LOCAL

Local Crews Helping Pawnee Recover Power
Fire Chief Resigns To Take Similar Position in Stillwater
Alert Deputy Recovers Shoes From Burglary
NOC Hosts Special Event Wednesday for Prepsters

Local Crews Helping Pawnee Recover Power

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Ponca City electric crews are being sent to Pawnee to assist that city in its effort to restore service to those electric customers still without power in the wake of Sunday’s tornado.

As of late Monday, 85 percent of Pawnee residents were still without power.

Although the tornado did not touch ground in Pawnee, damage to the small community of 2,100 was still severe.

According to Pawnee Mayor Elzie Smith, the treetop-level tornado caused an estimated $1 million in damage to the high school while trees limbs downed power lines and roofs were blown off homes.

“This is the worst storm I have seen come through Pawnee and we just don’t have the manpower to handle all of this,” Smith said. “We requested help form Ponca City and Stillwater volunteered to help us yesterday.”

In addition, Smith says Cushing sent firemen and emergency medical technicians (EMT) to stand-by in case of an emergency and to also assist street crews with the clean-up efforts.

“We hope to have power back on to our citizens by late today,” Smith said. “We really appreciate the assistance we have received from Ponca City, Stillwater and Cushing.”

One crew was sent early today from Ponca City. “It is hard for smaller communities to deal with this type of devastation and destruction and so we are more than happy to assist them,” said Electric Manager Rusty Edwards. “We will be doing what we normally do on a daily basis here — digging holes and setting poles — only there it will be to rebuild after a tornado.”

Fire Chief Resigns To Take Similar Position in Stillwater

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The City is losing yet another department head. This time it will be Fire Chief Larry Mullikin leaving Ponca City to accept the position of fire chief in Stillwater.

“It is with much regret that I announce Mullikin’s resignation,” City Manager Gary Martin said. “Larry has brought modernization to this fire department, increased training and raised professionalism within the department. He will be missed.”

Since Mullikin began as the Ponca City fire chief in May 1995 he has witnessed the flooding and recent demolition of the No. 1 Fire Station and the remodeling and reconstruction that is currently under way.

Recently he has proposed a plan for a regional fire training facility that would provide advanced live fire and rescue training.

He was also instrumental in convincing city commissioners to purchase two new pumper fire trucks, a used ladder truck and accept the regular equipment replacement program, which involves the annual replacement of the city’s ambulance.

Mullikin released a statement about his departure.

“It is with no pleasure that I have submitted by resignation as fire chief of Ponca City, Mullikin stated. “I want to say to all of those who have expressed friendship to my wife Linda and I that you will always remain in our hearts.

“My only intention in coming to Ponca City was to improve the fire service and help all of our citizens in their time of need. I have had the pleasure of working with a great city manager and a wonderful set of commissioners. And, I will always be grateful to former Mayor Andrews and the commissioners who originally hired me for their confidence in handing over to my stewardship one of the most precious resources a community has; its fire service. I hope you feel I have served you well.”

The Fire Chief’s last day will be Oct. 30.

Mullikin’s resignation is the latest in a string of resignation that has spanned four months and involved four upper management positions in the city. The city planner, human resource director and information system manager have all resigned and/or announced their resignation since July.

However, Mayor Tom Leonard is not upset with the trend, focusing on the positive instead of the negative.

“We have quality people working in the city and it is no surprise that opportunities present themselves for them to improve their careers, and I say more power to them and wish them well. Others, on the other hand, choose to remain here because this is their home,” Leonard said. “I assure the citizens that we will and have replaced those that have left and are leaving with others as equally as qualified.”

And the replacement procedure is already under way. A new city planner and a human resource director are scheduled to begin within a week.

Todd Kennemer begins Oct. 12 as the city planner. Kennemer comes to Ponca City from Oklahoma City where he completed a two year internship under the Oklahoma City Planner.

Kennemer received his master of regional and city planning from the University of Oklahoma in May. Previously he was an industrial arts Instructor in Texas and Oklahoma.

The new human resource director is Ponca City resident Debra Fralix, who has a master of science in human resource management from Wilmington College.

Fralix was employed at Conoco in both Denver and Houston and until 1996 worked as a human resource generalist for a Denver company.

She will begin in her new position later this week.

