LOCAL

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Event Will Feature Outstanding Entertainment
National Competition Prize Will Help P.C. Firefighters
Bartlesville Stunned by Phillips Venture
Big Sky Airlines To Serve Here
Abuse Suspected In Baby’s Plight
Nearly News
Exciting ‘Buffalo 66 To Show at Poncan
Police Arrest Scam Suspects
Historic Oklahoma Available Next Year

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Event Will Feature Outstanding Entertainment

TULSA — In addition to the six outstanding Oklahomans who will be inducted, and the six distinguished individuals who will introduce them, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will feature some outstanding entertainment.

The induction ceremony, featuring honorees W. French Anderson, M.D.; Wanda Bass; Donald L. Cooper, M.D.; Archie W. Dunham; Reba McEntire; Herman Meinders; and presenters Edward N. Brandt, M.D.; Mary Y. Frates; E. K. Gaylord II; Dr. Robert H. Schuller; Louis Jolyon West, M.D.; and Brig. Gen. Charles E. Yeager will be held at the Performing Arts Center in Tulsa on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Doris Eaton Travis and Toby Keith each will be designated an Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill during the ceremony. Travis is one of the original Ziegfield girls from the famous Ziegfield Follies. She became a Ziegfield girl at age 14, performing at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. Now 94, Travis can still wear her original costume and performs.

Country singer Toby Keith already has sung 11 top-10 hits, including seven that went to number one. Keith has written five songs that have been aired more than one million times each. His country music videos have been equally impressive. He has performed in three that went to the top of the charts and six became top-10 favorites. In addition, he has been inducted into the “Walkway of Stars” at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Both Travis and Keith will perform.

John Walls, 1996 Tulsa Sportscaster of the Year, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Currently seen on both “FOX Sports and News Tonight” and “FOX Sports News Prime Time,” Walls joined FOX Sports News from Tulsa’s KOTV-TV where he served as the station’s sports director for six years.

The Hall of Fame event again will be produced by Jimmie Baker, an Emmy-Award winning television producer from Beverly Hills, Calif. An Oklahoma native, Baker is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be video-taped for broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. on the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority.

For further information or to purchase tickets to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, call (405) 235-4458 or toll-free at (888) 501-2059.

National Competition Prize Will Help P.C. Firefighters

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

A local fire safety project has placed regionally in a national competition and the proceeds from the $2,500 prize will be donated to Ponca City Fire Prevention Advisory Council to be used towards the purchase of a fire safety house.

Earlier this year, several hundred Ponca City volunteers painted house numbers on more than 388 curbs on the west side of the city in an effort to assist emergency vehicles in identifying homes when responding to emergency calls.

The theme of the project was “We’ve Got Your Number” and it was a community effort of private citizens and businesses alike as volunteers from the Ponca City Fire Department, Boy Scouts, St. Joseph Hospital, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Ponca City Police Department, AmeriCorps Volunteers, Conoco and the Lowe’s Heroes program painted the day away to help others.

“When seconds count, if an ambulance or fire truck can locate a home more quickly due to visible house numbers on the curb, a life can be saved,” said Ron Roehl, Lowe’s Heroes’ team captain. “Hopefully, we can organize another ‘paint the town’ soon to make even more house numbers more visible.”

Although the project fell short of winning the grand prize, it was the accomplishment that mattered the most.

“This project helped a lot of Ponca City residents as well making firefighter’s jobs a little easier,” Firefighter and Fire Prevention Advisory Council Board Member David VanBuskirk said. “We were happy we placed regionally and happy for the prize money. It will be put to good use in the purchase of a fire safety house which will be a tool used to teach fire safety to our children.”

The project was a part of the Lowe’s Heroes program which was created by Lowe’s Safety Council, a non-profit organization founded by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse. It was Lowe’s that donated the paint and supplies needed for the project.

Bartlesville Stunned by Phillips Venture

Editor’s Note: Thursday’s preliminary releases concerning the Ultramar-Phillips merger, including the story used by The News, referred to the transaction as a “purchase.” The correct term for the transaction is “joint venture.” The News regrets any confusion that may have resulted from Thursday’s story.

BARTLESVILLE (AP) — Carol Ross Wofford stood at the top of Price Tower and looked out over the indelible mark Phillips Petroleum Co. has made on this small city.

‘‘Everything you see out there,’’ she said, sweeping her hand from downtown towers to sprawling facilities on the distant horizon.

Phillips touches most everything here, which is why uneasiness spread Thursday with the announcement that 500 jobs would be lost in a joint venture planned with Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corp.

‘‘I’m concerned, not about the actual effect but the mental effect on the community,’’ said Ms. Ross Wofford, executive director of the Price Tower Arts Center.

Under the deal, Ultramar and Phillips’ Bartlesville-based North American oil refining and marketing business will merge and set up operations in San Antonio.

At her gift shop just off Frank Phillips Boulevard, Frances Summers accepted a delivery of goods and admitted the joint venture ‘‘scares me to death.’’ She counts on Phillips and its visitors for business.

‘‘I guess what I worry about is that it will go completely away,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re a small town. San Antonio is not.’’

At City Hall, City Manager Richard Gertson met with the city’s finance expert and predicted the move would throw a ‘‘glitch’’ into consumer spending. ‘‘But we’re not expecting anything calamitous,’’ he said.

Phillips workers were the ones with little to say. Employees politely shook their heads, ‘‘No,’’ when asked by a reporter if they wanted to comment on the merger.

Official word came Thursday morning via the company’s e-mail and a recorded announcement from Phillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Allen.

Ultramar will pay $800 million in the deal and own 55 percent of the combined operations, which will be called Diamond 66. Some Diamond 66 operations will remain in Bartlesville, including credit card, pipeline, lubricants, aviation and other support functions.

