LOCAL

State Regents Seek Tuition Increase
NOC Offers Science, Math Academy Beginning June 7
Nearly News
Ponca City’s Grand Avenue Featured At Oklahoma Preservation Conference
Annual Spring Cleanup Gets Under Way Saturday
Local Teams Making Plans For Bed Race
Special Ponca Playhouse Show ‘Curious Savage’ Set Saturday

State Regents Seek Tuition Increase

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have proposed increases in tuition rates for Oklahoma universities and colleges. A public hearing on the proposal will be held April 16 at their meeting at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Enid.

The proposed rate hikes range from 9 percent increase for comprehensive universities to 7 percent at four-year regional universities to 5 percent increase for two-year colleges and technical branches. Under the proposal, maximum increases in per-credit-hour rates would range from $1.50 for students at a two-year college to $7 for graduate students at comprehensive universities.

If approved, the tuition increase would be the first since 1997 and would benefit improvements to academic programs and student services and increases in financial aid.

The tuition proposal is part of the State Regents’ long-term plan to have Oklahoma students pay one-third of their college costs. Currently, Oklahoma students pay approximately 26 percent of their college costs, and taxpayers pay the remaining 74 percent.

Regents noted that Oklahoma students pay some of the lowest tuition and fee rates in the nation, ranking 41st in the nation at the state’s comprehensive universities, 44th at regional universities, and 29th at two-year colleges. More information about the proposed tuition and fee rates is available on Oklahoma higher education’s web site at www.okhighered.org under “What’s New.”

Persons wanting to comment on the proposals may attend the April 16 public hearing, e-mail forum@osrhe.edu or write Tuition and Fee Proposal, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 500 Education Building, State Capitol Complex, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

NOC Offers Science, Math Academy Beginning June 7

TONKAWA — Students, who will be juniors or seniors in the fall of 1999, can now make application for the Northern Oklahoma College Summer Science and Math Academy. The academy will be held on the Tonkawa campus beginning Monday, June 7.

The Academy will feature three areas: Chemistry Magic, Math Modeling and Physics and Job Shadowing, according to Dr. Virgil Ackerson, head of the College Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division.

Applications are due by April 25. Twenty-four students will be selected and notified of acceptance by May 1.

Those selected will receive a $300 expense stipend. All materials, supplies and lunches will be provided each day.

Northern science instructor Rex Ackerson will be the lead teacher for the Chemistry Magic portion. Ackerson, who has been involved with chemistry magic for more than 20 years, has published several new magic tricks. Students will be able to explore the mystique of magic tricks and, chemically speaking, how they work. Students will analyze and explain chemical reactions as they design their own Chemistry Magic Shows.

Brian Box, Northern physics instructor, will serve as lead instructor during the Math Modeling and Physics section. Box received a National Science Foundation grant applying computers to physics in the classroom and over interactive television.

Working as collaborative teams, students will construct conceptual and mathematical models of real world situation from their own direct hands-on observations and measurements. A wide variety of technological tools, including video analysis, will be used to understand the phenomena and to present their findings with oral and written presentations.

Job Shadowing will allow students to experience first-hand how the field of mathematics and science is used in the real world through companies such as Conoco, Ditch Witch, Novacare Sabolich, St. Joseph Regional Hospital and others. This experience will also show how the knowledge of science and math provides for many career opportunities for everyone.

The Science and Math Academy is funded through a grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

For those interested in attending the Summer Academy, contact Ackerson, at 580-628-6482, or e-mail vackerso@nocaxp.north-ok.edu, or Brian Box, 580-628-6474, or e-mail at bbox@nocaxp.north-ok.edu.

Nearly News

For those of you who follow the daily stock prices, there has been a change effective with today’s listing. Rubbermaid is no longer listed under the symbol “RBR” or Rubrmd. The company, now known as Newell-Rubbermaid, can be found under the symbol “NWL.”

NN has heard live pictures of Ponca City are being broadcast throughout the world. How about that! 88.7 FM Christian radio is using a DJ cam during their telethon fund-raiser, and web surfers as far away as Mexico have reported watching the live shots on www.lovestation.org. Doyle Brewer of KLVV tells NN that the camera will be on until 6:30 Friday night and from 7 to 7 on Saturday.

Ponca City’s Grand Avenue Featured At Oklahoma Preservation Conference

A slide show and commentary on the history of Ponca City’s Grand Avenue and its buildings will be featured at the Oklahoma Preservation Conference in May. Bret Carter, chairman of the Ponca City Main Street Design Committee will present the slide show.

Created by the Main Street Design Committee, the slide show helps to illustrate the history of downtown Ponca City as well as highlight the many historic buildings that line Grand Avenue. Slides from the teens, 20s and 30s, are combined with current views of the same buildings. The presentation has been in constant demand since its debut as “The Grand Tour”, in January.

Many of the buildings date from 1900 to 1930. According to Carter, they present a good example of what many people imagine when they think of an American downtown.

