LOCAL

Nickles Under Fire On Health Care Issue
Sooner Flight Academy Begins Enrollment for Local Students
Elks Name Two Students To Attend OHP Academy
June Youth Police Academy Applications Available Now

Nickles Under Fire On Health Care Issue

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A consumer group accuses Sen. Don Nickles of working closely with health care lobbyists to derail broad legislation that would give new rights to 161 million insured patients and allow them to sue their health plans.

Nickles, a 20-year veteran of the United States senate, is a native of Ponca City.

The accusations leveled Wednesday by the group Public Citizen were strongly disputed by a Nickles spokeswoman.

Public Citizen, founded by Ralph Nader, does research on safety, trade and other issues. It released a study Wednesday about the lobbying of Republican leaders in regard to reforming health maintenance organizations with legislation.

The study charges that a health care task force headed by Nickles, R-Okla., heard primarily from opponents of sweeping legislation, and that Republican staff members told groups opposing the bill to organize grassroots efforts to sway opinions.

The study says lobby groups in the Health Benefits Coalition donated nearly $120,000 to Nickles’ campaign and his leadership political action committee from 1995 through 1999.

Groups in the coalition, some of which have several other issues of interest besides health care reform, have donated $14 million to Republican Party organizations and candidates, the study says.

One of the study’s conclusions is that the situation highlights the need for campaign finance reform.

Nickles’ press secretary, Gayle Osterberg, said two things are motivating Nickles in the managed care debate.

One is ‘‘making sure Congress does not greatly increase health care costs or significantly increase the number of Americans without health insurance, and, secondly, passing a bill that improves and expands quality and access.

‘‘Public Citizen clearly believes anyone who doesn’t agree with them must be corrupt,’’ she said. ‘‘Senator Nickles believes opening up health plans and employers to unlimited lawsuits would cost people their health insurance.’’

Sooner Flight Academy Begins Enrollment for Local Students

Enrollment is now open for the fourth annual OU Sooner Flight Academy summer aviation camp. Children attending grades 2-5 this school term are eligible to enroll in the program that is hosted by the University of Oklahoma’s College of Continuing Education, Department of Aviation.

OU’s Sooner Flight Academy Satellite Camp will be in session June 19-23 at the Ponca City Regional Airport. Students who attend the program will experience the mathematics and scientific principles of flight through hands-on lessons at the airport.

“Our goal is to get students excited about learning math and science and at the same time revitalize interest in aviation throughout communities,” said Pam Kennedy, director of the OU Sooner Flight Academy. “Our Satellite Camps travel across Oklahoma and a five-state area to educate children using aviation education. By involving airport operators, pilots, community groups, parents and local aviation-related businesses, children see positive role models and meet mentors who help them stay focused on exciting careers and positive lifestyles,” added Kennedy.

Because every airport offers a unique history and variety of opportunities, camp activities are custom planned for each town served by the Academy. Cadets experience the effects of science, math, engineering and technology as they participate in hands-on lessons throughout the week long camp.

The students learn aerodynamics and the principles of flight while experimenting with rockets, kites and parachutes. Magnetic compass and gyroscope lessons help cadets understand basic aircraft instrumentation. These experiments incorporate team building and cooperative learning to teach the principles of aerial navigation, Newton’s Laws and space exploration. Weather and parents permitting, students will receive an airplane ride.

Don Nuzum, the Ponca City airport manager, is providing airport tours, classroom space in the Aviation Booster Club classroom, and coordinating airplane rides with the local EEA chapter whose members generously donate their time and aircraft to share the majesty of flight with the cadets.

The Oklahoma Aeronautics and Space Commission has donated seven $100 scholarships to help students in Ponca City attend the program. Jean Hoffmeyer at Woodlands Elementary is coordinating the scholarships.

Local community leaders are encouraged to contact the OU Sooner Flight Academy at (405) 325-1635 if they are interested in providing tax-deductible academic scholarships for Ponca City students. Tuition is required, as the Academy is self-supported and does not receive state funding.

Cadets attend the program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and are encouraged to enroll early. Class size is limited to 30 students and tuition is $175.

Registration forms are available at the Ponca City Regional Airport and on the Academy’s web site at http://flightcamp.ou.edu.

