LOCAL

John Glenn Rockets Back Into Orbit
ALCH Graduate Writing Book That Could Become Movie Hit
Candidate Bode Feels Experience Will Help
Fingerprinting Youngsters Was Combined Effort
Native American Heritage Week

John Glenn Rockets Back Into Orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — John Glenn rocketed back into orbit today on a mission of science and sentiment, returning as the world’s oldest astronaut to the high frontier he pioneered for America 36 years ago.

‘‘Let the wings of Discovery lift us into the future,’’ said launch control in its final words to the seven-member crew before liftoff.

‘‘Liftoff of Discovery with a crew of six astronaut heroes and one American legend,’’ added launch commentator Lisa Malone.

Discovery rose majestically from its seaside launch pad, riding the roaring flame of its five rocket engines through a cloudless blue sky. The craft quickly gained speed, arced toward the east and slowly faded from view.

Glenn’s journey began 19 minutes late. The countdown had proceeded flawlessly until about 10 minutes before the scheduled 2 p.m. launch, when an alarm sounded inside Discovery’s cockpit, triggering a nine-minute delay. Shortly after the count resumed, it had to be held again when a plane intruded into the restricted area.

The weather was perfect for writing a new chapter in space history — temperatures in the 80s and winds calm with just occasional gusts.

Glenn, 77, was the first American in orbit in 1962, on the third U.S. manned mission. He returned to space on the nation’s 123rd manned mission.

As the shuttle soared toward orbit, its twin booster rockets dropped off right on schedule at 2 minutes into the flight.

‘‘It’s a great day for America and a great day for our senior citizens,’’ President Clinton said as he arrived at the Cape to view the launch.

Besides Clinton, many members of Congress and some Hollywood celebrities were on hand at the Kennedy Space Center area for a fleeting glimpse of history roaring into space.

Veteran observers said the launch frenzy rivaled that of missions to the moon and far exceeded most recent shuttle flights. Nearby highways and beaches were lined with RVs, cars and tents, and NASA spokesman Bruce Buckingham estimated there ‘‘may well be a million people watching,’’ including residents and visitors.

Even though he is a U.S. senator and an American space hero, Glenn returned to space as the lowest-ranking of Discovery’s crew. His official title for the nine-day mission is Payload Specialist 2.

In keeping with his position, Glenn went next-to-last when the crew boarded the shuttle in their baggy orange space suits and tight white caps. All seven crawled on hands and knees into the cabin, where technicians helped to strap them into couches — on their backs with their feet in the air. Glenn rode on a lower deck with two others.

During a routine communications check from Mission Control in Houston, Glenn replied vigorously, ‘‘PS2, loud and clear,’’ at his turn.

The other crew members are Curtis L. Brown, the commander; Steven W. Lindsey, pilot; mission specialists Stephen K. Robinson, Scott E. Parazynski, and Pedro Duque, and Payload Specialist 1, Chiaki Mukai.

Shortly before launch, NASA played a greeting from original Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter to be replayed for the crew after launch.

‘‘Good luck, have a safe flight, and ... once again, Godspeed, John Glenn,’’ said Carpenter, his voice quivering slightly as he repeated his famous benediction for Glenn’s first flight in 1962.

Starting before dawn, launch workers had filled Discovery’s huge external propellant tank with more than 500,000 gallons of supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The chemicals energize the shuttle’s main rocket engines at launch, joining the thrust of two solid rocket motors. Together they provide the lift needed to vault the 4.5-million-pound shuttle into orbit.

The astronauts were awakened today at 8:30 a.m. and quickly sat down to a traditional pre-launch breakfast of steak and eggs. A silent television scene showed them seated at a table, wearing matching dark blue shirts and smiling and gesturing. In the center of the table was a cake frosted with the colorful crew patch that identifies their mission. This is one of the rituals of pre-launch.

ALCH Graduate Writing Book That Could Become Movie Hit

One of Ponca City’s own is writing a book, which could possibly become a movie.

Barbra (Mahorney) Alusi recently spent a month in Ponca City researching background for a script depicting events that happened to other American Legion Children’s Home kids — both a tribute and a family album.

Mahorney is author of “My Home, The Home of Many” (Evans Publications), about her childhood experiences living at the American Legion Children’s Home in the 50s and 60s.

It is a true-life tale about the goodness of people helping kids, the community effort of many who were involved in her well-being. Teachers, firemen, policemen, administrators, cooks and lots of ordinary people all gave of themselves to help the Legion kids.

“They gave us something to believe in,” Barbra recounts. “The Stillwater American Legion Auxiliary sponsored me and bought me clothes.” She especially remembers Geneva Mayhue, housemother of the girls building, who taught them, “It’s not the man who fails, but he who fails to get up that truly fails,” and “Give the world your best and the best will come back to you.”

The Home is more than just a facility with good staff. Barbra remembers the dentist who fixed her teeth, the people who gave them jobs and taught them to be respectful of themselves first. “You don’t have to be rich to change someone’s life,” the writer says. “Even the simple act of inviting us into a family’s home gave us something to aspire to.”

Barbra was born in Oklahoma, and came to the American Legion Children’s Home in 1957 when she was nine. Her father was an abusive alcoholic and her mother tried to kill her older sister, Sallie, when the girl was 14. A judge decided the teenager needed a new place. Sallie had heard about the American Legion Home in Ponca City and was adamant about going there. When Earl Summers arrived to pick her up, she had packed the 3 younger Mahorney children, John 12, Barbra, 9. and Melvin, 6. Summers made a risky decision to take them all, despite the fact that he lacked custody of the other children. It turned out to be the right one.

“There are two lines,” Barbra says — “One is a line for good families; one is for dysfunctional. You can’t help which line you start in, but you can choose to make the best of life.”

The American Legion Children’s Home is now in its seventies. Founded as an orphanage for children of veterans who had died in or following the war, it’s mission has gradually changed to help displaced children of disabled veterans and dysfunctional families.

Barbra graduated in 1966 at 18 and has lived abroad for the past nine years — Malta, Paris, and now Ireland. Known by the Legion family as the Keeper of Our Past, she wrote “My Home, The Home of Many” in 1986.

Both a tribute and a family album, she now works on a second book recounting events that happened to other Legion kids. Truman Smith introduced Barbra to Bill Finnegan, producer of “Northern Exposure,” who has taken an interest in making the story into a movie. Hence Barbra was back in Ponca City researching and writing more about her experiences, while turning a room at Rose Stone Inn into an office.