The state-wide Preservation Conference is a yearly program presented by the State Historic Preservation Office and the Oklahoma State Main Street Program. The purpose is to provide training and education to members of Oklahoma’s preservation community-Main Street directors and volunteers, Historic Preservation Commission members and others interested in protecting the remnants of our past.

The conference also serves as a way to meet and share ideas, and suggestions with people from all over the state, who work towards preservation of Oklahoma-built environment, stated Carter.

Those interested in attending the conference should contact the State Historic Preservation office at 405-521-6249.

Carter, a life-long resident of Kay County, has been active in research and preservation of Ponca City’s many significant buildings and areas since moving to Ponca City four years ago.

In addition to serving as chairman of the Main Street Design Committee, Carter is a member of the Main Street board of directors, chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory panel, and vice chairman of the Landmark Conservancy.

Groups or organizations wanting to have “The Grand Tour” at their next meeting, should contact Tamara Sharp, program manager, Ponca City Main Street Authority, at 763-0823.

Annual Spring Cleanup Gets Under Way Saturday

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

It is time to get the junk out, both the small and large items bound for the garbage as the annual “Spring Cleanup” begins Saturday.

For a one week period, the special pick-up charge for refuge as well as the landfill fees will be waived for all city residents.

According to Solid Waste Superintendent Ken Wilson the special free service is intended to prompt residents into cleaning their property.

“We have done this for the last 12 years and we hope that this will help citizens in cleaning up their property,” Wilson says. “All items should be placed at the location of normal refuse pick up and if possible should be containerized.”

From April 10 to April 17 city solid waste crews will pick up all residential household items except for large tree trunks, concrete, construction and demolition items.

Grass scalping will be collected during this period. However, Wilson says that after then the clippings will collected only by special pickup service.

Due to Environmental Protection Agency regulations, refrigerators and/or air conditioners can only be picked up if they have been certified by a licensed technician to be free of freon.

Those city residents wanting to dump at the city dump can do so free of charge with proof of residency including their utility receipts showing payment for refuse service and a driver’s license.

In terms of tonnage of trash, over the years the program has evolved into a very successful partnership between the city and its citizens.

“People really take advantage of the fees being waived,” Wilson says. “It seems as if some people just let things accumulate and then once a year, during Spring Cleanup, they have it all picked up.”

Local Teams Making Plans For Bed Race

Local teams are combining community spirit with generosity and friendly competition as participants in the 1999 United Way Bed Race on May 1, at 10 a.m.

Several businesses have already obtained rules, regulations and specifications needed to prepare their bed on wheels. Teams include: Conoco Inc., Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, Child Development Center, City of Ponca City, Sykes, Security Finance/Sunbelt Credit, Cherokee Strip Credit Union and Braudrick Printing.

Last year, the Conoco Rainbow Racers beat out the ONG Gas Hounds in a double elimination dual. The public is encouraged to come out and root for their favorite team.

The event will begin with a parade down Grand Avenue at 10 a.m., before returning to Fifth Street for the competition. Beds will be judged for their originality and design. Awards will be awarded following the race.

Additional information can be obtained at the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street, or by calling 765-2476.

Special Ponca Playhouse Show ‘Curious Savage’ Set Saturday

All Ponca City area residents are invited to attend the Ponca Playhouse award winning performance of “The Curious Savage,” Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre.

This is the same production which won them first place in Oklahoma Community Theater OCTAfest ’99 competition recently. The Playhouse cast and crew will take the production to the regional level in Albuquerque, N.M. on April 15.

The Saturday night production is being presented as a special benefit to help with expenses for the regional trip. The Playhouse cannot charge for admission but will accept any and all donations at the Saturday performance. Suggested donation per seat is $10.

In addition, participants are invited to meet the cast and crew over coffee and cake upstairs in the Pickerel Room at the Poncan Theatre from 7 p.m. prior to the performance. Donations of $25 per person are suggested for participants attending both the reception and the play.

For reservations or RSVP for the party, fans may call the box office at 765-5360 or fax Brian Harpster at 762-7604.

Corporate sponsor for “The Curious Savage” is Roy Sullivan of Sullivan Trucking Company who will be transporting props and costumes to Albuquerque for the regional competition.

According to Linda Cowley, Playhouse spokesman, the group will be traveling by bus, and as some seats are still available fans are invited to travel with the group on a first-come basis at $100 round-trip ($50 is tax deductible). The bus will leave Thursday morning, April 15 and return after the closing Sunday brunch on Sunday, April 18.

Reservations for the bus trip, as well as information about hotels and other prices and information for the rest of the weekend may be obtained at the Ponca Playhouse box office 765-5360.

DEATHS

ˆ

No Deaths

NEWS BRIEFS

Singles Activity — The Singles Connection will hold a class for Beginners Only Dance Lessons, Basic Steps of the Country Western Dances on Monday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the lounge of the American Legion. For more information call Diane Beekman (765-7165).

