LOCAL

Hartford Avenue Project Delays Have Area Merchants Angered
NationsBank Now Known As Bank of America
Nearly News
Candidate Seeks Source of Topless Flier
Po-Hi Homecoming Ceremonies Set Friday Night
NAUS Meeting Set For Enid Saturday
Tulsa Medical Center To Utilize OBI Services Beginning Nov. 1
Oktoberfest Entertainment Set To Play Never-Ending Concert
AIDS Awareness Classes Preview At Middle School
Public Hears of Transit System Plans
Judging Results From Kay County Fair
School Project Partners Making Plans

Hartford Avenue Project Delays Have Area Merchants Angered

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Although the concrete has been poured, Phase II of the Hartford Avenue project is far from being complete. Area merchants, angered over the delays, are speaking out over what they consider the slow-moving, painstaking progress on the thoroughfare that brings customers to their businesses.

“I called the city and told them I thought the work out here stinks,” said Margaret Headrick of Ultimate Vibrations. “You can look out there anytime of the day and see only 4-5 people working and you can’t get a job done like that.”

Her sentiments were echoed by other Hartford Avenue business owners.

“Progress here has been very slow. First we were told it would be finished before school started and then Oct. 1 and now Oct. 15 — we’re wondering if it’ll be done by Christmas,” Virginia Heck, owner of Bell’s Uniform said. “It makes it very difficult for customers to get here and only the dedicated ones do. It cuts business in half.”

“When you sit here and can see what is going on, you are not impressed with the progress at all,” owner of Pets, Etc. Tom Hand said. “Whoever made the deal for this project should not make any more deals for Ponca City because as far as I am concerned this job has not been done right.”

At least in part, Hand is correct. According to City Engineer Randy Lauritsen, a couple of the drainage structures constructed in the area have been removed and the general contractor of the project, Cowboy Concrete of Stillwater, was required to reconstruct them.

“Two of the drainage structures have had to be removed due to sub-standard work,” Lauritsen said.

The $600,000 project involves waterline improvements and replacement as well as the reconstruction, widening and resurfacing of Hartford Avenue from Gibson Place to a one-half block east of Joe Street.

Construction on the project, which began May 27, was to be completed within 120 calendar days. However, due to the weather, nine additional days were granted to the contractor.

“Without any more weather delays, the project is now scheduled to be substantially completed by Oct. 3 — substantially completed meaning we can drive it and we can walk on it,” Lauritsen said. “But the earliest I see it being completed is Oct. 15 and more probably it’ll between Oct. 15 and Nov. 1.”

Had the project been finished early, the contractor would have benefited monetarily. Under the contract, Cowboy Concrete would have been paid $500 per day, up to 30 days, for every day the project was completed before the allotted time.

Instead, it now looks as if they will be fined. “If the project is not substantially completed by the time the contract time expires, they will be fined $500 per day until it is completed,” Lauritsen said.

“That is the best news I have heard in the last in the last several months,” said Dr. Gerard Shea, whose office is located on Hartford Avenue.

According to Cowboy Concrete owner Robert Holcomb, the weather and additional work have slowed the completion of the project.

“The rain got us yesterday and today but we are hoping to open Hartford Avenue to traffic between Oct. 15 and Oct. 20 — with the rain I just can’t tell,” Holcomb said. “The job should have been completed by Oct. 3 but there has been a lot of work added to the job and those things will add time and prolong the contract, but we do want to open it as quickly as possible and are working hard to do so.”

Holcomb says a skeleton crews is on site only at times when the weather is threatening.

“We can’t pour concrete in the rain and when there is a high chance of rain. It doesn’t accomplish anything to have a lot of men sitting around the site doing nothing on those days so several men are there doing maintenance work and preparing the site for the pours,” Holcomb said. “People are going to complain because they don’t understand what we are doing or why and when we are doing it, but I assure you we are working as fast as we can to get this job finished as quickly as we can and as best we can.”

NationsBank Now Known As Bank of America

NationsBank will now be known as Bank of America, according to a news release today.

“We proudly introduce the new Bank of America,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hugh McColl. The company, which was created by the Sept. 30 merger of BankAmerica Corp. and NationsBank Corp., will use Bank of America as the name of its major businesses serving the full spectrum of individuals and businesses.

Existing Bank of America and NationsBank individual and commercial banking clients and customers will experience no immediate changes as a direct result of today’s announcement.

Customers of both should continue to bank as they have, using their existing checks, ATM cards, credit cards, and other products and services.

Bank of America, with $572 billion in total assets, is the largest bank in the United States, with full-service consumer and commercial locations in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Bank of America stock is listed on the New York, Pacific, London and Tokyo stock exchanges.

Nearly News

Since the national spotlight has been focused on Ponca City due to the opening of the Pioneer Woman Museum and the appearance of aviatrix Jerrie Cobb, numerous connections have been made. In Oklahoma City Thursday evening, Gloria Steinem, lecturer, author and activist, speaking at the Journal Record “Women of the Year” dinner, talked about Cobb and the barriers she encountered keeping her from going into space during her NASA training. Local author and aviator Truman Smith and Jerrie talked about old times and visited about air experiences of the past, famous folks they knew in common and talked about their books. Earl Sullins reminded Cobb that one of the men who coached football with him, Jim Conger, was the flight instructor that soloed her when she was 16.

The Aprons exhibit at the Marland Mansion has been extended for the Oktoberfest and will be open both Saturday and Sunday. The Mansion is located at 901 Monument. Admission to the Mansion for out-of-towners will be reduced by $2 (the cost of the Oktoberfest ticket) Saturday and Sunday. As always admission to the Mansion is free for Ponca City residents.

Candidate Seeks Source of Topless Flier

SHAWNEE (AP) — It’s not just the party photo of her flashing for a camera that has judicial candidate Paula Sage angry about a flier being circulated around town.

She’s also upset about the text that appears on the flier along with her bare-breasted photo.

‘‘I’ve been the recipient of an absolutely personal attack. It’s unbelievable,’’ Ms. Sage said Wednesday. ‘‘I think people are going to see this for what it is, which is extremely, extremely dirty politics.’’

Ms. Sage, 39, who practices domestic law, is offering a $50,000 reward for information on who is distributing the fliers.

The black and white flier shows a smiling Ms. Sage with her sweater lifted. The text claims she would be ‘‘a disaster and embarrassment’’ if elected Pottawatomie County associate district judge and lists 10 reasons ranging from allegations of unprofessional behavior to having a temper and a foul mouth.

She doesn’t deny that she’s the woman in the 1990 photo, although she did note that most people have done at least one thing they wish they hadn’t.

‘‘That was done at a private Halloween party,’’ Ms. Sage said. ‘‘It was just kind of a lark deal. You grab the bottom of your shirt and flash a little bit. Someone grabs a camera and ...

‘‘I’m evidently the most unlucky woman in the world.’’

The fliers began surfacing Monday. Some were left on top of newspaper vending machines, Ms. Sage said, and others were slipped under the doors of businesses in the dead of night.

Po-Hi Homecoming Ceremonies Set Friday Night

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The 1998 Homecoming Queen for Ponca City Senior High School will be crowned during halftime of the Ponca City vs. Edmond Memorial football game at Sullins Stadium Friday night.

The Homecoming Court consists of a sophomore class attendant, a junior class attendant and three senior queen candidates.

Attendants

Abby Roth will be the sophomore attendant. She is the daughter of Jim and Marlene Roth and has an older brother, Doug, and an older sister, Heather. She plays on an under 19 soccer team and is a member of the varsity soccer team.

Her escort will be Kyle Henderson, son of Terry and Queta Henderson. He is the sophomore class president.

Presenting flowers to Roth will be Jenni Nimmo, sophomore class vice president. She is the daughter of Wes and Judy Nimmo.

The junior attendant is Shannon Mersman, daughter of Ron Mersman and the late Debra Mersman. Shannon has been a varsity cheerleader for two years and has been involved in swimming for seven years. She is a member of the varsity swim team and the soccer team. She is a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students and has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for four years. Shannon is also a member of the Foreign Language Club.

Escorting Shannon will be junior, Scot Mitchell, son of Hillman and Diane Mitchell.

Presenting the flowers will be junior, Ashley Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen. She is the student council historian.

Queen Candidates

The 1998 queen candidates are seniors Carrie Evans, Melissa Whitney and Elise Jeffries.

Queen candidate Carrie Evans is the daughter of Gene and Connie Evans. She has been a member of the Po-Hi Steppers for three years, serving as junior lieutenant her junior year and currently as captain. She is an All-American and was named Outstanding Girl at Camp for 1998. She is a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students and All American Scholars.

Escorting Carrie will be senior Matt Gray, son of Dr. Patrick and Cindy Gray. He is the student council vice president.

Caydee Stalcup, daughter of Steve and Janet Stalcup and senior class president, will present the flowers.

Queen candidate Melissa Whitney is the daughter of Steve and Kathy Whitney. She is a Drum Major for the Po-Hi Marching Wildcats and a member of the Po-Hi Chorale. She was a Girl’s State delegate, an All American Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. Melissa is a member of St. Lukes Church of the Nazarene.

Her escort will be Chris Kana, son of John and Ginger Kana. He is the student council treasurer.

Presenting flowers to Melissa will be senior, Mary Beth McNeese, daughter of Hank McNeese and Sandy Meador. She is the senior class vice president.

Queen Candidate Elise Jeffries is the daughter of Bryce Jeffries and the late Linda Jeffries. Elise is the co-captain of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of First Priority. She was a Girl’s State delegate, a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and was a recipient of the English Merit Award for 1996. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Escorting Elise will be senior, Brian Connelly, son of Mike and Ann Connelly. Brian is the National Honor Society Vice President.