Elks Name Two Students To Attend OHP Academy

Ponca City Elks Lodge 2002 has nominated Brandon Lee Dilbeck and Jennifer D. Long to attend the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Cadet Lawman Academy. The academy, which is scheduled from June 4 through 10, will be held at the OHP Training Center located on the former Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base at Burns Flat.

The purpose of the Cadet Lawman Academy is to promote the qualities of good citizenship, positive work ethic, leadership, patriotism, integrity and a sense of civic responsibility.

Cadets are exposed to the training and responsibilities given to law enforcement officers. Activities include driving patrol cars, flying in a patrol plane, riding in a patrol boat, firing weapons and visiting a reformatory. Other activities include baseball, volleyball and swimming.

The academy is staffed by men and women of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies. The program is sponsored and funded by the Oklahoma Elks Major Projects, the Oklahoma State Troopers Association and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

June Youth Police Academy Applications Available Now

Applicants for teens, ages 15-18, who are interested in attending the Youth Police Academy during June are now available.

This Community Policing Project offered by the Ponca City Police Department will be limited to 20 class participants. There is no cost to attend.

Applicants should be students in the Ponca City school system. Each session builds on the previous, so a commitment to attend all sessions is necessary.

Topics covered will include emergency communications, police careers, domestic violence, crash investigation, DUI and alcohol related cases, juvenile crime, crime scene investigation, detective functions, jail operations, patrol functions, traffic enforcement, police pursuits, defensive tactics, drug investigations, firearms and special operations. The classes are a blend of lecture, demonstration, tours and practical problems.

Two sessions will be offered, each for five 8-your sessions and lunch is provided to participants. The dates for the first session are June 5 through June 9 and the second session will be held June 19 through June 23.

Applications are available at the Records Division of the Ponca City Police Department located at 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Any questions may be directed to Sherry Bowers, Sgt. Chris Primeaux or Clayton Johnson. They may be reached at 767-0370. The application deadline for both sessions is May 22.

DEATHS

Fred Wade Pappan
Bessie Marie Chambers
Eddie L. Harris

Fred Wade Pappan

NEWKIRK — Fred Wade Pappan, longtime Newkirk resident, died Tuesday night, April 4, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 66.

A graveside service has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, in the Washunga Cemetery in Newkirk with Craig Vance of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints officiating. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Fred Wade Pappan was born March 19, 1934, in Newkirk, the son of Walter and Viola Wilma (Bellmard) Pappan. He grew up and received his education in Newkirk, graduating with the class of 1953. After graduation, he attended OSU for two years. He then went to Weatherford to be trained in watch repair. He worked in Oklahoma and Arkansas City.

On August 4, 1967, he married Virginia Mae Fox in Stilwell. They made their home in Newkirk, where they have since resided. He retired after his marriage.

He was a member of the Kaw tribe and served as an officer of boards. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and manicuring his lawn, and rodeos.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; one daughter, Rebecca Pappan; two stepchildren, Bob Brown of Dennison, Texas, and Charlotte Dodd of Newkirk; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Jason Stopp, Nathan Stopp, Bill Dodd, Joe Revard, Luther Pepper and Mitchell Pepper.O

Obituaries

Bessie Marie Chambers

Bessie Marie Chambers, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, April 1, 2000, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 71.

The funeral will be held today, April 6, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tom Ramsey, pastor of First Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Blackwell Cemetery.

Bessie Marie (Fleetwood) Chambers was born Feb. 1, 1929, in Ava, Mo., the daughter of Zeb and Eula (Curtis) Fleetwood. After the death of her father, she moved with her mother and stepfather, John W. Williams Sr., to the Bressie Community in 1942. In 1943, they moved to Ponca City, and Bessie attended schools here.

On May 8, 1946, she married Lee Roy Chambers in Newkirk, and they made their home in Ponca City. He preceded her in death April 28, 1989. She was employed in the traffic department as an operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone, serving as chief operator while residing in Louisiana when Mr. Chambers was stationed at Fort Polk. She was a member of the Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO, during her service with Southwestern Bell.

After retiring with Southwestern Bell in Ponca City, she owned and operated the Super Bowl Aquarium for 22 years. At the time of her death, she was employed by the Highlander Center Laundry.

She enjoyed working with the public and made many cherished friends. While her children were growing up, she was active in the PTA and other school activities such as the Band Parents Association. She was known for her wit, wisdom, courage, compassion and her love for all children; sharing their tastes for music, dance and other activities, she became “Mom” and “Grandma” to many beyond her immediate family. She attended First Lutheran Church for many years.

