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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March 2, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALDirector for New Learning Center Ready To Promote Pilot Program Director for New Learning Center Ready To Promote Pilot ProgramBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Dr. Brenda Stacy, past director of Institutional Research and Special Grants at Northern Oklahoma College has been named director for the new University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma. A five-member selection committee reviewed the 15-20 applications for the position and selected the new director. According to committee member NOC President Dr. Joe Kinzer, Stacy was selected for several reasons. “She has a tremendous background in needs assessment which will be vital in identifying the academic needs for the Ponca City area,” he said. “Brenda also has an extensive background in working with various boards and networking knowledge of higher education institutions in this state which will be necessary to bring their programs here. “In addition, she is familiar with ancillary areas, such as grant writing, guidance and financial aid which are important to this type of program. She also understands and appreciates the utilization of technology to deliver graduate academic level programs.” Stacy received her masters of education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and her doctor of education from OSU. She has nine years experience as a public school administrator including positions as curriculum director and federal projects director at Heavener Public Schools and supervisor of the curriculum and Instructional Materials Center at the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education in Stillwater. Both her education and experience eased the selection process, says the Selection Committee chairman, Richard Severance. “In addition to her doctorate, Brenda has experience with curriculum development as well as coordination roles with various schools. She clearly has the skills and characteristics necessary for this position and will bring a real breadth of experience to the job.” The one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art higher education learning center will be located in the North Tower of Conoco. The pilot program will offer the community an opportunity to earn advanced educational degrees from various universities and colleges via technological sources such as the internet and interactive television, as well as on-site instructors. Classes are scheduled to begin this fall. The new director wasted no time in getting the ball rolling her first day on the job, preparing for the needs assessment. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the director of this project,” Stacy stated. “Our immediate goal is to identify the higher educational programs needed by the citizens in this area and to identify the institutions that provide those programs.” In order to accomplish that goal, Stacy is in the process of developing a questionnaire and enrollment form that will appear in various local publications, as well as making personal appearances to address civic, school and business organizations. “I am very encouraged by the fact that there is a great deal of interest in the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma,” Stacy added. “We know that because this is a pilot project that there will be many eyes watching to see how the concept works. “Ponca City is a very progressive community that has a tradition of supporting education and, in my opinion, is an excellent choice for the pilot project site.” Kay County Officials Pleased With Defeat of Home Rule BillBy MARK GALVIN News Staff Writer NEWKIRK — Kay County officers here say it’s just fine with them that the Oklahoma House has rejected two “county home rule” bills that would allow restructuring of county government. Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber, who was outspoken lately against the two House bills voted upon Monday, said officers had not just simply been opposed to the bill because they have a vested interest. “We have a vested interest (but) our citizens have elected us, so we feel it’s our duty to watch over something that could ultimately be very bad. The way I interpret it, it would take the vote away from them on who their officials are at the courthouse. “It’s the first step to the people losing their local control,” she said. “The ultimate goal (of such bills),” Schieber said, “is to consolidate offices, then to consolidate courthouses, and eventually move everything to the control of the state.” Kay County Clerk Pam Goodno, who began working in the courthouse while still in her teens, said, “I grew up in state government, and I believe it’s the best form of government because we’re closest to the people. She said, “If you come into my office and want help, I’ll help you, and not just with my office but with any state office. Have you ever tried to call a state office?” County Commissioner Dee Schieber of District One echoed Goodno’s views this morning: The advantage of the current county system “is it’s the voice of the people TO the government,” Schieber said. “Any people out in the county can get in touch with government by contacting the officer, but you try to get in touch with somebody from the state and you just can’t do it. Any local official you can get ahold of. “The way I look at it, if they want reform they ought to start at the state level first,” he said. Nearly NewsPonca City Rotary Club members honored Charles Miller during their regular weekly meeting Monday at the Marland Estate. Miller has an amazing string of 40 years of perfect attendance. Quite an accomplishment for those who find it difficult to do something every-now-and-then, much less with that kind of consistency. Congratulations Charles. NN reminds News customers that we are sill undergoing a change in our phone system. If you should be disconnected, misdirected or undetected when you call, please call back and have a little patience. In the long run we hope our new phone service will provide better service for our customers. Girl Scouts Plan Celebration Of 87th Birthday on March 12Girl Scouts throughout Bluestem Girl Scout Council are preparing to celebrate the 87th birthday of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. The official birthday of Girl Scouting will be celebrated March 12, with events and activities taking place throughout the week of March 6 through 13, Girl Scout week. Girl Scout week opens with Girl Sabbath, March 6, and Girl Scout Sunday, March 7. On these days, girls are encouraged to attend a place of worship in their Girl Scout uniform and take part in the service. Ponca City Girl Scouts are kicking off the week with an open house hosted by the Sterling House on Girl Scout Sunday. The community is invited to the open house to learn more about Girl Scouting and to see the benefits of Girl Scouting in action. Troops throughout the 16 counties of Bluestem Girl Scout Council will celebrate March 12 in a variety of ways. Celebrations will range from a father/daughter date night to special recognition ceremonies to a history presentation about the founder of Girl Scouting, Juliette Gordon Low. Low founded Girl Scouting March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., with a troop of 18 girls. Almost nine decades later, Girl Scouting is now committed to over 2.5 million girls and adults throughout the United States. Bluestem Girl Scout Council alone is committed to over 3,000 members in 16 counties of northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. The Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization