LOCAL

Nearly 30 Explosive Devices Found
Nearly News
Great Foods Are the Headliners At Taste and Tasteless Events
Souligny Medical Center Plaza Plans Reviewed
Modified Food Guide Sets New Choices for Children
Kindergarten Sign Up on Thursday, Friday
Open House Saturday
Bundles Featured Dog For Trail of Tails Event
NOC Planning Free Health Fair Next Wednesday
New OHS Hall of Famers Diverse in Backgrounds
OHS To Present Awards During Friday’s Banquet
Head Country Team Claims Spring Victory

Nearly 30 Explosive Devices Found

LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) — Worried about bombs and booby traps, specially trained officers painstakingly checked thousands of lockers and castoff backpacks today in a suburban high school where 15 people were killed in the deadliest U.S. school rampage on record. Close to 30 explosive devices were found.

Victims’ bodies were left in the school overnight as agonized parents braced for the worst. Students streamed into Clement Park next to the school early today to leave flowers and share their feelings about the shootings.

‘‘It helps to talk about it,’’ said Brandon Reisbeck, a 19-year-old senior who bolted from his choir class to safety after he heard gunshots Tuesday. Outside the Light of the World Church, visitors placed flowers and cards at the base of a weathered 12-foot cross leaning sideways against a tree.

The investigation was delayed by the thorough police sweep of the school, which was prompted by the discovery of bombs in the parking lot and on the bodies of the gunmen, said to be members of an outcast group with right-wing overtones called the Trenchcoat Mafia.

At midmorning today, sheriff’s spokesman Steve Davis said close to 30 explosive devices were found at the school, in the suspects’ vehicles and possibly at their homes. Late Tuesday, more than 11 hours after the shootings, a bomb on a timer blew up, but no one was injured.

‘‘Some of these devices are on timing devices, some are incendiary devices and some are pipe bombs,’’ Jefferson County Sheriff John Stone told ABC’s ‘‘Good Morning America.’’ ‘‘Some are like hand grenades that have got shrapnel in them wrapped around butane containers.’’

After hours of confusion on the precise death toll, Davis put it at 15, including the two shooters. Four of the dead were women or girls, and at least one was believed to be a school staff member, he said. At one point, authorities had said up to 25 had died.

Some of the victims were found underneath desks, in cubicles or in boxes, slain while apparently trying to hide, Davis said. Witnesses said that during the rampage, the two teen-agers in black trench coats laughed and hooted as they opened fire.

Today, students struggled to understand the tragedy.

Crystal Woodman, a junior who was in the library when the gunmen burst in, said this morning she can’t get their voices out of her head.

‘‘They were just, like, they thought it was funny,’’ Woodman told ‘‘Good Morning America.’’ ‘‘They were just, like ‘Who’s next? Who’s ready to die?’ They were just, like, ‘We’ve waited to do this our whole lives.’ And every time they’d shoot someone, they’d holler, like it was, like, exciting.’’

Most of the bodies were found in the library. The attackers marched in with guns and pipe bombs, demanding that ‘‘all jocks stand up. We’re going to kill every one of you,’’ student Aaron Cohn said.

A gunman looked under a desk in the library and said ‘‘Peek-a-boo,’’ then fired, Cohn said. Anyone who cried or moaned was shot again. One girl begged for her life, but a gunshot ended her cries.

Cohn said one killer put a pistol to his head but did not shoot him. Instead, he said, the shooter turned his attention to a black student, saying, ‘‘I hate niggers.’’ Cohn heard three shots but couldn’t see what happened.

Frantic parents awaited word of their children, watching as busloads of tearful students were reunited with their families.

Twenty-three people were treated at hospitals, most of them with gunshot wounds. Sixteen teens remained hospitalized this morning, including five in critical condition and five others in serious condition. One teen suffered at least nine shrapnel and bullet wounds; she was in fair condition today.

Students and Denver media identified the gunmen as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. The two exchanged shots with police and were later found dead in the library with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and bombs around their bodies, Davis said.

‘‘It appears to be a suicide mission,’’ Stone said.

Both youths had two parents at home and came from families neighbors described as fine people.

‘‘They were extremely bright, but not good students,’’ said choir teacher Lee Andres. ‘‘... They disliked authority. They did not like to be told what to do.’’

While the motive was unclear, several students said Harris and Klebold were members of a group calling itself the ‘‘Trenchcoat Mafia,’’ outcasts who bragged about guns and bombs and hated blacks and Hispanics, as well as athletes.

Police who searched Harris’ home said they found bomb-making material. Students said the group was fascinated with World War II and the Nazis and noted that Tuesday was Adolf Hitler’s birthday.

The pair, wearing fatigues and ankle-length black coats, opened fire in the parking lot around 11:30 a.m. before entering the school cafeteria. Bullets ricocheted off lockers as students raced toward the exits.

Student Nick Foss saw one of the gunmen pull a sawed-off shotgun from under his coat.

‘‘Finally I started figuring out these guys shot to kill for no reason,’’ Foss said. The gunman ‘‘didn’t say anything. When he looked at me, the guy’s eyes were just dead.’’

The killers fired as they walked into the cafeteria and continued shooting as they moved upstairs into the library. Cohn said he heard one girl begging for her life and then a bang.

‘‘They were laughing after they shot. It was like they were having the time of their life,’’ he said.

Dozens of students hid in classrooms before escaping with the help of police in an armored car. Others were trapped for hours while SWAT teams searched for the gunmen and their bombs. Some had called their parents on cellular phones from inside the building to whisper they were OK.

Hundreds of police officers from throughout the Denver area surrounded the school, which has 1,800 students. As TV images of the scene were broadcast nationwide, helicopter ambulances used a sports field as a landing pad, and officers in helmets and camouflage gear took cover behind squad cars.

Students who fled the building wept and held their hands above their heads while police frisked them.

In Washington, President Clinton said: ‘‘Perhaps now America will wake up to the dimensions of this challenge, if it could happen in a place like Littleton.’’

At an appearance today in Minneapolis, Attorney General Janet Reno said she may push to have more counselors in the nation’s schools to avoid problems before they start. ‘‘It is important for teachers, parents ... to have the resources they need to turn to,’’ Reno said.

She said she may push to have more counselors in the nation’s schools to avoid problems before they start.

Littleton is a suburb of 35,000 southwest of Denver, where farmland is rapidly disappearing beneath suburban sprawl and soccer fields.