Holly Harrison, daughter of J.D. and Donna Harrison and student council secretary, will present the flowers to Jeffries.

David Donald, son of Russell and Peggy Donald, will be crowning one of the three queen candidates as the 1998 Homecoming Queen. David is the president of the Po-Hi Student Council.

The classic cars used in Friday’s ceremony will be provided by J.D. Hanks, Dr. Bob Gibson and David Helton of the HGH Antique Car Museum. Driving the cars will be Ryan Ives, son of Bob and Sheila Ives; D.J. Nuzum, son of Don and Lori Nuzum; Andrew England, son of Gary and Martha England; Kyle Duren, son of Don and Brenda Duren; and Daniel Stransky, son of Kevin and Nancy Stransky.

The coronation ceremony will be directed by Betsy Easley and Johnny Woody, Student Council Advisors.

NAUS Meeting Set For Enid Saturday

The Northwestern Oklahoma Chapter 4 of the National Association for Uniformed Service (NAUS) will hold its next meeting at the We Too Restaurant in Enid Saturday at 10 a.m. The Chapter will host luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for those attending.

NAUS is a national organization founded to uphold the security of the U.S., sustain morale of the Armed Forces, and to lobby Congress to pass legislation to insure fair and equitable consideration for all members of the uniformed services — active, Reserve, National Guard, veterans, retirees, their spouses, widows and widowers.

The We Too Restaurant is located on the corner of Purdue and 4th Street. From Van Buren, go east on Willow to 4th and then north several blocks until the restaurant is seen on the left.

Tulsa Medical Center To Utilize OBI Services Beginning Nov. 1

Officials at the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) are pleased by St. John Medical Center’s recent decision to utilize its services. Already serving four Tulsa area hospitals, the Oklahoma Blood Institute will become the sole provider of blood and related medical services to St. John on Nov. 1.

According to OBI President and CEO Ronald O. Gilcher, MD, FACP, “The Oklahoma Blood Institute brings to St. John and the Tulsa community a readily available blood supply that is donated by Oklahomans, and also a high level of medical expertise that will greatly benefit patients. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the physicians and staff at St. John Medical Center and to partner with them in providing excellent patient care.”

Gilcher serves as the medical director for OBI, and is one of only three transfusion medicine experts in the nation appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee to the Blood Safety Council.

A statewide 501 c(3) non-profit center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute maintains regional centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Enid, Lawton, Ardmore and Ada. OBI was created in 1977 by Oklahoma physicians and began with 22 hospitals. Today, the Oklahoma Blood Institute employs more than 400 people and is the sole supplier of blood and related medical services to 69 Oklahoma hospitals.

With a philosophy of “helping the donor stay healthy,” the Oklahoma Blood Institute was the first blood center in the nation to provide cholesterol testing with every blood donation in 1986. OBI is the first and only blood center to offer the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, screen for prostate cancer, to men for a nominal charge. OBI also offers testing at no charge for fire fighters, police officers and health care workers that determines whether they are receiving adequate protection from their hepatitis B vaccination.

In addition to providing a safe and high quality blood supply, the Oklahoma Blood Institute also maintains the state’s only American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) accredited reference laboratory. As an AABB accredited laboratory, OBI has access to the American Rare Donor Program which enables OBI to access the nation’s blood supply when extremely rare blood is needed by a particular patient. In addition, OBI performs red cell antigen typing on many blood donations and maintains its own pool of rare donors in Oklahoma. OBI’s laboratories are able to meet all requests for highly specialized blood products.

OBI is also a leader in transfusion related research. The HIV antigen test, which is able to directly detect the virus that causes AIDS was first performed at the Oklahoma Blood Institute in 1991 with permission of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The end result of the research performed by OBI resulted in the FDA recommending that all of the nation’s blood centers perform the test in 1996. Patients who received blood from the Oklahoma Blood Institute had the benefit of HIV antigen testing five years before the rest of the nation.

OBI also benefits from being a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), which is a national network of independent community blood centers. The ABC blood centers provide half the nation’s blood supply and support each other as needed. The Blood Institute is also accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and is licensed by the DFA.

Oktoberfest Entertainment Set To Play Never-Ending Concert

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

An all-star line-up of entertainment has been scheduled for the enjoyment of Oktoberfest audiences on Saturday and Sunday. The Oktoberfest is slated for the Marland Mansion grounds Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Sunday’s hours are 11 a.m., to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for those 11 and under and children under six are admitted free.

The event is sponsored by the Marland Estate Commission and is used for restoration of the Estate. Crafts, food booths and a beer tent are part of the 18th annual Oktoberfest.

A free shuttle will run from the Presbyterian parking lot to the Marland Estate Grounds.

Main Stage Saturday

Kicking off the Main Stage entertainment on Saturday D.C. Minner, Selby & Blues on the Move are slated to play from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m.

A popular duo D.C. Minner is a veteran blues singer/guitarist and has traveled extensively entertaining across the nation and in Europe. Selby plays bass and has been with Minner since 1976. The duo just recently appeared here at the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic as part of the entertainment.

From 1:15 to 3:15 p.m., one of the favorite bands of the area is Poverty’s Children, which plays 1970s to 1990s rock.

Next from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Zen Okies will be playing blues/rock and original work.

From 3:45 to 8 p.m., The Scott Ellison Band, featuring blues guitar will be on the Main Stage.

Pool Stage

Meanwhile on the Pool Stage Jason and Jeremy Stillwell are to be featured from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Oklahoma Kids and Kem’s Gym until 3 p.m.

Children’s Tent

Entertainment in the children’s tent begins at 10 a.m., Saturday with Dave and Lori May presenting ventriloquism, magic and puppetry.

At high noon Shawn Reida’s magic show is slated. Once more at 2 p.m., the Mays return and at 4 p.m., the magic show with Shawn Reida returns.

Sunday

On Sunday the Main Stage welcomes back Edgar Cruz, classical guitarist form 11 a.m., to noon. From 12:15 to 2 p.m., the Christian Rock group Sky Pilots will play. From 2:20 to 5:30 p.m., Music, Music, Music, a polka and waltz band will play for listening and dancing pleasure.

Pool Stage

And on the Pool Stage Marc Cruz, another popular performer will play classical guitar from noon to 2 p.m. And finale will be the country and western music band Country Mile.

Children’s Tent

Entertainment for the children’s tent includes two acts from Saturday. Shawn Reida will present her magic show at 2 p.m., and Dave and Lori May will return with ventriloquism, magic and puppetry at 4 p.m.

AIDS Awareness Classes Preview At Middle School

Ponca City Middle School parents will have an additional opportunity to preview the materials and videos used in Growth and Development and AIDS Awareness classes for the sixth and seventh grade students. A come and go meeting will be held Oct. 5 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium.

The curriculum used has been approved by the Board of Education and the State Department of Education and complies with state statutes. Parents and guardians are given an annual presentation of the material and curriculum at least one month before such presentations are given to students.

No student shall be required to participate in the AIDS prevention education program if the parent or guardian of the student objects in writing to this participation. A parent or guardian may complete an opt-out form and return it to the building principal. For more information contact Kim Hollis, school nurse, at 767-8000, ext. 237.

Public Hears of Transit System Plans

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Representatives from several state agencies, local employers and private citizens, gathered Tuesday night to listen, learn and comment on a proposed public transit system for Ponca City.

After a brief presentation of what was planned, when it was being planned and where and how the transit system would be implemented and funded, the hearing was opened to the public for questions and comments.

“I don’t drive at night because of glaucoma and I would hate to give up my wheels but someday I may have to,” Mildred Adams said. “I think such a bus service would be great.”

The meeting was conducted by Art Mires, the man who envisioned the idea of a public transit system several years ago and has since done the work necessary to ensure the vision becomes reality.

Mires explained to the group that gathered that the system would be an “on-demand” service meaning that when a citizen needed transportation they would merely call a number, request a ride and a bus would soon arrive and to take them to their destination.

“I’m encouraged the way you are talking about reaching out to the general public and I like your ‘can-do’ attitude and feel it will really benefit the community if this all comes together,” Thorn Apple Valley Human Resource Director Bob Howard commented.

At this point, Mires explained, plans include purchasing two new handicapped buses. It is anticipated that 3-5 buses would be in service from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week for a proposed one way fare of $1.50 and $1.25 for senior citizens, handicapped persons and students.

“We are very much in favor of this at the hospital, because we have had to cut back on our transportation services, especially wheelchair service, because of costs” Sister Mary Kay Liston of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center said.

Department of Human Services Social Worker Jane Sheets attended the meeting and spends her days with those in need of such a transit system, the physically and/or mentally incapacitated persons and mainly those over the age of 18. She was encouraged by the prospects of such a system and what it would mean to her clients.

“I think there is a great need for such a service, especially for those who have had to give up their last hope of independence,” Sheets said. “It is a service I think would be utilized tremendously.”

Double Effect

According to Mires the The Pioneer Transit, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supplying the local public with the means to get around the city, supplying employers with transportation for their employees while encouraging growth in the city and creating new jobs.

“This system is in place in over 10 cities in Oklahoma and has not failed anywhere it has gone in,” Mires said.

He then explained that funding for the transit system would come partially from the federal funds and partially from local funds.

