LOCAL

New DA on the Old DA Conviction Hurts Profession
Pearl Harbor Vet Remembers
Day Care Director Duct-Tapes Struggling 8-Month-Old to Wall
Oscar Nominee Topsy Turvey Opening at the Poncan Theatre
Over 300 State Inmates Could Get Early Release

New DA on the Old DA Conviction Hurts Profession

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — Kay County’s current district attorney says the misuse of funds by his predecessor is “terribly unfair” to members of a profession where credibility is critical.

Mark Gibson spoke out Thursday following former district attorney John Maddox’ guilty plea to a felony count of embezzlement by a public official.

Maddox received a two-year deferred sentence on Wednesday in Oklahoma County District Court and was ordered to repay $17,400 he received from false travel claims and other activities during his four-and-a-half years in office.

To Gibson, who was appointed in October to fill the vacancy after Maddox resigned, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials frequently have to struggle against public cynicism “even when they’re squeaky clean.”

It gets worse, he said, “any time a member of law enforcement does anything to raise questions about who the good guys are and who the bad guys are.”

“It’s terribly unfair to all those who are devoted to pursuing justice, because there’s absolutely no way to get around it,” Gibson suggested.

“It’s like that rare occasion where the cop who smokes dope is trusted to enforce the drug laws, or like when newspaper reporters fabricate their sources. It makes it more difficult then to trust all the honest ones.”

Gibson said the discrepancies between false travel claims and personal gasoline purchases that led to the charge against Maddox were discovered by a “fluke” last year.

An OSBI auditor’s investigation indicated Maddox purchased at least 3,209 gallons of gasoline for his personal vehicle but charged it to the district attorney’s office, where the purchases were paid from regularly budgeted state funds.

Maddox would also file travel claims requesting reimbursement for official business travel in the same personal vehicle and the reimbursements would be made to him by state issued warrants. The total amount of funds Maddox appropriated to his own use was $3,534, according to the investigator’s affidavit.

He further was accused of submitting travel claims for reimbursement of mileage and travel expenses for use of his personal vehicle on the same official travel, although he was actually driving state-provided vehicles from April, 1997, to July, 1999.

State-issued warrants issued to reimburse Maddox for travel claims he submitted while driving either a state-provided 1989 Ford Bronco or a 1994 Chevrolet Astro van totalled $11,627.35.

According to Gibson, although the office is audited annually, the activities of which Maddox was accused were “not done in a fashion that the auditors would routinely catch.”

The travel claims, submitted to Oklahoma City for reimbursement, are processed by one staff member in the district attorney’s office, while personal gas purchase reimbursements are handled in-house by a second staff member.

There is no normal reason for the two staff members to compare their paperwork, Gibson said. The district attorney did not discuss how any discrepancies were discovered.

He said the problems were reported on the same day it was discovered, earning the staff praise from the attorney general’s office, which began an investigation in August.

No other member of the office “is, or was, ever suspected of any wrongdoing whatsoever,” Gibson said.

However, the situation at the district attorney’s office “points out an inherent problem with any elected office,” he said.

“The officer’s job performance — whether it’s the U.S. Senator, the mayor of Ponca City, the district attorney, the court clerk, a judge — is very much based on public perception.

“It’s very difficult for the people to personally evaluate whether an elected official is doing a good job of what he is paid to do. We have to simply trust the people we elect to do what’s right.

“If they don’t do what’s right, our only hope is that they trip up,” Gibson said.

Pearl Harbor Vet Remembers

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

Bill Berger watched the first bomb explode at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.

With the other young Navy men stationed in Hawaii, he stood first in disbelief, then frustration and finally, anger.

“At the end of the two-hour attack, we were ready to fight,” he says.

Berger, now 80, was the guest of the Ponca City American Legion’s Navy Reunion as the group saluted area Navy veterans.

“I saw the first bomb hit,” he told the crowd. “The first ones did little damage, but the next ones did plenty.”

The Japanese “thought they could discourage us [by attacking Pearl Harbor], but it absolutely had the opposite effect,” he said later.

“There was not one instance of cowardice during the attack. We were badly beaten, but proud of America, and we knew we were going to win.

“We were determined to defeat them,” he said.

Berger says it’s more important now than ever to make sure people don’t forget what young Americans accomplished during World War II.

He recalled the tragic story of how he was on the deck of the U.S.S. Honolulu during one of the lowest periods of the war.

The ship was drastically short on supplies, the crew trying to live on dehydrated carrots and tearing up T-shirts to use as toilet paper.

Finally, the supply ship appeared on the horizon, he said. The crew rejoiced, “Three cheers! We’re going to eat! We’re going to have coffee!”

But, suddenly, the supply ship exploded and sank, the victim of a submarine attack. “BAM! And down it went,” said Berger. “Fourteen hundred Americans lost their lives.”

He added, “We saw the bitter part of the war and we saw the victory. Now it’s time to make sure people remember, to make them realize American men and women sacrificed their lives.”

Berger continued, “I enjoy talking about this a lot more than I used to, and the reason is this: In 1940, I joined the Navy because it felt like the country was going to go into war. I joined the Navy to be patriotic.

“Now it’s important to promote Americanism to our young people. They don’t know what it really is to live here,” he said.

“Young people, you need to put your head in the air and be proud to be an American. I don’t care what other people say about us.”

Berger and his wife of 57 years, Twylla, came to the reunion from Yale, Okla.

He published a book called Lest We Forget about his war experiences and they have an e-mail address: billieD1@aol.com.

Day Care Director Duct-Tapes Struggling 8-Month-Old to Wall

HUDSON, Mass. (AP) — The director of a day care center duct-taped an eight-month-old girl to a wall, thinking the sight of the struggling baby was funny, state officials said in a report.

The director of A Place to Grow in suburban Boston later admitted to the incident, the Office for Child Care Services said in a 12-page report issued this week. The center’s license was suspended last week.

The report also said state investigators found that babies were force-fed and swaddled so tightly that they had red marks. Some infants allegedly got a blast of water in the face if they cried.

‘‘Although the motive for such conduct is not clear at this time,’’ the state said, ‘‘at least one staff member stated that the director and the staff would get ‘a kick out of doing that.’’’

The center’s owner, Suzanne Foley, said she has fired the director and two other staffers and is filing an appeal to win back her license.

‘‘I take my responsibility for what happens to the quality of care in our centers very seriously,’’ Foley wrote Monday in a letter to parents obtained by The MetroWest Daily News. ‘‘Anything below the highest standard of care for our children will not be tolerated.’’

Police and prosecutors said they were investigating. The state did not identify the director.

According to the report, the director had talked with a parent about how duct tape ‘‘works on everything’’ and wondered if it would make an infant stick to the wall.

The next afternoon, a staff member saw the director placing duct tape on the infant’s arms and waist and sticking her to the wall. The infant was taken down after she freed one of her arms. The staff member said the director thought this was ‘‘funny,’’ the report said.

