LOCAL

Lawmakers Eye Tobacco Money For Health Care
Nearly News

Lawmakers Eye Tobacco Money For Health Care

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lawmakers say a plan to beef up public health care benefits and boost the salaries of Oklahoma health care providers will require the investment of millions of dollars, but the exact figures are still being worked out.

‘‘We’re investing in the people of Oklahoma,’’ House Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick, said Thursday during a news conference where he unveiled the statewide health care proposal, dubbed Oklahoma 2001 Healthcare, before a group of lawmakers and public health-care recipients.

‘‘We’re investing in the children of this state who need services.’’

A key element of the plan is to invest a share of the nationwide tobacco settlement received by the state in April to attract millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funds for such health care needs as emergency room, maternity, dental and developmental disability services.

Benson said the state is next to last in Medicaid reimbursements in a 16-state region and that some nursing homes that feed and house the elderly poor ‘‘are being reimbursed at a rate below cost.’’

Oklahoma’s Medicaid-eligible population has grown from about 290,000 to 400,000 since December, 1997. Of that number, 275,000, or 65 percent, are children.

As outlined by Benson, the state will leverage $46 million in tobacco settlement funds to help generate about $289 million for improved health care benefits.

But officials said the state received only about $37 million in tobacco money this month. That lowers the total expenditures to about $259 million.

‘‘Our numbers were based on the information we had at the time,’’ Benson said. ‘‘I think everyone recognized the fact that as we moved through the process, priorities and numbers would need to be changed when actual funds were received.’’

Gov. Frank Keating said he welcomed the proposal though he had not reviewed details. Keating said some of the initiatives are similar to a plan in his executive budget that includes a $43 million increase in state Medicaid reimbursements to aid rural hospitals.

Nearly News

The sixth annual CENTURY 21 Group One Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled Saturday at War Memorial Park at 10 a.m. Children eight years of age and younger may participate. Bring a camera to get pictures with the Easter Bunny, starting at 9:30 a.m.

DEATHS

Wilbur Seely Ross Jr.

Wilbur Seely Ross Jr.

PAWHUSKA — Wilbur Seely Ross Jr, former resident of Ponca City, died Monday, April 17, 2000, in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Denver, Colo. He was 76.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, April 24, at the Edmond Church of Christ. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in the Pawhuska Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home in Pawhuska.

Wilbur Seely Ross Jr. was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Pawhuska. He graduated from Pawhuska High School and attended Oklahoma A&M College. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater with the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

He joined his parents in their insurance agency in Pawhuska after the war. In 1962, he moved his family to Ponca City, where he owned Foodland Grocery. He and his wife moved to Oklahoma City in 1969. Prior to his retirement, he worked in the business office at Oklahoma Christian College.

He was active in the Kiwanis Club, the chamber of commerce, and the Masons. He coached little league baseball for many years and was an avid golfer. He attended the Edmond Church of Christ.

Survivors include his daughter, Suzanne Moore of Oklahoma City; his son, Leander Ross of Parker, Colo.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie Ross, and his son, Wilbur Seely Ross III.

NEWS BRIEFS

Serving in Mediterranean — Navy Airman Terry L. Burge, son of Keith Burge of 1713 North Osage, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, home ported in Norfolk, Va. During the deployment, Burge’s ship will defend U.S. policy and support international interests in the Middle East and Europe.

Attention Boat & Motor Owners!!! The 2001 renewal decals are now in inventory at the Ponca City tag office. Purchase yours early & avoid the rush!! All boats & motors renew in June. adv.

Harassment — A woman from the 2100 block of North Ash Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:58 a.m. Thursday that she had been harassed at work. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Woodard Outdoor furniture 40% off retail price, Keathly Nursery. adv.

Abandoned Bicycle — A woman from the 900 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:02 a.m. Thursday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the northeast parking lot of Ponca City High School. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.

