From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
October 1, 1997
LOCAL
Nearly News
In Tall Cotton
Chipping Away at History
Editorial
Letters
Dr. Bill White Obtains Academy Scholarship
Cruz Brothers Won't Be Dueling During Oktoberfest Performance
Owners of Pets Should Be Aware of Atopic Dermatitis
City Manager Attends Event In Vancouver
NOC College Night Oct. 7
Recycling Center Asks Residents Join 'Project Redirectory'
'When Mothers Pray' Author Here Saturday
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Buffalo Bill Museum Salutes Showman
District Plans Speech Contest
Area Calendar
Benefit Garage Sale At Camp McFadden
Local Angus Breeder Listed
The Tonkawa Tribe Of Oklahoma Seeking Economic Opportunities
Kay County's Cotton This YearTwice as MuchMaybe Twice as Good
Antique Plane Ride Tests Reporter's Pulse Rate
DEATHS
Walter Franklin Evans
Dale R. Rice
Troy Jones
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Former Poncan Honored at UCO
Alpha Gamma Mothers Meet
Pioneer Quilters Will Meet
Desk and Derrick Club Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Knights of Pythias Enjoy Annual Picnic
SPORTS
Bentley Moves In on Offenses
Golf Notes
Buddy Bass Club Holds Tourney At Sooner Lake
NN would like to point out that it's the Kay County Shrine Club sponsoring the Popeye and Family Show Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in Hutchins Memorial, and not the Elks, as reported in Tuesday's Briefs. Proceeds will benefit the Shrine Club, which NN finds appropriate.
Cotton may not be king in north central Oklahoma, but Dr. J.C. Banks, Oklahoma State University agronomist, is the "king" of cotton information for state growers. See the details in today's MidWeek.
DISCONNECTING the breezeway between the historic Marland Mansion and the Marland Estate Conference Center was in full swing Tuesday by the construction crew of Rick Scott, Ponca City. Matrix Architects/Engineer/Planners Architects of Tulsa has determined the breezeway connection is responsible for some of the water leaks in the Mansion. A temporary awning type covering is to be installed to shelter those going to the Mansion from the Conference Center. The breezeway was constructed during the period the Felician Sisters owned the estate. (News Photo by Louise Abercrombie)
Critics Answered
Today's and Tuesday's papers had letters to the editor complaining about the broadcasts of high school football. Normally we let comment about our business go unanswered. Since this attack was aimed at specific employees and at the risk of blowing this further out of proportion, we feel compelled to answer.
Perhaps this issue would have been better discussed if it had gone through the coaches and athletic director with whom we discuss our play-by-play coverage every year, including sportsmanship and commentary. We also receive direct comment and criticism from the fans and parents and treat that with equal respect. Face-to-face discussion of points of difference often achieves better results.
The incident which apparently provoked the comments at last week's school board meeting was the discussion of a defensive clipping penalty in the waning moments of a close game. The announcers said they had never seen that penalty called in 20 years of covering high school sports. They commented, perhaps understating, that it was a highly unusual call and that it was a great break for the Wildcats since it came at a crucial point in the game.
We haven't seen that call in over 30 years of following high school football. But far from being unsportsmanlike, the comment accurately set the scene for a thrilling end to an exciting football game. The announcers speculated that the officials may have intended to call an illegal block, a far more common penalty under the circumstances, and explained the situation further. To consider that discussion as berating the officials or as poor sportsmanship seems inappropriate.
If you cannot attend the game, the next best thing is to listen to live play-by-play. How dull it would be if the description of the game did not include all the color that surrounds it. Just as the officials must make split second decisions on the field, radio announcers must describe the action as it happens. Both can and will make mistakes. It would be incomplete, however, if the broadcast of each game did not include the reaction of the coaches, fans and announcers to penalties and play on the field. Fans disagree with the coaches and officials and that remains a compelling part of the overall game. Sportsmanship is the manner in which the discussions are held.
The broadcasters involved are very credible. The have been covering high school sports for many years, spending untold hours with the coaches discussing the game, strategy, the rules and officiating. Most years, including this year, they have traveled to a seminar in Oklahoma City at which a top official of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association has discussed the rules and the changes for the upcoming year. More often than not, rather than inciting poor sportsmanship, their commentary explains an official's call and quiets an unhappy crowd. Mistakes probably have been made, maybe no more often than they are on the field. Such is the nature of high school athletics.
If the letter writers have a question about the feelings of the coaches and the players, perhaps they should have consulted them first. Obviously there will be some who disagree with any public commentary, but our response has been overwhelmingly positive from those in and outside the program. We are, after all, a local radio station covering high school football. Fair and accurate description of the game is the primary concern, but we can't and shouldn't forget who we are as we attempt to bring all the color and pageantry of the game to our listeners.
Tom Muchmore
General Manager
WBBZ
Questions Answered
Concerning Judy Mallory's letter to the editor in the Sept. 28 edition of The Ponca City News; I would like to try to address her six questions.
1. The concern of broadcasting coverage of high school athletics was addressed during the agenda item "Comments from the Public." This agenda item is included in all board meetings and does not encroach on the time allocated to address other vital board business (i.e. ACT contract, etc.).
2. The newspaper did not identify me as a game official, even though it was included in my public comment However, if you are knowledgeable about my concern, it was not lodged from an official's perspective. (Officials know that "taking the heat" is part of the job.) The concern comes from a Ponca City patron, a parent of children in the school system, and as a school board member. I feel that Ponca City highly regards good sportsmanship and that those representing Ponca City Public Schools should exhibit those high standards.
3. The concern is not trying to limit broadcaster to reporting statistics. The concern is that the listening public believes the broadcasters to be creditable. Thus, when statements are made about rules and their application, the public tends to believe them, even when the statements made are in error. This can further promote poor sportsmanship by the fans as they have been led astray by the lack of knowledge of our broadcasters.
4. The concern is not with stating opinion. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. The concern is that false information is being broadcast because of a lack of knowledge. This is not stating opinion; it is misrepresentation.
5. The "poor sportsmanship" I was addressing has to do with misrepresenting fact and the resultant behavior it elicits from both broadcasters and fans. I cannot speak creditably about public concern for questioning coaches and/or players, as I am neither a coach nor have a child actively competing at this time. What I can share with you is the public feedback I am getting. It is running 4 to 1 in favor of my position that improvements are needed. But those who have stated support for my position are more concerned about the questioning of coaches and players rather than officials. This tells me that we probably need to review our sportsmanship on multiple fronts.