Phillips Petroleum Co.’s exploration and production unit, chemicals unit and gas gathering, processing and marketing units will not be affected.

Phillips expects that 500 of its 3,200 jobs in Bartlesville will be eliminated or moved to San Antonio. About 5,900 Phillips jobs are affected by the venture, leaving a worldwide workforce for Phillips Petroleum at 11,300.

Ms. Ross Wofford worried how the news might affect culture and philanthropy, in which Phillips and its employees have long had a leading role.

Every summer, Bartlesville draws renown musicians to the OK Mozart Festival in a concert hall that Phillips helped build. The city also has a ballet troupe, a symphony and a choral society.

‘‘‘This museum is very dependent on Phillips,’’ she said of the Price Tower Arts Center, which is housed in architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s tallest creation. ‘‘We have never paid a penny of rent. Phillips has allowed us to be here for 10 years.’’

Phillips recently announced it would deed the historic 19-story building to the non-profit group when private donations ensure an endowment.

United Parcel Service driver Jim LaBarr made his deliveries Thursday morning and found the merger the topic of conversation at 17 of 18 stops.

He recalled the ways Phillips’ ups and downs — through oil boom, bust and a takeover attempt — had touched the 35,000-member community. Phillips employed 9,000 local people at its peak in 1982.

‘‘I’ve been through everything Phillips has done,’’ LaBarr said. ‘‘It affects everybody.’’

Big Sky Airlines To Serve Here

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Airline service into and out of Ponca City will soon be provided by a Montana airline, replacing service now provided by the financially defunct Aspen Mountain Air.

Aspen Mountain Air (AMA), which had been subsidized by the federal government to the tune of over $6 million annually, declared bankruptcy in August 1998.

In September, the U.S. Department of Transportation received notice from the company that it was being forced to return its aircraft to various lenders and would therefore have to suspend all its airline services.

The company had provided airline service to seven cities in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

In an effort to prevent interruption of airline service, the Department of Transportation announced that Merlin Express will provide aircraft, pilots and mechanics to AMA until a permanent replacement carrier company was in place.

According to the DOT, Big Sky Airlines is based in Billings, Mon., and has 20 years of airline experience, 18 of those years in providing subsidized essential air service to seven Montana points.

Proposals for a replacement airline company came from four carriers, one as far away as Alaska.

In its decision to choose Big Sky, the DOT stated that all seven of the communities affected “expressed a preference for Big Sky generally because they prefer Big Sky’s continued service to the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and they value Big Sky’s longstanding experience in the airline business, especially its experience in the essential air service and its ability to provide joint fares and interline agreements with other carriers.”

The DOT also stated that along with the communities’ strong preference for Big Sky, the airline’s history of providing reliable essential air service for many years and its ability to begin replacement service in three weeks weighed heavily in the decision.

According to City Manager Gary Martin a meeting between Big Sky Airlines representatives and city officials has been scheduled for late next week.

Abuse Suspected In Baby’s Plight

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

A 2-month-old Ponca City baby, the apparent victim of child abuse, was air lifted to Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City late last night.

Police were alerted by hospital personnel around 10:30 p.m. of a possible child abuse case. Shortly thereafter a 31-year-old man was arrested at the home which he occupied with the baby’s mother in the 300 block of West Cleveland Avenue.

According to police, the baby was taken to the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by his mother.

He was then later transported to Oklahoma City in critical condition, where he remains in the intensive care unit.

Police are continuing the investigation.

Nearly News

NN has just learned Sunday will be great day at Community Christian — Week of the Ministry Celebration with Dr. Don Parsons and the Rev. Mac and Emma Louise McEver “coming home” to the church to celebrate. Dr. Parsons served Community Christian for 22 years and was a key in the growth and development of that congregation. The Rev. Mac McEver served as interim after Don retired and played an influential role in preparing the church for the Rev. Wayne Majors, current pastor. NN expects to hear about an historic Sunday at Community Christian following Sunday’s celebration of the ministry.

Exciting ‘Buffalo 66 To Show at Poncan

“Buffalo 66” is a “remarkable, seething, unpredictable” movie by independent filmmaker Vincent Gallo, according to ABC. The critics have set aside a special place in their reviews for this new film. ABC goes on to say that it’s “enigmatic, heartbreaking, and visually inventive,” and Gallo’s work is often compared with the giant American film-maker, John Cassavettes. “Buffalo 66” begins Saturday at the Poncan Theatre.

Christina Ricci gives an “astonishing performance” according to Roger Ebert, that has received considerable acclaim from many critics. But the heart of the film is a young man’s struggles with a young man’s life. The story is full of bold humor and family adversities that many people have experienced. “The film’s details are spot-on,” says ABC. Janet Maslin writes of the comedy in the domestic world of the film and says it’s “nightmarish in hilarious ways.” The hero is “comically desperate” from the beginning of the story, which is an attribute known to many great American film comedians from Chaplin to Woody Allen.

Anjelica Huston and Ben Gazzara play Gallo’s parents in the film. They live in Buffalo, New York, where they are addicted to television and to the only football team in the world of upstate New York, the Buffalo Bills. They have named their son after a Bill, so his name is Billy. On the way home from prison, Billy abducts a young student, played by Christina Ricci, who is taken in warmly by the family and who enjoys her new life with them. The results are hilarious and incredibly real.

Plot synopsis is misleading because “this is a film of astounding textures,” says ABC. Boxoffice Magazine says Gallo does a “handsome job of creating a world and a set of characters that feel wholly authentic.” The result is “powerful, honest, and questioning,” says ABC. It shows “absolute and uncompromised commitment” to a world that is “uncommonly real.”