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

Vandalism — An employee at the Post Office, 402 East Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department that the second floor of the federal building had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

4” Geranium special, .89˘ each. Regular $1.99. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Vehicle Towed — The Ponca City Police Department logged information at 1:27 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street was being towed from the scene for having an expired tag.

Easter Chicken special. Friday through Sunday. Buy one tub, get

eight potato’s free. Call ASAP. Snyder’s Grocery 762-4686. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the east entrance to Wal-Mart, 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue, was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:09 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Please Grandma, buy me a bunny from Mrs. Brown’s Attic! Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Radio Stolen — A woman from the 500 block of South Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:27 p.m. Thursday that a radio had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Need A place to do Ceramics? Pouring new molds daily. Norma B Ceramics 316 East Grand. adv.

Easter Dresses (new) and new shoes 20% off. Bearly New, 2010 North 14th. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received several calls at 5:23 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle had jumped the curb at Hobby Lobby, 2904 North Fourteenth Street, and hit four parked vehicles. Information was logged that subjects ran from the vehicle to an area north of Prospect Avenue. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded to the scene, contacted two different subjects, and a report was taken. Two vehicles were towed from the scene.

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

Accident — An accident in the parking lot of J.C. Penney, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:46 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Betty’s Boutique 10-50% off entire store through Saturday. adv.

Easter Egg Hunt for children through 8 years. Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m., south side of Hutchins. Sponsored by Century 21 Group One. adv.

Item Missing — A man from the 1800 block of North Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:59 p.m. Thursday that a cellular phone had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Mail Bothered — A man in the 400 block of North Birch Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:12 p.m. Thursday that someone had tampered with mail in his mail box. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Eggstra! Eggstra! Check out the Easter special at the Blue Lite Lounge! Saturday, April 22, Blind Draw Mixed Doubles Dart Tournament. Starts at 7:00 p.m. Bring your date and be ready to have a great time! adv.

Fire Run — The Communications Center received a call at 10:01 p.m. Thursday that a fire was in the kitchen of a business firm in the 3100 block of East U.S. 60. Four units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded as did three units from the McCord Volunteer Fire Department, to handle the situation.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1300 block of East South Avenue at 10:35 p.m. Thursday that a man was being held for a Kay County warrant.

New Aromatherapy Candles, contemporary shapes, uplifting aroma. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police department reported from the 700 block of North Osage Street at 11:56 p.m. Thursday that a 25-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Eighth Street and East Houston Avenue at 2:38 a.m. Friday that a 21-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension.

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.

Window Broken — A woman from the 400 block of South Lincoln Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:49 a.m. Friday that her vehicle window had been broken during the night. 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.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Disturbance — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:26 a.m. Friday that a fight was occurring in the 3500 block of North Union Street. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and located subjects at North Ash Street and the railroad tracks. An officer took into custody, a 28-year-old woman on two Kay County warrants.

Kids/Her Review now accepting spring/summer childrens and womans consignments. adv.

Elk’s Lodge open Tuesday through Saturday 4-10. 3612 Lake Road. adv.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel. All you can eat $11.95, Friday 21st. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Party Fetes Amy Kiker
Xi Delta Chapter Holds Meeting
Happy Hilltop Homemakers Donate Quilts

Party Fetes Amy Kiker

A bridal shower honoring Amy Kiker, bride-elect of Rick Duey, was held April 15 in the Williamsburg Parlor of the First Baptist Church. The couple plans a June 17 wedding in Oklahoma City.

The serving table was covered with lace and accented with a silk spring floral arrangement. Fresh fruit, cookies and bread, along with punch and coffee, were served.

Miss Kiker is the daughter of Robert and Pat Kiker of McPherson, Kan., former residents of Ponca City.

Assisting with the gifts were Annette McAlister and Shannon Horn of Oklahoma City. Special guests were the mothers of the engaged couple, Pat Kiker and Judy Duey, and grandmothers, Mildred Trieber and Wini Howard.

