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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March 13, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALInterested Parties Seeking Bandwith Control Solution Interested Parties Seeking Bandwith Control SolutionBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer A solution concerning which local entity will control the new high bandwidth fiber project to Ponca City may have come closer to being resolved in today’s combined work session of the City Commission and the Telecommunication Committee. The forming of third party answerable to the Oklahoma Regents of Higher Education, which is responsible for the $4.5 million grant, was suggested and could be the answer. In today’s session, Stan Kistler, chairman of the telecommunications committee, called on attorney Gary Bracken, who proposed the forming of a separate seven-member board. This would be a 501-C6 non-profit organization. Mayor Tom Leonard later told The News, “We’re ready to do this. This benefits everyone concerned.” Bracken suggested the board be made up of two representatives from the city, two from Conoco, two from the Oklahoma Regents of Higher Education and one from the Chamber of Commerce. The grant secured through the efforts of Sen. Don Nickles and U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook is for the purpose of higher education and economic development. Efforts are already under way to obtain money for a second phase. Bracken said for the third party board by-laws, which have been approved by the Oklahoma regents, an executive director would be hired and the board would be accountable to the regents. The first course of action would apparently be to hire a consultant to determine the best way to develop the project. Responding to why two members from Conoco would be on the board, Jan Jarrett, economic development director, reminded the group that Conoco has offered the North Tower and other facilities at a reduced rate to help promote economic development. Jarrett noted Conoco’s contribution in terms of facilities would equal the federal grant in dollars. There is apparently a question as to whether the fiber optics should link in at the Conoco complex or the old Southwestern Bell telephone building on North Second, which the city is considering as a site. Leonard told The News, “I would like to see us pursue having Chickasaw provide services to Ponca City. This would save the cost of running the pipeline (which fiber optics runs through) from Stillwater.” Chickasaw Telecommunications operation could be available at I-35 and Highway 60. Leonard said the money that is saved could then can be spent on enhancing education, economic development and the community. No official action happened at the 90-minute meeting. The city commission is slated to discuss the matter further in another work session. If the third party takes control it apparently will be a necessity for the City Commission to amend or rescind the ordinance creating the telecommunications body. A number of questions possibly remain on the table, such as wouldn’t the regents feel better if the money was controlled by a public trust and would the third party be subject to open meeting laws? Board Upholds Student Suspension Following No Show at Final HearingBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor In a unanimous decision, the Ponca City Board of Education upheld the administrator’s decision regarding student disciplinary action following a due process hearing. The seventh grade student, and his parents, who requested the due process hearing, were not in attendance at the hearing. Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of building and operations, represented the administration during the hearing. He told the board he had not received notification that the parents or student would not attend. During his opening statement, Surber asked the board to uphold the Level II decision by Superintendent Dr. Bill White to suspend the West Middle School student for the remainder of the year for fighting. Surber said the school wants a safe, violence-free environment. “This is the third time the student in question has been caught for fighting,” Surber said. “The building principal, Barbara Cusick, followed the rules and suspended him for the remainder of the year.” Surber said the fight occurred on Feb. 1, 2001. “This student knew there would be consequences if he got into a fight. He belonged to the Lion’s team at West Middle School, which goes over the details of fighting in the student handbook,” he said. Surber also noted that students can be suspended following the first fight. He said the fight was witnessed by three students, who were all interviewed by Officer Tom Burg of the Ponca City Police Department. Surber said an assembly was held the morning of the fight. “During the assembly, Cusick (the principal) and Officer Burg warned students against fighting. He knew there would be consequences and he did it anyway,” he said. The student is currently participating in home-based instruction. Cusick said he attends West Middle School three hours per week after school hours and receives help on his hardest subjects. The other student involved in the fight was not suspended. Cusick said after students were interviewed, she came to the conclusion that the child was defending himself. “He was out of school on Friday and Monday following the fight until we made our decision,” she said. Level III is the furthest a student can appeal without going to the courts. The Level I hearing was held with Cusick and Level II with the superintendent. Proposed Apartment Project Tabled for Further DiscussionBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor One anticipated building project was put on the back burner, while another took a step forward during action (or non-action) of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday night. With a packed commission room awaiting action on one of the issues, commissioners heard a special report from prospective developers of a 23-unit apartment complex that would house specifically disabled adults. The project had been before the planning commission and received unanimous (5-0) support of those at that meeting, but city commissioners had reservations when presented the petitions of more than 60 residents of the area against the proposal. Commissioners were to address the special use permit in the C-1 Local Commercial District, that would allow the 23-unit apartment complex to be located north of the 1500 block of Queens Avenue. However, after viewing the proposal from the developers, Mayor Tom Leonard allowed residents in the audience an opportunity to express their opinions. Concerns included drainage, which had been improved in the past few months following lengthy action to get it improved; security, with youngsters living in the area of the apartments that were specifically set aside for disabled adults; and the possibility of lower valuation of homes in the area. After listening to complaints about the situation, commissioners decided that it needed further review, and tabled any action on the special use permit. Commissioner Chris Hand said, “I wish we could have seen this proposal during a work session. I have a lot of questions about it.” City Engineer Randy Lauritsen noted for the commissioners that “it would be their (the developers) obligation to provide any drainage study prior to the issuing of a building permit.” With the proposal tabled, the next item on the agenda was withdrawn, which would have been to approve the site development plan as submitted for the Skyline apartment complex. In other action that included property and development, the city limits of Ponca City were extended to include an area along the 2000-2500 blocks of L.A. Cann Drive in the Lake Ponca area, when commissioners approved an ordinance extending the corporate limits of the city. That will allow Evans and Associates to continue with the development of a proposed Fox Run Estates Addition, a 40-acre tract of land located east of L.A. Cann Drive, to be within city limits. As a result of annexation, the property will be zoned in accordance with its intended use, being R-1 Single Family Residential. All public improvements (water, sewer and street) have been engineered and will be constructed in accordance with city specifications. The planning commission had approved a preliminary plat of the subject property, which included a total of 65 residential lots surrounding a large common area set-aside for stormwater detention and passive recreational purposes. Excavation Will Alter Traffic FlowExcavation in the 600 block of East Prospect Avenue will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday by the Ponca City Utilities Department, Water Division, in an effort to confirm location of existing water utilities. Utility Maintenance Superintendent Charlie Hargraves reported that work was scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and continue until completed. Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane, with the outside westbound lane closed in the area of the excavation. Nearly NewsOne of East Middle Schools’ Teachers of the Year, Amy Viele, was inadvertently left off the list of 2001-2002 Teachers of the Year. Viele, an English teacher, is in her fourth year teaching in Ponca City. Principal Sharon Scroggins stated, “Amy is special because she teaches with the individual needs of students in mind, constantly looking for strategies that will help children learn.” Landmark Conservancy Meeting Set TonightPonca City Landmark Conservancy will meet 7 p.m. today at the Deli-icious Diner, 307 East Grand, to discuss the current situtation with the CME Chapel, and what is happening at the Santa Fe Depot, according to Bret Carter, president. Other discussion will be held on the 2001 Swingin’ in the Park fundrasier. Also plans are to be made to promote National Historic Preservation Week and an update on the restoration of the Ruby Gates. Other topics include renovation of several downtown buildings and a group wanting to delay the demolitoin of the buildings (Conference Center) on the Marland Estate. Po-Hi Band Concert Scheduled Tonight At Howell AuditoriumThe Ponca City High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will perform a concert for the public tonight in the Howell Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The performance is free to the public. The Symphonic Band will be performing “Fantasy” on an Irish Air by David Gorham and “The Belle of Chicago” by John Phillip Sousa. Following their performance, the students will perform in selected ensembles. Small ensembles to perform are the Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Brass Choir. The Ponca City Wind Ensemble will close the concert with “The Whip and Spur March” by Thomas Allan, “Australian Up Country Tune” by Percy Grainger and “The Chester” by William Schumann. LettersRight to Work or Vote Doesn’t everyone have a right to work? No, not in the United States (mistakenly known for its Bill of Rights). Only 21 states have a Right to Work law. Oklahoma does not have a Right to Work law that allows Oklahomans the right to work. A Right to Work law guarantees that no person can be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or not to join, nor to pay dues to a labor union. The National Right to Work Committee has called attention to the fact that Right to Work states enjoy a higher standard of living than do non-Right to Work states. Families in Right to Work states, on average, have greater after-tax income and purchasing power than do those families living in non-Right to Work states California, as well as Oklahoma, does not have a Right to Work law. As a result, Hollywood (and Oklahoma) have suffered great financial losses due to run-away film productions to other states and countries who have a Right to Work. Gov. George Nigh recognized the economic potential of film production for Oklahoma 20 years ago and established a film board to bring film production into the state . Gov. Keating also saw the potential, as did Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, who is currently chairman of the Oklahoma Film Commission. Having been a television director in Hollywood, and subsequently made international award winning short films, I was appointed a charter member to the Oklahoma Film Board by Gov. Nigh, where I served a dozen years trying to bring film production to Oklahoma. The first question usually asked of me was, “Is Oklahoma a Right to Work State?” When I had to reply that it was not, the quest ended. I once got a call from a producer friend whom I’d hosted for several days in Ponca City. I had shown him the fantastic locations we have to offer, like the Marland Mansion, and he was impressed. When he called, he was in a meeting about ready to go on a production. He asked, “Truman, is Oklahoma a Right to Work state?” I had to answer “No” and he excused himself because they were in a hurry to start. Another producer friend visiting here regretted that he had not produced any of his films in Oklahoma, because he said, “Most film productions will leave about 50 percent of their budget on location. “ He cited leaving $17 million on one location, plus having built a western town at a cost of $7 million, which they left for the state to use as a tourist attraction, which he said, “Could have been left in Oklahoma.” He also pointed out that film production is a “clean industry” that requires no capital investment from the location. Since I didn’t understand why we were handicapped by not being a Right to Work state, I made inquiries at the capitol and found that the unions were against it. Why, when motion picture productions could bring many millions of dollars into the state. I was told that, “Every time the vote comes up for Right to Work, the unions contribute over six million dollars to oppose it.” Contribute to whom? I attended a legislative committee meeting on the vote for Right to Work in the ’80s. The committee voted against even letting the vote go forward. So the Right to Work law for Oklahoma died in committee and Oklahoma remained(s) a non-Right to Work state. I was not only shocked, but angered that the lawmakers and the people of Oklahoma were prevented from voting on the Right to Work law, because they were prevented their right to vote! For what? Their right to bring more revenue into the state. Consider this: Amendment XV of the U.S. Constitution: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude.” I submit that all citizens and their representatives in government have lost their liberty as slaves to the lobbyist who buy the citizen’s rights in order to break the laws and even buy presidential pardons. This is both immoral and illegal with disastrous consequences! Please think about it and personally demand your Right to Vote. Truman Smith Most Administrators To Remain At Ponca City School SystemBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Several administrators, including directors and principals, will remain with the Ponca City schools throughout the 2001-2002 school year. Approval was given to 23 out of 24 contracts during Monday night’s Ponca City Board of Education meeting. The only contract not renewed was for Link Cotham, assistant principal at West Middle School. Board members said the contract would be discussed at a later time. Directors receiving approval were Dr. Patty Ladd, director of elementary education; Jerry Jantz, director of technology; Pat Morris, director of special education; Dr. Nancy Niemann, director of personnel; Dr. Linda Powers, director of secondary education; and Bret Smith, director of maintenance/risk management. Also, Mary Ladd, administrative assistant to the superintendent and public information coordinator; and Brenda Storie, business coordinator/treasurer. Renewal contracts for site principals included Randa Bloomfield, Garfield Academy; Barbara Cusick, West Middle School; Jeff Edwards, Trout Elementary; Carla Fry, Woodlands Elementary; Jean Gaytan, Union Elementary; Ron Myers, Liberty Elementary; Sharon Scroggins, East Middle School; David Shelton, Lincoln Elementary; Tom Sipe, Roosevelt Elementary and Jerry Winkle, Po-Hi. Assistant principal’s contracts renewed were Becky Cole, Po-Hi; Karen Humble, East Middle School; and Roydon Tilley, John Woody and Mark Wynn, Po-Hi. Parent Connect Software Unanimous approval was given to an agreement with NCS Pearson for Parent Connect software for the district. Parent Connect is an Internet-based program that allows parents to get more involved in their child’s day-to-day education. It gives parents timely information about their child’s progress in school. With the click of a mouse, parents will have access to grades, attendance, assignments, discipline and even their child’s teacher. Jerry Jantz, director of technology; said the installation and software will cost the district about $15,000. He said a pilot will be started at West Middle School to “iron the kinks out.” The rest of the schools should be ready by this fall. Jantz also said