“The performances are uniformly amazing,” ABC adds. And the film-making is extraordinary. Boxoffice says that “Buffalo 66” is “visually and editorially deft,” “acute in its use of real locations and dialogue,” and “attuned to the strange dynamics” of American middle class families. ABC praises Gallo’s invention of “new ways to introduce perspective and history into a movie.” Ebert says that “Buffalo 66” is “like improvisational jazz.”

The film walks “in the footsteps of a giant” says Boxoffice. “Buffalo 66” is not rated by the MPAA. For more information or showtimes, patrons should call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The Poncan is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Police Arrest Scam Suspects

Two Ponca City women have been arrested for a theft scheme that reportedly targeted the elderly.

According to police it was a citizen’s tip that lead to the arrest of a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman Thursday afternoon.

The pair would apparently knock on the door of an elderly couple’s home and claiming to have car trouble would ask to use to the telephone.

Once they were allowed inside the home, the pair would steal a purse or other items of value without the unsuspecting residences knowledge.

The suspects are currently in the Ponca City jail and will be transported to Kay County later today to await a court hearing.

“We were glad to have this case cleared so quickly, especially since they preyed on the kindness of our citizens,” Police Chief Raymond Ham said.

Historic Oklahoma Available Next Year

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Heritage Association, in conjunction with Historical Publishing Network, is publishing “Historic Oklahoma: An Illustrated History.” This coffee-table size book is divided into two sections. The main section of the book is the historical manuscript, while the Sharing the Heritage section consists of business histories and profiles of some of Oklahoma’s most respected companies, organizations, and communities.

The historical manuscript covers pre-history through the 20th century. This heavily illustrated history book, in both black and white and color, is approximately 300 pages in length. The book will be available to the public next year.

The foreword for “Historic Oklahoma” has been written by former United States Senator David Boren. Boren now serves as President of the University of Oklahoma.

When Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin heard of the book she said “Oklahoma has much to offer — from our great scenic vistas, our warm and friendly people, to a wonderful place to work and raise a family. This story will be a marvelous opportunity to showcase with great pride what we all know to be true, ‘Your doin’ fine Oklahoma . . . !’”

The Oklahoma Heritage Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Oklahoma’s rich heritage. The organization sponsors numerous educational programs, giving more than $60,000 in scholarships this year alone, publishes books and magazines, and operates the Oklahoma Heritage Center in Oklahoma City.

Authors Paul F. Lambert, Kenny A. Franks, and Bob Burke are all native Oklahomans. Lambert has been executive director of the Oklahoma Heritage Association since 1973 and Franks serves as director of education for the association. Burke is a practicing attorney in Oklahoma City. Collectively, this trio has published more than 100 books and articles on Oklahoma history.

For additional information contact the Oklahoma Heritage Association at (405) 235-4458, or toll-free at (888) 501-2059.

DEATHS

Jan R. Cude
Helen Dolores Doepel
Eulis Harold Hill

Jan R. Cude

BLACKWELL — Jan R. Cude, Blackwell resident, died unexpectedly of a heart attack, Wednesday, Oct. 7. 1998, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 25.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Mo., with Jay St. Clair, pastor of College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, Mo., officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence. Friends may visit at the Potts Chapel until 8 p.m. Friday and after 8 a.m. Saturday.

Jan R. (Sherrod) Cude was born June 25, 1973, in Joplin, Mo., the daughter of James Eugene and Lutishey Gayle (Nichols) Sherrod. She grew up and attended school in Riverton, Kan., where she graduated from high school in 1990. She attended Cowley County Community College and Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, graduating with an associate degree in horticulture. She later earned her Emergency First Responder Certification and APCO Dispatch Certificate from Independence (Kan.) Community College. Mrs. Cude was a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of America and active Cub Scout leader. She was also a member of the Montgomery County Rural Fire Department.

She was married to Jim Cude Jr. on June 11, 1993 in Independence, Kan., and the couple recently moved to Blackwell to attend school.

Survivors include her husband Jim Cude, of the Blackwell home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Sherrod of Blackwell; two brothers, Jon Sherrod of Columbus, Kan., and Jay Sherrod of Rushville, Mo.; one sister, Joy Phelps of Tonkawa; her grandmother, Margery Pendegraph of Watts, her father-in-law; and other family members.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Cude’s name to the American Heart Association, c/o Potts Chapel, Independence, KS 67301.

Helen Dolores Doepel

NEWKIRK — Helen Dolores Doepel, former Newkirk resident, died Wednesday night, Oct. 7, 1998, at the Quail Creek Nursing Center in Oklahoma City. She was 91.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Newkirk Cemetery with Dr. William R. Chace, minister of Newkirk First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.

Helen Dolores (Jones) Doepel was born Oct. 12, 1906, on the family farm near Newkirk. She was the daughter of Wilmot and Ada (Jay) Jones, pioneer settlers of Kay County. She attended Stoney Point Rural School, Newkirk Grade School, and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1923. She attended Oklahoma A&M at Stillwater for a year, then taught at Newkirk Grade School for six years. She later moved to Ponca City and Oklahoma City, working for various businesses in both locations.

On Oct. 1, 1945, she was married to Ted O. Doepel in Norman. The couple established their home in Oklahoma City, where she resided until her death. Mrs. Doepel loved children and after her husband’s death in 1967, cared for school aged children for working mothers. Mrs. Doepel was a member of the Newkirk First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two brothers, Raymond Jones and Ted Jones, both of Arkansas City, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold, Claude and Loyal Jones.

Obituaries

Eulis Harold Hill

EDMOND — Dr. Eulis Harold Hill, retired regional minister of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who had also served as interim minister of Ponca City First Christian Church died Thursday, Oct. 8, 1998, in Edmond. He was 88.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the sanctuary at First Christian Church of Edmond. Burial will be in the Carnegie (Okla.) Cemetery at 4 p.m. under the direction of Baggerly Funeral Home, Edmond.

