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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, March 8, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALLivestock Show Nets Big Bonus Livestock Show Nets Big BonusNEWKIRK — County youth supporters donated more than $39,000 in bonuses for this year’s Kay County Junior Livestock Show, including $2,000 to the Grand Champion market hog. During the county’s premier show for area FFA and 4-H’ers, Blake Bechtel of the Blackwell FFA showed the top hog, a crossbred that brought $2,000 in bonus money from Home National Bank, Mark Grell and Kelle Oil. “It’s a thrill to see area businesses and individuals support our kids so well when they achieve like this,” OSU Extension 4-H educator Larry Klumpp said after the show. “This is a true community success,” The Grand Champion market steer, shown by Colby Glenny of Blackwell FFA, earned a $1,500 bonus from Central National Bank and the Blackwell Boosters. The Reserve Grand Champion steer shown by Mindi Luce of Braman FFA brought $1,200 in bonus money from BancFirst, Carol’s Company and the Braman Boosters. The Grand Champion market lamb received an $800 bonus for Kaylee Lindsey of Tonkawa FFA provided by Coulter’s Corner Seed & Equipment. The Reserve Grand Champion market lamb brought a $600 bonus for Kami Frazier of Ponca City 4-H provided by the Ponca City Boosters, and the Reserve Grand Champion market hog brought a $600 bonus for Chris Coons of Braman FFA provided by the Braman Boosters. The Supreme Champion heifer brought a $900 bonus for Rebecca Nida of Tonkawa FFA provided by First National Bank of Tonkawa, and the Reserve Supreme Champion heifer shown by Misti Maupin of Braman FFA brought a $500 bonus from Bill Bliss. Bonuses for the 58th annual junior livestock show were paid on the top 30 lambs, 30 hogs, 30 steers, two heifers, two commercial pen steers and two carcass hogs. No animals were actually sold. Salvation Army After School Program Continues to GrowWhile some may relate the Salvation Army to red and white donation boxes, bell ringing and kettles, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas donations, the local chapter is much more. According to Captain Mark Craddock the programs of the local chapter of the Salvation Army have been “changing with the changing times.” As an example the Captain proudly points to the success of their after school program which began in 1997. “This is one of our most important programs here at the Salvation Army and it seems to just keeps growing,” Craddock says. “We have 25 children participating in it and more on a waiting list.” The program is designed to lend support to families struggling with the demands of both family and work by providing after school child care. “Today’s pressures make juggling work and family schedules an art form and it’s difficult for most of us,” Craddock says. And he should know as the Captain and his wife LeighAnn, have a child of their own and both work at the Salvation Army. “We can relate to the problems facing full-time working parents and that motivates us in supporting families in similar situations as ours,” LeighAnn adds. After picking her child up after school, LeighAnn spends her afternoons with 24 other children, serving snack, assisting with homework and providing a safe and caring environment for children. “I refer to this program and what we do here as the fence around the cliff,” LeighAnn explains. “If there is a cliff where people are continually falling off and getting injured, instead of providing an ambulance at the bottom, you build a fence around the cliff to prevent the fall.” Today’s society, with more parents working and less children with adequate supervision, lends itself to a dangerous situation says LeighAnn. “Many kids are heading right for that cliff,” she says. “Instead of an ambulance this Salvation Army program is the fence to stop their fall.” The program not only offers supervised after school care and transportation but also educational assistance through tutoring, character building, and summer day camps. The success of the program is due in part to a partnership with the AmeriCorps program. “The Salvation Army sponsors two AmeriCorps members who develop and implement all our Community Center programs, the after school care program being one,” Craddock says. “They are a vital part of this program and without a doubt they’re the wheels that make this vehicle not only run but more importantly smoothly move forward.” The Captain and his wife both say they look forward to the continued success, as well as growth, of this program. “Out of all of our Salvation Army programs this one is special to us both,” Craddock says. “From first hand experience in the Salvation Army I have learned and know very well that it is easier to build a child than to attempt to rebuild an adult. Cable ONE Returning Wichita to LineupCable ONE announced Tuesday that it would return KSNW, the NBC affiliate from Wichita, Kan., to Channel 3 on the Ponca City cable television lineup and would move QVC back to C hannel 65, the position it had occupied prior to Dec. 31. “We made a mistake in removing KSNW,” according to Tom Basinger, vice president of Cable ONE. “For years, we have carried 3 NBCs in Ponca City on Channels 2, 3 and 4, and we have received many complaints about the duplication. “Because Ponca City is officially part of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa markets and because, after Dec. 31 we no longer had the permission of KSNW to continue carrying the signal, we thought it made sense to remove the Wichita station and reduce the duplication. Our customers have now said otherwise, and we will put KSNW back by Thursday evening, March 9,” he continued. Basinger went on to say that Cable ONE conducts telephone interviews with 10,000 of its cable customers every year to measure the level of customer satisfaction. In 1999, Ponca City customers ranked the Ponca City system ninth of Cable ONE’s 46 systems around the country in which it conducts the research. In early February, Cable ONE’s research began including questions about KSNW in the Ponca City interviews. Basinger said that it was those interview results that helped the company realize it should return KSNW to the lineup. “Another reason for trying to reduce the duplication is that, within the next year, we expect to add digital services and high speed Internet service in Ponca City,” Basinger added. “Digital will probably come first and will be here this fall. We will add somewhere between 125-150 channels of premium, pay-per-view, music services plus an interactive guide channel. All of this will be available as an optional service for customers who want to take the digital package. “Because each channel in the present system can support between 12 to 18 digital channels, it was important to try to reduce the NBC duplication, if possible,” he added. Cable ONE also said that high-speed cable Internet service should be available in Ponca City early in 2001. The company first needs to spend about $500,000 this year to make the cable system two-way capable and, if that project moves quickly, then cable modem service could be available in 2000 as well. Cable ONE already has 25 miles of fiber in its Ponca City system and has divided the system into fiber nodes of approximately 1,500 homes or fewer. Absentee Voting Dates Arranged For Kay CountyNEWKIRK — Kay County residents who want to vote by absentee ballot in the Presidential Preferential and the Ponca City Municipal March 14 elections can vote at the Kay County Election Board in the Kay County Courthouse basement. A