LOCAL

Keating Slips in Public View
Auto Tag Stall Slowing Sales Of New Cars
Crash Claims City Woman age 22
Iris Festival 2000
Spring Blood Drive

Keating Slips in Public View

TULSA (AP) — Gov. Frank Keating’s approval rating has dipped to pre-Oklahoma City bombing levels, apparently cramped by recent controversial comments about teachers and Oklahoma education.

A poll sponsored by the Tulsa World shows Keating with a 53 percent approval rating, down from a high of 78 percent in the aftermath of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.

His approval rating was 53 percent before the bombing, but shot up to 73 percent immediately afterward as he became a nationally recognized spokesman for the state.

The poll showed the approval ratings of Oklahoma’s U.S. Senators also dipped somewhat, but their disapproval ratings did not go up substantially.

Sen. Don Nickles of Ponca City had an approval rating of 57 percent with 18 percent disapproving of his job.

Sen. Jim Inhofe had a 47 percent approval rate with 20 percent disapproving and 33 percent undecided.

The poll shows a nine percent drop in the governonr’s approval rating in the first three months of 2000, with his disapproval rating jumping 10 points from 22 percent to 32 percent.

Al Soltow, director of research at the University of Tulsa, said those results could be explained by Keating’s recent questionable comments.

Keating joked at an Oral Roberts University function that the way to deal with the Oklahoma Education Association might be ‘‘homicide.’’

‘‘A number of people thought it was in poor taste in light of continuing school violence throughout the country,’’ said Soltow.

The governor also claimed that ‘‘a Fortune 500 company’’ chief executive officer said that eight out of 10 Oklahoma college graduates couldn’t pass a company’s employment test. Many educators have disputed the flavor and veracity of the comment.

Auto Tag Stall Slowing Sales Of New Cars

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The long wait for a car tag reform bill is causing second thoughts among motorists wanting to buy a new vehicle or facing a deadline on tag purchases.

There are even signs that motor vehicle sales are being crimped as customers opt to hold off on purchases in hopes of saving money later in the year, dealers say.

‘‘Business is pretty slow,’’ especially sales of luxury vehicles, said Jason Rains, new car sales manager at Bob Moore Cadillac in Oklahoma City.

‘‘Things are a little soft,’’ says Charlie Boynton, new vehicle manager at Fred Jones Ford, also in Oklahoma City. He says motorists are ‘‘very aware’’ of the car tag debate, but the impact on car sales so far has not been major.

‘‘Are they going to pass that bill? I hear that I don’t know how many times a day,’’ says Coene Edwards, agent at the Norman Tag Agency.

‘‘Some of them think it’s already been done,’’ says Beverly Triplett, agent at the Northwest Tag Agency in Oklahoma City. ‘‘What?’’ is often the word that comes out of those customers lips when they get the price of a tag, she said.

Oklahoma car tags are among the highest in the nation and legislation to change the system has been a hot topic for two years.

In 1999, the Democratic majority in the Legislature sent Republican Gov. Frank Keating a bill that would limit the maximum car tag price to $85, while raising the excise tax, a one-time payment. Keating vetoed the bill as he campaigned for a bigger tax-cut plan promoted late in the 1999 session by Republican lawmakers.

A measure similar to the one Keating vetoed has passed the House and Senate and is headed for a joint conference committee. Earlier in the session, a GOP plan to cut car tags by $138 million was sidetracked in Senate committee.

House Bill 2663, which is now under discussion, would produce a net tax cut of $11 million. It was introduced in the House by Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton. Another Lawton Democrat, Sen. Jim Maddox, is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.

The general consensus at the Capitol is that a tag reduction bill of some kind will be enacted because both sides don’t want to anger voters in an election year.

After the Senate passed the Kirby-Maddox bill last week, Keating said the action ‘‘certainly indicates that everyone seems to agree that Oklahomans deserve genuine car tag relief.’’