“If our grant application is approved, the Department of Transportation would pay 80 percent of the cost of a handicap bus, 75 percent of administrative costs and 50 percent of operating costs and the difference would come from us,” Mires told the group. “We are seeking local help from employers, retailers, banks, and the city either in the form of pledges/contracts, fares for employees, advertisement for the buses or donations.”

According to Mires, Enid’s public transit system is funded entirely by the city to the tune of $236,000. The city of Muskogee contributes $50,000 to their bus system while Ada gives $36,000 and Eufaula budgets $28,000.

City Commissioner Dick Stone was in attendance and felt the idea of a public transit system was a good one.

“We need to be going after this service for our city and citizens and if we don’t go after it, it will go somewhere else,” Stone said.

Although prepared, the grant application has not and cannot be submitted to the Department of Transportation without the commitment of $180,000 in matching funds. Application deadline is March but Mires feels the earlier it is submitted the better.

“I would think that the last application receives less of a chance of getting the funds,” Mires said. “We would like to get the pledges in place based on what we know today will happen in the future and we will be canvassing the city in October in search of those funds.”

If all goes according to Mire’s plans the citizens of Ponca City could see a public transit in place by October of next year.

“I had no idea this had progressed this far and no idea there were funds available,” Maida Strode said. “My daughter has Multiple Sclerosis and I would like to have this system available for her when I am not around. And just think how many older people this would get off the streets.”

Judging Results From Kay County Fair

BLACKWELL — Here are the remaining results of judging the domestic science and fine arts exhibits and other entries at the 81st annual Kay County Free Fair here.

Adult Woodcarving

Power Carving Division

In the round: First place, Ronald Widener.

Hand Carving Division

Relief carving: First place, Ed Skelton.

Free form: First place, Ed Skelton.

Adult Woodworking

Furniture (new construction): First place, Max DeWitt.

Accessories (quilt rack, wood shelves, etc.): First place, David Muret, and second, Rodney Norris.

Best of Show woodworking/woodcarving: David Muret.

Adult Division

Oil Painting

Landscape: First place, Colleen Reeser, and second, Richard Pennington.

Still life: First place, Linda Johnson, and second, Richard Pennington.

Figure or portrait: First place, Linda Johnson.

General: First place: Richard Pennington.

Water Colors

Marine: First place, Sally Pfaff.

Still life: First place, Paul Hefly; second place, Twila Spruell, and third, Terry Webb.

Figure or portrait: First place, Paula Hefly, and second, Diana Coltharp.

Fowl: First place, Twila Spruell, and second, Terry Webb.

General: First place, Colleen Reeser.

Acrylic

Landscape: Second place, Inez Mefford.

Animal: First place, Elliot Tucker, and second, Phyllis Rowe.

Marine: Second place, Inez Mefford, and third, Glen Johnson.

General: Second place, Colleen Keeser, and third, Inez Mefford.

Pen

Figure black and white: First place, Michael Brown.

Animal black and white: First place, Rebecca Terrell, and second, Tim Wilson.

General black and white: First place, Earl Fairchild.

Pencil

Figure black and white: First place, Earl Fairchild; second place, Colleen Reeser, and third, Damion Johns.

Figure color: First place, Diana Coltharp.

Animal black and white: First place, Tommy Grace, and second, Chris Mills.

Animal color: First place, Jessica Mayden, and second, Lilly Hurley.

General black and white: First place, Luella Reeves.

General color: First place, Lilly Hurley.

Charcoal and Pastel

Charcoal drawing: First place, Karen Ley.

Pastel drawing: First place, Colleen Reeser, and second, Karen Stricklin.

Paintings/Drawings Over 65 Division

Pen drawing: First place, Luella Reeves.

Pencil drawing: First place, Lilly Hurley.

Pastel drawing: First place, Colleen Reeser.

Best of Show adult paintings and drawings: Paula Hefly.

Youth Division

Paintings/Drawings Youth Division (4-12 only)

Felt tip marker drawing (matted): First place, Derick Rowe; second place, Wilford Collins, and third, Jason Ebert.

Pen (Matted)

Animal black and white: First place, Sarah Collins.

General black and white: First place, Wilford Collins.

General color: First place, Jeremy Pfaff.

Pencil (Matted)

Figure black and white: First place, Jeremy Pfaff.

Animal black and white: First place, Kendra Ray.

Animal color: First place, Tabbia Creed; second place, Wilford Collins, and third, Sarah Collins.

General black and white: First place, Wilford Collins.

General color: First place, Stacy Rowe.

Charcoal (matted): First place, Derick Rowe; second place, Wilford Collins, and third, Sarah Collins.

Pastel (framed): First place, Katie Hercyk; second place, Wilford Collins, and third, Stacy Rowe.

Acrylic (framed): First place, Melissa McMartin.

Watercolor (framed): First place, Brandon Pfaff; second place, Wilford Collins, and third, Stacy Rowe.

Pen Matted

Animal black and white: First place, Ashley Evans; second place, Jessica Mayden, and third, Holly Greenfield.

Animal color: First place, Jessica Mayden.

General black and white: First place, Jay Waggoner.

Pencil (Matted)

Figure black and white: First place, Kyle Stewart; second place, Jessica Mayden, and third, Tyler Lovell.

Animal black and white: First place, Jay Waggoner; second place, Bethany Bowen, and third, Trenton Burke.

Animal color: First place, Tyler Lovell; second place, Niki Gonzales, and third, Cissy Blunk.

General black and white: First place, Chad Mitchell; second place, Trenton Burke, and third, Deseree Rowe.

General color: First place, Ken Kennedy; second place, Ethan Berrin, and third, Blaine Ferguson.

Charcoal (matted): First place, Tyler Rowe, and second, Blaine Ferguson.

Best of Show youth paintings and drawings: Brandon Pfaff.

Amateur Photography

Adult Division

8x10 Black and White or Toned Prints

Portrait: First place, Shawnia Rhea.

Still life: First place, Shawnia Rhea.

Scenic: First place, Evelyn Stone.

Unclassified: First place, Evelyn Stone.

8x10 Color Prints

Portrait: First place, Shawnia Rhea; second place, Dean Pearcy, and third, Susie Burgert.

Animals: First place, Shawnia Rhea, and second, Elaine Carriger.

Still life: First place, Eileen Carriger, and second, Mary Bachman.

Scenic: First place, Eileen Carriger; second place, Ken Luttrell, and third, Sondra Ailey.

Unclassified: First place, Eileen Carriger; second place, Claudia Otto, and third, John Huff.

3x5 Black & White Snapshots Mounted

Figure: Second place, Terri Pearcy.

3x5 Color Snapshots Mounted

Figure: First place, Erin Cochran, and second, Mary Bachman.

Animal: First place, Mary Bachman; second place, Erin Cochran, and third, Dean Pearcy.

General: First place, Virginia Davis; second place, Terri Pearcy, and third, John Huff.

Snapshots 5x7 Mounted

Animal: First place, Dean Pearcy, and second, Eileen Carriger.

General: First place, Tom Ray; second place, Ken Luttrell, and third, Eileen Carriger.

Other: First place, Tom Ray; second place, Terri Pearcy, and third, Dean Pearcy.

Adult Best of Show: Shawnia Rhea.

Youth Division (Under 18)

Black & White Toned Prints

Animals: First place, Betty Ramey.

Still life: First place, Betty Ramey.

Unclassified: First place, Betty Ramey.

Color Prints

Portrait: Second place, Amber Jeans.

Animals: First place, Nathan Kienholz, and second, Aaron Ray.

Scenic: Second place, Saundra Ailey.

Unclassified: First place, Saundra Ailey.

Youth Best of Show: Betty Ramey.

4-H and FFA Judging

Record Books

Nine years: First place, Chad Courtney; second place, Jason Soulek, and third, Nichole McMillen.

Ten years: First place, Bradley Schneeberger; second place, Carlie Godbehere, and third, Randi Price.

Eleven years: First place, Kelle Otto; second place, Joel Bolay, and third, Callie Hill.

Twelve years: First place, Erica Morris; second place, Stacia Otto, and third, Trisha Burke.

Thirteen years: First place, Jay Soulek; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Tyler Morton.

Fourteen years: First place, Kaycee Brandon; second place, Chassie McMillen, and third, Jana Johnson.

Fifteen years: First place, Stacie Schneeberger; second place, Jaron Hudgins, and third, Erin Morris.

Sixteen years: First place, Jill Courtney; second place, Emily Lewis, and third, Leah Bolay.

Seventeen years: First place, Bryan Overman; second place, Charlie Brandon, and third, Jason Neuerburg.

Communication Art Division

4-H Poster — Art Exhibit

Beginner (Age 9-11)

4-H promotional poster: First place, Kelsey Shepherd, and second, Jaron Soulek.

Intermediate (Age 12-14)

4-H promotional poster: First place, Samantha Day.

Poster designed to promote National 4-H Week: First place, Samantha Day.

4-H Photography

Adventures With Your Camera

Junior Class (Age 9-13)

Four outstanding photos: First place, Katie Holman; second place, Bradley Schneeberger, and second, Kelsey Shepherd.

Four outstandŁng photos of people: First place, Bradley SchneŁberger, and second, Erica Morris.

Four photos showing common mistakes in picture taking: First place, Trisha Burke.

Series of four photos telling a story: First place, Erica Morris.

Best individual photo: First place, Bradley Schneeberger.

Senior Class (Age 14-18)

Four outstanding photos: First place, Emily Lewis; second place, Stacie Schneeberger, and third, Chassie McMillen.

Four outstanding photos of people: First place, Emily Lewis; second place, Stacie SŁhneeberger, and third, Erin Morris.

