LOCAL

Rep Reese Recommended For Farm Service Agency
Kaw City May Lose Bank
Nearly News
Letters to the Editor
Playhouse Stirs Up Comedy Opening Tonight at Poncan
AirtrainUSA Opens To Public For Viewing at Noon Saturday

Rep Reese Recommended For Farm Service Agency

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

NARDIN — Rep. Jim Reese’s farming background may have paid off with a new job. Reese has been recommended to head the Oklahoma office of the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

If this happens Reese, a Republican, is expected to resign his seat in the state legislature to take the post. Gov. Frank Keating would then have 30 days after the resignation to call a special election to fill the vacant seat.

Reese has served eight two-year terms and is second in command of the Republicans in the House as Assistant Minority Floor Leader. He has served on the agriculture and budget committees of the House of Representatives.

An area farmer, Reese raises wheat, soybeans and milo. His impending appointment is anticipated to be made by President George Bush through U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman.

Both Sen. Don Nickles and Sen. Jim Inhofe had supported Reese’s nomination to the FSA position with a joint letter to Veneman. Reese announced the recommendation to the House Republican Caucus on Thursday. Reese said he would take the job if Veneman offers it.

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity,” Reese said. “I am really honored to be recommended by Senators Nickles and Inhofe. I have farmed the past 25 years of my life. I love the people, I love the industry and I want to do what I can to help agricultural producers.”

The FSA administers the congressionally mandated farm programs to stabilize farm income, aid in land and water conservation and provide credit for new and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as helping farm operations recover from disasters, environmental and disaster assistance.

As state executive director, Reese would be responsible for implementing these programs and supervising 404 employees of the Oklahoma State FSA office and the 65 county FSA offices.

The federal agency’s state office is based at Oklahoma State University at Stillwater. The agency has oversight of $1.6 billion of farm programs within Oklahoma.

The White House confirmation process could taken from one to three months.

Kaw City May Lose Bank

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

KAW CITY — A newly formed committee of the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce has set a special town hall meeting for 10 a.m., Saturday regarding the announced closing of the community’s only bank. The meeting is slated at the Community Center.

In late February customers of BancFirst were informed by letter that the bank’s office in Kaw City would be permanently closed at 2 p.m., on May 25.

The letter stated that with the closure of the Kaw City location, the BancFirst office in Blackwell will serve as the primary service provider.

On Feb. 21, a group of citizens met in reaction to the announcement that the only financial facility was closing. The community has a population base of over 1,200 including the immediate area outside the city limits. A recent federal report shows the bank with $27 million in deposits on that particular day, according to Tom Trueblood, member of the concerned Chamber committee.

The Chamber committee, looking into several possible actions and reactions, is made up of local business persons, school and city officials and Kaw Nation representatives.

Saturday’s town hall meeting is designed for the community and surrounding residents who are caught in the banking dilemma to discuss possible solutions.

“Everyone who has a concern for the future of the city and surrounding areas of growth is encouraged to attend,” according to Trueblood.

Trueblood noted the reaction to the bank’s letter at the February meeting was the closing would have “a very negative impact on the city, and those residents which use the bank, especially the senior citizens.”

The bank’s letter said, “We regret any inconvenience the closure of the BancFirst location in Kaw City may cause. We appreciate your past business and want this transition to be as easy as possible for you. If you choose to move to another bank, we will do our utmost to help you through the process.”

The letter gave a toll free automated telephone banking system number 1-877-602-2262 for those wishing information on their accounts or transfer of funds.

Nearly News

Ponca City High School would like to notify parents that the 2nd Trimester report cards will be distributed on Monday, March 5, in the assembly center during all lunches.

Moving a train is not easy, especially if the road master has to wait for three other trains, fans of the ArtrainUSA found today as the train was being spotted on the tracks at the Ponca City depot. Coy Mathies of Arkansas City, road master for Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad in this area said, “We’re happy and glad to have the train in Ponca City and that we could work with the community in sponsoring it.”

Letters to the Editor

Comments on Fire

I read the letter from Mrs.Willoughby. I know nothing about her fire except what she put in the paper so I’m just going to comment on one part of it. Having retired from the Fire Department after 34 years, I must tell you that a fire that has vented itself through the roof and was 8 feet across when the Fire Department arrived is completely out of control and if all the pumper trucks had arrived at the same time this house still would have burned down. An 8 foot hole in a roof that is shake shingle is doomed to burn. Most Fire fighters wives work to help support the family and if they drive nice vehicles they do so because their wives work. As for going to an 8 hour shift and cutting personnel, we addressed that years ago and it would take more men and cost a lot more money. As a matter of fact, Gene Thorpe studied it and discovered it would not be feasible.

I had several opportunities to visit other cities while working for the Fire Department. The average shift at our Fire Department is 15 men. Two men are stationed at the number 2 Fire Station, two men at the number 3 station, 4 men at the number 4 station. There is 2 on the pumper truck and 2 on the ambulance. That leaves 7 men at the number 1 station. I have witnessed the Wichita Kansas -,-and Oklahoma City Fire Departments work house fires with 25 to 33 men with more equipment than we have.

Did the pay scale in the paper show all the over time on a W2 form, because the City would not allow the Fire Department to hire 4 men when the Department was short.

The $350,000 response truck was bought by a Federal grant applied for by Don Nuzum, head of the Ponca City airport. I might add that it took him several years to receive it. The cities part was 10percent, around $35,000. If the City had to pay the entire amount, they never would have gotten the truck. When I retired in 1994 we were in the process of getting money for a new Quint truck. We had $300,000 in reserve for this. When Chief Milliken was interviewed for the Chiefs job, the people that conducted the interview asked him how he would like to have a new quint. Millikan told them every City the size of ours should have one. He was told he would get one, but the next time I talked to Chief Millikan he told me that when he asked the City about the truck they told him they had spent the money on something else.

Every Department in the City is important and they do a very good job. I see the Police and Electric Department most and I thank. them for the good job they do. I notice City employees objecting to the 10percent raise because theirs was not that much.

Our Fire fighters work about 10 hours per week longer than other City employees. That is about 50 hours a week and is riot over time but straight pay. Other City employees that work more than 40 hours a week get paid overtime. I wonder if any of the complaining employees applied for a job at the Fire Department. Probably not. Will the City go broke over the raise? Give me a break! We’re not that bad off, The City is planning on spending $470,000 to tear down part of the Marland Mansion. Why not just moth ball it.

