From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March
24, 1998
LOCAL
Nearly News
Preliminary Steps Taken On Fire Station Renovation
Prevention Key To Cutting Juvenile Crime
DEATHS
Juanita Tarvin
Services Pending
Charles F. Boswell
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Hermanson Named President Of Board of Trial Advocates
Unemployment Rate 6.4 Percent
Test Well Seeks Oil Production Under City Area
Stage Planning Grand Opening
Notes and Quotes
Card Services Being Offered
LIFESTYLES
Bliss Homemakers Attend Progressive Dinner, Meeting
Little News
SPORTS
Young Resigns As Coach
Lady Wildcat Netters Win JV Tournament
Frontier Falls To Garber, 11-1
Sports Notes
Sure sign of Spring is the arrival of Martins. Coolidge Campbell, 114 May Avenue (in the Osage) let NN know the birds took up residence in their special house Monday evening.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Monday night's City Commission meeting was unusual in that it was a "unanimous" night as commissioners approved all items on the commission agenda unanimously.
The preliminary steps to the renovation of Fire Station No. 1 will soon begin as City Commissioners paved the way by approving the asbestos removal contract.
"By law we have to remove the asbestos before any demolition can begin," City Engineer Randy Lauritsen explained.
And beginning April 20 the City will begin advertising for demolition bids. According to Lauritsen it will take another 20 days to receive those bids.
"It is a long process but it is state law that dictates how and when we do things," Lauritsen said.
The demolition bid is expected to be presented to commissioners at the April 27 city commission meeting. And actual demolition could begin as soon as May.
Over the objections of high bidder Throop Construction, City Commissioners approved the sale of the old fire engine No. 3 to the "best" bidder, McCord Fire Department.
"There is a lot of time, money and effort involved in bidding," Ralph Throop told the commissioners. "It is a disappointment not to be the winning bid but it is even worse when that bid is taken away from you."
Although "sympathetic" commissioners voted unanimously to sell the truck to McCord Fire Department for $3,001.50, which was $364 less than Throop's bid.
Promotion of Good Will
Fire Chief Larry Mullikin and the bid committee recommended selling the truck to McCord for several reasons including additional fire protection for the McCord area and the promotion of good will between Ponca City and McCord.
City Commissioners approved the extension of an additional two percent emergency telephone service tax until May 31,1999. The 911 tax, which had previously been approved, was scheduled to expire June 1.
The revenues generated from the additional tax will be used to purchase ancillary communications equipment, namely a third console.
City Commissioners also approved waiving the bidding process for the purchase of that ancillary 911 equipment to ensure compatibility between equipment.
A change in the nuisance ordinance was also approved by city commissioners.
According to City Planner Larry Lawhon the change was intended not only to "streamline" the nuisance procedure but to also take the city out of the mowing business by shifting the responsibility of yard maintenance back to the property owners themselves.
Under the new procedure, if a property owner fails to correct a nuisance within an allotted time period tickets can be issued to the property owner.
In addition, the municipal judge will now hear all nuisance cases and have the authority to both fine and/or order jail time for those who repeatedly refuse to correct a nuisance.
The definition of "weeds" will also be included in the amended ordinance.
Unresolved Rezoning
And the Planning Commission will soon be determining if the third time really is a charm as the city commissioners voted to send back, once again, a request for rezoning. The matter has been before the Planning Commission twice before.
The commissioners sent back a "Planned Unit Development" zoning request for a mini storage facility to be located at the southeast corner of Lansbrook Road and Prospect Avenue with a conditional use permit.
Resembling a tennis match, each time the Planning Commission serves a recommendation to the city commissioners, they return the ball back into the Planning Commission's court.
The "unchanged" fee schedule at Wentz Golf Course was also approved by the commissioners. When asked why the matter was on agenda if there was no change, Public Director Ken Parr explained that in the last four years there had been an increase and the citizens should be informed that there would not be an increase this year.
A contract to engage a collections attorney for the City of Ponca City was approved.
