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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, August 08, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCAL2800 Area Residents Without Water 2800 Area Residents Without WaterBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Nearly 2,800 Osage County residents be without running water until lines that ruptured Sunday afternoon are repaired and service is restored. Local communities primarily hit are Braden and McCord. According to Guy Clark, a member of the McCord water district board of directors, over 900 residential and business meters are affected. Clark said officials from Ponca City estimate service should be restored by Wednesday afternoon. “We’ve only got 10 percent of two water towers left to serve the McCord area,” Clark noted Tuesday morning. The Braden area had been without water for some time, he added. The break originally happened Sunday afternoon, but after workers repressurized the lines, a second break occurred. That forced the Braden and McCord districts to draw from water tower reserves. “We run about 200,000 gallons per day, and the towers hold 230,000 gallons each — about half a tower’s worth out of each tower,” Clark said. “We’ve only got hours left in our towers and we’ll be out,” he warned. “We’re working as hard as we can as fast as we can to get this line put back together,” commented Charley Hargrave, water distribution superintendent. “This isn’t a fast process.” According to Ken Parr, director of public works, the line first ruptured just past a valve on the east end of a “T” that supplies the rural water districts. “A combination of city and rural water district crews worked on the break until 1:30 a.m. Monday morning,” he said. Around 2 a.m., when workers started repressurizing the line, “it broke again on the city’s side,” he explained. Workers were able to reroute the water to the Ponca City customers served by the line, but the rural districts remained without service. “Until we finish our repairs, the rural water districts won’t be getting any water,” stressed Parr. “We aren’t going to take any shortcuts while making the repairs to make sure it won’t happen again,” he added. Emergency Water LocationsAccording to Guy Clark, member of the McCord water district board of directors, area residents may obtain water at any of the following three locations: 1. Standing Bear Park — near the intersection of Fourth Street and Erie Avenue 2. Pioneer Bank and Trust of the Osage — the intersection of Highway 60 and Bridge Avenue 3. Sandy Park Estates Clark estimates service should be restored by Wednesday afternoon. Work Slated To Begin On Big Sky FacilityBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Renovations are expected to begin soon on hangar No. 6 as Ponca City Regional Airport gears for the relocation of Big Sky Airline’s maintenance facility. The Ponca City Development Authority board of trustees voted unanimously in acceptance of a low bid by Ratliff, Inc., for the renovations during a special session Monday afternoon. The bid came in at $78,200 — $18,000 more than the board originally expected. Commissioner Dick Stone believes approving the bid benefits Ponca City. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “What’s really nice is we will have all the work done by a local bidder,” noted Gary Martin, city manager. He also said the renovations were being paid for by the Economic Development Authority from sales tax revenues. “[The bid] was under the engineering estimate,” commented Don Nuzum, Ponca City Regional Airport manager. The engineering estimate was listed at $102,000. Nuzum said the city had hoped to complete the work for somewhere between $60-$70,000. “But there were some extra materials needed that took the cost higher than expected,” he explained. Nuzum noted the decision to relocate the airline’s Hot Springs, Ark., facility came after Big Sky officials became dissatisfied with their current arrangement. “That facility didn’t meet what they needed, so they decided to relocate,” he explained. The decision was finalized in late April. “Airline officials are wanting to have five mechanics and one parts person” at the facility, he said, adding, “All of their training will be done here.” Board of Commissioners The Ponca City Board of Commissioners also met Monday afternoon for a regular work session. The board listened to a completion update for the Wastwater Treatment Plants’ Phase II upgrades, presented by Jon Nelson of FHC Inc., the consulting engineering firm managing the project. Nelson told members there wasn’t a lot left to be completed. “The majority of the work is to the SCADA system,” he said. The SCADA is the computer control system that allows for the automation of the new $22 million state-of-the-art facility. “We’ve been operational, but we haven’t been fully automatic,” noted Ken Parr, director of Public Works. Parr suggested the city look at collecting damages from Dondlinger and Sons Construction Company, Inc., contractor for the project, for the small portion of projects that are left delinquent. The completion deadline for the project was Jan. 20. “We’ll try to nail down damages that the city has incurred,” said Nelson. Average damage penalties the