From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, October 15, 1997

LOCAL
72 Percent of Voters Favor Bond Issue
County Charges Filed Following Drug Raid
Appendicitis Case Has County Trying To Send Bill to Kansas
Nearly News
Estimated Source of Revenue For P.C. Schools at $22.7 Million
Playground Equipment in Memory Of Children Lost in Trail of Tears
Bluebirds Blues-Rock Group Jams at Poncan Thursday
Ponca City Art Center Set For 30th Fall Flea Market
National Fire Prevention Week: Being Silly but Staying Serious
Newkirk FFA Takes Speech Honors
Pioneer Tech Offering Business Management
Public Meeting On CRP Oct. 21
Late Humanitarian Receives Tribute With Special Mass
Area Residents Win Tulsa Fair Contests
Area Calendar
Series Of Seminars For Women
Library Sets Two Adult Programs
Two Crash Victims Show Improvement
County FCE Craft Show Set Saturday
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday

DEATHS
Sylvia Ruth Fisher

Obituaries
Mary Louise Vollman

Funerals
Lester W. Kolb
J.M. "Jude" Swain

Services Pending
Marvin R. Morris

NEWS BRIEFS

LIFESTYLES
PT Luncheon Of Celebration
Kildare FCE Celebrating 50 Years
Domestic Violence Program Assisted
Little News
Ark City Craft Show

SPORTS
Wildcats Pride Sindelar Feels Cats Have Chance
Cool Weather; Hot Area Races
Area Football




LOCAL

72 Percent of Voters Favor Bond Issue

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor

Supporters of the Ponca City School System turned out Tuesday to support the $3.5 million school bond issue as the issue passed with a 72 percent in favor. Only 60 percent was needed.

Passage of the issue will allow the school administration to begin Phase II of the Capitol Improvement Plan.

Phase II of the plan includes remodeling three elementary schools, remodeling the Commons area at the high school, building an athletic track with facilities, band and vocal music equipment and new buses.

John Young, president of the Ponca City Board of Education, said, "I am grateful the public has enough confidence and trust in the school board and administration to pass the bond and allow children to have the best educational facilities."

Young commented that work could begin at the high school Commons area in approximately 30 days.

"The school did not have enough money to finish the Commons area because the bids were so high. The money from the bond election in 1995 was set aside until further funding was approved by Ponca City. The bidding process should begin quickly," said Young.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, said, "I would like to say 'thank you' once again to our community for the passing of this bond issue to continue the progress towards excellence in Ponca City. A special thanks goes to the Ponca City Citizens for School Improvement, co-chaired by Barry Bickle and Tom Quillan, who donated not only money, but a great deal of time to this campaign."

"Thank you to all the many citizens from our community who worked on the phone banks, mailouts and publicity. Thank you to our local Chamber of Commerce and Ponca City News for their support. Thanks also goes out to the many civic clubs and organizations who extended opportunities to us to provide information about our schools."

White continued by saying, "To the citizens of Ponca City, I could never express our appreciation for supporting continued funding for our board's long-range facility plan. This is the second step of a multi-phase renovation and upgrade of our school facilities."

"This is not just a victory for our school district, it is a victory for our entire community. We have made providing the best learning opportunities for all of Ponca City's children a top priority in Ponca City."

Breaking It Down

The bond was divided into two propositions since state law requires transportation to be voted on separately. Proposition one was the bond issue without the buses ($3.3 million) and two was for the buses ($200,000).

Proposition one passed with 2,288 voting yes and 884 voting no. Proposition two had 2,267 yes votes, while 905 people voted no.

A total of $2.2 million of bond money will be spent on renovations at Trout, Liberty and Woodlands Elementary Schools. Trout will receive $510,000, Liberty will receive $610,000 and $590,000 will go to Woodlands.

A large portion of the $2.2 million will go toward adding power for technology, new windows, new lighting, new parent drop-off driveway and sidewalks, repairing gymnasiums and restroom exhausts.

Lewis Associate Architects, Ponca City, will begin the design work for the elementary schools in November. Construction could occur as early as March 1998.

Rebidding will begin sometime this month for the Commons area and Howell remodeling. Construction of the Howell and Commons area at Po-Hi will begin in December 1997.

The interior improvements of Howell will start in June of 1998.

Precinct by Precinct

There were no votes cast in precincts 410, 402 and 104, and there were no absentee ballots cast from either Osage or Noble County.

Proposition one, precinct by precinct: Precinct 412 (1 yes, 4 no), 413 (252 yes, 50 no), 414 (2-4), 415 (9-0 ), 420 (13-28), 503 (192-84), 504 (161-56), 507 (114-71), 516 (52-29 ), 517 (77-32), 523 (83-41), 527 (166-95), 530 (143-63), 532 (412 114), 533 (175-44), 534 (312-111), 419 (66-37), 421 (3-0), Osage County (14-5) and Kay County absentee (41-16).

Proposition two results: 412 (1-4), 413 (250-52), 414 (1-5), 415 (9-0), 420 (19-21), 503 (190-84), 504 (159-60), 507 (108-76), 516 (48-34), 517 (77-33), 523 (87-39), 527 (164-96), 530 (140-67), 532 (404-120), 533 (172-44), 534 (314-113), 419 (64-38), 421 (3-0), Osage County (17-2) and Kay County absentee (40-17).

Phase III of the Capitol Improvement Plan will be voted on in February 1999.

 

County Charges Filed Following Drug Raid

By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer

Several area individuals appeared Tuesday in District Court after law enforcement officers served misdemeanor and felony warrants on drug-related and other charges.

District Attorney John Maddox said his major crimes task force followed through with its effort to complete a three-month investigation across the county.

After the operation began at sunrise Tuesday, a few individuals for whom warrants had been issued reportedly went to law enforcement agencies voluntarily.

Maddox said such efforts to crack down on drug use in the area are "very helpful to the community" because other types of crime are directly related to the drug activity.

A few of the individuals arrested were charged with crimes that were not drug-related.