Hostesses for the event were Marcy Bass, Sue Witteman, Jerri Boyer, Sandra Harrison, Mary Spore, Amy Heslip, Betty Welch, Bert Thomas, Linda Steele, and Linda Epperson.

Xi Delta Chapter Holds Meeting

Eleven members of Xi Delta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Sue May for the April 10 meeting. Linda Turner, president, read the city council minutes and other correspondence. Shari Magee, recording secretary, read the minutes, and Patsy Hastings gave the treasurer’s report.

Members selected a “Girl of the Year,” and Sue May, scrapbook chairman, reported on items needed for the April 17 meeting. Ms. Magee gave a program about teaching children and the joy of working with them. Members made Easter bunnies as a project for her program.

The next meeting will be April 24 in the home of Dorothy Leonard, with Patsy Hastings as co-hostess. The Ritual of Jewels will be held for Wendy Boyd, and Lynda Smith will give the program.

Happy Hilltop Homemakers Donate Quilts

On April 12, the Happy Hilltop Homemakers met at the Head Country Restaurant. Nancy Challis, president, called the meeting to order, and the pledge of allegiance was given by the group. Betty Wilson read the creed.

Nancy Challis was hostess. She read Psalm 21:5 from the Daily Guidepost 2000 for devotions. She also shared a poem titled “Nobody.” Irene Harden, secretary, called the roll with each member answering with “what we are going to do for Easter.” There were 14 members and two guests, Cindy Wright and Dora McGee, present.

Fran VanHoesen gave the treasurer’s report, and she and Vivian Scott delivered three quilts to the Domestic Violence Shelter. Members agreed to donate money and paper goods to a needy family. Plants were sent to members who were ill.

Nadine Thomas won the hostess gift, and Irene Harden won the free lunch. Dora McGee became a member of the club. Nadine Thomas read a poem from Conoco Covers called “You Think Gasoline is High.” The program was given by Ms. Challis, who showed pictures and articles from a recent trip she and her husband took to the Holy Land. Judy Basham will host the May meeting of the group.

RELIGION

Good Shepherd Lutherans Plan Easter Worship
Faith Tabernacle Plans Celebration
First Assembly Planning Celebration For Everyone This Easter Sunday
Sunset Baptist Seniors Experience Worship Services in Branson
Pastor’s Notes
Church Briefs

Good Shepherd Lutherans Plan Easter Worship

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will celebrate our Lord’s resurrection victory with a worship service again this year at Lew Wentz Camp. Members and visitors are encouraged to attend, according to Hoyd O’Neill, spokesperson for the church.

This festive service, led by Pastor Mark Homp of Minneapolis, Minn., will begin at 8 a.m. Immediately following the service, breakfast will be served by the GSLC Fellowship Committee. After breakfast, all children will be invited to take part in the annual Easter Egg hunt on the Lew Wentz grounds.

Pastor Homp, who has been extended a call to serve Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as their pastor, graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, in 1981. He has served Lutheran churches in Pop Sippi, Merrill, and Hamburg, Wisconsin for 18 years. Pastor Homp and his wife, Carol, have been blessed with three children: Joseph, 21; Katie, 17, and Rachel, 13. Carol, Katie and Rachel will provide the special music, at the piano and flutes, for this Easter Service.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, whose headquarters are located in Minneapolis, Minn.

Faith Tabernacle Plans Celebration

The congregation of Faith Tabernacle, 501 South Fifth, invites the public to join them this Easter Sunday as they celebrate the resurrection of the Lord! The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a majestic flag processional using flags created by Jolene Simpson. Adding to the celebration will be the Hip Hop Hallelu Dancers and Send Judah First Dancers. Recently formed, the Send Judah First Dancers, comprised of women from the church, have spent weeks learning authentic Hebrew dances. (It was pointed out that Judah means Praise in reference to the dancers).

During the praise and worship service, the women and the Hip Hop Hallelu dancers under the direction of Pastor Don Stanton and Sandy Suggs, will dance the “Hora, Clap Your Hands” and “How I Praise You.”