Dr. Eulis Harold Hill was born Aug. 12, 1910, in Gotebo to Ballard Franklin and Achsah (Cummings) Hill. He graduated from Carnegie (Okla.) High School.

In 1930 he married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Elizabeth Woolf and in 1936, the two enrolled as freshmen at Texas Christian University, where they both earned their BA degrees. Eulis went on to complete a BD degree at Brite College of the Bible (now Brite Divinity School) in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1954 he was honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from TCU.

An ordained minister for 66 years, Dr. Hill served pastorates in Beaver, Okla.; Spearman, Palmer, Archer City, Cleburne and Marfa, Texas; Fresno, Calif.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Omaha, Neb. He then served as regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. He and his wife had also served as short-term missionaries in Asuncion, Paraguay. After his retirement, Dr. Hill served as interim minister to churches in Ponca City and Shawnee in Oklahoma; Hattiesburg, Miss.; and Monroe, La.

He was preceded in death by Elsie Hill, his wife of 63 years in 1993. He then married Louise S. Hillman and she preceded him in death on Oct. 2, 1998.

Dr. Hill will be remembered for his dedication and devotion to the church, his family and his friends. He was a voracious reader, thoughtful writer, an avid fisherman and hunter and a great sports fan.

Dr. Hill is survived by his daughter and her husband, Barbara and Joe Enochs of Fort Worth, Texas; two sons and their wives, Keith and Mary Hill of Kent, Wash., and Paul and Susan Hill of Ponca City; grandchildren, Beth Enochs and her husband, Paul Tullis of Fort Worth, Texas, Gregory Hill and his wife, Kelsey of Parker, Colo., and Eulis H. Hill II and Hunter Hill both of Friendswood, Texas; his sister, Ruth Marie Beverley of Boyce, La.; a brother-in-law, Mead P. Young of Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and congregants whose lives he touched as he pastored his churches — performing marriages, baptisms and memorial services celebrating the lives of members of his congregations everywhere.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Hill’s name to The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 301 N.W. 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, or to the Oklahoma Christian Home, 906 North Blvd, Edmond, OK 73034.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

October Bingo — October’s PCSEA bingo will be Saturday in the Conoco atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with bingo beginning at 7 p.m. October’s theme is “Confucius’ Birthday.”

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.

Vehicle Damage — A man in the 2100 block of North Ash Street called police at 12:44 p.m. Thursday reporting damage to a vehicle. An officer was assigned.

Caught Animal — At 8:13 a.m. Thursday a woman in the 1100 block of North Pine Street notified police of a raccoon caught in a utility line.

VFW Aux. 1201 will hold their annual cancer benefit show Saturday Oct. 10 9-4 in the main hall at the post home. Food booth open all day. No admission fee

for more info. Call 765-8924 adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 30-year-old man from the 2500 block of North Ash Street at 8:46 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Bogus Check — At 9:10 a.m. Thursday a report of a bogus check was taken in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old woman at 9:11 a.m. Thursday from the 900 block of East Grand Avenue on Kay County warrants.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 1:08 p.m. Thursday from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street on three Kay County warrants for failure to pay.

Legion Pancake Feed Set — The American Legion will sponsor a Pancake Feed on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. at the Legion Hut, 407 West South Avenue, featuring sausage, pancakes and drinks. All donations will go to their Veterans Day Parade.

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 — A 22-year-old man was arrested from the 900 block of North Third Street at 10:04 a.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $11.95, Friday, Oct. 9. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Stolen Ring — A man in the 200 block of South Perry called police at 10:16 a.m. Thursday reporting the theft of a ring. An officer was assigned.

R&G Style Shop Specials. Dresses, Coats, Dress Suites and

Shoes 25% off. Now through Monday the 12th. adv.

Juveniles Cited — Police cited several juveniles at 3:11 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a group of juveniles fighting in the 300 block of East Grand Avenue.

Copper Pumpkin from Small to Grand size. Fall arrangements,

artificial pumpkins and veggies, Scarecrows, and candle sticks !

Let Susan refresh your fall wreaths and arrangements. Layaway for Christmas. Christy’s,3005 N. 14th. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — Police arrested a 14-year-old boy from the Mid-High School at 10:30 a.m. Thursday for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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.

Arrests — A 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman were arrested at 5:06 p.m. Thursday from the 2700 block of North Fourteenth Street on three counts of grand larceny.

Rummage Sale — The Asbury United Methodist Church will be holding a rummage sale Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church, 700 West Liberty Street.

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

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

Injury Accident — One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 12:44 p.m. Thursday after sustaining injuries in a roll-over accident five miles east of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11.

Elks Lodge German meals. Every Wednesday night. Call for

reservations 765-4045. Saturday Football in lounge. OU vs Texas

11:30. Open to public. adv.

Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 700 block of North Osage Street was reported to police at 12:56 p.m. Thursday.

Darts Tournament Saturday, October 10, 3:30 p.m., $5 entry.

Blue Lite Lounge, 217 South Second. Total payout plus. adv.

Arrest — A 29-year-old man was arrested at 1:41 p.m. Thursday on a city warrant for failure to appear.

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.

Arrest — At 3:42 p.m. Thursday a 23-year-old man was arrested at the police station after he turned himself into police for a city warrant for failure to appear.

New Shipment of lamps including buffet height, with leather

shades, Toffee and French Vanilla are new Cappuccino served in our Corner Tea Room. Layaway now for Christmas. Christy's, 3005 N. 14th. adv.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 4:40 p.m. Thursday a man in the 300 block of North First Street called police to report vandalism of a vehicle. An officer was assigned.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 38-year-old man at 7:24 p.m. Thursday from the 900 block of North Osage Street for driving under the influence.