As the Ponca City Development Authority the commissioners voted unanimously to expend up to $5,000 for the expansion of Enrique's Restaurant located at the Municipal Airport. The rent will increase so that the expenditures can be recouped in a two year period.
The Ponca City Fire Department presented its annual report. According to the report in 1997 there were 556 fire calls, 137 less than in 1996.
There was also over $300,000 decrease in property loss in 1997. The total property loss last year was $692,251.
The largest fire loss in 1997 occurred on Oct. 25 at a local carpet store. The loss was estimated at $150,000.
Editor's Note: This is the third story in a series on the increase in juvenile crime.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
The solution to the problem of juvenile crime depends on who you ask. And no one has more to say than those in the state agency charged with reducing juvenile crime, the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA).
According to Media Director Dawn Byrum prevention is the key. "I believe the only way to curb juvenile crime is to build walls of prevention," Byrum says. "We need early intervention and both public and private partnerships that will work in the communities and help 'at risk' youth - including mentors that will provide positive role models."
And with 30 percent of the juveniles in the OJA juvenile system repeat offenders, the solution obviously must go beyond prevention and detention.
"We can not throw these kids back into the same environment, same dysfunctional families and same neighborhoods and expect things to change," Byrum says. "Without the right type of 'wrap around programs' we will lose these kids."
Parental Responsibility, Too
Currently, OJA is also undertaking an effort to increase parental responsibility. "We are trying to create parental programs aimed at two things - keeping parents involved in the lives of their children, which will hopefully make them feel responsible and secondly, making parents financially responsible."
The United States government is also seeking ways to fight juvenile crime. U.S. Senate Bill 10 is aimed at combating the problem through federal funding. If passed, over $700 million in grants will be given annually to states throughout the country to fund more juvenile prosecutors, more juvenile programs and more juvenile detention centers.
Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham feels a solution may be learned from the past. "I can think of at least one upstanding citizen in our community that as a youngster had a small run-in with the law," he recalls. "At that time we were allowed to hold a youngster in a jail cell. And there is something about the "clanking" of that jail cell door closing that has a way of staying with a kid. After being held for a while we never had any trouble out of that youngster again."
By state statute a juvenile can not be held within the sight or sound of an adult prisoner. This law has caused special problems for law enforcement officials charged with detaining and questioning those under eighteen.
Chief Ham's office was forced to create a special room to accommodate juveniles and the policies that protect them.
In addition, Ham says things are going to have to change before the increase in juvenile crime changes. "Parents are going to have to teach values, respect and become more responsible," Ham explains. "Young people not only look to their parents as role models but follow examples set by them and if the examples are good then that reflects in that child."
Assistant Police Chief Clayton Johnson says the solution lies in a combination of things. "The answer is not found in the police or institutions because by the time they reach that point a break down has already occurred," Clayton says. "To prevent things from getting that far everyone including family, community, and churches need to become involved."
Strict Accountability
Kay County Assistant Prosecutor Charles Bloeser sees increased accountability as an answer to the increase in juvenile crime.
"By increased accountability I mean very quick and severe response to crime," Bloeser stated. "The juvenile that commits a crime should be held accountable for that crime and if that involves sending him away to secure lock up, so be it. If that means working to pay someone for damages, so be it. If that means he has a criminal record that might ruin the chance for a future career, so be that too.
"Beyond that, it is really a returning to a 'moral base' and having the guts to tell our kids and teach our kids that there is a difference between right and wrong and that success comes with doing right and a price comes with doing wrong."
Along with accountability and morality, Bloeser also feels parents play a major role in the prevention of juvenile crime. "I think we, as parents, certainly should become more involved with raising our children. Even if that means foregoing some luxuries to be at home when our children get home from school."
Legislature Working on Issue
Recently steps have been taken by legislators to change the current upward direction juvenile crime is taking. In what is being labeled a "dramatic change" there are now new legal recourse and options available in the judicial system.
The Youthful Offender's Act, which became effective Jan. 1, 1998, brought a change in the procedures and now presents a recourse for those in the judicial system.