6. I am not knowledgeable about other 5A and 6A high school sports coverage and cannot answer this question. However, public feedback from high school baseball parents did identify that their request for coverage was turned down.
Judy, I want to thank you for the opportunity to address your questions and I hope I have brought some clarity as to what I believe the issue to be. I also agree with you; WBBZ keep talking, but only if it can be done in a factual manner with the highest regard for sportsmanship.
Mike Kruck
Thanks for Action
Thank you, Mr. Gary Martin, city manager, for your letter that was published Aug. 31 in this column. Yes, you immediately took action to trim the tree limbs before someone got hurt.
Yes, if we should see anything that we think needs attention of the City, we should notify them. How else can anyone respond if he/she is not aware of the situation? Call Mr. Martin's office, 767-0339, or the Mayor's office, 767-0342 or, better yet, put in writing to the City Office, 516 East Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601 to catch and hold their attention.
Eleanor S. Coates
Help Appreciated
I wish to express sincere appreciation to some Ponca City employees.
Recently, I was at the recycling center. My car would not start to leave the area. Two gentlemen from Traffic Engineering had also arrived. They were kind enough to go for tools and battery jumper cables to get me on my way. Thank you men for the Good Samaritan act. I had two senior citizen ladies with me. Thanks again to Butch Thompson, Bill Taylor and Mr. Jeffries, for you were my angels on earth.
Grace and Peace
Ruth Ritter
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Ponca City Public Schools' Superintendent, Dr. Bill White, has been notified that he is the first Oklahoma Superintendent to be the recipient of the Lamar University Superintendent Academy Scholarship.
The scholarship is valued in excess of $10,000 and is sponsored by Lamar University and the Texas Education Agency with training support from IBM. Admission to the Academy is competitive with approximately 125 superintendents being nominated each year for the 40 Academy scholarships given.
The Lamar Superintendent Academy is an advanced leadership development program designed to give exemplary superintendents an opportunity for self-renewal and skill enhancement (i.e. to build on what has made them successful leaders).
The curriculum includes advanced leadership and visioning techniques (provided by trainers from the business world), technology and futures training at IBM's Palisades, New York training facility and the application of technology to administrative decision-making. Participants will also have an opportunity to work in cohorts with other exemplary superintendents and to bring issues to the table for discussion.
The Nomination
Dr. White told The News that he was notified about two weeks ago. "The Academy was looking for superintendents in a leadership role. I think I was selected because I am the President of United Suburban Schools Association of Oklahoma (USSA). This organization represents approximately 38 percent of students in Oklahoma," said White.
"I was nominated by Dr. Randall Raburn, executive director of the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administrators (CCOSA). Dr. Raburn was asked to nominate a good superintendent with decision-making skills," White said.
He will spend five sessions at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, one in San Antonio, one in Dallas and some in New York.
White said, "While I am in New York I will have the opportunity to visit Scarsdale Public Schools. That school system has received the Outstanding Award in Technology for Public Schools for the past few years. I am really excited to see how Ponca City differs from them."
"I also get to spend some time in classes for decision training and leadership development. These classes will be taught by top IBM executives."
White will miss around nine school days during the 1997-98 school year. "I will use my weekends or personal vacation time to attend the rest of the meetings," White commented.
Dr. White also said that he will be able to work with 39 other superintendents from across the United States. Most of the superintendents are from Texas and others are from Louisiana and Arkansas.
Scholarship Money
The scholarship is valued in excess of $10,000. This money will cover the cost of tuition, books and materials, and will not go directly to Dr. White.
Conoco has also given Dr. White a transportation grant to help cover some of the transportation costs. "I think I am one of the superintendents that will have to travel the furthest," said White.
"I am really excited to receive this scholarship. I think this will help me with the critical issues of education for the next several years," commented White.
"This will also help me look at the vision of how other schools look from the industry business standpoint. What people have to realize is that it is an honor to represent my state, but I am also excited about my own personal growth as a superintendent."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
It won't exactly be "dueling banjos," or even dueling guitars when the Cruz brothers take to their stages to entertain at the Oktoberfest on Sunday. What it will be is a treat for the fans of either or both.
Mark and Edgar, guitarists, who have performed in Ponca City numerous times, will be entertaining the Oktoberfest crowd - but not together. The talented Cruz brothers are from Oklahoma City.
However, one can see and hear both guitarists, because Edgar, will be appearing between 12:45 and 2:15 p.m., on the Main Stage, while Mark will be playing the Pool stage from 2 to 4 p.m.
Edgar Cruz is a diversely talented acoustic guitarist describes himself as a "Liberace of the Guitar."
"For people who remember Liberace, they can relate to the comparison. He was a classically trained, seriously gifted pianist, but he could and would do practically anything, and he made it fun and entertaining," says Cruz.
In addition to a growing recording and performance career, Edgar does educational work in schools through the Oklahoma Arts Council Touring Artist Program and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
His second album, Classical Demands, gives one an idea of Cruz's depth and versatility. Beethoven's "Fur Elise" and Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" are complemented by Mason Williams' "Classical Gas."
Utilizing his classical finger style technique, Cruz's "Those Were the Days" disc includes '30s and '40s standards such as Miller's "In the Mood," Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" and Joplins' "The Entertainer."
Mark Anthony Cruz is an extraordinary guitarist of versatile means. His musical ability spans the genres of classical and jazz to rock and easy listening. Mark is capable of performing strictly instrumental guitar pieces or combining them with exquisite vocals.
Cruz is not limited to a solo performance as he has performed with several successful groups in both the past and present. Currently his jazz group is "Cruz Control" or his rock group "Pavlovian Dogs."
In 1993, "Cruz Control" was voted the Best Jazz Band by The Oklahoma Gazette and the same periodical voted his group "Electric Church" Best Funk Band in 1994.
Mark's first record in the "Key of Christmas" was released in 1994, featuring sacred carols arranged for classical guitar and a Vivaldi guitar concerto with strings, flute and harpsichord. His second recording "Fuzz" features ten of his contemporary jazz originals, two of which were premiered at the 1991 Montreaux Jazz festival in Switzerland.
In addition to the Cruz brothers a lot of other good entertainment has been planned for both Saturday and Sunday. There should be something for everyone each afternoon.
The grounds are open 10 a.m., to 9 p.m. ., on Saturday and 11 a.m., to 6 p.m., Sunday.
