LOCAL

DHS Screening New TANF Applicants
Istook Wants To Expand House
Student Receives Rotary Club Scholarship To Study in Australia

DHS Screening New TANF Applicants

The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Kay County is beginning today to screen all new applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for substance abuse.

County DHS director Carlan Kindred said the new step goes along with the department’s current literacy screenings and is an effort to address all issues that might impact the TANF client’s ability to succeed in becoming self-sufficient.

The literacy and substance abuse screening efforts are combined with vocational training and other employment readiness needs of individual TANF participants at Ponca City’s Workforce Development One Stop Center at 1201 West Grand Avenue.

Substance abuse (drug and alcohol) is seen as a critical factor in a person’s ability to parent as well as to obtain and retain employment.

If the screening indicates a person has a substance abuse issue, a referral for non-medical services will be made with a local contract provider. The provider will initiate services such as psychological testing, additional drug screenings, family and individual counseling.

Kindred said for individuals who are identified as high risk, treatment will be mandatory for their employability and to receive assistance, but the treatment now can be included in the hours required in an individual’s work program.

The ultimate goal for the participant will be abstinence from substances, increased ability to participate fully in work activities, increased earnings and the reduction of harm to children in the family.

Already this month representatives from agencies such as the Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter, the Salvation Army, Domestic Violence, Pioneer Technology Center and Workforce Oklahoma attended a planning meeting to consider conducting joint assessments with DHS.

Kindred said sustaining local partnerships with vocations, day care, medical and social service providers is essential to succeed with job placement and retention.

Two years following passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Act, known as Welfare Reform, DHS’s work-first approach is sustaining TANF caseload reductions.

Kay County has reduced its number of “issuing” TANF cases by 53 percent (from a high of 356 cases in September of 1995 to a current caseload of 166). The change represents a dollar savings of 61 percent — from $95,483 to the current $36,968.

Istook Wants To Expand House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Rep. Ernest Istook has developed legislation that would expand the U.S. House at a time when Oklahoma faces the threat of losing a congressional seat, possibly Istook’s.

Istook, R-Okla., said the legislation ‘‘would prevent Oklahoma from losing a seat in Congress. It would save our sixth seat for us. It would also make the House more representative.’’

In Istook’s proposal, the House would increase by 30 seats to 465 members. It would be the first permanent adjustment to the House membership in 88 years.

Population projections have shown that Oklahoma would lose a seat after the 2000 census, dropping it to five House members. State lawmakers would have to redesign the congressional districts.

If Oklahoma loses a congressional seat, it could also mean that Istook may have to run against a current colleague in the next election.

‘‘I think Congressman Istook’s plan is, at the least, interesting. It may even be a fascinating effort to maintain the full six-member delegation,’’ said Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla. ‘‘Why should 435 be a magic number?’’

Istook has been approaching lawmakers whose state would either retain seats or pick up more than currently projected as a bipartisan effort to support his measure.

His proposal would not require a change to the Constitution. It only needs congressional and presidential approval.

‘‘I’m trying to make sure we design a plan that’s likely to pass,’’ Istook said.

Although a 28-seat expansion would ensure no state loses a seat, Istook said he increased the number to 30 because it would benefit 26 states.

‘‘To make a minimal adjustment after 80 years is trying to make the House a more representative body,’’ he said.

Oklahoma’s power would still be diluted even if the House gets bigger.

‘‘It sounds like a mighty expensive way to save Oklahoma’s seat in the House,’’ said Thomas Mann, a congressional scholar at the Brookings Institution.

Mann said the increase would not make the House more representative of the public.

‘‘You begin to run into some real difficulties as the size of the chamber gets bigger. You’d have to start building the whole infrastructure of Congress,’’ he said.‘‘As a body gets bigger, it gets more difficult to organize and manage.’’

Student Receives Rotary Club Scholarship To Study in Australia

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Jaime Holt, 1989 Po-Hi graduate and daughter of Jim and Maryann Holt, recently received a Rotary Club scholarship to study at Deaken University in Melbourne, Australia. She began her “fall” classes the first of March, after arriving there in February.