The director later told the infant’s parent, who thought the director was joking.

It was unclear exactly when the incident took place at the center, which cared for 68 children from infants to preschoolers.

Oscar Nominee Topsy Turvey Opening at the Poncan Theatre

“A masterful film” about the great team of musical comedy writers, Gilbert and Sullivan, opens today at the Poncan Theatre. Topsy-Turvey is nominated for four Academy Awards. The delightful, “grandly entertaining film” has already won awards for best director and for best film, from two different prestigious groups: The New York Film Critics Circle and The National Society of Film Critics. The witty, spirited period piece shows through the week at the Poncan.

Gilbert and Sullivan wrote delicious operettas at the end of the 19th Century. Their works include such charming musicals as The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, and The Mikado. The film picks up at a turning point in the career of the two collaborators. They had been so successful that they were able to open their own fabulous theatre in London, The Savoy. But they opened the theatre with a bomb, one of the poorest scripts they ever created. Topsy-Turvey is the story of this lucrative partnership and how it nearly came unglued.

The two men were radically different. Sullivan was a sensual, dreamy man, a dandy, a ladies’ man, confident of his genius. He had just been knighted by Queen Victoria. Gilbert was a sour man, never satisfied, always doubting the quality of their creations. So the two are at odds.

In the midst of their feud, Sullivan, the composer, runs off to France to dally and play. Gilbert, the word- man, stays at home and pouts. But when his wife takes him to a Japan exhibit in London, the seeds of a new operetta begin to germinate. And soon, before our very eyes, The Mikado begins to take form. Patrons of the Ponca Playhouse may remember the wonderful production of The Mikado last year. The film Topsy-Turvey shows how the original Mikado was directed, rehearsed, and how it came to save the partnership of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Critics have adored Topsy-Turvey. E! Online calls it “a thoroughly intoxicating tale with wonderful performances.” The Screening Room says “it’s an extraordinarily entertaining piece of work.” Village Voice says the film is the year’s “most infectious tour de force.”

For show times, patrons should consult the Ponca City News or call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. Topsy-Turvey is rated R.

Over 300 State Inmates Could Get Early Release

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Frank Keating will soon be reviewing a list of inmates approved by the state Pardon and Parole Board for early release.

The board this week, acting on a request by Keating, reviewed the cases of 555 nonviolent inmates and recommended early releases for 309.

Keating has never signed an order allowing inmates to be released early, and has vocally opposed requests for mass early releases of inmates. But he said the state Corrections Department now has come up with a better classification system that keeps the worst criminals locked up longer and identifies the nonviolent ones for early release.

‘‘The Department of Corrections on my watch established a new classification system that has integrity and identifies these dangerous criminals,’’ he said Thursday.

‘‘They set up some criteria,’’ said Terry Jenks, parole board executive director. ‘‘It had to be people who were serving (time for) nonviolent offenses and who have not had any violent offenses in the past 10 years.’’

Jenks said the governor’s office contacted him two months ago and asked that the board consider a ‘‘commutation docket.’’ The board will forward the list of inmates to Keating, who has final authority on whether to grant parole.

‘‘All these people were going to get out within six months anyway,’’ Jenks said. ‘‘In some cases, it’s just a month or so early.’’

Keating conceded that political pressure from the Democratic leadership in the House and Senate played a part in this special release. The leadership has been concerned about the rising costs for corrections, noting that the corrections budget has increased by 120 percent since 1990, the highest increase of any state agency.

The governor said he had asked the parole board in December to identify those who should be released early, but it took several months to sift through thousands of inmates’ records.

DEATHS

Bonnie Ray McIntyre
Rex Leroy Carter
Jesse C. Beal

Bonnie Ray McIntyre

BLACKWELL — Bonnie Ray McIntyre, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday evening, March 22, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. He was 63.

The funeral is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell with the Rev. Gale Izard officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. A flag presentation will be conducted by the Blackwell American Legion and VFW.

Bonnie Ray McIntyre was born Aug. 9, 1936, in Blackwell, the son of Bonnie Alfred and Gladys I. (Pond) McIntyre. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell schools, graduating in 1954. He was then employed with Dave Morgan Oil Company in Blackwell. He married Patricia “Patsy” Marie Patrick on Sept. 5, 1959, in Blackwell, where they settled. He entered the United States Army later that month.

Following his discharge in September of 1960, he returned to employment for Dave Morgan Oil Company. On March of 1968, he began employment with Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, retiring in 1994. He was then employed with Blackwell Coop. He enjoyed fishing and helping his daughter show horses. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell.

Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Brenda Kay Dahms of Glencoe; one son, Philip Ray McIntyre of Douglas, Ga.; his father; two sisters Betty Kranz of Blackwell and Jan Boyer of Fairview; one brother, Mike McIntyre of Edmond; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Casket bearers will be Vern Willbanks, Butch Wolfe, Jay Corbitt, Lawrence Angle, Gene Henderson and Ray Kirk.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First United Methodist Church or Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Fund, in care of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Rex Leroy Carter

PAWNEE — Rex Leroy Carter, resident of Maramec, died Wednesday, March 22, 2000, in Maramec. He was 38.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Pawnee First Baptist Church with the Revs. Bob Copeland and Marvin Warren officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee.

Rex Leroy Carter was born April 21, 1961, in Pawnee, the son of Rex Lee Carter and Gladys Lee (Dallas) Carter. He attended Maramec and Pawnee schools, graduating from Pawnee High School in 1979. Thereafter, he began working for D&D Lease Service. He had been employed as a service technician for Great Plains Coca Cola for 11 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pawnee and of the Maramec Fire Department.

Survivors include his son, Cody Leroy Carter of Pawnee; a daughter, Talisa Renae Carter of Pawnee; his parents; a sister, Nina Gayle Hart of Pawnee; a niece and nephew and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Leroy Carter Memorial Fund, c/o First National Bank, P.O. Box 366, Pawnee, Okla. 74058.

Services Pending

Jesse C. Beal

Jesse C. Beal, Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, March 24, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 84. Local survivors include his wife, Nettie of the home and daughter, Mary Jane Barraclough. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

PCSEA “Straw Hat” Bingo — PCSEA bingo Saturday in the Conoco Atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; bingo starts at 7 p.m. Come join the fun and wear your straw hat.

Elk’s Members. Enjoy burgers and basketball, Friday. Tulsa vs.

Miami then OSU vs. Seton Hall. 6:00-? Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road. adv.

YMCA T-Ball — The YMCA co-ed T-Ball for ages 4 1/2-6 years is open for registration through March 28. Contact the Y, 765-5417, for information or to pick up forms. Cost is $15 for members, $25 for non-members, and $10 for two jerseys. A parents meeting at the Y is scheduled at 6 p.m. March 28, and a coaches meeting at 6 p.m. March 30. Practice begins April 3 with the first game April 8, and the last game May 20.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 3:57 p.m. Thursday that a 22-year-old man was being held on a Garfield County warrant for failure to pay.

Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 9:34 a.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old man was being held for assault and battery.

Final Sale, warehouse clearance and fire sale merchandise.

At Randy’s Harris furniture and carpet and Melinda’s Gift Gallery. Saturday March the 25th. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 105 North Main

Tonkawa. Great bargains and low prices. adv.

Abandoned Vehicle — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fifth Street and Williams Avenue at 10:58 a.m. Thursday that an abandoned vehicle was towed from the scene.

Quality Replacement windows and patio doors. We sell and install. Ponca Glass, 300 West Highland and Pine, 762-6522. adv.

Theft — An employee at Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:24 a.m. Thursday that some money was missing from one of the residents. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Custom Framer available M-W-F 2-6, Individual attention. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Checks Written — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:32 a.m. Thursday that some checks stolen in Tonkawa had been passed at different stores in Ponca City. An officer was assigned and handled the situation.

Sandi Gore Evans 2000 line has arrived! Come see it 1st! Carla’s

Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Items Missing — A woman from the 200 block of North Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:11 p.m. Thursday that someone had stolen some stuff from the garage. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Intricate Designs of Ponca City, experienced professional wall papering by Leramy Kizziar, free estimates. 762-2089. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of West Hartford Avenue at 12:23 p.m. Thursday that a 26-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, speeding and having no insurance.

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.

Vehicles Burglarized — A person from the 500 block of South Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:51 p.m. Thursday that several vehicles had been broken into during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Beer Stolen — A clerk at E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:06 a.m. Friday that a man had taken a 30-pack of beer without paying and went east on Bradley Avenue. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 24th. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Fight — The Communications Center received a report at 1:55 a.m. Friday that a fight was going on at the Hideout and assistance was needed. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded to the problem.

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

Theft — A clerk at E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, reported at 3:33 a.m. Friday that two men had taken beer without paying. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

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

Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a request from the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue at 4:18 a.m. Friday to have the fire department check on smoke in an apartment.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 3500 block of North Union Street at 2:32 p.m. Thursday that a 19-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Storage Building Burglarized — A man from the 500 block of South Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:41 a.m. Thursday that the storage building in the alley had been broken into. An officer was assigned and information was logged that a request was made for an extra patrol.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1300 block of Princeton Avenue at 3:18 p.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old woman was being held on a warrant for failure to pay.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Seventh Street at 3:01 p.m. Thursday that a 35-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension.

Burglary — A woman from the 2700 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:22 p.m. Thursday that upon returning home a man was at the apartment attempting to break in at the front door. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Items Stolen — A man from the 1100 block of West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:38 p.m. Thursday that a washer and dryer had been stolen from property in the 100 block of West Albany Avenue. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Vandalism — The principal at Washington School in the 1600 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:38 p.m. Thursday that several boys had been vandalizing the kitchen and had been recognized as they ran from the building. An officer was assigned and one juvenile was taken to the police department and another released.

Burglary — A woman from the 300 block of East Ponca Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Thursday that someone had broken into the residence and had taken a stereo and CDs. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 7:41 a.m. Thursday from a man in the 400 block of North Osage Street requesting units from the Ponca City Fire Department. Two units from the No. 1 Fire Station responded and handled the situation.

Vandalism — A man from the 400 block of South Eleventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:35 p.m. Thursday that someone had vandalized the garage. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with an accident in the 1300 block of East Prospect Avenue at 8:39 p.m. Thursday. Two other officers responded and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:48 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 21-year-old woman was held for driving under suspension.

Spring Clean-Up — April 8 through April 15 is designated as the annual Spring Clean Up for Ponca City residents. According to Ken Wilson, Solid Waste Superintendent, the special pick up charge for refuse be waived for all residents, during this time.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Conducts Officer Election
Rho Chapter Members Plan Bunny Photos
Piano Workshop Meeting Slated In Stillwater
Little News

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Conducts Officer Election

The March 16 meeting of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held in the home of Francie James. Sixteen members and guest, Tobie Neal of Eureka Springs, Ark., were present. Cassandra Kifiak conducted the meeting, and Jill Sims called roll and read the minutes. Doretta Jackson gave the treasurer’s report.

Members wore green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and preceding the meeting members of the social committee provided a baked potato dinner followed by dessert.

Lila Logan gave the city council report and asked members to let Betty Wyatt know by April 20 if they were planning to attend the April 27 Founder’s Day banquet.

Judy Watt announced that the next social will be a “poverty party” April 15 at the shop of Phyllis Pledger. Nida Austin gave the service report and discussed Easter tray favors for Meals on Wheels. Pledger, historian chairperson, asked committee members to meet at 7 p.m. March 23 and March 30 to work on the scrapbook.

Terri Whiting and Tobie Neal discussed plans for a weekend meeting May 4-7 in eureka Springs, Ark. Doretta Jackson won the friendship basket. Nida Austin will host the April 6 meeting.

Elected as officers for 2000-2001 were Doretta Jackson, president; Francie James, vice president; Phyllis Pledger, recording secretary; Carmelita Childers, corresponding secretary; Judy Watt, treasurer; Dottie Johnstone, City council alternate.

Rho Chapter Members Plan Bunny Photos

April 15-16

Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 8 at the home of Bambi Correll, president, with nine members present. Jan Leach, recording secretary, called roll and read the minutes. Debbie McClaskey, treasurer, gave the financial report.

Mrs. Correll read the City Council report, and members signed a petition asking for more research for the AT children’s project. She also announced that all officers needed to attend an April 3 meeting.

Rho chapter’s fundraiser of taking “bunny” pictures at Wal-Mart is scheduled 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 15, and 1-4 p.m., April 16.

Officers elected for 2000-2001 are Jan Leach, president; Dawn Pruitt, vice president; Susan Seales, recording secretary; Debbie McClaskey, treasurer; Dianna McKinnis, corresponding secretary; Bambi Correll, parliamentarian; Dianna McKinnis, City Council representative; Debbie McClaskey, City Council representative.

The March 29 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a baked potato supper. Members are asked to bring personal page pictures for the chapter scrapbook, and money for the Founder’s Day banquet. Kim Ochoa won the traveling basket, and Diana McKinnis won the mystery gift.

Rho Chapter members met Feb. 23 at the home of Dawn Pruitt. Bambi Correll reported that the Founder’s Day banquet would be April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Country Club. Each chapter will bring door prizes pertaining to the theme “New Century, New Beginning.” Rho Chapter will be in charge of the guest book and nametags.

Terri Fry won the traveling basket and the mystery gift. Following the meeting, Mrs. Pruitt showed members how to make decorated flowerpots for gift giving.

Terri Fry was Valentine queen for the chapter and was honored with a dinner at the El Patio restaurant. Chapter members recently hosted a surprise “Grandma Shower” for Diana McKinnis at the home of Susan Seales.