She is patriotic and proud of the Legion Home, advocating that we should do whatever we can to help the children of veterans. She asks for the community’s prayers and cheers for her project.

Having donated her first book’s proceeds to the Home, she hopes to raise money from the second book and prospective film. Local merchants who experienced Twister’s windfall would welcome another film. But whatever happens to the story, it is one that Ponca Citians should know by heart.

Candidate Bode Feels Experience Will Help

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Denise Bode, a candidate for the Corporation Commission, was in Ponca City Tuesday to attend a Republican rally, says she is running for the job to keep the bottom line down.

As far as deregulation of utilities, Bode says she is for “managed competition.” The candidate says she feels her education experience has prepared her well, starting her own business and being successful as a business person.

“I took a national trade association, the Independent Oil Association of America, which was in the red when I came aboard, and seven years later when I left to come to Oklahoma it was in the black and doing very well even though there were hard times in the industry, which is an important factor in having an elected official who has been successful in the business arena, because I think you have more to contribute.”

Bode continued, “I have spent my career working in the energy policies issues from the utility rate making kinds of issues as well as in the oil and gas energy policy area. I have been a national leader in that. I was the first woman to ever head a national energy trade association. I think it is a tremendous opportunity to take that education experience and give something back to the state I care so much about.”

She added, “This is a critical time in our history because we are not just hearing rate cases anymore and because the oil and gas industry is in such desperate straits, particularly the oil side of the business.

“It is a wonderful time to come in and try to manage some of these really difficult issues on utility side. We’re moving from monopoly to greater competition, which I think you have to be so cautious and careful how you manage that transition so that Oklahomans will be better off at the end.”

Asked what effect deregulation of electricity will have on municipalities such as Ponca City, Bode answered, “One of the big issues is do you support deregulation. I think cold turkey overnight deregulation is a real problem. I don’t support that, I support a transition from monopoly to greater competition — more of a managed competition as opposed to a cold turkey deregulation.”

She added, “For example we are the fifth lowest cost state in the nation and the way we’ve managed our electricity in Oklahoma is pretty good. What we need to be thoughtful about is as we move from just having small providers to more people providing electricity.

“The Commission has a role in managing that transition and where it is appropriate you can allow for competition, but where it is not appropriate there ought to be some protection of what is existing and working.”

Fingerprinting Youngsters Was Combined Effort

The Ponca City Police Department and Citizen’s Police Academy graduates worked Saturday at Wal-Mart observing “Make a Difference Day,” by fingerprinting children and conducting a drawing to give away two infant car seats.

“Our volunteers fingerprinted more than 200 children for safety identification, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and parents were also encouraged to sign up for a drawing for two infant car safety seats, said PCPD Officer, Dale Henshaw who conducted the Make a Difference Day activities.

Winner’s names were drawn at 2 p.m. by Ryan the Lion and winners notified were Brandy Kirtley and Tessa Mitchell. The Citizen’s Police Academy and PCPD also plans to give away two more safety seats in November and two in December.

Officer Henshaw said monies for the donated car seats were from a grant from Wal-Mart for the Citizen’s Police Academy. The other two drawings for four more car seats will be held in November and December, he said.

Also in attendance at the fingerprinting booth were Ryan the Lion who made himself available to have his picture taken with the children and give hugs; Barbara Hoogendoorn from the Ponca City Police Department, who ran the fingerprinting operation; and Citizen’s Police Academy representative Earl Ball, who distributed balloons to all children involved in the fingerprinting.

Native American Heritage Week

Native American Heritage Week will be celebrated in the Ponca City Schools Nov. 9-13. Activities will be sponsored by the Title IX Indian Education Program of Ponca City Schools and the Johnson O’Malley Program of the Ponca Tribe.

The festivities will include school activities on Nov. 9, and an Indian taco meal at Garfield Academy on Nov. 10. Powwow assemblies will be held on Nov. 11 at Mid-High (8:20 to 9:20 a.m.), Union (9:35 to 10:35 a.m.), and Roosevelt (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.).

Native American Heritage Pride Day will start on Nov. 12 and several other powwow assemblies will be held Nov. 13 at Lincoln (8:45 to 9:40 a.m.), Middle School (10 to 10:55 a.m.), and Hutchins Memorial (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.). The community is invited to attend the assemblies.

Native American Heritage T-shirts will be worn on Nov. 12. This year’s design was created by Chris LittleCook.

All students that dance in full regalia are invited to participate on Nov. 11 and 13. If you have a child interested in participating please contact Chris LittleCook at 763-0120. Permission slips have been sent out to the dancers at various schools.

The Native American Heritage T-shirts can be ordered through Chris LittleCook and are $8, prepaid to JOM.

For further information contact Lucy Kent, 767-8050; Jeana Rush, 767-8060; Nellie Roughface, 767-8010; Jo Lessert, 767-9500, ext. 128; and Chris LittleCook, 763-0120.

DEATHS

Cecil Leroy Lesemann
Ida Mary Stewart
Esther Faye Johns
Ida Lena LeClair
George Richard Beals
James Albert Miller

Cecil Leroy Lesemann

NEWKIRK — Cecil Leroy Lesemann, longtime Newkirk resident, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 27, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City. He was 72.

The funeral will be held graveside at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Albright, Newkirk First Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. today and until 2 p.m. Friday.

Cecil Leroy Lesemann was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Tonkawa, to Fred and Hazel (Crumrine) Lesemann. He attended Pleasant Valley Grade School and Newkirk High School.

He was married to LaVerne Ramsey on May 1, 1965, in Newkirk, where the couple made their home. Lesemann had been employed with the City of Newkirk, Kay County Courthouse and the Newkirk Post Office before being self-employed in construction work.

Survivors include his wife, LaVerne of the home; five daughters, Jackie Houster, Jean Ann Beck and Delores Dillow, all of Newkirk, Cathy Osborn of Ponca City, and Guyla Burger of Warr Acres; one stepson, Charles Ramsey of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Alfred Lesemann of Turner, Ore., and Merle Lesemann of Newkirk; one sister, Alvena Arnett of Newkirk; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial fund has been established in Mr. Lesemann’s name to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.

Ida Mary Stewart

Ida Mary Stewart, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1998, at the Specialty Hospital of Tulsa. She was 70.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Oct. 30, 1998, at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Ted Freeman, pastor of Ponca Indian Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home until noon Friday.