Many parents gathered at a nearby elementary school and answered questions from investigators, who were trying to identify some of the victims based only on what they were wearing.

Lauri Senti waited 3 1/2 hours before she found her 14-year-old daughter, Ashley Steele, safe. Senti stayed at Leawood Elementary until late Tuesday to comfort other grieving parents.

‘‘Everybody was walking around asking if you’d heard about their children,’’ she said. ‘‘You can’t really say anything. You’re just there for support.’’

Since 1997, a series of school shootings around the country have led to demands for stricter laws, tighter security and closer monitoring of troubled students. Two people were killed in an attack in Pearl, Miss., three in West Paducah, Ky., five in Jonesboro, Ark., and two in Springfield, Ore.

Nearly News

Sorry about sending this to every one in my address book, it just seemed the quickest and easiest way to get a message out.

We are ALL FINE. Jeff was with me at school. We have no more information than most of you do at this time. In fact, like you our news came via the radio and TV.

The shooting was NOT at our school. Columbine High School is indeed in Littleton but it is NOT a Littleton Public School. It is however, about 5 miles from Heritage and many of our students know kids who attend Columbine. So we’re expecting a great need for counseling tomorrow. We were not able to shield our kids from the news and we spent a great deal of the afternoon just making sure our kids are as ok as they can be with >something like this going on.

Jeff’s varsity team is playing their arch rival Arapahoe in 20 minutes so I am off to his game to help convince all those guys that everything is all right in the world.

Thanks for all the calls, emails, thoughts and prayers. I had no idea when I walked in the door to change clothes for the baseball game that there would be that many messages on the answering machine. Its nice to >know you’re got friends.

Mert Martens

Great Foods Are the Headliners At Taste and Tasteless Events

“The foods are just great at Taste and Tasteless” says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan Theatre. “Every year the best food vendors in Ponca City show up with some of their best menu items,” he says. Actually, many of them show up with off-the-menu items, too. They often like to show off their best stuff. The annual fund-raiser at the Poncan begins this Friday at 6:45 p.m. “Tickets are still available,” Wessel says. “But they’re going fast.”

Since “Tasteless” (as it’s known) is a fund-raiser, the food vendors have all donated their foods and their services to the Poncan Theatre. That means that the $20 ticket is entirely a donation to the not-for-profit theatre. It can be completely written off. “The gifts of these restaurateurs makes the event what it is,” Wessel says. With their generosity and culinary skills, this is a great springtime event.

Rusty Barrell will have some of their outstanding steaks available. “We really enjoy doing this for the community,” says Bill Coddington. He and his wife Judy have been big Poncan supporters. Not only have they been regulars at Taste and Tasteless, but they assisted the theatre with the Hank Williams show. Judy is a life-long Ponca Citian who remembers coming to the theatre to see great films like “Rear Window.” “We’re lucky to have the Poncan,” she says. “It’s beautiful.”

Kathy Edwards of El Chico says “Tasteless is a lot of fun, and we have a great time doing this And it’s very nice to be a part of the community, supporting the heritage of Ponca City.”

One new restaurant, Jack’s Downtown Grill, has opened since the last “Tasteless.” “It’s fun for us to get involved in the community and downtown activities,” says Jack McDonald, the owner. Jack’s, a place with a varied menu, will bring sizzling mushrooms and a range of tasty desserts. “We think we’re a fun place to come and visit when folks go to the Poncan,” McDonald says. He also owns Pizza Inn, and they’re bringing a special stromboli pizza to Taste and Tasteless.

Other vendors will serve a huge variety including brisket, shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, ham, many different sandwiches, cookies, muffins, and other great foods. “We have soft drinks and beer” for ticket holders, Wessel says. “But we’ve had to change our wine service,” he adds “The Great State of Oklahoma took exception to our ticket, which included wine as part of the deal.” So the theatre will provide a cash wine bar. “I’m sure it’s an important difference,” Wessel says. “I’m sure because they told me so.”

“Taste and Tasteless is indispensable to our operations,” says Wessel. “Every year this event helps reduce ticket costs.” And they’re still improving the quality of the presentations, too.

The food vendors include the Amarillo Mesquite Grill, Dougan’s Bar-B-Q, El Chico, Golden Corral Family Steakhouse, Head Country Bar-B-Q, Hero’s Bar and Grill, Jack’s Downtown Grill, Marriott at Conoco, Mazzio’s Pizza, 101 Beverage, Perkins Family Restaurant, Pizza Inn, Ponca City Country Club, Rusty Barrell Supper Club, Schlotsky’s Deli, Subway Sandwiches and Salads, United Supermarket Delicatessen, and Dr. Pepper Bottling. “We are grateful to all of these folks,” Wessel says. “They have contributed to the Poncan and to the community.”

Tickets to Taste and Tasteless are available at main Ponca City banks, and at the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand. On Friday, patrons can come to the Poncan any time of the day for tickets. “We’ll have someone here continuously from 9 a.m.,” Wessel says. The Poncan phone number is 765-0943.

Souligny Medical Center Plaza Plans Reviewed

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

Ponca City Commissioners reviewed plans for Souligny Medical Center Plaza at their work session Monday. The planned unit development, PUD, will be placed on the agenda of the next Board of Commissioners meeting, May 26.

Todd Kennemer, city planner, explained that the PUD consists of 28.8 acres of undeveloped property which is bounded on the north by Bradley Avenue, on the south by Young Avenue, on the west by Burlington Northern right-of-way, and on the east by the alley just west of Jane Street.

The PUD offers a mixture of residential, professional, and commercial land uses. The eastern edge is to be zero lot line, semi-detached residential development. The center portion, along Fifth Street, is to be a mixture of local commercial and professional offices.

Moving from east to west, land use will graduate from residential to commercial, with each section serving as a buffer zone for a smooth transition.

The concept is to create a mixed use community. Homes will be within walking distance of professional offices and commercial business, to reduce dependence on the automobile.

Access will be provided from Fifth Street and Bradley Avenue. Additionally, the PUD will be landscaped to meet the Ponca City codes and to add esthetic value. Trees, shrubs, berms, bushes and ground cover will be used to establish an environmentally harmonious development.

Special regulations will be placed upon the PUD of Souligny Medical Center Plaza, according to Kennemer. Planning and zoning regulations will allow three to four residential structures, or six to eight dwelling units, per acre. Minimum lot size for residential development will be 5,400 square feet and minimum lot width will be 40 square feet at the building line. Yard requirements are included in the limitations.

