LOCAL

Mayor Defends Actions
Subdivision Zoned
Workers’ Comp Bill Passes State House
Morgan Retains Seat In Blackwell Election
Oklahoma Medicaid Lags Behind Southern States

Mayor Defends Actions

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

A potentially sticky situation involving Cable One television, its former 15-year manager Jerald Stone and city officials seems to be in the offering after a million dollar suit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court.

“Cable One filed a press release instead of a lawsuit,” mayor Tom Leonard said of the suit filed in federal court by Cable One against former manager Stone.

The suit alleges Stone improperly gave confidential information to Ponca City officials to be used to operate a municipal cable company in direct competition with Cable One.

The matter reached a boiling point Monday when the lawsuit was filed in Judge Tim Leonard’s U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City. The federal suit accuses Stone of “outrageous acts of disloyalty” and of “urging Ponca City officials to start their own cable company in direct competition with Cable One.”

Mayor Leonard, an attorney by profession, said, “This is not just a lawsuit against Jerald Stone — it’s about Ponca City.

“We have dared to challenge Cable One’s programming and excessive pricing activities in our community. Now they are suing in a misguided attempt to stifle the opposition and prevent competition. I would expect more from a billion dollar company like the Washington Post (Cable One’s parent corporation),” the mayor said.

Leonard continued, “Cable One has refused to explain why Blackwell gets 70 channels of basic cable at $20 per month. Comparable prices in Ponca City would add 26 channels and save our citizens $2 million per year. Now we know why since they have been trying to buy up the Blackwell competition for two years.”

Stone resigned unexpectedly, according to Thomas P. Basinger, Cable One vice president, who made a special trip here from the company’s headquarters in Phoenix.

Basinger and company president Tom Might attended a March 6 city commission work session to address the community about its cable concerns.

In regards to complaints from the community, the officials said Stone had not passed this information along.

In response to many local complaints, the company returned Channel 3 of Wichita to its programing schedule. Also, Cable One launched an advertising campaign highlighting community involvement.

Stone, at his own expense according to city manager Gary Martin, accompanied city officials on a trip to Tacoma, Wash., to learn about that city’s municipally owned cable system.

Leonard said he had invited Stone because he had been in the cable business and was knowledgeable, helpful and understood the operation.

In regard to rumors that Stone had been promised a consulting position with the city, Leonard said, “Stone has stated that he is not in the running to do anything with Ponca City. He was never asked to be a consultant.”

Leonard said that Stone took himself out of consideration as a consultant. Stone has been heavily involved in city government in the past.

A past city commissioner, Stone served a two-year term on the board before resigning in 1993.

Before joining Cable One in 1985, Stone served as city administrator for both Altus and Frederick and city manager of Grandfield. He also held an economic development post in Grandfield and was director of Community Development Block Grant projects in Frederick.

The federal lawsuit claims that Stone, while employed by Cable One, “openly and notoriously encouraged third parties to enter into directly competitive ventures, using him as a consultant to effectively guide their way to ‘beating’ Cable One in the marketplace.”

According to the suit, Stone encouraged “Ponca City officials to start their own cable company in direct competition with Cable One.” Another is that “Stone brazenly estimated that the fruits of his misdeeds, in assisting Ponca City with the development of a competitive cable system, will net him at least $320,000 - all built on the back of Cable One’s confidential information.”

The Ponca City News was unable to reach Stone; however, his voice mail answered, “North Central Consulting.” He resigned from Cable One as system manager effective Feb. 11.

City commissioners responded to the lawsuit.

Chris Hand said, “Never once as a City Commission have we talked to Jerald Stone. Never once has he ever talked to me. I have never or will never consider the city getting into the cable business.”

Newly elected commissioner Pam Johnson, who was sworn in privately Tuesday morning at the city clerk’s office, said, “The city commission is going to have to think twice on this issue.”

