Todd Beckerman in 3:36 at 133 points. Younger brother Cael Sanderson, a sophomore who won the national title at 184 last year, improved to 73-0 in college with an 8-4 decision over OSU’s Daniel Cormier.

Heavyweight Trent Hynek was the third winner for Iowa State, beating Dave Anderton of Oklahoma State 8-6.

‘‘Because of the way this tournament is stacked up, our goal wasn’t to come in and win the team title,’’ Cody Sanderson said. ‘‘We just wanted to have every wrestler perform to his potential. I think we wrestled as well as we have all season.’’

Oklahoma won two of its championship matches. Defending champion Michael Lightner avoided several late takedown attempts in 3-1 decision over Jamill Kelly of Oklahoma State at 141, and Byron Tucker of Oklahoma 13-3 over John Kopinsky of Missouri at 174.

Nebraska’s Bryan Snyder, the defending conference champion at 157 pounds, was the Cornhuskers’ only champion Sunday. He won by default when Oklahoma’s David Kjeldgaard forfeited.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Big 12 Wrestling Championships, Bob Devaney Sports Center, March 5, 2000.

Attendance: 2,127.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

Team Standings (NCAA Qualifiers)

1. Oklahoma State - 84 (10).

2. Iowa State - 68 (8).

3. Oklahoma - 65 (9).

4. Nebraska -- 49.5 (6).

5. Missouri -- 14.5 (3)

Outstanding Wrestler: Cody Sanderson, Iowa State University.

Championship Match Results:

125-Jeff Ragan (Oklahoma State) def. Quantres Bates (Oklahoma) 12-7.

133-Cody Sanderson (Iowa State) fall over Todd Beckerman (Nebraska) 3:26.

141- Michael Lightner (Oklahoma) dec. Jamill Kelly (Oklahoma State) 4-1.

149-Reggie Wright (Oklahoma State) dec. Joe Henson (Nebraska) 4-2.

157-Bryan Snyder (Nebraska) over David Kjeldgaard (Oklahoma) default.

165- Ty Wilcox (Oklahoma State) dec. Joe Heskett (Iowa State) 3-2.

174-Byron Tucker (Oklahoma) maj. dec. John Kopnisky (Missouri) 13-3.

184-Cael Sanderson (Iowa State) dec. Daniel Cormier (Oklahoma State) 8-4.

197- Mark Munoz (Oklahoma State) dec. Brad Vering (Nebraska) 3-1(OT).

HWT- Trent Hynek (Iowa State) dec. Dave Anderton (Oklahoma State) 8-6.

Big 12 Wildcards:

1. Charles McTorry (Nebraska, 184).

2. Shane Roller (Oklahoma State, 157).

3. Jeff Urban (Missouri, 149).

4. Orville Palmer (Oklahoma, 197).

5. Jered Frayer (Oklahoma, 149).

6. Jeremy Spates (Missori, 141)

Loss to OU Has OSU Cagers Scrambling

STILLWATER (AP) — With 11 minutes remaining in their game with Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Cowboys appeared well on their way to a solid victory and continued momentum heading into the postseason.

Now, they’re looking to regroup instead.

Oklahoma State lost at home to Oklahoma, 59-56, on Saturday night after having a 13-point second-half lead. The Sooners managed to turn the game around against a team that had won its previous four home games by an average of 32 points.

‘‘I thought we really had the game under control with about 11 1/2 minutes to go,’’ coach Eddie Sutton said. ‘‘That hasn’t happened to me very many times in my coaching career, where you have a sizeable lead late in the ballgame and you let it slip away.’’

It might be more accurate to say Oklahoma took it away. The Sooners, down 46-33 at one point, still trailed by 11 with 8:49 before going on a 17-2 run. They allowed Oklahoma State no field goals during that five-minute stretch while hitting six straight shots of their own.

The rally was all the more impressive considering Oklahoma’s best player, Eduardo Najera, didn’t score a point in the final 18 minutes.

‘‘One thing we talked about all week long was toughness, especially with the new guys,’’ Najera said. ‘‘We tried to get them ready and tonight they showed they have real toughness and a lot of heart.’’

Najera, who averages 18.9 points per game, finished with just nine. J.R. Raymond scored only two, which is 13 below his average. But Nolan Johnson, Kelley Newton and Hollis Price made up for that.

Johnson, a junior college transfer, scored a season-high 21 and shut down Desmond Mason on defense. Mason was held without a field goal and scored just six points in his final home game.

‘‘Oh man, he’s incredible,’’ Price said. ‘‘Nolan Johnson, he’s our best defensive player and tonight he showed he’s one of our best offensive players.’’

Newton, who transferred in last year but missed the season due to injury, had 11 points including two 3-pointers during the 17-2 run. Freshman Price scored five of his points 13 during the deciding spurt.

‘‘I think preparation is a big part of playing games,’’ coach Kelvin Sampson said. ‘‘We knew the hype on this game. We played an emotional senior night. Our program is built on toughness and I thought that that was what this game was about.’’

Oklahoma (24-5) and Oklahoma State (23-5) wind up sharing third place in the Big 12 with 12-4 records. Oklahoma will be the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, Oklahoma State the No. 4 seed.

Oklahoma enters the postseason having won four in a row and 10 of 12. Its only losses during that stretch were each by three points, at home against Oklahoma State and on the road against Kansas.

Sampson has said often in recent weeks, even after those losses, that he liked the way his team was progressing. That was even more clear Saturday night.

‘‘It’s gone under most people’s radar screens, but this team has become really, really good at what we do,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s a tribute to this group of kids. They’re really, really tough.’’