The general admission of $2 for adults and $1 for those 12 to 7, while youths six and under are admitted free. The shuttle will run to the Marland Estate grounds from the Presbyterian Church parking lot.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
It's that time of year and if your pet is constantly scratching, biting and licking they might be suffering from the same thing you are - allergies. Pets suffer from allergies just as humans do but fortunately the symptoms different between pet and owner.
According to veterinarian Dr. Ronald Nida, pets suffer from atopic dermatitis as pollen counts increases in autumn. Atopic dermatitis is an inhalant type of allergy as opposed to antopical contact irritant.
"We are seeing a 30-40 percent increase in patients due to atopic dermatitis, especially now since the ragweed count is so high," Nida explains. "Grasses, trees and other flowering plants blooming at the same time also contribute to the problem." Nida adds that Oklahoma recently had the highest pollen count in the U.S.
Symptoms of the animal irritating condition includes intense licking, increase shedding and redness of the skin and of course scratching. "Animals can scratch so much they actually traumatize themselves by scratching to the point they cause open wounds," Nida says. "The 'itch-scratch cycle' is a vicious cycle."
There are several things a pet owner can do to help suffering pets. For mild cases bathing is helpful. Not only does bathing keep the skin clean but it is soothing too. The doctor recommends a medicated shampoo which he says will help elevate some of the symptoms of dermatitis such as itching.
However, Nida suggest that a pet owner suspecting their pet of suffering from atopic dermatitis to seek the advice of a veterinary. "Some remedies for dermatitis includes prescribing a antihistamine or steroids to elevate the scratching," Nida says. "In extreme cases there may be a need to test your pet to identify specifically what the pet is allergic to."
There is good news and bad news. The good news is that there may be an end in sight. Nida says that dermatitis usually continues until the first killing frost when allergens and pollen counts decrease. However, he warns that some pets can be allergic to "non-seasonal" and year-round allergens such as food.
City Manager Gary Martin of Ponca City joined city managers from throughout the U.S. and Canada at a four day conference, Sept. 9-13, in Vancouver, Canada.
According to Martin it is the first year the International City Manager's Association Annual Conference has been held outside the U.S.
Martin attended the conference two years ago when it was held in Denver and has enjoyed the educational aspect of the events. "These conferences give city managers the ability to attend training seminars and workshops on new and innovated ways to manage local governments," Martin said. "It was four days of intense training."
Among others, Martin attended an all day seminar on setting priorities with a limited budget. Martin, who had been appointed to the conference planning committee, also attended planning meetings for the 1998 conference.
TONKAWA - Area high school students and their parents are invited to the fifth annual College Night hosted by Northern Oklahoma College Oct. 7, according to Sheri Snyder, director of college relations.
Representatives from more than 30 institutions including two-year and four-year private and public Oklahoma and Kansas colleges, universities and military branches will be on hand from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the East Gymnasium, Foster-Piper Fieldhouse, to distribute materials and answer questions about their respective institutions.
In addition, representatives from First National Bank in Tonkawa, Bank First of Shawnee and Stillwater National Bank will be available to give advice on funding a college education.
Complimentary soft drinks will be served to participants in the fieldhouse lobby.
"College Night will give students a chance to meet and visit with representatives about continuing education beyond their high school years," Snyder said. "High school seniors in particular should find the event helpful," she added.
Institutions participating include Bartlesville Wesleyan College, Cameron University, Institute of American Indian Art, N.M.; Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Northeastern State University, Northern Oklahoma College, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Also, Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Oklahoma State University, OSU/Okmulgee, Oral Roberts University, Phillips University and Rogers University.
Others are Southern Nazarene University, Southwestern College, Kan.; Southwestern Oklahoma State University, St. Gregory's University, Tabor College, Kan.; University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, OU/Tulsa, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa.
The Oklahoma Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy will also be participating.
As the 1998 telephone books are being distributed, the Ponca City Recycling Center is encouraging residents to recycle their old telephone books in a state-wide, governor-sponsored drive called "Project Redirectory."
John Meadows, coordinator of the Ponca City recycling center, says that the old books will be used to make new paper for future phone books as well as new products.
The recycling center has been recycling phone books for the last three years and Meadows says it has been very successful in the past. "We have something special here in Ponca that other cities don't," Meadows explained. "We recycle phone books year-round not just when the new books come out."
The center is located at 1001 West Prospect Avenue and is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an attendant on duty and there is no charge. For further information call the Solid Waster Division at 767-0456.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
"When Mothers Pray" author Cheri Fuller will be in Ponca City Saturday to autograph copies of her newly released book. Fuller will be at The Master's Touch in Ponca City from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to talk with readers and personally sign copies of her books.
"When Mothers Pray" is designed as a book of hope, inspiration, and stories which will help revitalize the prayer life of readers, says Fuller.
"Many women experience hopelessness when they pray for their children and see no discernible results. Yet praying is one of the most vital things we can do for our kids." In this encouraging, fresh book she incorporates key lessons learned.
Fuller says, praying for your children will link your children to God, no matter where they are or how old; bring a wonderful partnership between you and God as He does the things He wants to do in the lives of your children; draw you into a closer relationship with Christ; and reduce your stress and anxiety level.
"As our children grow and we gradually lose direct control over their lives, I've found that our prayers can be the wind beneath their wings," she says.
"This book offers encouragement and a larger perspective to women, presenting compelling insights about what God can do in the lives of our children when we pray," Fuller said.
In addition to practical suggestions on parenting, the book features stories of mothers throughout history who prayed, the author's own stories of learning to pray for her children, and the stories of answered prayers by dozens of mothers.
Also included is creative ways that busy, single and working moms can pray continually in the midst of life's responsibilities and examines amazing ways God responds. The book offers powerful suggestions to learn how to become equipped and empowered to pray for children and can be used by individuals as well as pairs and groups of prayer warrior moms.
Cheri Fuller is a wife and mother of three children. She is the author of 19 books, including " Trading Your worry for Wonder," "Christmas Treasurers of the Heart," and "Helping Your Child Succeed in Public School."
Her articles have been published in publications such as "Focus on the Family," "Family Circle," "Today's Christian Woman," and "Guideposts."
Fuller, who has a master's degree from Baylor University, has spoken to hundreds of parents across the county in MOPS groups, women's retreats and parenting seminars and has appeared on "Home Show," "NBC Radio News," and "The 700 Club."
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
GOLDEN, Colo. - Buffalo Bill Cody, a significant player - along with Oklahoman Pawnee Bill - in Wild West shows, remained a showman to the end, being buried on Lookout Mountain, near Golden and Denver, Colo.