Alert Deputy Recovers Shoes From Burglary

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

BLACKWELL — A suspicious sheriff’s deputy’s recovery of some $8,000 worth of brand-new tennis shoes during an early morning traffic stop has led to burglary charges against two Blackwell men.

The sheriff’s office said Deputy Dana Wilson was patrolling an unpaved road north of Blackwell at 3 a.m. Saturday when two men in a pickup truck loaded with boxes passed his patrol car.

Wilson, associating the merchandise as possibly from the nearby outlet mall on Interstate 35 near Blackwell, then stopped the truck on U.S. 77 near Brake Road after noticing the vehicle had no left rear taillight, according to Chief Criminal Deputy Buddy Thomas.

Thomas said Wilson’s check of the truckbed turned up 15 cases of new K-Swiss brand tennis shoes boxed in cases of 12 and 24 pairs each, plus a separate box of fire logs. When he checked the cab, the deputy also noticed a claw hammer and a flashlight, Thomas said.

Wilson notified Blackwell police, who meanwhile had received a report of two burglarized semi-tractor-trailers at a truck stop west of Blackwell on State Highway 11 near the interstate. The trucks, owned by Fleetline Inc., of Killeen, Texas, had been parked temporarily at the truck stop, Thomas said.

Thomas said the pickup truck load “was a pretty sizable haul, totaling $7,991.28 — not including the fire logs.” The two varieties of recovered shoes retail at department stores for $24 per pair and $49.95 per pair.

The two defendants, Scott Edward Buxton, 18, and Brian Lee Hankla, 21, both of Blackwell, pleaded innocent Monday in District Court to two counts of second-degree burglary and were released on a $2,000 bond each. They both were scheduled for a 1 p.m. Oct. 23 attorneys’ status review.

The vehicle was impounded, along with the merchandise.

NOC Hosts Special Event Wednesday for Prepsters

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College is hosting a special event on Wednesday for Kay County junior and senior students in its new Performing Arts Center. Students participating in the event will tour NOC’s campus and hear Chad Foster, one of the nation’s most popular speakers to high school students, speak on the topic of “Achieving Success.”

Foster is one of America’s most sought-after speakers in the world of student and educator motivation, speaking to more than 100,000 students and teachers each year. He is a former tennis professional and a successful entrepreneur. His preparation paid off when he developed and marketed a unique product made from recycled ties — the soft, safe playground surface used at McDonald’s restaurants worldwide. He is the author of the best selling book, “Teenagers — Preparing for the Real World” that has been read by more than 500,000 students. Each student attending the event will receive a free copy of the book.

There will be two sessions Wednesday: 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for $3.25. Tours of NOC will be available to interested students from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Corporate sponsors for this event include Express Personnel Services, Conoco, Pioneer Technology Center’s Vocational Education Association, State Farm Insurance — Ann Bandy, Group One Realtors, Eastman National Bank, TNT Construction, Blackwell Regional Hospital, J.C. Penney and Ponca City Rotary Club. The event is a Project Partners activity.

DEATHS

Paul Lewis Pickard
Charles F. Patten

Obituaries

Paul Lewis Pickard

Paul Lewis Pickard, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 1998, at his home, 124 Glenside, following a short illness. He was 58.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wed. Oct. 7, in the chapel at First Christian Church with the Rev. Charles Heyer officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park cemetery, under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Paul Lewis Pickard was born Nov. 26, 1939 in Okmulgee, the son of John Paul Pickard and Irene (Newman) Pickard. He graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1957, and OSU Tech at Okmulgee in 1959. He moved to Ponca City and began employment in the Conoco engineering department in July 1959.

On Nov. 23, 1960, he married Jean Ann Kinney of Ponca City and they were the parents of two children, Rebecca Leigh and John Milton Pickard.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-65, aboard the USS Ranger, offshore in Vietnam. He was released from active duty to the U.S. Naval Reserves, where he served until 1969, when he received an honorable discharge.

While working at Conoco, Paul was employed in many positions which enabled him to travel around the world. He retired from Conoco as Chief of Engineering Records in 1996, after 37 years of employment.