Following is the district attorney's office's list of persons who appeared Tuesday in District Court, with age, town of residence, charge and bond on warrant:

Jeremiah E. Hall, 20, Ponca City, misdemeanor bogus check, $1,000; Preston Jacob Greenwell, 21, Ponca City, felony assault and battery on a police officer, $3,000; Mark L. Hazen, 47, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000.

Loreda Gayle Lauver, 35, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000; Matthew A. Holman, 18, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000; Jennifer Lea Johnson, 20, Ponca City, felony possession of narcotic - cocaine, $5,000.

Sherman Richie Hicks, 19, Ponca City, felony cultivation of marijuana, $10,000; Christopher Clark Daugherty, 21, Ponca City, felony cultivation of marijuana, $10,000; Jennifer M. Caldron, 24, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000.

Frankie J. Boyd, 36, Blackwell, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $1,000; Tony E. Bell, 19, Blackwell, misdemeanor driving under suspension and failure to carry security verification form; $250.

Robert S. Wilcher, 36, Ponca City, felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and cultivation of marijuana, $10,000; Margaret R. Wilcher, 35, Ponca City, felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and cultivation of marijuana, $10,000.

Dawn M. Kendrick, 24, Ponca City, felony possession of controlled dangerous substance - methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, $5,000; Martin L. Thiele, 26, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana (two counts), $1,000.

Tracie K. Martin, aka Tracie K. Nethercot, 23, Ponca City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana (two counts), $1,000; Brenda D. Cain, 36, Ponca City, felony possession of controlled dangerous substance - methamphetamine, $5,000; Cheryl Cramer, 37, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, $750.

Delbert Cross, 33, Tonkawa, felony possession of controlled dangerous substance - methamphetamine, $5,000; Mark Lampe, 31, Ponca City, felony possession of controlled dangerous substance - lomotil and clonazepam, second offense, $10,000; Horace Cargill, 37, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and DUI, $750; Gregory Scott Osburn, 19, felony possession of controlled dangerous substance - methamphetamine, $5,000.

 

Appendicitis Case Has County Trying To Send Bill to Kansas

NEWKIRK - After his appendix was removed last year, a Kansas man healed up nicely.

But the complications of surgery are still growing.

Authorities here believe it may take a federal case to make sure a Ponca City hospital gets paid for emergency work on a Kansas prisoner who suffered appendicitis while in Oklahoma custody.

John Edward Bowers, 27, was arrested last Dec. 2 by Ponca City police and booked into the Kay County Detention Facility after they discovered he was wanted by the Kansas State Department of Corrections.

While in jail here, Bowers signed a waiver of extradition on Dec. 4 to expedite his return to Kansas. Authorities in Kansas were then advised he was ready to be picked up.

However, on Dec. 7, while still waiting, Bowers suffered an appendicitis attack and was rushed by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City, where he underwent an emergency appendectomy and three days of treatment.

When Kansas officials finally picked up the recuperating prisoner on Dec. 13, they transported him back to the Kansas DOC. And when Kay County Undersheriff Sid Cookerly received the hospital's bill for $8,000, he forwarded it to the Kansas DOC.

However, since they had sent no prisoner to the Ponca City hospital, the Kansas folks objected to paying the bill.

Finally, after waiting months with the unpaid bill, St. Joseph's has sued the Kay County Board of County Commissioners for the $8,000, plus interest.

But according to the opinion from the district attorney's office, Kay County can't spend taxpayers' money to pay someone else's bill.

Cookerly said, "The only reason he (Bowers) was in jail was because they arrested him on that Kansas warrant - there were no charges from Oklahoma other than he was a fugitive from justice.

"Once he waives the extradition, he's now the property of Kansas, but then if we don't take him to the hospital, he dies!

"We sent him to the hospital by ambulance, so from the hospital's standpoint, we're responsible for it, but the district attorney says we can't spend Kay County taxpayers' money to pay the hospital," Cookerly said.

"Here's where it gets screwy," he continued.

"We can't sue Kansas because we haven't suffered any damages - we aren't out any money until we pay the bill, so we're not damaged.

"The hospital is damaged because it hasn't been paid, but the hospital can't sue Kansas because Kansas didn't bring the prisoner to them.

"In essence the hospital understands and the hospital's attorney understands we can't pay the bill and spend our taxpayers' money on a Kansas inmate.

"Now we're damaged because we've been sued, so now we can get Kansas into the lawsuit and make them pay."

Assistant District Attorney Chuck Bloeser, who represents the county for District Attorney John Maddox, said determination of damages still might not be an easy issue to resolve because court decisions are not universal.

"We've been sued, so it will require our time and effort to defend this case, so that can be considered damages," Bloeser said.

"And all of us agree that St. Joseph's Hospital and the doctors involved have a right to be paid for their services to keep this guy from dying.

"But it is not Kay County's responsibility to pay for that surgery. To do so, we (the district attorney's office) would breach our responsibility to the people of Kay County," he said.

"It'd be easy if all courts agreed on this stuff, but they don't."

 

Nearly News

Grant Hodges reports to NN that while he was on vacation last Wednesday, the 8th, there must have been a lulu of a storm hit in this area. He told NN he had a new barn, 40x60, that blew into his neighbor's pasture, a quarter of a mile away. He said it looked like the barn just exploded and there was nothing left where it had stood. Hodges related to NN that it seemed like a tornado dropped down it that spot and "did its worst."

 

Estimated Source of Revenue For P.C. Schools at $22.7 Million

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor

The total estimated source of revenue for FY 98 has been set at $22,697,046.52. Jeff Denton, chief financial officer, reported this figure to the Ponca City Board of Education at a special board meeting Monday.

The total revenue breaks down into the following: $6,477,755, local revenue; $589,000, intermediate revenue; $13,453,292.52, state revenue; and $1,799,999, federal revenue.

Denton commented, "The purpose of a budget is to provide a financial plan for the implementation of the instructional goals and plans of Ponca City Public Schools for the school year. The purpose of the presentation is to present the budget information in a manner that is clear, easy to read and understand."

Due to the shrinking enrollment, the Ponca City Public Schools is faced with the challenge of maintaining the educational integrity, while operating with less funds than the previous years.

