LOCAL

Conoco Refinery Engaged In Turnaround Activities
Vandals Damage County Equipment
2000 Make A Difference Day Begins Early Saturday Morning
Afternoon Musical Event To Honor Indian Groups
NOC Offers Special Class To Make Gifts

Conoco Refinery Engaged In Turnaround Activities

Part of Conoco’s Ponca City refinery currently is in a turnaround mode, according to Conoco officials. At present, the No. 4 Fluidized Cat Cracker (FCC) and No. 5 Hydrotreater are involved.

A turnaround, according to Conoco, is a scheduled downtime or outage of processing unit or units. During the turnaround, equipment is inspected and refurbished as necessary. The work cannot be done while the unit is operational.

“Turnarounds allow for a great amount of work, both construction and maintenance, to be performed as efficiently and cost effectively as possible,” said Don Fore, refinery turnaround manager.

Fore explained, “Turnarounds require a great deal of planning in the areas of material and manpower prior to the actual outage. It is a time to perform required inspection of all types of equipment that cannot be performed while a unit is operating. This allows for the timely repair of equipment thus reducing or eliminating an unplanned shutdown of a process unit.”

Turnarounds require a large number of skilled people to perform the varied construction and maintenance work. Welders, pipe fitters, repairmen, carpenters, electricians, instrument technicians, inspection personnel, process engineers, maintenance and project planners, purchasing, drafting and engineering personnel are utilized in the operation.

The work takes varied amounts of time depending on the scope of the project and complexity of the units involved. Typically a turnaround will take twenty-to-thirty days. “Oil to oil is the period of time from shut down of the unit until the unit is back online producing ‘on-spec’ product,” Fore added.

Turnarounds are performed to increase reliability of the unit, reducing or eliminating unscheduled, more costly downtime. It is also the optimal time to perform upgrades or expansions to a processing unit to drive improvement in product yield or efficiency. A turnaround may also be required to comply with or exceed state and/or federal environmental regulations.

Generally turnarounds are not required by state or federal agencies like Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or the Environmental Protection Agency; however, it is sometimes a good opportunity for inspection of certain pieces of environmental compliance equipment with regulatory requirements.

“We take every opportunity to work and fully cooperate with the regulatory agencies,” Fore stated.

Fore concluded, “Our neighbors will see increased activity and more people working in the refinery area during the turnaround. Contract employees will exceed 400 this year with a large number traveling to and from Ponca City for varying periods of time.

“The public will also see increased flame from our flares as a normal part of safe shutdown and start-up of the processing units. There may also be some increase in noise around the refinery with specialized equipment employed during this busy time.

“Turnarounds keep our operations safe, efficient, profitable, and environmentally sound. All in all, it’s good business for Conoco and the community.”

Vandals Damage County Equipment

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — The Kay County Commissioners, chairman Rex Purdy and Dee Schieber met in an abbreviated session to conduct county business earlier this week. Highlights of the meeting included the approval to change an office name, appointment of juvenile group facilitators and opening bids for new equipment.

Purdy reported that several pieces of District 3 equipment had been vandalized at Blackwell. Perpetrators have been identified but an estimate of damage is not yet complete, he said.

Kay County undersheriff Buddy Thomas also reported the recent loss of a second vehicle from his department. The 1999 car was lost on Oct. 21 when it struck a bridge while driven by a deputy on a call on West Hubbard Road. The deputy suffered minor injuries.

Thomas was asked for a report on Sheriff Craig Countryman who is recuperating from an automobile accident. Thomas reported that Countryman remains in Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City for rehabilitation.

In other matters, Linda Arner and Mickey Baldwin were approved as group facilitators for the Juvenile Accountability program. A one-year contract for the appointment is to be drawn by the District Attorney's staff and presented for approval in one week.

A vote to terminate contract janitorial services with the Department of Health Services was approved, as well as the request to change the name of the Kay County Emergency Preparedness Office to Kay County Emergency Management Agency.

The commissioners also opened five bids for lease purchase of a used motor grader for District 3. A bid in the amount of $37,960 was accepted for a 1988 John Deere from American Implement.

Request for construction of approximately one and three-fourths miles of water line to be laid in Kay County was approved. The line will be located approximately one mile north of the Noble County line and one mile east of the Grant County line in southwest Kay County.

Several county officials discussed the lease of a new postal scale for the courthouse postage machine and resulted in a request for further investigation of proposals by Pitney Bowes and others.

Numerous claims for deposit of funds into various funds were approved. including $10,009.82 into the Sheriff's Service Fee, $20,753.89 into the County Improvement Fund, and $6,459 into the PSSF Fund.

2000 Make A Difference Day Begins Early Saturday Morning

The 2000 Make A Difference Day kick-off celebration is set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Centennial Plaza in downtown Ponca City. Plan to participate in the nation’s largest day of community service.

Volunteers are asked to meet on the plaza for coffee and donuts before lending their helping hands and giving hearts to make the community a better place. Coordinators of various projects will be on hand to enlist last minute helpers. Just imagine the possibilities when neighbors give a few short hours to help each other.

According to USA Weekend Magazine, the Make A Difference Day creator, the idea surfaced in a 1991 editorial meeting in which a staffer suggested hosting a special event for Leap Day 1992. The magazine challenged readers to use the “extra” day to help others. More than 67,000 people volunteered, and the rest is “as they say” history.

The one-time event was too powerful to let die, and the magazine sponsored Make A Difference Day again the next fall and every fall since, in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation.

Since the first MADD held in Ponca City, volunteers will continue work at Attucks Community Center, 101 South Twelfth Street. Restoration of the former elementary school was initiated by a few of the last students who attended the school.

The building has all new windows and safety steel doors. Yard work and painting have also spruced up the facility that has been deemed structurally sound by the local fire marshal. Additionally, framework has been completed for the rest rooms and a meeting room.

Dwain West, one of the original project coordinators, says the facility could be used as early as this winter. However, Phase I of the project cannot be completed until permits are obtained. Phase II will involve work on the basement. Contact West at 767-6361 or 765-5428 to get involved.

Afternoon Musical Event To Honor Indian Groups

NORMAN — Eight Indian musical groups and individual performers will present a program of blues, gospel and traditional music beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Forum Room at the Holiday Inn at Interstate 35 and Robinson in Norman.

The theme is “The Spirit Lives on in Tribal Music.”

The afternoon musical event is a part of the 35th anniversary celebration of Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity and is dedicated to the memory of Jesse Ed Davis, a young Indian man from Oklahoma who became an international legend in the world of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s.

Performances are scheduled by Yellowhammer of Ponca City; Blackhawk Blues Band of Oklahoma City; Bearers of the Cross, traditional gospel group of Okmulgee; Thon-Gya (Philip Yogie Bread and David Copenhaver) of Oklahoma City; Michael Darrow of Fort Cobb playing the Apache fiddle; Smiling Vic and the Soul Monkeys of Oklahoma City; Ruth Ann Otis, Kiowa gospel singer, of Carnegie; and American Horse featuring John West of Tulsa.

Admission is $10 per person, or is free to persons attending 0I0’s full day 35th anniversary celebration at $25 per person. For more information, call (405) 329-3737 or toll free 1-800-375-3737.