Mrs. Stewart was born April 18, 1928, in Rogers, Ark. to Phil D. and Ivy A. (Berger) Hardy. She spent her early years in Osage County. During World War II, her family moved to California where she attended schools. In 1946, she returned to Ponca City, where she graduated from Ponca City High School.

On Aug. 1, 1947, she married Jesse A. Stewart in Blackwell. Mrs. Stewart was employed as a service representative for Southwestern Bell Telephone for a number of years and as a clerk for several retail stores. She also worked as a crossing guard for Trout Elementary School. At the time of her death, she was co-owner of Sawdust Stewart Crafts and maintained a booth at the Crafter’s Mall. She enjoyed making crafts, doing artwork and flower gardening. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. She loved nature and birds, especially owls.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse of the home; five sons, Marshall of Tulsa, David, Jeff and Kenneth Lee, all of Ponca City, and Philip of Kildare; her mother, Ivy A. Hardy of Kildare; eight grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. Her father and an infant son preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Audubon Society, 950 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022.

The family will be at 3205 Kingston.

Esther Faye Johns

Esther Faye Johns, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 77.

The funeral will be held Friday, Oct. 30, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Stanton, pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no viewing at the service, however, friends may call at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Johns was born April 8, 1921, in Cushing to Archie O. and Mabel L. (Wallace) Bacher. She grew up in the Kay County area and was a graduate of Blackwell High School.

On July 24, 1943, she married Dick E. Johns in Winfield, Kan. Mrs. Johns moved to California during World War II and lived there until she returned to Ponca City in 1980. While in California, she was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, the White Shrine and the Turtle Club and held numerous offices of each club. At the time of her death, she was a resident of Westminster Village where she actively participated in the needs of fellow residents. Mrs. Johns enjoyed dancing.

She is survived by two daughters, Carol Simas and Jarol Dean Johns both of Ponca City; a brother, Archie Bacher, Jr. of California; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and her parents, two brothers, Oliver Lee and Wallace A. Bacher, and four sisters, Margie Laverne, Reba Louise, Mary Edith and Viola Russell Sherrod, preceded her in death.

Casket bearers will be Howard Coy, Mike McInroy Jr., Bud Collins, Marvin Johns, Gary Ausland and George Glaze.

The family will be at 125 South Elm Street.

Ida Lena LeClair

Ida Lena “Ikie” LeClair, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon Oct. 27, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 81.

An prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m., today at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church at White Eagle. A traditional Indian feast will be at noon, Friday, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Abraham Jackson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Ida Lena (Blueback) LeClair was born Feb. 22, 1917 on the Ponca Reservation the daughter of Ernest and Nellie (King) Blueback. She attended and graduated from the Chilocco Indian School.

On March 3, 1946 she was united in marriage to Phillip LeClair in Winfield, Kan. Mrs. LeClair was employed as a seamstress for GHR Manufacturing in Ponca City. She also had worked part time for the Ponca Indian Bingo. She was a member of the Ponca Indian Methodist Church and Post 38 Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing Bingo and participating in Indian dances.

Surviving are her children, John Wesley LeClair, Irene Jones, Wenona Barnett and Tara Barnett, all of Ponca City; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters, Clara Jones, Christine Others, and Dorothy Buffalohead; and a brother, Martin Blueback.

Casket bearers will be Dwight Buffalohead, Timmy Buffalohead, Freddie Others, Keith Buffalohead, Wayne Blueback, and Ernie Hamilton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lori Hodges, Pioneer Bank and Trust Inc., P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602.

George Richard Beals

BLACKWELL — George Richard Beals, Blackwell resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1998 at Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 60.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Ed Fuller and the Rev. Kevin Metsinger officiating. Burial will be at 4 p.m. at Mount Liberty Cemetery in Miltonvale, Kan.

George Richard Beals was born Jan. 12, 1938, in Wells, Kan., to Roy Glen and Sybil (Riley) Beals. He attended schools in Wells, and graduated from Miltonvale Wesleyan High School in 1956. He then attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College receiving his bachelor’s degree in religion in 1960.

He was married to Venita Joyce Comfort on May 26, 1958 in Oak Hill, Kan. After he graduated from college, the couple made their home in Longford, Kan., where he had a pastorage at Wesley Chapel for three years. He continued pastoring in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, while attending college. He received his bachelor of science degree in 1975 from Missouri Baptist college in St. Louis, Mo. In 1982, he received his master’s degree in science from Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was just short of receiving his doctorate at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.

During his years, serving as pastor, he taught school beginning in 1969 and was a teacher and principal throughout these years until 1989. After retirement he and his wife moved to Blackwell in 1991. He was a member of the Blackwell Wesleyan Church.

Survivors include his wife, Venita Beals of Blackwell; one daughter, Karen Joy Wiseman of Blackwell; one son, Richard Glen Beals of Dublin, Ohio; one sister, Charlotte Fuller of Oak Hill, Kan.; one brother, Royce Beals of Cathlamet, Wash.; and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be Dennis Wiseman, Deon Allen, David Rector, Cliff Johnson, Richard Brown, and Don Hollis.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Beals’ name to Wesleyan Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Obituaries

James Albert Miller

James Albert “Jim” Miller, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 27, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 87.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Gary Strang, pastor of Seventh-day Adventist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

He was born Oct. 31, 1910, in Marvel, Colo., the son of James Earnest and Ida Mae (Deere) Miller. He attended Marvel Schools and graduated from Ponca City High School. After attending Iowa State University for a year, he returned to Ponca City to work for Cities Service and Conoco refineries retiring at age of 62.

He was married to Elsie Mae Stout in Arkansas City, Kan., on Aug. 10, 1935. She preceded him in death on Oct. 10, 1990. He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Survivors include a son Allen Miller, and daughter Sue Miller, both of Ponca City; one grandson, James “Jim” Miller and a granddaughter, Kimberly “Kim” Miller, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Casket bearers will be Mark Sholtz, C.E. “Whitey” Bristow, Jay Paul Williams, Jake Williams and Robert Boles.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Ballroom Dance — The Stillwater Ballroom Dance Club will host a Halloween dance Friday, 8-11 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation annex, 315 East Ninth, Stillwater. Cost is $8 each and costume dress is optional. Henry Voice and Men of Note will play.

Open House Oct. 24th, Sat. 1-5 Creative Photography, 2015 North

Ash 580-767-1433. adv.