Missed You at karaoke Monday at the Blue Lite. We had lots of

fun. Hope to see you this Monday, starts at 9 p.m. Come sing along

with Joe and all the gang. adv.

Exhibitors Association to Meet — Please join us April 21 for the Quarter/Paint Horse Exhibitors Association membership meeting to be held at the Pioneer Bank Drive-through in Ponca City, at 7 p.m. Please call us at 762-1757 if you are unable to attend.

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.

Firearm — A 22-year-old man was arrested in the 500 block of North Palm Street at 8:33 a.m. Thursday, for discharging a firearm in the city limits.

Petit Larceny — A 42-year-old man was arrested at the Ponca City Police Department at 4:21 p.m. Thursday, on a city warrant for petit larceny.

Pancake & Sausage Feed Planned — American Legion Pancake & Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), Saturday, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 407 West South Avenue. Cost is $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and free to children under 6. Proceeds will go to the Children and Youth Activities.

Concrete Statuary. 25% off price marked. Keathly’s Nurs-

ery. 2448 Bridge Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-5. Sun-

day 1-5. adv.

Rummage Sale — There will be a rummage sale Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty Avenue. Proceeds go to missions.

Don’t Miss out on the last scheduled dart tournament at the

Blue Lite Lounge. Saturday, April 10, 3:30 p.m. Mystery out will be won. Check with Martha on pay-outs. adv.

Sign Down — A Ponca City police officer reported that the street sign was down at East Hartford Avenue and Fairview Avenue. The department notified Traffic Engineering at 1:35 p.m. Thursday.

Forgery — At 3:48 p.m. Thursday, a 14-year-old girl was charged with six counts of uttering a forged instrument.

Curious Savage — Come see the award winning Ponca Playhouse production “Curious Savage” at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Poncan Theatre. This comedy drama won the Oklahoma State Theatre Award recently and will be taken to the Regional Theatre competitions later this month.

All Framed art 15% off through April 15. Mrs. Brown’s Attic.

Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Burglary — A resident in the 700 block of South Tenth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:19 a.m. Thursday, to report a burglary to the car. An officer responded and took 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.

Theft — The Ponca City Police Department advised the Kay County Sheriff’s Office of a theft in the 1200 block of West Cowboy Hill Road, at 8:49 a.m. on Thursday.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Accident — At 10:27 a.m. Thursday, a resident in the 300 block of South Osage Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department to report a vehicle had been hit during the night. An officer responded and took a report.

Petunia Baskets. $9.99 wave petunia, net included. Keathly’s

Nursery. 2448 Bridge Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-

5. Sunday 1-5. adv.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 23-year-old man in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue, at 10:57 a.m. Thursday, for a Kay County warrant.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $11.95. Friday, April 10th.

For reservations. 765-5460. adv.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 12:43 p.m. Thursday, of an accident which occurred in the area of the 700 North Fourteenth Street. An officer arrived at the scene to take a report. No injuries were noted.

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

Extra Patrol — At 1:10 p.m. Thursday, a Ponca City police officer completed a report of stolen property in the 2200 block of Joe Street. The officer contacted the police department to ask for extra patrol in the area, at the resident’s request.

Tail Wagging contest. Saturday, April 17th at 1:00 at the Hu-

mane Society Shelter. Top three winners will compete at the

“Fetching Affair” Dinner/Dance Benefit on Friday, April 30th at the Moose Lodge. adv.

Warrant — A 41-year-old man was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer at 1:21 p.m. Thursday. The subject was charged with a city warrant for assault and battery.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 44-year-old man from a traffic stop at Circle Drive and South Fourth Street at 3:50 p.m. Thursday. The subject was charged with driving under suspension and no insurance.

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.

Vandalism — At 5:16 p.m. Thursday, a resident in the 100 block of West Hazel Avenue, reported vandalism occurred to the building. A Ponca City police officer responded and took a report.

Assault — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 7:44 p.m. Thursday, regarding an assault which occurred in the 900 block of North Second Street. An officer responded and took a report of domestic assault and battery. The officer confirmed there was enough probable cause to arrest a 24-year-old man, if the subject was located. The department advised the Kay County Sheriff’s Office and the Newkirk Police Department that the subject was en route to Newkirk driving a blue 1996 Dodge Neon. A Kay County deputy apprehended the suspect near Kildare and brought him to North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue, where he was turned over to a Ponca City officer. The subject was taken to the Ponca City jail and charged with domestic assault and battery.

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.

In Custody — A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 7:52 p.m. Thursday, from a traffic stop in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue. The subject was charged with driving under suspension and not wearing a seat belt. An 18-year-old woman was also taken into custody for failure to obey a Ponca City warrant.