Denton also commented that lengthy debates were held to determine actual program eliminations or cutbacks.

"Positions were eliminated to provide the district a savings. All other budgets were decreased by 10 percent, unless fixed costs were prohibitive to allow the reductions. A portion of the property insurance and utilities were moved to the Building Fund," said Denton.

Other Changes

Other changes in the budget include an overall decrease of grant programs, the biggest being the anticipated $118,181.95 reduction of the Alternative School Grant. Grant increases include Migrant Education (new), OAPI (Gifted), and PL 101-476 Special Education development.

On the local level, ad valorem increased due to property values, but the increase will be offset by a reduction in state aid. The total estimated revenue will be down by $377,000.

The revenue picture is somewhat exaggerated due to new sources of revenue in the proposed budget, but not in previous budgets, including textbook allocation, migrant worker grant, gifted incentives and other increased revenues. This accounts for over $250,000.

The budget is demonstrating a need of $62,000 in over-collections, cost reductions or a combination of both to bring about the 7 percent fund balance desired by the board.

Past trends show that over-collections will exceed $62,000, and if the open positions currently available with the Ponca City Schools are not filled, a savings of $190,000 will also be achieved.

The board will make decisions concerning the budget at the Nov. 10 board meeting.

 

Playground Equipment in Memory Of Children Lost in Trail of Tears

In their effort to remember the Indian children lost in the removal during the Trail of Tears, the Ponca Tribal Business Committee has initiated a number of endeavors to improve the Ponca community, according to Henry Rhodd, member of the Ponca Tribe.

Among these endeavors, Rhodd points out, is the recent completion of the Ponca children's playground with a variety of playground equipment.

In Ponca oral history the Ponca children occupy an important place. Children were named at early ages and honored in various ceremonies. They were not children very long for they attained responsibilities at an early age - much hope was placed in them for the future, Rhodd points out.

In the last century during the long walk from Nebraska to Oklahoma, the Poncas lost many of their children in death. From this heartbreaking experience they composed a special song to memorialize the children who perished in the march to Indian territory. At their various ceremonial events, they frequently sang the song to commemorate the loss of their children. In later years, the song was changed so that all Ponca children are honored, Rhodd said.

 

Bluebirds Blues-Rock Group Jams at Poncan Thursday

Two brothers, Bruce and Buddy Flett, team up with drummer Kevin Smith to form the terrific trio called The Bluebirds.

The brothers, who hail from Shreveport, grew up listening to the great blues sounds of Louisiana. "Yeah, we listened to a lot of Black radio," says Bruce Flett. "We heard a lot of B.B. King and other great 60's artists."

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was important to them. But they also heard other kinds of music too. The Stones, the Allman Brothers, Hendrix, Clapton and others had strong influence on them.

The result is an exciting and varied blues-rock sound that has broad appeal. They write much of their own music. One of their two national CD releases, "South from Memphis," has 10 original tunes from the two brothers, plus new arrangements of some classic blues. It showcases the band's deep affinity for Delta Blues, Memphis Soul, and Southern Swamp Rock. But The Bluebirds also like to play classic blues with rock influences.

They are featured on the "Tribute to Elmore James Masters of the Blues" CD, along with the Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy and Albert King. "South from Memphis" has reached No. 14 on the Living Blues charts. The recent release has been featured on many national radio shows, including the "House of Blues Radio Hour."

The Bluebirds are at home in clubs as well as theaters like the Poncan. They play a lot of festivals. This past summer, the band played festivals from Portland to Philadelphia, and also found time to tour Belgium and the Netherlands. More recently, the hot headliner group lit up the audiences at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, and the Spa City Blues Festival in Hot Springs. They've also played for three presidential inaugurations.

The group is a gifted trio of performers. Guitarist Buddy Flett is called "supremely gifted" by "Billboard" magazine and a "guitarist extraordinaire" by "Blues Revue." "Offbeat" magazine of New Orleans calls him a "truly unheralded talent." Well, he won't be unheralded much longer. "Music City Blues" writes that "The Bluebirds are rapidly establishing a national following." They add, "you don't have to listen long to realize why."

The "Bluebirds" will be presented by Poncan Theatre on Grand in downtown Ponca City on Thursday at 8 pm. Tickets are available at Ponca City banks, at Motor City and Installation's Unlimited, and also at the door before the performance. Tickets are $5, $7 and $9.

Corporate sponsor KLOR (99.3 FM) will be broadcasting live from the theatre beginning at 5:30 pm Thursday. For more information, call 765-0943.

 

Ponca City Art Center Set For 30th Fall Flea Market

The Ponca City Art Association with host its 30th Annual Fall Flea Market Bonanza Monday and Tuesday at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central.

According to Florence Riesen and Betty Flower, co-chairmen for the event, "Members and friends of the Art Association have been digging deep in their attics and trunks and have come up with the largest array of recycleables, antiques and other valuable items for this fall flea market." The market is to be held in the Art Center garages and will overflow into the driveways and on the grounds at the west side of the Center.

"Just about anything a person can think of may be found somewhere among the tables and shelves inside the garages, on tables and boxes in the yard, or in the special plunder boxes," Riesen continued.

"The doors of the garages are bulging with articles to be sold at bargain prices," added Flowers.

Riesen said, "To collectors, the flea market is like mining for gold, we have all sorts of miscellaneous items including antiques and many items we leave for collectors to classify, clothing, dishes, appliances, furniture, books, art, hobby and craft supplies, toys, jewelry, pictures, kitchen supplies, vases, tools and much more."

Proceeds are used to maintain the Art Center for everyone's pleasure. "Come join the crowd for two fun days of digging, buying and recycling," the workers said.

 

National Fire Prevention Week: Being Silly but Staying Serious

By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Reporter

The origin of Fire Prevention Week can be traced back to the Great Chicago fire of 1871.

That history-making fire spread over 2,000 acres destroying all in it's path including over 17,000 structures. In the end 300 people were killed and 100,000 people were left homeless.