Crash Claims City Woman age 22

A 22-year-old Ponca City woman died Sunday of injuries from a Saturday morning traffic accident southwest of the city.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the victim, Sandra Bernadette LeClair, sustained extensive injuries after she was ejected from a 1985 Pontiac she was driving at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The patrol said the accident occurred on a county road 4.2 miles west and a half mile south of Ponca City. The car was westbound when it ran off the roadway for 371 feet and stopped when it struck a culvert, ejecting LeClair through the driver’s side door, the patrol said.

She was lifeflighted to St. Francis Hospital in Wichita in critical condition with head, leg and internal and external trunk injuries.

Trooper Todd Hatchett of the OHP’s Kay County detachment said seatbelts were equipped in the car but not in use.

LeClair was the daughter of Arlington LeClair of the Ponca City Police Department and his wife Elinore.

Iris Festival 2000

Key Item On Main Street Agenda

The Ponca City Main Street Authority will meet Tuesday for the regular monthly board meeting. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at the Main Street Authority office, 307 1/2 East Grand Avenue.

Agenda items include the welcome of new board members, David and Shirley Zimmerman and Debbi Weatherly.

Board members will be updated on the status of Iris Festival 2000 and will identify how the board and Main Street volunteers can help in this endeavor. Also, the State Main Street Awards banquet will be discussed. Board members will identify the number of attendees and plan the trip.

Program manager Michele Jean will give a report on her recent trip to Boston for the National Town Meeting. Also to be discussed is more information about updating and/or establishing a website for Main Street. In addition, any other items needing board approval will be reviewed and discussed.

Board members include Glenda Phillips, chair; Vicki Graves, vice chair; Verona Mair, treasurer; Jennifer Schwarz, secretary; Bret Carter, Don Bishop, Carter Buller, Matt McGee, Carla O’Neill, Darin Kirchenbauer, Eric Kurtz and new board members David and Shirley Zimmerman and Debbi Weatherly.

Ponca City Main Street Authority is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to serve Ponca City and its citizens by leading, assisting and promoting the revitalization, economic growth and cultural development of downtown within the context of historic preservation. For more information about PCMSA, contact Michele Jean at 763-8082.

Spring Blood Drive

In their efforts to contribute to their community, Wal-Mart will host a spring blood drive at the store on Tuesday, April 25. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will set up inside the front end of the store from noon to 8 p.m. By hosting six blood drives a year, Wal-Mart contributes greatly to make sure that Ponca City has an adequate blood supply for local patients.

“We are very grateful to Wal-Mart for their outstanding support of our blood donation program,” said Pixie Rowland, manager of the OBI Ponca City Center. “Because of their dedication and commitment to helping others, many lives are saved by the large number of people who donate blood at the store. This drive is very critical because of the Memorial Day weekend that will be here soon. Over holiday weekends additional blood is needed because more people are traveling on the roads which results in more accidents.”

Each and every day there is a critical need for blood products across the country. Less than 5 percent of the national population are blood donors and that is not enough to meet the need. In fact, the donor base decreases by 1 percent each year while the need increases by 1 percent.

“We are proud to partner up with the Oklahoma Blood Institute in their efforts to provide a safe and quality blood supply for Ponca City,” said Gary Gregg, Wal-Mart Blood Drive Coordinator. “So many of our employees have become regular blood donors and we admire their willingness to help people by donating blood. This is one more way that Wal-Mart is committed to helping their local community.”

In order to be a blood donor, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 105 pounds and be in relatively good health. In addition to helping local patients, all donors will receive a mini physical which includes checks on temperature, pulse, blood pressure, iron and cholesterol levels. OBI also offers prostate-specific antigen blood testing for men at a fee of $15 for a donor and $20 for those unable to donate. All donors will also receive the special “KATT-2000” T shirt!

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is an independent, regional, not-for-profit blood collection center and is the exclusive supplier of all blood products for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Cancer Center and the Outpatient Surgery Center in Ponca City. Anyone wishing additional information about the blood drive or the blood donation procedure may call the OBI Ponca City Center at (580) 762-9488.