Additionally, Seventh Street will be dedicated to the City of Ponca City, with a right-of-way, 60 feet wide with pavement 26 feet wide. Also, a sidewalk will be paved on one side of Seventh Street.

Kennemer confirmed that landscaping will be maintained by a property owners association, consisting of all property owners in the Souligny Medical Center Plaza.

Modified Food Guide Sets New Choices for Children

Our kids are not eating right!

That’s the consensus as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issues a modified food guide pyramid that emphasizes food choices for children ages 2 to 6, to help improve their diets. The Oklahoma State Department of Health believes using the new guide will make it easier for parents to ensure their children receive proper nutrition.

It is agreed that the prevalence of overweight in children aged 2 to less than 5 years has increased steadily over the last eight years, from 7.0 percent in 1989 to 8.6 percent in 1997 — and the reason given for this obesity problem is, simply, the kids are eating foods high in fat and living sedentary lifestyles.

The new food pyramid should guide the kids in making better food selections and eating in moderation. At least, that’s the hope of State Health Commissioner J.R. Nida, MD.

The children’s guide shows food commonly eaten by children, such as waffles, a chicken drumstick, green beans, pudding and a lollipop, has been simplified with shorter food group names, a set number of servings for each food group, such as two servings from the milk group, instead of saying two to three servings from the milk, yogurt and cheese group. The guide also gives information on serving sizes. Recommended daily servings include the following:

*Grain group — 6 servings

*Vegetable group — 3 servings

*Fruit group — 2 servings

*Milk group — 2 servings

*Meat group — 2 servings

*Fats and Sweets — limit calories from these

Single copies of the publication “Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children” may be ordered from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion by calling 1-800-687-2258.

Kindergarten Sign Up on Thursday, Friday

Kindergarten pre-enrollment for Ponca City Public Schools will be held Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the child’s home school.

Eligible are all children who will be five years old on or before Sept. 1. To enroll, parents should bring a birth certificate or other form of identification of birth date, complete immunization records with date of shots verified by a licensed physician, social security number, emergency phone numbers, personal physician name and telephone numbers, and parents’ home and work numbers.

Immunization requirements include five doses or DPT, or a combination of DPT and DTaP vaccines totaling five, unless the fourth DTP/DtaP was received after the fourth birthday; four doses of polio, unless the third polio was received after the fourth birthday; two MMR; two Hepatitis A; three Hepatitis B; and one Varicella, or statement of when child had chickenpox. Immunizations must be completed, or be in the process, before attending the first day of school on Aug. 18.

Open House Saturday

The American Legion Children’s home will host the annual open house and conference at the American Legion Children’s Home, 1300 Summers Place, beginning Saturday, assisted by the American Legion and Auxiliary of Oklahoma.

A banquet and dinner will be held at the American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, at 6 p.m., followed by a dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $12, and include the banquet dinner and dance.

The open house will begin at the Children’s Home Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. A program will be presented at 10 p.m. with tours of the campus held after lunch.

The Children and Youth Conference of the American Legion and Auxiliary will be held Saturday, in observance of Children and Youth month.

Additionally, the Children’s Home will celebrate 71 years of service. Since 1928, the American Legion and its affiliated organizations have donated countless hours of volunteer effort and millions of dollars in support of programs and activities for children and youth.

The local Children’s Home is a residential child care facility for 50 children. It is the only facility of its kind in the country, operated by the American Legion.

Members and friends are invited to join in the celebration. Myrna Ladwig, state auxiliary president and Jim Amerson, department commander will present greetings. Special guest will be John D. Morris, national vice-commander.

Morris is a veteran of the Korean War, who served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1963. He has been a member of the American Legion since 1970. He is a member of American Legion Griffith Zann Post 594, in Houston, Texas.

Nationally, Morris has served on several panels, including the Distinguished Guests Committee, National Security Council, Americanism Commission and Internal Affairs Commission, the latter from 1993 until he assumed the office of National vice commander.

Morris was the national executive committeeman for the Department of Texas from 1988 to 1992.

Contact Lisa McGee at 580-762-4156, for more information on the open house and conference.

Bundles Featured Dog For Trail of Tails Event

Bundles is this year’s featured dog for the annual Trail of Tails Walk-A-Thon. He is a two-and-a-half years old male basset hound/lhasa apso mix that was dumped north of town and made the rounds from home to home until he came into the care of the Humane Society. A bath and clip revealed a well-mannered and playful dog, available for adoption at the Humane Society.

Bundles will lead walkers participating in the Walk-A-Thon set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 1. On-site registration for walkers and their pets will be held at the corner of Seventh Street and Grand Avenue. The Walk-A-Thon is open to anyone who loves to walk and loves animals.

In addition to the Walk-A-Thon, other Trail of Tails events include several fun contests, including best trick, best costume, look-a-like, large dog, small dog, guess the number of dog biscuits in the jar, oldest walker, youngest walker, and longest travel distance to enter the Walk-A-Thon.

All participants are encouraged to ask friends, family and co-workers to make pledges for their completing the Walk-A-Thon. Pledge forms can be picked up at local banks, local veterinarian offices and the Ponca City Humane Society office. The goal is to have each participant raise at least $85. Cash prizes will be awarded based on the amount of pledges raised. All participants who turn in an official pledge sheet will have their name entered into random drawings for various prizes. Companies are encouraged to show their spirit by participating in teams in the event. The top fund-raising team will receive a plaque.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Ponca City Humane Society, a private, nonprofit organization, dedicated to the welfare of animals. Established in 1957, the Humane Society has been a leader among humane societies for over 40 years.

For additional information, contact Jean at the Humane Society office at 767-8877. The Ponca City Humane Society, located at 900 West Prospect, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

NOC Planning Free Health Fair Next Wednesday

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College will host its third annual free health fair Wednesday, April 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Foster-Piper Fieldhouse.

Approximately 12 exhibitors are expected to conduct free screening tests, distribute literature and sample products and answer questions about their health areas. Tests for stress, body fat and grip will be available as well as vision, and spinal screenings. Blood pressure can also be measured.

The fair will give community residents the opportunity to take a look at their health status and learn the latest findings in the health field. “The object of our Health Fair is to provide free information in all related health areas to individuals from surrounding counties as well as to Northern students,” said Nevona Kegans, Health Fair coordinator and chair of the health, physical education and recreation division.