A museum and monument in the Rocky Mountains mark the grave of the world-renowned western showman. The view from there of the High Plains, Denver and the Rocky Mountains is spectacular.
Eight decades after his death, crowds still flock to the Mountain top to learn about the man who was known all over the world as a showman.
Many of the photographs, show memorabilia and archival materials feature Oklahoma's own Gordon W. Lillie, known as Pawnee Bill, who joined Buffalo Bill as they merged their wild west shows.
A newspaper clipping tells that prior to World War I the Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill show was rivaled only by Ponca City's Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Circus and Wild West Show.
Buffalo Bill Museum
The museum on Lookout Mountain, which celebrated its 75th anniversary not long ago, is billed as "A Monument To The West." The museum advertises at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum, "You will come face-to-face with the wide sweeping differences and the subtle details that made life then, different from life today."
At the age of 15, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, set a record riding for the Pony Express, which delivered mail in the early days. Cody's Native American name was Pahaska.
Cody was born in 1846 and was known by a number of descriptions including Pony Express rider, scout, buffalo hunter and showman. About the show business aspect of Cody's life the history tells that "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show" traveled throughout North American and Europe during its heyday, leaving a lasting vision of the American West.
A crowd of over 25,000 attended Cody's funeral held on top of Lookout Mountain on June 3, 1917. Johnny Baker, who was a marksman with the Buffalo Bill show, opened the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum four years later. The museum houses memorabilia given to Baker in his 30 years with the Wild West show, as well as items given by other performers with the show, including Pawnee Bill.
The museum boasts one of America's largest collection of Buffalo Bill/Wild West show memorabilia, photographs and archival materials.
Posters contained in the exhibit represent a small fraction of the posters in the collection. Other items on display that were owned by Buffalo Bill are firearms, Western art, Native American artifacts and souvenirs from the Wild West shows.
The showman's saddles, dramatic costumes and gun collection are all on display. Personal notes and memorabilia from the women of the Wild West who appeared with Buffalo Bill include Annie Oakley, Lulu Parr and Goldie Griffith.
The extensive collection of photographs, publicity posters, travelogues and newspaper coverage of the colorful characters of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Extravaganza during the United States and European Tours have been preserved with care.
Another collection involves a number of "dime" novels from the 1860's to the turn of the century. Also there is a large collection of paintings of Robert Lindneux (1871-1970) a leading western artist who lived and painted in the Denver area. He is best known for his dramatic portrait of Buffalo Bill on horseback.
Show Business Personality
A great quote by Buffalo Bill is featured on the museum's brochure. It says, "One day out on the Plains, General Sheridan asked me whether I had ever been east. I told him proudly that I had; that I'd spent more than a week in Omaha! He said that I should go to New York but I said if it's anything like Omaha, I'd seen enough."
Louisa Cody is quoted as saying, "No man ever lived who had a greater sense of humor than Buffalo Bill."
Another quote by Gene Fowler says of Cody, "Perhaps the handsomest American of all time and a symbol of adventure, he was envied by men, beloved and spoiled by women, and emulated by boys."
Attributed to an unknown Frenchman is this quote in the museum's brochure, "It may be said that if Buffalo Bill had never existed, it would have been necessary to invent him."
Museum in Motion
Known as "a museum in motion," the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum, is more than a repository of artifacts and memorabilia. The facility is a source of western information available to the public, researchers and scholars.
New exhibits are developed regularly and there are seminars and workshops for adults and children. There are special celebrations such as the commemoration of Buffalo Bill's birthday on Feb. 26. Annually the town of Golden celebrates the western hero with Buffalo Bill Days in July.
The Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum is a featured attraction of The Denver Mountain Parks System, which has some 14,000 acres of mountain parks.
The grave site, where Cody is buried, is listed on the National Register of Historical places. The mountain top offers a spectacular view and is a setting of serenity for a grave site.
PECKHAM - All ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders county-wide are reminded they are invited to participate in the Kay County Conservation District's speech contest at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the Peckham School.
District spokesperson Lonnie Stone said this is the third year for the district contest, during which an evening meal is served for all participants.
Ninth and tenth graders will compete in division I and juniors and seniors will compete in Division II, with winners announced and awards presented the same evening.
The speech competition "is a great opportunity for our youth to get a little experience in public speaking because this is done before a small group of judges only," Stone said.
With three placings awarded in both divisions, the event will present a T-shirt and a $10 cash award to the first place winners. Second place winners get a t-shirt and $7 cash, and third placers get the t-shirt and $5.
The top two individuals in each division will compete in the Area II meeting Nov. 18 in Guthrie.
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A fall cleanup garage sale will be held Saturday to benefit Camp McFadden and the Camp McFadden ropes challenge course near Kaw Lake.
The sale, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the camp, will include filing cabinets, desks, computers, computer furniture, wooden shelves and shelving, arts and crafts supplies, antiques, cots, wooden storage boxes, books and chairs.
To reach Camp McFadden, drive seven miles east on Lake Road from the Pioneer Woman statue and turn to go another mile north, following the "Camp McFadden" signs.
Mertz Brothers, the Ponca City firm, owns a bull listed in the 1997 Fall Sire Evaluation Report published by the American Angus Association, headquartered in St. Joseph, Mo.
John Crouch, performance director for the association, said the sire evaluation report is done in cooperation with Iowa State University and is issued both in the spring and fall. The new report features the latest performance information available on more than 5,200 sires.
Crouch said the American Angus Association has the most complete and comprehensive beef cattle database in the world.
"Of the sires listed in the main report, 51 percent have expected progeny differences (EPDs) for carcass traits, which should assist cattlemen in choosing genetics that will produce a more consistent, higher quality beef product."
EPDs are generated from performance data submitted by breeders through the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR) program.
Traits in which EPDs are available include birth weight, weaning weight, milk, yearling weight and height, mature daughter weight and height, and scrotal circumference, as well as carcass traits including carcass weight, marbling, rib eye area, external fat thickness and percent retail product.
Editor's Note: This page continues and concludes the tribute to the six area tribes whose seals are in place in the viewing court at the Standing Bear Native American Park on the southern edge of Ponca City.
The Tonkawa Tribe migrated into Oklahoma in the mid-1800s from what is now known as the Brazos River area, west of Fort Worth. Texas They were recorded in Mexican Territory records in 1837.