committed to girls, where in an open and nurturing environment, girls aged five to 17 acquire the tools for success in the real world, tools that will serve them all their lives — strong values, self-esteem, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Through the Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. And through the many enriching experiences provided by the Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong. For more information about Girl Scouting or Girl Scout week, call the Kay County Girl Scout headquarters at 762-9616. District CourtNewkirk Marriage Licenses Kenneth Wayne Crump, 20, and Sheila Rae Holmes, 18, both of Ponca City. Richard Lee Stanbrough, 22, and Brandalyn Christine Dickinson, 19, both of Ponca City. Randy R. Perry, 42, and Robin Lynn Knifley, 29, both of Wichita. Lawrence Alan Floyd, 23, and Jamie Ann Bellinghausen, 19, both of Ponca City. Buddy Mack Colvin, 20, and Cherri Cyana Hill, 23, both of Ponca City. Robert Douglas Huff, 20, Marland, and Bonnie Marie Burdick, 20, Ponca City. Divorces Sought Tamra Jean Bates vs. Paul Ronald Bates. Ponca City Divorces Sought Misty Dawn Elliott vs. Aaron Ray Elliott. Mary Denise Jenkins vs. Chad Darren Jenkins. Frances Ailey vs. Terry G. Ailey. Roger D. Bales vs. Jennifer Michelle Brock. Divorces Granted Marian Sue Lippard vs. Gary Lee Lippard. Aomi Ferguson vs. Betty Jo Ferguson. Patty Ann Landreth vs. Donald Dean Landreth. Mary Lou Fowler vs. Steven V. Fowler; plaintiff restored to former name Mary Lou Kirchner. Brandi Humphries vs. Derrick Humphries. Melanie Steelman vs. Darrell Ray Steelman. Leland Loyd Miller vs. Jett Alicia Miller; defendant restored to former name Jett Alicia Trepton. Randall Jason Potter vs. Lauri Michelle Potter; defendant restored to former name Michelle Scharmann. Kynda Lee Ann Blakey vs. Joe Bob Blakey; plaintiff restored to former name Kynda Lee Ann Morrison. Civil Petitions GE Capital Consumer Lending, Inc., vs. Kathy Walker; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,445.53. St. Anthony Hospital vs. John North; plaintiff seeking judgment for $35,824.89. Commercial Federal Mortgage Corporation vs. Vernon Snethen, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $32,233.94. Mary Frances Carr, petition to change her name to Mary Frances Moore. City of Tonkawa vs. Randal K. McCullough; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,728.51. Farmers Insurance Company vs. Michael Anderson; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,718.15. Jenae Lynn Thiry, et al, vs. Danny Lee Bryer and Ephriam Jordan; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Credit Bureau Services Association vs. Allen Hazen; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,593. DEATHSBob Dellinger Bob DellingerSTILLWATER — Bob Dellinger, former Ponca City sports writer and renowned wrestling authority, died at his home in Stillwater Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999, of colon cancer. He was 70. Robert Earl Dellinger was born Sept. 24, 1928, in Otterville, Mo., to Dr. Earl and Miriam (Johnson) Dellinger. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1948, Bob Dellinger saw his first wrestling match as a young sports writer for the Ponca City News. Over the next half-century, he became totally involved in the sport at all levels, from local kids tournaments to the Olympic Games, and would play every role in wrestling except those of wrestler or coach. Dellinger spent 25 years as a sports writer and sports editor for Oklahoma newspapers — 20 of them with The Daily Oklahoman — covering high school wrestling statewide and collegiate wrestling nationwide. He was named national Wrestling Writer of the Year in 1960, ’61 and ’62, the first three years the award was presented by Amateur Wrestling News. He then withdrew his name from further consideration, and the annual award was, and still is, named for him. He was married to Doris Ann Williams on April 19, 1953, in Ponca City. In 1972, he moved to Stillwater as assistant executive director of the U.S. Wrestling Federation (now known as USA Wrestling). As director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 1976-93, he helped preserve the great moments of wrestling history in the sport’s only national museum. He officiated at over 300 regional, national and international wrestling events, most of them as chief of operations. These include 22 NCAA and two NAIA nationals, six World Championships, five World Cups, four U.S. Olympic Festivals, two Pan American Games, the 1984 Olympic Games and the 1990 Goodwill Games. He was nicknamed “The Authority” by a fellow sports writer. Dellinger became one of the first to thoroughly understand the international pairing system, and to teach it to others across the country. Less than eight years after covering his first high school match in 1948, he helped conduct the 1956 National AAU Championships and Olympic Trials. He directed his first national tournament, the AAU Greco-Roman Championships, in 1959. After joining USA Wrestling, he launched the national series of clinics on pairing and tournament operations that have educated most of the capable pairing masters in the sport. He established the art of conducting tournaments in a smooth, efficient manner, with total fairness for the athletes, consideration for the officials, and appeal for the spectators, and became the nation’s leading authority on seeding and bracketing. He edited the USA Wrestling rule books, 1972-92, and had been an announcer at Oklahoma State University wrestling meets since 1973, and at national and international events since 1978. Dellinger’s service to the sport was recognized in 1983 when he was elected a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In August 1998, he was honored by the International Wrestling Federation with the FILA Diploma of Honor and Gold Star, the highest international award to a non-athlete. His previous international honors include the FILA Cross of Honor in 1967 and the FILA Silver Star in 1988. He was elected to the United Savings/Helms Hall of Fame in 1972, was voted USA Wrestling Official of the Year in 1988 and received a special USA Wrestling Service Award in 1994. Dellinger served as tournament director for the Oklahoma High School Championships and for the Stillwater Youth Festival for the past eight years, designed and produced wrestling event programs, and wrote for several publications. In 1992, Bob and Doris, his wife of 45 years, founded a publishing firm, Oklahoma Bylines, Inc., which produced several hardback and softcover books. In 1994, he and Doris wrote “The Cowboys Ride Again!” a comprehensive history of wrestling at Oklahoma State University. Bob Dellinger is survived by his wife Doris, three sons, David of Newton, Kan., Eric of San Jose, Calif., and Rich of San Jose, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and a brother Carl of Albuquerque, N.M. Memorials may be made in Mr. Dellinger’s name to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum or the Judith Karman Hospice, Inc., c/o Strode Funeral Home, P.O. Box 487, Stillwater, OK 74076. Loren Hoyt McCordBLACKWELL — Loren Hoyt McCord, Blackwell resident, died Monday morning, March 1, 1999, at his home. He was 69. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at the Blackwell Church of Christ with Mr. Chad Knappier, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Agra (Kan.) Cemetery with Tony Keesee, Church of Christ, Mannford, Okla. officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. Loren Hoyt McCord was born Jan. 30, 1930, in Agra, Kan., to Clyde Merle and Gladys Ellen (King) McCord. He grew up in Agra, graduating from Agra High School in 1948. He attended auctioneering school and in 1950 began his ministry as a preacher with the Church of Christ. He served in churches at Agra, Phillipsburg and Green Mound, in Kansas and at Tonkawa, Deer Creek and Braman in Oklahoma. On June 3, 1953, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a cook. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 10, 1954. He was married to Dorothy Marie (Fouts) Keesee on Nov. 10, 1955, in Phillipsburg, Kan., where the couple made their first home. He was employed with Bear Brand Roofing company and continued his church ministry. In 1966, the family moved to Braman, where he served as minister at the Braman Church of Christ. In 1970 the family moved to Blackwell, where McCord began employment at Blackwell Zinc Company. After that plant closed in 1974, he became supervisor of the parks department for the City of Blackwell. He retired from the City in 1992 as City Dispatcher, but continued his preaching ministry. He was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ, Coon Hunters Association and the Lion’s Club. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy McCord of Blackwell; three daughters, Karen Cochenour of Blackwell and Mary Heersink of Phillipsburg, Kan.; three sons, Jerry Keesee of Phillipsburg, Kan., Terry McCord of Blackwell and Tim McCord of Siloam Springs, Ark.; his mother, Gladys McCord of Blackwell; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son, Trenton McCord; his father; one sister, Mariann Wilson; and a grandson. Honorary casket bearers will be Richard Sparks, Jim Hiatt, Bill Shoffner, Don Sheets, Bob Fletcher, George Morgan, Willard Moore and Gene Buxton. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McCord’s name to the Church of Christ Songbook Fund, 1035 South Main, Blackwell, OK 74631. ObituariesLola Pauline McNuttLola Pauline “Polly” McNutt, longtime Ponca City resident, died late Sunday, Feb. 28, 1999 at the Mission Hospital in Mission, Texas. She was 86. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Paul Graham, pastor, Second Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Born March 7, 1912, in Conway, Ark., she was the daughter of William Franklin and Mary Martha Evans. As a small child she moved with her family to Purcell. Polly received her education in the Lexington and Purcell schools. On Sept. 29, 1933, she married Elmer “Red” McNutt in Purcell and they made their first home in Lexington. In 1943 the family moved to Ponca City from Colorado when her husband began employment with Conoco. Polly was a charter member of Second Baptist Church and has maintained her active membership since 1945. She became a “Winter Texan” in 1975 after her husband retired from Conoco and had spent the winter in Mission, Texas, each year since that time. She enjoyed making quilts for family and friends, playing Bingo, working on crafts with other “Winter Texans” and attending music sessions at the various campgrounds in Mission. She actively supported a children’s mission during the winter months in Texas. She considered the Twin Lakes RV Park in Mission her second home and will be greatly missed by her many friends in the park, as well as many friends and family in other places. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Sharon McNutt, of Ponca City and her children, Micki McNutt of Ponca City and Heather Johndrow of Stillwater and granddaughter, Carson Johndrow of Stillwater; son-in-law Don Nottingham, of Fairfax, and his children, Pam Shinogle and her husband Gwynn of Upland, Calif., and Gerald Nottingham and his wife Molly and grandchildren Sara and Greg Nottingham all of Fort Mojave, Ariz.; one brother, T.O. Evans and his family of Albuquerque, N.M.; one sister LaVada Ingle of LaFollette, Tenn. Mrs. McNutt was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in May 1991; her son Malcolm, in February 1998; and her daughter Faye Nottingham, in August 1998. Casket bearers will be Jim Sindelar, Mike Brooks, Guy Anderson, David Anderson, Danny McKinnis, and Ronnie Shelton. The family will be at the Sharon McNutt home, 2309 Calvert Drive. paid obituary Johnnie Martin LegrandJohnnie Martin Legrand, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, March 1, 1999, at his home. He was 82. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Johnnie Legrand was born Oct. 21, 1916, in Fayetteville, Ark., the son of John William and Laura Eldora (Hart) Legrand. He was the youngest of nine children. Mr. Legrand served in the U.S. Army from January to November 1941 with Co. C 120th Medical Regiment, 45th Division and Co. A 104th Division. He reentered the U.S. Army in November 1942 and served with the Co. A 365th Medical Batt., 65th Division in Europe during World War II. He was honorably discharged in November 1945. Prior to his military service he was employed with Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Henryetta. Following his military service he worked for many years as service manager at General Motors dealerships and had his own auto repair shop until retiring in 1984, due to failing eyesight. On July 18, 1944, he was married to Lula E. Quandell in Hattiesburg, Miss. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1956, where they have since made their home. Mr. Legrand was a member of the First Christian Church and the Ponca Lodge AF&AM 83. Survivors include his wife, Lula of the home; one son, David Legrand of Harrah; four grandsons, Shawn C. Legrand, Dustin K. Legrand, Michael Ryan Legrand and Nathan C. Legrand; one brother, C.A. Legrand of Okemah and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. The family will be at 308 North Fifth Street. paid obituary Jean WelchJean Welch, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, Feb. 26, 1999, at Baptist Hospital, Oklahoma City. She was 65. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, 1 p.m., at the First Baptist Church Worship Center with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Private family interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Born Sept. 22, 1933, at Maramec, in rural Pawnee County, she was the daughter of Ernest and Opal Talbert. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1951 where she was a baton twirler, and was elected queen of Ponca Military Academy. Jean earned an Associates Degree in Nursing at Northern Oklahoma College, and was licensed as a Registered Nurse. On Aug. 15, 1953, she married Donald C. Welch in Ponca City. The couple lived for two years in Denver at Lowry Air Force Base before returning to Ponca City in 1955 to make their permanent home. Jean began her nursing career at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later worked at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She also worked three years as an industrial nurse for Huffy Manufacturing Co. and on nursing assignments for Allied Health Care and Kimberly Home Health Care. Mrs. Welch was past president of both the local American Legion Auxiliary and the Ponca City Women’s Democrat Club, and was a member of the First Baptist Church. In earlier years, Jean performed in the dancing cast of the Sixty-Niners “Rolling in the Aisles” productions at First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed sewing clothes and costumes for her children and grandchildren. Her handmade costumes, floats and decorated bicycles won a number of local parade contests. She also enjoyed gardening and painting, but the main interest in her life remained her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Don, of the home; two daughters, Dr. Lee Ann Welch Kelley of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Barbara Welch Rollins of Ponca City; two sons, Jim and John Welch, both of Ponca City; two sisters, Tina Williams of Wichita, Kan., and Nita Casey, of Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Clair Talbert, of Ponca City, and Gail Talbert, of Arvada, Colo.; four grandchildren, Casey, Caitlin, Conley Kelley, and Cameron Welch; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David; three sisters and one brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6465 South Yale, Tulsa, OK 74136. The family will receive friends at the home, 836 Edgewood. paid obituary Services PendingIone E. PunchesSHIDLER — Ione E. Punches, Shidler resident, died Monday night, March 1, 1999 at the Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville. She was 77. Survivors include her husband, Wesley, of the Shidler home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel. George PappanGeorge Pappan, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, March 2, 1999, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. He was 92. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Alice HeinenAlice Heinen, longtime Ponca City resident, died early this morning, March 2, 1999, in Oklahoma City. She was 74. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. FuneralsWednesdayLorene JimmersonFuneral to be at 3 p.m. at the Palm Mortuary-Eastern in Las Vegas, Nev. Burial will follow at Palm Valley View Cemetery in Las Vegas. NEWS BRIEFSPlummer Family Tickets — Plummer Family Show tickets are now on sale by phone, 765-5676. The show will be April 15 and is sponsored by the Ponca City Noon Lions Club. John Michael Montgomery special concert. Only on Pay Per View from the Astrodome. Saturday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. for just $14.95. Call Cable One for this great music event at 762-6684. adv. Arrest — A 20-year-old man was arrested at 1:01 p.m. Monday from South Franklin Street and West Otoe Avenue for no driver’s license and no seat belt. NPO White Serving on USS Enterprise — Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen M. White, son of Roy A. White of Blackwell, is currently halfway through a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf and Adriatic Sea while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, home ported in Norfolk, Va. White’s ship is the lead ship of the USS Enterprise Battle Group. During the deployment, White’s ship participated in Operation Desert Fox in which U.S. Forces launched missile attacks on military installations in Iraq. The attacks were made after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s refusal to allow U.N. teams to inspect Iraqi installations for weapons of mass destruction. The 1983 graduate of Blackwell High School joined the Navy in February 1995. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Marland Round Up Club — The Marland Round Up Club will meet 7 p.m. Friday at the home of John Pulliam, 18650 Badlands in Marland. For more information, call (580) 268-3425. Vehicle Burglary — At 6:36 a.m. Monday a man in the 1600 block of Dean Avenue reported a burglary of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Rodeo Houston championship finals. Seen only on Pay Per View. 3 hours this Sunday, March 7th at 4:00 p.m. for just $9.95. Call Cable One to order at 762-6684. adv. Break-In — A man in the 1100 block of Shirlee Avenue called police at 4:51 p.m. Monday to report a break-in at his home. Gas Drive-Off — At 3:32 p.m. Monday a gas drive-off was reported at the Conoco Convenience Mart, 3305 North Fourteenth Street. Accident — An accident in the 400 block of North Lake Street was reported to police at 7:12 a.m. Monday. Albright United Methodist annual pancakes and sausage sup- per. 128 South Palm, Friday, March 5, 5-7:00. adv. Hit and Run — Police were notified of a hit-and-run accident at 8:34 a.m. Monday in the 2000 block of John Street. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Arrest — A 43-year-old man was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street on a Sedgwick County, Kan., warrant. Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv. Burglary — At 9:39 a.m. Monday a burglary at McKinley School was reported to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Vandalism — A woman in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street reported vandalism to her vehicle at 12:17 p.m. Monday. Gas Drive-Off — At 1:38 p.m. Monday a gas drive-off at the Conoco Convenience Mart, 1613 West South Avenue, was reported to police. Tag Theft — A vehicle tag was reported stolen at 1:53 p.m. Monday from Ideal Auto, 816 South Fourth Street. Accident — An accident in the 300 block of South Pine Street was reported to police at 2:31 p.m. Monday. Juvenile Arrests — Two 13-year-old girls and a 14-girl were arrested at 2:38 p.m. Monday from Wal-Mart, 1100 East Prospect Avenue, for grand larceny. Arrest — Police arrested a 44-year-old woman from South Elm Street and West South Avenue at 2:43 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension. Accident — A non-injury accident in the 10 block of Hillcrest Drive was reported to police at 2:58 p.m. Monday. Arrest — An 18-year-old woman was arrested at 5:22 p.m. Monday from Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, for petit larceny. Break-In — At 6:23 p.m. Monday police were alerted to a vehicle break-in at Albertson’s Warehouse, 2500 Industrial Boulevard. Arrest — A 23-year-old woman was arrested at 1:31 a.m. Tuesday from the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street for driving under suspension, no seat belt, tinted windows and obstructing driver’s view. Arrest — Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 1:58 a.m. Tuesday from the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue for possession of marijuana. LIFESTYLESLaureate Phi Chapter Takes ‘Grand Tour’ Laureate Phi Chapter Takes ‘Grand Tour’Ponca City’s Main Street Authority’s “Grand Tour” was presented to Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority recently in the home of Alice Beman as a continuance of their study “Memory Launchers.” Bret Carter, presenter, was introduced to 10 members by Leanna Adams. Carter, a lab technician in the research department of Conoco, is active on the Preservation Advisory Board of the City of Ponca City, and in Landmark Conservancy. He commented on the significant architecture found in the downtown district and the eligibility of the area and neighborhoods to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Carter showed first a building of the past, then its appearance today, with his slide program. He pointed out that some buildings have lost their historic value through the modernization of their facades. A millennium project of the Landmark is working with the City of Ponca City to develop a plan for the repair and restoration of the Ruby Memorial Gate at Pioneer Park. Chapter members can become a part of this project by joining the Landmark Conservancy. Elsie Rosenbaum, president, read City Council minutes, and announcement was made that Founder’s Day will be held April 20 at the Ponca City Country Club. Laureate Phi is responsible for publicity and a door prize. The traveling basket was given to Lillian Williams. Hostess for the March 8 program meeting will be Meire Harris in the home of Alice Beman. Co-hostess will be Gwen Higgins and Fran Smith will give the program. A Ritual of Jewels will be held for pledge member, Velma Case.. Novelist Favors White SuitBy ROBERT TANNER Associated Press Writer NEW YORK (AP) — A white suit is not your everyday suit. Don’t touch, the slightest blemish can’t be hid. Dry cleaning? It may cost more than the suit. And there’s the