two-member, bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the dates of March 9-10 and March 13 to assist in-person absentee voters. “In-person absentee voters will complete an application form when they arrive at the office. They are not required to state a reason for voting in-person absentee,” Election Board secretary Carol Stafford said. “They are required to swear that they have not voted a regular mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their poling places on election day.” According to Stafford, the absentee voting board will verify the voter’s registration information, then issue the correct ballots. The voter will mark them in the privacy of a voting booth and insert them into a voting device. “It is very much like voting at a precinct polling place,” Stafford said. For more information, contact the Kay County Election Board office at the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk. The telephone number is 362-2130. Nearly NewsThe Union Elementary Honor Choir will be featured Thursday on PBS at 11:35 a.m. with a taped showing of its performance in The World’s Largest Concert. Union’s performance of Home on the Range was taped in December. The school will honor the choir by televising the show during an assembly at 11:35 a.m. The public is invited. Master Storyteller Entertains,Teaches During Two-Day Event By S.L. DICKEY News Staff Writer A story is a gift of the teller’s imagination to readers and listeners. Washington Elementary School students, parents and faculty received a bounty of presents from Dale Bulla, author, storyteller and educator. Sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council, Washington PTA and Conoco, with transportation provided by Jack Bowker Ford, Bulla conducted a two-day creative writing workshop at Washington Elementary School on Monday and Tuesday of this week. As an added bonus, Monday evening he entertained parents, students and members of the community with his animated tales in the school gym. “Stories never wear out. The more you tell ‘em, the more fun they are,” said Bulla to the large crowd. Bulla uses a combination of drama, voice characterizations, silent pauses, arm and leg movements, singing, clapping and audience inclusion during his storytelling sessions — and both the children and adults are enraptured. Bulla was an elementary teacher of 20 years in the Dallas area with specializations in gifted and talented before devoting his educational talents to writing, workshops and storytelling full time. His list of credentials and accomplishments is long and varied. He currently lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife. Bulla is a master storyteller, but the educator shines through his talent. Upon finishing the telling of his twisty, turny, full-of-surprises story “The Magic Box,” Bulla told the students to “Let your imaginations run wild.” And to the adults he said, “As a good follow-up lesson, ask these youngsters what they would do if they found the magic box.” Bulla draws his verbal library wealth from legends, fairy tales, stories of heroes and heroines, ethnic tales, ghost stories, Greek and Roman myths, historical fiction, folk tales, religious stories, bilingual tales, award-winning stories, as well as his own imagination with stories created on the spot, during his sessions. Favorite of the Night One favorite of the night was “The Freedom Bird” a Thai folktale that delighted the young and adult audience with its silly, resilient, audience-involved story, complete with enlightened ending. “Watching television uses zero creativity,” said Bulla. “The television tells you what to think.” Continuing on with his turn-off-the-television, turn-on-creativity campaign, he told the students “Some people watch TV every day! I know that’s hard to believe, but some people do,” he said, amid giggles, smiles and laughter from the audience. He encouraged the parents to one night a week be committed to “no television.” He encouraged families on that night to drag out puzzles, games, books and stories and spend it using those tools. He said it would become a “magical night,” one that the entire family looked forward to every week. Bulla’s rapport with the audience is genuine — his own personal, delightful story of his life as a ten-year-old, “My Brother’s A Pain In The Back Seat,” brought joy and laughter to both the students and adults present. It’s not possible to fake real emotion in the creation of stories, and real emotion is delivered in both the printed words on the page and the verbal rendition by Bulla of his original stories. Bulla encouraged the adults in the audience to relate their own personal family stories. “Family stories are a great way to build resilience. They let children know that they can survive problems.” Bulla has authored two books and recorded five tapes. The evening ended with drawings for Bulla’s books and tapes and some gift certificates from Brace Books. Bulla signed many autographs, personalizing each one. Bulla will pack his books and tapes and cordless microphone and leave Ponca City for his next workshop, but the stories he left behind will stay with his listeners and readers, a gift of the imagination they are free to cherish and share. Girl Scouts Make PreparationsFor 88th Birthday Celebration Girl Scouts throughout Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council are preparing to celebrate the 88th birthday of Girl Scouts of the USA. The official birthday of Girl Scouting will be celebrated Sunday with events and activities taking place throughout the week of March 11-17, Girl Scout Week. Girl Scout Week opens with Girl Scout Sabbath, Saturday, and Girl Scout Sunday. On these days, girls are encouraged to attend a place of worship in their Girl Scout uniform and take part in the service. Troops throughout the 16 counties of Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council will celebrate Sunday in a variety of ways. Celebrations will range from a father/daughter date night to special recognition ceremonies to a history presentation about the founder of Girl Scouting, Juliette Gordon Low. Low founded Girl Scouting March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., with a troop of 18 girls. Almost nine decades later, Girl Scouting is now committed to over 3.5 million girls and adults throughout the United States. Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council alone is committed to over 3,000 members in 16 counties of northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. The Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization committed to girls where, in an open and nurturing environment, girls aged 5 to 17 acquire the tools for success in the real world. Tools that will serve them all their lives — like strong values, self-esteem, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Through the Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. And through the many enriching experiences, Girl Scouts help girls grow strong. For more information about Girl Scouting or Girl Scout Week, contact Cyndi Weston at (580) 762-9616 or (800) 992-7376. Entry Deadline April 5 for PCAAPhotography Competition, Show April 5 is the deadline for entry in the 17th annual Ponca City Art Association Photography Competition and Show to be held April 9 through 23. The competition is sponsored by the Ponca City Art Association at the Art Center, 819 East Central. Photographs may be hand delivered to the Art Center from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, or Wednesday, April 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. All work to be shipped to the Art Center are due on Wednesday, April 5. The works will remain