Arrests — A 17-year-old boy was arrested by a Ponca City police officer, from West Chestnut Avenue and North Pine Street, at 3:20 a.m. Friday, for violating the curfew ordinance. He was released to a grandparent with a promise to appear in juvenile court. Additionally, an 18-year-old man was taken into custody for allowing a minor to be out past curfew. An officer also charged the man with failure to report an address change to the state, possession of drug paraphernalia and no insurance.

Assault — A 33-year-old man was arrested in the 1600 block of Richway Drive, by a Ponca City police officer at 9:14 p.m. Thursday. The subject was charged with domestic assault and battery.

Gun Seized — A resident in the 400 block of North Oak Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:06 p.m. Thursday, to report numerous vehicles in the area with subjects yelling and shots fired. Two officers went to the scene, seized a shotgun and brought it to the police station. An officer will complete a report for a warrant request.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 34-year-old man from a traffic stop at East Hartford Avenue and North Seventh Street at 11:41 p.m. Thursday. The subject was charged with a city warrant for failure to appear.

Fire — A motorist contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 12:17 a.m. Friday, to report seeing a fire under the New River Bridge. An officer made contact with subjects who had a pallet on fire. The subjects agreed to remain with the pallet until the fire was out and then move on.

LIFESTYLES

Eva Neely Observes 100th Birthday
Start Day Right With Nutritional Meal,Calcium

Eva Neely Observes 100th Birthday

Members of the Royal Neighbors of America fraternal organization gathered recently to honor member Eva Neely on the occasion of her 100th birthday. She joined the organization in 1923.

Attending from local camp 2377 were Lottie Etzel and Marietta Nelson. Also present were Sally Emery, field representative; Hiriam Dixon, field manager; and Bobby Davis, field coordinator.

Mrs. Neely has several family members in the Ponca City area.

Start Day Right With Nutritional Meal,Calcium

A Sneak Peak at Calcium’s Role in Healthy People 2010:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wants to make sure more Americans make calcium a part of their daily diet, according to a draft of the Healthy People 2010 Objectives.

By 2010, the nutrition objectives call for at least 90 percent of Americans meeting calcium recommendations on a daily basis. This is a significant jump ­ from 1988 to 1994, only 45 percent of Americans met their daily calcium needs. The draft report also highlights milk and Milk Group foods as important dietary sources of calcium. Milk is also mentioned as an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OfÞce of Public Health and Science gives these statistics:

Did you know Americans consume more than 10 billion bowls of soup each year? Giving your bowl an extra nutrient punch is easy just substitute milk for water.

EDUCATION

Summer Academies Open To Math, Science Students
PTSA Panel Discusses Youth Issues, Concerns, Programs
Elk Scholarship Winners
Heidi Rahn Perform in Recital
Peachtree Landing Logo Contest Held
Erin Fowler Wins Qantas Scholarship
Sunita Rani Chahar Wins Outstanding Achievement in Math
McCord Enrollment
National Award Winner

Summer Academies Open To Math, Science Students

Oklahoma students who will be in the eighth through 12th grade next fall can now sign up for 35 free Summer Academies in math and science sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Enrollment is limited, so students are encouraged to sign up early. Students can obtain brochures detailing activities for each academy from their math and science teachers, or they can view Summer Academies descriptions on the Oklahoma higher education Web site at www.okhighered.org under Information for Students.

Summer Academies last from one to six weeks on 23 college and university campuses across the state. Students either live on campus or commute from home.

This is the 10th year for students to attend the hands-on programs designed to take them into the day-to-day worlds of science, math and other studies.

“During Summer Academies, students gain real-life experiences in math and science, in areas such as meteorology, engineering, biology and physics. They work side-by-side with college professors, scientists and mathematicians on exciting, educational projects in classrooms, outdoors and in laboratories,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch.

“And students learn concepts and skills that can be applied throughout their education, as well as in the workplace,” Brisch said.

Benjamin S. Carson Sr., M.D., is serving as this year’s role model for Summer Academies. Dedicated to inspiring others to excel by using their natural talents, Carson is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore. Born into poverty in Detroit, Carson struggled with failing grades and a violent temper until his mother, who had only a third-grade education, challenged him to strive for excellence. He rose to the top of his high school class and earned academic scholarships to college and medical school.

World-renowned in his field, Carson headed up a medical team that separated West German conjoined twins in 1987 and led a team of South African doctors in the first successful separation of vertically conjoined twins in 1997. He has refined the techniques for hemispherectomy, a radical brain surgery to stop certain seizures, and worked with Hopkins’ plastic surgeons to develop a program to help children who need combined neurosurgical and plastic surgical reconstruction.

Public and private colleges and universities compete to host Summer Academies. The institutions submit proposals to the State Regents. The plans are then reviewed by a committee of educators representing both common and higher education.

Using the committee’s recommendations, State Regents approved 35 programs for 1999 representing 23 Oklahoma college and university campuses. The programs are funded through a $1.5 million appropriation by the 1998 Oklahoma Legislature.

