LOCAL

Tulsa School Bus Crash Injures Four
Police Here Seek Man for Sexual Assault
High School Senior Parents Meet Tuesday Night

Tulsa School Bus Crash Injures Four

TULSA (AP) — Three special education students and a bus driver were injured when a Tulsa Public Schools mini-bus went out of control this morning.

‘‘Three students in the bus have been transported to area hospitals with what’s been described as minor injuries as well as the bus driver, who has minor injuries,’’ said Tulsa police Sgt. Wayne Allen.

The bus was heading to Thoreau Demonstration Academy. The three high school students were the only passengers on the bus, said Bob Haddox, transportation director for Tulsa Public Schools.

‘‘We have contacted parents, and transportation supervisors are at the scene,’’ Haddox said. The injuries of the students and driver have been described as cuts and bruises.

Police said the bus driver apparently lost control and hit a concrete barrier on Broken Arrow Expressway in Tulsa. The bus went over the barrier and came to rest against a parked freight train, according to reports.

Police Here Seek Man for Sexual Assault

A man who reportedly abducted a local eight-year-old girl and then sexually assaulted her Sunday afternoon is being sought by the Ponca City Police Department.

The girl reported to police Sunday at 2:14 p.m. that she was walking on North Osage when she was called over to a white full-sized pickup. The victim approached the truck, was abducted, driven to a rural area and then sexually assaulted. She was dropped off sometime later near the area where she was abducted.

The assailant is described as a white man with gray hair, a gray mustache, tall and a large build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a multi-colored shirt, blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes. The victim describes the assailant as having several tattoos. He has a heart tattoo on one shoulder and the center of his chest. On the other shoulder he has a tattoo of a naked woman. On the back of one hand, the tattoo was described as a circle with rainbow colors on it. The interior of the white pickup was blue.

Police are asking for any assistance that would help them locate the assailant. “With the description we have received, we feel like someone knows who this man is. The Crime Stoppers program provides an excellent opportunity for people having information to come forward and remain anonymous,” says Detective Captain Dwaine Vincent.

“Anyone having information can call Crime Stoppers at 762-5100, the Ponca City Police Department at 767-0370, or speak with a detective at 767-0376,” according to Vincent.

The Ponca City Police Department plans to seek the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

High School Senior Parents Meet Tuesday Night

Po-Hi Senior Class Counselor Royce Caldron and Senior Assistant Principal John Woody will host a meeting for senior parents on Tuesday, Sept. 28. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Assembly Center in the Commons.

The purpose of the meeting is to share some important information with parents concerning issues that are critical for most seniors. There will also be an opportunity for parents to ask questions about their concerns.

Caldron has previously held meetings with senior students during the day at the high school to distribute printed information concerning senior issues. Parents who are unable to attend this meeting should ask their senior student to share the booklet that was given to them by the senior counselor.

DEATHS

Patricia A. Baughman

Patricia A. Baughman

TULSA — Patricia A. (Hatten) Baughman, former Ponca City area resident, died Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, in Tulsa. She was 65.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa. Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park under the direction of Rose Hill Funeral Home, Tulsa.

Patricia A. (Hatten) Baughman was born Aug. 5, 1934, in Ponca City to Francis D. and Mildred (Day) Hatten. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City.

She was married to Homer E. Baughman, and the couple had made their home in the Tulsa area for several years. Mrs. Baughman was a homemaker and had served in the preschool department at Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Homer, of the Tulsa home; three sons, Harold of Fayetteville, Ark., Glen of Denver, Colo., and Roger of Tulsa; two daughters, Frances Newberry of Atlanta, Ga., and Sarah Clay of Tulsa; her mother, Mildred Hatten of Ponca City; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; one brother Delbert; and two sisters, Norma and Barbara.

NEWS BRIEFS

PrimeTimers — Southern Charms (Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah) will be the focus of a travel show at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 in the lounge at Pioneer Bank and Trust.

Trout Funeral Home will present a program on Funeral Pre-Arrangement, Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. door prize drawings. adv.

Rock and Gem Club — Ponca City Rough and Tumbled Rock and Gem Club, 7 p.m. Tuesday, home of Ralph and Michelle Hoffman, 420 Fairview, program will show video “Dinosaur! the Fossil Rush,” with Walter Cronkite, visitors welcome.

Unique and New Halloween gifts and decorations. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca

City. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 2000 block of North Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:03 p.m. Saturday that his bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Po-Hi Stepper Homecoming Dinner. Friday October 8th, 5 - 7 p.m. at High School. Take-outs

available. Cost $5.00. Tickets at the door or from any Hi-Stepper. adv.

