LOCAL

VISTA Volunteers Make a Difference
Swimming Accident Claims Local Teen

VISTA Volunteers Make a Difference

By JACKIE SCHROEDER

News Staff Intern

“The goal of this campaign is to ensure that every child can read independently by the end of the third grade,” said President Clinton as he announced the initiative for the America Reads Program.

To help reach the goal, the president called for more tutors and mentors nationwide.

Since the launch of the national program in August, 1996, Ponca City has been a staunch participant.

“Last summer was very successful. There was an increase in post-testing at the end of the summer,” said United Way local director Helene Schwartz.

The children who participate are in grades K-3. They are required to take a pre-test and a post-test.

The pre-test helps tutors to see what level of understanding the children have so they can better assist them. The test measures grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, hearing, pronunciation and reading ability.

The post-test registers the progress they made over the two-month summer program.

America Reads is co-sponsored by the United Way and the Ponca City public schools. Funding is provided by the State Department of Education which receives the money from the Corporation for National Services.

Twenty VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) are currently tutoring approximately 150 children. They are all Kay County residents with the majority living in Ponca City.

They include Kellie Anderson, RaeShauna Anderson, Josh Bailey, Necole Bailey, Kathy Cripps, Joey Ferguson, Charlene Gecho, DeeAnn Harrison, Paula Hart and Emily Hufnagel.

Also volunteering are Kendra Lewis, Angela Murphy, Britney Parker, Heather Roth, Jennifer Runyan, Kati Salmons, Keesha West, Melissa Whitney, Sarah Yancy and Pam Yost.

The VIST:s are divided among seven different locations: Union Elementary School, Liberty Elementary, Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Elementary, the Family Resource Center, the Child Development Center and the Salvation Army location.

There are always at least two of the volunteers at a location.

Four days of the week are spent tutoring children with Thursdays reserved for the in-service meetings with Pat Morris, Director of Special Education. In those meetings, the VISTAs enhance their skills in tutoring and literacy.

According to Schwartz, this is a very structured program, not just blanket reading.

“This may be the only time [the children] get one-on-one, which is something all kids need,” said Whitney, a VISTA tutorer.

Each of the VISTAs have different reasons for volunteering their time.

Many intend to enter the teaching profession. For them, this is a hands-on experience. Others are not education majors, but still enjoy the satisfaction of tutoring children.

When asked which way she believes children learn the best, volunteer Hart answered. “It depends on the kids, because each child learns in different ways.”

Most VISTAs agree that the personal one-on-one tutoring really helps the children to learn, and that models and repetition are very helpful.

For each VISTA, the reward changes.

For Cripps, it’s “the smiles on their faces.” For Salmon, a psychology major, it’s “learning how their minds work.” For Hart, it’s the fact that the kids brighten up her day.

The only qualification to be a VISTA is that you must be over 18 years of age. For the volunteer work they do, they receive a living expense of $1300 and a $1000 education award for school or school loans.

“They really want to make a difference and they are,” said Barbara Dewey, full-time America Reads Challenge VISTA . “They are the most uplifting people I’ve ever been around. They’re very good role models for the children they work with.”

“This is so good for [the children],” said Barbara Hazelwood, grandmother of Jillian Hernandez, one of the children being tutored.

“It’s fun,” said Kathryn Dewey, another of the children.

The VISTAs spend some time almost everyday at the Lincoln Center preparing lesson plans and creating games for the children to play. They also select the books to read to the children from the Lincoln Center.

“It’s like a new experience every day,” said Murphy.

Swimming Accident Claims Local Teen

A 14-year-old Ponca City teen-ager drowned Sunday at the Sooner Lake beach area in Noble County.

Authorities say Devin Armstrong was swimming from the shore line to the diving platform about 50 yards out.

According to reports, he went under water about 2 p.m., nearly 60 feet from the shore in approximately 10 feet of water. The Oklahoma Lake Patrol said nearby swimmers recovered his body about 30 minutes later.

Roberts Funeral Home in Stilwell will handle the funeral arrangements.

DEATHS

Norbert M. Buffalohead
Edith Mae Williams
Richard Donnell Jr.
Ruth Erlynne Ramsey Hefton
Edna Elsie Armstrong
Daniel C. Allen

Norbert M. Buffalohead

ENID — Norbert M. Buffalohead, former resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, July 22, 2000, at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 67.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, in the chapel of the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home in Enid. Burial will follow in the Enid Cemetery.