city could charge the contractor is $500 per day. “The whole purpose of this is so that we cover our cost on this,” he explained. “Standard retainage is 10 percent,” he told the board. “If they make good progress in an effort to complete the projects, it usually goes down to five percent.” Parr noted the damages assessed are “based on what is left to be completed, not on the entire contract cost.” “It will behoove the city to be reasonable” though, cautioned Nelson. If the city were to charge too stiff a penalty, it would make it hard to get other contractors to want to bid for future city projects. “You earn a bad reputation,” he said. Nelson also said in a project like this, with a SCADA system like this, it makes for a complicated project to complete. “It’s a very complex and comprehensive system,” he said. He indicated they would bring back a recommendation to the board when the necessary information was pulled together. “Our recommendation will be what we think will hold up if we went to court” to collect for damages the city has incurred, he said. BUSINESSConoco Tankers to Gulf of Mexico Conoco Tankers to Gulf of MexicoHOUSTON — Conoco Inc. and Maritrans Inc. (NYSE:TUG) announced recently that they are jointly developing advanced shuttle tanker technologies to safely transport newly discovered deepwater Gulf of Mexico crude oil reserves to U.S. refineries more economically than current pipeline alternatives. Technologies being evaluated have the potential to greatly reduce the time between discovery and production of deepwater crude reserves. “The industry is actively exploring for the 10 billion barrels of crude oil reserves that are estimated to be contained in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico,” said Rob McKee, Conoco executive vice president for exploration production. “Operations in deepwater are expensive, and we are continuously seeking ways to improve the economics of our deepwater program. Reducing the time between investment and the return on that investment makes deepwater exploration even more attractive than it is today,” he emphasized. The companies said they had decided to proceed with development plans as the Minerals Management Service (MMS) continues to evaluate the use of shuttle tankers to transport crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. The MMS is expected to make a final decision next year. “We are hopeful the safety and performance records of shuttle tankers used in other parts of the world will help convince the MMS the concept is suitable for use in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Eric L. (Rick) Oshlo, Conoco vice president and general manager of supply and trading. “If the MMS does approve the concept for use in the Gulf, Conoco and Maritrans will have state-of-the-art technologies ready for deployment. If they don’t, we will have some very innovative ideas that would be applicable to help other nations develop their deepwater reserves, quickly, safely and economically,” Oshlo added. Oshlo said the companies were evaluating variations of shuttle tankers and deepwater loading systems successfully used elsewhere in the world to transport remote crude oil reserves to determine their applicability in the Gulf of Mexico. Conoco’s worldwide fleet of double-hulled ships includes the Rangrid, a specially designed, state-of-technology shuttle tanker used to transport crude oil from the Heidrun field in the Norwegian Sea to European markets. The Heidrun field, located north of the Arctic Circle and in some of the world’s stormiest seas, could not have been economically developed without the use of shuttle tankers and proprietary loading systems. Direct shuttle loading from Heidrun to the Rangrid and other shuttle tankers boasts an unprecedented 100 percent uptime since first oil was produced in 1995. Over 25 years ago, Maritrans pioneered the lightening system that supplies almost 100 million barrels of crude oil each year to eight refineries in the Northeast United States. Maritrans’ sophisticated vessel allocation process is designed to reduce on shore crude storage and keep deliveries on a consistent, reliable schedule. Maritrans’ multi-vessel system for unloading cargo directly from large oil tankers situated offshore and in the Delaware Bay remains the most cost-effective alternative for delivering foreign crudes. “Conoco and Maritrans are working as quickly as possible to finalize our approach for Gulf of Mexico shuttling before we begin talking with prospective third-party customers for the system,” said Stephen A. Van Dyck, chairman and chief executive officer of Maritrans. “Our first concern will be to ensure an environmentally sound operation,” he emphasized. Conoco is a major, integrated energy company active in more than 40 countries. The company’s nine double-hulled vessels, including two deepwater drillships, are managed by Conoco Shipping Co. Conoco, the first U.S. oil company to commit to building only double-hulled tankers, has operated an all double-hulled tanker fleet since 1998 and was rated the safest U.S. shipping company in 1998 and 1999 by the National Safety Council Benchmarking Study. Maritrans Inc. is a U.S.