City commissioners Lyn Boyer and Dick Stone declined comment. Dick Stone and Jerald Stone are not related.

Cable One officials were unable to comment. Basinger said he would have no comment since the matter is going to litigation.

Cable One has two law firms involved in the suit, Basinger confirmed. The lead firm is Mock, Schwabe, Waldo, Elder, Reeves and Bryant of Oklahoma City and the other is Orrich, Herrington and Sutcliffe of New York.

Subdivision Zoned

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

The Ponca City Planning Commission broke new ground Tuesday evening by approving the preliminary plat of Fieldstone Court subdivision on North Pecan, just south of Hubbard Road.

The 35-acre subdivision is to be zoned R-A, Rural Acreage, a first for Ponca City. The property is near Lake Ponca.

The nine-member board also unanimously approved a variance on the dimensions of the street width and the depth of the asphalt required.

City planner Todd Kennemer explained that the acreage is to be developed in five-acre lots with single dwellings.

Kennemer sided with the owners of the property, Rick Karner and John Kline, who requested the street variance due to the proposed light density of the area. The covenants are extremely restrictive and only allow for single family dwellings of not less than 2,300 square feet.

The property was originally owed by the Glen Peel estate. The entire acreage sold last year. Kline and Karner were able to deal for the 35 acres on the condition it would not become a high density project.

The approval included the downgrading of the street requirement from an asphalt thickness of eight inches to five inches with deeper edges and a width of 20 feet. This went against the recommendation of city engineer Randy Lauritsen of the Technical Review Committee.

Kennemer noted that in order to provide needed housing in Ponca City that some of the regulations may need to be modified. He indicated that each subdivision should be considered on its own merits. Apparently, the Planning Commission members agreed as evidenced by the unanimous decision.

The preliminary plat will go to City Commission for approval. The final plat will return to the Planning Commission for approval.

Workers’ Comp Bill Passes State House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A workers’ compensation reform measure that supporters say will reduce legal costs and put more money in the pockets of injured workers has been passed by the Oklahoma House.

Senate Bill 1606 by Sen. Scott Pruitt, R-Broken Arrow, would do away with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court and replace it with an administrative process. But opponents said Tuesday that additional reforms are not needed.

‘‘This doesn’t address anything but bashing lawyers,’’ said Rep. Chris Hastings, R-Tulsa, an attorney who has practiced in the state’s workers’ comp court. ‘‘I know it’s fun to bash lawyers. I can’t vote for it because it doesn’t even make sense.’’

Oklahoma is one of only three states — Tennessee and Nebraska are the others — that continue to rely on a court system to administer workers’ compensation claims.

Under the measure, attorney fees would be capped at 10 percent of an injured workers’ claim, said the bill’s House sponsor, Minority Leader Fred Morgan, R-Oklahoma City.

‘‘The system we have is not working,’’ Morgan said. He said the only people who benefit from the system are the attorneys who practice in it.

The bill would create facilitators who would work to mediate workers’ compensation claims and resolve them without litigation, he said.

‘‘We’re going to be reducing costs to employees. We’re going to be reducing costs to employers,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘It’s a start in making real reform in our workers’ compensation system.’’

‘‘We have a core problem with the workers’ compensation system in Oklahoma. I want to fix that core problem,’’ said Rep. Mark Liotta, R-Tulsa.

But Hastings said the appointment of conservative workers’ compensation judges by Republican Gov. Frank Keating and other reforms have lowered workers’ comp caseloads as well as costs.

‘‘We have had workers’ compensation reform,’’ Hastings said.

‘‘Rates are down. Claims are down. People are getting their benefits.’’

Hastings said reforms have trimmed the number of workers’ compensation cases that are actually litigated to about 20 percent.

Morgan Retains Seat In Blackwell Election

BLACKWELL — City commissioner George Morgan retained his seat Tuesday against challenger Ruth Buesing, according to unofficial results from the Kay County election board.

