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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March 7, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALCity Considering Cable TV City Considering Cable TVBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Mayor Tom Leonard and some of the City Commission members are apparently flirting with the idea of a municipally owned television cable company to create a new revenue stream. As a counter point, Cable One officials announced plans to bring digital service here in October. These matters came to forefront at the City Commission work session on Monday when Tom Might, national president of Cable One, and Tom Basinger, vice president, appeared to answer complaints on recent changes in the system. Many of the complaints stemmed from the removal of Channel 3, KSNN Wichita. Basinger said that could be reversed and that the company had not realized the importance of the channel to this area. About 50 people attended the work session, and several aired complaints. Both Might and Basinger said they had not been aware of the number of complaints until after they received the resignation of Cable One manager Jerald Stone, who informed them he was resigning to do consulting for some cities. Basinger said Stone had not communicated the full impact of the complaints to them. Apparently, Ponca City is one of the cities in which Stone plans to work in the future. Stone recently accompanied Mayor Leonard; Marc Labossiere, financial officer; Craige Baird, information systems director; and city manager Gary Martin to Tacoma, Wash., to learn about that city’s municipally owned cable. Stone went at the invitation of the mayor as an advisor and paid his own expenses, according to Martin. With the coming deregulation of electricity, there will be a need for other revenue streams in place of the Ponca City municipal electrical income. This is one reason the municipally owned cable is being investigated, according to Martin. Another reason for exploring the cable matter is for competition and lowering rates for citizens. Leonard continually hammered the point that Blackwell has two cable companies. He also noted that for the same service Cable One is providing, these two firms charge $20 and $19. Might said he and Basinger had come to the meeting to address complaints and concerns and to tell about Cable One’s plans for the future to “make sure you are not duplicating spending tax payers money on what we are planning to do for you.” Basinger said that one of the questions concerns Channel 3: Should it be reserved for that station, or should it be reserved for 15 stations on digital, “because that is really the trade-off,” he said. Basinger explained, “Digital services is a way of compressing 15 to 20 services in the one channel capacity.” Leonard noted the cost had gone up 14 percent in three years, which out paces inflation. Instead of gaining channels, he said, “We’re going backwards.” Might said, “Yes, we have raised our rates to get them to the point that we can afford to bring Ponca City, Duncan and Bartlesville all the high tech services, all the Internet services, all the connectivity, all the digital that you want here — just like they want in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. “In Ponca City alone in the last five years, we have spent right at a $1 million capital improvements per year and this year again we’ll spend right at a $1 million to improve the system that was already here. That’s what it takes to run a cable company of this size.” Basinger, who has been responsible for this area for 15 years, said, “Compared to three years ago, some of our rates are up. Our basic rates are higher, but there are other services that have been lowered during that same time. We offer premium at a lower rate then we did three years ago. “On our basic service, the chief culprit is programing costs. ESPN, USA Network, TNT and other services are signing multi-billion contracts for televising NFL or major league baseball or NBA and then passing those costs along to cable companies. Programing is increasing 15 percent a year.” According to the Cable officials, the digital service would include up to 200 channels, high speed cable modems and eventually a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier [CLEC] and Point of Presence [POP] in Ponca City. A CLEC could compete with Southwestern Bell Telephone for phone and other services in this area. A Cable Telecommunications Association study provided by the cable officials reported that from a “purely practical point of view, cities have not yet demonstrated that municipal overbuilds can be operated successfully without major taxpayer subsidies.” Primary Races Could Be Over After TonightLOS ANGELES (AP) — John McCain claimed momentum but wondered whether there was ‘‘enough time,’’ and presidential front-runners George W. Bush and Al Gore sounded themes suited for the battle beyond today’s Super Tuesday primaries. Underdog Bill Bradley said, ‘‘We’ve got to win some today.’’ Shaking hands before 7:30 a.m. outside a Manhattan subway station, Bradley was greeted by seven male staffers with B-R-A-D-L-E-Y spelled out on their bare chests. ‘‘Beautiful!’’ the Democratic challenger said. The other candidates planned more leisurely days, resting up in hopes of victory parties tonight. Bush met with senior staff in his governor’s office in Austin, Texas, pausing to show off his autographed baseball collection to reporters. ‘‘It’s just another election day,’’ the GOP front-runner said. Today is the busiest voting day of the presidential primary season, with states in every region of the nation in play, including the big prizes of California, New York and Ohio. Both races could look different after today. There are 613 Republican delegates and 1,315 Democratic delegates at stake, enough to give a clear majority if one candidate were to sweep. Polls showed Vice President Gore with a broad lead over Bradley in each of the 15 states with Democratic contests, but the former New Jersey senator held out hope in New York, where he became famous as a professional basketball star. There were indications from Bradley’s aides that he might consider withdrawing if he does not do well in today’s primaries. Candidates Ignoring OklahomaOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Presidential candidates haven’t exactly been beating a path to Oklahoma, which will hold its primary in one week. Democratic and Republican party officials said Monday that no television air time has been purchased so far by the presidential candidates. Republican hopeful George W. Bush last visited the state last summer with a stop in Oklahoma City. Vice President Al Gore, Democratic challenger Bill Bradley and Republican candidate Sen. John McCain have not visited the state. Gore’s wife, Tipper, did campaign here earlier this year. Party insiders say there is a good reason that Oklahoma probably won’t get a firsthand look from the leading candidates in the March 14 election. The state doesn’t have a lot of delegates to offer. The Democrats have 51 delegates and the Republicans 38. Lance Ward, state Election Board secretary, said the importance of Oklahoma’s primary could depend on today Super Tuesday voting around the country. If predictions that the nominations will be sewed up come true, ‘‘then what happens in Oklahoma won’t matter,’’ Ward said. ‘‘If they are not correct, what happens in Oklahoma could be extremely important.’’ The lack of interest isn’t what former Gov. George Nigh envisioned when he pushed through his long-term goal of moving the state from the caucus system of choosing nominees to the presidential primary. He expected the candidates to pay a lot of attention to the state. State Educator Praises PCBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Oklahoma Secretary of Education Dr. Floyd Coppedge gave thumbs up to the new trimester scheduling at Ponca City High School. Coppedge discussed the trimester and other educational topics with Rotary Club members Tuesday during the club’s monthly meeting at the American Legion. He said House Bill 1759, which increased graduation requirements, impacted high school students. He also believes the trimester schedule is a step in the right direction. “The trimester schedule will make it easier to obtain more credits. This is the kind of creativeness that should happen in all our schools,” Coppedge said. The trimester was approved by local board members in December. It encompasses five 75-minute classes each day for 12 weeks. The new scheduling will be implemented at the high school this fall. Coppedge noted a number of positive things happening in Ponca City — the completion rate, ACT scores and overall grade point average of seniors. “These all rank well above the state and national levels,” he said. Coppedge continued, “What stresses me is that across the state we have great high schools who can deliver if we, as parents and educators, make sure all kids get an education.” He felt that the community and state should take whatever measures are necessary to ensure this. “If we have to take kids by the ear and lead them to class we should,” he said. Coppedge said the State Department of Education has figures indicating two-thirds of high school graduates eventually go to college within six years of graduating. “This indicates a good figure, but there is a downside,” he explained. “Of that number, only 30-to-33 percent of these students will receive a bachelor’s degree.” Coppedge said statistics in the next eight years in Oklahoma show 54 percent of all new jobs available will require at least an associate’s degree. “To me, this shows we must concentrate on every kid... not just the best and the brightest. They will succeed no matter what we do. It’s time to teach to the rest what we’ve already taught to the best,” he stated. He also noted that a student who receives a college degree will earn $15,000 more a year than a student with just a high school diploma. “We’re talking about $600,000 in a lifetime on a conservative level,” Coppedge said. According to the State Regents, at least 40 percent of college-bound students will take remedial classes in college. The two highest areas are math and reading. The state spends $21 million annually in remediating college students. Coppedge is appalled by the high numbers. “Math and reading are the two gatekeepers for success. Why aren’t we getting our kids ready for college?” he wondered. Oklahoma employers are complaining about the lack of skills in their workers. Coppedge says six in 10 employees do not have the needed skills to enter the workforce. “We’ve got to do something to stop this. Our workforce cannot expand if these things are happening,” he said. “We don’t have time to wait. The time to take action is now,” Coppedge concluded. DEATHSShirley June Looper Breece Shirley June Looper BreeceBLACKWELL — Shirley June Looper Breece, resident of Blackwell, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 64. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Gale lzard officiating. Burial will be conducted at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home. It will be a closed casket. Shirley June Looper Breece was born July 21, 1935, in Blackwell, the daughter of Travis Granville and Ethel Whitney Looper. Her early childhood was spent in California where her parents worked in the shipyard during World War II. In 1945, the family returned to Blackwell. She was a graduate of Blackwell High School. She continued her education and graduated from Northern Oklahoma College in 1968 with an associate degree in business administration; in 1970, she received her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. In 1975, she received a master’s of education degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She completed the Sapp Institute of Real Estate course in 1976; she graduated from Graduate Realtors Institute in Stillwater in 1978; and from Oklahoma School of RealEstate in Ponca City. She married Donald Stafford in 1952. In 1973, she married Robert Breece in Blackwell; he preceded her in death July 11, 1992. In 1958, she became the first woman licensed real estate sales associate in the city of Blackwell and among the first in Oklahoma. She was owner-realtor of Breece Agency. She received her certified residential specialist designation in 1979; was a charter member of the Oklahoma Certified Residential Specialist; member, past president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of the Blackwell Board of Realtors; member of the Realtors National Marketing Institute; GRI Alumni; and state representative of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors. Other memberships included First United Methodist Church and ABWA, where she held several posts. Survivors include a daughter, Jeanne Young of Blackwell; a stepdaughter; Beverly Canon of Tulsa; a stepson, Bill Breece of Chesterfield, Mo.; one brother, Darrell Looper of Beaver; one sister, LaVerna Wieland of Blackwell; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one sister, Janice Looper Ritter. Casket bearers will be Brent Young, Matt Young, Darius Looper, Shane Cowan, Barry Wieland, Chris Wieland and Lloyd Looper. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the ABWA Scholarship Fund, c/o Hackler Funeral Home, 301 West Blackwell Avenue, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. Marvin C. BoydPERRY — Marvin C. Boyd, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, at his home. He was 64. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry with the Rev. Kent Reubel, pastor of Billings Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown-Sisson Funeral Home of Perry. Marvin C. Boyd was born June 8, 1935, in Oklahoma City, the son of Ralph C. and Iva Mae (Gould) Boyd. He was educated in Perry, graduating from Perry High School and the University of Oklahoma. He married Linda Brand in Perry on July 14, 1956. He was a petroleum engineer and was a visiting professor for 22 years, teaching various continuing education classes at Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas. He was a registered professional engineer in Texas and Oklahoma, was co-author of four textbooks for the University of Texas engineering department and served on the TU continuing education board for 26 years. He also served as regional manager for Sun Oil Company before retiring in 1987. In 1988, he started a pipeline services business and was an independent oil operator for many years. He was also a licensed private pilot. He was a 43-year member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and American Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Survivors include his wife of the home; a daughter Clalyn Schaefer of The Woodlands, Texas; two sons, David Boyd of Keller, Texas, and Alan Boyd of Plano, Texas; a brother, Melvin Boyd of Ponca City; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Elma Maybelle CassadyBLACKWELL — Elma Maybelle Cassady, resident of Blackwell, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, in the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 69. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, in the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery. The Rev. Jackie Crafton of the First Assembly of God Church of Blackwell will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Elma Maybelle Cassady was born June 7, 1930, in Jenks, the daughter of Virgil Edward and Mamie Viola (McMahon) Peek. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Tonkawa, where she grew up and attended Tonkawa public schools. She married in 1948 and raised three boys. She worked at the Hazel-Atlas Glass Plant in Blackwell until 1955, when the tornado destroyed the plant. She then moved to various communities until 1960, when she returned to Blackwell. In 1970, she worked as a cook for Paul’s Grill in Blackwell and worked there for 17 years until the restaurant closed. She then moved to Drumright, returning to Blackwell in 1992, where she lived since. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Blackwell. She is survived by three sons, Dennis Cassady of Collinsville, Ill., Larry Cassady of Blackwell, and David Cassady of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Terry Cassady; a daughter, Paula Cassady; three sisters, Lucille Buff, Norma Hightower and Thelma Dawson; and two brothers, Bill Peek and Bob Peek. Honorary casket bearers will be Dereck Cassady, Joe Cassady, Brad Cassady, Jeremy Cassady, George Cassady and Billy Cassady. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Shriner’s Children Hospital of St. Louis, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. ObituariesGeorge Arthur O’MealeyMcALESTER — George Arthur O’Mealey, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday, March 3, 2000, at his home in Arpelar. He was 79. The funeral was to be held at 12:30 p.m. today, March 7, 2000, at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Burial was scheduled in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery under the direction of Bishop Funeral Home in McAlester. A memorial service will be held in Ponca City at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at the Eastern Heights Christian Church. George Arthur O’Mealey was born Feb. 10, 1921, in Enid, the son of George Washington and Lillie Sanburn O’Mealey. George was fortunate enough to meet the Lord at the age of nine years at the Christian Church in Lamont. He attended school in Lamont and was active in drama classes and basketball, where George had lettered all four years he participated. George then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942 at the age of 20. He served as a B-17 and B-25 instructor at Amarillo Air Force Base for four years. While in Amarillo, George met and married Hazel M. Butler on Oct. 3, 1943. They had enjoyed 56 1/2 years of marriage together. Throughout his life, George had a fascination with photography and worked in a variety of media, and also the time spent on his woodworking projects. George worked as a supervisor of shipping and receiving at Lindsays Central Vac Manufacturing. He served as a deacon at both Woodlands Christian Church and Eastern Heights Christian Church in Ponca City. While at Eastern Heights, he and his wife Hazel served as forwarding agents for missionaries in Malaive, South Africa. After 52 years of residency in Ponca City, illness became a problem, causing them to move to McAlester in July of 1999 to live with their daughter and son-in-law. He was a member of Lakewood Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Marie Butler O’Mealey of the home; a daughter, Cheryl Patton and husband John of McAlester; a son, Larry O’Mealey and wife Georgiann of Claremore; a brother, Harold O’Mealey of Oklahoma City; three grandsons, Mike Patton and wife Rolanda of Garland, Texas, and Joshua O’Mealey and Matthew O’Mealey, both of Claremore; seven nieces, Nancy Dick of Ponca City, Sue Johnston of Oklahoma City, Cindy Walling of Oklahoma City, Joan Berry of Bartlesville, Betty Sewall of Ponca City, Norma Steele of Ponca City, and Lenora White; five nephews, Jimmy O’Mealey of Okmulgee, Raymond O’Mealey of Oklahoma City, and Benny, Bobby and Billy Hooper; and two great-grandchildren, Sean Patton and Michaela Patton of Garland, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Washington and Lillie Sanburn O’Mealey; one daughter, Karol Sue O’Mealey; four brothers; and one sister. Honorary casket bearers will be Gary Miles, Mike Boyett, Gary Heick, Rick Whiting, Don Myers, Jim McDaniel, Bob Wilson, Wayne Kraft, Marvin Musgrove, C.A. Poulter, Charles Stuckey and James Stuckey. paid obituary Services PendingZelda M. WirtzZelda M. Wirtz, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at her home. She was 71. Local survivors include her husband, Harvey Eugene Wirtz. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Danielle M. RyanNEWKIRK — Danielle M. Ryan, resident of Newkirk, died Sunday night, March 5, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. NEWS BRIEFSCultural Affairs Meets — The Cultural Affairs Commission will meet at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday in the Sun Room of the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand. Among the items on the agenda is the Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc., report given by Sandy Graves on historic rooms and the status of the grant request from the Oil Overcharge Fund. Special 40 lb. cow manure, 99 cents each. Limit 10 bags. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv. Vandalism — A woman from the 300 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:59 a.m. Monday that someone had attempted to break into her gate and privacy fence during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on the destruction of private property. A request was made for an extra patrol. Love the lodge look? Check us out for new lodge and hunting decor. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of South Twelfth Street at 11:08 a.m. Monday that a 28-year-old woman was being held on a Pawnee County warrant. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Disturbance — A woman from the 600 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:59 a.m. Monday that a student had been involved in a disturbance at Mid-High earlier on Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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 East Detroit Avenue and North Sixth Street at 12:18 p.m. Monday that a 25-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. 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. Assault — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:31 p.m. Monday to report that her daughter had been assaulted at school. An officer was assigned and a 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. Accident — An accident in the alley behind the American Legion was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:47 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Citation Issued — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Summit Avenue at 3 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle had been marked for having an expired tag. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of North Pine Street at 1:51 p.m. Monday that a 28-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, expired inspection, expired tag, and having no insurance. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Theft — A woman from the 400 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:56 p.m. Monday that a television had been stolen and located at a pawn shop. Information was logged that she had confronted the person that took it and they are trying to work it out. Check for Fire — The McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded to the 4000 block of Sherwin Avenue in an effort to locate a fire following an alarm that had sounded in that area. They were unable to locate any problem. Highway Sign Found — A woman from the 1500 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:17 p.m. Monday that a highway sign had been found in her back yard. An officer was assigned and reported it being too large to transport by car, and information was left for the Kay County Commission District to pick up the sign. Theft — A man from the 700 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:56 p.m. Monday that two bicycles had been stolen. Burglary — A man from the 2500 block of Briar Ridge reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:40 p.m. Monday that an auto burglary had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Items Missing — A man from the 1300 block of East South Avenue was at the Ponca City Police Department at 7:19 p.m. Monday to report that some items had been stolen from his vehicle while it was impounded. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a subject in a green pickup had taken $22 worth of gas without paying. Two officers were assigned and the information was logged. Disturbance — A woman from the 400 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:14 p.m. Monday that four subjects in a vehicle had shot at her. Four officers were assigned and information was logged. Robbery — A man from the 1000 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:42 p.m. Monday that a male subject had broken into the residence through the back door, put a gloved hand over the reporting party’s mouth, and demanded his wallet. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of South Franklin Street at 2:48 a.m. Tuesday that an abandoned vehicle was being towed from the scene. LIFESTYLESThe Neighborhood Chefby Sherry Muchmore Today is “Fat Tuesday” so how better to celebrate than dip into a little Southern hospitality. Many cities around the country celebrate Mardi Gras but none better known to epitomize the essence than in the streets of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana myself, mother long ago engraved that Southern hospitality into my very being so it’s only a natural that I love the feel and taste of the South. Several months ago, I was given a delightful cookbook “So Good…Make You Slap Your Mama!” by Marlyn Monette of Shreveport, Louisiana by her daughter, Debbie Fralix, Human Resource director for the City of Ponca City. Marlyn writes a column and is food editor for Shreveport’s Portfolio Magazine. And, when she writes, you feel like you’re sitting across the table, with a hot cup of coffee, having a pleasant little chat with your best friend. I was so taken with this lady’s way with words and style, I just wanted to share her with you. Ms. Monette’s cookbook, released last Mother’s Day, now in its second printing, is dedicated to her 93 year old mother. The joy of family and friends reign supreme as each chapter begins with pictures of members of her family so dear to her. When I asked Debbie to select several recipes, she had quite a time deciding since each page held memories, all special in varying ways. Debbie said our first sampling should be a chicken tetrazzini that her mother created for a covered dish dinner that soon became Ms. Monette’s signature dish as a caterer. Marlyn’s Chicken Tetrazzini Boil chicken in water seasoned with onions, celery, bouillon and seasonings for about one hour or until tender. Remove chicken from broth. Reserve broth. 1 (3 1/2 pound) fryer or 6-8 large chicken breasts 1 large onion, chopped 4 ribs celery, chopped 4 chicken bouillon cubes Tony Chachere’s seasoning (Creole Seasoning)* Cayenne pepper and salt, to taste Cool chicken and debone; cut into chunks. Set aside. While the chicken is stewing, saute the following until tender: 1ð sticks margarine (3/4 cup) 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped Add and saute about 10 minutes: ð pound mushrooms, sliced Blend in flour, stirring constantly. Slowly stir in milk, blending well. Add cheese and stir on low heat until completely melted. ð cup flour 3 cups milk 1ð pounds Velveeta, cut in chunks Add: 1 bunch green onion tops, chopped White pepper, to taste Boil in reserved broth just till done: 1 pound vermicelli or thin spaghetti, broken in thirds Drain spaghetti and toss with sauce. Fold in chicken pieces. Place in a large sprayed baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Do not over bake. It also freezes well. Makes 10 servings. *Can be found at several local Ponca City grocers Debbie said there were never leftovers with this following appetizer. Her mom added Monterey Jack cheese and pimento to give more color to this popular southern item. Jalapeno Fudge 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 1ð cups chopped seedless jalapeno peppers 5-6 eggs, well beaten 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 small jar chopped pimento Lightly spray 13x9x2 inch Pyrex dish. Layer as follows: Monterey Jack, jalapenos, sharp cheddar. Beat eggs with nutmeg and pour carefully over all layers; press down firmly to pack. Sprinkle with drained pimento for color. Bake uncovered in 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, until eggs are set. Let sit about 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Makes 50 small squares. “If anything is reminiscent of my youth, it’s Me Me’s Daube and Spaghetti, I could eat it till I was sick!” Debbie explains that daube in South Louisiana is the name for a very thick cut of lean beef such as round steak, sirloin or roast. It must be cooked long and slow. This spaghetti gravy is made with a rich roux, giving it a dark red color. Ms. Monette explained, “This recipe originated in our family in the home of my mother’s grandparents in the 1800’s.” Here’s a taste of Southern Louisiana Spaghetti. Me Me’s French Spaghetti and Daube 3-4 pound round roast Salt, pepper, garlic puree to taste 4-5 fresh garlic pods, peeled ’ cup vegetable oil, divided ð cup flour 2 large onions, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 3 tablespoons pureed garlic 1 small can tomato paste 2 small cans tomato sauce 2 cups water, or more if needed 1 tablespoon sugar 2 bay leaves parsley, to taste 4-5 stalks green onions, chopped 1ð pounds spaghetti Season roast with salt, pepper and garlic puree; make deep slits in two or three places in roast and stuff with garlic pods (or chopped garlic). In black iron pot or large Dutch oven, brown roast in 1/3 cup of oil. Remove browned roast and add remaining oil. Blend in flour and, stirring constantly, make a dark brown roux. Add onions, bell pepper, garlic and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring. Stir in tomato paste and blend well. Add tomato sauce and simmer about 10 minutes longer. Slowly stir in water and blend well; add sugar and bay leaves. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Return roast to pot, cover and simmer on low heat for two to three hours, stirring occasionally, until roast is tender. Add green onions and parsley about 30 minutes before it’s done. Slice roast and serve with spaghetti and gravy. Makes 8-10 servings. Variation: Substitute a large fresh pork roast for the “daube” for another wonderful and different taste treat. I’m having the same problem as Debbie; there are too many good recipes in this cookbook that once is just not enough to cook with Ms. Monette. So after Lent, look for more great recipes from down South. Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.) BUSINESSDigital Technology Firm Considers City Digital Technology Firm Considers CityEDITOR’S NOTE: The following information comes from anew release by LSCI Interactive of Colorado Springs, Co. COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. — The rapid advances of digital technology have a Colorado headquartered multimedia firm considering Ponca City as a base for its expanded operations in order to service the burgeoning Midwest market LSCI Interactive opened a sales office in Ponca City last year, in order to explore the viability of the surrounding markets for their services. Enjoying growth this past year, LSCI Interactive has tripled both in clientele and in staff and anticipates, multi million dollar revenues this year. the firm employs audio/video experts, writers, illustrators, graphic designers, 2D and 3D animators, business analysts, software engineers and programmers. This unique blend of talents positions the firm to be a major player in online media development and electronic commerce. Ponca City native, Jeff Thomas, co-founder, said, “Everything is leaning toward e-commerce. Companies are realizing that in order to compete in the new millennium, they’re going to have to reinvent the way they do business. We’re here to help them do that. “E-commerce isn’t the only Web-related cutting-edge multimedia on CD-Rom,” Thomas said, “With the broader-band connections available, we’re now able to bring these kinds of graphically rich, highly interactive presentations into offices and homes via the Internet. Unlike other firms that are either highly technical or purely graphical, our organization is a creative blend of both.” Other areas of growth for the company include intranet development and the creation of CD-ROM business cards. These business card-sized CDs allow for high-end multimedia marketing within a small compact disc that plays cross platform in any CD-ROM-DVD drive. Learning Systems Consultants, Inc., as the company was originally known, started out as an educational technology consulting and courseware development firm based in Colorado Springs. the company, founded in 1989 and incorporated in 1990, was producing instructional multimedia since its inception. LSCI Interactive now provides an impressive array of interactive multimedia across a broad spectrum of delivery methods including, CD-ROM presentations, high-end online commercials, database-driven e-commerce, on-site technology [such as touch-screen Kiosks] and other custom designed software and multimedia. LSCI’s international client base ranges from non-profit organizations such as the U.S. Space Foundation and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study to for-profit corporations such as MCI and Cook Communications Ministries. To help support this growth, LSCI is forming strategic alliances with key Internet service providers, video production houses, mass media duplication facilities, hardware and software vendors, advertising agencies, marketing firms and traditional print houses. Thomas expects the company to doubler in size again this year, due largely to the tremendous growth in the multi-billion dollar data-driven e-commerce/e-business and online commercial markets. Thomas says he thinks the growth potential of the Ponca City branch is also excellent. “Our development process necessitates that we spend a lot of time with out clients, so it just makes sense to create a local presence here,” says Thomas. Rusty Barrell Supper Club Best by Discover OklahomaBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Rusty Barrell Supper Club is not exactly that little-hole in-the-wall restaurant everybody is looking for — but it is close. Named one of the best steak houses in the state by the Discover Oklahoma television program, the eatery is located on the alley behind the North Park Theaters. Bill Coddington, who owns the restaurant with his wife Judy, says the restaurant will probably be serving the half million meal soon. Rusty Barrell is the sort of place that you have to know where it is so you can find it. The cafe appeared on Discover Oklahoma three times last year. And regardless of status in the community or Hollywood, everyone gets the same type of service and food — both rated excellent. One story circulating is about a movie star, who was here for filming of the movie Twister. Seems they bopped into the restaurant and demanded to be waited on before other customers and Coddington politely told them they would be served when their turn came. Seems they left in a snit. Cozy Two-story The cozy little two-story restaurant and bar has served guests from all 50 states and 65 countries, according to Coddington. A wall map pinpoints the nation locations. Twenty-five years ago the Coddingtons bought the unique, upstairs-downstairs place from Charles Perry. Customers were scarce back then. Bill and Judy, one cook, one bartender and one waitress, made up the work force. As the reputation for fine steaks built and the popularity of the restaurant grew as the place to go to celebrate special occasions the staff tripled. The Rusty Barrell now has a staff of six waitresses, three cooks, three dishwashers, a bus person and someone who works the door on the weekends. Judy doesn’t come in as much as she used to but she still keeps the books at home. To date, not counting the lunches, the restaurant has served 487,000 meals. Bill promises that the half million customer will get a special treat. Speaking of treats people with birthdays or anniversaries are served small celebration cakes. Coddington buys six cakes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and sometimes has to special order more. On Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day the special ladies are presented a rose. A number of annual parties, including corporate Christmas parties are booked a year in advance, and most have been booked by June. Although Coddington would not share his sauce that he puts on those delicious steaks, he did tell how to cook the meat. First he starts with a good grade of meat, all purchased locally, and keeps it basted and turned over the hooded grill, in the downstairs dining room, in full view of clients. He says the sauce will burn off, keeps the natural juice in and leaves a great flavor. Bill buys daily from D&D Osage Country Meat Market and before that from Braden’s. Besides out-of-this-world steaks, the Rusty Barrell has an exceptional salad bar with a variety of fresh veggies, fruit and other goodies. Steaks are served at noon and at lunch. In the winter months homemade chili and a chili-chicken-cream- corn-chowder [all one soup] is served. When the restaurant is full it will seat 65. There is a dining room downstairs and one upstairs, plus some seating in bar area. Some of the seats in the bar are appropriately leather with wooden barrel backs. There is a full bar, a good wine selection. “We try to carry the same wines as Country Clubs, we keep special wines for some customers and we have a lot of popular beers,” Coddington said. A number of the customers come from Conoco, Mertz, Smith International, Nickles and Albertsons. And Kansans have caught on to the idea this is a great steak house and coming in from Winfield, are General Electric and Morton Building Supplies. The restaurant is open six days a week, and serves lunch Monday though Friday, and the evening meal six days a week beginning at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The place is closed on Saturday. PCMSA Board Supports AmtrakPonca City Main Street Authority [PCMSA] meeting last Tuesday voted unanimously to support Amtrak’s possible expansion of its line connecting Fort Worth and Oklahoma City into Kansas through Ponca City. Board members felt the venture would be of great benefit not only to the community as a whole, but