style itself: elegant or shout-out-loud, few can pull it off. Except Tom Wolfe. He’s been wearing white suits for about 30 years, whether day or night. When he’s at his summer beach house, he leaves the suit behind, but still wears white from head to toe. He has other clothing — “I do not live in white suits,” he says. But white suits are clearly, certifiably, unmistakably his uniform. Ever since his first real fame in the early 1960s (chronicling the nation’s countercultures, from the bell-bottomed drug scene to surf-crazed Californians and on to astronauts and Wall Street bankers, all while taking potshots at literary bastions like The New Yorker), Wolfe has had this thing for white suits. Now he’s a novelist, writing huge epics of life-as-we-live-it. On the back cover of “A Man in Full,” his new 742-page best seller — there he is, resplendently attired. “Dress tells other people how you want to be treated. And what you expect,” he says one windy winter day, wearing — what else? — a three-piece suit of cream white and razor-sharp lapels, shoes capped heel and toe in black, a watch fob in the vest pocket. “It’s amazing to what extent people will grant your implicit request.” ‘Star’ Look It’s the look of a throwback, a dandy, a star. Formal, a touch Southern, clean to the point of untouchable. Cool. “One does not dress like this unless one wants people to stare. What does he want people to stare at?” says Tibor Kalman, who, as a designer, toys with the images that people and products present to the world. Wolfe is still thin at 68, his hairstyle unchanged from a photo on the mantel taken decades ago. His ears are big for his head. He is soft-spoken — nothing like the hammered attack of his writing, though the carefully chosen phrases are almost as precise. Wolfe considers the suits, then offers this explanation: “I guess you could say advertisement.” He tries again: “Mark Twain had also worn white suits, particularly toward the end of his career. I think he had white tails, everything. He was asked about it by a reporter. He said, ‘I would never want to be conspicuous. On the other hand I don’t terribly object to being noticed.’ That probably sums it up.” He tells a 37-year-old story: How he came to New York in 1962 with a white suit too heavy for the summer and wore it in the fall despite the old saw that such suits are only to be seen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. “It just annoyed people terribly,” he says and smiles, as if that explains everything. (His first white suit, however, was worn when he went to Cuba for the Washington Post. And he recalls the details of his father’s white suit down to its pleats and belt.) Wolfe has honed his nuisance to an art. He chooses from among “about nine” white suits, all custom-made by the same tailor down Madison Avenue from his Upper East Side home overlooking Central Park. At one time, he had 15 or so, all white and bright. But white is unforgiving. Even with excellent care (”you have to find good cleaners”), the suits last only about five or six years. “These suits, over time, are going to become more and more yellow.” Not that he throws them away. They do cost upward of $3,500 each. “They’re like police horses, they’ve been through too much to be sent off to the knackers plant,” he says. They are still put to use — in the closet, as padding on hangers below the new suits, the ones that get seen. “That’s really the way to care for a suit, to have a great big wooden hanger and another jacket below. It just keeps its shape.” Accessories And then there are the ties — never bow, always tied four-in-hand. Shoes — 20 pairs or so. Canes — he’s sporting one made from the vertebrae of an animal. And bowlers, straw hats, fedoras. Style, obviously, is important. Wolfe winces at the clothes people wear on the street. He would never wear his only pair of jeans in public (they’re punishment, to be worn when he’s racing for a deadline and can’t leave his writing desk), and takes pride in criticism that in his novels, clothing serves as insight into character. Clothing is character, he says. “People who say that they don’t care about such things are the ones who do the most. Except they’re not dressing to stand out, but to fit in.” On his windowsill are busts of Balzac, the prolific chronicler of 19th-century France, and Twain — the white-suited satirist of American 19th-century life. Are the suits, as he jokes, a plea for attention? Or the opposite — a way to mask the REAL Tom Wolfe, to hide the details? The Virginia upbringing. The Yale education. The wife and two kids. The Jack Russell terrier named Strawberry. “He’s a little bit of a contradiction,” a detached observer who refuses to blend in, says Mark Edmundson, an English professor at the University of Virginia. Wolfe considers that and tells another story — a day in the mid-1960s when he left the white suits behind. He tried to dress as he thought a race car fan at the track might look: green tweed, brown suede shoes, fedora. It didn’t go over. People wouldn’t open up to that Tom Wolfe. He was losing the story. “I got the message. I wasn’t fitting in and it wasn’t like I was going to fit in.” He took that lesson to heart. “Trying to fit in can be a trap. ... If you think you’re hip, you’re fitting in, you can’t ask those questions” so necessary to report and observe. So he dressed as he felt comfortable, white suits and all, regardless of whether others might see it as bizarre. “You must be more like the man from Mars. ‘The man from Mars is here and he doesn’t know what’s going on, and he wishes somebody would fill him in.’ People are filled with information and they love to tell you things you don’t know,” he said. “Never again did I ever try to fit in.” And the white suits remained, multiplying in Wolfe’s closets as his literary stature grew. How about a look inside that closet? Tom Wolfe — the writer who gets so close to his characters that readers can hear the spiteful thoughts of the surfers in “The Pump House Gang” and smell the sweat of Charlie Croker in “The Man in Full” — smiles and says no. “I never open my closet to the press.” Little NewsMorgan Marissa McCune is the name selected by Ryan and Tonya McCune, 3003 Kingston Road, for their daughter born at 10:02 a.m. Feb. 23, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Mike and Sherry Kelly, and paternal grandparents are Marvin and Michelle McCune, all of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Roy and Faye Self, Lloyd McCune, all of Ponca City, and Margaret Thomas of Kansas City, Mo. BUSINESSConoco Protects Environment With New Process Conoco Protects Environment With New ProcessHOUSTON — Conoco has developed a new way to better protect endangered plants and animals with the petroleum industry’s first seismic cabling method that reduces by half miles of mostly continuous seismic cables. In searching for petroleum reserves, seismic crews traditionally lay parallel lines of mostly connected cables. These lines — often hundreds of miles long and up to one inch thick — are attached to microphone-like devices called “geophones” that record vibrations from the earth. While these long cables often could be routed away from some small environmentally sensitive areas, seismic crews could not always get around larger areas. However, Conoco has enhanced a commercial computer software program that permits seismic cable crews to avoid both environmentally sensitive zones and unsafe areas like cliffs. Conoco’s seismic software enhancement has staggered traditionally lengthy seismic cables into many shorter cable segments of only one-quarter mile in length and spaced nearly a quarter mile apart. Three-dimensional