LOCAL

City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt Set Saturday
Istook Seeking More Facts
Several Easter Egg Hunts Planned Over the Weekend
Nichols Could Be Brought to OKC Within 60 Days
District Court
Salvation Army Bells To Ring
Kmart Show Supports March of Dimes
Italian Star Strikes Gold With ‘Life is Beautiful’
Kawfest ’99 in Spotlight During Business After Hours Recently

City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt Set Saturday

On Saturday morning, rain or shine, at 10 a.m. children aged 8 and younger are invited to a city-wide Easter egg hunt at War Memorial Park.

This is the fifth annual “eggstravanganza” hosted by Century 21 Group One. Four thousand eggs have been stuffed and will be ready for gathering.

Four age-group areas will be sectioned off: 2 and under; 3 and 4; 5 and 6; 7 and 8. Five stuffed rabbits will be given away in each age group as well as quarters, candy and coupons.

Planning for this event began at the end of December and several recent days were spent stuffing the eggs by agents.

All children aged 8 and younger are invited to attend. Be sure and bring a basket.

Istook Seeking More Facts

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook says he is concerned that the Clinton administration isn’t sharing enough information about fighting in Kosovo with Congress.

Istook, R-Okla., said Thursday that he was planning a trip to the region himself this weekend but backed off because of concerns among defense officials. Istook toured the area a year ago and hopes to return later this month.

‘‘I’m concerned about the flow of information,’’ he said. ‘‘You have representations of certain things that turn out not to be true. We may have to make some crucial decisions in a very compressed timeframe. It’s a matter of getting information unfiltered and unspun.’’

U.S. aircraft are bombing military targets in Kosovo as part of a NATO effort to force Yugoslavian troops to end their operations against Albanians living in the province.

Three U.S. soldiers who were part of a NATO peacekeeping force based in Macedonia, which shares a border with Kosovo, were captured by Yugoslavian forces Wednesday while on patrol near the border.

U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts says their capture demonstrates the dangers involved should ground troops be deployed as part of the crisis in Kosovo.

‘‘The capture and abuse of these American soldiers is a solemn warning of the peril inherent in any deployment of ground troops in Yugoslavia,’’ Watts, R-Okla., said in a statement. ‘‘Congress and the American people must be clear on our military objective and game plan for victory before we even consider such a move.’’

Watts, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said operations in Yugoslavia also show the need to provide adequate funding for the armed services.

‘‘The Kosovo mission makes plain the need for a renewed commitment to American national security,’’ he said.

Both houses of Congress passed resolutions last month regarding U.S. military involvement in Kosovo. A House resolution adopted on March 11 authorized the potential deployment of U.S. troops to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping operation.

Several Easter Egg Hunts Planned Over the Weekend

Local and area youngsters will have a number of opportunities to hunt for Easter eggs this weekend.

72nd Ambucs Hunt

The 72nd annual Ambucs Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lake Ponca.

Children will hunt eggs in five different age groups ranging from 1 to 12 years old.

A grand prize egg will be hidden in each age group area. The finder will receive a large Easter basket containing prizes and candy.

Other prize-winning eggs, with monetary value, will be distributed for each age group along with the approximately 300 pounds of candy Easter eggs.

In addition, local radio station KIXR has donated a large stuffed Easter bunny to be given away.

Ponca Tribe Hunt

The Ponca Tribe will be hosting an Easter egg hunt and cookout in conjunction with the opening of the Ponca Indian shinny game season.

According to Kinsel V. Lieb, vice chairman and spokesman for the tribe, activities will be held at White Eagle Park beginning at 1 p.m. with the egg hunt for the children sponsored by the JOM program.

The first Sunday of shinny games will start at 2 p.m. followed by a cookout at 5:30 p.m. The evening meal will be sponsored by the Ponca Business Committee and the Ponca Tribal Employees Club.

Lieb said that the Business Committee would like to thank all those organizations and programs for their contributions.

Saturday Hunt

At 10 a.m. Saturday, children 8 and younger are invited to a city-wide Easter egg hunt at War Memorial park sponsored by Century 21 Group one.

Four age groups — 2 and under, 3 and 4, 5 and 6 and 7-8 — will search for more than 4,000 eggs stuffed with quarters, candy and coupons. Five stuffed rabbits will be given away in each age group.

Nichols Could Be Brought to OKC Within 60 Days

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Terry Nichols could be moved to the Oklahoma County jail within two months to face state charges in the Oklahoma City bombing.

District Attorney Bob Macy said that timetable presumes Nichols does not fight extradition from the federal prison where he is being held in Florence, Colo. He said Nichols has 30 days to contest extradition.

‘‘I don’t know how long he can delay it by fighting it,’’ Macy said.

If Nichols doesn’t file an objection, prosecutors will notify the federal prison of the date on which they wish him to be moved.

Nichols, 44, was charged Monday with 160 counts of first-degree murder and three other felony charges stemming from the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.

Nichols was sentenced to life in prison in 1997 after a federal jury in Denver convicted him of conspiring to bomb the building and of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of eight federal agents who died in the blast.

He has appealed those convictions. On Wednesday, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to grant a rehearing of his complaints, leaving the U.S. Supreme Court as Nichols’s next step.

District Court

Ponca City

Divorces Sought

Alan K. Wilcoxson vs. Lisa D. Wilcoxson.

Divorces Granted

Kathleen Renee Norton vs. Douglas Craig Norton.

Darlene F. Sherrod vs. Richard A. Sherrod.

Tracy E. Meyer vs. Marcy L. Meyer.

Gregory A. Brown vs. Brenda K. Brown.

Charles Alan Blake vs. Betsy Sue Blake; defendant restored to former name Betsy Sue Watson.

Annulment Granted

Kim Martin vs. Robert T. Brooks.

Civil Petitions

Associates Commercial Corporation vs. Michael Brown; plaintiff seeking judgment for $15,635.83.

Lynn Johnson vs. Kildare Independent School District No. 50 and Dale Efton Porter; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Melinda Baker vs. Ralph E. Jackson; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Commercial Federal Bank vs. Dickie R. Wolff, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $36,161.93.

Salvation Army Bells To Ring

The bells will be ringing at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, by the Salvation Army Saturday to raises funds for local folks.

According to Salvation Army Captain Mark Craddock, Wal-Mart has agreed to match dollar for dollar all funds collected during the day, up to $2,000.

“We are really excited about this fund raiser and the opportunity Wal-Mart has graciously offered us,” Craddock said. “The funds will be used for operation expenses to care for the homeless, hungry and elderly in our community.”

The fund raiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and refreshments will be served. The Disaster Van will be available for people to tour.

Kmart Show Supports March of Dimes

Ponca City shoppers are invited to Saturday’s Kmart Spring Garden and Fashion Show to support the March of Dimes.

Events start with a cookout lunch from 11 am to 1 p.m. (cost $2) and the fashion show starting at 2 p.m. All proceeds will go the March of Dimes.

Kmart serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart, Big Kmart and Super Kmart stores and 265,000 associates. Kmart’s contribution to WalkAmerica 1998 was $3,320,456. Monies raised by Kmart associates came from paper sneaker sales, wraparound events and walker dollars.

Since 1985, Kmart has raised more than $20 million to support the fight against birth defects and infant mortality. Kmart has been the No. 1 WalkAmerica Team for 14 consecutive years.

As Floyd Hall, chairman, president and CEO states, “Kmart is dedicated to giving children a healthier start in life. Kmart Community Volunteers show their commitment through March of Dimes WalkAmerica. The millions of dollars we raise support research and outreach programs that ensure brighter futures for America’s babies and their families.”