Piano Workshop Meeting Slated In Stillwater

Members of the Piano Workshop, a division of Ponca City Federated Music Club, met March 21 in the home of Vicki Stokke. Audrey Lee Hall served as co-hostess. Lois Rence, chairperson, announced that the group’s April meeting would be on April 18 in the home of Carolyn Hook in Stillwater, a former member of the group. The program theme will be “Hymns in a Classical Setting.”

Dee Nelson presented the lesson on “Folk Music in the classics.” Information was provided by Barbara Manering. Ms. Nelson introduced the performers who presented musical selections. they were Kay Anthony, Ann Salmons, Kathy Wimberley, Francis Wood Thompson and Marge Howard.

Plans were begun for the May 5 regular music club program for which the Piano Workshop will be responsible. The theme “What’s Next” will be carried out in the presentation with Lois Rence serving as spokesperson, and members giving musical numbers.

Little News

Alexis Nicole Redwine is the name chosen by Julie and John Redwine for their daughter born at 1:09 p.m. March 12 at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.

RELIGION

Gods Grace Is Sunday Topic At 1st Lutheran
First Baptist Calls Minister of Education
Journalist Weible to Speak in Enid
Grace Episcopal Congregation Joins in Ordination Celebration
Pastor’s Notes
Church Briefs
Local Church Group Tours Israel Jordan
KLVV Sharathon Is Coming Soon

Gods Grace Is Sunday Topic At 1st Lutheran

The emphasis of the worship services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 26 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. will be on God’s mysterious grace. He gave the Ten Commandments for His people to follow, and then he fulfills them through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. In the readings, the songs, and the sermon the repeated theme will be praise and thanks to God for His plan of salvation and the Christian’s joy and responsibility to serve Him. The New Testament reading will be in a dialogue form read by the congregation. The Senior Choir’s anthem will be “I Walk with Jesus All the Way.” Pastor Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Unpleasant Service to Jesus.” The sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered at the end of the second service.

The topic of the 6:30 p.m. evening service will be “Managing Stress: Let Jesus Speak to YOU.” Within this informal setting the topic is discussed from the point of the Bible, questions may be asked, and personal testimonies can be given. Anyone who is experiencing stress is encouraged to come to find help in these excellent discussions.

The Lenten service on Wednesday, March 22, will speak of Jesus’ activities in the temple during the Monday of Holy Week. The service will be preceded by a taco soup supper served by the Elders of the congregation in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend these services and activities at First Lutheran.

First Baptist Calls Minister of Education

Doyle Lowry has been called as Minister of Education/Administration for the Ponca City First Baptist Church, it was announced this week.

Pastor Hance Dilbeck, in introducing Lowry to the congregation, said Lowry has the education, experience and expertise to fill this role. He has led the First Baptist Church of Keller in remarkable Sunday School growth. In the past seven years their attendance has increased from 450 to over 1,000. Doyle is respected in his association and state for his knowledge of education ministry. He can help lead First Baptist to reach and disciple the Ponca City community.

“He loves the Lord, loves his family and loves the First Baptist Church of Ponca City! He brings a good balance of stability and creativity. I am convinced he deserves our full support,” Pastor Dilbeck told his congregation.

Lowry, 39 years old, and his wife, Kay have three children, Jared, 13, Kristen, 10 and Erin, 7. He was licensed to preach by the First Baptist Church of Moore. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in 1983 from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, and in 1986 a Master of Arts from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Lowry has served as Minister to Students for the local First Baptist Church in 1986-1991; also Minister of Education, Administration & Youth for the Central Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas and comes to Ponca City from Keller, Texas where he was serving as Minister of Education for the First Baptist Church there.

His duties with the Ponca City First Baptist Church will include administration of financial matters and church facilities, along with Sunday School, Bible study and education promotions.

Journalist Weible to Speak in Enid

Internationally known author, speaker and journalist Wayne Weible will be speaking at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Mark Price Arena (123 West Cherokee) and 9 a.m. Friday, April 14 at St. Francis Xavier in Enid.

Weible, a former newspaper publisher and columnist became interested in the alleged apparitions of the blessed Virgin Mary, to six young Croatians in the tiny village of Medjugorje, Bosnia-Hercegovina. In October 1985 Weible decided to write a series of articles about them for his four weekly newspapers. Due to an overwhelming number of requests for the articles, he published them as an 8-page tabloid for ease of distribution. From his initial printing of 3,000 in September 1986, “Miracle of Medjugorje” has reached an astounding fifty million copies distributed throughout the world and translated into numerous foreign languages.

For the past 8 years, Weible has traveled throughout the world lecturing on the events of Medjugorje. He has appeared on numerous national and regional television programs including: the Mother Angelica Show; The Oprah Winfrey Show; and the Sally Jesse Raphael Show.

Weible continues to travel the world as a lay evangelist, he emphasizes the message from the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje is not just for Catholics ... it is for people of ALL faiths. “God is reaching out to all people, for we are all his children,” Weible states.

Weible is the author of several books, including his international best-sellers: “Medjugorje, the Message”; “Medjugorje: the Mission”; and his most recent book “The Final Harvest.”

Grace Episcopal Congregation Joins in Ordination Celebration

Members and friends of Grace Episcopal Church will join the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong and family in celebrating the twenty-first anniversary of Fr. Ken’s ordination to the ministry of the Episcopal Church.

The celebration reception is scheduled for Sunday morning, March 26, following the 10:30 morning service of Holy Eucharist. Bill Winterrowd will lead the opening prayer, and Linda Clark, senior warden, will make the opening comments.

Serving refreshments will be Clark, Jon Kennedy, junior warden; Greg Tabor and Ollie Engle, vestrymen. Chairing the reception will be Gail Hancock, Eileen Manley and Phyllis Kennedy.

Fr. Armstrong, who succeeded the Rev. John L. Loving as rector of Grace Church in 1991, has a Master of Divinity from Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies: Business Administration from St. Edward’s in Austin.

Prior to entering the priesthood, he was employed by Sun Oil Co., and Amoco Production Co./Standard Oil, both in Tulsa.

Fr. Armstrong was Vicar at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Hugo and St. James Episcopal Church in Antlers, before becoming rector of St. Luke’s in Ada in 1982.

He is active in the ministry of the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma, and has served on the Board of Directors for St. Crispins, been a Trustee of Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, and worked with the Indian Work Committee for the diocese and chaired the Continuing Education Committee of the Commission on Ministry in the Diocese. Fr. Ken led the building of a major addition to Grace Church, which houses Sunday School, the nursery and meeting rooms with an investment of about $800,000.

Fr. Ken and his wife, Ann reside at 901 East Overbrook with their daughter, Ashley. They also have two grown sons.

Pastor’s Notes

In our Friday’s Brown-Bag Lenten Bible Study (Albright United Methodist) we have been studying “the Cross Walk.” In the introduction the writer tells the story of the late comedian Flip Wilson. A reporter asked Flip Wilson about his faith commitment. Flip replied: “Haven’t you heard? I’m a Jehovah’s Bystander.” The reporter questions: “A Jehovah’s Bystander? I’ve never heard of a Jehovah’s Bystander. What in the world is that?” Flip Wilson replied: “Well, they asked me to be a witness, but I didn’t want to get that involved!”

