LOCAL

Conoco Posts Record Earnings for Quarter
Ponca City Main Street Names New Director
Tree Project 2000 Is Challenge For Planting 2,000 Trees in PC
Letters to the Editor

Conoco Posts Record Earnings for Quarter

HOUSTON — Conoco officials announced today that higher natural gas and crude oil prices, coupled with strong margins for refined products and record refinery throughputs, produced record-setting results for the third consecutive quarter.

Net income before special items totaled $523 million, or $.83 per diluted share, double that of third quarter 1999 and 14 percent above the second quarter 2000.

“The quarter was an extraordinary success,” said Conoco chairman and CEO Archie W. Dunham. “Earnings were at record levels for the third consecutive quarter, and major discoveries were made in Vietnam and the deep-water Gulf ofMexico.

“In the North Sea, we completed the Norsk Hydro producing properties acquisition and brought onstream the Vixen natural gas field. We also announced a groundbreaking 20-year supply contract to deliver Indonesian natural gas to Malaysia,” he said.

For the first nine months of the year, net income before special items totaled $1.37 billion, or $2.17 per diluted share, compared to $458 million or $.72 per diluted share in 1999.

Revenues rose to a new quarterly high of $10.7 billion, up $3.2 billion or 43 percent over 1999. Revenues for the first nine months totaled $28.9 billion.

Dunham continued, “Great strides are being achieved in exploration. We are extremely encouraged by the Magnolia appraisal well currently being drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, we unveiled the industry’s most powerful exploration supercomputer that allows more cost-effective seismic data analysis.

“In a related step, we began a massive geophysical survey over 2,000 deep-water blocks in the Gulf of Mexico, using gravity gradiometry technology once used exclusively by the military.

“Gratifyingly, Conoco was named the best exploration and production company in the world by Prudential Securities for the second consecutive year. These recent strides will help us maintain this outstanding performance and continue to increase shareholder value,” he added.

“Downtime in the North Sea caused a temporary interruption in our quarterly production increases. Nevertheless, we remain confident about continued, profitable production growth over the long term,” he said.

“I’m also very pleased with the performance of our refining and marketing operations. Record worldwide refinery operating levels reflect the significant improvements in plant reliability achieved over a number of years and allow Conoco to help satisfy rising global energy needs,” he said.

“Modifications are nearly complete at our Lake Charles, La., refinery to allow the processing of Venezuelan syncrude from Conoco's Petrozuata joint venture.

“We expect to commence commercial processing early in 2001.

“These modifications will increase the refinery's capacity and enhance Conoco's ability to competitively supply the domestic market with additional refined products.

“The refinery will be down for a major turnaround in the fourth quarter as this upgrade is completed,” Dunham concluded.

Ponca City Main Street Names New Director

The executive committee of the Ponca City Main Street Authority has hired Tim Wilkens to assume the responsibilities of director.

The position has been vacant since the resignation of Michele Jean on July 1.

The filling of the position followed an intensive search to find a well-qualified, motivated, and talented candidate to help lead the program.

Wilkens, currently a resident of Broken Bow, will begin the job on Nov. 3. He brings to the position a great deal of experience in economic development, nonprofit management and event-coordination.

In the past, Wilkens as served as Methodist minister for the communities of Eakly, Lindsay and Guymon. Additionally, he was elected to the city council of Eakly during his tenure there.

In Lindsay, he served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and was president for one year. He also served on the Lindsay Planning Commission and was an advisory board member to the Lindsay Industrial Development Authority.

Wilkens is a graduate of the Mid-America Leadership Program.

He was involved in the development of an homeless shelter in Guymon and started a Spanish-speaking church there.

Wilkens says he is excited about the job opportunity here in Ponca City and bringing his expertise in public relations and networking to the Ponca City Main Street Authority. He said he is excited to have been offered the job, as it will allow him an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a community and its citizens.

Wilkens looks forward to working with community leaders and Main Street volunteers towards achieving the goals of the Main Street Program.

Wilkens is married and has two children — Tabitha and Samuel. He is a native of Cordell.

The Ponca City Main Street Authority is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown area through a comprehensive program of design assistance, organization, economic revitalization, and promotion of the downtown as a place to shop, dine, and live.