Paul was a past member of the Huff-Minor Post 14. He was one of the first Vietnam veterans in the State of Oklahoma to join the American Legion. He held several offices in the local post and at district level, the last being vice-commander of American Legion, District 8. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and traveling. He was an avid sports fan, especially for OSU.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann, of the home; daughter, Rebecca Leigh Miller and husband Ray, of Ponca City; son, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Milton Pickard and wife, Chasity, at Camp LeJeune, N.C.; mother, Irene Newman Packard of Okmulgee; mother-in-law, Marguerite Kinney of Ponca City and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, John Paul Pickard, two grandfathers, G.H. Pickard and L.V. Newman Sr., all of Okmulgee and his father-in-law, M.G. Kinney of Ponca City.

Casket bearers will be Hal Johnson, Roger Allen, Bob Prescott, Phil Morris, Leon Grace and John Mounts. Honorary bearers will be Herb Cable, Clarence Parker, Ernie Taber, Fred Haub, Nick Nickolas, Leland Smith, Orrin Knedler, Dean Horner and Guy Warren.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Joseph Medical Equipment of Ponca City, 425 Fairview, No. 2, Ponca City, OK 74601; American Lung Association, 2442 North Walnut, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103 , Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at the home.

paid obituary

Charles F. Patten

Charles F. Patten, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 1998 at his home. He was 65 years of age.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey, pastor and the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Charles Patten was born Jan. 20, 1933, in Ponca City the son of James R. and Vola (Sargent) Patten. He grew up in Ponca City and attended the Ponca City schools graduating from Ponca City High School. He attended Oklahoma A&M for three years.

Charles married Shirley Bain on Nov. 21, 1958, in Ponca City at her parents home. The couple made their home in Ponca City. Mr. Patten was employed by Conoco as a typewriter and calculator serviceman for 25 years. He retired on May 1, 1985. A member of the First Christian Church he enjoyed fishing, camping, growing roses and most of all, being with his friends.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley, of the home; one brother, James R. Patten Jr., of Bonham, Texas; two nieces, of the Oklahoma City area; one great-nephew; one great-niece and a large Bain family that claim him as their own. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Evelyn Marie Patten, and one brother, William Don Patten.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Feast, c/o First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601, or a charity of donor’s choice.

The family will be at the home, 300 North Twelfth Street.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

-Legion Auxiliary to Meet — The American Legion Auxiliary will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Legion Hut on South Avenue for a regular meeting. Betty Brown, Auxiliary president, urges all members to be present.

Washington School Carnival, Friday, October 9, 5 p.m. Moon-

walk, cycles, games, DJ, food, silent auction. adv.

Do You Know CPR? — Free one time per month classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation given by the Ponca City Fire Department training center. Adult Heartsaver Class will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium Sunshine Room (south side). All classes are conducted according to the American Heart Association standards. For additional information call 765-3178.

Stolen Vehicle — At 7:31 a.m. Monday a woman in the 400 block of South Franklin Street reported the theft of her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Vehicle Vandalism — Police were advised of vandalism to a vehicle at the Transmission Center, 423 South Pine Street, at 8:23 a.m. Monday. A report was taken.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes, shoes and purses except

priced items. Check our Daily Specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe,

First and Central. adv.

Assault — A woman in the 300 block of South Lake Street advised police at 4:51 p.m. Monday that her 11-year-old daughter had been assaulted by a 15-year-old girl.

Stolen Bike — A woman in the 200 block of South Elm Street called police at 5:25 p.m. Monday reporting a stolen bike. A report was taken.

Arrest — Police arrested a 25-year-old woman at 8:27 p.m. Monday from North First Street and Hazel Avenue for driving under suspension and giving false information to an officer.

Arrest — A 37-year-old man was arrested at 9:15 a.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to appear

Salad Luncheon Set — The Annual Fall Salad Luncheon and Bake Sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Luncheon tickets are available at the door, $4 for adults and $2 for children. The public is invited.

Simply Massage, Therapist Linda or Lisa Spore, (580)362-3850 or

pager 1-800-256-1990 ID#3231. adv.

Vehicle Vandalism — A woman in the 2200 block of Canary Place notified police at 11:09 a.m. Monday of vandalism to her vehicle. An officer was assigned.

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.

Accident — An accident in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 12:52 p.m. Monday.

Arrest — Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 3:49 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for driving under suspension.

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

4348. adv.

