Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday, August 1, 1996

LOCAL
Burn Victim Still Critical
PC Tomorrow Round Table Gets Ideas Without Duplication
D.A.R.E. Golf Event Sunday
Neighborhood Watch Step In Prevention of Burglaries
Pond Creek Sets Open Horse Show For Rodeo Arena
Man Held for Filing False Lien on IRS
Early Release Sought By Several Inmates
Author of OKC Bombing Book Here for Autographing
District Court
Emu Meat Now Available From Area Restaurants
Playhouse Set For 38th Season
Wheat Production Meeting Tonight

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Richard Ellis McCord
Clarence B. Strome
Edward Lee Quillin

SPORTS
Locals Off To Tough Moto Start
7th Grade Football
McSpadden Honored

LOCAL

Burn Victim Still Critical

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - A 20-year-old Blackwell native, who was severely burned in an accident Sunday, remains in critical condition, according to a spokesperson from Brooke Army Medical Center, located on Fort Sam Houston.
Robert Heath Thompson received third degree burns over 90 percent of his body after his pickup caught fire southeast of Tonkawa. The victim is scheduled for surgery today, according to the BAMC official.

PC Tomorrow Round Table Gets Ideas Without Duplication

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Tomorrow is giving the citizens a good bang for their buck, according to Keni Ray, chairman of the board of directors.
The board of directors met Wednesday and discussed strides being made by bringing businesses in the community together in a round table discussion. The round table enables the parties to collaborate without duplication of efforts, according to Ray.
"We are realizing that different groups have different priorities. Getting together in an open forum helps everyone to work to help each other," he emphasized. "The meetings have proven to be a good communication tool."
City Manager Gary Martin, who also attends the meetings, indicated that the group works very well together. "The dialogue is tremendous," he said. Martin voiced his appreciation to Cathy Ferguson, director for PC Tomorrow, for making the round table a reality.
Tony Arkeketa, representing the Ponca Tribe, spoke to the board members about improving the relationship between the tribe and the city. He noted that the rigid, hard-line attitudes of the Poncans are changing. He also noted that tribe members are often misunderstood.
Commissioner Dick Stone commented that tribal members were welcome to become involved in PC Tomorrow's committees, if interested. Arkeketa stated he would share the information with tribal members, but reminded the board that the nature of the Native Americans is to stand back and watch.
Benita Graham chairman, representing The Mutual Respect Committee, reported that the committee would like to be the adoption agency between United Way, businesses and the schools for "Make a Difference Day."
The group intends to obtain a physical laundry list of what each United Way agency needs to have done. Businesses in the community will be allowed to select an agency to adopt for the one-day project. "Make A Difference Day" will be held on Oct. 26.
The Environmental Task Force, represented by Danny Thompson, board chair elect, reported that committee members have not yet met with the architects for the Pioneer Woman Museum. Kathy Dickson, Director of Museums of the Oklahoma Historical Society, who visited with citizens on June 20, indicated that a meeting would be scheduled for the architects to meet with PC Tomorrow.
The group wanted to provide input on visual suggestions for the background of the Pioneer Woman Statue. Thompson stated the committee would continue to move forward to have this meeting.
A recent seminar titled Away With Waste was put on by the Departmental of Environmental Quality and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, according to Thompson. The Environmental Task Force will meet with the school board to discuss the possibility of bringing the seminar back to Ponca City. Fifteen teachers must agree to attend a Saturday session, before additional plans can be made.
Thompson also shared with the directors that the task force discussed the Kanza Reservation sustainable economic development planning project. This project seeks to develop plans for a quality environmental infrastructure and an outdoor health spa and recreational vehicle part as a Cultural Wildlands Enterprise Zone.
Glenn Welch, who heads the Transportation Task Force, enlightened the board with talk of a Northwest passage from Wichita to Tulsa. He said Osage Commissioners were supportive of the idea. He reported that Conoco Air Service will remain at Ponca City Municipal Airport for another year.
In new business, Ray said the board needed to work to keep the idea of revisiting the citizens' vision. Ponca City Tomorrow was organized for the purpose of listening to what the community wanted for their city.
Originally, almost 500 citians were asked to speak out on issues from economic development to community attitude. A vision was mapped and PC Tomorrow continues to foster the commitment to this vision.
"However, in order to insure that our collective vision is still the same or to see whether needs have changed, we will be making plans to revisit a cross-section of the community," said Ferguson. "We have already reached some of our goals," she noted.