-based company with a 72-year commitment to building and operating petroleum transport vessels for the U.S. domestic trade. The company owns and operates 15 oil tankers and large, integrated tug/barge units, of which six are double-hulled. Maritrans has been recognized with the United States Coast Guard’s prestigious William M. Benkert award for environmental safety and compliance three times since the award’s inception in 1996. State American Legion Honors Two Area FirmsTwo Kay County Businesses were honored at the American Legion Department State Convention recently at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City. Each year the American Legion’s Employment Committee selects an employer with total staff between 50 and 150, who has demonstrated strong preference for hiring and promoting veterans within their organization. The Committee selected Glass Trucking, Inc. of Newkirk as this years — Medium Size Employer of the Year for Oklahoma. Ike Glass, President of Glass Trucking was on hand to accept the award. Glass Trucking was nominated by the American Legion Post 14 and Mike Daugherty, Local Veterans Employment Representative. The American Legion also annually presents an award to the outstanding radio station of the year for providing news coverage of community programs and especially relating to Oklahoma’s veterans. The American Legion’s News Media Committee was unanimous in selecting KIXR Radio of Ponca City to receive the Radio Station of the Year award. On hand to accept the award was Carol Murphy, President and Gordon Thompson, General Manager of KlXR-Radio. KIXR was nominated by Steve Struble, Employment Services Manager of OESC and Mike Daugherty, Local Veterans Employment Representative. Notes/QuotesONEOK Inc. Reports Net Income TULSA — ONEOK, Inc., has reported net income of $27.2 million, or 55 cents per diluted share of common stock, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2000, compared with $9.5 million, or one cent per diluted share, for the same period one year ago. (The one cent per diluted share of earnings reflects a calculation based on GAAP excluding 19.9 million shares of convertible preferred shares and related dividends.) For the six months ended June 30, 2000, net income was $90.2 million, or $1.83 per diluted share compared with $69.9 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, for the same period one year ago. ONEOK’s income before interest and income taxes was $75.1 million for the second quarter compared to $27.2 million one year ago. The second quarter was positively impacted by the growth in the marketing and the gathering and processing segments resulting from asset acquisitions completed in March and April of 2000. Scholarships Available Modem Woodmen of America, a fraternal life insurance society with offices in Ponca City, has recently expanded its Fraternal College Scholarship program. High school seniors who are Modem Woodmen members can now apply for one of 39 scholarships (ranging from $7,000 to $16,000 distributed over four years) and 24 additional, one-time awards ($1,000 each) presented annually. The expanded program takes effect with the high school graduating class of 2001. The number of scholarships awarded has been increased from 36 to 63 total scholarships. Additionally, the dollar values have been increased from a high of $8,000 to a high of $16,000 to accommodate the rising cost of advanced education. “We’ve expanded our scholarship program to encourage more qualified kids to continue education, pursue goals and follow dreams,” says Tom P. Cleveland, FIC-LUTCF, the local Modern Woodmen District Manager. To be eligible, students must be insured by their own Modern Woodmen certificate at least two years before Sept. 30 of their senior year of high school. A selection committee chooses winners based on grade point average, college entrance exam scores, character and leadership abilities, references from teachers and counselors and questionnaires filled out by the students. Interested students should call Cleveland at 762-6866 or Modern Woodmen's Home Office at 1-800-447-9811 for application information. Students may also apply online at www.modernwoodmen.org. Application deadline for the class of 2001 is Jan. 1. Loftis Insurance Opens Office on East BroadwayDebra Whitener, VP of Loftis Insurance has announced the new location of Loftis Insurance in Ponca City. The multi-line insurance agency recently moved to its new offices at 101 East Broadway in Ponca City. “This move is very important to us in that it represents our investment in Ponca City. We truly appreciate the support from our customers since we began here about eight years ago. Our business in Ponca has grown and we felt the need to have our own property here. “The new location features off street parking for Loftis Insurance clients and a further investment in state-of-the-art technology. This will allow us to do a better job for our customers.” In business since 1958, Loftis Insurance provides home, auto, business, life, health and employee benefit coverage to clients in Oklahoma and Kansas with locations in Ponca City and Blackwell. For further information, please contact Debra Whitener at (580) 762-3434 or Mike Loftis at (580) 363-3434. High Speed Internet Service Available in PC and BlackwellHigh Speed Internet Service