Four photos showing common mistakes in picture taking: First place, Emily Lewis, and second, Erin Morris.

Series of four photos telling a story: First place, Emily Lewis, and second, Erin Morris.

Best individual photo: First place, Emily Lewis, and second, Stacie Schneeberger.

Exploring Photography

Senior Class (Age 14-18)

Best individual photo: First place, Jaron Hudgins.

Expressive Arts Division

4-H Leisure Education and Cultural Arts

Junior Division (Age 9-13)

Fine art — pencil, charcoal, ink: First place, Jay Soulek; second place, Quinton Day-Rigdon, and third, Kelle Otto.

Ceramics, glazed: First place, Elizabeth Shuart.

Pottery — original design made from clay: First place, Kelle Otto.

Woodcraft — original design: First place, Kindra Ray; second place, Skye Bergman, and third, Kelsey DeMuth.

Woodcraft — kit: First place, Luke Blanton.

Nature craft — article made from natural materials: First place, Stacia Otto.

Bead craft article: First place, Bradley Schneeberger; second place, Paula Smitheisler, and third, Trisha Burke.

Wax candle: First place, Shawn Alley; second place, Joel Bolay, and third, Kelle Otto.

Fabric craft — cross-stitch, counted cross stitch: First place, Stacia Otto.

Fabric craft — quilted and/or appliqued: First place, Kelle Otto; second place, Skye Bergman, and third, Elizabeth Shuart.

Fabric craft — doll or animal: First place, Samantha Day.

Creative textile craft article: First place, Kelsey DeMuth.

Paper craft: First place, Luke Blanton, and second, Skye Bergman.

Diorama (shoe box size): First place, Stacia Otto.

Miscellaneous: First place, Carlie Godbehere; second place, Katie Holman, and third, Randi Price.

Senior Division (Age 14 and Older)

Fine art — pencil, charcoal, ink: First place, Emily Lewis.

Pottery — original design made from clay: First place, Emily Lewis.

Print process article: First place, Emily Lewis.

Decorative textile craft: First place, Emily Lewis, and second, Jana Johnson.

Woodcraft — kit: First place, Jana Johnson.

Nature craft — article made from natural materials: First place, Lexie Kahle; second place, Emily Lewis, and third, Laura Hoy.

Bead craft article: First place, Stacie Schneeberger; second place, Leah Boley, and third, Jill Courtney.

Wax candle: First place, Chassie McMillen; second place, Lexie Kahle, and third, Emily Lewis.

Fabric craft — needlepoint, crewel, embroidery: First place, Chassie McMillen, and second, Emily Lewis.

Fabric craft — cross-stitch, counted cross stitch: First place, Chassie McMillen, and second, Emily Lewis.

Fabric craft — quilted and/or appliqued: First place, Emily Lewis, and second, Jana Johnson.

Fabric craft — doll or animal: First place, Emily Lewis.

Creative textile craft article: First place, Jill Courtney.

Paper craft: Second place, Erin Morris, and third, Emily Lewis.

Miscellaneous: First place, Emily Lewis.

Family Living Division

4-H Fabrics and Fashions

Beginning Level (Age 9-11)

Pillowcase: First place, Chad Courtney; second place, Katie Holman, and third, Kimberly Hilton.

Laundry bag: First place, Chad Courtney.

Chef or work apron: First place, Kati Musgrove.

Skirt with elastic waist: First place, Kati Musgrove, and second, Niki McMillen.

Shorts with elastic waist: First place, Niki McMillen.

Simple two-piece active sportswear: First place, Kelle Otto.

Intermediate Level (Age 12-14)

Bath robe: First place, Stacia Otto.

Pull-on top and coordinating bottom with elastic waist: First place, Chassie McMillen.

Shorts, pants, skirt or culottes with waistband: First place, Chassie McMillen.

One-piece dress or jumpsuit: First place, Chassie McMillen; second place, Kay Lynn Hubbard, and third, Randi Price.

Two-piece garment using notebook technique: First place, Chassie McMillen.

Advanced Level (Age 15-19)

One-piece of specialty luggage or accessory: First place, Emily Lewis.

Special activity garments (biking, aerobics, swimwear): First place, Emily Lewis.

Two-piece ensemble using notebook technique: First place, Leah Bolay.

Lined skirt, pants or jacket: First place, Emily Lewis.

Unlined garment, one or two pieces using notebook technique: First place, Emily Lewis.

Backpack, day pack or fanny pack: First place, Laura Hoy.

Lined suit or dresss: First place, Emily Lewis.

Special occasion garment: First place, Erin Morris.

Item or garment from fabric such as leather, ultrasuede, fur, etc.: First place, Emily Lewis.

Fun Items (Judged Against Standard)

Beginning Level (Age 9-11)

Decorated, ready-made shirt using fusible web, fabric scraps, trim or buttons: First place, Niki McMillen.

Pot holder or hot mat: First place, Niki McMillen.

Beginning sample notebook: First place, Niki McMillen.

Intermediate Level (Age 12-14)

Decorated garment using one or more techniques: First place, Chassie McMillen.

Sample notebook: First place, Chassie McMillen.

Advanced Level (Age 15-19)

Two pieces or travel accessories: First place, Emily Lewis.

Garment: First place, Jill Courtney.

Embellished garment: First place, Emily Lewis.

Home Environment

Intermediate Level (Age 12-14)

Hanging storage unit: First place, Trisha Burke.

Advanced Level (15 and Over)

Home environment combination: First place, Emily Lewis.

4-H Babysitting/Child Care

Unit 1 (Age 9-10)

Baby book: First place, Katie Holman.

Unit 2 (Age 13-15)

Children’s book: First place, Samantha Day.

4-H Foods & Nutrition

Food Preparation Exhibit

Level 2 (Age 9-11)

Three muffins: First place, Katie Holman; second place, Kelle Otto, and third, Kati Musgrove.

Three rolled biscuits: First place, Bradley Schneeberger; second place, Kati Musgrove, and third, Kelle Otto.

Three drop cookies: First place, Kimberly Hilton; second place, Pasia Bohannon, and third, Niki McMillen.

Level 3 (Age 12-14)

Half loaf of any yeast bread: First place, Kaycee Brandon, and second, Shawn Alley.

Three yeast cinnamon rolls (no icing): First place, Luke Blanton; second place, Stacia Otto, and third, Kaycee Brandon.

Level 4 (15 and Over)

Half loaf or portion of breads from another culture: First place, Stacie Schneeberger.

Food Preservation Exhibit

Level 2 (Age 9-11)

Two pieces of fruit leather: First place, Kelle Otto.

Dried fruit: First place, Kelle Otto, and second, Joel Bolay.

Level 3 (Age 12-14)

Pint jar of cucumber pickles or vegetable relish: First place, Stacia Otto, and second, Chassie McMillen.

Pint or quart of canned fruit: First place, Chassie McMillen.

Half or one-pint jar of jam or jelly processed in boiling water canner: First place, Hallie Godbehere, and second, Laura Hoy.

4-H Personal Development

Second Year (Age 10-11)

Heritage scrapbook: First place, Kelle Otto, and second, Bradley Schneeberger.

Fourth Year (Age 12-13)

Heritage scrapbook: First place, Stacia Otto.

Fifth Year (Age 13-14)

“Friendship” poster, painting or collage: First place, Trisha Burke.

Sixth Year (Age 14-15)

Heritage scrapbook: First place, Stacie Schneeberger.

Leisure Education Division

4-H Postmark

Beginning Level (Age 9-11)

Postmark of every post office in home county: First place, Caila Scott, and second, Chad Courtney.

Fifty Oklahoma postmarks: First place, Caila Scott.

Twenty five topical (any category): First place, Caila Scott.

Intermediate Level (Ages 12-14)

Fifty hand-cancelled: First place, Shawn Alley.

Ten to 50 postmarks that tell a story: Shawn Alley.

Fifty or more different slogans: First place, Shawn Alley.

Fifty topical (any category): First place, Shawn Alley.

Shooting Sports

Junior Division (Age 9-13)

Poster showing parts of gun or related items including ammunition: First place, Jaron Soulek; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Quinton Day-Rigdon.

4-H Electric Exhibit

Novelty craft lamp or item recycled into a lamp: First place, Chad Courtney.

Electric and electronic circuits (age 12 and over): First place, Shawn Alley.

Model Rocketry

Junior Division (Age 9-13)

Poster or display showing parts of model rocket, with explanation: First place, Shawn Alley.

Poster or display explaining function of model rocket engine: First place, Shawn Alley.

Poster or display showing one or more points from model rocketry safety code: First place, Shawn Alley.

Senior Division (Age 14 and Over)

Model rocket made from kit: First place, Jason Neuerburg.

4-H Woodworking

Beginning Level (Age 9-11)

Miscellaneous: First place, Carlie Godbehere.

Intermediate Level (Age 12-14)

Miscellaneous: First place, Tessa Barnthouse.

Advanced Level (Age 15 and Over)

Gun, curio or display cabinet (with doors): First place, Daniel Alley.

Natural Sciences Division

Entomology

First year, 25 adult insects: First place, Caila Scott, and second, Kelle Otto.

Second year, 40 adult insects: First place, Joel Bolay.

4-H Forestry Exhibit

Tree Lead Exhibit

Ages 9-11, leaves from 10 native trees: First place, Caila Scott, and second, Brock Kendle.

Wood Sample Exhibit

Ages 12-15 only, eight wood samples: Second place, Shawn Alley.

4-H Wildlife Projects

Oklahoma Wildlife

Beginner (Age 9-11)

Ten different kinds of plants, trees or shrubs known to provide food or cover for wildlife: First place, Caila Scott.