Norbert M. Buffalohead was born Sept. 18, 1932, in Pawnee, the son of Arthur and Rose Vivian Noerr Buffalohead. He was raised in Ponca City, attending school here. In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force and served until 1956. He married Carol Fox on July 24, 1962, in Enid.

He was employed as a meat cutter at various stores in the Enid area. In 1998, he retired after working 10 years as a meat cutter at Jumbos. He was a member of the Ponca tribe and an active member of AA for 16 years. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Norbert Allen Buffalohead of Enid; two daughters, Kelli Dawn Streck of Enid and Anita Jane Buffalohead of North Carolina; stepchildren, Lloyd Bell and Debbie Stone, both of Enid; three brothers, Robert Buffalohead and Thomas Buffalohead, both of Ponca City, and Roger Buffalohead of Wisconsin; three sisters, Jane Conway of Muskogee, Bernice Willis of Dale City and LeAnn Jones of Collinsville.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Victor Glen, two brothers and one sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children, c/o Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3501. Enid, Okla. 73702.

Edith Mae Williams

TONKAWA — Edith Mae Williams, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Sunday morning, July 23, 2000, in the Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. She was 93.

A graveside service will be Wednesday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Thomasson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Edith Mae Williams was born Sept. 19, 1906, in Ramsey, Ill., the daughter of Lewis Adkins and Leona “Onie” Harriet (Beck) Wall. She received her education in Tonkawa schools and went on to further her education at the University Preparatory School in Tonkawa. She married John R. Williams on July 12, 1926, in Ponca City; he preceded her in death on Sept. 6, 1971.

For many years, she was employed as a payroll clerk for Loomis in Ponca City. She was also employed at various restaurants in the Kay County area including City Café Restaurant in Ponca City and Linton’s Steak House in Tonkawa. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Tonkawa and American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a sister, Fannie Cathey.

Obituaries

Richard Donnell Jr.

Richard Donnell Jr., 814 East Ponca, died Wednesday, July 19, 2000, at his home. He was 75.

A Requiem Eucharist will be held Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Kenneth L. Armstrong, rector, officiating. Assisting will be the Rev. Steven Mallory, deacon. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Richard was born Oct. 9, 1924, in Lexington, Okla. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

For many years, he dedicated his life to teaching children at West and East Junior High School.

Dick was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in both worship and fellowship. He regularly assisted with the annual bazaar and will be remembered as an integral part of the daily life of the church.

He enjoyed reading, tending his flower garden, rummage sales, and traveling. He was a member and former president of the Ponca City Art Association. He was an avid oil painter and collector. Over his lifetime, he made it a habit to regularly correspond with fellow teachers and former students. Richard often shared food and gifts with his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Wanda Dibler.

Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 109 North 13th, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Ruth Erlynne Ramsey Hefton

BLACKWELL — Ruth Erlynne Ramsey Hefton, 93, died Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Blackwell after a gallant effort. She and her husband Thomas M. Hefton had made their home there for the past 50 years. They owned and operated Hunt’s Department Store for 25 years before selling the business to their son-in-law and daughter, Kenneth L. and Mac L. Bradley.

Erlynne was born Jan. 11, 1907, in Grayson County, Texas, where her family owned a farm near Bells. Her two brothers, Henry Leon Ramsey and Worth Ramsey, preceded her in death. She began studies in a one-room schoolhouse in Fairview in Fannin County, finished in Sherman, Texas, and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State College in Durant. There she resided with her uncle, Gustavus Adolphus Ramsey, a member of the second Oklahoma legislature, and her cousin, the late Mabel Bilbo.

Erlynne and Mr. Hefton married March 15, 1925, in Bonham, Texas, and resided in Sherman before moving to Oklahoma in 1929. Over the succeeding 71 years, they lived two times in Oklahoma City, Muskogee and Blackwell.