Phone Stolen — A man from the 1500 block of Clarke Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:24 a.m. Saturday that his cell phone had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dog Stolen — A man from the 500 block of South Thirteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:30 a.m. Saturday that his dog had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 8:20 a.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred five miles west of Waverly Street on Hubbard Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:53 a.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred two miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 9:02 a.m. Saturday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of North Waverly Street and West B roadway Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Broken Into — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:34 a.m. Saturday from a woman that her vehicle had been broken into. An officer responded and a report was taken.

Residence Burglarized — The Communications Center received a call at 10:19 a.m. Saturday that a residence in the 800 block of South Ninth Street had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Tires Slashed — A man from the 200 block of Lansbrook Road reported at 11:27 a.m. Saturday that tires of a vehicle had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that the incident had occurred at the YMCA.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Third Street and East Grand Avenue at 10:24 p.m. Saturday that an 18-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and failing to stop for a red light.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue at 4:38 p.m. Saturday that a 23-year-old man was being held for driving under revocation.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of North Elm Street at 4:58 p.m. Saturday that a 31-year-old man was being held for driving under revocation and having no insurance.

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.

Class Reunion — A planning meeting for a class reunion of the Ponca City High School graduating classes of 1943, 1944, 1945 will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 in the basement of the Ponca City Library. All interested persons are invited to attend. For more information call Bruce Davis, 765-9870.

Items Missing — An employee with Nelson Waterproofing reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:09 p.m. Saturday that while working at East Mid High, four cases of bleach and a bottle of soap had been stolen from the work site. The information was logged.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Sunset Street at 9:01 p.m. Saturday that a 33-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay, and domestic assault and battery.

Items Missing — A man from the 200 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:15 p.m. Saturday that some items were missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on grand larceny.

Subject Held — An accident in the 100 block of North Palm Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:17 p.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned, a report was taken, and a 33-year-old man was held on a city warrant.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Fifth Street at 9:55 p.m. Saturday that a vehicle with an expired tag was being towed from the scene.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Fifth Street at 12:53 a.m. Sunday that a 19-year-old woman was being held for DUI and having an expired tag.

Retirement reception for Delores Cady. Thursday, Sept. 30th. Carla’s Hallmark, downtown. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 3500 block of North Union street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:07 p.m. Sunday that several people had seen a man assault a girl with a metal rod. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglarized — A man from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:15 a.m. Monday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on the larceny of a vehicle.

Beer Stolen — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:26 a.m. Monday from a clerk at Conoco, 1613 West South Avenue, that two subjects had taken two 30-packs of beer and left without paying. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Assault — The Communications Center received a report at 2:23 a.m. Sunday that a disturbance was occurring at the intersection of North Fourth Street and East Hazel Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a 25-year-old woman was held for assault with a deadly weapon.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Second Street at 3:46 a.m. Sunday that a 22-year-old man was being held for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

Mailbox Stolen — A woman in the 700 block of Marland Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:50 a.m. Sunday that her mail box had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The mail box was later found in the area.

Assaulted — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:25 p.m. Sunday that a 15-year-old girl was being treated for injuries following a fight. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Vandalized — A man from the 300 block of North Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:48 a.m. Sunday that his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Shoplifter — An employee at United Supermarket reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:28 p.m. Sunday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 62-year-old woman was held for petit larceny.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue at 1:25 p.m. Sunday that a 50-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension, speeding, and having no insurance.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of East Highland Avenue at 2:09 a.m. Sunday that a 29-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license.

Lawn Mower Stolen — A man from the 1400 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:35 p.m. Sunday that a lawn mower had been stolen from the front porch. The information was logged.

Forged Check — An employee at Buy For Less reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:42 p.m. Sunday that a forged check had been received. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Melinda Nelson Becomes Bride Of Ryan Smith
Plans Set for Singles
Miss Ponca City Candidate
Risotto Adaptable for Vegetarian Menu

Melinda Nelson Becomes Bride Of Ryan Smith

University United Methodist Church in Tulsa was the setting Aug. 28, 1999, for the wedding of Melinda Nelson and Ryan Smith. Their vows were officiated in a 6:30 p.m. ceremony by the Rev. Carole Minter.

The bride is the daughter of Marion and Eileen Nelson of Stillwater, and the bridegroom is the son of Candy Smith, 93 Elmwood, and the late Ron Smith. The bridegroom is the grandson of Wally and Vera Jean Officer and Clay and Maxine Smith of Ponca City.

Honor attendants were Cindy Langford and Kate Pixley. Lighting candles was Melisa Nelson, and attending the guest book was Cheryl Smith. Rob Smith served as Best Man, and Brandon Clark was groomsman. Ushers were John Pixley and Travis Smith.

The bridegroom’s mother hosted a reception at the Allen Chapman Activity Center. Assisting with the event were Kate Kytle-Hall, Linda Langford and Becky Sossamon.

The newlywed couple resides in Tulsa. The bride is employed with Corporate Travel at Williams, and the bridegroom is employed with Circuit Provisioning at MCI/WorldCom.