The writer, James W. Moore, who is senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, continues to say that so many people play around the edges of commitment but are afraid to make the leap of faith; afraid to give themselves totally, completely, unflinchingly, whole-heartedly.

The season of Lent calls us to deeper commitment and challenges us to examine our faith. Moore raises five questions that are worth considering.

* Are we real witnesses or just bystanders?

* Are we as deeply committed as we could be?

* Are we really involved, heart and soul, in living the faith daily?

* Are we really loyal to Christ and his church, supporting the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service?

* Can people see the Spirit of Christ in us?

I invite you to spend some time this Lenten Season to reflect on these questions. Are there changes you need to make in your life, your commitment to Christ, and to the Church?

Have a blessed Lent.

The Rev. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, Pastor

Albright United Methodist Church

Church Briefs

Presbyterians to Hear Dr. Ray Dykes Sunday

Dr. Ray Dykes, Oklahoma City, will preach Sunday morning, March 26, at the First Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m., it was announced today. He is the originator and first Personal Pastor of Personal Pastor Program, providing pastoral services to unchurched households. He was senior pastor of Central Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City from Jan. 1, 1983 to July 1, 1994.

Dr. Dykes is a Board Member of the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity and has been Moderator of the Indian Nations Presbytery and has served on General Assembly Boards. He was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Lebanon, Tenn. and pastor at Sparta, Tenn. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi College, Clinton, Miss. and his Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. His wife, Donna is full Professor, Chair of Hebrew at Wimberly School of Religion at Oklahoma City University. His son is a graphic artist in Oklahoma City. His father was a Southern Baptist pastor, then Presbyterian pastor, now retired in Richmond, Va.

Prince of Peace Lutherans Announce Services

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner, extends an invitation to anyone seeking a church family to join with them on Sunday morning for worship at 10 a.m. The Annunciation to Mary of Jesus’ birth is the gospel for the day.

Other saints also experiencing God’s mighty presence in their lives will be presented.

Sunday School classes for children age 3 through adult begin at 9 a.m. A fellowship time follows the worship service. Prince of Peace welcomes anyone to worship with them.

Religious Poems Sought from Ponca City Area Poets

The Bards of Burbank is offering a $1,000 grand prize in their millennium poetry competition, free to everyone. The deadline for entering is April 18, 2000.

To enter, send one poem 21 lines or less: Free Poetry Contest, 2219 W. Olive Ave., PMB250, Burbank, VA 91506, or enter on-line at www.freecontest.com.

“We think great religious poems can inspire achievement,” says Kevin Scribner, the organization’s Contest Director. “We’re especially keen on inspiring amateur poets and we think this competition will accomplish that. Oklahoma has produced many wonderful poets over the years and we’d like to discover new ones from among the Ponca City-area grassroots poets.”

Asbury UMC Plans Rummage Sale

Asbury United Methodist Women are planning a rummage sale for Saturday, April 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church, 700 West Liberty in Ponca City. Everyone is welcome to drop by, browse and shop. All proceeds will go to missions, according to Audrey Jones, President, UMW, Asbury UMC.

Spring Fling Craft Show Coming

The Annual Spring Fling Craft Show, sponsored by the Church Women United, is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Unity Gym.

This annual event is for the benefit of the Child Development Center, a United Way Agency. Admission is free, and Ponca Citians are urged to participate.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ wants to remind people that the clothing distribution ministry is open to the public two mornings each week — Tuesday and Friday, from 9 to noon. Persons in need of clothing (and some small household items) are welcome to come to the “white house” (located at the north end of the church property at the corner of Hartford and Joe Street). People may select all they need and there is no charge or donation required. People interested in donating clothing to this ministry may call the church office at 765-3610.

The ladies of the congregation are planning a “sleepover” at the home of Frances Lawrence on Friday night, March 31. Planned as a time for fellowship and sharing, it is a project of the WINGS committee.

Visitors to the morning worship services each week are invited to remain afterwards for a fellowship dinner with one of the family Fellowship Groups. The dinner allows members and visitors to become better acquainted. As we like to say, “you will not eat anywhere quicker, better, or cheaper!” Group 4 is in charge this week and is planning a spaghetti dinner featuring “your favorite sauce” contest.

The CITY-WIDE BIBLE CLASS continues to progress further into the book of Romans in its study of God’s Amazing Grace. Held weekly at 6 p.m., the text for this week’s study is Romans 2:17-29. In these verses the apostle Paul will expose the false basis some were using for their relationship with God. What was happening two thousand years ago is still happening today, and men desperately still need this message.

Ponca Indian Methodist Youth Plan Taco Sale

The Ponca Indian United Methodist Youth are planning a Taco Sale on Thursday, March 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church in White Eagle.

Cost for a Taco, drink and dessert will be $3.50 and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy.

St. Paul’s UMW Sets Spring Salad Luncheon

St. Paul’s United methodist women’s Spring Salad luncheon is scheduled for Friday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church, located at hartford and Pecan. Cost will be $5 for adults and $2 for children. Cookie bouquet centerpieces will be for sale or you may create your own Bookie bouquet.

Rummage Sale Set April 8

The United Methodist Women of Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, are planning a Rummage Sale for April 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church, 700 West Liberty. All proceeds will go their mission projects.

Local Church Group Tours Israel Jordan

Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor of Northeast Baptist, and his wife, Sandy, recently led a group of 42 church members and friends on a 12-day trip to Israel and Jordan.

The group traveled to Dallas on Wednesday, March 8 and left via British Airways for an overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. The first night in Israel was spent at Herzliya, a resort area located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

The tour of the Holy Land took in such places as Caesarea (the summer home of Herod the Great), Mount Carmel, Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon, Nazareth (the home town of Jesus), Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee.

The group also visited the Jordan River, Beth Shean, Jericho, Qumran, Engedi, and Masada on the shores of the Dead Sea. The group took a two day extension into the country of Jordan. They visited the sites of Mount Nebo, the burial place of Moses; and the ancient “Red Rock City” of Petra, and its magnificent rock fortresses.

Petra was the ancient capital of the Nabateans from the 3rd century B.C. to the 2nd century B.C. The group spent five days in the city of Jerusalem taking in such sites as Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, the Via Delarosa, Calvary and the garden tomb area. The tour group also visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.

On Saturday, March 18, the tour group left Tel Aviv for an overnight stay in London, England, before returning home on Sunday, March 19. Members of the Holy Land group included Dr. Larry and Sandy Nigh, Julie and Jason Nigh, Jerry and Maria Acciarri, Sherry Burgert, Dale and Loretta Cabbiness, Grant and Nancy Challis, Leroy and Sigrid, Charles, Denise, Lafe, Chase, and Gage Coldwater, Cliff and Billie Fite, Edy Gieseker, Charlie and Carol Goodno, Viva Goodno, Carol Harris, G.E. and Joyce Huddleston, Laurence and Mildred Losey, Janice Mothes, Al, Jonathan and Carmoletta Peck, Dale and Wilma Tague, David and Betty Tautfest, Fred and Sandra Veatch, Ed and Susan Vineyard, and Bert and Janet Walther.