Hit and Run — At 8:25 p.m. Thursday a hit-and-run accident was reported in the 2000 block of Lemon Tree Lane. An officer was assigned.

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

Beef Brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215

South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Arrests — A 38-year-old man was arrested at 12:43 a.m. Friday from Fourteenth Street and Madison Avenue for no seat belt and public intoxication and a 21-year-old woman was arrested for driving under the influence, driving under restriction, no insurance, no seat belt, transporting an open container and left of center.

Head Country Saturday Night Special­ All you can eat beef

brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217

East Prospect. adv.

Arrest — At 4:37 a.m. Friday a 23-year-old man was arrested from South Avenue and Waverly Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Larceny — At 9:28 a.m. Thursday police took a petit larceny report from Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center, 415 East Grand Avenue.

Assault — At 11:29 a.m. Thursday police were advised of an assault that occurred in the alley in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue. A report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Happy Hilltop Club Meets for Dinner
Mother’s Club Unit II Meets

Happy Hilltop Club Meets for Dinner

On Sept. 26 members of the Happy Hilltop Club met at the home of Irene and Floyd Harden for a hamburger fry and a covered dish meal. Spouses of members were guests. Serving as chefs for the occasion were Floyd Harden and Marian Van Hoesen.

During the business meeting roll call was answered by giving the name of the dish brought for the meal by each person. Peggy Preston was a guest and poems were read for devotions. Members voted to send a gift certificate to a person whose home had been destroyed by fire. Tooth Fairy pillows were taken to the Kaw City schools by a club member and Frances Basham gave the health tip. Chris Orr will host the October meeting of the group.

Mother’s Club Unit II Meets

Unit II of the Ponca City Mother’s Club met in the home of Lana Jones Oct. 2 with Ruthellen Summers and Lorene Stalcup as co-hostesses. Sandy Bishop, president, led the group in repeating the Collect and Martha Stover gave the treasurer’s report.

The program was a book review of “At Home in Metford” given by Norma Casad. Seventeen members discussed changes in the meeting times and decided to continue bringing paper goods to the meetings.

Next month’s meeting will include a field trip to the candle factory in Bartlesville. Members were reminded of the ornament exchange for the December meeting and to bring hats and gloves for the Salvation Army project.

EDUCATION

Diploma or GED? New Study Says Diploma’s Worth More
Enrichment Day Set At Mid-High Oct. 14
Union Carnival
Parenting Workshop
Title IX Meeting
Richardson To Teach

Diploma or GED? New Study Says Diploma’s Worth More

(NAPS) — If you know a high school student who is thinking of dropping out of school, this new from the Department of Education might be worth reading:

A new study by analysts in the U.S. Department of Education shows that while GEDs do better than dropouts, they do not do as well as high school graduates. A GED is a General Educational Development certification. It is a high school equivalency that dropouts can get by passing a test.

The study shows that GED recipients are much more likely to attend college than dropouts, are more likely to be employed full-time, and tend to earn more.

However, the study noted that GED recipients generally do not do as well as high school graduates in 2-year or 4-year colleges, in the labor market, or in the military. While they are roughly equivalent to high school graduates in their basic thinking skills, they are not equivalent in many other respects. They are less likely to go to college and less likely to finish if they do (though they earn about the same grades).

In the labor market, GED recipients are less likely to be employed, spend less time working, earn less, and have more job turnover than high school graduates. In the armed services, GEDs had higher attrition rates than high school graduates until the military restricted GED enlistments.

The message: high school students thinking of dropping out should try to get a regular diploma, if at all possible. For those who do drop out, the GED tests provide a way to get additional education, but more attention should be given to increasing their persistence in college. In addition to the GED-college route, educators should consider developing other ways for dropouts to acquire more education, such as high school completion programs.

For a copy of the study, call 1-800-424-1616.

Enrichment Day Set At Mid-High Oct. 14

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Ponca City Mid-High will be engaging in a school-wide enrichment activity. The morning will begin as usual but with an extended sustained silent reading time until 8:30 a.m. At that time all the first hour teachers will be informing individual students of the location for their particular enrichment activity.

At 8:40 a.m. the students will proceed to the enrichment activity for which they are enrolled. The actual enrichment classes will begin at 8:45 a.m. and continue until 11:19 a.m. Some of the enrichment classes will take place on location at Pioneer Technology Center. Classes will resume to the normal schedule at that time beginning with the fourth hour and lunch periods.

Many interesting topics and subjects are being offered to the students. Among them are a ropes course, babysitting, photography, cooking, driving safety, welding, automotive care and many others.

Community leaders and business personnel will be involved in presenting informative demonstrations and discussions pertaining to their areas of expertise.

School News

Union Carnival

The Union PTA will be holding a carnival tonight from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the playground area. The public is invited to attend.

Parenting Workshop

Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor, will be presenting a workshop on Oct. 15 on improving parent/teen communication. The workshop will be held at the Family Resource Center, 700 West. Broadway, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments and child care will be available.

Title IX Meeting

The Title IX Indian Education Program of Ponca City Schools will have the annual community-wide meeting Oct. 19 at the Middle School cafeteria from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All interested parents and legal guardians of Native American students enrolled in school are invited to attend.

Richardson To Teach

Stacy Richardson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Richardson of Ponca City and early childhood education major at the University of Central Oklahoma, is student teaching this fall at Deer Creek Elementary School in Edmond.