“Students attending Summer Academies are able to explore advanced math and science principles and learn innovative ways of solving problems in these areas,” said John Massey, State Regents chairman.

“In addition, because Summer Academies are held on college campuses, students are introduced to higher education and college life and may be encouraged to continue their education at Oklahoma colleges and universities,” Massey said.

PTSA Panel Discusses Youth Issues, Concerns, Programs

According to the Oklahoma PTA Keynotes, the PTA should provide an opportunity to study critical issues that affect the health, education, welfare, and safety of children.

On March 29 the Po-Hi PTSA presented a program on juvenile crime/ violence/gangs and positive activities for youth in our community. Clayton Johnson, assistant chief of police, reported on crime statistics and spoke about the Westside Project’s success in reducing crime. Byron Tribble of Northern Oklahoma Youth Services discussed how municipal courts are bringing juveniles to court more quickly and striving to have juveniles do community service.

James Carter spoke of many services available for youth and their families through NOYS located at 415 West Grand. Established in Ponca City in 1972, NOYS is interested in preventing problems. Services, available to youth under the age of 18 and their families, include child abuse prevention programs, juvenile delinquency prevention programs, counseling, Child Care Resource and Referral, and SoonerCare (a health care program for children and pregnant women).

Connie Schones explained the facilities at Camp McFadden, which include a lodge, cabins, a, fishing pond, canoes and powerboats, swimming pool, archery range, and hiking trails, are available for family reunions, business meetings, company picnics, birthday parties, field trips, and campouts. The Camp McFadden challenge ropes course is designed to improve physical and mental skills.

Kelly Kay of the YMCA spoke of plans to expand activities for community youth. Such activities include lock-ins, dances, and teen nights, and a teen aerobic class and junior racquetball league are in the planning stage. A teen leadership conference held in Colorado in July will provide leadership training and recreation for area youth.

The five-member panel explained that Ponca City has programs in place to help the youth of our community. A series of articles will follow to give further details concerning “Youth Issues — Negative to Positive.”

School News

Elk Scholarship Winners

Winners of the Art Bartunek Memorial Scholarships were announced by the Ponca City Elks Lodge No. 2002. The awards were funded by donations to the memory of longtime member Art Bartunek. High school seniors, Elise R. Jeffries and Amy M. Johnston of Ponca City, as well as Jessica L. Wiersig of Newkirk, will each receive a $400 scholarship upon their enrollment at the college of their choice.

Earlier it was announced that David V. Donald and Scott M. Larrison each won an $800 scholarship from the Oklahoma Elks Major Projects.

Heidi Rahn Perform in Recital

Heidi Rahn, daughter of Gene and Lovina Rahn of Ponca City, performed in a student recital at 7 p.m. Monday at Hesston College, a two-year liberal arts college in Hesston, Kan. Heidi is a freshman piano student.

Peachtree Landing Logo Contest Held

A contest to design a new logo for Peachtree Landing, an organization formed to help homeless men, woman and children for a period of time, is being held for 4th through 12th grade students. The winning logo will represent Peachtree Landing on various items and brochures. Contest rules and forms may be obtained from each school’s office or from Peachtree Landing, 105 W. Hazel. The deadline for entries is April 30, and the winning logo will receive a $100 savings bond.

Erin Fowler Wins Qantas Scholarship

Erin Fowler, 7th grade student at Burbank, was named as a 1999 Qantas Airways Student Ambassador Scholarship winner. She will be awarded one of 11 full tuition scholarship toward participation in the South Pacific program this summer. She is one of 25 to participate in the program and will visit Australia and New Zealand. Erin, daughter of Gail and Janet Fowler, is an active member of Burbank School, both scholastically and athletically.

Sunita Rani Chahar Wins Outstanding Achievement in Math

Sunita Rani Chahar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bharat S. Chahar and sophomore at Po-Hi, participated in the Eighth Annual Oklahoma State University Math Contest in October and placed second in a field of 800 contestants. Sunita earned the top award of Outstanding Achievement. She is an active member in the mathematics department at Po-Hi.

McCord Enrollment

Enroll now for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten class for the fall school year at McCord Elementary office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Needed for enrollment are the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, social security card, and proof of residence such as a bill showing address and name.

National Award Winner

Po-Hi student Karly Merrifield has been named a United States National award winner in English. The Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students. Merrifield is the daughter of Jim and Sandy Merrifield.

RELIGION

St. John Baptists Celebrating Anniversary
First Assembly Sets Clothes Giveaway
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
‘Scott Sisters’ to Sing Sunday at Free Will Baptist
First Lutherans Continue Easter
Friendship Feast Hosting Dinner April 16 to Raise Operating Funds

Church Briefs

St. John Baptists Celebrating Anniversary

St. John Baptist Church members invite the public to join them as they celebrate the fifth anniversary of their pastor, Robert Palmer Sr. and his wife, Lois. Special services are planned for morning and afternoon.