DEATHS

Edna Mae Rist
Helen Eugenia O’Kelley
Hazel Mae Cathey
Wanda Broyles
Sandra LeClair
Benjamin Lee Delaney Jr.

Edna Mae Rist

PAWNEE — Edna Mae Rist, former resident of Kay County, died April 23, 2000, in Stillwater. She was 94.

The funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the First United Methodist Church in Maramec with the Rev. Tony Caro officiating. Burial will follow in the Maramec Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee.

Edna Mae Rist was born Sept. 13, 1905, in Stillwater, the daughter of Mr. (first name unknown) and Katherine O’Leary. She attended Catholic school in Stillwater. She married Earl Raymond Rist on July 8, 1922, in Maramec; he preceded her in death on June 24, 1977. She had lived in Pawnee, Payne and Kay Counties during her lifetime, residing in Maramec at the time of her death. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Yale, where she was baptized Jan. 7, 1955. She was also affiliated with the United Methodist Church of Maramec and the Maramec Senior Citizens.

She enjoyed reading, crocheting, visiting with family and friends, and attending church.

Survivors include one son, Raymond Henry Rist of Cushing; three daughters, Hazel Mae Dennis of Yale, Dorothy Marie Bell of Collinsville, and Betty Lou Wise of Maramec; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; five stepbrothers; and two stepsisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one grandchild.

Helen Eugenia O’Kelley

Helen Eugenia O’Kelley, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, April 22, 2000, in the Ponca City Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. She was 99.

A graveside service is scheduled for 3 p.m. today, April 24, in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with Charles Heyer of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow with arrangements by the Trout Funeral Home.

Helen Eugenia O’Kelley was born April 14, 1901, in Monet, Mo., the daughter of James Edwin and Nellie Woolford. She graduated from Monet schools. She married Herbert O’Kelley on April 4, 1918, in Lawton. She was a homemaker who enjoyed fishing and playing bridge. She was a member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include one son, Jean O’Kelley of Ponca City; one sister, Mildred Slover of Deland, Fla.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Aug. 3, 1979; a son, J.E. O’Kelley; and numerous brothers and sisters.

Services Pending

Hazel Mae Cathey

Hazel Mae Cathey, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, April 22, 2000, at Tender Heart Health Care Center. She was 83. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Wanda Broyles

Wanda Broyles, former Ponca City resident, died early Monday, April 24, 2000, at the Grove Nursing Center in Grove. She was 76. Survivors include her husband, Alfred Broyles, of Grove. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Sandra LeClair

Sandra LeClair, Ponca City resident, died Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2000, at the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She was 22. Survivors include her parents, Arlington and Elinore LeClair of Ponca City. Prayer services will be held 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Benjamin Lee Delaney Jr.

Benjamin Lee Delaney Jr., Ponca City resident, died Sunday, April 23, 2000. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 47. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Meeting Change - Kay Republican Party meeting location has been to the Ponca City Library. The meeting this month will still be on April 27 at 5:30 p.m. For more information call Ruslyn Hermanson at (580) 765-9868 or Dave White at (580) 762-0103.

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.

Cities Service and Sequoia — The regular meeting for former and retired members of Cities Service and Sequoia will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Furr’s.

C.O.P.D asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other breathing disorders. Tuesday

April 25th at Noon. 617 E. Hartford. Any questions please call 765-2292. adv.

Subject Held — Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of South Eleventh Street at 7:21 a.m. Saturday that a 40-year-old man was being held for domestic assault and battery.

Kiwanis Advance Circus tickets adults $10.00 childs $5.00 Buy

now and save. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police department reported from the 800 block of South Sixth Street at 8:10 a.m. Saturday that a 48-year-old woman was being held for domestic assault and battery.

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

Burglary — A woman from the 1100 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:26 p.m. Sunday that someone had broken into the coin changer and got away with a large sum of quarters and other cash. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 200 block of South Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:59 a.m. Saturday that her vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

If You are looking for guaranteed results at prices to match the competition, look no further than Heartland Hearing Aid Center. 1302 N. 7th. 767-1961 Guaranteed. adv.