0I0, founded in Norman in 1965, is a nonprofit charitable and educational organization which provides tribes with management and leadership training services and performs services to governmental agencies with programs affecting Indians and other native people.

NOC Offers Special Class To Make Gifts

TONKAWA — Just in time to make those special woodcraft gifts for Christmas, Northern Oklahoma College offers a six-week community service class in Woodworking.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 31, the class will meet from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday through Dec. 12 in the Creative Arts Building, Room 101. Cost is $40 plus materials, and participants may bring their own materials.

“Our ever-popular woodworking class is open to both men and women and to both beginners and experienced wood workers,” said Rick Allan, woodworking class instructor and director of campus construction. Participants may work on their own projects, and no tests or grades will be given. Regular attendance is not mandatory.

The class is designed for those who want to make Christmas presents, woodcraft items for the home, small furniture items or other types of wood projects. “People can start at the very beginning with craft projects or do whatever their capabilities allow,” Allan said. “With the shop equipment we have, students can build almost any wood project they want to, using our equipment, materials and expertise,” he added.

Available are lathes for woodturning, scroll saws for pattern work items and heavy equipment for cutting and joining lumber for larger items. Allan and assistant Kevin McCullough will show class members how to use tools and will assist them with their projects, including finishing work with paint or stains.

Previous student projects have included practical as well as decorative items for the home, such as cedar chests, craft shelves for kitchens and hallways, microwave stands and wooden toys for children.

Enrollment is through the Registrar’s Office. For additional information, call Allan at 580-628-6225 or 628-6657.

DEATHS

David A. Berryhill
Hanna Michel Rahme
Leland E. McDonald
Floyd Allen Harney

David A. Berryhill

BLACKWELL — David A. Berryhill, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000, at the Blackwell Nursing Home. He was 62.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Cremation was performed under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

David A. Berryhill was born on Dec. 15, 1937, in Tulare, Calif., the son of Arthur and Lora (Bayless) Berryhill. He received his education in Sapulpa.

On Nov. 10, 1978 he married Caroline Morrall in Miami, Okla. She preceded him in death on April 16, 1998. He then moved to Blackwell.

He is survived by one brother, Leo Berryhill of Cleveland; one sister, Evelyn Cain of Blackwell; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lloyd Berryhill.

Hanna Michel Rahme

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Hanna Michel Rahme, resident of Sin El Fil, Lebanon, died Sept. 15, 2000, in Lebanon. He was 93.

The funeral was held Sept. 16 at the St. Elias Church in Sin El Fil, Lebanon, with the Revs. Mr. Audi and Samil Faysal, nephew, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the Alfred Kahali Funeral Home. The 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City to be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 5, will be held in his honor.

Hanna “Abou” Michel Rahme was born June 15, 1907, in Mercyne, Turkey, the son of Michael and Marie Rahme. He married Victoria Farah in 1925 in Latakia, Syria. He was employed as an electrician and was involved in the family clothing business. He was affiliated with the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, George Rahme of Ponca City; four daughters, Marie Rahme, Aida Hakim, Helene Khoury and Ivonne Hachem; 17 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michel Rahme; a brother, Fouad Rahme; and two sisters, Debe Hashim and Sarah Zoueyke.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Mary’s School Foundation, c/o Home National Bank, Second Street and Grand Avenue, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Leland E. McDonald

MINOOKA, Ill. — Leland E. McDonald, formerly of Ponca City, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000 at Morris Hospital in Morris, Ill. He was 74.

The funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2000 at 11 a.m. at Blackburn-Lanagan Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Ill.

Leland. E. McDonald was born on July 21, 1926 in Chanute, Kan. the son of James Walter and Stella McDonald. He was raised and resided in Ponca City until 1950, where he attended Ponca City Schools.

He married Dora Lou Hall in Ponca City on June 16, 1950. From 1950 to 1990 they resided in Hinsdale, Ill. and returned to Ponca City in 1990 until January of 2000, when they returned to Illinois. In 1987 he retired from Citgo, formerly Cities Services, after 44 years of service. His hobbies included fishing and golf.

Survivors include his wife of Minooka, Ill.; four sons, Frank W. McDonald of Ohio, David McDonald of Illinois, Robert K. McDonald of Illinois and James E. McDonald of Wisconsin; two sisters, Wilma Wilkens and Pat Sctzkorn of Ponca City; one brother, Bill McDonald of Ponca City; and twelve grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Thomas McDonald.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Blackburn-Lanagan Funeral Home.

Obituaries

Floyd Allen Harney

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, called home our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and, brother: a Christian in every sense of the word, Floyd Allen Harney, Oct. 26, at 69 years of age. He lived his life as he believed. His tender way of teaching others the love and direction of God touched lives of hundreds across the world.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2000, at Crestview Baptist Church at 3228 Indian Hill Road with the Rev. Virgil Swift and the Rev. Tom Short officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery with arrangements by Trout Funeral Home.

Floyd was born in the then existing, Curtis, Okla., on May 10, 1931. While growing up, he lived in various places such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and Arizona. He was a supply sergeant in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

After his honorable discharge on Oct. 28, 1954, he went to work for Conoco in their exploration research department in Ponca City. In August 1955, he married Dorisleen Johnson of Ponca City. He worked for Conoco for 15 years and operated H&H Refrigeration out of his garage. In 1969 he moved to Houston, Texas, and worked for Georex as a vibroseis expert. He also worked for Geospace and Atlas. In 1977, he hired on with Mertz, Inc. to head up their vibroseis assembly department and moved back to Ponca City. Wanting to design and manufacture their own line of exploration vibrators, Floyd, Chris Cook, Dale Krout, and John Badenbender formed their own company, Heavi-Quip, where they built the HEMI Exploration Vibrator. Dorisleen went to be with her Lord in March 1993 and later Floyd married Allegra Callaway of Ponca City in February 1996. Floyd retired in 1997.

During his employment in oil exploration, he worked in the countries of Turkey, Australia, Oman, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, China, Guyana, France, Holland, Pakistan, Israel, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Senegal. Floyd’s exposure to the people and culture of many different nationalities confirmed his belief in the equality of all people.

Floyd is survived by his wife Allegra Harney of Ponca City; four daughters, Yvette Walter and her husband Bob of Plainfield, Ill., Angela Correll and her husband Steve, Ronda Higgins and her husband Butch, and Jackie Sage all of Ponca City; one son, Josh Barth of Ponca City: 11 grandchildren, DiAnn, Carlyn and Emmalee Walter of Plainfield, Ill., Cory and Molly Correll, Ryann McCauley, Randon and James Higgins, Dalton, Phoenix and Allegra Sage, all of Ponca City; mother, Frances Harney of Ponca City; two brothers, George Harney of Ponca City and Roger Harney of Lookeba, Okla.; and one sister, Donetta Bradley of Dallas, Texas.

Floyd was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorisleen Harney; his father, Gilbert Harney; and one sister, Vera Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

--

Food Collection — On Sunday, Oct. 29, teens will be collecting door to door for Leo Club canned goods and non-perishable items food drive for the Salvation Army.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv.

