LOCAL

Nickles Challenges Administration on Oil
Blackwell Steer Tops At Northwest District
Make Crossings Safer

Nickles Challenges Administration on Oil

WASHINGTON — Sen. Don Nickles Wednesday challenged the Clinton administration on its Iraqi oil policy and national security at a joint hearing of the Senate Energy Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Nickles, a member of the Energy Committee, requested the joint hearing in December to call attention to the administration’s recurring choice to reward Saddam Hussein’s noncompliance in United Nations weapons inspections by allowing him to export more oil,

“I appreciate the committee chairmen’s willingness to hold this hearing,” Nickles said. “I wanted this hearing to highlight what has been a dismal failure on the part of this administration in dealing with Iraq. The purpose of today’s hearing is critically important because we are talking about an area of the world where we have U. S. forces at risk.”

Following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the United Nations in August of 1990 adopted a resolution prohibiting Iraq from exporting any oil. That policy was enforced until 1994, when the Clinton administration and the United Nations began relaxing that policy and initiating a pattern of rewarding Hussein’s defiance of international policy by raising the cap on. oil exports higher’ and higher.

“The height of this absurdity occurred in December 1998,” Nickles said. “We bombed Iraq for three days and Iraqi civilians were killed. This was not an insignificant thing — but only three days later, the press reported that the United States was offering to raise the cap on Iraqi. crude oil sales. That is unbelievable.

“The net result of the administration’s policy is Iraq has defied the international community and defied UNSCOM. We’ve risked U.S. fives time and time again, We’ve killed Iraqi people. But Iraq can produce all the oil that we want and we have no arms control. inspection. So this administration’s policy has been appeasement, this administration’s policy has been to reward non-compliance, That is a very sad thing to say.

“This administration inherited a situation in Iraq where you had a unified world policy aligned against Iraq for their invasion of Kuwait and against their producing weapons of mass destruction, where are we six years later? The administration allows them to produce all the oil they want and there is no arms control inspection-whatsoever. That is a dismal failure for the administration and for the United Nations. and a win for Saddam Hussein,

“What does it mean for domestic oil production? Iraq has gone from producing 500,000 barrels per day to 2 1/2 million barrels per day,” Nickles said. “There happens to be a glut on the oil market now. The administration wants to help steel workers, They want to help hog farmers. But they haven’t done a thing for domestic oil producers. Their policies have put 2 million more barrels per day on the market, which has glutted the market, driven prices down, to all-time Depression-era lows and put many, many thousands of people out of work and made us much more dependent on unreliable sources for the future.”

Blackwell Steer Tops At Northwest District

ENID — Brandon Kahle of Blackwell showed the overall Grand Champion steer this week at the Northwest District Junior Livestock Show.

Kahle, who was one of several who made good showings earlier this month at the county show, then scratched the crossbred steer from the subsequent auction in Enid to show it instead at the Oklahoma City Spring Fair livestock show next Tuesday.

In other sale order action, Randy Buellesfeld of Blackwell sold his champion Maine-Anjou steer for $600 to the Northwest District Junior Livestock Boosters, and Ty Corneil of Blackwell sold his reserve champion Simmental for $500 to Pioneer Telephone.

Tessa Kubik of Newkirk sold her first-place crossbred steer for $700 to Dr. Bruce Pendleton of Enid; Reed James of Pond Creek-Hunter sold his second-place crossbred steer for $1,300 to Farmers Grain of Pond Creek and the Pond Creek Masons, and Ramee Yost of Billings sold her first-place shorthorn steer for $800 to W.B. Johnston’s Grain of Billings.

Kammi Frazier of Ponca City sold her reserve champion crossbred lamb for $400 to Security National Bank of Enid; Jennifer Burns of Tonkawa sold her first-place Suffolk lamb for $400 to the Northwest District Junior Livestock Boosters.

Zach Balahtsis of Tonkawa sold his first-place Hampshire lamb for $550 to Dr. Richard Staerkel of Enid, and David Shores of Newkirk sold his second-place crossbred lamb for $1,200 to Johnston’s Barge Terminal.

Bryce Bechtel of Blackwell sold his second-place Duroc hog for $700 to Home Oil Company and Northwest Veterinarian Supply, and Noah Kienholz of Tonkawa sold his second-place Hampshire hog for $600 to People First Bank of Enid.