The Hallelu Praise Team, directed and choreographed by Christy Gonterman, will also perform two ballet style numbers. The three to five-year olds will dance to “Calvary’s Hill” and the older children, age 6 to 13 will perform “The Hammer.”

Costumes were made by Jeanne Brownfield, Jody Burnes and Wanda Prado.

Pastor Stanton will preach a sermon entitled, “Because We’ve Been Delivered” with emphasis on the significance of the elements of the Passover Meal and how it points to Jesus as Messiah.

“Join us this Resurrection Day,” Pastor Stanton invited, “as we celebrate what Jesus Christ has done for us!”

First Assembly Planning Celebration For Everyone This Easter Sunday

Easter is a special time of celebration. On Dec. 25 we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but on Easter we can rejoice in the fact that He arose from His grave to become our Savior, our redeemer, and our Lord. First Assembly of God invites all that would come to join us this Sunday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m. for our Easter celebration. We wish to see all of our community celebrating and praising our risen Lord. If you don’t have a place of worship, please join us in making this Easter a special, fun day for your entire family.

Easter is not just for kids. Pastor Mark Shorey will be doing “Where Jesus Walked”, a powerful, dynamic, illustrated sermon featuring members of the congregation for the adult service. At the same time, children will be seeing a multi-media presentation by Pastor Richard Smith on “Where Did He Go?” that includes puppets, story telling, drama, video and cool games. After the main morning service, First Assembly will sponsor the city’s largest Easter egg hunt on our south lawn with over 5000 eggs filled with treats. Children will hunt eggs in four different categories — birth to age two, age three through six, first to third grade and fourth through sixth.

The First Assembly of God family wants to reach our community and relate God to you in a new, real way. This last month they readily sacrificed to pay for over 16,475 cards to go out in direct mail so that they can touch every home in their neighborhoods. As our Senior Pastor said, “I would love to visit everyone in this city in person but we do not have the resources to do that, however, we can tell them about us in a non-threatening way through direct mail.”

You and your family are important to First Assembly of God. Give us the chance to show you.

Let us put some color into your Easter!

Sunset Baptist Seniors Experience Worship Services in Branson

A group of senior adults from Sunset Baptist Church attended the Senior Adult Celebrations! 2000, Mountaintop Bible Conference, in Branson, Mo., on April 10-13. The group was able to hear wonderful presentations from speaker Phil Waldrep, they report, and comedians Tom Lester and Willard Scott entertained.

Worship leaders for the event were The Rick Webb Trio and the concert artist was Larnelle Harris. The group stayed at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson and also enjoyed an evening cruise and dinner on the Branson Belle River Boat.

Twenty-three people made the trip, including 18 Sunset members and five guests. Those attending the conference were Kenneth and Virginia Love, Tom and Nila Larkins, Charles and Reta King, Al and Louise Bishop, Lavena Toon, Elaine Silkey, Bess Adkins, Edna Tracey, Effie Clinton, Doris Cline, Faye Hunt, Pearley Ridgeway, Helen Moore, Muriel Sherman, Sherry Burgert, Velma Failey, Bonnie Cottle, Richard Donnell, and Monty Wright.

Pastor’s Notes

On the road to Kingdom Come, it was decided long ago that we needed a few rules to help us in the journey. Actually, the original idea was some implied understandings that were just to be considered the “givens” of the human situation. Those sort of conditions always lead to misunderstandings that result in someone being a less than adequate brother’s keeper and Eden’s who-know-what-she-put-in-that casserole.

What might have sufficed were some elegantly stated principles backed up by wonderfully crafted metaphors. These, however, can be hard to come by, especially in days before artful spin-doctors and wiser than all our years messiahs. Besides, their effect lasts about as long as a half-hearted appeal for campaign finance reform, or your last commitment to diet and exercise; two self-imposed obligations that share a remarkably similar tempter. So, what we have are some fairly specific, often blunt laws, that tell us what we can and cannot do in just about any situation that one could think of at the time. Enforcement, of course, comes extra, with a hefty price tag.