Literacy Dinner Tonight — Teaching people to read is the goal of the Ponca City Literacy Council, which is sponsoring a spaghetti fund raiser dinner this evening. The event is slated from 4:30 to 7 p. m., at the Masonic Lodge on West Grand. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The proceeds will be used to operate the Literacy Council.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Prayer Meeting and Dinner — A prayer meeting and dinner honoring Albert Makes Cry Jr.’s 80th birthday will be held Saturday at the Ponca Tribal Affairs dining hall. The prayer meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. with dinner to follow. All are invited; bring your own tableware and chairs.

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

Burglary — A woman in the 500 block of Glendale Avenue reported her vehicle had been burglarized and her purse stolen to Ponca City police at 7:35 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

McCord School’s 19th annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday, October 28, 2000 from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Over 70 exhibitors. Concessions available. Free admission. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $10 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 8:23 a.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned. The clerk called back to advise the customer came back and paid for the gas.

Intoxicated Driver — A motorist reported seeing an intoxicated woman drive and park her vehicle in an alley near the intersection of first Street and Grand Avenue at 9:28 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned. A 40-year-old woman was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Burglary — A man in the 500 block of North Peachtree Street reported a suitcase was stolen out of the back of his pickup to Ponca City police at 9:16 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $13.42 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 9:42 a.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

There Will be an Indian Hang game Friday night, October 27th at the Cultural Center in White Eagle. South of Ponca City. This will be a halloween Costume Hand-game with prizes in different age groups. The Halloween games will start at 6:00 p.m. with the Hand-game with prizes in different age groups. The event is being sponsored by the Ponca

tribe and their various programs. Everyone is invited to attend.

There will be refreshments served. adv.

Burglary — A man in the 1100 block of East Otoe Avenue reported someone had broken into his home and stolen his T.V. Wednesday night to Ponca City police at 10:15 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Subject Held — A deputy with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office transferred a 49-year-old man to the Ponca City Police Department on a city warrant for a gas drive-off at 10:16 a.m. Thursday.

Barbie Ornament, 1st-in-the-series is here. Get yours today!

Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Welfare Check — An employee at a business in the 2500 block of Lake Road reported a woman at the business was being held captive against her will to Ponca City police at 7:48 p.m. Thursday. Four officers responded to the scene and a report was taken. A 57-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 10:32 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Fire Run — A diesel leak at the intersection of East Cleveland Avenue and North Fifth Street was reported to the Communications Center at 10:44 a.m. Thursday. Rescue one handled the call.

Harry Potter is here! Pewter figurines, gift wrap and more coming! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 700 block of East Overbrook Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:37 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 500 block of South Seventh Street reported a 45-year-old man was taken into custody on two Kay County warrants for domestic assault at 12:20 p.m. Thursday.

Paulines Steak and shrimp dinner. $11.95, Friday 27th. For reservations call 765-5460. Now taking reservations for Chistmas Parties. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:38 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An ambulance and rescue one from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Theft — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $3 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 12:40 p.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 300 block of South Perry Street reported someone had broken into a vacant house he owns to Ponca City police at 12:44 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 1000 block of West Prospect Avenue reported his trailer at the motocross track had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 2:18 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A booking officer at the Ponca City Police Department reported a 25-year-old man was court committed into police custody for failure to pay at 2:21 p.m. Thursday.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $5 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 2:54 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — Someone came to the front lobby of the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, to report a stolen check at 5:07 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subjects Held — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported two adult shoplifters were being held to Ponca City police at 5:47 p.m. Thursday. Two officers responded to the scene and a report was taken. A 23-year-old man was taken into custody for petit larceny, and a 49-year-old woman for grand larceny.

Theft — A clerk at a business in the 1300 block of East South Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 8:44 p.m. Thursday three juveniles had taken three bottles of wine and fled the business and headed southbound on Thirteenth Street. One of the juveniles had struck the clerk before leaving the store. Three officers responded to the scene and a report was taken.

Theft — A woman in the 500 block of North Peachtree Street reported several items were stolen out of her pickup overnight to Ponca City police at 8:47 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman in the 1100 block of East South Avenue reported her back door had been kicked in to Ponca City police at 8:59 p.m. Thursday. She advised nothing seemed to be missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A minor backing accident in the 2100 block of Wildwood Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 9:27 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — Someone reported to Ponca City police at 12:21 a.m. Friday a vehicle in the parking lot of a business in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A man in the 200 block of South Sunset Street reported two-vehicles had been broken into and a CD case stolen to Ponca City police at 1:20 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and two separate burglary reports were taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 24-year-old woman was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear at 1:23 a.m. Friday.

Subjects Held — An officer at the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Lake Street reported two men were taken into custody at 1:45 a.m. Friday. One of the men was taken into custody for public intoxication and the other 26-year-old man for possession of cocaine.

Subject Held — An officer in the 200 block of North Birch Street reported a 36-year-old man was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay child support at 6:35 a.m. Friday.

-

LIFESTYLES

Xi Gamma Sigma Names Plans
Variety of Quilts Displayed During Tonkawa Festival
Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting

Xi Gamma Sigma Names Plans

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, at the home of LaRannah Bartlett, for the Halloween social. Twelve members attended, either in costume or in fall oriented attire.

The business meeting was conducted by Vice-President Margaret Price, who led the members in the Opening Ritual, followed by roll call, reading of the minutes, and the treasurer’s report.

Peggy Cookson read from “The Book of Beta Sigma Phi” and Minutes of the Executive Board meeting of Oct. 10 were read.

It was reported that the Preferential Tea had been held and that President Voss had attended. Committee reports were given including membership, calling, service and publicity. Members wishing to place orders for the annual cookbooks were reminded to place their orders. It was announced that the Social Committee is planning a scavenger hunt on Dec. 2, with dessert to follow. Details will be announced at an upcoming meeting.

The next meeting will be Nov. 14 in the home of Juni Parks, who will also be in charge of the program. Members stood for the closing Ritual and Mizpah. Halloween secret sister gifts were distributed, opened and shared with the group.

LaRannah Bartlett read a Halloween story. Margaret Price and Pam Sober led the group in a discussion about the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” program which they had previously attended, Pam in Colorado and Margaret in Oklahoma. It is an international program geared for women, with instruction in various outdoors activities. Week-end getaways are presented in most of the U.S. throughout the entire year.

Variety of Quilts Displayed During Tonkawa Festival

The warmth of beautiful quilts displayed at the Tonkawa Historical Museum, across from the gazebo, will be a popular attraction during Saturday’s Wheatheart Festival. The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28.

An interesting array of quilts will be displayed. A few from among the many registered includes an Amish doll and blanket purchased in Lancaster, Penn. Barbara Humphries will display two antique quilts she inherited as well as quilts made for her and her sisters by her mother, Vera Blubaugh. Selma Ladwig will show a flowered crib quilt in sea green that she made.

Sandy Hudack’s expertise will be seen in two baby quilts, one pieced from reproduction fabric, and another featuring an appliqued rabbit pattern. She will also show a bear’s paw done in flannel, a currently popular quilting fabric. Ruth Jared will be showing a king-size original design that she produced trying to use up her quilt scraps. She will also show a double wedding ring made by her mother and grandmother in the 1930s.