Annual Halloween Hoedown — The Annual Hotdog Hoedown at Eastern Heights Church is Saturday night, Oct. 31, lower parking lot. All area children and their families are invited for free food outside at 5:30. Fun, games, contests, treats inside from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Bring “trick-or-treat bags,” wear costumes, but not “scary” ones for sake of small children. All free, no donations. Three miles east of Pioneer Woman on Lake Road.

Non-scary Halloween fun! Free Photographs of your child with

The Mouse from the book, “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie.” Stories,

crafts, songs. Saturday 10:00 and 3:00, Brace Books, North Fourteenth Street. adv.

Item Missing — A man from the 700 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday that someone had stolen a boat registration sticker from a boat. 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. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Harassment — A woman in the 2100 block of North Ash Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 8:39 a.m. Wednesday concerning harassment. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

McCord School’s 17th annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday, October 31, 1998, 9:00 a.m.4:30 p.m. Over 70 exhibitors. Concessions available. Free admis-

sion. adv.

Vehicle Vandalized — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:43 a.m. Wednesday from a man at Westminster Village reporting vandalism to a vehicle. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken on destruction of private property.

Pure Water Wagon, reverse osmosis water, $0.25 a gallon, distilled $0.50. Call 765-4116 or 765-6464 for delivery. 1717 North 5th, Ponca City. adv.

Vehicle Burglarized — A man from the 2300 block of El Camino Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:51 a.m. Wednesday that his vehicle had been burglarized during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Prime Rib Dinner. Full order $11.95, 1/2 order $7.95.

Friday 30th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Abandoned Bicycle — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 10 a.m. Wednesday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the 800 block of North Birch Street. Animal Control was contacted to pick up the bicycle.

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.

Residence Burglarized — A man from the 1500 block of DeSoto was at the Ponca City Police Department at 10:51 a.m. Wednesday to report a burglary. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only

local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and weekend DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled Friday, October 30th and Satur-

day, October 31st, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI

School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv.

Citations Issued — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:18 a.m. Wednesday that a wrecker was towing a vehicle from the intersection of Ninth Street and East Grand Avenue. Citations were issued.

Winterize Your vehicle before the cold weather sets in. $55

Flush ‘N Fill special at Grand Ave. Auto Repair. 210 West

Grand. No appointments necessary. Good through November 15th.

adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:28 a.m. Wednesday from the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and North Pine Street that a 37-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and not wearing a seat belt.

Beer Theft — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:01 p.m. Wednesday that someone had stolen some beer. An officer took a report.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Liberty Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jaun Shoe shine 2 bucks, 117 North 3rd. Barney’s. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue at 12:46 p.m. Wednesday that a 33-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.

Carpet Cleaning most modern method of cleaning. Recommended by major carpet manufacturers, most completely trained personal and finest service. Reason-

able prices, references. Call Floorcraft 762-8381. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Brookfield Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:08 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Photographs of your child with The Mouse from the book,

“If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” Stories, crafts, songs, and a giant

mouse! Saturday 10:00 and 3:00, Brace Books, North Fourteenth

Street. adv.

Item Missing — A man from the 1400 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:36 p.m. Wednesday that a yard tool had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Residential Burglary — A woman from the 400 block of South Perry Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:52 p.m. Wednesday that a burglary had occurred at her residence Tuesday night. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

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

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

Railroad Ties on Fire — The Communications Center received two reports within eight minutes of each other starting at 4:18 p.m. Wednesday that railroad ties were burning near the 100 block of West Cleveland Avenue. The Ponca City Fire Department sent two units to handle the situation.

Instant Passport Pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-4348. adv.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 5:16 p.m. Wednesday that a two-vehicle injury accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Whitlock Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded, but there was no one taken by ambulance for treatment of injuries.

Assault — A woman from the 100 block of Hillside Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:52 p.m. Wednesday that her 9-year-old had been assaulted by three older juveniles in the area of Po-Hi. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:13 p.m. Wednesday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a report was taken.

Fight — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:59 p.m. Wednesday that a fight was occurring inside the business. Two officers responded and a report was taken. A juvenile boy was brought to the police department, a juvenile citation was issued, and he was later released to a parent.

Rock Damages Vehicle — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was stopped at 7:51 p.m. Wednesday by a motorist in the 700 block of North Union Street reporting that a juvenile boy had thrown a rock off the overpass and broke the headlight of his vehicle. A report was taken.

Beer Missing — A clerk at Triple T, 1301 West Highland Avenue reported at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday that a man had taken a 30-pack of beer and left west bound in a pickup without paying for it. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Test Your Detector — The sound of a working smoke detector is a sound that could save your life. Working smoke detectors can provide an early warning sign of fire. For best protection, install and maintain smoke detectors. Place them outside of each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Check and test your smoke detector regularly. Change batteries at least once a year.

GARDENING

Important To Prepare for Bird Feeding
Pumpkins Colorful Part of Fall Season
Multiply Plants With Hardwood Cuttings

Important To Prepare for Bird Feeding

Now that fall officially is here, the birds in backyards all over North America will begin changing. They will be leaving their summer grounds in Canada and the northern states and migrating south. True “snowbirds.”

To fully enjoy these colorful twice-a-year visitors, it is important that people clean and restock their bird feeders. And to attract those passing migrants that do not visit bird feeders, water-drippers and bird baths also should be ready.

The National Bird-Feeding Society points out that fall is the time of the year to take inventory of your bird feeding equipment and supplies, before winter weather arrives.

For an estimated 70 million people across North America, bird feeding has become a highly rewarding hobby. And it no longer is considered just a “responsibility” during winter.

Wild birds are the closest many get to nature any more. Learning about them by helping meet their needs for food, water and shelter is interesting, enjoyable and educational.

Creating a bird-friendly yard adds motion, color and song to the landscape year-round, amply rewarding the modest investment in time and money for appropriate provisions.

Winter, of course, can be the critical period in a bird’s life, especially in the North. Colder weather depletes the natural food supply, and shorter days make finding food more difficult. Birds may consume nearly 20% of their body weight in near-zero weather just to keep warm and survive.

Feeders with metal perches and platforms can be used during winter. Birds’ feet do not contain sweat glands, and their tongues have a thin covering similar to our fingernails.

Thus a bird’s feet or tongue in contact with cold metal are not in danger of freezing to the perch or platform.

Remember that your feeding stations will become a “food patch” for your backyard friends. They will stop by regularly for a snack. If your feeders run out, you’ll be off the list.