The overall goal of Kmart’s 1999 WalkAmerica campaign is to raise a minimum of $3.5 million through walker participation, wraparound events, sneaker promotion and national corporate sponsorship.

Italian Star Strikes Gold With ‘Life is Beautiful’

Oscar winner Roberto Benigni is no stranger to awards ceremonies. His incredible film “Life is Beautiful” is the most acclaimed film in the world this year. And Benigni has picked up some of the most prestigious awards in the world, at places like Cannes and Hollywood. At the prestigious Screen Actors Guild he won Best Performance in A Motion Picture. “Life is Beautiful” is currently showing at the Poncan Theatre.

Audiences love “Life is Beautiful” as much as critics. It has won several “people’s awards” or “people’s favorite” awards in Europe, Canada, and the United States. It won the Audience Award at a Los Angeles festival.

The irrepressible Benigni clowns on stage and on camera. He won the American Comics’ Award for The Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture. But he is much more than just a clown. Benigni would tell you that he owes a debt to such filmmakers as Chaplin, Keaton and Peter Sellers. He is called “the crown prince of Italian comedy.” But in Life Is Beautiful “he dares to go where few other filmmakers would even consider going,” according to critic Mark Burger. He has “made a comedy that manages to derive laughs — and a considerable amount of heart-rending pathos” all in the same film. The result has captivated audiences around the world.

“Life is Beautiful” follows the life of a sweet, gentle comic (Benigni) who charms his way into the heart of the prettiest girl in town, played by Benigni’s real-life wife, Nicoletta Braschi. But the town’s leading Fascist also has his eyes on her, and he doesn’t like losing her. Benigni used his own father as a source for part of the film. He father, Luigi Benigni, a prisoner of war in a concentration camp, lived to tell his children about his experiences.

Mark Burger writes that “Benigni’s intent is to find the humanity in the most inhumane of situations, and he does it beautifully and gracefully.” The sweet, funny, and uplifting film is a “celebration of life, love and family, and of film making.” According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Benigni is one of the era’s great comics.”

“Life is Beautiful” is Benigni’s twentieth film as an actor and his sixth as a director. It won the Oscar for Best Actor, Best Foreign Film, and Best Dramatic Musical Score. It also won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and both Best Actor and Best Film at the European Film Festival.

For show times and ticket information, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The theater is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Kawfest ’99 in Spotlight During Business After Hours Recently

NEW YORK (AP) — Bringing in Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson as hosts has paid off in heartening ratings news for ABC’s ‘‘Good Morning America.’’

For the first three months of 1999, ‘‘Good Morning America’’ increased its average audience to 3.93 million from 3.29 million in the fourth quarter of 1998, according to Nielsen Media Research figures released Thursday.

The program is still second to NBC’s ‘‘Today,’’ which had an average audience of 6.15 million people. CBS’s ‘‘This Morning’’ was third with 3.08 million, Nielsen said.

Sawyer and Gibson began as temporary hosts in January when the ratings slide at ‘‘Good Morning America’’ accelerated. ABC isn’t talking about how long the new team will stay on the air. But success may mean continued early-morning wakeup calls for both of them.

‘‘Obviously, we’re pleased that people are tuning in,’’ ABC spokeswoman Sonya McNair said. ‘‘As we all know, this is a marathon. We’ve said from the beginning our focus remains on improving the broadcast.’’

The ‘‘Good Morning America’’ ratings are still virtually identical to those for the first three months of 1998.

‘‘Today’’ had its second highest quarterly rating ever, executive producer Jeff Zucker said. Only the first three months of last year, when the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, were higher for NBC’s dominant morning show.

About a million more people watched the three network morning news shows during the first quarter than during the last three months of 1998. Zucker said some increase in viewership is common when people return to their routines after the holidays

CBS has to be concerned, however, about the increased distance between ‘‘This Morning’’ and ‘‘Good Morning America.’’ CBS is talking to former ‘‘Today’’ host Bryant Gumbel about returning to morning television.

DEATHS

Sister Lenora Waner
Nellie Mae Wiseman
Jimmie Ray Burns
William Stevens
Robert Goldsmith
George Reese Jr.
Elizabeth Bergsten
Elaine Scott

Sister Lenora Waner

BLACKWELL — Sister Lenora Waner, also formerly known as Sister de Pazzi, and a former resident of the Ponca City/Blackwell area, died Wednesday, March 10, 1999, at Sisters of St. Joseph Mother House in Wichita, Kan. She was 92.

A funeral service was held at the Christ of King chapel in Wichita. Arrangements were under the direction of Devorss-Flannigan-Hunt Funeral Home in Wichita.

Sister Lenora Waner was born Sept. 23, 1906 in Florence, Kan., to William and Josephine Waner. She received the habit of the sisters of St. Joseph and made final vows on Aug. 15, 1928.

Sister Waner spent most of her religious life in elementary education either as a teacher or principal in the dioceses at Dodge City, Beaumont, Texas, and San Jose, Calif.

Her primary location for pastoral care service was in Blackwell, and she had assisted at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She had also been located in Pittsburg and Wichita, Kan., for pastoral care service.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, including Sister Clarita Waner, director of pastoral care at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City.

Nellie Mae Wiseman

Nellie Mae Wiseman, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, March 31, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87.

The family will host a graveside memorial service Monday, April 5, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Holmes, pastor of Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church, officiating. No public viewing nor visitation will be held, however, the family may be reached at 610 South Sixth. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Nellie Mae (Stevens) Wiseman was born April 10, 1911, in Sterling, Kan., to Miner and Pearl (Reemer) Stevens. At the age of 12, she moved with her family to Ponca City and attended school. She graduated from Ponca City High School.

On June 28, 1932, she married Jim Wiseman in Ponca City, where the couple made their home. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Wiseman was a member of the Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church. She enjoyed doing crafts, knitting and crocheting.

She is survived by two daughters, Arlene Shurance of Mineola, Texas, and Ruth Ann Rutledge of Penelope, Texas; a sister, Marietta Meng of Kansas City, Mo.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Mr. Wiseman on Dec. 8, 1998; her parents; one son and one daughter.

Jimmie Ray Burns

Jimmie Ray Burns, former Ponca City resident, died Friday, Friday, March 26, 1999 at his home in Freeport, Texas. He was 66.

At Mr. Burns request his body was donated to the Texas University and Medical School in Galveston, Texas for cancer research. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jimmie Ray Burns was born in Mountain View, Ark. on Nov. 9, 1932, to Harvey J. and Jessie L. (Stevens) Burns. He received his education in Mountain View, Ark. He moved with his family to Ponca City in 1952.

Burns was employed with the City of Ponca City for a time, then moved to El Dorado, Kan. He later returned to live in Ponca City and worked for Phillips Cab Co. Burns then moved to Durant where he ranched until ill health forced his retirement in 1992. After retirement he moved to Freeport, Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Inez; two sons, Jimmy Ray Burns Jr. and Kevin Burns, both of Freeport, Texas; one brother, Ivon Burns of Mountain View, Ark.; three sisters, Ida Fulks of Oklahoma City, and Nettie McVay and Marie Broyals, both of Ponca City; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lorene Poff; and four brothers, Hoyt, Escul, Junior and Leonard Burns.

Services Pending

William Stevens

BLACKWELL — William Stevens, Blackwell resident, died Friday morning, April 2, 1999, at his home. He was 72. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home in Blackwell.

Funerals

Saturday

Robert Goldsmith

Funeral at 2 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of P.G. Thomasson Funeral Service, Virginia Beach, Va.

George Reese Jr.

Funeral at 2 p.m. at Arnold Moore Funeral Home Memory Chapel in Bartlesville. Burial will be in the Stokes Cemetery in rural Bartlesville.