Vehicle Vandalism — A woman advised police at 4:04 p.m. Monday that her vehicle in the 400 block of North Osage Street had been vandalized. A report was taken.

Alabama: For The Record Concert. Live on Pay Per View. Saturday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. A great night at home with Alabama, $19.95. For advance ordering

call Cable ONE, 762-6684. adv.

Break-In — At 4:22 p.m. Monday a woman in the 1000 block of North Oak Street called police reporting that a neighbor had broken into her shed. An officer was assigned.

Loud Music — Police responded to a call of loud music coming from vehicle in the 300 block of South Lincoln Street at 4:07 a.m. Tuesday.

LIFESTYLES

Bliss Homemakers Hear October Community Plans; Elect Officers
Little News
OSU Programs Promotes Healthy Families

Bliss Homemakers Hear October Community Plans; Elect Officers

Burdettya Linn, president, presided at the Bliss Homemakers FCE meeting Sept. 23 at the Marland Methodist - Christian Church. She then turned the meeting over to Linda Short, vice president, who was in charge of the programs for the evening.

Ms. Short introduced Mickey Robinson and Jennifer Buxton. Robinson is the Fire Chief for the Marland Volunteer Fire Department. He spoke about National Fire Prevention week, Oct. 4 - 10. He gave a brief list of the Marland Volunteer equipment and told the group to call 911 and ask for Marland Volunteer fire department to be dispatched in case of a fire.

Jennifer Buxton, member of the Frontier FFA told about the “Great Escape” plan. The event, the first-ever North American Fire Drill, will be implemented by the Marland and Red Rock Volunteer Fire Departments, Frontier Community Education and Frontier School, with help from Allstate Insurance and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.

She said the “Great Escape” is a fun activity in which entire families can participate during Fire Prevention week, but could also save a life in the community. A nationwide “Great Escape” is planned for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Fire alarms will sound all over the United States. Families from the Frontier School District, along with others, will practice escaping their homes and meeting at a designated place outside.

Brenda Kodesh

In keeping with the September lesson on breads and cereals, Linda introduced prize winning bread baker, Brenda Kodesh. Brenda exhibited the Reserve Champion wheat bread and was overall Sweepstakes winner in the Wheat Heart contest at the Noble County Fair, Sept. 15-18 in Perry. An eight year member of the Frontier 4-H club, Brenda shared information on “Breads in the Food Pyramid,” and copies of several of her prize winning recipes. She had also baked miniature loaves of bread, which she gave each member.

Maxine Tautfest gave the devotional for the evening. Linda Short distributed handouts from the August lesson. Fourteen members answered roll call with new foods from the Bread and Cereal group that they liked to serve.

Arleta Pulliam, treasurer, read the minutes from the previous meeting in the absence of the secretary, Pat Sikes, and reported the August and September balances.

The annual Christmas dinner and party was discussed. Dec. 2 was approved for the date and several members were going to check various locations for the dinner and report back at the October meeting.

Myriah Johnson, Perry, was winner of the tree given away by Bliss Homemakers at their environmental educational booth during the recent Noble County fair.

Correspondence was read from the State Environmental leader. Notes were read from Catherine Robinson, Noble County FCE president, and from DeeDee Pulliam Carlile for the golden book given to Allie, her daughter. There were several new babies in the community to which books were sent to their families: John and Joy Regnier, Velda Rocha, and Brian and Kerri Feaster Otto.

Patsy Smithheisler reported on a session she had attended at the state convention. She said for free guide information to vacationing in Oklahoma, call 1-800-841-OKLA. She noted that Bliss Homemakers had received first place on their environmental poster at the state convention.

Grand Champion

Catherine Robinson, Noble County FCE president, thanked the group for their willing participation at the FCE food concession at the Noble County Fair. A discussion was held on various ways to make improvements for next year. It was noted that Bliss Homemakers had received the Grand Champion ribbon for their booth at the county fair.

Announcement was made of all the October activities such as Oct. 4 -10, National 4-H week and National Fire Prevention Week. National FCE week is being celebrated Oct. 11-17 and Red Ribbon week will be Oct. 23 - 31. It was noted that the National Arbor Day foundation would give 10 trees for a $10 membership. Members chose days they would provide “goodies” to Bliss Coop and Frontier Feed during National FCE week.