Survivor include two daughters, Danna McMath of Broken Arrow, and Linda Lancaster and husband David Kent of Ponca City; a son, Dennis Chambers and wife Shelia of Atlanta, Ga.; her mother, Eula Williams of Ponca City; three brothers, John W. Williams Jr. of Ponca City, Dennis Wayne Williams and his wife Debie of Oklahoma City, and Doyne Woolsey and his wife Barbara of Baytown, Texas; one sister, Betty Wilson of Meridian, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Heather McMath of the home, David McMath of Broken Arrow, Holly McMath-Berenger and husband Jesse of Tulsa, Lester Lancaster of Ponca City, Ressie Fry and husband Matt of Ponca City, Stacy Chambers of Wichita, Kan., Michelle Feathers and husband Jacob of Ponca City, Tamra Burnett and husband Joey of Lamont; six great-grandchildren, Tyler Meadows of the home, Lauren Berenger of Tulsa, Zachary Burnett of Lamont, Christina Burnett of Lamont, Ethan Fry of Ponca City, and Dalton Smith of Ponca City; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her large extended family of friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father and stepfather.

Casket bearers will be Cory Meadows, David McMath, Lester Lancaster, Matt Fry, Jacob Feathers and Mark Cranford. Honorary bearers will be Ray Reamy, David Kent Lancaster, Gary Martin, Donald McMath, Dennis Wayne Williams, John W. Williams Jr., and Doyne Woolsey.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Oklahoma Heart Center at Integris Baptist Medical Center, attention: David Veillette, 3300 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Oklahoma Chapter, 7030 S. Yale, Tulsa, Okla. 74136.

The family will be at 2021 North Seventh Street.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Eddie L. Harris

NEWKIRK — Eddie L. Harris, Newkirk businessman, died early Wednesday afternoon, April 5, 2000, near Sherman, Texas. He was 48. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

NEWS BRIEFS

Millennium Afghan — Standing Bear, 101, Wentz, Conoco, etc. $50. Good for Mother’s Day, Anniversary, Birthday, Graduation, Bon Voyage. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, contact Karen at 762-7120.

John Deere is here! Bank, night light, frame and more! Carla's Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Vandalism — A woman from the 300 block of Warwick Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday that some vandalism had been done at the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Ray Cantwell original oil paintings. Sale Saturday, April 8

at the First Presbyterian Church, 204 South A, Blackwell, 9-4. For more information, call 762-4675. adv.

Assault — A woman from the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:33 a.m. Wednesday that she had been assaulted. Two officers were assigned and an identified subject was located on East Prospect Avenue, where the 36-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95 Friday 7th. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 500 block of East Grand Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:32 p.m. Wednesday. 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.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 2000 block of North Fourth Street at 1:26 p.m. Wednesday that a 37-year-old man was being held for failure to pay.

Elks Lodge pork-poke and sock hop. Sat. 6-11? Members and

guest new location. 3612 Lake Rd. 765-4045. adv.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Ash Street and West Grand Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:37 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Hallmark Creative Kids day this Saturday. Activities, bal-

loons, snacks and coloring contest. Carla’s Hallmark, 405 E.

Grand, Downtown. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 1:48 p.m. Wednesday that a 23-year-old man was being held for failure to appear and failure to obey.

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 — An accident in the 900 block of South Eighth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:46 p.m. Wednesday. Three officers were assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

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

Accident — An accident at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:06 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 3400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident in the 900 block of South Ninth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of West Emporia Avenue and North Union Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:41 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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. adv.

Assault — A woman from the 1600 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:49 p.m. Wednesday that her daughter had been assaulted at West Middle School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday that a 42-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Item Missing — A woman from the 900 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:59 p.m. Wednesday that a check book had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Tag Missing — A man from the 2500 block of North Oakwood reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:09 p.m. Wednesday that a tag had been stolen off his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1700 block of Bradbary Lane at 6:19 p.m. Wednesday that a woman was being held for warrants from Minnesota and Wyoming.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 2700 block of North Fifth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:33 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fire — The Communications Center received a report of a fire east of Kaw City at 8:42 p.m. Wednesday. The Kaw City Volunteer Fire Department was notified to go to the scene of the small grass fire one-half mile north of where the blacktop ends on the road to Washunga Bay.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 9:41 p.m. Wednesday that a 37-year-old man was being held for failure to pay.