The program seeks to accomplish its goals to create a downtown that is vibrant and economically viable through the guidelines of the National Main Street Program and with assistance from the State Main Street Office of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

The Main Street Authority provides assistance to downtown businesses and building owners and other local organizations.

Tree Project 2000 Is Challenge For Planting 2,000 Trees in PC

Consider planting a Millennium Tree this fall for the future of Ponca City, as part of Tree Project 2000. At the beginning of the new year, the Ponca City Millennium commission issued a challenge to individuals, schools, businesses and other agencies to plant 2,000 new trees in the community. The project is part way to completion and entering Phase II, to allow for further development of the original idea.

The concept of “Tree 2000” is to provide a long lasting legacy in addition to enhancing the community. The first of the “2000” trees was a red oak, planted at Standing Bear Park on Jan. 9, 1999. Other plantings have occurred at a number of locations including: several Ponca City schools, Pioneer Woman Museum, and individual homeowners.

“To reach the goal of 2,000 trees planted by the end of the year 2001, active participation is needed from local citizens and businesses,” Jayne Detten, tree project chair, said. “If you or your business would like to be a part of this limited opportunity, you will find several available options.”

Millennium trees and special engraved medallions are still available for purchase and planting. Trees can be planted in honor of children, parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers, bosses, etc. In addition, a tree could be considered as a gift for birthday, anniversary or other special occasions. Or donate a tree to be planted in a city park under the name of your choice, suggests Detten.

Furthermore, fall, rather than spring, is the best time to plant trees. According to Dr. Carl Whitcomb, retired professor of horticulture at Oklahoma State University, in his book, Know It and Grow It, the roots of a new tree planted in the fall or even winter seasons have more time to establish themselves in the ground and stabilize the tree before the spring growing season.

Richard Keathly, of Keathly’s Nursery and Garden Center, also feels the best time to plant for the area is late September and on through the winter.

“In Ponca City, we have warm periods during the winter,” Keathly said. “These periods will stimulate the growth of the roots below the ground.”

Three plans are available for participation in Tree Project 2000. The first option includes one tree from the “Millennium Tree Selection” grouping — oak (shumard or sawtooth); maple (red or shantung-yellow/orange); elm (lace bark); Chinese pistache; pine (loblolly) or redbud. These five-gallon container trees will be about five to eight feet tall. Plan one is available at a cost of $35.

A second option includes a tree plus a medallion at a cost of $75. With this package a Millennium tree and an engraved Millennium medallion are available to commemorate the planting. A bronze medallion, three inches in diameter, will be engraved with the tree’s log number 2000-20001 series and a name of the purchaser’s choice. The medallion will be delivered or mailed after engraving.

To purchase a medallion only, at a cost of $40, orders must accompany a copy of a newly purchased tree. Also, for those without a green thumb, assistance in planting trees is available at a cost of $15 per tree. Participating garden centers include: Country General, Keathly’s, Kmart, Love Apple’s, Lowe’s and Wal-Mart.

Order forms and information regarding tree selection and planting tips are available at participating nurseries, the Chamber of Commerce office, Ponca City Tomorrow office and United Way office. Or, contact Detten at 762-4414, with additional questions.

Letters to the Editor

I would like to express my appreciation for all the hard work everyone did during the recent Standing Bear dedication of the Tribal Viewing Courts and Powwow.

I would especially like to thank Carl Renfro for his sincere devotion to the project. I’d also like to mention Conoco, Dane Pryse, Keith Franklin, the Phase II committee, T.L. Walker, the Powwow committee, The Ponca City News and the six area tribes. All the volunteers were so thoughtful and willing to go the extra mile to help. Their diligent work has helped to build the Standing Bear project into a growing success.

I feel through the efforts of the Standing Bear Native American Foundation, the volunteers and the six area tribes, our community is beginning to have a better understanding of the diverse cultures of the tribes in this region.

It is certainly a privilege to be involved with such an exceptional organization.

JoAnn Obregon

Secretary, Kaw Nation Executive Council

DEATHS

Nadine Marie Morgan
Ernest J. Lantz
Sandy Kay Corwin Lindhorst
Louis James Sroufe
Jay D Sanders
Arthur Anderson Smith

Nadine Marie Morgan

Nadine Marie Morgan, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000 at the Dade County Nursing Home in Greenfield, Mo. She was 71.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000, at the First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Steve Bierly, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Longwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Trout Funeral Home.