Elizabeth Bergsten

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Obituaries

Elaine Scott

Elaine Scott, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday March 31, 1999 at the Broken Arrow Medical Center in Broken Arrow. She was 83.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, with the Rev. Tom Smith, pastor of First Church of God, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Aug. 6, 1915, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of Robert Millard and Bernice (Wilkinson) Millard Kemph. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Calumet High School there.

While working at the Chicago Worlds Fair she met her future husband Roy Scott who was with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show. The couple was married Sept. 12, 1933, in the White House of the 101 Ranch. Zack Miller gave the bride away.

The couple made their home in Ponca City. Mr. Scott preceded her in death in 1994. She moved to Broken Arrow with her daughter in 1996. Mrs. Scott was a homemaker and enjoyed bowling, playing cards, Bingo and caring for animals.

Surviving are two daughters, Joy Childers and her husband, Joe of Broken Arrow, and Eileen DePersis, of Endicott, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, Michael DePersis, Scott DePersis, James DePersis, Barry DePersis, Angelo DePersis Jr., Rick Childers, Kelly Childers, Gregg Childers, and Christine Doty; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her son, Royce Scott in 1941; a sister, Violet Schmitt and her son-in-law Angelo DePersis.

Casket bearers will be Rick Childers, Kelly Childers, Greg Childers, Marvin Hetherington, Gene Haun, and Michael Rohrs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease research, c/o Lori Hodges of Pioneer Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602.

The family will be greeting friends at the Lois Scott residence, 400 North Twelfth Street, following the service.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Singles Group — The Singles Connection will meet Saturday, April 3, at 4 p.m. at the Northpark Cinema for a late matinee movie followed by Mazzio’s pizza. For more information call Dee Coy (765-6732).

Her Review. Now accepting women’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Eat Crickets — Come to the Bug O’ Rama fund raising benefit for Domestic Violence shelter and Peachtree Landing homeless shelter Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3616 Lake Road. Dozens of activities for the whole family include an animal petting zoo, an auction, clowns, face painting, radio controlled airplane display, free balloons, Emu booth, moon walk, picture contest, food, Kids Castle, and others. Also prizes for Karaoke contests and macarena dance contests. At 1 p.m. a $100 prize will be awarded to winner of cricket eating contest.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Stolen — A resident in the 100 block of Warwick Road advised the Ponca City Communications Center at 7:13 a.m. Thursday, that a CD player had been stolen from an auto. A Ponca City police officer was assigned and took a report.

Street Light — At 8:46 p.m. Thursday, the Water and Light Department were notified that the globe on the street light at North Ash Street and West Summit Avenue was loose and hanging down.

Accident — At 8:04 a.m. Thursday, two Ponca City police officers responded to take information about an accident which occurred in the 300 block of South Waverly Street. No injuries were reported.

Crimson Beauty canna bulbs. Regular $0.59 each. Sale $0.39 each Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer took a 38-year-old man into custody from the police station at 10:39 a.m. Thursday. The subject was charged with failure to pay a city warrant.

Pauline's Shrimp peel. All you can eat, $11.95, Friday the 2nd.

For reservations, call 765-5460.adv.

Accident — At 12:19 p.m. Thursday, two Ponca City police officers were advised of an accident at West Highland Avenue and North Oak Street. The officers responded and took a report. No injuries were noted.

Let Mom enjoy Easter too! Snyder’s chicken to the rescue!

16 potatoes free with purchase of 20 piece tub. 762-4686. adv.

Collision — The Ponca City Communications Center was advised at 12:38 p.m. Thursday, that an accident occurred at North Fourth Street and East Hartford Avenue. Two Ponca City police officers arrived on the scene to take a report.

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.

Under Suspension — A motorist contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 11:54 p.m. Thursday, to report a possibly intoxicated driver heading northbound on U.S. 177 at a high rate of speed. A Ponca City police officer responded and stopped a blue 1991 Buick at South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue. Although the subject was not intoxicated, he was issued a citation for driving under suspension. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

Arrest — At 3:31 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer picked up a 21-year-old man from the Kay County Sheriff’s Office on a failure to appear city warrant. The subject was transported to the Ponca City Police Department, where he was booked.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items. adv.

Handicap Parking — An employee from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4:13 p.m. Thursday, to ask officers to check handicapped parking spaces. Two Ponca City police officers responded and issued citations to vehicles which were illegally parked.

Red Bud trees, five gallon. Regular $39.99. Sale $27.99.

Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Harassment — A Ponca City police officer made contact with four boys at North Elm Street and West Hazel Avenue at 5:45 p.m. Thursday. The youth were reportedly harassing other kids in the area. The officer settled the matter.

Eggstra, Eggstra. Don’t miss this big pool tournament! Satur-

day, April 3, 7 p.m. Blue Lite Lounge. Check with Martha on

details. adv.

Assault — Two Ponca City police officers took a 30-year-old man into custody in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street at 8:50 p.m. Thursday. The man was charged with domestic assault and battery.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Dog Stolen — A resident in the 300 block of South Elm Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:25 p.m. Thursday, to report a black Labrador was stolen from the back pen. An officer responded and took a report.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Relief Valve — At 11:28 p.m. Thursday, two Ponca City police officers checked out the report of a relief valve going off at the sub station at Dan Moran Park, South Ash Street and West South Avenue. The officers confirmed it was a relief valve cap and asked that Oklahoma Natural Gas Company be advised.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat

beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215

South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Arrest — A 35-year-old man was arrested at West Central Avenue and South Oak Street at 1:10 a.m. Friday, for public intoxication.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris-

ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East

Prospect. adv.

Drugs Obtained — A traffic stop ended in arrest, when a Ponca City police officer stopped a 19-year-old female at Princeton Avenue and Rice Street at 1:23 a.m. Friday, for speeding. The subject was arrested for driving under the influence, speeding, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fire — At 1:29 a.m. Friday, the Ponca City Police Department received several calls regarding a residential fire of a duplex at 412 and 414 South Oak Street. All Ponca City fire stations responded. Additionally, three Ponca City police officers , Oklahoma Natural Gas Company and the Water and Light Department arrived to assist.

DUI — A 34-year-old man was taken into custody at 2:15 a.m. Friday, from a traffic stop. He was charged with driving under the influence and speeding.

Beer Run — An employee of Citgo, South Fourth Street and East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 3:39 a.m. Friday to report two boys took a 30-pack and a 12-pack of beer then ran south of the business. Three Ponca City police officers checked the area but were unable to locate the subjects. A report was taken.

Gas Leak — At 4:26 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer responded to a call of natural gas in the air at South Fourth Street and Harding Avenue. The officer advised the Ponca City Communication Center that a gas line was leaking at U.S. 60 and Lucas Street, on the southwest corner. The officer stood by the scene until the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company arrived.

LIFESTYLES

Warrior Women’s Scalp Dance Group Is Re-Established
Be Cautious When Fixing Easter Eggs
Little News

Warrior Women’s Scalp Dance Group Is Re-Established

Wilma Warrior-Rhodd, a great granddaughter of the Ponca chiefs Standing Buffalo, White Tail and Bold Warrior, has organized and reestablished the Warrior women’s Scalp Dance group, which was one of the four original groups and was led by Wilma’s grandmother, Nellie Standing Buffalo.

“The Ponca People have always had a rich cultural heritage. They are a brother People to the Kaw, Osage, Quapaw and Omaha Peoples. But of the five nations only the Ponca have a wide variety of cultural ceremonies which date from time immemorial. One of these ceremonies which the Ponca still practice is the Scalp Dance,” she said.

Within historical times the Ponca had four Scalp Dance groups. These organizations, which are exclusively for women, celebrate victories in war and are also charitable and humanitarian in nature.