D.A.R.E. Golf Event Sunday

The Ponca City New Car Dealers Second Annual Drug Abuse Resistance Education Golf Tournament will be Sunday, according to Sherry Bowers, public information officer of the Ponca City Police Department.
The four man scramble is scheduled for a shotgun start at 8 a.m. at Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course.
A charbroiled luncheon will be provided immediately following the tourney for all participants. Registration is $80 per person. This includes green fees, cart, beverages, food and door prizes. The minimum team handicap is 55, with the maximum assessable to each player at 25.
Lonnie Massey, Trey Beard and Bill Whitsitt have spearheaded the effort, coordinating registrations and gathering sponsors and prizes.
"We have again gathered fantastic prizes. The first place award is $800 in prizes. Second place will receive $500 in prizes and the third place team takes home $320 in prizes," Beard stated. "We have five closest to the pin contests and two long drive contests. Additionally, we'll try to give away a new car for a hole-in-one," said Beard.
Massey said, "Last year's tournament was outstanding, but we would like this year to be even bigger. It is a good way to support the D.A.R.E. program and help our area youngsters," he commented.
For more information about participating in the tournament, contact Massey, Beard or Whitsitt at 765-5533.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Ponca City Police Department's D.A.R.E. program.

Neighborhood Watch Step In Prevention of Burglaries

An effort is being made by a Ponca City resident to alleviate a problem of burglary from residences. The first step has been taken by coordinating a Neighborhood Watch Program in hopes of saving others from experiencing the same problem.
Neighborhood Watch programs have been successful at deterring residential crime, according to the Burglary Prevention Council.
The BPC reports statistics show that neighborhood watch programs help. A burglary takes place an average of every 12 seconds in the United States. Two-thirds of these burglaries are residential in nature. Neighbors play an important part in the overall burglary-prevention program.
This is the way it works. While away, a neighbor, or neighbors will report any suspicious activity around the vacationing neighbor's home. The security of their own home is linked to the security of those on vacation, according to the BPC.
Burglars tend to avoid neighborhoods that are collectively security-conscious. An aware neighborhood is a safer neighborhood.
When an unfamiliar person is lurking about, neighbors take notice. Major Everette VanHoesen of the Ponca City Police Department, stated that if something does not look right, call the police department. "Give us the opportunity to make a contact and to check to see what is going on."
Officers will identify the person, take tag numbers or other identification so that if a crime occurs, the PCPD has information to begin an investigation.
"The Neighborhood Watch program is not a vigilante group or citizens on patrol," VanHoesen confirmed. "These days, neighbors don't mingle like they used to. A watch program gives people a good reason to meet each other," he said.
The 25-year police veteran recommended that neighbors meet regularly. If there is interest from at least half of the neighbors, a program can be developed, he stated.
The Burglary Prevention Council, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of residential burglaries,
VanHoesen is scheduled to meet with a group seeking to coordinate a watch program and invites any interested residents to come and listen Aug. 6 at the Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 2109 West Grand Avenue, at 7 p.m.

Pond Creek Sets Open Horse Show For Rodeo Arena

POND CREEK - The third annual open horse show sponsored by the Northwest Oklahoma Horseman's Association and Pond Creek Chamber of Commerce will be held here Aug. 10 at the Pond Creek Rodeo Arena next to the fairgrounds.
Beginning at 9 a.m., there will be a full slate of classes including halter classes, both Western and English events, as well as several speed events. Everyone is welcome to participate. There will be five separate age divisions, including one for adults.
Entry fees are $4 per class with a one time office charge of $4 per person. If NWOHA membership dues are paid and also sponsorships are paid (for NWOHA members) one may ride all day for $30.
Prices will be awarded to the winners of each class as well as an award to the all-around and reserve all-around winners in each age division. For more information, call Wendy Taylor at 532-6359 or Bobbi Shrum at 438-2629.

Man Held for Filing False Lien on IRS

A Ponca City man was taken into custody Wednesday by the Internal Revenue Service, FBI and a Ponca City police officer, according to the PCPD.
Wayne Gunwall was taken into custody at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, in the parking lot on charges of filing a false lien on the IRS. Police Chief Raymond Ham contacted the U.S. Attorney's office and was told the man was released on an unsecured bond.