KLVV Sharathon Is Coming Soon

Christian Radio Station KLVV will be having their annual Sharathon Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 6 through 8. KLVV, also known as The Love Station, is a non-profit organization that is funded through listeners. The annual Sharathon resembles a telethon, where listeners, over a three day period, have an opportunity to call in and pledge support for another year of Christian broadcasting. Most of KLVV’s operating funds come from individual contributors.

The operations budget for the Sharathon this year is $337,000. KLVV expansion plans include the addition of a new 100,000 watt station which will cover much of northern Oklahoma, providing two great Christian radio stations for listeners to hear — one station playing Contemporary Christian music and a new format of more conservative Christian music and more teaching programs.

Currently KLVV’s programming is focused to reach the next generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evenings after 9 p.m. the music is directed to drawing young people to Christian music. Other parts of the day reach out to adults with top national radio programs like Focus on the Family, Chuck Swindoll, Larry Burkett, Charles Stanley and John McArthur.

During Sharathon listeners hear about all aspects of KLVV over the air. April 6, 7, and 8 are also “3 Big Days of Giveaways” because over 200 prizes are available to be given away during this time. Various companies and ministries have donated tapes, CD’s, books, videos, and lots of Beanie Babies for the KLVV giveaways during Sharathon 2000.

KLVV is a non-profit Christian radio station that broadcasts on 88.7 FM Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas, 98.3 FM Enid, 106.7 FM Stillwater, and 97.3 FM Guthrie.

EDUCATION

East Choir Kids Gain High Marks at Contest
Card Contest Held For Local Students
School News
Dean’s Honor Roll
Scholarship Awarded
Honor Roll Members
Nigh Receives Scholarship
Who’s Who
PTC Students Excel at Conference
Renewal Conference Held

East Choir Kids Gain High Marks at Contest

The eighth grade East Middle School chorus students recently performed at the OSSAA Vocal District Music Contest at Northern Oklahoma College.

The chorus, under the direction of Carol Green, received a “I” or Superior rating in Performance and a “II” or Excellent rating in Sight Reading.

The group performed “With a Voice of Singing” by Martin Shaw and “All Nature’s Works” by Emily Crocker.

Accompanist was Roxie Berry.

Vocal soloists receiving a Superior rating were Elizabeth Myers, Shannon Love, Christina Senseman, Aaron Wright, Audrey Eubank, Kimberly Evans, Mitch Fezer, Garrett Merle and Jakeb Coon. Daak Love and Elizabeth Pearson received an Excellent rating.

Vocal ensembles receiving a Superior rating were: the Love Ensemble (Daak Love, Shannon Love, Garrett Merle, Mitch Fezer, Deitric White, Brittany Gilliam, Hillary Wright, Elizabeth Myers, Amanda Neal and Lindsey Klick); Duet Evans (Kimberly Evans and Audrey Eubank); Accapella Fezer (Mitch Fezer, Joe Stransky, Jarrod Hobbs, Deitric White, Jakeb Coon, Nicholas Durham, Daak Love, Andrew Davis, Joshua Engle); Peeples Ensemble (Kelli Smotone, Teresa Fox, Aaron Wright, Lindsay Weems, Megan McGuire, Stephanie Garino, Paula Krueger, Audrey Eubank, Christina Senseman, Krystle Loney, Sheila Payne and Laci Baird); SAB Davis (Andrew Davis, Joe Stransky, Jarrod Hobbs, Aaron Worley, Janna Green, Paula Krueger, Audrey Eubank, Lindsay Weems, Laci Baird, Aaron Wright, Christina Senseman and Krystle Loney); Gilliam Ensemble (Brittany Gilliam, Elizabeth Myers, Hillary Wright, Melanie Harris, Mitch Fezer, Garrett Merle, Shannon Love and Amanda Neal); SA Baird Duet (Laci Baird and Lindsay Weems); and the Krueger Duet (Paula Krueger and Aaron Wright).

Vocal ensmbles receiving an Excellent rating were the SA Lewis (Kyla Lewis, Heather Rasor, Michaela Cavener, Kimberly Evans, Whitney Quiram, Lindsey Thomas, Audrey Walker, Jakeb Coon, Tara Allison, Amy Huyn, Emily Viele and Jennifer McCullough); the SSA Viele Ensemble (Emily Viele, Amy Moriarty, Elisabeth Tucker, Kimberly Evans, Michaela Cavener, Whitney Quiram, Audrey Walker, Lindsey Thomas, Jakeb Coon, Tara Allison, Kyla Lewis and Jenny Rutter); the Caudillo Ensemble (Katie Caudillo, Samantha Faulk, Aaron Wright, Emily Thompson, Nicole Mansfield, Laci Baird, Janna Green, Audrey Eubank, Amanda Reiss, Paula Krueger, Susan Emmons and Elizabeth Pearson); and the Parent Ensemble (Shandi Parent, Teresa Fox, Jennifer Sherman, Samantha Bustraan, Laci Baird, Paula Krueger, Amanda Reiss, Lindsay Weems, Amanda Lee and Megan McGuire.

Card Contest Held For Local Students

Elementary students are invited to participate in a Kids Card Contest. Free entry kits are available at Dwyer’s Hallmark (no purchase necessary) in Ponca City for students ranging in age from 5 to 14. The winner will be treated to a vacation in Kansas City to be recognized at a reception, receive $250 worth of Crayola products, $500, and a $500 U.S. grant for their schools art department. Kits may be picked up from April 8-23.

School News

Dean’s Honor Roll

Richard L. Clemons has made the Dean's Honor Roll at the University of the Pacific's School of Engineering in Stockton, Calif. for the fall semester. He achieved a 3.81 carrying 18 units. He is the son of Richard W. and Victoria Clemons of Manteca, Calif., grandson of and Bill and Mary Clemons of Ponca City, and David and Fran Baur of San Antonio.

Scholarship Awarded

Brandy Westerman of Ponca City has received a five-year $12,500 Dean’s scholarship from Newman University in Wichita. She plans to major in occupational therapy.

Honor Roll Members

Cindy and Mindy Jones, daughters of Larry and Jenarold Jones, have both been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at Southern Nazarene University for the fall semester.

Nigh Receives Scholarship

Julie Nigh, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Larry Nigh, was awarded a $250 scholarship from the Oklahoma City District Dietetic Association. She is currently attending the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences center where she is pursuing a degree in Nutritional Sciences to become a registered dietitian.