Jaime e-mails that she stayed a week with her host Rotary family, Brian and Anne Liston and their four daughters age 14-21, before she and a former student exchange friend, found an apartment downtown in the middle of the business and theater district.

The Ponca City Rotary Club is her U.S. sponsor and Glenn Waverly Rotary Club is her host club in Australia. She first applied for the scholarship which covers tuition and living expenses, in 1997.

As a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship recipient, Jaime presented programs to nine Oklahoma clubs before she left, and already has appointments to speak to several Melbourne area Rotary Clubs about Oklahoma. After one year, she will come back to Oklahoma and again make the speaking circuit.

Jaime is studying Health Promotion, Program Design and Implementation, Research Methods, and Facilitating Large Groups, and notes that the university system is basically the same as the U.S.A. She is having fun, however, learning shorter names for everything such as uni, footy, and tele. And — the toilets have two buttons to push for flushing — one sends a half-tank of water and other a whole tank. Everything is more expensive except health care and candy. She was surprised to find Starbuck’s Coffee and the Oprah’s Bookclub posters there.

An old hand at traveling in other lands, Jaime served as a high school exchange student in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1989-90, and has traveled elsewhere as well. She stopped off for a week in Auckland, New Zealand on her way to Melbourne. She is currently exploring the area near her new apartment, including the Melbourne bay and China Town, and is only a block from some fabulous gardens. She is within a tram ride from tons of other “interesting stuff.” Jaime purchased a little 1981 Toyota (with the steering wheel on the right) to get to the University which is out in the suburbs of Australia’s second-largest city. Jaime is also looking for a part-time job, but plans to find time to visit the Barrier Reef and Western Australia’s Outback.

Jaime writes, “The natives are very friendly. All I have to do is say a few words and almost any one of these culturally diverse people engage me in a ‘So where are you from?’ conversation. The people seem to be very happy, healthy and active with sports being a top recreational activity.” Among other things, passed along to Jaime is Melba toast was named after a famous Melbourne opera singer Dame Nellie Melba; a Koala is a marsupial - not a bear; and McDonald’s (which are everywhere) are called MACers.

Jamie’s friends may write to her via e-mail at jaimeholt@hotmail.com or send a letter to 2308/265 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.#

DEATHS

Dorothy Harp
Kenneth Lawance Ellington Sr.
Dolores Aline Miller
Velma Alice Craighead
Lorene B. Walker
Perry V. Vanderslice
Freda Anson Pray

Dorothy Harp

FAIRFAX — Dorothy Harp, longtime Fairfax resident, died at her home Friday night, March 12, 1999. She was 65.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the Fairfax Cemetery with Bro. Butch Crowley officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Dorothy (Chapman) Harp was born Jan. 9, 1934, in Fairfax. She was the daughter of Lorenzo Oscar and Nettie Mae (Barnard) Chapman. She attended Fairfax schools.

She married Jeril Louis Harp on Aug. 30, 1952, in Fairfax, where they made their first home. They later moved to Arkansas City, Kan. Mrs. Harp moved back to Fairfax in 1984. She was a retired waitress, and a member of the Church of the First Born. She enjoyed fishing and collecting glassware.

Survivors include one son, James Harp of Lexington, Okla.; one brother, Josh Chapman of Borger, Texas; one sister, Cecil White of Fairfax; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jeril, on Nov. 16, 1983; her parents; two brothers, Jesse Chapman and Harold Chapman; and three sisters, Lucille Richeson, Thelma Fuller and Nancy Sanders.

The family will be at the Cecil White home to receive friends and family.

Kenneth Lawance Ellington Sr.

STILLWATER — Kenneth Lawance Ellington Sr., former Ponca City resident, died at Stillwater Medical Center on Friday, March 12, 1999. He was 76.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater with the Rev. Lynden Howard officiating. Burial will be in the cemetery north of Yale, Okla.