Darrin Schultz of Pond Creek sold his reserve champion Chester hog for a record high of $3,600 to Jumbo Foods, and Jeremy Unruh of Billings sold his champion Duroc hog for $500 to Atwoods. Kemper Hill of DCLA sold a first-place Suffolk lamb for $900 to Johnstons of Eddy.

Newkirk’s Leven and Shores Company bought all the lambs, a total of 3,213 pounds for 25 lambs, for $1.40 per pound.

Double S Hog Farms purchased all the hogs, a total of 6,214 pounds for 25 animals, at $1.10 per pound.

Fairview Livestock bought all the steers, a total of 31,417 pounds for 25 animals, at 61 cents a pound.

Make Crossings Safer

The disastrous collision in Illinois between an Amtrak train and a truck loaded with steel once again brings up the ongoing issue of rail crossing safety.

As investigators study Monday’s crash that killed 12 people and injured multitudes more, Oklahomans may be wondering more and more about crossing safety in this state as we move closer and closer to the revival of the Amtrak system.

In the Illinois crash, the City of New Orleans train was traveling at 79 miles an hour when the truck pulled in front of it. There’s no way the train crew had any chance to stop before the deadly collision.

Oklahoma has been without high-speed rail passenger service since Amtrak departed the state in 1979, but fast-moving freight trains still are prevalent. Even slower moving trains can be a problem when automobile and truck drivers ignore or miss warning signals of approaching trains.

Ponca City has been fortunate to have no train-vehicle accidents since October of 1989, but should the Lone Star come back through north central Oklahoma, we will have high-speed, passenger trains roaring through the area and the danger will increase dramatically.

The perfect (but expensive) solution would be to have over- and underpasses at every crossing (and close the crossings that can’t be engineered for this). The concept would be similar to limited access highways such as the Interstates and turnpikes. In the meantime restraints that block traffic from crossing rather than just warning when trains are approaching are essential.

The time to solve the problem is now. One more death is not worth having the luxury of having Amtrak trains passing through the area with the risk of disasters such as the Illinois crash.

FLJ

DEATHS

Nettie B. Conner
Albert Homeratha
Beaulah Maud Shields
D’Arcy Adriance Shock
Lorene Snodgrass
Betty Shafer

Nettie B. Conner

PAWHUSKA — Nettie B. Conner, former Grainola resident, died Monday afternoon, March 15, 1999, at her home in Pawhuska. She was 96.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 19, at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City with the Rev. Dennis Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kan.

Nettie B. (Langford) Conner was born March 22, 1902, in Houlka, Miss., the daughter of Harold G. and Mary Jane (Rorie) Langford.

She was married to Felix Denison in Mississippi and they were the parents of one daughter, Helen. Mr. Denison preceded her in death. In 1929, she was married to Rufus M. Conner in Newkirk. Mrs. Conner was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in Arkansas City. She enjoyed reading her Bible and other religious material, playing games, and visiting with her grandchildren.

Survivors include one daughter, Helen (Denison) Williams of Pawhuska; one sister, Grace Moore of New Site, Miss.; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 53 great-great-grandchildren; and three great-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; four sisters, three brothers, four step-sons, four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Casket bearers will be Michael Eggleston, Matthew Eggleston, Mark Eggleston, John Butler, David Butler and Marvin Shiever. Honorary bearers will be Adrian “Abe” Conner and Alvin Conner.

The family will receive family and friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

The family will be at the home in Pawhuska.

Albert Homeratha

RED ROCK — Albert Homeratha, former Red Rock resident, died Tuesday evening, March 16, 1999 at the Green Valley Nursing Home in Perry. He was 88.

An evening prayer service will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City at 7 p.m. today. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, at the funeral home. Browning Pipestem of Norman, and Toby A. Blackstar, minister of the Greater First Deliverance Temple in Oklahoma City, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery at Red Rock, with flag folding detail performed by American Legion Post 38, White Eagle.

Albert Homeratha was born Nov. 12, 1910, in Red Rock to Horton and Lizzie (Ribedeaux) Homeratha Sr. He was a proud member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and a member of Bear Clan. He received his education in the Red Rock schools and attended Haskell Jr. College in Lawrence, Kan.