I talked to a Police officer the other day and he told me if the Firefighters get their raise it will bring them to about even with the Police Department. Not to mention that the Firefighters job is one of the most dangerous job in the world, think about it. When the Firefighter arrives on the scene of a fire, everyone that is able is running out of the fire. The Firefighter is going into the fire to protect life and property. Do I think the Firefighters deserve the 10percent raise? You bet! I hope the Citizens feels the same way.

Ronald Shelton

Retired Deputy Chief, Ponca City Fire Department

Fire Fighters Heroes

I live only two blocks from the No. 4 fire station. I hear the ambulance and fire trucks leave all hours of the day and night. At the sounding of every siren, I am reminded to pray for the safety and welfare of the fire fighters as well as the individuals they are rushing to assist. The risks to these men are always a concern; from needing to drive very quickly to the scene of an accident, to entering a burning building, to being exposed to dangerous toxins and diseases. Every year over 100 U.S. fire fighters lose their lives while serving in their chosen profession. Our local fire fighters know the risks, yet they continue to serve because they care.

As citizens, we should appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of all employees of our community. All employees are equal; however not all positions are. A filing clerk does not have the stress or the daily safety risks that a city policeman, fireman, or electrical lineman faces. Those risks need to be considered when the city budgets are being set. Budget cuts to some departments may simply cause an inconvenience to the citizens while cuts to other departments could jeopardize the public welfare.

The recently published “pay scale” raises many issues. Why are there such differences in the amounts paid to people of the same rank (i.e. two drivers — one paid $39,717 — the second paid $31,709?) And why would a driver make $6,000 more than a lieutenant and $4000 more than a captain? Is it because our city operated most of last year without a full staff in the fire department? When the year 2000 ended, the city was short about six firemen. Did the figures shown include extra hours of overtime worked by many of the men? It is mandated that a certain number of men be on duty at all times, if there is not enough staff to fill all positions, then men are asked to work overtime. Will the raises for each man be a percentage of the salary listed in the paper? If not, then why not list the actual salaries that the raises will be based on?

I would encourage all citizens to listen to both sides of this “fire fighter issue.” Seek out a fireman and ask him why the independent arbitrator said their department should have a 10 percent raise. Talk to the city commissioners and find out why they have chosen to have the expense of a special election rather than accepting the arbitrator’s opinion.

Statistics and figures can be manipulated to prove whatever point one wants to make. What cannot be twisted is the fact that our fire fighters are genuine heroes who continually place their lives on the line. This is one Ponca City citizen who wants our fire fighters to know how appreciated they are.

Ronda Williams

Clarifying the Facts

As the Payroll Specialist for the City of Ponca City, I would like to clarify a few facts. I deal with the salaries of our firemen on a daily basis.

In response to a letter by Karla Hinton, wages reported on W-2 forms are simply taxable wages, not actual wages paid to firemen. In addition to W-2 wages, firemen also get their health insurance for their families completely paid for by the City. Other employees pay $1,141.92 per year. Firemen don’t pay Social Security taxes (6.2 percent), but pay 8 percent of their salaries into a retirement plan that allows them to retire at half-salary after 20 years. The City contributes 13 percent into each fireman’s pension, as compared to 4.75 percent contributed into each regular employee’s pension (that’s almost 3 times as much). Other wages not reflected on the W-2 consist of pre-tax contributions to other retirement plans (up to $8,000 last year), pretaxed contributions to cafeteria plans to cover childcare and medical expenses not covered by insurance. As for “receiving no incentive for education,” the 64 firemen that are EMTs receive $650 annually. A Haz-Mat certification earns them $100 yearly.

Concerning the statement that “all other employees received raises last July,” this is true. However, all firemen know that when the contract is signed there will be checks issued for back pay, to July 1, 2000, calculated by myself. Have they forgotten the extra check they got in January 2000 (upon signing their 1999-2000 contract) retroactive to July 1, 1999? The contract signing gets later each year.

To sum up, the firemen have never lost out on what other City employees get. There were no missed raises, nor will there be this year. Firemen already have better benefits than nonunion City employees. I think the citizens need to be informed.

Kathy Nunn

Playhouse Stirs Up Comedy Opening Tonight at Poncan

By Joyce Newman

News Staff Writer

Murder, Music and Mayhem are on the Ponca Playhouse bill of fare tonight with the opening of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”. Baby Boomers will get the added treat of nostalgia for the music, the celebrities and times past.

Artist-in-residence, Dr. Sondra Williams, returns to the Ponca Playhouse for this production, having previously directed “Biloxi Blues” in 1995. Dr. Williams’ resume includes a long list of creative accomplishments and she doesn’t disappoint as director of this production. Maybe her next visit won’t be so long in coming.

The plot of this play is stereotypical of the 1940’s “Whodunit” movies the Baby Boomer generation will remember. And so are the characters.

Elsa Von Grossenknueten (Toma Foster), wealthy ( and slightly ditzy) patron of the arts. If anyone in this talented cast steals the show it is Foster. She plays the role to perfection, hitting the mark every time with her timing and delivery. Bernice Roth (Crystal Layton) the librettist who dresses like a gypsy and finds her genius in the bottle. It is obvious that Layton enjoys this role. Marjorie Baverstock (Marlys Cervantes) the insecure but wealthy producer of the play, has her part down pat; she doesn’t need dialogue for us to know just what is going through her mind.

Helsa Wenzel (Marta Maril) the mysterious German maid whose relationship with her employer is suspicious. Maril’s “stiff” performance is hilarious plus she can sing with an accent. Patrick O’Reilly (Don Jorgensen) an Irish actor — Don displays a multitude of talents in this production and does a wonderful Irish accent. Ken De La Maise (Gary Owen) the tanned, dashing, self-important, name dropping director — Owen does another outstanding job. Roger Hopewell (John Maddox) a gay composer — John gets into his part and gives us some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Singer-dancer Nikki Crandall (Christi Gonterman) has a few tricks up her sleeve; Gonterman nails the look, the attitude and the lingo. Eddie McCuen (Joshua Sroufe), struggling comedian with questionable talent; Josh gets better and better; Michael Kelly (James Halbrook) is the law and no matter which hat Halbrook wears in the play, he has “cop” written all over him.