Kenneth Lawance Ellington Sr. was born Sept. 19, 1922, in Ponca City to Thomas J. and Pearl (Ballinger) Ellington. He grew up east of Stillwater at West Point, where he attended school through eighth grade. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 12, 1942, and served in the European Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 4, 1945, and returned to Oklahoma.

He was married to Clara Ford on Nov. 15, 1945, in Stillwater and she preceded him in death on Nov. 30, 1946. He then married Fern Cook on Nov. 15, 1947, in Stillwater. Ellington was employed with the Lovell Brothers Oil Company and farmed. He later began employment with the City of Stillwater and in 1956, moved to Blackwell to work in the Zinc Smelter. In 1963, the family moved back to Stillwater and he was again employed with the City of Stillwater and also Payne County. He retired from the city in 1987, then enjoyed driving a school bus for the Ripley School system. He was a member of the Ripley Church of God. Ellington enjoyed gardening, taking care of his animals and visiting with friends.

Survivors include one son, Kenneth L. Ellington Jr., of Ingalls, Kan.; two daughters, Leota Bunney of Ponca City and Norma Smith of Ingalls, Kan.; five sisters, Lela Ellington Boyd and Beulah Ellington Flager, both of Stillwater, Erma Ellington McBrain and Neva Ellington Rourk, both of Blackwell, and Thelma Ellington Stocker of Pawnee; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both wives; his parents; and three brothers.

Casket bearers will be Ike Carvens, Bob Kincade, James Roe, Bob Biswell, Keith Hilbert and Ted Harwick. Honorary bearers will be Bill Wilkerson, Bruce Pogue, and Kenneth Boyles.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Ellington’s name to the Stillwater Life Center, 411 West Matthews Street, Stillwater, OK 74075.

Dolores Aline Miller

Dolores Aline Miller, lifelong Blackwell resident, died Saturday morning, March 13, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 72.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Blackwell First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Ryser, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.

Dolores Aline (Leslie) Miller was born Oct. 29, 1926, in Blackwell to Lewis F. and Dorothea D. (Epperly) Leslie. She grew up and attended schools in Blackwell, graduating from Blackwell High School in 1944. She was then employed with J.C. Penney Company for three years.

She married Jack Charles Miller on Aug. 8, 1946, in Blackwell, where they established their home. Mrs. Miller was employed at Hazel-Atlas Glass Plant until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1955. In 1965 she began working in the central office print room at the Blackwell Public Schools. She then transferred to Washington Elementary School and worked as the school secretary for 18 years, retiring in 1986. During this time, she also served as a substitute teacher at Blackwell Junior High School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Miller of Blackwell; three daughters, Carolyn Steward, Brenda Goodger and Dorleen Howard, all of Ponca City; one son, David Miller of Blackwell; one sister, Lenora Terrell, Kingsland, Texas; four brothers, Lee Leslie of Bartlesville, Lloyd Leslie of Blackwell, Dale Leslie of Enid and Harmon Leslie of Tulsa; and 11 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Clyde Leslie.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Miller’s name to the First United Methodist Church, Wednesday Night Meal Fund, Sixth at Coolidge Streets, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Obituaries

Velma Alice Craighead

Velma Alice Kerns Craighead, sister of Mrs. Shannon (Thelma) Johnson of Ponca City, died at 6:25 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 1999 at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City after a long illness. She was 81.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 1999, at the First Christian Church in Woodward. Good Samaritan Funeral Home in Woodward, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may visit for viewing at the funeral home on Wednesday.

Velma Alice Kerns Craighead was born Sept., 30, 1917, on a farm, three miles east of Marland, the second daughter of Albert Raymond and Millie Viola (Foreman) Kerns Sr. She attended Marland Grade School and graduated from Marland High School in 1935. She then graduated from Botts Business College in Ponca City. Velma moved to Woodward and served as secretary in the Gailbraith Law Firm. Later she became secretary for the Woodward Farm and Ranch Production Credit Association.