On Oct. 9, 1911, forty years after the fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided to mark the anniversary in a positive manner, by informing the public about fire prevention through the first National Fire Prevention Day.

The one-day program was so successful that in 1920 President Woodrow Wilson signed the first National Fire Day Proclamation.

Then in 1925 President Calvin Coolidge extended the observation from one day to a full week, explaining that lives could be saved through education.

New Programs

The recently formed Ponca City Fire Prevention Council echoed that same message, adopting the slogan "Fighting Fires Through Education" for their organization.

The council sponsored a poster drawing contest for all local elementary school children in grades kindergarten through third during Fire Prevention Week. And Monday morning the two grand prize winners were driven to school aboard one of the two new fire trucks.

Joining in the effort to spread the message of this year's fire prevention week - "Know When To Go: React Fast To Fire!" - were members of the local AARP, who distributed and judged the 1,200 posters.

In the mean time, the older elementary students were busy coloring grocery sacks that were taken to local grocery stores to be used by area shoppers, further spreading the fire prevention message throughout the community.

The educational efforts are paying off, says Ponca City Fireman and Fire Prevention Week organizer David VanBuskirk. He explains that since fire prevention educational programs were introduced into the schools there has been a 50-percent decrease in juvenile firesetters in Ponca City.

Good Habits

VanBuskirk is proud of the program and tells the story of a parent who recently called to say that after their daughter attended the fire prevention program she would not go to bed or let any other family members sleep until the smoke detector in their home had been tested.

The fire prevention programs are held at all public and private elementary schools in Ponca City during Fire Prevention Week and involve the three "Ponca City Fire Prevention Clowns," who spread the safety and prevention message to the younger generation in the community.

"Although we only do the programs once a year, we still consider it very successful," VanBuskirk says.

"It allows us the opportunity to spread the safety message and teach fire prevention to so many children and that is what is important."

In addition to Fire Prevention Week, area schools participate in the year-round "Learn Not To Burn" program, further reinforcing life-saving and injury-preventing messages associated with fire safety.

 

Newkirk FFA Takes Speech Honors

PECKHAM - Newkirk FFA members were the big winners of the Kay County Conservation District's third-annual speech contest held last week at the Peckham Elementary School.

Chad Dimmick took first place in the Division I competition, speaking before a group of judges and earning a cash award and T-shirt.

First place in the Division II contest was Erin Morris, with second place to Ryan Cobb and third to Jesse Bain. Each contestant also won cash awards and T-shirts

District spokesperson Lonnie Stone said the speech competition, which is open each year to ninth through twelfth graders across the county, "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."

The first and second-placers will compete in the Area II meeting held Nov. 18 at Guthrie.

Speech contest judges for the county contest at Peckham Elementary were Mary Ann Boyer, Joe Caughlin, J.D. Elwood, Rick Jeans, Lonnie Stone and Dick Zetterberg.

 

Pioneer Tech Offering Business Management

The small business management class at Pioneer Technology Center is helping Kay County's small business owners achieve new levels of success. The program now in its 12th year, still works with the "mom and pop" operation, but it also attracts businesses with more than 50 employees.

According to Pam Dickerson, small business management coordinator, "Small business owners are finding they need to expand their customer base beyond the customary city limits if they wish to remain competitive in today's economy." Dickerson also explained that the demands are requiring personnel and talents that the average business owner cannot afford to hire.

The small business management class is designed to provide support by using professional speakers from the entire state. The speakers have the expertise in subjects ranging from marketing to collections.

"This new level of sophistication required us to rethink our entire adult business program. We have six professional staff member with their own programs going their own way. We realized we had to work as a team because no one person could possibly have all the expertise needed in today's business world. The team allows the staff to give the necessary attention to the business owner," said Dickerson.

Dickerson has been a resident of Ponca City for more than 30 years. She is a graduate of Ponca City High School and Oklahoma State University. Dickerson has a major in management science and computer systems and a minor in management. Dickerson has completed programs offered through the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education including finance, business plan development, general economic development, understanding successful business, brochure design and market research and analysis. She is a recent graduate of Leadership Ponca City and has been active in Ponca City Tomorrow, Main Street Authority, United Way and the Chamber of Commerce.

Clients may enroll in the small business program anytime. Cost of the program is $150 for each business. For more information, contact Dickerson, Pioneer Technology Center, (405) 762-8336, ext. 275.

 

Public Meeting On CRP Oct. 21

BLACKWELL - A public meeting regarding the federal government's new environmentally focused Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 21, in the Kay Room at the Kay Electric Cooperative here.

All landowners and producers are invited to attend this informational meeting about the CRP's 16th signup.

Representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Services Agency (FSA), and Kay County Conservation District (KCCD) will provide an overview of the program.

Under the voluntary CRP program, land owners enter into contracts with USDA to place erodible and other environmentally sensitive cropland in conservation practices for 10 to 15 years.

In exchange, land owners receive annual rental payments for the land and cost-share assistance for establishing those practices.

The 16 signup is under way and will continue through Nov. 14.

 

Late Humanitarian Receives Tribute With Special Mass

Following the death last month of India's celebrated servant to the people, Newsweek Magazine remarked, "Even saints are imperfect. But Mother Teresa was as close as they get."

Members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ponca City joined the world to say goodbye to a person who was "a sign of contradiction

"Her humility was burdened by celebrity. She raised millions for her work but lived simply, befriending the rich and famous to aid the poor and anonymous. She was a woman of power in a church run by men." (Kenneth L. Woodward, Newsweek)

 

Area Residents Win Tulsa Fair Contests

The area can boast some livestock winners this year at the Tulsa State Fair.

Blackwell FFA member Veronica Davis of Newkirk earned awards for the reserve grand champion boar, the young herd and the get of sire in the Hampshire Open Swine competition.

In Duroc Open Swine competition, Davis also took home honors for Grand Champion Boar, young herd and boar between Feb. 1 and 20.

Davis also showed the first place gilt farrowed Feb. 21 to March 10 and the grand champion gilt in the Hampshire swine show.