The advantage of having laws is that it gives you the sense that you have finally really accomplished something to improve the human condition. Just ask whatever bozo you send off to write laws for you. Excuse me, that was disrespectful. I meant, my good friend, the honorable bozo. The oft-repeated saying goes, “there are two things you don’t want to watch being made, sausage and laws! The sausage is at least good to eat, except that most of it is no better for you than some laws.

Jeremiah said “that the law had been made a lie by the lying pens of scribes” (Jer. 8:8). He called for one that is written on the human heart. Paul said “if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs (of God’s promise to Abraham), faith is null and the promise is void. He felt that we come to God only by grace and the righteousness of faith. You don’t even have to guess where Jesus comes down on all of this. And yet, we still suffer the dogma of law and order Christians. I was amazed to read this weekend the point of view of a group in the American South who are self-described “as your basic ‘eye for an eye’ Christian”. Can anything be more of an oxymoron phrase than that. If Christian means anything to Jesus, who said, “You have heard it said an eye for eye, but I say ... turn the other cheek,” it is the complete rejection of that middle eastern notion of justice.

The Sermon on the Mount does quote Jesus saying that he did not come to abolish either the law or the prophets. This is good, because without laws, we would have chaos. What he offered instead was a form of righteousness that was greater than the law and in keeping with the spirit of the prophets. It is founded on a grace that can only be understood at the foot of the cross and which can only be appreciated from its top. From there you see the issues of legalism, judgment, revenge, and righteousness differently. Bonded to the structures of humanities’ imperfect order by the nails of its fear driven culture, you come alive to the prophetic senses of God’s activities in justice and become fully open to heaven’s realm.

Every law has its supporters and opponents. Cherished “rights” are at stake along with business and professional interests and the ever-present desire for power. They are the milieu of contemporary politics. Religion has never been more awkward than when it tries to run in that pack. This is because most of what we are about is what should never be legislated, but which should be freely accepted by faith. No love is ever more ugly than one that is demanded under penalty of prosecution. Love is always best appreciated when given freely, selflessly, and without reservation. Something like, I don’t know, maybe "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” It’s hard to legislate, but wonderful to live.

The Rev. Ed Coy Light

St. Paul’s United Methodist

Church Briefs

First United Pentecostal Church Plans Presentation

Experience ... “Messiah Alive”, a dramatic presentation at 10 a.m. Easter morning at the First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford, Ponca City.

Your heart will be blessed by the moving presentation and anointed music. You and your family are also invited to join with the First United Pentecostal church family as they enjoy a “Welcome Coffee” at 9 a.m. as they celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only thing that feels better than visiting is belonging!

Woodlands Christian Schedules Two Easter Services

Easter Sunday Woodlands Christian Church has scheduled two worship opportunities — 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with Sunday School at the usual 9:15 a.m.

Both worship services will offer the same celebration ... the Chancel Choir will share “Our Savior Is Alive”, “And God Cried’, ending with “Christ Is Risen”, accompanied by a five-piece brass ensemble. The Rev. Paul Krueger will share the message: “Do We Really Want Easter”, scripture: Mark 1:1-8. There will be a service of baptism at the 10:30 a.m. service.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s Word with them every week ... Sunday Bible classes at 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. We have classes for all age levels — nursery through adult.

Looking ahead: City-wide Bible Class on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Hartford Church of Christ — God’s amazing grace, an in-depth study of Romans. This week: “The righteousness of God through faith.” Romans 3:21-26. If one cannot be righteous by virtue of the Law; if truly, there are none righteous, then how can unrighteous men have any hope of escaping the wrath of a just God? To answer that question is Paul’s purpose in this section, and it includes the amazing insight that God can be “just” and at the same time, “the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus.”