Voters also narrowly approved a $285,000 building bond issue to provide computers, printers and other advanced technology for high school and middle school classrooms.

The incumbent Morgan, who previously served as Blackwell’s police chief, tallied 564 votes to Buesing’s 404 votes. He first joined the city commission in 1997.

Election board secretary Carol Stafford said the results of the election are unofficial until 5 p.m. Friday.

The election was a first venture into politics for Buesing, a Blackwell native who returned to her hometown after retiring with the Missouri Department of Revenue’s taxation division in Kansas City.

The voting broke down to 58.26 percent for Morgan to 41.74 percent for Buesing.

For the Blackwell school proposition, voters approved the question 625 to 379 or by 62.25 percent. Under state law, a 60 percent majority was required for passage.

The $285,000 bond issue will provide 170 computers and 60 printers in classrooms for student use. They will be connected to the Internet with two computers and a printer placed in each classroom at the high school and the middle school.

Oklahoma Medicaid Lags Behind Southern States

Oklahoma’s Medicaid Program is in danger of being downgraded from serious to critical condition. A report ranks Oklahoma 15th, compared with 16 southern states, in average Medicaid expenditures per capita.

A 1999 Comparative Data Report on Medicaid submitted to the Southern Legislative Conference ranks Oklahoma 14 of 16 in the average payment per recipient for skilled and intermediate nursing facilities and 15 of 16 in the average payment per recipient for general hospital inpatient services.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the designated Oklahoma Medicaid state agency, serves nearly 400,000 recipients, including 260,000 children and 150,000 adults. This accounts for approximately 12 percent of the state’s population. Enrollment has grown by nearly 116,550 individuals since December 1997. It is the dilemma of providing better health care access to more Oklahomans with fewer funds for services that is frustrating many public agencies and health care providers.

“We have focused our efforts on achieving efficiencies through care and benefit management to improve benefit quality, access to care and availability and use of preventive services. We are more concerned about the people we serve than the state’s rankings. But, the fact is we cannot properly serve the people because of the low rankings. Oklahoma Medicaid funding is simply not keeping up with the growing needs of the citizens, said Mike Fogarty, Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

An increase in state appropriations would attract more federal matching dollars. Every dollar invested in state Medicaid is matched by $2.47 in federal monies. This increase would improve access to quality health care, retain local health care providers and reduce uncompensated care costs.

“There are several health care reforms which need to be addressed especially in the rural areas of the state. The removal of the 132 day limit on inpatient hospital stays and the three prescription per month limit would be an excellent investment in rural healthcare,” said Fogarty. “In addition, provider reimbursement rates need to be increased, not to make a profit, but rather to reduce the loss health care providers have experienced caring for Oklahoma’s working families.”

The legislature and the governor are working on several Medicaid funding proposals this year.

“I am optimistic Oklahoma Medicaid will have a good prognosis. An injection of funding with therapeutic health care reform will result in better access to health care for low-income working families and other eligible individuals. This creates a healthy, productive workforce generating more income. And that is the best medicine for a stronger Oklahoma economy,” said Fogarty.

The Southern Legislative Conference is comprised of 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

DEATHS

NO Deaths
Gary G. Aldrich
Travis Dianne Denton Koza
Fred Pappan

NO Deaths

Obituaries

Gary G. Aldrich

Gary G. Aldrich, 1816 East Prospect Avenue, died Monday, April 3, 2000, at his home. He was 51.

The funeral will be Thursday, 10 a.m., in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Casket bearers will be Don Williams, Jerry Purkaple, Jim Dressen, Phil Andrews, Gary Wilson and Jim Young.

Honorary casket bearers will be Frog Fest Friends, Duane and Jan Crider, Ken and Diane Boyle, Robert and Ann Osborne, Tony and Pam Rivera, Dick and Pam Crider, Larry and Kathy Gautier, Mike and Julie Vegher, and Larry and Carol Wilson, and Jeanne Andrews.