Known as industrious people, they produced weapons, saddles, bridles, shields, tepees, blankets, moccasins, clothing, ornaments, cups, thread, glue and much more. Spanish traders competed for their large quantities of hides, tallow, buffalo robes and buffalo tongues.
In 1859, their peaceful relationship with Texas and Mexican residents and the U.S. Government, for whom they had served as scouts, abruptly ended. Approximately 1,430 Tonkawas were moved north to Indian Territory. Shortly after settling along the Washita River they were drawn into the Civil War and made the unfortunate choice of aligning with the Confederacy. Losing support from the U.S. when that battle was lost, and being reduced by warring tribes in several raids, many of the tribe sought refuge with the Chickasaw tribe and some wandered aimlessly without a home.
Sympathy for their plight was finally gained with the government and the tribe was given land and established itself at Fort Oakland near Tonkawa on lands vacated by the Nez Perce.
By 1886 the industrious tribe had produced excellent crops on 35 acres of rich soil, using four old horses, two plows and some hoes. The area was rich with deer, wild turkey, prairie chicken and other game.
Bertha Brewer, the first white woman to live on the Oakland reservation, conducted a school for the children there. Her agent husband G.C. Brewer taught the tribal members how to plant and harvest wheat. In 1898 they harvested 160 acres of wheat, yielding 30 bushels. A Methodist mission was established and a nearby cemetery dedicated.
Health problems, however, continued to reduced the tribe's population as tuberculosis spread through the membership. The tribe was further inundated by the Cherokee Outlet Land Run in 1893.
Today, however, the small tribe is continuing to build its strength and to provide well-rounded educational and health oriented programs for its people.
Looking toward a future where they will be self-sustained, the tribe is seeking new industry and maintains a successful smoke shop/service station along US. 77 near Chilocco.
State extension cotton specialist J.C. Banks confirmed last week what others already might have suspected - this year looks like a pretty decent year for Kay County cotton.
It was timely then that producers here more than doubled their cotton acreage this year and it may help them decide which way to vote in a new statewide election to eradicate boll weevils.
With almost 4,000 acres planted this year in Kay County, production has increased steadily since the original 300 acres three seasons ago. Farmers here tried 1,000 acres the next year and increased it to 1,800 acres total in 1996.
Kay County OSU extension director Larry Fleck organized a cotton harvest preparation tour so the area producers could hear ideas from state cotton specialists Dr. J.C. Banks and Roger Don Gribble of OSU.
The meeting even attracted some of the cotton producers from southern Kansas, where a cotton gin was built recently to handle the crop.
What wasn't so immediately obvious was that, along with the handful of Kansas men, each of the families responsible for Kay County's entire cotton output was represented at the tour.
Brothers John and Leo Ogden, who live and farm in the Ponca City area, participated in the tour. So did Monty Kahle, who lives in rural Newkirk, and his brother Dennis, who lives in Blackwell.
Frank Kucera, who lives in Deer Creek and farms near Peckham, was on hand, as was Hew Carmichael, who grows cotton west of Ponca City. And David Horinek represented the father-son team from the Newkirk area, where he again planted cotton with his father, Fred.
Cotton scout Chuck Patterson, who watches the crop for the producers, anticipated two bales of cotton per acre this year for the area, which would be an excellent haul. Banks was a little more conservative, estimating a bale and a half would come from fields checked on both sides of Ponca City, for example.
Last year, some producers yielded a bale-and-a-quarter per acre.
Fleck was cautious to judge a crop before it's harvested, but he says the county got "sufficient moisture" this summer and the cotton has responded well.
Harvest will start in late October, weather permitting, he said.
Today also marks another significant turning point in statewide cotton production because producers across Oklahoma will begin a mail-in vote on whether or not to support the statewide boll weevil eradication program.
With voter approval, the program will provide spraying to stop the insect. It will require a 60 percent approval from the eligible voters.
Although the boll weevil is not a problem in northern Oklahoma, the pest in recent years destroyed the cotton industry of southeastern Oklahoma and is currently plaguing the southwestern counties.
However, several other southeastern states have completely eradicated the insect via the program.
The state department of agriculture was to mail ballots to Oklahoma cotton producers on Oct. 1 and the ballots must be voted and returned to the ODA postmarked no later than Oct. 15.
Farmers who are currently producing cotton or have grown cotton two of the last three years are considered qualified voters.
Some farmers may receive more than one ballot because farmers who are also members of a corporation, partnership or trust will be allowed a vote for each entity under which they farm.
Landlords are also qualified to vote unless they are farming on a cash lease arrangement.
The program calls for a $7.50- per-acre assessment plus one cent per pound of production to be paid once a year by the cotton producer.
Only those who are producing cotton will pay.
If the program passes, spraying could begin as soon as the fall of 1998.
Editor's Note: Ponca City News staffers S.L. Dickey and Lisa Hayes had a taste of adventure recently when they went airborne in promotional pizza planes.
By S. L. Dickey
News Staff Writer
"Further on the edge - higher the intensity," are song lyrics in a scene from the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. Lisa Hayes and I had the unique opportunity to experience aerobatic flying in 1942 Stearman biplanes - not exactly F-14s but the experience parallel. We can assure you that the lyrics are correct - further on the edge definitely raises the intensity.
The Adventure
What seemed only like a great adventure came crashing down as cold hard reality as my pilot, Steve Elm, explained the bail-out procedure. He strapped parachute, seat belts and leather helmet with headphones on me. Helmet off, loosen seat straps, stand up, jump clear of plane and pull silver handle at the verbal cue of "Bail out, bail out" were his calmly issued instructions.
Hayes' pilot, Bob Johnston, gave her the same instructions - we both experienced increased pulse rates with these revelations. But this was a once in a lifetime experience and we weren't about to "bail" before we ever left the ground.
The planes taxied slowly toward the runway and as we lifted off in flying formation we knew there was no turning back. The sky was clear and bright and I'd never seen Ponca City from such an unobstructed elevated perspective - absolutely splendid.
We flew northeast of town over an "out of flight path" area. My pilot Elm began his play by play introduction of our aerobatic maneuvers. We began with a side by side formation loop with the Johnston/Hayes plane that dropped low and quickly climbed a seamless inside arc, tracing an awesome 360 degrees in the sky.
There is no doubt it is the closest I'll ever come to the feeling a bird must have in its day-to-day existence - a defiant breach of the law of gravity.