Oklahoma State’s final home game of the year, the last appearance for six senior regulars and the last game before the expansion of Gallagher-Iba Arena, turned out to be a major disappointment. And, the loss could affect where OSU is seeded in the NCAA tournament.

Brian Montonati said the Cowboys ‘‘put our hands on our throat and squeezed as hard as we could’’ in the late going. But he also said the loss will become a positive.

‘‘This game is going to motivate us,’’ he said. ‘‘You’re going to see a new Oklahoma State basketball team this next week, I can guarantee that.’’

NOC Again In NJCAA Tournament

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

SHAWNEE — The lead changed hands 14 times. The score was tied on 11 different occasions. Neither team wanted to lose. But in basketball, there are no ties and not everyone is a winner.

“It was like watching two warriors going after each other through the whole game,” Northern Oklahoma College coach Mick Weiberg said of the Mavericks’ NJCAA Region II Championship win against Bacone, 59-53. “Our depth on the bench made the difference.”

Like an ancient warrior, Northern rose victorious from the battle after a 28 to 28 halftime standoff that kept the NOC fans on their feet the entire game. The Mavericks used the momentum of winning their last nine games to propel them toward the school's second-ever Region II Basketball title

Sunday afternoon on the campus of OBU in Shawnee, Northern faced off against rival Bacone College and came away with a hard-fought win.

Weiberg was named Region II Coach of the Year and Larry Reid, sophomore guard, was named Region II Tournament MVP. Reid scored 16 for the second game in a row to lead the Mavs to the win.

“I'm proud of Larry Reid,” Weiberg said. “He's hard for anyone on the court to handle and when it comes down to it he can create his own shots even when there isn't one there.”

The first half was a battle of the boards, with Maverick freshman Richie Myers fighting for five rebounds and managing to come up with the steal.

Freshman Scott Prater added to the boards by bringing the ball down nine times and had nine points. Freshman Felix Desjardins came in off the bench and fought hard for two rebounds at critical times in the game.

In the second half, sophomore Sherman Rochell made a power move to the bucket and slammed one in for a huge basket. "When Rochell made that huge power move and the dunk it really opened it up for us from there,” Weiberg said.

“Felix came in and gave us the help we needed when we found ourselves in foul trouble,” Weiberg said. “He didn't score but made some crucial rebounds that kept us in there. Felix can come in and play more than one position, which we really needed.”

Sophomore Colt Clark added to the Northern push when he came off the bench and sank a 3-pointer in the second half.

“Colt really gave us a big boost,” Weiberg said. “I think our bench has been a real strength for us all year. Our depth has been the factor that's made this season what it is.”

With one minute left in the game the score stood at 52-50, Northern with the lead. Rochell was fouled and went to the line to shoot the bonus. He put both buckets on the board and gave the Mavericks the final lead of thegame.

“We stepped up to the foul line and made it work for us,” Weiberg said. “Jeff Newby and Rochell both sank some huge buckets for us on the line.

“I’m not only proud of the team, but the fan support was amazing. It really means a lot to our team to have them on our side,” Weiberg said. “It's a great tribute to our community and to our student body when they step up there and help us out like that.”

Also scoring for the Mavericks Sunday was Chris Arledge with 8, Richie Myers 7, Tyler Barnard 6, Colt Clark 5, and Jeff Newby with 2.

The Mavericks will now move on to National Tournament play in Hutchinson, Kan, next week. The Northern squad will face off first against Northeast Colorado on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. in the Sports Arena.

ORU Advances Into Semifinals

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Oral Roberts advances to today’s semifinal round in the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament to take on Valparaiso.

Eric Perry found an opening and drove the baseline with 47 seconds to play to give Oral Roberts a four-point lead on the way to a 67-59 win Sunday over Youngstown State in the tournament’s opening round.

The Golden Eagles (13-16) were without forward Derrick Taylor, the team’s leading rebounder and scorer, and forward Leon Irving, another key starter, due to disciplinary violations.

Perry shot 8-of-15 from the floor, including 3-of-7 from behind the arc, to lead all scorers with 24 points. Desmond Harrison led Youngstown State (12-16) with 19 points.

Oral Roberts built a 14-point lead in the first half before Youngstown State pulled close on an 8-0 run. The Penguins had it tied up by the end of the first half, 32-32.

ORAL ROBERTS (13-16)

Brown 5-8 2-5 12, Tate 5-9 0-2 10, Ratzlaff 1-2 0-0 2, Perry 8-15 5-7 24, Binam 2-10 6-6 10, Atkinson 2-4 2-2 7, Warrior 0-0 0-0 0, Sanders 1-1 0-0 2

YOUNGSTOWN ST. (12-16)

Williamson 0-2 0-0 0, Patton 4-8 0-0 11, Crockett 3-8 1-2 7, Hannan 1-4 0-0 2, Robinson 5-7 0-0 10, Brown 2-2 0-0 4, Haese 2-8 2-2 6, Harrison 7-12 5-9 19

Halftime—Oral Roberts 32, Youngstown St. 32. 3-Point Goals—Oral Roberts 4-16 (Perry 3-7, Binam 0-4, Atkinson 1-2), Youngstown 3-17 (Patton 3-7). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—Oral Roberts 24 (Brown 8, Tate 4, Ratzlaff 3, Perry 3, Binam 1, Atkinson 1, Warrior 2), Youngstown 35 (Harrison 9, Hannan 7, Robinson 5, Crocket 4, Patton 3, Brown 2, Haese 2). Assists—Oral Roberts 13 (Perry 4, Tate 3, Brown 2, Binam 2, Ratzlaff 1, Warrior 1), Youngstown St. 10 (Crocket 4, Patton 2, Robinson 2, Hannan 1, Haese 1). Total fouls—Oral Roberts 14, Youngstown 20.