Early Release Sought By Several Inmates

By MICHELE JEAN
News Staff Writer
A total of eight inmates whose cases will be considered for parole, pre-parole, medical, conditional supervision or mandatory parole review by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in May were sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County.
The cases will be heard at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on Aug. 14, 15, 16. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. each day.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and must be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than noon, Aug. 7.
Three of the inmates are on the parole docket. They include Jamie J. Cabrera, serving five years with three years suspended for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction of a felony; Robert L. Ferrell, serving 12 years with six suspended for lewd molestation and Tracy A. Miller, serving 15 years for unlawful possession of a narcotic (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
One of the inmates is on the medical docket. Dianna L. Lewis is serving 10 years with four years suspended for embezzlement by employee after former conviction of a felony.
Two of the inmates are on the pre-parole conditional supervision docket. David W. Grant, serving 10 years with five suspended for attempting to utter a forged instrument after former conviction of a felony. Vicky Zamora is serving four years for trafficking in controlled dangerous substance (marijuana).
Two of the inmates from Kay County are scheduled to appear on the mandatory parole review docket. They include Nicholas J. Cramer, serving five years for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute and Shawn D. Hankla, serving 10 years with five years suspended for unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) subsequent offense as amended.

Author of OKC Bombing Book Here for Autographing

Carolyn D. Wall, editor of "Braced Against the Wind" along with six other members of Prairie Wind writers group have recently published a thought-provoking book about the Oklahoma City bombing. Wall will be in Ponca City Saturday to autograph copies at Brace Books and More.
A collected works of hundreds of writers, poets, artists and photographers from across the state of Oklahoma, it is the only literary history of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.
Dedicated to Oklahoma City's 169 silenced voices. "Braced Against the Wind," portrays, from firefighter to fourth-graders, Oklahoma City's emotional journey from heartbreak to healing. Proceeds will be used to build a scholarship endowment for victims of the bombing.
Other members of Prairie Wind Incorporated are Barbara Fretwell, Gerald R. Hibbs, Gaylene Murphy, Phyllis Dominguez, Ron Maier and June Park.
The books was designed by Carl Brune and published by Council Oak Books, both of Tulsa. Production was funded by financial institutions, foundations and private donors.
Oklahoma's former governor, George Nigh, J.J. VanDeventer of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and novelist Jack M. Bickham have fully endorsed the book.
Carolyn D. Wall will be at Brace Books and More from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Readers who want an autographed copy of the book but cannot attend, may call the book store at 765-5173 and have an autographed copy reserved.