Homeratha enlisted in the U.S. Army in Tonkawa on Sept. 17, 1940, at age 29. While in the service he served as a laborer. After his honorable discharge on Aug. 12, 1946, he returned to Red Rock, where he worked as a truck driver. He was a member of the Otoe-Missouria First Born Church. In later years he enjoyed riding to Perry and visiting with his many friends.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. Sheryl Seidner of Midwest City, and his grandson, George Alexander of Ponca City, who were his caretakers; and other relatives and friends.

Beaulah Maud Shields

BLACKWELL — Beaulah Maud Shields, longtime Blackwell area resident, died Wednesday morning, March 17, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 93.

The funeral will be held graveside at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Ryser, Blackwell First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Nephews will serve as casket bearers.

Beaulah Maud Shields was born Dec. 13, 1905, on the family farm near Nash to Joe and Nola Maud (Masters) Shields. She attended Hawley and Gore public schools and was baptized in the Hawley Baptist Church as a young girl.

Following the death of her parents, Miss Shields lived at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell for many years. She loved little children and was happy when her family brought her candy and cookies.

Survivors include a brother, Merle Shields of Nardin; four nieces, two nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Pearl Millage.

Memorials may be made in Miss Shields’ name to a charity of choice, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Obituaries

D’Arcy Adriance Shock

D’Arcy Adriance Shock, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, March 16, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87 years of age.

The funeral will be held Saturday, March 20, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Larry Heslip, First Baptist Church, presiding. Interment will be at the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

D’Arcy Adriance Shock was born June 13, 1911, near Fowler, Colo., the son of Earle Isaiah Shock and Percie Margaret Adriance Shock. He graduated from Colorado Springs High School then attended Colorado College where he received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. He then attended the University of Texas where he received a master’s degree in physical chemistry and continued with doctoral studies in the same field.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Beth Lounsbury on Feb. 11, 1955, in Ponca City. Mr. Shock was employed through the years with the Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich., the McGean Chemical Company, Cleveland, Ohio, and the International Minerals Chemical Corporation, Austin, Texas.

He began employment with Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, on June 1, 1949, retiring in 1976 as manager of the Mining Research Division of Research and Development. After retiring from Conoco, Mr. Shock was active in consulting in the ares of solution mining, slurry transport and surface chemistry. In these areas he served as chairman of several symposia and as review editor for several publications. He was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences in 1976 with one principal activity being his service on the National Academy of Science Committee on Radioactive Waste Disposal.

Mr. Shock was a member of numerous scientific societies and active in their activities particularly the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, the Society of Petroleum Engineers branch and the Society of Mining Engineers branch of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. He was a registered professional engineer in Oklahoma and the holder of 27 United States patents.

His professional accomplishments have been recognized in “America’s Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology.” He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Some of his enjoyments included ceramics, oil and water painting and in earlier years singing baritone with the Ponca City Mens Chorus.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; one son David Christopher Shock of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Kathy Beth Peard of Broken Arrow; three sisters, Doris Smith of Grand Junction, Colo., Eunice Quinn of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Betty Grout of Woodland Park, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be James G. Davis, Fred Radd, Bruce Bray, Bob Carlberg, William Guy Warren Jr., Louis Wolfe and David Burrows.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the American Cancer Society, 4323 N.W. 63rd Street, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73116-1513.

The casket will be closed at the service, but family and friends may call at Grace Memorial Chapel until 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The family will be at 233 Virginia Avenue.

Services Pending

Lorene Snodgrass

Lorene Snodgrass, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, March 18, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 75. Survivors include two sons, Ron and Shawn Hess, both of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Betty Shafer

FAIRFAX — Betty Shafer, Fairfax resident, died this morning, March 18, 1999 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 77. Survivors include her husband, Clyde, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

NEWS BRIEFS

Tribal Free Seeds — Ponca Tribal members are invited to pick up free seeds and potatoes starting Friday. Available at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building, garden seeds and potatoes will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tomato and pepper plants will be available at a later date. Participants will be asked to sign for any seeds or plants; one set of seeds and plants per household.

Shoe Shine by Leroy. 117 North 3rd. Barney’s.

Arrest — Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 7:22 a.m. Wednesday from the 300 block of West Broadway Avenue on a city warrant for destruction of private property.

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.

Loose Chickens — At 7:42 a.m. Wednesday a police officer was informed of chickens running loose in the 100 block of South Elm Street.

This & That going out of business sale. The entire store is on sale! 35% off the entire store, excluding Carmen’s candles.