Joe C. Steichen of Ponca City earned awards in the Shropshire Sheep competition for showing the champion Oklahoma-owned ram, the first-place yearling ewe, the reserve champion ewe, the champion Oklahoma-owned ewe, the reserve champion Oklahoma-owned ewe and the first-place pair of yearling ewes.

Priscilla Wells of Ponca City earned honors in the National Welsh Pony and Cob Show competition by showing the first-place gelding, gelding futurity, colt foal, colt foal futurity, 2-year-old colt, 2-year-old colt futurity, brood mare with foal three feet and over, mare futurity, stallion 3 and over, stallion futurity, and produce of dam.

Wells also showed the OKWPS grand champion half-Welsh, OSWPS gelding, OKWPS gelding futurity, OKWPS filly foal, OKWPS filly foal futurity, OKWPS 2-year-old colt, OKWPS 2-year-old colt futurity, OKWPS brood mare with foal, OKWPS mare futurity, OKWPS stallion 3 and over, OKWPS stallion futurity, OKWPS produce of dam and pet pony obstacle.

She also showed the grand champion gelding, the reserve champion colt, reserve champion mare, grand champion stallion, reserve grand champion, OKWPS reserve junior champion colt, OKWPS senior champion mare, OKWPS grand champion mare, OKWPS grand champion stallion, OKWPS reserve grand champion, and OKWPS grand champion.

Premium moneys and awards totaled almost $500,000 at this year's Tulsa State Fair, where some 25,000 entries were shown in competition over the 11-day period.

 

Area Calendar

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 20

October 21

October 23

October 25

October 28

November 1

November 1-30

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 10

November 11

November 14-15

November 16

November 17

November 20

November 21-22

November 22

November 27

November 28

November 28-December 28

November 28-January 5

December 2

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 7-31

December 9

December 12

December 13

 

Series Of Seminars For Women

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is planning a series of quarterly seminars that deal with today's issues in women's health. The first seminar in the series has been set for Nov. 1, at the Chapel Hall of the Marland Estate Hotel and Conference Center.

Kathy Heilman, MD, and Jan Matheson, MS, LPC, are scheduled as speakers, and lunch will be provided. Heilman and Matheson are scheduled to make their presentations during a session before and after lunch.

This seminar is geared for mothers and their daughters, ages 11-14. The cost is $8 per person.

"This will be a great opportunity not only for mothers, but for any woman who works with girls in these age groups, including youth group or church coordinators, teachers, coaches, scouting leaders and school counselors," said Dr. Heilman. "Also, the girls who attend the seminar will find out how to deal with the physical and emotional changes they face as they grow up."

Tickets are now on sale, and reservations must be made by Oct. 28. Call Susan Nolan at 765-0500 for more information or to make reservations.

 

Library Sets Two Adult Programs

October is a busy month at the Ponca City Library, according to Adult Services Librarian Julie Rutter, who is planning two special adult programs for this month.

Thursday at 7 p.m. herb expert Mary Anne Potter will present a hands-on workshop entitled "Making Herbal Vinegar the Easy Way." Participants will be making their own herbal vinegar and learning a variety of useful information about herbs. All ingredients will be provided by the library, but those attending should bring a decorative bottle to hold the finished product. Space is limited for this program, so please call Julie to preregister.

Those with interest in patents and inventing will want to attend the program "Calling All Inventors." Scheduled for Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., it will cover many aspects of the patent process. Participants will learn how to document their invention, conduct a patent search, prepare and file an application and locate patent resources. Presenters will be Julia Crawford, librarian at Oklahoma State University's Patent and Trademark Library, and Ken Addison of the Oklahoma Inventor's Congress. The patent system can be confusing to the novice, and this will be an opportunity to answer possible questions.

For more details on these programs contact Julie Rutter at 767-0345. Preregistration is recommended.

 

Two Crash Victims Show Improvement

By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer

An update on the condition of longtime Ponca City residents, John and DeEtta McAbee, who were injured in a one-car automobile accident near Ardmore, Oct. 11, has been released by Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church.

John, who is in ICU at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore may not receive visitors at this time due to his doctors orders to speak as little as possible, while a small lung puncture heals. Both legs and ankles have been set and his condition is regarded as good.

DeEtta is in ICU at University Hospital in Oklahoma City, and at present all immediate surgeries on internal injuries have been completed and broken bones have been set. Her condition is still listed as critical and no visitors are allowed.

Friends and citizens who want to assist the McAbee's may help with blood donations at the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, 518 North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City. Call 762-9488 for appointments.

The McAbee family also requested that calls not be made to the hospitals where John and DeEtta are patients, but to call the offices at First Baptist Church 765-4427 for updates, which the church receives twice daily.

Cards and letters may be sent to: John McAbee, c/o Mercy Memorial Hospital, 1011 Fourteenth N.W., Ardmore, OK 73401 and DeEtta McAbee c/o University Hospital, Ninth Floor ICU, 940 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

 

County FCE Craft Show Set Saturday

BLACKWELL - The fourth annual Kay County F.C.E. Craft Show will be held Saturday at the Kay County Fairgrounds here.

The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds' FCE Building (formerly Extension Homemakers Building), with hourly door prize drawings for exhibitors.

Food and drinks - including a famous chicken noodle lunch - will be available in the Country Kitchen.

 

Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday

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.


DEATHS

Sylvia Ruth Fisher

Sylvia Ruth "Lang" Fisher, Ponca City Nursing Home resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1997, in Ponca City. She was 97.

The funeral was held graveside at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa, on Oct. 13, with the Rev. Larry Merideth, Tulsa First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Moore Funeral Home, Tulsa.

Sylvia Ruth "Lang" Fisher was born Nov. 2, 1899, in Grant City, Worth County, Mo., the daughter of George Purcell and Nellie Grant (Dye) Lang.

She and Charles Joseph Fisher were married April 1, 1929, in Kansas City, Mo. They operated a Sweet Shop in Nevada, Mo., in 1935, then moved to Tulsa in 1939, where they ran a bakery. Mr. Fisher died Nov. 15, 1943.