became available to the business community in Ponca City and Blackwell on Aug. 1. This is the first such service of it’s kind available to the general business community in these areas. AOK.net will begin the service with demonstrations to leading businesses during the week. Many local companies have been asking for high-speed service for their computer networks as doing business over the Internet has increased. Current service using modems over telephone does not provide the speed levels necessary for employees to be productive. “We believe the solution we will provide will be a low-cost, and extremely reliable way for businesses to access the Internet at speeds previously only available through expensive data lines,” said Mike Kremer, AOK.net’s Area Representative. “The set up and monthly costs are very reasonable compared to currently available alternatives. Each business’ needs will be different, but the solution will be easily implemented,” according to Kremer AOK.net will offer Internet service, website development and hosting, e-mail, network solutions and other services. The company will expand its service area into other communities as demand increases, as well as the personal user market. For more information about AOK.net and its services, contact Kremer 765-2401, e-mail sales@aok.net, or visit AOK.net’s business office at 101 East Broadway Avenue. Update Articles Needed SoonThe Ponca City News will again be publishing an Update issue in October, which will feature businesses and industries. All industries and businesses wishing to be included in the edition are invited to provide pictures and copy to The News by Sept. 15 at the latest. This is an opportunity for local firms to tell their stories. For more information contact business editor Louise Abercrombie at 765-3311. DEATHSNo Deaths No DeathsObituariesRichard James Spicer Jr.OWASSO — Richard James Spicer Jr., former resident of Ponca City and resident of Owasso, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, in Tulsa. He was 66. The funeral will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Hilldale Baptist Church in Claremore. The Owasso Masonic Lodge 545 will conduct graveside rites at Graceland Memorial Park in Owasso. Arrangements are under the direction of Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. Richard James Spicer Jr. was born Oct. 8, 1933, in Dayton, Ohio, to Richard James and Lucille (Dorman) Spicer. Jim was a veteran of the armed forces, having served his country with the United States Army. Jim had lived in Ponca City from 1979 to 1985. He was married to the former Carolyn Fast on March 5, 1982, in Stillwater. He spent most of his working life as a manufacturing engineer for Thomas and Betts and Leland Mathey. Jim was a member of the Hilldale Baptist Church in Claremore. He was also a member of the Owasso Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn of the home; two sons, Dennis Fox of the home, and Douglas and Angie Spicer of Ponca City; three daughters, Rebecca and Don Cressman of Lima, Ohio, Rhonda and Steve Spaich of Ponca City and Darcy and Mark Kidwell of Tomball, Texas; five brothers, John Spicer of West Alexandria, Okla., Eugene Spicer of Kettering, Ohio, Kenny Spicer of Arizona, David Spicer of Dayton, Ohio, and Tom Spicer of Danville, Va.; one sister, Sharon Spicer of Dayton, Ohio; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. paid obituary FuneralsWednesday Belford B. IronsBelford B. Irons — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the Fairfax First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. Services PendingElizabeth McCartyElizabeth McCarty, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, at her residence. She was 80. She is survived by her husband Bill of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFSFreshman Orientation — Ponca City High School Freshman Orientation will be Wednesday in the Commons area at the school. Those whose last names begin A-L should attend 9-11 a.m. and M-Z 1-3 p.m. Student leaders and administrators will be introduced and a tour of the school given. Students should bring schedules so that they can pinpoint classrooms. For more information call 765-9841. Accident — An accident in the 300 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 11:53 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Parking Problem — A code enforcement officer in the 300 block of North Peachtree reported a 48-hour sticker violation at 3:47 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Subject Held — An officer at the police department reported a 37-year-old man was taken into custody on two city warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay at 2:10 p.m. Monday. Fraud — An officer at the police department reported a check forgery at 1:07 p.m. Monday. Theft — A resident in the 800 block of North Third Street reported a stolen boys bicycle to Ponca City police at 1:30 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary — Someone in the 400 block of South Osage Street reported a home was burglarized to Ponca City police at 2:07 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of East Emporia Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 2:16 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a state accident report was taken. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Accident — An accident in the parking lot of a business in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:30 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Fire Run — A motorist reported a grass fire along the west side of U.S. 177, near Otoe-Missouria tribe housing at 5:48 p.m. Monday. Marland Volunteer Fire Department was advised. Subject Held — A 22-year-old Ponca City woman turned herself in at the police department at 6:21 p.m. Monday after learning she had a city warrant for embezzlement filed against her. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Albany Avenue and North Fifth Street reported after a traffic stop an 18-year-old man was taken into custody for driving under a restriction at 2:40 p.m. Monday. Miscellaneous — The street department advised Ponca City police at 5:44 p.m. Monday that the 100 block of North First Street would be closed for the night due to concrete drying after water leak repairs. The department asked officers to check and make sure the barricades were still in place periodically. An officer was advised. Fire Run — Someone reported smoke in the attic of a structure in the 1200 block of West Grand Avenue to the Communications Center at 6:32 p.m. Monday. Engines one, two and three responded to the scene. Firefighters learned the smoke was coming from an air conditioning unit. Intoxicated Subject — Someone in the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to Ponca City police at 11:07 p.m. Monday a large male at a residence who was intoxicated and kicking and yelling. An officer was assigned. A 30-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to pay and public intoxication. Prowler — A 911 call from the 300 block of South Ash Street alerted Ponca City police to a possible prowler in the area at 1:02 a.m. Tuesday. One officer was assigned and three others assisted. The area was checked, but officers were unable to locate anyone. Prowler — Someone near the intersection of Palm Street and Ponca Avenue reported a subject was near a house and possibly trying to break a window to Ponca City police at 2:34 a.m. Tuesday. One officer was assigned, but was unable to locate anyone. LIFESTYLESThe Neighborhood Chef The Neighborhood ChefBy Sherry Muchmore Keeping Cool: Frosty Beverages When entertaining during the hot months of summer, a cold, frosty drink is always a welcomed release from the heat. Punches, slushes are even more refreshing when there is eye appeal in their appearance through the use of garnishes and/or color. One of the prettiest uses of garnish is the use of ice. Fancy ice cubes and ice floats are simple to make and add an elegant touch to a sometimes simple beverage. Some enhance the flavor of a beverage when juice is substituted for the water. Tips on Ice Preparation 1. For very clear ice cubes, use boiled water in the ice trays. 2. Add a little green coloring to the water before freezing for a cool-looking effect. 3. Freeze cubes or floats with Maraschino cherries with stems intact, curls of lemon, orange or lime peel, or springs of mint. 4. Freeze leftover fruit juices or drinks in trays or floats to serve in fruit beverages or iced tea. 5. Ice floats can be made by freezing delicate flowers into various shaped containers or molds. When making fresh fruit or citrus drinks or punches, boil the rinds and add this fruity flavored water to the juice for additional flavor. The following punch recipe delivers a crisp, refreshing treat on these muggy August days. Very uncomplicated, with just the right zing to quench the thirst. Although Sue served this during a morning meeting, it would be so good simply served over crushed ice and garnished with a slice of lemon and mint leaf. In fact, Sue and I both agree that you can produce a great tasting punch by combining a little of this, a bit of that, and voila!, with a little garnish and a pretty ice mold, a super tasting punch fit for any occasion. Mango - Cranberry Punch Sue Kistler, PC, OK 1 64-ounce bottle Cranberry-Mango juice (approximate) 3 small cans frozen lemonade (instead of 3 cans water per can, use 2) 1 small can frozen orange juice (instead of 3 cans water per can, use 2) 1 large bottle Ginger Ale, chilled (2 liter is fine) Combine the first three ingredients, cover and chill. Add the ginger ale just before serving. Make an ice ring the night before in a pretty gelatin mold. Place fresh lemon, lime and/or orange slices in the water for freezing. Use your own imagination, try pansies or mint leaves; just play with it. When the ring is frozen, place in the punch bowl to keep the punch chilled and as a pretty garnish. A favorite party punch used frequently in my old Broken Arrow neighborhood of Timberbrook is a slushy banana concoction that is kept frozen until several hours prior to serving. As with many of these beverages, they may be prepared with or without the addition of liquor. Banana Punch Diane James, Houston, Texas 4 cups granulated sugar 6 cups water 5-6 ripe bananas, mashed 1 6-ounce can frozen lemonade, thawed 1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice, thawed 1 48-ounce can pineapple juice 2 32-ounce bottles ginger ale, chilled 1 pint Vodka