Scrapbook of Oklahoma wildlife: First place, Jaron Soulek.

Intermediate (Age 12-14)

Exhibit of the tracks of eight wild animals or birds commonly found in Oklahoma: First place, Shawn Alley.

Fish

Beginner (Age 9-11)

Notebook describing habits and appearance of five fishes found in Oklahoma: First place, Bradley Schneeberger.

Bird

Beginner (Age 9-11)

Display of home-constructed bird house: First place, Bradley Schneeberger.

Wildflower Study

Beginner (Age 9-11)

Collection of 15 Oklahoma wildflowers pressed and mounted: First place, Caila Scott.

Agronomy Division

Crops

Cotton Exhibit (20 Open Bolls)

Any variety: First place, Daniel Alley, and second, Shawn Alley.

Corn Exhibit

Yellow corn (10 ears): First place, Michelle Huster.

Grain Sorghum Exhibit

White seeded grain sorghum: First place, Toby Lavers; second place, Matt Spore, and third, Travis Hobaugh.

Colored grain sorghum: First place, Matt Spore; second place, Michelle Huster, and third, Colby Glenny.

Small Grain Exhibit

Early maturity wheat: First place, Kelle Otto; second place, Jay Soulek, and third, Jaron Soulek.

Medium maturity variety wheat: First place, Trenton Burke; second place, Mariah Sneath, and third, Ashley Smith.

Other wheat variety: First place, Jaron Soulek, and second, Jay Soulek.

Peanut Information Exhibit

Junior division: First place, Bradley Schneeberger.

Senior division: First place, Stacie Schneeberger.

Pecan Exhibit

Pecans, one pound: First place, Toby Lavers, and second, Matt Spore.

Forage Crop — Alfalfa

Alfalfa hay (green): First place, Travis Hobaugh; second place, Tessa Kubik, and third, Nathan Kienholz.

Alfalfa hay (brown): First place, Matt Kubik.

Forage Plants

Grasses and forages with good or fair grazing value: First place, Ross Kubik; second place, Caila Scott, and third, Ronnie Shroyer.

Grasses and forages with poor grazing value: First place, Caila Scott.

Horticulture Division

Home Gardening

Potatoes, white or russet: First place, Toby Lavers; second place, Matt Spore, and third, Stacia Otto.

Potatoes, red: First place, Jason Neuerburg.

Okra, six pods: First place, Ashley Schiltz; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Daniel Alley.

Onions, yellow: First place, Matt Spore; second place, Toby Lavers, and third, Shawn Alley.

Onions, white: First place, Shawn Alley; second place, Matt Spore, and third, Daniel Alley.

Onions, red: First place, Shawn Alley, and second, Daniel Alley.

Squash, summer, zucchini: First place, Tanner Cline.

Squash, summer, yellow crookneck: First place, Tanner Cline.

Peppers, jalapeno, Hungarian wax: First place, Toby Lavers; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Matt Spore.

Peppers, other hot: First place, Jay Bellinghausen, and second, Hallie Godbehere.

Peppers, sweet bell: First place, Carlie Godbehere.

Tomatoes, large: First place, Bailie Vowel.

Tomatoes, cherry: First place, Bailie Vowel; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Daniel Alley.

Watermelon, oblong: First place, Shayne Marlin; second place, Colby Armstrong, and third, Kim Gamble.

Fruit Exhibit

Red apples: First place, Kim Gamble; second place, Shawn Alley, and third, Daniel Alley.

Pears: First place, Toby Lavers; second place, Matt Spore, and third, Shawn Alley.

Home Garden Food Basket

Junior division (age 9-13): First place, Shawn Alley.

4-H Home Grounds

Herbarium cards (age 9-11) 15 specimens: First place, Caila Scott.

House Plants/Terrarium

Advanced (age 15 and older): First place, Laura Hoy.

4-H/FFA Agriculture Mechanics Exhibit

Trailers/wagons: First place, Daniel Alley.

Truckbed/racks: First place, Brandon Kahle.

Livestock production projects: First place, Nathan Moyer.

Shop improvement: First place, Ryan Hall.

Hobby/recreation: First place, Nathan Moyer; second place, Zack Johnson; third place, Shawn Merchant; fourth place, Dustin Holman, and fifth, Jill Courtney.

School Project Partners Making Plans

Project Partners building coordinators met Sept. 24 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse to celebrate their 1997-98 successes and make plans for their “Great Expectations” in 1998-99.

Along with the previous years successes, other topics for discussion included new goals for the school year, budgets, reimbursement procedures, available resources, the Kay County Business and Industry database, and the business and industry state award winners.

Chan Hellman, Director of Research at Tulsa Community College, discussed a partnership student survey that will be completed by juniors to assess their attitudes and perceptions about various work-based learning opportunities being offered. Hellman also discussed a faculty survey that will be administered to ascertain faculty needs regarding staff development, identifying potential business company links for teachers, as well as opinion questions in general about School-to-Work implementation.

According to Linda Thompson, STW Coordinator, “Each building coordinator is working with a local building team to design goals and activities that will benefit their individual students.” Thompson also added that the teams consist of an administrator, a counselor, teachers, parents and business leaders.

DEATHS

Octa Lee Bumpas
Ruby Arthene Boesch
Fred Andrew Morrow
Marie Barrick

Octa Lee Bumpas

ARKANSAS CITY — Octa Lee Bumpas, resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Monday, Sept. 28, 1998, at the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City. She was 80.

The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, at the Hawks Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Arkansas City. Friends may call at Hawks Funeral Home Thursday, 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. until noon.

Octa Lee Bumpas was born on July 25, 1918, in Okmulgee, the daughter of Leflrich and Cassie Rebecca Willis Hanson. She grew up in the Pawnee area. She married Willie Hall on March 24, 1936, in Pawnee, and they moved to Arkansas City, Kan., in 1944. He died Dec. 11, 1962.

She married Odell Bumpas on Oct. 7, 1964, in Winfield, Kan., and they continued to live in Arkansas City. She was employed as a cook at the Arkansas City Country Club for several years and also at Bud’s Bar-B-Que in Arkansas City for nearly 30 years until she retired.

She was a member of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and the Daughters of Isaac.

She is survived by her husband of the home; three sons, Willie H. Hall, Dwayne Lee Hall and John Virgil Hall, all of Arkansas City; two daughters, Elvee Hall of Winfield, Kan., and Georgia Ann Redd of Wichita, Kan.; three brothers, Tom Hanson of Tulsa, Jim Hanson of Los Angeles, Calif., and Dick Hanson of Los Angeles, Calif.; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Cassie Towles; one brother, John Hanson; one sister, Rebecca “Hennie” Brown; and two grandchildren, Cheryl Towles and Antonio Lolar.

Ruby Arthene Boesch

BLACKWELL — Ruby Arthene Boesch, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell. She was 56.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Ernest Quillen officiating. Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery in Blackwell.

Ruby Arthene Boesch was born on June 27, 1942, in Blackwell, the daughter of Carl and Lovina Pauline (Tickel) Boesch. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell Public Schools, graduating in 1960.

She attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., where she studied and majored in music. She then returned to Blackwell where she was employed as a florist for Blackwell Floral. After 35 years, she retired due to ill health.

Boesch was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church were and served as church organist for 40 years.

She is survived by one brother, Charles Boesch of Blackwell, one sister, Roberta Whitlock of Wheeling, Ill.; two nephews and a great-nephew and great-niece. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Casket bearers will be Morgan Bergman, James Kincaid, Robert Bergman, Bill Simpson, Ron Boesch, Rex Mayer and Arthur Bergman.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. John’s Lutheran Church — Memorial Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Fred Andrew Morrow

TULSA — Fred Andrew Morrow, native of Arkansas City, Kan., died Friday, Sept. 25, 1998, in Tulsa. He was 54.

A memorial service was held 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 1998, at Moore’s Southlawn Chapel in Tulsa with the Rev. Willie Lewis officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Moore’s Southlawn Chapel.

Fred Andrew Morrow was born March 23, 1944, in Winfield, Kan., the son of Claude M. and Helen Morrow.

Morrow was a 20-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department, retiring in 1991 with the rank of sergeant. While with the police department, he was a homicide detective and later the training coordinator for Oklahoma’s D.A.R.E. program. He also planned and conducted Tulsa’s first Citizens Police Academy.

Morrow was a graduate of the University or Tulsa, member of the F.O.B. Lodge 93, member of the Tulsa Police Retired Officer’s Association and the Oklahoma Private Investigators Association. He was a Shriner and a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; one brother, Otis Morrow of Arkansas City, Kan.; and two sisters, Dianne Morrow of Arkansas City, Kan., and Debra D.J. Morrow of Tulsa. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and one daughter, Misty.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, La. 71103, or to the Tulsa Police Department Children’s Scholarship Fund, 8286 East 34th Street, Tulsa, OK 74145.

Marie Barrick

Marie Barrick, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1998, in Cottonwood, Ariz. She was 90.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3., 1998, in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with Mr. Carl Maples officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home from 8 a.m. Friday until 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Marie Barrick was born Feb. 13, 1908, in Washunga, the daughter of Isaac and Frances Helen (Auld) McCombs. She grew up on the family farm around Prue.

During World War II she was employed in a defense plant. She later was employed as a cook for restaurants in Ponca City.

She married Henry Barrick on Nov. 19, 1960, in Ponca City. The couple made their home here. Mr. Barrick preceded her in death in 1983.