Bliss Homemakers will host the Oct. 14 County Council meeting. Catherine Robinson, Burdettya Linn and Vicki Oltmann will handle getting the table settings, bread and butter. Rookie, Member and Heart of FCE candidates were chosen to represent Bliss Homemakers at the Noble County Council meeting in December.

Elected as officers for 1999 were President - Soni Kodesh; Vice President - Linda Short; Secretary - Burdettya Linn; Treasurer - Arleta Pulliam; Devotional

Little News

Stella Scott Frisby is the name chosen by Aaron and Kira Frisby for their first child, a daughter, born Sept. 22, 1998 at Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 7-pounds, 6-ounces and measured 19 1/2-inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are Scott and Karen Dean of Stillwater. Maternal great-grandparents are Mrs. Julia Koener of Stillwater and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dean of Lawrence, Kan. Mrs. Julia Knight of Durant is the maternal great-great-grandmother.

Paternal grandparents are Clyde and Nadine Frisby of Ponca City. Paternal great-grandparents are Mrs. Jenna V. Cargill of Ponca City and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Frisby of Shawnee.

Richard and Kelly Johnson of Arkansas City, Kan. announce the birth of a son, Quinn Carver, on Sept. 14, 1998 at William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield, Kan. He weighed 8-pounds, 3 1/2-ounces and measured 19-inches. He has a sister, Charlie. Grandparents are Charles and Carol Carver of Fairfax and LaVerna Johnson of Oklahoma City.

Melanie Williams.

OSU Programs Promotes Healthy Families

STILLWATER — Oklahomans who are looking for healthy families, healthy babies and healthy communities need only look at Oklahoma State University’s Cooperative Extension Service.

For three years a program called Healthy Families Oklahoma (HFO) has been providing soon-to-be parents and new parents with a wealth of information about positive ways to meet the needs of their new babies as well as their own new needs. The primary focus of HFO is to teach problem-solving skills, encourage positive parent-child interactions and promote healthy childhood growth and development.

Currently, HFO is found in 10 counties, including Alfalfa, Beaver, Canadian, Delaware, Johnston, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Pottawatomie and Lincoln. Other agencies throughout the state, including some county Health Departments, also offer HFO programming.

BUSINESS

Right of Way Progress Slow For U.S. 177
Unemployment Rate Still High For Kay County
Po-Hi Graduate Named Fellow With AAFP

Right of Way Progress Slow For U.S. 177

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

The wheels of progress have been grinding slowing on progress for acquiring the remaining right-of-way along the uncompleted stretch of U.S. 177 south of Ponca City, according to an update given to Rep. Jim Newport from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

According to the letter signed by Morris R. Bell, chief of the Legal and Business Services Division, “The escheat of fractionalized allotted Indian land to the Tribes has been held unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court.

“However, the (Ponca) Tribe and the BIA have claimed that those properties that they have already escheated (probated) to the Tribe before the Supreme Court ruling still belongs to the Tribe. Our argument is that if the law is unconstitutional, the escheat does not transfer any interest in the allotted land to the Tribe.”

The letter states further that “both ODOT and the BIA, through the U.S. Attorney’s office, have briefed this issue before the Court and are now waiting on the individual allottees to do so if they desire. It is likely that we will get a decision sometimes toward the end of the year.”

The letter said that it is highly probably that any decision made will be appealed.

There are also highway projects in Canadian and Comanche counties that are being held up pending the out come of the Court’s decision the escheat question.

Unemployment Rate Still High For Kay County

The August unemployment rate for Kay County, according to preliminary figures of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, is well above the state average. Kay County’s rate was listed at 6.7 percent, while the state average was listed at 3.9 percent.

The state average dropped from 4.3 percent in July and Kay County dropped from 7 percent. However the unemployed figure for the same time frame in 1997 shows an increase of seven-tenths of a percent.

Grant County shows 2.1 percent unemployment, down slightly from 2.3 in July, and down from last year’s 3.3 percent. Payne County’s unemployment rate is lower yet with 1.7 percent in both August and July and down only one-tenth of a percent from 1997.

Pawnee comes in with 4.7 percent unemployment compared with 4.3 percent in July and 5.9 percent in 1997. Noble County lists 2.9 percent compared to 2.7 percent in July and 3.2 percent a year ago. Osage County lists only 2.9 percent, compared to 2.7 in July and 3.5 percent.