Mrs. Fisher was a member of the Tulsa First Baptist Church and the Rebekah Lodge 265 in Broken Arrow. Mrs. Fisher was employed at Renburgs and Vandivers in Tulsa for many years. In 1987, she moved to the Baptist Retirement Village Mimosa Manor in Owasso and in 1993 moved to Ponca City Nursing Home to live close to family members. She enjoyed crocheting, handwork, quilting and taking care of children, many of whom called her 'grandmother.'

She is survived by two nieces, Emily McClung of Ponca City and Annette Smith of Newkirk; and four nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert and Howard Lang; four sisters, Velma Baker, Floy Kapell, Amy Eaton and Lillie Wood; one niece and two nephews.

 

Obituaries

 

Mary Louise Vollman

Mary Louise Vollman, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Oct. 13, 1997, at Stillwater Medical Center at the age of 75.

The funeral will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, 1997, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Mrs. Vollman was born Feb. 3, 1922, in Ponca City to Robert and Clara (Hawkins) Whitaker. She grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1941. Following graduation, she took the Civil Service exam and was employed with the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.

On Sept. 28, 1942, she married Adalbert John Vollman in Washington, D.C. The couple moved to Newport Beach, Calif. After the death of her husband in 1953, she returned to the Ponca City area with her family and lived in Pleasant View and Kildare, where she served as secretary for the city. She was employed by Roberts Manufacturing and then Ponca City Hospital until her retirement in 1987, after 25 years of service. Mrs. Vollman was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church and a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Women's Guild. She also served as deaconess of the church.

She is survived by two sons, Richard Vollman of Enid and Bruce Vollman of Nowata; two daughters, Cynthia Gilbert of Dubois, Wyo., and of Ovada, Italy, and Suzanne Wilkinson of Fairview; one brother, Robert Whitaker of Kildare; two sisters, Wilma Rezar of Kildare and Carrie Friesenhahn of Ponca City; one sister-in-law, Frances Whitaker of Ponca City; five grandchildren, Angela Chesery, Jennifer Frisch, John Frisch, Shawndalynn Wilkinson, and Lisa Blubaugh; three great-grandchildren; and an extended family of step-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Kenneth Whitaker.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Liver Disease Research Fund, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5109.

The family will be at the home of Frances Whitaker, 3417 Kingston.

paid obituary

 

Funerals

Thursday

Lester W. Kolb - Funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. at the Zion Cemetery at Orlando, Okla. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Perry.

 

Friday

J.M. "Jude" Swain - Funeral to be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Ponca City First Baptist Church Chapel. Burial will be in Oxford, Kan. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.

 

Services Pending

 

Marvin R. Morris

Marvin R. "Sonny" Morris, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, 1997, at Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City. He was 67. Survivors include his wife, Ella Mae Morris of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.


NEWS BRIEFS

Butter Braids Available - Grand Central Station again has Butter Braids (bread), frozen, available 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. It is delicious and easy to prepare. To order call 767-8336.

YMCA Fair - The third annual YMCA Senior Health Fair is scheduled Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., in the YMCA gym. Persons interested in providing an informational booth should call the Y at 765-5417.

School Reunion - The Delaware, Okla., school reunion will be Oct. 19 at the north end of the fair building at Nowata. A pot luck dinner will begin at noon. Tea, coffee and cups will be furnished and those attending are asked to bring prepared food and table service. For more information call Floyd Pomeroy, 762-1880.

Halloween Bingo - PCSEA (Ponca City Site Employees Association, former CEA) will host bingo Saturday in the Conoco Atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Theme is Halloween and there will be a costume contest.

Benefit Sale - St. Mary's Trinity Guild Benefit Sale will be Thursday, 121 West Central, from 8 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m. Also Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Items include New Fredrick air purifier, furniture, French doors, lawn equipment, electric range and dryer, coats and winter clothing, and much more.

Run, Punt and Pass - The Jaycees Run, Punt and Pass competition has been rescheduled for this Sunday at Sullins Stadium. Registration begins at noon and competition begins promptly at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to youths up to 13 years of age. It is also free for spectators. The awards ceremony should begin about 3:30 p.m. For more information about Run, Punt and Pass call the Jaycees hotline at 762-4697.

Garfield Academy - There will be a soft drinks and hot dog stand outside Wal-Mart all day on Saturday. Proceeds made will go to the Garfield Academy HOSTS program. Volunteers are also needed to help mentor programs at Garfield.

Apologies for Wrong Title - Thomasine Blueback of the Ponca Tribe, called to say the incorrect information had been given The News in a Ponca election story. It seems Steve Pensoneau was listed as the former chairman of the board and in truth, Steve is the former secretary of the board.

Vehicle Burglarized - A man in the 300 block of South Pine Street reported to the Communications Center at 6:26 a.m. Tuesday that his vehicle had been burglarized. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a report was taken.

Jewelry Missing - A woman from the 300 block of East Brookfield reported to the Communications Center at 7:32 a.m. Tuesday that some jewelry had been stolen. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Burglarized - A woman from the 700 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday that her vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident - The Communications Center received a report at 8:14 a.m. Tuesday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred six miles east of Blackwell on Oklahoma 11. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Collision - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:24 a.m. Tuesday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred at the intersection of South Eighth Street and East Maple Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken.

Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Irving Street at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday that a 38-year-old man was being held for violation of protective custody.

Accident in Parking Lot - The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday that a minor accident had occurred in the parking lot of Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Collision at Intersection - The Communications Center received a report at 1:10 p.m. that a two-vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of East Prospect Avenue and North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Grass Fire - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported to the Communications Center at 2:59 p.m. Tuesday that a grass fire was burning one mile west of Waverly Street on old U.S. 60. Two units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze.

Accident - A two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of North Third Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:54 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and subjects involved exchanged information.

Vehicle Towed - The Kay County Sheriff's Department reported to the Communications Center at 5:28 p.m. Tuesday that a vehicle was upside down in a ditch at East Prospect Avenue near Lake Ponca. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and took a report that the vehicle was one that had been reported stolen. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Security Chasing Shoplifter - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:37 p.m. Tuesday from Wal-Mart that security of the store was chasing a shoplifter. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and took into custody a 21-year-old female for petit larceny.