She enjoyed working in her flower garden, being outdoors and working crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sadie Lou Jackson of Camp Verde, Ariz., and Evelyn Nichols of Dennison, Texas; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

NEWS BRIEFS

Classes of 1944 and 1945 Unite — The Ponca City High School Class of 1944 is invited to join the class of 1945 for a Head Country Barbecue catered picnic at Shelter Houses 1 and 2 at Lake Ponca on Saturday, Oct. 10; cost is $7.50 per person. Time is set for 4 p.m., with food served at 5:30 p.m. If you can attend contact Mary at 762-9982, Rosemary at 762-1142 or Maxine at 765-7681 by Thursday, Oct. 8.

Fire Prevention Week Event. Come join us for “Celebrity Host

Night at Golden Corral”, Oct. 9th, 5:00-8:00 p.m., $.99 Kids meal.

Sparky, a Magician, Clowns, Firemen, Firetrucks and Celebrity

Hosts. Funds earned at event will go towards a Fire Safety House.

This Event Sponsored by Ponca City Fire Prevention Advisory

Council. adv.

Blackburn Serving in U.S. Navy — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Blackburn, whose wife, Kelly, is the daughter of Bobby Corbin of Marland, is currently halfway through a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian oceans and Arabian Gulf with Fighter Squadron 31, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. During the deployment, Blackburn has had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. In Hong Kong, the sailors and Marines from his squadron participated in Project Handclasp providing humanitarian aid to adults and children residing in a disaster relief organization, a school for the mentally handicapped and an international Christian school. Blackburn joined the Navy in January 1991.

Tomorrow Is the last day of Through The Len’s Family

Fall Spectacular Bonus Offer. Don’t forget to call, be

cause openings are filling up fast for this annual sell-out event.

762-3388. adv .

Po-Hi Graduate Serves in Navy — Navy Airman Terry L. Burge, son of Keith Burge of 1713 North Osage, recently participated in a large training exercise while on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, lead ship of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Battle Group. The overall purpose of Exercise Matador Livex ’98 was to enhance ARG and carrier battle group interoperability in an operational environment. The 1997 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School joined the Navy in August 1997.

Free Sample of Estee Lauder Foundation at John’s Apparel,

205 East Cleveland. adv.

Husband Serving in Navy — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Carlat, whose wife, Terri, is the daughter of Darrell and June Barnes of Ponca City, recently participated in a large training exercises while on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, lead ship of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Battle Group. The overall purpose of Exercise Matador Livex ’98 was to enhance ARG and carrier battle group interoperability in an operation environment. Following graduation from high school in 1983, Carlat joined the Navy in April 1993.

OSU - Nebraska. Come watch the game, Saturday, 5:30, Elks

Lodge, Ponca. You all come out, new big screen TV. adv.

Senior Citizens Dance — A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will play for dancing. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.

Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-

4348. adv.

Educated Snake — At 7:22 a.m. Wednesday police received a report of a snake, located inside Union School. An officer was assigned and the snake was expelled.

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

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

765-7979. adv.

Accident — A three-vehicle accident at Bradley Avenue and North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 9:12 a.m. Wednesday.

Head Country all day Friday Special ­ All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $6.95, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Pole Wreck — At 9:15 a.m. Wednesday police were advised that a vehicle hit a light pole on the corner of Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8

p.m. 205 West Hartford. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 23-year-old woman at 12:02 p.m. Wednesday from Blackwell on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Accident — An accident in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 1:59 p.m. Wednesday.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday Special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ Chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Cable Lines Hit — At 3:14 p.m. Wednesday police were advised that a cement truck had hit cable lines in the 2400 block of East Prospect Avenue. A report was taken.

Pauline's Shrimp Peel. All you can eat, $10.95, Friday the 2nd.

For reservations, call 765-5460.adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle at South Third Street and East South Avenue was reported to police at 3:16 p.m. Wednesday.

Accident — At 3:18 p.m. Wednesday police were notified of an accident in the 300 block of South Fifth Street.

Machine Vandalism — Vandalism to a soda pop machine in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 3:20 p.m. A police report was taken.

Stolen Guns — At 3:22 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue reported that guns had been stolen from his residence. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — Police arrested a 62-year-old man from North Second Street and East Albany Avenue at 4:41 p.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension, no insurance and failure to register a vehicle.

Accident — At 5:20 p.m. Wednesday a non-injury accident at South Fourteenth Street and East Central Avenue was reported to police.

Stolen Bike — A woman in the 1700 block of Clarke Street reported the theft of a bike at 6:06 p.m. Wednesday.

Gas Leak — Fire engines responded to the 1600 block of South Ninth Street at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a leaking gas meter. It was determined that the gas meter was damaged.

Arrest — A 20-year-old woman was arrested at 6:43 p.m. Wednesday for driving under suspension and defective equipment.

Window Shot — At 6:51 p.m. Wednesday police were notified that a car window had been shot out in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.

Arrest — Police arrested a 27-year-old man at 8:59 p.m. Wednesday from the Lincoln Center, 700 block of West Broadway Avenue, for driving under suspension, running a stop sign and no registration on a vehicle.

Arrest — At 9:50 p.m. Wednesday police arrested an 18-year-old man from the 1000 block of North Ash Street for unlawful carrying a weapon and storage of fireworks.

Trailer Tampering — Police took a report in the 3500 block of A Street after receiving a call at 11:03 p.m. Wednesday from a man reporting that the door of his trailer had been “jimmied.”

Arrest — Police arrested a 31-year-old man at 11:54 p.m. Wednesday from West South Avenue and Marland Drive for driving under the influence.

Arrest — A 39-year-old man was arrested from the 100 block of South Pine Street at 12:09 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Arrest — At 1:48 a.m. Thursday a 30-year-old man was arrested from West Broadway Avenue and North Waverly Street for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and no insurance.

Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 2:25 a.m. Thursday from East Broadway Avenue and North Third Street for driving under the influence, no driver’s license, no insurance and expired tag.

GARDENING

Garden Memorials Given Recognition Through Council
Daylily Society Meeting
Iris Society Meeting
Expert Proclaims Orange To Be the Color Of the Millennium Especially for Tulips
Gardeners Go On Offensive Against Foraging Four-Legged Gourmands

Garden Memorials Given Recognition Through Council

A milestone in the history of this community was observed in September as members of the Ponca City Garden Club Council reviewed 70 years of accomplishment. A celebration event for local gardeners and others is planned for Oct. 7 at the Cann Garden Home. Food common to the 20s will be served and wearing fashions reminiscent of 1928 is an option for those attending.

The Ponca City Garden Club Council was organized Sept. 7, 1928 by Mrs. J. W. (Gladys) Dutton with Mrs. Frank Lucas elected as president. Throughout the years various community improvements have been made under the auspices of the council and memorial contributions have helped to create and maintain a number of civic gardening areas. Memorial contributions on behalf of a garden club member or others may be made through the Ponca City Garden Club Council, which maintains a financial account record for memorials, and designates memorials on a plaque at the Cann Garden Center.

Serving as officers for the Ponca City Garden Council for 1998-99 are: Aline Heartsill, president; Linda Sparks, vice president; Mavis Robison, secretary-treasurer; Helen Widner, historian, and Rita Robbins, parliamentarian. Vinci Paisley is the honorary council president.

Clubs active in the Ponca City Garden Council and the president of each are: Chrysanthemum, Rita Robbins; Four O’Clock, Karen Howard; Iris, Lucille Grant; Lilac, Helen Bozarth; Red Rose, Ann Strickland, and Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, Mary Ann Potter.

Daylily Society Meeting

The Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society will meet Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Cann Memorial Garden Center, 1500 East Grand Avenue. Phyllis Lyons from Tulsa will be the guest speaker and will show slides from the 1998 National AHS convention in Louisiana. Anyone growing or interested in growing daylilies is invited to attend this meeting. For more information call Bill Goldsberry, 765-2390, or Lillian Williams, 762-3796.

Iris Society Meeting

Guest speaker for this month’s meeting of the Northern Oklahoma Iris Society will be Paul Gossett of Tulsa. He will show slides of the 2998 AIS convention. The meeting is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cann Garden Center, Fourteenth and Grand. On Nov. 14 Farron Campbell will be the speaker for the annual Judging School. His topic will be Louisiana Iris.

Expert Proclaims Orange To Be the Color Of the Millennium Especially for Tulips

The color orange continues to enjoy its day in the fashion sun. According to a recent New York Times interview with Margaret Walch, director of the Color Association of the United States in New York City, after decades as a color outcast, orange has secured its spot as the “color of the millennium.”

American gardeners seem to agree. Confirmation comes from those who track tulip trends during the fall planting season.

“U.S. gardeners’ crush on orange has not abated. We’re awash in requests for lists of orange flowers, especially tulips,” said Sally Ferguson, director of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in Brooklyn, NY. “People love the drama of orange in the landscape - and, come spring, tulips are the most dramatic players,” she said, noting that fall is the time to plant tulips, and other spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths and crocus.

While interest in orange is still building, Ms. Ferguson points out rising interest in anything purple.” This is not surprising, she says, “Orange and purple are a dynamic duo in the garden, they’re perfect partners on the color wheel!”

The Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center offers the following list of especially appealing orange and purple tulips and other spring-blooming bulbs to plant this fall:

Orange Tulips, Bulb Flowers

1. Tulipa ‘Ballerina’- For absolute perfection, this exquisite tulip is top of the charts. It’s all in the sum of its parts: flower shape (lily-pointed petals in a slim, elegant flower); color (luminous golden marigold-orange); height (long willowy stems); plus fragrance! Lily-flowered Tulip, mid to late season bloom, 22-inches tall.