parents will only be able to access their student’s information. Other Agenda Items Approval for a change order totaling $3,200 for the East Middle School Remodeling Project was given. The change order is for additional electrical outlets, filling in of windows in the girls’ dressing room with concrete blocks and the repair/strengthening of the walls due to the asbestos removal process. A new policy adopting the Staff Resignations Policy was approved. The policy gives power to the superintendent to accept on its behalf letters of resignation from any employee. Receipt of a letter of resignation by the superintendent constitutes acceptance of such resignation by the board and releases the employee from any further contractual or employment duties owed to the district. The personnel report received approval with the exception of Rebecca Blakley’s contract from Roosevelt Elementary pending the opportunity of a due process hearing. Dr. John Scroggins, deputy superintendent, gave the members an update on Superintendent Dr. Bill White who is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery in Oklahoma City. Scroggins said White was healing quickly and told him “he was already bored.” NOC Roustabout Auditions Set for Tonkawa March 31TONKAWA — “It’s time to prepare for the annual Northern Oklahoma College Roustabouts Jamboree,” Director Dineo Heilmann reminds high school seniors interested in auditioning for the musical show troupe. The Tonkawa-based troupe has positions open for both male and female singers. Auditions will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, in the Northern Performing Arts Center Choir Room, according to Rick Edgington, vocal director. Vocalists should bring one prepared solo of any style of music, including pop, country or gospel, with either tape or keyboard accompaniment. Those trying out will also learn an on-spot choreography number taught by a sophomore Roustabout member. According to Dr. Mike Moore, assistant director, instrumentalists needed include, in particular, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass guitar, string bass, percussion and keyboard players. Those auditioning should bring a prepared instrumental solo of any style of music. Tryouts will begin at 1 p.m. in the NPAC Band Room March 31. Light and sound technicians are also needed. Students selected for the Roustabouts will receive a $300 tuition waiver scholarship for their freshman year. They must be full-time students at Northern and must enroll in College Choir and Private Voice or in College Band during the fall semester. All participants in the auditions are invited to the Roustabout Benefit Show in the NPAC that same evening. New Roustabouts for 2001-2002 will be introduced during the performance. Founded in 1964, the Roustabouts represent Northern as they perform at high schools and for civic organizations throughout the state. They have performed in Washington, D.C.; have made several performing tours in other countries, including Russia, Romania and England; and are slated to perform in May on a ship cruising the Gulf of Mexico with ports of call in Mexico. Community Trails Project Agreement Signed by CityBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor Ponca City Board of Commissioners accepted an agreement Monday for design services and construction phase services of the Community Trails Project Phase I. Authorization was given Mayor Tom Leonard to sign the agreement with LandPLan Consultants Inc. of Tulsa to provide the preliminary design phase, final design phase and bidding phase. The contractual amount would be $37,197.50. This phase of the project involves creating a trail that starts at Hartford Avenue and Redbud Park, south to the Marland Mansion, through the estate grounds, becomes a share of the road project down Monument Road and west on Highland Avenue to War Memorial Park. A trail system in the War Memorial Park and a share of the road south from War Memorial Park on Seventh Street that will connect to the trails of Standing Bear Park. Commissioners also approved an ordinance vacating a portion of an easement for a sewer easement located along L.A. Cann Drive, plus an emergency clause for the ordinance. Reason for the ordinance need, was an abandonment as a result of purchasing a new easement north of L.A. Cann Drive and rerouting the sewer along the north right of way and south on Kygar Road. Approval was also given to a change order with Evans and Associates amounting to $30,109.50 for work to be completed on a street improvement project. It consists of asphalt overlays and rebuilds of various streets. The project will be Lake Road, from Dalewood Lane to Pecan Road. Work on the project is expected to include two inches of asphalt surface. Information given commissioners Monday was that since the time the original plans were drawn for the project, the weather significantly deteriorated the particular section of the road which city engineering staff has recommended an addition of a one-inch leveling course of asphalt to overcome a rutting problem. The other item on the change order is the construction of asphalt curbs on the north side of the 1500 block of Pioneer Road, which the engineering staff indicates will help alleviate street drainage problems in the area. The commission approved the proposed contract between Mediclaims and the city for services for one year as requested by Fire Chief Gary Denny. The contract contains new verbiage that will not affect the objective of the contract, and Denny noted there were no differing financial impacts. Consent items approved by the commission included closing out the documents with Oklahoma Department of Commerce the Community Development Block Grant that was for the Lake Ponca dam improvement project and a resolution amending the operating budgets of various city funds for the fiscal year 2000-2001. Commissioners met as trustees of the Ponca City Utility Authority and gave approval for awarding of the contract for the southeast water transmission main to Sober Brothers Inc., amounting to $980,303.97. The project is for construction of approximately 20,100 linear feet of water line, ranging in size from 8-inch to 16-inch to the Conoco Carbon Fiber Plant. PCUA also approved the awarding of a bid to Ratliff Inc. on the Meadows Pump Station improvements and a 16-inch water main, amounting to $490,000. It was noted for the trustees, that the project will improve the water pressure and provide fire flow to the high pressure zone of the water distribution system east of Turner Street, which is expected to be the solution to the problem of that area. City Manager Gary Martin said that while the low bid was above the engineer’s estimate, “our cash flow balances allow us to utilize those funds to make up the difference.” As a result, Finance Director Marc LaBossiere requested a resolution amending the operating budgets of the PCUA funds for the fiscal year 2000-2001, which the PCUA board approved. DEATHSThelma Ruth Hull Thelma Ruth HullMACON, Mo. — Thelma Ruth Hull, former resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, March 8, 2001, in the Macon Health Care Center. She was 85. A memorial candlelight vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Macon Health Care Center in Macon, Mo. A second memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27, in the First Christian Church in Ponca City with the Rev. Kent Dorsey officiating. Cremation was under the direction of Carney-Armstrong Funeral Chapel in Macon, Mo. Thelma Ruth Hull was born Feb. 6, 1916, in Mulhall, the daughter of Forrest and Hattie Meridith Elliott. She graduated from Mulhall High School and had been employed by the Arkla Gas Company in Blackwell. She was a choir member of the First Christian Church in Ponca City. She married Melvin Wright in 1938 in Topeka, Kan. In 1951, she married Roy McClaflin in Blackwell and married Norman Hull in 1971 in Ponca City. All three husbands preceded her in death. Survivors included one daughter, Janice Peyton of Excello, Mo.; seven stepchildren, Joan, Skippy, Lois, Judy, Everett, Galen and Kurt; a brother, Paul Elliott of Ventura, Calif.