Festival goers can see the stages of the quilting process by the display of quilts “in the process.” Pieced and appliqued quilt blocks for a Christmas “block of the month” quilt will be displayed by members of the Overtones quilting group. Donna Garner will show a quilt she has just begun to machine quilt. Anne Weeks will display a double Irish chain that is complete except for the binding.

In the back room of the museum, members of the Overtones Quilters will demonstrate hand-quilting techniques on an antique friendship quilt from the Three Sands era. The embroidered blocks were given to the museum, put together by Catharine Veal, and prepared for quilting by Beverly Frazier.

Exhibitors are reminded to bring their quilts to the museum by 4 p.m. Friday and to pick them up between 3 and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Busy Bee Club Holds Meeting

The Busy Bee Club met Oct. 18 at the home of Ruth Harvey, 1309 West Chestnut.

Beulah McCartney, president, was in charge of the business session. She led the group in the flag salute and “The Lord’s Prayer” and read from “Think on These Things” by Joyce Heffler.

Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report and then reminded everyone to gather food for Thanksgiving for the South Avenue Mission.

Games were played with Helen Hiskett and Vivian Davis as winners. Beulah McCartney won the Mystery Bowl. The next meeting will be with Helen Hiskett on Nov. 1.

RELIGION

Experiencing God The Musical Presented Sunday
Church Women United Schedule World Community Day for Nov. 3
Presbyterian Youth ‘Trick Or Treat‘ For Food for Mission
Fitz Family Will Perform At Poncan Theatre Tonight
Pastor Appreciation Celebrated Sunday At Eastern Heights
Church Briefs

Experiencing God The Musical Presented Sunday

The First Baptist Church’s 10:45 a.m. service Sunday will be Experiencing God — The Musical. The public is invited to join in the event.

Over 100 musicians combine their choral and orchestral talents in presenting this musical based on the work of Henry Blackaby. Experiencing God will feature narration, full banner presentation, multi-media and audience participation. The church worship center is located at Fifth and Central in downtown Ponca City.

This full-length musical, written by Gary Rhodes and Claire Clonninger, is an interactive experience designed to inspire, encourage and strengthen all Christians in their faith.

The Rev. Hance Dilback and Jon Duncan, worship specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, will be the worship leaders; Larry Masters, minister of music, will conduct. Marcella Johnson, secretary/church organist, and Carol Green, church pianist, will accompany the choir and orchestra.

Three new worship banners will be used for the first time as part of the morning service. Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rophe and Shalom are the newest additions to our banner ministry, built by members of the church led by Ronda Williams, Mary Spore and Cathy Ferguson. The banners will play a vital role in Sunday’s presentation.

The Sonshiner Choir, made up of third through sixth graders and directed by Kay Lowry, will be featured on My Abba’s Child; John Badley will narrate this selection.

Playing in the orchestra on violin are Cindy Jones, Katherine Paschal, Christy Bradley, Fran Manley, Angela Skaggs, Leslie Jones; viola, Erin Land, Kara Hardy, Brandon Snyder; cello, Mindy Jones, Stephanie Council, Syneva Colley; bass, Aaron Jones; flute, Lauren Vaughn.

Also, oboe, Stacy Sherman; clarinet, Al Summerfield; bassoon, Denise Jones; trumpet, Connie Ausland, Stan Barraclough; French horn, James Barraclough; trombone, Wade Tisdale; percussion, Kara Long, Jonathan Trout, Louis Garrison; drums, Kevin Adkins; rhythm, Mark Love and Kyle O’Rear.

Soloist for Experiencing God are Craig Myers, Doug Thompson, Doyle Brewer, Bill Justice, Shannon Mair, Guy Lyall, Teresa McPherson, Charlotte Smith, Mary Jane Barraclough and Susan Smith.

Providing technical support and ushers are Gary Long, Zane Barham, David Land, Vickie Dailey, Jack Gosting, Kenn Orr and Eddie Dawson.

Church Women United Schedule World Community Day for Nov. 3

World Community Day, Nov. 3, is an annual worship service sponsored by Church Women United for Christians in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is an opportunity for all Christian women — Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other — to share in prayer and praise.

During World Community Day 2000, Christians will examining the story of Tabitha found in the scriptures in Acts 9:35-43 which describes her generosity and her helping others, which were recognized by her community. Church Women United encourages all women in this timely celebration to respond to the calling to “Stand up with those in need.”

Mary Lou Ferguson, president of First United Methodist Women, invites all women of faith to join in the World Community Day 2000 celebration and worship and to support women’s ecumenical ministries toward peace and justice through generous offerings.

The offerings received on World Community Day 2000 will enable the ongoing mission of Church Women United.

United Methodist Women are hostesses for the meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary. Refreshments and visiting in fellowship hall will follow the meeting.

Presbyterian Youth ‘Trick Or Treat‘ For Food for Mission

The youth of First Presbyterian will be "Trick or Treating" Sunday afternoon for cans of food to be given to the Mission on South Avenue and Peachtree Landing.

This is the second year the youth have this as a mission project. Last year, it brought in 300 cans to help others through the winter. The youth will have identification letters from the church to validate their efforts.

If anyone would like to donate cans of food toward this project, call Larry Williams at 762-2431 or bring the cans to First Presbyterian at Fourteenth and Grand.

Fitz Family Will Perform At Poncan Theatre Tonight

Friday at 7 p.m., the First Lutheran Church will be giving a gift to the Ponca City community in the form of the Fitz Family at the Poncan Theatre.

This evangelistic family travels the country presenting a program of juggling and unicycle acts. There is no admission fee, but tickets are required. These may be secured from members of the congregation.

This program is a thank offering from the congregation for its 75 years in Ponca City.

On Sunday, the Fitz Family will lead both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship service which will be held in the school auditorium. They will also lead the 6:30 p.m. worship, which will be held at the home of the Rev. and Mrs. Ramsey. The service will be in connection with the congregation’s Oktoberfest.

On Monday at 6:30 p.m., a voters meeting will be held. The budget for the next year will be presented.

Pastor Appreciation Celebrated Sunday At Eastern Heights

Eastern Heights Christian Church members and friends will gather for a potluck dinner in the fellowship hall immediately following the morning worship Sunday. The church will provide the meat. This is the usual time for Fifth Sunday Fellowship, held whenever a month contains five Sundays.

The month of October has been set aside nationally for all churches to honor their pastors. Sunday’s fellowship will be a special appreciation dinner for Eastern Heights’ pastors and their wives, Hap and Jan Prough and Mark and Roxie Barry.

The occasion will also be a retirement party for the Proughs, who will be retiring Dec. 31 after 33 years of service.

A special invitation is extended to all members and friends. The church is located at 5100 Lake Road, three miles east of the Pioneer Woman. The dinner will begin approximately 12:30 p.m.

Church Briefs

Harvest Festival

Second Baptist Church, 1112 W. Grand, in Ponca City is hosting a free Harvest Festival Oct. 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be clowns, candy, laser tag, face painting cake walk, Fun House and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 765-3449.

Trick or Treat Alternative

Pioneer Christian Church at 1701 East Hubbard Road will have a fun night for children sixth grade and under. Oct. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., there will be games, candy and face painting. This is an alternative to trick or treat, no scary costumes.

Journey Through the Bible

The Ponca City Foursquare Church, 700 West Broadway, will hold a Journey Through the Bible evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Tuesday, Oct. 27 through 31.