Hit Plug — At 10:16 a.m. Wednesday police were contacted regarding a fire plug that had been hit at North Union Street and Warwick Road.

Budget Bride will be taking wedding dresses and prom dresses on consignment. 105 North Second, Friday and Saturday 105. Owner Sharon McKim. 718-9934 business. 762-0572 home.

Collision — At 1:53 p.m. Wednesday police were informed of a vehicle that had rolled into a gasoline delivery truck in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Snake Head Inquiry — A woman in the 2600 block of Turner Street called police at 10:28 a.m. Wednesday inquiring as to where to send a snake head.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979.

Arrest — A 24-year-old man was arrested at West Highland Avenue and North Osage Street at 10:33 a.m. Wednesday for driving under the influence, driving under suspension and no seat belt.

Albertson’s Is offering free membership in their video department. Sign up today and recieve a free movie rental.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 11:05 a.m. Wednesday police were notified of vehicle vandalism in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 19th. For reservations, call 765-5460.

Arrest — At 11:22 a.m. Wednesday a 29-year-old man was arrested in the 2000 block of Oriole Street on a warrant.

Spring Carpet cleaning-most modern method. Trained personnel, reasonable prices, references. Floorcraft. 762-8381.

Juvenile Arrests — Two 15-year-old girls were arrested at 12:49 p.m. Wednesday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for grand larceny.

Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 1:07 p.m. Wednesday.

Arrest — A 29-year-old man was arrested in Kay County on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 10:10 p.m. Wednesday police were informed of a vehicle that was vandalized in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Forgery — At 1:42 p.m. Wednesday a police report was taken on a forgery at Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979.

Hit and Run — At 2:45 p.m. Wednesday a woman contacted police regarding a hit-and-run accident in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue.

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 — Police arrested a 27-year-old man at 3:33 p.m. Wednesday from North Fifth Street and East Comanche Avenue on a Pawnee warrant.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304.

Harassment — At 5:55 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 2900 block of North Union Street contacted police regarding harassment.

Gas Drive-Off — At 8:19 p.m. Wednesday police were informed of a $14.69 gas drive-off at Jack Griffith’s, 2501 North Fourteenth Street.

Assault — A woman in the 300 block of North Pine Street called police at 8:26 p.m. Wednesday reporting an assault.

Beer Theft — At 9:40 p.m. Wednesday a clerk at Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, contacted police regarding the theft of beer.

Extra Patrol — Extra patrol was requested in the 700 block of South Thirteenth Street due to a recent burglary.

Attempted Bike Theft — Police were called to the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue at 10:58 p.m. Thursday due to juveniles reportedly attempting to steal bicycles.

House Burglary — A woman in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue contacted police at 12:27 a.m. Thursday after she returned to her home and found it had been broken into, ransacked and burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Arrest — Police arrested a 23-year-old woman at 12:22 a.m. Thursday from the 600 block of South Seventh Street for driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

LIFESTYLES

Emergency Management Offers Spotters Seminars
Osage Nation Museum Offers Special Classes
Reception Will Honor Pawnee Artist March 25
Grants for Promotions Being Sought by PCTA
Millennium Committee Tree 2000 Project Begins at Arbor Day Celebration Monday
Iris Festival Shirts for Sale

Emergency Management Offers Spotters Seminars

In Kay County, the approach of spring also means the coming of the severe weather season. Each year storm spotters across the state assume the responsibility of watching the sky for threatening weather. The work of storm spotters is an important part of successful storm prediction.

Each spring the National Weather Service, in coordination with emergency management officials offers spotter-training seminars. Using a slide and video presentation, instructors demonstrate the important aspects of recognizing threatening weather patterns. Instruction also includes tornado formation, which will help the spotter be aware of the atmospheric conditions that precede a tornado. Tips on organizing effective spotter teams are reviewed and updates in forecasting technology will be covered to help prepare for the coming severe weather season.

The seminars are attended by amateur radio operators, storm spotters, police, fire and emergency management personnel, a other individuals interested in storm spotting. Three sessions are scheduled for this area including McCord School on March 23 at 7 p.m., Pond Creek on March 24 at 7 p.m., and Blackwell at Kay Electric on March 25 at 7 p.m.