Be consistent in your feeding habits. Do not provide an abundant supply of food for awhile, then on the coldest day of the year let the feeders stand empty.

Remember to clean out stale and, especially, soggy seeds. And for the health of your feathered friends, sweep up and dispose of accumulations of seeds and hulls under the feeders.

Water is as important an element in the success of a wild bird feeding program as food, especially to visiting migrants. Songbirds need a sizable quantity for drinking and bathing.

All birds need to maintain a ritual of preening, even in winter. For birds to keep warm, their feathers have to be clean and efficient. Reliable water warmers are available.

Overall the National Bird-Feeding Society believes that it would be difficult to find a more entertaining, educational and beneficial backyard hobby than feeding wild birds, especially given the modest cost. The only “danger” is the likelihood of becoming addicted to this fascinating pastime.

The Society is a non-profit consumer organization dedicated to the joy and preservation of backyard songbirds. Through research and education, it helps people learn how to better attract, feed and house wild birds in their yards.

For information about the Society, send a SASE to Post Office Box 23, Northbrook, Ill. 60065. Information can be faxed to (847) 498-4092. Check the Society’s web site at wwwbirdfeeding.org.

Pumpkins Colorful Part of Fall Season

Pumpkins were used by American Indians long before Columbus visited our shores, and pumpkins readily found their way to the first Thanksgiving table. Pumpkins were used by early settlers much as we use them today ­ for food and decoration. Washington Irving wrote about the pumpkin in the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” according to Jonathan R. Schultheis, extension horticultural specialist for North Carolina State University.

The term “pumpkin” has been the subject of many scholarly discussions. The scientific name of most pumpkins is Cucurbita pepo (jack-o-lantern types). Many of the large fruited types such as ‘Boston Marrow’ and ‘Mammoth’ are Cucurbita maxima, while the buff-colored sugar-pie or ‘Dickinson’ variety, Cucurbita moschata, are excellent for pies or processing. All pumpkins have hard shells when mature.

Pumpkins are well-adapted to most soils as long as they are well-drained. Extension agents caution against using fields that have had other vine crops (melons, cucumbers, etc.) during the past two years.

Two Types

Pumpkins are generally of two types: the ornamental or the processing. The latter makes very poor jack-o-lanterns, because they are irregular in shape and hard to carve.

Pumpkins for processing should be seeded in spring as soon as the soil temperature at 4-inch depth has reached 60 to 65°F. Pumpkins for ornamental purposes may be seeded as late as June to early July in the southern states. The later-planted pumpkins will be more subject to increased diseases and insects than an earlier planted crop. However, regardless of planting date, both require insecticide and fungicide applications. Spacing varies with variety and vine size.

Pumpkins have many important feeder roots near the surface, and roots grow to about the same spread as vines. Common insects on pumpkins are seed corn maggot, spotted and striped cucumber beetle, squash vine borer, pickleworm and squash bugs. The most common diseases for pumpkins are bacterial wilt (spread by cucumber beetles), powdery mildew, downy mildew, and anthracnose.

Pumpkins are insect-pollinated and require bees for pollination. Inadequate pollination results in poor fruit shape and excessive blossom drop. At least one strong colony of bees per two acres is recommended by experts.

Harvesting and Curing

Pumpkins should be harvested only after the shell has hardened completely. Care should be taken not to damage or break off the stem. Stemless pumpkins have a lower value as jack-o-lanterns and make it easier for rotting organisms to gain entrance. Pumpkins should never be stacked more than two to four deep, depending on their size. Also, all trucks and trailers should be padded well. When pumpkins are harvested a long time before sale, they should be washed or dipped in a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution (1 part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water) and stored in a dry, cool place to reduce the chance of postharvest rot. Storage in the open sun causes excessive spoilage said Schultheis.

Large Pumpkin

There is always much interest in growing big pumpkins for exhibition. To do this, select one of the large varieties mentioned earlier. Prepare a seedbed by deeply incorporating into the soil 4 to 6 bushels of manure or compost and 1 to 2 pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer per hill. Mix well. Plant 3 to 5 seeds per hill and thin to a single plant. Apply up to 1 cup of nitrogen fertilizer near the perimeter of the vine every 2 to 3 weeks, beginning three weeks after seeding. Keep plants watered, and allow only one fruit to develop on each plant.

Carol Deppe, author of “Breed Your Own Vegetables,” says “When your squash and pumpkins reach full maturity, it’s time to harvest the seeds you want to save. Winter squash and pumpkins are ordinarily picked from the vine at full maturity, so harvesting them for seed saving involves nothing special. The seed of squash and pumpkins continues to ripen for about three weeks after you’ve harvested the fruit. For seeds of maximum plumpness, vigor, and viability, wait at least three weeks after harvest before cutting the fruit open and cleaning the seeds.”

According to Birds and Blooms magazine pumpkins make great vases for fall flowers. Cut the top off the pumpkin, scrape out the seeds and loose fiber and fill with water and arrange your favorite autumn blooms.

So, whatever use you find for pumpkins — holiday fun, ornamentation or recipes — think about the joys of the fall season when even Mother Nature celebrates with glorious color.

Multiply Plants With Hardwood Cuttings

By LEE REICH

For AP Special Features

Hardwood cuttings can be a simple way to multiply a favorite tree, vine or shrub. A hardwood cutting is a woody shoot that is cut from a plant and stuck into the soil sometime from now until spring. Next season, this apparently lifeless piece of wood will grow roots and shoots.

This method is not equally successful with all plants. Do not use it to try making new apple, maple or oak trees. But expect close to a 100 percent “take” with plants such as grape, currant, gooseberry, privet, spiraea, mulberry or honeysuckle. If you want to make your thumb feel greener, try your hand with hardwood cuttings of willow. Branches just left on the ground through winter sometimes take root and grow! Most other plants demand a little more finesse to root.

Step back and look at any plant before you take wood for cuttings. Select stems that grew the past season. The stems most likely to root are those of moderate vigor — not too fat and not too thin for the particular species.

Once you have a few stems in hand, cut them down to 6 to 12 inches in length. Look for the nodes on each branch — these are the swollen points where leaves were attached — and make the cut for the top of each cutting just above a node, and the cut for the bottom of each cutting just below a different node. Make sure when you plant that the upper end of the cutting, which was the point farthest from the root, is planted pointing upward.