Minister Raymond Petteis of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Stillwater, will bring the morning message at 1:45 a.m., as well as lift his voice in song, according to a spokesperson for St. John Baptist. In addition, special musical selections will be rendered by members of the St. John Baptist Church Mass Choir.

The afternoon service will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will feature Bro. Robert Jackson as soloist for the occasion. Minister Eric A. Joseph, a professor, motivational speaker, chapel minister, as well as professor at Langston University, will bring the message.

Master of Ceremonies for the day, Bro. Clarence Palmer, encourages everyone to come out and help St. John honor their pastor and his wife for the work they have done and continue to do as the Holy Spirit leads.

For more information, you may call Clarence at 762-3158.

First Assembly Sets Clothes Giveaway

First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley has free clothing to anyone with a need on Monday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at their church facility, 1308 Bradley. Those wishing to participate should use the furthest northwest door of the church to enter.

The church group needs more clothing to donate, and those with donations should leave the clothing inside the same northwest door. Giveaways are available on the first and second Monday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m.

‘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 are 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday service at 7 p.m. There are also classes for all age levels — nursery through adult. Watch the Search program on TV Channel 5 or TV Channel 8, Sunday 8 a.m.

“So the king consulted and made two golden calves, and he said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel that brought you up from the land of Egypt.’” I Kings 12:28.

In religion and politics, sometimes leaders with hidden, immoral motives try to move their followers to do wrong. To secure his power, Jeroboam did not want his people worshiping the true God at the temple in Jerusalem. He told them it would be easier to worship the two golden calves, and lied by saying these idols had led their ancestors out of slavery in Egypt. Jeroboam corrupted the religion and morality of the people of his kingdom.

‘Scott Sisters’ to Sing Sunday at Free Will Baptist

The Ponca City Free Will Baptist Church, located at 1900 East Hubbard Road, will host the “Scott Sisters” gospel group this Sunday, April 11. The group will be presenting a 30-minute concert as part of the 10:45 morning worship service. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m.

Following the morning worship service there will be a “Noon Fish Fry” in the family center at the church. Everyone is invited to stay, eat and share in a time of fellowship together. After lunch, at 1:30 p.m., the Scott Sisters will give an afternoon concert.

Church will be dismissed for the day following the concert.

First Lutherans Continue Easter

The Easter celebration will continue in the services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 11. At both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services, Pastor Ramsey will preach on the topic “Beneficiaries of an Eternal Inheritance.” The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “God So Loved the World.”

To enhance the “party” atmosphere the Worship Committee will decorate the sanctuary with streamers of many various colors. The Hymn of the Day will be “O Sons and Daughters of the King” sung as a dialogue between the choir and congregation.

The evening service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. It will again discuss the activities of Christ during Holy Week with emphasis on the Resurrection. First Lutheran urges anyone interested to join members of First Lutheran in the worship opportunities for the day.

Friendship Feast Hosting Dinner April 16 to Raise Operating Funds

On Friday, April 16, the board members of the Friendship Feast will be hosting a fund-raising spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church.

Cost of the meal will be $6 for adults and $3 for children. Kay Motz will be the chef again this year for the meal, which will consist of his homemade spaghetti sauce for the spaghetti, and fresh home-baked bread, salad, home-baked cookies and lime sherbet.

Proceeds from the meal will be used to purchase food, disposable plates and utensils, and other ancillary items, it was announced.

Friendship Feast is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteers from local churches and benevolent organizations in Ponca City. The mission of the Friendship Feast is to provide a good, wholesome meal to those in need in the Ponca City community. Meals are served from Monday to Thursday in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Tickets for the fund-raiser can be purchased at the door on the evening of the meal, from a board member, or from local church members. Ponca Citians are urged to buy a ticket, enjoy a touch of Italy in the middle of the U.S., and help support a Christian-based, ecumenical mission in Ponca City.

SPORTS

Cats Win One
Short Handed Cats Split Tennis Matches
Baseball or Softball at NOC

Cats Win One

Drop Heartbreaker

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

There’s no doubt about it: Ponca City’s Jeff Furnas — forgive the easy metaphor — knows how to turn up the heat.

The problem is, metaphorically speaking, someone keeps blowing out the pilot light.

Despite hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning — his third home run in four games — Furnas couldn’t keep the Cats from dropping a disastrous, 12-11 decision to the Tulsa Webster Warriors in the Wildcat Classic, Thursday.

Though they led 11-5 going into the bottom of the eighth, the Cats (as the visiting team) gave up seven runs to the Warriors, walking in the winning run on a hit batter.

In their earlier game, the Cats came up with a 6-run, 2-out rally in the third inning to prevail over the Northwest Classen Knights, 7-5.

Left fielder J. Michael Sharon also burned brightly for the Cats through both games, going 6-for-9 with six singles, and scored three times.