Yard Item Missing - A person from the 100 block of Cooley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:33 p.m. Tuesday that a Halloween yard decoration was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off - A clerk at Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:17 a.m. Wednesday that a subject had driven off without paying for $12.93 worth of gas and headed north. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.


LIFESTYLES

PT Luncheon Of Celebration

Professionals Today will have a celebration luncheon at noon Thursday at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Conference Center on the Marland Estate. The occasion is the announcement of the amount of money raised for Hospice a the recent Cherokee Strip Cook-off. Special guests will be representatives of major sponsors.

During the Oct. 2 meeting, Donna Morgan, who chaired the cook-off, told about a "Success Story."

Committee sheets for the coming year were distributed and members were asked to sign up for a committee they are interested in working on.

Carmaleta Wesbrook will chair the "Make a Difference Day," activities of the group. This is set for Oct. 25. The projects will be announced at the luncheon meeting.

Debbie Whitener, president, called on Gael Hancock for "Moments." The secretary's report was by Suzanne Zanardi and the treasurer's report was given by Julie Brown.

 

Kildare FCE Celebrating 50 Years

The Kildare Family and Community Education Group was organized on Oct. 21, 1947. The FCE group will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with a reception on Oct. 19 at the Kildare School, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All past members and friends are invited to the celebration.

The first meeting of the Kildare Home Demonstration Club, was in the home of Mary Woolsey, with eight charter members. Over the years the name of the group has changed, and now they are known as the Kiidare FCE Group. Today's membership has 11 members, with Helen Janda serving as president. Members Marie Ewy and Mary Buesing are also celebrating their 50 year membership in FCE. Marie joined the Perry Club in 1936 and the Kildare FCE Group in 1982. Mary Buesing joined other clubs in 1947, then joined Kildare in 1990.

Some of the accomplishments of the Kildare Group are: supporting the county 4-H, donating pies for the Kildare Volunteer Fire Department Annual Bean Supper, donating to the Heart and Cancer Fund, donating items to the County Youth Shelter, donating to the Opportunity Center for over 25 years.

Members of the Kildare FCE are President, Helen Janda; Vice-President Mary Buesing; Secretary, Barbara Hunget; Treasurer, Elsie Johnson. Other members are: Melba Irwin, Margaret Hoepfinger, Moni Neville, Marie Ewy, Brenda Schneeberger, Iva Lee Harris and Karen Overman.

 

Domestic Violence Program Assisted

The fifth annual Domestic Violence Benefit will be held Oct. 2l at the Elk's Lodge, 1301 Bradley, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. This year the benefit will be a Home-Based Business Expo, featuring local home-based businesses.

Businesses to be featured are Discovery Toys, offering developmental toys, books, computer software and games for all ages; Beauty Control, offering beauty and health products for women and men; Longaberger Baskets, offering pottery and handcrafted baskets; Creative Memories, offering products for personalizing and preserving photos; Stampin' Up! offering rubber stamps for personalized stationery, clothes, and home decor; Kelly's Kids, offering quality clothes for women and children; Tupperware, offering quality products for home use; Home Interiors, offering products for home decor; TLC Publications, offering personalized children's books; and Fletcher's Caramel, featuring homemade caramel and fudge.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma. The public is encouraged to attend the event. Door prizes will be awarded from each business.

 

Little News

Announcing the birth of Emily Paige Akers are Annika Glaze and Jimmie Akers. The baby was born at 3:25 p.m. Oct. 7, 1997, weighed 8-pounds, 2-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. She has a sister, Britney, 2-years-old.

Maternal grandparents are Roy and Letha Curl of Newkirk and Tony and Tammie Glaze of Ridgeland, Miss. Paternal grandparents are Jimmie and Marie Akers of Ponca City.

Great-grandparents are Jack and Joyce Akers of Alva, Ed and Esther Bauman of Tehachapi, Calif., Thurston and Wanda Moore of Daleville, Ind. and Jim and Judy Glaze of Meridian, Miss.

 

Ark City Craft Show

Xi Alpha Epsilon is sponsoring its 21st Annual Craft Fair Nov . 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at the Agri-Business Building, 712 West Washington in Arkansas City. Everyone is welcome to attend. Interested exhibitors may contact Xi Alpha Upsilon, Jenny Scott, Route 4, Box 216, Arkansa s City, Kan. 67005, or phone 316-442-8644.


SPORTS

Wildcats Pride Sindelar Feels Cats Have Chance

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor

Although severely hampered by three straight district loses, the Wildcats still believe they have a chance to get back into the playoff picture.

They would like to bring it more in focus by beating Tulsa Washington here Thursday.

"The team wants to win," reports cornerback/kicker/receiver Jared Sindelar. "We've been working hard in practice this week and I think we have a chance to win.

The Wildcats haven't beaten Washington in almost 10 years and Sindelar feels this would be a good time to end that losing streak.

"We know we have to win the next four games to get into the playoffs," he said. "Washington is not as tough as they have been.They've lost eight of their best players. It would be nice to beat Booker T Thursday.

In only his second start at cornerback Friday at Bartlesville, Sindelar had a career night, intercepting a pass and recovering a Bruin fumble.

"I was just in the right place, that's all it was," Sindelar said of the overthrow by the Bartlesville quarterback that landed in his arms. However, that interception halted a Bartlesville drive near the Wildcat goal line.

Later in the game, Sindelar fell on a loose ball.

"I just saw it rolling around out there and picked it up," he reports.

Sindelar feels he and the Po-Hi secondary will be under fire from the Hornets Thursday.

"They throw the ball about half the time," Sindelar said of the scouting reports and the films he's seen of Washington. "But when they run the ball they like to jump it outside.

"So the secondary has been practicing a lot on stopping the run too,"

Although Washington is 1-5 (1-2 in district 6A-4) to start the season, Sindelar doesn't feel the Hornets are down that much.

"They look pretty tough in the films," he said. "They stayed with Stillwater pretty well."