These seminars are open to the public and free of charge. For more information, contact Ponca City Emergency Management Director Tom Montgomery at 767-0380; Kay County Emergency Management Director Pat Zehr at 580-362-3825; or your area emergency management director.

Osage Nation Museum Offers Special Classes

PAWHUSKA — The Osage Nation Museum in Pawhuska is now offering several special classes in Native American art works.

The first class is finger weaving. It will continue on Mondays through March 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Anita Lookout West will instruct; a small fee is required to attend.

Traditional ribbonwork will be taught Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s session will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Sunday’s instruction will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Moccasin making will be taught by Bonnie Pratt and will be held Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

On April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 and 10, with the remainder of class days to be announced on May 10, roach making classes are to begin from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., instructed by professional roach maker, Vann Bighorse.

The last class is skirt making, shawl fringing and beaded chokers and will begin Saturday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mary Bighorse will instruct and will demonstrate choker beading. Items to bring to this particular class are fringe, fabric for shawl, and two and one-half yards of cotton broadcloth for shirt.

For more information on fee costs and on kits to be purchased, call Katherine Wilson, manager of the Osage Museum, at (918) 287-4622. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reception Will Honor Pawnee Artist March 25

TONKAWA — The public is invited to a reception honoring Pawnee artist Charles Chapman at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, in the Eleanor Hays Gallery of the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center.

Chapman, whose exhibit “We’re Pawnee” is on view March 22 to 25 in the gallery, will give informal talks throughout the evening about the history and culture of the Pawnee as recorded in his oil paintings and limited edition reproductions. A number of the works are available for purchase.

Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

Grants for Promotions Being Sought by PCTA

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A budget of $113,000 for fiscal year 1999-2000 was approved by the Ponca City Tourism Authority (PCTA) at the Wednesday meeting. The final approval will be by the City Commission.

The group approved the budget following discussion with some concern about more money being put into other areas than into grants. A total of $12,000 is slated for grants for promotion of community events designed to draw visitors to Ponca City.

The approval of the Plan of Action was delayed until the Board holds a retreat, tentatively scheduled for April.

In other action the group approved selling driving tour tapes for the Historic Preservation Advisory Panel. The PCTA Board also approved a direct mailing of 1,000 advertisements for the Festival of Angels. The Board denied a request by coordinator Missy Morland for $475 for a third page ad in the Ontario Motor Coach Association magazine, The Road Explorer.

In the coordinator’s report Morland reported the gift shop had sales of $13 in February and a total of 64 persons had visited the information center this year to date.

Morland reported on the Fort Sill Travel Show, at Lawton, Kincaid Travel Show at Oklahoma City and a presentation of the Boston Avenue Church in Tulsa.

Reports on future conferences included an OSU Conference and a PEO Convention set for April 2000. Morland told of a promotional mailing in conjunction with Head Country, which mailed out samples of barbecue sauce and included brochures on attractions in Ponca City.

Morland announced that three of the Board members, David Zimmerman, Phil Bandy and Jan Prough will be going off the Board in May. Board appointments will be made by Mayor Tom Leonard.

David Lehman, was a guest of Board member Dorothy Murrell. Murrell, who is manager of the Holiday Inn, said that Lehman will be her replacement within a few months.

According to figures provided by Morland there were 164 group tours booked through the Visitors Bureau in 1998. This compares to 172 in 1997. The economic impact for 1998 shows that tourism had an impact of $7,382,508 here in 1998, compared to $7,423,756 in 1997.

Millennium Committee Tree 2000 Project Begins at Arbor Day Celebration Monday

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and tree care. The first Arbor Day was celebrated in the state of Nebraska in 1872 in response to a state proclamation urging settlers and homesteaders in that prairie state to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, fruit, fuel, and beauty for residents of the largely treeless plains. On that first Arbor Day, more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska’s communities and on its farms.

Today, Arbor Day celebrations are held in communities all over America, with the date determined by the best tree planting times in each area. National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April.

The Ponca City Millennium Commission would like you to join them in what they feel will be the most far reaching and impacting part of a year long celebration. The Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for March 22 at 2 p.m. at Standing Bear Park.

Highlights of the event will be a blessing offered by a local Ponca tribal elder and the “re-greening” of the 20 foot red oak which was planted earlier this year. The “re-greening” will be accomplished with the help of Ponca City’s elementary-aged students who have completed, as classroom projects, the writing of millennium wishes on green disks which will be tied to the tree with multicolored ribbons. During the ceremony one child from each school will read a selected wish from their school. Others participating in the day’s festivities will be the high school band, under the direction of Allan Goodwin, and the mid-high chorus, under the direction of Carol Green.