The most significant change is that now a juvenile can be "bridged" into the adult system. Prior to the change, at age 18 (or in rare cases with court approval age 19) authorities were forced to release a juvenile.
"We lost control over those juveniles at 18 or 19 because we had to release them and it didn't matter what crime they had committed, or what their behavior was like and most importantly it didn't even matter if they were still a threat to the public," Byrum says. "The bottom line is that they were free whether rehabilitated or not and whether or not they still posed a threat."
The Youthful Offenders Act now permits 15, 16, 17 year-old juveniles, under certain circumstances, to be sent into the adult criminal justice system - the Department of Corrections (DOC).
A juvenile can be "bridged" into DOC under four circumstances. If a minor who has been adjudicated a "youthful offender" fails to comply with a treatment plan, commits another felony, escapes from an institution or endangers the life of another he/she can then be placed in the custody of DOC.
"What we are hoping is that under this new system, juveniles will have a chance at rehabilitation services while the juvenile justice system will have a 'hammer' over their heads," Byrum states. "It will provide protection to the public and provide more kids a chance."
Next: A visit to the Rader Institute in Sand Springs.
DEATHS
Juanita Tarvin, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, March 23, 1998, at Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 78.
The funeral will be held at a later date in Havana, Ill., under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home. Local friends and relatives may visit at the Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Juanita (Jackson) Tarvin was born March 1, 1920, in Oilton, the daughter of Charles Army and Ora Maude (Titus) Jackson. She grew up in Mason County, Ill. and graduated from high school at Havana, Ill.
She was married to Charles Clinton Tarvin. Mrs. Tarvin was employed as a cook in several cafes in Ponca City including Jean's Cafe. She attended The Church in Ponca City. Mrs. Tarvin enjoyed working on ceramics and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include four daughters, Carrie Viola Rouch, Frances Isbella Smith, Juanita Darlene Ash, all of the Havana, Ill., area and Ora Josephine Tarvin of Ponca City; three sons, John Andrew Sr., Paul Howard, and Charles William, all of the Havana, Ill., area; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, and four sons, James Clinton, Franklin Glesner, Clyde Bernard and Clarence Stanley Sr.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5097
TONKAWA - Charles F. Boswell, Tonkawa resident, died Monday, March 23,
1998, at Willow Haven Rest Home. He was 91. Arrangements are pending with
McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
NEWS BRIEFS
Brandenburg Completes Basic - Navy Seaman Alan L. Brandenburg, son of Glenn D. and Barbara S. Brandenburg of Ralston, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Brandenburg completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis is also placed on physical fitness. He is a 1995 graduate of Woodland High School in Fairfax.
Pvt. Sims is Honor Student - Army Pvt. Steven Sims has completed the food service specialist course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va. The course trained personnel to prepare and serve food in large and small quantities. Students received training in baking, field kitchen operations, and the operation of Army dining facilities. He was an honor graduate of the course. Sims is the son of Danny G. and Lucretia I. Sims of 3910 Kelley Ave. in Ponca City. His wife, Misty, is the daughter of Dwayne White of Route 2, Ponca City.
Air Force Promotes Adams - Cory S. Adams has been promoted in the U.S. Air Force to the rank of staff sergeant. Adams, a fuel systems journeyman is assigned to the 552nd Component Repair Squadron at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City. He is the son of Roy and stepson of Micki Adams of 104 North E Street in Blackwell. Adam's wife, Julie, is the daughter of Gene and Jerrie Mockey of 3024 Western Ave., Gadsden, Ala. In 1988, he graduated from Blackwell High School.
Fund Raiser - Ranch Drive Fire Department fund raiser to be held Saturday, 6 p.m. at 3454 South Ranch Drive. Mike Morris will present the program concerning early storm warnings. Chili and hot dogs will be served, and attendees are asked to bring a covered dish. Children are $2.50 and adults are $3.00. The public is encouraged to attend.