Nadine Marie Morgan was born Nov. 27, 1928, in Kaw City, the daughter of Horace G. and Alma J. (Townley) Hudsonpillar. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1947. She was employed with the Oklahoma State Employment Agency and retired after 18 years of service. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano and traveling. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include two sons, Joe Morgan of Lamar, Mo., and Craig Burns of Jasper, Mo.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ralph Hudsonpillar of Shreveport, La.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Terry Ray Burns; one brother, Raymond Hudsonpillar and a grandson.

Casket bearers will be Harold Mullins, Dan McFarland, Jay Warner, Chris Noel, Bob Faken and Ken Kestler.

Ernest J. Lantz

FAIRFAX — Ernest J. Lantz, longtime resident of Fairfax, died Saturday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2000, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 83.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax with the Rev. George Weston presiding.

Ernest J. Lantz was born Aug. 3, 1917, in Tulsa, the son of John Lantz and Emma (Mefford) Lantz. He graduated from Kiefer High School in 1934, later attending the University of Wyoming and Northeastern State University, Tahlequah. He married Minyon St.Clair on Feb. 22, 1936, in Kilgore, Texas, where the couple made their first home. He served from 1944 to 1946 in the United States Army, being assigned to the Combat Engineering Group seeing duty in Germany and France. The couple moved to Fairfax in 1948 at which time he began employment with the Texaco Oil Company. He was employed with Texaco for 35 years. He later was employed 10 years as maintenance man at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the Ponca City VFW, and he enjoyed quail hunting, his bird dogs, fishing and being with his family.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Larry Lantz of Tulsa, Gary Lantz of Norman and Steve Lantz of Pauls Valley; one daughter, Linda Harp of Fairfax; one brother, Henry Lantz of Kilgore, Texas; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Eva Millslagle; three brothers, Everett Lantz, Clenzy Lantz and Jim Lantz.

Sandy Kay Corwin Lindhorst

Richmond, Mo. — Sandy Kay Corwin Lindhorst, former resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000, at her home in St. Louis, Mo. She was 39.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lexington, Mo. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Richmond, Mo., under the direction of Thurman Funeral Home of Richmond, Mo. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Sandy Kay Corwin Lindhorst was born Sept. 17, 1961, in St. Joseph, Mo., the daughter of Charles M. and Barbara A. Mihelich Corwin. She married Mark E. Lindhorst of Lexington, Mo., on Feb. 17, 1984. She graduated from Richmond R-16 High School in Richmond in 1979 and, in 1982, received her bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition and hotel and restaurant management from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.

She was employed as a human resources coordinator for Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. in Alton, Ill., for the last several years. She had previously been a corporate training coordinator for Conoco Inc., in Houston, Texas. She was a member of the Lady Loretto Catholic Church in St. Louis, Mo. She had lived in Richmond, Ponca City, Houston and move to St. Louis, Mo., in 1995.

Casket bearers will be Jeremiah Samborski, Jesse Samborski, Philip Kolster, Jay Kolster, Rick Orf and Roy Doskal.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Mo., c/o Thurman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, Mo. 64085.

Louis James Sroufe

FAIRFAX — Louis James “E.J.” Sroufe, lifelong Fairfax resident, died Thursday evening, Oct. 19, 2000, in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 67.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000, in the Fairfax Cemetery with Vernon Butler, deacon of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fairfax, officiating. Arrangements will be under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Louis James Sroufe was born on March 13, 1933, in Fairfax, the son of Everett and Verna (Drexel) Sroufe. He grew up and attended schools in Fairfax and due to poor health never finished. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fairfax and the Osage tribe. He enjoyed visiting with his friends and family.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Melton of Ponca City and a brother, Michael Charles Sroufe of Ponca City as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bobby Sroufe, Edmund Sroufe and Bill Sroufe; and one sister, Ida Marie Carney.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to help defray expenses to Grace Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 961, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

Obituaries

Jay D Sanders

Jay D Sanders, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, Oct. 20, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 72.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000, at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, pastor, Albright United Methodist Church, officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at Albright United Methodist Church. Arrangements are made under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Jay was born on Nov. 22, 1927, in Three Sands to Roy Leeland and Mable Dale (Case) Sanders. He grew up in that area and attended Marland schools. After graduation from high school, Jay served in the United States Army in the occupation forces in Europe after World War II. Jay worked for Conoco for over 30 years and retired as a research technician in the Research and Development department.