Not all of the talent in this play is on the stage. The production crew has out done themselves on this set. They had to come up with hidden passages and secret panels and make it look effortless, and they did. The set for this play takes up the entire stage and has to speak of wealth and elegance. It does. It is truly a beautiful set. The crew has put in some extremely long hours on this set and it shows. This play also marks the debut for Diane Malone as producer and if anything is missing only she can tell. The smallest details have been well taken care of.

Kudos have to go to the costumers and hair and make-up artists on this play. They have recreated the look of the 40s in grand style.

If you haven’t turned out for one of the Playhouse productions yet this season, now would be a good time to remedy that. You don’t want to miss this one.

The play runs March 2-10 with all performances starting at 8 p.m. except the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday afternoon. To make reservations call the Ponca Playhouse box office, 765-5360, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tickets may be obtained one hour prior to show time at the Poncan box office.

Corporate sponsor for “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” is Cable One with additional financial assistance from the Oklahoma Arts Council.

AirtrainUSA Opens To Public For Viewing at Noon Saturday

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

ArtrainUSA pulled into the Santa Fe station today, loaded with “Artistry of Space,” the NASA Art Program. The national art museum on wheels opens at noon Saturday for public viewing. The train is handicap accessible.

Betty Price, Oklahoma Arts Council executive director, is expected to be among the dignitaries to be on hand for noon Saturday ribbon cutting.

The public is encouraged to go through the train and view the art from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The exhibit is free, due to the local sponsors, which funded the project. There is a gift shop on the train.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday has been reserved for visiting by fourth and sixth grade children. Scheduling has been under the direction of Dr. Nancy Nieman.

School children slated to visit on Monday are: West Middle School, sixth graders, 8:30 a.m.; Liberty fourth and sixth grade, 10 a.m.; Garfield, fourth grade, 11:40 a.m.; Lincoln, fourth grade, 12:10 p.m.; Union, sixth grade, 1:30 p.m., and Christian Academy, 2 p.m.

On Tuesday Roosevelt’s, fourth and sixth graders will visit at 8:30 a.m.; Trout fourth and sixth grades, 9:40 a.m.; Washington, fourth and sixth grades, 11:20 a.m.; Woodlands, fourth and sixth grades, 12:20 p.m.; Tonkawa schools, 2 p.m..

Wednesday beginning at 8:30 a.m., Union fourth graders; Lutheran, fourth and sixth grades, 9:20 a.m.; McCord, fourth and sixth grades, 10:20 a.m.; St. Mary’s, 11:20 a.m.; Garfield, 12:30 p.m.; East Junior High, 1:20 p.m. and Peckham, 2 p.m.

Seventeen local artists’ works will be on display Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p. m., at the Ponca Playhouse, First and Oklahoma. Arrangements for the artists are by Danielle Behar.

Art work on display will be by Betty Jones, Anna Adams, Janet Stalcup, Jane Schafers, Donna Flood, Rhonda Waters, Dorothy Cantwell, Cindy Rasche, Shirley Peterson, Ruth Loucks, Dorothy Vanover, Rod Bailey, Joyce Johnston, Jenavive Renschler, Elaine Armstrong, Linda Rous and Audre Schmitz.

A hands on art activity for children will be located inside a tent adjacent to the depot.

On Saturday there will be a “Voyage to the Planets” Musical Video Voyage through the Solar System at the Ponca city Library at 11 a.m.

The official ribbon cutting is slated at the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Train Depot, 200 West Oklahoma at noon Saturday.

DEATHS

Margaret Edgington
C. Aubrey Isaacs
Blythe Kay Burkett
Leo Clair Pingry
Lee Combrink
Walter Ray Tanksley
Clete Edward Henke
Geneva K. Rippee Hand Gildhouse

Margaret Edgington

TULSA — Margaret Edgington, former resident of Ponca City, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2001, in the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. She was 81.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City with the Rev. Dr. Michael Kuner officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hayhurst Funeral Home in Broken Arrow.

Margaret Edgington was born in Hominy on Nov. 10, 1919, the daughter of L.D. and Grace Lockhart Edgington. The family moved from Hominy to Tulsa in 1929 and settled in Ponca City in 1933. She graduated from Ponca City High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University. She taught social studies at West Junior High School in Ponca City. In 1939 she married Eugene S. Ortwein.

She was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 24 years. She volunteered in the church’s Mobile Meals program and was a lifetime member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, serving as chairwomen of the Auxiliary Family Social Services and volunteered at their Christmas store. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, the outdoors, her dogs and horses and the symphony.

Survivors include two daughters, Sylvia L. Brenner of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Ellen E. Northing of Broken Arrow; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

C. Aubrey Isaacs

WELLINGTON, Kan. — C. Aubrey Isaacs, former resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 28, 2001, in the Riverview Manor in Oxford, Kan. He was 84.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, in the chapel of the Day Funeral Home in Wellington with Steve Atchley, J. Young and Vigil McCreary officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Friday.

C. Aubrey Isaacs was born on Aug. 8, 1916, in Council Grove, Kan., the son of Charles E. Isaacs and Wanda A. Cochran Isaacs. He was employed with the Rodeo Meat Company and the John Morrell Meat Company for 34 years. He married Betty M. Roady on June 21, 1941, in Ponca City.

He began playing musical instruments as a young boy and played first chair cello at Ponca City High School and was in the University Symphonic Orchestra at the University of Oklahoma. As a senior in high school, he placed first in a national contest. He enjoyed nature, flowers, birds, and was an avid OU fan. He was a member of the Hillside Baptist Church and the Amalgamated Meat Cutter and Butcher Workmen of America.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Willard Isaacs of Wellington, Kan., and Charles Isaacs of Republic, Mo.; brother, Walter Isaacs of Carrolton, Texas; four sisters, Genevieve Mullins and Bernice Mullins, both of Red Rock, Marlene Briscoe of Bethany, and Mildred Fahrner of Sand Springs; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raleigh Isaacs and Herbert Isaacs; two sisters, Thelma Harper and Mary Isaacs; and a grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Candy Cane City, c/o Wellington City Hall, 317 South Washington, Wellington, Kan. 67152.

Blythe Kay Burkett

BLACKWELL — Blythe Kay Burkett, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, in the Blackwell Integris Regional Hospital. He was 70.

A private family service will be held with burial at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.

Blythe Kay Burkett was born Jan. 4, 1931, in Santa Ana, Calif., the son of Theodore Otis and Gertrude Esther Kinsell Burkett. He was raised and educated in Huntington Beach, Calif., graduating from Huntington Beach High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation. Upon his discharge from the military, he worked for Douglas Aircraft before joining Rockwell International, where he was a lab tech supervisor.