Gary was born Jan. 16, 1949, at Blackwell, the son of Harold and Bernita Hardwick Aldrich. He grew up in the Lamont-Deer Creek area. As a young man, his strong work ethic began early, helping out on the family farm and working at the family-owned Dairy Rama. College summer jobs included a custom hay hauler, a ruff-neck, and a worker for Kay Electric. He went to Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College, where he majored in making life-long friends.

He met Lanita Gass in 1971. They were married Sept. 16, 1972, and began their life in Ponca City. During this time, he worked for Mertz Inc. from 1972-1974 while he built his own welding rig which evolved into his own business, Aldrich Welding and Service. His employees remember that he would never ask one of them to do something that he wasn’t willing to do himself. Gary loved his work, and he worked up until his illness made it impossible.

In his daily life, Gary held true to the same values. He took his job as a father very seriously. His daughter Kynada Lea was born in 1975, and son Jake Bailey was born in 1978. There was never a job too big or a task too hard to help a friend or a stranger in need. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, worked on various committees, the eighth-grade boys Sunday school teacher, a volunteer with the youth activities and the Thursday morning prayer breakfast cook. He also participated in mission trips to Alaska, Arizona, Falls Creek, and Kaw City. Gary was also very active in Promise Keepers, and the highlight was being a part of the Washington D.C. “Stand in the Gap” Promise Keeper event.

Gary enjoyed the outdoors very much, particularly hunting and fishing. He shared that passion with his children, the young men in his Sunday School class, and many, many dear friends and family members. Gary cherished the opportunity to be with loved ones more than he focused on the catch of the day. He was a devoted husband and father who supported his kids’ activities. He was his children’s biggest fan from an early age; whether it was Kids Inc. ball, YMCA wrestling, or Youth and Wildcat soccer, he was always on the stands. He would travel across the country to watch his children play soccer for Oral Roberts University. His kids were not the only ones who noticed his presence. The kid’s friends, teammates, teammates’ parents, coaches, and all who came into contact were strongly influenced by his support, commitment, and presence. Gary Aldrich set an example as a friend, husband, father, son, brother, and role model that few men have achieved, but many have aspired to. This is reflected by the outpouring of love and support that has been given to his family during the time of his illness. The closest thing to his heart was the Lord and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lanita of the home; a daughter, Kynada of Lawrence, Kan.; a son, Jake of Tulsa; his parents, Harold and Bernita Aldrich of Blackwell; mother-in-law, Maye Gass of Ponca City; sister, Charlotte and her husband Frank Sturtz of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Stan and his wife Joan Aldrich of Houston, and Tony and his wife Sandy Aldrich of Edmond; brother-in-law, Jerry and his wife Nadine Gass of Ponca City; 11 nieces and nephews, and three great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Guy and Opal Hardwick; his paternal grandparents, DeWitt and Cora Aldrich and Mary Grace Aldrich; and his father-in-law, Howard Gass.

Memorials may be made to the Gary Aldrich Memorial, Oral Roberts Women’s Soccer Fund, ORU Athletics, Attn: Ronda Fowler, 7777 South Lewis, Tulsa, Okla. 74171 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The casket will not be opened at the church; however, friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The family will be at the home, 1816 East Prospect.

paid obituary

Travis Dianne Denton Koza

Travis Dianne Denton Koza, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon in Abilene, Texas. She was 46.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2000, in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Leland Petersen, Woodlands Christian Church, officiating.

Born May 25, 1953, in Ponca City, she was the daughter of Max Willard and Anne (Clements) Denton. She attended Ponca City schools and was a 1971 graduate of the Ponca City High School.

On March 29, 1994, she was married to Randy Koza in Miami, Okla. The couple lived in Abilene, Texas. Travis worked as a credit representative with Conoco. She loved animals, music, dancing, crafts and reading.