Their first dance will be held on Saturday, April 3, at 2:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center in White Eagle. The giveaways are the first item on the agenda. Each participating member will pay for their seats at this time. Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to bring their own dishes and chairs. The drum will be closed as the Warrior Women have their own singers.

A hand game will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Ponca Cultural Center. Refreshments will be served.

Be Cautious When Fixing Easter Eggs

At Easter, eggs are handled more times than usual and each occasion is an opportunity for the eggs to come in contact with bacteria according to information from the OSU Kay County Extension office.

Anyone decorating Easter eggs should thoroughly wash their hands before handling them. Wash hands at every step, including cooking, cooling, drying and hiding.

There are other tips for safe egg handling:

—If eggs will not be colored right after cooking, store the cooked eggs in their cartons in the refrigerator.

—When coloring eggs, use water that is warmer than the eggs and refrigerate them in their cartons right after coloring. Don’t color cracked eggs.

—When hiding eggs, avoid areas where they might come into contact with pets, birds, reptiles, insects or lawn chemicals. Don’t hide cracked eggs.

—If eggs will be eaten after coloring be sure to use coloring made of food-grade egg dyes.

—After the eggs have been found, refrigerate them again. Don’t eat cracked eggs or eggs that have not been refrigerated for more than two hours.

—It’s a good idea to cook extra eggs for eating and throw away those used for decorations. Often eggs used as centerpieces will be out of the refrigerator for several hours or days.

In general, any hard-cooked eggs should be refrigerated in their shells and in their cartons as soon as they have been cooked. Used eggs within one week.

Little News

Rachel Elise Cotner was born March 12, 1999, in Waco, Texas, the first child for Hope and Robert Cotner. Rachel weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 19 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Jean and Stan Hoffmeyer of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Maxine and Bob Cotner of Perry. Maternal great-grandmother is Wilma Officer of Ponca City, and paternal great-grandmother is Bessie Cotner of Bixby.

Don and Rhonda Owens of Ponca City announce the birth of Trevor Don at 1:43 p.m. March 22, 1999, at the Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 10 1/2 ounces, and measured 19 3/4 inches long.

Grandparents are Mike and Vicki Owens, Jack and Joy Snyder, all of Ponca City. Great-grandmother is Betty Smith, also of Ponca City.

RELIGION

Presbyterians Plan Two Easter Services
1st Christian Church Plans Easter Sunrise Service Sunday
Northeast Baptists Celebrating Easter in Song, Praise
Ministerial Alliance Plans Meeting
Rummage Sale Planned at Asbury UMC
First UMC Group Plans Field Trip
Good Shepherd Lutheran Easter Services
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
POP Lutherans Tell Easter Plans
Mormons Set General Conference This Weekend
P.C. Student Is NBA Scholar
Grand Avenue C of C To Hear ‘Revival’ on Sunday

Presbyterians Plan Two Easter Services

First Presbyterians will assemble for Easter Sunday Worship on Sunday at 7 a.m. for a Sunrise Worship and again at 10 a.m. for the Morning Worship, it was announced by the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor.

Dr. Fey points out that St. Paul lists the people to whom the resurrected Christ appears: first to Peter, then the twelve, to five hundred persons, then to James and the other apostles, and last of all to Paul himself.

There is no proof of our Lord’s resurrection except in the believers themselves, Dr. Fey points out. This means that Easter cannot be celebrated without believers! No one believes in Easter but a believer! Perhaps this sounds ridiculous, yet it is true, he said. If we celebrate Easter only because it is a festival of the church, it is not Easter. If on the other hand, we only had our approval of what Christians say about Easter, then it is really Easter for us.

Easter is claiming the resurrection of Jesus; it is believing that Jesus died for our redemption and that he conquered sin, death, and the power of evil. If it had not been for generations of believing Christians who believed the witness of Peter, James, Paul and those early believers after them, who would have kept the story alive for us to hear and believe? Easter is about those who tell the same Good News story today. It’s about the Holy Spirit “blowing” into our lives, increasing our faith, and helping us to tell the story. Can you imagine what would happen if no one told the story?

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

1st Christian Church Plans Easter Sunrise Service Sunday

First Christian Church will begin a day of celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with a sunrise service at Pioneer Park, Fifth and Highland Streets, at 6:30 a.m., Sunday. “Easter Reflections” with a communion service will be led by the Youth under the direction of Angie Novotny, Youth Coordinator. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and to dress warmly for an inspirational remembrance of the first Easter morning. Youth will also hold an Easter Egg Hunt for pre-school age children on the church playground following the 10:40 service.

The biblical story of the women at the tomb, Matthew 28:1-10, will be the text of the Rev. Kent Dorsey’s sermon, “Meeting Jesus in Galilee,” at the 8 a.m., Chapel service and the 10:40 a.m., Sanctuary service. Children from the baptismal class will carry symbols of faith into the sanctuary during Processional Hymn, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” accompanied by organist Carolyn Hook.

Candidates for baptism are Madison Bookout, Blake Braden, Colby Bunch, Charlie and Pam Ross. Following a Children’s Moment, children 2-6 years are welcome to attend Children’s Church and will be returned to the sanctuary at the end of the service to meet their families.

The Renaissance Ringers, the adult handbell choir, under the direction of Marta Sullivan, and the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Robert Moore, will bring the service to a joyful conclusion with “Joy in the Morning” as a choral response and sending out.

The Easter festivities will continue at 6 p.m. in the Gym at the weekly Celebration Service. “The Lord of the Dance” is the theme with the Praise Band under the direction of Mary Coln. This brief service of praise, drama and contemporary biblical message of the life of Jesus is an ideal family worship and concludes with refreshment and fellowship time.

First Christian Church is located downtown at 210 North Fifth with parking entrances on the west side of the building at Cleveland and Fourth Streets. Childcare is provided for all worship services. For more information about services or programs, please call 762-1666.

Northeast Baptists Celebrating Easter in Song, Praise

Guy Cooper, Minister of Music for Northeast Baptist Church, announces an Easter celebration in three parts. “The Wonder of It All” will be presented by Northeast Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir on three consecutive Sunday mornings. Part one, Triumphal Entry, Lord’s Supper, and Crucifixion” was presented last Sunday morning, beginning the series. This coming Easter Sunday, “Crucifixion and Resurrection” will be presented at 10:15 a.m. This week will begin with the crucifixion, reviewing the arrest and trial, and will climax with Jesus’ resurrection!

The final part of “The Wonder of It All” will be presented on Sunday, April 11, at 10:15 a.m. “Resurrection, Appearances, and Celebration” will begin with a review of the resurrection and proceed to several appearances of the risen Christ, ending with a celebration of the risen Lord, and the challenge of the great commission.

Each presentation of “The Wonder of It All” will include fully costumed cast and choir with strong musical selections including solos, and a challenging reflection on the drama.

Cast for “The Wonder of It All” will be: Narrator, Tony Weir; Peter, Charley Blew; James, Chris Humble; John, Dave Mallory; Judas, Kip Bird. Other disciples will be Charlie Goodno, Sean Satterfield, J.D. Elwood, Vince Shotton, Larry Degan, Tim Short, Gary Watters, and Michael Goddard. The three Pharisees will be Duane Gregory, Mike White, and Scott Richards. Other characters include: Nicodemus (John Palmer), King Herod (Chester Ward); King Herod’s attendants (Anna Martin, Rebekah Martin, Melodie Cooper); Pilate (Troy McKain); Pilate’s attendants (Stephen Cooper, Kiefer Pruett); Guards (Steve Westerman, Jack Dershem, David Westerman); Money Changers (Deb Goddard, Cameron Gifford, Elise Jeffries); other children extras (Sydney Pruett, Ethan Palmer, Sarah Walker).

Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, invites the public to join Northeast Baptist as they celebrate Easter, the event that shows God’s grace and power through His gift of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as an atonement for the sins of the world.

Childcare will be provided for children preschool 3 and younger. Northeast has two Children’s Worship Services during the morning worship at 10:15. The younger children’s worship is for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children which meets in room 109 and the older children’s worship is for children in first and second grades which meets in fellowship hall.

Church Briefs

Ministerial Alliance Plans Meeting

The Ponca City Ministerial Alliance will meet on Thursday, April 8 at noon in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for luncheon and a presentation on Ponca City 2000. This is an important meeting, it was announced, and all area pastors are urged to be present.

Rummage Sale Planned at Asbury UMC

A rummage sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, according to Audrey Jones, President, United Methodist women. The church is located at 700 West Liberty.

All proceeds from the sale will go for missions.

First UMC Group Plans Field Trip

On Good Friday (today) the Confirmation Class and Leadership Team of First United Methodist Church will be taking a field trip to Tulsa to visit Project Hope and the Francis Willard Home for Girls. The group will leave the church parking lot around 7:45 a.m. and be back by 4:30 p.m. They plan to eat lunch in Tulsa.

Those who will be attending are Kelly Brown, Kim Burrell, Megan Dickey, Derek Fowler, Brett Hendrickson, Maria Hester, Tiffany Pichanick, Austin Sullivan, Jim Yohn, Joe Yohn, the Rev. Denny Hook, Kren Sledge and Tom Howard.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Easter Services

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, Sunday morning at 8 a.m. The service will be conducted at Wentz Camp Dining Hall. Breakfast will be served following the morning service, and there will be an Easter Egg hunt for the children following the meal.

The public is cordially invited to share in this time of worship, celebration and fellowship.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is affiliated with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations and is located at 3109 North Union in Ponca City. For more information about Easter services or other church information, please call Pastor Tim Hurley at 762-4775 (church) or 762-5356 (residence).

Crestview Baptists Set Sunrise Service

Pastor Virgil M. Swift of Crestview Baptist Church has announced an Easter Sunrise Service at the church facility at 7:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, followed by a potluck-style breakfast at 8:15 a.m.

Sunday School will follow at 9 a.m. and the regular worship service at 10 a.m. The evening services have been cancelled, Pastor Swift announced.

‘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 9:30 a.m., worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening 6 p.m. and Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Watch the Search program on Sundays at 8 a.m. TV Channel 5 or Channel 8.

“No man has seen God at any time; they only begotten Son of God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.” John 1:18.

When Moses asked God if he could see Him, God replied, “You shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.” Exodus 33-23. Believers will learn more about God, but they will never totally understand everything about God in all of His glory. God sent Jesus Christ into our world to reveal God. The Bible calls Jesus “the only begotten Son of God.” He came and explained all the truth of God. After Jesus died and rose again, He sent the Holy Spirit to help us every day.

POP Lutherans Tell Easter Plans

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner Road, will celebrate the joy of Christ’s Resurrection during the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday.

Preceding worship, a joint Sunday School for children and adults will begin at 9 a.m. The Easter story will be retold using resurrection eggs. Each child will receive his or her own set of these special eggs. Following the worship service, an Easter egg hunt is scheduled for the children.

Make plans to join in the joyous activities of the day as Prince of Peace Lutherans praise the Risen Savior.

Mormons Set General Conference This Weekend

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is holding a General Conference this weekend — Saturday from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and again on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at their church facility, 2408 East Hartford.

Leaders of the church are inviting Ponca Citians to drop by the church to hear national church leaders discuss the beliefs of the church. Counseling will also be available, it was noted.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the local missionaries at 765-8943. Spanish speaking individuals may call 765-4157.

P.C. Student Is NBA Scholar

The National Benevolent Association (NBA) has announced its 1999 class of leadership scholars — 18 Disciples college students who will receive up to a $10,000 grant for undergraduate studies during the 1999-2000 schools year — the second year for the Leadership Scholars Program. A Ponca City student, Sarah Dorsey, is one of the students in this class.

Sarah is a graduate of Ponca City High School and a member of the First Christian Church here. She is currently a sophomore at Culver-Stockson College in Canton, Mo., majoring in nursing/pre-med.

Students received grants based on their academic standing (3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale), their ACT/SAT scores (above average), and their demonstrated leadership in school, church, and community. All of the scholars will be attending a Disciples-related college or university in the fall, majoring in an NBA-related field. Throughout the year, they serve as NBA emissaries at Disciples churches and events, sharing the good news of NBA ministries.

Each grant is renewable for up to four years, if a student continues to meet the grant requirements. After graduated, if he/she works at an NBA facility, one year of the grant will be forgiven for each year of NBA employment. Employment is not guaranteed, however.

Sarah is a returning student from last year.

The National Benevolent Association serves more than 27,000 people annually through 74 facilities and program for older adults; children, youth and family

Grand Avenue C of C To Hear ‘Revival’ on Sunday

An exciting and uplifting day is planned for Easter Sunday at Grand Avenue Church of Christ beginning with the Christian contemporary music of “Revival”. “Revival” was started by Chet and Danice Sweet in 1989 with a desire to share the good news in song and love for the Lord. They were blessed to find talented people who wanted to serve in the same way, and so they began traveling throughout the country ministering through song.

With a combination of original gospel music and quality sound, “Revival” has recorded five albums that have been heard from Ecuador to Singapore, and from Russia to Canada. They have toured all over the country and are looking forward to coming to Ponca City.

“Revival” has been featured on both radio and television programs and the group’s exposure continues to grow. Radio air play has increased with their last two recordings. Their single “Praying For You,” off of the “Know At Your Door” recording has made a top 10 list and rated number 24 on one station’s top 60 most requested songs of the year.

Singing lead and writing most of “Revival’s” music, is “Revival” co-founder Danice Sweet. Chet Sweet, her husband of 11 years, is also a songwriter, as well as the group’s sound engineer. He also sings lead on several of their songs. Donja Cary of Wichita, has been the group’s alto since 1994 and has brought her family into the ministry with two of her sons, Grant and Heath Cary, singing on “Never Grow Old” and also on the children’s album “Under Construction.” Donja’s brother, Craig Hayes, a recruiter for National Merit Scholars for the University of Oklahoma sings tenor and also takes his turn at lead. Rob Neff of Wichita makes the quartet complete. He is an incredible bass that grew up in a singing family. He is now a music student who is completing his degree and also participated in several college ensembles and theater productions.

Grand Avenue Church of Christ Easter Sunday assembly will begin at 9:30 a.m. on April 4, with the music of “Revival”. After the concert there will be a short break. Everyone will then reassemble and begin a time of singing and praising God. Larry Keirn, minister, will deliver a special Easter Sunday message relevant to today’s life issues. A special “Kids church” will also be provided for all kids through age 10.

EDUCATION

Ouch — Students Get Stung Trying For College Money
Health Science Technology Program Helps Student
Kristin Maddox Featured
PTC Board of Education Members
Kimberly Manning Inducted in Honor Society
Milligan Wins English Award
Four Year Olds Pre-enroll
Students at OSU-Okmulgee
Students Prepare for April 9 Nationwide Geography Bees
SMART Deadline For Summer School Extended to May 1
Tulsa Offers Summer Science Academy

Ouch — Students Get Stung Trying For College Money

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With tuition bills skyrocketing, and room and board going through the roof, students and their families are looking for creative ways to finance a college education. Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many of them are falling prey to scholarship scams.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, unscrupulous companies guarantee or promise scholarships or grants. Some guarantee that they can get scholarships on behalf of students or award them “scholarships” in exchange for an advance fee. Most offer a “money back guarantee” — but attach conditions that make it impossible to get the refund. Others provide nothing for the student’s advance fee — not even a list of potential sources; and still others tell students they’ve been selected as “finalists” for awards that require an up-front fee. Sometimes, these companies ask for a student’s checking account to “confirm eligibility,” then debit the account without the student’s consent.