Other Arbor Day activities for the week include a tree planting workshop at 1 p.m. March 25 sponsored by the City of Ponca City, Parks and Recreation Department, at Lake Ponca Park. The public is invited to bring a shovel and help plant trees in the AMBUCS area, weather permitting. Several city officials will be on hand also, including Mayor Tom Leonard.

The Arbor Day events will kick off the Millennium Tree Project, which will involve planting 2000 trees in Ponca City by the end of the year 2000. Details will soon be available describing how each member of the community may participate in the project. The March 22 activities, as well as details of the Tree 2000 project, are being coordinated by the Millennium Tree Partners: Steve Sprehe, chairman of Ponca City Tomorrow Environmental and City Beautification Committee; Jim Sindelar, Ponca City Park and Recreation Department; Jim Eck, Ponca City Park and Recreation Department; Dane Pryse, Pryse Monument; and T.L. Walker, Standing Bear Park, Executive Director. Walker is promotions chairman for the project.

The tree project partners will have a booth at the Ponca City Home and Garden Show at the Hutchins Auditorium on April 3. Horticulturist Steve Sprehe will be available to answer questions on tree planting from 10-noon; Jim Eck, Ponca City Park Department, will be available from 2-4 p.m. Millennium “wishes” will be on display at the show also. More information about the project may be obtained by calling T.L. Walker, 765-8203.

Iris Festival Shirts for Sale

Ponca City is “iris-istible” this time of year according to organizers of the 11th annual Iris Festival slated April 30-May 2.

Demonstrating that “iris-istibility, lots of activities are being planned for the celebration. “We encourage everyone to mark their calendar and plan to enjoy a festive weekend,” said Kelli Moore, festival co-chair.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, colorful T-shirts, in a rainbow of colors, are available for purchase. Margaret Yates, award-winning Ponca City artist, has designed this year’s T-shirt.

The shirts are available in sizes that range from childrens’ small through adult large at a cost of $12 each. Adult sizes 2XL and 3XL are $18 each. The shirts are available at The Gift Shoppe, Toni’s Westside Healthmart, The Main Street Authority Office, and other Main Street merchants.

SPORTS

Once Again, OSU Grapplers Hoping To Live Up to Billing
Sooner Guard Proves To Be Above Average
Long Commute Paying Off for Local Gymnast

Once Again, OSU Grapplers Hoping To Live Up to Billing

By DAVID KINNEY

Associated Press Writer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Another year, another No. 1 ranking for Oklahoma State going into the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

This time, can they live up to the billing?

The Cowboys were the top-ranked team going into the nationals in 1997 and 1998, only to see Iowa again take home the team title. This year, Iowa is having a down season, losing four dual meets, including 26-11 their rivals at Oklahoma State. The Hawkeyes also saw its 25-year Big Ten Tournament winning streak snapped.

So as the tournament began today, they were once again talking about a tossup among the Big Three: Iowa, Oklahoma State and Minnesota.

‘‘We know it’s a three-team race,’’ said Gophers coach J Robinson. ‘‘That’s the way it is on paper at least.’’

‘‘But,’’ said Troy Sunderland, rookie coach for Penn State, the tournament host. ‘‘what we saw in the Big Ten Tournament, with the seeds coming down, that can happen in the nationals.’’

Iowa has won four straight and seven of the last eight titles.

Oklahoma State brings a 23-0 record, two returning champs and Mark Smith, a nationals tournament veteran wrapping up a great year.

Minnesota, 18-2 and ranked No. 2, hopes to win its first national title after finishing second in 1998.

This is the first year the NCAA championships will be held under new weight classes created after three wrestlers died trying to make weight in November and December 1997.

The Cowboys’ returning national champs are Teague Moore, who won at 118 last year and will wrestle at 125; and Eric Guerrero, 26-0 at 133, and looking for his third title in a row.

Oklahoma State’s Smith — coach John Smith’s brother — at 174 is 31-0 and hoping to make up for a pair of fourth-place finishes in the last two nationals.

The team’s only real blemish this year came at the Big 12 championships, when cross-state rival Oklahoma pulled out a narrow win.