on exhibit through the end of the competition. The competition and show will kick off with a reception for the photographers, PCAA members and guests from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 9. Any photographic process may be used to include black and white, color, hand tinting, and non-silver. Entrees in the two categories, amateur and advanced division, must be entered in one of two categories — black and white or color. The student division and the special award will be judged in one category whether the original is in color or black and white. All works must be original work by the entrant and not a previous award winner in any PCAA photography competition. Members of the Ponca City Art Association will be charged $6 per entry, and nonmembers will be charged $7 per entry. If a nonmember enters four or more photographs, $5 of the entry fee may be applied toward the PCAA $10 family membership fee. There are four divisions of judging — student, high school age or younger; amateur, nonprofessional photographers and anyone who has not won two first place ribbons in past shows; advanced, photographers for hire or anyone who has won two first place ribbons in the past shows; and special award, anyone may enter a maximum of three prints in this division. A special award category and division open to all photographers this year is the theme “animals.” Wanted are black and white or color photographs depicting the appeal of animals. To qualify, the photographs must be entered in this division. All photos must by 5 x 7 inches or larger and must be mounted and wired for hanging. Matting and/or framing is optional, but prints will not be accepted with glass. Plexiglas or shrink wrap, or photos with no protection, are acceptable. Matting should be neutral and suitable for art display. Be sure and attach an identification label on the back of the entry. Photographs on display may be offered for sale. The Ponca City Art Association will retain a 20 percent commission of the selling price. State the selling price or check NFS if it is not to be sold. Prizes include $50 for each first place in color and $50 in black and white in amateur and advanced divisions; $25 cash in both divisions for second place; $10 for third place. Awards of Merit are given at the discretion of the juror, who may elect to give as many is he considers appropriate. Best of Show will be awarded at the end of the show and will be selected from all categories. A $100 cash prize will be awarded this winner. The juror for this year’s competition will be Ralph E. Venk, board member of the International Photography Hall of Fame and past president of the Photographic Society of America. Retired from the field of dentistry, he has held a longtime interest and experience in photography and has won numerous awards in PSA exhibitions. The Ponca City Art Association Photography Competition is funded in part by the Gareth Muchmore Memorial Fund. Muchmore was a longtime director of the Ponca City Art Association and had an avid interest in Indian and western art. He was the editor and co-publisher of The Ponca City News and was an accomplished photographer as well. For additional information, call the Art Center, 765-9746. The Ponca City Art Center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. District CourtPonca City Divorces Sought William Buckly Aston vs. Lettie Sue Aston. Vincent S. Anderson vs. Tonya D. Anderson. Steven Vincent Blackwell vs. Teresa Gayle Blackwell. Shelly Dawn Moffatt vs. Robert Alan Moffatt. Timothy A. Meadows vs. Jantje Meadows/Bakker. Lisa Marie Newman vs. Michael Lee Newman. Steven McDaniel vs. Sharon K. McDaniel. Paula Elaine Hall vs. Robert Dean Hall. Divorces Granted Fonda Davis vs. John Lee Davis IV; plaintiff restored to former name Fonda Silva. David A. Rogers vs. Betty L. Rogers. Cliff Eugene Carter vs. Ladonna Renae Carter. Faren Kay Veach vs. Garvin Ray Veach. Sharon L. Lawler vs. Charles A. Lawler. Carolyn Sue Shriner vs. Robert Paul Shriner. Dana Marie Sawyer vs. Richard Patrick Sawyer. Christy Jean Short vs. James Lee Short. Roseann Cummings vs. James Stacey Cummings. Kimberley McDonald vs. James Scott McDonald. William I. Peddicord vs. Angelina A. Peddicord; defendant restored to former name Arizola. Millennium Time Capsule ItemsBuried Were ‘Special Articles’ Among the flurry of activity marking the new millennium in Ponca City was the creation, dedication and burial of a time capsule in Centennial Plaza. Highlighting the actual dedication and placement of the capsule at noon New Year’s eve was a salute to all veterans of the century. Attorney General Drew Edmondson was the keynote speaker for the event. A military deposit detail conducted the burial of the capsule. The 1999 Leadership Ponca City Class was responsible for gathering and coordinating information and items for the Millennium Time Capsule. “We thought it would be wonderful if the community was a part of this and felt giving local citizens the opportunity to submit their special articles would be a great way to do just that,” said class member and capsule content chairperson Pat Morris. A granite symbol marks the site of the stainless steel capsule, which is encased in a 12 gauge steel vault buried underground. All items in the capsule pertain to the 1999-2000 year, are specific to Ponca City, and includes 19 different categories, including photographs, stamps, programs of community events and newspaper articles. Several members of the Leadership class gathered the articles brought to the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. The time capsule is slated to be opened in 100 years. According to Diane Mitchell, content committee member, “these items will link this century to the next century and we want those that view them 100 years from now to know we were really special.” Following is a list, provided by Lana Jones of the Leadership class, of the items included in the time capsule: Standing Bear Pow-Wow Program Book Standing Bear Pow-Wow C.D. Program First Baptist Church 100 years Book New American Standard Bible Grace Episcopal Church Annual Congregational Meeting Program Denson-Goebel Wedding Invitation & News Article First Christian Church 100 Year Book Arts Festival Information/Ponca City Site Association First Lutheran Church Membership Directory St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Directory 17th Edition of Words from the Shepard Calendar Daughters of the American Revolution Year Book Ponca City Telephone Book History of a Proud Heritage-Ponca City 1893-1960 The Wrong Stuff by Truman Smith Inauguration Ball for Governor Frank Keating- 1999 State of the City Report-August, 1999 United Way T-Shirt Cherokee Strip Cookoff T-shirt Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center Package VO-TECH Folder 1998 Commencement Program Cable One Channel Line-Up for Cable TV Millennium Parade Participant Ribbon Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Invitation Ponca City Civic Center Millennium Poster Post Card Music Score “Millennium Song” Veteran’s Day Parade Poster Ponca City Fire Department Folder Banks Are Ready 2000 Pamphlet Iris Festival Brochure-1999 Ponca City Resident Guide History of Ponca City Community Concert Program Ponca City Humane Society Pioneer Bank 3’d Annual Pioneer Community Day Celebration Poster Veteran’s Organizations Packet Ponca City Map Certificate to Maria Hester (Broke breast stroke record) First United Methodist Church Newsletter, The Flame United Way Brochure Pioneer Rotary Meeting Program Golden Villa Newsletter Woodlands School Cub Scout Pack 17 Member list and Veteran’s Parade Picture Citizens Police Academy Letter