On Dec. 17, 1946, at the First Christian Church of Woodward, Velma Alice Kerns married Warren Russell Craighead. While Warren finished his pharmacy degree at Southwestern State, Weatherford, Velma again worked as secretary to a real estate firm.

The couple returned to Woodward, opening the Craighead Pharmacy and farming the Craighead Farms. They bought the former Fry Ranch, southwest of Woodward and also developed other property in and around Woodward. They survived the April 9, 1947, Woodward tornado, where more than 100 lives were lost. Velma drove all night, picking up the injured and stranded people — and never getting a flat tire. Meanwhile, her husband Warren dispensed all the medication from his pharmacy.

Velma was a talented lady, having a beautiful voice, she sang solos at her church, for the Eastern Star lodge, and at local funerals. When her husband died on July 8, 1971, she took over management of the pharmacy and ranch. She was a great cook and loved to can the vegetables and fruits from the ranch. She loved her family and was special to her children, nieces, nephews and friends.

Velma Craighead is survived by one daughter, Joyce Hurst Mann and her husband Keith of Oklahoma City; one son Clair Verne Craighead and his wife Stephanie of Woodward; grandchildren, Kristi Joe Craighead, Lindsey Nicole Craighead, Robert Hurst and Rusty Hurst; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Thelma Kerns Ross Johnson of Ponca City.

Also, nieces Gordonna Yeary Suchy, and Janice Yeary Dunn, both of Oklahoma City, nephews Ronald L. Ross of Honolulu, Hawaii, Dennis Yeary of Arlington, Texas, and David Yeary of Tulsa; and grand nieces, Tina Ross Navarez, Erin Lynn Yeary, Amanda Suchy, Shaela Yeary; grand nephews Gary Shannon Ross, Andrew Yeary, and Joshua Yeary; great-grand nieces, Arity Navarez and Tatiana Navarez; and her caretaker and friend, June.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; her parents; one brother Albert Raymond Kerns Jr.; one sister Doris Kerns Yeary; one stepson, Don Craighead; and two brothers-in-law, Jesse Gordon Yeary and Shannon Johnson.

paid obituary

Lorene B. Walker

Lorene B. Walker, lifetime resident of Ponca City, died early Saturday morning, March 13, 1999, at Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City. She was 78.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Kip Wright, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Oct. 10, 1920 in Ponca City, she was the daughter of George Edward and Leona Louise Wright Brunhoeber. She attended Ponca City schools and graduated from Po-Hi in 1939. She then attended Northern Oklahoma College.

On April 5, 1942, she married George D. Walker in Oklahoma City. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1992. During World War II she worked at Camp Arsenal, Md., as a Civil Service secretary. Upon returning to Ponca City she worked as a secretary in an accounting department at Conoco for several years.

Lorene was a lifelong member of Albright United Methodist Church where she also was a member of the Ester Grace Circle where she served as treasurer. She was also a member of the Ponca City Mothers Club where she had served in various offices throughout the years. She enjoyed doing needlework and knitting but her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and family.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Ted Davis of Macomb, Okla., and Pam and Ray Lessert of Ponca City; sisters Fae McCluskey and Donna Buller and her husband Paul of Ponca City; a brother, Don Brunhoeber and his wife Ruth of Houston, Texas; a “special brother” Kenneth Wright of Ponca City; two grandchildren, Ted Davis Jr., and his wife Jada of Macomb, Okla., and Lori George and her husband, Jason of Wichita, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 1, 1993, a granddaughter Patty Davis on Dec. 21, 1987, and her parents.

Memorials may be made to Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Casket bearers will be Chuck Covey, Joe Colby Jr., Ray Hargis, Maurice Johnson, Lloyd Lansdowne, and Gary Kirchenbauer.