Parenting Classes - Parenting classes will be offered March 26, April 2, 9 and 26 at the Cultural Building at White Eagle. Topics include anger control, resolving conflicts, emotions, children and stress. Child care will be provided and refreshments will be served after class. For more information call Tomasita Roubedeaux at (580) 763-0120, ext. 238.
Wacky Style Show - RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteers) are available to present the "Ponca Darlins," a wacky style show, with fantastic music, for clubs and organizations. Those interested call 762-9412 or 762-9413.
Spring Fund Raiser - RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) has a Spring fund raiser that includes beautiful silk iris and daffodils in glass water, $6.50, delivery available to nursing homes and assisted living centers for additional 50 cents. Call to send, 762-9412 or 762-9413.
Loose Cow - At 8:58 a.m. Monday a loose cow was reported in the area of South Pine Street and West Otoe Avenue. Animal Control was notified.
Theft - Police were notified of a theft in the 300 block of South Perry Street at 10:13 a.m. Monday. A report was taken.
Washer Payment - At 11:40 a.m. Monday a clerk at Ronnie's Market, 2911 North Union Street, called police to report that a man came into the store and gave a $10 roll of "quarters" which turned out to be washers. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - At 1:56 p.m. Monday a gas drive-off was reported at the Triple T, 501 West Highland Avenue.
Trespassing - Police were called to Hastings Books, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, at 2:13 p.m. Monday due to a person trespassing. A report was taken.
Parts Found - At 3:32 p.m. Monday a man in the 200 block of Lansbrook Road reported to police that he had found a money bag and parts to vending machine. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - A man in the 800 block of North Third Street called police at 3:31 p.m. Monday to report that he had been assaulted Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Arrest - Police arrested a 16-year-old male at 4:30 p.m. Monday for destruction of property.
Visiting Skunk - At 4:32 p.m. Monday a woman in the 2000 block of Meadowbrook Drive called police about a skunk in her backyard. Animal Control was contacted.
Arrest - A 35-year-old man was arrested at 4:43 p.m. Monday from East Hazel Avenue and North Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Bobcat Bite - At 5:51 p.m. Monday a person was treated in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for a bite from a bobcat which happened in the 1300 block of South Seventh Street.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 6:39 p.m. Monday for petit larceny after Highland Spirits, 510 West Highland Avenue, reported a shoplifter in custody.
Arrest - A 25 year-old man was arrested at 7:23 p.m. Monday from the 500 block of West Highland Avenue on a Kay County warrant for application to revoke.
Attempted Break-In - At 9:58 p.m. Monday police were notified by a woman in the 2200 North Fourteenth Street that someone was attempting to break into storage units. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
In Hot Water - At 10:19 p.m. Monday a woman in the 1300 block of South Ninth Street called police to report that her hot water tank was "spewing" water. She was referred to the water and light department.
Gas Leak - At 12:46 a.m. Tuesday a fire engine responded to a possible gas leak in the 900 block of Riviera Avenue. The gas to the residence was turned off.
Arrests - Two people, age 41 and 25, were arrested at 1:20 a.m.
Tuesday from South Thirteenth Street and East South Avenue for improper
walking in the roadway and public intoxication.
BUSINESS
Brian T. Hermanson, Ponca City attorney, was recently elected president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (Oklahoma Chapter).
Hermanson began his term as president at a dinner held recently in Oklahoma City. Hermanson, who has served as treasurer and vice president of the organization, will serve a one-year term.
Membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates is reserved for trial lawyers who have tried a significant number of jury trials. The purpose of the organization is to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy.
Hermanson has previously served as president of the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Oklahoma Bar Foundation and vice president of the Oklahoma Bar Association.
He currently serves on the Oklahoma Bar Association's Board of Governors and as chairman of the Litigation Section as well as chairman of the Litigation Committee of the General Practice Section of the American Bar Association.
Kay County's unemployment rate for January was 6.4 percent, well under the 13.8 percent of Haskell County, which is the highest rate in the state.