Scheduled exhibitors include: Bristow Chiropractic, Blackwell Vision Center, Tonkawa Fire Department, Blackwell Regional Hospital, Oklahoma Blood Institute, Northern Drugs and Alcohol, Northern Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, American Red Cross, Cherokee Strip chapter, Tonkawa Medical Clinic, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the Northern Oklahoma College Nursing Division.

Free soft drinks and popcorn will be given to fair goers and many door prizes from area merchants will be awarded.

The evening is sponsored by the College Division of Health, Recreation and Physical Education.

New OHS Hall of Famers Diverse in Backgrounds

Four new members to be inducted into the Oklahoma Historic Hall of Fame Friday evening at the Hutchins Memorial in Ponca City include Oklahoman’s who have been unique in their accomplishments and diverse in background.

The outstanding historians include Dr. Donald J. Berthrong of Purdue University; the late Rella Watts Looney, former Oklahoma Historical Society archivist; the late Savoie Lottinville, former director of the University of Oklahoma Press, and the late Parker McKenzie, former Kiowa historian and linguist of Mountain View. Looney, Lottinville and McKenzie will be honored posthumously.

Dr. Berthrong was employed at Purdue University in 1970 as head of the Department of History. His numerous published works included “A Confederate in the Colorado Gold Fields” and “The Cheyenne and Arapaho Ordeal” both published by the University of Oklahoma Press. He also wrote “Black Kettle, A Friend of Peace,” in “Indian Leaders: Oklahoma’s First Statesman,” published by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Looney served as Oklahoma Historical Society archivist for 45 years until her retirement in 1974. She died at 98 in 1996. She was born in Illinois during 1898 and came to Muskogee in 1911. Her first task with the Oklahoma Historical Society was to catalog the records of the Five Civilized Tribes in Muskogee starting in 1929.

She came to Oklahoma City in 1934, when the Indian Records were moved to the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives and opened to the public. Hundreds of thousands of additional pages of tribal records were added, and the records were researched by scholars. Looney assisted scholars such as Berthrong, Angie Debo, Grant Foreman, Muriel Wright, Alice Marriott and Daniel Littlefield among others.

During her 45 years, Looney catalogued 3.5 million documents and more than 6,000 volumes while serving most of that time as the only staff member in the archives. The Oklahoma Historical Society honored her by naming the Archives reading room as the Rella Watts Looney Research Room.

Lottinville directed the University of Oklahoma Press for 30 years until 1968, bringing it to national prominence. He died at 90 in 1997. He was born in Idaho in 1906 and came with his family to Tulsa. He went to the University of Oklahoma and became a Rhodes Scholar. He served as an Oklahoma City Times reporter for two years and became director of the OU Press in 1938. His chance meeting with a U.S. Navy captain on a train led to the development of two navy bases in Norman.

Under his direction, OU Press pioneered the use of special paper made to last 300 years. Time magazine recognized him for building the press into the “nation’s standout example of a successful regional publisher.” He is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. His published works included “The Rhetoric of History” and “Western Man and His Tradition.”

McKenzie was a member of the original American Indian Exposition Board of Directors. He died at 101 in Mountain View on March 5, 1999. He was born Nov. 15, 1897, in a Kiowa Tribal camp south of what is now Mountain View. He attended the Rain Mountain Kiowa boarding school, the Phoenix Indian boarding school, Lamson Business College and Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). He worked for the Indian’s Monies Section of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Anadarko Agency from 1920 to 1959.

For more information about the annual Oklahoma Historical Society meeting, and other activities, call (405) 522-5203.

OHS To Present Awards During Friday’s Banquet

In addition to induction of four new members into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame, six awards will be presented to historians and other organizations, including the Outstanding OHS Support Group Award to the Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board.

Deputy Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn of the Oklahoma Historical Society will induct the new Hall of Fame members and present the awards during the 7 p.m. banquet in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. The awards banquet will be one of the featured events during the April 22-24 Oklahoma Historical Society annual meeting at the Marland Estate Conference Center.

The four new Historian Hall of Fame members will be Dr. Donald J. Berthrong of Purdue University; the late Rella Watts Looney, former Oklahoma Historical Society archivist; the late Savoie Lottinville, former director of the University of Oklahoma Press, and the late Parker McKenzie, former Kiowa historian and linguist of Mountain View. Looney, Lottinville and McKenzie will be honored posthumously.

Research and writing awards will also be presented to Prof. Emeritus Stan Hoig of the University of Central Oklahoma for the Best Book on Oklahoma History; Vincent T. Lyon of the University of Central Oklahoma with the Murial H. Wright Award for the best article in “The Chronicles of Oklahoma,” and Assist. Prof. Bonnie Lynn-Sherow of Kansas State University for the Outstanding Dissertation on Oklahoma History.

Bill Doolittle of Weatherford High School will receive the Joseph B. Thoburn Award as the outstanding student historian in Oklahoma.

The Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board of Ponca City will be honored as the Outstanding OHS Support Group. The Friends of the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami will receive the Outstanding Local Historical Society Award.

This is the seventh year of inductions into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame bringing the total number to 28. Plaques honoring hall of fame members will be displayed in the Wiley Post Historical Building and later in the new $46 million Oklahoma History Center, which is being planned in Oklahoma City.

For more information about the Oklahoma Historical Society’s annual awards banquet set for April 22-25 in Ponca City, call (405) 522-5203.

Head Country Team Claims Spring Victory

Ponca City’s Head Country Bar-B-Que Team has won the spring contest held earlier this month.

Paul Schatte, Head Country II Bar-B-Que team competed in the Fifth Annual Mid-South Regional Bar-B-Que Contest the first weekend in April in Lincoln, Ark. Schatte place first in pork ribs, third in chicken, fifth in brisket and seventh in pork.

Schatte said that many of the teams that compete in the Ponca City contest were among the 26 teams competing for this regional title. Last year Double C from Stillwater won Grand Champion and Head Country II took Reserve. This year’s results were just the opposite. One of the prizes for the Grand Champion was a Kingfisher Kountry Kooker. Kingfisher is one of the sponsors of the annual Cherokee Strip Bar-B-Que contest. This year’s contest will be held again at the Wentz Camp, Sept. 17-18.

The win qualified Head Country II for the National Invitational which will be held in Kansas City in October.