from Academy Graduate St. Mary’s Packet Marie Phillips-Plastic Cross and Poem Marie Phillips- Poem about Birth of a Nation Ponca City Humane Society Ornament Festival of Angels Ornament Conoco Community Advisory Council Brochure Garden Council, Cann Garden Center, Garden Clubs Story Submitted by President of Council Ponca City Utility Authority Rates and Information Sheet Ponca Sailfish Swim Team Brochure First Lutheran Weekly Church Bulletin First Lutheran Church Newsletter Standing Bear Park-Newspaper Picture of Millennium Trails Flag Stolhand Heating Brochure B. C. Clark Brochure Daily Oklahoman Article on Standing Bear Park, Aerial Photo and Ponca City News Article Professionals Today - Chili Cookoff Newspaper Picture and Article - Tasting Kit Coupon for Cookoff, Written information about the club Professionals Today Pin Marland Estate Commission-Newspaper articles, RE: Events-Dedication on gazebo brochure and napkin (Paul Prather), Marland Estate Guest Guide Leadership Ponca City Class of 1999, Graduation Ceremony Program and Graduation Invitation and T-shirt Millennium Tree Project 2000 Newspaper Article and Elementary school children’s millennium wishes hung on ribbons. Millennium Essay Winners- Kara Howey, Grandy Herard, Alex Ford Y2K Newspaper Articles Series written by Patti Pfeiffer Millennium Celebration Commemorative Program Millennium Celebration - Mug, T-Shirt-Coasters, Pin and Cap Xi-Zeta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi 12-31-99 Millennium Flag Christmas Card Package of Virginia Slims Cigarettes Oklahoma Centennial Farm-Kort-Stuever-Schiltz Families Cellphone 100 Years of Broadway Program 12-31-99 Millennium Beanie Baby donated by Carla’s Hallmark Butterfly King Book by Larry Stephenson Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce T-shirt Millennium Commemorative Marland Mansion Print by Larry Stephenson St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Brochure, Pictures and Instrument Alfred Smith Postcard Poncan Theatre Programs Life in 999 by Kennis Wessel T. L. Walker Original Composition Millennium Mix Cassette Tape Picture of Afghan - First United Methodist Church, Ponca City United Way/AmeriCorps Local Information 2 Food Ads Computer donated by Sykes (Roger Shillow) Article on Welch Masonry Bible from Ponca City Ministerial Alliance Picture of Restored Braden School Bell Article Pioneer Transit Free Rides for Celebration Millennium Afghan donated by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Cassette Player Hummel, Blues SurvivorsReturning to Poncan Theatre Come wearing green if you wish, because Mark Hummel’s return to the Poncan is on St. Patrick’s Day. “We’re thrilled to bring Mark back to the Poncan anytime,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan. “But he’ll give our fans a special opportunity to whoop it up for St. Pat’s Day,” he adds. Mark Hummel and “The Blues Survivors” will perform at the Poncan at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17. Hummel brings an incredible portfolio of success to the Poncan Theatre. He is considered by some of the best in the business as one of the best blues harmonica players ever. He’s a “world-class player,” writes critic Peter North. Real Blues Magazine says Hummel “easily shares the stratosphere” with some of the legendary greats of the blues harmonica. Blues writers go crazy over Hummel’s nuance and detail. He has “canny phrasing” and “astonishing versatility of tone,” says North. The tone has “a broad palette” that ranges from “dark and thick to light an ethereal,” writes critic Charles Sawyer. North describes his playing at a famous club called “The Howlin’ Wolf.” He “bowled over blues fans,” says North. And he continues to collaborate with world-class players both onstage and in the studio. Sawyer says that Hummel displays “a dazzling diversity of styles.” Blues Access Magazine writes that he has created a “definitive style” that combines the sounds of Chicago, jump and swing. But his style is “distinctive and extremely listenable.” Sawyer loves the way Hummel improvises, following established, familiar idioms of blues. But then Hummel likes “to double back or pause, or repeat a note to shift the emphasis of the beat,” Sawyer writes. Sawyer adds that “Mark has absorbed the techniques” of the great masters like Big Walters, Little Walters, the Sonny Boys, James Cotton, and George “Harmonica” Smith. And then “he harnessed them for his own purposes.” Hummel comes to the Poncan Theatre with media support from KIXR Radio. Tickets to the concert can be found at several locations. Of course, patrons may purchase tickets at the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand. But they may also purchase them at KIXR and at the sponsors for the “Po-City Blues” show which airs on KIXR. Other outlets are Installations Unltd, Osage Trading Company, First Christian Church, Grand Ave. Auto Repair, Hero’s Bar and Grill, Quality Pools and Spas, Brace Books, and Speedy’s Screen Printing. Tickets to Mark Hummel and “The Blues Survivors” are $9 in advance or $11 at the door. For information or tickets, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The Poncan is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. DEATHSZelda M. Wirtz Zelda M. WirtzZelda M. Wirtz, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at her home. She was 71. The funeral will be held Thursday, March 9, 2000, at 10 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Tom Ramsey, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Blackwell. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Zelda M. Taber Wirtz was born May 4, 1928, in Blackwell, the daughter of Sanford C. and Geraldine (Himes) Taber. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell schools. She graduated from high school in Brewster, Wash. On June 17, 1950, she married Harvey Eugene Wirtz in Brewster, Wash. She was a homemaker. She was also a cake decorator for many years and enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She is survived by her husband of the home; a daughter, Connie Jean Wirtz of Tucson, Ariz.; and three sons, Jimmy Dale Wirtz of Tulsa, Jerry Steven Wirtz of Ponca City, and Lonnie Paul Wirtz of Perry; three brothers, C.J. Taber of Perry, Fordean Taber of Brewster, Wash., and Clarence Taber of Oroville, Wash.; and four grandchildren. In addition to her parents, a sister, Nevalyn Chloie Morgan, preceded her in death. Casket bearers will be Jim Flesher, Leroy Evans, Marvin Allbaugh, Tom Arnold, Clarence Marlar and Bud Eakins. Contributions may be made in her memory to First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. Mayme Celestia RobinsonBLACKWELL — Mayme Celestia Robinson, resident of Blackwell, died late Monday evening, March 6, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She is 95. The funeral is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Gale Izard, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell, officiating. Mayme Celestia Robinson was born Sept. 8, 1904, in Peckham, Okla., the daughter of James F. and Nora Etta (Fender) Peddicord. She grew up in Peckham and attended Peckham schools before attending Blackwell High School, where she graduated in 1922. She married George Lloyd “Sandy” Richardson on April 25, 1925, in Blackwell, where they settled. They owned and operated the Snow White Grocery starting in 1945. After the death of her husband on Feb. 19, 1956, she continued to operate the grocery store until 1961. She married W.L. “Bill” Robinson on Feb. 19, 1965, in Fairview, and they settled in Blackwell. He preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 1975. She was active in Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls and as a Red Cross volunteer in her younger days. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in Blackwell. Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Miller and Peggy Conaway, both of Blackwell; a son, Kenneth Richardson of Kaw City; a stepson, James A. Robinson of Pensacola Fla.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; a brother, Cecil Peddicord; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. Casket bearers are Blake Bechtel, Chad Bechtel, Jordan Conaway, Kyle Conaway, Garrick Glass, and Garth Glass. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer or Emphysema Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. Mary PappanNEWKIRK — Mary Pappan, longtime Kay County resident, died Tuesday afternoon, March 7, 2000, in the Ponca City Nursing Center. She was 85. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000, in the Washunga Cemetery with the Rev. Pernina Weatherman, minister of the Assembly of God, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. Mary Pappan was born June 9, 1914, at Wyandott, the daughter of Sherman and Sarah Elizabeth (Murrell) Blackorbay. In the 1920s, the family moved to the Pleasant Valley Community in Kay County, just west of Kaw City. She attended the Pleasant Valley School. After finishing her education, she was employed in several different jobs. Among them, she was employed as a cook in the old Kaw City Nursing Home; during the war, she made her home in Wichita and was employed at Beach Aircraft Plant; she was employed for a number of years at Leach Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Ponca City. She was also a seamstress and a nanny. On Dec. 30, 1933, she and Glenn Alford Pappan were married in Newkirk. They made their home on a farm near Kaw City. After his death on May 2, 1980, she remained on the farm until 1994 when she moved into Newkirk. In February of 1995, she entered the nursing home and had resided there since that time. She was a member of the Assembly of God, and she enjoyed cooking and sewing. She is survived by four sisters, Thelma Ketchum and Rosetta Burdine, both of Oklahoma City, Hazel Smith of Newkirk, and Aline Northcutt of Ponca City; and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial fund has been established with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Raynaud’s Disease research, c/o Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468. Danielle Marie RyanNEWKIRK — Danielle Marie Ryan, resident of Newkirk, died late Sunday night, March 5, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 28. The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2000, in the First Baptist Church with the Revs. Danny Ringer and Chester Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The body will lie in state Wednesday until 9 p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Danielle Marie Ryan was born Dec. 2, 1971, in Fairfield, Calif., the daughter of John Herbert and Cynthia Ann (Alderete) Goad. When she was six, the family moved to Vallejo, Calif., and she attended the Penny Cook Elementary School, North Hill Christian School and Hogan High School, graduating with the class of 1989. She then attended Solano Community College for two years. After she left college, she was employed in various jobs. On Aug. 5, 1997, she married Michael Shannon Ryan in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. They established their first home in Vallejo, Calif., where they lived until 1999 when they moved to Newkirk. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she taught a Sunday school class. She enjoyed her children and the beach, and she collected angels of all kinds. She is survived by three sons, Sean Michael Ryan, Maxwell Austin Ryan and Michael Shannon Ryan, all of the home; one daughter, Sara Ann Ryan of the home; her parents of Little Rock, Ark.; two brothers, Don Goad of Chesapeake, Va., and Doyle Goad of Sparks, Nev.; and two sisters, Donna Quarry of Lathrop, Calif., and Tammi Quail of Los Angeles, Calif.; her maternal grandmother, Angie Sanchez; and her paternal grandmother, Wynona Goad of Newkirk. Family members will serve as casket bearers. A memorial fund has been established as an education fund for her children. Contributions may be made in her memory through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468. Services PendingGladys M. EberhardGladys M. Eberhard, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 79. The family will be at the home, 2029 N. Fifth. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Ophelia Denise TillmanOphelia Denise Tillman, Red Rock resident, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFSRoundup Club Meets — The Marland Roundup Club will meet 7 p.m. Friday in the John Pulliam home at 18650 Badlands in Marland. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Lunch and Card Party — St. Patrick’s Day themed luncheon and card party is scheduled March 22, noon-3:30 p.m. Sponsored by St. Francis Guild of St. Mary’s Catholic church, the event will be held in the church parish hall. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased by calling Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496; Joan Slovacek, 762-5953; or Beverly Smith, 762-2695. Members of the community are welcome to attend, and luncheon tables are available for those not wishing to play cards. Look Younger in one hour. Hair stylist JoAnn Watkins is working on Fridays. Call for appointment. 765-5055. adv. Dancing Scheduled — The Pete Coli Country Band will be playing for dancing Friday at the Senior Center in Arkansas City, Kan. from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests are asked to bring finger food to share. 25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717 N. 5th. adv. Primetimers — Capt. Jane Morris will be speaking at the Primetimers meeting at the Pioneer Technology Center On Wednesday, March 15, instead of Tuesday, March 21. Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 5:24 p.m. Tuesday that a grass fire was burning on Oklahoma 11 near Washunga Bay turnoff. The Kaw City Fire Department was notified to handle the situation. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Palm Street at 11:25 a.m. Tuesday that a 27-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and a county warrant. Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of North Pine Street at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday that a 23-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv. Tools Stolen — A man from the 1000 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday that some tools had been stolen from his garage. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Chair Caning- Hand weave and Fiber rush weaving, also hand made Nantucket baskets. Call Floyd Stewart 765-6785. adv. Injured — A man from the 500 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:21 p.m. Tuesday that a brother had been assaulted on the way home from school when someone threw a glass bottle at him and it cut him. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Affairs To Remember, 212 North Third. Open house Saturday, March 11, 11-3:00. adv. Fight — The Communications Center received a call at 3:26 p.m. Tuesday from a woman in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue that several juveniles were fighting near the school grounds. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Special 40 lb. cow manure, 99 cents each. Limit 10 bags. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv. Dead Deer — The Communications Center received a call from a motorist at 5:27 a.m. Wednesday that a dead deer was just north of Pleasant View Road and North Fourteenth Street. Subjects were notified and the deer was to be removed from the scene. Vandalism — A woman from the 400 block of South Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:54 p.m. Tuesday that a tire on her vehicle had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Garden gift, bird houses, statuary, and lots of bunnies! Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv. Threats — A woman from the 1600 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday that she had been the victim of harassment. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Ponca City Pictorial History Books are still available! Pick up your copy today! Makes a great Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv. Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and it was logged that the subjects had exchanged information. Onion Plants, and sets, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, rhubarb, strawberry plant, bulk seed and bulbs now available. Open Sunday. Keathly Nursery. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue reported to the Ponca city Police Department that a subject in a light blue van had left west bound on U.S. 60 without paying for $22.34 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Girls Traveling fast pitch softball team tryouts, 14 and under. Sunday, March 12, 2:00 p.m., ball field west of 101 Rodeo Grounds, South of Humane Society on West Prospect. More information call Jerry 762-6060 days, Leonard 762-9988. adv. Shoplifter Problem — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:48 p.m. Tuesday that some shoplifters ran out the east door. Two officers were assigned and an attempted grand larceny report was taken. Going Out of business-Grand Olde Mercantile Co-op, 209 E. Grand Ave. is closing the doors March 31. 20-50% off on most merchandise....don’t miss the bargains! Open Tues-Sat. 10-5. adv. Beer Stolen — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca city Police Department at 12:18 a.m. Wednesday that a man had taken a 30-pack of beer and left without paying. Four officers were assigned and a report was taken. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:39 a.m. Wednesday that a subject had just left without paying for $18 worth of gas. The information was logged. Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. 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. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Wild Weather Storm Seminar — The City of Ponca City Emergency Managment and the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Wild Weather Storm Seminar for the public Tuesday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Featured speaker will be Jim Giles, Chief Meteorologist and Weather Anchor for KOTV, Channel 6. Gov. Frank Keating has proclaimed the month of March as Severe Weather Awareness Month. LIFESTYLESNewkirk Main Street Focus On Signage Newkirk Main Street Focus On SignageNEWKIRK — Jana Shafer presented a slide show, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” at the breakfast on Main Street Feb. 25. The topic was signage with slides representing each of the categories. Even with good business signage, too many flyers in a window detract from the appearance of a business the group said. Hand-lettered signs are also many times unattractive according to the group. Main Street will prepare computer-generated signs for businesses that do not have their own computer. Shafer encouraged each of tile business owners who enter and leave by the back door to step out front of their buildings and “see their business as a customer would.” Keep trash picked up, and grass pulled out of tile sidewalks are also important to an attractive downtown she said. Many businesses also fly the United States and Oklahoma flags. It is imperative to watch these for signs of wear, said Shafer. Sue Roy and her scout group volunteered to lend a hand lit the proper method of disposal for any worn flags. Mike and Jill Stephens, managers of Newkirk’s new Sonic, were guests at the breakfast. Shafer also made a presentation Feb. 23 to the Ponca City Garden Club council regarding the Newkirk Junior Main Street. Program manager, Karen Dye, attended a two-day training in Duncan. Mary P. Boch, principle of Marketek, presented the two-day workshop on “Taking the Anxiety Out of Market Analysis.” Census information, sales tax figures, and SIC codes were provided for each community in order to prepare a retail sales potential worksheet. Those attending divided into teams and completed a business owner survey of downtown Duncan as well as a site survey in order to organize business Cluster plans. A progress briefing was held Feb. 24 at Northern Oklahoma College for the possible return of Amtrak to northern Oklahoma. Approximately 200 people, including 50 from Kansas, were in attendance to review the feasibility study. Members were reminded that those interested in having the question of proposed funding on the November ballot to contact an Oklahoma legislator. Piano Workshop Slated SaturdayThe Ponca City Area Branch of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association will sponsor a workshop for piano teachers on Saturday, March 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Grand. Dr. Ronald E. Lewis, professor of piano at Oklahoma Baptist University, will present the workshop on “In the Beginning... Starting a Piece on the Right Foot.” Those teachers planning to attend should bring scores to the Bach Two Part Inventions, Clementi Sonatinas, Op. 36 and Debussy Preludes, Book One, if you have them. Dr. Lewis is Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Professor of Music at OBU, Shawnee, where he teaches private piano, piano literature and piano ensemble. In 1995 he was the recipient of OBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. Dr. Lewis has degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Oklahoma. Teachers include Richard Cass, Celia Mae Bryant, Lytle Powell and Digby Bell. He maintains a studio of preparatory as well as college students and serves as organist for the First Baptist Church in Shawnee. He is a member of Oklahoma Music Teachers Association where he presently serves as vice president for local associations, as well as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the American Guild of Organists. Dr. Lewis performs regularly on and off campus as a soloist and collaborative pianist and is active as an adjudicator for auditions and festivals. All area piano teachers are cordially invited to attend this day of learning and rejuvenation. Medical Program Is Presented For Xi Beta TauMembers of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Jan Ellison on Feb. 28. Preceding the meeting Ms. Ellison served members a chicken and noodle dinner. Sammie Coats, president, led the group in the opening ritual. June Miller, recording secretary, called roll and read the minutes. The group received a thank you note from International for contributing to the Endowment fund. Cindy Wardlow, treasurer, gave the financial report. Members made plans to honor Valentine Queen Lois Coats with a luncheon at the Rusty Barrell on March 3. A candlelight welcome was held for new transferee Terri Buesing. The Traveling Basket was presented to Jan Ellison from Sammie Coats. Lois Coats won the mystery gift. Lois Coats presented members with wrapping paper. Hostess for the March 13 meeting will be Terri Buesing. The cultural program was a question and answer forum with guest speaker Dr. Crenshaw of Fairfax. Topics covered were osteoporosis, cholesterol, fibromyalgia, estrogen therapy and