Late in the second game, after relief pitcher Wes Murrie struck out three in the bottom of the seventh to lead to the extra inning, Sharon banged out a base hit to get the Cats’ run parade started. Two walked batters later, Furnas sent Webster pitcher Billy Spencer’s second pitch on a fast, 400-foot trip into seventh street, beyond left field.

After a pitching change, first baseman Chris McCool and second baseman Bryan Coppock picked up RBIs to close out the Cats’ big inning.

To Ponca City coach Mike Krehbiel, the scrappy sophomore Sharon and the cool-running Furnas — who also hit a buzzer-beating baseline jumper to beat Stillwater during the basketball season — are the kind of players he’d like to have a few more of.

“There’s no question we can brag on those two,” he says, noting that Sharon will likely move to the 1-hole position after Thursday’s exhibition. As for Furnas, Krehbiel was even more emphatic:

“He’s a gamer. He knows he can hit, he knows what pitch he’s looking for, and he drives it. He has that inner confidence when he steps up there.”

With a seemingly insurmountable 11-5 lead, however, the Cats suddenly collapsed. Three straight errors on two plays gave the Warriors two quick runs. A walk and three hits led to two more runs, and prompted a pitching change for the Poncans.

Junior Todd Stewart, stepping in with the bases loaded, gave up a hit and an intentional walk, then had to bear the ignominy of hitting second baseman Anthony Todd to take the loss.

To Stewart’s credit, Krehbiel acknowledges: “we never should have been in that situation. It was pathetic. We just didn’t make the plays. Without those (errors) we would have been out of the inning with two runs and the game over.”

Also in the second game, Stewart had an RBI shot to right field in the fourth inning, while Murrie had an RBI double in the fifth inning.

While errors and pitching miscues cost the Cats in the second game, decent pitching and a stupendous third inning saved them in the first.

Coppock got his first complete game win of the season, giving up eight hits and just two walks, while striking out six in seven innings of work.

“Overall, our pitching did fine,” says Krehbiel. “My two sophomores (Coppock and Buddy McCoy) did a great job, even though the end result doesn’t look that way.”

With the Poncans down 3-1, Sharon again sparked a Wildcat scoring run, skipping a 2-out base hit into left field in the bottom of the third. Three straight RBI singles, from center fielder Toby RedLeaf, catcher Jerrod Spears, and Furnas, gave the Cats the lead.

Right fielder Barry Geheb then crushed a 2 RBI double to left field, and Stewart followed that with an RBI triple to conclude the Cats’ 10-batter inning.

“The law of averages is finally working out,” Krehbiel enthused, in the midst of the Cats’ scoring run.

RedLeaf also had an RBI in the first inning to account for the Cats’ only other run, and was 2-for-2 with a walk in the game. Sharon was 2-for-3 with a walk.

In the second game, Sharon was 4-for-6, Furnas was 2-for-4 with four RBIs and a walk, while McCool was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

The Cats, now 5-15 on the year, will continue play in the Wildcat Classic today, taking on Blackwell, at 6. The Maroons defeated Webster on Thursday, 9-5.

Game Notes — (first game) Coppock threw all of five pitches in the third inning for a strikeout and two pop-outs ... the Cats’ defense committed just one error, and got two nice plays in the infield from Murrie and Justin Ross ... (second game) Webster’s Luke Ellsworth hit an in-the-park home run in the fourth inning ... Spears picked off another runner, his fifth in four games ... the Cats had just two runs on seven hits through the first four innings.

Ponca City 7, Northwest Classen 5

Classen 210 100 1 — 5 8 0

Ponca City 106 000 x — 7 8 3

Coppock (w) and Spears; Matthews (l) and Burrus.

Tulsa Webster 12, Ponca City 11

Ponca City 100 130 06 — 11 14 5

T. Webster 002 300 07 — 12 13 2

Maggard, Bacon (1), Johnson (7), Spencer (w, 8) and Spencer, Maggard (8); McCoy, Murrie (5), Stewart (l, 8) and Spears.

Short Handed Cats Split Tennis Matches

OKLAHOMA CITY — Playing without their top two players, the Wildcat netters had a rough time with Oklahoma City Casady, dropping all but their last two singles matches to fall, 7-2, Wednesday.

The Wildcat junior varsity, however, squashed the powerful Cyclones, 8-1, to give the Poncans the overall edge, 10-8.

“They’re good, but their strength is all in their top four guys,” said coach Steve Larimer, of the perennially tough, Class 2A private school. “And we had to move our four, five, and six guys up two places. Overall, we played pretty good.”

Despite playing with a hurt Achilles tendon, Cory Landes prevailed over Basheer Shakir, 6-2, 6-2 in the No. 5 spot, while Mark Parsons beat Ryan Cox, 6-3, 6-2 in the No. 6 spot to account for the Cats only two wins.

Landes and Parsons also teamed up to battle Casady’s Jeremy Jenkins and Shakir in the closest doubles match of the day, falling 6-3, 7-6(7-4).