The casket will not be opened following the service at the church, however friends may call at the Trout Funeral Home until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The family will be at 2405 Cardinal.

paid obituary

Perry V. Vanderslice

Perry V. Vanderslice, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, March 13, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 91.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 16, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Kip Wright, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery where Masonic rites will be conducted by the Ponca City Masonic Lodge 83 AF&AM. Burial will be under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Mr. Vanderslice was born Oct. 9, 1907, in Como, Texas, to J.W. and Sarah Evelyn Vanderslice. From 1924-1928, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Idaho.

On August 12, 1929, he married Treo Coker in Picton, Texas. Perry was employed with Dallas Power and Light Company of Dallas, Texas, before moving to Ponca City in 1929. He began a career with Marland Oil Company on Dec. 12, 1929, and retired as an operating engineer in 1972 after 43 years with Conoco. While in Ponca City, he built two homes, loved gardening, coached junior baseball leagues, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. Vanderslice was a member of Albright United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and served as church trustee for 36 successive years. He was a member of the Ponca City Masonic Lodge 83 AF&AM for 63 years and a 50-year member as a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish Rite Temple. He was also a member of the Fanchon Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star where he had served as Worthy Patron. In addition, he held memberships in the White Shrines of Jerusalem and the Amaranth.

He is survived by his wife Treo, of the home; one daughter, Phyllis Heminger of Tulsa; one son, Wayne Vanderslice of Corsicana, Texas; one grandson, David Vanderslice of Garland, Texas; one great-grandson, Dustin Vanderslice of Garland, Texas; one sister, Opal Swindell of Quitman, Texas; one brother, J.P. Vanderslice of Alice, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be John Lansdown, Bill Brown, Kenneth Mann, Eldrige Manering, Bob Ford, Don Appleman, and Jim Chambers. Honorary bearers will be all Masons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Freda Anson Pray

Freda Anson Pray, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, March 12, 1999 at Ponca City Nursing home. She was 86.

A graveside service was to be held at 1 p.m., today, March 15, 1999 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer, Associate Pastor, First Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Mrs. Pray was born on June 24, 1912 in Kildare to Fred and Pearl (Slater) Anson. She attended Ponca City Schools and later attended business college.

She married Vern W. Pray on April 20, 1932 in Newkirk. He preceded her in death on October 1, 1987. The couple made their home in Ponca City where Ms. Pray worked as a secretary. She loved to play cards and spend time with her many friends. She was a member of the First Christian Church and belonged to the choir for over 40 years, and was a member of the Gold Star Mothers.

She is survived by one daughter, Sally Pray Hebert of Atlanta; one daughter-in-law, Renata Pray of Munich, Germany; one sister, Winona J. Bowman of Codell, Kansas; one brother, Howard Anson of Ponca City; one sister-in-law, Lucille Ely of San Diego; five grandchildren, Terry Ammons and his wife, Marti of Atlanta, Todd Ammons and his wife, Christi of Lake Charles, Pam Ammons-Johnson and her husband, Scott of Atlanta, Ga., Franklin Pray and his wife Cindy of New York City, and Sylvia Pray of Munich; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Vern Lee Pray; four sisters and three brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Burglary — At 7:34 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 800 block of South Fifth Street reported finding a lap top computer. The owner was located and a burglary report was taken.

Open Meeting presentation of 50 pins Monday, March 15. Dinner

at 6:30 p.m. Visiting Masons and families welcome. C.A. Poulter,

WM, Charles L. Stuckey, Sec.

Attempted Theft — Police were notified at 7:52 a.m. Saturday of an attempted auto theft in 600 block of South Third Street.

Winter Clearance at Mel’s. Ladies sportwear and shoes $3.99

each, or 3 for $10.00; Dresses $10.00.

Hit & Run — At 10:02 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 3600 block of C Street informed police of a hit-and-run accident.

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.

Juvenile Shoplifters — At 12:52 p.m. Saturday police were notified of two boys in custody at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for shoplifting.

Hair Adornments; Butterfly clippies, Fancy Bobbi pins and hair clips. Copper magnetic bracelts are in! Christy’s, 3005 N. 14th Street.