Our planes split formation and continued simultaneous stunts in opposite areas of the sky. We barrel rolled left, flew upside down, turned back and dog fought with the Hayes/Johnston plane, but the best of all was the hammerhead. It's hard to believe that the heart-stopping stunt I've witnessed many times at air shows from the ground, I was actually a part of in the sky. Our plane smoothly accelerated and shot into a straight 90 degree climb towards space, stopped its forward momentum for the longest two seconds of my life, sharply rolled left and aimed its propeller for the earth.
With my heart pounding and aerobatic maneuvers completed, our planes resumed formation and began the return flight to the runway.
As the Stearmans taxied back to their starting position and the engines stopped, my mind couldn't quite grasp the extraordinary experience. Given the constraints of human words, I still haven't adequately captured its entity. To fly, not as a commercial passenger but as a bird, is a memory contained by brain cells, but only released with wings through the corridors of heart and mind.
The Planes
Red Baron Frozen Pizza sponsors a fleet of Stearman Model A-75 biplanes originally built as trainers to prepare pilots for combat in more advanced WWII fighter planes. The planes today are used in a promotional capacity.
The Red Baron Stearman Squadron visits more than 200 cities annually giving promotional rides, and have raised millions of dollars for children's charities. Two of the 10-plane Squadron were here in Ponca City recently to give rides to invited guests and winners of local consumer drawings.
The Squadron name is derived from the "real" Red Baron, Baron Manfred von Richtofen, famous during WWI for personally downing 80 Allied Aircraft. Von Richtofen painted his plane a bright red as a challenge to opposing airmen. Even the Allied Forces held high regard for the German Flying Ace. When the Red Baron was finally shot down over France in 1918 by a Canadian, Captain Arthur Roy Brown of the British Royal Flying Corp., he was buried by the Allies with full military honors.
In 1997 the smoke-trailing biplanes of the Red Baron Stearman Squadron recreate the lost art of earlier days in aviation. They showcase wartime history as the only formation team flying authentic antique aircraft.
The "Super Stearmans" of the Squadron have all been restored to a standard configuration and modified for their current role as aerobatic airplanes. The modifications include 450 horsepower Pratt & Whitney Wasp, Jr. engines, which more than doubles the original power, and fuel and oil systems to allow the airplanes to fly inverted. An additional set of ailerons increases the aircraft's roll rate; engine cowlings have been added to cut drag.
Smoke systems have been installed to trace the path of the planes through the sky. Few concessions have been made to change the romantic character of these planes. There are no radios for navigation on board and both cockpits are still open to the wind. Each of the biplanes is flown in excess of 600 hours per year.
The planes are maintained by a five-man staff of mechanics who are some of the pilots' most favorite people in the world. They operate out of a crew-designed Stearman Support Vehicle, the SSV, unique to the aviation industry. The 38-foot custom rig was built in 1989. It is a self-contained unit with an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and carries all the tools and parts, including a spare engine necessary to maintain the Squadron - it is literally a shop on wheels as well as a showpiece.
The Pilots
Steve Elm is a former United States Air Force Jet Fighter Pilot. He flew over 300 combat missions in Vietnam. I asked Elm which he preferred, flying an Air Force Fighter or the Stearman. He said he loved flying both but describes the Stearman as "a Harley with wings" - he's right. He recently completed restoration of his own Stearman.
Bob Johnston joined the Squadron this year. He was the one pilot selected for the Squadron out of 1,500 applicants. He says it's the most prestigious job he's ever had - to be "the one" selected out of so many applicants. He has logged over 15,000 flight hours in over 42 years of flying.
The pilots have a set plan for their aerobatic maneuvers. Other communication between them is done with hand signals and head nods.
Elm and Johnston are only two of 11 pilots that the Red Baron Stearman Squadron employs. They travel nine months of the year with the Squadron. Elm told me that 40 percent of the people he takes up in the Stearman have never flown before.
Final Thoughts
I close my eyes and think back to my flight in the Stearman. No rails.
No people noise. No fixed structure. No comparison to any amusement park
ride. We were part of the sky, the wind and the sun, the presence of us
soaking up one small speck of their infinite existence. Those marks we left
in the sky are no longer visible but they left their signature with Hayes
and me - wingprints - that we can pilot.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Walter Franklin Evans, longtime Blackwell area resident, died at Hillcrest Manor Extended Care Facility in Blackwell, Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 1997. He was 88.
The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Winston Long of the First Church of God, officiating. Burial will be at the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery.
Walter Franklin Evans was born March 17, 1909, in Atlanta, Kan. to Henry Wilson and Harvilla (White) Evans. As a small child he moved with his parents to a farm north of Braman. He attended schools in Hunnewell, Kan.
On Feb. 22, 1936, he married Anna Pauline DeBoard in Tonkawa and the couple established their home in the Dilworth Community and farmed. He had also been employed as a mechanic with Boeing Aircraft for more than 15 years.
On April 1, 1957, he surrendered to the ministry for the Church of God and pastored churches in Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1960, the family moved to Blackwell, where Evans established a home base for his ministry. He retired April 1, 1974 and his wife Anna, preceded him in death on July 12, 1974.
He was married to Maxine Leer on June 1, 1975 in Blackwell where they established a home. In retirement, Evans continued to preach part-time serving wherever he was needed. He was a member of the Blackwell First Church of God, and also served there in many capacities.
Survivors include his wife, Maxine, of Blackwell; one daughter, Della Radar of Sapulpa; one step-daughter, Janette White of Blackwell; one son, Donald E. of Comanche; one step-son, Robert "Sonny" Dunlap of Tulsa; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchilden. In addition to his first wife and parents he was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Evans, five sisters and three brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made the Mr. Evans' name to the First Church of God, Building Fund, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
FAIRFAX/RALSTON - Dale R. Rice, longtime Fairfax/Ralston area resident, died Sunday night, Sept., 28, 1997, at Hillcrest Medical Center, Tulsa. He was 69.
The funeral was to be held at 2 p.m. today at the Ralston First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Moffeit, pastor, officiating. Burial was to be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Dale R. Rice was born April 16, 1928, in the Big Bend area and was the son of Joe and Effie Stark Rice. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was married to Helen M. Hutchison on Jan. 5, 1992, in Miami, Okla., and the couple made their home in Fairfax. Rice had been employed as a custodian at the Fairfax High School. He enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Helen, of the home; three sons, Tim of Claremore, Bill of Gunbarrel, Texas, and Joe of Fairfax; four daughters, Kathy Mariner of Tulsa, Dalene Rice of Virginia Beach, Va., Lori Rice and Cassie Rice, both of Fairfax; one step-son Mickey Hutchison of Fairfax; and two step daughters, Betty Adams of Ponca City and Sharon Mashburn of Fairfax.