“Hell of a Choice”

A walk-through drama, “Hell of a Choice” will be presented by the Foursquare Church, home of U-Turn Youth Ministries, at 105 West Grand, the old Martin’s Furniture Store building across from the Poncan Theatre. Tours will be conducted every ten minutes from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Admission is free and concessions will be available.

Autumn Festival at Albright

The Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, will hold its Autumn Festival Costume Party at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the fellowship hall. The sunday school classes will set up booths — fun tunnel, bean bag toss, ring toss, cake walk and more. In addition to the activities, there will be hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and punch. The event is for all ages, and costumes are not necessary.

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran, ELCA, at 2800 Turner Road will celebrate the Reformation Sunday with Holy Communion. Martin Luther and other leaders of the reformation believed that the heart of the gospel was found in the words of Paul written in the third chapter of Romans, “all are justified with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.” Sunday school classes begin at 9 a.m.followed by worship at 10 a.m. The adult class will continue its study on discipleship. On Saturday, there will be a Halloween party at 6 p.m. with hot dogs and drinks. Oct 29 will see the beginning of the Sunday school offering going toward books for the Domestic Violence Shelter. Visit the new website at www.onlineshops.com/princeofpeace.

New Mount Olive Baptist

New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk, will sponsor a fellowship service Sunday beginning with Sunday school at 10 a.m. followed by worship service at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Irvin J. Bobb of New Mount Olive with deliver the message. An extended invitation is given to all who wish to attend.

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s Word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. There are classes for all ages. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channels 5 or 8; this week’s topic is Character Counts. Hartford Avenue Church of Christ declares a day of prayer and fasting Saturday noon until Sunday noon, when members will break the fast with a fellowship meal following worship. They will pray about mission programs.Suneay is bring a friend day. Sunday is the fifth Sunday of th month and will be celebrated with singing at 6 p.m. when Hartford Avenue and Grand Avenue churches will join together for the worship and singing.

Special Pentecostal Service

The First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 East Hartford, will combine both the morning and evening worship services into one special 2 p.m. service, according to the Rev. Rick A Hughes. Members of the community are invited to join in this special service. The church will soon be moving to their new location on Hubbard Road.

Chi-Rho Chili Challenge

Woodland’s Christian Church’s junior high group, Chi-Rho, will host its fifth annual Chili Challenge and Silent Auction on Sunday. The doors and bidding will begin at 5 p.m.; bidding ends and winners announced at 6:15 p.m. Eight cooks will contend in the Chili Challenge with the Terry Boring family defending its title. Admission is $2 for all 12 years or older, $1 for children 11 and younger.

Praise Night

Praise Night, hosted by the youth of First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue, will be begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. The evening will include a live band, concession stand on site and Ben Scroggs as worship leader. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Hotdog Hoedown

Eastern Heights Christian Church’s annual Hotdog Hoedown, an alternative to trick-or-treating on the streets, will be held Tuesday, Halloween night. A hot dog supper will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by fun, games, contests and treats from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Families and children are invited to attend. costumes should be those that are not frightening for the small children; bring treat bags. In case of bad weather, dinner will be served in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 5100 Lake Road, three miles east of Pioneer Woman; enter through south doors off the lower parking lot.

EDUCATION

Ponca City Board Member Attends Workshop in Tulsa
PC Drama-Debate Team Finishes High in Edmond
School Elections Slated Feb. 13
DAR Chapter Promotes History
Several Area Faculty Members To Participate in UCO Academy
Oklahoma Commission Adopts New Accreditation Standards for Teachers
State Question 690 Facts

Ponca City Board Member Attends Workshop in Tulsa

Vicki Graves, a member of the Ponca City Board of Education, attended the Special Education Law Workshop, sponsored by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

The workshop was held on Oct. 25 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Tulsa. Topics covered included inclusion issues, such as discipline, transfers and individualized education plans, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act and national case law issues.

Dr. Perry A. Zirkel of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh University was the speaker. Zirkel is a professor of education and law and was recently named to the Iacocca Chair in Education.

He has written over 750 publications on various aspects of school law and is a popular presenter across the country.

A frequent contributor of West’s Education Law Reporter and The Special Educator, he writes a regular column in Phi Delta Kappan and another jointly published in Principal and NAASP Bulletin. He is an active labor arbitrator and also serves as co-chair of the special education hearings appeal panel for Pennsylvania. He is past president of the Education Law Association.

School board members attending this conference receive six hours of credit toward new, newly-elected or continuing school board member training as mandated by state law.

PC Drama-Debate Team Finishes High in Edmond

EDMOND — Last Friday, members of the Ponca City Drama-Debate Team went to Deer Creek Edmond for competition. The Cross Examination teams, both varsity and novice, dominated the tournament.

Taking home second place medals were Caleb Allison and Chris Coppock. Tracina Jones and Carson VanZant brought home not only third place, but tied with 50 points for first place speaker award. Also placing at the competition were Jaime Hereford and Jordan Alcott with fourth place.

The novice teams also brought home gold. Chrissy Senseman and Lacy Buck took first place meals. Taking third place and first and second place speaker awards were Candice Bradley and Daak Love. Students receiving superior ranks of 15 during one of their many rounds were Jaime Hereford, Maegan Lemons and Jesse Light.

During Saturday’s individual events, 20 students made if to the finals: Natalie Kennedy, Dusty Howery, Caleb Allison, Amy Shelton, Kelsey Griffith, Randy Heyer, Angela Owen, Andrea Penny, Courtney Calvert, Chris Coppock, Tracina Jones, Ryan Hill and Logan Kruck.

Students taking home awards were Caleb Allison, first place scoring 1’s in domestic extemporaneous speaking, Chris Coppock with third place in Original Oratory and Ryan Hill and Logan Kruck with third place in Humorous Duet.

The entire Po-Hi team was awarded a second place Sweepstakes trophy from eighth other 4A schools.

School Elections Slated Feb. 13

The Ponca City Board of Education recently passed the annual resolution calling for the school election to be held on Feb. 13, 2001.

This election accomplishes two important items for the district. First, it provides the mechanism for selecting the citizens who serve on the board of education for a four-year-term. The Ponca City Public School District is divided into seven wards.

Wards 3 and 6 are up for election this year. John Young and Norris Frederick currently hold these board seats. Mr. Young has served faithfully for seven years and is not seeking reelection. Mr. Norris is in his first year, having been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Ward 6.

Persons interested in running for these offices can file for the position Monday, Dec. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Kay County Election Board in Newkirk. You may call Mary Ladd, district public information coordinator, at 767-8000, ext. 215, to determine in which ward your residence is located.

The second item on the ballot is the vote for the annual mill levies. The local levies are required of each district and have been passed with overwhelming support every year in Ponca City. The local millage produces about $6,500,000 that is needed to pay teachers, buy textbooks, and pay for utilities in our 12 school buildings.

On the Nov. 7 ballot will be State Question 690. If passed by a majority of Oklahoma voters, State Question 690 will change the state constitution to allow local voters the option of making the mill levies permanent, just as vocational technical schools’ millage is permanent.