Jay never sat still unless he had his nose in a book. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and he’s always been known as a walking encyclopedia. From his love of history to his constant remodeling efforts, his handiwork varied from building home additions, cabinetry, refinishing furniture — to making water skis, boats, stained glass lamp shades, and leather wallets. He knew no limit to what he was capable of doing and, when there was a limit, he challenged its existence. Other interests include camping, gardening, fishing, walking, playing cards, and shooting pool.

Jay (unknowingly) met his wife and soul mate at a Sunday school class skating party. All it took was for Betty to ask him to skate. It was love at first sight, and they have been inseparable ever since. The couple were married on July 8, 1950, in what is now known as Albright United Methodist Church. The family enjoyed traveling and camping in Yellowstone and the Tetons when the kids were growing up. After Jay’s retirement, Betty and Jay spread their wings, traveling extensively at home and abroad. They became snowbirds and made south Texas their second home. What’s more, they also created a second family away from home. Jay was devoted to Betty. This year they celebrated 50 years of marriage, friendship, and love.

Jay was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. He was ornery, had a mischievous sense of humor. We’ll remember the twinkle in his eye, his never-ending smile, his teasing nature, picnics at the lake, skiing, and fishing with family and friends. Jay loved to help anyone that needed it. His heart was always open, and he thrived on making others happy. And, he always did. We’ll miss him.

He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; two sons, Steven Wayne Sanders of Ponca City and Roger Glenn Sanders and his wife Luella of Wichita, Kan.; one grandson, Anthony Wayne Sanders; one great-grandson, Brandon Sanders; four brothers, Leeland Roy Sanders of Ponca City, Leo F. Sanders of Fulton, Texas, Gerald L. Sanders of Ponca City, and Dennis A. Sanders; and one sister, Deanna Garrett of Bemidji, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Albright United Methodist Church, 128 S. Palm, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 23, 2000.

paid obituary

Arthur Anderson Smith

STILLWATER — Arthur Anderson Smith, 71, died Friday, Oct. 20, 2000, at Stillwater Medical Center.

Services, with the Rev. Mike Brannon officiating, will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Strode Chapel. Burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery next to his mother.

He was born in Stillwater April 18, 1929, to Melvin and Cleona Smith. He was a construction worker.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Jesse Smith Sr. and Donald Ray Smith.

He is survived by one brother, Raymond Smith and his wife, Francis, of Ponca City, and one half-brother, Delbert Smith of Stillwater.

Survivors include eight nieces and nephews, Ann Newton of Perry, Jess Smith of Ponca City, Tommy Smith of Ponca City, Lonny Smith of Ponca City, Ronny Smith of Breckenridge, Colo., Dorothy Fulks of Ponca City, Jackie Zimmerschied of Ponca City, and Richard Smith of Ponca City; 19 great-nieces and nephews; and many more people that loved him.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Singles Connection — Members of the Singles Connection will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for a “Singles Mingle” dinner at Mazzio’s. For more information call Mary Lou, 762-0578.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Republicans Meet — Kay County Republican Party meeting for October will be at the Ponca City Library at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Call Dave White (580) 762-0103 for more information. The Republican campaign office is now open at 513 North First Street in Ponca City. The phone number is (580) 718-5355.

Sale, new and used Maytags. Copeland’s 315 East Grand. adv.

Hit and Run — A man at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:10 a.m. Saturday that a hit and run accident had occurred. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

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

Threats — A woman from the 2900 block of Broughton reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:23 a.m. Saturday that she had received harassing telephone calls. An officer was assigned and a protective order was reported to be in effect. A report was taken.

Disturbance — A man from the 3500 block of Wellington reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10 a.m. Saturday that he wasn’t being allowed to gain his property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on a violation of a protective order.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 2100 block of Joe Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:19 a.m. Saturday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Activity — A business owner in the 300 block of East Grand Avenue requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 11:39 a.m. Saturday concerning two juveniles videotaping inside the business without permission. An officer was assigned and contacted the juveniles, who were reportedly videotaping a documentary for fun. They were told to get business owners permission before videoing.

Abandoned Vehicles — A woman from the 200 block of North Ninth Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 12:41 p.m. Saturday concerning vehicles that had been abandoned at her rental property. An officer as assigned, and vehicles were marked. One vehicle was towed from the scene.