Erlynne’s forebearers helped pioneer the West after the War Between the States. Ramseys migrated to east Texas from Virginia, and the Vaughans, her maternal ancestors, from Mississippi. Her father passed away in 1910, so her family lived during her early years with her maternal grandparents. Her grandfather, Samuel A. Vaughan, who lived until 1938, was a member of the Confederate cavalry. Her uncle, Capt. James C. Witcher, was credited with firing the last shot east of the Mississippi. She remained a proud member of the Dixie Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Erlynne was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, active statewide in WMU. In Blackwell, she was a member of Delphi, Ready to Help and Thursday Club and was an organizer of the Book Review Club, where she was a frequent presenter. She was an intelligent, spiritual Bible student, an avid reader, consummate, sagacious writer and accomplished vocalist who enjoyed bridge, canasta and golf.

Mr. Hefton died in 1990, and she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Nancy Bradley and son-in-law, Kenneth Bradley.

Surviving are her daughter, Mac L. Bradley of Blackwell and children Tom L. Bradley, wife Karen and their children Andrea Martin, Jake Connor and Payton Lee; son, Brooke Bradley, all of Oklahoma City; Erlynne’s son, Richard Ramsey Hefton, wife Rhonda and children Ali and Abby of the home; Holly Hefton, Samuel Turner Ramsey Hefton and wife Kathy; Hilarie Hefton Blaney, husband Kevin and children Jordan Elizabeth Dean, Andrew, Laura, Katherine and Claire Blaney; Erlynne’s cousins, Judge R.C. Vaughan and Wayne Hefton of Sherman; nephew, David L. Ramsey of Denver, Colo.;

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 25, at the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the pastor, the Rev. Rick Longcrier, officiating, and the Rev. Dr. James Wert of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City assisting.

Casket bearers will be Eugene Braly, Frank Dyer, Bobby Morgan and grandsons Tom Bradley, Brooke Bradley and Sam Hefton.

The family suggest remembrances to the Macular Degeneration Research Foundation, or books or contributions to the Douglass High School Library Fund (the library was recently destroyed by fire) c/o The Black Chronicle, P.O. Box 17498, 1528 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73136.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Edna Elsie Armstrong

Edna Elsie Armstrong, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at the Sterling House. She was 86. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Daniel C. Allen

Daniel C. Allen, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, July 23, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 76. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

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NEWS BRIEFS

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Former Employees to Meet — A luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Furr’s Cafeteria by the former employees of the Sequoia-Cities Service refineries.

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

Vandalism — A man from the 2700 block of Wintergreen reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:33 a.m. Saturday that a back window of the residence had been hit with a BB-gun pellet. The information was logged.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-

9689. adv.

Minor Accident — A minor accident in the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:27 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Taco Stop will be closed for vacation July 17th through August 1st. Re-open Wednesday August 2nd. adv.

Child Abuse — Someone was at the police department at 1:40 p.m. Saturday to report child abuse. An officer was assigned and SANE was activated and a DHS worker contacted. A report was taken on rape by instrumentation and child abuse.

Vandalism — A man from the 400 block of North Olympia reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:57 p.m. Saturday that vandalism had been done to a neighbor’s house. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Fire Run — The communications center received a report of a fire in the 300 block of South Osage Street at 3:03 p.m. Saturday. Units from the No. 1 Fire Station responded and handled the situation, where an oven was on fire, but was out upon arrival of police officers.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue at 6:39 p.m. Saturday that a 34-year-old man was being held for public intoxication.

Subject Held — A woman from the 900 block of North Elm Street reported a disturbance at 7:43 p.m. Saturday to the Ponca City Police Department. Two officers were assigned and a 51-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Burglary — A man from the 1000 block of South Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:25 p.m. Saturday that several juveniles had taken arm loads of ice cream bars from a Farm Fresh truck and ran. Two officers were assigned, located some juveniles in the 300 block of North Pine. A 13-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy were held for burglary.

Disturbance — A man from the Willow Park softball area reported that an angry female had taken a bat and was walking around causing a disturbance. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department assigned at 4:34 p.m. Saturday reported that a complaint was filed and report was taken.

Theft — A clerk at the Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:14 p.m. Saturday that a juvenile had come into the store and took cigarettes, cigars and other items and left. Three officers were assigned, contacted the identified subjects and information was logged.

Assault — A woman from the 500 block of North Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9 p.m. Saturday that she had been the victim of an assault. An officer was assigned and a 24-year-old woman was held for domestic assault and battery.

Hit and Run — A woman from the 1600 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:21 p.m. Saturday that someone had hit her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a hit and run accident report was taken.