RELIGION

First Lutheran Announces Services
Evangelist Bill Ford is Coming To Foursquare Gospel Sunday
Ponca Indian Baptists Holding Fall Revival
Will You Be a CROP Walker or Sponsor?
Asbury United Methodist Women Plan Event
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
First UMW Plans October Meeting
Neighborhood Basketball Tournament Set
Special Women’s Retreat Set for Oct. 16-17 in Oklahoma City
Lutheran Women Hosting Zone Fall Rally
Week of Ministry Set at Woodlands Christian
Weekly Wednesday Windows Set at St. Paul’s UMC
First Methodists Plan Celebration of Children

First Lutheran Announces Services

The theme of the services at First Lutheran Church at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 will be “True Riches with God.” We say “you can’t take it with you, but we still spend a great deal of our time and energy dealing with money and earthly possessions. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus shows us that there is a treasure greater than money and riches. God provides this treasure in Christ, and we daily fight to keep earthly things in their proper perspective. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon “Seeking and Fleeing” shows that daily struggle.

A special aspect of the service is the singing of the Psalm of the Day. The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “For the Fruits of His Creation.” Also during the early service Stan Hoffmeyer will be installed as Director of Music Ministries for the congregation. Although he has held this position on a part-time basis for over 36 years, the congregation has chosen to extend a Divine Call to him in order to further expand the music ministry of the church.

First Lutheran is planning for its first Bible Bee to be held in the school gym on Oct. 25 at 12 noon. There will be a potluck dinner followed by the Bee. There will be prizes given for those who have memorized the most Bible verses in the past two months.

First Lutheran invites anyone in the area to join them in worship. The church is located at North Fourth and Liberty Avenue.

Evangelist Bill Ford is Coming To Foursquare Gospel Sunday

Evangelist Bill Ford is coming to Foursquare Gospel Church in Lincoln Center — Sunday, Oct. 11 at 10:30 and 6 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., according to the Rev. Blaine Herron, pastor.

The working of the Holy Spirit is the key to the success of Ford’s ministry, Herron pointed out. The mighty presence of God is witnessed in each service with many people being ministered to through the gifts of the Spirit.

A strong message from the Word of God is ministered to the people as Bill Ford ministers, Herron pointed out. God has given him much insight into the practicality of how to walk in the Spirit and a Spirit-filled life. The Holy Spirit is given to each believer to teach and guide them in their walk of faith, and Bill brings out how we can submit ourselves to the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit and allow him to lead us into the individual calling that is upon each one of us.

For genuine, fresh revelation, mixed with the tangible demonstration of God’s power, Pastor Herron invites the public to come experience the anointing that flows though Bill Ford.

Ponca Indian Baptists Holding Fall Revival

The Ponca Indian Baptist Church will hold its annual Fall Revival beginning Oct. 12 through 16 starting at7:30 each evening. The evangelist will be Richard Pickup.

Bro. Richard is well known among the Native American population throughout the United States. He is a full blood Cherokee from the Tahlequah area. The Music Director will be Jimmy Anderson. Bro. Jimmy is retired from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. He has started churches throughout the United States, including Alaska. I November, Bro. Jimmy will be leading a Mission Team to Australia.

Pianist for the meeting will be Ruth Hendricks. Sister Ruth is the wife of Clyde Hendricks who is the pastor of Faith Baptist church in Tonkawa. Her piano music is considered a real blessing to any service.

The choir from St. John Baptist in Ponca City will bring some special music on Monday night and the Oceola Trio will bring special music on Friday night. Hymns composed in the Ponca Indian language will be sung each night of the revival.

Everyone is welcome. Don’t let the church’s name top you from coming — our doors are open to everyone.

The church is located from U.S. 60/177 intersection, three miles south on 177, then east 1/2 mile.

Church Briefs

Will You Be a CROP Walker or Sponsor?

The annual Ponca City CROP Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11 in Ponca City and around the world. Started by a group of wheat farmers responding to the hunger and devastation of world war, money collected through CROP Walks still fund emergency relief programs, but there is a great emphasis on agricultural development projects.

By sponsoring a CROP Walker or becoming a walker who recruits sponsors, you help the people “Christ came to serve” by providing emergency food or long-term self-help agricultural projects. You also benefit Ponca City’s own Friendship Feast since 25 percent of funds remain in CROP Walk communities.

The six-mile walk begins at 2:30 Sunday with a brief commissioning service of music and prayer at First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth. There is also a shorter mini-walk for children and others who do not want to walk the longer course. Both courses have refreshment stations.

Asbury United Methodist Women Plan Event

The Asbury United Methodist Women will hold a Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8:30 to 1:30, at Asbury United Methodist church, 700 West Liberty n Ponca City.

Proceeds of the sale will go to Missions, according to Audrey Jones, President of the organization.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites you to share God’s Word with them every week — Sunday Bible classes at 9:30 a.m., worship at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. There are classes for all age levels — nursery through adult.

What God Has Promised: God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our life through; God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for day, rest for labor, light for way; grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.

First UMW Plans October Meeting

The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church will hold its monthly meeting next Thursday, Oct. 15, in Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m. Pam Oster will review the book study that has been used by some of the sub-groups, “Joshua and the Promised Land.”

Also election of 1999 Officers of the Unit will be held.

Members of the Susannah Wesley Group will be hostesses and provide devotional thoughts for the meeting.

Neighborhood Basketball Tournament Set

The Albright United Methodist parking lot will be the scene of a 3 On 3 basketball tournament for children and youth on Saturday, Oct. 31. The tournament will make use of the church’s new basketball goals on the north parking lot, and will be targeted for children and youth of the church neighborhood.

Supervision of the event will be by the Ponca City Police Department, directed by the staff of the Westside Community Police Office. Refreshment stands, information booths, and other additional support is planned.