You can plant cuttings now or store them to plant in the spring. Cuttings for spring planting need to be kept cool and moist through the winter. Seal the cuttings in a plastic bag, wrap the bag in a wet paper towel, and then seal the whole thing in yet another plastic bag. Plant as early in the spring as soil conditions permit. One problem with spring planting, though, is that new shoots sometimes begin growing before there are enough roots to support them.

With fall planting, roots have the opportunity to grow from now until the soil freezes. Shoots won’t grow because they have an innate mechanism that prevents their growth until they have experienced enough cold, that is, when winter is over. Prevent fall planted cuttings from heaving out of the soil by mulching them with some loose material, such as straw, after the ground freezes. Remove the mulch before growth begins in spring.

Whether you plant spring or fall, select a site with well-drained soil. Otherwise, the cuttings will rot rather than root. Make a slit with your shovel, slide in a cutting until only the top bud is exposed, then firm the ground. The rooted plants should be ready for transplanting to their permanent homes by next fall.

SPORTS

Aikins Making Up For Lost Time
Sapulpa Size Is Spilling Over
Four Area Teams Riding High Into Playoffs
OSU Joins In Avenging
The picks:
Big 12 Has Deal With Alamo Bowl

Aikins Making Up For Lost Time

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — Despite appearances to the contrary, Brian Aikins didn’t just show up at fullback last weekend for Oklahoma State.

‘‘I’ve been there, quiet, just waiting for my chance to step up,’’ he said.

Aikins has been on the team four years and has been a solid contributor. But before his two-touchdown performance against Oklahoma, he had been keeping a very low profile this season.

His five carries against Oklahoma raised his season total to just 34. His longest run this year has been 9 yards. The two touchdowns he scored last week doubled his season total. He caught three passes after not catching one all season.

Aikins missed spring workouts due to a knee injury, then got hurt again during two-a-days in the fall. When the Cowboys opened the season at Kansas, Jeremy Halferty got the start at fullback.

‘‘During practice you could see, he was making the blocks, he was making the runs, making the catches. You knew,’’ Aikins said. ‘‘I knew he was playing better than me. I’m sitting there trying and trying, but I was messing up.’’

He said some scolding from running backs coach Tom Lavigne let Aikins and fellow fullback Kevin Brown know where they stood.

‘‘Me and Kevin were lacking off a little bit. I don’t know if we got fat and were thinking we were just so great or whatever, but Halferty stepped up,’’ Aikins said. ‘‘Then coach Lavigne kept pushing us. He said, ‘You guys aren’t going to sit in the back. You guys have got to step up and play like I want you to play. If not, you’re not going to play.’ ’’

That was fine with Aikins.

‘‘You come to school for competition,’’ he said. ‘‘If you’re scared of competition, you shouldn’t be playing the game.’’

The 250-pound Aikins, who also played basketball in high school, showed his athletic ability a couple times last week. On his 8-yard touchdown catch, he turned and caught a ball thrown behind him, kept his balance and got to the end zone.

Later, he cleared the pile by a bunch when he dived over from the 1-yard line.

‘‘I did that in high school a lot,’’ he said. ‘‘Most of the time on that play, everything’s down on the ground and you just get over the top.’’

Still, it was an impressive vertical leap for someone his size.

‘‘Yeah, for a fat person,’’ he said, smiling. ‘‘You’ve got your tailbacks that have got ‘ups’ and then you’ve got it for fat people. I’m there for the fat person.’’

Oklahoma State’s coaches wouldn’t mind if he continues to be there every week, beginning Saturday night when the Cowboys play host to No. 8 Texas A&M. Coach Bob Simmons hopes the offense continues to play well and stay diversified, and that includes calling Aikins’ number on run and pass plays.

Aikins said he just plans to keep working hard and hoping for the best.

‘‘It’s nobody’s job to keep,’’ he said. ‘‘It goes out on the practice field. Whoever plays the best in practice starts in the game.’’

Sapulpa Size Is Spilling Over

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

SAPULPA — The fact that Sapulpa has a number of huge linemen is nothing new. The fact they the Chieftains have so many this year that they are putting them in the backfield is.

When coach Ron Marval says the Chieftains run out of the Power I, he puts the emphasis on POWER.

Paul Tecumseh and Ryan Presnell are the regular running backs for Sapulpa and they’re big enough. Tecumseh, who has scored 10 touchdowns on the season, is 5-11, 190 pounds while Presnell is 6-0, 170.

But for added measure, Marvel has put some real beef in his backfield as blocking backs.

The Chieftains alternate Zack Williams (6-0, 240), Mark Wheaton (6-3, 240) and Travis Bolden (6-6, 330) to lead the way in the potent Sapulpa running game.

In addition, junior quarter back Sam Davis is such a threat that the Chieftains played with the idea of running the wishbone early in the season.

Presnell will occasionally play quarterback. He came out of the defensive backfield last year when starting QB J.R. Romine went down with a knee injury.

Presnell helped lead the Chieftains to a 5-2 record in the district, 8-4 overall and their fourth straight trip to the playoffs.

But that string of post season trips is in danger this year as the Chieftains also found out how tough the beefed up District 6A-3 can be.

Sapulpa cruised through its non-district schedule, beating Okmulgee (34-0) and Tulsa East Central (35-21) while losing to tough Broken Arrow (7-28).

The Chieftains then topped Enid (21-14) in the district opener and edged high scoring Owasso (20-10) in the mud.

But then came three straight losses.

Playing the district’s elite, Sapulpa fell in succession to Edmond Memorial (8-43), Stillwater (12-24) and Tulsa Union (14-48).

That left the Chieftains 2-3 in the district, 4-4 overall and on a very thin bubble going into their final two games of the regular season.

Sapulpa takes on Ponca City at home this week and then travels to arch-rival Sand Springs the following Friday.

The Chieftains almost have to win out to have a chance at the playoffs.

Going into this week’s game, Sapulpa is tied with Sand Springs for fifth place in the standings behind Union (5-0, 8-0), Memorial (4-1, 5-3), Stillwater (3-2, 6-2) and Owasso (3-2, 6-2).

Four Area Teams Riding High Into Playoffs

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, football playoffs are just three weeks away. And while some teams are already looking at potential round one opposition, others are merely looking forward to the first game of next season.