Burglary — A woman from the 700 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:52 p.m. Sunday that a residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A man from the 100 block of West Central Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:28 p.m. Sunday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Intruders — A person from the 2300 block of Glenmore Place reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:17 p.m. Saturday that some intruders were by the back fence, and that they had left. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Hit and Run — The Communications Center received a call at 5:13 a.m. Sunday that two vehicles in the street of the 1000 block of North Pine Street had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A man from the 500 block of East Emporia Avenue reported a problem to the Communications Center at 9:16 a.m. Sunday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a 35-year-old woman was held for public intoxication.

Vandalism — A man from the 500 block of North Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:42 a.m. Sunday that two vehicle had been vandalized in the alley. An officer was assigned and reports were taken.

Burglary — A woman from the 2500 block of Lake Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:34 a.m. Sunday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that a stereo was missing.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Central Avenue and South Palm Street at 11:29 p.m. Saturday that a 26-year-old man was being held for DUI, transporting an open container and having no headlights.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of North Osage Street at 12:36 a.m. Sunday that an 18-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension.

Assault — The Communications Center received a report at 1:04 a.m. Sunday that someone had been assaulted while in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. Four officers and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. A stabbing victim was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and two other victims walked to the emergency room. Information was logged.

Fight — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue at 1:30 a.m. Sunday that a 45-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and fighting in public.

Assault — The Communications Center received a report at 1:31 a.m. Sunday from the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center that two subjects were there receiving treatment for injuries from an incident. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Bicycles Abandoned — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:21 a.m. Sunday that two bicycles had been abandoned in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycles.

Fire Run — The Communications Center received a call at 8:19 a.m. Sunday from the 1900 block of North Osage Street that a motor home was on fire. The Ponca City Fire Department sent five units to the scene and the fire was extinguished.

Theft — A clerk at Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:32 a.m. Sunday that to men had taken a 30 pack and 18 pack of beer and left without paying. An officer was assigned and assisted by three others in locating a vehicle at Ash Street and West Oklahoma Avenue, where a pursuit began. The chased vehicle crashed at Lansbrook and Prospect Avenue and a 20-year-old man was held for possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, public intoxication and a Kay County warrant for attempted to escape. A 17-year-old man was held for DUI, possession of stolen property, having no insurance, attempting to elude and petit larceny. Another 17-year-old man was held for petit larceny and resisting arrest.

Lawn Mower Missing — A person from the 300 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:59 p.m. Sunday that a lawn mower had been stolen from the yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A man at Lake Ponca reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:49 p.m. Sunday that a subject on a boat had been shooting a gun into the lake. Officers checked the scene, but were unable to locate anyone or anything.

Subject Held — An employee at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 3:10 a.m. Sunday for a patient removal. The subject had been treated for injuries, but was sleeping and wouldn’t leave. An officer took into custody a 21-year-old man for public intoxication.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Third Street and East Walnut Avenue at 5:14 a.m. Sunday that a 29-year-old man was being held on a city warrant.

Assault Victims Treated — An employee at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported at 6:04 a.m. Sunday that subjects were causing a problem. An officer was assigned and information was logged on two subjects treated for injuries from a disturbance earlier.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Ninth Street at 7:31 a.m. Sunday that a 24-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and a warrant from the State of Arizona.

Vandalism — A person from the 700 block of South Eighth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:38 p.m. Sunday that a vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Disturbance — The Communications Center received a call from the intersection of Drummond Avenue and South Ninth Street at 4:02 a.m. Sunday that a loud party was going on. Officer of the Ponca city Police Department arrived, broke up a fight and sent subjects on their way. An assault victim refused treatment.

Burglary — The Communications Center received a report at 3:14 a.m. Sunday that a disturbance was occurring at the Christian Center Front Hall, 3400 block of North Union Street. Four officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded to the scene and a burglary had occurred. A report was taken.

Fire Run — The communications Center received a call at 6:44 p.m. Sunday from the area of the 23000 block of Badlands that a hay baler was on fire. The Marland Volunteer Fire Department was notified and handled the situation.

Threats — A woman from the 3400 block of Crown Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:50 p.m. Sunday that a disturbance was occurring. An officer was assigned and took information on telephone harassment.