District Court

Ponca City
Name Change Granted
Bryan Lynn Sweigart granted name change to Bryan Lynn Schaefer.
Civil Proceedings
Sylvia Wilkinson et al vs. Eddie E. Barnes. Plaintiff seeking judgment against defendant in excess of $10,000.
Jim L. Stevenson doing business as Stevenson Refrigeration vs. Mary Barzda doing business as Western Sizzlin'. Plaintiff seeking judgment against defendant in the amount of $16,197.17.
TRJ Enterprises, Inc. vs. Gordon Warrior et al. Plaintiff granted judgment against defendant in the amount of $4,500.
Ross Reporting Service vs. Joe Roselle. Case dismissed for lack of prosecution.
Ross Reporting Service vs. E.V. Spadafora. Case dismissed for lack of prosecution.
American General Finance, Inc. vs. Robert L. Kennedy. Plaintiff granted default judgment against defendant in the amount of $3,237.01.
Frank Childers vs. Jon Leatherman doing business as Leatherman Motors. Plaintiff granted default judgment against defendant in the amount of $3,000.
TRJ Enterprises, Inc. vs. Misty Deleon and Randy Deleon. Plaintiff granted judgment against defendants in the amount of $3,105.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Joseph Michael Powelson, 22 and Janetta Faye Jones, 38, both of Ponca City.
Chad Alan Nissen, 30, of Hastings and Carol Sue Pappan, 35, of Ponca City.
Robert Lee Wright, 55, of Winfield and Audrey Viola Marie VanKlei, 50, of Wichita.
Kenneth Warren O'Grady, 21 and Cassey Dawn Davis, 19, both of Ponca City.
Bradley Norris Balch, 26 and Keri Rene Sills, 24, both of Blackwell.
Philip Joel Trimmer, 20, of Tonkawa and Jennifer Nicole Aldridge, 20, of Ochelata.
Bonifacio Rojas Amparan, 24 and Evelyn Mary Blue Back, 25, both of Ponca City.
Parker Tracy Allen, 29 and Laura Lynn Cole, 30, both of Kildare.
Divorces Granted
Stacey Lynn Keeler vs. Robert Eugene Keeler. Granted to both. Plaintiff is restored to her former name of Stacey Lynn Williams.
Civil Proceedings
Sears, Roebuck and Company vs. Mark A. Prado and Lori Prado. Plaintiff seeking judgment against defendants in the amount of $5,840.34.
State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Tax Commission vs. Richard L. Cornell and Geraldine G. Cornell. Plaintiff seeking judgment against defendant in the amount of $3,140.41.
Criminal Proceedings
Guilty Plea Entered - Bryin Eugene Willis of Ponca City, charged with a felony count of feloniously pointing a firearm. Defendant pled guilty and must serve two weekends in the county jail and a $200 fine. The incident of feloniously pointing a firearm occurred on Sept. 1, 1995.
Further Hearing Set - Chad E. Longnecker of Wichita, charged with a felony count of trafficking in marijuana and misdemeanor counts of attempt to elude, reckless driving and failure to carry security verification form. Further preliminary hearing set for 9 a.m., Sept. 6. The alleged incidents of trafficking in marijuana, attempt to elude, reckless driving and failure to carry security verification form occurred on Sept. 13, 1995.
Guilty Plea Entered - Stacey Donnell Payne of Ponca City, charged with a felony count of unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana). Pled guilty to the charge and received two years with all but 90 days suspended and a $5,000 fine with all but $500 suspended. The incident of unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance occurred on Nov. 16, 1995.
Guilty Plea Entered - William Patrick Harris also known as Pat Harrison, charged with a felony count of unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana). Pled guilty to the charge and received two years with all but 90 days suspended and a $10,000 fine with all but $1,000 suspended. The incident of unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance occurred on Oct. 17, 1995.
Case Dismissed - Christopher W. Thompson of Blackwell, charged with a felony count of fugitive from justice. Defendant turned himself in, therefore state moves for case dismissal. Court so orders. The alleged incident of fugitive from justice occurred on May 18, 1996.

Emu Meat Now Available From Area Restaurants

Emu meat is now being served at the Cattle Baron's Steak House, Perry, and at Mom's Place in Stillwater, it was announced when Zone 3 of the Oklahoma Emu Association held its monthly meeting July 13.
Twenty-four Emu enthusiasts attended. The speaker was Sheree Lewis who gave an overview of the AEA convention recently held in Orlando, Fla.
Other business discussed included being a "zone only" member as opposed to being a member of the AEA, OEA, and zone. It was decided that a person could make a $25 donation to the zone, and in return would be placed on the zone mailing list, but would not be able to vote on zone matters. The individual would not receive any national or state benefits from this donation.
Future meetings will be the second Saturday of each month at the Ditch Witch Training Facility, Perry, at 5 p.m. during the months of August, September and October, but will be at 1 p.m. from November through March. There will be no meeting in December. The corresponding dates for these meetings are as follows unless changed at a future date:
Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12 , all at 5 p.m.; Nov. 9, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, all at 1 p.m. and April 12 and May 10, 5 p.m.

Playhouse Set For 38th Season

The Ponca Playhouse embarks on its 38th year with a slate of new officers, new directors, and a new building.
New officers include Cynthia DeMarco, president; Tom Cowley, president-elect; Gay Hughes, vice-president; Jim Scott, treasurer; and Michelle Roberts, secretary. New directors include Tom Cowley, Melanie Longmore, Mike Mott, Cleve Powell, Milburn Quinn, and George Wilson. Outgoing directors include George Dickinson, Marsha Hiskett, Lynn Boyer, Craig Rupert, Diana Mills, and Ollie Engle.
Also new this year is the Playhouse's rehearsal and set construction site located at 301 South First Street, formerly known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts building.
The Playhouse's season begins Sept. 27 with the "Octette Bridge Club" and ends June 28 with "Gypsy." All performances will be held at the Poncan Theatre, which is rented by the Playhouse. Season memberships are currently on sale and premium seats are offered to premium membership holders. The box office can be reached at 765-5360.