Assault — An employee of the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a subject was being treated for injuries from an assault on Elm Street. An officer was assigned and it was logged the subject was completely uncooperative.

Disturbance — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a disturbance in the 2800 block of North Ash Street at 11:43 p.m. Wednesday. Another officer and a Kay County Sheriff Deputy were notified and a 20-year-old man was being held for DUI.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with subjects in the 1200 block of East Hartford Avenue at 1:27 a.m. Thursday. Another officer responded and a 19-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery and an 18-year-old woman was held on a city warrant.

GARDENING

Diggin in the Dirt By Kathy Zehr
Wild Tulips Offer Years of Blossoms

Diggin in the Dirt By Kathy Zehr

Wiping out weeds is a never-ending chore, but today’s column contains some helpful suggestions to help make the hot, sweaty, dirty, itchy job a lot easier.

In spite of several informational studies, I still can’t figure out why weeds will grow in abundance when so many things I want to grow ­ die or have to be coaxed to fruition.

Before we blast the little pests, however, we must remember Mother Nature has special purposes for weeds such as preventing erosion, breaking up the soil with their tenacious root systems, and attracting birds and beneficial insects. Some are even pretty and in their proper place are beneficial. But, not in our yards!

Weeds Are the Enemy

In our yards weeds are the enemy, hosting overwintering pests and diseases, and competing with desired plants for light, water and nutrients. Of course the best way to eradicate them is to pull them up immediately as soon as they appear and never, never, never let them go to seed! Some perennials like poison ivy and bind weed spread from seeds and underground stems or roots, so the roots must come out too. Weeding is easiest after a rain when the ground is wet. Weeding of chickweed and henbit can be accomplished on those warm days in winter when other gardening chores are light.

As time, space and other busy day-to-day scheduling interferes with the thankless weeding we look for ways to make it easier. To cut down on weeding, avoid leaving your soil bare. It is an open invitation to weed seeds and uninvited plants.

Covering the bare ground with almost any material or with other growing plants is always the best solution. Our soils contain thousands of weed seeds. Every time we disturb the soil we expose those seeds to the light they need to germinate.

In addition to keeping out the light, most ground covers retain moisture, keep the soil from leaching out, and keep established roots and the micro-system around the leaves cooler.

News in Vegetable Gardens

An inexpensive weed deterrent for the vegetable garden is the newspaper. Put it down in the walkways (4-6 pages thick). Cardboard works too. Water the newspaper after application to help it adhere to the soil and to keep it from blowing away in the wind.

It’s not necessary, but we like to cover the paper with straw to make the garden more pleasant to look at and nicer to walk on. Grass clippings (without joints or roots) also work. Water the straw after application. If a weed (or grass problem) spot shows up later, just put another layer of paper and straw down. The newspapers and straw will slowly rot and you can till them into the soil next season.

Mulch heavily with straw or newspaper around established plants as well. We also like to use newspaper in our garden for hot weather vining plants like cucumbers and cantaloupe. Cover the entire vine bed with newspaper, then with straw. Water it down and let it set for a day — then cut little holes in it where you plant the seeds. In addition to having no weeds to compete with the vines, the straw and newspapers keep the vines off the soil, and the fruit clean. The only place we prefer not to use the newspaper and straw method is under and around squash, where those pesky squash bugs from neighbor’s gardens like to come and hide while they destroy the crop.

Weed Free Flower Beds

In annual flowerbeds and around established perennials it is helpful to have edgings or mowing strips. Set strips and edgings flush with the ground and mow with one wheel just inside the bed (this method also eliminates hand trimming).

A thick layer of mulch in places where it’s difficult to control weeds keep them at bay, but it may still need some attention from time to time. To have better control, special woven or coated landscape fabric is available, but we use our inexpensive newspaper method using decorative bark, pine needles or other attractive coverings to hide it. If you choose a top layer that is organic (like hay or pine needles), it will decompose naturally and you can till it all into the bed later. Some materials may change the acidity of the soil. Also keep in mind that if you use gravel or other non-organic coverings, they will have to be removed if you want to till the bed before next year’s plantings.

Lawns

Set the mower blade a littler higher to discourage weeds in your lawn. Taller grass is more vigorous and makes it tough for broad-leafed weeds to get a stronghold.

In areas between established slower-growing perennials, trees and shrubs, plant fast growing annuals or ground covers that can “out-compete” weeds for the space and won’t threaten your established plants.