downtown business and building owners as well, according to Michele Jean, program director. “If Amtrak stops here, all of downtown will benefit,” said PCMSA Board Chair, Glenda Phillips, “We encourage our state legislators to support the possibility of Amtrak traveling through our community.” Board members plan to sign a letter of support to be sent to U.S. Representatives Ernest Istook and State Rep. Jim Newport. In other business, board members heard a report from Director, Jean, about her recent trip to Duncan for training. The training covered topics including market analysis, determining market gaps, and developing recruitment packages for businesses interested in locating in downtown Ponca City. In a related issue, board members expressed the importance of naming an Economic Restructuring committee chair, and recruiting members for the group, Several individuals were identified as prospects for the committee. Board member Eric Kurtz offered to help as a committee member. Board members also discussed, at length, the organization’s 501 (c)3 status. Jean will complete all necessary steps to finalize the process to receive a tax-exempt number for the organization. Board members include Glenda Phillips, chair; Vicki Graves, vice chair; Verona Mair, treasurer; Jennifer Schwarz, secretary; Bret Carter, Don Bishop, Carter Buller, Matt McGee, Chris Hand, Carla O'Neill, Darin Kirchenbauer, and Eric Kurtz. Ponca City Main Street Authority is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to serve Ponca City and its citizens by leading, assisting and promoting the revitalization, economic growth and cultural development of downtown within the context of historic preservation, For more information about PCMSA, contact Jean at 763-8082. Notes/QuotesGraduates from Truckers SchoolDRUMRIGHT — Lillian Yerger, Ponca City, recently received her graduation certificate from Truck Driver Training Instructor Kenneth Milner after successfully completing the four-week Arrow Trucking Company Truck Driver Training program at Central Tech in Drumright. The program is designed to give a complete knowledge of federal regulations regarding log book and rip records, motor carrier safety regulations, as well as “hands-on” training in Central Tech’s fleet of trucks. DDS Dent Team with Dentco, Inc.The previous owner of DDS Dent & Detail specialists, Brad Burton, has joined forces with Dentco Inc., to provide a combined total of over 20 years experience serving dealerships and the public with skilled workmanship in the business of paintless dent repair service. Paintless Dent Repair is done by pin pointed pressure from the backside of the metal. Dentco specializes in hail damage, door dings, and minor collision damage at half the cost of body shops in a quarter of the time, according to Burton. Dentco offers free estimates and free rental car with any hail damage repair. The company is insurance approved and claims are welcome Dentco is located across the street form Brandts behind Hertz Auto Sale on North Fourteenth. ONABDC A representative of the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center [ONABDC] will be visiting the Kaw City area on March 22 from 10 a.m., to 2 p.m. The ONABDC rep will be offering technical assistance to Native American individuals interested in starting a business or those already in business. The technical assistance provided by ONABDC can be in the area of business plan development, financial packaging, or government procurement assistance. All of the services are available at no cost to the client. The representative will beat the Kaw Nation Tribal Complex conference room. For more i information or an appointment call 1-800-736-1115. Leadership OklahomaApplications are now being accepted for the 2000-2001 class of Leadership Oklahoma. A class of 50 members is selected each year from a wide geographic base representing diverse backgrounds. Class members will meet each month for nine session in different communities throughout Oklahoma. For more information contact Nancy Leonard, executive director (405) 232-0001. Vacu-Maid Awarded Green LabelThe Carpet and Rug Institute has notified Lindsay Manufacturing that its Vacu-Maid and Astro-Vac central vacuums along with the LMI’s Super Groom, Super Groom II and the Vacu-Maid DXL 14 inch electric brushes, have met the standards set by an independents review group for cleanability, carpet wear and emissions. This approval allow Lindsay Manufacturing to display the “Green label” on its units and electric floor brushes when used in combinations of each other. Winston Lindsay, CEO and chairman of the Board, stated, “We applaud the tremendous efforts put forth by the Carpet and Rug Institute in bringing such a momentous project to completion. As manufacturers, the Green label Program keeps us focused on product improvement and aware that improvements must go hand in hand with indoor air quality.” Conoco, Conoco Canada Acquires All of Petro Canada Natural GasHOUSTON — Conoco Inc. and Conoco Canada Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary, have acquired substantially all of Petro-Canada’s natural gas liquids (NGL) business. The purchase, which includes the fifth largest natural gas processing plant in North America, will be immediately accretive to earnings. Closing on the purchase of other PetroCanada assets included in a definitive agreement signed today is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2000. The price of the acquisition was not disclosed. Conoco has acquired 92 percent operating interest in Petro-Canada’s 2.4 billion cubic feet daily (bcfd) Empress natural gas processing plant near Medicine Hat, Alberta; the 580-mile Petroleum Transmission Company (PTC) pipeline, from Empress to Winnipeg; six related pipeline terminals; and a storage facility. The Empress plant has an NGL production capacity of 48,000 bpd. “This acquisition is a large step in our program to economically upgrade our portfolio of North American natural gas processing and natural gas liquids assets, and follows the recently announced sale of midstream properties in Oklahoma and West Texas,” said Rob McKee, Conoco’s executive vice president for global exploration production. “The Petro-Canada acquisition augments our existing Canadian assets that were recently expanded through an acquisition of natural gas producing properties from Renaissance. “This creates a solid base for Conoco’s future growth in Western Canada, which is one of the fastest growing natural gas producing basins in North America. Both acquisitions fit our long term strategy to better meet the growing North American demand for natural gas,” McKee emphasized. (See CONOCO, Page 3) Carla’s Hallmark Receives Top AwardCarla’s Hallmark, Downtown Ponca City, was recently presented the Hallmark Crystal Award by Hallmark Sales Representative, David Stanley. According to Mary Walters, Director of Retailer Relations, “The Hallmark Gold Crown Retail Excellence award winners exemplify impressive business standards, retail leadership and commitment to the Hallmark Gold Crown network. These stores deliver what consumers have come to expect from a Hallmark Gold Crown retail experience.” The Hallmark Gold Crown Retail Excellence Program measures retailer performance based on peer-defined standards in the categories of marketing, customer satisfaction, human resources management, technology and retail operations. Winners represent the top 400 retail owners from approximately 4,800 Gold Crown stores across the country who earn this award based on their overall performance in the Hallmark Gold Crown Retail Excellence program. Carla’s Hallmark is one of just two Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the state of Oklahoma who received this award. Carla O’Neill, owner, added, “I am so honored that my staff and I have been recognized by Hallmark in this fashion. After just two and a half years in business we have grown to be a retail establishment that we are all very proud of. “Each employee in this store excels at creating a friendly, warm atmosphere, therefore being awarded for outstanding customer service is the greatest compliment we could receive, But, it’s our wonderful customers that make our jobs so easy and make it our pleasure to treat them well and leave them with a enjoyable shopping experience,” Area Oil and GasThe Warren Corp. has brought the No. 5 Refinery Bone Yard on line in the Ponca City Field. The well produced 45 barrels of oil per day. It bottomed at 2,310 feet and will produce from a perforated interval 1,564 to 1,586 feet into the wellbore. Section 33-township 26n-range 2e-ne-sw. A 1,200-ft. wildcat drilling operation is planned in Kay County about three miles southeast of Tonkawa. It will be known as the No. 2 Eggers. Aiming for production in the Hotson Formation, the well is an exploration venture of independent operator Garry Davis. Section13-township 25n-range 1w-n/2-ne. In a lease 5.4 miles south of Tonkawa, the same operator has filed intent to drill the No. 2 Jim. Aiming for Wreford Formation pay, the Kay County wildcat carries authority for 700-ft. maximum hole. Section 27-township 25n-range 1w-c-sw. Cirrus Production Co. has issued plug-and-abandon orders for the No. 1 Wilson Fore, a 5,300-ft. Viola Limestone test in the Northwest Asp Field. Drilling had gotten under way on Jan. 13 and progressed to an undisclosed bottom with no commercial prospects indicated. Location was 4.7 miles southwest of Perry in Noble County. Section 14-township 20n-range 2w-nw-ne. Wildcat drilling action is slated 1.5 miles south of Three Sands in Noble County. The 2,200-ft. Hoover formation test will be known as the No. 2 Williams. Vector Exploration Inc. will be the operator. Section 10-township 24n-range 1w-ne-se. The R.C. Taylor Companies Inc. is nearing projected total hole at the No. 1 Mini-Ceres in Noble County’s south Ceres field. Spudded on Jan. 22, the well carries authority for 4,650 feet of hole. It is in a lease 4.2 miles southwest of Marland. Section 32-township 24n-range 1e-ne-ne. Baron Exploration Co. has hung the dry hole sign on an ill-fated wildcat well nine miles southeast of Perry. The Noble county explorer well was known as the No. 1 A&M Unit. Drilling had commenced on Dec. 28 and progressed to a dry bottom at an undisclosed depth. Section 33-township 20n-range 1e-ne-ne. Drilling operations are nearing the midway mark at the No. 1 Kapka in Noble County’s Polo field. Spudded on Jan. 24, the venture carries permit for 6,500-ft. maximum hole. Location is 3.87 miles northeast of Lucien. West Bay Exploration Co. is the operator. Section 4-township 21n-range 2w-sw-nw. Location has been staked for a 3,700-ft. Layton Formation test in Noble County’s Billings Field. Designated as the No. 5 Gerken, the venture is in a lease 7.8 miles west-southwest of Ceres. Chesapeake Operating Inc. is the operator. Section 21-township 23n-range 2w-nw-sw. SPORTSCat Golfers Win Tourney Cat Golfers Win TourneyBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca City’s Wildcat golfers, getting the scoring they have needed from the nos. 4 and 5 players, broke a lengthy drought in their own tournament. Led by Matt Ellis’s even-par 72, the Wildcats won the Ponca City Invitational at the Ponca City Country Club Monday, beating out powerful Jenks, 306-308. Ellis’ 36-36 round was good enough for medalist honors in the tournament played in almost perfect conditions. “It was a little windy, but otherwise a great day for golf,” said coach Jerry Orr. “The kids played great. This should give them a big boost in confidence, having beaten a team like Jenks. “Jenks blew the field away in the Owasso Inviational last week,” Orr noted of the season’s first tournament. The Wildcats struggled in the cold and rain at the Bailey Ranch course. “It was so cold the players couldn’t hold on to their clubs,” Orr said of that day. “There is no way you could evaluate their performance in those conditions.” But the coach was very pleased with his team’s performance Monday. “Everybody played well, and the best part is that we have good competition for those starting spots. Y0u always play better with tough competition.” Louis Girardi followed Ellis in the scoring for the Wildcats with 38-39—77, good enough for seventh in the medalist standings. David Maddux shot 37-41—78, Matt Waddell 39-40—79 and Nathan Coats 38-41—79. Three other Wildcats played as individuals. Andy Romine shot 41-39—80, Aaron Sattre 42-41—83 and Luke Cobb 42-42—84. Will Dodson of Jenks, Chris Seaton of Guthrie and Tucker Roderick of Stillwater all shot 73 to follow Ellis in the individual scoring. Orr feels the Cats need to hone their game a bit more to challenge some of the top teams in the state. They will get a chance for the next couple of weeks. The varsity golfers are now back in action until after Spring Break. They play March 27 at Midwest City. The JVs have home and home duals with Pawnee March 14 and 21. Team scores: Ponca City 306, Jenks 308, Tulsa Union 318, Bartlesville 318, Stillwater 319, Edmond Memorial 320, Guthrie 323, Owasso 324, Enid 326, Edmond North 329, Sand Springs 365. Individuals: Matt Ellis, Ponca City 72; Will Dodson, Jensk, 73;, Chris Seaton, Guthrie, 73; Tucker Roderick, Stillwater, 73; Steve Rist, Jenks, 75; Brett Myers, Union, 76; Louis Giardi, Ponca City, 77; Donniee Martin, Enid, 77, Mark Eckard, Owasso, 77 Cats Batter Perry MaroonsBy THOMAS TRUE News Sports Writer The Wildcats roll over the Perry Maroons Monday at the Wildcat Field. Make that steamrolled, as the Wildcat’s offense dominated from the beginning of the game. Perry was able to make a small rally in the sixth inning, however they were unsuccessful in stopping the Cats, as the Wildcats went on to win, 9-5. The Wildcats started right off the bat, literally. Bryan Coppock, J. Michael Sharon and Jarrod Spears all drew first-inning walks. With the bases loaded and Jeff Furnas to bat, a wild pitch let Coppock and Sheridan score. Furnas singled in another run Later, with the bases loaded and five runs already scored, Sharon hit a double to left field bringing in Todd Stewart, Buddy McCoy and Coppock. Finally, Perry changed pitchers after two-thirds innings. Evan Rough got the final out to end the first inning. The wildcats had scored eight runs on five hits. In the third inning Wildcat pitcher Jeff Furnas hit Maroon Travis Gallaway at the start of the inning. Rupp singled to score Gallaway. Po-Hi came back to answer that run in the bottom of the third when a wild pitch let Stewart score. Also in the third, Coppock and Sharon were both able to take a stolen base from the Maroons. After Perry’s Eric Moser got a second run in the forth inning, Perry tried to rally up during the sixth inning. A home run by Blake Fuller scored three runs. However, Furnas was able to shut down the uprising. The final threat ended in the seventh when the Maroons Lewayne Taylor hit a grounder Po-Hi second baseman Sharon picked up and tossed to shortstop Coppock who tagged out Maroon Rusty Ryal and tossed over to first baseman Chris McCool for a double play.. Ponca City 9, Perry 5 Perry 0011030 5 7 1 Ponca City 801000X 9 9 0 Furnas (w) Joe Platt (l) Lady Cats Still Have QuestionsBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Before the season started, new Lady Wildcat golf coach