The work force of Kay County is listed at 21,960, with 1,400 out of work. Haskell has a labor force of 4,900 and 670 are unemployed, according to the Oklahoma Labor Force statistics.
Ponca City ranks 16th in unemployment of the 77 Oklahoma Counties. The statewide rate is a flat four percent, while the unemployment rate for the nation is 5.2 percent.
Grant County shows a work force of 2,400 with 50 unemployed for a 2.2 percent rate. Noble County shows 5,810 in the labor force and 170 are unemployed for a three percent unemployment rate. Pawnee County lists 5.9 percent, with a work force of 6,330 and 370 out of work. Payne County has a 1.9 percent unemployment rate and a work force of 34, 210 with 630 unemployed.
Alfalfa County posts the lowest rate in the state with 1.3 percent, and showing a work force of 2,440 and 30 unemployed.
Springer Land Service has opened an office in Ponca City for the purpose of purchasing oil and gas leases within a portion of the Ponca City area.
Charles Porta, owner of the company, hopes to complete leasing as soon as possible and commence drilling operations, with the primary objective being the Mississippian formation, sometime this summer.
Former Rep. James D. "Jim" Holt, who is assisting Springer with its leasing efforts, says, "This is a very exciting time for Ponca City. The initial test will be drilled outside the city limits of Ponca City due to the city ordinance prohibiting any drilling within the city. I would encourage all citizens who have received a letter from Springer to come down to what used to be Castillo's Men's Wear and see us."
If the initial test well is successful, future developmental wells could then be drilled using directional drilling methods from surface locations outside the city to "bottomhole" locations underneath the city. If these offset wells are successful, the royalties will provide additional income for many citizens, according to Holt.
Springer has already mailed oil and gas leases to over 1,400 citizens and will be available in their office to issue bonus checks and notarize signatures as well as answer any questions. The office hours for the next few weeks will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, at the office at Third and Grand. Springer can be contacted at 718-0329.
A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting has been set for Thursday morning at the Stage store at 2005 North Fourteenth in Ponca Plaza.
According to manager Chris Hocevar, the store is the former Beall's Department Store and is owned by the same company, but is changing names. The store employs 15.
Several lines of merchandise have been added to the stock of the store, which has been remodeled with new carpet, fixtures and lighting. The new brand name stock is being offered for a better selection, according to Hocevar.
New credit cards have been issued to those holding Beall's cards, which will no longer be honored.
A grand opening ceremony is set Thursday from 8 to 8:45 a.m. The official ribbon cutting will be at 9 a.m. with the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Presidents Club.
Southwest Business Symposium
The Fifteenth Annual Southwest Business Symposium, sponsored by the College of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma, is slated for April 16-17 in Edmond.
The sessions include accounting, business communication, business law, decision sciences, economics, finance, management and marketing. For more information call (405) 341-2980, James Thomas, program chairman at extension 5555.
DOC Web Site
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new and improved web site designed to provide a broad variety of information for communities, new or existing businesses and business decision makers. The new Commerce web site is www.odoc.state.ok.us.
Rainbow School
Ron Wimmer of Ponca City's Rainbow International Carpet Care and Restoration, 601 West Grand Avenue, recently attended an intensive course of instruction covering the latest techniques in professional fire and smoke restoration.
The course, held in Pittsburg, Pa., was conducted by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration, an internally recognized training company specializing in the field of cleaning and restorative services, and UnSmoke, one of the leading companies supply restoration products.
Perkins Manager Recognized
Michelle Lock, manager of the Ponca City Perkins Restaurant, 2125 North Fourteenth, has been named Area 2 General Manager of the Year for the restaurant chain. The announcement was made at the recent Management Conference in Memphis. Area 2 comprises 31 stores in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa.
Lock has managed the Ponca City restaurant for a little over a year. She worked at a franchised restaurant in Idaho for over five years, beginning as a server and working her way up to management there.
Indian Electric Pays Taxes
CLEVELAND - Indian Electric Cooperative paid $5,615 in taxes that are dedicated to schools in Ponca City for the 40.18 miles of line in the school system serviced by the cooperative.