By law, the millage has to be paid by the property owner. Voting on them annually is an unnecessary exercise that wastes money. Districts that do not have a board race could save thousands of dollars annually if local voters made the mill levies permanent.

State Question 690 puts the question of making the local millage permanent in the hands of local voters and could cut administrative costs of unnecessary annual elections. This is money that is needed in the classrooms for instructional materials. We ask for your support on SQ 690.

DAR Chapter Promotes History

Ponca City Chapter Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR) is promoting the study of American history through essay competition for grades 5-12.

The 2000-2001 annual essay competition is divided into two categories, grades 5-8 will compete in the American History Essay Contest with the topic of “If the United States Capitol Walls Could Talk.”

Promoting the 2000-2001 Christopher Columbus Essay contest in grades 9-12 with students to write the nomination speech for Christopher Columbus to be inducted into an Explorers Hall of Fame.

All participants in grades 5-8 will receive certificates with the first place winners also receiving medals. Winning chapter essays will advance to state competition, state winners advance to division level competition and division winners’ essays go to national judging.

Winners in chapter Christopher Columbus competition will receive certificates with their essays advancing to state competition.

State winners in both competitions will be recognized at the DAR State Conference in March 2001, and will receive monetary awards.

Local and area schools are encouraged to participate in the essay contests.

For further information contact Diane Crossland of the Ponca City Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at (580) 362-3649.

Several Area Faculty Members To Participate in UCO Academy

EDMOND — Twenty-five college faculty and 27 kindergarten through 12 grade teachers from throughout the state have been selected to participate in the University of Central Oklahoma-based 2000-2001 Outstanding Professors’ and Outstanding Teachers’ Academies.

The programs are part of the Oklahoma Educators’ Leadership Academy (ELA) and are designed to expand participants networks and to broaden their perspectives as educators.

Through the academies, participants will recognize excellence in teaching, be offered professional development experience, be part of a forum for sharing “best practices” among the “best practitioners,” and will develop an active network of teachers from throughout Oklahoma.

The academies meet for four two-day sessions through April, and will meet for a bonus session on April 19.

This year’s participants gathered for their first session in September, and will next meet in November and December.

The candidates for the professor’s academy were selected from nominations by deans or presidents from their respective colleges and universities.

Those selected for the teachers’ academy were nominated by their school’s superintendent or principal.

The ELA is funded through donations from private organizations and foundation grants, and with assistance from the State Regents for Higher Education, the State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education.

Academy staff consists of leadership consultant Dr. Leo Presley, academy developer and facilitator; Ponca City businessesman Charlie Hollar, chairman and academy founder; and Susanne Betz, UCO executive director.

Those selected to attend the Outstanding Professors’ Academy from Tonkawa are Rhonda Bainum, English instructor at Northern Oklahoma College and Rick Edgington, fine arts and humanities instructor at NOC.

Area teachers chosen to participate in the Outstanding Teachers’ Academy are Vicki Johnson, fifth grade teacher at Blackwell, and Donya Gartside, teacher at Woodlands Elementary.

Oklahoma Commission Adopts New Accreditation Standards for Teachers

At its October meeting, the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation adopted new accreditation standards for the state’s teacher preparation programs.

The new standards, which reflect changes that began in Oklahoma four years ago, mirror the standards adopted for national accreditation in the spring of 2000 by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Three of the new standards focus on the qualifications and learning experiences of teacher candidates. Future teachers are required to observe and assist in prekindergarten through 12th grade classrooms before they are eligible for practice teaching and the content of their education coursework is benchmarked against national standards. Accreditation also is based on the quality of faculty in education programs, the resources available for preparing teachers, and the ability of future teachers to address the needs of the changing student population in Oklahoma.

State Question 690 Facts

In Dr. Bill White’s Superintendent Corner, featured on today’s page, he discusses State Question 690. Below are facts concerning the proposal:

— Currently, annual passage of local school district millages is mandatory.

— If local voters fail to approve the millages, the school district is forced to expend additional funds and resources to conduct a second millage election.

— If local voters fail to approve the millages in the second election held for such purpose, state aid will be withheld from the school district and the school district will be forced to consolidate or be annexed into a neighboring school district.

— Local voters cannot escape paying school district millage levies; they will either be paid to their school district, or to the school district with which it is consolidated or annexed.

— Over 300 of Oklahoma’s school district would not have had to conduct an election in Feb. 2000, but for the annual millage elections.

— Dropping the requirement of annual school district millage elections will eliminate an unnecessary administrative expenditure of school district funds and resources.

— Passage of SQ 690 does not make school district millages permanent. It will merely allow local school boards discretion as to whether to place the question of eliminating the annual millage elections on the ballot for their respective local electorate.

— SQ 690 provides that even if local voters approve making the millages “permanent” for their school district, the voters could later reverse that action through the election process. The proposed reversal of the “permanent” millages could be placed on an election ballot by having 10 percent of the registered voters in the school district sign a petition calling for such an election.

SPORTS

Hurting Wildcats Tackle Physical Yellow Jackets
Reunion Not Happy For OSU, CU Coaches
Tulsa, Fresno Needing To Win
Quarterbacks Key in Showdown
OU Remembers Last Time

Hurting Wildcats Tackle Physical Yellow Jackets

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Injuries are a part of any football team’s season.

But they have been a bigger part of the 2000 Wildcat campaign than coach Frank Piccirillo would have imagined.

For most of the season the Wildcats have had eight starters on the sidelines with one injury or another. At one point there were 15 varsity and junior varsity players unable to participate.

“The injured JV players hurt us because they would have been able to give us some depth,” Piccirillo said.

“We had two starters injured in the preseason,” the coach shook his head. “That set the tone for the season.”

It appears the Wildcats will no more than break even in that department as they travel to Choctaw tonight.

Linebacker Michael Duroy returns after being out for the past few games. But center Josh Kirkpatrick went down with an ankle injury last week against Stillwater and is questionable for tonight.

Until Kirkpatrick’s injury, the Wildcats’ offensive line, quarterback and running back had been relatively injury free. That stability was showing up in the Cats’ improved offensive statistics.

But almost all of the other positions have been very unsettled because of injuries.

Piccirillo said that against Sand Springs, the coaches used 10 defensive tackles,

Last week, they sent in seven receivers.

The secondary has been in a constant state of flux, “and they have been lots of linebackers,”

Even with those problems, the Wildcats have a chance to win out and finish a three-win season for the first time in three years.

Piccirillo would like nothing more than to see the 25 seniors on this team go out on a winning note.

But just as importantly, finishing the season with a pair of wins would go a long way toward helping build confidence for next year.

“It’s every important we get some momentum going for next season,” Piccirillo said.

But tonight’s game against 2-3, 4-4 Choctaw is going to be anything but easy.

“Choctaw has some big, physical linemen and some good skill players. Also they still have an outside shot at making the playoffs,” the Ponca City coach notes. “Playing Stillwater next week, they need to win this one.

“And this will be Seniors Night at Choctaw.

“We are going to have to play exceptionally, exceptionally well, with emotion, be physical and control the ball,” Piccirillo added

Somewhat like Ponca City, the Yellow Jackets has struggled in recent years.

This season’s four wins equals their win total for the past two seasons combined. Choctaw had expectations of making the playoffs when the season started.