2. T. ‘Orange Sun’- This superlative bright orange tulip (some say its pure sunlight- orange color is the best orange ever!) is sometimes also seen under its official Dutch name ‘Oranjezon’. Either way, the meaning is the same: pure sunshine on a stem! Darwin Hybrid Tulip, mid-season bloom, 20-inches tall.

3. T. ‘Orange Emperor’ - The tulip Oprah Winfrey once declared her favorite, this large-flowered, salmon-orange tulip kicks off the early spring season in glorious style. Fosteriana Tulip, early season. 18-inches tall.

4. T. ‘Prinses Irene’ - This delicate-looking soft orange tulip flushed with purple is one tough trouper, with strong stems and durable flowers that hold up in windy locations. Triumph Tulip, mid-season bloom, 12-inches tall, fragrant.

5. T. ‘Little Princess’ - For pure drama in a small package, it’s hard to beat this diminutive orange species tulip marked by a pitch black heart edged in strong white. Species Tulip, late-blooming, fragrant, 4-inches tall.

6. Tulipa ‘Best Seller’ - A super-charged sport of the classic pastel ‘Apricot Beauty’, here we see delicious salmon orange laced with overtones of copper and dusty-rose. Single Early Tulip, mid-season bloom, 16-inches tall.

7. Hyacinth 'Gipsy Queen’- In heavenly soft peach, this is as close to orange as a hyacinth gets. It’s a top-notch performer, wonderfully fragrant and upright in the garden. Early season bloom. 8- to 12-inches tall.

8. Fritillaria imperialis ‘The Premier’ - Up to four feet tall, with a terrific cluster of huge downward-hanging bells of richest orange color, this is a real “character” in the garden. Said to “cry” when moved, its sensitive nature is belied by its somewhat skunky smell.

9. Eremurus ‘Cleopatra’ - Eremurus are also known as Foxtail lilies - and sure enough, that’s just what they look like, especially in orange! This early summer bloomer native to Tibet is like no other. Tall and feathery, it assumes an ethereal aura when backlit by the sun. Eremurus is slow starting in the garden but well worth the wait. Summer bloom, two to four feet tall.

10. Lilium ‘Enchantment’ - Lilies are unusual in that they can be planted in fall or in spring. But, just between us, fall is better! One star of the lily line-up is freckle-faced radiant orange Asiatic lily ‘Enchantment’- a prolific bloomer in June and July. Four feet tall.

Purple People Pleasers

1. Tulipa ‘Arabian Mystery’- A knock-out in the garden, this dark purple-violet tulip has petals edged in white that catch sunlight in lavender shimmers. Triumph Tulip. Mid-season bloom, 16-inches tall.

2. T. ‘Black Parrot’ - With its phenomenal fringed and ruffled petals and velvety purple-black color, this is a tulip that stands out in any garden. Parrot Tulip, late season bloom. 20-inches tall.

3. T. ‘Attila’- Here’s your baby for purple the color of Easter eggs! Triumph Tulip, mid-season bloom. 20-inches tall.

4. Muscari latifolium - No ordinary grape hyacinth, this one is deep purple-blue topped with a crazy “tuft” of iced-blue florets. Excellent planted in combination with perennials, daffodils and tulips. Mid-to-late season bloom. 12- to 15-inches tall.

5. Fritillaria persica - Tall and imposing in muted shades of purple and green, F. persica is topped by tiers of downcast dusky plum-colored bells. Its strong stalk is flanked by soft green leaves that stretch straight out like jubilant little arms. Mid- to late-season bloom. 30-inches tall.

6. Allium giganteum - What makes this purple performer perfect? How about five-inch fuzz balls of compact purple florets on sturdy stalks three-to five-feet tall! So silly, so grand, so perfectly formed you want to rush over and “rub its head.” Amazingly, for so perfectly outrageous a plant, its effect is actually quite elegant in the garden. It has balance. Early summer bloom..

7. Hyacinthus ‘Peter Stuyvesant’ — Leave it to fragrant hyacinthus to deliver springtime’s ultimate purple passion. This variety could be called “essence of purple” so rich is its color. Mid-season bloom. 8- to 12-inches tall.

8. Iris reticulata ‘George’ - Often called rock garden iris, these early-blooming little flowers with fluttery petals might also be called the butterflies of the early spring garden. ‘George’ has plum-purple petals and darker purple falls, with tiny markings of yellow and white.

Gardeners Go On Offensive Against Foraging Four-Legged Gourmands

As most gardeners learn, sooner or later: one person’s flower fantasy is just a free feast to some furry fiend.

Animal pest problems occur in all seasons of the garden, but fall and spring are peak periods for plunder. Luckily these seasons, and fall in particular, are also the best times for beleaguered gardeners to mount a defense against foraging four-legged gourmands such as deer, squirrels, rabbits, voles, moles and other assorted animal pests according to the experts at the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center.

In fall, a good garden clean-up tops the list of animal deterrents. After fall bulb planting, remove planting debris to rob squirrels of scent clues. (It’s scent, after all, that guides them to their hidden stashes - and to yours! They’re not relying on such memory cues as “three hops from the big tree on the left.”)

Also consider mulch. Mulch is useful to help retain soil moisture and maintain more constant cool soil temperatures. Apply mulch after weather turns cold. To mulch too soon only satisfies small creatures, who find earth-warmed mulch a great cozy

The Enemy

Who is it exactly that is nibbling the nasturtiums and devouring the daisies? Increasingly, in America, the culprits are likely to be deer. According to the New York Times “there are now more deer in the U.S. than when the Pilgrims landed in 1620.” A population of 27 million ranges across the land. And, increasingly, as the deer’s natural habitats are reduced by development, they are by no means restricted to remote woodlands. They’ve leaped into our backyards in what amounts in some parts of the country to a suburban invasion. Deer are the greatest threat in the spring when, after a hungry winter, they look for anything green, young and tasty.

Rabbits have long been the vegetable gardener’s nemesis, but they’re happy to taste-test anything new and tender looking. Even if they really don’t love something, they just might chew on it for awhile to make sure.

Fall Pests

Squirrels and chipmunks are particular pests at fall flower bulb planting time. Count on them to promptly RSVP to fall garden parties serving tulip, lily or crocus bulbs - but not daffodils which have a terrible taste (hooray!). Especially popular are gardens littered with bulb-scented debris (those little bags, the papery skins, and other tantalizing things). Yum, yum: just like a neon sign that reads “Good Eats.”

Special fans of tree and shrub roots are found underground (where else!). Moles, voles and mice are the biggest (actually smallish) culprits. They also like roots of succulent plants and flower bulbs.

The groundhog, also called the woodchuck, is a tunnel master who finds any number of garden plants appealing both above and below the ground.

What To Do About It All

To dispel any illusions at the outset: there is no magic bullet for the animal pest problem (save the sometimes tempting but not very humane option of actually using bullets). The best one can hope for is an “appropriate” pest management solution.

Pest control options basically fall into five major categories: Barriers, Sensory deterrents, Vegetative deterrents, Animal deterrents , If you can’t beat 'em, join ‘em.

Barriers

Barriers are the most straightforward, and many say the most effective, deterrents. The strategy is to make it impossible for the critter to get to his dinner.

For deer, a fence is the best deterrent - a high one. A deer fence should be at least seven and a half feet high, and an additional overhang of chicken wire is a good idea. The most effective deer fence is a double fence. Deer can either jump something very high, or something very wide, but can’t do both at once. Two fences (one high and one moderately high) spaced about three feet apart are recommended. (Don’t worry, the deer see two fences and don’t jump, so they don’t get caught inside.)

Garden centers and other retailers also carry various types of plastic fencing and netting that might be appropriate. It is also possible to have an electric anti-deer fence installed. But this isn’t recommended for areas where there are small children or close neighbors.

For groundhogs and such, fences don’t need to be high, they need to be deep. About three feet deep should do the trick.

Chicken wire is another favorite barrier material. This can be used to form a cage over young plants, or an underground cage in which to protect bulbs from burrowers. It’s perfectly acceptable to place a sheet of chicken wire right on top of the planting. The bulbs will be smart enough to find their way right through it.

Some people take a casual (but very effective) approach when protecting bulbs from squirrels: they just throw on an old window screen after planting and take it up once the ground has settled or frozen.

Sensory Deterrents

Of course with all the fencing and caging, some people think the whole thing is too much, turning the garden into an outdoor Alcatraz. So what else is there?

Sensory deterrents seek to dissuade the unwanted garden diner by offending his sense of smell or taste or exciting his sense of fear and caution.

The use of cayenne pepper and such sprinkled protectively on the ground is one method some people say works. But others point out that this method is exceedingly cruel. Squirrels, for example, can easily get the pepper in their eyes while trying to rid themselves of the noxious stuff. Squirrels have been known to scratch out their own eyes in the process.

Well it’s hard to hate a squirrel that much. So other sensory alternatives are in order, ones suitable for squirrels, other small creatures and, of course, deer. These include:

Scattering clippings of human hair around the place (not always a good idea in urban settings, where squirrels may associate the smell of a human with food hand-outs).

Predator smells, such as lion’s dung or urine from the zoo, commercially available predator scents, or even human urine (there’s a guy out there who swears by it, but we didn’t visit his garden to confirm).

Egg mixtures, either the commercially available kind, or made up in your own kitchen. The idea is, well, rotten eggs. You get the idea.

Irish Spring soap (Why this brand? Who knows?) hung in little mesh bags around the edges of the garden.