Where Are They Now

Po-Hi Graduate Named Fellow With AAFP

A 1979 Ponca City High School graduate Dr. Craig Edward Rice of Norman, has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the national medical association representing 85,000 family physicians, residents in family practice and medical students.

The degree was awarded to about 1,000 family physicians on Sept. 18 in conjunction with the AAFP’s 50th Annual Scientific Assembly in San Francisco.

Established in 1971, the AAFP degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues and in their communities through service to family medicine and professional development.

SPORTS

Big 12 Saturday Worth Watching

Big 12 Saturday Worth Watching

By JAIME ARON

AP Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) — When the Big 12 first published its 1998 football schedule, two dates were circled in thick red ink: Oct. 10 and Nov. 14.

In just four days, that first magical Saturday will arrive with a menu of games worth watching from start to finish.

Want a meeting of Top 25 teams who happened to have played for the Big 12 title last year? Check out No. 2 Nebraska traveling to College Station, Texas, to play No. 18 Texas A&M.

Want another meeting of top 25 teams who happen to be leading the Big 12 North Division? Check out No. 5 Kansas State going into the Rocky Mountains to play No. 14 Colorado.

Want a traditional rivalry? Check out Texas vs. Oklahoma.

One other game that has snuck up as a good one is Oklahoma State, which nearly upset Nebraska last weekend, going to Lubbock, Texas, to try giving Texas Tech its first loss of the year. The Red Raiders are undefeated but also unranked and could use a victory over a quality opponent to vault into the Top 25.

There are probably some compelling storylines behind Missouri-Iowa State and Kansas-Baylor, but this week they’re no match for the other games.

While A&M coach R.C. Slocum was glad to see that Nebraska may be vulnerable, he doesn’t plan to have his defense mimic what Oklahoma State did in its 24-17 loss.

‘‘I didn’t see anything revolutionary about what Oklahoma State did,’’ Slocum said during Monday’s conference call between league coaches and reporters. ‘‘We’ll use our scheme and hope we can get our players to play hard and hope we have a lot of success.

‘‘Nebraska will go back and go to work. I’m sure we’ll get their best shot this weekend.’’

Cornhuskers coach Frank Solich promised they would.

‘‘We’ll continue to try mixing some things up to get our running game hitting on more cylinders than in the last ballgame,’’ he said.

Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said the Wildcats ‘‘made a dent in repairing’’ some of their flaws during their off week, but Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel is probably wondering what those flaws are.

‘‘Kansas State is as good a team as I’ve seen on tape in a long time,’’ Neuheisel said. ‘‘We’re going to have to play our best game to hang in with them.

‘‘Hopefully the altitude will slow them down some.’’

ABC has decided the UT-OU game isn’t what it used to be and won’t be showing it to a national audience.

‘‘I know it’s important in Austin, Texas, and everywhere in this state,’’ new Longhorns coach Mack Brown said.

Said Oklahoma coach John Blake: ‘‘It’s always going to be big.’’

EXTRA POINTS

Kansas coach Terry Allen isn’t happy about his team’s 2-3 start, especially not compared to being 4-1 at this point last season. But Allen said he is ‘‘convinced we’re better this year.’’

‘‘As a whole, it’s obviously disappointing,’’ he said. ‘‘We haven’t gained the confidence we need to get over the hump in those (close) games. Being close for young people today is good enough. It isn’t for us. It’s very frustrating.’’

When Jermaine Alfred hit Derrius Thompson in the end zone on a two-point conversion try, it appeared that Baylor had tied Texas Tech with 1:10 left.

But referee John Laurie ruled the pass incomplete because he said Alfred stepped on the sideline before he threw the ball.

After seeing replays, Bears coach Dave Roberts doesn’t want to talk about it.

‘‘We’ve taken a look at it and done what we’re supposed to do,’’ he said, refusing to explain what that is. ‘‘I can’t comment on that. I can’t comment on anything.’’

The quote of the day came from Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons, whose running back and son, Nathan, was stuffed just short of the goal line by Nebraska as time expired, sealing a 24-17 victory by the Cornhuskers.

‘‘We put ourselves in that situation to win by our effort. The bottom line is to complete that effort. We came up short. As I look at it, game management had something to do with it. That responsibility is mine.’’