A wet field at Choctaw and the possibility of more rain will have an affect on tonight’s game.

But Piccirillo feels his team is ready.

“We practiced in the rain all week,” he notes. “In fact, we had one practice in a down pour.”

Reunion Not Happy For OSU, CU Coaches

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — After sharing the same sideline as assistant coaches at Colorado, Gary Barnett and Bob Simmons can always chat about the good old days.

Their nostalgic flashbacks undoubtedly beat discussing current events.

In his second season as Colorado’s head coach, Barnett has endured one of the most disappointing seasons of his coaching career, and Simmons has fared only slightly better in his sixth season at Oklahoma State.

The two will square off as opposing head coaches for the first time Saturday when Oklahoma State (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) tries to snap a four-game losing streak against the bumbling Buffs (1-6, 1-3).

‘‘I really have not thought about it from an emotional standpoint,’’ Simmons said of his second trip to Boulder since he left for Oklahoma State in 1995. ‘‘To be realistic, my emotions are just wrapped up into my football team and trying to get better.’’

Barnett and Simmons, assistants under Bill McCartney from 1988 to 1991, played golf together in Colorado this summer. The outing probably seems like decades ago — particularly for Barnett, who has seen his team’s health and morale deteriorate weekly.

‘‘We don’t have any identity right now on offense and defense,’’ he said. ‘‘The early part of the season really damaged our confidence. Now we’re a team that’s playing without a lot of confidence.’’

Confidence was rarely a problem when Barnett and Simmons shared strategies in Colorado. In their four seasons, the Buffs went 38-9-2, won a national title in 1990 and never lost two straight games. Colorado and Oklahoma State have a combined 3-10 record this year.

‘‘When you think of the time that I spent there with Bill and with Gary, I really enjoyed that time because it was special for us all,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘When you can do that and win a national championship in the process, you really have fond memories.’’

Saturday’s game is not likely to inspire championship images, but it could prove entertaining thanks to a matchup of freshman quarterbacks.

Colorado’s Craig Ochs needs 201 yards to break Koy Detmer’s freshman passing record of 962 yards in 1992, and Aso Pogi set Oklahoma State’s single-game freshman mark with 328 yards in his first start two weeks ago.

Pogi was pressed into duty after a season-ending shoulder injury to Tony Lindsay.

‘‘We think he’s going to be a really special young man,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘He’s got great size. Aso says he’s about 220 (pounds) but he may be about 230. He’s got a strong arm. He spends a lot of time studying film. His future is very bright.’’

Ochs, who started the season as a possible redshirt candidate, has not left the starting lineup since his debut four weeks ago. The Buffs still believe he gives them the best chance to end the season on a positive note.

Barnett this week called on his juniors to take a more active leadership role in hopes of building a solid foundation for 2001.

‘‘I want to make sure everybody keeps their head up,’’ junior tight end Daniel Graham said. ‘‘We still have four more games. We can’t go out there thinking about losing a game. It is all about winning.’’

Tulsa, Fresno Needing To Win

TULSA (AP) — Tulsa coach Keith Burns said his Golden Hurricane team must play more consistently in all phases of the game to have a shot at winning at Fresno State on Saturday.

Getting a win at Bulldog Stadium will be a tough task, Burns said.

‘‘I picked them and TCU to win the WAC,’’ he said.

Tulsa (3-5, 2-2 WAC) comes off a 17-3 home loss to No. 11 Texas Christian. Despite the defeat, the Golden Hurricane’s defense earned respect from the visitors and fans by slowing Heisman Trophy candidate LaDainian Tomlinson.

Tulsa’s offense also outgained the Horned Frogs but coughed up the ball four times.

Fresno State (3-3, 2-1 WAC) lost 23-13 at Texas-El Paso, but the Bulldogs still have a shot at the WAC title if they can win out. Coach Pat Hill led the Bulldogs to an 8-5 record last year and a share of the WAC title.

Hill said his team must improve its running game in order to win more this season. The Bulldogs are averaging about 95 yards a game on the ground, he said.

As for Tulsa, Hurricane quarterback Josh Blankenship and receiver Donald Shoals continue to lead the offense. Blankenship has completed 50 percent of his passes and is averaging 214.4 yards passing a game. He has 1,715 passing yards this season.

Shoals is averaging 104.4 yards a game and has 835 receiving yards on the season and Tulsa is touting him as an All-America candidate.

‘‘We’ve just got to play tougher and play all phases well,’’ Burns said. ‘‘If we do, I think we can play with anybody.’’

Quarterbacks Key in Showdown

Speedy Crouch Has Huskers Running Game in High Gear

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Just once, Nebraska linebacker Carlos Polk would like to get his hands on Cornhuskers quarterback Eric Crouch.

‘‘I always tease him that I want to hit him in practice — just to test him,’’ Polk said. ‘‘But I know that’s not going to happen. I might not catch him in the first place.’’

Not many people do. The junior from Omaha who carries No. 1 Nebraska’s national title hopes hasn’t slowed down since he took over the starting job a year ago.

Crouch leads the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense, which averages 46.3 points per game, with 11 rushing touchdowns and nine passing TDs. On Saturday, he will play opposite the quarterback who leads the top scoring offense in No. 3 Oklahoma’s Josh Heupel.

The two are considered contenders for the Heisman Trophy and one could take a giant step ahead with a good performance in Saturday’s high-profile game.

‘‘That’s one thing that I know I’ve blocked out of my mind already. It’s not a battle between the quarterbacks. It’s a battle between the teams,’’ Crouch said.

The quarterbacks and the teams have decidedly different offensive philosophies. While the Sooners have shifted from their traditional running attack and now rely on Heupel’s pinpoint passing, the Huskers have stuck with the option. And Crouch is running it as well as any Nebraska QB ever has.

‘‘He’s always had confidence but certainly things fit together for him much more easily, much smoother. That only comes from playing and having success playing,’’ coach Frank Solich said. ‘‘He’s having, I think, just an outstanding year. I don’t think that he could be playing better.’’

The Huskers lead the nation in rushing at nearly 380 yards per game and are second in total offense with an average of 499.3.

Just seven games into the season, Crouch is close to the 16 touchdowns he ran for last season when he became the starter after two games. He has 576 rushing yards on 96 carries and has completed 47 of 96 passes for 775 yards and nine touchdowns.

The numbers would be much higher, but Solich has rested Crouch for much of the past two games. Crouch played just a quarter last week in a 59-0 shutout of Baylor and sat out the fourth quarter the week before against Texas Tech.

Solich has been careful with his star quarterback, who is backed up by freshman Jammal Lord, who has played well as a backup but does not have the experience and leadership of Crouch.

‘‘Eric’s the kind of guy that will play through injuries. He actually practices through them, too. He tries not to let anything affect him,’’ Solich said. ‘‘That’s a big plus to have a guy like that on your football team because it sets an example for others. Plus it keeps him on the field whenever humanly possible.’’

For Crouch, coming out after just a quarter last week was difficult. He had just five carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. It was only the second time this season he hadn’t either run or thrown for at least two TDs.