Wheat Production Meeting Tonight

TONKAWA - A wheat production meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight here at Northern Oklahoma College.
The United States Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Oklahoma State University and the Kay County Commissioners will sponsor the meeting.
Topics scheduled for discussion include fertilizer management, processes of nitrogen, soil and plant interaction, economics of liming in low Ph soils, stand establishment, fertilizer use and wheat varieties.
Guest speakers will be Roger Gribble, OSU Area Agronomist; Dr. Gene Krenzer, OSU Extension Wheat Specialist and Dr. Gordon Johnson, OSU Extension Soils Specialist.
The meeting will be held in Room 108 of the Science Building on the NOC campus.

NEWS BRIEFS

Micro-Wave Needed - The Opportunity Center is in need of a micro-wave oven in good working condition for client training and lunch preparation. If you have one you no longer need, please call 765-6782 and talk to Kristen.

Abandoned Bike - The Ponca City Police Department was advised at 9:47 a.m. Wednesday that an abandoned bike was in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street. Animal Control was contacted to retrieve the bike.

Arrested - A 32-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 10:01 a.m. Wednesday on a Kay County warrant.

Shoplifter - A Ponca City police officer issued a citation to a juvenile shoplifter at a business at West South Avenue and South Waverly Street at 11:57 a.m. Wednesday.

Stolen - A man in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday that a stereo was stolen out of a vehicle. An officer took a report.

Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of stolen jewelry at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday from a woman who lived in the 500 block of South Fourteenth Street.

Subject Held - A 36-year-old woman was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer at 1:53 p.m. Wednesday in the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street on charges of petit larceny.

In Custody - A Ponca City police officer took a 19-year-old man into custody from the police department at 4:28 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Arrested - A 27-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from Darr Park at 5:14 p.m. Wednesday for failure to appear.

Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 41-year-old man in the 800 block of North Sunset Street at 5:53 p.m. Wednesday on a Kay County warrant for stalking.

In Custody - A 40-year-old man was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer in the 800 block of North Elm Street at 5:18 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 23-year-old man in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Subject Held - A 38-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of South Oak Street at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday for domestic assault and battery, a city warrant for unlawful entry and failure to appear.

In Custody - A Ponca City police officer took a 24-year-old woman into custody in the 900 block of South Fourth Street at 1:16 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence, improper lane change and driving under suspension.

Arrested - A 30-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 900 block of South Ninth Street at 1:23 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence, driving under suspension and transporting an open bottle.

Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 40-year-old man in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street at 1:36 a.m. Thursday for driving under the influence, speeding, transporting an open container, no insurance and no drivers' license.

DEATHS

Richard Ellis McCord

BRAMAN - Richard "Dick" Ellis McCord, Braman resident, died Tuesday morning, July 30, 1996, at his home. He was 56.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Friday in the Braman Cemetery with the Rev. Don Martin, Braman Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Richard "Dick" Ellis McCord was born June 1, 1940, in Blackwell, the son of Raymond Alvin and Ruth Kathleen (Thomas) McCord. He grew up and attended school in Braman. In 1957 he moved with his parents to St. Elmo, Ill., where he graduated from high school in 1958. He then returned to Braman.
He was married to Patty O'Brian in Braman and the couple made their first home in St. Elmo. McCord was employed in the oil fields until his return to Braman in January 1996. He operated the Braman Grocery Store for a short time while living in Braman. McCord was a member of the Braman Methodist Church.
Survivors include his mother, Ruth K. Tickel of Braman, one daughter, Marsha Welker of Iowa; two sisters, Winifred Daulton of Rochester, Ind., and Charolette Dillon of Odessa, Texas; one brother, Reese Wilson McCord of El Paso, Texas; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond McCord.