Iowa and Minnesota each have one returning champion at 197. The Gophers’ Tim Hartung won it last year, beating 1997 champ Lee Fullhart of Iowa in the semifinals. Hartung beat Fullhart again, 2-1, in the Big Ten finals earlier this month, and a possible rematch is among the tournament’s most anticipated meetings

‘‘Fullhart wants one more shot at him,’’ Iowa coach Jim Zalesky said. ‘‘In all the matches, Hartung’s been attacking more, and when you get two even guys like that, the guy who makes the first move is gonna win.’’

Iowa’s expected shoo-in is T.J. Miller at 149, who finished as Big Ten champion with a 35-0 record.

At heavyweight, Cal State-Bakersfield’s Stephen Neal is 39-0 and favored to repeat at champion. But he may have to stop Minnesota’s phenom, Brock Lesnar, a junior college transfer and ex-National Guardsman. Robinson calls him ‘‘a specimen.’’

Sooner Guard Proves To Be Above Average

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

NORMAN (AP) — After performing superbly in the first two games of the NCAA tournament, even Oklahoma guard Alex Spaulding himself seemed surprised by what had happened.

‘‘I never dreamed I’d play this good,’’ he said.

He’s not alone. Spaulding’s first two seasons with Oklahoma had been remarkably average — many would argue below average. He scored 2.5 points per game while playing just 6.2 minutes per game last season. This year, he averaged 3.2 points per game although he started 19 times during the regular season.

But coach Kelvin Sampson insists he and the team aren’t surprised by Spaulding’s play in the tournament. He scored 10 big first-half points against Arizona in the first round, then had 12 points, six rebounds and eight assists against North Carolina-Charlotte.

‘‘He’s not surprising us because we’ve seen him do it,’’ Sampson said. ‘‘I saw the kid score 39 and 43 points in a high school game. I saw him take his team in the state championship at the Dean Dome in North Carolina and win a state championship as the point guard on that team.

‘‘He had three recruiting visits — to Wake Forest, Clemson and Oklahoma. It’s not like he was a shot in the dark. This kid’s a player.’’

He’s also, Sampson said, a victim of circumstances and the public’s rush to judgment.

Sampson had planned to redshirt Spaudling last year to allow him a year to adjust, but a back injury knocked Tim Heskett out of the lineup and left Sampson no choice but to play Spaulding.

In October, Spaulding left school for personal reasons. That cost him a spot in this year’s media guide — there’s no bio, no picture — but he returned two weeks later and asked to be put back on the team.

Sampson again planned to redshirt him, but then Kelley Newton, who was going to be a starter, suffered a knee injury and so Sampson was forced to play Spaulding.

‘‘Those developments have really slowed his progress,’’ Sampson said. ‘‘Unfortunately, people look at numbers and statistics in evaluating players.’’

What many people didn’t know, Sampson said, is that Spaulding had knee surgery in the spring of his senior year of high school and didn’t recover very well. So that slowed his progress once he got to Norman.

The Sooners will need another solid game from Spaulding if they are to beat Michigan State in the Midwest Regional semifinals on Friday.

‘‘If you think about all the things he’s been through, and there’s some things I’m not even talking about ... it’s not shocked me that he’s come along so slowly,’’ Sampson said. ‘‘But I guess I’m more pleased that he is coming along now, because it’s really big for our team.’’

Long Commute Paying Off for Local Gymnast

Ponca City 12-year-old Lara Upshaw, a sixth grader at Woodlands Elementary, took up gymnastics about three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

With no competitive team in Ponca City, however, the Level 9 gymnast is forced to make a 2-hour commute to Bartlesville, Monday through Saturday, where she trains with the Phillips 66 squad.

And the training has paid off.

On March 8, Upshaw won first place in the all-around with 37.645 points at the 1999 Superstar Gymnastics Invitational in Bartlesville. She received second place in the vault with 9.45, fourth on the uneven bars with 9.3, first place on the beam with 9.47, and third place on the floor with 9.425.

In February, Upshaw competed at the National Cupid Classic in Tampa, Florida, and won gold on the vault (9.325), beam (9.3), floor (9.125) and in all-around points, with 36.2. She also received a bronze on the uneven bars, with 8.45.

Upshaw’s next competition will be the Optional State meet at Dynamo Gym in Oklahoma City on March 27.