‘‘I feel like it was the best thing to do for me to be healthy going into this next game,’’ said Crouch, who reluctantly admits that it didn’t make a lot of sense to keep him in with a 38-0 lead. ‘‘I think it’s helped me out more than I ever thought it would. I feel like I’m moving around this week the best I have all week. If you look back on it It’s probably because of the rest I’ve had.’’

Facing a healthy and rested Crouch has been on the mind of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who has had two weeks to look at Nebraska tapes. The Sooners had last weekend off.

‘‘Everything revolves around him, so you’ve got to be able to change the way you come after him, change the way you’re supporting against the plays that they’re running,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘And when you get there, you’ve got to be able to tackle. You see a lot of times he’s played against people when people are in position, but he makes ’em miss or runs through tackles and makes plays.’’

Crouch downplays his statistics and the Heisman talk that’s been circulating since August. He also doesn’t seem to get wrapped up in the hype surrounding Saturday’s game, even if Nebraska is No. 1 and Oklahoma No. 2 in the Bowl Championship Series ratings, which will decide who plays for the national title.

Crouch is more concerned about becoming part of the Nebraska-Oklahoma history he remembers watching as a kid growing up in southwest Omaha.

‘‘I’m a big part of it now and I know that I’ve got to go out and have my best game,’’ he said. ‘‘Right now it’s kind of hard for me to think of it as a rivalry because I haven’t played them yet.’’

Polk, one of 11 finalists for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, is glad he only goes against Crouch in practice, even if he’s not allowed to hit him.

‘‘He’s tough. Some of the moves that he puts on in the game just leaves you saying ’Wow!’’’ Polk said. ‘‘I don’t envy the OU players at all.’’

Heupel Just Gets Job Done In Leading Sooners’ Attack

NORMAN (AP) — The player who makes Oklahoma’s flashy offense click is about as exciting as your local CPA.

Josh Heupel is more about grit than glitz. In this age of me, Heupel talks about we. He’s soft-spoken and humble, almost boring. He swears he doesn’t read or listen to what is written or said about him.

He doesn’t exactly knock your socks off on the field, either. Plenty of quarterbacks have stronger arms, and no defensive coordinator spends much time worrying about his scrambling ability.

But Heupel’s play is the biggest reason Oklahoma is 6-0 and ranked No. 3 heading into Saturday’s game against top-ranked Nebraska.

‘‘He’s just exceptional,’’ coach Bob Stoops said. ‘‘I don’t think there’s any other way to say it.’’

Heupel has completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 1,894 yards and 11 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. In the Sooners’ three Big 12 games, he is even better — 75 for 107 (70 percent) for 995 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

And Heupel has been at his best in the two biggest games so far. He threw for 275 yards and a touchdown against Texas, then burned Kansas State with 29-of-37 passing for 374 yards and two TDs despite being knocked down repeatedly.

‘‘Up to this point, I haven’t seen anybody better,’’ Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said afterward. ‘‘Although I know there’s a lot of great players out there, that was as fine a performance as I’ve seen in an awful long time.’’

Snyder said Heupel’s demeanor and toughness remind him of Chuck Long, whom he coached while an assistant at Iowa in the 1980s. Long is now the quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma.

‘‘They’re great decision-makers, they have great poise and a tremendous ability to place the ball in a position or spot where receivers have a chance to get to it and defenders have no chance,’’ Snyder said.

And to think, Heupel wound up at Oklahoma almost by accident.

Heupel spent one year at Weber State before transferring to Snow Junior College in Utah, where he threw for a ton of yards but didn’t exactly find himself swamped with offers from Division I coaches.

Stoops, after getting the Oklahoma job in 1998, hired Mike Leach from Kentucky as offensive coordinator. As defensive coordinator at Florida for three years, Stoops had seen what kind of trouble Kentucky’s wide-open offense could cause and he thought it would work at Oklahoma.

Leach began searching for a quarterback and found Heupel.

‘‘I think what really impressed us is when Josh was here on his recruiting visit, all he wanted to do was watch videotape,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘He didn’t want to go out and run around town, he didn’t care about going to see the learning center. I think he knew he was smart enough, he’ll get a good degree.

‘‘He wanted to watch football. He wanted to know, ‘Can I run this offense and have success?’’’

Yes, he can. Heupel threw for 3,460 yards and 30 touchdowns last year and helped lead Oklahoma to a 7-4 finish and its first bowl trip since 1994. Then he spent the spring and summer studying more film, bulking up in the weightroom and working with Long to improve his mechanics.

The payoff has been obvious. Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in scoring, fourth in passing offense and fifth in total offense.

He is the first to credit his teammates, and it’s true that Oklahoma’s receivers and offensive linemen have been outstanding. But Heupel has been uncanny.

The quarterback in Oklahoma’s offense has plenty of leeway to call audibles, and Heupel seldom makes a wrong call. He has thrown 118 straight passes without an interception. Plus, he is willing to stay in the pocket and throw under duress.

‘‘If you’re a throwing quarterback, getting hit in the mouth is going to be part of the game,’’ he said. ‘‘Teams want to bring heat on you, and they’re playing a game of can you get rid of the football before we get to you and can you complete it.’’

Heupel has won most of those. As a result, he’s the front-runner for Big 12 player of the year and a Heisman contender. Just don’t expect him to get excited about it all.

OU Remembers Last Time

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma’s last game with Nebraska was three years ago, although it seems more like three decades.

When the 1997 game was played, Oklahoma was nine games into what would be a 4-8 season. Nebraska was undefeated, ranked No. 1 and on its way to a share of the national championship.

Nebraska won 69-7, the worst loss in Sooner history.

‘‘It was very ugly, what happened on the field that day,’’ said Oklahoma center Bubba Burcham, who shared time at guard that afternoon in Lincoln.

No such wipeout is expected Saturday when the teams meet in Norman. Both are undefeated, Nebraska is No. 1 and Oklahoma is No. 3.

‘‘I’m not going to talk about the past game or the past coaching staff, but a lot of things have changed since then,’’ said senior fullback Seth Littrell, who as a freshman made his first start in the 1997 game. ‘‘I’m ready to go after it and play it again in these circumstances.’’

Burcham, who redshirted the previous year as a walk-on, spent his time in the ’97 game lined up against All-American Jason Peter. Peter and his teammates throttled the Sooners, holding them to 2.6 yards per play and 11 first downs.

‘‘I didn’t know what to expect,’’ Burcham said. ‘‘All I did was just try to do my assignment and do the best I could. I got killed quite a few times in that game.’’

He wasn’t alone. Oklahoma lost four fumbles in the first quarter, which helped Nebraska take a 20-0 lead. The score was 34-0 at halftime and 54-0 before the Sooners scored their only touchdown on a short run by Littrell.

‘‘I don’t know if we were outclassed,’’ Littrell said. ‘‘I don’t think the University of Oklahoma is ever outclassed by anybody. But yeah, they probably had more athletes than we had.’’

That game gave Nebraska its seventh straight victory over Oklahoma and ended a three-year stretch of domination by the Cornhuskers. They beat the Sooners 37-0 in Lincoln in 1995 and 73-21 in Norman in 1996.

Burcham said he remembers thinking in ’97 that Oklahoma had a long way to go to approach Nebraska’s level.

‘‘I didn’t have any idea where we’d be today, to tell you the truth. I was hoping we’d be in this position, of course,’’ he said.