John Spore wasn’t sure what to expect from his young team. Following Monday’s fifth-place finish in the Ponca City Invitational he is still of two minds about they way they played. “I am pleased with where the team placed. They beat some good teams and they finished behind some good teams. “But I feel they can shoot better,” Spore said. Early on the Lady Wildcats have set some lofty goals. “It has been years and years since the girls have qualified for the state tournament as a team,” Spore said. “That’s our goal this year.” Their first step in that direction was a tentative one as they shot 388 over the Ponca City Country Club course. They finished behind Edmond North, Edmond Memorial, Bartlesville and Stillwater. But they were in front of regional foes Stillwater, Jenks and Enid. Jenni Nimmo paced the Lady Cats by shooting an 89. Ashley Mott shot 97, Kalyn Snell and Heather Staires each had 101 and Tara Schooly 108. A couple of Ponca Citians played as individuals, Kelle Waddell posted a 94 and Christy Rutledge 103. That leaves coach some decisions to make as to his starting five for the Guthrie Invitational Thursday. That 24-team tournament will be played at the Aqua Canyon course. Three-time state champion Edmond North ran off with the Ponca City Invitational title. The Lady Huskies had the three low scorers individually and four of the top 10. North posted a 337 total, 34 strokes in front of second place Edmond Memorial. Claire Sturdivant of North was the tournament medalist with an 80, followed by teammates Jacque Litsch (83) and Alana Donaldson (85). Nimmo’s 89 was good enough for eighth place. Following Thursday’s tournament in Guthrie, the Lady Cats will play in the Ram Earlybird Classic in Owasso on March 13. Team scoring: Edmond North 337, Edmond Memorial 363, Bartlesville 378, Tulsa Union 381, Ponca City 388, Stillwater 392, Jenks 400. Enid 417, Shawnee 441, Owasso 455, Sand Springs 471. Norman North 532. Individuals: Claire Sturdivant, Edmond North, 80; Jacque Litsch, Edmond North, 83; Alana Donaldson, Edmond North, 85; Stephanie Ruiz, Edmond Memorial, 85; Jennie McGuire, Jenks, 85; Ali Hammergren, Stillwater, 86; Jennifer Jones, Edmond Memorial, 87; Jenni Nimmo, Ponca City, 89, Ashley Kelly, Norman North, 89; Sung-Nin Bueh, Edmond North, 89. State Sports ShortsAlexander Injured STILLWATER (AP) — Guard Glendon Alexander may not be ready to play Friday when No. 17 Oklahoma State takes on either Kansas or Kansas State in the Big 12 Conference tournament. Alexander sprained his left knee in the Cowboys’ loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. ‘‘We don’t know what happened and he doesn’t remember anything happening,’’ said OSU coach Eddie Sutton. Sutton said the team would just have to wait and see if Alexander can be ready. ‘‘Fortunately, we don’t play until Friday,’’ he said. ——— New CoachesBy The Associated Press Coaching changes continue at Oklahoma high schools as Edmond Memorial, Norman North and Northwest Classen all have hired new head football coaches. Toby Daugherty, who has served under five head coaches at Edmond Memorial, was approved by the Edmond School Board on Monday to be the Bulldogs’ new coach. Daugherty worked his way up from graduate assistant coach for the freshman team to the top spot. One of Daugherty’s former bosses, Paul Potter, was approved Monday as the new coach at Norman North. Potter left Memorial at the end of the 1994 season to become head coach in Rockwall, Texas, for three years. He was an assistant at Midwest City last year. He replaces Dale Brown, who resigned after the team finished 1-9 last year. Northwest Classen hired Tom Redding on Friday to be the team’s fourth coach in less than 18 months. He succeeds Mark Ryan, who was the interim coach for much of the season and left in February to become an assistant at Midwest City. Redding has been a head coach at Okemah, Purcell and McAlester. After the 1997 season, the McAlester school board voted to reassign him. He had been reprimanded by the board the previous August and ordered to publicly apologize for harassing a female elementary teacher. He has spent the past two seasons in Texas. Four All-Big 12 Picks UnanimousKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — For 24 voters picking The Associated Press All-Big 12 basketball squad, the first four selections were a snap. Marcus Fizer, whose forceful presence led Iowa State to its first conference championship in 55 years, heads a parade of unanimous selections. In an unprecedented show of unanimity, a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters who cover the Big 12 on a regular basis also named Oklahoma State’s Desmond Mason, Oklahoma’s Eduardo Najera and Texas 7-footer Chris Mihm to every first-team ballot. For the fifth first-team spot, Iowa State point guard Jamaal Tinsley, who ranked in the top three in the Big 12 in steals and assists, outpolled Colorado guard Jaquay Walls. Mason, 6-foot-6, and Najera, 6-8, are the only seniors on the first team. Fizer, 6-8, Mihm and Tinsley, a 6-3 junior college transfer, are juniors. Fizer — leaner, quicker and smarter than he was as a pudgy sophomore who averaged 18 points — topped the Big 12 with a 22.8-point scoring average. ‘‘He is a man among boys,’’ said Colorado coach Ricardo Patton. Fizer is barreling into the postseason as one of the hottest players in the nation, averaging 32.6 points over the last five games by shooting 61-of-106 (.575) from the field. In four of his last five games, he has gone over 30 points. ‘‘He’s a different guy. He’s more mature,’’ said Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy. ‘‘He lets the game come to him. He dictates the game. The game dictated him last year.’’ Fizer and Tinsley were the key players in one of the biggest stories in basketball this season. With Tinsley providing what Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson termed the finest point guard play in the conference, the Cyclones went from 15-15 a year ago to a school-record 26-4. In preseason polls, they were not picked higher than sixth. In league games, the Cyclones went 14-2 in capturing their first conference title since winning the Big Six in 1945. The top vote-getters on the second team were Texas forward Gabe Muoneke and Walls, whose 42 points in an overtime victory against Iowa State set a Big 12 record. They are joined by Missouri point guard Keyon Dooling, Nebraska center Kimani Ffriend and Texas Tech guard Rayford Young. Najera, who came to Oklahoma four years ago from his native Mexico hardly able to speak English, will leave as one of the most popular Sooners ever. He was second to Fizer with an 18.5 scoring average and second to Mihm with 9.5 rebounds a game. He probably leads the conference in bumps and bruises and headlong dives to the floor in pursuit of loose balls. ‘‘There’s a significant difference between being a star and being a teammate,’’ said Sampson. ‘‘Eduardo is a humble kid, a mild, humble, modest soul. I’m a better person for having had the opportunity to coach him.’’ For his career, Najera ranks 10th in school history in scoring, sixth in rebounding, seventh in steals and sixth in blocked shots Mihm led the Big 12 with 19 double-doubles last season and is again at the top with 17 this season. His 10.4 rebound average is the best in the league and his 17.8 points are sixth. ‘‘He’s just a monster,’’ said Eustachy. ‘‘He scores so easy. He’s just so big and has such a nice touch around the basket.’’ Mason was third in the conference with 18.1 points per game and the most important contributor to Oklahoma State’s 23-5 record.
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