Grace Church Announces Easter Services

Easter Sunday services at Grace Episcopal Church will include Holy Eucharist at the usual Sunday times, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong announced today. Assisting will be the Rev. Steve Mallory with Velma Tapp at the organ and Linda Cowley leading the choir.

Anyone wishing to worship is welcome to attend these services. A fellowship and refreshment time is scheduled following both services.

Methodist Youth Set SON-rise Service

The youth of First United Methodist Church will hold a SON-rise celebration in the Cann Memorial Gardens Sunday morning at 7 a.m. This brief service will greet the rising sun as they honor the risen “son” in a beautiful garden setting.

There will be donuts, juice, milk and coffee at the church for those who attend this service, it was announced.

Traditional Easter services will be held at the normal worship times at First United Methodist.

EDUCATION

Scholarships Now Avalable
2003 Graduation Requirements
McCord Students Gain Experience By Dealing with Bus Safety Week

Scholarships Now Avalable

The Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center Scholarship applications are available for Kay County upper-class students.

The scholarship will be awarded to a Kay County resident qualified as a junior, senior, or graduate student in special education or a related field such as physical, occupational or speech therapy.

Applicants must be attending an accredited college and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Scholarship amount is $500, $250 each semester for one year. Applications must be in by June 1, 2000, and are available at the Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union, or from the scholarship chairman, Susan McEachern.

In addition to filling out the application, the applicant must provide college transcripts. They should have a 3.0 GPA throughout college work. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the committee.

A resume should include college honors, interests and activities, also work experience and job history.

A short narrative should describe the applicants’ future career plans and how it relates to this application. Applicants also should list any personal work experience with persons with disabilities and any other pertinent information they would like the committee to review.

2003 Graduation Requirements

One of the major responsibilities of the Board of Education is to establish the standards for granting the high school diploma.

This duty is shared with the State Board of Education and now, for the first time, with the State Legislature. The past legislative session saw the passage of HB 1759, which requires 23 units (46 semester courses), and names specific courses for graduation from high school.

The new requirements are for students who are now finishing the ninth grade and will graduate in the spring of 2003.

The Ponca City Board of Education increased the number of units to 23 as required by the law and named two additional classes that must be taken as a local requirement. Ponca City students graduating in 2003 must pass with a “C” or better in the following 15 required units:

— 4 units of English (including American and English Literature and Grammar);

— 3 units of mathematics, including Algebra I;

— 3 units of science, including Biology I;

— 3.5 units of social studies, including Oklahoma, American, and World History courses, Government and Geography;

— .5 unit of technology applications; and

— 1 additional unit from the five areas above or a foreign language.

To complete the diploma, the students must pass eight units of electives such as business, art, music and physical education.

The board raised the requirements because research indicates that students who take 15 units in the core curriculum score on average four points higher on the college admissions exam (ACT) than students who take less than the core. There is also a positive relationship between the higher grade point average and the higher scores on the ACT. Oklahoma colleges continue to raise the minimum ACT score for admission, with Oklahoma University requiring a score of 24.

For students who are not planning to go to college, the higher graduation requirements will help them prepare to enter the world of work with better science and mathematics skills. Students who need remedial courses, such as pre-algebra, may use these classes to meet the elective unit requirement, but must pass three math courses beginning with algebra.

The local standard for graduation is higher than required by law and is designed to help Ponca City students succeed in college and in life.

McCord Students Gain Experience By Dealing with Bus Safety Week

McCord School students and staff recently joined Governor Frank Keating in making the week of April 3-7 as state-wide awareness week for School Bus Safety.

McCord drivers kicked off the week by reading the official proclamation to all the bus students on the previous Friday and then on Monday morning Trooper Ryan Griffith of the Pawnee Division of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol visited the school.

Trooper Griffith rode the McCord Bus #1 with the driver, Rachel McClelland. He handed out trooper badges to students that rode the buses and spoke with McCord students during an assembly later that morning.

Trooper Griffith stressed the promotion of safety in all areas of our life.