The FTC cautions students to look and listen for these tell-tale lines:

• “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”

• “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”

• “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”

• “We’ll do all the work.”

• “The scholarship will cost some money.”

• “You’ve been selected” by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship — or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.

The FTC says many legitimate companies advertise that they can get students access to lists of scholarships in exchange for an advance fee. Others charge an advance fee to compare a student’s profile with a database of scholarship opportunities and provide a list of awards for which a student may qualify. And, there are scholarship search engines on the World Wide Web. The difference — Legitimate companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants.

For more information on scholarship fraud, contact the FTC’s Consumer Response Center by phone at (202) FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD at (202) 326-2502; by mail to Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580, or visit the FTC online at www.ftc.gov.

Health Science Technology Program Helps Student

When thinking back on his life, he can hardly believe that he almost dropped out of high school just a little less than a year ago.

“I literally spent a year of my life just messing around,” said 18 year old Troy Sheets. “When I got to high school I did a lot of skipping! I got with some of my friends and we skipped mainly just to be doing it!”

Today you can find Sheets in the Health Science Technology program at Pioneer Technology Center. And when he isn’t in his classroom, you can find him doing on the job training in the emergency room St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

“While watching and working with the patients in the emergency room, I can’t believe I ever wanted to quit school, said Sheets. “But at the time dropping out seemed to be my only choice.”

Sheets had made some bad choices when he first got to high school and his choices are costing him an additional year in high school. But one thing about Sheets is he listened to the positive role models in his life like his parents and one in particular, Chuck Bayha.

“Bayha was very good to me when I came to Pioneer Tech,” said Sheets. “Even after learning my situation, Mr. Bayha told me I could still be successful. He also told me about Brenda Bennett’s Health Science Technology program and the new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program being offered to high school students. This program sounded great. I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I never knew I would get the opportunity to ever do it or even learn about it. Reading and writing was always complicated and very hard for me.

“The HST and EMT program is really neat. I get to work with my hands. It is so cool! I can see what I am learning. This type of learning has helped me to better understand some of the things I was reading in my high school subjects and why I was having to learn about some of the things.”

The HST and EMT program is allowing Sheets and other students to explore opportunities in the many careers that are available in the health care field. During the first year, students are given the opportunity to observe health professionals at work in different careers and to learn about the educational requirements and employment potential for the careers. Later on, students choose a health career and develop skills in this particular area by participating in on-the-job training experiences.

Bennett has been working closely with Ethan Barstow, the EMT instructor and Frank Vascellero, adult training coordinator, in expanding the new EMT Basic program. The program is now being offered in the daytime to also serve high school students.

The EMT program is in its second year at Pioneer Tech and it offers three levels: EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate and Paramedic training during the daytime and evening hours.

“The EMT class with Ethan Barstow is helping me strive on to stay in school to get my high school diploma,” said Sheets. This program and the HST program are giving Sheets experience in clinicals, ambulance training, and the emergency room three times a week.

School News

Kristin Maddox Featured

Kristin Maddox, senior choral music major at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. will be featured as a soloist at its 35th annual Symposium of Contemporary Music at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at Macbeth Recital Hall in the Mabee Fine Arts Center. Kristin will solo and perform with the Ouachita Singers in the premiere performances of chamber music and choral works written by six OBU Music students. Admission to the symposium is free. She is the daughter of John and Sharon Maddox.

Kimberly Manning Inducted in Honor Society

Kimberly Manning, Po-Hi Grad was surprised with the honor and inducted into the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society at a ceremony in Sharp Chapel on March 28 at the University of Tulsa. Mortar Board is a very selective and prestigious honor society founded upon scholarship, leadership and service.

Kayla Marie Mills National Winner

Kayla Marie Mills has been named a U.S. National Achievement Award winner in English. Kayla was nominated for the prestigious award by Mid High teacher Mrs. Parson. Her picture will appear in the U.S. Academy Official Yearbook. Students are selected for academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability and recommendation by a teacher. Kayla’s parents are Greg and Joyce Mills.

Milligan Wins English Award

Joshua Milligan, Ponca City Senior, was recently awarded the U.S. Achievement Academy National Award for outstanding performance as a student. His name will appear in the U.S. Achievement Academy official yearbook. Joshua’s name was submitted by Betsy Easley, Po-Hi English teacher. Only 10 percent of all American high school are recognized for this prestigious honor. Joshua is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Milligan.

Four Year Olds Pre-enroll

The Ponca City Public Schools set pre-enrollment dates for the 1999-2000 Four Year Old Program. Children who will be four on or before Sept. 1, can begin enrollment on April 8, at Liberty Elementary, 505 West Liberty Avenue, at 8 a.m. Parents can also pre-enroll children on April 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A birth certificate or hospital records is required. For more information, contact Genelle Smith at 767-8000, Ext. 228.

Students at OSU-Okmulgee

Twelve students from Kay County are among 2,081 students enrolled at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee.

OSU-Okmulgee is the only college in Oklahoma established specifically for technical education. It offers several college-level technical/occupational programs of study in 11 major disciplines.

Ponca City students enrolled are Richard Balfanz, general studies; Travis Behara, distinctive manufacturing technology; Matt Bishop, Chrysler automotive service technology; James Butler, air conditioning and refrigeration technology; Travis Hager, electronic engineering technology; Buck Jones, application development computer systems technology; Denise Pollard, baking food service management; Raymond Pollard, automotive body technology; Cheryl Sanford, baking food service management; and Tamitha Short, digital pre-press technology.

PTC Board of Education Members

Pioneer Technology Center’s Board of Education is comprised of five board members. They are: Fred Haub, Mary Rigdon, Larry Buck, Bill Carmichael and Larry Cannon.

School Recycling Programs

Numerous recycling materials are available through the Solid Waste Division, including handouts, videos, posters, coloring books, puzzles and project ideas. Solid Waste Personnel are also available for school presentations and to assist students in setting up school recycling and waste reduction projects. Field trips to the Recycling Center and the Landfill are available upon request.

Students Prepare for April 9 Nationwide Geography Bees

Oklahoma students, along with youth from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and U.S. territories will test their geography knowledge at the state-level competitions of the National Geography Bee on Friday, April 9 - and take a step closer to the chance of winning a $25,000 college scholarship.

The Oklahoma Geography Bee will be held at Springlake Metro Tech Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, in Oklahoma City. Preliminary rounds will begin at 10 a.m. and the final round at 1 p.m. For more information interested students may call Coordinator, William Amburn at 918-336-9302 or at 918-333-0643.

Across the nation, the bees will be held on university campuses, museums and in state capitols in places like Arkadelphia, Ark., and Anchorage, Alaska. Fourth through eighth grade students will vie for state level honors and a chance to compete in the National Geography Bee finals in Washington.

The preliminary rounds of the 11th National Geography Bee have been completed. Victors from the state bees will gather at the National Geographic Society's worldwide headquarters in Washington on May 25-26 for the national championships.

Bank One is the co-sponsor of the 1999 National Geography Bee. The company gave each school registering to participate in the Bee a one-year membership in the National Geographic Society, which includes a subscription to National Geographic magazine.

A great sign that geography has returned to the American classroom is the fact that the College Board is developing an advanced placement geography course and test for use in the 2000-2001 school year.