Vandalism — A man from the 2300 block of Briar Ridge reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:03 p.m. Sunday that some juveniles had thrown rocks at his vehicle causing damage. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Threats — A person from the 200 block of North Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:06 p.m. Sunday that someone had thrown beer bottles at them. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Knight Boulevard at 2:11 a.m. Monday that a vehicle had been stopped for suspicious activity. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and two juveniles who were brought to the police department were released to parents.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 400 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:16 p.m. Sunday that some subjects were trying to get into a building. Two officers were assigned and two 20-year-old men were held for unlawful entry.

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LIFESTYLES

Aldrich Family Holds Reunion Near Kaw Lake

Aldrich Family Holds Reunion Near Kaw Lake

Descendants of the late DeWitt and Cora Aldrich gathered for a fish-fry, water-related activities, volleyball and fellowship July 1-4. The 2001 reunion is planned June 29-July 1 at Sarge Creek Cove Pavilion.

Attending from the late Dee and Zelda Aldrich family was Mike and Roxie Biggio of Edmond.

Representing the Orval and Ellen Aldrich Goertz family were Vernon and Cindy Goertz, Craig and Kelle Thompson, all of Winfield, Kan.; Ted and Cora Frazee, Chad Smalley, John, Marsha, Jeremy and Derek Stout of Udall, Kan.

From the Raymond and Helen Aldrich family were Chuck and Marilyn Aldrich of Hunter, David, Christine and Chandler Seek of Owasso, David and Bonnie Ledet, Brian, Keri and Rebecca Chapman of Yuma, Colo., Scott and Janie Ledet of Fort Collins, Colo., and Tara Ledet of Dillion, Colo. Also Jim, Paula, Whitney and Sarah Aldrich of Lamont.

Attending from the Harold and Bernita Aldrich family of Blackwell were Lanita and Jake Aldrich of Ponca City, Kynada Aldrich of Jackson, Wyo., Troy and Jennifer Sturtz and Ashley Aldrich of Broken Arrow, Ryan Aldrich of Oklahoma City, and Tony, Sandy, Candice and Deke Aldrich, Andrea and Ethan Wickman, all of Edmond, and Charlie Gallamore of Dallas, Texas.

Also attending were Doug and Colene Aldrich Mercer, Marva Aldrich Lauver, David and Sharon Lauver of Tucson, Ariz.

Guests attending were Brad Flowers of Tucson, Ariz., Jodi Kirkhuff of Tulsa, Kelsey Fredrick, Lana Swaggart, Sierra Schuelin, all of Lamont and Cody Fuhr of Wamego, Kan.

Visitors were Ralph Wison, Ethel Layton, Merble and Carol Bellin, Fred and Geri Sturtz and Steven Link.

SPORTS

Swimmers Second

PC Notes

Swimmers Second

The Ponca Sailfish Swim Team placed second in the Division II State Championship swim meet at the Ambucs’ Pool over the weekend.

The Sailfish edged out the Tulsa Aquatic Club Tulsa, 223-221, for the runner-up spot behind Kerr-McGee Swim Club of Oklahoma City, which dominates most meets with numbers and talent.

This is reportedly the highest finish by a Ponca City team in this meet in several years

Ponca City swimmers will be taking part in the Junior Olympics state championship meet this weekend at the Oklahoma City Community College pool.

Legion Eliminated

WOODWARD — Ponca City’s American Legion majors baseball team was eliminated from the high scoring District Tournament Sunday.

The Royals dropped a 17-5 decision to Owasso in the elimination game.

After losing to Enid, 14-1, in the tournament opener Friday, Ponca City sent host Woodward to the sidelines on Saturday, 12-8. Owasso was playing Enid for the district title.

Ponca City finished the season with a 19-30 record.

Sodowsky in Tulsa

Ponca City’s Clint Sodowsky’s journey in major league baseball has brought him closer to home.

The right handed pitcher, 28, signed last week as a free agent with the Texas Rangers and was assigned to the Class AA Tulsa Drillers.

The Rangers are Sodowsky’s fifth major league team with which he has signed. He signed out of college with the Detroit Tigers. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1977 then to the Arizona Diamondbacks, to the St. Louis Cardinals and then signed with the Kansas City Royals.

Correction

The Ponca City American Legion player shown scoring in Tuesday’s photograph in the Sports Page of The News was incorrectly identified.

The runner was B.J. Hayes, who was a pinch runner in the game against Perry.

The News regrets the error.