Along with several close singles matches, Larimer says the loss wasn’t as conclusive as the score would indicate.

“There were a couple of matches we should have won,” he says. “We’re still trying to figure out which six want to play.”

Larimer had no complaints for his JV team, however. Matt Caine, Scot Mitchell, Squire Lawrence, Michael Stuemky, and Michael Galbraith all won their respective singles matches in straight sets, and teamed up to sweep the Cyclones in doubles, as well.

The Cats’ varsity travels to the Sapulpa Tournament, Saturday.

Casady 7, Ponca City varsity 2

singles

1 — Tim Frick lost to Mike Harmon, 6-0, 6-2

2 — Josh Pitts lost to Shane Cox, 6-2, 6-0

3 — Daniel Lee lost to Jeremy Jenkins, 6-4, 6-4

4 — Trevor Viljoen lost to Stephen Walia, 7-5, 6-0

5 — Cory Landes def. Basheer Shakir, 6-2, 6-2

6 — Mark Parsons def. Ryan Cox, 6-3, 6-2

doubles

1 — Frick-Lee lost to Harmon-Cox, 7-5, 6-0

2 — Pitts-Viljoen lost to Walia-Paternostro, 6-3, 6-1

3 — Landes-Parsons lost to Jenkins-Shakir, 6-3, 7-6(7-4)

Ponca City JV 8, Casady 1

singles

1 — Matt Caine def. Stuart Densmore, 6-0, 6-1

2 — Scot Mitchell def. Andrew Richard, 6-1, 6-0

3 — Squire Lawrence def. Fred Tien, 6-2, 6-1

4 — Mark Goddard lost to Marc Massad, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(7-3)

5 — Michael Stuemky def. Adam Kallstrom, 6-1, 6-0

6 — Michael Galbraith def. Sean Stone, 6-1, 6-0

doubles

1 — Caine-Mitchell def. Densmore-Richard, 7-6(7-0), 6-4

2 — Goddard-Galbraith def. Tien-Massad, 6-3, 7-5

3 — Lawrence-Stuemky def. Walker-Kallstrom, 6-1, 6-1

Baseball or Softball at NOC

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

TONKAWA — Maybe Northern Oklahoma’s women’s softball team should just have gone ahead and played the Bacone baseball team here Thursday.

In a giant faux pas, the Bacone softball team couldn’t make their scheduled date with the Lady Mavs because of a lack of transportation. The Bacone baseball team had taken the team bus.

A couple hours later the Bacone baseball team pulled into Tonkawa to play the Mavericks, who were in Tishomingo sweeping past Murray State, in that scheduled doubleheader.

Bacone may be feeling lucky. The Mavericks have now won six in a row and eight of their last 10 games. They topped Oklahoma Christian University’s JVs 11-5 and 7-6 Tuesday before swating Murray State, 5-4 and 15-5, on Thursday.

“We’re playing good solid baseball right now,” coach Terry Ballard said as he prepares to send his Mavs against Murray State here Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.. “We were solid on both defense and at the plate. The hitters are doing real well and the pitching is holding its own.

Ponca City’s J.R. Fry continues his torrid hitting. He has gone 6-for-6 in two games this week to raise his average to .480 on the season.

Edmond’s Joe Reddick is 7-for-9 over the same time span with a home run, triple and double against OCU. Ponca City’s Jason Ross and Jason Rector of Tecumseh both had home runs in Thursday’s doubleheader. Rector had six RBIs against Murray State.

Pitchers Brandon Long of Enid, Daniel Denny of Ponca City and Josh Robinson of Yale were the benificaries of all that hitting.

Long picked up two wins on the week and Denny moved to 4-0 on the season.

Now 4-4 in the Twin States Conference, the Mavs try to keep the surge going in the twinbill with Murray State at the Mavs’ field Saturday.

Next week is just as hectic as they play at Seminole Monday, make up a conference doubleheader with Redlands here Tuesday and play Pratt on the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ field in Stillwater Thursday.

They return to conference play at home against North Ark on Saturday and Sunday.

NOC softball coach Joe Stanhope couldn’t be too unhappy about the postponement of the Bacone doubleheader (it has been rescheduled for May 2.)

The Lady Mavs are 10-13 on the season after losing twice, 8-0 and 4-3, to Crowder on Tuesday, to fall to 10-16 on the season.

“We have three starters out with knee injuries,” Stanhope said, “ and they are three of my best hitters.”

The NOC women are trying to get by scratching for runs and depending on pitching, “and the pitching is not coming through,” Stanhope notes.

“This is going to have to be a total rebuilding season,” the coach continued. “We are having to play a lot of younger players and we are playing a number of the girls out of position.

“But the team is staying positive and we should get those three injured players back in time for the playoffs.”

Meanwhile, the NOC women are scheduled to play at Murray State on Saturday.

Next week the Lady Mavs are slated to play at Seminole Thursday and then host Lamar College next Saturday and Sunday.