allergies. A bone-scan and ways to prevent diseases were also discussed. Little NewsJeff and Amanda Morgan, 1988 West Tower Road, announce the birth of a daughter at 6:37 p.m. Feb. 19, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Bailee Nicole Morgan weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Clifford and Vonda Cross of Tonkawa, and paternal grandparents are Richard and Wanda Morgan of Ponca City. SPORTSWildcat Net Team Fourth in Tourney Wildcat Net Team Fourth in TourneyWildcat tennis coach Steve Larimer is still tinkering with his line-up, trying to fill the gap left by an injury to one of his top players. The Wildcats finished fourth in the Ponca City Invitational held at the Wally Smith tennis Center Tuesday. The Poncans took third place in both doubles, were fourth in the No. 2 Singles and seventh in the No. 1 Singles. That left them trailing Edmond Santa Fe, Claremore and Tulsa Memorial in the eight-team tournament. The Wildcats scored 19 points, to finish in front of Norman, Owasso, Putnam City and Sapulpa. Edmond Santa Fe won the team title with 31 points, winning both doubles, taking second in the No. 1 Singles and third in the No. 2 singles. Ponca City juniors Tim Frick and Josh Pitts — fresh from basketball — teamed in the No. 1 Doubles. They started with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Nathan Crawford and Tom Westland of Owasso, lost in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, to Claremore in the semifinals but bounced back to down Norman’s Daniel Huffaker and Albert Chen, 6-3, 7-6, in the third place match. Seniors Sterling Foy and Scot Mitchell, followed a similar path in the No. 2 doubles. They took a 6-0, 6-0 win over Brice Hilton and Brad Wouters of Sapulpa in the first round, lost to Claremore in a three-set semifinal and then topped Owasso’s Brandon Gerhart and Adam Gault, 6-3, 6-2, for third. In the No. 2 Singles, Mustafa Durrani won his first match over Keith Yorman of Owasso, 7-5, 6-2, in the first round. But he then fell to Claremore’s No. 2 seed Jacob Watkin, 7-6, 6-2, in the semis and lost 6-1, 6-1, to Santa Fe’s Arvin Rourtorkan, 6-1, 6-1, in the match for third In the No. 2 Singles, senior Bilal Agha lost his opener against second-seeded Jerome Benoit of Edmond Santa Fe, 6-2, 6-2, then lost his final two matches. “We will get better,” Larimer said, noting the Cats are without state qualifier Daniel Lee and have several players just out from winter sports. Last Saturday, the Wildcats were second in the Putnam City tournament, trailing Santa Fe in the race for the team title. In that tournament, Agha was fifth in the No. 1 Singles, Frick was third in the No. 2 Singles, Foy and Pitts were third in the No. 1 Doubles while Durrani and Mitchell were third in the No. 2 Doubles. The Cats will play at Bartlesville Thursday. Wildcats Win on Road, TooBy Thomas True News Writer It wasn’t the first time this early in the season that the Wildcats scored at least three runs in the first inning. It wasn’t the first time Ponca City batted through the line up in one inning. And it certainly wasn’t the first victory for the 4-0 Wildcats. However, it was the first road win and to top that off it was the first conference win against the Sand Springs Sandites (2-1), who where manhandled with a score of 16 - 7. Bryan Coppock lead off the first inning with a walk and went on to steal second, then finally score the first run on a single by Jerrod Spears. Spears also got a stolen base and a run after Chris McCool’s double brought him home. The final run of the first inning was scored after Barry Gehab hit a fly ball to right field that brought McCool home. Jerrod Spears (1-0) took to the mound as the Sandites came to bat for the first time against Po-Hi. Spears got two outs before Sanbdite Dustin Pope connected for a double. Dennis Almy also doubled. Then Brandon Hall hit a home run over the left field fence in the newly completed Sandites field to tie the score. While the opening inning of the game may have been a good start for both teams, Ponca City ripped the second inning open with seven runs and a run through the entire line up, plus two. Todd Stewart connected to left field for a single. With one out, Coppock was hit by a pitch. Sharon singled to right field to load the bases. Spears took the plate and hammered a three-run triple that began a second inning massacre. Furnas got on base on a walk and McCool, drove in two runs. Gehab had a sacrifice fly, scoring McCool. The train kept running with Jimmo Ozment and Stewart bringing in the final runs in that inning. Todd Stewart had the distinction of getting two hits in the same inning . In the third innin, with Coppock, Sharon and Spears all on base, Jeff Furnas took the ball over the wall for a grand slam. Four more runner and not an out yet. Ozment hit one more home run in the inning to bring the run total to five. Sand Springs score a run in the fourth inning off the bat of Ballard. Sand Springs loaded the bases in the fifth inning but third baseman Josh Galloway saved a run with a throw home to catch McCool at the plate. After the game Sand Springs coach Bill Hutson said of the Wildcats, “They were good. I haven’t seen bat swinging like that this season.” and “I haven’t seen anybody throwing that good so far.” Wildcat coach Mike Krehbiel said, “They were focused and swung well. I really didn’t have a gut feeling going up against Sand Springs. I really had no idea what the outcome would be. I was pleased with the way the boys pounded the ball.” Coach Krehbiel also said that currently out of the 13 teams in the conference that Ponca City is ranked 12th. He told the players that if they want to earn the respect of the people in the conference that they have to pound their opponents. This win should send that message clearly. Thursday the Wildcats travel to Stillwater to face the Pioneers game time starts at 4 p.m. Senior Todd Stewart is scheduled to be the opening pitcher for Ponca City. Ponca City 16, Sand Springs 7 Ponca City 3 7 5 0 1 0 0 — 16 Sand Springs 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 — 7 Spears (w) 2-0 Claybrook (l) Lady Cats Third In PC InvitationalPonca City’s Lady Wildcats finished third in the Ponca City Invitational tennis tournament at the Wally Smith Tennis Center Monday. The Lady Cats finished third in the No. 2 Singles and the No. 1 Doubles, fourth in the No. 2 Doubles and fifth in the No. 1 Singles. Gina Smith opened the No. 1 singles play by defeating Lauren Milone of Claremore 6-3, 6-1 but lost to Edmond Santa Fe in the semifinals. She bounced back to top Natalee Plume of Owasso, 6-1, 0-6, 6-2 in the third place match. In the No. 1 Doubles, Claire Winterrowd and Marcie Wilkinson took a tough three setter from Tulsa Memorial in the opener, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, but lost to Norman in the semifinals, 6-4, 67-2. They came back with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Putnam City for third. In the No. 2 Doubles, Lillie Vucic and Morgan Mongold opened with a bye but fell in the semifinals to Claremore. They dropped a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 t Owasso in the third-place match. Allison Hufnagel played the No. 1 singles and lost to Putnam City in the opener before returning for a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Claremore’s Brittany Littleton. She then lost to Sapulpa in the fifth-place match. Edmond Santa Fe was third with 22 and Ponca City had 20. The Lady Cats were third in the Putnam City Tournament last Friday, scoring 21 points to finish behind Oklahoma City McGuiness and Mustang. Buddy Bass Club To Set 2000 AgendaThe Ponca City