He married Sharon Harder in San Bernardino, Calif., on Nov. 4, 1985. In 1989, he retired from Rockwell International and moved to Ponca City in 1991 and then to Blackwell in 1993.

Survivors include his wife; two stepdaughters, Debra Plumb and Stephanie Glenn, both of Blackwell; three sons, Paul Burkett, Ronald Burkett and Kenneth Burkett, all of Blackwell; one stepson, William Potter of Klamath Falls, Ore.; one sister, Suzanne Riley of Laguna Beach, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers.

Leo Clair Pingry

NEWKIRK — Leo Clair Pingry, longtime Kay County resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 28, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 3, in Longwood Cemetery in Ponca City with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Leo Clair Pingry was born Oct. 3, 1913, in Welston, the son of Harry and Mable Bacon Pingry. He grew up and received his education in Welston. The family then moved to the Osage area and he worked for various farmers in their operations.

On Aug. 7, 1933, he married Evelyn Lucille Petty in Pawnee. In 1947, they moved east of Ponca City in the Osage area. On March 27, 1945, he was inducted into the United States Army and served in Germany. He received his discharge July 10, 1946.

After the war, he returned to the Ponca City area where they lived until 1962 when they moved to Kildare. In 1986 they moved to Wilberton, and in 1991 they returned to the Kildare area, where they since resided. .

During his working years, he worked as a carpenter for Nichols Machine Shop in Ponca City. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

He is survived by two sons, Lawrence Leon Pingry of Lawton and Harold Lee Pingry of Kildare; five grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Aug. 2, 2000, his parents, and three brothers, Lawrence, Olen and Howard.

Lee Combrink

Lee Combrink, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 83.

The funeral will be held Saturday, March 3, 2001, at 10 a.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor of First Christian Church, officiating assisted by the Rev. Charles M. Heyer. Burial will follow with military honors at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Lee Combrick was born Aug. 14, 1917, in Billings, the son of Fred and Hazel Noonan Combrink. He grew up in Billings, graduating from Billings High School in 1934. He entered the U.S. Army on Jan. 13, 1942, and served three years training troops at Camp Lee, Va., before transferring to Hawaii with a mobile refrigeration unit. He was honorably discharged Jan. 29, 1946, as staff sergeant.

On Oct. 20, 1946, he married Iola Royse in Eureka Springs, Ark. They made their home in Ponca City. He retired as a salesman with Chandler Materials.

Lee was a member of First Christian Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing golf and bridge. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball.

He is survived by his wife of the home; a sister, Jeanne Faris of El Paso, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur Combrink.

Casket bearers will be Jeff Harbart, George Heppler, Raymond Kizer, Dean Sipe, Jack Harris and Bob Colombe. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Joe Kinzer, Ron Appleman and Rex McSparrin.

Contributions may be made in his memory to First Christian Church Building Fund, PO Box 270, Ponca City, OK 74602.

Obituaries

Walter Ray Tanksley

STILLWATER — Walter Ray Tanksley, former resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, in the Stillwater Medical Center. He was 53.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the chapel of Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater with the Rev. Homer Stuart officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.

Walter Ray Tanksley was born Aug. 17, 1947, in Red Rock, the son of Sam and Dorthy Garton Tanksley. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965 and then attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. He was employed with Webber Wholesale as a route salesman. He married Connie Rozell in Ponca City on June 13, 1969. He then was employed by Anderson Wholesale and with Guy’s Foods as a route driver. While with Guy’s Foods, he moved to Stillwater in 1981. He then went with Owen Thomas Ford and Mercury Marine. He attended Meridian Technology Center, graduating with a certificate in heating and air conditioning.

Mr. Tanksley was employed with Oklahoma State University apartments and the OSU motor pool, and then with the University Mail Services when he had to leave due to his disability.

He enjoyed working on cars and doing home repairs. He enjoyed reading and cared for his family and was known to say that “My grandkids are my life.” Mr. Tanksley was always extending himself for people. He was an Eagle Scout, soccer referee and little league baseball umpire and a member of the Oklahoma Fans for Elvis.

Survivors include his wife of the home; his mother of South Carolina; one son, Joey Tanksley and his wife Melonie of Stillwater; two daughters, Jennifer Davis and husband Milton of Glencoe and Julia Way and her husband Ben of Stillwater; a brother, Samuel E. Tanksley and his wife Louise of South Carolina; a sister, Shirley Mullins and her husband Jim of Cushing; and three grandchildren, Brandy and Kyle Davis of Glencoe and Brandon Way of Stillwater.

Casket bearers will be Randy James, Victor Mireles, Gene Parmley, Larry Bruder, Monte Leslie and Larry Gant. Honorary bearers will be Fred Evans and Harold Palmer.

Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at strodefh@aol.com.

paid obituary

Clete Edward Henke

Clete Edward Henke, father of Dr. Fred Henke, died Monday evening, Feb. 26, 2001. at the family home. He was 85.

Private family services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Dec. 16, 1915 at Catesby, Okla., he was the son of Paul F. and Lucy Henke. He graduated from Laverne High School before going on to Northwestern State College at Alva where he earned a master’s degree in education. He was a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion. Mr. Henke was an avid gardener whose tomatoes will be missed by many.

During World War II, Clete served with the U.S. Army Air Force at Foster Field, Texas, as an airplane and engine mechanic. He was honorably discharged 18 Feb. 1946 after attaining the rank of sergeant.

On Nov. 30, 1939, he and the former Virginia Mae Ray were married at Arnett. Mr. Henke taught social studies and coached football and basketball at Luther Hill, Claremore and Okmulgee before retiring in the late ‘70s and moving to Libby, Mont.

In 1990 the couple moved to Ponca City to be closer to family. Mrs. Henke died Dec. 31, 1996.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Fred Henke and Jinger of Ponca City; grandsons, Jake and Mack Redd of Ponca City; Clete M. Henke of Fort Collins, Colo., and Swan Henke of Billings, Mont; granddaughters, Stefane Coburn and Sarah Lyda of Billings, Mont.; and two sisters, Pauline Messinger of Collinsville, Va,, and Elda Brown of Laverne.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Funerals

Geneva K. Rippee Hand Gildhouse

Saturday

Geneva K. Rippee Hand Gildhouse — Funeral at 2 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church with burial in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Ponca Flea Market Opens — The flea market in the parking lot of Ponca Plaza starts again Sunday. The rental fee of each vendor is used to support the Ponca City Habitat For Humanity organization.

Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you can eat, $11.95. Friday, 2nd. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Neighborhood Watch — Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, will be location for the Sunday, March 4, meeting of the Hampton Heights Neighborhood Watch organization. The meeting will be 3-5 p.m. and will include a program by horticulturist Jim Eck, Ponca City Parks Superintendent. Snacks will be provided. Anyone in the Ponca City area who is interested in learning more about Neighborhood Watch is invited to attend. Additional information can also be obtained from Sgt. Don Bohon of the Ponca City Police Department, 763-8007.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Fourteenth Street reported at 12:37 p.m. Thursday a 39-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension, transporting an open container, a city warrant for failure to pay and a Payne County warrant. Also taken into custody were a 29-year-old man and a 24-year-old man for public intoxication.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners are closed for vacation will return on March 22nd. adv.

Theft — The manager of Hastings Books, Music and Video, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, reported to Ponca City police at 4:41 p.m. Thursday an adult male was being held for shoplifting. The subject fled the store prior to police arrival. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Prime rib special, Saturday night, March 3rd. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Burglary — A woman in the 500 block of South Eleventh Street reported to Ponca City police at 5:59 p.m. Thursday her residence had been entered and some items taken. An officer was assigned and a second degree burglary report was taken.

Theft — An officer in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue advised of taking a report for a stolen bicycle at 7:56 p.m. Thursday.

Subject Held — An officer in a parking lot in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported being out on traffic with a 25-year-old man who was taken into custody on two Kay County warrants along with a 22-year-old man for public intoxication.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 42-year-old man was taken into custody for delivery of a controlled and dangerous substance and possession of drug proceeds at 8:15 p.m. Thursday.

Cemetery Single lot in Odd Fellows, Ponca City. Section 5, Row 15, Lot 75. Discounted from $500 to $300. Phone 762-3266. adv.

Robbery — A woman in the 200 block of South Elm Street reported to Ponca City police at 8:46 p.m. Thursday being assaulted by an unknown male assailant while walking in the area. The woman said the assailant came up behind her and grabbed her by the throat, then demanded cigarettes or money. About that time she got away and fled the scene. The assailant was last seen heading northbound on foot in the 100 block of South Elm Street. A description was given of the suspect. Two officers responded to the scene and a report was taken for attempted strong-armed robbery.

R&G Style Shop Newkirk, winter merchandise 70% off. adv.

Burglary — A woman in the 600 block of South Palm Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:20 p.m. Thursday she returned home and found her back door open and a back window broken with the screen cut out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Molestation — A woman reported to Ponca City police at 9:38 p.m. Thursday that a subject had been molesting her 8-year-old daughter for several months. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T Quick Stop No. 4, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported a $3 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 12:57 a.m. Friday. A description was given of the subject and the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The clerk advised the customer came into the store quite a bit, so it may be a mistake the gas wasn’t paid for.

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

Burglary — A man in the 1400 block of South Sixth Street reported several subjects had tried to break into his garage to Ponca City police at 2:40 a.m. Friday. Two officers responded to the residence and searched the area, but were not able to locate the subjects. The officers advised the area would be given an extra patrol.

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.

Special Attention — The News Briefs column has a spot for just about anything, call 765-3311.

RELIGION

Youth to Lead Service Sunday at Woodlands
Ministerial Alliance Meeting Thursday
‘His Needs, Her Needs’ Course Set
Messiah in the Passover Designed to Bridge the Gap
Church Briefs

Youth to Lead Service Sunday at Woodlands

Youth Sunday will be celebrated Sunday at Woodlands Christian Church with Darin Corder, youth minister, with the help of his sponsors, Leslie Hoover of God Squad, Karen Adams of Chi-Rho, and Jill Corder of CYF, working with the youth.

The youths will bring an special message with the theme “Trinity” being based on Mark 1:10, 11. They selected and planned all the music as well as the offering and communion mediations.

Those participating from the God Squad, Chi-Rho and CYF include Andy Adams, Joey Adams, Ashley Boring, Daniel Boring, Ryan Close, Casey Hassell, Jeremy Hingtgen, Courtney Hoover and Kyle Hoover.Ann Kruckeberg, Linn Kruckeberg, Paula Krueger, Elizabeth Ladd, Kavin Martin, Garret Merle, Ashley Todd, Mollie Todd, Sarah Todd and Kelle Waddell.

Ministerial Alliance Meeting Thursday

The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will hold its monthly luncheon on Thursday, March 8, at the St. Joseph Medical Center cafeteria, Conference Room B.

Mark Gibson, district attorney for Kay and Noble Counties, will be speaking. He will be addressing issues occurring in the Ponca City and Kay County areas that are of spiritual significance to the Body of Christ. The meeting is schedule for the noon to 1 p.m. time period to allow participants to fellowship and have a meal together. Time for questions and answers will occur to obtain key data from a public servant.

Pastors and ministers of the Gospel are encouraged to arrange their schedules to attend this meeting. Additional information may be obtained from Bob Innis, president, at 762-4376.

‘His Needs, Her Needs’ Course Set

Couples who stay happy and in love have the same degree of disagreements as couples who divorce. The difference is in how they handle disagreements and conflict and how they use skills to build strong, healthy relationships.

The eight weeks of work gives couples time to identify and learn to stop damaging behaviors in their marriages, deal with conflict, and learn to meet each other’s emotional needs.

Family Dynamics teaches a system that takes marriages to new levels, bonds couples to other couples and heals hurts.

The course incorporates powerful principles — openness, communication, reinforcement, forgiveness and acceptance. People with good marriages experience deeper intimacy and commitment, and those in struggling relationships learn to love again.

The “is Needs, Her Needs” course will be conducted at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, beginning April 3. For additional information or to enroll, call 765-3610; enrollment is limited.

Messiah in the Passover Designed to Bridge the Gap

Messiah in the Passover, a sermonic demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, will be held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene.

Messiah in the Passover will be conducted by Stewart Weinisch, a representative of Chosen People Ministries, an extensive ministry to the Jewish people.

A traditional Passover sedar table is set complete with all the articles of Passover. Weinisch will explain the different items of the Passover feast and give special emphasis to how they relate to the New Testament.