DEATHS

Rodney Dean Rhea
Marjorie Gene Legg
Clarene Brotherton
Henry W. Sprow
Willie Lee Armstrong
Frances Elizabeth Casey
Eugene E. Rankins
E. Gene Shelton

Rodney Dean Rhea

BLACKWELL — Rodney Dean Rhea, former Blackwell resident, died at his home in Wichita, Kan., Monday, April 19, 1999. He was 51.

The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. David Sanders, Nardin Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Rodney Dean Rhea was born Dec. 5, 1947, in Blackwell to Samuel Roland and Esther Louise (Bass) Rhea Sr. He grew up and attended schools in Blackwell, graduating from high school in 1966. He was employed as an auto mechanic with Ray Hamlin Chevrolet until that business closed. He also worked for other car dealers in Blackwell and Ponca City.

On Dec. 30, 1968, he was married to Karen Joyce Lane in Stillwater and the couple made their home in Blackwell. In 1997 they moved to Wichita. He was a member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Rhea of Wichita, Kan.; sons, Ronald of Wichita, Kan., and Lonnie of Blackwell; his father, Samuel R. Rhea Sr. of Blackwell; two brothers, Samuel R. Rhea Jr. of Blackwell and Thomas Guy Rhea of Ponca City; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Brian Rhea; and his mother.

Marjorie Gene Legg

TONKAWA — Marjorie Gene Legg, Tonkawa resident, died Monday, April 19, 1999, at Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 87.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 22, at the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church. The Rev. David Burris of Tahlequah First United Methodist Church, and Dr. Brian Kovacs, Tonkawa First United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Marjorie Gene Legg was born Sept. 8, 1911, in Artesia, N.M., to A.D. and Emma (Sickert) Koelling. She moved with her family in 1914 to Tonkawa, where she grew up and attended Fountain School and Tonkawa Preparatory School, graduating in 1929. She attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College for two years receiving an associate degree in business. After graduation she was employed as a secretary for a short time.

She married Howard Arthur Legg on Feb. 12, 1933, in Kildare and the couple made their first home in Newton, Kan., where her husband managed the Safeway Grocery Store. They later moved to Wichita, Kan., then Winfield, Kan., where her husband also served as manager of stores. They later returned to make their home in Tonkawa.

During World War II, Mrs. Legg was employed at the Tonkawa First National Bank while her husband served in the South Pacific Theater. Following his discharge, she returned to being a homemaker. She was a member of the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Eastern Star.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry Legg of Tonkawa and Jim Legg of Eureka Springs, Ark.; one sister Roseda Decker of Anderson, Ind.; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1972; and her parents.

Casket bearers will be John Legg, Matt Legg, Ben Sartin, Troy Frieling, Casey Esch and Brady Fenton.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Legg’s name to First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, 410 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

Clarene Brotherton

RALSTON — Clarene Brotherton, former Ralston resident died Monday night, April 19, 1999 at the Pawnee Municipal Hospital. She was 74.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Friday, April 23 at the Riverside Cemetery in Ralston. The Rev. George Weston, pastor of First Christian Church in Fairfax will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Clarene (Johnson) Brotherton was born Nov. 9, 1924, in Burbank, Okla., the daughter of Roscoe and Cora Susan (Christy) Johnson. She was a graduate of Burbank High School.

She and Raymond “Speck” Brotherton were married May 20, 1946, in Haralson County, Georgia. The made their first home in the rural Burbank area, and later moved to Ralston. Mrs. Brotherton moved to Pawnee after the death of her husband on Aug. 20, 1993. She had been employed as a cashier for the Silver Moon Cafe and a clerk at the Shafer Liquor Store in Fairfax. She enjoyed reading, crochet and working crossword puzzles.

Survivors include one son, Phil Ray Brotherton of Arkansas City, Kan.; one daughter, Marlene D. Brotherton of Pawnee; two brothers, Raymond “Dog” Johnson of Nickerson, Kan., and Roscoe “Rusty” Johnson of Sand Springs; two sisters, Ollie Mae “Red” Bayird of Fairfax and Dorothy “Dot” Rehorn of Mannford; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Kay Brotherton; and two brothers.

The family will be receive friends and family at the home of Pete and Ollie Bayird in Fairfax.

Obituaries

Henry W. Sprow

Henry W. “Web” Sprow, lifelong resident of Ponca City, died Monday afternoon, April 19, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 92 years of age.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 1999, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Don Martin, Prairie Chapel Methodist Church presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Henry W. Sprow was born Sept. 8, 1906, in Ponca City, the son of Henry A. and Kate (DeWeese) Sprow. He attended the Ponca City public schools and later business college in Wichita, Kan.

He was united in marriage to Pearl E. Pilkington on Oct. 31, 1926, in Ponca City, where the couple have since made their home. Mr. Sprow was engaged in farming northwest of Ponca City for many years. He was a member of the Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, The Grange, and had served as president of the AARP. He enjoyed gardening and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl, of the home; one daughter, Doris Broyles of Ponca City; three grandchildren, Debra Reynolds, Carma Lea Murphy and Lugene Easterling; three great-grandchildren, Branden Raper, Matthew Murphy and Mandy Easterling; one great-great-grandchild, Madison; and several other step-grandchildren; one niece, Kathryn Sprow of Ponca City; and one nephew, Don Sprow of Atlanta, Ga.; He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gene Sprow; one daughter-in-law Alma Sprow; and one brother, George D. Sprow.

Honorary casket bearers will be Billy Church, Harland Overman, Gene Geyer and Roger Allen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, c/o Roger Allen, 2281 East Tower Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Friends may visit at Grace Memorial Chapel until 1 p.m. Thursday.

The family will be at the home on West Hubbard Road.

paid obituary

Willie Lee Armstrong

FAIRFAX — Willie Lee (Harris) Armstrong, born Jan. 1, 1920 in Havana, Ark. daughter of Clement E. and Effie Pearl (Slay) Harris, passed away April 20, 1999, at her home in Fairfax at the age of 79 years. Willie moved with her family to Fairfax and graduated from high school in 1939.

On Dec. 24, 1941, she married Finus Glenn Armstrong from Fairfax. In 1947, the Armstrongs returned to Fairfax with their only son Roy Lee. Willie helped her husband build and run the International Harvester dealership for 13 years. While raising her family and running the household, Willie completed multiple college courses by correspondence. Willie enjoyed gardening, sewing, bird watching, bridge, the piano, and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother and her husband. Survivors include one son, Roy Lee Armstrong of the home; two granddaughters, Amber Lynn Armstrong of Lompco, Calif., and Alicia Ann Jarman of Edmond; one great-grandson, Jacob Glenn Jarman of Edmond; two nieces, Janice Anne (Robertson) Shell of Fairfax and Lynda Gail (Harris) Warren of Derby, Kan.; one nephew, James Michael Harris of Temple and numerous other relatives and friends.