Who’s Who

Ryan Hindergardt, post-graduate student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, has been selected to Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

PTC Students Excel at Conference

Cody Grogan, Sherene Agha, Judith Reyes, Andrea Collom and Austin Hawkins from Pioneer Technology Center attended the 57th Annual Oklahoma DECA Career Development Conference at the Clarion Meridian Hotel and Convention Center in Oklahoma City, March 5-7.

Cody Grogan received third place award for Full Service Restaurant Management and has qualified for the DECA National Conference in Louisville on April 29.

Austin Hawkins, Medford, also competed and placed in the top eight in vehicle petroleum marketing.

The entire group, along with Marketing Education Instructor, Molly Thies, received and was recognized with the Gold Award for their program of work and Judith Reyes as the chapter representative.

More than 125 business partners cam from across the state and Texas to be competitive event judges at the conference. The 2000-2001 state DECA officer team was also elected during the business session of the conference.

DECA is a career and technical student association for high school students enrolled in marketing education. Oklahoma has more than 2,600 members representing 60 chapters.

“This was a long day for our judges,” according to Lettie Dilbeck. Dilbeck is DECA state advisor from the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education. “We had 1,200 student who compete in one of the 33 events. The students were also required to take a written academic test.”

Some of the events are individual series events, including apparel and accessories marketing management, food marketing, retail merchandising, quick serve and full service restaurant management, business services, and vehicles and petroleum marketing.

Management team decision-making events included role playing in financial services, hospitality services, travel and tourism marketing, and sports and entertainment marketing.

Written events included 15 topics ranging from public relations and entrepreneurship to free enterprise, fashion merchandising, civic consciousness, food, business, and retail marketing.

Not only did business partners donate their time, several also donated money.

“More than $9,000 in scholarship and award monies were donated by some of our business partners,” according to Dilbeck. “Some of the money goes to college scholarships for seniors, or to send state winners to nationals,” Dilbeck said.

There are more than 180,000 DECA members nationwide. Every year, Oklahoma's DECA chapters send about 150 students who qualify for nationals.

Renewal Conference Held

As the Director of Secondary Curriculum for Ponca City schools, I am excited about the innovative energy and commitment to renewal of the secondary level of education in Ponca City.

Much of that energy comes from the leaders at the three secondary sites; we currently have the finest team of secondary principals that I have known. In the past year the high school undertook a monumental task of self-analysis to target areas for growth. Through those efforts, they have moved to a trimester system for curriculum delivery.

To continue the self-examiniation process that begins with a research base, a middle school conference was held recently at the Central Administrative Center.

In attendance were middle school educators and administrators, high school educators and administrators, a board member, central office administrators, as well as business and PTA representatives. The purpose of this two-day conference was threefold:

(1) To look at the Middle School research from “Turning Points,”

(2) To look for parallels between it and its high school counterpart, “Breaking Ranks,” and

(3) To plan for greater secondary coherence, grades 7-12.

Dr. Susan Galletti, NAASP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Director of Middle Level Services, was the presenter.

A former middle school teacher and principal as well as staff development specialist, Dr. Galletti brought a wealth of experience and expertise in secondary education to her presentation.

She has authored several publications on school reform; most recently she published a paper for the U.S. Department of Education on the Conference on Young Adolescents.

After looking at the research and after doing a self-assessment, the educators developed a long-term plan for achieving greater coherency and alignment in curriculum, assessment, and instruction at the secondary level.

All three secondary schools will devote some time on the April 24 school improvement day to this endeavor. The team who attended the conference will reconvene on April 28 to set the next steps of the plan.

This work supports my belief that great things are happening in Ponca City Public Schools!

SPORTS

TU Moving Closer To Elite Status
Sutton Gives OSU Edge In Coaching Experience
Sooners Play Number One Seed On Saturday

TU Moving Closer To Elite Status

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Always an afterthought in March, Tulsa keeps getting closer to the nation’s basketball elite.

Miami, meanwhile, keeps making school history with each postseason victory.

Tulsa (31-4) and Miami (23-10) play tonight in the South Regional, with the winner advancing within a game of the Final Four.

Tulsa is in the NCAA tournament round of 16 for the third time since 1994. For Miami, it’s a brand-new experience.

‘‘Obviously, by us making the Sweet 16, it’s a history-making event for the University of Miami,’’ center Mario Bland said Thursday. ‘‘We don’t have all the NCAA tournament banners that other schools have that are in our current position. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. If we start thinking about what we’ve done, we can lose our focus.’’

Miami, the sixth seed in the South, is in its fourth NCAA tournament in the program’s history.

For the Hurricanes and coach Leonard Hamilton, it’s been a long, sometimes difficult, 10-year march to basketball respectability. Miami won its first share of the Big East title, and a win over seventh-seed Tulsa would set a school record for season victories.

‘‘I never thought we would not get to this point in the program, because of the will, desire and determination,’’ said Hamilton, who took over at Miami in 1990. Three of his first four seasons saw fewer than 10 wins.

‘‘I’ve had a lot of dark times, but I always feel that those dark times are a time to grow and learn,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t believe that I can remember a time that I did not personally feel that we could get this program to this point and beyond.’’

Tulsa suffered one of its darkest moments in the 1999 tournament when the Golden Hurricane suffered a 97-56 loss to Duke.

But instead of sulking through the offseason, Tulsa players used it as a motivator for 2000, coach Bill Self said.

‘‘The way that game ended was food for our program,’’ Self said. ‘‘It showed us there is playing at a high level and then there is an elite level, and it showed us we had work to do.’’

‘‘Duke showed us everything a good team had to be,’’ Tulsa forward Eric Coley said.

Since then, the Golden Hurricane have lost to only two teams — to Oral Roberts once and Fresno State three times — with the four losses by a total of seven points.

And their victories are seldom close. Twenty-five times this season, Tulsa beat opponents by double-figure margins on the way to winning the Western Athletic Conference regular-season title.

‘‘It’s been a dream season so far,’’ Self said. ‘‘We’re confident, but I’m sure everyone still playing at this time is confident.’’

Sutton Gives OSU Edge In Coaching Experience

Cowboys’ Coach in 21st NCAA Tournament

By JIM O’CONNELL

AP Basketball Writer

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Eddie Sutton is the only coach to take four schools to the NCAA tournament. He’s taken two to the Final Four. His 31 tournament victories are behind only four active coaches.

The only number Seton Hall’s Tommy Amaker can brag about is a perfect winning percentage in the NCAA tournament.

Sutton, in his 21st NCAA tournament, will be on the opposite end from Amaker, in his first, tonight in the East Regional semifinals.

It will be the second consecutive veteran coach the 34-year-old Amaker tries to beat. His 10th-seeded Pirates (22-9) edged second-seeded Temple in overtime in the second round. That win was over coach 68-year-old John Chaney, who has 20 NCAA tournament victories.

‘‘To go against these men who I watched coach on TV and learned so much from is an eerie feeling, but it is also an honor,’’ Amaker said Thursday.

The third-seeded Cowboys (26-6) are led by the 64-year-old Sutton, who was asked to compare what he went through in his first NCAA tournament appearance with what Amaker has faced.