Bus patrol students at McCord School for the years are Christopher Rush, Rob Davis, Ryan Berge, Braden Hail, Doug Dunn, Jordan Flett, Chelsea Brown, Nikki Robbins, Tyler Taber, Dustin Choate, Taryn Postman, Candace Hill, Jauncy McCulley and Kimber Bracken.

Bus drivers are Margaret Carter, Ann Case and Rachel McClelland.

SPORTS

Lady Cats Nearing Goal
Jr. Hi Golfers Gain Sweep
Lady Mavs Sign Two New Players
Po-Hi Results

Lady Cats Nearing Goal

Ponca City’s Lady Wildcat golfers moved one step closer to their goal of qualifying for the state tournament after finishing third in the regional qualifier at Heritage Hills Golf Club in Claremore Wednesday.

The Poncans move on to the regional tournament at South Lakes in Jenks next Wednesday where they will battle seven other teams for the six spots that will qualify for the state tournament at Kickingbird in Edmond on May 3.

Paced by Jenni Nimmo’s 80, the Lady Cats posted a 369 total, six strokes behind second place Bartlesville and two strokes ahead of Tulsa Memorial, which grabbed the final qualifying spot with a 371.

Tahlequah took the top spot in the qualifier with a 351.

Those four teams will join Tulsa Union, Stillwater, Muskogee and Broken Arrow in the South Lakes regional.

“The top six teams are regional qualified for state,” Ponca City coach John Spore said. “We have beaten Memorial and Broken Arrow in every tournament we’ve played them. So, if we take care of business, we have a good chance to qualify the team for state.”

Following Nimmo, who was second in the medalist standings, for the Po-Hi girls were Heather Staires with 94, Kelli Waddell with 96, Calyn Snell with 99 and Ashley Mott with 100.

“Claremore’s course is tough in the wind like we had Wednesday,” Spore said. “So our scores were five or six strokes higher that they usually shoot.”

———

In two previous tournaments, the Lady Wildcats were sixth in the Tulsa Union Preview and eighth in the Frontier Conference tournament at Stillwater.

Jr. Hi Golfers Gain Sweep

ENID — Ponca City’s junior high girls’ golfers doubled their pleasure Thursday in the Enid Invitational/Northern Conference tournament.

The Red Lady Cougars won the combination tournament titles but were hard pressed — by the Ponca City Blue team.

The Reds won the conference title and the Enid Invitational crown with a 197 total in the 9-hole tournament. The Blues were right behind with a 204.

Their nearest competition, Moore, came in with a distant 233.

Combined, the Ponca City linksters had eight of the 10 lowest score.

Michaela Cavener was the conference champion, shooting a 42. Haley Schauvliege was second with a 47. Whitney Dorman and Hilary Wright — Blue team members — tied with 49s while Katie Girardi shot 51, Brittnea Lewis and Lauren Degan tied at 53 and Patton Theobald was ninth in the medalist standings with a 56.

“The wind was terrible, but the girls played great,” an enthused coach Larry Degan said. “The win made all the scores a little high. But the girls took it in stride.”

The Red team members were Cavener, Schauvliege, Girardi, Theobald and Lindsey Mersman. Blue team players were Lewis, Dorman, Lindsay Weems, Wright and Degan.

The Red Lady Cougars are now 5-0 on the season, having won the Cushing Invitational Monday with a 167 total, 14 strokes ahead of Edmond Sequoyah.

The Poncans were first, third and fifth in that medalist standings, Schauvliege posted a 36, Cavener a 38 and Girardi a 41.

The Lady Cougars close out the season Tuesday with the Ponca City Invitational at Wentz Golf Course.

Lady Mavs Sign Two New Players

TONKAWA — Following an up-and-down season which ended with a late season run resulting in a second-place conference finish, Northern Oklahoma College Lady Maverick head coach Greg Krause is already looking to next season with anticipation.

Krause signed two guards recently that he hopes will add a depth and excitement that was lacking with his team last season.