The service will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 1999, with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

paid obituary

Funerals

Thursday

Frances Elizabeth Casey

Family will be at Trout Funeral Home for visitation on Wednesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City.

Eugene E. Rankins

Funeral at 2 p.m. at Bath Funeral Home in Altamont, Kan. Burial to be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.

Friday

E. Gene Shelton

Memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church.

NEWS BRIEFS

Marland Round-Up Club — The Marland Round-Up Club will pick up trash at 3 p.m. Sunday, weather permitting. All members, friends, and guests who want to help are welcome. Call 268-3425 for more information.

Great Fundraiser: Booths at Victorian chocolate and craft fes-

tival. Saturday, May 1st. Call 762-6700. adv.

Cancer Program — “Strength for Caring: Dealing with Fatigue and Cancer” will be presented tonight at 7 p.m. in Conference Room C at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Rita S. Campbell, RN, BSN, OCN, is the featured speaker. There is no charge for the program and cancer survivors, their friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Head Country, one half bar-b-q chicken with choice of vegeta-

bles, $4.25, Thursday, 11-? 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Chocolate — Items created with chocolate will be available as prizes during ProTeen’s ninth Chocolate and Craft Festival scheduled May 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Grand Central Station, 114 South Fifth.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, pa-

tios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident which occurred at East Brookfield Avenue and North Fourth Street at 7:09 a.m. Tuesday.

Library Program — A slide program entitled “Stalag Sooner: World War II Prisoner of War Camps in Oklahoma” will be presented by Dr. Bill Corbett at the Ponca City Library Thursday at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Modern Appliance RCA big screens, TV’s, VCR’s. All on sale.

116 North Fourth, 765-9847. adv.

May Fund Raiser — Booths are available for the Victorian Chocolate and Craft Festival on May 1. For information call 762-6700.

Reverse Osmosis water 25 cents per gallon. Pure Water

Wagon. 1717 North 5th. adv.

Two Singles Events — The Singles Connection will be attending the Taste and Tasteless event on Friday. The group will meet at the corner of Home National Bank, Second Street and East Grand Avenue, at 6:15 p.m. Tickets must be purchased before attending. On Saturday, the group will meet for a Game Night at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse at 7 p.m. If attending and your last name begins with A-L, bring a snack; M-Z, bring a 2-liter bottle of pop. For more information or child care call Mary Lou Kirchner at 762-0578.

Cow Manure $1.19 a bag. Keathly’s Nursery. 2448 Bridge

Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-5. Sunday 1-5. adv.

Accident — At 4:39 p.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at South Fifth Street and East South Avenue.

Tires Slashed — A resident in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue advised the Ponca City Police Department at 6:19 a.m. Tuesday, that two men were seen puncturing tires in the area. An officer responded and took a report.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Collision — At 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer responded to North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. He took a report of a minor accident.

Chicken Lovers - Browse at Mrs. Brown’s Attic for everything

from lamps to soap. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, 300 East Grand, Downtown

Ponca. adv.

Vandalism — At 5:37 p.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism to a back privacy fence in the 300 block of North Oak Street. The resident requested extra patrol.

Attention! Country Day School is extending their hours for child

care to 11:30 p.m. to accommodate people working night time

hours. Call 762-4453 for more information. adv.

Hit and Run — At 8:41 a.m. Tuesday, the Ponca City Police Department received notice of a hit and run accident at East Highland Avenue and North Seventh Street. According to the respondent, the suspect vehicle was a light blue Chevrolet pickup headed south on Seventh Street. An officer responded to the scene and took a report.

Art Association flea market dates changed to Monday, May

3rd and 4th. adv.

Baby Rescued — A Ponca City police officer responded to a call in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue at 10:47 a.m. Tuesday and rescued a baby locked in a vehicle.

Have Pet? Can Travel! InHome Pet Sitting Service. We

love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Harassment — An employee at World Acceptance, 314 East Central Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:56 a.m. Tuesday, to report harassing phone calls. An officer was assigned and took a report.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

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

Vandalism — At 10:58 a.m. Tuesday, a resident in the 300 block of North Oak Street notified the Ponca City Police Department of vandalism to the back fence. An officer responded and took a report.

WWF Backlash: In your house. Pay Per View hard hitting

wrestling coming Sunday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. Call Cable One

for your ringside seat, 762-6684. adv.

Burglary — An employee of Timbers Apartments, 2201 North Fourteenth Street, called the Ponca City Police Department at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday, to report an apartment had been broke into. An officer responded and took a report.

Villa Floral and balloons at West End Interiors. All occa-

sions. 223 W. Grand. 765-8864. adv.

Forgery — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a counterfeit check at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday. He also took a report of a forgery at Lot-a-Burger, 220 South Fourth Street, at 3:09 p.m.

Spring Special on truck windshields. 73-87 Chevy pickups $125.

88-up Chevy pickup $275. 80-89 Ford pickups $200. 90-up Ford

pickups $220. All prices include tax and installation. We use fac-

tory OEM replacements exclusively! Call today for your ap-

pointment. Johnson Glass, 515 S. 1st. 762-2012. adv.

Gas Gone — A resident in the 1600 block of North First Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 5:36 p.m. Tuesday, to report someone siphoned gas from a vehicle. An officer took a report.

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.

Under Suspension — A 30-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from a traffic stop at West Chestnut Avenue and North Pine Street at 4:30 p.m. for driving under suspension.

Modern Appliance Whirlpool washers, dryers, refrigerators

and dishwashers. All on sale. 116 North Fourth, 765-9847. adv.

Stolen — A resident in the 1900 block of North Sixth Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 8:26 p.m. Tuesday, that tools had been stolen from the garage. An officer responded and took a report.

One Week only - 3 carat marquis diamond - cost plus small

handling fee - Jewelry Connection - 306 N. 1st. adv.

Tires Slashed — A resident in the 300 block of North Eighth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday, to report tires were slashed. An officer responded and took a report. The officer took another report of punctured tires just down the street at 7:59 a.m. and a third report in the 200 block of North Ninth Street at 8:25 a.m.

4” Red Geraniums, reg. $1.99 sale $0.99. Keathly’s Nursery.

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

1-5. adv.