Survivors include her husband, Randy Koza of Abilene; Texas; her mother, Anne Denton of Ponca City; two sisters, Toni Hollingsworth of Ponca City and Tracey Chalmers and her husband, Stephen, of Tulsa; two brothers, Toby Denton of Ada and Todd Denton of Ponca City. Additional survivors include her nieces Lindsey Smothers, Ashley Hollingsworth, and Tara Denton. Her father, Max Denton, sister Tammy Denton and niece Carrie Ann Smothers preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Ponca City Humane Society, P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Fred Pappan

NEWKIRK — Fred Pappan died Tuesday evening, April 4, 2000, in the St. Joseph Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 66. Arrangements Services are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service of Newkirk.

NEWS BRIEFS

Square Dance — Chikaskia Valley Square Dance will be April 7 at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect. Those attending are asked to bring finger foods. Dick Manning will be the caller for squares at 8 p.m., and Bob Collyar will be the cuer for rounds at 7:30 p.m.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Drop Box Moved — The Salvation Army drop box located at Fourteenth and Monument has been moved. You can leave your tax deductible donations at 601 South Third, at any time.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Southside Neighbors — A reminder to Southside Neighbors for city clean-up day that dumpsters will be placed at the end of Seventh Street, Miller Market and Attucks. No general meetings or activities have been planned for 2000. For more information call J.E. Miller, 762-5678, Jan Erhart, 765-8623, or any Southside Board member.

Singles to Meet — Singles Connection will meet on Friday at 6:30 p.m. for dinner at Monica’s, 200 North Second. For more information call Mary Lou at 762-0578.

Going Out of business. Play Pen Ceramics. 205 South Pine, Ponca City, Ok. All Green ware 1/2 price. Monday April 10th through the 15th. 9 to 5 Daily.

Bring boxes. adv.

Accident — A minor accident in the 1100 block of North Union Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:14 a.m. Tuesday. The information was logged.

Don’t Feed our animals! They’re already stuffed! Biggest selection in town. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Accident — A three-vehicle accident in the 200 block of West Liberty Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Parking Problem — A woman from the 2200 block of Canary reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday that vehicles are left in the street causing a parking problem. An officer was assigned and information was logged that citations were issued.

Disturbance — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the parking lot at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue at 5:24 p.m. Tuesday with a subject complaining of damage to a vehicle. At 6 p.m., the officer took into custody, a 19-year-old man for violation of a protective order.

Assaulted — An employee at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:51 p.m. Tuesday that a 28-year-old man was being treated for injuries from an assault by three subjects. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Ponca City Pictorial History Books are still available! Pick up your copy today! Makes a great

Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv.

Burglary — A man from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:02 p.m. Tuesday that a stereo had been stolen from a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717 North 5th. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East Central Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:07 p.m. Tuesday that someone had left without paying for $27.54 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Assault — A juvenile male from the 100 block of Lansbrook reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday that he had been assaulted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A man from the 700 block of North Oak Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday concerning an item that had been taken. An officer was assigned and took into custody a 23-year-old man on a city warrant and two Kay County warrants for failure to appear and failure to obey.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of Robson Fieldhouse, 1024 North Seventh Street, was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:39 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 500 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:58 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Bicycle Abandoned — A man from the 400 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:23 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Information was left for Animal Control to pick up the bicycle.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:31 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Theft — An employee at Mazzio’s, 720 East Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:04 p.m. Tuesday that an envelope of money was missing from the office. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Horse Loose — A man from the 3600 block of North Union street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:13 p.m. Tuesday that someone had turned his white horse loose. The information was logged that Animal Control will be contacted.

Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday from the 700 block of North Sunset Street that a residence was on fire. The Ponca City Fire Department responded with three units, but it was logged that officers of the Ponca City Police Department had the fire out upon arrival. A report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Cabbage Soup Old-Time Recipe
Little News

Cabbage Soup Old-Time Recipe

(AP) — The meat once came from the smokehouse, the vegetables from the root cellar. The stock simmered all day and was skimmed and strained before it was soup. Now we buy everything at the supermarket and have soup in no time at all.