False Alarm — At 4:09 a.m. Monday fire units were notified of a possible fire in the area of Riviera Drive and West Liberty Avenue. However, it was determined that it was merely steam from the nearby steam plant.

Knife Threat — At 2:42 p.m. Saturday police were called to the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue after receiving a report of a person threatening a 16-year-old boy with a knife.

Winter Clearance at Mel’s. Ladies sportwear and shoes $3.99 each, or 3 for $10.00; Dresses $10.00.

Arrest — An 18-year-old woman was arrested at 5:33 p.m. Saturday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny and possession of fake identification.

Spring Open March 16th--Back on the Rack.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 6:07 p.m. Saturday from 1000 block of North Oak Street for domestic assault and battery.

Arrest — At 5:29 a.m. Monday police arrested a 22-year-old woman from East Emporia Avenue and North Third Street for driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

Break-In — At 4:33 a.m. Monday police were notified of a break-in at Citgo, 200 East Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Broken Window — At 7:26 p.m. Saturday a woman in the 200 block of North Fourteenth Street contacted police regarding a broken window.

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.

Arrest — An 18-year-old man was arrested at 1:04 a.m. Monday from North Sixth Street and East Hartford Avenue for resisting arrest and public intoxication.

Accident — An accident in the 3400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 10:26 a.m. Sunday.

Arrest — A 23-year-old man was arrested at East Emporia Avenue and North Third Street at 4:59 a.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to obey.

Pauline's Every Monday Night Special. Fried Chicken Only all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460.

Auto Burglary — At 7:52 a.m. Sunday a man in the 400 block of South Lake Street reported that his vehicle had been burglarized.

Arrest — A 49-year-old man was arrested from West Broadway Avenue and North Pine Street at 3:34 a.m. Sunday for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and failure to obey.

Car Fire — Fire units were called to the 900 block of South Fourth Street for a car fire at 2:14 p.m. Sunday.

Arrest — A 33-year-old man was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Sunday from the 300 block of South Palm Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Arrest — Police arrested a 25-year-old woman at 4:09 p.m. Sunday from the 200 block of North Ash Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.

False Alarm — At 7:58 p.m. Sunday police responded to a burglary alarm at Jay Warner, 1300 East South Avenue. However, it was determined that melting snow had set the alarm off.

Assault — A man in the 1100 block of West Greenwood Avenue contacted police at 11:24 p.m. Sunday after he was allegedly assaulted.

LIFESTYLES

Xi Beta Tau Plans Social Event In Arkansas City
Rho Chapter Will Sponsor Easter Photos
Reception To Honor Couple

Xi Beta Tau Plans Social Event In Arkansas City

The March 8 meeting of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held in the home of Lois Coats with Sammie Coats conducting the meeting. June Miller, recording secretary, called roll, read the minutes, and gave the treasurer’s report.

Sammie Coats gave the City Council report and announced that each chapter needed to update yearbook information and elect new officers. Those attending Founder’s Day are asked to make plans by April 13.

Jan Ellison, Social committee chairperson, presented details of the rescheduled road trip on March 20. This will be a couples’ dinner at 7:30 p.m. at Chestnut Place in Arkansas City.

A box of chocolates was shared, along with the announcement of a grandchild for June Miller. The traveling basket was given to Lois Coats by Cindy Wardlow and each member received a mystery gift. The program was presented by Sammie Coats who read comical excerpts from a “kid’s eye view” on various historical events. The next meeting will be March 22 in the home of Ms. Wardlow with June Miller presenting the cultural program.

Rho Chapter Will Sponsor Easter Photos

Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 24 at the home of Debbie McClaskey with Bambi Correll, president, presiding at the meeting. Jan Leach, recording secretary, called roll and read the minutes and Ms. McClaskey gave the treasurer’s report.