Warrant Served — A 38-year-old woman was arrested from the 300 block of South Perry Street, by a Ponca City police officer at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday, for a Kay County warrant.

Windshield Chips repairedprofessionally. Guaranteed and

insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 35-year-old man from the front lobby of the police station at 9:48 p.m. Tuesday. The subject was charged with a city warrant.

Pancake & sausage feed, Saturday, April 24th, 7 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Masonic Lodge #83, 1200 West Grand, Ponca City, OK. Adult $3,

children (12 & under) $1.50. adv.

Warrant Served — At 11:04 p.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 39-year-old man from the police station on a Kay County warrant.

Save $$$Thousands$$$ - 3 carat marquis diamone- cost plus small

handling fee - Jewelry Connection, 306 N. 1st. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Osage Nation Head Start Class Celebrates Event
Xi Beta Tau Chapter Installs Officers
Little News
Music Teachers Sponsor Audition For State Event
Conoco Retiree Picnic Set Friday

Osage Nation Head Start Class Celebrates Event

Osage Nation Head Start is a non-profit organization which provides a comprehensive child development program that promotes and encourages individual growth and development of young children and their families. The group is participating in the celebration of the Week of the Young Child, April 18-15, with many special activities planned.

Osage Nation Head Start provides services in several areas, including medical, dental, nutrition and mental health, teaching pre-academic skills, social services, parent involvement, family literacy and services for special needs children. The organization also provides bus service within a five-mile radius.

On April 19 Mayor Tom Leonard presented a proclamation for the “Week of the Young Child” before a group assembled at the Osage Nation classroom. Tuesday, the “Hug Your Child Day” bubblefest was celebrated at Pioneer Park. Today the children paraded through downtown Ponca City carrying banners with the names of merchants who have supported the Osage Nation Head Start. Thursday the children will participate in the “Little Olympics” in Pawhuska.

Osage Nation Head Start teachers are Robin Feathers and Sheaila Dilbeck.

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Installs Officers

Members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met recently in the home of Jan Ellison. Sammie Coats, president, called the meeting to order, and members stood for Opening Ritual.

June Miller, recording secretary, called roll and read the minutes. Official communication included preorder forms for the cookbook “Simple Celebrations.” Cindy Wardlow, treasurer, gave the financial report, and money for Founder’s Day tickets was collected.

The City Council report was given by Sammie Coats. City Council officers for 1999-2000 were also announced. The chapter was reminded that Xi Beta Tau will be furnishing refreshments for the May City Council meeting.

Committee reports included service project volunteers for Domestic Violence phone-a-thon, May 6 at Pioneer Bank, 5:30-9 p.m. Members will donate $25 for purchase of outdoor games for the children’s summer program at the Domestic Shelter.

An installation of chapter officers for 1999-2000 was conducted for Sammie Coats, president; Jan Ellison, vice president; June Miller, recording/corresponding secretary; Cindy Wardlow, treasurer; Lois Coats, parliamentarian/City Council representative.

Details for Lois Coats’ Ritual of Jewels ceremony were finalized and the event is planned for April 26. The Traveling Basket was passed from Jan Ellison to June Miller. Lois Coats won the Mystery prize.

The next meeting will be April 26 at 7 p.m. Hostess will be June Miller. For the Cultural program Cindy Wardlow presented a talk sponsored by Breast Cancer Research… “Helping To Stamp Out Breast Cancer.” On July 30, Trinity Medical Centre in Minot, N.D. and the Minot Post Office marked this special day by the unveiling of the new breast cancer awareness stamp dedicated to help fund early detection and prompt treatment. Early detection means better survival rates she said. The cost of the stamp is 40 cents. Each member was presented with one of the special stamps.

Little News

Emily Jo Leaming was born March 21, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, the daughter of Mike and Carol Leaming of Peckham. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 22 inches long. She has a brother, Colton.

Grandparents are Bruce and Viva Eastin, Les and Dorothy Leaming, all of Newkirk; and Bill and Sharron Adams of Ponca City.

Great-grandparents are Harold and Flossie Kirkendall and Dortha Eastin, all of Newkirk; Betty Preble of Cherryvale, Kan.; Kenneth Preble of Ferdonia, Kan.; and Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Leaming of Springhill, Kan.

Music Teachers Sponsor Audition For State Event

The Northeast District Achievement Auditions, sponsored by the Ponca City Area Branch of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association, were held April 10, at the First Baptist Church. Adjudicators for the audition were Myra Schubert and Sue Halpain of Bethany.

OMTA teachers entering students in the audition were Becky Dye, Jenarold Jones, Roberta Motz , Kay Sahai, Katy Tucker, Kathleen Wimberley of Ponca City and Sue Popham of Stillwater.

Students receiving specific ratings are eligible to participate in the State Achievement Auditions at the University of Oklahoma, May 14-15.

Students who received a rating of 1+ were Jennifer Arner, Stephanie Council, Angela Skaggs, Maria Hester, Robb Lankston, Allison Powell.

Other students eligible to attend the OMTA State Achievement Audition are Erika Jones, Jason Ford, Brook Hsu, Candice Vandeven, Micah Wright, Lacey Allen, Kristin Jennings, Maddie McDaniel, Jeremy Ricketson, Kathleen Larrison, Jennifer Christian, Meg McDaniel, Jamie Reiss, Aaron Wright, Megan Benyshek, Amanda Stone, Allison Bell, Brian Killingsworth, Mandy Behar, MacKenzie McDaniel, Michelle Hintergardt, Brianna Hermanson, Tara Trenary, Sarah Killingsworth.

Also qualifying were Jauncy McCulley, Sarah Holder, Jordan Davis, Andy Killingworth, Linda Mena, Nicole Hardy, Jennifer Miller, Jonathon Hester, Rebekah Martin, Joseph Skaggs, Alicia Allen, Jordan Miller, Charlcy Hermanson,

Conoco Retiree Picnic Set Friday

The Conoco Retiree Association’s Spring Fling picnic is scheduled Friday, April 23, at Wentz Camp. The gates will open at 12 noon.

A nine-hole golf tournament is planned as well as bingo, horseshoe pitching, entertainment, snacks, drinks, ice cream and barbecue catered by Head Country. Golfing begins at 10:30 a.m., bingo and horseshoes at 1 p.m., entertainment at 3:30 p.m., and food will be served from 5 until 6 p.m. Cost of the meal is $5 per person. Participants must register just inside the gate and receive a name tag, which will be your ticket for the meal.