The unleavened bread, Passover wine, and entire program of Passover are instructive in understanding the Last Supper and the redemptive significance of the crucifixion. Messiah in the Passover gives the Christian community insight into Jewish traditions so that the Jewish roots of Christianity can be better understood. This program also helps the Jewish and Christian communities understand their common heritage.

Church Briefs

Master’s Voice in Concert

This Sunday evening at First Church of God, Master’s Voice, a southern gospel group, will be in concert. The group hails from Bristow and spread through their music God’s message in a distinctive manner. The concert is free; however, a love offering will be taken.

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, prepare for new spring Bible classes. Sunday Bible classes for all ages are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday Bible classes are at 7 p.m. The classes for Sunday morning are Growing Kids God’s Way, part III with Dennis Betterton teaching and I, II, III John with Carl Maples teaching. Wednesday evening classes are Psalms with Greg McElfresh, Hot Potatoes with Don Huddleston, and Discovering Talents with Steve Hamm. the theme for the new classes is Edifying One Another.

International Gospel Hour

The Newkirk Church of Christ invites the public to view In Search of the Lord’s Way each Sunday on channel 5. Sunday. Mack Lyon will speak on the topic “A Legacy of Division.” The church also sponsors the International Gospel Hour each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KSOK 95.9 FM; Winford Claiborne is the speaker.

Open House

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold an open house on Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 2408 E. Hartford. There will be time allowed for answering any and all questions; refreshments will be served.

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA at 2800 Turner Rd., will celebrate the first Sunday in Lent with holy communion. The theme is taken from Luke 4:8, where Jesus says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.” Sunday school is at 9 a.m. followed by worship at 10 a.m. and fellowship at 11:00. The Midweek Lenten services will begin on Wednesday at 7 p.m. preceded by a soup supper at 6 p.m. Visit the webpage at www.princeofpeacechurch.net.

EDUCATION

COC Members Discuss Reading Sufficiency Act
Regents Approve New Arts Degree Program
Board Curriculum Committee Discusses Grade Reporting
President’s Corner

COC Members Discuss Reading Sufficiency Act

Members of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee met recently and discussed the Reading Sufficiency Act and how it will impact Ponca City.

Members present at the meeting were Ann Bandy, Grace Brooks, Katina Combes, Lisa Coy, Vicki Graves, Sandy James, Pat Keast, Patricia Ladd, Doug Major, Perry Pederson, Linda Powers, John Scroggins, William White and Jerry Winkle.

Dr. Ladd, director of elementary curriculum, reported that the district is working with the lower grades to get students reading on their grade level. The Reading Sufficiency Act was passed three years ago and requires that all students in third grade read at their grade level.

Ladd noted that the board has adopted the Reading Sufficiency Act in kindergarten through eighth grades.

A discussion was held to support the alliance with the Ponca City Rotary Club and the Ponca City Literacy Council to help meet the needs in the educational system.

Regents Approve New Arts Degree Program

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents approved the offering of an Associate of Arts degree program in Child Development and a name change for the degree program of General Studies to Arts and Sciences with the options of General Studies and of Interdisciplinary Education. The proposed Interdisciplinary Education option will be entirely Internet accessible.

In other business at their February meeting on the Tonkawa campus, the Regents approved the employment of Lisa Patel as Director of Scholars for Excellence in Child Development, coordinating the program for daycare workers to take courses leading to various levels of certification and eventually to an associate degree. Sherry Reubell was employed as cashier effective March 1.

Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer noted that higher education is linked directly to the economic development and upgrading of the standard of living in this part of the state. He asked the Regents to contact state legislators concerning allocations for higher education in the state budget. He reported the Joint Advisory Council for Northern and Northwestern Oklahoma State University was developing a campaign to raise funds for joint scholarships between the two institutions.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Roger Stacy presented program requirements and suggested course sequences for proposed degree programs in child development and Arts and Science options of General Studies interdivisional program and of Interdisciplinary Education. He distributed an analysis of Northern internet courses showing that the number of students enrolled in spring 2001 courses was 178, 120 at Tonkawa and 58 at Enid, compared to a total of 93 students in fall 2000. Ninety-eight percent of the students lived within the seven county area served by Northern. One student resides in Atlanta, Ga.

A Tonkawa campus residence hall report provided by Vice President for Student Affairs Mick Weiberg shows Bell Honors Hall and Boehme Honors Floor each at 100 percent occupancy. Total occupancy for men's halls is 90 percent and for women's halls is 77 percent.

Marion Tucker, vice president for computer information systems, announced that Ron Cooper, executive director of the Center of Excellence in Tulsa had visited the Multimedia and Digital Communications facilities on campus and will market the program for the college, using a CD created by MMDC Director Piyush Patel. The first international inquiry concerning Northern's MMDC program has been received from a high school student in Iceland.

Vice President for Development and Dean of Enid Campus Dr. Ed Vineyard reported recent activities on the Enid campus and listed new fall 2001classes to be taught on campus, including Ceramics, Calculus I, Statistics, an additional section of Microbiology, Geography, Fundamentals of Art, Spanish II and French II, and classes in concert band, jazz band and private string instruments. He had met with Kinzer, NWOSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Timothy Zwink and NWOSU President Dr. Tom McDaniel regarding the enhancement of cooperation and coordination between the two institutions. Advisers from Northwestern will be available on the Northern Enid campus two days a week to facilitate the transfer of graduating Northern students to Northwestern.

Vineyard told the Regents that the donations to the NOC Foundation had increased 81 percent over last year's contributions.

Financial reports given by Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson and Section 13 allocation requests for projects, including the Centennial project for campus site development, renovations to Central Hall and replacement of carpet and tile in the Vineyard Library on the Tonkawa campus and equipment, computers and networking for an additional presentation classroom. Also approved were purchases of ELMOS and projectors for presentation classrooms and of a new vehicle.

Regents attending the meeting were Chairman Keith James, Pond Creek; Vice Chairman Bill Bridwell and Secretary Bill O'Connor, Ponca City; and members Carl Hamm, Perry, and David Trojan, Enid. The Board will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 15 in the President's Conference Room on the Enid campus.

Board Curriculum Committee Discusses Grade Reporting

Members of the Ponca City Board Curriculum Committee held its monthly meeting on Feb. 13 and discussed the middle schools.

Members present were Patty Ladd, Dr. John Scroggins, Chris LittleCook, Mike Kruck and Vicki Graves.