Accident — A woman from the 2000 block of North Sixth Street reported to the Ponca city Police Department reported at 10:16 a.m. Saturday that someone had ran into a utility pole during the night and a line was down. Water and Light Department responded to the scene.

Balloon Bouquets, frames, candy and candles make great Secretaries Day gifts! We deliver! Carla’s Hallmark, 405 East Grand, 765-3094. adv.

Shoplifting — An employee at a business firm in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca city Police Department at 10:56 a.m. Saturday that a woman was being held as a shoplifter. An officer was assigned and a 48-year-old woman was held for grand larceny.

Ponds to Koi: We build ponds or do it yourself, filters, pumps,

liners. Koi- goldfish- food. Ray 580-762-7806. adv.

Burglary — An official with the Ponca City school system reported from Roosevelt School, 815 East Highland Avenue, at 11:07 a.m. Saturday that someone had broken into the school during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Leave Without Paying — An employee of a business in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:50 a.m. Sunday that two women had left without paying for meals. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Window Broken — A woman from the 1400 block of Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:16 a.m. Sunday that a vehicle window had been broken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 2100 block of Jane Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:59 a.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — The Communications Center received a report from a business firm in the 3100 block of East U.S. 60 at 6:24 a.m. Sunday that someone had left without paying for $12.79 worth of gas. The information was logged.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman from the 2100 block of Bainbridge reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:43 p.m. Saturday that a vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of West Gary Avenue at 1:50 p.m. Saturday that an abandoned vehicle was being towed from the scene.

Burglary — A man from the 2000 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:18 p.m. Saturday that a storage shed had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Violation of Protective Care — A woman from the 400 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:45 p.m. Saturday that there had been a violation of a protective custody. An officer was assigned and a report was made.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 900 block of South Fifth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:37 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 10:24 p.m. Saturday that a vehicle/bicycle accident had occurred at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Seventh Street. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene and a subject was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Building Damaged — The Communications Center received a call at 5:15 a.m. Sunday that a window had been broken at Dollar General in the 400 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A clerk at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:46 a.m. Sunday that two men had left without paying for a 12-pack of beer. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman from the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:34 a.m. Sunday that a burglary had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 300 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:39 a.m. Sunday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Elm Street at 11:24 a.m. Sunday that a 35-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Items Taken — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 a.m. Monday that juveniles had taken cigarettes from the store. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue at 12:19 p.m. Sunday that a man was being held on a Montgomery County warrant.

Narcotics Violation — Officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of South Twelfth Street at 9:12 p.m. Sunday that narcotics had been found in the area. Information was logged.

Burglary — A woman from the 100 block of South Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:25 p.m. Sunday that the home had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Waverly Street at 3:55 a.m. Monday that an accident had occurred at the intersection. A vehicle was towed from the scene and a 24-year-old man was held for DWI, having no insurance and driving through a construction zone.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the railroad tracks and East Prospect Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:14 p.m. Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of Virginia Avenue at 3:28 p.m. Sunday that a 38-year-old woman was being held on a violation of a protective custody.

Assault — A woman from the 100 block of East Albany Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:34 p.m. Sunday that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Lawnmower Stolen — A man from the 400 block of South Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:44 p.m. Sunday that someone had stolen his lawnmower. A report was taken on grand larceny.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a subject in the 700 block of South Twelfth Street at 8:46 p.m. Sunday. Seven other officers responded and took into custody a 16-year-old boy for attempting to elude, having no driver’s license, having no insurance, transporting an open container, minor in possession, and running a stop sign.

Citations Issued — A man reported from the intersection of East Otoe Avenue and South Twelfth Street at 5:55 p.m. Sunday that a dog was chasing people. An officer was assigned and a report was logged that the dog was vicious and Animal Control was notified. Citations were issued.