Dogs Let Out — A woman from the 1000 block of Brentwood reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:42 p.m. Saturday that someone has been letting her dogs out of the yard throughout the week and that the gate had been broken as a result. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 1900 block of North Fifth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:14 p.m. Saturday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Fight — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:44 p.m. Saturday that a fight was in progress at the intersection of West Liberty Avenue and North Oak Street and that one of the subjects possibly had a knife. An officer was assigned and reported the incident to be juveniles playing, but that one had found a small paring knife by the school. The knife was brought to the police department.

Hit and Run — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 8 p.m. Saturday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the 300 block of North Birch Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that the driver was located and citations were issued.

Shoplifter — An employee at Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:56 p.m. Saturday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a juvenile boy was taken into custody.

Power Lines Sparking — The Communications Center received a report at 11:01 p.m. Saturday that some power lines were sparking in the alley of the 500 block of South Third Street. The call was transferred to the Water and Light Department.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 400 block of South Sunset Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:42 p.m. Saturday by a man who said a pickup had ran through the yard and into the drainage ditch, where subject got out and left heading north on Sunset. Two officers were assigned , found a subject identified as the driver and citations were issued.

Concealed hand gun class scheduled for October 28th, 8 a.m. to ? For more information 765-6589. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A person from the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:17 a.m. Sunday that a man had passed out by a bicycle at the teacher’s parking lot of Liberty School. An officer was assigned and a 47-year-old man was held for public intoxication and a bicycle was dropped off at a residence in the 600 block of West Emporia.

Subject Detained — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street, requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department as a result of a subject being treated there. An officer was assigned and a 56-year-old man was held by a court order to hold by force if necessary from Judge Page. The information was logged.

Subjects Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue at 2:18 a.m. Sunday that a 22-year-old man was being held for public intoxication and a 23-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 400 block of South Oak Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 2:20 a.m. Sunday that a man had been peeping in a window and was trying to get into a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A one-vehicle accident north of U.S. 60 on Oklahoma 156 was reported to the Communications Center at 2:41 a.m. Sunday involving a vehicle that hit an electric pole and that lines were down. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County Sheriff’s Office was notified and handled the situation. Two people with injuries were taken by Ponca City Fire Department ambulance for treatment at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A trouble truck from Water and Light Department responded to the scene.

Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a call at 3:17 a.m. Sunday that a subject was knocking on a door in the 700 block of West Grand Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken that the subject got into a vehicle and left west on Grand Avenue. An officer stopped the vehicle and took into custody, a 27-year-old man on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Theft — A woman from the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:38 a.m. Sunday that three teens had walked out without paying for a bill of $15.57. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Princeton Avenue at 7:22 a.m. Sunday that a 19-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance, having an expired tag and having expired inspection. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Animal Call — The Communications Center received a call from a person in the 300 block of East Fresno Avenue at 7:51 a.m. Sunday that two dogs were in the back yard that did not belong there. Animal Control was contacted to pick up the two puppies.

Theft — A woman from the 1900 block of North Pecan Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:25 p.m. Sunday that a person and some other church money was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Edgewood and Lake Road at 2:34 p.m. Sunday that a 50-year-old man was being held for DUI, driving under suspension, having no insurance and careless driving.

Gas Odor — A woman from the 2900 block of North Union Street reported to the Communications Center at 6:30 p.m. Sunday that a very strong odor of natural gas was in the area. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and was unable to find a problem.

Gas Drive-Off — An employee at a Midwest EZ Stop in the 1100 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:24 p.m. Sunday that a subject had not returned to pay for $10 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A woman from the 2500 block of Honeywood reported a disturbance to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:35 p.m. Sunday. Two officers were assigned and a 24-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Dog Gone — A woman from the 1000 block of Riviera Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:58 a.m. Monday that a dog had been stolen from her back yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of South Fourteenth Street at 1:05 a.m. Monday that a 37-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication and a city warrant.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a subject at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Birch Street at 4:21 a.m. Monday. Another officer assisted in taking in custody a 23-year-old man on a city warrant.

LIFESTYLES

Singles Network Plans Events
Lion’s Club Members Hear Program by Local Teacher

Singles Network Plans Events

The Singles Network, organized in 1982, has announced a calendar of events planned this month. Adults of any age who are divorced, widowed, or never married, are invited to participate and meet other singles.