The trimester grade reporting for the middle school was discussed. Members noted it was important that everyone knew this grade reporting change was not a schedule change. The grade reporting change will let the staff communicate with the parents more often because the parents will be getting reports every six weeks instead of every nine weeks. It was recommended that the committee not call it Trimester Reporting, but instead could call it A Consistent District Reporting.

A “Parent Connect” software was discussed that would allow parents to access information on their student regarding teacher assignments, grades, etc. from their home computer. Parents will be able to access information on their student only.

Chris LittleCook advised the committee of a letter Dr. White would receive from the March of Dimes asking permission for elementary schools to participate in a Coin Card Drive for the March of Dimes.

United Way is also asking for permission to administer a Youth Risk Behavior Survey to students in the fall of 2001. Norman schools and Lawton schools have also been asked to administer this survey. The committee decided to hold a special meeting to discuss the survey.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article was supplied by members of the Curriculum Committee. All topics are for discussion only.

President’s Corner

by Dr. Joe Kinzer

Northern Oklahoma College President

Semester Brings New Developments

TONKAWA — As mid-term of the spring semester at Northern Oklahoma College approaches, I would like to report on new developments and update our progress in various areas of our educational process.

Faculty and administrators are constantly working to provide educational opportunities relevant to the needs of persons not only in our immediate service area but also in remote areas where access to higher education facilities may not be easily available. Therefore, I am pleased that plans are nearing completion to offer students an opportunity to earn an Associate of Science degree in Arts and Sciences-Interdisciplinary Education Option via coursework taken entirely over the Internet. Students who for various reasons cannot commute to or reside on campus would be able to achieve an associate degree in a solid transfer degree program.

Students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Education option would complete general education requirements and additional hours in two areas of emphasis selected from four options: business, language arts, science and mathematics, and social sciences. Although all courses for this degree would be available via the Internet, students could also take the coursework for the degree on campus. Internet courses could apply toward other degrees as well.

Northern's Internet courses are increasingly popular. We have doubled the number of courses from nine last fall to 17 this spring and expect to have 31 courses online in Fall 2001. The number of Internet enrollments increased from 103 last fall to 258 this spring; the number of full-time students increased from 55 to 105. Interestingly, 98 percent of the students taking the courses are from the seven-county college service area with 55 students from Ponca City alone. However, we have one enrollee from Atlanta, Ga., and we have received an inquiry from a high school student in Iceland. Northern may very soon be actively involved in global education.

Another change planned is the renaming of the current General Studies degree program as Arts and Sciences and, in addition to the aforementioned Interdisciplinary Education Option, providing a General Studies option. As with the General Studies program now in place, students would be able to earn an Associate of Science degree without declaring a specific major.

Students choosing this option would complete their general education requirements while researching possible majors in their area of interest. Some campus coursework would be required.

Responding to a perceived need of area childcare personnel to further their education, we are developing an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Lisa Patel, director for excellence in childcare and scholar coordinator, will recruit daycare workers to enter the program and will mentor them as they pursue their academic careers. We are working on an agreement with area technology centers whereby students taking classes at the centers could transfer to Northern to complete their associate degree. Since additional education of workers results in additional funds available for their childcare centers, Northern hopes to affect the local economy in a positive way.

Spring enrollment at Northern is the largest ever with a total of 2557 students compared to 2452 a year ago. Of these, 1586 are enrolled in courses originating from the Tonkawa campus, topping our prediction of 1400 at the beginning of the semester. Area high school students concurrently enrolled number 147 compared to 124 last semester.

Enrollment for summer and fall semesters 2001 opens Monday, March 12. Students who currently attend Northern or have previously attended the college can enroll online via the college website at www.north-ok.edu. I invite all area residents interested in furthering their education to investigate the many opportunities provided by Northern Oklahoma College.

LIFESTYLES

Little News

Little News

Hannah Danielle Schieber

Amanda and Daniel Schieber, 2505 East Hartford, announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Hannah Danielle Schieber. She was born at 6:32 p.m. Feb. 19, 2001, in Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. Hannah weighed 2 pounds, 15.3 ounces, and measured 16 inches long. The parents say the baby is progressing during her stay in the hospital.

Maternal grandparents are Tina and Arlan Newman of Okeene. Paternal grandparents are Dee and Cathy Schieber of Kildare. Great-grandparents are Mary Spears of Ponca City, Spella and Roger Rose of Bella Vista, Ark.

Promise Krystal-Marie Renfrow

Promise Krystal-Marie Renfrow is the name chosen by Krissy Hollie Ramsey and Stanley Duke-Edward Renfrow Jr. for their daughter born at 11:53 a.m. Jan. 24, 2001, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and measured 20 1/4 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Richard and Jan Evans and Mark and Lisa Ramsey, all of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Theresa and Johnny wise of Eufaula. Great-grandparents are Bill and Shirley Ramsey and Kenneth and Jannette Vassar.

SPORTS

Lady Mavs Seeded 3rd Mavs 5th
Frontiers State Stay Short

Lady Mavs Seeded 3rd Mavs 5th

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

TONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavericks will play Westark and the Mavericks will play Connors State in the first round of the Region II Championship Tournament in Shawnee next week.

The No. 5 seed Mavericks take on Connors State at 3 pm. Thursday and the No. 3 seed Lady Mavs play Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Coach Greg Krause saiD after the pairings this morning that he was satisfied with the pairing. The Lady Mavs are seeded behind Northeastern and Eastern.

“It was a good draw,” he said. “They’re all tough games, but I’m happy.”

Krause was also happy the ladies ended the regular with a win Thursday night in Tonkawa. His Lady Mavericks never backed down from the challenge offered by the Seminole Belles and pulled away just enough in the Ūnal minutes to win the last home game of the season for Northern by a margin of 83-79.

The Northern men finished strong with a 81-76 victory in the second game.

The women’s game opened with a long three-pointer from Morrison sophomore Lindsey Shiever during Parents’ Night. The Lady Mavs then fell behind by three and had to battle to stay with the Belles. With Moore sophomore B.J. Homer held scoreless in the Ūrst half, the Lady Mavericks found themselves down by six at the intermission.

But Homer didn’t give up that easy. She went on to score 15 on the night with four treys to her credit. Shiever Ūnished with 12 points.

“We had our hands full tonight,” Krause said. “But we stepped up and played an excellent second half.”

Oklahoma City Forward LaQuiesha Dickerson crushed the Belles inside defense and powered her way to 28 points to lead Lady Maverick scoring on the night.

”Dickerson did a great job for us,” Krause said. “It was like a boxing match in the second half with the two teams trading blows.”