Plans Set for Singles

The Singles Network is a group of single people, either by choice or by divorce or widowed, that gathers for fellowship and mutual support.

Activity schedule for the week includes a VCR party at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Lenora’s. Those participating are asked to bring snacks to share and call 767-1417. The group will eat at the American Legion Sept. 30, and reservations need to be made by Sept. 28 with Dorothy. Breakfast at Perkins is slated for 7:30 a.m. Oct. 2, and members are reminded of the upcoming Oktoberfest.

Miss Ponca City Candidate

Editor’s Note: Candidates for the title of Miss Ponca City will be announced in The News each day through Sept. 29. They will appear as randomly selected by contestants and contest coordinators, with no preference indicated by date of publication.

The Miss Ponca City Queen Contest will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Contestants are Heather Herard, Audra Ramsey, Andrea Johnson, Amanda Cobb, Jennifer Tippin, Adrienne Hines, Jessica Bowen, Halli Huffman, Christy Hassell, and Ashly Sawyers. Tickets are available from the contestants or by contacting Vicki Graves at 765-8679 or 7654736, and Jackie Cutler at 762-0437.

The contest begins at 7:30 p.m., and Master of Ceremonies will be KIXR personality R.J. Masters. The winner of the contest will be awarded the traditional crown and sash, a trophy, scholarships and many other prizes.

Contestants will be judged on poise, appearance and personality. They will also be judged on the three-to-five minute presentation to include personal resume information, and the answers to the questions of “Why I Want to be Miss Ponca City” and “What Ponca City Means To Me.”

The contest winner will represent Ponca City as a “Visiting Queen” in the Arkalalah, Arkansas City’s annual Halloween Festival, slated Oct. 29 and 30. Miss Ponca City also acts as a goodwill ambassador, and attends various functions and speaking engagements throughout her year’s reign as her personal schedule allows.

The title of Miss Ponca City is currently held by Ashley Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen.

One of the candidates for the title is Halli Kay Huffman, daughter of Darlene and Bill Flegler and Gary and Carmen Huffman.

A senior at Ponca City High School, Miss Huffman has received the President’s Award for academic excellence, and has been on the honor roll for five years. She was a member of the first class to attend and graduate from eighth grade at First Lutheran School.

She is an avid participant in team sports and has played basketball for seven years and has been involved with track for eight years. Miss Huffman is a member of the Sign Language Club at Po-Hi, and vice president of Health Sciences for USO at Pioneer Technology Center.

Risotto Adaptable for Vegetarian Menu

NEW YORK (AP) — Risotto, the popular rice dish from Italy that’s turning up on menus all over the place, adapts beautifully to vegetarian versions.

At its best, risotto is a labor of love, with lots of strong-arm stirring exerted for the best creamy results, as the rice blends with broth and a few other ingredients.

Chefs advise home cooks to make vegetarian-style risottos simple and mild-tasting so that gently aromatic flavors and textures can be savored to the full.

Risotto With Parsley and Lemon has the combination of parsley and lemon zest to give it a fresh, appealing taste. It’s an easy-to-make risotto for all seasons, to serve as a starter before a grilled fish course, or as a main course itself.

Although available all year round, zucchini is at its peak from late spring through autumn. In the Zucchini Risotto, the vegetable’s mild flavor and the addition of zucchini puree at the end results in a dish of ultra-creamy taste and texture.

Risotto With Parsley and Lemon

6 cups vegetable broth

4 tablespoons plus 1

tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup finely minced onion

2 cups Arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine or broth

1 cup Italian, flat-leaf parsley

(1 bunch parsley), washed, thickest

stems removed, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated,

about 1 tablespoon

In a medium-large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat, leaving broth at a gentle simmer.

Heat the 4 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy 4-quart casserole over moderate heat. Add the onion and saute for 1 or 2 minutes, until it is translucent; be careful not to brown it.

Add the rice; using a wooden spoon, stir 1 or 2 minutes, or until the grains are well coated. Add the 1/2 cup wine or broth, stirring until it is completely absorbed. Begin to add the simmering broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next 1/2 cup. Reserve about 1/4 cup broth to add at the end.

After about 16 to 18 minutes, taste rice to see if grain is al dente (tender, but still firm to the bite). If it seems too hard, add a little more broth and cook another minute or two. Add the reserved broth and the parsley. Remove pan from the heat.

Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil, cheese, salt and lemon zest, and stir vigorously into the rice. Cover and let the risotto “rest” a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Zucchini Risotto

2 medium-sized zucchini,

about 1 pound

5 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

6 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup dry white wine or broth

1/3 cup finely minced onion

2 cups Arborio rice

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cut zucchini into fine julienne strips, approximately 1 inch long. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, add the garlic and zucchini, and cook for 5 minutes, or until zucchini are tender. Turn off the heat and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of sauteed zucchini.