Dawn Pruitt read correspondence and Ms. Correll reported on the City Council meeting. The date set for Founder’s Day is April 20 at the country club. Announcement was made that Rho Chapter fundraiser would be photographs taken with a “live” Easter bunny at Wal-Mart March 27-28. The traveling basket and mystery gift were won by Ms. Correll.

Earlier in February Diana McKinnis, Rho Chapter Valentine Queen, was honored at a dinner at the Amarillo Grill. Kris Hanna won the traveling basket and Ms. Correll won the mystery gift. A pizza party and girls night out was held at the home of Trish Dilbeck.

A meeting at the home of Jan Leach included a surprise “Grandma” shower for Debbie McClaskey and Andrea Morriss.

Reception To Honor Couple

Russell and Dorothy Graesch, 940 Riviera Drive, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception March 20, 1-4 p.m., at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner Road. An open invitation to attend the casual celebration is extended to friends and family, and the couple requests no gifts. Hosts will be their children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Russell Duane Graesch and Dorothy Mae Phelps were united in marriage March 19, 1949, at First Baptist Church in El Centro, Calif. They moved to Ponca City in 1953. He was a wholesale route salesman until 1977 when he joined his wife in a custom drapery business. Both became semi-retired in 1992.

Their children are Jim and Cheryl Goldman of Ponca City, Duane and Anna Graesch of Tulsa, Clarence and Patricia Wallace of Enid. Grandchildren are Scott and Jennifer of Stillwater, Chad and Jamie, and Kevin of Ponca City, Ginger, Rusty and April of Enid, Karen, Will and Crystal of Tulsa. Great-grandchildren are Shanley and Bailey of Ponca City, and Erin and Taylor of Stillwater.

SPORTS

No. 13 Seeded Sooners Slip Into Sweet 16
Arkansas Drops Lady Sooners In Round Two

No. 13 Seeded Sooners Slip Into Sweet 16

By ARNIE STAPLETON

AP Sports Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Oklahoma Sooners are tired of telling everybody how good they really are. So, they’ll just keep showing everyone.

Eric Martin’s six 3-pointers helped Oklahoma upset North Carolina-Charlotte 85-72 Sunday to become just the third No. 13 seed ever to advance out of the first weekend of the NCAA tournament.

The Sooners (22-10), who have insisted they deserved a higher seed, proved their point against the fifth-seeded 49ers (23-11) two days after eliminating fourth-seeded Arizona.

‘‘I’m tired of saying they are never given the credit they are due,’’ said coach Kelvin Sampson, whose Sooners were the last at-large team to make the NCAA field despite a second-place Big 12 finish and road wins at Oklahoma State, Missouri and Texas — all of which received higher seeds.

‘‘But you know what? Sweet 16 gives our program that credit,’’ Sampson added. ‘‘It’s validation. It gives you credibility.’’

Despite not having a true post player or a consistent inside game — and nearly blowing a 20-point first-half lead — the Sooners advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 1989.

‘‘Being a 13th seed, I’m sure a lot of teams looked over us,’’ Martin said. ‘‘We’ve beaten great teams all year, and still, no respect. But it comes down to just playing ball no matter whether you’re a one seed or a 16 seed.’’

The Sooners, who edged Arizona 61-60 Friday night on Ryan Humphrey’s controversial tip-in for their first NCAA win since 1990, made 13 3-pointers — a team postseason record.

All of Martin’s 18 points came on 3s, and Eduardo Najera had four 3s and 20 points along with 15 rebounds.

Galen Young led North Carolina-Charlotte with 23 points, and Diego Guevara had 16.

Since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, the only two other No. 13 seeds to win two games were Richmond in 1988 and Valparaiso last year.

Martin, who fouled out with 3:19 left, had five 3-pointers in the first half and four in the first seven minutes as he staked the Sooners to a 21-5 lead.

‘‘I was really feeling it,’’ Martin said. ‘‘Before the tournament, I was really in a bad slump. I was like six for my last 32, so my coaches worked with me and in practice told me to shoot more, more, more so I can get my confidence back. That’s what I did.