Vehicle Stolen — A man from the 1700 block of Little Lane reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:29 a.m. Monday that a vehicle had been stolen.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue at 5:55 p.m. Sunday that an abandoned vehicle was being towed from the scene.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 11:05 p.m. Sunday that an 18-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license and having no insurance.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 12:17 a.m. Monday that a 30-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Beer Taken — A clerk at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:57 a.m. Monday that a man had left without paying for a 30-pack of beer. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Noble County FCE Members Participate in District Event
National VFW Auxiliary President To Visit Oklahoma

Noble County FCE Members Participate in District Event

The Oklahoma Association for Family and Community Education held the Northwest District meeting recently at the Oakwood Christian Church OAC Center in Enid. Ellen Hill, Logan County, Northwest District representative, called the meeting to order. Host counties were Blaine, Garfield and Grant.

The presentation of colors was made by Vance Air Force Base representatives, and Barbara Cox, state FCE president, presided during the business session. “Sewing the Seeds of the Future with FCE” was the theme. Connie LaGrow, state awards chairman, introduced the county candidates for FCE Citizen, FCE Young Member, FCE Rookie and FCE Member. Representing Noble County were Christy Woods, Young Member; Shelley Cook, Rookie; Soni Kodesh, Member.

Catherine Robinson from Noble County was elected Northwest district representative for the Oklahoma Association for Family and Community Education for 2001. Announcement was made that the state OAFCE meeting will be July 10-11 in Oklahoma City.

A variety of workshops were available at the district event for members, including Fraud Fighters, Oklahoma Legislative Update, Mind Mapping: Unlock the Potential of Your Brain, Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts, Writing a Family History, A Little Fluff in Your Ear, Talking to a Fencepost, Taking a close look at Traffic Safety Issues in Oklahoma, Master Gardeners, and Sewing in the Millennium.

National VFW Auxiliary President To Visit Oklahoma

Lorraine Frier of Fargo, N.D., national president of the Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars, will make her official visit to Oklahoma April 30- May 2.

Frier will be met at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City by State Auxiliary President Joye Black of Altus; State VFW Commander Jay Bjargo of Moore, and other members of the VFW and Auxiliary.

All VFW and Auxiliary members are invited to participate in a luncheon at the Biltmore hotel. A 2:15 p.m. departure is planned from the hotel to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, on the Alfred P Murrah site, honoring 168 persons who lost their life in the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Frier visited Oklahoma shortly after the bombing and it was at her request a visit to the National Memorial is planned.

After visiting the National Memorial, the entourage will return to the Biltmore where a 5:30 - 6:30 p. in. reception is planned to give the members an opportunity to meet Frier.

Monday’s activities will begin with Frier joining Oklahoma VFW and Auxiliary members at the Del City VFW Post 9969, for their annual Loyalty Day program and lunch.

Representatives of the Ponca City VFW and Auxiliary are expected to attend functions planned to honor Frier.

Frier was elected national president of the 713,038 member Ladies Auxiliary Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States at the national convention in Kansas City, Mo. In her acceptance speech she introduced her theme, Free To Fly. “Like the eagle, our symbol of freedom, we are Free To Fly. We, too, must soar throughout our land rekindling a belief in our democratic system, which has served our country so well for more than 200 years. We must work together to promote patriotism and pride in our American way of life.”

Since 1914 the Ladies Auxiliary VFW has promoted patriotism while serving veterans and their community. The organization provides scholarships to students, volunteers in our nation’s hospitals, and donates goods and services to the homeless.

Frier is stressing Operation Up-Link, in which the VFW and Auxiliary facilitate the distribution of courtesy pre-paid phone cards to hospitalized veterans and active duty troops. The program is funded through contributions from VFW and Auxiliary members and individuals. She encourages VFW and Auxiliary members to pass along the toll free number to hospitalized veterans or active troops to get the free phone cards.

SPORTS

Sooners Complete Sweep of Cowboys
Cats Seek Cure For Hitting Woes

Sooners Complete Sweep of Cowboys

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Tommy Whiteman went 4-for-4 as Oklahoma completed a three-game sweep of Oklahoma State with a 7-5 win Sunday at the Bricktown Ballpark.