Activity schedule for this week includes a picnic at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the fifth Street Park. Those attending should bring a covered dish. Phil’s monthly card party will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Those attending should bring snacks to share. A wiener roast is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Mary’s. Those attending should bring food to complement hot dogs.

Lion’s Club Members Hear Program by Local Teacher

When the Noon Lions Club met Oct. 18, Luann Harris, sixth grade teacher at Liberty School, presented the program. She was introduced by Dr. Joe Surber. Ms. Harris spoke of the importance of teachers respecting their students while always expecting the best out of them, both in behavior and classroom academics. She said she stresses the importance of reading in relationship to all learning.

Harris shared a story of the man walking along the shore tossing starfish back into the ocean. When an onlooker said to him “Don’t you know you can’t make a difference against the tide?” he replied, “I made a difference to that one.” Harris feels teachers can make a little difference in lives of their students, one at a time.

Guests were Bret and Michelle Carter, Tom and Sherry Muchmore, Kelly Johnson, Neal North, Cathy Ferguson, Dr. Milburn Quinn, Buck Harris, Gloria Harris, Sharon Connally, Ruslyn Hermanson, James York, Kristy Russell and Chris Clark from Newkirk. Bob McCartney gave the invocation, and Russ Allen was song leader.

Announcements included the need for workers for The Drugstore and a sign-up sheet was distributed. Jonnie Hollingsworth announced Kristy Russell was asked to become a member of the Lion’s organization. Susan Ladner announced the club will be doing diabetes screening for more than 400 city employees on Oct. 31. Cathy Ferguson told of the club’s consideration for a Make a Difference Day grant from Wal-Mart for their involvement with this service project.

Noon Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion on South Avenue. The members are businessmen and women in the community who have a desire to help and serve others. The motto is simply we serve. They are known worldwide as Knights of the Blind and the focus of Lions International is prevention of blindness and providing eyeglasses and other vision aids for needy individuals, along with promoting diabetes awareness.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback
Womens Basketball Grows at JUCO Level
OU Nebraska Game Is Big Once More

Monday Evening Quarterback

By Fred Hilton

News Sports Editor

It was probably a stretch to put the Wildcat football team into the playoff race after just one win. But it was fun wishing.

Powerful Stillwater brought the Cats back down to earth Friday and showed how far the Ponca Citians have to go to play with the “big boys” in Class 6A.

But a football program is not built in a day or even in a season. It is laid out brick by brick. The Wildcats’ 28-10 win over Sand Springs two weeks ago may have put down the first layer.

But too much can’t be read into one win, just like too much can not be read into a loss to Stillwater. The 51-13 defeat at the hands of the Pioneers didn’t tear down what the Wildcats had built the week before. But it certainly didn’t add another level.

That comes in the final two weeks of the season. The Wildcats have a chance to win out, meeting 2-3, 4-4 Choctaw this Friday and then going against 0-5, 0-8 Sapulpa in the season finale.

A three-win season would be more victories than the Wildcats had in the past two seasons combined.

But it won’t be easy.

Choctaw is struggling, but the Yellow Jackets are talented, according to Ponca City coach Frank Piccirillo.

“It still believe Choctaw is the third or fourth best team in the district,” he said after viewing the Jackets’ 36-18 win over Sapulpa last Thursday.

Choctaw came from behind in that game, perhaps reversing a trend that had dropped it into the second division of the district standings.

“They have been up and down,” Piccirillo said of the Yellow Jackets. “They led 14-0 against Enid and then fell apart late in the game. They also led Edmond Memorial early but again lost.

“They are a lot better than their record. They have some great skill people and their line is big and physical.”

Still, if the Wildcats can put together the physical, ball-control game they had at Sand Spring, they have a good chance of winning at Choctaw.

Sapulpa is an entirely different can of worms.

New Sapulpa coach Mark Walker had to start from scratch this season after the Chieftains lost 23 seniors to graduation last year.

Sapulpa will be likely remain winless after going against Stillwater this week and will see the game at Ponca City as its last chance to avoid the district cellar.

Womens Basketball Grows at JUCO Level

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

TONKAWA — Greg Krause arrived at Northern Oklahoma from Oklahoma State University in 1982, three years after the Lady Mavs won the national championship in 1979. Since then, the ladies have won six Bi-State West Conference Championships. Krause’s teams have a combined record of 320-236, and have a conference record of 132-46.