Buddy Bass Club will meet March 16 at the Ponca City VFW, starting at 7 p.m. to plan for it's Fish 2000 season. The meeting agenda will include team registration, meeting and tournament schedules, and any questions about the club. The Ponca City Buddy Bass is a group of local anglers dedicated to the enjoyment of catch and release bass fishing. The club will hold eight monthly tournaments on area lakes beginning in March and ending in October. The season will close with the Oklahoma State Top 20 Team Championship on Grand Lake. Last year, three Buddy Bass teams placed in the Top 20 and another team had Big Bass in that championship. The first Buddy Bass event is slated for March 26 at Sooner Lake. Scheduled on April 9 is the annual open tournament sponsored by Wal-Mart, Ponca City Buddy Bass, and KPNC at Sooner Lake. This tournament is open to all area anglers with prizes awarded by drawing and guaranteed prize money for the top teams. For information call 762-7347 or 765-3250. Freshmen Cagers WinnersThere are seasons to remember and there are memorable seasons — for the Po-Hi freshman basketball teams it was both. The freshmen Wildcats finished their season at 16-2, and the freshmen Lady Cats, 17-1. This was also a double, double crown. Both the boys and girls captured their conference titles and both teams won their conference tournaments. And you can bet that varsity coaches Ron Arthur and Dana Pulley are watching closely. For boys’ freshmen coach, Brad Parent, it was a sweet season. “These are great kids. I hate to see ‘em go,” said Parent. The two games the boys lost, were only lost by one point — quite a tribute to the excellence they demand of themselves and their teamwork on the basketball court. According to Parent, the Red team didn’t have one hero — it had ten. All ten played as a team and Parent could run different combinations of boys in and get the job done. Both the girls and boys teams had a large contingent of Ponca City fans watch their Conference Tournament finals games against Stillwater. About 300 Ponca City fans made the drive to Enid — several Po-Hi varsity player’s parents in that group — to watch the Wildcats and Lady Cats win. It was reported the ginger-ale was one-inch deep in the boys locker room following their domination over Stillwater, 63-43. Coach Parent congratulated his players with tear-filled eyes, and according to parents of the players, the celebration was as electric as if they had just won the NCAA Championship — and just as important to these young men. The Blue team won the consolation bracket. At one point they were down by 16, but fought back and won at the buzzer. There is a difference between a successful season and a winning season. Even losing teams are successful in that the players and coaches have been a part of something bigger than themselves and create teamwork, fitness, strategy, and life-long memories. This year, the Wildcat freshmen teams got to experience both. Winning is one of those things that coaches cannot teach. They teach the technical skills, but winning is something more. It comes from inside an athlete and from a commitment to teamwork and denial of self — the self becomes a whole only when the team gets the job done. This group of young men and women know what it’s like to win. Stats for Boys at Northern Conference Tournament Ponca City Red 52, Blackwell 28 Steven Morris 10 Chance Hunt 8 David Sikes 8 Bradley Turvey 7 Kyle Megenity 6 Kyle Karnish 5 Chance Coldiron 2 Nate Macy 2 Justin Evans 4 Ponca City Red 59, Enid Waller 48 Steven Morris 16 Nate Macy 12 Bradley Turvey 7 Justin Evans 7 Kyle Karnish 6 Kyle Megenity 4 Casey McClaskey 3 Chance Hunt 2 David Sikes 2 Ponca City Red 63, Stillwater 43 Steven Morris 10 Bradley Turvey 11 Justin Evans 11 Kyle Megenity 7 Nate Macy 6 Chance Hunt 5 David Sikes 5 Chance Coldiron 5 Casey McClaskey 2 Kyle Karnish 1 Do Not Feed the GeeseFeeding geese is a bad idea. Although many well-meaning wildlife enthusiasts believe they are helping Canada geese by feeding them, the opposite may actually be true. Supplemental food such as grain, for example, can encourage large numbers of geese to set up permanent residence an areas that otherwise would not attract geese. Concentrating geese in this manner can make the birds more vulnerable to poaching, avian disease, automobile collisions and other factors, said Mike O'Meilia, migratory bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. However, the worst thing about feeding geese is that it alters their behavior and causes them to associate humans with food. “Feeding geese is exactly the wrong thing to do,” O'Meilia said. “People think it's in the birds' best interest to feed them, but it's not. You start out with a few birds, and the next thing you know, you will have hundreds of them. “Canada geese are wonderful birds, but they're wild birds, not pets,” he added. “By maintaining the integrity of their natural, wild behavior, people can reduce conflicts with the birds and help to keep them from becoming nuisances.” Although Canada geese are adept at foraging on their own, they will literally flock to areas where people provide food for them. Besides increasing the risks to the geese, such concentrations also create significant problems to people in the form of property damage, crop and plant depredation and other conflicts. “Canada geese do not require any supplemental feeding,” O'Meilia said. “In almost all instances where birds concentrate and become nuisances, 99 percent of the time it's because people started feeding them." For the benefit of the geese, enjoy them, but don't feed them. It's for their own good. Controlled Hunts Booklets AvailableFor hunters anxious to submit their applications for the 2000-2001 Controlled Hunts, the wait is finally over. This year’s Controlled Hunts booklets are now available at authorized hunting and fishing license dealers statewide. Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Controlled Hunts Program offers more than 1,000, highly desirable hunts through a random drawing. Some hunts are held to provide high quality hunting experiences on high-profile areas where it is necessary to regulate hunting pressure. Others are held to achieve management goals for certain species, and others are held to provide hunting experiences in areas where access is otherwise limited. “The Controlled Hunts is one of the Department's most popular programs, and the fact that it is so popular speaks volumes for its success,” said Alan Peoples, chief of the Department's Wildlife Division. “We are pleased to offer this service for the sportsmen and sportswomen of Oklahoma for the benefit of conserving our state's precious wildlife resources.” The Department is currently working to prepare a system that will allow hunters to complete and submit their applications online. The online system is scheduled to be operational by April 1. Also, non-residents interested in applying for the Controlled Hunts this year must first possess a non-resident hunting license. This can be a five-day hunting license, an annual hunting or combination license or a non-resident lifetime license. Beginning July 24, applicants can see if they were drawn for a hunt by visiting the Department's website at www.state.ok.us/odwc. Last year, more than 20,000 applicants used this service during the first two days the results were posted. For those who don't have access to a computer, the Department will post printed results at its main office in Oklahoma City, and at its regional offices beginning July 24. The application deadline for the Controlled Hunts will be Friday May 5, 2000.
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