In a medium-large saucepan, bring the broth to boil, then reduce the heat, leaving broth at a gentle simmer. Use 1/4 cup broth to make zucchini puree in blender with the 1/2 cup reserved zucchini; set puree aside.

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy 4-quart casserole over moderate heat. Add the onion and saute for 1 or 2 minutes, until it is translucent, being careful not to brown it. Add the rice; using a wooden spoon, stir for 1 or 2 minutes, making sure all the grains are well coated. Add the 1/2 cup wine or broth and stir until it is completely absorbed. Begin to add the simmering broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next 1/2 cup. Reserve about 1/4 cup to add at the end.

Add the zucchini about 10 minutes after adding the first 1/2 cup of broth to the rice. Continue cooking rice, adding more broth as the rice absorbs it, while stirring, another 8 minutes.

After approximately 18 minutes, when the rice is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite), add the reserved broth. Remove pan from the heat.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, cheese, zucchini puree, parsley and salt, and stir vigorously into the rice. Cover and let the risotto “rest” a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving. Makes 4 servings.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
PC Netters Win Tourney

Monday Evening Quarterback

Hard work pays off.

Coaches have been preaching that to athletes ever since there have been coaches and athletes.

Hard work by Lady Wildcat cross country runner Jessica Jorgensen has had a huge pay-off.

In only her second season of cross country, the Po-Hi sophomore has been ranked No. 4 in the state among Class 5A girls.

Last Thursday, Jorgensen finished fourth in the Ark City meet, running against some of the top Kansas talent. Her time of 12:35 in the 2-mile run was a second better than her winning time in the Ponca City Invitational and three seconds better than that the previous week at Edmond (where she was also fourth).

The fact she keeps lowering her time midway through the season is unusual enough. But a look a the time drops from the previous year is phenomenal.

He finish in the 1998 Ponca City Invitational was 15:01. She has cut here time by almost three minutes in one year.

How?

“A lot of hard work,” she says simply. “And I learned a lot over the summer.”

While several Ponca City runners took part in the high altitude camp at Estes Park, Colo., with coach Kelly Chaney, Jorgensen was attending that camp and another won.

“I also went to a camp in Utah,” she notes.

That camp was run by the BYU coach, who is the top NCAA Cross Country coach.

“I learned a lot of things I needed to know,” Jorgensen said. “I learned how to workout better and how to recover.”

Recovery became vital in the strenuous workouts she set for herself during the summer. She ran six days a week, sometime twice a day.

“I usually did my speed work in the mornings and then that night I’d run three miles,” Jorgensen said. “The next day I’d do some long distance running.”

Alternating her workouts was a way of allowing her muscles to recover, she said.

And, oh, yes, “I took Sundays off.”

Jorgensen got her start in running with the Ponca City track team, but friends kept trying to get her out for cross country.

“I ran in the Eskimo Joe fun run in Stillwater and like it,” Jorgensen said of her first try at long distance running.

Soon she returned to Stillwater for a regular 5-K race. She doesn’t remember how she finished, just that she enjoyed it.

Jorgensen has bypassed trying to play softball or soccer or tennis, etc. “because I like the individual competition of track and cross country.”

She did try her hand at volleyball, briefly.

“But I decided it wasn’t for me.”

But Jorgensen does like being part of a team.

“We’re good fiends and we do a lot of things together,’ she said of her fellow Lady Wildcat harriers. “Before a meet we usually get together for pasta and a movie.”

Jorgensen has set her goals high.

“I’d like to get my time below 12 minutes,” she said, “maybe 11:50 for the two miles.”

She also has set her sights high for after high school.

“I’d like to run cross country in college. Maybe at BYU.”

Which is only the No. 1 college women’s team in the country.

“When I was at the BYU camp, one of the assistants said they were going to keep an eye on me.”

So will a lot of other people.

PC Netters Win Tourney

Ponca City’s junior high girls tennis team won its own tournament Friday, edging out Winfield, Kan., by point.

The Ponca City JV team finished in a tie for fifth in the 10-team field.

Morgan Meister won the No. 2 Singles competition with Allie Hufnagel placing third in the No. 1 Singles.

Michaela Cavener and Hope Sanders took third in the No. 1 Doubles and Monica Cardwell and Stacy Murray were third in the No. 2 Doubles.

For the JVs, Danielle Keim was second in the No. 2 Doubles, Amanda Lewis and Kim Young were fourth in the No. 2 Doubles and Janna Leach was eighth in the No. 1 Singles.

Team Scoring

Ponca City 47. Winfield 46, Wichita Collegiate 44, Stillwater 32. Ponca City JV 31, Goddard 31, Ark City 29, Goddard JV 18, Wellington 16, Collegiate JV 5