geophysical data picked up by “geophones” attached to the cables is transmitted to recording equipment on trucks via commercially available radio devices. “Using relatively short segments of cabling with Input/Output, Inc. remote radio signals over large areas is a radical change for our industry, one that many people said could not be done,” said Peter Eick, the Conoco senior geophysicist, who led the design and software enhancement. “We have cut the total length of cable required for the seismic job in half. Most important, when we come to an area with endangered plants or animals, or a dangerous cliff or terrain, we can just stop right there, apply our remote radio link, and leapfrog that area before laying the next cable segment on the ground.” Last year, Conoco advanced the new cabling method as a way to reduce injuries of workers stringing cable over steep cliffs in the San Juan natural gas basin of northwestern New Mexico. However, the new “brick receiver pattern” of Conoco’s cabling network also became a tool for safeguarding the 34 plant and animal species protected as threatened and endangered in the 355-square mile San Juan Basin area where the company was surveying for petroleum deposits. Conoco and its contractor crews from Dawson Geophysical Company discovered 30 previously unknown sites of rare plants, including Brack’s Cactus and Aztec Gilia, in the survey area of San Juan and Rio Arriba counties — the only places in the world where these plants are known to grow. Contractor seismic crews avoided each sensitive area — as well as dozens of centuries-old archeological sites — using the new cabling method. Conoco employees then mapped all of the newly discovered sites of endangered plants and archeological ruins, plus existing roads, and shared the information with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Farmington, N.M. In a letter to Conoco, the BLM acknowledged the new cabling method and other Conoco efforts to protect the environment in the San Juan Basin as a “standard for future seismic projects.” Besides the BLM, Conoco worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Nations and the state environmental department. As a result, virtually no environmental “footprint” was left after the San Juan seismic project was completed. Conoco kept completely to existing roads with all “Vibroseis” vehicles — which can weigh up to 68,000 pounds — as well as data-recording and crew trucks. Vibroseis vehicles shake the earth, producing the vibrations that are reflected by underground geological formations to the “geophones” on the ground. In addition, seismic crews on the Conoco job worked with professional biologists to avoid disturbing the nests of bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, and other “raptors,” which were hatching and nurturing newborns. “And, we were able to stay away from the breeding areas of antelope and deer, thanks to this new system,” Eick said. The new cabling method also helped fulfill its intended role of reducing on-the-job injuries. “Previously, we had professional mountain climbers run the lines through steep, mountainous areas — and we still had injuries,” Eick said. “For the San Juan Basin project, because we were able to avoid virtually all the difficult territory, we had zero recordable injuries. We also reduced exposure to lightning strikes, which can hit a cable and endanger a crew member working on an interconnected cable far away.” And in an operation that can cost one dollar a second, Conoco saved 40 percent of the traditional cost and time of its seismic work in the San Juan Basin, mainly by transporting and laying less cable and more efficiently using the available equipment. For all its achievements, the San Juan project team today was named the winner of the Conoco President’s Environmental Award. “This project represents so many facets of sustainability — great environmental protection, top-flight safety, and stronger stakeholder relations,” Conoco President and CEO Archie W. Dunham said. “I’m delighted to see our employees and contractors taking the lead in protecting endangered species and sharing knowledge with our local and government partners, so that we can all better preserve our world.” The company annually presents the President’s Environment Award to the Conoco team that develops an outstanding method of carrying out the company’s 30-year policy of minimizing environmental impact. Former FCC Chairman OSU Telecom SpeakerSTILLWATER — Former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed E. Hundt will deliver the keynote address during a one-day telecommunications and technology symposium at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Tulsa on March 9. The symposium, Leveraging Opportunities for the Next Millennium, includes presentations and discussions by telecommunications industry executives, such as Joe Turcotte, vice president of network operations for Williams Network Operations, Tulsa; General Manager Dave Bialis, Cox Communications, Oklahoma City; and Mike O’Dell, vice president of technology development for Uunet, Fairfax, Va. Oklahoma State University Business Extension, College of Business Administration, the OSU Master of Science in Telecommunications Management Program, and the OSU Institute for Telecommunications are presenting the symposium to inform businesses about the potential of the Internet, electronic commerce and multimedia technologies. Participants will learn about the most profitable options for their businesses from among competing technologies. Hundt will discuss “Electronic Commerce Issues 2001” at 3 p.m. His presentation focuses on the events and regulations that will impact companies conducting business over the Internet in the next century. Hundt was FCC chairman from 1993 to 1997, presiding over the implementation of the historic Telecommunications Act of 1996. He also helped negotiate the World Trade Organization Telecommunications Agreement, which opened markets to competition and dropped barriers to foreign investment in 69 countries. Under Hundt’s administration, the FCC issued more than 4,300 wireless communications licenses and raised more than $12 billion for the U.S. Treasury through spectrum auctions, which also helped to create competition. Leading by example, Hundt ushered the FCC into the Information Age by ensuring every person in the commission was wired to the Internet. Other symposium topics include: * Internet-Based Economic Opportunities * A Realistic View of Voice and Video Over the Internet * The Next Generation Telecommunications Network * Cable’s Role in the Future Telecommunications Infrastructure * When Bandwidth Becomes Virtually Free, and * Primary Engines for the New Economy: Telecommunications, Technology and Training Registration is $175 per person, which includes materials and lunch. For more information about the symposium, contact OSU Business Extension at 405-744-4048, or e-mail at brendaj@okway.okstate.edu. Speaker information is available on the symposium’s Internet web site: www.bus.okstate.edu/ext/tcomtech/. Advisory Council Meeting Planned At ClubhouseThe Conoco Community Advisory Council will meet Thursday, March 11, 4-6 p.m., at the north side of the Fourth Street Clubhouse. The advisory council is a group of local citizens interested in maintaining a dialogue with Conoco on a broad range of topics in order to understand issues of mutual interest. This provides the community the opportunity to monitor Conoco’s performance on environmental and other matters and gives Conoco an effective way to have outside perspectives considered fully in its decisions that affect the community. It allows Conoco to gain a better understanding