Krause is quick to point out that it is safe to assume there will be three conference teams in the top 20.

“Without a doubt,” he said. “This is one of the toughest conferences in the nation.”

He said Northeast Oklahoma, Connors, Western Arkansas, Bacone and Eastern Oklahoma have good teams every year. It’s no different than the winning traditions at Tennessee and Louisiana Tech at the Division I level. Players like to attend winning programs and other programs have to improve to win.

“Quality tends to breed more quality,” Krause said. “Junior college has a good reputation for helping athletes blossom into Division I players.”

Upper echelon teams such as Tennessee that are always in the top 10 prefer high school all-americans so they can work with them all four years.

“But,” he added. “If there is a girl in junior college who can play, even the upper echelon teams will pursue her.”

When conversation turns to the Women’s National Basketball Association, Krause smiles with delight because he is a fan and the number of female athletes has increased.

“No doubt it’s helped,” he said. “It’s good for society and it’s good for girls to have the same opportunities as boys.”

There are a number of WNBA players from this conference in professional basketball. Although Sheryl Swoopes is not a product of this conference, she does have a connection of sorts to Northern Oklahoma basketball.

“Swoopes beat us twice while she played at South Plain College in Levelland, Texas,” he said. “Down there, they beat us pretty bad, but it was a closer game up here. She still scored over 30 points.”

But, that was then and this is now. And right now, Krause believes he has assembled an experienced team that will do well playing up-tempo, aggressive defense and take advantage of fast break opportunities.

“Hopefully, experience will be one of our strengths,” he said.

The ladies played below expectations in the early part of last season but played well in the latter part to finish third in the conference with a 15-17 record.

This year, Lady Maverick fans will see the return of sophomores B. J. Homer, LaQueisha Dickerson, Deidra Dick and Tia Andrew. Homer and Dickerson started the entire 1999 season, while Dick and Andrew were elevated to starting positions in the latter part of the season.

Krause said the Lady Mavs enjoy good fan support and draw better crowds than any other teams they play. He believes it is because of the facilities and the community is able to identify with the players.

“Tonkawa is a big part, but Ponca City is huge,” he said. “They are very loyal fans and they always send a large number to summer camp.

“They’ve produced some good players and have good ones coming up.”

Krause said Ponca City Lady Cats basketball coach Jamie (Graves) Bintner and her assistant, Dana (Vap) Pulley both played at Northern Oklahoma. Bintner went on to the University of Oklahoma and Pulley finished her college career at Oklahoma State.

°°°

Next Sunday, the Mavericks and Lady Mavs will be introduced.

OU Nebraska Game Is Big Once More

NORMAN (AP) — The Nebraska-Oklahoma is big again. It’s been a while.

Saturday’s game between the top-ranked Cornhuskers and No. 3 Oklahoma will mark the 13th time that one or the other has been ranked No. 1 when they met. This will be the 17th time that both teams have been ranked among the Top 10, but the first time since 1988.

The Nebraska-Oklahoma game determined the Big Eight champion 27 times in a 29-year span, and often had a bearing on the national championship. But with the formation of the Big 12, the teams no longer play each other every year — this is the first meeting since 1997.

And Oklahoma hasn’t given Nebraska anything to worry about lately. The Cornhuskers have won seven straight in the series, and they embarrassed Oklahoma in the past three, winning by a margin of 179-28 including 69-7 in 1997 — the worst loss in school history.

‘‘To be able to come here at 6-0 is kind of astonishing, people can’t hardly believe it, after what happened the last few years,’’ said Johnny Pellow, president of Oklahoma’s varsity club.

Pellow played football at Oklahoma from 1956-58, and lost just two games. He was part of the Bud Wilkinson era, which was followed years later by the Barry Switzer era. Each of those coaches won three national titles.

But Switzer’s final season was 1988, and Oklahoma has been out of the national championship picture ever since. While Nebraska was winning back-to-back national titles during the 1990s, Oklahoma was going through three coaches before settling on Bob Stoops after the 1998 season.

‘‘You can tell there’s an extra amount of excitement right now in the air,’’ Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel said. ‘‘We came in after the K-State game and we’ve got, I would guess, 1,000-plus fans waiting for us at the stadium..’’