The undefeated Tonkawa Bucs (8-0, 7-0) locked up the A-5 district title last Friday, and get to go to Disneyland this week (actually, they just have a bye). B-3 leader Morrison (6-2, 5-0) continues to jockey for an agreeable playoff position, taking on Weleetka (6-2, 3-2), while Shidler (6-1, 4-1) is also a sure thing, currently reigning in the third place spot in District C-3. That spot isn’t in jeopardy this week, as they take on non-district foe Garber.

Those are the shoe-in’s.

Newkirk (5-3, 3-2), meanwhile, is the only area team that still controls its own playoff destiny, and by winning their last two games will finish in the fourth and final playoff spot in 2A-5. Friday, they’ll host old-time rival Pawnee.

Winning seasons don’t happen every year, and a number of rebuilding teams will likely not make the cut. While some have not yet been ousted by the euphemistic “mathematical” criteria, most have playoff chances that only a Vegas odds maker could love. Woodland (3-5, 3-3), Blackwell (3-5, 2-3), Pawnee (2-6, 1-4), and Deer Creek-Lamont (2-6, 1-3) would all need something akin to divine intervention in order to see a second season. Woodland hosts Wellston (4-4, 3-3), Blackwell travels to Manford (0-8, 0-5), while DCLA travels to Covington-Douglas (3-5, 1-3)

Pawnee (2-6, 1-4) at Newkirk (5-3, 3-2)

Don’t cry too hard for the Pawnee Black Bears. Though their season has been wrecked by both an avalanche of injuries and a ruthless schedule, this year marks the first time in 10 years they likely won’t make the playoffs. While the Black Bears’ current demise may invoke cries of anguish from the legions of Pawnee fans, it also rekindles some hope for those teams that struggle to a playoff berth once or twice in a decade.

Call it the conservation of energy — namely, as one team goes down, another team must come up.

The Newkirk Tigers would like to be that team on the rise. Currently gunning for their third straight playoff berth, they’re a team with a future. And to second-year coach Sonny Schovanec, that future could get a big boost Friday night.

For one thing, a win could assure his team the final 2A-5 playoff spot, with a 3rd place finish not out of the question. For another, it would be against one of the most respected men in Oklahoma football, 14-year head coach Bobby Miller.

“They are well coached,” says Schovanec, of the Black Bears. “You don’t make it to the playoffs 10 years straight without doing something right. It’s one of your more incredible high school football feats.”

Win or lose for the Tigers, providing Chelsea (2-3 in district) gets by 1-4 Metro Christian this week, the Tigers will be in a must-win situation next Friday, in their own match up with Chelsea. A loss by Chelsea and a win for the Tigers is the only way the Tigers could lock up the No. 4 spot this week.

Schovanec doesn’t want to take any chances.

“Our backs are against the wall, and the only way out is forward. Everyone is still in this thing, mathematically.”

Though Pawnee is still suffering from a few early-to-mid season casualties, the Tigers also have their share of scrapes. 6 foot, 300-pound lineman Jesse Hauser is still out, while running back Sam Free — who won last week’s game with a 98-yard kickoff return — is still nursing an ankle injury, and will see limited playing time.

“He won’t play any defense and we’ll spot him on offense,” says Schovanec. “He was in on 10 plays last week and scored two touchdowns, so you can see how valuable to our football team.”

Morrison (6-2, 5-0)

at Weleetka (6-2, 3-2)

Ask Morrison coach Joe Sindelar is he’s surprised by his undefeated team’s sudden emergence atop a talent-laden district, and you’ll get a pause — a rare thing with the Wildcats’ never-at-a-loss coach.

“Surprised? I wouldn’t say I’m surprised. But I am extremely pleased,” he says. “I knew we could be here if we played as well as we’re capable of playing, but by the same token we could have fallen on our faces.

“So our goals have changed a bit, but I’m not surprised. And I don’t think the kids are surprised.”

If the Wildcats haven’t surprised themselves yet, a win over the Outlaws of Weleetka could at least get a few of them scratching their skulls. That would leave just No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Christian (7-1, 4-1) to knock off in order to seal up the district title.

A win would also lock up at least the No. 2 spot, giving the Wildcats both home-field advantage in the playoffs, as well as a match up against a No. 3 team.

“This is the biggest game of the year,” says Sindelar. “There’s so much playoff meaning to it.”

Though the Outlaws were state semifinalists last year, and ranked as high as 2nd in some state polls this year, a 20-18 loss to out-of-the-running Yale in week two sent them reeling. A loss last week to OCS has them scrambling to finish in the third place spot.

So while the Wildcats are enjoying their newfound respect, the Outlaws are just trying to get some back.

To win, the Cats will have to contain one of the best 8-man backfields in the state, composed of Willie French and James Watson. To do that, Sindelar says, they’ll have to keep the speedy duo away from the sidelines, and force them to do things they don’t want to do — namely, keep them inside.

“They’re a couple of rockets if they ever hit the perimeter,” he says. “But at least we know where there strengths are, and we’ve adjusted to that.”

Wellston (4-4, 3-3)

at Woodland (3-5, 3-3)

After a 4-6 finish last year, the Woodland Cougars were hoping to at least match that mark this season.

Without a win Friday, and with a season-ending loss to undefeated Tonkawa, they’ll finish a disappointing 3-7. It’s not the way coach Bill Pascoe would like to end the year.

“You don’t want to back up,” he says. “So this game is big. We’re playing for a little pride and a little heart, and because it’s a competition. We don’t want to lose at anything.”

While the Cougars are still not out of it, mathematically speaking, they would need some gargantuan breaks. First, they’d have to win Friday, then knock off Tonkawa the next week. Then, they’d have to pray that either Barnsdall or Davenport lose two straight — not a likely proposition.

Still, hope springs eternal, and Pascoe is hopeful — and it all starts with a win over Wellston.

“We have to jump on them,” he says. “I wouldn’t call us the favorite, though. They’re about like Barnsdall and we didn’t get it done last week.”

Indeed, the Cougars spotted the Panthers 16 points in the first three minutes before making a comeback. It was too little, too late, however. Though they won the rest of the game, 19-13, the loss ended any hope the Cougars had of controlling their own playoff fate.

“We out gained ‘em and had more first downs and we won everywhere but the scoreboard,” says Pascoe.

OSU Joins In Avenging

By RICHARD ROSENBLATT

AP Football Writer

Payback is in the air.

On Saturday, Florida, Nebraska and Oklahoma State look to avenge recent losses that cost them conference championships.

Last season, the Gators’ bid for a fifth straight SEC title ended with a thud in Jacksonville, Fla., when Georgia won 37-17. Also, the Cowboys’ 28-25 overtime loss to Texas A&M kept them from the Big 12 South championship and a berth in the conference title game.