‘‘They just did a good job finding me wide open.’’

And Martin’s shots kept finding the net.

After taking a 21-5 lead, Oklahoma went nearly six minutes without a point, but the 49ers managed just three free throws in that span. Martin ended the drought with a 25-foot 3-pointer for a 24-8 lead with 7:02 left in the half.

As Sampson said before the game, ‘‘People in Oklahoma have a term for us. It’s ‘ugly.’’’ Charlotte was even uglier in the first half.

The 49ers missed 18 of their first 20 shots and went more than 12 minutes without a basket after a jumper by Kenny Whitehead — who started in place of center Kelvin Price (flu) — put Oklahoma ahead 7-5.

‘‘Not having Kelvin Price hurt them some,’’ Sampson said. ‘‘It wasn’t all Oklahoma. They missed him, especially early on.’’

With Price able to play just 23 minutes, the 49ers had no answers. They trailed by 20 before cutting it to 37-22 at halftime.

The 49ers got within seven on Kedric Smith’s 3-pointer that made it 70-63 with four minutes left but blew a chance to get even closer when Jobey Thomas missed a free throw after Martin fouled out at 3:19.

The Sooners then sank 13 of 20 free throws to hold off the 49ers, who shot just 17 percent from the field in the first half.

‘‘Five-of-29 speaks for itself,’’ 49ers coach Bobby Lutz said.

Price vomited on the team bus and needed IVs before the game and at halftime. He finished with five points and seven rebounds.

‘‘I knew he’d give us all that he could,’’ Young said. ‘‘My mindset going in was still good. I still thought we could win the game. We just couldn’t put the ball in the hole in the first half.’’

Oklahoma-N.C. Charlotte

OKLAHOMA (22-10)

Najera 7-16 2-3 20, Martin 6-12 0-0 18, Humphrey 3-7 0-0 6, Johnson 2-7 6-8 11, Spaulding 2-5 7-12 12, Heskett 1-3 4-4 7, Avila 2-3 0-1 4, Stone 2-3 3-3 7. Totals 25-56 22-31 85.

N.C. CHARLOTTE (23-11)

Young 7-20 8-11 23, Gardiner 4-7 0-2 11, Whitehead, Jr. 1-2 0-0 2, Guevara 4-12 6-6 16, J.Thomas 2-6 2-3 7, Smith 3-10 0-1 7, M.Thomas 0-2 0-0 0, Price 1-8 3-4 5, Dwiggins 0-0 0-0 0, Tolliver 0-0 0-0 0, Neely 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 22-68 20-29 72.

Halftime score—Oklahoma 37, N.C. Charlotte 22. 3-Point Goals—Oklahoma 13-28 (Martin 6-9, Najera 4-9, Heskett 1-3, Spaulding 1-3, Johnson 1-4), N.C. Charlotte 8-23 (Gardiner 3-4, Guevara 2-6, Young 1-2, Smith 1-5, J.Thomas 1-5, M.Thomas 0-1). Fouled out—Humphrey, Martin, Guevara. Rebounds—Oklahoma 45 (Najera 15), N.C. Charlotte 40 (Young 13). Assists—Oklahoma 21 (Spaulding 8), N.C. Charlotte 13 (Young 6). Total fouls—Oklahoma 24, N.C. Charlotte 25.

Arkansas Drops Lady Sooners In Round Two

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Wendi Willits hit two 3-pointers in overtime to pull Arkansas past Oklahoma 97-93 in a second-round game Sunday in the Women’s NIT.

Willits finished with 35 points for Arkansas (17-14). But that wasn’t enough to claim scoring honors for the game, which went to Phylesha Whaley of Oklahoma (15-15), with 40 points.

Laneisha Caufield added 24 points for Oklahoma, while Sytia Messer complemented Willits’ efforts with 23 points for Arkansas.

The Lady Sooners led 46-38 at the half, but 18 points after intermission by Willits helped Arkansas fight back to gain a tie at 83 at the end of regulation time.