Clarence B. Strome

TONKAWA - Clarence B. "Buck" Strome, longtime Tonkawa area resident, died Monday afternoon, July 15, 1996, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 95.
A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday in the Tonkawa First Christian Church with Dr. John Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont (Okla.) Cemetery. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Clarence B. "Buck" Strome was born Oct. 31, 1900, in Tonkawa, the son of William and Laura (Belknap) Strome. He grew up and attended schools in Lamont, graduating from Lamont High School in 1921. He attended college and played semi-pro baseball in the later 1920s. In 1929, Strome was voted best semi-pro baseball player in Oklahoma.
In 1931 he was married to Willa Hand in Newkirk. Strome taught school and served as athletic coach in Lamont then later retired from Occidental Oil Co. He was a member of the Tonkawa First Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Willa, of Tonkawa and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, John C.; one daughter, Harriet Jane; his parents; one sister, Gladys; and two brothers, Earl and Victor.

Edward Lee Quillin

Edward Lee Quillin, former Ponca City resident, died unexpectedly at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
A private service for the family was to be held at 10 a.m. today at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery, under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City.
Survivors include his mother Mrs. Jack (Lorene) Skaggsx of Ponca City.

SPORTS

Locals Off To Tough Moto Start

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
"It's enough to make you want to quit motocross," a disgusted Ponca City's Chuck Diebold said after a disappointing race on the first day of the NMA Grand National Motocross Championship this morning.
"I won't, but this is hard to take."
Diebold's statement might sum up the feeling of the Ponca City riders in the championship. It was not a good day for the locals, to say the least.
A light ran delayed the start of the races about 20 minutes, but the moisture did little more than settle the dust at the Ambuc Track.
"The track is in good shape," NMA President Ron Hendricksen said of the rain at midmorning. But then he grinned wistfully, "but I sure don't need any more."
Rain has plagued the races in recent years, washing out a portion of the track last year.
But the rain wasn't the main concern of the Ponca City riders this morning,
The very first race of the day was supposed to feature Jarrod Gray in the 125 Stock Novice division. But when the race started, Gray wasn't there. He was in the St. Joseph's Medical Center. He reportedly dislocated his hip in a crash during Wednesday's practice session.

Young Michael Duran was up next for the Poncans in the Junior Cycle Stock class for 9-11 year-olds. He got out of the starting gate slowly and finished 12th in his first heat.
"The concrete at the starting gate is slick and we didn't get a good start," Mike Sr. said following the race. "He ran pretty good during the race, but couldn't make up for the start.

"But at least we'll have a second chance later today."

Duran, who is in his first full season on the 60cc junior cycle bike, was to race in the modified division later today.
Finally, Diebold took his stab at improving Ponca City's lot in the 125 cc Stock Intermediate class. But he also did poorly on the all important start.
"I got the last gate pick," he grumbled. "and then didn't get a good start. I was just too far back to start.
"But I knew I was going to get kicked. I moved up to the intermediate class this year."
Some of the veteran Ponca City racers were to take to the track later in the day.
Jason Wohletz is in the 250cc Pro Stock and Modified classes. Scott Morgan and John Gillard both return for the Plus 30 (year-old) non-pro event.
Finally, Shane Gray will attempt to step into his brother's shoes in the Pee-Wee (7-8) Modified class.
Oklahoma fared somewhat better than Ponca City as high-flying Heath Frazier of Elk City won the 125 Novice first division first moto, pulling into the lead on the second lap and never looking back.
But he will have competition from second division winner Ryan Petty of Houston, Texas, who led his race from start to finish. He built a five second lead over the field early and cruised home.
The Junior Cycle Stock first heat winner was Jonathon Kerr of College Station, Texas, who held off a charge by Nathan Davenport of Wiggins, Miss., on the final lap.
Danny Smith of Eagle, Idaho won the first heat of the 125 Stock Intermediate class, edging out Danny Carlson of Sun City, Calif.
The race schedule calls for the first 31 of the 39 events to be run today. The final eight first motos will run Friday morning, starting at 8 a.m., and the second motos will start in the afternoon.
On Saturday, the remaining second motos and any runoffs will be held.

7th Grade Football

Seventh Grade Football, which will replace school sponsored football for seventh grade students, will hold an informational meeting this evening at 7 at the Middle School (West) football field.
This meeting is for all players and parents. For information, contact David Kinkaid (762-6314).

McSpadden Honored

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Phil McSpadden, whose Oklahoma City Chiefs rolled to the NAIA national softball title this year, has been named the 1996 Speedline/NSCA NAIA National Coach of the Year, it was announced Wednesday.
McSpadden, who also coached in Ponca City, has a 452-123 overall record at Oklahoma City.