Wild Tulips Offer Years of Blossoms

By LEE REICH

For AP Special Features

The term wild tulip seems, at first, like a contradiction. After all, what plant could be more cultivated than a tulip? The flowers are perched elegantly high, away from dirt, on stalks so straight they seem to have responded to the yell of Attention! from some flower sergeant.

But this image of a formal flower portrays garden tulips, which are complex hybrids and called garden tulips because they are the ones most commonly planted. Garden tulips are the result of centuries of breeding that began when Busbequius, the Austrian ambassador to Turkey, admired tulips in a garden in Constantinople and paid dearly for some seeds which he brought back to Austria in 1554.

The resulting hybrids, a rainbow of colors in shapes ranging from those as dainty as columbines to those as corpulant as peonies, are far removed from their wild ancestors. Trace this aristocratic line back to its humbler beginnings and you come to wild tulips. These tulips are sometimes called species or botanical tulips. Although their flower colors do not cover a broad range, wild tulips have other qualities.

Red Riding Hood, for example, has vivid, scarlet blossoms, each cradling a yellow-margined black blotch in its center. Waterlily tulips have creamy yellow petals brushed rosy red on their outsides and opening to flat stars with deep yellow, sunny centers. Both these tulips also have attractive maroon markings on their green leaves. These tulips are only two of about 150 species.

Wild tulips also have a practical side. Red Riding Hood and waterlily tulips bear their pert blossoms on short, sturdy stems, so are less apt to flop over from rain or wind than their high-bred relatives. And these wildings are truly perennial, multiplying and blooming year after year.

Garden tulips have become so aristocratic that even with coddling they lose steam after a couple of years, so are best grown as annuals. The needs of wild tulips are as modest as their lineage: a soil that is well-drained, moderately fertile and bathed in sunlight through spring. Plant wild tulips to come up in ground covers or beneath shrubs. Plant them also as drifts in mulched ground beneath trees. Wherever you plant tulips, don't disturb the foliage, which nourishes the roots for next years blossoms, until it naturally dies back to the ground.

SPORTS

Wildcats Power Past Santa Fe
Four OU, OSU Athletes Gain Big 12 Honors
Sooners Trip Cowgirls
Cat Golf Team 7th At Edmond

Wildcats Power Past Santa Fe

ENID — The warm temperatures Wednesday also brought hot bats for the Ponca City Wildcats in the first game of the Enid Tournament as they banged out 12 hits in a come-from-behind 11-7 win over ninth-ranked Edmond Santa Fe.

Ponca City moved to 10-8 on the season and will risk its three game winning streak today with games at 3:30 and 6 against Dale and Enid

The Wildcat baseballers played aN early noon game Wednesday to start the Gladys Winters Invitational at the new David Allen Memorial Ballpark in downtown Enid against the Santa Fe Wolves.

Ponca City spotted Santa Fe a 4-0 lead in the first two innings as starting pitcher Jeff Furnas struggled.

That's when the Ponca bats started to heat up. Jimmo Ozment started the action in the bottom of the second with a solo home run over the 365 foot sign in left center. With two outs Todd Stewart singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on single by Buddy McCoy

Chris McCool narrowed the gap to 4-3 with a single that scored McCoy.

Furnas settled down and with some good defensive plays behind him held Edmond scoreless over the next three innings.

In the bottom of the fifth, McCool reached base on an error, advanced to second on a pass ball and moved to third on a bunt by Furnas. Barry Geheb then hit a sacrifice fly to fight field that scores McCool and tie the game 4.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Santa Fe came alive again, scoring three runs on three hits. Santa Fe left two runners on base, when shortstop Coppock chased down a pop fly in foul territory, going over the rolled up field tarp and into the left field fence.

Down 7-4 going into the bottom of the sixth, the Wildcat bats got hotter. By the time the third out of the inning occurred, the Cats had scored seven runs on six hits.

After consecutive singles by Stewart and McCoy, McCool scored both in on a single to left center. Jerrod Spears followed with a single to left and Furnas blasted a three-run home run over the left field fence.

The assault continued as Ozment lined a double off the center field fence to score Geheb. who had walked. J. Michael Sharon singled to left to score Ozment, but was thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double.

Several Cats had multiple hits and RBI games. Stewart was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, McCoy was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI. Coppock was 2-for-4, McCool 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Ozment was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one run batted in. Furnas was 1-for-4 with three RBIs.