The teams found themselves tied time and again throughout the second period.

With the Lady Mavs back by four, Seminole was issued a technical foul. Homer was Krause’s shooter and although she went 1-of-2 from the line, it gave the Lady Mavs the momentum to Ūght for, and eventually take the lead with 14 minutes left.

The teams traded the lead back and forth until the closing three minutes when Northern went up for good.

With 12 seconds on the clock it was still a two-point ballgame. Krause and the Lady Mavs faced a pressure defense but won the freethrow challenge and the game.

“This puts us in a great position for the Region II Tournament,” Krause said. “Unless there were some unexpected upsets tonight we should be in the top three in the Region. That’s a good place to be.”

Adding to the Lady Maverick scoring effort was freshman Erin Goss with 13 and Ashley Hewitt with 10.

“Erin and Ashley both played a hard game for us,” Krause said. sophomore Tia Andrew had three huge blocks in the game, several key rebounds and 2 points. sophomore Denise Jake added 2 as well.

Coaches don’t often like to face off against their toughest opponents right before tournament time, but Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks’ coach Mick Weiberg knew that if his team could add another win before Region II playoff action that they could build momentum.

Build momentum they did, improving their conference record to 13-7.

Crawling out from under the dark shadow of an even record in the Ūrst half of the season, Weiberg has coached his team through adversity to close the regular season with seven straight victories.

On Thursday night in Tonkawa the Mavericks faced nationally ranked No. 14 Seminole State College for the Ūnal home game of the season and rose to the occasion before full stands in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse.

After being down by as much as 11 points in the early going, the Mavericks wouldn’t go away under the heels of the Seminole Trojans and battled back to close the Ūrst half 40-42 with an 8-2 scoring run in the Ūnal two minutes.

“It was the most physical game I’ve seen played in a lot of years,” Weiberg said. “It’s amazing that we were only down by two at the half. I have to credit everyone on the team with that effort. We only had two turnovers in the Ūrst half.”

Edmond sophomore Richie Myers faced three different defenders on the offensive end of the court, and on his way to a powerful 38 points for the night managed to retire all three because of excessive fouls.

“Myers and Prater have really stepped up their game,” Weiberg said.

Edmond sophomore Scott Prater was held to four points in the Ūrst half but managed to end with 20.

“This game had several faces,” Weiberg said. “It was a real physical showdown out there. I’ve never seen referees let you play so much. We held our own and really took it to them.”

Tulsa Guard Greg Wilson played a hard defensive game and controlled the offense from the point. He scored 7 on the night including a big steal and layup to close out the Ūrst half.

“Wilson played big defense for us tonight. He had some huge rebounds when we needed them.”

“It’s nice to win seven in a row,” Weiberg said. “This really gives us the momentum going into the tournament. Through everything this team has faced they have come back to do a super job. We need to take this momentum and go with it.”

Also scoring for the Mavericks was forward CJ Johnson with 8, Merrill Andrews with 5, Phillip Knowlton with 2 and JR Regnier with 1.

Frontiers State Stay Short

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

MOORE — The Frontier Mustangs made its seventh consecutive trip to the state tournament, but this year’s appearance was little more than a cameo. The No. 8 seed Cimarron Trailblazers ushered Frontier out the door in a stunning 56-52 upset.

Frontier coach Bob Weckstein said he wasn’t surprised by Cimarron’s performance.

“They’re a good team,” he said. “Anytime you go to the state tournament, you’re going to have a good team.”

Frontier ends the season with a record of 22-7. Cimarron is 28-3.

The Mustangs made only 7-of-31 from 3-point range and 13-of-37 from 2-point range for 29.4 percent shooting average for the night. In spite of Frontier’s poor shooting, the Mustangs still out scored Cimarron from the field as the Trailblazers managed 13-of-22 from 2-point range and 4-of-14 from beyond the arc for 38 points from the field.

Frontier out rebounded their opponent by three. The Mustangs collected 20 offensive boards and 14 on the defensive end while Cimarron hauled in only five offensive and 26 defensive boards.

Frontier committed nine turnovers and Cimarron turned it over 18 times.

The difference in the game was free throws. The Trailblazers converted 18-of-29 from the free throw line. Frontier shot only 10 free throws all night and converted five. The Mustangs were 1-of-2 from the free throw line in the first period and 4-of-9 in the final four minutes of the fourth period. The Mustangs did not go to the free throw line in the second and third quarters.

Cimarron attacked the basket. The Trailblazers continually went inside while the Mustangs stayed outside.

Weckstein said he had to give Cimarron credit.

“I’m disappointed for my boys, but I’m not disappointed in them,” he said. “I’ve got four seniors who’ve had great careers and I told them not to let one game define your career or define your life.

“To win a state championship, you’ve got to be lucky and you’ve got to have the breaks.

“Anytime you go to the state tournament, you’re liable to get beat. It’s not like we had the dominant team coming in here and rolling over everyone.”

Frontier trailed from the beginning and lagged 16-4 in the first quarter. The Mustangs managed to close to within four during the final 1:20 as the Mustangs stepped up its defensive pressure to force the Trailblazers into turnovers.

The second quarter saw the Trailblazers extend the halftime lead to seven, 28-21.

In the final minute of the third period, Frontier stepped it up again on defense with full court pressure to force Cimarron into committing three turnovers. Mustang Tom Butler scored five points all night and all of them came in the final minute of the third period. He scored two points on a lay-up after a steal to narrow the score to 39-37. Frontier held the ball the final 33.9 seconds of the third period. At the buzzer, Butler hit a 3-point buzzer beater to give the Mustangs its first lead, 40-39.

But, Cimarron regained the lead, 45-44, at the 4:26 mark.

In the next four minutes, Cimarron went to the free throw line seven times and converted 9-of-14 attempts for all but two of the team’s final 11 points. Frontier converted 4-of-9 in the final four minutes.

Albert Plumley, senior, who averages 19 points, led the Mustangs in scoring with 14 points. Miles Bender scored 12 and pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double in his final game. Chris Plumley, junior, 9; Matt Clouse, senior, 6; Tom Butler, senior, 5; Wahskon Camp, freshman, 5 and Jeff Ingmire, junior, 1.

Junior Buck Killman scored 13 for Cimarron. Kendall Bergdall, junior, 12; Chris Cobb, junior, 3; Braden Newton, junior, 3 and Jared Swart, sophomore, 3.