This Smoked Sausage, Cabbage and Potato Soup is one of many recipes from “Quick From Scratch Soups & Salads” (Food & Wine Books).

“Sausage is one of our favorite soup ingredients, but we’re less fond of the grease slick it can leave floating on the surface,” the editors say. “Our solution: Brown the sausage while the soup is simmering, and combine the two just before serving. No cooking time added, and much fat subtracted.”

Smoked Sausage,

Cabbage and Potato Soup

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 onion, chopped

1 3/4 pound green cabbage (about 1/2 head), shredded (about 1 3/4 quarts)

2 baking potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices

1 quart water

2 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth, or homemade stock

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3/4 pound smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, quartered lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise

In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add cabbage, potatoes, water, broth, bay leaf, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, put a large nonstick frying pan over moderate heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and drain on paper towels. Just before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup and stir in the sausage.

Parsnip Pierogies should be served with Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw and Sauteed Apples

Parsnip Pierogies

For the dough:

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed

For the filling:

1 1/2 pounds parsnips, peeled

2 shallots, peeled

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons freshly grated or prepared horseradish

4 ounces farmer cheese or goat cheese

In a mixing bowl whisk together the egg, milk, sour cream and 1/2 cup water. Stir in flour a little at a time until dough comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, up to 10 minutes. Incorporate more flour if dough is too sticky. Cover dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 1 hour.

To make the filling, place parsnips in a medium saucepan and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and put through a food mill to puree. In a small saute pan, cook shallots in butter until soft, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir shallots into puree and add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in horseradish and cheese.

On a lightly floured board, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a 3 3/4-inch round cutter. Set circles aside on a floured tray. Place a round tablespoon of filling on each circle. Lightly wet edges, fold over and seal by pinching.

When ready to serve, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pierogies and cook for 5 minutes after they float to the surface. Drain. Pierogies can be eaten right away or browned in a small amout of butter.

Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon caraway seeds

crushed

1/4 small red cabbage, finely

shredded

Salt and freshly ground

pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar and caraway seeds. Toss in cabbage. Season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Sauteed Apples

2 teaspoons unsalted butter

2 apples, peeled if desired,

cored and thinkly sliced

1 tablespoon sugar

Heat a medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Melt butter, add apple slices, and toss to coat. Add sugar and toss again to coat evenly. Cook until brown, about 5 minutes.

Little News

Jared and MaryBeth Cottle of Broken Arrow, former residents of Ponca City, announce the birth of a son at 6:49 a.m. March 8, 2000, at St. Francis hospital in Tulsa. Aedan Cade Cottle weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. He has two sisters, Rebekah, 5, and Deliah, 3.

Maternal grandparents are Sheila and John McCue of Quaker Hill, Conn. and James and Kathleen McCall of Brooklyn, N.Y. Paternal grandparents are Rick and Linda Cottle of Ponca City.

Great-grandparents are Bonnie Cottle of Shidler, Betty Harding of Ponca City, Mary and James Cavanagh of Boynton Beach, Fla., Anna McCall of Daytona Beach, Fla., James and Dorothy McCall of Daytona Beach, Fla., and Robert and RoJean Cottle of Deming, N.M.

Announcement is being made of the birth of Zachariah Evan (Zeb) Blew at 11:30 p.m. March 13, 2000, at Renaissance Women’s Hospital of Edmond. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. His family includes Brian, Melanie and Hannah Blew of Edmond. Grandparents are Art and Yvonne Platt of Crescent, Norma Blew of Oklahoma City, former resident of Ponca City, and the late Jack Blew.

SPORTS

Cats Hold Off Bartlesville
Lady Cats Thinking Title
Cats Blank Stillwater

Cats Hold Off Bartlesville

By Thomas True

News Staff Writer

A cool evening was in contrast to the hot start for the Wildcat baseballers who held off Bartlesville 8-5 in the late-late game Tuesday night at the high school diamond.