Ponca City 11, Edmond Santa Fe 7

Santa Fe 220 003 0 — 7

Ponca 030 017 x — 11

Warn, Coleman (6) and Cash; Furnas and Spears. HR — Cash (Edmond), Ozment, Furnas (Ponca)

Four OU, OSU Athletes Gain Big 12 Honors

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Big 12’s list of 19 Community Outreach Award winners for the 1999-2000 school year includes two athletes each from Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.

The awards, in their second year, recognize student-athletes who epitomize unselfish, voluntary giving to the community. The winners, announced Wednesday, were nominated by their schools.

Oklahoma State’s winners were basketball player Jennifer Crow and wrestler Mark Munoz. The OU winners were golfer J.D. Robertson and basketball player LaNeishea Caufield.

Crow has volunteered her time to several community events, particularly those helping children. Munoz has been an active speaker for several groups, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has donated his time to many events.

Robertson serves as vice president of OU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board and is a representative to the Big 12 Student-Athlete Advisory Council. He has volunteered for many events and organizations, including the American Red Cross and Secret Santa Program.

Caufield has spent much time with community outreach activities, such as visiting hospital cancer wards, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and speaking to youth groups.

‘‘They are sterling examples in their home and campus communities,’’ Prentice Gautt, Big 12 associate commissioner, said of all the winners. ‘‘The have given their time and talents to make both the university and their adjacent community a better place to live.’’

Sooners Trip Cowgirls

STILLWATER — Sixth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners outdueled No. 20 OSU, 4-2, Wednesday night in bediam softball action in front of a record crowd of 750 fans at the new Cowgirl Stadium.

Oklahoma led off the scoring surge in the top of the third, scoring three runs on three hits and an error. LaKisha Washington scored on a triple by Lisa Carey after reaching on a base hit. Ashli Barrett reached on an error, and Carey scored on the same play. Erin Evans singled to center, plating Barrett with the bases loaded.

OSU scored one in the bottom of the inning when Kipp doubled to right center and went to third on a bunt single by Christina Shaddox. She then scored when Kirsty Jennings reached on an error.

The Cowgirls added another in the fifth when Kipp again led off with a double, this time to left centerfield. Kipp advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Shaddox. Jennings hit a sharp grounder to Washington at second, and the second baseman attempted to make a play at the plate. Kipp was safe.

Oklahoma State had the bases loaded with two outs in the same inning, but Lezli Leathers, after going to a 3-0 count, grounded out to third base to end the inning.

OU added an insurance run in the sixth when Mandy Fulton hit a home run that banked off the leftfield foul pole, her fifth dinger of the season.

Sooner Jennifer Stewart pitched five innings and picked up the win, moving to 205 on the season, Lana Moran came on in relief and pitched the final two innings, picking up her first save of the season, OSU freshman Lauren Bay took the loss and fell to 11-8 on the year.

Oklahoma State (27-13 overall, 4-3 in Big 12) will travel to Lawrence, Kan,, on Friday for a doubleheader with the Kansas Jayhawks (21-19, 1-4) starting at 1:30 p.m..

Cat Golf Team 7th At Edmond

EDMOND — Wildcat Matt Ellis fired a 76 over the Silverhorn course and was third in the medalist standings for the Edmond North Invitational Monday.

But none of the other Ponca City golfers broke 80 as the Wildcats finished seventh in the 30-team tournament. The Cats finished with a 316 total, 10 strokes behind Edmond North, which won its own tournament.

Moore was seecond with a 308, followed by Norman North with 309, Guthrie 310, Norman 313 and Putnam City North 315.

Following Ellis for the Wildcats were David Maddux with an 81, Louie irardi with 83, Matt Waddell 86 and Nathan Coats 89.

The Po-Hi JV golfers finished eighth in the 12-team Cushing Invitatonal that same day.

Aaron Sattre and Andy Romine each shot79 to pace the Poncans to a 325 total in the team scoring. Aaron Cohenopur posted an 82, Ben Dickey 85 and James Anderson 88. Plaing as an individual, Luke Cobb shot 80.

Duncan won the team title with a 298, seven sttokes n front of the Bartlesvile JVs.

Cushing had 306, Heritage Hall 310, Lawton MacArthur 314, Pawnee 329 ans thw Tulas Union JVs 323.