The state bees are the second level of the National Geography Bee, which began last December with contests in nearly 18,000 schools across the country. As many as 100 students in each state, who won their school bees and then earned a top score on a written exam prepared by the Society, will compete on April 9.

Each state winner will receive $100 and other prizes, along with an all-expenses paid trip to Washington with a teacher escort for the May 25-26 finals. The national competitors will vie for three scholarships: The winner will be awarded $25,000; the runner-up will get $15,000; and the student placing third will receive $10,000.

“Jeopardy!” quiz show host Alex Trebek will moderate the national competition for the 11th year. The National Geography Bee finals on May 26 will be produced by Maryland Public Television and will air on local PBS stations. Check local listings for viewing times.

This year, the National Geographic Society is also launching GeoChallenge - an annual geography competition for high school students that requires them to design, conduct and report on an independent, original geography research project. Ten finalists will bring their projects to National Geographic Society headquarters for final judging June 28-29.

Geography champions from 12 nations will face off in August in Toronto for the National Geographic Society’s fourth International Geography Olympiad.

Student teams from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States qualified for the Olympiad by winning the local and national geography competitions in their home countries.

Visitors to the National Geographic Society Web site can test their geography knowledge with questions from previous National Geography Bees at www.nationalgeographic.com.

The National Geographic Society developed the National Geography Bee in response to concern about the lack of geographic knowledge among young people in the United States. In a 10-country Gallup survey conducted for the Society in 1988 and 1989, Americans 18 to 24, the youngest group surveyed, scored lower than their counterparts in the other countries tested.

SMART Deadline For Summer School Extended to May 1

Ponca City public schools has extended the registration deadline for “SMART” summer school until May 1, 1999. SMART summer camp will be held at Union Elementary School, 2617 North Union, and will run from June 7 through July 2. This day-long, four-week program will focus on math, the arts, reading and technology. Students will enjoy thematic units of study, learn to use technology, enrich their basic skills, sing, create art projects, share books and play organized games.

Parents/guardians may enroll their children at the Central Administration Center located at 111 West Grand Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until May 1. A $50 deposit is required at enrollment with the remainder of the tuition to be paid by the first day of summer school, June 7.

Tuition for the camp is based on a sliding scale with scholarships available to those who qualify. If you have additional questions, please contact Jean Hasting, principle at Union Elementary, 767-8035.

Tulsa Offers Summer Science Academy

TULSA — High school students interested in science can apply to attend the Summer Science Academy at The University of Tulsa. The application deadline is April 30. The academy is provided at no cost to students, with housing available at the TU campus.

Thirty-six students, entering grades, 10, 11 and 12 in the fall of 1999, will be chosen to pursue topics of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computation. The Tulsa Summer Academy will also include career planning, field trips and a research project. Students will work on a team with a TU professor for this project.

The academy, sponsored by TU and Tulsa Community College, is funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. For further information or to obtain an application, call Sharon Wilson at (918) 631-2228 or visit the academy’s web page at www.mcs.utulsa.edu/TSA99/.

SPORTS

Junior Varsity Blanks Enid To Lock Win
Norm Decides To Sit Down
Effort Not Enough for Lady Cats
Mavs Headed for Tournament Play
Wildcat Golfers Struggle in Jenks Tournament

Junior Varsity Blanks Enid To Lock Win

The Wildcat tennis team pulled out one of their most encouraging wins to date, cruising past the top-10 ranked Enid Plainsmen, 7-5.

“Hey, we got more wins than the girl’s team,” said a beaming coach Steve Larimer. “Our kids did really well, and I think we pulled together there and learned how to play as a team.”

Though their foes were without their top two singles players, the Cats came out victorious in Nos. 1-3 singles.

Bilal Agha got his first win of the year in the No. 1 spot, coming back to top David Campbell in three sets, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2. Daniel Lee topped Luke Barron in the No. 2 spot, 6-3, 6-2, while Tim Frick survived at No. 3 in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, over Casey Pursell.

The Cats’ varsity dropped their next three singles match ups, however, with Sterling Foy falling to Matt Jeffery, 6-4, 6-2, Josh Pitts falling to Kyle Jones, 6-4, 6-1, and Trevor Viljoen falling to Eduardo Santos, 6-3, 7-5.

Agha and Lee also teamed up to notch the Cats’ only victory in varsity doubles, dropping Campbell and Barron, 6-4, 6-3, in the No. 3 spot.

Frick-Foy fell at No. 1 to Jeffery-Pursell, 6-3, 6-4, while Pitts-Viljoen fell to Jones-Santos, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 2.

Those last two doubles matches also represented the last two matches of the dual, with both drawing a large, noisy crowd. At the time, the Cats’ varsity led Enid, 4-3.

“I told our guys to get out there and make some noise,” said Larimer. “I like to see that. We need to get more people out there to watch tennis.”

The Wildcats’ junior varsity blanked Enid, winning 3-0. In singles, Core Landes topped Eddie Zhan, 6-2, 6-0, while Shane Sample blasted past Mark Smalley, 6-0, 6-0. Landes and Sample then teamed up to beat Zhan and Smalley in doubles, 6-2, 6-0.

The Wildcat varsity travels to Ark City, Tuesday.

Norm Decides To Sit Down

By R.B. FALLSTROM

AP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Norm Stewart recently said he wanted to coach another half-dozen years.

Then he ended a 32-year run at Missouri that produced 634 victories when he announced his retirement Thursday.

There was speculation that he was pushed out the door by new athletic director Mike Alden, who’s been at the school only eight months, but Stewart said it was his call.

He said the inspiration came during a game at Kansas in January and a familiar chant from Jayhawks fans, ‘‘Sit down, Norm!’’ took on an entirely different meaning.

‘‘You know what I said to myself that day? ‘I think I will,’ ’’ Stewart said.

From then on, although he never let on to players or administration, Stewart said there was no turning back.

‘‘You don’t always make all the right decisions, and you can’t coach a perfect game,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘So you make the decision and that’s it. I got to make mine. I wish more people in this profession got to do that.’’

Stewart will serve the last four years of his contract as a special assistant to the school’s chancellor. If there are any hard feelings, it was tough to tell as Stewart and Alden shared the podium at a center-court news conference.

Stewart was in such a light-hearted mood that when he received a standing ovation from several hundred fans and players — past and present — in attendance, he asked if it had been timed.

‘‘I’ve decided not to coach at Missouri, in basketball or in any other sport,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘I came to Missouri a young man and I’m leaving a young man. Everybody has been really nice and good to work with.’’

Alden said he was shocked when the coach brought up retirement for the first time on March 15, three days after Missouri was eliminated by New Mexico in the first round of the NCAA tournament, in what he thought would be a typical end-of-season review. He said Stewart reiterated his desire to step down the following day.

‘‘I asked him, are you sure?’’ Alden said. ‘‘He said he had decided what he wanted to do.’’

Players weren’t notified until Wednesday, more than two weeks after the meeting. They, too, were shocked.

‘‘I was getting ready for class and my mom called me and she was like ‘Tell me the scoop, tell me the scoop,’’’ sophomore forward Johnnie Parker said.

Presumably, Stewart had earned the right to orchestrate his departure. He leaves with an impressive resume, at least from a numbers standpoint.

— He’s the third-winningest active coach with 731 victories, trailing only James Phelan of Mount St. Mary’s (800) and Bobby Knight of Indiana (742), and he’s seventh on the career list.

— He averaged 19 victories a season at Missouri, and as player, assistant coach and head coach was involved in more than half (1,127) of the 2,151 games ever played at the school.

— He bounced back from colon cancer in 1989 and NCAA probation in 1991.

— He produced an undefeated conference champion in 1993-94, a team that included zero future NBA stars.