Also two brothers, Ervin of Manford, and Kenneth of Pawnee; four sisters, Gracie Cary of Tulsa, Geraldine Forbes of Ralston, Vida Peters of Skiatook and Minnie Jo Cales of Tulsa; 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Victoria Rice; his parents; one brother, Algie Rice; and one sister Lucille Goad.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Rice's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
The family will be at the Joe Rice home to receive friends and family.
WATONGA - Troy Jones, brother to Pearlie Payne of Ponca City, died Sept. 26, 1997, at the Watonga (Okla.) Hospital. He was 62.
The funeral was to be held at Union Baptist Church in Watonga at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 1, 1997, with the Rev. Eugene McCarroll and the Rev. Eugene Randle officiating. Burial was to be at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Russworm Funeral Home, Watonga.
Troy Jones was born in Watonga on Feb. 12, 1935, the son of Genodia and Gertrude Jones. He graduated from high school at Watonga and entered the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge he returned to Watonga and was employed by the Russworm Funeral Home for over 40 years. He also drove the ambulance. He was a member of his father's congregation at the Watonga Methodist Church, Watonga Lodge No. 6, and served as a Junior Warden.
Survivors include his wife, Rosie, of the home; four sons, Troy Jr.,
Kenneth and Larry, all of Oklahoma City and Victor of Watonga; four brothers,
Floyd, Roy, Johnnie, and James Jones all of Watonga; three sisters, Hazel
Richmond of Shreveport, La., Pearlie Payne of Ponca City, and Trudy Randle
of Watonga; eight grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
NEWS BRIEFS
Annual Fall Rummage Sale Set - The Annual Fall Rummage Sale held at Grace Episcopal Church will start Friday, at 9 a.m. Sale concludes at noon on Saturday. Customers should use the parking lot located at Thirteenth Street and East Grand Avenue. Sale items include household items, children's toys, costumes, books, fabric, golf balls, shoes, gas clothes dryer, and much miscellaneous. Everyone is welcome to come and browse.
Arrest - Police arrested a 50-year-old man at Lake Road and Red Oak at 8:58 a.m. Tuesday for driving under the influence, driving under suspension, transporting an open container, no insurance and speeding.
Stolen Checks - A woman in the 700 block of South Fifth Street reported to police at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday that some checks had been stolen and cashed in Stillwater. A report was taken.
Arrest - At 3:42 a.m. Tuesday police arrested a 21-year-old woman on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Theft - A man in the 1200 block of North Ash Street reported at 3:48 p.m. Tuesday that some tools had been stolen from his garage. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 17-year-old man was arrested at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday for possession of stolen property.
Vandalism - A woman reported to police at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday that
her van had been hit while it was parked in the 1000 block of North Oak
Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
LIFESTYLES
Dr. Karen Dean Douglas, currently a resident of West Virginia, and a graduate of Ponca City High School, has been honored by the University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Association as a Distinguished Former Student during Homecoming in Edmond recently.
Karen has a sister, Dorothy Hanna, who currently resides in Ponca City at 500 North Ash.
Dr. Douglas graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma College of Education in 1960 with an emphasis in physical education and English. She now furthers students toward their graduation as an assistant professor of health education at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.
She has taught health education for almost 30 years on a number of levels at a number of institutions. She began teaching at West Virginia University in 1986 and has since written a large number of health-related publications, conducted numerous seminars and received many prestigious awards. Her publications have involved such topics as health and fitness, AIDS, sexual harassment and teenage alcohol abuse.
She was selected last year to evaluate and implement a wellness program for training Indonesian health practitioners - a study involving extended time in that nation.
The Alpha Gamma Mother's Club met on Sept. 22, 1997 at the home of Pat Koehler. The secretary called roll with each member answering with a song that included the word "rain". Members retreated to the back patio where the program was presented by Mrs. Koehler, reading the story "Please Return My Ring" from Guidepost Magazine.
After the program, Carol O'Rear read the Collect and Aims. Billie Stepken gave the chaplain's report, an article entitled "It's a Mouthful" from the book "When the Handwriting on the Wall is in Brown Crayon" written by Susie Lenzkes. Carol O'Rear read the secretary's report, and Pat Koehler presented the treasurer's report.
The Ways and Means committee reported that all wall spaces for the craft fair have been sold. New flyers were printed and given to each member to distribute. Mrs. Koehler will call the St. Mary's Scout Troop about helping again this year.
Old business consisted of reminding members about the meeting for the state convention hostess clubs to be held in Pond Creek on Oct. 11.
Leslie Hoover won the hostess gift, and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Oct. 13 at the home of Karen Yost.
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild will meet Monday, Oct. 6, 1997 at the Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand in Ponca City. Registration for the meeting will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business meeting will start at 12:30 p.m. followed by Show and Share and the monthly program. Stitch and Assist will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The greeter for the day will be Lavon Shepler, with Norma Kinzie, Sara Myers, Sian Boyd, Sybil Webster and Velva Hoyt serving as hostesses. For hostess information call Oletta at 765-6964.
Workshop chairman Joyce Eagan has announced the workshop "Polly's Pumpkin Patch" has been canceled.
Debbie Bacon will present the October lecture "Sample a Sampler"... tips and techniques on putting a sample quilt together. She has won many awards for her work and enjoys the creative challenge that quilting develops. She is currently designing and producing a new pattern line called "Strawberries & Cream".
Kathy Paczowski has accepted the position of treasurer, to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Phyllis Clark.
PAQG will be participating in the Ponca City Art Association Christmas Tree Collage to be held Dec. 7 through 28. The organization will not participate at the Angel Central this year, it was announced.
Vice President Linda Burg announced the awards for winners of the Table Runner Challenge will be $25, $15, $10 gift certificates to the advertiser of their choice in the organization's newsletter. The theme is Seasonal or Holiday, any size.
Jean Buskirk reminds quilters to pick up tickets for the fun raising quilt. Saturday, Oct. 25 is the next fund-raising event at the McCord School Arts and Crafts Festival. Please sign up to help work between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
There are many old pictures to be given away, pictures from May forward will be 25 cents. The Nov. 3 program will be Home Economist Dawn Andrew from Hancock Fabrics with Fall and Holiday Ideas. All members are encourage to bring their quilted items to Show and Share.