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; her three husbands; one son, Owen Wright, two sisters, Ester Tally and Ina Byran; and one brother, Floyd Elliott. Kathy DeAnn Pickering MofferPAWNEE — Kathy DeAnn Pickering Moffer, resident of Perry, died Sunday, March 11, 2001, in Texarkana, Texas. She was 46. The funeral will be held at noon Wednesday, March 14, at the Otoe Cultural Center in Red Rock. Burial will be in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee. Kathy DeAnn Pickering Moffer was born Jan. 22, 1955, in Claremore, the daughter of Harry and Teresa Tohee Pickering Sr. She attended school in the Pawnee area. She was employed by the Pawnee Indian Health Service as a pharmacy technician. She married Brent Moffer on July 3, 1999, in Pawnee. She was a member of the Pawnee Indian Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling and her family. Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Meta Rice Horsechief of Pawnee and Kim Shelts of Edmond; two sons, Robert Brent Rice of Perry and Tvlwv Moffer of Ada; her mother; one sister, Clarice Phillips of Ponca City; three brothers, Bryce Pickering, Roger Pickering Sr. and Harry Pickering Jr., all of Pawnee; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Burba Pickering. Joyce McCarty NicholsJoyce McCarty Nichols, former resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2001, in her home in Wichita, Kan. She was 75. A funeral was held in Wichita, Kan., on March 5 at the Broadway Mortuary Chapel in Wichita, Kan., with the Rev. Frances Rathbun officiating. Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery East in Wichita. Joyce McCarty Nichols was born Jan. 26, 1926, in Ponca City, the daughter of Frank and Ethel McCarty. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1944. She married Bob Galloway; he preceded her in death. She then married Neil Nichols and they moved to Wichita. She was employed at Hancock’s Fabrics until her death. She enjoyed sewing, baking, bowling, country music, fishing, horseback riding, and her family. Survivors include two sons, Charlie Galloway of Cheney, Kan., and Pete Nichols of Belle Plaine, Kan.; two daughters, Gail Herschey of Pagosa Springs, Colo., and Sue Lamberson of Garden City, Kan.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jo Ann McCarty Conway of Tulsa. She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, and two brothers, Marvin McCarty and Wayne McCarty. Lewis Allen StewartLewis Allen Stewart, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday morning, March 11, 2001, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2001, in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery. The Rev. Toby A. Blackstar of Victory Tabernacle will officiate. Burial will be under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Lewis Allen Stewart was born on Oct. 10, 1920, in Seminole, the son of Walter Isom and Jennie Etta Murrary Stewart. He grew up in Holdenville and attended schools in Spalding. He was employed with the city of Ponca City in the sanitation department and retired in 1986. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country in World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He enjoyed being with his friends, gardening and being outdoors. Survivors include his stepson, Bobby Lee Ferrill; three sisters; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. ObituariesHazel Margaret WaringHazel Margaret Waring, 78 of Edmond was born Jan. 19, 1923, in Ipswich, England, to Alexander Cecil and Lilian May Robinson Dawson. Hazel was reared in and educated by the Church of England. She married Staff Sgt. Emerson Lynn Waring, a constructional engineer in the U.S. Army, on Feb. 15, 1944. He preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 1989. Her first glimpse of the U.S. was the New York harbor when she and her daughter Lynda arrived on the World War II bride warship, The Crystobal, in 1946. The family lived briefly in Kansas before settling in Ponca City, where they had a son Michael Lynn. Being very proud of her adopted country, she became a naturalized citizen at the Newkirk courthouse. She retired from Continental Baking Company after working as their Ponca City Wonder Bread Thrift Store manager for 28 years. She was a lovely lady who lived her life with dignity and practiced honesty and integrity every day. Hazel enjoyed her home, her exotic plants, bowling, music and dancing, and especially her beloved dog Prissy. In 1995 she moved to Edmond to live near her daughter and died there in her home on March 12, 2001. Hazel is survived by a son, Michael Lynn Waring of Ponca City; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynda H. and James V. Shaefer of Edmond. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Dawson, and her husband, E.L.Waring. A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2001, at Longwood Cemetery in Ponca City. Memorials can be made in her name to The Humane Society, P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, Okla. 74602 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.. paid obituary Services PendingThell B. Fowler Jr.Thell B. Fowler Jr., longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, March 13, 2001, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80. Survivors include his wife, Jessie Fowler of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Dwight W. LondaginDwight W. Londagin, resident of Tonkawa, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 79. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Sherry MeredithSherry Meredith, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 56. Survivors include a son, Warren Tabitha. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. FuneralsWednesday Darrell Bruce GreenDarrell Bruce Green — Funeral at 2 p.m. at the Indian Baptist Church. Burial to follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Lonnie Edwin Atnip Jr.Lonnie Edwin Atnip Jr. — Funeral at 2 p.m. at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Blackwell. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Thursday John Leon BlenzJohn Leon Blenz — Graveside service at 2 p.m.. at the Newkirk City Cemetery under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. BUSINESSVenture Capital Group Near 90 Percent of $1 Million Goal Venture Capital Group Near 90 Percent of $1 Million GoalBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor The venture capital group is moving toward the goal of $1 million, Jan Jarrett, executive director of the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) said. Jarrett reporting to EDAB members Thursday, said that the group was at about 90 percent of its goal. He said there had been a good response and that two additional investors had signed on this week. About the progress of Conoco’s carbon fibers plant, Jarrett said the rail portion that EDAB is assisting with has been sent to the Department of Transportation. Mike Fretwell, EDAB member, and general manager of the Mid-continent Business Unit, predicted there will be a major construction push in the next two weeks with about 250 construction workers on site. On the gas-to-liquids proposed pilot plant, Jarrett said one of the main issues is upping the national gas pressure for the site. So far he said the commitment from the city involves entry roads and some level of water and sewer service. There has been no official announcement from Conoco that the plant is to be located in Ponca City. On the bandwidth project, Jarrett said the next step is to figure out how the structure of the organization that is responsible for the project is formed. Two companies are apparently interested in the Unitherm Building on Hartford. One is a local company and another is from Switzerland. Mark Detten, vice chairman, presiding in the absence of Ricky Flak, chairman, called on George Ferguson, chairman of the Existing Industry Committee, who said that group is reshuffling and will be visiting local industries. Ferguson is also working with Jarrett on the 2001-2002 budget, which is to be presented at the April meeting for the board. On the Ponca City Technology Accelerator, Jarrett said there are several companies interested. There is some question as to the funding for the accelerator in the future, he said. Pixie Rowland Finds Time For Volunteer ActivitiesEditor’s Note: This is one of a series featuring women in business and industry during March—Women’s History Month. By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Pixie Rowland, a thin dainty lady looks innocent enough, but she’ll take your blood in a moment if you are inclined to cooperate. Rowland has held a variety of jobs from the retail arena, to the banking scene, to public relations fields. However she finds her position as manager of the Ponca City Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) Center the most rewarding. Proving that folks these days often change careers several times before finding their niche. Pixie didn’t come by