of the community’s interests and attitudes regarding Conoco’s Ponca City operations. Each meeting contains a Refinery report, along with an environmental and safety report concerning refinery operations. Additional topics to be discussed in this meeting are the proposed Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Day to be sponsored by the City of Ponca City and information concerning the Kaw Nation Enterprise Development. Any interested citizens are invited to attend this meeting. If you would like additional information, please contact Helen Hatlelid-Hester, facilitator, at 762-5665. Conoco Shipping Banff CrudeABERDEEN, Scotland — The first commercial shipment of crude oil to be produced from the Banff field in the U.K. sector of the North Sea, which is operated by Conoco, has begun its journey ashore for refining into petroleum products. The shuttle tanker Nordic Svenita, carrying 500,000 barrels (67,000 tons) of Banff crude left the field bound for Donges in France. Her sister ship, Wilma Yukon, replaced her in the field. Conoco’s Banff field began production on Jan. 30, 1999. Located 125 miles east of Aberdeen, Banff currently is producing at a rate of about 30,000 barrels per day through the floating production, storage and offtake vessel Ramform Banff. With a planned peak daily production rate of 60,000 barrels of oil and 40 million standard cubic feet of gas, field life is expected to be about eight years. The Banff development includes a provision to handle potential additional production from adjacent areas. Co-venturers in the Banff field are: Conoco (U.K.) Limited (operator) with 31.70 percent interest, Ranger Oil (U.K.) Limited with 26.20 percent, Enterprise Oil Exploration Limited with 27.90 percent, British-Borneo Oil & Gas plc with 12.40 percent, and Petrobras North Sea Limited with 1.80 percent. Conoco is responsible for reservoir management and the drilling program. Field facilities are owned and operated by PGS Floating Production U.K. Ltd. under a life-of-field production services agreement. The agreement covers the provision of personnel, maintenance and logistical support, and requires the abandonment of the FPSO system on completion of the contract. Another PGS company, Atlantic Floating Production, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facilities. At the heart of the FPSO system is the Ramform Banff, a purpose-built vessel of a type not used previously for oil and gas production. The wedge-shaped hull and wide stern of the ramform design enables it to carry large deck loads without compromising stability or safety. It also provides capacity to reconfigure or add processing packages for incremental or third-party oil production. The Ramform Banff has storage capacity for 120,000 barrels of crude oil, protected by a double hull. Oil from Banff, which is located in U.K. blocks 29/2a and 22/27a, is produced through two subsea wells tied back to a single subsea manifold that is connected, in turn, to the Ramform Banff by a system of flowlines and dynamic risers. The manifold, which can accommodate additional wells if necessary, lies a mile from the vessel between the production wells to the north and two water injection wells to the south. Oil is loaded from the FPSO through a 12-inch pipeline to a tanker moored at a single anchor loading system, a mile away. Initially, two double-hulled tankers, the Wilma Yukon and the Nordic Svenita, will transport the oil, reducing to one later in field life when production rates decline. Each shuttle tanker has dynamic positioning systems, allowing it to remain on station in severe weather. Banff gas will be exported through a 4 mile, six-inch diameter pipeline to the Central Area Transmission System pipeline for transmission to Teesside on the East Coast of England. The Banff field was discovered by Ranger Oil in 1991 and has been developed in two phases. Phase 1, during the six-month period beginning in September 1996, entailed the production of about five million barrels of oil using the Sedco 707 semi-submersible floating production unit and the shuttle tanker Stena Savonita. The early production study confirmed that Banff was capable of full commercial development, which began when the U.K. government gave approval for Phase II in February 1997. SPORTSLady Mavs Going On To Region Lady Mavs Going On To RegionBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer TONKAWA — The Lady Mavericks of NOC will be going to the Region II tournament in Shawnee after all. The Lady Mavs picked up a big second half run to power past the Northark Lady Pioneers, 67-46, Monday. Though the Lady Mavs tied for the No. 2 seed in the Bi-State West with Eastern, a coin toss relegated them to the No. 3 position, and forced the extra game against Northark, the No. 6 seed from the east. The Lady Mavs (8-3 in the post season) will take on nationally ranked Westark on Thursday, in Shawnee. Tip off is at 3 p.m.. Though the Lady Pioneers finished last in the eastern division, the designation is deceiving. With no less than three nationally ranked teams — Westark, Connors and NEO — the Lady Pioneers have faced an uphill battle all season, and nearly jumped up to surprise the Lady Mavs. The small but feisty Lady Pioneers came out to fight. With the first basket coming a full six minutes into the game, and hampered by just 4-of-13 shooting from the line, the Lady Mavs couldn’t seem to get the momentum they needed. The Lady Pioneers, meanwhile, hit five 3-pointers in the first half, and were behind by just three, 26-23, at halftime. “It was ugly, for a long time,” said head coach Greg Krause. “I was worried at halftime. (Northark) does a good job of taking you out of your offense — they’re all over you. They’re scrappy, and pesky.” LaTonya Douglas finished with 23 points for the Lady Mavs, and sparked a 13-0 run, three minutes into the second half, to put the game away. Douglas had six points in that run, Lorraine Rice got a tip-in, and Chenise Robinson added a 3-pointer and a coast-to-coast layup. The Lady Mavs then pieced together several more small runs through the remainder of the game to finish with the decisive margin. “It was a good win. I was worried about just winning, at halftime, let alone by a 21-point margin,” said Krause. “I think two things made that possible in the second half. We went to a smaller lineup with a single post, and we went to a man-to-man to match up on their shooters.” Kacey Whitworth and Lyndsey Warrior each finished with 11 points. Warrior had 8 points in the second half, including six straight, late in the game, while Whitworth hit 5-of-6 free throws in the fourth quarter. Douglas closed out the game with a pair of fast break buckets in the last 16 seconds. Krause knows the Lady Mavs next game won’t be so easy. “We’ve got our work cut out for us now,” Krause says, whose team was swept by Westark in the regular season. “We just have to go down there and play.” Chenise Robinson finished with 7 points, Suzi Eisenhauer had 6, Rice had 4, Jennifer Williams and Jessica Garner had 2 each, while Ranada Collins had 1. Gina Cantrell had 11 for the Lady Pioneers, while Stacy Stafford had 10. Baseballers Win BigBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer The real question is: what’s more important on baseball’s opening day? An exciting game or nice weather? This year, the Wildcats got the weather. With possibly the finest opening day conditions in the history of Po-Hi spring sports, the Cats launched into their season with an yawner of a win, overpowering the Class 2A Newkirk Tigers in a run-rule, 14-3, Monday. Though the Cats did get their bats going, picking up nine hits in four innings of work, it