The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, have been waiting two years to atone for their 37-27 loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game, a defeat that knocked Nebraska out of a national title shot.

Florida coach Steve Spurrier reminded his players of last year’s rare blowout by showing them films of Robert Edwards running for four touchdowns.

‘‘Certainly, we got clobbered,’’ Spurrier said as his No. 6 Gators (6-1, 4-1 SEC) prepare for No. 11 Georgia in the ‘‘World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.’’

‘‘Georgia beat us, really, in every phase of the game. Offense, defense, special teams, coaching. They outhustled us and outplayed us. We have absolutely no excuses. So our memory was refreshed, awakened, whatever you want to call it.’’

The Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) endured seven straight losses to the Gators before last season.

‘‘We’ve got to do it again to prove it was not just a fluke,’’ quarterback Quincy Carter said. ‘‘We had a bad game against Tennessee (a 22-3 loss), but Georgia football is back to what it once was. We want to prove that against Florida.’’

Nebraska (7-1, 3-1 Big 12), under new coach Frank Solich, clearly recalls the ’96 loss to the Longhorns — a game Texas quarterback James Brown predicted his team would win by three TDs even though there were 20-point underdogs.

‘‘When you lose at Nebraska, that sticks in your mind,’’ senior linebacker Jay Foreman said. ‘‘We felt if we would have beat Texas, we would have had a shot at another national championship. It would have been three in a row.’’

This time, No. 7 Nebraska is a 17-point favorite against the Longhorns (5-2, 3-1) and their Heisman hopeful, Ricky Williams.

Texas is coming off a 30-20 win over Baylor in a game that saw Williams run for 259 yards and move within 444 yards of passing Tony Dorsett as the NCAA’s career rushing leader.

Nebraska held on for a 20-13 win against Missouri last week, but injuries to quarterback Bobby Newcombe and I-back DeAngelo Evans have sidetracked the Huskers’ usual potent ground game.

The Cowboys may be 3-4, but just the thought of blowing last year’s game should be incentive enough. Plus, quarterback Tony Lindsay is playing well and the defense has proved capable of stopping the run. Just ask Nebraska.

The No. 8 Aggies (7-1, 4-0 Big 12) have won seven in a row after their loss to Florida State in the Kickoff Classic — giving them 11 wins in the last 14 games since beating Oklahoma State.

‘‘I think that OSU game last year, the way we came back and won, was a giant shot in the arm for our team,’’ A&M coach R.C. Slocum said.

The picks:

No. 1 Ohio State (minus 24) at Indiana

Buckeyes’ top-rated pass defense ready for a big game. ... OHIO STATE, 45-10.

Stanford (plus 28 1/2) at No. 2 UCLA

Cade McNown & Co. starting to catch Fiesta fever. ... UCLA, 49-14.

No. 3 Tennessee (minus 17) at South Carolina

Gamecocks have lost seven straight. Is coach Brad Scott on way out? ... TENNESSEE, 34-10.

No. 4 Kansas State (minus 25) at Kansas

Jayhawks can score, but Wildcats score more often. ... KANSAS STATE, 49-21.

North Carolina (plus 27) at No. 5 Florida State

Seminoles have top-ranked defense; offense isn’t bad, either. ... FLORIDA STATE, 37-7.

No. 6 Florida (minus 11 1/2) vs. No. 11 Georgia (at Jacksonville, Fla.)

For a change, the Gators out for revenge vs. Dawgs. ... FLORIDA, 28-24.

Texas (plus 17) at No. 7 Nebraska

Ricky Williams needs big day to strengthen Heisman chances; Huskers offense needs big day to avoid upset. ... NEBRASKA, 34-21.

No. 8 Texas A&M (minus 5 1/2) at Oklahoma State

Cowboys remember last year — OT loss cost them Big 12 South title. ... OKLAHOMA STATE, 28-27.

Illinois (plus 34) at No. 10 Penn State

JoePa’s Lions tough to tackle after a week off. ... PENN STATE, 42-3.

No. 12 Oregon (plus 1 1/2) at No. 13 Arizona

Winner keeps Rose Bowl hopes alive. ... ARIZONA, 27-24.

No. 14 Arkansas (minus 3 1/2) at Auburn

Unbeaten Hogs could care less about Tiger coaching troubles. ... ARKANSAS, 27-17.

No. 15 Virginia (minus 10) at Wake Forest

Cavaliers have 14-game winning streak vs. Demon Deacons. ... VIRGINIA, 31-17.

Baylor (plus 15) at No. 16 Notre Dame

In only other meeting, Knute Rockne coached Irish to 41-0 win in 1925. ... NOTRE DAME, 31-21.

Pittsburgh (plus 23 1/2) at No. 17 Syracuse

Tough game to bounce back with after losing to Rutgers. ... SYRACUSE, 49-10.

No. 18 Missouri (plus 1) at Texas Tech

Tech lost last two by combined nine points, Tigers lost to Huskers by seven. ... MISSOURI, 27-24.

Southwestern Louisiana (plus 36) at No. 19 Tulane

Green Wave working on perfect season. ... Tulane 49-10.

No. 21 West Virginia (no line) at No. 20 Virginia Tech

Will loss to lowly Temple motivate Hokies? ... VIRGINIA TECH, 28-24.

No. 22 Michigan (minus 12 1/2) at Minnesota

Wolverines looking for 12th straight Little Brown Jug win. ... MICHIGAN, 27-10.

No. 23 Georgia Tech (minus 12) at Maryland

Joe Hamilton-to-Dez White connection back on track. ... GEORGIA TECH, 35-14.

Boston College (plus 15) at No. 25 Miami

Hurricanes season can go out in a Cloud of dust in Orange Bowl. ... MIAMI, 27-17.

Big 12 Has Deal With Alamo Bowl

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Alamo Bowl has reached a new four-year agreement with the Big 12 Conference that could provide the game with the conference’s third bowl team.

The Alamo Bowl has matched the fourth selections from the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences the past three years.

Now the game will have either the third or fourth team from the Big 12, depending on whether the Big 12 third selection or the Western Athletic Conference champion goes to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

If the WAC champion is ranked higher than the Big 12’s third team, it would go to the Holiday Bowl and the Big 12 team would play in San Antonio.

The Alamo Bowl, sponsored by Builders Square, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 in the Alamodome.