giving blood herself easily, until she found out how rewarding it is and the shortage of the necessary life giving fluid. Her responsibilities include recruiting, setting up blood drives and public relations. Rowland also does the OSHA training for the Institute. Recently a group of OBI representatives went to Washington, D.C. to attend a meeting of America’s Blood Center. While there they visited elected officials such as Sen. Don Nickles asking them as leaders to set an example by giving blood. A transplanted Minnesotan, Pixie grew up in Minneapolis, where she was by her own definition “a sports jock.” She played all kinds of sports in high school including field hockey, basketball, softball, soccer and went on to play tennis for the University of Minnesota, where she majored in retail. Around Ponca City folks know the bright-eyed Pixie for her golfing prowess. She is always in demand for a fourth for charity tourneys. Her business life began in retail working for Donaldson’s, a major department store in Minneapolis. She went through a buyers training program and stayed with the store for a few years. Later she would enter the banking field in the retailing area. This was when credit cards came into being, and she sold Bank America Cards, which was the forerunner of Visa. Next she went into commercial lending, “Which I didn’t like, because I wasn’t with people, and I’m a people person.” Later she would work for a mutual savings bank as a personal banker, “That was fun because I was with people.” Her life took another turn when she moved to Mason City, Iowa, and was a mom and a volunteer. Rowland came to Ponca City by way of Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. She lived here for five years, moved away and came back because “I love Ponca City.” She had been with the Oklahoma Blood Institute here five years. Almost anywhere in Ponca City one finds volunteers, Rowland will be in there sharing the load. “Ponca City has given me a lot and I feel I should give back, and also it is my job.” One of her personal projects is volunteering at the Police Department. She is a graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy and a founder of the Ponca City Police Foundation, along with Bill Eubanks, Larry Bittman and Lynn Hohensee. This organization supplements police needs, such as equipment, not covered in the city budget. “I do a lot community policing work down there (police department),” she said. Rowland knows on a first hand basis about police work. Her only sibling, a brother, has retired as police chief for a suburb of Minneapolis and her son John was a policeman in Wichita for three years. John is the father of Pixie’s first grandchild Jack. Although she never thought she’d end up in a medically related field, her daughter Susie is a registered nurse working in labor and delivery at St. John’s in Tulsa. A member of the Hospice Board, Rowland, is part of the Monday Rotary, president of Professionals Today, has served on the Will Rogers Boy Scout Council and worked on the Bob Barry Boy Scout Tournament, Humane Society Board, vice chairman of the Hospital Authority, and vice chairman of Crime Stoppers. Hobbies include riding a bike long distance and working out at the YMCA three or four times a week. Certainly she needs the exercise to keep up her stamina for the workplace and the volunteerism. Centerline Founder Left Home In Germany To Form CompanyBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Ponca City’s Michael A. Engster, founder and owner of Centerline, Inc. has been named Small Business Person of the Year for Oklahoma by he Small Business Administration. During National Small Business Week, May 6-12, Engster will be among 52 other winners vying for the National Title of Small Business Person of the Year. The ceremony will be held by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C. In addition to the 50 states, winners from District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam will compete. Engster’s story is one of an epic that could happen only in America and fortunately it happened in Ponca City. Mike Engster, owner of Centerline, Inc., was living in his home country of Germany seven years ago. He decided he want to come to American and become a cowboy. To do that he would need to form a new company. He visited Oklahoma and was referred to the business incubator at Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City. From a one-man business incubator tenant in 1994. he began to build his fledgling business on the premise of providing top quality rebuilding services for spindles, which are used in many manufacturing machine processes in industry. Particular emphasis was given to aircraft industry, which depends on precision in the manufacturing process. The business grew so fast in the next two years that Engster faced a serious problem. He had to expand. Good management practices and financial management of his business made the issue of securing adequate financing to construct a new building and purchase new equipment. This was an easy decision for his banker. A site was acquired in the Ponca City Airport Industrial Park in 1997. After the new building was constructed new employees were added. The business grew and prospered. Additional expansions and acquisitions of more equipment to expansion of product lines and services have been made during the past 18 months. Engster serves on a technical advisory board of the Pioneer Technology Center, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and has received the Small Industry of the Year Award presented by the Chamber and the Ponca City Economic Development Advisory Board. Now a naturalized citizen of the United States, Engster continues to grow his business with an exceptional product line, services to customers, exemplary work ethic and excellent management skills. Leadership Ponca City Will Visit State CapitolLeadership Ponca City is slated to make a trip to the state capitol Wednesday to spend the day learning about state government. A full day of government activities in Oklahoma City has been planned by David Myers, day chair, assisted by Lisa Prentice, secretary of Rep. Jim Newport. The day begins with a group photo at 9 a.m., followed by a presentation by Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She will be followed by Jane Jayroe, Secretary of Tourism and Recreation. At 11 a.m., the Leadership Ponca City group will hear from Ponca City native Charles Johnson, vice presiding judge of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Following lunch the group will visit the Governor’s Mansion, and the Bombing Memorial. At 2:30 p.m., back at the capitol they will hear from Neal McCaleb, director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Gov. Frank Keating is slated to address with the class at 3 p.m., followed by a visit from area elected officials, Senators Paul Muegge, Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, Fairfax, and Representatives Jim Newport, Ponca City, and Jim Reese, Nardin. The last meeting of the day is set for 4:45 p.m., with Tom Daxon, Secretary of Finance and revenue. Quality Water Of Ponca City Gets RecognitionA recent story in the business section of the Daily Oklahoma, pays tribute to Quality Water in Ponca City. The story tells that this is a third-generation operation and that the firm was one of the first to use a well-known icon to market its product. That is the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Springs bottled water, distributed in Payne and Noble counties out of Stillwater and Ponca City, by Quality Water. The water features OSU mascot Pistol Pete on the label. Quality Water holds the collegiate license to use the logo on its 24-ounce single serving bottles, plus three and four gallon containers. Kelly Johnson, owner is quoted, “Bottled water is a good growth industry. Our trade association places it as the number one bottled beverage in America.” NEWS BRIEFSTwo Weekly Meetings — Overeaters Anonymous now has two weekly meetings. Attend Saturday morning from 10-11 a.m. at Woodlands Christian Church, or Thursday evening, 7-8 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, elevator down to Conference Room D. 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. GE Retirees’ Meeting — GE retirees’ meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Arkansas City VFW, 3212 N. Summit. A covered dish - pot luck supper is being planned for April; time and location to be determined. Note: a few addresses for those who have moved or live in rural 911 areas are still missing. Macintosh, Need good used OS 8.5 CD. Call 762-6896. adv. Members to Meet — The Po-Hi Class of 1949 will meet for coffee on Thursday, March 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Building in the Ladies Auxiliary Room. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 300 block of South Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:17 a.m. Monday that her vehicle had been vandalized during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Noni Juice now available at Toni’s Westside Healthmart. adv. Fraud — An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:24 a.m. Monday that a forged check had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bomb Threat — The Communications Center received a call at 8:46 a.m. Monday from an officer that a bomb threat had been received at the high school at 8:43 a.m. Another officer was assigned and handled the situation. Indecent Exposure — A man from the 500 block of North Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:33 a.m. Monday that a subject had exposed himself to a 14-year-old niece during the weekend. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Eighth Street at 10:17 a.m. Monday that a 43-year-old woman was being held for possession of a forged prescription. Vehicles Vandalized — A man from the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 a.m. Monday that a number of their vehicles had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bicycle Abandoned — Animal Control was contacted at 11:20 a.m. Monday to remove an abandoned bicycle from the alley in the 1700 block of Queens Avenue. Burglary — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of South Pine Street at 12:43 p.m. Monday that several motorcycles had been stolen from a business. A detective was notified to handle the situation, and a report was taken. Vehicle Towed — A minor accident in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported by a Ponca City Police Department officer at 1:06 p.m. Monday. Another officer was assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Minor Accident — A report of a minor accident at the intersection of South Palm Street and West Oklahoma Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:32 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a call at 2:47 p.m. Monday that a subject on the west side of the school in the 100 block of North Sixth Street was in a vehicle and watching the school with binoculars. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the subject was gone upon arrival. Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 3:02 p.m. Monday that a barn was on fire one-half mile west of Oklahoma 156 on North Avenue. Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and found that the situation was a controlled burn. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Broadway Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:04 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 5:40 p.m. Monday that a 20-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Hit and Run Accident — A motorist reported to the Ponca City Police Department from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 6:57 p.m. Monday that a vehicle had hit a sign in the median and left west bound on Hartford. Three officers were assigned, checked the area, but were unable to find the vehicle. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 10:28 p.m. Monday from the 500 block of South Second Street that a 22-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Hit and Run Accident — A woman from the 500 block of East Hartford Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:34 p.m. Monday that her vehicle had been hit by an unknown vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Hartford Avenue and Potomac Drive that an 18-year-old man was being held for DUI, speeding and minor in possession of alcohol. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Vandalism — A man from the 300 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:56 a.m. Tuesday that someone had just broken a window on the side of the residence. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken on destruction of private property. Burglary — A woman from the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:05 a.m. Tuesday that a subject had broken into the residence and was fighting with the residents. Two officers responded and took into custody, a 29-year-old man for first degree burglary. LIFESTYLESMarch 31 State Beef Cook-Off Deadline March 31 State Beef Cook-Off DeadlineYou don’t need to use any lifelines, like phoning a friend or polling a studio audience, to win $50,000. Beef is the final answer in one of the nation’s most popular and long-running cooking contests, the biennial National Beef Cook-Off. Through beef checkoff-funded programs like the National Beef Cook-Off, Kay County beef producers are promoting new convenient beef products and encouraging new and innovative uses for old favorites like ground beef. Their investment of $1 on each beef animal they sell is helping consumers find easy answers to the last minute question, “What’s for dinner?” The Cook-Off, a tradition for 24 years, is paying homage this year to beef’s longtime companion at the dinner table - the potato. “Through a new beef industry partnership with the National Potato Promotion Board, the Cook-Off is introducing two new recipe categories that feature beef and potatoes,” says Susan Lively, Coordinator of Consumer Information and Education of the Oklahoma Beef Industry Council. The 2001 National Beef Cook-Off is also adding Internet excitement to its menu with a new Web site, www.beefcookoff.org. “For the first time in the history of the contest, participants can enter online,” adds Lively. The site also offers smart shopping tips, 1999 winning recipes, links to popular food Web sites and, of course, entry guidelines for this year’s event. Visitors are also invited to play “What’s Your Beef.” with animated hosts Chuck and Round, who pepper contestants with fun questions about beef and its starring role as a quick and easy meal solution. “Whether it’s a traditional chuck roast or a new prepared beef product, consumers can enjoy anything from simple tacos to a fully-cooked beef pot roast with minimal effort in a matter of minutes,” adds Lively.” The checkoff-funded National Beef Cook-Off’ is a great opportunity for beef producers to highlight the convenience and great taste of their product and how it continues to fit into the lives of today’s consumers. The Oklahoma Beef Cook-Off is April 21 at the Oklahoma City Farm Show at the State Fairgrounds. The entry deadline is March 31. For more information on the state beef cook off, contact Susan Lively at the Oklahoma Beef Industry Council at 1-800-235-5403. Post-Nuptial Party Honors Dondi AndersonDondi Anderson was honored at a bridal shower March 10 in the Williamsburg Parlor at the First Baptist Church. The former Dondi Fearnow, she married David Anderson on Feb. 14. A bouquet of yellow sunflowers and blue chrysanthemums centered the serving table. Special guests were the bride’s sister and niece, Chauntina and Carsha Medina; the bridegroom’s mother, Martha Anderson; his sisters, Debra Gooch of Ponca City and Patricia Box of Oklahoma City; and his nieces, Kaila and Alicia Box of Oklahoma City. Hostesses were Carole Belmear, Terry Blubaugh, Jerri Boyer, Carla Gilmore, Marcella Johnson, Jill Lane, Martha Long, Sharon Maddox, Carolyn May, Sharon McNutt, Sandy Morris, Deanna Orr, Dorothy Obsorn, Leora Simmons, Sue Witteman, and Gayle Young. The neighborhood Chefby Sherry Muchmore Home Pleasin’ Ground Beef Stand-bys There are some recipes we use all the time, not just because they are good but because they are easy to prepare and use economy ingredients. If you’re like I am, there are always left-overs in the refrigerator. Shepherd’s Pie is one of those recipes that can be made from scratch or by using different left-overs create something totally different from whence they came. These can all be made ahead and reheated or even frozen. Here’s a fine ending for left-over roast beef or mashed potatoes. Your family will never think of this meal as left-overs, but you’ll know and be pleased at the way it’ll stretch your food budget. This is one of those comfort foods, stick to your ribs good. Shepherd’s Pie 1 pound ground chuck or lamb (try grind up left-over roast) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, diced 3 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup beef broth 1/2 cup diced carrots, fresh steamed, frozen or canned 3 cups mashed potatoes (already seasoned to preference) 1 egg 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated paprika, as needed Fresh snipped parsley for garnish, if desired In a skillet, sauté ground meat with onion and green pepper. Drain. Sprinkle flour, salt and pepper over the meat mixture and stir until incorporated. Add the broth and blend well to form a gravy. Pour into a greased 2-quart casserole. In a mixing bowl, beat mashed potatoes with egg and half the cheese. Spread on meat mixture. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on potatoes and continue baking for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with parsley if desired. Let set for 10 minutes before serving. 6 Servings Hint: You can substitute any left-over gravy from your roast, just omit the flour and broth. And, if there are any left-over carrots from the roast, dice them and add about -cup to the meat mixture. Don’t be shy, have left-over corn or peas, toss them in. Microwave diced carrots/takes about 2-3 minutes. ———— This is the meat sauce I probably make about 90 percent of the time for my family’s everyday fare. It’s easy and it’s good. Can be tossed with the cooked pasta and poured into a greased casserole dish, dusted with Parmesan and baked like a casserole just to heat or reheat. Spaghetti Meat Sauce II 1 pound ground chuck 1 small onion, chopped 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon dried Italian Seasoning (more or less if desired) 1 teaspoon dried Oregano 1 Bay Leaf 1 can diced or crushed tomatoes 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 6-ounce can tomato paste Spaghetti noodles (cooked in salted water w/olive oil) Brown the ground chuck with onions and garlic. Drain off grease and add the remaining seasonings and tomatoes, sauce and paste. Simmer for about 15 minutes uncovered. Just before serving, sprinkle in some fresh snipped chives and basil if desired. (This really does enhance the flavor). Ladle over pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 ———— When making stuffed peppers, you want to subtly taste the spicy flavor of black pepper. I judge the amount of pepper needed by the amount it takes me to start sneezing. Either recipe can be frozen; freeze individual peppers or however many needed for your meal. Just reheat and serve, microwave or oven method. Stuffed Peppers I Sauté, drain: 1-1/2 pounds ground chuck 1 large onion, chopped Add: 1 to 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more, if desired) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 can corn, drained 2 slices bread sopped in milk and crumbled Fill: 6 small to medium green Bell peppers, slice around stem and core removing seeds Place stuffed peppers in a greased high sided casserole dish with a lid or that can be covered. Prepare sauce by combining and mixing the following: 1 can condensed tomato soup 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon dried Basil 1/2 teaspoon Beau Monde 1/3 cup water Pour over the peppers in the casserole. Cover and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Hint: When the peppers are baked, pick up each in a large slotted spoon, hold over a bowl and prick the bottoms of each pepper to release the greasy liquid. After they have drained, place on serving plate and spoon over with some of the remaining baked tomato sauce. Some may prefer this simpler version that lacks the sweetness tomatoes give. Stuffed Peppers II 1 pound ground Chuck 1 onion, chopped 1 scant teaspoon Salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more if desired) 2 slices of bread, sopped in milk and crumbled 4 small green bell peppers, sliced around stems and cored, removing seeds Sauté meat and onions, drain grease and add the remaining ingredients. Stuff the prepared peppers and bake in a high sided casserole dish for 1 hour at 350 degrees. No need to cover. Prick the bottoms to release excess grease and serve. Hint: Some people prefer substituting rice for the milk sopped bread. The primary reason for either bread or rice is to absorb the flavor of the pepper into the meat and also to help bond the mixture. Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.) SPORTSLady Cats Win Again Lady Cats Win AgainBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat golfers won again, but along with congratulations came a warning from their coach. The Lady Cats won for the third time in four tries Monday, taking the title of the Ponca City Invitational at the Country Club course. The Poncans, led by freshman Michaela Cavener, posted a 351 total to beat second-place Tulsa Union by six strokes in the 11-team field. That score was higher than the Lady Cats had posted in their previous outings, but coach John Spore had a simple explanation, “This is a tough course,” Spore said of the Country Club layout. “It’s the toughest course we’ve played. All of the other (team’s) scores were also higher.” Cavener captured medalist honors for the fourth straight time, firing a 79 over the windy, chilled course which was still damp from the previous night’s rain. Jenni Nimmo shot 85. Christi Rutledge 91, Katie Girardi 96 and Kelle Waddell 103. Four other Ponca Citians played as individuals for nine holes. Tara Schoolry shot 49, Erin Rutherford 50, Lindsay Mersman 52 and Laura Murray 52. “I was very pleased with the way the girls played,” Spore said, noting that after Ponca City and Union, it was another 28 strokes back to third place Jenks. But he also said the Lady Cats couldn’t rest on their laurels. “All of these teams will get better,” he said pointing to the scoreboards. “We’ll have to get better, too.” The Lady Cats’ JVs will play in Pawnee late his week, but with spring break next week, the golfers will not see action again until March 26 when they play the Cushing Invitational. “The girls will have to workout on their own over Spring Break,” Spore said. Team Scores Ponca City 351, Union 357, Jenks 385, Bartlesville 388, Westmoore 392, Union B 405, Norman North 429, Norman 434, 436, Owasso 46 9, Stillwater 479. Bruins Nip Wildcats in NinthBy DAVID DAVIS News Sports Writer It took the Bartlesville Bruins nine innings to do it, but the visitors defeated the Ponca City Wildcats 8-5, Monday, at the high school baseball field. The game was close, in spite of six Wildcat errors and almost as many mental mistakes. It was closer than it should have been. But, there were some intense moments during personal battles between hitters and pitchers. Wes Day dug in at the plate. He found himself in a situation only baseball presents with regularity. It’s a team sport, but he was all alone at the plate. Shouts of encouragement from the hometown crowd and his teammates were all the help he would get. Such an encounter, between hitter and pitcher, with the game on the line is the best and worst of baseball. The Wildcat was down in the count with two strikes. The scoreboard indicated that it was the bottom of the fifth inning. There were two outs and Ponca City was still behind by one run, 5-4. The Cats scored twice in the inning on three consecutive doubles by Jimmo Ozment, Jeremy DeNoya and Aaron Upshaw. Upshaw advanced to third on Bradley Turvey’s slow roller along the third base line. That’s as far as he’d managed to get. He was stranded on third and Day was engaged in a battle of concentration with Bartlesville’s Chris Reddout. Reddout pitched a good game until the fifth inning. He gave up a run in the first on three hits. Lead off batter and second baseman J. Michael Sharon singled in the hole between short and third. Doug Tosh drew a walk. Ponca City pitcher Bryan Coppock hit into a fielder’s choice and Tosh was forced out at second, but that still left Sharon at third and Coppock at first with only one out. Ozment drove Sharon in from third on a single and advanced Coppock to third. DeNoya grounded out to third, but Ozment went to second. Upshaw drew a walk to load the bases. Turvey popped-up to first for the final out. Coppock was the better pitcher between the two on Monday. The Bartlesville Bruins scored two unearned runs. They scored once in the second and again in the third. The run in the second came on a single to right center field off the bat of first baseman Bryan Kayser. He advanced to second on a passed ball, then stole third. He scored easily on a sacrifice fly to right field hit by Brent Remington. The Wildcat defense collapsed behind Coppock again in the third. Bruin catcher Thomas Newsome drew a walk after Kayser flied out to Ozment in center field. He was replaced by a courtesy