Stewart also leaves the program in good shape, with three starters back and two others with significant experience. That’s a huge difference from his arrival in 1967, when Missouri totaled six victories in 49 games the previous two seasons.

‘‘When I got here there wasn’t much springboard,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘There wasn’t any pool, there wasn’t any water. If you jumped in, you had problems. There’s a better springboard now.’’

On the other hand, Missouri hasn’t had much success in the postseason with a succession of first-round upsets to lightly regarded opponents that began in the late 1980s. Missouri missed the NCAAs for three years beginning in 1995-96, going a combined 51-47, before ending that drought this year.

Stewart’s Missouri teams twice made it to the final eight, in 1976 and 1994, but never to the Final Four.

The announcement also came amid reports of a falling-out between Stewart and Alden, who wasn’t happy with Stewart’s lack of response last week when junior Albert White announced he wanted to jump to the NBA, and of repeated problems with players. Nine players have transferred in the last five years.

Eight of Stewart’s current players attended the news conference, and the group did not include White or freshman point guard Keyon Dooling, who quarreled with Stewart during a game at Colorado in January. Stewart said the reason for the no-shows was he told them to attend class.

Dooling downplayed talk that he and fellow freshman guard Clarence Gilbert, a former high school teammate in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., might have transferred if Stewart stayed. Gilbert was another news conference no-show.

‘‘It wasn’t nothing like that,’’ Dooling said. ‘‘From what I know, Coach made his decision a long time ago. It really had nothing to do with us.

‘‘It was somewhat of a roller coaster, but it’s all good. I mean it. I respect him a lot.’’

Alden said he has no short list of candidates in mind to succeed Stewart. Possible candidates include Duke assistant Quin Snyder, Bob Bender of Washington and longtime Missouri assistant Kim Anderson.

‘‘Yes, I would be interested,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘As time goes on, we’ll see what happens.’’

Effort Not Enough for Lady Cats

After a lackluster, un-Lady Cat-like performance on Tuesday, the Lady Wildcat netters returned to the form that has made them one of the top 10 teams in the state, Thursday.

Unfortunately, that stirring recovery came against possibly their most serious competition to date, with the Lady Cats succumbing to the powerful Enid Pacers, 8-5.

Despite the loss, coach Stan Wheeler was encouraged with his team’s renewed emotion.

“I was proud of them; we played with a lot more enthusiasm,” he said. “But (Enid’s) top six were the best six we’ve played this year — they’re one of the top teams in the state.”

The No. 1 doubles team of Romi Foreman and Abby Frick raised a few eyebrows and provided a definite highlight for the Poncans, blasting Enid’s No. 1 team of Amber Elliott and Erin Parriott, 6-1, 6-4. The Enid duo has a record of 11-3, while Foreman-Frick are now 14-2 on the year.

“That was a bright and shining moment for us,” said Wheeler. “(Elliott-Parriott) had beaten some good teams, and we thumped ‘em pretty good.”

Claire Winterrowd and Erin Shaw provided the Lady Cats with another doubles win in the No. 4 spot, sailing past Evan Foster and Nataly Bure, 7-5, 6-1.

Mea Alexander and Emily Wheeler fell in the No. 2 spot to Patsy Snyder and Holly Webster, 6-3, 6-1, while Ashley Roussel and Gina Smith dropped their No. 3 match to Lindsey Smith and Theresa Williams, 6-1, 6-0.

The Lady Cats dropped all but one of their top six singles matches, with Abby Frick providing the lone victory. Frick survived a tough, 6-4, 6-4 battle with Erin Parriott to win in the No. 3 spot.

In the No. 4 spot, Romi Foreman fell in a grueling, 3-set contest with Amber Elliott, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, while Mea Alexander put up a fight with Holly Webster, 6-4, 7-6 to fall in the No. 5 spot.

In slightly easier matches for the Pacers, undefeated Lindsey Smith (15-0) dropped Ashley Roussel in the No. 1 spot, 6-2, 6-0; Theresa Williams topped Gina Smith at No. 2, 6-1, 6-1; and Patsy Snyder beat Emily Wheeler at No. 6, 6-0, 6-0.

The Lady Cats did win two of the bottom three singles match ups, with No. 7 Claire Winterrowd coming out on top of Evan Foster, 7-6, 6-3, and Marcie Wilkinson squeaking past Sarah Webster, 8-6 at No. 9. Erin Shaw fell to Nataly Bure in the No. 8 spot, 6-3, 6-1.t

“It’s early April, and we’ve still got a month to go,” Wheeler concluded. “The only top teams we haven’t seen are Edmond North and Jenks, and we should see them in a tournament here in a couple of weeks.”

Mavs Headed for Tournament Play

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College baseball coach Terry Ballard is hoping for warm weather as his Mavericks play Twin-States Conference foe Murray State in Tishomingo Saturday.

“We seem to be a warm weather team,” Ballard said of the 12-12 Mavericks. “We just seem to play better when the weather is warm. If that’s true, I hope the temperature gets up to 110 degrees.”

Ballard bases his observation on the recent play of the NOC baseballers.

In the cold and damp last Saturday, the Mavericks committed 11 errors in a pair of losses, 27-1 and 25-5, to Carl Albert. The NOC batters couldn’t buy a hit and the pitchers couldn’t keep Carl Albert from getting one.

On Tuesday, with warmer temperatures, the Mavericks rebounded to defeat Western State twice, 7-5 and 6-5. This time there were just five NOC errors. Still too many for Ballard’s liking, but much better than the previous showing,

In addition, NOC outhit Murray 20-18.

But, most importantly, according to the coach, the Mavs fought back after falling behind in each game Tuesday.

The first game proved to be a barn burner as the Mavericks jumped to a 4-0 lead, then fell behind 5-4, before scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Not only did NOC get the winning runs in then final inning, they got them with two outs.

Western was one out away from a win when Enid sophomore Brent Hibbets slammed a triple.

The Western pitcher then hit the next two NOC batters — deliberately, according to Ballard.

“Western was upset about something that was going on,” Ballard said later. “I’m not sure what. But their pitcher hit two of our batters on purpose. It worked out fine for us since it put the winning run on base.”

The nail-biting got even closer when Fairfax sophomore second baseman J.W. Brumley worked the count to 3-2 before finding the gap between first and second to drive in the tying and winning runs.

The Mavericks were down 4-0 and 5-3 in the second game before rallying for three runs in the fifth to pull out the win.

That left The Mavs 2-4 in conference play and at even .500 for the season.

Wildcat Golfers Struggle in Jenks Tournament

JENKS — Ponca City’s Wildcat golfers continue to struggle in tournaments, finishing 19th in the 25-team Jenks Invitational Thursday.

With several of the young players playing the Page Belcher course for the first time, the Ponca Citians posted a 329 total.

That was 27 strokes behind Jenks, which won its own tournament with a 302 score.

Stillwater was second at 306, one stroke ahead of Owasso. Bartlesville was fourth at 309.

The Wildcats have just over a week off to work on their game before returning for the Cushing Invitational on April 12.

The Ponca City JV team will test out the Cushing course this Monday in a JV tournament.

Team Scores

Jenks 302, Stillwater 306, Owasso 307, Bartlesville 309, Sapulpa 314, Bishop Kelley 316, Edmond Memorial 316, Enid 316, Moore 316, Rogers, Ark., 318, Norman 319, Cascia Hall 320, Union 321, Coweta 322, Broken Arrow 322, Muskogee 322, Jenks B 324, Bishop Kelley B 325, Ponca City 329, Metro Christian 330, Ada 333, Sand Springs 334, Holland Hall 337, Tahlequah 336, Cushing 346.