Washington lost to the No. 4 rated Pioneers 30-17 last week.

Once again the defense must avoid the breakdown that allowed a couple of long plays at Bartlesville.

But several Wildcat defenders had an outstanding game against the Bartians.

Linebacker Jay Bentley had 12 tackles on the night, six unassisted. He now has 62 tackles on the season., He is just behind safety Joe Roland in total tackles. Roland had 10 tackles at Bartlesville, four unassisted and has a total of 66.

Safety Toby Redleaf also had 10 tackles, two unassisted, for a total of 57 tackles on the season.

Cornerback Anthony Tillman celebrated his return to the line up with 10 tackles, three unassisted.

Redleaf, Ray Lahann and Nick Steichen all had quarterback sacks Friday. Lahann now has three sacks on the year while Redleaf and Bentley have two.

 

Cool Weather; Hot Area Races

By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer

Great football action heats up the cool October nights this week, as several area teams once again vie for district standings. Note that many games will take place on Thursday, due to the teachers' conference.

In Thursday's games, a reanimated Morrison (1-5, 1-0) resumes it's quest for respect in district B-3, while in A-5, possible state title contender Tonkawa (6-0, 4-0) goes on the road for a no-brainer against last place Kiefer (0-6, 0-5).

Also on Thursday, Pawnee (4-2, 2-1) takes on Sperry (1-5, 1-2), possibly the most underrated team in district 2A-5, while in district A-5, Newkirk (4-2, 3-1) travels to Drumright (1-5, 1-4) to try and contain the Wildcats and phenomenal tail back Billy Don Overstreet.

Shidler (4-2, 3-1) and White Oak (3-3, 2-1) also play Thursday, in a battle of district C-4 leaders.

Friday, Woodland (2-4, 2-2) hosts Barnsdall (2-4, 2-2) in a critical A-5 game, and Blackwell (5-1, 2-1) tries to keep their 4A-2 playoff hopes alive, taking on Tecumseh (2-4, 1-2) at home.

Morrison (1-5, 1-0)

at Copan (4-2, 0-1)

Hope has returned to Morrison. After losing their first five, the Wildcat's came back last week in their first district game to topple the Yale Bulldogs, 32-0

But with that renewed hope comes expectations, too.

"These kids know they can win now," says Morrison head coach Joe Sindelar, "they're rejuvenated. They've got a feather in their cap. But one game doesn't make it. If we can win the next three, we could be runner up in the district."

First up on that journey is arch-rival Copan.

"They lost last week, but they've got a good team, "Sindelar says. "We just have to keep going and hopefully build with our success."

Tonkawa (6-0, 4-0)

at Kiefer (0-6, 0-5)

In a game another district coach termed "the biggest mismatch in the state," powerhouse Tonkawa travels to take on the 0-6 Kiefer Trojans.

Still, every game is a potential loss, and Tonkawa head coach Steve Love isn't about to dismiss the lowly Trojans.

"It's a game we definitely have to win if we want to win the district championship," Love says. "We have to be motivated to play. We have to be at the top of our game."

Strong words, perhaps, for an opponent that's scored only 19 points all season. But the Bucs have had only four days to prepare after a hard-fought game last Saturday, and only one practice in pads.

Barnsdall (2-4, 2-2)

at Woodland (2-4, 2-2)

In another game that could make or break district playoff hopes, a limping Woodland team takes on Barnsdall, a team that seems to be on the rise.

The Cougars suffered a blow this week, losing two starters, one to mono and another who suffered a mild, off-the-field concussion. And last week's loss to Mounds took it's toll.

"We're pretty banged up again," says Woodland head coach Bill Pascoe.

It could make all the difference in this game. Both teams need to win three of their next four to have any chance of a playoff opportunity. And Barnsdall has been coming on strong, winning their last two, including last week's drumming of Drumright, 48-14.

"They (Barnsdall) are getting better every week," says Pascoe, "we'll just have to plug some guys in and hope for the best."

Sperry (1-5, 0-3)

at Pawnee (4-2, 2-1)

Pawnee stands alone at second place in District 2A-5, they won last week, they're healthy, and they take on a 1-5 team this week. So why is head coach Bobby Miller worried?

"This is the toughest opponent we've had this season," Miller says emphatically. "The overwhelming impression we had after watching their film was 'how can this team be 1-5?' They're good up front, tough, quick, they have good skill people."

Credit the Pirates' lousy record to their schedule, Miller says. They've already played most of the best in the district, and are now looking to redeem themselves late in the season.

"They have a glimmer of a playoff hope, and they're bringing it to this game," Miller says, "we're going to have to turn it up a notch."

Tecumseh (2-4, 1-2)

at Blackwell (5-1, 2-1)

After narrow victories last week for both teams, Tecumseh and Blackwell clash in a critical district 4A-2 showdown.

Blackwell is trying to keep up with co-front runners Cushing and McLoud, while Tecumseh is in a must-win situation. A loss on Friday could all but extinguish their playoff hopes.

"They have some great running backs," says Blackwell head coach Greg Werner. "I think we're better up front, but they can come at you from a lot of different directions."

Newkirk (3-1, 4-2)

at Drumright (1-4, 1-5)

In another Thursday night game, Newkirk tries to stretch it's winning streak to two games and stay in contention for a playoff rematch against Tonkawa. Drumright, meanwhile, comes off a dismal loss to Barnsdall, but brandish tail back Billy Don Overstreet, "the best player in the district" according to Newkirk head coach Sonny Schovanec.

Heads-up football will decide the game, says Schovanec.

"We had six turnovers last week, we played about as bad as we could and still win. We had no concentration."

 

Area Football

Thursday

Ponca City hosts T. Washington, 7:30

Newkirk at Drumright, 7:30

Pawnee Hosts Sperry, 7:30

Tonkawa at Kiefer, 7:30

Morrison at Copan, 7:30

Shidler hosts Oaks, 7:30

Friday

Woodland hosts Barnsdall, 7:30

Blackwell hosts Tecumseh, 7:30


Copyright ©1997 - The Ponca City News