In the first inning, Jerrod “Peach” Spears slugged a 340-foot home run over the left field wall, scoring Chris McCool, who had singled with one out. to give Ponca City a quick 2-0 lead.

The Cats’ bats continued to sizzle in the second inning as Todd Stewart scored on a Bryan Coppock single to stretch the lead to 3-0

That lead held into the fifth inning when both teams tore into the other’s pitchers. The Bruins were able to get three runs off of three hits in the fifth before Cats’ coach Krehbiel relieved Buddy McCoy with Matt Wilks.

But the score wasn’t tied long. J. Michael Sharon walked and Coppock singled. McCool followed with a single that scored Sharon and Spears belted a double that brought in Coppock. Jeff Furnas continued the RBI fest by scoring McCool on a sacrifice fly.

The Bruins changed pitchers at that point. However, that did not stop the scoring as Jimmo Ozment got two RBIs to bring in Spears and Geheb before the inning came to an end at a score of 8-3.

The Bruins tried to make a comeback in the seventh inning,. Bartlesville scored two runs and had the bases loaded with no outs. Pitcher Todd Stewart was able to hold the Bruins off, getting two strike outs and a pop up.

Ponca City improved to 7-9 heading into the Enid tournament today through Saturday. Bartlesville fell to 6-10.

Ponca City 8, Bartlesville 5

Bartlesville 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 ­ 5

Ponca City 2 1 0 0 5 0 X ­ 8

B. McCoy (w) M. Bretz (l)

Lady Cats Thinking Title

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Suddenly Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat soccer team is thinking district championship.

The Lady Cats rolled to their third straight district win, 8-0, over Stillwater Tuesday night in Sullins Stadium.

After nosing out tough Edmond Memorial, 1-0, a week ago, the Po-Hi girls have been on a scoring tear. They “run-ruled” Midwest City 10-0 last Friday.

“Eighteen goals in two games,” marveled coach Steve Hermann. “That’s pretty good. The girls are really playing well right now.”

Buoyed by the big win over Midwest City, the Lady Wildcats struck early and often against Stillwater.

With Jamie Prado and Jessica Windom leading the way, the Poncans rolled to a 4-0 halftime lead.

There was no letup in the second half, In fact, the Lady Cats got their fifth goal of the night just 30 seconds into the second half.

Prado has been a scoring machine for Ponca City. She had four goals against Midwest City. The freshman added three more in the win over Stillwater.

Windom, a junior, had two goals Tuesday night as did sophomore Serina Woods. Melissa Hoffman, another freshman, scored once.

Against Midwest City, Audry Ramsey and Brittany Cool each had two goals while Woods and Angela Kana each had one.

“Jamie has had a big impact on our team,” coach Hermann noted, “and Jessica Plagmann has had nothing but big plays for us.”

“With the new eight-team districts, the top four teams advance to the playoffs,” Hermann said. “But it sure would be easier to be first or second.”

The Lady Cats face their biggest challenge to a district title Friday when the travel to meet Tulsa Union.

Then the Ponca Citians face a tough week with four matches scheduled in five days.

They have a make-up match at Sand Springs Monday, play host to Enid Tuesday, travel to Bartlesville Thursday and return home Friday against Tulsa Memorial.

Only Sand Springs and Memorial are non-district matches.

Other district opponents are Owasso on April 18 and Sapulpa on April 21. Both matches are at home.

Cats Blank Stillwater

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Sometimes you just can’t please some of your fans.

Following Tuesday night’s 4-0 win over Stillwater, a match the Wildcat soccer team dominated throughout, coach Marco Castillo heard grumblings as to why the margin of victory wasn’t even bigger.

“It’s hard to score eight or 10 goals when the other team has nine players packed in the box and only use two to attack,” the coach offered. “We had to take our shots from further out.”