‘‘When I was at Creighton and took my first team to the NCAAs in 1974, I didn’t have the experience he had as a player at Duke and being next to Mike Krzyzewski for eight or nine seasons, so I think he’s very familiar with what goes on in the NCAAs,’’ he said. ‘‘So I’m not sure that coach Chaney or myself would have that much an advantage over Tommy. He’s been there and knows all about it.’’

What Amaker doesn’t know is who will be starting at point guard for him. Senior Shaheen Holloway sprained his left ankle against Temple on Sunday and hasn’t practiced since. He sat out the entire 60-minute open workout at the Carrier Dome on Thursday.

‘‘Right now, I’ve made a little progress,’’ Holloway said of the injury that occurred eight minutes into the second-round victory. ‘‘I’ll keep working and see what happens. The trainer and I have been spending a lot of time together.’’

Holloway said Thursday was his first day off crutches and that it was the first day with some lateral movement.

Amaker didn’t have as much optimism as Holloway, the Pirates’ leader all season and first-round hero against Oregon with 27 points, including the game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds left in overtime.

‘‘As of now, it doesn’t look as good as we want it to look,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll certainly wait until game time for a final determination, but it doesn’t look promising for him to help us.’’

That means Ty Shine will get another chance to fill in for Holloway. It will be tough for the sophomore to match what he did Sunday, scoring a career-high 26 points on 7-for-11 3-point shooting, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 18 seconds left in overtime.

‘‘I’m enjoying the situation and taking it day by day,’’ Shine said of the attention he has received the past few days. ‘‘I’m a confident player and I take shots when they’re there. If it’s the last shot, I’ll take it.’’

Oklahoma State point guard Doug Gottlieb is second in the nation in assists this season at 8.6 per game and is ninth on the career list with 928.

‘‘I feel Holloway will play,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s such a big game, and he’s a senior. He’ll give it a go.’’

Then he spoke about Shine.

‘‘I got to see about three-quarters of the game against Temple, and he was a great player with a lot of confidence,’’ Gottlieb said. ‘‘It’s interesting when you’re a backup and you have the opportunity to play. There’s nobody to sub for you, there’s nobody behind you and you’re not coming out of the game. It gives you the confidence to step up and make plays. We’ll try and watch as much film as we can on him. He really hasn’t gotten the opportunity because Shaheen had such a great year.’’

The winner advances to Sunday’s regional final against the winner of the game between top-seeded Duke and fifth-seeded Florida. Then, the Final Four is one win away.

‘‘This is a very important game for our seniors,’’ said Desmond Mason, one of seven members of that class on Oklahoma State. ‘‘We finally got over that second-round hump. Now we’re just playing the same way we’ve played all year.’’

Sooners Play Number One Seed On Saturday

By CHUCK SCHOFFNER

AP Sports Writer

With two first-team All-Americans and flashy offense, Connecticut can be downright scary. The Huskies are deep and talented, they run and press with abandon, and most of their games are blowouts.

At times, they can seem larger than life — but not to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma plays top-seeded Connecticut on Saturday in the NCAA women’s Mideast Regional at Richmond, Va., their second meeting of the season. UConn beat OU 84-68 in Norman, Okla., on Dec. 29, a game that left the Sooners beaten, but not in awe.

After seeing the Huskies up close, some of the mystique has worn off.

‘‘Sometimes they turn it over, just like we do,’’ Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said. ‘‘Sometimes they blow layups. Sometimes they foul, just like we do. They’re very good basketball players and they’re an exceptional team, but they’re human.’’

Just like Oklahoma.

The fifth-seeded Sooners (25-7) shared the Big 12 championship with Iowa State and Texas Tech, both also still alive in NCAA play, then lost to Texas in their first game at the conference tournament.

Led by Big 12 player of the year Phylesha Whaley, Oklahoma regrouped quickly, beating Brigham Young in the first round of the NCAA tournament, then knocking off fourth-seeded Purdue on the Boilermakers’ floor to advance to the round of 16.

‘‘We are a wiser team than the one that went to Kansas City and lost to Texas,’’ Coale said. ‘‘I don’t think we would have beaten Purdue had we not endured what happened to us in Kansas City.

‘‘That’s why you play games, to find out what you’re not very good at. Then you go home and fix it.’’

Oklahoma is one of just three underdogs to survive the first two rounds. Fifth-seeded North Carolina and 11th-seeded Alabama-Birmingham are still playing in the West Regional. Otherwise, it’s a field of favorites, with all of the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds still playing.

A long day of regional play starts Saturday morning, with second-seeded Duke (28-5) meeting third-seeded LSU (24-6) in the other game at Richmond. In the Mideast Regional at Memphis, top-seeded Tennessee (29-3) plays fourth-seeded Virginia (25-8) and second-seeded Notre Dame (27-4) faces third-seeded Texas Tech (27-4).

The Midwest Regional is in Kansas City, where top-seeded Louisiana Tech (30-2) will try extend coach Leon Barmore’s career again in a game with fourth-seeded Old Dominion (29-4). Barmore will retire after Tech’s final game. Second-seeded Penn State (28-4) plays third-seeded Iowa State (27-5) in the other Midwest semifinal.

In the West at Portland, Ore, it’s top-seeded Georgia (31-3) against North Carolina (20-12) and Alabama-Birmingham (21-12) against second-seeded Rutgers (24-7). The regional finals are Monday night.

Connecticut (32-1) won its first two NCAA games by 71 and 38 points and enter this round much more confident than a year ago. Frustrated by injuries and sporadic point guard play, the top-seeded Huskies beat Xavier by just two points in the second round last year, then lost to Iowa State.

This season, Sue Bird has been outstanding at the point and knows just when and where to get the ball to All-Americans Shea Ralph and Svetlana Abrosimova.

‘‘This team is really focused right now,’’ coach Geno Auriemma said. ‘‘I can’t say I’ve had anything to complain about.’’

Texas Tech has no complaints about its matchup with Notre Dame because the Lady Raiders have a score to settle with the Irish.

Two years ago, Texas Tech was the No. 1 seed in the Midwest when they lost to ninth-seeded Notre Dame at home in the second round. That prevented Tech from advancing to the regional semifinals, also on its own floor.

‘‘Any time anyone beats us, we’ve always got revenge on our mind,’’ Tech’s Keitha Dickerson said.

Duke has reached the regional semifinals for the third straight season after losing three starters from the team that was beaten by Purdue in the national championship game last year. The Blue Devils were further depleted when one of the two returnees, Peppi Browne, was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury in late January.

But veteran Georgia Schweitzer has kept Duke on a steady course, and players such as Rochelle Parent, Lauren Rice and freshman Sheana Mosch are making valuable contributions.

‘‘This shows what happens when everyone pulls together and is willing to do their part,’’ Duke coach Gail Goestenkors said. ‘‘This is the perfect example of what can be done when no one cares who gets the points or recognition.’’