was miscues by the Tigers’ battery that led to the abbreviated outing. A trio of Newkirk pitchers gave up 10 walks — six in the first inning — while five wild pitches into the backstop sent Ponca City runners in for easy scores. For first year head coach Mike Krehbiel, it was a pleasant — if rather unemotional — way to start his tenure as the Wildcats’ latest helmsman. “We needed a “W” to start our season off, so it was a good win,” he says. “We had an opportunity to get everyone in the game, and get some more time on the field. That was the most important thing.” Wildcat Wes Murrie, who has seen limited time on the mound in the past two years, picked up the win. The senior right hander went all of one inning, getting a fly-out and striking out two at the top of the Tigers’ order. The game quickly spun out of control at the bottom of the inaugural inning, however, as the Cats raced through 15 batters to score 10 runs on just four hits and two Newkirk errors. Lead-off hitter Bryan Coppock — who finished 2-for-4 with an RBI — got the floodgates open, cracking a shot up the middle off Tiger starter George Munroe, and scored later on a passed ball. An error and three consecutive walks led to the second Ponca City score — and the next Newkirk pitcher, Andrew Simmons. Simmons got off to a shaky start as well, giving up two more runs on walks. At the bottom of the Ponca City order, Anthony Starks got a string of hits going, driving in one with a 2-base shot to right field. Coppock then drove in Starks with a double of his own down the right field line, and 2-hole hitter Cody Warner got the last hit of the inning, punching the ball through the infield for a single. With the score 9-0, and with no outs, Ryan Rush then took over in the Tigers’ failing effort — and though another run scored on an error — Rush struck out one and the Tigers notched three straight outs to close the inning. Jeremy Runnels pitched out the game for the Cats. Runnels gave up three hits and two walks to the Tigers, while striking out four in four innings of work. Two of those hits came off the bat of consummate Newkirk athlete Sam Free, while catcher James Mowdy picked up a triple — good for an RBI — down the third base line. The Wildcats committed no errors in the game. Also hitting well for the Poncans was sophomore Buddy McCoy, who subbed in and went 2-for-2 with two doubles and 2 RBIs. The Cats will get a stiffer test this afternoon, as they host Perry, at 4, at the Po-Hi field. Game Notes — On opening day last season, the weather was more March-like. With temperatures in the low 30’s and a brisk northern breeze, it was — in a word — miserable. A photo of students wrapped in sleeping bags ran in the News. Ponca City 14, Newkirk 3 Newkirk 002 10 — 3 3 3 Ponca City (10)11 2x — 14 9 0 Murrie (w) and Spears, Runnels (2) and Fox; Munroe (l), Simmons (1), Rush (1), and Mowdy. Golfers Open Season on Home CoursesBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor “I think the girls shot pretty well,” coach Jerry Orr said after watching the Lady Wildcats finish fifth in the 12-team Ponca City Invitational Monday at the Ponca City Country Club. The Po-Hi girls are back on the links today in the Owasso Tournament held at Tulsa’s Mohawk Park. The Lady Cats scored a 385 total Monday, just one stroke behind fourth-place Jenks. Edmond North was the tournament champion with a 341. Sophomore Jenni Nimmo paced the Poncans with an 87, good enough for seventh in the individual scoring. Calyn Howe posted a 98 while Ashley Mott and Christie Rutledge each had 100 and Heather Staires 101. Edmond North had three of the top five scorers. Claire Sturdivan shot an 81 for medalist honors. Teammate Jacque Litsch had 82 for second place and Whitney Bryant was fifth with an 84, Broken Arrow was second in the team scoring with a 353, followed by Stillwater at 377, Jenks 384 and Ponca City. “The girls have been working hard and it is showing up in their scoring,” Orr said. “These scores are pretty good for this early in the season. Orr was especially pleased with the results from freshman Rutledge, who is currently the fifth person on the team.”: “In the past we haven’t gotten a lot of help from our fifth player,” Orr said. “This was Christi’s first high school tournament. She’ll get even better.” Three other Poncans played as individuals. Courtney Fredricks posted a 106, Jennifer Correll 116 and Jessica Hubbard 126. Following today’s play the Lady Cats are off until March 29 when the enter the Cushing Tournament. “Then we get real busy during April,” Orr said, noting the Ponca Citians play about twice a week during that month. Team Scoring Edmond North 341. Broken Arrow 353, Stillwater 377, Jenks 384, Ponca City 385, Edmond Memorial 398, Enid 399, Tulsa Union 424, Bartlesville 426, Westmoore 443, Moore 448, Sand Springs, 460 Top 10 Individuals Claire Sturdivan (Edmond North) 81, Jacque Litsch (Edmond North) 83. Morgan Gaines (Broken Arrow) 83, Heidi Brown (Broken Arrow 83), Whitney Bryant (Edmond North) 84, Lindsay Stanford (Jenks) 85, Jenni Nimmo (Ponca City 87, Emily Allread (Jenks) 88, Ali Hammergren (Stillwater) 89, Danielle Miron (Broken Arrow) 89. By FRED HILTON News Sports Editor Coach Dan McGregor feels his golf team can score better, but he was not unpleased with the Wildcats’ ninth place finish in the season opening Ponca City Invitational at the Lew Wentz Memorial course. Played in almost perfect weather — in stark contrast to conditions on this date in recent years — the Ponca Citians posted a 316 total, tied with Enid. Guthrie won the 16-team tournament with a 296, three strokes in front of Jenks. “Guthrie played very well,” McGregor said. “That score works out to them scoring a 74 average.” The Ponca Citians couldn’t quite match that, but their scores weren’t all that far off the pace, either. Aaron Hill led the Wildcats with a 76 while Louie Girardi had a 78, James Anderson 79, Aaron Sattre 83 and Matt Waddell 84. “Matt (who played in the No. 1 spot for the Poncans) was very disappointed,” McGregor said. “He had been shooting very well in practice.” Matt Ellis paced the Wildcats JVs with a 79. Jason Pettigrew shot 82, Luke Cobb 84 and Scott King 84. The JVs were 12th in the team scoring with a 329. Drew Streckle of Guthrie was the tournament medalists with an even par 91. J.C. DeLeon of Jenks and Adam Wing of Broken Arrow both posed 72s. “I had hoped for better scoring,” McGregor said. “But what we shot looks encouraging. “In talking with the kids afterwards, we are still having problems putting. We are going to have to work on our technique. “The one thing we can’t blame it on is the weather,” the coach said. “It was just beautiful out there.” Golf Notes — Networking with the coaches at the Ponca City Invitational paid off for McGregor. He entered the Wildcats in the Tulsa Union Tournament on March 15, which will the next outing for the varsity. McGregor also added an April 21 tournament hosted by Edmond Memorial at Kickingbird. The Wildcat JVs have a busy month. They play Pawnee here (the Ponca City Country Club) March 12, return the favor at Pawnee March 22, play Woodland at Fairfax March 24 and play at Alva March 26. Team Scoring Guthrie 296, Jenks 299, Bartlesville 304, Edmond Memorial 304, Tulsa Union 311, Edmond North 313, Broken Arrow 314, Owasso 314, Ponca City 316, Enid 316, Stillwater 326, Ponca City JV 329, Moore 330, Enid JV 343, Sand Springs 346, Seminole 347. Top Individuals Drew Streckle (Guthrie) 71, J.C. DeLeon (Jenks) 72, Adam Wing (Broken Arrow) 72, Matt Allred (Union) 83, Matt Hollerback (Jenks) 73, Brandon Lever (Bartlesville) 74, Scott Delaney (Bartlesville) 74
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