It was Oklahoma’s first regular season series sweep of the Cowboys since 1976. Whiteman hit two doubles and scored three runs for the Sooners (31-15, 14-7 Big 12), who overcame four errors in the game.

The Cowboys (27-17, 9-12) were sparked offensively by Jimbo McAuliff, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. OSU’s Carlos Gautreaux went 2-for-4 and scored three times.

But the Cowboys could not keep pace with the Sooners, who collected 10 hits including Jeff Bajenaru’s seventh home run of the season.

Bajenaru played right field and came into pitch in the eighth inning to pick up his 15th save.

Austin Coose (4-5) came into pitch five innings for the win after starter Michael Bradbury lasted just 2 1/3 innings.

Oklahoma State’s Quenten Patterson (0-1) got the loss after coming on in the fourth for starter Frank Bludau. Bludau gave up four earned runs in three innings of work.

At Oklahoma City

Oklahoma St. 103 000 001 — 5 6 0

Oklahoma 202 002 01x — 7 10 4

Bludau, Patterson (4), Miller (6) and Budde; Bradbury, Coose (3), Bajenaru (8) and Haggard. W—Coose (4-5). L—Patterson (0-1). Sv—Bajenaru (15). HRs—McAuliff, Bajenaru (7).

Cats Seek Cure For Hitting Woes

Ponca City’s Wildcat baseball team will try to cure its inconsistent hitting woes on the field this week.

The Cats have a make up game at Bartlesville this evening, travel to Edmond Memorial Tuesday, play their final home game Thursday against Tulsa Union, then close out the week and the regular season Friday at Putnam City North and Saturday at Enid.

Ponca City finished 1-2 in the Guthrie Tournament last week, falling even further below .500 at 14-17.

The Wildcats had five hits in an 11-1 loss to Oklahoma City McGuinness in the first round of the tournament, banged out 11 hits in a 9-0 win over Cushing and then fell back to four hits in a 5-4 loss to Choctaw.

Third baseman Buddy McCoy batted in all four runs against Choctaw. He had a two run double in the second inning, scoring Barry Geheb and Todd Steward, who had both walked.

McCoy came up again in the fourth with two men on base and delivered another double to almost the same spot in left center.

The Poncans’ 4-2 lead held for one inning. Choctaw tied the score in the fifth on a two-run home run off Wildcat reliever Matt Shaw and scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth.

Earlier Friday, against Cushing, the Wildcats exploded for five runs on six hits in the fourth inning, Geheb’s two-run home run ignited that uprising. Michael Williams and Chris McCool also had two hits in that game. Jerrod Spears pitched a five-inning, two-hitter to get the win.

Geheb also homer against McGuinness, belting a lead off shot in the fifth inning for the only Ponca City run.

Jeff Furnas, who saw just one inning on the mound was the loser.

Ponca City is in the regional tournament at Owasso, starting May 2. The other teams there are Tulsa Union and Tulsa Rogers.

Cat Calender

Highlights

Ponca City will host the Frontier Conference track meet Thursday, starting at 2 p.m. at Sullins Stadiu.

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The Lady Wildcat golf team will be at the Rehional tournament at Jenks South Lakes course, trying to qualify for the state tournament.

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The Ponca City boys and girls soccer teams will take part in the first round of the playoffs Friday, prtobably at Broken Arrow.

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Schedule

Baseball

Monday — at Bartlesville

Tuesday — at Edmond Memorial, 6:30

Thursday — T. UNION, 6:30

Friday — at Putnam City North, 6:30

Saturday — at Enid, noon

Golf

Girls

Wednesday — Regional Tournament at Jenks South Lakes.

Soccer

Tuesday — BARTLESVILLE, 6

Friday — First round playoffs

Tennis

Monday — Bishop Kelley Tournament

Thursday — ENID, 3:00

Track

Thursday — FRONTIER CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT, 2:00