All of the sensory deterrents have their champions and their detractors. Some swear by this one or that one, some say they’re all a bust. Often what works in one garden, doesn’t in another. Experimentation is the key - and certainly worth a try.

Vegetative Deterrents

The idea behind vegetative deterrents is to surround the plants your nocturnal visitors like to eat with ones they don’t or find repellent.

Deer, for example, don’t like thorny things. They also don’t eat anemones, astilbes, junipers, foxgloves, daffodils, ferns, grasses and a whole host of things. In fact there are enough things that deer don’t eat that you could build a cordon around your garden. Sort of a garden within a garden.

Fritillaria imperialis is also something deer don’t like and its strong skunky scent is repellent to many other creatures as well, including some humans.

Squirrels and other small creatures won’t eat daffodils or other narcissi bulbs. These are good choices where pests are a problem.

Animal Deterrents

One could get very imaginative on the subject of animal deterrents, but why not just get a big dog? This is a solution that many professional growers are beginning to embrace. It shouldn’t be a pit bull or an attack dog. Just a big, frisky fellow given to chase. The animal shelters are full of good candidates. Better yet, get two. They’ll chase a deer or a squirrel with twice the ardor in order to beat out their chum.

A dog can’t actually catch a healthy deer, so no one gets hurt. You gain a pet, the dog has fun, and the pests go elsewhere for their supper.

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

One school of thought holds that if you feed your animal friends first, they’ll leave your garden alone. Squirrel feeders and other animal feeders are widely available. The idea here is to make it so easy for them to eat that ravaging your garden seems too much effort.

Some swear by this. But others point out that by feeding the pest population, you encourage them to swell their ranks.

In the end, each gardener has to find his or her own answers. There’s really no one solution. But take heart, though the sight of your ravaged garden may make you want to unleash your more violent nature, there may be another way.

SPORTS

Fireworks Due in Area Games This Week
Freshmen Win 25-0

Fireworks Due in Area Games This Week

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

A word of warning for area football fans: beware of falling teams.

Then again, watch out for teams shooting up out of nowhere. With just one game gone by in most districts, it may be a little early for playoff predictions, but one thing is definitely clear — the fireworks have begun.

In volatile 2A-5, Newkirk (3-1, 1-0) tries to establish it’s standing among the district honchos with a critical showdown against at-home Sperry (2-2, 1-0), while one-time honcho Pawnee (1-3, 0-1) takes its rolling infirmary on the road against Caney Valley (0-4, 0-1).

Meanwhile, after getting tagged with a rare touchdown last week against Kiefer, the homecoming Tonkawa Bucs (4-0, 3-0) will go hunting for their third shutout of the year against potential spoiler Depew (1-3, 0-3), while in B-3, Morrison (2-2, 1-0) will seek a solid standing in District B-3 by playing host to up-and-coming Yale (4-0, 1-0).

Also, Woodland (1-3, 1-1) plays host to Kiefer (0-4, 0-3) in A-5, while Blackwell (1-3, 0-1) travels to Glenpool (2-2, 0-1) in 4A-1. In C-3, Shidler (3-0, 1-0) plays at Medford (3-1, 0-0), while Deer Creek-Lamont also hits the road, traveling to Geary (2-2, 0-1)

Pawnee (1-3, 0-1) at Caney Valley (0-4, 0-1)

Can things get any worse for the Black Bears?

“No,” sighs coach Bobby Miller. “Not now, not for a 2A team, and not in this district.”

So far this season, the entire heft of the universe seems bent upon destroying Miller’s team. After favorable reviews in the preseason, in which the defense-laden Black Bears were picked to finish among the district elite, they’ve since fallen from grace. Hard.

In four games, Pawnee has scored just 13 points, while giving up a very un-Black Bear-like 121. To add significance to that figure, over the previous 13 seasons, the Black Bears have permitted fewer than 14 points per game.

Blame it on the fates. The temperamental gridiron gods have been striking down Pawnee’s finest faster than Miller can replace them. Before last week’s 28-0 loss to ho-hum Hominy, Miller had been trying to cope with the loss of five of his best players to injury. Against Hominy, then, on the third play of the game, senior running back Reed Reavis went down with a broken leg.

“Reed was probably our best skill person, too,” says Miller. “So that makes six. And it’s not like we’ve got six kids waiting to step in at each position. That many injuries is gonna make an impact on any team, at any level. ”

Though Miller’s excitable tone of voice has a taken on a tinge of weariness lately, he says the good people of Pawnee aren’t about to call off the season. Though he’s had to completely change his offense around to accommodate the unforeseen influx of younger players, he’s been happy with the response.

At 0-for-4, Caney Valley could also be just the thing the Black Bears need to get their proverbial train back on the track.

“We’ll match up well with Caney Valley,” says Miller. “But if they’ve got a game in them they’ll play it on Friday. We’ve gotta turn it up a notch. We gotta play over our heads now if we want this storm to blow on by.”

Depew (1-3, 0-3) at Tonkawa (4-0, 3-0)

It was bound to happen, sooner or later.

Over time, given an infinitude of starts, someone would eventually strike first against the Buccaneers and put them in the rare position of making a comeback. After 23 straight regular season wins, complacency breeds like a virus.

Only no one expected that someone to be the winless Kiefer Trojans — a team the Bucs trounced 65-0 last season.

“One of our defensive ends just missed his assignment,” said Tonkawa coach Steve Love. “Their guy just ran around the line. And that woke these boys up — it got them a little upset.”

Indeed, after going down 7-0, the Bucs made the brash upstarts pay for their insolence, outscoring the Trojans 49-0 through the rest of the game. Though the final score keeps the Bucs’ average margin of victory intact, to Love, the early let-down served to illustrate what he’s been preaching to his teams for years: you can’t let down, ever.

“We were just kinda wingin’ it out there,” he says. “And you can’t get away with that against a good team. Depew is a little better than the teams we’ve played the last two weeks, so if we go out and look like hell, it could be a long, hard-fought game.”

Depew has nearly been the giant-killer in A-5 for the past two weeks, too. Against No. 10 state ranked Davenport, they lost only when a late fumble near the end zone was returned for a Davenport touchdown. Last week, they lost a narrow, 30-16 battle to undefeated Wellston.

Yale (4-0, 1-0)

at Morrison (2-2, 1-0)

Another district with a curious shake-up in the works is 8-man district B-3.

Yale, picked to be among the also-rans, opened district play last week with a bid for respect by upsetting defending state semi-finalist — and B-3 title contender — Weleetka, 20-18. The Wildcats, meanwhile, have been making some ripples of their own, beating No. 2 state-ranked Foyil in Week Two, and winning their first district match up against a highly regarded Cashion team, 22-21.

And just-like-that, Friday’s Yale-Morrison match up has become a biggie, with possible playoff ramifications. Also, this is homecoming for the Wildcats.

“It’s thrown a monkey wrench into the district works, for sure,” says Morrison coach Joe Sindelar. “This is a big game. We can write the script from here.”

With a win Friday, the Wildcats could coast through a soft spot in their otherwise brutal schedule, with three straight games Sindelar says are definitely winable. Even with two losses to end the regular season, a 6-2 record is better than Sindelar has seen in a while, and would be more than enough to get the Cats into the playoffs.

“We could even win those last two games,” Sindelar muses. “Either way, there’s a lot riding on this game as far as playoffs go. And it should be a good game, we match up well with them, personnel

As a point of interest, Yale was also the team the Cats beat to attain their national record-breaking 90th straight win, in 1995.

Newkirk (3-1, 1-0)

at Sperry (2-2, 1-0)

For the Newkirk Tigers, it’s time to get real. A win Friday would not only leave them with the best record in 2A-5 and entrench them firmly atop the district, it would also silence the naysayers who had them down as an also-ran in the preseason.

Last week, the Tigers piled up 46 points in the opening 13 minutes against Caney Valley. While impressive as a muscle-flexing exercise, Sperry should give the Tigers a fight. A really big fight.

“They’re the real deal, and they’re picked to wind up in the money, the playoffs,” says Newkirk coach Sonny Schovanec. “This is a crucial game this early in the season. After it’s over, we’ll definitely know where we are.”

The Pirates, picked to finish as high as No. 2 in the district, have an experienced backfield. Quarterback Thomas McCause racked up 1,128 yards of total offense last year and fullback Tony Daniels went for 728. Not since Tonkawa, in Week One, have the Tigers met such a formidable foe.

“We’re as healthy as we’re gonna be, and it’s going to come down to the team that makes the fewest mistakes,” says Schovanec. “But we’re excited. We’re ready to go play Sperry.

Freshmen Win 25-0

SAND SPRINGS — The Mid-High freshman football team upped their season record to 3-1, Tuesday, blanking Sand Springs, 25-0.

Micah Johnson had a trio of 65-yard runs on three consecutive possessions in the third quarter to pile up 18 points for the Cougars. Though all the extra-point attempts failed, the Poncans wouldn’t need them.

“We played all right,” said coach Brad Larimer. “Micah just kept scoring there in the third and they never threatened after that. We also got our passing game going a little. Jason Jump and Drew Shelton both did a good job at quarterback.”

The Cougars struck with two minutes remaining in the first quarter on a 40-yard run by Fabian Porter, and after a successful PAT by Peter Hightower, took the early, 7-0 lead. Though the Cougars wouldn’t score again until Johnson’s outburst, two drive-ending fumbles by Sand Springs kept the Cougars safely in the lead.

The Cougars’ 8th and 9th grade teams play a pair of wet home games tonight, taking on Stillwater.