But than was the only dim spot in then Wildcats win over the Pioneers.

“We dominated in all phases of the game,” C astillo said after the match. “The guys are playing really well right now.”

The Wildats opened the scoring midway through the first half when D.J. Scarbrough found the perfect angle for his shot from the right of the Stillwater goal.

With under two minutes left in the half Keith Quiram collected the second Po-Hi goal on a perfect give-and-go feed from Fabricio Migues.

By stacking the defense, Stillwater held the Poncans out in the second half until the 18:97 mark when Brett Skaggs broke loose and beat the Pioneer goalie.

Just minutes later, Jerimy Cox nudged in a corner kick for the final tally of the night.

“We were a little afraid some of our players might not take Stillwater seriously because we have handled them in the past,” Wildcat captain Skaggs said. “But we came out and got the job done.”

Now 2-1 in district play, 4-2 overall, the Wildcats travel to Tulsa Union Friday to test the district favorite Redskins.

Lady Cat Netters Take 7th

PUTNAM CITY — Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat tennis team placed seventh in the 16-team Putnam City North Tournament Monday.

Morgan Meister was seventh in the No. 2 Singles, Lillie Vucic and Anna Stalcup were ninth in the No. 2 Doubles, Claire Winterrowd and Allison Hufnagel were 10th in the No. 1 Double and Gina Smith was 13th in the No. 1 Singles.

Earlier the Ponca City JV girls tied with host Muskogee for first place in the Muskogee JV Tournament.

The JVs also lost a 9-0 decision to Blackwell in a dual.

Putnam City North Tournament

No. 1 Singles

Gina Smith lost to Sarah Hazelwood (Shaw.) 2-6, 1-6; lost to Lindsay Adams (PCW), 4-6. 1-6; def. Kara Betts (PV), 6-2, 6-2; def. Evan Fioster (Must.), 6-2, 6-1

No. 2 Singles

Morgan Meister def. Sarah Soltani (ESF) 6-0, 6-1; lost to Jule Harris (PCN) 0-6, 4-6; lost to Abby Murphre (Dun.) 0-6, 0-6; def. Lauren Moore (PCW), 7-6, 6-4

No. 1 Double

Claire Winterrowd-Allison Hufnagel lost to Barney-Wilson (PV) 3-6, 3-6; def. Moore-Wright (ESF) 6-4, 6-3; def. Morris-Smith (PC), 6-4, 6-3; lost to Boyd-Brown (Chick.) 1-6, 7-5, 3-6

No. 2 Doubles

Lillie Vuciu-Anna Stalcup lost to Stafford-Zamirippa (Dun) 4-6, 0-6; def. Newell-Burke (ESF) 6-0, 6-2;def. Wilmoth-Malthawer, 1-6, 6-4, 6-0; def. Yarborough-Rogers (PV), 0-6, 6-4, 6-3

Muskogee JV Tournament

No. 1 Singles

Anna Stalcup lost to Jordan Coburn (Musk), 1-6, 6-7; def. Kristen Buss (Shaw), 7-5, 6-2; def, Ashley Harris (Pry.) 6-1, 6-2

No. 2 Singles

Clair Didlake def, Mandy Perry (Miami), 6-3, 7-6; def. Louisa Alford (Musk), -4, 6-4; lost to Chandella Powell (Sap), 6-2, 6-3

No. 1 Dobles

Amber Foy-Amber Ailey def. Pearson-Brown (Musk), 6-4, 7-5; lost to People-Wright (Shaw.) 1-6, 2-6; lost to Thompson-Bellah (Msk), 4-6, 4-6

No. 2 Doubles

Natasha Copple-Leah Phllips def, Coleman-Curtis (Musk), 7-5, 3-6, 7-5; lodt to Wolfe-Rial Pry.) 1-6, 1-6; def Poland-Guthrie (Msk) 7-6, 6-3