To participate in the golf tournament, call Phil Dotson, 762-3019, Pete Roblyer, 762-5464, or Chris McCeary, 767-5762. Parking inside the camp is available. For more information call Jerry Morgan, 762-0601, or Elmore Johnson, 762-5086. Retirees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon.

SPORTS

Hump Smaller for Wildcats
Soccer Teams Meet The Elite

Hump Smaller for Wildcats

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

The hump just got a lot smaller.

In a season rife with shattering losses, the Wildcat baseballers finally perked up and pulled one out in the 11th hour, edging Sand Springs in a 7th inning comeback, 13-12, Tuesday.

With six games left in the regular season, and without the benefit of hindsight, however, Po-Hi coach Mike Krehbiel isn’t making any promises.

“One win doesn’t necessarily put us over the hump,” he says. “We’ve been right on the edge all year, but only time will tell if we’ve gone past that.”

The Sandites committed seven errors in the game, including one in the bottom of the seventh that allowed shortstop Bryan Coppock to reach first on a bunt. After lead off hitter J. Michael Sharon scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, Matt Johnson drove Coppock in, slapping a grounder up the middle that was bobbled by the shortstop. The throw to home was off the dirt, and Coppock slid in to win the game.

“You can see it in the kids’ eyes when they’re not going to make the play,” said coach Mike Krehbiel. “I saw it in their shortstop’s eyes, and he threw it in the dirt.

“Still, (Sand Springs) is a good, quality club, and that’s a quality win for us. I was proud of the kids and the way they hung in there.”

Though the Cats led from the bottom of the second inning, the Sandites got an RBI single from T.J. Avila and a sacrifice fly from Dennis Almy to take a 1-run lead, 12-11, in the top of the seventh.

Jerrod Spears started on the mound and nearly got the win for the Cats, going 6 1/3 innings before a game-tying RBI single and a hit batter gave way to Buddy McCoy. Despite the no-decision, Spears put on a gutsy performance, giving up 12 hits and just two walks, while striking out two.

“Jerrod did a heck of a job,” Krehbiel continued. “Unfortunately he went out with us down, but he threw a great game.”

The Cats also had things going at the plate, racking up nine hits, and scored in every inning but one. Sharon and right fielder Jeff Furnas were both 2-for-2 and had three walks each, while Coppock was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice. Though Spears was 0-for-2, he picked up a pair of RBI sacrifice flys.

Those four hitters represent the top of the Poncans’ order.

“We got good production from our 1-4 guys,” Krehbiel continued. “I was pleased with the way we put the ball in play. A subtle difference in this game is that we had more walks, and we reached on errors more than we had (strikeouts). We took advantage of that.”

Down 2-1 in the bottom of the second inning, the Cats tied things up with a line-drive single from second baseman Justin Ross, which sent in first baseman Cody Warner, who had led off the Cats’ attack with a textbook bunt up the third base line. Two outs later, Furnas knifed a 2 RBI double into left field to up the Poncans’ ante, 4-2.

Centerfielder Toby RedLeaf tacked on another run in the third, reaching on a single and scoring after a double error on the Sandites’ shortstop.

With three consecutive hits and three runs scored at the top of their order, the Cats stretched their lead even further in the fourth inning, only to have the Sandites score three of their own in the top of the fifth.

The Cats again tried to pull away in the bottom of the fifth, scoring on an error, a passed ball, and an RBI single from Sharon. That lead again evaporated in the top of the sixth, however, as a 3 RBI double from Sandite Mark Depetris led to four runs and closed the Poncans’ lead to just one run, 11-10.

The Cats were then shut out in the bottom of that inning after an unassisted double play by Galloway.

The Cats, now 8-19 on the season, will continue play on Thursday in the Guthrie Tournament.

Game Notes — Four of the Sandites’ errors were at shortstop ... Sharon ran down and dove to catch a foul ball in the fourth inning ... Johnson threw out a runner at third, in the second inning ... Furnas threw out a runner at home, from right field, in the fifth ... Almy ricocheted a single off field umpire David Kinkaid’s leg, in the sixth ... ouch ... former Wildcat phenomenon Christopher Koenig visited the dugout to bestow his blessings on his former teammates.

Ponca City 13, Sand Springs 12

Sand Springs 110 134 2 — 12 12 7

Ponca City 131 330 2 — 13 9 3

Spears (nd), McCool (w, 7) and Johnson, Spears (7); Hill, Upton (l, 5), Almy (7) and Avila.

Soccer Teams Meet The Elite

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

BROKEN ARROW — Po-Hi’s soccer teams have played some pretty good competition and have beaten some good teams.

On Tuesday they met two elite teams.

The results were the Wildcats lost 6-1 and the Lady Cats fell 8-0 to Broken Arrow’s highly ranked teams.

“The score speaks for itself,” girls coach Steve Hermann said after his team suffered their worse loss of the season. “Broken Arrow is a very good team and we didn’t play very well.”

Boys coach Marco Castillo felt his team did the best it could, “but there (the Tigers) is the next state champions.”

Broken Arrow’s girls already own the state championship from last season and are ranked No. 2 in the state behind Norman.

Hermann wasn’t as ready to concede a second state title to the Lady Tigers, but “it will probably be either Broken Arrow or Jenks against Norman in the state finals.”

Both Broken Arrow teams dominated Ponca City in the matches held at the Broken Arrow South Intermediate School. Both had 4-0 leads at halftime.

The Broken Arrow boys, with help from the gusting winds, outshot the Wildcats 14-3 in that first half.

For the girls, Broken Arrow “only” had a 10-4 margin on shots on goal in the first half.

The Wildcats got the wind at their backs in the second half and it seemed to help a little.

The Wildcats scored the only Ponca City goal of the night in the 65th minute of the first match.

Senior Justin Rosebeary collected his first goal of the season off a crossing pass from Bret Skaggs.

That closed the gap to 5-1.

The Lady Cats had trouble mounting any kind of offensive attack even though they started the late match with the wind.

The loss all but doomed the Ponca City boy’s chances of making the playoffs. Barring a major miracle, the Cats, now 0-2 in the four-team District 5A-5 and 5-5-1 on the season. will be playing for pride when they take on Tulsa East Central at home Friday.

The Lady Cats, 1-1 and 5-6, are still in the hunt for the playoffs.

“I told the girls we’d have to forget this one and go out and beat East Central big,” Hermann said.