Business After Hours
An area wide Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours is set today from 5 to 7 p.m., at 101 Beverage, 800 North First Street. The event is hosted by the Kaw Lake Association and the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cardservice International of Agoura Hills, Calif., has expanded its sales and service support to the Ponca City area and surrounding areas.
Kristin Rein is the agent for this area and will be providing business merchants and home based businesses with credit ATM/Debit card processing, check guarantee services and purchasing card programs.
With the rapid growth of current Internet technologies and demand for accessible commerce services, a partnership with CSI offer merchants a recognized competitive advantage. Retail and professional merchants, Internet Services Providers and CyberMall providers will be given credit car authorization and settlement services enabling transactions over new or existing websites
Cardservice International has established a Bank Referral Program with over 75 banks participating nationwide. This Bank Referral Program has been enhanced with CSI's recent expanded alliance with First Data Corporation.
CSI is also a National Association of the Self Employed (NASE) preferred vendor and is listed as a new 1998 benefit for NASE members.
Rein grew up in Ponca City and is a 1983 graduate of Ponca City High School, Her parents are Rick Norris, Mike and Ginny Cagley, all of Ponca City. She is married to Tim Rein, manager of Drug Warehouse. She has two daughters, Kelli and Kimberly.
For more information on CSI products and services contact Rein at (580)
762-2050.
LIFESTYLES
The Bliss Homemakers met on March 18 for a Progressive Dinner for the free activity month with 23 members present. The dinner started at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sikes for appetizers. Linda Short and Melanie Williams formulated a quiz for the members to do.
At 7:3O, the group went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Micky Robinson for the main entree. At 8:3O everyone went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Pulliam for desserts. The quiz results were tallied and Alice Kelly and Marsha Dunham tied with all answers correct. A coin was tossed to determine the winner - Alice Kelley.
Jennifer Buxton, a member of the Frontier 4-H club, gave a speech on "What 4-H Has Done For Me". Jennifer has won a trip to Washington D.C. in July with other 4-H members across the state. She won this based on her overall achievements through 4-H.
Members of the Frontier 4-H Clothing class, whose leader is Linda Kodesh, made boutique tissue box covers for all the members of the Bliss Homemakers in appreciation for their support of their 4-H projects.
Steven and Marty Newport of Edmond are announcing the birth of their first child, a daughter, M'Lissa Paige Newport. The baby was born at 9:55 p.m., March 18, 1998 at Edmond Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7-pounds, 12-ounces and measured 20-inches long.
Paternal grandparents are Larry and Sandra Harrison and Ed and Pat Newport
of Ponca City. Paternal great-grandparent is Gladys Lansdon of Edmond. Maternal
grandparents are Wayne and Deanna Gallion of Edmond. Maternal great-grandparents
are Madelyn Gallion of Edmond and Mary Sue Arnspiger of Texas.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
After months of anguish, Pat Young has resigned as the Wildcats head wrestling coach, citing health concerns as is reason for stepping down.
"It is the hardest decision I have ever made," Young said in an emotional interview in the officer of Athletic Director Rusty Benson after handing in his resignation Monday afternoon. "I've been in wrestling for 40 years, since I was five years old."
Young has been a coach with the Wildcats for 17 years, eight as the head coach. In that time, Young has amassed an 81-29-1 dual meet record and has coached four state champions - Milfay Burton in 1992, Mark Dodgen in 1996, Matt Dodgen in 1997 and Mark Dodgen again this past season.
Under Young, the Wildcats have won five district championships.
"Concerns about high blood pressure have forced me to reexamine my role as a coach of a competitive wrestling team," Young said in his letter of resignation. "Because of my health and my family, I must resign my coaching position."
Young will remain as a shop teacher at the high school and said he will take more of a role in helping his father with the family farming enterprises.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Young was head coach at Wagoner for five years before coming to Ponca City as the junior high coach.
The next year he became the assistant coach at the high school under Charles Gomez and held that position for nine years. Young took over as head coach after Gomez resigned following the 1989-90 season.