Special Women’s Retreat Set for Oct. 16-17 in Oklahoma City

A women’s retreat in Oklahoma City is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17. A major focus of the time together is to attend a day-long ecumenical women’s fair on Saturday called “Women’s Bold Journeys: From Weavings to Websites.”

Dr. Maya Angelou will be the keynote speaker. The group will travel together to Oklahoma City from First Christian Church, departing at 5:15 p.m. on Friday and returning late Saturday afternoon.

Lutheran Women Hosting Zone Fall Rally

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of First Lutheran Church will host the Zone Fall Rally on Saturday, Oct. 10. Attending will be LWML’ers from Newkirk, Blackwell, Stillwater, Perry, Cushing, Guthrie and Ponca City. Registration and fellowship begin at 8:30 a.m.

First Lutheran LWML’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at First Lutheran Church. All women of the congregation are invited to attend.

Week of Ministry Set at Woodlands Christian

The folks at Woodlands Christian Church will be answering the question — “Have you taken the time recently to say a word of thanks to Paul, Marilyn, or Leland?” And how about the chairmen of the various Ministry Teams of the church ... your Care Minister ... the Elders, Diaconate members .. or the youth who run the sound system on Sunday morning? All of these people, and many others give of themselves to minister to each of you. That’s what the Week of Ministry is all about.

Oct. 11 through 18 is a week set aside to celebrate the ministry in, and of, Woodlands Christian Church. Folks are being encouraged to take a minute this week to greet the ministers with a call, a card, or a kind word of appreciation ... and say a prayer of thanks for them and fellow members of the church who minister to members personally.

Weekly Wednesday Windows Set at St. Paul’s UMC

Weekly Wednesday Windows (WWW) at St. Paul’s UMC provides a meal and classes for anyone in the community. Every Wednesday beginning Oct. 21 until Dec. 16 (with Thanksgiving off) the church will offer a meal at 5:30 p.m. which costs $3 for adults, $2 for children and maximum $10 per family. After the meal at 6 p.m., a leader from Ponca City will give a presentation. Some of the leaders who will visit WWW are Jan Jarrett, Director of the Chamber of Commerce; Clayton Johnson, Assistant Chief of Police and Tom Leonard, Mayor. There are many more who will come and speak in the eight weeks.

Then at 6:30 p.m. five classes are offered: Filmnody taught by the Rev. Ed Coy Light, which is a look at Holiday films ; Internet Access taught by Patti Lundeen which gives you a basic look at the internet; Calligraphy (six weeks) taught by Sara Ladner , costing $30 to attend; Bible Study taught by the Rev. Kerney Graham which will look at the “Story of David, a man after God’s own heart” ; Questions and Answer period with the Ponca City leaders.

Pastor Light hopes you will join the Wednesday group for an exciting line-up of classes. Also, join St. Paul’s for the inexpensive meal for the family. The entire community is welcome.

First Methodists Plan Celebration of Children

This Saturday, Oct. 10, the task force who has committed to help children in poverty will meet at First United Methodist at 10 a.m. for prayer and then go door-to-door in the neighborhood. They will invite children to Adventure Club and families to Wednesday Night Live and hand out flyers with information concerning the programs.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Wednesday Night live meal and program will be geared toward celebrating, inviting and welcoming the children of the community. The hope is to have more children from the community involved in the Wednesday Night Live program at First United Methodist.

SPORTS

Wildcats Shoot for Upset Against No. 9 Owasso
OU, OSU Look for Redemption

Wildcats Shoot for Upset Against No. 9 Owasso

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Line ‘em up by the numbers, by the stats, and the 1-4 Ponca City Wildcats don’t have a chance tonight against the 4-1 Owasso Rams.

Then again, the odds-makers didn’t favor David (1-0) against Goliath (0-1), or the American colonists against the undefeated British Empire.

Or, more recently, the 2-2 OSU Cowboys against the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers. As they say, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. David proved it, George and Co. proved it, and OSU nearly proved it, just last week.

Wildcat coach Todd Kimrey hopes to tack the Wildcats’ name onto that illustrious list of overachieving underdogs.

“If you put us down on paper, Owasso is more talented, personnel wise,” he says. “But we’re going in to win the game.”

But to make that win a reality, the Cats will have to squelch the Empire of Owasso’s indefatigable warrior Bayo Ayodale, who stacked up three consecutive 200-yard rushing games to start the season and has 14 touchdowns — the third-highest total in the state.

At 5-6, 170-pounds, the senior running back may not cut the most imposing figure on the field — usually because he doesn’t hang around long enough to impose. In fact, the lasting impression most teams have of Ayodale is of his back, getting smaller and smaller as he disappears down the sideline.

“He can fly, absolutely fly,” says Kimrey. “He’s not only one of the fastest running backs we’ll see, but he’s one of the fastest in the state. If he catches a ball in the open field, we can’t catch him. We can’t come close.”

And with speed like that, Ayodale has loosened up the Rams’ offense. Thanks to complementary talent in all the skill positions, the Rams can use Ayodale in a number of capacities.

Coordinating a defense against a well-loaded team like Owasso can be mind numbing: bunch up and stop the short run and talented quarterback J.W. Morgan will drop back and throw to the sure-handed Ayodale. Cover Ayodale outside and Morgan will go to any number of alternate receivers. Try to cover the whole field, and

“they’ll run a little draw or a trap play up the middle,” Kimrey sighs. “They can really hurt you if you spread out too much. There’s no quick answer on defense, they’re just really talented.

“But if we can contain Ayodale and keep him from getting the big plays I think we’ll have a chance.

“Then again, it all comes back to our offense. They have got to execute and take some pressure off the defense.”

Indeed. In the Wildcats’ last two outings, the defense has spent a disproportionate amount of time on the field. That could make for an agonizing situation against a high-powered offense like Owasso.