or according to preference (optional) In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and heat until all the sugar is dissolved. Cool. Into a large plastic container, add cooled sugar water, mashed bananas and fruit juices. Stir to blend and freeze until 1 to 2 hours before serving. When the fruit mixture reaches a slushy state, add the chilled ginger ale and, if desired, Vodka. Serves 30. Allow at least 6 hours to freeze. This next punch or should I say Slush, has become a staple in my family. The pretty cranberry color and cool tangy flavors, make this great tasting beverage perfect year round: Christmas, Valentine’s, The Fourth, all festive get-togethers. Cranberry Freeze 2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail 1 6-ounce can frozen lemonade, thawed 1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice, thawed 1/2 48-ounce can of pineapple juice 2 cups Welchs grape juice 1 pint Vodka or according to preference (optional) 1 quart ginger ale, chilled Mix the five juices together. If desired, stir in the vodka. Freeze overnight in a large plastic covered container. Set out about 2 hours before serving for a slushy consistency. Add chilled ginger ale and serve in a pretty punch bowl. Makes 6 quarts. This next punch is a great one to experiment with decorative ice floats. It is a delightful blend of fruit juices guaranteed to refresh even on the hottest days. Citrus Wine Cooler Eileen Wiley, BA, OK Juice of 2 limes Juice of 1 lemon 3 6-ounce cans frozen orange juice, thawed 1 16-ounce can frozen lime juice, thawed 1 48-ounce can pineapple juice 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 quarts water 1 28-ounce bottle of ginger ale, chilled 1 Fifth of Sauterne, chilled Several hours before serving, combine all ingredients except ginger ale and Sauterne. Chill. At serving time, stir in the ginger ale and Sauterne. Serve over ice float in a punch bowl. Serves 40. The ever-popular Daiquiri consists of a formula that can be interestingly varied. Whether using a blender or freezer method, you can obtain a hot weather triumph. Strawberry Daiquiri Blender Method: 2 to 3 cups cracked ice 1 6-ounce can frozen limeade or lemonade 1 6-ounce juice can rum 1 10-ounce package frozen strawberries or fresh fruit 1 tablespoon powdered sugar if using fresh fruit Combine ice, limeade and rum in a blender. Start blender, add fruit and sugar. Blend to a snowy consistency. Pour into chilled champagne glasses. Freezer Method: 1 6-ounce can frozen limeade or lemonade, thawed 3 1/2 juice cans water 1 juice can rum 1 10-ounce package frozen strawberries or fresh fruit 1 tablespoon powdered sugar if using fresh fruit Put fruit through blender with sugar. Combine in a plastic container with limeade, water and rum. Freeze at least three hours before serving. Will store in freezer for some time. Set out 1 to 2 hours before needed to reach slushy state. Can refreeze. For variety, try using different fruits in place of strawberries or no fruit at all. Taste test for sweetness desired. Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.) Little NewsBill and Shelley Diedrich announce the birth of a son at 3:19 p.m. July 31, 2000, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. The baby has a brother, Derek, 3. Maternal grandparents are Jo Ann and Lonnie Sherron of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Bill and Juanita Diedrich of Marshall and Judy Stanberry of Tooele, Utah. Great-grandmother is Mary Bowdlear of Tonkawa. SPORTSWildcats Start Hot PracticesBy Fred Hilton News Sports Editor If the temperature has reached 100 degrees, it must be time to start football practice. Ponca City High School’s Wildcats hit the practice field at 6:15 this morning, partly to beat the midday heat and partly because the coaches had teachers’ meetings to attend. They will return at 6 this evening for two and half more ours of workouts. Two-a-day practices will continue through Aug. 16. School starts on the 17th. The Wildcats’s first scrimmage will be against Woodward here Friday, Aug. 18. A second scrimmage will be a six-team workout at Bixby on Aug. 24. Ponca City opens the season Sept. 1 against Tahlequah at home. “The kids worked hard,” new head coach Frank Piccirillo said of this morning’s practice. “We got a lot accomplished.” Piccirillo and his new-look staff started workouts with 87 prospects — 30 seniors, 27 juniors and 30 sophomores. Piccirillo noted it is a bit early to judge the shape his players are in, but pointed out that he and his staff had over 50 players in the weight room over the summer. The players checked out equipment Monday afternoon, held a team meeting later in the day and then joined the Quarterback Club’s picnic and player auction at Lake Ponca Park later in the day. The morning practices (6:15 to 8:30) will remain the same through Friday. The evening practices will be 6 to 8:30 except for Wednesday when the players go from 3 to 5:30. Next week, there will be one 6:15 start on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday’s morning workouts at 7:30 to 10:30. The evening practices vary next week — 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, 6 to 8:30 Tuesday and 3 to 5:30 on Wednesday.
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