Noble High School senior Sara Richard, a 5-5 3-year starter, signed with the Lady Mavs as a point guard.

“Sara is a true point guard in that she looks to pass first and shoot second,” Krause said. “She does a good job of distributing the ball in transition or in a set offense.”

Richard averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 assists and two steals per game. She was named All-Conference and earned a spot on the OBU All-Tournament Team.

Lawton's Mary Dent also signed with the Lady Mavs as a guard. The 5-7 Walters High School senior averaged 15.7 points, 7 rebounds and 4.6 stealsper game. She was named to the Lawton Constitution All-Tournament Team the past two years and earned All-Conference honors as well. She also was named to the Great Plains Classic All-Tournament Team the past two seasons.

“Mary is an outstanding athlete who played every position in high school including post,” Krause said. “She is an intense competitor who takes great pride in her game. Mary is someone who can lock in defensively anywhere on the floor."

Krause said he plans to sign more new assets to his team and looks forward to opening the season Nov. 2-4 during the Lady Texan Tournament in Lovelland, Texas.

Po-Hi Results

Track

Holland Hall Invitational

Boys

100 — Michael Kirby (4th), 118

400 — Jared Brashears (4th), 54.5

300 Hurdles — Patrick Quinn, (4th). 45.8

800 — Billy Strubble (5th), 2:15

Sprint Relay — Kirby, Ken Shelds, Scott Steichen, Dominique Lewis (3rd), 46.7

800 Relay — Chad Patterson, Shannon Rogers, Josh Duckwall, Matt Kapernick (3rd)

1600 Relay — Kirby, Shields, Quinn, Lawson (3rd), 3:41.01

Shot — Brashears (4th), 39.8 ; Wes Crosson (5th) 38.10

Long Jump — Brashears (4th), 18-0

Discus — Crosson (3rd), 120; Aaron Brooks (6th), 108

Pole Vault — Jason Jump ( 2nd), 12-0

High Jump — Brashears (1st), 6-2

Girls

100 — Tara Nelson (4th), 14.2)

800 — Jessie Gwinn (4th), 2:44

100 Hurdles — Jerri Wright (3rd), 17.66

300 Hurdles — Wright (4tn) 51.84

1600 — Jessica Jorgensen (1st), 5:54

3200 — Jorgensen (1st), 12:03

400 Relay — Taryn Bradford, Tara Nelson, Kelli Martin, Kathy Andrews (4th), 53.4

1600 Relay — Bradford, Anderson, Gwinn, Wright ( 3rd)

Shot — Kindra Love (3rd); Andrea Ingram (6th)

Discus — Love (1st), 105.2; Jessie Hingtzen (2nd), Ingram (6th)

Long Jump — Nelson (2nd), 13-11

High Jump — Wright (1st), 4-8

Pole Vault — Kassie Coldiron (3rd)

Tennis

Ponca City JV Tournament

Team Scoring

Ponca City 15, Enid 9, Stillwater 6, Blackwell 5, Bartlesville 5

Ponca City Results

No. 1 Singles

Scott Mitchell (2nd) — def. Stillwater, 6-3, 6-4; def. Blackwell, 6-1, 6-1; lost to Enid, 5-7, 5-7; def. Bartlesville, 6-0, 6-1

No. 2 Singles

Cory Landes (1st) — def. Stillwater, 7-6, 7-5’ def. Bartlesville, 6-4, 6-2; def. Blackwell, 6-4, 6-0; def. Enid, 6-3, 6-3

No. 1 Doubles

Mustafa Durran-Matt Caine (1st) — def. Stillwater, 6-3, 7-6(2); def. Bartlesville, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(5); def. Blackwell, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(3); def. Enid, 6-4, 7-5

No. 2 Doubles

Ben Lundeen-Mark Parsons (1st) — def. Stillwater, 6-3, 6-0; def. Bartlesville, 6-2, 6-4; def. Blackwell, 6-3, 6-3; def. Enid, 6-4, 6-1