“We have got to get better,” Kimrey says. “Our offense is designed to take seven snaps or more and they haven’t. When you go 3-snaps-and-punt your defense winds up spending way too much time on the field.”

Three-and-out also translates, eventually, into sorry field position, something else that has plagued the Cats in their past two efforts. Seven of nine drives last week began and ended within their own 20.

Of course, the quickest way down the field is through the air, but Kimrey is hesitant to abandon the Cats’ run-style offense in favor of the big-gain aerial attack. So don’t count on quarterback Eric Michael to start throwing the ball more, he says.

At least for now.

“We had the ball in hands last week and dropped them,” he says. “Our basic offense is to run the football, and that’s what we’ll start off doing.

“But depending on what Owasso does, we’ll see.”

To Kimrey, it all comes down to inexperience and a team still adjusting to the Wishbone. The Cats actually lost experience last week with the sudden influx of fresh faces off the ineligible roster. As Kimrey notes, there were “a number of game one mistakes” in what was, on the calender, game five.

“It takes time,” he says. “Our offense has done well blocking all year, but our backs have to hit the holes. (Tonight) we’ll have to play very solid; we can’t afford to make mistakes. If we have no turnovers we’ll have a chance.

“I told these guys it’s not what Owasso does, it’s what we do. We have to take care of our business, first.”

Which is exactly what David, the American colonists, and OSU (almost) did.

OU, OSU Look for Redemption

By CHRIS NEWTON

Associated Press Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Oklahoma State caught everyone’s attention when they came within a breath of beating No. 2 Nebraska, falling 24-17 after time ran out with the Cowboys within inches of the goal line.

Saturday, Oklahoma State will try to prove that the game wasn’t a fluke, and Texas Tech (5-0) will try to earn respect by defeating a team in the national spotlight.

Cowboys coach Bob Simmons said the Big 12 South championship could be on the line.

‘‘This is a game within our Southern Division, and for us to have any chance as we look at trying to win the Southern Division championship, we’ve got to go down in Lubbock and play the way we’ve played these last couple weeks and lay it on the line,’’ Simmons said.

Tech coach Spike Dykes said the Cowboys (2-2, 1-1) showed flashes of brilliance last week and should not be underestimated.

‘‘They turned the tables on Nebraska and almost beat them at their own game,’’ Dykes said, noting that Oklahoma was able to maintain possession of the ball for more than three minutes longer than the Cornhuskers.

Oklahoma State also held Nebraska to its lowest rushing total in 23 years, while the Cowboys’ offense gained 355 yards in their loss.

‘‘I don’t think I need to mention much about them as far as them being formidable,’’ Dykes said. ‘‘They had a chance last week against Nebraska, and that’ll get your attention.’’

Ricky Williams, the nation’s No. 2 rusher with 185 yards rushing per game, said he expects to have a tough time breaking through the defensive line.

‘‘We expect them to come out and put a lot of pressure on our offense,’’ Williams said. ‘‘They’re going to try to stop the run and we’re going to have to find other ways to score.’’

Not surprisingly, the Cowboys say Williams is right — stopping him will be among their main priorities.

‘‘We’ve got to stop Ricky Williams; he’s a good back,’’ said Cowboys linebacker Raymond Cato. ‘‘So it’s going to be a challenge for the defense again.’’

Last week, Tech proved that stopping Williams doesn’t leave the Red Raiders’ offense helpless.

When Williams was held to 21 yards in the first half, quarterback Rob Peters took over the team’s offense. By the end of the game, Peters had passed for 226 yards and a touchdown and ran for 106 yards and another touchdown.

By JAIME ARON

AP Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) — Before Barry Switzer hired his offensive coordinator in 1984, he wanted to make one thing perfectly clear.

‘‘You need to understand there’s one thing that’s really important at Oklahoma,’’ Switzer told Mack Brown. ‘‘And that’s to beat Texas.’’

Fourteen years later, Brown is hearing the same thing — only reversed. Now, as the first-year head coach at Texas, everyone is telling him how important it is to beat Oklahoma.

‘‘I understand that and I’m going to get that across to our football team,’’ Brown said. ‘‘But I don’t think it’s necessary.’’

The Longhorns (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) and Sooners (2-2, 0-1) are fully aware of the importance of beating their dreaded rival from across the Red River. They know the Cotton Bowl will be split with fans dressed in burnt orange or crimson and cream, with everyone doing his share of trash-talking on the midway of the State Fair of Texas before and after the game.

However, the 93rd edition of the rivalry will be missing its usual national audience. ABC has decided not to make it one of the network’s games of the week for the first time since 1990, yet another indication that even the combined reputations of the programs no longer carries the weight each used to have separately.

But to Oklahoma coach John Blake, who has been a part of 13 games against Texas as a player or coach, it doesn’t matter what outsiders think.

‘‘I think the fans and the atmosphere will be unbelievable,’’ Blake said. ‘‘These kids are fired up. They know this game carries a whole year of bragging rights.’’

Brown, who saw the No. 1 Longhorns and No. 2 Sooners play to a 15-15 tie in 1984, said he believes the game will be as intense and emotional as ever.

‘‘What’s really interesting to me is that the local media was asking last week, ‘The Oklahoma game is so important around here, will your kids be flat for Iowa State?’ This week people are asking if the game’s important,’’ he said, laughing.

The on-field focus of this game is which defense can stop the other team’s running game.

The Longhorns have Ricky Williams, who has rushed for 668 yards in his last two games and had 223 yards and two touchdowns in UT’s 27-24 victory over OU last year.

‘‘We’ve got to get a lot of guys around him,’’ said Sooners defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, whose unit is ranked No. 6 in the country.