Young was named an All-State coach his first season with the Wildcats.
"That was one of the highlights of my career," Young said, "But what was even better was that my All-State team won when it wasn't suppose to,"
Under Young, the Wildcats have averaged just over 10 dual wins a season.
"Ponca City has never had a losing season in that time," Young pointed out. "I am real proud of that."
Young is only the sixth coach Ponca City wrestling has had since it started in 1935.
"In the past there have been some great coaches here," Young said. "I've been proud to be part of that tradition. But I need to make a change now. It's time for me to move on."
In recent years, the Ponca City wrestling program has battled declining fan attendance and a drop in the number of wrestlers trying to make the team. It is not a problem unique to Ponca City, Young points out.
"High school wrestling has changed a lot in the last five years," he said. "But it's not only here. I've talked with coaches across the state and they have had the same problem.
"Hopefully, it will get better. We've had some ups and downs, but there have been a lot of ups."
Ponca City will begin taking applicants for the head wrestling coach position immediately, according to Benson. Young said he has already heard from some coaches who are interested in the position.
The Po-Hi Lady Cat junior varsity tennis team came back from an iced-over spring break with a vengeance, Monday, blowing past Bartlesville, Pryor and Stillwater in a round robin tournament. The Lady Cats finished with 147 points, followed by Stillwater with 109, while Bartlesville and Pryor finished with 89 and 84, respectively.
Freshman Gina Smith had no problems en route to a first place finish in No. 1 singles, taking down Bartlesville's Mandy Bean (6-1, 6-1), followed by Jennifer Jadlow of Stillwater (6-1, 6-0), and Amy Webster of Pryor (6-1, 6-0).
"She doesn't have a lot of power," said coach Don Lambring, of Smith, "but she gets to the ball and gets it back. She's quick."
Erin Shaw also took a first place in No. 2 singles, coming back to beat Bartlesville's Jaclyn Treat (6-7, 6-2, 6-1), followed by victories over Stillwater's Crystal Hawkins (6-1, 3-6, 6-2), and Pryor's Tiffany Ryan (6-0, 6-3).
In No. 1 doubles, Mea Alexander and Claire Winterrowd beat Lindsay Vik and Julie Anderson of Bartlesville (6-3, 6-0), and followed up with victories over Stillwater's Sheila Dohmann and Nicole Harwood (6-2, 7-6), and Pryor's Elizabeth Lain and Laura Voth (6-2, 7-6, 7-5).
Because points were awarded on a per-set basis, and Stillwater-Bartlesville went to extra sets, the No. 2 doubles team of Mandy Dixon and Shawna Rolland were beat out for first place by Stillwater, and tied for second with Bartlesville.
Dixon and Rolland started off with a 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Jamie Reid and Cassie Poindexter of Bartlesville, followed by a 6-4, 7-6 defeat at the hands of Cecelia Martin and Kathy McKeever of Stillwater.
"These JV girls are playing really well," said coach Don Lambring, "They didn't get much playing time last week, but they're coming along."
GARBER - Frontier opened its high school baseball season Monday with an 11-1 loss to Garber.
Two Garber pitchers held the Mustangs to two hits, but one of those was a solo home run by Frontier catcher Robert Regnier in the fourth inning. The other Frontier hit was a single by Jeremy Williams.
Kevin Filmore took the loss for the Mustangs, pitching five innings, allowing six hits and nine runs, six earned. Ty Henry pitched the final two innings for Frontier, giving up two runs.
Frontier was scheduled to open its home season this afternoon against Mulhall-Orlando.
Garber 11, Frontier 1
Frontier 000 100 0 - 1 2 0
Garber 400 052 x - 11 8 7
Filmore, Henry (6) and Regnier; Brunken, Benkendorf (6) and Werther. WP - Brunken. LP - Filmore (0-1). HR - Frontier, Regnier (1).
Softball Meeting - The Ponca City Softball Association will hold an open
meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in St. Paul's Methodist Church.