Contact Michiel Landers at 765-0184 for babysitting reservations by Friday, Oct. 3, 1997. For more information contact Cindy Wilson, PAQG President at 765-6911 or Linda Burg, PAQG Vice President at 765-2532.
The Ponca City Desk and Derrick Club met at Pauline's Supper Club on Sept. 22 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the club.
A cake decorated with an oil derrick was prepared for the occasion by Betty Bradford of Tonkawa.
The meeting was presided over by Phyllis Kennedy, in the absence of June Jeffries, president. Louise Skinner and Joyce Johnson served as hostesses.
The devotional was given by Mary Faken. Irene Congram, Mary Faken, Ruby Cavanaugh and Leora Calkins were honored as charter members of the organization.
Other special guests included Michele Swaney and Debra Langley from the Bartlesville Desk and Derrick Club; Bertha Hall, a former member and past president from Ponca City; Christy Valliere, last year's president, from Stillwater; Beth Hessling, a former member, from Houston; Cathy Jenkins from Tonkawa, and Lilly Wright, a former member, from Houston. Lilly joined the Oklahoma City Desk and Derrick Club in 1952. She belonged to Desk and Derrick Clubs in Kansas and Oklahoma, served in different levels of offices, and while she resided here she served as National ADDC president.
Phyllis asked for anyone to share special memories and experiences of their years in Desk and Derrick.
Joyce Johnson presented the club scrapbook to Christy Valliere, as last year's president.
An announcement was made that the Bartlesville Desk and Derrick Club will host a Magic Suitcase program on the second Tuesday of November, and the local club is invited to attend.
Joy Asbury asked everyone to sign a letter to the Ponca City Partner club in Natchez, Miss. She is preparing a package with postcards and other items from Ponca City to send to them.
The next meeting will be Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse.
Grand Lodge of Oklahoma's 30th Annual Picnic was held in September at the Knights of Pythias Lodge, 2512 West Highland, with 65 members attending.
Guests were present from all walks of life, including five babies under age 2, including the nine-month old twins of the Harold Scotts of Tulsa and one three week old infant. Also attending were four Supreme Representatives, three Past Supreme Regents, a Grand Lodge Chancellor, a Vice Grand and Past Grand Chancellor, one Grand Chief, a Grand Secretary, four Past Grand Chiefs and one Grand Pianist.
Dinner was served at noon by members of the Temple.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Wildcat linebacker Jay Bentley is on the move. That means trouble for opposing offenses.
Head coach Rick Sodowsky has elected to have Bentley moving instead of standing and waiting for the play to develop. They tried out the new scheme against Stillwater and Bentley had his best day of the season on defense.
He caused a fumble, recovered another fumble and returned it 30 yards and a total of 12 tackles, six unassisted against the Pioneers.
Bentley moved up to No. 2 on the Wildcat tackle chart with a total of 33 tackles on the season, second only to safety Joe Roland, who has 51.
"I like to get to the quarterback," Bentley signed through his mother, Vicky, during an interview. He indicated he likes that better than dropping back to cover backs coming out of the backfield on passing plays.
Since Stillwater did not throw to its backs, that turned Bentley loose.
But he is quite capable of good pass coverage, too. He has already broken up a couple of passes this season.
Bentley is a standout on defense, but has many more talents. He also plays split end and has caught four passes this season, one for 30 yards against Stillwater. Bentley is also the deep snapper on extra points, field goals and punts.
"He's the best deep snapper we've had since I've been here," Sodowsky said. "He gets it (the ball) there in a hurry and he gets it on target."
Being deaf, Bentley takes his signals, both on offense and defense, directly from the coaches on the sidelines. He also gets signs from fellow linebackers, but this year it has been a struggle.
Sodowsky moved Bentley from weak side linebacker to strong side this year to replace last year's leading tackler, Stockton Graves.
Graves and Bentley developed a rapport that has been hard to duplicate this season, mainly because the Cats have had three different players, Terry Thomas, B.J. Miner and Wade Bair, at that other linebacker spot.
"It's been hard," he signs.
So now Bentley stands just to one side of the defensive huddle to take his signs from the sidelines.
On offense, Bentley wears a wrist band with the offensive plays numbered. There are 40 of them. On defense, he keeps all of the schemes in his head.
Sodowsky has said the only thing he fears about Bentley not being able to hear is an inadvertent whistle by a referee. But so far Bentley has shown an uncanny knack for avoiding contact after a whistle, even when a whistle is blown at the start of a play.
Bentley's move to split end this year has been a surprise because its a position he's never played before.
He's been a fullback, tailback and quarterback at various stages of his football career, but never a wide receiver.
"We put him out there because he doesn't need to hear the count," Sodowsky notes, "and he has good hands."
Despite the newness of the position, Bentley has taken his success in stride.
"It's no big thing," he signs.
But he would like to score a touchdown and has kidded the coaches about not throwing the fade pattern to him in the end zone.
"He's not above giving us a hard time," Sodowsky smiles, explaining the Cats throw that fade to Wes Swygert because he's 6-4. Bentley is 6-0, 180 pounds.
Winfield Couples Invitational, Saturday (Winfield Country Club) and Sunday (Quail Ridge Golf Club), October 4-5, a few openings still remain. $200 per couple, call the golf shop immediately to enter. 316-221-5645
Quail Ridge Ladies 6-6-6 Invitational October 11, 10:00 a.m.
The Ponca City Buddy Bass Club's latest tournament was held Sunday at Sooner Lake.
Greg Ward and Tracy Hughes finished in first place, netting five fish totaling 14 pounds, including the Big Bass of the tournament which weighed in at 4.66 pounds. Other finishers were Larry Platt and Mark Reeves in second place (five fish-11.02 pounds), Tracy Redleaf and Dick Hastriter at third (four fish-10.02 pounds), while Don and Mike Owens came in fourth (five fish-8.51 pounds).
After seven events, Platt and Reeves lead the team in points with 281, followed by Dean Gratias and Mike Lewis (279), Don and Mike Owens (272), and Steve and Tom Owens (268). Tied for fifth place with 258 points each were the teams of Bryan Klinger-Jeff Dobson and Mark Sanders-Dale Conner. The teams of Jamie Flegler-Dale Brown and Delmar Hutchison-Ray Stephens were tied for sixth with 257 points each.
The Buddy Bass Club will hold its next meeting at Ody's Outback, October 16 at 7 p.m.
Final tournament of the season will be Sunday, October 26 at Kaw Lake.