runner, who scampered around to the third base on a Landen Curd single to right field. Curd stole second and a throwing error by Wildcat catcher Upshaw, allowed Newsome’s courtesy runner to score from third. The Bruins scored three more times in the top half of the fifth inning on an error by fight fielder, Casey Rowe, and a Philip Hatchett home run. Newsome drew another walk and his courtesy runner scored the third run to make the score, 5-2. But in the bottom of the fifth, Day sprayed foul ball after foul ball along the fences. The count was full. He was simply trying to defend the plate until he saw a pitch he could hit. And he did. He swung and dropped a short fly ball in between the back-peddling first baseman and fast approaching right fielder. As Upshaw crossed the plate to tie the score, the crowd collectively sighed relief. Day was left at first when Rowe struck out. The Wildcat defense toughened during the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. However, it fell apart again in the ninth. This time, it was Tosh on the mound. He walked the first two batters and threw a wild pitch. His mistakes were compounded by DeNoya at first, who hit a base runner on a throw to second base. The five Bruin batters scored three runs on no hits. Tosh struck out one. Matt Wilks faced the sixth and seventh batters and got them to pop-up to second and fly out to right field. However, the damage was done. The Cats went down quietly in their half of the ninth. Ponca City is now 3-5 and 0-4 in the Frontier Conference. Bartlesville is 5-3 overall. The Wildcats play Jenks, Tuesday, then travel to Catoosa Thursday for a 12:30 p.m. game against Coweta and a 5:30 game against Claremore. Friday, Ponca City returns to Catoosa for a 5:30 p.m. game. Cat Golfers Improve — SomeBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Ponca City’s Wildcat golfers have improved, just not enough, according to coach Jerry Orr. The Cats shot 322 in the Ponca City Invitational at the Country Club course Monday to finish third behind Tulsa Union and Jenks. That is the same score the Cats shot last week at Owasso, but the Ponca City course is much tougher, The Poncans were sixth at Owasso, “Because of the weather, we haven’t had much practice time,” Orr said, “We’re getting better. But we’ll have to continue to improve.” The Poncans are getting good balance. Louis Girardi, normally the No. 5 man on the team, was the low scorer for the Cats with a 79 over the par 72 course. That gave him seventh place in the medalist standings. Matt Ellis shot 80, Pat Collogan 81, David Maddux 82 and Nathan Coats 83. There was a three-way tie for medalist honors. Andrew Wertz of Bartlesville, Mitch Cahlman of Jenks and Taylor Gilpin of Union all shot 75. Union, which shot 312 for first place, had three of the low 10 scorers. as did Jenks, which was second with a 313 total. Ponca City beat out Bartlesville (324) for third place in the 11 team field. The Ponca City Red team was eighth with a 356 total. Luke Cobb paced the Reds with an 83, Ben Dickey shot 90, Matt Bond 91, Aaron Cohenour 92 and Andy Romine 96. Orr is taking a JV team to Pawnee today, but, because of spring break, the Wildcats will not play another tournament until March 26, when they play in the Enid Invitational. Team Scores Union 312, Jenks 313, Ponca City 322, Bartlesville 324, Stillwater 328, Broken Arrow 331, Seminole 346, Ponca City Red 356, Norman North 350m Owasso 366, Sand Springs 367 Cries For Ribs All ConferenceBy DAVID DAVIS News Sports Writer Ponca City Lady Cat Tara Cries For Ribs was selected to the first team Frontier Conference All-Conference Team. Wildcats Billy Broughton and Blaine Petrie were selected to the boys’ second team. Senior Jena Birdsong and sophomore Jamie Prado earned Honorable Mentionfor the girls. Juniors Jenna Wedd and Courtney Birdsong were given special recognition as players who might have made all-conference, but didn’t finish the season due to injury. First year Lady Cat coach Jamie Burtner said it is an honor for Cries For Ribs to command the respect of the other coaching staffs in the Frontier Conference. Boys’ coach Ron Arthur said it is very difficult to make the first team in the Frontier Conference, which, top-to-bottom, is arguably the toughest conference in the state. “We are very pleased the other coaches selected Billy and Blaine,” Arthur said. “It’s quite an honor for them.” Burtner said Cries For Ribs played through losing seasons, but didn’t let it get her down. She stayed focused and continued to work. That work paid off. “Tara played through a couple of bad years,” Burtner said. “And now all of her hard work has finally paid off. “But, it is an honor for the whole team to have five girls mentioned,” she said. “Three of them are coming back next year.” Cries For Ribs was instrumental in holding the Lady Cats basketball team together after the loss of Wedd at Broken Arrow during the final game before Christmas break. “She stepped up and took the lead,” Burtner said. The entire chemistry of the team changed. The Lady Cats reversed its offensive scheme from one that was post oriented to that of a perimeter shooting, guard oriented offense. Then, four games later, the unthinkable happened when starting point guard, Courtney Birdsong went down with a knee injury at Owasso. The Lady Cats entered January with a record of 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the conference. The team ended the month 9-9 and 6-6. The girls ended the regular season 11-11 and 8-8. During a three-game stretch after Wedd’s injury, Cries For Ribs scored 67 points and raised her scoring average to 11.6 points per game. She scored 27 points against Sapulpa by shooting 11-of-22 from the field. “Even when she didn’t score she found a way to contribute,” Burtner said. “That’s what it takes to be an all-confernce player.” Cries For Ribs scored 259 points in 22 regular season games for an 11.7 scoring average. She hit 44-of-91 2-point attempts for 48 percent. From 3-point range, Cries For Ribs made 42-of-124 (48 percent) for a combined 40 percent field goal average. She shot 60 percent from the free throw line by making 45-of-75. She also led the team in rebounds with 115 (42 offensive/73 defensive). Broughton and Petrie led the Wildcats to within one game of the state tournament, the deepest the boys have been in the playoffs in 15 years. The Wildcats lost to Jenks in overtime, 72-68, to end Ponca City’s season at 13-13 overall, 9-7 in the conference.. Broughton led the Wildcats in scoring with 283 points in the regular season. He made 75-of-145 (52 percent) 2-point field goals and 23-of-89 (26 percent) from 3-point range. He made 64-of-95 (67 percent) from the free throw line. He hauled in 91 rebounds (29 offensive/62 defensive). Petrie was close behind in points with 270. He shot 57 percent from 2-point range (105-of-84) and 8-of-24 from 3-point range. Petrie made 36-of-57 free throws (63 percent) and grabbed 128 rebounds (39 offensive/89 defensive). Prado finished the season with 145 points and 111 rebounds (57 offensive/54 defensive). Jena Birdsong finished her final year with 120 points and 46 rebounds. Courtney Birdsong played 20 games and finished the season with 69 points and 25 rebounds. However, Prado and the Birdsongs were nothing close to a trio who played sweet melodies. Defensively, the three were the heart of a stingy Lady Cat defense that gave up only 43.3 points per game and forced the opposition into 427 turnovers. The Lady Cats scored 45.2 and turned the ball over 317 times. Jenna Wedd only played nine games, but finished fourth in team scoring with 94 points and 40 rebounds (14 offensive/26 defensive). The Ponca City High School Athletic Director Rusty Benson said he believes the last Lady Cat to be selected first team all-conference was Charpei Chen in 1995-96. Paul Broome is the last Wildcat to be selected to the first team. Brooome was selected after the 1998-99 season. The Frontier All-Conference first team includes Most Valuable Player Lindsey Forsberg, senior, Jenks; Twiggy McIntyre, sophomore, Sapulpa; Brooke Hayden, senior, Broken Arrow; Hallie Hutchens, senior, Stillwater; Tara Cries For Ribs, senior, Ponca City; Ashley Stovall, sophomore, Jenks; Jodi Agee, junior, Broken Arrow. Cfhris Riouse of Broken Arrow was name the Most Valuable Player on the boys’ team. The rest of the team includes Deke Thompson, Jenks; Justin Clemmons, Sand Springs; Juan Carson, Union; Scott Blakemore, Bartlesville; and Chris Wallace, Broken Arrow.
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